Chapter 21: Reconcile

Weiss had to stand in front of the door to convince Winter not to run straight to her father's office. "He's already in a mood," Weiss told her sister, extending her arms to the side to try to keep Winter from advancing past her. She didn't want her to go to Jacques and get into a yelling fight. It would fix nothing. "There's no telling what he'd do if you—"

"I don't give a damn if he's in a mood," Winter declared, having tried to get past Weiss only to bump into her over and over. "You come back after almost dying and he throws you out?!"

Weiss could see the rage in Winter's face, the way her fists were clenched and her knees were bent. She looked ready to throw a punch. "Winter, please. This is what I want," Weiss told her, extending her arms to hold Winter's shoulders. She could sympathize with how angry Winter seemed. Weiss felt like punching her father in the face, too, but she wanted to stay away from him, forever. "I'm finally free. I can leave and have my own life."

Winter sighed, her shoulders relaxing under Weiss' grasp. She gently took her sister's hands off her shoulders, her brow furrowing with a forlorn hum. "You deserve to have your family. You didn't choose to leave like I did." She shook her head, taking a deep breath. "It just...it shocks me, yet I'm not even surprised. After everything, after all you've gone through, and he does this because..." Winter put her hands to her face. "Gods, how did I not see this coming? Did I really expect that man to treat you with any dignity?"

"Winter-" Weiss tried to interject.

"First Mother and now you, this family is going to be nothing but a disaster if this continues."

"It's a disaster already, but you're all the family I need," Weiss tried to convince her. At first, she felt like that was an overstatement. The SDC was well run and had a great history, but...when she thought on it more, she knew it was true. The culture surrounding the company, the culture Weiss saw on a daily basis, was far too toxic to be cleansed. The way all those rich people, rich Humans, talked about the state of the world, how none of them cared about real problems unless they were their own...Weiss never wanted to have to go to another dinner or event like that again, but if she stayed with the SDC, that would be her life. "I don't want to stay. This is like you said, I should do what makes me happy." Weiss observed Winter's reaction, seeing her eyes turn glassy as she appeared to think something over. Weiss knew why Winter was so angry, but the former heiress now realized just what all of this meant.

It felt all too apparent that this was never an actual family. By his own admittance, this family was the result of Jacques Schnee trying to find a way to carry on his own legacy, the Schnee name be damned. His family members be damned. He probably wouldn't have cared if she had died. Well, he would've cared, since stock in the SDC would plummet even more if that happened. Weiss knew her father was bad, but now she realized...he was worse than those who had kidnapped her in the first place.

And now, because of him, the Schnee Dust Company and all of its history, its legacy, was irredeemable.

Weiss had wanted to save the company when she would eventually inherit it. She wanted to treat workers better, help the Faunus, actually be a force for good, but after the events of this day, Weiss realized that the SDC couldn't be saved, and the reasons for that had been staring at her in the face for years. There was no room in this company for an idealist like her, like Winter. Helping people would cost too much money, and the company was already heading in a direction that Weiss would never be able to counteract herself.

Idealists become extremists, Weiss recalled her father saying, during an argument about the White Fang at some event, perhaps. Weiss remembered something Ilia had said during her captivity, something about the White Fang trying to maintain a "moral edge" over the SDC by treating her well. It had sounded ridiculous to her at first, but now, Weiss felt Ilia had kind of been right.

"Weiss," Winter spoke.

She looked up at her sister, snapped from her thoughts.

"What are you going to do?" She asked.

Weiss sighed and dipped her head forward. She didn't like how it had happened, being forced to leave the home she grew up in, but if she ever expected to become a better person than she would have been by staying with her father's company, she needed to leave. Even if it meant leaving her initial hopes behind, she had to leave, for her own good.

