Hanging with the Schneesters

Day 2: Honesty

Monoweek2018.

Second fic of the week and I'm already crying. The setting is probably (an entirely au version) volume 6 hoping there will be quiet times for the team. Blake and Weiss are already going out and Blake tries to take the opportunity to befriend Weiss idol – her sister...yikes.

Summary: Weiss had been ecstatic at the notion of spending some time with Blake and Winter. Her excitement was so contagious that Blake had forgotten Winter Schnee was as protective a big sister as was Yang.

xxx

"Have you lost your mind?" Yang couldn't stop gaping as her partner shrugged expression telling Yang she wasn't quite following.

"I'm just meeting her sister, Yang," Blake responded not quite hopeful of the advice she had asked for now that Yang seemed so concerned, "It's a good thing, Weiss idolizes her older sister, I'd get good girlfriend points right?" It wasn't her best analogy but she really couldn't quite see what the fuss was.

"I know I'm not saying it isn't good, but you're head over heels for her younger sister Blake," Yang pointed out throwing her hands in the air. She wasn't about to let her partner and best friend go into a lion's den without being amply prepared especially not someone who could keep their own against their Uncle.

Blake crossed her arms tapping a foot on the ground. "And that's bad because?" Granted Winter was a Schnee and she couldn't ignore the fact that did unnerve her to a degree. However, the way Weiss talked about her made it feel like she had a lot to do with why the former heiress was so adamant in setting her own course.

Yang slapped a hand on her face, "That's because big snowflake is probably just as head over heels in sisterly protective love for small snowpuff," She gesture in emphasize of her point hoping to get it across.

"Yang...\listen I've mentally prepared myself for a possible Schnee-" Blake began to protest but was stopped when the blonde raised her arms.

"Alright pretend scenario, you don't know me, you start going out with Ruby," Yang stopped to let Blake roll her eyes, "Just humor me,"Blake didn't say anything but waved her to go on. "Ok, so Ruby asks you if you'd like to meet me," She watches as Blake's expression falters, she might have not known Yang in this pretend alternate universe however she knew her partner well enough to know where she was going. "Yes, what do you think I'd do,"

"Make my life a living hell until you deem me worthy of your sister," Blake ventured visibly paler. She was starting to understand what the brawler was getting at.

"Oh yes," Yang nodded solemnly, "So you need to be as honest about your feelings as possible Blake, we know Weiss circumstances, running away isn't going to cut it,"

Blake groaned feeling much less eager at the prospect of meeting Winter. Weiss enthusiasm may have blinded her into forgetting that she was the outsider this time. Or possibly, yet hopefully not, the enemy in Winter's eyes.

"Thanks Yang," she mumbled half sarcastically.

"Hey, I'm just warning you, big sister's have to keep their kiddie siblings safe," she laughed patting Blake's shoulder in sympathy, "You'll be fine, just don't go in without being prepared for an inquisition,"

xxx

Blake tried not to fidget. She could feel her eyes on her, how they never left her even when Weiss was the one addressing her elder sister. She was quite certain as she sat trying to appear as small and harmless as possible that Winter Schnee was out for blood. Specifically hers.

'Yang was right'

Thankfully she had been prepared as her partner brought her up to date with anything that might help her remain in one piece for the evening. 'Let me teach you, you poor only child, the secrets of challenging a big sister,' Yang had teased at first but in then she ended up providing some good pointers nonetheless. Blake had to admit as she watched Winter's lips curl the slightest bit upwards every time Weiss addressed her that it was very plausible that her overactive imagination was getting the better of her.

The small cafe Winter had guided them too was in a quiet side-street by the military offices with very little passers by. It seemed Winter was a regular as she was greeted by the staff fondly. That gave Blake some courage she wouldn't be eaten alive as they settled in a table by the window with a lovely view of the frosted city. Atlas was colder than she thought it would be and she could feel the tips of her limb itching as she moved them in an attempt to remain warm. The city had a strange allure to it with it metallic buildings and minimalist style. Everything around the city seemed to have a purpose yet Blake still found her eyes wondering around up until the waiters placed the menu in front of her.

