Pharah

When had sleep become such an exciting time for Fareeha? Waking up to a new day, she turned a bit to her side and sighed inwardly, seeing Angela's deeply breathing form, her golden hair a mess around her and the strap from her white tank top loosely hanging over her shoulder. It was a vision of angelic quality, and Fareeha tried not to stir the woman, taking in the moment for all it was worth and shaking her head in disbelief, as she tended to do here and there. Sleep was exciting because she had been staying in Angela's bed every night since the doctor had asked her to. Sleep meant being close to Angela. Sleep meant sometimes making love. Sleep meant a picture in time like this very one Fareeha cherished as much as she possibly could.

A familiar alarm went off, and Fareeha took it upon herself to reach over Angela and turn the device off, her temporary phone having something of an obnoxious sound to it since Angela hadn't bothered to customize it yet. Regardless of her efforts, Angela stirred, blinking without moving the rest of her body and shivering for a moment, her legs eventually shifting under the sheets and grabbing hold of Fareeha's.

'Good morning…' Fareeha said gently, and Angela blinked again, shuffling in close to her, taking her hand quite suddenly and placing it over the front of her white, lace panties.

'Touch me.' She demanded eagerly.

'But…the operation…' Fareeha hesitated, yet once she felt the warmth of the material her own desires were instigated. She started caressing the beautiful doctor, a restrained whine coming out of her tightened jaw.

'Mmm…!' Angela hummed, pushing her forehead into Fareeha's collar. 'I-I'm ready. Inside. Please. Deep.'

Fareeha needn't be told twice. She moved the thin underwear to the side and eased her fingers within Angela, how aroused she was shocking the younger woman. She felt the very source of Angela's warmth now, and revelled in their closeness and intimacy first thing in the morning. There was something about the rawness of the act, the two women not having showered or interacted with anyone yet. Their skin was sticky, and Fareeha couldn't be sure her breath was wonderful, but none of that seemed to matter.

'H-hah…Good…So wonderful, Fareeha…'

Angela was truly into the exchange. Her eyes were in a haze, and her mouth hung open, gasping against Fareeha's skin, evidently as concerned as Fareeha was about the lack of hygienic polishing.

However, Fareeha wouldn't allow it. Angela's lips were too pretty, her face a Goddess' at the worst of times. She took the doctor's neck and angled her mouth toward her own, deeply kissing her lady and exhaling harshly through her nose, her rhythm within Angela intensifying alongside her own hip thrusts and soaked womanhood.

It was over too soon. Angela tightened around Fareeha and the vulnerability of her body's spasms brought the ex-Helix soldier satisfaction, the older woman's moans and tired expression elevating the brief experience even further.

'Oh…' Angela groaned, holding Fareeha tightly, peppering her dark skin with pecks of affection. 'My thanks. Oh, Fareeha. My thanks…'

'What was that all about?' Fareeha ventured to ask.

Angela didn't answer right away, still shivering from the release achieved.

'I had a dream, one might say.'

'Ah. So, that is it. Understandable.'

'It was…highly erotic.'

'You don't say.' Fareeha teased.

'You…u-um…were inside me.'

'Well, yes.'

'But not with your fingers or tongue.'

'Hmm?' Fareeha angled her head curiously.

'You had…a-a…male part, I suppose.'

'I had a…? O-oh.'

'I quite enjoyed it, I suspect, for I was beyond saving the moment I awoke.'

'Evidently.'

'What do you make of that, Fareeha?'

'You…would rather be with a man?'

Angela slapped Fareeha's arm quite fiercely, scowling in anger with sincerity.

'I'll forgive the foolish comment due to the uncomfortable subject matter, but never suggest I would rather be with anyone but you again, Fareeha Amari. It greatly frustrates me.'

'Understood.' Fareeha grinned. She had to say it, because a small part of her sometimes believed it regardless of what Angela adamantly insisted.

