Normally I'd wait another week to post this chapter, but there are too many other fics that need posting asap soooo you guys are in luck! It's my birthday gift to you~ This chapter is parallels galore to the first ehehe.
A/N: Time skip to when they're 18. Slight T rating.
Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY.
Chapter 2.
Weiss groaned as she blinked her eyes open.
One of the benefits of having her room painted white was that it caught all the colors of the sunset beautifully. However, the same could be said for the sunrise as well, and presently the brightness of it all stung at her irises as she woke.
After the stinging from the sunlight had died away, she felt another kind of stinging. Trails of warm wetness had dripped down her cheeks as she slept, and she did not even have the time to wonder why that was before it all came flooding back to her.
She had had that dream. Again. Every detail was always as poignant and accurate as they had been on the day itself.
It had been eight years since then, and yet Weiss still had the dream on occasion. But recently, it had come back to her every night for the past week.
And she knew why.
This always happened on the nights before another of her father's banquets.
Over the years, he had held one every several months, each time having invited a new potential spouse for Weiss. Through toils and trials, he had managed to present her with the supposed men of her dreams time and again, but despite their charm and wit and humor, Weiss had never once so much as smiled at a single one of them.
When asked to dance, she always refused with the utmost politeness, but in a way that finalized her decision.
And every time, whichever boy and his family would leave in dejection.
And every time, once the house was quiet again, Weiss would go to her father and apologize.
"It's alright," he would always say to her. "He just wasn't the right one for you. Perhaps next time."
Next time. Weiss had lost count of how many 'next times' she had been given. She knew her father went through copious amounts of trouble to contact these people and arrange for these banquets, and yet every time Weiss refused her suitor. Her father was getting older now, and Weiss wanted to make him happy.
Which was why she had decided weeks ago that today's banquet would be the last. She refused to cause any more stress for her father, and so had coached herself that she would accept this evening's suitor no matter what. She would lie and tell her father this boy was the one, and then her father could rest easy.
Weiss had actually done this a few months ago, told her father that the handsome prince from Vacuo was fit enough to be her husband. So they had arranged a second banquet with that boy and his family, and Weiss could still remember how he had led her off away from the party, saying he had something to show her.
It was then that he had dropped the act and his true predatory nature had been revealed; Weiss still shuddered when she remembered the intrusive hands straying all down her back as his rank cologne suffocated her. A swift kick below the belt had left him howling as she dashed off, and she had redacted her previous words to her father when she had told him what happened.
That had been the first time in a long time she had seen her father truly enraged, and he had called the banquet off that very instant and demanded the boy's family take him away and never return. There were no more banquets for a few months after that, until Weiss ensured her father she could handle one. He was uncertain at first, but after Weiss insisted with imploring eyes, he had agreed.
Today was the first banquet since then, and Weiss intended to make it the last if she could.
Presently, she pushed herself out of bed, feeling her long hair falling down to the small of her back before she brushed it aside. Her bedside table harbored the brightest splash of color - pinks, reds, and whites of a certain kind of flower. Since a specific day, Weiss had always requested her father buy them for her to keep the pleasant scent in her room, and she presently took a deep breath of their fragrance.
She could hear the activity outside as the tables were being set up, and her stomach was already prickling with anticipation.
She got to her feet and was crossing the room when she caught sight of her reflection. She always made a conscious effort not to let this happen, but her mind had been so focused on today's events that it had lapsed a bit this morning.
An attack several years ago from the notorious White Fang during one of the banquets had left her with an ugly scar over her left eye. The financial damage the attack had caused was nothing compared to the emotional, and both she and her father refused to hold any more parties for at least half a year.
Weiss hated her scar, and she had confessed to her father that it was probably responsible for many of her suitors after that being rejected; because she was convinced they saw her as a hideous thing.
She inhaled shakily before turning away form the mirror. She slipped her bath robe on over her nightgown before heading down to breakfast.
Once she had eaten, she showered and freshened up, slipping into a casual dress for now, knowing she would need to change in a few hours. To kill time, she wandered around outside as the preparations were being made, and eventually bumped into her father. He smiled upon seeing her and she did the same.
"How are you today, my dear?"
"I've got the jitters a bit," Weiss said playfully. "But I intend to make a good first impression."
"You always do," he nodded.
