The Broken Huntress: Chapter Four
The quartet walked through the main lobby of the hospital. Ruby was wearing black designer jeans, and a black sweater accented with red strips along the arms and sides, the large front pocket of the sweater was made with a red fabric. And as usual she had her cloak pined to the sweater. Crescent Rose was absent.
Weiss was wearing her standard battle garb. Her high heeled boots, combat skirt, and bolero jacket. Yang and Blake wore the some very basic grey and black sweatpants and sweaters. Weiss was adamant that the girls have a day of shopping and chatting. Just be simple girls for at least one day as she had put it.
They walked out of the hospital and Yang was mildly surprised.
"There's snow?" she said.
Weiss looked at the girl, "Well Atlas is much farther north than any of the other kingdoms," Weiss explained, "There is snow on the ground most of the year. Thankfully though it isn't terribly cold all of the time. Come on," Weiss waved them forward, taking the lead. "I parked the car over here."
"Whoa hold up," Yang spoke, "You drove yourselves here? No man servants?" Yang joked.
"No. They had the day off so I had to make do with Ruby," Weiss said with a straight face.
"You let Ruby drive?" Yang was incredulous.
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Ruby said petulantly.
"Don't be ridiculous Yang, I was only joking around. I trust Ruby with a High Calibre Sniper Scythe, not a vehicle."
Everyone, sans Ruby, laughed at that. The group moved to the car chatting away, getting into the insanely expensive Dust powered car the team was off to one of the shopping districts of Atlas. Conversation died down as Blake and Yang took in the sights of the winter kingdom. Weiss focused on the road while Ruby listened to one of the broadcasts on the radio.
"…with Atlas military personnel spearheading on production for the new Paladin Class Mechs' and fielding new Dreadnoughts repots have confirmed that scares of hostility from the Atlesian military against the people of Vale have been debunked through eye witness testimonies and battle action reports. The people of all four kingdoms are showing co-operation in the highest levels that they have been since before the end of the Great War near a century ago. And despite that facts that the White Fang was also involved in the attack on Vale, Faunus-Human relations have been quite positive. The actions of many students from Vale itself, notable actions from one Velvet Scarlatina…"
"Good for her. She deserves all the praise that she gets. She was incredible during the battle." Weiss commented, pride in her voice.
The broadcast went on to speak about other Faunus who performed above and beyond acts of bravery alongside their Human counterparts. It was an extremely uplifting report which also segued into the more questionable practises of the Schnee Dust Company (SDC). Weiss didn't look at all upset about how the report had transitioned. Simply stating that "I am not the silly girl who hates Faunus for being Faunus anymore." Smiling at Blake through the rear view mirror.
The girls were listening to some music as they finally reached their destination, with Weiss seemingly being the most excited to be there with Yang a close second.
"Come on! Let's get started, I will not let you two stay in those tracksuits you're calling outfits any longer than required." The Heiress bluntly put it.
The pair chuckled, getting out of the car. Blake helped Yang out, it was more awkward a task than either of them thought it would be. Once again yang was reminded just how debilitating her injury was, and was beyond ecstatic that she wouldn't be dealing with it for much longer. Once out, Yang boldly wrapped her arm around Blake's waist, grinning ear to ear.
The Faunus girl blushed as her cat ears drooped for moment in embarrassment.
Her ears…
Blake raised her hand to her scalp realizing that she was out in public sans her bow.
"Hey Blake, calm down. It's fine." Yang said gently.
"But Yang it's, I haven't been in public without my bow since I was nine Yang." Blake said, clearly distressed.
"Hey if things are that bad do you need us to go back for it?"
Blake looked between the members of RWBY and saw nothing but understanding. They wanted Blake to be as comfortable as she could be. That fact brought great feelings to her heart.
"No." Blake started slowly, "I have all of you with me… I don't want to hide behind the bow with you girls. Someone needs to take some steps, why not me?" Blake asked rhetorically.
Ruby didn't get that and tried to answer but Weiss was on top of the matter. "She wasn't actually asking Ruby. You Dolt." Shoving Ruby playfully on the shoulder. "Now let's go!" Weiss said, "Yang only has one day until who knows when and I plan to make sure it isn't wasted."
Everyone followed the scarily hyper Weiss inside the shopping centre, immediately moving to one of the more streamline clothing stores. Everyone slowly unwound, letting all the stress and troubles that were going on around them wash away for now.
Ruby wasn't overly worried about much at the moment, Yang being her primary concern. So as long as Yang's condition continued to improve, then Ruby was content to wait for when they could be helpful.