Winter sat opposite to her poised with dignity and elegance befitting her namesake as she perused the menu and addressed her sister from behind it.

"I would have loved to be informed of your...trip to Mistral," Winter began the conversation causing Weiss to visibly wince. Weiss played with her fingers thankful for the menu obstructing her view and glanced at Blake who gave her a supportive smile.

"Oh,"

Winter slowly dropped the leather bound booklet at the hesitant tone. Weiss every reaction seemed to be under scrutiny of the glacial blue eyes but she remained the picture of calm as Weiss explained the situation. She had been informed by Klein on the last events that occurred at the Schnee mansion which included her father's decision to leave their empire to their younger brother and Weiss' determination to not let him get his way. "Poor Klein was distraught when I told him I had not met you,"

Truthfully she had withheld a lot of juicy information about her 'trip' as her elder sister called it. Weiss didn't particularly think that it would be a very good idea to mention her ride shipwrecking and being held hostage by the Branwen tribe which would not end well considering the ties half of team had with the Branwens. When they had arrived in Atlas they had coincidentally found Winter trying to leave it to search for her lost sister. It was slightly endearing how they had watched a sheepish Weiss getting reprimanded by her older sister. Frankly, Blake had been happy to know there was someone worried about Weiss in her dysfunctional family and Weiss had managed to abate her sister's concerns enough by promising to give her a proper report on her journey. The sisters didn't have time to catch up as they headed straight for Ironwood with the team and Winter had gone into a strictly business modality.

"With the communications still barely functional and everything coming in Atlas being monitored I didn't think it would be a good idea to send a letter," Weiss explained tapping the menu with a finger. She made a mental note to properly thank Klein as soon as possible, "I'm sorry,"

Winter remained silent and pensive although her features visibly softened, "I know, I am just happy that you are safe,". She placed a hand on her sisters and Blake noted the small smile presenting itself once more, "When it comes to worrying about you even I can lose track of my emotions,"

Winter left it at that but made Weiss promise to update her at a later date. Blake let them catch up feeling her some of her tension unwind as the pair trailed of in a friendly chat. It really did feel like her paranoia had gotten the best of her as Weiss proudly announced her improvement in her summoning skills and Winter's eyes seemed to shine with untold pride as her sister retold her story of her first summon. Weiss had expected her to chide her on the lack of control she had displayed but Winter was quite bemused by the story. "General Ironwood took a shine to you for that, however, in the future I do hope you remember to use your emotions to your advantage but not let them use you,"

It was not long after that they had settled their orders and Winter called for a waitress that Blake began to feel a little hounded by the silence letting her mind wander once more. The waitress bounced to their table with added vigor grinning at the specialist and winking at Blake. The Faunus' nerves must have shown on her face and the encouragement even if by a complete stranger was welcome at that point. Winter ordered a coffee for the siblings who felt rather peckish and added a couple of savory snacks to the order before glancing at Blake. It was right about the time she had noticed she hadn't really participated in the conversation at all.

"Tea please," she stuttered and agreed to sharing some sandwiches even if she felt her stomach would not be able to take any food as the butterflies swam vigorously around in it. Winter seemed to think nothing of her awkwardness, a pleasant expression ever present as she handed the menus to the waitress and Blake felt herself relax once more throwing a glance at her girlfriend. Weiss sat textbook straight but held her hand had found Blakes under the table, a small gesture Blake greatly appreciated. The way she beamed at her filled Blake with the courage she needed and for a moment remembered why she was so glad to have accepted the invitation. It didn't last long as Weiss scroll lit up with Ruby's face greeting them with a smile announcing the caller.

