Author's Note:
Every day when I was bogged down with research for my assignments, and my anxiety would hit, I would look at Fair Game Tumblr or Discord and feel happier. Despite the stress and pressure, seeing Qrow and Clover together just made me smile. So there was no way I would leave my story now. This is a continuation from the Secret Valentine. It was supposed to be cute little antics (I got that going for later), but today I went with love. Unparalleled love. And how I think they would now express it.
So please enjoy!
Qrow and Clover had managed to return the airship. They had sat together in the clearing till it was nearly sunrise, the morning hues of purple and pink blanketing the stars and moon.
With Kingfisher hooked tight, Clover braced themselves on their way down to his bedroom window. Qrow's arms were around his shoulders, face crooked into Clover's neck.
There was silence and then a muffled, "So, did you actually talk to anyone about your plan?"
Chortling, Clover said, "Elm's aware. She suspected something almost immediately after we started, after all. The first word out of her mouth was 'Finally!'
"The others knew I was fascinated with you when we got Team RWBY's case files but it might have only seemed professional to them."
A laugh.
"And before you, I never spoke about my feelings, so I'm not sure if they knew for sure. Of course they'll know now."
He tapped his left ring finger on Qrow's back.
"The last thing I want is to keep us a secret. The five of us may not be friends like how you are with the kids, but everyone is concerned with the members of our team in their own ways. Their practicality, which makes them the best Atlesian huntsmen and huntresses, also makes them defensive and protective."
Qrow moved to angle his head so he could look at Clover. At his partner's raised eyebrow and incredulous look (You're one to talk.), Clover continued, "Yes, I know. I was just as defensive and protective and even more guarded than they are.
"So to them, how could someone as closed-off as I was be so open with another person? And yet, what they don't know yet is how this particular person has changed me so much. I'm a better person after I met you. You made me feel again.
"What I hope to get them to understand is that nothing was rash. We spent time together, we got to know one another."
Qrow's hand paused at the window but he pushed it open. Clover used his foot to bring them inside. Back in their room, Qrow was first to enter but Clover never let go of his arm. He used it to swing Qrow to him.
"But of course, I knew. From the start. Like I said, I was fascinated. Maybe a little smitten. I knew we were meant to be partners, on and off the field.
"Forever." He ended the last word with his brightest smile.
Qrow planted a kiss on his lips. "How do you always manage to do that?"
"Do what?" Clover asked, concerned.
"Make me feel warm, and loved."
"I chalk that up to...you. Making me feel warm and loved makes me want to fill you with it too." Clover laughed heartily and hugged Qrow tight, swinging them around.
"I love you so much."
"I love you more." Clover set Qrow down. But a tiny grunt escaped him. He couldn't help rubbing his eyes. Qrow snickered and nudged Clover over to the bed. He wasn't a night owl and it amused his fiance to no end.
"I don't regret a second of our time together, even the fact that I stayed up all night last night." Clover mumbled softly, still holding onto Qrow's hand.
"Neither do I. But you need your rest, baby. As much as you can. I'll get your alarm set; and by that I mean, I'll open the door so Marrow can come barging in to wake you."
Clover squeezed the other's hand tighter, not wanting him to go.
"What would the Ace Ops do without you?" Qrow laughed, kissing Clover's ring.
But what would I do without you…? Clover couldn't get the words out and the thought swirled in his head.
It pained him to let go, but Qrow knew that this wasn't the way for Clover's team to find out. He had his nieces swear to secrecy for the time being, for the surprise. Now it was the leader's job to contemplate breaking the news.
Qrow slid off the king-sized bed and padded quietly toward the door. Clover's pin was still stuck to the keyhole to prevent anyone else's prying eyes. As he lifted it, rubbing his thumb over the seal, Qrow's heart swelled with joy.
Clutching the pin tightly till it left marks, Qrow pressed it against his forehead. Then his lips. Qrow was crying but he was euphoric.
I did it. I really proposed. And he said yes.
Suddenly his hand trembled and two tears rolled from his eyes. He almost doubled over as his legs quaked. He put his hand on his knee to steady himself and the ring caught the light.
"To my Lucky Charm" was engraved on the inside. It was their secret term of endearment to each other from early on. Nothing could sound more right.
'I guess "I do" has a beautiful ring to it, too." Qrow snorted, he was always so burdened he could never find a reason to use puns like he did when he was younger.
Blinking through the tears, he turned to his fiancé. He really could watch Clover all day. The brunette was so exhausted (you would be too if you had tried to propose to have the love of your life propose back to you) he had flopped onto his front and had just slept where he landed.
His left arm dangled off the side of the bed while the other that pulled his body up was crooked at an angle.
Moving over to where he was, Qrow stood beside the bed and leaned over, but he couldn't hold back a tiny chuckle. Qrow watched as he snored lightly, his back rising and falling.
This time planting a small kiss on the side of his head, he thought, Sweet dreams, my love.
And at that moment, Clover smiled.
Qrow shook his head, lips pressed together, attempting to smother his laughter. He had trouble. Shoulders shaking, he backed away, but that was when he heard it.
A pounding of feet down the hallway. Oooooh no...
There was an actual screech of shoes skidding on the floor followed by a violent rattling of the bedroom door as if someone had ran too fast, missed his target but managed to hang onto the doorknob.
"CLOVER!" The voice whooped from outside. "I'M COMIN' IN! GOOD -!
The door was thrown open and the voice trailed off. "- Morning…?"
Marrow was greeted by an interesting sight. One of the windows was slightly open and a little crow had found its way to his leader's bed. In fact, the birb was snuggled in the crook of his arm.