Nov 13, 2018
Joel’s theme song is “Natural” by Imagine Dragons. Just saying. It fits him so well.
seen from Brazil
seen from United States
seen from Australia
seen from China
seen from Malaysia
seen from China
seen from China
seen from Peru
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Australia
seen from Japan
seen from United States
seen from Bolivia
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Nepal
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from United States
Joel’s theme song is “Natural” by Imagine Dragons. Just saying. It fits him so well.
An Alpha Omega: Chapter 23
Chapter 23
(Sorry for the wait, everyone. Enjoy the update)
“Hey, I’m home,” Vanessa called as she lugged her suitcase through the front door. “And in desperate need of a shower, so you better not have used all the hot water, Jesse!”
She dropped her luggage at the bottom of the stairs and groaned, pressing her hands against her hips as she stretched. She was a little confused by how quiet it was, but she figured her family couldn’t be far. Who knew, maybe they were off picking up Tom for an unexpected visit. That would be a wonderful surprise.
She kicked her shoes off before heading upstairs. She headed straight for the washroom, fully intent on taking a shower. Sure, there were showers at the ranch, but it wasn’t the same as getting clean and not immediately getting covered in grit and dirt. She loved her jobs to bits, but nothing beat a warm shower and fresh, clean towels. She stripped and hopped in the tub, turning the shower on after she got the water to the perfect temperature.
She sighed happily as she started cleaning herself up. She did her best not to notice all the dirt going down the drain as she scrubbed her skin. She shook her hair out and scrubbed at her scalp, gritting her teeth at the uncomfortable sensation of grit under her nails. There was just no escaping the reality that sand in the middle of a desert got everywhere.
She turned off the shower once she was clean and started towelling herself off. She tied it around herself and poked her head out the bathroom door.
“Hey, runnin’ to my room; don’t come upstairs,” she called.
“Thanks for the warnin’,” Joel called up to her. “Jesse, stay in your room for a minute.”
“No problem!” Jesse shouted.
Vanessa laughed before she trotted for her room. She closed the door behind her and got dressed into something loose-fitting and light. She braided her hair into the usual lazy braid and put an elastic onto the end. She stretched her arms over her head with a loud groan before heading for the kitchen.
“So, where were you?” she asked as she dropped into a chair at the table.
“Out gettin’ some groceries,” Joel smiled. “Figured you’d want the shower when you got home.”
“I feel clean,” she grinned before she stretched out on the table. “And like I haven’t slept in a year.”
“Just finished yer heat?” Joel asked as he sniffed the air. “Smells like it was a miserable one.”
“They’re all miserable, Pa,” she grimaced. “Ain’t no such thing as a good heat.”
“Poor baby girl,” Joel teased before he walked over with some cookies. “Here. Since you had to deal with a heat without any sweets.”
Vanessa grinned before she grabbed a cookie and stuffed it in her mouth. The sugar cookie melted against her tongue and she sagged contently against the table. Joel laughed at her, patting her hair affectionately, before he went to start making lunch. Jesse trotted down the stairs a short while later, grinning as he threw himself into the chair beside her.
“Hey,” he greeted before playfully pulling on her braid. “How’s the real-life cowgirl doin’?”
“About to kill her annoyin’ little brother if he don’t let go of my hair,” she shot him a smirk. “Yer just about old enough to work there too, ya know.”
“Yah, but I figure that the big man doesn’t want another McCree to keep an eye on,” Jesse laughed.
“I’m a saint; what’re you talkin’ about?” Vanessa laughed as she sat up. “How’re classes?”
“Classes,” Jesse wrinkled his nose. “If I didn’t know how important they were, I’d be ready to quit.”
“Not on yer life,” Joel growled before he turned and waved a butter knife at Jesse. “You keep yer ass in school and get yerself a good job so you don’t end up like yer Pa runnin’ odd jobs that just barely pay fer everythin’.”
“You could always do online courses,” Vanessa grinned. “Local college is good fer that.”
“Yah, but that costs money I ain’t got to spare,” Joel huffed as he carried three sandwiches over to the table. “Maybe when Jesse’s got himself into a good college, I’ll consider it.”
Vanessa shrugged a shoulder as she tore into her sandwich. She almost groaned audibly as she chewed on the simple, but amazing culinary creation. Joel shot her a smirk as he ate his own ham and cheese sandwich, laughing as Jesse picked tomatoes off of his.
“They’re good fer ya,” Joel teased.
“Yah, but they taste like shit,” Jesse grimaced before he glanced at Vanessa. “So…Tanya said ‘hi’ while we were in the grocery store.”
Vanessa flinched and set her sandwich down. “That’s nice,” she managed to choke out. “How’s she doin’?”
“Seems fine, all things considered,” Joel said. “Goin’ off to school in the fall. Wants to be a nurse.”
“Good for her,” Vanessa whispered as she blinked back tears. “She’ll do great.”
“She said she wanted to see you,” Jesse smiled. “See how you were doing.”
“Yes, because that’s just what she needs; to see the person that got her brother killed,” Vanessa snapped as she jumped to her feet.
Joel rose before Jesse could say anything. He stepped around the table and pulled Vanessa into a tight hug, squeezing tight enough to dissuade her from trying to run away. She let out a broken whimper and clung to him, burying her face in his chest.
“You didn’t get him killed,” Joel murmured softly. “What happened wasn’t caused by you. You had nothing to do with it.”
“I can’t stop thinkin’ about it,” she whispered. “It hurts.”
“I know, honey, I know,” Joel soothed.
Vanessa let herself sink into his chest, hiccupping softly as a wound she thought had closed opened up again.
Jesse slowly opened the door to Vanessa’s room and peeked in. She was curled up under the covers, her back to the door. He knew she had been crying; the air reeked of it. She’d vanished into her room as soon as lunch was finished, hiding away so that no one would see her cry anymore.
“Van?” he called softly.
He hadn’t wanted to push his sister away, but he wanted her to know that he was there for her. It had only been three years since the accident, but he knew that it would affect her for the rest of her life. He’d been too young to fully understand what was happening to his sister, but that didn’t mean that he didn’t care.
“Hey, Jesse,” she called back.
“You want company?” Jesse asked as he took a cautious step forward.
“Yah,” Van murmured.
He grinned as he hurried over to the bed and climbed on. He snuggled in against Van’s back, wrapping his arms around her chest and hugging her tightly. She rolled over to return the hug, shifting the blanket just enough so that it didn’t bunch up under him. He tucked his head under her jaw and did his best not to let his tail sprout and start thumping against the bed.
“Missed you,” he murmured.
“Missed you too, Jesse,” Van smiled against his hair. “Sorry I turned the homecomin’ into a pity party.”
“It’s a rough topic for ya, I get that,” he replied as he snuggled. “But I know that you wouldn’t act like that if you hadn’t found someone that you were fallin’ in love with.”
She tensed under his fingers. He felt the short gasp of air before she pressed her cheek down into his hair.
“Is it that obvious?” she murmured.
“Only to me and Pa,” Jesse said. “We weren’t talkin’ about it, but I can tell he’s anxious. About you.”
“Of course,” she sighed and flopped her head to the side. “I always fuck things up.”
“You ain’t fuckin’ anythin’ up, Van,” he pouted and sat up. “It’s justifiable for you to be upset.”
She looked at him and let out a sigh. He’d seen that look before. For the first week after Arthur passed away, Vanessa hadn’t been able to move from bed. She’d been defeated, unable and unwilling to even lift her head from the pillow. He didn’t like it when life did that to his sister; he didn’t like seeing her so miserable.
“Artie would want you to be happy,” Jesse murmured. “He wouldn’t be upset that you found someone that makes you happy.”
“I barely know him,” Van sighed as she rolled onto her back. “We’ve only been workin’ together for a month.”
“And?” Jesse grinned. “I ain’t tellin’ ya to give him a matin’ mark. I’m just sayin’ that you should give ‘em a chance. You deserve to be happy.”
“Do I?” she asked.
Jesse almost smacked her upside the head. Instead, he glared at her and crossed his arms over his chest. He hoped he looked like Tom when he went into “overprotective brother” mode.
“Yes, you do,” he said sternly. “What happened to Artie was tragic, but you don’t deserve to wallow in misery over something you had no control over. He loved you, Van. He loved you to pieces. Don’t you want to feel like that again?”
“Of course,” Van rubbed at her face. “But it’s a matter of whether or not I feel like I deserve it.”
“You do!” Jesse repeated. “Everyone does. This guy must be somethin’ special if he can make you fall in love with him.”
“He writes poetry,” Van smiled. “And it’s good stuff, not that emo try-hard shit.”
“Ooh,” Jesse grinned. “That’s a winner.”
Van nodded and let her head fall back to the pillow. “But there’s no way in hell he’d want me. I’m such a mess.”
“Don’t know too many people that aren’t,” he shrugged. “Just about everyone has baggage.”
“Not like mine,” Van shook her head.
“So? If he can’t handle it, let him go. He ain’t worth yer time,” Jesse shrugged.
“Gods, I wish I was that optimistic,” she smiled at him. “When did you get so smart, bratling?”
Jesse grinned and flopped on top of her. “I’ve been listening to Pa. And I read one of your textbooks.”
“That bored, huh?” she teased. “They can’t be good for much else besides puttin’ ya to sleep.”
“Well, there is that,” he admitted. “But I want to help, you know? You and Tom always did your best to look after me. ‘Bout time I returned the favour.”
“Lookin’ after blood ain’t a favour,” Vanessa wrinkled her nose. “It’s a responsibility. You look after yer own. Whatever ‘yer own’ entails.”
Jesse shrugged and snuggled closer, pushing his head up under her jaw. “Well, whatever. You know I’m right,” he said.
