#Chase Firekitten's Tale

[jadekitty777]

Silence is Everything

It’s here @mer1099! It took almost a month to the dot, but it’s finally here! 

For srs, this was me a few weeks ago-

“Oh I’ll just do something small, won’t take very long at all.”

Me now-

“WHY IS THIS 13K WORDS LONG!?”

I’m not even sure if this was quiiiite what you were thinking, but hopefully it’s still… appropriately angsty. (Also if you have an Ao3 let me know so I can gift it on there!)

Due to the subject matter & length, I’m only posting this on Ao3 - everyone please mind the tags! 

Inspired by: This post

Rating: M

Word Count: 13.3k

Summary: Garrulous - to be pointlessly or annoyingly talkative

Quiet - to make little to no noise; to express in a understated way

Only one of those words fit Ambrosius Goldenloin. Or so Ballister had thought.

Ao3 Link: Silence is Everything

[jadekitty777]

Exhibition

Fair Game Week is here and-!!! I AM NOT READY. 

I have maybe four completed piece out of 7, but well, we’ll see if I can manage to pull a miracle outta my butt by the end of this xD

For now, enjoy?

Prompt for Day 1: Cultural Differences

Rating: T 

Word Count: 2.7K

Summary: Clover was extremely self-conscious about his ears. So why did he have so many pairs of earrings anyways? [Takes place directly after Chapter 6 of Hunting Season]

Ao3 Link: Exhibition

~

With a small hiss, Clover clipped the last earring in place, the magnetic pieces snapping together with a sharp pinch. After a few seconds, the sting lessened to just a constant pressure and he stood back, getting a good gander at his work.

Seven in each ear, a mixture of some of his best silver and green pairs. The first, right at the tip, was a matching set to his emblem, thumb-sized four-leaf clovers with light-and-dark green streaked malachite stones for the leaflets. The next set just a half inch below were some simple silver horseshoes. 

Another inch or so was the start of the biggest piece - the same chain wrap that he’d used to make Qrow stumble a few weeks ago. The primary earring was a silver star with an emerald center. From its furthest point the chain began, tiny, silver stars interspaced in the links, leading to the end piece, which was a simple, spiky comet trail, with a random constellation of emerald gems embedded in the piece.

Dangling in between the shooting star, right in the center of the chain, was the fifth piece: little, silver crescent moons. 

To complete the look was another pair placed only a half-inch apart - a silver feather and a peridot-eyed Kingfisher. 

He tilted his head to the left, then the right, making sure everything was perfectly symmetrical. Then he reached up, tugging his ears until they were high above his head, before letting go.

The chains rattled heavily as they dropped immediately, ears angling downward demurely. 

Clover nodded. He was ready.

~

Marrow was the only one in the break room. His tail was low; short, fast wags belaying his anxiety. 

Or, Clover considered bemusedly as he watched the other man toss three sugar packs in a steaming cup, he needs to lay off the coffee.

“Good evening.” He announced as he crossed the room, dropping onto the couch. 

“Oh, heya boss.” Marrow greeted jovially, turning to him. Tried and failed not to look at his ears. “...Ready for tonight I’m guessing?”

He heaved a sigh in return. “As I’ll ever be.”

A pause. “You could ask the General to excuse you?”

“Marrow.” Clover said very firmly, locking eyes with his recruit, “When your commander says he needs you, then he needs you. No questions asked. Got it?”

“Yeah but-! Ugh… yeah okay don’t give me the scary dad eyes.”

He fought down a chuckle. “Good.” He understood and appreciated his comrade’s concern, truly, but one night of handling the Atlas’ Elite's contemptuous intolerance in exchange for keeping his semblance in play during the discussion was a price he was willing to pay. He owed James that much. 

(He didn’t, even for a moment, let himself consider that James was perhaps using Winter, Penny and himself as talking adornments to distract the council like rooks on a chessboard).

“All I need from you and the rest of the Ops tonight is to standby while we hash out the details.” He concluded.

“Yes sir.” Marrow conceded quietly, taking a sip of his drink. His nose wrinkled immediately, but he kept drinking it as if it were too much of a crime to throw out a single lien’s worth of cheap coffee.

Taking pity on him, Clover added, “Besides, I didn’t put on my finest jewels for a bunch of ugly codgers. I did it to test a myth.”

“A myth?”

“You know,” He led in with a pleased grin, “The one about whether crows actually like shiny things or not.”

Marrow groaned. “Oh Gods, I dunno who's worse, you or the kids.”

He cackled freely, unable to help it. Sometimes the rookie made it too easy. 

But just as quickly as it was there, it was gone, noticing the way Marrow tried to hide his frown behind his cup. 

“Go too far?” Clover guessed.

“What? No, no it’s not that! It’s just…” He half turned one way, then the other, as if he expected the shadows to jump out at him. “Permission to speak freely? Like, really freely?”

Okay, this wasn’t going any way he expected. But he’d known the other long enough to know he always meant well, even if he wasn’t the best at expressing it properly. So Clover stuck with a reassuring tone as he encouraged, “You always have that right.”

“It’s just - well.” His tail had started to wag, fast, agitated strokes. “I know I don’t understand this lovey-dovey stuff but, this thing with you and Qrow… are you sure he’s not…” Marrow winced, the word coming out like a croak, “Fetishing you?”

Clover blinked, leaning back.

Well.

It’s not like he hadn’t considered it himself, when he’d first met Qrow. He knew enough people like the renowned huntsman - successful, famous, idolized. Types that would use their clot to get things they wanted. How easy it was to stroke a fetish like bedding an ‘exotic Faunus’ and walk away, hands clean. 

But, even if he did have any misgivings, after last night…

“For me? This? Us? It’s the real deal.”

There was nothing left to doubt.

Selfish men didn’t make declarations like that.

“I know he’s…” Clover started, trying to find the right word, “Tactless, sometimes. But when you really get to know him, he’s sincere and speaks from the heart. I know I can trust him.”

Marrow eyed him a few moments more, before nodding. “If you’re sure, then I won’t doubt you. I just want it to work out for you, you know? You deserve that.”

He smiled warmly. It was nice, having someone in his court. “Thanks Marrow.” 

“Anytime sir.”

~

If there was anything to make Clover’s night, it was the moment Qrow caught sight of him.

The lobby area of the academy had a ceiling that was quite tall, and sounds echoed freely. So, they all heard the Vale team arriving from the elevator - the kids, particularly Nora and Yang, were loud. So there they all were, streaming out from the alcove into the main room, heading to the entrance that had been set as their designated meeting spot.

In the rear, as usual, was Qrow, already drifting sideways from the group, creating an unconscious distance. His head was turned, listening to something Oscar was going on about, when Ruby’s squeal of “Penny!” and subsequent burst of rose petals as she immediately closed the distance to crash into the android in a hug had him looking up.

Dusky red eyes met his, went wide as saucers - and then he stumbled nose first into one of the support pillars.

Clover covered his mouth to strife his laughter, while Marrow’s quiet, “Oh my gods.” from his left had him almost crying with glee. 

“Seeing stars there, Uncle Qrow?” He faintly heard Yang roasting.

“Shut it Firecracker,” Qrow hissed back, rubbing his nose as they made their way over.

Alright, don’t bring attention to it. Be professional. Clover cleared his throat as everyone grouped up. “Nice to see everyone tonight. General Ironwood and Specialist Schnee are still on their way down, but the limos are out front and waiting. We’ll debrief on what to expect on the way over, but for now, you can feel free to get comfortable.”

Predictably, this brought about a varying degree of excitement. 

“A real limo?!” Ruby wiggled. “Oh do you think they have snacks Yang?”

“We are literally going to a party with food.” Her sister deadpanned.

Weiss sighed, pushing her leader towards the doors. “It’s not that incredible, believe me.”

“The limo or the hor d'oeuvres?” And that was Blake, almost dismissively bored.

“Both.”

As the others started to follow, Oscar paused for just a moment. “Are you coming Qrow?”

“Uh, I’ll catch up. You guys have fun.”

“I think the real one having fun’ll be-”

“Nora.” Ren stressed.

“What?! We were all thinking it.”

“No.” Jaune placed his hands together, probably praying for a mind erasure. “No I was not.”

The rest of the young hunters’ conversations melded and trickled off as they piled out the doors. Clover nodded to his own team. “You guys can go as well. I’ll wait.”

“Mhm, sure. Enjoy that Captain.” Harriet replied, her teasing painfully transparent. 

Elm, thank her soul, steered the shorter girl towards the exit before her fast mouth could get her into trouble. “Come on Hare, let ‘em be.”

If any one of them said more, it was all lost behind the closing of the doors.

And then Qrow was on him, whirling around and crossing the distance faster then he could blink. “You’re killing me here Clubs.”

The laughter Clover was trying to contain burst out of him, joyful and loud. He tilted into the other’s touch as Qrow cupped his face in his hands, one index finger sweeping under the kingfisher and feather in his left ear. “Guess you like ‘em then huh?”

“Don’t be a little shit.” Qrow jabbed with no malice. “Seriously though, now I gotta think of how to one-up this.”

He placed his hands on the slim man’s waist, dragging him forward. “What are you gonna do? Come to the next debrief with no pants this time?”

“Tch, doesn’t work if you’ve already seen that.”

“They didn’t come all the way off.” He rolled his thumbs against protruding hipbones, practically purring, “I’ve bet you got some killer legs.”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Qrow’s voice had dropped an octave, before he tipped his chin up, lips meeting his.

Clover shut his eyes, humming pleasantly as he pressed into it. Shivered as long fingers danced along the length of one of his ears, lightly flicking the pointed tip right above where the clover piece was.

Immediately, he felt the frown against his mouth as Qrow met a resistance that wasn’t supposed to be there. He pulled back, eyes suspicious. “These are heavy.”

“Yeah.” Clover replied, trying not to make it seem like a big deal, even as shame curled in his gut. “There’s gravity dust in the magnets. Keeps them… in place.”

A lot of other Faunus who had ears higher up on their heads, like Blake, had more practical uses for the gimmick, as with enough weight one could pin their ears down against their skull and have them disappear in their hairline. Clover just used it to mislead people. 

“Clover…”

He covered Qrow’s hand, the one still against his cheek, with one of his own, murmuring guiltily, “Tonight has to go well.”

At a bit of a loss, Qrow’s eyes flicked about, between his face and the ears that told him nothing, and finally conceded with a grumbled, “James better appreciate the fuck outta you.”

Clover laughed so hard he was weezing, tension rushing out of him. “He does, you jerk.” He peppered the insult with a kiss. “But he’s not the reason I’m wearing them. It just makes things easier, is all. Most times, I’m not doing it for anyone but myself anyways.”

“Because you don’t like them?”

“More like I don’t like the attention. Or giving people more of an excuse than they already have.” It wasn’t like it took much. 

Shortly after Beacon’s fall, when it became clear the White Fang was involved, Faunus Opinion was at an all time low. It became so bad, that for a while he couldn’t go one day without something headlining the evening news. More and more places had started to refuse service to Faunus. Faunus-friendly or owned establishments were coming under attack through vandalizing, stealing, and arsoning. Dissenting lobbyists began to rally, trying to use the public’s fear to push their agenda through. Layoffs and unemployment for Faunus climbed to an all time high. A child beaten into a coma by his schoolmates just for having bull horns like Adam Taurus.

Between that and the buckling secret of Salem, Clover had barely been able to keep himself on sure footing. 

But, the one thing he never forgot - regardless of Robyn or Nick’s opinion - was the importance of his position. As a leader and a Faunus in power, he had a duty to his team, the citizens and his people to carry on with his head held high and his demeanor in check. To be firm in his words but gentle in his delivery. To react cordially to dissenters and not retaliatory. To appear polished and pretty but non-threatening.

He knew if he had even a half-second of weakness, just a moment where he toed too out of line in the public eye, then the news casters would drag his name through the mud so fast, the many medals he had in his name would get lost in the sludge.

So the events he did attend - if they allowed him to at all - he played his part. And he knew not to get comfortable, because with tensions rising once more after Tyrian’s slaughter, things might just be about to get a whole lot worse.

“You shouldn’t have to.” Qrow growled. “To-to do all this just… for every other fucking person.” Yet, to Clover’s surprise, instead of continuing on his rant as he’d seen him so many times before for other topics, he looked away, mumbling, “Not that I should be running my mouth when I’m not a part of it.” 

Like last night, he felt his heart warm. This man was too endearing for his own good. “Hey, just because you don’t understand it all, doesn’t mean I don’t want to hear what you think.” He tilted Qrow’s chin up. “Honestly, the fact you support me means the world to me.”

An ever-so slight rosy touch came to Qrow’s cheeks that was just too adorable not to kiss. So Clover did.

He may have continued further, if not for the tell-tale ding of an arriving elevator and the familiar click-clack of Winter’s heels and the step-clank of James’ footsteps that had him pulling away.

Likewise, Qrow stepped a respectable distance back as well. It was one thing to have family or teammates teasing them - it was another situation altogether if their boss - temporary or otherwise - caught them. The one selfish thing Clover was keeping were his missions with Qrow.

“Oh, one last thing to keep in mind?” He said as they waited.

“Hm?”

He gave him a wink. “I dolled myself up with you on my mind first, Stardust.”

Luckily, Qrow had no time for a rebuttal beyond a flabbergasted grunt.

~

In a matter of hours, everything had gone wrong.

A dead man had turned the heat off.

The wall had further collapsed.

Grimm were all over Mantle.

Salem’s attack on Atlas had officially begun. 

“This is Harriet with Ace Manta, checking in.” Harriet said into the airship’s radio. “We’re on route to downtown.”

“Copy that Ace Manta. Your way is clear.” Air control reported. “Teryxs have been spotted in airspace. Remain vigilant.”

Clover stepped between the pilot and co-pilot chairs, speaking up so he could be heard clearly. “This is Captain Clover. What is the status of the rest of the fleet?”

His left ear, free of weight, perked up as the response came, “All ships have already dispersed and deployed their soldiers to provide ground cover in critical areas. Most are now moving onto evacuation efforts, sir.”

“Good. Keep a squadron of fighter aircraft in action on the lower district and tell them to fire in the sky at will. We need to keep that line and hold it.” He replied as he unclipped the earrings on his right ear. 

“Understood. May the Brothers be with you all.” Was the final blessing before the transmission cut off.

The last of the earrings, the Kingfisher, was pulled off, and his right ear joined his left in position, angled up and slightly forward. Alert. Confidant. “Alright Harriet, bring us in.” He turned to the rest of the group, nodding to the benches. “Take a seat. This ride might get rough. For the rest of us who don’t have one, Weiss and Elm, keep us steady.”

Unsurprisingly, the chairs were freely offered to the younger members first.

As everyone got settled, Qrow sidled up to him, looking stern and serious.

Despite the situation, Clover couldn’t help but give one ear a flap to catch his attention. All those weeks ago, he started doing it just to tease him; now it felt more like a greeting.

It also did the job of bringing some light to Qrow’s face, no matter how small. “Heh. Liked the gussying up Clubs, but I think I prefer ‘em like this.”

He knew he didn’t mean the jewelry. 

“Lucky me.” He drawled with a grin of his own.

He pocketed his earrings away and though they felt as heavy as the looming atmosphere of battle, Clover had never felt more ready to hold it all up.

[jadekitty777]

The Emotionalist: Chapter 2

Will I write anything else but this this week? Maybe. Probably not.

Prompt for Day 3: Sunset

Rating: T

Word Count: 1K

Summary: Clover Ebi was a huntsman who, like most Atlesian soldiers, hid most of his emotions behind a mask of calm professionalism. That is, unless, one knew where to look. And Qrow looked a lot.

Or, 5 times Qrow learned to read Clover’s mood not from his face, but from his ears. [An adjacent story to Hunting Season Hunting Season; events from Qrow’s POV]

Ao3 Link: Dragging Like the Tide

~

Clover’s office had a very nice couch in it. 

The soldier had admitted he didn’t know where it had come from, just that it had shown up when he had asked for the arrangement years ago. But of course Atlesians wouldn’t just send him any old thing. It was one of those luxury pieces that was probably made by some famous artisan using the finest wood, material and stuffing available, with a plush, deep, forest green exterior and oak accenting along the arm trim and legs. 

Not that Qrow had room to complain as he was currently the one lounging along it like a lazy cat, scroll held aloft as he virtually duked it out with Ruby in Ninja Wars V. Between matches, he would glance back at Clover, somehow finding him buried in more paperwork than when he’d looked last. Not that he needed the visual to know he was still working. With the game music muted, the clack-clack-clack of keyboard keys was the only soundtrack he had.

When he’d first dropped in, Clover had agreed to go for some evening tea with him in the mess hall. Something soothing to wind down with. Maybe they’d even watch the stars from the windows, like they had been from the rooftops for the past few days.

“Just give me five minutes to finish these reports.” Clover had promised.

That had been a half hour ago.

Qrow tapped insistently on his controller for another combo and struck the final blow. The victory screen flashed with ‘Soaring Ninja Wins!’ for the twelve time that night.

He swiped out of the game and pinged his niece, Ready to call it quits?

Just because I am sleepy does not mean I am defeated old man!

But yeah, Weiss is complaining about the noise.

See you tomorrow!

Night kiddo.

His arms dropped, resting his scroll along his stomach as he tipped his head back.

Immediately, he noticed that Clover’s demeanor had changed. Not in his expression - that was still set in deep concentration - but in his ears. They were slanted downwards, tips pointing towards his shoulders.

The last time he’d seen something like that had been shortly after their encounter with Robyn, wherein Clover and Blake started debating the state of Faunus socionomics. In the end, Clover had backed down, ears falling in resigned defeat.

Much like they were now.

Not that Qrow was… keeping a catalog or anything.

“You okay Clubs?” He called.

Clover glanced away from his computer, the unnatural glow of the screen making his skin appear ghastly pale. “Huh? Oh yeah.” He ran a hand down his face, eyes rolling back towards the screen. “Sorry, these reports are taking a lot longer than I thought.”

“Is there something troubling in them?”

“No more than usual, why?”

Why indeed. Qrow knew ‘because you seem upset’ could be taken wrong in too many ways; especially, if that then led to him admitting he was trying to read Clover by the positioning of his ears. 

Qrow was proud to say he wasn’t that stupid.

“No reason. Just figured that was what the hold up was.” He said instead.

There was a distant hum, then Clover shook his head. “No I think I’m just-” He trailed off, raising a hand to his mouth as he yawned widely. As he did, his ears stretched backwards before falling back down where they’d been.

If being cute was illegal, Qrow was pretty sure the other man would have been convicted for unintentional murder twice over by now.

“Mm, well I was gonna say tired, but I guess that’s obvious now.” Clover joked, shooting him a sleepy smile.

Thrice over, his seizing heart corrected.

He rose from the dead just enough to manage, “Maybe it’s time to call it a night?”

“No, no. I’m almost done. I just need-”

“Five more minutes?” Qrow guessed flatly. 

Clover flushed, averting his gaze to the pens lined along his desk. “…Sorry. I didn’t mean to take so long. You can turn in for the night if you want.”

Well now, that just wouldn’t do.

Abandoning all hope on their original plans, he gave a loud, dramatic sigh, before hopping to his feet. “Chamomile or ginger?”

“Huh?”

“Your tea.” He explained patiently, arching a brow. “Which one do you want me to bring back?”

Slowly, realization dawned.

Then Clover gifted him with the sweetest smile, as he replied, “Ginger, please.”

“You got it. I’ll be back before you can miss me.” He accented the words with a wink, purposely sashaying his hips as he headed out of the office.

The second the door swung shut behind him, Qrow lent heavily against it, hand on his chest as he tried to calm his sudden cardiac arrest.

War crimes. He decided on finally. Clover’s cuteness was guilty of actual war crimes on his heart.

Unbeknownst to the metaphorically dying huntsman, on the other side of the door, seen only by his own reflection in the monitor, Clover had buried his blushing face in his hands, squealing quietly to himself.

[jadekitty777]

The Emotionalist: Chapter 1

Hi, did you think Deer!Clover was over? 

In this house, Deer!Clover is never over.

(Thanks Scath so much for helping me with the title on this!)

Prompt for Day 2: First Meeting

Rating: T

Word Count: 1.2K

Summary: Clover Ebi was a huntsman who, like most Atlesian soldiers, hid most of his emotions behind a mask of calm professionalism. That is, unless, one knew where to look. And Qrow looked a lot.

Or, 5 times Qrow learned to read Clover's mood not from his face, but from his ears. [An adjacent story to Hunting Season Hunting Season; events from Qrow's POV]

Ao3 Link: Unexpected like a Gift

~

“Every single person on this planet deserves to be treated with dignity, no matter where they come from or what their ancestry is or even what semblance they are born with.”

Those were the words of a very wise man who once held a renowned and esteemed position in Remnant. A man who once hoped so much of the world he resided over, that he believed his words would influence and inspire the many around him to do good and be good.

That being said, if Ozpin had a grave to roll around in, he certainly would have been if he could see Qrow right this moment, walking five paces back and one to the side so that he was exactly in line with Clover Ebi’s backside.

The only slight positive? His eyes weren’t as far south as many might assume.

The trade off? He really, really shouldn’t be staring at a Faunus’ ears so intently. It was probably (read: definitely) rude at best and maybe (absolutely) objectifying at worst.

But he just… couldn’t help it.

Qrow wasn’t dumb. He knew when he was attracted to someone - and Clover was kind of the whole package. Handsome, strong, with striking wavy chestnut brown hair, had a great smile and a voice so smooth it would make a blues singer jealous. But then all that sex appeal was juxtaposed by those overly large, rhombus-shaped deer ears that, ridiculously, made him more alluring. Because they made Clover, on top of everything else, cute. Like they held the key to eternal youth, perpetually keeping a boyish look about him. 

With the way they stood out, it was impossible not to notice them. The backs of the ears were just a few shades lighter than Clover’s hair, the slight tans giving it an almost caramel coloration. But the inner part had linings of white fluffy tufts that screamed ‘touch me I’m soft’. And how Qrow wanted to.

Could the Gods really blame him if he did? Adorable and sexy was a dangerous combination and Qrow was but a mere mortal. 

Those ears were also just so oddly fascinating. It seemed Clover had full control over them - a rarity among Faunus with ear traits - able to move them almost in full rotations. In the short time he’d known the other, he’d already seen him angle them up, drop them down, pull them back and even move the two individually from one another.

Even now, they were constantly in movement, angled slightly upward so Clover could rhythmically move them back and forth, almost like a pendulum. Qrow couldn’t stop watching it, as if hypnotized.

The spell broke when they shot straight up.

Then Clover was reaching for his weapon and barking, “Qrow, down!”

It was only decades of instinct and training that had him diving to the floor, Kingfisher’s deadly spear-end swinging scant centimeters above his falling form and plunging straight into the cranium of an emerging Centinel. It gave a chittering cry before bursting into smoke.

Qrow stared at the empty hole left behind in shock.

Clover gave a sigh of relief, drawing back his weapon. “Good reflexes. You alright?” He asked as he offered his hand.

Numbly, Qrow took it, allowing himself to be hauled up. As he caught his footing again, he blurted out, “Did you hear it?”

It was the wrong thing to say, because Clover’s eyes widened marginally, before his ears dropped low. “Yeah. Course I did.” He turned, striding back down the hall, calling without looking back, “Come on, we need to get moving.”

Great going idiot, you made it awkward. Qrow quickened his pace to instead walk next to the other huntsman, wracking his brain desperately on how to save the situation. Change the subject!

“Gotta say, I’m uh,” He started awkwardly as they turned down into a wider tunnel, floundering for something, anything. “Not used to working with other huntsmen on the field…”

Maybe it was just his imagination, but he swore Clover’s left ear perked up ever so slightly, as if giving him his attention. “Really now? I figured people would be falling all over themselves to work with one of the best.”

Something about the way that was said fired off all sorts of warning bells in Qrow’s head, so he was careful as he replied, “Let’s just say my semblance doesn’t make that the easiest thing to do.”

“Hm. What is it?” The question was almost dismissive, like the other was expecting to be fed a line of bullshit.

That was about when Qrow’s mind decided to do something useful and actually work beyond the rampant attraction to figure out what was actually going on.

It was no secret that even in the Hunters Guild, Faunus weren’t well received.   They were often overlooked for high paying gigs and when they did work one, it often didn’t get the news coverage a human huntsman would get. In some districts, it was so bad that mission reports were often outlined with a “No Faunus” requirement and many fellow guild members outright refused to work alongside them on joint missions - or if they did, it was often begrudgingly.

Qrow allowed himself two seconds to feel indignant for being profiled - before quickly letting it go. 

Because he was part of the problem, wasn’t he?

As a huntsman, he had a responsibility that far extended past simply: Kill Grimm, Get lien. With all his prestige and fame, he could easily make headlines by doing missions with some Faunus hunters that wouldn’t be overlooked by the networks. Get the other hunters thinking that ‘if The Great Qrow Branwen will work with Faunus, maybe I should too’.

Ugh. As Tai would say, he needed to set an example.

But he didn’t do that.

He couldn’t do that.

It didn’t erase the fact it gave him a bad look, however unintentional.

So maybe it was all that, that had him admitting something he never intended to, if only because he so desperately wanted Clover to understand him.

Or maybe just have a better reason to hate him that didn’t make him feel like the dregs of the earth.

“It’s… misfortune. I bring bad luck to those around me, whether I want to or not.”

The way Clover’s ears shot up made him tense, almost expecting another order to duck. But when the other only looked at him, nothing given away on that calm and composed face, Qrow realized it wasn’t alarm this time, but surprise. “Does the general know this?”

“Uh. Yeah?” He replied hesitantly. Then, more suspiciously, “Why?”

Clover blinked, then looked away, his stare calculating when he finally said, “Oh nothing, just something he said this morning makes a lot more sense now.” 

Then, slowly, his ears came back down. 

Relaxing. Qrow corrected. Suddenly, he could breathe again.

What happened next blindsighted him entirely.

“Well, don’t worry too much about it.” Clover shot him a grin and a wink. “Let’s just say, you’ve got a very lucky partner.”

So taken aback by the very obvious and sudden flirting, Qrow tripped on his own feet. He yelped as he plummeted head first towards the ice - only to be caught and pulled back up by strong hands. His heart was racing so fast, he was pretty sure his chest was about to implode.

“Whoa now, watch your step.” And Clover was laughing, the absolute bastard. 

It wouldn’t be until the end of the mission that he would find out how literal the other man had been about the lucky part.

Somehow, Qrow couldn’t find it in him to even be that upset about it.

[jadekitty777]

The Emotionalist: Chapter 5

You all thought I forgot, didn’t you?! Well I didn’t! I just... stupidly made this chapter twice the length of the rest lol But it turned out great and I’m so excited!

So here we go, my final entry for FG week! (There was technically a Day 7 entry I had been trying to complete but it remains very unfinished lol)

Prompt for Day 6: Kisses

Rating: T

Word Count: 8K

Summary: Clover Ebi was a huntsman who, like most Atlesian soldiers, hid most of his emotions behind a mask of calm professionalism. That is, unless, one knew where to look. And Qrow looked a lot.

Or, 5 times Qrow learned to read Clover’s mood not from his face, but from his ears. [An adjacent story to Hunting Season Hunting Season; events from Qrow’s POV]

Ao3 Link: Warm Like a Summer’s Rain

~

Icy white sped underneath his wings, stretching out for miles, broken by gray-tinted mountains and fissures that opened into deep canyons. Occasionally, there were small, man-made structures that were meant to be safe outposts for traveling huntsmen on missions. His frozen talons urged him to stop at one, but he ignored it, pushing on just a little further. 

He couldn’t stop until - there!

As he cut between the jagged ridges of one of the mountains, the mine Amity was resting in finally came into view. The top they had spent months building overhead of the once glorious colosseum had sunken in, metal shrapnel and steel beams piercing across the sides of the mine and littering the snow around it. As he flew down into the gaping hole, he could see the interior had fared no better. The scaffolding had been ripped into parts, crushing the former bleachers and the old talk boxes were shattered, equipment and wiring slashed through and pulled out. Well beyond repair without gutting it and starting over. It wasn’t a surprise to see it in shambles, but it still hurt all the same.

He landed on the wall of one of the upper rings, just taking in all the destruction quietly, musing over Theordore’s words from months ago.

“Something doesn’t add up to what you’re saying.” Theo was pacing his office, a somewhat frenzied energy about him. “Why did one of her entourage strike Amity? Why does it matter if we know?” 

“Because she doesn’t want us to come together?” Ruby suggested quietly. But everyone was quiet in comparison to Theodore.

He gestured so widely, a few of them had to duck. “But why? Because of these so-called Gods of ours that she loathes? No - no. Then why get the relics at all! Why risk it?” He paused in the middle of his floor, turned to them. “I think it’s something else. When we get to Atlas, if Amity is broken apart, then I’m certain of it. She’s afraid of us.”

A few of them met eyes. Qrow was the one to finally ask, hope filling him. “When we get there?”

“Well yeah. I ain’t waiting for her to pick us off next.” He smacked a fist in his palm. “We’re taking this fight to her.”

Shaking off the memory, Qrow took off from his perch, gliding into a hallway and ducking into the first open door he could find. He found space among the dust crates to touch down on the heels of his shoes, yanking the door closed just in case there were any Grimm patrols. 

He read the labels on the boxes until he found the one he wanted, yanking open the one marked fire crystals. His numb hands burned with relief as he touched them, all of them emitting warmth. He took out as many as he could grab, finding an empty spot in the room to lay them out around him. Slowly, his shivers grew less as the air around him heated.

It didn’t take long for him to fall asleep.

