Chapter Text
It had been a while since Emerald baked something. When Oscar asked if Emerald and Whitley wanted to help bake some treats for the guests they were having, she wasn’t expecting it to be so intense. Mr. Oz had the ingredients for cookies, brownies, and cupcakes- and he planned to make them all.
The cupcakes ended up being pretty easy, so they went in the oven first. Soon they moved onto the cookies.
Oscar mixed the cookie dough ingredients thoroughly. "Dad, do you think this looks like enough?"
Mr. Oz peered into the bowl to check on his progress. "Hm... it should be, love. But I'm not sure we'll have enough room for everything all at once," Mr. Oz realized as he looked down at the single cookie sheet in front of them.
"Darn,” Oscar lamented. “That's gonna take forever." They had enough batter for at least three batches.
"We may have more cookie sheets in the basement," Mr. Oz said.
"I can go look for them," Oscar offered.
Emerald stopped him before he put the bowl down. "I can do it. You keep working on the dough, Oscar. I'll be right back."
Emerald jogged through the hallway and made her way downstairs, ignoring the faint sound of the doorbell that rang as she passed. She found the shelf labeled “kitchen supplies” in Pyrrha’s nice handwriting and pulled out two gently used cookie sheets. As she rounded the corner from the hallway into the front entrance, the cookie sheets slipped right out of her hand with a loud clatter.
She couldn’t keep her grip when she saw who was standing at the door.
"Mom?! You're here!"
"Hello, Gem.”
Emerald jumped into her mom’s arms and held on tight, warmed by her mom’s comforting embrace and soft voice. It was really happening. Her mom was here, in the flesh, ready to take her home. As hopeful as Emerald was, there was a small part of her that didn’t believe.
But her mom was really here.
"Em?” Oscar’s voice broke the trance. “Is everything okay? We heard a loud crash..."
"Oh…” Emerald quickly gathered the cookie sheets in her arms, “sorry. I’m fine," she smiled at her mom. “I’m better than fine.”
“Are you going to introduce me to your friend?” Crystal teased.
"Oh, yeah, right,” Emerald laughed. “Mom! I'd like you to meet Oscar! He's one of my best friends!"
“Uh... Hi, Ms. Sustrai,” Oscar waved awkwardly.
"Hi there, Oscar. It's nice to meet you."
Emerald hugged the cookie sheets to her chest and grabbed her mom’s hand. Oscar followed them into the kitchen and Emerald put the cookie sheets down on the table. "Here you go, Mr. Oz."
"Ah, so you're Mr. Oz,” Crystal mused. “It's nice to put a face to the name."
"And you must be Crystal. How do you do?" Mr. Oz smiled, offering a handshake.
Crystal accepted and added, "Much better, now that I have this one back," as she put her arm around Emerald and gave her a hug. "Thank you for taking care of her, sir."
"Truly, it was our pleasure."
Emerald took her mom’s hand. "Mr. Oz... is it okay if we stay for just a little longer? I want to show my mom around."
"Of course, dear. You can stay as long as you'd like."
Emerald squeezed her mom’s hand and pulled her mom over to the closed door in the corner of the kitchen- her bedroom. She had only finished packing half of her things in anticipation for today, but Emerald used it as an opportunity to show her mom the clothes, decorations, and toys that Mr. Oz was letting her keep. They packed everything together before moving onto the rest of the house.
Crystal got to formally meet Ruby, Weiss, Yang, and Blake. Mercury was kind enough to wave a passing and polite “hello” when Emerald explained who Crystal was. Nora was very excited to have another adult in the house to play with, but Emerald had to kindly fend her off and tell her that Crystal would “play later” when they had the chance.
“She’s quite the energetic one,” Crystal chuckled as they escaped Nora’s ambush.
Last but not least, Emerald showed her mom the backyard, deck, and screened in porch. It’s a nice swatch of land with flowering bushes lining the deck and a large tree that shades most of the area. The kids had many summer adventures in the backyard, from cookouts to birthday parties to soccer and wiffleball games. Emerald was so distracted telling her mom all about it that she accidentally bumped into someone on the way back into the house.
