Chapter 17: Shower of Gifts
AN: Heads up for a possible hit to the feels for Penny related reasons. It won't necessarily affect all readers, but it hit me while writing it.
The gate creaked open. Blake felt her top ears twitch towards the sound. The humans around her hadn't even noticed, but Velvet's ears twitched too, although she didn't comment.
Before Blake could move, Kali darted over and pushed the gate closed.
"Must've been off the catch," Kali muttered, Blake barely catching the words from across the garden, even with her sensitive hearing.
Blake frowned. It wasn't a windy day, so how had the gate opened? Her face relaxed as she caught the hint of movement. It wasn't easy for Ilia to blend in with the background under bright light, but she was trying.
"Sorry I'm late." Ilia appeared next to her as soon as the words left her mouth.
Everyone around Blake within sight of Ilia had some sort of startled reaction, and of course being pretty much all huntsmen and huntresses, hands moved towards weapons. Fortunately a moment of recognition followed, and the visitors relaxed.
Blake hugged Ilia. "That's fine, you didn't miss anything." Nothing but a few impatient guests giving their gifts before the intended shower of them.
"Ilia." Yang's voice was… flat?
Blake looked at her wife. Had Yang's eyes just been red? They were lilac now, but…
Kali put an arm around Ilia and whisked her away, towards the snacks. If there were any left by now. Maybe her parents had hidden some specially for late arrivals. It didn't really matter, not compared to whatever was bothering her wife.
"Is something wrong?" Blake asked, keeping her voice low. She took Yang's hand. It felt tense, and she stroked her free hand over the back of Yang's, trying to relax her.
Yang took a deep breath. The tension faded. She smiled at Blake. "Your friend could do with not surprising everyone like that. She's lucky she didn't get weapons drawn on her."
Blake frowned. She had a feeling Yang wasn't telling her everything, but didn't want to press her. She'd let it slide, at least for now. Yang had been a bit strange about Ilia for a while now. Was it because she couldn't get over the fact Ilia had almost sent Blake back to Adam all those years ago?
True, Yang had only learned that relatively recently, and Blake herself wouldn't be forgiving if Yang had been the one endangered. Yang had said at the time of the revelation that she wouldn't hold it against Ilia at Blake's request, but maybe that was easier said than done. Maybe Blake had no right to ask that of her. Maybe it was asking too much of Yang.
It's just… surely Ilia helping Raven find out about Yang's missing eggs should've made a difference? Then again Yang had always valued others more than herself, especially her loved ones. Blake sighed, and made a mental note to talk to Yang later.
Ghira clapped his hands, drawing all eyes to him. He grinned, widely enough to expose his fangs. "Everyone is here. Time for gifts!"
Her parents must've checked that everyone had gifts first before making that announcement. When Blake sent the invitation and gift list to their friends, she'd made it clear there was no obligation to give anything. The plan for the baby shower did include the customary gift giving as a group activity, but it would've been shelved if anyone turned up empty handed.
Standing beside Ghira, Kali held up a hand in a 'stop' signal. Sun skidded to a halt, already running towards Blake and Yang, an enormous box held over his head. Blake had to wonder where he'd been hiding that.
"Anyone who can't stay for long has priority to give their gifts first," Kali said.
"Oh, gotta wait." Sun staggered. "This is kinda heavy, y'know. Uh, Neptune? Where is he? Anyone, a hand? Please!"
Ghira helped him set it down with exaggerated care, in case there was anything fragile inside. He somehow resisted dropping it on Sun's feet, possibly only because it contained something for his grandchild.
"See! You like me!" Sun threw his arms around Ghira and hugged him.
Ghira grunted and patted the top of Sun's head, a long suffering look on his face. His expression changed to something calculating, his eyes on the pond.
Kali clicked her tongue.
Ghira's eyes flicked to his wife.
Kali shook her head.
Ghira sighed.
Good, Sun wouldn't be thrown into the pond, at least not by Blake's father. Sun probably wouldn't actually mind if he got wet, but Yang didn't want the fish disturbed like that.
Movement drew Blake's attention to Pietro Polendina approaching the bench where Blake and Yang sat, his mechanical chair almost silent these days, after years of tinkering.
"Hey, Pietro! I must've missed you arriving, sorry," Yang said.
Blake winced. "So did I, sorry." Some host she was, at least Yang had the excuse of baby brain.
"Don't worry about it. You were occupied with other guests, and your parents welcomed me and made sure I got refreshments." Pietro smiled. "It's lovely to see you both looking so well."
Blake eyed Pietro with some concern. In contrast to his comment on their health, he didn't look so good, cheeks gaunt and eyes sunken.
"You can't stay?" Yang asked.
"Doctor's orders. I was probably supposed to stay at home, but I wanted to be here, even just to give you this." Pietro held out a bundle Blake had thought was his own blanket on his lap.
Yang took it. Blake reached over to touch the soft cosy fleece.
"Blankets are always useful," Pietro said. "But the main present is inside it."
Yang unwrapped it, passing the blanket to Blake.
"I designed it myself, of course carefully tested to meet safety standards for toys."
"Oh wow," Yang murmured.
It was a stylised Ursa plush, made to look cute rather than scary.
Pietro reached over and gripped the chest of the plush with a wrinkled hand. The Ursa's limbs wrapped around his hand. "See? It hugs back. Not too tight, and it has temperature control, warming or cooling as necessary."
"Glad I gave mine when I got here," Qrow drawled. "Or I'd have been upstaged before now." He gave a playful punch to Pietro's arm.
Pietro didn't flinch; the punch must've been gentle. He looked up at Qrow. "You gave them a teddy bear too?"
"Nope, a crow plush. It can't fly or anything." Qrow's gift appeared in his hands, snatched up from where Blake had put it down. He nestled it in the Ursa plush's arms, grinning as it hugged the crow plush.
