Tracer

'Oh, man.' Lena looked at her hand, practically stumbling through the Overwatch base to her own quarters. 'Ohmanohmanohmanohman!' She sighed, entering her room and flopping onto her bed, staring at the ceiling.

'Get yourself together, girl. Seriously. This is not what you were looking for. Bloody hell it's not the reason I helped her, but…'

Lena and Widow had spent a few hours together after the slight amount of drama involving Lena's life being threatened for but a moment. Just another day with one of Talon's best. But after Lena had brought the other woman a snack and sat down with her, they actually talked. It was somewhat one-sided, as usual, but Widow was obviously a touch more receptive to conversing with Lena, her small replies and sometimes curt reactions to be expected. They mostly discussed Angela and all the who, what, when, how, and whys of her mission, but it was something, and "something" was better than "nothing".

When Lena finally departed, she could let out the anxiety that had plagued her so suddenly around the slightly older woman. Truthfully, it was no secret Lena found Widow attractive; anyone would. The rub emerged now that Amelie was beginning to show herself, and Amelie was the physical self's persona; the real persona. It wouldn't have been a problem if she was simply unlikeable, but Amelie was the exact sort of personality Lena found herself always interested in.

Which was the problem.

Paired with Widow's painfully soft and smooth skin, the texture still imbedded in Lena's mind, Lena knew a crush had developed. There was no doubt about it. Lena could see Angela's smug face already.

"I told you so." She would say with a superior shrug.

'Ugh!' Lena turned, shoving her face into her pillow. 'So messed up! So, so, so wrong! What about…?' She peeked through the fluffy material currently obstructing her mission partially and touched her phone, scrolling about her contacts and lingering on the "E" section with a very special name highlighted.

'God. I can't. I shouldn't. But…I'm a touch lonely, Em. It's no excuse; I know.' Lena shot up, sitting cross-legged on her bed. 'Right. Let's think about this a little, kay? How would I feel if I found out Emily started dating someone else right this second?'

Lena imagined it. Emily walking through a park while holding another man or woman's hand. They were laughing, confined to their own little romantic world.

'Oi.' Lena grunted. 'Doesn't feel so good.' She shook her head. 'But knowing she's happy…isn't so bad either. I mean, we broke it off. It's done. Am I okay with that? Kinda. Do I miss her? Hell, yes. Still, it wouldn't be fair to expect her to wait for me. That's the whole point, innit?'

She flipped back onto her bed, rubbing her moistened eyes.

'I'm bein' an idiot. As if she'd ever be interested in me to begin with. One mention of fooling around with another girl and I get that bloody sexy death stare of hers. No point killing myself over something that isn't happening anyway.'

Lena thought about Widow, especially when she looked so vulnerable and frightened once returned from the training facility. She could make that kind of face, too, huh?

'Oh, man. She's so beautiful. Can I just leave her alone? I gotta. For her healing and everything, it wouldn't be fair to make things more complicated. There. Done. That's your answer, you dumb, dumb girl.'

Lena paused, touching her lips with her fingers and imagining what it would be like to kiss someone like Widowmaker. Or, better yet, someone like Amelie Lacroix.

"Er…Glad you have your answer there, Lena."

Winston's voice made Lena almost topple out of bed, and she was forced to gather herself, scrambling about the ground before grabbing at her bed and leaning on it with her elbows.

'Um…Not okay, Winston!'

"I…uh…dinged and everything, but you were really in your own little world."

'God…' Lena groaned. 'Seriously? You heard that? All of it?'

"I can pretend I didn't."

'Ugh…!'

A beat, and Lena finally had the courage to speak up again, the low hum of Athena's overhead speaker revealing Winston was still waiting.

'Okay. What is it?'

"Lucio wants to speak with you. He's currently in the entertainment hall. Had to deal with a whole bunch of agents wanting his autograph. Nice guy!"

'Oh! Sweet! I've been wanting to talk to him! Have to apologize for the craziness that happened during the mission, you know?'

"Hah! I'm sure he'll be fine. He seems very down to earth considering how popular he is. I might even give his music a try!"

'You should! It's really great!'

