[ He knows the doubts that plague Genji well enough, the other even voicing a few of them before saying what he's been waiting to hear for a while now. He hopes one day, Genji will be able to see himself how Zenyatta sees him- kind, brave, compassionate...

Genji begins to remove his faceplate, and Zenyatta allows him the space to do so. The face beneath the visor may be darker and scarred from the younger one he had seen only a few days ago, but it is beautiful nevertheless. And then when he says those wonderful words once again, Zenyatta sighs, as if suddenly feeling waves of relief. ]

Oh, Genji...

[ He lifts his hand to place gently on his student's cheek, thumb brushing against the skin there. ]

I am certain my power supply skips a volt whenever I hear that.

[ It may sound foolish, but being that young again, being only five years old- it is important to remember one's past. Especially when he recalls how much he has grown and changed from that past. He was a something of a bitter omnic, during that time. Not young enough to find the world still fascinating, and just old enough to see the monstrosities the world has the offer as well. Caring and being cared for was not a thing he knew with any frequency.

And then here's Genji. Telling him how much he means to him- a thing he already knew, but such a reassurance after that brief time when those feelings of bitterness rose back up. ]

...I feel as though I may weep once again, but I will try to refrain.