"Oh, man! Vultures." - Lúcio Correia dos Santos

...in which one of the boys falls for the other, Cole and Genji reminiscence about their Blackwatch days with Gabe, and the former forgets to book a hotel room after a mission.

COLE

Seated outside Gibraltar with a light wooden six-string in his lap, Cole felt a presence known to him. A lazy smile shaped his lips. It was a comforting one. He finished the verse going for another thirty seconds before briefly stopping. In his peripheral, Hanzo approached. He showed no shame whatsoever of being caught. Nevertheless, he voiced his presence shortly after. Cole knew he wouldn't want to interrupt.

"I did not know you play."

Cole shook his head as he resumed plucking at the strings. "Not often, no. Just tend to strum around a bit when I try to clear my head. Better than drinkin' myself to the bottom of a Jack Daniels."

There was a brief silence as he kept strumming.

"May I join you if only for a moment?"

"You can stay as long as you'll like, darlin'."

Amused, Hanzo huffed. "Predictable as always."

"...or maybe I just like givin' you the benefit of the doubt," he challenged, taking Hanzo's deadpan way of teasing - one he had come to recognize - with humor. "Ain't seen half of it yet. I'll tell you that much. This 'ol cowboy's an enigma."

"A foolish one not to recognize I enjoy a challenge."

He puffed a laugh. Oh, Cole knew. As did Hanzo. They both did, not only on the practice range, but in everything else. Had been a while since Cole had some real challenge. He tried to ask Ana to said practice range once, but her being the way she was, he got aptly cut down and told there were plenty of targets on the battlefield. Hanzo was far more lenient there. It started off as him showing off, but when Cole showed him he wasn't a pushover, he upped his game. It was never cut and dried who scored the most points. He loved that.

Hanzo got himself seated on his knees next to him. Hands balled into fists. The same position he meditated in. Just knowing that Hanzo was comfortable enough to do so right there next to him, he admitted, had something flutter in his chest.

There was a certain trust there.

The air itself was comfortable. Cole finally lifted his gaze to see his grey ribbon fluttering lightly in the light breeze, as did not only his locks, but Cole's too. His amber eyes were closed. Enjoying the fresh air. The archer, surprisingly, had become one of the few people he felt comfortable around in utter silence. That kinda peace didn't come easy. Hanamura was one thing, but as it turned out, that 'peace' was engrained in Hanzo himself. As if he carried part of his home with him at all times. Stability.

It had become more common between them at this point. Talking. Hanzo had been pretty damn open about everything from the get-go, and Cole being as curious as he'd gotten, he didn't hesitate to learn more.

They sat there for maybe five minutes. No dialogue. Just the melody of Cole's guitar as he softly sang along the country song about a man thinking about his past. His family. His regrets. By no means could he relate to it word-for-word, but at the same time, there was no use denying it hit a chord in him in terms of remembrance. Only when the lyrics ended, and Cole kept strumming for another five minutes, did he speak up again.

"How's 'bout you tell me what you do to pass the time? Aside from meditatin' and honin' your combat skills."

Hanzo's eyes remained closed, and effortlessly, he answered. "I used to write poetry. Haiku."

"Poetry?" he said with fondness, puzzle pieces coming together. "I reckon I now understand why Brig perks up around ya. Ever voiced 'em?"

"Sometimes. It was... comforting."

Cole's chuckle was light. "Goddamn. I know a nice little karaoke bar in Busan. Oughta take you there some time."

"The amount of alcohol you would have me consume for such a thing is hazardous."

"I reckon I can convince ya," he replied, enough for Hanzo to finally level him with a critical brow above half-lidded eyes. A near pout. Cole just winked. In return, Hanzo huffed again and directed his gaze back ahead. "Why'd you drop it?"

His response wasn't immediate. "As was expected of me after Sojiro's death."

That one hit. With it, Cole stopped strumming altogether, the clench of Hanzo's jaw visible to him as his eyes dropped. He didn't meet his eye even though Cole actively sought them just now. Amber eyes remaining lowered to the grass before him. Hanzo's life truly was shaped by everything that happened under the Shimada clan. Even now when he had actively abandoned it.

"When's the last time you did somethin' for yourself?" he asked, voice soft.

Stern brows furrowed, thinking, until Hanzo finally had an answer.

"Two weeks. Before then... perhaps a year. Or two. I am uncertain."

At least he was getting back into it. "What'd ya do?"