"Well…that's pretty much it, then. I'll chat with you later. Keep me posted regarding Widowmaker. Er…her wellbeing, that is. Whatever you do with her in private…um…so long as it's consensual, I suppose."

'Ah! Okay! Bye-bye! Athena, cut the connection!'

"Really. It's fi – "

"Affirmative."

And another "ding" signified the call being over.

At least it had only been Winston. He and Lena were so close she didn't mind the big oaf hearing her ridiculous self-banter. Lena wasn't always secretive regarding her love life either, but something about Widow made her cautious and nervous. Perhaps it was because she felt so protective of the other woman. Even now, she wondered how she was doing and if she was going to be able to sleep through the night alright. It couldn't have been comfortable having those binds locking her down, but with her deadly potential, it was necessary; even Widow acknowledged as much.

Lena jumped to her feet and quickly fixed her hair so it looked messy the way she liked it. She could consider her stance in relation to Widow later, but for now, she was kind of excited to meet something of a celebrity. It would be a good distraction, at the very least.

When Lena entered the entertainment hall, it was much busier than usual for how late it was in the day. It was something of Gibraltar's onsite bar, really, but it included pool tables, enormous televisions, a karaoke machine, and even waitresses and busboys to keep things rolling smoothly.

It wasn't hard to spot Lucio, because he was surrounded by a number of bodyguards, a few female Overwatch agents simply downright smitten with the fact they were having a conversation with the man. He acted very natural and casual, however, and Lena was ready to believe exactly what Winston had said about him. She always had the impression he was a pretty decent guy to begin with, so it wasn't such a farfetched notion.

Lena approached the D.J., and as soon as his big brown eyes spotted her, he waved, dismissing the other agents politely to bring Lena into his inner circle, waving with a charming but grounded smile.

'The Tracer! Wow! I've seen some videos of you in action and girl, you can really move!'

This was a reversal Lena wasn't prepared for. She instantly blushed, smacking at the air.

'Aw! Thanks, Luv! Definitely wasn't expecting that kinda greeting!'

'Are you kidding me? You're a legend! Anybody with as much passion as you when it comes to saving others is a true hero in my books.' He paused, giggling a little to himself. 'Can you say it? Your catchphrase?'

Lena blinked, still thrown by how interested Lucio was in her.

'Um…Cheers, Luv, the cavalry's here!'

'Whoo! Yeah, baby! That's what I'm talking about! Hahah!'

Even Lucio's bodyguards clapped a bit, some of the other Overwatch agents cheering in response.

'Shucks…I just do what I can to help. Heheh…'

'That's just it though, isn't it? That's what we gotta do! You came to my concert in Numbani, right? You fought that monster of a dude in the airport, right? Saw some footage of that insanity, too! Girl, you are the walking manifestation of bravery and heroism. You inspired me to join the fight! If my music and spirit can help Overwatch take down the evil in this world, well, you bet I'm gonna jump at the chance to be here! I'm not the best fighter, believe me, but I know the power of morale and the beat. I'm pretty sure I can boost you guys here and there!'

'That would be amazing, Lucio! Really! It's an honour to have you here!'

'Honour's all mine. You know it is! I'm so pumped to throw some tunes down before the next major mission. I can even go on site to the fight if needed. I got a sweet rig that lets me get crazy mobile. Might even give you a run for your money! Hahah!'

'Really? I'd totally race you!'

'Oh, you're on!'

They both laughed, and Lena decided that she really liked this guy. No wonder he was so popular. The fame hadn't gotten to him at all. Winston was right as well; apologizing about what happened in Numbani seemed silly now. Lucio would likely question what Lena could possibly be apologizing for considering everything that happened was completely out of her power.

However, one thing Lucio said struck a chord with Lena, and although she told herself to stop thinking about a certain assassin, she supposed it was not such an easy task after all.

'You said something about your music having the power to boost morale and stuff, right?'

'It's the craziest thing! Okay. Hear me out. I mean, music's always been a powerful part of the art world, right? It can totally and completely change someone's mood like that!' Lucio snapped, everything he did theatrical and somehow alive. He was a joy to just watch as he talked.

