Chapter Text
Jesse had stumbled into his room around two in the morning. Hanzo had been insatiable. Jesse had no desire to refuse when such a delectable bounty was spread out before of him.
It was the first time, in a long while, that he slept soundly through the entire night.
He woke to the sounds of birds chirping outside his window and had been floating on air since.
He rushed through breakfast, barely listening as Gabe chewed him out for neglecting to file his nightly report. He didn't notice the bags under his Commander's eyes or the worried frown that seemed carved into the features of his face. He was too busy fondly reminiscing.
Afterwards, Jesse wandered around the Shimada castle until he found Hanzo in the courtyard, practicing some form of martial arts with his brother.
Jesse had felt as though he had been transported to another time period, watching the brothers spar in their old-fashioned karategis. The noise of the city couldn't reach them, not inside the fortress of the castle, so only the shuffle of swift feet could be heard. The clouds parted, basking them in a soft sepia glow, wind gently shaking cherry blossom flowers free to dance in the air.
Jesse’s heart clutched in his chest. Hanzo was so beautiful. Sometimes it was painful to look directly at him, his radiance so bright.
He watched Hanzo’s dark hair, so black that it almost looked blue, slip free of its band and frame the regal face he loved so much.
Jesse halted his thoughts, alarmed that he had even thought the big L word.
Did he love Hanzo?
Could he?
They had only known each other for two days. Three if he was counting today.
You couldn't fall in love with someone that quickly.
Could you? He thought to himself.
Heart hammering, Jesse pushed all his feelings, anything he couldn't understand, deep down inside him. He would deal with that when he had the time. Or maybe when he had the courage.
He could admit that he found Hanzo attractive. He could also admit that, yes, he genuinely enjoyed spending time with Hanzo, that they just clicked so well. He liked all his little mannerism, the poised way he moved, the confident manner in which he carried himself, his surprising dominance and fearlessness. Jesse even liked the little line that would appear between Hanzo’s eyebrows whenever he was frowning. Which was often.
Jesse could admit, but only to himself, that every time Hanzo laughed, his heart skipped a beat and every worry he ever had would shift and disappear for that sweet, fleeting moment.
But any thoughts of love? He'd wait until later to deal with them.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw a flash of green and turn to see Genji sprawled on the ground, palms raised in defeat. Hanzo stood above him, poised to strike, then shifted and held down a hand to help his back up.
They chattered back and forth, their voices drifting on the wind. Jesse walked closer, eavesdropping on their conversation, slowly translating their words in his head.
“That last move was cheap, Hanzo.”
“This coming from the man who tried to throw dirt in my eyes?”
“An accident, I swear.”
“Yes and I'm sure that tripping me so that I fell into the rose bushes was an accident as well.”
“Well, at least you caught yourself before actually falling in.”
Hanzo raised an eyebrow. “Brother dearest, sometimes I believe you are more snake than dragon.”
Genji spotted Jesse, eagerly changing the topic, and language. “Ah, Jesse. Have you come to spar with us?”
Hanzo turned to face Jesse, a pink hue creeping across his cheeks.
Jesse chuckled. “I think I've had enough competition to last me a lifetime.”
Hanzo sputtered out a surprised giggle.
Genji only looked between them, back and forth, before muttering “Gross”. He walked away backwards, squinting at the two of them. “I’m gonna leave so you two can flirt in private.”
Hanzo didn't even comment, allowing his brother the verbal victory. His focus was entirely on Jesse.
“Good morning Agent McCree. Did you sleep well?”
Jesse moved closer, fingers playing with the loose strands of Hanzo’s hair.
“Like a rock, Shimada-san. And you?”
“Quite well.” Hanzo rested a palm against Jesse’s chest, craving even the simplest form of contact. “Thank you for carrying me to my room last night.”
“Anytime.”
Hanzo laughed. “Anywhere as well?”
Jesse yearned to pull Hanzo to him, crush their lips together. He had more sense than that though. He slid his fingers down to Hanzo’s own, linking them, simply to sate himself.
