A Bouquet of White Roses

Recovery hurts.

Not just physically. Ruby Schnee has enough medication to keep the pain at a manageable level. Plus, she’s always been good at following doctor’s orders, which mainly involve resting and taking it easy. Not to say that moving around isn’t encouraged, in fact, doing so helps to prevent blood clots. So, friends and family always make a habit to stop by and bring her to visit baby Frost. The hospital keeps him dressed in an adorable little winter-themed onesie.

Part of the hurt of recovery is the feeling of uselessness. Not only does Weiss have to help manage Blake’s nonprofit, the Faunus Fund, but she then must go home to care for Ruby. Of course, the working woman insists that it’s no trouble, and in fact, the highlight of her day. Still, it’s difficult for Ruby to escape the feeling of being a burden. Nonetheless, Weiss is there.

One morning, Ruby wakes up to see Weiss standing attentively next to the bed. Truthfully, sleep has been fitful for her. Professional recommendation said she should sleep on her back or side, to avoid straining the incision. A stomach sleeper by nature, it takes a lot of tossing and turning to keep her on her side. This results in an unusually groggy Ruby and an even more unusually cheery Weiss. Intense blue eyes gaze lovingly down at her.

Weiss Schnee is no stranger to impressive spectacles. Attending countless corporate parties, she’s well desensitized to the glitz, glamor, and decadence of the wealthy class. Nothing impresses her more than this. Her wife, sporting an impressive bedhead, is clad in a baggy wolf t-shirt and colorful, floral pajama pants. Part of her wants to hide away with her under the covers, away from the world and everyone’s prying eyes.

“Weiss, shouldn’t you be at work by now?” Ruby yawns.

“Absolutely not, Flower! I’ve been personally informed that the deal with my father turned out to be incredibly successful. Today, my job is to spend the day with you. How about some breakfast in bed? I’m sure we have some cookies left in the jar.”

Ruby scratches at her neck awkwardly, silver eyes shooting away from Weiss. A weight seems to grow on her shoulders. First, she takes away Weiss’s evenings, now opportunities from work. Above all, she gets breakfast brought to her like royalty. The feeling doesn’t suit her well.

“That’s alright, Weiss. I’m not really all that hungry.”

“How about something small, like a bowl of Pumpkin Pete’s?”

Glancing up at her wife, the sleepy woman desperately wants to dismiss these concerns. She’s fine, she’ll manage, everything will be okay. Looking into those deep blue eyes, she can’t. Rarely does Weiss ever look at her so pleadingly, desperately. It’s clear that something’s weighing on her mind too.

“Sounds good.”

“How about something to drink? Maybe a cup of coffee?”

“Water?”

“Juice?” Weiss counters.

“Juice,” Ruby agrees.

Nodding happily, Weiss swiftly darts down the stairs. Ruby giggles to herself, hearing the delicate pitter-patter of feet descending the stairs. Normally, Weiss comes home from work and she’s too tired to say much. She just wordlessly leans in close to Ruby and lies next to her. Seeing her so excited, energetic, is a nice change of pace.

A rumbling sound rings on the bedside table, as Ruby’s scroll begins to ring.

“Ruby, don’t get that!” Weiss barks.

“It’s okay, I know you’ve got your hands full.”

Weiss clamors up the stairs. Dishes clatter and knock against each other as she shuffles up with a metal serving tray. Stopping in the doorway, she leans against the wall as she tries to catch her breath, resting the meal on top of her pregnant belly. Peeking through the doorway, her eyes land on Ruby. The girl happily chats away on the scroll.

“Hi, Mrs. Schnee! He’s doing well, thank you for asking. You know, just trying to take it easy, I guess. You know what this is like? I’m sorry to hear that! Yeah, we’ll have to visit sometime.”

Ruby gestures towards Weiss with the scroll. Understanding, Weiss slides the tray of breakfast towards her wife before quietly stepping out of the room. Taking a deep breath, Weiss puts the phone to her ear. What’s her mother calling for? Does she know what today is?

“Hello, Mom.”

“Why did she call me ‘Mrs. Schnee?’”

