USA
"So, Pagosa Springs? Never pegged you for a mountain boy."
"Well, that just goes to show you never knew me very well," Jesse said, taking a sip of his coffee.
"I never claimed to know you, McCree," the woman took her hat off and put it on the table off to the side before putting a little sugar in her coffee and mimicking his actions.
"Yeah, you never were good at taking other people into consideration," Jesse recalled their brief time together in their early twenties, and he didn't remember it being too pleasant.
"Well, boo-hoo. Didn't mean to hurt your feelings," she replied without an ounce of emotion.
"Cut to the chase," Jesse knew she called him out to invite him on a job, and he only agreed to meet up with her so he could hear the details. She was pretty tough and could handle her own, which only meant the job was a good one… and that only raised other concerns.
"Why you in such a hurry? Got someone waitin' on you?"
"Ashe," Jesse was already annoyed with this. He missed Han, and he was worried about leaving him by himself after he expressed he wasn't feeling so well. He planned on checking the post to see if his next supply came in after this little meeting. "Just…"
"Fine, fine," Ashe smirked. She hit the nail on the head! "It's just strange someone is able to look past your ugly face."
"You did just fine," Jesse rolled his eyes. "An' I'll have you know, I get plenty of offers." Which was true, though he usually ignored the advances; no one could compare to the hot piece of ass he had waiting at home for him.
"You looked a lot better back in the day," Ashe was curious about the poor girl who had the unfortunate fate of spending her life with this one, but she didn't care enough to ask for details. Her eyes grazed the intricate metal that made up his forearm. It appeared to be very high-tech, artificial tendons moving as if they were real muscles. "You also weren't missing an arm. When'd that happen?"
"Worked a bad job a few years back, an' damned if I refused to turn," he explained, remembering the stressful event. As soon as he'd gotten injured, he abandoned the job immediately and amputated his arm to avoid the disease spreading. It was difficult getting used to the new tech, and he still found it challenging from time to time, not to mention the phantom pains he'd get throughout the night—though, he kept those under wraps from Han. He sighed, wishing he could smoke. "So, about this job. I'm guessin' it's a big one?"
"Found two S-class vamps roaming the States, and judging by the way you look, I figure you could use the money," Ashe looked at her nails, not even caring about her harsh words. What? She'd always been like that! "Interested?"
"I'm the first one you thought of?" Jesse asked. They hadn't spoken in well over a decade, and all of a sudden, she wanted to go on a job with him?
"Look," Ashe pulled out a file filled with photos and documents and dropped it on the table. She had the option of getting all her info via a hologram or something techy like that, but she preferred good, ol' fashioned paperwork. "You in or out?"
Jesse picked up the file and looked at the photo that fell out. The two women in this photo looked normal, but it was clear they were out of place. "Foreigners?"
"Seems so," Ashe didn't know why she reached out to Jesse first. It wasn't like they got along well in the old days. Maybe she just wanted to move past that and catch up on lost time. Times have changed and people mature. "Tracked 'em up to Bozeman not too long ago."
"Bozeman?" Jesse scoffed, going through the rest of the photos. The shorter one appeared to be Asian, and he couldn't tell the nationality of the bigger one, but she had a certain look to her. "That's unusual."
"Vampires are everywhere," Ashe reminded him. "I stopped being surprised a long time ago."
Hanzo waited a few minutes to leave their house to follow Jesse down the path that led them into the city, doing his best not to jump to conclusions. Perhaps it was his slight dizziness or the fatigue he was trying to ignore, but he wasn't a fan of the way his "friend" reached out to him out of the blue and wanted to see for himself just how friendly they were.
Jesse had a few hunter acquaintances that Hanzo knew of, but he preferred his solitude and didn't go out much aside for work. And he would never admit it, but he hated it when he went hunting vampires. There were too many risks! With the possibility of him coming home hurt or turned, or not even coming home at all, Hanzo couldn't bear the thought!
Though his cowboy was intuitive. He only took small-fry jobs, making just enough to keep them comfortable as if he knew of his fears. He was lovely. However… if this hunter was reaching out to him for assistance, then the job was probably not as small as the others, and that concerned him!
He went out on a hunt at least once a month, and he was never gone for more than a week. On the jobs where he had to travel, Hanzo always went with him and stayed in a hotel nearby for peace of mind. Even though he always declined, Jesse would invite him to accompany him, going on about how his skills would give him the upper hand. It was true Hanzo possessed the skills to take out almost any target, but he didn't want to be a hypocrite. A vampire killing other vampires? Where was the honor in that?
Well, how different was that from when he was an assassin?
Aside from that, he often wondered if Jesse thought about hypocrisy. After all, he was a hunter keeping a vampire in his home secretly! Not only that, but he also didn't even try to hide his affection! It was a good thing they were in America where things like that were considered normal.
Why was he tailing him like this? He never once doubted or questioned his loyalty, and now because of a phone call, he was experiencing these unpleasant emotions!
There was a reason why he never dated anyone in the past. His father branded it into his mind that love and emotions and intimate relationships were nothing but a meaningless waste of time. But the last five years he spent with Jesse proved him wrong. He'd never experienced such warmth and openness and wished he'd been there to save him when his family was still active.
