Winter's POV

I looked down at my watch, cursing under my breath when I realized what time it was. Cases, as usual, were piling up. I'd visited two crime scenes today, one a mob hit and another an arson case. Yang and Jaune did pretty well on their own, which was better than expected given his...issues with bodies.

I waved goodbye to the pair before rushing over to my apartment to change. It was Weiss' birthday and I always took her out to dinner for the occasion. It was nothing fancy, after all, my salary was not nearly as good as hers or anything like what we'd had as kids, but I knew what she liked and I made it a point to do something every year.

It had started when were kids. Of course, back then I would buy her take out or make her something at home with Klein's supervision. The last birthday we had as a "family" was when she was twelve. That happened to be when our father finally admitted to our mother that he had only married her for her money and name. A fight had ensued shortly after, and I remember having to hide Weiss from our father's wrath. I protected her as best I could. At least that's what I'd always told myself.

I could have done better. Maybe. They could have done better too.

With one last deep breath I got out of my car and headed into the restaurant. Enough of that nonsense. Dwelling on the past wouldn't do me any good right now. Today was important. This dinner was important. Even if I was regrettably ten minutes late.

My sister stood from her spot at the table when she saw me and I scowled, asking her to sit. Old habits, I supposed. Not that I was one to talk. Unfortunately these dinners were always...lacking conversation. We did work together after all, though we kept things professional at work. Weiss didn't go out much and I...well I besides Weiss and the Rose-Xiao Long sisters I had nobody I'd consider "hanging out" with. They were the most important people in my life, after all.

"I'll have a glass of red wine," I told the waiter, not missing the flicker that passed over my sister's face. "It's only a glass," I assured.

"Right," she answered, still so tense even as our drinks were sat in front of us.

"So," I began. "How's your day been so far?"

"Well I have four bodies waiting for me," she replied. "One of them is completely charred so it'll be hard to-"

"Weiss." She looked up from the menu, brow furrowed in confusion. "Please don't mention bodies before dinner."

"Oh. Sorry." She seemed to deflate a little, and I internally cringed. I wasn't oblivious but sometimes it was hard to find common ground with my sister.

I hummed as I thought about what to order. "Where did Ruby take you for your birthday this year?"

She sighed and crossed her arms over her chest. "Last weekend she invited me to a fair and dragged me on to bumper cars."

I raised a brow. "Oh really?"

"Yes. Hated waiting in line but the ride...wasn't too bad. Ruby had a lot of fun."

She said it all with a small smile and I fought off a smirk. It was no secret that the brunette had a way of dragging my sister into random situations to get her to have fun, and despite my sister's indignance I knew she enjoyed any time she got to spend with the other pair of sisters, Ruby in particular.

"Careful little sister, sounds like you enjoyed yourself," I replied in a teasing tone.

She scoffed before giving her order to the waiter. He left and we sat in silence for another moment. "Spending time with Ruby is always... interesting," Weiss finally said. "After all, you remember that time she talked you into paintball."

I rolled my eyes. Of course I remembered. I been bruised for the rest of the week. "How those two manage to drag us into random situations is beyond me."

She grinned. "Someone has to make sure they don't hurt themselves."

"True," I replied taking a sip from the glass.

The conversation from there did steer a bit into work related matters. She really needed to stop staying so late. She already had a nickname that no one at the precinct dare say in front of me. I worried about her. I was one to talk though. I spent a lot of time at the precinct myself, practically lived there. Yang was always getting onto me about that, ironically.

Speaking of, she also asked if I knew anything about Yang's new girlfriend outside of how they'd met. I'll admit, I'd been surprised when anything had actually came from that chance meeting, that Yang and this Blake girl had made it official. The other detectives had been talking a lot about how Yang's girl had stormed in wearing her jacket and then the two had disappeared into an empty room. I'd rolled my eyes. These people really had nothing better to do.

"So they're together?"

I hummed in response. "So she says."

"Well I'm glad she's found someone."

I nodded as I finished my meal. I watched as my sister bit her lip. "Something on your mind?"

"Well I was wondering if..." She shook her head. "Never mind."

"Weiss."

"The paper crane," she began hesitantly. "You didn't give me one this year..."

I made a sound of acknowledgment, raising one brow. She fiddled with the napkin, suddenly embarrassed to have asked when I chuckled to myself, carefully taking one of the paper menus and folding it into the required form. "Happy?" I asked as I sat it down in front of her, and slipped my card to the waiter.

Weiss smiled and nodded, taking the crane carefully like it was precious cargo. We walked to the car and I asked her to check the doors and security cameras once she arrived home and to drive carefully. She told me to do the same, turning to hug me. I blinked in surprise and tapped her on the back just as she let go.

I watched her get in her car before following suit.


Yang's POV

It was hard to stop smiling when Blake looked so peaceful dozing on the couch, curled up tight in a throw. A little rest before the New Year celebration began would probably be needed considering Weiss and my sister were coming over. We weren't going to do anything fancy, just order take out and watch a movie or two, but still.

Blake had been hesitant to join us when I'd offered, but I'd seen the resolve in her eyes when I'd said she didn't have to if she wasn't ready to meet them yet. They were two of the most important people in my life after all. I could see how that would be a little nerve wracking, even if there was really nothing to worry about. They'd love Blake.

One step at a time.

"You're staring pretty hard."

I grinned. Blake was a pretty light sleeper. "You're just too adorable."

One gold eye peeked open. "I'm far from adorable."

"Precious," I argued, my grin turning into an admittedly shit-eating one as I leaned forward, propping myself on the arm of the couch as not to accidentally fall on top of her.

The one eye I could see narrowed. "I'm a dangerous badass."

Sleepy Blake was always a delight. She got incredibly feisty when she was sleepy. "Oh so dangerous," I cooed.