~

After taking stock of what dust had survived and lodging a count on his phone, he was back in the sky. Night had fallen while he’d slept, and though any other regular corvid would struggle, Qrow’s eyes had been enchanted to become like an owl’s at night. Between that and the moonless night, he practically blended into the environment while in the air.

As he approached the kingdom, he found even if he was closer to the ground, he’d blend in there as well. The tundra was crawling with Grimm to the point he couldn’t even see the land in some spots - though, noticeably, many were not native and he could tell many were suffering in the cold, their movements sluggish and uncoordinated. Yet, whatever army was surrounding the city didn’t compare to the Kingdom itself. The dome-like shield that had been erected to protect the two cities was covered end to end by Grimm. Some had been laying there so long, they were covered in mounds of snow. 

They were keeping the sun out, which wasn’t healthy for the plants - or the people.

He cycled the sky a few more times, picking out as much visual information as he could to take back with him - particularly the massive whale Grimm resting like a cumulonimbus cloud across the southern mountain tops - before he honed in on one of the watchtowers that had been set around Mantle. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was the only one left standing.

A sentry in the form of a Nevermore was perched on the angled rooftop, beak tucked into its wing as it slept. Qrow’s landing on the metal bars outside of the communication center was nearly silent and it didn’t stir. He stayed there for several long minutes, chanting an old rhyme from his days of living out in the forest - ‘You don’t see me, I’m not here; You don’t see me, nothing to fear’ - until his heart was calm enough to touch down on the balcony, tip-toeing on socked feet to the entrance. 

He slowly pulled open the door, just enough to slip inside, and shut it behind him with barely a click. There were a few chairs and a communications console against the far wall, the hanging radio implying someone without Atlas’ code of orderliness had used it recently. Someone making bargains. 

He bypassed it entirely, stuffing himself underneath the console to keep out of sight, knees practically touching the top of the desk. Once situated, he tapped the communicator in his ear that Marrow had loaned him, and said as loud as he dared, “Clover? You there?”

It seemed a lifetime before he heard the crackle. “Qrow?!” 

Try as he might, his heart jumped at the sound of that voice he hadn’t heard in three months. He heard the scrape of claws overhead.

“-You okay? Where are-” Clover was continuing on.

“Sssh.” He whispered hurriedly. “Sorry Clubs, not in a good place. You just need to listen.”

He pulled out his scroll, laying it out flat. He then set the communicator by the speaker.

A second later he was a bird again, using his body to shield the scroll from sight. Just in time, as the massive head of the Nevermore peeked into the Watchtower, the beady eye of his Grimm cousin scanning the room for anything unusual. 

Qrow shut his eyes and nestled down further into the shadows of the desk, willing himself to disappear. 

Though it was only minutes, it felt like it eternity before it stopped hopping around to check through the windows. 

In the communicator too soft to be heard, Clover was calling, “Qrow? Qrow?? Stardust, please tell me you’re okay.”

Qrow breathed deeply, making a rattly, clicking noise from deep in his chest - a noise quiet enough not to echo but loud enough to get picked up on.

“I’ll… uh… take that as a yes.”

If he could have, he might have laughed. He lifted off his scroll and tapped it with his beak to start the video he’d pulled up. It was on the lowest volume, practically a murmur, so he picked up the communicator in his beak and set it right over the speaker.

“Hello, this is Professor Theodore. If you’re hearing this, then Qrow made it in range to deliver this message. As I understand it, I should be speaking to Captain Clover Ebi - all of this information I need you to deliver to James Ironwood promptly. We’re on the north side of the continent and will be mobilizing as soon as we know what the current situation is.”

Qrow settled in as the recording continued, eyes falling shut as it droned on. A lot of it was semantics, things about their army size, vehicle force, dust supply, general weapons overview and so on. Even Theo had sounded bored reporting it, more of a man of action than a diplomat.

Yet, he had no doubt Clover was taking dutiful notes if his muted yell of, “Pen, now!” was anything to go by.

He peeked an eye open as it started to wind down, Theo ending with, “If there is anything you wish for Qrow to deliver back to us, speak. He’ll be able to hear. Let James know - let all of Solitas know - that Vacuo is with you. Long live the people of Remnant!”

The message ended and his scroll went dark.

There was a long stretch of silence as the soldier no doubt considered the information he needed to share with their ally.

Then Clover announced, “I love you.”

Qrow squawked. 

He hunkered down immediately after, certain the echo would attract attention, but there was hardly a peep above him. He tapped at the communicator with his beak in annoyance. You stupid, beautiful jerk! Now is not the time to give me a heart attack!

“Don’t take that one back with you, eh?” He was laughing away. “I just… before this all happens, I wanted to tell you.” Qrow froze in his assault. Unhindered, Clover continued adoringly, “I knew it since that last night we had together on the rooftop. And when this is all over, my new mission will be to show that to you every day. If you’ll have me?”

He sat there, overwhelmed with the bold declaration. 

How did they even get here, with how things had left off? With all the things still hanging, left in the rafters to discuss? 

Wasn’t this too fast? 

Too sudden? 

Too likely driven by the tumultuous situation?

Most importantly, why was he sitting here mulling it over, when he already knew what he wanted?

He shut his eyes and sighed through the nares of his beak. 

Then, in the same cadence as before, he gave another rattly click. 

The best yes he could give.

The smile in Clover’s voice told him he understood perfectly, “I’m holding you to that.” Breathed in, breathed out - then suddenly, he was talking with Captain Ebi. “Alright Qrow, this is our current situation.”

He listened carefully to every word, committing it to memory. 

Ten minutes later, he was slipping back out the door, soaring away on silent wings.

~

The first sign of their attack had been the V-formation of a half dozen white Lancers swooping over the eastern mountains at the break of dawn, dropping crates of fire dust across the ridges. The chain of explosions caused a massive avalanche that dropped across the tundra, burying and crushing Grimm underneath the weight. 

Their second sign came when the swarm moved towards the site, a fleet of flyers coming over the western mountains to bury bullets into their backs before flying across the twin cities to release bombs along the dome. Winged Grimm went after them and they scattered.

With a chunk of land free and the skies clearer, the slower moving airships lumbered forward over the north ridge.

The motors and artillery guns shooting out aerial grimm were loud but Qrow’s heart was louder, pumping shots of adrenaline through his system. From the open cockpit, he could hear reports coming from other pilots. 

“Division 2 has deployed!”

“Division 3, deployed!”

“Division 4 has taken damage! Descent is slow, we’re deploying now!”

“Division 5 took an engine hit! We’re off the mark and abandoning ship now!”

He sucked in a sharp breath. Tried not to dwell on Nora murmuring a mantra to herself across from him “Ren’s in 2, Ren’s in 2, Jaune’s in 6, Ren’s in 2” or the way Yang had started to reflexively open and close the safety on her metal arm. Blake was with Ren and other flighty-semblance types that were going to chip away at the Grimm on the northeastern side and Ruby was in Division 3 with the other light and speedy hitters that would take the northwest side. Division 6 was their immobile team, lying low in the mountains for first aid and reloading purposes. But Division 4 and 5 were in charge of center north, with 4 being their semblance specialists like Glynda and Marrow, and Weiss had been in 5 with the dust-focused users.

They were tough. They were fine.

Before his anxiety could spiral, a voice came over the intercom from their own pilot, “Division 1, standby. We’ll be over the dome in t-minus one minute.”

Beside him, he heard a sigh. Then, Tai was cuffing a fist against his shoulder almost playfully. “Ready?”

It was enough to knock some focus back into him. Smirked back at his brother-in-law. “Better question is, are you?”

Tai grinned. “Just try to keep up, old-timer.”

“I’m nine months younger than you!” For a second, he could pretend they were at Beacon again. That this was just a routine mission in the forests around the city, easy and effortless and fun. That this wasn’t just Tai’s old M.O. of cracking jokes, because if people were laughing and smiling, then the Grimm wouldn’t flock as much to them. “Alright!” Theo shouted from the front of the ship, drawing their eyes towards him. Flanking him on either side were Alexandria and Penny, their maidens. “Everyone, gear up! Sooner we get these Grimm off, sooner we get Atlas to join us in the fight. We’re coming down and hitting this dome hard! You hear me?!”

The returning roar of war cries was deafening.

“Good! Drop us!”

The floor opened up underneath them, and suddenly Qrow was weightless.

The maidens took the first strike, blasts of wind and electricity slamming into the center where they were falling, disintegrating Grimm on impact. Sixty huntsmen and huntresses landed in the open space, turned, and sprinted for the enemy. 

Qrow unfurled Harbinger into scythe mode, taking lead as he swiped in a wide arc at a set of charging Sabyrs, knocking them back into the ones behind them.

Ducked at a piercing whistle as a glowing arrow flew overhead, stabbing the chest of one still tumbling back. It exploded on impact, killing the whole lot. Stood and swung left, cleaving the underside of a Boarbatusk’s jaw. Didn’t flinch as Tai dropped into the space at his right to deliver a brutal roundhouse to a leaping Swift Seizer and shoot off another arrow from Devil’s Grin to fell a swooping Griffon.

“Duck!” He ordered and Tai dropped. He swung Harbinger’s handle around his own neck, the report of the shotgun increasing its velocity to mercilessly rip through the encircling Beowulfs. 

They’d been surrounded so quickly. 

But he didn’t think about it, just kept moving with Tai, clearing as much ground and as many Grimm as possible. Faintly, at times, he could hear the others. A report of Yang’s gauntlets. Whoops from Theodore. The mechanical whistle of Penny’s whirling swords. Explosions from Coco.

Anything else got lost under the snarls of Grimm and the sound of his own blood rushing through his ears.

At some point, he took a hit, a Ursa’s swiping paw knocking him clear across the dome. He rolled and charged back into the fray - but he’d lost sight of Tai. Just keep going. Just keep going. 

He switched from scythe to sword and back more times then he could count, littered the bodies of dozens of Grimm with savage efficiency. 

Eventually, he was joined by a different brawler, the strike from Theodore’s red gloves blowing a hole right through a Beringel’s chest. “We’re thinning it! Keep going!”

Even had he had the air, Qrow wouldn’t have bothered to reply.

It was the sudden series of explosions underneath them, strong enough to shake the shield, that had him crying out, “What was that!?” He shot rounds at encroaching Grimm, looking between their feet at the cities below

Huge sections of Atlas and Mantle were on fire.

“James, talk to me! What happened?!” He heard Theo shout into his communicator. Then, a minute later, “The dust factories?! Who the fuck went for those?! Cin-who!?”

Qrow faltered, gun lowering.

There was a factory… right in the slums.

Clover.

A shoulder knocked against him roughly. The Manticore that was about to take off his head snapped around a bo staff instead.

“Focus!!” Tai shouted at him before kneeing the beast right in the throat. 

As it reeled back, Qrow swung Harbinger’s sword with a vicious snarl, lobbing its head right off. His blood burned with rage. “I’m killing all of these bastards right now!”

“Good! Just keep your head!” Tai slammed his staff through the skull of a centinel. Yelled to the man still on the radio behind them “ Theo, you need cover?!” 

The headmaster hopped back from a strike, hit twice as hard back. “James is moving emergency services already. Nothin’ we can do to help ‘till we get this handled - but less Grimm we drop on them, the better!”

“Then let’s get shearing.” Qrow growled menacingly.

Tai spun Devil’s Grin back into bow form, readying for another team strike. “Lead on Trigger.”

~

They all knew the shield would drop eventually.

There was no warning as to when.

One moment Qrow was cutting down a Ravager. 

The next he was plummeting into the streets of Mantle. 

He transformed on instinct, catching himself on wind currents. Grimm dropped past him, unaware. He cycled the sky, spotting Yang to his left, ricocheting to an apartment complex and catching herself on a fire escape. Watched Nora land on the back of a Teryx. Lost sight of Theo dropping between buildings. Saw Tai pummeling his staff into an Ursa, before using its dissolving body to flip off of and land onto a roof. Qrow dropped beside him.

They were both breathing hard.

“Yang’s okay.” Qrow offered, the second he felt he could speak.

Still gasping, Tai just caught his shoulder, squeezing it tightly in gratitude. 

He pat his hand, turning his eyes skyward. The sun was high, implying it was now late morning. Small mantas were roaring above them in complicated patterns as they moved onto the neglected sides to the south, east and west of the cities, shooting out flying Grimm as they went. Larger airships were already descending over the tundra, dropping troops down into the fray. Atlesian Knights were in the streets, shooting down the stragglers that had come down with them. More lined every inch of Mantle’s wall, some of their guns audible from here.

Atlas had rallied, ready to turn the tide of this war.

“Division 1!” Theo’s voice lit up their scrolls, “I’m sending coordinates to your scrolls. Convene on me. The General’s sending a ship to pick us up and we’re going to move south to join the others.”

No sooner did he finish that order, then a bellowing cry echoed across the city, so loud it rattled the windows in their frames. 

Then, the whale lifted off of the eastern mountains, gliding through the sky and descending onto the towers of the tallest skyscrapers in Atlas. It opened its maw and from it spilled black ichor, filling the streets below.

Qrow stared, horrified.

A delayed beep came from his scroll. “Change of plans. Penny? Get Ruby. Everyone else? Let’s move.”

~

Qrow could feel Harbinger’s weight as he sliced it down into a Deathstalker’s thorax. Could feel the burn in his muscles as he lifted it back up. Pushed on regardless, because if he dropped now, he was dead. It felt too soon to stop - silver light had filled the sky only minutes ago, stoning the whale, but so many Grimm had been spewed into the streets, it was as bad as the dome. 

Worse, because there were people down here.

But, they had lost Alexandria, who had gone after Cinder, who had gone after Penny. Without her, they were flagging fast. He was reaching his limit. They all were. Heard report after report of aura flashes, of breaks. Heard cries as people took real, physical damage. One person’s last scream filled the air, joining the others they’d already lost.

Eventually, it became too much, and Theodore started to yell for a retreat before they all got killed.

As they made their way down an alley, his semblance finally decided to rear its head.

“Watch out!” Tai was the one to shout, tackling his own daughter back as an avalanche of rubble came down, avoiding the burial by inches.

Another huntress by the name of Roane jumped but slipped, the snap of her ankle audible. Her shout was piercing. Nora ran to her side.

If that wasn’t bad enough, now split from everyone else on the other side, they had effectively gone from a team of 45 to just 7.

“Get over the top!” Qrow ordered before whirling to face the Grimm that were squeezing their way into the tight space and rushing down the alley. Without room to move his scythe, he shot until he couldn’t, then just sliced at anything getting in range.

Counted down as he heard the others make the jump.

7 and 6 were Roane and Nora, the grenade launcher resonating across the walls.

He almost took a face full of teeth. Instead the Sabyr got a face full of his fist.

5 and 4 were Coco and her quiet teammate he couldn’t remember the name of, parkouring between the rubble and the walls.

He ducked under a swing of beowulf claws, sliced off its legs at the knees.

3 was Yang, her gauntlet blasts unmistakable.

He didn’t quite get up from his crouch in time to miss the strike of a slithering centinel. An arrow pierced its skull before it could ever make contact.

“Qrow come on!” Tai yelled, just before his bo staff smacked the concrete, vaulting him up and over.

And then it was just him. He blasted Harbinger’s shotgun right in a Sulfur Fish’s face, using the momentum to swing himself backwards onto the rocks. He scrambled a bit on his footing, about to leap - when something caught his eye.

A hulking form was charging right for them, its heavy body crushing everything in its way at a lightning pace.

A Nashorn. Hard-plated overtop like a Boarbatusk but five times more dangerous when on the attack.

The rhino would storm right through the rock wall and trample anyone who hadn’t yet made it out.

Qrow didn’t think. 

Didn’t even hesitate. 

Just screamed, “KEEP GOING!” Before he leapt down to intercept.

Raised his sword at the threat, even knowing his aura was on the edge. That his strength wouldn’t be enough. 

Felt like the entire world was ending as it shook under his feet and for a split second, he was somewhere else, clutching onto a light post and pulling the man who lit up his own life into one last kiss.

Heat prickled in the corners of his eyes - he never meant to make that true.

The last of the Grimm’s brethren were pulverized under the Nashorn’s feet and all that was left was Qrow.

He swung Harbinger and braced for impact.

He never connected.

For shining under the sun, a little sliver of silver swung true, winding around the rhino’s horn and hooked on.

Snneck!

The Nashorn forcibly reared up like a horse, exposing its soft underbelly.

Qrow stabbed it right in the heart.

As the large creature faded into bits of ash and dust, it revealed the man standing at the end of the alley, his shadow casting long as if seeking him.

Qrow felt his heart seize in his chest.

Ears up and eyes bright, Clover grinned, giving him a cheeky, two-fingered salute. “Hey Stardust.”

With wet eyes and a wobbly smile, he replied, “Hey Clubs.”

And despite the world actually ending around them, he never felt more whole.

~

War was awful.

There was probably a more profound way of saying it, but as Qrow limped past rows of beds that held the injured, it was all he could think.

Though they’d won, casualties had wracked up. Injuries even moreso, to the point every hospital and anything that could even be considered a medical facility was already filled to the brim - anyone else who wasn’t critical were shoved into emptied warehouses to be pieced back together with hydrogen peroxide and some bandaids. With supplies finite and staff short, it was the best that could be done. As was typical of his life, he got the shortest stick that could be drawn. He was stuck in an air hangar where there was absolutely no heat circulation, his nurse was a kid who looked like she’d barely finished her first semester of medical school, and the ten inch gash on his thigh was going to be completely sewn together without anesthesia.

When he’d been handed the whiskey instead, he downed the thing so fast he didn’t have time to regret it - with his tolerance levels, didn’t do much to help either.

But at least he got to walk out. The same wasn’t going to be true for a lot of others. 

He tried not to focus on that and instead tuned in to the room around him, loud and busy as workers flittered between the injured and loved ones made space to be with one another. Local comms had gone down sometime during the second phase of their attack, everything from earpieces to scrolls useless for getting in contact. While it hadn’t shaken them too much on the battlefield - all of them had leaders to turn to, commanders to guide them - it was the aftermath that was leaving the populace in shambles, families and friends alike desperate to find each other in the chaos.

But Atlas was, as always, a place of order. Even without their tech, they were quick to turn to more manual means of keeping tallies of everyone, lists of the injured, missing and dead being updated round the clock, pulled from recovered licenses and word of mouth.

It was how Ruby and Blake had found him, his niece practically barrelling into him when she saw he only had a mortal wound. They had their own bruises and cuts, the most notable ones the notch in Blake’s right ear and cut along her forehead where a Teryx’s claws had gotten too close and some rather sizable bite marks on Ruby’s shin from a Beowulf. 

But they were alive and it was all Qrow was going to ask for.

From there, they traded off what little they knew of the rest of their party, which amounted to him telling them that Ren had left an hour ago searching for Nora and anyone else he could find and learning Jaune was working in one of the critical care hospitals looking after the most severely injured. They split from there, Ruby and Blake heading to Schnee Manor, hoping they might at least be able to track down Weiss since it seemed the most logical place to station herself to be found, much as she probably loathed it.

As for Qrow, he fought the crowds to look through the updated rosters and discovered, to his immense relief, a new name had shown up.

So now here he was, looking for a familiar face among the sea of people, hoping to spot that unmistakable shade of straw yellow. As he made his way down another row, a shout of his name had him whirling around.

A glint of sunshine was his only warning before he found himself being barrelled down by one of his nieces for the second time that day.

Her bright blond locks were a grungy mess and her mechanical arm was only partially functional, but as she pulled back to look at him, even with the tears brimming her eyes, the smile was unmistakably all Yang. “Saw that ugly mug of yours across the room, old man.”

He made a show of rolling his eyes, even as he valiantly fought his own emotions threatening to spill over. “Good to see you too, Firecracker.”

“Dad’s over this way.” She tugged his elbow and he let her guide him along the far wall to where the last few rows were. 

It was a long enough trek to regain his composure.

Until he saw Tai, then he completely lost it. Unsure why, when he wasn’t even that hurt.

“Gee,” His brother-in-law tried to lighten the mood as he embraced him, patting his back, “I know the costume isn't great, but it’s not worth getting that upset over.”

“Shut up. You don’t get to make jokes.” Qrow blubbered. (Gods since when was he such a crybaby? Maybe quitting alcohol had a more positive effect then he realized.)

Even with his skull wrapped up tight like a mummy, Tai’s corny smile was as telling as ever, “You saying I don’t have the brain left for it?”

He punched him in the shoulder.

It was the weakest blow he’d ever dealt.

After a minute, Yang squeezed her way onto the cot to hug them both, and for a time, Qrow just allowed himself to feel their warmth and the relief in knowing his tiny family was all still with him.

~

Qrow rapped his knuckles against the door of room 7007 for what must have been the eighth time in three days. 

Waited half a minute, then knocked harder.

Nothing.

His shoulders slumped and he flipped out his scroll in vain. As if the signal would have magically appeared despite the fact the local towers were still broken all over the streets of the twin cities. He knew, perhaps, he was being impatient. They had only found Oscar two hours ago, only had word of mouth to tell them James and Winter were alright, and they still hadn’t seen Marrow - or any of the Aceops, for that matter. 

Certainly not the one Qrow was looking for most. Everyone kept checking the rosters ‘round the clock, and every time, someone came back to tell Qrow his name had still not shown up.

Despite that, or maybe because of it, the urge to track down Clover persisted.

He’d tried scouting by air, flying through the districts by day and cycling their old rooftop spot at night. He’d even gone to the slums - but the impoverished district was a horrific sight of leveled homes and burnt rubble. He left it behind, disturbed and weighted by its eerily silence, as if nothing but the ghosts lingered.

So now he just kept coming back here, hoping beyond hope the other man would eventually return to his quarters and the sight of him could finally settle the anxiety and fear that had gripped onto Qrow like a disease. 

A door shutting from another hallway startled him from his heavy thoughts and he sighed, trudging towards the elevators.

He hadn’t yet turned the corner when someone called to him, “Qrow? Is that you?”

He turned around so fast, he almost gave himself whiplash.

“Hot damn, it is you!” Elm’s smile was toothy as she approached, patting him on the shoulder. It was like being pummeled by a small hammer. “It’s so good to see you.”

“Yeah, you too.” He returned the sentiment, shock warming into relief. It didn’t appear the battles had touched her much, which he’d consider amazing, if he hadn’t known who’d been fighting at her side for the majority of it. “You all good?”

She flexed an arm, grinning. “Ready to go another five rounds with the witch herself.”

Qrow snorted. “I’d like to see that.” He rocked a bit on his heels, the anxiety that had been with him for days clawing up his throat and spilling into his words, “And, the rest of the Ops?”

Her hand was warm and reassuring as it rested on his arm, expression shifting to gentle understanding as she said, “Clover’s fine, Qrow. Didn’t even get so much as a scratch.”

And just like that, the weight that had plagued him for nearly seventy-two hours lifted. He’d held it for so long, he almost collapsed to his knees. “Thank you.” He breathed out. Then, like an afterthought, “For the record, I did want to know about Vine and Harriet too.”

“Well, Hare took a spill, busted up her knee a bit and Vine’s got some bumps and bruises, but both of ‘em were doing well enough to take our mandatory time off.” She must of caught his perplexed expression because she clarified, “General’s orders. We’d been at this whole secret war thing for nearly two years now; so he told us to finally take some time to spend with our families.” She laughed. “Never seen the Captain run outta here so fast.”

Wait. That didn’t make sense. “But… the slums? We all saw it go up in flames.”

“Oh, yeah. That.” Elm rolled her shoulders. “General Ironwood kinda predicted the factories might become a target. We pre-evacuated those areas well before the war started.” She paused, then added with an uncomfortable chortle, “But uh, the slums were evacuated days after we landed. Turns out you can’t shake up a buncha rickety buildings and not expect ‘em to go down. Casualties and injuries were pretty minimal though and we were able to relocate everyone within a few hours.”

Qrow took that in, unable to fathom how terrified and frantic Clover must have been when the reports first came in. Had their situations been reversed, he knew he would have been losing his mind. But the news took an additional weight off, the misery he’d felt steeped in finally loosening its jaws on his heart.

He just… wished he could have been here.

“Do you know where he is now?” Qrow asked, urgence and impatience surging anew.

Sensing that, Elm drew out her scroll, only to roll her eyes in remembrance. “Uh, you know where the Carousel Boutique is?” 

He nodded - it was where he’d gone to purchase the clothes the night of his and Clover’s date. 

“Across from it’s a hotel. Dunno which room his folks are in, but if you ask around, you’ll find your way.” 

It was all he needed. “Thanks! Hate to cut and run but, you know.” He shrugged, not really having an excuse for himself. “See you around soon.”

“Yeah. Of course.”

But as he practically sprinted for the elevator hall, her following call made him pause. 

“Ah, Qrow?”

He paused, looking back, foot bouncing with agitation. “Yeah?”

“It’s just, do you, uh.” She started, hesitated, looking uncertain for several long seconds. Then just shook her head and smiled, a bit too wide to be genuine. “Know what? Nevermind. I’ll ask you some other time.”

He tilted his head, confused, but just nodded.

It wasn’t until he was already heading down that he realized she had been trying to ask him about Marrow.

~

Having traveled as much as he had, Qrow had stayed in a lot of hotels and inns. But, it was almost never necessary in the capital cities of the kingdoms, as there was always someone willing to hole him up for free. So he hadn’t really seen many of Atlas’ lodging options.

Regardless, he wasn’t at all surprised to see the grandiose look of the lobby for The Golden Aspire. There were grand, loping arches with heavily decorated pillars, fancy spiraling staircases leading to upper floors, and shiny marble flooring that reflected the enormous center chandelier, twinkling with its thousands of tiny white lights. It was really all par for the course for the upper class. 

What was certainly more shocking was the congregation of Faunus that seemed to take up the majority of the floor - more in that single room than he’d bet the hotel had ever housed in its entire lifetime.

He weaved his way around the crowd, only to find the registration desk was unattended. He sighed, leaning against the tall desk, craning his neck towards the monitor. Considered how possible it’d be to just slip around the other side and dig around for the room assignments himself.

As was becoming much too common anywhere he went, he heard his name in the air, “Qrow!”

He straightened, turning towards the familiar voice, and sighed in relief as he spotted Marrow making his way over, tail going full speed. “Tch, where you been rookie? You’ve been worrying everyone.”

“Ah, have I? Sorry.” He rocked his head back some, indicating the space behind him. 

Qrow peered past, seeing quite the family taking up space of the majority of the furniture on that side of the room, many holding a resemblance to the man before him. He recognized Maxi among them, crocheting the beginnings of a new tapestry. 

“Ran into my cousin while I was looking around and well, my ma’s got quite the iron grip when she wants to.” Marrow rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “Hope they aren’t too mad.”

Qrow shrugged one shoulder. It wasn’t like he couldn’t understand. “Ah, forget it. I’ll pass the word around. It’s just good to know you’re alright.”

“Well of course!” He placed his hands on his hips, puffing up his chest proudly. “I am an Aceop, after all.”

“You’re such a-” The word show-off got caught in his throat, the man he normally associated with the title pushing back into the forefront of his mind. “Braggart.” He mumbled instead, all humor gone.

The slip didn’t go unnoticed, though Marrow just seemed exasperated. “You just missed the Captain. Went off to Huntington Garden with Nick’s family not ten minutes ago.”

Qrow grimaced, guilt nipping at how transparent he apparently was. “I, uh…”

“Swear you two are gonna drive me up a wall.” He grumbled under his breath before rolling his eyes overdramatically. “Well? Go get him.”

It was all the permission he needed. “Thank you.”

“Yeah, yeah. Don’t mention it. Really, don’t!” Marrow shouted the last part after him as Qrow dashed his way through the crowd and back out the sliding doors.

~

In the center of Atlas’ commercial district stood Solitas’ largest garden. Stone pathways carved a simple cross pattern, sectioning the garden into four quadrants with a statue of the planet in the center. Each section was dedicated to a kingdom and the wildlife thrived among their brethren, from Vacuo’s tall palms and reedy sedges surrounding an oasis-like pond to Atlas’ creeping arctic willows basking underneath evergreen pines. Though they were separated, the quadrants still stood alongside each other, neither harming nor encroaching on one another’s territory. This was how the garden’s name, Huntington, came to be. It was a nod to the academies, and the unity of the gardens was meant to represent the unity of huntsmen and huntresses from all walks of life. 

It was also, perhaps, a space in which travelers could find a bit of home, no matter how far it was.

Qrow looked between Vale’s Forever Falls and Emerald Greens to Mistral’s Golden Fans and Pink Clouds, but he didn’t wonder over the nostalgia of each, just bemoaned that they both were more thickly grown then their counterparts. Atlas and Vacuo both were more sparse and open, easy to see across - so he knew by just a glance that Clover was not within either section.

So he took a guess and turned for home.

Small, brick roads weaved him around swaying trees and rippling fountains, through fields of wildflowers and past artfully carved hedges shaped like animals. Ignored most of the majesty in favor of peering into every populated gazebo and passing by every occupied bench, hoping to see a familiar splotch of white among all the green.

The minutes passed into a half hour and he found himself cycling back to the heart of Vale’s quadrant, where the trees opened up to a small meadow meant to function as an eating area.

His injured leg was protesting painfully and, with a grunt, Qrow dropped longwise onto one of the few vacant picnic table benches, scrubbing a hand through his hair as he looked up at the sky, feeling despondent.

Would be just his luck that he’d guessed wrong.

He could still try Mistral’s side, but he wasn’t sure how far he’d get with his injury flaring like it was. Maybe he could duck behind the ivy-entangled lattices and transform? It would certainly give him a better eye on things. He started to move, intending to get back up, only for discomfort to burn along his thigh and, with a hiss, he carefully rested it back down.

Five minutes, then he’d get going.

