Chapter Two: Ruby Rose I

Slowly, I opened my eyes. I blinked and realized I was not alone. Laying on my back, I glanced down to see a sleeping and nude Yang laying on top of me. I was equally nude but felt no desire to get out of bed or dress. Instead, I glanced to the top of my dresser to see both our scrolls, mine black and Yang's yellow respectively. I grabbed mine and began to surf the web, wanting a few answers to some of the questions I had.

I had only been in this world for a full day now. Thankfully, we had no school yesterday and it was not the weekend which gave me time to plan better and not do something so… 'extreme' again. Post getting laid clarity and all, I realized that I made so much more work for myself by murdering Tai, even if I did get my desired result. With Yang pretty much my girlfriend after last night, my social standing would change. No one will even know what to make of it. And going by Hansel's memories, that would be a good thing. But there were still a few problems and that's why I needed some answers. They would determine my plan going forward.

And did I get some answers.

Right away, I realized while this was an alternate universe of RWBY, some things have remained the same. The school year had just started in the fall and the current year was 80AGW (After Great War) which meant the Great War had happened between the kingdoms of Vale and Vacuo and the kingdoms of Mistral and Mantle, the latter now being Atlas. The reasons were the same and the end result was also the same. It seemed even in a world without Grimm, much like Earth, they couldn't help themselves.

Oh well.

Further research also showed the Faunus Rights Revolution, or the Faunus war, had also happened right after the Great War. Menagerie was still an island unlike Patch. However, all four kingdoms remained the same. Vale and Vacuo on Sanus, Mantle now Atlas on Solitas, and finally, Mistral on Anima. Menagerie was still a part of the kingdom of Mistral and the continent of Anima despite being seen as the fifth unofficial fifth kingdom by many. And guess who prevented that from being official?

Ding. Ding.

The councils of all four kingdoms. Regardless of the fact that three of the four kingdoms were more friendly to Fanus, none of them really wanted to give Faunus 'official' power. Interestingly enough, I was able to find out that the Belladonnas, Khans, and a few unknown families were founding members of the unofficial council of Menagerie. Also related, and not really a surprise, the Schnee Dust Company still existed and their 'relationship' with the Faunus was still the same. I decided to file all that information for another time when I deal with both Weiss Schnee and Blake Belladonna.

Which brings me to our 'characters'. Even though there were no Grimm or Huntsmen, the academies remained. Interestingly enough, bandit tribes were also still a thing but now gangs. And a certain blonde's mom was still a prominent leader of a gang in Anima. Not that she knew that.

Not yet.

And in our neighborhood, Signal Academy was simply a middle school while Beacon Academy was not a high school. Signal was actually where Yang and Hansel became friends. Before then, he had known her considering they were neighbors but they never really talked until then. However, Gretel and Ruby had played in the park in the neighborhood well before that. Both Signal, them, and their parents getting along was what brought Yang and Hansel closer.

As for the others at Beacon Academy, barring RWBY, I found out some interesting things from both my scroll and memories.

Jaune Arc was still a part of a family with some history behind them as his grandfather fought in the Great War and the Faunus War. Pyrrha Nikos was still a champion and celebrity of sorts in our school. She had been very popular at her old middle school in Anima, Sanctum Academy, and became popular once again in Beacon. What had surprised me a bit though was Lie Ren lived with his very much alive mother, An Ren, and Nora Valkyrie had been adopted by them making Nora his adopted sister.

I was curious if they had the same issues in this world as in RWBY and going off Hansel memories, they did. Ruby had been unsure of herself despite the praises by her teachers, Yang, and Gretel. And both Yang and her have deep abandonment issues. Weiss was attempting to get out of the shadow of her father who was still in Atlas. Surprisingly, Hansel nor the others had any knowledge of Blake being in the White Fang…

Interesting.

Jaune felt inferior, especially to Pyrrha who STILL had a crush on him, and was being bullied by the rich asshole Cardin Winchester and his friends. Pyrrha was also still too nice to speak her mind to people who were using her for her popularity. And Ren and Nora were basically still in denial about their feelings.

