Chapter Text
Cole liked to think he was observant. It was a trait that was practically required when working for Overwatch. The ability to scan a battlefield, address situations in seconds, and make a choice that could mean life or death for either you or your comrades. Even before Overwatch when he was with Deadlock, Cole thought nothing got past him. He had to pick things up that others might not have noticed. Like how this morning Lena was glancing at her phone far more often than normal. He was sitting across from her at the table in the small kitchen lounge, along with Winston. The three of them were enjoying a quiet morning, no missions for the last few days. Which meant Lena must have gone to see the girl she kept saying wasn’t anything serious last night. Cole didn’t say anything though, he’d wait for a more opportune time to tease her.
Winston was next to Lena enjoying a bowl of various fruits, while he skimmed over some scientific journal on his pad. Cole himself was lounging back in his chair, idly sipping his coffee. It was early yet, so it was just the three of them in the lounge. Sooner or later Jack and Gabe would stumble in, both grumbling about coffee. Ana would follow soon after with her phone in her hand checking in on her daughter before getting her own breakfast. Business as usual, nothing that Cole wouldn’t expect.
Before any of that could happen Cole glanced over upon hearing a short clipped walk entering the room. A slightly new addition to the morning routine, Moira entered the kitchen. No greeting to the other agents lounging, she went straight for the coffee maker. Which wasn’t surprising, out of all of them Cole was pretty sure he was the only one that has spoken to Moira for longer than a few sentences. The doctor was…prickly to say it politely. Creepy if you asked Lena. Being honest Cole wasn't sure what she did most days, but she spent all her time down in her lab experimenting on who knew what. Cole had only been down there a few times, and if one thought of the most cartoonish mad scientist lab. That was Moira's domain, full of various lab animals, tools Cole couldn’t even begin to understand, and scared interns scurrying about. It didn’t help that Cole had only seen Moira sport two expressions thinly suppressed annoyance or emotional distance. Cole didn’t have any problem with the doctor, but he could see where people like Lena were coming from when they not so subtly avoided contact with her.
Like most people though Cole thought he had her figured out. A serious no-nonsense scientist that did her job, but didn’t really stop to bond with any of the other Overwatch agents, or really probably anyone. So Cole nearly snapped his neck doing a double take when he noticed something he hadn’t before about Moira. She was making coffee, nothing out of the ordinary, her right hand covered by a glove, some kind of incident the doctor got the closest Cole’s ever seen to angry if asked about. It was her left hand that caught Cole’s interest, a ring. A simple gold band around her ring finger that Cole could have sworn he’s never seen before. If he were to look back, he probably should have known asking in front of Lena was not a good plan, but he was caught off guard. Not used to not noticing something.
“Hey Dr. D, what’s with the ring?” Moira was in the middle of pouring creamer into her cup. A black cup that at first one would think matched her standoffish personality, until one noticed it had a colorful DNA strand wrapping around it. Moira's eyebrow twitched, clearly annoyed.
“It’s my wedding ring. Obviously.” The doctor said continuing to make her coffee without looking at the trio. Of course Cole couldn’t even start to form words before Lena had practically jumped out of her seat.
“You’re married!” Beside her Winston sighed, and Cole couldn’t keep the slight smile off his face. It's what he liked about Lena, one of the biggest hearts in Overwatch, but the woman couldn't keep her mouth shut if she tried. Moira clearly didn’t have the same appreciation as he did, because she pinched the bridge of her nose.
“Yes Ms. Oxton, I’ve been married for quite some time now.” Her tone clipped, a clear indicator to stop asking about it, but of course Lena continued.
“Never seen you wear a ring before?” This was probably going to result in some poor intern getting their face chewed off from Moira being put in a bad mood by Lena’s questioning, but Cole honestly couldn’t deny the hilarity of watching Lena ignore every indicator from Moira that she did not want to talk.
“I don’t usually wear it in the lab, I don’t want it to get damaged.” Cole watched as Moira's other hand went to touch said ring. A certain fondness about the gesture that wasn’t lost upon Cole. Luckily before Lena could continue more probing questions Winston piped up.
“I wasn’t aware you were married either Dr. O’Deorain. Has your husband been on base before?” Winston’s question was much more controlled, the gorilla clearly thinking, trying to remember if he did indeed ever encounter Moira's spouse.
“Wife, and no.” With one last dash of sugar in her cup, Moira took a testing sip before turning heel and leaving without another word. There was a beat of silence before Lena broke it.
“No way. There is no way she’s married.” Winston sighed giving Lena an exasperated look.
“Why in the world would she lie about that.” Cole held in a chuckle as Lena threw her hands up.
