Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Please before continuing read JohannaManuela's Fan fic "Dance in the Dark" https://archiveofourown.org/works/45721402 This is my interpretation of what would happen from the story they set up.

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You try to compose yourself as you shuffle down the halls. Your cheeks were still red from the kiss and you could feel your heart beating with a mix of joy and embarrassment. Finally you no longer had to hide your feelings. And Yet you couldn’t forget the attention you two had created. You press your cold hands onto your cheeks attempting to lower the blush.
As you turn into the meeting room you take out your data pad. “Okay we got a lot going on ladies and gentlemen so-.” You pause and look up from your data pad. “What the?”

The whole group smirks at you. Tracer takes a step forward. “Soooo. You and Moira.” Her voice bordered on sing songy.

The blush you tried so hard to get rid of came back more intense than ever. You try to brush it off. “Listen, I have the information-”

“Seriously?” Someone says, chuckling. “You're going to just slide off what just happened. I mean that was full toun- “

“Aghhhghg.” You say fanning her away with your data pad. “Really? We’re seriously going to be focusing on this? We have important…” Your arms flail trying to find the word. You finally settle as their grins grow from your nervousness. “Stuff.”

McCree chuckles. “(y/n) and moira sitting in a tree.”

“Fine if we're going to be acting like children.” You say exasperated.

“Okay come on.” Tracer appears suddenly in front of you. You don’t back away used to her antics. “We're just surprised is all.”

“I’m not.” Reyes says smugly. “All that time you hung out with the dear doctor.” He shrugs. “No one tolerates her that much.”

Morrison rolls his eyes. “Yeah cause people can’t be friends.”

“You're one to talk.” Reyes smirks looking at Morrison from the corner of his eyes.

You look at the two confused. “Okay…. So unless I’m being paid to be your office soap opera we’ve been tracking the terrorist movements.” Your tone gets a little snippy “My team has assessed that their numbers are growing. Which means we need to destroy more of their production facilities.”

After the meeting you leave the conference room slightly annoyed. They had kept their curious prodding through your meeting. Entering the control center you take your seat next to the person who oversaw the missions.

They look at you and you nod in confirmation. “The team disembarks in 30 minutes.”

“Thank you.”

For the next couple hours you watch different monitors. You take notes and watch as your superiors shout into mics. Occasionally relaying them information based off your own assessments of the citation. You thrived in the tense atmosphere. Despite your stationary position your heart pounded with adrenaline as the sound of gun fire beat from the speakers.
Hours later you hear the confirmation that the base had been secured. You hang up your headset, the time on your watch reads 11 pm. You watch as people clean up and make up your mind to see if Moira was still in her lab.

Knowing her she was hyper fixated on her experiments. Many times you had reprimanded her for not getting enough sleep. She would always laugh and attempt to distract you. You thought she enjoyed it, or at least found it comical when you would chide her for her actions.

You enter Moira’s lab and weave through the lab equipment. Sure enough there she was with her lab equipment. “Hello darling.” Moira greets as she focuses her attention on two different vials. “How was your day?”

“It started out really well. But well… Lunch was interesting.” You reply as you make your way to Moira's desk. You plop down in her chair. The cold leather cradling your body. “Listen. I want to, well…” You sigh. “Sorry the whole thing with the cafeteria was strange. Amazing, don't get me wrong. I can’t tell you how happy I am that we're “out”.” You say meaning it genuinely. “Just a little off putting.”

Moira turns to you, She had a curious smile aimed at you. Not sure what you meant. Placing the vials down she asks. “Is everything alright?” Her head tilts to the side.

“Yeah.” You smirk sheepishly. “I just now need to take the playful teasing of ten year olds from my coworkers.” You lean back in her chair so that it reclines back

Moira smirks. She carefully slips her lab coat from her broad shoulders and drapes the long white cloth over you. Her coat was warm, covering you with comfort that contrasted the cold of the chair. “I’m truly sorry about that dear.” she sighs. “I thought about what you said. And in the cafeteria I appreciate you attempting to avoid Angelia’s prodding. Thank you for respecting my earlier wishes.”
You snicker as you wrap yourself in her coat. The smell of ethanol and lavender is in some way reassuring to your senses. “Well I suppose that you felt confident enough to kiss me in front of the entity of overwatch you now owe me a good and proper date.”

She rolls her eyes. Beginning to comb her fingers through your hair. Her long fingernails lightly running along your scalp. “Oh? And where were did you want me to take you?” she purred.
You pause savoring the feeling. Before looking up at her and imitating her Irish accent. “Well I wouldn’t want to be too basic.” You grin. “Perhaps an improv show, scuba diving.” You grin “Disco night.”
“Don’t you dare.” She smirks, taking her hand from your hair she moves to sit next to you. Carefully She pushes you to the side and takes a seat. Squeezing you into the side of the chair. She then moves you onto her lap. You smile as you rest your head on her chest. You can feel the rhythmic beat of her heart in her chest. Her breathing subtle and slow moves your head ever so slightly.

Moira wakes her computer screen as you begin to fall asleep. She notices your eyes shut and your breathing slow. smiling softly she murmurs into the lab. "Athena turn off the lights." The lab is quickly soaked into quiet darkness.

She plays with your hair as you sleep, while simultaneously she begins typing with her right hand. Muttering to herself as the keyboard clicks. “Project is showing promise. The cells are going through mitosis with extraordinary speed without defects forming in the DNA. The formula that causes the decay and continued regeneration of cells will soon be tested on rabbit subject 4546C.” You stir a bit in her arms. Moira’s attention glances at you, her fingers hovering over the spacebar. She smiles softly at your sleeping figure. “Why are you so exhausted?” She chuckles whispering.

The doors to the lab open briefly, the white fluorescent light poisoning the quiet darkness of the lab.

“Why do you always have the lights off?” Angela huffs as her heels clack through the lab. Moira looks up, her expression disinterested. Her left hand now rests on your head as if protecting you.

“What is it, Doctor Ziegler?” Moira’s cold tone floats across the lab making the sound of clicking heels stop.

She finally makes her way to the desk. Blue light from the computer illuminates your limp body covered in Moira’s lab coat. “Awww you two are very cute.”

Moira grimaces at the adjective. “And you came in here because?”

“Yes, I’m sorry.” She smiles apologetically. “I wanted to apologize for my actions in the cafeteria. I didn’t realize you two were dating.”

“Yes, well.” Moira Glowers. “If that's all.”

Angela smiles awkwardly. “Yes, well goodnight.” She waves and leaves the lab.

When you wake up Moira has fallen asleep at her desk. Her computer illuminates her face with blue light.

You stay still enjoying her warmth, her chin rests on your head her left hand rests on your back. “Athena what time is it?” You murmur into the dark depths of the lab.

“2 am.” Athena responds curtly.

“What time did Moira go to sleep?”

The lab is quiet for a second before Athena responds “1:30 am.”

You roll your eyes. “Of course.” You lay there for a few more minutes savoring her embrace. You felt her presence like a blanket of safety. You considered getting up. On the one hand if you stayed at least you wore the same uniform every day so no one could tell if you had spent your whole night in Moira’s lab. On the other hand if anyone saw you walking out from the lab looking like you had just woken up people would let you hear the end of it.

Your thoughts drift away back to sleep.

Chapter Text

Moira had her arm positioned at a 90 degree angle allowing you to loop your arm around her own as she lead the two of you out of a lecture hall. The sky around you was black and you could see the trace amounts of lightning from the corner of your eye. Moira had a large content smile on her face for the lecture. It had been a 2 hour long talk on new medical techniques revolving around cancer. Ever since you and Moira Started dating you had started exploring some of the medical journals on her shelves so that you could understand what she would rant about.

“You look like you had fun.” You smile and look up at Moira. She looked like a cat that had just eaten a really big rat.

Smiling, she looks down at you. “I am really happy we did that. That was truly a wonderful evening. We should do something like that again.”

Someone calls Moira’s name “Dr. O’Deorain!” A man calls running up to her. “I just want to say I’m a huge fan of your work.” He says beaming. “I can’t believe you came to this lecture. Tell me what were your thoughts on the new ways they are trying to prevent cancer?”

Moira regards him with a polite smile. “I’m working on something similar to that right now actually. It’s not specifically for cancer, But I thought they had some interesting concepts that could have been expanded upon.” Moira says coolly. He watched her star struck. “Really? I then look forward to your paper.” He smiles.

“Well I’m happy to hear that.” Moira nods and leads the both of you away. You smile up at her. It wasn't particularly common for people to come up to Moira. But she managed to enthrall a couple fans with her own genius. Despite her own distaste for socializing you always got the impression that she enjoyed the brief moments of recognition like this. You girn and squeeze her arm.

“I love it when your fans flock to you.” She rolls her eyes in response, looking away at the cloudy skies. “Oh my, is that how you react to your adoring entourage?” You chuckle as you walk down the promenade.

“I wish you wouldn’t call it that.” Moira chuckles. She pauses as a rain drop lands on her hand. “Blast.” She murmurs her brow furrowing as one by one rain drops begin to beat down on the couple. The both of you walk quickly towards a coffee shop. Warm light emanating from it’s windows. Moira pushes the door open for you and the smell of coffee wraps you in warmth.

Both your clothes were discolored in places the rain had touched. Moira’s hair had come a little undone. Different portions of hair had come loose and stuck to her forehead. She pulls out her phone and begins checking rideshare apps. “Can you get a signal?” Moira asks, looking from her phone to you. You shake your head, your phone reading 1 bar. Moira looks outside while you attempt to get back into your own rideshare app. “

“We might be able to catch the bus.” You note as you try to call anyone on your contacts list. From the coffee shop’s window you notice a bus stop over by the street.

Moira joins your gaze. “Huh, Just like university days.” She looks down at you. Your own clothes were soaked on the shoulders and back. “Are you willing to wait in the rain?”

You look at the bus stop where a few different people huddle under it for shelter. “Maybe one of your fans can drive us.” Moira gives you a sharp look. “Sorry. Point is that unless we go to sleep in the lobby of some hotel I’ll be fine.”

The both of you leave the coffee shop into the storm. Rain hammers down onto the both of you as you make your way to the bus stop. Moira moved quickly, her long stride carrying her across the concrete. Her hand was pressed against your back attempting to keep you both together. Her attention focused on the bus stop she didn’t notice as you had to jog a bit to keep up with her.

As you wait under the bus canopy Moira presses her body into your back. She moved the flaps of her coat so that they covered you, drawing you closer to her. You nuzzle into the warmth of her abdomen as you both watch the street for any sign of a bus. Her arms wrapped around your chest keeping the coat flaps in place. Despite the cold of the rain you enjoyed this little adventure with Moira. Finally you got to stand together as a couple without worrying about getting caught. A warm smile crosses your face.
Moira notices the smile and squeezes you close to herself. A soft smile crossing her own lips. She leans down and places a kiss on your head. You smile to yourself, loving the freedom you both had now. You notice her sigh in relief as the bus rolls up. The lights in the bus turn on and one by one the people waiting at the stop board.

The both of you looked bedraggled. Moira especially looked tired. Any neatness her hair had retained when it first started raining was gone now. With her fingers she combs her hair back. So that it looked almost like a bright orange shell on her head. You both take a seat among a row of people.

You hear someone shouting for the bus not to leave. Moira glares at the door, her expression souring. You take her hand in your own giving it a squeeze.

Angelia smiled apologetically, placing money into the fair box. She turns her hair was down and soaking wet when she notices you both. Smiling makes her way to the back of the box. You can feel Moira’s body tense. “Good evening!” she smiles sitting next to you. “Did you both just come from the seminar?”

Moira nods curtly. “Yes.” You nod along smiling politely. For the both of you it had been a bit more of a date. You hadn't understood everything but you found it interesting enough. You couldn’t help but find it cute the first date Moira would take you was a scientific lecture. The next time you were thinking of taking her to an aquarium or a park. Your interrupted as you ruminate on your date ideas.

“(y/n) I’m surprised to see you here. I didn’t know you liked science seminars.” She says turning her attention to you. She smiled kindly at you. If She was deturd from your rejection her expression didn’t show it.

You smile awkwardly. “Yeah. I think their…interesting.”

She chuckles. “Moira don’t tell me you brought this poor girl on a date.” She covers her mouth with the back of her hand attempting to stop laughing.

Moira stares at her, her gaze piercing. “Doctor, do you really find it prudent to judge me on my own relationship.”

You loved that she had said relationship squeezing her hand a bit. Angelia giggles. “No It’s cute. I just think it’s funny.”

As the bus approaches Overwatch HQ you grab the line to request a stop. The Three of you exit into the pouring rain. Moira places a hand on your back again and she runs past the main entrance where a long stairway leads up to the public entrance. The Rain continued to fall, and thunder rumbled all around you. You run around the building Angelia following the both of you.

You all run around the building to the employees entrance. Moira taps her card and leads the three of you inside. Angelia laughs, a smile plastered on her face. “Oh my. Well that was invigorating.”

Indeed you could feel your heart beating in your chest. And the sharp cold of the rain felt refreshing against your face. Angela turns down one hall early leaving you and Moira heading down a hall.

At some point you get to her dorm. You didn’t spend much time in here and by the state of the room neither did Moira. Everything was very clean to the point people might assume that the room was unoccupied. “Here's a change of cloths if you want it.” Moira throws you a purple hoodie with University of Cairo emblazoned on the front. You turn your back to the corner as Moira changes in her closet.

Pulling your wet shirt off you pull on the hoodie. The garment was huge on you unsurprisingly, and came down past your hips. You chuckle rolling up the sleeves and then look up as Moira exits. “Ayy you came out of the closet.” You cheer laughing.

She rolls her eyes smirking. Ignoring your comment, she looks around her room. “I should have a plastic bag somewhere around here if you want to put your wet clothes away. You chuckled at Moira’s appearance. You’d never seen her in such casual clothing. You had just about guessed that all her civilian clothing consisted of business attire. But here she was wearing long baggy sweat pants, and a baggy shirt that had bearded dragons in space printed on it. Her hair had been pulled back by a head band and she wore thin rectangular glasses.

You giggle watching her. An evil grin then forms on your lips as Moira looks around the room. Fishing your phone from your pocket you turn the volume all the way up, and press play on a song.

All of a sudden beautiful notes float across the room. Moira freezes and turns to face you, a knowing smirk playing on her face. “You cheeky little Imp.” She slowly strides toward you and bows elegantly like saw, offering her hand. You found it a bit funny that she managed to keep her mystique and elegance despite her appearance.

“Oh are you offering me a dance?” You say innocently. Placing your phone on an empty desk.

“Yes. It so happens a strange melody has suddenly started playing and I get the idea that someone may want to dance.” Moira smirks, her voice becoming low and seductive. She maintains the bow until you accept her hand.

The dance was a waltz and the even angelic notes of the song intoxicating to your senses. Moira places one hand on your waist while you place your hand on her shoulder, your two free hands clasping against one another. You had done this a couple times before in her lab. One date night she had even taught you how to dance an Irish jig while you have both been drunk. Now however was somehow more special.

She looks down at you seduction carving the expression on her face. “You look brilliant.” She coos as she spins you.

