Chapter Text
The cold air hit Jesse's face like a brick. Even with his beard, he rubbed the cold bits of hair as he attempted to get the car heated up before work. It was still dark out before dawn.
'That's right, Jesse, you have to do this. You have to move on. You don't have any help now.'
The cowboy chanted to himself over and over, sighing between each sentence. It had only been two weeks since he went to his lover's funeral. Gabriel Reyes.
Jesse wouldn’t wish this feeling of loneliness on his worst enemy. He was waking up every night in these past few days feeling as if his heart was gone, as if there was a hole in his chest. The scent of his Alpha still lingered on his pillows, the sheets, and his own laundry. Jesse had smelled and scented until he left tear stains permanently stained on the mattress.
There was always one looming question that wandered in the back of his mind: How would his child react to not having a father around?
How would he or she find their place with a single dad?
Would he be willing to take the stress?
These questions reverberated in his mind, feeling as if they cut off all noise while the sound of a piercing ring silenced his thoughts.
Silence.
Shots.
Funeral.
*BEEP!BEEP!BEEP!BEEP!*
His alarm rang loudly on his phone, a reminder telling him to start his truck before work or else he’d be stranded with the piece of junk.
He ran his thumb around his phone lock screen, leaning back in the car as he stared at a picture they had together. His hand absent-mindedly running along his stomach. The lock screen blared a picture of Gabriel smiling and kissing his cheek, the two having a beer in each hand. Gabriel had no knowledge of his pregnancy, they were secret lovers because of his dedication to the military. He knew Jack and ‘Gabe’ had to have a thing, but Jack always had his nose deep in paperwork... Making Jesse and the older male closer than ever as they had met in secret more than once—Even ending up living together under the noses of those around them. Gabe was his Alpha, his lover, and now he was a beta with a bun in the oven, that he discovered.... this morning.
Those tan fingers brought out the pregnancy test from his pocket and stared at it, the plus sign seemed to stand out like a lighthouse in an ocean. He was a beta with a bun in the oven. He was in the position where he had to get a second job now. He'd decide later if he'd keep it,… the baby.
‘That’s right, the baby’ he told himself in his mind.
For now, he had to get to the diner or he'd be late. Again.
***
The diner was packed as usual, it was seen as a busy spot in town. Chairs and booths were packed during the lunch rush, kids munching on grilled cheese and the “old town” aesthetic was in motion. Waiters taking drink orders, kids deciding what to play on the jukebox, and parents chatting with the locals about the community service projects and church on Sundays.
Jesse McCree wore his hair back in a ponytail and had on the server's green apron with a name tag and pens attached to his pocket. He waved to the gentleman he was pouring coffee for, aiming to go over to him. The air suddenly took a turn for tension, a group of Japanese men in suits walked in and found themselves at a table near the back to support the four of them.
The immediate thought on Jesse’s mind was ‘God, I hope they don’t assign me that table.’
There was a man that came in a little later than the four, though he was a bit shorter than the others—his presence commanded respect as he straightened his tie and walked across to the table where his men were already sat. Greeting them in Japanese, as he sat along with them and they conversed as they waited for their waiter to greet them. The man was clearly an Alpha and spoke volumes on his dominance; his scent was pretty powerful to boot.
Matt, a tall beta manager, waved to Jesse and assigned him the table. Jesse immediately nodded, but excused himself for just a few seconds before. Steering to the back for just a minute, he put on a heavy cologne around his jaw that he carried in his one of the large apron pockets. There was no way in hell he was gonna deal with them smelling any hint of a pregnant beta on him. Not today. He helped take an order of another table as he walked to them, "well gentleman... I hate to interrupt your business meeting, but what can I get yah t' drink? We got ice tea, soft drinks, n’ pretty much anything yah need." he tried not to make too much eye contact with the large, intimidating group.
The group ordered as Hanzo was preoccupied with staring at the man. The cologne was throwing him off but he could swear, he smelled a pregnant beta underneath the scent blocker; regardless, the man before him was gorgeous and he wanted him—bad. He was practically drooling and he was caught staring, but unfortunately it was a very intimidating stare.
Jesse didn't mean to turn a little red in the cheeks, but when he got to Hanzo's order... He stumbled across his own words from the staring. "ah... And... Uh.. Sir, what would you like..?" He cleared his throat, adjusting his collar. "t'drink...I mean." He questioned himself, he never acted like this before.
"I would like a water." he spoke cool, not missing a beat which just went further to make Jesse feel even more like an idiot. "you should ensure that I have lemon in it as well."
