Thus kindly I scatter.

"Qrow said that Mom loved this place, that's why they buried her here." Yang placed a hand on her sister's shoulder. Both of them took a moment to spend time at Summer Rose's head stone. "I've only ever been back here once, and that was because Qrow wanted to show me where Mom rested."

"The view is breath taking."

The spring sunset made the rolling hills glow gold, the branches rustled gently in the breeze, and the smell of budding flowers permeated the air. Ruby had only been to Patch a handful of times, but she never left town and consequently never had a real chance to explore her home.

"Thank you, for letting us bury Sun here."

Yang looked over at the newer headstone over in the shade of the trees, "I don't think Mom would mind the company, especially if he's one of your best friends."

"Brother." Ruby looked up at her with smile, "I think you would have liked him."

"I already do, considering how much he's done for our sister." Yang returned the smile.

Eyes that sparkled like amethyst looked over at their third companion that sat in front of Sun's grave, the dirt was still fresh.

They buried Sun Wukong that morning.

Yang and Weiss pitched in for the funeral – neither spared any expense.

"I'm going back to the Inn in town soon, you sure you don't wanna stay on Patch a few more days?" Yang motioned to her friend, "I just need to go back to Vale and check in with Qrow."

Ruby shook her head, "I want to meet Qrow properly," A distant look on her face, "I just… I can't stay here another day, not right now." She left it at that.

"If you say, for now, I think Bo could use your company." Yang motioned to the man who had remained silent the rest of the day. With that, the Huntress walked away, shooting a final glance over her shoulder at Bolin and Ruby.

"Bo…" Ruby walked over to him.

The man shut his eyes and took a deep breath in, "He would have loved all these trees."

"Yeah, he always hogged the shade under that only tree in the courtyard all the time." Ruby sat down next to him.

"We were close… so close…" Bolin let out his breath, his eyes open but they tearing up once more, "No clean win, right?"

"I think it was a clean win." Ruby said, Bolin looked at her slightly confused, "Sun was smiling in the end."

"…You're right." Brown eyes stared intently at the tombstone.

Sun Wukong – Brother. Friend. Gladiator. Free.

"It's just us now, Bo." Ruby looked up at the sky, "But even though they're both not here with us, I can't shake the feeling that they're not gone – not completely." She kept her eyes trained upwards.

Bolin looked up at his friend, his eyes still red, "You really think so?"

Ruby nodded, "Yeah… I do." A sad smile, "I… I really do." A stray tear ran down her cheek.

The man stood and wiped the tear from her cheek, "I believe you." He smiled tenderly at the small fighter, "Ruby… I just don't know what to do from here…. When Nadir passed, I just – I don't know what to do – it was just so hard, so much harder than it would have been if we were all… all still there. I just don't know if... if I can keeping going."

Bolin Hori looked on mournfully, no one has ever seen this side of him.

"I know what you mean." Ruby's voice was low, her eyes looked down at the grave, "But Bo… we can't… stop." She took a deep breath, "We have to keep going."

"Why do we need to keep going?" Bolin looked down at the grave too, "I… I d-don't know why we need to keep pushing." His voice cracked, "Sun's dead… Nadir's dead..."

"Because, we're still alive." Ruby swallowed hard, a giant lump forming in her throat once more, "Because we're free. Because we have people who love us – who need us – Neptune needs, Octavia needs us, Reese and Weiss needs us…. Because my sister needs me… here…" Tears began to flow down her face, "Because… we wouldn't be here without everything Sun did… What Nadir did… they did it for us." She wasn't sure when her words started to become incoherent.

Ruby Rose fell to the ground, she clutched at the dirt in front of the head stone, "Because they loved us – Oum knows they loved us and we… we can't… we can't let them down, not after w-what they did f-for us… we just can't… we can't stop."

The sobbing became uncontrollable.

Bolin grabbed Ruby into his arms, he clutched on to her with all that he had and she clutched back at him.

On that hilltop and in that grove of trees, the two that sat clutching at each other weren't slaves.

They were neither gladiators.

They were neither warriors.

They were just two people past their limits – past their breaking point.

They were broken and weak.

So the two wept with their walls torn down. They freed all those feelings that they have fought for so long to be pushed aside, those feelings that they have learned to bury in the course of their time as Gladiators. The let go of the world that they carried on their shoulders.

For once, they didn't have to be strong.

At least for as long as this moment would allow.

