Mercy

She wanted to cancel the trip. The desire to travel to Busan for a "vacation" – even with Fareeha at her side – seemed utterly impossible in the face of such failure. She reviewed the reports outlining the exact details of the operation on Widowmaker over and over, and then had approached Moira in contained hysteria.

"You monster." She had hissed, and Moira's eyes were more alive than Angela could ever remember.

"A pot calling the kettle black, I see? How amusing. Do expound upon this riveting statement, for your guards are not for conversation, and I'm rather bored here, I'll admit."

"Why!? For what purpose!?"

"Because I could, Dr. Ziegler." Her snakelike smile completed its journey across her thin face then. "And to witness this precise moment."

Angela healed the wounded. Angela mended the broken. She even revived the fallen. But in that instance of her life, she lost all reasoning and misplaced her promise. She struck Moira as hard as her physically incapable self could, snapping the woman's head to the side as she laughed manically, arms reaching around Angela and pulling her back.

"Perhaps your 'partner' would have been a better choice for inflicting injury upon a helpless captive, Dr. Ziegler? Do attempt to at least gain some benefit in choosing such a dead-end path for your precious genepool, yes? It's the least you can do for your precious sister."

Angela lay her head on her desk at the recollection. She had screamed, then. She had even struggled, wanting to harm Moira further. Rumours about her outburst circulated quickly, and even Jack had questioned her composure.

That sealed the vacation. Angela agreed to go, because she knew it was for the best. She arose from her office and made her way to the transportation wing. She had claimed to need a moment to straighten up her space just prior to departing. Truthfully, she needed privacy. She was embarrassed. She was frustrated. She was undeniably contemplative because of her and Moira's brief but intensely meaningful exchange.

Fareeha loaded the bags into their private transport vehicle. She would be flying, of course, their arrival welcomed by the Korean government. There was mention of Angela appearing in numerous medical shows, but Overwatch was quick to snuff any form of publicity, and an agreement of subtlety was reached with funds being transferred, surely.

It was chilly in the early mornings sometimes, and Angela was wearing a large blue sweater, feeling concealed enough as she noted the stares of agents. She had always been a celebrity of sorts. Now, she was even more so, because the fictional tabloids surrounding any and all of the Grandmasters had something rather intriguing to relay to ears willing to listen; and Angela, especially with her progressively well-known relationship with Fareeha, was very interesting as of late.

'Good morning, my lady.' Fareeha smiled, and while part of Angela squirmed uncomfortably, more of her welcomed the second greeting from the woman (the first, of course, being when they initially awoke, still sharing a bed nightly).

'Good morning.' She answered back shyly, conscious of the few eyes that were present. Ana, in particular, was seeing her daughter and Angela off, with Winston and Torbjorn early risers as well. A few recognizable but not overly noteworthy agents did some system checks on the plane, but otherwise, Overwatch remained busy or asleep for now.

'No work.' Ana shook her finger at Angela, and the doctor smiled distantly, not able to read the other woman because of her token mask.

'No work.' She repeated.

'Fareeha? Please reinforce this.' Ana went on.

'I will. I promise.'

Ana placed her hands on Angela's shoulders, and Jack had made his way to the loading bay by this point.

'I am happy it's you. Unsure, at first, of course, but out of many and all, quite happy it's you.'

Angela knew what she was referring to, and she glanced to Fareeha herself, the beautiful young woman in a black sleeveless top, her stressed jeans allowing slits of dark skin to peak through. Her dog tag necklace dangled about in the spots of sun, and Angela's heart skipped a beat all over again, attempting to shake Moira from memory. Her toned muscles flexed as they completed the final task of loading the last bag of luggage, and she clapped her hands together, adjusting her shades and looking too attractive for her own good.

'I'm sorry…' Angela heard herself saying suddenly, and her eyes were burning.

'Pardon? Sorry? Whatever for?' Ana was, understandably, bewildered. Angela hardly understood why she said it herself, and pulled her sweater tighter around her body.