Weiss was having the time of her life. She wouldn't for the life of her admit that out loud but her actions spoke much louder than she seemed to be aware. Weiss had never had many friends as a child, her sister, Winter, being her closest friend. The heiress was happy to throw as much money at the day to drown out her teams' troubles for as long as possible. That made her happier than much anything else ever had.
Blake, despite having said she was fine with being in public without her bow so long as her team was with her, had been beyond nervous and frightened of the situation. Though as time passed, Blake realised that her fears were being blown out of proportion. Disgruntled looks were few and far between and no one had given her poor service. Blake felt that a fair amount of the good outing was directly related to the company present. Said company being her team, and part of her team was Weiss Schnee. Blake was happy, even proud, to be able to consider Weiss one of her most trusted friends. True their friendship was atrocious from the start, but slowly but surely the pair became close. Blake wouldn't trade the hardships that came with being Weiss' friend, because she felt Weiss had more than earned the friendship the pair shared.
Yang though, her mood, though improved by leaps and bounds over the course of a few days was still dealing with her depression over her personal plight. Yang kept as good a smile as possible when her friends were watching, sometimes it worked, most of the time it didn't but they played along anyways. Blake would hug the blonde close in semi secluded sections of stores, whispering softly that she was there for her whenever she needed. Other times she would embrace her tightly, giving strength through the hold. The support kept Yang stable throughout the shopping spree.
No matter what any of them did though, it wouldn't stop the looks. Some were more subtle about it but many would stare at the arm of Yang's shirt that had been folded and neatly pinned to her shoulder. At first Yang had ignored the stares, but slowly like water going down a river, the stares began to eat away at Yang's resolve. Blake started holding Yang around the waist as they traversed the shopping centre, concealing the wound as best she could and giving an utterly terrifying look to any who dared keep staring. The complete protectiveness that Blake emanated was stifling to most but intoxicating for the blonde.
Part of Yang was upset that Blake thought she couldn't protect herself. But a much larger part was endeared to the statement Blake was making without any words. "I dare any of you to stare. Keep it up and you'll wish the worst you got was my glare."
But despite all the efforts made, Yang was becoming exhausted from all the unwanted stimulus.
"Hey, I'm pretty beat girls," Yang started, "I think I want to get out of here."
Weiss and Ruby shared a quick look, "Of course Yang, we've been here quite a while now," Weiss smirked, "And frankly, I don't know if we could carry much more for clothing." She emphasized by lifting the two huge armloads of different clothing and other care products. Ruby and Blake were similarly burdened with bags to a lesser degree and Yang even less so.
Blake bundled the bags she was carrying in one arm, then she wrapped her other around Yang's waist. "So, how about we head out then? Grab some food before we head back to the hospital?" Looking to the others to see how they felt.
"That sounds like an excellent idea."
"Yeah! Could we go somewhere that will give strawberry pancakes?"
Yang looked between the three of them, leaning into Blake, "Alright, alright you win." She looked at Blake, "But you are going to be feeding me. I am not gonna look like an idiot in a restaurant."
Blake grinned to hide the grimace, forgetting that Yang had trouble eating most food with only one hand. "Anything for you Yang." She said confidently.
~~YBYB~~
The team walked out of the mall moving to the parked vehicle to drop off their recently acquired goods.
"Ruby! Yang! Blake! Weiss!"
The girls turned to see the members of team JNPR. The four of them hurried over to team RWBY.
"Guys! It's good to see you!" Spoke the leader, Jaune.
"Yes, we're very glad to see you all up and about." Pyrrha said in her gentle voice.
"Yeah, we all got roughed up pretty good!" Nora said in her ever bubbly tone.
"It is a nice coincidence to see you four, how are you all?" Ren spoke.
Ruby went forward to greet the team with a hug, "Oh, it's so good to see you guys! We hadn't heard anything from you since we got to Atlas. And I think we're doing okay right now Ren, what about you guys, running missions?"
Pyrrha picked up then, "Yes, General Ironwood and your uncle have been quite zealous in making sure that Grimm activity is kept down, given that so many people are in such downtrodden moods. We have been clearing pockets of Grimm before they can build into too noticeable a threat, the tone everyone has taken is still attracting Grimm."
Jaune continued, "Yeah, but people are starting to come down from it all. So Ironwood has given us a break, we've been going most of the week." The exhaustion clear in his voice.
Pyrrha placed her hand on his shoulder, "We have been doing admirably, and you have improved greatly Jaune."