“Ruby was probably just trying to be polite, Mom.”

“Or she’s scared of her in-laws! I don’t want to do anything to intimidate the poor girl. Please, tell her to call me ‘Willow’ from now on. She’s part of the family, after all. Your wife is too polite for her own good!”

“I’ll be sure to tell her, Mom.” Weiss grumbles.

“But that’s not the reason I’m calling. It’s… it’s about your father.”

“What, is he lowering wages again?”

“Weiss—”

“Polluting the river?”

“Weiss.”

“Did he get a hairless cat?”

“Weiss, your father is sick!”

An awkward silence fills the room. Sharp noise raps into Weiss’s ears as she begins to dissociate. Slowly, the muffled noise from the phone begins to filter back to her again. Finally, she focuses back on the conversation. Her mother had been talking the whole time.

“…your brother and sister are stopping by to talk. I think it’d be a lot better for all of us if we met as a family.”

“This is what you called for?”

“Weiss, please…” Willow begs.

“Do you have any idea what I’ve just gone through, what my family has gone through? Now, you call here talking about that man. I have Father’s number blocked for a reason, Mom. I don’t want to block yours.”

Sharply tapping her scroll, Weiss almost uses enough force to crack the screen as she hangs up the call. Realizing that she’s taken, the fair-skinned girl grabs her wrist, steadying herself and taking deep breaths. Her mind snaps back to Ruby. What if she heard? Would this cause her even more stress?

Ruby’s scroll rings again.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got it!”

“Please don’t get up, Ruby! Just finish your breakfast.”

“Weiss?”

Hushed whispers snap as Weiss ends the call on the scroll. Ruby shrugs.

“So, how do you—"

Weiss’s blue eyes dart over to Ruby’s breakfast tray. A few drops of liquid pool at the bottom of the glass. Metal clatters as the spoon falls into the porcelain bowl. Crumbs and spots of juice cover her face. Ruby belches, satisfied.

“Excuse me!” Ruby giggles.

“You finished it already?” Weiss gawks.

“Really good! The cereal was tasty, and I like the little shapes you cut the fruit into! I also liked the glass of milk. Although, I’m a bit confused. I’ve never had cereal in orange juice before!”

Weiss’s face falls. Blue eyes crash to the floor. Her lips form a slight pout. Drooping her arms to the side, they hang idly there. She sighs.

“It was supposed to be perfect…”

Ruby hisses in pain. Trying to sit up, a hand clutches her stomach. Leaning closer, her teeth grit as she attempts to get closer to her wife. Her eyes are squeezed shut. Huffing, she again tries to sit up.

“Ruby Schnee, stop hurting yourself and lie back down this instant!”

“Why don’t you come meet me then, Princess?”

Grumbling at her wife’s brattishness, Weiss awkwardly waddles her way over. Her face flushes a deep shade of red. Ruby’s strong hand delicately clasps around her own. Weiss finds herself at a loss for words, instead lost in her wife’s silver eyes. Ruby smiles kindly.

“I wasn’t lying to you, Snowpea! The orangeness of the juice really did make the cereal taste good. But that’s not what makes it perfect. I know you just got distracted by the call. But, even if you put cereal in the glass and gave me a bow of juice, it still would have been perfect!”

“No, I got it wrong.”

Weiss’s muttering is cut off by Ruby’s hand giving her a gentle squeeze. Leaning in, the silver-eyed girl gives her wife a quick kiss on the lips. Weiss stands still momentarily. Blinking a few times, her face seems to be processing the interaction. Ruby laughs.

“You made breakfast for me, and that makes it perfect.”

“Such a sap…” Weiss smirks.

“Now, what was that phone call about?”

Weiss’s smirk quickly grows puzzled as she wonders how to approach the situation. Part of her wants to hide the truth, keep Ruby comfortable and to keep all this family drama away from her. Another part of her knows it’s wrong to keep things from her. Ruby Schnee has always been honest and open with everything. Why shouldn’t she do the same?

“It was about my father.”

“Is he not paying alimony? Crescent Rose and I can always pay a visit!” Ruby’s eyes shine a glint of excitement, flashing a triumphant grin.