"Oh, I- I'm sorry, Cinder,” Emerald stuttered. “I didn't see you there..."
Cinder narrowed her eyes at Crystal. "Who's this?"
"Oh, um... this is my mom. She's here to pick me up today."
Cinder blinked, her face falling.
Is she disappointed? Emerald wondered.
"Oh... right. Yeah, I forgot,” Cinder played it off well. “You'll- uh- you'll still come to visit when you're gone, though, right?”
Emerald smiled, "Yeah, Cinder, 'course I will. I would never leave you behind."
Cinder’s smile disappeared almost as soon as it formed. She cleared her throat. "Cool, whatever. I'll see you around, then."
Cinder quickly scampered into her room, Emerald following her with her eyes.
A smile lingered on Emerald’s face. I’ll miss you, too, Cinder.
Blake was going to miss this.
Yang and Blake reclined on the couch, curled up in a blanket. Weiss and Ruby sat on the floor, bantering back and forth about the mobile game they were playing on their scrolls. The TV was lit up, left on a low volume, playing a comedy show that they all had seen ten times by now. It was comforting. Familiar.
Even Weiss and Ruby’s bickering gave Blake a sense that everything was right with the world.
"NO!” Ruby cried. “That's the third time I lost! How did you get so good at this?"
Weiss turned her nose up. "Practice, discipline, and skill."
"Is that your way of saying you've sunk hours and hours into a video game?" Blake teased.
"So what if I have?"
"Nerd."
Weiss laughed, "You're a nerd, too, dork. Shut up," and threw a potato chip Blake’s way. They plucked it off their jacket and ate it with a smile, throwing a wink Weiss’ way to thank her for the snack.
As the laughter faded, Yang nudged her partner with her toes. "Are you all packed for your trip, Blake?"
"Yeah, I think so,” Blake sighed. “I should be okay. I don't need too much."
“Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I think so... I'm just not sure how they're gonna react."
"I think your plan is great,” Yang assured. “It'd be dumb of them not to agree."
Blake knew that Yang was trying to stay positive, but the words had a bitter taste to them.
Blake was the one who messed up in the first place. They left their parents in the dust to fight for a cause that was lost long ago, and now they are going to have to break their hearts again. Even if the idea is workable, Blake was not in a position to be making demands. It would be completely reasonable for their parents to be furious at them for even broaching the subject.
Blake had no idea how their parents were going to react. And there was only one way to find out.
Careful footsteps ascended the stairs. Blake had become very familiar with the slow, methodical gait. Mr. Oz emerged from the stairwell and stood before them, announcing his presence like a king addressing his court.
"Mx. Belladonna,” he greeted. “Your parents are here. They are waiting downstairs."
Blake swallowed the lump in their throat and looked to Yang.
Yang’s face broke into a big smile and she gave her partner two thumbs up. "You got this, babe."
Blake laughed at Yang’s childish grin. They took a deep breath, grabbed their rolling suitcase, and walked up to Mr. Oz. "You're coming with me, right?"
"Yes, of course, darling. Whatever you need."
Blake nodded and started their descent. Every step felt like it took all the courage that Blake had to offer. Their heart thumped so hard in their chest they expected it to burst out and roll down the steps without them. Finally, they reached the bottom, turning the corner to see their parents admiring the first floor of the house.
Their mother stood, elegant as ever, in a black and white dress with kimono-style sleeves and a purple hem around the bottom. Their father was still deceptively large and intimidating, his white dress shirt with rolled up sleeves and purple tie making him out to be a cunning businessman more than the gentle giant that he was.
Kali and Ghira were so distracted, they hadn’t even noticed their child enter the room.
"Mom... Dad..." Blake prompted.
Kali turned around, her arms opening wide on command. "Sweetheart, there you are! We are so happy to see you!"
Kali wrapped Blake in a warm, welcoming hug that only became more restrictive when their father joined in.
"We've missed you so much, Blake," Ghira said.