'I'm a doctor…' Angela breathed out, eyeing Jack as he drew closer but needing to say this to Ana – to anyone that might understand. 'I understand how unnatural and…selfish I'm being.'

'Everything okay?' Jack's gruff voice appeared, but in a movement faster than a woman of her age should have been capable of, Ana raised a hand and, somewhat roughly, pulled Angela aside, away from everyone. If it weren't for her being one of the top five Grandmasters in Overwatch, it may have warranted question, but only Fareeha made a sound of perplexity prior to Angela finding herself in a small room with one of the best snipers in the world.

'If you're having doubts, you tell her now and be done with it.' Ana shouted in a whisper, which made it more terrifying. She snapped her mask off, her lines deep and expression beyond serious.

'It's hardly so simple – ' Angela started, and her right cheek stun a second later. Moira had gotten off easy, for Angela didn't have much strength to offer. Ana, on the other hand? Years of training. Years of experience. Years of power. A mother. It hurt, but the seething aftermath wasn't so terrible.

'It is "so simple".' Ana snapped, her eye wide with fury and impatience. 'Do you love her?'

'I…I do…Truly…' Angela whimpered.

'Yes. You do. I can see it clear as day. My lord you love her. It's frightening the love the both of you share. It makes me question everything I thought I understood about the word.'

'She's…brilliant…' Angela went on, her chest hurting.

'She is that. Strong, too. Beautiful even, if I don't say so myself.'

'So beautiful…' Angela repeated, sniffling.

'Then do tell me what is not so simple, hm? Please.'

Angela shook her head, but then nodded, meeting Ana's eye again.

'I'm overthinking it.' She admitted.

'A curse and a blessing, your mind.' Ana grinned. 'You love her. She loves you. End of discussion. We live in a world that accepts such things. Begrudgingly at times, and perhaps forevermore, but certainly more progressive than the days of old. Of the days not so far gone. Embrace the love you have found, for some search their entire lives and never feel such truth. It is the gift of being human. It is the gift of having a mind that can reason and evolve. It is your gift. You should know this more than any other.'

Angela blinked, taking in Ana's words and pitting them against Moira's. It wasn't a contest. She wasn't perfectly free from hesitation, but her life made more sense again. Above anything else, Gloria wanted Angela to be happy. She had to remember that beyond her self-inflicted punishments.

'I have your blessing then, Ana?' Angela asked with a smirk, comfort in her intonation at last.

'Does one of the brightest minds in the world have this old soldier's blessing?' Ana chuckled. 'Any parent would be honoured, but I'm even more so because I know you, Angela. I've seen you work. I've seen your dedication. You've always impressed me.' The woman paused, touching Angela's arm and giving it a light, affectionate squeeze. 'Take care of my daughter, Ms. Ziegler. Despite how I may have acted, she is so very, very precious to me.'

'To us both.' Angela affirmed, and Ana smiled broadly, her eye shimmering with emotion.

'I started reading one of your books.' Fareeha began saying about halfway through the long ride to Busan. Angela had found some peace, and was glad she could simply enjoy being with this charming woman again. She disliked how easily Moira had jarred her, but it was a necessary misstep, for it was one she had averted her eyes from on many occasions, assuming it would just disappear given enough time.

'Oh?' Angela almost laughed. 'Highly enrapturing material, I must say. Easily consumable by the average citizen. Why, I do believe they were bestsellers, every one of them.'

'Were they?' Fareeha tipped her head a touch.

'Hardly. Beneficial to the medical world, without a doubt, but nothing more than doctoral rambling those in my field would gain benefit from. I was commissioned to basically write down my theories and progress in nanotechnology and what I anticipate the future of biological integration with said technology would produce. I provided mountains of data to the editor, and they compiled it into something tangible that made some sense. I personally haven't really done more than flip through the first couple of volumes with minor interest.'

