Disclaimer: No joke, I forgot today was Monday. Damn. Anyway, fluff incoming. And some other stuff, too.
The sun was casting its weak, dying light across Halloween Town when Blake stepped out of her home, holding Weiss' present in one hand. For the first time in memory, she felt nervous, anxious even- while she thought the necklace would be a good present for the Snow Spirit, there was some lingering doubt that maybe it wouldn't be as well received as she hoped. That was silly, really, considering how fond Weiss seemed of Halloween Town and its inhabitants, but still it remained, gnawing at the edges of the Black Cat's mind.
She glanced down at the coffin- no, box, it was supposed to be just a box, wrapped in parchment from her study and tied off with the black ribbon she sometimes used in her hair. There was a thought to track down Emerald again, see if the Mummy had any white bandages that she didn't want, or checking back with Yang for a blue handkerchief of some sort, but both ideas would require putting off her return to Christmas Town. Besides, despite wanting to keep the stuff herself, Weiss had made it seem as though it was common practice to throw the wrappings away after the present was opened. Next time, she would study the things she brought back from Christmas Town a bit better to make the present more appropriate, even if it meant doing the whole thing herself. Not that Ruby didn't do a spectacular job with the... box.
Idly, she wondered if this was what mortals felt when they looked down a darkened alleyway, weighing whether or not to proceed. Either option held some merit. Putting off seeing Weiss again would give her more time to perfect her first present but she didn't want the woman worrying about the cause for her delay, either.
Shaking her head, Blake set off towards the cemetery. She was being ridiculous; the Snow Spirit had expressed similar worries over whether or not she would like the black snowflake broach. Even if it wasn't exactly to the woman's tastes, she would accept it with a smile, perhaps suggesting something more suitable for next time. At any rate, there was no harm in giving it to Weiss and letting her decide for herself rather than second guessing every minute detail. It would work out.
Probably.
The Black Cat suddenly pitied mortals who could be frozen by the same brand of indecision; it likely would drive them insane, especially given their markedly shorter life spans.
Her gait slowed once more as she bit her lips, considering her choices again. There was nothing in Halloween Town that could perfectly mimic the Christmas Town tradition, so putting things off might only cause her further grief, fretting over perfecting something that simply couldn't be achieved. At the same time, wouldn't Weiss appreciate the extra effort? Then again...
Suddenly, her ears perked, picking up on a sound that was somehow familiar, though much fainter than she was accustomed to, and it took her only a second to place it.
"Weiss?" Golden eyes scanned the immediate area before lifting to the sky, searching out the source of the scream. The Black Cat felt a shock go through her system at the sight of a small bright dot over the dark forest, plummeting towards the ground. It was too far away to be sure but the sick certainty she could feel settle in her mind was too strong to ignore. "Weiss!"
Taking off at a dead sprint, the Black Cat summoned every shadow cast by the low hanging sun, crossing the streets in record time as her eyes remained glued to the small form becoming more recognizable with every jump through the darkness. However, even if she could tell exactly where Weiss would fall, getting her down safely would still be a trial, and she wouldn't have much time to come up with a solution. The fall might not outright 'kill' her- she was just as much an immortal being as the Queen herself, able to weather the passage of time and feats mortals would be slack jawed to imagine- but it could weaken her to the point that she would pass into the realm of slumber that awaited those who no longer wished to feel the passage of the centuries. It was that thought that spurred her to run faster, reaching the graveyard and nearly flying over the headstones, feet hardly touching them as she propelled herself forward.
By some stroke of luck, Blake wasn't the only one awake at such an early hour, and a black form suddenly ducked out of a cloud overhead and dove straight towards the helpless Snow Spirit. Its wings spread wide as razor sharp talons reached out, one mangled claw clamping around the woman's frame and halting her descent. Its prize caught, the black bird lazily leveled out, seemingly content to take the struggling woman back to its nest.
Landing atop one of the mausoleums, Blake stopped running, her free hand clenching into a fist as she roared without bothering to shift form. "Qrow! Qrow, you bring her down here right now or I will send you to the beyond myself! Unharmed, Qrow! I am not kidding!"
Although it was sometimes difficult to tell between them, only one of the giant birds would pay another creature much mind, and the sharp turn of that avian head confirmed that not only had he heard her, but he realized there was no use in trying to test the threat. A few flaps of his mighty wings had the bird banking, circling once before spotting her, and he dove down in the next moment, prompting a stifled squeal of surprise from Weiss.
"Qrow!"