He loved Jesse with his entire being, and he knew he felt the same way, so again, why was he following him?!
He followed him to a small coffee shop where the woman was already waiting for him, and he couldn't help but admire her good looks. She was tall and slender with snow-white hair, and he couldn't ignore how her style complimented his. A pit formed in his core; they looked good together. He wondered why it didn't work out for them, but quickly discarded the thought. What mattered now was that he was his.
He pulled out the binoculars he took from Jesse's gear and looked through them, they seemed to only be talking and drinking coffee, sitting at opposite ends of the table. He looked at Jesse, who didn't show any emotion one way or the other. His eyes wandered, dragging them along his chiseled jaw and wide arms as he sipped his coffee.
He was so handsome. When did he begin to find cowboys attractive? Or was it because it was Jesse?
Hanzo wanted to get closer. He knew what he was doing was dangerous, but he excelled in these types of situations. Even though he wasn't feeling his best, he was still confident he could continue undetected. He kept his distance as he walked around to the other entrance, slipping into a seat in the far corner.
He watched the two hunters have their quiet conversation, Jesse's back was to him, which was what he wanted. He didn't really care if the woman saw him since she didn't know who he was, besides, he wanted to see her face and make sure she didn't make any suggestive expressions at him. He also made sure to sit far enough away to not raise any flags, so he was in the clear.
"Can I get you anything?"
Hanzo looked up at the waiter who'd walked up to him without him even noticing. How annoying. He couldn't tolerate any distractions! What if he missed something? "Just a water… thank you," he grunted out.
The waiter rolled his eyes and walked off. It was always the ones with the man buns. Wasn't he a little old to be a hipster?
Hanzo ignored the attitude and directed his attention back to Jesse, who'd now taken his hat off and was looking at the files she'd given him. He could tell it was something serious with how much documentation she had, and he hoped Jesse wouldn't jump the gun and accept the job without talking to him first.
"An' yer sure they're stayin' put up in Bozeman?" Jesse drawled, going over the paperwork. This was nothing to sneeze at, and he didn't want to just accept without talking about it with Han. He tried not to take jobs too dangerous since his honeybee liked to worry. The last thing he wanted to do was bite off more than he could chew and get himself killed. He couldn't leave him by himself.
"I wouldn't have left 'em up there if I wasn't sure," Ashe picked up her mug and scanned the restaurant, her eyes briefly landing on a particularly sour-looking Asian man sitting in the corner. Why did he look familiar? And why did she feel like he was watching them? Maybe she was just imagining things.
"Don't hate me, but I gotta take a few to think about this," Jesse was itching to end this conversation and get to the post so he could go back home. Han hadn't been feeling so well and he didn't want to leave him alone for too long.
"Have to talk it over with the missus?" Ashe tilted her head to the side, watching him nearly choke on his coffee. "I knew it."
"C'mon, Ashe," Jesse loved talking about his sweetie pie, but she wasn't the one to talk to about him! "Let's not do this."
"What's she like?" Ashe couldn't remember the last time she saw him blush like that. "Must be someone special."
"Yeah," Jesse drummed metal fingers on the table, letting his mind drift. "Real special. Fine thing, too."
"From these parts?"
Jesse shook his head.
"And she knows you're a hunter?" Ashe couldn't see dating in the profession they had. More power to him for making it work.
"Been together almost six years, I'd hope so," Jesse chuckled, putting his hat back on.
"Seein' someone like you so committed just doesn't sit right with me," Ashe joked. They were never serious during their fling, and it was only for about six months. At the time, she wouldn't dare consider anything long-term, and honestly? She still felt the same way.
"It ain't so bad," Jesse checked his watch, figuring it was time to get going soon. "It's nice havin' someone at home waitin' for me."
"I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree," Ashe didn't want anyone in her home. Her space was just that: hers. Her eyes landed on the Asian guy in the corner again, and she was sure she knew him from somewhere! Maybe after this, she'd hang around and watch him for a bit since she didn't have anything else to do.
"Welp," Jesse said, dropping a few bills on the table. He gathered the files and put them back in the folder, sliding it back over to her and standing. "I got yer number. I'll give ya a ring in a few days."
"I'll walk you out," Ashe put the folder back in her briefcase and stood, following him out. "You drive?"
"No need," Jesse said with a sigh, digging into the inside pocket of his jacket for a cigar. It sure was a nice day. "Don't live too far from here, an' the fresh air is good for ya."
"Right," Ashe pulled out her keys, looking into the shop. "Nice talking to you, McCree. I'll be waitin' for that call," she waved goodbye as she walked over to her rental. She got in the car and checked her phone, thankful for the tinted windows while she watched him walk away. She started the car and drove around the corner, watching the shop from a lot across the street, making sure she still had a good view of Jesse.
As luck would have it, the Asian guy left the restaurant not too long afterward, headed in the same direction as Jesse when he stopped, fumbling with his phone and dropping it. "What's this?" She saw Jesse stop and face the guy before walking toward him. Did they know each other? "They sure look awful friendly," she mumbled to herself. She kept an eye on them, frowning when they shared an embrace that was a little too friendly for her liking. No wonder it never worked out between them!
