Chapter 3: Bedroom Comforts
The sun had set, and after a whole evening's worth of conversation ranging from awkward to uncomfortable, everyone had agreed that it was time for bed. Yang was following Kali down a hallway with her duffel bag slung over her shoulder. The last Yang had seen of Blake, she'd been talking with her dad. Yang really hoped that the two of them would come to an understanding. She could tell that Ghira loved his daughter, as any good father did. There was no good reason for them to be fighting.
The lighting in the hallway before Yang was sparse. A few Dust lamps were all that illuminated the way for her, and even they were apparently luxuries on Menagerie. Unlike in the kingdoms, there was no power grid anywhere on the island. As Yang understood it, homes on the island were usually lit by either old-fashioned oil lamps or nothing at all. Most faunus didn't need much light to see by anyway.
"Here you go, Dear," Kali said, stopping in front of a door. "You can use this room while you're here."
"Thanks," Yang said.
"Before I say goodnight, I have something to ask you," Kali said. "Is Blake right? Do you love her?"
There was something in Kali's unwavering gaze that made Yang feel nervous all of a sudden, but she confidently said, "Yeah. I do. I've loved her for a while now. It kind of took me by surprise, but I wouldn't trade it for anything."
"I'm glad to hear you say that," Kali said. "But have you told that to Blake?"
"Well yeah, of course!" Yang said. "Why wouldn't I have?"
Kali said, "I know a thing or two about brash, confident types like you. You'll face down monsters without so much as blinking, but when you're confronted with your own feelings, you're suddenly as timid as mice."
Yang wasn't sure she liked how close Kali was to the mark. It showed on her face.
"Oh, don't give me that look, Dear," Kali said laughingly. "Ghira was the same way. I practically had to bully him into marrying me."
"Blake won't have that problem with me," Yang said. She quickly realized what she'd just implied and hastily added, "Not that I'm…! I mean I would but…uh…!"
Kali laughed. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, shall we?"
"Yeah," Yang said. She and Blake had never talked about marriage, and honestly, Yang had never really thought about it much. Somewhere along the line, she'd just begun assuming that she and Blake would tie the knot someday. Maybe that was something she needed to talk to Blake about.
Changing topics, Yang asked, "I don't suppose you have any tips on getting Ghira to like me?"
"Do you have Blake's best interests at heart?" Kali asked.
"Yeah, I do," Yang said.
"Then you have nothing to worry about," Kali said. "Ghira will come around before long."
"Thanks, Mrs. Belladonna," Yang said.
"Oh, please call me Kali, Dear," Kali said.
"Sure thing, Kali," Yang said. She turned to the door in front of her, but then she hesitated.
"Is something the matter?" Kali asked.
"It's just…would it be alright if…? No, never mind," Yang said. "I'll see you in the morning."
Kali looked confused, but she said, "Goodnight then."
Yang pushed the door open and walked into her guest room before Kali could ask her any questions. If Yang was right, and she and Blake were going to get hitched someday, Kali would technically become her mom. Yang had only just met Kali, but she liked that idea a lot. The only problem was that life had taught her to mistrust the notion of getting attached to maternal figures. But then again, maybe on the third try she'd finally get it right.
Yang shoved down her uncomfortable feelings. This vacation was all about Blake, and Blake had plenty of her own family issues to deal with right now. Yang would worry about hers later.
The bedroom Yang found herself in was small, especially compared to the giant kitchen and dining room. It was minimally furnished with a dresser, a night stand, and a bed. All the furniture was simple in design, but it appeared to be well-made.
Yang walked over to the dresser. She tossed her duffel bag on top, pulled it open, and rummaged through it until she found the tank top and boy shorts she usually slept in. She glanced over at the bed. It looked comfortable enough, but she had no intention of sleeping in it tonight. She hardly ever slept alone anymore. It was one of the many benefits of dating Blake.
A grin appeared on Yang's face. She kept digging through her duffel. She'd packed a few things in secret when Blake hadn't been watching.
Yang finally found what she was looking for. She pulled out a matching black bra and panties. They were the silkiest, laciest, sexiest pair she owned, and they never failed to drive Blake wild. Yang only wore them on special occasions, but she decided that this vacation qualified as one.
Yang quickly shed her clothing and left it in a pile on the floor. She changed into her lingerie and then threw her ordinary sleepwear on over top.
Yang went to the door and pushed it open just a crack. Outside, the hallway was dark. Kali must have turned off the lamps behind her. Yang stopped to listen for a moment. She couldn't hear anything. Surely everyone must have gone to bed by now.
The coast seemed clear, so Yang slipped out into the hallway. She closed the door behind her as quietly as she could and began tiptoeing down the hall. Blake had always been quick to point out how loud Yang was no matter what she was doing, and she wasn't wrong. However, what Blake didn't realize was that Yang was perfectly capable of being quiet when she was properly motivated, which admittedly, wasn't often. Yang was certain that Blake would've been impressed right now by how sneaky she was being. At least she hoped so anyway.
