Archive of Our Own ^beta

Genji was born at thirty weeks, making him a premature baby. Sojiro and his wife were expecting the doctors to tell them that their child didn’t make it, and if he survived then they were ready for him to be diagnosed with a disability or potential behavioral or emotional difficulties appearing later in his life.

They weren’t expecting to be told Genji was blind.

Sojiro and his wife focused so much on other outcomes of having a premature baby that they completely overlooked how Genji could have visual or hearing impairments. Yet, the Shimada clan didn’t want to believe it.

Genji was screened multiple times as a baby and even as he continued to grow. Each screening came back the same every time, Genji was blind.

The elders of the Shimada clan pitied Genji but shunned Sojiro’s wife. In their eyes, she was the problem and she had dishonored the clan by giving birth to Genji too soon, forcing him to have an impairment.

Sojiro’s wife was berated and verbally abused by the elders of the clan for three years until she disappeared one day. Some say that she ran away into the night while others say that the elders finally got fed up with her presence and requested that she be eliminated. Either way, Sojiro’s wife was gone and she left behind not only Genji, but Hanzo, as well.

Hanzo was six years old when his mother vanished but he took it upon himself to raise Genji, especially because their father was so preoccupied with running the family business.

Genji might have been three years old and blind, but he knew that everyone in his clan looked upon him with pity. They felt bad that he was cursed to live a life without the ability to see the beauty in the world. Their hearts ached for the child that would never be able to see what his family members looked like.

Despite not being able to see, Genji embraced the unknowns in life with a smile on his face. While there was definitely disadvantages to being blind, Genji decided not to focus on the negatives and decided to find the positives where he could.

Genji was five when he asked to be trained like Hanzo. He understood that he would need more time with the instructor. He was well aware that it would take much guidance and much longer than Hanzo to get the form correct, as well as to be able to locate his enemies.

Genji was seven when he learned to focus on his hearing. He didn’t have the luxury of seeing where his opponents were, how they were going to attack, or what weapons they were using. Yet, he believed that while his eyesight was severely decreased, his hearing increased dramatically.

It took many tries, but he was able to listen for his enemy and respond accordingly. He waited and listened for their footsteps, their breathing, or the sound of a weapon to be pulled out. His blindness helped him to learn to have patience and to counter attacks to the best of his ability through sound.

Genji was twelve when he learned how to use echolocation. Genji loved learning about animals and when he was listening to a documentary about dolphins he became intrigued by the way they used echolocation. Genji wondered if he could use echolocation, as well.

It is said that twenty to thirty percent of blind people learn to use echolocation, and Genji was proud to be included in that small percentage. Through the use of clicking his tongue, Genji was able to bounce the sound off of what was in front of him and learn how far away something was.

Genji used echolocation on the days he didn’t feel like walking around Shimada castle with his cane for the blind. He was able to easily navigate his way from his room to his father’s office and then to Hanzo’s room.

The elders of the Shimada clan quickly became fascinated with Genji’s perseverance and the way he never let being blind hold him back from living his best life. They were impressed by his ability to wield a sword blind, as well as how he could navigate the world with or without assistance from people or a walking stick.

Genji was twenty when the elders called both him and Hanzo to them. Genji came into the room swinging his walking stick and clicking his tongue. He had only been in the elders’ den a few times so he was still unfamiliar with the room’s set up.

“Kneel before us.”

Genji turned his head in their direction and began moving his walking stick around to see if there were cushions for his and Hanzo’s knees. He huffed when he realized that there weren’t any.

“No cushions for our knees?” Genji raised an eyebrow. “I’m already blind, do you want to add bad knees to the mix?”

“Genji!” Hanzo elbowed his brother, who snickered in return.

While Genji was a kind and compassionate soul, he was a little shit at heart. He made sure he milked his blindness if it would benefit him and he constantly made jokes about his impairment, even if they earned him swats or elbows from his older brother, who secretly lived for his shenanigans.

“Do you even have the lights on? It’s incredibly dark in here.” Genji waited for one of the servants to rush to make the lights brighter before they realized what he was doing.

“You have spunk, child, I will give you that.” One of the elders stated, a ghost of a smile on their face. “You have never let your disability prevent you from living.”

“A life is meant to be lived no matter what path we are born to walk, don’t you think?” Genji returned.

“Indeed.”

“Am I in trouble?” Genji carefully kneeled onto the floor. “Normally you move the furniture around in the castle if you’re mad at me.”

“Genji, stop!” Hanzo elbowed his brother, despite needing to bite his bottom lip to prevent himself from laughing.

“On the contrary, Genji, we think you and your brother are ready to join the family business.” Another elder remarked.

Genji squinted his unfocused eyes in the direction he thought the elder was in, “I’m guessing that you want Hanzo to do the field work while I handle the business aspects.”

“You are correct.”

“Is it because I’m blind?” Genji accused. “You think I’m helpless, don’t you?”

“Genji, I am sure that is not what the elders are implying.” Hanzo defended.

“If that’s the case then they won’t mind explaining how they came to that conclusion, right?” Genji cocked an eyebrow, daring the elders to step out of line.

Genji was outspoken and a complete wildcard, and the elders were starting to feel like there was no defense that could spare them from the youngest Shimada’s wrath. Despite not being able to see, Genji’s words sliced through the elders with ease and never missed their mark.

“It is not that we see you as helpless…” The elder proceeded with caution, choosing their words carefully. “Rather, we want to capitalize on your social skills when building our empire.”

Genji thought it over for a minute, translating, “So, you think that I’m better with people than Hanzo is, did I get that right?”

“Essentially, yes.”

Genji looked towards Hanzo and sneered, “Even the elders know you suck with people, anija!”

“I find corpses to be better company.” Hanzo wished Genji could’ve seen the way he was glaring daggers at him, “And you might find yourself to be good company to me soon, otouto.”

“Enough of your squabbling.” One elder interrupted, their eyes locking on Genji. “Your clan calls upon you now. What is your answer?”

There was a moment of silence before Genji asked, “Which one of us are you talking to? Is it Hanzo or me?”

“You, Genji.” The elder resisted the urge to roll their eyes. “We already know that Hanzo is in agreement.”

“You do?” Genji hoped Hanzo could see how hurt he was. “I thought we kept no secrets between each other, anija. I thought we promised to tell each other everything.”

“Genji-“

“What else are you keeping from me?” Genji snapped, rising to his feet, and backing away from his brother.

“Calm down, otouto. It was not my intention to deceive you.” Genji could hear Hanzo stand up and move towards him. “I was ordered by our elders to maintain secrecy-“

“You ordered him to keep this a secret from me?” Genji growled at the elders and then focused his attack back on Hanzo. “And you listened to them? They came before me?”

“Genji, we have a duty to the clan-“

“And what about your duty to me?” Genji cried, feeling tears stinging at his eyes. “Does your duty to me as your brother disappear the moment the elders call upon you? Am I that easy to throw away?”

Genji shifted his attention to the elders, “Am I a burden to the clan? Is this your way of making sure I’m useful?”

“You are taking this the wrong way.” An elder attempted to defuse the situation. “Calm down, Genji. You are not thinking rationally.”

