Chapter Text
Get a load of this trainwreck,
His hair's a mess and he doesn't know who he is yet.
But little do we know,
The stars welcome him with open arms.
One month.
That was how long Genji remained in his holding cell in Overwatch’s base. That was how long members of Overwatch came to the med bay to keep him company, to help him remember his life before Talon corrupted him.
Everyone was pleased with the progress Genji had made, but they couldn’t help but feel like he would’ve been back to how they remembered him if they had Zenyatta’s help.
After contacting Zenyatta they found that he wouldn’t be able to come to the watchpoint for a little while due to being on a spiritual journey with his brother in an attempt to save humanity. Overwatch found that they would rather have Zenyatta try to work with Ramattra first and then come to Genji after.
One month had gone by and none of the members of Overwatch were able to get Genji to remove his helmet. They were hopeful that within a month he would start to trust them but Genji seemed to still be cautious around them, despite none of them ever threatening harm on him in any way.
Gabriel was the only person Genji would remove his helmet for but even that took time after revealing Talon’s deception, as well as his own lies. Yet, it seemed that Genji had a soft spot for Gabriel, one that existed before their time in Talon.
Lucio spent his time with Genji either listening to music or making new beats to his songs together. At first, Genji thought Lucio’s music was far too loud and he wasn’t afraid to say that, but over time he began feeling comfortable enough to recommend more bass or a twelfth electric guitar because eleven weren’t enough.
Genji would never say it out loud, but he loved the times when he and Lucio would sit back to back against the holographic-looking wall and listen to acoustic songs. Neither of them would say anything, but they didn’t seem to mind if the humming that echoed in the room from both males said anything.
Reinhardt was someone Genji had difficulty warming up to because he seemed to shout instead of speak, but he soon learned it was because he was easily excited like a puppy. Genji found himself slowly enjoying the times Reinhardt told his war stories and when the older male would ask to learn Japanese.
Genji had only recently opened up to Reinhardt but the older male was simply happy that the cyborg’s red lights didn’t flare as soon as he entered the room anymore. Now, Genji looked up at him and gave a meek wave with the request to hear something new from his glory days.
Hana was immediately intimidated by Genji, which surprised her since she was usually able to combat insults with pettiness. She found that she struggled to clap back when she knew Genji would be able to back up his threats, he would be able to kill her if he got out.
It took time but eventually she built up the confidence to ignore his hostility with the help of her games. She focused on her games and less on his words and over time Genji became interested in what she was playing. She felt a sense of pride when Genji was able to play some of the games without her having to explain them, proving that his memories were coming back.
Brigitte was someone Genji didn’t mind from the start. She had a confident yet cheerful aura surrounding her that Genji couldn’t help but admire in someone so young. She wasn’t afraid to sit down on the floor and talk to Genji like they were old friends reuniting after years of being apart.
Genji enjoyed hearing about her training routine and even gave advice on how to improve her technique and to get the most out of her workouts. Each time she implemented his changes she was eager to report back to him and how she felt like she was getting stronger. Genji would smile under his face plate every time and he had a feeling she knew.
Winston was either unphased or oblivious to Genji’s anger towards him because no matter what the cyborg said to him he just carried on with talking about the latest research he was doing or a book he started reading.
Eventually, Genji relented and even requested that Winston bring in his book so he could read it aloud to him. Over the month, Genji had even opened up to Winston about some recipes that involved peanut butter. Winston had heard about these recipes before from Genji but he still accepted them like it was the first time he heard about them.
Jack was the most uncomfortable for Genji to be around for some time. Jack made Genji feel like he was a disappointed father, and it brought back memories of Sojiro expressing displeasure with him. Genji would attempt to be aggressive when speaking to Jack to try to make him leave, but it always made him feel a heaviness in his chest for reasons he did not understand.
When the heaviness became too much to bear, he tried to remain silent. It wasn’t until Jack broke down and started crying that Genji realized that maybe he wasn’t the only one experiencing the same heaviness. Genji surprised himself when he comforted Jack, and he was amazed when it led to both of them opening up to each other, reminding him of the bond he shared with Gabriel.
Angela was heartbroken when the first thing Genji said to her when she entered the med bay was you did this to me. Genji might have been angry with his cybernetics in the beginning but he never directed that rage at her. Instead, he was frustrated but always grateful to her because he knew that the cybernetics meant he was alive.
Angela always needed a pep talk from her teammates before she went in to see Genji. She needed to be supported and to be reminded that Genji was going to try to say anything to hurt her but deep down he’s scared and he needs her. She would sit at her computer and tell Genji all about her studies and over time she learned to accept that any conversation they had was going to be started by him.
Lena had no idea how much her presence effected Genji for the better. Lena had a way of lighting up a room just by stepping into it and Genji had fallen victim to the sunshine and rainbows that seemed to follow her where ever she went. Genji fought against the happiness that Lena brought with her, but he was easily defeated.
When Lena came in, his body language immediately went from slumped and closed off to relaxed and eager. Lena was one of the only ones who made Genji feel like he had known her his entire life and that was extremely helpful when it came to recalling his memories, especially the ones they shared together.
It was no surprise to anyone when Genji threatened Hanzo’s life on the daily, even a month later. Genji always greeted Hanzo with a death threat but after a few weeks he eased into small talk and now they were beginning to test the waters of deep conversations of their past and present, as well as the cyborg saying anija with intent instead of it slipping out and regretting it after.
Hanzo was making baby steps and while it was hard to appreciate the improvement when he was by himself, it was easier to see it when he had Overwatch reminding him that any movement forward was still progress and deserved to be celebrated.
Cole was proud of his current relationship with Genji. He felt like they cruised through being strangers, strolled through friendship, and they were now tip toeing that line of becoming more than friends. Genji soon realized that there was no way to defend himself against Cole’s quick wit, his playful personality, or his endless pet names he used on him. Instead of trying to keep fighting a losing battle, Genji raised his white flag and surrendered to the cowboy.
The gunslinger knew that he was making headway with Genji when he would ask him to dance every day. He would greet Genji and then move into asking him to dance, which always resulted in a decline of the offer. He noticed improvements when Genji went from saying kindly fuck off to hard pass to not a chance to no, thank you to not really until finally he received not today, cowboy.
Cole’s only issues were that Genji still didn’t have any recollection of his name or their relationship. Genji was remembering their days together in Blackwatch, but there were always holes in his memories, and the holes were always in their relationship.
Genji had to admit that the people of Overwatch were starting to grow on him. He started off hating their existence with his entire being because of what Talon had drilled into him, but over time he was starting to see them in a different light.
Without Talon there to constantly pit him against Overwatch, he was able to think freely and to make his own conclusions about Overwatch and its members. He had seen them rush to go on missions and then Lucio or Angela would tend to anyone who got hurt, often forgetting Genji was there and openly discussing the damage Talon caused to one of Overwatch’s members.
