Disclaimer: RWBY is owned by Rooster Teeth.

Author's Notes: I don't really have anything I can think of to say up here. I'm glad everyone seemed to enjoy the last chapter! Hopefully you enjoy this one too!

"Weiss. Weiss? Weiss! WEISS!"

"Yes?" she whispered, her voice softer than the moonlight poking through her blinds.

"I need you to remember to breathe, okay?"

~GASP!~

The heiress refilled her lungs in a loud rush of air, wobbly in her knees and wide-eyed in a peculiar mixture of blinding joy and heartbreaking relief. Color returned to her vision, the rose in the vase on the corner of her desk blushing in deep, vibrant red, the droplets of water decorating its petals mirrors of the tears that gathered in Weiss' eyes.

"Feel better? Thought I lost you for a second." the cheerful voice of the angel on the other side of the line joked, her smile evident through her words.

"R...Ruby?" Weiss repeated, her eyes locked to the blooming flower in her bedroom. "Is it really you?"

"It's really me. I'm so happy to hear your voice, Weiss!"

"Ruby? Ruby Rose?"

"The one and only!"

"Ruby Rose!" Weiss screamed into the phone, holding it front of her mouth so her shouts would be better heard. "Imbecile! Dolt! Horrible, horrible, unfathomable dunce! You idiot!" Her voice was angry and strained, the fire and outrage in her chest pouring through her throat. "You finally decide to contact me, after years, and you chose to TEXT me from Blake's scroll?! I'm going to chop you into little pieces and reassemble you crooked! I... I-!" Thought you were dead long ago. "I-!" Thought you left me behind, alone. "I-!" Thought maybe you hated me. "I..! I'm..! I'm..!" It burst from her heart like a geyser. "I'm just so damn happy to hear your voice!" she blubbered, her voice wavering as the tears separated from her eyes and flowed in torrents down her cheeks, the sobs catching in her throat and shaking her body. "I..." she fell to her knees on the floor, weeping happily into the fuzzy comforter on her bed.

"I'm sorry, Weiss. I didn't mean to... to do that to you. I know I hurt you, and I know that no matter how much I apologize it won't fix anything. But I am. I am so sorry. I just... I just needed to..." she trailed off, and Weiss could hear her sniffle quietly. "Can you forgive me?"

If you asked I would carry you up a mountain just so we could share the view. If you asked I would rearrange the stars. If you asked I would pull the moon from the sky and carve it into a statue of a cookie. And all you ask is forgiveness? "Let me..." she faltered, trying to recover her composure and thumbing away a stubborn tear. "Let me see if I can fit 'forgiveness' into my schedule." she said, a quiet laugh following her words.

"Thank you. Thank you, Weiss. I'm so, so sorry."

Just let me see those silver eyes again. "Ruby..." Just let me see that smile again. Just let me hold you again. "I... Where... where are you? Are you in Vale?" Please be close. I need you close to me again.

"I'm in Atlas right now, with Blake and Yang. And a couple extra surprise guests..."

Hearing the names of her teammates broke Weiss out of her single-minded thought process, the mushiness of her mind sharpening as she stood, gripping the back of her chair for support. "You're with Blake? And Yang?" I thought... but she... "But... Yang's..."

"Oh, no no no no no! No, she's okay, really! Blake thought the same thing," That poor girl. I can only imagine... "but then Yang showed up again, only a little bloody!" Weiss sighed, another giant weight lifting off her shoulders. At least my pride didn't kill Yang... "They're asleep downstairs right now. But the problem is, they're both Pyromaniacs. It's a disease where-"

"A disease characterized by hyper-aggression and erratic behavior and caused by red Dust. I know. I've been studying it since Yang first disappeared."

"So can you cure it?" Ruby asked, hopeful. Weiss could envision the sparkle of expectation in her eyes. Those silver eyes... "I only know you can treat it with shallow cuts. That's what I did to Blake and Yang. But knowing you..?"

She shook her head to regain her focus. "I... I know of a cure... but it's..." She didn't really want to disclose her source of information. "It's location is currently unknown. I'm searching for it, but..." No one had a clue where Cinder had gone after escaping her prison. She could be halfway to Mistral for all Weiss knew. "Tell me about Blake and Yang, maybe I can help."

