A/N: Hey reader people readers, I'm not super enthusiastic right now since I'm going through a lot of relationship issues and college is always a thing so life is kinda hard right now but after getting like 2k views in a week and so many favs, follows, and reviews I kicked my own butt and sat down to write out the story. I wanna thank all you for reading (Omg dreamz you always say that) But I really do mean it from the bottom of my heart. You guys make it easier! So without further ado la story~ ALSO a special shout out to Adselihaz and Lucenthia Both of which offered me their ears to vent to and talk to which I am very grateful for 3

"Thoughts"-Italics

"Speech"-Regular

"Past/Flashback"-Bold

Children of Dust

Ash groaned slightly as his felt a small bump on the back of his head, "Probably from fainting..." he mused as he tried to gather himself. He felt a pair of hands hold him down, gently placing his head back onto a somewhat comfy surface. Ash blinked as he regained vision, he could see the girl from before, the boy as well. Yang had just snapped a picture from his right, Weiss was giving him a concerned look, and Blake was attempting to stop Yang from taking photos.

"You know all things considered he took it pretty well..." Blake offered pulling the camera away from Yang.

Weiss looked at her incredulously, "How do you figure?"

Blake shrugged, "Well he could have ran...or screamed."

Yang seemed all too amused with the situation, "Ruby what did I tell you when you turned 16? The ONE thing I told you to do!? Now dad is gonna be pissed!"

Ash heard Ruby groan in frustration, "Oh I'm laying on her lap well that's nice..." he thought looking over to his left to see his team judging him as well.

"For the LAST time Yang! We always used protection! I'm on the pill. WE. WERE. SAFE." Ruby almost yelled.

Haden although understanding the misunderstanding decided to play devils advocate, "That doesn't explain two mini me's over there rosy cheeks~"

"I can't believe this is happening..." Stella said rubbing her eyes.

"Boss is a dad..." Sabin said with a quick blink.

Ash nodded to himself, "Oh right I'm a father...HOLYMOTHERFUCKINGSHITI'MAFATHER!" he screamed internally as he looked to the two young children before taking a few calming breaths, "Okay Ash don't freak out. This is a misunderstanding right?...they only just look exactly like us…okay bad first thought. Think Ash think, use facts." Ash thought closing his eyes again, "Fact 1 Ruby was never pregnant. Fact 2 we always, always ALWAYS used protection...crazy fucking father and his dam-Focus focus...and fact 3 they have the same markings as me and Haden...me and-" Snapping out of his thoughts Ash quickly sat up this time, recovered from his daze.

"So you two...I'm your dad?" Ash said with a raised brow at the two kids that patiently stood beside him. Ash saw the young boy nod and the girl nodded as well, "Are you okay?" She asked with a small frown.

Ash peered at them for a moment before getting up onto his knees and giving them both a warm smile, "Of course!...So I guess your mom told you about me then right?"

Feeling more confident the boy moved his head out from beside his presumed sister, "Y-yeah...momma told us that you were big and strong and really nice and-" He almost kept going but he felt a soft hand press itself onto his head, his hair ruffled around. Ash kept his hand there, "They're just...kids..." he thought looking at their endearing eyes, "I see...well what do I call you two?"

That question made them both frown and Ruby spoke up from behind them, "We were trying to figure that out actually..."

Ash nodded and turned back to them, the same warm smile, "So what can I call my children?" he said smoothly although internally he felt awkward making such a statement, "I'm only 18..." he thought with a sweat-drop.

The two children looked down to the floor, "Thirteen..." The girl said suddenly, pulling on her brother who quietly mumbled, "Twelve..."

Ash gave them a confused face, "Numbers?"

The boy responded this time albeit quietly, "T-the lab...they uh...they only gave us numbers...never a name..."

Ash frowned, "I can't have that..." he said making both of them perk up from their sad mood slightly.

"Whaddyha mean?" The girl asked looking up at him.

Ash placed his hands on both of their heads, "My children aren't going to be called numbers...would you like me to give you names?" he asked and immediately felt his body tumble backward again as the weight of two small children stacked on his chest. They were both making making a lot of noise but he deciphered, "Yes." from their ecstatic response. Ash hummed to himself and looked at the two before pointing to the young girl.

"Ember...your name is Ember, okay?" Ash said with soft smile, his heart warmed slightly as her eyes lit up. Looking towards the young boy he put his finger to his chin as the boys needy gaze didn't waver, "And I'll call you...Garnet...Yeah that sounds prefect, kinda like your moms name." he said with a small nod as the two children seemed enamored by his names. Ash almost let out a small laugh as the two started calling one another by their newfound names, correcting one another on the pronunciation.

Ash's looked around to see a room full of females looking at him...oddly. Ruby had a small blush on her face as she watched Ash handle the children, it had been so long since she had seen him interact with a child she had almost forgotten just how good he was with kids.

"I think that's the most he has smiled all month…" she thought as Ash looked at Haden and back to Ember and Garnet.

Ash's brow furrowed for a moment before he smiled again and placed his hands on his children and pointed them towards Haden, "Hey you guys can you daddy a favor? You guys are probably dirty and stuff so I want you to go with auntie Haden over there and get cleaned up okay?" Ash said casually sending a message towards his teammate.

