Chapter Text
Tired eyes stared back at the young Shimada as he observed himself in the mirror. Black hair stood up in all sorts of places; areas that had been originally spiked with gel now flattened against his head. Noticeable morning shadow was also visible, he’d have to shave it once he got home. His hand reached for the nearby comb on the sink and proceeded to comb his hair. Attempts to form it back into it’s original state were futile, so he dipped the comb under the running water of the sink to use as a quick substitute for hair gel. Hair soaking wet, but back into shape, he was satisfied. Lifting up the pen he kept in his pockets, he redid his eyeliner with precision. Batting his eyelids a few times he appeared ready to go.
Peeking out of the bathroom he was relieved to see his one night stand still asleep in their bed. He smiled as he looked over the muscular body one more time, memories of the night returning. He courteously folded his lover's boxers and shorts scattered on the floor, setting them at the foot of the bed. He grabbed his scarf that hung over the bedside and lazily wrapped it around himself. Once it appeared all his belongings were gathered he left the bedroom silently.
He exited the house quietly, closing the front door behind with him the greatest of ease. The young adult felt pride as he straightened the scarf around his neck. He would have to send his newest lover a gift basket once he got home. Unlike most one night stands, Genji at least tried to think of the other. Being a son of the leader of the Shimada clan he was well known around the area, so he had a reputation to hold. It would not be good for him or his family if he was known as a spoiled brat who'd bang anybody and split.
He stopped and looked at the house, memorizing the address quickly before setting off for home. The sidewalks of Hanamura were already filled with people heading to work or out shopping, and traffic on the roads was flowing steadily. In the distance he could see the sign for the Rikimaru Ramen shop lit up. He knew then it was at least past eleven, given that's when the shop normally opened.
When he passed by, the scent of the ramen almost dragged him inside. However, the arcade across the street interested him more. He knew they sold snacks inside, so he'd probably purchase something from their concession stand. He waited until the street was clear to cross and reached the doors. Before he went in he observed the poster plastered against the door that read,
“Tonight only, the Bones and Metal tour performing at 7 p.m. in Hanamura Square. Tickets purchased at the front. Omnic and Humans welcome!”
“That’s right, the concert is tonight.” Genji mumbled to himself.
He remembered hearing about the group a while ago and how they were the first human and omnic band in history. Genji had already listened to a few of their songs and he was honestly pretty curious to see how they sound live.
“I guess I'll have to ask Hanzo if I can go, hopefully he'll let me…”
Opening the doors he was hit with the familiar sound of games beeping, children screaming, and the scent of senbei coming from the food court.
Reaching into his pockets he felt around until his hand fell onto a familiar bag, that when removed made a loud “cha-ching” sound. From the feel of it, it felt he had enough for a few treats and a couple rounds of his favorite game.
Approaching the food stand he let a young couple go first before his turn. The two woman purchased a few drinks then left. The man at the counter waved to the two girls before turning to Genji with a wide grin.
“Well, well, Genji Rebel Shimada. What brings you here?“
“It's not rebellion, Ichiro. I'm expressing myself with my body.”
“Mhm, have you told that one to your family before?”
Genji removed three hundred yen from the bag and handed it to Ichiro. He winked, a well known signal to the employee which meant “keep the change.” Ichiro rolled his eyes and wrapped the two pieces of senbei crackers in plastic. He handed them to the eager Genji and then placed the yen into the cash register..
“I'm taking it from the wet soaked hair and bags under your eyes you had a long night?”
“You could say that,” Genji paused to take a bite out of one of the senbeis, “Long and hard.”
Ichiro chuckled and sighed to himself. Genji had gotten used to hearing the laugh now, given that he’d come here so often. Not to mention he and Ichiro had a fling of their own once.
“You know, you really should consider settling down with someone one day. You can't be a playboy forever.”
“I say do all you can while you're young and free.”
“Yeah, but you're not, technically. I thought the Shimada clan kept you tightened in the ropes of responsibility. Even if you spend most your days playing games and banging the men and women who swoon at your feet.”
Genji looked away from his treat to raise a brow at him. Ichiro lifted a hand to his forehead dramatically in response.
“Oh, Genji! You were so attractive when you beat level twenty-five, take me now.”
“Funny, that exactly how you sounded on the night we did it.”
Ichiro’s face grew noticeably red and he shoved a coupon in Genji's face.