"They're not back yet?" Octavia looked up at the blond.

Yang shook her head, "They need a little more time," She looked off into the corner, Neptune, Sage, and Scarlet sat around the table with a drink in hand, but the mood wasn't exactly merry.

If Yang could pick a word to describe the scene, then it would be lost.

She watched Sage reach up to his bare neck and rub it – Blake had kept the master key and made sure everyone else took off their collars and threw them into the sea.

Ruby and Bolin couldn't have been happier to remove the collar from Sun.

"I know I said it a lot on the boat ride over, but thank you for taking care of Ruby." Yang looked over at Octavia, "And I'm sorry for your loss." She looked down at the table.

"It's not your fault," Octavia looked over at the guys, "They're no stranger to losing comrades, it's considered a part of their lifestyle at this point… but usually they'll always have their plates full with the constant training to distract them" The medic looked back at Yang, "Bolin once said that they all used the constant training to help distract themselves and eventually move on from the grief of losing a dear friend… For those that grieved longer than… Roman… would allow then it wasn't a pretty sight." The name felt putrid on her tongue.

"So it's everyone's first time having a time to grieve." Yang thought aloud, "I can't even begin to imagine what that's like."

"No one should." Octavia sighed, her olive green eyes watered slightly, but she quickly wiped it away and then ran a hand through her brick red hair, "Honestly, it's the first time anyone is able to grieve so openly… it's a little hard to process… and handle."

"You didn't cry at all today." Yang pointed out, Octavia remained rather stoic through out the whole day – offering a shoulder to those who needed it.

Which ended up being everyone.

"I'm trying to keep it together long enough to help them make it through the day." She smiled woefully, "I know that if I start crying then they'll start crying non-stop again."

"It's good to let all out though."

"That's not what we're used to."

"But you need to grieve too."

Octavia sighed, "I grieve in my own ways… if Torchwick Gladiators are strong in body then us… house slaves are strong in mind." She looked up at Yang, "These are my strengths – to comfort and cherish, and I will use it to the best of my ability."

"Oh." The Huntress looked over at the bar and called for the bar keep's attention, "Two ales, please."

"You don't have to-"

"I insist, on me." Yang interjected while smiling.

Octavia shook her head, "You've done enough for all of us already, and I can't imagine how much lien you've spent on us."

"Money is money, all I've been doing is stacking it away, don't worry about costs."

The tavern door swung open to reveal the stoic forms of Bolin and Ruby, the two managed to take three steps inside before the abrupt sound of wooden chairs scraping across the floor and the hasty scuffling of feet. Yang snapped her attention to the source of commotion and saw Neptune, Sage, and Scarlet standing with bated breath.

A nod from Bolin was all that it took for the group of men to sit back down and resume what ever it was that they were doing, leaving Yang utterly confused and perplexed by the interaction.

"You'll get used to it, or they'll get over it." Octavia laughed lightly at Yang's reaction, "It's a gladiator thing." They watched the pair approach the table with the other gladiators, the group made room for the new additions and they all sat in what appeared to be a comfortable silence.

"I'm learning a lot about Ruby's time as Gladiator from you guys." She appreciated it, "She wouldn't talk about it."

"It's understandable." Octavia said, the bar keep came over with their drinks, "If you don't mind, two more for the ones who walked in." She stood, "Come on, let's go sit with them and order some food – I don't think any of them remembered to eat today."

"I like that idea."

Weiss,

Thank Oum you're alive. As soon as sailors and travelling vessels hit port in Atlas with the news of the slave rebellion in Mistral – my whole world nearly shattered. For days I was in a mood, I put Penny in charge of everything until I received your letter.

I have never felt such relief.

As I write this, I am in General Ironwood's study – we've taken a break for now from all the planning. To summarize, as soon as we received word of what happened in Mistral we were preparing a contingent of troops to send over in order to help quell what ever is left of the Kingdom.

Then King Grauer received an urgent message from King Ozpin and Councilman Oobleck with intimate details of what transpired that night, which concurred with the events you have written to me in your letter.

It wasn't a pretty scene with King Grauer – he and King Lionheart were steadfast allies.

Myself, General Ironwood, and a committee of other high officers and officials will leave in two days time for Vale, I intend to send this letter this evening so that you may receive it a few days ahead of our arrival.