'Would you be averse to attempting such a thing?'

Fareeha didn't know how to answer the question because it seemed like quite the impossibility to begin with. She shrugged, not giving the notion much thought.

'Perhaps. I don't see how there's any need to discuss it, however, for I am a woman, and do not wish to have any biological change.'

Angela's eyes widened, and then she began laughing, covering her mouth with her shoulders quivering in delight.

'Oh, my sweet, pure Fareeha! Never change!'

'You mock me.' Fareeha blushed.

'No, no, no. I am more in love with you than ever. You're positively adorable.'

'I rarely consider myself that…'

'Well, yes. You're rather masculine, truthfully, but also undeniably feminine at the precise same time. You're all the more charming for it. Your naivete, however, is what makes you simply irresistible to one such as myself. And thus, you become ever more loveable.'

Fareeha shook her head.

'So, you obviously know something I don't.'

'These days, so Lena tells me, it's rather simple for a woman to enact the role of a man sexually. The devices and means of assistance for such things are, presumably, nearly boundless by this point in time. She has offered to expound upon her knowledge with me should I wish it. Would you be against such talk?'

'Not if you would enjoy the venture.' Fareeha answered honestly, something in her brain pinching.

'It would be amusing, at the very least. I, for one, wouldn't mind experimenting with such a sensation. The data would prove valuable, surely.'

'Hahah! Of course. It comes back to your research.'

'Why not?' Angela stepped out of bed, smiling to herself, her body gorgeous and tempting Fareeha all over again.

Fareeha glanced over the other woman's curves, resting her gaze between her legs for a second and swallowing. Her imagination was somewhat limited, but she could at least picture what it would be like to take Angela as a man. To slide into her and watch her face melt in submission. To fill her with Fareeha's worth and watch the substance ooze out of her beautiful form. Was it really possible? The more Fareeha thought about it, the more curious she became.

'In any case, we'll leave that as it is for now. At the moment, I must mentally prepare for a rather taxing day. Care to join me for coffee?'

Fareeha arose from bed, recalling Angela would be performing one of the most difficult surgeries in her life. Dr. Moira O'Deorain had made a mess of Widowmaker's brain, and now Angela was stepping up to the plate to undo the madness. How capable Fareeha's lover was. No matter what the Egyptian achieved, she would never stand next to the genius of Angela Ziegler.

Nonetheless, she approached Angela from behind as the woman began putting the drink together, holding her and gripping her body close to Fareeha's own. She kissed her neck and below her ear, pushing her fingers along the back of her head and into her hair.

'Oh…' Angela half-laughed. 'I would like nothing more for an encore, my dearest, but I truly must get to the laboratory as soon as possible.'

'I'm not looking for anything more than to show you my love. Is that acceptable?'

Angela's hand touched Fareeha's cheek, stroking it gently and turning back to kiss her on the lips.

'Always, Fareeha. Always, always.'

'Good luck.' Fareeha wanted to say more, but the words escaped her. Angela was completely dressed, her hair tied up and her lab coat draped over her slender form. The doctor smiled, poking Fareeha's chest.

'I'll need you once this is done. Make yourself available.'

'Of course.'

'I anticipate the operation lasting at least ten hours.'

'Understood.'

'I love you.' She said this in German, so few could understand her. Fareeha and Angela's relationship was progressively becoming public knowledge, but they wanted to have tact as well.

'I have faith you can do this.' Fareeha responded awkwardly, and Angela giggled, giving a wink and closing the door behind her, the lock sounding and a red light turning on overhead to indicate the surgery had begun.

'Bloody hell she loves you!' Lena exclaimed suddenly, having lingered since leaving Widowmaker in Angela's care. A few agents nearby perked at the announcement, and Fareeha gathered herself as best she could. 'Oh! Sorry, Luv. Care to go for a stroll?'

