A Crow's Path (English Version)

The Hard Decision

She was happy. Nay, euphoric. No, exhilarated. She had just discovered it and could not wait to tell it to Qrow, even though she was a little afraid of how he would react.
Some years had passed since the beginning of their story, and things couldn't have been better. Then there was that night, a short time before, that would have changed things, she hoped, for the better.
She was waiting on that same hill where it had all started, when she saw Qrow in the distance and all of a sudden his heart took to beat more quickly as she felt the agitation and excitement grow inside of her.
In a matter of minutes, the boy had arrived -Hey, sorry for the delay, but a friend had need of me- Summer looked at him worried- Tai?- he nodded -He had a fall, at the end, and I did not want to leave him alone to face the thing- he made a sigh -apparently I have to take care of fixing the disaster that my sister has done...- Summer lowered her gaze -I Still can't believe that Raven has left us, that she abandoned us...that she abandoned her daughter- Qrow approached her, stroking gently her hair and embracing her -Not to think about it. My sister has always been...hard- she broke just a bit from that contact, to prevent the boy noticed that she was trembling from the excitement.
They sat down in the shade of the tree, as they always did, and talked a bit, especially of the missions that Ozpin had assigned to Qrow lately; she did not know where to begin to tell him why they were there. -How is the little Yang?- she suddenly asked -She is doing well. Every time I look at her, is like to see a small Raven with blond hair and violet eyes...it must not be easy for Tai- she nodded, then gathered up all the courage that he had -Qrow, there is...there is one thing that I have to tell you - the boy looked at her with a smile -Well... I have just discovered it and...and I don't know how...- Qrow he pretended to pass out, giggling -Wow! Calm down, or you will give me a headache- Summer laughed. A nervous laugh more than anything -Qrow...I...I'm pregnant-.

He paralyzed himself, barring the eyes for the surprise -You...what?- he felt a shortness of breath. A son. Another life that would have been hounded by his curse -If this is a joke...- Summer lowered her head covered by her white hood -No, hey, wait...I didn't mean that...- the girl looked up, her silver eyes were shiny, as if she was about to cry. It was not a joke. His heartbeat accelerated. A shiver ran down the back -No, No, no...- he muttered through gritted teeth, standing up and leaning himself on the trunk of the tree, back to Summer. His legs trembled -Qrow, I don't understand...I was hoping that you would have been happy, that we could have a future together. You don't want a child? You don't feel like being a father? Or...you don't want that me and you...- the girl stood up, approaching him and skimming over his shoulder, her voice cracked -It's not that I don't want to, Summer. I can't- he turned to look at her. Were his eyes the ones that now had become shiny. Summer looked at him, not understanding what his words wanted to communicate to her -My Semblance...I bring bad luck, you know it too, Summer- the girl came up again -But you can handle it, I know you can! When you are with me, or with Tai...- he interrupted her -I can't handle it. You, Tai, even Raven, you're all trained, you know how take care of yourself, but a child...how many times in our missions, I could have make you all killed? Imagine with an helpless baby what could happen!- Qrow was desperate and he knew that Summer had noticed -I...I would like so much to have a family of my own. A family of our own. But I can't. I could never forgive myself if something would happen to our son- Summer began to sob, the tears streaming down her cheeks -And what should we do, Qrow? Break Up? I'm sorry, but I can't...I...I love you...-.

Qrow kissed her. A kiss borne of infinite sweetness, but also of desperation -I would never leave you, Summer. Never- he embraced her immediately after, holding her close, as if he were afraid that letting her go, he would have lost her forever. She clung to him as if in the world there was nothing else left for her -And so...what do we do?- the tears were streaming down both his coat and the jacket of Qrow. He sighed, disconsolate -Perhaps...there is a solution-.

Almost A Year Later

They were at Taiyang's home. The little Ruby was fast asleep in his arms, wrapped in a red blanket. Qrow was with her, an arm around his waist, while with the other hand stroking gently the girl's head -She looks like you, you know?- he said looking at her with a mixture of melancholy and sweetness in the look and the voice. That decision weighed on him and even though he tried to hide it, she could still see it -it's not too late...you can still change your mind- she said, looking at him in turn. She saw a flash of hesitation in his eyes, a glint of sadness, but as it had appeared, the lightning vanished -No. This is...is the right thing to do. For her- Qrow was about to cry -Do you want...do you want me to leave you a little bit alone with her?- she asked, putting an hand on his shoulder. The boy nodded. She kissed him, trying to instill in that gesture all the love that she felt for him, then she smiled and left the room.

He was alone with Ruby -Hey...- he picked up the little girl. His, their little girl -I Know that in your life I will not be as present as I should, but this is the only way I can keep you safe- began to rock her gently -you cannot rely on your true father, but you can always count on old uncle Qrow...- he felt his eyes pinch -However, just know, that wherever I am, wherever I go, I will always be with you- tears start streaming down his cheeks -Dad loves you...He will always do- he gave her a kiss on the front of the child, that woke up, opening her sweet little silver eyes and smiled.
He made the girl fall asleep again, then brought her into the living room, where Summer and Taiyang were been waiting for him. Tai stood up, picking up Ruby, and looking at him, an unspoken question in his eyes "are you sure?"; he nodded, then he and Summer left the house -What will you do now Qrow?- the girl held him by the hand -I'll Go to Ozpin to ask for new directives on our little secret operation- he sighed, placing himself in front of Summer and taked the girl's other hand -When will we see?- her silver eyes stared into his -As soon as I know something from Oz, I will send you all the details- he said, she nibbled his lip, just as he had done when everything had started -I could come with you- Summer said with a smile that poorly hid his sadness -It would be nice- he said, squeezing her in a hug.
They still passed some time in the woods near the home of Taiyang, until the sun began to set -Summer, it's time for me to go- she kissed him one last time, passionately, as if she wished that moment could last forever, and then, with the tears that fell down from her cheeks, she made a half-smile -Woe to you if you do not make you hear- he smiled at her again, wiping his eyes with the sleeve of the jacket -Promised-.
Once they were greeted, Qrow walked away a few steps, then jumped and turned into a raven, black as the night was falling down, taking the flight and moving away more and more.
While he was in the air, he wondered how he was capable of flying with that giant weight that he had on his chest.