(semi-closed)

[flowlikewater]

who: genji and you!
what: river festival shenanigans, friendship hang outs!
when: during river festival and after
where: all around the quarantine
warnings: none yet! will add if needed

i — beach borg

[ Genji hasn't been to the beach proper in quite a long time. And between helping clear it out and trying to distract himself from the fact that his brother had vanished, it seemed like a good decision as any to head on down.

He's sitting under an umbrella, probably the most of his cybernetic prosthesis removed as he possibly can manage. His face is fully uncovered, as well as his neck (the extent of his jaw replacement is obvious now, jutting down into his throat) and his left shoulder and arm up to his elbow is noticeably still flesh. Scars are scattered on his still organic parts, and the cybernetic forearm and hand looks as if it was surgically added later instead of a result of his previous physical trauma. He's also got swim trunks and a black sleeveless shirt on, with three streaks of sunscreen on his cheeks reminiscent of a certain somebody.

Genji is taking the time to spray sunscreen on his still fleshy parts, because rubbing lotion when you've got metal and silicone hands and joints that can easily get gunked up his not enjoyable. Oh, he's also sitting in front of a curiously large and pink mecha of sorts.

If someone approaches him, he smiles. ] It is keeping an eye on me. [ A pause. ] And I am instructed to tell you 'Do Not Touch.'

ii — fireworks

[ Now fireworks are always fun! But only if you get a great view. And thankfully Genji has an uncanny ability to scale just about anything, so those pesky cliffs you might be thinking would be a great vantage point are no problem at all.

He easily climbs it, limbs lighting up green in the ever darkening sky, and reaches a metal hand down to you. ] Here, I will pull you up!

iii — date! (closed to shigeru)

[ Once the festivities for the time seem to have died down, he figures it's a good time to invite Shigeru out on his promised 'date.' It may have been a 'date' in the eyes of the auction, but Genji was just thinking of it as a reason to see someone he was starting to think of as a good friend.

Especially after that... interesting text conversation he'd had with that person. What did they say their name was, Dodger? Roger? Something? Hm. He definitely wants to bring it up... he worries that there might be people trying to take advantage of Shigeru's kind demeanor.

Genji decided to bring him to one of his favorite meditation spots, a beautiful serene place by the river. Just far enough from the main parts of the city that it wasn't loud, but not far enough to be dangerous. He's brought a little thermos of tea and some snacks and he figures they can just have a nice chat.

He gestures to it when they arrive. ] Is this all right?

ii — tea bros (closed to eichi)

[ Since seeing each other at the parade, Genji and Eichi had run into each other a few times to have tea at a local little cafe.

Genji is waiting for him at the table they have apparently claimed for their chats, but his expression is just slightly more melancholy than usual. He has come to the realization that his elder brother is absolutely gone, vanished without a word and a trace. Back through the portal, it seems.

Genji is... Genji doesn't quite know what to do or how to feel right then. But he doesn't plan on letting it sour his or his companion's mood. He smiles whenever Eichi approaches. ] Greetings.

Comments

i

[bunnyhopped]

[ Hana has a blanket laid out on top of the mech, just beneath the umbrella's spread, and is lounging on her stomach with a cold one cracked open (soda, of course) and a magazine. ]

That's right! Look, but don't touch please!

[ That said, she moved to peer down at Genji from her perch, pulling her heart-shaped sunglasses down to do so. ]

Did you forget to spread the sunscreen on your face? UV is really bad for your skin!

[flowlikewater]

I'm in the middle of it, actually. [ He just got done spraying down his arm and shoulder and moves to spray some on his face. After coating his scar riddled face, he rubs at it only with the silicone pads of his fingers to avoid any Clogging Issues. (Having to take apart and re-articulate his hands was irritating and time consuming.) ] How are you doing up there?

[bunnyhopped]

[ She flashes a peace sign at him from up top. She likes going to the beach, especially one with an ocean that doesn't have a colossal omnic rising up from its depth every few years. She does, however, take precautions to make sure her skin doesn't get any sort of damage from being exposed in the sun. Hence her SPF 95 sun screen, or its equivalent here. ]

I'm just peachy! I don't think I've been to the beach like this in forever, though. I'm glad we came.

[flowlikewater]

[ There was always a risk when Genji exposed some of his skin like this; his body's natural immune system had been entirely shot with the process of giving him his augmentations. So he had much the same SPF going, as one could never be too careful. (Also, sunburn under his armor would be incredibly irritating.)