It hurt, like it could become her life's biggest regret. She wouldn't be able to return the SDC to what her grandfather had made it. Instead, she'd have to find another way to make the world a better place. She thought for a moment if her grandfather would feel ashamed of what had become of his company, and how his descendants were so apathetic to the plight they caused the world. She felt her chest tighten a bit at the thought, so she decided to worry about it later. Regardless of what her grandfather would have wanted from his grandchild, Weiss had to look out for herself.

"I'm going to leave, as I said." Weiss looked Winter in the eyes, making a conscious effort to seem as certain as possible. "This is a chance for me to spread my wings and do some good." The words came out like some habitual cliché, but hearing them made her feel as though she actually was spreading her wings, shedding a weight that had been on her shoulders for far too long.

Winter stared at her for a couple seconds, then smiled and lowered her head. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you, Winter," Weiss said back, her chest fluttering. Praise from her sister meant more to her than a compliment from anyone else.

"I'm sorry you and I were born into this forsaken family," Winter said. "I'm sorry you had the childhood you had."

Weiss shook her head, imploring herself not to flashback to the unfortunate happenings of her past. "It's okay. I'm here now. I'm leaving."

"And you're sure?" Winter asked.

"This is something I didn't know I needed until it happened," Weiss nodded, utmost certainty in her voice. "I'm done working to try to change what the SDC is. Whitley can have fun running the company." And I hope he fucks up and runs it into the ground in the process.

Winter took a step back. "Oh, gods, Whitley's the heir now, isn't he?"

"I'm sure his victory parade will spare no expense," Weiss murmured. "But I don't care. I have my own legacy to write."

Winter smiled at her and nodded. "You certainly do."

The younger Schnee opened her mouth to ask a question, but she hesitated. She looked at Winter, saw the soft look in her eyes, the way her lips were pressed together in a stressed but reassuring smile. Weiss knew she could ask anything of her. "Winter, could I live with you for a while?"

Winter chuckled. "Of course."

Weiss smiled. "Thank you. For everything."

"I'm glad to be your real family," Winter told her, stepping forward with arms outstretched. Weiss welcomed the hug like the sun emerging from a cold, cloudy sky.

Winter slowly let go of her sister and adjusted her collar. "Well, I guess you're going to need to pack your things and...did you want to call your friends?"

Weiss had to stare at Winter for a few seconds before realizing what she meant by "friends." "Oh, um...I think I'd rather call them when we get to your house. I really want to leave as soon as possible."

Winter nodded in understanding. "Fair enough. I'll help you pack."

They left for Weiss' bedroom, and the former heiress took the time to think, and not about being kicked out or what she should do next. She pushed those topics aside as best as she could. What she focused on right now was Winter, and how her sister would be the family she needed now that they would be living together. She didn't need a service staff, a big bedroom or a 360 shower. Right now, she just needed Winter, and knowing that she had her was a big relief among a lot of tribulations.

It had been about two hours since Winter had called them, and waiting for Weiss to call was starting to drive Blake and Ilia stir crazy. They had stayed in their second story bedroom the whole time, and neither of them were feeling very tired at all, even if it was well past sunset. They had kissed some more, as Ilia had requested, but not even the tiniest hint of their tongues touching during one of those kisses was enough to keep them distracted from the elephant in the room. They sat on the bed, trying to carry on a conversation that didn't have to do with how impatient they both were getting, but Ilia especially was not keen on keeping away from the topic of the Schnee heiress. "Why is it taking so fucking long?" Ilia grumbled, pulling her knees up and wrapping her arms around them. "Like, she said she'd call when she got to her mansion or whatever. I mean, Winter Schnee called us, from the same number as Weiss did earlier. What is taking so long?"

"I know," Blake nodded, falling back onto the bed, staring at the wooden ceiling. A few candles along the window sill were their sources of light, and the orange orbs of reflection on the ceiling danced silently. "I'm sure she's handling a bunch of interviews about what happened."

"You don't think she'd tell, like, the whole truth about it, do you?" Ilia asked, eyeing the Scroll that rested on the bed to her left.