Genji’s heart ached when Talon was mentioned. From what he could overhear, Talon was continuing with attacks on Overwatch’s other bases or buildings that aided them. Despite Talon being active, their intentions never made Genji feel like they were attacking Overwatch in order to find him.
Talon’s missions were more like strikes on Overwatch in order to make sure they didn’t have the means to fight back or help themselves medically. Never once did Genji feel like Talon was looking for him, and that hurt to know he didn’t mean as much to them as he thought he did.
Genji was broken out of his thoughts when Lena zipped into the room. He was about to greet her with an enthusiastic wave but he stopped when he saw tears pouring down her face.
“Lena?” Genji tried to get her attention but he felt conflicted. He had never seen her distraught like this and he wondered if he was the right one for her to run to. “I… what is going on?”
“Oh, Genji… I’m sorry I just…” Lena chuckled, wet and coated with sadness. She wore a sad smile, one that Genji didn’t think belonged on her face. “I’m so used to running to you when things get a little dicey… I didn’t mean to intrude on your alone time, love. I’ll just-“
“I can… I can help.” Genji sounded unsure but Lena decided to leave it be. The cyborg approached the holographic-looking wall and placed a metal hand against it. “I would like to help, if you feel comfortable sharing your burden with me.”
“You… you want to help?” Lena asked in disbelief.
“If you would let me.”
Lena felt fresh tears streaming down her face, but this time they were because she was elated. She used to go to Genji whenever she needed someone to talk to and her feet moved of their own accord, finding the cyborg like he was the finish line in a race. She was happy to know that even in Genji’s current state he wanted to support her, to be her best friend.
“I’d really like that, love.”
Genji sat down and motioned for Lena to do the same, “I… good, I am glad that I can lend a hand… or, well, an ear in this case.”
This Genji was shaky, almost like he was walking on eggshells because he was worried about saying the wrong thing. This Genji didn’t have the confidence that the one Lena knew had, but this Genji was trying his best and that’s all she could ever ask for.
She followed Genji’s silent instruction and grabbed a chair. She brought it over to the wall and sat down in front of Genji. Lena was a little higher than Genji but neither of them seemed to mind the height difference much.
“What is troubling you, Lena?”
“It’s relationship stuff…” Lena sniffed. “Things are a bit complicated between Emily and I these days.”
“Was today the tipping point?” He asked.
“Yeah, you could say that, love. I guess my job’s finally pushed her too far.” Lena sagged back in the chair, sighing.
“She worries about you.” Genji stated softly, causing Lena’s eyebrows to raise. “She has always worried for your safety.”
Lena’s smile widened as another memory seemed to come back to Genji. She remembered how Emily seemed to gravitate towards Genji whenever she was granted access to the base. Lena never knew the conversations they had in private, but it seemed that they had discussed her and their relationship.
Lena decided to go with it, “I wish she wouldn’t worry so much. I’ve told her plenty of times that I’ve got everything under control.”
“If she did not worry then that would mean she does not care for you.” Genji tilted his head. “Would you prefer she not care?”
“Well, I didn’t say that, love!” Lena shook her head, chuckling.
“I’m just saying.” Genji shrugged, a playfulness in his tone that Lena loved. He grew more serious as he questioned, “How did your conversation with her end?”
“She said…” Lena choked back a sob. “She thinks we’d be better off taking a break for the time being.”
Genji sighed, asking “Do you think you two would be better off as strangers who pass on the streets?”
Lena vigorously shook her head, “Of course not! We’re better together than we are apart!”
“Have you shown her that lately?”
“Shown her?” Lena furrowed her brow. “What do you mean?”
Genji twiddled his thumbs in his lap, his voice soft, “Have you flown out to King’s Row to visit her as of late? Have you mailed her chocolates or a card to let her know you are thinking of her?”
Lena wanted to be happy that Genji knew the details of her relationship with Emily. She wanted to be happy that Genji remembered that Emily resided in King’s Row for the time being and that there was nothing she loved more than little acts of love like a card to let her know she’s being thought of.
She wanted to be happy for Genji, but all she could think about was how she had forgotten to do such simple acts to make Emily feel appreciated. She had put work ahead of her relationship and that was something she promised herself she wouldn’t do.
“I…” Lena bit her lip. “I haven’t done much of that lately.”
“She is not only worried about you but she is concerned that there is no place for her in your life as long as work remains your priority.” Genji determined, wishing that he could hold Lena’s hand to provide comfort.
“I knew she was scared that she could lose me…” Lena felt tears pricking at her eyes once more. She whimpered, “But I never thought that I could lose her.”
“It is not too late to change your course.” Genji pressed his hands on the wall, leaning in. “Changing the past will not help you now so focus on changing your future with Emily.”
“What do I do, Genji?”
“Go to her.” He smiled under his face plate as she nodded along with his words. “You are wasting time right now that could be spent showing her you love her.”
“Right!”
Genji chuckled as Lena bolted out of the room in a flash of blue. He felt light, as if being there for Lena was something he had always done and always took pride in doing. He had to admit that it felt good to make Lena smile again and to provide support in the form of a friend instead of a prisoner.
His hands slid from the wall and fell back into his lap. He looked down at his hands and sighed, a feeling of loneliness washing over him like waves crashing against the shore. He realized he never felt so alone until one of the members of Overwatch left him.
“One more thing!”
Genji would’ve flinched in surprise if he was a poor ninja. He looked up to see Lena smiling brightly at him.
She hugged the wall, whispering, “Thank you for being my best friend, Genji. I’d be lost without you.”
“Lena…” Genji couldn’t find it in him to feel stupid for returning the embrace against the wall. He smiled, “Your existence is a gift.”
“Thank you, love.” She pulled away with a smile.
Genji slipped back into his seated position on the floor. He shook his head at her but she could tell it was a motion of endearment.
“Fly safely, Lena.” Genji hummed. “I’ll be here waiting for you.”
Lena had heard those words before. The last time Genji said that to her he wasn’t there waiting for her. A stray tear made its journey down her face as she smiled at him, hoping that this time he’d be there when she came back for him.
“You better be.”
“Good morning, Genji.”
“Hello, Doctor Ziegler.”
This was the first time Genji returned her greeting so Angela couldn’t help but smile. Genji had been with them for almost two months at this point, confined within the holding cell. One time Angela had asked Genji if he would like to get out and move around but he refused.
She wondered if he felt more comfortable in his holding cell, knowing that he would always have a space for himself to have peace and quiet. She considered asking him about his choice to isolate himself when given the opportunity to move and grow accustomed to life in Overwatch, but she decided against it because she knew she wasn’t the one who could have conversations like that with him.
