Work Text:
Qrow met James’s eyes evenly, refusing to look away or back down now that they’d come this far. He refused to let James get cold feet now that they’d set everything up. The taller man stared back at him, not quite glaring only because of the hints of nervousness in his gaze. Honestly, it was probably for the best that it was Qrow doing this, at least the first time, and not Clover (or Tai) even if it had been the Captain’s idea originally. Qrow and James had been at a standstill for nearly twenty minutes- after a sparring match that had lasted nearly twice that long (that he won)- and he knew that for all Clover’s attempts at patience, this would have been more than he could manage. Tai would have done better except that he would have caved under the harsh blue eyes, unwilling to push James into taking what he needed. The brawler could do a lot of things but he wasn’t yet comfortable enough with James to force him into things.
Eventually, thankfully, blessedly, James broke eye contact, dropping them to the ground while tipping his head back enough for Qrow to slip the collar on him. Qrow took the offer, stepping forward without hesitation. Clover had chosen well when he’d planned for this, had picked out the perfect size when he’d bought the soft, dark blue leather for James. Qrow felt the same thread of anxiousness twist through him that he always felt when he took control over Clover but they’d done it often enough that he was able to bury it without his hands shaking as he leaned up to put the blindfold on James.
He stood with one hand over James’s heart, waiting for it to slow down again before he started to wrap the soft ropes around James’s bare arms and torso. He’d carefully chosen a pattern to hold him that wouldn’t put any strain on his shoulders or elbows while he was bound. The whole reason for this was to get James to let go and relax. He couldn’t afford to mess that up by choosing a pose that would hurt him. He paused when James’s breath hitched, when he went tense as Qrow completed the bindings. It took a few moments for James to calm back down.
Qrow waited, knowing that for men like Clover and James, men who were used to being in charge, in having authority, giving up control was a bit of a struggle the first time. Clover had relaxed into it fairly quickly. He was pretty sure it would take James a little longer to get comfortable with it. Qrow believed it would do him well in the long run when he did though. James, like the rest of them in Oz’s circle, carried the weight of Remnant on his shoulders. But unlike Qrow, who could slip off unseen to drink, or Glynda who had never had to make the final decision while working directly under Oz, James had to carry both roles as headmaster and General along with those secrets. Being so seen, so public, meant that he couldn’t do anything that was less than Atlesian perfection. Even Theo had Rumpole to help him out. Leo was the only other member that hadn’t had some kind of escape, with only the role of headmaster to carry and he’d still failed.
He refused to let James fail.
Qrow kept that resolve in mind as he led James over to the couch, helping him sit down on the cushion on the floor before swinging onto the seat behind him. He leaned James back between his knees, keeping his calves close to help support James’s back. He could feel it, the light tension as James allowed himself to lean back without putting his full weight on Qrow, and he frowned. That wouldn’t do at all. Instead of trying to tug James back more and risking the chance the man would fight him, Qrow cupped his hands around the strong neck and ran his thumbs up James’s spine. Felt James relax just the tiniest bit at the feel of it, a small shift as he started to lean back but stopped as if he were fighting himself.
Qrow smirked lightly to himself, turning his hands so he could run them up into the thick black hair. He shivered, just a little bit, as he threaded his fingers through it, gently scratching at James’s scalp. He allowed himself a proper grin when James hummed in pleasure, finally allowing his full weight to fall back onto Qrow’s legs. He kept up the motions, massaging James’s scalp and occasionally leaning forward to reach his temples. It was both relieving and gratifying to him to see James completely relax, head falling back into Qrow’s hands. Qrow kept going, waiting until James’s breathing was deep and even though he was obviously still awake before he tucked a pillow behind James’s head so he could have his hands free.
He had been ready for this, had left the drinks and snacks in easy reach because he’d planned from the start for them to not move until they had to, so it was easy enough to pick up the bowl of fruits (only James’s favorites, Clover had gone shopping earlier that morning for them) and press on bite to his lips. He fed James a bit more before he offered some of the tea Tai had made, barely registering the sounds of Tai and Clover coming back from their mission. The two of them slowed on their way past, Clover looking relieved and Tai offering a soft smile, before they disappeared. A few moments later the water turned on and James shifted, his breathing changing from the deep, even rhythm of his almost sleep.
Qrow winced, fingers carding back through the thick black hair to try to calm James back into the state of relaxation he’d been in. It took a bit of work but James was leaning his full weight back again by the time Clover and Tai joined them, giving Qrow a solid kiss each and brushing one on James’s forehead. Qrow cupped James’s neck, gently squeezing while Tai and Clover got comfortable next to them.
James sighed, settling in while their voices quietly filled the room. They’d let him go when he was ready but for now, it was peaceful. He could understand why this calmed Qrow down when he panicked. He could understand why Clover allowed Qrow to take control over him from time to time. A smile smirk went unnoticed when James decided that next time it would need to be Tai’s turn.