Old Friends

James's fist hovered over the door, just knock, simple easy and yet … He sighed he was being a fool. He had already given Qrow his files but James had to admit he didn't know what a session with a Companion actually meant. They weren't whores, they were a formalized institution of people, with training, rules and regulations. He had tried to research it but it couldn't be summed up as, every person was different. Okay, stop this stupidness. James knocked on the door.

The response was almost instant and it took James a minute to gather his jaw up from the floor. Qrow's appearance was very different then normal. For a start he had shaved, for the first time James could ever remember Qrow's jaw was smooth. He wore an open robe of what appeared to be silk, it was a dark red almost and black tied around the middle with a red sash. Qrow's smile caught him off guard, honest. "Hello James, come in."

James followed Qrow into the flat closing the door behind him. He was surprised when Qrow moved to remove his coat, with a little lingering touch to his shoulders. As Qrow hung it James said. "This is very odd."

"Well you're not here as the General of Atlas or as a friend. You are here as a client, though I am not going to charge you. I promised no paper trail and I intend to stick to that." Qrow brushed the long coat down ensuring no wrinkles. "This way, we can talk over tea."

After removing his boots James followed, he expected Qrow to take him to his bedroom. Only they walked right past it and up a flight of stairs.

The lighting was what struck James first, the room was about the size of Qrow's bedroom and living room put together with one wall of windows. Over the windows were silk curtains of red and gold, hung so while they let the light in most of the light was converted into the aforementioned colours. The trend continued through the room, there was a painting of Aphrodite on one wall and the walls were a warm gold with more curtains hung upon them. There was in the far corner a few paper standing walls that James assumed were for privacy and another door to the bathroom. To the wall nearest the door was the bed, it was king size and immaculate, with sheets of warm red and gold. Their were shelves with other paints mounted above and the smell of lavender wafted through the air. Lastly there was a small couch a few steps away from the bed with a oaken table.

It was all very warm and soothing, James liked it instantly. Qrow strode into the room and gestured for James to sit. "Please have a seat."

James walked slowly over and sat down on sofa, it was very nice though he sat ramrod straight. "I thought…" He trailed off looking towards the bed.

Qrow chuckled and sat an easy distance away from him. "That's not how this works. Companions don't jump straight to bed, the Greeting Ritual." He gestured to the steeping tea. "Goes back centuries. First we talk, then the bed."

"Alright." James said watching Qrow pour the tea, he never imagined seeing Qrow take so much care in something. "What do you want to talk about?"

"Given why you are here, what I would like to do with you seems a good start." Qrow smiled a little of his jesting attitude surfacing.

James grabbed his knees and licked his lips, unsure of what to do or say. He took the tea when Qrow offered it, it was a gentle mix of peach and lemon with honey.

"Well I went through your medical files and it says that you only have a partial spine injury and that you are intact. So my first question is, have you noticed any rewiring of your nerves? It's very normal among the disabled for their body to rewire after the injuring. For example I read of a man who could orgasm just by having his hair played with." Qrow sipped his tea and relaxed into the sofa.

"I'm not sure… I haven't really let people touch me much since the accident. I did try a few times but once my partners saw how far the… metal went I guess the novelty wore off." James found himself relaxing in response to Qrow's posture.

"So we will have to explore that then." Qrow said. "Has it just been your appearance or have you had other issues with partners?"

"It's just the metal, after the first few complaints about how cold I was I just kinda… I don't know it got set into my mind that it was something…" James looked away.

"To be ashamed of." Qrow said softly and took a deep breath. "Do you mind if we speak about Ruby, she mentioned a few things to me."

"Go ahead."

"She said you were very shy over your right side, you kept a sheet over it as much as you were able and were gentle with her. Can you explain that for me?" Qrow asked.

"I thought it would help keep her warm and from noticing the metal as well as provide some padding for her. As for being gentle, it was our first… few times together and she is so small it's hard not to be careful." James sipped the tea.

"Alright. What is it you fear most? In sex and the related activities." The red eyed man studied James.

"Rejection now I guess. It's happened enough times, I know I am ugly as soon as the clothes come off." James sighed.

Qrow set his tea aside a frown set on his lips. "That is an unfair stereotype of the disabled, encouraged by those of the very shallow disposition."

"You haven't seen me." James chuckled self deprecating.

"Then show me."

James looked over with a snap of his head. "Now?"

"Yes." Qrow said as if it was the simplest thing in the world. "You can just start with your shirt if it makes you more comfortable."

