Previously on Deadlypen's Overwatch canon:
As part of her arrangement for staying with Vishkar after word gets out of their Talon involvement, Symmetra wants to spend half of her paying time with Overwatch and Vishkar has to collaborate with them. She also promises Junkrat, whom she's grown fond of, to build the Junkers a new settlement.
Takes place one year after the final events of Overwatch: The Second Omnic Crisis. Established Symmetra/Junkrat.
This story is sort of a response to events happening in the real world right now and in the Overwatch fandom, and intended to truly be what Overwatch is really about. People of different walks of life coming together for the greater good. It's by far the most ambitious project I've come up with so far, so forgive me if updates aren't as frequent as my other work has been.
The first few chapters do take some time introducing the original characters and laying groundwork as well.
The sun had started its ascent on the horizon, painting the sky a shade of pinkish red. No clouds were there to obscure it's early beating rays. Despite it being late winter in the Southern Hemisphere, it was due to be another warm day in the Australian outback.
Casting a sole shadow down on the red earth below was a single airship. Sporting a turquoise V on its sides, it flew all the way from Utopeea, India, the headquarters of the Vishkar Corporation, on official business. It had been flying the entire evening and its passengers onboard were starting to wake up, preparing for it's eventual decent.
Ajit, the ship's pilot, had been awake the whole night, navigating the ship over the Indian Ocean and the initial expanses of the outback before the sun rose. He briefly put it on autopilot as he got up from the pilot's chair to make himself some coffee and open up a pack of moong dal in the food space. A normal piece of spicy flatbread to wake himself up after flying for hours.
One by one, the Vishkar members assigned to this particular project woke up from their sleep quarters and took some pieces of moong dal too, along with pieces of fruit and cereal provided for them. Vishkar certainly can't let their agents appear restless when carrying out an inspection like this.
Aside from Ajit, their pilot and native of Chittagong, Bangladesh, there were six others on the aircraft heading to Australia, 2 high-ranking agents and four standard ones, all in their mid to late 20's. Javed, from Karachi, Pakistan, was always seen wearing the two metal light-bending arms VIshkar had made for him. He was a born with a shriveled left arm, yet excelled in Vishkar's admittance program for Pakistani youth. When he was deemed old and qualified enough to sport the gauntlet from which hard-light could be made from, Javed requested he have them replace both arms. He had no qualms about not having normal arms anymore. Not since he would create such fantastic structures with his metal hands.
Amarjeet was from one of Mumbai's wealthiest families, making a killing every year producing many hit Bollywood movies. But she was never satisfied with just living off of other people's work, she wanted to make her own. Which, after failed attempts of getting into various art schools, led her to Vishkar. She was known amongst the younger recruits for her erratic, experimental designs. Very much against traditional VIshkar's normal designs emphasizing order and harmony.
Deepa came out sporting her usual eyepatch over her right eye, a hard reminder of how she contributes to building projects. When she was in Vishkar's Colombo, Sri Lanka academy, she contacted glaucoma, causing her to lose sight in her right eye. Where most would see this as a loss, a critical blow in one's education, Vishkar decided to take Deepa down a different path. She had one of the corporation's experimental cybernetic eyes take her blind eye's place, allowing her to see the best possible outcomes in constructing a project based on numerous conditions. The one downside was that her eye rested in a metal socket, and needed to be removed every night to recharge. Her eyepatch, in her mind at least, spared those who didn't want to see a gaping hunk of metal leading to the center of her head.
Mansoor grew up from a war-torn area in Afghanistan, close to the border with Tajikistan. A part often overlooked in the various reconstruction efforts after the Omnic Crises. So, as a child, he helped rebuild homes out of whatever scrap materials he could find. This young boy caught the attention of many surrounding villages, wanting him to rebuild their homes as well. So much so his parents thought his particular interests would be nurtured better at a new Vishkar satellite academy in Kabul.
Sanjay Korpal was one of the head-honchos among field-level Vishkar agents, helping the company through the controversies surrounding their involvement with Talon and enthusiastically working to make their allegiance to the revived Overwatch as smooth as possible. After all, what would make a better show of public trust than affiliation with the world's main peacekeeping organization? When he did go out on assignments like this, he always had the thoughts going through his head about how this would benefit the company first and foremost. But then again, he wasn't normally sent out on simple inspection duties. But this case in particular did involve his co-worker.