“No, I won’t calm down! Not when you’ve got my brother keeping secrets from me!” Genji backed away, shaking his head. “And not when you waited twenty years to make me feel like I’m worth something to this clan.”

“Genji, that’s not true.”

“Don’t sit there and lie to me, elders.” Genji’s back found the wall, feeling for the opening to make his escape. “If you were really interested in me like you say you are then you would’ve come to me the same time you went to Hanzo.”

“Genji-“

“I’m blind, not stupid. If joining the family business means losing myself… then I refuse!” Genji hissed, venom laced with every word.

Genji felt hot tears streaming down his face as he threw his walking stick at Hanzo to distract him as he slipped out of the room. He had walked the halls of Shimada castle for twenty years, never really desiring to venture into the world beyond them.

Until today.

Today, Genji was sprinting through the halls, crashing into servants along the way and calling half assed apologies over his shoulder at whoever he ran over. Getting out of the castle that sought to cage him like a helpless sparrow was his priority and anyone standing in his way was but a mere obstacle for him.

Genji had stood before the grand entrance of Shimada castle many times, but never before had he run through them. Genji could always hear the world beyond the entrance but now he was going to live in the sound.

He could hear the guards at the entrance shouting after him, telling him to come back. Genji didn’t stop running, instead he let their voices light a fire inside. With the flame ignited, Genji found himself moving farther away from the comfort and familiarity of the castle and into the unknown.

It wasn’t until Genji heard the sound of a car horn blaring and nearly getting hit to come to the realization that he had no idea where he was. He had sprinted around corners that his echolocation found and he had bumped into countless irritated people, and in the end he had gotten himself lost in a world he was completely unfamiliar with.

Genji found his breath quickening as the sounds of the world around him started to become overwhelming. Car horns were honking at him and there were people screaming at the top of their lungs at him, but for all the noise directed at him, he couldn’t move.

Genji felt his chest tightening as he began to panic. His hands were shaking as he brought them to his ears to try to block out all the sounds, but he wasn’t able to complete the action. He knew that if he covered his ears then he would be without another sense and he couldn’t afford to do that now.

So, instead he wrapped his arms around himself and allowed the hot tears streaming down his face to burn him like lava. He waited to collapse onto the ground as his panic attack took over and controlled the amount of air that would enter his lungs. Genji waited to fade into a deeper darkness, one he called unconsciousness.

But it never came.

Instead, Genji found himself being tackled to the ground.

Genji felt all the air leave his lungs, but surprisingly it was exactly what he needed to come back down to earth. He found himself gasping for air until he could finally breathe easy again. As much as he was annoyed that someone knocked him to the ground, he was grateful to them for pulling him out of his head.

“What the hell did I crash into?” A Southern drawl from atop of Genji spoke, and the crowned prince of crime was suddenly aware of their current position.

“Me, you fool.” Genji squirmed underneath the larger male. “Can you get off of me?”

“Oh, shit! I’m sorry about that.” The man scrambled to get off of Genji, sounding far too sincere to be anyone his father employed as a guard. “Here, let me help you up there.”

Genji ignored the hand that was surely being offered to him, “You are not from Japan.”

“What gave me away?” The stranger chuckled. “Was it the outfit or the accent?”

“The accent.” Genji replied, picking himself off the ground and brushing off any dirt on his clothes.

Genji tilted his head in confusion when he heard voices yelling, saying something along the lines of get the cowboy and his accomplice. Genji didn’t realize that the man who crashed into him was a cowboy, nor was he aware that he wasn’t alone.

“It seems you are a wanted man.” Genji shook his head, smirking.

“You mean we’re wanted men.” The mystery man turned around, missing the way Genji furrowed his brow in confusion. “Come on, we gotta go! Follow me!”

“Why would I-“ Genji cut his sentence off when he heard the stranger running away.

Genji rolled his eyes, muttering in Japanese that the stranger was rude. Remembering that he was still in the street due to the painfully loud car horns honking, he reached into his pants pocket and pulled out his spare walking stick.

The stranger was about to round the corner when he noticed that Genji wasn’t with him. He whipped around and that’s when his heart sank.

Genji was blind.

He could tell something was off with Genji when he saw the unfocused look of his eyes, and the way he didn’t truly face him when he spoke. He confirmed that Genji was blind, or at least had poor vision, when he yanked out his walking stick and extended it to full length.

To make matters worse, the Hashimoto clansmen that were on the stranger’s tail had associated Genji with him and were now closing in on him. The cowboy cursed under his breath and began running back to Genji, desperate to save him from the mess he had accidentally pulled him into.

“Let go of me!” Genji cried out as he felt someone’s arms around him, attempting to lift him off the ground. “Let me go or you’ll regret it!”

“You’re coming with us!”

“No, I’m not!” Genji growled, dropping his walking stick in favor of snatching one of the arms around him and twisting it until he heard a sickening crack.

The man made a valiant effort to detach himself from Genji, but he wasn’t about to let the stranger get off that easy. Genji held onto the arm tight and flung them over his shoulder, sending them flying into the street and hoping a car would run them over.

“That’s it!”

Genji could hear another enemy’s footsteps stomping on the ground. He got in a battle ready stance and waited for the punch that was surely going to be aimed at his face. He gasped as he just managed to avoid the punch, feeling a slight breeze go by his face from his opponent’s fist.

It was while he had his foe in a vulnerable position that he made quick jabs to his ribs, smirking when he heard a few of them crack. He could hear the man staggering back and that’s when he raced forward and jumped, sending the stranger back with a powerful kick.

“Well, shit.” Genji nearly landed another blow on the stranger he had met earlier, barely stopping inches from his face. “I can assure you that I ain’t your enemy, darlin’.”

“Darlin’?” Genji echoed, lowering his fist.

“Yeah, darlin’, that’s you.” The stranger looked over Genji’s shoulder to see their enemies groaning as they tried to get up. “We gotta get outta here now.”

“Let me grab my-“

“There ain’t no time!” He grabbed Genji’s wrist and began dragging him away from the streets and far from their enemies.

“Slow down! I can’t tell where we’re going!” When the stranger didn’t change the speed, Genji huffed. “If you’re going to drag me all over Hanamura will you at least tell me your name?”

“Jesse McCree.” The man replied quickly.

Genji growled and stopped, his heels scraping against the ground until the stranger had no choice but to stop. He could tell that the man had turned to face him.

“Now, why the hell did you-“

“Tell me your real name.” Genji interrupted.

“I just did.” He replied, irritated.

“I have had enough of people lying to me today.” Genji hoped that his glare looked intimidating. “If you don’t tell me your real name now then I swear I will beat you so hard your ancestors are going to feel it.”

“Shit, sweetheart.” The man sighed, both impressed and turned on. “Where have you been all my life?”

“I’m waiting.” Genji hissed, folding his arms, and tapping his foot impatiently.

“Darlin’, we really don’t have time for this.” He groaned, placing his hands on Genji’s arms, and gently squeezing them. “But if you let me get us out of here then I’ll tell you anythin’ you wanna know about me, okay?”

