"Kanezaka." - Winston

...in which Hanzo starts to come around to Cole and they learn about their next mission.

A/N: I completely forgot I was co-posting on this site - I primarily use AO3 bc it's so much better/allows image hosting/has a lot more interactivity with readers in the comments section - but here you go. Better late than never, lol. I've written up to 16 chapters at this point and will (try to remember to) publish one every Friday.

COLE

No progress was to be had with Gabe. Guy was still just as elusive. Rigid. From where he stood, in Gabe's eyes, they were rather keeping him as a pet than a patient. Talking behind his back. Now, that wasn't the full truth. Yes, there was talking, but not the kind Gabe was expecting. That they were genuine in wanting to help him was something he had yet to believe.

Whatever Doomfist had put in his head, it wasn't looking good. The amount of spite from him yet stunned Cole. That said, they weren't out of the woods yet. Attacks still happened all over the country. While some stayed to keep an eye on Gabe, the rest continued doing their jobs.

Cole was having his last uneventful night - seated at a bar stool at Gibraltar - before their next mission.

...and, like some nights, he again ran into Hanzo.

"Gunslinger. You are up late again."

"That makes two of us."

After a comfortable silence, Hanzo throwing his finished tea into the washing machine, he spoke up again. "Why?"

Cole nearly startled in return. He found himself shift as his gaze fleeted, the question a bit more personal than he'd like, but he took it in stride. The last person he expected to have asked him was Hanzo.

"Just restlessness, is all," he replied, eyes averted. "Ain't nothin' of worth to it."

"Do not insult my intelligence."

Tired, Cole raised a palm in a 'stop' motion. "Ho, there. That ain't -"

"You have my body, and if you so require it, my ear as well."

There was a pause where Cole just stared at his back. Nearly at a loss for words. All his life had he been able to keep this behind bars with only a couple occasional slip-ups noted by Angie and Zen alone. Yet, for the first time, someone truly pried for information. Didn't let him off easily. No wonder that it would be Hanzo, of all people, who had never been known to back down when he had questions. At the same time did he respect him enough to choose. Leave the ball in Cole's court.

Cole lowered his hand to the top of his glass for fingertips to grasp it. "That monk put you up to this?"

"No," he replied, circling the table and getting seated on the bar stool at his side whilst facing him. Hanzo's palms rested atop strong thighs. Legs spread. "The omnic might have opened my eyes to the possibility - this is true - but since then I have... observed. You are troubled."

"Not a sane soul in this world that ain't," he said, lifting his glass to his own lips. Elbow at the table surface. "Nothin' I can't buck off."

"I wish to hear it."

Having taken a sip, Cole let out an unconvinced chuckle. "Oh, really? I get the feelin' you'd soon as kill me as sleep with me. Don't see how."

"My initial judgement of you was... uncouth," he replied, Cole stunned to silence. Slowly but surely did he lower his glass to the table to shoot a shocked gaze at him under tight - confused - brows. Eye contact never breaking. Meanwhile, Hanzo sat perfectly still whilst zeroed in on him. Cole turned to face him then with his free hand propped on his thigh. "I had my doubts that you truly believed in second chances. That does not change that I have seen how accepting you are of de Kuiper, Augustin, Colomar, and now Reyes. I will no longer ignore this."

Hanzo pushed on. "I believe you are foolish for offering me the same generosity, but if that is your decision, so be it. I have always cut down your attempts at conversation and so I give my attention to you now."

He just looked. Scouting for dishonesty only to turn up empty. The following silence was suffocating as Hanzo awaited his response.

"Reyes," he eventually said after that silence, surprising himself how easy it was. Maybe because he knew he spoke to someone who wouldn't give him pity as everyone always did. Before him, Hanzo's shoulders appeared to relax, his chin rising. "Don't know which side he's on. Sure gives the team a lotta mixed signals. Truth is... I'm not sure what to do, here."

Despite being asked, Cole had no desire to talk about any of this. Just about to brush it all off and change topics, however, he never got the chance. Hanzo deadpanned then and what he said next had his body go rigid.

"I... see. This is not a feeling unknown to me. Our father was much the same," he said, stunning him with his honesty. Hanzo sure was the perceptive sort as Cole in no way had mentioned that Gabe was a paternal figure. "I do not know what Genji told you of our past, and because of it, I will not burden you by repeating it."

Topic not on him, Cole was happy to indulge. "Burden? A different perspective sure is a welcomed one. I only know Genji's side."

