Author's Note: So... this one was a bit late... okay maybe a lot late. Sorry about that. This was the first time I only had ideas to go off of, rather than rough dialogue.

I'm thinking that this will be the new schedule, with a chapter releasing on an average of every couple weeks. It will be longer or shorter depending on chapter contents, length, etc.

So anyways, enjoy!

Chapter 4

Ruby's mind was a blur, her body running on autopilot. She remembered leaving Blake's room, feeling angry... and betrayed... by her own sister no doubt. But she couldn't worry about that now, Weiss needed her. That was all that mattered.

Now Ruby was standing in front of the heiress' door, frozen. Not out of fear, but because she wouldn't know what to do when she got in there. She wanted to help Weiss, but how? She could run in there and wrap her best friend in the tightest hug she could, tell her everything was going to be ok. But what if that wasn't what she needed? What if she needed to be alone? What if she didn't want Ruby's help?

No, stop it. You're overthinking it. Ruby told herself, shaking her head. Take a deep breath.

In... and out.

Conscious of Weiss' rest, Ruby knocked softly upon the door. A few moments passed in silence before the door clicked, opening to reveal a woman closely resembling Blake. Though older, with shorter hair and gentler eyes, she carried a familiar strength about her. Those eyes beheld Ruby with curiosity.

"You must be Ruby." The woman said softly, extending a hand in greeting. "As I imagine Ilia told you, I'm Blake's mother, but you can call me Kali."

"Um, hello Kali." Ruby quietly greeted, taking the offered hand. "Ilia said Weiss was in here...? Can I... see her...?"

She saw Kali turn to look behind her, presumably at the sleeping heiress, then back to Ruby. "That depends, why exactly are you here?"

Ruby thought for a moment, only to realize she already had her answer. "I'm here because Weiss is my best friend, because I care for her, I want to make sure she's ok."

Smiling down at her, Kali moved aside, letting go of her hand to gesture for Ruby to enter. She walked in to find one of the most beautiful sights she had ever seen. Weiss was asleep in her bed, curled up like a baby. In spite of the tear tracks and puffy eyes she looked so tranquil... Then Ruby began to think about all the things Blake could've done to her friend, her best friend... and her fists clenched. Her breathing became unsteady as she felt herself starting to get angry again.

Breath Ruby, breath. She told herself again. Ruby couldn't just sit back and wait for Weiss to be ok, she had to do something, anything. She looked back at the raven-haired woman with pleading silver eyes, but before she could speak, Kali put a finger to her own lips, motioning for her to follow her outside.

The pair exited the room, the older woman quietly closing the door behind them. "Please, is there anything I can do?" Ruby offered. "I know Ilia said you're here for her, and it's not that I don't trust you... but I want to help her too... I need to help her..."

Putting a reassuring hand on the girl's shoulder, Kali smiled again. "I believe you can Ruby."

"What can I do?" The crimsonette pled. "I'll do anything, I just want Weiss to be ok..."

"Coming out of a relationship so volatile has left her raw and unstable." Kali explained. "Weiss will need gentle care to recover fully, but we can discuss that more when she awakes. For the time being, what about you? Ilia informed me your reaction was quite harsh."

"I...I don't know..." Ruby huffed, leaning against the wall and rubbing her eye. "Hearing what Blake did to Weiss...and then my sister defending her...I just don't know what to think anymore." She sighed. "I want to be angry with them, I am angry, but mom always told me that anger is a waste of time, a waste of energy...but I can't just forgive this..." She sniffled, swallowing a the lump in her throat. "I just don't know what to do Kali, everything is wrong, nothing feels right..."

"Then perhaps you should focus on what you can do, in due time the rest will fall into place." The older woman soothed. "You are only young Ruby, this is a lot to digest."

Ruby sniffled, wiping her eyes. "Okay... Weiss, focus on Weiss, she needs me, I can focus on that."

"Good." Kali smiled. "Because I want you to be there with her when she wakes up."

"What about you?" The crimsonette wondered.

"Don't worry, I will be there as well." The older woman confirmed. "But I want your face to be the first one she sees."

