A/N ARMV7: Come on in, the dumpster is cozy! I fully support this so-called "Trash" ship.
My bad for the delay; excuses blah, blah, excuses...
So how about a little info on this fic. You've probably guessed it already; yes this will be a Cinder Redemption fic, sure we all know her and her badassery, but I like to portray characters in a different light, and explain why the they are using different syntax. Also: 70 follows, 37 fav's and 21 reviews! Holy crap! Can't express my gratitude for how awesome you lovely readers are, so keep those coming and I'll keep writing!
Chapter 4. Beginnings
"Are you sure it's fine? I-I could grab another pillow."
"I'm fine Red."
Cinder stopped Ruby from adding yet another pillow to the stack that currently lay beneath her sprained ankle. Within mere seconds of Ruby helping Cinder enter the small bungalow; the scarlet girl leaped into action, ushering Cinder over to the small couch, almost forcing her to sit down and prop her foot up. Practically every two minutes after Cinder took her place on the couch, Ruby would ask the same two questions;
"Do you need another pillow?" And "How's your foot?" Actually it's almost been two minutes since she las-
"How's your foot?" Ruby asked, standing in front of the small TV.
"Red... I told you. We're good." She repeated for the umpteenth time.
"O-Okay I'm just checking."
"Pretty sure I just twisted it anyway."
"Oh... right."
Silence befell the room, or rather awkward silence. Ruby still stood in Cinder's line of sight, blocking her view of the TV. Cinder locked eyes with Ruby, the crimsonette doing much the same. Sliver piercing into Gold, orbs locked in what could be interpreted as an intense staring contest.
"Oh, oh! I know." Ruby leaped from her spot and ran to the small kitchen attached to the den. Bottles and cartons clanked as Ruby began rummaging through the fridge, Cinder attempted to get up; only to strain against herself as a sharp pain shot up her right side.
"Red, what're you..." She trailed off as Ruby slammed a glass on the coffee table in the center of the room almost cracking the dark oak as it landed. Cinder almost broke out laughing at it's contents;
Milk.
"What, is this? Cinder solicited, stifling a laugh.
"It's milk, duh. I always have some when I get hurt, which happens to me all the time." She proclaimed with a cheeky smile.
"Oh my... what're you, four?" Cinder joked. Ruby's expression dropped, obviously not taking the joke the way she wanted. There was that feeling again; that apologetic downcast feeling whenever she was around Ruby. Since the "Grand Theft Variety Store" thing, it was the first time she had felt bad, about anything, ever. Whether it was corruption of her motives or redemption of her personality, she didn't know, and quite honestly it scared her a bit. Ruby was growing on her, it only took two days but she was. Maybe it wasn't a terrible turn of events however, all she wanted was one friend.
Was that too much to ask for?
But there's a flip side to every coin; Cinder felt just a tad bit... apprehensive, after all, the last time she was close to someone, anyone for that matter, didn't end well.
One can try though...
Deciding she had looked at that sad face quite enough, Cinder used actions rather than words; reaching out for the glass, she grasped the cool texture, brought it up, and took a long gulp. She sighed in contention as the cool liquid drained down her throat, it was surprisingly good. The tips of her lips twisted into an upward smile.
"See, It worked." Ruby grinned.
Cinder hung her head, her dark hair cascading over her face and blocking Ruby's image of her face. The scarlet girl stepped back.
"Cinder?"
She threw her head back, revealing a large grin plastered upon her features, her body starting to rack with laughter.
"Oh my... haha, this... pfft is... so heh, stupid." Cinder's laughing intensified, she leaned forward, clutching her stomach as her cackling grew louder. Not even feeling the pain in her ankle, she slipped off of the couch, still laughing as her back contacted the soft carpet. She was full on howling in laughter; sprawled out between the sofa and the coffee table, nearly convulsing in Hilarity. Ruby watched the girl practically die in laughter, and she too smiled at bit herself; watching Cinder acting in such a manner warmed her heart a bit.
"People have got her all wrong."
Ruby joined in on the laugh-riot that radiated from Cinder, the sounds filling the room and echoing off the walls, Ruby could've sworn at one point she heard Cinder snort.
Eventually Cinder found enough composure to calm down, her laughing died down to silent cackling and twitches.