James swallowed thickly and reached up to his tie, pulling it off and putting it down beside him. His shirt followed and Qrow chose not to comment on the tell tale shake of James's hands. James looked at the floor as he felt Qrow move, he expected the man to touch the scaring where metal met flesh but Qrow went straight to his metal hand. "This is very nice work."

James looked up surprised and saw a very slight smile from Qrow… he was excited. "Uhh well yes."

Qrow moved behind him slightly tracing up the metal limb. "A bit old but not bad at all. A work of art. Can you raise your arm before you please?" James did and Qrow couldn't keep the geeky squeal in. "How many muscle strands per cable? Gods you must be able to lift a ton!"

"A few hundred." James said, this was definitely a new reaction. It made his insides warm.

Qrow traced over the interlocking diamond shaped plates over James's spine. "I'm sorry I'm geeking but this is cool, I've never seen something quite like this. It shows it's age but is still cutting edge tech."

"Well… I guess I'm glad you like it." James looked over as Qrow returned to his spot beside him.

"Ruby would to, heck any gear head would." Qrow reached for an sipped his tea.

"Maybe I've just being trying to date the wrong people." James finally relaxed the leather felt odd against his skin and metal side.

"I'm getting the impression that might be the case. What type of people have you been trying to date?"

"Mostly upper class Atlassian women, you know the 'respectable' type. The type a General should have for a wife."

"Well there of your problems right there." Qrow said trying to get James to talk.

"It's not that simple Qrow. I am the Headmaster of Atlas and General of it's army. I have to meet the expectations, take Ruby for example. I couldn't bring her to a social function, she's too low born. It would make me a laughing stock that I couldn't find someone better. Ozpin technically would be perfect but even rumours about being gay could damage my reputation." James ran his flesh had through his hair. "I swear some of Atlas elite think I've got no balls! Given that I'm not a mushy fat man, they should know better! My testosterone counts are very healthy, thank you very much." James spat.

Qrow chuckled. "Oh I can tell, and after a few bouts with Ruby they'll be soaring at all time highs. Trust me on that one."

James chuckled. "Insatiable does fit her. Makes me very glad I stay fit as a Huntsman."

"Hmm." Qrow hummed in thought. "Maybe next time you have one of those social functions you can bring me. As a Companion, I am trained to be able to function in all levels of society. I can be so upper crust those ladies won't know what hit them and it is a respected profession across Remnant."

"You're still male." James said. "And I thought you didn't want it to get out that you are a Companion."

"Say I'm a respected friend and I am in no hurry to go public in a big way but if it helps you I don't see why not." Qrow sipped his tea.

"Just what are Companion's trained to do? Sex obviously but the rest?"

"A large variety of arts, believe it or not I can dance, sing and play a few instruments. I know many martial arts and can write in calligraphy. As well as history, language, societies, love play is something you only get to learn after you finish everything else. There is a reason we are so well respected, we are not whores." Qrow finished his tea and set it down.

"Well I never summoned up the courage to subscribe to the registry." James said, he paused them asked. "You said you rarely take clients, beyond wanting to keep it as a secondary job. Why?"

Qrow wove his fingers together. "Well, I ended up rather famous finishing Beacon three years early. And that was nice for a while, but the monastery of a Companion guild starting looking very good after a while. Being famous is exhausting. Training as a Companion, was probably one of the best experiences of my life. So opposite to Beacon and so… I don't know how to describe it. It was stressful, there was so much to learn but then I've always had a gift for learning. Once I got into it, it was an opportunity that I would have never gotten with my old Tribe or anywhere else. Hehe. I can stare Raven down now I know that I am her better. Then when it came time to learn about 'love play' as they put it. It really opened my eyes to the possibilities, I had always liked sex. But there can be so much more to it then, the physical act or kinks. I mean contracting a Companion earns a client 'an evening of pleasure'."

Qrow paused and thought how to phrase it over for a moment. "That doesn't mean it has to be sexual though. Companions are trained to listen, to entertain, to soothe, and even to offer advice, as we are well-versed on any variety of subjects from politics to the economy. A Companion knows traditional and contemporary dance. We are skilled musicians, schooled in literature, and stay current with all significant newsworthy events. We have to have a high degree of empathy and are trained in psychology, so they can understand their client's needs. Sorry I'm rambling, I just mean it's a very special experience and it's different for everyone. I really got to enjoy that." Qrow looked over to James. "Getting back to your question, I don't take clients from the registry usually. I find the people, who need the experience but often are to afraid for one reason or another to ask for it. More often than not they don't even know I am a Companion till I tell them. Then like you, I pose the question. Do they want my help?"