Ruby nodded and the pair quietly entered the heiress' room. Kali elected to use the desk chair while she motioned for the younger girl to sit with Weiss on her bed. The crimsonette hesitated, she had never been this close to Weiss as she slept, at least not like this. You're overthinking it again. She told herself. Taking a deep breath, she sat down, instinctively taking Weiss' hand. When she realized her action, she considered letting go...but she didn't. And from the pressure on her hand, Weiss didn't want to either.

The pair waited patiently as the ivory-haired girl slept, all the while Kali paid close attention to Ruby's actions, curiosity burning in her eyes. The longer she watched the more sure a feeling grew within her, that perhaps the crimsonette could be the one for Weiss. Her words and actions spoke of respect, affection and perhaps even love, the grief she expressed and was willing to ignore for Weiss' sake only reinforced it. All that remained was to see how she acted as Weiss awoke.

As if on queue, the sleeping heiress began to stir.

A small murmur, a tired groan, face screwed up in exertion as she stretched her stressed limbs, yet still took up as little space as possible. Her hand clutched at anothers as she yawned, firm and sure, even in her drowsy state. "Ngh... Kali...?" Weiss mumbled as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, trying to identify the figure in front of her.

"Oh no, it's Ruby." The figure clarified.

The heiress pushed herself upward, blinking sleep from her eyes as she squinted at her friend. "Ruby? Why..." She paused to yawn. "Why are you here?"

"I was worried about you." The crimsonette explained, giving Weiss' hand a reassuring squeeze. "I am worried about you."

Even though she just woke up, Weiss could already feel tears start to well up in her eyes. "You're... worried about me...?"

"Of course I am!" Ruby pressed. "You're always pushing yourself and you never give yourself a break... I'm always worried... and now this happens..." Her voice cracking as she squeezed her friend's hand again, eyes stinging.

"Ruby..." The ivory-haired girl whimpered, tears starting to stream down her face.

Ruby placed her other hand on Weiss'. "But it's ok now! I'm here!" Releasing her hand, the crimsonette pulled her friend into a tight hug, to which she was hesitant to lean into. "I'm here for you Weiss..." She soothed as she rubbed the heiress' back.

Kali watched as Weiss melted into Ruby's arms, the girl's sobs muffled by her shoulder. It brought a smile to her face. The care and devotion shown by Ruby solidified the hopes within her. That there was great hope for Weiss' future, that Ruby's gentle nature could be trained into something more. That Weiss could be happy and safe in the arms of a true loved one, a true mistress. But it would take time, and a delicate hand.

"I think I've seen all I need to." A voice suddenly spoke up, startling Weiss. She looked up to see Kali sitting in her desk chair, admiring the pair with a smile on her face.

"Seen... all that you need...?" Weiss asked, confused.

Kali nodded. "As I mentioned before, I cannot be the one to take care of you, but I believe Ruby can be."

Weiss blinked. "You want Ruby to... take care of me...?"

"Think of it as...pampering, focusing upon your needs and desires, aiding in your recuperation." The older woman explained.

"Desires?" Weiss echoed, worriedly.

"Should Ruby be willing." Kali added, smiling at the girl. Weiss looked to her friend in shock as she smiled back.

"Of course I will." Silver eyes shone with confidence as she spoke. "I'd do anything for you Weiss, I made a promise to be the best friend ever. I meant it."

Weiss' lip quivered as she struggled to swallow the lump in her throat, eyes stinging with fresh tears.

"Ruby, do you understand the extent of what you're promising?" Kali asked, slight concern in her gold eyes.

"Yes." Ruby confirmed. "I said anything, I mean anything. As long as it doesn't hurt Weiss."

"At the moment, it is not hurting her you should be worried about." The older woman declared.

Ruby quirked a brow. "What do you mean?"

"Weiss is a submissive, a masochistic submissive to be specific." Kali explained. "Weiss, do you accept this?"

Weiss gave a gentle, meek nod, before hiding herself in Ruby's arms once more.

"It's okay Weiss." Ruby whispered, her only response was a tighter grip around her waist.

"Submissives are many things Ruby, some are more proactive than others, some more subservient." Kali continued. "In the time I have known her, Weiss has demonstrated the natural desire to bend to strong authority figures, this is a most common trait among submissives. What makes this dangerous is the depths of her masochism." She frowned, considering her words. "Weiss, I won't pretend to know everything there is to know about your feelings on these matters, but I do know this needs to be discussed on your own terms."