'Sure.' Fareeha saw no reason not to, and it wasn't as though she had spent a lot of time with the Tracer outside of extraordinary, distractingly stressful situations. In a sense, Lena was one of the heroes Fareeha adored, and being with her in such a setting reminded the young woman of her dreams that had carried her this far.

'I can't poke around too far, okay? Promised Amelie I'd stay nearby.'

'That's a sound decision. I can't help but worry about Angela, to be frank.'

'Hahah! Won't say I blame you. But the doctors in the lab with her are trained agents as well. It's why they were selected to help, you know? Should be fine. Amelie's doin' a lot better these days.'

'I hope so.'

Lena brought Fareeha into a small sector barely one hundred metres from the operating facility. It was something of a waiting room, with chairs, a drinking station, a snack bar, and various televisions set up for those who wanted to relax and take a breather. With the God Program beginning to spread progressively more erratically, Overwatch Gibraltar was lacking in agents, for the most part, but the ones that remained due to the present circumstances surrounding Widowmaker were more than enough for any minor attack should it occur.

'Pull up a chair, my lady!' Lena dramatically offered Fareeha a seat, and Fareeha took the invitation, leaning back into the piece of furniture and waiting for Lena to talk again, for she wasn't sure what to say herself to the rather legendary girl.

'Thank-you.'

Lena bounced into her own, her face beaming as she rocked on the spot a little.

'So! How'd you do it? Didn't get a chance to talk in the Slipstream, am I right? But I'm super curious! Ange is – and this is coming from someone who looks – basically one of the most attractive and smartest girls I've ever met! No joke! Not quite my preference, but even still, I wouldn't say "no" if it was, like, for a fling or something. Just sayin'. That sounds a wee bit crude, don't it? Hahah! Um…Hm. Bad first impression. But you gotta understand, I've known Ange for a bit now. Never had a boyfriend. Maybe went on a date once or twice? Can't even remember. Super rare, if anything. Sort of a hot topic for some of the Overwatch folk. How does a woman like that not have a significant other for so long? Completely daft.'

'I'm not…completely certain how I "did it".' Fareeha answered the first question. 'We just sort of clicked, I guess.'

'Was it love at first sight for either of you?'

'Hmm.' Fareeha reflected upon the first encounter with Angela after so many years, her greasy hair, thinned out build, and tired presence somehow glorious despite the circumstances. 'For me, it may have been.'

'Yeah?' Lena giggled happily. 'Wow! That's super sweet! Have you always liked the ladies, or was Ange an exception?'

'An exception, without a doubt. I've always dated men…although rarely with any grand success.'

'What about Ange?'

'Er…I think she's similar, although her interest in men wasn't as obvious as mine. She claims she's in love with me as a person first and foremost. Gender didn't seem to be an issue.'

'Ah! Gotcha. Gotcha. So, sounds like you both fall in love with the spirit before the body. Neat.'

'Yes. That might be correct. However, I do find Angela's form very…er…lovely.'

'Well, yeah. You both can play for either team. That's cool.'

'I suppose that's correct.'

'I'm girls only. Not even a pinch of interest in the boys. Like them well enough, but wouldn't do anything more than a hug with one. Just isn't there. Strange, huh?'

Fareeha nodded, but stopped herself, not wanting to insult Lena.

'Hahah! It's all good, Luv.'

'So, you can't even imagine being with a man?'

'God, no. No offence, but definitely not my cup of tea.'

'Yet Angela states you know of ways to practically incorporate a male role into the relationship.'

'True, true, but it's just different knowing a lady is wearing the equipment, you know? Crazy kinky.'

'I-I see…' Fareeha did not, really, but she was already testing her own embarrassment, and decidedly withdrew from expounding upon her private sexual endeavours further unless asked directly.

'Anyway, enough about that, I guess. I can see you're a bit uncomfortable, and that's fair. Just don't get to talk to a lot of people around here about my love life or that side of the tracks. You'd think after all this time it wouldn't weird folks out, but it's still sort of a thing. Kinda sad, innit?'