"This day just got a lot more interesting."
Hanzo hid behind a menu as they got up and left the shop, not appreciating how she offered to walk him out. Jesse was capable of walking by himself! But it made it easier to watch them as they chatted for a few more seconds before parting ways. He watched the woman walk to her SUV while Jesse lit one of the cigars he'd bought for him and headed down the street. Once he saw the woman drive off, he got up and left, debating between heading back home or following Jesse.
Where was he going? He was walking in the direction of the post, but they were supposed to go together and visit a spring afterward! Hanzo frowned. It made sense that he'd just get it done while he was out, but they made plans! Before he could conjure up another thought, his phone rang and startled him. "Oh…!" He fumbled around in his pocket, pulling it out and trying to silence it before Jesse caught him when he dropped it on the concrete. "Damnit," he grumbled.
Jesse thought he was losing his mind! He gave Han a call to let him know he'd be home in a bit when he swore he heard his phone ringing in the distance. Lo and behold, he turned around and there he was, fussing at the phone he'd dropped on the ground. "Aw, hell." He wasn't sure if he should be upset for putting himself at risk or flattered that he was concerned enough to tail him! He hung up and approached him, shaking his head in disappointment. "What're ya doin', Han?"
Hanzo was embarrassed. Of all the ways he could have gotten caught! How shameful! He'd even broken his phone in the process! He wiped the dust from the screen, unable to look him in the eye.
"Now, why'd ya risk getting' yourself caught like this? I told ya to stay home," Jesse slurred, cigar hanging from the corner of his mouth. It was cute seeing him like this, but his safety came first.
"My phone is broken," Hanzo deflected his question with an unimportant statement, hoping he would just look past it.
"Honeybee," Jesse sighed. He knew he must have been feeling extremely awkward about getting caught, so he'd just leave him be, thankful that Ashe drove off before it happened. "We'll get'cha a new phone, don't you worry."
"Are you heading to the post?" Hanzo was appreciative. Jesse was never the one to make fun of his embarrassment, and it was a trait he loved the most about him.
"Figured I might as well since I'm out," Jesse pulled him in for a bear hug, kissing the side of his head when he felt something familiar in his sweater. He pulled away, holding him by the shoulders. "Han? Are those my binoculars?"
Hanzo turned cherry red; it couldn't get any worse than this! To be caught spying on him was one thing, but to be caught with his binoculars? He shoved past him, trying to hide his blunder.
"Aw, sugar bean," Jesse grabbed his arm and pulled him back, spinning him around. How damn adorable he was. He knew there was a small chance he'd be followed, but not to this extent! He held his face, noticing it was a little warm. "You feelin' alright? You still wanna hit the springs?"
"No." Hanzo just wanted to go home and prep some of the meat they'd been aging. They could always visit the springs another day.
"Okay," Jesse turned, throwing an arm around him as they continued to the post. "We'll pick up your meds an' head back home unless ya wanna pick up a new phone while we're out."
"I can order one at home," Hanzo was beginning to worry. He'd taken his last injection a few days ago and it helped his fatigue temporarily, but it felt like his body wasn't accepting it anymore. He was nervous to tell Jesse because he didn't want him to freak out, but as time progressed, he could no longer ignore it.
After they picked up their mail, they grabbed a small bite to eat before heading home, and Jesse insisted on catering to him! Hanzo tried to decline, but how could he when he was so kind? He even ran him a bath and rubbed his feet! He kept quiet as his cowboy took care of him, letting his eyes wander again. Ever since he started feeling under the weather, Jesse had been holding himself back, and truth be told, he kind of missed him.
"What's got you so deep in thought, sweetie pie?" Jesse knew Han was trying to keep everything under wraps, but he couldn't hide anything from him. He eyed him while he massaged his feet, watching his expressions as he lay elegantly on the bed in his navy blue robe. He was thinking about something, and with the shy look on his face, Jesse had a feeling he knew what.
"It's nothing," Hanzo looked away, unable to hide the blush creeping up his neck and face.
"Now, wait a minute, Han," Jesse crawled up the mattress, untying his robe and letting it fall open. He'd never get tired of this body, strong, smooth, and supple. He worked his lips up his chest and along his neck, connecting them with his. "Ya tellin' me ya weren't thinkin' about this?"
"Jesse," Hanzo's voice was almost nonexistent as his breath was snatched away. He let himself indulge in a little bit of pleasure, wondering if this would be too much for him. "I don't know if we should…"
"Ya sure 'bout that?" Jesse smirked against warm skin, nibbling on his ear. He wasn't sure why he always tried to deny him when his body was so honest. "When yer holdin' on to me so tight?"
Hanzo hadn't even realized he was gripping the collar of his shirt with both fists, pulling him closer. His face got hot again but he ignored it this time, letting Jesse do what he wanted.
"Don't worry, honey pie," Jesse said, pecking his lips again before standing at the foot of the bed. "I'll be real gentle." He lifted his shirt over his head and tossed it to the ground and started working on his belt, his eyes never leaving the sexy, aroused man on the bed. "Lookin' damn good down there."
