Chapter 20- Jack's P.O.V.

                                    

                                          
"Are we ready? Come on guys, pair up, or triple up... just find your assigned partner or partners. You all look great. Luisa, where are Luisa, Nic, and Moira?!" I was a bit panicked... nervous groom I guess. Could you blame me? This was all overwhelmingly fast.
"Relax Jack... they're coming." Bek assures me, her brown hair in a slightly messy updo, seafoam and light blue dress shimmering like the ocean, just as Gabe had wanted.
"What is ze order, Jack?" Reinhardt asked, Torb already on his shoulder. The two were wearing their suits, accented with the same light blue on the women's outfits. Ana laughed at the two of them before glancing at her daughter, also laughing happily with Angela.
"Umm... you three can go first, then... Fareeha and Angela, then McCree and Hope, then Bek and Genji, and Luisa, Nic, and Moira can bring up the rear."
"I think you're the last one technically, Jack." Fareeha teased.
"Yeah, don't forget yourself and leave Gabi at the altar!" Luisa's voice made us all turn. She, Nic, and Moira entered, all looking as good as all the rest.
"Never, Luisa... I would never." I smiled, "now let's get this show on the road. Are Gabe and Sojourn ready?"
Torb and Rein checked, the smaller giving me a thumbs up from up on his perch.
"All clear!"
"Then go ahead." I replied, my stomach full of butterflies. The music began and I watched as all my friends took their moments walking down the aisle. I almost choked up but I knew that I had to at least try to keep it together... for Gabe and everyone. I watched from behind the makeshift curtain as Gabe's she's brightened at all his friends' entrances.
"Thank you, Jack. You're a wonderful man and I couldn't be happier with the person that my little brother has chosen to be with." Luisa hugged me as the three waited to go.
"Thank you, Luisa..." I kissed her cheek.
"Come, it is our turn." Moira said, then walked both of Gabe's siblings gently down the aisle. I could tell just by the look on Gabe's face that he was getting emotional like me. He hugged both Nic and Luisa when they reached him, Luisa murmuring something to him. Moira put her hand on Gabe's shoulder and nodded at him before helping Nic and Luisa join Fareeha, Jesse, and Genji on Gabe's side. Then everyone stood, turning back to the curtain... waiting for me. I took in a deep breath, letting calmness wash over me. I was about to marry Gabe, the love of my life.
"Move your feet, Jack." I laughed at myself, pushing past the curtain. I locked eyes with my soon-to-be husband and all I could do was smile. When I reached him, Gabe took my hands in his, squeezing them tightly.
"Thank you..." he whispered.
"Hello all... thank you for coming to a very impromptu wedding that I don't think any of us had time to prepare for." Sojourn began, "I apologize in advance for a bit of a messy ceremony, as I haven't done this in years... but that's okay because it's not the words that matter, it's the love... the love not only between these two men but of everyone in this room. Love is a powerful thing and it gets us through the darkest of times. Whether it be the love of a friend, the love between a mother and a daughter, or of two people with feelings so strong that they choose to do just this and promise themselves to each other in front of many loved ones... love is always the same in one way. Love is strength. Now, I've been asked to keep this short and focus on basics so we're not gonna worry about all that God and holy stuff. We're here to see to it that these two amazing gentlemen, Gabriel Pedro Reyes and John Francis Morrison are bound by their love forever. Yes, I'm sorry boys... Luisa asked that I at least use your full names." Sojourn grinned at us and laughter came from everyone around us. Gabe even cracked a smile, shaking his head before leaning forward and pressing his forehead to mine.
"Now... did you two want to say any sort of vows...?" Sojourn asked. I pulled away from Gabe in surprise to look at her.
"Well, I-" But I didn't finish because I saw the glimmer of knowing in her eyes and I heard Gabe clear his throat.
"Eyes here, Jack." He gave a soft smile. "I've been thinking about what to say to you all day and honestly even longer because I think all of us here know that I'm not the best with my words. But dammit Jack. It's because you mean so much to me that my mind can't seem to wrap itself around it. I mean... I proposed to you by singing and dancing for God's sake. That's not like me as all, Luisa can tell you that."
"Oh my! How could I miss that?!" Luisa exclaimed and laughter came again.
"I have it on tape, don't worry... we planned for this. Torb?" Ana giggles from beside me. I glanced over at them just in time to see Torb got a button on some remote. A large screen came down behind us and the recording of Gabe's proposal began. Gabe put his head in his hands, acting all embarrassed as everyone laughed, clapped, and/or whistled. I was expecting it to end as I watched Gabe go down on one knee and propose to me but instead a voiceover from Ana started.
"How does one define love? I think... if you take the time to really think, you could come up with a million different answers. Yet, every time I see Gabriel and Jack together I can't help but smile and think: 'That... that is love.' So, I took the time to ask everyone who knows these two what their thoughts are on love and this relationship we see before us every day."