Fareeha could see Lena meant it. Her eyes dropped a bit, and she became fidgety before changing the subject matter. Fareeha felt bad suddenly, but wasn't able to say anything in time, it seemed.

'So, Amelie – er, Widowmaker – is bloody nervous about this. Ange seemed confident and all, but how's she holding up?'

'Also apprehensive.'

'Good. Least she's human.'

'True.' Fareeha chuckled alongside Lena, and the veteran Overwatch agent settled into the conversation further.

'What's your favourite thing about her, Luv?'

'So, we aren't done with such subject matter.' Fareeha teased.

'Aw! This is different! No more sexy stuff. Fair?'

'Heh. Fair.'

'Oh! You have a bloody nice smile, you know that? Perfect jawline, too. You're a little androgynous, but so obviously a good-looking lady. Interesting!'

'Angela says as much at times as well.'

'She likes it, I'm sure.'

'I think so.'

'But back to the question!'

'Well,' Fareeha smiled again, becoming more comfortable with Lena as time went on. So, this was the sun of Overwatch. Made sense. She had an undeniable charisma about her that was beyond welcoming. Fareeha liked her quite a bit already, and being able to discuss her relationship without any reservations whatsoever was rather pleasant as well, although Brigitte was a close friend to such an extent, too. 'I struggle to pinpoint one single thing I can classify as my very favourite aspect of Angela, for it feels like an insult to all her other desirable traits.'

'Aw, rubbish! Listen to this one, huh? Full of the pretty talk!'

'It's the truth though.'

'I know. Trust me; I believe you. You shoot from the hip. Nothing wrong with that.' Lena laughed. 'Okay. Name just one thing you really like about Ange. How about that?'

'Fine.' Fareeha exhaled slowly, picturing Angela working away on such a demanding task, and shaking her head in frustration for not being able to help directly. 'Her commitment to saving others. It dazzled me the moment I laid eyes on her in Iraq. She's selfless to a fault. It's beautiful.'

'Heh.' Lena beamed, stretching and standing now. 'You two are crazy perfect for one another. I hope things keep going well.'

'I think they will…for as long as they can, anyway.'

'What's that mean?' Lena raised a brow, becoming serious suddenly. Her tone did a full one-eighty. She was much more perceptive than one might anticipate, given her flippant attitude.

'Oh. Nothing. I'm just…apprehensive about settling into this happiness.'

Lena waited for more, likely suspecting Fareeha of withholding information, but when the older woman didn't go on, Lena clapped her hands, dismissing the subject.

'Anyway, I'm sure you got some stuff you wanna do, but I enjoyed chattin' with ya. Kinda wanted to see what had Ange all tied up in knots, and now I totally get it. You're a keeper; ain't no doubt about that.'

'I'm flattered.'

'Oh, and…' Lena glanced around, leaning in close. 'Amelie wanted you to know she's super sorry about everything. If all goes well, she'll talk to you face to face and all, but I passed on the message anyway. Thoughts?'

'I've accepted what has taken place. My mother will react accordingly. I refuse to immaturely hold a grudge against a woman who was acting against her will.'

'Aw! Thanks, Luv. Really. She needs all the support she can get.'

'I'm sure she has plenty from you alone.' Fareeha grinned, and a little colour found Lena's face, but then she scowled, seeming stressed suddenly.

'R-right. She and I have gotten kinda close…Heh…'

'Are you alright?' Fareeha ventured to ask, and Lena shook her head, shrugging distantly.

'Mostly, yeah. Got some stuff to think about is all.'

'I'm here if you need me, Lena.' Fareeha offered, the notion seeming strange but automatic at the same time.

'Thanks. But I think I talked your ear off plenty. Ange is gonna be busy for a while, but I promised Amelie I'd stay close, so, I'm gonna hang around here for most of the day unless an emergency happens.'

