"Maybe he needs a 'lil push, hey?" - Lena 'Tracer' Oxton

...in which Cole gets called out for being thirsty (in an angry way) for Hanzo, gets even angrier when the latter splits from the team on a mission, and the two have a stand-off where Cole cuts a bit too deep for his liking.

COLE

The cafeteria was always crowded in the evening. People fazing in and out. Were they not eating, they were simply chatting, as it was a very social situation. Cole had gotten more jaded over the years. When he was younger, he was one of the most social creatures that had walked this earth, but that all faded after the disasters in Blackwatch. It took a long time for him to even get back when they were recalled. Months. Sent Echo ahead of him, too. He'd grown accustomed to the solitude of being a vigilante on the run with a bounty on his head.

Not to mention he wasn't all that keen to get back. Too many ghosts including his phantom limb. Turned out that several of said ghosts were still alive giving a hint of optimism he was afraid would be torn from him again.

After Ana anonymously gave him the Echo tip, she told him to recruit Fareeha, Zarya, and Hana - grabbing Baptiste in the process - and was reminded how much he missed being part of something again. Cole hadn't seen himself much of a leader until that point. Planned to drive off into the sunset until he saw all the new blood together on their way to Gibraltar.

Things changed and he'd left the past behind.

Doesn't change that said past was sometimes brought up. "Ey, Cole!" came Lena's voice, her seated at the other side of the table. "I heard you were a bounty hunter in the years after Overwatch went down."

"Who told you that?" he asked, not having talked to anyone about his past.

"Did you catch anybody good?"

"My bills were always paid. I'll leave it at that."

"Gotcha," she said with a wink, stuffing her face with the remainder of her cupcake. Lena pulled up from the table. "Well, now. Those were divine and I plan on gettin' another one before they run out."

Cole fondly shook his head. "You go on ahead."

With that, she darted at impressive speed against the goods. Classic Lena. Cole followed her briefly with his eyes only to see none other than Hanzo having stepped inside the room. He looked mildly uncomfortable, but somehow yet regal, eyes searching the local. The newest blood as of yet. In some sense, he reminded Cole of himself just a few months back.

They both had a bounty on their head. Both accustomed to solitude. They tried to run from their past only to get roped back into it. Cole with Overwatch and Hanzo with Genji. They both got family mixed into the lot despite Cole's not being biological. Cole left the Deadlocks and Blackwatch while Hanzo left the Shimada Clan. Hell, he was probably in the same mind space as him wanting to drive off. Go his own way. That was one of the reasons why he couldn't trust him just yet. Cole couldn't be sure if he'd ever get the same epiphany as he did.

Nevertheless, Hanzo didn't get further than a couple steps inside.

Reinhardt spotted him and with enthusiasm welcomed him into the fold. Most people there would be intimidated by someone like Hanzo - essentially a yakuza - but Reinhardt wasn't 'most people.' The girls had gossiped despite meaning well and Cole had tuned it out.

"He seems troubled."

Ana. She was sipping her tea. Cole kept him in sight.

"I take it Genji hasn't told ya?"

"Not to my knowledge, but there is clear regret in the way the older Shimada carries himself," she replied. Cole could've sworn that the hint of a smirk played at Hanzo's lips as Reinhardt went on and on. Whatever he said in return made Reinhardt bellow in laughter and clap his shoulder. Curiosity loomed making him question if his eyes were betraying him. He caught Ana smiling behind her cup. "You like him."

Puffing a laugh, Cole looked away. "Ho, now. You know how I feel 'bout rich folks, ma'am. And gossipin'."

"True, but he is a handsome young man."

"...and all-too self-aware," he replied with a light scowl, gaze landing back on Hanzo. He didn't want to increase that ego of his any further. Frustrated, his foot skipped up and down. "I'll do just fine admirin' from a distance."

Hanzo had expressed a certain dislike for him despite the relatively friendly terms when they shared that drink last night. The man held a lot back, though. That much was obvious. Shortly after, Genji stepped inside and greeted his brother before joining the conversation. Not before long did Lena return to the table. Only then did she seem to have noticed Hanzo being in the room, and with a low whistle, she plopped down in her seat.

"I hadn't expected to see him 'ere. Have you talked to him?"

"Whoa, there. Who am I? The counselor?"

"Nah, but if anyone's to succeed gettin' him to open up, that's you. Just part of your personality, it is."

"I got him here, and although I humbly appreciate the confidence, it's gonna take more than my charm. He's made that pretty clear," he replied, a lazy smirk on his lips. "At the end of the day, he doesn't seem all that interested in gettin' to know the team. If he wants to be 'the lone wolf,' that's his prerogative, and I'd do right by him backin' off. It ain't none of my business."