He rested his cheek against the wood below him, looking from underneath the table at the meadow beyond, eyes drifting aimlessly over the flora. Lavender-shaded heather and bright dandelions were intersped in the perennial grasses, spreading across the field where adults sat among them, speaking in fervent whispers, brows wrinkled and frowns troubled, juxtaposed by their young kids who wrestled and chased one another, not a care to them.

He turned his head the other way, peering towards the meadow’s edge, where red roses grew under the shade of the Forever Falls and white lilies grew underneath the Emerald Greens. It was clear the designer’s intent was to have a perfect symmetry - but time had emboldened nature to take over, the lilies sprouting between the rose bushes, embraced almost protectively within their thorns, and the wilder branches of the Forever Fall were reaching across the space to entangle into the Emerald Green’s.

Between the trunks of the intertwined trees, he took notice of the stone walls that sectioned off another area of the garden, presumably a scenic terrace for those looking for something more private and cozy. The wooden archway that led within was almost hidden behind hanging jasmine spilling across the top and sweeping so low it nearly touched the ground. Like a secret doorway one might find in a fairytale.

Just underneath where the fronds didn’t quite block out, he could see a young girl of maybe six crawling around on her hands and knees, a white and black spotted tail with a floofy end trailing behind her. Obviously deep in some game of make-believe, she was swiping fiercely at the blue boots of an adult kneeling down in front of her, perhaps envisioning he was a monster she was bravely taking down. Valiantly, the adult fought back by batting her with a couple of cattails that must have been pulled from a nearby pond, the cylindrical ends bouncing harmlessly off her head. It made Qrow chuckle, remembering how he used to do the same with Ruby and Yang when they were that age.

Another set of shoes of another adult came into view, the worn leather coming apart at the sole, a fading flowered sundress sweeping around her ankles. Something must have been said, for the little girl looked up at the woman who was likely her mother and, though he couldn’t hear a word, Qrow could see how she lit up, reaching upwards eagerly by whatever was being proposed.

Dainty hands gathered her up, lifting her out of sight. The little girl’s pretend foe rose to join them, arm moving to reveal the sloping end of a notched belt. A glint of silver hanging from it caught the light and drew Qrow’s eye immediately just before it moved out of sight.

Brief as the glimpse was, the shape of the horseshoe was unmistakable.

His heart stopped.

Then, Qrow was shooting up, sprinting across the field in moments, shout tearing from his throat.

“CLOVER!”

He’d just hit the treeline when a gloved hand emerged from the foliage covering the archway, shoving it to the side.

And there he was. 

Framed by a wreath of star jasmine and trifoliate leaves, Clover looked gorgeous.  

Verdigris green eyes swept over him as if they could not believe what they were seeing, raised ears reflecting the shock on his face. But, slowly, as the reality of the moment sunk in, they both shifted, ears coming down but still arched upwards, mimicking the smile now arching his mouth and sparkling in his eyes. So much joy reflected at the mere sight before him.

It took Qrow’s breath away. 

He was only just getting it back when Clover strode forward with purpose, sweeping him up in a hug so tight and warm, Qrow wouldn’t be forgetting it anytime soon. He wound his arms around him in turn, burying his nose in his neck and just breathed him in, emotions swelling in his chest, heat pricking at the edges of his eyes. Felt the stuttering breath against his chest as Clover struggled with the same.

He wasn’t sure how long it took him to find his voice, but when he did, all he managed to murmur was a soft, “Clover…”

Yet it seemed enough to bring Clover to action, the man breathing out sharply, “Gods, Qrow-” He cut himself off. Pulled back so he could hold his face in his hands. Swept fingers delicately through his hair. “Are you okay? I saw you on the roster - but when I went to the bay, you were already gone.” 

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Just a few stitches.” Qrow rushed to reassure. Then, what he said fully registered, and he started to laugh.

One of Clover’s ears pulled up in exclamation. “What?”

“It’s just - heh. I’ve been looking for you for days. Past hour, I’ve been all over town.” He informed, amused. “Just seems like the beginning of the world’s worst joke: What happens when the luckiest and unluckiest guys alive go looking for each other?” 

Clover blinked, then snorted lightly. The fingers that had continued to sweep through Qrow’s hair slowed, becoming more of a caress. “Maybe…” He leaned down, brushing their foreheads together, offering guilessly, “They find each other at the right time?”

The words gave him pause, considering them for what they really meant. He wondered, had he met Clover years back, how things might have turned out. Would his younger self have been as observant as he was today? As honest? As tolerant? As open to listening, instead of just asserting his own opinions?

The further back he scaled himself, the less and less those answers became a yes, until they weren’t there at all. 

“Guess we did.” Qrow decided finally. 

He knew the man who once started petty, immature fights in courtyards and recklessly drunk himself to oblivion in bars and the man he was now, sober, softer, and more compassionate, would never quite meet again. 

He wouldn’t miss him.

Because that him…

“Clover?”

“Mm?”

“There’s something I meant to tell you, back when I radioed in.” 

“What is it?”

That him would never have even considered to welcome the devotion Clover was so freely giving. 

Would never have even tried to take care of it, the way he wanted to with his whole heart today. 

Would never of even had the guts to say-

“I love you too.”

Caught off guard, Clover only stared, jaw unhinging but wordless from shock.

Qrow smiled up at him. “And I’m going to show you every day too.” His smile turned into a smirk. “If you think you can handle me, I mean.”

That broke the spell. “Oh - you! Come here!”

A hand cupped the back of his neck, dragging him into a kiss that had Qrow seeing stars.

When they parted, he couldn’t help the cheeky, “That a yes?”

Clover leaned in, the playful tug of his hair as thrilling as the whisper in his ear, “You’ll have to handle me first, Stardust.”

“I can do that.” He murmured huskily. Turned his head to kiss him again.

Before it could turn heated, an excited, youthful shout from somewhere in the terrace broke them apart and hitched up Clover’s ears. 

“Unkkie Covvie, hurry! Der are fishies!”

Qrow barely withheld a chuckle, eyebrow raising some. “Unkkie Covvie?”

“Unofficially. Honorary Uncle of three now, actually.” Clover explained, still profusely proud. His left hand skimmed over Qrow’s, offering but not taking. Hesitant, but hopeful. “Would you… like to meet them?”

There was no unwillingness in the way he reached in turn, fingers slipping in between Clover’s securely. “Absolutely.”

That all-over joy was back, Clover positively beaming. 

And with a tug of their joined hands, Qrow allowed himself to be pulled through the doorway and into Clover’s world.

[jadekitty777]

The Emotionalist: Chapter 4

Late, who’s late? Certainly not me.

I certainly didn’t just put the finishing touches on this chapter today or anything.

I’m going to continue to encourage reading this off A03 since my formatting is all messed up lol (I wonder how differently it reads without all the bolds and italics)

Prompt for Day 5: Magic

Rating: T

Word Count: 2K

Summary: Clover Ebi was a huntsman who, like most Atlesian soldiers, hid most of his emotions behind a mask of calm professionalism. That is, unless, one knew where to look. And Qrow looked a lot.

Or, 5 times Qrow learned to read Clover’s mood not from his face, but from his ears. [An adjacent story to Hunting Season Hunting Season; events from Qrow’s POV]

Ao3 Link: Shaking Like a Leaf

~

The horizon was black.

In all his years, Qrow had never seen a horde so large before. So many Grimm, not even a bit of the stars could be seen, blotted out end-to-end by writhing, rolling masses of dark creatures, broken only by bits of stark white bone and glowing red eyes.

Even miles away, it was terrifying to behold.

A strong gust threatened to topple him from the mountain he perched on - so he shifted from his feathers, sinking knee deep into snow as he yanked out his scroll and took a picture before sending it off to everyone with a warning.

Seventy miles south and moving fast. Whatever we’re doing, we better do it now.

He could see Ruby beginning to reply, but another gale hit stronger than the last, his already taxed aura worryingly bending. He couldn’t wait and shifted back before flying for the kingdom.

He just had to trust that the plan would pull through.

~

In the light of the rising sun, he could see it well before he hit the city’s limits.

Atlas was moving.

The little heart in his feathered breastbone thundered, roaring blood in his head as he soared above the tattered streets of Mantle, the signs of the last attack seen all over in the red streaked sidewalks and cooling bodies that had yet to be collected. A massacre despite their best efforts - and one that would only worsen if they chose wrong.

Was this it? Was giving up the only way? Would any of them be able to live with the weight if they did? Would they be able to live with it if they didn’t? How could they choose between a city and the entire world - as if lives were only significant in their numbers, not their substance? 

How did Oz make these choices for so many lifetimes? 

How was James making it now? 

…Clover?

So distracted he was by his own thoughts, he didn’t notice what was broadcasting on the screens until he passed the third one. 

Harriet’s expression was a mixture of calm and urgent, “-Don’t know how the quakes will affect Mantle, so we are asking everyone to stay inside and to not panic. Stay away from heavy appliances and take any objects down nearby that may fall on you. If you can not get to shelter, find the largest clearing you can. Emergency vehicles are already on standby to-”

It kept going, but Qrow tuned it out as understanding dawned.

Atlas wasn’t flying away - it was landing.

Feathers burst around him as he dropped to a rooftop, stumbling a bit on his feet as his knees threatened to buckle. He was so exhausted, he was all but ready to collapse. Flying at top speed for nearly two hours tested even his limits; but after a heavy fight and no sleep? It was a wonder he was conscious.

Not that he’d have time to sleep if that Grimm horde he’d outpaced caught up before they could finish.

Taking time to catch his breath, Qrow pulled out his scroll. 

There were several missed calls, a few voicemails and a flood of messages. Some from Ruby. Most from Clover.

He opened his niece’s first and though he was expecting it, the very first one really did have him falling to his knees.

Clover found them! 

It was the only thing he could see for a full minute, taking in that sheer miracle. 

Thank Gods. 

Thank Gods. 

After the disaster that was Beacon, after the battle at Haven that was lost in the many who had already perished before they’d ever even arrived, after the terrible certainty that had settled in his mind that Mantle would just be another sacrifice in this war they didn’t know how to win…

Finally something was going right.

Laughter convulsed from him almost beyond control and for a split second, he wished he hadn’t given up drinking. He would have been celebrating this one so long, he would have emptied the damn brewery himself.

When he finally did manage to get some control over himself to roll his eyes downwards, he read over the few other updates Ruby had given him.

Neo was trying to escape at the train station.

Oscar’s hurt but he’ll be okay.

The General has Penny getting the relic back to us. We’re figuring out what to do now.

Then, almost a half hour later:

Uh uncle, did you not tell Clover about the bird thing?

He was freaking out about you not answering. 

I might have told him by accident.

…Oops?

A chuckle burst out of him. Twenty years he’d kept that secret under tight wraps - and in twenty minutes his niece had undone it.

Ruby’s messages ended there, so he switched over to Clover’s, wondering if he’d be mad.  They trickled in slowly at first, but grew more frequent and panicked as time went on.

You must still be out of range. Call me when you can.

A quarter of an hour later, Qrow? Hey if you get this ask the pilots to turn on the signal booster.

Another ten from there, Qrow where are you?! I just checked with Air Control and they told me no Mantas have been dispatched or are in the airspace for return.

But that can’t be right.

Are you okay? 

Did you fall asleep?

Qrow? Please answer me.

Qrow!

He felt a little guilty, seeing how worried he was, but it was entirely understated by the exact moment Clover found out the truth, just two minutes later.

YOU CAN TURN INTO A WHAT?!

There was a short stretch of time between that yell and his next correspondence, though it was hard to tell if it was from coming to terms with the discovery or simply from distraction.

Okay, okay. We can talk about it later. 

Not sure if you’ll read these, but I’ll get you caught up.

Qrow did read them, every last one.

A few minutes later, he took flight once more.

~

A lot had happened in just two hours.

Cinder had fled.

Neo was incarcerated.

Fria had passed away and Penny was now the winter maiden.

Oscar was in the hospital.

Winter was in the hospital.

James and Ruby had used Creation to restructure the steering mechanism so that they could guide the city back to the ground. Once it landed, it would stand astride Mantle, instead of above it. 

The entirety of the lower section of Atlas which housed the military command center and other facilities that wouldn’t be surviving the drop had been evacuated. 

It all seemed too perfect to be true - even the plan to cover the twin cities in an unbreakable shield once Atlas settled seemed foolproof. 

It was the objective in-between those two things that had Qrow flying faster than he ever had before.

You need to get back here. Clover had written, sounding almost frantic. They’re going to create a doorway to Vacuo. James is positive Salem’ll stay here, try to starve us out. So we’re sending a team to Shade to rally up an army so we can pincer her in.

RWBY and JNR volunteered. Marrow and Penny are going too.

You need to hurry. 

We won’t have much time between the two creations to do this once we land and if you miss it, we aren’t allowed to make it again.

Qrow rocketed around skyscrapers, the structures shaking around him as the land continued to shift, a constant, terrifying rumble booming back at him. The noise was pierced by his own caw of exult as he made it through the business district and a familiar towering building came into view. A straight shot to Atlas Academy.

He dove at an angle, picking up speed and clearing most of the distance in moments.

As he pulled up, intending to glide right through the open door, a very familiar person clinging to a lamppost caught his eye.

Though he knew he shouldn’t risk it, he cycled back and dove again, transforming as the cobblestones rushed to meet him.

The second his feet were on the ground, he felt the quaking under his feet, shaking up through his bones. He wheeled his arms, practically dancing on his toes as he lumbered about for balance.

“Qrow?!” Clover gaped, but Qrow knew it had nothing to do with his graceless landing.

He managed to stumble forward, catching onto the post as well.

“You really can transform.”

Even now, with the earth threatening to break apart underneath them and the clock ticking, Qrow couldn’t help but study the other man. Usually when alert, his ears would be up and forward, but right now, perhaps because of the cacophony around them, they were in the opposite position, down and slanted back like the wings of a cockatiel. It was familiar but one he couldn’t place when he’d seen it before.

“It’s a long story!” He readjusted his grip, fingers curling partway over one of Clover’s hands. “What are you doing out here?”

Eyes widening, Clover wrenched his gaze back to the sky as if remembering himself. “Keeping an eye out. If anyone interrupts now, we’ll all be in trouble. We think the one that escaped, the maiden, went south to meet up with Salem.”

“She didn’t.” Qrow scowled. “I would have seen her. She’s still here somewhere.”

The fingers under his flexed before relaxing. “Licking her wounds I bet. Don’t worry about it, we’ll handle it.” Shadows from Mantle’s tallest buildings were starting to cast along the ground. Clover stole a glance, brief but meaningful, “You… You need to go, Qrow.” 

He knew that, he did. 

Still…

Qrow rested more of his weight against the lamp post so he could reach out, trailing fingertips along the length of the other’s strong jawline, up to the base of his ear to caress along the soft fur. 

Underneath his touch, they quivered. 

It triggered a flash of a memory. Them fleeing in the streets of Mantle, him pulling the other huntsman to a stop, a tattered restaurant and angry mob behind them. Clover, standing tall and speaking evenly with Marrow, even as his ears folded back like wings and shook with terror. 

“It’s so loud out here.” Clover offered as an excuse as if he really thought Qrow would buy that.

Maybe he knew, actually, that he wasn’t fooled at all.

“Feels almost like the world’s ending.” Qrow declared before he tugged him into a kiss.

He wasn’t talking about the shaking.

No more than a millisecond passed before Clover’s fingers were tangling into his hair, pulling them as impossibly close as he dared and kissing him like he wanted to inhale him. 

Like he wanted to keep him.

Qrow felt heat prickle in his eyes then he was trading his grip on the pole for Clover, trusting he’d keep him steady. Kissed him harder. Stroked his hand through his curls, along his ears. Anything he could do so that Clover would never forget this moment.

When they broke apart, it felt like a wound, hurting and aching somewhere deep.

“I’ll be back, I swear it.” Qrow promised. He wanted to sob.

Clover hadn’t quite won that war, tears trickling slowly down his face. “I’ll be waiting.” The hand in his hair softened, pulling him forward until their foreheads bumped together affectionately. “Now go.”

Qrow took one second more to drink him in.

Then did one of the worst things he ever had to do in his life.

He walked away.

[jadekitty777]

The Emotionalist: Chapter 3

I’ma be honest, I just found out that copying and pasting to tumblr is not saving my bold and italics. I’m too lazy to fix it, so uh, I recommend reading these chapters on A03 lol Particularly this one which is text heavy.

Prompt for Day 4: Sick

Rating: T

Word Count: 5K

Summary: Clover Ebi was a huntsman who, like most Atlesian soldiers, hid most of his emotions behind a mask of calm professionalism. That is, unless, one knew where to look. And Qrow looked a lot.

Or, 5 times Qrow learned to read Clover’s mood not from his face, but from his ears. [An adjacent story to Hunting Season Hunting Season; events from Qrow’s POV]

Ao3 Link: Burning like the Sun

~

Did you get the day off too?

Qrow leaned against the wall beside the Aceops office, left leg propped on the wall behind him and beating a staccato rhythm while he tapped a message back to his eldest niece. Yeah. Ol’ Jimmy has a heart after all. Got plans?

FNKI invited us out to a club. She replied. Rubes and Weiss aren’t interested but Blake and I are going. 

He arched an eyebrow, snorting. Try not to blow this one up firecracker. 🔥🔥🔥🔥

IT WAS ONE TIME! 

He could practically imagine the way Yang was fuming. 

Another ping only moments later, Anyways, what are you gonna do?

Things. He thumbed out, eyes drifting down the hall. Still empty.

He didn’t look away until another ping chimed for his attention.

…Responsible things?

He started to type out one of his typical answers, something that fit the blasé and uncaring attitude he often pulled with his niece. He had a dozen he used on any occasion, but some of his favorites were ‘Responsible people don’t have fun’ or ‘Ain’t my style’.

Then he paused and wondered at the ellipses his brash and impulsive niece never used in her texting and wondered if this question was more serious than he was used to.

He didn’t have to think hard to figure out why it was there.

Swallowing guilt, he told her a half-truth instead of an uncaring dismissal. If you must know, I have a date.

That certainly started some sort of implosion, as he saw his niece start and stop typing for several moments. 

Then, nothing except a big long pause.

Qrow realized he should be worried when a reply finally came in a burst of yellow text drawing itself along his screen:

Congratulations Old Man!

His shoulders shook to contain his laughter. I think my eyeballs just exploded. Then, with a huff, added, And don’t call me old.

You’ll survive. She quipped right back. After firing off a few annoying emojis his way, she finally said, Figured something was going on between you and Mr. Prince of the Forest.

Any amusement he had left died in his throat. 

Blood burning, he typed back aggressively, Don’t call him that Yang. Ever. That shit’s not okay.

Why are you suddenly mad at me??? Even through text, he could hear her indignation. 

He started to type rapidly, not even double-thinking his harshness  - Gods, she liked Blake for maiden’s sake! - but before he could even finish, her next reply stopped him cold.

That's what you called him!

No I didn’t, He defended back immediately. Sure he didn’t used to be the most sensitive about Faunus discrimination. There were definitely things he’d said or did in his youth that he wasn’t proud of, with his jeering tribemates egging him on. And because he was an idiot so desperate for approval, he hurt a lot of people who never deserved it - but that was a long time ago, and he’d grown up a lot since he’d left his old life behind and better people opened his eyes.

But, his niece was swiftly proving that false, pings coming back quick and short,

Um yeah. You did.

Like two days after the whole arrest bs

During breakfast

I mean you were kinda rough but 

Yeah

As the words drilled into his skull, they reached into his brain, pulling out a foggy memory. 

He hadn’t been… great when he first stopped drinking. Better than most, aura was a blessing sometimes, but he knew detoxing threw him for a loop. It was why he often preferred not to.

But with James not willing to put them onto the field until they at least settled in and the kids got their weapons fixed up - not even him - it had left Qrow with little to do but ride the waves of sicknesses and nausea.

Still, he had made an effort to join the kids for breakfast, even if he couldn’t stomach it. It was important they knew - well, that Yang and Ruby knew - that he was still trying.

Those first few days were always the worst though, leaving him sweaty and shaky and just all around in a piss-poor mood. That day in particular, he recalled having just come off from one of the worst sleeps of his life. First at the table but slumped over it and clutching his cup of undrinkable coffee like a lifeline.

Yet Ruby joined him as if it was just another Tuesday. 

And the small exchange he’d completely forgotten about surfaced like an oil spill on the ocean, black and poisonous:

“Hey, hey Uncle Qrow!” Ruby said enthusiastically, “Penny told us that when we get our weapons back, the Aceops want to take us all out on a mission together. Doesn’t that sound great?”

He scoffed, saying loud enough he knew every single person heard every single last one of his damn words, “Oh great, can’t wait for a prance through the frozen wastelands with Mr. Prince of the Forest and all his little woodland friends.”

He couldn’t recall exactly how anyone responded beyond a few uncomfortable laughs before the subject was quickly changed. 

He especially didn’t know what Blake’s had been - he had never looked up.

“Fuck.” He hissed to himself, smacking his head back on the wall. 

He… owed her an apology.

But first he had to fix something else. 

He forced his eyes back onto his scroll, his turn to rapidfire back replies.

Well I shouldn’t have.

If I ever say anything like that again, about ANY Faunus, punch me in the face. 

As hard as you can. 

I want to go through the WALL.

Got it?

He watched the little drawing quill dance as his niece started to reply but never let her get there as he asked, Why are you repeating me anyways? 

The quill didn’t come back.

His scroll went dark, then black.

“Qrow?”

He jumped, almost dropping the device. Looked up and around, to see Clover standing just a few paces away, eyebrow raised. His arms were relaxed at his sides, his own scroll held limp in his hand. But through the transparent display, he could see the polls newscast rolling, sound probably feeding directly into Clover’s communicator.

The sight of his ears, still in the near-permanent droop they’d fallen into since the start of the week, reminded Qrow why he was here.

“H-Hey!” He straightened up, corner of his lip pulling up in a half-smile. “Fancy seeing you here.”

Clover’s eyebrow only hiked higher, looking past him briefly. “At my own office?”

“Uh.” He articulated gracefully. “Yeah well. Figured you’d have the night off like everyone else.”

“I do.” Was the even reply, playfulness starting to glimmer in Clover’s eye. “Which only further doesn’t explain why you’re here though.”

Damn. 

Qrow cleared his throat, trying to save himself by appealing to the clever idiot, “Lucky guess?”

Clover’s ears twitched, raising just a smidge, mimicking the slow smile gracing his handsome face. “Is that so?”

“Of course.” He jutted out a hip, placing a hand on it. “Come on, don’t act like you’re not happy to see me Clubs.”

The slow roll of the other’s eyes on him was heated and absolutely deliberate. “I’m always happy to see you.” The husky promise sent a thrill through him. 

Yet, as fast as the flame was lit, it suddenly burnt out as something Qrow didn’t hear made Clover look down at his scroll, holding it tight enough he was surprised it didn’t break.

His ears had fallen once more.

“Anyways, I was just here to send off a few files Winter requested before I headed to the polls.” Clover’s tone was that clipped professionalism he usually reserved for the field as he walked past, opening up the door. “Did you need something?”

The change of pace took out some of his bluster, but he carried on as he trailed in after the other. “Well, I haven’t had a chance to see the sights lately. Was thinking you could give me a grand tour. Saaaay over dinner? Your choice, my treat?”

The other paused, hand hovering over the power button to his computer as he stared back at Qrow. “Not sure I’ve heard of a lot of tours that happen stationary in a restaurant.” The playfulness was back.

“Clover.” Qrow santured over, hopping onto the corner of his desk. “Come on already. We can even go to your favorite.”

This time he actually chuckled, finally booting up his computer. “I’m afraid my favorite place isn’t really your scene.” Clover glanced at him meaningfully. “Or your crowd.”

He’d guessed as much. 

It said a lot about the soldier and the way he’d been treated over the years that he so quickly was willing to shelter Qrow from experiencing his own culture. He didn’t think it had to do with a lack of pride, but rather a lack of agency in his own position. A Faunus holding such a high rank in the military, being James’ literal right hand, should be something to simply praise for the accomplishment itself. A sign of times truly changing.

But it was obvious from people like Robyn or Jacques, who would so easily use that stance against him, that all Clover could do instead was constantly mock an image of perfection and pureness to the world so that they couldn’t tear him and everything he stood for down.

He was so used to doing that, that it seemed to become almost second nature to hide anything that might come off as ‘troublesome’.

Unfortunately for him, Qrow wasn't really into all that rigamarole. He especially wasn’t when he wanted this to work so badly - the conversation they’d had two weeks ago about his insecurities over his semblance had only solidified that in his mind. What started out as just a bit of flirting and mutual attraction had turned into so much more. Clover was special and inspiring in a way he’d never met before, and he very much wanted to keep him in his life. 

“All I’m hearing is a bunch of excuses.” Qrow went in for the kill, leaning over the desk and dragging a hand through his own hair, disheveling it purposely as he put on his best smirk. “Come on Clover, take me out for a night on the town.”

Hook, line and sinker. Clover’s breath caught, eyes darting between his eyes and his lips, giving in with a simple, “I suppose dinner does sound nice. How ‘bout you meet me at the helipad docks at 6?”

Yes! Qrow did a mental victory dance, slipping off the desk. “You got it Clubs. I’ve got a few things to take care of, but I’ll see you then~”

“Yeah. I’ll be there.” Clover’s bright smile and raised ears was the last thing Qrow saw before the door closed. 

He started down the hall, already looking up locations for a good clothing and cologne store when his phone pinged.

A message from Yang.

He paused, the conversation from before Clover’s arrival coming back in a rush.

Reluctantly,  he tapped over to read it.

I dunno. I guess ‘cause you said it, I thought it was okay.

A hard knot of shame bunched in his stomach as the implications of that fully hit him.

“Shit.”

-

Six o’ clock on the dot, Clover walked into the station. 

Qrow took a mournful moment to admire him. Despite neither of them saying a word, it seemed they’d come to the universal agreement that this was a date.

Clover had dressed down for the occasion, and though he already missed the sleeveless vest, Clover filled out the dark green turtleneck rather prettily. His pants were black and framed shapely thighs. Kingfisher was still hitched to his hip and the leather belt it was attached to had a buckle with a shamrock printed on.

And, of course, completely for Qrow’s benefit, he wore a single chain drop earring in the tip of his right ear, a set of silver feathers that hung at the bottom tinging together anytime he moved.

As he drew close, Qrow could smell the cologne he wore. 

“Hey.” Clover breathed, eyes rolling over him shamelessly. “You look great.”

He glanced down, almost forgetting himself. He’d kept it simple, going for a pair of charcoal gray pants and matching it with a black dress shirt that had a red and white floral design on the inside of his collar and the rolls of the sleeves. He’d dug out his old necklace, the little cross settled over his heart.

But where he’d really gone all out was his nails - colored with a polish so dark blue it was almost black, with little silver confetti stars pressed over top with a clear coat. They caught the light nicely, little constellations twinkling along his hands.

The question on why he bothered with the effort still escaped him when he was about to ruin everything.

“Not as good as you, Clubs.” He tried anyways, even though his heart wasn’t in it.

Clover picked up on it immediately, one ear raising up like an exclamation as he asked, “You alright? If you’re having second thoughts-”

“No.” He cut him off quickly, not wanting Clover to think for a second it was about that. “But you might in a minute. I just… need to come clean about something.”

“Okay?” 

Clover only seemed further confused as Qrow handed over his scroll. “Read it. Next page too.” He mumbled.

They were just screenshots of the tail end of his conversation with Yang, starting from the damning slur to her last words to him.

Clover was quiet as he read it, eyebrows twisting down somewhat as he swiped to the next picture. Swiped back and read it again. Neither his face nor his ears were giving anything away, as if he was completely frozen.

Qrow felt his anxiety fester the longer he just stood there, staring at it. Eventually it grew to be too much, and he blurted out, “I’m really sorry.” 

Clover looked up at him.

On instinct, he looked away, then forced his eyes back. Look at him damnit! 

“I-I know that doesn’t make up for it. But you had the right to know.” He explained hastily and then he waited for whatever punishment was coming.

He mostly expected a punch to the face.

What he wasn’t expecting was for Clover to just blink and hand back his scroll with a calm, “That’s it?”

Excuse him - WHAT?!

His shock must have been evident, because the other man continued, “Qrow you’re not the first person to relegate me to deer-focused idioms.”

“Doesn’t mean I shoulda fucking said it.”

A sigh. “No, you shouldn’t have. But, and take this as nicely as you can - I’m not surprised that you’re kind of a total asshole to people you first meet.”

Qrow winced, but didn’t deny it. He could sweet talk like the best of them when he needed to, but on a general day-to-day? Especially with Atlas folk? Yeah, he wasn’t exactly Mr. Nice Guy.

Still…

“Clover, don’t make excuses for me.”

“I’m not.” He insisted, placing a hand on Qrow’s shoulder. “Look, listen to me, okay? I understand that you’re human and that you probably grew up with a lot of racists throughout your life. I’m not about to hold you up on a pedestal above everyone else. This stuff is complicated and more terrifyingly systematic than even I like to think about most days.” His fingers squeezed, just slightly. “But that’s not the important thing. You want to know what is?”

Qrow thought it over, shrugging a bit. “That I... was honest?”

“No. Well yes, but no. It’s that you understand it’s wrong and are willing to change it. Most people don’t give me that kind of respect.” He insisted, pulling back to rest his hand on his hip. “You know what happened when I told my last boyfriend I didn’t like him calling me ‘Fawny’? He got mad at me, asked why I was being ‘so uptight’ about it. And when I explained, he claimed I was just being dramatic.” Clover rolled his eyes, spitting out, “Fucking asshole.”