That was a conversation for someone like Lena or Cole, not her. Lena and Cole had by far the best relationships with Genji and she knew that she was at the lower end of the totem pole with Hanzo.
She couldn’t blame him for not trusting her, considering the web of lies Talon had tossed his way. She knew that Talon painted her out to be the bad guy, the one who turned Genji into a cyborg against his will.
Angela didn’t know what else she could do to make Genji believe that she wasn’t the person that Talon made her out to be. She could say she’s the one who saved him until she was blue in the face but it wouldn’t mean anything if Genji didn’t believe her.
“Doctor Ziegler.” Genji’s voice brought Angela out of her thoughts. She pulled herself out of her computer so she could face him as he spoke, “You are a very experienced doctor, are you not?”
Not sensing any malice in his voice, she answered with a smile, “Yes, I have much experience as a doctor.”
He nodded before asking another question, “And you are quite knowledgeable in cybernetics and designing them, correct?”
“That is correct.” She knit her eyebrows together in confusion, struggling to grasp what he was trying to get at. “Is there an issue with your cybernetics that you would like me to take a look at? With your permission I would like to help.”
“No, there is no issue.”
She nodded in return. She figured he must have been asking those questions to learn more about her and her knowledge as a doctor. The two of them sat in a slightly uncomfortable silence for a few minutes before Angela decided that if he had nothing else to say then she should continue with her studies.
Just as she was going to resume her work Genji questioned, “You are quite familiar with my cybernetic body, right?”
“I would say so, yes.” She tilted her head in confusion. “Is there something you’d like me to do for you, Genji?”
“You would do something for me?” Genji shook his head, chuckling softly. “Even though I have not been kind to you?”
“I understand why you’re wary of me, Genji, and I don’t hold that against you.” She wore a gentle smile on her face, one that Genji felt undeserving of. “I’d feel the same way about me if I were you.”
“You would?” Genji sounded genuinely surprised.
“I would, and I think anyone else would if they were in your shoes.” She stood up from her chair and walked over to the holding cell. “I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, Genji. I hope you know that.”
Genji avoided her kind eyes.
In these past two months Angela never came across as the unethical doctor that Moira made her out to be. Angela never tried to experiment on him when she came to him at night nor did she ever force him into conversations whether they were about how he was doing or how his cybernetics worked.
Angela gave him the respect and compassion he never thought he would see from her. Two months of analyzing Angela and recalling memories with her was all he needed to see to know that everything Talon tried to convince him of didn’t add up. This could only mean one thing.
Talon and Moira lied to him.
If Talon and Moira lied to him about Angela then maybe everything else Gabriel had told him was true. If his memories were anything to go by then he had his answer, Gabriel was telling the truth.
Angela’s eyes widened when she saw Genji reach his hands to the back of his head, pressing on the parts that would remove his helmet. He took a deep breath as he dragged his face plate away and held it in his hands.
Angela never thought that she would be the first one to see Genji without his helmet on but she wasn’t complaining. She felt tears stinging at her eyes as Genji’s coffee brown orbs stared back into hers. She had seen Genji’s scarred face many times before but after two long months of going without it she had almost forgotten how happy and carefree he looked when he smiled.
“I know that you would not do anything to hurt me, Angela.” Genji closed his eyes, smiling brighter than the sun. “You saved my life, after all.”
She couldn’t help but sink to her knees, clasping her hand over her mouth to muffle her sobs. Genji’s eyes were as wide as saucers, genuinely concerned for Angela. He dropped his helmet in favor of falling to his knees and placing his hands against the wall, desperately trying to be as close to her as he could.
“Angela? Are you alright?” His worried tone only made her sob louder. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing… nothing’s wrong, Genji.” Slowly, she averted her gaze from the ground and found Genji’s eyes. Despite tears streaming down her face, she was smiling. “I’m just… so happy.”
“You… you are sure you’re happy?” Genji sounded cautious.
“I’m happy because you remember me…” She crawled closer to the wall and placed her hands where his resided. “Don’t you?”
“I remember a kind smile, gentle hands, and your voice promising to save me.” He leaned in, placing his forehead against the wall. “I wish I could remember more but I am grateful for what has come back to me.”
“Me too, Genji.”
Finally, the silence they sat in was a comfortable one. They stayed there, pressed against the wall in an attempt to be as close to each other as possible. This still wasn’t the Genji that Angela remembered but he was pretty damn close to it.
Eventually, Angela quietly complained about her body not being comfortable on the ground for too long, which provoked a laugh from the cyborg.
“Are you ever going to tell me what you’d like me to do for you?” Angela crossed her arms, an all-knowing smile on her face.
“If it is not too much to ask…” Genji seemed to gulp, nervousness radiating off of him without his knowing. “Would you… would you be able to change the colors of my synthetic skin and armor?”
“You don’t like the black, grey, and red?”
“Those colors were never my choice nor do they feel like me.” Genji confessed.
“How about light brown for your synthetic skin, silver for your armor, and green for the lights?” She suggested, seeing if he would remember his previous appearance.
“No, that does not feel like me, either.”
“That’s alright.” She unfolded her arms and sent him a reassuring smile. “I’d be happy to change the colors of everything so that you feel like yourself again.”
“Will… will the cowboy still like me if I changed my colors?” There was a deep blush spreading across Genji’s face, as if he was a combination of anxious and embarrassed.
She was surprised by such a question. She knew that Cole was madly in love with Genji, even now, but what she didn’t know was that the cyborg was harboring a deep crush on the cowboy.
She knew that they were flirting with each other, but they had been like that even before their Blackwatch relationship. She had no idea that Genji was reciprocating Cole’s feelings and that he was starting to fall for him.
Angela smiled, thinking that it was absolutely precious that Genji was acting shy when it came to Cole. Genji was typically quite bashful when it came to their relationship but he was never nervous or worried about what Cole would think or say of him. The Genji she knew was confident in Cole’s feelings for him, but this one was a little apprehensive.
“I know that cowboy very well and I know that he doesn’t care about what color your synthetic skin or armor is.” She hummed. She poked at the wall right above Genji’s chest, “He just wants you to be happy.”
“Really?”
“Hasn’t he told you that happiness looks good on you?” She groaned when Genji giggled and shook his head. She huffed, playfully, “I’m going to have to teach that man how to treat you right!”
“Show him no mercy.”
She covered her mouth with her hand to try to stifle her laughter, but it flowed out of her far too fast and far too easily. Genji’s laughter was softer than hers, but she had always loved the sound of their laughter together, making one unique melody that no one could ever replicate.
Angela never thought that she would have a moment like this, nor did she think she would ever have her Genji back. She still didn’t have her Genji, but it felt good as hell to see his face and to laugh with him again.
“Now, what colors do you want?”
“Genji would like to see you, Cole.”
“Oh, he would, would he?” Cole had a shit eating grin on his face, one that provoked Angela to playfully swat at him. “You been hoardin’ him all day, Angie! You two must be finally gettin’ along.”