They both released their hold, but Kali gripped Blake’s shoulders and gave them a once over. "My oh my, it seems you've grown up so much since we saw you last."
Blake’s cheeks heated up. "Mom, stop."
"That's alright, we can talk all about it once we get you home,” Kali waved them off. She glanced down at Blake’s suitcase. “Is that all you're bringing? It's going to be a long trip."
Blake’s heart jumped into their throat. "Yeah, about that..."
What the hell am I supposed to say now? They turned around to catch Mr. Oz’s eye, hoping he would know the answer.
"Why don't we all sit," he offered. Mr. Oz gestured towards the sectional couch in the living room and beckoned the Belladonnas to take a seat. Blake sat next to Mr. Oz on one side while Kali and Ghira sat on the other.
Blake closed their eyes and took a deep breath. "Mom, Dad, there's something we need to talk about."
Kali’s brow furrowed. "What's this all about, Kitty?"
"I've been thinking a lot about this lately. I do want to go home with you guys, but... not for that long..."
"What do you mean?" Ghira asked.
"I miss Menagerie, and I miss you guys. A lot. But... I also have a lot that I'm leaving behind. Here. In Vale. School starts in a couple weeks and I want to be here for it. I want to finish my senior year at Vale High."
"I've already made the arrangements,” Mr. Oz assured them. “Blake is enrolled for their final year, and with your blessing they would be more than welcome to spend their last year with us. We would officially discharge them in June, after graduation."
"Then I could come home all next summer before..." Blake swallowed their hesitation. "Before starting university. Here."
Kali and Ghira were stunned into silence. Kali looped her arm through Ghira’s and they locked eyes. A silent conversation passing between them. "Wow…” Ghira smiled, “seems like you have this well planned out."
"I'm sorry,” Blake said, “I know this isn't what you expected when you got here."
"Well…” Kali tapped Ghira’s arm, “perhaps it's time we look into Valian real estate."
Blake blinked, "Wh- what? Why?"
"I mean, if you're going to be spending the majority of your time here for the next four to five years, it seems like it might be an investment worth making."
"For the next-? So... you're okay with it? I can stay?"
"Of course you can, Kitty. We only want what's best for you."
"Oh my gods, thank you!" Blake popped out of their seat and jumped into their parents arms. In the quiet privacy of their embrace, Blake whispered, "I'm so sorry."
They weren’t apologizing for their future. They were apologizing for the past.
"It's okay, sweetheart," Kali said.
"We forgive you," Ghira promised.
Their voices were as soothing as tea. A tear leaked out from Blake’s eye as they hugged their parents tighter.
Blake would be able to keep both of their homes after all.
The one they left. And the one they found.
Qrow wasn’t expecting to feel so on-edge today. The house was crowded with people- between the Belladonnas, the Schnees, and Emerald’s mom, there wasn’t a quiet room in the house- the kids were all over the place, and Oz had been running around all day to make sure that things were in order.
And they were still waiting on two more guests.
Qrow walked into the kitchen and stopped dead in his tracks. Somehow, this room was completely empty and Oz was nowhere to be found. He wasn’t in their room, he wasn’t in his office, and Qrow didn’t see him in any of the crowded common spaces. Where the hell did he go?
As Qrow scratched his head and turned to leave, he ran right into the man he was looking for.
"Oh!” Oz chirped. “I'm sorry, love. Excuse me."
Qrow silently complied, the question he really wanted to ask stuck in the back of his throat.
Oz shuffled over to the oven and took out the trays of vanilla and chocolate cupcakes he made with Oscar, Whitley, and Emerald.
The three little assistants were nowhere to be found, now.
"Do you- uh- need some help, there, Oz?" Qrow offered weakly.
Oz chuckled, "Yes, it seems I've lost my little helpers in all the excitement of the day. Would you mind helping me put icing on these, once they've cooled?"
"Yeah, sure," Qrow grunted as he lifted himself up onto the kitchen counter. His legs swung slightly as he watched Oz place the three cookie sheets the kids had prepared into the oven. Qrow forced himself to speak. "Any idea when your parents are gonna get here?"