After a minute that felt more like an eternity to the stranger, Genji nodded. Without warning, the man hoisted Genji over his shoulder and began running with him as if he weighed nothing.

Genji had a million different thoughts swarming around in his mind like a hoard of bees. Each thought stung him and hurt more than the one that came before it. Normally Genji didn’t mind getting lost in his thoughts, but this time he wished he could hide from them.

Genji couldn’t stop thinking about how this man that he didn’t even know was taking him farther and farther away from the comfort, and the familiarity, of Shimada castle. All Genji wanted was some distance from his family so he could think about what he wanted to do next, but he was scared that he was moving too far away from everything and everyone he knew.

It seemed that the farther away from his family he got the more his heart ached, yearning to return to them. Yet, he couldn’t stop thinking that maybe it wasn’t his family that he missed, but the way he didn’t have to depend on anyone when he was in the castle.

Outside the dreary castle walls lied the unknown and as much as that excited him, it also terrified him because it meant he had to depend on another person. Genji loved being independent and using his own means to move around but right now he had to depend on this stranger.

Genji didn’t know what was worse at this point, being far away from the comforts of home or depending on another person. Either way, Genji felt helpless and that was torture in itself.

“Alright, I reckon we’re safe now.” Genji’s breath hitched when he found himself being placed on the ground carefully. “Sorry to have to grab you like a damsel in distress but I had to get us outta there fast, sugar.”

“You thought I would slow us down?” Genji huffed, feeling both aggravated and hurt. “Because I’m blind?”

“Well, I…” The man quickly became a spluttering mess, trying to redeem himself. “I ain’t tryin’ to be rude, darlin’, I just wanted to make sure you’d be safe as soon as possible.”

Genji folded his arms, “You underestimate me just like everyone else.”

“I apologize, angel.”

Genji sighed, feeling a smile creeping onto his face, “Well, I suppose you did keep me safe so I am grateful to you for that.”

“Is that you sayin’ you forgive me or somethin’?” The stranger chuckled. “Because if it is, it sucks.”

“And just like that my forgiveness for you is gone.” Genji tsked at the stranger. “Shall I play you the world’s smallest violin as you weep over this loss?”

Genji didn’t wish for sight most days, seeing as how he didn’t want to mourn over something he knew he would never have, yet today he wished that he could see the look on the stranger’s face as he laughed.

“You’re funny as all get out, sweetheart!” The stranger reached out his hand, waiting for Genji to take it. “You can’t see it but I’m tryin’ to take your hand.”

“What for?”

“Well, I do believe that I owe you a proper introduction, honey bee.” The man replied, grinning from ear to ear.

“Yes.” Genji smiled as he slowly reached out his hand, feeling warmth coursing through his entire body when the stranger grabbed him. “I believe that you do.”

“The name’s Cole Cassidy.” Cole placed a kiss to the back of Genji’s hand, smirking. “What should I call you before I call you mine?”

Genji felt heat rising to his face, “You are bold, Cole Cassidy. I cannot say I have met a man like you before.”

“Tell me, angel, is your name as pretty as your face?” Cole pressed, almost desperate at this point to know the name of the blind man who was unknowingly capturing his heart.

“You…” Genji’s breath hitched. “You think I’m pretty?”

Cole’s eyebrows knit together in confusion, “Ain’t anyone ever told you how beautiful you are before? I can’t be the first.”

“Yet, you are.”

“Now that’s a damn shame.” Cole sighed, squeezing Genji’s hand. “Because you’ve got to be the most gorgeous thing I ever did see.”

“I…” Genji felt like his face was on fire at this point, feeling like there was nothing he could do to defend himself against a smooth talking man like Cole.

Cole shook his head with a smile, “You should see yourself, darlin’, you look redder than a damn tomato.”

“Do I?” Genji squeaked, removing his hand from Cole’s in favor of feeling his face to see if it felt like it was burning hot.

“Yeah, and I’m hopin’ you’re blushin’ so much because I’m makin’ you happy.” Cole shuffled his feet anxiously. “I hope I ain’t makin’ you uncomfortable, sugar.”

“No!” Genji answered quickly, which caused Cole to snicker. Genji gulped, trying to regain his composure, “I mean, I…”

Genji felt the words becoming lost in his throat. He didn’t understand why he was behaving this way. Normally, Genji was a wise cracking little shit who made other people tongue tied, but enter Cole Cassidy and he was the one gasping for breath like a flopping fish.

“You don’t make me uncomfortable in the slightest. I just…” Genji took a deep breath, confessing, “No one has ever spoken so sweetly to me before.”

“Not even by your family?”

“My family looks upon me with pity, like I’m a helpless sparrow.” Genji scoffed, almost leaving a bitter taste in Cole’s mouth.

“No offense…” Cole braced himself as he blurted, “But how can you see how your family’s lookin’ at you?”

Silence filled the room they were in and Cole immediately started combing through his thoughts for a way to salvage the moment. Cole wondered if Genji was the type of person to enjoy blind jokes or someone pointing out his lack of vision. He hoped that he hadn’t overstepped or offended Genji, seeing as how he hoped to get to spend this time they had together getting to know him.

Cole was pleasantly surprised when Genji threw his head back and laughed. Cole would dare to compare Genji’s laughter to the sound of birds chirping in the morning, or to the crashing of waves upon the shore. To Cole, Genji’s laughter made a sound that not only brought a smile to his face but soothed him down to his very soul.

“That’s a fair point.” Genji laughed. “I can’t say that I’ve ever seen how my family looks at me.”

Cole felt relieved, “I get what you were tryin’ to say, though.”

“You do?”

“Well, yeah. Just because you can’t see that don’t mean you can’t do nothin’.” Cole replied, as if it was simple. “I saw you take down those men. You ain’t helpless in the slightest, sweetheart.”

Genji blushed, eager to change the subject, “Speaking of those men, who was chasing you? And why weren’t you getting along with those men?”

“It’s complicated, sugar.” Cole sighed, hoping Genji would drop the topic.

“How come?” Genji questioned, either not noticing or not caring that Cole wanted to avoid this conversation.

“Ain’t you ever hear that curiosity killed the cat?” Cole smirked, sounding rather amused.

“Good thing I’m not a cat.”

Cole laughed, “Damn, you got a wit quicker than my draw, angel!”

Genji giggled, pointing finger guns at where he hoped that Cole was. He felt his heart warming when he heard Cole moving, most likely so that the finger guns would be properly aimed at him. Genji found the action sweet, or maybe it was that he thought Cole was sweet.

“Is there somewhere I can sit down?” Genji reached his arms out, searching. “I feel like I’ll need a seat for the story you’re about to tell me.”

“Now when did I say I was tellin’ you my story, darlin’?” Cole tried his best to sound stern, but he couldn’t help the smile that stretched on his face.

“You’re going to refuse a blind man’s simple request? How cold.” Genji pouted, playfully crossing his arms for added dramatic effect.

“Oh, don’t do that to me, sweetheart.” Cole placed a hand on his chest, swooning. “My heart can’t take you poutin’ all cute like that.”

“The only way I’ll stop is if you tell me your story.”

