As per usual this got cut up a bit, come join us on Archive of Our Own for the full story.

Ozpin dodged a flying sausage and sidestepped the charging Nora that followed. His family was setting up Lydia's backyard for a barbecue, it was mostly just a get together pre Hunt to feed everyone and pair up. Still the chaotic bliss was fun to witness. However one was missing, he picked his way over to the cliff-side and found Ruby sitting on a bench looking down out of the city her arms wrapped around her pregnant belly with her feet up on the bench. Oz smiled softly, she always made an adorable ball.

"How are you doing?" The tall man asked as he sat down beside her.

Ruby sniffed. "It's dumb, just hormones."

"Tell me anyway."

"Well, what is the point to it? Why are we fighting Salem, why does she want the Relics? Why do we even have to go to Atlas? The Relics are with us, hidden in my skin and your cane. If we stay in Mistral we will always have protection from Grimm." Ruby curled tighter around her belly. "I love my baby girl, just sticking around in Mistral till she's weaned. When we don't have to go to Atlas just seems dumb."

Oz curled his arm around Ruby, letting her lean into him as he explained. "Ruby. Think for a moment, every city draws Grimm due to the general population. Now add a Relic that will always draw Grimm. That creates a pretty stable level of Grimm attraction twenty-four-seven. Now upset that balance, take the level of Grimm that had been spread out over four cities to three." Ozpin sighed. "Really the longer we stay the more danger Mistral is in. Furthermore Mistral is not equipped to handle the level of Grimm. Just look at what happened when we did the cleanse. We were defeated. Part of me does believe that was because of two Relics in one place. Atlas has the best military might of all the Kingdoms, that is why we have to go there. The longer we stay the more Mistral will suffer, had Salem's agents not killed so many Huntsmen we could stay. However it would only be a matter of time before she tries again. To what end I don't know."

"What does my Relic even do?" Ruby looked up at him.

Ozpin frowned and blinked a few times. "I… I don't clearly remember. It is the Relic of Knowledge…" He pressed a thumb and forefinger to the corners of his eyes. "Damn Garrett. I am sure I know but whenever I try to remember anything, I can't remember!"

"Oz, what did Garrett even do to make you forget?" Ruby's voice turned soft.

"I-I really don't want to talk to you about that. I know he made me forget, I know that I do know things about Salem, about the Relics, the Gods, all of it. But he took those memories away from me. What he did was awful and not something you need to burden yourself with." Ozpin dropped his hand into his lap.

"Alright, I trust your judgement." Ruby reached up and touched the brand on the side of his face. "Have you told Qrow about this yet? Why it's there?"

"No. I must confess I haven't been brave enough and with everything that has been going on I just haven't found the right time." Ozpin's amoured hand drifted up to touch the burn, he could feel the cold seeping into his skin.

"You should tell him."

Oz shook his head. "That it was my fault Tyrian stole you? No, I am amazed that we do not have to deal with Salem's agents more than we already do. I know that O'Dimm acts indirectly, if I fulfill one clause of his curse I am sure another will appear one day."

Ruby was silent for a long moment, frowning for a long moment eventually she spoke. "You said, when you and Qrow got back together that you would not withhold information that would affect us again. I think this counts as something that would affect us. Qrow needs to know, I understand you are afraid of how he will react but give him some credit. He's grown up a lot too, especially since we've got a baby on the way."

"You haven't been intimate with him alone yet, have you?" Ozpin asked.

"No," Ruby sighed. "We try but, it's hard everything feels like we have to be so careful even though he's clean now. I know he's chasing Weiss tonight. Probably wise, I am not sure I could take him chasing and taking me like is traditional for tonight."

"Well we are all going to gather together. Perhaps being outside will make it easier for you." Ozpin reached out and pet through Ruby's hair. "Give it time, the wounds are still raw but it will get better."

Even as they spoke Qrow approached, like he had some psychic sense they were talking about him. "Everything okay?"

When Ozpin gave him that strained pained smile Qrow's heart dropped. He walked around and sat on Ruby's other side. "What is it?"