"But you said you weren't charging me, is that normal?" James asked, feeling honored that Qrow picked him.

"Depends, usually for the first session I don't. If they liked it, then we talk price of future sessions or as often happens. They subscribe to the registry. Which is usually my ultimate goal, just to give a little push to help them get help." Qrow said.

"Why did you pick me?" James asked.

Qrow looked over. "Because in spite of how snarky and sarcastic I am when we are working. I do like you. I've had a feeling you had a problem for a while now, you turning out to be Ruby's soulmate was just the push I needed."

James watched Qrow for a moment. "You love her."

"Yeah." Qrow's usual rasp returned.

"Not a casual love either, you'd go to the ends of the earth for her. Do anything…" James reached out then hesitated remember it was his metal side but he forced the hand forward and let it rest on Qrow's shoulder. He saw Qrow close his eyes, the man he saw at the end of a bad battle appeared for a few moments. His stomach twisted. "Gods I feel like such a thief."

Qrow reached up and held that metal hand giving it a squeezing knowing that James did have some sensation in it. "Not your fault. Ruby and I knew what we were getting into when we started. Falling in love just happened. Besides it was me to pushed her to her soulmates, I was the one who got her to try. To leave me…"

"Maybe you could bring her into one of these sessions sometime. I'm starting to understand you and her I think. Forcing yourself apart for our sake, is just… wrong. We'll have to talk to Ozpin and Romulus about it, but you've done so much for us already and they don't even know it." James said.

Qrow looked over. "It's fine James, I'll live."

"Not alone you won't."

Qrow chuckled. "Already changed your mind on the male side of things then?"

James blushed. "This is actually the first conversation I've had about anything remotely like this. It's… nice. Understanding you helps me adjust as well. So you mentioned first tea and talk then, whatever you had planned. So what is your plan?"

"Well depending on you, I wanted to give you a massage and see if we could figure if your nerves have rewired. Some light talk maybe about how it can be between to men. Just slowly planned on educating you." Qrow said with a little smile.

"Oh, not what I expected." James admitted.

"Research thrice, try once." Qrow said with a smirk. "Though if you rather read your educational material I can give you some books so you don't have to worry about anyone peeking at your Scrolls history."

"That would be great, that way I'll actually have an idea of what to ask." James blushed looking Qrow over. "So what now?"

"Depends on you. You could just strip and let me get to exploring you, or you could kiss me and we can do this the fun way." Qrow said.

James finished his now tepid tea, Qrow really was handsome and he was curious. He set the cup down and said. "I'm more inclined to try the 'fun way.'"

Qrow leaned over and James met him half way, the kiss was strange to him while he was still larger than Qrow. Qrow had none of the feminine feel he was so used to. His lips were still moist and he tasted of tea, but they were more equals in the embrace. Qrow pulled away and took his hands pulling him to his feet.

They walked to the side of the bed, James was content to follow Qrow's lead. The smaller man rested his hands on James's clavicle. Metal and flesh equal under his hands, he drew them down to James's belt letting his expression be open and honest. Showing James just how much he liked the metal, he undid the belt and James clenched his fists as Qrow removed the last of his garments. At Qrow's prompting he stepped away from the clothes and Qrow set them aside on a table.

Qrow watched James fidget, he was clearly uncomfortable with being so exposed. He returned and touched the metal of James's hip, the multilayered part had black gaps of grafted pseudo skin peeking through. He traced over to James's member but didn't directly touch it, there was scaring but not overly. "Whoever put you back together, did a very good job."

"The accident didn't damage any internals around there, most of the damage was surface." He sucked in a breath as Qrow traced a scar of grafted artificial flesh to real.

"Are all your scars sensitive?" Qrow asked as he explored with just his fingertips down to James scrotum. Again the organs were whole and unmarried but there was more black artificial skin protecting the real skin from the metal.

"I think so, I don't touch them more than I need to." James said and was relieved when Qrow moved on.

"What about in the shower?" Qrow asked stepping back and gesturing for James to lay on the bed. "On your front please."

"Water always feels good, I like keeping it at a temperature where it warms the metal to skin temperature. The grafs feel like skin and have their own nerve endings, so when it's all warm it feels…" James laid down, the bed was perfect and he almost purred.

"Normal?" Qrow offered collecting a jar of coconut skin cream.

