thisavrou_log | ( open ) there's a road that follows to a home

Entry tags:

( open ) there's a road that follows to a home

Who: Angela & you!
When: The month of February and onward
Where: Region 2 farmlands, at her cottage
What: A permanent downtime log for house shenanigans!
Warnings: None, but I will update if anything comes along!

[ Angela's work schedule is a fairly clear-cut thing on the best of days. Three days working in Kauto's hospital, three days up on Chioni, and then two days off. Around the time of planet discovery and the initial burst of travels, she hovers around the Ingress Complex to assist any who may return injured, and she's otherwise on call across all three if emergencies required her skills. To say she isn't home terribly often is a fair enough assessment, but she still had plenty of downtime every evening, considering the longer days.

There's a key in the base of the lantern beside her front door, but not everyone knows about it— not even a handful from her own world. Those who do, however, know they have a free pass to her home whether she's there or no. A spare bed to crawl into, a couch to wait on, access to her stash of medical supplies (but seriously just call her for help). A kitchen to rummage through, now often with fresh-baked bread and a steady offering of apples off her trees on hand, as well as any leftovers in the fridge.

Eiger still accompanies her to work as a resident therapy dog, but he could be found around the property when she works her shifts on Chioni, access out the back door through the flap when he no longer feels like awaiting her return at the front. The cottage itself is on a hill and the back extends out on a bridge as an elongated sunroom, stretching out over the creek running through her property. The back door itself leads one to a winding path down through the copse of trees preceding her quaint little orchard of apple and walnut trees, surrounding a gazebo set up with a fire pit and the basics for cooking in warmer weather, hammock piled high in furs leftover from the Midway Hub's game— if anyone chose to visit and didn't have access to her house, this would be the ideal place to camp. (Just make sure to message her so she knows you're there! She'll come around once she's home to let you in.)

If she's home and not in the house, one would undoubtedly find her in that hammock with her work, fire crackling at hand and her cup of coffee long-since cold, Eiger curled up behind her legs. It's not the largest of places, but it's home, and there's blankets on near every surface— even the chairs in the kitchen. The creek is a relaxing babble, the creak of the water wheel partially powering her home, and if she's home, there's always a fire going if it's cold out and coffee going. ]

( ooc: This will be a permanent post for house stuff! I'll be posting monthly headers and any prompts relating to events or going-ons within to link from my toplevels, but I am 100% open to casual plotting or visits; just hit me up at

clegane or on discord (gauche#5968) and we can work something out! ♥ )

february ● march ● april ● may ● june ● july ● august

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Despite having every reason to sequester himself, heal on his own, and reject any further contact with basically anyone but Ana, Jack steels himself and accepts Angela's invitation to stay at her place while he recovers. He's skittish and vaguely uncomfortable, but he tells himself that this will be good for him--that they have catching up to do, and it turns out that her house is quiet and puts him at ease.

That much is evident by the fact that he's able to sleep. It's likely just because he's injured and needs to recover, but Jack is such an infamous insomniac that he's going to take what he can get, even if it's just naps on her sofa. He's a quiet housemate, not saying much, but he knows that Angela is giving him space and won't pry or push him into anything that isn't comfortable.

He's still feeling out just what 'comfortable' is.

One thing hasn't changed, however, and that's the fact that he doesn't quite like being cooped up. Once his injury starts to heal, he gets antsy, so when Angela offers to let him accompany her on one of the walks she takes, he accepts, standing from the sofa and moving to put his boots on.]

Is that for me?

[A rhetorical question. It's very clear the scarf is for him.]

[ Angela's home, of all places, should not be so surprisingly peaceful— hadn't she always been one to strive for comfort of others, even in a place as sterile and clinical as a military medbay? Her infirmary had been spotless but also draped in comforts; warm smells to cover the disinfectants, blankets to mask the pleather and steel tables, the best linens and pillows she could get her hands on. She has always done her best to present a cozy environment and the same holds true for her little cottage.