Not to mention that he didn't want to risk losing his other arm.

Self-preservation.

Lena giggled. "Maybe he needs a 'lil push, hey? Whatever you did seems to have worked so far. Got 'im 'ere, didn't you?"

Worst part is, she wasn't wrong. Cole doubted he would've come here if he hadn't offered and it seemed that Hanzo had to 'ease into it' a bit more than him. He had probably been accustomed to solitude his entire life while Cole only had a phase taking him out of it. Come to think of it, the fact that Reinhardt was the first to greet him was a good start. He already knew they had a few things in common.

Brigitte who stood close by joined in, too. She had glee in her eyes as something Hanzo said resonated with her. Seemed to barrage him with questions. There were few things that got her this worked up.

That said, he could tell Hanzo was slightly overwhelmed despite keeping his composure. He was tenser than he used to be and that said a lot. Genji also saw it - probably knew his brother's tells by heart - and managed to naturally pull him away. It was almost scary how Hanzo's expression shifted to look exhausted once separated and thinking no one was looking. How he pinched the bridge of his nose. He was either an extreme introvert or annoyed with people in general. Maybe both. Sure knew how to look presentable, though.

Then the stoic regality was back.

Cole shouldn't have been so curious, and yet, he was. There was a presence to the older brother that didn't fail to piss him off. The fact that he still didn't know where he had him made matters more difficult. Hanzo stayed for about thirty minutes - despite Cole rarely even looking at him during all of it, he could still hear him - and the display let him know that more was hidden below the metaphorical veil.

He seemed perfectly capable of holding a lively conversation. Even tended to crack dry jokes. Good ones. It explained Reinhardt's previous reaction. Cole had even caught himself smiling before wiping it off with a cough.

There were a lot of things Hanzo misunderstood, though.

He took almost everything seriously or literally. Endearing as that might be at first glance, Cole sure as hell wasn't done being on his guard during all this. It could all be an act. By no means was he too proud to admit he might've been wrong, but peoples' safety - people he cared about - was on the line. So he stayed vigilant. Hanzo wasn't out of the woods yet.

"The enemy is approaching the communications tower. I will take care of it."

They were in the middle of clearing another Talon base a few days later - gunfire and explosions all around - when Hanzo spoke over the comm. This was a smaller one, so they were the sole team assigned to this mission.

Over the gunfire, Cole responded. "We don't know the numbers. Wait until the team regroups. Provide backup."

"Unacceptable. We are wasting time. I am already there."

Already there?! he snapped internally, realizing he had separated from the team minutes ago.

"Goddammit! Get your ass back here, Shimada! That's an order!" he demanded, receiving no response. Cole internally cursed. He called out around his cigar between gritted teeth. "Oughta leash that bastard!"

"I am afraid you wouldn't live to see it through."

"Appreciate the confidence, Genji," he replied, sarcasm clear.

"I believe my body is proof enough."

Point taken. He kept forgetting the brutality of it all. Hanzo was a damn weapon. Still, even a weapon wasn't self-maintained. Weapons needed ammunition. Polish. Sharpening. Sometimes upgrades. Hanzo's arrogance could get him killed. Splitting up was a bad idea, but at least he wouldn't be alone if Cole had someone follow. They had two medics. That said, he didn't want to send Angela or Zenyatta into a war zone alone. The most important part was that someone got to Hanzo fast and thus he made a tactical decision.

"Genji. Take Angela with you and go after him, will ya?"

Knowing him well, Genji had begun to move already. "Of course. Watch yourself."

With a nod, Angela followed.

That meant Cole remained with Hana and Zenyatta. Nice even split. Sure as hell wished he didn't have to separate the team at all, though. Yet his goal was to get everyone back alive regardless of how reckless they were being. That included Hanzo whether he liked it or not. Cole just hoped his decision would result in zero casualties instead of three. He couldn't lose more people. What he hadn't expected was to be contacted on a private line by the monkey. The scientist wasn't even on this mission.

"Forgive my intrusion, Cassidy, but I'll be brief!"

"Kind of a bad time, big man."

Winston didn't seem to think so. "Well, it could be urgent! Is Shimada Hanzo with you?"

"He would've been if he followed by goddamn orders. Kamikaze-d his way into the communications tower. All solo," he replied, grimacing lightly. Nevertheless, Cole stuck to the point. "Why?"