"So what can you tell me about this evening's suitor? From where does he hail?"
"That's a surprise."
"How ambiguous," she said thoughtfully. "Will you tell me anything?"
"Not this time," he mused.
"Oh, very well..." she sighed. "I'll just wait and see for myself then."
When the hour arrived, Weiss retreated to her room to be dressed by the maids. The dress was a very pale aqua-blue color, and her shoes were of a similar color. Soft, downy white fluff akin to fur ran around the strapless top over her shoulders and collar. Her stockings were white as well, and she was given a few accessories such as a pearl necklace, earrings, and a simple bracelet.
As the maids did her makeup, she specifically requested that the scar be completely concealed. The maids obliged and made sure to cover it until Weiss was satisfied with her appearance.
Weiss still disliked being fussed over, but she was old enough and reserved enough to keep still, even when they sprayed the perfume on her. The last thing they did was brush through her long hair and gather it into a side ponytail before slipping her tiara into place.
Weiss was satisfied by the end results and gave a nod of approval as she stood. The maids left her, and Weiss spent a few more moments in front of the mirror, boring her gaze into her left cheek to make sure the scar was truly hidden.
Once she heard cars starting to pull into the driveway, Weiss smoothed out her dress as she headed for the hallway and descended the stairs. She made sure to walk slowly and with every ounce of composure she had been raised with over the past eighteen years.
She went out the front door to greet her relatives, all of whom marveled at her beauty. She received every complement humbly as she led them around to the back of the house where the tables waited for them. But before that, she would show them to the new fountain in the front yard that her father had recently purchased and had put into place. She told them the little tidbits of news since the last banquet and listened to their wistful and long-winded stories with feigned interest; there was only one person's story she truly wanted to listen to that evening, and he had yet to arrive.
The sun was beginning to sink behind the distant horizon before long, and the tall lamp posts flickered to life. Strings of smaller, festive lights were draped along the sides of the house and lining the patio. The music the quartet played combined with the fiery pinks and oranges of the sunset all made for a perfect ambience.
Before another minute had passed, Weiss needed to step aside briefly to calm her nerves. Catching sight of his daughter, her father went to her.
"Tonight's suitor has just arrived. Just remember-"
"Be prim and proper and poised and polite-"
"And the result will be-"
"Perfect!" She made a triumphant fist before quickly straining up to her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. "Thank you, Daddy."
He opted to walk with her through the tables, around the side of the mansion and past the fountain to the driveway. Even in the glowing reds that reflected down from the sky, Weiss could tell the car was fairly humble.
She stood with her hands at her stomach, elbows bent at 100-degree angles, heels clicked together and chin high as she waited.
Three tall figures emerge from the car, and even from this distance, Weiss could quickly tell they were all Faunus. It had not been the first time her father had arranged plans with a Faunus family, but it certainly was rare.
Weiss stiffened, realizing this would be her first Faunus suitor since the White Fang had attacked years ago. Subconsciously, she took a step back as they approached, but she made sure to remind herself to curtsey and bow to the man and woman as they greeted her and then her father. They passed her by rather swiftly and followed her father as he turned to lead them to the tables.
Weiss cleared her throat promptly as she called after him.
"Father? Aren't we going to be introduced?"
He turned back to her with a smile.
"I believe you two already know each other."
He nodded behind her to direct her attention before ushering the other two adults away with him.
Flustered, Weiss looked to the last person emerging from the car, to her father, and back again before taking a deep breath.
She had not known what her father had meant until the car door was closed, and a tall figure stepped up to her.
Weiss looked them over starting at the ground; black shoes and long black dress pants, a tailcoat and vest of the same color covering a white button-up shirt. A black bow tie settled at the base of their throat, and onyx-colored hair like midnight flowed down to the small of their back. Pale skin, prominent yet soft facial features, furry triangular ears...
And her eyes.
Her eyes were a more vibrant gold than the present sunlight over the autumn-colored leaves of the trees.
Weiss was captivated for a heartbeat as all of the familiar pieces of the puzzle fell into place in her mind.
She gasped as the Faunus girl bowed low, and a thin voice slipped past the heiress' lips:
"Blake..."
Said girl smiled as she reached for Weiss' right hand, holding her wrist carefully as she placed a confident kiss on the back of her knuckles.
"It is my humble honor to make your acquaintance, Miss Schnee."
