[ Jack should just know by now that Reinhardt will always give him that support. Because honestly, that promise should have ended the second that Morrison had signed off on his retirement papers and told him to get his things and go. But even that, Reinhardt can forgive. Jack's hands had been tied. Neither of them had had a choice once the UN had passed that decision down. ]
My promises aren't like milk, Jack. They do not spoil and they do not age and they certainly do not expire. While you are right that I owe you nothing, I did not owe you when I made that promise either. It's not about owing anyone anything. It's about standing by a friend in need. You are a friend. You were in need. That's all I needed to know and I will continue for as long as I draw breath.
[ It hadn't seemed fair to make Reinhardt retire when Jack, Ana, and Gabriel had stayed on, but it's true that his hands had been tied. Just as they had so many times over his long career, to the point that he sometimes questions if he really accomplished anything with Overwatch. A new Crisis has started, Omnic relations are as tense as ever, and --
Well, that world is gone. Why is he still dwelling on it? ]
I guess my first mistake was thinking that I would be able to convince you of something after you made your mind up.
[ All he can do is try to take strength from Reinhardt, as he had back during the Crisis, during Overwatch. But it's like trying to wake up a sleeping limb, or to exercise an atrophied muscle. He doesn't remember how. ]
A lot of the pressure is off now that we're here, but I don't think I can return to Olympia any time soon.
This is indeed your first mistake. I will forgive you though. It's been a while for us. Longer for you than for me, I think. But I've not changed much. I'm still as stubborn as ever. I won't give up on you, no matter what. That's my decision.
[ He means it too. He'll be patient with Jack until he's used to him again. ]
I understand. I don't know yet where I will end up being once this all blows over. I might just stick with Ana or Lena for a bit, to keep them safe, but you do know I will come running if you call me.
[ "Thanks" doesn't seem like the right thing to say, not when Jack still isn't entirely comfortable with this sort of ironclad support. Then again, if Reinhardt was going to be disappointed or angry with him, the time for that has already passed and he's made his decision on how to feel about it. The least Jack can do is try to respect that. ]
I get the feeling Ana will be sticking around here too, but we'll see. If Lena does end up going back, I'd appreciate it if you could keep an eye on her.
[ It takes a moment for him to type. There's likely a lot he wants to say, but in the end, he decided to just go with the most simplified version of it. ]
I will do that for you, Jack. I'll be there for Lena. Just remember that I can be there for you as well.
....
Just promise me you'll look after Ana. I know she doesn't really need it, but I would feel better knowing that she's safe. That the both of you are safe. I just got you two back. I don't want to lose you again.
[ No matter what Jack might say or do, Reinhardt will always want to shield the rest of them from harm, whatever form that might come in. He won't let Jack get away with anything, that's for sure. It's hard to know how to feel about it, but it leaves him with a familiar kind of ache. ]
I know. I'll do everything in my power to keep her safe.
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My promises aren't like milk, Jack. They do not spoil and they do not age and they certainly do not expire. While you are right that I owe you nothing, I did not owe you when I made that promise either. It's not about owing anyone anything. It's about standing by a friend in need. You are a friend. You were in need. That's all I needed to know and I will continue for as long as I draw breath.
no subject
Well, that world is gone. Why is he still dwelling on it? ]
I guess my first mistake was thinking that I would be able to convince you of something after you made your mind up.
[ All he can do is try to take strength from Reinhardt, as he had back during the Crisis, during Overwatch. But it's like trying to wake up a sleeping limb, or to exercise an atrophied muscle. He doesn't remember how. ]
A lot of the pressure is off now that we're here, but I don't think I can return to Olympia any time soon.
[ You know, fair warning. ]
no subject
[ He means it too. He'll be patient with Jack until he's used to him again. ]
I understand. I don't know yet where I will end up being once this all blows over. I might just stick with Ana or Lena for a bit, to keep them safe, but you do know I will come running if you call me.
no subject
[ "Thanks" doesn't seem like the right thing to say, not when Jack still isn't entirely comfortable with this sort of ironclad support. Then again, if Reinhardt was going to be disappointed or angry with him, the time for that has already passed and he's made his decision on how to feel about it. The least Jack can do is try to respect that. ]
I get the feeling Ana will be sticking around here too, but we'll see. If Lena does end up going back, I'd appreciate it if you could keep an eye on her.
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I will do that for you, Jack. I'll be there for Lena. Just remember that I can be there for you as well.
....
Just promise me you'll look after Ana. I know she doesn't really need it, but I would feel better knowing that she's safe. That the both of you are safe. I just got you two back. I don't want to lose you again.
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I know. I'll do everything in my power to keep her safe.
[ He can promise that much. ]
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Thank you for that, Jack. I appreciate it. More than you know.