Taking the warning to heart, the Crow spread out his wings and glided down, starting a slow, circling descent that never strayed far enough away to warrant another shout. Blake watched the whole while, resisting the urge to pace by only the slimmest of margins. It made her uneasy, leaving Weiss' fate to another, but she trusted that Qrow wouldn't do anything stupid so long as she kept her keen gaze on the bird.
If he did, he would dearly regret it.
"Blake!" The Snow Spirit called out once the Crow was low enough, the wind caused by his wings not enough to drown out her words. "Blake, stop scowling, I'm fine!"
The Black Cat was about to shout something back- a denial, likely- when she noticed her ears were pinned against her skull in a clear sign of aggression. With a little effort, she relaxed, running her free hand through her hair in an attempt to seem calmer. It didn't do much, and she likely wouldn't be completely at ease until the woman was on the ground, but Blake managed to at least school her appearance into something that didn't draw another reprimand from Weiss. It was frustrating, though, remaining entirely still as Qrow entered his final descent, pulling up and using his unoccupied claw grab onto a broken archway. He held the other out, opening it slowly so the Snow Spirit fell, head first, towards the ground.
Blake was more than ready, though, shooting forward off the mausoleum's roof and catching the woman in her arms while in the air, bringing them both down gently with the aid of the shadows. She held on perhaps a moment longer than was strictly necessary, mainly to reassure herself that the Snow Spirit had come to no harm while in Qrow's care. When they finally parted, it was slowly and gently, her hands remaining on the woman's elbows to steady her. While the Queen of Halloween tried to keep her tone civil, there was definitely something of an edge to her words that simply couldn't be stopped.
"Are you sure you're alright?"
"I'm perfectly fine." Weiss huffed, straightening out her ensemble before sneaking a glance towards the sky. "Although, I probably won't try that again."
"Well, that's good." The Black Cat nodded, restraining herself a moment more before her brows furrowed, frustration coloring her tone. "But why did you think it was a good idea in the first place? Didn't I mention that you shouldn't do that without me? You could've been hurt!"
"Don't tell me I scared the great Queen of Halloween," she said, a hint of smugness to her expression that was snuffed out a moment later as a frown touched her lips. "I'm sorry, Blake. It was foolish of me."
Weiss turned her face away in embarrassment, or perhaps shame- neither one she liked to see on her companion's face. With a hand under the Snow Spirit's chin, Blake redirected her gaze, blue meeting golden despite the urge to turn away. "Weiss?"
"My father and I... had a disagreement." Her words were nothing more than a murmur, something her cat ears strained to hear, but the woman didn't turn away again. "I didn't want to stay there and continue the fight... so I went to the only place open to me."
There was a hint of fear at the end, as if she thought, for even the smallest moment, that she'd made a mistake.
"Halloween Town will always be open to you." Blake offered a small smile, pushing aside her own frustration so she could focus on reassuring the Snow Spirit. Sensing the opportunity, she called forth her present from the shadows- having dropped it in her haste to reach Weiss in time- and presented it while trying to keep her ears canted forward, burying the nervousness she felt as deep down as possible. "Here. A present."
Blue eyes widened, surprise showing plain on her face as she accepted it. "This... is..."
"It's, well, it's not perfect, but I tried- this isn't really a tradition here, so it was a bit difficult to explain-"
"Blake, stop." The woman chuckled softly, putting a reassuring hand on the Black Cat's arm. "It's very sweet. I can honestly say in all my years, I've never even seen a present half as unique. I can't wait to open it." The sincerity in her tone was enough to steady Black Cat's nerves, watching in quiet anticipation as Weiss began pulling free the ribbon and sliding off the parchment. When the coffin- box was exposed, she smiled, running her fingers across the smooth finish. "Now this is craftsmanship. A work of art in itself."
"Ruby made it from the bones of a Grimm." She quickly amended her statement, not wanting to imply that she'd taken anything that wasn't freely given. "They donated the bones."
"I'll have to thank her later, then, and the Grimm." Admiring the coffin once more, Weiss opened it slowly, mouth popping open in clear astonishment as she saw what lay within it. "Blake..."
"Do you like it?" She tilted her head, curious and anxious, finding the expression on her companion's face too difficult to read.
Was she affronted? Was she shocked? Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.