"What was that?" Ruby calmed down as well.
Cinder shot up, feeling stupid for how she just acted. "Ergh!" She gritted her teeth in pain as her ankle resumed it's painful throbbing.
"Oh! here lemme help." Ruby rushed to the downed girls side and outstretched her hand. For the first time Cinder's hand met Ruby's, both girls mindfully reveling at how soft each-other's skin was. With almost no effort Ruby brought the older girl back up to her seated position on the couch. For someone who's a foot taller than herself; Cinder was surprisingly light.
"Oh you're too kind." Cinder fake swooned.
Ruby neared an answer to Cinder's comment when the front door was flung open with reckless abandon. Ruby, still standing, eyed the frame as two unknown people stumbled through the door. Cinder jerked her head around; facing the door as well, her expression went sour as she instantly realized who the intruders were.
Ruby on the other hand, watched on in a mix of awkwardness and slight disgust. A pale, silver haired guy dressed in shorts and a matching silver shirt stumbled through the door, his arms locked around a darker skinned girl who appeared to be Cinder's age; dressed in a olive green blouse and dark skinny jeans.
The new occupants were clearly oblivious to Ruby and Cinder's presence as they almost tripped over the other. Lips locked in a messy make-out session, hands roaming each-other's backs, gripping at the wrinkles in their tops. The one with bright green hair snaked her hand up the others shirt, and with one swift swoop, the shirt was torn off his body and sent careening across the room. Ruby had to resist the urge to laugh again, as the sliver fabric landed right on Cinder's head.
Ruby's expression reversed into fear as Cinder stood up, clearly agitated; not even wincing at the pain in her foot. The brunette, shirt in hand, limped her way behind the love-struck pair, bringing her hands up Cinder waited like a snake attacking prey, anticipating the moment when the two would separate so she could make her move. With a quiet moan, they separated for a quick breath of air; Cinder dashed behind the silver-haired one and wrapped the shirt that once was his, around his neckand yanked him back, choking a bit before Cinder let go and pulled his body to the floor.
"Agh!" He shouted as his head contacted the hardwood floor, he looked up at his attacker, fear plastered across his face upon realizing who the assailant was. "Cinder!? What the hell was that?"
She didn't say a word, content with dropping the shirt over his eyes and stepping back. "Mercury, Emerald... good to see you." Her voice was full of sarcasm.
Mercury leaped up, still dazed from what just happened. "Why the heck are you still in your uniform? And what's with the limping?"
Emerald choose to speak up. "Yeah..and uh; who's this?" She questioned as well, pointing to a certain crimsonette in the corner.
"That's for me to know and you to find out, Em." Cinder spoke as she limped her way back to the soft confines of the couch.
"Oh, I guess I didn't tell you Em, this girl was saved by our very own Cinder Fall the other day... seems someone is going soft." Mercury teased.
Cinder clamped her eyes shut. "Mercury... I'm giving you ten seconds to take Emerald upstairs, before I literally strangle you." She spoke with heavy malice.
"What, you can't tell me w-"
"One." She cut off.
"I'm not afraid of y-"
"Two."
Mercury started to get nervous. "Please, you're b-"
"Three."
"Come on, let's just go." Emerald cut in, pulling at Mercury's wrist.
"Fine."
"Sorry for bothering you." Emerald consoled, grabbing Mercury by the wrist she dragged him upstairs.
"Oh I'm Ruby by the way!" The crimsonette shouted. The only response she received was the sound of a door lock clicking.
Cinder lulled her head back. "Moronic Imbeciles."
"So that's Mercury and Emerald?"
"Yes... those two are perfect for each-other, in their own moronic ways."
Ruby nonchalantly nodded, not saying a word. Words is what now lacked in the quiet living room, a pregnant pause was left in Mercury and Emerald's wake. That is until a rather loud moan pierced through the still air. Ruby's eyes widening at the sound.
"Red? How would you like to go for a walk?" Cinder proposed.
"With you're bad foot?"
"What did I tell you?"
Ruby submitted to Cinder's demeanor. "That you said you're fine and everything is okay." She blurted out.
"Good..."