"Woodworking," he replied, Cole's brows rising with intrigue. "I enjoy carving miniatures despite being terrible at it. It is... relaxing. Yet another skill requiring precision." Hanzo paused. "Zhou offered to teach me the same with... ice... as it is simpler. I have not tried it yet."

"Oh really? Part of me finds it hard to picture. I'd say you're pretty good with your hands."

"Uncouth," he said, an amused smirk shaping Hanzo's lips. "Is your mind always in the gutter, gunslinger?"

That had Cole grin. "Hey, now! Who said it was? Maybe you're the one projecting here."

"Hm," he huffed, not convinced.

"So woodworking, huh? Suppose I shouldn't be surprised you've got an artsy side. That tattoo o'yours looks pretty damn intricate," he replied, having had plenty time to study it. "Only thing that puzzles me is that those dragons o'yours seems to emerge from it, and yet, I only see one at display here." Hanzo's shoulders tensed then - as well as his already closed fists having veins draw taught - making him realize there was a reason. Cole held up a hand. "No need to expand on that unless you want to. Just an observation. Might as well let ya know."

After all, if there was one thing Hanzo kept a close lid on, it was those dragons. His soul. Nevertheless, Cole didn't fail to see how he appeared to relax slightly again after his addition. Yet there was still a tension there.

"It is... complicated," he said, surprising him. Gingerly, Hanzo touched the ink. Blue began to illuminate from it having Cole entranced at the ethereal display delicately lighting Hanzo's features. "There was not always two. In a manner of speaking, it is still merely one." Narrowed eyes were under tight dark brows set on the emerging dragons traversing his arm. Weaving themselves around it. Then dissipating. "The dragons are closely linked to the spirits of the Shimada as only we can control them. They are part of us. Mine is... troubled."

That, on the other hand, Cole already knew.

Hanzo was still haunted by his past to the point that he didn't care whether he died or not. He told him so himself not that long ago, and in the end, something within Cole ached hearing that. The world sure would look a whole lot darker without Shimada Hanzo in it. There was no use in denying that, and frankly, Cole didn't attempt to. Regardless, he by no means knew everything. All the layers.

"I ain't gonna pretend like I get this whole spirit thing - too 'otherworldly' for me - but... you tellin' me your soul is... hell, I dunno... split?"

Metaphorically, Hanzo lay himself flat. "Yes. I have always been bound by duty. The clan was my primary focus. I had to put aside all personal wants and needs for the sake of our people. I was expected to take a wife who could bear my children despite exclusively caring for the company of men. To incorporate Genji into the clan," he replied, pausing. "Ten years ago, I was forced to make a choice between my duty and my brother. I could not stay loyal to both. This is why my dragons are in constant turmoil trying to weave themselves back together."

"Still got that poet in ya, I hear," he replied, his small smile fond before it slowly faded. "Sure seems powerful."

"I cannot utilize the dragons heedlessly. Summoning them burns my skin, and so, it must heal before I can call upon them again. Their power is no joking matter and they do not take kindly upon frivolity," he replied, the words appearing to come more easily for him. As if a weight was lifted off his shoulders. "I can only infer that you are not unfamiliar."

Deadeye, he mused, knowing that was exactly what Hanzo was referring to. Of course he had picked up on it. With a sigh, Cole looked away. His lips drawn into a thin line. Brows drew into a deep frown.

"I'd say that's a story for another time, but... I reckon I owe ya that much," he replied, pausing. "I take it you've already picked up on my implant. Helps with targeting. I call it Deadeye." Cole met his gaze again, his expression tight, confirming Hanzo's suspicion. "Nifty little thing - helped me out on many an occasion - but in the end, we're all just meat and bones. Damn thing overheats. Gives me one hell of a headache. Fries my communicators after repeated use. I reckon we folks aren't ready to thrive with all kinds o'tech just yet."

Hanzo's hand reached for him before hesitating, Cole giving him a nod to say it was okay. A thumb soon brushed against his temple. Uncharacteristically gentle. Strict brows above narrowed amber kept their focus there. Appearing fascinated. The angle of his royal features had the sun reflect in Hanzo's eyes just right. Cole couldn't look away.

"Why do you insist on using it?"

"People need me out there. I can handle a couple headaches," he said, that characteristic lazy smirk on his lips. "Not as quick as I used to be, but I'm still the fastest gun in the New West."