"It's beautiful." Her voice was almost a whisper as she carefully drew out the white cat necklace, the sapphire catching the dying light and sparkling just like her eyes. She turned it over, setting the cat against her chest for a moment to admire it, and gasped in surprise when the cat's tail uncurled on its own and wrapped around her neck, securing itself in place without her assistance. "Blake, this is-"
"For you. To wear. I-if you want to, that is." Blake was certain that, if she had any blood in her body at the moment, it would be entirely centered in her cheeks. She could actually feel herself mimicking the mortal expression and it brought what she could only describe as a goofy smile to her lips as she continued. "The gem has a spell attached. It should make it easier for you to come here, whenever you want." She felt a small hand slip into hers, the other reaching up to lightly trace a facet of the sapphire. "I truly mean it when I say that Halloween Town will always be open to you, Weiss, and you'll never have anything to fear here."
The woman leaned forward and there was no mistaking her intent, the Black Cat feeling her nerves finally settling as she met her companion half way in a soft kiss. It seemed natural now, to trade such gestures between them, and she couldn't help but smile through it. The coffin and parchment were pulled away without struggle from the woman's hands by the shadows, freeing them for the moment; she could always return the items if necessary but Blake thought it would be much better if she had full use of both arms.
"That's very sweet of you," Weiss said when they parted, slipping an arm around the Queen's waist while the other raised, fingers lightly teasing her black locks, just by her right cat ear. "You're a very quick study if it took only one time receiving a present for you to make a perfect one of your own."
"I have an excellent teacher," she replied, smiling at the fond shake of her companion's head. "But if I remember correctly, there's no mistletoe here in Halloween Town."
"Hmm, and that's where you're wrong." Blake felt something tuck just behind her upper ear, frowning for a moment before realization dawned on her. "I thought you might like another memento."
The Black Cat let a laugh bubble up from her chest, pulling the Snow Spirit a bit firmer against her frame. "I suppose a memento from Halloween Town is in order. How about a newt?"
"Uh, no." They both laughed. "But I'd love to see anything you're willing to show me."
"Ugh, love." Blake immediately frowned, glaring up at the Crow, who was idly picking at his wing with his beak. "Such a mortal emotion. Almost as good as being drunk, but with more pain." His head turned sharply, one red eye burning at them. "Speaking of which, would either of you happen to have a beer or something? I'm already out."
"Not everyone spends their one night in the mortal realm raiding parties for mind altering substances," Blake said, though she couldn't help but find his predictable commentary a tad amusing. "But thank you, Qrow, for your help, if not your additions to the conversation."
"Hey, not every day someone falls from the sky." The bird shrugged, turning his head again when he noticed the Snow Spirit's stare. "Something on my face?"
"You're a raven named Crow?"
"No, I'm the Crow, and named Qrow. Raven is the Raven."
"Very original names."
"Hey, you try being the embodiment of death and dying for mortals, see how creative you can get," he said, flapping his wings a few times. "Or, next time I just let you drop like a rock."
The woman blinked. "... I do appreciate your assistance earlier. Perhaps I should've made that clear first."
"Don't mind him, Weiss." The Black Cat rolled her eyes. "He's always like this." She glanced at the sky, how the sun was finally dipping below the horizon to make way for the coming night. "Qrow, help us gather everyone in the town square. I have an announcement I'd like to make."
The bird sighed, ruffling his feathers. "Of course you're going to make me work. This is why I don't come around town that much." Blake raised a brow, practically daring the Crow to refuse her request. "Fine, I'll grab who I can find."
As he launched himself into the air, great wings lifting him up and away from the cemetery, Blake turned and swept an arm over the awakening town while the other remained around the Snow Spirit's waist. "Come on; there's something I need to do before anything else."
They stepped off the mausoleum, barely needing the cushion of shadows to aid in their descent before heading back into town. As they passed the headstones, the Queen of Halloween ran her fingers over Gambol Shroud's, summoning her predecessor with a smile and bidding its assistance in rounding up any wayward souls. She intended for everyone to attend, or as close as they could manage given the short notice.
It took a few hours for everyone to gather, and the streets were so packed that many had taken to the rooftops to be able to see at all, but the whole of Halloween Town was assembled before Blake relatively quickly. She swept her gaze over everyone, mentally checking to see if there was anyone missing from her spot atop the fountain, Weiss leaning into her side to maintain her precarious balance.
Qrow had done as requested, flying through the dark forest to bring out the seldom seen denizens of their home while Gambol Shroud collected up some of the more reclusive members of their community. Even Nora had lent her assistance, booming voice calling out for everyone's attendance, and now there were so many creatures squeezed into the square, it was a wonder that some of them had gone a decade or two without seeing each other, given how small the town was overall and the plethora of creatures in attendance. But it wasn't just the titled monsters in attendance, either; Cecil had brought up the bats from their cave, the spider elders had brought a good number of their kin, and even the skeletons of the catacombs made the rare journey to the surface to shuffle at the edges of the congregation, not to mention the subtle pressure of those not-quite-there swirling around what little empty spaces existed. The only downside to gathering everyone together was that, of course, Adam was also there, glowering at the duo from the shadow of a building.