Weiss did not move, feeling every beat of her pulse palpable in her chest.
"P-Please..." she said quietly. "Weiss."
Blake smiled and gave a light squeeze to the girl's hand.
"Right. Thank you, Weiss."
Still, the heiress was unmoving, keeping her free hand pressed tightly against the knot in her stomach.
She was at a loss for how to react. It had been eight years, and Blake's scrawny figure had filled out nicely, her cheekbones set and features mature.
Weiss never thought she would see her again. And yet, deep down within the confines of her heart, every single banquet since then, she had secretly hoped Blake would be there. She never had been, but now...
Now here she was, holding Weiss' hand, confident and genuine. After years of meeting suitors guised in stupor and dishonesty, the heiress could instantly tell Blake's emotions were legitimate.
But Weiss knew not about her own emotions.
Blake's ears stood tall atop her head, flicking a bit curiously as she stepped closer to Weiss.
"You're so soft-spoken now, Weiss. How have you been?" she wondered, eager to hear more about the heiress' life since she had first met her.
But Weiss stepped away, withdrawing her hand.
"What..." She took another step back. "What do you mean how have I been?" she growled in nothing short of accusation.
The Faunus girl tilted her head to one side, puzzled.
"I mean just that. I want to know how you've faired these past eight years. I've still been brought all the best news about you. For example," Blake reached out to brush her fingertips lightly over Weiss' cheek. "I know-"
"Don't touch me!" Weiss shouted, smacking her hand away on reflex. Blake had almost touched her scar, and Weiss felt her pulse pound harder, as though she were a cornered animal.
Blake pulled her hand back, eyes downcast guiltily.
"I beg your pardon." She folded her hands before her and was silent.
Weiss pulled her hands to her chest defensively as she eyed the Faunus girl, able to tell that her repentance was heartfelt. A moment later, the heiress broke the silence.
"Where were you..." she whispered.
"Pardon?"
"Where were you?!" Weiss screamed at her.
It was Blake who stepped back this time, but her ears did not flatten because of the loud tone the girl had taken up with her; in the dim lighting of the twilight, she could clearly see tears shimmering in those blue pools.
"Weiss, I don't know what you-"
"I'll tell you what I mean!" Weiss snapped. "Where were you when all those other men were here trying to steal me away? Where were you when the White Fang attacked us? Where were you when that heathen had his hands all over me without my consent? Where were you all these years, Blake Belladonna?!"
Without waiting for an answer, Weiss spun around and made a mad dash to no destination in particular. She just needed to get away from Blake. Her chest hurt and she was shaking all over, and though part of her longed to be happy that Blake had returned to her, all Weiss could feel was stifled confusion.
She knew Blake was chasing after her, could hear the desperate echoes of her voice past the distant din of the party, but Weiss did not stop running blindly.
Not until her shoe was stubbed by a hard surface.
Weiss opened her eyes, but it was already too late, and she cried out briefly before she tumbled forward headfirst into the fountain. Frigid water soaked her instantly from head to toe, and the sheer embarrassment of it all only made her want to stay underwater and disappear.
Blake reached her not a second later, terrified as Weiss fell into the water.
"Oh my god-" She quickly shed her black jacket and let it fall into the grass before wading into the water beside the heiress. "Weiss!" She grasped the girl's shoulders and lifted her up, bracing her hands beneath Weiss' elbows as the sputtering heiress stood shakily to her feet, gasping for breath. Blake held onto her shoulders firmly to keep her steady, brushing the hair from Weiss' face so she may open her eyes again. "Weiss? Weiss, are you okay? Are you hurt? Calm down, it's okay."
Weiss was crying, and Blake wanted to embrace her so badly, but she held herself back with impressive self-control. She waited, the only sounds being the water splashing in the fountain overlapping Weiss' ragged breaths, and Blake refused to relinquish her grasp on the heiress for fear she might fall.
It was a few more moments yet until Weiss slowly opened her eyes, blinking up past her wet bangs to find Blake's eyes looking at her with great concern. Weiss inhaled slowly and exhaled even slower beneath her hands, hair and dress dark and dampened, heart racing.
But for a different reason this time.
Blake waited for her to calm down, and when she was able, Weiss cleared her throat and spoke.
"You..."
Blake's ears perked up and she strained to hear the heiress' soft voice over the rush of the water.