“We are.” A smile tugged at her face but then dwindled into a softer one. “He was with me for so long because he asked for me to perform a procedure on him.”
“Procedure?” Cole’s eyes widened, worry swimming in those whiskey colored eyes. “Is everythin’ alright? Is he hurt or-“
She placed a hand on his arm to calm him, “Genji is fine. The procedure was nothing life threatening, it was more so… cosmetic updates, I suppose.”
“Cosmetic updates?”
It was safe to say that Cole had no idea what she was referring to. Immediately, Cole thought about makeup when she mentioned cosmetics but he knew that wasn’t right. Cole shoved the thought of Angela giving Genji’s face plate a makeover out of his head.
“It’s getting late.” She looked out the window to watch the setting sun. “If you’re going to see him then you should do it now.”
“Will do, Angie.”
With a tip of his hat to thank Angela, he made his way to the med bay to see Genji. Cole never really felt like his days began until he saw Genji and today was no different.
He wondered what this cosmetic update Angela performed on Genji was. Endless possibilities floated around in Cole’s head from Genji requesting treatment to the scars on his face or to having Angela completely remove and repair both arms so that they could no longer turn into machine guns.
Cole nearly bumped into the door to the med bay, considering he was so lost in his thoughts. He shook his head and chuckled, leave it to Genji to make him overthink and almost walk into a door.
Cole could have never been prepared for what he saw when he opened the door. First of all, Genji wasn’t in his holding cell anymore. Instead, he was standing a few feet away from the door with his right hand nervously rubbing up and down his left elbow.
Second of all, Genji didn’t look like he did yesterday. Today, Genji’s synthetic skin was a light grey, his armor was white, and his lights were blue. He didn’t look like the Genji he saw yesterday, nor did he look like the Genji he used to know.
“So, what do you think, cowboy?”
“Boy howdy, you sure are gorgeous, darlin’.” Cole whistled, causing Genji to become a flustered mess in front of him. Cole couldn’t stop himself from gushing, “Damn, you sure are as pretty as a peach, pretty as a picture, the prettiest damn thing I ever did see.”
“You are too sweet, cowboy.” Genji avoided his gaze at all costs, a sign that he was far too flustered at Cole’s compliments. “And far too honest for your own good.”
“Honestly, I ain’t ever seen anyone as beautiful as you.”
“You must stop saying such things.” Genji squeaked.
“Ain’t no way in hell I could stop, not when you look that good all the time.” Cole resisted the urge to walk forward and run his hands all over his newly colored body. “Jeez, you’re somethin’ to see, angel.”
“I was nervous, at first.”
“Huh?” Cole scratched his head, visibly confused.
Genji finally found the courage to look at Cole, “I did not know if you would still be interested in me if I changed my colors.”
“You could be all the colors of the rainbow and I’d still think you’re breathtakin’, sweetheart.” Cole stated as if it was so simple, because it was.
Genji hummed, making a mental note to tell Angela that she was right. It seemed that she really did know Cole well, considering she knew that he wouldn’t give a damn what colors he wore because the cowboy would always find him attractive. It wasn’t about the colors, it was just about him and who he was.
“Don’t you have something to ask me, cowboy?” Genji asked, impatient yet playful.
“Somethin’ to ask you?” Cole squinted, as if he was trying to find the answer on Genji’s face plate. His eyes widened, like a lightbulb went off above his head. “I sure do have somethin’ to ask you, honey bee.”
Cole stepped forward and bowed, holding out his hand with a wide grin, “Genji… darlin’, would you do this cowboy the honor of dancin’ with me tonight?”
Cole had done this same song and dance with Genji for the past two months so he already knew the answer. Even with Genji’s new colors and his freedom from the holding cell he knew that there was no way in hell that he would say-
“Yes.”
“I know you ain’t wanna dance with me but-wait…” Cole’s eyes widened, realization dawning upon him. He felt Genji take his hand, bringing him back down to earth like he was the gravity that kept his feet on the ground. “What did you just say, sweet thing?”
“Yes, I will dance with you, cowboy.”
“You ain’t pullin’ my leg, are you?” A smile slowly etched itself onto Cole’s face. “You really wanna dance with this Southern gentleman tonight?”
“Is this not what you wanted?” Genji tilted his head, playfully taunting the older male. “You have me right where you want me yet you are in disbelief?”
Cole chuckled, “Darlin’ you’ve turned me down for two months so pardon me if I need a moment to grasp that you want to dance with me now.”
“Perhaps I should have taken Jack up on his offer to dance if you are going to keep me waiting.” Genji snickered.
“Morrison asked you to dance?!” Cole gawked. “That no good, lyin’, two faced son of a-“
“Insufferable cowboy.” Genji laughed, and it sounded so light and airy, so happy. Cole found himself swooning, falling for Genji all over again. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Ridiculously in love with you, Genji.”
Genji gasped, remembering a time when they said those same words to each other. He squeezed Cole’s hand, hoping that the cowboy understood the silent message he was trying to convey. Cole returned the gesture, letting Genji know that he understood.
“Shall we be off, cowboy?”
“We shall.”
Cole paraded Genji through the halls like they were on a runway and his best side was whichever side the cyborg was on. He would tip his hat to agents who passed them by, a cocky grin on his face when he saw some of them look Genji over once or twice but sigh when they realized he was spoken for by a smooth talking cowboy.
Genji released Cole’s hand in favor of clinging onto his arm, attempting to melt into his side. He couldn’t help but feel like this was natural, like this was where he was meant to be. He let out a love-filled sigh, staring at Cole like he was the one who didn’t just put the stars in the sky but hung the entire galaxy.
Genji was far too focused on Cole to notice the members of Overwatch making cat calls at him or suggestive comments at both of them. He tuned out the members who cheered for Cole or threatened him to be good to him. All that mattered to him was Cole and spending this perfect evening with him.
“After you, sweetheart.”
“Truly you are a Southern gentleman.” Genji hummed, patting Cole’s scruffy cheek before entering the aerobics room.
Genji was pleased to find the aerobics room empty. He admired the setting sun in the floor to ceiling windows. He walked towards the windows, his eyes watering at the sight of the colors of orange and pink shining and dancing on the crashing waves below. He had been in that holding cell so long he had almost forgotten how beautiful the world outside those four walls was.
He could hear Cole’s shuffling feet behind him, causing him to turn around. He looked around, noticing that the room had light colored hardwood floors and a wall of mirrors. He could see yoga mats organized on a rack near the door but he knew that they wouldn’t be using those tonight.
Cole was fiddling with his phone, cursing at it when it didn’t connect to the Bluetooth speakers in the room. Genji giggled, finding it rather endearing how perfect Cole was trying to make everything for their evening together.