My dearest sister, I need to see you as soon as I disembark – I ask that you take extra care to see our colors in port. We'll be taking the fastest vessel our Navy has to offer, the one made with tempered metal and has no sails – Yang can tell you more about it if you're curious.

I must forewarn you, Father will be accompanying us to help represent the civilians of Atlas – he is not happy with you. He received a letter from some man by the name of Roman Torchwick that has detailed you're latest escapades, I suspect that you wouldn't take such drastic measures to ex-communicate a vital business party without their being due cause for it. Father was also livid about the Faunus running the books and that slave you've taken an interest in. We will have to set aside some time to talk when I come to Vale.

Weiss, I don't know how many times I can say this to truly show you how relieved I am that you are safe. You have friends that are meant to last a lifetime at your side and that fill me with such ease.

May Oum continue to smile down on you,

Commander Winter Schnee

Weiss smiled once she finished reading the reply she received from her sister, she sat back in the chair that was inside of her room at the Valesian Inn and thought about the whirlwind of events.

It took a week to sail from Mistral to Vale, Ruby and the others stayed in town for barely a day before making arrangements for Sun's funeral on Patch. Meanwhile, Weiss, Klein, Blake, Reese, and Bolin's family stayed behind at the Inn in Vale – spending time together trying to gather themselves and really process what had taken place. Weiss was impressed at how steadfast and calm Reese Chloris proved to be, she had stepped in as a provider and rock for Hitomi and Mei – Weiss would learn that Reese was used to doing this while Bolin was away as slave to Torchwick to work off his deadbeat father's debt.

She hadn't seen the rag tag group in nearly a week now.

"You holding up alright?" Blake asked tentatively, she shared this room with Weiss and Klein. The manservant currently out in town, he couldn't sit still for too long and offered up his services to the Inn's owner. For decent pay, Klein helped out with the chores and in the kitchen around the Inn.

Weiss looked up at the Faunus, "I am, just still trying to digest everything that's happened." She looked at Blake, "We need to talk,"

Blake nodded, "I figured you would want to."

The former master and slave had avoided such a serious discussion since their arrival in Vale – there was much to do which included securing a shelter for their group (which Yang managed) and then figuring out expenses, Bolin's family wasn't as fortunate as Weiss (she thanked Ruby for her forward thinking) to have brought some lien or valuables, but between what Weiss had brought and managed to pawn off and what Yang had saved up they were able to cover the costs of living at Inn.

Then there was the matter of Oobleck, for a whole day the man investigated and questioned Blake for everything that the Faunus knew. The scholar took detailed notes and conferred regularly with Pyrrha on the situation.

Once satisfied, the Councilman smiled at Blake and told her to go relax because he got everything he needed. He reassured her that he wouldn't push for any charges against her for her cooperation.

"Why? Why did you join that – that group." Weiss chose her words carefully.

"I wanted justice…" Blake looked down, "When I came to Mistral after leaving behind everything in Menagerie – I couldn't even begin to try to find a decent job to support myself."

Weiss nodded, it was no secret that Faunus were often discriminated against for humans when it came to the hiring process. Something Weiss wanted to try and change, which is why (despite how much her she knew her father would vehemently be against it, which was confirmed by Winter's letter) she hired on Velvet to help her.

'Velvet…' Weiss thought forlornly, there was no way of knowing what happened to her friend, all she could offer was a small prayer to Oum that her friend was some how safe.

"I lived in the slums and everything was always dirty and every day was a matter of survival. I grew bitter and I blamed the nobles and the ruling family for not trying to make our lives better, try to make things fair for everyone – Faunus and slaves alike." Blake looked out the window, the night was settling in, "Then I met Adam, and he stirred something within me, he made me want to support him and to try to change things… but no matter how hard we tried, how we protested – nothing seem to work."

"And then you all started plotting the over throw of the Kingdom." Weiss finished.

Blake nodded, "It wasn't like that at first… it just… it just slowly transformed into that." Amber eyes looked back at the floor, "Then I was captured, I was beaten, I was abused and no one tried to rescue me – Adam, despite all his resources and connections, he didn't even bother to try and get me out, he didn't bother to try and reach out to me. And then for months I was just stuck there in the slave market… until you came along." She looked up at the Merchant, "There were plenty of other slaves there that didn't look nearly as rough as I did, who were healthier than I was… but you still picked me. You took me home, let me bathe, fed me, and then gave me clothes."