The last one to emerge from their chambers was the ringleader of this particular operation. Satya Vaswani, better known to her Vishkar acquaintances as Symmetra.
Satya designed their destination, a restructured edition of the Australian junker's home, Junkertown. And it had been a year since the final touches on construction were put in place. Apart from this, her focus lately wasn't on what Vishkar projects were developing around the world. It was her duties as part of Overwatch.
As part of her agreement of staying with Vishkar after the Talon scandal, Satya would spend half of her paying time with Overwatch, helping in whatever missions her talents were required for, and showcasing new developments in hard-light technology to the organization's heads, mainly Commander Jack Morrison and Winston. However, the deal did call for her to be on Vishkar duty for several weeks at a time. And this inspection fell into one of those lapses of time.
"Well, look at what the cat dragged in," Sanjay remarked at her disheveled appearance.
"Don't blame me. I had a late night last night," Satya defended herself.
"Hard to have one if we're in our quarters the whole night."
"I was busy making final arrangements for our arrival."
"You sure that's all you were doing?" Ajit said with some snark. Given the professional façade Vishkar agents had to give off when on assignments, morning breakfasts like this were some of the only times they could be relaxed.
"No Ajit, I wasn't doing anything else!"
"You were talking to your boyfriend, right?" Deepa chimed in.
"I mean I was, but who else am I going to make arrangements with?" Some of the others started snickering. "Knock it off!"
"Oh, the great Symmetra's embarrassed by her boyfriend," Amarjeet jeered.
"No I'm not! What I do with Jamie doesn't concern you."
"Of course it does, since he's a criminal," Javed said, eating some bread while making sure crumbs didn't get in his metal arms. "How's he gone so long without getting caught?"
"It's easy if you don't commit crimes, and stay in Junkertown like he's supposed to. Along with occasionally helping out Overwatch now and then."
"Ah yes, because that hasn't stopped anything illegal from happening before," Deepa was eating some cereal. "What could you possibly see in someone like him?"
"We all want to improve the world in our own way, and so does Jamie. Just not the same way Vishkar sees it."
"By destroying things?"
"If you spent as much time out there as I have dealing with who will be affected by our projects, along with Overwatch operations, you can see why some people would look up to him."
"I know I would," Mansoor interjected. "Growing up in a forgotten part of the world, having to fend for yourselves."
Ajit went back up the pilot's area to see how far out they were. "We're about 100 kilometers out."
"Alright everyone," Sanjay ordered. "Hit the showers."
One by one, each person took a quick shower. Satya was one of the last one's to take hers, removing her metal arm and carefully putting it in the sink where it wouldn't get wet from any shower water. After cleaning herself off, she donned the blue and gold uniform of high-ranking field agents, modified to accommodate the arm. Normally a similar colored visor would go around her head, but she decided to eschew it for this assignment. She trusted Jamie enough not to make too much a mess since she was last here.
The Vishkar unit reassembled again next to the loading door, waiting for the final descent. Sanjay wore a similar blue and gold uniform while the rest wore the standard purple and white.
Looking out the window, the team saw their destination, near the geographic center of Australia on the former city of Alice Spring. Junkertown. But it was a far cry from when Satya first visited the place. The old scrap metal shacks and visibly rustly vehicles were nowhere to be found. In their place, contained inside a walled perimeter, the land inside the place was actually green for the most part. The structures did resemble other Vishkar projects. Even from far above, the typical hard light designs showed through. Simple dirt roads bisected the homes, a reservoir of water was still in place, rows of crops on a set aside portion of the area for food, and rows of solar panels and wind turbines provided any electricity they wanted.
But something was also notably off about the buildings. They were colored the same as the red earth around them. Not the normal pristine white or silver Vishkar buildings normally were.
"Care to explain?" Sanjay requested.
"Those buildings weren't like that last time I was here," Satya tried to explain.
"And how long ago was that?"
"5 months, at least."
"Is that landing pad for us?" Ajit wanted to know. "Looks a bit small for something this size."
"Trust me, it's large enough," Satya, urging to make the final descent.
"Remember you all," Sanjay told the white-purple wearing agents. "Let me and Symmetra do all the talking. You'll be asked to carry out inspections when you're asked to."