As the chatter from half a hundred conversations built into a dull roar, Blake raised a hand to call for quiet, only a little surprised when she was heeded immediately. Below her, standing on the fountain's ledge, was Ozpin, who quickly filled the void with a brief introduction.
"Citizens of Halloween Town, good evening!" He called out, met with varied greetings before the crowd returned to relative quiet. "Our beloved Queen of Halloween has an announcement she'd like to make."
"For those of you who haven't met her yet, I'd like to introduce Weiss, the Snow Spirit." She glanced down at her companion, who offered a polite wave to answer the chorus of voices shouting various greetings. "And, I would like to make a very important announcement." Although she would've liked to say the words with a smile, Blake could feel the anger rolling of Adam, instead schooling her expression into one of stern authority. If she allowed so much as a hint of leeway in the interpretation of her decree, she worried what would happen, so it was best to err on the side of caution for Weiss' sake. "From hence forth, Weiss is to be treated as my honored guest and dear companion. Any who would transgress against her, do so against me." She swept her golden eyes across the crowd, noting the instant flinch that accompanied the weight of her stare, a sure sign that they understood she was making this promise as the Black Cat and not just another monster of the night. "I will tolerate no misunderstandings. Am I clear?"
The outcry that met her was nearly deafening but, overall, positive, the vast majority of the monsters at least aware that their dear Queen had put more work into fulfilling her duties in the past two nights than the past two decades combined. For her part, Weiss took the enthusiastic response in stride, smiling softly and inclining her head in acknowledgement. When Blake brought them down to the cobblestone street with a short hop, and all the monsters who hadn't been properly introduced surged forward to accomplish that, the Snow Spirit greeted them with nothing short of politeness and a bit of quick wit whenever a comment strayed into unintentionally rude territory, which always earned a laugh from whoever was in earshot. The sparkle in those blue eyes never faded, though, and when she looked up at Blake in a brief lull, there was nothing but happiness in her expression.
The Black Cat beamed in response, ears standing tall as she oversaw the interactions with pride, undeniably happy that her companion was being treated with such reverence by the monsters of her home. Aside from the Shade sulking in the corner and glaring daggers at the both of them, Weiss' place among the hierarchy of Halloween Town was met with enthusiasm, and more than a little speculation as to who would be the first to fall victim to the Snow Spirit's tricks, though Blake assured her that scaring others wasn't a requirement.
"Maybe I'll give it a try," she said, a small grin curling her lips. "Would you be willing to teach me?"
"Of course," the Queen of Halloween replied, using the arm still firmly wrapped around the woman's waist to pull her closer, lowering her voice just below the din of celebrating creatures all around them. "Whatever you want."
Pip couldn't resist voicing the question on the tip of his tongue, all the other children around him having fallen into whispered discussions regarding the tale they'd just heard. "Is that the end?"
The older woman raised a brow, having just returned from a brief trip to the kitchen with a tall glass of ice water in one hand. She let out a chuckle as she reclaimed her seat, the storybook finding its way to her lap as she settled.
"No, little one, I just needed a drink," she said, taking a sip of her water before opening the book back to where she left off, the two page picture of Halloween Town surrounding their Queen and the Snow Spirit presented to her audience once more. "Telling such a tale isn't as easy as you'd think."
His brown eyes roved over the picture, picking out the various characters that had already been introduced, as well as a host of others who hadn't. Still, no pirate, though.
Pip nearly jumped when a particularly harsh wind rattled the big bay window again, the snow outside beginning to pile up into snowdrifts that would make walking difficult for him and annoying for the bigger kids. The storm had raged all throughout the telling thus far and it didn't look like it would end any time soon, much to his dismay.
The turning of a page drew his attention back to the storybook, which now showed a collage of pictures depicting the Queen of Halloween and the Snow Spirit trying out the various traditions of both holidays. Even if he was eager to actually go trick-or-treating, storming or not, Pip was grateful for the story distracting him from the wind still blowing harshly outside.
"Now, where was I? Oh, right." The woman chuckled, shaking her head slightly. "The Snow Spirit learning the art of fright."
Conversation died down as all the children leaned forward, intent on hearing the remainder of the story. If nothing else, it helped pass the time.
