Green Cyborg Ninja Dude

What stood between Genji and Hanzo their whole lives was more than just simple sibling rivalry. After all, mere sibling rivalry rarely ended in a murderous attempt aimed at the other. They were of the Shimada bloodline, they were destined to be practical royalty within the kingdom of crime – but here they were, on a college campus, staring each other down in disbelief.

No matter how many times the archer ran it through his head, it didn’t make sense to him. Genji was dead. He was dead because of his awful elder brother succumbing to his family’s will, wasn’t he? But how could he argue the living evidence: his brother standing before him, speaking to him of their history…

“I…” Hanzo clenched his jaw, fighting back anything that could show weakness, be it tears, a wavering voice, or anything else of the sort. “I am sorry.” There was the slightest of shakiness to his voice – it was rare he felt so deeply sorry for something. But if this man truly was Genji, the eldest surely had lots of things to make up for, and apologizing would be a place to start. “Gaining power did horrifying things to me.” His gaze shifted to the ground, memories of his younger days flashing before his eyes.

He had seen so many things when he was small, ranging from illegal trades to weapons to what those things were used for. Things no child should ever see, things no child should ever be raised in… Things no child should be groomed to be in charge of as they grow older.

“What are you doing here?” he inquired after a pause, bringing himself back into reality. There were so many questions Hanzo felt he needed to ask: where he’d been, how he’d survived for so long on his own, if he still despised his brother for what he did… He was sure the answer to that last one would be a yes. The eldest surely would have held a grudge, and he was positive his younger brother would feel the same. But he would save those questions for another time, after the shock of seeing his brother he thought to be dead would pass on.

The silence, though it didn’t last too long, was deadly. Genji can feel the tension festering up inside of him, he could explode any second now. He just wanted to let loose his endless stream of consciousness- how he felt, what it’s been like the past few years, the journey he was able to take after finally escaping. But, the urge was caught in the back of his throat. He was still stunned by his brothers gaze. The only thing he can do now is wait for a response.

Hanzo breaking the contact brought him back to reality. Rather, it was the unexpected apology that was spoken so… sincerely. It was an instant shock to the younger man. His eyes widened as he stood speechless to his brothers words. Even when reminiscing on their biggest tragedy, Hanzo was able to stay unmoved and stoic. It’s clearer now than ever that the clan was exceptional at ingraining that demeanor into their leaders.

“I know.” Genji finally spoke up.

The tensity in his body began to flush away. He could ask his brother the same question. But, Genji knew if he went along that path it would turn into an empty passing of a conversation. He didn’t want to keep a wall up around Hanzo anymore. He had vowed to mend their relationship, so it was time to explain himself.

“I had to get away. It wasn’t safe for me there anymore. If people found out I was living- if you found out I was still alive, who knows what would have happened to me? So, I left. Now I’m here. To settle, and get an education. I can only assume it is the same for you, too?”

The man felt something he truly hadn’t experienced in quite some time: fear. Hanzo fully expected a knife or something at his throat, as he had let his guard down. Any good assassin would have capitalized on that and taken the archer out. But… he was still alive. No knives, no guns, no other sorts of weaponry had threatened him.

In his fear, his eyes had closed instinctively. The sight in front of him when he had opened them, though, scared him even more. Darkness had before hidden the stranger’s face, and now… that was a familiar face. Things finally had connected in his head – how he knew everything of the clan, how he knew the entire situation… how hadn’t he recognized that voice earlier?

“Genji?” It was choked out, a strained tone to his voice. Hanzo couldn’t even remember the last time he cried. But now, he certainly felt like tears were rising up. “No, it… cannot be you.” His brother was dead. He had to be. Sure, Genji was a part of the Shimada Clan, but he wasn’t as… fluent in the ways of fighting that they had been taught. There was no way his younger brother could have survived.

He felt as if he were about to crumble to the ground. Always standing tall and strong, about to be brought down by a single person, without them even striking him once.

“You cannot be my brother… It is not possible. Genji Shimada is dead.” It was something he had to keep telling himself. No matter how much he wanted this man to be his brother, it was impossible… right?

