In the Midst of Two Dragons 〈Hanzo x Reader x Genji〉

Chapter Seventeen: Ambiguity

With your safety and his clan's wellbeing at hand, defying Talon's leader would jeopardize this perceived alliance... and, ultimately, his plan. Furthermore, Hanzo couldn't help but visualize being intimate with you. The mental image stirred something primal within him. Something he wished to indulge.

Knowing he shouldn't entertain his desire, he forced down the untimely thoughts. Hanzo was exerting great effort to keep his countenance blank and his eyes unreadable.

"Lord Hanzo," One of the castle guards appeared at the suite's entrance, out of breath and looking like he'd sprinted miles. "An omnic intruder has been spotted in the courtyards."

"Just how I like it," Reaper sounded less than thrilled. "Interruption after interruption. I'll take care of it." He declared to Hanzo before making his exit.

"Assist him and spare no men for the search," Hanzo ordered his subordinate, ensuring that his voice carried to Reaper's ears. "I want the intruder captured for questioning." If the inkling of suspicion he had proved to be true, there was no way the intruder could be captured.

Genji was too skilled, even for Talon mercenaries and Shimada assassins.

Meaning he would need to come up with a plan. Fast. Before that villain returned to enforce his crude demands.

His shrewd gaze shifted to his bedroom doors. He hadn't heard a peep from the other side and he wasn't certain if he should be worried.

Hesitating, Hanzo opened one door and stepped in before shutting it closed behind him. When he didn't find you immediately, his heartbeat quickened, triggering a state of distraught. His eyes swept his bedroom and you were nowhere to be seen. Silenced by anxiety, he advanced further into the room to find you.

The marksman felt his worry disperse when he saw you on the balcony, peering down into the grounds below.

"[Y/N]," He called as he approached you.

You'd heard the conversation he had with Talon's ringleader. He could see it in your body language and expression as you turned to face him.

"It's Genji," You said, eyeing the marksman warily, your left hand death-gripping the handrail and the other fisted at your side.

"He won't be caught," Hanzo said knowingly. The confidence in his voice eased the tension you held, and Hanzo took notice. "Right now, I am more concerned about you."

"But..." You were confused. Hanzo didn't seem too concerned about capturing his brother.

If he had planned to, he would be the one to lead the current search effort.

"I knew Genji would come to see you." Hanzo said softly. It just occurred to you that he'd allowed the rendezvous. That was the reason Hanzo had purposefully left you alone in his suite well into the evening.

Pleasantly surprised, you lowered your gaze. At the moment, your own opinion of Hanzo conflicted with Genji's warning earlier. You recalled his words, Be wary of Hanzo's true intention.

So far, Hanzo hasn't given you reason to doubt him.

"Let us worry about you right now. You heard what he intended for you to do." His voice never wavered. And you understood who he was alluding to.

A calculating gleam shone in your eyes. You shifted in place, facing the bedroom. Right now, the most pressing matter was this... rare opportunity to destroy Talon.

The welfare of the world was at hand. How could you make pursuit of love your priority?

Romantic attachment affects the way a team operates, one way or another. It might cloud your judgment, make you do stupid shit, and possibly compromise the mission--not to mention the lives of your fellow agents.

Commander Morrison's words crept into your mind, taking over your reverie as you recalled the moment you were assigned your first mission.

All your life, you've been a rational person. Too many times to count, the sound decisions you've made were made with logic. Not sentiments or emotions. Your life-saving profession required it.

Hanzo watched silently as your countenance reflected your inner turmoil. When he saw resolve settling over your features, he couldn't help his growing attraction to you.

"So let's give him what he wants," You unzipped the light jacket you'd worn all day and began removing it.

Hanzo's eyes widened beneath his arching brow when he realized you were undressing in front of him. "Stop," His voice commanding, he placed a hand on your wrist to impede your action. "Do you understand what this entails?"

"Yes," You answered him, subduing any misgivings. First and foremost, you were an Overwatch agent.
You were in love with Genji, but love was a luxury you couldn't afford. Your feelings would not precede your duty.

Hanzo chose his words carefully. "Then... how can you be so casual about this?"

"Far from it," You replied demurely, your voice barely above a whisper. "I know I need to play my part to dismantle Talon."

"At what cost? You would go as far as allowing a man you bear no love for lay with you?"

You paused for a moment, carefully thinking about your reply, "I'm willing to give my life... if it means knowing the world will be a step closer to peace."

Hanzo's heart clenched when he saw the sincerity in your eyes. Darkness clouded his thoughts at the prospect of you dying. It was the first he realized that a woman would be his total undoing.

"I won't allow it," He said tersely, pulling at your wrist to take you into his arms. "You will not die as long as I am with you, do you understand?"

Hanzo embraced you, with your wrist still imprisoned in his hand, your chin resting on his shoulder, your chest pressing against his abdomen.

Stunned, your body stiffened, eyes wide and unblinking. You remembered the heady kiss you shared with him this morning. It was one that left you reeling. And his powerful embrace was producing the same effect on you.

But what startled you most was your own heart's ambiguity. Hanzo was no longer distancing himself from you nor denying himself of you. It seemed like you felt more than mere attraction for him.

"So stay with me. I do not care if you harbor feelings for Genji. All I know is my own. And I will let no harm fall upon you." His voice lost its stringent quality as he professed to protect you. "We needn't concede to Reaper's wishes. We will find a way to save your virtue."

You remained silent, feeling his racing heartbeat against your chest - mirroring your own. As your body went limp in Hanzo's arms, you came to your own realization.

It dawned on you that you were helplessly in love with Hanzo, too.

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A/N: Happy New Year, guys! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. I'm sorry for how long this chapter took. And I have some unfortunate news to boot. My updates will probably be slower now because I'm back in school and working full time. Despite this, I'll still try to update within 1-3 weeks. Thank you for your continued support. You all make writing a joy. Hope you are enjoying my stories still. ^_^