“Hilarious, Shimada. Here's your gaming coupon for purchasing at our concession stand. It'll get you two extra plays on any game of your choosing, but I can already guess which one you'll pick anyway.”
“You do know me well, Ichiro. I'll talk to you another day.”
Genji waved a hand goodbye and looked down at his new coupon with glee. Looking up from it, he spotted the familiar loading screen of the game he had his heart set on. Approaching it, he watched as the main character, a cyborg, appeared with a flip. Not long after, his robot companion joined him at his side. He remembered how he used to joke with his friends how the two characters were secretly in love, fighting evil together. He chuckled at his own thoughts and slipped a few coins in.
“Let's see if I'm still at the top of the leader board.”
____________________________________________________________________________
After hours of playing, he’d kept himself at the top. In fact, he managed to increase his high score by a thousand points. The cost of this, however, was being ten minutes late to sword practice.
“Kuso, Hanzo is going to be pissed…” Genji hissed under his breath as he sprinted home.
If there was one thing he knew he was good at, it was running. It wasn’t long before he reached the doors of the palace, breathlessly asking the guards to open up.
“Late to training again, Master Genji?” One of the guards commented as he ran past them.
“You should know me by now, Mr. Ueno!” He called back as he continued toward the dojo.
Once inside, he quickly changed out of his casual clothing and into his uniform. Peeking out from the room he spotted Hanzo chopping away at a wooden dummy. He noticed the training manual was in his other hand, glancing at it occasionally to check his stance. Audible grunts could be heard with each blow he landed. Genji cringed, knowing the scolding he was about to receive. Though, he could still try to have a little fun with him. Tip toeing over to where his katana was sheathed, he removed it quietly. Silent as a ninja, he snuck up behind Hanzo with a sly grin.
“Surrender now, Shimada. While you still can!” He shouted in a deepened voice.
Immediately, Hanzo turned around in a flurry. Genji felt a foot hit his ankles, causing him to trip backwards. He would’ve pushed himself back up if it wasn’t for the sharp tip of a sword pressed lightly against his throat. The look on Hanzo’s face turned from serious focus, to pure rage.
“Genji! I could’ve killed you. How many times do I have to tell you do not sneak up on me when I’m training.”
“Too many.” Genji wheezed out, trying to keep away from the sword’s point.
Hanzo lowered the sword and Genji exhaled in relief. Hanzo set down the training manual and offered a hand to his brother. Genji accepted, hoisting himself up.
“You know I flirt with death, Hanzo.” He said sarcastically as he brushed off his uniform.
“I know that is not the only thing you flirt with. Where were you? You are late once again. If it is because of another one of your romances then I swear-”
Genji couldn’t help but chuckle at Hanzo being able to predict his exact whereabouts. He twirled his katana a bit before striking the air in front of him.
“Don’t worry about it, alright. At least I showed up today. Also, you reminded me, after practice I need to go mail off a gift basket.”
Hanzo sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He could at least respect how Genji treated them afterwards. Though, he didn’t respect the fact they were starting to get in the way of Genji’s daily training.
“Genji, you cannot keep up this irresponsible behavior. Father is expecting us to be skilled in this lesson of our training by next month. If you continue wasting your time playing games and picking up people, you will get no where very fast.”
“If that is what you believe, Hanzo. Let us test your theory.” Genji spun, katana readied and he felt it clash with Hanzo’s.
Caught of guard, Hanzo quickly took his fighting stance once he caught Genji’s sword. Genji was grinning at him, what a brat. Hanzo leaned forward, muscles clenching as he managed to push Genji’s sword farther back.
“See, Hanzo. I’m not the only one who needs more practice.”
“Shut your mouth and fight already. We’ve wasted enough time.” Hanzo retorted.
Hanzo pushed him back, freeing his sword only to counter again with another strike. Genji followed his footing, blocking each shot with precision. He wouldn’t tell Hanzo, given he might brush it off as dumb, but he believed his constant video gaming had given him pretty accurate eye and hand coordination. The more their practice went on, the more he felt confident with each blow. Hanzo on the other hand seemed a little too serious in perfecting each move.
“I know you wanted me to keep my mouth shut, but I do need to ask you a question.” Genji managed to get out between a couple strikes.
“And what is that?” Hanzo responded, attempting to strike Genji’s side but once again Genji was too quick for him.