Amber eyes glared toward the old source of his suffering, making perfect contact. Genji stood motionless. It was as if the sight of Hanzo had frozen him in place. Suddenly, they weren’t on some college campus anymore. No, he was transported back to that night. The glare melted down into a look of furrowed brows and pursed lips- trying his hardest to stay stoic but failing miserably.

A wildfire sparked within him. Holding back fear and anger, sadness and regret for even coming out tonight. It burned through his chest and up his throat. This reveal to his brother was much more different than he had ever imagined.

What was supposed to happen now? Genji had no desire to fight anymore. He did not want to continue the silent feud thats lasted for all these years. But his heart was racing a mile a minute and his instincts were begging him to act now. Do something. Anything.

“Hanzo...”

The broken sound of his name was enough to keep him grounded. His brother was still here, and the look on his face... Hanzo looks just as shocked as he was when he discovered he was still alive, too.

The cold hiss in his voice was certain. Even when he was looking straight at him, he still believed Genji is dead. At this point, the younger man didn’t know what he wanted out of this. Approval? Closure? The satisfaction of hearing the clans demise? Somehow, that wasn’t so important anymore. It’s become more personal than any of that.

Genji stood, no longer frozen by Hanzo’s stare. He had no response. Instead of thinking of one, he went with his first impulse. He removed his hood and drifted himself toward his brother. Slowly, as to not provoke a negative (or dangerous) response; Genji stepped closer and closer until they were only a few feet apart.

The close proximity chilled him to the bone. His face revealed no emotion, and neither did his voice when he finally spoke up,

Angela stopped at his side, powder-blue eyes following the uninjured hand as Genji gestured towards the affected area. It sounded like a simple muscle strain. Nothing too serious.

Then the other displayed expressions of pain and discomfort… 

Ok… so maybe it wasn’t all that simple. It still didn’t seem very serious, though– not if he was able to play it off like that.

An amused smile crossed Angela’s features as she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

“I can see that.” she giggled, humoring him.

“Now, try not to move too much. I’ll work around you. It’ll hurt less that way.” the student nurse instructed as she set her clipboard down.

“It definitely looks like you’ve got a pulled muscle, but I’ll have to ask you to take off your shirt, if that’s okay, so that I can get a better look at the severity of your injury.”

Angela didn’t wait for him to agree or disagree as she picked up her pen and scribbled down the first of her notes and began thinking of a treatment plan. He would need a sling, definitely, she could probably give him some ice packs to take home.. oh and pain relievers, but she didn’t have the authorization to prescribe medications.. hmm… She could just ask him to leave his number with the receptionist and they could call him back later. Then again, over the counter pain relievers would be fine too, she thought as she tapped her pen against her bottom lip.

Genji truly appreciated the nurses chipper personality. It made being in the infirmary less stressful. Not that he isn’t used to his clumsy tendencies getting him into places like these; they just always seem a lot more serious than they actually are.

He watched the blonde put aside the clipboard she once hid behind. He couldn’t help but focus intently on her bright eyes as she spoke, nodding his head with each new phrase. The distraction, however, was quickly cut short when she requested him to remove his shirt.

“Oh-” His eyes flashed wide as he finally computed the situation. “...of course.”

Genji hesitantly gripped the collar of his sweater. He looked up to Angela, locking eyes as a silent confirmation that it was okay to do this. In hindsight, he should have seen this coming. He was prepared to tell her about his arm, but did not think he’d actually have to show it off. A pang of self consciousness bubbled up and dissipated instantaneously.

What is there to be ashamed of?, he thought. If she's a nurse, she’ll be dealing with things like this sometimes. Might as well bite the bullet for the sake of his mistreated muscles.

Genji lifted the shirt over his head. The cool draft hitting his skin paired with the eyes he knew were watching raised the most despicable goosebumps. He placed the top over to the side, glancing back at Angela once more.

starter for @thezensparrow

jamie was major idiot.

not only that, but he was a major idiot in more ways than one. he was impulsive, with a love for all things dangerous and reckless, so naturally he tended to get himself in more trouble than was probably healthy. it was no wonder he lost his arm in high school, and it was probably another stunt like that could cost him his other. but he didn’t worry about stuff like that. he was fine with a nub of an arm for now.

and for now, he was definitely fine with getting hurt all the goddamn time. the stunts he pulled usually got him a substantial amount of injuries that usually called for a visit to the infirmary afterwards. especially in this case, where he was currently getting band aids and ice packs for all his scratches and bumps (because it honestly seems like that’s all infirmaries at schools can really do) while he just wouldn’t shut up about what happened.