Oz took a deep breath, his hand reaching up to trace part of the brand gracing his face. "You asked me before what this was and I couldn't give you an answer then, mostly because I wasn't sure at the time how to tell you the truth. This mark … its the proof of my deal with an individual known as Gaunter O'Dimm."

"Alight?" Qrow asked worry sitting heavy in his stomach.

His lover shook his head. "It's from a time well before I became who I am. When the war with Salem had barely begun and I realised I was not strong enough to defeat her. I came across O'Dimm and made a deal with him. That he would grant me the power to defeat Salem in exchange for my soul when she was dead. I think the reason why I am immortal is because of him. My memories are hazy at best and I don't remember the details but I know I have a deal with him, a contract if you will." He scratched at the fuzz covering his head. "But Naga, she offered me a solution to O'Dimm taking my soul and at the time I only said I'd think about it. Let's just say he wasn't happy when he found out."

"Oz. What did you do?"

"I am the reason why Tyrian was able to snatch Ruby." Now his voice cracked as he remembered the fear of losing her. "O'Dimm warned me not to pursue the option of cheating his contract with me and I didn't listen. I thought I could protect everyone all on my own, that he wouldn't find out … I was so wrong."

Qrow turned his face away fighting the growing anger in him. Fists and teeth clenched he ground out his words. "How long have you known for?"

"He all but told me himself right after it happened. I don't know what part he played but he had one. Ruby and the baby were hurt because of me."

Now those were words Qrow knew only too well. Had there ever been a time when blame wasn't shoved onto him whenever something happened? When had the words of others, the points and whispers grown so much that he believed them. Went through each and every day always blaming himself when something happened. Now Oz was blaming himself just like he had for so many years. What was it Ruby had always told him? Things happened and it wasn't his fault. She and Oz and their friends had drilled it so much into him that if a glass broke or the weather changed he took it in stride.

Oz felt a hand rest on his shoulder, then a dark head followed as Qrow leaned into him. "It's not your fault. You are not to blame for any of what happened. The blame lays on Tyrian and this O'Dimm person if what he claimed is true. You were trying to find a better way, to be with us longer, you didn't do anything wrong."

His love stuttered, a stray tear running down his cheek. Ruby sitting on Oz's other side slowly lowered her head into his lap, a hand on her belly stroking the unborn child while she whispered softly. "It's not your fault Oz. We will never think it was, we love you."

Oz crumbled a little inside, the scarring on his face burned like a little reminder. A voice whispering that he was to blame but to Oz's delight the voice was nothing more than a drowned thought unable to break through the duel red souls protecting his own.

The sound of loud cheers broke the trio out of their moment. Ruby raised a brow. "Wanna find out what's happening?"

Together they headed back to the barbecue just as Nora turned round and saw them. "Hey where did you guys run off to?"

"Just wanted some space to clear our heads." Oz curled his arm around Ruby.

Nora chuckled getting the wrong end of things. "Well you could have asked us to join you, Ren and I wouldn't have minded clearing our heads too!"

"Maybe next time." Ruby said quickly and sniffed the air. "I hope you left some food for the rest of us."

Qrow moved over to the fire, grabbing a plate to swipe some of the cooked foods. He piled on a few roasted sweet potatoes and fish before retreating. Just as he sat down Bart being dragged by a grinning Tai came through the door.

Bart tried again in vain to get the blonde man to release him. "Tai really, I shouldn't be here."

"Nonsense, Lydia said it was okay and besides you should eat a hearty meal before the hunt."

Bart had one moment where he felt like flopping on the floor so Tai would have to drag him and sighed, he probably would as well. Those thoughts stumbled to a halt at the sight of everyone gathered and more particularly the daughter of the man who was currently dragging him over. She was currently standing by Blake and Sun, both of whom were chatting about something. While they spoke Yang occasionally gave her input but there was a clear discordance between the three. Yang must have noticed them because she gave them that megawatt smile and waved.

