Author's Note: Not much to say here but RWBY Volume 4 is less than a week away!
Storytime!
*Cue dramatic music and LordNodrogLock's demonic laughter*
"Wait!" Neon exclaimed as she turned back to her girlfriend and grabbed her by the wrists. "That is your ex-boyfriend? The reason that you ended up in my coffee shop in the middle of the night?"
Yang merely nodded to the seemingly excited faunus while her eyebrows knotted in confusion.
"Awesome! Can I go thank him or would that be weird because he doesn't know who I am but I'm so excited that he was a jerk to you because I never would have met you and…" The diminutive faunus' brain finally seemed to catch up with the words spilling out of her mouth as she trailed off, the loud music swallowing the last part of her rambling sentence. "Seeing him is bumming you out, isn't it?"
She placed one of her hands on the taller girl's shoulder as her tail rubbed against the blonde's exposed calf.
"Just a little." Yang eyes swept downward in a dejected manner.
So much for having a fun, carefree evening. It would only be a matter of time until either Mercury saw her and came over to 'chat' or she would get so worked up that she would tie herself up into a huge knot of stress.
"Oh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! I'm supposed to be mad about this, aren't I? He was a jerk to you and now he is hitting on Blake." The small faunus bounced up and down looking both incredibly excited and confused
"Neon, you don't have to be."
The bouncing seized, if only momentarily. She cocked her head to the side and scratched the side of her head enthusiastically.
"You're right, I don't do the whole 'be mad at people' thing. Plus, come on, it's not like we actually have to worry about Blake. She's as loyal as they come."
"I know. Why don't we just get her and go."
"No! We aren't leaving her until you smile again!" Neon exclaimed as she started to bounce up and down again on her toes.
Yang looked the tailed-faunus in the eye and tried to force a smile.
"Nah, don't be silly. I'm gonna make you smile."
"How?"
"Look, I have an idea. You just wait here and watch the show. You'll know when to intervene." The faunus winked before spinning around and skipping towards the bar.
Yang could have sworn she heard the faunus say 'I've always wanted to do this' as she skipped away. Instead of calling out to the departing girl, Yang instead settled back down on the couch that was reserved for them. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the Malachite twins silently observing the situation that was unfolding in front of them. They were probably the first people to notice that someone had accosted one of the engineer's dates. Very subtly, she saw Militia whisper something into Melanie's ear while they both flicked their gaze in Yang's direction.
After that Militia went to go tend to some of the other guests while Melanie appeared to be headed straight back to where the blonde was sitting, with a drink in her hands.
"Hey, Melanie." She greeted the bouncer as she got close.
Stopping at the table, Melanie set the drink down with a napkin. "You know, as much of a pain in the ass you are, it's kind of refreshing that you can actually keep track of which one of us is which."
"Uh, thanks?" Yang responded hesitantly.
"Don't worry about it." The white-clothed girl pointed to the drink that was resting on the table. "That's for you. It's your favorite, top shelf and everything. Don't worry about the price either, we'll put it on Mr. Black's tab."
"Junior's generosity at its finest." Smirking, Yang delicately picked up her drink and took a sip. Pleased at the quality of the beverage she held, she gave a polite nod. "Thank you again."
"Like I said, don't worry about it. Mr. Black is a bigger nuisance than you but, unless he decides to get physical with any clientele, Junior won't let us boot him out."
"You have my sympathies."
With that, Melanie left to continue her duties as hostess. Yang settled back into the couch to watch as Neon approached where Blake and Mercury were standing at the bar. Apprehension gripped the blonde as she watched the smug bastard slick his hair back as he continued to chat up the raven-haired faunus. The bartender delivered two drinks in front of the pitiful excuse for a man who then promptly handed one to Blake before taking a healthy gulp of his own. The girl hesitantly accepted the drink before sniffing it carefully.
Before Blake could take a drink, Neon had reached her and wrapped the taller girl up into an enthusiastic hug. The motion caused the drink to spill out of Blake's hands and land right on Mercury's lap. Yang would have chalked the accident up to the klutzy girl's normal behavior, but the sly smile she flashed the cat-eared faunus, as well as the whispers they exchanged while Mercury frantically dried his lap with bar napkins, told her otherwise. As the silver-haired man finished cleaning the spilled beverage, and looked back up, Neon pulled Blake into a very prolonged kiss that left him stunned.
As the kiss continued, Yang had the pleasure of watching her ex start to squirm a little in his chair; this was obviously not a situation that he was used to.
"Enjoying the show?" A voice spoke up behind her, causing her to jump.
Looking to her right, Yang noticed that Melanie had reappeared and was sitting on the couch next to her.
"Aren't you supposed to be working?" Returning her gaze back to where her girlfriends were still entangled in front of the flabbergasted man.
