Ch 40: All I Want For Christmas Is You

"Aunt… Weiss?" Jin answered, a bit confused. She could count on one hand the amount of times in her entire life Weiss had called her directly for anything.

"Don't sound so surprised. Ruby and I were wondering, you've been with Spadix for almost 2 years now, correct?" Weiss asked calmly. Jin could see her at her office desk. Ruby gave a light wave in the background.

"Come this spring, yes. Why?" Jin was a bit weary. Scarlet had come back to be nosey, hanging nearby listening.

"Yes well we were wondering if instead of giving her permission to stay in the dorms for the holidays, if she'd like to come join our family festivities with you this year?"

Jin froze for a moment before her mind raced with the idea. She smiled, answering excitedly and a bit quickly, "Yes! Thanks Aunt Weiss!"

Weiss gave a gentle grin, "Not a problem. Make sure she's ready and we can take her when we grab Sterling."

Jin agreed and they exchanged pleasant goodbyes before hanging up. Scarlet watched Jin bounce around excitedly and chuckled at her, "Alright alright, are we doing the rest of this session or what Romeo?"

Jin smirked and joined Scarlet for the rest of training.

—-

"Are you sure it's ok for me to come?" Spadix asked as she packed for the winter break. She stared at Sterling and Jin. Jin nodded and Sterling shrugged, "I mean Mom is the one who told me you were coming home with us so I can't see why it wouldn't be."

Jin watched Spadix as she nervously packed. It wasn't like she worried about going so much as worrying about meeting basically all of Jin's family. Jin moved closer as Spadix was turned to the bed where her bag was sitting, the dragon gently wrapping her arms around Spadix's waist and holding her snugly, kissing the top of her head and speaking calmly and sweetly to her, "It's going to be ok Little Bird. They are going to love you."

Spadix took a deep breath and let herself relax for now as she zipped up the duffle. She placed a hand gently over one of Jin's arms to acknowledge the comforts before a knock was heard at the door. Indi was watching them carefully before answering the door, seeing Ruby, "Are they ready to head out?"

Indi turned back to the room and Sterling headed to the door. Jin gave a gentle squeeze before letting Spadix go, "Don't worry, Sterling will be with you until I get there. Have fun."

Spadix just nodded as Ruby gave her a gentle, friendly smile. Spadix joined them and the group left, Indi closing the door. Jin watched her carefully as she returned to the room. The raven haired girl felt this is not going to be comfortable with just the two of them.

Finally, Jin spoke, a bit of edge in her voice, "When do you leave?"

Indi responded calmly but flatly, "Tomorrow morning, you?"

Jin glared, "Same."

It's really quiet and uncomfortable for a while before Indi sighs, "What do you want me to say to you right now? I can see you have something you want to say to me. Let's get this over with shall we? I know you haven't said it yet because of Spadix."

Jin lets out a low growl before realizing Indi would not be intimidated, then folded her arms, staring Indi down, "I want to know what actually happened. Everything."

Indi sighed, leaning back on her hands sitting on the other bunk across from Jin, "The first heat cycle I was caring for the nasty bite you left on her. But it apparently kept stimulating her and she'd jump me. All she would do is kiss me and I would immediately knock sense back into her and she'd stop and apologize. The second time around she desperately begged me to stay because she wasn't sure she could trust herself from staying put in the room. It was about the same but at one point she tackled me while she was in an immense amount of pain and tried to fuck my leg and make out with me but I didn't let her. I was going to try to go find something she could relieve herself with to help her but she remembered the toy you both have and spent the rest of her heat just trying to stop her misery in your bed with it. I promise I gave her privacy. Happy?"

Jin was quiet for a bit before grunting with a very dominant snort of air through her nostrils before releasing her aggressive body language. After a while Jin finally spoke, "Thanks. I just wanted to know."

Indi rolled her eyes but nodded. She was more than certain if that information had been any more indecent Jin would have tried to rough her up but since it wasn't she wouldn't hold to that thought. She would hands down never win in a fight with Jin but she refused to be afraid of her, "Are we good now? Can we just move on past it?"

Jin sighed but after a long silence just nodded, "Yes fine."

They got through the rest of the day with meals and silence before finally Indi couldn't take it much anymore and pulled out a projector for a screen and tossed a pillow on the floor to sit, tossing another at Jin, "Come on. Best two out of three?"

