A/N: I still don't know, really, how this got to be as popular as it was. I guess the need to read about a fluffy crack ship was as great as my desire to write one. This takes place approximately a year and a half after the end of A Thorny Tangled Triangle.

Days of Yule

Chapter 4: A Thorny Tangled Family

"Time?" Pyrrha called out frantically as she stretched up onto her tiptoes, balancing with all the grace of a skilled Huntress.

"Relax, fluffy fox," Blake smiled warmly from behind her. "We have plenty of time still."

"And even if we didn't," Ruby added from where she sprawled on the floor, "you know it's not gonna matter any! This is family!"

"I know, I know," the leggy redhead sighed as she fastened the end of the garland to the corner of the living room. "I'm just excited, this is the first holiday together we will have as a family, after traveling to Atlas last year, and then with guests…"

Smirking, Blake stepped forward, holding the box of decorations off to the side as she wrapped a reassuring arm around her Mate's waist and nuzzled her cheek into her back. She didn't say anything, just let a happy rumble vibrate through her chest and into the anxious woman while sending calming waves of love through their bond.

"You're right," Pyrrha sighed, leaning into the embrace while remaining mindful of the growing bump in the Cat Faunus' belly. "I'm being foolish."

"Not foolish," Blake quietly disagreed. "But perhaps a bit wasteful of your energy."

"Need to save up that energy!" Ruby chirped. She was on her back, now, allowing a gleeful toddler to climb up onto her chest.

"Yes, I suppose it might be a bit exhausting having visitors in our small space…" Pyrrha mused.

"Nope, for tonight!" The brunette giggled, the sound eliciting a joyful burble of noise from the small redheaded girl currently claiming space atop Mount Ruby. Her furry red ears twitched and turned as she kept track of all of her mothers' locations at all times.

"Tonight…? Ohhh…." Pyrrha's face blushed brightly as she recalled what her lovers had in store for her that evening.

"And, even now, we can still make you blush," Blake laughed softly as she released her hold.

Ruby's giggles turned into a rather naughty snicker, one which managed to entrance their daughter further. "Yep, still got it."

Pyrrha shook her head ruefully as she stepped back to verify that she'd hung the garland across evenly. "What you are, little rose, is incorrigible."

"No arguments here!"

"Mmm."

Garnet's head perked up before she wriggled herself into a sitting position, heedless of her position in between the brunette's breasts. She let out a soft mewl that was directed at the raven-haired woman.

"Already?" Blake asked incredulously.

Her redheaded Mate grinned. "It's been an hour, love."

"Don't worry, kitty cat, I'll take her," Ruby chuckled. With one swift motion, she rolled to her feet, clutching the toddler around the waist so that she ended upside-down, downy hair just brushing the floor. Garnet let out a peal of laughter at her newfound position.

"Ruby, do be careful," Pyrrha admonished. "If she has to pee, that is not the best position for her…"

"Yeah, we don't need another incident," Ruby agreed, flipping her back over so that she was now carrying her in a more traditional manner. "No more accidents, right, little gem?"

Garnet let out a happy mewl of agreement, contentedly wrapping her arms around Ruby's neck as she was toted over towards the bathroom.

"I still find it remarkable," Pyrrha murmured as she pulled a handful of cheery-looking silver bells from the box Blake carried. "The fact that she's already potty-trained before her second birthday."

A knock sounded at the door, prompting the raven-haired woman to carefully place the box down on an endtable before making her way over. "Faunus cubs are not fond of diapers," she returned with a smile. Her expression widened as she opened the door to reveal another two members of their extended family. "Yang, Weiss! Welcome!"

"Heya, kitten," her blonde partner grinned, wrapping her up in a careful hug. "So this is the new place, huh?"

"Indeed," Pyrrha smiled warmly as she strode over to switch off with her Mate. She bent over to give an awkward but nonetheless happy embrace to the very pregnant woman.

"How are you doing?" she inquired courteously.

"Eh, not too bad so far," the blonde shrugged. She glanced sideways at her wife, who was cooing over Blake's baby bump, now far more evident than the last time they'd gotten together. "Weiss keeps pampering me," Yang admitted in a whisper. "It's gettin' a little, y'know… smothering."