"Yeah." James closed his eyes as Qrow spread a small amount of cream over his back in a smooth line. Qrow started to massage slowly, working the cream close to James's spine but being careful not to get it on the grafs. He drew another line down the edge of his spine and James sucked in a breath.

"Sensitive?" Qrow asked, gently working the area with just his finger tips.

James moaned pleasure zinging down his spine. "I think this answers your question about my nerves rewiring to make up for the loss."

"Lets see how far this goes then." Qrow said with a smile and worked his way down James spine. The bigger man let out a chorus of moans, till Qrow got to his butt. "Do you mind if I rim you?"

"What's that?" James asked.

"External stimulation of the anus. I'll just use a finger but tongue can be used as well, it's a very pleasurable feeling." As Qrow worked he gathered more cream and worked the muscles of James's glutes to a relaxed state. Eventually James said. "Okay, I did shower before I came."

Qrow gently pulled James glutes apart, his prosthetic side was mostly black grafs. Drawn down from his tail bone to give James plenty of warning he drew light circles over the darker skin. James bit his lip but couldn't silence the moan. "Didn't think that would feel good."

"Well there is that and here…" Qrow moved his finger down pressing just behind James's scrotum. He watched James grab the sheets. "We have just as many erotic zones as a woman, anything things have direct opposites. We can feel much the same pleasure they do upon penetration. The anatomy while different does have similar purposes."

"So I am learning." James said as Qrow moved.

Qrow worked his way all the way to the tip of James's toes. They didn't find another especially sensitive zone. "Roll over please."

James did and blushed at his erection, his body was starting to feel like one great big puddle of pleasure. Muscles that he hadn't known were tight had relaxed and places that had been pulled by the skin grafts were finally happy. Qrow didn't comment on it just taking James hand between his and started massaging the muscles. When he started on James's pointer finger he got another long moan and James's erection bodded. "There's two." Qrow said a smile.

James purred as Qrow moved on, by the time he got to James's chest the General was almost asleep. "I am so getting you to do this again." James mumbled as Qrow worked on his neck.

"I'm sure that can be arranged." Qrow was moderately surprised when the sensations for James' neck appeared normal. His nipple on the other hand was clearly making up for their only being one of them. Qrow couldn't help but play there for a while till James was dripping seminal fluid onto his stomach.

As he moved down from there James grew more nervous but Qrow continued to while not ignore not comment on his aroused state. He sat up as Qrow paused putting the cream away and grabbed Qrow's hand. "Umm."

"Do you want something more?" Qrow asked, he knew physical James was totally ready for more but it wasn't the physical aspects that he was worried about.

"What do you like to do?" James asked.

Qrow considered for a moment. "Depends the partner, but with you I think I would like to ride you. I did all the prep work before you came in case you were feeling brave."

James mulled it over but deciding that doing the reading Qrow had mentioned first seemed like a good idea. "Maybe not that."

Qrow hummed at that and reached over, sliding his arm around James's side and stroking up and down his spine in firm actions. James grabbed at him with a moan his flesh hand going to his member stroking in time with Qrow's pets. He came quickly over his hand and stomach. James blinked surprised for a moment. "I did not know I could do that."

Qrow chuckled and handed him a soft cloth. "It was what I was looking for."

"Do you want anything?" James asked but Qrow as already moving away.

"No I'm fine." He opened another drawer and pulled out two books. "These are for you, just give them back when you are done." He put them on the table by the tea and returned sitting beside James.

"Thank you." James leaned over and kissed Qrow again, he found it was a sensation he would like to get used too. "Are we done for today then?"

"Yes… would you like to do this again?" Qrow asked.

"Yes." James had to admit he felt better then he had in recent memory. Whether it was the massage or just being relaxed while nude with another person he didn't know.

"Would you like it if I brought Ruby in one day?" Qrow asked.

James wondered why at first but let it go, maybe it would be a good idea. She had already seen after all and hadn't cared. "I think that could be, interesting." An idea occurred to him and he got up and walked over to his trousers pulling his Scroll out of his pocket. "Seeing as you aren't charging me for this and I think I could get to like this. Why don't we go for lunch? I'll drop Ruby a text and ask if she wants to meet us."

Qrow got up and stretched. "Now that sounds like a fantastic idea. I'm gonna go get changed, I'll meet you in the living room."

Ruby had beat them to the fish and chips store, it was a little hole in the wall on a semi quiet street she and Qrow frequented when they were in the mood. She bounced out of her seat as they approached and threw her arms around James's neck. "Hi!"