The landing door opened as soon as the aircraft hit the ground, letting the Vishkar people out of the airship onto the rough dirt landing pad. The sun was nowhere near the center of the sky yet, but the dry desert heat struck the Vishkar people immediately.
And waiting for them outside the pad was Junkrat. Of course Satya had grown close enough to them to refer to them by his actual name. Jamison Fawkes. Except he wasn't wearing his usual gettup of explosive gear strapped to his upper body. Instead, along with his stitched together cargo shorts, he wore a short red top exposing his middrift.
"G'day Sat," Jamie said the two hugged each other.
"Greetings Jamie," Satya returned the gesture. "Where's Mako."
"He's busy rehearsing. Part of something we have planned for later. Who are these other suits?" Jamie flashed a look at the rest of the assembled agents.
"Jamie, these are the other VIshkar people I told you would accompany me. Everyone, this is,"
"Junkrat," Sanjay bitterly replied back. "I'm well aware of your record, especially that one incident of yours in Hanoi."
"Well that's a fine how-do-you-do. And you are,"
"Sanjay Korpal. I studied with Satya at the main Vishkar academy, both graduating at,"
"Who are the rest?" Jamie interrupted. Sanjay got a bit deterred.
"These are the rest of the people I told you would come. Field agents like me, though not as high ranking."
"They from India too?"
"Vishkar is dedicated to recruiting talent from all over South Asia. Ajit is from Bangladesh, Deepa's from Sri Lanka, Javed's from Pakistan, and Mansoor's from Afghanistan."
"Well now that introductions are over with, may we get this inspection started?" Sanjay was eager to get this assignment over with.
"Yeah, sure, sure," Jamie started leading the group away from the pad to the main street beside it. He attempted to hold Satya's metal hand with his, but she waved it off, thinking it would be unprofessional at this point. "Why does this have to take so long anyway?" Jamie asked.
"Vishkar is insisting on something extremely thorough, given the amount of time I spent designing and constructing this place," Satya replied. "And with a man of your reputation in charge, even if you haven't committed as many crimes lately, no doubt has some of my superiors uneasy. So it's my task to show them how this project is a worthwhile investment."
"I mean I get that, but does it have to be for a week?"
"When Vishkar wants things done thoroughly, they mean it. Besides, why are you complaining about wanting to spend less time with me?"
Jamie shut his mouth up, instead trying to focus on the leading the VIshkar team down the dirt road. As revealing from the view above, the houses, once pristine shades of white and silver, were now covered in smears of what looked like brown and red dirt. Still miles above the rusty shacks and makeshift homes that once stood here, though. Every, well, once pristine one-story homes were nearly identical, having a front door leading out to a sidewalk running alongside the main road. Satya found inspiration for these designs in various suburban plans in America and India. Some of the homes, along with the dirt, did have broken windows for what must've been a few months now.
"Well, the first thing I need to ask is why are all the buildings covered in dirt?" Sanjay had to bring up.
"Oh it's not just dirt, it's brown paint we scavenged from elsewhere," Jamie gave his answer. "You have to admit it looks more natural that way, doesn't it? Harkens back to the old days. A set a shiny white buildings in the desert is a easy target."
"I take it you've never been to the Middle East then on your, ahem, travels?"
"Can't say I have. You can only spend so much time in a desert, you know."
"Hmm, you haven't been to Oasis?"
"Sounds a bit too posh for me."
"What about the broken windows on some of these homes?"
"What can I say? Sometimes parties can get a bit out of hand. Considering sometimes you have ten people living in one of these."
"Ten?" Sanjay sounded perplexed. "Satya, how many people is each home designed for?"
"Six at most," Satya started getting nervous. "Jamie, how can ten people live in one home?"
"It's easy once you do some rearranging," Jamie responded. "You'd be amazed at what sleeping on the couch does for toughing someone up."
Sanjay made a mental note to return to that point later on before asking another question. "Is this place in any way affected by the Australian omnium fallout?"
"That's in the detailed plans for here," Satay replied instead of Jamie. "The walls surrounding here have built in absorption capabilities in case any manages to make it's away out here."
"Besides, that place is all the way in Warburton. I'm pretty sure whatever stuff spilled out of there stopped by now."
Sanjay decided to accept the Junker's naiveté and move on. "Would you mind describing the racial makeup of this town?"