Hanzo lay there, attention glued to the display ahead of him as the blood rushed to his lower parts. He watched him step out of his pants, admiring his wide, sturdy build, wondering how he kept his physique so pristine when he treated his body poorly.
"Chaps on or off?" Jesse asked knowingly. As quiet as Han was, he still knew what he liked! "I know ya like it when I'm in these," he held them up. "An' nothin' else."
Hanzo fought back a tiny smile. "You should know the answer to that."
Jesse was already stepping into them with a chuckle, figuring out how he wanted him. It'd been almost a week since they were intimate, and he'd been silently going crazy holding himself back! As much as one wouldn't expect it, Han was very… active in bed. They were together a few times a week, so he had to have been going nuts, too. That was why he was going to give it to him good.
He stood at the foot of the bed in nothing but his chaps, a metal hand rubbing slow circles on his chest and his other hand stroking his girth at the same pace. "Like what'cha see, darlin'?" He purred seductively.
"Stop wasting time and come," Hanzo sat up and grabbed his wrist, pulling him down and wrapping his arms around him. He needed his love and warmth and savored the moment while Jesse covered him with kisses.
"Believe me, honey," Jesse drawled into his neck. "I'll be doin' a lotta that soon." He slid a hand down his body and caressed him, humming in his ear and rolling him onto his side.
"No," Hanzo reached behind him, holding Jesse's face. "I want to see you." He wasn't sure where this neediness was coming from, and he didn't care. He'd been missing this, so he'd let himself indulge.
"Yer so damn hot, Han," Jesse droned, rolling him onto his back and looking down at him lovingly. He smoothed strands of jet-black hair from his face and pressed his hips into him, pecking his lips lightly. "Do ya know how much I love ya?"
Hanzo closed his eyes and let Jesse do what he wanted, trying not to focus on how dizzy he felt. He just wanted to be one with him and think of nothing else. "Do you know that the feeling is reciprocated?"
"Of course, honeybee," Jesse sat up on his knees and spread Han's legs, slipping a few fingers into a tight hole with a satisfied hum. "Given how ya went outta yer way to watch me today."
Hanzo grew embarrassed again, turning his head and screwing his eyes shut. He hated how dependent on Jesse he'd grown, but dammit if it weren't the safest he'd felt in his entire life! So, he'd accept the embarrassment and admit he'd follow him again whenever he had the opportunity… just not out loud!
"Aw, darlin'," Jesse went back down to him, fixing his lips to a tattooed chest while steadily loosening him. He could tell by the way Han breathed that he was feeling good, and he wanted to make him feel better. "I love how much ya wanna keep me to yourself. Don't be embarrassed, sweetie pie."
"Is it foolish of me to wish to keep you to myself?" Hanzo muttered in his ear, his own hands roaming his cowboy's muscular back and landing on his butt. He pulled him closer, craving more than just his fingers.
"On the contrary," Jesse slipped his fingers out of him and nudged him with his stiffness. "Bein' wanted like this is enough to make a man feel good."
Hanzo gripped the sheets above his head and let out a deep, but quiet moan as Jesse swiftly entered him. Pleasure rocked his body and he instantly forgot about all of his problems. He was so good at doing that. "Jesse…"
"Missed me?" Jesse grunted with a shudder; he couldn't hold himself back! He held his hips and thrust into him rhythmically, reminding himself to slow it down and go easy before completely losing himself in his Japanese beauty. He kissed him sweetly, reaching up and pulling on the tie that kept his hair up.
Hanzo panted, watching Jesse sit upright on his knees again and run a hand through dusty brown tresses. He was so handsome the way he looked down at him, buried deep and touching places no one else had ever touched. What had he done in his life to deserve someone like him?
"Yer gonna drive me nuts, Han," Jesse slowed his pace, watching onyx hair fan elegantly against burgundy sheets. Hands touched every inch of toned legs, spreading them as he pushed into him tenderly. He could tell his honey wanted to be closer to him, the way he propped himself up on his elbows and silently begged for closeness.
"Aw shoot, honeybun," Jesse reached down and hooked his arms under Han's, pulling him onto his lap as he sat on his knees. "Ya coulda just told me," he grinned, dropping his head into the crook of his neck and grinding his hips upward.
Hanzo never had to tell Jesse what he wanted because somehow, he always knew. He draped his arms around him, letting his head fall back while his neck was peppered with smooches. Suddenly, he felt the coolness of his prosthetic arm wrapped around his lower back and holding him steady before he began driving into him. "J-Jesse…" he whispered breathily, locking his legs around his waist and digging his nails into his back.
"I'm sorry, darlin'," Jesse snaked a hand up to the back of his neck and let his lips trail along a chiseled jaw, seating himself as deep as he could go. "I'll take it easy on ya since you're not feelin' so well," he gazed into clouded eyes, giving him thrusts short and deep and hitting the spot he knew would send him over the edge. "Have I told ya how beautiful you are, Han?"
"Just kiss me, you fool," Hanzo ignored the dizziness that was beginning to overwhelm him and instead focused on the pleasure. Jesse was handling him so sweetly and touching him in all the right places, he was close to imminent release.
"Oh, shit," Jesse gasped out between kisses, pumping his hips sporadically. "It's comin', Han…!" He groaned in relief as he expelled himself into the confines of his lover. He looked down at the sticky mess on his stomach, happy that he too was satisfied.