Oz arranged the cupcakes on the cooling rack as he answered, "Yes, they should be here any minute. My mother texted as soon as they landed."
"Cool." Qrow's voice was weaker than he intended it to be.
"Something wrong?" Oz asked.
"What? No, I'm just- I was just wondering."
Qrow refused to look Oz in the eye. Instead, he stared at the cupcakes next to him, using his knuckles to test their temperature. Unsurprisingly, they did not cool in the twenty seconds it took Oz to place them on the rack. Oz sauntered over to him and rested his hands lightly on Qrow’s knees.
"Are you alright? You seem a little anxious, there, love."
"Anxious? Why would I be anxious?" Qrow deflected.
"I don't know. You tell me."
Qrow scoffed. Oz carefully brushed Qrow’s hair out of his face, his hand naturally falling to caress Qrow’s cheek. "I know you're still worried about meeting them, Qrow, but truly, you have nothing to fear. Everything is going to be fine."
"How do you know? How do you know they won't hate me or forbid us from dating or try to convince you to dump me while they're here?"
Oz let out a strong, hearty laugh. Qrow wished he meant it as a joke, but at least Oz was smiling. "I think you've been watching too many romantic comedies with Yang and Summer."
Qrow grumbled, "They do love that shit."
Oz draped his arms around Qrow’s neck. "I know that's not going to happen because that's not why they are here. They simply want to get to know you a little better and spend time with us and the kids. That's all."
Oz peppered soft kisses all over Qrow's cheek and forehead before placing one on his lips.
"Yeah…” Qrow sighed, “it's the 'getting to know me better' part that I'm afraid of."
"Oh, please, they are going to love you."
"Sure, maybe at first. Until they realize..." Qrow gripped the countertop so tight his knuckles turned white. "'Til they realize I'm not good enough for you."
"Oh dear, is that what this is about? Qrow, look at me."
But Qrow couldn’t comply. Oz gently used his finger to coax his partner to meet his eye. "You are the most incredible, charming, thoughtful man I have ever met, and I am insanely lucky to have you in my life. And by the end of this weekend, my parents will know that, too."
Words weren’t sufficient enough to describe how much Qrow loved Oz. Needed him. Adored him. Their lips met with force and purpose. Oz leaned into the kiss to keep his balance, holding onto every bit of hope Qrow gave him.
"I love you, Oz," Qrow whispered so only Oz could hear.
"I love you, too, Qrow."
For a second they just froze, their foreheads pressed together, soaking in a moment of peace in the middle of a hectic and exciting day.
Eventually, Oz had to break it up, since the evening was drawing to a close and he was going to have to get dinner ready soon. Qrow hopped down off the counter and got to work, too, offering to help Oz in any way he could.
The couple hadn’t even started prepping dinner when a dainty knock emanated from the door. Qrow dissolved into the background when he saw who was standing at the door.
A spitting image of her son.
"Knock knock,” Emery chirped. “Is anyone home?"
Oz put down the empty glass serving dish in his hands and opened his arms.
Emery smiled, "Hello, my love."
"Hello, mother."
Emery held onto her son so tight that Qrow thought Oz might pop. Her puffy silver hair and gold rimmed glasses made their relation painfully clear. The yellow sweater and casual jeans made her stand out against the sage green of the kitchen walls.
"Son."
"Father."
Oz and Orin hugged, too, but only briefly. It was clear where Oz got his impressive height. His father was an inch or two taller than he was.
"My oh my, it seems like you have a full house tonight,” Emery observed. “Do you need a hand in the kitchen?"
"Nonsense, you two are guests here,” Oz insisted. “I wouldn't ask you to-"
"Oh, hush, Ezra. You know you couldn't keep me out if you tried." Emery pushed past her son as if he was a closed door blocking her way. Her eyes lit up when they landed on Qrow, his normal bravado toned way down. She hadn’t even noticed him until now.
"You must be Qrow,” she mused. “Ezra has told us so much about you."