“Yah,” she sighed. “Just…scared.”
“Course,” Jesse chirped. “But that’s never stopped ya before.”
Vanessa huffed before rolling over to squish him. He laughed under her weight, wiggling until he could get an arm out to shove at her face. That was the Vanessa he knew and loved; if this Theodore guy didn’t love this part of her, he didn’t deserve to be with her at all.
The Beginning of a Legacy: Chapter 19
Chapter 19
Joel watched the last few blips go out on the board in front of him and let out a long sigh. A laugh bubbled up in his throat and he thumped the table. Miyu threw her arms around his neck, howling with delight before the whole room started cheering.
It was over. It had taken two God-damn years and an innumerable number of sacrifices, but it was finally over. The Omnic Crisis was finished. They had won, against all the odds, they had won.
“We did it,” John said softly over the video conference. “We did it!”
Joel swept Miyu up into his arms and spun around, laughing happily. He kissed her, not minding the way she smacked his chest and told him to put her down. Reyes and Reinhardt were punching the air, whooping in delight while Torbjörn clacked his heels. Mondatta had his head bowed and his hands folded in front of his face.
“This is a momentous occasion,” Mondatta murmured. “A chance for peace.”
“For everyone,” John agreed. “Major, we’ll start organizing ways home for everyone.”
Mahala nodded her head. “Of course, Captain. I will be flying out to Tokyo to speak with you in a few days as well,” she said. Her brown eyes swept over the gathered soldiers, scientists, doctors, and engineers. “I want to extend my gratitude to all of you. However small your contribution, you have helped to save all of humanity from a terrible fate. Thank you. All of you.”
Her eyes flicked directly to Mondatta and she smiled. Mondatta bowed his head in acknowledgement. Joel knew that if he had a mouth, he’d be smiling.
“Drinks on the UN!” Joel howled. “We’re getting’ drunk tonight, boys and girls!”
“McCree!” Mahala scolded him, but everyone was already cheering. “Fine. One drink. That is all. You’re buying the rest.”
“Done!” Joel cackled.
They didn’t take long to get their liquor and start their celebrating. Mondatta spent most of the night making sure they didn’t get sick, cutting people off before they could get blackout drunk. He was scooped off his feet at one point by Reinhardt and covered in sloppy kisses while the giant of a man wailed about how much they owed him for caring for them all. If omnics could blush, Mondatta would be as red as a tomato.
Joel and Miyu slipped away in the middle of the party, but even with how steamy their kisses got, they only sat on the roof of the headquarters and stared at the stars. Her body was warm against his, but the longer they sat there with his arm around her shoulders, the more he knew that this was all they would ever be. Friends. Very close friends. That did not disappoint him. People went their whole lives never finding anything like what they had.
“Are you disappointed?” he asked softly.
“No,” Miyu replied. “I…had a feeling that we were not meant to be romantically involved. I thought that, perhaps, we could make it work. But, in the end, this is much better.” She looked at him and Joel smiled. “You are a wonderful man, Joel McCree. You have the heart of a gentleman and the soul of a warrior. Whatever your wife says, you deserve all the happiness in the world.”
“So do you, Miyu,” Joel chuckled as he ran his thumb over her cheek. “Yer an amazing woman. Daiki is lucky to have you as his SIC. The Shimada Clan has never been stronger.”
She smiled and leaned against him. “I am honoured that you think so, my friend,” she murmured as she tipped her head back. “The stars are beautiful here. I hope…I hope that future generations will enjoy them as much as we do.”
“They will,” Joel chuckled. “Because humans are drawn to them. No matter what, we’ll always look up at the sky and sigh in awe at the beauty and wonder just beyond our grasp.”
“Hmm, now are you talking about the stars or about me?” she teased.
“A bit of both, maybe,” he chuckled as he tipped her chin up and kissed her. “You are the greatest woman to ever enter my life, Miyu. Thank you. For everything.”
She returned the kiss just as gently as he had given it to her and they rested their foreheads against each other. Below them, the party kept going as the survivors of the Omnic Crisis celebrating their life and victory. He knew that in Hanamura, John was celebrating with his family. It was how things should have been.
“So it’s safe to go home?” Jack asked as he bounced Genji on his knee.
“It is,” John said as he worked slowly through his physiotherapy. “We’ll be heading home after Major Bashir has visited.”
“Good,” Jack grinned. “I want to show you the new additions we’ve made to the barn! Did you know that Vanessa could balance on a beam? She’s amazing! And Tommy fixed up the old tractor so we can plow the fields.”
“And what have you done?” John asked as he slowly moved his left arm in a wide circle.
“I rebuilt the stalls,” he grinned widely. “We can have cows!”
“Goats are friendlier and not so prone to stepping on little toes,” John smiled.
“Goats!” Genji giggled happily and clapped his hands. “Goats!”
“Ooh, yah,” Jack nodded. “We can have lots and let them rule the fields!”
“Agreed,” John chuckled before he sat down beside Jack and picked Genji up. “Hmm, and I think your Oto-san will like the countryside too.”
Genji nodded his head happily, brown eyes big as he smiled widely. “Da!” he shouted as he waved his little hands at John’s face.
John brought Genji close and kissed his chubby cheeks. Genji squealed happily and reached up to pull at John’s hair. John laughed and held him close, rocking him in his arms.
He was curious as to what Mahala wanted to talk to him about. As far as he knew, there was no reason to keep him around. He had every plan to return to Indiana and go back to living the quiet life of a farmer. He wanted to date Daiki and eventually marry the man, joining him into the Morrison legacy and giving him a place to stay that was far away from the nightmares of yakuza influence.
“The boys keeping you company?” Daiki called as he walked over. “Our guest has arrived, if you wish to speak with her.”
John nodded as he got to his feet and set Genji on the ground. Genji immediately rushed over to Daiki and pressed his face into Daiki’s leg, rubbing his cheeks against his thigh. He and Daiki shared a quick kiss before John continued inside.
Mahala was waiting in Daiki’s study, her head turning slowly to take in the extensive, generations old craftsmanship wrought in gold, silver, and gems. John was still getting used to the fact that Daiki came from a long line of Dragon Kings that ruled Hanamura. But, considering how the locals treated the family, it really shouldn’t have surprised him.
“Major,” he greeted.
“Captain,” she smiled as she got to her feet. “I’m so glad to see that you’re alright and recovering. I saw the report on your injuries; your guardian angel is working overtime.”
“I don’t doubt it,” he laughed as he saluted. “So, what did you want to speak with me about?”
Mahala waved for him to take a seat and he did so. She folded her legs over one another and John straightened. This wasn’t his friend speaking to him; this was Major Bashir. Why did she want to separate herself from that image?
“The United Nations has been debating for the last few months about the necessity of a global presence dedicated to helping the world population through crises,” she said. “A dependable, multicultural organization that will be able to respond and provide aid without having to worry about border lines.”
“So they want to keep Overwatch in place,” John said slowly.
“Yes,” Mahala nodded. “With you at the helm.”
John narrowed his eyes and curled his lip. “You’re kidding.”
Mahala shook her head. “No. They believe you are the best man for the job,” she replied. “They want to give you a little bit of time….”
“Mahala, I respect you too much to buy that bullshit,” he said. “You and I both know that if I told them ‘no’ that I would never be able to live peacefully. I would be looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life.”
Mahala hung her head and nodded. “I know,” she murmured. “I think…they were planning this for….”
“Since you collected me from Haven,” John shook his head. “Why am I not surprised? They just hate letting their ‘best’ get away.”
“I’m sorry,” Mahala murmured. “If it’s any consolation….”
“Don’t,” he shot her a tired smile. “I know what you’re about to say and I don’t want to hear it. Let the UN know that I will accept the position on the condition that my vacations are mandatory.”
“I can have that arranged, Strike Commander,” she smiled.
John wrinkled his nose. “Oh gods, I hate the sound of that already,” he shuddered before he got to his feet. “Will you stay for supper?”
“I don’t see why not,” she laughed as she rose to her feet. “When was the last time you and I got to enjoy a meal as friends?”
“Years,” he chuckled. “Come on. I think Daiki’s making salmon over rice with Caesar salad.”
Mahala fell into step beside him and for the first time in a while, John felt the weight of the world slip off of his shoulders. He straightened and rolled his shoulders, groaning a little as a twinge of pain shot up through his left arm. It didn’t matter though; for a little while, at least, he was allowed to be John Morrison again. He would enjoy that.
The Beginning of a Legacy: Chapter 20
Chapter 20
Cameras flashed across the hall floor as Jonathan Morrison stepped forward to shake hands with the leader of the United Nations. His smile was polite, but it didn’t reach his eyes, something the media failed to notice in favour of talking about how striking he looked in military blues. Applause rang through the hall as he stepped up to the microphone.
“Thank you all for attending this event tonight,” he said, his voice clear and calm, easily carrying over the crowd. “Overwatch was successful in stopping the Omnic Crisis because of the amazing people that worked day and night to eliminate the omnics compromised by the god programming. We would not be standing here tonight if it were not for their efforts.”
The hall clapped politely as Joel McCree pulled his weathered hat off and bowed at the waist. He’d allowed himself to be dressed in a form-fitting suit and cleaned up his beard and hair enough that he didn’t look like he’d just rolled in out of a dustbowl.
“I am beyond honoured to be appointed as Strike Commander of Overwatch,” John continued. “This organization will continue its commitment to protecting the innocent through a combination of boots on the ground, scientific and medical advancement, and working with whatever government agents are required.” He reached up and slowly ran his fingers through his hair. “Thank you.”
He handed the podium and mic back over to the UN leader and walked over to where his team was standing. The media switched from talking about him and his simple speech to how adorable his son was in his blue suit. Jack Morrison was praised for looking like his father, for being a sweet little boy, and so well behaved.