Even though it sounded truly awful, it was odd that he actually felt lighter at hearing that - but Clover tended to have that effect on him. Somehow, he always saw the best in him.

Well. Mostly.

“Didn’t you just call me an asshole, like, two sentences ago?” Qrow teased.

He waved him away. “Yeah but you’re like a general asshole, not a calculated one.”

“And that’s better?”

“Will you let me compliment you already?”

“That was a compliment?!” He mock-cried.

To his surprise, Clover burst out laughing.

It was a really nice sound, and he couldn’t help but join in. 

As it petered out, the two of them sharing smiles, Qrow admitted cautiously, “I’m really surprised you’re not mad at me.”

“Trust me Qrow. When I’m angry, you’ll know.” That promise sounded oddly terrifying. Before he could dwell too much on it, Clover pointed to his scroll. “But I think you’re not giving yourself enough credit - again. You know you never needed to tell me this, right? That you could have hid it forever, and I probably never would have found out.” He met his gaze, sincere and kind as he said, “The fact you did despite that says a lot more about the good in your character than I think you realize.”

Qrow’s eyes widened, a flush of warmth rushing through him. He might have been swooning. He was definitely blushing. “Clover…”

The soldier just seemed pleased with himself. Then a chime from the itinerary display went off, and his ear perked up before his eyes followed it. “Our flight’s ready.” He jabbed a thumb towards the loading station, giving him a wink. “What say we get outta here?”

Utterly enchanted, there really was only one answer to that. “Lead the way Clubs.”

-

The Dog Pan was a hole in the wall kind of place, right in the center of Mantle’s lower end district. It wasn’t quite the slums, but it was clear the side of town had seen better, with broken out windows and graffiti on most walls. 

Yet, the moment they walked in, he could immediately feel the closeness and community that seemed to radiate from the very core. The windows had top curtains with little leaping dogs weaved out of yarn and privacy blinds made of bed sheets with colorful designs. They matched well with the walls where, in place of traditional pictures, were long, flowing, multi-colored tapestries with beaded ends. One of them depicted the God of Animals, another the Shallow Sea and the island of Unitas it banked. It all looked hand-woven.

The place was also packed to the brim, some of the chairs shoved against tables not matching as if they had been brought in. There was music playing but he could barely hear it over conversation, which seemed unusually loud; yet despite any eared Faunus obviously pinning their ears down, there was still a kind of comradery in the laughter and noise.

“Wow. I figured it’d be nuts but not this crazy!” Clover's own ears had dropped but he was grinning. He glanced at him. “You still sure you’re good?”

Qrow snorted. He used to frequent rave bars at an alarming rate. This was nothing. “You’re gonna have to try harder if you want to scare me off Clubs!”

“Clover!” The shout had them both looking forward, a plump and jolly looking woman weaving her way around the tables towards them. She had a skin tone that reminded him of Marrow and black dog ears that flopped over on the top of her head. As she reached them, she was quick to pull Clover into a hug. “I wasn’t expecting you tonight! You haven’t been around in ages.”

“Good to see you Maxi.” He replied, hugging her back. 

She stepped back, zeroing in on Qrow, curious and welcoming. “And who is this handsome one?”

“This is Qrow, my new field partner.” Clover chuckled, patting his shoulder. 

Taking his cue, he held out a hand. “Nice to meet you.”

She shook it. “You as well darling. So, just you two then? I can’t get you a table, but I do have some room at the end of the bar.”

Clover shot him a questioning look.

He knew she meant a food bar, but it still settled like an itch on his skin. Shaking it off, he assured, “Works for me.”

“Lovely! Follow me.” 

They picked their way carefully through the restaurant to get towards the back, settling into circular seats that creaked and had tears in the leather. The counter was worn and he could see words and symbols carved into the softwood. Maxi took their drink orders and, with her so close to the kitchen, was back within moments with a soda and a pot.

“Gotta say,” She said to them as she poured Qrow’s coffee. “I’m disappointed you didn’t bring my son with you.”

Wait…

“‘Fraid we couldn’t. He’s working security tonight.” Clover explained.

Maxi sighed. “Remind that boy of mine it wouldn’t kill him to see his mother now and again, would you?”

He gave her a two-fingered salute. “Yes, ma’am.”

“You just call when you're ready, dears.” She said before departing to handle some of the other tables.

Qrow leant towards Clover. “So she’s…?”

“Yeah. Marrow’s mom. This is actually how I met him. Saw him stop a whole tray from falling out of his sister’s hands when she tripped.” Clover told him. “I asked him why he wasn’t in the academy, and he told me he was. He just spent all his free time here, bussing tables and cleaning dishes. I knew ever since then that if I ever got a spot on the team, I wanted him on it.”

How exactly a spot ‘opened up’ was left unsaid.

Qrow could probably guess anyways.

“He was a good choice. Kid’s got talent, just needs more steadiness.” He said instead. “So, you’re the only one with the night off?” He knew Elm, Harriet and Vine were all working security for Jacques’ campaign. They’d been specially requested, for obvious reasons. Likewise, Robyn had asked for whoever was left. 

“Perks of being Captain.” Clover joked. “And, James wanted Winter and I on standby.”

“For what?”

“For whatever happens once the polls close. Riots are uh, likely.” His eyes flicked to a TV set in the corner, and though it was inaudible, the picture of Jacques and Robyn on screen, the gap between their percentage ratings narrowing every minute, told them all they needed to know. “Among other things.”

Qrow kinda wanted to shoot it. “Y’know, I was trying to get you away from all that tonight.”

“Oh Qrow, I was always going to look. But,” He slid his hand across the table, the sides of their hands brushing. “At least I’ve got some good company to get me through it.”

Qrow hooked their pinkies together, a silent support.

“Come on, let’s order.”

-

Qrow had never seen a menu with so many post-it notes. The effect of the embargo was clear, as many foods had become too expensive or outright impossible to obtain - but anything with a cheaply grown vegetable, like corn or rice, or an easily obtained meat, like chicken which were bred plentifully or fish which was naturally fished and farmed out of the tundra, were still in supply.

In the end, he took Clover’s suggestion to try the smothered chicken legs.

Baked in gravy and coming with a side of cornbread and mashed potatoes, it was all sinfully good and filling.

He also managed to coax Clover to let him have a bite of his - the fried pike burst with flavor, likely attributed to its freshness. It came with a side of fries. Qrow stole a few of those too, mostly being cheeky about it.

Yet, as dinner carried on, the mood of the restaurant shifted. Conversations became hushed and subdued, a worry rippling through the people. No, a fear. If he strained to listen, he could catch snippets of conversation, whispers of what would happen to families stuck in the slums, of their children in the schools, of their jobs, their very way of living. Even Maxi seemed to hold her tray heavier with every pass, her smiles more strained. More people came in. Few left. It got so crowded, Qrow only had to lean back slightly to touch another person.

Try as he might to keep him distracted, Clover kept glancing at the TV. His ears were low enough, the feathers of his earring were resting against his shoulder.

As the last of the fries disappeared between them, Qrow asked softly, “You want to stay here?”

“‘Til it’s over.”

He nodded, and as their plates were gathered, asked for a refill. Sipped black coffee in one hand while the other slipped over damaged wood to touch Clover’s again. 

After a moment, Clover reached back, nudging under Qrow’s fingers so they slipped over top of his own.

The minutes ticked on. 

The percentages between Schnee and Hill grew smaller and smaller.

47-53.

48-52.

49-51.

At the final second, it hit 50-50.

The whole restaurant had gone dead silent as the polls disappeared, reporter Oliver Sikes taking over the screen. “And there we have it! The polls have officially closed and the final tallies are coming through now. Phew, what a close race. It’ll be just a minute now folks.” He rambled on for a bit more, detailing out the last districts that were decided on and the few they were still waiting on the exact counts from. But like all things in Atlas, his prediction was precise. 

As the sixty second ended, Sikes was announcing, “Oh and here we go, I’m being told the counting is done! And it looks like…”

The polls flashed back on screen.

57-43.

“Jacques has been announced the winner!”

The declaration was like pulling the pin off a grenade, a sudden, explosive roar starting up around them as the restaurant descended into chaos. 

The hand in his had tightened into a vice.

“What the fuck!” Qrow exclaimed. There was no fucking way, with a race that close, that Jacques pulled that much ahead. That meant some of the votes had been falsified. He jerked his head around, spitting, “Clover, that’s - Clover?”

Clover didn’t so much as respond to him, his wide eyes still staring at the screen where Jacques had started his victory speech. His face was completely motionless and impassive.

It was his ears that told Qrow the real story, as they had flipped back horizontally, the entire lengths of them trembling with barely withheld rage.

Just as soon as he’d seen it, it was gone when a furious outcry from the back had them both looking over their shoulders in time to see a man with moose antlers toss his chair. It hurtled its way across the restaurant and slammed right into the TV, shattering it on impact.

Had it been up to him, Qrow would have given the guy a medal.

Clover didn’t seem quite as praising, as he slammed his hands on the counter before climbing up onto it, shouting across to the crowd. “EVERYONE CALM DOWN!” He bellowed. “This is a Faunus-friendly establishment - a piece of our own community! What are you doing wrecking it?!” 

Some people heard it, others didn’t, still arguing and trying to trash the place. 

“No-No, please don’t!” Qrow heard Maxi cry just as one of her tapestries was pulled off the wall. Another person threw a plate on the floor. 

A window cracked.

Sensing things were about to get further dangerous, he hopped the counter while Clover continued to try and appeal to the growing mob. Just as Qrow had managed to usher the sobbing woman through the kitchen door where the rest of her family was, ordering, “Get out the back!” he heard someone’s scream pierce the air that had him whirling around in horror.

“Wait, aren’t you Clover Ebi!? You voted for Schnee! Traitor!”

“Traitor! Traitor!” The mob chanted.

It was like a wave as they surged towards Clover, grabbing at his legs and trying to pull him off the bar. He yelped, grabbing onto a light fixture. It yawned worryingly.

“HEY!” Heart hammering in his chest, Qrow lunged towards Clover, trying to pull him the other way, kicking some of other Faunus back. “Let him go!”

The light fixture snapped but Qrow had just enough leeway to yank him down on the other side of the bar. 

They backed up against the wall as the mob all started to round it and climb over.

He curled a hand around Harbinger’s hilt. Was he really going to have to…?

In the corner of his eye, he saw Clover desperately flick the feathers of his earring.

A second later, an unmistakable siren pierced the air.

Grimm.

Everyone froze.

Then some started to panic, rushing out the doors. Others flung themselves under tables or into the corners. 

Sharing a look, he and Clover moved, using the sudden space to leap onto the tables around the thinning crowd and make it to the exit.

They spilled into the street and started running. The first block was for safety. 

At the second, Clover finally managed to lift his shaking hand to his earpiece, “Marrow, report.”

Qrow grabbed his shoulder, pulling them both to a stop. He could feel the tremors leaking from Clover’s skin.

“Right. Roger. We’re on our way.” Clover dropped his hand to Kingfisher, taking a deep, steadying breath as he unfurled it. “Robyn’s party was attacked. A dozen people are dead and the grimm are flocking to it.”

Qrow gave him one last check over, just to make sure he was really okay, before he unsheathed Harbinger. “Let’s go.”

[jadekitty777]

Love on Borrowed Tai: Chapter 7

I have a more important update today! The long awaited (?) final chapter of the Taiqrow RWBY Pokemon Au... is now complete! It took me a bit longer than I was expecting, but I hope it was well worth it!

Rating: T overall

Word Count: 9k

Summary: Tai’s life was simple. He rescued and rehabilitated injured Pokemon, helping them get back on their feet and back into the world. Then fate decided to throw him a curveball in the form of Qrow Branwen.

He had no idea how to rehabilitate a person… but his natural goodwill, and maybe a speck of loneliness, made him want to try.

~

Qrow was lost in more ways than one. With no home, no job, and his team and himself left severely injured, he finds himself desperately turning to the one man in Alola who could help him.

…A man he’d already met once before, but could never tell him how. [Pokemon AU]

Ao3 Link: Chapter 7

~

Tai couldn't sleep.

The day had been a whirlwind of emotion. They didn't talk much more after the end of the story. It was clear to him Qrow was no longer up for it and he wasn't going to push. Well, not anymore than he already had at least - and it was clear to him now that it had been too much.

Tai's guilt over his own selfish impatience could have filled the Bottomless Sea until it wasn't bottomless anymore.

Somehow, by the miracle of Arceus, he had managed to convince Qrow to return home with him and even let his Pokemon back out. But between Qrow's quiet and bizarrely meek behavior and the way it took no effort to convince him to just take the day off, it was certain something between them had shifted. Something bad.

Qrow wouldn't even look him in the eyes anymore.

So now here he was, sitting on the back porch of the greenhouse in the middle of the night, wallowing in his own self-pity.

"Idiot." Tai whispered, lowering his head until it pressed against the rim of his mug.

"You have your mother's temper, that's for sure." His dad had said once, long ago.

A teenager at the time, Tai couldn't even remember what he was angry about, just that he was, and was willing to take potshots as he scoffed back into the phone. "That why you two split?"

He was surprised by his dad's genuine laughter. "Hah! No. I love that about her. She's a firework of a woman. Kept me on my toes." His amusement petered off soon after. "But that isn't to say it didn't cause us problems. It'll get you into trouble one day too, if you don't learn to rein it in."

Tai wished he had listened to him.

He wished he was still here, so he could talk to him, ask him for advice like he used to.

A swell of sudden remorse caught in his throat. He pushed the palm of his hand against one of his stinging eyes, repeating, "Idiot..."

He might of let go, if not for the creak of the house door swinging open. He jerked his head around.

"Oh." Qrow said quietly, hesitantly, one foot out the threshold, slowly being pulled back. "Uh, I'll just-"

"No!" Tai called and it came out like a croak. He coughed to clear it. "I mean, join me? Please?"

He didn't expect Qrow to take it - wouldn't blame him if he didn't. So he was both surprised and pleased when he instead stepped forward, shutting the door behind himself and Yoraito before meandering his way over. He took a seat next to him, shoulders tense and hunched.

Tai could feel the various stares of the other trainer's Pokemon around the greenhouse watching them. Judging him.

In an effort to spur up some sort of conversation, he held out his mug in offering. "Tea? I, uh, haven't had any of it."

"Oh uh, sure." The hand off was as awkward as their words, but at least Qrow didn't hesitate to take a drink. A second later, his nose wrinkled and he set it beside himself. "Uh, how long ago did you make this?"

Tai had no idea. He didn't even know what time it was. 

Instead of saying that, he blurted out, "Sorry."

"S'no biggy. Ain't picky."

"No, not about that." Tai clarified, "About... everything else. This morning and... how I acted. I completely flew off the handle and that wasn't - I mean I shouldn't of-" He grunted, raking a hand through his hair. Why was this so hard? "Fuck I'm just... so sorry."

At least Qrow was looking at him now. Too bad he only seemed confused. "Don't be. I fucking lied to you."

"That doesn't mean I should... intimidate you." The word felt vile on his tongue. 

He frowned. Turned away. "Yeah well. I deserved it."

For a moment, the words took him off guard. But it didn't take long for his mind to right itself. Of course Qrow would say that. He didn't know if the defeatist attitude had come around from recent events or if it was something that he'd had much sooner in life - either way, Tai knew he couldn't allow it. Not this time.

"No. You didn't. You never did Qrow." When the other started to shake his head, a rebuttal no doubt on the tip of his tongue, Tai cut him off, "No, I mean it. Nothing that day was your fault. I don't think it was anyone's fault."

"But if I had just hit the right button-"

"How did you know you didn't?" Tai challenged. "How do you know it just wasn't too late?" When no response came immediately, he pushed his advantage, "Everyone played a part. Ozpin and Salem trusted their research. You and my family trusted them. But it doesn't sound like any of you wanted what happened to happen. It just... did." He placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently. "And I know it's hard, because you're here and they're not, but that doesn't mean you don't deserve to be here."

Much like this morning, Qrow shucked off his hand, grumbling, "Don't act like you wouldn't of wanted your dad or grandma here."

His thoughts just minutes earlier stung anew.

"Of course I do." Tai agreed. "But not in place of you. Qrow, I'm glad I met you - or well, re-met you, I guess. I enjoy your company and I've really come to-" Like you with the burning intensity of a thousand Moltres, "-Value you as a friend."

Qrow studied him, as if looking for the lie, before he groaned. "Why are you like this? You should hate me! I... kind of wish you would."

"Why?"

"I guess 'cause I want someone to agree with all this fucking mess up here." He waved blindly at his own head. "Doesn't that sound ridiculous?"

"Pff. Well you can forget that. When you're completely ass backwards wrong, you better believe I'm gonna tell you." Tai declared.

Qrow rolled his eyes, "Well thank you for that."

"You're welcome." He chirped with extra cheer.

He considered it a win when the side of Qrow's mouth turned upward ever so slightly.

And for the first time since this morning, he started to feel like they were going to be okay after all.

~

To Tai's surprise, things fell back into relative normalcy quickly. Not in regards to himself, of course; while he'd always been quick to anger, he was just as quick to peace. Keeping grudges was something he'd grown up being told he should never keep lest he wanted his heart in constant turmoil. Besides, even if he had wanted to hold onto it, after learning all he had, how could he?

No, what truly surprised him was Qrow. He'd expected the other man to avoid him at least a few more days or, at the very least, tiptoe around him much like he had when he'd first arrived. But perhaps a bit of Alola's Pono way had touched upon Qrow's consciousness, as by the next morning, he was already back out on the field, crude and rude as ever. 

It was unequivocally a relief to see.

A week later, just shortly after dinner, Qrow even offered softly, "If you still want to ask questions, about your dad or anything... you can."

So Tai did. He started small, a simple question or two every few days. 

"When did you realize it was me?"

"Your signature on the form you gave me, that day in the hospital. Seeing it, and how much you look like Huáng, I knew it wasn't a coincidence. I think that was the first time I really came to grips with what had happened."

"Must of been... a lot."

"Tch, doesn't even cover it buddy."

"I'm sorry you had to face all that alone."

"Yeah well... I did it to myself. Coulda told you ages ago. Only told Shamlocks a few days ago."

"Speaking of which-!"

"Ow! Why'd you pinch me?!"

"That's for telling Clover first!"

But then it became more and before he knew it, entire evenings were spent with Qrow regaling all sorts of tales he and  his estranged family had gotten up too. Most nights it got them laughing, but some got a little more melancholy. 

"Your dad would talk about you a lot."

"Really?"

"Oh yeah, he'd chat up anyone who would stop long enough to go on and on about the great new things you were up to. Hah, I don't think a single person in the office hadn't heard about the day you passed the first Alolan trial."

"Oh Arceus, please tell me you're exaggerating."

"Nooot even a little. He couldn't shut up about how his little Tai-terra was all grown up and soon you were gonna be a man and uh, - hey, are you okay?"

"Y-Yeah! I just - hic - haven't heard that nickname in a long time. Brought back a lot of memories is all."

"..."

"..."

"...Well uh, if it helps any, when he was mad at you, he'd call you his little Tai-terror instead."

"Pff... hahahahaha, of course he did!"

Despite the emotional rollercoasters, there was something safe and comforting about those talks. But, when he was feeling up to it, Qrow was often the one to start asking the hard questions.

"Isn't this weird for you? Seeing me as the same age I was when you were six?"

"I mean, don't take this offensively but I don't actually remember you too well."

"Gee, glad I left an impression."

"If you had, I think things would of been way more complicated right off the bat, don't you?"

"...Yeah I guess so."

"What about you?"

"Mm?"

"Is it weird for you, having known me since I was six?"

"Well, like, you're not really a person that young."

"You're a real advocate for human rights, you know that?"

"I'm just saying! I know logistically you and that mini you are one in the same but, I guess for my own sanity I'm not seeing you like that. Kids that young are blank slates, with pretty basic personalities, but you're, well, Taiyang. Though, I guess, if anything stayed the same it's your kindness. You used to give me flowers all the time." 

"Fairy flowers."

"Huh?"

"I used to think your eyes were the coolest, so I would bring the flowers to you because they were the same color."

"Huh... I take it back, you apparently were always a sap too."

"HEY!"

And sometimes, neither of them were much up for questions, and just wondered aloud instead.

"Even after all this time, I still don't know how I escaped and wound up here. Last thing I can really picture is Dialga's eyes looking down at me. Everything else is just... gone."

"Maybe you slipped through another time thingy?"

"Real scientific conclusion."

"Hush. Though... I wonder..."

"What?"

"The day you arrived, there was an unusual storm. It was like it blew in and then just disappeared. Then Reaper was on Top Carat. I think that's what got you here, somehow."

"Tah! Too bad I can't explain it."

"Maybe we could ask Bart?"

"And have my ears bleed as he chatters himself out to the moon? No thanks."

"Come on, he's not that bad."

"...No, sometimes he's not."

Before they knew it, an entire month had passed.

And the big day had finally arrived.

~

The weather channel was on again.

Tai sighed softly, setting the last of the rinsed dishes in the drying rack and turning off the tap. He whipped the hand towel off the fridge door, patting his hands as he made his way around the kitchen, pretending to look for other things to tidy while discretely staring at the man in the other room.

Qrow was watching the TV gravely, face was lined with so much tension, it crackled along the air like a thundershock. Emerald and Yoraito bookended his thighs, dittoing furry comfort pillows. Something the reporter said made Qrow's eyebrows draw down, and he called, "They're saying the wind's at 8 knots now!" 

This time, when Tai sighed, it was full of affection for this stupid, overdramatic fool. "That's perfect. You might even say... it's a breeze."

That managed to tear the man's gaze from the screen long enough to glare. "I pray a Dusknoir mistakes you for the dead today."

"Sorry, the only Reaper I'll be dealing with today is yours." He shot back, smug.

"Ugh. Hate you so much."

Funny, because he could kiss him right now.

Before he could think to follow through on that crazy impulse, there was a knock on the door.

"Surprise!" Was the greeting waiting for him after he opened the door, Clover smiling widely at him. Leis of all sorts and sizes hung from his arms, decked out enough to stand in for a western region's holiday tree.

A few short feet behind him, Bart poked his head around, waving. "We haven't missed it, have we?"

"No, no, not at all. We only just finished breakfast." Tai ushered the two of them in. "I'm glad you two could make it."

Their presence also managed to finally tear Qrow's gaze away. "You guys really didn't have t-" He paused, arched his brow. "What is all that?"

Clover grinned, holding up the miniature garden with pride. "Good luck charms! You can't have an event like this without them!"

"Why yes! It's a very important ritual of-" Bart piped up, before it was his turn to pause. "Actually I don't know what ritual this is."

Tai chuckled, fussing about the kitchen once more to brew a new pot of coffee. "It's not a ritual exactly. More of a superstition, really. Qrow's Pokemon are all at the end of their recovery programs. They won't need me from here." He turned on the burner. "In Alola, we consider any crossroads between the end of one life and the beginning of a new one to be critical. That's why they say you should always be wearing a good luck charm the moment it happens, because if you step into your new life on the wrong foot, then Tapu Lele will haunt you with your past and bring bad luck upon your new life. Usually it's for things like weddings or job promotions or getting a new Pokemon. I've always considered the end of a Pokemon's journey in my care to be the same. Though," He gave his oldest friend a pointed stare, "Not normally with quite this much fanfare."

In quite the imitation of a Lickilicky, Clover stuck his tongue out at him. 

"Real mature Ebi."

Bart dropped a set of mugs along the counter, eyes alight. "Well I for one find it quite fascinating how much the four Guardians have shaped this region's culture and heritage. Don't you think Qrow?" 

At some point, Qrow had drifted across the room and was inspecting one of the leis critically. "I suppose. Though, you really didn't have to go through all the trouble Clover."

"Oh please, if you think this is bad, you should come to my family's flower shop during tourist season. Now that's a nightmare of trouble." He laughed heartily in return. "And anyways, for all his grousing, it was actually Tai who asked me to make them."

"Oh he did, did he?" 

Tai wasn't sure if the heat he suddenly felt was from the blush on his cheeks or Qrow's sudden gaze.

"Um, I mean." He cleared his throat, trying to pull himself together even as his words tumbled out like a group of Exeggcute down a hill. "It's an important day for you, and uh, everyone! And well, I uh, I want it to go well! Is, is all..."

Any haphazard embarrassment he was feeling quickly melted away at the sight of Qrow's smile. "Thank you."

He felt more confident than ever that today was going to be a perfect day.

As promised, the day was warm with a gentle breeze ruffling the fronds of the trees. Perfect weather for flying. 

Tai looked up at Reaper, perched with anticipation on the roof, watching the progression below her with a hint of impatience. "Only a little longer, I promise Reaper!" He called to her.

With a low trill, she spread her wings and flapped them for the umpteenth time, giving them a flap that had just enough power behind it he could feel the gust, as if she hoped the sign of her disgruntlement would hurry along the show. It was so very much like her trainer, it was almost comical. 

Speaking of...

"We better get this started before she takes off on her own." Qrow said as he came to stand beside him, smile bent crooked from nerves. 

The reassuring response Tai wanted to give fizzled away as he got a gander at the other.

While he'd been in midst of preparations, Clover had been bestowing the leis upon the crowd - which included his and Qrow's Pokemon teams, Bart, Mocha, Kalā and Clover himself. All of them were made of simple deep green Alolan Ti leaves and Hibiscus flowers with alternating yellow and pink blooms. 

But Qrow's was unlike any of theirs - while he still had Ti leaves, his had come from the Red Sister variant. Like the name implied, the shoots were a familiar light red shade that, just like fairy flowers, happened to match the man's eyes perfectly. But what truly caught his attention were the bright red and yellow Chrysanthemums dotted between the bushels. 

Both items too precise to be anything but intentional.

Tai felt his cheeks heat up once more. That was the last time he told Clover anything.

As if called by his thoughts, the sneaky Impidimp approached, announcing, "Luckily for you, we've only got two more to give out."

"Two?" Qrow questioned, pointedly looking at the last one in his hand.

"You'll see." Clover promised, before turning to Tai. "Ready?"

"Of course." Tai dipped his head.

His own lei was delicately placed across his shoulders, Clover avowing, "May this bring you good luck to today's journey," as he draped the ends along his back and across his chest. 

Next to him, Qrow gave a little snort. "We match."

"Almost." Clover's tone was as teasing as his smile, sauntering away with the smugness of a man who was pulling a prank only 50% of his audience was getting. 

Tai straightened up, blinking down. Sure enough, red and yellow Chrysanthemums and Ti leaves that, at first glance, could be mistaken for Red Sister. But the leaves were not nearly as vibrantly reddened, rather they were almost pink, with stripes of laurel green and sunglow yellow cutting through the blade. 

Morning Sunshine.

That settled it. Next Pokemon that came into his care who knew Curse was being sent straight to Clover's house.

"Now to the star of the show!" Clover's voice had risen, loud and clear. He stood closer to the barn, peering up at the fearsome bird atop her throne. "I'm afraid I wasn't able to find enough material to make a lei large enough for you Reaper, so will you allow Kalā to do the honors?"

With all her agitation, Tai almost expected her to disagree. So it was to his surprise that her only response was to lower her head, much like the rest of them had. 

A little shadow dashing forward did the disagreeing for her.

"Bre, Bre, Br-eon!" 

Yoraito's yaps turned into a squeak as Qrow scooped him up under one arm, pinning him to his chest. He clamped a hand around his muzzle, quietening him further. "Hush. She's not gonna hurt her."

A few months ago, weeks ago even, Qrow never would have dared to be so rough. As if he thought he'd irrevocably shatter his eeveelution if he didn't treat him like he was made of the finest porcelain. Actually, he seemed to handle almost everything with an overcautious air about him, whether it be Pokemon or people.

(Even me, Tai mused curiously.)

Maybe it was their talk that did it. Maybe it was the days afterwards that proved the world wouldn't immediately end after things got rough. Maybe it was something else entirely that he had missed. But Qrow had become bolder. Brasher. But also more relaxed. 

It was relieving to see.

"Magical Leaf!"

At Clover's call, Qrow tensed up.

(Though, he still had his hang ups. And that was okay too.)

Tai placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze. 

Before them, the blades along the Leafeon's body began to glow, and with a toss of her head, a volley of leaves burst forward, flying at the corvid. But rather than strike, they seemed to surround Reaper in an array, floating delicately in place.

"Alright Kalā, finish it up with Grass Knot."

"Leee!" Kalā's eyes glowed in response to her master's call, and from the stems and blade tips of the leaves, vines began to grow, reaching out for the one beside it like set of dancers reaching for their partners. Upon touching, the vines tied together, until each one had found a mate and the circle was complete.

The newly formed lei fell into place around Reaper's neck, a faint glow continuing to emit from it.

"Marvelous!" Bart applauded. 

"Wow." Qrow grinned. 

"Um-bre?" Yoraito's gaze was trained on Kalā, the moonlight Pokemon seeming a little moonstruck himself.

Clover turned and gave a bow. "Thank you, thank you!"

"Leaf-e, leaf-e." Kalā echoed in the same boisterous cadence, dipping her own head.

Walking forward, Tai snorted, rolling his eyes at them. "Show offs." Despite his false disgruntlement, his smile was honest as he passed by his friend, offering a sincere, "Thank you."

Clover just winked, before heading off to join the others.

Tai hooked his hands on his hips, tilting his head back to look up at the fearsome bird that had made his barn her home for the past several months. "You ready?"

Reaper's return cry boomed over the field. An overwhelming yes.

Nodding, he glanced over his shoulder. "Liusha!" His Flygon glided over, landing before him.

But when Tai reached for the reins, he backed up. "Hey!" 

He tried again - only for Liusha to flutter back a few steps.

His brow furrowed in confusion. What was he doing?