You blush as she plus you back in. You dance through the open space of the room enjoying her touch and gaze. “You look radiant this evening.” You reply as she dips you. Responding in the same meaningful tone. Her heterochromatic eyes meet your own with total adoration.

Chapter Text

A hacking cough disrupts the quiet of your room. You lay in your bed, your nose runny and your throat irritatingly sore. You had already called in sick and now you just stared at your ceiling waiting for death. But sleep would be an acceptable compromise.

Someone knocks on your door. You don’t move your head, merely eye it from the side. Moira pushes the door open and strides into your room, she's dressed in her full lab attire, her hair done up as usual. Her clean professional air was a stark contrast to how the rain had caused her to look like a bedraggled college student only the night before. She stops at the edge of your bed. “Are you feeling alright?” Her eyes consider your sickly expression. Sweeping a bit of hair from your face with her cold fingers.

“Are you the angel that has come to collect my soul?” You joke, your arm leaving the warmth of your blankets to reach up to her.

Moira smirks. “I’m here to check your vitals.” From her pocket she withdraws a thermometer.

You slowly sit up in your bed, the blood rushing from your head. “Can I get a kiss instead?” You smirk sickly.

Moira eyes you saying “I’m not putting my tongue down that until you get better.”

You place the back of your hand on your forehead, looking away from Moira dramatically “You wound me.” You hear her chuckle, laughing at yourself triggers more hacking coughing. She pulls gloves over her long pale hands and sticks the thermometer under your tongue.

The cold metal sits awkwardly in your mouth. The nib digging into your tongue. You wait as Moira’s heterochromatic eyes analyze the rising number. Before it beeps and she pulls it from your lips. “102.” She mumbles. Looking back down to you she apologizes. “I’m sorry that we got caught in the rain.” She says taking a stethoscope from her other pocket next.

You sigh, your tone even and soft. “I had a lot of fun last night. The lecture was really interesting. And I loved dancing with you.”

A small prideful smile plays across her lips. She bends down and places a stethoscope on your chest. You flinch slightly from the touch. “Okay breath.” You inhale and exhale slowly, your eyes looking straight ahead as you attempt to ignore your internal screaming. Despite all the times she had pushed up against a lab table you still found yourself turned to jelly by her touch. Moira’s eyes narrow a bit “It sounds like you have a swamp in your lungs.” She places the round head of the stethoscope down in a few different places on your chest. “Breath.” She instructs every time. Listening to your heart and and your lungs.

“How am I looking doc?” You smile before a hacking cough takes any coyness from your tone. “Curses.” you think. This sickness was taking any suaveness from your demeanor.

“You should be fine, I’d say just drink a lot of water and get some sleep.” Moira says, folding the stethoscope back up into her pocket.

You smile sweetly “Okay. Thanks for checking in on me.” A thought pops into your head and you glance at your desk. “Do you think you could hand me my computer? There's some work I need to get done.” You say pointing to your laptop.

Moira grimaces. “I said you should get some sleep, not work.”

You laugh incredulously. “And I thought you hated hypocrites.”

“I do.” Moira says matter of factly as she disposes of her gloves in your waste bin. “I don’t sleep because I’m an insomniac with ambition. And my work rarely lets me sleep.” She returns to the foot of your bed and kisses your forehead. “Táim anseo dhuit.[I am here for you]. Get some sleep love.”

“I’ll try my best but I might go up to the medical wing later.”

“Text me if you need any help.” She leaves the room and turns off the light. You eye your laptop and debate if you're too cozy to get up. The sheets are the perfect temperature around you. You drudge your way to your computer, your blankets dragging along the floor. Returning to the safety of your bed you open your emails and note a video link for a meeting. They always sent out a link for when people might be out on other assignments who couldn’t attend in person.

Logging in with your camera off, you see a small meeting with your boss, and three other employees who worked in your division. The computer they have set up dings. “You actually logged in?” Your commander comments surprised.
You adjust the computer to better sit on your lap. “Yep. I saw that our reported progress hase-”

“Girl please go to bed.” One of you employees implores. “We can assess and compile information for next week's corporate check in.”

You cough retorting back. “I am perfectly capable of doing this.”

“I appreciate your commitment to the team. But you sound like you’ve drowned in slime.” Your kicked off the call.

You stare at the black screen of your computer. “Yeah okay.” You slowly say to yourself. You attempt to fall asleep in your bed though your kept awake by your own sickness.

Picking a mask from your pocket you get dressed in your civilian clothing. A baggy t-shirt and jeans form your outfit. You consider taking Moira’s hoodie, which was folded neatly on your chair. You pull it over your head tucking it a bit into your jeans so that it was a little form fitting. Clipping on your ID you leave the room.

You make your way to the medical wing. “Hello. I’m sick and I’d like to see a doctor.” You say groggily placing an elbow on her desk.

The secretary at the desk smiles. “Of course dear. Could you just file out this paper work?”

You take the paperwork and stare at it. “Ummm.” You sigh. Taking it to one of the waiting room chairs. “Don’t you have this on file?” You ask confused.

“There are some sections from your file otherwise this is just standard procedure.” She replied politely though there was an edge of annoyance as she types something into her computer.

Grimacing at the paper your eyes reread lines you pen hovering over the words. Your vision and mental processing are thrown off. You text Moira, a few minutes later she strolls into the office. Taking a seat next to you she looks at the clip board. “Why didn’t you ask the nurse for help?”

“Can you please just read and write?” You say handing her your clipboard.

“What are your symptoms?” She recites fixing the mini data pad over her eye.

You sigh. “Yeah I mean. Cough, headache, nausea.” You hear her jott down a few more items from when she had examined your vitals.

Moira Reads off the next question “Reason for your visit?” Her voice was smooth and you were lost in her voice until she nudges you. “Do you need me to repeat the question?”

“No sorry. I came here because I’m feeling like crap and want to see if they can help.” You place a hand on Moira’s arm. “Not that I don’t appreciate you coming into my room and checking on me.”

“Of Course.” She nodes. Checking the list she asks you. “Do you want to list me as your emergency contact?” She asks hovering the pen over the box.

You smile a bit to yourself. “Yeah would you?”

She helps you fill out the rest of the form. And turn it in. As you wait for the doctor you ask her. “How's your research coming along?”

You could see she was a little antsy wanting to return to her lab but wanting to keep you company as well. “I’m pleased with my recent breakthroughs, especially with the rapid succession of one another. There's just a few pieces that haven't been lining up.” While she talks her foot bounces up and down as she stares in front of her at a fish tank in the corner.

Chapter Text

You sit at a table in the bustling Cafeteria of the breakfast rush. Faint morning light from a rising sun breaking through the windows giving into day. Almost every breakfast you sat with a group of overwatch operatives. That's how many of the tables had split naturally into their respective jobs. Some of them quietly enjoy their morning puzzles, while others talk amongst themselves. This morning you kept to yourself. Your fever is gone and you're no longer coughing. You still felt a little sluggish though making it hard to socialize.

You watch an apple fly down the table, another agent catching it gratefully. As breakfast passes you take a bag of food over to Moira’s lab plopping it down at her desk. “Do you want me to bring lunch as well?” You ask about to head out. Moira pops her head over her lab equipment. “Umm. Yeah that would be great, thank you!” Her head darts back to her work.

Before you leave you move to get a better view of whatever it was she was working on. Moira intently watches a complex system of glass vials, beakers, and graduated cylinders, with purple liquid in them. You approach the table quietly your own fascination guiding your steps. “Whatcha got here?” You inquire.

“My experiments.” Moira mumbles absentmindedly as she marks down different times on her data pad. “I’m so close to unraveling the truth.” She mumbles once more.

You stand on your tippy toes and give Moira an awkward kiss on her jaw. Her head pivots to look down at you, a coy expression on her face. One of her hands snakes out and grasps your tie, she loops it around her hand and pulls you close. The tension from where your tie digs into your neck, your skin tingling with anticipation. You stare somewhat hopefully into her eyes. She keeps a possessive grip on tie leaning in an inch away from your face. “Hey there.” You say attempting to play it off as flirtatious.

She has an almost teasing smile seared into her face. Her gaze moves from your eyes to your lips. “You still might be sick.” She releases your tie, turning back to her work. “Have a good day dear.” She smirks writing results back down.

You blink a little surprised. “Wow! I see how it is.” You say, raising your eyebrows at her. Laughing, you turn to make your leave, straightening your tie. “See you at the meeting.”

For the next few hours you find yourself working in your own office. With your notes from the weapons raid (Chapter 1). You examine your previous reports about Overwatch, as well as the reports your coworkers had arranged while you’d been sick. Noting issues with money, recent criminal trends and success rates. You watched as your graphs and data load in, adding to the extensive list. Your eyes move between budget reports and supply reports. Staffing and recent accidents. All morning you compile documents writing detailed notes at the trends you were noticing in Overwatch's and Blackwatch’s program.

You notice a few discrepancies on a notice for a mission report. A plan for stopping weapons trade in a country that reads denied. You supposed someone had mailed it in correctly or someone had fumbled the request. You reread the request adding onto it and then resubmit it.

The alarm on your phone and you make your way to the conference room. You take your normal assigned seat at the long glossy conference table. A glass of water already out for you. People around you are checking over their notes, fishing pens from pockets, and talking amongst each other.

Moira enters the room a board almost irritated look on her face. She takes a seat in her normal chair and glances across the table at you. You lift your hand slightly from where it rests on the table, giving her a brief smile. Over the past few days it had been interesting to be able to not hide your relationship anymore. Normally you would have completely avoided eye contact at one of these meetings. You would panic that someone could tell that the two of you had been together.

“Good morning everyone. We're going over some data that we’ve been getting and then we're doing team building exercises.” There's murmuring around you as he says this. You notice Moira scowl a bit, though she's not alone as some people raise indignation. “Great, I guess we're already team building. Look at this beautiful unity.” He says chuckling at the united front of annoyance.

Reyes raises his hand. “Is the team building a required activity?”

“Ha, ha.” He says the words ha, ha in a mocking tone. “That's cute, yes, you all need to participate.”

The meeting continues as planned. The director of the finance department points to a screen and discusses new grants and cutbacks. When it gets you, you stand up and present your data points. Presenting the issues you had been noting as well as the further steps that you believed overwatch should continue to operate. Moira’s hands covers her mouth thoughtfully but you could see the slightest smile draw at the corners of her lips as she listened to your every word. When you’ve said your peace you watch as other people stand up and talk.

As they conclude. The man stands up again. “Okay, we're playing. Two truths and a lie.” He begins. “I have two cats, I’m allergic to peanuts, and I used to work retail.” A few people guess, though the room remains enthusiastic. The line continues down the tables as everyone takes their turns telling and letting everyone else guess.

Moira grimaces as it gets to her turn, crossing her arms. “I don’t want to be here, My name means descendant of the lake, and I’m a David Bowie fan.”

You smirk knowing exactly which one was the lie. She meets your gaze for a second before someone asks. “Is it the last one?”

A smirk plays on her lips as people nod in agreement of the answer. “Second.” She comments. You knew her name really meant “descendant of the exile. Or bitter.”

When it gets to your turn you say counting down on your fingers as you stare up at the ceiling. “I got a full amount of sleep last night, I own a purple hoodie, and I love my job.”

The people at the conference table chuckle. “Well it has to be number #3.” Someone says laughing.

“Nope, I am borrowing it currently. Also known as stole it.” Moira snorts in response, taking a sip of her coffee to hide her amusement.

As the game goes on Moira jots notes down in her planner. Scowling occasionally and crossing items out. You notice someone next to her look down a little perplexed at whatever it was she was writing. As soon as you all are dismissed she takes her mug and planner and dashes out the door to her lab.

Tracer comes up behind you placing a hand on your shoulder. “So was that Moira’s hoodie?” She chirps, laughing.

“And?” You say as you walk through the hubbub of people to the coffee maker.

She smiles letting go of you as you refill your mug. “It’s just sweet is all. I’m happy that you're finding love.” She smiles genuinely leaning against the table that holds up the coffee.

You look at her and smile softly to yourself. “Thanks, I really appreciate that. What about you and Emily. How are you guys doing?”

“Really well.” She smiles.

After lunch, you're back at your desk. The report you had resubmitted that morning back with a reply. Anger taps at your senses as you read it. “This report has been rejected because of the treaty of Harris conflicts with its statement.” You stare at the reply. Overwatch could help supply aid but not take out the issue of arms dealing!? You scowl and attempt to continue working.

Normally Moira might show up for dinner though as you saw no trace of her you went to collect a plate. Anger still prickled at you, indignation causing a slight scowl to maintain on your face. You select a balanced meal of trout, green beans, a scoop of assorted sliced melons, and mashed potatoes. The cafeteria staff glance at you concerned and offer you a little more than what you would get from them otherwise.

Stocking into Moira’s lab you carefully place the food at her desk. Her computer displays an unfinished lab report. She was always talking about how her research was going to unravel the mysteries of humanity. You watch her bent over a white rabbit holding up a needle in her hand. “Thank you.” She utters. Her attention focused completely on the rabbit. You smile softly to yourself before leaving the lab.

Chapter Text

It had been a long day. Moira drives through the night, as the radio plays. “Good lord, why does my back hurt so much!” You complain, a dull pain digs into your back, sending discomfort up your spine.

“I should have acetaminophen and ibuprofen in my purse.” Moira says, her eyes are glued to the road. As she reaches her arm back awkwardly.

“It’s fine.” You say looking around the car for water. Moira had borrowed the vehicle from another one of the lab techs. “I’ll just suffer.” You say pressing your hand into the pain of your back, hoping the pressure would alleviate the discomfort. “Was it the painting? Did I get too in the zone?”

Moira chuckles. “I might be wrong but you really let your anger out on that pinata. Didn’t realize work caused so much pent up anger.”

You laugh at her sighing contently. It had been a really good party. You had celebrated your new age at your old college flat mates house. Moira had sat in the corner most of the time awkwardly attempting to seem interested in the conversation. Though you couldn’t help but smile, finding her attempts at connecting with your friends cute. They had attempted to discuss popular media. Love for movies clashing with Moira’s disinterest in the subject. And then their tactics changed, talking about you for the rest of the party. Sharing anecdotes and embarrassing stories. You had tried to stop them from talking but fell laughing at yourself as they reminisced. Your friends shared stories of when you were a child, times you had gotten drunk, and silly moments that you wondered how they remembered them.

Your friends had sung to you and laughed as they watched you smile. You painted little terracotta pots with them. Everyone had left them in a circle in the yard, hoping that a seed of their choice would sprout. The pinata was fun, someone made it slightly resemble one of your teachers you particularly didn’t like. You chuckle in the car, Moira glancing at you from the corner of her eye. You were feeling content. The world just felt right.

The Radio plays different disco songs that Moira taps her fingers to silently mouthing the words to them. The next song begins to play, a little crackly from the radio static you begin to lightly sing along with the words.

Moira glances at you from your corner of her eye. As you get into the song you turn to her holding an invisible microphone. “Sing it!”

Keeping her attention on the road she leans awkwardly into your imaginary microphone. Saying the verses more than singing them. “Do you mind if I stop off over here?” She asks pointing to an area in the road that scooped out and allowed you look out at the sea. You nod in response still singing.

