An Early Bloom
Weiss takes a deep breath.
The Schnee Dust Company corporate headquarters seems like a labyrinth, an amalgamation of glass and metal meant to destroy the Atlas skyline and capture the eyes of any passers-by who dared to cross its gaze. A flashy, gaudy, eyesore of a building that exemplifies the grip the company has over all of Remnant. From the idle chatter of businessmen to the gray and flat color palette of the building, everything about the site comes across as cold and corporate. In other words, perfectly matching her father’s vision.
Standing in such a monolithic presence makes one feel small, perhaps another goal of her father’s. This feeling was compounded with the small group of Faunus that Weiss saw squeeze out of a small black minivan. She had hoped to join them, but there simply wasn’t enough space for her. Weiss wears an elegant white business dress, while the car’s driver, Blake Belladonna, wears a simple black pantsuit.
Some Faunus sport tattered or wrinkled suits, while the most others could do are slacks, khakis, or polos. Despite their unusual dress and small numbers, the group’s presence was undeniable. Sharp gazes and hushed whispers pepper the air, but it gives them no pause. Instead, they keep their focus ahead, marching forward to the front entrance. Suddenly, Weiss stops, her hand balls into a fist, her jaw tightly clenched.
NO FAUNUS
Of all the ugly, blemished, classless landmarks of the building, this one must be the most horrible. What’s worse is how plainly it fits with the rest of the exterior. Even more devious is how much of a lie it is, the workers endangering their lives for no pay at the mines are practically all Faunus. But they’re not afforded the luxury of standing in an ivory title. They’re not given the opportunity to even stand in the presence of someone like her father.
Weiss’s attention is broken by the sound of paper tearing. Stuck in her own head, she had failed to see Blake swiftly rip the sign off the wall, black cat ears perked, and crumple it into a ball that she pocketed. Fierce eyes gaze back at her with a defiant smile, almost as if she could read her mind. Nodding in affirmation, Weiss steps to the side. Following their leader, the group makes their way through the revolving door.
The lobby of the Schnee Dust Company is the same as practically any other corporate building. Black leather sofas, touches of wood, and plastic potted plants are all that separate the inside from the outside. Workers inside the building are about as shocked and chatty as the ones outside. Regardless, the group retains their focus, and draws their attention to the reception desk.
“Hello, and welcome to the Schnee Dust Company offices! How can I-“
A sweet-looking brunette with glasses quickly drops her cheery demeanor upon seeing the building’s new guests. Her glance quickly drops to her desk, a hand awkwardly tugs at her collar. Blake taps on the desk, getting the receptionist’s attention again. The poor girl gulps, her voice shaking with nerves. Steadying herself, she tightly folds her hands on the desk.
“I-I’m sorry, but company policy…”
For her part, she does look genuinely regretful. Even though her words are clearly corporate and scripted, she appears very ashamed. It’s clear that the policy is one that she does not agree with. Blake takes a deep breath, ready to refute the claim, before Weiss’s hand gently rests on the girl’s wrist. The receptionist’s eyes shine with a spark of familiarity. Blue eyes meet the receptionist’s gaze with a polite smile.
“We have an appointment with my father. Could you please check under the name, ‘Belladonna?’”
Quickly, the girl clacks away at her keyboard, scrolling speedily with her mouse. Her eyes methodically scan the computer monitor, until they lock on the designated time. Popping up with joy, the receptionist plants her hands on the desk, beaming excitedly at the guests. Clearing her throat, she again steadies herself. Finally, she stands still, hands neatly folded behind her back.
“Mr. Schnee is expecting you; you’ll find him in the conference room on the top floor.”
“Thank you, Tracy.” Weiss gives a polite curtsy, as the group makes their way to the building’s elevator. Blake gives a stern nod, her ears twitch. Weiss’s bodyguard, a fiery girl with orange hair, winks at the receptionist before quickly speeding after the remaining group. Slowing to a crawl, the group stops in front of the elevator doors. Weiss’s finger clicks on the top button, as they patiently wait for their ride.
“Sorry for cutting you off back there, Blake.”
