Alright, so I'm going to say it straight up that I'm very new when it comes to romance writing and the like. However, I put all I could into this chapter and I hope that number fifty was worth waiting for. And gosh, I've gotten into the habit of simply uploading a chapter that I didn't even see that I have 118 followers and 94 favorites on this story! So a big thanks to all old and new readers!

I'm also going to be taking an official break as this chapter really took a lot out of me to write. Gosh, the poem itself practically squeezed my brain of all its energy when writing it! It's actually really hard to make something sound convincing and on topic while making it rhyme.

Anyway, see you guys in a couple weeks as I hope to hear your reviews and criticisms on my work!

With that, enjoy the chapter everyone, and have a wonderful day.

Cheers, Searoar.

The emotions of man are an odd creation. For some, it is considered the greatest power of inner strength, and to others, it is the ultimate crutch that leads to destruction. It is on this night on the island of Patch, that this string of words would be tested as the stoic magician prepared himself for an ultimate test.

The broken moon and its children occupying a clear sky, Hawkins rubbed his temples as his heart clenched beneath his uncomfortable breath. His patience had been put to the test until this day, but after countless tarot readings and a few dashes of luck, he'd managed to arrange the best possible chance for his plan to be set into motion.

Hawkins blinked, glancing at the path he came from, he breathed a deep sigh as he remained as the only one atop the hillside. He was never good with technology, so he prepared a letter that possessed all his honest thoughts about his current predicament. The more he pondered, perhaps he should have addressed the matter personally. Ms. Rose tended to miss a few crucial details every now and then, but Hawkins supposed that aided in her innocent charm.

"Is this setting sufficient?" Doubt began to leak into the former pirate's mind. The longer he waited the inner turmoil of his conflicted emotions threatened to break past his stoic facade.

His fingers clenched and unclenched, a bead of sweat trickled down his forehead as his lips veered to a frown. Truth be told, the magician had never experienced the odd subject of love as he himself was unsure of his current predicament. Were his affections genuine and unconditional? Or perhaps his motivations for affection were merely caused by his traumatic experiences?

Hawkins slowly paced around the cliffside. His hands twitched for his tarot cards, but he denied them the comfort as he wanted to speak to Ms. Rose face to face. He adjusted his ruffled collar several times and straightened the sleeves until no wrinkle remained. He'd taken at least three baths today, the first for general hygiene, the second to ease his rattled nerves, and the third for his private meeting with Ms. Rose.

He'd abandoned his usual attire for one that he felt appropriate, a dark pink ruffled long-sleeve over a white t-shirt, a large cravat weaved around his neck and that was hitched to a glossy red cross at the base of his collar. The ends of his turquoise-checkered pants were tucked in a pair of leather boots with white laces.

He'd left both his sword, gloves and armlet at the cabin as he wished to present himself in the most normal way he knew how. While inspecting his features and clothing for the hundredth time, the voice of his expected guest echoed from the path behind him.

"Hawkins? Is that you over there?"

Still dressed in her huntress attire, Summer pushed a stray lock behind her left ear and hurried over to the magician's position.

"Ms. Rose," the former pirate greeted politely and lowered his guard, "have you come alone?"

The red reaper tilted her head. "Um, yeah, but why did you want to see me?"

Hawkins blinked. "Did you not receive the letter I wrote for you?"

Summer's lips pursed. "I-I did, but I never opened it."

Taking a nervous step forward, Summer put herself beside the magician and clasped her hands behind her back. Taking a deep breath, she withdrew a folded envelope which was sealed by a red stamp of wax from one of her belt pockets.

"Why didn't you?" Hawkins' tone sounded slightly hurt.

Her head downward, Summer drew small circles in the dirt with the tip of her boot and clasped her hands behind her back.

"I was s-scared," she said in a meek whisper, "you're not planning on l-leaving are you?"

Tilting her head to meet Hawkins' fiery eyes, she continued nervously.

"We've only reached the first full year of being an official team. I know that Tai and Qrow can get on your nerves, but they're good people at heart. Please, if they've done something to upset you I'll make sure to set them straight."

