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“It's about security.”

Genji swallowed thickly as he kept his eyes trained on the actor in the movie Cole had picked out for them. It was Cole’s idea to have a movie date night and Genji had agreed to it, mostly because he felt bad that he had been so distant over the past month.

Yet, now he regretted it.

Genji felt like he was in a chokehold with the way he related far too much to the female lead in the movie. As much as he wanted to leave, to make some lame excuse to escape, his body felt as though it weighed too much to move.

Maybe this was his brain and his heart’s way of torturing him for harboring feelings for two men when he knew his heart should only belong to Cole. Or maybe this was his brain and his heart’s way to getting him to face the music, to grasp the gravity of his current situation and the war he fought within each day.

“What is that supposed to mean?” The female lead asked, although Genji suspected she knew what he was referring to.

“Money!” The man shouted.

“What are you talking-“

“He’s got a lot of money!” He threw his arms out in frustration.

“Now I hate you, you smug bastard!” She glared daggers at him.

“Well, I hate you.” The man pointed an angry finger at her, “If you leave here, I hate you!”

“Haven’t you been paying attention to anything that’s been happening?” She questioned him like she was actually questioning his intelligence.

He shook his head, sarcasm dripping with every word, “I guess not. I guess I must have misread all of those signals.”

“I guess you did.” She huffed, giving him one last look before storming off.

“Things are gettin’ real intense, ain’t they?” Cole whispered, and Genji thought it was adorable how he kept his voice low like they were a couple in a movie theater despite being in their room.

“Yes… they certainly are.” Genji replied softly, his throat feeling dry once more.

“You’re bored!” The man called after her. “You’re bored and you know it! You wouldn’t be here if there wasn’t something missing!”

“Arrogant son of a bitch!” She hissed over her shoulder.

“Would you just stay with me?” He asked, his arms out as though he was willing to surrender to her.

She opened the car door but whipped around to face him instead of getting in, “Stay with you? What for? Look at us, we’re already fighting!”

“Well that’s what we do, we fight!” He replied, as if everything was so simple. “You tell me when I’m being an arrogant son of a bitch and I tell you when you’re being a pain in the ass, which you are 99% of the time!”

“I’m not afraid to hurt your feelings.” He looked her dead in the eyes. “You have like a two second rebound rate and you’re back doing the next pain in the ass thing.”

He walked to her car door and slammed it shut, and just like a lost puppy the female lead trailed after him.

“So what?” She huffed.

“So, it’s not gonna be easy. It’s gonna be really hard.” He stated firmly. “And we’re gonna have to work at this every day.”

“But I wanna do that because I want you.” The man didn’t let up, even as the female lead began to cry. “I want all of you forever, you and me every day.”

“Can you do something for me, please?” He asked, and Genji felt tears stinging at his eyes. “Can you just picture your life for me twenty years from now, thirty years from now. What’s it look like?”

She shook her head.

“If it’s with that guy, go! Go!” He shouted without remorse. “I lost you once, I think I could do it again if I thought it’s what you really wanted! But don’t you take the easy way out!”

“What easy way? There is no easy way!” She cried. “No matter what I do somebody gets hurt!”

The man sounded like he was running on his last two braincells, “Would you stop thinking about what everybody wants? Stop thinking about what I want, what he wants, what your parents want! What do you want?”

She shook her head again.

“What do you want?” He repeated.

“It’s not that simple.” She avoided the question.

“What do you want?” He pressed harder, and Genji knew he would’ve been gasping for breath at this point if he had lungs. “What do you want?”

“I have to go.” Genji said just in time with the actress, only he didn’t wait for a man to move to run away.

“Darlin’-“

Genji muttered an apology under his breath as he untangled himself from Cole’s grasp and slipped out of their shared room. He could hear Cole rustling behind him, most likely trying to get up quick enough so that he could chase after him.

Genji was thankful for his enhanced agility since it was able to get him far away from Cole in a short amount of time, but he wasn’t grateful to his older brother for getting in his way.

Instead of disappearing in a maze of hallways, Hanzo stopped him from completing his mission. Hanzo always had a habit of being in the wrong place at the right time, although Genji would argue that it was the wrong time.

“Genji, watch where you are going!” Hanzo grit his teeth in frustration, that is until he noticed the panicked look in his little brother’s eyes. “Otouto, what’s wrong?”

“I have to go.” Genji mumbled, sounding out of touch with reality. “I need to leave. I can’t be here.”

“Otouto, can you hear me?” Hanzo grabbed a hold of Genji’s shoulders, shaking him ever so slightly. “Otouto!”

“I can’t…” Genji’s eyes clamped shut.

Hanzo hadn’t seen Genji this frantic yet closed off in quite some time. Genji seemed like he was on the verge of having a panic attack and Hanzo desperately wished he knew what to do to prevent that from happening.

Hanzo’s presence alone used to be enough to calm Genji down when his emotions were running wild. Hanzo used to be able to bring Genji into his arms, allowing him to cry in the safety of his loving embrace. Hanzo used to be what Genji needed, and now he didn’t know how to be that.

Hanzo was about to release Genji in favor of searching for Cole to console him, but metal hands gripping him and drawing them closer prevented him from doing so.

“Otouto?” Hanzo’s breath hitched, pleasantly surprised by the sudden closeness. “What is going on?”

Genji shook his head.

“I cannot help you unless you talk to me.” Hanzo didn’t give a damn about how desperate he sounded. “Please, otouto. Let me in.”

Slowly, Genji pulled away from Hanzo but not far enough that the elder Shimada couldn’t touch him. Genji’s topaz eyes were sparkling, but that was mostly because of the tears that were glistening in them. Genji was on the verge of tears, on the edge of breaking all his walls and coming undone for Hanzo.

