Ch. 2

Six Months after Overwatch's Recall

Genji Shimada

Genji sat perched on the wooden bench with his legs folded carefully one over the other. It was a position that would have been difficult for someone without his sense of balance, but it was a precariousness that he preferred. The breaking sun pooled through the large windows of the dining hall, glinting off Genji's metal body. He watched intently at the sunset, absorbing what warmth he could on his face where the mask plates had been pulled away. He enjoyed the sun rise. It was such a peaceful time of day. The whole Watchpoint was silent aside from the waking of birds, and it was excellent for meditation. Normally, he would be outside to take it all in as best he could, but that day he was waiting for the other Overwatch members to join him. It would be some time, however. No one rose as early as Genji did.

It had been a few months since he decided to join the newly reformed Overwatch. It was still a skeleton of what it had once been back in its glory, but Genji liked it that way. Back then things had been too political – too shadowy. It was a force of nature blowing over all who stood in its way… like the Shimada clan. Perhaps, it had been allowed to go on longer than was wise. Now, however, it had a purpose to serve. It was trying to restore order and save innocents from immense dangers, just like its original intention. It was a goal that Genji aligned with. It was a necessity and for that he had rejoined the group he once was wary of.

Genji froze, reacting to the distant noise of a door shutting. His mechanical body tensed, ready to move into action if it was necessary. It was still rather early for one of his companions to be awake. He listened as soft footfalls moved towards him. He didn't move an inch as his senses read the situation. There was a light, feminine sigh as the guest approached. She rounded the corner and Genji heard a startled gasp. He turned to look at who had joined him.

She was a small girl in her early twenties. Her skin was light, and her blonde hair cropped short. She recoiled in anxiety, reaching up to scratch her arm as she gazed at the cyborg ninja, her wide blue eyes looking him over.

Genji recognized the girl as Mikayla Williams, a young American girl. She had joined the group after her and a few others were rescued from a Talon attack a few months ago. The girl had volunteered on staying, wanting to repay the group for her life. She was one of the few base crewmembers that they had. The heroes spent a lot of time away and were severely busy with saving the world and all, so a few employees stayed around for janitorial or engineering purposes. Mikayla was one of those who tidied up around the compound. Back in the day there was a few compliments of those sorts of workers. Now, they just had enough to get by. The heroes even cooked their own meals, for the most part. With the mix of cultural backgrounds every dinner was like eating in a different country.

"Oh," the girl gasped, "I'm s-sorry, Mr. Shimada. Uh, I mean… Sh-Shimada-san. Is that right? Oh, uh…" Genji chuckled.

"Just Genji is fine," he said. He had never been one for formalities even back in Japan. Still, he found amusement in westerners' anxiety around offending him. He had found even more amusement when they fumbled around his brother who would have demanded the correct title. That was a long time ago, however.

"R-right. I'm sorry. I didn't know anyone would be in here. I just came to mop," Mikayla said with a squeaky voice.

"Go right ahead," he said gently. "Am I in your way?" She looked him over, observing his folded legs that didn't touch the floor.

"No, no! I was more worried about bothering you!"

"You are not," he assured. "Do your job, don't mind me." The girl nodded vigorously and went to get her things. Genji looked back out the window; he closed his eyes and began lightly meditating.

He could hear the girl moving about the room, but for the most part phased out the sound from his mind – tricking himself to thinking he was alone. It was relaxing, but he could still feel her eyes drilling into him. He assumed out of curiosity. Many people looked at him that way – he was a rare type of person: a hybrid of human and omnic. People outside of the core Overwatch group observed him with levels of disgust and interest. He did not care what people thought of him – he was at peace with himself.

The girl held her gaze on him. He could hear the mop brushing across the floor, but the feeling was unmistakable. He snapped his eyes open, pinning them on her and she flinched, realizing she had been caught. Genji didn't even wait for her nervous defense before saying, "It's ok to be inquisitive." She blinked at him for a moment.

"It just… occurs to me that I've never seen your face," she said. It made sense to him; he had never said much to her or been around her for an extended amount of time. "I-I didn't know you had one."

"I am not… all cyborg," he replied. She nodded.

"I knew that… I just didn't…" she trailed off. "How much of you is…?" He half-smiled.

"Enough," was his simple answer. She nodded once more, and looked intently at her mop. He could tell that she didn't want to pry further.

Mikayla was adorable, and as a young man she would have been something to pine after. He was not a young man anymore. The thought of any sort of relationship was not something that crossed his mind often, but when it did there was only one thing he wanted: total accepting love.