"What is it?" she murmured, praying Weiss was not injured.
Weiss wiped an arm over her eyes before presenting Blake with a small smile.
"You've passed the first test. Congratulations-" she bent down and cupped her hands full of water. "-you big dummy!"
With a joyous laugh, she splashed Blake merrily, giggling at the dumbfounded expression on the Faunus girl's face as Weiss scampered away from her. She tried to register what had just happened, and it came back to her slowly.
The first test... after eight years, Blake had finally passed.
And then, the only thing that mattered was Weiss' laughter filling her ears.
"I passed..." Blake repeated. "I passed!" She gave chase to the heiress, and Weiss squealed as she quickly turned and did her best to run through the water. Blake's long pants weighed her down, making her an easy target for Weiss' attacks as she splashed her over and over again. Blake managed a few retaliations as well, flicking droplets at Weiss just to hear her laugh again.
Both of their merriment was audible on the layer of sound just beneath the music coming from the banquet. The lights of the party as well as the moon and starlight were reflected in the water as they continued to chase one another, inhibitions nowhere to be found.
Only when Blake's hands went to her knees and Weiss found it hard to catch her breath did they finally cease their antics. Despite their sopping-wet hair and waterlogged clothing, their smiles were brighter than the moonlight.
No words had been spoken, and yet so much had been said.
Blake held out her hand to the heiress, and Weiss accepted without a second thought. Blake could feel the quick flutter of the other girl's pulse beneath her fingertips as she led Weiss out of the water, but what concerned her the most was when she let Weiss go. The heiress pulled her arms close to her chest and hugged herself, obviously suffering from chills now on the cool autumn night.
Blake quickly went to the spot where she had discarded her jacket and picked it out of the grass, returning to Weiss and draping it across her shoulders. The heiress sighed and cast an appreciative glance up into her golden eyes, smiling warmly despite her shivers.
Blake tucked the strands of silvery hair behind her ear, brushing her fingers gently over the girl's soft cheeks with delicate fondness. Weiss breathed happily and leaned against Blake's side, and the Faunus girl gladly wrapped an arm around her small shoulders.
"Congratulations," Weiss murmured as they began to walk. "You've passed the second test."
"Please don't catch hypothermia," Blake pleaded, rubbing Weiss' shoulders.
"No need to fret," the heiress chuckled.
They walked back along the lighted path to the patio, hearing a few murmurs of approval from the adults dining as they passed. Weiss paused Blake for a moment when a familiar voice called out to her.
"Weiss? Honey, you're soaked," her father informed her as he headed toward them.
"Yes, Daddy. We're well-aware," she teased.
"What happened?"
"That doesn't matter," Weiss said. She flashed a glance back over her shoulder to Blake, who had her hands clasped behind her back bashfully, eyes shifting nervously. Weiss looked back to her father and brought a hand to her mouth. "Daddy, I want her," she mumbled.
His eyes widened in surprise, delight, and a bit of smugness.
"What? But I thought you said-"
"F-Forget what I said..." Weiss pouted.
Her father chuckled knowingly, and she let out her trademark huff as she crossed her arms and turned away from him.
"Come on, Blake. Let's go dry off inside." She passed the Faunus girl and reached for her hand.
But just before her fingers made contact, her feet betrayed her a second time. Her still-wet shoes slipped on the smooth stones of the patio, and she let out a short cry.
But Blake was faster, and caught her with precision and ease.
"I'll take her inside," she reassured Weiss' father.
"W-Wait, Blake- eep!"
Blake scooped the heiress into her arms, holding her securely as Weiss clung onto her shoulders.
"It's okay. I've got you." Blake nuzzled the girl's forehead briefly before turning to the open doors of the mansion.
Despite the drenched clothing that clung to her body, Weiss was warm in Blake's arms as she quietly directed her up the stairs to her room. Blake's arms never trembled or got tired with the burden of her weight, and Weiss never once feared the girl would stumble or drop her.
She held to Blake's shoulders as she was carried up the stairs and at last into her room. The lights were still off, the only brightness coming from the moonlight and lamplight that bathed onto the floor from outside.
After getting to hold her so closely, Blake realized just how small Weiss was, how petite her shoulders and arms were, how slim her waist and stomach were. She let her down carefully onto her feet, still keeping a firm hold on the girl's arms.