Haden nodded catching the somewhat subtle command, "Check everything, understood captain~" She thought before putting on a friendly smile and gesturing towards them, "Here here cuties, you guys gotta get cleaned up before anything, you heard your father." she said resisting the urge to laugh when saying father. Both Ember and Garnet groaned whilst getting off Ash and obediently followed Haden.

As soon as the three left the room Ash took a deep breath and fell back down onto the floor, "Oh man that was weird..." he said with an exhausted voice before turning his head towards team RWBY.

"Didn't know you went raw Ash..." Yang said crassly.

"Yang." Ruby said jabbing her in the ribs.

"Okay okay serious..." Yang said raising her hands up.

Ash sat up and looked at the four young women, four huntress that had blown away any expectation placed upon them. They had set the record for number of missions completed last year and were the shining attraction of Beacon academy. If Ozpin needed something done desperately he would send them first. Ash nodded to himself as he stared at them for a moment, they hadn't changed too much...only becoming more beautiful with age, "I know a lot of attractive huntress now that I think about it..." He thought with a sweat-drop as he looked at Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang in succession, "In fact..." he thought looking at Stella and thinking of Haden...Coco...Velvet...Glynda...Neo...Ash wracked his brain, "I'm actually hard-pressed thinking of ONE unattractive female I know..." He thought before shaking his head, chalking it up to one of the few blessings in his life.

Ash looked at Ruby, "When, where, and how?"

Ruby took a deep breath, "This is a long story..."

-A day ago-

Ruby hefted Crescent Rose from the ground with a tired huff as she wiped some sweat from her brow. Looking around the area seemed to look like pool of black that was dispersing into the air. Ruby frowned at the pure black ground of decaying Grimm around her, "They have gotten so aggressive lately..." She thought as she changed her weapon back into it's compact form. Ozpin had sent them to the far east side of Atlas to assist soldiers in the extermination of Grimm that had been pushing forward as of late. The job had been easy enough but what concerned her was the sheer number of the Grimm that attacked. Very rarely did Grimm push so far into human territory without reason but she shook her head, "Not like I can ask why..." She thought as a buzz came from her scroll.

"All done here."-Blake

"Mission accomplished!"-Yang

"Mission complete but...Everyone should come to my location."-Weiss

Ruby quickly opened the message and found the location on her scroll before dispersing in a blur of speed and rose petals.

Weiss felt a rush of wind behind her and didn't turn around to check what it was, her partner had a very distinct entrance that she needn't acknowledge after three years of working together.

"That might be a new record." Weiss said with a small smile, a very common occurrence nowadays. She and Ruby had grown closer and closer after years of being together, they talked with one another, sparred with one another, argued with one another. Weiss mused how close partners became thinking back to her first year, "It's as if Ozpin hand selected us in some crazy attempt to ship couples..." she thought thinking of a few drunken nights with her team with a small blush.

Ruby smirked as she stood next to Weiss overlooking the door, "Soooo it's a door."

Weiss rolled her eyes, "I could see that dummy."

Ruby pulled out Crescent Rose, "So...we opening it?"

Weiss gave her partner an odd stare, "Shouldn't we wait for Blake and your sister?"

Ruby smiled, "We can handle anything thrown at us together right?"

Weiss smiled before a glyph appeared underneath her and Ruby's feet, "Of course." She said a bit cockily. Ruby smiled before slashing the door in half, the slabs of metal fell to the ground with a loud thud. The two tensed and awaited some sort of attack that never came before walking into the dark unknown. As they stayed on their toes they looked around and cringed as they looked around, test tubes filled with deformed and maimed forms of what they could only assume were animals...humans.

"What is this place..." Ruby muttered under her breath as they walked through the deserted laboratory.

"I don't know but I don't like it..." Weiss responded as they stepped over a few bodies that had a few slices around their necks and chests. Dried blood. Ruby and Weiss tensed as they heard silent weeping. Heading deeper into the darkness Weiss made a glyph simply for light. Quickly rushing to the noise Ruby eyes widened as she came upon two children. A young boy with his knees tucked to his chest and a young girl quietly weeping into his shoulder. Upon further inspection she could see a small glass blade in the boys hand covered with blood, taking a small step forward Ruby stood still as the boy shot up in front of his sister in an impressive feat of speed. His hand quivering ever so slightly as he pointed it at Ruby, "S-s-st-sta-stay away from my sister..." His voice wavered slightly.

Ruby noted his features, silver eyes, black and red tipped hair, blood covering his face, "He looks like..." She shook her head from her thoughts before putting her weapon away.

"Ruby!" Weiss said in a hushed yell but her leader gave her a placating nod.

Kneeling down slowly Ruby kept her hands in the air, "It's okay...we aren't gonna hurt you okay?"

The boy seemed unconvinced and took a small step back, Ruby slowly moved forward and flinched as stinging pain went across her fingertip. Blood dripped from her hand and Weiss almost jumped into action before Ruby continued moving forward.

"See?" Ruby said showing her finger, "I won't hurt you. Please just put that down..." she said with a light tone, she could see the young boy contemplating in his head as his hand trembled ever so slightly. A light clattering noise echoed through the lab as he dropped the glass onto the floor and fell forward. Ruby caught him and grimaced, he was unconscious. Ruby looked towards the young girl who seemed fearful of her as well, holding out her hand she tried again, "Please...come with me it's gonna be okay." She assured holding out the cut hand.

