#i hope to have fulfilled your request for some summer/raven and this was all just emotional whump for qrow and overall silly strq

[hellowhoisthere]

BEACON ACADEMY: FIRST CLASS

this was alternatively titled "When Two Birds and Dragon Walk Into a Rose"

Once the last students arrived at the edge of Beacon Academy’s property, the headmaster began his speech.

“I would like to begin with expectations.This class will be the first class to be initiated under my tenure, and I intend to have you be the best huntress and huntsman Beacon has to offer Remnant. The first step will be a test. You will have until dusk to enter the forest, locate one relic from the abandoned temple in the northern edge of the forest and return here to present your findings. This will not only be a test of your aura, your skills, but also your intentions as future huntsman and huntresses.

The headmaster took one long look at the two students who arrived last as he spoke of the meaning of being huntsmen and huntresses. One was a boy with a fringe over one eye, dressed in what looked like a jacket with attached fingerless gloves on the sleeves. The other was a girl with bright red streaks throughout her wild raven hair. The headmaster closed his speech with, “Now, get off my cliff”.

Some students did not hesitate and jumped from the cliff, one female student did so with a flourish of her white cape as she bid adieu to the other students. Others used their weapons or dust to shoot off the cliff. While others, one student, had to be pushed off by the headmaster. However, that wasn’t Taiyang’s fault.

He had been searching his pockets for something to help him rappel from the cliff. He did not have any rope in his pockets, but he did find something as he was falling to the whitewater of the waterfall. The sail of the hang glider caught the air just in time and flew Taiyang over the Emerald Forest allowing him to take in the view. It was not that Taiyang was lost, but the view was spectacular the longer he was in the air. There were trees, and more trees, and one tree with what looked like a guy standing on the branches.

That guy must be lost, and it is Taiyang’s duty as future huntsman to help out the unfortunate.

Taiyang folded the glider to drop himself on the branches below the other student. Taiyang started to climb up, but was stopped,

“It’s not a good idea.” the guy shouted while keeping his eyes on the landscape.

“You don’t have to worry about me, partner. I can climb this tree blindfolded, and you had a good idea getting a bird’s eye view from there.” Taiyang said as he continued his climb up the tree.

“I’m looking for my sister. She is my only partner.”

Taiyang reached the branch the other was on. “I’m already here, so might as well help. I’m Tai by the way, so how do you know where your sister is?”

“Where there is a fire, there is my sister.”

“That should be easy to spot then.” Taiyang swept over the forest from this height; it still looked like a bunch of trees, and the guy stubbornly kept his gaze from meeting Tai’s. “Your name is, or I’m gonna give you a nickname.”

“Listen, I’d think twice before teaming up with me. I’m not a good person to have around.”

“Listen Moody Fringe, I only have to think once about it.”

Qrow finally looked at Tai, sorta. Qrow had rolled his eyes at the nickname, but Tai could tell he was suppressing a smile as he did. “My name is Qrow.”

Then for an indeterminable reason the branch beneath their feet gave way.

~

A few miles away, Raven heard the sound of a tree falling in the forest and knew it to be her brother. She started in a straight line towards the sound by cutting away at anything in front of her.

“Hey! Watch where you’re swinging that thing!” Raven has cut into some flowers, at least she thought so as only a few petals floated in the air.

Then, a girl was next to Raven. Raven was certain the girl had not been there seconds before, but what caught her off guard was something else about her.

“You have silver eyes.”

“Yeah, and you have red eyes.”

“I’ve never met someone with silver eyes before,” Raven lied.

“Likewise. I mean, I’ve seen myself in mirrors, but I’ve never seen red eyes.”

“You’ve never been to Anima, I guess. Red eyes were common in my village.”

“Haven’t, but maybe someday” Summer shrugged shyly.

Raven almost told her that no one could visit the village, that she and Qrow were the only survivors.

However, a beowulf howl on wind broke up the conversation. Raven turned away from the conversation and kept going forward, and the girl followed.

“We are done talking, so why are you following me?” Raven turned with her sword, and once again the girl dodged with the use of her semblance. Teleporting just before the strike came into touch with her.

“Why do you keep trying to kill me? We are going to the same place, so why not go together. Since that beowulf didn’t sound too far from here”

“I’m moving away from the temple. If you can make it through the forest by yourself, you would be going that way.” Raven pointed in the opposite direction that she could feel Qrow’s aura now.

“Nice try, but I know the relics are east of here. Maybe I’m worried about you making it through the forest?”

“I’m the strongest one here, and I would take the advantage if I were you.”

“It isn’t a competition, and how sure are you about the strongest hmm?”

“Everything is a competition. To find who is worthy, who is strongest, and only the winners stay alive. That is why I need to find Qrow, because we are going to win this together. Take the head start, Petals.”

Raven drew her sword up faster than before. Bring the tip just below the girl's chin, and the girl didn’t flinch.

“Wow, Qrow? Is your name Lark then, because my name is Summer Rose not Petals. ”

“My name is Raven.”

Summer smiled like she won something, and used her semblance to dance around Raven to reappear behind her. “Then we better get going Raven if we are going to beat the grimm to the finish line.”

Raven had a feeling she would find Qrow fighting with a pack of beowulfs, but she was not expecting for him to have such bad luck as to be in the center of a horde.

“That is bad luck, but I think the four of us can handle it.” Summer said bring her weapon out from under her cape. It looked like a hunting rifle with an ax blade .

“The two of us can handle it. Stay here.” Raven flew towards the eye in the center of the horde where Qrow was sundering grimm with his sword.

“Get the hell outta here” Qrow growled once she was back to back with Qrow.

“That’s the welcome I get for coming to save your skin?”

“He was talking to me,” Another person appeared from the ashes of grimm. Knuckles studded with dust he was punching grimm outright. “You must be Raven. You can call me Tai. I’m your brother's new best friend.” Tai punched another grimm in flames with fire dust. Then, Tai said to Qrow, “I told you I wasn’t going anywhere.”

Raven smelled fresh flowers, because she actually heard Summer, and she heard her before she saw appear. “I can’t believe you just tried to ditch me.” She said as she cleaved a beowulf as soon as she was a solid person.

“It’s a real problem with them I’m guessing.” Tai said. “But now this is going to be a party.”

“A short lived one, if you two don’t focus.” The smile Qrow had when he saw Raven was back in a frown at the situation. This was his fault, and he knew it.

“We need to kill the alpha beowulf, and make a run for relics. We don’t have the time to take on this horde.” Summer chopped a beowulf.

“Sounds like a plan, but which one is the leader?”

‘The one with the loudest howl” Raven and Qrow said together as the howl rang out above the horde of growls and baying.