She turned her eyes away from him: her curiosity sated. She went back to her mopping, and Genji to his meditation. He hoped the floor dried before his friends came in; knowing some of them, they would stumble in half awake and fall on their butts. Hm, maybe he would prefer that it didn't dry – he could use a good laugh, after all.

It was another hour or so before the first Overwatch member stumbled in. Genji flicked open one eyes upon hearing the tired groans. He watched in amusement as McCree trudged into the hall, tiredly carrying a bagel. He wore a simple t-shirt and was missing his signature hat to cover his messy brown hair. He was clearly too tired to care about his appearance at the moment. He flopped beside Genji with a huff.

"I dunno why you needed us up this early," he grumbled. The ninja smiled at the cowboy.

"It's been quiet and I figured an old fashioned breakfast would be a nice bonding moment." McCree groaned.

"Maybe… lunch or somethin' next time?" His reply was a chuckle. McCree took a tired bite of his bagel as Tracer sprinted in with a big smile on her face.

"Sorry, I'm late, luvs," she said happily. "I went on a morning run!" She plopped down in front of McCree who sighed in reply.

"Two too many mornin' people," he moaned. "And just how're you late?"

"It's eight ten! Genji said eight."

"Oh, wow, ten minutes."

"Don't mind him," Genji interjected.

"I know, he's a grumpy goose in the mornings," Lena said smiling. She snatched the cowboy's bagel and took a bite of it.

"Hey! Get your own…" She giggled, holding it away as he tried to snatch it back.

Genji had to admit it was nice being back around with people who had once been his friends. He had spent a lot of time in isolation with only Zenyatta as company, and while it was something that pleased him greatly, a part of him found much joy in socialization with old peers.

As the trio sat at the table – Genji and Lena chatting while McCree rested with his head in his crossed arms – the final invited member joined them. Pharah sat down beside Tracer, a groggy look in her dark eyes. She had never been an Overwatch member prior to its destruction, but she had been a large part of their lives for a long time. She'd been strutting around the HQ since Genji could remember, and had even been babysat by a teenage McCree and Mercy as a child. Still, she was new in title, and Genji felt the need to include her especially with her mother's obvious absence to the organization.

Lena was the first to answer Winston's call, having been with the recalled Overwatch since day one. She had been young when it failed and hadn't been with the group for as long as the others were. She saw the good even when she had been part of one of the worst stains on its reputation: the science experiment that plunged her into time.

Genji and McCree joined relatively the same time about three months prior. Genji and Zenyatta had both found the omnic conflict growing more and more troubling. Genji decided that as things looked more dire that perhaps Overwatch was the best option, and Zenyatta had followed in agreement. Genji had been glad that his master came with him; it was an assuring feeling to have him around.

McCree joined up after coming across a Talon attack in Mexico. It had been the second one he'd been involved in and found it disconcerting. He'd never really fancied himself a hero – not like his friends had been. However, he couldn't stand by and watch innocents get slaughtered by the terrorist group any further. Especially not when some of those terrorists had the voices of people he recognized.

Fareeha had been the last out of the group. She had joined up very recently after getting leave from her post at Helix Security. Initially, she was thrilled by the idea of finally being able to join up with the group her mother had devoted her life too. However, she had found her duty to the company to overshadow her own ambitions. She stayed with them until Overwatch specifically requested her help. The company, having experience in the danger of rogue AI's, obliged. Pharah was a great addition to the growing team.

"Is he alive?" Fareeha asked, eyeballing McCree. He grumbled in conformation of life. She wasn't much of a morning person either, but at least she was responsive.

"He's just sleepin'," Lena said in her peppy tone. She held out half the bagel towards Fareeha. "You want some bagel?"

A groan rose from the heap of man on the table. "That's mine," he twanged. Pharah took it anyway.

"Thanks." She took a bite, coaxing a tired moan from McCree.

"Perhaps, we should get him some coffee?" Tracer questioned.

"Let him walk it off like a man," Fareeha objected. She shoved him on the arm, knocking him into Genji. He chuckled, pushing the cowboy up straight. McCree shook his head, sighing, and rubbing his eyes.

"You're worse than Talon," he mumbled, staring down Pharah. She smirked slightly before taking a dramatic bite of the bagel Lena had stolen.