'Then I'll likely see you later.' Fareeha saluted, needing to go for her morning workout sooner rather than later.

'Sounds good! Until then, take care.'

'You, too.'

Fareeha strode through Overwatch Gibraltar with a bounce in her step. She felt taller. She felt stronger. She had reached her dream. She was a valued member of Overwatch. She was conversing with Mercy, Jack Morrison, Tracer, and Reinhardt. To think she would make it here after all her training. It had been worth the blood, sweat, and tears. It had been worth it all to meet Angela Ziegler…

The gym Overwatch Gibraltar provided for its agents wasn't as popular as one might expect it to be. Granted, many of the workers were on circulating dispatch with the increase in abnormal omnic activity, but to Fareeha, it still seemed an underutilized perk to being part of such an organization.

She stepped into the state-of-the-art facility and was embraced by the sheet of pristine equipment, ever maintained and cleaned daily to ensure quality use. Only the sounds of one man's grunt welcomed her, and a softer, more encouraging female voice egging the individual on. As Fareeha got closer to the pair, removing her shirt so that only her sports bra remained, her heart made a small leap, and she gave Brigitte a silent salute.

'Uh-oh! One of your biggest fans is here. Better pump out that final rep, Rein.'

'Huh?' The man huffed, and when his remaining good eye caught sight of Fareeha, he gave a final yell, bench pressing an almost ridiculous looking bar of weights high above his mountainous form before slamming it into the rests and pushing himself up into a sitting position. His body was littered with scars of battle that Fareeha admired instantly, and he likely had more to share if it weren't for the wraps containing his muscular build.

'Fareeha Amari! A pleasant surprise this fine morning!'

'It looks like you're getting back into shape well enough.'

'Of course! The battles are intensifying, from what I understand, and one man can only be "resting" for so long.'

'After what you accomplished, and the toll it surely took, I doubt anyone would judge you for needing a break.'

'Bah! I can easily rest when I'm dead. For now, I am needed here, and I will continue to fight until my dying breath.'

Fareeha nodded slightly, glancing to Brigitte and catching a mournful yet endearing look about her. She caught Fareeha's stare, and gave her a warning scowl, to which Fareeha smiled in reply.

'Well, you won't do so alone, by the looks of things.'

'Ah, Brigitte? A wonderful squire.' Reinhardt rubbed the young woman's head, his hand nearly engulfing her. 'Although I'm not so certain about her spotting me when handling such weight! Hahahah!'

'I could move it off your flailing chest if I had to.'

'Hah! Flailing? Not likely! I would take the defeat with honour, and simply await the next phase in my life.'

The two individuals laughed, and Fareeha even snickered.

'Is the operation underway already?' Brigitte asked kindly.

'Oh? Is that today? Damn, that woman. Didn't she just recover? Everyone gives me grief, yet Dr. Ziegler is permitted to treat her body so recklessly?'

'She has regenerative abilities that you lack, good sir.' Brigitte ensured.

'Hmph. The body can only endure so much, some more than others. Even with such enhancements, I wonder about her true limitations…'

Fareeha swallowed. He wasn't so far off in his scepticism. Only Fareeha and Zenyatta knew of Angela's fate, and the Egyptian was certain the doctor wanted to keep it that way for the time being.

'But she is a grown woman with a mind blessed by the Gods. I won't try and understand either or.'

'Right. You just keep pumping iron like a good boy.'

'Hahah! That I can do. But I still find it curious that we go so far for a woman who has killed so many. Brainwashing, I am told, but the resources and risks to reverse such damage? The goal, I suppose, is to have her fight with us? I am uncertain of any of this…'

'You're just bothered by the fact she hurt Ana. You've always had a soft spot for her, haven't you? Maybe a little crush?'

'T-that's ancient history! She's just a dear friend now. Thank the Gods she lives still, right, Fareeha?'

