Pharah

The kickback gave her some comfort. The echo of the shot was a familiar sound. The smell brought her back quite a few years when she fired her first gun.

It had barely been a day and a half since Angela officially left. Within that timeframe, not so long into it, Fareeha had received another text from the doctor. It hadn't been expected. In fact, Fareeha wondered if she would hear anything from the important Overwatch member for quite some time. She had, at the very least, their "date" to look forward to, but even that seemed intangible with every passing minute. Besides, would Angela have time for something so silly with the second Omnic War brewing the way it was? Somewhat doubtable. And yet, the text came to Fareeha as she was just starting to feel capable of moving around again outside of her bed in the medical wing.

'Fareeha. I am about to head out into Saint Petersburg to help subdue the crisis the omnics and Talon have created. I will be fighting in the frontlines, more than likely, and will not be able to communicate with you again for quite some time. Thus, I thought I would quickly write and tell you that I am hoping you are doing well. Ideally, I will be returning sooner rather than later. A nice, warm drink together sounds rather nice amidst this frightfully cold weather. I am also thinking of you…quite a bit. Odd, isn't it?'

It was unexpectantly long. Angela didn't seem the type to waste her time on such things if she wasn't sincere about the act. Thus, Fareeha concluded that it wasn't mere pleasantry; particularly the ending statement. To say Fareeha couldn't think of resting after that was something of an understatement. She read the message a few times, flipping about her bed restlessly for hours, perhaps. Eventually, she had managed a reply, but writing her thoughts and feelings had never been her strong point. In fact, she could barely voice her ideas without being overly curt or sometimes insensitive. Therefore, one of Overwatch's newest rising stars simply responded with a "Me too", which felt a little plain, but hopefully got enough of the message across.

So, this was what it was like to be truly interested in someone. Fareeha had had a crush or two growing up. As a very young girl, when Overwatch was in its glory, Reinhardt was the man Fareeha would marry. Angela had been around then, too, but she could barely be restrained to pose for a picture she was so dedicated to her studies and becoming an eventual legend in the medical world. Now that Fareeha thought about it, she smiled a lot then, too, but young Fareeha could never see past the façade. She lacked the ability to read social rhetoric even now, but because of the raw experiences they had dealt with together upon reuniting as women fully grown, Fareeha could at least grasp that Angela had quite the wall around her intimate personality.

Not another word came from Angela since that moment, however. Fareeha had sent the text, practically confessing to thinking of Angela "quite a bit" as well, which was nerve-wracking at best, but nothing came. Upon finally finding rest and awakening the next day, Fareeha's anxiety only increased tenfold. She knew Angela was in a war, and she knew it was foolish to expect time to be made for her, but she didn't have access to any updates regarding the mission, and the fear that something may have happened to Dr. Ziegler was a parasite within Fareeha's soul, only growing larger and more venomous with every passing hour of silence.

In the end, the inability to calm her mind naturally brought Fareeha to the present; that is, to the shooting range built within Overwatch Gibraltar. She was quite good with a gun, if she were to be honest. Her marks during the preliminary ranking in Overwatch were far above average for marksmanship. It was a good thing she wasn't being graded now, however, for her aim was notably off, and she knew precisely why. Still, the act helped. It was meditative. Fareeha would likely hit the onsite gym to workout a bit as well, because she knew how beneficial that could be for a troubled mind.

For now, however, there was nobody in the shooting range, surprisingly, and Fareeha revelled in the seclusion. She didn't want to associate with anybody right now. She just needed privacy to handle these new emotions as competently as she possibly could. Stressing about Angela's wellbeing was pointless. Logically, nothing was gained from worrying. Fareeha knew this. And yet, the act of forgetting about the woman was impossible.

'I'm acting like a child…' Fareeha grunted to herself, firing off another few rounds and skimming her fake opponent's ear, shoulder, and waist.

'Damn it.' Fareeha went on, the frustration building. If only she hadn't been injured. She could have been on the mission with Angela. She could have been by her side. She could have protected her. She could've made certain that the angel of Overwatch made it back alive, and then, they could finally have that now seemingly infamous drink and get to know one another better. Fareeha wanted to talk with Angela. She wanted to hear her voice. She wanted to know what she thought about anything and everything. It was so silly, but the scenes wouldn't leave her be.