“so there i was, rollin’ down tha hill in that tire. i had the time of my life. i don’t even think i broke anythin’ this time! sure, it might’ve crashed into that buildin’, and i may have possibly broken me leg, but ya gotta try it sometime, it was crazy.”

and on and on he went, rambling to the poor miserable nurse, until he noticed another patient was in there with him. the nurse left to probably find someone else to deal with him, but he didn’t care. his short attention span was now focused on the man that had been staring at him — or really, his arm (well, lack thereof). but something shiny soon caught his eye, and he realized why the other was staring.

Yet, he has no reason to be in here today. Well, no real reason. In fact, he’s been doing well for a considerable amount of time. And that is the problem. You see, since Genji is here so often, he’s developed a crush on one of the student nurses. He expected his bad luck to finally come in handy in this case. Alas, the only thing that has been going wrong lately is how good of luck he’s been getting. Does that make sense? Yeah, he doesn’t think so either…

Anyway, now he’s here. Flipping through magazines he’s already read, trying to make up a new excuse for Angela today. While his mind was running through new ideas, he couldn’t help but overhear the other man in the waiting room talking with a nurse. He was… eccentric? to say the least? His story was intense, but so casual, Genji couldn’t help but peak over his magazine to observe the interaction.

Soon enough, his attention was pulled to the other man’s arm. He was an amputee, just like himself. He was shocked. He didn’t think there was anyone else on campus who was like him; and especially not one who was so compelled to wear it free of any enhancements. Before he could form any other thoughts, he was caught off gaurd.

“Oh, uh- I…” He was like a deer in headlights. Genji didn’t expect the other to be so… open about it. His cheeks glowed with embarrassment.

Cassandra smiled as she recieved a high five from Genji. 

“Thanks for the support!” As he questioned whether or not he should be the one to choose the food Cass felt her eyes roll. Genji though being polite needed to open his eyes to possibilities more. His hesitation of joining the the competitive group for the club for example. He was really good, insanely so but there he is shouting in the stands. Cassandra will always appreciate it but she wanted to give her friend the same support. I she had an idea it was a bit strange but it might work. 

“How about this” She said as she followed him out the door of the gym.

“you treat me this time and I choose the food then next time you win I will do the same for you. Or you just choose because I choose last time. ” She shrugged she did not care really that he was choosing it just she chose last time, this way though he might end up either playing or he chooses the food we eat either way Cassandra gets her way. 

Also even more importantly he can do something he would like whether it is just the food he wants to eat or actually be able to fight. She could tell he enjoyed it quite a bit and he was s good. So graceful meanwhile, Cass thought, she was a more hit em’ quick and hard before they could retaliate. Genji is a different story, he was quite graceful and disciplined. 

“Hey, who knows when I’ll go back to competing?” Genji shrugged, and laughed off the girl’s suggestion.

He was too humble for his own good. He knows he is competent enough to be active with the team, but he wouldn’t want to put anyone at risk. He is branded as disabled due to his arm and leg prostheses, but can function just as well as the other players. Though it sounds like a sad case, Genji likes to find the humor in it.

“What if I block a hit and my arm falls off? Everyone would run away screaming.”  He held up his enhancement, quietly imitating what he thinks he scared audience would sound like. He found way too much enjoyment in that joke.

He continued walking with Cassandra from the gym to the quad. There was a little food court around the bend with a few options that Genji happened to really like. He figured since they’re both agreeable people, this decision could take longer than it needed to be. Cass had a good suggestion, but he had a way to make it even better.

Instead of stepping forward much more and getting in his face, his feet stood firmly planted a few feet away from the other. Close enough that if need be, he could lunge forwards and hopefully force the assassin into submission. This guy thought he knew the whole situation, it seemed. At the mention of shame, Hanzo’s expression grew to be even more menacing.

