Title: Sisters
Characters: Snow White & Rose Red/Goldilocks/Red Riding Hood
Folklore: German
Rating: PG
Summary: Snow White, Rose Red, Goldilocks and Red Riding Hood having a meal together.
Disclaimer(s): I fully admit to basing SW & RR's relationship vaguely on "Fables".



This was supposed to be a monthly thing, but it had never quite worked out that way. And on the rare occasions that it did actually happen, they had both brought buffers, someone that they knew would have their side against the other.

The four of them sad around a small, square table at an even smaller restaurant, which made authentic German food (the only thing that the four of them could seem to agree on). Snow White and Rose Red glared daggers at each other from across the table, while Goldilocks seemed rather bored by the inconvenience, and Red Riding Hood was pretending to be consumed by her nails (but also seemed completely ready for a fight).

"Remind me again," Hood said to no one in particular, "why we are doing this."

"Because," Rose told her friend, "we promised our mother."

"She's dead," Hood said. "How's she going to know the difference?"

"We," White said, seeming appalled by the very idea, "are not going back on a death bed promise."

"Even if," Rose said, an eyebrow cocked, "there's no feasible way that promise will ever really be fulfilled?"

At that, White looked as though her head might explode, and how Rose loved it when that happened. Her sister's corset had always been drawn a little too tight, and she had always loved trying to make her pop.

"Everything will be fine," White said through gritted teeth, "once you admit that you were wrong, and you apologize."

"That's just like you," Rose said. "You always did want to blame everything on me."

"That's because you're always neck-high in trouble, and I'm always the one who has to come rescue you from yourself."

"'Always' is a rather large word, White," Hood said, "even for you."

"You, stay out of this," White growled at Hood, looking as though she might commit bodily harm upon her, but Hood only looked as though she were having the time of her life.

"She's right, White," Goldie said quietly, looking rather afraid of her friend, as she sat stiffly, and looked at White through the corners of her eyes.

White looked at her friend, with a mixture of anger and betrayal, and it didn't take long before her eye started to twitch.

"The fact is, White," Rose said, trying hard to keep the glee out of her voice, "you always seem to want to appear noble, because you care too much about what other people think."

"I would imagine," White said, looking back at her sister, "the use of 'always' would be rather large for you as well."

"Oh, sister," Rose said, using her most patronizing voice, "I would never claim to be on a horse in any way as high as your own."

And that's when the vein started throbbing in White's forehead, much to Rose's delight.

"You know," Rose said, "it's nice to know that even after all this time, some things don't change."

White's entire body jerked, and she seemed to make a conscious effort to calm herself. She stared at her sister, her arms resting on the arms of her chair, and her face slowly working its way into an unreadable mask.

"You're right," White said, "some things really never change. So, there's no sense in continuing to dwell on it."

"Ah," Rose said, "I see what you're trying to do there. So, how is that working out for you so far?"

"And what exactly am I doing?"

"Using my words against me, while looking down your nose at me, and trying to pretend that you don't share any of the blame for the state of our relationship."

"Share? Really? Do you really think that I am to blame for what happened?"

"Yes. You are as much to blame for this as I am. But at least I am willing to accept my part in all of this."

"Oh, who sounds sanctimonious now?"

"Sister!" Rose gasped. "I am really surprised at you. To put me on the same level as you, as though we were actually peers, it's touching. I wish Mother could've been here to see that. It would’ve done her heart good."

White's jaw clenched, and she had the appearance of someone who was counting to ten. From beside her, Hood seemed to be trying very hard to stifle a laugh. There was nothing better in her mind than to see White all worked up; it was like Christmas morning, with stacks of gifts under the tree. From the other side, Goldie was giving off a very nervous energy and looked as though she were ready to bolt.

At that moment is when a waitress had the misfortune to saddle up to the table, to do what she could to ensure a good tip. Unfortunately for her, she didn’t realize the danger she was in until it was too late.

"Is there anything I can get you guys?" she asked nervously, as she looked around the table. "A refill on your drinks, maybe?"

She was met by silence, as White and Rose continued to stare at each other (as though the winner of the contest would be declared the winner of the argument), and Goldie and Hood were looking back and forth between the two (as if waiting with fear or amusement at the possibility that one or both might jump over the table at the other).

"No," White finally said rather curtly, "we're fine. Thank you."

"Ok," the waitress said with a shaky grin. "I'll be back to check on you again later."

"There was no need to be rude," Rose said, as the waitress walked away. "She was only doing her job." She seemed to get thoughtful for a second. "I think I'll give her a good tip. She's done pretty well as far as I'm concerned."

"Yes," White said, "by your standards, I'm sure that she excellent. Why don't we call the manager over and give her a good recommendation? I'm sure she would appreciate that."

"Did you hear that, Hood?" Rose said. "Apparently, I have low standards."

"Perhaps," Hood replied, "that's why we're friends?"

"Yes," Rose said, nodding. "I must be more stringent in my application process."

"Maybe only take them on a referral basis?"

"Well, a bad egg might make it through, even then."

"I'm sure that we can make up some sort of screening process. Maybe, if there was a test involved, including some multiple choice and essay questions."

"And perhaps make them take it every so often, like renewing a license."

"Oh, I like that idea."

"If you two are finished ..." White said.

"I suppose that will do for now," Rose said. "And if you're finished, I think we'll be leaving."

Rose and Hood both went for their bags, going for money to pay for the food they had barely touched. White was inclined to let them both pay, in a moment of spite. But she had promised her mother that the two of them would, if not at least get along, then at least have peace. So, she pulled out a credit card and set it on the table.

"Don't worry about it, girls," White said, looking rather defeated, "I'll take care of it."

"Very decent of you," Rose said, slightly surprised by the offer. "We'll continue this next month?"

White nodded and waved her hand slightly, as Rose and Hood stepped away from the table and made their way to the door.

"Do you think," Goldie said, "that the two of you will ever really be friends?"

"No," White said, "but she's still my sister ... and I did promise my mother."