"No," Blake arced her back a bit, and Ilia heard something pop. Her companion flinched before continuing. "She won't use our names, anyway. She's too smart to mess something like that up. We'll be fine."

"Yeah," Ilia nodded, looking at Blake's legs because looking any further up her body would hurt her neck from turning so far. Ilia didn't feel like lying down with her. She felt too on edge. "That...all of that...us helping her escape..." Ilia began, but she took a while to finish her statement. "That was crazy, huh."

Blake couldn't help but chuckle. "Yeah, pretty crazy."

"Us kidnapping her in the first place was crazy," Ilia said, only to remember just what the kidnapping was like, watching Blake "flirt" with Weiss to try to get her to the roof. "Watching you try to charm her...honestly made me really jealous," she admitted.

"Really?" Blake asked.

"Yeah," Ilia's shoulders hopped from suppressed laughs, but she honestly felt like she had to get this out. "I was wishing you would try to flirt with me like that."

Blake sat back up. "Aw," she mused, elbowing Ilia playfully.

Ilia was turning pink, but she was aware of it and tried to prevent it. "Hey, can I ask you something?"

Her girlfriend looked at her and nodded with a hum.

Ilia got lost in Blake's eyes for a moment, but she cleared her throat and forced herself to look away. She instinctively stared at Blake's bandaged arm. She wasn't sure why she wanted to know this so much. There was the smallest bit of uncertainty in the back of mind about Blake, whether she actually had feelings for her. Of course she does, Ilia told herself, but she could never be completely secure. "How...how many people have you dated before?"

With a look to the side and pursed lips, Blake took a moment to respond. "Um...two," she answered.

Ilia looked at her, studying her expression. If there was any word to describe the look on Blake's face, it was regret. "Two? Like, Adam and someone else?"

She nodded. "Adam and a girl in Menagerie before you and I met."

Ilia's heart sank at this reveal, but she tried to breathe deeply to keep her spirits up as much as she could. "Who was she?" It just had to be another girl.

"Her name was Ollie. We were only together for maybe two or three weeks, but...yeah," Blake chuckled. "It didn't go well."

"How so?" Ilia asked. She did not like whoever this Ollie girl had been, both because she had been with Blake, and apparently wasn't good to her.

"She wasn't nice," Blake stated, seemingly fine with leaving it at that.

"Did you two kiss?" Ilia asked.

"Yeah. My first kiss," she nodded, regret laced with her voice. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Ilia shook her head, forcing herself to laugh a little even if she felt no bit of humor. Ilia never tried to kid herself when it came to the likely possibility of Blake having past relationships (I mean, look at her), but hearing one actually described was...frustrating. Even though this Ollie chick was long gone, Ilia still thought maybe Blake still thought about her, which was objectively ridiculous, but she wasn't one to get over stupid shit easily. "I can't judge you for dating people before me."

"Why did you ask?" Blake placed a hand on Ilia's leg. "About who I dated before, that is."

Ilia leaned her head back a bit, beginning to feel the guilt she had kept suppressed for a while now, but all the talk about Weiss and all the anxiety Ilia felt about her, about Blake, about being in this house...it became too much. She had to get something off her chest, anything. This issue just happened to be weighing on her the most at the moment. "I just wanted to know...I mean, I've never dated before. You're my first kiss, but..." she sighed, ever aware of just how crazy she was for not only saying this to Blake, but actually desiring to say it. She felt she couldn't hide it, for her own sake. "Okay, this is going to sound really fucking crazy and don't freak out when I say it."

"You're concerning me," Blake admitted, forcing a smile.

"I'm sorry," Ilia exhaled, placing her hand on Blake's. Usually contact like this from Blake would calm her, but now that they had just kinda-sorta made out minutess ago, a hand hold wasn't as much by comparison. It fell nice and comforting, but Ilia still felt the motor of anxiousness revving in her head. She stared straight ahead, mentally preparing herself for this admission, and blurted it out before having second thoughts. "Weiss and I went to Atlas Prep together, and..." her voice got hung up, and she lost her confidence to continue. "Fuck," she cursed, feeling her anxiety begin to boil over.