She drives to an area of the cliff that overlooks the nighttime sea. Moira swiftly leaves her seat and pops the trunk. You venture out of the car confused. Your eyes are dazzled by the look of a dreamy ocean. The wind around you plays with the wisps of your hair. You can hear the distant melodies of crashing waves. The overhead moon makes the waves sparkle like a long glittery dress. You hear rummaging from the trunk. And walk across the gravel to see what Moira was doing.

You see an unboxed grocery store cake the size of a tea plate in front of her. From the car she places two stemware on either end of the cake and pours the both of you some apple cider. She pokes a ring of candles in the cake and uses a lighter emblazoned with a spider web to ignite the wicks. The warm light illuminates the little set up. The glasses filled with cider reflect the candles flicker. You join her sitting on the edge of the car enamored by the small set up.

“Happy birthday to you.” She begins to sing in her slow, even tone, keeping eye contact with you. “Happy birthday to you.” The way she enunciated each syllable made the old rhyme feel almost like a love song. “Happy birthday to my darling (y/n).” She laughs a bit at herself before continuing as she gazes into your eyes. Her lovely eyes enigmas of adoration for the person in front of her. “Happy birthday, tooo yoooou.”

You use the plastic to blow out the candles and make a wish. The trunk of the car is submerged into light darkness. “Saying I love you doesn’t feel right for all the joy you bring to my life.” You smile.

Moira tilts her head to the side a little surprised, a soft smile soon replacing the expression she cups your cheek. Crickets chirp around the car, as wind blows in your ear. The only light that illuminated her beautiful face was from the moon and passing car headlights.

Moira takes a card from a small bag she had carried the cider and cake in. “I wrote this for you if You’d like to read it now. I supposed you would prefer it here.”

“Aww that's so sweet of you.” You accept the card and carefully rip open the envelope. “Let's see.” You turn open a card that has a lovely watercolor garden printed on the front.

“Happy birthday (y/n)
For the longest time I thought that I didn’t want to fall in love. And then there you were. For the longest time I’d been overjoyed to be single, but then here you are. And my whole concept for love was changed. You had undone years of walls I’d built with your kind smile and sensible questions. Your curiosity is truly admirable. I love to watch the excitement in your beautiful eyes when you're learning new concepts. Your eagerness for knowledge never ceases to invigorate me. I love how accepting you are. How your kindness does not discriminate from friend or stranger. And how you bite back against those who may cross you. You're the most beautiful woman I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. There's nothing about you that is not flawless." You pause reading the letter your breath caught in your throat. From your periphery you see Moira watch the blush creep across your face. "Every time I see you it’s like I’m watching the magnificence of a fireworks finale before me. With the glamor and brilliance you present. I hope this birthday and year brings you joy, wealth, and prosperity. I wish you nothing but success and joy, my love."

You stare at the writing unable to bring your eyes up to meet Moira’s. Though you can feel her hand gently rest on your shoulder as she moves over to you. “Everything alright?” She asks, hugging you close. You meet her heterochromatic eyes. Every time you gazed into them it felt like you were seeing them for the first time by the wonder that always hit you from their glossy hues.

You lean into her warmth. “Thank you.” You say tears prowling the edges of your voice.

Chapter Text

Your typing out a report you brain unfocused on the task at hand. Calling over the cubicle walls to your coworker Alvera you ask. “Have you seen the new restrictions they are placing on the department? They refused a paper I submitted to stop arms dealers because of some treaty. Like I get it, I'm just surprised that they're not handling it in any other way.” You of all people knew how Overwatch liked to use Black watch in order to take care of the dirty work. So it surprised you that not even that team was considered for the assignment.

You could practically hear her shrug. “Oooh yeah. I mean the public keeps dredging up issues with how Overwatch has been operating. They want to cut back on expenses and try to keep everyone neat and happy.” She says typing away at something you couldn’t see.

You sigh. “Yeah I mean I get it. Just..” Well you weren’t sure how to explain it. You knew that the heads of overwatch had to be meticulous with how they handled each and every operation. You saw that with the reports you got from Blackwatch. But you could feel the change in tone since the crisis. “I don’t get why we can’t appease the public by doing more.” You stammer attempting to underline the point. There was just something different that struck you as strange about their motivations.

She snickers letting the conversation fall silent. You type away at your computer. Hours pass as you check the clock periodically waiting for dinner.

“(y/n) I need you to type a report to be turned in by 9 am tomorrow.” You turn to look at the head of the combat division arching an eyebrow at his sudden presence. “Will that be a problem (L/n)?” He asks gruffly. His presence was imposing on the rest of the office. He stood like you were a bumbling intern in his office, the arrogance dripping from him like a bad cologne.

A little annoyed, you politely turn to him, preparing for a late night. “Very well. What is the nature of the analysis you need?” From your job he was probably the most annoying part of it. Alvera would place bets with a few other coworkers whenever the two of you fought. You could hear a few different instant messages be received on her computer as he spoke.

He eyes you continuing “There are new traces of an organization called Talon that has been popping up. I’m unable to tell you all the details, but we need a report assessing our advantages and disadvantages to the enemy.”

“What data do we have about them?” You ask flipping open a note book on your desk. Poising a pen above the paper.

His tone becomes slightly irritated as you question him. “Nothing concrete. I have a few mission statements with details pertaining to them, however, for the sanctity of the mission the report needs to be on their current threat to us. You’ll have to talk to Gérard, he’ll have any answers to your questions.”

“Wait, is this that organization that we have about 50 KB of data on?” You ask, raising your head a bit from your paper.

“Listen (y/n) you have one job and that's to analyze and create plans based on what we tell you. You’ve done such a good job at it all these years, why is it now that you're making it a problem?” He smiles getting under your skin.

You try to keep on smiling instead of grinding your teeth together. “Yes, that is my job. However I’m familiar with the fact that Gérard has been struggling with finding data on them.” You didn’t know the man but you heard it from the operative at lunch how he had just been instated to investigate the rumors and pop ups. “Now I understand if it’s simply a surface level report on my initial findings-”

“Yeah yeah whatever it is you need to do.”

The idea you had attempted to form into words during your conversation with Alvera formed on your tongue. Without saying it you think. “Overwatch seems to now prioritize the money, the fame, the resources, the “glory.” You mutter under your breath. You try to think of your happy place. Focusing back to the snake of a man. “Okay I’ll have that to you as soon as possible.” You attempt to hide your glower by wiping at a pretend speck of dust in your eye. Though from his own irritability you could tell you were hiding it poorly.

“I’m surprised by your work ethic.”

You blink at him not sure if you should be thanking him or kicking him. Your words stumble out not sure what to say. “Thannnkk you?”

He stares at you annoyed. “Seriously? I get that your reports don’t touch on all the aspects that we need from you, but there's no need to be so dumb.”

Your mind reeled. You could hear more Instant messages coming in on Alvera’s computer. “Sir-”

“Must you make things so complicated-”

You snap. “You may leave now so I can work on your report.” You say through gritted teeth. He turns away as you mutter “I can’t seem to do anything that will keep you happy go fuckies, content.” He turns on the spot to stare you down.

You're in your Commanders office later as he writes out an incident report. “You told him what?” They say squinting up at you confused and tired

You sigh, you posture up right, your eyes fixed on a bit of wall right in front of you. “I said happy go fuckies.”

They shake their head. “Listen please just get the report done.”

“That's all I’m trying to do.” You respond. “It was a moment of unchecked anger Commander. I’ll make sure it never happens again.” You say flatly just trying to leave punishment as you watch the hours on the clock tick on.

“Thanks for the sentiment (y/n).” At that moment you want to stare them dead in the eye. You hold your ground nodding along. Their comments however unmalicious stick you in the sides. “See to it that you get the report done” He holds up the report. “You are a talented analyst, but I can’t promise that you can keep your position if you keep up like this.”

You loosen your posture as you watch the report get signed and you feel with what ease they would replace you. For this especially it wasn’t like you normally lost your temper with other leads. Heck you had merely murmured the line. As you stand there you feel a sense of isolation and the concept you were thinking about earlier pops into your thoughts. You could tell that the Head of the combat division was there for glory. He enjoyed the power and liked to swing it around like a baton thrower. As you watched your own commander you couldn’t decide what their angle was.

You work for the next few hours typing quickly. Scheduling a meeting with Gérard Lacroix at 7:30 pm. For some reason that was the only time he was able to make it. With the limited information at your disposal, you were messaging contacts in different divisions. Viviane (Sojourn) texted you back saying. “Why are you still at work!” Exhaustion was quickly settling in at dead end after dead end found you. “How's the report coming?” Alvera says dropping off a bag of dinner for you. Your eyes go wide forgetting all about dinner.

“Crap. Can you also get Moira some dinner? Make sure that it’s a well rounded meal otherwise she'll feed off purely ramen.” You ask a little panicked as your mind attempts to multitask.

Alvera stares at you a little concerned. “What are you her mom? Moira has a freaking Phd. She can get a meal on her own.”

You chuckle a bit. “So? She is so focused right now! That means if ya help me out you need to drop off the bag outside and tell Athena to let Moira know it’s there. Please?” You ask, clasping your hands together.

She rolls her eyes. “You owe me.” She walks off leaving you alone again in the room. Your eyes glance at your book from that afternoon. Its magnificent pages whisper to you. You quickly hide it in your desk. Your eyes become heavy as you try to manage to read your own writing.

“Your work helps to save lives. If your reports are wrong you kill them.” That's what they had told you when you first entered the business. It was only now in Overwatch where that was obvious in the work. You check your clock. 7:30.

Gathering your papers you rush across the building and go to knock on Gérard Lacroix’s office door. He creeks it open looking at you surprised. “Oh hello there.” He greets speaking in a thick french accent. “I’m sorry that I wasn't able to schedule our meeting until now.”

“Oh it’s no problem.” You smile despite being a little annoyed.

“What would you like to know? I’m afraid I have limited information myself.” He mutters looking through papers. “Oh uuhh would you like some coffee?” He asks, holding up a mug.

“I would love some.” You respond, finding the man a little funny but hiding your amusement. Taking a seat at a table amidst the room you ask. “Sir, do you know what Talon's goal is?”
He considers your question, his little mustache twitching slightly. “That's an interesting question. And frankly I’m not sure. I’d assume it’s the general song and dance.” He says placing two mugs of coffee down. “As in they want power and control.”

“I suppose that makes sense.” You ponder sipping from the cup. “What has the organization been targeting?” Your tone even and professional.

He smiles approvingly at the question. “I’ve been tracking them for a while. As far as I can discern, they started off with general underworld activity. Trafficking drugs, weapons, and omnics. However, more recently they’ve been targeting overwatch facilities and operations.”

“How come they haven't been noted before now? From my understanding we know essentially nothing about them.” You say recalling what you’d been told.

“We are going to be good friends," he smiles. “They were operating through different organizations and have never had any real presence until now, with streaks that come from their other affiliations. So we don’t know what's them, and what is some gang trying to cause trouble. Essentially all we know is specific operatives from them who we’ve caught sight of.”

You ponder what he’s said. “So they're likely larger than we can possibly tell at the moment.” He nods in response, sipping his coffee cup. You consider jotting notes down. “How much have you been able to uncover?”

“I can send you the report. But It’s not much. It’s like looking through a bag of necklaces. Tangled together and you're not sure which chain belongs to which jem.”

You lay in bed staring up at the ceiling. The time read 1 am. The report was done, technically. However it felt sloppy with the limited information. No solid numbers regulating it and instead your own educated hypothesis. You close your eyes trying to focus on your phone's rain sounds to lull you into sleep. Listening to the cooling rush of rain that patters against some unknown surface. The idea of the report skulks about your mind. You toss and turn as sleep is taunted in front of you.

Clipping your badge back onto your sleep shirt, you luge your Computer out of your room and down the quiet empty halls. Traveling up to Moira’s lab. You stumble through her doors while she still works. A modicum of relief settles you as you see a discarded dinner box in Moira’s rubbish bin. You place your computer on an empty Lab table. Moira doesn’t ask anything or acknowledge your presence as you take a seat.

You begin working and typing away your mind put slightly at ease in her lab. You look up at her, considering confiding in her what had happened that day, needing to vent to someone. She preps some sort of serum while taking a new white rabbit from a cage. You didn’t want to disturb what she was doing, especially from how entrenched in her work she seemed.

Your attention returns to the report. It looked messy with the missing information. It looked like a report that you would have laughed at in college. The sheer unkemptness of the document was reminiscent of a toddler cutting its own hair. You mutter obscenities, sometimes it felt like they expected you to be psychic. You try to think of Morrisons words of wisdom he liked to spout when the team was at a low point: “We are the first line of defense to keep the world safe. Take pride in knowing you have been especially selected out of thousands to do this job. And I doubt we made mistakes.” The inspiring sayings that normally got your through a brain rut, now felt like cruel satire.

You pop in your ear buds. One ear is uncovered enjoying Moira’s occasional curses under her breath. Today however you heard sounds of anticipation and excitement.

You glance up at Moira hearing her cuss abruptly with shock. Her expression becomes still with shock. You could see a pulsating purple and gold light emitting from the rabbit. One of the appendages turns purple and stiff. From the chair you get up going around the equipment so you could get a better look. The lab becomes very eerily quiet. Before Moira repeats the word louder. She reacted like her team had just one championship. “I did it!” She runs up to you and grabs you by your shirt. You look at her surprised for a second before she dips you into a long kiss. Your back is almost parallel to the ground. The momentary shock subsidies as you wrap your arms around Moira’s neck. She smelled like antiseptic and coffee, there was somehow no more heavenly scent to you as her warm lips press ferociously into yours. Her tongue slipping past into your mouth.

Your mouth tingles as your heart flutters from the sudden passionate kiss. You keep her face grounded to your own not wanting to come up for air. Her hand grabs your lower waist with ferocity as she keeps your head cradled in her gasp she didn’t want to let go either. You breathe heavily, feeling Moira's rapid heart beat vigorously against your own chest. You feel the stress and anger from the day pushed aside at her loving touch. Your fingers grip into her short hair as if you were holding on for dear life.

Moira draws back from your mouth admiring you as she keeps you in the dipped position. A blush bloomed across your cheeks however instead of looking away a little embarrassed you gaze up at her coyly. “Sooo.” You try to catch your breath. “I guess you made your break through?” You lose your words as you get swept up by the heterochromatic eyes. Successfully forgetting your own worries for a minute.

Moira chuckles, enjoying your reaction “We're celebrating tonight darling.” She helps you get back onto your feet then goes to her mini fridge and pulls a bottle of wine with her. She hands you a wine and glass. And pours you a cup.

“I can believe the booze, but did you seriously already have glasses in here?” You say looking at the stem ware.

She chuckles as she pours herself a glass. “You left them here during a date when our relationship was still secret.” She smiles

You raise the cup in her honor, a prideful smile touching your lips and eyes as you gaze adoringly at the woman you loved. “To your success, Your paper, and your triumphs.” She clinks her glasses against your own

“My career is going to reach new heights. My paper is going to change the world. The secrets of the world are mine to uncover.” She smiles, grabbing your hands. One of her fingers traces your cheek bones. “Our life is going to change.”