“Oi! I don’t know, but come on Winston you can’t seriously believe someone would marry Dr. Frankenstein over there.” While Cole didn’t share the same thought, instead he wondered how he didn’t pick up on that. Moira hasn’t been here as long as the three of them, but it's been a little under a year. One would think someone would have mentioned Moira having a wife.
“Be nice, it’s highly likely she never mentioned it, because a certain someone is reacting like it's the most unbelievable thing in the world.” Cole sat his coffee on the table with a slightly obvious click to gain their attention before Lena could protest.
“Well you gotta' admit it is a little surprising, but all kinds of people out there.” It was a neutral statement, mainly because Cole wasn’t sure of his thoughts on it yet. Standing up Cole took one last gulp of his coffee, before taking the cup over to the sink.
“I got hit the trails now, I’ll see you at the range later right?” Cole gestured to Lena, who gave him a cheerful thumbs up.
“You bet cowboy!” Cole tipped his hat before heading out of the lounge, hearing Lena already starting to chatter to Winston about this new information. Smiling Cole shook his head. Normally he’d stick around longer, but curiosity brought him to start heading down into the basement where Moira's lab was. Besides, he should probably save whatever intern was going to face the brunt of Moira's annoyance. That was just what a good Overwatch agent should do.
When he got down there he shoved his flesh hand in his pocket. The basement was chilly either just by nature of being underground, or maybe Moira did lean into the mad scientist aesthetic a little too much. He passed a few interns who were sleepily walking their way in to start the day. Cole tipped his hat at those he passed earning a few amused smiles and good mornings from the young scientists in the making. Strolling his way over to Moira's office, the door wasn’t closed, and Cole heard the quick clicking of a keyboard. Making it to the doorway, Cole spotted Moira at her desk, coffee still in her gloved hand while the other typed away. She didn’t look away from the monitor in front of her, and Cole walked in quietly. Plopping down on the chair across from her desk usually occupied by interns giving the doctor one report or another. He saw her eyes flicked away from the screen for a second at him before nodding. Cole smiled leaning back in the chair. An acknowledgement that she saw him, but wanted to finish whatever task she was doing. Cole didn’t mind the few other times he’s come down here; this was what Moira did. If she was working, she was working, and she would finish whatever task she was doing before indulging Cole in idle chatter.
Waiting for Moira, Cole looked around the office. Moira kept her office immaculate, not a single file was out of place, hardly any clutter to speak of. It was also rather impersonal, unlike Winston who practically had an entire nest in his office. There was barely anything in here that would hint about what Moira was like. Mainly though, Cole glanced around to see if there were any photos hanging around. If Moira had a wife, one would think she’d maybe keep a picture of her in her office. That would be normal, but then again no one at Overwatch was really normal.
Looking back at Moira, her gloved hand trembled a little forcing her to sit her coffee down. Finally tearing her eyes away from the screen she addressed Cole.
“Mr. Cassidy, can I help you?” Cole’s nose wrinkled at the formal title.
“Well first I’ve told ya’ once, I’ll keep tellin' ya’, don’t call me mister.” There was the tiniest twitch of her lips, and Cole knew she only did it to him to annoy him.
“Anyway, I figured I'd come by, say sorry for putting you on the spot there. I just couldn’t keep my old trap shut.” If there was one thing anyone could pick up about Moira. Is that she was a private person, she did her job, and kept to herself. Moira blinked at him, as if surprised, though it was hard to tell as her expression remained neutral. After another moment’s pause she looked away almost embarrassed.
“Thank you…Cole, no harm received.” Cole nodded giving a small smile, mission accomplished he stood.
“Alright, I’ll let you get back to it.” Moira nodded gratefully, clearly not completely comfortable with the attention. Leaving the office he passed an intern who took his place, and judging by the more relaxed posture upon seeing the doctor. Cole’s mission to smooth over any ruffled feathers was a success.
Of course that wasn’t the end of it though, while the Overwatch base in Switzerland was large and sprawling. Gossip was gossip, and the resident prickly doctor having a wife that she never mentioned, or anyone really knew about was the latest topic to peak people’s interest. The prevailing theory stemming from Lena of course, was that Moira didn’t actually have a wife. Evidence being nothing more than how could anyone get along with her. Other more outlandish theories were that Moira's wife was some horrible experiment gone wrong, and that was why no one has ever seen or heard of her. Cole knew that the majority of all the gossip was just gossip, but he couldn’t imagine the doctor was very pleased about it.
