Legal Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY, Red vs. Blue, or any of the shows' characters. They are the rightful properties of Rooster Teeth.
Chapter Forty:
Several pairs of footsteps crunched in the heavy snow covering the streets of Atlas, the two men pausing to look up at the stony visage of the giant Nevermore that now remained in the middle of this cordoned off area of the city. Their breaths mingled in steam clouds overhead as they regarded the sight thoughtfully. It was still surreal to think that it had only been a year ago when Ruby's silver eyes, combined with Ozpin's Inheritor magic, had brought about the "miracle" they were currently witnessing.
Clover knew that, locked inside that strange dimension inside the beast, were the frozen forms of both Cinder and her mistress too. It would be a long while (if ever) before Salem would be able to return and potentially wreak havoc once more. Ozpin had seen to that, using up all of his magic to not only help Ruby achieve victory, but to also help heal and restore Clover back to his human form.
Now, Clover and Oscar were merely humans once more, no longer tied to the label of Inheritors. Albeit, they were humans that had been granted a second chance at life. Something most weren't lucky enough to get.
The brown-haired man felt a hand curl around his own then, Qrow Brawnwen's fingers nestling fitfully in-between his. Clover turned his head away from the statue to smile at red eyes and an equally understanding and joyous expression.
"You doing okay, lucky charm?" Qrow asked, giving their entwined hands a small squeeze as he did so.
Clover leaned into the warmth the slightly smaller Huntsman provided, grateful for it. Growing up in Mantle and Atlas, he'd never minded the cold before, but since living with Qrow's adopted tribe for the better part of a year, he found he didn't have quite as high a tolerance for it anymore. He was even forced to change into something with sleeves when they arrived back in the tundra of Solitas, which the older man mocked him tirelessly about despite eyeing the green and gray jacket and shirt with obvious approval.
"Yeah, I'm doing okay." Clover told him reassuringly, squeezing back, "It's still just a lot to process, even now."
Qrow hummed softly in agreement, his light red-eyed gaze turning back to the frozen Nevermore once again, "At least we have the time to process it now." He mused.
Clover nodded in agreement, "That we do."
Qrow regarded him for another moment then in a rather considering fashion, opening his mouth to say something, "You know, Cloves—"
"Hey, Uncle Qrow! Uncle Clover!"
The two men started at the sound of Ruby Rose's voice calling out to them from down the street, the girl standing there with Oscar and Penny in tow. Penny had recently come to inform them of their invitation to the ceremony here in Solitas, staying a few days with Ruby and her dad while they prepared for the trek, both girls immensely pleased at the opportunity it provided them to catch up, "We're gonna leave for Mantle without you if you aren't quick!" Ruby exclaimed, not realizing she had interrupted her uncle.
Qrow rolled his eyes fondly, "We're coming, kiddo," he replied, "Hold your horses, geeze."
Clover couldn't help but smile indulgently, "You know they can't help but be excited." He stated softly. He was too, after all. It had been far too long since they'd all last been together like this. And for what was supposed to be a joyous occasion, no less.
"Believe me, I know." Qrow responded with a mirthful smirk, his grip on Clover's hand tightening slightly as the indentation of their matching rings pressed against Clover's skin with the motion, "You ready, lucky charm?"
Teal eyes hesitantly regarded the frozen Nevermore statue for a moment longer before Clover turned to Qrow and nodded with a soft smile on his face, "Let's go, Qrow."
"So you've been officially adopted by both Qrow and Clover now?" Doc asked Oscar conversationally as he and Donut joined the former Inheritor, Neopolitan, Ruby, and Penny at a table in Mantle's now crowded community center, "How have things been?"
The freckled boy smiled softly at the question, hazel eyes glancing over at the two older men in question who were quietly conversing with Willow and Sarge nearby, "It's been great!" He exclaimed joyously, "Especially with not having to worry about magic-related matters at the moment."
Truthfully, Oscar hadn't been happier ever since he'd woken up disoriented from a blow that should have killed him so long ago. And he knew from the often contented gazes he saw on either of his dads' faces now that they felt the same.