"What's wro-agh!" Qrow's sudden shout had him whirling around - only to bite his lip on his laughter. 

Sunflower had lifted the man up by the back of his shirt as if he were a newborn Growlith, trotting forward until she was unceremoniously dropping Qrow down in front of him. Tai reached out to steady him.

"Uhh?" Qrow glanced between him and the Arcanine, clearly unsure what to make of this.

But Tai was beginning to get the idea. Pokemon communicated between each other in all sorts of unique and fascinating ways - ways that weren't fully understood, even by researchers. Over the years, he'd learned to lean on his team's guidance, just as much as they leaned on his. So he knew when they were trying to tell him something important.

"Tai, what's up with them?"

"I think they’re letting us know that Reaper wants you up there with her." He answered. Said like that, it seemed so obvious. Even if Tai was the one helping her get better, the bond she had with her trainer would always be something special.

Qrow tipped his head back, looking up at the corvid for a long, quiet moment, before he frowned. "But... we can't. She's not strong enough yet."

He had to stop himself from laughing again, the same bubble of affection he'd felt earlier in the day swelling, leaving his chest feeling floaty. "Not riding her, silly." He reached for Liusha's reins, able to grasp them with ease this time. "With me."

Qrow's gaze found his. 

Held it for three seconds that felt like an eternity.

Then he looked past Tai's shoulder and snarked, "Can he handle that?"

"Fly!!"

"Just get on you jerk."

It only occurred to Tai after they were in the air, hovering level with Reaper's face, Qrow’s hands clutching his shirt like a lifeline, that this was also the first time Qrow had been in the air since he and Reaper had been struck down. 

If all that was whirling through Qrow's head though, none of it came through his voice. Steady and sure as he yelled to his bird, "Reaper! You ready to take the sky back as yours again?"

Her call was even more impressive than the last. 

"Good! Then show me what you're made of!"

Her wings spread, the gleam in her eyes sharp and determined. 

With nothing left to add, Tai led his own mount backwards so they wouldn't get tossed in the blowback. A chorus had started up from below, every pokemon and person in attendance shouting their encouragement as the Corviknight began to flap. Each sweep of her awesome wings stirred the air, the wind draft giving weight to her powerful presence. 

It was no wonder these Pokemon were recognized as one of the masters of the sky. 

And then, with a leap of her claws, she was up!

And then up and up and up, gaining height until she bypassed the furthest she'd been allowed during practice and going well beyond. When she reached an air current that suited her, Reaper pulled in her wings some, canting above them in slow, wide circles.

It was already a promising accomplishment. This was only part of the trial though.

They had her in the air, now they had to make sure she could stay in it.

"Ready?" Tai asked, glancing back to his riding partner. 

Though his grip tightened to a near painful squeeze, Qrow's face was as sharp and determined as his bird's. "Yeah. Do it." 

Nodding once, he turned his face back to the sky, and with a pull of the reins, Liusha was rocketing upwards, pulling even with Reaper within seconds.

"Corvi!" She greeted, her next cycle widening to encompass them. 

"Looking good, girl!" Qrow flattered. "Ready for the next part?"

In answer, Reaper pulled in her wings, whole body twisting midair. Barrel-rolling with more finesse than any jet could ever truly accomplish. 

Tai just laughed as he realized that she was just as much of a grandstander as her trainer. "To Ten Carat! Beat us if you can!" And with that challenge in place, his Flygon swooped down into a soar, the wind whipping their clothes into a frenzy as they picked up speed. 

Reaper's wings audibly cut through the air as she gave several mighty flaps in pursuit. 

He'd crossed this distance a thousand times before, usually to go see Bart. At a leisurely pace, it took ten minutes. But Flygons weren't exactly the Slakoths of the dragon Pokemon world. Even with two passengers, at top speed, Liusha could easily clear it in a third of that time. With how fast the world below was going by underneath them, Tai could tell they were on pace to do so. A glance back told him Reaper was several paces behind but not struggling to keep up. It was clear she was giving it everything she had, but between her heavier weight and bulky form, there wasn't any way the bird could catch up.

It wasn't really meant to be a race, just something to feed into the competitive spirit most Pokemon held. A roundabout bit of motivation that seemed to be working like a charm.

He might have tugged at Qrow. Told him "See? She's got it!" - if not for the fact the man already had his eyes on her, witnessing the marvel for himself.

Really, what words compared to actions anyways? 

Tai could tell Qrow that things would be alright until he was blue in the face - but it was in these moments that the other finally, truly believed it.

Knew for sure he knew it, for when they passed over the mountain's peak and they pulled into a hover, allowing Reaper to go past where it all began and cross over the ocean, and they watched the bird's steel feathers gleam in the sun as she cried her triumph to the sky, it was only then Qrow's grip turned from a clutch into an embrace, voice trembling with emotion as he verbalized a small "Thank you" that seemed to stretch into an endless well of gratitude.

Tai covered one of Qrow's hands with his own in silent acceptance.

~

Reaper's landing was perfect, fluttering down onto the field with the grace to rival an Altaria. 

It was also, perhaps, ill-chosen, as it took but seconds for her to be surrounded by all their combined Pokemon as they chittered, growled, clicked, yipped and barked their glee at her. But rather than be overwhelmed, Reaper drank it all in, chest puffing up proudly.

Qrow was so eager to join in all the festivity, he practically leapt off of Liusha to sprint the short distance over. The Corviknight lowered her head at his approach, Qrow wrapping his arms around her crown, face alight with joy as he spoke obvious praises. With all the sound, Tai couldn't hear a word of it, but did hear Reaper's happy trills.

The whole thing left his heart feeling warm. 

"It seems it was a flawless success." Bart announced as he came over.

"Heh, it sure was." Tai dismounted, watching Liusha fly over to join the others. "I mean, she'll still have some strength training to do from here, work her way up to longer flights and carrying additional weight. But, she'll be able to tackle that on her own." 

Clover was talking animatedly with Qrow and clapping him on the shoulder. Siren was singing a celebratory ballad, voice complimented by Liusha's musical wingbeats. Many of the other Pokemon had started to dance or sway, bopping heads and stomping the ground. Between the gaps of all the feet and paws, he even spotted Yoraito and Kalā sharing a nuzzle.

So much excitement and happiness felt at every corner, his smile became uncontainable. "This is always the best part, seeing one of my rescues graduate."

"Yes, it is quite something." Bart agreed, adjusting his glasses. "Has Qrow decided where he's going from here?"

It was like Tai had thrown himself over Kala’e Cliff all over again, the shock as paralyzing as the plunge into the freezing waters and even more frightening. "I, well, uh... no, we hadn't discussed it."

More truthfully, he had never wanted to ask. Because if he never brought it up, then maybe this new living arrangement he'd come to enjoy far more than he ever thought possible would never have to end.

Maybe even thought, once or twice, that if Qrow stayed, then the heat that had been building between them would finally have a chance to spark.

Tai shook off the thoughts, forcing his smile back in place. "But I'm sure he'll find something that suits him. He's...perseverant like that."

"Is that so?" Bart's gaze was more piercing than his Luxray's x-ray vision. But just when he thought his friend was going to call him on his bullshit, instead he turned away, giving a nod. "Well, if he wishes to continue his work in the scientific field, send him my way. I'm certain the team back in Sinnoh would love to have him." 

He turned his head to hide his grimace. "O-Oh. Yeah... I'll do that."

"Hey!" Clover's sudden shout carried across the field. "What are you two doing? Get over here!"

"Coming!" Bart called. Then to him, quieter, "Though, a word of advice Tai?"

"Mm?"

The historian started to cross over, throwing over his shoulder, "If you want Qrow to stay, you should probably just ask him."

He blinked, looking up from the dandelions he was frowning at, watching him stride away. 

Shifted his eyes, until all he could see was Qrow, laughing openly as Beatrix transformed into a Jynx and made ridiculous kissy faces at the eeveelution pair. But, as if he could sense it, Qrow glanced away, those red eyes Tai had absolutely fallen for finding his. 

He couldn't just ask...

...Could he?

The smile Tai had forced just moments ago suddenly came so easy.

~

Sometimes days, even the good ones, could be exhausting.

They wound down the night as usual - settling in together with a cup of evening tea and playing the television for the hour. Qrow found his spot at one end of the couch, crossing his feet on the coffee table and allowing Emerald to curl up in his lap, running his fingers down her back idly. Tai, on the other end, plucked the remote off the side table and turned on the TV. Between them, one of the other Pokemon usually took the middle cushion - today it was Mercury, nested in the overthrow that was usually on the back of the couch.

The broadcast hadn't even been going for ten minutes before a soft snore had Tai glancing over.

Qrow's head had tipped downward, chest rising and falling in slow intervals. It wasn't the first time he'd fallen asleep like this - in fact, had done so almost every night when he first started helping out at the Daycare. The schedule could be brutal and the work even moreso. Even with all their Pokemon's combined help, there was still a lot of organizing, lifting, and cleaning to be done every day.

But Tai had an inkling that, for once, the day's work had little to do with it.

His eyes flicked down, meeting Hau'oli blue. "Worked himself in a frenzy last night, didn't he?"

Emerald gave a little chirrup that confirmed nothing, before laying her head down on the man's knee, intending on a catnap as well.

He let them sleep, turning back to the show.

Still let them long after it was over, instead tidying up the room and finishing up the dishes from dinner. 

The last plate was finding its way in the drying rack when he heard shuffling footsteps on tile. 

"M'sorry." Qrow said around a yawn, "Miss anything good?"

He shook his head, drying his hands on the towel. "Nah. Mostly filler. They haven't even made it to the Trovita Gym yet."

"Tch, they really wanna drag out this season, don't they? And I'm sure Ash won't even win the league." Qrow scoffed with a roll of his eyes, leaning back against the counter. Emerald took it as an opportunity to hop up behind him, butting her head against his arm until he gave her some obligatory chin scratches.

Tai watched them, leaning back against the opposite counter. Took a deep breath. Here we go. "You know, I've been thinking..."

"Hm?"

"Emerald's Graduation Day seems to be coming soon too. Though, it depends entirely on you."

Qrow arched a brow. "...Meaning?"

"Wellll..." He stretched out, unable to keep the grin off his face, "If you were to adopt her..."

What he expected the other man to do, as he had the dozens of times before, was either give him a flat look or rightfully jerk his chain a bit for his neverending adoption threats.

What he wasn't expecting was for Qrow to look down at the Glameow, smile softly, and say, "You know, I think I might just have to."

"Wait, really?" Tai spluttered. 

"Well yeah. Come on, don't look at me like that. I know you were gearing up some silly speech about how all she's needed is to form this oh-so great connection with a trainer who is willing to nurture it and you couldn't think of anyone else besides me."

No, no this was going all wrong! He wasn't supposed to agree. He was supposed to say no so Tai could joke about how he'd just have to stay forever then.

"Besides," Qrow looked back down at the cat and thus entirely missing the look on Tai's face as he added, "She shouldn't stay cooped in this house forever - not when there's a whole world to see, right?"

It felt like a hole was punched through his heart - which was kind of marvelous because they weren't really anything. Just a couple of young crushes that got shattered by the same reality. Or, more accurately, Tai had shattered by being a total Assimian.

So why did it hurt so much?

"R...Right." Tai choked out, quickly turning back to the sink and busying himself with checking the coffee maker that he'd already cleaned ages ago. Forced a laugh. "G-Glad we agree!"

"Uh-?"

He kept talking, hoping it would mask the absolute devastation wrecking through his chest. "And oh, I'm sure she'll love it wherever you take her! You could even introduce her to some Glameow in Sinnoh."

"...What?"

"Bart even told me he has a job offer for you if you like." His laugh was too loud. Or maybe his ears were just ringing too much. "I mean, I don't know if you want to go back there after everything. But the offer's there if you want it. And if not then hey - there's Glameow in Galar too, so I'm sure you'll find somewhere for her to fit right in!"

"You... want me to leave?"

The small, almost hurt tone drew him up short immediately, his spiraling thoughts crashing to a stop. He looked back, just barely catching the pained look playing across Qrow's face before the other was turning away, rubbing the back of his neck and hiding it all behind a scowl. 

Tai's breath stuck in his throat, hope starting to build. Was he still-? Did he not want to-?

Oh Arceus were they both just complete idiots?

"I mean, tch what am I saying? 'Course you do, I shouldn't of thought - no, nevermind." He shook his head almost violently, pushing off from the counter and started to walk away with a parting grumble, "I'm gonna head to bed."

Wait. 

Waitwaitwait!

Without even fully thinking it through, Tai lunged forward, gripping onto Qrow's wrist. Didn't have a damn clue what to say but, knowing if he didn't fix this now, then he was going to lose him forever. So he forced out the first thing to come to mind as those striking red eyes looked back at him:

"Do you want to go to dinner?!"

The hurt on Qrow's face melted into confusion. "Uh... what?"

The good thing was his panicked state was pretty similar to his depressive one as he swallowed his nerves and blathered on, "There's this really gorgeous restaurant in town, by the bayside. Kinda fancy, but the food's amazing and there's a dancing stage too for, um," His face flushed brilliantly as he stuttered, "C-Couples."

It was the longest five seconds of his life. Qrow stared at him, shocked, mouth open but emitting nothing.

Then he turned his head, hiding a snort behind his hand. "That has to be the most awkward confession I've ever heard."

"I'm out of practice!!" Tai cried.

But it worked to break the tension as they both laughed, harder than they should have even though it wasn't really funny. But Tai could care less, because it was so rare Qrow laughed so openly - and seeing his eyes crinkle at the edges and his smile go wide, it reminded him how beautiful he was.

When they calmed down, the air more light and amicable, a tentative smile played across his face. "So... is that a yes?" 

"I... want it to be. Arceus how I want it." The wrist Tai still held rotated, sliding out of the grip. In its place, long, slim fingers curled over his. Qrow looked at their hands as if the connection held all the answers in the world - before sighing, and meeting his eyes. "But I'm not ready. I'm still a total mess right now. I need to feel like me again before anything else. If I'm gonna be with you, I want you to have the best of me, not the trainwreck."

And, well, there was really only one answer to that: "Okay."

"Okay?" Qrow almost sounded like he didn't believe it - whether it was Tai taking it so easily or just believing in him was anyone's guess.

So Tai nodded, assuring, "Yeah. I mean, it's not a no." 

"Yeah but," He frowned. "It's a no for awhile. I can't even tell you how long."

"That's alright. Besides," In a fit of flirty impulsiveness, he rose their joined hands up, dropping a kiss along Qrow's knuckles, winking as he did it. "You're worth waiting for."

It was Qrow's turn to be lost for words, rambling incoherently, "I - you - what!?" Then, finally, he got in a jab, cheeks coloring all the while, "Where was that five seconds ago!?"

Tai made a mental note that when they were done waiting, he was absolutely going to make it his mission to make Qrow blush as much as possible. "What, did my wiles captaivate you?"

"Annnd you ruined it."

His smirk grew. "I had to. I couldn't risk hypnotaizing you."

"The only thing you're risking right now is my attraction flying out the window." Qrow deadpanned.

Tai could only laugh. 

Eventually, Qrow cracked too, shoulders shuddering as he chuckled. "You're such an idiot."

"Yeah." He conceded. After a reluctant moment, he slowly pulled his hand away from Qrow's. It felt cold immediately. "Can't be any more idiotic than almost allowing one of the best things in my life almost walk out the door on me." He paused, then amended quickly, "I mean, that is, you're welcome to still stay, as long as you want. If you want?"

It was a question and a hope and a plea all in one, but it hardly had time to fester into something dark as Qrow's smile, soft and warm, came as immediately as his answer.

"Yeah. I'll stay." 

~

~Epilogue~

They'd been flying circles above the forest of Mahalo Trail for at least an hour before Qrow's voice crackled through the x-transceiver of the C-gear. "I spotted her!" 

Liusha's wings gave off a jubilant set of notes while Tai sighed in relief. "Thank Arceus!" His eyes sought the skies, finding Reaper doing cycles more towards the north, closer to Tapu Koko's cave. "She alright?"

"Far as I can tell. Going in for the capture now."

Tai watched the duo dive down, disappearing into the treeline. He pulled Liusha into a hover, waiting with baited breath as the minutes ticked on, not a sound to be heard beyond the wind rustling the leaves of the trees.

Then, another crackle. 

"Got her."

Tai whooped. "Ah, Qrow, I'm so proud of you!"

"It wasn't that big of a-" Qrow cut himself off. "I mean, thanks."

Before Tai could sing more praises, Clover's voice came through the line, "Hark, was that the sound of Qrow accepting a compliment I heard?"

"Haha, shutup."

Clover chuckled, before his tone shifted back into officer mode. "Good job, both of you. Not a minute too soon either. Siren's getting exhausted." 

"On my way." Tai pulled his mount around, leading him back to Iki Town.

"I'll be right behind you." Qrow assured.

It was only a few minutes before Tai was soaring over the small town, finding it still much in the state he'd left it in. The center arena had been smashed to splinters. Miss. Peach's porch was caved in, blocking the front door. Several palm trees had been felled, laying haphazardly about in yards and, for one extra unlucky plant, propped up against the Kahuna's rooftop.

It looked like a typhoon had hit - but the real culprit wasn't quite as fearsome looking. 

Tai landed a few feet from Clover, sweeping his eye over the 'battle'. His Primarina was resting on her belly, taking an obvious break between lullabies, but eyes remaining intent on her opponent for any signs of stirring. 

And the one who had started this all? Nothing more than a single Bewear, slumbering at the base of the second set of stairs that led down to route 1, which was currently full of the newly appointed trainers for the season, all of whom were hunting around for their next catch and certainly not in the skill level to handle an aggressive high level Pokemon.

It was a disaster waiting to happen, had she gotten any further.

Still, he couldn't find it in his heart to blame the bear.

Then again, perhaps he was just biased. Even from here, he could easily spot the metal tag clipped to one rounded, white ear.

An hour ago, when the sound of Clover's motorcycle racing across the field cut through the calm of the Daycare, the last thing Tai had expected when Clover rattled off the details of the crisis and how he needed their assistance, was for him to turn to him and tell him solemnly,

"And Tai? It's one of yours."

One look at the scars across her muzzle and he'd recognized ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Ākala immediately. She'd been a rescuee from a few years back - a timid and terrified Stufful at the time who had been trapped in a cave in. She had bashed her poor nose raw trying to dig her way out.

Though she hadn't had a long stay, she had a memorable one, as Yin, his Pangoro, had developed a paternal bond to the little cub. So, after returning her to the forest, he'd kept an eye on her throughout the years.

A well enough one to know she had had a cub of her own recently.

A cub that was concerningly missing.

The swooping noise of Reaper's wings reminded him that it wasn't going to be the case for much longer. 

"That's it. Nice and easy." Qrow coached as they came in for the landing. Perched around his shoulders like a scarf was Emerald, looking mighty proud of herself. And in Qrow's lap was a little golden bundle, sleeping away just like her mom. "Found her hiding in the bushes by the stream." He told them as they approached, "If it weren't for her coat, I don't think I woulda seen her at all."

"Well, I wasn't worried." Tai grunted as he and Clover maneuvered the shiny Stufful into his arms. He still managed to spare a moment to wink up at his ku'uipo. "You always had an eye for the prize."

The snort Qrow let out was stifled by Clover's laughter. "You can't be implying yourself."

He gasped overdramatically. "Are you implying I'm not a catch, Lieutenant Ebi?" 

"Even a Magikarp's worth more than you." The officer gave another mournful sigh, throwing an arm around Qrow's shoulders the moment he hopped down, telling him woefully, "You must have touched the tail of a Ninetales to get so unlucky."

With a roll of his eyes, Qrow elbowed him in the ribs. "Stop being an idiot Cloves."

Leaving them to bicker as they often did, Tai hefted the cub a bit higher in his arms, carefully making his way over to Ākala. She didn't stir at his approach, but as he laid the young Stufful down by her belly, he picked up on her twitching nose. 

"Ssssh!" He hissed sharply.

Clover and Qrow fell silent immediately. Even with his back to them, Tai could already imagine the way Clover's hand fluttered down towards his belt or how Qrow's raised to press against Emerald's side, both ready to call upon one of their partners should things turn nasty. Could feel Reaper and Siren's gazes bearing down on the field.

So Tai did what he did best in such tense situations - he took three steps back and sat down right there in the dirt, all caution Mach Punched to the wind.

Beady, black eyes squinted open, Ākala sniffing in the scents around her as she slowly came to. The moment she caught her cub's, she snapped fully awake, sitting up with a surprising speed for someone of her girth. 

The sudden shift caused the Stufful to whine, curling up tightly to compensate for the loss of warmth. But the minute she found her, Ākala was lifting her up and cuddling her to her chest in a big embrace. Her cub gave a little huff like a petulant child asking for five more minutes, nuzzling into her fur.

It was absolutely precious.

Tai smiled, though he still kept his tone chiding, "You've caused a bit of a stir Ākala."

"Wear?" Her attention shifted to him. She'd been in such an outaged state when he'd first shown up on the scene, she hadn't even recognized him - but now her expression lit up. "Be-be!" 

In an almost human-like askance, she held out an arm. Tai could hear his poor Qrow choking on air as he dared shuffle forward, letting Ākala wrap him up in a hug. 

Even with just one arm, she could easily snap his spine.

While it was a tight squeeze, it wasn't life-threatening. He chuckled, letting himself sink into her soft fur. "Next time, will you just come and ask for help instead of destroying half a town?"

"Be?" 

Ākala looked about, at first in confusion, then in dawning mortification as the state of Iki registered. 

And just like that, she burst into tears. "WEAAAAAR!"

Tai pat her cheek. Really she was just an oversized Teddiursa. "Okay, it's okay. No one got hurt and everything else is fixable." He kept soothing her until she calmed - just in time, because her little one was just starting to wake. "How about we get you two home, huh?"

A few sniffles and a nod, before she was climbing to her feet. Tai stood as well, glancing back. 

Clover offered him a thumb's up and Qrow made a shooing motion - they had things from here.

He recalled Siren and led the way back to the forest.

~

This time, when Tai returned to Iki Town, it was much more put together. Clover was making rounds, checking on the people, taking damage reports and making sure no one was in need. Miss. Peach's porch had been cleared away for her to be able to reach the door, the remains of the framework being moved aside. The Arena was likewise being torn apart - salvageable parts being put into one pile, the rubbish in another. The fallen trees had been collected and placed into neat rows - the last of which Qrow was guiding Reaper to carefully lift off the Kahuna's roof.

That is where Tai found himself drifting over to.

"It's got a bit of a dent, but shouldn't be too bad to repair." Qrow was saying as his Corviknight rested it down.

"Ah, no matter." Leo replied, stroking his beard. "As they say, a little Ho'omau goes a long way."

He tilted his head. "I don't think I've heard that one."

"It means perseverance. There is great value in not giving up even in great adversity, don't you think?"

"Ah well..."

Tai took the opportunity to chime in, stepping up next to his ku'uipo. "We do that every day."

He did not think a day would come that he would get tired of the way Qrow's eyes brightened up the moment they looked upon him. "Everything go well?"

"Got them back to their den. I didn't see any sign of what caused them to be separated, but I left Yin with them for now to make sure they settle in alright. If there's any predators around, he'll take care of them." Not that many were daring enough to go after a Stufful, knowing a mother might be nearby. "But, I got a cute picture before I left!"

He tapped the button on the C-Gear, bringing up the mini-camera. It was fairly outdated by today's standards, the quality hard to capture on the weak processor, but the pixelated appearance didn't diminish the homey little scene of his Pongoro lifting up the happy cub high into the air, beaming like the proud, adopted grandfather he was.

"Heh. Who knew that lug could smile?" Qrow snarked.

"You've just never seen it because he's too busy being competitive with you." Tai replied smoothly. "Can't let you out-grump him."

"You're lucky I love you, you cheeky, little-"

Letting him grumble himself out, Tai turned to Leo, all smiles. "Is there anything pressing that needs doing left? I'm afraid we've been away too long."

"No, no, you've both done quite enough." Leo said, a bit of a twinkle in his eye as he added, "I'm sure you're busy lately with the big day drawing near."

He tried not to mentally wince at all the things still spread out on their kitchen table of things to do and decide on. Had they even figured out the floral arrangement mishap yet? Or checked in with the ring engraver? One more look at the guest list wouldn't hurt either...

"Busy is... a word for it, yes."

"Ho'omau, right? We've got it." Qrow came to his rescue this time, catching his hand in his. "But for now, we really should get going." 

A few more quick goodbyes to the locals, a quick recalling of Pokemon, and a short update to let Clover know they were heading out, and soon enough they were on the trail home.

In the privacy of Route 1, Tai lifted their joined hands up, kissing the back of Qrow's hand. "Thanks. I couldn't have done today without you."

"Sunshine, you're going to break me." Qrow groaned, using his free hand to hide his blush. 

Feeling mischievous, he started to drop little kisses against his wrist and up along his arm, murmuring all the while, "But it's true. I shine so bright only because you're with me, you know."

"That's - mm - really sappy." 

Tai had made it to his neck now. "Only the best for you, ku'uipo."

Another one, right along his jaw, had Qrow turning into the kiss. Soft and sweet.

"And I'll always give you my very best." Qrow promised when they broke apart.

Tai cupped his face in his hands, assuring, "You always do," before pulling him in for another kiss. 

A declaration of love that was truly timeless.

[jadekitty777]

On Your Knot, Chapter 2

So I forgot to do this when I first posted it on A03, but I wrote a second chapter to my ABO smut from Taiqrow week - it’s filth. Have it anyways.

As always, it’s only posted on ao3.

Rating: E for not-everyone, this is smut my darlings

Word Count: 5300

Summary:  This time, it's Qrow's turn to take care of Tai. Or at least, he tries to. But Tai's particularly insatiable this time around.

Ao3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/39933627/chapters/11041148

[jadekitty777]

Wings to Carry Us Both

It’s that time of year y’all where I got to put emotionally constipated bird man together with overly joyful dragon man. 

I ain’t gonna lie, nine prompts was a bit overwhelming - and I know, I know. It’s not required to do all nine... but I am Crazy Taiqrow Fanfic Lady. What would y’all you know me for, if not that LOL. 

As a sneak peek, our week is filled with some short entries (some new and some revisiting older stories), one steamy entry not meant for the kids ;) and one longer, currently unfinished story that will span several days. (It would have been finished, but work, as usual, kicked my ass.)

Hope y’all enjoy! Let’s begin!

Prompt for Bonus Sunday: Primordial

Rating: K

Word Count: 3200

Summary: With his new life, came new and terrifying things. Qrow now had a body more gangly than an oak tree and emotions that flooded more than a river in late April. The only thing that was familiar was his wings – and he was determined to learn how to fly once more.

The thing he really didn’t understand was why this strange, blond man made him feel like he already was. [Follows the events of The Judgment of Faunus from Fairy Tales of Remnant]

Ao3 Link: Wings to Carry Us Both

P.S. The Judgment of Faunus story is covered in the mini webseries RWBY Fairy Tales: The Shallow Sea. It's up on youtube, and is about 6 minutes long. I do recommend watching that before reading this story.

~

He looked over the side of the cliff, watching the fierce waves crash into rock. Water sprayed up against the wall, foaming white and smelling of salt, before it curled into itself and fell back into the crags below. Their jagged edges rose from the ocean like the gnarled teeth of a fox, mouth open and ready to devour him.

It would fill lesser birds with fear, but not him as he proudly stretched his wings and leapt off the edge. The updraft that pushed at the rockface caught underneath him, and with a few beats, he found stability. He glided through the air, turning lazy circles and staying close to the air currant. Despite his courage, he wasn’t quite sure he’d manage it on his own yet and he did not particularly fancy a plummet into the sea.

Everything was just… heavier. He was used to hollow bones and feathers, but after the God of Animal’s gift, rather than his sleek and aerodynamic form, he now had the awkwardness of a human body between his wings. The weight was troublesome, leaving him much like a fledging again; but he refused to believe that if he had been allowed to keep his wings, that he could not still use them to fly.

He’d learn how to again, no matter what it cost him.

He’d just about managed his sixth cycle when a piercing whistle caught his ear. Sharp and warbly, like a trill of a melodic canary. He found the comparison to be appropriate as when he turned back for land, he saw the figure of another standing at his spot, with hair as yellow as the songbird.

He pulled himself upright, wings having to beat harder to keep himself steady as, without the traction of his claws, his feet nearly slid out from under him. Just another thing he wasn’t used to.

“Whoa there!” His visitor was quick to reach out and grip him by the elbow, helping to steady him. “You alright?”

He shrugged out of his touch, the lance of warmth it left along his skin leaving a trail of bumps along his skin. Odd. “Yeah. Yeah, M’fine.”

“I can’t believe it – you were really flying!” Canary was still grinning wide as a wingspan, not at all perturbed by his ‘rudeness’ as some had called it. “That must be incredible.”

“It wasn’t. Not really.” He denied, shifting on his heels. “When I can take off without help then it’ll be flying.”

A nod, “Ah, I see! Still, the fact you have a future to is amazing!” He sighed dreamily. “I wish I had gotten wings.”

At that, he could not help himself from scanning over the other’s body. He found what he was looking for quickly, the spade-shaped end of the extra appendage flicking between the other’s ankles. A lizard tail like nothing he’d ever seen. The scales were golden like Canary’s hair, with sharp spines like the thorns of a nettle bush lining one side of it.

“Well, yours is…” He frowned, racking through his limited words. “Uh, terrifying?”

Canary burst into a series of little, happy bursts of air. “Right? I could really bop someone with it! If I wasn’t tripping over it all the time.” His tail end curled around one of his ankles, as if to hold himself steady. “Hard to stay balanced sometimes, you know?”