This assassin seemed to know way too much, and was getting a bit too personal for the archer’s liking. They were direct attacks upon him – not just the normal talk someone would make before attempting to attack the other, these things were fired directly at his soul, right at his heart. Something he thought he had abandoned long ago.

A part of him wanted to walk away. Keep himself from acting out of order, and preventing anybody from getting hurt… But every time that idea would rise up in his mind, it would be shot down. While a majority of the time he was known as logical and methodical person, he certainly had a few issues with controlling his temper. It was taking every single ounce of his being to not lash out right now and charge headfirst at this person.

“That is exactly why I was chosen to be next as head of the clan. If you had been a part of it, you would have known – in the Shimada clan, the business is your priority. We –” He caught himself, shaking his head at his unwilling association with the group. “They did not care about family. And that was what I was raised to believe.”

Genji, of course, was the one exception to the ‘do not care about family’ rule. “I never would have wished death upon my brother, if we had been in a better situation. It was either he die, or we both die. I loved him, but I had to do what would appease my father. You would not understand.”

Genji stood motionless. His heart skipped a beat at his brothers final statement. He knew that Hanzo did what he had to do, but to hear him admit that it was against his own wish meant something. It wasn’t spiteful, or a rash decision made on his part. It was a hard pill to swallow, but he knew the business had more value than his own life.

It was his reason for escaping, after all. He didn’t want to become a part of a gang that probably would have ended up killing him, anyway. After years of finding peace with his situation, he had decided that leaving when he did was the best choice he could have made. Seeing Hanzo here tonight almost made him forget this fact.

Genji took a deep breath. A peak between the branches revealed a stagnant Hanzo. It may be an illusion made by the dark night, but, could it be he let his guard down? The younger man was not about to let this moment go to waste. Slowly, he stepped out from the tree's shadow.

“I understand. I hadn’t before, but now I understand.”

He stayed close to the trunk, feeling the slightest solace in the obstacle between him and his brother. Genji felt exposed. Too much for comfort, considering this is the first time in years he’s seen his supposed murderer. He pulled the hood of his sweater over his head to compensate for the shadows absence before rooting himself in line of the other man’s view.

McCree chuckled awkwardly at the bleeding guy’s joke, he was trying, but McCree’s heart was still filled with guilt, and it was hurting him.

“I am so sorry ‘bout that partner, I tried a little too hard with that toss.”

McCree sat down next to the guy, and motioned the other players to go on without them, he wanted to keep an eye on this guy, just to make sure nothing else happened to him…or to take him to the nurse, whichever happens first.

“So, I’ve seen you ‘round campus, can’t miss that green hair…I’m McCree, aka, the guy that just gave you a bloody nose.”

McCree groaned a little at the introduction. He tried to make it flow into the conversation…but he was horrible at them. 

“Sorry, that was kinda bad…”

McCree looked at the guy again, and something seemed so…familiar to him…like he knew him…or someone he knew, knew him…it was weird.

“No worries, It’s not a bad thing to be good at the sport. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Genji scooted over to give the bigger man more room to sit down. What he said just so happens to be the tragic truth of his life. Bad luck is an unfortunate constant in his life. Rather than sulking about it, though, he chooses to stay optimistic. Treasure the good parts that life gives you.

Like this. Sure, he was injured by the person next to him; but he turned out to be a really nice guy so far. He didn’t have to help Genji. The simple fact that he did, however, was enough to be content with.

Genji blushed at the mention of the the stranger seeing him around campus. He knows his look is pretty distinct- the hair, the faded cicatrices littering his face, the prostheses, etc- but, he’s never been called out for it before. Especially not in a seemingly positive way. It felt nice. And wait- why was he blushing? At least it can be well concealed by tending to his nose.

He couldn’t help but laugh at McCree’s introduction. With his head still tiled back, but eyes shifted onto the other, he held out a hand.

“It’s nice to meet you, McCree. I am Genji.”

“Oh!.. uhm… Are you sure?” 

Great. She really put her foot in her mouth this time. If word got out that she convinced an unwilling student to allow her to be the one to treat them, she could get in big trouble. Well. No time to think like that. She’d provide the best consultation she could manage and hope for the best thereafter.

Pulling herself away from the door, Angela held her head high and brought her clipboard away from her chest in order to take down any necessary notes.