“That one! Help me get a clear shot.”

Summer reverted her ax into a hunting rifle. Raven switched the blade of her sword with one for a blade of wind dust that cleared a direct path to alpha beowulf with one heavy swing. Qrow took to extending the path Raven made for their getaway run and Tai kept the rear to keep any grimm from chasing them through the forest.

The four of them ran until they came to the end of the path to the temple.

Raven struggled to save face while the others freely caught their breath.

“See like I said the four of us could handle it.”

“I don’t consider running from grimm handling it.”

“No one died, so I consider it handled”

“Let’s just pick a relic and get back to school before sunset.” Qrow picking up one of the crystal figurines at random.

“There are only four left, so it looks like we are in last place.” Tai said, picking up a figurine.

“It's ruby red. My lucky color.” Summer Rose said with a smile at Raven.

“The luck here is that this wasn’t a competition.” Raven didn’t smile back, but repetition of Summer’s words didn’t go unnoticed by her.

~

At the cliffs the group was at a standstill as getting to the top of the sheer cliff face was going to present a problem.

“I can check my pockets for a hot air balloon,” Tai said, considering the cliff face.

“The only place with hot air is your head.” Qrow rolled his eyes at him.

“You have green dust, right?” Summer asked Raven.

“Even if I had enough, it's going to be a long climb.”

“I thought the strongest of us would have no problem with it,” Summer teased, “We will only need to get closer, then I should be able to take us up one by one from that ledge.”

It was a good plan, but Qrow had the bad habit of messing up even a good plan.

The first thing to go wrong was Qrow losing his relic to the abyss as he climbed to the ledge. The second wasn’t his fault, but he blamed himself for it anyways.

“How does your semblance work?” Qrow asked as Summer held out her hand to him.

“I don’t really know, but it will help if you close your eyes and not think about anything.”

“That shouldn't be a problem for him.” Raven snorted.

“It will be even less of a problem with her.” Qrow retorted. Raven glared in response, and Qrow would have stuck his tongue out at her if she hadn't disappeared in the next second.

It wasn’t Raven that left though, it was Qrow. Now standing next to the Headmaster without a relic.

“Oh what? No way? Must have lost it in the teleport.” Qrow lied.

The headmaster only hummed in response. Qrow didn’t know how to understand that, so he looked over the edge for his sister.

Below Tai and Raven were waiting for Summer to renew her energy as teleporting herself was no sweat on her aura, but teleportation with another person took more.

Then, a wild updraft came, nearly blowing them off the cliff, or maybe it did because Qrow lost sight of the three.

Next to Qrow though appeared a pile of petals. It was worse than the blossom season back home, but out though petals appeared everyone standing safe and sound.

Summer Rose was bright as she handed the headmaster her relic. It was a mission well done as no was hurt, and everyone brought back what they needed.

Then, the world went dim. As soon as Summer released the relic she fell over, and so did Raven and Taiyang.

~

“Hmmmm,” The headmaster said, looking at three unconscious students before pulling out his radio. “Please bring a bus to the orientation site. Also, let my secretary know I thought of new rules for the orientation next year.”

When the world came back into color it was white. Actually off-white, or more like a very very pale green. Summer could faintly hear the muffled cheering from somewhere.

“It is the orientation ceremony, it sounds like the whole school is there.”

“I think passing out during the first exam means we didn’t make it.”

Raven and Tai were in cots on either side of her, and Summer came to with her last memory.

“I’m sorry, I took too much on, and I brought you down with me.”

“Are you hungry? Food always helps me feel better when my aura gets depleted.” Taiyang’s voice was so soft with concern as he held a footlong sub sandwich to Summer.

Summer was so hungry, but-

“Where did you get that?” Raven asked for both of them.

���It’s my semblance. I can basically fit anything into a box, so it came from my pocket. My semblance keeps things preserved as the day I stored it. Want some?”

“Sounds like a fair enough explanation to me. You don’t have to ask me thrice.” Summer took half of the offered sandwich.

“I can’t believe you’re eating that” Raven said. Eventhough she had no place to judge with the food she had to eat when there was nothing else.

“Don’t have the strongest stomach?” Summer said to her, and then to Tai, “Do you have any cookies? I think if I’m about to be kicked out of school before the first day, a cookie will make it all better.”

Tai nodded with understanding as he checked every pocket of his attire which consisted of cargo pants and fishing vest.

~

Meanwhile in the auditorium Qrow watched as everyone was either called to join a team or cheered to welcome the new students.

Qrow didn’t cheer, he didn’t move at all for the entirety of the ceremony.Qrow was too busy falling into despair as each student was called. He had hoped that he would finally find a place in the world. A place to belong, be accepted, just for a little while.

Qrow didn’t wipe his tears, because he wasn’t crying in the vacant auditorium after it was clear that he failed acceptance to Beacon Academy. He would get up, find Raven, and leave this place behind him… as soon as he could get up.

However, Qrow was found first by Headmaster Ozpin.

“We’ll be leaving soon enough, can’t even stay the night?” Qrow cleared his throat.

“It's a pity as I had high hopes for you and your team.”

“My team?”

“You may not be the leader, but it will be your team nonetheless. If you would please follow me, I’ll introduce you to-”

The headmaster fell over as Qrow followed him.

“That is an interesting semblance you have.” The headmaster said, straightening himself and continued walking.

“Are you blaming me for you falling over?” Qrow blamed himself too.

“You will be able to learn to trigger the probability field, but I suspect your semblance is passive to a degree.”

“I got shit luck that is all.” Qrow grumbled.

“I may not have the semblance of divination, but I do have a hunch. Do you not see the effect you have on your surroundings, the people, or grimm around you.”

Qrow stalled as his whole life realigned itself with this information. There was no hope for Qrow after all.

“I’m a bad luck charm to my very soul?”

“Not the way I would define it, but a stroke of good luck may be just beginning for you.”

The headmaster said as he opened the infirmity to find three students on one cot with a stack of cookies between their teeth for each of them.

Headmaster Opzin could not laugh now matter how much Ozpin wanted too, so he hummed a non-response. As he watched Summer Rose swallow the cookies whole, he knew he made the right choice. He has high hopes for these huntsmen.

Ozpin announced the team in a similar introduction from the orientation ceremony. “You will be Team STRQ (stark). Led by Summer Rose. I look forward to seeing you all in class tomorrow.”

Headmaster Opzin exited stage left after his announcement that shook Summer’s world entirely. She arrived at Beacon yesterday, with only the hope of passing orientation, had lost that hope in a low aura incident, and now was team leader.