Taiyang finally let his green haired friend go and Bart immediately went over to the trio. Yang was still giving him that bright smile and seeing their friend stop talking Blake and Sun both turned to the newcomer. "Well hello Miss Belladonna, Mister Wukong, Yang. Are you looking forward to tonight's hunt?"

Blake's brows shot up in surprise, the way Professor Oobleck addressed Yang had been different and did he say the hunt? "Sorry Professor I didn't realize you were taking part in the hunt tonight, with Yang I mean."

If Bart noticed how the blonde beside him winced slightly he made no mention of it and only smiled. "Yes I was aware that Mister Wukong was taking part as your partner tonight and I asked Yang if she would be opposed to me chasing her for the hunt. I apologize if circumstances have changed."

"Oh no!" Blake said, waving her hands. In fact Blake hadn't even thought about the position Yang would take when Sun asked to chase her. It hadn't crossed her mind which made her feel guilty, even more so than usual. She plastered a wan smile on her face, still very surprised by the events. "I didn't mean for you to take it that way, I think it's a wonderful idea. I just didn't know about it that's all so it was a bit of a shock. I mean you are our teacher after all."

Was it him or was there a hint of something unpleasant in her tone. A prick of jealousy or resentment perhaps? Deliberately he pushed his sleeve up to glance at the watch on his wrist. "Well there is no school today and I am not here as your professor so it is fine. Yang! Would you accompany me to the bonfire, I bought some apples with me, they are delicious cut thinly and baked."

Yang looked to her teammate but Sun was quick to pull her attention again and as Blake turned away Yang slipped her arm in the crook of Barts and hurried him over to the fire pit.

Meanwhile Qrow who had been watching from the wooden table sighed as his niece was led away from the Faunus. After a moment he sensed someone plop down next to him and grinned at the former heiress as she glanced over at her friends. "Well at least he has good taste."

"You know if they ever became a thing you would be his uncle." Weiss chuckled at the way Qrow promptly dropped the potato on his plate, his jaw dropping with it.

"Oh hell no! That ain't happening. If Tai doesn't say something I will." Crossing his arms over his chest Weiss thought he looked more like a pouting child then a disapproving adult and giggled.

After a full minute her joyous laugh calmed and her voice lowered with seriousness. "They've changed."

"What do you mean?" Qrow asked.

Weiss tapped a finger to her chin and thought how best to describe it. "They've become a chord that doesn't fit with the harmony of the group. It sings like a soft melody only for their sound to cause a listener to grimace as it falls flat."

"Strange analogy."

"Perhaps. I know a fair bit about music, tempo, pitch, tune and let me say theirs have been off since before Haven."

Qrow turned away from the Faunus pair and to the pair he loved so dearly. "That's not the only thing that's changed."

"Huh?" Weiss startled, was it her or did Qrow's own voice darken slightly?

Qrow gave her a reassuring smile. "Nevermind. Are you ready for tonight?"

Shaking the feeling off Weiss returned his smile. "Yes, this will be the first time I've ever took part in a hunt before but I've been told how it goes."

Qrow listened with half an ear, his attention straying to Oz every little while as he spoke with the others and ate. He closed himself off from his partners to think. If this O'Dimm person was as strong as Oz said he was then how would they ever stop him? Could they? He hadn't lied when he told Oz it wasn't his fault for what happened to Ruby. This being had now hurt two of his most important people. If Qrow had his way O'Dimm wasn't going to live to complete his contract with Oz.

A shackled door thumped loudly in the confines of Qrow's mind. A spark of anger building behind it. At least now it had a name, a target, a victim.

God's help anyone who fucked with those Qrow loved.

The Hunt was set to begin in the same woods they had purged earlier that week. As Ruby and the others set out everyone was slightly in awe how Mistral celebrated the festival. Strings of glowing green and pink lanterns lined the streets, the spring colours uplifting and fresh. Ruby clasped her hands over her belly taking it all in. While they celebrated the festival in Patch there were few people, houses far between, making many of the larger activities unavailable.

