Chapter Twenty: Dreaming Alone

"Your hair's gotten longer…" Weiss mused aloud as she absentmindedly ran her fingers through her wife's hair.

"That a bad thing?" Coco replied in drowsy a voice.

"No," Weiss hummed, her hand stilling. "I like it, you should grow it out." The head resting on her chest stirred before rising up. Weiss blinked and smiled, amused by the shaggy mess covering Coco's face. "But maybe you should get those bangs trimmed. It's starting to get into your eyes."

"Remind me to do that later then," Coco said as she pushed herself up by the elbows and kissed Weiss on the forehead. "You feel like getting up yet?"

"No," Weiss replied, draping her arms around Coco's neck. She pulled her back down and captured her lips, stealing a few more kisses before saying "I want to stay in bed a little longer."

"We can do that," Coco replied, kissing her back. "We still have plenty of time before Chrys wakes up."

Weiss let out a soft laugh and she stared into Coco's eyes, her heart swelling with emotion. Weiss cherished the lazy mornings where all they did was talk in low whispers and make love until they couldn't hold life back anymore. She never imagined things could be so peaceful with Coco, especially with how their story started, but here they were living out a fantasy; Christmas really was a magical day.

"Just think, it might not be just Chrys waking us up next year," Coco laughed.

"Ugh," Weiss sighed tiredly, "are you sure you really want another baby?"

"Yeah, I think it'd be fun."

"For you maybe," Weiss groused. "For me it's fun for five minutes then it's nine months of discomfort and agony."

"Hey—it's seven," Coco argued with a playful smirk. Weiss rolled her eyes. "Aw, don't be like that, Blue. Think about it, Chrys is getting older, we're financially stable, and…"

"Happy?" Weiss offered.

"Yeah," Coco smiled, going in for a quick kiss. "We're happy."

"But is it really the best time?" Weiss asked when Coco pulled back. "We just invested a lot of money into your restaurant and Ozpin hasn't been clear if the teaching position's mine or not; I might not have a job when we move to Vale."

"It's fine," Coco said reassuringly as she kissed the deep crinkle forming between Weiss' brows. "We have more than enough saved. But if you're really worried, you can always take the Vale branch by storm and boot that asshole out of office. You know how badly Mama wants you there instead."

"No thank you," Weiss said as she pushed her wife's face away from hers. "I don't want to go into that office ever. Lord knows it'll light up like a Polrock painting under a black light."

"Your office isn't clean either, princess," Coco pointed out.

"And whose fault is that?" Weiss shot back with a telling blush on her face.

"Guilty as charged," Coco said, smirking triumphantly as she settled down, her warm breath tickling Weiss' bare skin.

Weiss rolled her eyes. "You are shameless."

"Once again," Coco chuckled, "there is no lie."

"A little humility would do you some good," Weiss said, pinching Coco's cheek.

"Most people would say my confidence is sexy," Coco said with certainty as she pulled Weiss' hand away and kissed her palm. "Don't worry so much," she murmured, "we're going to be okay."

"I hate that I believe you," Weiss in defeat.

"Mm, haven't failed you yet, have I?"

"No, no you haven't…" Weiss whispered as she closed her eyes and settled under Coco's familiar warmth and weight. She could feel sleep starting to take her; a brief nap wouldn't hurt. "I really do like seeing you with longer hair."

"Really?"

"Mm, it suits you."

"Maybe I will grow it out then…" Coco said sleepily. "Hey, Blue?"

"Hm?"

"Je t'aime."

A loud rumbling buzz startled Weiss, jolting her awake. She reached out to grab her scroll off the nightstand to shut it off before it woke her completely, but instead of landing on lacquered wood, her hand landed on soft cotton sheets. Dread immediately filled the pit of Weiss' stomach as her eyes fluttered open and she realized she had been dreaming alone.

Not wanting to give up hope just yet, Weiss quickly pushed herself up by the elbows and scanned the room praying this was all just a dream. But the longer she stared the more she felt her heart sink. This was her new bedroom.

Swallowing hard, Weiss blinked back the tears as her dream faded away and reality took root. Her scroll was still vibrating on her nightstand begging for attention, but Weiss wasn't in the right mind to deal with it. It settled down a second later, the screen lighting up with a missed message. Weiss stared at it blankly hoping it would buzz again, but it didn't and she was left alone with her thoughts.

"Damn it, not again," Weiss cursed as she fell back into bed with a heavy sigh. She closed her eyes as she touched her lips, thinking back to the kiss in her dreams. It felt so real, but something was definitely off like the person she kissed was still learning. And that's when it hit her. "Ruby…"

Weiss instantly felt a billion times worse. The haze of her dream world had completely vanished and the events that transpired not too long ago came rushing back, clear as day. Weiss could still feel the searing heat of Ruby's tender touch all over her body and the passion each kiss held. Weiss turned on her side and brought her knees up to her chest. What had she done?

Weiss turned the picture frame around and stared at her wife's face, hoping it would give her some clarity, but it sent her down memory lane instead.

Weiss had taken the picture two years ago at a local park for a birthday party Chrys had been invited to. Coco spent most of the day playing with the children and talking to the dads by the grill, exchanging stories and bad jokes. Weiss had a less eventful time and quietly watched from the sidelines with a virgin martini and the moms brave enough to sit beside her. Halfway through someone's "hilarious" story of their lazy husband and how lucky lesbians were, Weiss took out her scroll and casually snapped a photo of her wife. Coco must have sensed the camera because she turned to it with a smile so brilliant it still stole Weiss' breath away.

Weiss clawed at her chest as a fresh wave of tears stung her eyes. She had wasted so many years denying what she truly felt from the beginning. This disgusting, childish side of Weiss was a huge part of their problems as a couple, but Coco always took in stride and loved her all the same.