Taiyang was happy to be at Beacon Academy of course, but had resigned himself to be unlicensed huntsman, or maybe take up teaching just one cookie stack ago. Now he broke the silence of his teammates, “This calls for cake! Give me a second. I have one in case of celebration.”

~

The Brawnwen siblings did not process their feelings from the day until they were alone with each other. Once on the roof of their new dorm they passed a flask between them. Together they allowed the reality of today’s events to set in as they watched the stars over Beacon’s campus and Vale beyond that.

Raven was tasked with learning how to be a huntress, so she could defeat other huntsmen. After two near failures in one day, she doubted her ability to make the next four years. Especially, with the teammates she had been given.

“Thinking about how you’re on a team with your favorite fairytale?” Qrow said, because growing up the only survivors and living in the tribe together gave Qrow the talent to read her mind.

“At least we won’t have to worry about them figuring us out.”

“Didn’t answer my question. Do you remember the guy from Kutanashi with the silver eyes?

Raven would never forget her first solo mission for the tribe. “He was strong, but no match for us.” Raven had been amazed by meeting a true silver eyed warrior, he had fought like one too, but she didn’t allow it to deter her from her mission. In the same way she wouldn’t let Summer Rose distract her now.

“Do you ever wonder who paid us to cut his eyes out?”

“Not our place.” Raven said automatically, but one day she would be one to have knowledge in the tribe. One day four years from now.

“Think about it, though. If it wasn't for that, we wouldn’t be here. After that the tribe said the only ones that could stop us are the huntsmen, so now we are here learning to be huntsmen. Because whoever that was, we get to do this normal thing.”

Everyday for the next four years Qrow wouldn’t need to prove his strength to be accepted, be fearful of falling behind, or forced to raid to survive. He would have friends, his sister, and a chance at a new life for himself.

Maybe the headmaster was right. This was only the beginning of Qrow’s good luck.

