Continuation of the Four Roses Wedding
Betaed by MuZai & Yuu Zai Story assist from Faun
Weiss learns something new can she take it ?
The wedding was done - it was fast, clean, efficient, with no major errors or faux pas.
This surprised Weiss, as she had thought what with: the hyperactive-teen-top and the overgrown-dragon-cub. Which was her new nickname for her sister-in-law, mostly based on a bad bar night involving: tequila, 151 rum, a bottle of everclear and most notably, a lighter.
Who knew Yang could breathe fire? Well, they did now, along with half of Vale Miraculously, I myself, had not lost a single hair. Though there was a close call with a ceiling fan Although Ruby's tips had gotten singed and Blake was last seen hanging from the ceiling. Thankfully the Vale Fire Department had been very efficient and quick that night. Though just barely
All four of the brides had held back from drinking tonight. They had a second night of drunken debauchery planned and had already booked in the Vale Kingdom Regency Hotel Royal Penthouse Suite. All necessary parties had been warned well in advance.
But the only glitch was the presence of her big sister, Winter.
Yes, it was nice of her to show up for the wedding. Not that she or their father had received an invitation in fact they had not been invited
But perhaps, It meant that her Father was at least aware of her wedding. That didn't do her any favors.
I was hoping to get at least two days, before dealing with the most stubborn man on Remnant. Not that that was the case, her sister had come to her .
'None of the brides had known she was there, till she stepped up and vouched for me. My big sister, the Ice Queen.
See, even that name is not originally mine, the perfect Schnee, father's angel. Damn she riled me up, and I had promised my girlfriend... no, my wife, I would stay in control, but this was my sister, the bane of my very existence.
But here she is. As bold as our white hair-she put herself into the wedding. My wedding! This tall, willowy, supple, glyph-casting sibling stood in for my dad. Our father, my progenitor.'
'Wait. Our Father...'
"Winter," I called out, she looked over her one-eye contact unnerving to many.
"Yes, Mrs. Rose?" She replied,just loud enough to for all the brides to hear.
They all looked up and I found my sister with that wise-ass smirk that I had seen on Yang's face for four years.
"Very funny sis," I muttered Damn it, she got me again.
We, the five of us were all sisters now. 'Damn, you Ruby, my one and only dolt.'
"Winter we need to talk, Please."
"Yes we do, my sister dear," There dressed in her Atlesian uniform, she took my hand and headed to the dance floor.
She had not lost a step since the last time we danced. It had been oh so many years ago when she would teach by leading like now.
"So, what is it you would like to ask?" She prompted, swaying gently.
"Does father know of the wedding ?" I asked softly, shutting my eyes as I feared the answer.
"But, of course, he does. Why would you think otherwise?"
"And, are you here to haul me home in disgrace or to inform me of my disinheritance?" I demanded, allowing her to turn me in place.
I was ready scream and run or even fight.
Her reply wasn't what I expected.
"Actually, the answer is no. Father is not happy, nor pleased, but has been bearded by your wife for a bit."
"Ruby saw father ?" I nearly stumbled, shocked at my sister's words. She was careful enough to keep me upright.
My sweet, young, kind and innocent...well. My sweet, young, kind bride.
We had been dating all the way past her age of consent. When we first became aware of our feelings, we became committed to each other. Ruby and I had decided to keep it above our clothes, mostly. Many dates were spent walking the grounds of Beacon, looking at the stars, cuddling, eating cookies and whatever else we wanted. When she came of age however, well all bets and most of our clothes were off
I breathed deeply to collect myself and we danced on. I looked up from the floor to my darling Ruby. I thought of her and my father: oil and water, flame and paper, rich and poor. In father's world, my old world these never met, nor blended.
"I had always thought of Ruby as an overgrown-puppy. A dolt, as you always called her."
Winter shook her head. "Your Ruby not only saw father, but they came to an agreement. I fear little in this world, much the same as father. But I think I would rather kill your wife, than negotiate with her over you."
Huh?
At this point in the dance my dear sister dipped me and as she moved, she leaned to placed a gentle kiss to my cheek. I turn my face to her, not expecting it. As I did, I caught it full on my lips. When I was back up I saw my wife rise to her feet and turn to me, the look in her eyes
She extended her hand to Jaune calling him to the floor. The look of shock on his face, as well as Pyrrha's, was beyond belief. Still it was nothing compared to Ruby. The look on my wife's face was one I not seen in a long, long time.
There was fear, betrayal and pain. Ruby had come a long way, since being named leader of our team. Her skills in leadership and control had blossomed and grown in those four years.
Still she had a bit of jealous streak when it came to me and her own Crescent Rose.