"I'm sorry," Weiss sobbed, "I'm so sorry…"

Coco hadn't been perfect. She was cold and calculating with a mean streak several miles long and enough notches on her bedpost to match it. But Weiss tolerated it since she wasn't much better. She was probably even worse since she only chose Coco for purely selfish reasons. But egoism aside, what annoyed Weiss the most about the woman she married was how Coco always hid behind her sunglasses, watching and waiting like a viper in the grass, never letting her thoughts be known. She had built these unscalable walls around her heart with devastating traps all around. Though, there were instances where she let them down long enough to show she cared, Weiss just chose to ignore them because she was so used to the lies that rolled off Coco's silver tongue like warm honey.

"I am so, so, so sorry," Weiss cried as she held Coco's photo tight against her chest. But no matter how close it got, it couldn't fill the void Coco's death had caused. "I wish I could go back and change things… I miss you so much."

If Weiss could pinpoint one moment in her life and call it her biggest regret, it wouldn't be the time she foolishly agreed to sex on a first date or getting pregnant at such a young age, it was telling her wife she could go have lunch with her friend instead of staying home to help pack. Coco had even asked twice to make sure it was okay and Weiss foolishly said yes to both times, even kissed her goodbye and pushed her out of the door. If Weiss had known it would have been their last kiss, she would have held onto Coco for longer and begged her to stay. That one moment. That one god damn moment.

Weiss screamed into her pillow, letting everything out. And when she regained her breath, she screamed again and again until she was exhausted. Her throat hurt and her body was sore from being so tense, but mentally she was okay. Her mind was clear and the anger she felt boiling beneath the surface had simmered down. Weiss could breathe again.

Bzz-bzz.

Groaning, Weiss mustered up the energy to roll over and get her scroll, leaving Coco's picture on the bed next to her. She had twenty-one new emails and four texts from Ruby. Weiss checked her email inbox first to make sure nothing was marked urgent. One angry email from Hawthorne, five happy birthday wishes from colleagues, and the rest were from the section chiefs she had scheduled to keep things running. They all emailed her with a brief work update and their collective gratitude for the Christmas party. Neptune had been the one to plan and execute that so she cc'd him in a few and summarized the rest in a separate email.

After getting work out of the way, Weiss nervously opened Ruby's texts and read each one carefully. She was worried something had gone terribly wrong, but Ruby had proven herself worthy again by taking Chrys out for a late lunch like she promised. The relief had been instantaneous, but the guilt from before still gnawed on Weiss' conscience.

Weiss called Neptune on instinct and patiently waited for him to pick up.

"Hello, icy mama!" he said upon answering. Weiss could hear loud music and raucous laughter in the background. "What can the queen of the fishy sea do for you?"

Snorting out a laugh, Weiss pulled her knees up to her chest and sighed. "Hi, Neptune."

"What's wrong?" Neptune immediately asked, his joyful tone all but gone.

"Everything," Weiss muttered. "I did something stupid."

"Did you use protection?" he asked jokingly.

"Yes," Weiss shyly replied, wondering how he'd take the surprise.

"Uh," Neptune paused, "so you and Ruby…?"

"Yes, Neptune…"

"By the sound of your voice my girl Ruby finished early."

"What?!" Weiss blushed. "How the hell would you know that?"

Neptune let out a roaring laugh and said, "Bitch, I know you. And I know that pussy of yours is harder please than the meanest bitch I know."

"What?"

"Moving on, moving on," Neptune giggled. "You didn't call me just to hear my voice. What do you need?"

"I… I actually did just call to hear your voice," Weiss murmured.

"Hold up, honey—SHUT UP, QUEEN! No one likes you!b" Neptune screamed away from the receiver. "I don't care, bitch. This ain't your house—ugh, one second, Weiss. I gotta put an extra dumb ho in her place."

"Er, take your time?"

Neptune hung up but called again a few minutes later, sounding much clearer.

"Sorry about that, mama," he said with a tired sigh. "What do you need? Do you need me to get you—where are you? I'll come get you. Wait, where's Ruby? Did she leave you high and dry—ohhh, if she did, I'mma untuck and talk some sense into her!"

"It's okay, I'm at home," Weiss said, chuckling at her best friend's absurdity. "And Ruby's out getting Chrys for me. She's being an exceptional girlfriend, don't worry."

"Oh, they're spending time together, that's good!" Neptune said in a much calmer tone.

"Mm…"

"Buuut," he said, "why do you not sound excited by that?"

"Because!" Weiss huffed. "I'm worried they'll get into a fight…"

Neptune laughed again and said, "Have a little faith in Chrys. She may be young, but she has a good head on her shoulders; you and Coco raised her right. Plus, Ruby is impossible not to love."

"I suppose," Weiss said. "So what just happened and where are you exactly?"

"I'm at a party with a few friends. And that hyena in heat you heard cackling in the background, yeah, she's this ratchet ass lookin' ho in a cheap Party Barn wig calling herself a drag queen," Neptune explained in his sassiest tone. "No one knows who invited her or why she's even here, but everybody's too nice to kick her out. We honestly just think she snuck in for the free food and booze."

Weiss stifled a giggle and asked, "Why don't you kick her out then?"

"Bitch, you don't think I haven't tried?" Neptune said. "I told her straight up that I'd help her pack, but she thought I was joking and laughed."

Weiss lost it at that and they both laughed until their hard their sides hurt. But all the jokes and teasing couldn't erase the main reason why Weiss called.

"I don't think I was ready," Weiss said in a low, hesitant tone after she regained her breath.

"What makes you say that?"

Weiss scrunched up her nose, unsure of what to say. "It was hard to stay focused… and I found myself comparing."

"Oh?"