"We needed that, don't ya think?" Jesse asked, rubbing his back soothingly. It was then that he noticed he was unresponsive. "Han?" He lifted his head and held his face, was he that tired that he'd fallen asleep right away? He laid him down on his back, raising a brow at how limp he'd gone. This was more than him falling asleep! He was out cold! "Aw, hell!" He was worried this would happen!
Hanzo groggily blinked open his eyes, the last thing he remembered was being intimate with Jesse when everything went black. With eyes adjusting to light around him different than what he was used to, he looked down, covered in Jesse's reddish-orange serape. He took a look at his surroundings. Was he… on a plane?
"You're finally up!" Jesse perked up when he saw movement coming from his peripheral vision. "I'm glad I splurged on first-class seats, wasn't sure how long you were gonna be out. How ya feelin', Han?"
Hanzo was still a bit out of it, but he was aware enough to know this was a bit alarming! He unraveled himself from the serape and opened the window blind to see nothing but deep blue shimmering water beneath him. There were so many questions floating through his mind, but the first and most important one came first. "What… happened? Am I okay?" He knew it was weird to ask someone else how he was feeling, but Jesse knew best.
"That's exactly what we're on our way to find out," Jesse flagged down the stewardess and ordered him water. "I figured we could find something to eat when we land."
"How did you get me on this flight?" Hanzo knew his cowboy had serious connections, and mostly didn't care how he handled things, but this one took the cake!
"Don't worry yer pretty little head 'bout any of that," Jesse smirked, pulling him in for a forehead kiss. He hadn't done anything serious to get him on the plane. Hunters had exclusive access to certain amenities that regular joes didn't, including but not limited to last-minute chartered flights and other types of transportation. That meant they had their own section at most major airports. However, most hunters he knew flew from small airfields to avoid attention.
"I can't help but think about the strange looks you must have gotten carrying an unconscious body through the airport." Hanzo quipped, accepting the water and downing it quickly. He wasn't aware of how thirsty he was!
"Eh, there were only a few people in my section an' I'm sure they've seen stranger." Whenever he traveled, he always ran into a hunter or two, but given their work, no one ever asked questions. And the weird looks he did get were reciprocated with a stern look of his own, telling them to mind their business.
"Thank you for flying with us. Local time is fourteen twenty-seven with clear skies and warm temperatures around twenty-two degrees Celsius. We will begin our descent into Osaka in fifteen minutes. Please remain seated with your seatbelt secured."
The blood drained from Hanzo's face as the same message was repeated in Japanese. It couldn't be…! He whipped his head to the side and looked at Jesse with wide, worried eyes. "You've got me on a flight to Japan?!"
"What's the matter, honeybun?" Jesse held his face, wondering why he was so freaked out. He'd known of his reservations about ever returning to Japan, but he wasn't sure of the specifics. "We're just goin' to the source."
"You do not understand," Hanzo removed Jesse's hands from his face, his voice serious and hushed. "I cannot return to Japan!"
"What're you talkin' about, Han? The doctor I get your meds from is stationed here," Jesse explained, tilting his head to the side.
"It does not matter," Hanzo shook his head remorsefully. "I do not possess the honor to return to a place so close to home."
Jesse thought for a bit, remembering the stories about his convoluted past and fucked up family history. He supposed he understood his hesitation, but this was decades ago! "I get it, Han, but yer health comes first."
"We'll find another way," Hanzo stated plainly, reaching to undo his seatbelt in a hurry. There was no way he could touch Japanese soil! He hadn't been home since he hurt someone he loved and abandoned the clan. What if someone recognized him?
Would he be forced to kill again?
"Whoa there, darlin'," Jesse grabbed his hands and stopped him. "Where are ya even plannin' on goin'? We're thousands of feet in the air."
"I will stay on this plane until it takes us back home," Hanzo said stubbornly, crossing his arms and turning his nose up.
"Han," Jesse said firmly. "Look at me."
Hanzo met his eyes reluctantly. This was absurd! Why was he making him do this?
"I had to inject you with more of that stuff when you passed out on me," Jesse explained. "I'm worried about ya. Yer body doesn't seem to be responding to the meds anymore an' I just need to make sure everything is okay. Can you do it for me?"
"Why couldn't the doctor come to us?" Hanzo grumbled.
"She couldn't make the last-minute travel plans, but she said we can come to her," Jesse squeezed Han's knee in reassurance. "She'll see you right away."
Another woman? Hanzo scoffed. He noticed Jesse's effect on women and the advances they made toward him, and he was pleased to know that he ignored every one of them. However, he did not have to like it at all! "Hmph."
"Oh, c'mon, darlin'," Jesse turned his head and rested his forehead against his. "It's not like that. You know damn well I belong only to you."
Hanzo took his hand, timidly and silently agreeing to be seen if it would ease Jesse's mind. "Be lucky my heart is only weak for you," he said before closing his eyes and kissing him gingerly.
