#ironcharms

[eyesinthecrypt]

Directly motivated by @jamesbranwen drawing bunnygirl qrow

[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.

[yoomschoocs]

@lucky-ironqrow-week day 6: Domestic / Napping

No one’s ever struggled with a piece as much as we have with this one, I just know it. This work is at least months old but because of this ship week @cara-kira found a reason to continue it, only to have me mess around with the colors lmao As you can see my lighting needs a lot of work and it caused me blood, sweat and many tears but at last, here we are XD Sis did the sketch and the lines, I did the coloring and the lighting!

[maniateez]

‘Cause when it’s cold, I’ll wrap my scarf around you

And when it’s hard I’ll place your head into my hands

[luckyharbinger]

Chapters: 1/? Fandom: RWBY Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: Clover Ebi/James Ironwood, Qrow Branwen/Clover Ebi Characters: Clover Ebi, James Ironwood, Qrow Branwen Additional Tags: Assassins & Hitmen, Royalty, Bodyguard, Forbidden Love, Magic, Polyamory, Class Differences Summary:

Clover worked throughout all of his youth to earn his place in the royal guard, and for his efforts was rewarded the greatest honor a knight could ask for: the right to be the crown prince's first Royal Protector. After twelve happy years at James's side, Clover's desperate for things to remain as they are, in spite of the ever looming threat of James's getting married. And with James appearing unenthusiastic about each suitor presented to him, it seems as though Clover will be allowed a few more years' peace.

At least, until a prince arrives in the form of an assassin and ruins absolutely everything.

[storyweaverkirea]

Lucky Ironqrow week prompt voting

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1b744cYxdsihxdbx2viYdAJXB9d2YuU0Z3KPcA-wPnRU2Vg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Hello everyone! Here are the Lucky Ironqrow week prompts you can vote for! I will leave it open until next Sunday the 18th. Happy voting!

[courtclover]

ironcharms for the ot3 👀

20 Somewhat Important Questions for OT3s

Who sleeps in the middle? James has even bigger pillow sized tits than Clover. He sleeps in the middle, Qrow and Clover sleep so good. 

Who is the best cuddler? Qrow. Qrow will find ways to slip himself into spaces and laps when Clover and James are busy with work. 

Who gets hurt the most? Qrow via misfortune I think??? 

Who acts like the baby? Clover. He wants kissy. pls gib kissy

Who teases the others the most? Qrow has two Atlas Military boyfriends to annoy 

Who proposes? James, I believe. 

Who is the most protective? James ‘shelter you in my arms’ Ironwood.  

Who is the closest to the child? (Whether it be a fur baby, scale baby, or human child.) Qrow, if they have children. Clover, if they have a dog. James and Qrow, if they have a cat. 

Who gives the best advice? James gives the best motivational speeches and Clover has the best advice when it comes to dealing with people on a more personal/one on one approach. Qrow disregards them both. 

Who is like a therapist? Winter and Ozpin maybe?? 

Who sings B and C to sleep? I can see Clover singing to Qrow & James just to be romantic and charming, but I think James has a voice that’s divine uwu 

Is the relationship healthy? i honestly can see it both healthy and not so much 

Do A and B have a stronger bond with each other? Or do C and B or C and A have a stronger bond? Or are A, B, and C close together [equally]? There is no denying Qrow and James have known each other longer/worked together and have a relationship (exes, lovers, enemies however you want to think it) and I really think Clover is the glue here. Clover is in the middle, holding James’ and Qrow’s hands and is smiling and is like “I just think my two bfs are both neat :)” and that’s how ironcharms works in my mind for me lmfao 

Who can be trusted to be left home alone? James and Clover. 

Who cries the most? Qrow, I think, but James can pour emotions out too when in a very comfortable and secure state 

Who is the softest? Qrow

Who is the shortest? CLOVER I LIVE FOR IT I LOVE IT HERE 

Who is the tallest? J I M M Y 

Who likes cuddles the most? James, I’m not wrong. 

Last of all, who sings terribly in the shower? none i refuse

[heramiart]

A gift I made for @anderazu for a Secret Santa on a horseshoe/ironcharms server c:

Bit late merry crimcheese everyone~ 💖

[rinrinboss]

First artwork for this site, also first digital artwork

[jadekitty777]

Heartsick: Chapter 2

Fun fact: Did you know the person I choose to be first in the tags is whose perspective the chapter will be in?