It seemed like Cole had figured out the music situation, if his fist pump into the air and his whoop were anything to say about it. Genji shook his head with a smile, unable to stop himself from falling deeper for the cowboy.
Cole tucked his phone into his pocket and made his way over to Genji. He was about to ask if he could touch the cyborg when Genji surprised him.
“Please, give me a moment before we begin.”
“What are you…”
Cole’s words died down in his throat as he watched Genji raise his hands to the back of his head to remove his helmet. Cole could hear the familiar sound of hissing as air pressure was reduced and the clicking of soft spots that only he, Angela, and Genji knew about.
“Now, you ain’t gotta do all that for-“
“I want to.” Genji interrupted with a soft voice, like a delicate finger being placed on Cole’s lips to politely silence him.
It had been two long months since Cole had been blessed with the sight of Genji’s face. He felt his heart thumping in his chest, reminding him of how enamored he was when he first saw Genji.
His eyes followed each scar like a treasure map until he found the diamonds that he called Genji’s eyes. Genji’s warm chocolate eyes seemed to sparkle and shine like stars in the night sky, nearly making Cole have to catch his breath.
Cole smiled as he reached his hands to carefully cradle Genji’s face. Genji seemed to lean into the touch, closing his eyes and melting into the flesh and metal hands that held him like he was something precious. Cole had almost forgotten how smooth Genji’s porcelain skin was, despite the scars adding a few grooves here and there depending on how deep they were.
He traced a few scars with his flesh hand, chasing one that cut through Genji’s left eyebrow. He smoothed his thumb over the broken eyebrow, smiling at how Genji seemed to giggle at the action. Cole moved his hands back to Genji’s cheeks and resisted the urge to kiss him senseless.
“You’re beautiful, Genji… so damn beautiful.”
“Thank you, cowboy.” Genji was glowing, making the sunset pale in comparison to him. “Now, shall we dance?”
“Follow my lead until you remember the steps.”
Genji was going to ask what Cole meant by that but he was rendered speechless by the cowboy taking his face plate and tossing it to the side so he could place a hand on his hip. Genji blushed at the large metal hand on his hip and it only intensified when Cole’s flesh hand found his left one.
With an encouraging smile from the cowboy, Genji raised his free hand to rest on Cole’s shoulder. Cole seemed to beam at the action, making Genji feel like that was the right thing to do.
“Athena, play our song, will you?”
Genji was about to ask what their song was but a guitar began to echo through the room. He didn’t understand why that song felt so familiar to him nor did he understand why his body began to move in time with Cole, swaying back and forth together in perfect sync.
Genji felt like something out of a fifties movie with the way they swayed together slowly, like he was the one that Cole bravely walked across the ballroom for just to ask him to dance. Genji felt secure with Cole’s metal hand on his hip and he felt at ease with a flesh hand warming up his.
He didn’t understand how he knew where to move. He had heard of something like this happening before to people who lost their memories or hadn’t done something in a while. Their mind might be foggy on if or when they did something but their body remembered for them without missing a beat, muscle memory.
If this was muscle memory then Genji wondered just how many times he and Cole had listened to this same song and repeated the same dance. Genji didn’t have the answer, but he wouldn’t mind dancing to their song many more times in the future.
Genji made a surprised noise when the chorus came on and their movements picked up the pace. They weren’t moving inherently fast, but it was enough for Genji to realize that swaying wasn’t going to cut it.
Instead, they both fell into a rhythm of moving once to the right and once to the left, reciting the movements until they were dancing around the room. Genji found himself smiling when Cole twirled him around as the chorus neared its end.
Cole spun Genji towards him and dipped him low, fighting the urge to place a kiss to his neck like he had done so many times before. He wanted to kiss Genji with every fiber of his being but he knew that he couldn’t.
If they were to ever kiss it was going to be because Genji wanted it, not him. This had to be Genji’s choice and he didn’t want to deter him from whatever path he was walking.
Cole easily lifted Genji back up and they resumed their swaying, their bodies pressed against each other closer than before. Cole smiled down at Genji, his heart pounding at the sight of pure adoration swimming in those chocolate orbs.
Feeling courageous, Genji dared to lean his head against Cole’s chest, smiling when he heard the wild heart beating in his chest. While Genji thought that the woman singing right now was lovely, she couldn’t compare to the sound of Cole’s heartbeat.
Genji felt tears stinging at his eyes when Cole whispered lyrics of the song into his hair, “I would rather die than let you go.”
“Juliet to your Romeo.” The lyrics slipped past Genji’s lips before he could stop them, causing Cole to gasp.
They stumbled into the chorus, both of them laughing as they attempted to move in time with the music again. Their eyes were locked as they danced, refusing to tear themselves away from one another, just as inseparable as they’ve always been.
As the music played and they continued to dance, Genji couldn’t help but feel like he was falling hard for the cowboy. He didn’t even know this man’s name and here he was falling for him like he would do it again in every life after this one no matter who they were. If he could fall for a man whose name he didn’t know then he felt like what they had was true love, something that fairytales only dreamed of capturing.
As the chorus returned to them, Cole began to sing the lyrics under his breath while Genji hummed along. Cole had to blink tears back at the thought of Genji remembering their song and their dance. He couldn’t help but feel like he was one step closer towards Genji remembering him.
“Are you ready, darlin’?”
“Ready for-“
Genji yelped in surprise when Cole moved his hands so he was carrying the cyborg bridal style. Genji’s hands moved on their own, one wrapping around Cole’s shoulders and the other gracefully extended while the cowboy spun them around. Genji threw his head back and kicked out one of his legs, and that must have been the right thing to do because it made Cole’s smile widen.
Carefully, always carefully when it came to Genji, Cole placed him back on his feet. As the guitar played the last few notes, Cole’s hands found their home on Genji’s hips and cool metal hands moved with purpose, finding the cowboy’s sun kissed cheeks and some of his beard.
The song was done but neither of them commented on the matter. Instead, they were far too concerned with staring into each other’s eyes, chocolate colored ones gazing lovingly into whiskey orbs.
Cole was fighting back every instinct that was screaming at him to kiss Genji. Instead, he focused on the way Genji’s eyes seemed to be glistening with unshed tears. He was about to ask what was wrong until he felt a pair of warm lips on his own, ones that he hadn’t felt in two months.
Genji had kissed him.
Their lips slotted together like puzzle pieces, moving to a different kind of dance. Cole immediately shut his eyes, contently sighing into the kiss. Genji’s eyes slowly fluttered until they closed, feeling an overwhelming wave of love washing over him and bringing him back home.
Love wasn’t the only thing that came to him, as his memories seemed to flash before his eyes like an old timey movie. These memories came back to him slowly and then all at once.