Cole released an exaggerated sigh, smiling, “You used to always gettin’ your way, sweet thing?”

“Yes, and I do not intend to stop getting my way.” Genji quipped, a playful smirk plastered on his face.

“Alright, you win.”

“You gave up rather easily.” Genji cocked an eyebrow.

“What can I say, darlin’? I’m a weak man when it comes to you.” Cole let out a love-filled sigh.

Genji nearly flinched when he felt Cole’s large hands on his arms, carefully maneuvering him to sit down on what he assumed was a cheap bed. He could feel a dip in the bed beside him, letting him know that Cole was sitting with him.

“Where are we?” Genji asked.

“It’s my home away from home for the time bein’.” Cole responded nonchalantly.

“It’s a cheap motel.”

“It ain’t cheap, it’s loved!” Cole defended with a grin.

“Yes, it has been loved by multiple sweaty bodies as they fucked until the entire complex could hear their moans and the springs of the bed.” Genji retorted sarcastically, earning a dramatic gasp from Cole.

Genji waited for Cole to make a half-hearted attempt to save the motel’s integrity that never existed, but there was nothing but a defeated sigh. Genji snickered, knowing that he had won.

“Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, what’s your story, Cole?” Genji turned to look at Cole the best he could, trying to show he was interested.

“Where do I start?” Cole chuckled.

“The beginning is always a good place to start.” Genji snickered, earning a light swat on his thigh.

“Smart ass.” Cole shook his head with a smile. “Anyways, I guess my story starts back in the States where I was born and raised.”

“What state are you from?”

“Texas. You know what state that is?” Cole inquired.

“I believe that is the second biggest state, is it not?” Genji replied, sounding uncertain.

Cole nodded, “I reckon you’re right, darlin’.”

“So those men were right, you really are a cowboy, aren’t you?” Genji tilted his head.

Cole tipped his hat, wishing Genji could see it, “You’re damn right, I’m a cowboy. I reckon I’m the quickest gun in the New West.”

“Wow, you’re really a cowboy?” Genji’s breath hitched in awe. “I’ve always wanted to meet a cowboy ever since I heard them talking on those old Western movies.”

Cole felt a pang in his chest when it registered that Genji had no idea what a cowboy looked like. Since Genji was blind, he could only hear what a cowboy sounded like when he watched movies, and that thought washed the smile off of Cole’s face.

“What is a cowboy doing in Japan?” Genji’s voice broke Cole out of his thoughts. “Shouldn’t you be riding off into the sunset on a horse while a tumbleweed floats on by?”

Cole raised his eyebrows, “Now, that’s an awfully detailed picture to paint for someone who claims to be blind.”

Genji rolled his eyes, playfully nudging Cole, “You can thank my brother for describing what’s happening in the movies for me, even though I don’t know what anything looks like.”

“You got a brother, sweetheart?”

“Hush, we’re talking about you.” Genji scooted closer to Cole so he could bump into him, earning a gentle push back. “Keep going, cowboy.”

“Alright, alright!” Cole chuckled, testing the waters by placing a hand on Genji’s thigh. “I got caught in the wrong crowd and ended up in a gang where we were robbin’ banks all over the States.”

“That still doesn’t explain why you’re in Japan.” Genji pointed out.

“Hold your horses, darlin’, I’m gettin’ there!” Cole patted Genji’s thigh, which earned a whine.

“Can you get there a little faster?”

“There’s one thing you gotta know about me, sugar...” Cole squeezed Genji’s thigh, smirking when he heard his breath hitch. Cole’s voice grew low and sultry, “I like to take my time whether it be tellin’ a story or takin’ a pretty thing like you apart.”

Genji had heard words of seduction spoken in movies or between servants who thought they were alone in the castle, but never once was he on the receiving end of such lust. Genji felt flustered, almost unable to believe that within an hour with Cole, he made him feel like he was something special, like he was someone desirable.

Genji knew that he should be careful with this man, seeing as how he was being hunted down. He knew that he shouldn’t fall for this man’s words so easily, but there was a sincerity in Cole’s words that Genji hadn’t experienced before, a sincerity that drew him in like a current pulling a sailboat out to sea.

“Cole…” Genji whispered, that sweet name slipping off his tongue and tasting like honey.

“Anyways…” Cole grinned when he pulled back and saw Genji leaning towards him, searching for his lips so close to his ear again. “You could say that my luck ran out and I wound up bein’ forced to make a choice.”

“What kind of choice?”

“Go to jail or join an organization where I could make use of my talents.” Cole huffed out the last word, sarcasm dripping from it.

“What are your talents?” Genji asked, curious.

“I told you that I’m the fastest gun in the New West, but I got an ace in the hole, too.” Cole tipped his hat, wishing once more that Genji could’ve seen it. “My Deadeye’s what gets the enemy shakin’ in their boots.”

“Deadeye?” Genji parroted.

“It’s a special ability I got. I can kill six targets in the blink of an eye.” Cole’s smile was smug when he heard Genji gasp in awe.

Genji’s unfocused eyes tried to find Cole’s face, “Are you using this talent of yours to do something good?”

“I sure am, darlin’.”

“So, you’re some sort of hero then?” Genji supplied.

“Woah there, I ain’t a hero… at least, not yet.” Cole released a sigh he didn’t know he was holding. “I ain’t a good man but I’m tryin’ to be now.”

With newfound confidence, Genji placed his small hand on top of Cole’s. Cole felt sparks trying to come to life when he felt Genji’s hand on his, but he was sure that fireworks were going off inside his heart when the smaller male rested his head on his shoulder.

They hadn’t even kissed and Cole’s heart was pounding in his chest like it was trying to make a beat for a DJ. They were still getting to know each other but Cole was wondering how much longer he could keep Genji with him.

“A bad man would’ve used me as a distraction so he could escape. A bad man would’ve left me behind.” Genji chuckled, an easy smile spreading across his face. “But you came back for me and saved me.”

“Saved you or put you in harm’s way?” Cole sighed, his shoulders sagging.

“You are a good man, Cole Cassidy.” Genji squeezed Cole’s hand the best he could despite knowing the cowboy could swallow his whole. “I’m glad you ran into me, literally.”

“You are?” Cole sounded surprised.

“I am.” Genji hummed. “You’ve been a lot of fun.”

Cole chuckled, “If your idea of fun is gettin’ into trouble with the Hashimoto then stick with me and I’ll take you on a joy ride, sweetheart.”

“Did you just say…” Genji’s eyes widened. “The Hashimoto?”

“Yeah, why? You got a bone to pick with them?” Cole asked quizzically.

“The Hashimoto are the enemy of the Shimada clan.” Genji grabbed Cole’s hand and held it in both of his. Genji sounded worried, “Why were they after you? Did they hurt you?”

“Wait a second there, darlin’.” Cole shook his head as he attempted to collect his thoughts. “You said the Hashimoto are the enemy of the Shimada clan. Are you tryin’ to say you’re one of them Shimada?”

Genji nodded, “That is exactly what I’m saying. I’m Genji Shimada.”

“Genji Shimada.” Cole repeated, unknowingly making a shiver run down Genji’s spine. “Why ain’t I ever hear your name before? Overwatch ain’t mention you in the briefin’.”

