Chapter Text

There was only a few people walking in the dark of the night, everybody cooped up and happy with their lives, carefree and without worry, spared from the atrocity of war or constant struggle. This only made Taiyang smile more. He knew he had one of the most dangerous job in the world, even more than any soldier, any general or anyone from Atlas. He wasn’t backed by an army of mindless drones, he wasn’t rich as a Schnee, able to hire some huntsmen to come with him or to have the luxury to still have his team. No, he was alone, he was a hunter and he would die before he could leave someone be threatened. And now, his daughter was sought out by someone, someone who had brought pain and sadness to his little dragon. Someone that broke down what she had manage to slowly build back up in the course of a few months. He scowled when he thought back to what happened that day and he groaned when he began to think. What could he hope to do? What could he hope to learn? Nothing. He couldn’t do anything, except understand what was going on.

From what Qrow had told him, Ruby and Yang had been involved in something, something huge, and they had a target painted on their backs. He did try to protect his eldest daughter, but… he couldn’t do anything for Ruby, while she was on the other side of Remnant, away from him and any form of backup. Qrow did promise to head back there the next day, but that still wasn’t enough for the blond brawler. He wanted his daughter back home, with a way to help her. Still, he understood why she was doing this. She was the carbon copy of Summer, and Summer would have never backed down from a life-threatening situation as that one, not when it could endanger anybody and she had the opportunity to do anything about it.

Taiyang smiled and sighed, looking up at the building he was now standing in front of. The hotel was one of the few on the island and it was the address he was given by the mysterious girl. He looed around, making sure that nobody was making an ambush and he went in, headed straight to the desk and smiled at the young clerk. The long mahogany desk was slightly lit by a few lights around and over it, a few pamphlets of touristic traps around the island were left on display, as well as an information pamphlet about the dangerous areas of the island, to avoid any accidents as best as possible. The blond clerk smiled at the huntsmen and quickly straightened her uniform, before resting her hands together in front of her.

"Hello professor, how may I help you? "

"Hello Sandy, I didn’t know you also worked at this hotel. You need to pay for your studying at Signal? "

"Sadly, yes, but only because I don’t want my parents to pay everything for me. I feel bad that they have to deprive themselves of some things they like, only to offer me the opportunity to become a huntress "

"Well, it’s really kind of you. I’ sure your parents are proud of you, no matter what. On another note… I need answers Sandy, but I don’t know if you’ll be able to help me. "

"Oh? What is it sir? "

"I’m looking for someone. Ice cream colored girl, she’s about… I dunno… less than 5 feet tall and we believe she’s mute. Does it ring a bell? "

Sandy looked around, clearing her throat as she blushed slightly, uneasy at the question. "Sir, I’m not supposed to - "

"I understand Sandy, but she got into my home, caused trouble on my property and created problems for Yang. I can’t let this slide, I need answers. "

Sandy gulped loudly as she saw the fire in the fireplace grow bigger as Taiyang explained what was going on, she nodded slowly and slowly hid behind the counter, looking for the back up key that they stored there, just in case an accident happened. When she got back up, she handed him the key card. "Room 106, as far as I know, she hasn’t left the building tonight. But… Sir? Please, refrain from causing damage, please. "

"Come on Sandy " he said, smiling kindly, the fire behind him going back to a normal size "Since when do I cause trouble or damage? "

"All the time sir. The headmaster keeps yelling at you after every combat class. "

Taiyang laughed, and waved at the girl, heading to the elevators in silence, thinking about what he was going to do. He wanted answers at his questions, but he also wanted to protect his family. By jumping right in the mouth of the wolf, was he doing something good, or something bad? Was he causing more problem? Or was he helping? He took a deep breath and rode the elevator up to the next floor, arms crossed. He slowly walked up to the door, took a deep breath and knocked. He waited for a few moments, before the door was opened forcefully, the young woman appearing in front of him with a smile, that was quickly replaced by a pout.

"What, not expecting me? Sorry sweetie, but it’ll be the best you’ll get for now. We HAVE to talk, don’t you think? "

She nodded slowly and he smiled when she let him get inside, looking around the hallway to make sure nobody was with him, and she locked it behind herself. She turned around and followed him and sat on the bed, while he sat on the desk, smiling at her.

"So… anything to say for yourself? "

She sighed louder, took out her scroll and began to tap on it, before showing it back to the huntsman

It’s a long story

"Not a problem. I have all night for your story. I need answers, and you’ll tell me everything and after that, I’ll see what I should do with you. Deal? "

Yes. Now… You need to know, I don’t know everything, but I can begin with the first time I met your daughter and I’ll explain as much as I can, starting from there.

