Chapter Text
Reinhardt led you past the barracks and back to the individual, quarters style of apartments. You felt butterflies in your stomach at the thought of seeing Jesse again.
*He carried me?* You blush at the thought. *And I wasn't even awake for it?!*
You had a dream where he kissed you on the forehead too, but when you thought about it, it didn't feel like a dream. Your mind had no idea what was real anymore. Your whole life, you knew video games could never be real and it's characters fictional. And even though you've been hanging around this lifestyle for half a day now, you still couldn't wrap your head around it. Might as well go with the flow at this point.
Reinhardt led you past all the doors with names until you got towards the end of the hall to find roughly around fifteen unmarked ones.
"Spare rooms?" You ask Reinhardt.
"Yes, they're mainly used for storage nowadays." Reinhardt replies.
*Maybe they're for when new heroes are added to the game.* You wonder.
You both come up to the one with an open door and boxes stacked beside it in the hall. You hear the movement of boxes along with Gabe and Jesse playfully shouting at one another.
"Why in the hell do we still have half this crap?!" Gabe yells.
"You're a Commander, I should be askin' you!" Jesse hollers back.
"You're right, and since I'm a Commander, let's just throw all this crap out!" Gabe shouts again.
"Fine by me!" Jesse yells back with a chuckle.
*What in the world...?*
You and Reinhardt stand in the doorway and peer inside. A dusty and dark room full of boxes and other equipment. It had a similar layout to Gabe's apartment, but felt smaller with how cluttered the room was with boxes. You could see both Gabe and Jesse looking through different boxes and moving them into certain directions.
"Boy, this is worse than I remember..." Reinhardt says quietly while looking around the room while he steps inside. "What can I do to help Commander?"
"Ah, Reinhardt!" Gabe walks over to the two of you. "Where do I begin?" Gabe looks around with a tired smile. "How about moving these boxes to the next room across the hall?" As he points to a collection of boxes near the door. "As long as your body is up for it, that is."
"Never better Commander!" Reinhardt says with a hardy chuckle as he picks up the first few boxes with ease.
"Great!" Gabe replies with a smile.
You step off to the side so to not be in Reinhardt's way. You turn back to Gabe, who was now dressed more casually, looking more like Blackwatch Reyes.
"What can I do sir?" You ask Gabe. Your stomach suddenly growls as if to protest the thought of doing something other than eating.
Gabe laughs as he places his hand on your head and ruffles your hair. "You can find something to eat and relax, (Y/N)."
You hear the rustling of boxes towards the back of the room and remember that you haven't met with Jesse yet.
"Found it!" Jesse shouts. You hear some sort of switch being flipped.
Suddenly, the far back wall begins to move to flood the room with light. Just like in Gabe's room, this one also has one giant window for a wall. Jesse had found the switch to control the large, dusty curtain that had kept it covered. Even with all the boxes in the way, you could still see glimpses of the ocean that the apartment looked over.
"About time!" Gabe shouts back to Jesse. "Now at least I can see the crap I'm throwing out." He says turning back to you, to which you giggle.
"Now, about lunch..." Gabe says to you as he throws his arm around your shoulders. "I was thinking we head over to Rialto for some Italian." He says this as he starts to walk with you towards the door.
You then hear a box sliding across the floor behind you. A box then hits Gabe in the back of the knees, with enough force that he almost falls over. Gabe stops and looks back.
"Whoops. Sorry Boss." Jesse says sarcastically, shooting a glare at Gabe while leaning on his knee that was propped up on a box next to him.
"Alright, I get it." Gabe says with a smile. "You two go grab some lunch at the cafeteria while Reinhardt and I finish up here." He says, glancing at both of you.
"Much better." Jesse drawls with a smirk.
He walks between you and Gabe and grabs your hand as he walks by.
"Let's getcha fed." Jesse tells you as he leads you out the door.
"Try not to make her faint this time!" You hear Gabe holler as you head down the hall together.
Your cheeks turn red from embarrassment and butterflies fill your stomach as you glance down to see Jesse holding your hand. Jesse turns to you after hearing Gabe's words, reassuring himself that you would be alright this time. He looks at you with a smile, causing your cheeks to burn hotter.
Jesse leads you out of the barracks and towards the cafeteria. As you pass them by, many people stop and stare at the sight of the two of you. Jesse was now keeping his pace with yours while still holding hands as you walked side by side. Whispers were shared by people you passed.
*Does no one in this base have anything better to do?* You thought.
Your heart was racing and your cheeks still flushed. You would steal glances of him out of the corner of your eye as you walked together. You were still having a tough time believing that he was really here, holding your hand, and walking you to lunch. You could smell the sweet scent of cigar smoke from his clothes, along with the feeling of soft leather holding your hand.
*Wow...I'm certainly not dreaming, but I might as well should be...*
"How ya feelin'?" Jesse asks.
"Oh, I'm alright." You find the words to say. "Thank you for carrying me. I wasn't too heavy I hope." You say with a half smile.