"Glad to hear it honeybee," Jesse did feel lucky that he was the only one to see the sensitive side of him he loved so much. No one had or ever could compare. "Thank you for doin' this, Han," he said, putting his head on his shoulder and intertwining their fingers. "You're gonna hafta help me out when we get there, 'cause I don't know a lick of Japanese!"
"I suppose I must extend my thanks as well," Hanzo said with a nod, nonchalantly looking through the window. He could see the large island of Japan in the near distance. He was going to have to confront his demons eventually, but at least he had Jesse here with him to help him through it. "Without you, I would not have come this far."
"You can say it, y'know," Jesse said slyly, watching Han blush like mad. He knew what he really meant when he said things like that, and it warmed his heart. "I love you, sugar bean~" he sang, kissing his hand. "See? It ain't that hard, darlin'."
Hanzo screwed his eyes shut, trying his best to ignore his sweet-talking. He wasn't sure why it was so hard to say those three words. Maybe it was the fact that he could count on one hand how many times he'd said it in his entire life, with fingers left over. Maybe it was the fact that Jesse was the first one to say it to him and mean it. Either way… "You know how I feel. Why must I say it out loud?"
"Y'know, it's just nice to hear every once in a while is all," Jesse smiled up at him, thinking he was damn cute the way he tried to hide his feelings. He knew Han was crazy about him; his actions spoke clearly! "But I can wait 'til yer ready to say it."
Japan
"I am glad we decided to eat before traveling," Hanzo said, exiting their cab. According to the address Jesse gave him, the doctor who sent his medicine lived in Yoshino District, a small village in Nara. It was about eighty kilometers from the Osaka airport—an hour and a half away in Jesse's American mind—and the entire time he could only think about how he felt he shouldn't be there. He only had negative memories associated with Japan, which was why he fled the country and abandoned it all.
As a youth, he never thought he'd turn out to be a wanderer, not having a permanent place to call home and moving from country to country as an assassin. And once that became the norm, he never thought he'd find his place anywhere. As much as he hated to admit it, being turned was the best thing that could have happened to him. He felt so safe and secure with Jesse, and he never once made him feel like he was a burden. And as much as he loved their little cabin in the woods, he'd be just as happy and comfortable wherever they were, so long as Jesse was by his side.
"I know you're just sayin' that for my sake," Jesse pulled their suitcase out of the trunk while Hanzo paid the driver and sent them off. He put his hat on and pulled out a cigar, lighting it and letting it hang from the corner of his mouth.
"You are right," Hanzo faced him, fixing his serape and looking up at a handsome face. "You stand out like a sore thumb."
"Aw shucks, pumpkin. You know I can't help it," Jesse drawled with a smile.
"Come." Hanzo resisted the urge to kiss him and took his hand, leading him down the sidewalk.
"Lead the way, darlin'," Jesse slurred, watching Han walk ahead of him. He was all covered up when usually he'd have his left arm and half his chest on display for the world to see. He wondered if the sudden modesty had something to do with that tattoo of his.
He looked around at the scenery—especially taking an interest in the pink trees—wishing he'd come to Japan a lot sooner. It sure was a beautiful place! Why would anyone ever want to leave?
"They are called Sakura, Japanese for cherry blossom tree," Hanzo knew Jesse would take a liking to the greenery. "We can plant one in the front yard."
"You know me so well," Jesse was already making a mental note to do some research on where to get one. He couldn't buy one in Japan and fly it back, could he?
Hanzo looked at the address written in Jesse's awful handwriting, then up at his surroundings. "It is not far from here."
"I'm glad you're gettin' the help, Han," Jesse didn't know what he'd do if he lost him. It was true his sweetie pie was dependent on him, and truthfully, it was also the other way around. "She's the best around."
"I trust you." Hanzo wanted to feel better. He also wanted to inquire about an injection he could take less frequently. He picked up his pace; the faster he got there, the quicker he could get it over with and get back home.
"Eager?" Jesse asked as he was dragged through streets moist from early rain.
"I wish to return to our home in America," Hanzo explained.
"I know ya do, darlin'," Jesse said, plumes of smoke escaping his lips as he spoke. "I get it. I need to get back in touch with Ashe, too."
"Ashe?" Hanzo suspected that was the name of the woman hunter he met up with, but he didn't want to make assumptions since he never cared to ask for her name.
"The hunter I met up with the other day," Jesse said with a sigh, thinking about the job. He hadn't gotten a chance to talk to Han about it, and he was already leaning towards declining. He usually only went for the smaller jobs; he was getting older and wasn't as resilient as he used to be! Besides, the jobs he did take paid well enough for them to live comfortably. With solar panels powering most of their home and a small, gas-powered generator taking over when needed, the only thing they really spent money on were essentials.
He also knew his sweetie pie didn't want him to do anything that could get him hurt, and going after two S-class vamps was exactly that. "I'm gonna decline the job. Spendin' time with my honeysuckle sounds a helluva lot better than goin' on a wild goose chase."
"I am glad to hear that," Hanzo was pleased to know Jesse wouldn't be taking such a dangerous job. "We can work on one of the many projects we have disregarded." He shot him a look. "Like properly fixing the hole in the roof."
"I know, I know," Jesse sighed. "I'm gettin' 'round to it, I swear!"
