Chapter Text
“He is my brother,” Hanzo carefully set the bunch of roses down on the table. McCree followed suit and set the bag of tools by a tray of greenery. His hands were large and strong and heat curled lazily through Hanzo.
“Well you’re just as cute as he said.”
Hanzo snipped a stem in alarm. He was going to kill Genji. Why was his brother always such a flirt. “I have been told I have the brains and Genji has the looks.” He set the ruined rose and stem carefully to the side.
“Not from where I’m standing.” He could feel the man’s heat. Those board shoulders curling forward a little as he leaned on the table.
God, he smells good. Hanzo gulped, carefully pushing his bangs back behind his ear. “I feel as if I have been insulted.” He teased, looking up at those soft puppy dog eyes with a smile hiding in the corners of his mouth.
“What? I didn’t mean anything bad. I’m sure you’re smarter than that kid and handsomer and a businessman with his life together and,” McCree spluttered, turning a bit red and raising his hands in apologies.
Hanzo furrowed his brows. He had been flirting. Was his face betraying him again? This is why Angela was the networker and he was the quiet one behind the flowers.
“No,” he reached out, touching the man’s broad forearm without thinking. “I… I am flattered.”
“Had me worried I’d already stuck my boot in my mouth.” Jesse laughed, running a hand through his hair. It was a pretty sight.
“I am sure it would not fit. Thank you for your assistance.” Hanzo returned to his work, snipping away at some greenery as he set the arrangement. Heat continued to rumble gently against his side and he realized the man was lingering, obviously wanting to continue. He wasn’t sure what to do from here.
“Are you staying for the ceremony?” Jesse rested a hand on the table, easy smile inviting Hanzo to join him in conversation.
“I have not decided.” He finished the piece, finding himself with nothing to do with his hands. He tucked them into his trouser pockets, turning to face Jesse more straight on. “I have been invited but I do not enjoy crowds. You should head inside, the ceremony is going to start soon. I am sure they are missing their guest.”
“I’m just the help,” the larger man shrugged, flannel tugging tight across his shoulders.
“Oh, you are working too?”
“Hardly working, just dropping off the cakes,” he pointed to the other table where cupcakes and the wedding cake stood. They were protected from insects by white netting that moved gently in the breeze.
“Ah your work is beautiful!” Hanzo grinned, truly appreciating the creation. He had been hoping to steal a cupcake at least before heading home and they were as mouth watering as the baker.
McCree’s heart nearly leapt outta his chest. Every compliment and carefully crafted bit of praise he’d ever received dwarfed by the sincere blinding appreciation. He found himself speechless for once, just grinning down at the pure beef florist.
“W-well shucks,” he couldn’t help the flush on his face. “Yours is mighty fine too. I… I’m surprised you like something simple and earthy like baking.”
“I have a sweet tooth, to my shame,” the man chuckled, hiding his mouth behind a hand.
“Then you have to try these.” He couldn’t help himself and he grabbed Hanzo’s hand and pulled him over to the dessert table. The PA system announced that the ceremony was starting in five minutes. The last of the guests scurried off the deck and inside the venue.
“We can’t eat these before the bride,” the man protested, but didn’t try to break the light hold McCree had on his wrist.
“Well not in public,” he cast a quick look around. “But… what do you say to sneaking off to the lake with some cupcakes-” he loaded two onto a plate, “-and a bottle of wine?”
“How scandalous.”
“But they won’t miss just one bottle.”
Hanzo pinned him to the spot with a single arch of his eyebrow.
“Fine… but at least the cupcakes?”
Hanzo rolled his eyes at him but nodded. Then smirked and reached into the inside of his suit jacket. “Besides, I have a flask of sake we can share.”
“Well I’ll be,” he grinned, eyes dancing. “C’mon, before we get caught.”
They crept with playfully exaggerated caution across the deck and down the stairs. McCree took the chance to put his free hand on Hanzo’s hip. The muscle was clear even through his suit jacket. He felt the way the man shifted, slowing down so his butt bumped into his thigh. Damn… he gulped, almost losing the cupcakes as his mind took a moment off.
He gathered himself, pushing past Hanzo to lead him the rest of the way down and along the sidewalk. It was dusky away from the deck’s bright lights. The occasional lantern in the trees provided a path towards the water.