“Have anywhere particular in mind, huckleberry?”
He saw Hanzo pause. His facial features spelling confusion, visibly unsure if he had heard that right. Jesse could see Hanzo make the conscious decision to ignore whatever huckleberry was and focus on the remainder of the question, all in matter of seconds.
“Yes, there is a small shop in town that I must visit today. I was hoping you would join me.”
Jesse’s grin spread slowly, from ear to ear.
“Hanzo Shimada, are you asking me out on a date?”
Hanzo stilled, unaware until that very moment that that was exactly what he was doing. He tried to slip his fingers out of Jesse’s grasp, stammered to correct himself, only to be silenced with a gentle kiss pressed to his knuckles. His eyes went soft, body all but melting at the tender expression of affection.
“I'd take you to the moon and back, if that's what you wanted.”
Hanzo only smiled. “Lucky for you the store is only a few minutes away.” He reluctantly let go of Jesse’s hand. “I'll come find you when I'm ready to go.”
Jesse didn't want to part ways just yet but conceded, watching Hanzo walk away, chest tight and a millions words locked away between his lips.
Instead, he went in search of Gabe, knowing that if he didn't inform him of the day's plan; it would mean his head.
___________________________________
Across town, tucked away in a deceivingly dilapidated warehouse, was a group of hired mercenaries. They didn't know each other well, had only been introduced a few days prior, but had already established a hierarchy of power.
The smallest of them all, a rail-thin beetle of a man, had come in and taken the reins. No one dared question his authority, not with the sinister look in his eyes.
They waited in silence for a call from their source in the Shimada home, plotting their next move.
There was no loyalty to the company who had commissioned the team for their task. Not when Talon or LumeriCo could, and would, pay more for one of the Shimada Masters or their technology.
Hell, even the whole country of Australia would kill to get their hands on it, just to see if it would help with their radiation problem.
The room stilled. Hands that were busy only seconds before, paused.
The gentle chime of a phone echoed.
A cackle of glee rang out.
___________________________________
Jesse drove through the streets of Hanamura, sneaking glances at Hanzo every now and again.
“Jesse! Eyes on the road.” Hanzo all but shouted, hands gripping the dashboard in front of him until his knuckles were white with strain.
Jesse looked back to the road, swerved back into his lane, and swore under his breath.
“Oops!”
“Who in their right mind gave you a license?”
Jesse paused, unsure if he should truthfully answer that question. His silence was all the affirmation Hanzo needed.
“You don't even have one, do you?”
Jesse only grinned sheepishly.
“Jack taught us, back at the base. We get a certificate of completion after a ten day intensive program.”
Hanzo scrutinized him, eyes squinting.
“You didn't complete that either, did you?”
Jesse laughed nervously. “Jack gave up on me after three days.”
“The poor man must have suffered greatly.”
“Well, he never did forgive me for the broken arm.”
There was a strained silence, Hanzo clearly trying to decipher if Jesse had been joking.
“I'll drive. Pull over.”
His voice held unquestionable power. Jesse complied without even meaning to.
They traded seats. Jesse watched as Hanzo fiddled with the seat settings, bringing himself closer to the wheel. He buckled up and signaled to merge back into traffic.
The rest of the ride was easy. Jesse could enjoy his flirtatious banter with Hanzo without having to split his focus.
Hanzo had changed out of his karategi, opting instead for a more decorative version of his hakama. Embroidered dragons danced on the sleeves, slithering their way up his arms to rest, facing each other, on his chest. The black material made Hanzo seem slimmer, almost waif-like. Had it not been for the muscle straining at his shoulders, Jesse would have said Hanzo looked delicate.
They parked beside an old-fashioned building. A simple sign hung above of the door, elegant Japanese calligraphy carved deeply into the dark wood. Jesse didn't understand the Kanji but would ask Hanzo later. A bell chimed above them as they walked through the front door.