"How have things been here in Atlas and Mantle?" Ruby asked curiously, blushing a little as she hooked arms with a beaming Penny, "Penny's filled us in on some things, but—!"
"Oh, things have been just dandy!" Donut exclaimed happily, excitedly cutting off the silver-eyed brunette while causing Doc to smile softly himself as Neo rolled her eyes at what was no doubt a large exaggeration, "The tribunal is still debating over what to do with the former General King, but Winter has been a great leader for Atlas in the meanwhile, especially with Robyn's help."
Ruby glanced around the crowded hall, "That certainly explains why there are so many people here today." She said cheerfully.
"Can you blame them? Everyone loves weddings!" Donut said gleefully, sighing dramatically as he put his chin in his hands, "And using it to further unite the twin cities is such a romantic notion!"
"That's just a minor detail in the grand scheme of things, Donut." Doc told him gently, though a slight blush remained on his face as he regarded the slightly younger man, "But I do agree about how lovely weddings are in general."
"You just wait, Doc! I'll catch that bouquet!" Donut said, grinning over at the purple-wearing man with gleaming brown eyes. The blush on Doc's face only deepened, and Neo promptly passed him a glass of water which he gratefully took to turn his attention on.
"Even Lopez is getting into the spirit of things!" Donut joyfully exclaimed as the robot in question arrived at their table rather sullenly with a color assortment of flowers taped atop his brown helmet.
"Sólo porque ustedes tres me tendieron una emboscada antes y no puedo quitarme esto." {"Only because you three ambushed me earlier and I can't get these off."} He let out an exasperated sigh, "Voy a tener que pedirle ayuda al viejo loco más tarde, ¿no es así?" {"I'm going to have to ask the crazy old man for help later on, aren't I?"}
"You're absolutely right, Lopez, you do look spiffy!" Donut told him enthusiastically.
Lopez could only sigh once more in response.
"So, you guys have been traveling all over, right?" Lavernius Tucker asked Grif and Simmons the minute he plopped down in the seat across from them, "Still on your honeymoon phase, I take it?"
Simmons' pale freckled face turned bright red at the insinuation behind the dark-skinned young man's words and he sputtered while Grif hit his back in an oh-so-helpful gesture, "We're...we're not married or anything like that!" He weakly protested, his face practically on fire.
"Yet." Tucker said, giving a suggestive eyebrow waggle.
Simmons continued choking on air while Grif gripped his hand tightly underneath the table in a reassuring fashion, "It would be a hell of an awkward honeymoon considering we're traveling with my younger sister and JNPR." The chubby orange-wearing Faunus muttered.
The other chital Faunus in question had sauntered over to where Doc and the others were, practically glued to Oscar as she played catch up with her friends. Grif had a sneaking suspicion that they'd be going to Vale next on their world tour. Simmons' sister Pyrrha was currently dancing with Jaune to the soft music notes playing in the background of the hall, laughing over something the blond had said as they pulled one another ever closer. Nora, a woman after Grif's own heart, was currently being held back by Ren from going back to the food tables a fourth time, the dark-haired young man muttering something about how the food needed to last for all the party guests.
Tucker harrumphed, "Don't sweat the details. I swear, the two of you were pretty much married to one another a year ago already." He said, waving his hand as if their concerns were trivial. And, in the grand scheme of things, the dark-skinned young man was probably right. Simmons and Grif both looked at each other, faces darkening in joint blushes before they promptly turned to stare in opposite directions.
"Tucker." Washington's voice spoke up exasperatedly from behind him then, "What did I tell you about bothering people?"
The teal-wearing bandit raised an eyebrow in response, "Uh, only do it when it's fun?" He retorted cheekily, not missing a beat.
The feline Faunus sighed and shook his head, sitting down next to him, "You never change." The blond sighing exasperatedly.
"Duh, dude, and you love me for it." Tucker told him confidently, before pressing a kiss to his cheek. He grinned over at the other two young men while Washington fought down a blush, "See? That's how you do it!"
Grif rolled his dark eyes at the display, "What makes you think we haven't?" He asked smugly, grabbing at Simmons' ignored plate of pretzels and popping one into his mouth as the horrified redhead's face turned an even darker shade of embarrassed red.