“Overwatch? You’re with Overwatch?” Genji echoed in disbelief.

“Is that a problem?”

“It depends on how you answer my next question for you.” Genji returned.

“Then fire away, little darlin’.” Cole hoped he sounded confident because he was anything but that.

In reality, Cole was terrified that Genji was going to say that the Shimada clan were ordered to kill anyone from Overwatch on sight. Cole knew that the Shimada clan was a notorious crime syndicate in Hanamura and he would sure hate to know that he and Overwatch were on their hitlist.

“What mission has Overwatch given you?” Genji narrowed his eyes on where he hoped Cole’s face was.

“My mission?” Cole gulped. “I was sent here to get intel on the Hashimoto to take them down. Overwatch ain’t too fond of them.”

“Then Overwatch is my clan’s ally.”

“Really?” Cole breathed a sigh of relief.

“Haven’t you heard the saying the enemy of my enemy is my friend?” Genji giggled, sounding too sweet for the conversation they were having. “If you are against the Hashimoto then my clan supports your endeavors.”

“I’m mighty thankful we ain’t about to be enemies.” Cole removed his hand from Genji’s so he could brush a stray raven lock behind his delicate ear. “I don’t think I could lay a finger on you if I had to fight you, angel.”

“I highly doubt you would see me on a battlefield.” Genji looked away, frowning.

“You seem sad about that. Why’re you so blue, sugar?” Cole asked, almost desperate to see Genji smile again.

“I want to fight alongside my clan so badly.” Genji stood up and stretched his hands out as he searched and found a window. “But because of my disability they treat me like I’m glass. I hate it.”

Genji stared out the window and saw nothing but darkness. He could hear the sounds of the busy streets and the people talking, laughing with their friends and family. Genji wasn’t an envious person most days, but sometimes he grew jealous of the way the world sounded so colorful for everyone else but for him it was always dark.

Genji felt tears prick at his eyes as he thought of how different his life could’ve been if he hadn’t been born prematurely. He wondered if he could’ve seen the world and all its vivid colors or if he could see what his brother looked like if he had just been born a few weeks later.

He shook his head, knowing it was pointless to think about such things because there was nothing he or anyone else could do to change his predicament. He had long accepted that he was to walk a dark and cold road due to his lack of sight, but after a while of walking that path alone he began to feel lost.

Genji placed a hand on the glass and sighed. That was how it felt for him every day, feeling like he was so close to being like everyone else but always being held back by his blindness.

“Is that why I found you so far away from home?” Cole asked softly, easing Genji out of his thoughts.

Genji turned farther away from Cole, almost as if he was trying to hide from him. Yet, Cole suspected that maybe it wasn’t him that Genji was hiding from.

“What were you runnin’ from, sweet thing?” Cole knew he had his answer when Genji’s shoulders began shaking, as if he was barely holding back tears.

Genji sniffled.

“You ain’t gotta tell me if you don’t want to.” Cole pushed himself onto his feet and bravely snaked his arms around Genji’s middle from behind. “But I’m here for you if you wanna talk about it.”

Genji stiffened when he felt Cole’s arms wrap around him, but only because he wasn’t used to such acts of physical affection. The only ones who touched him were his brother and father, and even those instances were uncommon.

Genji yearned for physical affection, especially because one sense was gone. Genji depended on his other senses to navigate the world, and touch was a sense that he had been deprived of for a majority of his life.

Until he ran into Cole.

Cole was someone who wasn’t afraid to touch him, someone who seemed just as touch starved as he was. Cole didn’t hesitate to throw him over his shoulder or touch his thigh. Cole didn’t touch him like he was made of glass, rather he preferred to treat Genji like he was gold, like he was something precious.

“My anija.”

“Huh? What was that, darlin’?” Cole blinked a few times in confusion.

“I was running from my anija and the clan elders.” Genji sighed, melting into Cole’s strong embrace. “But mostly from my anija.”

“How come? Somethin’ happen between you and your family?” Cole wondered aloud.

Genji closed his eyes, feeling like he was reliving earlier, “The clan elders wanted my anija and I to join the family business…”

“That don’t seem all that bad.” Cole commented.

“It wasn’t.” Genji huffed, his voice growing bitter, “Until I found out my anija had been well aware of everything before me.”

“Wait, so he knew about joinin’ the family business before you and he ain’t say nothin’ to you?” Cole shook his head in disapproval. “That ain’t sit right with me.”

“It didn’t sit right with me either, but that wasn’t the only thing that bothered me.” Genji leaned his head back against Cole, breathing in his scent of cigarillos and whiskey.

“What bothered you the most?”

“The role they wanted to give me.” Genji answered firmly.

“And what role was that?” Cole inquired.

Genji chuckled before replying, “My anija is not as good with people as I am so I was meant to handle the social aspects of the business.”

“I take it you were itchin’ to be in the field.” Cole suggested.

“Yes, but my family thinks I’m helpless so they’ve stuck me on the sideline yet again.” Genji seemed to deflate in Cole’s arms.

“You ever think that maybe your family’s sittin’ you out because they ain’t want nothin’ to happen to you?” Cole asked, sounding rather amused.

Genji made a confused noise as he turned around in Cole’s arms. Genji brought his hands to Cole’s broad chest and slowly began sliding them up until he found the cowboy’s neck. His fingers inched towards Cole’s beard covered jaw but didn’t dare to go past, almost as if he was waiting for permission.

“You think I’m precious to my clan?” Genji’s lips quirked up in a small smile.

“I think you’re too stubborn to realize your family cares about you.” Cole huffed with a grin. “You keep thinkin’ everyone’s lookin’ at you like you’re helpless but you’re blind so how do you know how they’re lookin’ at you?”

“What?” Genji gawked, almost removing his hands from Cole’s chest.

“No offense, darlin’!” Cole snickered. “I just think you need to be more open minded because I bet if you paid attention to everyone you’d see they just care about you.”

“…fine.” Genji pouted. “I’ll try to be more open minded.”

Cole laughed, “Damn, you make it feel like I asked you to take a bullet for me!”

“That’s what it felt like.” Genji joked, earning a squeeze to his waist from the cowboy.

“Dramatic little thing, that’s what you are.” Cole shook his head, a look of pure adoration in his eyes when he saw Genji smile.

“Can I touch your face, Cole?”

“Be my guest, sweetheart.” Cole replied without hesitation, not like he could ever say no to someone as gorgeous as Genji.

Genji’s small hands gradually rested upon Cole’s cheeks, feeling the mixture of soft skin and a surprisingly well-groomed beard. Genji smiled as he ran his thumbs back and forth on Cole’s cheeks, debating on if his skin was as smooth as silk or as soft as velvet.

Genji’s fingers glided towards Cole’s lips next. He giggled when he felt Cole stick his tongue out and lick his fingers. Cole couldn’t help but laugh when he felt Genji wiping his saliva coated fingers on his face.

Cole released a content sigh as Genji’s gentle hands mapped out every inch of his face, making him feel like he was getting a massage rather than being visualized through touch. Cole hoped that Genji’s hands could feel his face moving to make a smile, and he hoped that the younger male knew he was the reason for his happiness now.