Jesse tapped his pen against the side of his pad. The ‘old’ him would have said something to the customer's attitude. The ‘old’ him would have denied him the chance to be an asshole. Today,… this was the ‘new’ him.
Jesse nodded, "I'll make sure of it. I'm gonna go grab yer drinks, give yah a few minutes on the menu. Special today is the turkey sandwich with rye bread."
He made sure they all had menus as he turned back to get their drinks. Ung, he got such a strange feeling from them. It made him quiver as his spine gave a small spasm on the way to the diner bar; his lip curled tight in nerves. One of the lady coworkers asked him if he was okay, and Jesse nodded to his manager. "yeh, just gotta make sure this orders correct or I might get stabbed." Trying to make light of the situation.
A southern tone rang out of the manager, "don't worry sweetie! If you don't screw up, he's a charmer!" a woman said as she scooted past him. "he likes a chubby fella too." She chuckled as the waitress carried a meal through the door.
At the table, Hanzo was discussing his current deals as he had his eyes on the door wanting to see his eye candy again.
".... Now how the hell do you know that?" the lady giggled before walking off, and Jesse stared after her in bewilderment.
The fuck was going on in this place?
He didn't want to glance over at Hanzo. He wanted too, but denied himself.
He got their drink order, and as he was putting it on the tray he was deep in thought.
‘And he likes chubby men? Right. That guy is gay. And even if he were, he likes bears. No way in hell. A man like that probably let has some hot Asian pornography piece on his yacht in Cabo.’ He had to talk himself down, just think about getting through this day. The large beta male brought out the drinks on the tray, putting them in front of each of the correct customers. He didn't say a word, but he glanced at Hanzo and glanced at the lemon in his water. Thank God he remembered. ".... So fellas, we decided on food yet? Any questions?"
Hanzo was scowling at the man beside him, his co-worker who was definitely chastising him in Japanese. The cool voice spoke yet again, "let them order I have not decided because I've already had my fill." he eyed the man before him as he took the drink with a short nod of approval and returned to his menu.
Jesse didn't know an ounce of Japanese, but after this encounter he made a quick mental note to take some classes.... If he ever couldn’t ever afford it. "... All right. How about we start with you?" He went around the table, asking the usual questions. Now that he got the vibe that they weren't in there to fuck him up, he didn't mind looking them in the eye. After taking all there orders, he looked to Hanzo... and in the eyes.
Jesse tried to be courteous. ".... You ready, sweethea- sir?" he cleared his throat. Now that would go south, fast. Goddamn southern accent flirting of his about to get him hurt.
"No, no—please Jesse." he looked at the name tag. "I want to see if you have the balls to call Hanzo Shimada a sweetheart." he smirked as he laid his chin on his palm. "I would like a rare steak and some of your steamed vegetables, sweetheart." he teased the waiter.
Jesse blinked.
What the fuck just happened?
Who was... Hanzo Shimada? Well. He'd be googling this later.
Jesse was red in the ears now. Clearing his throat and turning red in the face to match. "a-sorry, it's a bad habit... That I'm trying to fix. Didn't mean to offend yah... Ah... Yes." He repeated, more for himself than Hanzo. "Yes. I'll get that for yah. You want to add a side salad or anything?"
"No thank you." Hanzo smiled as he allowed the embarrassed waiter to leave. Hanzo finished discussing plans when in a moment of clarity, he thought of the man from his most recent hit and then about the one who was taking orders from him.
Jesse could feel his ears burning back in the kitchen. He tapped the manager on the shoulder. "What did ja mean he's a charmer? He flirt with you before? They seem like it's their first time here... But they.....it’s not. Is it?" Jesse was questioning himself; why was he asking about him?
"Boy, any man in here with a belly and a beard has been hit on my Hanzo Shimada. He loves a rugged man, but he's an Alpha—so don't underestimate him. He likes a challenge. Rumor is he runs an underground gang..." she smiled at him and offered some advice from a famous country song. "A wise lady once told me. ‘Just be nice to the gentleman Fancy and they'll be nice to you.’"
Jesse stared deadpanned. "... Did you just reference Reba McEntire?" he could only smile and laugh.
He realized there were two other servers that had a belly and a beard... That were men, at least. No wonder they played the joke on the new fella to the diner. Hell, he should take her advice. That’s right, maybe he'd do just that. Be nice to the gentleman.