"I know." Weiss whispered, voice thick. "I've never talked about it before... I've... researched some..."

"How did it make you feel, deep down?" Kali asked.

The heiress was silent for a time, Kali waited patiently as Ruby rubbed soothing circles upon her back. "Free... like... nothing else existed, nothing mattered... It was the one thing I had complete control over, choosing to let go of that control."

Ruby blinked. "You wanted it?"

Weiss nodded against her shoulder. "It made me feel, in ways nothing had ever made me feel before."

"But... she abused you." The crimsonette argued

"I asked for it." Weiss defended

Ruby squeezed her friend tighter. "Weiss... you deserve better."

"Yes Ruby, she does." Kali agreed. "But better does not mean without. Weiss is a submissive, a masochist, it is in her nature to submit, and that is why she must be protected."

"By me?" Ruby wondered.

The older woman nodded. "Yes, by you Ruby. You who had no interest or knowledge of this beforehand. You who seeks only to help your friend out of a pure heart. I can think of no one better than yourself."

Ruby thought over what Kali said. Could she really fill this roll? Would she be enough to help Weiss- No, she already knew her answer. "Okay, I'll do it, for Weiss."

Kali gave the crimsonette a smile. "Thank you Ruby. Now that that's settled, we must discuss one more thing; a location."

"A location?" The heiress asked, raising her head from Ruby's shoulder.

"That's right." The older woman confirmed. "As it stands right now, it would not be a good idea to do this here. I think it would be in our best interest if we go somewhere else, somewhere where Weiss can be far from my daughter. I would offer my own home, but the main issue there is the fact that it's still Blake's home as well. That and the distance. It took Ilia and I a few hours to get here today."

"Speaking of Ilia, why did you two come together?" Ruby asked. "I thought she went home for the summer."

"You are half correct." Kali explained. "I... host Ilia. She stays at my home from time to time due to the... complicated situation at her own. I'll leave it at that, as it is her own business." It wasn't the whole truth, but it also wasn't a lie. She would tell them later, once the current situation has settled a bit.

"Oh, okay..." Ruby nodded. "But then where can we go?"

"We could... use my apartment..." Weiss mumbled, barely above a whisper.

Leaning towards the pair, Kali spoke softly. "What was that dear? I couldn't hear you."

Weiss lifted herself off of her friend, leaving her warm embrace. She instead elected to gently grab her hand, still feeling the need for contact. "We could use my apartment." She offered, louder this time.

"If you are comfortable with allowing us to use it, then I think that is a wonderful idea." The older woman cooed.

The heiress nodded. "Yes... that would be fine..."

"Would you be up for going there now?" Kali asked.

Weiss nodded again. "Um, there is one thing you should know... I share that apartment with my sister."

The drive to Weiss' apartment was not nearly as long as that from her own. It was a nice cruise through the city of Vale, with the only delay being a small amount of traffic. Ilia sat in the front with Kali, electing not to hold her hand as the other passengers were unaware of their relationship. Ruby and Weiss sat in the back, the latter clutching the former's hand like a lifeline.

"And a left turn at this next street, then the building will be on the right." The heiress meekly instructed. For the umpteenth time she looked down at how she was grasping Ruby's hand. It almost made her feel... ashamed of how dependent she was being on her friend. Weiss was lost in thought when Kali informed them that they had arrived. She watched as the older woman drove them into the building's visitor parking and secured them a spot. When they exited the car, instead of using the door on her side, Weiss followed Ruby out her door so she could stay connected to her friend.

It was surprising how fast Weiss slipped back into her mask, surprising and... a little sad. A deep breath, a straightened posture and a cold expression was all it took to wipe away Weiss' prior state, and she effortlessly took the lead into the building. All the while keeping steady hold of Ruby's hand.

The lobby was neat and upscale, wall high windows gave a beautiful view of the ocean, and warm hanging lights gave the white marble floors a pleasant amber tint. The reception desk was also suitably rich, mahogany to match the feature walls, and staffed by a rotound elderly man, smartly dressed in a freshly pressed white undershirt complimented by a well tailored grey vest, matching his equally grey and well manicured moustache, the man smiled as they approached.

