Happy holidays and a Merry Christmas everyone. Truthfully I was scared I couldn't finish this story in time but thankfully I finished it. It's kind of short so I apologize for that but please enjoy anyway
You wouldn't be amazed how hard it is to write three holiday fics at once. . . Never. Again
Well enough of that
Disclaimer: I own nothing, enjoy the festivities of the holidays
Now without further ado, let's begin. Enjoy
"Jingle bells, Jingle bells, jingle all the way. O what fun it is to ride in a one horse sloping sleigh, Hey~" Ruby sang under her breath as she walked down the snowy streets of Vale as she finished shopping for presents for all her friends. The only thing left is to find a gift for her aunt, uncles and her father which is harder than it sounds.
Ruby was currently in the market district of Vale as she went window to window of many stores seeing what they have "Ugh~ Why does my family have to be so difficult to shop for" Ruby whined lightly as she been down at Vale for nearly three hours searching for stores that could have something for her family "I really have no idea what to get my family" Ruby muttered
Ruby let out another sigh as she continued walking down the streets of Vale as she past by a bar as someone was thrown out of it. The person got back up and cursed "Fuck you, my money is still good" that person was her uncle Strife
"Uncle, what are you doing here" Ruby asked as she walked up to her uncle who had the scent of alcohol on him
"I was trying out the holiday specials of many bars around Vale. I didn't even know there was a bar that sold red and green alcoholic drinks" Strife mused as Ruby let out a tired sigh "You okay little red" Strife asked as Ruby contemplated about telling him
After a few moments Ruby let out a sigh "I've been trying to find a present for you, uncle War, auntie and dad but I haven't found anything yet" Ruby reluctantly told him
"Aw~ You didn't have to get me anything" Strife said pulling Ruby into a hug "I already have my perfect gift, being your uncle my adorable niece" Strife said with a smile behind his mask
". . . . How drunk are you" Ruby said as Strife wouldn't say something mushy like that so calmly
"Enough that I have absolutely no idea what day it is" Strife said stroking Ruby's head softly as Ruby just looked up at him with a blank expression
"Uncle could you please let go of me" Ruby asked dryly as Strife did as she said
"Sorry about that, hold on for a minute" Strife said before taking a long deep breath as he let it out slowly. After a moment of silence he took his mask off and punched himself, shocking Ruby at the unexpected action. After a moment of Strife swaying a bit he righted himself back up with a calm look on his face "Alright, I'm sober again" Strife stated as he put his mask back on as he noticed Ruby shocked and confused look "What? That's just how I get the alcohol out of my system. Now let's go shopping" Strife said as Ruby gave him a forced smile
"Sorry uncle but. . . Uh, I don't really know how say it but" Ruby said as she looked away from him "You're not the best influence when doing, well. . Anything and that also means buying stuff" Ruby said as Strife was silent. The silence started edging away to awkward silence as neither made a sound as a drop of sweat dripped down from Ruby's face. A small gust of wind just flowed by them as a tumbleweed rolled past them "Was that a tumbleweed?" Ruby said turning to the brown object only to see it wasn't there anymore
"That's really hurtful you know that" Strife said dryly as Ruby gave a look that showed that she didn't believe him "Alright you got me there, I'll probably make you buy them something incredibly horrible knowing they couldn't turn you away. . . . Well maybe War and Death but Fury, hahahaha now that would be hilarious" Strife said as Ruby had a bad feeling that whatever he planned was something that would haunt her for the rest of her life "But seriously, we don't really need anything Ruby. We're not what you call, materialistic people. Especially with clothing, Fury especially. I know I love my sister but damn that woman needs to wear clothing to cover up more" Strife grumbled about Fury's choice of clothing
A light bulb lit up above Ruby's head "I could get her a cloak that suits her. Thank you uncle" Ruby said walking away from him
"Why did that lamppost light up, it's the middle of the afternoon" Strife said to himself as he stared at the holographic lamppost questionably "Also if you still want to get me something, get me something that makes a big explosion" Strife called out to Ruby as she rounded the corner
Ruby finished buying her gift with difficulty with the scarce clothing stores that allow faunus to enter. Ruby has also finished buying her uncle a high-powered bazooka. Most would call her crazy to actually buy something like that for such a destructive man but to Ruby, it would be crazy not to with that family of hers. Ruby was now wandering the streets still thinking of what to get her father and War.