Amber eyes narrowed - as if judging his genuineness - but the lines in Hanzo's forehead smoothed out ever so slightly as he had his answer. His tone was surprisingly gentle when he spoke up.

"Your sincerity... touches me," he replied, said gentleness not the only thing that shocked him. It was everything that came after. "At a young age, Sojiro was nurturing to us both, but that quickly changed for the eldest son. At first, I resented him for spoiling my brother. To strip only me of my childhood. I was young - foolish - and read it as him favoring his youngest son. The truth I later came to discover is that our father ensured I was strong enough to both protect my brother, and myself, when he was gone."

His transparency left a pit in Cole's stomach, but he let him push on. "He was an honorable man in a dishonorable profession. Despite being the leader of the Shimada Clan, few decisions were his alone. My fate as the oldest son was sealed, and so, Sojiro tried to at the very least save one of his sons from that life. With Genji unfit to lead, I could not afford to appear weak. For his safety and mine both. They would have my head."

"That why you went along with tryin' to take him out?"

Hanzo tensed again. For a moment, he thought he crossed a line, but amber eyes closed. A slow inhale to be let out just as slowly. Cole had taken a chance. Anything to steer the topic away from him. Didn't change that he genuinely wanted to know.

"There were several factors contributing. There was envy. There was anger that he indirectly contributed to Sojiro's assassination as our father had lost the respect from rival clans for having protected him," he replied, finally meeting his eye again. "Much of the hatred I had for our father was directed at Genji for having a childhood that I could not."

"The man put a lotta pressure on a kid, Hanzo. You. Can't look past that."

"What our father did was necessary," he replied, the hard edge in his tone back. "I did not approach you for semantics on my past actions. My purpose here is not to excuse myself of my own wrongdoings. There is no honor in such." Then he expertly averted the topic to where it started. "I have observed Reyes. Doing so has given me the impression that he is alike Sojiro in which they did not coddle us. To make us both stronger, and in the process, keep us guessing allowing for critical thinking. Such a skill is lost to many in this day and age."

Again, he just looked, and Hanzo didn't budge.

"Why you tellin' me this?"

It came out weaker than he'd like, and if Hanzo noticed, he didn't show it.

"Consider it proof that I am genuine."

Giving him the side-eye, Cole grimaced. "I get the feelin' that ain't all."

"Do not push your luck, gunslinger," he warned, eyes boring into his. Cole remained undeterred. It would've been amusing if the topic wasn't as serious. "I will not give an inch only for you to demand a mile, and so, I will only add this. I never had the chance to make peace with him. Do not make the same mistake I did."

Cole couldn't help but think it over and they sat in silence for a good few seconds.

"I reckon we've both got some demons to deal with. No shame in that," he said, amber eyes nearly softening just a tad. Tight brows above. "Appreciate the gesture, though." His response was a huff as Hanzo rose to his feet, and immediately, Cole realized how ungrateful he must've sounded. The alcohol was to blame for slowing down his thought process. "Hanzo." The man addressed stopped in the doorway with his back turned, head snapping to show his profile, a burning gaze on the floor. "By no means am I undercuttin' what you just did. Thank you. I mean that."

...and so he watched Hanzo's shoulders relax again. Cole had indeed read the situation correctly. It became easier and easier every day to understand him. Then, with a languid bow, Hanzo left. The room again became eerily silent leaving him to his thoughts knowing he had to apologize. Was it up to Cole, he would do it in this moment, but Hanzo had clearly ended the conversation.

So he let him go.

HANZO

The carrier touched down for their next mission. More Talon and Null Sector activity. This time the attack was in Ilios. Over time, Overwatch had taken note of how well he and Cassidy worked together, and so they were paired up this time as well.

They were taking a flanking position atop one of the buildings and had managed to hack into the enemy's communications. Listening in on any updates their enemy might have. Although Cassidy was always focused on a mission, he had been more quiet than usual, and it didn't fly past him. Yet the silence between them was never uncomfortable. Apparently, Akande was there. As was Ramattra. Cassidy had laid out a competent plan, and once again, Hanzo had been taken aback.

"Hm. You are well-versed in infiltration. Time and again has this been proven."

"Goin' in all sneaky-like sure ain't my preferred method - I'll give ya that - but... well. This kinda work forces ya to adapt a tad. Learned that the hard way in my time in Blackwatch," he replied, the name familiar to him. It was the reason of Overwatch's downfall. The final nail on the coffin. "Got Gabriel Reyes to thank for that." After a moment, he spoke up again. "Your brother was there, too." Frowning, Hanzo turned to look at him, Cassidy's gaze on his revolver polishing it. "Now that one... that ain't my tale to tell."