'That's true 'nuff. I always get grooving to some tunes before a fight if I can.'

'Exactly! But listen to this: my music can actually pump others up so much they can sometimes move faster or even make them forget about pain both physically and mentally. It's slow and gradual, but if you're nearby, and I'm bringing it, you better believe it can work some insane magic!'

'Gotcha…That is pretty amazing.'

'Right?'

That clinched it. But could Lena ask such a favour of Lucio upon just meeting him? If she had more time, she'd wait, but she could be pulled onto the field at any moment, and Widow was still so obviously struggling with her painful transition. When Lena played music during the shooting contest, she could see the way Widow's body reacted to the tune. Boy, could she ever. What if Lucio was right, and his music had an even more positive of an influence? It was certainly worth a try, wasn't it?

'Any way I could get a peek of your beats in action? I have someone that could really use some music therapy, you know?'

Lucio crossed his arms, cocking his head to the side.

'Yeah? You sound a little skeptical.'

'Hahah. Yeah, well, she's a pretty special case. Not sure if even you can help this one.'

'Snap. Can't let that doubt slide. I got some time, and if I can help Tracer of Overwatch out then you know I'll break it down as best I can.'

Lena could only hope his confidence wasn't misplaced, because as good as Lucio was, Widow was so broken and hurt she wasn't sure what to do anymore. Maybe this was exactly what she needed, or maybe it would set her off again. Either way, Lena decided it was worth the risk.

'Heya!' Lena waved to Widow, who was watching her projected television again. She took a peek at the content, and before the other woman snapped it off, she saw yet another cheesy soap opera had been playing.

'What are you doing here?' Widow snapped.

'You actually like those shows, don't you?'

'What I like and don't like is none of your concern.'

'Uh-oh. Is someone embarrassed?'

'Hardly. Now, why are you bothering me this time? I thought I would finally have some peace for the remainder of the evening.'

'Aw. Don't be like that. We both know you totally missed me.'

'Never.'

'I'll take that as a "yep"!' Lena maintained her composure, but she couldn't ignore the small ache in her chest from Widow's earnest rejection of the Overwatch agent's presence. They had had that moment together, right? Lena's hand was still tingling, so, she knew it to be true. But Widow was pretending as though their obvious connection in the scene of vulnerability never happened. Lena knew she shouldn't care, but it did bother her somewhat annoyingly.

'Take it as you will.'

Lena giggled, leaping to Widow's side and looking up at her playfully.

'So, I got this crazy date idea. You feel like coming?'

'Without the details my only answer shall be "no".'

'Really? You'd rather just lay here watching old drama reruns?'

'…Perhaps.'

'It'll be fu~un!'

'Our definitions of the very concept surely differ.'

Lena unlatched the binds that held Widow in place and popped back up, holding out a hand.

'Trust me; I think you'll like it.'

'Does it involve a gun?'

'Not this time. Heheh!'

Widow rolled her eyes and sighed, but she arose from her bed all the same, her newest set of clothes Lena brought her complimenting her perfect form. Perhaps anything would look good on someone of this calibre. Lena knew she herself couldn't stop staring when the opportunities presented themselves. The leggings and somewhat loose shirt did wonders for the imagination, and Lena wanted to slap her face away from gawking.

'It's not a "date", understand? Get that ridiculous concept out of your head.'

'Fine. Fine. Fair enough, Luv.'

'And if I am not impressed with your proposition for a "good time" I will be asked to return here post haste.'

'Bloody hell. Demanding for a prisoner.' Lena laughed.

'Heh. You're the one compensating me at every turn, little girl.'

'True enough. But you're worth it.'

'I've given you no reason to believe as much.'

'So, you did forget about our little moment together, like, a few hours ago?'

Widow finally faltered, turning her face away and perhaps blushing ever so slightly.

'It was merely a fit of insanity. Do not read into it further.'

Lena swallowed, shuffling her conflicting emotions to the side and focussing on what she had approached Widow for.

'Gotcha. Wouldn't dream of it.'

'Good.'