The cowboy did need more tips, he did need more money.... Jesse assisted a few more customers, feeling a pair of eyes on him as he walked through the diner and back and forth from the kitchen and bar area. He popped by their table, decided to try out 'being nice.' "you fellas need refills? Food should be out in just a few."
"Certainly. Oh,… and Jesse,… I have appeared to of dropped my fork. Would you mind getting it for me?" he asked as he smiled at him. As he ran a finger around his glass, watching the man as he pursed his lips in interest.
Jesse stared; he had to repeat in his head his new mantra so he wouldn’t blow his lid: ‘New day; New me. New baby; new attitude. You need the money; I will be nice to the gentleman, and they will be nice to me.’
Jesse just remembered a very interesting point the lady manager gave him made about the new customer Hanzo liking a challenge. But he also knew, too much of a challenge isn’t fun for anyone. Allowing himself a little fun, he laid the water pitcher on the table and bent over to get the fork, making sure to give the customer a show as he was grabbing the fork.
Hanzo actually smiled showing teeth. His co-worker sitting beside him seemed to be congratulating him on accomplishing his dare. The handsome Alpha in the suit went for the plunge and asked a brave question, "Jesse. Tell me are you a beta?" Hanzo asked as he continued to smile, "because you are quite the specimen.”
Jesse put the fork on the table. ".... Yes, I am." he stated, almost dryly. You could tell the man got a lack of flak for it, but the nagging feeling of 'playing nice to the gentleman, fancy' had turned into 'playing nice for Gabe and his memory' which made him only want to do it more.
Omegas were seen as the bottom of the tier, the bottom feeders. Alphas were the top dogs, the top of the food chain. Betas? They were stuck somewhere in between, and they either seemed to edge more on the Omega side of the Alpha side. From Jesse’s experience, most people thought he was an Alpha from first glance, until they smelled him without his cologne. Now that he was pregnant, he knew this would cause some problems later down the road, and he didn’t know quite how to react.
After a nervous laugh, Jesse commented after the fact, "I know I... Don't look it. We just like to call it a luck of the draw...." he adjusted his belt on his pants. "ah... Thank ya kindly." to the compliment.
'back at you,' Jesse thought. Feeling the heat in his ears again, he was refilling drinks. "used t' be in the military a few years back... Now I'm just working here and nother' place... Ya know how it is. Economy. Etc." He decided to end his life story, and nodded to the kitchen. "I think y'alls food is done. So I'll be right back." He made sure to get Mr. Shimada some extra lemon for his new water, walking back as he was passing out the food from the tray with the large order. "before I leave, make sure the steak is to your liking..." he tried not to include any sirs, any Mr. Shimadas, but just tried to be kind and personal with him.
Hanzo cut the steak right down the middle as he smiled. "It is perfect, my compliments to your staff." he looked at Jesse. "You have done amazing so far Jesse, I will make it a point to return once in a while."
Jesse nodded, at a loss for words...until he remembered a smudge of charm he always had in him with those days with Gabe. "... And I'll be lookin' forward to it." he gave a light and comforting pat to Hanzo's shoulder. "... Let me know if you fellas need anything... I'll check on yah soon."
Jesse took his coffee pot with him and filled up a few more drinks in the diner; going to the bathroom and literally freaking out. "oh my god I can't believe I did that."
"He liked you sir." one of the men said as Hanzo accepted the challenge. "He has earned my respect." Hanzo was pleased with the boy and he touched the spot on his shoulder. Everyone enjoyed the food as Hanzo polished off his meal. "Gentlemen—I will take care of this. Go ahead and I will meet you at the compound." he had looked for Jesse as soon as his group left.
Jesse came back to check on the men after helping a few more people. "... Sorry for your wait, had a few tables. Busy shift. How was everything? You ready for the check, sweetheart?" he was taking the dirty plates. Then he realized he did it. Again. Goddamnit. This time he didn't catch himself, he full on ‘sweethearted’ him.
"It was excellent, everything was cooked well, and I was very impressed with the service." Hanzo looked to him as he filled out the check and then let Jesse take it, not leaving a tip initially… since Hanzo had used credit.
The beta male grabbed a few more dishes and picked up his card to take; he input it in the system and swiped the card. After giving Hanzo a pen to sign, he smiled at him. "Good to go. Thank ya. You come back again, ya hear?" He had yet to look at the receipt with the tip, he just assumed he got one as Hanzo was finishing writing, he was called to another table with a kiddo who needed more napkins. As he was assisting other tables, Hanzo got up from the booth and Jesse lost track of him.