Yet, the familiar sound of spurs clicking made Genji jolt back to life. Hanzo tried his best to soothe Genji but nothing could stop the frightened sparrow from flying away, always flying away to protect their fickle heart.

“Hey, Hanzo!” Cole called as he jogged over to the archer. He sounded out of breath, “You catch wind of Genji comin’ around here? He up and bolted like a bat out of hell durin’ our date!”

“I just had him with me.” Hanzo frowned. “He ran as soon as he heard you coming.”

“He ran away because of me?” A hurt look flashed across Cole’s face and Hanzo’s heart ached for him. “Did I do somethin’ wrong?”

Hanzo shook his head, “I suspect you are not the problem.”

“Then why’d he run?” Cole pried. “I just wanted to help.”

“As did I but he disclosed nothing to me.” Hanzo released a heavy sigh. “It is hard to help someone who refuses to speak.”

“Boy, tell me about it.” Cole puffed out a breath. “He’s been closed off ever since we got him back from Null Sector.”

“Something must have happened to him while he was held captive.” Hanzo thought aloud. “But I have no inkling as to what could have happened.”

“You think he was brainwashed or somethin’?” Cole supplied, looking just as thoughtful as Hanzo. “He said he was playin’ undercover while he was there.”

“And your point is?”

Cole shrugged, “I don’t know, maybe he got attached to the omnics there and he’s havin’ a hard time adjustin’ to how things are here.”

Hanzo made an amused noise, “That hypothesis isn’t terrible.”

“Hey, I have good ideas, too!” Cole pouted, crossing his arms.

“Those moments are rare.” Hanzo sneered, his tone light and playful.

“Quit pullin’ my chain.” Cole waved the archer off. “But you think that’s why Genji’s so distant? You think he’s havin’ trouble livin’ here after everythin’ he went through with Null Sector?”

“That is a strong possibility.” Hanzo nodded a few times. “But there is only one way to determine if that is the cause.”

Cole sighed, deflating like a balloon, “One of us is gonna have to talk to him about it.”

“You will have to talk to him.”

“I know.” Cole sent Hanzo a small smile. “It’s part of the package deal with bein’ his boyfriend and all that, takin’ on difficult conversations.”

“Are you complaining?” Hanzo smirked, teasing.

Cole’s shoulders shook as he laughed, “As if I’d ever complain about bein’ with your pretty little spitfire of a brother!”

“Hana would surely say you are whipped.” Hanzo shook his head, chuckling.

“What’s so bad about that?” Cole shrugged with a smile.

“Nothing at all.” Hanzo replied, his tone growing serious after their lighthearted moment had passed. “I would give Genji some time before you attempt at having a conversation with him.”

Cole exhaled deeply, nodding, “You’re probably right. He needs time to think about everythin’ before I talk to him.”

“Where do you suspect he has gone off to?” Hanzo wondered.

“Oh, that’s easy!” Cole chuckled. “I know Genji like the back of my hand and I know he’s out lookin’ at the stars right now.”

“No doubt he has already found Orion.” Hanzo hummed.

Cole slung an arm around Hanzo, guiding him out of the hallway, “Now I still can’t make heads or tails of none of that constellation shit.”

“Can you at least locate the big dipper?” Hanzo questioned, but it was more like he was questioning Cole’s intelligence at this point.

“Now I can find that.”

“Good. For a moment I thought all hope was lost with you.” The elder Shimada smirked.

Cole playfully shoved Hanzo away, “Keep bein’ ugly and I’m gonna make you watch the rest of The Notebook with me.”

“Are you attempting to threaten me?” Hanzo’s eyes narrowed.

“It’s a warnin’.” Cole grabbed his hat and secured it on his head, the action was supposed to be intimidating but Hanzo was unfazed.

“Return to your movie, cow man.” Hanzo shook his head, smiling.

“You ain’t gotta tell me twice!”

Cole and Hanzo went their separate ways, both of them believing that Genji was gazing at the stars, hoping to find his favorite constellation, but that couldn’t have been farther from the truth.

In reality, Genji had scampered back to his room, which hadn’t been occupied in some time if the dust covering his belongings on his nightstand said anything.

Genji stared at the pictures ranging from his life as a human in Japan to post-Recall. He smiled at the pictures he had of Hanzo. In each one Genji was overly affectionate while Hanzo did his best to act annoyed despite failing to convince either of them.

He enjoyed the pictures from his days in Blackwatch, even if he kept his face plate on and his eyes narrowed in each one. Yet, there was one picture of Genji perched on Cole’s shoulders, pointing at something in the distance while the cowboy merely looked at him like he was the most beautiful creature he had ever laid eyes on.

Genji enjoyed the pictures from the Recall the most. Genji took less photos with his face plate on and more pictures smiling, showing off his scars like they only enhanced his beauty. He looked happier in those pictures, especially in the ones he had with Cole.

Genji’s heart would have been aching in his chest if he still had one. Yet, he supposed it was for the best that his heart was replaced with something artificial, something that couldn’t feel as efficiently as the organ could.

He didn’t want to feel heartache much these days. Genji lived in a state of constant anguish and torment ever since he came back to Overwatch, and he couldn’t help but blame himself for it, for falling in love with an omnic hellbent on eradicating all humans from existence.

He hated himself for the way he longed for Ramattra even when he knew he had everything he could’ve wanted with Cole. He hated himself for the way he was selfish for wanting more, even when he already had everything he ever needed.

Genji removed his face plate and walked into the bathroom, looking at the face staring back at him and hating it. Genji closed his eyes and punched the mirror, but it did nothing but create more images of himself, more eyes looking back at him and wishing he could’ve been better.

“What have you done?”

“I ain’t catch you out here last night.”