"Good, I’m listening… Or reading. I don’t know really. "

When Weiss woke up, she couldn’t see anything, other than darkness. She could however feel a lot of things. For starter, a hand on her back, a strong arm around her. She could also feel hotness against her face, she could feel softness against it while it also felt solid, like a muscle. Lastly, she could feel a frequent sensation of movement. Suddenly the heiress froze and stiffened, took a deep breath and blushed madly as she recognized the smell. And she also recognized the feeling of Yang laughing against her. Slowly, Weiss disengaged, backing away from Yang and her cleavage, blushing as red as Ruby’s hood, getting face to face with a grinning Yang.

"So… "

"Say something and I swear to any god, that I’ll cut you tongue off. "’

They stayed silent for a few seconds, glaring at each other, before Yang cracked.

"So you WERE enjoying the goods! "

"YANG XIAO LONG, I’M GOING TO END YOU! "

Laughing, the blond woman jumped off her bed, before freezing, realising something was missing. Something really important. She quickly moved to the bedside table and grabbed her robotic arm, before a soft hand grabbed her by the wrist. Yang gulped hard, before turning her head towards Weiss, worry filled in her face. Slowly adding pressure on the wrist, Weiss forced Yang to release the arm, before patting the bed, on her left. Sighing, Yang sat down, looking away, fist clenched while Weiss softly rubbed the damaged arm, from the shoulder, slowly making her way to the stump.

"Calm down, everything’s okay, I swear. " Weiss said softly when Yang tensed. "Yang… this is you, and, frankly, even like this, you are still beautiful. You are still amazing. So please, don’t feel ashamed. At least not to me, not to your friends, your teammates. I’ll help you to get over all of this, but only if you are ready to do the same for yourself. "

"Man, stop talking like my dad, you’re not supposed to be like him "

"Well, that means that he cares a lot about you. "

Yang smiled softly, before nodding. They stood like this for a few minutes, in silence, before a knock was heard at the door. They looked at each other, before Yang took her mechanical arm, putting it back on while Weiss went to the door. When she opened it, she frowned as she looked at Qrow.

"What? "

"Damn, still cold to me? Even after yesterday? "

"Just tell her what you want Qrow" Yang said from inside, rolling her eyes with a smile.

"I’m just here to show you something before I head out back to Mistral, Yang, so… when you’re ready, just come see me in the garage, alright? "

With that, Qrow just turned around, a cryptic smile plastered on his face. The two young women looked at each other, before changing into more adequate clothing. When they left Yang was in a pair of black jeans and a yellow and white t-shirt, still wearing her father’s old vest, to the sadness of Weiss. On her part, Weiss was in a white summer dress, with a red and black shawl over her shoulders, which made Yang laugh. After all, was she fleeing from home, or was she going to prepare for balls or events that needed such clothing. They bickered for the few moments that it took them to get to the garage, Weiss quickly pointing out that she WAS indeed supposed to go somewhere where such events would have occurred. Weiss however stopped talking when they got in front of the door to the garage, taking a deep breath to prepare mentally to spend a long amount of time with Qrow.

"But you decided to come here… are the goods really that much to your liking? " asked Yang, with a shit eating grin on her face.

"You know what Yang? " asked the heiress in a sigh, before her eyes locked with Yang’s, an angelic smile appearing on her face as she pushed Yang against the wall, her hands roaming on the blond brawler’s sides, moving up and down slowly. "Maybe they did really interest me. Maybe I’ll have to take advantage of our sleeping arrangements to spend more time with them… don’t you think?"

"Okay, this is too flirty, who are you and what have you done to Weiss?" asked Yang, blushing as she looked away from the heiress, who simply grinned before going inside the garage, a red-faced Yang in tow.

"W… What… In fact, do I want to know what happened to have Yang blushing like a high school girl?

"Nope! " quickly answered Yang, her blush reddening even more when Qrow raised an eyebrow. ‘’Why did you want me Qrow? "

"Well…" began Qrow, clearing his throat, deciding that he was too sober for this. "As we know, you have a robotic arm…"

"No shit, Sherlock"

"BUT, having something, doesn’t mean you own it, which is why… I’ve decided to buy you this. " He said, revealing a maintenance bench, accompanied by a few can of paint. Slowly, Yang walked to it all, observing everything that was on display. She softly ran her finger through the few upgrades and spare parts, as well as the painting equipment that was left around the bench. She smiled, tears in her eyes, when she turned around, grabbing her uncle for a hug, a soft sob being heard in the garage while Yang just stood still for a few moments in her uncle’s arms. Weiss simply smiled at Qrow who had a smug grin as he stared at the heiress.