The girl gently took it and walked out with both Ruby and Weiss out of the darkness, they both quickly found the exit and walked out into the light. With a better look Weiss mouth dropped as she stared at the girl and boy, "Black hair orange tips...Black with red tips...lines that look like tattoos..." she thought comparing the two young children with Ruby and Ash. A pair of footsteps behind them came to a stop and a shocked Blake and Yang stared at the four.

Yang blinked looking at the boy and then Ruby, "R-ruby?"

Blake's mouth stayed open as she stared at the young girl that resembled Ash, "W-when did you have kids!" She yelled in shock.

-Present-

"Poor kids...were you able to talk to them about it or...?" Ash trailed off.

"They...well when they woke up on the ride back they didn't really wanna talk much about anything...they called Ruby mom and started asking about their *dad*" Blake said gesturing towards Ash who was currently twirling the ends of his hair.

"Why would they ask about me?" Ash said playing with his hair.

"Well Garnet called Ruby mom and I may have mentioned how shocked their father would be when he found out and then they started asking us about you sooooooo..." Yang said scratching the back her head, "May have brought you up..." She said with a shrug.

Ash sweat-dropped, "Well it would have come to this some way or another...But more importantly did you mark the area you found the lab?"

Weiss nodded, "We did but I don't know how much you can find in it...we looked over it and it was pretty trashed..."

Ash hummed quietly to himself, "Well one problem at a time...Haden should be done giving them their checkups."

Both groups nodded and headed to the nurses office, Ash walked out the room last thinking intently on the marks on their bodies, a small tug from Ruby caused him to snap out form his thoughts.

"What are you thinking?" Ruby asked inquisitively.

Ash looked down, "I'm not sure...but I don't have a good feeling about this at all..."

Ash sweat-dropped as he felt his legs captured yet again, two excited (well one excited and one rather quiet) children both held his legs, looking up at him expectantly. He looked at Haden and then back down, "Yes?" he asked bemused.

"Auntie Haden said you would get us ice cream if we were good!" Ember said shaking his leg.

Ash looked at Haden who shrugged before huffing, "Well I suppose you two were both good right?" he asked gesturing to Haden.

"The best~" Haden said with amused smile on her face.

Ash rolled his eyes at her, "Well I need to talk with auntie Haden right now, how about you two go with your mom to get ice cream okay?"

The two nodded and quickly went to Ruby's side grabbing her hands, Ruby nodded to Ash before taking the two away. As the door closed Ash turned back to Haden, "So...what are they?"

Haden hummed, "Well if I said human it would be too boring huh?"

Ash groaned, "Haden not now, I'm in no mood." he said rubbing his temples.

Haden's grin settled into a serious face, "They're like us." she said looking at Ash.

Stella seemed perturbed, "Like...your arms you mean?"

Haden sat down and turned on off the light, "I took an x-ray of their bodies..." She said pulling the image up on a screen.

"I can't see anything..." Sabin said looking at a screen blank with white.

Haden nodded, "That's exactly my point...if you were to x-ray both mine and Ash's arm you would get the same result."

Weiss brow furrowed, "So...that's means that their entire bodies are made out of dust? Is something like that even possible?"

Haden bit the bottom of her lip, "I've never seen anything like it before...I know my mom was leading in research for it but..."

"She never finished." Ash said with a frown, "I wouldn't say it's impossible...I mean I made my arm from dust and some luck and since Penny exists I imagine even more things are possible with technology, dust, and aura."

Haden nodded, "Yes...Dust isn't just some fuel source for weapons, that's how we barbarically chose to use it to survive...no...dust is the life source of Remnant. Anyone with the knowledge of how to control dust, natures wrath, can freely use the powers of the Land and the Planet to do incredible feats."

"But to produce artificial life? Is dust really that powerful?" Yang asked.

Ash looked at his hand, "I wouldn't doubt it in the slightest...What I'm more concerned with is how they look, why do they look like me and Ruby?"

"A better question is why is someone artificially creating children?" Stella mumbled.

"All good questions." An older voice interrupted the group.

Ash didn't seem shocked, "Ozpin."

Ozpin walked in looking at the x-ray with a low hum, "Very interesting...children intertwined with the source of power and life...Ash I am afraid I will have to deny your request to Atlas now." Ozpin said with a slightly sympathetic face.

Ash sighed, "It's not that big a deal...I have a job to do after all."

Sabin looked confused, "Why don't you like Atlas boss?"

Haden giggled, "Oh he wouldn't want Ruby to find out about his second girlfriend~"

Ash growled, "She isn't even remotely my girlfriend! She isn't even a friend! She's a little brat that thinks she's entitl-know what? I don't need to defend myself." he muttered before looking at Ozpin, "When do you want us to head out?"

Ozpin smiled, "Quick to work as always but I sent a team to replace you and now I have to recall them so it'll be another two weeks or so."

Ash sighed but nodded nonetheless, "That's fine I should probably figure something out with the kids..." he said playing with his hair.

"You probably shouldn't have them..." Ozpin joked a small smirk on his face.

"Hahahahahaha I hate you." Ash said walking out of the room, "Guys I gotta go play daddy and think of a place to keep the two..."

"What about Trick's place?" Stella called out.