"Nothing absolute, mind you. The Watchpoint has recently come in possession of information that he was approached by Talon. Doomfist and Widowmaker, to be specific," he replied, Cole's body freezing solid. Now that was a detail Hanzo had neglected to mention. Two of Talon's most prominent members. "They didn't seem outright hostile to one another, and while many factors can be the reasoning for such an event, it never hurts to be safe. I could be overreacting, of course... although I advise that you keep an eye on him for now."

Internally, Cole swore.

"Hang on. I'm connectin' you to Genji and Angela. They went after him," he replied, before doing just that. "You two read me?"

Genji was the first to answer. "We do. Why are we using a private channel?"

"Winston."

"Winston?" came Angela's voice.

With Hana and Zenyatta close by, he didn't want to involve them. No reason to cause widespread panic. They didn't know enough about the situation and turning everyone on Hanzo without having all the necessary information wasn't a smart move. Genji and Angela, on the other hand, had to know. He doubted Hanzo would act against either of them at this point and yet he couldn't count on doubt.

"Hello there! My apologies for crashing the party, but Talon has taken an interest in Shimada Hanzo, and he doesn't seem particularly opposed to it. It's crucial that we inform you even if it might not be of any real concern."

Naturally, Genji protested. "He would not do that."

"I'd like to believe that myself! That said, we need to consider all possibilities! All we know is that an unknown source sent us footage of him having a run-in with Doomfist and Widowmaker who tried to recruit him. He didn't say 'yes,' but he didn't say 'no,' either. He and Doomfist conversed for a while and the three seemed to be alone. I have it on good authority that this 'unknown source' is Talon trying to instill doubt so that he's forced out of Overwatch and driven to them."

"That's a mighty good point, but... we've gotta be sure. I hear the footage's there. Audio and all."

Genji voiced in. "I'd stake my life on him simply maintaining a neutral ground. It would allow him more alternatives. Such is a great way to disrupt Talon from within. He would not tell us as such is a safer approach. One that allows genuine reactions."

"It's been ten years, Genji. How the hell can you be sure?"

"Ten years means nothing compared to the 25 years we lived under the same roof. He would have little to gain. Trust that his loyalty is with me."

So for now, he stayed out of it.

HANZO

Hanzo was light on his feet as he moved across the rafters. Bow at the ready. He mapped out the room before making his first move. Back pressed against the wall, he dared a look, seeing two Talon agents by the door. He was on a higher level overlooking it with a sniper at his left. Beneath, he saw another who stood alone but facing the two others. With a swift strike, he took out the sniper.

The rest were none the wiser.

He jumped down behind the one who was by himself. Moved up. Only when Hanzo's bow was around his throat did he notice his presence. With a gasp, the agent tried to pry loose to no avail, the commotion noted.

While one reached for his earpiece, Hanzo struck to silence him. Bow breaking a neck and body dropping to the floor in a heavy thud. The other was unable to react before another arrow burrowed into his skull. It wasn't long before a patrol came running and Hanzo prepared a scatter arrow. He was just about to fire when he heard a familiar voice flying over the intersection.

"Ryūjin no ken wo kūrae!"

With his green dragon, Genji sliced through their opponents, blood littering the pavement. Cleared the room before Hanzo had a chance to take the final shot. He huffed at the display. Typical. Always stealing the glory.

Lowering his bow, he watched Genji walk up.

(Japanese) "What are you doing here?"

(Japanese) "Forgive me, brother," he said, his teasing tone revealing he wasn't sorry at all. "Just following orders."

Cassidy, he mulled, a muffled grunt escaping him. Insulting. Somehow he didn't think Hanzo could handle this on his own. Had Genji not told him that they were both trained assassins who excelled when working alone? That they were more effective? It made no sense. Cassidy had complimented his skill in using a bow, so he was aware he was capable. It seemed like Genji had told him far less than he thought. If anything, he had seemed to avoid mentioning his brother at all. Before it could be given more thought, Dr. Ziegler flew in to gracefully land on her feet.

"Are you hurt?"

Almost bashful, Hanzo looked away. "No."

That there was any genuine concern was difficult to believe. The distant gunfire died out. Cassidy's voice sounded over the comm.

"We're done here. Movin' up. Still alive?"

Genji answered. "Everything's in order, captain," he replied, the confirmation enough to hang up. He kept it in English to remain polite. For Dr. Ziegler's sake. "As a word of warning... Cassidy does not like his authority questioned. I am sure you have already seen that his relaxed exterior fades once something does not go his way." The mild amusement was clear in his voice. "He can be pretty scary."