'Because you aren't vain.' Fareeha grinned.

'Because I have better things to do, yes.' Angela paused, nibbling on her lower lip just a little before pressing the conversation lightly. 'However, I am interested to hear your thoughts, Fareeha Amari.'

Fareeha cleared her throat, adjusting her hold on the aircraft's control.

'Well, as you said, it is quite…dense.'

'Hahah! A kind way of putting it!' Angela laughed, fixated on the lovely girl's profile.

'But I give the editor credit, because I could still hear your voice through all the jargon. Waiting for the next word or phrase that is so distinctly yours keeps me very invested. I even find I'm learning something here and there, although most of it goes over my head, unfortunately.'

'To your credit, what I have to say is rather difficult to comprehend for most.'

'But I'll likely stick with it. It's like having a piece of you with me when I go on missions. I like the notion.'

'Surely you receive funny looks from those around you.'

'Winston thought it was impressive, but I quickly let him know I grasped barely a tenth of what I read. Still, he seemed excited.'

Angela's cheeks hurt, and she relaxed the smile that had been firmly planted over her visage.

'My chat with Moira went poorly.' Angela stated quite clearly suddenly. Fareeha, being the sweet, considerate soul that she was, hadn't pried about the pivotal moment despite the rumours that began to circulate. Thus, Angela would provide her with the details in full.

'So it seems. It weighed heavily on you.'

'I appreciate the space you gave me, Fareeha.'

'I know what you're like by this point.'

'Hahah! Do you?'

'I do.'

Angela's chest flipped, and she knew the warmth that came from Fareeha's clear claim of intimate connection no other could hope to fathom.

'Well, I quite lost my temper with her.'

'A rare sight I wouldn't have minded seeing had I not been preparing dinner for you that night.'

'It was poor timing, and I wasn't of the right mind. Honestly, I'm thankful you didn't observe my immature outburst.'

'Hm.' Fareeha uttered with doubt.

'I couldn't cure Widowmaker; not yet, in any case. That in and of itself was vexing, for Moira essentially beat me.'

'That would be frustrating.'

'It was. The moment I began prying too deeply into Widowmaker's brain, I noticed a trail of red flags that indicated a fatal chain reaction should I have pushed further. In a way you might understand, it was as though I were standing before a field littered with landmines, and setting off one would, consequently, destroy them all. My assistants still don't believe me, I suspect, for they nearly insisted I went forward with the procedure. However, I had the final word, and it was obvious I needed more time to prepare for such an operation.'

'Because of your talent, you saved that woman's life.'

'I suppose, but I treaded on thin ice, and dislodged a piece of her mind in the process. It was sheer luck that I did so, for it revealed the path of destruction in her neural makeup that most would likely have missed. Moira nearly had me fooled, the madwoman.'

'She certainly appears to be that.'

'But her seemingly getting the best of me wasn't what upset me the most during our interaction.'

'No?'

'I was angry, naturally. I was embarrassed even, I'll admit. But when I struck her – '

'You hit her?'

'I-I did.'

'Hahah! Wow! Really?'

'Is it so unbelievable?'

'It is!' Fareeha went on laughing, and Angela blushed. 'I thought that was the story being warped, but you actually hit our prisoner? Your rank saves your actions, I'm sure.'

'Hush! I'm allowed a moment of weakness!'

'It's adorable. Did it seem to hurt?'

'Enough about that!'

'Ah. So, it didn't. Maybe I should teach you how to throw a punch. It's all about the hips.'

'Fareeha Amari! Do stop teasing me!'

Fareeha turned and grinned attractively, pushing Angela's blush even deeper into her cheeks. How handsome she was, even when acting a little devilish.

'In any case, and as I was saying, I was most offended when she made a comment about our relationship and…and Gloria.'

'What?' Fareeha's face hardened, and Angela was at the mercy of such obvious chivalric fury.