Weiss crossed the room and wrapped both her arms around Blake, "I must confess," She hugged the woman as tightly as she could, "It was Ruby that inspired me to pick you up that day, I saw her in you and… I just couldn't leave you be after that. And I'm so glad I didn't."

Blake shut her eyes tightly, "I should probably thank her then," She clutched to Weiss, "I loathed you at first," She broke away from their hug, "I had heard stories about the Schnee's and I had expected you to be just as malicious and vile. But then… you were the exact opposite of my expectations."

"Not all Schnee's are like my father." Weiss was apologetic as she said it.

"So I've come to learn," The Faunus smiled, "I'm sorry, again."

"For trying to kill me? No big deal." Weiss joked, she looked away, "If Ruby wasn't there, would you have done it?"

Blake looked at Weiss in the eyes, "I don't think I could have followed through."

"I'm just glad you were all able to make it out." King Ozpin paced about the room, a great round table was at the center of the grand room and at the table sat Oobleck. Pyrrha, and Jaune – they were discussing the next step.

"It was thanks Pyrrha and all those fine fighters aboard that vessel that I was able to make it out." Oobleck pointed out, "Especially that scout, Ruby Rose was her name, tenacious fighter – she was a crowd favorite in the Coliseum." The scholar sighed, they spent the days discussing and planning for the situation in Mistral.

"I'm glad to hear that my men were able to take care of you… but it is most unfortunate to hear that the rest of our POWs didn't make it home, especially after talking to their families." Ozpin pinched the bridge of his nose, "But now we have more pressing matters – the situation in Mistral is most dire, especially with that coup d'état Salem has master minded."

Oobleck sighed, "We spent the last few days pooling all the information we have together," Oobleck was fine with omitting that Blake was originally a part of the rebellion, "Salem had found out about the slave rebellion, but instead of reporting it she used it to her advantage to stage a coup. I've compiled a list of all the nobles I've suspected to be loyal to her. For example, Scout Rose mentioned she saw the Army being led by Hazel Rainart, someone who has an intense loyalty to Salem, so I would have assumptions that the Army is compromised… especially with the lack of guards present during King Lion heart's murder." A distant look encompassed the scholar's face, he lost a good friend that night too.

"I've some things in mind, Bartholomew." Ozpin looked out the window, "I've already sent a letter a while back to General Ironwood and also to my good friend in Vacuo proposing a meeting to discuss the situation in Mistral. Those in Atlas and Vacuo still think of the events in Mistral as a Slave Rebellion, they have no idea what's really gone on the past few weeks."

"He is coming?" Pyrrha questioned, out of respect her and Jaune had remained quiet for the most part.

"Yes, I would appreciate it if you and Commander Arc would attend the meeting and share your accounts of what happened to everyone, it would immensely help when it comes to taking the next step."

"I'll do what ever takes." Pyrrha nodded, "They killed my father… that is an offense that I can not let go lightly."

"They took a lot from all of us." Oobleck added, "Atty was a dear friend of mine too, Pyrrha."

The Crow Bar – that's what was written on a sign above the tavern that Yang had led Ruby into. The Rose remembered passing by the establishment a few times, but she had never bothered to ever go in before – she wasn't much of a drinker.

Well, she wasn't in the past.

It was still mid-morning, and the place was empty, save for a single man sitting in the corner nursing a glass of what Yang assumed to be a brandy of the sort. His red eyes looked up from his drink once he caught sight of the blond.

"Oum… you weren't kidding." He stood up.

"Is this..?" Ruby started.

"Yeah, this is Uncle Qrow." Yang motioned.

"You're alive." Qrow looked over the smaller girl, he stepped in closer to get a better look at her, but Ruby took a step back.

"S-Sorry." Ruby apologized, "I don't mean to be rude, I really don't remember you."

"No, it's fine kid. In due time, I'm sure." Qrow smiled down at his niece. "I'm just… glad you're here." He took note of the various scars that decorated his niece's arms; Yang did say that she was a gladiator – a damn good one.

He stuck out his hand, a slight smile grew on Ruby's face as she shook it.

"Same." Yang motioned to the bar, the two followed suit, "Two ales."

"Actually, do you have any wine?" Ruby piped up.

"Such a Mistrali thing." Qrow mused.

"Yeah we do, it'll be in the back though." The bar keep said, he finished pouring out a pint for Yang.

"Don't like ale?" The Huntress asked.