"Not at all!" Jesse says with a chuckle. "And anytime (Y/N). I just wanna make sure yer alright." He smiles and lightly squeezes your hand.
You smile back, feeling like the butterflies were going to burst out of your stomach.
"So, do you have to go on any missions today?" You ask, to ignore your racing heart and butterflies.
"Nah, I'm free today since we went on that mission last night."
*Last night's mission? Is he talking about the match I played before I went to bed?*
"Are you talking about the one at Lijiang Tower?" You ask.
"That's the one." He responds. "I was worried that you had forgotten about it already." He chuckles lightly.
"Oh no, of course not!" You reply. "We were so close to winning that one!"
Jesse laughs lightly at your fiery response.
"Yea, we would've, if the enemy team hadn't gone with a triple tank comp." A female voice chimes in from behind the two of you.
You glance behind you to match a face with the familiar voice. Walking behind you is a very casual looking D.va, blowing bubble gum and texting on a very futuristic type of cell phone.
"D.va?!" You say surprised.
Hana looks up from her phone and giggles at your surprise.
"Hey (Y/N)! I heard a rumor that you were here." She says as picks up her pace to walk alongside you.
"Uh, yea..." You trail off, forgetting about your situation.
"Hana, I thought ya would be streamin' all day today?" Jesse jumps in.
"I am." She replies. "Just came by to pick up some more gamer fuel." She smiles.
The three of you walk through the main entrance of the cafeteria. You glance around at the large lunchroom filled with relaxed people, beautiful tables, and good looking food. Many amazing smells fill your nostrils and your stomach growls with excitement.
*Wow...this place never ceases to amaze me.*
"I'll catch you guys later," Hana speaks. "I need to get my fuel and get back to my stream. We should hang out and play some games later (Y/N)." She says with a smile.
"Yea, I'd really like that!" Your face lights up.
Hana gives both of you one last smile before disappearing into a crowd of hungry people.
"Alright, ya ready to eat?" Jesse asks, pulling you closer to him, as if not to lose you in the moving crowds.
"You bet!" You say with excitement.
Your arm now making contact with his, you notice how crowded it really was in here. Lunch time seems to be pretty popular.
"Hmmm..." Jesse ponders while looking around the lunchroom.
You notice that he's looking up towards an open second story of the cafeteria. It appears to be less crowded up there.
"Alright, come with me and try to stay close." Jesse tells you.
You blush and nod in response.
Jesse smiles and begins to push through the crowd of hungry people, keeping a light grip on your hand. You follow close behind until the crowd breaks up at the foot of the staircase leading to the second floor. Walking side by side now up the staircase, you can now see the cafeteria in its entirety. Full of the casual chatter and laid back poses.
Jesse leads you over to a large round table marked with the iconic logo and full of familiar characters.
"(Y/N)!" You hear Lena call out from the table.
Everyone sitting at the table is now looking over at you with surprise.
You look everyone over with equal surprise as you identify them in order around the table.
**Hanzo Shimada**
**Genji Shimada**
**Lena Oxton**
**Lucio Correia dos Santos**
**Fareeha Amari**
All of them appear to be dressed fairly casual but still easily recognizable. Genji looks like his usual self but has his faceplate removed and resting on the table in front of him. You look at each of them in awe.
Lena quickly blinks over to embrace you. "So happy to see that you're alright! I heard that you were in the medical ward a little longer than expected." She says, worried.
"Whoa, what happened?" Lucio speaks up.
"Oh, nothing major. I'm alright, really." You tell everyone with a slight smile.
Jesse walks you closer to the table and pulls out the empty chair beside Hanzo, ushering you to sit. You do so and feel the butterflies stir at the polite gesture.
"I'll let ya relax here while I go grab us some food." Jesse says, as he pushes your chair in. "What sounds good to eat?"
"Uh...I'm up for pretty much anything honestly."
"How bout a burger and some fries?" Jesse asks with a smile.
"That sounds great!" You respond with excitement, as your stomach chimes in as well.
"You're not really going to feed her such things if she's trying to recover, are you?" Hanzo turns back and quizzes Jesse.
"What, would ya prefer I find her some raw fish wrapped in seaweed instead?" Jesse responds, leaning forward over the back of your chair.
"At least bring back a healthy side dish with it." Hanzo replies slightly annoyed.
"Alright, got it." Jesse says before heading back down the stairs.
"Honestly..." Hanzo sighs and mumbles to himself.
"So (Y/N), how do those boots fit?" Fareeha asks.
"Great!" You reply. "Thank you so much!"
"Of course! Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you." Fareeha says with a smile.
"The same goes for any of us." Genji chimes in.
Everyone nods in agreement.
"Thank you so much everyone. That means a lot to me to hear." You smile shyly.
"How long will you be staying with us?" Lucio gives you an excited smile.
"Ummm,...I'm not quite sure yet..." You say glancing to Lena who returns your worried gaze.
"Hopefully long enough so that we can get some training done together." Genji says with enthusiasm.
Hanzo nods with Genji's statement while taking a sip of tea.
"I would really enjoy that." You tell them, thinking about practicing with their weapons.