Hanzo found his words. "Why did you stay with Overwatch after the organization crumbled?"

"I didn't. Not at first. Now... well, I reckon I owe it to 'em. Was better than the alternative back in the day. Let's just say I ended up behind bars, Reyes offered a way out, and had yours truly signed up. Things were a lot simpler when I was robbing banks with the Deadlock gang."

With that, Cassidy fell into another pause. He seemed to hesitate as if he had more to say. Nevertheless, something had him drop it. Likely because they were in the middle of a mission. Hanzo was grateful. This was no time for idle conversation as they both had to pay attention. Keep their eyes peeled. It was the right decision as they shortly heard the audio pick up.

Ramattra was the first to speak. "I put my men in your hands and this is how you repay me?" he said, his tone a low warning. "I would watch my step were I you, Ogundimu. You are walking a thin line. One you be wise not to cross."

"Is that a threat?"

"Advice. One I encourage you to heed. My people are finite."

"Indeed. Have no fear. I will take matters into my own hands that this does not repeat itself."

"See to it that you do or this temporary alliance will come to an end."

As it went quiet, Cassidy lightly chewed his cigar. "Seems to be trouble in paradise."

The relationship between Talon and Null Sector, indeed, seemed fleeting. It was only a matter of time before the thin string would snap. It was clear that Ramattra's main priority was in his people, so whenever Akande took that for granted, the distance between them grew.

"Unsurprising. Akande has been deploying Null Sector forces only for Overwatch to wipe them out. Their numbers are dwindling."

Cassidy gave him a puzzled look. "First-name basis, huh? Didn't know you two knew each other."

"We do not."

"Curt as ever."

So Hanzo let out a frustrated huff. "If you must know... I address him as 'Akande' as an insult. It is a common practice in my culture. I was under the impression Americans shared a similar sentiment. You see last names as the more respectful way to address others."

"Got me there," he replied, before glimpsing the signal. "Ready?"

With a nod, Hanzo fired a sonic arrow. Around the corner did a guard arrive. Unexpectedly, the arrow hit him square in the head.

"Oh," he startled with a blink, before letting out a quiet chuckle. "Found you."

In his peripheral, Cassidy's attention snapped to him. The sudden movement had Hanzo direct a gaze over his shoulder. His own crinkles still beside uncharacteristic and gleeful eyes, Hanzo met his somewhat slack-jawed gaze, puzzlement contorting his own face before he immediately paled. He had taken note of how an amused smile had slowly but surely curved Cassidy's lips.

How Hanzo cleared his throat and moved directly after only had the grin turn into a chuckle. Propping the cigar back between his teeth, Cassidy fell into his steps as he did, but couldn't help but comment. Flustered, he prepared for the worst.

"I was just 'bout to ask if you planned to do that, but... I reckon I got my answer."

Only a brief silence followed before Cassidy puffed yet another laugh as he caught up with him again.

"Why are you still laughing?" Hanzo asked, a vaguely amused lilt to his tone.

"Pardon me, darlin'. You just... keep surprisin' me, is all," he replied, smile not leaving him. "Good to see ya loosen up a bit. Gotta be tirin' walkin' around with that stick up your ass 24/7."

"Pfe. I am hilarious," he replied, his tone of voice revealing mock-offense.

"Sure are somethin'," Cassidy muttered to himself, tone almost fond.

"Let us proceed."

His returning smirk let him know he didn't take it in ill will. They sprang into action then. Delta providing backup as they hit the base from both ends. Yet another operation successful.

Cassidy touched his earpiece. "Where to next, Winston?"

"Kanezaka."

Having personal ties to their next destination, the higher-ups made sure both Hanzo and Genji were assigned to it. Kiriko had been back in Kanezaka as she left shortly after Hanzo's arrival. Her small trip to visit Genji - a happy accident that she got to see Hanzo in the process, too - had her feel like she had been away for too long. She was part of Overwatch, but mostly operated in Kanezaka. It was her home and he couldn't blame her. Had Hanzo not abandoned the clan, he would also stay. Overwatch just threw a wrench in the cogs.

That didn't chance that the reminder of his home had his insomnia resurface. Nightmares. Guilt. So he pulled up from bed and headed to the practice range knowing the sun would rise in a few hours. About two hours in did he hear the familiar jingle of spurs.