"I will do it myself." Hanzo rolled his eyes as they approached a home at the end of the street. He double-checked the scribbles, unaware that this was a residential address. Was she conducting business from her home?
"No, no! I don't want ya to go up there an' get hurt. I got it," Jesse knew Han hated it, but he didn't want him to lift a finger outside of hunting animals. He was precious cargo that needed to be taken care of properly! He couldn't have him fixing rooves!
"Do you take me as someone helpless?" Hanzo groaned, stopping to face him. "I appreciate your concern, but I am not a child."
"I know, honey," Jesse took him in for a hug, wondering how public displays of affection were viewed in Japan. It was just a hug, but he knew how some people could be reserved. "I'll handle it as soon as we get back, promise."
"Okay." Hanzo stood there while Jesse hugged him and straightened his collar afterward. "We are here if I am reading your horrid handwriting correctly."
Jesse took the crumpled paper and glanced at the numbers, then at the house they were standing in front of. "The numbers look right to me."
"Then shall we get this over with?" Hanzo walked up the steps and rang the doorbell, Jesse standing behind him with a hand on his lower back. "Did you let her know we were coming?"
"Sure did, darlin'," Jesse put his cigar out on the bottom of his shoe and slipped it into the front pocket of his suitcase. It wasn't ideal, but he didn't want to just toss it.
"Ugh," Hanzo looked at him in disgust. "It is going to take forever to get the smell out of there."
"I didn't think that far ahead," Jesse said sheepishly. "Sorry, Han."
Right as Hanzo was going to scold him a bit more, he heard the lock click on the other side of the door before it opened with a creak. A woman, perhaps in her mid to late twenties? With blonde hair pulled up into a high bun, she wore a long white lab coat and square, black glasses. But there was something off about her he couldn't put his finger on.
"Ange! Long time, no see." Jesse said with a warm smile.
"Jesse McCree," Angela opened the screen door and welcomed her new guests inside before giving him a hug, not missing the look of disinterest on his partner's face. Intriguing! "And I take it you are the patient?" She asked, directing her attention to Hanzo.
Jesse watched him nod timidly and threw an arm around him. "Sure is! Han, this is Angela. She's the one sendin' us the meds you need. Angela, this is Hanzo, my beautiful ray of sunshine!" He boasted as Hanzo sported his usual scowl.
"Thank you for seeing me on short notice," Hanzo greeted Angela with a light bow.
"Not a problem at all!" Angela thought his name sounded familiar, but she didn't possibly know where she could have heard it. "Please, follow me," she said, closing the door and leading them through her house.
"With the work you do, you just have yer patients show up on your front porch?" Jesse inquired, wondering how she managed to keep a low profile if she was working out of her house.
"Most of the time, I have them come through the back. In some instances, I'm fine with the front door," Angela led them to her home office, motioning for Hanzo to sit on the table so she could take his vitals. The more she got to look at him, the more he looked a little… familiar? Maybe he resembled someone she knew? "So! Jesse tells me the injections are no longer working."
"That is correct," Hanzo grunted out, removing his jacket so she could check him out. He glanced around the room, looking for any telltale sign of something that would explain why he got this… vibe from her.
"Can you tell me what symptoms you are experiencing and when they started?" Angela had a feeling she knew what the issue was, but the good thing was she was already working on a new medicine!
"About a week ago, I started feeling more tired than usual," Hanzo tried to remember his exact symptoms, though they varied. "I am thirsty, too."
"Thirsty?" Angela paused and looked at him. He shouldn't have experienced any thirst with his injection!
"Oh! Not for…" Hanzo cleared his throat. He still didn't like acknowledging the truth, and Jesse never made him do it, nor did he ever bring it up. He truly was his savior. "Just water."
"Oh!" Angela chirped. That was a side effect she didn't see in many of her patients, but that just went to show her that every vampire was different! "No worries. Aside from tired and thirsty, anything else?"
"Well, I dunno if it's a bad thing that we went through three vials in a month," Jesse added. "He took one at the beginning of the month, then one last week when he started feelin' low, an' then I had to jam an emergency one in 'em last night when he passed out."
"That would be worth mentioning," Angela laughed. "What were you doing when you started feeling like this the first time?"
"I was hunting deer. Since then, I have refrained from strenuous exercise to conserve my strength." Hanzo saw her prepping tubes and needles as if she were going to be drawing blood.
"Good thinking," Angela re-sterilized her equipment; she was going to take a bit of his blood and run some tests to make sure her new medicine would work with his genetics. "And yesterday? What were you doing that caused you to lose consciousness?"
Hanzo turned cherry red and screwed his eyes shut. Why did she have to ask him that?! "I don't remember."
Angela was confused for a second until she turned and saw the guilty, mischievous look on his face. So, they had that kind of relationship! She never would have expected it! "Jesse…"
"I know, I know," Jesse waved his hand. "I already feel bad enough!"
"No matter," Angela giggled, facing a blushing Hanzo again. "You're not the only one showing resistance to the old medicine. I just think your body has gotten used to it. You're in luck! I've been developing a new serum that should work wonders for you!"
"Will I have to take it as often?" Hanzo asked curiously.