"So, am I still a jackass? "

"Yes. Yes, you are. "

"Damn! "

"Well, Qrow, at least, you’re not a Jacque-ass" mumbled Yang, before moving away from the hug.

"Did... did you do a pun using my father’s name? "

"Hum… Maybe? "

"I like it. " Answered the heiress, a grin appearing on her

"Oh, thank god, I was scared shitless that you were angry. "Sighed Yang in relief, a smile plastering her face, before they both dissolved in a laughing spree, unable to contain the emotions that they were feeling, the relief that they felt after their talk yesterday and this morning.

When they finally regained their cool, Weiss excused herself from the garage, leaving Qrow to show to Yang how the maintenance on the arm was made. Closing the door, she slowly walked to the dining-room, where a pair of smiling Neon and Flynt were looking at her. She raised an eyebrow, before completely ignoring them, heading to one of the cupboards and taking out a bowl. She left if on a counter, before turning around to get cereals, but she stopped moving when she saw Flynt and Neon still looking at her and still smiling. She groaned and rolled her eyes, before crossing her arms with a glare.

"What is it? "she asked dryly, a scowl on her face.

"So… What was that? " asked Flynt, with a glimmer of mischief in his eyes.

"What do you… "

"DID YOU FUCK? " asked Neon, slamming her hands on the table, a huge grin on her face, making Flynt and Weiss blush and groan.

"What the heck are you…"

"We saw what happened with Yang, so we began to wonder what was going on between you two" softly said Penny, coming in from the living-room with a little smile, resting her body on the doorframe, her hands behind her back.

Groaning Weiss slammed her head against the refrigerator’s door, making Penny and Flynt chuckle, while Neon slammed her hands again, almost shouting once again.

"BUT YOU DIDN’T ANSWER WEISS, DID YOU F…"

The plate of toast that Neon suddenly crashed with her face, a black glyph quickly disappearing from the place it rested a few seconds earlier. Weiss smiled calmly, before sitting at the table, a bowl of cereal in hand.

"You asked for this Neon, you know that, do you? "

"Yeah yeah, shut it. " said the party girl, slowly removing the peanut butter that was stuck on her face with her finger.

Everybody stayed silent for a moment, before Weiss sighed and looked up at Neon and Flynt. She then turned her head to look towards the garage, then Penny, motioning her to sit beside her. When they were all sat at the table, Weiss played slowly with the milk in her bowl, looking at it intensely. She took a deep breath, before looking back at her friends.

"I’m in love with Yang, I won’t deny it. So yes, what you saw was me letting my emotions taking control of me. However… I’m not only in love with her. I love Yang, but I also love Blake and Ruby, each for their various reasons. I love Yang for her drive and determination, for her strength and for everything she does for us. I love Ruby for her energy and innocence, for her happiness that she brings to everybody, for her naivete that push everybody around her to become better, if only to protect that simple soul. And I love Blake for her honesty, well at least, when she’s not hiding who she is out of shame or fear. I love her for her sanity, the way she always tries to stay focused on what’s important, while also being childish and falling back into a slightly immature demeanor when you involve smutty books or seafood. "

She sighed and slammed her head against the table while Penny softly rubbed her back, a s mile plastered on her face. Neon was blushing, rubbing her neck in uneasiness while Flynt was simply sitting with his arms crossed.

"But to answer you question Neon" said Weiss, still her face against the table, mumbling slightly "No, I did not sleep with Yang"

"Good, because if you did, you and I would need to have a talk. "

Suddenly, Weiss stood up, blushing madly as Taiyang dissolved in a fit of laughter, holding his sides with all his strength, trying his best not to fall. After a few moments of a blushing Weiss babbling quickly and everybody else laughing at what was happening, Taiyang slowly dried his tears from laughter, gasping slightly for air. When everybody calmed down, Taiyang simply walked to one of the cabinets to take out a bag of chips. Still blushing, Weiss was rocking on her heels, looking at the ground, awaiting the anger of the hunter.