And then, the worst-case scenario would grip at her heart: what if Angela didn't come back?

Fareeha unloaded her clip, the clicking of her gun signifying she was done with this particular round.

'My God! There is no way this is Ana's daughter! This aim? An insult to the Amari name!'

Fareeha started, practically jumping out of her sports gear that clung to her built body so firmly. She lifted her safety goggles, and blinked rapidly, shaking her head as she recoiled at the sight of another living legend; one that had a very special place in the young woman's mind, heart, and soul.

Reinhardt Wilhelm. The shield of Overwatch. The man who laughed in the face of Death at any given opportunity. Out of everyone in Overwatch, and besides Ana herself, this beast of a man was the one Fareeha admired the absolute most growing up. She had faint memories of his boisterous persona as a child, but seeing him now, after everything he had accomplished, and after staring at his poster Fareeha cherished as a little girl for so many years, Fareeha found herself speechless, unable to process more than the fact she was, indeed, awake and not dreaming.

'I think the cat's got her tongue.' A young girl claimed somewhat sassily. She had auburn hair, and was holding a rather large feline herself, her build solid, and the way she carried her person as a whole showing signs of discipline and strength.

'I have that affect, one could say.' Reinhardt shrugged confidently.

'I-I'm sorry. It's just…I wasn't expecting to see you. Here. Right now.'

'I didn't exactly sneak in.' The man paused. 'Did I?' He looked to the girl with honest confusion.

'Um. No.'

'Ahem. Well, then. Sounds like you were deep in thought, hm? Just like your mother after all! Her concentration was something to marvel. But enough of that! I remember when you were yay high. Now you're a real woman! Heard all about that mission in China! But the question is: do you remember me, little Fareeha?'

His voice was comforting, and his mannerisms immediately warm and inviting. Fareeha couldn't help but smile, and her eyes burned with a strange montage of familial acceptance and nostalgia. Her feelings were raw because of the thoughts that haunted her concerning Angela, but Reinhardt's presence helped so very, very much.

'Of course, I remember you, Reinhardt. You're as gallant and inspirational as ever. In fact, have you grown even more powerful? You seem…larger.'

'Hahahah! No, no. It's the scars, you see? They make any man appear that much more intimidating. This old body has been through much, but here I am. Can't say "no" to a good fight, can I?'

'That certainly hasn't changed.' Fareeha grinned, giving the girl near Reinhardt another quick glance.

'How rude of me! Ana would have had my head by now! This is ol' Torbjorn's little girl, Brigitte. She also happens to be my squire! Making this soldier and her father proud, I tell you. Can handle herself in a fight and fix almost anything up at this point, right?'

'Well, not everything, but I try!' Brigitte nodded, sizing Fareeha up, it seemed.

'A pleasure, Brigitte.' Fareeha extended her hand, and the other girl took it, gripping hard and forcing Fareeha to return the pressure so that her hand didn't get crushed.

'Oh! Very nice!' Brigitte released, tossing her hair a bit. 'She's a strong one, too.'

'Of course! You might not remember, but her mother was one of the legends. Best sniper in the world, they called her.'

'So you've said, Rein.' Brigitte's playful expression softened as she bowed slightly. 'I'm sorry for your loss, by the way. I'm sure she would be crazy proud of you.'

'Thank-you.' Fareeha shook the instinctual depression away. 'It's an old wound, at least. I'm doing better these days.'

'Then care to explain the emotion that was behind that spasm of gunfire?' Reinhardt's lip upturned a bit, and it would have been comical if Fareeha wasn't stressing to figure out how to explain herself.

'I…wanted to go on the mission to Russia. It seemed important, and I just wish I could have helped.' It wasn't a complete lie.

'Hmm. I understand that. We were originally to be joining the fight as well, but Jack called us off, the stick in the mud he is these days. Brigitte here was ready to show what she was made of, but your maiden battle will have to wait, little lady.'

'It's fine. I'll have my chance, I'm sure. I can always help dad with all those upgrades he was going on about for the base. Sounded like fun!'