"Wow... nice place..." Ilia marveled as the they made their way through the lobby.

"Ah, hello Miss Schnee!" The man at the front desk greeted. "I didn't expect you to be back so soon! Winter mentioned you were staying at the university dorms over the break."

"I still am staying at the dorms, just not for the entire break." Weiss replied calmly. She trusted Klein, having known the man for years, but did not wish for him to worry.

"Are you well Miss Schnee? You seem a tad drowsy." He fretted nontheless, ever observant.

Weiss smiled politely. "I'm feeling under the weather yes, but it shall pass in time."

"Very well, and who are these fine ladies accompanying you today?" He smiled all the wider at her guests, Kali beamed back, but Ruby and Ilia were less enthused for attention.

The heiress gestured to her guests. "My friends, Ruby Rose, Ilia Amitola and Kali Belladonna, they will be visiting for a time."

"A pleasure to meet you, truly." Klein bowed his head.

Kali bowed in return. "And you Mister Klein."

"Please inform Winter should she return early." Weiss requested.

Klein nodded. "Of course Miss Schnee, have a pleasant evening."

"And you as well." Weiss added as she led the women past the front desk to the elevators at the back of the lobby. As soon as the metal doors closed, the heiress's expression broke and her shoulders slumped, not feeling able to keep her mask on any longer.

The ride up to Weiss' floor was a quiet one, the only notable noise being the quiet hum of the elevator. But soon enough it chimed, the doors opened, and the group made their way down the hall. It was fairly bland, aside from the few paintings lining the walls. Reaching Weiss' door, the heiress reached into her pocket and pulled out her key. Since she was doing it with one hand, she fumbled a bit with the lock, but eventually she was able to unlock the door and let the other women in.

Weiss flipped a switch, and the apartment illuminated. Not too dissimiliar from the lobby, but with wood flooring and brighter lighting. The view was also less impressive, showing the opposing hotel behind partially closed blinds. While not cluttered there was an appropriate amount of furnishings, adhearing to a rather monochromatic aesthetic, several splashes of colour helped break up the monotany.

"You have a beautiful home Weiss." Kali admired as the women walked further into the apartment. She gestured to the living room. "Why don't we sit down?"

Weiss nodded "Okay..."

Heading into the living room, the four women took their seats. Ruby led Weiss to the larger middle couch, Kali sat in the arm chair, and Ilia took the love seat in front of the bay window.

Kali looked to the pair on the couch and noticed how Weiss continued to clutch Ruby's hand, but still also kept her distance. "Weiss dear, I noticed you have been holding Ruby's hand since we were at the university, but have not gotten any closer to her, why is that?"

The heiress looked down to where she we holding her friend's hand. "Um... I..." She knew her answer, she just couldn't bring herself to say it. How could she say she was ashamed of depending on Ruby? How could she say she was ashamed of her best friend? "I'm just... uncomfortable with relying on people..."

"I understand that Weiss." Kali admitted.

"You... you do?"

Kali nodded. "I do. I understand what it's like to feel like you shouldn't have to rely on anyone. Like it will make you seem weak. It doesn't Weiss. Relying on others just means you're human. Well, at least in your case." She chuckled.

Ruby quirked her brow. "Wait, what do you- oh. Never mind..."

"Relying on others doesn't mean you're weak, quite the opposite in fact." The older woman continued. "It means you're strong enough to admit you need help. Now, Ruby wants to help you, is there anything she can do for you?"

Weiss looked over to a friend with a look of uncertainty. "Can I... um... cuddle up to you...?" She stammered.

Ruby beamed, opening her arms for her friend.

Still feeling very unsure, the heiress slowly raised her legs onto the couch and crawled into Ruby's arms, which closed around her in a gentle embrace.

"There's no need to be shy sweetheart" Kali smiled slyly. "Intimacy is important to a strong relationship, and very therapeutic I might add."

Weiss blinked. "Intimacy...?"

Kali nodded. "I told you that Ruby should be the one to take care of you, but I didn't fully explain my idea. I believe Ruby has the potential to be your new partner."

