Brigitte noticed Reinhardt had already started warm-up exercises on the other side of the training area and made her way to meet him.
“You took your time.” Reinhardt said, chuckling.
“I was talking with a new member of the group.” Brigitte said, starting on her stretches.
“Oh! I must welcome them at dinner.” Reinhardt said loudly. “Who is it?”
“Genji’s brother, Hanzo.”
Reinhardt raised both eyebrows in surprise. “It seems that they made up. All things considered.”
“What do you mean?” Brigitte asked curiously, while stretching.
“Well.” Reinhardt said, debating on how much to say. “Did you ever hear the story of how Genji became partially cybernetic?”
“I know there was a family fight, and he ended up in Angela’s care, then joined Overwatch. Most of you kept it quiet.”
“Then it should probably be Genji that tells you, if he wishes to speak of it. I shall not spread rumors.”
“Alright.” Brigitte said, squinting slightly at Reinhardt. What could have been so bad, that Rein didn’t even want to talk about it. Besides, it wasn’t her place to pry, anyway. Though she was still confused, she let it go as they trained. Throwing over the punch mitts for Reinhardt to catch.
“How are you feeling?“ Reinhardt said, sliding the mitts on.
“Huh?“ Brigitte said after punching a few times into his palms.
“You got hit pretty hard in the last mission.“ Reinhardt said.
“Still somewhat sore, but I’m fine. Angela made several checkups and nothing was broken or worse.“
“Torbjorn would have my head on a stick if anything bad happened to you.“
“I know papa has some issues with my choices but I’m a grown woman. He and mama raised me to do what was right. Even if it’s tough. I wouldn’t change my decision for the world.”
“Even so, I don’t want you to go off and get yourself hurt needlessly.” Reinhardt said seriously, but a smile formed on his lips. “I can’t go losing my best squire.“
“I’m tougher than that.“ Brigitte said, playfully hitting Reinhardt on the arm.
-------- “So, how do you like your room? Not as fancy as Hanamura or whatever Akari offered you, but it’s comfy.” Genji said, chuckling. “Also, mine is next to you on the left as you leave.”
Hanzo looked around the room. Inside consisted of a bed, desk with computer, drawer, small closet, half-bath and what seemed to be clothes’s hamper.
“It will suffice.” He said, putting his bag on the drawer along with his bow, unpacking what little he had on him.
“You’ll make it something for yourself soon enough. Knowing Akari, she’s gonna find a way to send you stuff to decorate.” Genji said, commenting on his brother’s tone. “Too bad, it’s not big enough to have your old piano in here.”
“I don't want to be burdened with things I don't need.” Hanzo said bluntly.
“It’s alright to have a little corner to yourself. Before you do anything big, you should probably set this up. Winston planned it ahead to be connected to you, but you need a password. It doesn’t take too long.” Before going to the computer, Genji said.
The screen had ‘Name/codename’ and ‘Password’ across it. Hanzo typed his own name and a quick password.
A calm voice over the computer speakers spoke. “Welcome Hanzo Shimada. I am Athena, the Artificial Intelligence of the base. I will be your guide and helper for anything you need. Schedules and meeting times for away missions will be sent through an email system now created. Messages are allowed with other members through emails once you share contacts. A phone-like communication device will be provided as soon as possible for you. Which will be connected to the account of this computer. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask. Have a lovely day.”
“They are certainly more supplied than I thought for an organization like this. Then again, I shouldn’t be surprised.”
“It may be still slightly ‘illegal’ by the U.N.’s standards, but much like the clan, things can be ‘gifted’ from behind the scenes. Seems a lot more people want Overwatch back. Though here, let me give you my email code so you can contact me.” Genji said while inputting a code into the contacts section. “Anyway, want a tour?”
“I was hoping to clean up. It has been a long trip and I would prefer to look presentable for dinner.” Hanzo said, grabbing some clothes and bath supplies. “Though a small tour later would be appreciated. Maybe we can catch up more.”
“Anything for my big bro.” Genji said, smiling. “You’re lucky the showers are just around the corner from your room.”
“Are there any rules I need to know about the bathing arrangements?”
“Not really, besides cleaning up after yourself. The bath is open 24/7, considering anyone can come and go with mission times. The locker rooms are separate.” Genji said, following Hanzo out of the room and towards the showers. “The main-area and showers are unisex, so be careful if you don’t want to show off anything to the ladies. Though don’t worry, the showers themselves are stalls. There are also spare towels provided in a closet just inside the door.”
Hanzo glanced over at Genji, noticing the cocky grin that showed on his brother’s face. Not honoring it with an answer.
“One more thing. There are lockers that run by your password. So just put your stuff in one and input the code to lock your stuff safely.” Genji said. “Enjoy your shower and talk to you soon.“
Once Genji walked down the hall, Hanzo went through the door. By the silence, it seemed he was on his own for now, and he preferred that. He went to one of the more secluded locker rows closest to the shower room, stripping and laying his clothes neatly in the locker.
After quickly washing himself, Hanzo just stood under the showerhead. He let out a small groan as he let the hot water flow over his body, leaning against the tile wall. After a few long moments, Hanzo squeezed his eyes shut as a sudden pain pierced through his skull. Nails dug into his palms to focus on anything but the pain. Eventually, it subsided and an unsteady breath escaped his lips. It had been a while since the throbbing sensation in his head was this bad.