"Yang, you should sit," the platinum-haired woman in question ordered, taking her wife by the elbow and leading her over towards the couch. Yang rolled her eyes humorously but complied readily enough, slipping her shoes off to rub at her swollen ankles.

Weiss hovered over the blonde anxiously for a moment. "Do you need anything? Tea, perhaps?" She whirled around towards her hosts, who were each attempting to restrain their humorous expressions. "Do you have any decaf tea? The doctor said-"

"Wow, look at you, Weiss," her partner called out gleefully, toddler carried alongside once more. Garnet let out a cheery call as she spotted two more of her favorite people. "You're being all domesticated and motherly."

"I'm not… Ruby Rose, you of all people should understand the delicacy of this stage," Weiss retorted with a stamp of her foot. "In the last trimester, we need to ensure that-"

"Emergency niece distraction!" the brunette sang out, thrusting Garnet into Weiss' arms.

"I'm not… I don't…" The platinum-haired woman's face softened quickly until she was grinning at the girl in her arms now. Garnet was purring loudly, reaching up with tiny hands to try and catch the wisps of white hair that had escaped their ponytail holder as her silver eyes shone with wonder. "Well hello, there, Garnet. Are you happy to see your Aunt Weiss? Yes, you are, aren't you, you beautiful little girl, you…"

"Works every time," Blake laughed, returning to her box. "Did we want to even bother with the rest of these?"

"Nah, not if you want my opinion," Yang drawled, leaning back and stretching her arms over her head. "The place looks great, you guys. Pretty much the same layout as your old place, though, right? Just a lil' roomier?"

"Yep!" Ruby flopped down onto the couch next to her sister, giving her a side-armed hug. "Three bedrooms now, and the kitchen's a bit bigger. Plus the dining area is a bit more defined, y'know? Lets us use a bigger table."

"Oh, yeah, that's new, right?"

"Yes, Blake has a friend within the movement who is a carpenter," Pyrrha interjected as she curled up on the floor in front of her brunette lover. "Made it all by hand, we have enough chairs for eight."

"Nice!" Yang cheered before sobering. "So, um, I got some bad news, dad called me on the way in…"

"Ugh, lemme guess," Ruby answered with a roll of her expressive silver eyes. "He can't make it? Last-minute hunting gig?"

"Yeah, pretty much…"

"He's such a coward, can't even tell me himself…"

"Well, you get those puppy-dog eyes and he can't handle the guilt."

"There are few who can resist the puppy-dog eyes," Blake agreed. She sat beside the brunette, feet tucked up under her, to lean into Ruby's side. "It's a powerful weapon."

"Indeed," Pyrrha giggled. "A force carefully used for fear of disrupting the very fabric of space."

"Oh, stop," Ruby snickered. "I'm not all that bad."

At that, she was met by several incredulous snorts of derision, including from her daughter.

"No comments from the peanut gallery!" the brunette called out merrily, blowing a raspberry at the redheaded toddler. Garnet broke out into giggles, snuggling further into Weiss' arms.

The platinum-blonde sashayed over towards the seated women, swinging her niece gently. "So does she still not talk?" Weiss asked curiously.

"She talks," Blake disagreed. "Just not the verbal communication that Humans expect."

"It's been really cool, kinda like learning a new skill," Ruby chimed in. "But once you figure out what all the nonverbals mean, and the gestures and stuff, it's easy."

"And we're in no rush," Pyrrha stated firmly. "Faunus children are not like Human children, and should not be treated as such. Once she's older and feels like it, she can communicate with us in other fashions."

Yang glanced across the top of her sister's head to see Blake settling back with a wide, happy smile on her face. "I think you did real good here, kitten," the blonde stated softly. "Couldn't ask for better mothers."

The Cat Faunus shot her a surprised but pleased grin. "Don't I know it," she answered happily.

"So, then," Pyrrha murmured, her eyes half-lidded as she leaned back. Ruby had begun to play with her long, flowing red hair, twisting it around into intricate patterns. "If Tai is not showing, who else did we invite that accepted?"