'Yes. She essentially claimed Gloria would be mystified and, perhaps, even upset with my choice of partner, especially in relation to the way our current commitment to one another suggests a stop in my ability to carry on the Ziegler genepool.'

The hum of the aircraft's engine was all that could be heard for some time before Fareeha finally responded.

'How did she know about Gloria? You've hardly told a soul.'

'Talon's hacker, Sombra, more than likely. Her abilities are quite inhuman, and gathering such data would be nothing for her, I'm certain.'

'And she used such knowledge against you? To think I let this woman live.'

'You did the right thing, Fareeha. Yes, I was taken aback by the comment, but your mother helped me through the foolish doubt, and I am fine.'

'Mm. So, that's what you both were speaking about.'

'Yes…'

'Still,' Fareeha shook her head, her bottom lip upturned a bit. 'I may need to pay Moira a visit.'

'Don't, Fareeha.'

'Just for a word.'

'She would antagonize you until it became more.'

'Then I would gladly grant her that which she deserves.'

'Do not jeopardize your rank on my account.'

'I would jeopardize anything on your account, Angela.' Fareeha said this nearly overlapping Angela, and her heart skipped, mouth hanging open and eyes burning again and again.

'…While I do appreciate such talk, understand she is hardly worth the time. Truly.'

'So be it.' Fareeha let it rest at that, taking a moment to consider an idea further, it would seem. 'My…mother was also concerned about a potential lack of grandchildren.' She spoke slowly, almost too quietly, and Angela tried not to giggle, knowing how difficult such a subject likely was for the woman. 'Did she mention such a thing to you?'

'She did not.'

'I-I see.'

'Why? Whatever do you make of the topic?'

'Me!?' Fareeha laughed nervously. 'It's…it's a little ridiculous, isn't it?'

Angela took a small moment to herself, looking to Fareeha and then refocussing on the outside, clouds all around and a brilliant blue sky filtered between the white shapes. It was far too early for even humoured thoughts, but…

'I don't think it is, Fareeha Amari. Not completely ridiculous anyway.'

Even with a fairly fast aircraft, it was dark by the time Fareeha was flying atop Busan, the second largest city in South Korea next to Seoul, which had been ravaged by the first Omnic Crisis. Busan, it seemed, had recovered relatively well, with lights and life everywhere, its reputation of being a lively place to live clear simply upon scouting it from afar. Angela had only been to the city once, and it was a fairly quick stop for a brief lecture regarding her research. Building-sized advertisements flickered before Fareeha and Angela as their craft navigated toward their landing site, pictures of various celebrities, health products, and the newest technology on full display for hungry consumers. One such girl caught Angela's eye, her cute face and almost sassy persona while she held what looked like some form of drink clearly meant to charm her audience into loving her product.

'What do you think of her?' Angela indicated the young woman, pointing when she appeared again throughout the circulating ads.

'Hm? What do you mean?'

'Is she attractive to you?'

'Mm. Not really.' Fareeha gave a quick shake of her head.

'Is that a fact? She's undeniably cute, isn't she? DVa. I recognize the name, as a matter of fact. I believe she's on a list for potential recruits for Overwatch.'

'Her?'

'Yes. If I recall correctly, she pilots something akin to a miniature robot. A mech, or what have you. She's one of the best defenders of Busan, and has always refused Overwatch's invitations. Rather dedicated to her city, it seems.'

'Huh. Interesting.'

Angela smirked.

'You don't find her even a little cute?'

'Not especially. Looks like a handful.'

Angela laughed, covering her mouth as she did so, loving how blunt Fareeha could be.

'She could very well be that, but she's also heralded as the hero of this city. I believe one of her more recent encounters with the omnic that frequently attacks the country elevated her to undeniable stardom.'

'Ah. So, she's part of the elite force that deals with the kaiju omnic, then?'

'Heheh. You know your stuff, Fareeha. Indeed, the looming force that continues to terrorize this sector of the world remains unfinished business for Overwatch.'

