[He doesn’t answer with his gun drawn, but the amount of time that passes between Genji knocking on the door and Jack answering the door indicates that he’s doing some, or all of the following: checking surveillance cameras, checking more surveillance cameras, taking a quick peek out onto the street below, and unlocking several locks.
Eventually, however, the door opens slightly, enough for Jack to confirm that it is Genji. He motions for the cyborg to come inside, then shuts the door and locks many locks behind him.]
It ain’t much, but, uh—
[Jack gestures a little halfheartedly at the shabby living room and kitchenette.]
[ The long wait time doesn't bother Genji too much, primarily because he has an idea of what Jack is doing on the other side of the door. Once he's finally let inside he slips in quickly, a glance back at the sheer number of locks confirming his suspicions.
Both Jack and Ana have prices on their heads. It's not unreasonable for them to be this cautious.
Now that he's inside, Genji drops his hood and pulls away the scarf that had been covering most of his face. He hadn't been expecting anything fancy for obvious reason, so he barely reacts to Jack's comment, only shrugging. ]
It's fine. Is Ana not here?
[ He doesn't hear any other movement in the small space. He closes the distance between himself and Jack, managing a brief smile as he looks him over. ]
[Jack is stiff and a little awkward, because obviously he never has anyone over to his safehouse. Ana is comfortable and familiar, but when they met up again it had still been an adjustment when it came to co-habitating. Genji isn't a stranger, of course, but Jack can't help but be a little tense. He's still expecting another shoe to drop, perhaps.]
She's looking into something. Back in a few days.
[For better or for worse, it's just the two of them for now. The smile is more welcome than he realizes, though Jack's shoulders are still tense. How have things been? Jack still isn't sure.]
[ Genji can sense that Jack isn't all that comfortable with him being here, and he can understand why. Generally, you don't invite someone into your safehouse; that defeats the purpose of such a thing. Reconciling their interactions during their time as agents of COST with their lives here on Earth may take some work.
For Genji, the best way to counteract this feeling is by normalizing his presence here, and so he goes to take a seat on the ratty couch pushed up against the wall. ]
In that case, I hope I'll get the chance to see her, though I wouldn't want to overstay my welcome.
[ It's a way to test the waters and see how welcome Jack is to the idea of Genji being a semi-permanent fixture in his life now. With someone like Jack, it's hard to ever be sure. ]
And ahh, I know what you mean. Even if we told people what we'd experienced, no one would believe us. Save for our closest friends, that is.
[Implying, of course, that Jack is admitting to himself that Genji will stay here for the next few days, at least. As long as nobody saw him come, they should be safe--Jack has to trust Genji's black ops training for that. He'll send Ana a message in the meantime, but he'll let her know not to hurry home. Jack can hold down the fort.
For now, he'll put some coffee on. Nowhere near as strong as Angela's, but it's a small housekeeping gesture, he supposes. Let Genji know he's welcome, as complicated as that feeling is.]
[ Even if they're only small hints, Jack makes it fairly clear that he's going to let Genji stay here for some amount of time. How long that ends up being most likely depends on both of them, but it's something they can figure out over the next few days.
Genji leans back on the couch, attempting to get comfortable as his hands rest slightly below his chest plate. ]
Yes, though only remotely. I haven't been able to see her in person.
[ There's a lot of attention on both Lena and Winston at the moment, given their talk of reviving Overwatch. He'll need to think long and hard before he decides if he wants to be a part of that, and he can already assume Jack wants to be nowhere near it. ]
And you? [ He tilts his head to the side. ] Have you spoken to her, or to Angela?
[It doesn’t surprise him that Genji has sent messages to the others, and Jack feels a small pang of guilt.]
No.
[Despite everything they’d been through, the last thing he wants is for them to come after him. Having them know he’s out there is bad enough, but he can’t keep them out of danger if they try to contact him. It’s a little cruel, perhaps, but Jack believes it’s better this way.]
They don’t need to get tangled up in what I’m doing.
[ It's not a particularly shocking answer, and while Genji had the means to track Jack down in this way, it's not as simple for Lena or Angela to abandon the good work that they're doing. Even if Jack might not approve of the new Overwatch, Lena and Winston are trying to make a better world. It's not something Genji can judge. ]
If you'd like to me to pass any messages to them on your behalf, I'd be happy to do so. I won't give them any details of your location.