"Thank you, Pietro. It's adorable, and very thoughtful. I'm sure our baby will love it." Yang poked Qrow. "Same goes for your gift. It's not a competition."
"Just as well," Qrow muttered.
Pietro coughed, several times. They sounded painful.
Blake put a hand on Pietro's shoulder, Yang's appearing on his other shoulder.
"Are you okay?" Yang asked.
A whirl of petals coalesced into Ruby. "Pietro, what can I do?"
Kali stepped closer, a glass in her hands. "Water?"
Pietro accepted the water, slowly draining the glass. "Thank you. I… I could be better. I should go home, rest. But I have no regrets, I'm glad to have seen you all."
"I'll help you home," Ruby said.
Pietro took her hand and patted it. "No, Ruby. I don't want you to miss your niece or nephew's baby shower. I'll be fine."
"I'll see the old man home." Emerald waved. "I just came to drop this off." She held up a box, and spared a wink towards Ilia, who blushed, spots glowing pink from across the garden.
"Oh, Emerald. That's kind of you to offer, although I'd rather—" Pietro coughed again. He took a few deep breaths. "Hm. On second thoughts, no avoiding the 'old' part, I'm afraid. It's accurate enough." He sighed. "If it's not out of your way…"
Emerald shrugged. "So long as it's not far from an airship dock, it'll be fine."
"In that case… We can linger long enough for you to give your gift."
Emerald looked ill at ease. "I'm fine with just dropping it off."
Yang waggled a finger at her. "Oh no, you don't. You can watch us open it and get thanked."
Emerald groaned. "Fine. It's your baby shower, I guess the least I can do is stick around for a minute."
Blake helped Yang open the box handed over by Emerald. For a moment she thought the gift was a backpack, if with a hole at the top with no cover.
"A baby carrier," Emerald muttered. "I figured it'd be useful. I kept the receipt in case you already have one." She dug out a slip of paper. "Here."
"Meaning you paid for it," Qrow said.
Emerald rolled her eyes. "Yes. I'm a reformed thief, thank you very much."
Yang poked her uncle again. "Considering you started out life as a bandit… Shush." She smiled at Emerald. "Thanks. I'm sure we won't need a receipt, but it's appreciated."
Emerald nodded stiffly. "There's safety instructions inside. Something about wearing it on the front of the body, and always keeping the baby's face in view."
"Thank you," Blake said.
"Yeah, well, gotta go. Come on, Mr Polendina. Let's get you home." Emerald lowered her voice, leaning close to Pietro. Blake still caught her words: "Sorry, you might be old but I didn't have to rub it in."
"Call me Pietro, dear, and don't worry about it."
The pair of them left, to a chorus of farewells. Pietro paused to accept a hug from Winter, the closest he could get to Penny now. Some days Penny was even in the driving seat instead of Winter, but today wasn't one of them, her eyes pale blue. It wasn't something they could control, despite a lot of time and effort spent trying.
Robyn and May stepped forward from where they'd been waiting, carrying a large box between them. They set it down next to the bench.
"Why couldn't Fiona have come?" May grumbled. "This would've been much easier with her Semblance."
Robyn pinched the bridge of her nose. "For the last time, yes, it would. But she can't be in two places at once." She moved her hand back, running it through her hair. "Where are our manners?" Robyn nudged May.
"Hi," May said, waving at Yang and Blake.
"Hey, Fisticuffs, Blake, congratulations," Robyn said.
Blake found herself almost disappointed she still didn't get a nickname, but that was probably for the best. She wasn't about to tempt fate and ask Robyn why she didn't get a nickname like Yang.
"We can only drop by, always busy, you know how it is. Fiona and Joanna send their apologies, they'd be here if they could be. The Happy Huntresses teamed up to make this for your kid." Robyn patted the box.
"You might as well save opening it until you have it in the baby's room," May said. "We're huntresses, not carpenters, and I'm sorry to say it shows. It's supposed to be a cot, for when the baby's old enough."
"It's the thought that counts," Blake said. "I'm sure we'll love it."
Robyn laughed. "You might want to wait until you see it before saying things like that. We included a wedge or two to go under the legs, no matter what we tried we couldn't get it to stop wobbling without them."
May's pocket buzzed, and she pulled out her scroll. "Time we weren't here, fearless leader." She grabbed Robyn's arm and tugged her towards the garden gate. "Get someone else to take the box into the baby's room for you, no heavy lifting, Xiao Long!"
Yang groaned. "Bye. And thanks."
Blake waved.
The pair of Happy Huntresses hurried off. They probably had a mission hunting Grimm, that or some injustice to campaign against. New Mantle still had problems thanks to friction between citizens originally from Atlas and Old Mantle, and between faunus and humans. The White Fang sometimes worked with the Happy Huntresses, Blake knew that much.
Robyn paused at the gate, blowing a kiss and winking towards the snack table. Blake glanced over, carefully not moving her head to keep it subtle, and wasn't surprised to catch Winter trying to hide her blush behind her glass as she drank. So far Winter had admitted nothing, even to Weiss, but they were pretty sure something was going on between her and Robyn, who was also linked to each of the Happy Huntresses.
Not that it was any of Blake's business, she just hoped they were all, well, happy. Especially with Penny being in control on unpredictable days, and always around in the background inside Winter's head.
"I'll get this inside the baby's room," Ghira said, scooping up the box like it weighed nothing.
Kali hopped onto a chair, producing a ringing tone from circling wet fingers on the rim of a wine glass, drawing all eyes to her. "Does anyone else need to leave before lunch?"
"We do!" Marrow waved both arms, tail wagging a little before drooping. "Um, sorry, why? What'd I miss?"
The other former Ace-Ops, Elm and Harriet, also looked uncomfortable.
