Chapter 7: A Special Place…

It had only been a day since everyone went out on their dates. Anna was able to explain everything to Ratchet and Ivin in the morning the day after. Though Ratchet had a hard time believing this, Ivin did state that the Anna he was with was completely out of character. Nick took a guess as to say that Neo has a crush on Ivin. Usually the boy would cringe or at least sigh deeply due to the fact that he may have a stalker but he just smiled. Ivin seemed to really enjoy himself on his date with Neo.

After the team talked it over, they decided it'd be best to just drop how she got into their room without them knowing. The bigger concern was what Neo was up too. She must know who each of them are and that brought up some questions as to how she knows them. Ivin also mentioned his scientists reported missing equipment at his facility. Nothing major except a voice changer which is probably why she sounded exactly like Anna. Nick took a mental note and still questioned how she sounded like Anna before she went to Ivin's corporation but didn't bring it up because he was getting a headache.

The team took it easy after that. Nick was still focused on his armor but did take some off time to go shopping for supplies with Jaune and Ruby. Surprisingly, Anna was with Weiss and Ren in the library trying to find books about Freedom or humans turning into Grimm. Ivin somehow got mixed into a situation with Blake and Nora. The details were fuzzy but it had something to do with barking and hissing.

Which leaves Ratchet, the leader of team RAIN. What could he possibly be doing right now? Well, Ratchet was sitting at a booth in a café in downtown Vale.

Sipping on his juice box, he stared at the pair of lilac eyes across from him. Yang and Ratchet seemed to be having a staring contest and it looked like Yang was winning. After another minute or two, Ratchet blinked and sighed in defeat as Yang pumped her fist in the air.

"Yeah! I told you I'm a champ at this!" Yang said, happy to have proven Ratchet wrong from his earlier comment of how he's the champ at staring contests.

"Curse these eyes that can't stay open." Ratchet said in defeat. After another second of silence, they both laughed. Ratchet had asked Yang if she was busy because he was bored and had nothing to do. Yang agreed but only if he bought lunch, which is why they are both here enjoying themselves in a café.

Yang took a sip of her drink before starting a conversation. "So lover boy, how's Pyrrha?" She gave him a wink so he got the message.

Ratchet remained calm and tried not to show signs of being a little embarrassed. "She's good. And no, not in bed. We haven't moved to that stage yet."

"Ah man come on! You gotta get there dude!" Yang said with a smirk.

"Ah yes, I forgot I was dating her because I wanted to tell you about all our sexual moments." He said with a smile.

Yang smirked. "Well I'm glad you care so much." Laughing at her own remark she took another sip from her drink before continuing. "So why aren't you with her?"

Ratchet shrugged. "She said she was busy. Plus I feel like it's been a while since the two of us had some alone time."

"Calm down there. You can't have both of us babes, you're not Ivin." Yang smirked at Ratchet and laughed when he just stuck his tongue out at her.

The two friends enjoyed their little lunch and after about another thirty minutes of bickering and laughing, Ratchet stared outside and looked up into the sky.

"Beautiful huh?" Yang asked him.

"Yeah…but I hope it will stay like that. I mean what if we fail?" Ratchet said sadly as his mind wandered into the dark thoughts of Freedom succeeding in their mission.

"Ratchet you worry too much." He looked over at Yang and saw her reassuring smile. "If anyone can stop them it's you guys. You've been through a lot and yet here you are, still standing and moving forward."

After saying this, Yang blushed a bit and shifted her gaze from Ratchet's. He smiled at her brief period of shyness. So…she still has feelings for me…I wonder what would've happened if we stayed together? Shaking his head, he looked at his scroll to see the time. "Yang would you like to do something else today?"

Yang looked up at him with a surprised expression. "Oh! Let's see…" Yang closed her eyes as she thought of something they should do. Then she had an idea. "I want to take you somewhere special. Come on."

"Lead the way my dear companion." He responded after paying for the meal.

Deep in the Emerald Forest...