I could have sworn I saw something flash across her face just then, and if I'd been able to identify it, I could have seen the ploy coming. But alas, sometimes I'm a simple woman. It happened quickly, almost with one fluid movement on Blake's part I found myself on my back on the couch, Blake's smug grin above me before it softened and she leaned forward to kiss me.

There'd been a lot of little moments like this lately. She still wouldn't talk much about her past, about her experiences with the gang she'd been a part of. That last bit was understandable though. She didn't seem to be proud of it, didn't seem to want to remember. Reminded me of Raven, if I was being honest, though my biological mother tended to wear her mistakes on her chest like scars.

Just as quickly as she had initiated it, Blake was up and gone, stretching her arms above her head as she went toward the door. Oh... Someone was knocking. Huh.

"Must be the take out," she offered slyly. That little... I liked these rare moments where she acted like this though.

It was indeed the take out, and not too soon after we got it all set out and ready did our two guests arrive. Ruby practically tackled hugged Blake. Weiss was more civil, giving Blake a once over before greeting her politely. Weiss had always been a little stiff meeting new people, but it was obvious she didn't have any objections to Blake after a bit of small talk. Round one was a success.

"Oh!" Blake looked over at my sudden sound. "Almost forgot." I lead Blake back to my bedroom and grabbed something from the closet while Ruby and Weiss helped themselves in the kitchen. Smiling, I held out the medium sized package to my girlfriend.

"What is this?" she asked.

"A gift," I answered with a shrug. "Open it."

She hesitated before complying, carefully tearing at the wrapping paper to reveal her gift. "It's a sketchbook."

I nodded. "You said you like to draw so I thought I'd get you a little something."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, not from anger but suspicion. Shit. Did I mess up? Did I remember wrong? "In exchange for what?"

I blinked in surprise. "Um, nothing. It's a gift. I don't expect anything in return."

"Why?"

"Why? Um, because I just wanted to get you something for the holidays," I explained. "I get my family and friends a little something during this time. And you're my girlfriend now so that kind of includes you."

She swallowed. "Oh." That simple sound was almost heartbreaking.

Blake looked from me to the gift and then back again before something settled in her eyes, a different resolve from earlier. She pulled me by my collar and our lips clashed together. I allowed it for a moment before pulling back, cupping her cheek and kissing her forehead.

"Blake, it's yours to have," I told her gently. "No strings attached."

She stared up at me. Really looked at me. It hurt my heart every time I saw that expression, that expression that told me she wasn't used to this unconditional kindness. That ex of hers... That gang of hers... It made my blood boil thinking about what they must have put her through.

"Yang-"

"If you two are making out in there I am leaving!"

Weiss' voice cut through the moment from the living room, and I actually chuckled. Blake blushed hard, hiding her face in my neck even though it was just us here. With one last kiss to the temple I led Blake back into the living room, ignoring Ruby's little grin and Weiss' eye roll.

"Honestly, you're worse than teenagers."

"I was just giving Blake her present," I explained as I sat in front of the couch, Blake taking her seat between my legs and reclining back against my chest, blanket already in hand.

Weiss looked between us. "I can't tell if that's an euphemism or not."

"I could explain it to you sometime, Snow Angel," I replied, my tone teasing as I batted my eyes.

I couldn't tell whose cheeks were redder, Weiss or Blake's. At least Ruby thought it was funny.

And with that, we all finally settled down with our food and put on the movie. It was a pretty decent one. Plenty of action, decent plot, though the characters were a little stiff. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't tuned out part way through once I noticed Blake had dozed off again. She'd mentioned she'd been pretty busy the last few days.

"Well, she didn't last long," Weiss commented.

"She had a long week, so I didn't think she'd make it through the movie anyway," I replied.

"Doesn't help that she was just so comfortable, right sis?" Ruby teased.

I smiled in response before gently lifting her up in my arms. "Alright I'm going to put her to bed," I said, carefully heading back toward my room. "Be right back."

I went inside the bedroom, setting Blake down when I felt her grip on me tighten and she shook her head, muttering something unintelligible. She was groggy but wouldn't let go of my sweater. I couldn't help but laugh, letting her know I'd be back as soon as I let the others know. She hesitated before loosening her grip.

"Sorry but I think I'm going to call it a night," I told the pair. "You can stay as long as you like but I think I'm going to stay with Blake. Ruby, lock up when you leave."

Ruby grinned. "Looks like there will be fireworks tonight, Weiss."

The Schnee rolled her eyes good naturally before getting up. "I'm leaving."

"Wait!" my sister called, grabbing the bag of chips on her way to the door. "We can finish the movie at your place instead!"

I laughed and shook my head, turning off the TV before heading back to the room once I made sure the doors were locked. I lifted up the covers and scooted in next to Blake, who turned over to face me, curling into me. I smiled and kissed her temple and I wrapped an arm around her.

It was early morning when I felt her shift away from me. My eyes opened to find her getting ready. I sighed.

"See you later," I whispered, already preparing to fall back asleep.

There was silence for a bit after that, and I had almost managed to fall asleep again when the bed shifted and I felt warmth press against me. I smiled, wrapping my arms around Blake once again.

"Night, Yang," I heard her whisper.

"Night, Blake."


Blake's POV

I'd never imagined things could go this smoothly, between Yang and I. I'd told her almost everything, some of the things I was most ashamed of. My past as a gang member, the drugs, him. She didn't know his name, didn't know the gang's name, but that was probably for the best. Regardless of the things I had told her, things were good. Amazing, even.

Yang was too kind for her own good, though. Too selfless, I'd began to notice. Today had been a good example. We'd gotten off work about the same time today but had gone to help a co-worker pick up some stuff with her truck. She'd been exhausted but had gone anyway once asked. Once she'd let me know about her change in plans I'd decided to help Junior set up for the night. By the time we both made it to her apartment, we were ready to collapse.

Kicking off our shoes we'd headed straight for bed. I let myself fall on the mattress, hearing her laugh as she threw one of her oversized tees at me to change into.