"You should join us in a game of ball before you leave too." Lucio says, slinging his arms over Lena and Fareeha's shoulders.
"Agreed!" Lena says with excitement.
"Alright." You reply with a bright smile.
Shortly after, Jesse returns with two trays of food. Each carrying burgers, fries, and coleslaw. Jesse sets one down in front of you and takes the open seat beside you.
Hanzo looks over the tray of food in front of you and turns his attention over to Jesse. "Coleslaw? That's your idea of a healthy side dish?"
"It goes well with the burger." Jesse says as he pulls off his glove and picks up his burger.
You giggle at the two of them as you start to eat a few fries.
Lena suddenly jumps as her cell phone goes off in her pocket. Everyone looks to her as she stands up and walks away to take the call.
You bite into the juicy burger as casual conversation picks up amongst the rest of the table.
*Mmmm....so good!*
Everyone else was finishing up their meals or just relaxing around you. Discussing upcoming and past missions, a few of which you recognized as matches you'd played through with a few of them. Recalling special or fun moments during each mission and how they should prepare for future ones.
Jesse finishes up his burger and looks over at you. "How is it?" He asks.
"It's really good." You say shyly, wiping away some barbecue sauce that barely missed your mouth.
Jesse smiles and kicks back in his chair as he continues his fries.
Lena comes back to the table and walks over to the two of you.
"Hey Jesse, after you guys finish eating, do you think you guys could come by Jack's office?"
"Sure, was that him on the phone?" Jesse replies.
"Yea, he just got back from Dorado and wanted to go over a few things with both of you. Sounds like he wants to try and figure some things out." Lena says while resting a hand on your shoulder.
"Ok, we'll head over that way shorty." Jesse tells her.
"Great, I'll meet you there then." Lena smiles and blinks down the stairs.
Feeling nervous, you find yourself staring at the remainder of your food as you eat.
"Take yer time, we'll leave after you're done." Jesse tells you with a soft smile.
You nod with a returned smile.
*What does Jack want to discuss? Should I tell them that I'm not really from another base? That this is a video game to me?*
You nervously sort out your thoughts and prepare what to say as you finish your meal.
You push away the empty tray in front of you as you lay back in your chair and feel how full you are.
Jesse smiles over at your gesture. "Pretty good?" He asks.
"Yes, thank you." You reply with a soft smile, dreading on what was coming next.
"Glad to hear it." Jesse says as he sits up in his chair. "Well, how bout we pay the Commander a visit?"
"Oh, is that where you're going next?" Fareeha asks Jesse.
The rest of the table pauses their conversation and glances over at the two of you.
Jesse stands up and stacks your trays. "Yea, we'll have to catch up with ya guys later."
"Don't worry about your trays Jesse," Lucio speaks up. "I'll grab'em on my way out."
"Appreciate it." Jesse drawls as he helps you out of your chair.
"You take it easy." Hanzo tells you, Genji nodding in agreement beside him.
"I will, thank you." You smile back at everyone. "Hope to see you guys again soon." You say, wondering if this would be the last time you'd see them. You were unsure if this visit to Jack's office would fix everything that had happened.
***
Jesse leads you out of the cafeteria to start the long walk to Jack's office. You knew it must be some ways away since Jesse lit a cigar now that the two of you were outside. Feeling nervous, you didn't know what to talk about on the way there.
Jesse switched sides with you to keep his smoke out of your face and reached down to hold your hand as you walked. Feeling the old, but soft leather of his gloved hand. You smile at the feeling and the gesture of holding hands as you walked together. It seemed that you both had a silent mutual agreement that you wanted it this way.
You looked at the ground as you walked, attempting to calm your nerves. Jesse picked up on your behavior and gently rubbed his thumb over yours.
"You alright?" Jesse asks, cigar gritted between his teeth.
"Yea, just a little nervous." You reply.
"No worries, I'm with you." Jesse speaks softly.
Your cheeks grow warm once again. The two of you approach a large door bearing the name of the Commanders office. Jesse puts out his cigar as you take a deep breath before entering.
You enter the large circular office with a view of some training grounds behind it. The office was very clean and tidy, just as you pictured an army general would have.
A large desk was situated towards the back of the room. Placed in front of the large window that looked out across the training quarters below. The rest of the room was arranged with small sofas and trophies and awards lined the walls. Along with old portraits of different members and from old events. You looked them over in awe. Seeing pictures that you'd never seen before. Some were newspaper clippings that portrayed Overwatch for the heroes that they were.
Gabriel, who had been leaning against the desk and talking to Jack and Lena, looks up to you and Jesse strolling in.
"About time you two showed up." He says jokingly.
Gabe stands and walks over to both of you and stands beside Jesse.
"I was starting to think that you two had wondered off to somewhere...more private." He says with a smirk as he glances at your hands intertwined together.
Your face goes bright red once more as you pull away and take a few steps forward to stand in front of the desk where Jack was sitting.
You take a deep breath and recollect your thoughts before you speak.
"You wanted to see me Commander?"