Qrow.

Chapter 38 | God of Mischief

It seemed Finch was up before even the sun. At this point, it was a shock if anyone could sleep. There was a tension in the air, and a feeling resting in everyone's bones; That kind of feeling you get when a bad storm is coming. While the wind raged on outside, whistling madly, the aids worked hard to keep their patients calm. The doctor had done all he could do for the moment and decided to focus his energy on fixing their broken ceiling.

Felix had already helped him repair the cracks and cover the previous painting. Now, all that was left was to repaint it with something new. That part only he could do. It took the most talented of painters to be able to make a master piece on the ceiling. He did it so effortlessly, it seemed. Being dozens of feet high on a ladder didn't seem to phase him at all either.

As Ryan walked out of the guest hall, he couldn't help himself from staring. He stopped at the top of the steps, marveling at the amazing feat Finch displayed. With a closer look, he could see the painting coming to be. "Loki. That seems like a bizarre choice, to be honest." He said.

Finch laughed, "Previously I had painted Freya up here. The Goddess of beauty and love. At the time, I wasn't aware the manor would become what it did. Now, I see that it would be a more appropriate choice to have the God of Mischief looking down on us."

"While you're at it why don't you just paint his kids, too?" He joked.

The doctor didn't take it as lightly. "No, no. Now that would be inappropriate. After all, Hel was not there for our kind when we needed her the most. She turned her back on the underworld she was sworn to protect."

"Fair enough." Ryan walked down the massive stairs, a book in his hand. He set it on one of the bottom steps of the ladder. "I have to go see Jasper, but I thought I'd give this back to you. I know that's what Ange would've wanted."

Finch glanced down. The small amount of sunshine coming in made the gem on the book sparkle. For a moment, he thought he'd stopped breathing. Seeing that journal in person for the first time in literally hundreds of years made him feel emotions he didn't even know were possible. It all came rushing back, perhaps too fast for him to handle.

He closed his eyes a moment, smiling peacefully, "Thank you, Ryan. It truly means more than you will ever know to me."

"Don't mention it." He responded and returned upstairs.

Finch decided it was about time for a break anyways. He climbed down the ladder slowly, hopping off the last few steps. Picking up the book, he was actually shocked his hands didn't shake more. He could feel every bit of Angelo's spirit attached to it. Maybe not the part of him that had fallen in love with Chris, but those memories he and Finch had together were forever bound inside it's pages.

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"Come in!" Jasper called to the door after receiving a knock.

Ryan pushed the door open, shutting it behind him. "Angela said you needed to speak with me before I went to work." 

"Yes, I did. It'll be quick." He responded, "I believe you've been here long enough to be taking care of patients yourself. I'd like to discuss who should become your permanent patients."

He pulled back the chair on the other side of the desk and sat down. "Knowing you, you've already got them all picked out for me."

Jasper laughed, "I have an idea of who would be ideal. Obviously certain patients I can't budge on, but I do want you comfortable. You'll have three patients on your shift. Who would you prefer to treat?"

"Knox, if that'd be okay. I'd understand if you'd be worried about me treating family." 

He relaxed against the back of his chair, crossing his arms. "I couldn't be. We're all family here, though I know it may not seem like it. Knox will be fine. Who else?"