Unimpressed, Hanzo huffed and genuflected to one of the bodies with his arrow sticking out.

"I am not deterred."

They patted them down for any information on why they were there.

COLE

Cole kicked in the door and directed his Peacekeeper forward only to come face to face with a hall littered with bodies. Twelve of them. All Talon. Angela - her back against him - turned around. Hanzo and Genji sat genuflected before one of said bodies. Knowing it was clear, he sheathed his revolver with a click and walked in. Cole gave Genji and Angela a nod in thanks.

"Nice work, folks. Got them high-tailin' outta here," he said, before addressing the elephant in the room. "Mind givin' us a minute?" Cole put his hands on each side of his belt buckle. Angela frowned, but with a fleeting glance at Hanzo, confined realization dawned. She gave him a nod before waving the others outside. Hanzo - still genuflected - pulled the arrow loose from the body as he stood. Only when he sheathed said arrow and turned around did Cole push on. Followed him with his eyes as he set course for the exit. "You done?"

"What?" he demanded, still not looking at him as he was about to move past.

Not letting him leave just yet, Cole barricaded his path with his flesh arm. Glowering at it, Hanzo stopped, an offended look on his face. Cole repositioned to nearly circle him. Hanzo only then faced him and did the same thing keeping him in front. He towered over him, and yet, Hanzo didn't budge. Just glared. In response, his blood boiled.

"You know damn well what I mean, Shimada," he warned, his voice low - authoritarian - as he let his arm fall to his side. "I had to compromise both your brother's and Angie's safety tryin' to get to ya."

"I never asked for assistance."

So you put this on me, huh? he thought, stunned by Hanzo's avoidance of accountability.

Cole's teeth were gritted. "Y'know, you're really startin' to piss me off."

"Hmph," he huffed, voice dangerously low. Challenging him. Intense amber eyes fell, briefly, leaving the air thick. Cole's jaw clenched under the scrutiny. "Yet your eyes reveal a different form of heat."

Called out. Again. His breath heavy once more.

"Don't know what kinda grip you think you've got on me, archer... but I protect my people."

"As you should."

Regardless, Cole voiced the issue. "The hell were you thinkin' goin' off on your own? That ain't how we do things 'round here."

"I am not part of your organization."

"Then where's your goddamn loyalty?" he warned, making his point. "Sure forgot to mention who shot you that night. I saw feeds when I made my way back up here. Didn't seem all that eager to put one of them pointy things through the big man's skull."

Rage burned in Hanzo's eyes as his head recoiled. "You dare imply me a traitor?"

"Oh, so you are part of Overwatch?" he challenged, voicing the contradiction.

Couldn't be a traitor to an organization you weren't in.

"It is a temporary alliance."

"See, right there. That's the problem. How long?" he asked, taking one more step leaving almost no space between them. "Just a matter of time until you've got the all-clear to stab us in the back."

"Without honor? If I were to kill you, I would look you in the eye as I do now, allowing a fighting chance. Such is the way I was raised."

Cole recognized the mild threat. How he could strike any moment. Yet he wasn't intimidated.

"You say that," he said, tone having lowered an octave "...but honor don't speak of kin-killers."

Mild shock touched the expression before him. Nearly too quick to notice. Yet Hanzo regained his composure. Amber eyes pinching shut - realizing how petty it was to bring up his brother's supposed death - Cole's brows went tight. His lips drew into a thin line. He didn't much like having his authority challenged, but that was crossing a line.

"I will not be lectured by a cowboy."

Just as lids fluttered back open again, Cole ready to apologize, his heart skipped a beat when Hanzo grabbed his wrist. He was ready to tear loose before a memory stick was shoved into his palm still holding the cigar between two fingers. Stunned, he just stared at it with mild annoyance. Not providing further comment, he peeked up from under his hat to see Hanzo rounding his body and set course for the exit. Cole's hand closed around the device that surely held important information on Talon.

"I don't very much care for what happens to you," he said, feeling the now mild heat of Hanzo as he halted behind him "...but Genji sure as hell don't feel the same, so for once, think 'bout someone other than yourself."

Shortly after did the heat disperse.

HANZO

A mild and pleasant breeze was present in the air as the clock was nearing 10:00 p.m. Hanzo exited the base and walked towards the shoreline looking out. He came to this spot every night when stationed there, Genji sometimes joining him, so he was unsurprised to find him already standing there. It was obvious that he had something to say.

Only recently had Genji expressed how he hadn't appreciated the beauty of this spot before if looking past all the metals, and looking at it now, he hadn't exaggerated. He supposed some things never changed.