Blake bit the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling, strolling alongside her companion as they left behind the impromptu party that erupted in the town square. They'd remained for a while, allowing the Snow Spirit to meet a myriad of residents she hadn't yet encountered and then dancing when the skeletons started up their tunes, spending almost half the night amid the excitement thrumming through town. Now, though, the Black Cat wanted to be away from the noise, leading Weiss towards the Lake of Black Tears, one of the few sights they hadn't explored together and this was likely one of the few chances they'd get to do so without a moody audience. With the emergence of so many seldom seen creatures who were unaware of the friction between the two of them, the Shade was enjoying an amount of reverence the core group of monsters rarely paid him anymore.
It wasn't their destination, however, that was causing her amusement, nor the woman's presence at her side. It was their topic of conversation.
"If I understand you correctly, a 'good' scare involves three things," Weiss said, a small furrow to her brows as she ticked them off on one hand. "The element of surprise, the ability to shock, and the prospect of... injury?"
"Not exactly." With a subtle tilt of her head, Blake did her best to keep her voice even as she continued. "A good scare uses one of the three, and sometimes all of them, but the intent is never to cause harm." Catching the skeptical look out of the corner of her eye, the Black Cat sighed. "It's our duty to terrify Humans, yes, but we're not doing it to cause lasting damage. They need us to scare them, just as they need you to bring joy."
"I still don't understand how being scared by monsters is necessary in any way." She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest, though she did lean into the Queen's embrace just a tad, as if subconsciously telling her that there was no anger in the gesture. "I could've done without all the times you have scared me."
"And here I thought that was part of my charm." She shrugged her shoulders, once again wishing she could remember that little detail she'd forgotten so long ago. If she asked around, she was sure someone could tell her, but she brushed it off for the moment in favor of her lesson. "But, you won't be scaring mortals any time soon, and the creatures of Halloween Town are accustomed to being scared as a sign of kinship. Aren't there any Christmas Town traditions that you practice for no better reason than because it's something you're all familiar with?"
"Well, we do give presents, and there's also the games the elves play when their work is finished for the day." The Snow Spirit hummed thoughtfully to herself, a smile curling her lips a moment later. "Actually, there's something I want to show you the next time you're in Christmas Town. It's a mortal game that's only possible during the Holiday Season."
"Oh? That sounds fun." They stepped off the cobblestone street and onto dying grass, heading towards the lake without taking the path towards Adam's mansion. It would be best to avoid the place for a while yet, even if the Shade was likely still stroking his ego. "Is there an idea of when that might be?"
She tried phrasing the question delicately but still felt the acute pang of worry that she'd pressed too hard. Some part of her was concerned about whatever would be so trying that it would prompt such a hasty exit, especially seeing as Weiss was well aware of what awaited her on the other side of the portal. Blake didn't even want to entertain the thoughts lurking at the back of her mind about what might have happened had Qrow not been there or if she'd opted to sleep in and wait another day before trekking out to the dark forest. She didn't think the Crow would do anything untoward- a drunk he may be, but even one who embraced such a beastly form all the time was as cordial as every other monster in their plane- but it still gnawed at her, an uncomfortable and heightened awareness settling in her chest at how precarious their arrangement was. Hopefully, the sapphire would alleviate that concern.
After a few moments of walking in silence, the Black Cat snuck a quick glance at her companion, noting how her gaze was turned down, watching brown grass brush against her white boots turn into small pebbles the closer they drew to the shore. She considered changing the subject, not wanting Weiss to ever feel uncomfortable if it could be helped, but was surprised when the woman spoke up just as they stopped a few meters from the water's edge.
"It's the same argument every year. Whether or not my gifts are entirely necessary." The Snow Spirit sighed, reaching to lightly pat Blake's hand before taking a few steps forward. It was probably meant to put her at ease, a way of showing that she wasn't objecting to the contact but didn't want it at that moment, instead crouching down to dip a finger in the black liquid, causing ripples as she broke the surface. "Some years, I give the world a lot of snow, and others, not so much. There's something inside me that says what's the right amount and my father... he can't see that. He has no sense for it. Everything is measured to him, and my measurements don't match up. They never will."
Her cat ears drooped, a sad frown tugging at her lips as she watched her companion, the woman seeming smaller now than when she burst into tiny snowflakes. Once again, she felt indecision threatening to root her to the spot, but she pushed forward, sitting down beside the Snow Spirit and crossing her legs, keeping her gaze trained on the lake. "So you left."
"I decided to prove a point," she said, lowering herself further until she was seated, legs together and bent, allowing her to lean against Blake's shoulder. "There's supposed to be a lot of snow this year, but he thinks there's already enough. I just won't correct him." There was resolution in her tone, even if she wasn't speaking very loud or forcefully. "There are better ways to spend my time and energy."