Ruby let out a huff as she decided to get something to eat as she headed towards her favorite sweet shop. . . The new favorite as the old one couldn't allow her in because of her faunus heritage. This one was much more open towards faunus of all kinds
"Hello Watari, can I have the usual" Ruby asked when she entered the sweet parlor. The old man attending the bar let out a chortle. Watari or as he is truly known Quillsh Wammy set up this sweet and bakery shop nearly two years ago. He is in his retirement but does not want to stop working so he made this place to work in.
"Of course Ms. Rose" Watari said politely as he began taking out a large plate of cookies while placing a strawberry sundae in front of her
"Thank you" Ruby said as she began digging into her sundae
"Of course Ms. Rose, may I ask why you look so exhausted" Watari asked politely
Ruby let out a tired sigh "I've been going through some last minute shopping for my family, I got something for my aunt and uncle but not my father and other uncle" Ruby explained as she told him how difficult it is to buy something for people who show no interest in materialistic objects
Watari hum in thought "You could always ask master Lawliet, he is someone who could think of things much easier than most. Though it maybe difficult to have him help you, you know how is he. No social skills whatsoever" Watari said with a humorous chortle
Ruby giggled as she had to agree, when she first met him he just stared at her with those dark eyes which made her nervous and when he left she never realized that he ate all her sweets without her knowing. After arguing with the man, which she lost, she learned the man was crazy smart as she didn't even get a sentence in as he just confused her with all his smart talk. She soon learned that he was a very famous detective who Watari adopted at a young age and soon he came to work on the side with him
"True, where is he. He is usually in the corner eating some kind of sweet but I don't see him" Ruby said as the corner table was empty
"He is currently out on a small investigation. You know how he is, he's always looking for someone to challenge his intellect" Watari said as Ruby nodded in agreement as the door chime rang out as Lawliet walked through the door
"I would some cake Watari" L asked as he slouched to his table in the corner while taking out his scroll and read its contents in one hand while the other was in his pocket.
"Hey L, can I ask you something, I need help" Ruby asked walking up to the pale man who was sitting in a weird position
"No" L said as he didn't even look up from the screen
"Please" Ruby begged
"No" L repeated as Watari placed a slice of cake with strawberry filing in front of him. L picked up a fork as he ate the cake in a weird sort of way
"Come on, where's your holiday spirit" Ruby complained
"Buried alive in a casket six feet in a ground, in a straitjacket while it soon suffocates from lack of oxygen as it doesn't have the strength to find its way out as it has nothing left to live for" L said in a calm cold voice as he took another bite of his cake
Ruby took a few steps back away from L when he said that. No matter how long she will be with her father, people who are undoubtedly creepy will always get under her skin
"I'm sorry did that scare you? Because if it did then the world better hope we have another Huntress better than you" L insulted calmly as that wiped away the unnerved feeling she had as she was now angry
"Say that again, I dare you" Ruby said as her eyes went red-orange as L stopped eating as he stared at her calmly
"No thanks, you may be suicidal for being a Huntress but I'm not" L retorted calmly as that irked Ruby off more as the man just kept eating his cake
"Please you got to help me, I don't really know anyone better than you who could understand someone's way of thinking" Ruby begged as L let out a hum
". . . Alright but you're buying my sweets for a month" L said calmly
". . . . A week" Ruby retorted as she didn't have that sort of money to pay for his daily sugar dosage
"Two weeks" L said staring directly at Ruby
"One week and three days" Ruby said as L hummed in thought as he calmly stroke his chin
". . . . . Deal" L said as he shook Ruby's hand as she soon sat down on the other end of his table
"Alright, let me tell you what I need help with" Ruby said as she began telling him about what kind of people her father and uncle are as L sat there absorbing all information like a sponge.