The heiress lifted herself off of her friend, a puzzled look on her face. "New... partner...?"

"That's right." The raven-haired woman confirmed. "While you were sleeping she showed me she can and wants to be here for you. She put aside her own issues so she could be here for you. Given the proper instruction, I think she could make a fine mistress for you. As long as she's willing to that is."

Silver eyes met gold as Ruby gave Kali a confused look. "Wait, did you say... mistress...?" To which she received a nod. "I thought I was here to help Weiss, not become her... sexual partner."

"In this case, they are the same thing." Kali explained. "After her relationship with my daughter, she needs this. She needs someone who can be firm as well as gentle. You have the gentle part covered, but in order for this to work, you will need to be firm as well."

Ruby blinked. "I need to be... firm?"

"Yes, you need to learn to take control." The older woman stated. "But not by force, you must allow Weiss to give you control, this breeds trust. This teaches her, and reminds you of the greatest rule in this dynamic." Kali paused for dramatic effect. "The sub is always in control."

"I am?" Weiss whispered in confusion. "I thou-"

"Your dominant is there to serve you Weiss." Kali instructed. "Their entire responsibility is to ensure you are taken care of, to see to your needs."

"There to serve... me?" Weiss echoed

"The life of a dominant is as selfless as it is selfish my dear." The older woman continued. "We treat control as a gift, we nurture it, we appreciate it, and when the time is right we give it back and then some, nothing taken without equal or greater given in turn."

Ruby watched Weiss think about what Kali said. "So I have to provide the selfless part? Since Weiss never got it..."

Kali nodded. "Exactly, and the most important aspect of this is aftercare, because aftercare is what nullifies any negative effects a session may leave upon the sub."

"And that's where the... pampering and stuff comes from?" Ruby asked.

"Very good Ruby, after a session you must reassert your true relationship, ground your sub in reality, no matter how great a fantasy may seem it can and will cause psychological stress and damage without proper aftercare." Kali reinforced her point. "The act of aftercare varies depending on the individuals and nature of the relationship, but rehydration, treatment for rope burn and bruising and other aches or pains are almost universal."

Ruby thought over what Kali said. "Okay... I think I get it... I can do that."

The heiress looked up at her friend. "Ruby... are you sure?"

Looking into her eyes, the crimsonette nodded. "Yes, I am."

"I know some of this makes you uncomfortable a-and I don't wan-" Weiss started.

"Weiss." Ruby interrupted. "I can do it. I will do it."

Weiss smiled, pure and unfettered by the days trials, her eyes sparkling even in the dull light. "Thank you Ruby, thank you..."

Ruby pulled her friend close, stroking her hair. "I'm here for you, I'll always be."

"And I you." Weiss whispered, snuggling closer. She hesitated, staring at Ruby's cheek for a moment, before angling her lips to gently brush against its surface. Kali stifled a giggle as Ruby flushed bright red.

"If you are comfortable, I would like to give you some privacy." Kali requested. "I need to make an important call, and you do deserve some time alone to your thoughts."

The heiress smiled. "Thank you Kali..."

"I suggest doing the things you normally do around this time, but with Ruby." Kali added.

"Okay..." She turned to Ruby. "But can we... continue cuddling for a little while...?"

"I would like that." Ruby cooed.

"Just in case, do you mind if we have an additional guest?" The older woman inquired.

Weiss nodded. "That's fine..."

Starting to stand up, Kali looked to her partner. "Ilia dear, why don ft we go for a walk, give these two their privacy."

"Sounds good." Ilia grinned and she stood up and followed Kali out of the apartment, leaving Ruby and Weiss alone.

Ruby looked down at her friend. "So... what should we do now?"

"I told you already I want too... cuddle... a while longer." The heiress whispered into Ruby's shoulder.

"I was hoping you'd say that" Ruby giggled. "But would you mind if we... adjusted a bit? I wanna lie down too."

"Oh, yes of course." Weiss blushed, awkwardly extracting herself from Ruby enough that they could shift.

Ruby lifted her legs up onto the couch so that she was lying down. Opening her arms again, she motioned for Weiss to join her. The heiress gladly lowered herself onto her friend, arms around her, head nuzzled into her neck.