“No worries, I probably would have been far less kind.”
“Oh, did you want to smash stuff too?” Weiss’s bodyguard beams.
Finally, a ding of the arriving elevator arrives, only to reveal two terrified businessmen who quickly shove their way past the group out the doors. Filing into the now vacant space, Weiss reaches up to press the button for the top floor. The doors hiss closed, as the elevator quietly hums, rising the series of floors and other windows. A strained silence grips the group. Weiss looks up, absentmindedly running a hand over her pregnant belly.
The last time she had ever spoken to her father was before the Battle of Atlas. Perhaps his experiences had softened him, made him more understanding. Realistically he has time to think up whole new ways to attack Weiss, especially given her new family. Jacques Schnee was known to cut his family off for defying him. How would he treat the Faunus Fund, especially given his prejudice toward them?
Weiss’s ruminations are cut off by a firm hand on her shoulder.
“Don’t worry, boss! If that guy lays a hand on you, I’ll bash his brains in.”
A muscular arm grabs at the hammer strapped onto her back. Grey-blue eyes meet Weiss with excitement. The girl wears a white bulletproof vest, black suit jacket, and pink combat skirt. It seems she’s more dressed for a fight than a meeting. Blake wraps an arm around the girl, nodding towards the other employees with a smile.
“Nora, it seems like they’re a bit nervous about this whole thing. Why don’t you help ease their worries a bit?”
“No problem, Mrs. Xiao-Long!” Nora salutes her boss, before racing off to tease the other employees. With some winks and nudges to the ribs, she’s able to successfully distract them from the looming meeting. The air of tension dissipates. Instead, laughter fills the room. Levity and relaxation ease over them.
“I still have no idea how Nora got that thing past security,” Weiss sighs.
“As if someone would take it from her?”
The two share a laugh together.
“I just feel like such a hypocrite,” Weiss frowns.
“Hey, I know you want to beat that asshole’s brains in too, but I still think it was a good idea to tell Nora not to.”
“No, I mean… My whole life has been profiting off your people’s suffering. Now, I’m standing here as if I’m one of you? It just feels wrong. I don’t deserve that.
Smiling, Blake’s hand meets Weiss’s.
“Weiss, you’re going to confront your abuser just to make things better for us. Far as I’m concerned, that makes you one of us. Everything you’ve done, for me, for them, is going to make things a whole lot better. Not just here, not just for these people. What you’ve done is going to help everyone!”
Blake’s hand rests on Weiss’s belly as Weiss crosses her arms, unconvinced.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Well, if your baby’s as kind as you are, they’re going to be friends with everyone, including Faunus. I just hope we can make a world where people respect that.”
“Whatever happened to professionalism, Blake?” Weiss brushes Blake’s hand away with a huff, rolling her eyes but unable to hide the half-smile that creeps across her face.
“Right. Weiss Schnee, professional.”
Finally with a ding, the elevator finally reaches the top floor. Its doors open to an empty white hallway with a set of tall double doors. Silence hushes over the group. Blake confidently struts her way forward, the group parting to either side.
“Alright, team! Everyone, please, go ahead and check your scrolls, read your notifications, and turn them off or put them on silent mode. I swear to the gods if a ringtone goes off in the middle of this meeting, I’ll throw one of you out the window.”
Laughter erupts among the Faunus, though Weiss secretly wonders if she’s joking. Quickly looking at her scroll, her hand begins to shake, and her eyes go wide.
13 Missed Calls
Racing quickly to the door, Weiss slams her finger on the button, immediately trying to redial Ruby. Nora races in after her, as shock and confusion erupt among the Faunus. Weiss’s hand frantically runs through her white hair, blue eyes trembling with anxiety. Nora tries to catch Weiss’s attention, but her mind is clearly elsewhere. Blake looks on concernedly.
“I have to go; my wife needs me!”
The piercing ring of an alarm sounds in the room. Silver eyes dart open, glancing over to the woman cuddled close. Mumbling sleepily, the figure stretches out an arm to the bedside table, appearing to be weighed down by something. Nudging the small of her back, the awake woman helps turn her over on her side. Groggily stretching over to the bedside table, the figure slams the snooze button before cuddling close.