"Are you okay? Did you hurt your foot?"
"No... I'm just fine," Weiss reassured her. "Just... a little chilly, perhaps."
"Right." Blake flashed her gaze to the side of Weiss' room that led to a personal bathroom. "May I fetch you a towel?"
"H-Hold on just a moment." Weiss lifted a hand to have her wait. She clutched Blake's jacket tighter over her collar as she stepped back. "C-Close your eyes," she requested first.
Blake asked no questions and made no objections as she obeyed.
Weiss turned and rushed to her bedside table, daintily pulling the red, pink, and white flowers from the vase there. Her footsteps echoed across the floor, the only other sound being the soft tunes drifting up from the courtyard through the open window.
She inhaled a steadying breath as she came to a halt in front of Blake. The Faunus girl opened her eyes just as Weiss squeezed her own shut and held the flowers out toward her and stammered:
"I... I might not be your true love, but just know it is true-"
"-When I say that you are lovely... and that I love you."
Blake finished for her as she took in the sight of her betrothed.
Weiss blinked her eyes open, feeling the heated blush on her face as she gazed up into Blake's eyes.
The Faunus girl dipped her head, honored as she accepted the flowers from the heiress. She brought them to her face and smelled each one in turn.
Weiss stared anxiously up at her, cheeks dusted pink, and Blake felt her heart skip. She chuckled softly before lifting one of the camellias into view.
"White..." she murmured, reaching out to tuck it behind Weiss' left ear. "Means you're adorable."
She leaned down and placed a kiss on the girl's left temple.
Next, she held up the pink flower. "Pink..." she tucked it behind Weiss' right ear. "Means longing for you."
She planted a kiss on Weiss' right temple.
With the last flower, Blake tilted Weiss' chin up with her free hand.
"And red..." she tucked it into Weiss' ponytail. "Means you light a flame in my heart."
She paused, brushing her thumb over the side of Weiss' jaw, waiting for some sign of consent.
The heiress looked up into her golden eyes, and Blake could see starlight in her blue pools. There was a profound longing visible there as well, and it brought tears to Blake's eyes.
Weiss reached up to wrap her arms around her neck, pulling her down.
"Congratulations," she murmured. "You've passed the final test."
The jacket slipped from her shoulders as Weiss strained up to her tiptoes. Blake wrapped both hands down around the heiress' waist, lifting her up toward her as their eyes closed.
There was but one breath between them, one beat of their racing hearts-
-and then their lips pressed together.
It was tentative, clear that it was the first time for both of them.
But once the initial caution had been surpassed, it became fuller, warmer, more loving.
Weiss yearned for her – she had been for the past eight years – she just never understood it until now. Finally getting to kiss Blake was the ultimate release for the past several years of confusion and doubt, and the knot in her stomach finally – finally – started to uncurl.
She was shaking, unable to believe this was real, afraid she would open her eyes and everything would be gone. She held Blake closer, stubbornly refusing to let her go yet.
And Blake easily complied, pulling Weiss in by the small of her back.
All her life, Blake had waited for this moment. She had been raised on stories of the heiress, existed solely for the purpose of standing at her side.
She felt she might cry.
She could feel Weiss trembling and slowly trailed her palms up and down the smaller girl's back, then moving to her sides, willing her to relax.
It was an entire moment of euphoria, and they each engraved it into their hearts. There was something about that kiss that made it clear there would never be anyone else.
At last, Blake pulled away slowly. She knew Weiss was a singer, and her formidable lung capacity was making itself known now.
Slowly, she reopened her eyes to find Weiss panting lightly as well, the flush on her cheeks visible to Blake even in the limited lighting. Weiss lost herself in Blake's eyes for a moment, reaching up to catch the tears that were unknowingly dripping down her cheeks. She sighed and wrapped her arms around the taller girl's torso, resting her head on Blake's shoulder. The Faunus girl returned the favor and held her close.
It was difficult for them to part a moment later, but Weiss just seemed to recall they were still quite drenched. With regret, she stepped away from Blake, readjusting the three flowers in her hair.
"Just wait for me," she whispered. "I've got to speak to my father."
"Of course."
With effort, Blake let her go, following Weiss with her eyes as she slipped out into the hallway.