So much to do. So much to plan.

But it all had to wait as I felt Yang stir and begin to wake. She opened her tired violet eyes and looked up at me as a smile formed on her face. I returned the smile and we kissed. After, she sleepily asked.

"Whatcha looking at?"

"Oh? Nothing really. Just looking for stores we could go to to get you and Ruby some clothes and other things."

Yang simply stared before she tried to wipe the sleep out of her eyes. She looked downcasted.

"You really don't-"

"Yang." She looked back up at me. I saw the nervousness in her eyes. I spoke gently. "Let me take care of you. Let me take care of both of you. Gretel loves you both like sisters. I love Ruby like a sister. And I love you as you."

I kissed her, hoping she would drop it and continue to be dependent on me.

She did.

(RWBYESI)

The dinner table was mostly quiet despite Yang and Gretel attempting to speak to Ruby. Thankfully, she would mutter a reply while staring off blankly every few minutes. It was something, at least. Every now and then, I would see both Yang and Gretel glance at me in worry as I cooked pancakes. I remembered from somewhere, either the show or fanfiction, that Ruby loved strawberries. I checked the fridge and saw some. I took them out and turned to the table to look at Ruby.

"Hey Ruby, would you like some strawberries with your pancakes?"

"Yes, dad!"

Silence.

I tried not to show what I was feeling but it was very difficult. Yang and Gretel were both shocked as was I. But Ruby? She had her trademark smile but there was no light in her silver eyes. I saw what both Yang and Gretel likely didn't. There was worry in her eyes. And denial. And desperation.

She desperately wanted things to be normal. I might have broken Ruby a lot quicker than I thought.

After a few uncomfortable seconds of silence, I simply smiled and nodded. Some light returned to her eyes and while I had my back turned, I could hear her speak a lot more clearer. It was like a switch flipped. She then announced she would be going to the bathroom upstairs. After a few more seconds of silence, I turned to see Yang and Gretel look extremely worried. I tried to keep the pleased feeling I had.

"Hansel…" Yang spoke with uncertainty. Gretel looked really uncomfortable. Especially after she saw Yang and I both leave my room while holding hands. She knew. But she also knew it wasn't the time to ask. Especially with Ruby around. She probably didn't know what to do about any of this.

"I know.' I sighed falsely. "She doesn't want to believe what happened. Just give her time."

"Give her time?!" Gretel asked, her voice angry but thankfully, she spoke in a whisper so Ruby wouldn't hear. "She needs-!"

I turned around and glared at her harshly. She recollied and I noticed Yang did too slightly but she stayed silent. It seemed Hansel rarely got angry at his sister. They had always been close but their relationship had changed after their parents death. Gretel likely knew how stressed he was taking care of himself and her so she likely never tried to cause problems between them.

It seemed she needed a reminder.

"She NEEDS us. Yang, you, and I. And we are going to help her anyway we can. She already lost her mother. Her father abandoned her even before that. And her uncle…" I glanced at Yang who quickly turned away. "...died last night. We will help her. I know you're worried. We all are. Give her time, Gretel. Understand?"

Feeling chastised and embarrassed with Yang nearby, I heard a muttered 'yes' and returned to cooking. Before Ruby returned, I also heard Yang tell Gretel it would be okay. I noted she had stayed quiet on the matter. She likely felt the same or wanted to know my thoughts or maybe just wanted to know what we should do. Of course, I had my own plans for Ruby but they didn't need to know that. For now, I was the good friend who was going to be a good brother to Ruby. Or in her own words, a good dad.

That was until a knock was heard after we finished eating breakfast.

And things got complicated.

(RWBYESI)

Sigh. Okay, I definitely went too far with killing Tai.

After an awkward breakfast and a knock at the door, I opened the door to be greeted by Vale police officers. I invited them in and they stood in the kitchen with us to deliver what I already suspected with their visit.

The 'accidental' death of Taiyang Xiao Long was now a murder investigation.