Ruby shook her head, "I don't mind it, I just… have a taste for wine now I guess." She laughed lightly once she caught sight of the look on Qrow's face, "A Mistrali thing it is."

"Don't sweat it, I enjoy a good wine every now and then. Vale actually has a few vineyards around, maybe the barkeep will bring some out." Qrow mentioned.

"I see."

"So Yang mentioned you became a scout in the Army." Qrow let out easily, he took a deep breath to really settle the topic that had started to burn in the back of his mind. He looked at Yang for a moment and recalled all the times that his blond niece would ask about this, "It's funny, your mother and father were scouts too."

Yang looked up in surprise, this was the first Qrow had mentioned this without being probed.

"Really?" Ruby looked up at the man in a new light, "How do you know that?"

"Because I was in the same scouting battalion as them." Qrow looked up at the ceiling, "127th Brigade, 3rd Battalion, Charger Company – during the 5-year with Atlas… well, I'm sure your familiar with the MO, go through a lot of vacancies in 3rd Battalion."

"Some of the guys in the brigade nicknamed 3rd Battalion 'certain death'." Ruby joked; she felt a small connection with the man next to her.

"If you weren't cut out for it, of course." Qrow smiled slightly, "They split us off into scouting teams during the war – that's how I met your mother and father… and my sister too. The company nicknamed us team STRQ – Summer, Tai, Raven, and Qrow."

Yang remained silent, she sipped her ale as she listened to her uncle speak.

"Best scouting team there was." Qrow looked back down at the bar, "Your mother, Summer, she was probably the best one out of all of us, she moved like the wind and was hard to catch, a lot of enemies dropped dead because they didn't know what hit them."

"Fast? Heh…" Ruby took the cup of wine and sipped it, more bitter than the casks in Mistral, but she preferred it more, "In the Arena, they called me the Reaper, I was known for my speed, probably the fastest one of them all. I guess I know where my speed comes from now."

"Reaper? You wield a scythe too?" Qrow looked at his niece in disbelief.

"Scythe? Who would wield a scythe in battle?"

Yang smiled as she watched the reunited pair, she wasn't the only one that was missing Ruby.

"Me. I wield a scythe in battle." Qrow answered with a smug smirk on his face.

Ruby raised a brow at the man, "I insist that we have a friendly spar because I have never met an opponent who has fought with a scythe."

Qrow nodded his head, he thinks everything will work out just fine with the kid.

"Hey." Weiss looked at the doorway and smiled, she saw Ruby standing there with an easy grin on her face. Ruby had come back from Patch with everyone the night prior and they had a huge dinner to welcome back the weary fighters. Weiss expected a somber mood during dinner, but she was surprised at how calm and collective the old Gladiators were. They shared easy conversations and proved to be a great source of entertainment for Bolin's younger sister Mei.

"Hey," Weiss called back, the two shared a room with Blake and Yang at the Inn in Vale, their whole group pretty much booked the entire Inn. Bolin was next door with his family, the Neptune, Octavia, Scarlet, and Sage shared the room over. Klein insisted he get a room of his own, Ruby offered to sleep on a bedroll on the floor to give the man the fourth bed in the room, but Klein wasn't going to have it.

"Where's Blake?" Ruby looked around, Yang decided to stay at the Crow Bar with their uncle, but Ruby wanted to come back to the Inn.

"She went to look around in town with Klein, they saw a book store the other day that they wanted to check out."

"Tukson's Book Trade?" She asked as she plopped down on her bed.

"How'd you know?" Weiss was impressed.

Ruby smiled, "I used to go there a lot. Plus it's probably the best one in town."

"Should have known, why are you back without Yang?" Weiss looked around for the blond.

She took a deep breath, "I was hoping to get some time alone with you… " Ruby looked around, "I ran into Ren and Nora last night, they greeted us at the dock because Yang sent word to everyone that we were all coming back to Vale."

The Schnee nodded her head in affirmation, "I was wondering where they were last night."

"They were at my cottage putting in some finishing touches." A slight smile.

Weiss perked up, "Your cottage?"

The scout nodded, "Yeah… they took care of it." Ruby's eyes watered slightly, "They didn't give up hope that I'd come home, so they wanted to make sure it was exactly the way I left it."

"Ruby…" Weiss gasped, "So are you going?"

"I was hoping you'd come with me." Ruby looked down, "It's okay if you don't, it's nothing like your Villa in Mistral."

