Everyone was settling in fairly well. Yang quickly took over cooking duties with Ren as her kitchen hand. The pair laid out a delicious breakfast feast in celebration of another year. There were pancakes and the last of the summer's fresh berries, some fresh cream, bacon and thick slices of cured sausage. Everyone dug in and Nora made sure there were no pancakes left behind, quickly declaring them her favorite meal. Everyone ate and conversed, happy to be warm, full and, most importantly, together. There were few manners and even fewer leftovers.
The children all spoke over each other, driving the volume up. Glynda looked stern but softened when she saw how happy Oscar was with all of the other kids. Tai was poking fun at Qrow who was lounging with his arm across the back of Winter's chair, his fingers idly playing with her hair as he began making fun of Tai. Glynda occasionally dropped in a quip or two about understanding why the doctor decided to stay in Menagerie for the summer since it would be quieter than dealing with the pair of fools. Winter remained quiet, happily eating her fill before leaning slightly into Qrow's side, still half asleep.
She had fallen asleep fairly easily but she jumped every time she heard the faintest noise, on guard for any beady-eyed beasts. Qrow enjoyed teasing her about it, but he also enjoyed comforting her in the night. Qrow himself was admittedly bleary eyed and would have slept much longer if Winter hadn't kicked him awake at the smell of breakfast cooking. Winter began dozing on his shoulder and he let out a yawn and reached for Winter's coffee. She glared at him but was too tired to fight him.
"Why don't you guys just go back to bed and wake up when you'll be useful?" Tai suggested.
"But what about morning chores?" Winter asked, the misery evident in her voice.
"Like what? Cleaning the galley? Mopping the deck? Securing the sails?" Tai smiled. "Winter we're in a house, we won't sink if we take a break. Go back to bed."
He didn't have to tell he twice. She muster the last few ounces of her strength and marched up to her room before sprawling out on the bed and falling deeply asleep, not even stirring when Qrow pushed her over so that he could lay beside her. They didn't wake again until afternoon. Winter walked gingerly down the stairs and began to look at the books. Qrow followed shortly after with a grin then walked out the door without a word. Winter quirked an eyebrow at him but didn't bother asking. She chose a book and settled on the settee.
The days turned into weeks and the late fall chill turned into a full winter's frost. The solstice was approaching fast and Winter was trying to enjoy being outside as much as she could, but it was just too damn cold. She enjoyed playing in leaves and preparing the farm with winter but the first frost held her inside with a book beside the fire. Qrow shook his head in disbelief.
"You were born and raised in Atlas and you think this is cold? I'm from Mistral and can still go outside." Qrow poked at her and she ignored him, flipping through her book.
Weiss ran around outside, bundled up at Winter behest, and chased Ruby and Oscar. Ren was sitting in a tree watching his friends and laughing as Nora jumped out and began chasing them with vigor. Yang was working on some cart repairs with Tai while Glynda was out at the town hall. Qrow smiled, they were alone. He pulled her book out of her hands and laid it down on the floor, careful not to lose her page. He laid down on top of his love and wrapped his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her breast.
Winter raised an eyebrow at him but smirked. It was funny to see a full grown man pout for attention. She wrapped her arms around him and gasped when he leaned up and nipped her neck. He kissed her neck gently before working along her jawline. She grabbed his face and pulled him up and kissed him on the mouth. He squeezed her tightly and the pair didn't break apart for what felt like hours. Of course, as soon as they heard Blake clear her throat they flew apart like a pair of teenagers getting caught by their uncle, something that Blake fully recognized.
"I won't tell if you don't, but please go somewhere else. Some of us are actually trying to read." Blake held up her book to make a point. Qrow flipped backwards off of the settee and transformed midair and flew off in crow form.
"What a damn show off. Just face your embarrassment like a man!" Winter shouted after him before standing to her feet.
She decided that now was suddenly the perfect time to go shopping in the markets, far away from the house. She gathered her coat and stole a scarf from Qrow who was nowhere to be found. She took one of the smaller coin purses filled with silver and secured it to her person. She decided to treat herself to a pair of gloves for her birthday. She wrapped the scarf around her head and neck and ventured outside. She waved to Yang and Tai and gave Weiss a hug before walking off towards the markets.