“Okay.. So. Where does it hurt?” 

“Yes, I am positive.”

A bright beam flashed across Genji’s face. At this point, he was trying to convince both Angela and himself. But, it’s fine; what’s the worst that can happen? She moves something the wrong way, and he can no longer properly use his extension-?

Genji had to quickly shake this thought away. He’s too dependent on having all his limbs intact; he’s also great at making mountains out of molehills. This is the nurse's job. She may be fresh to the vocation, but who’s to say she isn’t the best damn nurse around? Might as well take the risk.

“Right around here…” He motioned to the right side of his body, up around his shoulder and down to his his ribcage. “You see, I was in kendo, and I think I pulled a muscle.”

He tried shifting his body toward Angela, but the lateral twist struck a quick, painful gasp to suddenly emerge. Genji fixed himself straight, holding onto the side that hurt. He tried laughing it off.

To hear this assassin slander the name of his clan… A part of Hanzo wanted to feel hatred for that, since his name was a part of it, but he had to separate himself from that idea. He was no longer a clan member. It was still odd that someone he assumed would risk his life (in situations such as this) for the Shimada clan would talk down on its honor. His eyebrows furrowed, looking off to the side. “You talk down upon the very group of people who have your life in the very palm of their hands… How pitiful.” Perhaps this wasn’t an assassin sent for him after all, but if not… Who could it be? It was only logical that it had to be an assassin who held a bit of secretive disdain for the group getting something off of his chest, so he had to continue acting under that assumption.

His gaze returned to the other when the talk of his brother had been brought back up. It was true, he had to do it. There was no other way for the Shimada clan to go on if there was a traitor such as Genji in their ranks. Yes, Genji was the one at fault… That is the fact he just had to keep telling himself to mask the fear that he had done the wrong thing. The fear that he abandoned his brother without reason. In the long run, it didn’t mean much, since he was no longer a part of the clan, but he couldn’t be thinking about that right now. No time for sentimentality and regret.

Was it worth it? The mysterious man had just asked if it was worth it to force his brother’s demise… That had his brain in a bit of a struggle. Honestly, it wasn’t worth it at all in the end. All that had happened was that he lost his little brother, one of the only people who had ever made him genuinely happy. Despite all the murder and illegal trades, his younger brother had his cheerful attitude to keep Hanzo’s mind off of it. His mind was going back and forth, wondering whether he should retaliate or just let his emotions be free for once.

But as a Shimada, he was not raised to give up. He was raised to never show weakness, as he was supposed to be the next head of the clan itself. And while he discarded that idea a while back, it didn’t erase all of the self-conditioning he had to do when he was younger to always stand strong.

His other foot dragged itself forward, mouth forming into a scowl. “It does not matter if it was worth it. All that matters is that I had to do it. What is done is done.”

How much longer can Genji keep this charade going? There was so much he wanted to ask right here right now, under the guise of a stranger. He wanted to know what happened after he left. What made his brother leave the clan? Everything he feared would not get an answer if he decided to reveal himself. Unfortunately, It’s clear that Hanzo will not be swayed. At least, not as long as he thinks the younger sibling is a hired assassin.

He could try to escape. Genji was particularly good at the art of vanishing. But lately, stealth seemed to be a lost skill. With years out of practice, and his new enhancements acting as a noisy interference, he was stuck. Hanzo was closing in on him. The only places to hide were in the shadows and fractals of tree branches.

Genji shifted his position, rooting himself in case his brother made any rash decisions. Hanzo wasn’t known for having the most rational reactions when things are to his… disliking. The tension was suffocating. More thoughts of an escape route ran through his mind- ditching this quest and saving it for a night he felt more stable. But at this point, it’s now or never.

“That is why you should not have been left as head of the clan.” Genji strained his eyes, keeping his view of Hanzo clear.

“You did not have what it takes. You prioritized the business over your family. You wanted your brother dead. How can you expect to spend your life in a new land so peacefully? Have you no shame?”

He knew it was wrong to interject his personal feelings into the argument, but he couldn’t help it. Genji admired his brother. Up until the accident, Hanzo was perfect. His role model was brainwashed and abused and given so much power; watching it happen before his own eyes was like a culmination of all his worst nightmares. He became a monster.