"How was work?" Yang asked as she crawled under the covers, her voice giving away how close to passing out she was. Still she draped her arm over my waist, something I was quickly becoming accustomed to, her affection, her care. She was like my own personal space heater. A very cuddly space heater.

I hummed in response to her question, kissing her cheek. "Busy."

She made her own sound of acknowledgement, though it was easy to tell she was already drifting. I wasn't too far behind honestly.

Music.

That's the first thing that registers later when I wake. There's music playing in the apartment. A slow, strumming melody that's only a tad bittersweet.

The second thing that registers is that the bed is cold, Yang's warmth long since gone. It's not often that Yang is the one to leave me to wake up alone in bed, at least not without accidentally waking me up and telling me she got called in.

I look over to the night stand. It's still early, long before her alarm will go off. That's probably not a good sign, I think to myself.

It doesn't take much for me to leave the bed. It's cold without the other body that occupies it anyway. Though, I make sure to wrap the throw around my body to try and fight it off.

Following the soft strumming into the living room, I'm greeted by the sight of Yang sitting in front of her couch on the floor, guitar in her lap as she expertly picks at the strings.

Ah. The music.

It's an interesting sight, honestly. This is the first time I've seen Yang actually pick up that guitar that sits abandoned in the corner. I'm surprised by her talent, but also surprised by the somberness of the sound.

And the surprises just keep coming.

Don't you worry about the dark

I will light up the night with the love in my heart

Yang actually sings. It's quiet and low, soft, but it's beautiful all the same. She goes silent every couple of lines, as if distracted from any real attempt, but her fingers keep picking.

Carefully I move away from the hall and plant myself next to her on the floor. She still doesn't acknowledge me, though there's no way she doesn't realize I'm there. But that's when I notice her eyes, how they stare distantly down at the instrument in her grasp.

Don't worry

I've got you

Nothing will ever-

Things happen the moment I gently place my hand on her shoulder. Yang's body completely tenses as she stops mid verse, one hand locking around my wrist. The grip is tight but not enough to hurt. Her breathing is harsh until she blinks and some of the focus comes back to her features. She lets go, all of this having occurred within the span of a couple seconds.

"Blake."

I'm still processing, startled but not afraid of whatever response I'd just triggered in her. What was that, I wonder. "Are you okay?" I ask. There's a flash of something in her eyes before she shakes her head, setting the guitar aside for the moment. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Yang still looks so tired, shoulders slumped forward as she curls her knees up. She chuckles softly, though I'm not sure what's so funny. "It's nothing really. I'm sorry I woke you," she apologizes. It's then, though, that I figure out what had flickered across her expression earlier. She felt vulnerable.

I steel myself, carefully reaching out again. This time I cover one of her hands with mine, slowly rubbing my thumb over the knuckles. Then I fix the throw so that it's wrapped around both of us, and I feel the blonde lean into my side just a little. I don't say anything, waiting.

Finally, she looks over at me. "Something happened a couple years back," she starts. "There was a drug bust. I ended up getting shot and, um, it took them awhile to find me." Her eyes dull a little, drifting back I assume only for them to regain their focus rather quickly. "When they did, I flatlined on the ride to the hospital. The scars on my chest, they're from that."

My hand tightens around hers. "Sounds horrible."

She nods, the muscles in her jaw working. "It was. Sometimes my shoulder still aches, it's probably all in my head." Yang sighs. "I went to therapy once I got out of the hospital. It wasn't really something I wanted but it was the only way I'd be cleared to work, and I knew in the long run it would help. Though some days..."

"Are harder than others," I whisper. Yang squeezes her hand, intertwining our hands even more. She actually smiles at me. It's small but it's there. "You're not alone. I'm here." Those are the words I'd needed to hear five years ago. Ilia had been the one to say them. I knew the power they had, and now I was saying it to Yang, because right now she needed that power too.

Yang kisses my temple, and in that kiss I can feel the relief. "I know." Then she's meeting my gaze, looking down at me with the thumb of her free hand rubbing at my cheek. She looks like she wants to say something but thinks better of it as she pulls me with her to our feet. "Let's go back to sleep," she says instead.

She leads us back bed, and this time it's me who pulls her close, and she's the one that curls into me. It feels...nice, holding her like this, running my hand through her hair in a comforting gesture.

It's new.

It's terrifying.

But nice, too.

And once I hear her soft snores once again filtering through the air I smile to myself, allowing myself to drift off to sleep once more.


Coco's POV

I sighed happily as I fixed the mannequin, making sure it looked just right. Having a store as front for the real business really was just an excellent excuse to focus on both my hobbies honestly. Fox and Yatsu tended to regulate the whole thing as much as they could but I still called the shots here. Together we had quite the covert skill set though. Together we had founded a private investigation company that had various contracts with government and municipal offices.

Speaking of contracts, I grinned the moment I caught sight of that mess of golden curls getting out of their truck. Finally. It was about time she brought me something to do. She greeted the boys at the counter before spotting me.

I tsked. "I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about me."

Yang laughed, gently shoving my shoulder at my dramatics. "Think you can help me with something?"

"Of course."

I took the file she offered me as we walked back into the office. I hummed as I read it over. Over a dozen deaths in the course of four years. Red roses on every one of the bodies. Definitely a calling card of some sort.

"Give me a couple of weeks," I answered after a moment.

"Sure thing," she agreed easily. "We'd already started digging into a certain gang but we need to find some connection between the victims. Did they owe them money or were they working for them."

"Two weeks," I repeated. "Though I certainly wouldn't mind seeing you more often, though."

She raised a brow. "I'd recommend saving the flirting for you wife."

I smiled, the mere thought of Velvet more than enough to make me feel giddy. "Please, just the other day she and I were discussing whether or not you'd join us for-"

Her phone dinged, cutting off my teasing as she answered, a grin slowly spreading across her face. Huh. Hadn't seen that look in ages. Which could only mean...