[ It's an offer made as a friend, because that's what they are now, isn't it? ]
[It's something he has to think about. He imagines that they'll have time. Jack just hopes the UN doesn't bring the hammer down on the new Overwatch, first.]
Hungry? You want something to drink?
[They don't have too much, but he and Ana aren't so poorly off that he doesn't have anything to offer.]
[ It's an offer that will stand for as long as Jack needs to think it over. Genji realizes that it will take some consideration, seeing how Jack has spent so many years covering his tracks and avoiding any of his ex-subordinates. It's something he'll need to ease back into, and if Genji can help with that, he'd like to try.
At the question, his head tilts up and he nods firmly. ] Some water would be nice. I'll admit, this weather isn't something I'm very used to...
[ The sun here is relentless, and between his prosthetics, armoring, and the cloak he's been wearing to hide himself, he's close to overheating. ]
[Says Jack, whose very genetics allow him to acclimate to the extreme heat or cold. Still, Egypt is a little much for even him, so he certainly understands. There’s water in the fridge, and 76 makes his way over to it to grab a bottle for Genji. He holds it out, then looks Genji up and down, taking in the cloak he’s wearing, presumably to hide his prosthetics.]
[ The cloak is shed from his shoulders as he reaches up to take the bottle of water. While he can't feel the coolness against his prosthetic hand, he holds the bottle up against his cheek and lets out a long sigh of relief.
He cracks the top off and takes a long swig of water, then lowers the bottle and wipes his mouth. It's certainly a salve.
At the question, he slowly tilts his head up, shaking his head slowly in some sort of disappointment that Jack would even ask that question. ]
You realize that for quite some time it was my job to not be seen, don't you?
[It's not that he doesn't trust Genji's ability to sneak--you just never know, and it's possible that COST has left Jack even more paranoid than before. He grabs a water bottle for himself, twisting it open and taking a long pull from it.]
Sorry, I just. I'm looking over my shoulder more than I used to, I think.
[ That is saying something, and Genji's quiet for a few moments, staring at the bottle of water set in his lap as he considers that. It's a difficult way to live, to have to be constantly vigilant. Nor is it the sort of thing that should be done alone. Jack has Ana, at least. ]
I understand. I would like to offer my services if I can help in any way. For whatever it is that you're working on.
[ Genji has a basic idea now. Jack wants to find those people responsible for destroying Overwatch to enact his revenge. It's the sort of mission that can eat someone up; Genji would know.
If he's honest, there's a part of him that would like the chance to keep an eye on his friend. ]
[ It's true that Genji had purposefully walked away from Overwatch, but that's also because he'd still had so much he needed to sort through within himself. Now that he's done that with his master's aid, he doesn't think he can simply while his time away in the mountains of Nepal.
Zenyatta also wishes to accomplish more, and that is part of why Genji is here in the first place. ]
While I understand the sentiment, Jack, I do believe this is my decision to make.
[ He offers a small smile as he stands from the couch and takes a step toward his friend, bowing his head slightly. ]
[As much as he hates it, all of these Overwatch agents are adults capable of making their own choices. He might want to keep them out of it, but there’s only so much he can do, especially when they’re insistent. What’s changed now, however, is the fact that the two of them have been through a different war together. Jack finds himself not as adverse to help as he used to be.
He just wishes he could spare the rest of them.]
I just want you to know what you’re signing up for.
[He doesn’t fully expect to come back from this fight.]
[ Is Jack Morrison actually relenting? It's almost a shock, but Genji's also aware of what the two of them had gone through together thanks to COST. It had been a strange experience, something that could almost feel like a dream save for how real it had been and the fact that both of them remember it in crystal clear detail.
With this things shared between them that only two others also know of, is it any surprise that they've been drawn together? ]
That's fair. Perhaps you should give me some more detail, then. What is your next move? If you've planned that far.
[ It's hard to imagine that Jack hasn't thought at least a few steps ahead, given how diligent he is by nature. Genji also can't help but think of Gabriel. No doubt he fits in somewhere in Jack's goals, too.