Hawkins slowly shook his head and lowered his lids. The action sent a chill down the red reaper's spine, though a glimmer of hope twinkled when the magician opened his mouth.

"This matter has nothing to do between Mr. Long or Mr. Branwen. It is only between you and I."

Summer let out a breath she didn't know she was holding but felt her stomach clench when she realized the matter at hand only concerned her.

"I-I haven't done anything to annoy you have I?"

"Nothing of the sort," Hawkins assured her, "but I'd like to move on to the next topic before the night grows too old."

"Okay... So what did you want to talk about?"

The magician opened his eyes and his frown lowered even further. The action did not go unnoticed by his gentle cohort, and she reached out a hand to comfort him. While Summer was accustomed to her stoic teammate's mannerisms, her concerns grew tenfold when her fingers registered that his body was shaking.

"Hawkins... Please, look at me." She said soothingly.

The blonde did as he was told, but his struggle to maintain eye contact was evident.

"You can tell me if something is bothering you, we're partners aren't we?"

Moving her hand from the magician's shoulder, Summer curled both hands around those of Hawkins as she beamed a radiant smile at him.

The distance between the two no more than a few inches, their cold breaths collided under the moonlight as a gentle breeze caressed their faces. Staring into the huntress' glimmering silver pupils, Hawkins' heart skipped a beat as he witnessed the magnanimous smile he desired to see whenever he woke.

When Hawkins saw those pearly whites reaching for the sky, the elation he felt was similar to his golden years as an ambitious voyager of the sea. At first, he tried to deny these unexplainable feelings, only to encounter the same emotions the more he tried to ignore them.

Then it finally dawned on him, after two years of serving in team STQH's antics, he'd come to terms with the most logical conclusion his meticulous mind could create. Hawkins... was in love. Every time he saw Ms. Rose, he hoped that she was smiling, that she was content, and that... he was the one who made her feel those positive traits.

Thus, the magician rigorously went to improving himself both on a physical and mental level. He participated in the therapy sessions arranged by Ms. Mallari, a former huntress who now served as a doctor and herbologist while also doubling as a babysitter for Yang. He ensured that his punctuality was impeccable on every mission Summer asked him to join, and he completed his given tasks to a tee.

Now, after a year of great form and determination, Hawkins was finally ready to make his declaration of affection for the woman who'd mended his shattered psyche and broken heart. Taking a deep breath, the magician schooled his features and gently unlinked his finger's from Summer's grasp.

The red reaper fidgeted nervously, but Hawkins' quickly reclaimed the hold with a calm visage and straightened posture, she knew all was well.

"Tell me truthfully, Ms. Rose, do you think that I'll be a good parent for Jaune?"

Summer put a hand over her mouth and giggled. "If you're willing to invest the time and patience into raising your son then I don't see why not."

"I have no experience in raising children," he muttered, "and I've been scolded many times by Carla and Sam for my poor decisions."

"They're only doing what they think is best for your son," Summer added, "but you shouldn't beat yourself up for that. He's your first child so it's normal to be nervous and make mistakes."

"While the judgment of those generous farmers is greatly appreciated, their words have emphasized that I fall short when it comes to parenting. This is why I've decided to search for a partner who can accommodate for the subjects and emotions I lack."

Summer's eyes widened and her grin stretched from ear to ear.

"H-Hawkins, have you found someone?! Oh please, tell me it's someone I know!"

"Thump!~" Piece by piece, the stone around the magician's heart gave way to an unfamiliar sensation, but one that it was eager and excited to experience. His breath matching the pace of his beating heart, Hawkins gathered courage and pushed on.

"Yes, it's someone who we are both affiliated with..."

Summer began to jump up and down, her arms forcing those of Hawkins to move with her as she giggled like a young schoolgirl.

"This is amazing, I can't wait to tell Tai!" She yelled in elation.

However, this caused the magician to blink and step back. His grip around the hand of Ms. Rose slipping, he furrowed his brows and asked what she meant.

"It's perfect, we can set up double dates and have Jaune and Yang become best friends!" Summer rambled on, her joy blinding her to the storm of bewilderment that thundered before her.