Though being so close to Ruby was nothing new, she always did aggressively hug anyone who stood still longer than thirty seconds, being in this position still felt so... alien. Ruby's warmth permeated her form, her gentle rose scent filling her senses, shallow breaths fluttering across her hair. Until now Weiss had always been... socially above Ruby, she was more intelligent, achieved higher grades, dedicated to her work, a member of the school council even, the sheer contrast of her position now was jarring. A part of Weiss screamed to reject it, to pull away and refuse Ruby's care, because it was Ruby, in a sane world Ruby would be cuddling up to her. But at the same time... this felt... right. She was comfortable in Ruby's arms, the idea of being her sub...it warmed her heart. She wanted it to be.

Weiss let herself drift in comfort for a time, eyes closed but never truly sleeping, lulled by the rhythmic breathing of her friend, her partner... and soon, her domme.

Swallowing, Weiss spoke up. "Ruby." Ruby hummed in response. "Perhaps... maybe we should... shower." She murmured.

Ruby blinked. "We?" She questioned.

Lifting herself off of Ruby's chest, pale blue eyes met silver as Weiss smiled nervously. "Kali said intimacy is important... so I thought perhaps we could start here." Weiss explained. "I mean, it's not like we haven't seen each other nude before..."

Weiss suppressed a giggle at Ruby's sudden blush. "Yea, but those times were accidents." She chuckled.

Weiss rolled her eyes. "Name one time where it was actually an accident."

Ruby puffed out her cheeks. "When we went shopping a few weeks ago! I walked in on you in the change room."

"After I clearly said I was not decent." Weiss reminded.

"Well I didn't hear you..." Ruby defended with a pout. "But what about that slumber party we had with everyone a while back? You took your shirt off in front of me!"

"That was because Yang wanted to compare cup sizes!" Weiss countered. "Because apparently that's what girls do at slumber parties." She mocked.

Ruby snorted. "Nah, that was just Yang finding a reason to see everyones boobs."

"Flattering." The heiress deadpanned.

"I dunno... I enjoyed what I saw..." Ruby smirked, a hint of blush returning. "But anyway...are you sure about this?"

Huffing, Weiss nodded. "I am, but if you're not comfortable with it we could-"

"No, no it's not that!" Ruby interrupted, pushing herself up to face her future sub. "I was just worried that you were pushing yourself, I wanted to be sure you're ready before we... do... more." She smiled shyly. "I wanna be good to you Weiss."

Weiss had never truly appreciated how beautiful Ruby's eyes were, but now here they were staring wide into her own, glimmering in the light, not an ounce of malice or cruelty to be seen.

She much preferred them to gold.

"You have always been good to me Ruby, and you always will be, I know it." Weiss whispered, raising one of Ruby's hands to her lips to plant a kiss upon it.

Ruby's smile grew into a familiar grin. "I promise."

Talking about taking a shower together was one thing, but actually doing it was something else entirely.

Ruby and Weiss stood in the latter's bathroom, the shower running, fogging up the glass frame as well as the large mirror above the porcelain sink. The pair still held hands, not wanting to break away from each other.

Taking a deep breath, the heiress looked to her partner. "Are you ready?"

Ruby nodded. "Yeah, I think so."

"Then let us go."

And so the two turned away from each other and started to get undressed. As Weiss removed her clothes, she couldn't help but peek at Ruby as she did the same. She was curvier than Weiss by a mile, a lax diet combined with her athletic ability resulted in a soft but toned form. Her rear bounced almost as much as her breasts as she wiggled free of her pants, far from modest, she had certainly grown in the time they had known one another. Any other day Weiss would be self conscious, envious. But right now she felt only awe admiring her form. It was so beautiful.

As Ruby finished removing the last of her clothes, she looked up and noticed Weiss was staring at her. She froze, an odd smile growing on her face, she clasped her hands across her belly and blushed head to toe.

It was adorable.

As reality set in, they quickly turned away to collect their clothes, flush with embarassment. Neatly folding the garments, Weiss placed them on the granite countertop, while Ruby elected just to lay hers down on the other side of the sink.