It was a fun morning, one that Genji cherished. It was a rarity to be able to just sit and enjoy one another's company. With all the rushing about off to missions someone was always occupied. Pessimists would see the silence a sign of something dangerous brewing. Genji liked to think of positives, however. If something big were to happen then they would deal with it. Until then he would bask in the glory of the calm.

After the group parted from the dining area Genji walked slowly across Gibraltar. He took in the crisp morning air and just relaxed. He had a destination in mind, but was in no rush to arrive.

He entered the med clinic through the front door, looking around at the patients lying in white beds. Moans came from their lips as they tossed in discomfort. One woman looked at him, and attempted to smile but flinched.

The med bay wasn't exactly up to hospital standards. It had been set up in what had once been a fuel storage area due to the lack of having a proper one on site. It was critical for the operation, however, and was a priority upon the group's official set up.

The patients who were there were victims of a Talon attack. They had once been in critical condition, but the advancement in Overwatch's medical expertise assured that they all had lived. It was a process, but Genji knew that they would soon be ready to go back into the real world or be transferred to a civilian hospital to continue their healing. Their beds would unfortunately be needed by others soon.

"You need not to move," Genji told the smiling girl. She had had one of her legs blown off in an explosion, but Genji had pulled her from the rubble. She enjoyed his visits.

"I'll try to be still," she swore. A prosthetic had been given to her, and her wounds were almost healed. Soon she would go back to her home country and be left to adjust to her new life in the local hospital. It was an ill-fated story that Genji understood more than anyone.

"You will be brand new soon," he assured, patting her gently on the shoulder. She smiled, leaning into his metallic touch. "I'm going to go see the doctor, now." She nodded, smiling once more at him.

Genji moved away from her, heading towards the stairs, but a voice coming from the other room caught him.

"Genji!" it called. He turned, bowing to the omnic who hovered in front of him.

"Hello, master," he said. Zenyatta bowed his head in return.

"You missed our meditation this morning."

"Yes, I was having breakfast with my friends."

"Of course. It is good to please the physical needs as well as the spiritual. No need for apologies, my student." Genji bowed again, his palms pressed together with his pointer fingers raised. Zenyatta turned to one of the patients. "I have been trying to give these poor souls a balm to their turmoil."

"They will be fine, master," Genji assured.

"Oh, I know that, but they are unsure. Go do as you were planning, I will be here."

Genji bowed once more before heading up the stairs. He opened the door to the only room that had been adamantly redone to support all the technology that was required to support the level of healing that was needed for the Overwatch group and the people they rescued.

"You're all done," she said, leaning over the patient and holding a metallic device over her. The little girl sniffled.

"Can I go home now?" he asked.

"Soon. With the other patients," she swore. The little girl sat up and she checked the arm that had once been mangled and face that had been burned. She looked almost brand new. Her arm was back to normal and, though she had trouble flexing her fingers, it had been assured that she would have full mobility soon. Her face bore light scars, but she could still see out of the right eye that had been nearly blinded, and they were so bright.

"Thank you Dr. Mercy," the girl chimed, smiling up at the blonde haired woman who had been caring for her.

"You're quite welcome, Laura, go downstairs now," she responded. The girl nodded, jumping up and rushing from the bed she'd been lying on. She paused at Genji, taking in the scars on his face. She touched her own.

"Did Dr. Mercy help you too?" she asked. Genji smiled, leaning down a bit.

"Yes, she did." The girl looked him up and down.

"Can I have a cool cyborg body too?" she asked. Genji chuckled and Angela rushed over to shoo the girl away, but he held his hand up to stop her.

"I would not suggest it," he replied. She nodded, accepting what he said without question.

"Kay!" she shouted before leaving the room.

"Sorry about that," Angela said, shaking her head. Genji shook his head in turn.

"It's not a problem," he assured. "It's good to see they're doing well. I was worried, seeing how bad the explosion was."

"They'll all be going home soon," she confirmed.

"That is good to know."

Genji walked around the room in a semi-restless way.

"It is so dark in here – so artificial."

"It was a store room," Angela pointed out. She picked up a tablet and examined it.

"We need to get you a window."

"I don't think that is a priority, Genji." Angela smiled at him, showing her beauty.

"Then maybe you should come outside more." She squinted at the words she was reading. "You need some fresh air. I asked you to join us this morning." She looked at him sympathetically.

"You know I'm busy."