You do now lol

Day 2: Secrets

Dedicated to: PidgeonPostal

Rating: T

Words: 2K

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 a Dragon Attacks

~

Qrow emerged between the oaks from the southern side, patting one of the wizened trunks as he passed it. The trees of this forest were centuries older than him. There was a structure to their root system he’d only understood by experiencing it, impressed by the way the trees knotted together into a single structure, the older foliage draining water and nutrients to the younger, lending strength so they could grow and build healthy systems to keep out invasive pests like bark beetles and stand up to seasons of drought. Fascinating in the way they kept one another alive.

A community of nature that he’d been welcomed into. So, it was easy to feel the distress even when it was coming from miles away.

“Everything well?” James asked, looking up from his little trough of blue roses. The wicker hat he wore was utterly ridiculous, large and floppy, the string that tied around his chin a bright blue – but it was nigh impossible to ignore Clover’s enthusiasm when he presented the gifts he found whenever he went into town.

Qrow knew, because he’d tried. Once.

His Pomeranian-dotted socks laughed back at his weak will with glee.

“As well as it can be.” Qrow replied as he crossed the clearing. “Just a bit of fire blight on the southern side. Nothing a bit of pruning couldn’t handle.”

James teased, good-naturedly, “Why Qrow, you sound almost like an arborist.”

“Better to be that than a florist.” He snarked back.

It had become a bit of a running joke between them. Started by himself of course, because he couldn’t help but poke fun at the once strict and militaristic man picking up such a frilly hobby such as gardening – but then the trees started to call to him and James immediately latched onto some well-deserved payback as their interests began to align.

The only difference was everything James learned came from a book; everything Qrow learned came from the trees themselves. There was history and wisdom in every growth ring, there to be gathered if he was kind enough to ask. So, he did and he learned, more than he thought he ever could about how this little place protected itself both naturally and magically.

In a way, it made him feel secure – because the forest would warn him of danger well before it reached them. He could keep his newfound union safe.

There wouldn’t be another Tyrian. In that, he swore.

No sooner had he thought that, then did a screaming start up from the house.

He and James shared a panicked glance before leaping into action, rushing through the back door.

“Clover?” His shout echoed as they followed the yells, worry rising.

Only to fall away into befuddlement at what he saw as they turned the corner.

Clover was sat on the floor of the hall, smacking at the little metal dragon latched onto his big toe with a towel. “Off! Get off!”

A tiny, muffled voice came from the dragon. “Not until you tell me what you did with my brother you ugly-hearted little ba-!”

“Tai?!” Qrow cried.

His surprise somehow brought a semblance of calm to the situation, the wire whiskers of the dragon twitching before it let go of its grip on Clover, steel head swiveling. “Qrow!” Metal squeaked as he bounded over. “Oh, thank the Gods! I saw this empty stranger in your home and thought you’d been kidnapped.”

“Empty?” Clover repeated confusedly as he rubbed his foot.

Qrow’s brow wrinkled. “Clover’s not a stranger, he’s – wait. Why is your first assumption that I got kidnapped?!”

“You’re very kidnap-able.” Was Tai’s nonsensical explanation.

“What does that mean!”

James cleared his throat, poking his head around Qrow’s shoulder to say, “I believe what is being said is that your inhibitions are often… foggy.”

That wasn’t fair. He hadn’t had a drink in years. Not since before Atlas.

“James?!” It was Tai’s turn to cry.

“Hello Taiyang, it’s been a while. Sounds like we have a lot to catch up on.”

~

“See?” Qrow said as the, rather long, story came to a close. “Now can you do me a favor and not bite my boyfriends?”

Tai’s metallic tail thumped irritably on the low-end table. “Well how was I supposed to know?! It’s not like you ever check in.”

Ouch.

But he wasn’t wrong. Ever since Qrow had moved here, he’d isolated himself almost entirely, only leaving his forest sanctuary for necessities he couldn’t just magic out of thin air. Tai was the only one to ‘visit’ – and only ever like this, possessing one of his many trinkets to talk through. Other than that, his contact with the outside world had been limited at best. And it wasn’t like most people were itching to explore a cursed forest anyways.

At least until James appeared on his doorstep that is.

On the couch beside him, Clover lent forward, green eyes alight with interest as he reached out to poke a whisker. “I’ve never seen a projection spell like this before. How do you do it?”