He remembered his childhood with Hanzo, always chasing after him and wanting to walk by his side forever. He could remember how Hanzo was forced to kill him, and how he let his brother win so he wouldn’t dishonor the clan.
Genji recalled how Overwatch came to his aid and how he had allowed Angela do whatever she needed to in order to save his life. He remembered those exhausting and frustrating months he spent with Angela learning how to walk and adjust to his life as a cyborg.
He remembered how angry he was when he joined Blackwatch and how he would snap at the first person who looked at him too long. He recalled the blood that covered his metal body after each mission, some of which belonged to him and some was from his enemies that he cut down.
He reminisced on the late nights he shared with Gabriel and their trusty bottle of whiskey. He could feel the love in those memories, the ones where they held each other and expressed how much they meant to one another.
Genji remembered all the times he pushed Cole away, only for the cowboy to bounce right back to him. He recalled how much he made Cole chase him and how it felt amazing that night he finally let go and shared a kiss with the cowboy underneath a sea of stars.
Genji remembered how Blackwatch fell and how he went with Overwatch to try to make something of his new life. He remembered the upgrades to his body, ones that led to his remaining flesh arm to be removed and replaced because he had been too careless on a mission.
He was reminded of Gabriel encouraging him to leave with Cole when Overwatch fell apart, and he remembered the way he listened. Cole stole him away and the two of them travelled all around the world together.
He remembered how their travels led them to the Shambali monastery where he encountered Zenyatta. It was there that he found peace with his body and with his past. It was once he healed that he made the decision to find Hanzo, thus allowing Cole to have the time to tighten any loose ends with the Deadlock gang.
Genji was reminded of his meeting with Hanzo and how they battled one another just like they had ten years ago. He recalled how he had the opportunity to kill Hanzo but instead he chose peace. He chose to forgive Hanzo and to offer him the chance of a lifetime at a new life, one that included his little brother.
Genji remembered accepting the recall and journeying across the world to Gibraltar with Hanzo at his side. It was there that he was reunited with not only Cole, but with everyone he couldn’t appreciate when he was in Blackwatch because he was far too angry.
An almost unbearable amount of love was consuming him as he remembered the way it felt to be in Cole’s arms after being apart for so long. He felt his heart pounding as he remembered how it felt to be loved by Cole, by the one person who never stopped looking at him like he was someone special, like he was someone worthy of being loved.
Slowly they pulled away, but it was Cole’s voice that brought him out of his thoughts, “Genji… darlin’, is everything alright?”
Genji hadn’t realized that he was crying until he blinked a few times like he was coming out of a trance. He could feel the tears all over his face, often not knowing where to travel once they reached a harsh scar so they dispersed and went everywhere.
Genji didn’t know where to begin. He had so much he wanted to say but there were only two words he could utter.
“Cole Cassidy.”
Cole’s eyes widened and his jaw dropped. Cole wasn’t a man one could typically render speechless but he couldn’t find the words after Genji said his name. He went two months thinking he’d never hear his name falling from Genji’s lips but now that moment happened and he didn’t know what to do with this information.
“That’s me.” Was Cole’s intelligent response.
“My Cole Cassidy.” Genji smiled, one that was fond and too pretty for words in the cowboy’s opinion. “I have been gone a long time but thank you for not giving up on me.”
“Darlin’… do you remember me?” Cole asked carefully, trying not to get his hopes up in case only his name returned to him.
“I was lost for two months but you helped me find my way back.” Genji’s thumbs were smoothing circles on Cole’s cheeks. “You found me, Cole.”
Cole couldn’t help himself.
He wrapped his arms around Genji’s waist and held him as close as possible, savoring the feeling of having his lover this close to him. He felt hot tears streaming down his face as he peppered kisses all over Genji’s face, muttering sweet nothings and pet names in between each kiss.
Genji found himself laughing through his tears, soaking in all the love that Cole had to give him like they were rays of sunshine. Genji had felt so alone for so long but he didn’t feel that way now, not when he had a lovesick cowboy showering him in more love and affection than he felt like he deserved.
Eventually, Cole rested Genji back on his feet, giving his lover a sheepish smile for his actions. Genji shook his head with a smile as both of them fretted over the other and wiped their tears away with their thumbs.
“I’ve missed you somethin’ fierce, sweet thing.” Cole held Genji’s face in his large hands like he was glass, like he could forget him in the blink of an eye.
“I have missed you.” Genji felt like he could’ve melted under Cole’s gaze, and it just made him smile wider. “Do you know what the best part of this mess was?”
“I’d like to hear what you think was good about all this.” Cole huffed, a mixture of playful and curious.
“Isn’t it obvious?” Genji closed his eyes and smiled. “I got to fall in love with you all over again.”
And just like that Cole was crying again. He was smiling, nodding his head because he hadn’t truly grasped that he was making Genji fall for him all over again. He knew that’s what he was doing, but it hit different when Genji said it.
Once Genji kissed the tears away, Cole was able to find his words, “Is it just me you remember?”
“I remember everything and everyone.” Genji answered. He thought for a moment, his eyes nearly bulging out of his head, “Hanzo! I need to find him and let him know that I harbor no feelings of hatred for him and-“
“Woah! Hold your horses, darlin’!” Cole placed a finger on Genji’s lips to silence him. Genji’s mind was moving a mile a minute and Cole needed him to relax. “Take a deep breath with me, okay? We’ll get you to your brother, don’t you worry.”
“And papi! I have to-“
“You still call him papi?”
“Cole, he has done so much for me these past two months.” Genji’s eyes began to water at the thought of the sacrifices Gabriel made for him, as well as the love he gave to him. “I think he has earned the right to be papi again.”
“Well-“
“I need to find him!”
Cole cursed under his breath when Genji bolted out of his arms in a flash of blue, leaving his face plate behind. Cole snatched the face plate and began running out of the room to try to catch up to Genji.
Genji was running through the halls searching for familiar faces but all he found were agents who were far too new to even know who he was. None of these faces were ones that he was looking for.
“Papi!”
As if all it took was a yell of that name, Gabriel appeared behind Genji in a puff of black smoke. Genji skidded to a halt and slowly turned around, an attempt at calming his nerves so he could speak to the other male.
“Genji, what’s wrong?” Gabriel quickly began closing the distance, worry present in his tone that made Genji’s heart swell. “Where’s your face plate? What are you doing running-“
“I have missed you, papi.”
Gabriel froze in his tracks, whispering in disbelief, “Mijo? Is that you?”
Genji smiled and nodded, tears falling down his face once more. Gabriel barely had time to steady himself as Genji raced towards him and jumped into his arms. Genji draped his arms around Gabriel’s shoulders and gripped the black clothing tight while his legs wrapped around his middle.
Gabriel quickly grabbed a hold of Genji, securing the bundle in his arms. Genji buried his face in the crook of Gabriel’s neck and nuzzled him, dampening his clothes and whatever skin was there.