He wipes off the tips of his fingers on the hem of his shirt. ] I haven't in a long time myself. I used to get too much sand in my joints before I had this upgrade. [ He taps the green light on his shoulder. Also far too many open ports near his spine, in his early Blackwatch days. ] Is there anything you would like to do? Or is sunbathing enough for the moment?

[bunnyhopped]

[ Hana can't even imagine what it must be like to live like Genji does, with a body that's almost entirely not even his anymore. She takes in the sight of it all with curious eyes, although they do hold amazement, too. They've only known each other briefly here, but that lingering admiration from home has only really gotten stronger, plus she's found that he's kind of a dweeb, which is great. Most of all— he's the only person she's found from home that hasn't tried to belittle her in some way.

She shifts a bit on her perch atop the mecha, propped on an elbow and resting her cheek against her hand as she looks down contemplatively. ]

I wanted to talk to you about something, actually. It's a super not-fun and not beach-related, but it's been bothering me.

[finethanks]

[He can politely avoid the elephant in the room for the start of this conversation, but Eichi is no stranger to people leaving. Some of his closest friends from the Eluvio, his roommate, and now he hasn't seen Hanzo in some time, either. He has a feeling it's what he thinks it is.

Still, he bows his head politely as he takes a seat.]

I hope I didn't keep you waiting long, Genji-san. I've been practicing for my next performance, so it took me some time to rest before coming here. [He has to be careful not to push himself, after all.] Are you doing well?

[flowlikewater]

[ Genji had already lost McCree to the portal as well, which had been it's own brand of disappointing but this was.... well. It was his brother. Finally, after a decade, he could share space with him and try to re-learn to be a family and now he was just— gone. As if it none of it happened.

He doesn't like feeling directionless.

Genji shakes his head. ] I only just arrived myself, do not worry. [ He would never want Eichi to push himself on his account anyway. ] And I am all right, all things considered. Have you been feeling well as of late?

[finethanks]

For the most part.

[He waves off that part largely, not feeling like Genji should have to sit through any of his unrelated adventures.] What have you been occupying yourself with since our last meeting? It's been a little while, hasn't it?

[flowlikewater]

[ Genji nods to that. ] It has. I have been picking up extra shifts with the guard. Mostly as a distraction of sorts.

[ He frowns again and sighs at himself. ] It seems my brother went back through the portal at some point. It was— surprising.

[ Then he makes a face at himself at shakes his head, pulling a smile. ] But we're not here to listen to me mope, are we? What tea would you like today?

closed to reaper;;

[flowlikewater]

[ After their brief communication Genji takes a deep breath and exhales it slowly. He's been up on the roof, where he usually meditates since it's the quietest spot, and he slowly stands up. It needs to be done; he can't avoid his former Commander any longer. Steadying his shoulders, he silently and swiftly slides down the side of the building before reaching Floor 8's balcony.

He stands on the rail easily before stepping down onto it proper, leaning against it and crossing his arms. ] Hello.

[hellshot]

[Oh so we're all allergic to using doors. That's fine, he guesses, and he casts his once-ally an almost tired look.

One he'll actually see. While Genji may not have noticed due to the shadowing of his hood while Reaper was sitting with his head down--when he raises it to cast the ninja a glance...

His mask is off. His face isn't quite as rotted and falling apart as it had been the first time he'd shown the ninja, however. It was far more stitched together, even if the skin was still pallid and greying. Even if his eyes were still dark and glowing red.]

...Didn't take half as long as I thought.

In a hurry to get this over with?

[flowlikewater]

[ Genji climbs things and is fast, Reaper turns to smoke, everybody has their shtick.

He does silently suck in a breath when he sees his face. Something about seeing him look more like he was is harder than the grotesque disfiguration of before. Far too many memories with that face, good and bad.

Genji scoffs. Since Reaper is maskless, he might as well do the same; show that he's at least attempting to speak to him on an even playing field. He reaches behind and undoes the airlock, air shooting out from the slides, and he slowly removes the helmet. It's strange to be the only one who looks a little older, so to speak. ] Lena was the only one faster than I was, if you remember.

[ A pause. ] I was around. [ Genji stands there, holding his helmet, and then puts it on a nearby table. He looks visibly pensive for a while, the beginnings of crows feet around his eyes pulling tightly. ] I suppose there is a lot to be said.