“What’s this?” Genji broke Cole out of his trance when he felt small hands combing through his hair and moving his hat around.

“Why, that’s Bessie.”

“Bessie? Who is that?” Genji’s eyebrows knit together in confusion, which Cole found utterly adorable.

“Bessie’s my hat. She’s been through hell and back with me.” Cole smiled, thinking of all the battles they’d seen together as human and cowboy hat.

“So, Bessie is your Ryu-ichimonji.” Genji smiled fondly.

“Ryu-ich what now?”

“Ryu-ichimonji.” Genji repeated, giggling. “That is the name of my sword.”

“So you named your sword and I named my hat?” Cole felt his heart swelling in his chest. “We’re quite the pair, ain’t we, angel?”

“I like that.” Genji hummed. “I like the idea of us being a pair.”

Cole released a love-filled sigh, “Me too.”

“I know that I cannot see but I think I can picture what you look like.” Genji stated, feeling his cheeks burning up already.

“Oh yeah? How do I look, sweet thing?” Cole encouraged with a grin.

“You look handsome, like the kind of man I’d give my first kiss to.” Genji confessed. He shook his head and attempted to pull away, feeling both embarrassed and shy, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said-“

For the first time in Genji’s life, he could’ve sworn he saw colors and it was all because Cole had pulled him against his chest and kissed him. Genji’s eyes widened before they fluttered closed, feeling himself melt into both Cole and the kiss.

Genji had grown accustomed to the darkness, but he wasn’t used to the colors that shot across his limited vision like shooting stars, and each wish he made on them was the same. He wished to have many more kisses with Cole.

He didn’t know what colors looked like but when his lips were connected to Cole’s he could’ve sworn he saw a rainbow. All these colors seemed so foreign yet strangely familiar to him, and Genji wanted nothing more than to drown in them. These colors overwhelmed him in the best way and he could do nothing more than chase after them and Cole’s lips.

As soon as the colors entered his life, they left and the darkness returned to him like an old friend. Genji felt tears streaming down his face at the loss of contact with Cole’s lips. He desperately searched for those lips but Cole pulled away, and Genji could only mourn the loss.

“I’m sorry, darlin’, I shouldn’t have done that if you ain’t want me to.” Cole’s voice sounded pained, almost like he regretted what he had done. “It was selfish of me to take your first kiss like that but I couldn’t help myself…”

“Cole…” Genji whimpered.

“I just couldn’t bear the thought of anyone but me bein’ your first kiss.” Cole admitted, ashamed of his jealousy.

“Please…” Genji begged, endless tears of frustration pouring down his face like his eyes were two great lakes.

“I ain’t mean to make you cry, sweetheart.” Cole raised his hands to cradle Genji’s face, his thumbs carefully swiping away his tears. “I’m sorry, I really am.”

“Please…” Genji pleaded, his entire body shaking with want. “Please, just kiss me again.”

“Wh-What?” Cole’s eyes widened.

Genji’s hands moved to grip Cole’s shirt desperately, “I saw colors when I kissed you. Please, don’t take them away from me.”

“Angel, I-“

Genji didn’t wait for Cole to finish his sentence. If Cole was going to take what he wanted from Genji, then he was going to do the same. He wanted a kiss and he was damn well going to get another one.

The colors returned to Genji and he found himself smiling into the kiss. Genji felt like he was a canvas and Cole was the artist painting masterpieces with as many colors as he could get his hands on. Genji sighed as Cole’s hands continued to cup his face, his fingers moving like brushes and leaving swipes of colors that only the Shimada could see.

Genji had heard of people falling in love while listening to movies, but he thought that the story he was creating with Cole put them to shame. In their story, a blind man who was too stubborn for his own good let his walls come down for a smooth talking cowboy who made off with his heart like a bandit, but gave his own in return.

All it took was one moment, one meeting by chance.

“Here you go, darlin’.”

Genji made a confused noise when he felt Cole place something on his head. With his free hand, Genji felt the top of his head, only to find that Cole had given him his hat to wear to keep dry.

“You’d give me Bessie?” Genji asked in mock surprise. “Now, I must be something special to you, cowboy.”

“I ain’t ever give Bessie to anyone before so I reckon you’re pretty special.” Cole winked at Genji, wishing he could’ve seen it. “And I reckon you’re pretty, too.”

“Flatterer.” Genji giggled, making a sound that made Cole’s heart race.

The rain was coming down hard, but thanks to Bessie shielding him Genji’s hair was spared for the time being. Genji knew it was only a matter of time before Bessie soaked in too much water and began dampening his raven locks, but Cole’s gesture was sweet and warmed his heart to the point where he couldn’t even feel the freezing rain.

Genji clung to Cole’s left arm, making sure he felt that strong bicep as much as possible. If Cole asked him if he liked muscular men and that’s why he was copping a feel Genji wouldn’t even try to deny it, almost as shameless as the cowboy.

It was Genji who advised Cole to leave the motel in the night. It was only a matter of time before the Hashimoto tracked Cole down to that run down motel so Genji offered a solution that would benefit both of them.

Return to Shimada castle.

Cole was surprised by Genji’s plan, seeing as how he had run away from them earlier. Genji would deny it until he was blue in the face, but Cole knew that he wanted to go home. Cole couldn’t help but think that Genji was listening to him and trying to keep an open mind when it came to his family, and the best way to do that would be to return to his clan.

Genji also made the valid point that if Cole brought him home safe and sound then his clan would gladly accept him as an ally. Cole would certainly be granted sanctuary in Shimada castle, and that would give Genji enough time to think of how he could keep the cowboy in his life.

The duo waited until night to make their trek to Shimada castle, seeing as how in broad daylight Cole would stick out like a sore thumb. At least at night the darkness would make it a little more difficult to spot him.

“I can see some fancy walls and lots of cherry blossoms up ahead.” Cole stated, squinting to try to get a better look.

“Good, we’re almost home.” Genji tightened his grip on Cole, which didn’t go unnoticed by the cowboy.

“Somethin’ wrong, sweet thing?”

“Don’t react.” Genji’s voice was even but his grip told Cole that he was scared. “We’re being followed by the Hashimoto.”

Cole resisted the urge to turn around and look for their enemies. It took Cole more effort than he was happy to admit to stay facing forward and to continue walking with Genji.

“What should we do?” Cole asked, his voice barely above a whisper. “You think there’s a lot of ‘em?”

“I can hear seven of them.”

“Damn, we’re outnumbered.” Cole growled under his breath.

Genji leaned his head on Cole’s shoulder, murmuring, “I have a plan but I’ll need you to trust me on this.”

“Genji-“

“Do you trust me?” Genji interrupted.

Cole didn’t like where this was headed, but he didn’t have much of a choice. If he tried to use Deadeye then there would be one left, who would surely capitalize on his cool down period and use that time to capture Genji.

“You know I do, darlin’.” Cole replied easily. “What have you been cookin’ up?”