"Sanjay!" Satya quickly reacted, though Jamie didn't get as rifled up.
"I'm just wondering, since this is the middle of the desert after all. Outsiders can't predict what they find here. Maybe it's full of what some would find undesirable."
"Undesirables?" Jamie sounded offended by Sanjay's allegation. "I'll have you know we've taken in every person who came across here. And not a single bad thing happened yet."
"Everyone?"
"Of course. We junkers had to survive the elements together back when this was just tin shacks. And we're doing the same now that we got this fancy shit. Who are we to turn away anyone who wants to be here?"
"What about housing shortages? Where will everyone sleep? What will they eat?"
"Calm your tits, will ya? You Vishkar people provided more than enough for everyone to survive, didn't ya?"
"Sanjay," Satya tried reassuring her co-worker. "Need I remind you that these Junkers haven't caused any international incidents since this place was finished? Even with that Hanoi matter you brought up, which, by the way, I and several other Overwatch agents were present to make sure it didn't get out of hand."
The next stop was a large oval shaped patch of grass, encircled by a thick stand of rope. The grass itself had a few brown patches and kicked in areas exposing the dirt underneath. About twenty or so junkers, male and female, were taking part in a game Satya recalled Jamie telling her about, but hadn't entirely grasped yet. The field, big enough for a game of cricket, had four tall poles at each elongated end. And the players were dribbling, kicking, and punching around an oval ball, often jumping onto each others shoulders to catch it.
"I take it this is where all the physical activity takes place?" Sanjay asked dumbfounded at the game being played.
"Yep," Jamie replied. "Rugby, Aussie rules, football, cricket, they all happen here. And other events happen here too. Like what we have planned later."
"Eh Junkrat!" two voices from the people surrounding middling crowd came out to greet them. From a short, feisty woman and a tall, lanky man Satya remembered from before.
"Roadman, Stomper!" Junkrat greeted them, as they weren't sure what to make of the dressed up agents now standing before them.
"These the Vishkar suits?" Roadman asked.
"That they are. These are,"
"Sanjay Korpal," the VIshkar agent interrupted Jamie, reaching out to shake their hands. "Pleased to meet you. I remember hearing about you two helping Overwatch bring down Talon."
"Yeah, us and god knows how many other Junkers."
"We're not being asked to help with anything else, are we?" Stomper asked in her high-pitched voice.
"No, we're just inspecting. Making sure this is a worthwhile endeavor."
"Oh. Sorry this isn't in better shape. Since you suits like things in order and all that."
"That's not my concern at the moment, though I may get back to that at some point. What kind of game is this?"
"Footy. Aussie rules," Roadman clarified. "Some of the people from Melbourne wanted to start something, so we did. Right now, the Kangaroos are leading the Demons 46," one player kicked the ball through the center posts as he was talking, "52 to 38."
"Should be wrapping up soon," Stomper clarified. "Need to set up for our show later."
"Show?"
"Something for the Vishkar people. We have to set up the stage and all that."
"Oh really? What is it?"
"Well that would be giving the surprise away, wouldn't it?"
"Get on that then," Jamie came back in, urging the Vishkar group to get back on their tour. "Gotta see what Roadie's up to."
Jamie and Mako's home was, by this town's standards, a few blocks away from the oval field. It was the same one-story style as everyone else's. Along with the smears of red and brown dirt and paint as the others. But in addition, on both sides of the front door, there was a painted image of a crude pig's face and a smiley face with X's where the eyes would be. Along with the words "Junkrat" and "Roadhog" under the appropriate symbol.
"Home sweet home," Jamie remarked.
"You two go ahead, I'll take the other agents around to examine further," Sanjay said, leading the five lower-ranked Vishkar agents away down the road.
"You sure?" Satya asked.
"There are plenty of other things to look over. We'll catch up with you later."
Jamie led Satya inside to the house's main room, which was standard for all the units built here. A combination sitting area/kitchen, with a couch and some chairs. Various doorways lead to the bedroom, bathroom, and basement. Unlike the outside, the inside was respectfully well kept. Well, as much as the two junkers wanted it to be, with some traces of dust and dirt abound and uncleaned dishes in the kitchen.
"You look around the basement a bit. I'll tell Roadie you're here," Jamie said in a hurry, pushing her towards the basement door.