Everyone there could see what was happening—except for Jaune it would seem. "Thanks Pyrrha, but I still feel like I'm dragging us down."
"You're our leader Jaune, just because you are not the strongest, doesn't mean you are 'dragging us down'". The redhead finished with air quotes.
"So guys, this is getting a little too Yangsty for me." Yang said, noticing that things were going somewhere she didn't feel like going right then. "We were going to go get some food once we dropped this stuff off, wanna join?" she offered.
JNPR looked at one another smiling, "That would be lovely I think." Pyrrha answered for the group.
Since Jaune's team didn't have a vehicle of their own, everyone decided to go back into the mall and eat at the food court. Blake had quietly questioned Yang if it was alright but the blonde said that she would be fine. There were enough people to take her mind off of things for the moment. So arm around Yang's waist, Blake concealed her as best she could while the group moved through the mall. Pyrrha seemed to notice the closeness of the two but didn't comment on it as they walked. They decided on a diner within the mall, taking up a corner of the establishment.
Each team sat across from each other with Jaune sitting beside Pyrrha, then Nora, and Ren. The other side sat Weiss, Blake, Yang, and then Ruby. The group conversed quietly—well, quietly for them. A waitress came over to give them some water and menus, she silently eyed Yang—more specifically, her arm. A pointed look from Blake had her on her way.
"Damn Blake, I know I said I didn't like the looks but that seemed a little harsh."
"I'm not going to sit here and let you be treated like a side show. Gossip all they want when we can't see them but I won't let them ogle you." Blake said in a firm tone.
Yang hugged Blake's side, giving her a kiss on the cheek, "Thanks Blakey. You are too good for me."
"I know." Blake said smugly, giving the blonde a grin.
Team JNPR watched the interaction with rapt attention. Though it was the redhead who voiced what they were all thinking. "You two are together?" She asked, pointing between the two.
Blake smiled lightly, a small blush coming to her face from display of affection being seen. Yang had a faint smile and squeezed Blake before releasing the Faunus and placing her hand over Blake's on the table.
Pyrrha smiled at the pair, "We are so happy for you," She said sincerely. "Is this recent, or have you been keeping it a secret?" Pyrrha covered her mouth after the words escaped, "Oh my, I apologize. That was very rude of me to say that, I didn't mean anything negative by it. Forgive me?"
Yang answered for them, "Thanks Pyrrha, no hard feelings about it. But to answer your question it's recent. We started, this," Nudging Blake with her shoulder, "After I woke up. It's been an official thing for a few days so we're still going pretty slow." Blake nodded her agreement with the answer.
Pyrrha just smiled more brightly, "Well we are glad that you are together and happy."
"It's important to fine comfort where you can." Ren spoke in his melodic voice.
"Yeah! That's right!" Nora said, giving Pyrrha a not so subtle glance, that team RWBY didn't missed. Looking at Pyrrha they saw her glance quickly at Jaune after he went back to his menu.
Conversation became a little more subdued as the waitress came back taking all of their orders. With orders taken the group discussed a number of things, but it was silently agreed that no one was ready to speak about the events that led up to and the Battle for Beacon. It was mostly reminiscing times leading up to the tournament and some stories from everyone's pasts.
Though when Jaune spoke, everyone could see how Pyrrha devoted more attention to what he was saying. How she looked at him more directly or interacting vocally in response to his tales. Someone who was blind could see the attraction she held for him. Jaune seemed to notice something was different but just wasn't making the leap in logic.
Yang looked on in a bit of frustration which she kept off her face. 'That boy needs to get his eyes checked. Pyrrha Nikos has practically thrown herself at him and he just doesn't see it.' She grumbled to her self.
"So Yang, I don't mean to be rude, but, how are things? Have you been holding up alright?" Pyrrha asked gently.
Knocked from her thoughts Yang decided to let them in on her situation, "Well, honestly, I was really bad after I woke up." She admitted, grabbing Blake's hand. "I didn't want to talk about it at first but it really you shook me. I, I freaked out on Blake but before I did something I would regret, General Ironwood had shown up. He really helped me see how things were going to be and started to get me out of my funk before I got too deep."
Everyone, even Nora, stopped to listen as Yang told her story. No one wanting to interrupt her. "So, he showed me that something even worse happened to him. The man's right side is all metal guys." This wasn't a surprise to most of them, having seen him battle-worn preparing evacuation ships for everyone. "He literally showed me that I could get better. So him and me were working on a new arm, I'm gonna be getting the surgery pretty soon actually. Another week, two tops." Yang finished.