Chapter Text

You sit in Moira’s lab enjoying a cup of coffee with her. The light from the windows display soft blues and purples that mix in the skies indicating night fall. “That pig.” Is the first thing Moira grunts as you tell her what had happened. It had been a day since Moira had published her paper. The report had gone along smoothly enough. But you had made an enemy out of the commander. “I can’t believe he’s allowed to throw his weight around as he pleases.” She bristles. “Disgraceful.”

You titter a bit enjoying Moira’s anger. “Right! Like I get that it’s his thing but come on! Not even Morrison is like that.” You sort some cards playing a game of solitaire with yourself as Moira plays sudoku.

“Well he’s just annoying in every other way,” Moira grimaces, her attention focused on the paper. “I suppose that Jack and Gabriel at least show some modicum of respect for the people who obey they’re commands.”

“I’ve heard good things about them from the mates at my breakfast table, Though I heard that the two of them might be in a relationship.” You elude as you shuffle through cards.

Moira smirks, her pen scratching away. “What do you mean might? Just look at them.”

You laugh though pause as the door slides open. “Excuse me!” A little girl skips into the lab. “I was told to bring you this.” She skips up to Moira holding out a package.

“Pharah, so good to see you.” You smile as Moira takes the package. “Hows school been?”

She looks up at you, finding your question a little funny. “Why is it that adults always ask about school?”

“Because it’s important.” Moira mutters as her eyes scan the yellow packet reading a note that had been scribbled on the front.

“Well that and the fact that I can probably relate to school better than new pop culture trends.” You smile hoping you explained it well.

Pharah chuckles. “It’s still funny. And besides we could talk about my uncles who are totally together.” She smiles mischievously. Moira glances away from the package to look at her approvingly.

You stare a little surprised. “Oh umm. I mean…” Your mind becomes a little panicked, not sure how to react. Should you send her away? But then there was that speck of information

“Moira.” Pharah laughs. “Your girlfriend's glitching.” She giggles. Watching you as you try to come up with something to say.

Moira places the packet down. Looking down at Pharah. “Why don’t you run along Pharah, thank you for the delivery.” She giggles and skips out of the lab. The two little braids in her hair flying alongside her. Turning back to you she chuckles. “I suppose she would know best about our dear commander's relationship status.”

You sigh, resting your chin on your hand. “Watching you interact with kids is the most entertaining thing.” You chuckle, half laughing at your own panic when dealing with Pharah. “Why do they like you so much?”

Moira shrugs. “You're asking me. When my friends had kids I taught them to cuss just so their parents would keep them away from me.”

“Oooh I see.” You chuckle. “You treat them like their adults.”

Moira looks at you confused, her eyes narrowed and her brow knit. “What? That's-” she shakes her head. Holding up the package she smirks. “All that aside, my paper is currently being circulated. Right now it’s being read by thousands of scholars across the world as we speak.” She smiles, “My life's mission is coming to fruition.” She looks at the packet lovingly pulling out a printed copy of her lab report.

“Do you want to hang it up?” You ask, admiring the pristine sheets. “I bet it will look lovely in the lab.”

“As like sheet by sheet?” She asks, confused. “I mean It would probably be the cover with my name and the project written on it.”

“Speaking of which, I got you a little something.” You pull a little sparkly bag from your computer bag. She arches an eyebrow, a little surprised. Plucking the tissue paper from the decorative bag she pulls out a small box that fits in her hand. “Wait, are you-?” She quickly opens the box. Her expression explodes with a smile. “Did you?” Her chuckle turns into a full whole hearted cackle. Unable to speak, she wipes her eyes of tears. You’d never seen her laugh so hard or genuinely before. “(y/n) this is too beautiful.” She cackles attempting to hold the small box upright in her hand.

You laugh along with her as the initial shock fades. Finding the joke hilarious yourself. “I know you hate Valentine's day but I hope that since I’ve dodged the hub bub you can enjoy my little gift.”

“Oh greatly!” She says attempting to get her laughter under control. She places the box down. Inside rests a sheep's heart. “This is the funniest thing I have ever seen. She cackles attempting to regain her composure.

“Dr. Zeigler was doing a dissection with some kids and let me keep one.” You laugh. “She was so confused when I asked to have one.”

Moira slightly regains her calm. Her eyes are still watering. “You may know me too well. Thank you.” her sudoku sheet forgotten to her side as she stares at the fleshy muscle.

“You're very welcome.” You smile brightly. As Moira takes a photo of the heart you smile happy she found the gift funny. Moira hated Valentine's Day for multiple reasons. But one thing she hated was the anatomically incorrect hearts. You had planned to give her a card with anatomically correct hearts drawn on it, but this was too perfect. As you chat you ask her. “Do you want to do anything this weekend? I’m getting deployed for this mission thing for a week.”

“I’ll be busy with conferences most likely.” She apologizes “I’ll presenting my findings in a scientific conference.”

“Oooh that sounds exciting,” you smile. “I can see it now. DNA the musical. Casted live as a one woman show!” You raise your arms with grandeur. “Theater kids will be talking about this for years! Drama turgs will half have PHD’s just to understand your brilliance.”

Moira rolls her eyes. “As fun as that would be, it's just a simple symposium. Like what I took you on for our first date.” She smiles, chuckling. “But could you imagine. I mean what would a “DNA Musical” even look like?”

Your tone dramatic, you get up from your seat and begin to twirl catching Moira off guard. “The show would start off with a dark stage, and from the darkness emerges a DNA strand.” You enunciate as you twirl. “Then all of a sudden the Helicase comes down and cuts the DNA in half.” You fall to the floor Dramatically. Moira chuckles as you reach your hand suddenly grips against the table. You draw yourself up pretending to be weak. “The DNA strand must find the one it’s lost.” You stand up right chuckling as you take a seat again.

Moira polity golf claps for you. “Well done, dear, well done. I must say I’m surprised you even remember that.”

“Please Moira you flatter.” You smirk. “And besides just look at me.” You flip your hair. “Clearly I was meant to be a great geneticist.”

Moira chuckles. “For someone who had a shitty day I’m surprised by how energetic you are.” You smile sweetly. It wasn't a surprise, or at least for you. You weren’t even really aware you were doing it. And yet being around Moira always managed to make you feel at ease. Despite if it was real or something you did to pretend. “(y/n) I hope you don’t mind me asking but, I was curious if you’ve ever considered our future?”

You freeze, keeping eye contact with her but wanting to hide under the table. “Great Segue darling.” You say slowly. Shaking your head you try to shake off any insecurities. “Sorry this is a tad strange umm.”

“If you don’t want to talk about it I understand.” Moira states backing away.

You squirm a bit. It wasn’t like you didn’t want to talk about it but something about the subject felt wrong. Or perhaps a better word would simply be strange. New territory you weren’t sure how to traverse or talk about. “Ummmm yeah.”

Chapter Text

You're in an unmarked van listening to comms and carefully watching different screens. You watch various overwatch operatives mill about a casino pretending to be average patrons to the casino. “The omnic you're looking for is playing at the black jack table at the end of this row.” You hear your commander instruct and watch as the team curves down the black jack tables. They obeyed and executed the action in a way that looked natural and purposeful.

Gérard Lacroix sits behind the two of you taking his own notes. You watch as they approach the omnic. He had what would equate to black hair and black pointed goatee. The group talks with him jovially. He hands them a lighter. Your eyes watch intently on the package. Supposedly this was supposed to help the details that would lead the team to more information regarding Talon. With the package delivered you watch your team leader. They murmur into the mic their eyes fixed on different areas of the screen “Good job. Now chrysalis bring it back to the nest. The rest of you await further instructions.

You watch as she apologizes to the host and makes her way from the casino. A few moments later she knocks on the door. A small SD card in her hand and the shell of the lighter cracked. “This should do it.” She says handing it over to one of the techs.

You watch as the chip trades hands and is immediately plugged into the computer. “Let's see what Max has to give us.” He turns to look at the monitors, Gérard joining his gaze.

The Van stays parked as you finish your own observations, leaning against the chair your job as of now done. You notice Moira sends you a text altering you that she's leaving for her lecture. She attaches an image of the suit she’ll be wearing. “Does it look good?” She asks.

You chuckle quickly texting her back. “You look cute.”

“Oh mon Dieu! [oh my god]” Gérard shouts, his eyes ablaze. You look up and scramble over to the monitor the two are looking at.

“What's going on?” Your commander asks, leaning to take a look at the monitor

“As we know, over the last year different Overwatch bases have been targets of terrorism. We thought originally it was simply a variety of different gangs who wanted to uproot their local Overwatch chapter. But this chip connects them all back to talon.

You lean in to look at the business transactions, documents, and agreements. The name Antiono popping up on them all. You watch mesmerized as document after document pops up. Your voice murmurs as you attempt to intact the information “Why would Max have so much information?”

“When I was tracking down leads there was a mention of the omnic. He’s some business man who claims that he was forced to work with Talon.” Gérard says as he begins to frantically write down statements. “I doubt it. But I know he doesn’t agree with the Talon model right now.

You lean over to look at the live feed. The Omnic seemed innocent enough. Still you wanted to know what was going on behind his still metal face. “Commander, do we plan to arrest him?”

“As of now, no.” They say standing up. Looking to Gérard they command, “I believe you want more information out of the omic correct?”

He nods his head emphatically, a keen smile spreading across his lips, He playfully banters, “please commander, I just got a breakthrough on the case. Of course I want to interview the man further.”

You smile feeling the new found energy in the car. Your soul almost flutters as you turn back to the live feed. There was a certain feeling in the van that was reminiscent of the old days of overwatch. “I suppose.” You say smirking. “We get to celebrate a bit.”

Hours had passed. The van was now parked at the safe house. You sit in the van and send a quick text to Moira asking how the lecture went. Closing your eyes to enjoy the quiet. There was no other noise except the whine of monitors accompanied by the buzz of an empty room. Your commander opens the door and sighs looking down at you. “Are you okay (y/n)?” They ask sincerely.

“I’m sorry commander.” You say easing yourself from the chair. “I’ll get to analyzing the data that was gathered now.” You make your way from the van inside the safe house. Inside there's a small celebration. The safe house was a crappy little apartment that almost looked like a crack den. The carpet that covered the apartment was thin and dirty. The linoleum’s corners in the kitchen peeled up making uneven bumps and edges. The wall was covered by the ghost of what used to hang there. Large segments of wall that a cleanish rectangle printed against it.

You join the party on the floor scooping Chinese take out onto a styrofoam plate. You’d change your plans for the week based off tonight's events later. For now you enjoyed watching Gérard and the guy who was analyzing the disk throw pieces of chicken at each other trying to catch it in their mouths. “How on earth did you get married to a ballerina with a personality like that?” Your commander chuckles as they take a seat on the ancient couch.

“It’s all in the mustache.” He laughs, wiping his mouth.

You chuckle teasingly. “I was going to say that you danced your way into her heart.” His expression erupts into a hearty laugh.

“Yeah thanks.” He grins playfully, punching you playfully in the arm.

The four of you eat dinner, make fun of each other, and discuss how the mission went. You chuckle while eating. "I can't believe that the operatives got to stay in the casino's hotel."

"I mean it's all for the illusion" You commander interjects. "Besides look at how comfy this this." They smile gesturing to the room around you.

"Super swanky and posh." You smirk picking at some of your food.

Dinner wraps up and your commander as well as the tech guy go into the other room to sleep. Your laptop sits on your lap as you cross reference your earlier plans. You look to Gérard who smiles softly while texting someone on his phone. “Has there been, slash, do you think that there is any other talon presence here?”

“Well that's what we're here to find out I suppose.” He says taking a sip from his water. “In all honesty.”

“Oh please do be honest.” You chuckle interrupting him. You felt comfortable around him like he was your brother, finding the way he poked back at your teasing amusing.

He snickers, “yeah, I think it will.”

“If the casino is somehow important I’d assume that more of Talon operatives would be stationed around it.” You say considering your computer. “I’d assume they might integrate into other businesses around the area. Unless they have consolidated all their funds into the casinos. We might want to check the shops that operate inside it.” You say thinking aloud.

“Exactly my thoughts,” he ponders. The room becomes quiet when you suddenly realize you have a question for him.

Your tone soft and friendly, you ask casually. “I hope you don’t mind if I ask this but. How is it being married while being in Overwatch?”

He chuckles quietly. “Scary. My wife was recently kidnapped ya know. We got her back thankfully. But that fear has been with me for a while. Don’t get me wrong I love my work, and knowing that I’m protecting me dear Amélie makes me stronger for it.”

You look at him thinking. You then venture. “So is it really worth it? Despite the fear, the late hours. Is it really…” You look for the word hating that whenever you tried to think recently you couldn’t say what you meant.

“Well why do you want to know?” He asks, cocking his head.

You chuckle, hiding your face with your hand. “I have a girlfriend. She’s one of the geneticists in Overwatch. And the other night she wanted to talk about our future, I’m a little concerned about how it would conflict with Overwatch.”

“Ooooh you're the one dating Moira.” He says as the realization dawns on him. “I get the idea your concern lies in the marriage aspect itself” He smiles kindly. “Would that be correct?”

“I don’t know.” You say re-hiding your face with your hands. “I don’t know why I’m acting like this. I feel like a child.” You chuckle, you laugh dry and tired.

“Well I hope that it works out for you.” He says standing up from the floor. “Night (y/n).” He smiles as he leaves the room.

“Night Gérard.” You wave as you look back at your computer. Checking your phone you see the message you sent earlier to Moira pop up as read. You type out another text thinking she forgot to write anything back. Checking your phone a few moments later you see it marked read again. You watch your phone expectantly. Minutes pass as you wait for Moira to respond. Concerned you text her. “Everything okay?” Again read registers on your phone.

Chapter Text

You're freshly back from the mission. You stride down the halls of overwatch as you make your way to Moira’s lab. Your phone gripped tightly in your hand. It took everything in your beginning not to spirit her office. “She’s probably just busy.” You try to justify in your mind.

“Hey are you okay?” Angela grabs your arm from behind. You scream with surprise and turn on the spot your arm raised ready to attack.

“Oh sorry there.” You smile awkwardly, lowering your arm. As you focus on her face you look at her confused. Instead of the normal playful vibe she had there was concern and seriousness in his eyes. “What?” You say concerned through an awkward smile.

She looks around nervous “Listen, I know you're a very private person but has…well. Has Moira ever abused you?”

You look at her indigently. Your mind reels from the question. “Excuse me?” Why the hell would she be asking? Your attention focused on her you wait for some sort of response.

She starts speaking quickly, tripping over her words. “Maybe I phrased that wrong.”

You stare her down, your tone edged with danger. “I suppose you did.”

She backs away. “Look. I just want to make sure everything is fine. That she has not exhibited manipulative behavior.” Angelia looks to the sides nervously. “I’m not saying this to try and get with you if that's what you're thinking.” She says putting her hands up defensively.

The hall seemed to echo with each word they said. Windowless panels felt like a cage that you were trapped in. Your brow furrows. At least you got one question answered but you look at her confused. “What does that mean?”

She snaps back annoyed, her own tone dashed with threat. “It means that I’m concerned for your well being. Have you read Moira’s paper?”

