touch (scintillas)
The water is warm, and so is Qrow.
They sit, for both of them are far too exhausted to try and do anything ridiculous now; despite the rest their too-long nap has granted them, they are both still clearly spent from the vigor of the afternoon, of the previous few days. However, it is as Qrow winces easing into the hot bath which Clover has drawn that the silliness of the situation overtakes the younger, for they are two nearly-middle-aged men who should have long ago grown out of making love until they physically cannot breathe; and yet, the past week has been filled with nothing but. So, here they are, passing Clover's generic shampoo and conditioner and soap between one another and groaning as their Auras shimmer across their skin, casting emerald and crimson hues in a dancing frenzy upon the wall as numerous bruises and bites are healed. Clover kneels to wash suds out of Qrow's hair, and Qrow does the same, the two of them collapsing into wry, weary giggles as they both realize that they really should've used condoms, for cleaning is going to be a little more complicated than they thought.
It is clumsy and awkward, but they both manage to bite back their blushes and drain the tub, turning on the shower- although Qrow staunchly remains seated, pouting as the water strikes the back of his head. "If someone wasn't so damn needy-"
"Then this would've been so much more efficient," Clover agrees, clambering to his knees awkwardly. "Honestly, Qrow, you really should learn the Atlesian way of doing things-"
The light smack on his abdomen makes him laugh, but Qrow grumbles and creaks to his knees as well. Then, in the most embarrassing two minutes of his life, he and Qrow ensure the other is clean, suddenly feeling far too shy to be doing this under the lucidity that their adventures have left behind despite the fact that they have already well explored each other just hours before.
Yet, at the end of it all, the sun is just beginning to set and the room is completely aired out, leaving it the perfect frigid temperature for Clover to use his thickest duvets. Qrow clambers into bed without complaint, only moaning in annoyance when the blinds do not block out the light enough for the elder to properly collapse.
"Do you need me to fetch you a sleeping mask?" Clover titters mockingly.
The glare sent his way is adorable in its sleepiness. "Shaddup."
Clover pauses, noticing a little tinge of pink blossoming upon his cheeks. Curiously, he slips into bed, turning onto his side to block the light from Qrow's eyes. "What," he whispers, leaning in a hairsbreadth away, "would you prefer I make it a proper blindfold?"
The flash of desire upon Qrow's face is enough to send Clover's mind racing, but he has little time to ponder it; Qrow simply rolls his eyes as he catches himself, pushing Clover's shoulder lightly. "Don't get too ahead of yourself," he mutters under his breath.
Clover laughs, drawing close. He shall explore that option later- he can think of a few ties in his closet which have not been put to use in years that would love to see the light of day again. "Would you prefer a late wake-up call or an early one?" he murmurs, looking at his Scroll.
"Pros and cons of each?"
"Pros for late- sleeping in."
"Great. Cons?"
Clover places a kiss on his forehead. "We sleep, wake up, go to work."
Qrow stares deadpan at him as he realizes what Clover is insinuating with their other option. "This… brothers, is this going to be my life now? Just scheduling… you?"
Clover grins, resting his arm across Qrow's waist. "As long as you'll have me," he says. It is not a lie.
Qrow relents, rolling back, holding out an arm. Obediently, Clover crawls closer, sighing contentedly as long fingers twine with his hair, all comfort and gentle touch.
This, Clover decides as he closes his eyes with the setting sun, is bliss.