And now they’re here.

Angela led the way into the room they would be using, smile still bright and in place… until the other posed his question. 

A light pink dusted across her cheeks. Usually, students who came in and were seen by Angela had problems that were simple enough that they didn’t usually question her lack of certification. She never put much thought into what she would do or say if someone became overly skeptical of her.

“Uh… It’s.. It’s just me, right now, but… if it would make you feel more comfortable, we could wait for the doctor to return.”

She held the clipboard to her chest and backed up towards the door. It wasn’t his fault and she didn’t blame him, but the blonde couldn’t help but feel a little dejected and deflated. Of course, it wasn’t ethical to try and convince him to give her a chance, so she didn’t… or… she shouldn’t…. 

“She just went out to lunch, though, so she won’t be back for another hour or so.. I know I’m just a student worker, but I have a lot of experience in the field… it’s why my supervisor feels comfortable enough to leave me here alone with the secretaries… ah…”

That, in and of itself, should not have been disclosed. No one was supposed to know about that and Angela wasn’t an overly proud person either so she wasn’t quite sure why she even divulged that information, but she immediately regretted it and bowed her head. This could get the entire staff into so much trouble, what was she doing?

Genji took a seat in the wrapped patents seat, waiting for the other student’s response. She was hesitant, which seemed… a little weird at first, he must admit. Is there something they’re hiding from him? He wouldn't know what exactly they’d keep from him; but the look on Angela’s face caused him to quirk a brow.

Suddenly, he felt a deep rooted pang of guilt. He knew however he’d end up wording his question, it would come out with the wrong intent. The blonde didn’t look unqualified, so to say. It was just obvious that she was a student, and might not have experience to help with his disability, and-

Oh no, now he’s really done it. He didn’t respond back quick enough, legitimately contemplating waiting for the doctor. He didn’t mean to offend Angela at all. His lack of response must’ve really affected the girl, though, as she was rambling a winded list of excuses. She looked so helpless. Not a quality you’d typically liked to see in a nurse, but damnit, Genji truly felt bad for asking that question now.

“No, no, please..!” Genji held out his left hand, as if it would keep the student nurse from disappearing any further. “It’s okay, I swear! I am comfortable with you here.”

Cass heard Genji’s shout from the sidelines and her smile went from her snarky smile to one of happiness She loved being cheered on it did give her extra strength. Not in an anime way like MY FRIENDS GIVE ME STRENGTH as a hero punches a planet apart but when someone has your back it definitely improves your confidences. 

The referee paused when he was sure they were both ready. She took a deep breath and tried to get her heart beat down. This part was the worst just waiting knowing that any hesitation would give the other the edge. She gave a nod and the other did as well. GO! This time Cass was the one who lunged but when her opponent went to dodge her she ducked and nailed them in the side. The red flag went in the air and the whistle was blown as the last point decided the match. Cass took of her helmet and held out her hand to shake her competitors. He nodded to her and shook the hand. Cass wiped the black curls away from her face as she stepped of the mat. Her stomach gave off a feral roar as she took the pads off. 

The coach called practice over and congratulated Cass and her opponent for their good work. She nodded and once the pads were put back grabbed her drawstring bag and headed to Genji. 

“Alright I could eat a horse, it is your turn to pick the food.” 

As the round was refreshed, so was Genji’s energy. He couldn't help but analyze the players moves as they fought. In his mind he pointed out the opponent's flaws, thought about how he’d move differently, and began making a list in his head for the day he’d return to competing.

The other half of him was enthralled in the action. His head jerked and focused on both sides of the fight. He was just as animated as the two going head-to-head. He yelled out more cheers to Cassandra; as distracting as they may seem to be, she was actually doing very well during the match. When the girl was finally given the winning point, Genji couldn’t help but cheer a loud cheer.

Genji just wanted to run up to Cass, pick her up, and parade her across the whole gym. He was proud of his friend for being strong enough to not only compete against a man, but win without breaking a sweat. Alas, he decided to contain himself until she was ready to deal with him. Something he’s learned he needed to give people time for.

“Alright!” He cheered, giving Cassandra a high-five. It was enough to compensate for his pride in her achievement.