'Or you could spar with me to work off the stiffness from the trip here, huh? Huh?'

'Pass. We just got here, and there's a lot to do, I think. We can always spar tomorrow.'

'Feh. Then I will see what Fareeha here is made of!'

Fareeha snapped to attention, knowing she was both honoured and a little terrified to even humour the idea.

'I-I'm still recovering, but perhaps in the near future.' She declined politely.

'Bah. To think I would be rejected so.'

'You'll survive.' Brigitte patted the man's enormous shoulder, and Reinhardt just kept shaking his head. 'Anyway, happy to meet you, Fareeha. I hope we get to see more of one another here and there, although I think Dad's going to be working me to the bone for the first little while.'

'If I can help, let me know.' Fareeha decided she liked Brigitte. They were a little similar, from what Fareeha could tell, and that was always nice to discover.

'You got it. Don't think it'll be easy work though, because – '

"This is an urgent message to all Overwatch medics currently on duty." Athena's voice sounded over the intercoms, which caused Fareeha, Brigitte, and Reinhardt to stop all further discussion. She was an A.I. program, but somehow she sounded distressed, perhaps because of her word use and the personnel she was directly contacting. "Please be prepared to receive the team from Russia. There are a multitude of individuals who require minor first aid, and one in ongoing critical condition. Our facilities are required. This is an urgent message to all Overwatch medics currently on duty…"

'They have returned sooner than expected! We only had to wait a day and so. Perhaps Jack was right after all! I'll never tell him though.' Reinhardt's voice was louder than ever, likely because he was excited to see his friends after so long, but Fareeha's throat tightened, and she checked her phone one more time in case she hadn't heard the notification that signified Angela's reply.

There was nothing.

Now, there was always the possibility Angela's device had been broken in the fight, or she was so busy helping the injured she didn't have time to say anything to Fareeha. Hell, Fareeha would be relieved even if Angela simply didn't want to associate with her anymore. As long as the doctor was fine. As long as she wasn't hurt. As long as she wasn't the individual who was in "ongoing critical condition".

'You okay? Look like you saw a ghost or something.' Brigitte asked, but Fareeha was already leaving.

'I need to help.' Fareeha answered, her temples pounding suddenly. What was this feeling? This dread? This fear? Instinct? Paranoia? Fareeha didn't have the answer, but all she knew was, before she could understand what her body was doing, she was jogging. Running. Sprinting. Her muscles recoiled in frustration, having just found some form of recovery after her injuries, but none of it mattered. She burst through Overwatch Gibraltar, catching more than a few confused glances. Bradley even called out to Fareeha, but his voice was a distant sound within seconds.

Her breaths came in rasps, but Fareeha pushed and pushed and pushed, ignoring any restrictions her muscles attempted to enforce. She needed to know. She had to know if Angela was alright. It was borderline lunacy, but she couldn't stop herself.

'I am also thinking of you…quite a bit. Odd, isn't it?'

A child. She was acting like a child again. Would she ever grow out of such fixations? No. This was different. It was all so very, very different. It was like nothing she had ever experienced before in her life. A crush? Perhaps that was the only way to describe it. Maybe it was time to openly admit as much. Fareeha didn't care anymore. The fear of any harm coming to Angela overrode further reservations. She would take the pain upon herself in the doctor's stead without hesitation. She would be satisfied just seeing Angela's gentle smile one more time.

Please be okay. Please. Please. Please. Please. Please.

She stopped, finding a crowd already gathered about the MV-261 Orca. Athena's announcement stirred the curious, and Fareeha didn't attempt to play nice. She shouldered her way through the various agents gawking, claiming she was specifically called for by Winston or Jack. She didn't care. She just needed to see Angela helping the wounded as diligently as she always did. Fareeha would back off right then and there. Her height allowed her to scan the area easily, and finally, she made out Winston's massive form, and near the new leader of Overwatch was Jack, the omnic, Zenyatta, Genji, and a masked soldier of some descript. They were all moving quickly; frantically. Jack parted the crowd, a slight limp to his step. They were pushing a stretcher, and the gathered people split like the sea until Fareeha saw the individual being cared for.