“Here’s the plan…”

Cole listened intently as Genji laid out the plan, withholding every comment about how he was concerned for the Shimada’s safety. This plan was incredibly risky but Cole had to trust that Genji knew what he was doing.

The plan was set into motion the moment they entered a dark alley. Cole felt disgusting as he removed his arm from Genji’s grasp and lowered his hand to his ass, harshly squeezing the perky flesh.

Genji felt his heart constrict as he refused Cole’s aggressive advances, which caused Cole to shove him up against the brick wall behind them. Cole was mumbling apologies in between his rough kisses and bites to Genji’s neck. Genji was crying out for help and Cole hated how hurt he sounded.

Eventually, Genji managed to shove Cole off of him, even going as far to threaten to sick the Shimada clan on him if he dared to touch him again. Cole huffed, making a gesture that meant forget you before he snatched his hat and began skulking out of the alley, muttering that the Shimada prince was a damn tease.

As soon as Cole was out of the alley he pressed his back to the wall and pulled out peacekeeper. He waited until he could hear the Hashimoto jumping down from their perched spots on the roof, listening for seven harsh landings.

Cole’s trigger finger was itching to fire bullets into his foes, but he knew better. He knew that he had to wait for Genji’s signal. Genji was the bait, seeing as how he knew that the Hashimoto would go after him instead of Cole since the Shimada prince could be used as a bargaining chip to take down their enemy.

Cole didn’t like the idea of Genji being bait, but he trusted the Shimada. He trusted Genji to get the Hashimoto into position so he could-

“Cole, now!”

“Step right up!” Cole’s right eye was beaming as he strolled into the alley, locking onto six of the Hashimoto.

Six bullets were fired, six bodies fell to the ground. Cole attempted to use Deadeye again but hissed in pain when he felt blood leaking from his eye. He staggered backwards and placed his hand over his eye to try to stop the bleeding, which only succeeded in smearing blood on his face.

Cole glanced towards Genji and saw him advancing on the last enemy, quickly engaging him in hand to hand combat. With the remaining Hashimoto occupied by Genji, Cole slipped out of the alley.

This was the riskiest part of the plan.

Cole had to leave Genji behind to fend for himself while he sprinted through the rainy streets of Hanamura to get to Shimada castle for reinforcements. Time wasn’t on their side for this part of the plan. If Cole didn’t get the Shimada clan on his side and to Genji’s location in time then the Hashimoto would capture the young prince of crime.

Cole felt the rain hitting against his skin like knives, the water droplets mimicking blood streaming down his face and arms. He wasn’t a religious man but right now he was praying that he could bring the Shimada clan back to Genji in time.

It’s not like Cole was expecting to be welcomed into Shimada castle with open arms, but he didn’t think all the guns and swords pointed at him were entirely necessary. Cole raised his hands in the air to let the clan know that he surrendered.

“State your business. Why have you come here, cow man?” Cole’s eyes widened when he saw a man with raven locks pulled into a high ponytail walk out of the front building.

“I ain’t got time to explain everythin’ right now but Genji needs your help!” Cole replied impatiently.

“Genji?” The man’s eyes widened for a split second, but Cole saw it. The man pulled out a bow and aimed an arrow for Cole’s head, “What have you done to my little brother?”

“I ain’t done nothin’ to him but the Hashimoto will if you don’t follow me back to him!” Cole cried, his heart pounding frantically.

“The Hashimoto?” The archer narrowed his eyes. “How do I know you’re not an ally of the Hashimoto trying to use my brother to lure me into a trap?”

“Genji gave me a message to give to his anija.” Cole knew his Japanese pronunciation was horrible, but he tried for Genji. “Suzume wa uta o yamenaide kudasai.*”

Cole felt like he had waited an hour, but in reality it had just been one minute. Yet, time was not on his side so every second, every minute, counted.

“That is a message only Genji and I know.” The archer lowered his bow. “It is used in times of emergency.”

“Genji needs help now!”

The Shimada nodded before he called to the guards in Japanese. Cole didn’t know what he said to the guards but it seemed as though he was recruiting most of them to help.

The archer stepped up to Cole, his eyes fierce, “If my little brother is in trouble then I need you to bring me to him now.”

“Let’s go!”

Cole took off like a rocket with the Shimada clan hot on his tail. As they were running, Cole relayed Genji’s plan to the clan. It sounded like the elder Shimada wasn’t fond of Genji’s plan of making himself bait, but there was no use crying over it now.

The elder Shimada began climbing up the building with his bow strapped to his back as Cole and the others rounded the corner into the alley. It was safe to say that Cole wasn’t pleased with the sight in front of him.

“Stay back or I’ll kill him!”

Genji was struggling in the Hashimoto clansmen’s arms, his back to the man’s chest. Genji could feel cool metal pressed against his throat. He knew that he was just one wrong move away from either being kidnapped or killed.

Yet, Genji knew that with high risks like this there were rewards, as well. If everyone did their part and followed his plan then Genji would walk out of this not only a free man, but one with both his brother and his lover.

“You’re outnumbered.” Cole whipped out his gun and began reloading it slowly, almost as if he was antagonizing the clansman. “It’d be best if you called it quits now before things get messy.”

“Put your weapons on the ground or I’ll slit his throat!” The Hashimoto pressed the knife against Genji’s throat, drawing blood.

“Alright, alright!” Cole immediately tossed his gun to the ground and motioned for the Shimada guards to follow suit. “Happy now? All our weapons are gone, now let him go.”

“I don’t think so. Here’s how this is going to work.” The man slowly began moving backwards with Genji. “I’m going to take this brat back to the Hashimoto and if any of you try to follow then the Shimada are going to lose a son!”

“You can’t-“

“Do we have an understanding, cowboy?” The Hashimoto smirked as he drew more blood, causing Genji to cry out in pain.

“You no good son of a bitch!” Cole growled.

“Do we have an understanding, cowboy?” The enemy repeated, digging his nails into Genji just to make him whimper.

“Fine!” Cole clenched his fists. “But this ain’t over. If you do anythin’ to Genji I’ll hunt you down and kill you with my own hands.”

“It looks over to me, cowboy.”

Cole could do nothing more than watch as the Hashimoto began dragging Genji out of the alley. The enemy had a smirk on his face like he was the cat that caught the canary, that is until he stepped foot out of the alley and found an arrow lodged in between his eyes.

Genji could hear the arrow cutting through the air, followed by the sickening sound of flesh being impaled. When Genji was sure that the enemy was dead he elbowed the man until he flopped to the ground, creating a pool of blood.

“Otouto!”

“Honey bee!”

“Anija! Cole!” Genji was beaming as he heard his two favorite people making their way towards him, one running while the other scaled the side of the building.

Cole found him first. Genji sighed in relief as Cole’s strong arms draped around him, enclosing him in a cocoon of safety and love. Genji smiled when he felt Cole pull away so he could wrap his bleeding neck with a bandage.

Genji giggled when he heard Hanzo squabbling with Cole. Genji didn’t know what was happening but he suspected that Hanzo was pushing Cole out of the way so he could reunite with his little brother.

“Where have you been, otouto?” Hanzo’s hands were roaming all over Genji’s body, inspecting him for injuries. “The guards reported that you ran away and then you were nowhere to be found!”