Today Cole actually wasn’t heading down to Moira's office with any other intention other than delivering a file from Winston. That the scientist had been too busy to fax her way. The lab in the basement was busy as always. A few interns taking notes observing a glass enclosure full of mice. Cole tipped his hat at them, and the group gave a friendly wave back. All of them appeared to be in rather high spirits, a good sign meaning Moira herself was in a good mood as well. Heading over to her office the door was open, the sound of keyboard strokes clicking away. Cole took his spot in the chair across to wait for Moira to finish her task.
There was something new in the office today though. It immediately caught Cole’s attention, a vase of flowers sat on the corner of Moira's desk. A simple ceramic vase with about a dozen bright lilies clashing with the normally plain office. A simple purple ribbon wrapped around the vase, Cole stared at it blinking as if it might be an illusion.
“Cole.” Snapping to attention he realized he had been staring at it, and didn’t realize Moira had stopped working.
“Oh sorry Dr. D, pretty flowers you got there. Got a file from Winston for you.” Cole held up the manilla folder, handing it to Moira. She was giving him a curious look, but once the folder was in her hand she immediately turned her attention to it. Opening it, scanning the contents. Cole was about to get up to leave when Moira spoke up.
“The flowers are from my wife, she tries to surprise me on my birthday every year. She actually succeeded this time sending them here.” Moira tore her eyes from the files in her hand, her expression softening at the flowers.
“Didn’t know it was your birthday, happy birthday.” Cole tipped his hat, Moira quirking a brow at him.
“Thank you.” Moira stated simply, though Cole noted there was no annoyance in her tone. Seeing as Moira was in a good mood, Cole looked at the flowers again. Definitely not what he would expect Moira would like. He guessed most women had a soft spot for flowers, but Moira just didn’t seem the type with how utilitarian she was.
“Mighty kind of your wife, nicest thing a girl ever did for me was not throw me off a train.” Cole chuckled thinking back to his Deadlock days. Moira's eyebrows rose at that, actually taking her eyes off her files.
“I’m not sure if that says more about you, or the women you dated.” Moira said slowly, as if she was still thinking it through herself.
“Hey! I’ll have you know I was a great date back in the day.” Moira rolled her eyes leaning back in her chair bringing her files back up to look at.
“Oh I’m sure, it’s why you’re practically swimming in suitors right now isn’t it?” There was an amused smirk on Moira's face. There was no bite in her tone, and Cole grinned.
“Rude, hope you’re not this snarky to your wife. You might not get as many flowers next year.” At that Moira's smirk actually morphed to an almost fond smile as she scoffed.
“Please, she’d be more likely to give me more gifts to annoy me.” There was something about her expression that told Cole Moira wouldn’t actually be annoyed at such a thing. Cole laughed.
“Only you would be annoyed by someone giving you gifts.” Cole could almost imagine Moira's annoyed expression at being handed gift after gift.
“You’d be annoyed too if you had to try and be more romantic. Then the woman who remembered an antidote I told her five years ago about missing the lilies that grew behind my house growing up. Proceed to find the exact kind of flowers, I don’t know how, and gives me some every year.” This is the most sentences Cole has ever heard Moira speak, and the most emotion in the words too. There was exasperation, but there was clear fondness, and Cole couldn’t help but grin. Moira seemed to realize that she went on a tiny tangent, and quickly reeled herself in. Face becoming a mask of neutral indifference.
“Thank you for bringing this down, tell Dr. Winston that I’ll interpret these at once.” Seeing that was his que to leave, Cole got up. He didn’t want to push for more information, happy that he was able to get the doctor to open up at least a little. He tipped his hat and bid the doctor a good day before seeing himself out.
The next day Cole made a decision. He was going to make a friend out of Moira. Their little conversation yesterday made Cole realize that he actually did enjoy her company. When she wasn’t glaring or trying to pretend the only thing she cared about was work. Overwatch was his family, and sure while he wasn’t close to every single agent. Those he were he’d move heaven and earth for them, and he knew they’d do the same for him. They were a family, and Cole decided he wanted to include the doctor in on that family.
So after greeting everyone at breakfast, enjoying some idle chatter with Jack and Gabe, teasing Lena about his higher accuracy rating at the range, and listening to Winston happily talk about his latest project. Cole headed down to the basement where he knew Moira would be. He caught a glance of her in the kitchen getting her coffee, but only exchanged a quick hello before getting pulled into a conversation with Lena.
Today the doctor wasn’t in her office, but he found her in the lab. She was by the glass enclosure with the mice Cole had seen yesterday. A few interns were gathered around as Moira inspected the enclosure. They all looked nervous, spines held stiffly as they waited for the doctor to speak.