She held up her scroll as a fighting game kicked on on the screen. Jin caught the tossed pillow and then smirked, "Sure if you want to get your ass handed to you!"

Indi just smirked. They got through the rest of the evening gaming late into the night. By the end they were laughing and getting through rounds with a healthier level of challenge between them. It had easily helped smooth them over back into a more acquainted air with one another. They turned it off, munching down a pizza each leaning back against a different bunk.

Indi watched Jin carefully after she swallowed down a bite, "Are you excited to introduce Spadix to your family? It's a big step."

Jin finished up a slice and nodded, "You know, I was never really the kind of person to think too much about the future outside of what I wanted to do for a living but with Spadix… I just realized over time that I really can see her there forever by my side. Since realizing that, I don't know I just have wanted to make that work. Family is important to me so of course I'm excited."

Indie smiled. She wasn't sure what Spadix felt about her romantic future but she was at least glad Spadix was deeply cared about. "I think it's going to be very nerve wrecking for her but I'm sure she'll be fine with you there."

Jin just nodded, appreciative. They finished up their food and called it a night. By the time Jin was woken up by Yang knocking on the door the next morning, Indi had already left for the holiday. Jin groaned and finally got out of bed after Yang was beating on the door and yelling for Jin to get up, "Jin! Get the hell out of bed already! Your mom is at home waiting for us to get back!"

Jin rubbed her face and got out of bed, "Yea yea I'm getting up!"

She heard the knocking stop and reached for her pre packed bag, throwing on her clothes and scarf and getting to the door. They get back home and Jin walks inside. Blake greets her as Leo runs over giggling to Jin, "Hey Jin. How has school been?"

Jin reached down as Yang entered the home, picking Leo up into her arms and walking over, "It's been awful actually. Hey buddy! You are getting so big!"

Leo laughed and hugged Jin. He was 4 now and like most toddlers growing fast. Azure, now 11, walked into the kitchen playing a handheld game before noticing Jin. Jin set Leo down and smiled at Azure who smiled back as Yang ruffled the girl's hair on her way to kiss Blake. Leo and Azure ran off to play leaving the adults in the kitchen. Jin looked around, glancing into the living room before turning back to Blake, "Where's the twins?"

the older faunus just smiled, watching Yang as the woman headed out the back door, "They are waiting out back to do some training with your mother. They start at Signal next year."

Jin smiled, "They got accepted then? That's awesome! What weapons are they using?"

The two carried on the conversation. Bao had chosen tekko-kagi claws that could also shoot small pistol rounds from a small barrel above the back of the hand. Mao had chosen to make gauntlet bracers like Yang's but they fired like mini turrets that could also release long ribbons for close combat. Mao's semblance allowed her to double herself and move both independently for a short period of time. Bao's semblance allowed his arms to stretch long distances. Jin was really excited for them, though a bit envious of controllable semblances.

Jin watched them with Blake out back for a while before lunch came around, to which they all ate together before the kids went to start packing to leave for Weiss and Ruby's home. Jin helped get bags in the vehicle as Taiyang arrived to load everyone up. On the drive over Jin was messaging Spadix.

—-

On the first day there, Spadix was nervous. Sterling tried to help her relax by showing her where he often found alone time to read but it didn't help much. Sitting with her, he gently asked about it, "Hey, you ok? You seem… more shaky than usual."

Spadix nibbled a talon and sighed, "I'm nervous about meeting all of Jin's family. It's… a pretty big step right?"

Sterling seemed to consider it then said, "I suppose but you won't be doing it alone. You'll have Jin and even myself here with you and I mean… you two have been together for a good while now, is it really that bad to take that step?"

Spadix was quiet for a while as she continued her nervous habit of nibbling a talon, finally speaking, "Yea that's true…"

Sterling leaned to look her in the eye, "Do you… not want that with Jin?"

Spadix turned red. Of course she had thought about being with Jin into the future. She gave a light whine, "I do! I'm just… I don't do family stuff. I don't really know how it works. What if I make a fool of myself or they don't like me?"

Sterling chuckled which caused Spadix to stare at him with a bit of a glare. He calmed himself, "Sorry I wasn't laughing at you. Jin's family is actually quite interesting themselves and trust me as long as they can tell you love Jin and treat her right, they will love you regardless. And honestly, if you make a fool of yourself, you'll get along just fine."

