Hello everyone! I'm alive and traditionally, I'm gonna apologize for all of those months of silence, I'm truly sorry (really sorry) and I promise to improve in terms of updating. Good news? I can finally say that I've started breathing normally after all of those months of work and stress. Moreover, I graduated from uni! (no more practicums, essays or presentations, not until I decide to go for masters at least heh :') ) Can't deny, I've been struggling to continue this story, not sure whether it was caused by writer's block or my brain telling me no one likes it but thanks to some of you pming me and reviewing I can see that there are still people waiting for the continuation and it makes me super happy. Really, each message I've received so far melted my heart! More good news (I hope so) I've been writing new light AU fic with Genji and Mercy, inspired by my swimming classes in summer. I hope I will be able to upload it soon, until then, be patient! This time I will try to fight a lil bit for more reviews so please, don't be afraid to leave even the smallest comment! I will appreciate each one of them (: And now enjoy this short chapter, I will try to rehabilitate in the future (:

Chapter: 10 Subsidence

A soft knock on the door reached Angela's ears. Just as she had asked, Genji was here as punctually as she had told him to be. She had enough time to shower in the luxurious, marble-tiled bathroom and change into classic white trousers, shirt and light suit. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail. She looked formal, but definitely not uncomfortable. Genji, on the other hand, looked exactly the same, and as if he knew what she was thinking about, he spoke chuckling.

'I've had so much sand and dust in my armor that yes, I had to shower, Angela' and just now in the light, as the cyborg entered the room entirely, Mercy noticed his armor to be much cleaner. No more drops of blood painting the metallic armor. She jokingly slid her finger over his chest place and checked it in look for dirt.

'Really?' asked Genji, now taking off his visor and staring at smiling Angela. Somehow not being able to resist looking at her beautiful smile.

'Really.' she stated seriously but soon after burst in a delicate laugher Genji loved to hear.

'This place is beautiful, isn't it?' the doctor whispered staring at the harbour filled with ships and walking pedestrians.

'It is' he admitted stepping beside her, sensing the smell of Angela's vanilla perfume in the air.

'It has also changed so much, I still can't believe we are here. Just few days ago we were sipping a tea on my terrace' she noticed bitterly 'and now, I have a view on that glorious city from my balcony after long trip running away from Talon? It feels surreal.' she huffed sitting down on a sofa rubbing a spot between her eyes. Despite the shower she felt her body exhausted and tense. Hours of sleep later on seemed to be unavoidable.

'You are safe. That's the most important in this chaotic situation.' the cyborg pointed out softly tapping his fingers on the metal covering his arm.

'Yet, I still feel like if we were being chased.' Angela answered concerned. 'we most likely are in some way'

'That man seems to make sure you are safe in here' he pointed out remembering annoyingly well-looking Galvani. 'Once or twice you've mentioned a friend from Oasis, was it-' Genji begun sticking facts together at the same realising how slow he is to something so obvious.

'It was Maurice Galvani, yes. However he is not the only friend I've got here, there are many scientists I've met that are working in Oasis now'. Angela laughed and quickly added 'but with Maurice we worked together on one research for quite some time and have stayed in contact since then. He was one of the few people who knew about my work away from everything. Our ways parted the moment I joined Overwatch and he became interested in working here. I never doubted he could become a director of this whole place. In fact, I'm quite impressed and glad he achieved it.' she said resting her back on the soft pillows. Thoughtfully staring at the ceiling.

Genji listened to her silently, still not being quite sure how to feel about the whole situation they were in. What was certain that for now was that Angela was safe and as Genji hoped Talon would not dare to make a move on her in this place in the near future. An assault on the most renowned university in the world seemed too bold even for Talon, for now at least.

Angela looked at the figure of Genji standing in the light coming through the balcony. Her eyes felt heavy and overall she felt exhausted after the escape. She had no opportunity to rest properly for the past four days, not to mention the cyborg himself. Guilt spread through her body as she thought again how much she owes the man by now.