“Yeah.” You cross your arms wanting to run to the lab. But something in Angela's eyes kept your feet stationed there. ”It was long and I didn’t understand all of it.”

She sighs exasperated. You wait for her to say something. Anything. “She's not everything you think she is.”

You turn on your heel speed walking to Moira’s lab. Instead of trying to think of rationale reasons she might not pick up your mind considered other darker explanations. You reach her lab the two large doors stopping short. Normally they would slide open for you as soon as you were 2 feet away. Now they stand tall and unmoving. “Athena! Open the door.” You shout. Your voice echoes down the empty eerie halls.

“Negative.” She replies. “Door is locked.”

You pound on the door. “Moira!” Panic was now on full boil. Every dangerous situation filtered through your head. Images of Moira unresponsive float through your brain as your heart beats faster. You file though your wallet for a key card Moira had given you for whenever the lab would be locked. Hastily you press it into a blue box on the door.

The door slowly creaks open. Revealing the lab submerged in darkness. You pause as the light from the door illuminates tables. Large pieces of machinery that had been there before were now gone. They left a vacant recess that made your heart somehow beat faster. You can barely see a thing as you move forward the door relocking as you venture in. “Moira?” Your voice ventures into the dark. Concerned you ask the dark. “Moira, are you here?”

You can hear the rustling of papers. Moira emerges like a black blob from her desk. She stumbles from the tables emerging into the faint light cast by the moon filtering through the windows. “Dia duit grá.[Hello there love]” Her voice slurs as she speaks Irish.

You stare at her surprised. You clamor your way up to her knowing the layout of the lab perfectly. Moira’s hair was a mess that fell loose about her eyes, compromised from the neat way she normally had it styled. Her black button up shirt was unbuttoned revealing her black bra and toned abs.

“You should take a seat.” You say concerned trying to keep your attention trained on her face, taking her hand and trying to locate where her desk would be in the dark.

She smirks and grabs your arm pushing you against a lab bench. She looks down at you, her eyes playfully watch your face look at her in surprise. Not like this was an abnormal picture for the two of you. But she’d never been this drunk before. “You're so pretty.” She leans her face an inch away from your face so that you can smell the whisky on her breath.

“Listen what's been going on?” You plead panicked.

Moira pushes her body against you. Her fingers tracing your jawline before slithering down your neck down to the buttons of your shirt. The sensation tingles against your skin. You blink before reluctantly pushing her hand away. You reach your hands up to cup her face. She lets you draw her face down to your eye level. You look at her seriously. “Moira, what happened?” Your tone quivers though is unyielding.

She looks at you adoringly. Her eyes training on your own. As your eye gets used to the dark you see a broken case of vials on the ground that Moira had kicked aside.

You step away shouting. “Athena turn up the lights but keep them dim!” The lights come on, and you see the dark circles under Moira’s eyes. Gently pushing her off yourself you run to the coffee maker and freeze. Most of the lab equipment was gone. So that the lab itself seemed barren and empty. You bring back a cup of black coffee to Moira and watch her drink it all down.

She shakes her head seemingly less drunk but only slightly. “What time is it?” She mumbles. You check your watch, 12:38 am. She sighs bitterly and continues sipping at the bitter liquid.

“I’m worried about you. What happened?” You plead, taking her hand in your own. You try to make eye contact with her though she glowers down at her coffee mug. “Can you at least tell what the hell happened to you lab?”

She laughs a cruel harsh laugh. “Not my lab any more.” You stare at her surprised. You wanted to back away but you anchor yourself to her hand. “They said I was unethical. That this “Unchecked” scientific advancement that caused the omnic crisis. Ha!” She spits the laugh like a vile piece of gum. Her hands wrapped around her coffee mug.

You glance at her arm. Blue pressure bandage had been wrapped tightly around a gauze. The skin around it was a deep purple. “And the bandage?” You ask, saying the words slowly but deliberately.

Moira chuckles again in the cruel laugh. “Advancement.” She murmurs. She flexes the arm with the bandage, stretching it out to admire where purple peaked from the bandage. Her veins are tinged purple and as she stretches the arm the pads on her hand glow. Though you weren't sure if that was a trick of the light or not.

You sigh and look at her concerned. “What's going to happen to you?” Taking her hand in your own.

Her eyes finally meet yours. You’d never seen them so driven before. Any tenderness you were used to, was gone in her eyes. You place a gentle hand on her cheek. She almost doesn't react simply staring back into your eyes. “I’m not sure.”

Chapter Text

The night before you had helped Moira get back to her dorm. She had been in a particularly foul mood. Striding down the hall, her fists clenched her scowl fixed on her face. What made you attempt to conceal your amusement was her adorable drunken walk that made her steps swerve around the hall. Her body attempted to keep composure while her hips moved like a gas station tube man. You’d managed to tuck her into bed and placed some vitamins in a cup beside her table.

She had eyed you like an annoyed cat. Not annoyed with you but at overwatch. She pulled the covers above her cheek to conceal part of her face, mumbling incoherent nonsense. You had chuckled a bit. Moira hated it when anyone saw her sleeping. Once you had taken a photo of her when she fell asleep on her computer. she hated how her cheeks mushed like mochi against the board. You had left her room retreating to your own dorm.

At breakfast that morning you feel stares and whispers trail behind you as you walk through the tables. The unsettling feeling of being watched lingered on your neck. You felt something was being judged about you. What? Who knew. You straighten your posture a bit. Taking a seat at your normal table. The agents who enjoy their breakfast don’t react differently to your presence as you set your tray down. “Good morning (y/n)! Are you feeling alright? Ya look like shit.” Viviane asks, sliding a mug of coffee over. “Was it that week-long mission?”

You gratefully accept the coffee and drain it until the liquid clings to the curves at the bottom of the white ceramic mug. The bitter liquid washes away the tart taste of your toothpaste. Feeling the kick of energy you meet Viviane's gaze, sighing at her comment. “Wow I put on only my finest uniform. I would hate to look so unseemly.” You grunt sarcastically. Your mind is preoccupied with the night before. Wondering what the hell happened.

“Woah. I heard it was a long Mission but I didn’t realize it would take this much out of you.” Tracer comments, tearing her attention away from her previous conversation to look at you.

“It was…Interesting.” You laugh, your demeanor changing as you lose your grip. Yes mission had taken a lot of your energy but now what had your mind preoccupied was the night before. “It was sooo long! Don’t get me wrong, any chance I get to sleep in someone's retired crack den is a good night but hey,” You shrug happily as they’re looks of concern go away at the appearance of your “normal self”. “Who can’t say that getting to watch rich people for a week isn't some sort of entertainment on its own.”

“Girl Ya got to just watch proper missions.” Viviane laughs pointing her fork at you. Pieces of egg sliping from the metal prongs onto her plate. “If you watch over our missions, you'll never be bored. It’ll be 24/7 entertainment.”

You smirk, “Yeah, because those missions are sooo anxiety free” Tracer giggles in response laughing into her coffee.

You can’t concentrate on your work as you flip through the tabs of your computer. From behind you an unseen pair of boots marches towards your cubicle. Your heart sinks as you grit your teeth. “Morning (L/n).” Commander Reyes says standing at the edge of your cubicle. “Did you get my email?”

You blink at him for a second not expecting it would be him paying you a visit. You rarely got an email from him much less Reyes actually trudging to your office. You normally skurried to where blackwatch kept their equipment if he needed something from you. “Umm. Let me see.” You turn to look back at your computer and click around.

“Here lets go to the meeting room.” He grunts pointing a thumb to a meeting room. You follow him as he closes the door, turning to you seriously. “I'll sum it up.” He barks interrupting you. “I’ve asked Moira to join my team. I know that the two of you are together, I don’t know if I can have you analyzing missions.

He robs you of words as your mind begins running. Different thoughts sprouting from the information he just gave you. Your involvement, your clearance of knowing what Blackwatch did was the last thing from merely your own skill keeping you in your position. You understood his concern. But. “Sir I have been the one examining your missions the longest. I understand whats going on in your group better than anyone.”

“Listen I’m sorry that I have to request another analyst. But I’m sure your replacement will be plenty competent.”

You pace outside Moira’s dorm as you talk yourself into entering her room. Taking a deep breath you knock on the door. “One moment.” You hear her shuffling around the room before she opens the door wearing her lab coat haphazardly around her shoulder. “Oh, it’s only you.” She sighs relieved, stepping aside to let you in.

“Geez thanks,” you smirk awkwardly. You look around her room, which was cramped with boxes filling the corners of her dorm. “Have they been pestering you really that much?”

She sighs leaning against the desk exhausted. Her brow tense. “It’s been tiresome how instent they’ve been.” She pulls the lab coat off, throwing it over a chair. Your eyes widen surprised, your attention fixates on her purple appendage. Dark purple veins popped through the skin on her now purple right arm. Gauze and pressure bandage were still pressed into the crook of her elbow. She continues by grimacing. “They are revoking my name from different projects I’ve worked on. My name is now a literal joke among some circles ya know. Oh and I’ve had to make Athena scan through my emails form my detractors.”

“You're kidding!” You spurt angrily. You weren’t even properly aware of what you had said. It vaulting from your mouth like a knee jerk reaction. “On what grounds? What on earth would make them treat your break through so callously?”

Moira’s expression softens slightly, her tired grimace still weaved along her lips. She murmurs. “Exactly. I-” She rubs her temples. “I don’t know what's going to happen. As of right now I’m transferring to another team. It will give me access to do field testing but I’ll be cut off from my other resources.”

“I hope that Blackwatch gives you some peace then.” You smile. Hoping she took it as kind. Your mind reeled. Knowing this information now. Part of you wanted to yell at her for ignoring your texts. You’d become near frantic. But as you watch her expression your words falter on your lips. Instead a traitorous smirk blooms softly “And hey I’ve been dealing with that group for a while now so if you need any insider information.”

She smirks. “Well It will be nice to have you as my thru line I suppose.” She chuckles to herself. The laugh is tired and satirical. “I don’t think Cassidy or Gengi like me. They seem iffy around me. It’s honestly comical.”

“I uhh. I don’t know. Cassidy is fun. Genji is well. Gengi.” You draw out your words as what you wanted to say nags at you. Moira cocks her head, curious waiting for you to speak. “Hey umm. Moira, can we talk? Not like we're not talking now, but I just want to know what's going to happen to us?“

“Nothing.” She states walking forward, placing her hands on your shoulders. Her cold fingers digging gently but reassuringly against your arm. You cringe slightly at the touch of her discolored hand. If she notices her expression didn’t change. “You will always be the most important person in my life.”

You stare at her a little surprised. Moira had gotten more comfortable telling you her feelings in the last few months. Where before to show her affection for you she would bend over you; now she found ways of articulating words into intoxicating spells to your soul. But her tone was different. An almost finality powered the statement. Your glance looks to the floor seeing the boxes that litter the floor. You can feel your throat tightening with tears. “I-I just-.”

She places a finger under your chin tilting your head up, you gaze into her tired and yet determined eyes. “I want you to trust me (y/n). Whatever happens, however much time we spend apart I will never change how I feel about you.”

“And Blackwatch?”

“Now now.” She coos. “I’ll be out a lot, yes.” She looks at her new uniform then back at you. “But hey. We’ll still be together, okay love?” She smiles, catching the first tear you shed with her thumb. The small salty droplet tingles agent your cheek, seeping back into your skin.

“Sorry.” You murmur backing away a smidge. Turning attempting to rid yourself of the onset of tears. You felt almost silly, you wanted to tell her your worries, but it comes out garbled and distorted. “I just.” The worry of losing your job, losing her. It made your thoughts puree into a sloppy mess.

Moira sighs, “Listen, this will be good for me. Time to stretch. I get to see my work on the field.” she says admiring her discolored hand with a loving smile.

You take a seat on her bed. The sheets are striped and thrown in a pile in the corner. Your mind attempts to calm down. The next best thing you can ask is, “What happened to your arm?”

Moira sighs slowly, easing herself to sit next to you. “Advancement took place. One hand gives.” Her clean healthy hand produces a golden hovering orb that floats gracefully above her outstretched fingers. Golden spools flying up from her fingertips. “And the other takes.” Her damaged hand produces a purple orb that also floats above her palm. You stare at both perfect spheres. Your hand reaches out to touch the purple one. Moira pulls it away from you allowing the orb to be sucked back into her hands. “You will be unwound if you touch this one.” She states, closing her hand.

“I understand why Reyes asked you to join him.” You chuckle softly. Turning to look at Moira’s hand then to your worried eyes. “Listen. I don’t want to see you get hurt okay? But you had this look when I found you yesterday, it was…” Well it was disturbing how apathetic it was. You look at Moira as she waits patiently for your response. “It was like you didn’t care about anything other than what they did to you and your experiments.” Moira keeps her gaze as worry continues to curve the lines of her face. “I just don’t know where our relationship is going to go. I know you say nothing will change. But I find that hard to believe. I don’t know if I’m cut out for long distance.” You finally admit. Saying it felt strange to your tongue.

She considers you. Surprised by your willingness to discuss your relationship. Remembering how you reacted when she brought up your future. Her brilliant eyes never breaking away from your own. “I won’t be out all the time. Unfortunately I won’t have my phone with me so any communication we have will be strictly professional. If you want to take a break I understand.”

“I don’t think I want that. I-” You hesitate before breathing it out. Your voice is slightly strained. “I feel a little selfish here.” You chuckle weakly. “I mean its just part of your job. I’ll just miss our late nights of handing out in the labs. I don’t understand why you were kicked from the lab.”

“(y/n) you know the caution that Overwatch casts because they don’t want fantastic ideas to spread. I’ve seen what they are truly now. They fear what they don’t understand. And try to contain what they think will ruin their shiny perfect image. When I performed the experiment on myself.” She raises her arm. “They didn’t like my active defiance against their shiny little reputation.”

You were about to protest, argue against what she said. Your own loyalties make you want to retort in some way. But as you looked into her eyes, and felt the subtle warmth of her cold hands you pause. The plans, the restrictions, the new motivations behind Overwatches direction. “Well true.” You mumble, fixing your gaze to the floor.

Moira cups your cheek. To look at her. Her cold touch is electrifying as she looks at you. “If we are meant to be we will find a way to make this relationship work.”

—-----

You sit in your office. Her touch maintains some sort of phantom feeling on your cheek that tingles. It felt almost like a half truth. You didn’t doubt that you could maintain some sort of relationship but you wanted to be by her side. Not checking the mission reports to make sure she hadn't gotten shot. You check the black watch mission statuses. Noting that they were to depart in 23 hours. Alvera had been debriefed on Blackwatch already. She had eagerly accepted the promotion. You noted as your access to higher clearance levels began to drop. Some tabs reading. “Not available.” You felt your job security flitting away. Granted you were talented. A hard worker. But Moira’s words sink in, you consider your own rebellion or refusal to go through with Overwatch operations. It’s not like you hadn't disobeyed orders before. It used to be that you would get yelled at but when it worked, your reputation bloosemed. Now, you looked more like a reckless blemish on Overwatch's shiny record.