Hanzo let out a growl, as thankfully it was only a small spasm.
Once he knew he could stand up straight, Hanzo turned off the water and dried himself. Hanzo made his way back to his locker, glad that he was still alone as he got dressed in a pair of simple pants and a t-shirt. Gathering the rest of his stuff, he found the sinks and looked at himself in the mirror. His damp hair covered part of his face, the eye that wasn’t obscured showed signs of dark circles. Hinting to the lack of proper sleep over the last few months. It was probably what attributed to the headaches again.
“Looks like I’ll have to go back on it...” Hanzo said, sighing while mumbling to himself. He hated depending on pills or medication of any kind, but if he was going to be of any use, he would have to. Unless maybe the doctors could do something.
Since his hair was still too damp, Hanzo let it stay loose instead of in a ponytail. He grabbed his stuff and headed for his room. The halls were quiet, so Hanzo assumed maybe their numbers weren’t high enough yet for much traffic. Dropping off his things, Hanzo grabbed tin from his bag before knocking on his brother’s room door.
“Coming.“ Said the familiar voice before the door opened with a hiss to reveal Genji. “Oh, hey.“
“Would you like to converse over a cup of tea? I brought the mixture that Akari makes herself.” Hanzo said, holding up a canister.
“Sure.” Genji said, walking out, shutting his door before wrapping an arm over Hanzo and leading him to the kitchen. “Wow, you really are regrowing your hair again. Still didn’t expect the fade. You were always so prim and proper with your hair.”
“I was told I needed a fresh look, and Akari picked it out. Said it was ‘fashionable’. Works well enough, I suppose.” Hanzo said, pushing a few strands of hair behind his pierced ear.
“Though the biggest surprise at seeing you again was the fact that you got piercings. Especially a bridge one.” Genji gave a teasing grin. “Ah, big bro is finally getting to his rebellious stage. I’m so proud.”
“Almost thirty years too late.”
“Better late than never. Besides, I rebelled enough for the both of us back then.” Genji said, rounding a corner. “The mess hall is just down this hall. By the sounds of it seems tonight’s meal is already being made.”
As they entered the mess hall, semi loud rhythm & blues music played over a set of speakers. A tall, dark-skinned man was dancing around to the music while cooking something that smelled delicious.
“Baptiste.” Genji said, trying to be heard over the music.
“Huh?” The now identified man looked up and turned down the music, smiling. “Hey Genji. Dinner is almost ready. Oh, who is this? Let me guess, the brother you talk about so fondly.”
The last part surprised Hanzo even with all the reconciliations he had done with Genji.
“Yosh. Hanzo, this is Baptiste, one of our resident medics.” Genji said, looking at them.
“Well, I’m not as good a doc as Angela, but I’ll keep you alive, nonetheless.” Baptiste laughed, wiping his hand on a towel that was attached to his apron before offering it to shake. “Still nice to meet you. Hope you like spicy food because I’m making kribich nan sòs tonight.”
“Same to you.” Hanzo said, shaking the hand offered. “Kribich nan sòs? Can not say I’ve even heard of it, let alone tried it, but it smells appetizing.”
“Well, that’s the first step.” Baptiste said, winking. “Though it will be another twenty minutes before it’s finished. So you’ll have to wait.”
“That’s fine. We came by to make some tea. Mind if we borrow a bit of the kitchen for it?” Genji asked.
“Nah, go ahead. The other stove is free.” Baptiste gave them one last smile before going back to his assortment of pots. Putting earbuds in so the music didn’t continue blaring.
Genji grabbed one of the water kettles and got it ready. “The mugs are in the cabinet right above you.”
“Alright.“ Hanzo said, getting two mugs for them. Wishing he had brought his tea cups with him. “Everything feels…homely.”
“You’ll get used to it.” Genji said, sitting up on the counter. “Though it will most likely get hectic soon enough.“
Hanzo turned and leaned next to him, looking around the mess hall. It was still strange being here. Yeah, he had been a mercenary for a few years and this was in most ways just another job. Albeit a longer one than he was used to, but still a job. Except it felt more welcoming for lack of a better word from the people he met.
The sound of the kettle’s whistle threw him from his thoughts.
“Water’s done. Let me make it, it’s been a while.” Genji said, applying the leaves to a teapot with the water. “I really hope you’ll like it here.”
“I’ve been getting a warm welcome all things considered.”
“Most of us have had a lot of history in dealing with hell in some form. So at least the people I worked with before will give you a chance. It will be nice for you to have a few friends.” Genji said, raising his eyebrows playfully, hinting at something for Hanzo. “Pick a place you want to sit.“
Hanzo wondered why Genji continually teased him, but went to find a seat on the corner bench, taking the mugs with him. After a few moments, Genji joined him with a teapot.
“Here ya go. One fresh cup of the best tea in the world.” Genji said, scooting over the drink to Hanzo after pouring enough for two cups.
“Thank you.” Hanzo said, before closing his eyes to enjoy the aroma before taking a long sip.
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