Now all of Ruby's senses flared like a bright flame of delight. The smell of berries and flowers wafted through the streets. It was loud, not just from their own group, Ruby could hear Nora cooing and squealing in excitement. Blake and Sun were having a conversation to her left but Ruby could hear her sister's boisterous laugh further behind her as she teased their green haired teacher. Mistral really was transformed for this day.

A heavy arm draped over her shoulders as Ruby peered up at Oz. His smile relaxed her and she snuggled more into his side. The cold aura of his armor penetrated through the cape he had shielding it from view but she could still feel it. It felt different today, more alive?

She was saved from the unsettling thought when Nora and Yang burst ahead of them. "Spring pole! Come on ladies we gotta join in!" Yang grabbed her sister's hand, pulling her from Oz's grasp as the three of them semi ran to the growing crowd of people ahead.

The Spring pole was a good ten feet tall wooden beam that had been stationed in the centre of the city square. Attached to the top were dozens of colourful ribbons that fell down the pole and pooled in little piles at the base. Some musicians had set up in front of a store, the redhead counted a violinist, two flutes and a guitar though they hadn't begun playing yet she could see several women and girls awaiting in anticipation. Squares like this dotted the city to give children a place to gather and play away from the more adult nature of the festival.

Weiss strode up to Ruby's side, giving the smaller woman a hip bump. "Are you joining in?"

"Oh absolutely! I just hope I remember the dance." Ruby and Weiss headed to the ribbons. Her Atlassian friend scooping up a lilac coloured one while Ruby bent down and retrieved a deep green. Ahead she saw Blake with an orange coloured ribbon and next to her was Yang, holding a sky blue. She couldn't see Nora but her ginger haired friend was loud enough as she laughed somewhere behind her obviously waiting impatiently.

More females walked towards the pole, their ages ranging from a child to middle aged and soon all the ribbons were held tightly. Ruby glanced over to the circle surrounding the pole where more of the city stood waiting and watching. Her eyes passed over Oz and Qrow as they stood together with Sun, Jaune, Ren and Bart.

She didn't get any more time to look around as the first notes started playing. Her feet automatically taking steps as it swelled. The dance was simple really but many of the girls put their own spin on it, weaving with their neighbours but all moved steadily in a clockwise manner. Ruby tightened her grip as Weiss spun in front of her, following her friend's smile she danced around her, their ribbons entwining for a turn before the girl behind her reached out to do the same.

Ruby tilted her head in time with the music, the gentle sound resonating inside her. She felt the setting sun peek at her eyes and shut her eyes letting the warm, waning light bathe her closed lids.

Oz and Qrow stood watching their lover circle the pole, her eyes closed, body swaying with the music. Qrow's heart shuttered with love, his gaze glued to her form. He felt Oz lean into him but didn't, couldn't break his line of sight. "She's so beautiful."

"That she is." Oz fell silent for a bit. "I want to marry you both right now."

If Qrow had been drinking he would have spat it out. As it was he coughed, nearing choking on thin air before his gaze snapped to Oz. "You're serious."

The immortal nodded. "If I had my way I would do it tonight, right now in fact." Oz took Qrow's hand in his. "Why are we waiting?"

"Aside from Tai killing us?" Qrow spluttered again mind racing. This was what he wanted too, what Ruby wanted as well. The thought of marrying Oz was making his heart do somersaults in his chest. Quicky he lunged forward, pressing a kiss to Oz. His lover responded in kind, wrapping his arms around the thinner man. A cough to their right pulled them away as Bart and Tai both flushed a bright red. Oz chuckled loudly, happy when Qrow buried into his chest and purred. "Do I take that as a yes?"

"Absolfuckingutly!"

Both of them stayed cuddled together but their gazes returned to the women still dancing. Ruby was practically glowing, her round belly standing proud. When she twirled the skirt of her dress danced around her thighs. Qrow nuzzled under Oz's chin. "We have to plan. The reservations are for next weekend."

Oz nodded humming. While he couldn't wait to bind his lovers to him he 'would' give them whatever they wanted. He and Ruby had spoken a few times about what they wanted for a wedding. He would make it happen.