"I'm so happy for you, Hawkins!" Summer released her grip and coiled her arms around Hawkins' torso for a warm hug. Though as she nuzzled her head beneath his chin, the blonde could only manage a single word.

"What?"

Peering up at his confused features, Summer's cheeks gained a deep tinge of pink as she separated herself from her partner's form.

"S-Sorry, I got a little ahead of myself there."

Taking a deep breath, Summer straightened her skirt and fixed her hair. Patting her fair visage, she smiled again, but this time the view brought chills instead of heat to Hawkins' heart.

"I haven't told anyone else yet, and I kinda wanted to tell Qrow first seeing he's been with Tai and me since our Beacon days..."

The magician raised a trembling hand toward the red reaper, but no matter how hard he tried he couldn't unclog the clump that had settled in his throat which was now severely dry.

Twirling the ends of her red-tinted locks, Summer's sights veered toward the soil as her bangs covered her eyes. Her voice, so quiet that if it were not for the isolated location, would not have been heard.

"T-Tai confessed to me last month... and now we're engaged."

A bullet, hotter than any laser, pierced the magician's skull as his ears registered the words he'd just heard. A month... a single month of waiting had cost him his chance of earning the hand of the woman he loved. The fire that flared behind his crimson eyes, once a great blaze, had whittled to no more than a few petty embers. His pale skin white as a sheet, his hand grew clammy as the arm that controlled them fell limply to his side.

"W-We're planning to have the wedding in Tai's hometown back in Mistral, though it's going to be a bit expensive so we might have to save up for a bit."

Another laser to the lung.

"B-But I'm sure we'll work it out, after all, I need to be the best mom I can be for Yang!"

Another laser to the stomach.

"You know..." Summer tugged the coiled hair around her finger then paused. "I'm actually really glad that you're the one I'm revealing all of this to first. You've always lent me an ear, and since we became a team you've never shied away from my insecurities. So... would you mind hearing me out one more time?"

Tilting her head to meet her cohort's stare, the blonde held his usual stiff visage, and Summer assumed that was her cue to finish her question.

"Would you be an honorary uncle for Yang... and my next child?"

That sentence alone burned hotter than any laser and shot squarely through the magician's weakened heart. Once a man ready to declare his unconditional affection had now been reduced to a hollowed shell of his former self. All those days spent in self-improvement, only to be eradicated in less than an hour, he kept his emotions at bay and let out a deep sigh.

He wanted to yell, he wanted to find Mr. Long and drive his blade through his neck. But... were his thoughts truly just? Hawkins wasn't blind to those around him, and it was obvious that Tai and his leader had grown to be very close even before the stoic card reader had entered the picture.

No... Mr. Long was a good man, and he'd done nothing but treat Hawkins with respect the moment they met. With that conclusion, though it drove blades through his gut to admit it, Hawkins had lost. Lost to a greater man who knew how to properly care for those he loved.

It took every ounce of willpower to move his lips, but Hawkins managed a stern reply.

"It would be my pleasure, Ms. Rose."

Summer cheered with teary eyes and pulled the blonde into another rib squeezing hug. "Thank you, Hawkins! You don't know how much it means to me to hear you say that!"

She rambled on about setting up playdates and managing their future operations during hunter missions, but one question niggled at the red reaper's conscience.

"S-So, who is it that you found, Hawkins?"

The magician said nothing and raised a single brow.

"Come on," Summer laughed, "you can tell me! Maybe I can help you confess to her too!"

The stunning display of her smile, a familiarity that he'd have to abandon, for he knew that if he held on his unchecked emotions would eventually break down the members of his team. And he couldn't do that to them... not after all the kindness, they'd bestowed with no demand to be repaid.

"I'm afraid I cannot say," Hawkins said as if needles had been shoved down his throat, "as I fear that your childish approach to the matter would only hinder my chances of confessing."

The red reaper puffed her cheeks playfully.

"By the way," the blonde lazily pointed to the envelope that dangled from his friend's belt pouch, "I'll need that letter back seeing that my services are still required."

He expected to have his request completed no questions asked, but he did not account for Summer's sudden frown.

"Are... you sure that I don't need to read this?"