“He’s sick.”

Ruby’s thumb traces the back of Weiss’s hand. Resting back on the bed, Ruby holds her wife’s hand closely to her chest. Gently planting a kiss on the back of her palm, she rests thoughtfully. The two stand like this for a while, Weiss concentrating on the steady rhythm of Ruby’s heartbeat. Finally, Ruby frowns.

“I’m sorry to hear that, Weiss!”

“But you shouldn’t be! Jacques is an evil, rotten man. He’s abused my mother, tried to control his children. If we lived in a just world, he’d continue to be shackled away in prison for the rest of his life. Things would be better if he was dead. So, why is this so hard for me?”

“He’s your family, Weiss. It’s got to be hard for all of them! Maybe what you’ve said is true, but he’s still your dad! You’re just too kind to forget about him. It’s so sweet that you still care about him, even if he doesn’t deserve it.”

Weiss sniffles at Ruby’s kindness. Desperately trying to wipe away her tears, she is instead tightly embraced. Letting herself go in the warmth of her lover and the sweet scent of roses, Weiss is finally freed of this burden. Shakily breathing, she can compose herself. Ruby tilts Weiss’s head upward, resting a hand on her cheek.

“Now, what are they planning to do?”

“Mother wants me to meet with the family.” Weiss scowls.

“Is that not something you want to do?”

“Not what I want to do, but what I need to do.” Weiss’s face softens at Ruby’s confusion.

“What do you need to do?”

“I need to stay here with you! After what happened in the hospital, I realized what I’ve been missing. With you in recovery and Frost in the NICU, it would be wrong for me to leave now. Especially over such petty family drama. I just can’t do that to you.”

Tracing a hand into white hair, Ruby tenderly caresses Weiss to try and ground her. Looking into her eyes, it’s clear that this has been weighing on Weiss’s mind for some time. Visibly relaxing at her wife’s touch, the blue-eyed girl sighs as she grows less tense. A pleading look spreads over Weiss’s face. Ruby turns resolute.

“I think you should go.”

Weiss’s brow furrows. The nightgowned woman crosses her arms tightly. A slipper taps the floor nervously. Blue eyes narrow. Teeth grit.

“Why? They know what you’re going through. My family needs me now. I need to be here for you. I don’t want to leave Frost behind…”

Panicked ramblings are cut short as Ruby’s finger is gently placed on her lips. The bedridden girl gently shushes her. Instead of the gesture coming across as rude or dismissive, it’s soft and kind. Ruby’s eyes carry a certain sadness, but also a hidden joy. A finger swiftly taps Weiss on the nose.

“You are not leaving Frost behind. Every day, I’m going to visit our son and let him know how much you love him. Our family and friends are going to do the same. You’ve done more than enough for this family. Now, you should go meet with your own, I bet it’s important!”

“What did I do to deserve you?” Weiss wraps Ruby in a big hug.

“Sometimes good things happen to good people.”

The Schnee family manor surpasses Weiss’s expectations.

In memories, the manor would often take on the appearance of an evil wizard’s castle. Overcast skies, cracks of thunder, bolts of lightning. Its presence would suck the life out of the nature surrounding it. Returning to it often filled her with a sense of dread. Her mind would often wonder as to how she would be able to escape its stranglehold.

Now, a brightness and vivacity that had often eluded Weiss’s past returns to the home. Gardens and plants outside the home seem greener and livelier. A cloudless sky allows beams of sunshine to shine on the happy house. The well-kept lawn and well-furnished porch appear warm and inviting. Taking a deep breath, Weiss strides her way up to the entryway before firmly knocking.

A modest-looking man answers the door. His spotless black vest and pants indicate cleanliness, a white shirt and blue tie the looks together. Though bald, he sports a bird’s nest of brown hair and an assortment of freckles on his face. Soft amber eyes look at her kindly, past his impressively well-groomed moustache.

“Hello, Klein.”