"It's okay, take your time," Blake told her gently, but she wasn't doing a perfect job of hiding her worry.

Seeing how Blake looked so concerned finally pushed Ilia to speak up. "I had a crush on her," she forced the words out, louder than she intended, but now that they were out there, she kept rolling. "I actually was planning to ask Weiss out, but then my parents died, and that's it."

She turned to look at Blake to see her reaction, and she got one. Blake's eyes her big and unblinking, her head slightly turned in her direction but not making eye contact. She seemed to have been holding her breath until her shoulders suddenly relaxed as she exhaled. "Oh...wow."

"I know," Ilia nodded. "I remembered about my crush on her back when we were in the forest. That's why I ran off that one time. I just feel like...I don't know, I owe it to you to tell you since...well, the girl I once had a crush on is now giving us money and..." she didn't know how to continue.

Blake was silent for another moment before asking "You don't...still like her, do you?"

Ilia felt the legitimate urge to laugh, but it was encouraging to know Blake had the same dumb anxieties as she did. "I think you know the answer to that."

Blake huffed. "You're right."

Ilia sighed, shaking her head. "But...you can probably tell what a weird position I'm in, huh?"

Blake nodded. "Yeah. If you need any help, you know, you can always talk to me."

"I always need help, but thanks."

"Well, then just always talk to me," Blake chuckled.

"I can do that," Ilia nodded, but there was far more truth to what she was saying than Blake seemed to pick up on. Blake was literally keeping her sane. If she didn't have Blake, if someone took Blake away from her, Ilia felt almost certain she'd spend her life trying to get revenge.

At least I have her now, Ilia thought. She would say she loved her if it felt like the right time, but it didn't.

The following silence felt so awkward Ilia could feel her abdominal muscles involuntarily tightening from discomfort. Blake stood up and stretched for a moment, then turned to look at her girlfriend. "Thank you for telling me. I know that wasn't easy."

"Not at all," Ilia agreed, watching how Blake stretching revealed her midriff for a moment. Her thoughts trailed away before she reeled them in just as quickly. She rubbed her eye, aware of how warm her cheek felt. "I want to get out of this house."

"I know," Blake agreed.

More silence.

"You...you look-you look beautiful tonight," Blake tried to say, but she was far too flustered to avoid stuttering badly. She knew it, too, judging by how she squeezed the bridge of her nose in embarrassment.

A laugh immediately escaped Ilia's mouth. "Was that you trying to change the subject?" she asked.

"Yeah. Yeah," Blake sighed. "I just thought if we got...if we got romantic again we could improve the mood or something."

"'Improve the mood.' Gotcha." Ilia chuckled, looking to the side. "You're pretty, too."

"Thanks," Blake said back.

"If one of us doesn't keep talking, I'm gonna die from all the awkward," Ilia declared.

Then, their Scroll rang.

"Fuck's sake, finally!"

It was difficult to figure out what Weiss wanted to take with her and what to leave behind, since taking everything she had would require a team of people to carry all the suitcases. She eventually settled on just taking a few of her more casual outfits and shoes, a couple combat skirts, her jewelry box, and all her undergarments and sleepwear. She figured she would no longer have much use for her more formal wardrobe. In all, she was able to pack two suitcases.

And of course, she made sure the note from Blake and Ilia was safely tucked in her pocket.

"Alright," Winter said, nodding as she watched Weiss buckle her suitcases closed. She couldn't help but stare at Weiss' hair. There was almost never a time when Weiss didn't have her hair up. "Do you feel ready?"

"Yes," Weiss declared without a moment's hesitation. She grabbed the handles of her suitcases and turned toward Winter with them in hand. "Let's go."

"Do you want to take once last look around your room before we go?" Winter asked.

"I've spent years staring at it. I'm ready," Weiss nodded, not a sliver of doubt in her words or her eyes. She had the faintest lopsided smile on her face.