Today was one of the few times McCree wasn’t just sitting on the sidelines observing the game: he was in it. The game?: volleyball. It was a pick up game with a bunch of other students on campus. It was actually fun! His heart was pumping with adrenaline, and his eyes were flickering around, watching the other players. Getting his legs ready, he watched as the server launched the ball…perfect for a spike. Jumping into the air, he slammed his palm onto the ball, and it slammed…not onto the ground, but onto someone’s face. Oh lord.

“Oh shit!”

McCree quickly ran over to the guy, hoping that nothing too serious happened. He said he was okay, but McCree couldn’t just let it slide.

“Hey there partner…sorry ‘bout spikin’ the ball in your face- is that blood!?”

McCree’s impulsive instincts made him run to his backpack and got some tissues out of it and ran back to the bleeding boy.

“Here, shove these in your nose,” offering the tissues.

While distracted by his own predicament, Genji didn’t even notice the shadow casting over him. A seemingly booming voice had startled him. His lowered eyes scanned up to see a man from the opponent team. He was also one of the few that ran up to him to see if he’s okay.

The man was big, there’s no wonder how he could've hit the ball hard enough to cause an injury. He was brawny, and tan and- well, enough to distract Genji from the blood rushing out of his nose.

“Oh-” The brunet quickly covered his nose with both hands, hoping that it’ll dissuade the other from making a big deal out it it.

Alas, that plan didn’t work.

The man had left and returned with tissues to help out. It was such a nice gesture, Genji couldn’t possibly stay upset with him for the harsh spike.

“Thank you very much.” He embarrassingly reached his stained hands out to grab the tissues.

He tried to clean his hands and face as much as he could. He tipped his head backwards, keeping a tissue clamped under his nostrils.

“The Shimada Clan is full of monsters. They cannot be saved. You would not know that, being nothing more than a mindless slave to them.” He shook his head, disappointed. “Surely, you could do better than work for them.” Someone who worked for his clan thought he had Hanzo all figured out, when in all reality he was just another zombie, brainwashed by the empty promises of fortune and power. Another assassin sent by his family to be lost at the hands of the archer – how laughable.

That was, until he had mentioned his younger brother. Then it became no laughing matter.

His eyes widened at the other before they slimmed out back into his regular glare. “You know nothing that happened that day.” He could feel himself starting to get nervous, the memories now forcefully being thrown into his face. Hanzo gulped, trying to keep his rage down, although he knew at this rate nothing would keep himself from letting his anger out. It was just a matter of waiting until the proper time. But Hanzo was never really good at gauging that sort of thing – his temperamental issues ended up getting the best of him a majority of the time.

“You are calling me weak for not killing my own flesh and blood?” Sure, it had been a duty he had, but it took a supreme amount of strength to kill one’s own sibling, no matter how much sibling rivalry they’d had as they were younger. “You hide in the shadows and wait for the moment the target is weak. You wait for an unfair fight. Is that not weakness?” One of his feet stomped its way forward, as his words tried to mask his own weakness and fears by confronting the other. His hands wanted to move for his bow, but if this was a fight, it would be left to his hands themselves. At least without the bow the other would have a fair shot at getting close to him without receiving an arrow in his chest.

Genji knew that what his brother was saying was true. The Shimada clan had such high principles that hardly shone through. It was as if they were implemented for show, rather than action. They praised ‘honor’- everything was for face claim or competition- and demanded respect, but lived by unfair standards. This never sat well with Genji. It was surreal to hear the same from Hanzo now, too.

“There is no honor in the Shimada clan. I’m glad we can agree on that.”

Suddenly, his heart became a weight. He didn’t mean to blurt out such a pointed aggression. He doesn’t even know the intricacies of that night, himself. He was a victim. And, he figured that Hanzo was, too. They never asked to be put on such high pedestals. Just thinking about the life they were forced into was enough to dishearten him for infinite lifetimes.

“I know that you did what you had to do.” His walls were coming down. ‘Hold yourself together, Genji’.

Hanzo was right. He was weak. He’s only human, after all. They both are. Genji had years to think on his brothers choice of sending people after him. If anything, it at least showed his humanity; and that’s enough to keep a shred of hope alive for him.