Ash stopped in place and frowned, "You guys should all understand...I wouldn't wanna be away from my mom and dad if I had them in my life. Whether they're my kids or not they think of me that importantly. So they're staying with me one way or another." he said continuing forward. Once Ash left everyone all looked at one another.

"This is weird right? It isn't just me?" Weiss said with a sweat-drop.

"Really is anyone in the room normal?" Blake added.

"No. Not even a little." Ozpin said taking a sip from his ever present mug.

Ash walked through the halls of Beacon, heading towards the lunch room before having a sudden realization, "Wait...No one but or group knows about-Aw shit." he thought with a grimace as he watched Ruby walk out of the lunch room with a blush on her face. As she made eye contact with Ash all she did was shake her head at him.

"We can't keep them around here..." Ruby said with a rosy hue on her cheeks.

Ash sweat-dropped, "Yeah I caught that..."

"Hey daddy why was everyone looking at mommy strangely?" Ember asked innocently. Ash silently wondered if this was what it felt like when he asked Blue how babies were made...probably not. He wasn't going to solicit his children for sex..., "Man I had a fucked up childhood..." He thought as he thought of something to say, "Er well...um people aren't used to...uh..." Ash stumbled through his explanation.

"Miss Rose is quite famous you see." A voice said from behind, Ruby and Ash silently thanked Glynda as she walked over.

"Famous?" Ember asked cocking her head to the side.

"Our children are adorable..." Ash quietly whispered to Ruby.

"I know it's kind of an issue..." She whispered back as Garnet looked up at them blankly.

"Mom I dropped my ice cream." he said holding up an empty cone.

Ruby looked at Ash with a devious smile, "Your father will get you another one~"

Ash's mouth dropped down before forcing a smile on his face, "O-of course dear." he forced out the second part and walked into the cafeteria awaiting scrutiny.

Ember tugged at Glynda, "What do you mean famous?"

Glynda smiled, "Well your mom and your father are both very strong. Some of the greatest hunters I have ever taught."

"Ooooh you taught our parents? Doesn't that mean you're like..." Ember scrunched up her face up trying to think of a way to describe Glynda, "You're like super duper strong!"

Glynda put a thoughtful look on her face, "I guess you could say that, may I ask your name little one?"

Ember's face scrunched up again, "I'm not little! I just haven't hit my growth spurt!" She said with crossed arms and pout.

Glynda stifled a laugh and looked at Ruby, "Well it seems she takes after you..."

Ruby had the dignity to not respond instead looking at Ember, "Now don't be rude, don't you want to tell people the name Ash gave you?"

Ember suddenly perked up again, "Oh yeah! My name is Ember!"

Glynda smiled, "That's a pretty name." She complimented, "What about the quiet one there?"

Garnet peeked out from behind Ruby and quietly mumbled, "Garnet." was all he said.

Glynda noted his shy nature and simply nodded, "What a nice name. Well I am sure you will explain all of this later miss Rose?"

Ruby nodded sheepishly, "It's a long story..."

Glynda almost snorted, "I very well hope it is, well have a good day you three." she said with a wave walking through the halls. Ash returned with a large blush on his cheeks mouthing words that he didn't want heard by the children to Ruby who smiled at him sweetly. Handing Garnet his ice cream he looked at Ruby seriously.

"So what do we do?" Ash asked.

"I have an idea..." Ruby started, "That you won't like."

Ash raised a brow, "I'm listening..."

Ruby took a deep breath, "Well Sanctuary..."

The air slightly shifted as Ruby mentioned the name of his old home, Ash stared blankly at Ruby trying his best not to glare or seem angry, "No. Can you think of something else?" He asked calmly.

Ruby gave a light glare, "Ash...we need a place that both our teams can live AND we can take care of Ember and Garnet."

Ash silently fumed as they continued speaking through such censored language, "I think we can do something else/I really don't want to be there."

"We need a place right now/I know it's hard but what choice do we have?" Ruby replied choosing her words carefully.

Ash sighed before looking down to the two kids that stayed silent through their small albeit secret argument. Garnet though looked up at Ash with a small frown, his eyes twinkled with recognition, "Daddy are you angry?"

Although Ash did not outwardly react he was impressed, "Very perceptive..." he thought before shaking his head, "No Garnet it's just not a place I want to be is all...but your mother is right, we do need a home for you two so." Ash looked at Ruby apprehensively, "We should probably tell everyone right?" he said in a slightly defeated tone. The group began to head back to the nurse's office where everyone was waiting and Ash felt a small peck on his cheek.

"I'm sorry..." Ruby whispered.

Ash looked over to her and sighed, "No this is the right choice...just." Ash flinched, "A lot of memories in there."

Ruby grasped his hand, "You still have me." she said gripping tightly.

Ash felt a small warmth in his chest and he held the smaller hand tightly in his own, "That I do..." he said with a subdued smile.

"Hurry up!" Ember said impatiently wanting to see their new *home* her brother right beside her, Ruby quickly moved forward a small hop in her step before turning on her heel and looking back at Ash, "Well what are you waiting for?" She asked with grin.

Ash stood still for a moment and looked down, a family was a bit earlier than he had ever expected but it still made him feel indescribably warm, "Is it really okay to be this happy?" he thought before stepping forward once more.