A few comments were thrown Tommy, Vanessa, and Jesse’s way, but they were not as many as what Jack received. Most people commented on how varied Joel’s kids looked from one another while still looking like siblings. More people were trying to figure out if Joel and Miyu were actually a couple or if they were just friends with benefits.
For the most part, the media was content to sweep aside the fact that a global police force had just been established in favour of filling their newsfeeds with trivial information. Distraction was the best way to keep the populace from panicking, of course. Couldn’t let them think that Overwatch would also be defending the rights of omnics that were trying to recover from their own ordeals.
Best to pretend that they didn’t exist until they started to become a problem.
“Happy Birthday dear Jack. Happy Birthday to you!”
Jack laughed as the entire command team sang him happy birthday. Reinhardt had worked his ass off to make Jack the best chocolate cake imaginable, covering it in cream cheese icing and designing little snow leopards on it. Everyone had party hats on, even the guests that had never met Jack before in their life.
“How old are you? How old are you?” the children all sang, making Jack laugh harder. “How old, how old, how old are you? Are you one? Are you two?”
“Oh dear,” Joel teased. “We could be at this for a while.”
“Not your birthday, Joel,” Miyu shot him a smirk as Genji clapped along in her arms.
“Now, Miyu, you cut me to the quick with a tongue like that,” Joel shot her a grin.
“Would you two just get married already?” Tammy teased as she took pictures.
“Are you nine?!”
“Yes!” Jack laughed before he blew the candles on his cake out.
Everyone cheered as John stepped forward and hugged his son close. Jack returned the hug, grinning happily up at him.
“How my champ?” John asked as he nuzzled him.
“Nine,” Jack grinned. “Can we have the cake first?”
“I don’t see why not,” John smiled. “No, Joel; I am not using your damn machete to cut the cake.”
“Oh come on; it’s the only thing long enough to cut through that monstrosity,” Joel laughed.
“We’ll cut it into cubes,” Daiki shook his head as he set a kitchen knife down on the table for Jack to make the first cut.
“That’s so boring,” Joel teased.
“So is your beard, but I have not said anything,” Daiki shot him a nasty smirk.
“Miyu! Your cousin’s bein’ a dick!” Joel whined playfully.
“Hush; that’s the first time he’s been comfortable in years,” Miyu laughed.
Jack giggled as John kept his hands steady so that he could cut the cake. He closed his eyes as he made a wish, leaning against John’s shoulder as he took over. John started cutting the cake up and setting the pieces onto plates. Reinhardt brought out the vanilla cupcakes and Tommy immediately snatched one, smiling shyly as Reinhardt laughed happily at his enthusiasm.
John ruffled Jack’s hair as he brought three pieces to the family standing awkwardly off to the side. He had invited the Reyes family when Felipe had made it clear that he would not be inviting them or attending the party. That was fine; Jack didn’t like Felipe anyways and if he wasn’t going to help celebrate his son’s birthday, he was certain his family would.
“Enjoying yourself?” he asked as he handed the three plates over.
“Still a little surprised that you invited us,” Reina smiled as she started eating. “What with your only reason to know we exist hates us.”
“Felipe is an ass,” John shrugged. “But I wanted his family here. Mostly to piss him off.”
“More than happy to help,” Emilo laughed. “You raised a cute kid.”
“My pride and joy,” John smiled as he glanced over at his son. “He’s been through a lot in his short life. He’s a trooper.” He glanced down at Gabriel and smiled. “Why don’t you go sit with them, Gabriel?”
“I don’t know anyone,” Gabriel murmured.
“You won’t know anyone if you stay here,” John nodded his head. “Go on. I’m sure they’d love to meet you.”
Gabriel smiled nervously and nodded, heading over to the table where the kids had gathered. Immediately, John watched the awe wash over the kids’ faces as Gabriel sat down. They started talking excitedly, hanging onto each word that Gabriel said. John lifted an eyebrow in amusement as Jack stared at Gabriel with rapt attention.
Aw, his little boy had a crush already.
“So,” Joel said as he slid over and grinned at Reina. “You want to set up a marriage contract between your boys.”
“Joel, he’s nine!” John looked at him and shook his head. “Calm down! What is with you and wanting to marry my son off?”
“Hey, if I can’t get you to agree to Van, I can at least get him a nice man,” Joel cackled.
Reina let out a laugh as she shook her head. “Sorry, not interested. But thank you for offering on Jonathan’s behalf.”
John shook his head as Joel cackled harder. He watched his son talk with Gabriel, discussing something that had the older boy smiling and nodding. He hoped he could make his son stay this happy while his father was stuck being the leader of a powerful organization. He wanted Jack to be happy and safe; if that meant dancing to tune that the UN was playing, so be it.
An Alpha Omega: Part 1: Prologue
Prologue
“Let me see,” John soothed.
Jack sniffled and pulled his hand away from his bloody nose. “Everything hurts,” he whimpered.
“I know, Champ,” John smiled sadly as he checked Jack’s nose. “You’re lucky; it’s not broken. And it’s far from the heart.”
“Unless I do this,” Jack laughed playfully as he tried to push his face against his chest. “Ooh.”
The world spun when he did that and he grabbed his head to keep it held upright. Talk about a headrush. John gently picked him up, holding him close as blood continued dripping out of Jack’s nose.
“Easy,” he soothed. “Don’t do anything silly now.”
“Sorry,” Jack apologized and sniffled.
“Sorry?” John frowned at him. “For what?”
“Everything,” Jack’s lip trembled. “For getting into a fight. For getting hurt. For being an Omega.”
John’s face morphed from confusion to horror and then to fury so fast Jack gasped in fright. John bared his teeth, showing off the enormous fangs that just barely fit in his mouth when he wasn’t shifted, and clutched Jack to his chest.
“You did nothing wrong,” he growled. “That kid deserved to get beat up for touching you. I’m so proud of you, Jack. I wish more little Omegas were like you. The world would be a better place if Omegas started fighting back and not letting Alphas push them around.”
Jack let out a sob and hid his face in his father’s blood-stained shirt. It was the same shirt John wore every time Jack got hurt. It smelt like his dad, safe and warm, with the faintest touch of pain from all the dried blood. John held him close as he headed upstairs to the bathroom. He got Jack out of his dirty school clothes and started running a bath for him. Jack squirmed miserably and pouted.
“Can I take a shower with you instead?” he asked.
John glanced at him and pulled the plug to the bath. “Okay,” he said. “Just let me know if you get uncomfortable, okay? First heats can be some of the worst.”
Jack nodded and hopped into the tub as his father stripped out of his clothing. Jack stood at the back of the tub as John got the shower going, toeing the plug into place. Jack shuffled forward, smiling up at his dad as John shook his head like a dog under the shower.
“You look silly,” Jack giggled.
“Good to know,” John smirked before he shifted around Jack and knelt down. “Come on, Champ; under the spray. Gotta get you all cleaned up.”
Jack stepped under the spray and shook his head like his dad did, grinning up at him. John smiled as he started running his hands through Jack’s hair, making sure it was sufficiently soaked. Jack closed his eyes as his dad started rubbing shampoo into his golden hair, giggling as his dad playfully massaged his scalp.
“Head back,” John instructed.
Jack did as he was told, spraying water out of his mouth as his dad rinsed his hair. John chuckled before he started lathering up the scrunchy.
“Okay, you ready to clean yourself up?” John asked. “You have to clean your backside really well. Your heat makes it really dirty back there.”
“Okay,” Jack said as he held his hands out for the scrunchie. “Is that why everyone was treating me differently?”
“Yes,” John’s face fell as Jack started cleaning himself up. “I’m so sorry, Jack. If I had known that you were going to go into heat, I wouldn’t have let you go to school. You didn’t deserve all of that bullshit today.”
“Why’d they treat me differently?” Jack asked softly. “I didn’t think I smelt that bad.”
“It wasn’t your fault, Jack,” John shook his head. “Everyone...everyone’s taught to treat Omegas in heat a certain way and it’s wrong. You’re just a kid; you can’t control when you go into heat and you shouldn’t be punished for it.”
“So it was my heat that made Bryce Masterson kiss me?” Jack grimaced.
“Yes,” John frowned. “And he’s lucky I wasn’t there to press charges.”
“What about Mr. O’Neill?” Jack asked.
“What did he do?” John demanded.
“He kept calling me names,” Jack frowned. “What’s a whore?”
“You finish cleaning yourself, Jack” John snarled as he got to his feet. “I have a few phonecalls to make.”
Jack nodded and did his best not to cower as his father stormed out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist to hide the tail sprouting from his spine. Jack tugged the shower curtain closed and stood shivering under the hot shower spray, trying to remind himself that his father wasn’t mad at him.
Alphas were scary when they were mad.
“Yes, this is John Morrison,” John growled down the phone. “I’d like to speak with Principal Davis.”
“Mr. Davis is in a meeting with Mr. O'Neill,” the secretary replied. “I can have him….”
“No, that’s perfect; that’s exactly who I want to speak to him about,” John said. “Can you patch me through?”
“Um,” the secretary tapped at something in front of him. “Do you have a video option on your phone, sir?”
“I do,” John rolled his eyes.
“Okay, I’m patching you through now,” the secretary chirped.
John flipped the switch on the phone and leaned back as the holoscreen activated. He didn’t care that he was still dripping wet from the shower or that he was only in a towel; he was going to make these two men pay for what they did to his son.
It was bad enough they had suspended Jack for fighting back against the Alpha that had touched him without permission. Now he finds out that Jack’s teacher had verbally abused him too. This was unacceptable and he was going to make sure the proper punishment was exacted.