The exterior may have been simple but the interior was anything but. Cramped was the only word to come to mind. The space itself wasn't large, maybe the size of someone's living room, but every available surface was covered, leaving very little standing room.
Jesse looked around, curious as to what the buckets and pails that cluttered the floor held. Peeking inside he could see wires and bits of unfamiliar technology.
A tall woman who looked to be about sixty rushed to greet Hanzo. Jesse tried to hold back his surprise at how familiarly, warmly, Hanzo embraced her. Their Japanese was too quick for Jesse to understand, he only caught that it had been far too long since they had seen each other.
The woman had finally realized that Jesse was standing behind, looking out of place. She asked a pointed question to Hanzo who only blushed and stammered out an introduction.
Hanzo explained that the woman's name was Maki, that she specialized in advanced weaponry. He had come to pick up an order that he had placed.
Maki shuffled back behind her counter and hefted over a large backpack. She unzipped it to reveal a collection of arrows. There were three bundles, each with different kind of tip for specific uses.
Her words were too complex for Jesse to understand but Hanzo nodded, interjecting here and there with a question.
They didn't spend much more time in the shop. Jesse watched as Hanzo paid with a large stack of bills that had seemingly materialized out of nowhere. They said their goodbyes and were promptly on their way with promises to return soon.
Hanzo walked back to the car, backpack slung over his shoulder only to stop when he realized Jesse hadn't moved from the door. He turned to see what had caught his attention and saw him looking at a small cafe a block down the street.
A gentle smile graced his lips. “Still want that date, Darlin’?” He held out his fingers, hoping Hanzo would intertwine his own.
“I think I would like that very much.” He looked around the street, realized that people were watching, and gripped the strap of his bag instead of the hand he so desperately wanted to hold.
Jesse noticed, concern heavy on his features. He looked around and noted the piercing stares of the town folk. They walked in uncomfortable silence for a few minutes before Jesse had had enough. Hanzo looked miserable and he just couldn't let that be. When the streets emptied, Jesse pulled Hanzo into the nearest boutique.
“Jesse, why are we even in here?” Hanzo asked over the rock music that was booming.
“Darlin’ you need to be inconspicuous when you go out. Everyone's lookin’ at you and it's a safety risk.” Jesse didn't mention Hanzo’s obvious discomfort. Or that he was doing this just so he could hold Hanzo’s hand as they walked down the damn street.
There was only one person working, a young girl who only gave them a nod before going back to her phone.
Jesse pulled at clothes randomly, not even looking, and tossed them and Hanzo into the nearest changing room and waited.
And waited.
And waited.
Concerned, he knocked on the door.
“Darlin’? Everything okay?”
“I don't see how this is inconspicuous, Jesse.”
Hanzo opened the door revealing the outfit that had him so perplexed.
It was pink. A neon, eye searing, jaw dropping, pink. It drooped loosely over Hanzo’s body, wrapping him in the atrocious material. The sleeves were padded, creating the illusion of paws. But the best part, at least for Jesse, was the hood. Two glittery pink cat ears pointed up, sparkling with every movement Hanzo made.
Jesse moved quickly, pulling his phone from his pocket, hands shaking as he took a picture.
“Jesse give me your phone.”
Through a fit of hysteric giggles, Jesse muttered out “no way” before tucking his phone back into the safety of his pants.
Hanzo only glared and retreated into the change room. Jesse knew he'd try to get his hands on his phone later but he'd deal with it when the time came.
Twenty minutes later, they stepped out.
Hanzo had chosen another outfit, and while it may have been less entertaining, it certainly got the job done.
Dark denim hugged at his thick thighs, while a loose ocean-blue hoody distorted his shape, making him appear less muscular. To hide his features, Jesse had forced Hanzo into a baseball cap and a pair of dark sunglasses. He held a firm grip on the backpack, the foldable bow Jesse didn't even know Hanzo had on him was tucked snugly inside.
Hanzo hadn't stopped grinning since they left the store, chattering happily, his fingers tightly woven into Jesse’s.