An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of Ash's stomach, both team ASHS and RWBY were moving back into Sanctuary together. Ash fidgeted as they walked closer to the mansion, his eyes flickering every so often. He felt a firm squeeze on his hand and looked to his right to see silvery orbs of serenity.

Ruby stepped closer, "You okay?"

Ash flinched slightly, "No."

Ruby frowned, "Is it that bad?"

Ash managed to calm himself down and took a deep breath, "You should make sure Ember and Garnet aren't causing a mess..." he suggested tiredly. Ruby gave him a concerned stare before continuing into the mansion.

"Stilllll waiting~" a deranged voice insulted from behind him.

"Quiet..." Ash mumbled to himself quietly whilst leaking out a bit of aura.

"Pfft Fine, It's getting boring in here! Go cause some trouble master~" his double sneered the last word.

Ash shook his head clearly, "That bastard is getting more annoying than usual..." he thought with a groan before taking a look at his scroll. He saw several messages in it and he sighed, "And now I have more work to do..." He thought tiredly as he trudged into the house, hearing a small crash as he did.

Ash rubbed his forehead, "I should just get used to that noise..." he thought with a groan.

A rushed panic seemed to be going on in the household as Stella was cursing about being careful, Sabin was yelling about being pushed, and Ruby saying to quickly fix it. Ash walked in on the two teams with a blank face. Walking past everyone he knelt down to inspect the damage, one broken photo, nothing major. His mouth twitched ever so slightly as he inspected the picture itself, "Blue, Cinder, and Neo..." he thought looking at the trio with a frown, "All three of them were so different," Ash thought, "But here we were happy." he mused with a small smile. Fixing the glass and creating a new picture frame around the photo he put it back.

"Try to be careful." Ash said placing his hand on Sabin's head with a neutral face, "I'm going to be in my study working on some paperwork, knock if you need me." Ash said with a small wave, he already had things here, no need to add more. It became more quiet as Ash walked up the stairs with a small patter of footsteps. The remainder of team ASHS looked at team RWBY who all frowned at the apathetic form of Ash ascend up the stairs.

"He can't help it." Haden said picking up a few of her bags, "It's just how this place is now..." She mumbled walking up the stairs to claim a room. Sabin looked at his sister sadly who shook her head as they both hefted their bags up to follow their teammates. Ruby sighed as she cleaned up the remainder of the glass from the floor.

"Is he okay?" Yang asked.

Ruby looked thoughtful, "Better than before..."

"He shouldn't be alone right now." Weiss said crossing her arms.

Ruby nodded, "I know, but I don't know what to say to him anymore...Sometimes talking to this new him is like talking to a stranger."

Blake nodded thinking of Adam, "He's different, that's for sure but Ash is still Ash...just show him you're still here. I mean you do love him right?"

Ruby nodded, "Of course I do but...It's different now...I don't see that spark from him anymore."

"Don't misunderstand him." A voice interrupted from behind them, Neo stood before them.

"What are you doing here?" Yang said with a raised brow.

"Trick told me Ash would be moving in today so I figured I should check up on him..." Neo mumbled whilst walking towards the old photo Ash had fixed, "You know he is a very different man now Ruby but I can tell you that his love for you is stronger than it was..." she said adjusting the frame slightly.

Ruby looked down, "How do you figure?"

Neo hummed, "His love for you is different now, just because the spark isn't there doesn't mean he doesn't love you the same." she said shaking her head, "I would know he came to me and said the same thing..."

Ruby seemed interested, "So?"

Neo sat on top of a table and smiled, "A lot of people think relationships are failing if there isn't fireworks, butterflies, and electricity. Were all sold that love is this bright shiny thing that isn't there without roses, kisses in the rain, or the perfect story. But truth be told love isn't nearly that dramatic...love is much more subdued." Neo mused, "Tell me Ruby what do you feel when you see Ash now?"

Ruby looked surprised before she thought to herself a few moments, "I...well when I first saw him I always got butterfly's but now..."

Neo seemed to already know where this was going, "Now?"

Ruby had a small smile, her eyes soft, "But after being with him for so long when I'm with him everything just feels calm...like a storm just passed over and everything is different, but everything is right."

Neo smiled, "There. That right there is love. Me and Trick have been through many, many, many different things Ruby but now we understand the small moments of love that we share everyday. When we fall asleep together it doesn't have that buzz that it had when we were first dating; it feels like coming home. Our kisses aren't always passionate since there are more now. Coffee-flavored ones, wine-flavored ones, I'll be back soon kisses, and one more before you leave kisses. Yes, sometimes my heart skips a beat when he smiles a certain way but we often sit at park benches or in the cafe, sharing subtle looks. We take naps together, we talk about everything together. Love is the quiet hum of care, like a heartbeat, underlying everything, keeping you warm and comfortable no matter where you are."

The entirety of team RWBY suddenly felt warmer with the way Neo talked so openly, Blake almost squeaked as she felt a hand interlock with hers. Yang gave a small smile to her partner which was returned with a small blush. Ruby nodded slowly before quickly heading up the stairs, both Yang and Blake made their way out to the garden to enjoy one each-others company leaving Weiss and Neo alone. Weiss let a small sigh escape her as her teammates left to enjoy time with their partners.

"They're lucky..." Weiss mumbled.