Genji resisted the urge to flinch at that warm as honey voice. Normally, Cole’s slow as molasses Southern drawl could ease his worries and bring him out of his head, but not this time.

“Could’ve sworn you’d be outside countin’ stars.” Cole’s spurs clicked louder as he approached Genji from behind. “Can’t remember the last time we watched the sunrise together.”

“That is because we never have.” Genji supplied, a bitterness to his tone that he instantly regretted.

“Mind if I watch the sunrise with you, darlin’?” Cole asked, a smile on his face and hope in his heart.

Genji wanted to tell him to leave, that the night skies were made for them but that the sunrise was meant for him and Ramattra. Genji wanted to keep them both as two different skies, at least that way they would never meet.

Yet, Genji didn’t want to draw suspicion from Cole if he refused to allow him to keep him company as he chased Ramattra in the form of the rising sun. Genji had already ran out of their date night without a reason, he felt like he owed Cole this one sunrise.

“…not at all.” Genji responded dryly, patting the area next to him for Cole to occupy.

“Thank you kindly, sweetheart.” Cole beamed, all too eager to sit beside his lover. “I ain’t watch the sunrise in a long time. Almost forgot how pretty it is.”

Genji hummed in confirmation.

“But it ain’t prettier than you, nothin’ is.” Cole tipped his hat at Genji, who still hadn’t made an effort to look at him.

“Always a flatterer.” Genji allowed a weak smile to appear on his face. “You know you do not have to chase me. You already have me.”

“I know but I’m hopin’ you’ll let me chase you anyways.” Cole grinned, and Genji wished he could turn his body so he could see the smile of the man he loved, but he didn’t.

Genji didn’t have the strength to look into the eyes of the first man to see him as a cyborg and love him. Cole had given him more than he knew he deserved, and after everything that happened at Null Sector he felt even less deserving of him.

Genji didn’t deserve those warm whiskey eyes staring at him like he was something to be treasured. He didn’t deserve those sweet pet names, nor did he deserve those suckle lips on his own. He didn’t deserve the large hands that held him close, nor did he deserve the love that Cole gave to him so freely yet so passionately, too.

“Somethin’ ain’t quite right anymore.” Cole stated, bringing Genji out of his self-loathing. “I can’t put my finger on it but somethin’ changed between us.”

Genji swallowed thickly, “What do you think has changed?”

“You’re quiet as a church mouse.” Cole started. “You’ve always been quiet but not like this. This is different.”

“Anything else?” Genji was calm on the outside but on the inside he was beginning to panic.

Cole continued, unaware of Genji’s internal struggle, “You ain’t let anyone near you for too long, especially me. We ain’t as close as we were before…”

“Before?” Genji pried.

“Before Ramattra took you.”

Genji knew those words were coming yet he still found himself surprised to hear them. Or maybe it was that he didn’t like the sour taste in his mouth when Cole said Ramattra’s name.

“Are you implying something?” Genji inquired, impressed by his own ability to retain his composure.

Cole shook his head, “I’m implyin’ that somethin’ happened when you were with Null Sector that changed you.”

“I see.”

“Or maybe you’re just havin’ a tough time at adjustin’ to life back at the base after everythin’ that happened.” Cole released a heavy sigh, shaking his head.

“Cole-“

“I ain’t got a clue as to what’s goin’ on with you.” Cole’s shoulders sagged, feeling utterly defeated. “All I know is I wanna help you but I can’t do that unless you talk to me, angel.”

And just like that Genji had found another reason to hate himself. Not only was he suffering, but it appeared that his recent behavior was hurting the man he loved.

Genji clamped his eyes shut, trying to block out the thoughts that screamed at him, telling him yet again that he didn’t deserve Cole, and that the cowboy didn’t deserve to be with someone who can’t give all of themselves, let alone be bothered to communicate.

“I’m sorry.” Genji whispered, his voice sounding wet. “I’m sorry that I have been difficult.”

“Darlin’…” Cole cooed, trying to pull Genji out of his head. “Look at me, sweet thing. Open those pretty brown eyes for me.”

Genji opened his eyes and that’s when the tears he had been holding back since he returned to base streamed down his face, finding scars and dispersing at the harsher ones. Genji dared to look at Cole, and that’s when he started sobbing.

Cole was looking at him with wide coffee orbs, a look of worry and love in them that Genji knew he didn’t deserve. Genji shook his head when he felt Cole’s hands on his face, gently wiping away the tears and murmuring that he was too pretty to cry.

“You ain’t difficult, angel. You just been through a lot is all.” Cole tried to smile, but his heart was cracking at the sight of Genji in tears.

“I have not made my return easy on you, or anyone.” Genji sobbed, his shoulders shaking. “I… I keep hurting people I love.”

“You think you’ve been hurtin’ me?” Cole nearly gawked.

Genji shook his head, “I have been distant with you lately and it has nothing to do with you. It’s all me… I just…”

“You just..?” Cole tenderly encouraged Genji to continue. “It’s alright, darlin’. Take your time. You can do it.”

“I just…” Genji tried again but cut himself off with a sigh. “I am afraid my time at Null Sector changed me… and not for the better.”

“What happened when you were there?” Cole asked, fighting back the urge to throw his fist in the air to celebrate how close he was getting to knowing the truth.

Genji bit his tongue. He didn’t know where to start with answering that question, seeing as how every answer would hurt Cole.

How could he ever tell Cole that what happened in Null Sector was that he had fallen in love with Ramattra? How could he tell Cole that he was treated beautifully at Null Sector’s base not only by the leader but by the other omnics residing there?

Genji knew the moment the truth was revealed that he would lose everything. Cole wouldn’t want to be with someone who had room in their heart for two men. Cole wouldn’t want to stay with Overwatch knowing that he couldn’t have all of Genji. Hell, Cole would probably track down Ramattra and kill him for corrupting his precious Genji.