Spadix seemed confused but Sterling just reassured her as Ruby called for them to come eat dinner, "Trust me, you'll see. That whole family is a total goofy mess."

They got through dinner and Spadix felt a bit better but she was still nervous and anxious without Jin there. Spadix laid on a futon in Sterling's room with a spare one set up for Jin for the next day in advance.

—-

Throughout the next morning, Winter arrived with Whitley and Willow arriving as well. The group of Schnees set themselves up in the pool house this time. Autumn spent that morning obsessed with her uncle and grandmother. Spadix hung out on the back porch staring at her scroll, chewing at a talon like crazy. She hadn't noticed how long she'd been out there until she got a message from Jin, practically tossing her scroll from her nerves as she checked it.

'Hey Little Bird, I'll be there soon. You ok?'

'I will be once you get here,' Spadix replied, taking a deep breath.

She got hearts back and it made her smile weakly, even relieving a bit of stress.

Shortly after, the sound of a vehicle could be heard coming down the driveway. Spadix jumped up and practically ran to the front, feeling a wave of relief when she saw Jin and her family getting out. She couldn't help but run over to the dragon, "Jin!"

Jin turned and grinned, arms out to catch the smaller faunus when the owl clung on. She nuzzled the top of Spadix's head before kissing it lightly, taking the moment to hold her for a bit before pulling away, "Hey there Little Bird. Want to help me with these bags?"

Spadix nodded, still nervous but feeling much better with Jin there. She helped the family carry things in as the two smaller kids ran off to play with Autumn. The twins and Azure were in the room with Autumn again, Leo staying with Blake and Yang and Jin in the room with Spadix and Sterling. Taiyang was set up on the couch so that the Branwen twins could have the study and library, who showed up shortly after the others.

In Sterling's room, the three hung out, Jin sitting with Spadix on the futon holding the anxious faunus as Sterling sat at his desk. He was reading a book for now while Jin was soothing the owl, "It's going to be ok Little Bird I promise. Relax."

Spadix nodded lightly, snuggling into Jin's arms and letting Jin's scent calm her down some, "Jin I just… I don't know how to do 'family' and also…"

Her face flushed deeply as she hid it into Jin's chest, "I really want them to like me. I know family is important to you… and I really want to stay important to you too."

Jin's cheeks pinked for a moment before she nuzzled into the owl, smiling, "I really want that too Little Bird."

Sterling checked a message coming into his scroll and turned to the lovers, "It's dinner time. Let's head down."

—-

Sterling went down first and Jin stood to follow, hand in hand with Spadix but stopped when she felt the tug of resistance on her hand. She turned back to look at the owl. Spadix was staring down at the floor and nibbling a talon, hand holding Jin's tightly and a bit shaky. Jin stepped back over to Spadix but before she could say anything, the owl took a deep breath and nodded, "O-ok… let's go."

The two went down the stairs. The sounds of the large gathering of people were floating through the house. Kids loudly talking at each other, parents trying to speak over the noise, and the occasional sound of Blake talking sweetly to Leo could be heard. When they finally made it, Jin gently pulled Spadix into the dinning area where many faces looked up.

It got quiet. A handful of the room had never really met Spadix. In her sudden rising panic, she felt Jin's thumb rub over her talons and she steadied herself, her girlfriend's voice bringing her attention to all the faces watching her, "Everyone, this is my girlfriend Spadix."

Spadix could see the gentle smile on Blake's face accompanied by the massive goofy one on Yang's and she felt herself relax a bit. She weakly said hello to everyone. The kids also smiled at her. Raven smirked a bit but it was warm, "She's such a tiny thing isn't she?"

Spadix blushed. The woman didn't sound rude, more just speaking her mind so Spadix chose not to take offense. Jin chuckled next to her, "tiny yes but very capable I assure you Raven."

No one called Raven grandma, she wouldn't allow anything of the sort, so Spadix wasn't fully sure who the woman was to Jin until she looked more closely and the similarities Yang had to her made it abundantly clear Raven was her mother. Whitley and Willow greeted Spadix cordially and Qrow just gave a hint of a smile, "And a real looker too."