"Weiss, don’t worry, it’s okay, I’m not mad. I’ve heard… Well, I’ve heard everything, so I have to tell you this. Don’t worry, because you’re not the only one that went through this. You’re not the first one and believe me, you won’t be the last. So, if anything happens with any of my girls, you have my blessing, because I know that you won’t hurt any of them. "

The heiress quickly nodded still blushing, but at least smiling.

"But… If someone could go get Yang for me, I have a few things to talk to her, especially about… " slack jawed, Taiyang didn’t finish his sentence, starring at the entrance of the dining room. Everybody turned around and Weiss gasped loudly as she looked at the new appearance of Yang’s arm.

The arm was now a deep black, with the joints, the finger tips and the elbow a shiny gold colored tone added to it. But what made Weiss smile the most, was the four symbols that were surrounded by a yellow circle. First, a red rose, followed by a white snowflake, a black Belladonna flower and finally, a black burning heart, all aligned from the wrist o the elbow in a perfect line. Grinning, Yang moved her arm slowly to showcase every side of it, acting as innocently as possible.

"What, is something wrong? " she asked, smugly

"That" said Taiyang with a smile on his lips "is some badass robot arm"

"Yeah, but it’s not yet finished, I have some last things to add to it when the paint will be completely dried. So dad, what did you want to tell me? "

"Well… I’ll be heading to Vale for a few days, there are things I want to know. But… I won’t be going alone. And I want you to know with whom I’m going. "

He took out his scroll and sent a message, before moving slowly to the living room, where Neo was sitting. In a heartbeat, Weiss casted glyphs to pin down Neo to the couch, while Yang’s semblance instantly made her hair flicker with energy, her hands clenching in fists. Seeing the reaction of both the other girls, Neon, Flynt and Penny were quick to pull out their own weapons, ready for a fight, before Taiyang groaned at the reaction the presence of Neo had caused.

"See? This is why I told you to wait outside. Okay everyone, store your weapons, it’s okay, she’s not evil. "

"She tried to kill me! " yelled Yang, doing everything to keep her anger in check.

"Yes, but Yang, what did I tell you about rushing into a problem? She did things because she was ordered to do things. But now, she’s free to do what she wishes, and that, is to get her revenge on Cinder, the woman who caused everything that happened in Vale. She has given me information about things that I need to look into, maybe pull some strings I haven’t used in a while. "

"Like what, exactly? " asked Weiss, dryly as she removed the glyphs from Neo’s legs and arms, in an act of good will, but keeping her torso and waist pinned to the couch.

"Like the fact that some guy in Vale has too much information and could really need the supervision of an adult on how he’s handling such information…" answered Taiyang, gritting his teeth. "Now undo your glyphs please, we have a boat to take in an hour and she needs to pack some stuff for a few days, even if she says she doesn’t need anything. "

Reluctantly, Weiss undid her final glyphs glaring menacingly at Neo, who simply smiled as she stood up, doing a little curtsy. However, when she was done with her curtsy she sighed and looked at Yang, saddened, before slowly walking outside. Everybody stood still before Yang turned around, heading to the garage, to the punching bag they had in it. Looking at the group that was assembled in the living room, Weiss groaned.

"Alright, but let’s do something to ease us. Penny, I want you to accompany Mr Xiao Long and… her. If she tries anything fishy, don’t be afraid to hit her hard. She’s dangerous. "Penny nodded firmly, heading to the bedroom that neon and Flynt were using, to go take a change of clothes. "Flynt, Neon, I want you to head to an hotel near the airfield and keep an eye on anyone, or anything, that may look suspect If there is anything you find suspicious, keep me informed. "

"Well, impressive Snow Princess, you actually are more bite than bark. "

"And you! Weren’t you supposed to keep HER safe? To protect Ruby, but also Jaune, Ren and Nora? "

Qrow stood still for a few moments, before smiling and ruffling the heiress’ hair as he passed her towards the door, heading outside the house "Yeah, I’ll miss you too Snow Princess. And, Weiss? " he looked back towards her, their eyes locking into each other for an instant, before he waved at her as he finally left the house. "I know that Winter would be proud of you. You are growing into a fine lady. Keep moving forward"

Weiss smiled softly as the drunkle left the house and she sighed as she looked around. She knew where everyone was, but… she wasn’t where she had to be. She took a deep breath and closed the distance between herself and the garage door.

If that blond oaf didn’t want to face her demons, she’d have to face Weiss Schnee. And frankly, it’s highly probable that Yang would have preferred to face her demons when she had the chance.