Weiss eyes darted from her scroll to Blake who gave her a pleading look. She loved their team leader to bits but Ruby would get right into an animated conversation and forget the time quit often. She also knew how Weiss ever the best partner would indulge her and try to be nicer to her partner in the name of the promise she had made when their leader's excitement got the better and loosened her tongue. Blake had a feeling that today it would not be an exception as every single swear word she had heard in her time in the White Fang sprang up to mind with a couple of additions from Yang Xiao Long to boot. She was not ready, she hadn't even shared a word with Winter beyond greetings and small pleasantries as a part of their introduction.

"Don't worry, Weiss, go ahead and answer," Winter said turning her gaze to Blake, "We'll be right here," Blake wasn't quite sure about that as she fought the urge to dig herself into a hole.

"E-excuse me," Weiss mumbled as she announced her leave mouthing a small apology to Blake. She let her hand fall to the Faunus' shoulder and lingered in support before she headed towards the exit.

Winter and Blake remained in silence as the latter's eyes darted all over the place. Her mind spiraled into a possible topic for small talk and was happy by the distraction when the waitress' brought their drinks. Blake quickly poured her tea from the small kettle and adding milk almost on automatic. She was still shifting through anything that could spark a conversation as brought the cup to her lips for a quick sip. She grimaced as the hot liquid stung her sensitive tongue and she opted to wait a little longer cupping the warm drink and letting the heat seep into her frigid fingers. Winter slowly stirred her coffee and Blake swore she heard her chuckle under her breath. The feeling that Winter was keeping a close eye on her returned as she calmly crossed her legs and cleared her throat. Golden eyes moved from the milk dispenser to lock onto blue ones and Blake was suddenly aware she had broken into a cold sweat.

"Miss Belladonna?" Winter said in the hopes of sparking a conversation as she raised her cup for a brief drink.

"Blake is fine," she coughed a little as her voice broke and received a curt nod in response. She wasn't sure if to be grateful nothing seemed to faze the older Schnee as the conversation fell empty.

Winter eyes scanned Blake's face and the two stared at each other as the elder arranged a stray white lock of hair behind her ear and exhaled softly. If Blake hadn't two sets of ears she probably wouldn't have picked up the sound. Everything about the military woman seemed to controlled it made her feel out of breath just by watching her. Yet she had seen how gentle she could be with Weiss and couldn't quite pick a word to describe Winter.

"Am I to believe you are the same Blake Belladonna who was a member of the notorious White Fang," Winter didn't beat around the bush either and Blake felt her heart sink considering she had hoped the topic could be avoided. The way she had worded her question it was obvious she wasn't thrilled by the intel she gathered either. Blake pushed herself to sit up straight expression hardened.

"Y-you had someone do a background check on me..." Blake eyes narrowed accusingly and she pushed herself out of the chair her palms smacking the table but the woman did not budge an inch and held her stare. It made the heat in her belly rumble fervently all thoughts of discomfort forgotten.

"I did," she confirmed in between sips. Not one hint of guilt.

"The White Fang that spilled blood is dead and gone, we took it back," she growled accepting the possibility derogatory words. She wouldn't take it lying down no matter what and readied all counter arguments for the most ludicrous observations on her kind. Her throat burned and at the back of her mind she hoped Ruby was in a particularly talkative mood today. She felt miserable at the thought that Weiss might have really been the exception to the rule. She had been so happy for this meeting.

Winter smiled unfettered replacing the coffee onto its plate, "I know, that's not my point," Blake's ears folded trying to make sense of the words. It was more shocking than surprising at this point.

"Then...?" Blake's anger simmered as she fell back to her seat she waited for Winter to drop the enigmatic act. She also very aware of the hushed whispers around them but didn't really care.

"My point is, you are a member of the White Fang and whether it is pacifistic or not, it remains that Weiss is a Schnee," Winter slide a finger on therim of her cup before crossing her arms.