When she felt Weiss' head lay on her shoulder, she tilted her own, feeling the soft texture of the woman's hair against her cheek. For a while, they simply watched the smooth surface of the lake, the white streak of the moon's reflection piercing the middle the only deviation in the waters. Unless Neptune was scrounging the depths for something interesting or Adam was playing with it, the lake often looked like this, but it wasn't something the Snow Spirit would be familiar with at any rate.
Come to think of it, though, she didn't remember the water ever rising this high.
"What did you call this place again?" The question snapped her out of her distraction, though she didn't bother raising her head to look down. It didn't seem like the woman minded, anyway. "The Lake of..."
"Black Tears," she replied, keeping her voice gentle so as not to startle Weiss. "It's a bit poetic, really. The lake is a representation of the fear we create each time we cross into the mortal's realm. The more there is, the stronger all of us are, but it's Adam who benefits most."
"And why is that?"
"The Shade traditionally embodies the horrors that are intangible to Humans- what their minds conjure from nothing and turn against them. Every drop gives him more strength, more solidity." She reached out, touching the surface with her fingers but not daring to go further and upset their position. "I didn't realize how much stronger he'd become; I don't come down to the lake too often."
Weiss chuckled softly. "Not a fan of water, I take it?"
"I've been avoiding Adam, actually."
"I thought you weren't scared of him."
"I'm not; I have no reason to be." Blake sighed, moving just the smallest bit closer to her companion. "Remember during your first visit, when I explained why none of us were pleased about Adam finding out I was missing?"
"I recall that, yes; the two of you occupy important positions for the sake of Halloween Town but there's been friction recently about how to fulfill your roles." The Black Cat felt a light jab in her side. "I also seem to recall mentioning that I felt you all weren't telling me something."
"Right. Well. There was something I didn't mention." After hearing the woman speak of her own frustrations with fulfilling her role, Blake felt she could divulge her true feelings without concern for the reaction, which was a departure from just about everyone in Halloween Town, except perhaps for Yang. However, the blonde had always harbored a special disdain for Adam, so telling her would've just made things that much worse overall. "The Shade and the Black Cat are two sides of the same coin, but they don't come into being at the same time. Adam had held his position for a few centuries before I took the crown, just as my predecessor was centuries old when he came to be. Our life spans ebb and flow in contrast to one another, and it's always been that way." She reached out, softly tracing the back of Weiss' hand with her finger tips and pleased when said hand immediately turned over, allowing her to slip her own in and interlace their fingers. "The thing is, there is only one way for the next Shade to come into being, just as there is only one way for the Black Cat to, and they're exact opposites. A Black Cat must choose to enter the Deep Sleep, relinquishing the crown to the next in line."
"And the Shade?"
She remained silent for a moment, weighing her words before accepting that being blunt was the best option. "The Shade must be banished by the current Black Cat."
The wind blew softly across the water's surface, stirring their hair ever so slightly, the comforting touch of those not-quite-there making their presence known. Often times, as she sat in the graveyard through monotonous nights, they would try to comfort her, offering assurances while Gambol Shroud remained silent but stoic. It was a decision that every Queen of Halloween would face, in time, and she'd been putting it off with the rest of her responsibilities. Even if she couldn't accept how far he was willing to take things in regards to the mortals, he was also her friend. Once.
Her brows raised, surprise showing plain in her expression when the hand in hers slipped away and an arm wrapped around her, Weiss' small hand landing on her hip and pulling her close. The Black Cat relented with relief, moving closer and allowing her companion's form to press more firmly against hers, her own arm sliding across the woman's shoulders to return the embrace. When she felt the Snow Spirit's other hand gently rest on her thigh, Blake offered hers, cool digits held carefully in her palm as she ran her thumb across soft knuckles.
"I should've done it a century ago, at least," she said, barely above a murmur as a sudden wave of guilt settled over her. "When he first began to stray, I should've- it's my duty-"
"Blake." Her name came out as a forceful burst of sound that immediately demanded silence, though she doubted Weiss was upset. Instead, she seemed to hold tighter, the gesture comforting and grounding. "This is a decision you must make in your own time and one not to be taken lightly. I don't think anyone faults you for being reluctant. I don't."
"You were quite adamant that I properly attend to my responsibilities." The Black Cat pointed out, trying to make light of the situation despite the melancholy still weighing heavily upon her.