Jesse took Hanzo’s hand as they moved through the wooded area. The path shifted from sidewalk to gravel. His boots crunching loudly and yet somehow Hanzo didn’t seem to make any sound at all.
He didn’t try to take his hand back either and Jesse’s stomach filled with butterflies. “This way,” he tugged Hanzo off the path and through the trees towards the lake. It was close by, the moonlight shone off the still water. He didn't need the light on his phone to take them the rest of the way.
“I hope you are not planning to murder me, Jesse.”
“I’d never think of it, darlin’,” he chuckled, spotting a large mostly flat rock right at the edge. “Here, this looks like a good spot.”
Hanzo followed along, his face unreadable in the low light. “I suppose.”
Jesse settled himself on the rock, resting his feet on a rock in the water. “C’mon, I’m not gonna bite.”
“Hmmm.”
Hanzo joined him, tucking his legs up so he was sitting tailor style. The moon reflected off the lake to cast silver on the powerful angles of his face. He wanted to trace the sharp edge of his jaw and the cut of the cheekbones.
He settled for offering the man one of the cupcakes. “Try this, I promise you’ll love it.”
Hanzo grinned as he loosened his tie. “I suppose I will.” He took the little cupcake carefully, pulling the flask out with his other hand. “I’ll share too.”
McCree’s warm fingers brushed against his, lingering for a long moment. “Can’t say I’ve ever had sake before.” He didn’t drink though.
The heat of his eyes radiated against Hanzo. When was the last time someone had looked at him with such warmth, a soft welcoming feeling. He met Jesse’s gaze, peeling the paper wrapper back from the cake and raised it tohis mouth. The stiff peak of the icing bumped into his nose.
He started to pull back, lifting a hand to wipe it away.
“Don’t hesitate now, get in there,” Jesse laughed and bopped the bottom of the cupcake.
Hanzo grunted in surprise as icing smeared across his mouth and nose. The scent of citrus and sugar heavy as he pulled the cupcake away. He glared at Jesse, feeling like a fool. The man had the audacity to just laugh before reaching over to scoop a glob off his nose.
“I should push you in the lake for this,” He huffed, trying to decide where to wipe his face off. His suit jacket or his button down or on McCree.
His thoughts stuttered out as Jesse took that icing covered finger tip to his mouth. The peek of his tongue making Hanzo’s breath hitch. He couldn't tear his gaze away, no matter how he wanted to as Jesse licked the icing off with an expert flick.
The man didn’t play fair at all. He swallowed hard, dragging his eyes away. The burn of his cheeks would melt the icing for sure.
“Here, let me.”
His chin was caught in strong fingers, gently turning his face back. He couldn’t resist, letting Jesse pull him close. He pouted though for good measure. Jesse gently began to wipe his face down with a handkerchief, starting on his nose and then down along his chin.
Hanzo’s eyes slowly closed, giving in to the feeling. He loved having his face touched, just those soft intimate caresses and explorative brushes. He wanted to melt as a fingertip brushed over his bottom lip. The invitation clear but he pretended not to understand.
Heavy lidded eyes lifted to find Jesse close to him and the thumb on his bottom lip trailed higher.
Hanzo parted his mouth, teasing McCree’s finger closer. The man was breathing faster, the puffs stirring his bangs. Hanzo leaned forward, giving him the most seductive eyes before biting Jesse’s thumb tip.
“Ow!” he jumped, pulling back and retrieving his hand.
“Put things where they don’t belong, and they might get bit,” Hanzo smirked, licking up the remaining icing on his mouth without breaking eye contact.
“Does that make us even at least?” Jesse chuckled, surprisingly unflustered. “No pushing me in the lake then?”
“I have not decided,” Hanzo took a real bite of the cupcake before McCree could mess with him anymore. It was absolutely heaven, the perfect blend of citrus and sweetness, fluffy and moist. He moaned softly in the back of his throat, eyes closing in bliss.
“I take it you like my work?”
Hanzo just raised a hand to silence McCree, taking another bite in the quiet to enjoy it. He didn’t want to be distracted. This was a treat to be savored. To his credit, Jesse let him eat in peace, just looking out over the water. There was an easy silence, the sound of small waves and nighttime animals creeping around.