Qrow rubbed the back of his neck. "Heh... has he really?" The joke didn’t quite land, his tone way more concerned than he meant it to be.
"Oh, don't worry,” Emery brushed his fears away. “He hasn't told us anything bad. My son isn't exactly what you'd call a gossip."
Qrow laughed as he caught a glimpse of Oz affectionately rolling his eyes from across the room. Emery threw Qrow a friendly wink before clapping her hands together, ready to get down to work. "Now. What are we making for everyone this evening?"
"Well, with so many people in the house tonight, we thought we'd do something easy that could feed everyone."
"Wait! Let me guess. Lasagna?"
"Indeed."
"Excellent! I can work with that."
Emery wasted no time, only stopping occasionally to ask Oz where certain ingredients and utensils were kept. Qrow assisted Oz in making the simpler sides, such as the garlic bread and salads. When that was done, Qrow got a head start on cleaning, while Oz was pulled away to tend to the kids. Emery popped the two trays of lasagna into the oven and brushed her hands together. "Now all that's left to do is wait," she said.
Qrow smiled at her, an awkward silence falling between them as he finished clearing the kitchen counter. The heat from the oven was starting to fill the kitchen fast.
Emery turned to Qrow. "It's starting to feel a little stuffy in here, don't you think? Would you mind joining me for a walk?"
Qrow’s cheeks burned, and it wasn’t from the heat of the oven. He contemplated trying to find Oz, see if he needed any more help. Anything to get him out of this interaction. But Oz was probably too busy to deal with this. He would have to accept his fate eventually.
"Uh... sure," Qrow managed.
Emery offered her arm and Qrow cautiously linked his through hers.
They walked up the street, deeper into the heart of town. They strolled past bakeries and restaurants and small boutiques. For two or three blocks, there wasn’t much conversation, but Qrow was starting to feel a little less on-edge now that he was out of the house. Perhaps he just needed a change of scenery.
"Wow,” Emery hummed after a while. “This place has changed quite a bit since the last time we were in town. How long have you lived in Vale, Qrow?"
"Huh?” Qrow stuttered. “Oh... uh... man, I guess it's coming up on twenty years now."
"You seem surprised by that," Emery mused.
"Yeah, guess I just hadn't thought about it."
Qrow’s heart thrummed. He never knew how to talk about himself, what was safe to share and what he should keep hidden. He wanted to make a good first impression, to prove that he was a good fit for Oz. If Emery dug too deep, she could quickly turn on him.
"And how long have you been volunteering for Ezra?" she asked.
Qrow relaxed. He could talk about Oz anytime. "Oof, that's- I guess- seven years now? Feels like I've known him forever."
"Yes, he does have that effect on people." Emery patted Qrow’s arm. "You certainly seem to have done a number on him yourself."
Qrow laughed. "What?"
Emery stopped their walk abruptly, standing firmly in front of Qrow, blocking his path. "Qrow, I've talked to my son at least once a week for the past twenty five years, and I can't remember the last time I had a conversation with him in which your name didn't come up."
“Huh,” Qrow huffed. He didn’t know what else to say.
"He absolutely adores you. I mean truly, honestly adores you. I've never heard him talk about someone the way he talks about you."
"Really?" The excitement in Qrow’s voice was palpable.
"Really really. In fact, the way he talks about you, I wouldn't be surprised if you were to become an official member of the family soon enough."
Qrow’s eyes went wide. "I'm not sure we’re there quite yet."
Emery put her hands up, telling him to slow down. "I’m sorry, I don’t mean to rush you. I just wanted you to know that, when you are ready- for what it's worth- you have our blessing."
Qrow blinked. "Wow- uh- thanks, Mrs. Oz."
"Please, Qrow. There's no need for formalities. Call me Emery."
"Right, sure..."
Emery threw her arms around Qrow’s neck, pushing him back a step. He caught himself just in time, caught off guard by the sudden hug.
"Thank you. For making our son so happy."
Qrow adjusted quickly, returning the hug in kind.
