Tis burning

Teen Titans x Stranger Things

Just something I wanted to draw for fun.

It’s been a hot minute, huh? Let’s wrap it up!

Genji stands before his father on the video call, sweating and trying to keep his hands from fidgeting. For a time, Sojiro doesn’t say anything. He simply gazes at Genji and presses his lips together, as he always does when deep in thought. Genji keeps waiting, wishing he could walk out and find Mercy.

At last, Sojiro places his hands flat on his desk and levels a look at Genji. The smallest bud of hope blooms in Genji’s chest.

Sojiro: Do you value Dr. Ziegler’s opinion about you?

Genji: Yes.

Sojiro: What she just told me, about putting you through school to make you a properly educated man, do you believe that’s something that is plausible? 

Genji: …

Genji: I would do it in a heartbeat. I’m not going to run away from my duties anymore. I’ve found something here I never thought I would, Father, and I don’t want to mess it up—again.

Sojiro: 

Sojiro:

Sojiro: Very well. You’ve shown me a passion I haven’t seen in you before, and I hope it will stay within you. However, the rules of my funding your education will be strict. No grades less than perfect. You will keep up with your schooling and your work. From now on, Dr. Ziegler will report to me directly, about the hospital and your personal progress, and you will assist her. One more mistake, and it’s over. Is that clear?

Genji: *deep sigh of relief* Yes, Father. Thank you.

Sojiro: *nods* I know you are capable of great things, Sparrow. Go on now.

*video call ends*

Genji has never felt more relieved, or nervousness before. He all but gave up on school, but to go back now and not screw it up? Well, he’s going to do his best. When he tells Mercy everything, she’s more than excited for him. She even begins talking about what college to attend, online classes that would work around his work schedule and of course, she’d be his study partner, because if he fails, she’s right back to dealing with an incompetent, egomaniac who doesn’t care about the hospital the way she does.

And it happens. Genji goes to school, works with Mercy to make improvements in the hospital, and they do their best. They eventually move in together. After Genji’s graduation, which took a few good years, he’s waiting for her one night after work, flowers in hand, and a ring box hidden in his pocket.

Genji never thought this overseer thing would amount to anything, but he was wrong, and he’s never been happier.

The police said there are rioters hiding in the campus and tried to get in and search the whole university, the students resisted since the police does not have search warrant, so the police keep bombarding them with teargas.

The end of the month comes quickly. Genji, ever the procrastinator, still hasn’t told Mercy what his father demanded him to do. He takes Mercy’s hand in the elevator ride up to the meeting room where they always have their video call with Sojiro. She’s becoming a little on edge due to the slight tension she can feel in his fingers.

They approach the room. Genji has stopped caring who sees them despite Mercy’s soft murmurs that they shouldn’t be seen walking hand in hand, but that is just another clue that tips her off.

Before she can touch the door handle, Genji turns her to face him. She looks at him, and knows.

Genji: You can’t come into this video call today.

Mercy: Your father knows, doesn’t he? He found out last time… 

Genji: Not exactly. Do you remember the charity two months ago? When I corrected one of the reporters? My father believed that you were somehow trying to steal credit from me, and couldn’t be counted on. Just another thing I’ve taken from you.

Mercy: *shakes her head* No, Genji. I knew I shouldn’t have let you change what we already stated—

Genji: Angela, look at me. *takes her chin in his hand* This has been a long time coming. I’m going to tell him the truth. 

Mercy: *eyes widen* But you’ll lose everything. Your father’s support, his money. I can still make your reports, you’ll just have to find a new assistant, right? You can still do that.

Genji: I’m sorry, but you deserve someone who doesn’t always run away from their duties.

Mercy: *stunned*

Genji: *smiles softly* Not even you can rescue me from this.

Genji: *lets her go*

Genji: *steps to the door*’

Mercy: Yes, I can.

Genji: Angela? Wait, I’m trying to be responsible! For once… Isn’t that the right thing to do?

Mercy: I know, and you will be, but you won’t be ruined for it.

Genji: What? What are you—hey!

Mercy: *opens the door and steps inside* Come on, we can’t keep your father waiting. 

Ahhh, that makes me so happy to hear that, thank you!

As for what Genji is going to do…

He’s left staring at a blank screen, numbly standing as he considers all of his actions leading up to this moment. His dear want of Mercy getting the recognition she deserves has landed him in a place of cutting her off from actually being able to get her ideas out into the open. It would be too difficult to get around Sojiro and a new assistant, especially since the hospital staff knows he uses Mercy to get away with not actually working and keeping his father’s money in his back pocket. To find another one, and then present ideas that couldn’t possibly be his own would tip off his new ‘assistant’. That would quickly lead to his father discovering the true nature of his dealings since he first assigned him to the hospital. 

And now, he has to tell this to Mercy. 

Genji struggles where he stands, and hates how terribly he’s back himself, and Mercy, into a corner. He hates how lazy he wants to be. He hates not being able to help Mercy, or even protect her from himself and his antics. He hates not having a way to squirm out of this, too. 

In the silence left after his father’s order, Genji straightens like a rod, makes an honest decision that doesn’t revolve around himself, and walks out the door. 

Mercy: *nervously pacing, but stops at the sight of Genji* Genji! Is everything alright?

Genji: *smiles* Of course. We just discussed some family matters, nothing serious. *takes her hand* Come on, I’m going to take you out tonight.

Mercy: *sighs in relief* I’m glad, but you know it’s not Friday, right?

Genji: I don’t need it to be Friday to spend a lovely evening with my girlfriend.