"You are attending them, if you're still weighing this with such care, and I never meant to imply that you should rush to a decision you aren't comfortable with making." The woman turned her head just enough to prompt Blake lifting hers, meeting cool blue eyes that still sparkled like the gem at her throat. "I don't think you're skirting the issue without reason. Does... he know how he'll meet his end?"
"He knows I have that power and I've already promised him it will be used if he continues with his foolish actions, but I don't think he realizes that it's meant to be that way. Only myself and those old enough to remember the last Shade would know, and I'm not certain how my predecessor did it, if she made a big deal or if she just... just banished him without warning." Her ears drooped as she shook her head. "Either way, he still thinks we're meant to be something more than we are- just two forces to balance each other out. I can't let him continue trying to unbalance things. But..." The Black Cat paused, unsure if she should voice the last little bit lingering in the back of her mind. When Weiss did nothing to discourage her, instead briefly squeezing her hand in reassurance, she spoke. "I'd prefer it if I didn't have to banish him. If he could find his way back to the way things used to be... I wouldn't mind having my friend back."
Yang would argue that it simply wasn't possible. Ozpin and Salem would dodge giving an answer of any sort. The majority of Halloween Town, though, would avoid the discussion altogether, and Gambol Shroud was beyond the point of giving helpful advice. It was that detachment- the sensation that there was nowhere she could turn without the Shade's maliciousness tinting everything with a sour version of what she enjoyed- which drove her to the cemetery night after night, contemplating if she was truly fit to bear the title any longer.
"He seems to be behaving himself thus far though, right?"
"Huh?" Blake hadn't even realized how much she'd tensed, preparing for a reminder, however gentle, that Adam was beyond her help and would spurn her assistance anyway. "I'm sorry, what?"
"Earlier, in the town square," the Snow Spirit said, a single white brow arched. "He could've caused quite the scene then, couldn't he? Refused to accept your announcement, aggressively challenged you just like the first time I arrived."
"Well, yes." She bit her lip. "I half expected him to, honestly."
"And yet, he didn't." Weiss' eyes flicked down to her lips, returning to meet her gaze evenly as she continued. "He's at least making an attempt. Maybe, with a little more careful prodding, he'll come around."
"You really think so?" The Black Cat tilted her head slightly, aware that she was drifting closer to her companion ever so slowly.
By the looks of it, she'd be met halfway, though. "It doesn't matter what I think; he's your friend. I trust your judgment."
It was strange how happy that little statement made her, a small smile over taking her lips before cool ones pressed against hers in a soft kiss. They broke apart slowly, though neither strayed too far, instead resuming their previous position with the woman's head against her shoulder and her own on top, both gazing out across the lake's placid surface as the moon continued its trek across the sky. The distant but dim noise from the town square signaled that the party was still continuing, a distinct contrast from the merriment of Christmas Town. Mainly because the air was punctuated by shrieks and screams, one creature or another taking advantage of the bustle to sneak in a few scares.
Unfortunately, the whole affair meant that there wasn't time enough for anything she'd planned to entertain her companion, but that just meant it would be put off until her next visit. That wasn't too terrible, all things considered, as Blake was rather content to simply have the woman resting against her, the background noise a soothing soundtrack as they simply enjoyed one another's company. When the moon started to dip towards the horizon, though, she regrettably acknowledged that they would need to begin the trek out to the portals soon. Being by the lake meant there was significantly farther to go, though she would happily traverse the shadows with the Snow Spirit in tow if it meant they could stay a little longer.
"Weiss?" She shifted slightly, just enough to gently rouse the woman if she'd dozed off. Even if she wanted to take the latter option, the decision wasn't hers to make, really, and it would be rude for her to not offer it, at least. "Dawn's coming."
"So it is."
After a few moments with no hint of movement, the Black Cat cautiously ventured, allowing some hope to creep into her voice. "Would you like to stay here a little longer?"
"Actually..." Weiss pulled away slightly, blue seeking gold briefly before glancing away. "I would. There's nothing that requires my presence in Christmas Town, afterall. So, if it wouldn't be too much trouble... I would."
For a moment, her brows furrowed in slight confusion, ears flattening out until the realization of something she hadn't dared hoped for dawned on her with startling clarity. "You mean- are you saying you'd like to stay the day? Here?"
"Well, not here, if that's at all possible." Her lips quirked up into a teasing grin. "I do have standards, Blake."
She barked out a surprised laugh, leaning down to kiss the Snow Spirit a few times, missing her mouth occasionally to instead get her cheeks or forehead. The actions earned her a few stifled giggles, the hand she clasped slipping away to land on her jaw and better direct her affections. When she finally settled, Blake stood up, helping her companion to her feet. "Well, I would like to be a gracious host. Where would you prefer?"