The magician deadpanned. "The message inside that envelope is simply a declaration for a much-needed vacation. However, I suppose I can delay my year off for now."

Summer beamed another heart-wrenching smile and handed it over.

Content in keeping his thoughts a secret to eradicate on a later date, Hawkins put the envelope in his pant pocket then turned to stare at the silent sky.

Following his gaze, Summer hummed happily until a nipping breeze brushed past her neck. "I-It's pretty chilly out here isn't it? I think Sam and Tai decided to make some late-night hot chocolate..."

"I've little taste for hot chocolate, but I would like to enjoy the rest of this night in self-contemplation. So, you may leave at your leisure." The blonde tried to maintain his stoic speech, but the agitated waves of his soul refused to be ignored any longer.

"Plip~"

A single tear, let loose too soon, rolled down his pale cheek as silver-eyes watched the enigma unfold. Trailing the tear's path sent Summer into a panic, she rarely saw her partner show any emotion, and he'd been doing so well since his therapy sessions with Ms. Mallari. So why? Why did that saddened visage return now of all times?

The red reaper reached out a hand, but a firm hold around her wrist prevented her from making contact.

"It's nothing, Ms. Rose, I've just had a sudden revelation that's all. You see, I did a few tarot readings before you arrived, and as it stands the woman I plan to confess to overseas has already found another man."

A heat of compassion surged through Summer's body as she aggressively removed Hawkins' hold. The blonde staggered back in shock, and as he shifted to maintain his balance, he had to adjust as another weight jumped around his and neck.

"Don't! Don't start, Hawkins!" The huntress screamed through muffled gasps as she buried her head against his chest.

"I've been there... so many times. When the person you love is so close but feels so far. I know that better than anyone, and I'm sad to admit, but the jealousy and dread that comes after is an inescapable pit of self-loathing."

"M-Ms. Rose," Hawkins placed his hands on her shoulders to push her off, yet Summer's embrace now rivaled that of a mother bear who was eager to protect their young.

"I can't say that I'm an expert when it comes to love," Summer giggled in a deprecating manner, "but if the person you're trying to confess to can't see how special you are then they don't deserve you!"

Stop. Stop it. Hawkins begged his lungs and heart to cease their painful hammering to allow his mouth to speak. Yet the vast extensions of his vocabulary fell dumb and the muscles that contributed to speech became decrepit.

"Actually," Summer sighed longingly, "I found myself in the exact same situation once upon a time. When I found out that Tai loved someone I considered an irreplaceable friend I... lost it. Like I was in a murky ocean that wanted to suck me in and never let me out."

Hawkins continued to push but this only tightened his cohort's grip.

"There's nothing wrong with loving someone who's already been claimed," she said, "but it's important to realize that their heart belongs to another and we need to respect that so we can move on. I guess... I'm just lucky that I can be with the man I love but I can't help but feel like the worst person alive sometimes knowing that I took over a life that my former partner could have lived out."

His form still trembling, Hawkins moved a hand to brush through the red-tinted locks, but his fingers twitched to cup her chin and lift her head. He'd never touched her face before, and the skin above her shoulders was softer than those of her calloused hands. A prickly sensation seeping through the cracks of his stone spirit, what was once accepted must now be turned away.

"This self-ridiculing act is getting old, Ms. Rose, there's a high percent chance that if you continue down this path that you'll wind up back in the murky depths that you climbed out of. And seeing that your my first friend in Remnant, it would bring me great grief to see that happen."

The stoic bastions caving, Hawkins allowed his true emotions to show, as this instance would be the only acceptable exception. He ran his thumb across Summer's cheek which earned him a confused blush and nervous smile. Feeling his tongue push against the back of his teeth, the magician understood too well what his body wanted to do.

However, his meticulous mind had already anticipated the desire and provided a suitable deterrent. His lips opening ever so slightly, the teeth behind them clamped down on the tongue that wished to savor the pink lips of his lost beloved. In one gentle, but swift motion, Hawkins separated from Summer and removed his pink cloak.

Placing it over the shivering red reaper, he forced the kindest smile his stiff features would allow and told her to return to the cabin.

Summer blinked, an unreadable expression on her face, she nodded silently but stepped forward to wipe away the salty droplets from her partner's pale skin.