"Sorry, we were inside. Bathroom," Harriet said.
"Not all at the same time, we queued and waited until we'd all finished," Elm added.
"Then it's time for you to give your gifts so you're not tied up in the titular baby shower," Kali said. "Or have to interrupt it to say your goodbyes. I'm sure you wouldn't want that." Her smile didn't reach her eyes. Blake was pretty sure there would be consequences for any disruption to the baby shower of Kali's grandchild. Those who'd given their gifts early were lucky to have escaped Kali's wrath. Unless she didn't know about that?
"Oh, right," Marrow muttered. "Now where did we put the gifts? I had mine before I went to the bathroom…"
"I got 'em," Elm said, holding up a stack of wrapped bundles.
"Then let's get going." Harriet snatched the top two presents from the pile Elm held, tossing one to Marrow. She hurried over to Yang's bench, and Blake was grateful Harriet didn't use her Semblance or she'd probably have scorched the grass.
"Here!" Harriet thrust the gift at Yang. "I know we don't get along all that well, but you're a good huntress, and I bet your kid will be too."
"Thanks." Yang unwrapped it, revealing a blanket with a stylised version of team RWBY defeating a horde of Grimm. "Our kid might not end up being a huntress, but if they do, I'm sure you're right."
Harriet rolled her eyes. "Uhuh, I'm willing to bet their career will be hunting Grimm. Typical legacy kid, coming from a long line of huntresses and huntsmen."
Blake cleared her throat. "I'm the first huntress in my family."
"And? Xiao Long's a legacy huntress. That's enough to all but guarantee the tradition continues. I know what I'm talking about."
Elm sighed. "We talked about this, Harriet." She shoved her teammate behind her. "Sorry, she still thinks she knows everything."
"I don't! I just know about legacy huntresses!" Harriet protested.
Elm pressed a finger to Harriet's lips. "Shush, or Marrow will have to get you to stay quiet."
"We did talk about it," Marrow said, tone somewhere between apologetic and firm. He stepped up next to Elm. "Here."
Marrow's gift was another blanket, this one with the original White Fang's flag on it.
"Thanks, Marrow." Blake struggled to say the words, suddenly struck anew by how awkward it might be if the baby had no faunus trait. How could they explain it to their friends?
Yang took her hand under the blanket and squeezed. "Yeah, thanks."
Elm handed over her gift with a smile. "You might be able to guess what this is. You can never have too many blankets!"
This blanket was covered with emblems, with Blake and Yang's in the middle, surrounded by those of their friends and family.
"You need anything, you only need to ask any of us," Elm said. "Even Harriet would drop everything."
"Hey, you're the one who came to blows with Xiao Long, not me!" Harriet grumbled.
Yang's fingers under the blankets twitched. Harriet had fought Ruby, which was far worse in Yang's eyes, although she didn't carry much of a grudge by now. Probably.
"That was years ago, we're all friends here," Marrow said.
Harriet subsided. "Yeah. Anyway, we better go. Upcoming mission to get to. See you, Xiao Long, Belladonna." She saluted.
Elm and Marrow both hugged Blake and Yang before following Harriet to the gate.
Kali clapped her hands. "Last call for anyone who has to leave early! Anyone? No? Then it really is time to shower the gifts."
Everyone gathered closer. They'd been watching as those who needed to leave gave their gifts, but allowing them space.
"Perhaps everyone could take a seat and take turns to give their gifts?" Kali suggested. "I'll call your name when it's your turn."
Ruby and Weiss took the seats closest to Blake and Yang, without the boxes they'd come with. Either they were waiting until after the end of the baby shower to give their gifts in private, or they'd already done so without Blake being present. Which was fine; Yang was supposed to be the centre of attention as the pregnant one.
Nora also claimed a nearby chair, smirking. She'd apparently had an ulterior motive besides impatience to give her gift as soon as she could; wanting to get a good seat to watch everyone else give theirs. Qrow remained standing beside them.
There was a minor scuffle for seats closer to Yang and Blake's bench, broken up by Kali clearing her throat, a warning look in her eyes.
"I won't be selecting gift giver turns by proximity to Yang," Kali said, tone deceptively mild. "If you're concerned about getting a good view, each gift giving is being recorded, and a copy will be available for you."
Yang stiffened beside Blake. She probably wasn't happy with being the centre of attention, or with the thought of being caught on camera at the moment. No matter how much Blake tried to reassure her, Yang was self conscious about her changed body shape. Yet of course she didn't protest, didn't speak up in her own defence.
"Mom, we didn't agree to that," Blake muttered. Most of their guests weren't close enough to hear her, but Kali would have no trouble.
"It's fine," Yang murmured. "I need to get over my body image issues. Maria's right, I'm not fat, I'm just pregnant."
"If you're sure," Blake said.
"Yes. But thanks." Yang kissed her cheek.
Kali darted closer, wrapping an arm around each of them. "Sorry, I should have asked. I really should have. Being so busy organising things is no excuse."
"Don't worry about it," Yang said. "No harm done. Let's get on with it, before I get hangry again."
Kali stepped back. Blake glanced up at her and saw Kali cup her hands around her mouth. "Everyone, lunch will be served as soon as the gifts are given, so no dawdling! Sun, there's a chair right behind you."
Sun, the last one still standing, took a seat, blushing, the fur on his tail bristling. "Sorry!"
"Thank you," Kali said. She checked her scroll. "Ilia, if you'd like to give your gift?"
Ilia's skin flickered as she approached, too quickly for Blake to be sure what emotion was responsible. Her eyes avoided Yang, which made it awkward to hand over her gift, blindly shoving it in Yang's direction. Blake took the proferred box from Ilia and passed it to Yang, bridging the gap Ilia inexplicably failed to cover. Perhaps Blake needed to have a word with Ilia too…
Yang opened the box, revealing four glass bottles with teats and protective caps, and what looked to Blake like a cleaning kit. She reached inside, pulling one out so Kali's camera could capture the engraving on it: a combination of Blake and Yang's emblems.