Her heart stopped, the world around her freezing and turning grey. Her mind didn't believe it, at first. It took a second or two for Fareeha to bring herself back to reality and commit to the truth before her.

Angela was the one in the stretcher. An oxygen mask was over her face, her form completely covered.

Her body moved again. Fareeha pushed through the remaining crowd until she was upon Jack and the rest of the head Overwatch members.

'Fareeha! What are you – ?' Winston began, but Fareeha had already taken hold of one of the stretcher's grips, helping push it along.

'What can I do?' She asked desperately, her eyes already glistening as she saw the marks on Angela's sleeping face. She was so pale. She looked beyond ill. What was happening to her? This wasn't natural.

'We did everything we could.' Jack grunted, still waving his arm to create more of an opening in the crowd so a small transportation vehicle was capable of meeting with the group. Upon the cart were a couple members of the medical team, evidently, and an agent. 'But she pushed herself to save us all. She stopped that thing from wiping us out until re-enforcements arrived.'

'Her life teeters on the brink.' Zenyatta hummed lowly, clasping his hand into a fist with a hollow chime sounding as he did so, a faint, glowing aura abandoning Angela's form, making her complexion even more unpleasant.

'Leave her to the experts, Fareeha. There's nothing we can do now.' The masked agent spoke calmly, the muffled voice making Fareeha's ears perk.

'…Can I go with her?' Fareeha asked regardless, but the vehicle was already racing through Gibraltar to the medical wing. There was a collage of mumbling and conversation all around, and more agents were picked up from the arrival point, their injuries not nearly as bad, considering they were mostly dealt with on site in Russia, presumably.

'Come with us.' Jack ordered suddenly, and when Fareeha couldn't find the will to respond or even move, Winston's gentle hand touched her back, guiding her zombified state to the main tower. Fareeha was in a cloud, the image of Angela's visage haunting her eternally. She didn't even realize she was in the commander's sector of the tower until Jack addressed her directly again.

'Good to see you're up and moving around, Fareeha.' Jack started.

Fareeha blinked, looking at her surroundings dazedly. Computers strewn about with various scientific instruments, a jar of half-empty peanut butter, a tire hanging from the ceiling, machines picking and prying at who knew what, a space suit only an enormous gorilla would fit into.

Jack. Winston. Torbjorn. Reinhardt. Brigitte. Zenyatta. Genji. And the masked agent. When had everyone arrived?

"Angela Ziegler's condition remains in critical. Doctor's are unable to adjust to her body's complex demands. Analyzing now. Estimated analysis complete in thirty minutes. Patient's vitals in critical condition. Neural response in critical condition. Brain activity – "

'Thank-you, Athena.' Winston silenced the A.I. 'Let us know if the situation changes.'

"Affirmative."

'What the hell happened?' Reinhardt demanded, anger in his voice now.

'Easy, boy. Jack's getting to it.' Torbjorn grunted, although he looked anything but pleased as well.

'It was beyond Jack's control. There was no way he could have anticipated what we would encounter in Volskaya Industries.' The masked individual claimed.

'It's fine. It is partially my fault, and I'll take responsibility should anything happen to Angela.'

'Oh, will you now?' Reinhardt pushed. 'And how do you plan on doing that?'

'Enough, Reinhardt.' Winston interjected. 'What we encountered was a new type of omnic that required an incredible amount of resources to create. We believe this initialization was a testing ground for further development, but a prototype is just that, and mass production of such monstrosities will take time. I uploaded the data we gathered following the battle to Athena's network, although Ms. Zarya didn't leave me much to work with when she was done with the foe.'

A 3-D image projected before the group from the middle table with a fragmented picture of what appeared to be a fairly average omnic, but it's normally exposed skeletal framework was covered in a smooth substance, making the being appear to be more human than not. It was alien and almost uncanny by nature, and didn't even look overly threatening, but…

'This is what hurt Angela?' Fareeha needed to confirm, her brow furrowing.

'Yes. Its power isn't anything to underestimate. Sent me clean across the room and put our own Angela in the hospital. Her nanomachines are barely keeping her alive. Any normal person would have been lost thrice over. She's a tough girl. I always knew she was, but today she proved it more than ever. I've never seen her fight so hard. Impressive, really.' Jack and the rest of the group were paying close attention to Fareeha now, and the masked person stood up, approaching her while extracting what appeared to be a cellular device from her pocket.