In the meantime, Blake took the liberty upon herself to go to the private bathroom and fetch Weiss and herself fresh towels, picking up the discarded jacket as well.
Outside, Weiss found her father amongst the crowd and pulled him aside, ensuring him she had made her choice. As the party guests started to leave, he located Blake's parents, and it was arranged they would be staying the night in a guest room. Blake was granted permission to stay with Weiss, and the heiress bounded elatedly back up to her room once the matter was settled.
"Blake!" she said breathlessly as she finally reached her room again. "You and your parents may stay the night!" she announced.
"Really?" Blake's ears perked up in excitement. "That's great. That makes me... really happy," she emphasized. She neared Weiss and handed her a towel. It was clear that in her merriment, it had slipped the girl's mind that they were still wearing wet clothes.
"Oh! Thank you." She accepted the towel and brought it up over her head before looping it over Blake's as well and ruffling her hair and ears, earning a laugh.
Weiss went to her drawers and pulled out two sets of clothing - warm sweaters and long pants - and handed one to Blake. Weiss went to the light switch and flicked them on, and the action instantly reminded Blake there were still several things she needed to discuss with the heiress later.
But for now, Weiss took her hand quickly and kissed the back of it. "I'll go get changed. I'll just be a minute," she promised before scurrying off to the bathroom.
Blake watched her go, waiting patiently as she took in the lavish room, quite literally in a new light. It was spacious, too much for a girl as small as Weiss. Blake felt forlorn just standing there, even though she knew the house was swarming with people downstairs, and Weiss was only a few feet away.
Not a moment later, the bathroom door reopened, and Weiss stepped out, dressed in a light pink wool sweater and sky blue pajama pants, her hair down in all its soft, snowy glory, her hands carefully holding onto three familiar flowers. She hurried over to Blake, her slippers gliding over the floor and causing her to slide into the taller girl's chest.
"Go get changed before you catch cold!" she urged the Faunus girl.
"Right!" Blake ruffled Weiss' hair playfully as she passed her and headed for the bathroom.
Weiss placed the red, white, and pink flowers onto her dresser with care.
It was only then when the eventful night started to catch up with her, and a minor dizzy spell came over her. She went to the light switch and turned it off before going to the bedside table and flicking on the small lamp there instead. The room instantly filled with a soft, cottony glow, pale yellow like an early spring sunrise.
Weiss sat and pulled her fingers through her hair for a moment until she heard the bathroom door and looked over.
Blake wore the black pants and purple sweater Weiss had provided for her, putting her folded clothes aside on Weiss' dresser. She met the heiress' eyes and her Faunus ears flicked uncertainly. Weiss giggled and waved her over, patting the spot beside her on the bed.
Blake went to her, stopping to stand before Weiss and hold her tightly first, and the heiress could feel the yearning in that embrace, a yearning that had built up over eight years and only just now found purchase.
She wrapped her arms around Blake and was about to press herself close when the other girl pulled away. Weiss gave her a puzzled look, but Blake knew there would be time for such things later.
"Now..." she murmured slowly, sitting down beside the heiress. "There were... a few things you mentioned earlier that I need to know about."
Weiss seemed to know where she was going with this, and her smile faded.
"Blake, please. It's fine-"
"No. Tell me what you meant about... some guy touching you without your consent," she growled.
Weiss knew she should not feel flattered, but something moved within her when Blake got so defensive of her.
"Oh, he was just some lovesick prince from Vacuo. He only held my shoulders and hips and... tried to force a kiss," she recounted quietly before lifting her head again. "But don't worry. I fended him off, and Daddy sent them a boatload of financial problems." She slipped her arms around Blake's waist. "You shared my first kiss. And I can't tell you how happy that makes me."
Blake felt a bit better when she heard the end of Weiss' story, as the beginning and middle had her seething. She gently hugged Weiss in return, trailing hands over her shoulders and down her waist as if to brush away the touch of anyone else before her.
There was a brief moment of silence before Blake pulled herself away again.
"Okay. But there's one more matter..."
Her right hand reached up to ghost over Weiss' left cheek, ears flicking in concern when Weiss reflexively flinched at her touch. Blake felt the girl stiffen, her blue eyes going wide.
Weiss realized what was happening; the water from the fountain had washed off her makeup and now Blake could see it-
"Blake..." Her voice was almost a sob as she dipped her head, hiding her face in shame.