While McCree might be the member of Blackwatch most fitting to deal with Reaper, Genji had worked under the man as well. He'll do what needs to be done if Reyes is truly beyond saving, but he also knows that it won't be so simple. ]
[But Ana isn't here right now, and attempting to communicate might jeopardize the mission. Still, Jack isn't about to bring Genji on board without consulting her, even if she has a sneaking suspicion that she won't have a problem with it.
He leans back a little in his seat, heaving a long-suffering sigh as if he's trying to figure out where he's supposed to start with this.]
I find strings, and I pull. Then I find the next one.
[It's all unfolding into a much larger conspiracy than he bargained for.]
[ Getting information out of Jack is a bit like trying to get blood from a stone, but Genji is far more patient these days. He has the right temperament, the sort of unblinking persistence that Zenyatta had given him. He likes to think that his master would be proud of him for trying to help this sad, broken man.
But then he takes a step back, giving Jack some physical space as he retreats with his words as well. ]
Or if you would rather wait until Ana returns to discuss this, I understand. I'm not going anywhere.
[ Not unless Jack tells him he must go, anyway, and that doesn't seem to be the case. ]
[Sometimes it's effective, sometimes it isn't. Sometimes they find the next string to pull--sometimes it just feels like Talon has their claws everywhere and anywhere. In local gangs to governments to corporations. No wonder Overwatch went down, when this is what it was up against, but it leaves him wondering how he's going to do better this time.
Maybe Genji is right. Maybe he can't do this alone.]
[ Talon has been a thorn in their side since Genji's days in Blackwatch, and it doesn't seem to have gotten any better. Without Overwatch's presence, they're essentially free to do whatever they want. Which is why it's even more important that they keep them in check now, however they can.
At the mention of Reaper, Genji slowly nods. That isn't surprising, given that Gabriel had been the head of Blackwatch, an expert in staying out of sight and off the grid. He may as well be a shadow, and supposedly he embodies one now too. ]
Understood. In that case, know that from now on that you have my blade.
[ He grips for the hilt of his wakizashi and nods firmly. ]
[Jack is quiet for a moment, as if he's debating what to say next. This offer for aid feels wholly undeserved, to say nothing of the fact that he doesn't expect to survive this. He can't ask this of anyone, but here Genji is, offering his aid.]
You know what's at stake, don't you?
[The last thing he wants is for ex-Overwatch agents to get caught up in all this, but he knows that he can't protect them forever. Jack made decisions for them once, and he won't be able to do it again. They won't let him, now that they know he's alive.
Still, he wants to make sure Genji fully understands.]
[ Genji feels a bit like he's listening to a broken record, and he heaves out a sigh, approaching Jack again so that he can grab and grip his shoulder, metal fingers digging in. The physical contact may not be welcome, but he needs to make a point. ]
You are not asking, Jack. I am offering. Will you continue to make me repeat myself?
[ A pause, then, and he removes his hand, crossing his arms with a small huff instead. ]
I know what's at stake. I am glad I get to do this on my own terms, rather than the arrangement I had with Overwatch before.
[ They'd saved his life, he'd killed for them. It hadn't been the cleanest setup, but this feels entirely uncomplicated to him. He wants Jack to see that. ]
[Considering what this is invariably going to lead to. He still feels guilty that even after Overwatch is gone, Genji is still getting caught up in their problems. Jack can't help but feel responsible for that, even if Genji is here out of his own free will.]
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Eventually, however, the door opens slightly, enough for Jack to confirm that it is Genji. He motions for the cyborg to come inside, then shuts the door and locks many locks behind him.]
It ain’t much, but, uh—
[Jack gestures a little halfheartedly at the shabby living room and kitchenette.]
—make yourself at home.
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Both Jack and Ana have prices on their heads. It's not unreasonable for them to be this cautious.
Now that he's inside, Genji drops his hood and pulls away the scarf that had been covering most of his face. He hadn't been expecting anything fancy for obvious reason, so he barely reacts to Jack's comment, only shrugging. ]
It's fine. Is Ana not here?
[ He doesn't hear any other movement in the small space. He closes the distance between himself and Jack, managing a brief smile as he looks him over. ]
How have things been for you since we returned?