Cinder stood up, or rather, attempted to stand up. The girl limped her way over to the fridge Ruby had rummaged through earlier and started doing much the same with the freezer instead. Ruby raised an eyebrow as Cinder pulled an ice-pack from the cold confines of the small freezer. Darting over to the front door, she slipped her runners on and tucked the blue pack in her shoe, reveling at the cooling sensation quelling the heat in her ankle.
Ruby followed suit, slipping on her runners and joining Cinder by the door.
"After you." Cinder gestured for Ruby to go first.
With an open and close of the door, both girls strolled outdoors. The sun was setting on the horizon at this point, shining through the trees, and painting the sky brilliant mixtures of oranges and purples. As Cinder took her first few steps, the pain in her ankle slowly subsided as the ice pack went to work, allowing her to walk freely.
Side by side; Cinder and Ruby walked away from the small bungalow and onto the dry-cracked pavement. The house rested in a shady neighborhood just east of the school, but too far away to walk.
Eyes forward; Cinder initiated a conversation. "So Red, you live around here?"
"Huh, me? Oh, uhh not far from here actually, couple blocks..."
"Lead the way then."
Ruby stifled a laugh. "Really, you'd walk me home with a bad foot and in your uniform?"
"I can handle myself."
"Right sorry I-."
"Don't be sorry little Red, I hate that word."
"What'dya mean?" Ruby asked.
"Sorry... the word is misused so often don't you think? Sorry I'm late, and Sorry for taking an innocent life can't truly be the same... where's the line drawn, and who gets to draw it?" Cinder spoke calmly, still not taking her eyes of the setting sun ahead of them.
"I, don't know, I read somewhere that when people do bad things; they should be sorry for the victim, and nothing else, not even the act itself."
Cinder's mind drifted off to Ruby's surprisingly insightful response. Memories of her past drifted into her thoughts "Sorry for the victim and nothing else..."
No.
How could one be sorry, if they're incapable of feeling sorrow in the first place?
The girls continued their respective walk, Ruby watched as Cinder's expression sank a little, from its normal cool demeanor to intense thought. "Cinder?" Ruby quietly spoke.
She snapped up "Nothing, just keep walking."
Ruby nodded, verbally she gave up, but mentally she did not; there was something about that brief conversation they just shared, something about the word "Sorry" really bothered Cinder, or at least; that's what it looked like. The crimsonette fought it off for now, but couldn't help but feel intrigued into whatever that was...
After a couple of more minutes, and the sun closer to dropping below the horizon; Cinder and Ruby reached the latter girls apartment complex a few blocks away. The taller of the two; Cinder, walked Ruby right up to the steel-framed glass doors before giving her goodbye.
"So this is where you live Red... not bad." Smooth was her tone.
"Ha, yeah right, this place is practically a ghetto, there was a major drug bust a few floors below mine like two days ago." Ruby laughed.
"Today was fun, wasn't it?" Cinder questioned.
"Hehhe, yeah I guess so, just promise me you won't tell anyone. "
"Sure thing Red..."
"Well I guess I'll see you around, no?" Cinder spoke, turning her body and strolling away.
"O-Of course!" Ruby waved. "Tomorrow!"
Cinder nonchalantly waved as she walked off into the impending darkness of night. She didn't look over her shoulder this time though, because she knew her new friend was smiling like a kid on Christmas morning.
And that couldn't help but make her smile too.
As the brunette strolled along the streets; heading home, she couldn't help but think about Ruby. Her innocence was something Cinder wasn't akin to, but it made was humorous and a little heart-warming. Ruby was her first honest-to-God friend.
And she was not going to let anyone change that, right?
######
Ruby sighed as she approached the door to their apartment, it was already past 8:00 P.M and she knew Yang would throw a fit as to where she had been. Add in the fact that she was with Cinder, and practically became an accomplice in a crime; would send Yang through the roof.
She really resented her father working nights now.
With another sigh, a more determined one that is; Ruby slotted the key into the socket and turned, preparing herself for the Yang to rip her apart with unrelenting questions.
Closing her eyes she pushed the door open and slipped inside as quiet as possible. Eyes scanning the room; widening at the fact that Yang was nowhere to be seen.
"Yang? Hello?" She said as she cautiously brought herself forward.
"Where have you been!?"
"Gah! Yang what th- whoa!" Ruby jumped back as Yang appeared from seemingly nowhere, causing her to lose her balance and fall over.