"I couldn't ask for a better friend," she whispered, "or honorary uncle for my family. Thank you, Hawkins, for everything and so much more."

Those words sealed his fate, and the forge that stoked glorious flames had finally accepted that its fires were now ashen-cold.

His mouth clenched so tight, the taste of blood leaked onto his tongue as he crossed his arms and turned back to the shattered moon. Its brilliance covered by gray clouds, not even nature would allow the magician any reprieve in this current plight. Another breeze ruffling his golden locks, the sound of paper rustling echoed from his pant pocket.

The letter, the one he'd spent Oum knows how many days composing, flapped lifelessly and threatened to fly out of his pocket. It would have done so, if not for the weight that it also contained. Weak fingers grasping the wrinkled paper, Hawkins undid the wax seal and retrieved the ink-riddled pages within.

Glancing at the path from which he came, he let out a weary sigh when it was assured that he was alone. He smiled grimly, saddened crimson eyes scanning the letter he'd written, it felt pitiful to never say the poem. So, with a hard swallow, the magician released his feelings for only the peeking moon to hear.

A sinner's sorrow, a storm that had no end.

And yet you set sail to an absolute death.

The mage beyond the sea, on his last breath.

Nightmares fierce, their shadows tall, his mind they bend.

On a ship of broken dreams, his hand you lend.

Removing his sadness and stitching new hope.

With you by his side his spirit could cope.

The violent winds long past, songs they now send.

His heart stoked, the passion it burned rivaled stars.

As the glimmer of silver filled endless sky.

Her kindness which wrenched the blackened prison bars.

To create a tower love would fortify.

For in this kingdom, of abundant cedars.

To my love, I never wish to say goodbye.

"That poem was beautiful."

The former pirate jolted at the sudden voice. For a second, he hoped Summer had returned to hear it, but as he scanned the surrounding area, all that accompanied him was the quiet moon and its sparkling children. Not to mention that voice... didn't sound like Summer's, but that of an older lady. Hawkins checked his chest to find that the Arc symbol remained transparent, stirring his riddled mind to new lengths as he'd only recently reconnected with the ghostly figure after his aura fiasco in the hospital two years ago.

Assuming he was going insane and his private piece declared, Hawkins fell to his knees in a puddle of his own bitter tears. Ripping the side of the opened envelope, the golden gleam of an engagement ring reflected off his watered crimson pupils.

He turned to the sky, mind in absolute turmoil, he cast the ring over the cliffside only to regret it seconds later. Hawkins dropped his poem then chased after the falling ring in the likeness of a desperate hound, but soon found himself falling as well. Hurdling down the steep cliff face, his limbs were battered and his clothes were torn until he met the solid bark of a fallen tree.

Hissing in pain, the magician tore a sharpened branch from his bicep and slammed his face against the dirt. This pain his heartfelt, it was nothing like he'd ever experienced before. Similar to the sympathy he held for his fallen crew members, though he could not confirm that it was the same emotion he currently endured.

Quick to gather himself, Hawkins searched the darkened foliage for the missing ring. His instincts beckoned for him to return to safety, but his rattled spirit would chain him to his current task. Chest heaving and torn clothes drenched in sweat, the magician's brain went into overdrive as he threw himself at every turn in hopes of claiming his belonging.

Then, the single snap of a twig stiffened his person. Craning his neck to assess the disturbance, Hawkins' eyes widened as a familiar head of spiky hair smiled at him.

"Hey, you looking for this?" Qrow chuckled weakly as he held up a golden ring.

"...You saw everything didn't you?" The blonde sighed in dread.

"I didn't see anything. The only reason that I'm here is because Summer got worried when you didn't come back so she told me to look for you," Qrow replied and pulled out two green bottles made of glass.

"Here, I wasn't sure what to bring, but I've only seen you drink red wine so I felt it was the most appropriate for the situation."

Hawkins clumsily caught the bottle his teammate tossed and inspected it.

"Don't worry," the ravenette grinned, "the label might look new but it's still the same brand."