Neo's eyes flashed as her heard a small noise, "True...although I think you may be shocked at how love starts..." she said cryptically before disappearing in a flash of white. Weiss seemed unconvinced as she turned around and bumped into someone slightly taller than her. Her eyes widened as two yellow eyes stared right back at her. Quickly stepping back she yelled, "W-WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

Sabin looked at Weiss oddly, "I've been here the entire time." he said innocently.

Weiss was rather embarrassed by her lack of awareness, "W-well you shouldn't sneak up on people!"

Sabin gave her a toothy smile before laughing, "Hahaha! I wasn't sneaking! I put all of your guy's bags away actually." he said crossing his arms and giving her a mock glare.

Weiss blushed, "W-well...I'm...sorry." she said in defeat.

Sabin looked around and scratched his head, "Uh where is everyone at?"

Weiss made a bitter smile, "Enjoying themselves."

Sabin looked at Weiss for a moment before grabbing her hand, "Okay then let's go!"

Weiss was shocked as she felt herself pulled forward, "W-what are you doing?!"

Sabin wickedly grinned, "Enjoying myself!" he said pulling her harder.

"W-where are you taking me?!" She almost yelled.

"I don't know!" he said with a laugh before speeding out the mansion with Weiss in hand. From atop of the staircase Neo held her cheek in her and smiled, "I can see why Ozpin make's pools on this now..." She mumbled with devious smile.

Ash felt a pair of arms snake around his body as he worked on a few papers, he snorted lightly as he felt a head plop on his shoulders. The head nuzzled on his cheek and he smiled, struggling to continue to write.

"I can't work like this." Ash said with a knowing smile.

"Stop working." Ruby said, he could feel her pouting.

Ash made a defeated sigh before putting the pencil down and spinning around in his chair to face the red-headed, "Okay." said with a serene smile. Ruby felt a small buzz in her chest as she sat on his lap, laying her head on his chest.

"Are you happy?" Ruby asked.

"Happy?" Ash asked in confusion, "Of course. Why do you ask?"

Ruby was quiet and mumbled, "You don't talk about what's on your mind."

Ash slowly spun them in the chair, looking up to the ceiling, "I...I guess I'm still looking for ways to say it."

Ruby looked at Ash sadly, "How can you move forward if you keep regretting the past?"

Ash was quiet, "How can I keep living knowing I can never go back? To those days where we all smiled."

Ruby shifted slightly closer to Ash's face, "I can't tell you that, you have to find it on your own. But please..." She whispered with a tender kiss, Ash felt her tongue on the bottom of his lip and locked it with his own as he felt her deepen the kiss. He felt heat from his chest as she pressed herself against him. After a few moments the two separated, breathing slightly heavy.

"Always come here. We'll catch you as you fall." Ruby said closing her eyes as she leaned on him.

Ash let his head lay on hers and closed his eyes, "Here..." he thought before a noise interrupted their passionate moment.

"Ewwwww." Ember said sticking her tongue out from her mouth.

Ruby snorted before hiding her giggling face in Ash's chest who looked at Ember with amusement, "First rule of this house young lady, knock first."

Ember scrunched her face up, "Understood! But were hungry!"

Ash looked at the paperwork on his desk and back to Ember, "It can wait for now..." he thought carrying Ruby bridal style, "Okay go get your brother, you two are gonna help make dinner tonight." Ash said with his eyes closed. Ember quickly ran out the room and Ruby looked at Ash with a small blush.

"This is weird." She said watching Ember run into her and Garnet's room.

Ash laughed, "Yup. But it's a nice kind of weird." he mused.

"It sure is loud..."Neo commented next to Ash as he grilled a bit of food together. Both team RWBY and ASHS along with Ember and Garnet causing a bit of a ruckus, "Almost like that time we had a barbecue here." she said with a nostalgic smile.

Ash continued cooking and his eyes looked at Neo slightly, "Why are you here?"

Neo sat on the counter, "To check up on you?"

Ash looked back to his stove, "I meant why did you come back."

Neo looked at Ash thoughtfully, "Is there really a reason that would satisfy someone like you? I don't think there is!"

Ash frowned, "Neo it's been three years...You've dodged me long enough haven't you?"

Neo eyes looked steely, "Three years huh..."

The two sat silently together for a minute before Ash drained some water from a pot, looking at Neo he sighed, "Never mind."

"No." Neo said suddenly, "If you would like to know I'll tell you honestly."

Ash quietly chopped some vegetables before throwing them onto the pan, "I'm listening..."

Neo closed her eyes as the sizzling of the grill filled the silence, "Mentor was my father first you know. When Trick and Blue came it was gaining two new siblings but when you came it was different. Mentor stopped being my father, it felt like you were his new favorite."

"Mentor never had favorites." Ash mumbled.

"He did." Neo corrected, "He would always stay up at night and tell me. Neo one day you'll understand. Neo one day you'll see. Neo you'll never guess what Ash did. More than Cinder, more than Trick, and more than Blue, and more than me. Mentor adored you Ash."

Ash was quiet as Neo eyes flashed pink to white for a moment and then back to pink and brown, he frowned. Only Trick ever knew the exact meaning of her eyes and what they meant. From what Ash could gather she was getting emotional, upset? Angry? He couldn't really tell.

