The laboratory was filled with the scent of clean sterilized equipment, cool air conditioning that left no lingering odor of the chemicals that were once in the now spotless test flasks, and the naturally calming ambient scent of the wooden floor that was similar to the style used in traditional Japanese homes. Amidst it all, Mercy sat at a work table surrounded by papers, tablets, charts, and reports, almost all which were generated by herself with the exception of a few correspondents and external researches from others that were loaded up on her tablets for easy access of bringing around with her and comparing data.
The lady in the white lab coat perused over the data that surrounded her, idly taking a sip of the cup of tea that was on a safe area of her table. It would not have been there had a certain someone not insistently bringing her one. While he was not here at the moment, it suddenly felt strange to not have one near her while she worked. Besides, its warmth made her feel calm and reminded her of his presence. He reasoned also that it would be better than overloading her with caffeine if she kept drinking throughout the day and night. Had he insisted on any other drink, she might have have the same in all honesty. However, it was the traditional drink of choice from his homeland, one that he gladly shared with her. As such, she couldn't help but attribute the familiar scent with him, the loving Japanese cyborg.
The thought made her glance up at the ceiling, finding herself thinking about both him yet still somehow connecting it with her work. After all, this was time when she had to work the hardest as Mercy and not be distracted by thoughts of Angela's lover. She knew that she should work hard to finish her work before he returned home, so that she could spend all her time with him instead. Right now, it would be useless for her to muse over thoughts about him, however sweet and happy they may make her feel. He was not here with her after all, so she was better off focusing on her work rather than longing for his presence. His gentle touch on her arm and the way he wrapped his warm steel arm around her waist from behind while she worked …
Mercy shook her head clear and stood up, walking toward one of the test tubes to begin a new experimental trial. The thought from earlier, the one before her longing for him, returned and brought a small smile to her lips. She was working to develop a new medicine that could be ingested. Considering Genji's inability to taste things for the first part of his cyborg life (until she had developed the proper pill to stimulate that sense for him), the thought of taste came to her. While it was of course needless, after all most medicine doesn't taste good and is simply meant to be consumed quickly. However, she found herself compromising between thinking about Genji and her work by considering how she could make it taste better. Perhaps she could make it taste like strawberry. Or perhaps tea would be more pleasant. If she really wanted to be adventurous, she could maybe even go for chocolate …
Angela let out a loud gasp, looking up at the clock. It was past midnight and more than an hour into Valentine's Day. In all her work, she had completely forgotten about the date. Of course, she had no reason to remember the day before this. Though she got a few chocolates now and then, she never really accepted beyond out of pleasantries or making it clear that she was not interested in a relationship beside her professional one. In all honesty, ever in the past year that she had been getting to closer to Genji she had not thought of it until he gave her a small accessory on the day. It was nothing fancy and seemed like a normal gift, though she couldn't help but use it every day ever since whenever she could. Now though, she figured she should do something, no matter how small.
"Athena! I'm in need of some help with an urgent, if you could please."
At this point, all thoughts of her work were gone and Angela was in full panic mode. She knew that there was little time left for her to prepare anything. Granted, he was still on the mission but he did promise to come home before the day ended if she recalled correctly. That meant she probably had at least 12 hours to prepare, though considering her lover she may not have any more than that much time. While he was very endearing and very eager to return to her side, a fact which she loved about him, this was the one time where it might not be so good. With her golden hair shaking free from the small butterfly clip (which remained stuck onto the bundle of now straight strands), Angela looked to the corner of the room where Athena's icon glowed to indicate her presence.
"Is there something I may assist you with, Dr. Ziegler?"
Angela sighed in relief, glad that the AI was there. Of course, she knew that Athena would not be offline for any reason, she had no need for sleep after all. However, it was still strangely comforting to know that she could confide with and get help from at this hour of the day. "Just Angela is fine. I need to know how long it would take for me to order some Swiss chocolates."
Athena remained silent for a few moments before speaking once more. "I can obtain some Lindor chocolates for you by this evening. Will that be satisfactory?" This induced another sigh of relief from Angela, accompanied by a bright smile toward the holographic logo near the wall in gratitude.
"That would be perfect, thank you Athena. Also … there is another rather personal request I would like to make if you would please." This comment was said with a set of averted eyes and a soft blush on the doctor's normally pale cheeks, a sight that Athena was sure that Genji was treated to very often considering his charms.