The magician didn't know what to say, so he said nothing and simply slumped onto a flattened tree stump. He didn't know where he was anymore, but with Qrow here, at least he had someone to follow back to the cabin.

"Hey... Hawkins?"

Dulled crimson meeting a set of pale red, Qrow rubbed his neck as he did his best to keep eye contact.

"I just wanted to say, the way you handled that with Summer back there? That was the manliest thing I've ever fucking seen."

"Do you always make it a habit of rudely eavesdropping?" Hawkins said flatly, though there was a slight curl to his lip as he spoke.

"It's almost second nature to me since I'm Ozpin's private investigator. But to tell you the truth I was already aware of your feelings towards our team leader. While I don't have any romantic feelings for Summer, I don't blame you for falling in love with her. She's a very special lady as I'm sure you'll agree."

The magician nodded then took a long swig of wine. The taste was extra bitter, but perhaps that was due to his emotions playing a role in his tastebuds.

"So hey, if you feel like you need a long break to get everything sorted out, then I don't mind having to carry a few burdens every now and then as long as you pay me back."

"That... would be appreciated." Hawkins closed his eyes and took another sip.

Qrow was quick to offer his condolences and moved to comfort his downtrodden friend. Giving the blonde a solid pat on the back, he pulled out another bottle of wine and drank to his heart's content. He didn't say anything, but him just being there aided the stoic tarot reader by miles, even if Qrow didn't realize it.

"Mr. Branwen, if you could leave me in peace, I'd like some time to myself."

Qrow gave him a worried look. "I don't think that's a good idea."

"I won't do anything stupid, I value my life too much for something that extreme."

After moments of uneasy tension, the ravenette finally caved and vanished under the darkness of night. Alone again, the blonde finished his alcohol and let the glass container slip from his hand. His heart jutting upward in rhythm, he covered his twisted visage with trembling palms and filled them with despaired sorrow. His posture hunched over, he cried his body dry.

"Did you know..." Hawkins lifted his pale visage and stared to the now cleared sky then veered his sights to the broken but luminous moon.

"That there was a 77% chance that Ms. Rose would have said yes?"

And with that, he discovered water reserves he didn't know he had. Bawling like never before he sulked to his lonesome and buried his wet face once more.

/-/

Though the time to lick his wounds would pass, the inevitable outcome of his team's new unification had finally arrived. The sun on full blast, a humid breeze caressed the magician's golden locks as he shuffled his tarot cards. It was Carla's and Sam's day off, so the two were currently occupied with Jaune and Trifa on a nearby beach.

The farmers invited Hawkins to join them, but he didn't feel like getting wet or baking under the hot sun. With nothing to do, the former pirate took a stroll down the familiar roads of the commercial district. His crimson eyes set on his favorite park bench, he took his rightful place under the shadowed comfort of a tall oak tree.

However, by sheer luck, the magician's gaze wandered to a familiar individual he hadn't seen in quite some time, a couple of months in fact. Dressed in a simple white t-shirt and brown shorts that reached a tad past his knees, the boisterous blonde strutted down the road with an air of confidence.

His cards dancing between his palms, Hawkins addressed the man's current situation.

"25% chance Mr. Long is out for a mindless walk."

"14% chance he's grocery shopping."

"19% cha-"

His crimson pupils narrowed, the pirate lowered his cards and adjusted his tarot readings after Tai entered a jewelry store.

"13% chance he'll purchase a necklace."

"45% chance it's a ring."

"93% chance it's an engagement ring."

A slight sting nicking his heart, the magician coughed out the odd discomfort and focused on the task at hand.

"97% chance it's for Summer." Hawkins' brows furrowed.

"21% chance Tai will present it to her today." His lips pursed.

"82% chance Mr. Long doesn't know what he's doing..."

The matter concluded within minutes, the magician pocketed his cards and stood himself up. While an awkward itch meddled in the back of his mind, Hawkins opted to support the oncoming scenario as he knew better than to distrust the fortunes of his cards.

"Okay, Tai, you can do this. All of those days of self-contemplation and prep are finally upon you, and it's time to show the world what you're made of!"