Ruby and Weiss looked at each other and giggled. The thin veils barely counted as decent as they covered their privates only just barely when there was no wind. With wind, well they were glad Ozpin and Qrow stood only a few steps back from them. They wore heavy leather kilts with equally ornate heavy belts. Qrow wore a wooden crow mask that covered the upper half of his face in black feathers with a beak over his nose. Beside him Oz wore the same, only with a long fur cape over his left side and his deer skull mask. Lined up and down at the edge of the forest was Yang, Blake and many other women all dressed in veils mostly greens and other bright natural colours. A few steps behind them stood their corresponding partners.

Weiss glanced up at the great tower as the drums started to beat and the high priest of Cernunn walked the steps to the horn. All the women tensed and then the sound of the horn being blown was unlike any other it resonated in Weiss's bones as she took off running. The thrumming note carried and carried. Then it stopped.

Excitement pounded through her bones as she flew upon bare feet through the forest. She had stopped dying her hair so the white was mixed in with orange as she dodged and weaved through the forest.

Again the horn sounded and she knew the men had been unleashed. That Qrow was after her now. She ran as fast as she could, the ground was dry and grass thick under her feet. She dodged and wove through the trees, everyone had discussed a meeting place in the woods but she wasn't going there right away. Spring flowers brushed her legs as she ran. Weiss glanced behind her to see Qrow catching up to her.

The Atlassian poured the speed on with a giggle on her breath as her long hair streamed out behind her. She felt the very tip of a finger snag a veil and felt Qrow pull her back for just one second before the veil ripped. She only had one left tied tight to keep her breasts from moving too much as she ran. Weiss could tell that Qrow was letting her get ahead of him again, they had a place in mind after all.

Weiss burst into a glade just as Lydia was exiting it. She had left behind several picnic blankets and a picnic basket, as soon as they came into view Qrow's arms wrapped around her waist and Weiss laughed kicking out only for Qrow to grab the binding over her breasts and rip that away too. He dropped trying to pin her down but she wriggled away giggling all the while.

Qrow pounced as she tried to get up and pulled her down straight into his lap. Weiss yelped as she felt his rock hard erection bump against her butt cheeks. He yanked the belt of the kilt open and let the leather drop to the ground. "Got you." The red eyed man purred into Weiss ear as he traced a pair of fingers through her dripping core. "Perfect."

()

Bart smiled into the kiss as Yang screamed as he held her by her hair and hip. The act held her in limbo as he pounded up into her. She wasn't used to be controlled like this and it sent her over in seconds.

Weiss and Qrow eventually untangled themselves and made there way to the little relaxation center Lydia has sent up. Ren and Nora were already there, Weiss blushed as she wasn't used to be nude around them. "Hey guys. How are you doing?" She picked a little spot of blanket and sat down legs together in a very ladylike fashion.

"Great! Best Wylde Hunt we've had, I've never been in one so big. It took me a bit to get away from the none Huntsmen pairs." Nora rolled onto her front and swung her feet up in the air.

Qrow sat down beside Weiss and kissed her shoulder. "It has been a nice one. Perfect weather to boot."

Yang and Bart came up hand in hand while Blake and Sun approached. Blake glanced over and blushed, she didn't look at anything sexual instead at the joined hands of the other pair. Yang caught sight of her uncle who was for her sake position in such a way she didn't have to see his family jewels. "Hey uncle, I heard Weiss from within the forest."

Weiss's blush darkened. "I heard you when Bart pulled on your hair, you only ever make sounds like that if someone got a hand in your hair."

"I'm a quick study." Bart reached out and played with a gold lock around his finger.

Blake openly stared as Yang let Bart touch her hair with a little smile. Yang didn't really let her touch her hair, not like that. How had Bart gotten that far into her good books so fast?

Finally the last pair came over, everyone had to admit Ruby looked radiant and no one lingered on Oz's exposed arm. "If any of the ladies are interest I'm sure Lydia stashed some dresses in one of the baskets." He tossed his kilt, armour and headdress on the ground.

"Na I'm good." Nora and Yang said before laughing at each other.