"It wasn't bad though," Weiss quickly added in Ruby's defence. "Ruby was… really good for her first time—better than I expected actually."

"My girl probably did some research."

"Maybe," Weiss said. "Well, it was still leagues better than my first time."

"R. I. P to your pussy, baby," Neptune snickered.

"Shut up, Neptune," Weiss huffed in annoyance. "I'm trying to be serious here."

"You're talking to a man in a dress rocking clown realness," Neptune argued. "Serious ain't happenin' here."

"I take you plenty serious in drag, Nep, you know I do."

Neptune chuckled ruefully and sighed. "Okay, you got me. I'm a little buzzed and silly, but for you I'll put on my big boy panties and be serious."

"Thank you."

But this was Neptune and he always found a way to rib Weiss.

"So how big was she?" he asked like a catty gossip.

"Neptune!" Weiss screeched.

"Sorry," Neptune giggled. "I saw my chance and had to take it. But for real, no more jokes."

"I don't know if I trust you…"

"Promise."

Weiss sighed and took him for his word. "Look, I just… how do get comfortable being with someone else? A part of me recoiled whenever Ruby touched me. And when it was over, I shut down for a bit."

"Hm… this is kind of tricky," Neptune replied. "It was really hard the first time for me since I thought me and my boyfriend would be together forever, but you and Coco were forever and now you're…"

"Ugh… I hate this," Weiss groaned.

"Take it slow, honey," Neptune said softly. "You enjoyed yourself somewhat, right?"

"Mm…"

"And Ruby treated you right? Didn't force you into anything?"

"No," Weiss smiled. "She was sweet and thoughtful… I was the one that pushed us into it. But the ironic thing is, I was the one constantly asking if she was ready. God, Nep, how stupid do I sound right now?"

"Not at all, baby," Neptune replied. "I think you were ready to take this step with Ruby, but you got caught up in that pretty little head of yours because there is no way you'd do something you didn't want to."

"I really didn't have any issues with the things we did before," Weiss said hesitantly. "So why now?"

"Only you can answer that," Neptune replied. "But maybe you should ask Ruby if you guys can slow down a bit until you figure things out. I'm sure she'll understand."

"You mean take a break?" Weiss asked in surprise. "I don't know, Neptune…"

"I never said that," he chuckled. "You really like Ruby, you're just a little confused. Whatever you two have, it's a good thing and you need to hold onto it. Plus, can you imagine the heartbroken look on Ruby's face when you ask for some distance? Ugh, it'd be like kicking a puppy."

Weiss gnawed on her bottom lip, that guilty feeling in the pit of her stomach growing more substantial by the second.

"You're quiet," Neptune pointed out. "What did you do?"

"I told you I shut down for a bit when we finished…" Weiss said. "She tried to keep going, but I was just done. I didn't want her to touch me anymore… I was really cold to her, Nep."

"Oh, honey," Neptune sighed, "you owe that girl an apology."

"I know…" Weiss said, "but there's another thing."

"Oh no…"

"She told me she loved me."

"Uh, what?"

"She told me she loved me," Weiss repeated with more emphasis on her words to leave nothing to question.

"What did you say?"

"I told her the truth… I don't know if I can ever fully return her feelings."

"I know you enough to know there's a 'but' in there," Neptune said.

Weiss smiled. "And right you are as always. I told her that if I could, it would definitely be with her."

"That's a good step," Neptune cheered. Weiss could practically hear the smile in his voice. "You should talk to her, Weiss. Like, really talk to her. I know she's young and that this is her first relationship, but if she cares about you enough to say she loves you—and really mean it—then I think she'll understand."

"I think so too," Weiss agreed.

"Do you feel a little better now?"

"I do, thank you," Weiss said. "You should go back to your party."

"Only if you're sure you don't need me anymore."

"I'll always need you, Neptune," Weiss said. "I love you, now go—but don't drink too much! You still have to pick up the catering later tonight."

"Oh, honey, did you really think Ciel would trust me with something so important?" he laughed. "I switched with her last week. I'll be picking up our mama."

"In full drag?"

Neptune snorted. "Of course in full drag! I didn't waste an hour putting on my best clown makeup for these ugly bitches."

"If you say so," Weiss said. "Drive safe."

"I will. Bye, honey."

Weiss ended the call and laid in bed, thinking about everything Neptune said. Her best friend made a lot of sense and Weiss was hard-pressed not to trust his judgement. She eventually willed herself out of bed and back into the ugly Christmas sweater and a pair of white skinny jeans Neptune snuck into her wardrobe. Unfortunately, Weiss didn't have much energy and went from lazing around in bed to lazing about on the couch, waiting for Ruby and Chrys to come back home.

Time seemed to slow down exponentially in comparison to the thoughts racing in Weiss' head. She hated how an actual moment of peace was ruined with her dramatic overthinking. Thankfully, after what felt like hours vegetating on the couch, the door opened.

Weiss was immediately on her feet greeting Ruby and Chrys with newfound energy and a warm smile. But as the awkward pleasantries continued, Weiss noticed something was off when they both refused to show her what they were hiding behind their backs.

"What's going on?" Weiss asked, worried.

"It's okay," Ruby said, signalling for Weiss to be patient as she knelt down to Chrys' level. "Just like we rehearsed," she whispered encouragingly. "You got this, Chrys."

Chrys bravely nodded her head before walking past Ruby to look up at Weiss. "These are for you, Mama," she said, offering Weiss a bouquet of roses. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you, mon coeur," Weiss said, accepting the flowers graciously. She instinctively went for a hug, but stopped herself short when Chrys flinched. Weiss dropped her hand to her side, heartbroken.

Chrys immediately apologized when she saw the devastated look on Weiss' face and tried to reach out but something held her back, keeping her away from take the step she needed to reach Weiss.