"I would love to go." Weiss beamed.

"Let's go then," The scout perked up visibly, "It's right on the edge of town, but it isn't too far from here."

Weiss had gone about experimenting with homely fashion of Vale, she wore a light dress the fell above her knees with short sleeves and sandals, something a far cry different than the Mistrali flowing robes. Ruby looked right at home in her favored dark trousers and creamed colored short sleeve tunic. At her waist was a sword belt in fine repair, and probably the most discerning was the forest green cloak that was signature for scouts in the Army – the Valesian silver badge was well polished and helped clasp the cloak together.

"You look beautiful." Ruby complimented, she planted a kiss on the Merchant's cheek.

"And you, dashing." She looked her up and down, "Green does look good on you too."

"I prefer it."

Together the two travelled down the main road towards the edge of town, it was a pleasant spring evening. Weiss loved the quaint look of the Kingdom, how much forests and flowers lined the streets, and then the fresh air. Every time she breathed it in, it reminded her Ruby. It was just about the exact opposite of Mistral, dust and sand everywhere with buildings crammed in tight and the people constantly on the move.

People took their time here and they enjoyed their lives.

"How come you're not staying at your cottage already?" Weiss was curious.

Ruby hummed, "Nora said she wanted to clean up one last time before telling me about it." She smiled, "Her and Ren live down the road from me."

"What about the city walls?" Weiss questioned, she realized that she hadn't seen too much of it, not like Mistral.

"There are a lot of natural barriers that keep the Grimm out." Ruby explained, "I mean, there will be the odd Beowulf or Creep every now and then, but nothing the Kingdom can't handle."

"Do you get a lot of that near your cottage?"

Ruby shook her head, "Not at all, but if you venture deep enough into the Forever Fall Forest you'll find a Grimm or two around. But Grimm will keep to themselves unless there's some fighting nearby… like in Mistral." She frowned at the thought, "Once in a while, the Huntsman Guild will send a patrol through the forest to make sure the Grimm population isn't an issue."

"Interesting." Weiss smiled as she watched the tree's change in color to a deep red hue, "Why do they call it the Forever Fall Forest?"

"In the fall, the leaves change to red and then change back to green in the spring." Ruby explained, "The tree's here stay red all year round, hence the name Forever Fall."

"That's surprisingly romantic." She smiled and soaked in the view.

"That's it." Ruby pointed out the cottage.

Weiss gasped slightly, it was built out of white wood that made up the walls and then outlined in dark brown. A small garden was seen in front that looked recently weeded out, nearby was a wooden shed that also looked neat and clean. A single wooden door made up the entrance directly in the center of the building, on either side were glass windows that were wiped clean.

"It's absolutely charming." Weiss smiled, she couldn't wait to go inside.

"Judging by how well they kept up the front yard and the fact that they even re-thatched my roof, I imagine the inside is clean too." Ruby had an everlasting grin on her face, she felt her chest well up at the mere sight of her home. "I bought this place after my first deployment, I was 17 at the time." Her hand reached the door, "Three years… three whole years and now I'm here" She thought back on it all, "I'm in my 22nd year now… my birthday is actually in June."

"I'll keep that in mind," She smiled tenderly, "Are you ready?" Weiss placed a hand on top of hers.

"Yeah."

With a push, the door opened, to the left was the kitchen area and then a table that seated four in the dining portion nearby. To the right was Ruby's living room, a couple chairs surrounded a stone fireplace, in the corner were several pelts and blankets neatly folded with a bookshelf right next to the window.

"The sun hits that spot just right during the day, I enjoy reading my books there." Ruby motioned, "I would do dinner with Ren and Nora either here or at their place, Ren makes the best roast ever." She ran her hand across the smooth surface of the table and took note that it felt polished.

Weiss nodded as she stepped into the space, she tried to imagine Ruby standing at the stove cooking up her meals, Ruby sitting by the fire place in the winter time with a book in her lap, Ruby taking a nap in the corner by the window with her sun shining down her face.

Off to the left was a door that led to the backyard portion of the house.

"I don't have a bathing area in here, there's a well in back and a wash house that I built. I've got a tub set up so that I can light some coals underneath to keep the water warm when it's cold out." Ruby explained, "Like I said, not like your Villa."

"I'm in love with your home."

"Wh-what?" Ruby was slightly confused.

"I like it better than the Villa…" Weiss walked about, her eyes resting on the last door towards the back of the house, "Is this your room?"