Neo snorted, "But despite that he was my father and I loved him...in a way I understood. Looking at you now I see his vision, you became a strong man Ash and you have years to go yet." She said with smile, "But back then I wasn't so wise...Ash I hated you when you killed him. I gave myself any excuse not to see you. Not to come back here. Just like you did. But I had a promise to keep. To him. To Trick. To Blue...To Cinder..." She said the last name quietly.

"A promise?" Ash mumbled turning the stone off, "Like your promise to Roman?"

Neo shook her head, "Roman helped us in ways you never really knew. But if you want me to completely honest with you about 3 years ago. Both me and Roman were in the dark about Cinder's plans for you. In the end I stopped Trick because I knew he would get himself killed before letting Blue fight you alone...Blue had asked me to do that before she left."

Ash paused. "She..."

Neo nodded, "She knew Ash...But when she told Trick, you know how that man is."

Ash nodded, "He would have done anything..."

Neo nodded, "Unless I stopped him. So I gave him a message. He showed up. We fought and...I managed to keep him there."

Ash sighed and looked up, "You said you had a promise to keep?"

Neo looked at Ash for moment before looking up with him, "I'll tell you when you're wiser..."

Ash snorted, "Sure..." he said his eyes shifting to her slightly, "You never really answered directly you know."

Neo closed her eyes, "I came back for a lot reasons. We'd be here all day if I told you all of them but if you want a summary. I came back because of Roman, I came back because of Trick, and I came back because you needed me. I can wish that I came back earlier but in the end I'm here now." she said opening her eyes and looking at Ash, placing her hand on his cheek, "I can never be Blue or the Cinder you used to know. I can only be me. The me that made mistakes. The me that chose to come back. Does that satisfy you?"

Ash wiped a tear that was forming, "Yes..."

Neo looked closely at him, "Did you almost cry?"

Ash rolled his eyes, "No!"

Neo smiled, "You did. You were definitely gonna cry."

Ash groaned before yelling for everybody to come eat dinner, Neo smirked and started to waltz away before Ash called out.

"Aren't you staying?!" Ash said looking away from her, "I thought you liked barbecue..." he almost muttered.

Neo looked at Ash in shock before smiling, "Neo I know it's hard to understand...but one day he'll be a person you'll rely on. So until that day...keep this family together?" old words echoed in her brain, "Until then..." she thought sitting down with the two groups.

Time quickly passed as the group ate dinner together, Ash had put both Ember and Garnet to sleep after they finished their meals; both worn out from the long day. As he returned he heard uproariously loud laughing. Walking into the dining he twitched as he saw small blushes on Haden's and Neo's face, Yang seemed to be downing a few shots of alcohol as well. He could see Sabin tentatively take a shot and he quickly yanked the bottle from his hand with a scowl.

"Leave you idiots alone for a minute and you're getting drunk." Ash said shaking his head as he poured a drink for himself.

"And you continue to pour for yourself?" Ruby said with a deadpan stare.

"My house my rules." Ash said taking a sip, "Besides Trick got me drinking last year anyway, you can blame him for that~"

Neo pouted, "It's not hissss fault you were such a negative Nancy! You were like a walking frown! You should take more missions like you did for Lady Death! That would be fun!"

Ash blushed and almost choked on his drink, "N-never again! I can't even believe you suggested me to her! And even worse I actually had to do it..."

Neo hiccuped and giggled, "Well at least you can say you earned your money! Hell I threw out a few for you in the end!"

Everyone looked at the two in interest before Stella spoke, "What exactly are you two talking about?"

Ash glared at Neo, "Nothing that needs to be mentioned."

Neo looked mischievous, "Wellllll~"

Ash gave her a pointed stare, "Neo..."

Haden sly smirk on her face, "Oooooh is this THAT story?"

Neo only nodded causing everyone to look back at Ash that seemed to be cursing the existence of both females. Ruby pouted taking a small sip of the alcohol on the table, "What story?"

"Yeah! Story!" Yang demanded making Blake face-palm as she pulled away the cup from the blonde.

"I DEMAND THE STORY BE TOLD!" Weiss said in slurred voice, hanging off of Sabin. Ash groaned, whenever Weiss got drunk she got into her whole, "I am the queen! Do as I command!" Spiel. Neo hiccuped and laughed before giving Ash a wicked smile, "Welllll it all started as an old favor to a friend!"

"Neo I swear to whatever you believe in..." Ash muttered dangerously.

"An old friend of ours! Her name is Nox! But we call her Lady Death for...reasons." Neo said cryptically, "But anywaaaaayyyyy I may have owed her a favor! So I went to Ash since he was the only one for the job at the time!" She hiccuped, "Trick was out of town on business sooooo I figure Ash wouldn't miiiind hehehehe." she giggled.

"Neo..." Ash twitched.

"So Ash came into it thinking it was some sort of bodyguard detail or hit on a high value target HA! You should have seen his face when Nox asked him to stand in for one of her male strippers!" Neo said before busting out laughing. Ash felt all eyes on him as he covered his face with his scarf.

"Boss you're a stripper?" Sabin said in shock.

"NO I AM NOT!" Ash growled.

"Not that night! Ooooo Nox said you were a natural talent! He even got the nickname Infinity. Oh man if you were wondering why he only had ones for a few months hahahaha!" Neo cackled.