[hellshot]

[He's used to what Genji looks like under that mask. However, what he isn't used to seeing is how the other has clearly aged under his metal shell.

Of course he's aged, is all Gabe can think to himself. Genji was still part human under all that wiring and metal, not a ghost who'd stopped aging and only started to rot under the confines of a mask and hood.

He brushes the feeling off, and opts to continue his conversation.]

I haven't forgotten anything like that. My memories from back then are still my own.

[As if needing to emphasize that becoming... whatever he was. Didn't change who he was. Just his views.]

I'm shit at icebreakers. And dancing around hot-button topics. [Obviously. He HAD been the leader of Blackwatch, and was often chastised for saying what needed to be said, but noone wanted to hear.] I tore your brother a new one while he was here. I'm sure he came back to tell you how cruel 'The Reaper' was to him.

II.

[leatherdaddy]

[ Gladio accepts the cool, hard grip of the other's cybernetic hand that helps him up onto the lush grass growing high on the top of that cliff, a comfortable perch with space that easily fits them both with room to spare. He scrambles up after him, his fingers and legs aching from the effort of climbing. It's a good ache, the kind he knows will calm and cool in the night air and leave him with that comfortable buzz from working up a sweat. ]

Genji, you couldn't have picked a better spot. [ Gladio exclaims, catching his breath. He throws his weight over the edge and sits on the grass, then throws himself down on it, face up. ] This view is incredible! How'd you even find this place?

[ It's out of the way, so it's a wonder how Genji ran across it to begin with. But then again... The grass is blessedly cool on his back, and he breathes out in satisfaction. Maybe this is the kind of place he meditates in. Now that would make sense and... Ugh, now more than ever he's aware of how his skin on his back feels hot and burnt. He may have got himself a sunburn, so he hisses and hoists himself upright again. ]

Ouch, hah... guess I got a bit too much sun.

[flowlikewater]

[ That gets a gravelly chuckle out of Genji. He's glad he's no longer feeling awkward around Gladio, despite the fact his friend still hasn't seemed to act like he has any idea. ] I was taught to always find the best vantage point. I noticed it when we were clearing the beach before.

[ They haven't quite started yet, but they'll get a great view. And not have to get sore necks or have to peer over the top of people's heads.

When Gladio hisses and sits up again he frowns. ] Not surprising. [ He has noticed the man seems to have a phobia of shirts. ] Your tattoo isn't recent, right? It shouldn't bother it much. [ Just thinking of sunburn makes him think his skin itches, so he scratches at a scar on his face he tends to fiddle with. ] Just put some aloe on it later.

'a phobia of shirts' excuse you

[leatherdaddy]

[ As luck would have it, Gladio remains entirely oblivious. If it's an act, it's a truly convincing one. During the long trek to the shoreline, he was at ease in the wilderness and ruin. He fought alongside him, set up and tore down camp, hauled off debris along with the rest of them without avoiding Genji or giving any other sign - if anything, he was perfectly comfortable with the cyborg.

Because he was. Genji is a cool dude in Gladio's eyes. ]

Not really. [ He got it the day he was made Shield to the future king, just like his father had for the current - and now deceased King Regis. But that's a story he keeps close to his chest. ]

Yeah, good call.

[ Settling down again, he carefully lets his body adjust to the chill of the lush grass and tolerates the burn on his back. ]

So... what kind of job requires someone to find places like this? Lemme guess - landscaping?

[ Said with the expression of a man who knows that's not the right answer. ]

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[flowlikewater]

[ Genji is glad he's found people here he can fight side by side with. They seemed to make a good team and Gladio is extremely skilled and knowledgeable; he idly thinks he would have made a great addition to Blackwatch.

He huffs. ] I went to the beach only a week or so after getting work on mine done and didn't bother to put on any sunscreen. My father was incredibly cross about it. [ Because the dragon tattoos were symbols of the heirs, of the family. (Brands to keep you forever, Genji things mirthlessly.)

He grins a little at Gladio's next question. ] It's true, I use my swords to tend to bushes and trees. It's a very lucrative business. [ He shakes his head and runs a hand through his sandy hair. ] I was in the military, essentially. Part of a covert operations unit. It's just second nature to me now.