She quickly found a beautiful pair of waterproof gloves that were soft inside and perfectly fitted. Winter also treated herself to a hot drink, it was her birthday after all. She smiled as she wandered around the market stalls, thinking fondly of her first trip to Mistral and all of the chaos that followed. As much as she was enjoying her peace, she loved her work. She couldn't imagine doing anything else, but she did want Weiss to enroll in school soon. Winter frowned, the thought of leaving the ship heavy on her heart.
She supposed that they could stay here from the fall to the spring and join summer raids when the school year had ended. They could rent a small tenement, or maybe stay at Tai's farm. Winter would be able to help Glynda and Oscar tend the farm, and maybe she could find some part time work as well. She would have to consult with Weiss and see what she wanted to do. Of course, there was also the matter of Qrow. Winter groaned. The thought of leaving the ship hurt enough but leaving Qrow… her heart heaved. She had to do what was best for Weiss. She couldn't be selfish. She would still see him whenever they came to patch, and they would spend winter and summer together. Maybe it would be better for their relationship to only see him for half the year.
She continued browsing the stalls, eventually having a nice array of gifts. She had a book for Blake, a jar of maple syrup for Nora, new socks for Ruby since she had worn holes in all of hers, an orange apron for Yang that may or may not be used and a matching pink apron for Ren who was surprisingly eager to help in the kitchen. Winter was debating on what to get for Weiss but ended up choosing a book on how to control magic and a small training rapier, the king children used in fencing classes. Winter wanted to show Weiss that she would encourage her strengths where their father did not. She also wanted to know that Weiss was going to be able to take care of herself. 18 was only four years away and the thought made Winter's heart skip a beat, causing her to drop what she was holding.
The spyglass that she had been examining would have smashed to the ground if it wasn't for the excellent timing of a certain black bird that caught it midair and placed it in her hands before perching on her shoulder. Winter pet the bird's head and smiled.
"What do you think, dear, would Tai like to have a new spyglass for sailing?" Winter cooed.
The crow bobbed its head up and down and Winter smiled. She turned to the confused vendor and purchased the glass. He wrapped it up to prevent breaking and Winter placed it into the large bag with the other gifts. Winter smiled, her heart feeling warm and fuzzy. Her grandfather always taught her that giving gifts to others was always the best part of Solstice and she couldn't help but agree. She loved thinking of the perfect gift and seeing the reactions that it earned.
"Where's my present?" Qrow asked, transforming to his normal self and putting his arm over her shoulder.
"I didn't get it yet, just in case you were watching me." Winter grinned at him. He rolled his eyes.
"Can you blame me for wanting to keep my w- friend- safe?" Qrow asked, then quickly changed the subject. "Oh look, apple turnovers."
He raced over and bought two. He handed one to Winter and ate a huge bite out of his own. The second the flavor hit his tongue he grimaced. Winter took a bite and smiled broadly. There was rhubarb in the turnover. She looked at Qrow, half expecting him to let it fall out of his mouth right then and there, but he soldiered through. He swallow hard and took a long drink out of his dented flask and made a face before handing the remains of his turnover to Winter. She ate both of them quickly. She wasn't a big one for sweets but rhubarb was her absolute favorite. The bitter kick assuage the sweetness and made it much more palatable. It also worked as an excellent Qrow deterrent. She finished her last tart and kissed him deeply. A smile broke through his disgusted face.
"Fine, but that is the only time I will ever enjoy rhubarb flavored anything. Keep that devils' celery away from me." Qrow threw away their wrappers and took Winter's hand in his own, intertwining their fingers.
"The gloves are new. Didn't think you would throw money around like that, Ice Queen." Qrow held her hand close to his face to examine them.
"Well, they are necessary if I have any hope of surviving the winter. I've always prefered sensible birthday gifts anyway."
"You're starting to catch up to me. You'll be old before you know it." Qrow nudged her.