"So who's the girl?"

"Mm?" Her eyes didn't leave her phone as she answered the text.

I chuckled, already loving the opportunity presented to me. "The one that causes this weird look on your face," I pressed.

Yang finally looked up at me, brow furrowed. "Weird look?"

Oh, this was too good to pass on. I tapped my chin. "I think it's a smile of sorts."

Yang scoffed, finally catching on. "Like you're one to talk," she answered. "I've seen your face when you think about Velvet."

I raised a brow. Interesting. "Oh? So you're comparing you guys to me and my wife." I grinned. "Ooh la la."

She let out an sigh. "Why are you always a pain in my ass?"

I laughed. "Oh come on. At least give me a name! I need to know who's finally captured the dragon's heart!"

Another sigh before she seemed to relent, crossing her arms over her chest. "Blake."

"Blake...?" What was her last name?" I needed to look this chick up. She must have been something if she had Yang so smitten.

"That's all I have."

I frowned. "Really? That's...interesting." Odd, was a better word for it. Concerning was another.

Yang nodded. "It's...complicated."

I lowered my shades to look her in the eye. Complicated so soon? "Is it now?"

A nod. "Your type of complicated," she added.

Oh. "I see." That definitely was complicated.

"Yeah."

I put my hand on her shoulder, sympathizing. This road, if it really was anything like us, would not be an easy one. "Just give it time," I told her as we walked back toward the front door. Say, a couple weeks so I can meet her."

Yang cuffed my shoulder. "Bye Coco."


Winter's POV

The precinct had been relatively quiet recently. Yes, there was still the usual police chatter and phones ringing, the coming and goings of suspects and witnesses. However, there was a certain routine that had settled even as our investigation continued. We were still waiting for Yang's informant to come back with any information which meant there wasn't much else we could do but wait.

Speaking of Yang, it was interesting to note the subtle differences in how she'd been acting lately. I'd never seen Yang so happy to go home before. She loved her job, always put all her effort into it, but since her and Blake had made it official she'd been less reluctant to call it a day and return home. It was interesting watching as Yang grew more infatuated with the ebony haired bouncer. I had, however, informed my former partner that there was a time and place to have...encounters with significant others. Rumors spread fast in a police station, after all.

She'd laughed, explaining that nothing had happened.

I knocked twice on the blonde's apartment door before it opened to reveal the ravenette I'd only ever seen once before. She looked surprised to see me, though there was recognition on her face. She was drying her hair with a towel, dressed in a familiar flannel and sweat pants combo.

"You're not the pizza guy," was the first thing she said.

"And you're not Yang," I shot back, lifting one brow.

Blake offered a small smile before letting me in. "Yang should be out soon," she told me as I took a seat on the couch. "She, uh, just got out of the shower."

If her wet hair hadn't already given it away, the slight blush that appeared on her cheeks told me more than I cared to know. "We haven't been properly introduced," I started. "I'm Winter Schnee."

The other woman nodded. "Yang talks about you a lot."

I couldn't help the fond smile, chuckling. "I could easily say the same."

There was a familiar kind of smile, one I'd seen on Yang's face many times in the last couple months. "All good things I hope," she replied, pushing up the sleeves of Yang's flannel shirt in an embarrassed manner as she walked into the kitchen. She came back with a cold water bottle from the fridge, which she sat down on the coffee table in front of me.

I went to reply when something caught my eye.

Familiar scars decorated her arms, and I felt the lightness leave the air. Track marks. Which meant that the woman Yang was dating was a junkie. Or had been a junkie.

The door to the bedroom opened and out came Yang in her orange tank and black shorts, and I watched as she immediately walked over and wrapped her arms around her girlfriend waist from behind just as she noticed me. "What are you lovely ladies talking about?" she asked, pressing a kiss to Blake's cheek before going to the kitchen.

Blake and I exchanged a look, her noticing how my eyes strayed down to her arms. "Nothing much," she told Yang as she tried to discreetly roll the sleeves back down.

"I was merely stopping by to go over some of these leads, if you had the time," I told her as I gestured to the bag I was carrying. "However, I see today isn't a good time. I should let you enjoy your day off."

Yang grinned at me. "You're still coming to Raven's party, yeah?"

I managed a small smile of my own as I carefully took the water bottle the shorter woman had given me. "And miss your mother's cooking?"

With some farewells I left the two and went back to the station, running the prints that I could pull from the bottle. I had to be sure.

The hit was pretty quick. Blake Belladonna. Age 26. Belladonna... That name. That name belonged to a political family down in Menagerie. Blake's name came up in a missing bulletin that had been put up twelve years ago. She was a former juvenile offender. H***.

My jaw clenched, feeling a bit of anger well up in my chest. This was who had sunk their claws into Yang. There was no way Yang didn't at least know about the track marks. But did she know about the rest of it...?

I tapped my finger on the desk. She should. She would, if I had any say in it.


Raven's POV

It had become a bit of a tradition to close up shop and go to the gym with Yang when she had the day off. I had some weights and a bag at home we could have used but the kid insisted on going to the boxing place in the heart of Vale. I'd be lying if I said I enjoyed the drive. Too many stupid people behind the wheel. Driving a motorcycle helped but it could be just as annoying. I hadn't missed a practice in five years though.

I had a lot to make up for. I'd left Yang and her father not long after she was born. He'd later married our mutual friend, Summer, and they'd had their own little pipsqueak. Their relationship hadn't lasted but they still seemed to be friends, even with Tai living out of Vale. Ruby had really grown on me since I'd re-entered my kid's life, and I found myself somehow spending more time with her than her sister. I couldn't blame Yang for how awkward our relationship still was. I had been my choice to disappear for the first massive chunk of her life, to choose the gang and drugs over her.

I'd always be grateful that she'd let me back into her life in the first place.