"Grif!"
"You guys have pretty much taken over the Charon guild now, huh?" Yang asked Carolina conversationally as she and the redhead watched their girlfriends help Caboose with regaling a group of young children about their adventures a year ago. Caboose's take on events was always entertaining, especially thrown in with Blake's flair for thoughtful narrative. It was an added bonus that both Blake and Kimball were able to clear things up for the little ones whenever things got far too confusing, as they often did whenever Caboose was in charge of storytelling.
Carolina nodded, a fond smile on her face as her adopted brother pantomimed what appeared to be a large Grimm from how he waved his arms in the air, much to the youths' delight, "It was rough for a while there," she answered truthfully, "But with Tucker and Kimball's help in particular, we've managed all right."
Yang grinned mischievously, elbowing Carolina playfully as she winked over in Kimball's direction knowingly, "I bet you have!" She said deviously.
A slight redness tinged Carolina's cheeks, but the blonde was quick to notice that she didn't deny Yang's remark, "What about you?" The redhead asked instead, "I heard that you and Blake spent some time in Menagerie together?"
Now it was Yang's turn to blush, and she promptly rubbed her artificial arm as a faraway look crossed over her violet eyes, "Yeah, Blake wanted to check in with her parents and I tagged along to properly meet them." She admitted softly, "We'll be heading back to Vale with my uncles following this."
Carolina nodded her head in understanding, "Her meeting your dad will go well." She said truthfully, "I can already tell."
"I know." Yang replied, grinning smugly as a knowing glimmer entered her eyes, "You gonna visit Chorus with Kimball later?"
Carolina coughed and decidedly looked away then, a blush returning to her cheeks, "We've talked about it. I think...I think Wash, Tucker, and the others will be able to take care of things here for awhile if we do go." She answered, smiling gently, "Caboose has even offered to help us pack."
Considering the large blond's issues with people leaving, that was saying a lot. He was showing a lot of trust in his friends actually returning this time. Yang and Carolina glanced back at Caboose, Kimball, and Blake fondly.
"Hey, you two!" Blake called out towards them, her black cat ears twitching atop her head, "We need some more help for a reenactment."
Yang continued to smirk, "So long as I get to beat something up in it, I'm golden!" She said, moving to join the storytelling trio.
Carolina nodded her head in earnest agreement as she joined the fray.
"Any plans for after the wedding?" Willow asked her daughter and soon-to-be daughter-in-law as they watched the happy proceedings happening all around them.
"Mother!" Weiss admonished from where she was standing close by, catching up with her family along with a rather cheerful-looking Ilia as her face flushed red in embarrassment, "You really shouldn't ask such questions out in public like that!"
From where they were standing leaning against one another, Robyn and Winter shared an amused look, their arms draped over the other's shoulders as if to keep one another close. Robyn smirked over at her fiancée while Winter merely rolled her pale blue eyes and smiled slightly.
Willow raised a bemused eyebrow in response to her younger daughter's shocked remark, "Relax, dear," she replied, "I was merely asking if they had any travel plans they might be considering."
"Oh." Weiss said, her cheeks becoming even redder as she realized her mistake, shoulders slumping, "I just..." She trailed off helplessly then, not wanting to relive that particular moment when she'd accidentally stumbled upon her sister and Robyn getting ready for their big day in a decidedly mature fashion. Winter had graciously wanted to act as if the incident had never occurred, while Robyn had been greatly amused and laughed raucously over the event. Weiss quickly downed the juice she was drinking, grimacing at the sour taste on her tongue.
"Oh, you know, we honestly hadn't even thought about traveling anywhere." Robyn noted thoughtfully.
Winter nodded her head in staunch agreement, "There's just so much to still do here in Mantle and Atlas, especially with the General King's ongoing trial." She said earnestly.
"You little ladies are still planning on takin' a few days off though at least, ain'tcha?" Sarge asked, frowning at the thought that they wouldn't. Though Weiss suspected that was more because he planned on making some modifications to the various Grimm defensive perimeter traps he'd made while there weren't as many people around to supervise him.
