Audience Prompt: Silver Eyes Strength

Admin Prompt: Breathless

The pair slowly pulled back from their kiss, hands still clasped. They gawked in utter astonishment at what just happened, at what they had learned, and at what they had gained.

"Weiss… I… wow…" Ruby stifled a giggle, bringing motion to the silent air around them as she grinned widely. "That was awesome."

"Yeah. Wow." Weiss smiled dreamily, her voice blissful as she gazed adoringly into silver orbs. She was brought back into the moment when she saw a sudden change in their expression.

"My… my head feels like it's spinning." Ruby's hands trembled slightly and her smile wobbled.

Weiss watched her new girlfriend cautiously. "Spinning as in 'I feel bubbly and happy', or—".

"Spinning as in 'I'm getting lightheaded'." It was only then that she realized how quick and shallow her breathing had become. "I think I need to—". She felt Weiss helping her downward before she could finish making her request. "Thanks."

Once they were off their feet, they positioned their backs against a cabinet and pressed their shoulders against each other.

"Do you want some water? Or maybe some ice?" Weiss could tell that Ruby wasn't in critical condition, but couldn't prevent herself from feeling concerned.

"No, it's not too bad." Ruby's responded quietly, yet reassuringly as she leaned into Weiss' side. "I just need a few moments to catch my breath." Her easy smile stabilized despite her shaky inhaling and exhaling. "I think the combination of fighting a giant robot, then fighting a giant Grimm, and then kissing my crush all in a matter of hours finally caught up with me. But don't worry." She gingerly moved her thumb over the back of Weiss' hand. "Even if I'm a bit dizzy and winded, I feel really good right now."

"I'm glad, because I feel quite nice as well." The former heiress sighed tranquilly and shook her head. "It's incredible how strong you are. You know that right?"

Ruby perked up at the compliment. "Aww, you're going to make me blush!"

"Good. That means I'm doing my job as your girlfriend… I think?"

"Probably? I'm not really sure either. This whole 'girlfriend' thing is new to me."

"That makes two of us. No matter, I'm sure we'll figure it out. I wasn't trying to flatter you though. I truly hope you understand how strong you are. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. You're able to wield a massive sniper-scythe with ease, you're a skilled leader both in and out of combat, you've overcome more than your fair share of hardship, you help bring people together, and you always think of others before yourself. Every single part of you is strong, Ruby. Heck, even your eyes are strong."

It wasn't until the end of Weiss' heartfelt speech that Ruby realized her breathing had returned to normal. "I bet my eyes will be stronger than ever now."

"What do you mean?"

"Even Maria doesn't totally understand why, but my eyes are powered by thinking about the people who love me, the way they make me feel, and the desire to protect life. Thinking about you was one of the things that helped me stun the Leviathan earlier today, and those emotions are only going to be stronger now."

Weiss found herself at a loss for words, opting to give Ruby's hand an encouraging squeeze in lieu of a verbal response.

Ruby playfully poked Weiss in the side and broke the lingering silence. "You still there?"

The response was immediate. Weiss' posture stiffened and she let out a tiny 'eep!' as her hands flew to the point of contact.

"Sorry! Did I hurt you?"

"N-no, I'm just a bit sensitive there."

"Oh, ok." Ruby paused and blinked. "Heyyy, wait a second." She turned her body towards Weiss. "Are you ticklish?" A mischievous grin betrayed her intentions.

"H-huh? No. No!" But it was too late. Ruby was already upon her, rapidly dancing her fingers over Weiss' stomach and sides. "Ah! AH! Hahaha! Ahahahahahaha! Ohmygosh ohmygosh! Rubyyyyyahahahaha! S-tttop hahaha ittt!" She giggled furiously as she made a futile attempt at using her arms to block Ruby off.

"Oh wow, you ARE ticklish! I can't believe you've been hiding this from me!"

"I h-h-hid it because -hahaha- because I knew THIS would hahahappen!" Weiss leaned away to try and put more distance between her and Ruby, but all that only resulted in her falling backward, becoming completely prone. Her laughing continued until her ability to speak became stifled. "Cut it out… laughing too hard… can't… breathe…" Under normal circumstances, she would be glaring daggers at anyone who dared to humiliate her like this, but with a giddy Ruby filling her vision, all she could do was smile.

Ruby giggled along. "I don't know. This is a lot of fun. If you want me to stop, you'll have to do something for me in return…"

"Fine! Anything!" Weiss wheezed, not bothering to think before responding.

"Yes!" Ruby raised her hands above her head triumphantly, freeing Weiss, who gasped for air, continuing to smile in defeat.

After she caught her breath, Weiss looked at Ruby with feigned concern. "So, what have I gotten myself into?"

"Weiss…" She paused dramatically, beaming as if she'd found a treasure trove filled with cookies. "I want you… to cuddle with me!"

"That's it?"

"Yep!"

"For future reference, you don't have to tickle-torture me to get me to agree to cuddling."

"YAAAAY!"

Ruby threw herself at Weiss, embracing her tightly. She felt Weiss return the hug instantly. After a few moments, they laid down. The mild discomfort of the hard floor beneath them was a small price to pay for the warmth of each other's arms. Weiss began delicately running the tips of her fingers through Ruby's hair. It was the first time she'd gotten more than an accidental touch of the dark locks. They were even softer than she'd expected.

"Sooo, what happens now?" Ruby asked with a somewhat lost tone while Weiss continued lazily combing her hair.

"What do you mean?"

"Now that we're officially girlfriends! What are we supposed to do? Like, apart from kissing and cuddling and stuff."

Weiss' eyebrows furrowed contemplatively. "Well, I suppose we go on dates?"

"We got lunch together three times and went shopping once while were in Haven. Kind of like that?"

"Yeah. When we get to Atlas, I'll show you some of my favorite restaurants. And don't worry there are plenty that aren't super stuffy."

"And I guess we'll spend more time together?"

"We're on a mission to literally save the world, we already spend almost every waking moment together."

"Oh yeah."

"We'll need to be constantly supportive, honest, and open to compromise."

"We've been that way for ages though."

"I suppose that's true."

Ruby looked distraught. "So we've basically been dating already, just without the kissing and cuddling! Quick, let's cuddle some more to make up for lost time!"

So they did.

A/N: I'm enjoying this more than I expected, which is resulting in me spending way more time trying (and failing) to be a perfectionist. Oh well, it's an adventure! As always, I hope my writing was able to bring you some joy!