Ruby's eyes traced Yang's form before they reached her face, looking rather miffed. "I was out! And don't scare me like that!"
The blonde outstretched her hand. "Not my fault you have two left feet." She joked.
"Hey! I'm working on that."
Bringing her younger sister back up; Yang began the prodding Ruby was dreading earlier.
"What do you mean by "out"?" She punctuated with air quotes. Yang already knew that Ruby was out with Cinder; but wanted to see if Ruby would tell her the truth or not.
"I was out... with a friend..doing, stuff." Ruby averted her gaze to a stain in the carpet, avoiding Yang's own.
"Cut the act little sis, I know you were out with Cinder."
She piped up. "Is that a problem?"
Yang backpedaled. "No, it's not..." She tried really hard to make it sound like she was being sincere.
"Okay!" She beamed. "I'm gonna go get changed, been in this stupid uniform for too long." Ruby practically skipped away.
Whatever Cinder and Ruby did today; Yang didn't care, she still wasn't comfortable with all of this, but it did make Ruby happy, which in turn made Yang feel the same. Still, she'd be keeping an eye on both of them. For her own reasons.
"One chance... one."
######
The month of September came to an eventual close, and opened the lane for October to take the reigns of the year. A month of falling leaves, rainy days, and the slow but sure lowering of temperatures. The month of October is a month of change; and so far, for Ruby and Cinder, change has been a big part of their relationship.
As the days went by, things remained normal, if you could call it that. Yang and Weiss are still dating, Yang keeping an eagle eye on Cinder and Ruby, Cinder leaving Weiss and Yang alone, pretty much the same. Except for Ruby and Cinder, whose relationship has grown closer over the passing weeks. The two almost hang-hang-out every day; Ruby goes to Cinder's place, and the two watch TV, play video games, do homework, the works.
But that's how it remains, both girls just close friends, happy to be the others friend.
Nothing more, and Nothing less...
However on that day, Saturday October 3rd; change would be the perfect word to describe the ensuing relationship that would soon blossom between them...
It was Saturday, Ruby and Blake sat in a local public library not to far from Signal High, they choose this one instead of the one the school offered because in all honesty, Signal's Library sucked.
So here they sat, at a large oak table near the back of the single-floor library. Blake was quietly reading a book titled "Violet's Garden" with stack of other books resting beside her. Ruby was simply reading a textbook; studying for an upcoming test.
Suddenly, Ruby stood up. "Gonna get going now, Yang wants me to pick up a few things on the way home, too lazy to do it herself."
"Yeah sure... bye." Blake's voice was nearly muffled at how close it was to her book.
Ruby giggled at how concentrated Blake was, pulling her red hoodie over her black v-neck, she placed her textbook back in her bag and slung it over her shoulder. "Later Blake."
"..."
Ruby just shook her head and walked off. Exiting the large glass and stone building, Ruby stepped out into the cool and refreshing October air, it had just rained the day before leaving almost every surface damp and cold.
Fishing her phone from her jeans pocket Ruby smiled at a text from Cinder.
/U done yet?/
-Just left, meet up in 15, running errands-
/I'll just start walking/
-I won't be there-
/Taking the long way/
-Kk-
Ruby groaned, she could've met up with Cinder in 5 minutes, but after the variety store incident, she'd rather not show up in Tukson's store, less she wanted legal trouble.
There was another store way off the beaten path, costing Ruby extra time to get there. The path in question cut through the back alleys of a shady neighborhood leading to a main street with the store resting on the other side.
So she walked, and walked... and walked, cutting down alleys through the bone-chilling dampness of outside, leaves swirling in the wind around her. It was quiet; calm...
"There she is, see Dove; I knew it!"
Or not.
"Hu-whoa!" Ruby was gripped by her right shoulder and spun around roughly, she shrunk in fear; instantly recognizing who this person was.
Cardin Winchester dressed in tattered jeans and a football jacket, accompanied by a shorter pudgy guy with messy dirty - blonde hair.
"Is that her?" Dove pointed.
"Yeah that's her, the know-it-all. I didn't get the chance to finish what we started." He spat. "Dove, grab her." Dove did what he was told, swooping in behind Ruby; pinning her small arms with one hand and gripping her shoulder with the other. "Rgh! Lemme go!" Cardin stepped forward as Ruby thrashed in the vice grip she currently found herself in.