"Only because the other Happy Huntresses and over half the citizenry would be up in arms if we didn't." Robyn huffed out in mild annoyance, though there was fond exasperation lacing her voice.
"As they should." Willow remarked, smiling slightly, "You two deserve a bit of a vacation."
"She's right. We can manage for awhile on our own." Sarge guffawed, clapping Robyn and Winter on the back, "You'll be back before you know it!"
"And hopefully there will be two cities still left standing when we return." Winter joked at him, a knowing gleam in her blue eyes.
The older man in red shrugged, "Probably most of them, anyways." He muttered in response.
Weiss cleared her throat, stepping forward, "We'll make sure of it, Winter." She assured her older sister proudly, standing as tall as she could.
Ilia nodded her head in earnest agreement, "You and Robyn just try to enjoy your time off together," she said, "And we'll handle the rest."
The tan blonde smirked and crossed her arms over her chest, winking at Winter, "Couldn't ask for a better wedding present." She said cheerily.
"Really?" Sarge asked Robyn, seemingly taken aback by the very notion as he rubbed the back of his head, "I coulda sworn I woulda picked festive explosives instead!"
Ilia noticed the worried look creasing Weiss' brow and slipped her hand into hers, "We can go really quick and check the wedding presents again if you'd like." She helpfully offered the white-haired girl.
Weiss shot her a grateful look, "What would I ever do without you?" She asked, clearly thankful that the Faunus had read her mind.
From where she stood, drinking her own glass of juice, Willow Schnee watched her daughters warmly interacting with their significant others and smiled softly to herself.
Qrow stood close by the doorway to the crowded community center, watching as heavy flakes of snow began falling lazily to the ground at an unhurried pace. He could hear the laughter coming from inside the building, and he knew that the ceremony was going to be held soon.
In a way, Robyn and Winter had picked the perfect venue to reaffirm their bond with one another since the building was a place set up to bring the communities of Atlas and Mantle together following the events of the previous year. It was certainly quite lively already, and he had a feeling that would only get to be even more so once the festivities were truly underway.
He just needed a few moments of quiet to himself before then, to simply relax and...
"There you are."
He didn't have to turn his head to know that it was Clover who found him, the younger man moving to stand by his side shoulder-to-shoulder under the falling snow. They remained silent for a few moments, simply contemplating things in the stillness of the day. Teal eyes turned to regard him fondly, "You okay?" Clover asked quietly, clearly not wanting to break the mood.
Qrow nodded, smiling softly, "Yeah," he answered, "Just needed some time to think."
"Oh?" Clover inquired, raising a brown eyebrow curiously, "About what?"
Qrow reached to the pocket on his shirt that used to contain a flask, the shape of a ring still there. "Just about something I'm finally planning on doing when we get home." He informed Clover, smiling even more at the pout that was forming on the other's face, "I'll fill you in when the time is right. Don't worry."
"All right then." Clover replied, bumping his shoulder softly against Qrow's own, a smile spreading across his face as he gestured backwards towards the hall, "We should probably head inside though. They're just about to start."
Yeah, it probably wouldn't do to piss off the ice queen on her wedding day by arriving late to the ceremony. Qrow smirked and held out his hand for Clover to take, "Save me a dance later, lucky charm?" He asked suavely, his light red eyes gleaming in mirth.
A momentary trill went through Qrow as Clover brought his proffered hand up to his mouth to press his lips gently against Qrow's lanky fingers before squeezing reassuringly not a second later, "Always, pretty bird." He said lovingly, and Qrow couldn't help but mutter "Showoff." under his breath.
They'd been through so much, but in that moment Qrow couldn't help but think that it was all worth it. He almost felt lucky. He'd be certain they'd make the most of the time they had left, from this point on. Together.
Author's Notes: It's been quite a journey to get here, but I hope that the ending was satisfactory overall. I'm a sucker for having a lot of drama in stories, but also ending on happy notes! This was an enjoyable crossover to write, and it will always hold a special place in my heart for being my first attempt at writing for the cast of RWBY. Thank you so much for all the positive comments and kudos! I hope to see you again in future stories! :D