Gabriel squeezed the cyborg, his voice wet, “It’s good to have you back, mijo.”
“You stayed.”
“Only for you.” Gabriel chuckled, ignoring the tears pouring down his face. He repeated, softer, “Only for you.”
Genji slowly removed himself from Gabriel’s neck, asking, “Will you stay with me forever, papi? I cannot lose you again.”
“I’m not joining Overwatch.” Gabriel rolled his eyes. He sighed, a smile present in his voice, “But I’ll stay for you if you need me, kid.”
“I will always need you, papi.” Genji pressed his forehead against Gabriel’s mask, attempting to look into his eyes the best he could. “Thank you for caring for me… you have saved my life once again.”
“I’ve got you, kid.”
They would’ve stayed in their moment forever if they could, but the sound of footsteps coming towards them broke them out of it. Gabriel reluctantly released Genji from his arms but kept a hand firmly on his hip, ready to keep him safe if the situation called for it.
Gabriel’s grip loosened when he saw that Cole brought Hanzo with him, only telling the elder Shimada that Genji needed him and nothing more. Genji would have to tell Cole not to be so vague later.
Hanzo was genuinely shocked when he looked at Genji and could not only he see his little brother’s face, but there was no hatred in his eyes. Genji didn’t look at him and see the man who murdered him years ago. Instead, Genji looked at him and saw his beloved anija, his favorite person.
“Kon'nichiwa, anija.” Gabriel patted Genji’s hip, urging him to go to his brother. Genji’s smile was nearly blinding, and it was directed at his brother, “Watashi wa ima hontōni hōyō o tsukau koto ga dekimashita.*”
Hanzo’s arms spread out wide, “Anata wa sudeni watashi no ude ga anata no tame ni aiteiru koto o shitte imasu.*”
Genji was beaming as he sprinted to his brother. Before Genji launched himself at his brother, he could see a smile tugging at Hanzo’s face. Hanzo caught him without a problem, quickly encasing Genji in his arms like he was trying to become a cocoon of safety and love.
Hanzo shoved his face in the crook of Genji’s neck, pressing kiss upon kiss to each cable he could find and any metal he could get his lips on. He never thought he would be able to be this close to Genji again so he made sure he was making the most of this moment in case this was his mind playing a dirty trick on him.
Genji moved his head back to give his brother more access, knowing that Hanzo needed this physical affirmation more than him. Hanzo’s affection was frantic yet sincere, as if he was worried that this moment and Genji could be taken from him in seconds.
“I am not going anywhere, anija.” Genji chuckled, nuzzling his face against Hanzo’s cheek.
“I thought I lost you again.” Hanzo lamented. “I just got you back and then-“
“It is okay, anija, I came back to you again.” Genji placed a gentle kiss to Hanzo’s forehead. Their foreheads clicked together like magnets. “I’m sorry you experienced much hatred from me. Even in the state I was in, I would have forgiven you eventually.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because I had you this time.” Genji answered, as if it was so simple. “The peace I needed to achieve could not be done without you.”
Genji giggled, making a sound Hanzo hadn’t heard in months, “And couldn’t you tell I was being nicer to you lately?”
“Yesterday you told me you were going to pull out my small intestine and strangle me with it.” Hanzo deadpanned, utterly unamused.
“I didn’t say I would use my sword, though.” Genji pointed at him, an eyebrow raised as if he was trying to prove his point. “That was rather nice of me.”
“How is pulling out my intestines any better?” Hanzo furrowed his brow. “If anything, you have made my death more personal by ripping out my intestines and strangling me with them.”
“You should be grateful I never followed through on my threats.” Genji huffed, a playful look in his eyes.
“You were in a holding cell!”
Hanzo and Genji locked eyes, and for a moment Gabriel and Cole thought that they were going to brawl and they were going to see the cyborg’s threats come to life. Gabriel and Cole reached for their guns, waiting to see which Shimada would make the first move.
Instead of a battle ensuing, Hanzo and Genji burst into laughter. Genji’s laugh was loud and carefree while Hanzo’s was subtle and low, as if he was providing backing vocals to his little brother.
Gabriel smiled under his mask at the sight, feeling like everything was finally falling back into place in not only Genji’s life, but his own, as well.
Gabriel felt a hand on his shoulder and he fought back the urge to point his shotgun at them. This hand was small and didn’t apply too much pressure, leading him to believe that this was Lena.
“Genji?” Lena’s voice sounded wet, as if she was on the verge of crying. She sounded hopeful, “Have you come back to me, love?”
Hanzo gently placed Genji back on his feet, smiling freely as his little brother turned to face his best friend. Genji’s smile was a mile wide when he looked at Lena, at one of the first people to look at him and just see him.
In the blink of an eye, the two friends dashed towards each other in a flash of blue on both sides. Genji’s arms were wrapped around Lena’s shoulders while she stuffed her face into his chest and snaked her arms around his waist.
She was sobbing at this point, finally letting the tears fall after two months of trying to be strong for Genji. She had cried for Emily but she hadn’t cried for Genji yet, and she had to admit it felt good to get all of these heavy emotions out.
Genji began humming and stroking the back of Lena’s head, his fingers carding through luscious brunette locks. Genji might need his cybernetics to function and Lena might need her device on her chest to stay in this plane, but they would always need each other in a way that was deeper, more intimate.
“Next time, I’m bringing you with me.” Lena laughed, her voice sounding watery. “I don’t care if we both go down. You can’t leave me like that again.”
“I won’t. I will be at your side, always.” He moved Lena so he could hold her face, swiping away the tears that fell.
“You better be.”
Gabriel and Cole stood beside each other as the rest of Overwatch flooded to their location, each of them just as shocked as the last to see Genji without his face plate and with a dazzling smile etched onto his face.
Their eyes softened at the sight of Genji and Angela embracing, savoring the feeling of being in each other’s arms. Jack had sprinted towards them and picked Genji up, lifting him off the floor and nearly crushing him in a hug. Gabriel’s heart warmed at the sight of Jack holding Genji, a protectiveness and possessiveness that he hadn’t seen from the other male in some time.
They smiled as Reinhardt nearly squeezed the life out of Genji, causing Brigette to come to the cyborg’s aid, only for him to be wrapped in her equally as overwhelming embrace. Genji could only laugh, feeling more like he was at home the more his family came to him.
Lucio skated towards Genji and quickly scooped him up, spinning him around at speeds that were dizzying for anyone watching, making them wonder how it was for the cyborg. When Genji was released from Lucio’s embrace he nearly fell to the ground, but Hana was there to not only save him but to welcome him into her arms.
Gabriel and Cole felt their hearts thumping at the sight of Hana crying in Genji’s chest, no doubt whimpering about how scared she was that she was never going to see him again. Genji placed a kiss on her head and whispered a promise to never leave her without her player two ever again.