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She's looking into something. Back in a few days.
[For better or for worse, it's just the two of them for now. The smile is more welcome than he realizes, though Jack's shoulders are still tense. How have things been? Jack still isn't sure.]
It's, uh. An adjustment.
[Like everything feels so small, now.]
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For Genji, the best way to counteract this feeling is by normalizing his presence here, and so he goes to take a seat on the ratty couch pushed up against the wall. ]
In that case, I hope I'll get the chance to see her, though I wouldn't want to overstay my welcome.
[ It's a way to test the waters and see how welcome Jack is to the idea of Genji being a semi-permanent fixture in his life now. With someone like Jack, it's hard to ever be sure. ]
And ahh, I know what you mean. Even if we told people what we'd experienced, no one would believe us. Save for our closest friends, that is.
[ Zenyatta believed him. ]
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[Implying, of course, that Jack is admitting to himself that Genji will stay here for the next few days, at least. As long as nobody saw him come, they should be safe--Jack has to trust Genji's black ops training for that. He'll send Ana a message in the meantime, but he'll let her know not to hurry home. Jack can hold down the fort.
For now, he'll put some coffee on. Nowhere near as strong as Angela's, but it's a small housekeeping gesture, he supposes. Let Genji know he's welcome, as complicated as that feeling is.]
Have you talked to Lena?
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Genji leans back on the couch, attempting to get comfortable as his hands rest slightly below his chest plate. ]
Yes, though only remotely. I haven't been able to see her in person.
[ There's a lot of attention on both Lena and Winston at the moment, given their talk of reviving Overwatch. He'll need to think long and hard before he decides if he wants to be a part of that, and he can already assume Jack wants to be nowhere near it. ]
And you? [ He tilts his head to the side. ] Have you spoken to her, or to Angela?
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No.
[Despite everything they’d been through, the last thing he wants is for them to come after him. Having them know he’s out there is bad enough, but he can’t keep them out of danger if they try to contact him. It’s a little cruel, perhaps, but Jack believes it’s better this way.]
They don’t need to get tangled up in what I’m doing.
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If you'd like to me to pass any messages to them on your behalf, I'd be happy to do so. I won't give them any details of your location.
[ It's an offer made as a friend, because that's what they are now, isn't it? ]
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[It's something he has to think about. He imagines that they'll have time. Jack just hopes the UN doesn't bring the hammer down on the new Overwatch, first.]
Hungry? You want something to drink?
[They don't have too much, but he and Ana aren't so poorly off that he doesn't have anything to offer.]
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At the question, his head tilts up and he nods firmly. ] Some water would be nice. I'll admit, this weather isn't something I'm very used to...
[ The sun here is relentless, and between his prosthetics, armoring, and the cloak he's been wearing to hide himself, he's close to overheating. ]
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[Says Jack, whose very genetics allow him to acclimate to the extreme heat or cold. Still, Egypt is a little much for even him, so he certainly understands. There’s water in the fridge, and 76 makes his way over to it to grab a bottle for Genji. He holds it out, then looks Genji up and down, taking in the cloak he’s wearing, presumably to hide his prosthetics.]
You think anyone recognized you?
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He cracks the top off and takes a long swig of water, then lowers the bottle and wipes his mouth. It's certainly a salve.
At the question, he slowly tilts his head up, shaking his head slowly in some sort of disappointment that Jack would even ask that question. ]
You realize that for quite some time it was my job to not be seen, don't you?
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[It's not that he doesn't trust Genji's ability to sneak--you just never know, and it's possible that COST has left Jack even more paranoid than before. He grabs a water bottle for himself, twisting it open and taking a long pull from it.]
Sorry, I just. I'm looking over my shoulder more than I used to, I think.
[Which is saying something.]
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I understand. I would like to offer my services if I can help in any way. For whatever it is that you're working on.
[ Genji has a basic idea now. Jack wants to find those people responsible for destroying Overwatch to enact his revenge. It's the sort of mission that can eat someone up; Genji would know.
If he's honest, there's a part of him that would like the chance to keep an eye on his friend. ]
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[He knows, however, that Genji won’t be dissuaded by an excuse like that, so he heaves a little sigh before continuing.]
I’ve gotta figure out what happened to Overwatch.