“I’m sorry I worried you, anija. I ran into some trouble…” Genji sighed, his eyes searching for where ever Cole was standing. “But Cole saved me.”

“Was this ridiculously dangerous plan his?” Hanzo glared daggers at the cowboy, who scoffed in return.

“No, it was mine.” Genji corrected.

“What on earth were you thinking putting yourself at risk like that, Genji?” Hanzo asked, caught between sounding worried and angry.

“I’m blind! I don’t know where Shimada castle is!” Genji threw his arms in the air in frustration. “I had to find some way to send Cole to find you to save me!”

Hanzo shook his head, muttering under his breath “And you wonder why the elders won’t let you join me in the field.”

“What did you just say?” Genji asked, lowering his arms and his voice.

Hanzo remained silent.

“Say it again, Hanzo.” Genji demanded. “Tell me what you said.”

“I said, and you wonder why the elders won’t let you join me in the field.” Hanzo repeated, sounding irritated. “It’s not because you’re blind, Genji! It’s because you put yourself at risk like this!”

“I’m sorry.”

Hanzo blinked a few times, as if his brain didn’t register what his brother had said. Hanzo stared at Genji like he had three heads. Genji was someone Hanzo knew to be stubborn and proud, meaning that apologies were something he didn’t hear often from his little brother.

“What?” Hanzo’s breath hitched.

Genji bowed in respect to his brother, “I’m sorry for my actions earlier. I overreacted and ran out when I should’ve stayed and listened.”

“Please, raise your head, otouto.” Hanzo smiled softly when Genji obeyed. “You have nothing to be sorry for. You had every right to feel upset and betrayed.”

“I shouldn’t have spoken to you or the elders like that.” Genji shook his head, tears welling in his eyes. “I beg for your forgiveness, anija.”

“There is nothing to forgive.” Hanzo reached for Genji and drew him into his chest. “From now on, there will be no secrets between us.”

“You… you promise?” Genji whimpered, his tears dampening Hanzo’s shirt.

“I promise.”

Hanzo could feel Genji’s fingers digging into his back, but he didn’t mind, especially when he was sure he was holding his little brother with a death grip. Hanzo sighed, thankful that Genji was in the safest place on earth, in his arms.

“I thought I was losing you, anija. I was so scared.” Genji sobbed.

Hanzo placed a kiss to Genji’s head, whispering into his hair, “You could never lose me, otouto. Only death could ever take me away from you.”

“I hope death forgets to take you.” Genji mumbled, knowing Hanzo would hear it.

“Aww, ain’t the two of you sweet together like that?” Cole cooed, failing to realize he had ruined the moment for the brothers.

If looks could kill, Cole would’ve melted into a puddle with the way Hanzo was glaring at him. Yet, Cole was oblivious to Hanzo’s death looks, or maybe he was just too enamored with Genji to pay his scary older brother any mind.

“Genji, why are you traveling with this buffoon?” Hanzo asked, ensuring that he was speaking loud enough for Cole to hear.

“Hey now!”

“Please be kind to him, anija. Remember, he saved my life today.” Genji smirked as he buried his face in the crook of Hanzo’s neck, nuzzling his soft skin.

Genji knew that he had won when Hanzo released a heavy sigh. All he had to say was Cole saved him for the cowboy to be taken off of Hanzo’s hitlist. Yet, that didn’t mean that Cole was spared from Hanzo’s wrath.

“Very well.”

“Not only did he save me but he and his organization are allied with the clan.” Genji removed himself from his brother’s neck, smiling bright.

“And what organization does he work for?” Hanzo questioned suspiciously, almost as if he already knew the answer.

“He is aligned with Overwatch, and they intend to dismantle the Hashimoto.” Genji answered. “Together, we could finally rid the Hashimoto from Japan.”

“And what do you think Overwatch will do once the Hashimoto are taken care of?” Hanzo didn’t wait for Genji to respond, “They will look at the Shimada clan as a threat.”

“Not unless we establish an alliance.”

Hanzo furrowed his brow, “You cannot be serious. The Shimada clan does not have allies.”

“Not until we send over a member of our clan to create an alliance.” Genji pointed out.

“What are you suggesting, otouto?”

“Once we handle the Hashimoto clan, I will go with Cole to Overwatch’s base to work out the terms of an alliance between them and the Shimada.” Genji answered, sounding far too responsible to be the same Genji that Hanzo knew.

“Genji-“

“My role in the clan is to handle the social aspects, is it not?” Genji’s smile softened.

“Yes, but-“

“Then allow me to do this for the clan.” Genji pleaded.

Hanzo felt conflicted. He knew how badly his little brother desired to do field work for the clan, but he couldn’t deny that creating an alliance with Overwatch would strengthen the Shimada. Hanzo didn’t know if he could clip his brother’s wings all for the sake of the clan.

“It’s okay, anija.” Genji’s small hands found Hanzo’s face, gently guiding him so they could look at each other. “I understand and accept my role in the clan. Let me do this.”

“Are you certain that this is what you want?” Hanzo asked, trying to give Genji a way out of his duties to the clan so he could fly free.

“You make it sound as though stepping into this role is like walking into a trap.” Genji snickered, earning a playful swat from his brother.

Hanzo shook his head, “I only want to ensure that you will be happy.”

“As long as you convince the elders to let me join you in the field from time to time I’ll be happy.” Genji grinned, a glimmer of mischief in his amber eyes.

“I believe I can make that work.”

“Look at what can happen when you listen to my advice, darlin’.” Cole grinned as he slung his arms around the brothers, ignoring the way Hanzo attempted to shake him off.

“You can leave now, cow man.” Hanzo glowered at Cole. “Shoo. Leave us to discuss business matters.”

“Don’t be rude, anija!” Genji flicked his brother on the forehead, missing his nose like he was aiming for. “He’s an ally to the Shimada clan now so he’s staying with us!”

“Genji-“

“I knew you couldn’t get enough of me, sweetheart.” Cole swiped Genji from Hanzo’s grasp, earning a snarl from Hanzo that he easily ignored. “Now, give me some sugar.”

Genji was quickly starting to realize that he would never be able to deny Cole of anything, especially when his words flowed from his lips like the sweetest honey. Instead of trying to fight the sweetness, Genji allowed Cole to drown him in it until all he could feel was love.

Hanzo was groaning as he watched his little brother kiss the cowboy, but if anyone looked at his face they would’ve seen that he was smiling, that he was happy for Genji.

Hanzo had grown up feeling somewhat guilty for being able to experience the world in all its beauty, all its color, while Genji was stuck in the dark. Hanzo had felt guilty for a long time for the way he was able to do everything that Genji wished he could.

But Hanzo wasn’t feeling guilty now.

If anything, he was envious of the way Genji’s life seemed to be more colorful than his own, and he owed it all to a cowboy from Overwatch.

“Are you sure that you aren’t trying to create an alliance with Overwatch so you can follow your cow man, otouto?” Hanzo teased.

“You wound me, anija.” Genji gasped, dramatic as always.

“Maybe, but I’m not wrong.”