"I, uh, heard bottles can be useful even when breastfeeding, and more than one so there's always a clean one," Ilia said. "There's a kit for expressing breastmilk under the bottles."
Yang carefully put the bottle away, the slight clinks and rustles loud in the awkward silence between her and Ilia.
"Expressing?!" Ruby muttered
"I think it means milking?" Weiss murmured.
Blake caught a pretty similar exchange between Sun and Neptune, although neither of them knew it meant milking.
"It does," Kali confirmed. "Now quiet please."
"Thanks," Yang finally said, sparing a glance for Ilia, who looked away rather than meet Yang's eyes. Something definitely wasn't right between her wife and one of Blake's best friends, and it was on both sides.
"Thanks, Ilia. I love the engraving, and I'm sure they'll be handy." Blake nudged Yang.
"Hmm? Oh. Yes. Nice custom job, we really appreciate it." Yang's tone was flat again, at odds with her words.
Blake definitely needed to talk to Yang when they had a moment alone, and she'd better try to catch Ilia in private before she left too.
"You're welcome," Ilia mumbled, backing away. Her skin flickered again, as if she'd barely resisted fading from view.
Kali cleared her throat. "Maria,"
Maria still sat close by, although not near enough to be able to hand anything over. Ruby zipped between them, depositing the gift on Yang's lap.
"What if I wanted to stretch my legs?" Maria grumbled.
"Did you?" Ruby asked.
"No, but I might've!"
"Ask first," Weiss hissed, poking Ruby.
"Sorry," Ruby mumbled. She poked Weiss back.
"Eh, don't worry about it." Maria turned towards Yang. "Are you just going to sit there? Open it!"
Yang unwrapped the gift, revealing very much unlicensed team RWBY action figures, with an ominous 'try me' button on each. Blake stared at them, hoping beyond hope it was some sort of mechanism to make them perform attack moves rather than recorded battle cries.
Yang's hesitant finger pressed her unauthorised tiny replica's button. It punched, hair and eyes lighting up, and a tinny voice cried: "Feel my fire!"
Blake reached over to try out her own figure in morbid fascination. It couldn't replicate her Semblance like Yang's, but it did throw its tiny weapon, still attached to the figure by a ribbon, with a tinny shout of: "Wasp!"
Blake mouthed the word, clearly used instead of 'Bumblebee.' It must be an attempt by the manufacturer to avoid being sued, as it no doubt claimed any resemblance was purely coincidental. The packaging certainly didn't bear the names of team RWBY, or the team name. The emblems were also changed just enough for plausible deniability.
"What does little me do?" Ruby asked. She reached over to poke the button.
The tiny scythe slashed, and the air suddenly smelled like roses, accompanied by a tinny squeak: "Petal power!"
"I don't sound like that!" Ruby protested.
Blake avoided looking at Yang and Weiss. It did sound rather like Ruby at her squeakiest…
"I don't!" Ruby repeated, almost squeaking in her outrage.
Weiss patted her hand. "Of course not."
"None of them sound like us," Yang said. "How could they? We didn't provide our voices."
Weiss sighed. "I dread to think what my little imposter sounds like."
"Let's find out." Ruby pressed the last button.
Mini Weiss stabbed her rapier downwards, light projecting from it in a snowflake carefully distinct from the Schnee emblem. Weiss scowled at the tinny screech of: "Ice monarch!"
"That's not even accurate," Weiss grumbled.
"Got to be legally distinct," Yang said. "Thanks, Maria. Not that we aren't grateful, but I thought you promised no noisy toys from you?"
Maria grinned, almost from ear to ear. "I lied. Be grateful they're not that loud."
"I am, believe me," Blake muttered. "Thank you."
"Let me see!" Nora got up from her chair, leaning in for a closer look. "Awesome! Your kid'll have toy huntresses to fight the toy Grimm I gave!"
"When they're old enough. I think the packaging said age five plus," Blake said.
"Eh, guidelines." Nora gave a dismissive wave.
Maria shrugged. "The kid'll grow into them. I didn't want to pass up the chance of getting these versions of your team, in case legal challenges made them a very limited edition."
"I'm sure they'll love them," Yang said, through gritted teeth.
Blake hoped their child wouldn't overdo it with activating the sound effects, but at least the huntresses didn't sound too bad.
"Oh, hey, talking about the baby as 'they' reminds me…" Nora grinned. "Are you doing a gender reveal today?"
Blake exchanged a look with Yang. "No. The baby's been shy so far when it's come to scans."
"I can work with that! I was going to ask if my fellow guests wanted to take bets before the reveal, and we can still do that! We'll just have to wait longer before anyone wins."
Yang frowned. "Bets?"
"On the baby's gender. You know: girl, boy, enby, that sort of thing!" Nora's scroll appeared in her hands. "I have my own betting software all ready!"
Kali put a hand on top of Nora's, gently making her lower her scroll. "Later. After lunch, right now is for gifting."
Nora mumbled an apology and slipped back into her seat. She threw her hands into the air. "Gifts! I want to see what everyone else got you!"
"As do we all, Nora." Kali glanced at her scroll. "Ren, you're up next."
Nora muttered something under her breath about already knowing what he'd got, but brightened. "Oh, you'll love it! He made it himself! It's—"
"Nora, no spoilers," Ren murmured, kissing her cheek as he passed.
"Give me a little credit, I wasn't going to say what it is!" Nora protested.
"Can we take a bet on that?" Weiss muttered. "Five lien that you were going to spoil it."
"Only if you want to be excluded from the gender bet," Nora said.
"It won't work as a bet because we have to take Nora's word for it," Ren pointed out. He handed over a box wrapped in purple and yellow striped paper.