“I didn’t need any help, you know…”
“But I wanted to! And you need to go to work today, Weiss. I’m on leave now, remember?”
Curling close, the white-haired woman delicately wraps an arm around the other’s muscular frame. Nuzzling her face into the other’s neck, she hugs her closely. Groggily sighing, her fingers play with the other’s brown hair, lingering at her red tips. Weiss is cool, which helps counter the sudden warmth that rushes through her partner. Embracing, she plants a kiss on her neck.
“Five more minutes, Ruby…” Weiss whimpers.
“One, and no more!”
“Hmph, fine.”
That minute feels both too long and over too quickly. Ruby savors the moment, Weiss’s smell of evergreen and the unusual clinginess of her wife. She wishes every day could be like this, in the warmth of the morning sun and the comfort of each other’s arms. Of course, she can’t, both have big plans. Ruby figures the least that she can do is to help her wife with what she can.
As Weiss groggily slumps over to the shower, Ruby excitedly makes her way down the stairs. Whipping up a yogurt parfait and orange juice for the working woman, she pours herself a glass of milk and grabs some cookies from the jar. Cookies for breakfast are not unusual, especially for Ruby, but for some reason she finds herself craving oatmeal raisin. Weiss slowly waddles her way downstairs, perfectly and meticulously dressed for a high-powered business meeting. Ruby can’t help but stare in awe.
“So… how do I look?”
“Like a super sexy girlboss!” Ruby smirks.
“Hey, that’s cheating,” Weiss blushes, as Ruby giggles excitedly at her reaction. The two sit together at the counter. Weiss daintily nibbles away at her parfait. In contrast, Ruby ravenously wolves down her cookies. Looking down at the other’s plate, Weiss’s nose wrinkles.
“Oatmeal raisin?”
“Don’t ask me, it’s what the baby wants!”
“Well, I’d hate to deprive my baby of treats,” Weiss winks, pecking Ruby on the cheek.
“Which one of us are you talking to?”
Weiss refuses to answer the question, instead focusing her attention on taking a sip of orange juice. Instead, she focuses her attention on the woman next to her. The silver-eyed girl kicks her legs excitedly, munching on her cookies and spilling crumbs everywhere. Every day, Weiss must deal with stiff politeness. People straighten their posture and change their language around her. Ruby is always just herself.
“It’s not fair, you know,” Weiss grumbles.
“I know, right? You having to work while I stay at home?” Ruby pouts.
“That’s not what I mean, you dolt! You’re making the smart decision. I meant this!”
Weiss gestures to her large belly. Thirty-three weeks in and it stretches the fabric of her dress tautly, creating a very visible swell no matter how much she has tried to conceal it. In contrast, Ruby’s stomach only forms a small pouch which seems much more manageable and convenient. Weiss’s small, petite frame only made her pregnant stomach more prominent. Ruby’s muscular, broad frame seems to carry the weight effortlessly.
“Why, what’s wrong with it?” Ruby asks.
“I just feel so big and clumsy, not cute and coordinated like you.”
“You think mine’s cute?” Ruby gasps, stars sparkling in her silver eyes.
“It’s yours, so, obviously.”
Ruby snickers at the response, nobody can ever make her laugh like Weiss can.
“But I like yours, too!”
“Why, you like being married to a blimp?” Weiss asks, nearly causing milk to shoot out of Ruby’s nose.
“No, I’d just like to have a big, chunky baby!”
Weiss shakes her head dismissively; her mouth straightens into a thin line. Clinging to her arm nervously, she feels her foot tapping on the barstool. Half-mindedly, she stirs around in her parfait, playing with her food. Ruby tilts her head to the side curiously. Finally, she leans in.
“Weiss, what do you have against chubby babies?” Ruby narrows her eyes, taking on the tone of a news reporter.
“Nothing! My family just tends to carry small, is all.”
“Well, my family’s babies are big and fat!” Ruby sits up straight, puffing out her chest as a point of pride.