"When did this happen?" Blake asked, curling white bangs through her fingers. "How did you get it?" She tilted Weiss' face up again, biting her lip when she noticed the tears.
Weiss sighed, shoulders shaking beneath Blake's other hand as she fumbled for words.
"It was... It was two years ago..." she gasped, her breath hitching. "Th-The White Fang attacked and... they gave me this. My rapier wasn't nearby, I-I couldn't fight them. I was so helpless, and now-! ...Now I have this..." She lowered her head again despite Blake's efforts to keep it up.
The Faunus girl had gone still at the words 'White Fang', and she had not breathed since. A growl rose up in the back of her throat, and when she spoke next, it was cold venom:
"Those bastards..."
She felt Weiss jump in her arms, instantly realizing the girl had been startled by her vehemence. Before she could quell Weiss' fears, the heiress was already sobbing.
"I-I knew it, you're mad..." she whimpered. "I'm sorry I hid it from you and you found out like this! I'm so ugly... it's gross. I'm sorry..."
"Hey, hey," Blake whispered, leaning down close to her ear with leveled breath. "Shh... Weiss, it's okay-"
"Blake, don't... it's gross-!" she cried.
"It's not," Blake informed her.
To prove it, she lifted her head and pressed a long kiss to Weiss' cheek. The girl sobbed again, and Blake was sure to keep her hold on the heiress loose, in case Weiss wanted to push her away. But she never did.
Blake found one of Weiss' hands in her lap and applied a gentle pressure, her other hand trailing up and down the girl's side, feeling the delicate workings of her body - her ribs as her lungs struggled to fill, her heart as it throbbed with fear.
"Weiss..." she breathed against porcelain skin. "Shh... it's okay," she repeated, pressing another kiss to her scar. "It's beautiful. It's lovely. Just like you."
The heiress was calm long enough to listen to Blake's words rather than simply hear them. It was a moment yet before she got her breath back and was able to speak.
"S-So you're... not disgusted...?"
"Never." Blake did not miss a beat. "The only reason I didn't say anything before was because... because I was so mad. Mad at the thought of them getting in here and... and hurting you." She felt her own lip tremble and crushed Weiss to her chest. "T-They... they could've killed you. Oh, god... Weiss-..." She broke down, burying her face into Weiss' shoulder and clinging to her small form.
Likewise, the heiress hid her face in the side of Blake's neck and refused to let her go. Somewhere along the lines, past the tears, she found the ability to speak again, her free hand running up behind Blake's head and cradling her.
"Hey... you just told me, you dummy." She brushed her fingers tentatively over Blake's Faunus ears as the girl cried. "It's okay. Everything's okay, Blake." She smiled as the last two tears fell from her eyes.
Blake felt the girl's shaking finally cease, and she eased away from Weiss, wiping her own tears.
"You're right. I just... didn't want to think about what could've happened. But you're right." Her eyes met Weiss', and she offered a small smile. "Everything's okay. You're okay. You're here with me now. And you're absolutely beautiful."
She felt Weiss' pulse skip at that, and the heiress made a small sound.
"Blake-"
"I mean it, Weiss." She pressed another kiss to her scar, and then one to her lips. "I mean it with all my heart. I love you."
How many years had she been waiting to say that?
And how many years had Weiss been waiting to hear it?
Neither could find the answer, but it hardly mattered anymore.
Nothing else mattered other than this moment.
Fresh tears ran down Weiss' cheeks in rivulets, but they were different from the last ones – elated, blissful. Unable to bring herself to speak the words in return, she simply pulled Blake down to her again and kissed her.
Blake could feel all of Weiss' emotions in that contact – her thankfulness, her joy, her unspoken love. She reciprocated with everything she was worth, returning the kiss fully as she angled Weiss' face slightly, pulling the girl up to her.
Their hearts beat as one in that moment, the silence of the cool night, the welcoming light of the lamp, and the comforting warmth of each other enveloping them both.
When they pulled apart, there were only smiles as they wiped one another's tears. Blake kissed her scar, and Weiss kissed her ears, each silently accepting the other for the things they were most ashamed of.
Blake curled an arm around the heiress and laid her down, leaning over her briefly to turn off the lamp before curling up beside her. Weiss draped an arm across Blake's stomach, rubbing gently as she rested her head on the front of the girl's shoulder. She felt a hand playing through her hair and exhaled a long breath.