"Hi." He held her for a moment before putting her down and clearing his throat. "So to get something out of the way. I talked to Qrow and I don't want to come between you two. It's not right, we'll have to talk to Ozpin and Romulus of course but I'll be on your side about this. You shouldn't have to give up one love just for another kind."

Ruby stared at him in shock for a moment then looked over to Qrow. She flew at him and it was such a good feeling to have him catch her, he spun her around once and took a long kiss. Ruby melted into it with a moan, his hands moved to her waist and held her against him.

James felt his heart warm as the kiss parted and they looked upon each other. Such small honest smiles, Ruby reached up and traced over Qrow's shaved jaw.

"How's this fair? I get years of scratchy kisses and he gets one session and you shave?" Ruby asked keeping her body pressed close to Qrows.

Qrow shrugged. "I didn't know his preference, figued seeming less masculine would be a good start."

"Humph. I don't like it, I want the scruff back!" Even as she spoke Ruby continued to pet his jaw. "There is just nothing to pet or play with!"

Qrow chuckled and cupped her head kissing her long and slow again. "I'm sure that won't be a problem."

Ruby withdrew and asked. "So food?"

As the settled and ordered James watching the two, Qrow had his chair turned to Ruby and hers to him. They spoke softly but James could hear them clearly, it just seemed to be how they talked to each other. He could see the way Ruby looked up to Qrow and how he admired her in every little gesture. His heart warmed, yes he had done the right thing here. That warmth persisted and he opened his shirt a few buttons and looked down.

The silver upon his chest was deepening, the willowy wisps proof of his and Ruby's bond were becoming more defined and starting to shine. His gaze snapped over to Ruby's wirst, his blue was doing the same. Growing darker deeper, almost flowing with life. All while Ruby talked to Qrow. A smiled pulled at his lips and he sipped his water, he was already starting to love watching her. Romulus had annoyed him, the way he all but commanded Oz's time but Ruby and Qrow. They had an energy, a knowing of each other that he loved bask in.

Curious James closed his eyes and reached out over the bond, he had never tried this before, his bond with Oz was not strong enough yet. It took him a moment but he felt for Ruby within himself and poked her gently.

Ruby stuttered to a stop mid sentence and looked over to James then down at her wrist. "That felt… odd."

James opened his eyes and blushed. "Sorry, I was just curious."

"It's okay, hmm." Ruby tried to summon up what she had been feeling since she learned that James was okay with Qrow and pushed it through the bond.

James's eyes widened as an outpour of love washed over him. Not just the love she felt for Qrow, though he felt that as well, but the love that had come about because of him. A love for him because he allowed, no accepted her love for another. James suddenly understood, their bond was deepening because he had put forth the effort and had started to understand her.

Ruby reached out over the table and he met her in the middle, their fingers wove tight together. "Thank you James."

"It was the right thing to do." James said and was surprised when Ruby didn't pull away.

"Have you ever had someone you loved?" Ruby asked.

"Not really, at first I was to busy with school then to busy with work. My career has always come first though I am starting to regret that now." James said, he hadn't realized how lonely he had been till Ruby pushed all that love at him, love that came in so many forms.

"That work before fun thing has always been so overrated." Qrow said sipping his beer.

"You always mixed the two together, I'm seeing that more and more." James said smirking.

"Guilty as charged." Qrow said.

The waitress returned and they ordered their food, James tried to ignore it when she stared at his slightly exposed chest. When she had gone Ruby said. "Jerk."

James shrugged. "That always happens."

"You'd think with how many Huntsmen loose limbs it wouldn't be so abnormal to see prosthetics and it wouldn't get such a reaction." Qrow grumbled pissed on James's behalf.

"I'm used to it."

"Which is sad in of itself."

Ruby looked between the two and pushed her seat over to James, she moved into his lap and pushed the fabric of his shirt out of the way. Neither man said a word as she started pressing kisses to the metal and skin. A few minutes later the waitress returned and served their orders, hiding her staring very poorly. Qrow could practically see the thoughts turning in her head, how could Ruby kiss such a flawed man? He still managed to smile at her and thank her for her service.

Ruby moved off of James lap to tuck into her fish and chips after a moment munching she asked. "Since we are altogether, why don't we go visit Ozpin?"

"I like that idea, I haven't really gotten to take a measure of him yet." Qrow said while eating a chip.

"I don't know, Romulus has been butting in of late and he still makes me uneasy." James said.

"All the more reason to go make sure Oz is alright then. I haven't been able to spend much time with him and I think that's very sad. Especially given that I'm going to move in with him." Ruby said.