“This cafe has an incredible chocolate cake, perhaps we should bring one back for your Commander.”
Jesse huffed out a breath. “You just want to see me run laps around the castle.”
Hanzo laughed, hearty and worry free. “That may have something to do with it.”
Jesse frowned, thinking back to Gabes recent sour mood. Maybe something sweet will ease his troubled mind.
Hanzo opened his mouth to comment when a car came to a screeching halt directly in front of them. The doors flung open, revealing men armed with guns. Neither Jesse nor Hanzo had time to react. They only heard soft pops as the guns went off.
Jesse looked down at his arm and saw two darts pierced in his skin. Dulled anger overcame him. He lunged forward, fist connecting with flesh and bone before all strength left his body.
He was heaved into the car, then felt the weight of Hanzo slam into him. Jesse couldn't see him, only felt his body, head swimming to find some kind of stability through the sea of drugs.
His mouth worked slowly, not reacting to the commands his mind made, trying to desperately ask Hanzo if he was okay.
He only saw the door of the car slam shut before he faded into darkness.
___________________________________
Jesse woke with a hard slap to his face. He blinked, sluggish. He mumbled, calling out for Hanzo, only to freeze at the echo of an unfamiliar laugh.
When his head stopped spinning, he took in the room.
He could tell he was in a warehouse; the high ceilings and small windows gave that away. The setting sun coated the room in a fiery orange light. He must have been out for hours.
Jesse’s heart lurched, mind only thinking of Hanzo and his safety.
He sat in a sturdy wooden chair, hands cuffed, locked to the chains around his feet. He yanked at them, testing the strength, and found that he was immobilized.
Jesse took in the man in front of him. His skin was so pale that it seemed translucent. He slouched forward, chin resting on open palms. His thin body and sharp features made him look threatening, deadly.
Jesse saw that the man was wearing his stetson and decided that he would die a slow, painful death.
“I trust you slept well?” The man had a soft accent. The kind of accent that came with being well traveled.
The kind of accent that most skilled mercenaries had.
Jesse took his time responding, mouth dry from the tranquilizers. “Wasn't no bed and breakfast. But it sure beats a dirt nap.”
The man laughed, voice ringing like gentle bells.
“Well, I'm afraid I can't offer you better accommodation. The Deadlock gang wants you alive but I'm afraid they don't care much about your state.” His grin was sharp. “They just want you.” He pulled out a short blade and stabbed into the thick flesh of Jesse’s thigh. He bit back a scream, eyes bulging. “We just wanted the Shimada boy but your bounty was just too sweet to pass on.”
The man stood up, stretching leisurely. An easy laugh bubbled out of his throat.
“McCloud will be in shortly to see you. Seems you broke his nose and man does he want payback.”
Jesse watched, breathing raggedly through his nose, as the man shut the door behind him.
Eerie silence spread through the room.
Jesse calmed himself, eyes closed, breathing deep through the pain, and assessed the situation. He could hear the echo of Gabe's voice in his head.
Focus, cowboy.
Can you escape?
Jesse looked at his cuffs. If he could break the chair he'd have better access to his restraints, a better chance to escape.
Should you escape?
He looked around the room. No cameras. He listened and could hear no sound outside of the room. Soundproof. Escape seemed too easy. Almost like a setup.
Should you wait for help?
Fuck no. Not with Hanzo tucked away in another room at the mercy of that grotesque rodent.
Then move your ass, McCree, and get to work.
Gabes voice faded as Jesse began to move. He pushed the weight of his body onto his toes, rolling himself to a stand. His body was bent forward, knife pressed even deeper into his skin, stomach squished into the tops of his thighs. He slammed himself into the ground, wood cracking under the weight of his body, and grunted in pain.
“F-Fuck.”
No matter how many times he did that, no matter how desensitized he was to pain, it still stung.
Gabes voice echoed in his head again.
You don't have time for tea. Move.
He did. The rookie who tied him up hadn't checked his boots. Jesse’s fingers dug into the lining and pulled out a pick. He made quick work of his cuffs, movements sure and deft despite his restraints.