"You have other doctors under you, Angela." He knew she felt the need to assure everything was going right herself, and that she hated surrendering control when she went out on missions. She felt that if she let it fall into the hands of someone less skilled and that person made a mistake that it would be her fault because she hadn't just taken care of it herself. He understood, but he felt badly that she worked so hard. "Don't make yourself suffer." She glanced up at him pensively.

"Genji, I can't." He nodded.

"Everyone downstairs is fine, and Zenyatta is watching after them. You will be ok walking with me for fifteen minutes." He offered her his hand. She stared at him for a long time before sighing.

"Okay, okay. For you." She took his hand and moved towards the door, shrugging off her white coat as she did so.

"Excellent!" he exclaimed, leading her from the dank little room.

Angela Ziegler had fondly left Overwatch behind. She was fine helping others on her own. She liked what she did without the violence that Overwatch displayed. She had never intended to return to the group… until she, herself, was targeted by its enemies. Had it not been for Genji and Overwatch, she would have been dead, and she owed them. It did give her a chance to help to the greatest extent once more, and she recognized the purpose to be a good one. She'd only joined up a month back, but had quickly fallen into the routine of head doctor. It was a roll she remembered well.

"It is so lovely and quiet," Angela commented. They had been walking around the outdoors of Gibraltar, taking in the air and the silence that was normally not present.

"I knew you would enjoy it. You should meditate with me some morning. There is nothing more relaxing." Angela giggled.

"I don't think I could get up in those precarious places you like to sit."

"We could find a nice view on the ground."

"In that case, I think it would be nice." She looped her arm in Genji's and leaned against him slightly.

They were heading back to the clinic. They had been on the far end of Gibraltar, away from the compound. As they came back into the populated area an alert blared over the loud speaker.

Athena's voice said, "Alert. Intruder detected in hanger bay." It was a recorded message on repeat.

"Oh my," Angela said.

"We should go see what all the commotion is," Genji stated.

The two walked quickly through the roads of the base, moving into the hanger area. Genji kept his speed under check so that Angela could keep up with him. As they passed through the doors and moved past the crates tossed about the floor they came to a shuttle where a group was crowded. Genji pushed past some of the workers and lower level Overwatch members. He held Angela's hand, pulling her behind him, and allowing his body to part the sea of spectators for her. When he got to the front he could see some of the other heroes. Reinhardt was standing back away from the others, watching.

"What is happening?" Genji asked him.

"Someone stowed away on one of the shuttles. He has a weapon," he answered.

Genji moved forward, looking where Swedish shouting was emanating from. Torbjörn, Fareeha, and Lena stood around. His eyes trailed the group then moved up to the man they were cornering. His gaze met the same intense dark brown eyes that he knew so well. Genji's own eyes widened.

"Brother," he murmured.

Hanzo was pinned up against the far end of the shuttle. His body was stiff with his fists balled to his sides. He had a glaring expression on his face. Torbjörn was centered in front of him with his rivet gun pointed up at Genji's brother. Fareeha was to the side, tensed and cautionary. Lena was on the other side, looking worried and trying to cool the situation.

Hanzo looked much different since the last time Genji had seen him. It was a shift that both confused and impressed Genji. He could almost feel it in his soul… like he'd somewhat changed on a deeper level. Though, he wasn't sure exactly what had brought forth the transformation.

Since their last violent meeting Hanzo had adapted his appearance in a strange way, one Genji would not expect. He had shaved the sides of his hair, though he kept it still long in length. His brother had always been overly fond on his hair in some semi-secretive way. He had it pulled up into a bun at the back of his head. He seemed to have shed his traditional Japanese clothing, and was now wearing a simple jacket. Most curious was the piercings he'd gotten: a bar through the bridge of his nose and a ring in each ear.

Hanzo's eyes stared into Genji's.

"Hello, brother," he said in their native language.

"Genji?" Angela questioned, looking at him in interest. Everyone's stares fell on him.

"This is yer brother?" Torbjörn shouted.

"Yes," Genji answered. The engineer turned back to the man before him.

"The same one who tried to kill ya?!" Genji's eyes bored into his brother. It was a lingering gaze that did not break.

"Yes."

"Then let's get some revenge!" The small man forced his gun up, pressing it into Hanzo's chin. He grunted, turning back his head.

"No!" Genji exclaimed. He moved forwards to stop him.

"Torbjörn," Angela scolded in a disappointed tone. He grumbled and stepped away, moving back some so that Genji could get close.

Hanzo shook off the confrontation, but he scowled down at the small man.

"Imp," he hissed.

