A/N: Sad!Qrow is sad and deserves so many hugs.

Cameo Lover

Walks

It hadn't been his intention to show off- and yet, the moment they had cornered the Grimm in the central chamber, Clover felt like he just had to prove to Qrow how united his team could be. They managed to defeat the Grimm with ease, with his Kingfisher managing to pull the monster out of its animated shell of rock and ice and Dust.

Qrow's expression still contained pain, but when Clover joked about his win being pure talent and not luck, the softness in those red eyes sent shivers up Clover's spine. He's warming up to me.

He regretted telling Qrow his Semblance. It was only when they were on their transport vessel headed back to Atlas, without any of the teenagers nor Qrow that he actually was able to sit down and think of what their exchange had meant.

Clover's Semblance had brought him nothing but positivity in his life. There was no reason to try and restrain it- after all, it helped him in every single aspect of his life.

Well… not everything… He furrowed his brows, thinking to the people he had lost- the teammates he had said goodbye to- the family who was gone-

But when it came to Clover alone, his Semblance had never steered him astray.

How did Qrow live his life then, constantly restraining his Semblance? No wonder he was hesitant to work with others- had he lost people simply by being around them? Did his Semblance cause a threat to his teammates- is that why he had left them behind?

He sucked in a sudden breath, thinking back to Qrow's concern over his nieces. Is he scared that his Semblance will hurt them, too?

Clover could only lean back in his seat, whistling softly, impressed. It couldn't have been easy, but clearly, Qrow had lived through it all as a resilient, powerful, and capable fighter. How hard had Qrow worked in order to become one of the trusted members of Ozpin's, and James', circle? How much agony had that man gone through?

It wasn't polite to ask, but damn he wanted to know.

And, to his surprise, he got his chance that very evening. Who did Clover find leaving the Academy just as Clover was relieved of duties for the day but Qrow? The older man looked haggard and weary after their day's mission, and the celebration which was undoubtedly still taking place in Amity.

"You must be proud," he commented lightly, moving to fall in beside Qrow.

The older man jumped a little in surprise (He's far too cautious- I wonder how to get him to calm down?) before he smiled, his expression still sad, but softer than before. "I am," Qrow replied fondly, glancing into the distance. Amity Colosseum was the site of the new communications tower project, yes- but it was also the site where James had gathered all the young students together in order to give them a little graduation ceremony.

They were being made full-fledged Huntsmen and Huntresses that night, licenses and all.

"So, why aren't you with them instead of lurking…" Clover gestured to the road ahead of them. Qrow had been making a beeline for a small walking path which wasn't very populated at this time of the evening. "I'm sure they must be celebrating still."

Qrow shrugged, throwing the question back his way. "Why aren't you with your team, or doing your own thing? I'm sure your duties are fulfilled by this point. You can do whatever you want now, can't you? Unless James' got you on a double shift, I guess."

Clover nodded, tucking his own hands into his pockets casually. It was always chilly in the evenings- he felt it in his hands the most for some reason. "I am choosing what to do. Here, talking to you, right?" When Qrow only rolled his eyes and snorted, but didn't push him away, Clover considered it a quiet victory. "So. Why aren't you with your nieces?"

Qrow shrugged, and for a minute, they simply walked in silence, their footsteps hitting the cobblestones and echoing along the tree-lined path. Finally, Qrow broke the quiet, murmuring, "I mean, I did the 'uncle' thing to do- cheered them on, watched them gorge themselves on cake. Teased them for their lack of mission experience. Told them how proud I am, and how much they mean to me."

"As you should," Clover agreed, unable to hide the amused smile that emerged automatically.

The older man snorted, his eyes rising to look up at the sky. The sun was setting, washing the sky above in a breathtaking myriad of colours. The light washing over his face made him seem almost ethereal, pale skin radiating the light. "I just…"

"Yeah?"

Qrow shook his head. "I dunno. Dunno why I'm even talking to you about this, Mr. Good-luck-charm." He strode on ahead suddenly, building distance between them.

Clover winced, jogging to keep up with the other man. "I mean, maybe that's why," he offered. "I'm good luck. So, if there's something bothering you that we can fix, I wouldn't mind helping."

At that, Qrow stilled, looking up at him in surprise. "…what?"

Clover nodded, fingers unconsciously tapping the four-leaf clover broach that was always pinned to his lapel. It gave him the courage he needed to say, "Why wouldn't I help an ally- a friend?"

Qrow's eyes widened, and suddenly, Clover was crushed under the weight of the vulnerability in Qrow's expression. Why is he so surprised? How… how long has it been since he heard that word directed to him?

Clover added gently, "I mean, why not, right? Anything your Semblance does, mine will cancel out. We're a good match, don't you think?"

Qrow began staring intently at his shoes, but Clover could see the uncertain set in his shoulders, the trembling of his lower lip. He seemed to fight with himself for a while before he murmured, "I just… don't think I should've been the only one to see them cross the stage." He let out a long, shuddering breath. "I sent their dad a photo in the mail just now, but who knows if it will ever reach him with the borders being closed? He should've been here to see them. And… their moms…"

Clover tentatively placed a hand on his shoulder. "There's… a lot of history there, huh."

Qrow nodded mutely. "I'd do anything for those girls. And… I'm grateful to James, for giving them this victory after all they've been through, but…"

When Qrow looked upwards at the sky again, Clover didn't comment on how those wide red eyes were glassy with unshed tears. "They should've gotten to finish their time at Beacon. They should've been left out of all this. I can't help but feel like I let them down by letting them get involved, even though I know I never would've been able to stop them."

Clover watched the man silently battle his inner demons for a long time after that, standing amongst the trees in the twilight. He didn't say a word- he just wanted Qrow to know that he was there.