"Yeah, don't mention it... Emery."
Oz wasn’t expecting his mom and Qrow to be gone for so long.
Hopefully that's a good sign, he thought.
Qrow was so awfully worried even though he had no reason to be. Oz was confident that his partner would make a wonderful first impression, but Qrow wouldn’t be able to relax until he heard it from Emery himself.
Oz didn’t take it personally.
Oz and Orin did have enough time to put the finishing touches on dinner just as Qrow and Emery walked through the door.
"How was your walk?" Oz asked.
"It was nice," Qrow shrugged, seeming a little flustered. Like when he is thrown off guard by a genuine compliment.
Oz gave his partner a look: “Just ‘nice’?” he wanted to ask, but Qrow quickly changed the subject. "You guys need any help?"
Oz wasn’t going to let Qrow slip out of this conversation that easily, but Orin wasn’t privy to Oz’s plan.
"I was just getting ready to set out plates, if you don't mind," Orin said.
Qrow jumped at the chance. "Sure, I can do that."
Saved in the knick of time, Oz smiled to himself. Not that it mattered. He would have a chance to get more details out of his partner later.
As Oz watched Qrow and Orin disappear into the kitchen, his mother managed to sneak up on him. She leaned in close. "He's quite the charmer,” she mused. “Seems like a real keeper to me."
"Indeed, he is."
Emery squeezed his arm and kissed him on the cheek before jumping into the action and offering to help set the table.
Once everything was ready, Oz and Qrow scattered around the house, rounding everyone up for dinner. As always, meal time was a hectic mess, the kids all lining up for food and drinks, sitting wherever there was a seat open. Loud chatter filled the first floor, echoing through every room in the house. Oz was so preoccupied with making sure that the children and guests had what they needed that he completely neglected to make a plate for himself. Just as the thought occurred to him, Qrow appeared out of the blue with a plate made exactly how he likes it.
Truly, he was lucky to have Qrow looking out for him.
As the food disappeared and plates were emptied, Oz made sure that the children helped clean, putting their plates and cups in the dishwasher and clearing the table of any condiments, spices, or extras. By the time the kids ran upstairs to continue their game, there were only a few serving dishes left to scrub, which Emery generously offered to clean.
There was no use fighting her, anyway. Oz knew his mother hated to see a dirty kitchen.
As Oz grabbed a towel and started drying the two serving bowls that were already cleaned, Oscar approached him with a cheeky smile.
Oz knew that a request of some kind was coming.
“Um, Dad. Is it okay if Whitley and Weiss stay a little longer?”
At least it was a reasonable one. Oz noticed that Whitley was standing in the doorway, waiting for his answer.
“Of course, my love. They can stay as long as they’d like.”
“Yes! Thanks, Dad!” Oscar rushed out the door, waving at Whitley as he passed. “Come on, Whitley! Let’s go!”
“Th-th-thank you, Mr. Oz,” Whitley nodded before scampering off to follow Oscar upstairs.
Emery chuckled, “I guess Oscar doesn’t really have time for little old me.”
“I’m sorry, Mom,” Oz sighed. “It didn’t occur to me that Oscar would be so preoccupied today during your visit. I know you and Dad wanted to spend more time with him.”
“No, no, it’s alright, Ezra,” Emery waved away his concerns. “It’s nice to see him having so much fun with his friends. Besides, we’ll be around all weekend. I’m sure I’ll have plenty of time to spoil my grandson before our trip is over.”
“Lucky for me,” Oz laughed, a sarcastic tone in his voice.
Emery finished scrubbing the glass tray and assisted Oz in putting the rest of the dishes away. After they wiped down the counters and the table, it seemed that Emery started to breathe easier. She leaned against the kitchen counter and looped her arm through Oz’s and put her head on his shoulder. “We’re so incredibly proud of you, you know that?”
Oz smiled and patted her arm.
“You’ve built something truly special here.” She lifted her head and teased, “And the best part for us is that, because you’re our son, we get to take partial credit.”