The heiress watched Ruby step forward first, opening the shower's glass door and stepping aside, gesturing for Weiss to enter first. She hesitated before timidly stepping into the glass box. A gasp prompted her to turn back, Ruby stared at her wide eyed. "What is it Ruby?"

"Weiss...your back..." Ruby near whimpered, mouth covered by her hand as she gazed in shock at the variosu bruising and scratches that covered Weiss' back and rear. Though some were fresh, others still healed from prior occasions. "Blake...did this to you..."

Reaching back to grasp her shoulder, Weiss' gaze dropped, and she swallowed a lump in her throat. "They look that bad huh?"

After a minute, she saw Ruby's hand cover her own, and she looked up to meet a teary silver gaze, Ruby was crying.

"I'm sorry." Ruby croaked.

"Ruby..." The ivory haired girl began, turning to her partner to to thumb away her tears. "What is done is done...injuries heal."

The crimsonette raised her hands to cover Weiss'. "You shouldn't have to heal, you should be happy and loved."

Weiss offered the most reassuring smile she could. "I do feel happy Ruby." She gently took her partners hands. "And I do feel loved, because of you."

Taking the lead, Weiss backed into the glass box, pulling Ruby in tow. She gasped and winced as the hot water stung her back, Ruby hurried closer, Weiss offered a gritted smile. "It's okay...it stings a bit at first but...it gets better."

"Okay..." Ruby mumbled, backing away.

"Are you alright?" Weiss asked, concerned by Ruby's distance despite their held hands.

The crimsonette meekly nodded. "Yeah, I just... don't know if you want me to be that close while we're... like this..." She gestured to her naked body.

"Ruby the point of intimacy is that we're close to each other." Weiss informed. Pulling her partner close, the heiress took her other hand and looked into her silver eyes. "And I want you close to me."

"I like being close to you." Ruby murmured.

Weiss smirked, letting out a nervous chuckle. "I never would have guessed, from all the hugs you inflict upon me."

"Can I... hug you now?" Ruby asked, giving Weiss her signature puppy dog eyes.

"I would like nothing more." Weiss answered, releasing Ruby's hands to becken her close. Opening her arms, she accepted her partners gentle embrace.

As Ruby wrapped her arms around Weiss' back her partner winced. "Sorry!" She squeaked, retracting her hands.

"Ruby, Ruby!" Weiss snapped, grasping them before they retreated any further. "It's okay, you just have to be careful." The heiress explained.

Taking a steadying breath, Ruby nodded. "Okay."

Once again, Weiss opened her arms to the crimsonette, who slowly repeated her prior action. Weiss did the same, pulling her flush, burying her face back in Ruby's shoulder. It was a strange sensation for many reasons, the least of which being Ruby's breasts pressed against her own, warm and firm. They stood there for a time, simply enjoying the feeling of being in eachothers embrace. No sounds to be heard but running water, no sights to be had but one another.

After a few minutes, Ruby broke the silence. "Weiss?"

Weiss raised her head from her partners shoulder. "Yes Ruby?"

"Would...you like me to wash your back?" Ruby asked.

After a moment of thought, the heiress nodded. "Please, just...be gentle."

"Don't worry, I will." Ruby assured as she reached for Weiss' Atlesian-brand body wash and baby blue loofah. Squirting some liquid on the spongy implement, she gently touched it to her partners back. Starting with her shoulders, Ruby slowly scrubbed down her back, being extra careful when going over a scratch or bruise. Taking special care of the scratches and bruising. Weiss winced and whimpered at the contact, but assured Ruby she was okay.

Once Ruby was done, she directed Weiss towards the running water to wash off the soap. As the water made contact with the heiress' skin, she immediately clung to Ruby, the water stinging her body harder than before.

"It's okay, I'm here, I've got you." Ruby soothed. Reluctantly, the ivory-haired girl stepped back under the water, wincing as it stung her skin again. Once all the soap was washed off, Weiss continued to hold onto Ruby, while the crimsonette wrapped her arms around her. "So... what now?"

"I just want to sleep..." Weiss mumbled into Ruby's neck.

Ruby nodded. "Okay... do you want me to join you? Or... would you rather sleep alone?"

"No." Weiss took a shaky breath, tugging Ruby closer. "Please...don't let me go."

Thanks again for reading, your feedback fuels me!