I set the bar back in its place and sat up, chugging some water that the blonde offered me. Our routine usually consisted of working with weights before moving on to boxing. I made sure my bandanna was tied to keep the hair up and out of my face and grabbed the wraps, doing her hands.

"I'm seeing someone," she commented when I put on the boxing pads.

Ah, so she was going to say something. I was beginning to wonder. It had been awhile since Ruby had mentioned it, after all. "Your sister mentioned that," I answered. "Lower your hands a bit."

She nodded, doing as I said as she sent consecutive punches into the pads, expertly dodging when I took a swing at her. She'd been doing this for years, after all, she'd gained quite the skill for it. Tai had at least managed to teach her the basics, it had seemed.

"Watch your left," I cautioned before smacking her shoulder. I took a step back, moving out of reach when she threw a retaliating hook. "That was sloppy," I told her with a smirk. "Come on, kid, you were taught better than that."

Yang laughed in response, loosening up a little before getting back in her stance, hopping a bit on her feet. "I'm bringing her on Saturday," she continued.

I raised a brow in response, moving back out of the way of one punch. "Oh?" That was gutsy. Summer would no doubt be thrilled.

"Hope you don't mind." I shrugged in response, and Yang looked unsure for the first time. "Aren't you the least bit curious? Mom wanted me to give her a full rundown when I told her."

Of course. "Summer and I have different styles," I said. "Pick up your right."

The blonde stopped, hands dropping instead. Ah, so this was serious. "What I'm trying to say is, are you okay with me bringing her by? I mean, it's your house and party."

"You all decided to throw this party without my input," I reminded her. She laughed, not in the least apologetic, and I shrugged. "It's fine with me, kid."

She smiled again, seeming genuinely happy with the answer. Oh. This girl must have been important, then. "You'll like her," she told me with certainty, landing a very solid punch.

I hummed. I imagined it wouldn't matter either way if I liked her or not. The detective was truly head over heels, already. As long as Yang was happy, I couldn't imagine I'd hate the kid she brought to the party anyway.


Yang's POV

I'd asked Blake a week ago if she'd feel comfortable going to Raven's birthday party, finally meeting the rest of my friends and family. She'd been reluctant but that determined glint in her eye when she'd agreed said it all. She wanted to, she was just incredibly nervous. I was excited though. I knew they'd love her, and I would be sure to check in and make sure she didn't get overwhelmed. The reassurance had gotten me a smile.

"You've mentioned Raven before," she said the night before the party. "Who exactly is she?"

I yawned, stretching my arms above my head until my back gave a satisfying pop. I had been pretty vague when it came to Raven, true enough. I'd talked about her, but getting into what she was to me was not something you tended to bring up on the first couple dates. "She's my biological mother," is what I replied with, rubbing the back of my neck. Man, it had been a long day.

"Oh. I thought Summer..."

"She's technically my step mom, but she was the only mom I had for the first, like, twenty years of my life so..." I trail off with a shrug. "She is my mom."

"Why did she leave you?"

Hadn't that been the million dollar question back then. I glance over at Blake. She's looking at me, golden eyes so soft. "It doesn't really matter why," I say. "She left."

Blake's brow furrows, she bites her lip. "I'm sorry."

Again, I shrug. "It's fine. It's not but... it's in the past. I'll admit, it's kind of cool having her around now, she's trying. Not to mention, Summer was probably the best mom a kid could ask for." I chuckle, mostly to myself. "She's always been Super Mom to me and Ruby. So...yeah. It's fine."

Blake stares at me. Really stares. Then, she leans forward, wrapping her arms around me. "I can't wait to meet her. She must be great to have raised a goof like you."

That gets a surprised laugh out of me, and I feel the atmosphere lighten. I hadn't meant for it to get that heavy in the first place. This feels nice, though. Being able to talk about this with Blake.

The next morning we get around and I catch Blake occasionally rubbing at her arm. I press a kiss to her temple as we walk up to Raven's door. The drive had been pretty uneventful, seeing as Raven had decided to live outside city limits in a cabin in the woods. Mom often teased her about being a hermit.

She offers me a smile, taking my hand I knock on the door. It's no surprise when Ruby is the one to answer, already with a cookie in hand. She greets us both with a hug before basically pulling us inside. One by one we're greeted by a line of people feels like. Jaune, Pyrrha, Nora and Ren are in the kitchen, Pyrrha helping anyway she can while Nora steals snacks. Weiss and Winter are in the living room, sitting on the couch. Mom is actually the last person we see, as she walks in from the back porch and the smile she gives both me and Blake is blinding.

"So," she starts. "You're the girl that has my eldest so twitterpatted."

Well. I'm already regretting this.

"Um." Blake seems so lost on how to answer.

"It's so great to finally meet you, sweetheart. Genuinely." And just like that Blake is wrapped up in one of Mom's hugs. She pulls back just as fast. "I'm so glad you decided to come. Please, help yourself, make yourself comfortable."

Blake looks like she just got hit by an unexpected whirlwind as she nods. I can't blame her. Mom's eyes show nothing but kindness, and like Ruby she's shines just as bright. "I'm really glad to be here. Thank you for having me." Meanwhile her grip on my hand has loosened some. Mom always did have a way of putting people at ease.

"Where's the birthday girl?" I ask, pulling Mom's attention away from disorienting my girlfriend.

She rolls her eyes, but there's a fondness there. "She lasted about ten minutes before she went into hiding."

"Oh, wow. Longer than last year."

Mom gives an exaggerated sigh. "I swear, one day she'll become a civilized human being." She shakes her head. "Anyway, I'll stop picking on you two. I think I need to make sure Nora and my other daughter don't eat the cake before it's time." And just like that she's gone back into the kitchen.

Blake does well, making small talk with everyone. She moves from person to person, hand still intertwined with mine. I grin as I bring the hand to my lips, giving it a playful kiss.

"Get a room," Weiss mutters as she helps Mom with the plates.