“I… I cannot tell you.” Genji’s words were barely audible, but Cole caught them.

“How come?” He lightly pressed. “You know you can tell me anythin’, right? I’m your Huckleberry, ain’t I?”

“You are.” Genji weakly nodded.

“And you know you’re safe here with me.” Cole moved so that he was holding Genji’s hand, squeezing it. “Nothin’ can hurt you as long as I’m around, honey bee.”

“I know.” Genji’s voice cracked, knowing full well that if he had a heart it would’ve been tearing itself to ribbons now.

Cole gave Genji’s hand another squeeze, “It’s alright. You can talk about what happened to me, darlin’.”

“If I do…” Genji swallowed thickly, his voice still quiet. “If I told you what I saw… what I heard… what happened… everything would change.”

“For the better, right?”

Genji shook his head, “No… nothing would be okay afterwards.”

“What…” Cole licked his lips, wondering when the hell they had gotten so dry or when he felt like he was sitting with a stranger instead of his lover. “What do you mean by that?”

Genji removed his hand from Cole’s, the guilt overwhelming him and reminding him that a demon should never touch an angel. Genji had often been referred to as a monster and he felt that term was finally fitting for him.

Genji wasn’t ready to tell Cole the full truth about what happened during his time at Null Sector. He had only told what was needed to complete a briefing, that he was captured by Ramattra under the impression that he was an omnic held captive by Overwatch and played the part in order to stay alive.

Genji purposely left out the way he had become close to not only the army residing in the base, but the leader of Null Sector. He failed to tell everyone how he spent weeks at Null Sector trying, and failing, not to fall in love with Ramattra.

He left out the days where he and Ramattra would train together, how they would laugh as their metal hands clanked against their bodies when they landed blows. He declined to share the countless mornings where he and Ramattra would chase the rising sun together, their bodies close but their hands always mere inches apart.

Genji wondered who he was really protecting at this point by hiding the truth. He thought he was protecting Cole and saving his heart by keeping everything a secret. Yet, he could see now that all he was doing was protecting himself.

He and Cole had been through everything together, their highs and their lows. No matter what life threw at them, Genji knew in the end he would always have Cole. But now, there was something coming in between them that had the potential to tear them apart.

“If I tell you what happened… you would hate me.” Genji whimpered. “I know you would.”

“Hate you?” Cole reeled back, his heart aching. “Darlin’, ain’t no way I could hate you.”

“But you would.” Genji sniffed.

Cole scooted closer, “I’ll be the judge of that. You just tell me what happened and I’ll let you know if I could hate you by the end of it, deal?”

“…deal.”

This was it. Genji had agreed to reveal the truth and now he would find if Cole would still love him at the end of it or if he would turn his back on him. Genji wouldn’t blame Cole if he broke up with him, honestly he felt like he would deserve that.

Genji opened his mouth to release himself of his internal suffering when he heard the familiar sound of zipping coming towards them. There was only one person who could make that specific noise.

“Cheers, loves! The cavalry-“ Lena cut herself off when she realized she had interrupted a serious conversation. She rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly, “Sorry to intrude but both of you have been requested to join a mission!”

“Mission? What kind of mission?” Cole pushed himself to his feet and faced Lena. “We’re kinda in the middle of somethin’ here.”

“I know but it’s Null Sector.” Lena’s eyes flickered to Genji for a split second. “They’ve been spotted outside the city. We need to move out.”

“Null Sector?” Cole’s eyes widened before he scoffed. “Who’s the dumbass who thought it was a good idea to throw Genji into this mission?”

“Commander Morrison.”

Cole rolled his eyes, “Of course it was his dumbass idea.”

“Look, Genji ain’t in the right mind to take on Null Sector.” Cole stated firmly. “He needs more time to recuperate so you can go on and tell ole Morrison that-“

“That I will be joining you on the mission.” Genji finished curtly. He rose to his feet and walked past Cole. “I appreciate your concern but this is something I need to do.”

Cole grabbed Genji’s wrist, keeping him in place, “You ain’t need to do nothin’, Genji. You ain’t got nothin’ to prove.”

“I have nothing to prove.” Genji shifted so he could look at Cole, his eyes fierce. “I have unfinished business with Ramattra and I would like to take care of it personally.”

“Revenge?” Cole chuckled in disbelief. “You’re tryin’ to tell me this is about revenge or somethin’?”

Genji shook his head, breaking free from Cole, “I am trying to tell you that this is something I must do and I will not allow anyone to stand in my way.”

“You’re still as stubborn as a mule, you know that?” Cole grinned, earning a small smile from Genji.

“I know.”

“Do you think we’ll see him?”

Ramattra was hoping that Mirage wouldn’t find him in the back of their small infiltration team. Yet, if Ramattra knew anything about Mirage it was that he was persistent, which he supposed was good since he was a medic for Null Sector’s army.

“See who?” Ramattra asked, hoping that if he played dumb then Mirage would leave him alone.

“You know who.” Mirage pressed.

“I do not.”

Mirage sounded like he was sighing, “I wish you wouldn’t act like this.”

“Like what?” Ramattra inquired, knowing he was on the brink of irking Mirage to his core.

“Like this!” Mirage threw his hands in the air in frustration. “Like what happened between you and Sparrow was nothing!”

“His name is Genji, not Sparrow.” Ramattra hissed. “And you would do good to stop talking about him.”

Mirage moved closer to Ramattra, “I know you still care about him.”

“Mirage-“

“You can act like what happened doesn’t bother you but I know the truth.” Mirage was practically pleading at this point, his voice almost sounding watery. “Sparrow was my friend… and he was your lover. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”

Ramattra flinched as if Mirage’s words had injured him. Ramattra shook his head, wishing that he could continue to lie to Mirage that Genji meant nothing to him when in reality he meant everything to him even after all this time, even after the deception.