"Why I outta…" Torbjörn began to shout, but Lena grabbed his arm.

"Calm down, Torby," she pipped.

Genji moved towards the group, but was cautious. He kept a semblance of distance. Angela followed him in his approach, watching for signs of confrontation. The glare shared between brothers was an intense danger zone, and it was best not to get caught in the crossfire.

"What are you doing here, Hanzo?" Genji questioned in English so that the rest of the group could understand.

"To see you, Genji," Hanzo replied in Japanese, not caring for the comprehension of the others.

"Is this going to be a pleasant visit, or a mimic of our last?" The archer looked around at the others in the room.

"That depends on your friends," he replied in English this time. Genji slowly moved forward, cautious, but trying to be welcoming.

"I am always happy to have you, brother, my friends will be as well." Hanzo's eyes swept the area once more. They narrowed.

"That remains to be seen."

"He brought a weapon," Fareeha said, showing him the bow that she had disarmed from him when the archer had first been discovered.

"What is that dinky little ting, anyway," Torbjörn shouted, snatching it from Pharah. He twisted it around in front of him. "You call dis a weapon?!"

"Get your grubby little paws off of my bow," Hanzo growled.

"How you kill anything with it?" The archer knelt in front of him.

"Easily," he hissed with a deadly tone. He went to snatch it, but Pharah pulled him back.

"You are not to be holding it." Hanzo ripped his shoulder from under her hand.

"Don't touch me!"

Genji took the bow from Torbjörn. He gave Fareeha an assuring look. He didn't quite disagree with her, however. She may not realize how dangerous his brother would have been with his weapon, but he did. One split arrow in that confined space and the whole of Overwatch would be dead or wounded.

"This is for our safety," he told his brother. He could see that Hanzo wanted to snap, but their eyes met. The heat behind the brown irises died. He nodded.

"I understand."

There was some thumping from outside and voices. Everyone turned to watch as Winston pushed through the crowd, squeezing into the shuttle to see what was going on. Behind him trailed McCree, whose hand was resting on his revolver.

"Athena alerted us. What is going on?" Winston asked.

"Anyone need to be shot?" McCree asked, walking up behind him. Tracer giggled, racing towards the approaching two. Genji noticed his brother go rigid at the idea.

"I think Torbjörn has already called shootin' him," she said.

"No one is shooting anyone," Genji said.

"I am," Torbjörn demanded.

"Torbjörn," Angela said sternly.

"Alright. I gotta see the guy causing all this fuss," McCree said, stepping around Winston and moving towards the group. He turned his head, smiling a cocky smile. He wasn't worried at all about whom this intruder was, it was clear. However, as his eyes met Hanzo's, his smile fell. His eyes widened. Hanzo was tense under the cowboy's gaze. They stared long and hard at each other. Then a devastated gasp that was so quiet Genji could barely hear it, escaped his lips saying, "Hanzo."

Genji's eyes flicked to McCree, trying hard to understand if he'd really muttered his brother's name in familiarity. They went back to his brother, scanning to read any semblance of reaction. Hanzo was stone faced, knowing his brother's prying eyes. He hid his emotions well, and always had.

"You two know one another?" He asked whichever man would answer. Neither did, at first. The others hadn't seemed to have heard anyway.

"Who is this?" Winston asked in a whisper, needing to be caught up on the situation.

"Genji's brother," Tracer murmured.

"The one who tried to kill him?"

"The one and only," Hanzo butted in, growling and glowering. His gaze was like daggers. Winston blinked.

"Oh…"

Genji snapped his stare onto his brother.

"What are you doing here, Hanzo, Really!?" He demanded. His brother looked down. He sighed, a breath rolling from his lips. He looked back up and met his brother's eyes. Hanzo took a deep breath.

"I have come for your forgiveness." He bowed his head once more. He removed the quiver of arrows from his back, placing it at his brother's feet slowly. He knelt before him, sitting down on his knees and placing his hands on his legs. He hung his head in shame. Hanzo was a proud man, yet he was doing this in front of total strangers. He was committed.

"I have already forgiven you," Genji said sincerely.

"I am not worthy of any forgiveness you offer. I want to restore that. I want to redeem myself and return to my honor." Genji looked at him in sympathy. He felt as if he was being completely genuine.

"Why does that bring you here?" he asked. Hanzo kept his head down.

"You are the key to my fall and the key to my redemption. I have chosen to follow you."