There was a pause. "Then the least you can do is allow yourself to rest. You have not done so tonight. That much is certain," he replied, reading him like a book. The dark circles under Cole's eyes surely gave it away. With that, Hanzo gracefully pushed up to stand. He missed the warm of his presence the moment it retracted. "I would ask you attempt so again."

Cole gave him a simple nod in response and promised he'd try.

"Hey, Han," he said, Hanzo - having turned to walk - angling his head to face him. "Thank you." Confused, a dark brow arched. "For a man supposedly 'not good with people,' hell... you're real easy to talk to."

Hanzo's features relaxed as he smirked. "Perhaps you have 'rubbed off on me' in more ways than one."

So Cole barked a laugh.

"Have a good night, darlin'."

"You, too."

With that, Hanzo gave him a small bow and left him to his thoughts with that wicked smirk of his. One that Cole both hoped, and feared, to hold more. Just like that did he feel ten times lighter as Hanzo had that effect on him. That said, his own small smile slowly faded. Cole went back to strumming the guitar as his jaw clenched.

He knew he was in deep and Hanzo was the one that would bury him ten times under.

Cole, Genji, Angie, Hana, and Lúcio were currently in an aircraft taking them to their next mission. They were to meet up with Hanzo, Zenyatta, Baptiste, Fareeha and Zarya on the site to hit the base from two sides.

It was now official that Null Sector had taken up direct arms against Talon. Whatever caused it, he was unsure, but he supposed it was much like falling in love. Plenty small things building up to a non-specific breaking point. It had at some point become clear to Ramattra that his and Doomfist's views clashed too much to maintain a partnership. Ramattra's insistence on helping his people - through force, if necessary - and Doomfist's negligence of omnic lives. Both sides were weakened now giving Overwatch an advantage.

Their numbers, however, were still large. As was their influence. To top it all off, now there was yet another layer with Gabe that Cole still failed to fully understand. It was clear that a lot of things were happening behind the scenes. Information they didn't have access to.

Genji walked up to him. "You haven't slept."

"Was up last night. Thinking about who we used to be."

"I try to focus on the good times."

"Hey, yeah," he replied, tone fond. Genji had been like a brother to him for many years now, and as the cyborg ninja himself had expressed, the feeling was mutual. "We did have some of those."

"Is this about Reyes?"

The Shimadas seemed to know Cole well. "I reckon I'm not the only one who's head's spinnin' 'bout this."

"I infer he does not care for Overwatch. The people existing within, however, it is a different thing. I see that now."

"Comin' from the guy ready to accept him goin' Dark Side," he teased.

"I said no such thing!" he replied, light humor in his tone. "I merely stated that Reyes had been walking a dark path for a long time. That it would not surprise me. Do not put words in my mouth, Cassidy."

Cole puffed a laugh. "Pardon me, just... there's a whole lotta layers involved here. Don't know if he truly believes in whatever Doomfist's preaching, if it's a Sombra 'in it for herself' situation, or some form of master plan to take the big guy down. It's all speculation at this point," he said, pausing. "Hell, never feels right not havin' all the answers. Would'a made it easier to make a decision."

A moment passed before Genji answered.

"A decision about how to deal with him," he finished for him, Cole nodding his confirmation. "Perhaps that is not our choice to make. I personally believe in waiting. To see what transpires before us."

"I sure hope you're right on this, Genji."

Yet, even if he wasn't, he wouldn't blame him.

In the end, it was up to Gabe.

Hana raised her voice from the pilot's seat. "Uh, guys? I think you'll wanna see this."

Turning their attention to her, they saw her make a hand gesture over to Lúcio sitting in a nearby seat - head-banging with his headphones - to get his attention. Shortly, he pulled them off and approached. Cole and Genji did the same to see the mildly concerned expression on her face. In the seat next to her, Angie had looked up from her datapad to see the screen before them.

"Oh, man!" Lúcio said, eyes a tad bigger. "Vultures."

Angie, her tone soft, spoke up. "Hana. Are you quite all right, dear?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm good. The design just reminds me of the Gwishin is all. Don't worry about that," she replied, before going back into her professional mode. Explaining the situation. "If we get any closer, we're gonna get spotted."

"Drop us by that ravine. It'll provide some cover. Don't know for how long, though," Cole said, taking the word. Not only that, but judging by the clouds, it looked like a storm was coming. Fighting in the rain had never been pleasant, but they couldn't be choosy. "Jesus!" With a bang did the aircraft recoil, balance nearly lost to those standing, Cole catching himself on Angie's seat grabbing it. "Anti-aircraft fire?"