“You are wrong about one thing, Mirage.” Ramattra looked towards the nearing city. “He wasn’t my lover… at least, not yet.”

“If he’s in the city and if he tries to stop us…” Mirage paused, his voice growing soft. “What will you do to him?”

Ramattra lied, “I will annihilate him just as I would for any member of Overwatch who stands in my way.”

“If you can’t even believe your own words then how do you expect me to believe them?” Mirage shook his head and marched away from his leader.

Ramattra wished that he could’ve called for Mirage to come back, but he had an image to uphold and he felt his reputation already dwindling after Genji’s deception.

Truth be told, only a minority of Ramattra’s army was upset with Genji being revealed to be a cyborg. Genji made a good impression on a majority of the army, seeing as how he was always willing to lend a hand or an ear if an omnic needed someone to talk to. Genji never had any intentions of hurting or exposing Null Sector and that didn’t go unnoticed by the troops.

Yet, Ramattra felt as though he had failed his army. While it may be true that he couldn’t identify the cyborg hiding in plain sight in the base, Genji did nothing to hurt Null Sector in his time. All he was able to do was win Ramattra’s artificial heart and take it with him when Overwatch retrieved him.

“Ramattra, we’re closing in on the city!” One omnic called out. “What are your orders?”

“Infiltrate the city hall and capture the leaders.” Ramattra ordered, his grip tightening on his staff. “I wish to talk to them about how they’ve allowed omnics to be treated under their care.”

“Yes, sir!”

Ramattra had no interest in talking to the leaders, let alone killing them. Ramattra would never admit it, but he secretly hoped that Genji would arrive with Overwatch so that they could have a moment alone together without anyone interfering.

Ramattra imagined that scene many times as he watched the sunrise. He imagined how he and Genji would lock eyes and both of them would make an excuse to leave their teams so they could find a place to be alone. He thought about how they would run into each other’s arms, and how Ramattra could ask the burning questions that lingered in his mind.

It didn’t happen how Ramattra imagined.

Instead, Ramattra caught sight of Genji running out of Overwatch’s ship with that pestering cowboy glued to his side. Ramattra clenched his fist at the thought of having to remove the cowboy from Genji in order to get him alone, which was something he didn’t plan for.

Ramattra made orders for the remaining omnics leading an assault on the city to fire at the cowboy. The troops were far too loyal to understand that they were helping Ramattra get his moment with Genji, not that they would’ve minded much if that was the case.

Ramattra growled as he watched Genji pull out his shorter blade to deflect the attacks directed at the cowboy. How Ramattra admired and hated Genji’s willingness to protect those in need.

Yet, Ramattra found his opportunity when Genji was knocked back by a laser that proved to be too strong for him to deflect. As Genji flew back, the cowboy was knocked in another direction, thus giving Ramattra the time he needed to pull the sparrow away from their flock.

Genji groaned as he struggled to get back on his feet. He had known that Null Sector had powerful weapons on their side but he could’ve sworn Mirage did something to enhance their strength since he was gone.

It was just as Genji regained his composure that he felt like he was hit by a train. Genji gasped as he dropped his blade, but he wasn’t worrying about his sword for much longer, not when he felt a large hand wrap around his middle and slam him into a wall.

“You are hard to get alone, Sparrow.” Genji’s eyes widened as he realized he was pinned to the wall by Ramattra, who was in his nemesis form. “Or would you prefer that I call you Genji, seeing as how that is who you truly are.”

“I did not lie when I told you I have been referred to as sparrow.” Genji grit his teeth, trying to pull Ramattra’s hand off of him. “My father, Sojiro, called me that as an insult but I have grown to like it.”

“Remove your face plate.” Ramattra demanded. “I don’t want your friends to find you. This moment is long overdue.”

Genji nodded and immediately began working his helmet and face plate off. He tossed the pieces of metal to the ground, to which Ramattra stomped on with more force than necessary.

“I needed those!” Genji cried, tears already stinging at his eyes as he stared at his now flattened face plate and helmet.

“For what?” Ramattra scoffed. “To alert Overwatch to our position so that you could capture me?”

“So that people do not look upon my face with fear or pity.” Genji replied softly, avoiding Ramattra’s gaze.

Ramattra pulled back, feeling a heaviness in his chest at the thought of people looking at Genji’s truest form and nearly becoming repulsed by what they saw. Ramattra didn’t regret much but he regretted how destroying Genji’s face plate and helmet upset him.

“I…” Ramattra hesitated. “I am sorry.”

Genji remained silent.

It was in Genji’s silence that Ramattra took the opportunity to admire the cyborg’s beauty. Finally, Ramattra had the time to appreciate not only Genji’s beautifully scarred face, but the way he was the perfect blend of metal and flesh, man and machine.

Genji had the smoothest porcelain skin Ramattra had ever seen, and the faded pink scars littering his face only made him prettier in the omnic’s opinion. Genji had two cups of coffee that Ramattra called his eyes, as well as plump rose colored lips that looked rather lonely.

Ramattra remembered how he harbored a deep hatred for Genji, for the human who wasted much of his brother’s life. Yet, the longer Ramattra gazed in wonder at the jaw dropping spectacle called Genji, the faster those feelings of hatred disappeared like leaves in a gentle breeze.

“You are staring.” Genji huffed, breaking Ramattra out of his thoughts. “I… I am sorry if my face disgusts you. I understand that I am a walking eye sore.”

Ramattra resisted the urge to wince at those words as if he had been burned. He hated the way Genji spoke about himself like he was a vile creature when in reality he was the most stunning being he had ever laid eyes on.

“While it is true I cannot keep my eyes off of you, it is not because you are an eye sore.” Ramattra retorted.