"I've already gone through all your 'treasures,'" protesting Jamie's actions
"Well maybe you missed something. Like that set of props from that one theater in Hollywood," he said pushing her down the stairs.
Jamie then ran in the direction of the bedroom he and Mako shared, where the man also known as Roadhog was busy making himself over. He had a role in the performance the Junkertown citizens were putting on later. Mako covered up his pig and metal gears tattoo on his belly with some concealer so he could apply temporary one's over it. Ones that ended up looking like traditional Polynesian designs. He didn't have his gasmask on so he could see better. Jamie frantically running in didn't disrupt his concentration at all.
"Where is she?" Mako asked, not looking away from the mirror as he applied the temporary ink.
"She's in the basement, going through our treasures again," Jamie replied, digging through a pile of clothes he left lying on the floor. Amidst the various tattered pieces, he pulled out a rusted ring. "There it is."
"What you have that for?"
"Mako, Roadie ol' bud," Jamie slowly built up the confidence to say. "I'm gonna ask Satya to marry me."
"What?" Mako shot him a confused look.
"I figured after your show, we would go out beyond the walls, spend some time out there doing whatever, then I'd just ask her."
"Did you think this through?"
"Of course I did. I love her. What's more to think about?"
"You do know I was married, right?"
"Oh no," Jamie got a bit apprehensive. "You're not gonna pull your sad story over my happy moment."
"Marriage is about more than just having sex, you know. It's about being together through thick and thin. You know if you can handle that?"
"Handle what?" Satya's voice echoed from the hallway, coming closer. Jamie fidgeted the ring into his pocket before she came into the doorway. "Oh, hello Mako."
"Hey," Mako replied, still not phased as he put on more ink.
"So is this what you were distracting me from? Am I ruining something?"
"No. I'll just go to the bathroom. I'm almost done anyway," as Mako left the two of them alone.
"See Satya?" Jamie acted impressed with himself, despite the fact there was still a pile of clothes on the floor. "Have it all set up just how you like it."
"Jamie, I don't think I should stay here, considering I'm on business."
"Come on. How often do we actually get to spend time together, and not just talk through a screen?"
"Not nearly enough. But I have accommodations onboard the airship, and I'm expected to make use of them."
"Don't your bosses know about us and how long we've been together?"
"They do, but they certainly wouldn't approve if I hadn't proven myself as an asset they couldn't afford to lose."
"But those people seem like such snobs!"
"You must've thought I was a snob back when we first met. Because that's how Vishkar handles matters. So what were you and Mako talking about?"
"Oh, oh nothing," Jamie tried covering up. "I thought you were in the basement looking at my stuff."
"I told you I've been though all that already. I can name every single piece there and where they came from. Like the replica crown jewels from King's Row,"
"Wait, replica?" Jamie appeared shocked at the accusation. "Those are the real deal!"
"I've seen the jewels on display since your 'robbery.' And trust me, they're much more pristine than the ones you have there."
"You're kidding me. That was me and Roadie's proudest achievement," Jamie sulked onto the bed, the happy thoughts he had earlier dissipated.
"I didn't think you'd be so attached," Satya tried comforting him, sitting next to him on the bed, "considering you don't do that sort of thing anymore."
"You know, just a reminder of the good ol' days. When me and Roadie would just take what we thought was ours. Not like now with all these responsibilities."
"But you're going such a good service. Taking in all these lost souls, keeping them safe."
"Yeah, but why'd it have to be me and Roadie in charge? We hardly knew how to take care of hundreds of people."
"You've managed well so far, given the circumstances. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise," Satya reached in to give him a kiss on the lips. Jamie fiddled around with the ring in his pocket, contemplating whether to ask her right now and get it over with.
"I swear if you say anything about me joining Overwatch full-time," Jamie broke away to say.
"No, not right now. Clearly you are needed here," Satya reassured him before giving him another kiss. "You said something about a performance?" she had to remind him once she finished.
"Oh right. Onto the show then."