“It is… exquisite.” Hanzo gave his approval, wiping a few crumbs from his front. “I have never had anything quite as good.”
“I’m more than flattered,” Jesse smiled, an easy, less charged look. “I wish I could make every customer as happy as you are.”
“I am sure you do.” He could feel the sugar already burning through him, such a good sensation after the days work.
“Nah, I’m just a humble baker, tryin’ t’feed the world.” He made a grand gesture with his arms.
“You discount yourself,” Hanzo shrugged, knowing the instinct to downplay your achievements. He noticed the unopened flask in Jesse’s hand, reaching over to tap it. “Have a drink. We’ve earned it surely.”
“I’d say so,” Jesse laughed, taking a drag and fighting back a wince.
Hanzo laughed, reaching over to thump him on the back. “It can burn some but it gets better.”
“More of a tequila person myself.”
“Then you can expand your tastes tonight.”
Jesse raised an eyebrow, obviously thinking over the different ways to take that. “I’d like that for sure.” He took another drink before handing it back.
Hanzo sipped it himself, knowing Angela would drive him home. She was probably wondering where he was at. “It’s an acquired taste.” He enjoyed the familiar heat pooling in his stomach and took another sip.
“So what do you normally do to relax after a big order?” Jesse was resting his weight back on his elbows, staring up at the stars.
Hanzo hesitated, not sure how it would make him look but, he had a feeling Jesse wouldn’t judge him for it. “Bubblebath.”
“I’m jealous, my tub isn’t big enough for much more than a shower.” Jesse grinned over at him, taking the flask back for a drag.
“What do you do, to relax?”
“Romance novels.” He patted his flannel’s pocket. He had the little book with him even now. The company was better than any book though.
“What type?” Hanzo perked up, leaning close as he took the flask for himself.
“Type?”
“Like…” he hesitated, “fantasy or western or smut?”
“Oh…” Jesse laughed, not seeming embarrassed though. “Mostly westerns and sci-fis and … well… definitely some smut.”
“I prefer fantasy and historical,” Hanzo admitted, rubbing the back of his neck before taking another pull.
“This stuff is pretty good, Hanzo,” Jesse sipped from the flask, laying back on the rock fully. It was still warm from the day.
Hanzo found himself inclined to join him, laying back. Their shoulders brushed. The stars were clear above them, wavering slightly. “I indulge in good spirits and good company.”
“I’m honored to be in the presence of both.”
They rested quietly together, just soaking up the pleasure of being near another person. He hadn’t enjoyed himself so much in a long time.
The flask was passed back and forth along with teasing and murmuring small secrets.
Jesse didn’t want to ever leave this moment. Hanzo’s side pressed into his for warmth as the moon shone down on them. It was high in the sky now. The sound of the reception far away at the lakeside venue just barely reaching them. It was like a ticking clock, reminding him that any moment now a phone would go off and they would have to part ways. He would have Lucio drive him home and tumble into his massive and lonely bed.
He would be up at 5AM to get the day’s breads going and prepare for the early morning rush. It would require colossal amounts of coffee to get through the day. He didn’t want to think about it, not when a handsome charming man was next to him.
Hanzo was near the edge of sleep, murmuring soft little nothings. Sometimes in english and sometimes in Japanese but it all sounded pleasant to him. The rock was now cold on his back and not very comfortable. The warm head resting on his shoulder made him forget all about it.
“Jesse,” he found himself looking down at the japanese man. “This…I don’t normally do this…” he trailed off, sounding more sleepy than anything.
“Me neither, sugarplum.” he chuckled, gently running his fingers through Hanzo’s hair. It had come undone at some point.
“Mmm… I am… very tired.”
“I know,” he couldn’t get enough of the lazy way Hanzo arched into his touch, like a cat when it’s head needed more petting. “It’ll be time t’leave soon enough.”
“I’m tipsy.”
“Got someone t’get you home safe?” he ran his fingertips over the shaved sides of Hanzo’s head. He wouldn't mind driving the man home if need be. Or rather having Lucio drive them.
