The Villain Wrangler | Overwatch

Chapter 20

The Orca lifted off, Jack waiting until it was no longer in sight before he turned to go. Gérard could probably use a spotter for his physio, or maybe Gabe would be up for a spar. He shook his head, chuckling a bit at himself. He remembered feeling the same every time Gabe went on a mission without him. But Angelica wasn't going into combat, just to brave the politicians. Hanzo and Lena were with her. She'd be fine.

His brow furrowed when he heard a small sound, and he closed his eyes as he tried to locate it. He heard it again, and carefully stalked forward until he could see inside the jeep. It was one of the abandoned ones, no longer functional, but that noise worried him. He peered in through the passenger side window and froze. There was a cat. And a slimy blob of fur being licked. He watched as the cat produced another slime-covered hairball from between her back legs before breaking into a grin. He liked cats, but hadn't been able to keep any since he left the farm. There were few enough people around, a few cats couldn't hurt.

He left the newly-minted momma alone for now, going off to set up a safe place to move her and her kittens to. There was a small office with a split door, if he remembered correctly, and he could easily set it up with a box and some worn towels.

He made a quick run to the town, getting the supplies that weren't available on the base, returning to finish setting up the nesting box and outfitting the room for the queen. Once he was satisfied, he grabbed a can of cat food and a towel-lined box and returned to the jeep.

Momma was done, apparently, and Jack beamed at the six squirming kittens.

"Hey, there, momma. This isn't a good place for your babies," he crooned, slowly opening the driver's side door. He set the box in the footwell and opened the can, slowly offering it to the cat. "Here you go, honey. I just want to move your family somewhere safer. Will you let me do that?"

The cat cautiously rose, sniffing the air, then pounced on the can. Jack smiled as she devoured the contents, making a mental note to adjust what he'd been planning on feeding her. She was looking too good for a stray, and Jack thought she might have been dumped.

"Poor little thing," he crooned, slowly offering his hand for inspection.

She sniffed it, then gently headbutted against him. He smiled and rubbed behind her ears, slowly reaching out toward the kittens. The cat watched him, ears twitching. He picked up the closest, carefully placing it in the box as they all began crying. Quickly, he transferred the remaining kittens into the box, gently lifting the queen into it as well.

He carried the box to the office he'd prepared, passing Gabe on the way. Gabe arched an eyebrow and trailed after him, glancing in the box.

"Really, Jack? Kittens?"

Jack shrugged as he let the lower half of the door swing closed behind him.

"Momma had them in the hangar. They'd be safer in here."

Gabe rolled his eyes and leaned against the door.

"So, how many cats does Overwatch have now?" he asked with a grin.

Jack grinned back. "Momma and six kittens. I need to get everyone to the vet once they're old enough."

Gabe shook his head. "Anyway, I found some pointers that might help with whatever we're doing."

"You went looking for dating advice?"

Gabe swatted his arm. "Look, when it was just us, we fucked up a lot. I don't want to put Ange through that shit. Do you?"

"Never." He looped his arm around Gabe's waist, resting his head on his shoulder. "We were idiots, weren't we?"

Gabe hummed in agreement, shoving his hand in Jack's back pocket.

—

Angelica sat in the back of the cab, glaring at Hanzo. He had dragged her to Tokyo, insisting that it was a necessary stop before she began any discussion with any politicians.

"I don't see the point. What do I need in Japan?"

He shrugged. "Nothing you couldn't get anywhere else, but my name still carries some weight here, so we'll begin here."

"That's not an answer," she growled, glaring out the window as he laughed.

"You are representing Overwatch. You must look the part. I have a favored tailor who will be able to outfit you with new suits."

She whipped her head around at that. "Hanzo, I can't take-"

He raised a hand as the cab pulled up next to a small building. "This counts as a business expense. And you will only require two, for now."

She huffed in annoyance as she climbed out of the cab. "I don't suppose there's a way out of this?"

"No." He herded her into the shop, bowing respectfully when the proprietor met them halfway.

They shared a brief conversation in Japanese, then Hanzo gestured her to the back.

"Takenouchi-San will take your measurements now."

She glared at him as she walked past, but went. Takenouchi gestured her onto a small stool, and she stood while he circled her, measuring and calling out things to his assistant. When he finished, he bowed her out of the back and barked an order at Hanzo.

Hanzo nodded and disappeared into the back, shortly returning to collect Angelica.

"He will have appropriate attire ready tomorrow, at which point he will make any needed adjustments. We will be prepared to leave in three days."

She gaped at him. "Hanzo, I have work, I didn't pack, I-" she broke off as he waved away her concerns.

"Lena packed a bag for you, including your data pad. We have reservations at a hotel for the duration. Both commanders are aware of the detour and somewhat approve. I believe Commander Reyes wished to be the one to outfit you, but he agreed."

He guided her, protesting, through the doors of a hotel, and she stopped just inside the door. It was beautiful, with wide expanses of marble flooring showing the influence of Europe, but still distinctively Japanese in its accoutrements.

"Everything has been arranged," Hanzo murmured, guiding her to the desk.

"Ah, Shimada-sama! Welcome. Your rooms have been made ready, and your luggage has been delivered," the clerk said, bowing and handing over a packet of key cards.

Hanzo bowed in return, turning to herd Angelica to the elevators.

"My family maintains a suite here. As it is for family and not business, I am still permitted to use it," he explained, not looking at her.

He led the way to a suite, opening the door and standing aside to allow her to enter first.

She gasped. The main room was bigger than her old apartment, and she could see four doors leading off the main room. The door on the far left opened, and Lena poked her head out.

"There you are! Hanzo, this is great! Thanks for agreeing to put us up. Ange, you have got to see these rooms!" She bounced out of her room, grabbing Angelica's arm and dragging her off to the room adjacent.

Hanzo shook his head, laying claim to the room on the far right.