#Ozma 2.0 aka Diggs (mentioned)

[collectingsparechangemadeeasy1]

Song of Summer

Oop! I got another one! The Small Moments AU lives rent free in my brain, and I love sharing it with y’all! Also, if you have any questions, headcanons, or anything like that, send them my way!!!

Qrow was lounging on his wooden lawn chair, his straw hat resting over his eyes as he chewed idly on a stalk of hay. The day was hot, the air shimmering in the distance as cicada’s cried and the shade was barely a reprieve. Qrow didn’t mind much though, sure he had to forgo his usual charcoal work shirt and black canvas pants, and he definitely couldn’t wear his red cloak in this heat. No, now he had to wear a white billowy t-shirt with red embroidery along the collar, in the artistic shapes of crows and trees. Along with tan shorts, cuffed at the ends, and no shoes.

His black unicorn, Harbinger, wasn’t too far. He was napping in the shade of Qrow’s little shack at the edge of Oz’s property, laying down to preserve energy and because he felt safe to do so with Qrow around. He himself made damn sure there was a bucket of water for Harbinger, and a cool breeze blowing on them both whenever there could be. Wind magic was his second strongest type after all.

He was supposed to be working technically. As the officially unofficial grounds keeper of Ozpin's land, he took care of a lot. He’d generally let everything grow wild, but sometimes he’d snip loose branches before storms, top up artificial watering holes or feeders for animals as needed, get rid of invasive plants and bugs, and he’d patrol the grounds. Patrolling was his least favorite, but most important job.

He had to patrol, check for illegal traps, and free anything caught in them. He’d drive off trespassers, or occasionally save some poor lost soul in Oz’s forest. Or get rid of trespassers. Oz was fine with people wandering onto his property, so long as they didn’t touch anything. No taking souvenirs, no hunting or foraging without his express permission, and absolutely NO hunting of the rare or magical creatures in the woods. Those were protected species.

Right now though, Qrow was taking a break. He’d done his second patrol, topped up what needed to be topped up, and he’d gotten rid of a type of ivy that was extremely fast growing and could smother whole trees in a matter of days. He’d earned a little break for himself.

He lifted his hat as he heard approaching hooves. He smiled seeing the familiar black and white coat of Long Memory, Oz on her back. He was sporting a red bandana around his neck, white button up, with the sleeves rolled up to the forearm and blue jeans embroidered with vines and leaves in green thread along the sides, and his usual signature glasses; even if they resembled sunglasses more right now. “Good afternoon Qrow! I wanted to check on you, see if you needed anything.” Qrow waved a hand dismissively, “Nah I’m fine. So’s Harbinger. I appreciate the check up though Oz.”

Oz dismounted Long Memory and walked over, offering him a sip from his canteen. Qrow sniffed and took a swing, it was some kind of potion that cooled his entire body when he drank it. “Thanks. One of Glyndas?”

“Her recipe, but I brewed it.” he explained, sitting on the grass next to Qrow, sighing contently. “I may not like the heat, but I do like the way the world sings in the heat of the summer. Don’t you?” “It certainly adds the right touch, wouldn’t be the same without.” Qrow agreed, laying back on his chair and putting the hat back over his face. “Where’s Oscar today?”

“Visiting my brothers at home. They stopped by unexpectedly.” he hummed, playing with a wild thistle in his fingers. “I’d be over there, but it was getting a bit much. So I thought I’d check on you.”

“So to translate, you used me as “Get out of social engagement” free card?” he smirked, chuckling at how Oz blushed.

“I suppose it’s one way to look at it. But you know my brothers! Ozma and Diggs can get so… rowdy when we’re all together! I just needed a breather.” he almost seemed to pout, which Qrow thought was almost cute.

He shrugged, running a hand through his long messy black hair, speckled with strands of gray here and there, it was tied back in a messy ponytail at the moment. “Don’t gotta defend yourself to me Oz. I use you as an excuse just as much. I wanna leave, I just say “Oz needed me to get some work done on the property today! Gotta go!” and no one ever questions it!”

Oz laughed and shook his head fondly, “Well, you’re more than free to continue that practice. After all, what are friends for?”

“Cheers to that!” Qrow chuckled, sipping the cooling potion one more time before handing it to Oz, who also took a big swig.

They sat like that for a bit, listening to the song of summer around them. Their horses lay in the shade, snorting at each other, cicadas crying out looking for their potential mates, the occasional breeze from Qrow cooling them and rustling the drying grass. A true symphony.

Qrow eventually stood and stretched, “Alright, you should head back, I’ve got some work to do after… all. Huh.” Looking at his companion, he found Oz had fallen asleep. Hands behind his head, relaxed expression, chest moving up and down in a slow steady rhythm. There were wild thistles, black eyed susans, and regular daisies framing his sleeping form. The picture made Qrow smile, Oz just looked so peaceful. But he was also pale as anything, and Qrow didn’t want him to burn.

He picked up a stick and poked at Oz with it, “Hey! Sleepin beauty! Wake up!”

Oz grumbled and swatted a bit at the stick, but his eyes squinted open. “Qrow? Oh goodness did I fall asleep?” He rubbed his eyes and  yawned, stretching languidly. But suddenly froze. 

“…Oh gods I’ve been gone too long! Long Memory! Here girl!” He sprang up, as did the horse, and Oz quickly hopped onto her bare back, and smiled sheepishly at Qrow. “Thank you for waking me, I deeply appreciate it! I’ll see you soon Qrow! Come by the house if you want! HIYAH!” With a light kick, Long Memory ran off, leaving Qrow and Harbinger alone once again.

“See ya’round Oz.” he chuckled, walking towards Harbinger. Time for another patrol. Maybe he’d catch sight of Ozpin's brothers on his way around. Who knows?

#Small Moments au #RWBY au #Ozpin #qrow branwen #Harbinger #Long Memory #Ozma (mentioned) #Ozma 2.0 aka Diggs (mentioned)