“Ah, Mr. Morrison,” Principal Davis smiled before he blinked. “Uh, why are you not wearing a shirt?”
“Well, I was just helping my son get cleaned up after the fiasco that happened at school today and I just had to talk to you,” John smiled sweetly. “It is a most fascinating bit of information. Tell me, Mr. O'Neill, what possessed you to tell my nine year old that he was a whore?”
Mr. Davis’ eyes widened and Mr. O'Neill looked like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming truck. John’s smile melted into a snarl and he bristled, feeling the blond hairs on his back rise in outrage. They weren’t even trying to deny it! How dare they?!
“He walked into my class smelling like a dog in heat,” O’Neill said after a moment. “What was I supposed to do?”
“Not say that to a nine year old!” John snarled. “For fuck sake, what’s wrong with you? You’re supposed to be a teacher! You’re supposed to protect our kids from bullying. What message are you sending to the other kids when you treat an Omega going through his first heat like trash?”
“Maybe you should have kept better track of your son’s heats,” O’Neill snapped.
“He’s nine,” John snapped. “What would you like me to do? Violate my son’s privacy and body autonomy to make sure bastard Alphas like you aren’t made to be uncomfortable? Because God forbid you actually be held responsible for your actions?”
“Mr. Morrison, please, calm down,” Mr. Davis said. The desperation in his voice was pathetic. Where was this man’s spine? “I’m sure we can bring this entire day to a close where we’re all happy.”
“Fine,” John snorted. “I want Jack moved out of that pervert’s class. And I want his teaching licence revoked.”
“Excuse me?” O’Neill shrieked.
“You can’t be trusted around children,” John snarled. “If you can’t keep yourself in control when a child goes into an unexpected heat, how can you be trusted around anyone else?”
“You miserable…!”
“You don’t want to go to war with me, O’Neill,” John snarled deep in his chest. “I suggest you do this willingly before I write a letter to the schoolboard demanding to know why there’s a child molester allowed to teach in this district.”
“Mr. Morrison, I will deal with this behavior,” Davis said. “There’s no reason to go any higher. I will look into getting Jack transferred to another class. Please, have a good day.”
“I will certainly try,” John growled as he hung up. “How much of that did you hear?”
“The last part,” Jack whispered as he trotted over with a towel wrapped tightly around his shoulders. “You’re really mad.”
“Of course,” John snorted as he turned and knelt down on the ground. “The people that are supposed to keep my baby safe are turning into his tormentors. Of course I’d be pissed.”
Jack trotted over and tucked himself into John’s chest. He buried his nose into John’s shoulder and let out a soft sigh.
“You smell good,” he murmured softly. “Like a big, warm blanket.”
John smiled as he stood up, cradling his baby in his arms. “I’m glad you think so. Let’s go get you into a fresh pair of PJs and curl up on the couch for some movies.”
“Awesome!” Jack laughed. “You’re the best, Dad!”
John smiled, feeling his heart constrict a little bit. No. Not the best. Jack should have had a pack of kids to run around with, a group to call his own. An older brother figure to watch his back and lots of little siblings to romp around with. He should have had all of that, not just John and Sarah two farms over that made sure Jack had the stable female in his life to count on. He’d taken a loving pack from his son and there was no one to blame but his own stupid youthful fear.
He hoped that Jack could forgive him.
Joel McCree stepped into the principal’s office and glared at the man behind the desk. Useless, stupid Alpha; Joel knew what the problem was immediately and it had nothing to do with the boy whimpering around his broken nose, busted jaw, and scratched up face. No, that was just the cherry on top of the shit-sundae.
“You started in the middle-a class, huh, Birdie?” he asked gently as he walked over to his daughter.
She nodded, grinning widely around her black eye. She gave twice as good as she got, by the looks of things; that was his little spitfire. Teach the stupid Alpha his place after trying to grab her. Joel wasn’t stupid; Vanessa was mouthy and ornery, but she didn’t start fights. She ended them.
“Mr. McCree,” the principal sighed. “This is the third altercation your daughter has been in this year.”
“Well, maybe y’all should teach yer Alpha brats to stop tryin’ to get handsy with an Omega in heat,” Joel shrugged as he wrapped an arm around his daughter’s shoulders. “Taught my girl to defend herself from punks like him,” he jerked a thumb at the whimpering boy, ignoring the way both of his parents bristled. “Ain’t no one that’s got permission to touch her just cuz her body’s sendin’ out hormones that say she’s fertile.”
“She attacked another student,” the principal sighed.
“He grabbed me and kissed my neck!” Vanessa snarled. “And he said I’d look good in his bed.”
“Jeremy!” the boy’s father gasped.
“She’s the one that had her ass in the air!”
“It was a yoga move in gym class!” Vanessa threw her hands in the air. “Sorry that yoga is vaguely sexual! Still ain’t permission to touch me.”
“Anyone else lose their minds because yer ass was exposed in all its sweat-panted glory?” Joel smirked.
“No, just this fucker,” Vanessa growled.
“Hmm,” Joel mused before he looked at the two seething parents. “Well, I think we can reach a compromise. Our babies get an in-class suspension and I don’t file a sexual harassment charge against yer boy.”
“That’s fair,” the father cut in before the mother could explode. “Thank you, Mr. McCree. We’ll be leaving now.”
The father hurried his family out before anything could be said, but Joel knew the boy’s mother was not in agreement. He snorted, motioning for Vanessa to stand up. He tipped his hat to the principal before leading his daughter out of the school and to his truck. Vanessa kept her gaze on her boots as Joel drove through traffic back to the house. He put the truck into park when he was sitting in the driveway and turned to look at her.
“I know I fucked up,” she sighed. “I swear, I didn’t mean to do that much damage I just...I felt so sick to my stomach. And I wanted him to pay for tryin’ to humiliate me like that.”
“I know,” he soothed as he reached out to run his fingers through her hair. “But you gotta start thinkin’ before you attack. What if he hadn’t been some prissy little pretty boy? You could-a gotten yerself killed.”
“I know,” she rubbed at her eyes. “I just…. It’s so frustratin’! I shouldn’t have to know when my heat’s gunna hit down to the fuckin’ millisecond.”
“You shouldn’t; parents should teach their kids to keep their fuckin’ hands to themselves,” Joel agreed. “But I didn’t teach ya to fight so that you could kill some dumbass Alpha-wannabe.”
“Alpha-wannabe?” she parrotted.
Joel nodded. “Them kids, they ain’t real Alphas,” he said. “They’re posturin’ and fightin’, but they ain’t got the heart of an Alpha. A real Alpha’s gunna walk in the room and everyone will follow their lead, no questions. They got this air to them, like nothin’ you ever felt before. They ain’t posturin’, they ain’t gotta fight; they know what they are and yer gunna respect that to yer core.”
“Am I gunna wanna follow ‘em?” she wrinkled her nose.
“Yes, cuz they’re gunna make you feel safe and cared for,” Joel smiled. “A real Alpha’s the leader of a family. They know when to be tough and they know when to be soft. They ain’t just there to push around the smaller folks and measure dicks and clits with other Alphas. That’s what you gotta look fer, Birdie; a real Alpha to follow.”
“Like yer Cap’n?” she asked.
Joel smiled sadly and nodded. “Yah. Like my Cap’n. But don’t you try to distract me; yer still in trouble.”
Vanessa rolled her eyes as she hopped out of the truck. “I’ll be in my room, bored,” she called over her shoulder.
“You’d better be,” he laughed as he followed her inside.
He watched her head upstairs and let out a long sigh. His poor baby; the only Omega in the family and he couldn’t find a school that respected her. His Van was smart, but her smarts were ignored in favour of her status. She was personable, but so many people abused their status over her that it made her bitter. She had the potential to do great things, but one stupid thing that she couldn’t control held her back from what other kids were free to explore.
It wasn’t fair and he wished he had some way to fight it. But he was just a Beta and no one listened to him anymore than they listened to an Omega. Only an Alpha could make a change in the world and most of them had their heads shoved too far up their own asses to notice how the rest of them felt. Those that did try to stand up were beaten down into submission and told to keep their mouths shut.
He let out a long sigh before he tossed his keys onto the counter and went to go finish weeding the garden. Society might not change, so you just had to find your own little pack to settle down and fight the world with.
The Beginning of a Legacy: Chapter 15
Chapter 15
Jack hid behind Tommy as the military man loaded their belongings into the back of his truck. His head was spinning. They were allowed to go home now. The omnics in the United States had surrendered and were being taken care of by the military. Everyone was being sent home, wherever home was.
Tammy was thanking the military man a lot, but Jack wasn’t sure if she was being honest or not. The man seemed to enjoy talking to Tammy, smiling and laughing at her corny jokes. It didn’t make Jack feel any safer, but if Tammy felt safe, he could pretend to be happy.
“Ready to go, kids?” the man asked.
“Uh huh,” Vanessa smiled at him.
“Okay, everyone into the truck. Tommy, help me get the kids into their booster-seats?” Tammy said.
“I will,” Tommy smiled. “Come on, Van.”
Vanessa whined as she let Tommy lift her into the booster-seat in the back of the truck. Jesse fussed as well, wiggling miserably as he was strapped into the backwards facing carseat. Tammy kissed his nose and laughed at his pout, but Jack could see that Jesse wasn’t really upset. Jack sat in the front between the adults, kicking his legs slowly. Tommy sat down between his siblings, smiling shyly at Tammy as she leaned back to tap Vanessa’s nose.
When they were all safely buckled in, the man started driving. They were quiet for most of the drive out of the forest. Vanessa sniffled about leaving Haven behind, but Tommy reassured her that it was going to be okay. They were going somewhere better, somewhere just as safe, but more private.