Strutting down the long roads of the commercial district, a blonde hunter recently released from the hospital pumped his fist with fury in his indigo eyes. He'd spent a good deal away from home after he recovered, much to Qrow and Summer's dismay, and hated himself for leaving Yang in their care.

But it had to be done. There are times that a person must distance themselves, gather their thoughts, and reflect on their past actions. Tai was no exception to this rule, and he'd made sure to get his priorities straight while voyaging across the globe. That, and he also needed to stuff as many lien bills in his pockets as possible.

The tickets to Mistral weren't too expensive, and Lionheart was more than eager to have an experienced hunter lend a hand after some unexplainable disappearances of some former graduates. During his time as a temporary aid, Tai encountered many wanted hooligans and thugs and dealt with them with an efficient and calculated approach.

"Phew, already here, huh?" The blonde's heart raced as the sight of a jewelry store came into view.

A bright diamond display over bold lettering, the shop's heading read The Queen's Diamond. This was the shop that he was all too familiar with, but he was determined not to repeat the same mistake. Shaking his head, Tai passed through the glass doors and was met with a quaint but appealing atmosphere.

Trinkets varying from rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings littered the transparent shelves and floor displays in meticulous fashion. With standing mannequins proudly emphasizing their glorious beauty.

"Welcome, how may I help you... Mr. Long?" A clerk, dressed in a simple suit and beige tie, curled a brow at his potential customer but offered him his best courtesy nonetheless.

"Hey, it's been a while hasn't it?" The hunter chuckled while scratching his cheek.

The clerk ran a hand through his slick ebony locks. "It's been quite some time since you've visited my store. Not that I'm complaining mind you! It's just that you seemed rather set on pinching your pennies once you settled down. Tell me, how is your wife doing?"

Tai's lips locked shut and a bead of sweat trickled down his chin.

"Hehe, it's kinda complicated..." He moped.

The clerk shook his head.

"I'm not one to turn down a deal, but you need to take care of yourself, Tai. I've been in business because my store has a reputation of keeping my customers in the green, not in debt. If you've run into some issues with your wife and are trying to remedy them with a fancy gem, then I'd recommend reassessing your approach."

The blonde laughed awkwardly with his hands on his hips. "This isn't a gift for my ex-wife. Rather, my new fiancee."

That statement alone sent the store owner for a loop. Coughing into his hand he asked, as politely as he could, as to what sort of woman Tai was buying for. When the hunter said he was searching for an engagement ring to slip on his leader's hand, the clerk's jaw slacked but gestured to a new set of silver rings.

"This selection is part of our recent spring sale. There's plenty of bases to choose, from brave brass to elegant gold, there's nothing here that you're fiancee won't like!"

"Wow, that's a lot of rings..." Tai gulped. He arrived at the jeweler's with a firm resolve which seemed to be slipping with each passing second.

Truth be told, the hunter had spent days picking out Raven's first ring, and it felt like history was trying to repeat itself. The clerk moved to aid with his friend's selection, but his attention shifted when the front doors swung open.

"It's alright, I want to check out these rings a little more." Tai grinned.

The clerk nodded, but not before adding that the store closed curtains at eight o'clock.

"This one's too flashy... Summer wouldn't like this color..." The blonde found himself at a loss for words. Racking his mind for his fiancee's best preference, his face was plastered against the glass as his eyes roamed every detail of every trinket.

A tap on the shoulder, Tai's shoulders slumped as he turned his head from the glittering gems.

"I'm sorry, Tai, but it's past business hours." The clerk hummed apologetically.

"Haha, it looks like I couldn't find the right ring today, but don't worry, I'll be sure to make up my mind tomorrow!" The blonde tried to laugh it off, but with his vexed expression, he wasn't hiding his discomfort from anyone.

"I'm always here if you need the advice of an expert." The clerk held open the door and waved to his friend as he drew the curtains and turned off the lights.

A dim amber masking the sky, Tai peered to the gathering clouds and sighed.

"Oum, I've never been good with decisions like these. Please, if you're hearing this, send me a sign that'll make Summer happy..."

His happy smile long gone, a thin line was all that was left from his prior gusto. The hunter shoved his hands in his pockets and the sound of wrinkling paper echoed in his ears.