'Is your knee ok?' she asked worriedly.

'Doesn't bother me'

Mercy laughed 'You don't possibly think I haven't seen you limp from time to time. With the equipment that this place offers, treating to your leg and repairing your armor sounds almost effortless' Nothing could really escape her doctor's eye after all. 'Now when I think of it-' Angela stood up walking up to Genji as he stared at her curiously 'We could improve your body, the armor. Maybe even reconstruct certain parts of your body. I'm sure that-' she continued excitedly until she saw how cyborg's jaw tensed almost unnoticeably. Another wave of guilt hit her consciousness realising how it must have sounded to him. 'Oh gods, Genji I'm so sorry' she whispered reaching towards his arm in apoglecting manner, feeling ashamed of how the idea of working on cyborg's body interested her.

'Improve my body?' thought Genji hearing Angela's words. The moment he came to peace with himself he has never thought of such things. Not until now, when the doctor brought them up. Repairing his armor was one thing but changing it? Somehow he felt a familiar disturbance within him he hadn't felt for a long time. A doubt that opened a drawer in his mind that had been locked for years. For a moment, his mind went blank and no words could escape his mouth.

'I've accepted who I am, Angela.' he tried to sound as confident as possible, however those words could not hide the hesitation from before and Mercy was still looking at him with sad expression on her face so he added 'I need no improvements and as long as you keep my armor working I will be alright'

'I understand' she had begun to say, but decided to leave the conversation for now and changed the topic. 'Are you sure you have no problems with dining with everyone? This place is specific, if I hadn't been here before I would probably be overwhelmed by everyone and everything. I know you don't like taking off your mask and I understand if you want to stay away from all this' she finished remembering the last time they tried to dine together. At least that was something she could do for him.

Genji hesitated before answering. 'If you could excuse me this time.'

'This way please' instructed an assistant from before as Angela walked with her through expensive-looking corridors. The air smelled like citruses and lemon grass that nicely refreshed the air. Mercy wiped a drop of sweat of her forehead and decided to remove her jacket. After several minutes, they entered a spacious hall full of chatting people and omnics, just then she saw Maurice quickly walking towards them, his smile spreading wider the closer he was to the doctor.

'Angela, you look refreshed, I'm sure you are hungry and-' he started but then looked around in look for the cyborg. Confusion spread on his face 'and Mister Shimada?' he asked.

Angela smiled politely imagining the figure of Genji moving swiftly around the premises 'He asked me to apologize to you sincerely as he had an urgent business to finish. Surely we will be joined by him later on'

Galvani nodded and reassured his understanding but Angela still felt uncomfortable and weirdly lonely without Genji accompanying her. In fact, she had grown quite dependant and attached to him, especially in the light of the events from the previous days. 'Days? Months now' Angela huffed at herself, thinking of how Genji's absence bothered her.

After a while, Mercy's nostrils filled with an intense smell of exotic spices as they entered the dining area, the man led them towards one of the tables located in the center of the room. The place itself looked stunning and Angela couldn't help but stare around enjoying rich golden decorations that fit dirty-blue walls and marble floors. Not to mention glass roof which was dark enough to protect the guests from the intense sun, but transparent enough to see the intense colours of the sky. Maurice walked forward and moved the chair for her to sit down.

'Angela, I do hope that you will feel comfortable in Oasis. It is an honour to have someone like you here, you may have said that I flatter you but I do not intend to say anything else but the truth' Maurice said joining her at the table. Angela involuntarily blushed and secretly thanked the dim lights to hide the colour of her cheeks. They chatted for few minutes until his voice became more serious 'I do hope that you will tell me everything that has happened. I know as much as your assistant told me and I can't deny that the attack was quite unexpected. I was worried Angela, that they would lay their hands on you and on your research as well. ' he said honestly worried 'I want to help you.'

