A/N: Thank you for those who have followed. I would like to take a moment to say that for individuals who choose to post derogatory reviews, I will report you, and then I will happily continue updating. That being said, helpful criticism and commentary is much appreciated.
Anyways, I got the chance to finish chapter four, so I've decided to go ahead and post chapter two.
Chapter Two
|Clark Ozpin|
He was hidden within the shadows of the compound, starkly aware of the young guard stealing curious glances his direction. Ozpin thought to dismiss the guard, at least until he was certain Ruby was okay, but he knew he didn't have a legitimate reason. So instead, he remained a statue-like fixture at the window, hot chocolate in one hand and his cane in his other.
Qrow and Ruby were standing beside each other, presumably talking, and by the looks of it, Ruby wasn't terribly fond of the topic. She turned away from her uncle, then slowly turned toward him again, seeming to deflate some.
After what Ozpin estimated to be ten or fifteen minutes, Qrow left Ruby alone and started to return to the compound.
He should leave; he had no right to stand there and spy on her, and yet a larger part of him was compelled to remain and ask about her wellbeing from Qrow. If nothing else, he could hear how Ruby was without subjecting her to his own nosiness.
What Ozpin did not expect was Qrow dismissing the guard, only to turn and immediately ridicule him: "You're both being ridiculous." Her uncle and his dear friend crossed his arms while his crimson stare drilled into him.
The initial shock quickly vanished and Ozpin chose to ignore the accusation. "How is she?"
"Is that a personal question, or do you want an evaluation of her mental health before you send her on another mission?"
Ozpin physically recoiled and averted his gaze. "I care about her—"
"Then go out there yourself," Qrow growled, leaning forward and pitching his voice low. "Or are you afraid of the rumors? Too afraid of compromising your position more than it already is?"
"It's not my position I'm worried about," he protested weakly, his mind still whirring as he processed the knowledge Qrow apparently had about their less legitimate relations.
"Stop using that as an excuse," he muttered crossly. "If you let politics get in between you, then you'll both end up miserable…and then someday it will just be too late. And if you're lucky it won't be too late because she's gone, it'll be because she moved on."
Pain thrummed through his chest at the idea of losing Ruby, and then a crueler part of his brain reminded him that she would be better off moving on. It felt as though he were physically being ripped in two as the cruel part and optimistic part of him battled, leaving him weary and wistful.
He wished it was as simple as allowing himself to love her. Wished he could love her without feeling immense guilt, or like he was taking advantage of the connection they experienced in the middle of war and battle.
"I'm not telling you to go confess your love for her, Oz," he said quieter, more gently. "Just be there for her. Stop showing me you care about her, and show her."
Ozpin stood there for a long time after Qrow took his leave, and eventually he finished his hot chocolate and discarded the paper cup in a nearby trashcan. The guard had resumed his position, but he barely offered him a glance as he requested to leave the compound.
As he approached her, his heart began thrumming painfully in his chest and he inwardly reprimanded himself for responding so childishly.
She heard him almost as soon as he exited the compound and turned to see who her next visitor was. Her gaze was heavy on him, leaving his skin a prickling mass by the time he stopped a few feet away from her.
Being so close to her without business standing in the way…it reawakened the draw to her. It was an innocent attraction though, embedded less in physical need and more in emotional desire to be close to her. He wanted to wrap his arms around her, but another part of him wanted to run away.
He wished she wasn't wearing her hood. He understood why she did; understood the need to hide her scars from the world and the feeling of safety hiding could grant, but he would give anything for that comfort between them again.
"Are you okay, Ruby?"
She nodded and crossed her arms over her chest, fingers biting into her upper arms. The small, shuddering breath that escaped contradicted her and Ozpin frowned slightly.
"Do you want to talk?" he asked, taking half a step closer to her.
The younger woman sucked in a sharp breath, "Did Qrow send you?" she asked, her voice trembling in spite of her evident attempts to steady it.
"No," he said quietly, hating the pain that emanated from her. Hating that he hadn't been there earlier. Hating himself for letting her face the nightmares alone.
"Do you ever dream of them? Everyone we lost?"
He realized she was gripping her arms so tightly to hide the way her fingers shook, but as her entire frame started to tremble he felt his walls come crumbling down and he stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her. A small tremble travelled through his body as she leaned into him. He rested his head on the top of her head. "Yes. Most nights," he said quietly, fingers rubbing small circles on her back. "I'm so sorry, Ruby."
And for a long while, neither of them moved, both quietly crying as they mourned their fallen friends and found comfort in each other's embrace.