'Thanks for the vacation, Jack…' Fareeha rolled her eyes.

'It attacks rather infrequently, from what I understand, although the most recent event surrounding DVa does cause concern.' Angela cupped her chin thoughtfully, feeling the plane dropping its altitude smoothly. 'You brought your armour, did you not?'

'Of course. Knowing our luck, I would never leave without it.'

'Well, excuse me for being precious cargo.'

'Hahah! You are that.' Fareeha winked, causing Angela's toes to curl.

Angela and Fareeha landed smoothly and were accepted through Korean customs without any problems whatsoever. Their aircraft was stowed safely away, and they were driven to their hotel directly beside the now world-famous Haeundae Beach. The lights of the city were truly something else, and the sheer volume of people was as overwhelming as ever, navigating the streets demanding a particular level of patience and skill, both of which their current driver had.

'Quite incredible how well this city has recovered. Reports state it suffered a vast amount of destruction during the first Omnic Crisis.' Fareeha commented, the multi-coloured lights reflecting off her skin pleasingly as she gazed out the window with a certain amount of awe.

'These people are proud and resilient, I have learned. Many places in the world look to their work ethic and ability to overcome obstacles in half the amount of time most would. Isn't that true?' Angela asked in Korean, catching the driver's eye in the mirror while he parked the vehicle at the entrance to yet another lavish hotel that nearly touched the moon hanging overhead.

'Yes. We do not shy away from contention. It was a part of everyday life for the better part of our history, after all.'

'The enemy of my enemy is my friend. A shame it took the crisis to finally unite your country.'

'United we stand? Perhaps it is still early to say such things, but it is so to the public, at the very least.'

'Of course.'

'How many languages do you know, Dr. Ziegler?' Fareeha shook her head in what Angela hoped was admiration.

'Oh, enough.' Angela grinned back.

'It is an honour to have you, Dr. Ziegler.' The taxi driver stepped out of the car, lowering the wheels so that the vehicle remained stationary and didn't waste energy. He helped Angela to her feet, and immediately began unloading the luggage, a bellboy from the hotel already having a golden cart to help with the fairly large collection of cases. Angela assumed some form of security beyond Fareeha was in action as well, more than likely, but was happy to see it was smart enough to remain hidden.

The elevator transported Angela and Fareeha to the very top of the hotel, and when they finally entered their room, Angela felt the familiar guilt at being treated like royalty. Two king-sized beds, an enormous, breathtaking view of the ocean and beach, space to lounge and relax larger than most apartments had to offer. A gorgeous washroom, a perfectly furnished living room and kitchen, an expensive bottle of wine iced in the middle of a wonderfully decorated table with flowers and dim lights that set a tranquil mood.

'Whoa…' Fareeha exclaimed, causing the bellboy to smile while he unloaded the bags, bowing and being on his way promptly. The door slid shut, a lock initiating from within, and both women remained in partial shock.

'Jack must truly feel bad.' Angela suggested. 'He would have no choice but to dip into his personal funds to afford this.'

'Good.' Fareeha answered mercilessly. 'He owes you that much.'

'He's a good man, Fareeha.' Angela felt the need to defend her old friend.

'I don't disagree with that, but I can't help my irritation with him.' She looked around some more, gazing out the enormous window and touching the glass gingerly prior to sliding it open and letting the cool, sea's breeze flutter in, blowing through her thick hair as she closed her eyes temporarily, evidently relishing the moment. Angela stared. She couldn't deny the image, begging to engrain it into her memory forever. 'Still, this isn't so terrible.'

'Correct! Therefore, it is in my professional opinion that we best make the most of these few days off, for there is little time to do so in the coming weeks or months even.'

'Hm. Come here.' Fareeha nodded, the demanding tone in her authoritative voice not altogether distasteful.