Stooping low for a polite curtsy, Weiss is trapped in an incredibly tight hug. Klein sighs contentedly, struggling to fight back the tears pooling in his eyes. The warmth he emanates strikes her as loving, bordering on paternal. Weiss thinks to free herself but stays in the embrace for a minute longer. Finally, he relinquishes.

“It is so good to see you again, Snowflake!”

“Likewise.”

Her mind buzzes with questions. Weiss feels a need to walk the grounds to Klein. She really wants to catch up with him. So much has happened since the last time she set foot on this property. Regaining her purpose, Weiss tugs awkwardly at her collar.

“Klein, would you please be so kind as to guide me to my mother and siblings?”

“Mrs. Schnee and masters Winter and Whitley are waiting for you in the living area. Is there anything I can get you? A bite to eat? Something to drink? The journey here must have surely been exhausting.”

“No thank you, Klein.”

“No need to thank me, Snowflake! It’s my job after all.”

Linking arms with her trusted butler, Weiss steps through the entryway and is guided towards the home’s living room.  A white marble fireplace illuminates comfortable leather chairs and a spotless ottoman.  The central chair seats a mature-looking woman with her legs daintily crossed. Next to her, a younger woman sits up straight with militaristic posture. Finally, the youngest man to the left of the two leans back in his chair.

“Klein, dear—I mean, would you be a dear and fetch some tea for us?”

“Of course, honey. Er, honey with the tea? I know black tea can be awfully bitter!”

As Klein nervously scutters away, an awkward silence envelops the room. The mature woman in the center brushes off her frilly pantsuit. Leftwards of her, the younger woman straightens her tie. Finally, the young man tightens the strings on his hoodie. Weiss notices a line of stubble over his upper lip.

“Whitley, what is that on your face?”

“Looks like a dead caterpillar,” the other young woman smirks.

“Oscar says that I look distinguished!”

“Yeah, it’ll definitely distinguish you from the other boys with bad facial hair!”

“Winter, just because you and Robyn fight all the time doesn’t mean that Oscar and I have to.”

“Me and Robs have banter, like normal couples do. It’s not my fault you got with a sweet guy who’s too nice to reject your dumb ideas.”

“Children, that is enough! Could we please change the subject?”

The grown woman smacks her hand on the ottoman to capture the three’s attention. All eyes divert to her as silence again hushes over the room. Crackling from the fireplace rattles. Removing her hand from the table, the woman returns to her original pose. Hissing sounds as Klein heats the tea kettle.

“Weiss, did Klein escort you to us in good time?”

“Very much so! Klein made sure to give me a superbly warm welcome.”

“Don’t think too much of yourself,” Winter snaps.

“I think Klein cried after seeing each of us,” Whitley smiles.

“There is absolutely nothing wrong with a man who isn’t afraid to be sensitive!” the woman yelps.

Her face instantly goes red as a tomato. One of her hands moves to cover her mouth. Steps toward them pause, as Klein holds a tea tray in his hands. A shy little smile spreads over his face. It almost looks as if he’s trying to hide behind the teapot.

“I truly am glad to see you all under one roof again.”

Gently setting down the tray, Klein moves to making a cup for everyone. Weiss gets her tea black. Winter with a splash of milk. It almost looks as if Whitley’s drink is more honey than tea. Finally, Willow gets hers with just a touch of honey.

“Mrs. Schnee, I truly do apologize for intruding.” Klein folds his hands neatly in front of him, bowing before he is taken by the hand.

“Klein, you’ve been living in this home as long as I have. Please, call me Willow.”

“Of course, Mrs. Willow!”

“It’s only ‘Ms.’ now, Klein.” Willow smiles with a wink.

Klein winces at his mistake before his face burns at being flustered. Nodding silently, he quickly gathers up his things before speeding out of the room. Willow stares dreamily at him before noticing her children’s eyes locking on her. Clearing her throat, she takes some time to sip her tea. Finally, she looks up from her drink.

“So, when’s the wedding? Can we expect to meet Mr. Klein Schnee?” Whitley smirks.

“Yeah, do we get a sibling any time soon?” Winter winks.

“I really did not need to think about that.” Weiss shudders.

“We are getting off-topic!” Willow squeaks, once again clearing her throat.