The fact that Jack was sleeping so easily in her presence and without spoke volumes. The first time he slept, he woke up to find her beside him. And if it wasn't her it was Eiger keeping watch, and he was never left alone in a strange new home. She cooks and cleans and orbits close enough to chat with him here and there, but largely, it's a quiet and easy friendship she seeks to strike back up. There's no need for much of anything here, with her. Let him find his bearings and know that he has a place of respite should he ever need it. Somewhere draped in thick blankets with a comfortable couch that smells of an old friend. Where his sleep is guarded, even offhand.

When she approaches with the scarf, she already knew what his answer would be upon prompting. He'd been roaming around more often, sleeping a little less as the energy built up in him with no outlet and no available range of motion to be exercising lest he rip his stitches, but it doesn't stop him from immediately rising to pull on his boots. ]

It just so happens to be for you. May I?

[ If he'll simply stay put where he's bent over to tie up his boots, she'll go right ahead and wind the scarf about his neck, leaving plenty of slack to build up and cover the bottom half of his face. ]

A bit more fresh air and this world's equivalent of moonlight will do you some good. But it is still very cold out.

[He looks up halfway through lacing his boots to find that she's depositing a scarf around his neck. It takes him a moment to even retaliate (he has to finish his boots first) but soon enough he's pulling it out of her hands and adjusting the way it winds around his neck. Jack seems less concerned with having his face exposed on something as simple as a walk around the farm, and when he's finished with the scarf, it rests loosely around his neck. as he stands.]

Cold doesn't bother me.

[Not that he won't go out sans coat, if that's what she's thinking. Jack is still moving a little gingerly thanks to his injury, but his accelerated healing has kicked in and it's clear it won't be much longer before he's fully recovered.

Which means he should probably enjoy this while it lasts. He doesn't expect his charade to last much longer, even asking Angela to keep his secret.

They bundle up and step outside together, and he takes in the cold air for a moment before calling for Eiger, who's eager to follow them out. ]

[ The perfect opportunity to attack, you see. She learned from the best. Angela only smiles when he's dislodging her hands to adjust it himself, baring his face once more only to find her nearly beaming. It's the little things, isn't it? Like him having the chance to obscure his face and choosing not to. If she truly wanted to be a pest she'd take his vulnerable position and sneak a congratulatory kiss into white hair. (She doesn't; you're welcome.) ]

You always have run warm; the metabolism helps, I'm sure. Meanwhile, my hands stay as cold as ever.

[ Another layer added and they're off, arm slipping through his to press against that very warmth he's been gifted with, trying to hide her amusement as he calls for Eiger to join— it hasn't been very long and he is healing nicely, yes, but he's settled right into her home, hasn't he? It's one of those little realizations that leaves your chest constricting, how well a missing piece fits back into the puzzle so easily. No matter if it's warped or frayed or the image has faded. Better than before, even, because when had Jack ever visited her home? Slept on her couch? Ate her cooking?

This touches on a friendship they'd never even quite had before, and she's just glad he's been resting and has been able to find comfort in what she could offer him. That he could relax at all.

Eiger comes at a gallop, nearly tall enough to brush Angela's hip as he passes close enough for his fur to skim her leggings and leave a streak of white and slate hairs before he circles, catching Jack's fingertips to careen around and bound off. Never too far, but he strays further from Angela than he ever used to when Jack is at her side. He's become trusted even by the dog. ]

We usually tour the perimeter before running a closer circuit, if you're up for them both. There's a bit of a hike closer to the house where the hill drops off to the creek, but otherwise it shouldn't be a strain. I keep thinking of a fence, eventually, but I don't know how necessary it'd be. No other animals besides Eiger, and he knows where he's allowed and where he isn't.

Honestly, I've never even kept a home much less a farm. I haven't the slightest idea what I should be doing.

[As soon as they're out the door, Jack is working Eiger into an excited frenzy, baiting him into a short chase that has them circling Angela a few times before he slows to a jog and lets the dog jump up on him. Maybe that's encouraging bad behavior, but they're outside on a walk and he's pretty sure Angela will forgive him the transgression. Jack's always had dogs growing up, and it's nice to have one around again. Now that Angela knows who he is, he doesn't have to hide any affection for Eiger.

Eiger is a good dog.

When he comes to a stop alongside Angela, she's talking about the walking route and Jack shoves his hands in his pockets, giving her his attention.]

Are you asking me for tips?