Jesse looked down at his thigh, the handle of the blade now soaked in his blood. He ripped a strip from his shirt, shoved it in his mouth to muffle any noise he might make, and yanked it out.
Pain made his head swim. He punched at the concrete to keep himself grounded, to keep himself awake, as consciousness threatened to fade.
When the worst was over he moved quickly, wrapping his wound and removing the chains that bound his feet.
Jesse sprang into action, wincing at the aches he felt over his body, mind repeating only one word again and again.
Hanzo.
He ran to the door, pausing for a second when he heard the lock click open.
Breathless, he hid beside, watching as a large man lumbered in. Jesse heard the man make a noise of confusion and heard it turn into a wet gurgle as his throat was slit from ear to ear.
Jesse turned him over, taking in the man's broken nose and anguished face, and searched his body for weapons.
He pocketed the extra knife, a serrated monstrosity, and brandished his gun.
He couldn't have Hanzo’s blood on his hands. He person that he loved would not die because of him.
He could finally admit it. It only took a life threatening situation to reveal the truth but now Jesse knew. He knew the fear that coursed through his veins would not be so overwhelming if his feelings had been weak. He loved Hanzo. He loved everything about him. Jesse wasn't ready to lose him. Not now. Not ever.
The halls of the warehouse were empty. Jesse moved quickly, opening any door that he could. He found their weapons, Peacekeeper and all her extra bullets, Hanzo’s backpack with his bow and all his new arrows, and brought them with him.
No way he was leaving them behind.
Jesse flinched, gun at the ready, as a door swung open. Hanzo stepped out, knuckles bloody and face etched in anger.
He didn't even think. Jesse just ran, straight into Hanzo’s arms. He kissed him, desperately trying to prove to himself, to both of them, that they were both okay.
Hanzo’s fingers gripped Jesse’s arms with bruising strength.
“You're here?!” Hanzo gasped out. “You're alive?!”
Jesse nodded, heart pounding wildly. Hanzo was breathing harshly, breath ripped out of his lungs before he could even inhale.
“Th-they t-told me you were d-dead.”
Jesse kissed Hanzo’s brow, pulling the man closer to him. Panic was clear in Hanzo’s voice.
“I'm here. I'm alive.” He took Hanzo’s hand and pressed it to his chest. “See? Still hammerin’ away.”
Jesse felt Hanzo take a shuddering breath before shaking off his mood. When he pulled away from Jesse, his eyes were burning with hatred.
He grinned, the feral look in Hanzo’s eyes igniting a heat deep inside him.
“How about we fuck these assholes up, darlin’?” He bent down to press a soft kiss to Hanzo’s lips. “Let's make it a little competition.”
He wanted to calm Hanzo. Reminding him of their night in the shooting range, playing the whole situation as a game, was his attempt at that.
Jesse handed Hanzo his backpack, watched as he pulled out the collapsible bow. Hanzo raised a brow.
“What did you have in mind?”
Jesse checked his gun, noted that his bullets were still in place, and grinned.
“How about some target practice? Loser has to buy Gabe that cake?”
Hanzo grinned, sharp and sure.
“I hope I get to see you run those laps.”
Jesse only chuckled, following Hanzo as he ascended a set of stairs.
They moved quietly until they were directly above the main foyer of the warehouse. Looking down, Jesse could see groups of men performing mundane tasks. Some were cleaning weapons, some playing cards, some immersed in their holopads. Easy pickings.
Hanzo notched an arrow, took a deep breath, and let it fly. The arrow split, separating into multiple smaller arrows, and scattered around the room, hitting multiple men instantly.
“Now that ain't fair, darlin’.”
Hanzo only laughed and sent another arrow flying.
Gun hot in his hand, Jesse shot, taking down three men before they could even reach for their weapons.
At the sound of screams and gunshots more men stormed the room.
Another arrow shot by, this one bubbled blue, illuminating the figures hidden behind walls.