'Which brings us to you, Fareeha. Angela's phone was recovered from the site of combat, and we noticed her last text message was directed to yourself.'

Fareeha's chest tightened at the thought.

'You've become quite close to our Dr. Ziegler, it seems.' The mysterious woman continued. 'She keeps her thoughts and feelings locked away from everyone, really. But this message suggests a rare case of friendship between you both. Would that be a fair conclusion?'

Fareeha nodded slowly, wanting to go to the woman even more now.

'I was sent to recruit her by Winston, and we…connected. I was star struck, at first, but as I got to know Angela better, a friendship formed that I didn't think was terribly unique until recently.'

'What is this you are all saying? Angela is kind and loving to everyone! Why, there is no silly lock or what have you. No need to put poor Fareeha on the spot.' Reinhardt raised his hands in confusion, but Brigitte nudged him softly.

'Social tact was never your strong suit, I'm afraid.' She broke the news bluntly.

'Bah!'

'Exactly. Angela may have fought the way she did partially because of this bond she feels with you. It's the only explanation that somewhat makes sense. Zenyatta here said as much, anyway. I think it's a bit farfetched myself.' Jack continued to explain, and Zenyatta stepped in finally.

'Her thoughts were in confused turmoil prior to the mission. Her emotions so raw that I could vividly see the colours emanating from her soul. I offered words of encouragement, and she was, perhaps, fortified to contact that very source of muddled contemplation. Thus, the message soon delivered thereafter, one may assume.'

'You're special to her.' The masked woman concluded. 'And after the initial medical work is done in private, we want you to be the one to watch over Angela as she recovers. It's all we can offer our friend when every other method has been exhausted.'

Fareeha stood up then, energy and colour returning to her physical presentation.

'I will accept that mission with honour.' She answered in relief. Although some embarrassment regarding her and Angela's relationship started to surface, that same relationship was, fortunately, merely seen as a deep friendship, and Fareeha was fine with such an assumption. Currently, that's all it was…if that. Perhaps it was all it ever would be. Fareeha wouldn't entertain her deeper desires at this exact moment. She simply wanted to be by Angela's side in her time of need, and the opportunity was presenting itself sooner than she dared to anticipate.

'Good. Thanks. Meanwhile, we need to review the data about this bizarre omnic. Once you're fully recovered, you'll be helping on the more difficult missions going forward. Being able to keep your distance while fighting these things is key. We'll update you later.' Jack sounded a little relieved.

'Affirmative.' Fareeha saluted, anxious to leave, but honoured she was being taken so seriously now. Not only that, but she was trusted with Angela's life; that felt good.

'Athena?'

"Yes, Winston?"

'Fareeha Amari is on her way to keep an eye on Dr. Ziegler. Please let the medical team know that she has been granted access.'

"Of course."

'Thank-you.'

'I shall escort her.' Genji's soft voice spoke up, and Fareeha was taken aback by the sudden offer. He kept to himself and in the shadows in most situations, so Fareeha could only wonder about his motives. She didn't know as much about this member of Overwatch, and he wasn't exactly approachable.

'…That should be fine.' The masked woman submitted, sounding unsure. She approached Fareeha, handing her Angela's cellphone, which Fareeha accepted gratefully. The screen was cracked all over, with blood smudged within the damaged parts. It was a wonder the device still worked, and Fareeha gripped the thin piece tightly, trying not to let tears completely fill her eyes.

'I'm going now.' She announced. 'She needs me.'

'Thank-you, Fareeha. Really.' Winston said sincerely, and the others seemed to mimic his gratefulness in various ways. Fareeha nodded with fortitude, and was then on her way, Genji's somewhat strange presence right next to her as she made the trip to the medical wing of Overwatch Gibraltar. There was silence during the speed walk for the first minute or two, but then Genji finally spoke up.

'Dr. Ziegler is very important to me, Fareeha. You know this?'

'I didn't.' Fareeha answered honestly, a pinch grabbing at her stomach.