[Seeing as he is a Bonafide American Farmboy.]

[ It gets Angela to laugh openly even as she tries to eke out some flimsy warnings, telling him to be careful and murmuring schonend, schonend to Eiger so he doesn't jump too recklessly on Jack, shoulders shaking as her hands cover her mouth. It's only a few rounds and Eiger gives eager chase, tongue lolling out and eyes bright as he mouths gently at Jack's forearms, bumping against his legs as if to herd him back in against her side. Jack invites him to jump and the dog will with pleasure, big mitts splaying to land at his chest and trying to sneak kisses against a rough jaw if he can reach, tail wagging viciously.

He's a good boy; just as reassuring and patient as his owner, with a streak of concern a mile wide. Getting Jack to play with him is probably a dream come true.

Getting to see Jack in good humor is a blessing for her, as well. It's good to see him this way. The second his hands go in his pockets she's slipping her arm through his, matching his pace. Eiger continues his circles about them in a lackadaisical manner, wide arcs to sniff all the nearby trees and plants. For now it's a sandy packed path lined in rocks up to the main road, then she'll veer off to the side to walk the edges. ]

Well, I wouldn't be opposed if you had any. Thankfully the property only has a handful of fruit-bearing trees, and some walnut trees. It's not so hard to manage.

[ A generous few acres, plenty of other trees for privacy. The creek is her favorite, with the gazebo down by the edge. ]

Helps to have an extra hand.

[Jack knows how difficult it can be to manage tasks like that all by yourself. Even if it's only a few trees, that's still a good amount of work for one person. Lots of hauling that might be made easier by having someone around who can effortlessly lift substantial amounts of weight.

Maybe when he isn't recovering from being shanked, he'll volunteer. He's indirectly offering, anyway.

When she slips her arm around his, he doesn't object, matching her pace and making a concerted effort not to seem too jumpy. It's easier to concentrate on Eiger, so he watches the dog bound in wide circles around them, well-trained enough not to wander off.]

I've just got the bees for now. Might expand, depending.

[ The indirect mention already nets a smile from her as she settles back in at his side and they crunch their way down the lined path, watching Eiger make his rounds and sniff everything possible there is to sniff, ensuring nothing's changed since their last walk. She won't press anything else on him but her presence here, linked arms the most she'll push.

It's a lot for him, still, after six years of nothing. No one. He's still looking for shapes in the shadows and anticipating his proximity to danger, especially injured. Vulnerability never suited soldiers well, least of all those left with no reason to ordinarily worry. ]

It would, yes. I suppose I could pay some of the younger people I've met to work on it as well, now and then. Help keep the work manageable.

[ Wait a second, bees? Color her surprised! ]

Jack Morrison, beekeeper extraordinaire? That is a task. Did you have prior experience?

Never done it myself.

[His parents didn't exactly have an apiary, but he knew people who did, remembers being shown how it all works as a child. It all seems another lifetime ago, but the farm he and Ana chose has all the equipment, so he might as well take care of them and not pay rent in the process. He's sure he can figure it out.]

But I think I might be able to catch on.

[It's bees! They're mostly content to do their own thing, right?]

You should come over and meet them sometime.

[The bees.]

[ Is that the sort of thing one does for school trips in the midwest? Visit other farms to see how they work, where the specialties lie? She knows there are certainly college courses aimed at agriculture and development, prioritizing an interest in the archaic but staple art of producing food compared to what most children geared towards— doctors, firemen, astronauts. Angela had scarcely ever participated in school trips herself, always crunching to get school out of the way as quickly as possible. Always striving for more, faster.

It's nice to imagine, she thinks. ]

You've always been a problem solver. Smarter than you give yourself credit for, as well. I know you'll figure it out. I don't imagine there's much I could help with, but...

[ The offer's there. Her experience with animals largely begins and ends with those in a lab setting and the dogs used in military exercises, what few she's come across. She would try. ~~Do bees enjoy being sung to?~~ His invitation is quick on her heels and she smiles a little more, mis-stepping to bump against his arm gently. ]

I'd like that. Provided they won't sting me for absconding with a bit of honey.