"I'm with Ruby on this one James, if need be I can always scare off this Romulus." Qrow said enjoying his fish.

"Alright."

Roman stood at the door to Ozpin's home, his dyed black bangs falling over his eye. In the bush to his left Neo waited, as Roman knocked on the door twice. There was a sound of feet padding and the door swung open by Oz's stewardesses. What was her name again? Oh right, Penny. "Hi Penny, I'm here to see Ozpin." He tried to keep the smirk off his face but it was hard to knowing Neo was a few feet away watching the interaction. She was probably silently giggling her ass off the little minx at Roman's poor imitation of a guy crushing on someone.

Though if Penny noticed any of the unusual behaviour she said nothing as she nodded. "Yes please come on in."

Roman or Romulus stepped inside, letting the door quietly click shut behind him. Neo would have no problems getting in so long as Penny took her time showing him to Ozpin.

Outside in the bushes a pink and brown haired head popped out. Neo carefully extracted herself from the greenery, stopping to brush a few stray leaves from her ice cream coloured hair. The tiny thief pulled out her parasol, twirling it once before approaching the door. The lock was a quick fix as she silently slipped inside and did her rendition of a whistle.

Pulling the scroll from her pocket Neo opened the pictures Roman had sent her of the mansion, finding the map he had made up for her to follow. If she were quick enough perhaps they might make it in time for some ice cream before her favorite pallor shut for the night.

Damn it! Tyrian kicked the wall closest to him, his fury burned over his skin like flames from hell. He just couldn't seem to catch a break and what the hell was Ruby doing with those two men! She had run to the one with dark hair, throwing herself into his arms and then kissing the other man on the chest. Why!? The scorpion swiped his hand over the counter swatting the single mug across the room where it fell in pieces upon contact with the wall.

He didn't realise his eyes had melded into a vibrant purple but he could feel the tremors of his anger take root. His hands shook violently as his arms started to seize and shake, the fingers stiffening as he focused in on objects around the room. When his gaze landed on one of the two set of chairs he grinned and stalked over. Taking hold of the backboard of wood and using his foot to hold the chair down he brutally pulled it. Snapping the wood from its frame before throwing the offensive item across the room. He did it again and again, lips curved up as splinters of wood dug into his palms and fingers causing them to bleed a ruby red but he didn't notice.

He punched his fist through the seat of the chair going through the thin cushion and wood bottom, ripping the skin of his knuckles on the metal springs inside. That stung slightly but when the scorpion pulled his hand free the sight of blood oozing down his wrist only calmed him. Seeing the way the red fluid dripped from his clenched fist onto the floor settled him. The sweet coppery smell invaded his sensitive nose and soon the broken objects were forgotten in place of other feelings.

Tyrian brought his fist close to his face and opened his hand. Wooden fragments and wet sticky blood already coated his hand and the rip on the back of his hand would need stitches. The madman sighed and plopped himself on the floor, Ignoring the mess around him. Tyrian crossed his legs in front of him and scratched his head with his uninjured hand with a huff. He hated hospitals, it wasn't the place itself that was the problem but the people on it.

Doctors always wanted to analyze him, nurses were constantly poking and prodding at him, 'reaction times' they said, bloody hell did he hate them. He leaned backward and flopped onto the floor, lying in the remains of the innocent chair, his feet swinging side to side. There was a quiet tapping sound when his boots connected.

Then there were the other patients. Tyrain couldn't stand the wailing screams, the calls for help, crying brats. He'd rather take a screwdriver and stab his ear drums then listen to that noise for hours on end. Still as he watched the blood drip down his arm, showing no signs of stopping he didn't want to risk an infection. He could probably get in and out fairly quickly at this time of day.

When he looked around the wood splattered room he it out a long groan, "I just bought those chairs urgh!" They were bought as a pair for him and Ruby for when it would be mealtimes. Now he was going to have to replace them again but that would be after he got his hand fixed up.

When they arrived at Ozpin's mansion Ruby was the first one out of the car, barely able to keep in her excitement. This was the first time she had been here and it was beautiful. The long stretch of road leading from the gate to the building itself had been smooth and collared with low hedges and flowers. She was instantly looking forward to coming here again with some of her sketchbooks. She doubted Oz would mind if she wanted to draw his estate, as vast and beautiful it was.

James was soon at her side and Qrow just a step behind her as they made their way to the main door. Even though the General had a key to the main door; Oz had given it to him some months ago not long after they met, he chose to knock instead. Penny Ozpin's android would want to meet Ruby so she could update her files on Ozpin's soulmates. Sure enough Penny was opening the large door, her bright green eyes seemed confused as to why the General hadn't used his own key. "Good evening General Ironwood, how may I help you?"