“I’m impressed.” All the interns let out a breath, a few nudging each other excitedly as if they were just told they won the lottery.
“The rate of regrowth is impressive, but don’t celebrate yet.” Moira's words were strict, but even still Cole could see the interns trying to keep the grins off their faces. Cole could only imagine how good it must feel to be told a job well done by the notoriously aloof doctor.
“I’ll expect the report by the end of the day, we’ll continue monitoring for another month before starting the next trial.” There was a chorus of yes Dr. O’Deorain, before Moira took notice of Cole. She turned, leaving the interns to their work giving him a curious look.
“Howdy Dr. D,” Cole greeted cheerfully. Prompting Moira's eyebrow to quirk, clearly confused at Cole’s visit.
“Mr. Cassidy, to what do I owe the pleasure?” The doctor greeted slowly, her hands coming to rest in her lab coat pockets. Not sounding overly hostile, just confused. As usual, Cole grimaces at the formal name.
“The pleasure would be never hearing Mister anywhere near my name.” Surprisingly that got an amused scoff out of Moira. Before Cole could continue, an intern politely interrupted, handing Moira a clipboard. She skimmed the contents before pulling a pen out of her breast pocket, signing at the bottom of a page. The intern thanked the doctor before hurrying off.
“What is it you need Mr. Cassidy? We’re very busy down here.” Moira's tone was clipped, ready to get back to work.
“Just came by for a visit before heading out to the range, passing by you know.” It was kind of a lie, while the way to the practice range did pass by the basement. It certainly wasn’t in the basement down the hall all the way to the lab. A fact that wasn’t lost on Moira, who looked at Cole suspiciously.
“A visit without a purpose?” Something that clearly must be a cardinal sin to Moira. Cole kept his chuckle to himself and answered.
“Can’t a guy be friendly and stop by to say good morning to a-” Cole hesitated saying friend, because they weren’t friends. He still only knew basic details about the doctor.
“A colleague.” He eventually settled for. After a moment Moira seemed to accept this.
“Very well good morning, now I must get back to work.” Not waiting for a response, Moira was off, walking briskly away to one of the many stations in the lab. It wasn’t exactly a dismissal, so Cole took it as a victory and left.
Such began a new part of his morning routine, after having breakfast with everyone. Before heading to the practice range to start whatever training exercise Gabe had planned that morning. Cole would stop by the lab to give a morning greeting to the doctor. The first few weeks went much the same as the first day. Moira would return his greeting, but quickly get back to working. Sometimes Cole would leave right after saying hello, sometimes he would make some idle chatter with the interns. Who, while confused by his visits at first, quickly got used to him stopping by, and now happily greeted him.
Eventually though it seemed Moira's curiosity over his visits couldn’t be contained, and upon approaching the doctor one morning. Moira straightened, her eyes narrowing.
“Mr. Cassidy, this is a lab not a social gathering hub.” Cole frowned at the hostility, Moira was tense. Even still Cole kept his tone light and teasing, not about to be intimidated by the doctor.
“Really? With the way Murray talks to the mice I was a little confused.” Cole said just loud enough for the intern in question to blush hiding his face behind a clipboard. Moira didn’t seem amused though, her lips a tight frown.
“What are you doing down here? And don’t say for a social visit, I’m well aware of my lab’s reputation. Is Morrison sending you down here to check up on me?” Cold as ice, Moira spoke, her gaze holding a cold fury that would make many step back just by the sight. The interns scattered like the four winds, not so subtly going into other rooms of the lab to avoid Moira's wrath. Cole held up his hands passively.
“Woah there, slow down partner. I’ve really just been stopping by to say hello, why would Jack have someone check on you anyway?” He didn’t know all too much about science, or really what Moira worked on down here in general. As far as he knew Moira was best in her field, had to be to be a part of Overwatch. Moira held his gaze, mismatched eyes judging any possible lie. Eventually Moira seemed to determine he wasn’t lying, letting out a sigh.
“My apologies for my outburst, I was finding it hard to believe you were coming down here simply for a social visit.” Cole relaxed, giving the doctor a smile.
“No problem Dr. D,” Cole paused. Glancing around it was just the two of them in the lab. The interns had hurried out at the sound of Moira's early seething tone.
“Listen I don’t got some ulterior motive, I just figured you could use a friend.” Moira stared at him, not even hiding her confusion.
“A friend?” Cole nodded, a short chuckle escaping his lips at the doctor’s confused expression.
“Ya you have heard of them right? You know people you hang out with, share a beer once in awhile, maybe get into some trouble. Friends.” The doctor straightened, the start of a glare forming on her face.
