Hearts, Hands and Homework

+ Within Reach, But So Far Away

A/N Based on the lore

After the fall of Overwatch, I had nowhere else to turn to. For the first few months Lena had comforted and stayed with me, but eventually left because Emily probably needed her more than I did; we still stay in touch though. Torbjorn was taking care of his family, Reinhardt had been in retirement, Winston was hired by the Government and had been caught up with work, Jesse was on the other side of the world with his family and Genji...he's somewhere.

Just a month prior to Lena leaving, the city of Oasis sent me an invitation to continue my studies as a doctor in one of their science laboratories. Seeing as Oasis was one of the leading cities in architectural, medical and scientific developments and breakthroughs; I accepted the offer.

In all honesty, it was quite the time in Oasis. I made many successes in my medical field and even achieved numerous feats that broke the laws of logical limitation. The knowledge I gained had been extremely useful in various ways, but I still longed for something. My urge to help those in need or mercy had persisted. And with the research and new abilities I had gained from Oasis, I would be able to do so in more productive and motivational ways.

(Time Skip)

It had been a year now since Overwatch had disappeared and I recently joined a refugee organization, who's prime purpose was to assist those in dire need. Whether that'd be physically, mentally or an unfortunate fate we were there for them. I was sent on a mission in the middle of a war that had broken out between a terrorist group and government officials. Our mission was to rescue and nurse the innocent civilians who were caught in the middle of the battle. Many a times, i would witness scenes most people could never bare to have in their minds, but the sight I saw that faithful night had been something I could never forget, how could I?

(Earlier that same day)

It was New Years Eve today. The clock read 21:00 military time and our team was getting ready to end our shift for the night. I made my way into one of the tents and poured myself a cup of brewed tea. As I stirred the concoction, another one of the field nurses made her way into the tent. She was carrying a neatly creased envelope in her had.

"Dr. Ziegler! You have received a letter!" The nurse said frantically.

"It's probably from the Government again, put it in the pile with the rest," I replied. I picked up my mug and took a small sip from the freshly stirred tea.

"It isn't - ," My eyes looked at her confused, before she finished her sentence. "-It's from a man named, uhh... let's see. Oh, here it is! Genji Shimada."

I spat out my drink in disbelief, accidentally wetting a part of the letter. 

"Genji? As in G-E-N-J-I?" I still didn't believe her.

"It says it right here," she nodded, pointing and reading the back of the envelope. "To Angela Ziegler from Genji Shimada."

She handed me the envelope before heading back outside the tent. Leaving me with nothing to do except read the letter. It had been 6 years since Genji had reached out to me. I wonder how he's doing. I unfolded the paper and read through it, the further down I went, the more a smile graced my face as I read the contents.

Dear Angela Ziegler

I know it has been quite some time since our last encounter, but all I wish is that you are in a state of health and well-being. The last time we had crossed paths, I was nothing more than a man who couldn't find his place in the world, with a body he loathed. And you were the woman who granted me the second chance and care I needed, only to be unfairly shunned in return. I feel that it is only right that you deserved an apology for such mistreatment.

It has taken some time, but I have finally become one with myself. After months of wandering the world for answers, I came across the Shimbali of Nepal and an omnic monk named Zenyatta. Here I have learned to love and accept the body you had so generously given me. I am doing well and hope that this letter finds you the same way. Knowing that you are still the smart and graceful doctor I had once known, I assume that there was no struggle in finding a new job after the incident I had heard about on the news.

You have my condolences and love.

- Sincerely, Genji Shimada

As I read that short phrase my mind began to wander. You have my condolences and LOVE. She was never aware that he had such feelings toward her, but then again it was probably just Genji hoping for the best for her.

She didn't care what it really meant, it meant something special to her. She brushed the sparrow feather that he had also left carefully embraced by the envelope it came in. It had a silky texture as it glide between her fingertips. The setting sun and world outside meant nothing at this moment.

All that was important was that after so long. The pair so far away, but finally within reach of the other that they cared so deeply about.

End

Deep inside of everyone
There's a hot ball of shame
Guilt, regret, anxiety,
Fears we dare not name.
But, if we show the ugly parts
That we hide away,
They turn out to be beautiful
By the light of day.

--Shine A Light from Heathers the Musical