Yang turned a corner and headed down a different hallway. Her destination was in sight. She'd made certain to pay very careful attention to where Blake's bedroom was earlier in the day. There was no way she was going to end up in the wrong room and potentially have to explain herself to Blake's parents.
There was a soft, blue light coming from underneath Blake's door. If Yang had to guess, Blake was probably reading a book to pass the time. Yang hadn't told Blake that she'd be sneaking into her bedroom tonight, but Blake knew her well enough to expect it.
Yang crept up to Blake's door. She put her hand on the knob, but just as she did, the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. She looked down the hallway, half expecting to see someone there, but all she saw was darkness.
Yang stood there frozen for a moment. She could have sworn she'd felt someone watching her, but she sure couldn't see anyone. She dismissed the feeling with a shrug. Then she pulled Blake's door open just wide enough and slipped inside.
Blake's bedroom was almost identical to the one Yang had been provided, save for a bookshelf overloaded with books and a blue, Dust-powered reading lamp on the nightstand. As far as Yang was concerned, the soft light set the mood perfectly. Blake herself was reclining on her bed in her yukata. Her hands were folded over a book in her lap.
Yang had started getting used to seeing Blake's ears uncovered all the time, but seeing them now sparked fresh excitement in her. Normally if Blake's ears were naked and she was dressed for bed, it meant the two of them were about to make love. The association was enough to send a wave of desire flooding into Yang. Yang couldn't believe that she'd come here to seduce Blake, and Blake had effortlessly turned it around on her. It was just one more reason she loved Blake so much.
"Hiya, Blakey," Yang said in her smoothest voice. "Miss me?"
"I knew I wouldn't have to miss you for long," Blake said. She smiled, but it was still twinged with sadness. Maybe her talk with Ghira hadn't gone so well. Fortunately, Yang knew the perfect way to take Blake's mind off of that.
"I don't like to disappoint," Yang said. "Especially not when there's a chance for some peaceful cooperation between humans and faunus, if you know what I mean."
As Yang had predicted, Blake rolled her eyes in an amused fashion. She set her book over on the nightstand and started getting out of bed.
While Blake was looking away, Yang slid her shorts down off her legs and pulled off her tank top as quickly as she could. She let her top dangle off the end of her index finger and waited for Blake's eyes to find her again.
"Yang, we really…shouldn't…" Blake trailed off when she saw Yang standing there in her lingerie.
Yang gave Blake a grin that was dripping with the promise of sinful delights. She let her tank top slip off her finger and fall to the floor. Blake's mouth hung open. Yang took a few steps forward, swaying her hips seductively. Desire filled Blake's eyes. Yang drank it in and let it fuel her own.
"Yang…" Blake said in half-hearted protest, but Yang could tell how badly Blake wanted her. She walked right up to Blake and pulled her into her arms. Yang pressed tightly into Blake until she could feel every last dip and curve of her body. She ran a finger over Blake's lips. Blake's eyes closed, and she lightly kissed the tip of Yang's finger.
Despite the heated mood, Yang could feel tension lingering in Blake's muscles. That wasn't what she wanted at all, so she replaced her finger on Blake's lips with a kiss.
Yang took her time kissing Blake, making it as soft and sweet as she could. Her hands slid across Blake's back, caressing Blake's skin through the fabric of her yukata. Slowly, Blake began to melt into Yang.
Yang pulled her lips back, but she still held Blake close. There were tears in the corners of Blake's eyes. Yang reached up and gently wiped them away. "I love you, Blake," she said.
"I love you," Blake whispered back.
Yang smiled. She slipped a hand down behind Blake's legs and scooped Blake up into her arms. Blake sighed softly and nestled into Yang's bosom. Blake had often told Yang that she felt safest in her arms, and Yang hoped that was what Blake was feeling now.
Yang carried Blake over to the bed and gently set her down on top of it. Then she climbed up with Blake and sat herself in Blake's lap.
Blake's eyes roamed over Yang's body, and she subconsciously licked her lips. Yang grinned. She knew she looked good, but it was still gratifying to see how much Blake agreed.
Yang leaned down and kissed Blake's forehead. Then she moved lower and her lips found Blake's once again. This kiss was not slow and gentle like the last, but passionate and hungry. Blake opened up, inviting Yang in deeper, and Yang happily obliged her. She greedily took in everything Blake offered while her hands ran down the sides of Blake's body.
Yang finally broke the kiss. Blake tried to say, "Yang. We really—"
Blake was cut off by her own gasp as Yang started nibbling her way down her neck. Her breath quickened and whatever she had been about to say was forgotten.
Yang's hands pushed Blake's yukata back, but only just enough to expose Blake's shoulders. Tonight she wanted to take her time and savor every last bit of Blake.
"Yang…" Blake groaned as Yang scraped her teeth across Blake's freshly exposed skin. Yang knew it was a bad idea to leave love bites where Blake's parents might see them, but Blake normally wore a small scarf around her neck. It would conceal any marks quite nicely.
Yang sunk her teeth into Blake's neck just hard enough to leave a mark, but for the first time ever, Blake's aura stopped her.