"I'd like to tinker with it just a bit longer. As of right now, it's to be taken every other month, but I'd like to have my patients take it once every six months," she explained, motioning at the sleeves of his shirt.
"I will just take it off," Hanzo figured it would be easier to remove his shirt completely rather than roll up the tight sleeves. He lifted it over his head, not noticing the faint hickies on his chest until then. "Jesse!"
"Hey, in my defense," Jesse held his hands up defensively. "I didn't know I'd put ya out."
"I'm going to draw some blood and run some tests, okay?" Angela had him lie on his back as she hooked equipment up to him. "Just relax, and I'll make this as quick as possible!"
"And this is safe?" Hanzo was a little nervous; he'd never been a fan of hospitals or doctors, so this was extremely out of his comfort zone!
"Of course! I don't think Jesse would bring you to me if he felt it unsafe," Angela reassured. "If it makes you feel better, I've run this test on myself plenty of times!" She beamed down at him.
Oh. That was why he felt a weird energy from her. She was a vampire! A vampire who'd gone through extensive measures to appear as human as possible, it seemed. This only raised more questions! How did Jesse make this connection? How long had she been working on their kind? What other medicines did she have? Did she have a cure or antidote of some sort?
"Hey, you gotta place I can smoke 'round here?" Jesse stood, feeling antsy. Although having just smoked, he needed his nicotine fix, and that unfinished cigar was calling his name, no matter how much he hated relighting them. "Sorry."
"Certainly," Angela said, walking over to the door and showing him where to go. "Just out back, follow the hallway, and go through the doors on the left. You should see an outdoor seating section. You can smoke there."
"Thank ya kindly," Jesse tipped his hat and headed down the hall, passing a doorless room. He couldn't help but glance inside briefly as he walked by, seeing a guy lying on the floor watching television. Ange mentioned she had a long-term partner, and he wondered if that was the guy.
Hanzo lie there as the very nice and knowledgeable doctor stole his blood for a good cause. He wouldn't say it aloud, but he felt a bit more comfortable knowing she too was a vampire. That only meant there wouldn't be a surprise ambush… not that he couldn't hold his own.
"So~" Angela always spoke to her patients while drawing blood to distract them, but she truly wanted to know a little more about this one. She studied his intricate tattoo, pondering the origin and its meaning. "You've been with Jesse for six years?"
"Yes. He saved me when I turned." Hanzo felt her easy to talk to, which was surprising given how he hated everyone. "I am grateful to him, but I am even more grateful to you. Without your medicine, I…" he trailed off, never able to say it.
"Jesse is a very kind and caring person," Angela said, filling up the last vial. "It was very lucky for you to fall into his hands; he travels quite a bit."
"He traveled?" Hanzo looked up at her curiously. Jesse never expressed that he used to or wanted to travel for work. As far as he knew, he only took small jobs within the state.
"He was in England when he found you, wasn't he?" Angela asked.
Now he felt bad. He didn't know he was keeping him from living his normal life! "You are right."
"I wouldn't think too much into it. He's much happier than when I last saw him. It appears you have left a good mark on him," she wrapped his arm up and helped him sit up. "He needs you."
Well, Hanzo needed him, too. He nodded, wishing everyone was as nice as the two beings that were caring for him. "Thank you."
Angela smiled. It was clear as day the love those two had for each other, and she supported them one hundred percent! "All done! I'm going to give you what I have for temporary use until I finish tweaking the final product. Mind if I inject it now?"
"Please," Hanzo held out his other arm as she sanitized it. "What sort of tests will you be running?"
"I just want to make sure your cells are compatible with the new medication," without him even noticing, she'd poked him with the needle and dosed him properly. "Sorry I wasn't able to come to you. I've got prior engagements to tend to in the morning."
"It is fine," Hanzo was already feeling much better than he had in months! Whatever she'd just given him was magical! He was looking forward to not having to stab himself every month!
"May I ask you something?" She asked, putting a band-aid on him.
"You may."
"Are you from this area?" She wasn't sure what his backstory was, but she got the impression he wasn't comfortable there. Maybe he was just the silent, stoic type, but something told her otherwise.
Hanzo faltered, where did that question come from? He supposed it wasn't too strange a question given his ethnicity. "I was born and raised in Kyoto. Why?"
"No real reason." What a coincidence! Although how weird would it be to tell him he reminded her of someone she knew?
"You do not look like you are from here," Hanzo took a look at her facial features, attempting to pinpoint where she hailed but failed.
"I was born in Switzerland, but my work and my partner brought me here," she said with a soft smile. "It's funny, he was also born and raised in Kyoto."
"Japan is a small country," Hanzo couldn't believe how large the States were compared to the other countries! An hour's drive in Europe would land you in another country, whereas an hour's drive in America would get you to the next city over! Suddenly, a knock on the door sounded, and he perked up thinking it was Jesse.
"Come in," Angela said, also assuming it was Jesse and was wrong. "Oh, it's just my partner. I'll send him away."
"Angie, I'm…" the man said as his girlfriend scurried up to him, his eyes zeroing in on her latest patient.
Once Hanzo got a clear look at the man standing at the door, his blood ran cold. There was no way… he couldn't possibly be looking at… surely, he was seeing things! "Brother…?"