"You want to join Overwatch?" Lena asked, confused. Hanzo ignored her. He looked back up at his brother, staring at him. Finally Genji repeated the question, "You want to join Overwatch?"

"I want to join you," Hanzo phrased. Genji didn't say anything, he just looked down at his brother. Then, Hanzo nodded. "Yes. I want to join Overwatch."

Genji was taken aback. He had never actually expected him to say it. There was silence among the group. Everyone was absorbing what was happening. The others were being respectful towards the brothers and the moment they had just had. The silence grew long and awkward. No one was saying anything. Hanzo had once again hung his head, simmering in his indignity. Genji was unsure of how to respond to his brother's request. He couldn't make the decision in a vacuum. He had other team members to consider, and they had a say in it just as much as he did. He knelt down in front of his brother.

"I would like nothing more," he said in Japanese. "But we must discuss it, and decide together." Hanzo nodded.

"We cannot trust him," Pharah said, pacing in front of the table.

They were in the meeting room at the far end of Gibraltar. Genji hadn't been in there much when he was with the group originally. However, the few times he had, he'd seen some intense arguments about potentially life changing decisions. He kind of felt like this discussion would mimic those; except it would be affecting his life the most. His stomach was tied in knots as he listened to Fareeha rant.

The group had retreated there to talk amongst themselves and come to a consensus in order to make the decision. They had been doing that with major choices in replace of an official leader. Back in the day Morrison, Ana, and Reyes, made the bulk of the decisions. They were all dead now, and the group was left without a capable person to guide it. Sure, some members were original, and others were long standing. None of them on their own had the experience or skill to lead correctly, however.

Genji was sitting on the far end of the table with Angela seated properly to his left. McCree was beside her, but he just stood with his back against the chair and his arms crossed. He had a pensive look on his face, like a cobra watching its prey. Lena was perched on the edge of her seat, looking hyper interested in what was going on. She still had the youthful enthusiasm for the group. It was something Genji admired. Torbjörn, Winston, and Pharah were on the far end of the table, standing. Reinhardt had volunteered to stay with Hanzo while the group debated. He had said, "Anything you decide will be fine with me." It was better than the alternative of Torbjörn's, "I'll teach the little werm some respect." Genji wasn't too comfortable having the two alone together. He'd rather one of them not end up dead.

"I don't see why not," Tracer defended. "He seems fun." Genji snorted.

"I don't know if I'd put my brother and fun in the same sentence," he said.

"He's an assassin," Fareeha said to Tracer. "He's tried to kill Genji before. Someone could have hired him to kill his brother again, or all of us, for all we know."

"We can't trust em!" Torbjörn added.

"He could be working for Talon." Genji didn't say anything. He was thinking, trying to decide if Hanzo would ever do such a thing. He wanted to hope that the answer was 'no.'

"Athena search for anything about Hanzo Shimada," Winston said.

"Right away," the A.I. responded. "Searching." There was a few seconds of semi-painful silence. It was like waiting for the results of a medical exam. Genji hoped that the results were positive. "There is very little about Hanzo Shimada after the fall of his clan. His name appears in a few emails, some regarding the assassination of himself. He has very little record of his own. His own calls and emails are few and far between. The locational ping shows him having been all over the world: Germany, France, and other areas but it seems he's been over a great deal of America."

"Any indication as to what he was doing?" Winston asked.

"Looking for someone, perhaps. There's no exact evidence to a specific reason."

"An assassination mark?"

"It's possible. However, of the information I have found there is nothing that mentions someone paying him as a professional assassin. It seems he's returned Hanamura on routine. He's returned to his ancestral home once about the same time every year. The last time was almost a year ago."

Genji looked away. He knew exactly why Hanzo was returning to their home habitually. It had been almost a year since their duel there – almost a year since he'd given his brother his words of forgiveness. It made so much since why he'd decided to turn up now. It was nearing the anniversary of the day Genji "died." He didn't envy his brother. He knew how badly he would hurt if they had switched positions.

"After that he left Hanamura, but stayed in Japan."

"Until now," Pharah said.

"It doesn't sound suspicious, does it?" Lena asked.

"Are ya kiddin'?!" Torbjörn shouted. "He's been killin' all over the world. The locations prove it."

"There is no correlation between his travels and any assassination," Athena pointed out.

"Genji, you traveled, didn't you? Before you found Zenyatta, I mean," Tracer clarified.

"I did. I was unsure of myself – soul searching."

"Well, it sounds like Hanzo was doin' the same!" she decided.