Blake headed over to one to pull a green one on over her head. While Ruby settled beside Qrow and kissed him deeply. Weiss reached over and pet Ruby's baby bump. "I'm good, it's nice to have the air free on my skin."

"Yeah." Yang stretched and flopped onto the blankets. "It's not every day it's safe to run around in our birthday suits."

"I quite agree." Ozpin walked over to the baskets and pulled out several thermos of water and facecloths. "Alright for hands and whatever else you need to wash." There were two clothes per pair and the water thermos were passed around. When everyone was cleaned Weiss took out upon herself to hand out the premade sandwiches.

"This is so much better than the Vacuo hunts. No getting sand everywhere." Sun had a drink of bubbly tea from a cup he held with his tail.

"Grasslands, forest or tundra are my favorites." Oz helped himself to a sandwich, he was leaned on Qrow partly so he could eat with his good hand more easily.

"I don't know about tundra, I remember my bits getting awfully cold last time we ran in a tundra." Qrow shivered at the thought.

"Mine were plenty warm." Ozpin purred leaning over to kiss Qrow's collar.

Qrow mock scowled back. "Yeah yours had a nice warm place to go, mine didn't."

It finally clued in to Sun what the two were talking about. His jaw dropped as he made a little squeak sound. "Ohhhh."

Ren giggled and said. "It really is quite fun you should give it a try."

"I don't swing like that." Sun said his cheeks flaming.

"Aww." Ren pouted. "Oh well, I'm sure I'll find other people to experiment with."

"Hey, we're always game." Qrow said while patting Weiss's thigh. "Oz told me about it a bit, I'm sure I could teach you a thing or two."

"Just give us a time and place!" Nora bounced at the idea.

"You two do need a Bachelor party." Bart said.

The three looked too each other and it was Oz who spoke up. "Given how crazy it's been lately I don't think we really want to do that."

"Maybe just a get together with everyone. We do still want to christen Haven, that could be our party." Qrow didn't really like the idea of a Bachelor party, to high a risk of running into booze.

"That sounds like fun, better for an orgy then a spot like this." Yang said already thinking upon the event with a smile.

"My thinking exactly. Shall we all find our clothes and head back? None of us have weapons so staying out too late would be unwise." Ozpin reached over to his gear and started to put the armour back on.

Nora yawned. "Yeah lets go."

The walk home was soothing after so much excitement. It was late, the moon high in the sky as people made their way home but there was one last tradition before the day was over. Ruby, Oz and Qrow all walked together, Ruby's arms looped through her lovers as they walked down the street. Several stalls were still open but the one they headed for was a small gardeners stand.

"As with tradition, pick whichever plant you want, we will plant and care for it and in doing so return a piece of greenery to the earth." Oz whispered out.

Ruby looked over the selection. They had been one of the last to leave the forest so there weren't too many options left. A few potted flowers, an apple sapling and a few herbs but one particular plant caught her interest. A raspberry bush with a few small budding leafs in a plastic brown pot. Ruby was reminded of her conversation earlier with Ozpin, hands subconsciously rising to cup her belly. She wanted her daughter to be safe, to come through everything without any problems. It might be a pipe dream but she was determined to do what she could to keep their child safe and healthy.

"Raspberries … both the fruit and leafs are good for making tea. Can we get this one?"

Oz nodded and paid for the bush, Ruby taking it from the shelf. The woman manning the stall eyed her pregnant belly. "That's right Miss. Raspberry leaf tea is one of the safest herbs for pregnant women, it helps with preparing the body for labor but most drink it full term as its good at keeping the membranes healthy and enriching breast milk."

At that Ruby peeked up at Qrow and Oz, chuckling when their cheeks pinked. "Thank you so much for the info. Have a nice night!"

The woman waved back at her as they left Ruby hugging the pot to her chest. Even undeveloped it held a sweet scent, When they returned home Ruby saw the outside light glowing and a shovel sat against the wall underneath.

"Guess Lydia was expecting us to get the plant." Qrow smirked and picked up the tool, twirling it in his hand playfully.