Again, her cheeks flushed especially when Jin agreed with him in that tone she got when she was flirtatious with Spadix. Taiyang was the only one to stand near them and offer a hand to shake, having not officially met her beyond simply seeing her face briefly that first summer. Jin led them to their seats and the room went back to its lively nature as before as if nothing had happened. Raven was near them and leaned close with a wink, "You are indeed quite pretty. Don't let that grandchild of mine fall behind on her training because of it though."

Jin protested with a grin and Spadix giggled a bit, relieving tension in her body. They got through the meal, with many of them curiously attentive of spadix and asking her questions about where she was from and what her dreams were as a huntress. To Jin's surprise, Spadix shyly reduced the answer to just wanting to help people who needed it. The dragon could only assume the actual details were just too personal, as they usually were.

Thankfully, desert distracted Winter before she had a chance to ask about Spadix's childhood. Something Jin and Spadix were both happy about. By the end of the meal, Spadix felt really good about the situation even if she was still a bit shaky from all the noise and the amount of people. The kids had all runoff including Leo to play while they still could before bed, leaving just the adults behind. Jin and Spadix stayed wrapped in conversation with Taiyang and Jin's parents, Weiss engaged in conversation on the other end with her son and her family. Ruby had gone to play with the kids and keep an eye on them after Autumn begged her to come with them.

As it winded down, most everyone helped clean up, leaving Spadix and Blake at the table. Blake watched as Spadix kept her attention on Jin moving to and from the kitchen. The older faunus smiled softly at her, catching the owl's attention, "Yes Mrs Xiao Long?"

Blake snickered lightly before shaking her head a bit, "Oh nothing really. I just think you did quite well for someone so nervous."

Spadix rubbed her face, groaning, "Was it that obvious?"

"A little. But it was to be expected," Blake responded kindly, reaching to gently pat Spadix's hand.

Not long after, Spadix felt the warm hands of the dragon gently sliding onto her shoulders and rubbing them softly. Spadix relaxed and smiled as Jin whispered in her ear, "Want to go outside for a minute and enjoy the snow with me?"

Spadix softly nodded, Blake leaving the two be, "That sounds wonderful."

The young couple made their way outside, Spadix in a coat to stay warm. It was a beautiful sight to behold out. The snow was like a blanket softly laid across every surface the eye could see. Snowflakes fell lazily and slowly upon them. Jin's hand was woven tightly in hers and the stars were bright and peaceful in the sky, "Wow…"

Jin giggled a bit and nodded, staring only at the owl, "Yes… wow indeed."

Spadix could feel her gaze and grew flustered. Jin leaned close and pressed her lips to the owl's, the kiss full of love and longing. Spadix closed her eyes and submitted the kiss happily, body growing warm from the contact and Jin's close proximity. Jin slid her tongue across Spadix's lower lip and was granted entry, tongues entangled in a slow, passionate pace. When they finally pulled apart, a string of saliva followed until it broke between them and they both took in heavy breaths in need of air.

It was almost depressing that there was nowhere to be alone there for days. What Spadix wouldn't give in this moment to feel loving intimacy with Jin, drawn to the tenderness and care her girlfriend was showing in her passion. Jin must have felt it too, whispering softly, "Next time, I'll rekindle this moment just for you when we have time alone. I promise."

The owl shivered and nodded lightly. God when Jin was being this soft and considerate it always got to her so much. She felt Jin's lips trail her jawline down to her neck and shift her coat and shirt just enough to nibble the nape before biting into her with a light purr, sending deep shivers through the owl. Two hands slid around Jin's neck as a soft gasp was released, both their inner beasts squirming inside them with delight at the promise pressed against Spadix's skin.

When Jin pulled away, Spadix's cheeks were on fire with how flustered she was, the owl trying to steady her breathing. Jin smiled and brushed hair from her lover's face before noticing how cold she was, "Want to go back in and call it a night?"

Spadix nodded, shivering from more than just arousal now and the frigid air licked at her skin. They went back inside and off to Sterling's room for bed. He was currently in his shower. The two slid both futon mats together so they could sleep in the same "bed" and curled up under the blankets for warmth, Jin's body heating up the space trapped beneath the blankets as Spadix snuggled into her chest. It didn't take long for the emotionally strained and exhausted owl to pass out in Jin's arms, a hand rubbing soft slow circles along the smaller faunus's back until the dragon also succumbed to slumber.