"I'm not dating Weiss for her name," she spat glaring at Winter. The thought was a rational one for Winter, Blake knew that very well, Weiss had been reserved all throughout their courting and had not opened up to her until she was certain that Blake truly wanted to be with her. They had their difficulties as the former heiress came to known more about the Faunus community but Blake had also been hesitant to share for fear of backlash. Their first few weeks together due to this had been the most stressful of her life almost as much as they had been the most wonderful. She should have seen this coming but it still wounded her to have someone who barely knew her accuse her without proof.

Winter leaned in entwining her fingers and regarding Blake with something akin to curiosity. It seemed she had not expected the Faunus to blow up but she needed to keep on prodding, "A Faunus that happens to be related to a White Fang leader, one who is currently rebuilding its foundation, and you think I should not be suspicious that his child is in a relationship with my younger sister?"

Blake opened her mouth to retort but found no counter that would suffice. She gaped at the other and quite frankly could not help narrow her eyes in disdain. It would have been easier if she had accused to White Fang like Weiss had back when they knew nothing of each other. She was used to those kinds of arguments, but Winter was older, more mature and versed in the way of the world and her family's negligence as a person who had left her pampering dynasty for a military job that could cost her even her very life. She was not uneducated as Weiss had been and Blake couldn't quite pin her as anything but neutral at this point. It didn't mean she had to like what Winter had to say yet she wasn't here to accuse the Faunus, she was here as an older sister as Yang had predicted to make sure Blake was not a threat. She was hear for Weiss, at least on that, Blake could come to an agreement with.

"I-I love Weiss," she blurted never breaking eye contact, ears flattened to her scalp. Her anger and bitterness turning into frustration as the thought of how much this meeting was important to Weiss kept her from bursting. For the first time in the evening Winter's expression faltered and she leaned away her picture perfect stoic expression replaced by a frown which made Blake almost feel smug if the situation hadn't been pushing so heavily on her shoulders. "I don't have anything else to say I just love Weiss and I want to be with her, our families don't matter in this decision,"

Winter closed her eyes rubbing the bridge of her nose for a few seconds as she processed the reply and proceeded to nod as she came to a decision.

"Blake, can you promise me..." Winter halted to lick her lips and Blake tilted her head at her sudden hesitance, "Can you look at me straight in the eye and promise that you are speaking nothing but the truth?" The word 'guarded' fluttered in Blake's thoughts as she watched Weiss sister.

Blake pushed herself forward mimicking the other's position as her heart skipped a beat at the possibility that Winter could actually be willing to give her a chance. That she might give them her blessing to an extent. The thought seemed to spark Blake's creativity when thinking about Weiss.

"I love Weiss, she is kind, she's willing to listen and change for the better even if it meant turning her world upside down," Blake laughed in fondness, ear twitching in bashfulness, "She's defiance personified, she's as awkward as she is hardworking and I could go on, really, I have a list," Winter's lips twitched for a second as Blake reminisced. "Yet most of all I love her because despite all her fear, all my fears, she gave me a chance I'm not willing to take for granted,"

Winter placed her head on her hands covering her eyes back with a sigh and started quivering. Blake tensed expecting the worst until she heard the little titters coming from the woman. Blake frowned glancing around at the cafe as if she would find what had amused the woman and awaited her reply.

"That's good enough,"

"Excuse me, what was that?" Blake said in disbelief at the whisper. Winter crossed her arms once more and gave her an amiable smile one that for the first time in the evening reached her eyes.

"I said that is good enough for me," she repeated ending with a chuckle she covered for with a hand.

Blake took a deep breath and released it all at once with a chortle of her own, "Are you saying you trust me?"

Winter hummed brow furrowing, "Military life will make you accustomed to many things, one is the less than delectable food and another is how to spot the sincere from the lying riff raff," Blake matched her frown her foot tapping insistently under the table. "Blake you've earned at least some trust, whether you keep it is another story,"

"Fair enough, the feeling is mutual after all," Blake mumbled rubbing her thumb against her temple. Her head gave a dull throb and she hoped it wasn't a sign of any ensuing migraines.

