Chapter Text
Jesse looked at the photo for, he didn't know maybe an hour or so. Maybe more. He couldn't believe he let his target get so close to him, it was a mistake. He did go out that night looking to make some trouble but this was a big, big ass mistake. Jesse stood up and looked around his apartment again looking for any bugs or cameras. Reyes had to have placed something to watch him...
He couldn’t find anything besides the mirror Ashe smashed out of anger the day before. He shook his head knowing he would have to replace it. Just more collateral damage in Ashe’s wake, much like himself.
After sweeping the rooms Jesse opened his laptop and checked to see if anything was placed on it, and to his amazement, nothing looked suspicious but his history was pulled up and now that he saw it, it all focused around Garbiel, mainly his photos. None of them were as clear and perfect as the one he left on Jesse's phone though.
Did Reyes see this? Jesse felt embarrassment rise in him, he looked back down at the photo on his phone following the deep scars across his cheek with his eyes.
There was a knock at his door that startled Jesse to shut his phone and computer off. “Yeah?” he called. He felt he was caught doing something indecent. Why was that? Reyes is just a job.
“It’s me.” Ashe called back from the other side of the door. Jesse looked over at the clock, it was noon. He slept in longer than usual, the excuse that it was too early for drama has passed. He knew ignoring her wasn't an option either.
“Comin’,” Jesse stood and moved to the door opening it, he was greeted with an Ashe who didn't look like her normal perfect self, probably trying to make him feel sorry for her. She knew how to lay it on thick, he saw her pull it on her parents when they were young. Her eyes were bloodshot and her white hair a mess. Even her nails were chipped. He didn't want to ask her about it. “Yes?” he said shortly leaning against his door frame.
“I came by last night.” She crossed her arms. She looked like how Jesse felt. “Your date or whatever told me to leave you alone. Guess you were talking shit about me huh?” She half joked.
Jesse perked up. “You saw him?” He felt his gut churn. Had she caught him? Well he wasn't guilty of anything...
“Yeah well it's a little fuzzy but ya’ tall hot guy with a goatee I think. You shouldn’t let people take ya’ home if you're not gonna remember them. What if something happened.”
“Ight’ I’m not gonna take advice from you today Ashe.” Jesse rolled his eyes at the sudden concern for his well being. “And yes I probably said stuff about you I was drunk and upset. What do you expect? Plus you owe me a mirror.”
“Hm. I figured, he told me you wouldn't want to talk to me.” she drug her nails into her arm looking off to the side, white strands of hair blocking her face from his view. Maybe that was for the better.
“He was right.” Jesse didn't know how much he told Gabriel but Reyes was correct about Ashe. He didn't want to talk to her, still, doesn't.
“Tsk, fine here's your damn key. I just came to return it anyway.” She tossed it into the room and moved to walk down the hallway. Jesse said nothing as he watched her go, she only ever used him and he wasn't ready to forgive her, Reyes was right. He closed the door a bit harder than he should have but it felt good to hear the loud thud.
He hoped Ashe was too drunk to remember Gabriel's face clearly. He didn't want to explain to her or the other underbosses what the leader of BlackWatch was doing in his apartment and not dead.
_________
He stared down at his phone waiting for the other shoe to drop. He didn't know what he was waiting for but he couldn't shake the feeling something was about to go wrong.
Jesse looked down at his phone and swiped to the photo Reyes took of him sleeping.
He wondered why Reyes took it, to mock him? The selfie did that enough. Why take the second one. The photo didn't seem threatening, Jesse thought he looked peaceful sleeping there. He swiped back to the picture of Reyes and sat down on the couch. He smiled at the small glint in Reyes dark brown eyes. He hummed as he looked down from the welcoming eyes to those full lips surrounded by a thick salt and pepper color goatee. He was smirking, that bastard. Jesse's eyes traced the deep scars decorating the handsome face. Fuck. Jesse couldn't help how his cock got interested in what other scars the man had, and how he got them.
No. fucking shit...
Jesse shook his head as he internally yelled at himself. He had no interest in that fucking bastard how could he, he's just another hit. He took a few deep breaths, waiting for everything to calm down, downstairs then got up.
He walked out the door after getting somewhat dressed for what was left of the day. He just needed to...to do something. He couldn't keep waiting around, he was starting to get stir crazy in his small apartment. He just needed to go for a short walk.
_________
Jesse ran a hand through his hair as he walked down the uneven sidewalk, counting the civilians in groups as he passed. Not many people liked to walk this part of town, especially when the sun is setting, but there were always a few that went bar hopping in groups, for safety. He didn't care for groups. He’s always been alone rider even in Deadlock. He never really cunted Ashe as his partner, she was more of a Boss, even back in the day. Jesse just liked taking orders he guessed, he laughed at the idea.
Jesse watched as street lights started to glow one by one and the groups walked by less and less. It was starting to get late, he headed back to his apartment building. In the back of Jesse's head he felt something was off and shouldn't have been surprised when everything went south.