[ They're almost at the main road now, about another ten seconds and it'll be in sight— she'll begin veering to the right, stepping over the short stacked curb of stones, following the border of the property. ]

They won't.

[Not if they're careful, and there are of course precautions they can take to mitigate the risk of being stung. Jack sort of thinks Angela might like it--or at least enjoys the thought of being able to show her something innocuous. Relaxing. Productive. He thinks he could probably stand to have a little more of that in his life, especially now that his secret is getting out.

He's trying not to get too comfortable, but it's far too easy to settle into something like this. Quiet walks around Angela's property aren't exactly something he imagined being able to do, but here they are.]

I'll show you how to do it without bothering them.

[ It's still easier for him to talk about anything other than himself, it seems. He glances over what she's said about him, and that's fair enough— she lets it drop as he moves on to talk about the farmland he'd picked up, and his thoughts aren't wrong. She'd enjoy it, even if only because it's Jack who's sharing it with her (at first; it'd take some getting used to, handling bees). Jack looking expectant as he shows her something and she follows instruction, seeing if she's enjoying it. They're both easy souls.

They clear the stones and settle into the tall grass tickling their calves, which Eiger soon seems fit to romp through, bounding like a deer and hunkering down low to hide within it, pouncing back out at them to peals of laughter from Angela, trying to muffle it behind her hand. Jack's gotten him riled now, so he sets about burning the energy as best he can. They take their time winding through the trees, her eyes scanning as far as she can see for any signs of required maintenance or anything needing dealing with. Fallen trees, broken sections of fence and the like.

So far so good. ]

Then I'll look forward to it. They've been all right with you gone...? They don't require any care?

[ It's been so good to see him relax, even in minuscule increments. Seeing him grow comfortable here with a simple walk, arm in arm. Like old friends. And that's what they are, after all, aren't they? Though she'd never walked at his side with their arms linked so casually. She can't even recall a time they've done it for cameras or galas, though she's sure it can't be the first. Not after all the conferences and events they've attended where she'd been hot on the heels of the commanders, Reinhardt always bringing up the rear. ]

[He smiles a little, though it's a bit half-hearted. Maybe sentimental is the world. It's easy to pretend he's a different person, Angela's arm looped through his. Even if they refrained from this kind of physical contact (it's largely unprofessional), this is familiar. Comfortable. He can't honestly object to it.]

Bees are pretty self-sufficient.

[Things Jack thought he'd never have to explain--but here he is, he supposes. It's not all bad. Strolling quietly along the edge of Angela's property, Eiger bounding through the grass, Angela laughing at the way he entertains himself. He's got the urge to bait the dog into a chase again, but figures it's probably not a good idea to risk aggravating his injury. Besides, it's nice to be at Angela's side.

Still, there's an itch that he doesn't think will go away. He can't keep his mind off his mission, how he's being barred from that as long as he has to wait here.]

Feels a bit too much like retirement, though.

[ It's a simple comfort, the warmth of someone else close to you. Having a link to them and knowing they're close at hand without any other senses— he didn't have to see her or listen for her footsteps to know she's there, and for now, that's all it had to be. Companionship. ]

That is true, I suppose. I can't say I know an awful lot about them, but most of it is waiting for them to build the honeycomb and collect, no? That would be easy to manage with other jobs about.

[ The dog is having enough fun on his own, occasionally picking up a pinecone to bring to Angela for her to throw, coming back with something else entirely, but she would absolutely scold him if he started running circles again— he needed to give his innards time to heal up, most of all. She much prefers him on her arm. ]

Well, we know someone in particular who has taken to his retirement with a renewed sense of meaning. It doesn't have to be all bad. Have I told you about Iraq? What I'd been doing?

That’s the idea.

[Bees are fairly part-time, all things considered. Leaves Jack plenty of room to take mercenary or security work—things that actually use his skills. He doesn’t think it will keep him from getting anxious and bored, but it’s better than nothing. Perhaps having Angela around will mitigate that, but he can’t help but feel as though he’s just settling.

That’s something he never expected to be able to do. He isn’t sure if he likes it, and, as always, it’s easier to talk about anything but himself.]

I kept tabs on you.

[He kept tabs on everyone he could, really, but Angela had been one of the easier ones, because she wasn’t trying to not be found.]