"Yeah. This is more interesting."
Anything else the bouncer may have said was lost on the engineer as she became absorbed in what was happening at the bar. As Neon continued to hang off on Blake's arm, both girl's had their attention on Mercury who was speaking to them. As a sly smile grew on his face, Blake did something that Yang had never expected her to do. The faunus cocked her head to the side, twirled her bangs with her fingers, and giggled. The behavior matched Neon's normal ditzy attitude and, quite frankly, it was very adorable. She made a note in the back of her mind to attempt to get the raven-haired faunus to repeat that pose.
She was still curious as to exactly what exactly Neon had planned, she kept her focus on their interactions. Mercury motioned to the bartender before returning his attention to the two faunus in front of him. Just thinking about the thoughts that could be going through that lecher's mind was almost enough to make her storm over to the bar and try to run him off, but the way that Neon clung to the Blake's arm left her feeling reassured. Her eyes wandered to the bartender as he scurried to mix drinks, snatching various bottles from the top shelf of the cabinets behind him. Just as swiftly as the bartender left, he returned with three drinks, setting them in front of the trio.
Just as the bartender set the glasses down, Neon energetically pulled Blake's arm, forcing the taller girl away from the bar. Pulling Blake through the crowd, like a overly enthusiastic puppy straining against its leash, her turquoise eyes met Yang's and winked before refocusing on Blake. Taking that as her cue, Yang stood up and started to walk to a point where she would intersect the collegiate girl's path.
"Ya know." Melanie voice sounded from behind her. "I think I am going to go find Junior."
Not turning to confirm the bouncer's actions, Yang just gave a brief nod and continued on her way, complementary drink still in hand. Choosing a small table at the border of the dance floor, the engineer leaned casually on it and tried to nonchalantly sweep her eyes across the crowd as though she were looking for an easy pick-up. She didn't know why, but something about the way Neon had looked at her told her that she was supposed to act as though she had never met the two faunus before.
"Hey, watch it!" A disgruntled female voice cut through the music as it started to crossfade into a different song.
Amethyst eyes snapped to the source of the outburst.
"Sorry!" Neon chirped back as she continued to haphazardly pull Blake, bumping into several more people as she looked back at the woman who had protested.
Fighting the urge to facepalm, she heard another familiar voice rise above the venue's noise.
"Wait a moment! I didn't get your names."
Mercury was still in pursuit of the feline duo. Turning herself and Blake around to face the silver-haired man, Neon left a hand behind her back where he couldn't see it, and beckoned Yang forward.
"Cuz we didn't tell you." Neon's voice still maintained its normal cheerfulness, despite her mocking language. "It was kind of intentional."
"But I bought you a drink, the least you could do is talk to me."
"Well it's still there! You can drink it yourself." She cocked her head to the as she pulled herself in tighter against Blake's arm. "Or you could talk to it, I'm sure it has abandonment issues now."
The urge to facepalm was almost irresistible as Yang approached the trio. She was approaching from an angle, so with Mercury's attention fully focused on Neon and Blake, there would be no way for him to notice her approach.
"Besides." Blake's cool voice drifted through the air. "I wasn't thirsty anyways."
Wheeling away from their pursuer, Blake's eyes connected with Yang's. The subtle, crooked smile Blake had caused the blonde's heart to jump a little in her chest.
"You though." Blake's voice dropped to a lower, huskier pitch. "You can buy me a drink."
"Whoa, hang on!" Mercury stepped forward reaching as though he was going to grab for Blake's free arm as his eyes following Blake's gaze. "I was talking to these girls first! Who do you thin- Yang?"
"Hello, Mercury." Despite her best efforts, her voice contained a bitter edge.
She thought she was going to be ok with whatever Neon had planned. Playing along with the faunus' idea and exacting some sort of revenge against her ex seemed like a great idea when it was at a distance but, now that she was within a few feet of him, she no longer felt any joy. The memory of getting home from work that day. Having just been fired, she was ready to talk to what she thought was her loving boyfriend, to get some sort of comfort. Opening the door to their shared apartment to find everything he owned gone, only a brief note gave any semblance he once lived there. She hadn't heard a peep from him since that day. It had been the first time she had been able to commit herself to serious relationship since she no longer had to care for Ruby on a daily basis.
A brush to her arm brought her back to focus. Turquoise orbs stared at her in concern and then encouragement. That was what she needed. She was reminded that there were people who cared about her. She looked from Neon to Blake, who had also closed in on her, lightly touching her shoulder with the hand that Neon didn't have captured. Coworkers, roommates, friends, girlfriends; it didn't matter at whatever level she looked at it. Those two had been there for her since the moment she met them.
"Why don't we get out of here." Neon suggested.