Sashaying about, Ruby was being lead by one of the finest dancers at Beacon. Jaune took her on tour of the dance floor, nearly vacant due the lateness of the hour. His path gave me time to put my plan into action. I took the lead then, turning and guiding Winter into a course that would allow us to switch partners at just the right moment. Ruby would have no choice, but to step into my arms.
The plan was simple. In my gown, I had a secret pocket. I always plan ahead, especially where In it was hidden, some of Ruby's favorite food. I placed one in my mouth, waiting for the moment in which she would be mine.
The point came and I, now leading the dance, foisted my sister off on Jaune. As we switched partners. I cast a quick wink of thanks and proceeded to dance my lovely wife to a more secluded part of the floor. She was still hurt, but continued to dance.
I was torn with wanting to whisper to her that all was well and she should have no fears, but one step at a time. The dip and kiss was coming and before she knew it the moment of truth would be upon us.
Carefully I moved to dip my wife, cheeks puff she turned away from me. Despite her indifference her senses were utterly sharp. As she caught the scent of something other than roses and looked up, I placed my lips to hers.
She made a surprised sound when my tongue invading her lips. Just like that she Ruby opened up, accepting the strawberry I had in my mouth as sweet decleration of my love to her.
Lifting her back up, I held her closer. My heart beat rapidly and I feared her rejection. I decided then that I was truely, madly and deeply in love with my wife. Holding my dear I smiled and looked into her eyes.
"Ruby, I need to speak with my sister."
Her eyes were pleading and her hands tightened on my dress "Weiss, ummmm, can't it wait?"
"No, my love. No. Winter is leaving tonight and we have plans. This is important. Please?"
A faint smile crossed her lips, I moved closer and locked lips with her again. The dance forgotten for the moment. The smell of roses, the taste of strawberries, the exhilaration of speed, She made me work to catch my breath.
When my eyes opened, we were in step with the music and my wife's innocence smile had returned. There was a flurry of rose petals and that last strawberry was missing from my pocket.
Another turn around the dance floor and then the exchange. In the most fluid of moves I was dancing with my sister once more.
"Weiss." She greeted.
"Winter." I replied taking her hands.
"That Jaune fellow, he has quite the talent and skill," her interest beginning to show,
"Yes, he has seven sisters and a very strong girlfriend."
"I see." As she glanced over at Jaune
I changed the subject."What deal has Ruby negotiated with father?"
" I wonder if I should say anything at all.," She demurred, but could see my anger building.
"Your Ruby came to Father and requested a sit down. She told him that she intended to marry you and there was little he could do about it, but she intended to do for him what was needed to make both your life and reputation stronger than ever."
"First, you would spend time as an active board member and employee of the SDC: rates of pay, benefits and contributions." Doing another turn my sister deliberately swinging me wide "This includes your duties to the both the Company and the Family." Seeing Ruby returning to the bride's table , Blake and Yang looking to Ruby their eyes asking what? Ruby just returned a smile.
"Naturally, Father exploded and the game was on. She made him so angry, that he did not throw her out or even threaten her life directly. The next three hours were a sight to g to lawyers wisely stayed out of the way but recorded everything."
Winter smiled viciously. "As I've said, I will kill your wife, as opposed to negotiating over you, with her."
"My quiet, younger wife? That girl over there?" I asked in shock.
Looking over at the bride's table, I watched Ruby, still all I could think was, 'damn where did she get a cookie?'
At the end of the dance Winter led me to an empty table.
"And just what," I asked of Winter, "are the highlights that were negotiated for me?"
A smile graced her face, "Father wanted you to end this huntress dream at once and for you to return to Atlas. You would be prepared to work in two weeks time."
"Ruby argued that you, as a huntress ,on the best huntress team ever graduated from the premier Hunter Academy in Remnant would be PR gold for the Company The Schnee's 'caring for the common man' worked." Her smile growing widely "So, you have six months before you have to begin attending the Company Board meetings."
She tapped her fingers listing the new obligations.
"That is, after the month long honeymoon. You will be expected to submit information on the hunts, you do participate in those six months, but I'm told that is pretty much done anyway for newly licensed teams."
After the hunting, you must attend three months uninterrupted Company operations: Board meetings and whatever else Father decides is suitable for you, before you can go on another hunt.
After that, you will have one month to hunt, before returning to the Company for six more months: able take on what dad requires."
About this time, I was beginning to tire, my sister bless her soul saw this, "There is more, but the timetable is a thing the lawyers have worked out. Father would prefer you not stay at the White Castle while hunting, but it will be allowed when you're working with the Company.
Ruby has said Patch and Vale will probably be home base, when hunting Now, that is, until semi-retirement."
'Dust!' My eyes glazed over, "Retirement? After a year or two? What gives?"
Now I felt the tinges of anger, looking at my wife. She betrayed me- went behind my back and tried to plan my life-just as my father had done! How could I trust her? Why did I trust her? Dust! Dust! Dust!