The military man didn’t say a word as they turned onto the highway. Vanessa’s mouth opened into an ‘o’ as she stared out the window. Jack blinked. That was right; Vanessa was just a baby when her family came to Haven. Tommy was the only one old enough to know what a highway looked like.
The drive was long and Jack fell asleep against Tammy’s shoulder. He woke in the middle of the night to the sound of tires on gravel. He blinked his eyes open and stared at the miles and miles of bare farmland. There wasn’t a green steam anywhere in sight. It was nothing like he remembered, with rolling, waving fields of corn, soy, and the occasional blanket of yellow canola.
“It’s dead,” he whispered.
“It’s okay, Jack,” Tammy reassured him. “It’ll be green again with a little elbow work.”
Jack nodded slowly as the vehicle turned up a familiar road. Jack leaned forward, his heart thumping in his chest. The vehicle barely came to a stop before he was scrambling over Tammy to get outside. He ran straight to the barn, wrenching the door open as hard as he could.
Cats scattered with yowls of surprise. He rushed inside, calling desperately for the tom that had loved him. A pair of green eyes stared at him from the darkness before Boots charged him and wound happily between his legs, yowling up at him.
“I missed you too,” Jack sobbed as he knelt down and hugged the tom cat. “My Bootsie.”
Boots purred up at him before gently grabbing his sleeve with his teeth. He tugged Jack forward before darting into the shadows. Jack grinned as he followed, ignoring the confused shouts coming from outside. He wiggled between a couple of leaning boards and gasped at the pile of kittens curled up beside a beautiful tortoiseshell molly. She looked at him sharply for daring to enter her nest, but relaxed as Boots licked her ears.
“Aw, Boots,” Jack smiled as he knelt down. “They’re adorable!”
“Jack?” Vanessa called. “Where’d you go? Tammy’s really worried!”
“In here,” Jack called. “My tom has kittens!”
“What?”
It took a few minutes for Vanessa to find him, but she let out a happy squeal as soon as she spotted the little mewling kittens. She dropped down beside Jack, staring at the molly with a big grin on her face, but wise enough to know not to touch them.
“There’s so many,” she whispered.
“I count six,” Jack laughed. “Hang on.”
He reached forward and carefully picked up a wiggling kitten. The molly watched him before resting her head so that the kittens could snuggle closer to her belly. Jack set the kitten in Vanessa’s hands and grinned widely as she cradled it to her chest.
“It’s so tiny,” she whispered. “Jack…Jack I want them all!”
“We’ll get to keep them,” he laughed. “They’re barn cats; they come and go as they please. Dad had a lot of them spayed and neutered before we left because they were starting to get inbred. He left Boots alone since he was young and all the others were fixed.”
“Oh,” she blinked before she side-eyed the molly. “So where’d she come from?” she asked.
“No idea,” Jack shrugged before he stood up. “You should put the kitten back now. You said Tammy was worried.”
“Oh, right,” Vanessa pouted before she set the kitten down. “Thank you, Penny.”
“Penny?” Jack asked as Vanessa stood up and dusted her knees off.
“Yah! She looks like a penny!” Vanessa grinned. “The momma cat.”
“Oh,” Jack laughed as he wiggled out from between the boards. “I thought you were talking about the kitten.”
“Nah, he’s clearly a Mint,” she giggled.
Jack laughed as they left the barn. Tammy was waiting on the porch for them, her eyes hard. She scolded him for running off on her and he apologized. She shooed them both inside and Jack led everyone up to his bedroom. They weren’t allowed to sleep on the bed until the military men had made sure there weren’t any vermin inside, so they had to sleep on air mattresses on the floor. Jack didn’t care.
He was home. He was finally home. All that was missing was his dad and Uncle Joel.
MZ-201 walked into Captain Morrison’s office and waited for him to acknowledge him. The Captain was busy with something, fiddling with the contraption on his desk before he let out a low curse and set the tablet down.
“Hello, M,” he greeted as he ran his hand through his hair. “What can I do for you?”
MZ-201 reset his voicebox and stepped forward carefully. “I…would like to request time off,” he whispered.
Morrison lifted his head and blinked at him. “Time off?” he asked.
MZ-201 nodded quickly. “Yes,” he said. “I wish to visit some…friends. I do not mean to leave you disadvantaged….”
He fell silent as Morrison lifted his hand. Morrison frowned and leaned forward on his desk.
“I know it’s none of my business, my friend, but where is it that you are hoping to go?” he asked.
“A small village in Italy,” he said softly. “Where the children from Cairo were sent. I…miss them.”
Morrison looked at him for a long moment before he smiled. “Oh, I see,” he said. “Well, I approve. I highly doubt that the higher ups will approve of me sending my omnic medic off on his own, so do you mind if I write it down as a mission? Checking on the health of the children sent to live in refugee villages or the likes?”
MZ-201 wished he could cry. He wished he could express to the Captain how much he appreciated this. So many people would have dismissed his request, told him that a robot did not need time off, and forced him to return to work. Not Morrison or Joel, though. They treated him like a person, like a valued member of the team even when others were insanely hostile.
“Thank you,” MZ-201 whispered as he started shaking. “Please, I…I wanted to tell you…if you do not mind….”
“M, what’s wrong?” Morrison asked as he got to his feet. “You’re shaking!”
“I am simply overwhelmed,” he whispered as Morrison walked over to him. “You and your team have been so good to me. I…I do not know what to say.”
“You’re a valuable member of the team, M,” Morrison smiled. “I would be personally offended if anyone treated you less than cordially.”
“There are so many people in this world that would treat me poorly, but not you,” MZ-201 shook his head. “I wanted you to be the first to know, you and Joel, that I have found my name.”
“Oh?” Morrison smiled. “And what is it, my friend?”
“Mondatta,” he inclined his head. “I have yet to decide on a family name. I want it to be important.”
“A lot of surnames translate into ‘son of someone’,” Morrison chuckled. “Mondatta. I’ll make sure to update your profile.”
“Thank you,” Mondatta whimpered as he started bowing his head like he’d seen Miyu do when she was overwhelmed. “Thank you so much.”
“Think nothing of it, my friend,” Morrison smiled. “Go find Joel and tell him your name. He’ll be excited. I’ll get your ‘mission’ set up so you can go visit those kids.”
“Thank you, Captain,” Mondatta smiled.
It was almost a week before Mondatta was on the dropship to Italy with Staff Sergeant McGuire and Laura Wong. The two of them were seated a short distance from him and talking amongst themselves. Mondatta didn’t mind. He was more focused on the paperwork that he had to fill out in order to justify the unexpected trip. John could only fake so much before Mondatta himself had to jump in.
“So, Mondatta,” Laura said as she turned to look at him. “Jasper and I were wondering how you know the kids from Cairo. Did you work with them at the hospital?”
“No,” Mondatta shook his head. “There was a time between the god code activating and my acceptance onto the Overwatch Strike Team where I lived and protected the street children that Captain Morrison sent to Italy. I miss them dearly.”
“That’s so sweet,” Laura smiled. “Well, I’m sure they’ll be just fine. A little checkup and then a nice vacation for a week. Then it’s back to the front lines.”
Mondatta nodded and settled back against the seat. When they landed in the quiet little hamlet, McGuire led the way off the plane. The mayor of the little town greeted them warmly, but Mondatta could see the doubt and apprehension in his face as he looked Mondatta over. Hostility against omnics was nothing new, but he had hoped that the man would at least hide it better.
He followed the mayor towards the town hall. Laura and McGuire fell back, watching quietly as they walked into the hall. Silence filled the hall before someone let out a shriek.
“MZ!” Ana shouted as she rushed forward. “You’re okay!”
“I am,” Mondatta reassured her as he hugged her close. “You look well, Ana. This pleasant climate has done wonders for your health.”
“You always are worried about us, MZ,” she laughed as she pulled away. “What about you?”
“I am wonderful,” he nodded his head. “Captain Morrison is an amazing man. I owe him so much.”
“I’m so glad,” she smiled. “I plan on joining up as soon as I can,” she puffed her chest out.
“You will have to wait to be legal age; Captain Morrison does not like fighting with child soldiers,” Mondatta chuckled. “He has a hard enough time with Reinhardt. But that is a discussion for another time. Come. Help me get our friends ready for their medical exams. I want to make sure everyone is alright.”
“You got it,” Ana grinned before she took his hand. “It’s so good to have you back. You call yourself Mondatta now, right?”
“I do,” he agreed. “But you may continue to call me MZ if you wish.”
“You’re Mondatta; it would be rude to call you otherwise,” she replied.
Mondatta dimmed his optics in a smile. He’d missed Ana’s spirit. There was a life and power about her that he had always loved. He never had a word for it, but he hoped that she knew it was there. It would be a shame if she did not.
Joel smiled at the screen as Vanessa tried to get the kittens to stop squirming. “She had six!” she babbled happily. “Jack says that they’ll probably stay on the farm their whole life! Can you believe it, Pa?”
“Well, feral cats are funny that way,” he said. “You’re helping that momma cat out?”
“Yup! She loves me! She hisses at everyone else but purrs when I pet her,” Vanessa grinned widely. “And Boots loves me too, but Jack says that’s normal. Even though he’s a big, mean tom, he’s super loving! I can’t wait for you to meet them all, Pa!”
“I can’t wait either,” Joel nodded. “Yer bein’ good for Tammy?”
“Uh huh,” Vanessa grinned. “School’s supposed to start up in a few weeks. Tammy has me signed up and everythin’! I get to ride a bus to Bloomin’ton with Jack and Tommy! Isn’t that cool?”
“It is,” Joel said. “I’m glad yer lookin’ forward to it, Birdie.”