Those words meant one thing to Yang. The comfort they intended wasn't lost to her, however, the fourth person listening on the conversation took it an entirely different way. Mercury's presence, which had been neglected by the three girls came rushing to the forefront of the scene.
"I don't know what you think you're doing, but I suggest you leave me and these girls alone." Mercury's anger reflected in his voice.
His eyes focused on Yang in a manner very reminiscent of a predator protecting its meal from a competitor. The feelings of self-pity she was feeling before evaporated as she felt her own ire rise. Suddenly, the thought of revenge against Mercury filled her with joy again.
"I think I will leave the decision up to these lovely ladies." A quick smirk and wink to the heir carried her message of confidence as she slung her one arm over Neon's shoulders and wrapped her other arm behind Blake's back. The action separated the two girls from each other and placed them to each side of her. "Plus, I would be a terrible person if I didn't try to protect them from your slovenly ways."
The words hit their intended mark, and had the effect she hoped for. The man's body went rigid and his muscles tensed up. Marching forward, he stepped within a few feet of where Yang was standing and leaned in close enough for her to smell the liquor on his breath. She felt both Neon and Blake tense up as well, but neither of them shrank away from the aggressor. The memories of what the two faunus were willing and capable of doing to defend each other floating through her mind. She knew that if Mercury tried anything, both faunus would leap to her defense. Not that it would come to that, she was lifelong athlete and a master kickboxer, Mercury was the playboy heir to an engineering firm.
"Walk away now, Yang. Before I get angry." His growl was almost lost to the background chatter as the people closest to them started to notice the altercation in progress. "And leave what's mine."
"Someone is feeling a bit entitled." The blonde taunted back, refusing to give ground despite the uncomfortableness of their proximity to each other. "You should learn to respect women better. Now back away before I have to kick your ass."
"You wouldn't dare." He menaced as he leaned in even closer.
"I was trying to let you save face in front of everyone, and I was really hoping that I wouldn't ruin my dress."
Yang's arms dropped away from her girlfriends as Mercury took another step towards her, placing him at mere inches away.
"Go ahead, take your best shot." The silver-haired man sneered.
"I won't need to." A glint of amusement flashed in Yang's demeanor as a new person emerged from the crowd behind him.
With his preoccupation, Mercury had missed one important thing that everyone who frequented Junior's clubs knew to never forget about; Junior's proclivity towards having a hand in handling everything in his club, including breaking up fights.
A large hand clasped Mercury's shoulder and forced him about-face. An objection formed in his throat but died before it could make it past his lips. While slightly taller than average, he was completely dwarfed by Junior who towered over him by almost a whole foot. Melanie and Militia flanked him to either side, their normal, apathetic attitudes showing a dash of irritation.
"Junior." Mercury slung his arms akimbo. "This woman was causing problems for me and trying to start an altercation. Please have her removed."
"On the contrary, Mr. Black. From where I was standing, it looked like you were trying to start a fight with my favorite customer." The giant man pivoted and swept his arm towards the exit of the club. "I am going to have to ask you to leave."
"You're going to take the side of some dumb broad over me? Do you know how much business I bring you?"
"Usually enough to cover for guests you drive off. Mel, Milly..." Stepping back away from Mercury, so the twin bouncers could step forward to escort the errant man towards the exit. "Please show him out."
"Unhand me, Wench!" Mercury demanded, pulling his arm away as Militia tried to guide him politely to the exit. After taking a glance back to glare at Yang one more time, he pushed his way through other patrons as he stormed towards the exit.
"Please make sure he leaves without starting anything." Junior commanded his bouncers as he sighed and rubbed his temples. "Yang, I apologize for one of my customers causing you so many problems. Let me make this up to you."
"No need." The engineer bounded forward, wrapping her arms around her friend again. "Just you being there when I needed you is enough for me." She smiled as heavy arms draped over her back and Junior reciprocated the hug. "Plus I wasn't entirely innocent."
"Well, there will always be a table for you whenever you come back."
"Thanks." She pulled away and reached back to grab Neon and Blake's hands. "I will be by sometime next week to check on your sound gear and light rigs. It will be like old times! As for now, I think we are going to take off too."
"I can get one of my men to drive you home, if you'd like."
"Thanks, Junior."
"Ahhh!" Neon tried to flop down on Yang's couch after they were dropped off by Junior's limousine. "It's so good to be back to your place."
"Neon." Blake implored, catching her arm before she could tumble onto the furniture. "Go shower before you lay down."
"Phooey!" Neon pouted before skipping down the hall.
"Go ahead and use mine, Neon." She called after her before turning back to face the blonde. "Hey, Yang. Can you wait a moment before you go shower?"
"Yup. What's up kittycat?"
"It's…" Blake sighed and cast her eyes downwards. "It's about Neon."
"Ok?" Yang stepped forward and held the faunus hands gently before bringing one up and kissing the back of it. "Is everything ok?"