The video changed to pictures of candid moments between Gabe and I while the first voice to take over after Ana was Bek's.
"Oh gosh, what can I say about Gabriel and Jack. They saved my life years ago. They work so together and that kind of balance is what I aspire to have in my relationships, romantic or otherwise. They are more than just romantic partners, they're best friends... soulmates in every sense of the word. I know I haven't technically known them that long but I owe them everything and I am so happy for them. They are so amazing and a love that strong... just wow." Bek laughed, video of her speaking spliced between more pictures of Gabe and I.
"Aww man, Commander Reyes is a great boss but when it comes to Strike Commander Morrison, he's much more. They both have these tough outer shells, the making of good soldiers but with each other... any time you see the two of them, they're just totally different people, ya know? Happy, it's really cool." McCree was next, grinning at the camera.
"Hmm... love, yes. I suppose having the example of Commander Reyes and Strike Commander Morrison has helped show me what true, real love is. I hope to one day be as happy as they are... they helped me see that that kind of happiness is in fact possible." Genji's face flashed between the slideshow next, his very distinct voice making me smile with pride and he wasn't even my main soldier. I mean, they were all my soldiers... but I knew Gabe saw those kids like family, and... so did I. Glancing between him and Bek, seeing the two young soldiers smiling at each other, I knew we were all family. Their love and happiness hit me hard as I realized just what Genji has meant by his words. All of them actually... they were saying they looked up to us.
"Ohoh! Those two... I remember when Overwatch first began. Everyone knew the two American SEP soldiers, whether they knew their names or not. For quite a few months, Jack and Gabriel tried to keep their relationship quiet but everyone knew and we all thought they were adorable. Yeah, that's right boys, you weren't secretive enough! Thanks for telling us eventually though!" Torb cackled on screen, causing bursts of laughter from everyone around us.
"Oh yes, ze rushed wedding!" Came Rein, "Of you ask me, such a wedding fits zese two perfectly. Their love is... yes, strong. Zey are still together after so many years because of how hard zey have worked to maintain it. It is not easy to be in a romantic relationship as a soldier during ze war, right meine Liebe?"
"Oh Reinhardt, stop it. This is about Gabriel and Jack." Ana's embarrassed laugh came from behind the camera.
"Fine, fine but don't cut zat out." Rein's smiling face faded, replaced by Angela and Fareeha's faces.
"Oh my God, I'm sure everyone has said all the good stuff already, Mom." Fareeha said.
"Well, how about when Gabriel walked in on us, kissing? He and Jack were so kind to us and helped us become more... open and comfortable around the base." Angela put in. Fareeha nodded, looking at her girlfriend lovingly.
"Yeah, they're both so great. They have inspired me since I was a child. They're great soldiers and even greater men. I hope to become a soldier as great as them someday. And you of course, Mom."
"Fareeha." Ana's mother's voice came from behind the camera again. One more fade in and out and we were seeing Nic and Luisa. Gabe's sister smiled brightly.
"Oh... Jack is so lovely. My Gabi was a very Stone cold boy and as soon as I came here I felt that he had changed. I couldn't quite place my finger on it at first but I soon realized that he was I love. Now, I may have accidentally thought that he was in love with Bek but-"
"What? Bek, really?" Nic laughed, cutting Luisa off. She tapped her half-brother's arm.
"Oh hush, Nici, I was overjoyed when I learned the truth... and I may not have known Jack long but I can tell that the two of them make each other stronger."
"Yeah... I've only known them for a couple of days but they definitely radiate power when they're together. I can't wait to watch them get married. You take care of him, Jack!" Nic smiled. Luisa looked at the camera again.
"Ayy no, espera! Take good care of each other. Jacki... Gabi... always remember you are a team, never each other's enemy. Marriage isn't always easy but as long as you remember that it's you two v.s. a problem and not you two v.s. each other. I know you two will do just fine. I love you both... I came to your base with only one brother but I will be leaving with three." Luisa squeezed Nic in a hug. The clip faded completely and the screen rolled back up. It was only then that I realized that I was crying. I looked back to Gabe to see that he was too. I took his hand in mine and smiled.
"Oh come on, we can't both cry!"
"Yes you can!" Alex yelled, "also, I didn't have time to say my bit but I can be quick. You two are fucking adorable, let's do this!"
Everyone laughed once more and Gabe shot a playful glare at his youngest Blackwatch soldier before glancing back at Sojourn.
"Can I at least finish my vows first?"
"Oh hey, me too. I need to say something too." I exclaimed.