"A personal request? Very well, I will try my best to assist you in this matter. If it requires another item, I may be able to hide the transaction from the log if we utilize your personal account. Unlike certain members of Overwatch, your confidentiality is completely safe with me."
Angela let out a soft laugh and nodded, walked out of the room and toward her own room. There were things there that she needed for her next request after all. She had been taking notes on certain things and had certain ideas written down for potential usage. Now was one of such times. While she was definitely late to prepare, with Athena's help she was surely going to do her best to surprise the lovely cyborg who had captured her heart.
It took about half an hour for them to finish discussing the request and complete all the preparations. Athena was thanked profusely for her help, especially considering the intricacy of the request and the fact that she promised to get it delivered most likely in time for Genji's return. It was going to be quite a surprise as both a Valentine's Day and a welcome back gift.
As she bid Athena good night, the holographic logo paused for a moment before speaking. "Before you go, I was asked to hold onto a package for you until you head to bed. The sender requested for me to not disclose it until you did so, or to tell you to head to sleep by 2am. Seeing as you are going now, I have no need for the latter directive." Angela giggled, covering her mouth as she brushed a stray strand of hair from her eye over her left ear. She definitely knew someone who matched the description of being so overbearing and sweet, even when he was thousands of miles away.
Angela accepted the package with a smile, watching as the logo disappear. She looked down at the box, unwrapping it gingerly as if she did not want to damage even the beautiful red and white wrapping paper. When she successfully removed the box from the package, she could not help but chuckle. While Ghirardelli was not her favorite brand, he must have hand picked this himself and used his own funds to buy the item and shipped it so far. To think that he found time from his mission to plan all this … She opened the box, placing a piece into her mouth and letting out a delighted hum as its sweet outer coating melted in her mouth, enticing her to bite into it and revealing the inner layer of dark yet sweet content. As she did so, her blue eyes softened as she gazed down at the intricate origami style envelope that had a heart on its back as the flap stopper. In the front was his and her name in Japanese kanas, something that she recognized due to her studies. She spent a moment gazing at the letter's design, opening it slowly as she finished the chocolate in the same manner.
Throughout the letter, she found herself unconsciously grinning and holding her left hand against her chest. While cheesy even by hers standards of him, it was certain sweet and touching. She traced her finger over his neat cursive signature, smiling fondly at the thought of the cyborg. Even when he was not there, he could take her mind off her work so easily. Noticing the last little note at the bottom, Angela let out a bright chiming laugh that rang momentarily within her room despite her mouth being covered by her free hand to stop it from doing so. He was never going to stop surprising her was he. That was why he was so charming after all.
The letter was folded and returned neatly to its envelope, which found its place leaning next to their framed photo on the bed stand next to her head. She looked at them both for a moment before turning off the lights and closing her eyes. He did want her to rest after all. Besides, she should rest up to prepare for her own Valentine's surprise.
Until then, she'll enjoy her sleep despite it being lonelier without her usual bedside companion. Regardless, she surely was going to have sweet dreams for this sweet Valentine's Day. As sweet at the chocolate from the cyborg ninja.
Dear Angela,
Even amidst the cold winter of the place that I currently am at, I can't help but feel comfortingly warm at the thought of you. After all, you are the angel who managed to charm a playboy's heart, to make him desire you more than anything else in the world. I do not wish to be so corny as to say compare you to a beautiful lake attracting the presence of every creature in the forest, such an image would not do you justice. While your eyes may feel like a refreshingly calm lake which I can dive in and become lost for hours on end, a lake could not possibly hope to represent you. Even the graceful snow that surrounds me now does not compare to your flawless complexion, the way your body exudes elegance and charm with your smooth skin and the petite curves that could compete with even the most beautiful river in the world.
Perhaps I've spent far too long away from you. I find myself longing for your touch, to smell the faint scent of your rose shampoo that you're always too shy to use in great volume. I long for the gentle kiss on my cheek, the soft touch of your hand as you intertwine your fingers with mine. More than anything, I miss having you in my arms, where I can gaze tirelessly at the pretty face that hold a smile that is brighter than the moon's reflection and can pierce through my heart with more ease than a masterwork blade.
Until I return, I will always have you in my mind. To my angelic Angela, goes my heart and soul. Always longing for you and eternally only for you.
P.S. I got some chocolate for you. Not Swiss …