"Ah heh heh." Both Ruby and Yang let out identical awkward chuckles as they rubbed the backs of their necks. Though Weiss simply rolled her eyes, muttering about how obvious it was that they were siblings, both Blake and Pyrrha sat up, eyeing them warily.

"You're not very good at playing this off," Ruby mumbled to the blonde.

"Me? What about you?"

"I can't keep anything from them, they know everything I'm feeling!"

"And what I'm feeling right now, little rose," Blake stated ominously, "is a tremendous amount of guilt. What did you do?"

"Okay, now, to be fair," Yang began hurriedly. "We didn't think he'd accept the invite."

"He's even worse than dad about attending family stuff!" Ruby agreed vehemently.

"And yeah, it's been forever since we actually had any time together with him…"

"Well, there was dad's birthday last year."

"Oh, yeah, didn't he show up late to the restaurant?"

"Yep, and then got into a fight when he ogled that guy's wife…"

"Yeah," the blonde sighed. "Good times."

"Wait," Pyrrha interjected, her visage displaying far more calm than her bond was conveying. "Do you mean to tell us…"

"...You invited your Uncle Qrow?" Blake finished worriedly.

"Well, um…" Ruby ducked her head. "Yes?" she finally squeaked.

Blake and Pyrrha shared a level look.

"I'll go make sure any alcohol is well hidden."

"And I'll go hide the kitchen knives."

"Perhaps we should clothe Garnet in something non-flammable?"

"Mmm."

"You guys," Ruby scoffed. "He's not that bad. Besides, he loves all of us! Nothing's gonna happen!"

"Well, now that you've jinxed us all," Weiss smirked, handing her bundle over towards her wife. "I need to use the restroom. You know, before it gets demolished."

"Buncha comedians," Yang grumbled, though she chuckled at the look on her niece's face as she rested on the large bulge of her unborn baby. "Heya, Gigi, what d'ya think about this, then?"

Garnet mewled softly, shifting about until she could press one of her Faunus ears to Yang's belly.

"Last time I saw her that entranced, we introduced her to grapes," Pyrrha smiled.

Blake laughed lightly, reaching across her brunette lover to run her fingers through their daughter's hair, giving the base of her ears a small scritch. "I can't wait for when I'm at this point so that she can feel her sister."

"Oh, yeah?" Yang commented. "You sure it's gonna be a girl?"

"Pretty much guaranteed," her sibling replied. "Just the way the science works, I guess."

"Things are always a little nebulous when Dust is involved," Blake added. "But yes, from the tests run so far, it's a girl. Do you know about yours, yet?"

"Nope," Yang replied cheerfully. "We want it to be a surprise."

"You… You do?" Ruby stared at her sister in shock, before switching it over towards her partner once she re-entered the room. "You really don't need to know if it's a boy or a girl?"

"No, we decided it wasn't necessary," Weiss replied primly.

"Seriously? You, the queen of control?"

"We will both love our child no matter what," Weiss defended, though her composure was beginning to crack.

"Weiss, every birthday you try to guess what your presents are before they're open."

"This is different."

"And it's impossible to try and plan a surprise party for you."

"I simply do not like the unexpected when it comes to… to…" The platinum-haired woman let out a small, anguished cry. "Okay, so it's killing me, alright? I'm dying to know ahead of time, but we agreed to this, and it's selfish of me to expect my every whim to be met, something this trivial…"

Laughing, her blonde wife dug her scroll out, quickly flipping open her messages before tossing it towards the distraught woman. "Here, babe. Check the unread message."

"The unread…" Weiss' eyes widened as she opened the missive, her jaw dropping before she looked up at her wife, tears forming in her eyes. "How did…?"

"I'm actually impressed as all Dust that you lasted this long," Yang snickered. "Had the doc forward it to me for when you finally broke."

"But…"

"Weiss, sweetie," the blonde sighed affectionately. "I know you, right? And it's okay, really."

"Okay…" Weiss looked back down at the scroll and sniffled. "Can… Can I…?"

"Go ahead, babe."

The platinum blonde looked around at the expectant room. "We're going to have a boy!"

"Yes!" Yang's cheer was clearly audible over those of the other three woman.