They went around the garden looking over Lydia's work. Ruby didn't know a lot about gardening, that was more her dad's hobby and Yang couldn't keep anything alive for long. Eventually her eyes settled on a spot by the back gate near a neatly trimmed aloe plant. "This should do nicely. Though do you think Lydia would mind?"

"I'm sure Lydia would be happy with wherever you wished to put it as she never left instructions as to where 'not' to plant it." Oz took the plant for Ruby's hands, though immediately after touching the plant something shuddered in his arm. The tingling sensation ran from his shoulder to the tips of his fingers sharply causing him to let go of the pot and hiss.

"Oz you okay?" Qrow knelt by him as Oz gripped his injured arm, pressing it up close to his chest. Sweat beaded his brow as he shook his head of the feeling.

"Yeah fine, just overdid it I guess."

Qrow fished the fallen pot off the ground, removed the casing and placed it into its new home, patting the soil around it down firmly. "Maybe you should take that thing off now. You promised one day."

Oz didn't 'want' to take off the gauntlet. He missed being able to use both his arms and once it was removed again he would be crippled once more. Still he made a promise not just to Lydia and Doctor Rutile but to Ruby, Qrow and the others too. With a nod he shakily got up and leaned into Ruby as they made their way back inside. Oz's arm continued to tingle as the headed inside. "You guys go on ahead, I'm not ready to sleep yet."

Ruby felt flutters of emotion through the bond, a wish for silence and time on his own to reflect. "Okay Oz, you do what… feels right to you." She looked over to Qrow, he was watching her and Ozpin with a look in his eyes that seem was unsure of. It was almost regret. She had a regret today too. The silver eyed warrior took Qrow's hand. "Come on, I've one thing that I want to do tonight."

Qrow was torn between Ruby and Ozpin, but again Oz let that whisper of emotion through and Qrow nodded. "Okay, call us if you need us."

Ruby drew Qrow away and up the stairs to their room. Only then did Qrow break away from her. "So do you want to use the bathroom first?"

His lover closed the door behind her. "Actually, I had something other then sleep in mind."

Qrow froze. "Without Oz?"

"I do feel like you've been avoiding me a bit, I miss the ease we used to have." Ruby strode over to him and took his hands. "I miss when we could just be together. None of the tiptoeing. It's been on my mind for a while now." She pressed his hands to her belly. "You respect me so much, that you never ask for anything. I know you've missed being with me just as much as I've missed being with you." Her petite pale hands tightened. "But we made this life, our lives together. And I miss how easy it used to be." Ruby closed her eyes as Qrow reached up and touched her cheek in the tiniest brush of his finger. "I am better Qrow. I'll never forget what he did to me, but you are a part of my life. The father to our child and I don't want to let Tyrian come between us anymore. I think we can be together alone, with no safety nets in Weiss or Ozpin."

"How can you know though?" Qrow asked softly feeling those curves of her face, ones that he had long since memorized.

"I can't really, but we can't know until we try. I'm tired of being too afraid to try." Ruby leaned up and kissed his lips. Qrow was slow to warm up but as she pressed her body to him he wrapped his arms tight around her.

Ruby let her sink into his embrace, he didn't have that scent of alcohol. His touch was so feather light she barely felt it. Ruby drew back slightly looking up to him. "I'm not made of glass, I miss when you really held me. When you weren't afraid of how I would react. Please can we have that back?"

Ohh this could go so badly. Qrow sucked in a sharp breath, for all he knew it could just take one wrong move. He pressed his hands down her spine, drawing the laces apart and letting the light fabric fall to the floor. Ruby returned the favour practiced hands pulling the buttons of his shirt undone as he helped shrugging it off. The rest of his clothes followed quickly and he picked her up but her butt and she happy wrapped her legs around his waist.

()

As they moved into it, Qrow lost of some the fear of hitting on something Tyrian had tainted. Their bond hummed slowly telling him what she was feeling and it became easier and easier to enjoy and relax. They made love long into the night, experimenting with their limits.