"Do you know who I am, do you!" Ruby could feel Cardin's warm breath on her cold cheek.
She continued to thrash. "Yeah, you're the guy whose father's company went bankrupt!"
Cardin glared at Ruby, bringing his booted foot back; he gritted his teeth and kicked her in the shin; ripping the fabric of her jeans. Ruby wailed in pain, still trying to break free of Dove's grasp.
Cardin drew back. "You think you're so smart don't you; nobody ever insults a Winchester, Dove let her go."
"Uhh, okay?" Dove relinquished his grasp, seeing an opportunity Ruby dashed forward only to be tripped by the same boot that kicked her earlier, Falling face first onto the rough concrete; whimpering as her skin scraped open, tiny bits of gravel piercing into flesh.
"I'm going to teach you how to properly treat a Winchester." Rolling over, the crimsonette fretted as Cardin loomed above; Dove by his side. Guessing that the latter half of the fight or flight instinct was no longer valid, Ruby rolled out of the impending blow from Cardin and scrambled to her feet. Without being able to regain her bearings, her effort went full circle as Dove put her in a suffocating headlock. Once more Ruby tried to thrash her way out but Dove's thick arms were too much for her.
Thinking nothing of it, Ruby stopped thrashing and sunk her teeth into Dove's forearm,"Egh! What the hell!?" the boy she shrieked aloud at the sudden bite, releasing his grip and rubbing the new teeth marks by his wrist.
"Ugh god, she's a biter..." Dove whined, shaking his arm.
Deciding that this was not a moment of Valor, Ruby made yet another attempt to escape; and once more her progress was impeded as Cardin grabbed her wrist and yanked her back, tearing the sleeve of her red hoodie in the process.
Cardin swung the girl around forced her hard on the ground. "You're just as crazy as that other broad!" Not wasting any time Cardin swung his foot right into Ruby's torso, not once, not twice, but three times. When the fourth hit came Ruby whimpered in pain as it felt like she was suffocating, the odd coppery-tang of blood started to seep into her mouth.
"Please, please s-stop..."
"Oh? Y'hear that Dove; little red wants us to stop." Cardin stepped over Ruby's racked form. "I'll make the pain go away." With one final hit, Cardin sunk his shoe into Ruby's back, effectively knocking the wind right out of her.
There was a lapse in time, before Ruby started to drift in and out of consciousness. As her eyes dared to flutter shut; a different voice beckoned from what sounded like close-by.
"You never learn do you!"
Time seemed to slow down as Ruby slowly drifted off, any and all sounds around her being drained out. Only the muffled sounds of voices could be heard.
"Oh shit! It's her again!"
"I'm not sticking around!"
Slow running could be heard, slowly fading off into the distance.
Before her eyes finally closed, Ruby heard the muffled groans and yelps of Cardin, presumably painful ones...
######
Small particles of dust floated about the room made viable by the light that came in through the windows and from the sheen walls. The first thing she became aware of was the fact that she was in a bed, and faint beeping could be heard in the background. Her hand loosely gripped at the thin-polyester that was draped over her. Its light-weight and warmth were nice, but she couldn't help but feel a void. As if the warmth provided by the thin covering was just an imitation of something far better.
Enticing, even.
Her eyes snapped open as she bolted upright. Pain tore through her chest at the fast movement, causing her to yelp as her hands came up to find the source at her torso. Her vision blurred and spun as hot tears sprung to her eyes. The beeping increased at a frantic pace.
Ruby took a moment to take in the room;
White walls, white floor, white ceilings, white everything.
A hospital.
The blur in her vision subsided upon noticing a tall figure across the room standing near the windows, beyond which the trees shook in what appeared to be a rain storm. Ruby squinted at whoever this occupant was, totally unaware of her awakening. She could see their reflection in the glass, a pale face with bright amber irises the portrayed a look of anguish mixed with concern.
Wait, she knew a girl with eyes like that...
Pulling the sheet back, Ruby used every bit of energy she had to make her voice audible.
"C-Cinder?..."
A/N Awww, Cinder cares. Note these two are not together yet, I reworked some of the plot last night, made this thing, in my opinion, seem better. Thanks for reading and see ya next week!
Please Review!
-ARMV7