Jamie led Satya out of the house back to the grass oval, starting to get filled with the town's residents. This time, a small stage made out of scraps was set up at the north end, with stairs set up leading up too it. Jamie took his girlfriend up to the front of the crowd so they had a clear view of the stage. Satya had glimpses of the crowds, where Jamie's talk of taking in anyone who wanted to be here was true. As far as she could tell, she could make out East Asians, Filipinos, Aborigines, Polynesians, and whites. Some had metal appendages like Jamie had or were visibly "slower" than most. Yet they all wore mostly the same tattered kinds of clothes she often saw Jamie and Mako wore and went on without prejudice. Jamie, the man known as Junkrat, despite his complaints, certainly walked the walk. This place was open for all.
"Gotta get the best view for what Roadie's about ta do," Jamie said as he made himself settled in their spot.
"Was there no time to set up chairs?" Satya wondered out loud, a bit nervous before sitting down next to her boyfriend.
"What ya need chairs for?" Jamie replied. "The ground is just fine."
"I don't want so much dirt on my pants."
"Why don't you make one?" a voice next to Satya called out. Sitting on her right side was a person, on initial glance, didn't give off the appearance of either a man or a woman. Their head was shaved, yet their face was soft, though with some patches of dirt from whatever they did earlier that day. And they wore baggy shorts and sported what appeared to be a wide, black binder across her chest.
"I would," Satya replied nervously. "But I would block whoever's sitting behind me."
"Oi, Bushwhack," Jamie defended his girlfriend. "Let the lady make up her own mind."
"Lady?" Bushwack replied back, then something turned in their head. "So she's with you?"
"Ya bet she's with me."
"So, you're the great Symmetra, are ya?"
"Don't know about great, but yes, I'm Symmetra."
"Well, I apologize then. Suppose I have you ta thank for letting me be here."
"If I heard that from everyone here, I'd be here for weeks."
"Nah, it means a lot more to me. I don't think me and my boyfriend wouldn've survived if we didn't make it here."
"Your boyfriend?"
"He's part of the show. We didn't have that much for us back in Darwin. My parents threw me out when I came out. So we decided to try our luck out here, and it's been pretty good for the most part."
Satya was at least happy for this person, but gave off a look where she didn't entirely understand their situation. Buckwhack thought they'd made their point clear enough and didn't acknowledge her anymore.
"Like you said," Jamie cut back in. "We take in whoever wants to be here."
Then, a group of 7 people walked onto the stage, and Satya recognized Mako, Roadman, and Stomper among them. But they changed out of their normal rags into more outlandish gear. Outfits Satya recognized from resorts with Polynesian themes. Mako, in particular, wore a red and green shirt with ropes dangling underneath, red and white bacelets, and sandals. In place of his regular gasmask, he had a carved pig mask with the same colors as his skirt, topped off with a plume of white feathers. The rest had a similar outfit on, including the women, letting their breasts hang out exposing various painted on tattoos, but some had a dark blue/green scheme instead.
One of the performers Satya didn't recognize approached the front of the stage, waving his hands to get the crowds attention.
"Hello? Everyone?" he shouted, loud enough to get the talkers to quiet down.
"For those who don't know me, my name is Tamati, or Uenuku if you do know. I'm one of practically hundreds here who owe their lives to what Junkrat, Roadhog here, and Vishkar have done in this patch of desert. I was just a young Maori kid from the Auckland suburbs, just trying to come to terms with a bunch of aspects of my existence going to school and getting a job in Darwin. There I met Riley, who you all better know a Bushwhack, someone else in the same boat I was in. And when he got kicked out of his home, we decided to make our way here. A place where everyone's accepted no matter their situation. And the rest is history.
So tonight, as members of Vishkar who helped build this godsend of a place are here among us, we'd like to perform some traditional Polynesian dances for you all. Kids, don't try these at home."
When Uenuku finished speaking, he got down in a squat, starting to slap his hands against his exposed chest and thighs, starting slow, then getting faster.
"Tenei te tangata puhuruhuru nana nei I tiki mai whakawhiti te ra!" Uenuku shouted. "A, upane! Ka upane! A, upane, ka upane, whiti te ra!"
As Uenuku finished shouting and slapping himself, Stomper leaped over his shoulders down in front of him, sticking out her tongue and contorting it, spewing out phrases Satya found intelligible, assuming it was of some other Polynesian language. Roadman and another performer got behind the sets of tribal drums and got into a rhythm, anticipating the performances. A female performer pulled out two sticks with dry grass stuck to both ends and lit the ends on two of them with a cigarette lighter, then lighting the others. To the beat of the tribal drums, she started twirling the now-lit sticks around, bending her body back so she could have the sticks surrounding her front and back. But she didn't show the slightest bit of hesitation or fear of being burned.