Raven and Qrow both a final swig of the flask to the same pledge,

“Until graduation.”

~~~~

@shiny-good-rock

@remnants-of-rwby-exchange

[kozumekenza]

house of memories :: five

:: kageyama tobio x f!reader :: playlist :: masterlist ::

:: taglist: open :: wc: 2.3k ::

the last you had heard of kageyama tobio, he was following his grandfather’s footsteps and leaving you behind to join the syndicate. a chance meeting throws him back into your life, along with all of the memories.

tw: mafia elements, profanity, blood, gunshot wound, kidnapping, knives, murder, alcohol

When Kageyama finally parks the car for your “date”, you’re not at a fancy restaurant or the penthouse, but at an upscale boutique that you know Miwa frequents. Kageyama opens the door for you as you try to determine why you’re here, but he answers your question before you can fully think about it.

“I know you just got done with lab, but our reservation tonight has a dress code. I’ve had something custom ordered for you, but if you don’t like it, you can choose anything you want. I also need to pick up my suit.”

You look down at your stained jeans and old t-shirt before looking back up. “You custom ordered something for me?”

Kageyama just nods and leads you into the boutique, where you’re greeted by name by the saleswoman. 

“You’re here for the Elie Saab and Armani, yes?”

“Yes, thank you.”

The saleswoman disappears after Kageyama replies, and you have to stop yourself from scolding him for spending so much money on you. 

Apparently, he can read your mind, because he looks over at you and says, “Not going to say anything about how much it costs?”

You scoff. “I think I’d rather not know.”

The woman returns to guide you both to the dressing rooms. The dress is gorgeous, a black low-cut floor-length draped with sequins. You twirl a few times before you exit the room and come face to face with Kageyama, decked out in black Armani. You match perfectly, and the woman tells you so, causing both of you to blush. 

Soon enough, you’re heading towards your next stop of the night. The restaurant Kageyama takes you to is beautiful, with floor to ceiling windows showcasing Tokyo’s skyline. The waiter leads you to a private room (another thing you want to scold Kageyama for) and brings bottle after bottle of wine. The food is amazing too; a full five-course meal prepared by the head chef. 

“You mentioned earlier that you were okay with this being a real date.” Kageyama swirls the wine in his glass as he speaks, his eyes locked on the drink. “What has changed?”

Sighing, you take a sip of wine. You knew that this conversation would be coming eventually, but after spending so much time at the penthouse while he recovered, you think you’re ready for it. You’ve thought a lot about what your future might look like, and while initially, you weren’t sure, now, you’re positive. You want Kageyama to be in your future. 

“A lot has changed. I’m not eighteen anymore, and neither are you. I’ve started my adult life, I’ve gone to college, I’ve matured. When we were eighteen, you told me you were leaving to do this, and that wasn’t something that I could handle at that point. I told myself that it was fine, that we could part ways and I’d never have to be involved, but well, look where I am now. I’m not mad about it, though. I’m glad we somehow found our way back to each other.”

“So, you’re okay with everything I do?”

“I don’t think okay with it would be a good word, but I understand it. It’s not like I necessarily approve of it, but you do what you have to do. It’s part of who you are.”

Kageyama’s still looking at his wine glass, avoiding your searching gaze. “Do you want to be with me? Even with all of the risks, not only to me, but to yourself? With all the blood on my hands?”

“Yes.” He finally looks at you. “I can’t walk away from you again. I won’t walk away from you again. I want you, and everything that comes with you. I want all of it.”

“You do?” The hope in his eyes makes you want to cry.

“Of course, I do.”

Kageyama’s smile is so wide, you don’t think you’ve ever seen him smile this big. “I’m relieved, honestly. It was going to hurt a lot to watch you leave again.”

“Well lucky for you, I’m not going anywhere.”

---

After a fulfilling dinner and far too many glasses of wine, Kageyama leads the two of you back to the penthouse. He’s very touchy now that you’ve confessed, his hand always on the small of your back or holding your own. You’re happy, thrilled even, for him to be yours once again. 

“Aren’t you supposed to be going down to the club tonight?” Both of you are currently sprawled on the couch, still in nice clothes, with Kageyama’s head on your lap. You run your fingers through his raven hair as he hums with his eyes shut. It’s hard to imagine him as someone that controls most of Tokyo’s underworld when he’s curled up in your lap like a puppy.

“I guess.” He sits up, his hair flopping into his eyes. “Do you wanna come?”

You raise an eyebrow at him. “Am I allowed?”

He looks at you incredulously, “Of course. It’s all yours now, anyways.”

“Aren’t you moving a bit fast?”

“Absolutely not.” He leans forward to press a kiss to your cheek. “It was always yours.”

You smile when he stands. “Can I change first? This dress is gorgeous, but it isn’t really fitting for a club.”

“Sure. I’ll meet you down here when you’re done.”

You nod and press a quick kiss to his lips before heading up the stairs to Miwa’s room. She’s still out doing whatever it is that Kageyama is supposed to be doing, and you left some of the clothes from your shopping spree here. You change into the zip-up Versace dress Miwa had suggested and touch up your makeup with Miwa’s stash before heading back down. 

Kageyama has changed too, instead of the Armani suit, he’s wearing what he had picked you up in earlier: black jeans and a dark coat. 

“Ready?” He holds his arm out to you and you take it, letting him lead you to the elevator.

---

You’ve been sitting in a booth on the main floor of the club for about an hour, nursing a cocktail, when Kageyama turns to you. So far, he’s just conversed with a few different people and kept an eye on things in the club. 

“I have a meeting in about fifteen minutes. I have a feeling it isn’t going to go very well. You can come with me if you want, but don’t feel pressured to.”

You weigh your options. If you’re really, truly, going to be a part of Kageyama’s life, you’ll need to know about this eventually. 

“I’ll come with you.”

“Okay.” He digs around in his pocket for a second, then passes you a small switchblade. “I’m not expecting you’ll need to use this, but things go wrong all the time. I’m sure you recognize this.”

You turn the knife over in your hands, nodding. It’s one that Kageyama always kept on him as a teenager; you remember summers of him showing you how to use it and how to sharpen it. 

“C’mon, let’s go.”

He takes your hand and leads you down a level and into a meeting room. A large rectangle table is the focal point, with two chairs at the head and five on each side. Kageyama’s guests are already there; you recognize Ushijima among them. You sit at the head of the table, to the right of Kageyama. The significance of the position does not go unnoticed by you or anyone else in the room; you assume that this seat is typically Miwa’s. You receive many ogling stares as you sit and you wonder how Miwa survives these; you’re the only woman in the room right now, and you guess that Miwa frequently is as well. 

Kageyama clears his throat as an attendant brings him a stack of papers. “Should we begin?”

“I’m more interested in knowing who this babe you brought is.” A man with blonde hair and an undercut leans forward and props his elbows up on the table. “I’m Miya Atsumu, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Miya,” the irritation is clear in Kageyama’s voice, “if you would like to keep your ability to speak, I suggest you shut your mouth.”

“Damn, I just wanted to know her name.” Miya raises his hands in innocence, and you sneak a glance at Kageyama, who seems to be regretting letting you come with him.

“Moving on.” Kageyama slides the papers to the center of the table. “Here’s the report for this month. Nothing of note on my side, besides Seijoh being a pain in the ass, as usual. Anything notable for any of you?”

Miya speaks up, “Seijoh placed their normal orders with us this month, besides one exception. There was an uptick in benzos, specifically Valium.”

“Do you think they’re planning something?”

“Hard to tell. I’d say possibly because Valium isn’t on their normal request list. Xanax is, but not Valium. It’s also not a typical party drug like Xanax, so I doubt they’re going to sell it.”

Kageyama hums. “Thank you, Miya. Next?”

A redheaded man that you recognize from your security detail speaks up next. You’re pretty sure his name is Hinata. “I’ve been busy with,” he gestures vaguely in your direction, “but Noya told me that Seijoh has been operating more out of their alternate base than their main one.”