I laughed and pulled Blake closer to me before leading us into the kitchen. Though we were celebrating Raven's birthday, we tended to take advantage of the occasion and make our favorite food which happened to be dumplings. We usually did them for major holidays and birthdays as a family but I was excited to welcome Blake to the tradition. We washed our hands and sat down at the table as I pulled everything we needed close, noticing there were three boxes made already

"We're hosting a birthday party not a banquet for an entire army," Weiss commented when I grabbed an empty box.

"Trust me, they're like an army," I replied winking at Blake. "Especially my little sister."

Ruby stuck out her tongue in response as she walked out into the garage. I watched Winter come in with a black bag, putting its contents in the fridge before grabbing a beer and going over to the couch where Nora and Ren were sitting, Nora having been banished from going near the food for now. I sighed and looked over at Blake, grabbing a ball of flour, rolling it flat, before holding it in my hand for her to see.

"So you put the baby in bed," I began as I added the filling before gently pinching it. "Then you tuck, tuck, the thing on the other side. Then you give it a kiss good night."

Blake laughed a little in response as she started to do the same. "This is so cute," she said before frowning slightly. "But then you eat the baby?

I smiled and nodded. "You eat the baby after it's cooked."

She grinned. "Right. Who taught you?"

"Mom," I answered looking over at Summer, who's chatting with Pyrrha. "She used to wait for Ruby and I after school with a nice box of these...after she had us make them the day before."

Blake nodded as she continued to help me make the dumplings, filling up another three boxes. Oscar and Penny arrived a bit later, and Ruby seemed to teleport to the red head's side like she'd sensed her arrival. Blake got more comfortable as the party progressed, getting comfortable talking to Nora who had gotten up from her spot to talk to Blake and I.

I caught the eldest Schnee with three empty bottles already on the side table. That's when I also noticed Blake was squirming a little when Winter's gaze would land on her. I frowned. That was not a good sign, whatever was going on. I found myself giving my girlfriend a kiss on the cheek, rubbing her hip with my thumb. She smiled and kissed me on the lips before letting me know she was going to step outside for some air.

I nodded, telling her I would be in here if she needed me. I watched her go with a bit of a smile. All in all, things were going pretty well. I glanced back over at Winter. Well, for the most part.


Blake's POV

It was... a lot. All of it. All these people, all of them so varied and different. I hadn't known what to make of them, I still wasn't entirely sure, but talking with Nora and Pyrrha had been enjoyable. Meeting Summer Rose had been... nice.

When Yang had invited me to the party I had been hesitant. Adam had never really thought to ask. He told me about the event and that was that. There was never the discussion of whether or not I'd be at his side, if I'd be shown off in whatever jewelry and whatever dress he'd decided to decorate me with. I'd been his submissive doll.

This had been different. Yang had left the ball entirely in my court. I shouldn't have been surprised but this was still so new.

The only real downside of the night had actually come in the form of Yang's friend Winter. The older detective had been watching me, and I was only able to ignore it because Yang and her friends kept me distracted.

Nevertheless, I still had my limits, and had to excuse myself for some air. So, after assuring Yang that I wouldn't be gone long I stepped out onto the back porch and took a deep breath. The air out here felt cleaner than that of the city. Not surprising seeing how far out we were. I rubbed my arm absently at the chilly air, looking up toward the night sky. The stars would be beautiful out here when the sun set.

"Quite the rowdy bunch, aren't they?"

I almost jump at the sound of another voice, having not realized I wasn't the only one out here. The stranger is sitting in a fold out chair a couple feet from the door. Wild ebony hair frames a pale face and blood red eyes. I know exactly who I've stumbled across without having to ask. The resemblance to the blonde is uncanny.

"Yeah."

"Needed some air?" she asks, eyes appraising me a moment before turning her attention upward toward the slowly darkening sky. "No need to answer. You look like you're about to have a heart attack."

She takes a long drag from the cigarette as I sigh and lean against the railing, still facing this woman. She offers me one and I decline. This gets a little hum out of her and a shrug.

"Probably not your drug of choice, is it?" Smoke wafts out of her mouth as she speaks, like a dragon in her own right.

I swallow hard, forcing myself not to rub my arms.

"I'm trying to quit myself," she continues on, a wry smirk twitching at her lips. It's self deprecating in a way that's different from when Yang does it, more cynical, not done to make someone else feel better about themselves.

I clench my hands into fists. "No," I finally push out. "It's not my drug of choice."

Raven hums again. It's a little infuriating.

"A smoke break the only reason you came out here?" I shoot back.

Red eyes flick to me again, a glint in them. "You're not the only one who gets overwhelmed, kid." It's a surprise that she'd admit something like that. With a heavy sigh she stands. "I'm sure Summer is about to come dragging my ass back in. I'm just starting to relax and she has horrible timing." She puts out the cigarette against the railing and dumps it in the metal bucket next to her chair. She starts toward the door and pauses, looking over to me. She's a head taller than me, slightly taller than Yang even, and her red eyes from this angle are much more intimidating than I'd first realized.

"Don't worry, kid," she says with a chuckle. "I don't bite... Hard."

I scoffed under my breath as I followed her back into the house.


Summer's POV

I'd been so excited when my daughter had finally told me she was bringing her mysterious girlfriend to the party. The way she had talked... My little dragon was beyond smitten. And if what I'd seen tonight was any indication, she wasn't the only one. Blake looked at my eldest like she'd hung the sun in the sky just for her when she thought no one was looking.

I was surprised when I saw Raven walk back inside with a smug grin on her face. My eyes narrowed when I saw Yang's girlfriend walk in behind her. What had Raven done now?

She seemed to ignore me as she walked over and poured herself some cider, taking a casual sip from her glass. "I like this one," she said finally, nodding her head over to the younger ravenette who had found her way over to help Weiss and Ruby clean up some of the mess in the kitchen.

"What did you do?" I asked, one hand on my hip, eyes narrowed.