“My assistant will drive me back,” he mumbled, voice almost too soft to hear as he put his face into Jesse’s shoulder.
“Mine too,” he laughed softly, carefully wrapping an arm around Hanzo’s muscled waist.
“Perks of being the boss.”
“Mmhmm.”
He swore the man was going to fall asleep right there, just curled into him. His entire being hoped that he would, that there would be a reason to stay with him a while longer. He was sure when the sun rose and Hanzo was sober, he wouldn’t think twice about the stranger he met while working.
He needed to get his number before they parted.
“Oh my god, there you are!”
Tthe woman’s high clear voice startled them and they both jerked upright. Jesse ended up splashing in the lake as he stumbled to his feet. His face was as red as if he’d been caught with his pants down.
“Angela,” Hanzo was pulling himself to his feet, moving stiffly. “I am sorry… I forgot to take my phone off silent.”
The blond haired woman huffed and puffed but seemed to give in. “I was worried sick about you. If his assistant hadn’t mentioned you two sneaking off, I’d have thought you drowned in the lake!”
“My apologies again.” Hanzo was wavering on his feet a little.
“You’ve been drinking.”
“Only a little.”
“I may have encouraged his bad behavior,” Jesse laughed, helping Hanzo over to his assistant. “Sorry miss, I didn’t realize I was drinking him under the table.”
“I am merely… tired. I have not eaten enough,” the japanese man pouted in the most adorable way.
“Mmhmm… let’s get you home and in bed,” she wrapped an arm around him and rolled her eyes. “I swear, you owe me for this Shimada-san.” Her gaze pierced into Jesse and he stiffened. “And your assistant is also worried sick. You should buy him something nice to make up for it. You too,” she poked her boss in the ribs.
He snorted and jerked away, obviously ticklish. She sighed dramatically. “I want next weekend off too. Thanks for not letting him fall in the lake.”
“M’pleasure. He's real good company.” Jesse followed along, finding it hard to interject as Angela lectured Hanzo and checked his vitals like a nurse might. He seemed to take it in stride, laughing off her demands to touch his nose and scoldings. They had an easy relationship then. He wanted to ask for Hanzo’s number, or at least the company name so he could find out later.
He didn’t get the chance, as soon as they were back at the venue, he was swarmed. The remaining guests wanted to talk about the cake and cupcakes and whether he would cater birthday parties and so many questions. Lucio was gliding around picking up serving platters and utensils to take back with them. He was handing out cards too and chatting up the other staffers.
Jesse managed to snag one of his own business cards, finding that Hanzo was already being loaded into a van in the parking lot. He jumped the railing of the porch and ran, just barely making it to the van before Angela got in.
Hanzo rolled down his window, looking a bit dazed but happy to see him. “I had a wonderful time tonight, Jesse.”
“Me too, sweetheart,” he leaned into the van, feeling Angela’s gaze. “Why don’t you give me a call when you’re feeling more alert and we could.. get lunch or something.” He handed over his business card, his personal cell on the back.
“I’d like that,” Hanzo smiled around the words and leaned passed the window.
Jesse froze, holding his breath as Hanzo wavered in front of him. Soft warm lips brushed his temple, the sound of a gentle inhale making his knees go weak. “Until we meet again.”
The window was rolled up and they were pulling away before he came to his senses. His head buzzing and not just from the sake. He wanted to jump and hoot and holler and celebrate. His heart was bursting. He’d never forget tonight, even if he never heard from Hanzo again, this night was special.
He was walking on air despite the late hour as he went to help pack up and load the truck. They normally would have come back in the morning instead of staying but things had worked out this time. He was unable to stop grinning, annoying Lucio to no end, even during the long drive back into this city. He drummed his fingers on his thighs, nodding along to the radio and brimming at the seams.
The warmth inside didn’t burn down until he was curled in his own bed, the flannel sheets and old quilt the perfect bit of home. He was giddy, fool that he was. He tried to talk himself down. That there wasn’t much hope that one evening of companionship would turn into anything.
He dreamed of a field of sunflowers, their eager faces turned to the sky. The sound of birds and the breeze wrapping him up. He was at the center of the ocean of gold, afraid to move and hurt the flowers.
The sun was soft on his upturned face.