Chapter Text

You cup your forehead murmuring annoyed. “Alvera I swear it’s not that bad.” The two of you stand in your cubicle trying to keep your voices low.

She sputters attempting to convince you to deliver her analysis report to Blackwatch. “Last time I interacted with them I addressed the cowboy as commander and gave them the wrong report. How was I supposed to know the guy with the beanie would be the one in charge!”

You wanted to laugh at her but maintain your composure. “You've been specially picked to analyze data for them! I bet they don’t even remember, or care for that matter.” You retort, almost shouting at her.

She stares at your annoyed, wanting to raise her own voice as well. “That's besides the point. I can’t just roll a nat 20 to gain confidence (y/n). I know what I did. Please, this one time. I just need to sit with it a bit. I can’t do it.”

You consider her. Alvera’s expression was desperate. On the one hand you didn’t want to be reprimanded by your superiors. On the other hand you wanted to see Moira before she left for her first mission. You’d panicked all day as images of her coming home hurt haunted your resting thoughts. “I can't, you've been in this business for 10 years. You can handle a team that is really not that scary. True they can be…”

Alvera huffs, “Don’t say “interesting”. Say it like it is. They are scary.”

You give her a look placing your hands on your hips. “Your library fines are scary. This is the job you have been doing for 10 years.” You reiterate. “They are like a pack of pit bulls. Scary on the outside. Pure potato on the inside.”

She rolls her eyes, smirking. “I get it. I just can’t deal with them yet. I know you can’t work with them anymore. And if anyone gives you crap for it I’ll take the blame. But I’m sure they won’t mind if you deliver this.” She pleads, taking the manilla envelope from her desk and pushing it towards you.

You passed what used to be Moira’s lab. The Envelope tucking between your arm and body. Some investigators poke around the cabinets of the lab while others inspect lab samples and solutions. You grumble slightly annoyed. You knew that if someone had an issue with you delivering the report that you’d get in trouble.

Blackwatch’s headquarters was a bit away from the main overwatch building. You exit an elevator and walk through an illuminated glass hallway that looks down into a courtyard garden. A few people walk the grounds holding important files. While some are couples handing out by the fountain and trees. You watch as a subtle touch of regret pervades your mind. You wished you and Moira had gotten to stroll the garden. You passed this sight often enough to deliver mission reports to Blackwatch, and had always imagined the two of you . You swiftly pass the sight attempting to think of answers to questions they might have for you. Wondering why you were there. The fear of being reprimanded for this errand whispers instantly at the back of your mind.

The scenery changes as people dressed in oil smeared jumpsuits lean against walls or push carts of machinery. You expertly pass down the spider web of halls.

The doors to the Black watch quarters looked inconspicuous enough. It was tucked away sure, but to any other observer it was simply a set of doors. You press your ID badge against a box next to the door. It beeps signaling that it doesn't recognize your ID number. “You're kidding me!” You mutter realizing your name had already been wiped from the system. You pound your fist against the doors. You doubted that they would actually open it. Still, you turn to look at the camera in the corner of the room, waving awkwardly.

A second later Cassidy opens the door, amusement and laughter crossing his face. “Well well. You rebelling against the system so you can see your girlfriend? That's really touching.” He leans against the door frame obstructing your entrance into the bay. Behind him you see their hanger. Large black concrete walls that looked cold and imposing.

Pushing past him you grumble under your breath. “Shut up.” You shuffle up to Reyes “Hello Commander Reyes.” Saluting him as you hold out the folder. He regards you curiously. You always found it a little funny how the blue of your uniform stuck out among the blacks and red of the Blackwatch hall. But now it only serves to make you feel like an outsider. Still you hold your ground and begin to explain, attempting to keep your tongue untangled from anxiety. “Sir, I know that I am no longer apart of this project. But everyone else is too scared to come down here and talk to you. I’m currently just the overpaid errand girl. You’ll find your new analyst has accounted for Doctor O'Deorain strengths and weaknesses.”

He flips open the tabs and begins looking at the documents. “I was curious if she was going to be thrown off about the time she handed us the wrong report.” He chuckles. “This bodes really well for her reputation.”

Relief sets over you at his tone. At least if you got in trouble it wouldn’t be from this group. Cassidy laughs walking to join you “I don’t know, I thought it was funny when she addressed me as commander. I guess I do look the part.” He strikes a pose making a check mark with his fingers that rests under his chin.

You eye him. Too easy. “Sure why wouldn’t an emo cowboy be the leader.” You laugh crossing your arms.

Reyes still examines the report but laughs. “She’s got you there Cassidy. I don’t particularly know why you keep the hat when in combat.”

“What is the point of this conversation?” Genji growls his tone low and menacing.

Cassidy, as if on cue, In a tone that mocks an instructional video says. “Well ya see we must partake in the subtle art of poking. Now this can be come by mild teasing, actual poking.” To prove his point he pokes your shoulder. “Or-”

“Knock it off.” Reyes grunts. Fanning him away with his hand.

“Yeah Cassidy that's not very professional.” You smile feeling at ease in the room. “And in front of your father.” You tease pointing to Reyes.

“Real mature (y/n).” Reyes grunts his eyes scanning the document. As he flips through the pages.

Normalcy wraps its warm arms around you as you rock back and fourth on your heels. “I don’t know what she said in the report. But I’m going to assume she said something along the lines of Doctor O'Deorain abilities would be best utilized in missions; she should use her damage orb things in the beginning of battle to help reduce opponents-” Your tone fades away as your attention is caught.

Moira strides into the room, her pace silent against the concrete of the vast space. She was dressed in her Blackwatch uniform. New magnificence accompanied her as she walk up to the group. What struck you as strange was the bulky contraction strapped to her back and chest. You glance away, turning your attention back to Reyes. Though you think about Moira’s new uniform. The sharp lines and color made her appear more intimidating than ever. Despite this your heart flutters a bit, you hope your cheeks don’t flush. Trying to keep your expression neutral. You suppose it was true what they said about women in uniform.

You wanted to say how beautiful she looked but you give her a kurt friendly nod.

“Okay thanks (y/n) I won’t keep you.” He says without looking up. “You can leave.” Moira watches you curiously. She seemed to see through the mask you put up knowing exactly how her appearance affected you.

When back at your office you give Alvera a cold glare. She smiles back appreciatively. You look around the office, not seeing anyone who might have a problem with what you had done. Your heart pounds against your chest. Plopping down at your desk your body goes limp sinking into the leather. Your back curving against the curves of the chair. “Alvera.” You call over the cubicle. “I hope that serving Blackwatch does you well.” You murmur staring up at the fluorescent lights and speckled ceiling panels above.

“Thanks? Everything good over there?”

“Yeah.” You reply attempting to feel any sense of peace in your body. Different thoughts of your mind fight for dominance for your attention. Your neck and back bloom with dull pain that lingers in your muscles. You were worried about Moira being in active combat. She hadn't seemed all that worried about it. But images of her lifeless body sitting in a medical bed rupture any attempt to hold onto logic. Your stomach felt hollow with concern as if a hand was digging through your intestines. The thought that you had never managed to talk to her about any semblance of a future with her poked at you. The feeling in your stomach tightens around your organs, discomfort making you squirm.

The idea of standing at the altar with her as she holds your hands. Your friends and family gathered around. The idea of a first dance, cutting the cake. The concept was magical and yet something about it felt so hard to articulate .

The Appearance of your commander walking through pulls you away. You sit stiffly watching them carefully from the corner of your eye. They walk past uninterested and tired on their way to the coffee maker. If you were getting in trouble it wouldn’t be now you supposed turning carefully to look at your work. Your mind wanders over to thinking about your job. The computer that sat wide open next to you displayed your mission reports and analysis. Current mission statuses from the Overwatch teams your section observed. Each tab was like a string for you to pull. If you really wanted to, all you had to do was pull a thread and poof! Catastrophe. Your attention snaps to a new email that pops into your inbox curiosity peaking at your interest.

You click open an email from Gerard. “GOOD NEWS! We’ve started taking down Talon outposts. Antonio Bartalotti is the man in charge of everything. As far as my team has been able to identify the leader of Talon. I need you to go through new information we’ve found. I’m sorry about the late notice.”

You tap open the attachment. A sly smile crosses your lips, the threads weaving themselves as you read through the documents. The report practically writes itself. You were fascinated by the way talon executed their strikes. It was almost artful their precision.

“Hey bestie.” Alvera interrupts your musing calling over the cubicle wall “ Moira should be back in 20. Ya know if you want to go see her or something.”

“Thanks 20.” You grunt, rubbing your eyes.

You wait at the hall and hear as voices get closer to the door. In your hands you hold a white bag of pastries and coffee. The metal doors slide open to allow Cassidy and Moira through. She wasn't wearing the strange device that protruded from her back. Relief coats you as you see her seemingly unharmed. A decidedly exhausted and mildly irritated look lingers on her face. Though as she notices you life enters her tired posture. Cassidy notices you and laughs, pinching his cigar from his mouth. “Ain't you a darling. I’ll let you two have some time.” He snickers pushing past you walking down the rest of the hall.

Moira glances at him reproachfully. You laugh awkwardly tapping your hands on your thighs. Not sure what to do with them. “Cool thanks.” You look at her and chuckle. “I brought you danishes, and your favorite coffee” You hold up the bag shaking it a bit.

Turning her attention away from Cassidy she looks down at the bag you present her lovingly. “Just like old times huh?” She reminisces referring to when you brought her meals. Accepting the bag gratefully she says. “They’re apparently taking me to a bar to celebrate my induction to their squad. If you'd like to join. I just need to get changed real quick.”

“Okay sounds good.” You smile. Taking a good look at her uniform you smile to yourself, “Might I say that uniform really does something to bring out that iliac crest of yours girl.” You coo, attempting to keep a chuckle out of your voice as you refer to her hips. Moira cackles walking into her room. You follow her spouting more biology lines. “Moira, I know it’s impossible but do you have tapetum in your eyes or are they just normally this glowing?”

“Stop.” Moira chuckles, covering her face with her hand, hating that she was laughing at the lines. “Must you be so cute?” She laughs, her tone playful as she removes her beret and armor. You look around the room as she searches through a box that sat on a plain black bed. The room was tiny compared to what she had before. It had only been hours since she’d moved in. Boxes had been pushed against the walls making the space feel even more cramped.

“I don’t know.” You smirk leaning against a closet. Reflecting her playful tone you smile. “Must your mandible and Maxilla look so enticing?”

“That one doesn’t even make sense.” Moira smirks, pulling on a mock turtleneck shirt that hugs her body. “Say medial and then you’ll have me as putty in your hands.” She smiles softly pinching your chin between her thumb and index finger.

You keep your head still enjoying her touch. “And you're not already from the pastries I've brought you?” You ask mock indigently as your laughs escape between words. Pointing to the bag that sits on a night stand. “Wow Moira, I thought what we had was special.”

“We do.” She smiles, leaning her mouth into your lips as she tilts your chin up. Placing a light tender kiss on you. “Ready to go?” She asks drawing away. Pulling on her coat.

You smile and nod. Any concern you had earlier for Moira gone. From her reaction the other night you thought that she might have changed completely. But there she was. Moira’s smile assured you with normalcy.

The bar was filled with Overwatch agents and workers. You, Moira, and Cassidy find a seat at a red plush booth. Reyes chats with Morrison, turning his attention to Moira as she arrives. “Well if it isn't the doctor of the hour. Good work tonight.” He says raising a glass of beer to her.

Moira smirks smugly. “You're too kind, Gabriel.” She purrs, fiddling with the drinks menu.

Morrison attempts to look comfortable though one look at his expression told you how strange this felt to him. You look at the Blackwatch members a bit excited “So I don’t think I’m technically allowed to know that much about what happened. But well…What transpired? I see no one is dead or injured so I assume that bodes well.”

“For someone who's never been in combat before she did very well.” Reyes smiles while taking a sip of his beer.

Moira laughs. “My experiments have yielded results that have proved rather multifaceted. A shame my work was shut down before I got to experiment more with the technology.” She smiles, though her tone had an edge to it like it was trying to slit Overwatch's good name.

You smile watching her speak. From the corner of your eye you glance at Cassidy. He gives Moira a creeped out look. As if he was disturbed by the mere existence of Moira. You look at him a bit confused. The normal playful demeanor he kept around you was now serious.

Chapter Text

It had been a few months since Moira had Joined Blackwatch. But you attempted to avoid her for the most part. Alvera would update you with tidbits of information. Handing you heavily redacted packets of what had happened. It had been a while since the two of you had gotten to hang out. Moira would occasionally text you. Though her texts were dry and it was like an old woman was sending them.

You sit in a boardroom waiting for the meeting to start. You text Moira not sure if she was back yet. Suddenly Sojourn leans over your shoulder to look at your phone. “Aww are you missing Moira?” She asks, chuckling.

“Come on.” You smile cheekily pushing her back with your hand as you side eye her. “Of course I am. Hell you're one to talk, Didn’t you have a facetime chat with murphy?.” You ask, referring to her dog. Sojourn rolls her eyes and flips you off playfully.

Tracer leans in across the table. “I humbly welcome you to having a relationship with someone on active duty. Emily really hates it when I’m gone for a week without texting her.”

“Gosh, my family forgets that I’ll be on a mission so when I get to check my phone again I’ll have 200 messages from them asking if I’m still alive.” Sojourn sighs resting her chin on her hand. “I mean I get it. It’s tough. They never know if I’m okay or being moody.”

“Don’t get me started.” Tracer laughs. “My mum scolded me once for not letting her know I’d be off. It’s not like I can even tell her.” She says leaning against the chair.

“Good Morning everyone.” Your commander greets the boardroom smiling at the Overwatch agents. “I’ve noted that everyone’s missions have been going smoother than normal so great job.” You say clapping. You glance at Angela who sits among the cadets. She smiles to herself proudly, you knew she had started joining battles which was one of the reasons they were doing so well. “Our current threats have been Talon and Null sector. Gérard if you will.” They say indicating the well dressed French man.

“Good Morning everyone!” He smiles standing up. “As we’ve targeted their operations discreetly, a time for a more frontal assault is now needed. That's where you fine people factor in.” He looks to you waiting for you to instruct the plan.

Staying in your seat everyone's attention focuses on you. “I’ve figured out that to gain the advantage we need to focus our forces on their outposts. We’ve started to cut down their resources which have already yielded reward.” As you spoke you could feel the respect in the room for you. Energy rippled through the room as you spoke and even you were feeling the anticipation. “Gérard’s team has already located where Talon intends to hit next. We want to cut the proverbial head of the snake by capturing Antonio. He's well protected so we have to do this legally. It will take a while but agents remember, we have to proceed as if he was any innocent civilian.” A few indigent whispers float about the room as you speak. The words felt dirty on your own tongue knowing how many people he had murdered in cold blood. Mission assignments are handed out and people begin to filter out of the room.

Sojourn approaches you. In a low, almost too casual tone she asks. “Hey, Want to go for a coffee break.”

“Sure...” You utter slowly unsure what to make of the interaction. Slowly getting up from the table she leads you outside and around the corner almost completely silent. She makes a turn into a conference room.