Jesse heard footsteps running towards him and before he could turn to see who it was there was a swift punch to his side as a large man stepped out in front of Jesse's path. Jesse coughed and tasted blood in his mouth. He had never been hit that hard in his life. He couldn't catch his breath. He felt like something inside of him was shutting down, he really felt the need the throw-up.
The footsteps from behind him grew closer and kicked Jesse's knee out sending him forward to the still burning hot concrete. He hissed as a hand wrapped itself in his hair and yanked his head back forcing him to look up as a foot was pressed down on his ankle, forcing him to stay on his knees.
Jesse growled and tried to calm down. As his vision cleared he saw the large crisp white suit leaning against the brick wall in front of him. Jesse was quick to spot the two other people hiding in the shadow and he felt the one behind him still yanking on his hair. Jesse grinds his teeth wishing he brought his gun.
“Hello there, McCree.” Doomfist smiled.
“Is this anyway to treat a man that's doing ya’ a favor?” Jesse hissed and then spat. Blood, he was hit damn hard. No wonder they call him doomfist.
“It’s a job, not a favor. A job that you should be focused on.”
“I am! I’ve been surveying him, and the place.” Jesse coughed out.
“That's not all you're doing McCree. Don’t let this man tempt you, or else you would just be in my way.” Akande looked down at McCree kneeling in front of him, He fidgeted with one of his huge rings.
“I swear, nothing is happening.” Jesse glared up at him “He’ll be dead after the party. Its in a week. I swear, it will be done.”
“Hm, Fine. Let him go.”
Jesse's head slumped forward after the man behind him let go of his hair and the men stepped away from him letting him go. Jesse, while coughing, got up on his feet, a bit slowly. He watched as the pact of men led by doomfist walked back down the alley, leaving him.
“Was this Talon or Deadlock!” Jesse called out toward them. Akande turned around and even in the dark Jesse could see a grin.
“This was a business call from both of us. Good night Dead Eye.” He laughed before they all went behind a building.
Jesse somehow knew it was also from Deadlock, fucking underbosses, Torres and Sanders. Jesse knew they didn't trust him, he wondered if Ashe knew about this ‘Reminder’. It didn't matter.
__________
Jesse headed back towards his apartment, when he moved towards the side entrance where a sleek car sat running, it was all too familiar. Jesse rushed inside, hoping he wasn't noticed. It was Reyes' car, what was it doing there, in front of his apartment? He must have been watching him.
Jesse was extra conscious, making his way back up to his apartment, making sure no one was following him or placed there to watch him. Unexpectedly, there was no one, it was rather late now it made sense why no one would be walking about the halls. Jesse stopped in front of his room and inspected the door, it was still locked.
He entered his apartment and as soon as he stepped inside he heard a crunch under his foot. He looked down, a paper? Closing the door behind him, he bent down picking it up. It was obviously taken out of some kind of notebook and folder to slide under his door. Now fully curious, he had to open it. He moved over to the couch and read it.
Coffee.
That was it…? Curious, it didn't really seem like it was asking him to coffee, more like it stated it. The penmanship was crisp and clear, obviously, no one in Deadlock wrote it; it was too pretty. That when he smelled it: tobacco, cedar, and fire. It felt like he smelt it before. Reyes. It had to be, it only made sense. His car and this note, it all adds up. Jesse took another sniff, and he was back in that car. He remembered it, foggily. He remembered looking out the window and falling asleep and the smell from being so close to him, what did he say, or what did Reyes say? Damn, he wished he knew.
_________
The next morning he went to his usual spot, a small coffee cafe near his Apartment. He waited there, for not very long. The little bell above the door rang and Jesse turned to see, the handsome, darkly dressed man walking over to where he sat. He didn't ask nor did he regard Jesse till he sat down in the seat opposite him. He looked at Jesse, as Jesse took an awkward drink from his mug. He didn't know what to say, he waited for Reyes to start. There was silence for a while as the two sized each other up from their sides of the table. Jesse could smell the familiar scent on him.
“It looks like they didn't do any lasting damage.” Reyes’s eyes roamed over Jesse's form. Examining him. “Are you alright?”
“What?” Jesse was surprised by the statement. Why was he concerned about his health? Reyes ignored the surprise and waved over a waitress and ordered, after he did so he rested his arms on the table looking solely at Jesse. Jesse couldn't name the look, but even at a distance Reyes was really good at hiding his emotions.
“Talon.”
“How did you know?” Jesse hoped he didn't know why Talon came after him.
“I was, concerned, so I watched your apartment complex”
“All day?”
“...” He looked away.
“Do you always worry about random drunk men you drive home?”
“I don't usually do that, this was a first.” He grinned at the accusation. “Can I ask why Talon came after you Joel?”
Jesse was so thankful when he heard his cover name, at least his cover was still intact and Reyes wasn't totally aware of his plan to kill him, if at all. “I’m not sure who they are, they thought I was somebody close to you I guess? I’m not sure.”
“Hmm, interesting.” He rubbed at his goatee. “Very interesting.”
“How so?” Jesse played dumb and tilted his head.
“It’s nothing,” He smirked, “It's just interesting, how badly you want to cling onto your cover, kid.”