A/N: Leave a comment if you're reading along! I'm curious to know what y'all think of these two.

Cameo Lover

Four Days

Day 1 of having Qrow around was straightforward enough- whilst the new arrivals were given the grand tour, his job was to ensure that the Grimm from the earlier attack had all been completely flushed out. After that, there was a plethora of intel they needed to analyze, and even more meetings with James. It was busy, but he liked that. It kept his mind off of Qrow's silhouette- and those piercing red eyes.

Day 2 of having everyone in Qrow's entourage in Atlas was decidedly worse. Their presence had Penny bouncing off the walls. While Clover was personally fond of the girl, understanding both her place in their operation and in Dr. Polendina and General Ironwood's hearts, even he was going to lose if it she continued to be as erratic as this.

"For the last time," Harriet growled, eyebrow twitching in pent-up frustration as Penny asked her yet another question about fun things to do in Atlas, "Penny, you need to go down to Mantle to do… anything else. Why are you hanging out here?!"

"Now, now," Clover soothed automatically. He knew that tone in Harriet's voice- she was going to explode soon, and there was no point to that. Penny still struggled to pick up social cues, so it would do no one any good to become upset with her. "Penny, come here."

The bubbly android complied, hopping over to where Clover had been reading the latest update on the election campaign. "What is it, Clover?" she asked, all innocent joy.

"What's gotten into you?" he asked, smiling just primly enough to hide his irritation.

Unfortunately, she mistook his smile for the same joy she apparently felt. "Oh, it's wonderful!" she squealed. "All my friends from Beacon are here, and we're gonna get to go on missions together, and hang out, and paint our nails, and talk about cute boys-"

"Ugh, kids," Marrow groaned, waving off her words.

Elm crossed her arms, a wry smile on her lips. "Um, aren't they all supposed to be Huntsmen? Or at least, Huntsmen-in-training? You should keep your playdates to when we're not in the middle of an operation, Penny," she laughed heartily.

Penny nodded, a small frown immediately emerging. "I know. But I really want to take time to reconnect with my friends!"

"Then go to them," Vine said, not bothering to open his eyes from where he sat in the corner of their lounge, meditating.

She shook her head. "They're all still sleeping."

Clover nodded in understanding. The moment those kids had been shown the barracks, they had all crashed completely. How could they not? He had gotten the opportunity to sit with Qrow and James over dinner the night before, and Qrow had told them everything that had happened. It was a miracle none of those children had been lost on the way to Atlas.

"In that case, Penny," he murmured, "why don't you go help Dr. Polendina with their weapon tune-ups? I'm sure he could use a hand." The inventor had insisted on helping the bedraggled group with new weapons and armour, and with the small stipend James had allotted each of them to purchase new clothes, the crew was in the middle of getting their new equipment all sorted.

The girl's eyes sparkled at the thought. "Oh, I'd love to help my friends!" And with that, she scampered off, allowing his team to breathe a sigh of relief.

Clover was happy for the silence. His lips quirked up into a smile at the thought of Qrow Branwen. His thoughts had centered on the man all evening, long after their dinner had ended- although the man was ten years Clover's senior, there was something about him that made Qrow feel both incredibly wise, and inexplicably young.

He was going to figure out what made Qrow tick, no matter what. Fortune was on his side, after all- he'd get what he wanted.

Yet, Qrow had barely glanced his way at dinner. When Clover had asked why, Qrow had only snorted. "I don't care if it was because of your orders- you put my nieces in damn cuffs, kid."

"Nieces?" he asked, raising a brow.

James had explained, "Ruby Rose, the leader of Team RWBY, and Yang Xiao Long, also of Team RWBY, are sisters. Qrow is their uncle."

"Ah, I see." He had cast an apologetic smile Qrow's way. "I hope you know it certainly wasn't my intention to hurt your nieces. You should be proud- they seem like quite capable fighters."

Qrow hadn't responded, a despondent look in his eyes popping up as he focused on his mashed potatoes from the mess hall.

It was clear- if he wanted to speak to Qrow, Clover would have to wait.

That chance came on Day 3, when the group was finally rested. James insisted that the clearing of the abandoned Dust mine needed to happen soon. So, the plans for the Geist Grimm hunt were laid down.

"Call Qrow and the team leaders with him," James instructed.

Clover frowned. "I… understand bringing Qrow, sir, but with all due respect-"

"The children are much more capable than you think. They managed to protect a Relic from Salem and two Maidens- without them, we'd be lost right now," James replied coolly. "I want to make sure they are included. Their input will be valuable."

So, Clover sent out timings for the briefing, and he was given the chance to yet again spend time with Qrow.

The briefing was straightforward enough. To his surprise, Ruby Rose and Jaune Arc seemed more than capable as leaders. As they discussed the strategy they would use to lure out the Grimm, it became increasingly-easier to see how the young warriors had been able to lead their teams to securing a Relic and taking it across Anima by foot.

By the end of it, though, Clover was kicking himself mentally. It was probably the worst briefing he had ever given- he had stumbled over words, made mistakes, and been caught off guard numerous times when he should've been ready to field ideas and questions.

He couldn't have helped it, though. The entire time, he could feel Qrow's eyes lingering not on his own holo-screen, but on Clover. The intensity of that stare- curious, worried, confused- bore into him, simultaneously terrifying him and setting every nerve on fire. How could he not be distracted when Qrow watched him so closely with that clouded gaze?

Or… was he just imagining it? Did he just want Qrow to be watching him, not the mission details?

He wanted to confront Qrow about it. All he ended up saying after Ruby and Jaune left, however, was, "Your new clothing should be ready for tomorrow, and your equipment should be ready by the operation. Are you ready to get back into the field?"

Qrow rolled his eyes and shook his head, muttering something about how he'd rather be working alone. Then, he headed out, hands tucked into his pockets and back slouched.

But when Qrow showed up on Day 4 at the mess hall dressed in a fresh new outfit, hair trimmed and eyes bright, Clover's mask of neutrality nearly slipped, blue eyes trailing across burning red, a cut jawline, a slender neck, broad shoulders, a narrow waist-

Well. Clover had to pause, reeling himself in for a moment. …I guess you've hooked me, Qrow Branwen.