Sooo... I wrote this when I was exhausted last night (seems to be a trend, yeah?) But I hope people still enjoy it. These two need to get married, please. 

           He woke to a pale, quiet light. One he hadn’t seen before, not since Atlas. He tried to shut out the light, rolling over in his warm bed, pulling the blankets tightly under his chin. Soft footsteps came around his side of the bed, bare feet on hardwood. He didn’t open his eyes. A gentle hand brushed through his dark hair.

           “Good morning,” she whispered, leaning over to kiss his forehead. Qrow woke to the face of an angel. Winter’s hair, and the light from the season’s first snow, framed her pretty face like a white halo. She smiled, and there was peace in her eyes like he hadn’t seen since the day they had been married. His rough hand gently grasped her calloused one, and he pressed a kiss to her wrist.

           “Good morning, sunshine,” he murmured against her skin. She breathed out contented sigh before gesturing out the window with her free hand.

           “You should get up. I could use some help getting the house warmed up this morning and making breakfast.”

It was the first morning together in a real house. After they had been married, close to a year ago, things had been busy. They stayed in their little apartment when they could, but Qrow was often away on missions with Oscar, and Winter was extremely busy with work. When things finally settled down they both agreed they wanted to be somewhere quiet. Winter was transferred to a small military base in Vale, as Colonel. She would be in charge of the operations at the base. Qrow, on the other hand, would be going back to teaching. Thankfully, however, they had been given a few days to settle in at their new home in Patch, not far from Tai’s place.

           Their house was small, but Qrow didn’t mind, and Winter seemed to appreciate it. He wondered, sometimes, if she had been turned off to the whole ‘enormous house’ thing by her father and the way he treated wealth.

           Once Qrow was finally up and dressed, he found Winter in the living room, already starting a fire in their little woodstove. “What’s on the agenda for today?” He asked, crossing his arms, and glancing over to where a stack of boxes still stood next to the sofa.

           “We need to finish unpacking,” Winter said. She had her all-work and no-play expression firmly plastered on her face.

           “I could think of a few more exciting things to be doing with our free time than unpacking,” Qrow frowned, glancing towards the bedroom. Winter let out a sigh as if he had said something totally childish.

           “We have way too much to do: unpack, and then we have to begin preparing for the holidays, and don’t you have to create a lesson plan…” she trailed off, and narrowed her eyes, “I’m doing it again, aren’t I?”

           “Hmm?” Qrow asked, letting a small smile touch his lips. Yes. You are.

           “Colonel-izing our life,” she let out an exasperated sigh. “I’m sorry, Qrow…” she trailed off again gently reaching out to take his hand. He entwined her fingers with hers, and grinned.

           “You need to relax a little, Ice Queen. It’s our first day in the new place. We should do something fun. Hey, you wanted to get ready for the holidays?”

           “Well… we don’t have to… we could…”

           “Let’s make something!”

           “Make something? As in… in the kitchen?” Winter frowned. Winter was a terrible cook. Qrow had learned that once the hard way. He laughed,

           “Don’t worry. I’ll do the baking, and you can do the decorating.”

           “Somehow, I find it hard to imagine you baking,” Winter smiled. He felt himself melt a little. Her smile was so beautiful. He couldn’t help himself when it appeared. He leaned over and pressed a kiss to her mouth, drawing it out, pulling her close. When he pulled away her smile was broader, and she leaned in close.

           “So, Branwen, what are we making?”

           “Well, Colonel, I guess you’ll have to wait and see.”

*** ***

           20 gingerbread cookies, different shapes and sizes, all lined up on the cooling rack. Winter eyed them as if she were inspecting evidence or weapons. She carefully checked them for burns, for imperfections, but found none. Qrow watched her as he finished the frosting. He hadn’t ever been a bad cook before, but had never really mastered the art. Once he married Winter though, he’d really had no choice.

           “Frosting done! Aaanddd… I might have some chocolate chips around here somewhere.”

           “We need gumdrops,” Winter sighed.

           “Chocolate chips,” Qrow pulled out a half-empty bag, “Will have to do!” They decorated together, drawing little lines across their gingerbread, sprinkling sugar for a little sparkle, and carefully placing several chocolate chips across their designs. Winter even laughed once or twice at Qrow’s creations, and he relished the sound. Winter leaned over once, towards the end of their decorating fiasco—sugar littered the counter, and stray frosting drops clung to the wires of the cooling rack—as she leaned over she accidentally dripped frosting on Qrow’s sleeve.

           “Hey!” He laughed, glancing over to her.

           “Oh!” Before she could say anything else, he scooped up some frosting with his finger and pressed it to her nose. She blinked and then glared. “Qrow!”

           “Aw, Ice Queen, you’re adorable,” he leaned in with a satisfying smirk and kissed it away. For a moment Winter’s expression was unreadable. Then she narrowed her eyes, he could see an idea forming in her head. With torturously slow movements she scooped up a dab of frosting with her own finger. Qrow was sure it would land in his hair, or against his cheek. Instead, Colonel Winter Branwen pressed the frosting against her lips, daring him, challenging him, waiting… Can’t leave her waiting.

Hello, everyone!!! 

The dates for Qrowin Festival have arrived! Check it out, they’re coming up soon! (It took me a bit to figure out when to do it, though I knew I wanted it around the Holidays, but so much is happening for me in December!) So, because it’s coming up soon, check out the prompts now! Let’s all get ready for Qrowin Week v.2: Qrowin Festival! 

Bonus Day 1 (8th of Dec): Gingerbread Cookies/Houses

 Day 1: Family Feast

Day 2: Open Fire

Day 3: Scarf

Day 4: Pie

Day 5: String/Christmas Lights

Day 6: Blizzard

Day 7: Gift

Qrowin Week Day 6: (Police) AU aka Brooklyn Nine Nine

(This idea was so compelling that I had to attempt a comic for the first time)

Heyo! This is my first entry for Qrowin Week 2018. Hope you enjoy!

Background: This story takes place a couple months after the battle against Salem, the morning after Ren and Nora’s wedding. This is all hypothetical, and just my imagination of how things will work out in RWBY. Enjoy!

“I just hate that I’m preaching to her about communication and honesty in a relationship, when I haven’t even done that in ours.”

Winter awoke to the sun blinding her face. She moved her face away from the harmful rays and buried it behind Qrow’s body. They had ended last night in each other’s arms, but now the only thing entwined were their legs. Qrow began to stir as Winter wrapped her pale arms around him, taking in his presence. 

“Morning, gorgeous,” Qrow mumbled as he too wrapped his arms around her. 

Winter’s lips formed a smile as Qrow gently kissed her forehead. “Morning,” she mumbled back. 

Qrow began rubbing circles on her back, and she slowly drifted away into her sea of thoughts. Married. Two of the young fighters that she and Qrow looked after and mentored had gotten married. Although, she wasn’t really surprised. The way they cared for each other, talked about one another, and even the way they looked at one another indicated that those two would always be together. 

It was crazy how much her life had changed, from being a distinguished and renowned military officer, to a guardian helping to save the world. Ren and Nora had become practically family to Winter and Qrow, along with all the others. And now here she was, sleeping soundly with someone she used to despise. The world really was full of surprises. 

Winter sighed and Qrow pulled her closer to him. He kissed her cheek several times, and began dotting her neck with them. Winter hummed in bliss, still not believing that all of this was real. Just as Qrow was about to kiss her lips, a timid knock came to the door. 

“Ugh,” he groaned, and pressed his forehead onto hers.

Winter chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’ll get it,” she kissed Qrow’s lips once, “then I’m all yours.” They shared one last, gentle kiss, and Winter got out of bed. She stretched her arms above her and walked over to the bench where their clothes were strewn upon. She threw on a silk, purple robe and walked over to the door.

“Weiss!” she whispered in a state of shock. There her sister stood before her, tears streaming down her face and her eyes looking down on the floor, as if she were ashamed of something. 

“Hi, I-I’m sorry to bother you, b-but, I didn’t know-,” her voice broke, “who to go to.”  

Winter held her arms open and Weiss threw hers around her older sister. She held Weiss in her embrace and gently stroked her hair while she sobbed. After her sister started settling down, Winter pulled her face away from her chest, wiping the remaining tears away. “Weiss, what happened?” 

“Um, well,” her face started turning red, “Jaune and I...last night...” 

Winter instantly picked up on the situation. “Oh, Weiss. Come with me.” 

Winter took her small hand and led her into the bathroom. Weiss sat down on the toilet cover shakily, looking relieved yet also frightened. Winter sat adjacent to her on the side of the bath and took hold of her hands.

“Before you tell me anything, I want to make sure you know that you did nothing wrong. You should never feel ashamed or guilty about this, ok?”

Weiss softly nodded her head but kept her gaze on the ground. 

“Weiss, look me in the eye and tell me you understand.”

Weiss gripped Winter’s hands and looked up into her eyes. “I understand.” 

Winter gave a small smile. “Ok,” she breathed out, “now tell me what happened.”

Weiss gave Winter the details of the intimate night between her and Jaune. They had been overly affectionate towards each other all evening due to the drinks they had had that night. They both had felt like they were ready. Jaune was super gentle and slow with her, always making sure she was ok and was approving of what they were doing. He had asked her multiple times if she was alright, if he was doing something wrong, if he was hurting her, and she had said that everything was great. But she lied. 

“Winter,” a tear rolled down her cheek, “it...it really hurt.” Weiss hugged her shoulders.

“I know, it does the first couple of times,” she said with a slight frown. “With time, and with the right person though, you’ll start to become more comfortable.” A small hint of hope flashed across her sister’s face. “But if it continues to not be comfortable, you come to me and we’ll figure it out together. And only if you want to continue, ok?” 

Weiss softly replied, “Okay,” and smiled at her sister. 

“And you used the proper protection?”

“Of course,” Weiss said with sass. Winter was happy to see that her little sister was still there. 

“Did you happen to tell Jaune any of this when you woke up?” Winter questioned. 

Weiss opened her mouth and then buried her face in her hands. “Ugh, no. I didn’t.”

“Look at me Weiss,” Winter kneeled on the floor and became eye level with her. “Communication and honesty are key in any relationship, especially in dealing with something this personal and special.” 

Weiss found Winter’s eyes again. “You need to tell him the truth. It is the only way for your love to grow. You need to grow both as individuals, and together.” 

Winter looked out at the door leading back into the suite where her and Qrow were staying. “I learned that the hard way.” She looked back at her sister and they both smiled, understanding one another. 

Winter got up and offered her hand, “C’mon.” They both started walking towards the door out of the suite. Before they reached it though, Weiss stopped, turned around, and threw her arms around her sister. “Thank you,” she said to Winter who wrapped her arms around her young sister’s form. 

“Always.” 

Weiss began walking out of the suite, throwing a quick “Bye, Qrow!” before heading back to her room. 

“Hm? Bye,” Qrow mumbled. But Winter could tell he was faking not being awake. 

“Qrow Branwen,” she said in a faux-shocked voice, “were you listening to our conversation?”

Qrow smirked. “Maybe.”

Winter picked up one of the pillows and smacked him on top of the head.

“Hey! Hey!” he said between laughter, “Listen, it’s hard not to when you two are right next door! And I wanted to make sure I wouldn’t have to kill the guy if he intentionally hurt her.” 

Winter rolled her eyes but still smiled at him. Then she suddenly frowned.

“Woah, hey,” he cautiously said sitting up, “I didn’t mean to intrude on your private conversation between you and you’re sister. I’m sorry.”

Winter then frowned in confusion, but realized that he thought she was upset with him. 

“What-oh no, baby, no,” she sat down on the bed with him, “I’m not mad, and neither is Weiss.”

Now it was Qrow’s turn to frown. “Then what’s on your mind, Ice Queen?” he said as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. Winter smiled at the nickname that once used to enrage her. 

“I just hate that I’m preaching to her about communication and honesty in a relationship, when I haven’t even done that in ours.”

Qrow looked at her confused. “What do you mean?”

“I lied...about my first time,” she sighed heavily. “It wasn’t with some random guy from the academy. It wasn’t even really a choice.”

“Wait,” Qrow said after some time had passed, “did he...?” He couldn’t even say the words. He couldn’t imagine the one he loved the most ever being in that kind of position. 

Winter realized what he was insinuating, and looked back at him with wide eyes. “What? No! No, no, I didn’t,” she grabbed his hand, “and I would have told you.” Qrow let out a sigh of relief. “I meant, my first time was...arranged.” 

“Arranged?” Qrow questioned, “Like, by your father?”

Winter closed her eyes and nodded. 

“I didn’t think I could hate him even more, but he keeps proving me wrong.”

Winter kept her eyes closed and let a moment pass.

“His name was Hunter Redd.” She scoffed. “You’d think he’d be some prodigy of a fighter, with his literal name being ‘Hunter’. But the only thing he hunted was rich girls, with power and fame to their names.” 

“So..you?”

“Mhm. My father and his were longtime business partners, even before he married my mom and took our name. When I was the heiress, he arranged for young, savvy boys to come over and ‘court’ me.” 

Qrow raised his eyebrows. “Court you?”

“That’s what my father called it. But it really was just a bunch of conniving boys, trying to ‘make their mark’ on a Schnee. And one of those boys intended to quite literally make their mark.” She closed her eyes and revisited the moment in her head. “His dad and mine were so close to making a deal, one that would improve the Schnee Company ten-fold. At the same time, Mr. Redd’s son had apparently taken an ‘interest’ in me. My father saw this as an opportunity, and set up a date between us two. He told me to not mess anything up, and to persuade Hunter to convince his father to seal the deal by any means. During that time, I was still incredibly obedient to him. So, I did everything I was told. I obeyed. When I asked Hunter if he could convince his father to sign the contract, he said he would if I gave him an...incentive.”

Qrow was quiet for so long that Winter barely heard him mutter, “That piece of shit.” Another long pause. “Did he hurt you?” 

“Well, yeah, but not deliberately. I didn’t want him to be scared away and thus have my father upset with me, so I didn’t tell him it was my first time.” 

“Damn, Winter.”

She took his hand in hers. “I know, I’m so, so sorry I never told you the truth.”

“Winter,” he looked intently into her eyes, “You have nothing to be sorry for.”

“I just thought you’d think of me differently,” she started getting choked up. “And I don’t want you to-”

Qrow cupped her soft, porcelain face and kissed her. “I would never.” 

Winter let out a small laugh and kissed him back, more deeply this time. 

“Even though you weren’t my first,” Winter whispered after they took a breath, “you were the first person I did it with that I genuinely loved.”

Qrow felt his heart churn and smiled back at her. “C’mere,” he said gently to her. 

Qrowin Week 2018, Day 2: Myth/Truth

Rating: T for Teen

Summary: Everyone has a story for how Qrow and Winter met. Too bad they aren’t the right stories.