'Yes. I'm very thankful for that.' Fareeha enjoyed listening to Reinhardt and Brigitte chat. They complimented one another well. Is this what Lena saw between Angela and Fareeha? Did she feel this same warmness from the authentic, loving interactions that could literally be felt between the two souls that trusted one another without equal?

'So, you are here to train, Fareeha Amari? I hear you and my Brigitte have become quite close. Close enough for a little contest, wouldn't you say?'

'Rein, that's really not necessary.'

'Never you mind what's necessary or not! Humour an old man, won't you? I can see Ana's daughter is a woman who takes her body seriously. Show her what you're made of, my squire!'

Brigitte continued to squirm, but Fareeha lifted her hands with a shrug.

'I wouldn't mind the encouragement to push myself a little harder today.'

'Oh?' Brigitte grinned, unzipping her sweater and placing it on a bench nearby. She was wearing a loosely torn, black muscle-shirt with a yellow graphic that included a fork and knife, her arms just a little larger than Fareeha's. All that extra work crafting and welding had its benefits, obviously. Her family's emblem was tattooed to her left shoulder, and she stretched on the spot, her stomach briefly exposed to hint at the defined muscles underneath. 'Are we actually doing this, Fareeha?'

'Why not? I've always been a little curious.'

Seeing Brigitte's body a little more clearly, Fareeha took a moment to evaluate her own sexuality. Did she find this other woman attractive? Not really. Not exactly. Perhaps only slightly. She liked Brigitte quite a bit, but could not easily imagine kissing her or doing…anything with her, really. Was it just Angela, then? Or was it the person Fareeha fell in love with? Did the gender not matter to her? Such thoughts were unlike her. Complexities were meant for intellects. She loved Angela. That's all she needed to know.

'Hahah! Friendly rivalry will always make you stronger than ever! This is a wonderful turn of events for you, Brigitte, for you could only dream of keeping up with me!' Reinhardt teased, and Brigitte continued stretching, her brow furrowing as she gave her master a look.

'I'm getting there, old man.'

'Maybe when I'm dead! Hahahah!'

'Why do you have to…?' Brigitte trailed off, seeming legitimately bothered, but snapping herself out of the funk before Reinhardt could comprehend the fact she had muttered anything at all.

'Right. I'll spot the both of you. Let's warm up with some of these silly machines, hm? Then we'll get into the real work with the deadlifts. Onward! To battle!'

Brigitte proved a formidable rival. Fareeha could outdo her only seldom, the powerful girl constantly exemplifying just how strong she had become under the watchful eye of the legendary Reinhardt. The man was guffawing proudly almost the whole time, paying Fareeha compliments, but clearly smitten with his squire's pure physical strength. At the end of the intense, hour-long "training" competition, both girls were utterly drenched, having to make use of the multitude of towels provided, and downing many cups of water from the dispenser.

"You're incredible." Brigitte had said. "I haven't met a lot of people that can keep up with me like that."

"You flatter me." Fareeha recalled being humbled at this point still. "Let's do this again, Brigitte. Pushing one another to the brink is a fine way to develop ourselves."

"You're on, Fareeha. Thanks!"

They shook hands, gripping one another warmly, and Fareeha knew her feelings for Brigitte had evolved to something beyond a mere friendship. A sisterly bond. A closeness Fareeha felt with few. She was thankful to have joined Overwatch to meet so many special individuals in such a short amount of time.

Standing in her shower, the sweat merging with the water cascading over her toned body, Fareeha pushed her hands through her wet hair and allowed the showerhead to pelt against her face, the pressure soft and pleasant. She lathered herself with soap, and wondered about her lady. The day wasn't progressing as quickly as she would like. She wanted to know Angela was okay. She wanted to hold the other woman again. She wanted to simply speak with her about little things that used to seem like a hinderance. Once she was done cleaning herself, Fareeha would likely try and stay in the general vicinity of Angela's lab. She wanted to be present the moment Angela was done. She wanted to treat her to something special. Perhaps a snack. Or a drink. Or a massage. Anything. For what Angela was accomplishing in this moment, she deserved the world.

