#pausedtime

“… Do you need some time to get away from it all? You do still have some leftover sick days you haven’t used. Maybe you should consider using them to get well rested.” He suggested, “If there’s anything I can do to help, let me know.”

Haz pausa.

Respira.

Repara tu universo.

Sigue.

–⚡.

“… Not everyone.” He said, after a moment of silence. “There are those who will resist because it goes against their own ideals, their own preferences. But something I have learned is that…” Ozma stopped, holding his hand out as a bunch of poppies blossomed in his hands.

“Sometimes we still have to do what’s right, even if the world calls you a monster.”

Despite her own heavy mind, hazel eyes widened as the flowers bloomed into existence in the man’s hands. He was more than a hero from the adventure books she read. It was as if he’d stepped out of the very pages of a fairytale. 

a sob rips through her throat as arms wrap around her father. hands take fistfuls of ozma’s shirt to make sure he can’t leave even if he wanted to  ( gods, she hopes he doesn’t want to ).  the strength and air of confidence elise has carried for thousands of years dissolved instantly in the tight embrace. she’s just a little girl again, running to her father when she lost her favorite book. he had always been there to hold her, always been there to make her smile.

A faint chuckle from Ozma as he sipped his hot cocoa, offering his friend a mug as well. “It sounds like you certainly have your hands full with them. Have you considered asking me to use a silence spell on them?” A slight tease - he would never, ever endanger his students in such a way.

Even if the Branwen twins were, as he said, causing mischief.

“Either way, you can’t deny that they’re quite stellar in combat.”

“Their combat skills are at the top of their grade, and their ability to work in a team is outstanding so long as they’re paired with one another.” Despite his complaints, his voice was warm in affection. Ozpin had always had a soft spot for the trouble makers. 

Taking the offered mug, he gave a small shake of his head. 

“Miss Barnwen remains as withdrawn and stubborn as ever, but I’ve noticed her brother lingering in my classroom. I’m worried something’s bothering him.” There was a sadness about the teen, under the surface, that always made him worry. 

“I…” He glanced down at the weed he had just pulled from the fower bed. “Ozpin… no they’re not. They’re dangerous to the plants’ growth.”

… Wait was he…

He put the plant down. Now he was confused again.

“Are you saying I should try and get to know other people outside of those I already do?” He’s genuinely puzzled.

“...Yes.” The word left his lips in a quiet exhale that was quick to dissolve into a quiet chuckle in the face of Ozma’s confused expression. 

This was going well. 

With a small shake of his head, Ozpin reached out to snatch the flowered weed from where it had been left on the ground.