"Gosh, I didn't even deposit the lien bills I earned from Mistral at the bank. Jeez, how nervous are you, Tai?"

"Nervous enough to make a grave error."

The abrupt voice shook Tai to his core. Whirling around, he was met with the stoic face of the so-called magician of STHQ.

"H-How's it going, Hawkins, I haven't seen you for a good while."

The former pirate frowned. "You were in search of a ring worthy of your bride-to-be, but I can already tell that you failed to purchase one."

"Wow, that's kinda blunt isn't it?" The hunter smiled sheepishly.

"It's best to get to the point with topics such as these. I don't want you prolonging the inevitable, and your fiancee deserves only the best correct?"

Tai cleared his throat and straightened his posture. "One massive blunder is enough. I don't ever want to tear my leader's feelings as I did back then... Hawkins, I know we aren't as close as I'd like, but can you help me? Summer doesn't deserve to go through a second heartbreak, and I'll risk my life to prevent that."

"Um, Hawkins? Are you alright?" Waving a hand in front of the magician's face, the hunter furrowed his brows at his motionless visage.

"Hey, earth to Hawkins!"

The stoic man blinked. "Very well, return here tomorrow at opening hours. That is all."

"Do I have to come alone?" Tai asked.

"Is this a must?" Hawkins grumbled.

The hunter shrugged. "It's not that, but I wanted to spend the whole day tomorrow with my daughter, Yang. I've already been gone for so long, and there's no way in hell that I'm going to let her grow up without a father."

The former pirate rubbed his temples. "Very well, just don't let her become a nuisance."

"Really?! Thanks a bunch, Hawkins! You won't regret this, and I promise that you're efforts won't go to waste! Just you wait, Summer, I'm going to be the man you deserve!" Tai roared while pumping his fists.

"So, how should I repay-"

Tai blinked. Hawkins was nowhere to be seen. All that was left was a cold breeze and moonlit sky to keep the devoted blonde company.

"Jeez, Summer wasn't kidding, the magician really can disappear if you lose sight of him for a second."

Little did Tai know, that all he had to do was turn around to see the distant shadow of the magician's pronounced back. His boots scuffing against the pavement, Hawkins kept his gaze high and toward the moon.

"96% chance that Tai will be a great father and husband."

Though he refused to allow it, the magician felt the corner of his eyes grow moist.

"4% chance that I would be a worthy man for Summer instead..."

Once Tai was nowhere to be found, Hawkins returned to the jewelry store and demanded to be let inside. At first, the clerk politely refused, but after a stern glare and glint of a longsword, he gracefully accepted the circumstances and fetched the key from his pocket.

"Have you decided on what ring you'd like to purchase sir? I hate to rush but the night is rather old." The clerk asked nervously from behind a far counter.

"None of these rings will do." The former pirate grunted. He covered his mouth with a cupped palm and used his free hand to retrieve something from his coat pocket.

Strolling to the countertop, he rolled his eyes at the nervous smile of the clerk and placed a polished gold ring and a small piece of paper in front of him.

"Sell this to Mr. Long at this given price and by no means tell him that I was the one who gave it to you."

The clerk quirked a brow. "Forgive me, but we don't do that sort of exchange here. I understand if you want to gift it to your good friend, but why go about it in such a roundabout manner?"

"My reasons are mine and mine alone. I trust that you have the competence to perform the task that is required?"

The clerk picked up the ring and inspected it with a magnifying glass that he grabbed from the countertop drawers. His eyes glanced to the chosen price and felt his throat seize up.

"A-Are you sure sir? This ring is worth so much more than that! It's a lifelong policy you understand, that my goal is to create happy memories, not empty pockets. So please, if you do plan on letting this deal go through, then take your selected payment in full."

The clerk hurried to the back rooms and returned with a thick wad of lien strapped together by a rubber band. He slammed the exchanged demand on the countertop and told the magician he would not complete his request if he did not take the lien.

Hawkins reluctantly accepted the amount and departed the moment the shopkeeper declared his secrecy.

The following morning, Tai would not see Hawkins, but he did jump for joy when the clerk eagerly ushered him in for a surprise deal that was 100% perfect for him.