"Wait, I thought you didn't care?" Ruby laughed.

"Eh, I don't, really, but I was kinda hopin', y'know? Not that I'd treat our child any differently, or, y'know, steer 'em in any direction or the other…"

"It's okay, sis," Ruby smiled, leaning into the blonde's side. "I get it."

A knock sounded at the door, then, causing a variety of reactions. A sort of caution bordering on fear for both Pyrrha and Blake, amusement from Yang, and wariness on the part of Weiss, who still retained some of her sister's apprehension towards the man. Ruby, of course, shot off of the couch in a flurry of rose petals.

Garnet, curled up on Yang's belly still but now snoring softly, didn't react.

The front door was flung open to the ecstatic cry of "Uncle Qrow!" The raven-haired man stumbled back as he was tackled enthusiastically.

"Aren't you gettin' a bit old for this, squirt?" he rasped out in amusement.

"Nope!" Ruby looked up at him, even though she'd grown a bit since her teenage years, he still towered over her. "Hi!"

"Hey yourself, kiddo. Nice place you girls got here." He grinned as his niece pulled him inside, looking around appreciatively. The rest of the women had gotten to their feet, save for Yang who was currently pinned in place by the sleeping toddler.

In turn, he gave nods of greeting towards Blake, Pyrrha, and Weiss, before pulling out a bottle from the bag he carried at his side. "Wanted to get you a housewarming present, I know it's a bit cliched, but…"

"Oh, that is a very nice wine," Weiss murmured as she looked around the side of Pyrrha.

"Er, thank you, sir…" the redhead began.

"Hey, none of that, now, kid," Qrow grinned lopsidedly. "It's been awhile, but you can still call me Uncle, remember?"

"Very well, then," Blake smiled warmly. "Thank you so much for the gift, Uncle Qrow, and we're happy you could make it to our place for Yule this year."

Chuckling, he gave the Faunus woman a genial pat on her arm before moving past. "And how're you doing, firecracker?"

"Bloated and fat," Yang replied cheerfully. "Otherwise, not too bad. Yourself?"

"Livin' and breathin'," he smirked in reply before coming to a halt by her side. His crimson eyes seemed to soften as he gazed upon the small figure curled up on her. "Wow, she's grown."

"Actually, if you don't mind," Yang grunted, lifting the Faunus toddler up. "Can you take her? Resting on me like that, I gotta pee somethin' fierce."

"Ahhh, tiny bladder," Blake sighed with a grin. "I remember that well."

Laughing, Yang waddled her way out of the room, while Qrow plopped himself down in one of the large armchairs. Garnet was awake by now and sat on his chest, gazing back at him with solemn eyes.

"Well, hey there, kiddo," he rasped out gently. "You remember me?"

The redheaded girl tilted her head to the side, red-furred ears twitching and sniffing cautiously before a slow smile crept across her face and a happy purr rumbled in her small chest. She contentedly curled up once more, arms wrapped around Qrow's neck, and went back to sleep.

"Yeah, I'd say she remembers you," Ruby laughed. "We're gonna go get dinner ready, you okay with her?"

"Yeah, go on," her uncle answered with a soft smile. "I got this."

Chuckling, Ruby turned to join her lovers in the kitchen, Weiss trailing alongside.

"May I help?" the platinum-haired woman inquired.

"Oh, absolutely," Pyrrha interjected with some relief. "You can assist Ruby, make sure she doesn't burn the kitchen down."

"Hey!" the brunette protested. "That was the one time… or four… okay, maybe six, at the most, in the old apartment. I'm doing much better now!"

"That's because we don't let her in here without supervision," Blake stage-whispered towards Weiss, who giggled merrily.

The two shorter women got to work slicing up vegetables on the island against the wall partitioning the kitchen off from the living area. Most of the prep work had been done the previous day, with only some last-minute additions required. The ham had been slowly cooking in the oven most of the afternoon, and a pot of wassail was now simmering on the stovetop. Blake and Pyrrha worked together seamlessly to prepare one of the casseroles to slip in beside the ham, the four women chatting aimlessly as they caught up with each other.