Joel had forgotten how simple things amazed children. Vanessa had only seen school buses in books; she was excited over the prospect of riding in one. She’d love school too, he knew that much. She was such a smart kid. He wished he was there for her first day, but Tammy would have to do. She’d be there for the kids when they needed her.
“Pa, is it true that Uncle John has a boyfriend?” Vanessa asked.
“Now where’d you hear that?” Joel smirked.
“From Jack!”
“Well, he needs to learn not to tell you everythin’,” he winked. “That’s up to ye uncle to tell you if he has a boyfriend or not.”
“Aw, but Pa!” Vanessa whined.
“Van, do we whine?” Joel lifted an eyebrow
“Yes,” she grinned before Tommy sat down beside her with Jesse on his lap. “Oh! Jesse! Here, hold Rosie. Watch her head. Yup, just like that.”
Joel’s heart melted as Jesse held the kitten to his chest like it was the most precious thing in creation. He placed a gentle kiss to the kitten’s red tabby head and grinned at the screen.
“Pa!” he shouted and waved. “Pa! Pa!”
“Hey, Jesse,” Joel cooed. “How’s my little baby doin’?”
“Goo!” Jesse bounced on Tommy’s lap.
“He’s havin’ a hard time with his hard letter sounds,” Tommy said. “Tammy says that’s normal for someone his age. Is it?”
“It is,” Joel agreed. “Y’all had a hard time with yer hard consonant sounds. He’ll get it, don’t worry.”
Tommy smiled before he bit his lip. “I’m really nervous about school. Do you think I’ll make friends?”
Joel nodded. “Yer a sweet kid, Tommy,” he said. “I’m sure you’ll make a friend or two. Don’t be afraid, okay?”
Tommy nodded. “Is Uncle John there?” he asked.
“No; he’s in a meetin’ with the higher ups,” Joel shook his head. “Got a deployment comin’ up soon. Gunna be hard. Gotta get down to the horn-a Africa as soon as possible. Loads-a omnics makin’ a push into the countryside.”
“Be careful, Pa,” Vanessa whimpered.
“I will, mah darlin’,” Joel reassured her. “Now, you three get to bed. Tammy got that recordin’ I made ya?” They nodded. “Good. Play that if yer havin’ a hard time sleepin’, okay? I know it ain’t the same as havin’ me right there, but a lullaby’s a lullaby.”
“Okay,” Tommy nodded. “Love you, Pa.”
“Love you too, Tommy. Vanessa, Jesse, Pa loves you all so much,” he smiled and blew kisses to his kids.
They waved as the screen went dark. Joel leaned back in his seat and rubbed at his neck, fighting back tears. Miyu rested a hand on his shoulder and kissed his cheek.
“Your children are very sweet,” she said softly.
“My pride and joys,” Joel agreed. “Hurts bein’ away from them.”
“Hmm,” she mused as she took a seat. “I do not feel the same way with any but my nephews.”
“No desire to have yer own?” Joel asked.
“No,” she said. “At least, none with a partner. I am…uninterested.”
“Nothin’ wrong with that,” he smiled. “Bein’ a parent ain’t for everyone. Kinda wish they didn’t try to cram it down kids’ throats. Got the feelin’ my little Van’s in the same boat. Great with animal babies, but never wanted anything to do with the other babies at Haven. ‘Cept Jesse, o-course, but that’s her brother. Gotta stick with blood.”
Miyu smiled before she got to her feet and placed a chaste kiss to the corner of his mouth. “You are an amazing man, Joel McCree,” she said softly. “I’m sorry your partner was not what you needed.”
“No worries,” Joel smiled as he cupped her cheek. “Don’t need a lady at home to make me happy.”
“Could be a man,” she smirked as he pulled away.
“Told ya before, John ain’t my type,” Joel chuckled as he stood up and stuffed his hands into the pockets of his ratty jeans. “Just friends, the two of us.”
“Well, John has his sights set on Daiki anyways,” she teased. “Would be a shame to break them up.”
“It would; haven’t seen John that happy in a long time,” Joel agreed as they left the room. “Hope they can work it out.”
Miyu nodded her head. Her fingers laced loosely with his and he brought her hand up to his mouth to kiss her knuckles. He had no idea what was going on between them; he certainly didn’t feel romantically about her, but it felt right to have these intimate moments. She never pushed for more, so maybe she was content with this too. It would be easy to ask, but asking almost felt like it would break whatever was going on between them.
So they just walked down the hallway hand-in-hand, ignoring the smirks shot their way.
The Beginning of a Legacy: Chapter 13
Chapter 13
“And this road can be used to get in and out of the castle without being noticed?” John asked.
“Yes,” Daiki nodded. “Miyu and I used to slip out in our younger years using that door. It was…useful.”
“I’m sure,” John smiled. “We can use that road to circle around the encroaching yakuza. If we’re fast enough, we can cut off their supply line and leave the locals unscathed.”
“Do you really think such a thing is possible?” Daiki asked. “I have been fighting them for weeks and they showed no signs of stopping.”
“Up against trained soldiers, most criminals run in fear,” John replied. “We just have to make it clear that we are not going to stand for their bullshit.”
Daiki watched him for a moment before he smiled and nodded. “If you are so confident, John, then so am I.”
John smiled at Daiki and started plotting out another line on the map. He wanted as many escape routes possible for his soldiers to use. Miyu was already showing them all of the ways in and out of the castle and the quickest ways around to confuse any potential invader. They would be ready to open the gates and lure the attacking yakuza into the grounds.
“You should get some rest, Daiki,” he said as he plotted another line. “It’s been a long week.”
“I will rest when this is over,” Daiki shook his head.
“You’re no use to me dead on your feet,” John chuckled.
Daiki tilted his head to the side before he reached out to run his fingers through John’s hair. “Will you join me?” he asked softly. “I sleep better with another in bed with me.”
John ran his hand through his hair. “Daiki….”
“I am not asking for anything, John,” Daiki chuckled. “I simply want you there. I trust you to watch my back. I will put a sword between us if you are so unsure.”
John blinked at him before shaking his head. “Fine. I need some shut eye anyways.”
John saved his work and followed Daiki out of the room. They walked silently through the castle, stopping in to check on Genji and Hanzo to make sure the toddlers were sleeping. Satisfied that the two of them weren’t causing trouble, they continued on to Daiki’s room.
Daiki changed out of his clothing without worrying about modesty. John did his best not to stare at the beautiful inkwork across Daiki’s body, the golden dragon the focal point of the entire piece. He pulled his shirt off over his head and shook his head.
“How long’d it take you to get all that ink done?” he asked.
“Years,” Daiki replied. “Before I had a chance to disband my family’s yakuza dealings, of course. And a few afterwards.”
“It’s beautiful,” John smiled. “The dragon in particular.”
“My guardian,” Daiki chuckled as he turned around, touching the dragon head curled up on his chest. “The twin to Miyu’s. They grow restless when we are apart for too long.”
“Glad I decided to bring her back,” John teased. “Wouldn’t want your sweet guardian to be restless.”
“Don’t flatter her,” Daiki wrinkled his nose before walking over to his bed and peeling the covers back. “Keep your socks on.”
John did as instructed and crawled onto the left side of the bed. He lay on his back, keeping his gaze on the ceiling as Daiki set his sword between them. Unlike him, Daiki curled up on his side facing John.
“I hope your wife told you that you are beautiful,” Daiki murmured.
“She did, at first,” John admitted. “She stopped shortly after Jack was born. Guess she just got sick of looking at me.”
“I don’t see how,” Daiki shook his head. “Perhaps it is the oddity of blue eyes and blond hair in my daily life. I could watch you all day.”
“That’s creepy,” he teased.
“I do not intend it to be,” Daiki chuckled. “I simply wish to let you know how I feel.”
He reached over the sword and gently took John’s wrist in his hand, covering his pulse with warm fingers. John turned to look at him and Daiki smiled, pressing his cheek into the pillow.
“John, I know that this may be strange for you,” he murmured. “I am only recently widowed, but…there was no romantic love in mine and Sayaka’s marriage. I…I do not feel bad for falling in love.”
“It’s only been a week since we’ve met, Daiki,” John replied. “It’s not love.”
“Am I crazy for wanting it to be that eventually?” Daiki asked softly. “I only ask for your time, John. I wish to know you and your son.”
John closed his eyes and sighed. “I have a war to fight, Daiki,” he said. “I might not come back from it. I might die.”
“I could die tomorrow when we let our enemy through the gate,” Daiki nodded his head. “I do not care. I will laugh in the face of death when she comes for me since she has been avoiding me like a spiteful lover. Until that time, I will let my heart do as it pleases. I have earned that right after the hell I have lived through.”
John rolled over slowly and reached out to cup Daiki’s cheek. He leaned forward and kissed him, soft and chaste. Daiki accepted the kiss with a soft sigh, his dark eyes closing in bliss. John pulled away and gently rubbed his nose against Daiki’s, smiling gently.
“Daiki, if we survive tomorrow, I will see where this goes,” he said. “For now, I just want you as a friend.”
“A friend,” Daiki chuckled and pressed his cheek into the pillow. “Oh, how long has it been since I had one of those?”
“Too long if you have to ask,” John laughed.
Daiki hummed in agreement before he curled into himself. John watched him until he fell asleep, smiling as he leaned his head back onto the pillow.
Joel sharpened the blade of his machete and glanced at Miyu. She was dressed for battle, her thin, flexible armor decorated with kanji that were likely requests for protection. It would have been rude to ask. At least, he thought it was rude to ask.
“You nervous?” he asked as he checked the sharpness of his blade against his thumb. Perfect.
“A little,” she replied. “It is wise to be nervous before battle. You are not?”
“I’ll live or I’ll die; always one or the other,” he replied. “No use overthinkin’ it.”