"Strip! Strip! Strip!" Yang cheered while banging on the table.

"I demand you strip yourself Infinity!" Weiss seconded.

Ash sweat-dropped, "You guys can't be serious...Come on Ruby you wouldn't want that right?"

Ash felt sweat on the back of his neck as Ruby had a deep blush on her face, the alcohol taking over her small body. She seemed to be stuck in between a pout and a glare, "I never got to see you strip..." she mumbled almost jealously.

Ash slowly backed up and looked towards Stella, "H-hey you're my teammate help me out!"

Stella looked down bashfully before a small hiccup escaped her, "D-democracy..." she mumbled.

Ash groaned and gave a pleading stare towards Blake but to his horror she too had a drunken haze in her eyes, Yang slipping her a few drinks every so often. Blake only held up a ninja's of love towards Ash.

"Okay that's enough." Ash said rubbing his forehead in a quick flash of orange everyone was unconscious save for Neo, Ash, and Sabin.

Neo pouted at Ash, "That was no fun~"

Ash rolled his eyes, "Are you staying the night or should I call Trick?"

Neo teetered off her chair, "Nonsense! I can make it home!"

Ash blinked before throwing the small girl over his shoulder while shaking his head, "Yeeeeah No. Sabin could you pick up those idiots and put them in their rooms?"

Sabin gave him a thumbs up before carrying both Weiss and Ruby first, the smaller of the five girls. Ash felt small smacks on his back and complaining about tall people, "Would you give it a rest already?" he said trying to stop her kicking.

"Yoooou suck!" Neo said sticking her tongue out even though he couldn't see her face.

Ash rolled his eyes before throwing her onto her bed, "Say I'm home."

Neo looked at Ash oddly, "Home?" she asked looking up from her bed.

Ash scratched the back of his head, "When you come back here, next time say, I'm home."

Neo looked at Ash for moment, "Welcome back!" a much younger and vibrant voice echoed in her head, "I'm home." she said quietly.

Ash smiled, "Welcome back."

Ash let out a tired breath as he finished his paperwork and fell into bed with a light thud. He felt a pair of hands slither up the back of his shirt, he shivered as he felt cold flesh against his own. A very unknown fact about Ruby was just how touchy she got when she slept, often latching onto things and snuggling up next to them; a trait that Weiss often complained about on longer missions. Ash wormed his way out out of her grabbing hands and wrapped his arms around her to satisfy her. A few hours passed, the sound of night hummed.

"Kill her."

Ash shook awake and sat on the edge of the bed, looking at his clock with a groan, "3 am?" he thought tiredly. Getting off the bed he walked into the kitchen rubbing his flashing eyes, silent weeping made him look up in confusion. Walking into the living room he found Garnet sitting in fetal position next to the curtains, the moonlight lighting the room. Garnet looked up as he heard Ash's footsteps, without a word he looked back down unable to look him in the eye. Ash took a deep breath before picking Garnet up sitting next to a grand piano, placing the small boy on his lap.

"Can't sleep?" Ash asked.

"Nightmares...red..." Garnet said quietly.

Ash was quiet momentarily, "Garnet how old are you?"

Garnet seemed confused, "T-they said 9..."

Ash nodded, "How old is Ember?"

"8." he replied.

Ash nodded again, "I see...so that makes you her big brother right?"

Garnet shrugged, "Yeah...I guess."

Ash placed a hand on Garnet's head, "Then it was your job to protect her right? From anything?"

Garnet shuffled on his fathers lap, "I...it still feels..."

"Wrong?" Ash finished, "I know...it may never feel right Garnet. But the important thing is that you protected someone precious to you. The same way me and your mom will protect you."

Garnet sighed, "Why does it have to hurt?"

Ash almost sighed, "I wish I could tell you...but from now on you don't have to worry. You'll never have to go through that kind of pain while you're with me. I'll protect you. Always."

Garnet looked up, "Promise?"

Ash gave a confident smirk, "Pinky swear." he said holding out his finger. Garnet took it with a small smile and leaned back on his father's chest before looking up once more.

"Why are you awake dad?" he asked innocently.

Ash chuckled, "I couldn't sleep either but that's why I come out here..." he said lifting up the cover to the piano. Garnet looked at the piano as if it were foreign object. Ash carefully placed his hands on the keys, lithely pressing down on keys. A resonating sound filled the room, Ash let his hands glide on the keys as Garnet stared in awe. The song seemed somewhat melancholy as if he was leaving something behind and gently letting it come to an end. He paused ever so slightly before continuing to play, he seemed absorbed in what he was doing before intensely pressing down on each key. Each note struck with an emotion. Happy but then sad. Longing but then satisfied. Lost but then found. Ash's hands quivered as pressed his fingers on the piano before swiftly slowing to an end. Expertly playing the last few notes, he let the last few ring.

Garnet was left in silent awe, his past worries washed away, "W-what was that? C-can you teach me how to do that?"

Ash smiled, "That was Watashi no Uso and of course I can...would you like to hear another song?"

Garnet nodded as another string of notes immersed in once again, As Ash played he could feel Garnet follow his every move until inevitably a head slumped onto his chest and soft snoring filled the room. Ash's eyes glowed a bright orange and he closed his eyes, "I wish it was always this peaceful..." he quietly whispered to the emptiness of the room.