"I see" L mumbled while chewing lightly on his fork "I guess you should get something for your uncle first as he seems more easier to get something for as that father of yours will be tricky" L stated as Ruby nodded
"That's what I thought as well" Ruby admitted
"Let's see here, for your uncle I guess you should get him something that he would use on a daily bases. . . . You said he carried a large sword right" L asked as Ruby nodded "Well then he needs a grindstone for sharpening his blade then right. Get him that new Dust grindstone that you could fill with Dust to imprint the dust in the weapon until the effects run out until he sharpens his sword again. I also suggest getting him some Dust crystals as a bonus to that" L suggested immensely as Ruby was in awe that he got such a great idea just by hearing what weapon he uses
"That's a great idea, I actually past by a store that had those. I could go and buy it later and go to the Dust shop a block down, thank you" Ruby said graciously
L waved her off as Watari walked up to them as he placed a giant plate of cookies between them which they both took one and took a bite "Now for you father is going to be difficult as that man has no need for anything like a grindstone as I'm guessing the man uses his aura for most of his needs, that includes taking care of his scythe" L guessed while chewing on a cookie as Ruby hummed in agreement "Now let's see, this might be difficult. Are you sure he has nothing that could be of value to him" L asked
"No nothing, he has very little things that he owns. Though I always see him take a glimpse at my belt buckle, maybe because it was my mothers" Ruby mused as she gestured to the flaming rose belt buckle on her hip
L let out a hum "Maybe that could work" L muse to himself as Ruby raised a brow at him
"What could work?" Ruby asked
"Is there anything of your mothers you have other than that buckle" L asked as Ruby thought about it for a moment
"No not really. . . . Well there are my baby pictures where my mom is holding me but that is about it" Ruby said as L let out a small chuckle
"Well there's your answer" L said as Ruby looked confused as L explained to her what to do
"Thanks again, and thank you for the cookies Watari" Ruby said waving with one hand while holding the wrapped box of cookies
"Of course Ms. Rose, have a Merry Christmas" Watari said as waved goodbye to the girl
"You too" Ruby said before walking off to get her last minute shopping done
Watari stood at the doorway for a second before going back in as he saw L with his feet on the table as he read something on his Scroll "That was a nice thing for you to do L" Watari said with an amused smile
"I just did it for the prospect of her paying for my sweet bills" L dismissed what Watari implied
"Ah, but you co-own this shop don't you remember. You never had to pay for anything, so why pray tell would you help her even with that fact" Watari said with the smile still on his face
"Watari. . . . be quiet" L grumbled as Watari let out a chortle as he went into the back of the store
"Glad to see that holiday spirit of yours escaped its confine" Watari mused loud enough for L to hear him as the raven haired man let out a dry huff as he went back to work on his next case
It's been a few days since then as it was Christmas morning as Ruby and all her friends were exchanging gifts. Ruby has given all her friends each a gift they thought it was wonderful (Too many people so I'm skipping it) Ruby has gotten mostly weapon modifications, upgrades and new parts from JNPR and FADE while she got high quality Dust crystals from Weiss saying that she should at least use more than her weapon. That earned the snow haired girl a tight hug which she blushed from the unexpected action. Yang gave her sister two ruby earrings saying that she should think about her looks now she's soon going to become a woman, that in turn caused Yang to cry while hugging her tightly as she said that her baby sister is growing up too fast. After pulling herself out of her sister's grip Blake gave Ruby a movie ticket to watch the new movie X-Ray and Vav when she feels like it, she also gave her a book that she thought Ruby would like. Ruby hugged the cat faunus for her gifts as everyone had a good time together.
After an hour of festivities Ruby decided it was time to give her presents to the rest of her family
"Where are you going Ruby" Yang asked when she saw Ruby getting up from her spot from the couch
"I'm going to go give the rest of my presents to my family" Ruby said with a smile as she went into her room to get the bag of presents for her family "I'll be back later guys, don't have too much fun without me" Ruby said when she went into the elevator
"We'll try little sis" Yang said waving from her spot on the couch to Ruby as the elevator doors shut as she went down.
When the doors opened again Ruby got out and went towards Death's classroom because honestly, that's the only place Ruby seen him at. Ruby guess was right as she found her father in his classroom with his siblings. War was leaning against the wall shaking his head while Fury was face palming, her father was currently strangling her uncle Strife who was holding a blow horn.