"Athena, keep looking into his background," Winston said.

"Yes, Winston," she said before going quiet.

"Where is Zenyatta, why hasn't he joined us?" Winston asked.

"I told him about the situation, and he said he did not want to influence my decision," Genji informed. He sighed. He really wanted his master's guidance now more than ever. He took a breath, trying to center himself.

"Genji," Angela said, drawing his attention. "How are you feeling? What do you think about all this?" He sighed, looking at his folded metal hands.

"I want to believe him."

"Do you think he'd betray you?" Genji would have always said no as a child. However, he had been proven wrong in the most tragic way. In truth, when it came to his brother, he was unsure.

"I do not know."

"Do you want him here, Genji?" There was no doubt in his mind.

"Yes. I want to try."

"Do you think he's telling the truth?"

Despite his reservation he felt deep inside his soul that everything his brother had gushed to him was true. Hanzo wanted to be redeemed and he saw Genji as the only way. It was a bit flattering. Genji had once looked up to Hanzo, and wanted to be like him as a child. Now, Hanzo was looking to Genji for guidance in his path.

"Yes," Genji answered affirmatively, "I absolutely do." Angela nodded at him, touching his metal hand.

"If you want him here then I vote that we allow him entrance," she said. Genji smiled solemnly at her. He had pulled his faceplate back down so that his teammates couldn't see how tired he was. This ordeal was draining.

"He's too dangerous," Pharah said. "I say no."

"Agreed! If ya don't want me to end up killin' him then I'd suggest him leavin'," Torbjörn howled.

"Aw come on. It's his brotha," Tracer said. "I think we should let him in. Don't ya think Winston?" Winston sighed, a big huff from the gorilla's lips.

"I… think that there are too many unknown variables to risk it. I'm sorry, Genji."

"What?!" Lena demanded. "I can't believe this, big guy!"

"Our organization is not the strongest right now. If we were to lose one of our most valuable agents," he looked at Genji, "it would put serious strain." Lena blinked at him, as if absorbing his words. She found truth in them. Genji looked down.

"I respect your opinions," he murmured.

"Jesse, you have been awfully quiet," Angela said, looking up at the cowboy. "What do you think?" For a moment he said nothing, just looking off at the wall. Then he spun around, looking at everyone pointedly.

"Ya wanna know what I think?" he said with a sharp tone. "I think y'all are being self-centered. As far as we know – and there's been nothin' to prove us otherwise even though you've looked for it – we have a man wanting to change. He wants to change and all y'all want to do is turn him away."

"We can't risk the operation," Fareeha said, but McCree held his hand up.

"I don't think one… assassin… is going to undermine our whole group. You're just being dramatic if you think otherwise. What's life without a little risk?" He looped his thumbs in the band of his pants and paced. "Y'know I was in the same position once. If it hadn't been for Reyes finding somethin' worth savin' in me I'd still be running with gangs. I was a risk too. How's it fair for someone that was as big of an asshole as me to get a chance and not a guy who made one really big mistake and has spent the rest of his life sufferin' for it?" Everyone stared at him in thought. Genji had a lump of suspicion deep in his gut, but he didn't speak on it. "We need to give him a chance."

"But we can't just give someone so dangerous free reign of our base!" Pharah objected.

"No, but one of us can keep an eye on him," McCree said, crossing his arms. She snorted.

"Who would want to keep him around that much?" McCree looked around the room, his gaze lingering on Genji. He waited for him to say something, but Genji wasn't willing. He didn't see the point. If Hanzo was so untrustworthy that he had to have his little brother as a babysitter then they should not let him in. However, he appreciated McCree's commitment. The cowboy sighed.

"I'll do it then," McCree announced.

"You want to lead him around on a leash like a stray puppy?" Fareeha asked skeptically.

"No, but I can watch and make sure he ain't up to nothin'. I don't think we should lie to him though – make it seem like we trust him when really we're spyin'."

"What if we need you in the field though?" Winston asked.

"He can come with me. It'll be good practice for him."

"He'll be a distraction!" Torbjörn yelled.

"He's a grown man not a child. He don't need me takin' care of him. I'm sure he's more than capable of hanlin' himself." Everyone stared hard at him.

"I think that is reasonable," Winston said. Fareeha sighed.

"Yeah." Torbjörn just grumbled. A small smile cracked over McCree's face, but he tried to hide it quickly. Genji noticed.

"He's your responsibility though," Pharah reminded him.