The meeting continues in much of the same fashion, with each individual around the table giving their report on current events, until the last one. 

“Kindaichi.” Kageyama’s voice is commanding, and you immediately know that this is the person who is going to cause this meeting to go wrong. 

The man’s head snaps up, his voice shaking as he speaks. “Yes, sir.”

“You know what you’ve done.” Kageyama slides a knife down the table to him. “You know the rules. You know where your loyalties lie. Choose carefully. I expect your answer by tomorrow morning. Everyone, you’re dismissed.”

Kageyama remains seated, and you follow suit. After everyone has filed out of the meeting room, Kindaichi is still remaining. 

“Yes, Kindaichi?”

You can tell that the man is shaking, terrified of the consequences of whatever it is that he has done. “I-I didn’t mean to, it was an accident, he blackmailed me, and I had no choice, I swear-”

“Save it. You’ve broken my trust and put lives in danger. You will make the decision, or I will make it for you.”

“Sir, I-”

The bang of a gunshot shocks you. Kindaichi is slumped in a pool of blood, and Kageyama sighs and runs a hand through his hair as he returns the glock to the waistband of his jeans. 

“Sorry you had to see that.”

“I-It’s okay.” You can’t pull your eyes away from the corpse. You knew something like this was going to happen. You aren’t necessarily scared, just slightly surprised. You knew it was coming, but it still shocked you. 

“I’m done for the night.” Kageyama stands and puts a hand on your shoulder as you continue staring. “Why don’t we go back to the penthouse, and I can explain what just happened?”

You nod, your face blank as you finally look away and allow Kageyama to lead you out of the room.

---

When you’re finally upstairs, changed into one of Kageyama’s shirts and cuddled up in his bed with him, you speak.

“He wasn’t going to make it out of that room, was he?”

The movie neither of you are watching continues playing in the background as Kageyama sighs and buries his face in your neck. 

“No, he wasn’t.”

“What did he do?”

Kageyama pauses, just slightly. “He was the one who stole the files.”

Your gasp is audible as you sit up. “Really?”

“Yes. It was a huge betrayal, no matter what he was saying.” Kageyama winces before he continues. “Normally, I would’ve done much, much worse than just kill him, but I’m tired.”

You laugh a little as you lay back down, your head on Kageyama’s chest. “It makes sense. I can’t blame you, it's awful that he did that.” You pause, searching for your next question. “Who were the people in the meeting?”

“Members of other syndicates that I’m allied with, as well as some from my own. I’m sure you recognized Hinata and Ushijima. Miya Atsumu and his twin Osamu were there from Inarizaki. Akaashi Keiji from Fukurodani. Kuroo Tetsurou and Kozume Kenma from Nekoma.”

“Hm.” You’re getting tired, lulled to sleep by Kageyama’s deep voice and steady heartbeat.

“Enough of that. You’re exhausted.” He runs a hand up and down your back. “Get some sleep, y/n.”

“Hm.”

You fall asleep with a satisfied smile on your face, cuddled up in Kageyama’s arms.

---

When you wake up the next morning, the other side of the bed is cold. You check your phone to find a text from Kageyama. 

Had to go to work, I’m sorry. There’s breakfast downstairs. Miwa and I are both out, so take one of the cars in the garage. Keys are hanging in the foyer. I’ll meet you for lunch later.

You smile to yourself. Breakfast, your choice of sports car, and a promise for lunch. You could definitely get used to this life of luxury.

---

You walk out of your lecture hall with a sinking feeling in your chest. Ever since you left the penthouse this morning, you’ve felt off. You shake your head to try to clear it as you walk to your lab building. It’s a beautiful day, the late fall winds have started to die down, and the skies are clear. The campus feels serene with how empty it is right now, which also seems a bit weird. You jog up the steps and into the building, pushing open the doors. As you turn the corner, you swear you can feel someone breathing down your neck.

A rag is pressed to your face as someone grabs you from behind, dragging you towards an empty classroom. You struggle, throwing elbows and trying to yell, but your attacker is just too strong. Your vision blurs as you continue inhaling through the rag, which you now realize is soaked in chloroform. 

The last thing you remember before you lose consciousness is a man with brown hair leaning over your terrified face, a sickening smile on his face. 

taglist: @lilith412426 @itoshibaby @wallywaffle @princess-sunshyn @zukoslosthishonor @fatal-impact​

[madlymiho]

Hey there, @bootyshakerkegrimm ! Beautiful idea here, love the fact that even in his second life, there's still love for this adorable skeleton! ~

Hope that you'll enjoy it, dear!

Words : 1783

Brook - Scenario (read after the cut)

Brook is alone for so many years, now. He doesn’t even remember the basics things of life. What it feels to smile, or to laugh, or to share a conversation with someone. He just eternally wanders on the Florian Triangle, his last hope remaining in the dream that maybe one day, someone will save him. However, as times cruelly flies, hope to ever meet someone disappears slowly. Brook doesn’t age anymore, yet he still can feel the weight of the years, more lonely than even. One day, though, something clearly odd happens, after almost twenty years of an everlasting vagrancy. He feels something which burns deeply what it used to be his skin, written something on the dimness of his forearm bone. He looks down, concerned, but also feeling alive for once, his orbits finding a curious name written down there. He lifts his arm, unable to understand what has just happened, after so many years of nothing. It takes him a while to figure out and assembles the missing pieces, now remembering an old legend he used to know once.

No matter where you are, no matter your age or your social background, one day perhaps, you might be blessed by the presence of name of on your arm. Usually, it appears on your skin, softly burning you at first, as if the area is slightly reacting to the phenomen. But then, you slowly distinguish with whom you are forever linked. It’s just a name; there’s no coordinates, nor physical description. Yet, you intimately know that there’s someone in this world who’s meant for you. Of course, there’s also another condition for this to happen ; both of the persons need to be alive. You can’t be linked to someone who doesn’t exist, and it takes a lots of chance to finally match with someone, and even more to find them in time. Brook has heard many stories about unlucky men; that during their desperate searches to find their soulmates, many of them have witnessed their arm becoming suddenly blank. Their soulmate was gone, and there was nothing to do anymore, only to grieve and accept this cruel fate, because it was too late…

Brook sighs, looking back at the void of the Florian Triangle. He squeezes his skeleton hand on his arm, his feelings between happiness and despair. He’s wondering here for more than twenty years… How many years would it take for him to end this terrible nightmare?

***

It took thirty more years before Brook met Luffy and his new crewmates. His nightmare is finally over, and for once, Brook feels blessed to be alive, even if he doesn’t have any skin on his bones, or doesn’t look like he used to be before. He’s used to the terror he causes on his path, preferring to focus on the main reasons of his life : have one last meeting with Laboon, and perhaps finding her, wherever she is.

Brook hasn’t talked about her to his new crewmates. He doesn’t want them to change their plan or to help him on this matter, already knowing that she can be anywhere in this world, and it’s already a lost conquest. He’s also worried to meet her, because she’ll be young, barely in the middle of her twenties, and certainly full of expectation with a name like his on her arm, and all he can offer in exchange is an old skeleton body and nothing else.

“Brook,” Robin calls, sitting next to him with an empty cup of tea. “May I have some?”

She hands him her cup and Brook immediately fulfills it with some lemon tea. Robin thanks him, appreciating his presence, ignoring his panties request with a floating smile.

“Tell me Brook… Who’s Name?” Robin eventually asks, peacefully drinking on her cup of tea.

Brook gulps and freezes, somehow caught off guard. He puts down his cup and looks at Robin, nervous to answer. Robin tilts her head and offers him a reassuring smile, so Brook sighs, understanding that he’s in a safe place now and that he can talk about it.

“It appears that I have a soulmate, somewhere,” Brook begins, lifting his chin to look at the sunny sky and the flying seagulls above their head. “Her name appeared thirty years ago, I suppose that she wasn’t born before. Funny, right, that this soulmate legend even works for a skeleton like me.”