“So that darn economy.” Sojourn says in the same low tone. You look at her more confused than ever. About to call it as some weird bit she was doing other agents join you. “There you guys are.” Her persona breaks as people gather around. “(Y/n) we know you want them to do something more so that they can arrest the son of a bitch. I think we can possibly do something to help get you the information you need to do that. We’ve all discussed it.”

Fear pricks at you. You place your hands up defensively. “I don’t think I can do that. You guys have your own will but-”

One of them steps forward, “I can’t believe that you of all people would back down from this. You of all people know that if we were able to-”

You cut her off, annoyed. Speaking quickly and in a low tone “That's not the point. I can’t risk anything more. I’m already my department's “wild card”. I can’t be implicated in this, even if I agree with you.” They reflect your annoyed look. “Listen, it's not that I don’t want to.” Which was true. “But I can’t.” Which was not true. It wouldn’t be the first time. Even among these people. But if you were cut off, who knew when the next time you’d get to see Moira was. “It’s a good Idea don’t get me wrong.”

You're working in your office glowering down at your paperwork. They had been disappointed but Sojourn had given you a look you continued to ponder, had it been pity? Perhaps confusion, though even that felt wrong. You rifle through your paperwork looking for a specific document. “Where could you be, you little bastard?” You grumble.

All of a sudden you hear a loud bang that rocks the building. All manner of something hits you as you duck under your desk as what used to be the wall flyers at you knocking everything over. The sound of an explosion ripples through the air, your skin feeling every decibel of noise as your hair stands on edge. You can hear all manner of stuff hit your desk with violence. From where you kneel holding your hand over your neck protectively, you see your computer fly into the wall and watch as panels fall from the ceiling crumbling into jagged bits on the floor.

As the building stops shaking you push yourself up carefully and slowly gauge what the hell happened. Your ears rang as you look out at the crumbled walls. From different areas around the office you could see where ceilings had collapsed into your floor. Carefully maneuvering around debris you limp along the desiccated hall. Your leg aches from something you couldn’t see. Plaster dust covered every inch of the hallway in a thin ghostly layer. The world spins around you, unable to focus on one particular thing you lean against a wall for support as you attempt to breath anything other than plaster dust. Your back stung and it hurt to lean against the wall. Everything rung with the sound of the building settling.

You stumble through the collapsed walls looking for a way out. File cabinets have been flipped on their side and papers cover the ground like a fresh autumn morning. You could hear the distant groans of people trapped beneath concrete. Though the faint sunny light that streamed through the building's cracks relieved nothing. Your head sways black blots clouding your vision for a moment as you bend your knees determined not to faint. Alvera runs up to you panicked.

She had a gash that cut across her forehead. Crimson tendrils sweeping down her face like a paisley print. She seemed otherwise okay, though her brow creased as her attention focused on different things on your face. “(y/n) Are you okay.” Her voice was strangled as she grabs your arms holding onto you as if you would escape any moment. “You're bleeding.”

Her hand withdraws from your back, the blood dances from her fingertips to the ground in little droplets. That explained the burning sensation you supposed. Alvera still holds onto your shoulders attempting to get a grip though she looks at you scared for her life. Momentary clarity of the situation settles into your mind. You suddenly turn your attention around the office “Wait- where's the commander?” You look over her shoulder trying to find their office.

Alvera follows you limping toward their office. To your relief and subsequent horror they aren't there. Simply gone. Perhaps they were on coffee break? That thought would have to do for now. The building shakes slightly as distant sounds of falling buildings crash outside the two of you to begin walking. Checking any body who might be alive.

You maneuver through the halls and find a man buried under debris. You check his breathing and heart rate, feeling no pulse or breath. Alvera watches you curiously as she looks around nervously checking for anything that could fall. “What do you think caused the explosion?”

You begin compressions on the man's chest feeling his sternum against his heart with each push. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. “I don’t know.” 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. When Moira had first started dating you she had made sure you knew how to perform CPR. Granted you’d been certified when you were first hired by Overwatch. But Moira had been so paranoid about someone performing CPR on her incorrectly that she made you learn the EMT protocol. During that time she told you that she hated the normal “Staying Alive” song that people used to keep rhythm and thought it funnier to Use “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen. It felt rude now as your hands press into his chest. 20. 21. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. You mumble the words under your breath. “And another one gone, and another one gone. Another one bites the dust.”

You look at the man almost helplessly knowing that you should have some sort of mouth to mouth device. But you continue your compressions. “(y/n) I’m going to try and find help.” Alvera says as she runs down the hall.

You nod and begin to feel your head become light once more. Her footsteps fade away, or at least you thought that's what it was. You weren’t sure as the sounds around you became muffled. Your muscles that were aching with the compressions eases up. “No!” You shout, slapping your own cheek and returning abruptly to compressions. The pain stings against your bruised flesh. But it’s not enough as you black out. Falling limp onto the floor.

Ringing disrupts the weak sounds of shuffling and mute voices that funnel through the hall. The pain from the cuts and bruises suddenly hits you. The lacerations on your back sting with agony. You attempted to move. You hand planting itself into the floor to push yourself up. As you do this you feel pain riddle down your bones. You clench your teeth pushing yourself through the agony. Was your arm fractured? When had that happened? You proceed to black out once more.

An hour passed. If that, your senses are distorted with the mess. When you became slightly aware of your feelings. You could feel someone pushing two fingers into the flesh under your jaw bone moving their head close to your head to listen to your breathing. “She's alive!” You hear the women scream. Was that a German accent? You mumble incoherently but you merely feel Angela’s hand squeeze your own. “Come on dear.” She urges as you can feel two different people lift you onto a stretcher. “You're going to be alright.”

You nod in and out of consciousness as you hear sirens and alarms and screaming. So much noise. You can feel someone place an oxygen mask over your mouth. The smell of smoke blotted out as the smell of medical plastic replaces it.

The next thing you know you're airlifted into a hospital. Faceless doctors and nurses attend to your wounds. Treating your injuries, and assessing your burns and buries. “She has a distal frontal contusion on her right hand.” Some doctor says. Your mind attempts to process what he said. Your eyes just barely open. “Lacerations on her back.” You can feel the doctor pull up your shirt touching the long cuts on your back. You wince at the pain sucking a bit of air in that tastes like antiseptic. The world becomes ever so slightly more clear.

“She's responsive doctor.” The nurse responds eagerly, noting it down.

“Doctor Simmons!” Someone shouts into the room. “We have a patient who has a degloved left hand, 3rd degree burns on the face and neck. An emergency tracheostomy has already been performed.” You can feel the doctor tuck you back in and hear her heels click off to help the poor soul.

During the night you feel pain shift about your muscles. The painkillers wearing off. Your mind begins processing what had happened. You watch the news station wondering where the hell Moira was. Your phone was nowhere and any attempts to contact Moira had gone unanswered.

Angela walks up to your bed. “(y/n) is everything alright?”

You sigh. You didn’t want to see her, but she was the only familiar face. “Hello Angela.” You greet, your voice to your surprise was raspy. Clearing your throat you attempt to say in your even natural tone. “It still hurts but I think it’s better than whatever they are currently dealing with.” She nods glad. You venture to ask. “Do you know if Moira is out?”

She looks at you debating on how much to tell you. “She's-” Angela pauses before sighing. “She's on some mission right now. I don’t know how long she will be out.”

“Do you-”

“Listen (y/n).” She interrupts softly, maintaining a serious expression. “She is a resilient woman. I know that your concerned about her. But you and I both know her bite is harsher than her bark.”

“I just-” Never got to talk to her about how much you wanted to be with her. How much you wanted to walk the aisle. “I’m worried about her and I don’t want to be alone.”

“I know that I may not be the most friendly face to you right now. But I can assure you that I won’t abandon you.” She smiles softly, squeezing your hand reassuringly.

“Thank you Doctor.” A small smile pulls at your lips as you look at her. You knew that despite any negative feelings you had toward each other she was being honest.

Hours pass where you sit without a word from Moira. The sky had darkened and morning came to sweep it away. You sit up in your bed as the smell of breakfast mixes with antiseptic. A random show plays on a small hospital TV in the background. You turn your sleepy attention to it. Patients around you sleep through the program oblivious to the noise. You get your hands on the TV remote and start sorting through the available channels. Colors and voices fly by as you hit buttons. One image catches your attention. A photo of Cassidy in Blackwatch uniform is plastered on the screen. Panic melts over you as you turn up the volume.

“This just in.” the news anchor reports. “In the Bartalotti Manor tonight Overwatch operatives calling themselves Black watch have just murdered the billionaire tycoon Antonio Bartalotti. During a secretive mission to capture the man-”

You switch the channel to a new news station. Photos appeared as a side bar next to the anchor “The group calls themselves Blackwatch, an affiliate to Overwatch-”

The next one. More photos. “Images that were taken at the scene have show the bloodbath that-”

You hammer your call button frantically as you glimpse Moira’s figure on screen. “Doctor!” You call. Some of the patients blink at you annoyed.

From the doorway Angela hurries in concerned. “What's wrong?” She asks. A nurse follows her, taking the remote from your hand. The news reporters fading into the background.

“Doctor! please! You need to discharge me! I need to go! I need to go see them.” You Point frantically to the TV.

Angela puts her foot down assuming a tone. “She will probably come to you.” You knew that this was probably true but the urgency of the matter made you desperate. “Get some rest. I don’t care what happened on the news.” She tries to soothe.

“Angela! Please whatever needs to happen. I’m not that badly hurt. Surly there is someone who needs this bed more than I do.”

“You fainted! That's serious. You have multiple injuries.” Despite her words there was a twinge on her face that told you it was true. Or at least half true.

As if you were slipping a weapon from your belt you retort. “Moira is an accomplished doctor. If I become not fine then she’ll be able to care for me.” You watch Angela's expression carefully as you push her toward your point. This was your job after all.

“Fine-.”

You get a taxi to drive you to Overwatch HQ. The building that had housed your lovely breakfasts among Overwatch agents, the times you and Moira had danced and kissed in her lab, the office bets Alvera made. The building that housed it all was now moldering and destroyed. Different parts of the building still stand; scorch marks smeared the outside with ugly streaks. For the buildings that were confirmed to be structurally sound people filter in and out of them stress etched into each expression.

You walk quickly through concerned glances and looks directed your way. They would have probably stopped you as you limp through the halls with your arm in a cast. Maneuvering your way through the labyrinth of madness that was the hanger hallways you force your way through the black watch doors. They weren’t back yet and you took a seat in the hanger

You watch the plane come in for a landing. Cassidy yells at Reyes as they descend the ramp. “What were you thinking!” You’d never seen him so mad, much less at the man you knew he admired.

“That was stupid.” Genji grunts following them off the ship.

Reyes grimaces. “I will not apologize for what I did. Especially when it was needed!” He shouts. “It was quick and now it’s over.”

“Exactly.” Moira grimaces joining them. “Whether it was right or not is not the question-”

“I would disagree Doc!” Cassidy shouts. His face contorted as he attempted to reason with them.

“Will the two of you shut up.” Reyes silences them annoyed

You limp forward toward them. It would have been comical if the context wasn't so pitiful. “Guys?” You murmur weakly, your voice echoing across the space.

Moira turns initially confused at the sound of your voice. Her eyes narrow looking at your injuries “What happened?” Her tone and gaze sharpened into a cold spike. Indeed even Genji who seemed to always glower held worry in his expression.

You push past the question as fear snaps your attention “I got hit by the explosion-What happened?”

Reyes glares at you. “Why the hell are you here? You look like you should be in the hospital.” He grunts looking to Moira as he points his chin to you.

Without another word she scoops you into her arms swiftly walking away from the now trio into a room. You appreciate the assurance of her hold on you. You look back indignantly, although your coarse words falter as for the first time since the explosion you felt safe. She carefully places you onto an examination table. Moving quickly and frantically about the small lab space. Pulling anything an everything from bags. “What happened? What did the doctors say?” She asks, attempting to keep her tone under control as fear trembled under voice. Her hands push away the fabric of your cloths examining any injuries you have.

“I-” You look at her panic. It pains you a bit to see her so worried. “I’m not here because I’m injured.”

“What is it?” Moira snaps trying to pry the information from you.

Your heart pounds with adrenaline. You don’t know what makes you say it. But suddenly the words spill off your tongue as easily as if you had asked how she was doing. With your free hand you grab the collar of Moira’s shirt pulling her closer to you. “I really love you. I want to be with you for the rest of my life!” Moira becomes very still. The fingers that palpate a wound go still as she watches you concerned. “Doctor Moira O’dearian you are the love of my life.” You smile. Gazing up at her surprise that dumfounds her.

Chapter Text

Considering that only a few weeks ago your office had been blown to bits you were surprised at what speed they were able to set up an office area for your department. In a large empty hanger hundreds of desks and computers had been pushed in awkwardly. You type away as your department attempts to cut off any threats that could make Overwatch fall. Despite your arm in a sling your hand flew across the keyboard, jumping from key to key like a fleeing rabbit. Most people around you worked through injuries as well. Their new crutches leaning against their desks. And most everyone had some sort of medication in close proximity. The whole ordeal was like trying to hold a leaking bucket together with cheap duct tape.

Protesters had been picketing around the rubble of the era, their message clear on every sign and with every chant. “Dissolve Overwatch.” Money hemorrhaged as terrorist organizations became bolder, damage control efforts were fruitless. You’d seen Morrison popping tums like they were tic tacs. Turnover rates had risen in each department and supplies kept mysteriously went missing which made even your commander mistrustful of everyone under their watch. The Gilded cover of Overwatch flaked off in large ugly pieces. It was almost poetic. Moira had been in a particularly good mood despite all the meetings and court proceedings she had to attend. As much as you wanted to quit; your friends who had, had told you that companies were turning away people who worked at Overwatch.

Alvera had been in a relative down spiral as she had to try and mop up the BlackWatch conflict. Outside your department you’d seen her and Reyes at each others throats shouting at one another.

Reyes had looked like shit all week. His eyes bloodshot, his skin looked sallow compared to his normal gruff charm. You had observed Cassidy hovering around him demanding answers and forcing his help. Perhaps it was a trick of the light but your thought you saw black smoke emanate from Reyes' skin sometimes. However you’d been so stressed you didn’t know what your eyes were doing.

Walking up to the commander of the military division you hand him a package. He’d been in a particularly bad mood. Though you were so tired that you didn’t care what insults he shouted. “Hey! What the fuck is this?” He spits

You growl through stress breath, “The Blackwatch cleanup plans.”
“You know this would have been helpful if you had given it to me fucking yesterday!” He growls a vein popping in his neck. People glance in your direction but they were too tired themselves to react to the man’s blabbering.

“Sir-”

“I don’t want to hear it!” He shouts. You wondered what was on the line. Sure he’d been an ass all week but now even your layer of not caring was boiling thin. “You aren’t doing your damn job!”

“Hey!” You hadn’t known the woman when you’d first met her. Though you had learned all week that she was anything but helpful. She walks up to the two of you. The man turns and salutes her with respect. She nods her head then looks at you tired and disgusted. “Seriously? You were doing so well. Your Commander, bless their soul, spoke so highly of you.” You look at her confused and cross her arms. “It means (L/n) that you need to keep up with the work!”