Ratchet was confused as to where Yang was leading him and she wouldn't give him an exact answer either. The pair had been walking for about an hour and he was trying to figure out why she'd want to come all the way out here in the Emerald Forest. Though from the smile she kept flashing him every few minute, it was a clear sign she was really excited to show him this special place.

After a few more twist and turns through the forest, Yang stopped walking and turned around to face Ratchet. It wasn't hot out but the both of them were a bit sweaty and Ratchet made a mental not to not look at the sweat that was on her breasts. I have a girlfriend. I have a girlfriend. I have a girlfriend. He told himself.

"Alrighty it's just pass these last few trees. You ready?" Yang asked him. She was so happy Ratchet swore he saw her happiness just coming off of her.

Ratchet stretched before replying. "Sure thing. Let's do it." Yang grabbed his hand and they both ran through the last few trees into a clearing. Immediately, Ratchet noticed the view. Holy shit…

The view was incredible and he was at a lost for words. Well, he was at first but he got used to the sight a few seconds later.

"Isn't it beautiful?" He turned to see Yang smiling wide and staring at the landscape with wide eyes that showed happiness and peace. "When I found this spot I just thought it was another view from a high point but at the right time of day and at the right season, it just looks straight out of a painting. I always come here when I'm troubled or need to clear my head."

Ratchet slowly looked over the area. The mountains in the distance, the many trees below and even the sky were all truly beautiful just as Yang said. And yet, he couldn't find out why he was feeling what she was feeling. "So why'd you bring me here? Sorry if that sounded rude."

Yang sighed and looked down at first before speaking. "I…have something I wanted to give you."

Ratchet raised an eyebrow. A present? I don't think I've done anything for anyone lately have I? "Oh ok then. But why'd we need to come all the way out here for just that?"

Yang took a deep breath and in one swift motion she turned to face Ratchet and kissed him. At first she thought he might get mad but he didn't back away and neither did she. After a few more seconds she quickly ended the kiss and turned away from him, taking a few steps away. "That was what I wanted to give you.."

At first she didn't hear him respond. It was still quiet and it was clear he was gone. Guess it's better this way…

Suddenly she felt two arms wrap around her waist and her eyes were wide open as Ratchet laid his head on her shoulder. "Thanks I guess. This probably wasn't easy for you Yang. I'm not mad so don't worry. I was just surprised."

Yang placed her hands on his arms and didn't want this moment to end. Sadly, this wasn't a dream where this could keep going for a long time until she woke up. It had to end at some point. She was removed from her thoughts as she heard Ratchet chuckle slightly. She looked over her shoulder and stared at him. "What are you laughing at?"

Ratchet gave her a smile. It was a sad smile but not because of bad memories, because of good ones. "It's just…I forgot how warm you are. Your aura always made me feel at peace. You're like my little sunshine."

Yang blushed and smiled. "Oh stop it you. Plus I'm not even little." Ratchet hugged her tighter and was about to let go when she stopped him doing so. "Don't…"

Ratchet sighed. "Yang…"

"I know…" She said before he could continue. "I know we can't be together but please…can we just stay like this a bit longer?"

Ratchet knew she was probably holding back tears but he also knew she wouldn't admit that or cry in front of him. He stayed just like he was, enjoying her warmth. "As long as you need Yang."

The two of them stayed like that for another five minutes before finally heading out. As they were leaving, they failed to notice the red eyes that were watching them this entire time…


A/N: Ah, hello again. So I feel after this chapter I should explain some things about Ratchet's relationship with Yang.

Ratchet, Yang, Anna, Irene and Nick all went to Signal together. Over time, Ratchet and Yang started forming romantic feelings for each other, though it was very hard to tell since they usually got in fights (mostly cause Ratchet pulled her hair or pushed her randomly)

A couple months before this story begins, they split apart due to Ratchet having romantic feelings for Pyrrha. As of now, Yang still has some feelings for Ratchet.

I feel as though even if Yang is a very strong character, both in the sense of physical and willpower, she's still a girl and maybe her feelings should be considered more.

But I'm crazy like that so what do I know?

- CLOUD MARIO