"Mama, I…" Chrys stuttered out, eyes wide with uncertainty.

"They're beautiful," Weiss replied tearfully, holding the lovely bouquet of roses the way she should have held her daughter. "I love them."

"You're welcome," Chrys murmured, her eyes set on the floor.

"She, uh, picked them out herself," Ruby awkwardly chimed in. She held out a single red rose and gave it to Weiss. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you, Ruby," Weiss replied with a strained smile. She had realized her mistake the moment Ruby and Chrys came home with roses. She had been so absorbed in her own thoughts that she had completely forgotten about Chrys and Coco's year tradition. This was going to be another thing to make up for.

"Soo…" Ruby scooted closer to Chrys, "someone has something really important to say to you."

"Who?" Weiss asked, innocently playing along.

"Yeah, I wonder who," Ruby chuckled, nudging Chrys. "You were so talkative before, don't be shy now."

"Chryssie?" Weiss said as she knelt down in front of her daughter. "Do you have something you need to tell me?" Chrys nervously looked down at her shoes and nodded her head. "I'm listening."

"I'm sorry…" Chrys murmured. "I've been a bad girl."

Weiss quirked an eyebrow. "What makes you say that?"

"You asked me not to go out too much and to help you with the decorating, but I didn't and made you upset…" Chrys wiped away the tears forming in her eyes, but she was quickly growing frustrated. "I'm sorry," she said again. "I'm really, really sorry… I didn't mean to. Please don't be mad at me anymore."

"Oh, mon coeur," Weiss whispered as she knelt down and set the flowers aside. She enveloped Chrys in the tightest hug her arms could muster. "Don't cry, it okay."

"I'm sorry," Chrys cried, hugging Weiss back. "I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry, Mama."

"It's okay," Weiss cooed as she gently stroked Chrys hair, "you're forgiven."

"I'll help with the decorating, a-and I'll stop spending so much time with my friends."

"I'll appreciate that," Weiss chuckled.

"I'm sorry," Chrys sniffled.

Weiss wiped away Chrys' tears and runny nose with her cuff. "No more tears, mon coeur, you aren't in trouble," she said softly.

"Okay."

"Buuut…" Weiss drawled, "if you really want to make things up to me, there's something I want you to do."

Chrys perked up and eagerly nodded her head, biting at the chance to make things right.

"Good," Weiss smiled. "Now that you're calmer, I need you to listen to me carefully."

"Okay!"

"I want you to go take a bath and get into the sweater Mémère sent you."

The world seemed to come crashing down around Chrys when she heard Weiss' stipulation for forgiveness.

"Anything but that," Chrys begged. "I'll do my homework—I'll take out the trash! Please, anything but that, Mama!"

"Chrys," Weiss said sternly. "I thought we had a deal?"

"But it's itchy…" Chrys pouted.

Weiss rolled her and pointed to the sweater she wore. "If I have to wear one then so do you."

"But…" Chrys wanted to protest some more, but instead she sighed and obediently nodded her head. "Okay, Mama, I will."

"Good girl," Weiss said, patting Chrys' head.

Chrys stepped away from Weiss and walked up to Ruby. "May I have my flower back now?"

"Good job, Chryssie," Ruby said, giving Chrys a high-five and the flower she'd been keeping safe. "I knew you could do it."

"But I went off script," Chrys pouted.

"What script?" Weiss asked.

Ruby let out a nervous laugh and tried to explain. But the more she spoke, the more she stumbled over her words and worsened the glare on Weiss' face. Thankfully, Chrys took pity on them both.

"It's nothing bad, Mama. Ruby and I were just thinking of things to say when we got back, but I forgot most of what we said—oh, look at what a nice mister gave me!" Chrys showed off her gift with pride. "Isn't it pretty?"

But Weiss wasn't amused and it showed on her face. Chrys shrank back a bit, but she held her ground and kept her back straight.

"What did I say about talking to strangers?" Weiss asked.

"Not to. But if it's your papa, call the police," Chrys replied with an exasperated eyeroll. "I know the rules, Mama. It was okay though, Ruby was with me the entire time."

Weiss looked to Ruby. "Well?"

"She never left my side once," Ruby said in Chrys' defence. "And the guy really was respectful."

"Alright, if you say so," Weiss nodded, immediately trusting Ruby's words. A tiny voice in her head yelled at her for putting so much faith in a woman she'd only known for four months, but an even louder voice told her it was the right decision. "I hope I don't have to remind you to be careful with her."

"Don't worry, Weiss," Ruby grinned, "I won't let anything happen to her on my watch."

"Yeah! Ruby took good care of me," Chrys chimed in, wrapping her arms around Ruby's midsection. "But I don't think she liked Mrs. Abernathy much… we got out of there really fast."

"Oh no, what did she do?" Weiss asked with a relaxed smile.

"She, uh," Ruby nervously rubbed the back of her neck, "got a little handsy."

"How handsy?"

"Just a little…" Ruby said, pinching her thumb and forefinger together. "She also wants to 'chat' with you, but I'm pretty sure she just wants to gossip."

Weiss rolled her eyes and sighed. "I do not like that woman or that entitled little brat she calls her angel."

"Should you be saying that about Chrys' friend?" Ruby asked.

"She's not my friend," Chrys said without hesitation or mercy.

"Then why do you hang out with her?"

"Schoolyard politics," Chrys shrugged.

"Yeah, uh-huh, about that," Ruby said, "I still don't get it."

"They can't pick on other kids if I'm around," Chrys explained. "They think they can get to me by pretending to like me, but the jokes on them! I think they're dumb."

Ruby pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. "I shouldn't have asked."

"Welcome to my world," Weiss muttered. "Anyway, Chrys, bath. Now."

"Yes, Mama," Chrys obliged. But before she walked away, she pushed Ruby towards Weiss and said, "Nice hustle, Ruby."

