Chapter Text
A soft chime sounded through the room, prompting Lena to glance up from the magazine she had been thumbing through, a familiar voice following.
"Oxton to report to Conference Room 2A please."
"Um, yah sure Athena? Ang said to meet her here." Lena's brow furrowed, it wasn't like Angela to be this late.
"Would I lie to you Lena?" Athena questioned back, an amused hum filling her tone.
"Alright alright, you got me there. Tell 'em I'm on my way. Could use a jog anyhow." Standing, she gave an exaggerated stretch before heading off down the hall.
Wonder what's up with Ang, she's been a lot more scattered recently. Hope everything's alright with Amé. Lena's thoughts drifted as she strolled down the familiar corridors, tapping each doorway plate as she passed. Humming a jaunty tune to herself, Lena paused briefly to tap out an improvised drum line with her fingers along the next doorframe. Oh! Here we are, 2A! The base was quiet, I mean there's not a lot of people sure, but there's always some humdrum going on; guess everyone took an early weekend. Shrugging the thought off she pulled the door open and stepped inside.
"Happy Birthday Lena!" The small crowd roared as she entered the room.
"Sweet christ on a stick!" Lena swore quietly to herself, jumping at the sudden noise, her fists half balled in preperation.
Running a quick analysis of the room several familiar faces popped out to her, easing her alarm back down towards zero. The party hats and streamers registered next and alongside the previous shout it let her piece together just what was going on.
"Ah guys, you shouldn't have!" Lena quipped, smiling ear to ear as she tackle hugged the closest friend which happened to be Fareeha.
"Sorry it's a bit overdue, but with everything that was happening then we figured it was high time we celebrated. It was Emily's idea." Angela smiled as well placing a hand on Lena's shoulder.
A bit teary eyed Lena grabbed Emily into a tight hug next. It's true, several months ago she had been under Talon's thumb and the ensuing uphill battle to make sure she hadn't been given any sleeper agent skills during the interim a birthday party was the last thing on anyone's mind. Hell, the secret return of Overwatch had taken up a lot of everyone's time as well.
"Well, yah just gonna keep on huggin the gals Darlin' or have yah already forgotten your old pal?" Mccree drawled out strutting over with a cheeky grin.
Oh god how long had it been since she last saw him? Still with that ridiculous Cowboy ensemble it seems. Anyhow Lena barked out a laugh and clasped Mccree's arm with hers.
"Who were you again?" Lena smirked, cocking her head to the side in thought.
"Why you little!!" Mccree guffawed, jerking Lena forward and tucking her under his arm before using his metal hand to give her a light noogie.
Laughing hard Lena wriggled out of his grip giving him a light jab to the shoulder, "It's great to see you Jesse."
"Best not forget it Darlin'. So when's cake? I'm starved."
"Jesse! Actual food first, then the junk food." Angela admonished, giving him a critical eye.
Holding his hands up in surrender Jesse laughed, wandering back off into the crowd. There were several recognizable faces in the crowd; most notably Winston, Ana, Brigette, and Mei; and she was sure she'd at least met some of the more plain clothed members at one point or another but they were probably just here for the snacks for which Lena couldn't blame them, the mess hall did lack in that department. Cheeks hurting from smiling so long Lena was quick to zip around making small talk and greeting everyone.
Emily couldn't stop the grin on her face from growing as she saw Lena looking more alive than she had seen in ages. That small movement had caught the Brit's eye and next thing Emily knew small flashes of blue light bounced their way over to her.
"This is amazing Luv, thanks so much!" Lena chirped, wrapping Emily up into another bear hug.
"Angie got a hold of everyone, I just put the idea out is all..." Emily's cheeks turned pink wrapping her arms around Lena and giving a squeeze. "Glad you like it."
They broke apart, noticing that the din of the party chatter had died off considerably and they all seemed to be sneaking looks towards one end of the hall, a mix of apprehension and leeriness crossing everyone's faces. Brow furrowed Lena quickly blinked through the crowd, giving out a few 'cuse me's and apologies along the way. Finally making it out through she found herself standing in front and finding the source of disquiet in the crowd. Standing stiffly yet elegantly in the doorway was Widowmaker.
Standing dumbly a moment Lena could hear whispers asking what she was doing here. What trouble was she up to now? Shaking it off Lena scrambled over to the taller woman with a wide grin.
"Amé! What a surprise!" Lena called out in excitement; slowing her approach just enough to look up at Widow questioningly, she saw a begrudging twitch of her mouth before Widow's arms opened slightly, and Lena crashed into them pulling her into a tight hug.
Widow resisted the urge to pry the girl off of her, the crowd had her on edge but it was the damned girl's birthday party the least she could do was tolerate some minor affection in front of them. For now at least. Patting the top of Lena's head she shifted a little, the Brit easily sensing Widow's unease and finally letting go.
Still keeping a hand on Widow's arm Lena looked up at her, eyes sparkling. "Hey Luv."
"I do not mean to intrude..." Widow started.
"You're not!" Lena was quick to interrupt, smiling sheepishly at the irritated frown she received. "Roight, sorry."
"I planned on just dropping these off and slipping away but it seems the cat is out of the box." Widow finished, handing Lena a carefully wrapped present.
"Outta the bag, Luv. And thanks! Can't you stay?" Lena looked up at her with those big doe eyes.
"Non... besides, I do not think it would be the best idea..." Widow's gaze cut through the crowd, easily making most of the ones still daring to stare openly stop and turn back towards their own conversations.
"Aw Amé but..."
"No buts." Amélie caught sight of the red head making her way from the crowd and she made her way towards the door before stopping. Pulling Lena close she whispered suggestively into her ear, "Oh, I wouldn't recommend opening that around guests cherie."
She gave the Brit a light kiss to the shell of her ear, smirked at the now beet red cheeks, and turned exiting as quickly as she came.
Lena stood there stammering as Emily, Angela, and Fareeha finally made their way through the throng of people.
"You okay Lena? What happened?" Angela asked, noting the red cheeks.
"I uh, um... Amélie just stopped by to drop off a present is all. You know how she isn't too fond of crowds right now." Lena sputtered, stuffing the small box under her arm.
"Such a shame, she doesn't have to stay isolated from everyone. But I understand." Angela nodded, looking out the door Widow had left through.
"Anyways, back to the party right?" Lena quickly turned them about, linking an arm with Emily as they wandered back to the whispering crowd.