Did I regret it? No. I still didn't. Even watching Gretel, Yang, and Ruby's faces turn to horror and having to fake my own. But having to now cover this up would be a bitch. The only good thing to come out of this was when they began to ask questions about Ruby's father and Yang's uncle, Crow Branwen, that I realized something big.

They didn't suspect me. They suspected him.

And thinking about it now while the girls shopped for clothes leaving me annoyed on a Saturday morning, it made sense. Crow had left well before Summer died and it was well known around the neighborhood of the falling out between Tai and Crow over it. There had even been a fight in the house and on the front lawn. And Crow was also the local drunk who owned a bar while flirting with younger women.

His image screamed suspect instead of me. I was just the next door neighbor who was a family friend who took the girls in while looking after his own sister. Everyone in the neighborhood knew this.

And that's when I knew what I had to do.

Getting away with murder was surprisingly easy. 9 out of 10 times, the only reason the suspect got caught was because of their own arrogance. I never thought too highly of myself when I dealt with the more 'confrontational' orphans in my own life. After all, 'accidents' happened. This just happened not to be one because I stupidly went with the first idea I had. But hey, progress makes perfect. Or something like that.

It wouldn't matter.

Because Crow Branwen would take the fall for me.

And his niece and daughter would be mine.

(RWBYESI)

As I changed into my pajamas for the night after a long day of shopping, I heard the door open. I knew Yang and Gretel had started doing the dishes as I had once again been the one to cook so that left one person.

"Hansel…"

I turned and smiled gently.

'Hey, Ruby."

Standing at my door was Ruby in her new, or old, sleepwear. Yang and her pretty much replaced a few of the old clothes they wear. It was funny to watch them pick clothes close to their canon look. And even though Ruby didn't get a red hooded cloak, she did get a red hoodie for the fall weather. But her sleepwear was almost the same as canon. A black tank top and white long pajama pants with pink roses on them.

I saw her stand there, clearly nervous, holding herself. I simply stood and waited for to say what she wanted to say. Finally, she turned her head away and spoke quietly.

"I-i'm sorry… About this morning…"

"Don't be." I gave a small sad smile. "I understand. Really, I do. Gretel and Yang were concerned but I told them to give you time. Just know that we're here for you, Ruby."

I saw tears in her silver eyes before she rushed to me and wrapped her arms around me tightly. I could hear her sobbing into my chest. I began to rub circles on her back while she did. Looking at her now made me realize how cute she was. Like Gretel, both Yang and I were a head taller than her. Her shoulder length red hair and her innocent eyes and smile.

I was starting to struggle with keeping myself from getting hard. But I felt her b-sized breast against me. And I could see her cute little butt even if it was covered with her pajamas.

Fuck, I was hard.

I could only hope she didn't-she stiffened. Oh well. I could easily play this off. After all, she wasn't aware Yang and I were a thing. Not yet. And she was still going through a loss. She wouldn't risk speaking out and causing problems when I was now her 'temporary caretaker'.

Her dad.

"Shush… It's okay. Let daddy take care of you."

I kissed the top of her head. A pause. Then she hugged me tighter despite feeling my hardness against her stomach. Her sobs slowly stopped and then there were only sniffles. After a few seconds she spoke.

"O-okay… I trust you… Dad…"

This is just too easy.

Unfortunately, I wasn't going to risk attempting anything with Ruby. I had already pushed my luck. I knew as naive as Ruby was, she would protest doing anything. For now. And with Yang coming to join me any minute now to 'sleep', I knew I had to wait. But I wasn't going to let Ruby go seek comfort in anyone else.

Especially not Jaune.

Because Hansel had been far more observant than he had let on. He saw the looks Ruby sent to her other best friend. But she was too shy to talk to him. And she would never talk to him with Yang which meant Gretel was the only one who knew.

And me.

I guess I have a lot of planning to do in the future.

But best to start something now. I moved away slowly and looked down at Ruby who still had tears in her eyes. Her wide eyes were filled with worry as if I would abandon her too. But I smiled gently and cupped her face and spoke quietly.

"Your mother loved you. Your uncle loved you. Yang loves you. Gretel loves you. And I love you. You will never be alone."