"Uh, thanks?" Ruby blinked, still utterly confused.

With Chrys gone, Ruby and Weiss were left alone, standing in awkward silence. They both had their eyes trained on the hallway expecting Chrys to pop back out unannounced. But when the shower turned on, they breathed a sigh of relief and fell into each other's arms.

"Hey," Ruby said, kissing the top of Weiss ' head, "are you feeling better?"

"Huh?" Weiss tilted her head.

"Earlier, after we...y'know… you, uh, were kind of off," Ruby hesitantly explained.

"Oh! Oh… Ruby, I am so sorry about that!" Weiss apologized. "I didn't mean to, I just—"

"Had a lot on your mind?" Ruby offered with a kind smile. Weiss meekly nodded her head. "It's okay, I understand. You don't have to explain either."

"Fine," Weiss acquiesced, "but I still owe you an apology. I was cold and distant when you probably felt just as confused. I'm sorry."

"Hey, it's okay," Ruby chuckled, tightening her arms around Weiss. "But the apology is greatly appreciated. Thank you."

"I really am sorry…"

"And I'm saying it's alright," Ruby said. "I also said some pretty serious things and caught you off guard."

Weiss nodded. "I was plenty caught off guard, but… it did make me happy to know you feel so strongly about me."

"I do," Ruby said, kissing Weiss' forehead. "I love you so much I can barely contain it."

"I care a lot about you, Ruby," Weiss smiled, getting up on her tiptoes to kiss Ruby's lips. "Thank you for understanding."

"Anytime, Wild Thing," Ruby replied, going in for one more kiss. "But there is one thing…"

"Hm?"

"Chrys used her debit card to buy those flowers… I can pay you back for them," Ruby sighed, "in instalments."

"Don't worry," Weiss chuckled. "The money in that card is Chrys'. She can do whatever she wants with it."

"Are you sure?" Ruby asked. "I don't want her to get in trouble for this."

Weiss smiled and kissed Ruby's cheek. "I'm certain. And I promise she won't get in trouble."

The shower stopped, signalling the near end of their time alone. Weiss reluctantly pulled away from Ruby and helped her pull her coat off, taking her car keys back in the process.

"So I've been meaning to ask, what happened when you got Chrys?" Weiss said, bringing Ruby a glass of eggnog and leaving one out for Chrys. "She was… being strangely affectionate with you."

"Oh!" Ruby grinned. "I think I got her permission to date you."

"Excuse me, what?"

"Yeah," Ruby nodded. "We talked a bit about what she was thinking and she was more worried about being a nuisance to us than anything else. She said something about her friend's dad not wanting to be around her anymore because of his new girlfriend. Do you know something about that?"

"Ah, I think I get the picture now," Weiss said, sitting on the couch next to Ruby. "Do you remember Heizell from Halloween?"

Ruby nodded. "The cute but nosy kid? Yeah, I remember her."

"Well, her parents recently separated and she's been going back and forth between them," Weiss explained. "She's slept over quite a few times to try and get away from it and give her mother some space… but I overhear her crying each night asking Chrys why her parents won't stop fighting."

"That's…" Ruby choked back a sob, "that's awful."

"There isn't much I can do other than offer support," Weiss sighed. "And that little shit, Angelle, she's had it out for Heizell ever since the news got out. The only thing stopping it is Chrys playing nice."

"That's really noble of her," Ruby said, taking Weiss' hand.

"It's in the name," Weiss smiled. "'Adel' means nobility and the family actually dates back to a group of knights serving the King of Atlas before the monarchy was abolished… I'm… the black stain on that legacy."

"Why would you say that, Weiss?" Ruby asked. "You're the most noble person I know!"

"You wouldn't say that if you knew about my roots…"

"Are you a tree?" Ruby gasped. "A ficus?"

"Ruby," Weiss glowered, "being serious here."

"Sorry, couldn't help myself," Ruby blushed. "But for real, your family sounds awful."

"My biological ties to those people don't make them my family," Weiss snapped. "Only my sister has the right to that claim."

"Sorry," Ruby shrunk back, "I didn't mean to…"

"It's fine, Ruby," Weiss said, taking a calming breath. "Please, let's just drop this topic for now. I'll open up about them someday, but for now, with everything that's going on, I just need some time to process things."

"I understand," Ruby said.

"Thank you."

They settled on a much lighter topic shortly after and discussed how they'd fix the Christmas catastrophe Weiss caused in her living room. Partway through the conversation, Chrys joined them on the couch wearing a red and white sweater with her hair done up in a side-ponytail like Weiss'.

"It's itchy," Chrys grumbled, furiously scratching her neck. "Do I really have to wear this?"

"Your mémère knit you that sweater herself," Weiss said, reaching over to brush the hair out of Chrys' eyes. "And if I have to wear mine, then you most certainly have to as well—don't pout. You aren't going to win this."

"Lame," Chrys grumbled with her arms crossed.

"Well, I think it looks cute," Ruby said.

"You say that now, but once Maman learns about"—Weiss glanced towards Chrys who was busy scratching her neck again—"us, there's a good chance she'll send one for you next year."

"Next year?" Ruby asked with a hopeful look in her eyes.

Weiss nodded, eyes still on Chrys. "You did say you were in this for the long haul, correct?"

"I am," Ruby confirmed.

"Itchy!" Chrys groaned as she scratched her forearms. "Mama, it's really itchy! I don't want to wear this!"

Weiss stopped Chrys' hand and pulled up her sleeve, revealing deep red marks all across her skin. She pulled down the collar and revealed the same angry marks around Chrys' neck.

"Go change, Chrys," Weiss relented. "But wear something your mémère bought you at least."

"Thank you!" Chrys shouted, hugging Weiss' neck tight.