“I don’t think a big baby would fit.” Weiss shudders, resting her hands on her belly. This elicits another fit of bubbly laughs from Ruby.
“Come on, Ice Flower. You could do it! Besides, can’t you see it? Chubby little cheeks, meaty arms, fat little legs, that baby would be so adorable!”
“Fine, I’ll try to make an extra-chunky baby for you, Rosebud.”
“Yes!” Ruby cheers for victory.
“But only so I have two big babies to go home to.”
“Hey…” Ruby huffs, cut short by a kiss from Weiss on the lips and a pinch on the cheek.
After gathering her things, Weiss has Ruby promise to call if anything is wrong. The girl in her pajamas made some crack about cookie thieves, which caused Weiss to snort and roll her eyes. Finally, the two embraced in a tight hug before Weiss struts her way out of the door. Sighing, Ruby collapses on the couch, fidgeting as the minutes go on. She is dreadfully bored.
Weiss is an introvert, that much Ruby knows for certain. Occasionally, Weiss needs alone time, whether to read to herself or watch some sappy television show. Ruby has learned not to take it personally, but that doesn’t make it any harder to be alone. Turning on the TV, Ruby finds herself flipping through channels until she lands on a news station. There’s footage of Weiss.
Before going on leave, Ruby had also sworn not to think about work or anything business-related. Weiss wanted Ruby only to rest and take care of herself and the baby. Old habits die hard, though, she supposes, and Ruby finds her eyes glued to the screen. She falls into the routine of scanning the area for potential threats, hiding places or other vantage points. Finally, the voice of the reporter breaks her concentration.
“This just in, the nonprofit Faunus Foundation organization, headed by Blake Xiao-Long, has arrived to petition the Schnee Dust Company for funding. In attendance is former heiress Weiss Schnee.”
Ruby gasps as she feels a sharp kick to the gut. Resting her hand on her stomach, she returns her attention to the screen. Ruby remembers when she first met Weiss at Beacon, she had looked so unhappy, so unsure of herself. Looking at the mature, confident woman marching forward, Ruby falls in love all over again. Smiling, Ruby strokes her belly.
“You see Mommy? She’s so cool, isn’t she? I can’t wait for you to meet her--“
Choking on her own breath, Ruby hunches over, feeling as if her stomach is constricting in on itself. Hands are tightly clutched on her stomach, trembling as her eyes squeeze shut. Finally, she eases her grip as the sensation subsides. Unfortunately, she barely has time to catch her breath. A trickle of fluid spills out of her, seeping into her pajama bottoms.
“Oh gods, it’s too early. Not now, not now…”
Shakily, she clutches at her scroll, tapping away at the screen until she pulls up Velvet’s contact information. Tapping the scroll icon, she feels herself shivering restlessly. Dialing rings into her ears, but not for long as a click sounds on the other end. Scrambling slams through the receiver. With a deep breath, a voice answers.
“Hi, Velvet here!”
“Velvet…”
“Hello, Ruby! How’s maternity leave treating you? I know you’ve been anxious about the idea, but I really do think you’re doing what’s best for you and your baby. You shouldn’t panic about the last check up, transverse babies happen all the time. Just give them another month and they’ll flip around in no time! You have absolutely nothing to worry about—”
“…my water just broke!”
The other end goes quiet. A deep, calming breath sounds. Instantly, her demeanor changes. Her bubbly, excited tone changes to a still kind, but professional one. It’s clear that a switch has flipped with the Faunus. She responds clearly and slowly.
“Ruby, there is no need to panic. Coco’s looking after the kids today and I have the station wagon parked out front. I can come over right away and we’ll get you all checked out. You are going to be fine. Are you still at home?”
“Y-yeah…”
“Do you want to stay on the line with me?”
“No, I’m—I’ll be okay.”
“Alright, call me if you need anything at all. You’re doing a super job; I’ll be there soon!”
Gripped by another spasm, Ruby desperately rings for Weiss. She knows that she’s busy, that she probably has her scroll on silent. If anything, she wants to hear her voicemail, something to comfort her through all of this. Fear grips at her that she might do this alone. At the same time, a new purpose overcomes her, to make sure their baby arrives safely.