"I was lookin' for ya."

Hanzo fired his last shot. "Mine or yours?"

"Not tonight."

Taken aback, Hanzo couldn't help but hesitate as he lowered his bow. He turned his head to look at him walking up in his peripheral. Like usual - when they met up at nighttime - Cassidy sported casualwear. A simple button-down and jeans. His Stetson off and replaced by a low ponytail. That said, his gun was with him. As always. Hanzo could relate to having a weapon at hand at all times.

"I am not one for... company."

"Not askin' you to pour your heart out, Hanzo. Neither am I askin' you to listen to mine. It's all in the past where it's supposed to be. Just gotta get one thing out there first," he replied, Hanzo hearing him out. "I reckon we've gotten off on the wrong foot."

Ah, he thought, realizing what this was about. "Your hostility was not unwarranted."

"Not at first, no - I stand by that - but things changed."

"Hm. Your apology is accepted."

"Here I was hopin' you'd offer one yourself," he teased.

Hanzo suppressed the smirk and tilted up his chin. "You have a long way to go still, gunslinger."

"Touché. Then again... can't say I'd mind you yankin' me 'round a bit more," he replied, giving him a wink. Hanzo - amused - huffed. "So what do you say we start over, darlin'?" Cassidy offered a handshake. "Cole Cassidy. I'd say it's just 'Cole' to you - skip the formality - but... I didn't forget our conversation back at that base. Hell, even Genji sticks with 'Cassidy' and we've known each other for years."

After a brief hesitation, eyes having landed there, Hanzo grabbed his forearm. At least Cassidy respected that major cultural difference. First names were too intimate or, as Hanzo had explained earlier, used to be intentionally disrespectful.

At first, he had thought little of Cassidy. Now had he further seen his dedication. His need to help and protect his team. In all means of the imagination, it was admirable. Honorable. Cassidy also had the skill to back it up. Constantly used pet names and terms of endearment to many members of the team - most likely all of them - but 'darling' appeared exclusive to only him. Seemed it was simply how he was. For him, such was far more uncommon. Open affection. First names. Nicknames.

There were a lot of things he had to get used to.

"Shimada Hanzo," he replied, humoring him at the re-introduction. "Hanzo." Shortly after was it his turn to see the puzzlement on Cassidy's face. He twisted his flesh arm around for Cassidy's palm to face upwards, unclasped the flask on his belt, and shoved it into his hand. Hanzo gave him an amused smirk seeing his expression. "See it as a peace offering."

"I like the way you think. Much obliged," he said, taking a sip before giving it a look-over with a hum and handing it back. "You know, that sake's not half bad, but... I prefer a little bite to my liquor."

Hanzo huffed. "How predictable! Such an unsophisticated taste."

"Hey, now. Don't gotta wound a man like that. Got me bleedin' all over."

Regardless, his tone revealed he didn't take it to heart. Hanzo returned the flask to its sheath and set course for the roof.

"The sun is rising on the horizon. Such a view is better from up there. Join me."

"Whoa, there. The roof? Ain't much of a climber."

"Then I will assist you," he replied, a moment later having scaled the wall. Hanzo looked out. Genuflecting, he reached out his arm. "Time grows short, do not let it go to waste."

Cassidy hesitated, but shortly after did he take it. Not much effort was needed to get him up, and despite Cassidy seeming slightly disoriented by the height, he did just fine. Not before long did they sit down side-by-side with Cassidy on his left. Cigar in his metallic hand, he propped himself up on a forearm, the one holding it thrown over an escalated knee. Maybe to keep himself closer to the ground. He could only infer that Cassidy wasn't big on heights, but in the end, no distress was to be observed.

"So Hanamura's up next," he muttered, his attention on the shoreline. The sky began to color in reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks. Peaceful were the waves pushing against land. Cassidy brought the cigar to his lips. "What's home like for you, archer?"

Closing his eyes, Hanzo recalled. "A village high up the hill. There are cherry blossoms in the spring. I miss it dearly."

"I reckon you get to see it real soon," he replied, falling into a pause. "Not a day goes by I don't regret what Overwatch did there."

"Our clan was already destroyed before you intervened. I have no qualms with you, Cassidy. It was your duty."

"Yeah, well. Knowing I followed that 'duty' still keeps me up at night," he replied, scowling lightly. "That operation o'yours sure wasn't exactly legal, but... you folks took care of your people. Not like those in charge now. Gotta do what you gotta do to stay alive."