"Um~ am I interrupting something?" Ruby asked as her family stopped what they were doing to stare at her
"Not really, no" Death said as he let go of Strife who fell down onto the ground
"You're lucky we don't have a necessity to breathe or I would kill you for that" Strife said rubbing his neck
"Try and see what happens" Death threatened as the glared at each other while Fury let out a sigh
"Every year around this time those two would always fight about one thing or another" Fury said exasperatedly before looking at Ruby "Merry Christmas" Fury said walking over to the red head and gave her a hug
"Merry Christmas auntie" Ruby said as she hugged her aunt back
"What's with the bag?" Fury asked as Ruby pulled out a wrapped gift
"For you auntie" Ruby said handing the gift in purple wrappings to Fury
"Oh Ruby, you didn't have to get me anything" Fury said softly as she gently ran her hand through Ruby's hair
"I know, but I wanted too so open it up" Ruby said excited to see her reaction
"Alright then" Fury said as she ripped the wrapping off and pulled out a knee length jacket. The cloak was a royal purple that matched her hair, it had white accents around the cuff and collar while on it's back was the family symbol. The collar went upward along the back of it giving it a more royal look to it. On the back where the symbol was two white lines run down the back as the jacket splits near the bottom "My word this is a beautiful jacket. Thank you" Fury said honestly as she put the jacket on "And it fits too" Fury said going to the window to look at her reflection in it
Ruby goes over to War who hasn't move once "Here you go uncle" Ruby said holding a present with red wrappings up to the giant man
"I don't really do Christmas" War said unsure of this as Ruby just moved the present closer to him as War let out a silent huff as he took the present. It was odd shaped as it had a small box on top while it had a bigger box on the bottom. War ripped the wrappings off to find a small case underneath another box. Death put the case on the windowsill as he opened the box to find a smooth dark red grindstone "Interesting" War muttered as he examined the grindstone
"I bought the grindstone because you always carried your sword because maybe you need to sharpen it once in awhile and you don't have time to find a grind wheel" Ruby mused as War let out a smirk
"Thank you Ruby" War said as he placed his giant armored hand on her head softly
"The grindstone also acts like a current for Dust so if you pour some in it then whatever weapon you sharpen is then taking in the Dust abilities which would help you" Ruby said gesturing to the small suitcase as War opened it to find a variety of Dust liquids. Mostly fire Dust but some electric and ice as well
"This is a really nice present Ruby, thank you" War said honestly as Ruby smiled before noticing Strife walking up to her with his hands behind his back
"Yes" Ruby said with a smile
"Did you get me it" Strife said with excitement in his voice
"Yes uncle I did" Ruby said amused by his actions as she pulled out a foldable bazooka from the pouch as it had a small green bow on it. The second Ruby pulled out the bazooka everyone in the room froze in shock at what Ruby was doing handing the maniac a weapon more explosive then his own guns
"Yay~" Strife said with childlike happiness as he took it and aimed it around the room "Oo~ It also has targeting lock and heat seeking on it, nice" Strife said as he stopped moving the bazooka at Death as the bazooka chimed 'lock on'
"Point that somewhere else or I swear I'm shoving it down your throat and pulling the trigger" Death threatened his brother
"Spoilsport" Strife muttered dryly
"Was it really wise to give him a bazooka Ruby" Fury asked warily
"It was either that or get him something from a place I would never step place in over a hundred years" Ruby muttered dryly
(Over a hundred years later)
Ruby stops walking as she stares at a shop in the distance as several passing by species looked at her oddly
Christmas on the Citadel was in her own words boring. Memories of her past Christmases flooded her mind as she remembered one conversation she had in the past with her family
". . . . . . Ah what the hell, I have nothing left to lose but some of my pride, plus it has been over a hundred years" Ruby mused as she walked into the adult sex shop
(Present)
Fury face palmed at the idea what she meant "Oh my Oum, Strife seriously" Fury asked dryly
"Wait, do you really depict me of someone who would enjoy going to one of those places" Strife said utterly shocked. When no one answered they just stared at him "You people have absolutely no faith in me" Strife said with a huff as he walked away from his family to examine his new weapon closely
". . . . He's such a drama queen sometimes" Fury said dryly
"Sometimes?" War deadpanned
"Good point" Fury agreed as Ruby let out a weak chuckle before going over to her father who was staring at her calmly