“The band Bones and Metal is performing tonight at Hanamura Square. I know you wanted to practice meditation tonight but I’ve been waiting for their tour to land here all month.”
“Wait, is that the group with humans and omnics?” Hanzo asked, lowering his sword and looking at Genji with confusion.
“Yes, they have a very unique sound and I really want to hear them perform this one song in particular-”
“Genji, I do not know if I want you going to an event that involves omnics.”
“Hanzo, do you think I couldn't handle omnics? If it would make you feel better I could bring my katana.” Genji raised his katana in the air, presenting it to Hanzo, but he still looked unsure.
“There is just too much risk being near them. You are a son of the leader of the Shimada Clan, that makes you a valuable target. I’m simply thinking of your safety. Plus, you’ve skipped out on meditation for the past three days, so you better stay unless you want me to report it to Father.” With his final answer, Hanzo readied himself again.
“Ugh, fine. I still really want to go though…”
He definitely wasted no time in making up the training he had lost. By the end of it Genji muscles were sore and he had trouble catching his breath. He could tell Hanzo was exhausted as well as he set his sword back into its sheath.
“You know Hanzo, I think your arms weren’t meant for sword fighting.”
“What do you mean?” Hanzo almost sounded offended, but Genji quickly raised a hand in defense.
“I wasn’t insulting you, I promise. It just feels like you’re unsure with every move you make.” Genji looked down at his own hands as he spoke.
“When I fight with my katana, it feels meant to be and I don’t even need to think when I use it. With you, you don’t seem confident in where your sword is going or how you’re attacking me. If you let loose and trust your instincts instead of what some steps from an old fighting manual tells you, I think you could master it.”
Hanzo was silent, his emotions seemed to be changing rapidly as he thought to himself quietly. Genji heard him huff and he held his chest high.
“The manual is our custom. If I do not follow it, Father will be disappointed. He won’t accept looseness or instincts. Even if I may not be truly cut out for this type of weapon, I must learn to use it regardless. We are all born to do certain things Genji, if yours is sword fighting then so be it. I was born to lead the Shimada Clan once Father is gone, that is what I know. That requires being able to defend myself from our enemies, I will learn to sword fight. Properly.”
Once the lecture was over, all Genji could do was stand there. He hadn’t meant to upset Hanzo, but he could tell by the look on his face that he was. He frowned and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
“I’m sorry, Hanzo. It’s just…,” he sighed and averted his eyes “I know you practice with that bow Mom gave you on your tenth birthday every night…”
Genji knew he probably shouldn’t bring it up, but he hated having to pretend he didn’t see Hanzo sneak past his bedroom door every night to go outside and practice his bow on the cherry trees around their temple. Hanzo was taken back at the statement and Genji noticed his pupils shrink. His older brother’s fists clenched and he looked away from Genji.
“That is none of your business...” Hanzo turned around to head out the dojo but stopped, “I will be expecting to see you at the meditation session tonight. And Genji, don’t you dare tell Father about… my bow. You keep to your business, as I do mine.”
He watched him walk out, leaving Genji alone inside the massive building. Genji’s mood had definitely been killed after that exhausting talk. He felt a mixture of emotions, sadness for Hanzo, but also anger as well. Who was Hanzo to tell him to keep to his own business when he was always questioning his whereabouts? He couldn’t ever do what he wanted or love who he wanted without being scolded by not only his Father but Hanzo himself.
“It’s not fair…” Genji whispered and looked up at the painting of the two dragons.
Hanzo always acted so perfect, but he knew deep down he was struggling just as much as he was. Hanzo was just not as relaxed as he was to show it. Genji knew Hanzo did have the extra pressure of becoming the next Shimada Clan leader hanging on his shoulders as well, so he couldn’t blame him for trying to keep a strong image.
Genji placed a hand on his face and dragged it downward. He wanted to get away from the temple, badly. Looking up at the open windows the sun was seeming to just be setting. He still had time to make it to the concert before it started. He knew Hanzo had said no, but it wasn’t like he was the true boss of him anyway. Genji was going out tonight, and he was going to enjoy it no matter what happened.
He didn’t want to waste anymore time so he decided to kept his training uniform on. Before heading out he looked at his katana before deciding he should take it.
He knew Hanzo would’ve wanted him too.
“I’m sorry Hanzo, you’ll have to do meditation without me, again.”