Qrow tried not to wince.

Tai took it much better. “A former wife of mine specialized in Long Distance Movement. My specialization is Soul Reading.” He held up a clawed foot made of bent and welded nails to himself. “This was the result.”

Clover’s jaw dropped. “You magic bonded.”

“Twice, as I recall.” James added in his most disappointed commanding officer voice.

Despite a face of steel, the little dragon managed to appear disgruntled. “You’d understand if you were in love.”

“I am.” He replied matter of factly. “Doesn’t change my opinion.”

It was such a James answer, Qrow only rolled his eyes.

His former captain didn’t seem to share in his opinion. “Where’s your sense of romance James?” Clover reached out, cupping his hands underneath the dragon and lifting him up. “So you got astral projection! That’s so amazing. What was it like, bonding to another mage?”

Qrow sunk back into the cushions as Tai started to regale the old tale with such ease, that he didn’t know whether to feel proud or jealous.

They were old wounds, but thinking back on them made them flare like something new.

When Raven had proposed the idea to Tai to share one another’s magic, just days before Yang’s birth, she’d fooled them all. He’d remembered his best friend’s excitement as he came bursting into the room, unable to wait even a second before telling him.

“I think… she’s really to committed to this. To us. And our family.” Tai had said then. Tentative. Hopeful. And completely in love.

Qrow had believed it too.

Three days after the ceremony, Raven had taken her new ability to see through lies and ran off and never once looked back.

Tai had spent a countless number of afternoons in the sun of his backyard, having long-distance arguments Qrow never heard a word of, even when he asked.

He could only be there to pick up the pieces when Tai finally accepted she was never coming back and let the hurt break him.

Decades later, he still hadn’t forgiven his sister for it. Never planned too either.

“Now Summer, well her magic was really something special. Hers focused on Animation. She could bring anything to life with just a touch.” Tai’s tone had changed. Wistful. Dreamy. “She was amazing.”

Clover’s smile was empathetic. “Sounds like it.” A pause, then he whirled towards Qrow. “Wait. Is that how the mug works?”

“Yeah. It was the first thing she made afterwards.” He grinned at the memory. “She was kinda pissed about it actually. Thought it would be cooler.”

“Only at first!” Tai cut in, indignant, metal whiskers frazzling into little lightning bolts. “It came in handy on a lot of undercover missions as I recall.”

“Still doesn’t change the fact your magic is lame.”

“Don’t make me come over there and bite you.”

Clover lifted Tai a little higher, as if that would stop him. “So what happened to yours after?”

“Hm?” Tai peered down at him from over his wrists. “Well, let’s just say I didn’t used to be able to move around like this when I projected out my soul.”

The captain’s grin was stretched as far as it could go, eyes lit up like sparklers. “Wow. That’s so incredible. James, Qrow could you imag-”

“No.” They both said at once.

“What? But-”

Qrow leveled him with a look. “Cloves, I adore you, but my magic’s not exactly bonding-friendly.” Too much mess and chaos.

“And even if I didn’t think it was an inanely outdated practice,” James said, voice loud enough to cover Tai’s huff. But then it dipped, low, almost… uncertain. “I just don’t think I’d want to give away a piece of myself. Not again.”

Two beats of silence.

Then Qrow barely had time to catch Tai as he was tossed when Clover all but flung himself at the other man, wrapping him up in a hug so tight, Qrow thought he might have heard his metal parts creak. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean – I-I would never-”

“I know you didn’t mean it that way, Clover.” James soothed, returning the embrace.

Qrow just sighed fondly at the both of them.

~

Hours later, Tai called again.

It was well after Clover and James had retired to bed but Qrow was still up, tinkering about in his workshop. Working on the runes embedded in Harbinger, hoping he might make a line just for the forest. Something destructive to infections but would keep the living parts from harm. It was a bit more delicate than anything he’d ever worked with before, but if he could perfect it, things like blight and rusts would be much easier to deal with.

“Hello Tai.” Qrow greeted distractedly, shifting one of his fire runes into an ash one.

“I don’t like Clover.”

That got his attention immediately. Carefully, he pulled his magic from his weapon, letting it go into a resting state.

Then he whirled on Tai with an angry, “Excuse me?”

The dragon didn’t flinch. “Qrow, I read him. There’s something… wrong with him.”

“Of course something’s wrong with him Tai! He doesn’t have a heart!”