Turning on your heel to hide your scowl you walk through the crowds of people. Hours pass as you seethe. All the strings to Overwatch hang in front of you as you type. All you needed to do was fudge some numbers. Though as you glance at Alvera you couldn’t bring yourself to pull it.

Suddenly on your computer an email pops up. Everyone’s computers beep with the notification. And the hanger becomes eerily quiet at the sudden mass email. The proceed symphony of clicks rings up around you. Immediately people begin to shout, standing up to protest the new email. They turn to your commander who holds their own laptop in surprise. They Begin attempting to calm the empty room as they read the email themselves. You turn to your own computer confused. The email was lengthy but the first few words hit you. “We regret to inform you that Overwatch will be disbanding.”

Your mind goes blank as your connection to the company is severed. “These bastards.” Alvera mumbles aggressively.

You wanted to laugh. So poetic. The tension in the room becomes palpable as people begin gathering around anyone who held power. Or, you supposed, once held power. You stare at the state of your desk. From the long aggravating week coffee cups littered the surface with other trash that had culminated in small piles. You can feel the laughter rattle internally through your person. Turning away from the crowd you bend down to hide the smile as bodies push past you to protest.

Avlera begins pocketing her pen and a mouse. She gave you a look that asked “What are you stealing?” She mutters to you “I want the ink cartridges.”

You meet her gaze and smile weakly. The shouts echoed deafeningly.

You hold your desk for support. There was a small photo of Moira that you had kept hidden under some books now tucked under your computer. Even when your relationship had been revealed you’d kept it hidden. Moira smiled at the person taking the photo. It had been taken when she had been back from college visiting family. She sat at a bench in a green park wearing a breezy button up. She sported a cute mullet long wisps of hair curling at the back of her neck.

You considered what was going to happen. The week had turned into a winding maze of time where days fluctuated from feeling long and listless; to short and overwhelming. Gereads death had struck you with pain though ultimately you got to bottle it, corking it with work. Though as your job slips away, the pain of his death hits you. The moment of viscous joy flickers as people begin to crowd around you. “I’m ready to go.” You say quickly as you swipe the photo from your desk and tuck it into your sling.

Alvera considers your expression confused. “Honey, are you okay?” You feel her hand rest on your shoulder.

“No. I.” Your voice breaks as you bow your head covering your eyes with your hand. “I just-” Your throat constricts not allowing another word to leave. “I’m sorry. Just.”

“Hey everything will be alright.” She coos wrapping you in a hug as shouts get louder around you.

You walk quickly through the building. What used to be peaceful halls were now always filled with people running. It was like the mall during the holidays and yet tipped with danger. You weave through people exiting the building. Moira joins your side walking swiftly. “Are you okay dear?” Her tone was even and neutral, despite the pandemonium around the two of you.

Exhausted You chuckle sardonically. “I don’t know if I am going to make it through the week.” The wear on your nerves had left you mentally drained. For days you had watched as the news nawed at the story like maggots. As you exit the building new shouting joins the clamor. Clearly they hadn’t gotten the news. Overwatch operatives guide you through a safe passage as people scream at the two of you.

One person screams holding their sign of the same line “FREE THE PEOPLE!”

“DOWN WITH OVERWATCH!”

“YEAH WALK AWAY!”

Moira glowers at them all holding your back protectively. Some people recognize Moira and shout at her. “Monster!!” Ever since her paper had been published people who had once been fans now spit at her feet.

One man confronts the two of you scowling “What is wrong with the two of you! I hope you-”

Moira Leans in very closely to the man. Every word she spoke was deliberate and dripped with death. “Sir would you kindly shut the fuck up? I don’t care what your feeble mind can conjure that will provide any intellectual thought into this conversation. So if you wouldn’t mind going home to your little sub reddit to whine, that would be very helpful.” She steals him of words and passes by him knocking deliberately into his sign.

A sudden sense of safety causes you to relax a bit. She towered over you and her glare was shot at anyone who dared to say something else to the two of you. Your heart pounds your eyes to the floor. You try to bottle all the stress back up just trying through this moment. You knew it wasn’t healthy, you knew it would come back worse. Yet you didn’t care, anything to escape. The streets around you turn from protesters to simple civilians living out their lives. Children play around, as couples in love walk around the street on their way to theaters and restaurants. Moira’s grip on your back loosens as you approach the hotel that you two had been in for the last week. You lean into her grasp not wanting her to let you go.

Her gaze flicks down to you a little surprised. Her glare softening concerned at the look of your shaken expression. “Hey is everything alright?” She asks her tone firm yet worried, holding open the door to the hotel. The lobby is a zoo of Overwatch agents. You’d never seen so many departments interacting with one another. It now dawns on you just how many of the rooms were taken by other Overwatch personnel. Or at least ex-Overwatch you supposed.

“Sorry umm.” Your gaze shifts as you walk with her to the elevator. “I’m just a little surprised.” It wasn't even because of the protesters. The initial shock of them had worn down the day after they first appeared. It had become the same white noise that Overwatch had become. This time though. It was the culmination of everything on top of getting fired.

Attempting to let it go, you sit in the room staring at your lap top. Yours and Moira's financial standings on your screen. You crossed referend the hotel websites and food costs in the area. Calculating how much the hotel would cost per night for the hotel waying the ramen bill. There was a certain amount of normalcy about the task. The planning the execution, the consideration of different external factors. As you worked you dove into the possibilities. From the corner of your eyes you kept watching Moira take a step in your direction then decide against it. Gaging if you were ready to talk.

By the 4th time she had done this you finally look up. If there was any time to let out the bottled feelings it would be now. Right? It was clear from Moiras expression that she wanted to console you. Though the idea of crying for who knew how long felt unbearable, your attention shifts back to your computer. “Do you want me to find you a bagel shop and some tea?” She asks tentatively from across the room.

“Yeah. I’d like that.” You respond not looking up.

She leaves the room and your left alone. A water bottle sits next to you on a night stand. You crack it open the little ring coming off it with the bottle top. “Crap.” Not wanting to stand up, you pocket the seal.

As you type away you get a text from Moira. “Is it okay if I’m a little late with your tea and bagel? Something just came up.”

A little perplexed, you give a thumbs up to the text and continue your work.

Maybe 40 minutes later the door unlocks and Moira steps inside. Though with each step she had a sense of purpose. She had a look on her face that was reminiscent of when she first made her break through. Her gaze glances to you an almost ethereal look in her eyes filled with purpose and power. “Hello love.” Her voice was precise and commanding. “How has your evening been?” She places the tea and the bagel on the nightstand.

You stare at her confused but answer her attempting to get your mind away from her tone to your work. “It’s going to be tight depending on what we do. We could possibly move back to your home town. Flat rates over there seem reasonable enough.” As you talk you get the idea that Moira wanted to say something. She smiled almost amused. You pause in your explanation to ask. “What is it?”

Moira smiles as she hangs her coat neatly up in the closet “I’m sorry. I quite honestly enjoy it when you talk about such business.” Clearing her throat she walks over to you. Her steps were confident. “There is a group that has recently contacted me. They asked me to meet with them today and well.” She smiles smugly. “Don’t worry. All I can say I suppose is that I’m sorry you had to do all this work.” Her eyes gleam as you look at her more confused than ever. A wicked smile then tells you. “Everything is going to be okay. We are going to thrive.”

Not sure how to respond, a snort escapes your nose. You quickly cover your mouth, surprised. “Sorry. Just-” You shake your head. “I’m not sure what you mean. You attempt to think straight as Moira’s current demeanor has your heart beating a mile a minute.

Continuing with her tone she places two firm hands on your shoulders holding you in place. “I am now working with a new organization. I’ve been unshackled. My work can now flourish due to my new benefactors. We’ll have to be in Italy by the end of the week but-”

You interrupt her looking at her bewildered. “Where in the green gables did you manage to do that? You can’t just-”

She takes her sentence back, her fingers digging to your shoulders. “I can assure you my new colleagues are a lifeline that is going to help us.”

You consider her nodding your head along with her words. She maintained a wild look in her eyes. “Moira, how did you come about this…?” Your hand waves around, “Don’t get me wrong this is amazing I just don’t know if it’s going to work.”

Moira finally takes her hands off your shoulders and takes a seat on the bed. She hesitates, her own confidence flickering before her eyes flash. “For the last few weeks we have been in correspondence. I’ve been doing some work with them. After a lengthy process just now they have officially inducted me into their numbers.”

You brain taps around, Moira watches the gears working in your head she gazes at you understandingly. You murmur. “Is there already a scheduled flight for Italy and do we have a flat?”

Moira smiles softly and hugs you. Your mind reeled from the information. Of course you didn’t think that Moira would be doubted into any con. And yet it felt too fortuitous. Your hands wrap around her body accepting the hug gratefully.

You sit on Moiras lap. She holds you against her chest resting her chin on your shoulder as the two of you watch the screen of your laptop. “Okay now to figure out my job I suppose.” You mutter pulling up your resume on your computer. “I’ve applied at a few different businesses. But they are concerned about my overwatch affiliations. I suppose now I need to look and see what Italy will provide.”

You felt a little gitty at the concept of moving in with Moira. When the two of you had moved into the hotel any excitement for finally “living” with one another had been pushed away by stress. Now however, you relished the possibilities.

Moiras jaw digs into the crook of your shoulder as she talks “You could teach. There are a few universities and colleges I’m sure could host you.”

You consider what she’s telling you. “I suppose. That could be interesting. But I doubt that I could make such a drastic change in my career.”

She cuddles you, burrowing her neck into yours.

“Wow that job interview must have made you feel really good.”

Ready for bed you lay down on your side of the bed as you hear the faucet from the bathroom hit the porcelain of the sink. The mattress wasn’t the most comfortable thing in the world. But the anxiety and stress made it feel like it was a bed made of clouds. The facet turns off and you can hear Moira walk over to the bed. You feel the sheets pull against your arm and the bed shift as she slips under the covers. With a click the room is extinguished into darkness.

You feel the bed shift and creek as she moves across the bed and wraps both arms around you tightly. Murmuring to you. “I promise that whatever happens I will always be by your side.” Her lips whisper into the back of your neck. Making the hairs quiver and faint brush of her breath. You couldn’t see it but you could feel her lips just centimeters away from your skin. Your body nearly squirmed with anticipation for her touch.

Her strong muscular arms wrap you in safety, spooning you into a warm embrace. Her lips nibbling at your neck. You squirm laughing. “Moira that tickles.” You laugh, enjoying the sensation every time her lips touch.

You can feel her smirk into your neck. “You're almost too sweet.” Her breath continues to make your neck tingle as she bends her head lower on your neck. You feel her gently nip the your skin making your body shiver. You weren’t sure why she was in such a playful mood but you certainly were not complaining. At the base of your neck you feel a hint of pain and pressure as Moira attaches her mouth to your skin. You savor the amazing feeling of her soft wet lips sucking the skin against her teeth. She squeezes you closer to her chest, one of her hands slips under your shirt and rests gently on your abdomen. The cool sensation shocks you for a second. It felt as if you had jumped into a cold stream isolated to where her hand sat. It travels no further, her thumb absentmindedly swaying along the edge of your ribs. Soon her lips leave the nape of your neck as she snuggles her nose against your neck. Your body relaxes against her arm as you hear Moira’s breath slow. “Good night.” You murmur comforted by her embrace.

The next few days are a rush of packing and planning. Moira seemed to enjoy watching you as you sorted out what was going on. You’d gotten so stressed that you’d started comparing the prices of different items. Scanning the grocery stores which in the new town seemed comprised of smaller independent stores. On top of all that Gérard’s funeral would be taking place before the two of you left. Moira had been slipping in and out of the room for varying periods of time. And every time she returned seemed lighter and happier.

Your phone pings as you dispose of liquids over 3.4 ounces. Moira’s name accompany the text. “Could you come up to the roof real quick?” The text gave no other context than the single bar of text. Sighing, you begin to walk out. Perhaps it would be nice to get some fresh air. Or however fresh the city's air could be. Grabbing Moira’s hoodie that said University of Cairo you walk out. It was the same hoodie she had thrown at you in the rain, and it still smelled like the rest of her closet. Sweet lavender with the sharp sent of ethanol.

The elevator ride up is slow as you feel the cables pull it slowly up. As the doors open you're greeted by a blast of crisp air that chills you to your bones. Snuggling into the hoodie a little more you look about the place. It was nicely decorated with shrubbery and benches. As you venture out of the elevator you didn’t see a living soul. Still you look about the area, your eyes scanning the brilliant night sky.

Stars dot the sky like a face of ethereal freckles. The light breeze plays with wisps of your hair as the smell of dirt and leaves floats about you. You look around the empty area as you wander through decorative fences and freeze as you lay eyes on her.

She wore a beautiful black tux. Long coat tails flap around her long slender legs, brilliant purple fabric lining the inside of the coat. You become a little slack jawed as you gaze at her grandeur. Becoming a little too aware of your own thrown together attire. “I am so sorry. I didn’t realize this was going to be a formal occasion.”

Moira stares at you, her heterochromatic eyes dancing over your face. “You look breathtaking darling.” She utters her voice floating across the space. Genuine love coating the sentence.

You blush burying your hands into your pockets walking closer to where she stands. The city lights that surround her cast her in a symphony of light. “Moira?” You stutter, your voice breathy. You thought this would be a cute get together to commemorate your recent move.

Moira takes a deep breath then carefully lowers herself onto her knee. Your heart begins racing as your attention follows her hands withdraw a black satin ring box from her pocket. Her sharp angular face a softened with kindness and love. Her voice is clear, each word a deliberate action. “(Y/n), Ever since I first met you I was captivated by your brilliance. Your optimistic nature has never stopped being inspirational to me. Every time I see you when I'm exhausted I'm filled with renewed energy to continue working. Your sensitivity an appreciated change from so many of my coworkers.” Her eyes dart away from your own briefly. The slightest blush crossing her cheeks, though the inflection of her voice doesn't change as she continues. “It feels a little peculiar to say it but I am always enthralled by your radiance. It feels shallow to compliment your looks." She smirks a bit her eyes darting away once more before returning to you. "But you are truly more magnificent than any sunrise, more breath taking than any waterfall, and more brilliant than any scientist in Overwatch. I treasure your trust, your integrity, and that beautiful smile.” You can hear the slightest sound of tears swim in the back of her throat. “If you don’t want to marry me I understand. If you're not ready to marry me I understand. If you want to go through premarital counseling I understand. But I will ask this now and perhaps in the future. Will you marry me?” She gently lifts the box and opens the lid displaying a black ring set with opals and diamonds.

Your eyes flick from her face to the exquisite ring. The sincerity of her words constricts your throat with tears that don’t yet show on your face. You attempt to speak, merely choked sounds squeak by your lips. You fall to both knees as you begin to cry. Moira slips the box into her pocket alarmed by your reaction.

You heave attempting to say the words. All you can do is fetch the ring from the water bottle lid. You weakly reach for Moira’s hand. Grasping her cold palm you look at her through watery eyes at her now distorted face. She gazed at you concerned not expecting this reaction from you. The stress from the last few weeks finally pop and spill down your cheeks as tears. You slip the plastic ring around her finger. “Yes.” You manage to choke through tears.