"Evening Penny, this is Ruby and Qrow. Ruby is my and Ozpin's other Soulmate, I thought you would like to meet her before we go to see Ozpin."

Penny's eyes immediately sought out Ruby's elating the Android to doing a somewhat cute jump in the air as she smiled and exclaimed happily. "That is wonderful news. Hello Ruby, my name is Penny, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Ruby found her hand being shook by the shorter ginger haired girl and smiled sweetly. "Pleasure to meet you too. So do you take care of Ozpin?"

The android found she liked this Ruby right away, she ventured to ask about her father's condition before anything else. That and her smile was very genuine, not at all that Romulus'. "Yes, I am responsible for looking after him, maintaining the manor and grounds among other things."

Qrow who had been behind her was a little puzzled how one small little girl could do all that. "All alone?"

"Yes, I am very capable." Penny assured the other man. Already she was looking forward to seeing her father's expression when all of his soulmates had turned up and on the same day too! "Oh I almost forgot Romulus is here too. I'm sure they will both be delighted to see you."

James nearly groaned. "Thank you for telling us Penny, would you take us to where they are please."

"Of course." The ginger haired robot said, standing aside so Oz's visitors could enter. She turned to take them to Ozpin when the slender man called back.

"Listen I'm just going to wait around here if you don't mind. All four of you together, that's kind of a big deal. Though if you want me there after you've said hello I'll find ya." Qrow said standing with his back against the wall. While it would be a good idea for him to meet Romulus he didn't want to surprise the other man too much. Let the boy have a bit of foreknowledge before he meets more people, especially Qrow. James seemed to understand his unspoken idea and nodded before letting Ruby link his arm and taking her down the hall with Penny at the lead.

Qrow leaned back, his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes scanning the hall. Was it him or was someone else lurking around? Penny had said she was the only worker and James and Ruby had gone in the opposite direction. Qrow straightened and started heading down the other corridor. So who is else is here?

Roman was just taking a sip from his brandy, one that Ozpin had oh so generously given him a few minutes ago when there was a knock to the door of the study. Thinking it was probably that ginger haired girl again he thought nothing of it until it opened and multiple familiar voices entered. Oh shit!

James was the first to enter, the smile that had been on his face as he escorted Ruby fled when he saw a familiar dark head sat with his back to the door. Still he regained some of his mirth as he saw Ozpin and went over to the older man. "Hi Ozpin, Ruby and I have come to visit if you don't mind of course.

Of course 'I' bloody well mind, you fractured lump of metal! Instead what he said was. "Of course not, the more the merrier. Lovely to see you again Ruby." Roman added getting up from his seat and going over to the red head.

Ruby let Romulus take her hand, his lips pressing a quick kiss to the back. She felt it would be rude to mention how it gave her the shivers and not the good kind either so she simply smiled back. "Nice to see you too."

Qrow walked through the corridors with his Aura extended, it made him glad he had brought Harbinger with him. Though he was a Huntsman, his beloved scythe was never far from his side. He drew the weapon from his hip and extended it into sword form. He saw a door cracked open and knelt peering through the keyhole. What he saw made him drop all pretense of stealth.

He slammed the door open and opened fire, Neo only just managed to dodge dropping the laptop she had been in the process of unwiring from the wall and leapt behind a desk. Qrow stormed into the room keeping his weapon trained on Neo. He refrained from firing again, he didn't know all of what was in this room and didn't want to risk damaging anything. "Come out you little mute thief."

Neo pulled out her umbrella and was starting to panic. Sure she had her Semblance but Qrow was in the way of the door even if she used it she wouldn't be able to escape. Damnit where was Roman?

Ozpin was elated, he hadn't realised how much he wanted to see this picture until the day came. All three of his Soulmates, whole and alive and all of them sat in his home, where he had always dreamed they would be one day. It wasn't perfect of course, James seemed a bit strained and Romulus was nervous but Ruby was sitting besides the General, her hand patting down his leg which seemed to be calming the Atlassian. He didn't think this day could get much better until the sound of echoing gunfire made its way to the study.

At first he wasn't sure what it was but then it came again and again then, he and James had both surged to their feet with equal looks of panic. "Who else came with you?"

James looked over at Ruby who seemed very pale and Romulus who was very nervous. "Qrow Branwen came with us. I asked him to come as I was hoping we could both speak to him."