"Before you explode," A gentle hand covered mine, the soft white leather clad digits caressing my knuckles, "You asked me, instead of waiting to see what she had planned."
This from my sister. Was this the love between siblings, what Ruby and Yang had and always showed. I might have been a little jealous of it. I looked at Winter. I could almost see concern and love on her normally impassive face. It felt good but I still had concerns.
"Retirement after two years, what can she be thinking?" I asked,
"She, my dear sister, is thinking of you. She is doing her duty as your wife, as a member of the family. She will be bearing the new heir, your heir. She promised father an heir that will be acceptable to him and to the board.
He did demand genetic testing of your wife, and Ruby agreed. She really loves you, you know?"
"Yes, I know, but still to take this on alone and without guidance," My anger fading giving way to exasperation.
"Father is expecting a white-haired, silver-eyed grandchild. Preferably, a boy, but you know Father, at the end of 5 years he'll expect two heirs born!"
Looking to the bride's table, my sister said, "Hate her if you will, but she did this for you."
At the table, the three Roses were fading. With our energy sapped,the long day finally coming to an end. Yang and Blake were busy tossing loose roses at each other. My Ruby resting her head on the table, petals falling in her hair. Our guardians also seem to be getting tired. It had been a long day.
The time had come. No longer were we seeing each other/dating/engaged...no, we were married/joined at the hip and our first night of wedded bliss was next in the cards. Rising, we all moved as a team. 'Dust it all! Four years and we still move as one, count on each other, lean on each other strengths, Damn dust!
Ruby was right, we were the "Four Roses"!'
Those remaining at the party rose and lead us to the doors. A short walk across the plaza, seeing the damn scorch marks were still there. Four long years and the marks were still visible. Our friends, family and associates hugged, waved and wished us on to the next phase of our life.
With gracious and tired smiles we thanked them and went on our way.
The waiting limo took us swiftly from the reception . The ride to the hotel was quiet broken only by the tired sighs of the four brides. Along the way the driver asked, "Well, who was the bride?" He laughed when all four of us raised our hands, "Well, that explains the work order-pick up four roses"
I grimaced and considered someone's untimely death when we get back from the honeymoon.
We made our way up to the penthouse suite, I opened the door and my Ruby lifting me bridal-style sweeping me over the threshold. The Dragon-Cub picked up her Kitty piggy-back and giggling as they flew to the other side of the suite.
After setting me on my feet Ruby moved over closing the doors separating the suite, locking them out. Her sister and Blake now living the life of the newly wedded. Ruby turned to to me,
" Weiss, honey, I'm going to shower first. Please rest."
Kissing me deeply, her hands caressed my hips, as she did, I could feel the fire, the heat, flow to my core. My breathe caught and then she was gone.
As the shower ran, I just sat and thought what I would I ask her? How could she fix this? My heart, twisting love and hate. 'What could I do? What should I do? What would I do?
Did I just lose the love I so desperately wanted and needed? Did I just waste four years of my life?'
The bathroom door opened and a flash streaked pass-rose petals drifted through the room. The scent filled the air and vanished just as quick the door to the bedroom locked
I got up and headed for the bathroom. Stripping off my gown I let it drop and kicked it
away, leaving it on the floor in stark contrast to Ruby's which was hung and wrapped against the door.
The water was cool as I climbed into the shower. The water cascading over me, it let my mind wander, adding up memories from the past, placing it on the balance-scale in my heart and head. Eventually it was too cold. I slipped from the shower and dried with the thick and fluffy towel laid out for me.
I carefully dressed in a gown The very one I had planned on wearing for my wedding night with my wife. It was long and sheer fell to my ankles. My under garment was just two pieces of gossamer weave and a string at my waist. The tile was cool under my bare feet. I pushed back my hair, satisfied and slipped out of the bathroom.
I walked to the room and the coffee table caught my eye. Three varying stacks of paper there on the wooden surface. 'Curious' I investigated them. The first was a letter written by my wife, the second bore the SDC logo, and the last was a paper from the Kingdom of Vale.
Picking the letter up, I began to read.
My dearest Weiss,
My wife/girlfriend/partner/teammate
My friend
This letter is the hardest thing,
I think, I have ever had to write.
I am admitting that I have betrayed your trust.
I went to the SDC and laid out our life. I wanted to relieve the stress put upon you, from your father and the board. I tried to find a middle ground between hunting and the company. If you find that I have exceeded my reach, I can only claim my love for you. I hope you can forgive me and have laid out two items here;
the first stack is the negotiations terms that I laid out with your father and the board.
The second is an annulment form, if you cannot forgive me I offer you the chance to separate from me.
Know that I will always love you till my dying breath,
I await you please...
Love eternally,
Ruby