Oz laughed, “I think you deserve more credit than you realize.”
Emery shook her head. “I was merely joking, my love.”
“I know. But Beacon wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for you two.”
“Oh please, it’s not like we put the idea in your head.”
“Maybe not directly.”
Emery’s brow furrowed, her question unspoken.
“The whole reason I started Beacon in the first place was to make sure that these children had a safe, loving, wonderful place to grow up. Just like I did.”
Emery’s green eyes glistened with tears unshed. “Then I guess we must have done something right,” she said.
“You most certainly did.”
Emery wrapped her son in a big hug and kissed him on the cheek. She stepped back and took her glasses off to wipe away the tears before they fell. Her eyes were still red and puffy from the emotion they held. As Emery regained her composure, Oscar reappeared at the door. “Hey, Dad,” he said. “Emerald and her mom are getting ready to leave.”
“Thank you, son. I’ll be right there.”
Oz grabbed his mother’s hand and squeezed it before he left to say his goodbyes.
Emerald and her mom were standing at the front door, getting ready to leave. She turned to Oscar first. "Goodbye, Oscar. I’m gonna miss you."
"Who said anything about goodbye?” Oscar teased. “We'll still see each other in school all the time! And you can come back anytime, right Dad?"
"Yes, of course, my love," Oz confirmed.
"Yeah!” Oscar cheered. “Maybe even next week? You still owe me a rematch!"
"You're on!"
They hugged as if they were agreeing to a challenge right there and then, the energy radiating off of them.
Emerald let go and turned to Whitley. "See you later, Whitley."
"Bye..."
Their hug was more gentle and subdued.
Crystal opened the door, revealing the golden glow of the porchlight and beckoning her daughter to leave. As Emerald took her first step out the door, she stopped abruptly as if she forgot something. She quickly whipped around and gave Oz a big hug. "Thank you, Mr. Oz."
Oz hugged her back. "It was my pleasure, Emerald."
She rushed out the door and waved, "See you, guys!"
"Thank you," Crystal laughed as she followed right behind.
With their goodbyes complete, Oscar and Whitley raced up the stairs, most likely to reclaim the TV.
The Belladonnas now gathered around the front door, preparing to make their exit as well. "We should probably get going, too,” Ghira announced. “We've got a long trip back home."
Yang waited in the wings, Qrow standing right beside her. Blake left their suitcase by the door and walked up to their partner. "I'm gonna miss you."
"I'm gonna miss you, too, Blake," Yang latched onto Blake with all her strength. "Have a safe trip,” she said as they hugged. “Text me tons of pictures. I wanna hear every detail when you get back."
"I will. You can count on it." Blake let go and pecked Yang on the cheek.
As Blake gathered their backpack and grabbed their suitcase, they hesitated, "Thank you, Mr. Oz. For giving me a place to... figure things out." They took one last look around the house, speaking fondly of it as if it were an old, familiar friend.
"You're welcome, Blake,” Oz said. “I'm glad we were able to provide you with a safe haven."
To Oz’s surprise, Blake quickly hugged him, too. Kali placed a gentle hand on Blake’s shoulder. "Are you ready to go, sweetheart?"
"Yeah,” Blake took a deep breath, “I think so."
One by one, the Belladonnas shuffled out. Kali stayed behind for a moment, catching Oz off guard with a gentle hug of her own. "Thank you,” she whispered. “For keeping your promise."
A promise he made over a year ago. To keep Blake safe.
Oz hugged her back. "You're so very welcome."
Kali let go, shooting Oz a smile as she followed her family out the door.
As Oz closed the door behind them, Qrow clapped a hand on Yang’s shoulder. "You gonna be alright, there, Firecracker?"
Yang let out a heavy sigh. Before she could answer, her scroll pinged. Whatever the notification was, she smiled down at it. "Yeah. I'll be alright. It's just one week."
Qrow pulled her into a side hug before letting her go to run off with the other kids. Ruby and Yang stayed until Weiss and Whitley were forced to go home by Winter, who was starting to get tired and a little grumpy. Things settled down significantly after Qrow drove the girls home. By the time he returned, the remaining children were all relaxing in their own rooms, the house falling eerily silent after the excitement of the day.