Roman heard the words and instantly blanched, Neo! before running out of the study and towards the gun shots. Ruby had a similar thought only her worry was for Qrow and took off after the green eyed man. James and Ozpin followed them, trying to call them back from potential danger.

Roman burst into the room the gun fire was coming from and his eyes latched onto Neo as she stood struggling to escape from Qrow. Her umbrella was sporting a good rip and her hair was askew from dodging Qrow's much faster attacks. Ruby tumbled into the room beside him shouting for the Huntsman. "Qrow! What on R-"

Before she could utter another word Roman had his arm around her throat and was pulling her body infront of his. Confused she struggled but he only tightened his grip as Qrow, finally noticing the audience spun round with his weapon in hand.

"TORCHWICK!" Qrow snarled, looking between the two thieves. "That explains why she is here." He tightened his grip on Harbinger as Roman did the same to his hostage. "Let her go, before I get into the skipping rope with your intestines mood."

Roman chuckled. "Yeah, no." He started to walk putting his back to the wall and keeping an eye on Ozpin and James as he moved towards Neo. "Neo dear fetch the laptop, we are leaving."

The pieces were flying together at lightspeed for Ozpin. "You… you're Roman Torchwick. You've just been using me."

Roman chuckled. "Took you long enough, did you honestly think I cared about you? You were just the biggest score I've ever had drop into my lap. I never wanted Soulmates, much less you. Though this one is nice." Roman squeezed Ruby's breast tightly till she yelped in pain.

Qrow lurched forward till Roman partly twisted Ruby's neck. "Don't think I wouldn't snap it Branwen."

James whipped his gun out from under his coat and aimed. "Please tell me you trained Ruby in some Aura."

"No." Qrow growled, really regretting that at this minute.

"Why do this though? We are tied together." Ozpin was grasping at straws. He felt his sanity was breaking from the deceit. Why would he do this?

"You think I give a shit!? Bonds can be rejected, I don't love you and I'll never love any of you. In fact, I reject my Soulmates!" Roman said the words with complete sincerity and all the bonded souls screamed in pain.

The marks for Roman, upon Ruby, Ozpin all turned white, James was spared because of his missing limb. The bonds to Roman though became Void and Empty. Roman had to drop Ruby as he screamed, his marks all turning pitch black, signs of the rejection. Neo and Qrow saw their chances, Neo rushed for Roman grabbing him and using her Semblance. Qrow smashed the echo of them the instant later. "Fuck!" He roared but it was Ruby's whimper that defused his anger.

He went to her and gathered her up into his arms, cooing at her and stroke her head. "Shh, it's okay. I've got you, it will be okay." He held her, rocking slightly as he whispered to her, hating that he was powerless to sooth her pain.

The sun had set by the time Tyrian arrived at the hospital, meaning it was also much quieter then he had expected which pleased him. He's only been in the minor injuries unit for an hour before one of the doctors came by to see to his hand. Tyrian effectively using the excuse that he was doing DIY when he fell through an old ladder and damaged his fist. While it seemed to be enough to convince the Doctor the Faunus kept a wary eye out on any drugs brought in. The last time he had been convinced to go the hospital hadn't been pleasant and the smell of drugs always knocked his senses off.

Thankfully he was given a prescription of painkillers he could get over the counter and was quickly discharged. The way he had come seemed to still have several people wandering around and he didn't like the idea of going that way so he instead took the detour through ICU. He was just walking past the singlar rooms when he saw two young men sleeping in chairs on either side of one door. It was strange, strange enough to grab his attention as he walked past to glance into the room. Only when he did his black beating heart nearly dropped through the floor.

There lying in the steril bed, her body covered in bandages and wires poking out from nearly every point was Velvet, the Faunus rabbit he thought he had killed. Thanks to his enhanced hearing the beeping of her heart monitor came through the walls. So she hadn't died, even when he had stabbed her, thrown her off a cliff and left her for dead, she survived and apparently help had found her.

No this wasn't good, if she woke up. . . Images of Ruby being taken from him rose sharply. He would never be with her. No I can't let that happen. Thankfully the two men sleeping outside the room were oblivious to his presence as he slowly and silently slid the hospital door open. Quickly so as to not disturb them or garner any unwanted attention Tyrian closed the blinds so none could see inside. Then he carefully padded towards the sleeping Faunus in the bed. Without thinking his eyes took on a glowing purple colour as he pulled his tail free from around his waist, the stinger hovering over the bunny.

You won't take her from me, no one will.