Hana looked at the screens. "It's the vultures!" she called out, them having been spotted. The vultures used a cloaking device much like they did during the Gibraltar attack. Enough for them not to take notice. "I've gotta land this thing, hang on!"

They took another hit and smoke began to emerge.

"Pull up the backdoor latch. We don't know how many of 'em there are and chances are they've got the numbers to explode this thing before we touch down. We've gotta take care o'them," he issued his order - still in charge of his team - whilst pulling out his revolver as he moved towards the back. "Before they take care o'us."

"Got it."

Hana pressed the button, and the latch opened, Cole digging his heels into the floor not to get knockback from the wind pressure. With Deadeye, he marked them all. Cloaked and un-cloaked alike. There were five in total from what he was able to see. That said, they had got hit from the sides as he did, and so he knew there were more. Deadeye did the work on those five buying Hana some time to descend. On the way down, they got hit three more times, the aircraft no longer air worthy without significant repairs that would take a few hours.

Nevertheless, Hana got them down safely. Yet their position had been given away. What was supposed to be an infiltration mission turned into a full-on firefight. Thankfully, the other team was at their disposal.

HANZO

"Turns out a guy has to order a room in advance. Any chance you can fit one more? I'll pay half and make it even."

Hanzo frowned. "Of course. You know this. 204."

"Much obliged."

With that did he hang up on Cassidy. It wasn't the first time they had shared a hotel room for missions by far and so it was a normal occurrence. With their aircraft shut down, Cassidy's team had to rent a room for the night, while Hanzo's team were to stay another night regardless. Different mission. After a Null Sector attack, the airways were blocked for a day not allowing traversal.

When Cassidy showed up at the door, he was almost soaking.

"You kickin' me out like a rained-on dog, kind enough to let me stay, or at the very least just dry up?" he asked. Hanzo smirked and just shook his head as he stepped aside. "Thank you kindly. Even got the apology all lined up." With that did he hold out a bottle of sake. "Everyone knows the way to a man's heart is through his stomach."

Fond, Hanzo rolled his eyes and grabbed it. Cassidy closed the door after him as he approached a cupboard there to pull out two glasses. His back was yet turned to him - unclasping his chest plate - as he began to ready them.

"Your arm."

Cringing, Cassidy shifted. "Yeah. Got a bit scrambled in the fight. Oughta have Torbjörn take a look at it in the morning."

"He is here?"

"Sure is. Gothenburg is his and Brig's hometown. Never met a better mechanic," he replied, Hanzo handing over a glass. Pressing his lower back to the table - his metallic hand palming the surface - Cassidy crossed his ankles and averted his eyes as he took a sip. "Tried to get him to join the war effort, but... well, the guy has a wife and kids. Can't blame him. Most o'us don't get to say that."

"Hm. Curious phrasing. You do not strike me as the 'settling down' type."

Cassidy puffed a laugh. "Guilty as charged. Besides... not sure it'd work with me constantly on the move. Bounty and all. Doesn't seem fair bringin' someone else into such a life."

He could relate. Painfully so. Hanzo himself didn't stay longer than a week in one place.

Registering Cassidy's somewhat somber tone, however, he could tell something was on his mind.

"I sense that there is something else you wish to discuss."

"Got some things to clear up in my head before I speak on it. Just to make sure," he replied, still not looking at him. "I'll let you know, darlin'." With that did he finally turn his head to give him a wink. Then a soft chuckle escaped him. A gentle knuckle tilted up Hanzo's chin. "Hey, now. Don't give me that look. A man's gotta have some secrets."

By no means did he have enough willpower to pull away from those gentle touches and kisses. Cassidy was a gentle lover in general. He had learned that by now. Their quick 'sessions' grew over time.

He didn't have anything against it. Cassidy knew what he was doing in bed with his hands and mouth alike. Now - with unspoken assumptions that Cassidy might want to settle down at some point - Hanzo was all the more tempted to pull back into his shell. Stop this before it got too far into unspoken territory. Then again, he knew it was already too late. He enjoyed Cassidy's company too much to put that distance back between them and not only in bed. In the end, he was only hurting himself.

Hanzo had a knack for self-destruction.

A/N: The cowboy has McFallen and can't get up.