The Overwatch agent breathed out slowly, a small shake escaping her air circulation.

'Anyhow! Let's go, my lady! Right this way!'

'So be it…'

And they were moving through the base anew. It was later, the lighting of various corridors and halls remaining dim. Rain had continued to be pouring since the day Angela left, and Lena had to admit it was a gloomy turn of weather. Pitter pattering drops were prevalent throughout the entirety of the trip, and Lena knew she'd have to yell to get anything across to her current companion.

'Think we'll ever have a dry day again?' She asked, ensuring Widow was in her peripheral at all times.

'I don't mind the rain. I don't even feel the cold.'

'Oi! Convenient!'

'Slightly.'

'Why don't you mind the rain though?'

'Mm. I wonder…'

As mysterious as ever. It drove Lena wild. Fortunately, before she ran the risk of saying anything too foolish, Lena and Widow made it to their destination, which was a room once reserved for interrogations and the like. It was abnormally large, for whatever reason, but mostly remained vacant since Overwatch's revival, making it something of a little hall with hardly any equipment within.

'What on earth?' Widow sneered, finally turning to Lena and raising a brow. 'Whatever are you thinking?'

'Just wait.' Lena tapped at her phone a couple of times, escorting Widow into the little hall with a singular spotlight centered on the open floor. 'I did a little digging, and I found some stuff that might make this super helpful or crazy bad. Whatever happens though, just know I'm here, okay?'

'I…do not like this.' Widow groaned.

'Don't worry. It's safe. So…'

A tune began, and Lena beamed. Lucio was good. He already got his sound system set up, it would seem. The light in the middle of the floor split into five smaller beams, circulating the space alongside the classical, slow track that Lucio was obviously adding just a touch of flair to.

'My God…' Widow uttered.

'You…danced to this, right? One of your biggest shows had this track in it, if I did anything right here.'

'You…!' Widow's lip twitched.

'It's called "music therapy" or something. When I saw how much you liked a good tune, I kinda asked Lucio to put something together real quick. Good thing he's a fan, because I don't know if he'd do all this for just anybody.'

Widow closed her eyes, and moved onto the middle of the floor, sitting down cross-legged and putting her face to her ankles. She suddenly became so small, and Lena waited to see what she would do.

"So far so good." Lena messaged Lucio, and he replied with an enormous "thumbs up" sticker.

The music stopped suddenly, and Lena glanced fervently around, wondering if Lucio had been cut off somehow, but then a horn sounded, and the track started up anew, this time with even more instruments and a touch of Lucio's own additions filling it with incredible life. Widow rose up onto her toes, her form and movement instantly mesmerizing. It was as though muscle memory had taken her over, her actions perfectly in sync with the track being played. She told a tragic story with her dance, Widow's face more animated than ever before, although still slightly restrained. Nonetheless, Lena couldn't take her eyes off her, and finally felt as though she could stare. Widow was performing for an audience. She was a professional dancer reborn. Thousands had paid a premium price to see her, and Lena could easily understand why. Her beauty was unparalleled already, but the way she commanded her body, using every limb available to her in precise and difficult poses, flowing from one statement to another, was otherworldly.

Minutes went by, yet they could be exchanged for seconds in Lena's mind. She was emotionally affected, goosebumps pervading her neck and face. How could one person be so utterly alluring in every possible way?

'Completely daft…' Lena gasped.

The song reached its climax, and Widow elevated herself up on one toe, lifting her other leg high above her head and stretching her neck back, exposing herself seductively and practically giving Lena permission to observe her hungrily.

With the downward spiral of the finale, Widow collapsed to the floor, sprawled about as if crippled for life. Lena went to her immediately, getting to her hands and knees and approaching just close enough to see the other woman's bloodshot eyes and quivering mouth.

'He approached me after this number. It was the end of the first act. An intermission took place, and he received special permission to see me.'

'You mean…Gerard?' Lena managed through a tight throat.

'Gerard…' Widow repeated affectionately. 'Yes. A bold man. Bold, but so severely humble. He had me on the same pedestal as many a fan, but something about him delivered insurmountable respect and consideration. I was accustomed to being asked out on dates by similarly bold individuals, but something about his demeanor caught me off guard, and I accepted his sincere invitation to dinner.'