“No, not that.” Metal claws tapped insistently as his brother-in-law came closer. “There’s spite growing in his soul.”

That was a joke. It had to be. Clover? Who built eco-friendly bird nests to string along the eves of their shared home and who sang horrible show tunes while he pulled him and James into spontaneous dances?

…But this was also Tai. Who had never once lied to him, not even if it hurt.

Qrow leant back in the chair, arms crossed. “Sure your skills just ain’t on the fritz considering?”

“Sure you aren’t just trying to find a loophole to get an answer you like?” Tai countered, metal-bolted eyes drilling into his skull.

He turned away, running an agitated hand through his hair. Fuck.

“A read still doesn’t mean intent.” He decided on finally. Sure maybe something bad was stirring in Clover’s heart – shit, didn’t they all have that? – but it didn’t necessarily mean it was aimed at Qrow or James.

Maybe… it was at himself? Qrow knew a thing or two about hating yourself.

Gods though, he didn’t want to imagine Clover going through that.

“It doesn’t.” Tai agreed. “Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep an eye on it.”

Conversation apparently over, the metal dragon started back across the table, leaping back to the floor.

Just before he walked out the door, Tai paused, saying lowly. “I just don’t want you to get hurt Qrow.”

Qrow looked away, unsure what to make of the mess that was already throwing every worst-case scenario through his head. Things that made his heart clench and his eyes burn.

“…Yeah.”

[yoomschoocs]

@lucky-ironqrow-week day 4: Academy Days / Memories

Day 4 of lucky ironqrow week is here!!!!

@cara-kira and I kind of combined the prompts this day. Have an AU about them getting to meet at the Vytal Tournament and James reminiscing about it :)

I did the rough sketch, the lines, the coloring and the background, sis did the clean sketch, the base coloring and the picture background.

[luckyharbinger]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: RWBY Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Qrow Branwen/Clover Ebi/James Ironwood, Qrow Branwen/Clover Ebi, Qrow Branwen/James Ironwood, Clover Ebi/James Ironwood Characters: James Ironwood, Qrow Branwen, Clover Ebi Additional Tags: Polyamory, Confessions, Making Out Summary:

It takes one to hesitate, two to tango, and three to hold it all together.

[storyweaverkirea]

Lucky Ironqrow week prompt submission

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDprjeonMitaCEy2oFvGZoX7WfR5kmR1VrNo-MGXgRGbb1dg/viewform?usp=sf_link

If anyone is interested in submitting prompts for lucky ironqrow week then here you go! It’ll be happening in mid August! I’m thinking the 16th which is a Monday!

[courtclover]

@eiiskonigin​ sent:  9, 10, 16, 17  [ SHIPPING QUESTIONS ]

what do you think about crossover ships?  would you play any?  

I don’t mind doing crossovers anything, just as long as it’s from a series I know and recognize or that I am interested in. I honestly would do a crossover ship, but you know it has to have chemistry between mun and muses.  

what do you think about poly ships? would you play any?

I actually really enjoy poly ships! I actually want more because I’m selfish 🥺👉👈 I lowkey ship clover x qrow x winter and clover x winter x robyn and ironcharms so you know 👀

what’s your NOTP when it comes to your muse?

Any ship with the main cast of kiddos or Penny, Mercury, Cinder, Emerald etc. Clover is middle age. I’m not shipping him with anybody in the 15-23 age range. 

what’s your BROTP when it comes to your muse?

Elm Everdeen and Clover Ebi are best buds for life and you can’t take this away from me. They are gym bros. Clover is Elm’s spotter on the bench press. Clover spoke at Elm’s and Vine’s wedding. Elm saw the attraction between Clover and Qrow from miles away and was the first on the team teasing Clover about it. They are best buds for life. I will die on this hill. 

[jadekitty777]

Heartsick: Chapter 3

Don’t have anything clever to say for this so... just have another chapter!

Day 3: Caretaker

Dedicated to: PidgeonPostal

Rating: T

Words: 1.8K

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 Discussions are Had

~

It was hard to explain, exactly, how it had been to be without a heart.

In a way, it was similar to how the metal half of his body felt. Sometimes, James’ brain tricked him, made him think flesh was there instead of nuts and bolts. Sometimes his right hand felt warm and alive and more there than ever before – then, in a flash, it was gone. He’d get similar phantoms with his emotions, a skipped heartbeat when fear struck before it faded, a minute pull at his chest that seemed akin to sorrow, a faint quirk of his lips when joy skittered by. Then nothing. Nothing but a deep, dark void of emptiness that swallowed him whole.

