-xxx-
Clover sat and enjoyed the sunshine. Recently, a couple of hours off during the day was a rare treat and he needed to use the time to clear his head.
But I'm not thinking about my team and how to keep morale up in these testing times, am I?
And I'm certainly not thinking about how best to harmonise the two teams to ensure they can have a mutually beneficial time training together, am I?
No.
Because I'm doing what I do all day, every day…
Obsessing about Qrow.
Yay. Super efficient. Go me.
Clover rolled his eyes. I really don't feel like my usual chipper self of late.
Maybe that GORGEOUS but surly man is having an effect on me?
He laughed softly and considered what he was doing at that exact minute.
Nope. He's having no effect on you at all.
I can't believe he can turn into a bird! What kind of person can do that!? I've spent so much time with him these last couple of weeks but I know so little about him.
The bird thing was adorable but a little concerning.
"What will I do if he's here right now, hey?" he asked his new friends. "It would be fine, right? It's not like I'm doing anything weird."
Clover looked at the several hundred pigeons, seagulls and crows which he'd collected over the last two hours. He'd spent half his pay on bird seed.
"He's right behind me, isn't he?" Clover joked to himself; half hoping it was true and half in dread.
Oh well, can't possibly be worse than what I said last time, can it? I mean I'm all up for honestly and being forthright but…
And then… Qrow had been so dismissive about what had happened.
I know he heard me. I know it!
It was hard not to worry, even for him. It was a long time since he'd told someone he loved them… even if it was by accident. To have Qrow wildly change the topic every time he brought it up was… uncomfortable.
He's had a hard time. He's got a lot on his plate. He's only known you a month!
He told himself all the right things. The sensible, logical things… but it didn't help the heavy feeling in his chest when he thought about Qrow. A weird ache like he hadn't seen the man for years even though it had only been since this morning.
"Any dating advice?" he asked a particularly sleek crow pecking at his feet. It looked at him with mild interest, then realised he didn't have any more bird seed and flapped off.
I just don't know how to get through to him… we're so different!
Everyone Clover had dated was his own age… he didn't know if he could play video games with Qrow and beat him at pool. He didn't know if Qrow liked history like he did, cooking, the beach…
He thought of Qrow's achingly beautiful alabaster skin.
Ok. Think it's pretty safe to say that he doesn't like the beach.
But what does he like? If I buy him a bunch of flowers, it might be the last thing I ever do.
So what else is there?
"What are you doing there boss?" Elm's rich voice boomed out over the rooftop.
"Nothing," Clover said, trying to attain his usual confidence.
"Yes. This looks like a thing that a normal person would be doing. Very nothing," she laughed.
"I'm a deep and complex man," he joked, "So, what's up?"
"I am told you have a meeting now. You are late," she wiggled her eyebrows.
Clover pulled out his scroll and checked the time… he didn't have a…
Oh yes, that's right. Briefing with the General, 2pm. Good thing that it's only... 2:17pm. Drat.
"I do too," he smiled easily, keeping up the front, "thanks for coming to get me."
"It is no worries," Elm smiled, as she fell in step beside him. She opened the sliding door off the balcony and they took the stairs out of habit. He almost thought that he'd gotten away with it when she said, "You know it is probably cheaper to talk to the little man than all this bird seed."
Clover cringed inwardly.
He turned and gave her a little smile, a tiny hint of how he was really feeling deep inside, "I have tried talking…"
"Maybe you say the wrong things. Men can be stupid. You need to be blunt."
"Uhhh… thank you?"
"Maybe try vigorous sex?"
Clover coughed so hard he nearly missed a step, "I…" Oh come on, it's Elm. What harm can it do? "I've tried that too."
"Oh you have now?" she turned and looked at him, her cheerful eyes becoming slowly serious. "Well, that is bad for you."
Clover felt suddenly foolish. I shouldn't be worrying my team about my personal problems! This is seriously unprofessional.
"Don't worry about me, I always land on my feet," he winked.
She just nodded, a playful smile twitching at her lips.
-xxx-
"Late twice in one day?" General Ironwood's eyes flicked up from his scroll to Specialist Clover and back.
"Yes Sir. It won't happen again Sir."
"Any particular reason that you uh… lost track of time this afternoon?"
"No Sir."
The General frowned slightly and Clover elaborated, "I was out on the observation deck enjoying the weather."
"It is unseasonably nice today," the General smiled, "No um… extra-curricular activities distracting you from the task at hand?"
Elm if you have said anything I will team you up with Marrow until the end of time…
"I don't let my personal life affect my work, Sir."
"Good. You know how important it is that we remain focussed."
"Yes Sir."
The General moved on to the topic at hand, a new design for their automated troops which he wanted Clover's opinion on. Despite wanting electronic soldiers to do the fighting, James knew that they would have to be directed by, and fight alongside, humans and faunus. Clover was one of his best tacticians. He'd read more military history than even the General and his insights were always of value.
Having gotten the information he required, he dismissed the soldier to return to his afternoon duties.
"Uh… Specialist, one more thing."
"Yes Sir?" Clover asked, turning back.
"You might want to consider covering that up. I don't mean to involve myself in your personal choices but you are the face of the Ace Ops and we want the people of Atlas to see you as… on task."
"Cover…. what up Sir?"
"You have a…" the General gestured to his neck.
"Oh…" said Clover.
"OH," said Clover, feeling the heat of a deep blush beginning to burn his cheeks, "Yes Sir! I'll get on it right away!"
Even as he scuttled off, cheeks blazing he thought to himself; At least I have a good story to tell Qrow later. I'm sure this will make him laugh.
Maybe I really do need more hobbies…
-xxx-