Robin gently smiles, silently drinking her tea, encouraging Brook to let this burden going out of his chest.

“I don’t know anything about her except her name,” Brook continues, looking back at Robin’s face. “I think she wouldn’t want to find me, Robin.”

The raven-haired woman raises a curious eyebrows, putting her palm on Brook’s forearm.

“Why wouldn’t she? It’s quite fun to have you around, Brook.”

“I’m a skeleton, Robin.” Brook answers, lowering his voice, his eyes looking at the waves inside his cup of tea. “She’s waiting for a Prince Charming, not the monster in the shadow, who has no more flesh, nor even eyes to look at her.”

Robin slowly shakes her head and squeezes his forearm with a sad smile.

“You’re not a monster, Brook. You don’t look like any other man, but you’re still a soul and a body,” she says, finally abandoning his arm to cup her tea in order to warm her hands. “She’ll be lucky to meet you, Brook.”

***

One year later, Brook is no longer with his crew mates, at least, for another year, since the Sabaody and Marineford’s events. He’s on his music tour, his tickets sold out all around the world, enjoying his life as much as he can, even if he deeply misses Luffy and the others. Once again, and even if he’s every day surrounded by many people, Brook feels more than lonely. He sometimes scratches the bone of his arm, remembering than somewhere in this world, there’s a young lady who has his name on her skin. He wishes that perhaps, he has a chance to meet her one day, yet from a safe distance, too afraid that she might find him repulsive. He has never talked about it anymore since he had spoken with Robin that day. He doesn’t want people to know that he’s linked to anybody in this universe, somehow because he doesn’t feel worthy.

As Brook is preparing himself for another concert, he hears a soft knock on the door, probably one of his manager to check on him. He’s ready to lie about his well-being, once again, but as he turns around to look at Sancrin and his long arms, he’s surprised to see a pretty young lady, dressed with a beautiful summer dress. She seems embarrassed to be here; her cheeks are slightly red, and she can’t stand his stare (if only he had eyes). She quickly takes one breath though, and closes the door behind her, visibly anxious.

“Hum… I’m sorry, miss, I don’t think I know you?” Brook asks, making a step forwards.

She’s really short, the top of her hair only reaching what should be his navel. She swallows her spite and shakes her head, before she lifts her chin up and digs her stare inside Brook’s empty eye sockets.

“I know, I’m sorry to bother you,” she begins with a shaking voice. “I know I shouldn’t be here, but I needed to see you… in flesh and bones…,”

She pinches her lips together, embarrassed by her last sentence, but Brook finds it extremely funny and can’t help but let lose an eccentric laugh. Softly, he catches her hand, cautiously bringing it to his mouth to offer her hand-kissing.

“Well, miss, how could you ever bother me with such a delicate sense of humor? But...May I ask why are you shaking so much?”

Her eyes go shut for a second, as she musters up her courage to finally tell the truth about her visit.

“I think...I think we’re connected.”

Before Brook could ask anything, she exposes her arm, a name written on it like a small tattoo made of golden lines. Brook looks down and can’t believe what he’s reading, the ghost of his heart pumping hard against his torso. He feels like the world is open under his feet, and that he’s about to fall into the depth of the void, at any moment. He doesn’t know what to say, nor how to explain his looks; he can’t find the good words. She’s still has her arm up in the air, her eyes nothing but determined, slightly afraid, but still confident. She’s not moving, she’s not running. She doesn’t yell at him that she doesn’t want to be bound with a skeleton. She seems full of boldness, probably because she’s young and wild, ready to face anything at the moment, waiting patiently for Brook to speak or do something. She’s a beautiful young woman, her face gorgeously in proportion, almost flawless. Her complexion is something radiant and mesmerizing, and for a second, Brook feels just like a pile of bones, unworthy, hideous. He almost hates himself for being nothing but a deception for her. He eventually sighs, his digits finding their way to her shoulder, gently squeezing it before he stops everything, frightened that she might have a flinch for having him too close.

“I’m sorry,” Brook apologies, grabbing his hat on the dressing table. “You must be disappointed.”

“Why would you think that?” She mumbles, her hand strongly grasping his forearm with an odd passion in her movement. “I’m not disappointed! I’m actually relieved, Brook-kun. I’m looking for you for so many years now…,”

Brook freezes and turns his head, daring to look at her beautiful face, just to know if she’s lying or not. Her stare is full of hope and determination, something he has never seen before, not even in Luffy’s eyes. She pulls on his arm, revealing its secret to the lights; her name written on his thin bone. Brook wants to tell her that she doesn’t need to pretend anything, yet she doesn’t let lose her grip, her fingers firmly holding what used to be skin and muscles. He smiles, almost sadly, impressed by her furious stare.

“Name-san...I’m a pile of bones…Old and dusty…,” he whispers, while he dares to eventually catch her hand and holds it.

She shakes her head, some tears falling on her cheeks while she doesn’t lose her radiant smile.

“Nonsense! You’re the Soul King!”

And before Brook could protest any longer, she furiously runs in his arms, circling his spine to hold him firmly, until Brook has no choice but to hug her back, a genuine laugh coming out of his throat.

[mikotyzini]

Close, But Never Close Enough

Just a little oneshot idea I randomly had. I haven't seen much of Raven or Summer at all since I’ve only seen Volumes 1-3, but I like to think that this is what they're like.

The Emerald Forest - that sprawling expanse of untamed wilderness that hemmed in their fair city, preventing outward growth with its incessant and often overbearing presence. It was always there, at the back of every man, woman, and child's mind, providing room for lessons and ambitions alike.

But while most grew up to fear what lurked within the darkened trees, she felt no such fear while passing between two towering evergreens and pausing in a natural clearing not twenty feet in diameter. To her, there were two versions of the forest. One was loud and chaotic, filled with adrenaline, fear, and danger. The other was…this. Quiet. Tranquil, even. No sounds save for the light breeze blowing through the branches of thick trees and the far-off sounds of creatures rummaging through the brush.

This version of the forest was difficult, if not impossible, to find. But once you did…it was magical.

Of course, her reason for traveling so far from home had nothing to do with admiring the great blessing of nature that always surrounded them. No, there was a far more important purpose for her laborious trek into the middle of the wilderness. Desperation had driven her here. Desperation had compelled her to this place that Remnant had forgotten because she had to try. Because she would never be able to forgive herself if she didn't attempt something – anything – to fix their crumbling worlds.

She was the one standing in the midst of no man's land, but there was a far more important life hanging in the balance - a life worth the risk of coming all this way alone.

"Raven," she whispered to the trees.

Having felt Raven's presence for the last mile of her journey, she already knew that her teammate was near. The only difficulty was convincing her to leave the shadows behind.

"Summer."

The voice was soft, blending in with the next breath of wind. As Summer turned around, she found the object of her quest now standing behind her – wild hair blowing gently in the breeze, weapon at her side, mask covering the majority of her face. This wasn't the Raven Summer had grown to love as her own sister. No, this was the Raven that had shown up at Beacon all those years ago - as wild and free as the woods she haunted.

"What are you doing here?"

As usual, the question was direct and to the point. There would be no mincing words today, or any day, with Raven Branwen.

"I came to find you," Summer answered, keeping her voice quiet while taking a slow step forward that Raven didn't step back to match. The lack of response emboldened her, showing through lack of motion that Raven was willing to hold a conversation today. Which had been Summer's purpose all along - to have a conversation with her long lost partner.

"I came to find you," she repeated with another small step forward. "Because you need to come home."

Was the request surprising to Raven? Most likely not. It's all they'd been begging of her ever since she'd disappeared one night without so much as a note or explanation. But today, Summer had come all this way to plead her case in person.