Angela did as she was told, and felt Fareeha's arm gripping her shoulder, bringing her in close and holding her tightly. Angela touched the other woman's chest, feeling her heart, and rested her head upon her collar, mesmerized by both the sensation of the simple act and the glorious view before her of a moon-kissed beach and the variety of individuals still traversing it despite how late the night was.

'What do you say to a walk, Angela? We're so close it would be a waste not to, don't you think?'

The full day of travel was tiring, but the cooling wind and touch of Fareeha was enough to convince Angela otherwise, and within minutes she was removing her shoes at one of the many entrances to Haeundae Beach, the sand tickling through her toes in a foreign but inviting way. Fareeha did the same, taking Angela's shoes with one hand and holding Angela's with her other.

'Shall we?' Fareeha asked, pulling Angela along, the pale light provided accentuating everything beautiful about the young woman.

How could Angela ever doubt this connection? This feeling? This obvious trust she hadn't known until now? She skipped beside Fareeha, trying to keep up with the woman she had given her heart to. Fareeha laughed at her attempt, the physical prowess of both individuals worlds apart. Yet, it was comedic, and Angela laughed even as she lost her balance and was brought up, lifted into the air and spun around, Fareeha's hands holding her waist and elevating her high as she felt her face beaming so earnestly it hurt. She took the Egyptian woman's cheeks in her palms, and looked down into her honest visage, the burning returning to her eyes she adored this soul so.

'What is it?' Fareeha questioned apprehensively, the silent exchange perhaps lasting too long for her.

Angela wanted to say so much, but she feared sounding desperate or even repetitive. How many times could she say something as simple as "I love you"? It felt less adequate each time. Less appropriate. Less meaningful. What she felt was proving incapable of being bound by mere words. Words were manmade. What Angela saw when she looked into Fareeha's eyes transcended that. Science didn't have an answer. Her gifted knowledge could only scrounge together loose theories that seemed juvenile.

Angela softly stroked Fareeha's firm cheek, feeling the smooth skin and moving to the pretty tattoo below her one eye. She traced it affectionately, and Fareeha didn't turn away like she used to out of discomfort.

'Gay foreigners…'

'Worse than omnics…'

Ah, yes. Haeundae Beach was busy even so late in the night. A crowded city, indeed. Angela had been swept up in the moment, forgetting about the numerous persons on the beach as well. They spoke in thick, ancient Korean intonation. Older individuals. Frustrated by the changing times and wars passed. Angela could understand their disdain, and perhaps Fareeha could recognize something nasty was being said, for her grip shifted, and her expression faltered. She likely didn't want to put Angela in a compromising position in public, having been the one to initiate such intimacy. Fareeha was just like that. All others before herself. Her needs; her desires came last, especially where Angela was concerned.

'Don't you dare let me go, Fareeha Amari.' Angela said with as much conviction as she could muster, and she kissed her precious knight. Kissed her deeply. Kissed her so fiercely it was nearly frightening. Her strong mouth. Her deep, erotic groans in her throat. Her powerful, unmatched grip upon Angela. She couldn't care less who saw them. She was proud of what she had found. She would never falter again. She would treasure Fareeha the way the woman deserved.

'I love you…' Angela cried in between feeling Fareeha's lips upon her own. 'I love you. I love you. God, I love you…so much. So very, very much…'

She responded with more affection, and Angela melted into her arms, their bodies heated and desires rising. They could both feel it, and before they escalated the exchange even further, they broke away, still staring at one another in something of a daze.

'I love you, too.' Fareeha said quietly, looking around then and shrugging. 'Um…shall we continue our walk?'

'Heheh! Indeed.'

Angela stayed close to her lady, the crashing of the waves and wind all around making for a perfect beginning to their vacation. They didn't travel too far, for Angela was bobbing only a hundred or so metres down the beach, but it was romantic and lovely all the same. Fareeha practically carried Angela to bed, and the doctor allowed the new warmth of her life to envelop her into a much needed night of recovery for both the body and soul.