After Chrys ran off, Ruby let out a quiet giggle and said, "She totally played you."

"She did…" Weiss sighed, rubbing her eyes. "Let's just fix the decorations before I lose my mind any further."

"Right behind you, beautiful," Ruby said, getting up and following Weiss.

They spent the next few hours deconstructing the mess Weiss' perfectionism caused and created something simple but beautiful. And every step of the way, Ruby asked for Chrys' opinion and Weiss got to watch them laugh and play. It brought a tear to her eye thinking about how this was hopefully going to be their new normal. The hole in her heart caused by Coco's death would probably be there forever, but Ruby was slowly picking up the pieces and making something entirely new.

Four hours and far too many eggnogs later, the door to Weiss' apartment flew open and a stunning woman with a thick mane of blue hair strutted in, her silver sequence dress catching the lights brilliantly.

"Mother… has arrived," she announced dramatically, stepping aside to reveal another gorgeous woman in a thick fur coat.

"Oh, Neptune, you and your theatrics," Amélia laughed as she caressed Neptune's cheek lovingly.

"Only for you, Mama."

"Mémère!" Chrys shouted as she shot towards thp

e woman and hugged her tight.

"Ma vie," Amélia tearfully cooed, "I have missed you so."

Rolling her eyes, Weiss got up from the couch and marched up to the door to check the wall where the doorknob crashed into it. Thankfully, the only damage done was a grey mark Weiss managed to wipe off. She called Neptune a nuisance, but he laughed her off saying the entrance was worth the tongue-lashing he'd get later.

"Uh… Neptune, that you?" Ruby asked, approaching the giant raccoon standing in Weiss' kitchen.

"Hi, gorgeous," Neptune waved.

"Who's this?" Amélia asked.

"That's Ruby!" Chrys announced, practically drowning in the fur of her grandmother's coat. "She's mama's new girlfriend."

"Chrys!" Weiss winced.

"'Girlfriend'?" Amélia repeated with a curious glance towards Weiss. "This is the first I'm hearing about this…"

"Maman, I can explain," Weiss said, taking a tentative step towards her mother-in-law.

"Oh, this is going to be good," Neptune said as he took a seat to watch the events unfold.

"Um…" Ruby gulped, shrinking under Amélia Adel's overpowering presence. "Hi?"

Amélia slipped out of Chrys' embrace and circled around Ruby, eyeing her carefully from head to toe. She hummed in thought before walking back to Chrys.

"You have a type, mon trésor," Amélia announced.

"Excuse me?" Weiss quirked an eyebrow.

"Ruby was it?" Amélia asked with a pleasant smile. Ruby nodded, practically shaking in her socks. "You are quite the specimen…"

"Um… thank you?" Ruby hesitantly replied, looking to Weiss for help, but there wasn't anything she could do when Amélia was involved.

"Surely you see a pattern here, mon trésor," Amélia said to Weiss with a sly, knowing smirk. She covered Chrys' ears and whispered, "Do you use protection?"

"Maman, please, not now," Weiss hissed in warning.

"No use hiding it from me," Amélia laughed. "I know you far too well."

"Um…" Ruby blushed.

"Aw, look at her!" Amélia cooed. "She's so cute! Where did you find her?"

"In a coffee shop," Weiss chuckled.

Amélia gasped. "And they met at a coffee shop… how romantic."

"Maman, please," Weiss begged, "don't tease her too much."

"Fine," Amélia relented. "Honestly, mon trésor, you're no fun."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Weiss grumbled. "Now, where's your luggage?"

"Neptune put it in the other apartment already," Amélia replied. "Always so uptight, you need to relax."

"Yeah, Mama, relax!" Chrys snickered.

"I don't need to hear that from a girl who doesn't take a day offs," Weiss shot back as she went to take Amélia's coat. "Did you have a good flight, Maman?"

"About as good as a twelve hour flight in a private jet can get," Amélia replied. "Ruby, darling, tell me a little bit about yourself."

"Oh, um… what do you want to know?" Ruby nervously replied.

"Anything," Amélia said. "I want to know more about the young lady that has tamed my wild flower."

"'Wild flower'?" Ruby slyly grinned. "I call her something kind of similar."

"Oh no…" Weiss groaned. "Ruby, please don't."

"Ignore her," Amélia laughed. "I want to know."

"Hey, Wild Thing," Ruby practically purred.

"Ruby, I am going to kill you," Weiss said with a pleasant smile.

"No she won't," Neptune chimed in. "She's been threatening to kill me for years and yet I'm still here."

"You're on thin ice, Neptune," Weiss growled. "Extremely thin ice."

"Uh-huh, uh-huh, yes, and?"

Amélia let out a loud laugh and patted the top of Weiss' head before drawing her into her arms and holding her tight.

"Now, now, mon trésor," Amélia cooed, "no need for threats of violence tonight. Save that for tomorrow when the hangover sets in."

"But, Maman…"

"Shh…"

"Ugh," Weiss groaned.

"Now, where is my Ciel?" Amélia asked. "I thought she'd be here by now."

"She's out getting the catering," Neptune answered. "She should be here soon."

Amélia nodded then turned to Ruby. "Will you be joining us?"

"Oh, uh, n-no… I got my own thing going on back home," Ruby said. "I was only here to help with the decorating."

"Did Weiss over do it?"

Ruby nodded. "She over did it."

"I hate you so much right now," Weiss muttered with a glare.

"No you don't," Chrys said.

Weiss rolled her eyes and gave up the fight before anyone else could gang up on her. "What time do you need to head out?" she asked.

Ruby looked at the clock and pouted. "Now actually. Yang wanted me home about an hour ago."