"I can't believe it..." she murmured. "These past eight years... everything's felt off. This morning, I was so nervous and scared, and now..." She tilted her head up to kiss the underside of Blake's jaw. "Now my entire life has fallen perfectly into place. Because I got you back. Despite my deplorable behavior the last time I met you... I got you back, Blake..."
"You never lost me, Weiss," she said, smoothing the girl's hair all down her back. "I'd never let anyone else have you. And besides... I've always been yours."
Weiss nodded, making a small, affirmative sound as she held Blake tighter.
But before long, her eyes went wide with surprise when she felt a strange sensation beneath her touch.
"My... Blake, are you..."
"Oh, gosh-"
"Purring?" she finished, sitting up to look down at her. Blake's cheeks were flushed pink, and that was the only thing Weiss needed for her answer.
"S-Sorry..." Blake mumbled. "It happens when I get really excited or happy..."
"It's adorable!" Weiss laid down again on her side and snuggled beneath Blake's chin as the Faunus girl pulled her in, rubbing her back slowly.
It was impossible for Blake to suppress her emotions now, and she let out her purr fully, loud and rumbling like playful thunder. Weiss giggled and squeezed her tighter.
The heiress dozed lightly in Blake's arms, snuggled comfortably against her chest, listening to the sounds of her purrs. Blake dozed as well, though her ears flicked at the sound of the heiress' tired voice:
"I don't want the sun to rise... because then you'll have to go home..."
Blake pressed a kiss to the crown of her head.
"That may be so. But now that we're sure about... us..." Blake wiggled excitedly at the word. "We'll be meeting up much more frequently. We'll arrange dates and parties every week. I'll take you to places you've only dreamed about. I can't..." She paused, humbled by the moment and the girl in her arms. "I can't believe we're going to be spending the rest of our lives together. It really is a dream come true."
Weiss hummed in agreement, moving up to kiss Blake's cheek, and the dark-haired girl returned the favor unto the heiress' forehead. "But for now," Blake went on. "Let's enjoy the night. We've gone to sleep alone for eighteen years now; I think we deserve this."
"You're certainly right." Weiss softly validated her words.
They remained as they were for another few moments before Blake's purr began to slow with her breath, dragging lazily in a way that displayed her comfort.
But before either of them could fall asleep, Blake shifted down and opened her eyes, meeting Weiss' in the darkness. She pressed a chaste kiss to the girl's lips, and Weiss eagerly returned it.
When they pulled apart, they could hardly wait to wake up together tomorrow morning and do it all again.
Blake slid herself down, locking her arms around Weiss' waist as she felt the girl's arms around her shoulders. Blake tucked her head beneath the heiress' chin, pressing a soft ear to her faint pulse as she breathed in her scent. Weiss hummed a short melody, feeling Blake's purr rumble back to life in her chest. Blake listened to her song, and to the lively rhythm beneath her ear.
"Weiss..." she mumbled sleepily. "Your heart's so fast. Are you okay?"
Weiss pecked the top of her head between her Faunus ears.
"I'm more than okay," she breathed. "I've finally got the love of my life in my arms. My heart belongs to you now, Blake. It always has."
Blake tilted her face and held a long kiss to the hollow beneath the heiress' throat, feeling Weiss breathe against her.
"I'll treasure it," Blake murmured against her collar. "I'll treasure you, Weiss," she promised. "I love you."
"And I love you, Blake."
It felt so wonderful for Weiss to say, and even more so for Blake to hear. A new purr rolled up in her chest as she nestled into Weiss' neck once more, resting her head lightly. She listened to Weiss' heartbeat as it gradually slowed, and the heiress could feel every purr in Blake's chest pressed against her own as it gradually came to a decrescendo.
The scent of camellias floated on the air as they breathed it into their lungs, the meanings of each petal wreathing around them.
The heiress and her betrothed faded off into slumber, each listening to the sound of her own personal lullaby, feeling softer, warmer, and more loved than ever before.
A/N: Ahh sorry it's so rushed! I really did write this all in just 2 days and I wanted to get it posted asap. I was mainly focused on giving a story to the aforementioned artwork that exists so far for this AU, so I know I skimmed over other details.
Regardless, I hope you all enjoyed!
Please review!