“Then…” Genji blinked a few times. “Then why do you stare?”

“I stare because I find you beautiful.” Ramattra replied earnestly.

Slowly, Genji shifted so that he was looking up at Ramattra. Genji appeared to be in awe, as if he couldn’t believe that someone would find him attractive. Ramattra felt pride swelling inside at the sight of a light pink blush dusting across Genji’s face, and he wondered if he always looked like that when he complimented him.

“I… thank you.” Genji returned bashfully.

Ramattra nodded, sighing moments later, “This wasn’t how I expected our reunion to pan out.”

“You expected a reunion?” Genji’s eyes widened, a smile working its way onto his face. “You… you actually wanted to see me again?”

“Of course.”

“I… I wanted to see you again, as well.” Genji confessed, his blush deepening. “For what it is worth, I’m sorry… for everything.”

“Don’t apologize for everything, Sparrow.” Ramattra chided lightly, enjoying the way Genji’s smile grew bigger when he was referred to as sparrow. “Because then you would be apologizing for what we have… and I do not wish for you to be sorry about that.”

Genji placed his hands on Ramattra’s large one holding his body, smiling, “I have missed the way you call me Sparrow.”

“And I have missed the way you felt in my arms.” Ramattra returned, a playfulness to his voice that Genji had been yearning for.

Genji was grinning as Ramattra finally released his hold, allowing for the sparrow to fly freely again. Ramattra changed back to his regular form and wished he had the ability to smile at the way Genji ran into his arms.

Genji hummed contently as Ramattra wound his arms around his slender waist, drawing him in as close as possible. Genji nuzzled his cheek against Ramattra’s chest, thankful to feel the other against his skin for the first time.

Genji wasn’t thinking about anything other than the fact that he had Ramattra again. Overwatch was battling against Null Sector but he didn’t give a damn, not when he felt the other half of his heart coming to life for the first time in a while.

In the back of his mind, he knew that this moment couldn’t last. He knew that it was only a matter of time before Cole or somebody from Overwatch tracked him down. Time was not on their side, and Genji had to wonder if it ever would be.

“Come back to Null Sector with me.” Ramattra requested.

“Wh-What?” Genji pulled back, a look of pure shock plastered on his face. “You… you want me to go back to Null Sector?”

“It is the only way that we can be together.” Ramattra stated. “We haven’t got much time left so we must take our leave.”

“Ramattra…” Genji whined, looking away. “You know I want to be with you more than anything… but there is so much in between us… so much that pulls us apart.”

Ramattra shook his head, sounding irritated, “Yes, I presumed as much. I knew you could never tear yourself away from your beloved Overwatch.”

“Ramattra-“

“I want you but I can’t have you.” Ramattra’s hold on Genji tightened, unwilling to let his sparrow get away again. “Do you remember how you said that to me?”

“…I do.” Genji whimpered.

“You can have me, my love.” Ramattra leaned in so their foreheads could touch. “I want you just as you want me. Do not let Overwatch stand in our way.”

Genji’s eyes screwed shut, “It is not that simple, Ramattra.”

“I do not pretend to understand how much I am asking you to leave behind, but isn’t this worth it?” Ramattra asked, although it sounded more like he was pleading.

“It is not just Overwatch that stands in our way.” Genji admitted, knowing that if he still had his heart it would’ve been tearing at the seams into two perfect halves.

“What else could be standing in-“

The sound of a gun being reloaded echoed through the alley, letting the reuniting couple know that their moment was over. Ramattra pushed Genji so that he was now standing behind him, protected by an omnic that hated every human but him.

Ramattra wished that he could have glared at the cowboy who dared to ruin their precious reunion. Ramattra quietly began plotting all the ways in which he wanted to kill Cole Cassidy for forcing him to tear his gaze away from Genji.

“You have an annoying habit of interfering with my plans, cowboy.” Ramattra growled.

“The name’s Cassidy.” Cole dared to tip his hat at the omnic. “And you’ve got a damn annoyin’ habit of takin’ what don’t belong to you.”

“Sparrow belongs to me.” Ramattra activated his nemesis form. “You would do well to remember that.”

Cole aimed his gun at Ramattra, smirking, “You sure you want to play this game with me? You ain’t seen my trump card before.”

“I care not for your tricks. I only care to eliminate you so we may be on our way.” Ramattra hissed, venom laced in his voice.

“I can’t let you take him.” Cole stood his ground. “He ain’t belong to you… he never did.”

That seemed to strike a nerve with Ramattra, seeing as how he was now stomping his way towards Cole. Cole seemed all too pleased to have sparked such a reaction if his shit eating grin said anything.

Genji felt himself being torn in two different directions. His two worlds were finally colliding and there was only one thing that he could do to save both sides, although he knew it would cost him everything.

“Stop!”

It was just as Ramattra was about to land a blow on Cole and as the cowboy was about to pull the trigger that they both froze in their tracks. The only thing that stood in their way of destroying each other was a pretty little cyborg, the one they loved with every fiber of their beings.

Genji stood in between them, one hand in front of Cole and the other in front of Ramattra. Genji looked from one male to the other, making sure both of them got a good, hard look at the fire, as well as the tears, in his eyes.

“That is quite enough from both of you.” Genji hissed, making Cole and Ramattra feel like he had sliced through them with his dragon blade.

“Darlin’, what the hell are you doin’?!” Cole’s eyes narrowed on Genji. “This is the same son of a bitch that took you from us, from me! Why are you protectin’ him?!”

It was while Cole and Genji were arguing back and forth that everything seemed to click for Ramattra. He combed through his memories and analyzed everything up until this very moment.