"Give me a minute, there's something I want you to give her," Weiss said, slipping out of Amélia's embrace. And by the time she got back from rummaging in her home office, Ruby was ready to get going. "Oh, you're back to the Santa hat."

"Yeah, I totally forgot I wore it here," Ruby chuckled nervously when Amélia leaned in a little too close for comfort. "Force of habit to wear the toque."

"It's cute," Weiss smiled.

"Ew, they're flirting," Neptune spat out in disgust. "Get a room you two."

"No, no, carry on," Amélia devilishly laughed, "this is so adorable. My little wild flower's so sweet and gentle now. What happened to all your thorns?"

"Maman, please!" Weiss whined.

"You should see the face Mama makes when she's texting Ruby," Chrys snickered.

"Chrys, not you too!" Weiss shouted. Chrys stuck her tongue out and laughed, not at all bothered by Weiss' tone. "Behave or no presents."

"Mémère!" Chrys immediately cried. "Mama's not going to give me my presents!"

"Not on my watch she won't!" Amélia said as she scooped Chrys up into her arms. "You are going to get all the presents you want."

"Maman, you're spoiling her," Weiss said.

"She's my only granddaughter, I'm going to spoil her rotten," Amélia replied, showering Chrys with kisses. "Oh I love you, I love you, I love you."

"Mémère, too tight," Chrys wheezed.

"Neptune, be a dear and take our picture," Amélia said, ignoring the child she was squeezing the life out of.

"Yes, Mama," Neptune replied with his scroll already in hand. "Chryssie, smile for the camera."

"Can't… breathe…"

"Quick, while they're distracted." Weiss quickly grabbed Ruby by the wrist and dragged her out into hall before anyone could stop them. "I'm sorry about that."

"It's no problem," Ruby said with a blush. "You're mother-in-law's something else."

"She is… amazing," Weiss said. "I owe her so much."

"I can only imagine," Ruby said. "And Neptune! Holy crap, he looks good—oh, wait, she? Have I been misgendering Neptune this whole time?"

"Neptune's fine with either," Weiss said.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm certain," Weiss smiled. "Now, come along, I'll escort you out."

"You don't have to do that."

"Yes, I do," Weiss said. "I want to kiss you goodbye, but I know those idiots are going to try and sneak a peek."

"To the elevator then!" Ruby announced, taking Weiss' hand. "Oh, what's that you got there?"

Weiss held out the thick manila envelope she'd been carrying and offered it to Ruby. "This is for Yang. My lawyers finally finished drafting up that contract and I want her to read it over. Tell her to highlight and mark any changes she wants to make. And when she's done, have her schedule a meeting with me through Ciel."

"This sounds hella official," Ruby said, taking the envelope. "It's heavy."

"It has to be if she's going to be taking this job."

"Can I see it?"

"If Yang says 'yes,' I don't see why not," Weiss said. "But I do highly recommend she have her own lawyer read through it."

"L-Lawyer?" Ruby blinked.

"Should… I provide her with one?" Weiss hesitantly asked.

Ruby looked at the envelope with a sense of dread Weiss couldn't fathom. When she agreed to take over for Hawthorne, the stack of documents she had to read almost towered over her head. The envelope Ruby held was just a job contract that had a little more meat to it than a regular contract at Nobility inc…. Oh.

"Shit," Weiss winced. "I'm sorry, you two have never had a corporate job before."

"Is a contract like this normal?"

"Mhm," Weiss nodded, "afraid so."

"Wow…"

"But this isn't your average job contract," Weiss clarified. "I am putting a lot of money on the line here and Yang is going to be at the head of it."

"The head?"

"I'm essentially entrusting her, and any employees she decides to hire… with my wife's dream," Weiss said.

"Weiss, what kind of job is this?"

"What does your sister do by trade?"

"She's a—you're building a restaurant," Ruby said with a gasp. "Weiss, this could be…"

"Life changing?" Weiss chuckled. "I know. Nicole did most of the work, all that's really left for me to do is find reliable staff."

"So this is why you were so interested in my sister…"

"Mhm."

"Y'know, for awhile, I kind of thought you had a crush on her," Ruby chuckled.

"What?"

Ruby slung an arm around Weiss' shoulders and kissed her temple. "Sorry," she said, still laughing. "It's just you wouldn't stop asking about her and the things she liked to cook and eat."

"Your sister is far too much like my wife for me to ever be attracted to her," Weiss said, her nose crinkling at the thought of being with another Coco. "I like my sweet, adorable Ruby much better."

"Aw," Ruby gushed, "but you're just saying that. You loved your wife a lot."

"I…" Weiss sighed and shook her head, not knowing why she was even trying to deny the truth, "I do."

"Progress!" Ruby cheered, giving Weiss another kiss. "Y'know, when we met, you always talked so negatively about her. Like, I get it, you were upset, but something's changed."

"Well, you happened," Weiss said, relaxing in Ruby's arms. "And talking to your father has helped a lot as well."

"You're talking to my dad?"

"I am," Weiss said. "He's… a good man that made a mistake. And he loves you and your sister a lot."

"I know," Ruby's hold tightened as she forced those words out.

"Thank you for introducing me to him," Weiss said. "His friendship has really helped change my view."

"What do you guys talk about?" Ruby asked.

"You, Yang… the past…" Weiss replied softly. "He talks about your mother a lot."

"And?"

"That's really all there is to it," Weiss said.

Ruby let go of Weiss and walked up to the elevator panel, keeping her back to Weiss the whole time. Weiss was worried she'd done something wrong when the silence dragged on. But when the elevator reached their floor and the doors opened, Ruby turned around and held her hand out to Weiss.

"I love you, Weiss," Ruby said with a soft smile when Weiss put her hand in hers. "I love you so much."

"What brought this on?" Weiss asked as she followed Ruby into the elevator.