"You know why I can't do that."

Raven's tone was hard, determined, unrelenting - everything Summer had expected, but that wouldn't be enough to dissuade her. She had to try.

"I understand," she whispered with the next breeze, feeling it brush across her cheek before it played with the ends of Raven's hair. "But Yang needs you."

There was a flinch at the name – ever so slight – but it was there. In that one flicker of movement, a spark of hope appeared. Hope that this would be a successful endeavor. Hope that Summer might be able to change the course of a young child's life.

"I can't…" Raven spoke towards the ground as her eyes fell away from Summer. "There's still too much to be done."

"There's always more to be done," Summer refuted while taking another half step forward, nearly close enough that she could reach out and touch Raven's arm. "There's always a new enemy, a new threat. No matter how much we fight or how hard we try, we can never change that. The world will never be perfectly safe, Raven."

"That's not true." Raven's eyes shot back to Summer, scarlet orbs growing stern and unrelenting in her beliefs. "I can end this. I just need more time."

"And your child needs her mother."

That was it - the crux of the issue. The motivation for Summer's journey, the reason for her seeking out the one person who might be able to set a blossoming mind on the right path.

Raven didn't respond, her eyes refusing to leave Summer's while also refusing any attempt to refute that which she knew was irrefutable.

The lack of response was heartbreaking. Summer had hoped for an argument - a debate - any type of disagreement, but no response at all...it proved a fear she'd held onto and wished against for years. Raven understood exactly what she was doing. She understood what she was giving up and how this path might end, but she'd chosen to move forward anyway.

"She'll be fine without me."

The words were unnecessary because Summer saw now - no matter what they said, no matter what they did, Raven wasn't going to come home. She'd already made her decision and she would see it through to the end. In some ways, maybe she felt as if this was her duty as a mother – to create a safe world where her daughter could grow up without fear of the dangers that were brewing on the horizon.

But Raven couldn't be more wrong. The evils that were just now coming to light weren't the only perils a child needed to be protected from. They needed more than that. They needed to know that they were loved, valued, cherished. To a small child the enemies of the world were incomprehensible, but the silence in their own home spoke volumes.

"Maybe you could just come and see her –" Summer suggested, but Raven took one step backward before the idea could be fully formed.

"There's no time for that."

The distance between them was growing as Raven disappeared behind her values, her beliefs, her principles. Her hardened determination had always been a strength, but also a weakness. How could Summer explain that there was always time? That one visit, one explanation, would go a long way in soothing Yang's aching heart? If Summer could find the time to travel here today, if Raven could find the time to speak, then there was time for one visit, no matter how short it might be.

But there were words left unspoken that Raven would never admit, which only the two of them would ever truly understand. Being away from those two darling children, even for this short amount of time, had already created a hole in Summer's heart that would only be filled when she those sweet little angels were in her arms once more. She would never be able to stay away, but if she did…if she somehow found that level of resolve…there was no possible way she could return and ever find the willpower to walk away again.

For as unattached and purpose driven as Raven purported to be, she doubted her ability to fulfill her goals if she saw Yang - if she felt those small arms wrap around her neck and cling to her for support one more time.

"Her birthday is next week," Summer said, a last ditch effort to pull the caring, adoring version of Raven back from the hiding place she'd locked herself into mere months after Yang had been born. "We're having her party at the park – the one down the street. She loves that jungle gym right now. You should see her fly through the monkey bars."

With each word Summer spoke, Raven backed further and further away, edging closer to the trees while Summer made no attempt to follow. Their conversation was already over, but she needed to tell Raven these things – she needed Raven to understand what she was missing.

"I left her in good hands."

The words made Summer sigh and shake her head in sadness. For as much as she tried to be a good mother to Yang, there were moments when she could tell that Yang viewed her as…someone else. They were close, but never close enough.

Just like Raven. Throughout all their years together as a team, Raven had never quite trusted them – confided in them – like she needed to. There had always been this wall...which she probably rationalized as being for their benefit...but it only served to isolate her from their attempts to help.

Even now she was slowly slinking away, removing herself from the conversation she'd known was coming and had only participated in for Summer's benefit. Raven had already known what her answer would be, but she'd allowed Summer to say her peace - even if it would do nothing to change the way things were, the way things 'had' to be.

They were close, but never close enough.

"She's going to be a remarkable huntress one day," Summer said as Raven retreated further.

"No thanks to me."

With that, Raven was gone – evaporating into the trees without a trace except for the tone of regret she'd left behind.

Remaining in the sudden solitude, Summer looked at the forest surrounding her. The tall trees which had seen and heard for hundreds of years. The soft breezes which whispered secrets from far away sections of land. It really was beautiful, but its peacefulness only masked the chaos of the world they were living in – in which none of them would escape unscathed.

Glancing at the spot where Raven had once been, Summer sighed one more time and headed back the way she'd come. There were two incredible little girls she needed to get home to.

The moment she walked through the door she forgot about the woods and remembered what it was like to live...not just for today or tomorrow, but for a clear future. This was what they all fought for – the opportunity to have a simple, easy life and a safe, happy family to come home to.

"Mom!"

Breaking into a smile on cue, Summer quickly found the little bundle of energy whizzing towards her and knelt down to wrap Ruby in a tight hug. Taking a few extra seconds to hold Ruby close and rejoice in being together once again, Summer only released her daughter when she felt an extra series of wiggles coming on.

"Ruby," she said, holding the young girl's shoulders at arm's length and smiling in face of that infectious grin. "It looks like you've grown since I've been away!"

"See! I told you, Yang!"

Releasing Ruby's shoulders, Summer turned towards the other young girl standing by Ruby's side. At this age, Yang was tall enough that Summer had to look up to meet Yang's eyes – finding an all-too-familiar face staring back at her.

"Yang," Summer said, standing in a slight crouch and pulling Yang into the same hug, squeezing her tightly before letting go. "It looks like you've gotten taller too."

The comment made Yang grin and elbow Ruby lightly in the side while Summer straightened and searched for Tai. For whatever reason, the two were competing on who was growing fastest right now. The answer was most assuredly Yang – who needed another set of clothes soon – but Ruby loved the friendly competition regardless.

The moment Tai walked out of the kitchen and met her eyes, she gave him a quick shake of the head before he even needed to pose the question aloud. It was the answer he'd expected, but that knowledge didn't prevent the brief flash of disappointment that surfaced in his eyes. The emotion was quickly replaced by a smile as he walked over and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"We just finished up dinner."

"Dad made us eat all our broccoli!" Ruby piped in, hopping twice and catching Summer's attention in the process.

"Did he?" she asked while reaching down to tickle Ruby's sides. "Maybe I should leave Dad in charge of dinner more often."

When Ruby giggled, Summer glanced over and caught Yang staring off into space – the same expression that had been growing in frequency as Yang herself had grown. It was impossible to guess what might be running through her mind, but Summer feared the worst - that Yang didn't feel as if she belonged.

After Summer shared a concerned look with Tai, he gently prodded Ruby's shoulder.