In reply, he held his arms outwards, rolling his shoulders. “Yeah, I know.”

There was that noise again – laughter, that was it. “So, hey! Have you picked a name yet?” Without waiting for an answer, he lent forward, chittering his secret, “I’m Taiyang now. But I kind of just like Tai.”

It had been required of all of them – out with the old, in with the new, their leaders had said. “I, uh, took the name Qrow.” And, because it was an important distinction, added, “With a Q.”

“Well Qrow with a Q, it’s very nice to meet you.”

“Same to you, Tai with a Yang.”

More laughter. He was a joyful sort, wasn’t he?

“I like you, you’re funny.” Tai decided firmly, straightening up. “Were you human or animal?”

That got his feathers ruffling and he looked away, out towards the horizon where the ocean and sky became one. “Does it matter anymore?”

“Hmm, ‘suppose not.” He conceded easily enough, so Qrow allowed himself to relax enough to ask a question of his own.

“You hear what they’re thinking of calling us now?”

“Faunus, right?” Tai cocked his head to the side. “I like it. It’s worlds better than Halflings.”

He winced. “Or Mottlins.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me!”

Beyond his control, Qrow felt his face contort with his feelings as a smile turned up on his own lips. He was still getting used to that, too.

It fell, pulled down by a sudden weight in his chest. “We shoulda stuck with No-Belongs. ‘Cause that’s what we are. No human nor animal will take us now.”

“That’s okay.”

The light words finally pulled Qrow’s gaze away from the united distance, instead to the one before him.

Tai seemed as bright as the colors he bore as he proudly declared, “We have each other now.”

It was… strange, how those words made him feel buoyant enough to fly, perhaps even if he hadn’t had wings.

“I suppose we do.” Qrow said and this time when his face took upon the smile, he found he didn’t mind it as much.

~

Years later…

Spring was the most beautiful time of year on Unitas. Though the island the God of Animals had granted them was generally favorable all year round, the vernal season was the one to bring sweet-themed harvests and succulent smelling wildflowers. Thus, it remained his preferred time of year; especially on days when the picking was ripe.

Plump, red cherries fell with ease from their branches, Qrow having to do little more than tug at the base of their stems to have them tumbling into his handwoven basket. He fluttered around the tree, gathering big bunches of them as quickly as he dared. It wouldn’t be long before the tree was found and plucked clean by the rest. Despite how he had learned to portion together most things their community found, he still allowed himself to be greedy over his favorite fruit.

So, he did not quit until his basket was nearly overflowing and with a careful scan of the area, dived quickly into the surrounding trees. Between his dark clothing and wings, he was easily camouflaged. Which meant, he could enjoy his pilfers in peace.

Popping a pair of the red globes into his mouth, he started the trek home. It was certain to take longer this way as he’d have to veer off the main pathway, but it also guaranteed he would not be waylaid by anyone else. He occupied himself between eating and, perhaps out of habit, crooning to no one.

After all, nothing would flock to a phony bird, no matter how desperate the hen.

No sooner had he thought that, did a shadowy form drop like a stone from the trees above –he had but a moment to take in its large and hulking shape before the sound of its furious snarls sent his instincts alight.

Jaguar!!

With a squawking cry, he took to the air.

It wasn’t until he was nearly above the treetops that reason returned.

There were no jaguars on Unitas.

And if there were, they certainly wouldn’t laugh.

He turned, already knowing who he’d see, and his name burst from him like a roar, “Tai!”

Tai just continued to cackle worse than Abayomi – and she’d been a Hyena before! The other Faunus was hanging upside down from the tree by his spiny tail like a youngling opossum. “Gods above, you should of seen your face!”

Bristling, Qrow tried to rein in some of his dignity as he tempered his expression into something more neutral. He landed with as much grace as possible, holding his head up high as he walked past. “If I were you, I’d sleep with one eye open tonight.”

“Aah don’t be like that!” Tai swung himself into a neat flip, landing on the forest floor noisily before he jogged to catch up. “Where’s your sense of humor?”

“About the same place the snake is gonna be crawling into after I put it in your bed.” Qrow quipped, munching on another cherry. At least he hadn’t lost any of his treats.

A scaly tail wound around his waist, pulling him in closer. “You’re a real riot, you know that?”

He was about two seconds away from forgiving the other entirely. That is until he saw a hand creeping forward towards – oh absolutely not!

Without a beak to peck with, he resorted to licking the other, leaving a wet stripe from Tai’s index finger all the way to his wrist.

“Oh gross!” The blond jerked back.

“That’s what you get, thief.” He told him.

“Oh yeah?” Tai lifted his soiled hand, and proceeded to dry it off in Qrow’s hair. “Then how’s this?!”

He bat at him. “Bah! Get off!”

“Never cherry hogger!”

“They’re mine, get your own!”

“Learn to share!”

“As soon as you learn to be less of a bother!”

A scandalized gasp, “Why I never!”

“Oh no, you always.” Qrow countered.

Tai’s mouth dropped open, before it spread into one of those wingspan smiles. “Alright, you got me there!” Without warning, he hooked an arm around Qrow’s neck and drew him even closer, dropping an ugly kiss onto his cheek, noisy lip smack and all.

He just sighed and accepted it, because there was no fighting the other’s sunny moods.

And, if, perhaps, he pretended to be distracted by the kiss enough to not notice a hand sneaking away a cherry pair, well, that was his prerogative.

~

Their hut was on the eastern side of the island, where the ground started to rise in elevation, tucked away on the top of a hillside. While roosting with the other Faunus hadn’t exactly been planned, in those early days when he no longer knew anyone and everything was more unknown and scary, he’d welcomed the easy comradery when it had been offered to him. Together, they’d built the structure out of surrounding material – wood from the palms for the walls and ground, bamboo as support beams, and a rooftop made of palm leaves and branches that had been weaved together by Qrow himself. He was used to making nests after all - they just weren’t usually upside down.

“It isn’t much, but we’ll get by,” Tai had said when they’d first completed it.

“I used to fit in a box the size of your head, I think we’ll be fine.” Qrow had snarked right back.

Inside, they had a modest amount of furniture – a long table, benches flanking opposite ends for them to take meals or craft; a fire pit for roasting; beds with animal hide mattresses to lay upon and pillows stuffed full with his own feathers; and other various this and thats scattered about. Items they’d use to pail freshwater, cut wood, shear hair... or were just shiny things that Qrow liked to look at.

Today, Qrow was using two halves of a carved-out coconut shell to separate the cherries. One bowl for the good and ripe ones, one for the rotted and pest-eaten ones. When he’d been nothing more than a carrion bird, such things wouldn’t have bothered him. But he discovered rather quickly that his new body demanded… sensitivity.

So, now he sorted.

Across the table, Tai was working on his own project, using a spade to carve out a handle for the small shovelhead he’d constructed earlier that week. He had some silly idea about digging little holes around the exterior of their home so he could put flower seeds in them.

(“We could use more color ‘round here, don’t you think?”)

He didn’t really get it, but when his companion was this excited about something, there was no talking him out of it anyways. Seemed ironic, seeing as Tai loved to talk.

It was a fact more timely than a rooster’s crowing, but gratefully more pleasant as well.

“So!” Tai’s sudden chirp was underlaid by sound of stone sliding against wood, “What were you singing? You know, before I scared the pants off of you.”

“You did not scare the- you know what, forget it.” He inspected a fused pair of cherries thoughtfully, wondering at its strangeness. Maybe they had just been too weak to grow apart. “It was nothing anyways.”

Tai was watching him now, a folded line to his brow that meant he was worried. “You sure?”

“Yeah?” He tried to ignore the way his feathers ruffled up. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“It’s just, it was so… sad.”

Qrow chucked the double cherry at him. It bounced harmlessly off Tai’s forehead. “Don’t make me sound so ridiculous.”

The other Faunus opened his mouth, ready to argue, “But-”

“It’s just the time of year.” He spoke over him. “It’ll pass like it did the ones before.”

“The ones before?” Qrow grimaced at his own mistake. Now Tai’s brow looked like a wrinkled-up pear. Peak worry mode. “Qrow, are you alright?”

“It- it’s nothing!” He sputtered out, “Stop making this a big deal. It’s not a big deal!”

“Then, what is it?”

“Nothing!”

“Clearly, it’s something!” Frown becoming more pronounced as time went on, Tai shoved his project to the side, leaning forward. “Come on, you know I’m not going to laugh.”

If anything, the other’s open compassion made him further agitated. He threw a leg over the bench, not leaving, just turning his body away so he didn’t have to look at the other anymore. “It’s nothing you can do anything about, so just drop it.”

“How do you know I can’t?” Still pressing, still too nice.

His wings hitched up and he fought against the urge to stretch them around himself to hide. “Because I just do, okay?!”

“Qrow…” Wood creaked as Tai shifted his weight to stand. His touch skimmed his shoulder, a sign of support but like the very first time, it left a lance of warmth along his skin that was just too much. “Look, if something’s bothering you, just-”

It burst out of him then as he whirled to face him, voice a squawking shout, “Crows mate this time of year you moron!”

Tai’s jaw dropped and stayed like that.

Unable to keep up eye contact, Qrow swung his other leg over, turning his back to the other to instead stare at the wall, fingers tightly gripping the edge of the bench as if he was afraid it would fall out from under him. It was also the only thing keeping him from leaping up and bolting – but, well, where was he going to go anyways?

“Oh.” Tai finally managed to breathe out.

“Yeah so… yeah.” He mumbled lamely. “Told you it was nothing. Just a bit of the old me doing pointless things.”

“Why, um… why have I never heard it before?”

Qrow’s cheeks warmed so hot, he wasn’t entirely sure he hadn’t grown ill with something. He didn’t have a word for the feeling, just that he hated it. “Because when we’re together, I don’t feel like I’m looking for anything.”

“…Oh.” He echoed, then nothing more.

As the silence stretched and the air felt almost electric in its unease, he was half convinced he’d managed to tie the other’s tongue. Before he could even get a handle on how that was making him feel, he was overwhelmed by sudden panic when he heard the screech of the other’s chair being shoved back, feet moving across the floor.

He was leaving?

Qrow couldn’t have ruined things that badly, right?!

His brain felt like it was simultaneously moving too fast and too slow, two sides of him at war. It left a body devastated by feeling too many extreme emotions within quick succession, and heart a patter of anxiety that screamed at him to fix it, fix it now. Torn as he tried to figure what to do… to the point he froze entirely.

Never had to figure out anything, as within half a dozen steps, Tai was on his side, and settled down beside him.

He couldn’t prevent the way his body tensed, as if readying for an attack.

“Are you okay?” Tai asked gingerly, perhaps frightened something might break.

Unable to verbalize it, Qrow resorted to shrugging because really, he had no idea.

“Okay.” He accepted easily, mulling a moment before stilting out, “Qrow, before, when you were – before. Did you have a…a-?”

“No.” He cut in. Surprised, when words came to him, bitter and stinging like sea salt, “Maybe that’s why I’m here now. Never had a flock. Never had a mate.” He dropped his chin low to mirror the sinking in his chest. “No one wanted me.”

He saw the movement before he felt the touch, a hand sliding along the back of his neck while another crossed over his chest, both synchronized with the spiny tail curling around his waist. Then with little more warning than that, he was being pulled against Tai’s chest, the bright Faunus saying adamantly, “I’ll always want you Qrow.”

The relief that flooded in was almost as impossible to handle as the rest.

So was it any surprise it decided to escape from his eyes?

He wasn’t unused to the physical response; had done it quite frequently in the early days, when the forest felt too empty and the ache in his chest grew too much. Knew it came more often with bad feelings – which was why he wasn’t surprised when his companion panicked a little.

“Whoa, whoa, are you okay?”

Qrow sniffed, nodding as best he could from where his face was smashed against the other’s sternum. “It’s not bad. Actually, I feel like floating.”

All too familiar with his inability to vocalize his emotions properly, Tai just smiled brilliantly, “Got it.” Then pulled him back to give him one of his big, ugly kisses, this time on his forehead.

Paused, then placed a tinier one on the tip of his nose.

Overshot, and got the point of his chin next.

“You gonna keep doing that?” Qrow asked.

Blue eyes, deep like the ocean and pretty as the sky in one, shined hopefully. “Can I?”

“I’d… like it.” He decided, hesitant yet firm. “Feels good when you do.”

So, Tai did. Again and again, to every inch he could reach.

Kisses left along the curve of his jaw and across the slope of his brow.

Kisses following the line of his nose and erasing the tracks of tears down his cheeks.

Kisses that trailed long, languid, unhurried paths all along the contours of his face that led to one destination.

And when his lips finally, finally met Qrow’s, the floaty feeling from before was overcome by another.

Qrow’s eyes slid shut and he kissed back, becoming engulfed in it and hoped the other could feel it too.

Because it was one that he’d known since they’d met; one that only Tai could create. One that would fulfill the wish Tai had divulged the day they met.

The sensation of flight.

[jadekitty777]

Heartsick: Chapter 1

Me, several weeks ago: Okay so IronCharms week doesn’t start until the last week of August, I’ve got time

Me, today, five minutes before midnight: Let’s just double check the dates- WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE 15TH?!

WELP I’m a little late on this but... surprise! I wrote a James/Qrow/Clover fic! I’ve been wanting to do this one for a loooong while, and a random spark of inspiration had me finally dedicating some serious time to it. 

This story is completely and utterly dedicated to  Pidgeon Postal (who I’d tag but, tumblr won’t let me). It is a loving sequel to their story Heartless - which if you haven’t read, go do so! It’s well, kind of required anyways, as this story won’t make much sense if you haven’t read it.

I’ve honestly wanted to write this sequel ever since I first read Heartless well over a year ago - and am glad for the opportunity to finally do so! So welcome... to another multi-chapter story that will be posted throughout the entire week! Bonus? This one is actually complete LOL

(And if you haven’t already, go give Pidgeon some love for all their fantastic stories!)

Day 1: Affection

Dedicated to: PidgeonPostal

Rating: T

Words: 1.4K

Summary: It's been five months since James recovered his true heart, Clover gained a metal one and Qrow's became more attuned to the woods than ever before. Five months since Tyrian's poison was eradicated from the soil. Five months... since Clover, Qrow and James agreed on a group partnership (and that was honestly the best part). Like the tree tops reaching for the sky, it seemed like there was nowhere for the three of them to go but up. So why, then, did Clover feel like he was being cut down at his roots? [Witch AU]

Ao3 Link: In Which Clover’s Day Begins

~

Mornings were a ritual. Like magic, but softer, touched warm by the morning light.

Clover was always awake first; a surprise, at first, as James had always been the earliest riser. But reintroduction to his heart and, perhaps, the calm that came from living in a stress-free environment had changed the old general’s habits in ways that he didn’t entirely dislike.

So up he was, tapping his hands along the enchanted pantry as he asked confidently for ingredients. One after the other the counter got lined with whatever concoction he’d decided upon for breakfast (a fact that even after five months still made Qrow jealous with the ease he’d do it). He knew he had the power to ask it for precisely what he wanted, ready-made and serviceable to eat, but he’d always had a thing for cooking from scratch.

It's the only way it can be made with love, he’d tease sometimes between dropped kisses on his lovers’ cheeks. Qrow groused over the grandstanding, but rarely hid smiles, while James was simple in politeness but vocally appreciative.

Clover enjoyed those moments enough to keep doing it. The only days he cheated were on mornings that he didn’t spring out of bed but drag himself out. Where nights of half-remembered nightmares kept him tossing and sweat-soaked. Things that twisted at him, like blood on his hands that never left no matter how much he cleaned; the bodies of Mantle’s lost haunting after him as much as James’ dull and lifeless eyes looking upon it without so much as a twitch did.

Those were bad days.

But today was a good one.

So, he got to work.

By the time James got up, the cranberry-orange muffins had almost finished baking and coffee was done brewing.

“Morning!” Clover greeted, already pouring him a cup. Black with two sugars, just like he liked.

James accepted it and the peck on the lips with a sleepy smile. “Good morning. You certainly are… perky.”

He snorted. That sounded more like something Qrow would say. “Aren’t I usually?”

Always, he wished he could say. Because that had been the norm. But despite all the luck in the world, his new, metallic heart came with side effects. Inconsistencies with his emotions that felt very much like a floating spell had been placed onto them, and the wielder was tossing him between highs and lows at random.

(Sometimes, he thought the nightmares were part of that change. But no, he’d dug that grave with his bare hands. It was only right he’d lie in it.)

“I just don’t know where you get the energy.” James replied, blowing along the top of the steaming mug. When he did, the branches of the trees imprinted along the face of it shivered, like they’d been touched by a breeze.

They spent the morning like that, Clover cooking as he chattered with James about nothing, really. Small talk about plans for the day or how the garden was coming along. It was so unlike before, when they and the other officials would be up before the sun, plotting strategy and the room would be tense with an under-currant of fear as they fought a war they were losing fast.

Different, in a good way that Clover embraced as hard as he could.

When breakfast was just about done, Clover tapped the head of the miniature blackbird perched on the edge of the cuckoo clock. It came alive, flying on wooden wings out of the kitchen and down the hall – and though neither of them could hear it when it sang, they certainly heard Qrow’s grumbling as he came trudging out of the bedroom only minutes later, the bird perched on his shoulder. It flew back to the clock while the lanky man sat down at his spot.

Clover made sure to have his coffee already waiting. A shot of cream turned the liquid to a sandy cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon left a speckling of golden-brown dusting the top. When Qrow rose it to drink, the snow blanketing over the picturesque little cottage town fell to the rim, turning the once winter-laden village into a bright summer’s day. The snowfall dropped back into place when he set the cup back down.

“Mornin’,” Qrow finally greeted, the natural gravel in his voice always a bit deeper after waking.

James took up the attention of their sleepy third while Clover plated the food. Toast lightly buttered, only his powdered with a bit of sugar. Sausages that still sizzled with a bit of extra pepper atop James’ and eggs made over easy for him and James but scrambled for Qrow. A muffin for each of them. The daffodils on the edges of each plate danced on their stems as he set them down.

Left only long enough to pour his own drink. He pulled down another mug from the cabinet, his favorite today. The minute he touched it, the stark white mug turned into a brilliant teal green, the color of his own magic reflecting back at him. Even when he let it go to grab the pot, the hue stayed; if he let it be for ten minutes, it would start to go through lighter and lighter iterations of green before it turned back to white. He filled the cup with what his lovers considered an egregious amount of cream and sugar and took his seat.

In the short span of time, Qrow had pushed his own chair closer to James, using the lack of distance as an excuse to snuggle against him. It was cute and filled Clover with a sense of affection.

But, like oil on water, it was sullied by a strange sense of envy and loneliness.

He blamed it on his dumb, fake heart and took a gulp of too-sweet coffee to drown it out.

Qrow huffed at the sight. Complained, with no heat behind it, “Thought I told you not to use that one.”

Clover winked. “You can punish me for it later.”

Qrow almost choked on his eggs.

Despite the teasing, he knew how important the bit of ceramic was. Had learned it well the first time he pulled it down and the other man almost had an aneurysm over it. Apparently, it had been a gift from an old friend Qrow’d lost two decades before. Though she was gone, the magic she’d constructed the mug with lived on. The last reminder he would ever have of her.

It was probably only because of Clover’s own magic, a touch of luck in most things he did, that Qrow even allowed him to use it at all.

After a moment, James pitched in, “I swear you’re insatiable.”

“For you two? Never.” Clover promised, spearing a sausage, mimicking a motion towards his lips that even had James a little flustered.

The morning passed much the same as any other.

~

Though it was weeks into autumn, the weather had remained unusually hot and humid. Clover didn’t favor it, used to the dry air of a frozen tundra that didn’t cling to him like the mugginess in the forest air did, sticking sweat to his skin like a second layer, unwanted and uncomfortable.

The long baths he took in the basement hot springs more than made up for it though.

He’d tried, without success, to pull James in with him, but the other thought it silly to do so when he would only dirty himself again once he went back to his garden.  Qrow he may have won over, but the other mage probably was only just getting back from his journey he’d set out on after breakfast – some hurt he’d detected in the forest that needed mending. His attunement with the forest had been increased ever since he’d chased out Tyrian from the soil and roots.

Normally, Clover had the patience to wait for one of them; certainly, a bath was more fun that way. But today, the humidity was higher than normal. It probably meant a storm was coming soon. With the heaviness feeling particularly unpleasant to the point it was beginning to irritate, it didn’t take much mental prodding to get him down to the basement for a little dip and relaxation.

By the time he emerged a good hour later, he was feeling refreshed, a towel around his waist. He used another to toss his hair – it was getting long, he’d had to trim it soon – as he headed towards the kitchen, intent on scourging up a snack.

As he crept down the hall, something small and low to the ground passed by, its movements squeaking like rusted bolts with every step it took.

He gave it a glance as he passed it.

The dragon, constructed out of roller chains and other scrap metal in the likeness to the God of Light, looked back.

Clover’s mouth dropped open. “What the-?”

The dragon, small as it was, emitted a thundering roar.

Then it pounced.

[jadekitty777]

Heartsick: Chapter 8

*Runs in like a madman* AAAH WORK DELAYED ME, But here’s the ending!!!

Bonus Day 8: Free Day!

Dedicated to: PidgeonPostal

Rating: T

Words: 4.8K

Summary: It's been five months since James recovered his true heart, Clover gained a metal one and Qrow's became more attuned to the woods than ever before. Five months since Tyrian's poison was eradicated from the soil. Five months... since Clover, Qrow and James agreed on a group partnership (and that was honestly the best part).

Like the tree tops reaching for the sky, it seemed like there was nowhere for the three of them to go but up.

So why, then, did Clover feel like he was being cut down at his roots? [Witch AU]

Ao3 Link:  In Which the Forest Fights Back

~

The forest had become like a void, trunks bending outwards unnaturally to make a pathway straight to the epicenter. Qrow didn’t question it, just focused on bringing Harbinger in. Within seconds, he could see James’ outline in the distance, growing closer and larger. When they passed the tree line, he flung them.

James and Clover rolled along the grass, the latter spitting out furious curses as he struggled. But James was effective and quick, twisting the hand in his grip to force the other to drop Kingfisher before turning Clover and pushing him down on his stomach, twisting his arms behind his back and using his whole weight to pin him down.

As he approached, Qrow kicked the weapon away and well out of reach, having to ease himself to the ground so as not to irritate his injury further.

As he did, Clover turned his head, but it was Tyrian grinning back at him. “You’ll never get him back. No matter what you do, my poison’s set in. I’m taking him from you like you took my goddess from me!”

“Oh shut up.” Qrow said before he reached out, tapping the finger that held his curse ring against Clover’s forehead.

There was a sheen of red that burned over those gold-green eyes and then Clover’s eyes were rolling back, body going completely limp as he passed out.

James eased up a bit, lifting off of Clover to help Qrow back to his feet. “Is everything ready?”

“Yeah.” He replied, a little breathless. He’d expelled a lot of magic getting the wards up and the runes burnt into the grass, but it was all ready to go. He’d ignore the trickle of blood he could feel seeping into the waistband of his pants as long as he was able. “Place him right onto the stump.”

He didn’t know why this was important – but the trees told him so when he’d asked to use the space. They’d never led him astray before.

Beyond an odd look, James didn’t question it, hefting their unconscious lover into his arms and walking him over to where the sapling once stood. He laid him down, resting the stump between his shoulder blades.

While he did, Qrow used Harbinger’s edge to flip up Kingfisher, catching it in midair before ambling his way over.

“Are you sure you want to do this? Half bonds can be… damaging.” James asked as he took the proffered sword and, for some inane reason, pulled out a handkerchief to start cleaning it.

Qrow rolled his eyes over it.

But James wasn’t incorrect. What he was doing wasn’t common practice. When two mages magic bonded, it was meant to be a mutual thing – giving a piece and gaining a piece all at the same moment. It kept the bonders’ magic in balance. Adding an influx to one’s system was like filling a balloon with too much air. If there wasn’t enough space, then something would give. It was potentially dangerous, but survivable. For the giver however, the effects could be much worse.

If the receiver was like a burst balloon, then the giver’s was like a balloon with an air leak. Magic would try to fill in the empty spaces, and in doing so, might continue to flow outwards even if the transfer was complete. It wasn’t often fatal, but overtime would lead to magical sterility.

He knew what he was sacrificing, doing only half the ritual. But he refused to take without Clover’s consent.

“I already know what our magic can do together. Clover’s lucky, he’ll be fine.” He said instead.

James paused. “What about you?”

His smile was sardonic. “Too unlucky to die.”

“Qrow-”

“Just get ready to preside. I know what I’m doing.” He didn’t, not really. But this was their best shot. He just prayed he had enough by the end of this to hold his stitches together.

James was giving him that calculating look, the one he usually reserved for arguments during closed door meetings and solicitous offers in the wine cellar, like he was constantly trying to figure Qrow out.

(Joke was on him; Qrow didn’t even have himself figured out half the time).

Qrow jerked his chin towards the man still laying on the ground before them. “Preferably before the bastard wakes back up?”

It was impossible to know what won – the urgency of the situation or his trust in Qrow – but James eventually conceded with a sharp nod, helping Qrow sit down beside Clover’s prone form before finding his place at the head of the circle where the transfer rune was etched just outside of the ring.

Normally the rune was inside, but for the more inexperienced mages, they hired a presider to complete the transfer rather than risking it themselves. In Qrow’s case, he just knew he needed James’ steadiness.

He shifted Harbinger into wand form as he pointed it to his own chest, taking a few deep breaths. “Okay. You ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.” James held Kingfisher aloft, magic giving a blue hue to the blade.

He nodded once, then pressed the tip of his wand to his chest. As he did so, the scorched grass around them began to glow, turning bright red. Yet, it paled in comparison to the orb Qrow yanked out of his chest, allowing the ball of his own magic to float before him. It pulsed with the same rhythmic beat of his heart.

Tai had told him before how strange the sensation was. It didn’t hurt, but it was like he could feel his whole self in two places at once and the other side of him was just floating endlessly.

To Qrow, it felt like a terrible case of vertigo that he couldn’t quite shake. He wavered, shutting his eyes like that would prevent him from falling. Maybe if he just… laid down…

“Qrow? Qrow!”

His eyes snapped open, looking up at the sky. His side was throbbing. He must have fallen backwards. That wasn’t supposed to happen.

He refocused on the orb above him – then to his left where Clover lay, a similar green one tainted with purple speckles hovering over him. James must have coaxed it out of him.

Speaking of…

He tipped his chin, frowning at the other man who was just standing there. “James! Do it!”

“But - You fainted and Clover’s is-”

In all the years he’d known him, Qrow had never witnessed James hesitate over anything. He did many unpleasant things with an almost strict military indifference – but it seemed all the discipline in the world wasn’t enough to combat against his love and concern for them.

Qrow would marvel at that later. Right now, he needed James to focus. “We’re fine. You have to do it now!” A whisper among the leaves reminded him. “The forest will take care of us.”

One second.

Two.

Then James grimaced but his eyes steeled. He rose up Kingfisher and sliced it clean through the orb above Qrow.

Like the removal, it didn’t hurt – but he suddenly felt raw and sensitive all over. He watched, dimly, as James slid the flat of the blade under it with the care of a chef moving a piece of food, moving it over to Clover. The minute the corner of Qrow’s magic touched the orb, it sucked it in like a vacuum.

Even unconscious, the man gasped aloud as the magics started to blend together, swirling together like a cocktail. James started to guide Clover’s soul back down to his chest.

Shakily, Qrow brought up Harbinger to do the same with his own.

When his returned to him, the warped feeling within disappeared.

The moment Clover’s did, his eyes snapped open.

And he started to scream.

“Clover-!”

Before either of them could react, the small roots of the dead sapling erupted from underneath Clover, circling around his chest like a snare trap. Then it yanked him down.

The sound of the stump going through his chest like a stake was sickening. Clover’s yells cut out, replaced with labored breathing. The metal mechanism that had been his heart for months now tumbled from his chest, landing with a heavy thud on the ground. Qrow felt sick as he rolled to his feet, looking down at blown wide teal eyes and deep, dark violet veins that had started to become visible around them.

Meanwhile James had collapsed on Clover’s other side, panicked and terrified as he started to reach for the makeshift bindings, clearly intending to rip them apart.

“Wait.” Qrow said, catching his hands. The forest wouldn’t have welcomed back in Tyrian.

Tentatively, he laid his hand on one of the roots, touching it gently. What are you doing?

Young as it was, the sapling could only scrounge up a single word: Ours.

Then, just like he had done a few days ago, the little tree foraged together all its magic, and sprouted it outwards.

Ah.

Using Qrow’s magic to push Tyrian out and itself in.

“He’s gonna be fine.” He told James. Both would be, he amended silently, as he watched the purple get chased out of his lover’s veins by a deep, vibrant green.

Together, they waited for Clover to breathe again.

~

Clover hovered his blade over the sapling, eyebrows furrowing as tension built along his arm muscles like he was getting ready to swing. “That… can’t be right.”

Down…

His eyes snapped open. Had that been… the forest? “What?”

Cut…down…

He peered around at the other trees around him. But the voice sounded small, so ultimately, he looked back down to the little tree before him. “Why would you want that?”

Soon. Was all it assured.

He waited for more, but like the loop he was stuck in, it just continued to cycle its few words.

Eventually, he acquisitioned, and sliced his sword down.

Just as his blade severed the seedling from its roots, it whispered one more word.

Alike.

~

As Clover rose from unconsciousness, he finally understood.

Months ago, when Tyrian had wreaked havoc among the root-line, the new seedling had been the greatest causality. The poison that more mature trees were able to recover from had been too much of a task for the baby. The elders had spent weeks trying to breathe life back into it; but in the end, the decay had spread into the cambium, preventing it from growing, and had started to spread to the sapwood, choking it off from water.

