Technically, it's not the first time either of them have seen the cherry blossoms. It is, however, the first time they've seen them together.
Their travels around the world did lead them to Japan, just never during spring. When Genji had gone to confront Hanzo, Zenyatta had stayed behind to appease Genji's worry. Not because the ninja worried about his brother harming the omnic, because Zenyatta was fully capable of kicking Hanzo's ass, but because it would be enough of a shock to see Genji again, to see who he had become.
So after a brief mission in Hanamura (that involved Genji and Hanzo wrecking the Talon agents who had come to restore the Shimada empire from its physical roots at the estate), Genji had agreed to show his master where he had grown up. Well, the town at least. Genji has faced enough demons in the estate – he was not going to face even more.
They stopped by the Rikimaru, though neither was in the mood to eat. Zenyatta has never required food but has the capability of consuming it and turning it into fuel, but could not taste. Genji can eat as well, so long as it's liquidated. Ramen just isn't the same anymore, but milkshakes are wonderful. The atmosphere was pleasant, however, and they spent an hour or so just people watching. Genji got bored after fifteen minutes and started coming up with elaborate, dramatic backstories for each customer that either had Zenyatta giving him a disapproving glare (somehow) or had him chuckling.
The arcade is next, and Zenyatta is hilariously good at Soulstone, specifically the monk character, which has Genji in stitches. Zenyatta is also hilariously bad at electronic table tennis, losing near immediately. Zenyatta laughs it off, and his off handed comment of "I guess I can't be good with all balls" has Genji in stitches once again, although from the way Zenyatta's mala spun it seemed like it wasn't so off handed at all.
Genji avoids going into town – while it's impossible to identify him from looks alone as Shimada Genji, there are too many demons for him to want to walk around. Instead, he shows Zenyatta the river that runs near town, lined with cherry trees by the city.
Zenyatta is fascinated by them. He somehow catches a falling petal and rubs it between his fingers, testing its softness. He watches them as people walk by, swatting the petals out of their faces or swiping them out of their hair. He watches as they land in the river, each one sending out the slightest of ripples.
Genji admires how they cling to his master, nature against metal, and finds it striking. The image is engraved into his memory, and perhaps one day he'll find a better way to describe it other than beautiful.
Zenyatta admires how they cling to his student as well, but admires more so how Genji does not brush them off, seemingly preoccupied. It's a testament to the peace he's found in these past years.
They walk down the well-trodden path side by side.
Nothing is said. Nothing needs to be.
Their first time – together – is beautiful.
A/N: I main Genji in Overwatch. Then I somehow became shipper trash? I'm not entirely sure of the path myself.
Also, should I be doing Genyatta week? Absolutely not; I have two papers due and three art finals and neither of those two papers have even been started and printing is a nightmare as well as recording.
Am I doing it anyway? Yes. I am motivated by procrastination, spite, and the overwhelming adorableness of these two mechanical companions.
Also, I'm bad at romance writing, trust me. I try to stay away from blantantly romantic interactions because of this, so feel free to interpret this as Genyatta friendship, pre-slash, or even straight up slash if you want, whatever floats your boat. I'm chill with any of these interpretations and leave it up to you.
