#gray raven

You remember it this way: sleeping soundly in the shade, the smell of warm grass, the lull of the summer wind on your bare feet. And now, you are on Liv's lap, mechanical hands wrapped around your own.

Liv's petiteness perfectly cradled your sleeping figure. Was it the cool breeze, or did her hands, once clad in gloves, somehow feel warm as you held hers? A fleeting kind, one that made you reach out for more.

“Mmh...” you inhale, eyes fluttering shut as you feel the remnants of sleep coming again, “No...not yet.”

You notice a broader figure blocking out the bright light through your closed eyes. Opening your eyes, a figure draped in the gentle colors of blue comes into view.

“Sorry,” cooed Lee, voice devoid of any trace of roughness, “The sun must have been preventing you from sleeping.”

Lee's stoicism faded away in this space. Devoid of any armor and metal, you notice the new clothes as a new sight, yet the warm twinkle in his cerulean eyes makes your heart throb.

“It's okay,” you giggle, reaching for Lee's hand, “I feel better.”

“You should eat up, Commandant,” said a honeyed voice, “At least you'd get to eat something yummy!”

A metal finger caresses your chin. Looking above you, hazel eyes looking at you with love.

“Lucia,” you grin, “What's there for me, then?”

Your summer comes that way. Lee helps you sit up, with Liv and Lucia preparing the food they've brought. Across the patterned cloth, a variety of treats are displayed for you. The colors—purple, red, blue, and more—popping through, which made your stomach want a taste. Seeing you drool, Lucia graciously takes a slice out of one in her view.

“Would you like this, Commandant?” She asks,

A blueberry tart, the bluest you've ever seen. When you try to reach for it, Live gently slaps your hand away.

“In moderation, Commandant.” She tuts, “I can't have you overeating.”

“Don't worry about it, Liv,” Lee laughs, “The Commandant can't possibly be overweight within a day with these.”

Taking a strawberry from the pile, Lee dips it halfway into the chocolate fondue, before taking it to your lips, “Say 'ah' for me.”

With a bite, you taste the freshness of the strawberry, seeping into your parched tongue. A burst of sweetness dances wildly in your mouth, making you sigh from the taste.

“That's true,” Liv pouts, “But I want the Commandant to be healthy as always...”

“It'd be a shame if I can't taste what you've prepared for us, Liv.” You smiled, chewing the remaining strawberry as you pat her hand, “Let's have fun today.”

You want this kind of freedom. Somewhere, across the world—no Babylonia, no one to give you orders, and no one ruining your peace. You are perfectly contented this way, away from their eyes and only with your beloved family.

Family...

“If you think of it that way, I suppose we are one.”

You turn to find Lee looking at the sunset. You forget how much time has passed, or the sweets and delicacies you've consumed. Except now, Lucia and Liv are putting away the plates and cleaning up the mess.

“Lee?”

“A family.” Lee affirms, turning to look at you with a gentle look on your face, “We are...a family, right?”

You sigh. “We are. But...this war against time, against humanity and its efforts to come back...”

You think. The war is never over; millions of corrupted still run amock in your lands, humanity's last bastion who still floats somewhere in space—will it be any worth?

“I understand your fear.”

Lee's logic is never wrong. So was his calculated reply. But as you look back to Liv and Lucia, something crawls over you, latching at whatever vein you had in your chest.

“If there comes a time,” you quietly mutter, “Do you...still consider this as a family?”

Lucia is the first to look at you. Blissfully unaware, you hope neither of them heard you.

“I-”

“Commandant, did you have fun today?” Lucia finds comfort in the way you reach out to hold her hand, “If you weren't satisfied, we'll find a new thing to do again next time.”

“I had fun, Lucia.” You grin at her, hoping your sincerity is noticeable enough, “I loved the blueberry tart at best.”

“Lee, Liv, and I made it with you in mind,” she said as she blushes, “We're glad you loved it.”

Noticing the sun almost setting, you ask, “Does it mean we're going home now?”

“The fun isn't over yet.” Lee shakes his head, offering a smile, “Today isn't done.”

The smell of something warm. Looking back, you find Liv with a cup.

“Commandant,” She calls out your name, softly, “I hope today ends nicely.”

It's a cup of hot chocolate. You remember it as something the four of you had done the other day. Taking the cup from her, the anxiety in your chest starts to calm down. Watching your three members laugh and talk as the sun sets behind you, the bittersweet taste of chocolate on your tongue.

You would do everything to stay by their side.

“I promise I'll do better.” You blurt out, catching their attention, “I'm...not going to give up. I'll stay alive, I'll do everything for you, guys.”

Tears threaten to spill from your weary eyes, yet you still dare to smile at them. “We are the Gray Raven, and we're a...family.”

Your team—your Gray Raven—smiles back. Lucia is the first to hug you, following Liv. Briefly taking away the shaking cup in your hands, Lee hugs you. In a layer, like a glove, your tears began to fall from your eyes as your team hugs you tighter.

“You're doing so well, Commandant.” Lucia said, “You're the reason why we're here today.”

“That's really true,” chides Liv, “Without you, there wouldn't be an 'us'.”

“We'll save you, the same way you've saved us, too.” said Lee, “as long as you promise to stay alive, too.”

Peace is temporary, yet it seems to be forever in this space. Summer must have been kinder for you this time. Maybe this picnicon a Sunday wasn't too bad.

As long as you stay alive, too. Isn't that summer so pretty with them?

kuro keep my babies (and husband) safe or I'll throw these hands

(also did you notice my new format? hehehe)