#ozcinder

Coming right up, pal! How about a little modern day AU?

Story under the cut!

OZCINDER AU hades & persephone

the diverse green and abundant colors of her mother’s garden vanishes, as he whisks her away. his hand in hers is cold, but she trusts him. the earth itself that she always admired from afar in her gilded cage seems to open up for them, swallowing them both into darkness. as the earth closes behind them, her view of the underworld is not at all like the beautiful gardens she was born in.

no. it’s dark and dreary, untouched by the sun, with only few colors splashing the barren landscape below. there’s miles of cold stone and deep, dark rivers, and it lacks the fields of golden grain and flora she knew well. the fire in her blood roars into a blazing inferno. cinder takes a deep breath, tasting ash on her tongue, instead of the sweet nectar of morning dew.

got my commissions from @nliast and boy they’re everything i wanted and more

pizza au where the pizza guy actually gets to do his job and not get involved with any weird bs

Shenanigans will happen off the clock. 

I hope you like it! Thanks for the prompt, buddy.

It had been close to four years since Ozpin had been slain in the vaults of Beacon Academy. It had been two years since Cinder had managed to distance herself away from Salem, and it had been incredibly difficult over the course of the last few years. 

And yet, Ozpin was going to her because they had no other choice. Despite it all, Cinder had the power of a maiden, and that was something that Ozpin needed, desperately. She just needed to be willing to lend her power and her time to them. 

They found her in an inn in Western Mistral, where Cinder was alone. 

Ozpin approached her, glad that Oscar’s trace had been finally taken over and that they could finally do their job. They approached her and seated themself beside her at the bar. “Hello, Cinder.” They greeted her, not bothering to order a drink. 

She looked over at them out of the corner of her remaining eye, and she looked angry. “Ozpin.” She greeted them. “Is there some reason that you’re here?”

“There is.” Ozpin responded. “You know that war is still being waged between myself and Salem.” They hesitated for a long moment, Cinder’s past transgressions not at all going forgotten. “And that your power is still needed.” 

“I know.” Cinder sighed, swirling her drink in her glass without looking over at them. “So why not go to some other maiden?”

“There are only four of you, and I will need all four of you.” Ozpin explained, staring at the wall across the bar from them. “For once, I need you, and your choice is going to be crucial.” 

Cinder turned finally, letting herself face them directly with an expression on her face that Ozpin couldn’t place. The burn scars didn’t help at all. “You need me.”

“The world needs you.” Ozpin answered, locking their eyes with Cinder’s remaining one. “The choice is yours.” 

 She stared them down, frowning before she finally spoke up once more. “This better be worth it.” 

“I assure you,” Ozpin smiled at her. “It will be.”

“I’ll help you.” Cinder finally said, her eyes snapping forward so that she was staring at the bottles on the bar wall. “But you need to promise me that I’ll be left alone after this.” 

It was a hard bargain, Ozpin thought, but the least that they could do was go ahead and try to make that offer to her if they could. With the way that the battles between Salem and themself, Ozpin was sure that Cinder would have at least a little bit of time where she was left to her own devices. 

“I can’t make you that promise,” They said calmly. “But I can guarantee that you’ll have some time away.” 

“And if I decide I need you?”

“Then I will be there.” Ozpin answered. “It’s for the best that this is a reciprocal relationship.” 

Cinder nodded slowly. She understood. “I’ll help you.” She finally said, toasting Ozpin with a sly smile before taking a sip of the amber liquid.

Here’s something a little bitter sweet. I hope you like it!

               It wasa quiet day at the little cafe downtown. Cinder sat at a table with her book,glancing up occasionally to see the couple in matching scarves. She hadn't beenplanning on running into them here, but she didn't mind.

               Seeingthe smile on Ozpin's face made it far from awkward.

               Ozpinhanded the woman with blond hair her cup and gave her a kiss on the cheekbefore watching her hurry out of the cafe. Deciding it was the right moment,she stood up and walked over, trying to keep her heart from racing.

               "Hello,Oz," she greeted.

               Ozpin'ssoft brown eyes flicked in her direction as their smile faded to a look ofconfusion. "Cinder?"

               "Longtime no see."

               "Yes,it...it has been a while."

               Sensingthe atmosphere was getting tense, she offered them a chair and the two sat downto chat. At first they couldn't make eye contact. She figured as much.

               "It'snice," she said. "I'm glad you found someone amazing."

               Ozmanaged a small smile, cheeks pink with fondness. "Yes...Glynda is a wonderfullady..."

               "Shetreats you well?"

               "Verywell." They took a sip of their cocoa, glancing at the book on the table."That's a good one."

               "Ipicked it up in Rome," Cinder tittered. "There's more to it in theoriginal language, I find. Something not lost in translation."

               "Interesting."

               The twocontinued their little conversation. The awkwardness melted away tofamiliarity. She talked about her travels, all the places she'd been the lastfew years. Ozpin talked about married life, caring for the neighbor's children,and how their sister would be coming to visit with her son soon.

               "Soundslike you've been busy," she said. "I'm glad things have worked out sowell for you."

               "I'mglad you're doing well too," Oz said. "I know travelling was alwayssomething you wanted to do."

               "Andstaying on one place for you."

               Silenceslowly crept up on them once again as they finished their drinks. Cinderglanced at her watch, letting out a click of her tongue. "I have to headback home. I have packing to do."

               "Anotheradventure?" Oz inquired.

               "I'mheading to New Zealand."

               "Needa lift back to your place? My car is out front."

               "I'dappreciate it."

               The twoof them headed out, saying nothing as they clamored into the little green car.The dashboard was covered in stickers, and there were stuffed animals all overthe back seat.

               "Sorryfor the mess," Oz sighed. "Haven't had a chance to clean."

               "It'sokay," Cinder giggled. "I don't mind."

               "Youstill live at the same complex?"

               "Yep."

               "Alrighy."

               Thedrive back was quiet, but it was a welcomed silence. It allowed Cinder togather her thoughts. There was so much she wanted to say. So much she needed totell them.

               Butmost of it she knew she'd never say.

               Soonthey pulled up to the apartment, and Cinder gave Ozpin a pat on the back."Thanks for driving me home. Tell your wife I said hi, okay?"

               "Iwill," Ozpin said. "It was nice. Talking with you again."

               "Sameto you."

               Withone last goodbye, Cinder stepped out of the car and waved farewell as Ozpindrove away.

               I'm glad you found someone who made youhappy.