Qrow sat on the chair in his hospital room, digging into the meal that he had been given. He was watching the bed very intently and continuously scanned the room for danger. He needed to be on high alert and it wasn't just him that he had to keep safe now. He looked at the white bundle on the bed as it shifted slightly. Adorable sneeze made its way to his ears despite the muffling blanket cocoon that Winter had constructed.
Winter slowly poked her head out of the cocoon and looked around sleepily. She yawned rather elegantly and slowly untangled herself from the blanket. Her hair was a disaster. He had seen it dishevelled before during fights and storms, but this was a new level of bed head. The remnants of a bun sat atop her head. Hair stuck out in various directions and several strands fell in front of her face. Her squinting tired eyes had bags under them, but they weren't as bad as when he first saw her this morning. Qrow smiled.
"Well good morning Sleeping Beauty. Aren't you a sleepy sight to behold." Qrow smirked.
Winter froze and suddenly looked much more awake. Eyes wide, she slowly turned her head until she was looking at Qrow. Before he could further taunt her, she wrapped herself back up in her blanket to hide. Qrow chuckled and continued eating until she decided to reemerge.
"Do you want food?" Qrow asked, poking the lump on the bed.
"No." it responded, muffled but firm. Her stomach growled viciously. He poked her again.
"Are you sure you don't want something Ice Queen, I don't want to deal with you being grumpy until morning."
Winter pulled the blanket from her face and scowled at him. He held out a scone and she took it. She sat up with perfect posture and at the scone with the delicacy and elegance of any fine lady, a wonderful contrast to her mess of hair. Qrow couldn't help but laugh, earning him a death glare that almost hurt worse than the poison. He decided to remain silent until she had eaten, he knew he wasn't lucky enough to cheat death twice.
Eventually they finished eating and Winter excused herself to go freshen up. Qrow looked around for some writing tools then took his spot on the bed back and began writing. Winter returned, looking considerably more regal and composed.
"What are you writing?" Winter asked as she sat in the chair.
"My will." Qrow deadpanned. He felt a little guilty when he saw Winter blanch and worry crept into her eyes. "I'm just kidding, calm down. I'm fine. The only way I'm going to die any time soon will be at your hands, I'm sure."
"Especially if you keep jokes like that up." Winter frowned.
"In all seriousness though, it's still a pretty long trip to Southport, two days at least, and we're going to need some supplies. The doctors said I should be safe to go as early as tomorrow depending on how tonight's results come back, so we should be able to start moving soon enough." Qrow continued his list. Winter nodded and sat back in the chair. She pulled out the coin purse that Tai had given her before they left.
"There's some more in the cart too, hidden under the front bench. Don't mind the blood." Qrow said, pausing his writing. "You still have the cart, right?"
"No, I sold it to pay for your medical bills dear." Winter smiled. Qrow looked at her in surprise.
"I didn't actually sell the cart Qrow, I'm not a fool." Winter frowned.
"No but you did call me dear." Qrow said in an incredulous tone. Winter rolled her eyes.
"Of course dear, why wouldn't I? We are married after all." Winter smiled, leaning her head towards the door.
The door clicked open and the doctor entered with a nurse and a clipboard. Qrow nodded and smiled.
"Of course honey, I just forget sometimes that I could have ever been so lucky as to land you." Qrow responded in a sickly sweet voice.
Winter stuck her tongue out at him when the doctor's back was turned. Qrow was going to retaliate likewise but the nurse appeared at his side with a large needle. Qrow made a face and Winter snickered.
"Here's hoping this is the last drawing for you Mr. Gale, then you and your wife can continue with your honeymoon." She smiled and tied off his arm.
Qrow frowned and looked away as she sunk the needle into his arm, his other hand balling into a tight fist. Winter grabbed his hand and held it reassuringly, like she would do with Weiss. After drawing a half dozen vials, the needle was removed and Qrow's arm was bandaged up.
The doctor checked his vitals and told them essentially what was written on the chart then said that he would return in the morning before discharge. Winter grinned and nodded intently, thanking the doctor for his work. The nurses followed behind and left the two alone once more.
"So, needles, huh?" Winter smirked, taking her hand away.
"What? It hurts! I've been stabbed and pricked enough this week." Qrow shrugged and rubbed his bandaged arm, slightly disappointed at the lack of contact.
"That's fair I suppose. So what is your plan for tomorrow then?" Winter asked.
"Tomorrow we go to the markets, get what we can, find everything we need and ride to Southport." Qrow shrugged.
"Maybe find a place to bathe on the way. I never thought I would miss my wash cloth and bucket so badly." Winter sighed.
"Yeah, you smell pretty bad." Qrow grinned and scooted over in the bed. Winter rolled her eyes and sat beside him. "Rest up Ice Queen, this is going to be a long trip."
Winter laid down beside him and Qrow pulled her close. She listened to his heartbeat, so much stronger than it was when she first brought him here. Tears sprung in her eyes and she realised how close she had come to losing him, and how much it would have hurt her. He patted her back and ran his fingers through her hair to try and comfort her. He pulled the blanket up and around them and Winter pressed her face against his chest.
"I'm glad you're okay, Qrow." She whispered and squeezed him tightly. His heart stuttered and he squeezed her gently.
"Me too, Ice Queen, me too..." He whispered into her hair and held her until they fell asleep.