Opening it revealed the box was Dust infused, because it was bigger on the inside, although not as dramatic as Zwei's delivery to Beacon. Ren helped extract the contents without anything landing on Yang or Blake's feet.
"Thanks. What is it?" Yang asked.
"One moment…" Ren pieced together the lengths of wood and padding into a cot. Or maybe it was a crib, Blake wasn't entirely sure of the difference between them. From what Robyn had said, a cot was something a baby grew into, so maybe this was a crib. It certainly looked smaller than the box Robyn and May had brought with them.
"You made this? It's beautiful." Blake ran her fingers over the carved wood.
Ren nodded. "Carpentry's a useful hobby. I did my best, but it's not what a professional could do."
"A professional's work could never have the same sentimental value. And Blake's right, this is beautiful, so shut up. With all due respect." Yang smiled.
Ren smiled back, blushing. "It's the least I could do."
Nora pulled him to stand next to where she sat, hugging him. "See? I told you! They love it."
Ren put an arm around Nora and stroked her where his hand rested. "Yes, dear. But you need to let go, I should move it into the baby's room to clear space for the next gift."
"No need," Ghira said. He swept the probable crib up into his hands and disappeared into the house.
"Jaune," Kali called.
"Oh, right, better let you go," Nora muttered, and released Ren. "Jaune will need a hand. You're at a better height than I am, and he won't let me do it singlehanded."
Ren followed Jaune out of the garden gate. They returned a minute later carrying a large box between them, and set it down in front of Yang.
Jaune patted the box. "Do you want to see it here, or would you rather look at it later? It's not as pretty as Ren's handiwork, and I didn't make it myself. I did use it though, so did my sisters, my nephew, and my dad, and his dad, and many Arcs before them. It's an heirloom, you see. A cot."
Yang's troubled eyes met Blake's. "An heirloom? Jaune, we can't—"
"Your baby's an honorary Arc. Consider it a loan if you like. It can return to my family after your baby's outgrown it." Jaune folded his arms. "Like it or not, this is my gift to you. Um. Sorry it's a duplicate, I didn't know you'd be given another cot."
"I'm sure we'll use it," Yang said. "We won't always be at home, so a spare cot will be useful when visiting grandparents. Thank you."
"Yes, thank you," Blake added. She glanced at the box. Judging by the size of it in comparison, that meant Ren's present was definitely a crib.
"Kali, give me a minute?" Yang gave Kali's scroll camera a meaningful look.
"Of course." Kali poked her scroll, presumably stopping the recording.
Yang beckoned Jaune closer. She hugged him once he was within reach. "Thanks again, but won't Nora's baby need your heirloom cot before mine is done with it?"
Blake caught Yang's words. She didn't think anyone else would, not even her mother. Nora was pregnant? She glanced at Nora, and couldn't see any sign of it; she couldn't be far along yet.
Jaune tutted. "Damn it, Nora… She was supposed to tell you on another day, not steal your thunder today!" He frowned at Nora, who gave him an innocent look. Then again she wouldn't be able to hear what he was saying, his voice too low.
Yang patted his back. "It's fine, she kept it quiet. She hasn't told everyone, no thunder has been stolen." She kept her voice quiet.
"Still! First come, first served is the rule, and baby Pyrrha or Pyrrhus should get a bit of use out of it, even if it's just a few months. Nora insisted, by the way. You get it first." Jaune stepped back. "That's final. So did you want to see it now, or should we get it inside?"
"I think it can wait, no offence. I'm getting hungrier, and there's still a fair few gifts to go." Yang looked around at her assembled friends, all talking quietly amongst themselves.
"None taken," Jaune said. "Come on, Ren."
"Nonsense, you two sit back down." Ghira picked up the box as if it weighed no more than Ren's crib, and took it inside.
"Next please!" Kali called, readying her scroll. "Oscar!"
Oscar walked over, carrying a bundle almost bigger than he was. He'd had a growth spurt in Vacuo, just not much of one. He handed the gift over, Blake helping to take it.
"It's not that exciting, but it should be useful," Oscar said.
"Useful is great," Blake said.
Yang opened the bundle with some caution, which was just as well or she might have scattered the contents around them: baby clothes.
"I wasn't sure what sizes to get, so I got a variety, with duplicates because I hear babies get messy. I figured the baby will grow into the bigger ones… I hope." Oscar rubbed at the back of his head, wincing.
"Thanks, I'm sure they will. You found some nice colours too." Yang held up a onesie in each hand, one purple, the other yellow.
Oscar smiled. "They're your colours, it seemed fitting. If you wrap them up again, I'll take them—"
Ghira cleared his throat. "I think it's been established by now that's my job." He leaned down, packing the clothes back into their bundle, and carried it away.
"Sun," Kali said.
Sun and Neptune hauled over the box Blake had last seen set down nearby.
"This is from team SSSNN! The boys send their apologies, only Neptune could make it here with me," Sun said.
"Please open it," Neptune wheezed. "I don't think we'll get it through the door, the gate was hard enough."
Blake gave Yang a supportive hand as she stood. The last thing they needed was for Yang to have a fainting spell in front of everyone… Fortunately Yang didn't even sway, despite how increasingly unsteady she could be on her feet.
"We used dust infused tape to keep it securely shut, you'll need to…" Neptune trailed off.
Yang's prosthetic tore through the tape holding the box shut.
"Nevermind! A robot arm like that can get through anything!" Neptune gave a thumbs up, grinning.
Inside the box were revealed more boxes, although these ones displayed the contents: a pushchair, pram, and a baby car seat. Blake lifted them out before Yang could get any ideas about ignoring their doctor's guidance when it came to heavy lifting.
"Thanks, much appreciated. These will be very useful." Yang clapped Sun and Neptune on the back.