Winter sighed and smiled. "If you say so." She moved to the door and opened it, allowing Weiss through. Winter glanced back into Weiss' bedroom one last time before shutting the door. There was no guessing what the room would be turned into, but it certainly wouldn't remain as Weiss had left it.

Winter walked behind Weiss as they made their way out. There was no signs that Weiss was taking time to look around or stop to understand just what was happening. She was walking out of this building for the last time and she didn't even seem to think about looking back. She simply held her suitcases and walked straight ahead.

I wish had that level of bravery, Winter thought to herself. All those years I missed of her growing up...

Just as they reached the staircase at the end of the hallway, a door to Winter's right opened, and out came Whitley. "Sister?" he called toward Weiss.

Weiss stopped to look at him, and even Winter was taken aback by how utterly displeased she seemed with Whitley's appearance.

"I heard what happened," Whitley told her. Winter could see him trying to hold back a smile. His suppressed happiness was all too obvious. Winter felt like walking over and pushing him back into the room from which he had emerged. He didn't even bother greeting her. "I am very surprised by what Father did. I am truly sorry to see you go, but know that the Schnee Dust Company will be in good-"

"Fuck off, Whitley," Weiss snapped at him, then turned and continued on her way.

"Oh," Winter murmured, frozen to her spot with a pit in her stomach. Did my little sister just curse?

Whitley, to his credit, did his best to maintain his composure, but even he couldn't comprehend what Weiss had just said. "How...how...disrespectful..." He tried to sound angry, but he seemed far too astonished.

Winter fought the urge to laugh as she followed Weiss down the stairs. "Take care," she said to Whitley, almost as a humorous consolation. His face was stagnant with shock, his eyes wide.

Winter turned her attention back to Weiss as she descended the stairs with purpose. She wasn't looking back at her to see how Winter reacted to what just transpired, she just kept on ahead.

"Weiss," Winter said. "I...didn't know you were capable of such language."

"Well, it turns out I am," she declared, turning her head just enough for Winter to see a smile on her face.

Winter chuckled, shaking her head. "You're taking advantage of your freedom rather quickly."

"Why wouldn't I?" Weiss asked.

Winter hummed in response, both impressed and intimidated. Weiss, having never been allowed to practice as much agency as she had now, would apparently not bother restraining herself. They hadn't even left the mansion yet and she was already hurling expletives. Whatever an unleashed Weiss was capable of was about to be revealed to Winter, and most likely soon.

As if to confirm her suspicions, the instant they emerged from the stairwell to the ground floor, Weiss walked near a decorative table, swiped her elbow at a vase, and sent it to the ground. Winter winced at the sound of the container shattering, the sound repeating back as echos in the large hall. "Weiss," Winter exclaimed, feeling shocked, yet impressed with her sister's bravery once again.

"What?" Weiss shrugged. The word was punctuated with laughter. "Is Father going to ground me?"

"You're not going to break my things when we reach my house, are you?" Winter asked, mostly as a joke, but also just to make sure.

"Of course not, I respect you," Weiss assured her, continuing onward.

Winter walked past the remains of the white vase, a victim of Weiss Schnee's merciless apathy. How tragic, Winter thought with a tinge of humor.

They passed by a member of staff, who seemed to notice the broken vase. The dark-haired woman looked at Weiss with a questioning expression.

"It was Whitley," Weiss told her. Winter was certain she saw her wink.

The staff member stood there for a moment, dumbfounded, only to smile knowingly and go on her way. Weiss and Winter both chuckled after the exchange.

How appropriate it was that Weiss was leading her out of the mansion, just as Winter had led Weiss out of the hospital earlier that day. Weiss has been confused and kind of lost this morning. Now Weiss' own actions were leaving Winter in the same state of bafflement. She wasn't sure what to expect from the next few days, or the future in general, but she expected Weiss to do just fine.

So long as she avoided future urges to break things.