"Yes ma'am," McCree groaned like a kid taking an order he didn't like. "There'll be no conspirin' under my watch!"

"It's official then!" Lena exclaimed.

"Hanzo can join," Winston confirmed.

Hanzo Shimada

Hanzo hated the idea of having a "sponsor" as the Egyptian had put it. He hated it even more that it was the cowboy. They said he was untrustworthy and the only way he could stay was if he consented to being his charge. Hanzo wanted nothing more than to be there and to fix the mess he had made with his brother. He hated it…. Begrudgingly he accepted.

Hanzo didn't get awkward very easily, but as Genji and the cowboy walked him through the watchpoint, he felt his cheeks burning and not in rage. His brother hadn't said a word and the cowboy didn't know how to shut his twanging mouth. Hanzo glared at him, despising his presence. He wanted to be alone with Genji, but no… of course he was there.

"This is the crew quarters. It's not really that big, so a lot of the people here have to sleep in big shared rooms, but all the important people get their own rooms." Hanzo snorted and rolled his eyes, but he didn't notice.

"It's funny that you think you're important," he grumbled.

"Jesse could you go make sure Hanzo's room is ready?" Genji asked, pausing. He looked between the two brothers.

"Yeah, I'll be right back," he twanged before strolling off. Hanzo watched him leave, his eyes narrowed but staring.

"You owe him," Genji said in Japanese, drawing his attention.

"Do I?" Hanzo asked, intrigued.

"He's the reason they allowed you to stay. He championed on your behalf." Hanzo squinted. He was curious as to why he convinced them and not Genji. A part of him understood, however. He deserved to be turned away, truthfully. Perhaps, he should be grateful. Hanzo said nothing. "I want this to work out," Genji continued in his silence. "I want my brother back." He touched Hanzo's shoulder for a split second.

"As do I," he answered.

"Then you have to prove yourself. I know there is a good man inside you – you must come to peace with him to get back everything you've lost." Genji turned to leave.

"Genji," Hanzo called out with a spark of desperation. He looked over his shoulder.

"I will make you proud," he said. Hanzo couldn't see Genji's expression through his helmet, but he nodded.

"I know." With that Genji walked away, leaving Hanzo standing alone in the sad metal hallway. He wondered how many souls had passed between these walls and if they were good men and women. He wondered if he could live up.

"What happened to Genji?" the cowboy asked when he returned. He crossed his arms. That was the first time Hanzo noticed that he had a prosthetic arm. He wondered what had happened. "Oh no. You didn't kill him again did you? I turn my back for two minutes!" He was joking, but Hanzo was not amused.

"This is serious!" he hissed. He shot a deadly glare at him. The cowboy tossed his hands in the air.

"Right, right, sorry."

"Show me my room," Hanzo demanded. He shook his head.

"Yes, sir," he drawled.

He led Hanzo down the hall. He had fallen suspiciously silent and on occasion Hanzo could feel his gaze flickering over onto him. His eyes lingered and it was irritating him. He clenched his fists.

"Okay, here it is," he said, stopping in front of a door. "My room's right over there," he pointed to a room cattycorner to Hanzo's. "If ya need me my door's always open." It seemed like there was a double meaning to his words. He lingered, his eyes staring at Hanzo. He turned to open his door.

"Right," he said in an attempt to get him to leave. "My thanks." He hesitated opening the door, still feeling the cowboy's eyes. After a second he growled, "What?!" A few heartbeats went without words.

"Hanzo," he murmured. Hanzo turned around. He kept his hand on the doorknob, ready to flee if needed.

"What?" he asked again with just as much venom.

The cowboy's eyes tried to capture the archer's, but he refused the intimate exchange. Hanzo glared at his cowboy hat, instead. He had turned serious, giving up the talkative humor. There was so much familiarity there between them in that moment.

Why did it have to be him?!

"Hanzo," he drawled in that southern accent of his. "Do you… remember me?" when he asked the question that had so clearly been bugging him since that moment their eyes met in the shuttle, his voice cracked. There was so much emotion in his voice. It sounded like Hanzo's answer would make or break him. Hanzo had never intended on being anything but insolent. He knew that this would come up. However, the pain that he heard changed his mind. He took a breath and finally met his eyes. The look made his heart skip a beat.

And then he said, "Of course I remember you, Jesse McCree." With that Hanzo slunk into his room, leaving McCree alone in the hall to process everything.

A/N: Thanks for reading! Reviews are appreciated!