It had no future.

Likewise, a similar decay had been growing within Clover. Tyrian’s last strike on his flesh heart had killed it and the poison had festered there, ready to infect anything else that might try to take hold there. So, when the metal heart became available, it didn’t take long for the venom to seep in and do its work. Like the sapling, Clover had been getting choked off from his very soul and body.

Had it continued he, also, would have had no future.

But now…

Now they both did.

Clover’s eyes opened. Looked from James, at his right, to Qrow at his left. Rested a hand upon his own chest where he felt something beating. A heart of wood, mimicking his old heart much like the sapling had mimicked Qrow’s magic burst just minutes ago. A child imitating adults.

If he concentrated really hard, he could even feel the swirl of his and Qrow’s magic blending together like a protective layer around the wooden organ, much like what they’d done to the forest during the fire. Nothing was going to injure either of them again.

“Heh.” Qrow smile was weak. “You look like a deer.”

Then with little more preamble than that, the man pitched forward. Clover just barely managed to sit up fast enough to catch him. He fell limp against him, breath reedy and weak.

James’ call of alarm was nothing compared to the cacophony of the forest. The trees were extremely protective of their longest, most trusted ward.

Help him, help him! They all chanted together.

His grip tightened around Qrow. I will.

“He’s bleeding again.” James reported. “We need to get him back to the house.”

Clover turned his head sharply - the weight and rustle atop it baffling him but promptly pushed aside - as he declared. “No.” He looked around, before fetching up Kingfisher that still rested nearby, holding it out towards James. “Complete the ceremony.”

“Clover, that isn’t going to heal him.” James said even as his hand curled around the hilt.

His answer was decisive, “No, but what I’m going to do next will, and I need him stable for that.”

“N-No…” The gasp drew their attention. Qrow was shaking, gripping weakly onto Clover’s vest as he peered up at him with bloodshot eyes. “N-Not if you don’t want…m….m…”

“Sssh.” He dropped a kiss on his forehead. “There will never be a day I don’t want you.” He wasn’t sure, when the other relaxed, if the sentiment got through or if Qrow was just slipping in and out of consciousness. “He’s fading. We need to do this quick.”

James rose, taking his place back at the head of the circle. Clover picked up Harbinger. Together, they pulled out the magic.

With such sharp colors, he noticed Qrow’s first. The top had been filled with nothing but black, and like wet ink that had been smeared across a page, was bleeding down into the vibrant red of his magic.

The orb he pulled from his own body still had the teal green of his own magic, but blended with it was a red outline of a bird and a dark green branching pattern, almost like the midribs of a leaf – the parts Qrow and the sapling had shared.

“Right there.” He indicated the part he wanted James to slice with a wave of Harbinger. A section that was nothing but his own magic on the left side.

James didn’t pause to verify – which Clover was grateful for. They’d wasted enough time already. He didn’t flinch as the sword cut through; didn’t even feel the loss, as if it had been as unnoticeable as a haircut. He watched as his magic was transferred to Qrow, filling in the empty space and seeping into the streaks.

As the orb was guided back down to Qrow, he caught, just for a second, the beginning of an outline of his own taking form within – a clover.

He guided his orb down, before hefting Qrow more securely into his arms as he got to his feet and hurried for the treeline.

James jogged to catch up. “Where are you going?”

“I need the seeds.” Clover replied, ducking his head as low hanging branches swept overhead. For some reason, he was worried they’d tangle him.

They’d barely taken a hundred paces before the trees were parting and the cottage was in view. Though they’d exited from the front, they were now in the backyard. He didn’t argue it, just handed Qrow over to James, pulling Kingfisher off his belt.

“Stay in his circle!” Clover shouted as he sprinted for the house. He shifted his weapon to its other form, throwing out the hook to latch around the doorknob. With a yank, the door flew open, and a few moments later he was running through it.

He halted in the kitchen, looking around the counter frantically – ah, right where he left them!

He picked up the small bowl of crimson gold apple seeds and tipped the whole thing into his mouth. He ground them down between his teeth as he hurried back outside.

At some point, the storm had stopped and the clouds had opened up enough that sunlight was dappling down upon Qrow’s rebuilt ritual circle, highlighting the two men in the middle of it. Qrow was pale and lifeless, head bent back over James’ arm.

James’ face was taunt and pinched as he looked down at their lover – but he looked up as Clover approached. “Clover?”

With his mouth full, he could only offer a reassuring smile. He pulled Kingfisher’s line by hand, carefully but loosely winding the nylon around Qrow’s throat twice, once above and once below his Adam’s apple. He notched the hook back on the rod. With his free hand, he placed a hand over the bleeding wound on Qrow's side.

The circle was Qrow’s, made with his magic and his runes, but now that Clover shared a piece of it, he could feel the thrum of it under his feet, just waiting for him to access it. So, he did, and felt his focus magnify as he reached within.

He could see it all in a mental map. All the hurt; the tears of skin, muscle, and organs going clean through Qrow’s body. Tattered ends of stitches that had broken in too many places, leaving the wounds to gush and fill blood in spaces it shouldn’t be. Somewhere, like a faint echo, he could hear Qrow’s heart, beating unevenly. He pushed his own magic into the injury, threading into the spots the stitches had failed, pulling it all back in.

Fix this. He chanted before he leant over and placed his lips on Qrow’s.

He slathered his tongue with the charmed apple seed pieces, and with a gentle tug of his fishing rod that flowed with more of his magic, urged Qrow to swallow them. Another light pull guided them down his throat, where they ultimately dropped into his stomach.

Apple seeds were most known for their growing properties; they were common spells during times of pre-harvest. But they were also a key component in rejuvenation, often being seen in medical wards across the continent for their ability to mend serious wounds. But the seeds Clover had gathered were never seen in either. Because crabapples, like Crimson Golds, had to have a particular aspect to them to make them viable.

They needed love.

Clover already knew it was working. Before the seeds even had a chance to settle, they were already doing their job, combining with his magic to knit back Qrow’s body properly. It branched out at an astonishing speed, sewing back his skin and organs and sucking the blood back into his veins like they’d never leaked out.

When he finally felt safe enough to lift his hand, nothing was left behind on Qrow’s skin but a faint pink scar.

Clover sighed with relief, undoing his line from around his lover’s neck, allowing exhaustion to creep in as he finally managed to smile up at James. “He’s going to be fine.”

Though relieved, James’ gaze burned with its intensity as he leant forward, their foreheads touching. “And you?”

His smile shook, just a little. “As long as you’re both still here, I’ll be okay.”

“Always.” James vowed, before tilting his head to brush a kiss against his lips.

It didn’t fix everything, but it was a damn good start.

~

James knew good news was approaching by the sound of rapid footfalls coming down the hall. Truly, he didn’t need Clover’s shouts of excitement and joy – but he’d be lying if it wasn’t refreshing to hear again.

“He’s up! James he’s up!!”

Clover’s socks made him skid across the tile. Surreptitiously, James locked his metal joints so they both didn’t go tumbling into the counter when the other collided with him, accepting the tight embrace with grace. “Yes Clover, I heard you the first seven times.”

“Then what are you waiting for? Hurry!”

Rather than be cajoled away by the tugging, he reached instead for the cabinet. “I’ll make another mug.” There was a truly pitiful groan of impatience, so he added, “I’ll be just a minute. You go on back to him.”

“Okay!” All smiles and sunshine again, Clover took the time to drop a kiss to his cheek before running back out of the kitchen.

James’ chuckles filled the silence. He went about making the coffee just the way Qrow liked before he balanced the three mugs onto a tray, bringing it with care back to the bedroom. He paused just inside the threshold.

Both of them were propped back against the headboard. Qrow was touching along one of Clover’s new adornments curiously. “So, you can feel that?”

“Mmhm. It’s faint though. Kind of the same way it feels to put pressure against your fingernail.” Clover dipped his head more, giving the other more reach.

Though merely a joke, Qrow’s original assessment had been surprisingly accurate. The branches that emerged from Clover’s skull had a very similar shape and branching nature to that of a stag’s antlers; but instead of being bare, they held bunches of leaves. Some were still green, but a few of them had begun to take on a variety of red, yellow and orange hues.

As if on the same wavelength, Qrow brushed one of the orange ones, asking, “What about when these fall?”

“Arbor said it should be fine. We’re gonna flower too when spring comes around! It’s all just part of being one with the forest.” Clover said as if that was explanation enough.

Qrow blinked, then snorted. “Arbor? Seriously?”

“What?! Did you just want me to call them the tree, forever?”

“You practically are.” He countered, tapping the shoot of a branch. “And is that weird?”

“I mean yeah, I can feel it all the way to my skull.”

Qrow immediately stopped, drawing his hand back, but his frown deepened. “No I mean… sharing a consciousness with a tree.”

“A little.” Clover straightened back up, expression smoothing into one of reassurance. “But it’s not a bad weird. I can’t really explain it. It’s more like I’m attuned to the whole forest all the time and Arbor just happens to be the loudest voice. But they don’t have a thought process so much as, like, basic needs? Food, water, sunlight, that kind of thing. If anything, I think they’re just happy to still be here.”

James decided that was as best a time as any to cut in. “That is certainly a feeling I think we can all agree with.”

Seeing Qrow’s eyes light up at the sight of him for the first time in two days made him feel warm inside. “Hey Jimmy.”

“Good morning. Caffeine?” He offered the tray to the two. He’d gotten down Qrow’s favorite; a picturesque little beach that reminded him of Patch. Of family. When he sipped from it, it caused waves to crash down.

As Qrow reached for his, Clover took the next one closest to him.

Upon touching it, the blue mug suddenly changed to a forest of trees, the sky a blend of teal and red.

Both of his lovers froze.

James faltered. “Perhaps I… did not think this through.”

“No, no! It’s very sweet James, I just…” Clover trailed off, picking up Summer’s mug, holding it between both hands so tightly his knuckles were white. He bit viciously at his lip, before taking a deep breath. “Qrow, I-”

“Don’t.” Qrow shook his head. “Clover, you don’t have anything to apologize for.”

He hunched down, large shoulders bracketing his ears. “Don’t I? I hurt you. Both of you.”

The bed dipped heavily as James joined them, the tray and his mug discarded on the floor. He reached out, squeezing Clover’s knee. “Just because Tyrian had control doesn’t make you the transgressor. If anything we’re sorry for not taking action sooner. Tai had warned us something was going on inside of you; we were just too slow to figure out what. We should have told you sooner.”

The words caught Clover by surprise, but it didn’t last. “Would it have mattered if you had when I didn’t know what was going on? And anyways, what about before?” Clover shrunk down more. “I know he’d been messing with my emotions but he wasn’t responsible for all of my actions… and especially not my mouth.”

“Tch, well what about me?” Qrow scowled. “Didn’t need some psycho in my head to be an asshole.”

“You were angry.”

“Yeah, then I said some shitty things and made you angry. What’s your point?” He sighed, dropping his head on the other’s shoulder. “Which I’m sorry about, by the way. Never shoulda let my temper get outta hand over some dumb mug.”

Clover frowned. “It’s not dumb. It’s important to you.”

“So are you.”

There was some rapid blinking, then Clover rested his head against Qrow’s. “I love you. And I’m sorry too.”

Qrow’s acknowledgement was little more than a grunt, burrowing himself a little deeper.

James knew they were going to be okay. He smiled at the two of them, before reaching down to finally pick up his own coffee. When he rose back up, Clover was watching him cautiously. He took a sip, raising a questioning eyebrow. “Yes?”

“Are you alright? With everything?”

“You’re safe and you two have reconciled.” He rose his cup in mock cheers. “There’s little else I need.”

If anything, the anxiety on Clover’s face only worsened. “What about-” He waved between him and Qrow. “Us? Being magic bonded? And you’re not? Is that… okay?”

Ah. Ever the thoughtful one. James’ smile didn’t falter. “I hadn’t lied before, Clover. I’m not ready to give up another part of myself. Maybe ever.”

“Never have to.” Qrow’s foot poked his thigh, expression full of affection. “We’ll love you just the same.”

He knew that, but the words soothed him anyways. “I love you both too.” This time, when he was cajoled by Clover’s tugs, he went more easily, finding space on the brunette’s other side to rest against.

They stayed like that for a good portion of the morning, cuddled together and enjoying each other’s company as they had many a time before and would many a time more.

~

The town of Haverhill was a simple village of moderate prosperity and simple witchcraft. Their community was peaceful and their citizens got on by just fine. They had travelers come by on occasion – the most frequent one of which was a young, broad-shouldered gentleman of Atlas descent. He would greet everyone with warmth and familiarity as he purchased random odds and ends before disappearing over the hills once more.

One day, he stopped coming to town altogether and people wondered.

The rumor was eventually started by a young 10-year-old.

“Don’t you know?” Quill Wicker yarned to his 7-year-old sister grandly as they peered down the hills that rolled into the woods. “If you get too close to the Cursed Woods, the Treewalker will get you.”

“The Treewalker?” Paige repeated, eyes wide.

“Yeah. He’s a man who used to come to this town all the time. Then, he angered the trees; so they gobbled him up and ate him! His corpse was reanimated to protect the woods. Now he walks endlessly through the trees, waiting to catch the next victim.” He waved his hands above his head, stretching as far as he could go. “If you ever see a man with branches that shoot out of his head like a tree, that’s the Treewalker. But if you’ve seen him, then it’s already too late. He’ll reach out with his branchy hands and drag you in and never let you go.”

She wrinkled her nose. “You’re just making this up to scare me!”

“No, it’s true! He even has a spy. A red-eyed crow that sees everything no matter how well you hide.” He leaned in close, dropping his voice low. “And even if you can get away from them, you’ll never escape the Iron Knight. A man made of nothing but metal, who will follow even the luckiest of mages to the ends of the earth. The last thing you’ll ever hear is the klu-kunk, klu-kunk of his metal joints as he’s coming to get you.”

Paige crossed her little arms, trying to be brave as she looked down at the woods. She wasn’t scared of some dumb story!

A hand on her shoulder made her freeze. She looked over – only to see the gangly end of a branch splitting in five, twisted looking fingers.

Screaming, she shoved it off and ran all the way home.

Meanwhile, Quill laughed and laughed, dropping the stick he’d found for his prank as he doubled over.

Caw-caw!

The noise startled him and he looked around until he spotted the source.

A crow sat perched on a rock, watching him steadily.

Its eyes were pure red.

Quill felt ice slide down his spine, and then like his sister, he was turning and running, screaming “MOMMY!” as he went.

The crow watched him go. When it was alone, it hopped off the rock, dropping down on the feet of a man.

Qrow straightened up, stretching his back with a long groan. He ruffled his hand through his hair, the strands have gone nearly gray over the years. “Treewalker and Iron Knight huh? That’s new.” Clover and James were going to love it.

He readjusted the bag of Crimson Golds on his arm before he started his way home.

[jadekitty777]

Heartsick: Chapter 4

Time for things to get interesting~

Day 4: Damage

Dedicated to: PidgeonPostal

Rating: T

Words: 1.6K

Summary: It's been five months since James recovered his true heart, Clover gained a metal one and Qrow's became more attuned to the woods than ever before. Five months since Tyrian's poison was eradicated from the soil. Five months... since Clover, Qrow and James agreed on a group partnership (and that was honestly the best part).

Like the tree tops reaching for the sky, it seemed like there was nowhere for the three of them to go but up.

So why, then, did Clover feel like he was being cut down at his roots? [Witch AU]

Ao3 Link:  In Which James’ Clothes are Stolen

~

The forest was dark, tangled branches blotting out the sky above like a prison, gnarled roots reaching out like lions’ paws trying to swipe him.

He ran and ran and ran.

No escape.

Then, a clearing.

Home.

He ran faster, yelling the names of his lovers.

His home…

…was on fire.

The world descended into smoke and pain and screams.

~

Qrow jerked awake with a gasp, sweat clinging to his skin and a searing feeling zinging along his nerves.

Fingers brushed his arm, Clover’s voice slurred with sleep. “Wassamatta?”

He flinched back, rolling out of the sheets and off the bed, cursing as he hit the nightstand with his elbow. The noise drew a startled snort from James, stirring him. 

Qrow rubbed at his new bruise as he rushed to the window. Rain lashed against it in torrents. The wind outside howling and a rumble echoed from a few miles away.

The screaming hadn’t stopped.

“Qrow?”

He looked back, wide-eyed, seeing both his lovers staring at him with concern. “The forest is on fire.” That snapped them both fully awake. He searched around frantically, grabbing onto the first thing he could find – James’ greatcoat – as he hurried out of the room. “I’ve gotta go!”

“Not without us you don’t!” Clover shouted after, stumbling over his feet as he pulled on pants.

Qrow didn’t have time to argue it, skirting into the hall, pausing only long enough to fetch Harbinger. He threw open the door, rain assaulting him as he stopped in the yard, turning this way and that. Franticness seemed to fire at him from every direction, the panic felt all throughout the system. He needed to focus. He needed the source.

Gritting his teeth, he fell to his knees in front of the nearest tree, pressing his hands against the roots. Mud caked to his palms and splashed against his shins, dim sensations against the sudden onslaught of firefirefirepainhelppain!

“Where?!” He growled. Pleaded. Let me help you!

The soil parted just as Clover crashed into him, gripping him tight.

They both heard James yelling their names as they fell into the yawning darkness.

One with the forest again, and it was agony. The finches were choking, the fish in the river boiling, the trees dying.

Qrow convulsed in the cage of roots, wanting nothing more than to curl in on himself as the onslaught overwhelmed him – but found it impossible because Clover was still holding on, their bodies slammed together like sardines in a tin.

Between them, he felt a brush of Clover’s magic and the man who wielded it, a touch of determination and anger and righteousness. Then they were moving, Clover kicking off, not so much traveling the root systems as he was swimming between them. Guiding them to the epicenter.

When they emerged, there was heat and the crackling of flames all around. The thickness of the smoke stung his eyes and clogged his throat. He accepted the hand, Clover yanking him out of the smoking underbrush.

He drew Harbinger, the runes on the greatsword cycling through to the new, unfinished line. He yelled over the noise, “A lightning strike must of hit!”

“Great! How do we deal with it?” Clover shouted back. He looked ridiculous, hair and skin plastered with dirt, in nothing but some baggy pants – James’ also, he noted inanely – the weight of Kingfisher at his hip nearly pulling them down. He was also unwavering and unshakeable. Like he had no doubt they could do this.

Believe in it and everything will go as it should.

Qrow knew exactly what he needed. He held out a hand. “On me, at my back. We do this together.”

There was no hesitance as Clover took his hand with his right and drew Kingfisher in his left, shifting the sword into its only other form Qrow had seen all of twice – an absurd-looking fishing rod. It fit Clover perfectly.

They stepped back into one another, shoulder blades pressed together, dominant hands holding their weapons, non-dominant holding each other, magic of luck and curses stirring at their feet. Opposite in every way.

In that, like night and day, summer and winter, sky and water, there was balance.

It fed through Qrow and up the length of Harbinger, shifting the curse runes around until they landed into a lucky sequence. He lifted the blade. “Clover now!”

He swung downwards.

Clover swung upwards.

Harbinger slammed through undergrowth, sinking into the dirt.

Kingfisher swung through the air, hook coiling around a burning branch.

Magic flowed from end to end.

Qrow called to the forest once again and this time, when the horror hit, he had Clover at his back to hold him up. Kept him steady as the roots mapped out the damage. To every perishing tree and every wilting shrub and every gasping creature. He took it all in.

And then he pushed their magic out.

It burst through the network, flowing through the roots and up tree trunks, through their branches to the very tips of their leaves. Covered everything like a layer of impenetrable sap. Starved out the fire at the base and left it nothing to burn but itself; extinguished as it ate itself.

Then there was nothing left but the smoke rapidly clearing in the wind and heat cooling under the torrent of rain still coming down.

Qrow’s knees shook, his weapon becoming a crutch as he allowed himself to sink to the ground. Clover reeled himself down, pulling the hook free once he’d made it down.

Backs pressed together once more, it was hard to tell who was holding each other up more.

James found them twenty minutes later, shivering and soaked to the bone as they rested in the charred remains of the shrubbery.

“You two are going to be the death of me.” He decided as he lifted Qrow in his arms and allowed Clover to clutch onto his shoulders for balance, stumbling along beside them.

Together, they made their way home.

~

For the next few days, Qrow found himself bedbound, mostly sleeping for long intervals, waking only for tea and food that James routinely brought.

At first, Clover was right alongside him; but he recovered quicker, able to wander by the second morning, though it was clear exhaustion still hung on him like a weighted blanket. During Qrow’s conscious moments, if he listened carefully, he could hear the other clinking about the kitchen or getting the fire going.

The rain kept coming down.

On day four, when the clouds finally parted, Qrow was able to make his way down to breakfast all on his own. Drained and aching, but not so helpless anymore.

Clover handed him his coffee with a gentle smile and James didn’t complain as his side became Qrow’s horizontal pillow. He let the taps of cutlery and their gentle voices wash over him as he dozed.

“So I had a feeling when I got up today. With the weather clear, it’s a good day to head to town.”

“Are you sure you’re up for that Clover?”

“Of course! You worry too much.”

“With how reckless you two are, I could stand to worry more.”

“Mm.” Qrow nuzzled into James’ bicep. “Gonna go fully gray by forty-five.”

“I’m going to pretend you’re sleep-talking.”

“First sign of going senile is when you start hearing things.” He added with a sleepy smirk.

A yelp startled out of him when James pinched him.

Watching with a delighted grin, Clover’s laughter fell over them both, rich and warm.

~

By dusk, the sky had turned dark grey again, petrichor in the air warning of the oncoming downpour.

Qrow thought little of it – until the raindrops started to pepper the ground.

Standing at the front door, his parade rest a feign of calm, James’ eyes flicked between the wet porch and the trail that led to it. “He should have beaten the rain.”

It wasn’t a suggestion.

“Magic’s probably not all there yet.” Qrow reasoned aloud, while playing mental gymnastics with his own pessimisms. “He’s probably not far.”

So, they waited. James spent the entirety of it pacing grooves into the floor while Qrow tried and failed to read a word of the comic Ruby had sent him. Every minute, one of them would check the window, growing darker and bleaker and more Clover-less by the second.

When the clock finally struck the next hour, Qrow tossed the booklet with a frustrated growl to the table and shakily made his way out the door. “Fuck this.”

James was hot on his heels. “What are you doing?”

“Gonna find him.” He declared. For the second time in a matter of days he found himself drenched and covered in mud as he settled at the base of one of the oaks.

“Wait-!”

He shook his head placatingly. “S’ok Jimmy. Not gonna travel anywhere. Just gonna ask.” Even if he wanted to, he wasn’t sure he had the energy for it.

James still held onto his shoulder. He didn’t have the heart to shake it off.

Qrow lowered his hands to the roots, took a deep breath, and tapped into the system. It all went wrong the moment his magic activated. The woods recoiled, sensing his entry, and something tender and new in the network falsely categorized him as if he were as foreign and dangerous as a bark-eating fungi.

Then, all at once, the forest attacked.

As if he’d been kicked to the gut, Qrow doubled over, gasping for air, vision tunneling.

The last thing he heard was James crying his name as he fell face first into the mud.

[jadekitty777]

Hunting Season, Chapter 3

A short chapter for today, but a fun one! We’re getting to the good stuff now ;)

Prompt for Day 5 which we will pretend is... well you get the idea: Affection

Rating: T

Word Count: 1500

Summary: Having grown up in the slums of Mantle, Clover knew what feeling constantly unsafe felt like. But, with rising tensions between the cities, a precarious election leaving his people on the line, and a war on the horizon, things had never felt more perilous.

Then, Qrow Branwen arrives with eight huntsmen-in-training in tow, all of them earnestly offering to help. While the extra assistance is an incalculable relief, Clover simply can’t be more excited – and maybe a little nervous - to be paired up with the famous Huntsman of Vale.

There was only one problem:

Qrow couldn’t stop staring at his ears.

(Or, Volume 7, except Clover is a deer Faunus and that changes everything)

Ao3 Link: With a Scythe

~

The academy was the tallest building in all of Atlas. Laying atop the roof, with nothing hindering the view, the sky spread above him like a blanket. The stars that twinkled above were dazzlingly beautiful. Up here, away from the bustle of the city, Clover found a sense of peace unlike any other. It was just what he needed to unwind after the consistent hecticness that now followed every mission.

He pillowed his arms under his head, letting out slow breath, and shut his eyes. Maybe even a nap might be good.

“What are you doing up here Clubs?”

Clover started, heart jumping briefly to his throat, before the identity of that voice caught up to him. He tilted his head back over his crossed arms, seeing Qrow standing by the door.

(Strange, he hadn’t heard it open.)

“Getting some air.” He motioned to the spot beside him. “Want to join me?”

The other huntsman regarded him quietly, considering the offer for a few seconds before ultimately shrugging and crossing over. He sat down, stretching one leg out while he bent the knee of the other, resting his wrist over it. “You come up here often?”

Was he dropping a line on him? Clover snuck a peek, but Qrow’s gaze was skyward.

He tried not to be too disappointed.

“Every now and then. I’ve never liked being on long car or plane rides. The limited space drives me crazy.” That’s why he would come up here – the isolation and lack of crowding tended to feel like course correction, smoothing out the agitation that often built up over the hours.

There was a thoughtful hum. “Claustrophobic?”

“Perhaps – or maybe I just never got used to it. Things were pretty open where I used to live.”

“Did you grow up in the fields or something?”

It would have been easy, to just say nothing and let Qrow believe that. To never have to confront the possibility of the other turning up his nose as so many others had done to him in the past when they found out his true origins. If those noses weren’t already up from simply looking at him.

He’d done his best not to let those things dictate how he felt about himself – but it was an uphill battle. When he was younger, classmates used to flap their hands by their ears and laugh at him. He’d get cornered on the schoolyard, trash thrown at him as he was told to go back to his ‘burrow’ where he belonged. His things would get swiped, bullies taunting about how animals shouldn’t know how to read as they ripped out pages of his textbook. Experiences that never quite stopped following him.

Even as he entered into the adult world, he still had to fight for every shred of decency and respect. The grocer gave him dirty looks every time he walked in the store, convinced Clover was going to pocket some extra cauliflower or something. He’d had to bear the offhanded comments from many of his human colleagues who thought anything beyond simple grunt work was ‘too advanced’ for him. In fact, if it weren’t for James, he never would have even climbed ranks the way he had – as few people even wanted to recognize his skill and talent as both a huntsman and a leader.

If that weren’t enough though, being at the top wasn’t all glamour either; as now he had people like Robyn treating him like some sort of sell out. Like he hadn’t clawed his way up from absolutely nothing to become the successful man he was now.

As he looked over at Qrow, he told himself he wasn’t ashamed of that.

…He was just afraid of what he could lose.

“No. The slums.” He finally admitted. Tried not to notice how that made Qrow’s head swivel. “The houses there aren’t the most put together. There are gaps in the walls and the roofs. I even had a buddy who had a half-and-half.” He made a chopping motion with his hand. “One building separated by just a wall – one family on one side, another on the other side. It had a hole in the bottom corner though. Nick and I could squeeze on through it and visit the Amitolas anytime we wanted. They never minded, because that’s just how things were. Everyone shared each other’s space. There was always noise. We were just one big community.”

He dropped his hand back to his chest, feeling how it raced with his nerves. “I can’t explain how different it was, coming to Atlas and having things be so… closed off and unfriendly. And the first time I slept in my dorms and realized I couldn’t hear the entire world anymore? It was…”

“Freaky?” Qrow supplied.

Clover blinked, finally daring to meet his eyes again. “…Yeah.”

“Tell me about it.” He snorted. “First time I had a real roof over my head was when I was seventeen. Until then I just lived in tents, booking my ass around all of Mistral with the rest of the tribe. Couldn’t sleep right for weeks. Even keeping the window open, it’s just not the same. Though,” He stretched the word out just as he stretched his arms behind him, holding his weight on his palms. “Gotta say, the warm showers make it all worth it.”

Oh.

He laughed, grin coming easily. “Yeah. They sure do.”

“Still, if you don’t like the traveling missions that much, you don’t have to sign up for them.”

“Mmm I could, but nah.” Clover shot him a wink. “I like the company too much.” He felt incessantly proud at the slight flush that rose to Qrow’s cheeks. It also drew his eye to a little spark flying just above the other man’s head. “Oh! Look!”

He sat up, pointing after it, and Qrow followed his direction, catching sight of the shooting star just before it faded.

“Make a wish.” Clover teased.

A brow arched in return. “Thought you were supposed to wish on the first star of the night?”

“Then you’ve never wished on one and been disappointed before.” He waved off. “Besides, if it were that easy than a million wishes would come true every night.”

“I don’t think any of them come true, Clubs.”

“No, you’re right.” Clover amended, turning his eyes back to the sky. “My dad used to say you work for the obtainable and wish for the impossible. That way, life can’t ever get you down. Heh, I still got up on our tin roof all the time anyways.”

“Yeah? And what would you wish for?”

The opportunity was too good to pass up.

“Smaller ears.” He cupped his hands underneath them for emphasis, the appendages nearly as long as the length of his hands. “I mean, look at them. They’re huge!”

Qrow was looking alright, expression dazed and jaw unhinging slightly.

Clover had to use all his military discipline not to completely lose it. “And, gods, you wouldn’t believe some of the names I got called. The worst had to be jet plane.”

“Jet plane?” He echoed faintly, still lost in whatever fantasy land he’d tripped into.

“Yeah. Because whenever I’d hear a loud sound my ears would do this,” He shot then straight up. “And every time someone would yell ‘Watch out! Jet Plane’s taking off!’”