Ruby nodded.

Weiss pushed her hand through the door and tentatively stepped through frame, to the left was a full size bed with blankets neatly folded on top. A simple rug was laid out on the floor and then on the opposite wall was a small desk and chair as well as a dresser, what really got her attention was the shelf tucked away in the corner.

"Did you make all these?" Weiss picked up a carving of a rose.

"I learned how to do some wood work and whittling while I was a child, the wood work definitely came in handy when it came to working on the cottage." Ruby's voice was soft, it was probably Ren that went out and got her some wood to carve since there was a couple pieces of wood laid out next to her carving tools.

"Your friends, they really took care of this place." Weiss took a seat on the bedding, the walk over was a bit longer than she anticipated, but she figured it's because she was so used to taking a carriage every where.

"They really did." Ruby sighed in delight, "You don't know how happy I am to be actually coming home right now." A tear ran down her cheek, Ruby took note that it was dusk out. "We should probably head back now." Ruby turned heel to leave.

Weiss grabbed Ruby's hand before she could take another step. "Let's sleep here tonight."

"Weiss, you don't have to."

"I want to."

It was true, Weiss Schnee wanted to know what it was like to live here and be wrapped up in Ruby.

"Your cottage, I absolutely adore it. It's cozy and I've never felt more welcome in my life." She stepped closer to the scout, "I like it more than my Villa in Mistral, I feel more at home here than I ever had in my Manor in Atlas."

"Weiss…" Another tear streaked down the scout's cheek, the merchant took care and wiped it away for her.

"I love you, Ruby Rose."

And just like that, Ruby forgot how to breathe; instead she was lost in the diamond blue eyes that belonged to the girl in her arms. Her hands had a mind of it's own as she trailed them up Weiss' arms, then her neck, and finally her cheeks. The tip of her fingers caught the fine silk that made up her beautiful silvery hair.

Ruby burned the image of the Valesian dusk gently illuminating the face of Weiss Schnee.

"I love you too, Weiss Schnee."

It was like gravity when their lips met, so natural in the way that the two came together. With a gentle caress, Ruby slipped her hand behind Weiss' head to bring her closer, her other hand snaked around her waist in order to feel her body against hers.

Weiss had both her arms draped around her lover's neck, coaxing her closer and closer until there wasn't any more physical distance left.

They broke away, each breathing heavily and with eyes glazed over with something more than lust – something so much more tender and deep. Ruby reached for her cloak and sword belt, she hastily unclasped both of them as she watched Weiss leisurely slip out of her sandals and then began working at the ties that held her dress together. Ruby's eyes burned while she went about kicking off her boots, the fine fabric began to fall off of Weiss' form.

In a flash, Ruby closed the distance, her lips finding Weiss' – and Weiss leading the two closer to the bed. Together the two fell over on to the bedding, the cotton felt soft against Weiss' skin, but Ruby's tunic and trousers did not feel soft at all. She began to pull at the annoying items, Weiss wanted to feel Ruby's skin on her own. Her nimble hands found the hem of the tunic and then quickly she worked her hand underneath, groping at the taut muscles of Ruby's stomach before making it's way to her waistband with such light touches.

Ruby gasped at Weiss' ministrations, they were light and ticklish for her, but she knew that this was how Weiss like to tease her. The scout broke away for a moment to remove her tunic and began to undo the ties of her trousers. The whole time she stood over Weiss, who lay down and watched with such seductive eyes. Like so many times before, Weiss' gaze would come across every scar that decorated Ruby's body – she would linger her eyes on the newer ones that she received during their escape from Mistral.

Now in the buff, Ruby took her time crawling her way back up to Weiss' lips. She took her time planting a kiss her hip, then her naval, the valley between her breasts, her neck, and Weiss would lose her patience at that – the merchant grabbed a fistful of the scout's hair and forcefully brought those teasing lips to her own. Ruby smiled into the fervent kiss, her hands left a burning trail on Weiss skin.

Weiss moaned softly, it sent shivers down her spine to feel those callouses lightly rub against her skin. The feel of those dexterous fingers drawing random patterns.

With a huff, Weiss flipped them over, so that for once she would be on top.

"H-hey, I wasn't done." Ruby pouted, Weiss straddled her at the waist and the scout didn't miss how wet and hot Weiss' core felt against her stomach.