But though he could not feel anything did not mean he didn’t still understand it outside of himself. It just meant when his team faltered out of fear, anger, hesitation, he was always there to pick up the slack. In fact, it was almost strange to say being without the distractions of his own feelings also made him more attuned to the subtlety of others. He knew when a soldier would waver. When a commander wouldn’t follow through.

(Knew, a bit too well, how he was breaking Clover’s heart a little more every day.)

He was pacified to find that regaining his heart had not quite dimmed that particular talent.

Because while he couldn’t pinpoint the reasons behind it, there was a tension building up inside of Qrow that had started this morning and only gotten worse. But if anyone were looking, all they’d see was he was a mite quieter than usual and, when concentrating over his runes, he’d taken to biting the edge of his lip. Nothing to worry about.

James was worried.

When Qrow finally pulled from his work long enough for a break, he took the chance. Rising from his garden, James crossed over to where the lankier man had nestled himself between the rolling roots of an oak tree like a burrowing vole, casual as he offered, “Care for a walk? I need to stretch out my limbs a bit and wouldn’t object to some company.”

“Yeah, sure.” Qrow cracked his neck and rolled his shoulders before accepting a hand up. He spun Harbinger until it was in its more compact dagger form, sheathing it at his belt.

They found their way to their favorite path, a winding, hidden trail on the eastern side that eventually led to a creek that flowed between the lowest point of the forest. With the recent rainfalls, it would be higher than usual, perfect conditions to spot some red-bellied newts and spotted frogs. It was exactly what they found themselves looking for now, crouched down by the edge of the flowing water, seeing who would get lucky first.

Unsure how to go about this, James tried to crack a joke, “Remember when you bet Clover to catch a newt and he actually went jumping in? And you almost fainted when he came out covered in all those leeches?”

“You almost fainted.” Qrow smiled. But it was a fleeting thing, gone behind a pensive frown once more.

James was great at many things – an expert tactician being at the top of that list. He could easily weave an army through obstacles when subtlety and care was needed. However, he’d be the first to admit such things did not cross over to people. In that, his only recourse was to be straightforward.

With little else at his disposal, he just came out and asked: “Qrow, is everything alright?”

“Why wouldn’t it be?” He replied, defensive as always.

“You’ve been…” He searched the sky, as if the entwining branches and gray clouds above could provide him the words. “Off this entire morning.”

For a moment, as Qrow’s shoulders hitched up further around his ears, he was sure he would continue to argue.

Then, all at once, they dropped, a heavy sigh splitting from his lips. “Tai called again last night and told me something I don’t really know what to do with yet.” His frown deepened. “And I’m not sure if telling you or Clover what it is will exasperate things.”

James mulled that over, trying to figure out what Qrow wasn’t saying. “So it has to do with us?”

“Sort of. More so with Clover, specifically.”

His back straightened, tight and taunt. “What about Clover?”

Qrow eyed him a moment, before raking a hand through his hair, frustration clear. “Agh, see this is why I didn’t want to tell you!” He jerked to his feet, stomping his way back to the trail.

Fuck. “Qrow wait!” James scrambled after him, catching onto his arm before he could get too far. “I’m sorry, it wasn’t my intention to upset you.” He rubbed soothing circles into Qrow’s pale skin, just below where his sleeve ended. “I’m just not great at handling gut reactions still, especially when it pertains to either of you.”

A snarky grumble, “Not exactly filling me with confidence here.”

“Qrow, if there has been anything I have learned, it’s that trying to hide from your emotions is not… the wisest of decisions. Just because I worry does not immediately mean it is bad.” He reached out, cupping the other’s jaw in his hand. Gentle like the first but colder. “So trust me, please?”

A series of expressions played across that pretty, angular face, confliction matched in his eyes. But like before, eventually Qrow let it all go with a heavy sigh, and said, “Tai read Clover’s soul. He said… there’s something spiteful in him.”

James halted.

That… was the most ridiculous thing he’d ever heard.

But after a few moments, when Qrow didn’t pull away and laugh over his grand joke but instead only grew more troubled, he reconsidered.