[ He puts his hands behind him on the grass and leans on them. ] You are quite skilled yourself, I was impressed.

i

[lionunchained]

[Shiro had decided to go looking around around while the festival was still going on and had ended up in the area of the beach. He hadn't been intending to go there given that he wasn't dressed for it, still wearing jeans and oddly enough, a jacket. But given that he was going to go walking on the beach, took off his shoes and rolled up his jeans so he didn't get them full of sand.

But something attracted his attention. Hana's mech? Sitting on the beach? As he walked over, he heard the instruction from someone other than Hana turned to them. The first thing he did notice was the cybernetics and prosthetics, his eyes going to those first when they came into his line of sight. Not really what he would consider his proudest moment there that this was what got his attention ahead of everything else.

But he managed to pull his gaze away from those to actually look him in the eye. Now noticing the sunscreen streaks that look almost like the markings on Hana's face]

Understood. Hana already showed it to me. So I'm guessing you know her too?

[If Genji were observant, he'd notice that while Shiro's left hand looked normal, his right was black and silver since he hadn't covered it]

[flowlikewater]

[ The looks of surprise don't bother him, it's always what comes after it that's important. Genji gives this stranger a quick little once over himself (habit after years in covert ops) and does take notice of the seemingly metallic hand. It isn't strange to him, as plenty of people in his world and time have prosthetic limbs, so he doesn't bat an eye.

His smile gets a little broader when he speaks. ] I see! I do, we are both from the same world. I am keeping an eye on her mech while she's mingling and getting food. You are welcome to wait for her.

[ If Hana showed him her mech, then she clearly trusts him. ]

[lionunchained]

[That made Shiro smile as well, hearing that this person was one of those that Hana knew from home]

That's great. Glad to know she has someone she knows from home.

[Well, he hadn't really been intending to hang out on the beach today, but why not. He didn't have work and what else was he going to do. So he sat down, leaving his jacket in place]

Thanks. I'm Shiro by the way.

[flowlikewater]

[ That gets a chuckle out of him. ] Well, I knew of her. We've become fast friends here however.

[ He smiles and gives a nod to his newfound companion, the name ringing a slight bell. ] Ah yes, she mentioned you being a friend of hers. My name is Genji, it is nice to meet you.

[ Genji turns and gestures behind him. ] There is a cooler back there if you'd like something to drink.

dieto time!!!

[mysophobic]

[ Shigeru has also been preparing for this little date of their too. Despite being friends he's still nervous about it though. Shigeru isn't one for 'dates' with anyone, really, back at home he'd never gone on one and even here the only person he had a date with was, well, Dodger. So he's totally nervous about this whole thing.

Still he doesn't have the nervous anxiety he normally would have, strangely enough, because the amnesia has affected his memories of having a phobia at all. ]

This is perfect, Genji. It's...really beautiful out here.

cuteness inbound!!

[flowlikewater]

[ If he's being perfectly honest, Genji hasn't gone on many genuine dates in his lifetime. He was usually more interested in the private escapes that came after the formalities. But he's not like that anymore and is only interested in spending some quality time with people.

He notices that Shigeru is a little nervous (partially why he chose this place) but he seems not quite as on edge as usual. That's a good sign, he assumes. ] I'm glad you like it. Isn't it lovely? It's one of my favorite spots to clear my head.

[ The sound of the river and the faint rustling of trees was very soothing. He pulls out a dark green little blanket and puts it on the grass for them to sit on, doing so and patting the empty spot next to him. ] Let's chat then. How have you been since the party?

too much for me ヽ(ﾟДﾟ)ﾉ!

[mysophobic]

[ Shigeru smiles and nods as he takes in the surrounding areas. He's glad he packed his drawing pad, now currently nestled in the satchel at his side, for the trip. He could definitely get a lot of good landscape pictures from this.

But his own musings on how and where to draw from are interrupted at Genji's words. ]

I've been doing well! How about you? How have you been since then?

[ He kinda wants to ask if Dodger gave him any trouble, but he doubts the other wants to talk about him right now. ]

[flowlikewater]

I've been doing all right. [ Genji leans back on his hands and looks at the river a moment before closing his eyes. ] Some people I was close with went back through the portal, so I was having to deal with that. I think I have found my footing again though.

[ He looks back at Shigeru. ] I'm glad to hear you've been well. [ A pause and Genji tilts his head slightly. ] There hasn't... been anyone bothering you, has there?