'I know of him, but didn't talk to him myself ever. He did a lot for the organization, I think.'

'He worked quite frequently…' Widow confirmed half-heartedly.

'Right.' Lena agreed, and kept feeling less and less encouraged to act on any semblance of feeling she had for this woman. She had no hope. She knew this. So, if she knew as much, why did it still hurt like nothing else?

Another song started up, this one much softer and romantic sounding. The strings and instruments of mystery lulled Lena into a daze, wishing she had gotten the chance to see Widow perform on stage before any of this nonsense with Talon occurred.

'Hmph. A duet. Gerard ever attempted to remain stoic when reviewing such dances, but an air of jealousy frequently exposed him when he saw another man touch me in any fashion once our relationship became official.'

'Oh, I bet. Ballet is pretty sensual, innit?'

'Is it?' Widow floated upward again, and she was a completely different woman now, a new story taking place as she circled Lena, the Overwatch agent stuck in the middle of the floor, unsure of whether or not she should make her exit or keep the best seat in the house.

Unexpectedly, but to the young woman's delight, Widow flew in to her, taking Lena by the waist and stroking her sides before peeling away, locking her eyes on her and forcing her soul to remain resilient, the urge to melt on the spot almost as tempting as the form manipulating the space it found itself encased in.

Was Widow…or perhaps even Amelie…dancing with Lena?

The music swooped up and down, rising and falling, with Widow displaying her skill for Lena to see, stepping in close and lifting Lena up temporarily, swinging her to the side and bringing her back down, feeling her from her shins all the way up to her collar.

'B-bloody hell…' Lena whispered, her face suddenly so close to Widow's she could feel her breath.

'Such a simple girl.' Widow taunted, taking hold of Lena's face with an abrupt amount of force. 'Are you aroused by something so quaint? I've barely begun.'

'You're…pretty incredible.' Lena admitted, forcing herself not to quiver in the older woman's grasp.

'Hmph. This "date" has proven much more fulfilling than anticipated. Music therapy, you say? Hm. Perhaps this is worth exploring further.' Widow sighed deeply, locking eyes with Lena, her cybernetic enhancements making her gaze inhuman and slightly unsettling. 'It's…been quite some time since I've "felt" so alive. I feel as though…perhaps…I've reconnected with a piece of myself I thought lost. This is, of course, because of you.'

'Just tryin' to help, Luv. It's like I've said since the beginning.'

Widow tugged at Lena's hair, and although it was quite rough, it wasn't a horrible sensation either, oddly enough.

'Good girls deserve rewards, I suppose.' Widow went on in a deep and sultry voice, her French accent prominent and overly sexual. 'And you've impressed me today, my dear.'

Lena's vision blurred for a split second as her heart leapt into her throat. Widow's mouth parted just enough, and the world slowed to a near halt as she closed her eyes and held Lena in place, closing the gap between the two women's faces at glacier speed through the time-bender's view.

Was this even happening? It had felt like such an impossibility, and yet…!

Widow paused, blinking rapidly and snapping her head up, as if a snake suddenly on high alert.

'Stop the music.'

'What? Stop the – ?'

'Stop it, now!'

Lena sent Lucio a quick message, and immediately the gorgeous tune was cut.

'What's wrong, Luv?'

'I…I'm not completely certain. However, I…I received a disturbing message after you left, and perhaps I'm being paranoid, but…'

Why was she mentioning this now? A message? From who? Who could possibly connect to Widow in the Overwatch base?

Lena's eyes widened, and she checked her phone again, a message from Sombra popping up as she did so.

"Party's about to start. Better get ready. You have, like, two minutes. Good luck, "Luv"!"

'Oh, God…! Are you serious?' Lena attempted to process the text as quickly as possible, but when Widow peered over her shoulder, she shook her head, grinning a little.

'I require my gun.' She muttered dangerously.

'I-I'm not sure I can do that, Luv.'

'I won't go back, little girl. Congratulations. You've convinced me to fight for this pathetic life.'