Blake hugged them. Perhaps she should've stood up sooner so she could've hugged the other gift givers so far… "Thank you."
"I'll get these inside," Ghira murmured.
By the time Blake withdrew from the hug, her dad had gone, the boxes with him.
"How'd he manage that in one trip?" Neptune asked.
"Skills!" Sun said. "Ghira is so skilled. I want to be like him when I grow up."
"I don't know." Neptune eyed Sun doubtfully. "Aren't you too old to grow any bigger? You'll never have his muscles."
Sun gasped, hugging his abs, face stricken. "Dude."
Neptune held up his hands, palms outward. "Hey, just be you, there's nothing wrong with that. Don't look at me like that, I'm not insulting The Abs."
Kali cleared her throat. "Boys. Please sit down."
"Sorry!" Sun and Neptune chorused. They fled back to their seats.
"Velvet, your turn," Kali said.
"Our turn," corrected Coco. "On behalf of team CFVY." She and Velvet brought over a vintage style travel trunk, the lid engraved with Blake and Yang's emblems.
"That's awesome," Yang said, sitting again on the bench. "Some storage is just what we need, and it's the sort of thing our kid can use if going away to school."
"That was our thinking, although it's not so useful for storage right now." Coco demonstrated how to unlatch the lid.
Blake lifted it. The trunk was already partly filled with clothes. Some very stylish baby clothes at that. She and Yang picked up the ones on top, admiring the quality.
"I helped design them myself," Coco said. "Fashion is still very much an interest of mine."
"I did a bit too, Coco's got me dabbling with fashion design as something we can do together." Velvet said. She pointed at what appeared to be a scarf. "This one was my idea. Fox and Yatsu picked out the textiles for everything, they have good taste."
"How'd Fox do that when he can't see?" Sun muttered.
Blake saw Velvet's rabbit ears twitch even as her own cat ears did.
Velvet rolled her eyes. "He couldn't pick out colour, but textile works by feel too! The rest of us made sure all the available colours weren't garish, and wouldn't clash no matter what he picked."
Sun blushed. "Sorry, ignore me. Forgot how sensitive your hearing is." All too easily done for Sun, with his faunus trait boosting his agility instead.
"It's fine, I'm sure you weren't the only one wondering," Velvet said. "Anyway, let me show you how to use that baby carrier. It's rather different to the one Emerald gave you, and I figure it'll be useful to have a backup."
Blake blinked. How was a scarf a baby carrier?
Velvet picked it up, and demonstrated that it was a sling rather than just a scarf.
"Thanks," Yang said. "I hear babies go through a lot of clothing, it'll be a shame to get these messy. The same goes for things to carry the baby in."
Coco waved dismissively. "Don't worry about it, they'll wash."
"I'm glad to hear babies go through a lot of clothes!" Neon hollered. "Sorry to queue jump, and spoilers, I guess." She came forward with a bag full of onesies of assorted sizes.
"Thanks, Neon," Yang said. "These are fun." She held up a onesie with the words 'too cute to handle' on it.
"Mom told me you can never have too many baby clothes," Blake lied through her teeth. It might even be true, but her mother hadn't said anything about that. "Thank you."
"Glad you remembered, Blake." Kali said, covering for her smoothly. "It's very true." She glanced down at her scroll and poked it a few times, presumably dealing with Neon barging in. "I'd appreciate it if the remaining guests wait until called."
Neon wilted under the meaningful look Kali gave her, although it might've been Ghira's glower while he collected the bag of baby clothes to take inside. She retreated back to her seat, fast enough to trail a rainbow from her Semblance.
"Qrow," Kali said. "Oh wait, you've already given yours, I saw it already. That cute crow plush." Her scroll got a few more pokes.
Nora held up her hand and waved. "I already gave mine too."
Kali sighed. "Anyone else?"
"We did, thanks to Ruby's impatience." Weiss elbowed the guilty culprit seated next to her.
"You did?" Blake hadn't seen it. Maybe they'd given it to Yang when she'd been inside, while Blake tried to supervise the snack table. Not a simple task even with her parents helping, with Sun and Nora demolishing it.
"I told you we should have waited for Blake," Weiss grumbled.
Ruby gave Blake a sheepish grin. "You'll see it next time you go inside. Surprise! You're welcome."
"Thanks, I guess," Blake drawled.
"It does look nice, and Ruby did save us the job of putting it up," Yang murmured.
"Why don't you just tell me what it is?" Blake asked.
Yang winked. "Spoilers."
"Part of our gift is also babysitting on request," Weiss said. "And you're hearing this at the same time as Yang, I promise."
"Thank you, much as we already love our baby, I'm sure we'll be grateful for a break every now and then," Blake said.
"We might even want to do more than catch up on sleep." Yang smirked at Weiss.
Weiss dragged a hand down her face. "I regret everything."
"Thanks, Weiss. We love you." Yang grinned, not unlike a shark.
"You love tormenting me, you mean." Weiss gave Yang a weary look. "I hope the baby makes me suffer less than you do."
Ruby sniggered. "Not likely, with all the bad influences the Bumblebaby'll have."
Weiss shuddered. "I don't know why you find it so funny, you'll be right there with me."
"And I'll love every minute of it. Best aunt ever!"
Weiss levelled a frosty glare at Ruby. "Excuse me? I'll love it even more, and I'll be the better aunt."
"Oh really? I'll be the queen aunt!" Nora cackled, a maniacal grin on her face.
Ruby glanced around. From the look on her face, she suddenly registered the presence of a fair few honorary aunts, all glowering at her. At least she got off relatively lightly because not all guests had been able to stay, but she'd probably made some mortal enemies.
"Good luck, Ruby. I'm glad Raven is unlikely to want to be a bitter rival as a grandmother," Kali said. "Winter next, please."