Maybe it was the way Cole had a habit of trying to protect Genji. Maybe it was the way Cole used the same pet names on Genji as he did. Maybe it was the way there was pure adoration swimming in Cole’s caramel brown eyes when he looked at Genji. Maybe it was the way Cole seemed to care for Genji in the same ways that he did.

Whatever it was about Cole, Ramattra could tell that the cowboy was utterly, and hopelessly, in love with Genji. Suddenly, everything became clear to Ramattra.

“This is why nothing is simple.” Ramattra stated softly. If his words didn’t catch the couple’s attention, him returning to his natural form did. “The cowboy is in love with you, isn’t he?”

“What the hell are you goin’ on about?” Cole furrowed his brow.

“You love my Sparrow.” Ramattra shook his head.

“Your Sparrow?” Cole crinkled his nose in disgust. “Now who the hell do you think you are talkin’ about my Genji like he belongs to you?”

“Your Genji?” Ramattra clenched his fist. “I fail to see a tag on his body that indicates that he belongs to anyone.”

Cole moved to punch Ramattra but Genji stood in his way, causing the cowboy to recall that his lover was here. Surely Genji would be able to set things straight with Ramattra.

“Tell him, angel!” Cole nodded in Ramattra’s direction. “Tell this asshole that you’re spoken for by me.”

Ramattra tilted his head in confusion as Genji’s head slowly turned so that they were looking at one another. Ramattra waited patiently for Genji’s response, but he wasn’t exactly pleased with it.

“I… I am.” Genji licked his lips nervously. “I am spoken for by Cole.”

“How…” Ramattra paused to find the right words. “How could you-“

“I never lied to you, Ramattra… not once.” Genji cut him off, his tears now blurring his vision of the omnic. “I meant every word I said to you, even now.”

Cole stared at Genji in disbelief, “Darlin’, what the hell are you tryin’ to say?”

“Cole-“

“Did you…” Cole’s eyes were wide as saucers at this point. “Did you cheat on me with fuckin’ Ramattra?!”

Genji felt his tears spilling over his cheeks without needing to blink to unleash them. Ramattra had seen plenty of humans cry and he took pride in being the reason for those tears, but he felt pain at the sight of Genji crying.

“Cole, please-“

“Did you or did you not cheat on me with the damn leader of Null Sector?” Cole pressed harder, feeling like he was on the brink of tears, as well.

“Enough!” Ramattra snarled, even going as far as grabbing Genji and sheltering him from Cole’s wrath. “How dare you accuse Sparrow of being unfaithful! You should be ashamed of yourself.”

Cole gawked, “What? Me?!”

“Sparrow politely declined all of my advances.” Ramattra snapped. “You claim to be his lover yet you didn’t hesitate to think so lowly of him.”

Cole rolled his eyes, “Well excuse me for thinkin’ the worst when he’s starin’ at you like he…”

Cole’s words died off at the end and Ramattra wished he could’ve raised an eyebrow. Seconds later, Ramattra seemed to understand why Cole couldn’t finish his sentence.

“You love him…” Cole chuckled in disbelief. “Don’t you, sweetheart?”

“I didn’t mean to.” Genji covered his face as he sobbed. “Everything happened so fast… and I was too weak to stop it!”

“You can’t stop somethin’ like love, sweet thing.” Cole shook his head, sighing. “I should know.”

Cole shoved his gun back into his holster and looked over at Ramattra and Genji. He couldn’t deny he felt jealous to know that Genji was being comforted by an omnic that loved him. Yet, he could also understand how Ramattra had fallen in love with him.

Genji was incredible in every sense of the word to Cole. Genji might have been rough around the edges at first, but hiding beneath the surface was a heart of gold, even if his heart was now artificial.

Genji was far kinder than he would ever give himself credit for. He was the type of cyborg who refused to kill spiders, opting to capture them in cups and release them back into the world. Genji saw the beauty in everything and everyone from the smallest insect to the roughest cowboys.

Not only was Genji kind, but he was selfless, too. Genji was going through an entire existential crisis in Blackwatch but Cole still remembered how he would support anyone who needed an ear to listen or someone to knock some sense into them, figuratively and literally.

Yet, Cole would have to be a fool to ignore the fact that Genji was absolutely gorgeous. Genji’s body was slick and petite, yet also powerful and agile, which provoked feelings that made Cole want him to step on him. Genji’s face was a treasure that only few could see and all the scars that marked his face only seemed to enhance his beauty.

So, Cole could understand how Ramattra had fallen in love with Genji, but that didn’t mean he was about to let his prized stallion go without a fight.

“Genji… darlin’, we’ve been through hell and back together.” Cole’s voice grew wet but he refused to cry in front of Ramattra. “Are you really gonna throw all of that away for him?”

“Guilt tripping him, really?” Ramattra scoffed. “You want to ensure he stays by your side yet you impose to do so by guilting him into it?”

“I ain’t guilt trippin’ him!” Cole argued. “I need him to understand what he’d be throwin’ away if he went with you.”

Ramattra would’ve rolled his eyes if he could, “He understands the gravity of this situation, human.”

“Fine, then I say let him pick who he wants to be with.” Cole crossed his arms. A smug smile etched itself onto Cole’s face. “If you’re so sure he’d pick you then let him decide.”

“Very well.”

This was the moment Genji had been dreading, the moment he would be standing in the middle of the two men he loved and forced to choose one of them.

Genji stood between the two of them, tears running down his face like they were competing in a race. Genji didn’t know what to do, but he knew that he owed these men something.

“I’m sorry…” Genji closed his eyes and shook his head. “We are in this situation because of me and my inability to love one man.”

“Enough of that talk, sugar. Just choose who you want.” Cole nodded, his confidence dwindling but he refused to let it show.

“Yes, let your choice be swift and your heart be true.” Ramattra added, earning a childish roll of the eyes from Cole.