Fareeha turned the shower off and remained still. Her heart was swallowed by anxiety, and she pushed the fear back. Ignoring Angela's physical state wasn't the answer, but it was all she could think to do for now. If anyone could help the genius doctor, it was Angela herself. Surely, she could think of a way to prolong her sacrificed life. Surely…

Fareeha wrapped herself in a towel after drying off a moderate amount. She stepped out of the little washroom, her new living situation upgraded due to her increase in rank, and looked about the open space. Angela had a slightly larger apartment, which made sense, but it brought Fareeha enough pride to know she had earned this through her own hard work. Still, it felt empty, and Fareeha considered what it would be like to have Angela stay with her, perhaps, or vice-versa. She had been sleeping in Angela's bed for the last little while anyway. It was somewhat of a waste to take up two sectors, wasn't it?

Fareeha found herself smiling in the mirror goofily. She shook the silly expression away, but felt tugs at the corners of her mouth regardless.

A pleasant chime sounded, and Fareeha glanced to her door.

'Yes?' She pressed the intercom.

"It's me." The reply came swiftly, and Fareeha's heart jumped. Her mother. They hadn't spoken much since their last pivotal interaction. That had been fine with Fareeha. She needed time, to be honest. However, she agreed enough of it had passed, and her mother was correct to initiate a follow-up discussion of some form.

Without a word, Fareeha opened her door, and Ana stepped in, taking off her mask and surveying the area with a keen eye.

'Not bad.' She remarked with confidence. 'You've done well for yourself, Fareeha. I am very impressed.'

'Thank-you, mother.' Fareeha went to her little kitchen, still not having organized everything fully yet due to her general absence from the place. 'Did you want a tea or anything?'

'I'm fine, really. I just felt the need to check in with you. Quite a bit has happened, and I wish I was around more to support you, but my skills are ever needed, and the crisis is escalating rapidly. The rate is uncanny, and the war is on the brink of being revived. This is all too familiar, but Talon's presence, and whomever is backing them, is utterly obvious, which makes our job that much more difficult.' Ana took a seat on Fareeha's perfectly new couch, her white hair falling about her face tiredly. 'Part of me wishes you hadn't done so well for yourself. Your skills will be pushed to their limit, which means you will always be at risk. This isn't the life I wanted for you.'

'But it's the life I wanted, mother. I am beyond happy I can help the cause and fight alongside everyone here. It was always my dream.' Fareeha met her mom's eye, locking into it passionately. 'It's in my blood. I didn't have a choice, truthfully.'

'You could've taken after your father, you know?' Ana smirked, but the mention of the man brought a tsunami of varying emotions Fareeha didn't have the energy for.

'Perhaps…'

Ana noted the change in tone, and adjusted the conversation accordingly.

'In any case, I came to discuss something else with you, if we're being honest.'

'I would prefer that.' Fareeha answered sharply.

'I have heard some things regarding your and Angela's relationship.' Ana started, and Fareeha's face felt hot instantly. She wondered what her mother's reaction would be. It didn't change anything, at the end of the day, but Ana's approval wasn't precisely undervalued either. 'It seems common knowledge to some in the upper ranks. Winston and Jack appeared rather elusive when I dug around more. Therefore, I thought it best I come to the source.'

Fareeha hesitated for but a moment, yet puffed her chest and spoke aloud with little more reservation.

'Angela and I are dating, yes.

Ana generally had an impressive poker face, her teasing grin capable of lowering many a guard. But she recoiled physically, blinking with brief confusion prior to steadying her position and voice.

'Is that a fact?'

'It is.' Fareeha recalled the moment she first saw Angela, and shook her head. 'I didn't stand a chance, mother.'