I was rewarded for my acting with a tight hug that nearly made me fall back onto my bed. I lowered my hands slowly from her back to her butt and cupped them. She stiffened again for a moment before relaxing slowly. There was silence again but I heard what Ruby whispered in the quiet of my bedroom and a sinister smile grew on my face.

"I love you too… Dad…"

(RWBYESI)

"I heard everything."

I paused, stopping myself from drinking a glass of water downstairs in the middle of the night. I knew Yang and Ruby were upstairs sleeping so I wasn't worried. I took a quick sip and placed my cup on the counter. I turned to see my sister stand in the lit kitchen. Her black hair messy and her red eyes angry, giving me a sharp glare. But I simply smiled.

"I'm sorry?"

She took a few steps closer to me and spoke. Not loud but not a whisper either.

"Ruby. I heard everything you said to her. I heard everything. We both know you and Yang are together. But you don't talk that way to another girl when you're already with someone. Why? I want to know why you would do that to them after what happened. I want to know what sick game you're playing. I thought you cared about-"

My patience had run out. I grabbed Gretel's throat and slammed her against the kitchen table. I put myself right in front of her and towered over her. I didn't glare or shout. I kept my smile and spoke gently.

And I knew it fucking terrified her.

"You know what I think, Gretel? I don't think you really care about what I said to Ruby. You do. But that's not really your issue with me. You've had a problem since morning when she called me dad." She tried to hide her expression. She really did try. But I caught it all. Surprise. Panic. And shame… "All those angry looks you hid behind mine and Ruby's back? I saw them all. When I treated her like a little girl to help her deal with her trauma. No, you're not angry with what I'm doing or how I'm acting. You're jealous and scared because you think I'm going to replace you with Ruby. Is that it?" She tried to speak but I tightened my grip. She grabbed my hand with her own hands but I squeezed harder. She choked out something but I didn't care. "The funny thing is I love you both equally. After mom and dad died, I took care of you. I did everything to take care of you. And you really think I'd throw you away. Do you not care for anything I've done for you, you stupid little girl?"

Finally, I let go and stepped back. Gretel gasped for air. Her eyes were wide and terrified and filled with tears. I saw the mark I left around her neck. After a minute of trying to breathe normally again, she lowered her head and sobbed quietly before she whispered something. I spoke harshly.

"Speak up."

She spoke quietly.

"I-i'm s-sorry… Y-you were r-right… P-please don't be m-mad at m-me, big b-brother…"

She went to me and hugged me tightly. The same way Ruby did. But I kept my arms to my side. It amused me how broken the three of them were. But thinking about canon, I realized the cracks were always there.

Ruby had lost her mother. Yang had been abandoned by her own and forced to grow up to watch her sister after the death of her 'real' mom. And even though both Hansel and Gretel only existed in this world, there were still cracks. Both attempted to ignore the loss of their parents and because of that, they both never really moved on. Yang and Ruby helped them but it wasn't enough.

And seeing his sister Gretel, my sister now, sob into me, I realized my sister revealed a secret to me without really telling me herself. All her actions pointed to this conclusion. Her anger and jealousy over a friend who lost her guardian. Her anger at me for allowing Ruby to identify me as her 'father'. Us telling the other we love each other.

Gretel revealed her biggest weakness.

She loved her brother.

And she would do anything he asked to keep his love.

Anything.

Well, fuck, that got dark. Hansel's true self was nearly revealed to his sister due to her possibly ruining his plans from the get go. I doubt he would have killed her. Especially, after the death of Taiyang. I admit my feelings on writing that were shown off the first line of the story and this chapter. I was going to gloss over it and just write smut but more plot came to mind and I decided to make that a subplot of sorts for this story. After all, social standing aside and a few other ideas, this story would be pretty boring if Hansel didn't fail. And trust me, Hansel will make mistakes and he will have to fix them. Either through using his brain or murder. Or in other ways. The next chapter will see a return to school and a very quick change in Hansel's social standing as well as meeting many characters.

Anyway, thanks for reading!