“What’s there to talk about? Weiss did the right thing and stood those bastards up.” Whitley responds.

Weiss finds herself sitting up a bit straighter. Her stands stop fiddling and fold neatly. Her eyes trace over from Whitley to her other siblings. Quietly, she steadies her breath. Finally, her head tilts to the side.

“How did you hear about that?”

“You turned away one of the most powerful companies in Atlas for your family, Weiss. Stuff like that gets around.” Winter replies nonchalantly.

Taking the time to process this, Weiss focuses her attention back on her mother. She finds herself sitting up straighter, growing more serious. Her inner businesswoman rises back up. Confidence swells.

“Is this what we’re meeting for? Father wants to shut me out?”

“Not exactly.”

The family leans in closer.

“Schnee Dust Company executives have tried to find another Jacques, with poor success. Hearing about your commitment to your family, they were impressed. The board wants to offer you the position of CEO, Weiss. I know your father is not a good man, but there are good people who work for the Schnee Dust Company. I think you could do them some good.”

“How dare they.”

Every other Schnee’s attention is drawn to Whitley. His face is contorted in sheer rage. A fist tightly clenches and shakes heavily. The boy’s breathing grows uneven. Light blue eyes sheen with righteous anger.

“How dare they! After all the evil they’ve done. First against Faunus, then all of Atlas. If it were up to them, Oscar and I wouldn’t be together. Now, they’re trying to force it all on Weiss.”

A creaking from Winter’s chair quickly draws their attention.

“All that is true. But Weiss has a pretty good track record when it comes to making smart decisions. I think we should leave it up to her. Joining the company, she’d make a difference. Staying out of the company, she doesn’t get involved with that business.”

Weiss’s head swims with possibilities. Signing on to the Schnee Dust Company would give her a significant salary, one that could mean the world in raising her family. But it would also support her father, and all the awful things his company has done. How would he react, seeing her crawl back.

“Klein!”

“I wasn’t listening!” The butler replies promptly.

“Would you come here for a moment, please?”

Klein awkwardly shuffles into the room.

“What do you think?”

“I’m afraid I don’t have much to say.”

“Still, I’d like to hear it.”

Klein runs a hand across his moustache, appearing to be deep in thought. His brow furrows. A soft hum leaves his lips. Finally, he snaps up excitedly. Turning to Weiss, he burns with curiosity.

“Well, Snowflake, who are you doing all this for?”

“My Ruby, of course!”

“Then why don’t you ask her?”

Weiss swiftly whips out her scroll, tapping away until reaching Ruby’s number. As it dials, her hand idly taps away at her leg. Finally, a voice picks up on the other end. Weiss listens intently. The other members of the room wait patiently.

“Hey, Weiss!”

The chipper voice of her wife fills her with joy. When the pressures of the world seem like they’re too much, the sweet sound gives Weiss something to hang onto. Worry creeps in that she may be interfering with her rest. Ultimately, she tries to simplify it. Weiss brings up her simple decision.

“Ruby, I just got a new job offer. It has a good salary and benefits. But it involves working for a person who I do not particularly like. What do you think I should do? I just think it should be what’s best for this family.”

Ruby sighs on the other side.

“Weiss, whatever you choose will be right for this family. You’re so compassionate and smart and capable, you’d be a good boss. But I know how much you hate your dad, and I don’t want you to do something you hate. Just follow your gut and I know it’ll be right! If Jacques gives you trouble, I’ll kick his sick old butt.”

Even so far from home, the two are connected. Despite purposely trying to be vague, Weiss’s wife knows exactly what she’s going through. Deep down, she knows that Ruby will support her no matter what. But, to hear it from her lips helps affirm her. Weiss is confident in her decision.

“How did you—Never mind. I love you, Ruby.”

“Love you more!”

Weiss’s mind spins with the possibilities. Following her wife’s example, she chooses to focus on the positives. Maybe she could create a world safe for families. No matter who’s in them or who they look like, but ones united through love. Her father had ruled their household with fear and greed. Now, maybe she could change that in the world.

“Well, I guess that’s settled. I’m going to be a CEO!”