She scoffed in response. "I was perfectly civil, thank you very much."

I sighed and shook my head. "Oh, that poor girl."

"Aren't you supposed to be nice to someone when it's their birthday?" Raven muttered in response.

"Who told you that?"

The taller woman sighed in resignation, muttering something under her breath that I could only guess was a string of curses that would make a sailor blush. Raven could look and act tough, being a former gang member and all, but she was no match for me. She knew better than that.

I opened my mouth to say something else when I heard someone raise their voice and I turned over to see Yang and Winter seemingly arguing. Now that wasn't something I saw often. What was going on?

"Is everything alright?" I asked.

"No, your daughter is dating a junkie," Winter responded, beer in hand, blue eyes hard as ice as she never took her glare away from my daughter.

"Winter!" the blonde snapped back.

It was suddenly quiet and I turned to look over at the younger ravenette who seemed frozen in place in the kitchen before she bolted out the door. I made to go after her but Nora was quicker. I looked over at Raven who wouldn't take her eyes of the older Schnee.

This was not good.


Yang's POV

I laughed. Jaune could be pretty easy to tease, especially when Nora was in the mood. Pyrrha, his wife, was an attorney with a popular private practice. She tended to do a lot of pro bono work, so she was usually pretty busy. She always made time for her husband though. They'd been together long before the lanky blond had become an officer. He'd even gone to high school with Ren.

And yet, despite this group's antics, I found myself glancing over to check on Winter every so often. It wasn't looking good. I tried to think if she'd mentioned anything about going to see her mother but nothing came up. Usually at these events she drank enough to relax but there was a horrible feeling building in my gut as she continued on.

I dismissed myself from the conversation, walking over and sitting down on the couch next to my long time friend. She paused briefly in her movements as I slung my arm over her shoulder. She didn't put her glass down.

"Hey."

"Hey," she said back simply.

"You driving?" I asked. It was worth checking.

She shook her head. "Weiss is."

I nodded. Good. One less thing to worry about. "I was wondering if you could come help us with something-"

"You can say that you saw me drinking and decided to stop me," she interrupted, and it was more obvious that her speech was slightly slurred the more she talked. "Though I didn't ask for you to babysit me."

I sighed. I'd been hoping to avoid this. "I didn't say that."

She stood abruptly. "Maybe you should spend less time worrying about me and more time worrying about your junkie of a girlfriend."

The words made my jaw clench. I looked around to make sure no one was in ear shot. This was clearly something Blake didn't want people knowing. "You need to stop," I tried, standing up slower, trying to keep things from escalating as best I could.

"What? Afraid everyone will find out what kind of a criminal she is?" Winter pressed looking over at Blake as her voice rose. "I ran her prints. Heroin addict, gang member-"

"Winter. Stop."

"Is everything alright?" Mom asked as she and Raven walked over, concern gleaming in silver eyes as she looked between me and Winter. I couldn't blame her. Winter and I didn't argue often.

"No, your daughter is dating a junkie," Winter responded to the question with nothing but disdain.

"Winter!" I finally snapped.

But the damage had been done. Blake rushed out of the house, followed shortly by Nora. I fought the urge to go after her, turning my attention back to the white haired woman.

"Way to go, asshole," I heard Raven say.

"Bite me."

"You realize this is my house right?" I looked over at the pair as Winter scoffed. "Well ,looks like the apple didn't fall far from the tree."

I could see every fiber of Winter's being jolt. The white haired woman narrowed her eyes at my birth mother. "What did you say?"

"Winter," I began, snapping her attention back to me. "How-why would you say that?"

She shrugged indifferently and chugged the drink in her hand. "Thought you should know."

"I knew, Winter. I already knew." Why? Why would she do this? "I didn't care."

"You should."

"Winter," her sister called, stepping forward and grabbing her arm. There didn't seem to be much force behind the action, mostly it seemed to be a move to get her attention.

Winter pointed her finger in the direction Blake had run off. "She can hurt you."

"Oh, and you didn't already, Schnee," the red eyed woman once again cut in before I could reply.

"Raven, please," I tried. She wasn't helping. I didn't want a fight. I just... I...

Shaking my head I started towards the door but Raven placed a hand on my shoulder. "Let her have a moment, kid. Last thing she'll need is to feel like she's being crowded."

Winter laughed curtly. "The last thing she needs is to be coddled."

Raven's eyes narrowed. She was starting to get really fed up with Winter's attitude. "Listen here, you arrogant little-"

"Raven," Mom said sharply, cutting her off.

"I think it's time we left," Weiss said, tugging on her sister's arm. She looked so resigned, shoulders set and expression carefully neutral.

"Weiss..." I hated that this had happened. Weiss had been having such a nice time, too.

"Thank you for having us," she told Raven with a nod before turning towards Mom. "The food was lovely, as always." Then she looked over at me, giving me an apologetic smile. "I'll see you at work." And just like that she left, leading her sister out without much fuss.

Slowly, everyone excused themselves, coming up with excuses to leave but sharing a sympathetic look as they went out. Ren gave my shoulder a squeeze as he helped Ruby clear the bottles and cups from the room. I sighed and turned to find Raven staring.

"If you're going to get on my case too I'd prefer you didn't right now," I told her, glancing toward the door. I hoped Nora had managed to catch Blake, had managed to help.

"Kid, I'm the last person that's going to judge her based on something like that."

I sighed and nodded. I suppose she had a point. "Thank you."

"I'm actually surprised she told you," she continued. "You've been hanging out for, what, three months?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I was surprised too." Everything had been going so well, and then Winter had just... I tried not to feel so hurt by this. It hadn't been my secret she'd shared, after all.

Raven pressed onward. "She seems like a good kid to me. Maybe a bit of a shady past but, hey, we've all got one of those." She shrugged. "We all have things we're not proud of."