"Uh Jamie," Satya nudged his shoulder, a bit uncomfortable from being so close to the fire. "Are all these people, um, Polynesian?"
"Not all of 'em. Roadie might be part of some, he never told me the whole deal with that."
"Isn't this, kind of, insensitive?"
"Uenuku says this kind of thing happens back in New Zealand all the time. White people and Maori doing this kind of thing. Just how their country is, I guess. It's something they enjoy doing, so who are we to stop them?"
As soon as the first performer finished her set, and took in a round of applause, Mako pulled out a bottle and sucked down some of the fluid inside through his mask, making sure he didn't swallow. Upon lighting one end of a similar stick, he squirted out some of the fluid, causing a fireball and getting some "ooohs" in reaction. After getting the other parts of his sticks lit, Mako did a similar twirling act, occasionally spiting out more fluid to create bigger and bigger fireballs.
Jamie was having a blast watching all the fire go round and round, but one look at Satya, clutching his normal arm out of some kind of discomfort, let him know she had enough. And any more would irritate her more.
Maybe now, Jamie thought, he could make his move.
"Ey Sat," Jamie whispered to her. "You wanna leave?"
"Why'd you ask?" she responded, still gripping his arm tight.
"You seem pretty tense. Seem like something's acting up again."
"I suppose. And I'm just nervous with all this fire."
"We can leave if you want."
"Wouldn't that be disrespectful?"
"Nah, Roadie hardly knows what that word means. Come on," Jamie grabbed Satya's normal arm and lead her away to the left, keeping their bodies down as to not obscure anyone else's view.
"Where are we going?" Satya asked.
"Just away from here," Jamie replied, taking her down the street towards one of the town walls. When they reached one of the still-white metal doors, he typed in a code in a keypad, making it pfft open, a gateway to the very dark blue of night beyond the city walls.
The lights coming off from inside the walls were more faint, but still shone over the walls. Nowhere near enough to affect the two's view of the starry night above them. Even though it was night, some residue heat from the day still permeated the air.
"Jamie, what are we doing out here?" Satya wondered.
"Hang on, I've been meaning to show you something."
Jamie grabbed Satya's metal arm and put it on his shoulder while he put his metal arm on her waist. His flesh and blood hand grasped hers, raising it up to the side.
"Oh Jamie," Satya was surprised at this gesture. "Have you been practicing?"
"Can't promise you that much," Jamie replied, trying to keep his peg leg as firmly planted in the ground as possible. "Especially if my leg gives out."
"Seems odd that we're dancing to nothing."
"I could hum something if you want."
"No, this is fine. I think I prefer this."
Jamie's mind was racing. The little ring was still in his pocket, waiting for the right moment to be revealed. When they were done dancing, right? Jamie kept thinking if this would be the right point. The right time to ask her to marry him. After all, by his standard, he couldn't think of a more romantic time for it. Here, in the middle of the desert, underneath the sky lit by stars.
But doubts started to flow in again. Maybe this wasn't as romantic he thought. How would she take this while she was supposed to be working? And even with all the times they've said they love each other, he still couldn't believe it. Why would someone who worked for a fancy corporation, building fancy buildings, want to be in a relationship with him? Considering how likely he'd rob those places if he were given a chance. She always said how she sees a little bit of what her life used to be like, before she joined Vishkar, in him. Plus, what would everyone else back at Overwatch think? No matter how many times he'd been offered to join their operations, he couldn't bring himself to do so out of his duty for these disparate souls. What would being married to Satya mean then, having his time divided into duties for more things than he could hardly keep track of? Was Mako right? Had he thought this through the whole way?
"Something on your mind, Jamie?" Satya asked once she noticed her boyfriend was zoning out.
"N-no, nothing Sat," Jamie briefly stammered, having his mind made up.
"You looked like you wanted to say something."
"I mean I did, but it can wait."
"You sure?"
"Positive. Just waiting for the right time."
Don't let the peace and good times fool you. Things will get heavy soon.
Soundtrack:
Y.A.L.A. – M.I.A.
T.N.T. – AC/DC
Slow – Kylie Minouge