Not long after the call, Velvet successfully finds her way home with a spare key. Sitting next to Ruby on the couch, Velvet a hand on her knee. The anxious mother’s breathing steadies, and her shaking stills. Looking at Ruby with a kind smile, Velvet gently rubs her knee. Finally, she kneels on the floor.
“Are you having a contraction?”
Ruby shakes her head.
“Okay, then. I need you to take a deep breath for me, OK?”
Ruby inhales deeply, then holds still. Velvet gently places her hands on Ruby’s side, pressing and pushing into it. Ruby grits her teeth. With a sharp inhale, she blows her breath out slowly. Her head thrashes to the side, trying to escape the pressure.
“I’m sorry, I know it’s uncomfortable,” Velvet sighs.
“Wait, I’m having—”
Taking the signal, Velvet moves to Ruby’s other side. Offering her hand, it’s clutched tightly. Ruby breathes harshly, rolling with the waves of the contraction. Finally, her muscles relax and she’s able to ease back. Inhaling deeply, her face loses its tension. Velvet grabs her bag before beginning to dig through it.
“With this next contraction, I’m going to check baby’s heart rate, just to see how they’re doing. Contractions are strong, and they seem like they’re moving around fine. I just need you to keep breathing and work with that pain like you’ve been doing, OK? It seems like your body’s working hard to get your baby out. I just need to see what they’re working with.”
“C-can I stand up?”
“Of course, you can!”
Ruby tries to get up on her feet before her knees crumple, placing her on her knees. Rocking her hips from side to side, she groans as the contraction ramps up yet again. Velvet fishes an instrument from her bag, placing a sensor on the tip of Ruby’s belly. Silence. Finally, she maneuvers it to a different position and the strong thump of the heartbeat sounds.
“Ruby, do you remember what transverse means?”
“It means sideways, right? Oh gods, what’s wrong with our baby?”
“Nothing’s wrong. Take deep breaths, okay?”
Helping to ease Ruby on the floor, Velvet rests a hand on her shoulder, before making eye contact with her. Placing one warm hand on Ruby’s right side, she places another hand slightly lower on Ruby’s left side. Feeling again, her face grows puzzled. Suddenly, she meets Ruby’s gaze again.
“It means that your baby’s head,” Velvet pats Ruby’s right side, “is lying here. It also means that your baby’s butt,” Velvet pats Ruby’s left side, “is lying here. I tried to nudge them down, but it seems they’re pretty comfy here. No matter how hard your body works, the baby’s not going to move. Heart rate’s strong and baby seems healthy, but they’re stuck.”
“Oh, gods…” Ruby sobs, before Velvet cups her face in her hand and wipes away the tears.
“You’re just going to have what we in the business call a ‘belly birth.’ Now, can you stand?”
“Can I lean on you?”
“Honey, moms have done all sorts of things to me. I’ve been bitten, scratched, squeezed, heck, one of them even pulled on my ears. Of course, you can lean on me! I’ll guide you over to the car and help you to the backseat. We’ll be there before you know it, okay?”
“W-what about Weiss?” Ruby stammers.
“Oh, dear, I’d be scared to be anyone who gets between you and her!” Velvet grins a toothy grin.
So, the two waddle together, arm in arm, out the door and into the waiting vehicle.
Weiss drags Nora tightly by the wrist into her neatly cleaned white minivan. Plopping her into the driver’s seat, Weiss eases herself into the passenger’s side. Frantically tapping away at her scroll, Weiss points a finger squarely at Nora. Breathing heavily, one hand shakily grips onto the device as the other leers closer at her driver. Finally, her blue eyes grow wide with ferocity.
“You, drive as fast as you can!”
“A-and the speed limit?” Nora stammers.
“To hell with the speed limit! As far as you’re concerned, rules are meant to be broken.”
“Nice! That’s how I like to drive.”
Slamming her foot on the gas pedal, Nora expertly swings the car out of the parking lot before speeding away from the building. A plume of smoke bellows from the exhaust, flecks of asphalt kicked up into the air. Loud roaring booms from the engine, startling SDC workers wandering past. Screeching with sharp turns, skid marks coat the area’s lanes. Weiss taps her foot nervously, waiting for her scroll to connect.