Miyu let out a soft chuckle as she set her hands on her hips. “I wish I had that sort of outlook on life,” she teased. “I was always blessed with an overactive mind.”
“It’s kept you alive and kept yer comrades alive in the field,” he shrugged. “Useful, in my opinion. I’m too busy going Rambo on everyone and pissin’ the brass off.”
Miyu tilted her head to the side and chuckled again. “You are our SIC, Joel. Everyone trusts your judgement,” she said.
Joel snorted and nodded. A mixed blessing, in his opinion, but one that he knew John needed. No one else could handle John’s shit the same way that Joel could. He might not be a tactical marvel like the other military boys, but Joel was fast, strong, and as clever as a coyote. He could do what others couldn’t and John knew it. There was a reason he’d picked Joel over all the other boys.
“First group of Hayashi are movin’ in,” he said over the commlink as he spotted the targets moving towards them. “Movin’ down Sakura Way.”
Miyu grumbled the proper name for the street and Joel stuck his tongue out at her. It translated to Sakura Way and he was saying it that way. He couldn’t string the words together in traditional Japanese, so she was going to have to deal with it. Better he use the translation than butcher her native tongue.
“Beta team, loop around them,” John ordered. “Watch for the Ueda. They shouldn’t be far.”
Joel waited until he saw Beta team moving with Laura at the head before he lifted his rifle. He looked through the scope and took careful aim. He got the leader of the Hayashi group in the center of his scope and followed him
“Target one in sight,” he said. “On my mark. Three. Two. One.”
Joel squeezed the trigger and the goon dropped dead to the ground. The group panicked, bolting for cover. Right into the waiting arms of one group of Shimada guards. The group was cut down with swords and knives, silenced before they could raise the alarm. As quickly and quietly as they had hoped. The Shimada were good at that.
“Ueda spotted,” Laura reported in. “Moving down…uh…Pigeon Walk.”
“You English-speakers,” Miyu rolled her eyes playfully. “Keep your distance, Laura, but try to herd them towards the gates. Hiro, open the gates and tell your men to back off. Joel and I are on stand-by.”
The confirmation came down the commline and Joel shifted his stance. Miyu rested a hand on her blade, narrowing her eyes behind her visor. The gates swung open just enough to allow a group to file in one at a time. It would be an obvious trap, but there was no other way into the grounds. Their attackers would have to risk it.
Another group of Hayashi goons slipped through the door, guns out and ready to fire. Miyu took a deep breath and stepped forward. She dropped into the middle of the group, pulling her sword out as she landed. Joel fired twice, dropping two goons as Miyu sliced her way through the other three. Her dark armor was splattered with gore, but she did not look disquieted. She’d probably done worse growing up.
“You good?” he called down to her.
“Might have pulled something in my shoulder,” she called back. “Can’t climb back up. I’ll be alright.”
“You sure?” he asked, shifting forward.
“Positive, my friend,” she laughed. “Watch my back.”
“You got it, lil lady,” he grinned and pulled his kerchief over his nose to keep the gunpowder from burning his face.
“Ueda coming your way!” Laura shouted. “They got dogs too. Fuck.”
“Fuck,” Joel groaned and reloaded his rifle.
He really, really didn’t want to kill someone’s dog. Why did these assholes always bring dogs?
“I do not like being here while my men are fighting,” John said quietly.
“I know, John,” Daiki sighed. “But I appreciate you staying with me. The boys….”
“I know,” John smiled at him.
Daiki thought John’s smile was the most beautiful thing he had seen in ages. He looked so sad and tired, but he still clung to hope and happiness like a lifeline against the darkness. He wished he could help John find his happiness again, but he knew that he was pushing too hard too fast. John wasn’t ready, not for what Daiki wanted.
“Oto!” Hanzo laughed and tapped at his knee. “Please! Tell the pretty man I think he’s pretty!”
Daiki chuckled as he looked at John. “Hanzo thinks that you are pretty, John,” he said.
John smiled as he typed something onto his datapad. “Let Hanzo know that I’m grateful for his compliment and that I think he’s adorable.”
Daiki relayed the message and Hanzo covered his face and giggled happily. Genji was sleeping on the floor beside them, drooling over himself and his pachimari plushie. Daiki glanced up as John shifted and righted his rifle in his hands. Daiki nodded and gently picked his boys up.
“You must be silent,” Daiki instructed as he set his boys in the protective structure in the floor. “No matter what, you must be silent.”
Hanzo nodded and laid down beside Genji, just like they had practiced. Daiki secured the flooring in place and rose, checking the clip in his handgun. He snapped it back into place and turned to stand with John. This was where the two of them would decide the outcome of the battle.
Six men burst into the room and trained their weapons on them. Laura and her group had led them up into the castle, just as John had instructed. These six would be the ones to send the ultimate message to the yakuza clans; what better way to prove that the Shimadas were still to be respected and feared than to send the bodies of the clan heirs back to their parents?
“Shimada Sojiro,” one of the Uedas grinned as he turned his gun on Daiki. “It is time for you to die.”
“You are in the wrong place,” Daiki warned. “Leave. Or you will leave as ghosts.”
The six men laughed and one took a shot at John. John took the bullet against the hard armor plating of his shoulder and returned fire. The man dropped dead to the ground, bleeding out of five different bullet wounds. John settled his rifle against his hip and lifted an eyebrow at the men.
“You done?” he growled.
“Kill the white one!” the Hayashi heir ordered. “I want his head brought back to my father for this insult.”
Daiki stepped forward and pressed a hand to his chest. “Doubloon, protect us!” he shouted.
His guardian ripped herself free of his flesh and he collapsed to the ground coughing up blood. John shouted in alarm and dropped down beside him, wrapping an arm around his chest as he tried to haul Daiki to his feet. He waved his friend aside and pointed to the golden dragon shaking the Ueda heir in her jaws like a dog with a rat.
John’s jaw opened in shock as Doubloon tossed the heir aside, letting the corpse splat against the ground. She roared her fury and lunged for the remaining men, tearing through them for daring to attack the home of her ancestors and her charge. Daiki’s eyes rolled back into his head and he knew nothing as his guardian tore his enemies apart.
The Beginning of a Legacy: Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Miyu checked her sword one more time before she swung it across her back. Domino was coiling miserably in her chest, the closeness of her sister making her distress even more palpable to the dragon. She rested a hand on the dragon head tattooed on her chest, trying to calm her guardian. They’d be in Hanamura soon and they would defend their loved ones together.
The rest of the passengers on the shuttle were getting ready to land. There was a spot in Tokyo that they had been cleared to land at, but they would have to find a different way to get to Hanamura. She knew a few rental companies in Tokyo that they could get some cars from, but she was almost tempted to just walk there. There was no way the other soldiers could keep up though.
“Landing in five minutes,” John shouted. “Strap in. Miyu, that includes you.”
Miyu sat down beside Joel and strapped herself in. Normally, she would tease John about the amount of worry he had for their well-being, but she was too wound up. She could barely think straight and it was nice to have someone like John to take control of the situation. Joel held her hand through the descent, squeezing whenever her breathing grew harsh. She hated this part; it was never a smooth landing no matter how hard the pilots tried. They touched down with only a small bump, but Domino was snarling in her chest.
“Be ready,” she said as she stood up. “Something isn’t right.”
“How do you know that?” John asked as he picked up his rifle.
“Call it a hunch,” she smiled slightly at him.
John lifted an eyebrow before he ordered everyone off of the ship. He knew her intuition wasn’t all her own and that the dragon tattooed on her body was more than just ink. He also knew not to mention it in front of the others. There was a group of men waiting for them as they descended and Domino snarled with fury. Well, that explains the unease. The welcoming committee had arrived in full force.
“Friends-a yers?” Joel asked as he tapped a finger on his rifle.
“No,” Miyu said as she pulled her sword free. “Captain, I suggest we deal with them quickly.”
John glared at the men before he set his rifle against his shoulder and started forward. Joel followed, his rifle held parallel to his shoulder, and the others fell into step behind them. The men with the car stepped forward, pulling weapons out. None of them had any sort of identifying symbol on their clothing and she couldn’t see their tattoos. There was no way to tell what clan they were from.
“Identify yourself,” John ordered as he advanced. “This is a restricted area and I am ready to use….”
“Watch!” Joel shouted.
He fired before Miyu had a chance to realize that one of the goons had taken aim at John’s head. The goon dropped dead and John ordered everyone to spread out. Miyu followed John to the closest cover, ducking down to watch the goons fire furiously on her comrades.
Domino snarled to be released, eager to tear these men apart. She ran a hand slowly over her chest before she changed the grip on her sword. She glanced at John and nodded her head; time to move. John rose over the crates they were hiding behind and started firing, letting her rush the attackers.
“Dragon, guide my blade!” she roared.
Domino rolled down the length of her sword and set it ablaze. The goons stared in horror as she advanced on them, her blade held parallel to the ground and Domino blazing down its length. They scrambled to get away, but she leapt into their midst without thinking twice; there was no time to think and plan, she could only act. Her blade cut through meat and bone, Domino roaring her fury in Miyu’s ears. In less than five minutes, the goons were dead and her blade was dripping blood onto the ground.
She flipped the blade around and cleaned it quickly before it could rust the steel. When she was satisfied that the blade was clean, she sheathed it. While the others were slowly approaching, she searched the goons’ pockets for the car keys.
“Three cars,” she said as she tossed the keys to the soldiers. “Saddle up.”
John led the convoy out of Tokyo and towards Hanamura. It was the first time he had ever seen the Dragonblade used against another human being and he was more than a little unsettled. Miyu had reduced the men to bloody piles of gore in a matter of minutes. What could the rest of the Shimadas do with their impossibly powerful guardians?
“Front gates,” Miyu said and pointed through the windshield. “Almost home.”
