Winter let out a heavy groan as she slid into the bed. Soft linens weren't impossible to find in Anima, but it's not like she always had a bed to appreciate them. A few nights at Tai's had her and Qrow both spoiled. All hot food and solid beds and whatever necessary for their daughter. Summer Rose had insisted that they were her priority. Winter didn't know how they would repay them for their kindness, for the first time in her life she had nothing to offer but her skills. In the past few weeks Winter has known her daughter, she'd offer anything to get what she needs.

Qrow would too, Winter didn't question that. She lifted her head just enough to see him hovering over the cradle. She's never seen him act like this, so openly affectionate, but in reality Winter was no better. They weren't apart from her, ever. Even the change from her sleeping between them to a cradle of her own seemed too large a step at first. She was simply entrancing.

"Qhory…" Qrow sang the nickname as he leaned over the crib. "What are you doing still awake?" He shook his head, heaving the infant up to rest against his chest.

Winter didn't know how the nickname evolved, but was happy it was there. She had been curious to see if he would take to it, most very young children she's seen among the tribes are called boy or girl or kid or just You. Any tribesman would cringe at the thought of their child being given a name this young, being given a name at all instead of earned. Winter was not going to make her daughter earn a name, or prove that she's worth one, she would always have one. Just as she'll always have them to rely on.

Qhorys was not something she would ever dream up if she was still in Atlas. Many people in Atlas would clam up at the name. A bandit spelling, nothing that indicated she was a Schnee, besides it being her family name. Winter didn't care, it wasn't for them.

She still was torn over whether they should return to Atlas. Her heart ached for Weiss and her mother, but it wasn't just what Winter wanted anymore. She doubted she could go back with her sanity still intact. Running wild had changed her, even if she didn't want to admit it. The freedom was impossible to walk away from. Her family would never accept Qrow, even if he changed, or Qhorys. They'd reject her, or worse, take her away from Winter. She had scarce childhood memories of her mother over a nanny, Winter had no doubt Qhorys would learn proper posture before how to speak.

When she figures out a way to go north safely, they would. For now, Winter was content to stay with her family where they were.

Qhorys fussed in her father's arms. "Okay, okay," Qrow hushed and rocked her, making big steps back towards the bed. "Here's morsa ."

Winter sighed, dragging herself up to sit against Qrow. He cradled their daughter in his arms, Winter rested her head on his shoulder to look down at her with him. She was fine really, no fussing at all, Winter knew Qrow just wanted to be close to her. He still had moments of hesitation, he'd leave Winter alone with Qhorys if he felt he was intruding, or would just disturb them. Winter thought those might never go away, but Qrow couldn't hide how smitten he was with his daughter. Winter would catch him holding Qhorys close enough so only she could hear his whispers, kissing the top of her head between his mutterings.

Moments like these, when they were content to sit, mad her appreciate the security while they have it. Winter reached out to stroke Qhorys's cheek, she wriggled to keep contact. Her rosy eyes blinked up at them, Winter felt her heart flip. They used to be so light, sparkling pink in the sun the first time she saw it. When she's older, they'll darken to be the same color as her father's, and Winter knew she really wouldn't be able to look away. The same couldn't be said with her hair, the light wisps of silver at the top of her head already growing out.

A mix of the two of them, Winter was thankful. Never before meeting Qrow would Winter think her possible children had a chance of experiencing anything outside of Atlas. Now it seemed the world was open to their daughter, Winter was determined to give it to her. Provide her with anything she needs, without the varying hardships that hardened either of her parents. They'd allow her to grow steady, capable.

Qrow kissed Winter's temple from her place on her shoulder. "She needs to sleep on her own." Winter whispered, Qhorys kept looking between them.

"I know," Qrow sighed, shifting the swaddle in his lap. He couldn't let go sometimes, he's been finding himself less and less willing to part from his family the more time they spend together.

Qhorys was something he couldn't describe, an overwhelming feeling that at first he felt he didn't deserve. What Raven had gone through after Yang was born had been a mystery to him, but he could never imagine leaving Qhorys anywhere, even when she was a screeching, red-faced bundle in his arms. Every other time she would look at him and Qrow knew he was lost to her. She smiled as much as an infant could, and Qrow could never unsee it. Anything he had, he'd give to see her smile at him. Summer and Taiyang had offered their home to them, and Qrow was thankful, he couldn't concentrate on anything else besides his daughter.

Putting her to bed, leaving her alone, even a few feet away, seemed like a crime. He followed the guidance they were given anyway, squeezing Winter's shoulder before making his way back to the cradle. He bent over to place Qhorys softly on her sheets, covering her hands with his. "Shh," he soothed when she wriggled, but settled right after. A big yawn followed, Qrow felt his chest soar. He ran a finger down her cheek.

She had to be exhausted, their day had consisted of Ruby and Yang waving toys in her face she wasn't ready to play with, Summer wrangling them in every now and then - though the woman herself gushed over having another baby around. Another thing he'd have to find a way to pay her back for, the list was getting quite long. When they find their footing, Qrow and Winter will find their own way.

Qrow allowed himself one last look at his daughter before sighing, turning back to his wife sprawled out on their bed. The feelings he had around Winter changed, too. Evolved, more like. Placing his hand over her stomach and feeling his daughter was unfathomable, and every time he looked at Winter he felt the same way. Feeling her skin under his hands, his lips, seeing how her body changed, how she still had such a commanding presence around other but became so soft once alone.

He felt warmth in his stomach, a grin tugging at his lips. Qrow slid into bed beside her and wrapped his arms around her waist, planting kisses to her neck. "Qrow," the laugh bubbled from her throat. Winter turned over and returned his kiss, content to curl up beside him.

Qrow felt her breath on his neck, and ran his fingers through her hair. The moon was strong enough to make her hair seem like it was glowing, spread out across the pillow behind her. Winter's arm wrapped around him, stroking down his back. Her hands relaxed him, he felt a tingle down his spine and sleep tugging at his eyes.

Winter shifted, kissing the nape of his neck. She peeked over him to Qhory's crib, and whispered quietly. "Everything alright?"

Qrow moves his hand to cup her cheek, and kissed the top of her head. "Yeah," he sighed, the smile came naturally. "We're great."

Their moments alone had certainly dwindled, and they've had some moments of impatience, but they didn't fret over it. They had people to help them now, they had each other. A familial bond unlike anything either of them experienced, but would never break.

A/N: We love and support a dedicated family unit ready to forge their own path! Happy ending!

I tried not to bog down the chapter with frivolous details (and there were many the first time around) so hopefully everything included ya'll think is relevant :) I also don't usually write fluffy stuff like this either so who knows

Thank you so much for sticking with me throughout this story! It's been such a joy for my first longfic I've written (and finished and actually posted) since like, middle school probably! Thank you tons again, and I hope you enjoyed! Please let me know what you think, any feedback or anything is very appreciated!