"I honestly had no idea what to get you without help. So I hope you like it" Ruby said pulling out a small box and handed it to her father
Death stared at the small gift before taking it out of his daughters hand and opened it to reveal a black metal pocket watch with the family insignia while on the back was the Rose insignia "Interesting choice Ruby, thank you" Death said honestly, though he didn't know the reason why he would want a watch as he could tell time by the position of the sun and moon with an easy glance
"Open it" Ruby urged as Death raised a brow behind his mask as he looked down at the watch
Death stared at it until he pushed the case as the release clicked and it slowly open. The inside was intricate as the clock background was black while the hands and numbers were gold. But what took his attention was on the inside of the cover for the watch as it held a picture. It was a picture of Summer with a newborn Ruby in her arms as she had the most serene smiles on her face "This is" Death said softly as he gently brushed his fingertips against the photo
"I had to look through my old family photos to find that picture. If you want I could lend you the photo album if you like" Ruby said with serene smile as she watched how Death was captivated with the photo
"Yes. . That would be nice, thank you Ruby" Death said pulling Ruby into a hug which she returned
"I'm glad you like it" Ruby mumbled against his hug as she felt his body rumble as he let out a cheerful chuckle
"Of course I like it Ruby" Death said as he let go of Ruby "You're my daughter, I could never hate whatever you give me" Death said as he gently ruffled her hair "It's just a shame I couldn't get you something" Death said slightly ashamed he didn't get his daughter anything as he noticed the others in the room fidgeted as well as they didn't realize they don't have anything for Ruby either. Except Strife as he pulled out a bottle of champagne which Fury took from his hand and gave him a stern glare for even gesturing to what he was planning
"It's alright, as long as I have you guys with me I'll be fine" Ruby said sincerely as Death stared at her for a moment before letting out a small scoff
"You're going to regret saying that one of these days" Death said playfully as the others let out a chuckle
"Maybe but right now I'm happy with I have and I'm okay with that" Ruby said with a soft smile as she didn't even notice until it was happening that she felt a chaste kiss on top of her head as she looked back up to see her father readjusting his mask "Oh come on, the one time I could see your face and I missed it" Ruby whined as Death let out a chuckle
"Well you should've asked that for your present because I'm not taking this off again" Death said with a smirk behind his mask
Ruby had a pout on her face while crossing her arms as the others laughed at the scene before them which caused Ruby to stop pouting and laugh herself "Merry Christmas" Ruby said hugging her father again as the man softly returned it
"Merry Christmas" Death replied softly as the others were smiling as the serene scene "Come on, let's go get something to eat. You can bring your friends if you want" Death said as Ruby let out a small squeal of excitement as she rushed out of the room in a flurry of petals. Death shook his head in amusement before looking at his younger siblings "You want to come" Death asked calmly
"Sure" Fury accepted graciously as she started walking towards the door to wait for her siblings
"As long as we're not going to one of those family diners. I hate how crowded those places are" War said as he pushed himself off the wall and followed Fury
"WHOO! Free food!" Strife exclaimed happily
"Oh no, you're playing for yourself" Death stated as he walked over to his two siblings waiting at the door
"Oh come on, what about the spirit of giving" Strife complained
"Didn't one of us kill him" Death asked his sibling
"Oh yeah~ I really should check my targets during the political season before killing them" Fury mused as War let out a chuckle
"That's not fair" Strife complained
"Fine. How about this, you stop talking for at least an hour and I'll pay for you. Deal?" Death compromised as Strife crossed his arms in thought
". . . . . Deal" Strife agreed as Death let out a chuckle
"Let the torment begin" Death muttered to his siblings with a chuckle as they realized that with Ruby's friends there he'll be forced to talk during the first hour
"You are evil, you know that brother" Fury said as she let out a hearty laugh
"I know" Death admitted as they left the room with a grumbling Strife as they enjoyed a day out together happily as they ignored all the wrong in the world for one day of peace with each other. Whether for better or worse, family and friends will band together no matter what.
And there you have it, I hope you all enjoyed this little Christmas chapter and I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.
Thank you, bless your soul and I'll see you later, happy holidays :)