Winston was there to place a large hand on his shoulder. Winston seemed hesitant until Genji turned around and fell into him. Genji shook his head at Winston’s awkwardness, insisting that he would have to tell a periodic table joke if he didn’t return the hug. With a delightful laugh, Winston finally draped his arms around Genji and drew him in.
It was while Genji was reuniting with his family that Cole heard Athena giving a notification overhead. He couldn’t hear what she said since everyone was laughing and crying but he figured it wasn’t an emergency, otherwise the alarm would’ve been going off.
“You said Genji needed my assistance.”
Cole nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard a metallic sounding voice coming from beside him. Gabriel shook his head, muttering that Cole would’ve made a shitty ninja.
“You’re late, monk.” Gabriel commented, a smirk in his voice. “Could’ve used your help these past two months.”
“I have settled things with my brother and came to the base as soon as possible to aid one of my brightest pupils.” Zenyatta stated. He hummed, wishing he could smile at the sight before him, “But I see that he no longer requires my aid.”
Zenyatta placed a cool hand on Cole’s arm, “He is fortunate to have such compassionate and persistent friends.”
“No, it’s not friends.” Cole grinned, knowing that Zenyatta had tilted his head in confusion, interested in knowing more. “Friends care about you, but a family takes care of you.”
“I have heard of a phenomenon called the red string of fate where certain people are connected to each other, destined to find each other in life.” Zenyatta hummed happily.
“You tryin’ to say we’re all connected?” Cole asked. “Like we were all supposed to find each other or somethin’?”
Zenyatta shifted his attention to the mess of limbs that surrounded Genji, each of them trying to hold him and playfully fighting over him when someone had the cyborg for too long. Genji was laughing through the tears, trying to tell them that everyone would have their time with him now that he was back.
It did Zenyatta some good to see Genji smiling so easily, like a smile was always meant to be on his face. He was worried about his pupil when he received the message about his mental state, but he could see now that he had nothing to be concerned about, not when Genji had a family like this to put him back together.
“Yes, that is exactly what I’m saying.”
“You’re a lying piece of shit!”
All eyes were on Gabriel as he abruptly stood up from the table and slammed both hands on the table, growling at Jack like an animal. Gabriel paid no mind to the way everyone at the table seemed to tense up, some of them even gulping.
“Oh, yeah? Well, you’re the one who seems to think you can get anything you want!” Jack copied Gabriel and repeated his actions, startling everyone at the table. He glared at Gabriel, “Welcome to the real world, jackass!”
“How about we take a break and cool off?” Lucio’s smile wavered as he attempted to deescalate the situation. “I’ve got some calming music we can-“
“Zip it, jailbird!” Gabriel and Jack hissed in unison.
“But I-“
Gabriel leaned in, glaring daggers at Lucio behind his mask, “You think we’re going to listen to some little shit that’s been to jail three times?!”
“Knock it off, guys! You’re being so petty!” Hana chimed in to defend Lucio.
“Look, Reyes, his partner in crime is stepping in.” Jack rolled his eyes. “She acts like she hasn’t been to jail twice.”
“It’s not that deep-“
“That’s enough out of you, Song!” Jack pointed a finger at Hana, effectively silencing her. He shifted his attention to Gabriel, “Now, you want to call me a liar again, you son of a bitch?!”
Genji shook his head as Gabriel and Jack went back and forth like children. Lucio was confiding in Hana about if going to jail three times made him a bad person. Everyone else at the table continued to keep quiet out of fear that they were going to find themselves under Gabriel and Jack’s fire.
“And that’s enough Monopoly for today.” Genji sighed and began picking up his money and cards. “Good effort today, team.”
It had been a week since Genji’s memory came back to him and the team asked him how he wanted to celebrate. Genji didn’t need a party or anything big, instead all he wanted was to enjoy a friendly game night with his family.
Genji was pleasantly surprised they made it to Monopoly, seeing as how things started heating up when they played Twister. Gabriel had accused Jack of stepping on his hand and causing him to fall.
Genji was smiling, despite Gabriel and Jack yelling about complete and utter nonsense. He went through hell for two months with his memories clawing their way back to him but it was all worth it in the end if he could have Overwatch and Gabriel in his life again.
Better yet, Zenyatta had decided to stay for a while. Genji didn’t know how he had gotten so lucky to have these people in his life, people who would take care of him in an unstable state and guide him back home, back to someone he wanted to be.
Someone happier.
“Have I told you how much I like your new colors, my friend?” Reinhardt asked, a bright grin plastered on his face.
“You have many times, thank you.”
“Tell me, why did you choose the color white for your armor?” Reinhardt handed his money to Genji, who quickly gathered it and organized it with the rest. “You will not be able to hide from our enemies with such a vivid color.”
“That is the point.” Genji’s smile faded and his tone became more serious. “I want Talon to know I am coming when I face them again.”
“Genji, revenge is not the answer.” Zenyatta placed a hand on his shoulder.
“You are right, master… it is the question.” Everyone gasped in surprise at Genji’s response. He added, his eyes narrow, “And the answer is yes.”
“Genji, no-“
“I’m kidding!” Genji’s shoulders shook as he laughed. He continued to smile as he stated, “However, I hope Talon knows I cannot be so easily hacked or taken down by an EMP, thanks to Angela.”
Angela nodded her head in thanks, chuckling, “I look forward to seeing the look on Sombra’s face when she can’t hack you this time!”
“Sounds like you’ve outdone yourself with this upgrade, Angie.” Cole grinned, slinging an arm around Genji’s shoulders. “Ain’t nobody gonna mess with our ninja after this!”
“And if they do they will find an arrow lodged in each eye.” Hanzo said easily, causing a shiver to run down everyone’s spine.
Everyone cried out when Gabriel dove at Jack from across the table, sending them both tumbling to the ground. The two males began fighting like children, one of them pinning the other to the floor and then shaking them back and forth until the other took control.
Cole and Genji stood by and watched as most of the team tried to pull the two dramatic males off one another. Hanzo and Lucio were attempting to hold Gabriel back while Winston and Lena were trying to cool Jack down. Angela and Brigitte were in between the two males disciplining them like the children they were.
Meanwhile, Hana was recording everything on her phone with a shit eating grin on her face and Reinhardt was the only one cleaning up the mess of the board game pieces that fell to the floor when Gabriel leapt over it.
Instead of choosing to bring peace and tranquility to the situation, Zenyatta chose to make popcorn and pressed it to his face, despite knowing that he couldn’t consume food.
Cole threw his head back and laughed at the sight, at their dysfunctional family. Genji knew that his family wasn’t picture perfect and they made mistakes, but no one loved harder than these people, and his incident with Talon proved that.
“Just like the good ole days, right, darlin’?”
“Like the good old days, but better.”