[It feels so petty, now, given what they’ve been through, but it’s because of COST that Jack isn’t just rejecting Genji outright.]
But you shouldn’t get caught up in that mess.
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Zenyatta also wishes to accomplish more, and that is part of why Genji is here in the first place. ]
While I understand the sentiment, Jack, I do believe this is my decision to make.
[ He offers a small smile as he stands from the couch and takes a step toward his friend, bowing his head slightly. ]
I wish to help you. If you'll have me.
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[As much as he hates it, all of these Overwatch agents are adults capable of making their own choices. He might want to keep them out of it, but there’s only so much he can do, especially when they’re insistent. What’s changed now, however, is the fact that the two of them have been through a different war together. Jack finds himself not as adverse to help as he used to be.
He just wishes he could spare the rest of them.]
I just want you to know what you’re signing up for.
[He doesn’t fully expect to come back from this fight.]
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With this things shared between them that only two others also know of, is it any surprise that they've been drawn together? ]
That's fair. Perhaps you should give me some more detail, then. What is your next move? If you've planned that far.
[ It's hard to imagine that Jack hasn't thought at least a few steps ahead, given how diligent he is by nature. Genji also can't help but think of Gabriel. No doubt he fits in somewhere in Jack's goals, too.
While McCree might be the member of Blackwatch most fitting to deal with Reaper, Genji had worked under the man as well. He'll do what needs to be done if Reyes is truly beyond saving, but he also knows that it won't be so simple. ]
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[But Ana isn't here right now, and attempting to communicate might jeopardize the mission. Still, Jack isn't about to bring Genji on board without consulting her, even if she has a sneaking suspicion that she won't have a problem with it.
He leans back a little in his seat, heaving a long-suffering sigh as if he's trying to figure out where he's supposed to start with this.]
I find strings, and I pull. Then I find the next one.
[It's all unfolding into a much larger conspiracy than he bargained for.]
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[ Getting information out of Jack is a bit like trying to get blood from a stone, but Genji is far more patient these days. He has the right temperament, the sort of unblinking persistence that Zenyatta had given him. He likes to think that his master would be proud of him for trying to help this sad, broken man.
But then he takes a step back, giving Jack some physical space as he retreats with his words as well. ]
Or if you would rather wait until Ana returns to discuss this, I understand. I'm not going anywhere.
[ Not unless Jack tells him he must go, anyway, and that doesn't seem to be the case. ]
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[Sometimes it's effective, sometimes it isn't. Sometimes they find the next string to pull--sometimes it just feels like Talon has their claws everywhere and anywhere. In local gangs to governments to corporations. No wonder Overwatch went down, when this is what it was up against, but it leaves him wondering how he's going to do better this time.
Maybe Genji is right. Maybe he can't do this alone.]
Reaper has...proven elusive.
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At the mention of Reaper, Genji slowly nods. That isn't surprising, given that Gabriel had been the head of Blackwatch, an expert in staying out of sight and off the grid. He may as well be a shadow, and supposedly he embodies one now too. ]
Understood. In that case, know that from now on that you have my blade.
[ He grips for the hilt of his wakizashi and nods firmly. ]
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You know what's at stake, don't you?
[The last thing he wants is for ex-Overwatch agents to get caught up in all this, but he knows that he can't protect them forever. Jack made decisions for them once, and he won't be able to do it again. They won't let him, now that they know he's alive.
Still, he wants to make sure Genji fully understands.]
I can't ask you to do this for me.
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You are not asking, Jack. I am offering. Will you continue to make me repeat myself?
[ A pause, then, and he removes his hand, crossing his arms with a small huff instead. ]
I know what's at stake. I am glad I get to do this on my own terms, rather than the arrangement I had with Overwatch before.
[ They'd saved his life, he'd killed for them. It hadn't been the cleanest setup, but this feels entirely uncomplicated to him. He wants Jack to see that. ]
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[Considering what this is invariably going to lead to. He still feels guilty that even after Overwatch is gone, Genji is still getting caught up in their problems. Jack can't help but feel responsible for that, even if Genji is here out of his own free will.]
You can back out at any time. I won't blame you.
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how many times do we have to teach you this lesson, old man
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