They were all walking to the take-off point. Mockingbird said he had to take a step back to make a call, and so he started walking a bit behind them, talking in a hushed tone. Cole turned to him, and asked, a small smile on his face :

"So… Excited ?"

"What for ?"

"We both couldn't really get to see a lot of birdie. Now, he's gonna stay at the base for a while." Genji simply shrugged and didn't answer. "Well, I certainly am. I have loads of things to talk about, plus it'll be nice to have someone new around, even if it's not for long."

He certainly was very excited. But he was also very salty ; the interaction that happened earlier didn't let him be happy about it.

When did the two of them get so close ?

What was that look, anyway ?

Genji made an annoyed sound. He wanted to know, but at the same time, the ninja was scared of the answer. He didn't think he was ready for it. Why, he had no idea. He considered Mockingbird his friend, a trusted one at that. Yes, he was jealous that Cole and the informant were maybe closer than he thought they were. Nothing more, and certainly nothing less.

A friend.

The ride back wasn't quiet. The cowboy and the intel provider kept on talking, laughing at each other's jokes and trying to think about something else than what happened. Each time they tried incorporating the Shimada into the conversation, he simply glared as an answer, or looked away without giving much of a reply, even a nonverbal one.

He wasn't in the mood for chit-chats.

When they arrived at the base, everyone was surprised to see that there were three to go off the aircraft. Reyes was the one to talk :

"I assume this is Mockingbird ?"

"The one and only~" He confirmed, amused.

"So are you joining Blackwatch as an agent ?" The informant froze as if scared to answer.

"Is this a trick question ?" He asked, hesitant.

"No."

"Then no." That hurt him. "I like my freedom of being able to choose who I work for and on what terms." That was fair. But Genji… He wanted him to be on the team, to have an excuse to see him more. Get to know him more.

"I understand." The cyborg could tell that Gabriel will jump at any opportunity to make him join. "Tell me if you ever change your mind."

"I will." Genji didn't think that King would change his mind. He could try, but he didn't think he would be a good enough reason. Cole maybe, though.

They walked into the building, the informant looking around not so sneakily. That made the ninja smile softly, amused. It fell when the cowboy hit up the conversation with him… Again. He glared at the two of them and met the gaze of the informant, who averted his eyes not long after.

"So, do you want to eat with us ?" The cyborg listened to the conversation.

"Uh, maybe ? Depends on how hungry I am." He shrugged as an answer. Did he not trust them ? Was it because he was here ? "What are you guys eating this evening ?"

"We don't know yet." A chuckle and Genji ticked. "Usually, it's not very high quality," he said, getting closer to the informant as if telling a secret.

"Is that so ?" The newcomer replied in the same tone, teasing.

Genji could already feel that this wasn't going to be so great.

They continued to talk, and soon enough, the duo figured it was best to not bother the cyborg. From the odd look of Cassidy, he could tell he will have a conversation later tonight.

"So, how long are you staying ?"

"I can until tomorrow late-morning."

"A whole 12 hours then ? Nice." Cole cheered, smiling brightly.

They were getting food, and the ninja noticed that Mockingbird was taking a plate, too. He looked for the food he went for, quietly. The informant seemed to like spicy food, from looking at his selection, but didn't eat a lot. Genji got distracted, and they touched hands. The touch surprised him and he quickly retrieved his hand, while King's only did a slight movement.

"I'm sorry, go on," the informant said softly, a small smile in his voice. He looked at him, head tilted. The agent could only stare back, frozen in place. "Are you okay kitten ?" Mockingbird softly asked, getting closer to him, hand reaching out. He took a small step back, and the hand stopped in its tracks, going back to its owner. The bird didn't stop looking at him though, and he hated the fact that he was masked, and couldn't read the informant's expression.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the masked individual turned away from him. Why was he so uncomfortable ? He certainly didn't want to be. The hug was nice… Even though he was awkward.

They continued to pick up food, and soon enough were sitting at a table, preparing themselves to eat. Genji observed King out of the corner of his eyes and took off his own mask, slowly. He saw Mockingbird observing him, curious.

He took off the mask.

The informant stared at him for a bit, then averted his eyes.

"Do you guys know ASL ?" Cole shook his head.

"I do," replied Genji.

"Can you translate what I'm saying ?" King asked softly, almost afraid to ask.

"... Yes."

"Thank you so much."

And he took off his voice changer.

The cyborg eyes immediately went for the lip- the mouth. And the chin.

He was attractive.

He punched himself figuratively. 'You're playing the cold shoulder then checking him out ? Really fucking clever.' he told himself, annoyed.

The informant began to sign, and Genji understood that he'll be right back. He communicated that to Cole, and a small silence fell between the men. Not for long though.

"So, are you gonna talk about it ?" Questioned Cassidy.

"Talk about what ?"

"You've been glaring at us for what, hours now ? What's happening ?"

"Nothing."

"You're gonna fuck up your chance, you know ?"

"Chance of what ?"

He only had a shrug as an answer. That made him frustrated. He didn't want to "fuck up his chance" at anything. Certainly not with Mockingbird.

He simply didn't know how to react, or even act, around him.

It's like they're back to square one, but worse. He only had so much time left.

"I just don't know how to act," the ninja admitted.

"What do you mean ?" Replied the cowboy.

"I don't know." And he truly had no idea.

The informant came back, smiling softly at them.

The rest of the meal was uneventful, and despite the cyborg serving as an interpreter, he didn't partake in the conversation at all. From what he could see, the masked individual could tell something was off.

Once the dinner was over, they all went to put their plates away, and Cole said his goodnight. They were now alone in the cafeteria. Genji felt awkward.

"What's happening to you, pretty boy ?" He questioned, after putting the voice modifier back on. The Blackwatch agent didn't know how to answer. "You've been glaring at me and cherry since we went away." He got closer, his tone worried. "Have I done something wrong ?"

"No. No, you didn't." He saw the informant's shoulders relax, relieved.

"I'm glad." A pause. "Then why are you acting like this ?" He averted his gaze, lips tightly sealed together. A gentle chuckle, "Aww, is my kitten jealous ?"

The tone was teasing, but he was right. He was jealous.

"Kitten, look at me."

He felt his chin being gently cupped and moved up. He met the dark gaze of the mask, and he froze. They stared at each other for a bit, and Genji didn't know what to say or do. The touch was so gentle, caring.

"You'll always be my favourite, kitten." Was it him, or was the voice less… Modified ? Softer and less… Aggressive ?

He felt his cheeks burn. He could only stare in disbelief, not fully realising what just happened.

Slowly, Mockingbird retrieved his hand, his touch lingering. The cyborg swallowed his saliva, not finding words.

"Ah man, has anyone told you yet how cute you were blushing ?" Asked the intel provider with a flirtatious tone.

Maybe.

He couldn't remember his own name.

He heard a laugh, gentle and teasing.

"That's why you're my number one."