I sighed, feeling my body sag tiredly. What a day. I suddenly wanted nothing more than to go home and collapse in bed... preferably with Blake but I wasn't sure if she'd want that after this fiasco.

"At least I can say this party wasn't boring," Raven said with a snide little glance toward my mother who was standing at the back door, seemingly looking for the two that had run off.

I actually had to laugh at that. It was a pretty half-hearted laugh. "Oh shut up. You love the attention."

She scowled in response. "That is a lie and you know it."

"Tell that to Mom," I said gesturing at her. "She's convinced you secretly want us all to move in and totally cramp your style."

"Your mother is a brat," Raven muttered under her breath.

I managed a laugh before I felt someone put a hand on my shoulder. It was Nora. I gave her a nod in appreciation. She would be one of the only people that could truly understand Blake's situation.

"She wants to see you."

I didn't need to be told twice.


Nora's POV

I spotted Blake a little ways into the forest, leaning against a tree as she caught her breath. She seemed to be having trouble, air coming in short, stuttering gasps. I approached, reaching out to put a hand on her shoulder when she jerked away.

It wasn't all that surprising.

"Blake?" I called. "How are you doing?"

"She just said it in front of everyone," she answered, not to me but more to herself.

"Are you sober?" I asked because this was the most important part. I looked back toward the house and saw that no one had come after us. That was probably for the best. Last thing she needed was for people to crowd her. That could be suffocating.

"Everyone is looking at me."

I stepped in front of her, getting her attention. "Are you sober?" I repeated, because that was the most important thing.

"Of course I am."

I nodded. "You've done nothing wrong. Okay?" I began, placing my hands on her shoulders. "She did. She violated your privacy. And you are under no obligation to tell anyone anything. So you don't need to say anything more about it. Okay? Those are your rights. It's the past, and you don't have to defend it."

"I thought I got away from it," she began, her shoulders sagging, suddenly looking tired. "Being with Yang, I thought I had a chance but you never get away from it."

I let go and slowly shook my head. "Well, you're not wrong. And it sucks. Trust me, I know"

It was quiet for a moment, and she seemed to have calmed down a little. Even if she still looked a little lost. Winter had taken all of us off guard. She usually didn't get this bad. "What do I do now?"

"Do you want me to call Yang?" I offered.

She shook her head, hugging herself in an effort to comfort herself. "She must be..." Another shake of the head. "No."

"You're the last person Yang's gonna be mad at for this one," I told her without a hint of doubt. "It's hard. I know. I've been there," I revealed. "I did meth for five years. It's hard to move past things when others won't. but I have Ren just like you have Yang. I can't tell you no one is judging you-"

"Because they are."

I sighed., rubbing the back of my head because, yeah. There would be no denying that. "Winter is at fault here. That was wrong of her. We are not mad at you. Yang is not mad at you." I paused. "Do you want me to call her?"

Blake didn't say anything for a moment, her eyes tearing up. Then she nodded. "Yes. Please."


Blake's POV

Even with Nora's encouragement, I could feel my body being eaten alive with nerves. Surely my arms must have been rubbed raw at this point. All those people... All those people that Yang loved, they all knew what I was... What I had been... Oh god, Yang. What was she going to say? What must she be thinking?

You're too damaged.

You're too poisonous.

You're a leech.

My jaw clenched, my hands no longer rubbing as my nails dug into the crook of my arms.

Dragging her down with you into the mud.

You embarrassed her in front of her family.

I take shuddering breaths to try and think. Suddenly, I was more aware of how alone I was out here with Nora having run back to the house. What if Yang didn't want to see me again? What if she told Nora that? What if-

"Hey."

It feels like deja vu, being brought out of a spiral by her voice. Because the person now walking toward me is Yang. She stops in front of me, hands half outstretched as she looks me over. There's nothing but concern in her eyes, and it makes me swallow hard. I look away.

"Blake," she says my name so sweetly, so softly. "Sweetheart, stay with me."

I bite my lip, shaking my head. "I..." What can I say? What pathetic excuse could I possibly come up with?

Her hand slowly reaches out and holds my cheek. "It's okay." Carefully, she pulls me toward her. "No ones mad at you." Her thumb rubs against my skin. "Please, look at me."

My eyes squeeze shut before I finally force myself to look at her, to meet her gaze. The smile she gives me is relieved, and the knot that had slowly been tying itself in my chest seems to unravel a bit. It's overwhelming. It's purely a feeling caused by this woman.

"There you are."

The words nearly make me sob, but I push it back, hating this. Hating that she's always chasing after me, always coming to my rescue. Hating that I put this burden on her. And yet... It makes me so happy... That she's still here, that she looks at me like this.

All these emotions swirl around in my rib cage, I can't put it all together. I pressed my face against her neck. I'm so tired. "I'm sorry."

I can feel her shake her head, hand soothingly rubbing circles on my back. I grasp her jacket tightly as I close my eyes.

This won't last.

Nothing good ever does.

She presses a kiss on the top of my head. "Do you want me to take you home?" she asked. "I can take you to Ilia?"

I shook my head. "I...I want to stay with you."

"Okay then."

She pulled away slightly and grabbed my hand, leading me towards the car. On the way she let her mother and Raven know that she was taking me home and said her goodbyes. She didn't let go of my hand the entire way, giving the back a kiss occasionally. The ride back to her apartment went just as quick as the ride out to Raven's. I blinked and we were there, walking in the door and changing into our night clothes. I heard her talking on the phone to someone while I changed.

"I called Ilia," she revealed as she came into the bedroom. "Let her know you'd be spending the night with me."

I nodded, crawling under the sheets, so emotionally drained from everything. Yang did the same, wrapping her arms around me as I curled into her. She was humming, I realized as my eyes started to feel heavy, her hand rubbing soothing circles in my back.

"It's okay, I'm right here," she whispered.

I couldn't help but believe her.


A/N: Long chapter to make up for the lag. Enjoy. Thank BG-13 for her revisions and ideas.