“Weiss, I knew you’d call!”
Velvet’s voice bubbles with joy. The rumbling of tires is obvious in the background. Ruby’s groans are audible from the backseat. Clicking of turn signals and the steady rotation of the steering wheel indicate the midwife’s cautious nature. Weiss feels a hammering in her chest.
“Where’s Ruby? Is she alright?”
“She’s doing just fine, just fighting some tough contractions the poor girl. You married one tough cookie!”
“Hi, Polar Bear…” Ruby hisses, though a smile can still be heard through her pain.
“I don’t understand, she’s not even nine months!” Weiss panics.
“Babies just come when they want to come, dear. Seems like yours is a little acrobat and got a little stuck. We’re on our way to the hospital now!”
“It’s because we heard you on TV…” Ruby huffs.
“You were watching the news?”
“I know, I’m sorry—”
“Don’t apologize to me, you dolt! I’m in the car with Nora now. Just hang on until I get there.”
“I love you, Weiss!”
“I know. I love you too, jewel.”
“Sending you the address now, be sure to get there in one piece!” Velvet lectures.
“Don’t worry, Velvet, I know my way to Atlas General.”
“I’ll send you the address.”
With a click of the receiver and a ping of a new text, Weiss quickly opens the message on her scroll, her eyes methodically scanning the lines of text. Pulling up the address on her GPS, Weiss clutches the scroll tightly in her hands. Glancing up, she looks at Nora. The girl beams a wide smile, focused entirely on the road.
“Nora, are you any good at following direction?”
“I wouldn’t be a very good bodyguard if I didn’t!”
Weiss’s scroll dictates the way there in a decidedly English accent, Nora’s ears perk to the scroll, and her posture straightens. Her hands lock ten and two on the wheel, her brow furrowed. Weiss barks out the instructions again, with her driver showing restraint and urgency when needed. Weiss’s fingers tighten around her silver wedding ring, feeling the engravings on it. Her blue eyes locked onto the scroll; her face grows stern.
“I’m with you, Ruby.”
Nora swerves into an open space, jerkily maneuvering the minivan next to Velvet’s neatly parked station wagon. Leaping out of the passenger’s seat, Weiss rushes over to the backseat of the other vehicle, helping her wife out of the door. Feeling a muscular arm rest on her, Weiss straightens up as best she can, trying to support her wife. Ruby’s silver eyes flit over to her helper. A sense of relief washes over her.
“Weiss!”
“Just hang on Ruby, we’re almost there.”
“B-but what about your meeting? It looked important! I didn’t mean to—”
“Nothing is more important than this.”
As the group hobbles over to the building, Weiss notices key differences in its structure. Light tan contrasts with the bright white of the hospital. Warm light shines through the windows as opposed to a harsh glare. All kinds of staff and patients wander the grounds. The building looks more like a home than a mass of concrete. Most striking of all is its title.
Faunus Wellness Center
“Velvet, where are we?”
“Lots of Faunus don’t get the same care as humans, so we have our own little hospital. It has higher standards of care and less infant mortality than General. Don’t you worry, though! They’ll take care of anyone who needs it. We’re safe here.”
The group bursts into the comfortable lobby. Plush chairs and soft carpeting coat the area. Natural light shines through instead of the harsh buzz of fluorescence. Scatters of patients sit comfortably in the aisles dotted with real plants. A receptionist types dutifully at the computer. Weiss advances forward.
“We need help!”
“Ma’am, if you could please wait alongside the other patients.” A horned staff member says in reply.
“No! I’m Weiss Schnee and my wife Ruby is in labor. We need a room, now.”
“Wait a second, did you say Schnee?”
Tightness squeezes her chest; a sting hits her eyes. Inwardly, she curses. Her father, her family, her legacy. It all hinged on the suffering of these people. Now, her wife might suffer because of it.
“Yes, but please—”
“You mean the huntress? The one on TV?”
Weiss is speechless.
“Of course! We’ll try to get you a room right away.”
