let me go

"No."

Qrow takes in a haggard, hiccupping breath as he readies himself to shut down the other man, but Clover beats him to it. The younger man, who has been leaning against a nearby wall, grins, waving Qrow closer. Shuddering, Qrow obeys, too flustered and terrified to think clearly; to his surprise, Clover merely leans his head forward once Qrow is close enough, resting his forehead against Qrow's shoulder.

"Well, I should get a say, too," he whispers, "and I don't want to stop working with you."

"But-"

"No buts."

A warbling, incoherent plea slips past Qrow's lips. He wishes he could agree.