"Hey Ruby, how about we go get some ice cream from the store?" he asked, an undeniable offer in Ruby's book. "Then we'll bring it back and make sundaes for everyone!"

As expected, Ruby squealed in happiness while jumping up and down with joy.

"Yay!" she exclaimed happily before pulling at her sister's sleeve, bringing Yang back to this moment. "Yang can come too, right?"

"Yang's going to stay here with me, Sweetie," Summer replied, giving Ruby a warm smile that erased any worries. "We'll get everything ready, so make sure to hurry back."

Easily convinced, Ruby raced to the shoe rack and quickly slipped her tiny shoes onto her feet while Tai put on his jacket. Once Ruby hopped up, he held out her coat and helped her zip it up before opening the front door.

"We'll be right back!" Ruby said while taking her father's hand. "Make sure Mom doesn't forget the fudge!"

Chuckling at the request, Summer waited until the door closed before turning her attention back to Yang – who was already heading towards the kitchen to begin their task.

"Yang," she called out, walking around the sofa in the living room while drawing Yang's curious gaze. And there was a moment, no matter how brief, when Summer questioned whether or not she wanted to do this.

Couldn't everything remain as it was? Should she really disturb whatever solace Yang had found in favor of an attempt at closure?

"Come here for a second?" Summer asked while gesturing towards the sofa, her decision made for her when Yang obediently walked over and sat on the middle cushion. Taking a deep breath, Summer sat down on the edge of the coffee table in front of her.

"I think that…maybe it's time we had a talk," she began, watching Yang's expression carefully with every word she spoke. It was remarkable how expressive Yang had grown to be – her vibrant eyes carrying far more emotion than anyone else Summer knew. All of Yang's emotions were right there...written on her sleeve for the world to see.

"Ok…"

Yang's response was cautious, as Summer had expected it to be, but unlike many children her age Yang was mature enough to handle such a weighty topic. For such a young girl, she'd already gone through so much…

Another bout of uncertainty swelled in Summer's chest at the thought – questioning her and Tai's decision that she would be the one to deliver this news. As the adoptive mother, was it her place to be the bearer of such news? Would it deepen their bond, as Tai seemed to believe, or would it push them even further apart?

There had been no correct answer at the time, and there didn't seem to be one now.

"About your mom."

The moment Summer said the words Yang's expression changed – emotion after emotion flashed through her eyes, ranging from hope to anger to sadness before finally settling upon a dull, melancholy acceptance.

"She's never coming back, is she."

How could a word like 'never' be explained to a child? Even if Summer said it would take ten years, five years, three years – any answer that wasn't in the next few days might as well be 'never' to someone whose entire existence could still be counted on two hands.

"She has a very important mission," Summer whispered, her heart clenching painfully when she saw the tears welling in lilac eyes. "She's trying to save a lot of people –"

"She doesn't want to be my mom."

As Yang spoke, she sniffed and wiped her hand across her eyes, dropping her gaze to her lap as more tears fell.

"Oh Sweetie, that's not true at all." Quickly moving to the sofa right beside Yang, Summer reached out and rubbed one hand reassuringly up and down Yang's back. "Your mom loves you very much. She just…she has to finish this first. If she could be here with you, she would be."

There were more tears now as Summer watched helplessly, hopeful that this painful moment would ultimately help Yang grow into the person she had the chance to be - someone without the cloud of dashed dreams constantly hanging over her head. Yang would always want her mom – Summer had come to accept that years ago – but maybe…maybe Yang wouldn't need her mom quite so much. Maybe she could find a way to thrive without Raven's presence.

"I'm sorry," Summer whispered, reaching out to offer a hug - the only solace she could provide the hurt child in front of her. Yang willingly turned and threw both arms around Summer's neck, burying her face into Summer's shoulder while muffled sobs came to be.

For a strong as Yang may one day be, today she was just a young girl whose small shoulders shook with tears that had been held at bay for too long.

"It's going to be ok," Summer whispered while holding Yang tightly, feeling tears of her own as she tried to comfort someone who'd just lost far more than they should have at such a young age. "It's going to be ok…"

The evil in the world was blind and merciless. It didn't care that a poor, innocent child would suffer through anguish that was cruel and undeserved. It didn't care that a mother would be forced choose unending heartache over watching her daughter grow up. All that this wickedness craved was chaos, destruction, and sorrow in its undying quest for power.

One day they'd all be forced to choose a side. One day they'd all be forced into the fight. But until that day...some of them would delay the inevitable for as long as possible – if only so they could continue to enjoy a simple life that was fleeting at best.

Maybe she was being selfish. Maybe she was avoiding her responsibility as a huntress. But it was hard to feel that way when two tiny souls depended on her. One day the battle would come for her, but until that time she would do everything in her power to prepare these two little girls for a world that wasn't meant for their kind hearts.

"I have an idea," she whispered only when Yang's sobs quieted to soft sniffles. "How about tomorrow you and I head out to the edge of the forest?"

The offer, which Summer had put off making for as long as possible, successfully drew still-teary eyes her way.

"Really?"

"Really."

When Summer smiled, a small grin tilted the edges of Yang's lips up. It was every child's dream to be near the forest – to be close to the unspeakable dangers that lurked within. The novelty would quickly wear off, but for now it was something new and exciting in Yang's eyes.

"Ruby too?"

The question caused Summer to pause as she read the expectations fleeting through Yang's eyes. She loved how willing Yang was to share with Ruby - how willing Yang was to include her sister in just about everything. But for a little girl who didn't have a mom to call her own…

"Just you and me," Summer answered, reaching out to lightly tickle Yang's sides and earn a giggle that did wonders in lifting her heavy heart. "It will be our special thing."

When Yang grinned and nodded happily, the sparkle had been fully restored to her eyes.

"Now let's go get ready before your Dad and sister get back!" Summer said. "You know she's going to be upset if she has to wait for her sundae."

"Ok - I'll get the fudge!" Shooting to her feet, Yang ran into the kitchen without another word. Slowly standing to follow, Summer smiled at the sight of the girl racing around the island in search of anything else that would go well with ice cream.

They all had their own internal demons to fight. They all had their own decisions to make. Raven was trying to make the world a safer place so that there would be a world for her loved ones to live in – regardless of whether or not she was there to enjoy it. Summer was trying to make the world a better place - where her family would know what it meant to be loved and what it meant to love in return.

Everyone found their own right answer. For her, it was making sure that a little girl with a difficult beginning found a happy ending. And maybe she didn't need Raven's help to do so. Maybe it was within herself that she could help Yang find the right paths to follow. Maybe she could fill a small bit of the void that Raven had left behind.

And she would do so willing. Because whenever she looked at Yang, her heart swelled in affection that mirrored when she looked at Ruby. She felt Yang's pain, she felt Yang's heartache, and she would do absolutely anything to make it go away. She would do absolutely anything to make it better - just as any mother would.

But make no mistake - for as steadfast as Raven believed she may be, she would never be able to stay away. She would never be able to fight the unconditional love which bound her to her daughter. After all, it was love that separated them from the forces they fought against – a gift so powerful it would enable them to make the ultimate sacrifice in the names of those they cared for most. It was unrelenting, unstoppable, and unavoidable. It would turn the tide in this war, just as it would turn the tide in their lives.

This is how Summer knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that there would be another guest at Yang's birthday next week. Out of sight, but present nonetheless.

Close, but never close enough.