(Japanese) "Brother, we need to talk."

Amber eyes narrowed, Hanzo walked up, his gaze elsewhere. (Japanese) "They question my loyalty."

(Japanese) "You cannot blame them."

(Japanese) "I never said I did," he replied, a hint of annoyance in his voice. Hanzo stopped next to him. Looked to the sea. "I am not a fool to think this would simply be ignored. A leader must remain cautious for his people's sake." His jaw clenched. "Especially after what I have done."

(Japanese) "It is one of the reasons why only a select few knows what happened. They would not understand the vast amount of pressure put on you to uphold your duty to the clan," he replied, pausing. "I do not want this to be any more difficult for you. Tension was already high even between our team leaders the moment Reyes came into the picture." Another pause. "If I may ask... what happened?"

Hanzo scowled. (Japanese) "Is this 'feed' they speak of not sufficient enough?"

(Japanese) "I trust you, Hanzo. I have not even seen it," he replied, turning to face him. "What I want to know is what you were thinking."

(Japanese) "Neutrality. There were snipers on the roofs. There is little I could have done."

Nonchalant, Genji shrugged. (Japanese) "Then it is as I expected. I simply wish that the others felt the same."

He didn't seem surprised whatsoever. So Hanzo's guilt kept creeping back up. The utter devotion that Genji kept showing him left him more than conflicted. He had truly become naïve. Too accepting. His heart burned knowing that he would only grow disappointed once he learned to open his eyes. Hanzo began to believe it was a mistake coming here at all and give him such hope. He had tried to kill him, and yet, Genji was insistent on giving him a chance at was a brief silence before Hanzo spoke up.

(Japanese) "What is required of me?"

(Japanese) "It would be advised you follow orders, first of all."

Hanzo huffed. (Japanese) "Were I not to act, they would have sent reinforcements."

(Japanese) "This is true, but we do not work alone. It risks leaving us at a disadvantage. We all make mistakes, brother. Even you," he replied. Hanzo shut his eyes. "You could have been hurt or captured. Maybe even killed."

(Japanese) "I do not care, Genji. You already know this. There is nothing for me here."

His answer wasn't immediate. (Japanese) "You have me. I do not want to lose you."

(Japanese) "Why?" he asked, head turning as furious eyes snapped open. "I nearly killed you. I would surely do so again."

(Japanese) "You do not mean that. There is hope for us still. I know there is," he replied, denying it outright. Fool! he wanted to call, but his throat remained closed. When Genji's hand came up to his own helmet, a hiss following, Hanzo turned his gaze from him with fists knitted at his sides. It was a sound that brought him back to Hanamura. Back then, when he saw Genji's eyes, he had to rapidly blink to keep himself from tearing up. He knew now would be no different. "What's wrong, Hanzo? Don't you recognize me?"

(Japanese) "You may call yourself my brother, but you are not the Genji I knew. I made sure of it."

(Japanese) "Look at me."

Hanzo didn't. (Japanese) "I cannot," he growled, eyes closing tightly shut. "How have you not realized so already?"

(Japanese) "You keep saying you are unworthy, and every time, you prove yourself wrong. Merely looking at me pains you, Hanzo. How is your soul still in turmoil when your regret is clear?"

(Japanese) "Genji..." he warned, barley recognizing his own voice.

His closed vision darkened. A metallic hand came to his cheek, then the other, Genji pressing their foreheads together. Too much.

Yet he was powerless to fight it.

They had never been openly affectionate. Neither mentally nor physically. It was their culture. The more years had passed, the more had Genji strayed from it, but Hanzo stayed firm. In no way would he allow this if they weren't alone - out of respect for others - and that would never change. Keeping such affection behind closed doors was the respectable thing to do. Besides, Hanzo had no need or want to flaunt anything. Affection was a private thing, and out of respect, he wanted it to stay that way. Even handshakes were relatively foreign to him.

(Japanese) "You are not beyond redemption, brother. How many times must I say I forgive you? Give me a number and I will."

There was no number. He simply couldn't come to terms with it. Maybe he never would. Unable to stay like this, he took a step back, Genji's hands leaving his face. Only then he dared a look at his eyes only to immediately regret it. Just pure acceptance.

Hanzo again turned his back to him. (Japanese) "If they allow me to stay, I will fall in line," he replied, falling into a pause. "Where is Cassidy?"

A/N: Shout-out to all my fellow Support players when the DPS' like Hanzo right here are splitting up from the team and ending up on the other side of the damn map making it near impossible to heal them. Yes. This is me trauma-dumping T^T