Winter came forward, her movements slow. It had to be one of her bad days, when her body wouldn't let her act like there'd been no consequences from battling Cinder several times. Weiss and Ruby darted over to her, insisting on offering supportive arms. It must be an especially bad day for Winter; she accepted the help with only token resistance. Klein walked behind them, a crate hovering on some Gravity Dust next to him.
In a blur shedding petals, Ruby got a chair under Winter, and Weiss gently pushed her into sitting down.
Winter muttered her thanks, looking very uncomfortable, no doubt because she'd needed help.
"Glad you made it," Yang said, blundering close to a topic Winter never wanted to acknowledge: her health, or rather lack thereof.
"Penny didn't want to miss it, and as you know, she sees through my eyes even when not in control."
Blake suspected Winter's words were for the benefit of those present who didn't know that.
"Besides, I'm also here to represent my mother and brother, they send their apologies but are on a mission."
Probably search and rescue rather than hunting Grimm; Whitley had always focused on helping people ever since unlocking his Aura and the Schnee family Semblance. Willow always accompanied him. Blake suspected she worried more for his safety compared to his sisters, with their extra years of combat training, even with nearly a decade of experience under his belt. Search and rescue did tend to involve some fending off Grimm due to the negative emotions involved, so it was as well Whitley wasn't alone.
Klein steered the hovering crate within Yang's reach. "This is from Miss Winter, Miss Penny, Mistress Willow, Master Whitley, and also from me."
Yang's prosthetic again made short work of getting inside to the gifts, unearthing a crib, pushchair, car seat, blankets and baby clothes. All had the tasteful fabric design expected from the Schnees and their butler. On closer inspection the baby clothes had brighter and more playful patterns.
"Penny selected those," Winter explained.
"I thought so," Yang said. "Thank you, both of you. All of you. Willow and Whitley too, and thanks Klein."
Klein bowed. "My pleasure, Miss."
Blake bit her lip. The urge to correct him because Yang was her wife now and not a 'Miss' was almost overwhelming, but best not reveal that just yet. They needed a post-birth Bumblebaby to soften the blow to their friends that they'd got married without them, and she couldn't forget that. Especially after all the precious things they'd hidden to keep it secret, including their wedding earrings and her symbolic bandana.
"I do believe that's everyone, other than Ghira and I," Kali said.
"We'll keep it quick." Ghira shut the crate from the Schnees, ready to take it inside. "I'm sure everyone's ready for lunch; I know I am." He eyed Yang nervously, no doubt concerned she might be getting hangry. Blake was pretty sure they were safe thanks to the snacks.
Kali produced a small envelope from a pocket, and handed it to Yang.
A flick of Yang's finger tore the envelope open, and she pulled out what looked to be a business card. Blake leaned over to read it.
"'Belladonna Babysitting,'" Blake said, for the benefit of their guests who couldn't see it.
"Whenever we're needed," Kali explained.
"Any time," Ghira added.
"Hey, get in line!" Ruby protested, waggling a finger at Kali and Ghira.
Kali raised an eyebrow. "You'll note that we made a card, this was something we came up with before you and Weiss offered your services."
Yang cleared her throat. "I suspect we'll want as many trusted babysitters as we can get. There's no competition here."
"Sorry," Ruby mumbled, blushing.
"Think of it as covering for each other," Weiss murmured, low enough to be for Ruby's ears only but Blake still caught it. "And I don't just mean for Yang and Blake. No matter what Kali and Ghira said, there will be times they have other obligations, just like we will. Then there's Tai, and maybe even Raven, and our friends… You know what I mean."
"Yeah, you're right." Ruby smiled. "We're there for each other, we all are."
Kali winked at them, a cat ear twitching. She'd heard too.
"Eavesdropper," Weiss muttered.
"Then don't have a private conversation within earshot of faunus with sensitive hearing traits," Blake said.
"Maybe don't have private conversations in front of other people because it's rude!" Yang grumbled. "I could tell you were saying something, even if I couldn't hear it."
Weiss flushed. "Sorry. But I'm sure Blake will fill you in."
"If you ask nicely." Blake smirked.
"Later." Yang winked.
Weiss groaned.
Blake could have told Weiss that Yang wasn't actually in the mood for anything that would really make her suffer at the moment, but she wasn't about to bring that up within her mother's hearing. Besides, Yang probably didn't want anyone else to know.
A bell rang. It sounded a little tinny, and Blake's ears twitched towards where it came from: Kali's scroll.
"Lunch is served!" Kali called.
"Finally," Yang muttered.
"Everyone, stand back! As the one carrying the baby we're celebrating, Yang gets her food first!" Ghira declared.
"Thanks," Yang said, grinning. "The benefits of pregnancy at last!"
Blake helped her to her feet, and shadowed her to the food, ready with a supportive arm if needed.
Lunch was delicious, with a range of dishes to satisfy different tastes and dietary requirements. Yang was happy, coming back for seconds of miso soup, and that was the most important thing. Blake's sushi was delicious, but she expected no less from her mother's catering.
Blake glanced around, checking on their guests, belatedly remembering that she was one of the hosts and had a duty to make sure they were happy too. Good: everyone had smiles on their faces. Even Winter; she was hardest to get a smile out of, except on days when her eyes glowed green and Penny was in charge.
As soon as Nora finished eating, Blake spotted her cornering everyone. Most likely it had something to do with betting on the Bumblebaby's gender, and her suspicions were confirmed the moment Nora wandered within the range of Blake's keen cat ears. After that, Blake tuned it out. She wasn't terribly interested in this bet.
Nora came behind the bench, wrapping an arm around Blake and Yang's shoulders. "Can you promise me you really don't know your baby's assigned gender?"
Blake shrugged off Nora's arm. "Count me out. No offence, Nora, but I'm not interested in betting on my child. If Yang wants to that's her business, and I can promise we don't know."