"I wouldn't say that, cradle robber. I am only turning 22." Winter shrugged.
"Cradle robber? I've only got ten years on you. I'm a man in my prime." Qrow sat down on an open bench and made room for Winter. Winter paused for a moment then joined him on the bench.
"What's wrong, you've gone quiet?" Qrow prodded Winter who sat emotionless beside him. He nearly jumped out of his skin when she started laughing.
"What's so funny, Ice Queen?" Qrow asked, genuinely perplexed at this point.
"We've been together for months and I have had no idea how old you are. I assumed you were in your thirties but…" Winter gasped for air. "I thought late 30s. Did you know how old I was?
"I knew you were legal, beyond that I didn't care. But more importantly, what do you mean late thirties?! I don't look that old?" Qrow fussed at her and she laughed harder. They were drawing eyes and began to simmer down, deciding to head home for the evening.
"So wait, you thought I was pushing death's door and still went for it?" Qrow asked with an amused smile.
"Well, if I stayed at home I would have been married off to a man in his 50s so you seemed positively youthful in comparison. Though I suppose I am comforted knowing that it's not that much of a gap. Not that that ever mattered. You're still old." Winter shrugged.
"I am definitely youthful. You know exactly how youthful I can be." Qrow smirked. Winter feigned being lost in thought.
"I don't seem to recall. You may have to show me again. I am getting old you know, my memory is not what it used to be." Winter grinned.
They picked up their pace for a while then stopped at the edge of the path and looked at the farm. The children were all playing outside with Tai and Blake was likely still inside the living room. They were not quite ready to face her yet. Yang would be in the kitchen by now which also ruled out the back door and cellar. Qrow turn to Winter with a smirk.
"Alright Ice Queen, this was your idea. How are we going to do this?"
"Divebomb." Winter grinned evilly.
"Winter, there is no way they dont notice-" Winter cut him off with a kiss.
"Qrow. It is my birthday. This is what I want, and that is how I want to do it." Winter pouted at him and he caved.
"When did you get this fun? You're making me feel old." Qrow sighed.
He transformed into his bird form and flew to his bedroom window. He nudged the latch and opened it just enough to squeeze inside. He transformed back into his normal self and opened the door fully and waited. Winter ran quickly through the woods until she was lined up with their room. She grinned and summoned a glyph, then another. She was running in midair and, once she saw that the window was opened, she launched herself through the window. Qrow caught her in midair and she wrapped her legs around him with an exhilarated smile.
"You are something else, you know that?" Winter rolled her eyes.
Qrow spun her around and kissed her before slamming the window shut and throwing her onto the bed.
Weiss paced in her room and looked at the clock. It was past dinner time and almost time for bed but Winter had still not returned. Weiss went downstairs to ask Tai if they could go look for her. Tai was sitting at the counter eating a cookie and enjoying some warm milk. He set aside his paper when the concerned girl appeared in the doorway.
"What's wrong kiddo?" Tai asked, opening his arms to her. She hugged him and began sniffling.
"Tai, I haven't heard from Winter all day. What if father found her? Or Salem? Why isn't she back yet?"
Tai would have been more concerned for Winter's welfare if Qrow didn't appear in the kitchen at that very moment with messy hair, rumpled clothes and a broad smile. Qrow froze and looked at the crying girl and winced. Tai gave him a look and then looked down at Weiss. She looked up at him with watery blue eyes.
"Weiss, I'm sure she is just fine. She wanted to go shopping for Solstice presents today. I bet she snuck up to her room to wrap them before anyone could find out. Why don't you go check." Tai pulled the girl in for a hug and gave Qrow an evil smile.
Qrow visibly panicked and transformed. He was up the stairs before Weiss had even wiped her tears. Tai said goodnight to Weiss and sent her off to bed. He didn't hear any shrieking so he assumed that Qrow had gotten to Winter in time to warn her. He hadn't meant to put the girl on the spot like that, she didn't deserve it, but Qrow did. The look on his face would stay with Tai and bring him great memories to come. It was the best Solstice gift that the younger man had ever given him.