'I live because of her. To say I am indebted would be a sorry misunderstanding. She is my savior.'

'She's many peoples' savior, from what I understand.' Fareeha didn't want to sound rude, but there was an edge to her voice she herself didn't like.

'Indeed…'

'Is there something else?' Fareeha asked, calming her voice actively.

'Not exactly.' Genji muttered. 'I just…She is thought about often by myself. That is all.'

'Right.' Fareeha bit at the inside of her mouth. Was Genji romantically interested in Angela? And if so, what did that mean for Fareeha? Nothing. Nothing at all until Fareeha knew Angela Ziegler was okay. Her petty feelings meant nothing in this moment.

'I only ask that you look after her. May I trust you in this matter?'

Fareeha was almost insulted, but she also knew Genji (or anyone in Overwatch, thankfully) had absolutely no idea how she actually felt about Angela. Fareeha barely knew the exact extent of her affection herself.

'You have my word.'

'Very well. Thank-you.'

And he was gone. It was an incredibly short conversation, but Fareeha took a moment to evaluate the exchange as she neared the medical wing. The "social rhetoric" of the discussion wasn't especially clear, but Fareeha began to wonder if Genji wished he was the one overlooking Angela's recovery…the same recovery that Athena had deemed "critical" in its condition not an hour ago. The roles had been reversed. They needed to stop meeting under such circumstances.

Fareeha entered the medical wing and proceeded to the urgent care sector, swiping her I.D. card and being allowed access as Winston had requested. She held her breath, proceeding into the facility and finding Angela connected to monitors and various life-support devices that only a state-of-the-art facility like Overwatch Gibraltar could afford. The multiple sources of beeping unsettled Fareeha, and she gripped Angela's phone, tentatively stepping closer to the woman.

'She's finally stabilized, but her body is under a great deal of stress. We've done everything we could for now, but do not hesitate to call us should anything alarming occur. Her nanomachines are rebuilding what a normal human's body could never hope to accomplish. She is a walking miracle, as always.' One of the nurses reported.

'This could take some time. The chair can fold out into a bed. There are drinks and snacks in the fridge. Your dedication to your friend is admirable, Fareeha Amari. We will be making our rounds now. Regular check-ups will occur every thirty minutes. Thank-you again for your time.' The lead doctor let himself and his assistants out once Fareeha gave them confirmation. She couldn't find her voice easily, but it was fine. They were busy enough as it was.

Fareeha brought the chair close to Angela, her fingers tingling and her throat tangled. She leaned in close to Angela, seeing that at least some natural colour had returned to her face. Dark rings remained under her eyes, however, and her hair was down from its usual ponytail, messy and greasy. Her breaths were short and laboured, her neck having periodic spasms causing her face to twitch in a frightening way. The beeping all around stuttered when the blips in her body occurred, and Fareeha assumed the unnatural mannerisms to be the nanomachines doing their work.

'I'm here…Angela.' Fareeha whimpered, doing everything in her normally stoic mind to maintain some form of composure. She reached out with her numb hand and touched Angela's hair, stroking some loose bangs to the side and having a bizarre sense of déjà vu. She felt as though she was vandalizing the doctor then, and retracted her touch immediately, simply staring at the angel of Overwatch and biting down on the bottom of her lip in frustration.

'Hm.' Angela grunted suddenly, and Fareeha suspected her to be making sounds in her sleep, but her eyes soon scrunched just barely open, and the tiniest of smiles attempted to play out across her pained face.

'Angela…!' Fareeha exclaimed, consciously keeping her voice down but feeling as though the pounding of her heart could wake the dead.

'We're…quite the pair…aren't we?'

'Y-yes. Yes, we are.' Fareeha wiped her eyes, beaming from ear to ear. 'But…shouldn't you rest?'

'Quite.' Angela tried to giggle, but it came out as a rasp, and she scowled. 'However, resting would mean…missing this chance.'

'Chance?'

Angela grinned slyly, but then a little colour found her cheeks, and she glanced away without truly wanting to, surely.

'To see you…of course…'

The comment brought to Fareeha a wave of joy that coursed through her entire body. She couldn't respond right away, and her mouth hung open awkwardly.