Winter offered her hand to Blake who felt her stomach jump at the sudden motion. She was still trying to wrap her mind around the whole situation and the frustration she had felt not a moment ago was replaced caution. She reasoned it was better than outright hating each other, finding that she did not hold any particular dislike for Winter as she took the hand in her own matching the strong grip and shook it.

"I suppose this makes us, allies?" Blake ventured causing Winter to look up from her cup of coffee.

She gave a small nod, "I'm sure we can work on that, I do apologize for putting you on the spot," Blake could live with that, if anything she really did want to improve on their current standing. There was also another reason but she really was curious about Winter.

"I've had worse to be quite honest, but, I don't suppose," Blake smiled sheepishly remembering how she owed her survival to Yang's wisdom and how she had made a little promise to her partner unbeknownst to Weiss, "You wouldn't mind exchanging contact information would you?"

xxx

"I'm so sorry," Weiss whimpered into her arm holding onto it as they walked side by side through the streets that would take them back to their residence. Winter had offered them a ride after they spent the rest of the evening enjoying various delicacies and a whole assortment of warm beverages. Blake was happy full and content and most importantly warm especially after savoring all those delicious teas and cakes. She savored the delicious pastries and snacks even more after her stomach was no longer knotted by tension and worry. She was a little proud that the conversations hadn't remained stiff in the end, once Winter stuck to the idea that Blake was trustworthy enough, it had let conversations flow more easily once she wasn't focusing on the possibility of being deported.

Blake pushed her weight into Weiss teasingly, "I don't mind, I've already told you," Weiss humphed not quite convinced as she nuzzled into her scarf. "Did Ruby and Yang find their way back?"

Weiss rolled her eyes but nodded, "I know Atlas' street can be intricate but losing their way in the city centre takes skill," She sighed shaking her head. "Ren found them thankfully,"

"That's good," she giggled along with Weiss as the hilarity of the situation caught up with them especially when Weiss tried to mimic Ruby's panic as she recounted the story to Blake. The faunus could just imagine her girlfriend hand on hip and foot tapping as she tried to give directions to their poor lost leader.

She felt Weiss squeeze her hand as they quieted down, "Did you enjoy the evening Blake?" The face she gave her betrayed her anxiousness and Blake had to lean down for a peck before answering. It seemed to pick Weiss right up as well.

"It was...interesting," Blake admitted causing Weiss smile to falter for a moment. That was not a lie so Blake didn't have to feel guilty about it.

Weiss gripped her sleeve, worry etched in her tone, "Did Winter say something to you?"

"Just that she loves her little sister a great deal," she guffawed as Weiss pouted removing herself from Blake to smack her arm. The Faunus wound her arm around Weiss waist bringing them back together. It was best to leave their heated discussion between the her and Winter feeling no need to agitate her lover. It was water under the bridge anyway even if Blake wasn't certain that the target painted on her back had been completely removed.

"Thank you, Blake, for giving Winter a chance," Weiss smiled at her and the action sent Blake's heart to a flutter in her throat.

"I feel it was worth it," Blake grinned feeling once again as jittery as their first week when Weiss cupped her face pulling her down to touch foreheads. She loved the effect the smaller girl could have on her, every moment of it, "I love you,"

"I love you too," Weiss murmured adding a little bounce as Blake pulled her into her embrace.

xxx

A/N Blake does end up giving Yang Winter's number but she asked winter's permission and its incredible but the pair become fast friends and its beautiful. Blake and Winter do have a rocky start in their relationship but they do eventually bond over books, and who knows maybe Winter is a secret ninja's of love fan. I'm still not happy about this piece overall and I hope someday I can revisit it. I just wanted to convey Blake's honest love for weiss so there's the theme at play. I also added hc that Winter is very neutral to Faunus, she'll judge your actions not your genes basically. I have a Weiss meets Blakes parents planned for one of the days as well that will take place chronologically after this...until then...happy monoweek.