Outcasts

Reconnection

Winter lifts her head from the steering wheel of her car. She rubbed her forehead to relieve any redness from having her head pressed against the hard surface. Not that it would matter. The large bruise on cheekbone was obvious enough.

She adjusted the rearview mirror to face her cheek, but to check how present it actually was.

Winter exhaled and tried to rub in the makeup she had already applied. There was still an clear difference, but there was nothing she could do about it now. She had to come up with a story before she went inside, just incase he asked any questions.

She fell. That was it.

Before bed. She lost her balance and fell, hitting her cheekbone on her bed frame.

That's all that happened.

Winter flips the mirror back into place and steps out of the car.

She glanced around at the windows of the coffee shop, just to see if she could spot Qrow before he spotted her.

Sure enough, there he was. That dark boy, just sitting by himself in the corner.

He looked, cleaner, than before.

Then again he was sober and trying to get a second chance.

He better be sober.

Winter straighten her t-shirt and book bag on her shoulder, took a deep breath and walked into the coffee shop.

She watches Qrow's eyes shoot up as the bell over the door starts to ring. Winter gives a small grin and makes her way over to the table where he is seated. She keeps her head to the side a bit to avoid any questions about her cheek.

"Hi." Qrow says, in his low, husky voice.

Winter feels a tingle in her back.

"Hey." She says, maintaining her grin.

Winter grabs her book-bag from her shoulder and places in next to her feet.

"Do- do you want anything?" Qrow says softly.

Winter giggles at his stutter, but covers her mouth, just to hide from any embarrassment.

"No, thanks," Winter shakes her head. "I already ate."

Qrow folds his brow.

"What?" Winter asks, confused.

"What happened to you?" Qrow says, concerned.

He reaches out across the table, placing his hand on her cheek.

Winter exhales when she feels his soft palm on her face, but quickly reacts.

"Oh," Winter grabs his forearm and moves it away from her cheek. "It's nothing." She looks down and grabs her books from her bag.

"I just fell."

Qrow maintains his concerned look.

"I'm fine, Qrow." Winter reassures him.

"If you say so." Qrow puts his hands back in front of him.

"Thank you by the way," he says, generously. "For giving me a second chance."

"Your welcome." Winter gives another quick grin, "I'm not coming back if you mess up again."

"Of course." Qrow giggles to himself. "I promise, I'll do better."