After getting the receipt off the table and seeing the tip being marked through, he looked at the receipt one more time.
Okay, no more nice guy.
Now he was pissed.
He got the fork.
He flirted.
He was a good guy, fancy.
A good guy.
Sure, he was a big rough with his beard, but he had his hair pulled back!
Sure, he put on a little weight, but Goddamnit! He didn't deserve no tip!
Fat chance he'd want that table again.
Jesse was angry, but he had other people to tend too. After bussing the table, he went to take a quick 5 minute smoke break. Getting out the back, he lit his cigarette and tried to calm himself down.
"fuck... Fuck...!" he groaned. After the first puff, he stomped on the cigarette and held his face. He was fucking pregnant! He couldn't smoke!
***
After returning from the restroom, Hanzo was searching for his cowboy. Where did he go? He was just here bussing tables.
"Where is the boy, the one named Jesse?" Hanzo asked as he pulled the manager to the side. Hanzo was emitting an aura that would make any weaker sex melt as he looked around. "I really want to see him."
The female manager hunted Jesse down as she looked at him. "Your table with the 200$ tab seems pissed what did you do?!"
Jesse sighed. ".... I dunno. They didn't tip. So... I guess I fucked up." he knew it was the sweetheart comment. He knew it deep in his soul. No cigarettes. No alcohol. And now, no tip. He just had to push it down. There is always another table. There is always another customer. Next time, just do better. He had to talk himself down once again, touching a hand to his stomach.
"I'll go handle it. Just... Don't fire me." He walked inside, the scent hitting him like a brick as he put a hand to his nose, but acted like it wasn't a big deal while he had to revert back to his military training. "... Hello Mr. Shimada, I understand there was a problem?"
"Yes you forgot your tip, Jesse." he smiled as he looked him in the eyes. "Next time: no cologne and you'll get a bigger tip. I didn't want the manager cutting it from you. Tell her I gave you twenty dollar, and pocket the rest. Be a good boy, and feed yourself, and get some rest." he slipped the boy the aforementioned twenty dollars and an extra thirty dollars in the form of a twenty and a ten dollar bill. The Alpha male stated his schedule, “I come in the third week of every month on a Friday. If you don't want Chad or Matt to get your tip—be here."
Hanzo had laid down some ground rules, and Jesse’s expression was priceless. He exasperated, shaking his head as he looked to Hanzo in bewilderment. As if, he dared lay down any ‘rules’ for Jesse Joel McCree.
Jesse just continued staring, he took the money. When he had the change in hand, his eyes hit the floor as anxiety washed over him. He glanced at Hanzo, and then to the floor. He gave a short breathe of encouragement to himself, breathing in and puffing up his chest while he looked at Hanzo straight in the eyes, yet again.
"..... Mr. Shimada... With all due respect, I... I have to wear the cologne. I..." Jesse looked away. ".... No one wants to smell a pregnant beta." Jesse sighed, looking to Hanzo almost defeated.
Fuck, that felt good. He hadn’t told anyone since this morning. The anxiety and constant dark cloud looming over him all day, it seemed to swallow him up inside—and now it was gone. Out in the open. The cat was out of the bag.
‘Well, this is it. Time to pack up your stuff and leave town,’ he thought.
His hands touching the sides of his own pants, gripping his apron awkwardly. Then, his shoulders relaxed and he looked to the ceiling in relief.
He actually told someone. Maybe it was a good thing. Maybe he can make it through if he’s just honest.
A sigh of relief, "... Shit, that felt so good to tell somebody. I'm... Sorry. I... Found out this mornin’. It's... Still all new. Ya didn't need that. Yah probably got more stuff t' do."
Hanzo looked a bit shocked, his eyes widening while his lip curled tight. Finally, his smooth voice replied to the surprise, "I want to smell you. That smell is disgusting and it’s unnatural.” He realized what he said, and then smoothed it over. “Do you have an Alpha?" he asked as he continued to attempt to smell Jesse’s scent, "you’re a pregnant beta you need someone to care for you."
".... Na. It's... Complicated." he didn't want to give away all of his cards, this random, but handsome, man didn't need to hear about his star crossed lover being killed in the line of duty just two weeks ago. He held up his hand, waving it about as if to dismiss the subject. "... I'll wear cologne every day, except for that third week. I'll… be expecting you." he laughed, holding out his hand to Hanzo. "Thank you for the tip... Mr. Shimada."
"You’re welcome Jesse. I'll be expecting you." he smirked knowingly. As the man walked out the door and out of Jesse's life for a month.