That broke the spell, Qrow bursting out into surprised laughter. It was a deep, rough sort of noise, matching his gruff voice but still pleasant to listen to. But it was the effect it had on his face that was truly magical. Gone were the sharp edges and perpetual frowns; lines smoothing out into joy, enough that he appeared much younger, and eyes alighting until they shined like tourmaline. His smile actually showed some teeth, the pearly whites sparkling just like the stars above.

Wow was he beautiful.

Clover felt like he’d fallen into a dream and he was certain the grin on his face was dopey and dumb.

“That’s-! Hah, that’s terrible!” The man finally got out around his guffaws.

“Yeah well,” He replied distractedly, “Kids are mean.”

Something about that caught Qrow’s attention and his expression shifted subtly. “Well, you know what I think?” He lent forward as he spoke, distance between them shrinking.

A little bell went off in the back of Clover’s head, not alarming but certainly asking for consideration. He was too lost in Qrow’s eyes to pay it any mind. “Hmm?”

“I think that they really add to your charm. Don’t you?”

Before Clover could even think to reply, Qrow reached up between them, and he heard the slide of his finger brushing along the inner corner of his left ear. The warm sensation left pleasant tingles shivering down his spine.

“Uh.” He said intelligently, swallowing hard.

Qrow backed off but the smirk he wore was untamable. “Anyways, it’s getting late. I think I’m gonna head down.” He got to his feet, giving him a wink this time. “You enjoy your wishing stars, ‘kay lucky charm?”

Then he was gone, nothing left but the sound of the door shutting behind him.

It took about three seconds after that for Clover to realize the huntsman had just played him at his own game.

Oh, it was on.

[jadekitty777]

Return to the Crossroads

Second entry for today and is another revisit to an old story of mine that I never intended to come back too. Once upon a time I wrote a story where Tai was an angel and Qrow was a demon called Divine Intervention, and it was fun. So I decided why not come back to it.

Actually no what really happened was the prompt “Gods & Monsters” was a thing, I went “I’ve already basically done this” and decided to just expand... and then I shuffled the prompt days and it doesn’t even matter now xD Ironically Hurt & Healing also would have fit very well for this... but no, I went with Final. As in “Final Frontier” aka the afterlife lol

Technically can be read as a standalone but makes a ton more sense when having read the original story.

Prompt for Day 7: Final

Rating: K

Word Count: 1300

Summary: It had been over a decade since Qrow had come to heaven, but sometimes the demons from his past still chased him down. On days like today, Tai could only hold him through it.

Ao3 Link: Return to the Crossroads

~

On that fine May afternoon, the weather at Hecate’s Lake was balmy and clear. Dragonflies flittered about, landing on long cat-tail weeds, or dancing above the clear water that would ripple every now and again when the breeze sought fit to pick up. Despite the perfect day, it was quiet; kids were tucked away in school this time of year and few families saw fit to pull them out of end-of-year activities even for a nice day out. So other than a couple of boats upon the water, casting lines for fish, and the two souls tangled together upon the grass on the shore, there was no one around.

It was the kind of day Taiyang remembered of his youth – when less people roamed the earth and the lake was newly discovered and unnamed. Where he and his fellows would fly away to when the urge struck to just shuck work and boil away the day, catching frogs and skipping stones and sleeping away on the shoreline.

Much like those long ago days, he found himself drifting where he lay upon the grass, head tilted towards the sun. Perhaps he may have even managed it, but a touch to one of his wings stirred him. He tilted his chin left and down, towards the lanky man sprawled across his chest, and murmured, “You’re doing it again.”

“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” Though Qrow tamed his expression into one of simple innocence, the twitching of his own dark wings gave him away faster than a wild stallion bucking off an amateur rider.

“Mmhmm,” He reached up, pushing back the other’s fringe of dark locks so he could tap a kiss to his forehead, as if it could soothe the hurt within. “What ails your mind?”

After all, his lover only touched the scars on Tai’s wings when he was thinking about Before. When Qrow’s black wings had more leather than feather and his head was crowned with horns instead of a halo.

…When he was alone and unsure he’d ever not be.

“You always make it sound like I’m dying or something.” Qrow puttered back with a sigh, smooshing his cheek upon Tai’s breastbone. “’Member when we first came here?”

“A’course. You were rather perturbed by my presence as I quite recall.” Taiyang joked lightly.

“Had a right to be, seeing as you were stalking me.”

Tai clicked his tongue. “Ah-ah, shepherding you.”

“Don’t act like that sounds any better. M’not a damn cow.” Qrow deadpanned.

“Perish the thought! Not when you compare so much nicer to a bowlegged donkey.”

His beau finally cracked a smile, snorting. “Jackass.”

“Precisely.” Tai grinned in return. Normally he didn’t joke so freely when the mood was so serious, but sometimes, when the haunt creeped into Qrow’s eyes, he knew it helped. “Sorry to derail you, what was it you were going to say?”

The smile dimmed but didn’t fade. “S’nothing just… did I ever thank you, back then?”

It was such an odd question to ask after all this time; the day was a decade behind them now. Had it been a less impactful moment, Tai wasn’t sure he’d of remembered at all – but he very much did.

“Hard to forget our second kiss. You were so sweet about it too~” He cajoled.

“I was messing with you.” This time he sounded a little less sincere. Qrow could holler about all he wanted, but their mutual attraction had been ripe from the start, just waiting for the right teeth to sink in. “I mean it though,” He continued valiantly, “Did I?”

Tai cupped the other’s pale cheek in his hand, murmuring, “Sweetheart, just because you didn’t say it, doesn’t mean I didn’t know you felt it.” When the frown only persisted, he added, “You could say it now, if it would appeal?”

“Such a cowboy.” He muttered, red eyes rolling as if such things actually irritated. His look clouded, a thunderstorm incoming as he grumbled, “I was such a jackass to you… why didn’t you ever give up on me?” The next words soft as they were boomed in Tai’s ears like a crack of thunder, “I was a monster.”

Abruptly, he sat up, gripping Qrow by his shoulders so he could not flail too far. Perched upon his lap and within his arms, the younger man had nowhere to go and thus, could not flee from the intense look Tai brought down upon him as he said, “Qrow Branwen you were many things back then, both good and bad. The worst of which are things I’d freely admit to even to this day, you surly, stubborn ass.” He caught the other’s face between his hands once more, sentiment honest and firm, “But of all the things I’d ever call you, a monster will never be one of them.”

Qrow grabbed him at his wrists, pushing them away as he snapped, “I murdered someone!”

“A sin you’ve atoned for a hundred times over. It still does not make you a monster.” Like a viper, his next words spit like venom to the air, “No, the ones who hurt you, who tortured your very self out of your own head until you forgot yourself, they’re monsters.”

The other’s face twisted a bit, the reminder an ugly blemish, before it smoothed into solemnity, “I could have been one of them.”

“But you’re not.” Tai replied, catching his eye even as he tried to shrink from it, “You never will be Qrow. You were stronger.”

On bad days like this, it was hard to tell which way it would go. Sometimes, Qrow would fight him at every turn. Snarling and howling like a wolf caught in a bear trap but still raring to bite his enemies and even those who might try to help. Other times…

…Would be like today, when all the fight would blow away from him like a feather in the wind. He’d slump against Tai with a weary sigh, allowing himself the comfort of his arms, the shelter of his golden wings that encircled them, a mimic of a shield that would keep all the bad away.

With his head now pressed into his shoulder, Qrow’s words came out muffled and weak, “Why am I like this?”

“It takes time, sweetheart. Healing is not something you can rush.” Tai reminded. “I promise one day you’ll find the peace you’re looking for.”

There was a puff of air against his neck as the other man scoffed. “Sorry you have to put up with me until I find it.”

“You are never someone I simply ‘put up with’.” He combed a hand through dark locks as feathery soft as the wings the man bore. “Before you came along, I was a field without water, drying up as the years went by. Then you sparked a wildfire in my heart. It was like I came alive again. What once was nothing but brittle weeds and shriveled crops was given chance to grow again.”

It was a shame he couldn’t see the other’s face as he flabbergasted, “…Tai you could just say ‘I love you’.”

“And pass up a chance to fluster you by waxing ridiculous poetic? You’d sooner get the cows to come home.” He pushed a bit more of his accent into his tone as he continued, “’Fraid yer just gonna have to tolerate me a half-time’s more, alrite partner?”

Against the sliver of bare skin his collar didn’t quite cover, he felt the way Qrow’s lips turned into a smile. “’Suppose I can do that, Sunshine.”

And it was everything Tai could ever want.

[jadekitty777]

Love on Borrowed Tai: Chapter 1

HI! I’m SO beyond late. Work kept me super late and then this chapter wasn’t even edited yet, or summarized, or titled and dfjkhdfkfjhfg. What a day!

But I’m finally here with the next entry for Taiqrow week! The beginning of the multi-chapter story! And believe you me when I say this, very loudly: THIS STORY WAS NOT MEANT TO GET THIS LONG.

But it did, all on it’s own. And it’s not even finished... but hopefully y’all will like it’s humble beginnings.

Prompt for Day 1: First

Rating: T overrall

Word Count: 4200

Summary: Tai’s life was simple. He rescued and rehabilitated injured Pokemon, helping them get back on their feet and back into the world. Then fate decided to throw him a curveball in the form of Qrow Branwen.

He had no idea how to rehabilitate a person… but his natural goodwill, and maybe a speck of loneliness, made him want to try.

~

Qrow was lost in more ways than one. With no home, no job, and his team and himself left severely injured, he finds himself desperately turning to the one man in Alola who could help him.

…A man he’d already met once before, but could never tell him how. [Pokemon AU]

Ao3 Link: Chapter 1

~

Tropical storms weren’t an unheard of occurrence in Alola. Though many wrongly believed the weather on the beautiful islands was crystal clear and perfect all year round, truth was they got some nasty rain showers and fierce winds throughout the summer and fall months – and when conditions were especially poor, even a hurricane or tsunami was possible. Probably the worst aspect of these storms was they tended to blow in fast and hit hard, with barely minutes of warning before the clouds blackened the sky.

Which was exactly the situation Taiyang found himself in. One moment, he had been scouring the grounds of the rescuer facility for anything out of place, the next he was drenched to the bone as he directed various Pokemon into their stables. He counted and recounted as his own team helped herd them inside, and only when he was sure everyone was accounted for, did he close the doors and head inside himself.

The first unusual thing that told him this wasn’t just any storm was in how short it was. Where normally he was ready to buckle in for the day, this time he’d hardly had a chance to dry up, before the sky was blue and clear again. He stared out the window with a frown, still toweling his hair, and murmured, “Odd.”

The next he didn’t notice until he got outside. Sunny Day Daycare was perched on one of the elevated levels of Melemele Island, just below Iki Town. It had been the only place left on the island with enough acres of land to make the creation of a rescuer and rehabilitation shelter for injured and mistreated Pokemon a realty. It also afforded him a great view of the island itself.

So it was hard to miss the sudden presence of the large corvid perched on the edge of Ten Carat Hill. The extinct volcano was at the southwestern side of the island and was the tallest point of Melemele, cutting between two halves of the beach. The highway ran so close to it, the traffic barriers nearly touched the rock. He knew that the peak of the mountain sunk in at the top, becoming like a basin. Centuries-old layers of volcanic rock solidified the interior and the passage of time had turned the fiery beast into a small haven of grass and other foliage, becoming a favorite home of many birds along with various other sky dwelling Pokemon. The Archipelago and Marine Vivillon migrations during springtime were particularly beautiful.

But this Pokemon was one he’d never seen in the region before – or in person at all – and the poor thing was a long way from Galar. He wasn’t sure what misfortunate had caused the Corviknight to come so far, but he couldn’t help but marvel at it, knowing that once it felt strong enough to take off again, he’d probably never see another.

Though, certainly such a rare thing was going to draw trainers…

Tai tsked at the thought, then put it out of his mind to instead go check up on his own ’flock’.

~

He got the call from Barty around one.

Dr. Bartholomew Oobleck was a historian from the Sinnoh region. He had traveled out this way a few years ago to study the various volcanic formations on each of the islands and how that had affected Alolan culture. He had even rented out the beachside house at the base of Ten Carat Hill. They’d gotten to know each other fairly well, because Barty’s companion, a Luxray by the name of Mocha, didn’t particularly like boat rides. Tai had offered to watch the finicky lion whenever the travel might be too overwhelming for her.

He'd grown to like the company – both Mocha’s and Barty’s. He found an instant connection with the other, as he also hailed from Sinnoh, though his mother had moved them out of Floaroma when he was still fairly young. They could chat for hours, like they were friends catching up on old times. However, the minute they strayed into their respective professions, the other man would talk his ear off about ecological effects of introducing outside species to the environment. Or, like, the ‘complicated history’ that became the invention of the video phone or something.

But today definitely didn’t sound like a social call.

“Tai! Oh thank Arceus you answered!” Barty’s speech was more rapid than usual, frantic. “We’re having a bit of an emergency over here!”

Tai frowned at that, setting down a bag of Poke-feed. “What’s wrong?”

“Well, did you see that storm earlier today? Wait – scratch that, of course you did. You’re not blind. Well, unless that’s changed since-”

“Barty.”

“Right!” The other man cleared his throat in a fit of embarrassment, “Sorry, uh, so, I don’t know if you also saw that storm blew in a Corviknight! Quite fascinating, really, because they have no flight patterns this far west. So I thought, well, what a great opportunity to study an unexpected phenomenon! Except, well,” He hesitated, “When I started going up the trail it uh, may have attacked me? And uh, maybe started attacking the cars in the street and the people at the beach too?”

“What?!” Tai sprinted around the house, looking out across the horizon. He couldn’t hear it, but the Corviknight seemed to be crying out warnings as it paced around the mountain’s edges. Every once and awhile it would raise a wing and it would glow bright white, before releasing torrents of white blades of air down below.

Air Slash.

Barty made a distressed noise. “I made a mess of things, didn’t I?”

“No, it’s not you. It must be protecting something and you just triggered its instincts.” He doubted it had had time to lay a clutch, but maybe it was just in the nesting stage. Or perhaps it hadn’t come alone and there were a few Rookidees hiding in the basin. On top of it all, lost and knocked off course, it must have been terribly frightened, maybe even injured. Without calming it down first, no one was going to get close.

“The authorities are trying their best but they can’t even get close! So I thought maybe you could help?” Barty asked hopefully.

“Yeah.” Tai agreed, already hurrying back for the house. “Just let me get my stuff and I’ll be there in a few!”

He ended the call, whistling down Liusha and Sunflower as he went.

~

As if the day couldn’t get any stranger, riding up the highway to find half the police force and their Pokemon snoozing on the asphalt definitely was the whipped cream on top of this weird pie of an afternoon. Taiyang dismounted Sunflower, giving his loyal Arcanine a grateful pat before approaching the scene, calling out to one of the still awake officers. “Having trouble Captain?”

Clover Ebi turned, smiling despite the situation, “Ah Taiyang! The good doctor said you were coming. Glad to have you.”

He nodded in turn. He’d worked with the police a few times before, when the wild Pokemon got riled up or became dangerous. A particularly memorable one was when bad high tides beached a whole school of Tentacool; it had taken a lot of hands to get the Pokemon back into the water without getting poisoned.

The Captain of the squad also happened to be one of his oldest friends. They’d met while undertaking the Island Trials, both stuck on Akala Island as he tried to figure his way through the water trial while Clover was struggling with the fire. They’d ended up coaching one another through them and, when that had paid off, traveled together through the remaining islands to finish the others. When Tai’d returned home to Ula’Ula Island, he figured that would be the last he’d see of the other man; but less than a decade later, they’d both happened to relocate to Melemele for work and had stayed close ever since.

“So what happened here?” Tai asked.

“Ah, well, we tried to use sleep powder.” Clover spared his team a sheepish look. “Afraid it doesn’t work so well when your opponent can blow it back.”

He arched a brow, snorting down his amusement. “Might have to enroll back in school after that one, Captain.”

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up.” He shoved him, grinning all the while. “So what do you need from us to get close enough?”

He surveyed the situation above them. The Corviknight was twisting it’s head this way and that, keeping an eye on them, on Barty’s house, on the beach. With diligence like that, there was no way he’d go unspotted. “Liusha and I can use the sand as cover but, I’m gonna need it’s attention off me.”

“Got it. You can fly up from Bart’s place while we draw its eyes to the Hau’oli Beach. Once you’ve got it calm, we can stage a relocate.” Clover decided, holding out his communicator, “We’ll signal you when we’re ready.”

With a plan in mind, the two split.

“Alpha team, on me!” He heard Clover calling as he headed back to his team.

Tai fit the communicator in his ear as he settled back onto his mount. He curled a hand around the reins, giving her flank a pat. “Alright Sunflower, to Bart’s.”

She barked, sprinting down the highway.

~

“This is incredibly reckless I hope you know.” Bart said. “Not that I expect anything less from you.”

Tai clipped together the last strap to Liusha’s harness, making sure it was secure but not tight. “Heh, you saying I got a reputation?”

“I watched you dive headfirst off Kala’e Cliff to rescue a Meowth from the ocean.” He replied flatly.

“Well, at least I’m not the one who almost fell into lava because he was too busy trailing a Marowak to notice.”

“I’ll have you know that was very important classification research!”

Tai conceded with a shrug. “I’m just saying, we all have our passions doctor.”

“Taiyang,” Clover’s voice cackled in his ear. “We’ve got it distracted. You’re ready for take-off.”

He tapped down the button, “Roger that.” Then he nodded to Barty, “Looks like I’m off.”

The other man sighed. “Just be careful, alright?”

“I’ll try.” Tai hopped onto his Flygon’s back. “Alright Liusha,” He pulled up the goggles from around his neck, before curling his hands around the reins, “Let’s disappear.”

“Fllly!” He called, beating his triangular wings rapidly. From how fast they moved a melodic noise could be heard. The sand around them stirred, Sandstorm kicking up a tornado around them until it was so thick, they seemed to vanish within.

Not willing to talk and get a mouthful of sand, Tai instead pulled up on the reins. Liusha took that as his cue and took off. They soared across the beach and followed the length of Top Carat as close as they dared, the whirlwind of sand continuing to hide them as they continued to climb upwards.

It seemed no time at all that they were cresting the peak of the mountain.

As Tai feared, despite the ruckus Clover’s team was creating below, the Corviknight was not so preoccupied that it wasn’t keeping a close watch on the other sides. Its head turned just as they’d come into view, piercing red eyes staring right at him.

As he’d hoped, it saw them as nothing more than a dusty cloud and turned its attention away again.

Tai let out a nervous breath, urging his Pokemon forward. Easy now…

As they drew nearer, he lifted up his right arm. Strapped to his wrist was a large, plastic band that had a round, silver disc mounted at the top. There was a button on the side facing towards his elbow that, when pressed, would shoot the disc outwards. He could then control the movement of that disc simply by moving his arm, the infrared light in the docking station mimicking his movements like a remote control.

Tai jokingly referred to it as his ‘calming agent’ but it was more properly known as a Capture Styler – a device that transmitted feelings of safety and friendship to wild Pokemon. It did this by using a small pulse oximeter on the inside of the band to monitor his heart rate. As long as it was steady, it would transmit that back to the disc, which would then release electromagnetic waves as it circled around a Pokemon. Those waves would then trigger a chain reaction in the synapses of a Pokemon’s brain, causing a rush of endorphins that resulted in a relaxed and passive Pokemon that might even listen to commands, if given. That’s why they were often implemented to temporarily control wild Pokemon when their assistance was needed on the field.

But for him, it’s only purpose were on days like today, when he needed it to quell a furious Pokemon before it harmed itself or others.

Foot by foot, they inched closer. Tai took a few deep breaths, hand curling into a fist to avoid the discharge as his left thumb got ready to deploy the disc. Though his heart was racing in his chest, he did his best to quiet it and his mind, focusing on positive thoughts.

It’s okay.

I just want to help.

You’re going to be fine.

He repeated the mantra over and over until he was just twenty feet away and – Now! – he punched down the button.

The disc flew through the air. The Corviknight gave a surprised squawk as trails of blue started to surround it, Tai guiding it with the remote control by rotating wrist, helping it complete its first circuit.

That’s when it all went wrong.

The trails turned red abruptly and the bird flapped out a wing with a furious trill, knocking the disc off course. He barely had time to see where it flew, before the Pokemon’s glowing wing told him they were in danger as it turned towards them.

“Pull up!” He cried, coughing on dust as he yanked at the reins.

Liusha ascended like a rocket, the powerful air slash just barely skimming under his tail. The storm of sand fell, revealing them entirely. The Corviknight tracked their movement, emitting a fearsome screech as it clamored along the length of the rim.

But didn’t fly.

Realization hit just as Clover’s voice cracked through static.  “Tai, get out of there!”

He didn’t have time to respond as the Corviknight opened its beak, sparkles of light starting to form. Tai’s heart jumped, and he ordered, “Liusha, Dragonbreath, full power!”

“Gon!” His Flygon took in a deep breath.

As one, the two Pokemon unleashed their power upon each other – the bird’s mighty white beam colliding with his dragon’s fiery green fury. The attacks exploded on impact, creating a cloud of black smoke. Tai used obscurity to their advantage, kicking in his heels and leading his Pokemon into a dive, aiming for them to dip behind the far side of the mountain where it overlooked the ocean.

As they ran for cover, a bright bloom of red down below caught his eye. He chanced a glance at it, and his breath caught.

There was someone down there. He could barely make out the features, but the form was sprawled in the grass, a pool of crimson surrounding him.

A second later, the sight was hidden from him as Liusha ducked behind the wall.

Trembling, Tai tapped on the communicator, voice a stutter, “My Styler’s not gonna work. This Corviknight has an owner. He’s hurt.”

It wasn’t yet fully understood why the Styler was ineffective on owned Pokemon, though the suspected theory was that the waves somehow triggered a response from the Pokemon’s pokeball. The pokeball would react by letting out an inference signal – a feature that was only meant go off when a trainer tried to capture another’s Pokemon. The interference was strong enough to create breaks in the electromagnetic waves and, thus, would cause the disc to fail.

In short, his Capture Styler was useless.

“Shit.” Clover hissed. “Okay, come back, we’ll come up with a new plan.”

“I don’t think they have that long Clover. They’re-” covered in blood. He swallowed down the words, “They’re in real bad shape.”

He could hear the screech of talons on rock, alerting him to the Corviknight’s approach. A second later, he caught sight of its hulking shape; too far to launch an attack, but getting closer every second.

“I get that but-”

“Just let me try something.” He cut in, a new determination filling him as an idea formed. It was crazy and only had a fifty percent chance of working, but knowing another’s life was in jeopardy, he refused to back down without at least giving it his all.

A resigned hiss was his reply, “Alright but if it doesn’t work, get your ass out of there!”

“I will.” He promised, but he prayed he wouldn’t have to. His hands tightened around the reins once again, “Let’s go!”

Liusha gave an unwavering call, soaring upwards once more to face their opponent. Upon spotting them, the Corviknight gave an answering shriek, beak beginning to light up with another Flash Cannon.

They only had one shot at this. He pointed forward, ordering, “Now Liusha, Attract!”

He slid down his Pokemon’s back slightly as the dragonfly drew himself up taller, giving a captivating trill as he beat his wings to perform a melodic and whimsical tune.

The odd display gave the Corviknight pause, and Taiyang held his breath, hope clutching his heart even as the sparkles in its beak still formed.

Then they spluttered out all at once, the bird giving a lovely trill of her own, body weaving in answer.

“Thank Arceus.” Tai whispered gratefully. He tugged on the reins lightly, “Alright Liusha, let’s bring her down slowly.”

Not missing a beat of his song, his Flygon flew backwards, descending down into the basin until his feet touched the earth. The Corviknight, despite her injured wing, followed them with surprising ease, her powerful talons gorging right into the rock so she could walk down the slope to follow. It was kind of impressive – and also terrifying.

Only once she’d made it onto level ground as well did Tai dare slip off his mount’s back. He took a few steps towards her trainer and, when that didn’t raise her alarm, decided to risk it and all but sprinted to the prone form lying several meters away.

Upon his approach he noticed two things immediately: firstly, that the other was a man. Secondly, that he wasn’t actually surrounded by blood; what Tai had mistaken for a life-threatening injury was in fact a cape, pinned underneath his body where he lay on his side.

The unconsciousness still worried, and as he knelt in the grass beside the trainer, he could hear his whistling breathes, like they were struggling from his chest. Not dying but definitely not out of the woods either. Still, it afforded Tai some time to deal with their initial problem.

He ran a finger over the tops of the three pokeballs on the man’s belt, but the warmth they emitted told him they were all occupied. With as much care as he could muster, he gently shifted the other onto his back, wincing as the other’s breathing hitched in pain. He reached for the other side of his belt where two more pokeballs were, finding the last one felt cold and unhooked it, tapping the middle button to enlarge it.

“Return.” He called as he pointed it at the Corviknight. There was a beam of light and then she was gone. He frowned down at the ball, murmuring to it, “I’ll get him help, I promise,” before reducing it once more and clipping it back to the man’s belt.

He placed his index and middle fingers to the man’s throat, counting the beats while he used his other hand to tap on the communicator, “Everything’s under control up here. I’ve got the Corviknight recalled, but her trainer is out cold. Pulse is steady but I don’t think I should move him.”

“Copy that.” Clover sounded relieved. “Harriet’s on her way to see if she can provide any first aid. I’ll call an airlift; paramedics should be there soon.”

He couldn’t think of how to respond other than with, “Okay. Good.”

“And Tai? You did great up there.” Was the last thing he heard from Clover before the line went silent, no doubt to call the hospital.

He let out a sigh, shoulders slumping. Now that the worst of it was over, Tai felt the first threads of exhaustion creeping into the spaces his adrenalin had once been. His eyes drew up as Liusha came fluttering over, landing at his side. He gave the dragon a pat before his gaze ultimately dropped back to the man.

His skin was pale, but his face was abnormally so, making the dark shock of hair on his head and the stubble around his angular jaw stand out more. In fact, most of his face seemed angled in some way; his nose was pointed and his eyes slanted, framed with thin, sharp eyebrows. Despite his condition, it was hard not to notice how handsome he was.

A rougher, wheezing breath from the unconscious man’s parted lips drew Tai out of his disgraceful thoughts. He gave the other’s slender form a quick sweep, but beyond the concerning twist to the elbow of his left arm and some obvious damage to his clothes, revealing surface level scrapes and burns through the rips and tears, he couldn’t spot the main cause of the other’s pain.

But he worked too long as an acting Pokemon nurse not to recognize the noise.

With detached ease, he started to unbutton the man’s shirt. He’d found his culprit immediately. Though the right half of his chest was as white as snow, his left had taken on a concerning purple-black hue where bruising had spread across his upper chest. So close to his lungs, a puncture was a definite possibility.

How had he gotten so injured? Maybe the flash storm had caused him and his mount to lose altitude, resulting in a nasty fall?

A sudden beep broke him from his musings and he looked down, surprised to find a Poketch Watch on the other’s wrist. He hadn’t seen one since he was first setting out on his own journey, the technology having been antiquated by the C-Gear when he’d been in his early twenties – which was a decade and a half ago. Even still, he hadn’t forgotten how to use one and carefully pulled it off the man’s wrist, tapping through the functions to get to the Pokemon List app, which was linked to each of his Pokemon’s current health.

Tai’s stomach immediately dropped out upon seeing each health bar underneath the five names were in the red and blinking rapidly. Critical status. He understood Corviknight, but… all of them?

He looked between the watch to the man. “What in Arceus’ name happened to you all?”

Of course, there was no response.

Tai clicked his tongue, before he began unclipping each Pokeball from the other’s belt. They needed to get to the Pokemon Center right away.

“I hope that’s not your resumé for Team Rocket or something.”

Tai clutched his heart, jerking his head around. “Don’t do that Hare!”

Harriet shrugged unapologetically. “Fast and silent is kind of my thing.” She slipped down the back of her Braviary, the blue, red and white Pokemon matching extraordinarily well with her own white, blue and red uniform.

As she trotted over, she gave the items in his hands a pointed look, so he explained, raising the watch. “They’re injured.”

“Where’s this guy from? The 90s?” She snorted, giving it a glance over. “Guess you better get going then. I’ve got things here.”

The strangest urge to decline welled inside of him, at least until the airlift arrived, but he furiously beat it down. He was a Pokemon rescuer, not a human one. It wasn’t like he knew what to do other than sit there and be useless.

“Right.” He pocketed the pokeballs, starting to get to his feet, “I’ll-”

A hand grasping his wrist froze him faster than an Ice Beam.

Tai looked down, sucking in a sharp breath as the man squinted back at him. The shade of his eyes struck a nostalgic chord in him, because they were-

Pale red, the same color as the Fairy Flowers his mother always had in the dining room vase.

The stranger seemed confused, his gaze darting around as if trying to make sense of things, before landing back on him. His brows twisted, and in a gruff voice, said only one word:

“Yang?”

Then his eyes rolled back, grip falling as he fell unconscious once more.

Tai was still frozen, eyes wide with shock.

Harriet tilted her head, “You know him?”

“No, I…” He stood, patting Liusha when the dragon pushed his snout into his shoulder, sensing his distress. “I’ve never met him before in my life.”

So how did this mysterious man know his name?

Maybe it was just a coincidence? Or maybe he meant to say something else and just got mixed up? He did have a lung being crushed after all.

“Hey!” Harriet snapped her fingers in front of his face. “It’s probably nothing. Don’t explode your brain over it. Now get out of here.”

It did work to snap him out of it, and with only one last look at the stranger, hopped onto Liusha’s back and took off for the sky.

But the question wouldn’t leave him.

He didn’t know him.

…Did he?