Weiss hummed, turning her gaze to scan Halloween Town before looking back. "There's always your home, correct?"
"Yes, but... it's actually quite nice outside during the day." A mischievous smile came to her lips as she leaned down, the words spoken softly, almost as if she were sharing a secret. "I could show you, if you'd like."
"Sounds like an adventure." The Snow Spirit smiled and intertwined their fingers, offering a gentle squeeze. "I'm not surprised. Where shall we start?"
The Black Cat didn't bother replying, instead pulling Weiss close and falling into their combined shadow, emerging beneath a broken statue in the cemetery, near where she spent many of her nights before she met the Snow Spirit. With all the energy thrumming from the assembled creatures, even the graveyard felt lively, barely there images fading in and out of sight even for Blake's heightened awareness of her surroundings. It seemed the not-quite-there were more than willing to rouse from their Sleep to join in the festivities, as rare as it was for such things to occur outside of their crossing to the mortal plane.
"Charming." Blue eyes scanned the fallen stones, a small smile on her lips as the after images of those long past swirled around them. "Though I'm not sure we'd get much rest."
Even if the Snow Spirit couldn't hear the myriad of whispers all around them, she was apparently in tune enough to be aware they were there, and even Blake had to acknowledge that she wasn't keen on having so many eyes on them, even if those 'eyes' didn't technically exist in a physical sense. However, without much further ado, she pulled them both into yet another shadow, jumping back across Halloween Town to a little hill overlooking the town. It was perfect for watching the moon cross the sky on a cloudless night but very open, inviting whoever passed by to investigate, so they jumped again, and again and again, until finally they emerged under the gazebo that sat at the heart of her labyrinth. The Queen of Halloween couldn't remember the last time she'd slept beneath its patched roof, the vegetation overgrown and providing a plush bed for both of them.
"This is nice." The woman reached out, tracing a finger along a wilted nightshade flower. "But is there a reason your home won't suffice?"
"No, I just-" Blake breathed out a laugh, walking with her companion as they stepped out into the labyrinth's center, where bushes that had once depicted the eldest of the monsters in Halloween Town stood, though they'd long lost their shape. "I'm not sure how many chances like this I might get. If you choose to return tomorrow morning, then I want to be sure tonight is the best it could be."
"If that's the case, you've already accomplished that." Weiss raised a hand to brush a few stray locks behind her ear. "I'm with you. What more could I ask for?"
Ears perking, the Black Cat pulled her companion in close, making one final jump to stand in her darkened bedroom, the waning light of the moon illuminating her four poster bed, which always seemed far too large for just her. Now, though, she was grateful for the extra room, watching as the Snow Spirit swept her gaze around, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Will this be to your standards?"
"It will," she said, a brief moment of hesitation creating a pause before her next words. "I realize this may seem foolish, all things considered, but... would you be able to spend a day away from Halloween Town sometime?"
"I can talk to the Mayor tomorrow. I'm sure one day won't hurt," she replied, following behind Weiss as she examined everything. While she would never consider herself a fan of the material- despite being a physical embodiment- the Queen of Halloween did collect things she found interesting from time to time, and her decor reflected that.
Cobwebs hung in the corners, a few tasteful silver picture frames- most of which depicting various landscapes around Halloween Town- breaking up the deep purple wallpaper on all sides, and she had a large wooden desk pushed into the corner for writing while almost the rest of her room consisted of bookshelves filled with even more tomes than sat in her study. The single window looked out across the town, which seemed to be readying for rest as the various creatures made their ways home, and dawn was just beginning to break as the Snow Spirit turned around, nodding towards the bed.
"We may as well rest." Before they could slip under the covers, Blake noticed that Gambol Shroud had deigned to join them, curling up on a seldom used pillow by the door, ethereal purple body seeming almost solid as it pretended to knead the surface before settling down. Only when they were cuddled up did she wave a hand, bidding the curtains to close, plunging them into darkness that had Weiss shuffling closer despite the lack of fear on her part. Before her eyes could slip closed, she heard soft words spoken against her neck. "Rest well."
"You, too," she replied quietly, turning her head enough to press her lips against the Snow Spirit's forehead.
It was perhaps the most restful day she'd ever experienced in over five hundred years.
Author's Notes: The fluff has returned. Also, we're over halfway through! Woo! Thanks reading, following, faving, and reviewing this trek into the ridiculous; your support is greatly appreciated!