—-

Christmas came the next morning. The two had easily slept through Weiss and Ruby coming in at midnight for Sterling's birthday wishes, waking the next morning in each other's arms. Spadix was gently running her fingers and talons through Jin's hair to wake her, smiling at the groggy face as she woke, "Morning Golden Dragon. Did you sleep well?"

Jin smiled lightly, tugging Spadix in closer and nuzzling into her neck above the fresh marking wound whispering, "best I have in a few days."

Spadix giggled softly, shivering at Jin's face and breath against the bite claim on her nape, "M-merry Christmas."

Jin gently licked the skin with a soft hmm in response, goosebumps gracing her skin at the way the owl squirmed and sighed in response to the contact, "Merry Christmas Little Bird."

The two cuddled and teased flesh with the gentlest of touches for a while since they were alone in the room before finally getting up. The two got down for the chaotic breakfast of children eager for gifts before they sat through the exchanges. Spadix had even brought small candy gifts for the kids she had picked up with Jin not long before the break. It wasn't much but they hadn't had much time to really shop for much and with so many people they didn't really have the funds.

Jin mostly received money from the family, knowing she could really use it for trips into town during school. Spadix was also surprised when Yang and Blake gifted her a set of custom mitts that could allow her talons through but still keep her hands warm. When the exchanges were all over, Jin and Spadix stepped out front in the beautiful snowy morning with their gifts for each other.

They sat on the edge of the porch, tucked close together. Spadix gave hers over first. The box was wrapped in simple green wrapping with a golden ribbon and bow. It was a rather small box. Spadix already loved how Jin always wore the hair accessory she had gifted the dragon and knew Jin loved that the hood and mask gifted to herself were always her staple in her combat gear now. This new gift was something special as well. Jin opened the box and her face was consumed with awe at the sight inside.

Within the box, a simple golden wristband was inside, something she could easily still fit under her weapons so she wouldn't have to remove it while still being in her staple gold. It was rather beautiful but as she took it out, Spadix reached and tipped it, watching Jin's eyes notice the engravings on the inner side. There, a date was printed with a simple 'I Love You' and Spadix's signed initials with another date on the end. The two dates were the day they first met and the date they got together. Spadix gently took it from Jin and slid it onto her wrist, her words tender and soft, "Two of the most important days in my life ever to pass, and they were both because of you."

Jin felt tears threaten her eyes and she smiled, holding Spadix close and kissing her. When they parted, Jin observed the band lovingly before pulling over a thin small long box herself. The wrapping was silver and the ribbon and bow were red.

As Spadix took the gift and opened it, Jin started to explain, "my grandmother's tribe has a tradition with courtship. When you wish to tell someone you love that you would like to be theirs for eternity and beyond," the box was opened with a light gasp, "you set out to find the best wood that complements your lover and carve it into a precious amulet to be worn around their neck. You embed a gem in the center that brings the feeling of your commitment when observed and you make the shape something that feels true to your love. After you seal it all in a protective layer, you are to give it to the one you desire. If they place it upon their neck, they accept your promise to cherish and love them forever, and never take it off even after the two wed."

The small token was of a beautiful dark oak, carved brilliantly into a chinese dragon but the dragon had a beak and very feathery accents, detailed with the stripes along its body like Spadix wore. in the center of its coiled form was a sapphire, a gem that represents commitment and eternal love. It was on a silver chain. Spadix didn't even notice the happy tears rolling down her face. Jin watched her fold the item in her hands before gently asking, "May I?"

Neither of them realized they were holding their breath until Spadix nodded in a daze of joy, both finally exhaling. They giggled slightly as Jin took the chain and clasped it around Spadix's neck. Overjoyed, Spadix jumped into Jin's arms on her lap, legs sliding to either side of Jin's thighs as she held her cheeks gently, eyes staring into each other. Jin's warm hand wiped away the tears on the owl's face softly before they pulled together into a loving and deep kiss, Jin's arms wrapping around her small waist.

The kiss felt like it lasted a lifetime, so full of love and adoration for each other that they could stay like that forever if their lungs permitted it. When they finally pulled away, Spadix rested her forehead to Jin's, still grasping her cheeks and their eyes were closed as their breaths evened out, "Merry Christmas Little Bird. I love you."

Jin's ears received the softest and gentlest of replies, "Merry Christmas Golden Dragon. I love you too. So, so much."