"Are you truly okay with your uncle tending to Garnet by himself?" Weiss whispered after some time.

"Oh, sure," Ruby stated confidently. "Remember, he did a lot to raise Yang an' me. Made my first cloak, the one that fit me at the time, anyways. My practice scythe, too, gave that to me on my eighth Yule."

Pyrrha sighed as she wiped her hands off. She turned to join the other two as Blake carefully slid the casserole into the oven. "Ruby, I must apologize, though some of what we said earlier was in jest… We really should not have been so worried about your uncle. He's a good man."

Ruby shrugged unconcernedly. "I know he can be a bit much, sometimes, with the drinking and all, but he's a really great guy, yeah. He's… I dunno, I see him like another dad, y'know?"

"Girls," Blake murmured, her awe drifting across the bond that the Mates shared. "Come see this."

The other three walked around the counter, smiling as they joined the raven-haired Cat Faunus. Yang had evidently returned at some point and was now snoozing in her previous spot. Qrow was slumbering peacefully as well, evidently a bit worn out from his travels, with Garnet still snuggled up across his chest.

All three dozing family members had their mouths parted slightly, soft snores issuing forth.

"That," Ruby declared softly, "is picture-worthy material."

"Way ahead of you, little rose," Blake giggled quietly, scroll in hand.

"Ugh, just looking at them is making me tired," Weiss remarked, stifling a yawn behind one dainty fist. "It's been a bit exhausting trying to run the business alongside taking care of Yang…"

"Then go join your wife, silly," Pyrrha admonished. "We can finish up and wake you all when the meal is ready."

Weiss offered the three women a soft smile of thanks before she did just that, curling up with her head on Yang's lap. The blonde only stirred briefly before draping an arm across her wife's shoulder and then slumbered on.

Blake, Pyrrha, and Ruby remained standing there for a few moments more, all wearing identical smiles as they observed the peaceful scene. The brunette stood in the fore, with Blake's arms wrapped around her waist from behind and Pyrrha to the side, her own arms around the both of their shoulders.

"Happy Yule, my loves," Pyrrha murmured.

"Happy Yule, you guys," Ruby sighed happily.

"Mmm." Blake let a purr rumble in her chest, unable to contain her own happiness any longer. "I love you all."

They stood there together for another few moments before Pyrrha broke the silence. "Do either of you recall what occurred the last time he visited us, back when our kitty cat was pregnant the first time?"

"Oh, yeah," chuckled the brunette. "He kept offering alcohol to Blakey, tellin' her it was good for the baby and her both. Time-honored tradition, and all that."

"Mmm." Blake grinned as she turned her head to face her Mates. "I think I shall hide the alcohol, after all, including our lovely new bottle of wine."

"Shall we return to the kitchen, little rose?" Pyrrha inquired courteously.

"We shall, fluffy fox," Ruby grinned. She waited until the leggy redhead was ahead of her before her hand went for a quick grope.

"Ruby!" Pyrrha squealed softly, jumping forward slightly in surprise.

"Don't forget about tonight," the brunette reminded her, a devious smirk on her face.

Pyrrha's face was once again flushed as she pulled another casserole dish down. "How could I possibly forget?" she murmured, eager anticipation coming through loud and clear over their bond.

As for Blake, she remained in place for a moment longer, observing her lovers with fondness before picking up the bottle of wine and heading for the laundry room.

"Happy Yule, my family," she whispered contentedly to herself.

Dongyrn A/N: Drunkle Qrow is best holiday guest. I need to leave a quick kudos to the awesome AYangThang and their brilliant contribution to Faunuskind headcanon, I Want A Cub. Given me a lot of what I portrayed here for young Faunus. Also one final shout-out to OmegaInfinity and their wonderful poly tale, Linked in Life and Love, for much of my headcanon concerning Mating. Finally, hugs and massive appreciation to kaiju62 who Beta'd this chapter for me!

So, the next chapter is based off of a short story I did called Voices. It was quite the departure for me, a bit of angst that was unlike any other Bumblebee story I'd read before. My co-author SilvanaCrowe will be tackling it, so tune in tomorrow!

Stay shiny!