'She is charming in her own way, but…I had no idea, Fareeha.' Ana sighed quietly. 'You showed no signs of deviation growing up. Excuse me.' The older woman cleared her throat. 'That's not politically correct, is it? I just…didn't imagine it, I suppose.'

'Nor did I. But it is an irrefutable fact.' Fareeha held strong, the hidden disapproval Ana attempted to muffle obvious enough even to her daughter. 'I love her. She has told me she feels the same way.'

'Really?'

'Yes.' Fareeha nodded firmly. 'I intend to spend as much of my life with her as possible.'

'The relationship is still young.' Ana chuckled.

'True. But I can feel it. She and I…we just fit. It's difficult to explain. I thought the notion of a soulmate to be completely ridiculous, but her coming into my life changed that perception promptly.'

'A soulmate, you say?' Fareeha's mother lifted a brow, her eye twinkling.

'I know. It still is silly.' Fareeha giggled. 'But it's how I feel. It's the first time I've ever felt this way. It was confusing for me, too, mother, but I ask that you accept it. I know where I belong, and it is by that woman's side until I can be there no longer.'

Ana nodded slowly, but breathed out in a contemplative way.

'I suspect it is still the "honeymoon" phase, but it shall be interesting to see where it takes you. Dr. Ziegler has always baffled me with her approach to relationships. Her intense disinterest in them broke many a young man's heart in her youth…and even now, I imagine. To think she was like Lena all this time.'

'I think there's a difference.'

'Oh? How so?'

'I…am not sure.'

'Hm.'

Fareeha waited for her mother to say more, for she could tell she wished to, and when the silence held too long, the legendary woman voiced her hesitant thoughts.

'These days, it's to my understanding two woman are more than capable of conceiving a child – '

'No, mother. I am not discussing that.'

'Humour me, Fareeha! Humour this poor old woman!'

The two ladies laughed, shoving at one another.

'I will not! As you said, the relationship is still young.'

'Would you carry the child, or would she?'

'Mother!'

'I want a grandchild. Is that so much to ask?'

'It just might be. Was it simple raising me?'

'…I had an extended family's help.'

Fareeha glanced around, smiling broadly.

'That is true, isn't it?'

Ana leaned back, sighing again and again.

'Times have changed a great deal. Women loving women. Men loving men. Humans loving omnics. Is this progression, or boredom? It is hard to say.'

'I don't think that's true.' Fareeha put her arm around Ana, bringing her in closely in a rare moment of bold affection for the family member she thought lost who was also accepting the slight twist in her daughter's life fairly well, all things considered. 'I think it's an aspect of freedom that should be embraced and never shunned.'

Ana nodded with a calmness about her.

'You make me very proud, Fareeha.' She said suddenly, and Fareeha's cheeks burned immediately.

'T-thank-you.'

'You do. You truly do. A small wonder Angela fell for you. You've always been a catch. I knew it the moment you began maturing. Smart. Strong. But most of all, so incredibly kind and considerate.'

'I…come from good stock.'

'Go on.' Ana laughed.

'I will, mother, because it is not a lie. Why do you think I grew up in such a way?'

'Luck?'

'Watching you.'

'Even when I abandoned you?'

Fareeha faltered momentarily, but gripped her mother tightly.

'That time only made me stronger. Yes, resentment will always be there, but I was given a choice then, and I became a better person through such a trial. I met Angela because of choices I made after thinking I had lost you forever. My life brought me here, to the present. I am in Overwatch. I have ascended to a respectable rank. You are here beside me. I know what love is at last. Yes, mother, even when you abandoned me, because I have been molded from all experiences.'

Ana wiped her eye, her mouth tightening.

'To make this old soldier cry…you are a troublesome child.'

Fareeha rubbed her mother's arm.

'I don't doubt that either. Headstrong and passionate. Another family trait.'

'Heh. Certainly. Certainly, my wonderful daughter.'