It was painfully relatable. "This is why I see you at odd hours."

Regrets.

"Among other things," he replied. Hanzo didn't fail to see him reaching down to clutch at the far end of his metallic arm. He didn't elaborate. Clearly, Cassidy was closed-off about these things. "This is gettin' more and more complicated by the second. First Gabe - Reaper, whatever - and now we've got an undercover hacker in it for herself. Some old lunatic who just might as well be a Talon plant. Any past experience with 'em?"

"Yes. On several occasions have they attempted to recruit me. You already know of Akande."

"Said he wanted to 'wake up' the 'sleeping dragon' if I recall," he replied, pausing. "You sure he wasn't hittin' on ya?"

Never in a million years would he expect such a response.

So Hanzo puffed a laugh. "I certainly hope not! The very concept of using such crude metaphors in an un-ironic manner is amusing. He appears more... sophisticated... from what little I have seen. Persuasive, even. I expect more class from a man such as him."

"In all fairness, his weapon of choice is a huge fist..." he said nonchalant, shrugging.

Hanzo was full-on laughing now.

"Stop this instant."

Nevertheless, Cassidy seemed to relish in it as he cracked a grin.

"Don't shoot the messenger. Just doin' my due diligence pointin' out the obvious," he said, Hanzo's laughter having slowly died down. Cassidy sported a lazy smile in his peripheral. Eyes set on him. "I like what I'm seein', archer. Hell, if I had my hat on, I would've halfway expected you to grab it and beat me to death with the damn thing. I hear you Japanese folks tend to be more reserved."

Unsurprising. That said, Hanzo wasn't offended. Such a view was the norm from Westerners.

"Then it is clear you know very little of our history."

Cassidy's interest seemed to peak. "Your brother said the same. Please elaborate, Shimada Hanzo. I'm all ears."

"The Japanese did not consider sex sinful or vulgar. We do not shun from it as long as it is behind closed doors. Such is a Western concept," he said, Cassidy's brows shooting up to his forehead. "The same can be said for intimate relations with both men and women - as a samurai - being the rule rather than the exception. Such was actively encouraged. It is considered masculine to sleep with other men, and thus, something I have never had the need to hide. I suspect you would be surprised how 'open' I am to these things."

"Here I thought it was stricter."

"Hm. I do not blame you," he said, before empathizing a certain poisonous undertone. "The supposed tolerant West's influence has spread far." His voice turned to its original tone. "I am more surprised that the caricature of an Americanized cowboy does not seem disturbed by this."

"Folks are free to believe whatever they want, but... I've never been a Christian man myself."

So when Hanzo looked at him in his peripheral vision - his eyes half-lidded before directing his gaze back forward - Cassidy's slightly dilated pupils told him everything he needed to know. Temptation. Physical attraction. Lust. Despite their differences, the one thing Hanzo couldn't deny was that the man was ruggedly handsome. The kind of man he would approach at a bar. When he was younger, he actively sought such men out, and that didn't change over the years. He certainly didn't mind having captured his attention.

It was far from new to him. Hanzo was well-aware he ensnared most people's gaze for one reason or the other. Such had been the norm from a young age. He had barely filled thirteen - Japan's age of consent - when men and women alike had tried to get him in bed. Barely filled eighteen before he was first proposed to. As for relationships, he only had two serious ones over a small timespan, and the rest was all casual.

Less complicated that way.

Being heir to one of the most powerful families in Japan, he also had to remain cautious to whom he allowed close. There were restrictions holding him back. These days, he didn't have anything to lose.

Cassidy pushed on. "I get the feelin' you've done this a couple times, then."

"Servants. Bodyguards. Strangers at the bar under a new identity. Being the eldest son of a yakuza clan can get... boring."

"Ho, there!" he said, a chuckle to his tone. "Didn't take Shimada Hanzo as the promiscuous type."

"There are many things you do not know about me."

"Yeah, well... I plan to remedy that detail."

Smirking, Hanzo wasn't against the idea. "We will see."

A/N: I'm sorry, Akande... but you can't have a name like 'Doomfist' and canonically tell Hanzo to "wake" the "sleeping dragon" without my gremlin brain having an aneurysm. This scene prompted me to publish before everything was ready. The fic grew its own legs from there. I have no regrets.

...and seriously, who allowed Hanzo to have such cute reactions/lines for killing off enemies with a Sonic Arrow? I'm deceased. That quiet chuckle metaphorically kills me, and so, it will metaphorically kill Cole as well. It's the law.