Angela nervously squeezed her hands on the table, not being sure where to start.

Meanwhile, Genji quickly scouted the premises of the university and noted nothing worthy of his attention. Guards scattered around and camera supervision on almost every corner somehow calmed him down. He caught attention of some people but overall, that wasn't a sensation in the city where humans and omnics lived together.

'Angela is probably dining with Galvani by now' thought Genji and squeezed the hilt of his sword as he observed the shimmering water of Oasis. By now, he understood that uncomfortable feeling he felt towards the Italian man was nothing else but jealousy. A feeling he hadn't felt for quite some time. Probably. he hadn't felt like this since his frivolous youth when someone else was wooing a lady he was interested in. Genji thought almost disappointed at himself for feeling such an emotion. The man believed she was not to be his after all, on the contrary to what his heart kept telling him.

The dinner was almost finished and Genji was still absent. Angela noticed this by constantly looking across the room.

'Angela, is everything alright?' Galvani asked looking at the woman with worried gaze. 'I'm sure mister Shimada will join us soon' he added as if he read her mind.

'Oh, yes' she quickly answered smiling. 'It has been a difficult week, Maurice. I wouldn't be here if not for him.'

'I do not doubt it. But remember, you are safe now. I will do my best to keep it that way. I know you've been worrying but it's not all on mister Shimada anymore' he answered looking at her with such an intense gaze Angela felt it piercing her person. 'Even if Talon knew where to find you by now, I doubt they would have the time to prepare an attack anytime soon' the man added.

Angela had to agree with Galvani, for now she believed to be safe even if she still felt a shadow creeping on her back. Talon agents were not idiots to try to capture her under Oasis protection. Being assaulted unexpectedly was one of the last things on Angela's wish list.

All of sudden, Maurice turned his head and a moved the chair away fixing his suit. 'Miss O'Deorain'

Moira? Angela suddenly faced the approaching red-haired woman. Her expression was mysterious as she looked at Mercy, her lips twitched in what seemed to be a smile.

'Maurice, Angela, it's pleasure and a surprise, I have to admit, to see you here in Oasis.' she said, her voice slightly raspy, her cat-like eyes piercing her intensively.

'It has been a while since we last dined together. Please, sit down' he said moving a chair, inviting the woman to join.

'With pleasure' she replied and turned towards Angela.

'Hello Moira' Angela greeted her nodding slightly, trying to hide the surprise and also slowly growing anxiousness.

'Angela' she nodded.

'This meal could not get more pleasant! Having two brilliant minds surrounding me.' Galvani chipped oblivious to the tense atmosphere around the table as he moved the chair under Moiras' person.

'Indeed it couldn't' Angela thought feeling immensely tense atmosphere filling the air giving her the feeling of almost drowning in it. Moira looked as usual - calm and proud. She had not changed much since the last time she saw her in the Overwatch headquarters when Jack angrily condemned her research. Angela did not even pay attention to the conversation between the Irish woman and Maurice, not until her name hung in the air.

'It must have been horrifying, so close to such tragedy' Moira waved her arm theatrically, her voice sounding amused.

'If it weren't for Genji, I would be indeed in trouble' Angela smiled politely. There was no point in hiding the fact he was here with her.

'Shimada Genji?' if Angela hadn't known her over the years she would think she sounded surprised. That almost invisible lack of interest caught her attention and she surely didn't like it. Moira's presence worried her. Out of all the people, meeting the geneticist here felt like trouble once again.

'Stop it. Stop overthinking.' she growled at herself realizing that she may be simply paranoid.

'The one and only' Maurice replied.

'That is interesting. I haven't seen Genji in a long time. Angela, how it is that you two met?' Moira asked curiously folding a handkerchief on her lap.

Angela swallowed hard and straightened her back, the last thing she needed was Moira'' suspicion.

'He happened to travel close to a place I worked' she smiled politely. 'It was a surprise meeting I believe.'

