flashbangrevolvcr:
That fixed a scowl on his face, an unacceptable answer that wouldn’t change what damage it dealt. He chewed at the raw spot on his lip, quickly breaking the old habit; her presence reminding him quick of the chiding he used to get about. But it didn’t fix his hesitance. “With all do respect, ma’am…I ain’t the one you shoulda told first. “
There was a jut in his jaw, looking something kin to a pout as he crossed his arms around his chest; silently weighing the severity of it all. Fareeha didn’t know. Jesse kept minimal tabs on her since things, thinking it best to keep his business separate from her’s as they grew distant and apart. Now he could only think of running to her, telling her Ana was alive. But that wasn’t his move to make. He knew better than to do that.
With a huff, he yanked the hat back on to his head, chewing on the inside of his mouth and made a solid march for her; his stature sized up much taller than their last meeting. Growth made him sharper and more definite, had she not known him as well as she did, it could even come off intimidating. But there was nothing intimidating of the way he grabbed her arm, drawing her close and catching her into the crook of his arms.
There was hurt, but it was better than letting it get the better of him. And with the recent news of the Founders all turning up alive, hanging onto them was all he had now. Good or bad. Jesse squeezed her into his arms; more afraid to let go now, afraid this wasn’t real and just another night terror to wake up from. But she was there, smelling of earth and spice, less stocky than he remembers. Age only wilted her body it seemed, but only by a margin.
The same woman who was his mentor all those years ago. A knot climbed his throat, face tucked against her shoulder with the cold hand pressed to her back. “Ain’t no sorry, Ana…I—’s good to have you back. Real good.”
The embrace had come as a surprise. A wonderful surprise. And for the longest of time, Ana stood still with her eye wide; speechless, hesitant, until finally she caved in to the itch of wanting to hug him back. Thin arms wrapped around Jesse, pulling herself closer against his warmth and although she still carried the heavy guilt for having left him--for having left her daughter and everyone in Overwatch--into believing that she was gone, for once, Ana desperately clung onto the hint of joy that momentarily welled up within her chest.
“Oh, Jesse,” she sighed out, her voice trembling despite her efforts and she could only hope that her fingers weren’t as she drew circles on the man’s back with her palm. “I’m sorry. I am very sorry for what I have made you go through, abni. It must have hurt. I’ve made you suffer. Truly, I am sorry.”
Even if what Jesse had just said was true, that he shouldn’t have been the first one to know, Ana was still grateful that it was him who had found out first. To her, he was like a son. And just like any mother, Ana spent many sleepless nights drowning with remorse for having faked her death. And just like any mother, she would spend those nights apologizing. To him, to Angela, to Fareeha and the others.
“You have grown into a wonderful man, McCree.” Leaving her voice to break at the sudden burst of emotions, she tightly shut her eyes to keep any hint of tears from falling, the hold around him only tightening as she pulled herself closer and closer. “I wish I was here, by your side to witness you change from your reckless self into what you are now,” there was a tone of humor in her voice, coupled with the rise of her shoulders from a quick chuckle, “but nonetheless, I am happy--I am proud. You have grown into a wonderful man.”