"Is that safe?" Jaune asked, "I'm not saying that you shouldn't but, I don't know anything about this... cyber stuff." He finished lamely.
"Yeah, it'll be fine." Yang assured, "If anything, if the doctors let me heal up fully then I would be grounded for even longer, this just speeds up the whole thing in the long run." She explained.
"Well, so long as it won't be detrimental to you I'm all for it." Pyrrha said, "I'm glad that things are starting to look better for you." The rest of her team nodded in agreement with the statement.
"Thanks guys," A tear coming to her eye as she saw the great friends that she has made since they'd all started at Beacon.
Things went on from there, asking questions of the style of prosthesis she was getting. Whether or not a weapons was going to be built into it or if she planned on having her gauntlets like before. Yang hadn't covered that yet but had been privately going over it with herself from time to time. Though after the meals were finished everyone realized how late it was getting, with Yang still needing to return to the hospital the group decided to cut things short.
~~YBYB~~
With meals payed for and everyone out of the mall, the two teams were about to go their separate ways for now.
"Hey Pyrrha, I wanted to ask you about something." Yang said as everyone was splitting up.
"Of course, what do you need?"
"Actually it's a little personal, can we catch up with you guys in a minute?" Yang asked.
Blake, coming to her rescue, "Okay Yang, we'll be by the car. Just try not to take too long, we still need to get you back to the hospital before they freak out on you."
"This will be quick, don't worry. That cool with you Pyrrha?"
"Absolutely," She turned to her team, "Jaune, I'll catch up with you soon. If not I'll meet you all in our room."
"Alright Pyrrha, just stay safe walking alone, we'll go slow." Jaune said. Then the two teams went their own ways, sans Yang and Pyrrha.
"So Yang, what did need to ask me?"
"Why haven't you said anything yet?" Yang asked.
"Whatever about?" the confused redhead said.
"Why haven't you just told Jaune how you feel yet?"
The redhead replied, "I don't know what you mean Yang." Clearly flustered in the blondes eyes.
"Come on Pyr, don't do this. Everyone can see it. Just tell me why."
Pyrrha was quiet for a few seconds, holding her elbows under her bust, "I, I want him to see it for himself." She said, sounding almost meek.
"Look, usually I wouldn't have said anything." Yang said, "But, things are different now. Look at me Pyrrha, I almost died because I made a really stupid mistake," Pyrrha wanted to say something, "Just let me finished. Please." Holding her hand up to stop the redhead. When yang was sure she would wait she continued. "I almost died Pyrrha. Blake too. I'm really happy that Blake and I are going somewhere but I'm never going to be the same. This," waving at herself, "Could have been you, or Ren, Nora... or Jaune. One of you could've died and then what?"
Pyrrha was silent, it seemed she didn't have an answer.
"I'm really sorry that I brought it up this way but, things aren't good right now and I don't want any of my friends to have regrets, things they may have missed because it wasn't 'the right time.' Please tell him. If not for you than for him. You are an amazing person Pyrrha, so is Jaune in his own way. You both deserve to be happy." Yang walked up to the Invincible Girl and hugged her, "So make it happen if he won't. Things could have gone differently, and we may have never had this conversation. Please Pyrrha?" Yang looked into the warriors emerald eyes.
Pyrrha had tears in them, she rubbed them away, nodding. "Okay Yang." Pyrrha returned the hug full force, "Thank you."
Yang pulled away grinning, "Anytime. Now go get your man!"
Nodding, the redhead walked after her team at a fast pace.
~~YBYB~~
Yang hopped into the backseat beside Blake. Getting her seatbelt with Blakes' help. "What were you two talking about?" Blake asked innocently.
Yang smiled to herself. "Just wanted to make sure some things were set straight. Nothing big, I'll tell you later." Yang promised.
Blake gave Yang a quick peck, "You'd better." Getting comfortable beside the blonde.
Yang glanced at Blake, then to Weiss and Ruby in the front seats, 'I guess I meant it. Things really could have been different. None of us might've been here right now.' Cuddling up to Blake her thoughts went on, 'As bad as things are right now, things could be so much worse... I don't think I would change it for the world...
A/N: Hey, sorry. This took me longer than I thought it would, I had to really grind until the end of it. That finale was so sad, I had to have things go right (At least in all the Arkos Shippers mind's). I hope I did this justice, I just couldn't try and make more than what it was. Thanks for reading! Tell me if you love it or hate it.
CS.