"Okay. Uh, well let's see... I came home from walking Drei, my dog." She got another dog? I bet it's just as cute and cuddly as Zwei... "Blake, who had been unconscious, was gone, and Yang was on fire! Her eyes were bright red, and she seemed really angry, just like that time senior year. She was fine before the walk, so something happened. My first thought was that Blake had chased after whoever had reinfected Yang, but that didn't make sense. There was no way someone could get away from both Blake and Yang, the best huntresses in Vale. And after I found a small crystal on the floor, I think Blake might have been carrying it around."

"So they're both infected?" What a nightmare... "How are they? What are their conditions like?"

"Blake's doing well, she calmed down a ton after I bled her and she's sleeping it off. Yang was feverish, sweating, and fainted when she got back, after retrieving Blake on her own."

"You let her out?!"

"She escaped!" Typical Yang. "She somehow managed to bring an infected Blake back on a motorcycle, holding her out on her arms before collapsing on my doorstep! And that's after I dislocated her elbow..."

"You did WHAT?!" She's going to drive me cross eyed.

"It's standard treatment for Pyromaniacs!"

"No it isn't!"

"Well, it is in Atlas..." Ruby grumbled over the phone. "Anyway, that's where we're at. I incinerated the blood, disinfected the cuts, and I have Drei keeping an eye on them."

Weiss stroked her chin, contemplating all the new information she received from Cinder and her old theories. "Whatever happens, don't let Blake get anywhere near red Dust. Yang's less of a problem, she sort of 'self-treats'. Her fever worries me though... It hasn't happened in any of our case studies before." She hummed, considering the options and possible outcomes. "Would it be possible to take them to the SDC? It presents more treatment options... as well as extra research opportunities."

"Uh... no can do. Yang is a bit of a wanted criminal in Atlas, especially now that they know she's not dead anymore. Like, number-one-most-wanted level criminal."

Weiss groaned. "She sure knows how to make friends, doesn't she?" That limited a lot of options. "Can you bring them to Vale somehow? Travel might not be best for them, but if you can't stay in Atlas..."

"Umm... yeah, I might have a way to get them out of the city. Won't know until later tomorrow."

"Let me know as soon as possible, please." Hopefully that would settle things. If Yang and Blake could get to Vale, they'd be safe from the police, under careful observation, and could be treated by Weiss personally. The cure was still out there, along with Cinder, but her friends came first. And always would.

"Is it okay if I hang up now, Weiss? I need to go."

No, don't go. Please let me talk to you for longer. "I..." Just a little longer. She didn't want to let her go. What if she didn't call again? Didn't answer again? Left her alone again? Weiss clutched at her nightshirt, wrinkling the silky fabric. "I... You'll call tomorrow?" Promise. Promise me you'll call again. Promise me I'll hear your voice again tomorrow.

"Yes, Weiss. Definitely."

"I... Good. Please do." She bit into her bottom lip. "I... Ruby?"

"Hmm?"

I love you. "I... I'm really happy to talk to you again." I love you.

"Get your fill now. Next time I see you you're going to chop me into little pieces and put me back together crooked." Weiss rolled her eyes, but smiled at the imagined smirk across the redhead's face.

"Very funny." I love you. "I... Goodbye, Ruby."

"Goodbye Weiss. Goodnight." Don't go yet. Let me hear you some more. Let me talk to you some more.

"Goodnight Ruby. I..." I love you. "I love you."

"I love you too Weiss. I'll see you soon." Promise? "Promise." I love you.

~Click~

Weiss sat on the bed, squeezing the scroll together between sweaty hands and trying not to cry. The night seemed so muted without that lively, ambrosial voice humming into her ears and heart. The crickets outside sounded like a lonely, impatient audience instead of the normal energetic orchestra, their chirrups desperate and sad. Her bedroom was dark and quiet, the desk light shining across stacked papers and scribbled notes. And the rose. Her blue eyes looked to the glorious flower, its petals blooming wider and glistening brighter than ever before, its light aroma tickling her nose. She couldn't remember the last time it had looked so vibrant or smelled so fragrant.

She smiled as she turned off the desk light and climbed under the covers, nestling her head against the velvety pillow. Peaceful sleep enveloped her, cozier than sunlight on a Summer's day, her scroll clasped tightly in her hands, already waiting for Ruby's next call. Fears and a frozen heart melted away as she dreamed of strawberries, chocolate chip cookies, capes, and rose petals.

I love you.

"We could really use your help down here, Red!" Roman shouted up the stairs as he walked past, holding tight to the knot in the towel that was his only clothing.