"Yeah. Everything's fine… It's just…"
Yang waited patiently as Blake paused. The raven-haired woman wasn't the best when it came to expressing her emotions. She tended to bottle things up, both good and bad, until they hit a tipping point and it would all come exploding out. Switching her grip so she was holding both of Blake's hands in one of her own, Yang used her now free hand to caress her girlfriend's cheek and tilt her head so they made eye contact. The embarrassed blush on Blake's face told her she shouldn't be concerned about what she had to say.
"Well…" Blake took a deep breath before continuing. "Look, I know we haven't been dating for very long. But, I have always enjoyed the fact that when I get home from school, or my job with the university, that I can always count on seeing you, and your never ending smile. I love the fact that on a Saturday morning I can roll out of bed and find you in the kitchen making breakfast. I thought that was enough, but now it feels like something missing."
"Uh, Blake. You aren't going to try to propose to me are you? I mean, I would be flattered and all but-"
"No!" The faunus freed one of her hands to punch the blonde in the shoulder.
"Ow…" Yang pulled away in mock horror and rubbed her shoulder where she had just been hit.
"I know for a fact that didn't hurt." Placing her hands on her hips, her blush was replaced by glare. "I am being serious here."
"Ok, ok Kit." Yang closed back in on where Blake was standing. "I am all ears."
Blake's face softened back up, removing the previous glare but the blush didn't return. "I just thought it would be nice to be able to come home and… have Neon here too." Yang opened her mouth but Blake spoke up quickly to cut her off. "I know you asked her to live with you before you even put out the ad to find me. I know it would be tight living here with three people, but she is here several nights a week already and this technically is a three bedroom apartment, we would just have to rent one of the storage sheds instead of keeping things in the extra room."
"Blake…"
"And like I said, I want her to live here."
"Blake, it's ok." The engineer drew her into a comforting hug."It isn't a problem of space or want. Neon's told me several times that she would have loved to move here. The problem is money. The school has a really hefty fine for terminating her dorm contract early. If she gets caught moving out, or leaving the room vacant, it's a bigger fine. I would have done it, but I have to save for Ruby's next school term, and Neon is barely keeping up with her school expenses."
"Actually, I already thought about that. The school gave me a raise and one of the grants I applied for, that I never thought I would get, chose me to be its recipient. The grant is already more than enough to pay for next term's school expenses. I was thinking about using the extra money for us to go on a short vacation, but after today… I want to do this." Blake squeezed Yang back. "I want to do this on Monday. That way we can move her in here before Thanksgiving."
"Are you sure? That's a lot of money."
"Positive."
"Alright, let's talk to Neon then… After I shower."
"Of course the day we help you move is the one day that we have thunderstorms." Blake protested, her ears were tucked flat against her head to prevent water from getting into them. She patted her hair dry after she set down the last box of Neon's items.
"Then you shouldn't have asked me to move in." Neon quipped back as she fluffed the newly dried hair on her tail by whipping it back and forth. "What kind of lady do you think I am to change my mind just because the weather was a little wet?"
"Alright, alright. Besides what you guys just brought in, all of your stuff is in your new room, Neon." Yang stepped around the corner dressed in a set of baggy sweats and holding two large towels.
"Woohoo!" Neon stepped forward into the living room only to have one of the towels thrown at her face. "Wah? Why Yang?"
"Because neither of you are walking through here while you're dripping wet." Yang smirked deviously. "Leave your wet stuff by the door, I'll throw it in the wash while you guys are showering."
Yang stepped forward and grabbed the box Blake had just brought in and carried it down the hall towards Neon's room.
Twenty minutes later all three of them were all nice and warm, snuggled up in Yang's bed. Blake was leaning against Yang's shoulder as they watched one of Yang's favorite sci-fi movies. Neon, on the other hand, was sprawled out across their laps, seemingly already asleep.
"Look at that, tuckered out already." Yang commented as they both looked at the younger faunus.
"Yeah." Blake responded sleepily, before leaning forward to kiss the girl on her cheek. "She told me she was so excited that she didn't sleep at all last night."
"Regret anything yet?"
"No. If anything I am all the more excited to wake up tomorrow and have both you of by my side."
"Mmm.." Yang leaned forward to kiss Neon in the same place Blake did, before pulling the older faunus closer to her. "Me too."
Awww, so sweet!
Thank you all for reading, and special thank to those that reviewed, followed, and favorited. And thanks to Zelindsay and XenonRaumzeit for editing.
If you catch any errors, just think, it is twenty times worse when I try to edit it myself.
So this is it for this story. I am being serious this time, no more actual chapters. Just an epilogue where Ruby gets to meet Yang's new friends.
Also, I will be starting a new story called Momentum that will be slice of life one-shots with our three favorite girls.