“Just a room isn’t going to do.”
Velvet stands straight, her ears do the same. Confidently striding towards the desk, she plants her hands on top. She looks at eye level, her amber eyes piercingly calm. The receptionist fidgets in the chair. Velvet exhales.
“This baby is a month premature and lying flat as a plank. Heart tones are good, but I can’t flip the little sucker no matter how hard I try. She needs a C-section. Please, call some doctors and get her to the OR as soon as you can.”
Dialing on the desk’s telephone, the receptionist talks some jargon before setting it down. Instantly, two nurses rush into the room accompanied by a wheelchair. The group helps to sit Ruby down, before they all rush away. Keeping good pace, none of them ever leave Ruby’s side. The receptionist looks solemnly towards them.
“Good luck, huntresses.”
Wheeling speedily down the hallway, the group rushes past rows and rows of doors before making their way to the operating room. A large set of wooden doors blocks their path. Weiss and Ruby are escorted by a fleet of staff. Velvet and Nora are stopped. A strong-looking nurse blocks the door.
“Sorry, only family beyond this point.”
“Get out of my way! My friends are in there.” Nora shouts, marching towards the doors before Velvet takes her hand.
“Nora, they’re going to be okay.”
Huffing, Nora begins to pace angrily outside before Velvet helps to sit her down. Scowling, Nora looks down while tightly crossing her arms. Velvet softly rests an arm on her shoulder. Nora looks up, seeing the gentle smile of the Faunus. Her posture relaxes.
Weiss feels her stomach drop in the apparent emptiness of the room. Some doctors rush to roll in carts of medical instruments. Others prepare the area for surgery. Weiss rushes over to the final group. A mass of doctors set Ruby on the bed.
“Mask, gown, gloves.” A doctor orders, holding the materials up to Weiss.
“Can’t she see my face?”
The doctor remains. Grumbling, Weiss equips the gear before rushing over towards Ruby. Seized by the wrist, Weiss is stopped in her tracks. Snapping her head over, icy blue eyes leer at the doctor. Her jaw grows firm.
“What?”
“Your gown is own backwards, ma’am.”
Adjusting the fabric, Weiss rushes over. The doctors apply cold gel to Ruby’s belly as they pay careful attention to a nearby monitor. Weiss tightly grips Ruby’s hand, touching her forehead with her own. She caresses the back of her hand with her thumb. Weiss does her best to smile with her eyes.
“I’m here, Ruby, and I’m not going anywhere.”
“Mrs. Schnee, could you please untie your gown so we could apply some pain relief?”
Guarding Ruby from the doctors, Weiss helps sit her up, gently untying the strings on her gown. Stepping to the side, she is startled by the loud rustling of metal tools. A large needle is hoisted from the rack. Feeling herself flinching back, her eyes focus again on Ruby. Breathing deeply, she steadies herself and wraps the silver-eyed girl in a tight hug.
“Slight pinch.”
Ruby winces, whining sharply from the injection. Weiss shushes her gently, letting a hand run through her hair. As quickly as the procedure starts, it ends. Weiss helps ease Ruby gently back on the bed, trying her best to ease some of the tension out of her. A doctor interrupts as the others prep for surgery.
“You’ll have to switch into sterile gear, ma’am.”
“I don’t care,” Weiss sighs, swapping out her old clothes for clean ones.”
“We can set up a mirror or part the curtains if you like.”
“Ooh, can I see?” Ruby eyes sparkle, before looking over at her wife, whose face has gone a slight tint of green.
“Actually, never mind.”
The seconds drag on, Weiss feels as if she stands behind that blue curtain for an eternity. Looking down, she sees Ruby. Fear had eaten away at her, that she’d be scared, that this all might be too much for her. Her face carries a soft smile. She looks peaceful.
“How are you feeling?”
“Really good, now that you’re here.”
Finally, after what seems like years, a healthy cry fills the room. Ruby sniffles, tears brimming in her eyes. Weiss lets go of a breath she doesn’t know she’s been holding. Straightening up, something pangs in Weiss’s chest. The cries echo from further back in the room.