'I see' Moira elegantly brushed invisible dust from her purple shirt staring at her mysteriously.

'I believe our dessert is coming. Moira, I hope you can accompany us for the time being' Galvani asked to Angela's' discontent.

'Thankfully, I have some spare time today so I will accept your offer Maurice'

'Wonderful!' he cheered as Angela suddenly felt out of place, wanting to hide in her small house once on the countryside again.

'It was a wonderful meal with a wonderful accompaniment. Once you properly rested Angela, I will show you the university and the research center.' Maurice announced fixing the length of his white shirt, slowly leading both women towards the outside. 'It is a shame mister Shimada did not joins us. I believe he is an extraordinary person and I cannot deny, I'd love to get to know him, ah-! Mister Shimada!' Maurice stopped abruptly surprising even Angela, who almost stumbled upon him. Her eyes widened as cyborgs figure emerged from the shadow.

She immediately realised the stiffness of his body and disturbing aura surrounding them by now. His visor flickered almost invisibly.

'Moira.' he said shortly, approaching the trio.

'Genji' she answered sharply sensing Genji's tension as well.

Galvani quickly gained his posture again and a smile returned to his face and asked 'Mister Shimada, how did you like the university?'

'Extraordinary place' Genji replied eyeing Moira and Angela, hidden behind the mask.

'Maurice, Moira, if you could excuse us.' said Mercy walking towards the cyborg. There was no need to make this meeting more awkward than it already was.

'Naturally, we've got plenty of time to talk. I will send my assistant for both of you for supper. Moira, I'd like discuss your lecture for next week' the man answered turning his attention to the geneticist.

'I do hope you have not been sitting idle Angela and that you came across interesting research you could share with me' the low voice of Moira echoed in the corridor.

'I'm sure we will both find familiar language soon enough.' Mercy's stern voice surprised even Genji. Moira on the other hand looked amused, the right corner of her lip rose with a devilish glint in her eyes sparkling.

'Very well' she answered and now looked at Genji who stood silent, paying attention to the interaction between Mercy and Moira.

The moment the cyborg and the doctor were alone, Angela released air as if it was compressed in her for a long time.

'Oh scheisse, I don't like this' she rubbed a spot between her eyes. Her shoulders suddenly dropped down as she bent her body on the cool, stone wall. 'I knew she is here but uh- verdamnt.' Angela cursed, she felt frustrated, not knowing anymore whether it was the lack of sleep or sudden encounter with her former coworker. And not just any coworker, but Moira, wicked geneticist in flesh.

Genji wasn't sure how much time he had spent wondering around the university's and city's premises. And the more he walked around the more he was convinced the place was a perfect hideout for Mercy. Until now, when he had seen who also resided in here.

'I so don't like this situation Genji' she complained once again. 'Moira smells like trouble from kilometers away'

'I have scouted the city, university premises.' the man spoke 'This place is our best choice, your best choice for now' to her dismay, Angela couldn't disagree and as much presence of Moira stirred her anxiousness, she could not do much about it and now she felt grateful for the change of the topic. Sitting and thinking about Moira would do her no good. Moreover, she couldn't help but to feel sparks of excitement growing inside of her at the thought of working in the laboratory. She could continue her research, consult other scientists, Maurice even mentioned lectures she could attend.

She signed loudly and next, straightened her back and took a deep breath. 'let's make the most of this situation before everything goes to hell, shall we?' in that moment Angela knew that she needed to be confident. Her eyes sparkled with determination. Sight of the cyborg made Angela's heart flutter pleasantly. She was no longer lonely. Perhaps the barrier between them stood solid for years but now she finally saw pieces of it crumbling slowly on to the ground.

Genji sneered at the comment and nodded slightly, seeing Angela smile so widely for the first time in a long time.

Let me know what do you think about Galvani and Moira. How is Genji's and Angela's relationship progressing? Is there something missing or worth changing? Feel free to review! Cheers! :3