Genji wished he could’ve told Ramattra that he didn’t have a heart, yet their current situation would’ve spoken otherwise to that notion. If Genji didn’t have some sort of heart then he wouldn’t have been in this situation.

Genji looked to his left, to Cole Cassidy. Cole was the man who never looked at him like he was something less or a weapon because he was a cyborg. Cole always stared at him like he not only hung the stars in the sky but he hung the galaxy.

Cole treated him like he was someone who was worthy of giving and receiving love. Cole gently tore down all his walls and allowed him to begin the journey of loving himself. With his charming smile and his heart of gold, Genji had fallen deeply in love with him during a time he thought love didn’t exist.

Genji looked to his right, to Ramattra. Ramattra was the omnic who loved him when he was under the impression that he was made of only metal, and chose to continue loving him when he learned the truth about who he was. No flesh or a little flesh, Ramattra still thought he was a wonder to the world, especially to him.

Ramattra handled Genji with care whether it came to physical touch or conversations. Ramattra reassured Genji in his beauty when he had doubts and never hesitated to remind him how cherished he was, as well as how much his life affected others for the better.

Genji felt two distinct types of love. One love was deep and endless like a starry night sky while the other love was warm and boundless like the sun rising, and Genji loved both skies.

“I…” Genji looked back and forth, from Cole to Ramattra.

Genji knew that this was an impossible choice and no matter what he did someone was going to get hurt, and he didn’t want to see that.

Genji’s eyes widened as a new thought crossed his mind. He knew this choice was still going to hurt someone, but he thought that in the end it would be the best choice for all.

“I… I cannot choose.” Genji backed towards one of the walls. “It would be wrong of me to choose one when my heart yearns for two.”

“What are you tryin’ to say, sweetheart?” Cole’s eyebrows knit together in confusion.

“Are you implying you would like for us to form a… a polygamous relationship of sorts?” Ramattra gawked, trying to make sense of what was happening.

Cole’s eyes nearly bulged out of his head, “You can’t expect me to want to share you with that bucket of bolts over there!”

“And sharing my Sparrow with a ridiculous human such as yourself is pleasing to me?” Ramattra retorted with a huff.

“No, that is not what I am saying.” Genji’s even tone cut through their argument. “What I am saying is… I must go.”

“Go? Go where?” Cole questioned, sounding rather confused.

Genji shook his head, “I need to go away… your lives would be better off without me in them so I shall go.”

“What the-“ Cole grit his teeth. “Where the hell do you get off thinkin’ that my life would be better off without you?”

“For once, I agree.” Ramattra stated firmly. “My life has meaning because of you, Sparrow. What do you think leaving would accomplish?”

A stray tear fell down Genji’s face as he answered, “Your hearts would break, I am aware of that… but without me there to inflict pain maybe… maybe you could heal.”

“Genji-“

“Sparrow-“

“I am sorry for all the pain I have caused.” Genji raised a hand to his face and created the same sign that allowed him to vanish in a cloud of smoke. “I hope that both of you can find peace.”

Cole and Ramattra dove towards Genji, but all they were met with was a lone sparrow feather. Once again, Genji had slipped through their fingers.

Both of them stared at the feather, neither of them making an effort to grab it. Their eyes flashed towards each other, glaring at the being that they deemed responsible for driving their sparrow away.

“I hope you’re damn happy.” Cole snapped. “This is all your fault! Neither of us can have him now because of you!”

“Me? It was your hair brained idea that forced him to choose one of us!” Ramattra quipped back.

“You agreed to it!”

The two of them continued to stare at each other, one glaring while the other wished they could shoot lasers at the other with their gaze. Yet, they soon realized that vengeful gazes weren’t going to solve anything in this situation.

Cole snatched the feather, “He’s gone and I’m the only one who can bring him home.”

“And where do you think you’re going?” Ramattra latched onto his wrist.

“I’m gonna find him.” Cole tugged at the omnic. “You ain’t comin’ with me if that’s what you think.”

“And you really think you could find him better than I could?” Ramattra jeered. “You need my help.”

“I ain’t need you.”

Ramattra would’ve raised an eyebrow if he could, “He is without his helmet and face plate. How do you suppose you’ll track him?”

“I know Genji like the back of my hand. I can find him.” Cole yanked his arm out of Ramattra’s grasp.

“I’m coming with you.” Ramattra insisted.

“No, you ain’t!” Cole was a sputtering mess. “I ain’t want you with me! You’re the son of a bitch tryin’ to steal my partner!”

Ramattra crossed his arms, “And you’re not the one trying to reclaim the heart of the creature I love?”

“…touché.”

“I have no interest in you. In fact, I cannot stand you in the slightest.” Ramattra watched as Cole flashed him a middle finger. “But I cannot deny that you have some potential in finding my Sparrow.”

Cole avoided Ramattra’s gaze like a pouting child, “I guess you bein’ all tech savvy could help along the way.”

“Do we have a deal?” Ramattra inquired. “We aid one another in tracking down Sparrow.”

“What happens when we find him, huh?” Cole’s eyes narrowed. “We find him just to put him back in this situation?”

“We can discuss those details during our travels.” Ramattra returned. “The more time we waste here the farther that sparrow flies. Do we have a deal, human?”

“We’ll have a deal when you start by callin’ me by my name.” Cole countered.

Ramattra reached out a metal hand, “Do we have a deal, Cassidy?”

The way Cassidy felt flowing out of Ramattra sounded like poison, like he was making a deal with the devil. Yet, Cole would sell his soul to the devil if it meant that he could bring Genji home.

Cole shook his head and reached out to grab the hand. The two of them could feel hatred for one another radiating. As much as they could agree on not liking one another, they could also agree that they would do anything to bring Genji home.

“Deal.”