“Lot of people standing guard,” he noted as he watched the men on the walls glare down at them.
“Part of the rival gang,” she shook her head. “We’re driving their cars though. We should be alright for now. They have no reason to suspect anything.”
John nodded his head as he drove into the village. Joel and Laura followed in the cars behind him, each one stuffed with soldiers. It wasn’t the safest mode of transportation, but it was the only way to get everyone there. A small sacrifice to get his team where they needed to be.
They parked the cars in an underground garage and started the trek to Shimada Castle. Miyu scouted ahead, doubling back to let them know if they needed to take an alternative path. She returned at one point with two men in tow, introducing them as members of her household’s guard. John wasn’t sure what to think of them, but anything was better than the people they were fighting.
He heard the shouts before they reached the main gates. Without stopping, he sprinted forward and pressed his gun against his shoulder, firing into the crowd of men trying to get at the gate with the swirling dragons. They scattered with shouts and the rest of his soldiers charged forward, driving the yakuza goons back.
Miyu shouted something at the gates and one of the doors cracked open. A young man appeared between the doors and motioned frantically for them to approach. John whistled and they hurried forward, slipping through the crack before the enemy could regroup. John counted his soldiers before he looked pointedly at Miyu.
She spoke quickly with the guard and he immediately spun to start bowing repeatedly to John. He spoke rapidly in Japanese before switching to English to thank him. His accent was thick; he clearly wasn’t used to speaking the language even though he knew enough words to communicate. John nodded his head before Miyu gestured for John and Joel to follow her.
They strode away from the gate towards the castle looming behind them. Joel whistled loudly at the sight, grinning as he tipped his hat back.
“Now that’s a sight I never thought I’d see again,” he sighed happily. “Haven’t been here since I was young. Lots changed.”
“As things always do,” Miyu chuckled. “Please show your respect, Joel. This is my cousin’s home and he will not take kindly to insults however good natured they are.”
“I’ll be on my best behaviour,” Joel promised.
They walked up into the shrine and Miyu immediately knelt down to scoop an excited child into her arms. The child squealed and thrashed in her arms, grinning widely as they babbled away in Japanese. Miyu covered the child’s cheeks in kisses before she set them on her hip.
“Hello, cousin,” she greeted with a small bow of her head. “I brought help.”
“Miyu,” a regal man in his late twenties rose to his feet and rested the infant he was carrying against his shoulder.
John swallowed slowly as he gazed at the man. Daiki Shimada was about five foot eight inches with black hair that reached past his shoulders and was tied back with a golden ribbon. His cheekbones were sharp and set high on his face, giving him a slightly feminine appearance to balance out the strong jaw. He had a modest goatee growing on his chin, but he kept the rest immaculately shaved. His eyes were a dark, dark brown, the kind that John used to love getting lost in, but he was too old for that now.
“Shimada Daiki,” John bowed his head politely. “I hope you do not find our assistance as an insult to your ability to protect your family and your town.”
“I am aware of why you are here, Captain,” Daiki returned the bow. “I appreciate it greatly.”
Daiki called for someone to come collect the children and waited for them to be carried away before he let his calm expression drop. John wanted to reach out and pull the man into a hug; he looked so miserable and exhausted. Daiki shook his head and turned to face them.
“You came at a dire time, my friends,” he said softly. “It is not just one rival clan that plagues us, but two. They will stop at nothing to eradicate my people and my hands are tied. If I lash out, I could put the city in jeopardy. If I allow them to advance, my family is in danger. There is no safe course of action available to me and time is running out.”
John frowned and crossed his arms over his chest. “I’ll need schematics and roadmaps of the entire village,” he said. “As well as an idea of the force we’re dealing with and how many men you have at your disposal.”
Daiki narrowed his eyes. “You are quick to take command,” he said.
“That is what I do,” John shrugged a shoulder. “I’m here to help, Shimada-san.”
Daiki looked at him closely before he smiled. “Please, just call me Daiki,” he said. “Forgive me my hostility, Captain. I am simply…on edge.”
“No offence taken, Daiki,” John returned the smile. “Your boys are cute.”
“Hanzo and Genji are growing like weeds,” Daiki laughed. “They’ll be climbing over the walls before I know it and sneaking off to explore their domain. I…hope to live to see that day.”
“You will,” John promised. “Trust me.”
Daiki gave him a sweet smile and John’s insides melted. “I do, Captain. Thank you.”
MZ did his best not to react as Reyes let out a long sigh of frustration. His fingers moved methodically over the exposed flesh of his patient’s arm, sealing it up while spraying antibiotics over the wound. His patient’s face was pale from bloodloss, but they were watching him work with a fascinated expression.
“There,” MZ nodded his head as he knotted the end of the string and cut it. “It will take some time to heal properly, but the thread will dissolve while that happens. Try not to pick at it.”
“Can I have a lollipop?” the patient joked.
“Of course, one moment,” MZ chuckled. He walked over to his medical supply station and pulled a cherry lollipop out of the container. “Here you are.”
“Ooh, cherry; awesome!” the scout grinned. “You’re the best, M.”
“It’s only in his programming,” Reyes snapped. “Any surgeon could have done that.”
“Not on their own,” the scout glared at him and stuck the lollipop in their mouth. “And not without lots of sweating. Thanks again, M.”
“Take care of yourself, my friend,” MZ inclined his head. “As much as I enjoy the work, I do not like to see my comrades harmed.”
“Will do, boss,” the scout laughed as they hopped off of the medical table and strode out of the room.
MZ shook his head before he walked over to his sink and started sanitizing his hands. Reyes was growling behind him, not at all happy that he was under the command of an omnic. MZ was starting to think that he was never happy unless he was in charge of the situation. What a sad way to live ones life.
“Could you get started on cleaning the medical equipment?” MZ asked as he scrubbed his hands clean of blood.
“I’m not your bitch,” Reyes snapped.
MZ wished he had eyes like a human so that he could roll them. That was not at all what he was implying, Reyes. Why must you be so touchy?
“I was not implying that you were,” MZ said. “I merely asked you to help me clean my equipment as it will save me time for when the next patient comes in.”
“I know what you meant, omnic,” Reyes said. “I don’t appreciate you thinking that you can lord over me just because Golden Boy told you to.”
“Golden…? Oh, Captain Morrison,” MZ shook his head. “On the contrary; he did not give me permission to lord over you. Merely to keep you occupied while he is away.”
“I don’t need a babysitter,” Reyes snarled and took a step forward.
“Is that what I was implying, Reyes?” MZ asked as he straightened his back. He was not going to be intimidated by a man like Reyes. He’d spent too long cowering under their boots in Cairo. He would not do so again with his new freedom so fresh before him. “You are looking for an excuse to be angry. It is not healthy.”
“What the fuck does an omnic know about being healthy?” Reyes sneered. “You’re just a bucket of bolts.”
“And you are a mass of cells that somehow gained sentience,” MZ replied. “Very comparable. If you do not wish to help me, go speak with Dr. Lindholm. I’m sure he’ll have something much more fitting to your tastes.”
He knew he shouldn’t have turned around and exposed his back, but he wanted to make it clear that the conversation was over. He grunted as he was grabbed and slammed against the wall. The muzzle of a gun was shoved under his jaw and his head was wrenched backwards.
“You think you’re so tough because you have Morrison in your back pocket,” Reyes snarled.
“You are misreading the situation, Reyes,” MZ said calmly. “Please, this is unnecessary.”
“Omnics can’t be trusted,” Reyes growled as he twisted the muzzle of the gun. “Who’s to say you aren’t….?”
“Why are you man-handling our medic?” Reinhardt’s voice boomed across the medical bay. “That is highly inappropriate!”
“Back off, kid,” Reyes snarled. “I’m putting this omnic in its place.”
“He is already in his place,” Reinhardt said as he walked over. He grinned widely and gestured around them. “After all, this is his medical bay! Now, you’re going to let him go, right?”
MZ felt Reyes growl and slowly started to twist. If he could just grab the man’s arm, he could render him incapacitated with the right amount of pressure to his nerves. Reinhardt, however, was much faster than he was.
He grabbed Reyes by the scruff of his neck and hauled him off of MZ as if he weighed nothing. He shoved him away, growling as he stood in front of MZ and brought himself up to his full height.
“Maybe I should use an order, ja?” he growled. “You will leave MZ alone.”
“You’re hardly more than a cadet; you can’t order me around,” Reyes snarled.
Reinhardt leaned forward and grinned. “What good are your words, Reyes, when I could snap your neck with one hand?” he asked. “You only go after MZ because you think he is weaker than you. I know your type. I will not allow an innocent life to be threatened like that, human or omnic.”
“Even after what the omnics did to your home?” Reyes sneered.
“MZ was not responsible for the destruction of my home,” Reinhardt snarled. “Nor were any of the innocent omnics. I will not fall into the same trap so many of my ancestors did of blaming those that did not harm me. Maybe you should do the same.”
MZ rested a hand on Reinhardt’s forearm and the young soldier turned to smile at him. Reyes turned without a word and stormed off. MZ didn’t care where he went so long as he stayed out of his medical bay.
“Thank you, Reinhardt,” MZ sighed. “I am grateful for your interference. I do not think I could have chased him off on my own. I am sorry that he tried to….”
“You do not have to apologize on his behalf, my friend,” Reinhardt chuckled. “I know that Reyes is a nasty piece of work. It doesn’t bother me.”
MZ inclined his head and sighed again. “Well, do you mind lending a hand? My equipment needs a great deal of cleaning.”
“Of course,” Reinhardt grinned widely.
“Thank you,” MZ bounced on his toes. “I appreciate it.”
He led the way over to the sink so that they could start cleaning all of his equipment.