Yang shot up in surprise. "Is something wrong?" she asked, worriedly.
"I'm sorry. I… I was trying to tell you, but…" Blake said, looking embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Yang. We can't do this. Not here."
"Why not?" Yang asked. She wasn't really upset, but she was concerned.
"My mom will hear us," Blake said.
"Oh. Yeah," Yang said. "She's got cat ears."
"If my dad finds out…I…" Blake stammered, sounding very upset.
"Hey, it's okay," Yang said.
"No. It's not okay," Blake said. "I said some awful things to Dad about…about humans and faunus. And now I'm here, in bed with you."
Yang frowned. This was not what she'd thought was going to happen when Blake had suggested they visit Menagerie, but now that it had, Yang knew what she needed to do.
Yang got up off of Blake's lap. "Hey, sit up for a second," she said.
"O…okay," Blake said. She did as Yang had asked.
Yang slipped in and sat down behind Blake. She leaned herself back against the headboard and then pulled Blake back so she was resting against her. She wrapped an arm around Blake in a hug and let her other hand sift soothingly through Blake's hair.
Blake took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Yang concentrated for a moment. Her semblance came to life, just enough to warm her skin. She wanted Blake to feel as safe and secure as possible.
Blake sighed, and Yang finally felt her start to relax again.
Yang let a minute or two pass by in silence. When she sensed Blake was ready, she said, "I'm not really good at this sort of thing, but do you want to talk about it?"
"Yes," Blake said. "I do."
Blake didn't say anything more immediately, and Yang didn't prompt her to start talking. She just kept doing her best to comfort Blake. Whatever Blake had to say would come out in its own time.
Eventually, Blake said, "The last time I saw Dad, I told him that things would never change the way he wanted them to. I told him that…that humans would never accept us until we forced them to accept us."
"After meeting the likes of Cardin last semester, I can see why you'd think that," Yang said.
"I'm still not sure I was wrong," Blake said. "But after…."
"After Adam?" Yang asked. Blake hadn't told her much about her former associate in the White Fang, but she'd told her enough.
"Yes," Blake said. "After Adam I knew I couldn't continue down that path. Dad had at least been right about trying to avoid violence. Even if you think you're justified, even if you are justified, it still poisons you. It twists you around until you can't even imagine another way of doing things."
"But you did. You got out," Yang said. "You realized there had to be a better way."
"Maybe," Blake said. "But I didn't bother to contact Dad. For all I know, he thought I was dead. And then I just show up here one day with you."
"I don't get it," Yang said. "Shouldn't your dad be happy you're, you know, getting along so well with a human?"
"My father may preach peace, and he may believe in it. But after everything he's seen. After all the peaceful demonstrations that ended in violence. It's hard for him to trust any human," Blake said.
"Oh," Yang said, dismayed. "I guess it'd be hard to see your daughter with someone you think you can't trust."
"There's more to it than you being human," Blake said.
"What do you mean?" Yang asked.
Blake hesitated, but she said, "Adam wasn't just my former associate. We were…intimate."
Yang scowled. He must be who Kali had been talking about. No wonder she'd been concerned about Blake's mysterious new girlfriend. Yang hesitantly asked, "Did you…love him?"
"No, but…" Blake trailed off. Then she added, "Dad knew that Adam would be bad for me, and he tried to warm me. But I ignored him. Just liked I ignored him about so many things."
"It's okay, Blake, "Yang said. "You're here now. You can fix things up between you and your dad."
"Maybe," Blake said. Her ears drooped low. "Yang, I'm…I'm sorry. I should have told you about Adam sooner."
"You weren't ready to," Yang said. "You don't need to say sorry about that."
"Thanks, Yang," Blake said.
"I love you, Blake," Yang said. "Nothing is ever going to change that. Especially not your past."
Blake's ears lifted up. "I love you too," she said. "I don't think I could even tell you how much."
Yang and Blake sat in silence for a while. Every time Yang heard more about Blake's past, it upset her more and more how much the world had hurt Blake. She vowed once again to do her best for her.
Yang brought her hands up to Blake's shoulders and began to massage them.
Blake tensed up. "Yang, you don't have—"
"Shh-shh-shh," Yang said. "Just relax, Your Highness. I'm here to serve."
In spite of herself, Blake chuckled softly. "Alright," she said.
Blake's shoulder softened as she stopped resisting. Yang's fingers coaxed the tension out of them. It wasn't long before Blake's head lolled back against Yang's chest and she let out a groan of satisfaction.
By the time Yang had finished, Blake was fast asleep. Yang looked down at her girlfriend and smiled. Tonight certainly hadn't gone as planned, but Yang wasn't disappointed in the least. This was exactly what had needed to happen, and Yang wouldn't have had it any other way.
Yang reached over to the nightstand, careful not to disturb Blake, and turned off the light.
Author's Note: Does this chapter make me a huge tease? Well the story's not over yet. This fic was actually only supposed to be three chapters long just like its predecessor (which was only supposed to be a one-shot). Instead it ended up being six. If I ever write another story in this series, I'd better be careful. Who knows how long it'd end up being.
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