"I wanna try something a little different." Weiss grinded her slick cunt against those hard muscles, a small whimper escaped her throat, but she stopped herself. Dainty fingers traced the outline of her abs and then a few scars that decorated her stomach, Weiss bent over and met Ruby's lips with her own.

Ruby sighed in content as she felt Weiss shift her weight, the merchant planting a trail of kisses down Ruby's breasts, her stomach, and then finally her hot core that was begging for attention.

Weiss shifted down more, kissing down Ruby's thigh and then finally hooking the scout's legs over her shoulders. Silver eyes peered down into her blue ones, and without hesitation, Weiss claimed her mouth over Ruby's core.

Ruby fisted a handful of those silver locks, she moaned and whimpered as she felt Weiss' tongue lap up her juices and tease her clit before finally inserting itself inside.

She withered at the feeling of those dainty fingers entering inside and with that tenacious tongue lashing out at her clit. Weiss smiled when she felt Ruby's grip on her hair tighten more, she increased her ministrations when she felt those powerful hips raise off the bedding.

Ruby was getting ready to cum.

"W-Weiss…" Ruby panted, her hips buckling at the build up, "Weiss…" Silver eyes dared to look back down at the erotic sight between her legs, "I… fucking love you." With a swirl of her tongue, Ruby exploded, a soft sweet moan echoing off of the walls of the cottage. She felt her weight straddle her waist once more, Ruby looked up to see Weiss hovering over.

"I love you too." The two locked lips and Ruby groaned while she tasted herself.

Weiss yelped when she felt Ruby maneuver herself so that Weiss was about to straddle the scout's face. Gently, Ruby used her hands to spread the merchant's legs open even more.

"R-Ruby… it's kinda embarrassing." Weiss had never done this before.

"I think you'll like it." Ruby winked, she looked over the wet cunt of her lover – Weiss Schnee was dripping wet and Ruby absolutely loved it. "Don't worry about noise, we're pretty far from town."

"Ru-" Weiss was cut short once she felt Ruby's tongue lick up her slit.

The merchant gasped and she fell on to her elbows, Ruby gripped tightly on her waist to keep her in place so that she could continue eating her so voraciously. Weiss' moans echoed off of the walls of the cottage.

"Ruby…" Weiss choked out, "Ruby…" Her pitch a bit higher, like a mantra, Weiss kept repeating Ruby's name. Her hips began to grind into Ruby's mouth to a rhythm; each steady movement was met perfectly by Ruby, steadily increasing the delicious pleasure that was building.

Weiss pushed herself back up, her hips still grinding but now with Weiss upright. The merchant grabbed a fistful of that red hair with both hands, Weiss started biting her bottom lip as she rode her lover's face.

Faster and faster, the rhythm went, Ruby smirked once she heard Weiss' voice leak out like a crescendo – becoming louder and sweeter as she reached her peak.

"Ruby!" Weiss cried with her head thrown back, her body quaked with the orgasmic waves that electrified her.

In a huff, Weiss fell over, her breathing erratic and her skin covered in a layer of sweat. Ruby wasn't better off as she too was in the same boat. The scout shifted herself back to Weiss who lay prone on her side, lazily she draped her arm over her side.

Weiss reached out and pulled Ruby in for a kiss, her body absolutely spent from their activities.

"I love you." Weiss whispered softly.

"I love you too." Ruby replied.

A/N:

To me, those three words are sacred and valuable, which is why the moment Weiss finally said it is one of my favorite scenes I've written so far.

With the beginning scenes on Patch... I pulled from somewhere deep and personal to write that, I didn't want to get in-depth on the actual ceremony because... because I don't think that's something someone can truly write and something that someone can truly enjoy reading. it was a tough scene for me to write over all.

On a serious note, I've been doing a lot of thinking these past couple of days. Gladiator is coming to a deciding point of the sorts and I've been doing some long and hard thinking about which direction to go in. I won't say much now, but I've made a decision that I'll elaborate more on (for those that care to know) in the next chapter. I mean it when I say that, as a writer, this decision is the toughest one I've ever had to make - hence why I've held out on updating Gladiator for a couple days.

I want to say thank you, all of you, like Winter, I don't know how many times I can say it to truly show how grateful I am to everyone who has supported and enjoyed this story. Without you guys, I don't think I would have had the motivation or inspiration to keep going and writing Gladiator.

So once again, thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

See you all soon,

DevilRed