Tai’s readings were not foolproof but they always had some measure of truth to them. The challenge came in defining what, precisely, that truth was.

He didn’t, for one second, believe it was aimed at himself. Clover had followed him all the way from Atlas, would have followed him probably to the ends of the earth, to give him his heart back. No expectations and no compensation required. Would no doubt have drifted back in the background if James had required it of him, because his only intent had ever been to make him happy. It was a love deep and wide as the ocean and one he’d vowed to care for after turning away from it for so long.

Qrow, new as he was, didn’t seem a likely target either. Afterall, it had been Clover who had broached the topic, back in those early days. And while James’ feelings had been clearly acknowledged, Clover had not shied away from telling his own. How Qrow had sparked an unexpected flame in him that he wished not to douse – and if the arrangement made them all happy, then wasn’t it worth it to try?

So, that left only one person.

“It must be within himself.” James concluded with a laden heart.

Qrow groaned quietly. “I was afraid you were going to agree with me.”

“Don’t make it sound like it’s the worst thing I’ve ever done.”

“Just saying Jimmy, you coulda done it a lot sooner.”

Yes. Yes, he could have. But it was not time to dwell on the past. Not when the future looked so bright for once.

“I believe the solution here is obvious.” James decided with finality. “We need to talk to him.”

Qrow blinked twice. “Are you serious? James Ironwood wants to have a serious conversation about feelings?”

He tried not to frown. He wasn’t that heartless, was he?

Well… not anymore, right?

“Shit, sorry. I didn’t mean that.” His partner corrected quickly, grimacing. “I make terrible jokes when I’m stressed. Just ignore me.”

He supposed he could have a little fun with it, at least. “Hmm what was that?” He turned away, starting back to down the trail, not quite fighting the smile at the corner of his mouth. “Strange. The crows sure are unusually loud today.”

“Oh ha, ha!”

“Ah and one even seems to be laughing, but how could I, the Heartless King, ever truly understand such humor?” He rose a hand to his forehead like a distraught damsel from the tragic Atlesian plays he’d once attended. “O woe is me!”

Ridiculous as it was, it at least brought a real laugh out of Qrow as he jogged to catch up.

~

They pitched ideas the entire way back. There were so many uncertainties, it was important to cover all blind spots. Though James would agree that of the three of them, Clover was the most emotionally in-tuned, it did not imply that their partner even realized anything was wrong. Or if he had, that he’d properly pinpointed the cause. Most importantly, just because they’d come to the same conclusion, did not mean they could presume they were right.

Delicate and seeking, they decided. Let Clover do the talking, give him the room he needed to open up and hopefully make him feel safe enough to do so.

And if he wasn’t ready, then they’d wait until he was.

It was the least James owed him.

Plan settled, they entered the house, determined and resolved.

It blew out faster than a tire over a spike trap when they spotted Clover. He was curled up in front of the fire, buried underneath no less than two blankets. A book was by his head, clearly forgotten, but there were no soft snores to indicate he was asleep either. 

All clear signs of a bad day. They’d come infrequently with the new heart, unexplained lows that hit at random. A maladjustment to a piece of him that was no longer human.

On the worst of them, they usually found him like this; something about curling up in front of the fireplace reminding him of home. Not Atlas, specifically, but before even then, when he was a kid, red nosed from playing in the snow, drying off as he sipped cocoa and read through picture books.

James looked to Qrow, a quiet conversation passing between them.

It was Qrow who moved first, coming around Clover’s feet and peering down at his face. “Hey Cloves. Need some company?”

An arm rose in askance. “Please.”

James left them to it for the moment, ducking out long enough to battle it out with the pantry for the right ingredients. He returned with a tray full of mugs, steaming with hot chocolate and colorful marshmallows floating at the top. Left them to the side of the blanket pile with the knowledge they may just go cold, before he settled against Clover’s back, winding an arm around his waist.

On the other side, Qrow was letting Clover use his chest as a pillow, fingers combing through his hair idly. He looked at James, mouthing, ‘Tomorrow.’

James nodded in silent agreement.

Tomorrow was another day after all.

[yoomschoocs]

@lucky-ironqrow-week day 2: Only One Bed / Vacation

Day 2 time!!! @cara-kira and I are collabing this week :D check out day 1 on her blog!

Qrow likes to take up space when sleeping, but his boyfriends do not mind one bit <3

I did the sketch and the lines, sis did the coloring, shading and the background.