"Just for being you," Ruby said, pulling Weiss into her arms and kissing her. "Dad's actually coming to me and Yang's place for the first time tonight to have dinner with us and Penny. My uncle's flying in too…"

"Tell Tai I said 'hi.' "

"I will," Ruby murmured. "Do you think he's really changed?"

"What do you mean?"

"I'm scared, Weiss… what if he abandons us again?" Ruby asked with a tearful sob.

Weiss gently wiped Ruby's tears away and embraced her. "He isn't going to do that."

"How do you know?" Ruby asked, burying her face in the crook of Weiss' neck.

"Because he told me," Weiss replied, running her hand through Ruby's hair and scratching behind her ear. "He worries a lot about making the same mistake and losing you both again. He fully acknowledges what he did was wrong and he's taking every step necessary to make sure he doesn't repeat it. Your father loves you, Ruby. He just needs a chance to prove it."

"Okay," Ruby nodded. "I'll give him a chance…"

"That's a good girl," Weiss said. "You're going to make him so happy tonight."

"Mm," Ruby shrugged.

The elevator dinged and the door opened, revealing the main lobby. Clicking her tongue, Weiss pressed the "Close Door" button and hit the one to the parking lot.

"Huh?" Ruby blinked. "Are you driving me home?"

"No, Ruby," Weiss chuckled.

"Then why?"

The elevator dinged and opened again, this time in the underground parking lot.

"You'll see in a second. Now come along, Ruby," Weiss said as she led Ruby by the hand. "I know we agreed on no Christmas presents, but let me just give you one thing tonight."

"Uh, you kinda gave me a blowjob earlier…" Ruby whispered.

"I also took your virginity," Weiss replied in a matter-of-fact way, not bothering to lower her tone in the empty parking lot.

"Right… sorry for finishing so soon."

"It happens," Weiss shrugged. "You'll get better with practice."

"Yeah… I guess," Ruby said hesitantly. "So why are we here?"

"You'll see in a second," Weiss replied coyly as she guided Ruby to the sedan. When they reached the car, Weiss turned to Ruby and held the keys out. "Merry Christmas, Ruby."

"What?"

"If you're going to be spending more time with my daughter, you're going to need a reliable mode of transportation," Weiss continued.

"Weiss, no," Ruby said, taking a step back. "You can't just give me a car! What the fuck?!"

"I'm not giving you my car," Weiss chuckled. "I'm letting you borrow it… for an undisclosed amount of time."

"That doesn't make things better—and you know I live in the hood, right?" Ruby said, crossing her arms.

"You might not be if Yang accepts the job," Weiss smiled. "Ruby, please, just take the keys. I'm offering it to you for things in the future."

"What kind of things?" Ruby asked.

"Well, there are times I'm so tied up at work Chrys has to sit in the office with me until she falls asleep on the couch," Weiss said. "Do you know how awful it is working well into the night while your child sleeps in your office instead of her bed?"

"No," Ruby said, scratching the back of her neck. "But in the couch's defence, it is really comfy."

"Okay, you're right about that," Weiss said, shaking her head. "But you understand my point right? An office is no place for a child… and if you have the car, you can take her—only if you aren't busy with school or work, that is."

"I see…"

"There's also your late nights at the university," Weiss added, taking a step forward. She wrapped her arms around Ruby's neck and brought her down until their foreheads touched. I worry about you getting on the bus so late. But with the car, I know you'll get home safe…"

"I can't afford the fuel and insurance stuff, Weiss," Ruby said.

"You don't have to worry about any of that," Weiss said. "It's still my car so any repairs and payments are mine to deal with. There's also a credit card in the glove compartment you can use to refuel or for anything you need to spend on Chrys."

"I can't just spend your money like that," Ruby argued, but her resolve was crumbling faster than the argument. "I'm not with you for your money."

"I know you aren't, Ruby, but it also isn't good to ignore how much I make or pretend it doesn't exist," Weiss said, pulling back to look Ruby in the eye. "Gas and what whatever you spend on Chrys is negligible. And sure you can use it to buy whatever you want without me noticing, but I know you won't."

"Why do you trust me so much?" Ruby asked.

Weiss smiled as she cupped Ruby's cheek. "Because you remind me of my wife and she was the most trustworthy person I knew… and if she was here, she'd trust you too."

"Weiss, I…"

"So please," Weiss said, "take the car."

"Weiss…"

"I trust you, Ruby," Weiss said as she took Ruby's hand and placed the keys in her palm. "If I can trust you with my daughter, I can trust you with my car."

"But what about you?" Ruby asked. "Don't you need it?

Weiss glanced at the two cars parked beside the sedan and said, "Yeah, no, I'm good."

"But…"

"Ruby, darling, if I desperately needed another car, I can go to the dealer ship right now a buy a brand new one off the lot," Weiss laughed. "I can buy two or three if I wanted and still not worry about my bank account. Trust me, Ruby, letting you borrow this one isn't going to bother me."

"Okay…" Ruby said.

"Just be careful with it okay?" Weiss said, brushing the hair out of Ruby's eyes. "And thank you for taking such good care of Chrys today."

"It was no problem," Ruby said with a small smile. "I love you, Weiss."

"I care about you too, Ruby."

They shared a quick kiss before Ruby got into the car and drove off.

Weiss wrapped her arms around herself, finally feeling the cold now that Ruby was gone. She walked back to the elevator and waited patiently for it to come back from whatever floor it was summoned to. When it arrived, Weiss went to press the penthouse button but hesitated. She knew that when she got back up there the mood would be a lot different. Everyone would still all be laughing and smiling, but there would be one crucial person missing in the festivities.

Pressing the button, Weiss let out the breath she'd been holding. She had to be strong. Not just for her sake, but for Chrys and Amélia as well.

Chapter four has been edited.