Emery and Orin stayed just an hour longer, catching up with Oz and learning a little more about Qrow before they bid them goodnight. The Ozpins were staying in a nearby hotel to make things easier, but they would return bright and early in the morning to spoil their grandson and the other children, as Emery had so adamantly promised.
After all was said and done, Oz and Qrow were finally able to retire to their room for the night.
Oz kicked off his shoes and stretched before climbing into bed. "I’m absolutely exhausted," he yawned.
"Yeah,” Qrow grunted as he slipped into bed. “Me too. It was kinda cool, having everyone here, though."
"Indeed."
Qrow propped himself up on his elbow. "And we still got tomorrow. Emery seemed real excited about taking the kids to the park." Qrow was paying more attention to adjusting the bed covers. He almost missed the stupid grin that was plastered to his partner’s face.
Almost.
"What?" Qrow laughed.
"Nothing,” Oz shrugged, “I just didn't realize you two were on a first name basis now.”
"Wh- I mean- that's what she told me to- she said I could, I didn't know-"
"Qrow, Qrow, I'm teasing," Oz laughed, "I'm just glad that you two were able to connect today." Oz opened his arms, extending an offer Qrow never refused.
Qrow sighed in relief and shimmied over to his partner, claiming his rightful spot in Oz’s arms as he rested his head on Oz’s shoulder.
Oz finally let his body relax, exhaustion soaking into every muscle. It was the first time he stopped moving since early afternoon. Between making sure that everything was ready for Emerald’s discharge, preparing to explain Blake’s plan to their parents, cooking enough food for everyone to enjoy, and hosting his parents for the first time in years, Oz really worked himself to the bone today.
And yet, he wouldn’t trade those moments for all the money in the world.
It was why he started Beacon of Hope in the first place, after all. Emerald was reunited with her mother, Blake was going to do amazing things during their time in Vale, even Weiss and Whitley were now safe in the care of their sister and away from their father.
Their time at Beacon was over, but Oz hoped that it had a lasting impact on them.
Perhaps he would never know.
"Hey, Oz. You alright?"
Oz was so lost in his thoughts, he hadn’t even noticed that Qrow lifted his head off his shoulder, his pale red eyes twinkling at him with concern.
"What?” Oz shook himself out of his trance. “Yes, love, I'm fine, why wouldn't I be?"
"I don't know, you just seem... spacey."
"Oh, it's nothing,” Oz said slowly. “I was just thinking is all.”
"'Bout what?"
"About… saying goodbye."
Qrow nodded, "To the kids, you mean?"
"Yes,” Oz sighed. “I know our endgame is always to help them move on. To find a safe, permanent home somewhere else. Even Oscar will eventually grow up and move out, although that seems like a lifetime away."
"It'll be here before you know it."
"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" Oz laughed.
Qrow blinked, "Dunno, guess it depends."
Oz shook his head and kissed Qrow on the forehead, his bright smile fading slightly as his thoughts returned. "I don't know,” Oz mused. “I suppose it’s just hard, not knowing the impact we really have. Wondering if I did everything I could, knowing that nothing lasts forever. Not even the home we provide."
Qrow’s nod was more pronounced this time. Slower, more thoughtful. He tapped a nonsensical rhythm on Oz’s chest as if he were calculating his next move very carefully.
Finally, he spoke.
"I mean... you did provide a permanent home for someone..."
Oz tilted his head. "Who?"
"Me."
"Oh, Qrow-”
Oz cut himself off, pressing their lips together in a desperate attempt to welcome Qrow home. He opened his mouth a little more, searching for Qrow’s tongue with his, beckoning him to stay, trusting him with the most vulnerable part of himself.
The life they would share together.
Oz caressed Qrow’s cheek as they separated. Breathless, he whispered, "You helped me just as much, you know."
"What? How?"
Oz smiled.
"You helped me make this house a home."