But why don’t you tell me about it?

[ Angela struggles with many of the same issues; she doesn't take to being idle well at all and she knows Jack is much the same, so she won't hesitate to ask him for assistance on any one task or another— it will help keep him busy and keep him afloat, and he can always just say "no" or "another time".

She'll get those feelings from him one at a time, as they progress, but for now... For now, it's only been a few days and she doesn't want to overwhelm him or cause him to retreat. It can wait. Usually someone admitting to keeping tabs on someone else would be an uneasy sort of feeling, but Angela only smiles and shakes her head, a silent of course sort of response. Yet he invites her to continue all the same, and she hugs his arm to her side once more. ]

I should have figured as much, really. My "retirement" came in the form of war relief efforts, which of course was readily available on the news. Applying my technology to fatal wounds or fresh damage, reconstructional surgery, advances in cybernetics and prosthetics allowing me to help restore people's functionality. Give them back their lives. It sent me all over the world again, but it hadn't been the same.

I was only able to keep in touch with a few of the other agents. Genji in particular— we exchanged letters. It was more difficult to track that way, since intermingling was so highly discouraged. I missed everyone terribly. I missed you. I've never felt I made as much of a difference on the world as I did in Overwatch. That's silly, isn't it? Giving people back their sight, their ability to walk— yet not being the same.

[Angela had been one of the easier agents to keep track of, showing up in the news every so often. Someone of her notoriety would find it hard-pressed to disappear completely, and even if she mostly flew under the radar, Jack knows what to look for. Her name in an article here, her research in a journal there--it was easy enough for him to keep an eye on her. She's done well, but then again, she's always had something outside of Overwatch. It likely wasn't as easy for everyone else.]

You were gonna find a way no matter what.

[She doesn't need to be part of an international peacekeeping operation to do what she does best. There's another pang of guilt that runs through him, for leaving them all.]

Overwatch or no Overwatch.

[ That's true enough; whereas her skills could be applied beyond the realm of their work, it wasn't so easy to displace a soldier who's known little enough beyond fighting. 'The world had no place for heroes', as they liked to claim. Torbjorn continued his work, Reinhardt had long-since returned to Germany, Lena to London, Winston remaining holed up at Gibraltar. One by one the watchpoints were shut down and locked up against further usage. It wasn't easy, no, but they had all survived just fine. No one ended up on the street. ]

You're not wrong, but it was no less difficult. I missed having someone to butt heads with, you know.

[ The company had been the most important part. Overwatch meant comrades. Camaraderie. A vast array of skills and brilliant minds to pit against and make a meteoric impact. There had been red tape layered thick around them in those last few years, but it was incomparable to anything else. She could only do so much on her own. ]

So who else have you met here? Beyond the agents. You were rooming with Ahab on the Moira, weren't you?

Well, you can argue with me all you want.

[Now that he’s back. He recalls it with a bit of fondness, even though he knows that their disagreements were often about matters of life or death. In the end, however, it always solidified the fact that he made the right choice. Angela wasn’t just a yes man (or woman, as it were). She was always there, at his side, challenging him to live up to what Overwatch was supposed to be.

He’s missed it more than he realized, though he’s not terribly keen on her turning the conversation back around on him.]

Probably a lot of the same people you have. Ahab. Snake. You know Shepard?

[Surprise. They’re all military types.]

I'll try not to win all the time. Promise.

[ They were life or death, yes, and sometimes she felt as though she were trying to make him see the sky was blue instead of green right in front of him, but it had always been with good intentions. They never left being angry with one another. They could remain civil and still work together, still have one another's back. Professional, yes, but it was a working relationship all the same. He had always done what he could for her— for them all. Likewise, she tried to be a sturdy support for him, the conscience battling to be heard like boglights through the mist.

Angela believed in what he built and his potential, or she wouldn't have been there. It was that simple. Even if he lost sight of their original purpose. navigating the labyrinth of political etiquette.

When he follows her line of conversation and lists off names, she certainly isn't surprised. ]

I can't say I've met a Shepard, no. Ahab's been a dear friend in my time here. I met him the first day we arrived, you know. He ensured I made it back to my room. He's been wonderful. There's also been... Shiro, Arno, Ginko, Adrien— the other doctor, and little Frisk. More recently, after the ship crashed, there's also York and Kurt. You wouldn't miss Kurt if you've ever seen him.