"I don't feel comfy doing this. I'll love my baby no matter what, and don't want any disappointment from their gender identity, even if it's just by costing me a little extra through a bet." Yang reached up and patted Nora's hand. "I hope it's fun for you and anyone betting, it's just not for me. Although… What'll you do if my kid figures out they're not their assigned gender?"
"Fair enough, and I've already got that covered. See, there's bets on nonbinary, and we won't know that until the kid can tell us. I'll make sure everyone gets their due if there's a delayed gender reveal, trust me." Nora checked her scroll. "And that's everyone. Don't worry, this is just for fun, and there's no lien involved beyond the cost of making or buying cookies. That's the currency, Ruby's idea."
Blake and Yang exchanged a glance. They shrugged, almost at the same time.
"In that case, put me down for a triple choc chip cookie on every option. I can do that, right?" Yang asked.
"Covering all your bases, huh? Well, you're guaranteed a cookie, but you'll be giving me two. Unless you have twins or triplets, and one of each I guess." Nora eyed Yang's belly.
Yang groaned. "Just the one. Probably, Doc couldn't detect another in the scans. And don't jinx me."
"I'd be jinxing myself if you had fraternal twins, far less cookies for me if that happens." Nora pointed at Yang's bump. "Don't mess this up, you hear me?"
"Put me down for the same as Yang, but with dark chocolate cookies," Blake said.
"More cookies for me, even if dark chocolate isn't my thing." Nora said, tapping at her scroll. "I wish everyone bet like you two, provided you're not having twins or worse."
"Our sentiments exactly, we'd rather not be having more than one because that's scary," Blake said.
Nora paused, her eyes unfocused for a moment. "Yes. Yes, it is, isn't it? But just imagine: it'd be so cute too!" She beamed.
"Cute and scary," Yang mumbled, hands on her bump.
They spent the next few hours enjoying the company of their guests, some of whom they hadn't seen in months. Come to think of it, the last gathering like this had been before Yang's 'illness' heralding her pregnancy. Blake was sad to see their friends leave, but at least they'd see them again soon enough: everyone wanted to meet the Bumblebaby after the birth, and at some point after that there would be their wedding reception.
At least Ilia hadn't left yet, but from the way she kept glancing at Blake, skin flickering with emotion, it wasn't going to be a fun talk with her. Especially as Blake was pretty sure the emotion wasn't anything lighthearted; the flickering looked green to her, and that meant Ilia was sad about something. She'd better find out what was wrong, and how she could help.
But before she could talk to Ilia, she should tackle Yang. Her wife as always came first. Blake made sure her mother knew to keep Ilia occupied, and that Ruby and Weiss were busy helping them clear up in the garden. She'd have to thank them later, right now she'd take advantage of the opportunity to take Yang's arm and lead her inside.
Blake almost forgot what she was doing at first sight of the new sign on the door to the baby's room.
"Ruby and Weiss's handiwork." Yang pointed to the '(s)' at the end. "Ruby modified it after seeing me. She thought I had to be carrying more than one."
Blake smiled, tracing the carvings with her fingers. "It's cute, I love it."
"It just better not have jinxed us into having twins," Yang grumbled. "Did you want to see what must be the chaos inside? I'm amazed Ghira fit everything in there, but I don't see anything left anywhere else."
"In a minute." Blake walked over to their sofa, sat, and patted the seat next to her. "Sit with me, there's something I wanted to ask you."
Yang raised an eyebrow, but didn't argue, flopping down next to her. She swung her legs up onto a footstool, wriggling her feet. They were doubtless sore, Blake wondered if she should offer to massage them now, or if it'd be too distracting.
"What is it?" Yang asked. She had to be absolutely exhausted because she actually sounded tired, and knowing Yang that meant she was considerably wearier than her voice revealed.
Blake hesitated. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to bother Yang.
Yang took her hand, thumb stroking the back of it. "Blake?"
"I was wondering…" Blake bit her lip. How to phrase it? Yang was subject to hormonal moodiness at the best of times thanks to her pregnancy, and when she was tired? She really didn't want to ruin Yang's day by using the wrong words.
Yang leaned closer, nuzzling her head against her. "Whatever it is, I can take it."
"Okay. You seem a little cold towards Ilia. Did something happen?"
Yang stiffened. "Ask your friend."
That was the second time Yang had referred to Ilia as only Blake's friend.
"Our friend," Blake said.
Yang's lips thinned. "If you say so."
"Something definitely happened between you and Ilia," Blake murmured. "Is there anything I can do?"
"Try talking to Ilia. I can't explain."
Blake frowned. "Can't?"
Yang gave her a very unhappy look. "Wish I could. I'm gonna go lie down. Good luck with Ilia." She cupped Blake's cheek and kissed her.
Blake steadied Yang as she got up, and watched her stagger over to their bedroom, unlock the door, and disappear inside. She took a steadying breath, stalked over to the front door, opened it and called: "Ilia!"
Ruby deftly caught the stack of plates Ilia dropped, startled.
Blake beckoned. She heard Ilia gulp, skin flickering too fast to be sure of the emotion, and walk towards Blake with reluctance in every move, as if she wished she was anywhere else. She did her best to give Ilia and her watching family a reassuring smile.
Her parents, Ruby and Weiss gave a collective shrug and got back to work cleaning up.
Blake waited until Ilia was inside and closed the door for a little more privacy from her mother's sensitive hearing. "Ilia—"
"We need to talk," Ilia said, somehow reading Blake's mind and finishing her sentence.
AN: Coming up next: Ilia and Blake have a little chat. Yang gets closer to giving birth.
Taking bets on the baby's gender came from an idea mentioned by Vinylmelody, and seemed like something Nora would organise.
Comments much appreciated, it helps me keep writing.