"Me first, Boy Scout." Gabe grinned, "I am only agree with what they all said. Jack, your love makes me stronger and I am so lucky to be able to call you mine. I know I'm quiet, broody, edgy... whatever else you or anyone else may call me... but from the day that I met that adorable little blonde mess of a soldier in the SEP... I know you'd change me in some way or another. I just never imagined you would get me to fall in love with you. Jack... you made me do things I would have never done without you otherwise... your fearlessness, also just the occasional recklessness... it made me realize exactly why I became a soldier... to fight for people's rights to live a life worth living... and for the longest time I didn't think I was worthy of such a life... a life of purpose, freedom, and love... but it was you... you, Jack Morrison, who showed me that I was deserving. I love you so much. They're all right... I am a different person when I'm with you and for a while I was scared of that person but now... I see that this person is the exact person I want to be as long as I get you by my side through it all..." Gabe said. I gave a strangled laugh of happiness, all my emotions overwhelming. I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand but then Bek gave me a tissue, as she had come fully prepared. I laughed once more at my crying self, smiling at her in thanks before turning back to my Gabe...
"Dammit Gabe, you're lucky I'm not wearing makeup..." I said to gain a laugh from everyone sniffling. "I don't want everyone to drown in tears but I still do have some things to say, so I'll try to make it funny and not completely sappy because for once, you beat me to it."
More laughter and a smirk from my fiancé as I gathered myself.
"Okay, I'll make it quick because I can't stand one more moment not being your husband. This is all overwhelmingly sweet, almost sickly and I'm sure so many of us are thinking 'Oh my God, so gay' and yeah, I know... but I am so glad I am." I snorted, receiving more laughs, "anyways, yes... everything they said and everything you said. I remember the day we met so clearly, even now. I ran into you... literally. You had me falling head over heels immediately and again, literally. I was extremely young and extremely gay, so getting the handsome Gabriel Reyes as my mentor definitely did not help me focus on my duty to our country. Gabe... you said I make you strong... I am the man I am today because of you. I... oh God, Gabe, you taught me so much and you still continue to do so now. We've been through so much together and you've saved my life countless times. When I first met you, I wanted nothing more than to make you proud and now, every time I look at you that is the word I can use to express how you make me feel... proud. I love you, every part of you and, Christ Gabe... of course you are deserving. I'm so, so honored to be the one in your life to be able to give you happiness and I can't wait to be that person for the rest of our lives... through war, loss, life, all the good and the bad." I said.
"Hey now, we're jumping ahead..." Sojourn smiled, then turned to Luisa, "But Luisa told me she had something to share with you after your vows."
"Yes, thank you Sergeant Rose. Nic, care to help?" She asked. The youngest of the Reyes family nodded and Moira helped him forward. She tried to offer a hand to Luisa as well but the oldest shook her head.
"No, I want- I can do this, thank you though, Dr. O'Deorain. Come Nic."
The three of them came and stood before us, a food of some sort of Luisa's hands.
"Now... to explain to everyone what this is, or rather, what it's meant to be... in our heritage, when two people are married, we use this sort of lasso as a symbol. It is usually more than just a rope but I think, considering  your theme and story that Jack told me, a rope with a sailor's knot is more fitting than it seems. Gabriel once saved Jack from drowning in the ocean after Jack had attempted to rescue another man. Jack told me it was after that when Gabe expresses his feelings for him... so, this rope goes around the couple's shoulders in a figure 8 shape to symbolize their unity as one... Nici, you can put this side on Gabriel first..." she handed Nic the rope gently. Moira helped him make his way over to Gabe.
"Kneel please..." Luisa smiled at us. Just then, Bek and Genji broke away from their sides, small wooden blocks in hand. They set the cushioned blocks down in front of us and I smiled at my fiancé as we both did as Luisa instructed. Moira assuaged Nic in gently placing the lasso around his older brother's shoulders. Then, Luisa took the other side, twisted it, and put it across my shoulders as well.
"May this bring luck and patience to you both..." Luisa said, followed by some words in Spanish, and then Alex and Jesse helped us stand back up.
"Thank you, Luisa... Nic." I said. Luisa smiled at us before nodding back to Sojourn.
"Alright, now... Jack. Do you take Gabriel as your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer? In all struggles and positive life events?" Sojourn asked. I dipped my head and smiled over at my fiancé.
"I do..."
"And Gabriel, do you take Jack to be your husband in all aforementioned states?" Our friend shot Gabe a knowing grin.
"I do..."
"Then by the power vested in me... I now pronounce you husbands! Go ahead and kiss each other!" Sojourn clapped, everyone joining in as Gabe and I turned to each other. There were cheers and bowls as we embraced, kissing passionately.
"I love you." Gabe murmured as we pulled apart.
My new husband...
"I love you, too... Mr. Reyes-Morrison?" I played with the name in a questioning tone. It felt right on my tongue.
"Aha, yeah sure... Mr. Morrison-Reyes." Gabe chuckled, kissing me once more. Those words felt even better in my ears.