Chapter Text
“Come on dad! It’s nearly midday!” Oscar called as he raced through the forest, happily jumping and ducking through the roots and branches and fallen logs.
‘“I’m coming, I’m coming. I’m not as spry as you little mushroom.” Ozpin chuckled, leisurely strolling through the lush forest, leaning on his cane. “It’s a beautiful day anyways, why rush?”
Oscar ran back to him, hugging his side as they walked, making it a bit awkward to move, but not impossible. “I’m just excited!”
“I can see that!” he chuckled, ruffling the walnut locks of his son.
Oscar laughed, batting at his hands before darting off again, never able to sit still that boy.
Ozpin sighed happily, taking in a few deep breaths, enjoying the smell and taste of the forest. The crisp freshness of the air, the damp scent of the moss, the buzzing of bugs and singing of birds. So quiet, yet full of life and vibrance. Greens and browns of every shade surrounded him, as well as the splash of color from berries or flowers, or the wild life. He idly wondered if he’d be able to get any taming magic done with Oscar today. Or maybe plant magic…
But as he watched his son laugh and roll down a small hill, getting utterly covered in dirt and twigs, he smiled. Forget training today. Today they were going to pick blackberries, make a lovely pie, and share it with Qrow and Glynda. They’d talk and laugh, and in the evening he’d read his son a story, and cuddle him till he fell asleep…
“I FOUND THE BLACKBERRIES! I FOUND THEM!” Oscar suddenly cried, waving emphatically for Oz to come over, breaking his fantasies of their day.
“I see, I see!” Ozpin laughed, walking up the small hill that led to the blackberry fields. “Do you remember which blackberries are the ripe ones?”
“Dark black, tender, plump and full!” Oscar chirped back, holding out his hands excitedly for his little basket that Oz had in his pack.
Ozpin chuckled and took it out, holding it teasingly above the child's head, “What do we saaaay?”
“Daaaaad!”
“Nope.”
“C’mooooon!”
“Not quite!”
Oscar pouted, but Ozpin could see the smile in his eyes. “Pleeease?”
“Bingo!” Ozpin grinned, booping Oscars nose as he handed him the basket. He’d watched for a bit, sitting on a log to recover his breath and let his leg rest from the walk here. Then join Oscar in the field. He groaned a bit as he rubbed his leg, damn thing had been acting up… There was likely a storm coming.
“DAD! ARE YOU COMING?” the freckled boy cried, his basket already half full of dark blackberries.
“IN A MOMENT MY LOVE!” he called back, waving with his cane. He looked at the etchings on the old oak cane. It was painted black, so they were nearly imperceptible, unless it was held to the light. They were just old runes, he could activate them in a pinch if he needed. He’d made it himself, when he was a much younger man, back it was largely made for show. It was the only real remnant of his old life…
“DAAAAD! MY BASKETS FUUUULL!” count on his son to break him of his reveries.
“Alright, I’m coming my darling.” he chuckled, pulling out his own basket and walking to the field. He’d pick blackberries, tease his son, they’d walk home and have a lovely day… That’s how it would go. He smiled thinking about it, it would be lovely.