“I’m not here to make friends. I am here to work, and to advance the field of-”
“So not that good at multitasking then?” Cole smirked at how the doctor’s eyebrow twitched. A clear sign of him starting to get under her skin.
“It is not a lack of skill in multitasking I am simply not-”
“Great! Then how bout’ we start this friendship off the right way. I got a bottle of whiskey, you got an office where no one will bother us. I’ll stop by later tonight.” He didn’t give her a chance to respond, spinning around leaving. Though Cole smirked, hearing Moira sputter a little at his declaration. He made a quick exit before she could even tell him no.
Just like he said later that night Cole headed back down to Moira's office, bottle of whiskey and two shot glasses tucked under his arm. The lab was quiet aside from a small hum from a few machines. All the interns were gone for the day, but Cole saw Moira's office light on, door open as usual. Moira was at her desk leaning probably a little too close to the computer, but was typing furiously. She didn’t notice Cole’s entrance, but jumped as Cole dropped the bottle on the table. Cole smirked at her, plopping down in the seat across the desk.
“Now I wish you had some ulterior agenda.” Moira said dryly as Cole sat the shot glasses next to the bottle. He chuckled, taking the bottle popping the lid off pouring them each a shot. Sliding one of the glasses to Moira, Cole grabbed the other.
“Come on, live a little Dr. D! Or are you afraid you can’t hold your liquor as good as me.” Cole teased throwing his shot back, slapping the glass back on the desk once it was down. Moira stared at him, and Cole almost thought she was gonna tell him to get out. Then without missing a beat she downed the shot, resting her elbows on the table after sitting the glass back down.
“Not bad, but I would have thought a cowboy would have something stronger.” Now it was Cole’s turn to look confused, before he broke into a wild grin.
“Oh don't try me, I'll have you under the table before you know it.” He poured them both another shot. The vintage he brought down, wasn’t a particularly strong brand, but certainly wasn’t light. Moira didn’t even flinch downing her next shot. They got a few more shots in before Cole leaned back in his chair holding his glass idly swirling the liquor in it.
“So Doc, gonna tell me what earlier was about?” He threw back his shot, enjoying the hot burn as it went down. Moira didn’t answer for a moment, her not gloved hand drumming against the desk.
“I’m not used to people…willingly going out of their way to speak to me.” She slid her glass back over to Cole who poured her another.
“Obviously, and what was all that shit about Morrison having me check on you or something?” Moira leaned back in her chair, her ungloved hand going to rub the covered one.
“My reputation as a scientist is let’s say…shit.” Cole snorted, not used to hearing such vulgar words from the normally articulate doctor, though they were quite a few shots in. He stayed quiet though, letting the doctor continue.
“I had quite a few ideas when I was just getting started, many of them toed a line that most weren’t comfortable with. At the time I only had eyes for the goal, and didn’t care what needed to be done to get there.” Moira sighed flexing her gloved hand, and Cole frowned. He’s heard rumors about the damage that was hidden under Moira's gloved hand, but he’s never seen it. Only noticed how the appendage was noticeably weaker than her left, often trembling or Moira flexing it uncomfortably.
“It didn’t end well to say the least, sometimes I’m surprised Overwatch even hired me…” Downing another shot, Moira didn’t look at Cole. He leaned closer, resting his elbow on his knee.
“Hey we all got a past, doesn’t mean anything as long as you’re not making the same mistakes, and I’d say you’re doing pretty good. You’re here right?” Cole still remembered the protests when he was first brought into the fold. A gang member had no place in Overwatch, at least in some people’s eyes. He didn’t know the details of what Moira had done to get the reputation she said she had, but he knew one thing is that he didn’t care. Gabe took him under his wing even when he knew all of Cole’s dirty secrets. Cole would give anyone the benefit of a doubt. Everyone deserved at least one. Maybe that was why he decided he was going to befriend the doctor in the first place. He knew the way she carried herself, under all the strict professional manners. Was someone who was just like how he had been, ready for anyone and everybody to snap back like a cobra.
“I suppose…” Moira still seemed unconvinced, but she met Cole’s gaze again. Before she actually smiled lightly.
“Thank you, Cole.” Cole smirked, pouring another shot for the two of them, raising his glass.
“As a wise man once told me, nothin’ better than good booze and good friends.” He winked playfully, and Moira rolled her eyes. Even still she took her glass, meeting Cole’s before they both downed their shots.
They finished the bottle together, and the next morning when Cole stopped by Moira's office. He was met with a new bottle of whiskey shoved into his hands, and a disgruntled doctor telling him next time they weren’t drinking on a weekday.