“That's too cool.”
“Sonar arrows. I'll have to tell Maki how well they work.”
More men rushed out. Jesse reloaded. He closed one eye, focusing all his attention on the other, straining. Blood rushed to his head, red edging into his vision.
Three
Two
One
“It's high-noon.”
Six shots popped out of the barrel. Six men went down.
Hanzo looked over, impressed.
Jesse peered down and spotted the man who had stabbed him earlier.
“Cover me. That sonabitch stole my hat.”
He jumped off the balcony, leaving behind a perplexed Hanzo, and rushed into the fray of bodies.
If anyone came too close they would get an arrow to the skull thanks to Hanzo.
He lifted his gun, face grim, and fired two shots directly into the man's knees.
Swooping down, he took back his hat.
Mercenaries rushed to attack him. He heard Hanzo yell something from the balcony and saw a flash of blue.
Turning he saw two ghostly dragons twine towards him. They swam through him, stinging like a harsh wind, and passed over his body.
The men around him dropped to the ground.
Silence filled the room.
Hanzo hopped down from the balcony, running towards Jesse.
“I believe I won that round.”
“I can't dispute that. Though I think some of those guys might have died from a heart attack.” He paused and looked down at the prone bodies around him. “What the hell was that?”
“The dragons. They protect the Shimada clan.”
They heard the shuffle of clothes and saw the rat-like man trying to reach for his gun.
Jesse cocked Peacekeeper.
“Not a smart move, partner.”
Jesse crouched as Hanzo kicked away the mans gun.
He pulled out the knife that was used to stab him.
“Now, I've got a few questions I hope you can answer for me.”
___________________________________
They stole a truck. Nobody was left behind to follow them but they took extra precautions just in case. When they were close enough to their own car, they ditched the truck on a side street.
Strained silence followed them as they walked down the street, bloody and exhausted.
Jesse watched as Hanzo cringed, clutching his side. He saw blood, the hoodie stained a rusty red, and his heart dropped. He gripped Hanzo’s hand and yanked him deep into the nearest alley. Jesse walked him backwards, pressing his back against the brick.
“Are you okay?”
“Just a minor wound.”
Jesse dropped to his knees, hands shaking as he pulled up the material.
It was shallow, nothing to concerned about, but still, Jesse was filled with a primal rage. He licked at the wound, cleaning away blood. Eyes flashing, he looked up at Hanzo.
A warm hand cupped Jesse’s face, trying to reassure him, comfort him.
He couldn't take it.
Jumping up, he grabbed Hanzo roughly and crushed their lips together.
Blood and lust was all he could taste.
The world around them faded away, the hustle and bustle of the city at night became white noise as they melted into each other.
They needed reassurance that they were alive. That this moment was real. There was no room for gentle touches or soft exploration.
Jesse sucked at Hanzo’s tongue, pulling him deeper into his mouth. Unsteady hands ripped at the button of his pants.
They moved quickly, freeing their cocks from the confines of their pants. Jesse wrapped a hand around them, pumping hard and fast.
He could smell Hanzo. Only Hanzo. His sweat and blood and the scent that was his and his alone. His hand milked them closer and closer to the edge.
Hanzo bit into the soft flesh of Jesse’s lip, earning him a growl. Their kisses were wild, all teeth and tongue, animalistic and raw.
Jesse licked into Hanzo’s mouth. In that moment he could have sworn that Hanzo was truly a dragon as the heat of him burned Jesse right down to his core.
He heard a soft cry, felt Hanzo shake, as his seed spilled into Jesse’s hand.
Jesse followed him over the edge, his whole body tense with release.
They stood there for a while, come cooling on Jesse’s hand, softly kissing until their heads cleared.
Hanzo buttoned up their pants slowly as Jesse rested his head in the crook of his shoulder. He mumbled something, something kind, sweet, but Jesse could barely make it out. He inhaled, his senses filled with Hanzo, and relaxed.
He slipped back into his easy grin.
“Now, let's go get that cake.”