'Although I suppose…it might be just me.' Angela muttered sourly, but in her lovingly teasing way.

'N-no. I mean, I just…don't know sometimes.' Fareeha started, gathering her courage and thoughts. 'I…I wanted to see you, too. That's what I meant to say.'

'Oh…' Angela glanced all around furtively. 'Quite…the effect…'

'Effect?'

'It is…nothing.'

Fareeha blinked, but couldn't decipher more beyond that. She was so very thankful that Angela was well enough to talk – if however straining it seemed – and even more relieved to know that whatever she was feeling herself and from Angela wasn't a complete lie. It wasn't a fantastical notion a mere fixation was warping into within the confines of a singular mind.

'May I get you anything? Are you hungry? Thirsty?'

'I am…rather thirsty, but my body…'

'It's fine.' Fareeha stood up, rushing to the fridge and extracting a fresh bottle of water from it. She twisted off the cap, and sat back down, holding the beverage with a vice grip and shuffling in just a little closer. 'Is it okay?' She asked, indicating that she was willing to serve Angela as needed.

'Please…' Angela answered, partially keeping her mouth open and angling her head slightly.

Fareeha tried not to become fixated on the woman's alluring lips, and diverted her focus, touching Angela's chin gently and easing the water in. She could see Angela's neck swallowing, and again, it was a strange point of interest for the young woman attempting to assist.

Suddenly, however, Angela's nanomachines kicked in once more, and she twitched, causing some water to splash over her. Fareeha quickly used her hand to wipe the remnants up, feeling the warmth of Angela's skin returning just so.

'How…embarrassing.' Angela admitted.

'It's fine. Really. You've been through quite the ordeal.'

'I couldn't…let you have all the fun, could I?'

'I would've rather you did, Angela.'

'At this point…I might have to agree with you.'

'I'm glad you seem to be doing well.'

'Yes. I'm past the worst of it…seemingly. I will need to do some work on my body, however, for…for I can tell I've lost a great deal of my…healing capabilities…for the moment.'

Fareeha loved talking with Angela, but she could tell the woman was pushing herself, and she couldn't continue to be greedy.

'No, Fareeha.' Angela spoke up suddenly. 'I want you here. It…it helps.'

'Am I so obvious?' Fareeha laughed.

'Very.' Was the confident response.

'Then I will stay.'

'Please do.'

A beat, but then Angela turned her face so she could look directly at Fareeha. Their eyes met, and there was a silent exchange Fareeha herself couldn't hear. She wondered if Angela could. The other woman began speaking, regardless.

'A favour…for the dying?'

'Don't talk like that.' Fareeha responded sharply.

'My apologies. A crude…joke.'

'But yes. Anything within my power.'

'I…do need to rest, it seems.'

'Good girl.'

'However…' Angela hesitated, closing her eyes. 'Might you…simply rest your hand…on my shoulder as I do so?'

'I-I can.' Fareeha's mouth was already dry, and she was now forgetting to breathe.

'Subconsciously knowing you're here…it will help, as the others have likely ascertained…based on your presence…'

'I'm not going anywhere.' Fareeha managed to feel Angela's shoulder, its delicate, soft placement under her touch making her spine shiver.

'Heheh…' Angela coughed, yet she moved her body slightly, as if savoring Fareeha's touch. 'Thank-you…'

'Of course. It's nothing.'

'It's not…nothing.' Angela hummed, her words trailing off already. 'It's deserving…of a reward, one might say…'

'Being able to comfort you in your time of need is reward enough for me.'

'Ever the charmer…' Angela breathed out calmly, perhaps feeling safe with Fareeha so obviously close by. The young woman hoped so anyway. 'Here is another gift for your service, however. A piece of honesty…from a woman who tries to hide such things so…'

'Angela…?' Fareeha couldn't be sure what was coming, but she steadied her mind for whatever it may be.

'It's only fair, and I am feeling somewhat…as delirious, perhaps…'

'I don't understand, Angela.'

'I don't either, to be…perfectly honest. But…I shall admit this, at least, yes?' Angela cracked her eyes open one last time before giving her body over to rest and recovery for hours more. 'I also…think…you're beautiful.'