“Where are you taking our baby?” Weiss snaps.
“Just checking up on him for you, you’ll get to hold him soon. Congratulations!”
“A son? Weiss, we have a baby boy!” Ruby’s voice cracks, absolutely beaming with pride.
The newborn has a strong APGAR score. At just four pounds and three ounces, the doctors call him quite the little fighter. To keep him warm, the doctors put him on Ruby’s chest swaddled tightly in a blanket. Ruby instantly loves him, holding him tight. She weeps tears of joy.
“He’s so tiny!” Ruby squeals.
Weiss’s gaze turns to her new son. Something puzzles her. Squaring her shoulders, waves over one of the doctors. Jabbing him in the chest, she grabs his attention. Something isn’t right.
“You! Do you think this is some kind of joke?”
“I-I’m not sure what you mean…”
“Do either of us look like we have blonde hair?” Weiss snaps.
“Ma’am, I don’t know what to tell you.”
“If you’re accusing my wife of being unfaithful…” Weiss’s face hardens, her fist clenched tightly to her side.
“Taiyang, Weiss! My dad has blonde hair,” Ruby reminds.
Weiss snaps to her senses. Looking back at the confused nurse, her shoulders stoop low. A feeling of shame washes over her. She looks the nurse in the eye. Her hands fold awkwardly behind her back.
“I apologize for my outburst.”
“No need! I think it’s sweet of you to check. I wish all parents were that diligent.”
Returning to her wife’s side, the two return their attention to their baby. Both coo and talk to him, excited to finally be holding the little one in their arms. As his eyelids flutter open, it’s clear that the little boy has Weiss’s eyes. Ruby glances back at Weiss, relishing how doting her wife is being. Finally, she clears her throat.
“So, Princess, have you thought of a name?”
Weiss feels her jaw drop, her eyes go wide. Her brain rushes with activity. All through their pregnancies she had read up on it all, tried to absorb all the book knowledge. The question of names had never come across for her. She struggles for an answer.
“Ruby, you just got your guts sliced open! Shouldn’t you pick the name?”
“That is true, but I still want you to pick the name.” Ruby smirks.
“You are such a brat!” Weiss teases.
Inspiration strikes.
“Frost. Frost Klein Schnee.”
“Klein? Like your butler?”
“He’s exactly the kind of man I want him to grow up to be.” Weiss affirms, gently tapping her son on the nose.
Despite his vibrant blonde hair and sharing her eyes, Weiss thinks the baby looks just like his mom. A feeling of pride and joy swells up inside of her. Now she’s a mother! Her head races with toys, cradles, a room. Suddenly, a doctor scoops up the doctor from Ruby’s chest.
“What are you doing?” Weiss pleads.
“Babies of your son’s size tend to have some difficulties. Breathing, heart rate, feeding, staying warm by himself. We just need to look after him for a bit. Your son’s strong and healthy. He shouldn’t have to stay for more than two weeks.”
“No, wait!” Weiss pleads, but the doctor’s left. Startled, she feels Ruby’s hand clasp around her own.
Although tired, Ruby’s eyes retain a glimmer of hope. That same serene smile continues to spread. She is completely still. Her hand holds firmly. Silver eyes don’t depart from Weiss.
“I should have gone after him, got him back. I just don’t think I could see you behind that curtain.”
“Weiss, it’s okay. You’re okay.”
“But it’s not okay, Ruby! You get dragged into here and must go through all this, and you don’t even get to take Frost home? That’s not fair. You deserve better! You need someone who can be there with you when you need them most.”
Ruby laughs softly.
“You’re here with me, Weiss, that’s enough. I’m going to visit our baby every day, to see if I can’t get him out of here sooner. But he’s here! He’s healthy and strong and he’s here. That’s what matters.”
“I don’t deserve you, Rosebud,” Weiss sighs.
“But you do! And I deserve you, too.”
The couple can see their son one last time before being checked out of the hospital. Looking at their little miracle, they can’t help but stare in awe. Vibrant, straw-blonde hair. Beautiful blue eyes. A little button-shaped nose.
And Ruby’s smile.