[ He's blue! Surprise, most of hers are those in need of a bit of guidance. ]

I'll hold you to it.

[Even though he knows right now she's giving him some leeway as he heals. He imagines she's glad enough to have him back that she doesn't want to sour it with further argument. It's hard to bite down the feeling that he wants her to be angry with him, but a walk like this is too nice to want to give up. He'll allow himself to enjoy it, even though he knows he shouldn't.

He lets her go on--Angela is gregarious, of course, so it's no surprise she's made that many acquaintances. It's relieving, to know she has that network.]

Busy making a lot of friends, huh?

I'll uphold my end as I always have.

[ Reliably, so he knows he can lean back if he needs to and he won't fall. He's certainly correct, however, on his assumptions, and knows she won't press. Angela's in no rush to get the story out of him. He'd given her enough and she can await the rest. Likewise, she also knows he seeks punishment and retribution for things that were largely out of his hands or that he had done his best to save; hands digging a moat to protect a sand castle from the tide. It had only been a matter of time and there is only so much one man can do, no matter how strong he may be.

The fact that he can let himself enjoy this, here and now, is enough to satisfy her. She'll take what she can get and say 'thank you'. This is nice, and it's more than she could have dreamed possible just to have him. It's unlikely that feeling will fade any time soon. They take another turn to carry them lengthwise down the property, a solid few acres to traverse. Quite a while longer than the few minutes it took to span half the narrow width at least. ]

Many of us just sort of stumbled into one another, really. It shouldn't be a surprise military minds tend to gravitate to one another and settle into orbit, though. Not that I am much in the way of military. Just accustomed to the type, I suppose. And you're always the lone wolf.

[He nods along—because most of the people he’s become friendly acquaintances with are also military-types. It’s no secret that he’d gravitate towards them, because he’s been involved in some sort of military operation or another for the entirety of his adult life. It’s what he knows. What he’s familiar with, and he bets it’s what makes him so antsy trying to settle down on Thisavrou. Retirement doesn’t suit Jack, and he’s not sure it ever will, nice as it is to imagine sometimes.]

You’re military enough.

[Overwatch had been, at its core, a military operation. Peacekeeping force or not, the military aspect of it was difficult to get away from. Even Angela saw plenty of combat. It counts.

As for his tendency to lone wolf it, well, sure. Jack didn’t really have much in the way of companionship, post-death. Couldn’t keep it. Didn’t know Ana was still out there until fairly recently. Of course he was going to do it all alone.]

I’m trying to break that habit.

[As evidenced by his slow confessions to the rest of the ex-agents.]

[ The compliment is enough to leave her standing a little straighter, a bit of pride to hear the sentiment from Jack. Overwatch had always been open with her and any others who may not have had a military background, and trained alongside them just the same. It's nice to hear from him, that he still considers her such. ]

I'm glad you still think so; thank you.

[ It counts because he says it counts— most of her time had been done in a lab rather than on the field, but to know that her field work had been acceptable... Well. It means a lot coming from a hero. Angela bends to catch a pinecone Eiger brings her and lobs it again, much further this time— he has room to run once they've turned away from the road, slate fur blending into the shadows as he weaves between the trees.

They amble along just as easy, Angela's eyes down at their feet more often than not for fallen branches or dips in the ground. ]

It'll take time. There's no need to rush it or feel any obligation to do so; you've been through a lot, Jack. We can all be a little patient. I'm just glad you're letting me help.

[Jack is well aware of the impact his words have on people, and though he doesn’t always choose him carefully, it’s a thought that lingers in the back of his mind. He imagines she lends the same weight to the things he tells her as always, even if they’re far removed from their previous relationship.

He’s not sure how he feels about having so much weight, still, but he does his best to shove the thoughts out of his head and enjoy the moment. Despite the baggage, there’s no reason to pay attention to it in the immediate moment. They can just be Jack and Angela, and that means more to him than he thinks he can express to her.]

I know. Thank you, Angela.

[That much is sincere.]

This is nice.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject