"A great magician never reveals his secrets, Ruby!"

He winks at her, feeling the pumpkin-laden basket dig into his arms, but secretly grateful she’d grabbed the extra one from the top. That little favor made his load lighter and more importantly, let him peek over the edge and actually see where he was going.

Six pumpkins in total, he counts, careful not to wobble the pile. One for each member of the side-by-side cabins and an extra one for Yang, if she decided to swing by. But really, it wasn’t the pumpkins he was excited about—it was watching Ruby’s face light up when she saw them. It made the hours he’d spent yesterday helping out one of the local farmers with their harvest feel completely worth it. Every aching muscle, every scrape and sunburned shoulder—it all faded away when he saw Ruby’s grin and knew these pumpkins would bring a little extra joy to everyone.

“I thought we could have everybody over to carve some pumpkins!” he announces, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet as he sets the basket down on the table. His grin stretches ear to ear. “You know, make a little chaos, a little fun… maybe even a contest! Who can make the silliest face, huh?”

He glances at Ruby, blue eyes sparkling. “And don’t worry—I’ve already scoped out the best pumpkin for you. Yep, that’s right, I’m giving you an advantage. But only ’cause I like you.”

"You're right, it won't change anything." Weiss said in agreement. Ruby was right to some extent, nothing they said would change the fact that Qrow had taken her in. But regardless, Weiss wanted to talk about it. It was clearly affecting Ruby, and Yang and Blake were noticing the tension between the two, it didn't matter that they tried to hide it. They were teammates, they were bound to notice the tension that was beginning to rise.

Aurelia leaned against the kitchen counter, eyes flickering between Ruby and the cookies in the oven. The smell was familiar, comforting...but something felt off, something she couldn't quite place. While the smell of vanilla and chocolate filled the air, there was another scent lingering underneath it all; something earthy and pungent. Was it a different recipe than the one her mother left behind? Perhaps some kind of ube or ginger added?

"I know I may not be someone you particularly wish to be forthcoming with anymore and while I understand why, I just want to remind you that I am here for you."

Her fingers fidgeted with the edges of her skirt as she spoke to her niece. While Ruby had forgiven her, their relationship still felt soured, cracked by Aurelia's and Qrow's deception over he true parentage. While it seemed the right decision at the time, it quickly had become one she greatly regretted. Ruby was different now and while she expected changes as she grew up, experienced the Ever After and learned the truth about Qrow, her behavior just didn't quite add up. Distancing herself even more from her family and quick to irritation at random times.

"You're growing up so fast and I want to help you, honeybee, if you'll let me."

Sun’s brows furrowed in concern, his easy grin faltering as he caught the door before it could fully close. One foot slid into the gap between the door and the jamb, careful—not forcing it, just enough to keep it there. He leaned in a little, head tilting as his sharp eyes flicked over Ruby's face before she turned, reading the tension in her shoulders like it was written in neon.

“Hey,” he said softly, concern threading through his usual sunny joy. “I can tell you’re not okay. Like…really not okay.” His tail flicked once behind him, betraying the worry he was trying not to pile on. He lifted the small paper bag in his hand, giving it a hopeful shake. “C’mon, let me in. We can talk—or not talk, if that’s easier. I brought treats from that little stand we went to last week, remember? The ones you said were ‘dangerously good.’”

A crooked smile tugged at his mouth, gentle instead of teasing. “No pressure. I just…don’t wanna leave you like this.”

Aurelia sped down the dirt path, her chest heaving and trying to ignore the spreading pain in her sides. She was trailing a few minutes behind Qrow, but had to get to her destination as quickly as possible. They had been watching Ruby and her group of friends for a few days now, keeping their distance at the request of Qrow, and ensuring their safety by keeping any roaming Grimm at bay and away from the children.

At least, that was their plan.

A Family Selfie for Argentum ad Aurum: a verse including @meloraan’s Aurelia Menenius, @twilighthavens’ Qrow Branwen/Ruby Rose, and @wintereign’s Weiss Schnee

Saffron kept a still gaze, steady and unwavering, tilting his head slightly as he observed...his...niece, he supposed, speaking. Letting loose wasn't really his style, or at least, hadn't been for a long time. He left the absurdity for Vermillion and Aurelia, which was the sole reason he was here with Ruby, rather than in his forge. In typical fashion, his sister had shown up out the blue, and brought along some random child with her.