How foolish of him, to think he could have five minutes to shower and clean off all the muck and goop from his day's activities. He had just managed to rinse out the shampoo, which like everything else in his house smelled like fucking strawberries, when loud banging, crashing, and barking had penetrated the relaxing classical music playing in his head. He'd burst from the bathroom, dripping wet and still half-soapy, searching for his princess.

Neo was gleefully batting away sluggish attacks from an unsteady Blondie, the two battling over the back of the couch while that accursed mutt was barking from across the living room, apparently still restraining Kitty Cat. Not that Kitty Cat wanted to be restrained, especially by such a large dog. "Yang! Get this thing off me! Someone help me!"

"Neo!" Roman yelled, beckoning with a finger to his short partner. She tossed him a look before deftly extricating herself from between Yang's punches, cartwheeling until she stood in front of him. Her eyes were mischievously brown and pink, an excited grin stretching across her face. She pushed her hair back with a hand, breathing slightly heavily with just enough sweat to make her skin glisten.

That may have just been the sexiest thing I've ever seen. Roman recovered his thoughts with a quick shake of his head, glad he had at least a towel. "Neo, Red told us to stay away from them. Especially you. So that means maybe we don't decide to play with the crazy huntresses, hmm? Tsk tsk, young lady." he scolded, wagging a finger. She rolled her eyes, gesturing to the general area and shrugging. "I know there's not a lot to do right now, but you have to remember we're..." He was going to say 'guests', but this was his house. "...under orders." He finished, giving her what he hoped was a stern glare. "Maybe next time, you can... hmm... hop in the shower with me?" He couldn't help but smile at the thought. Neo slapped his chest playfully, blushing and covering her mouth with a hand, her signal for laughter.

"You..." a low, rumbling voice growled from the living room. Roman reluctantly looked away from the stunning woman in front of him, his eyes resting on the panting blonde standing behind the couch. "What are... you two doing here?" Blondie didn't look too good. Sweat was wicking the ends of her hair, her face was flushed, and her purple eyes alternated between unfocused and half-lidded. She trembled on her feet, hunched over while her arms hung limply by her sides. A blood-soaked cloth was taped onto her left bicep, medical wrap covering her elbow.

"It may surprise you to know," Roman tilted his head condescendingly, "that this is my house, so it is only natural that I am here."

"What did... what did you do to Blake?" her words were slurring together, and she took a step towards the criminal pair. "What did you do?" A faint glow highlighted the underside of her hair, her eye color darkening. Roman positioned himself between Yang and Neo, one hand trying to hide the petite girl from view. "What..." A trickle of blood oozed from underneath the medical tape, steaming. "No... you didn't. Gotta remember that." Purple returned to her eyes.

"Anytime you want to step in, Red!" Roman called toward the stairs.

Just as he closed his mouth, there was a rush of wind and a flurry of those annoying petals, a red blur flashing into view. "Yang! What are you doing?! Get back on that couch, missy!"

"What are they doing here, Ruby?" Roman heard as he shuffled both himself and Neo into another part of the house. Blondie really seemed to be getting worse. Luckily they wouldn't be stuck here for much longer.

Yes, instead, they get to go back to work for the definition of psycho-bitch, doing who-knows-what in the deserts of Vacuo. Wonderful; truly a dream job. If he could go back in time, he'd smack his younger self for agreeing to work for Cinder. And pick up some of that vintage wine that he couldn't find anymore. Cigars were cheaper back then too...

His musings were interrupted by Ruby walking into the room, arms crossed and face frowning. "Hello, Red, glad you could join the party. I only called you three times!"

Ruby scoffed, rolling her eyes. "It was only two times, Roman, don't exaggerate. And I was on the phone!" She stood across from the thieving duo, her stance firm and presence intimidating despite being... Red. He never could take her seriously. "I told you two to stay away from them. I didn't want to have to do this, but..." she sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose, "Neo, no more Cookie Dough Ice Cream." His partner looked crushed, her shoulders sagging and a deep, agonized frown spreading across her face. Don't worry honey, I'll buy you all the vanilla and chocolate you want. Just no more STRAWBERRY! "And Roman," He returned his gaze to the red-haired huntress. "I've decided to forget where your cigars are. The expensive ones."

He didn't think she could do it. But she did. She hit him where it hurt the most. Well, close. "Damn, Red. Are you sure you're one of the 'good guys'?" He almost crossed his arms, but remembered that he was wearing only a towel.

"I'll make you two a deal." Ruby said, gesturing to two armchairs sitting in the corners of the room. Roman sat immediately, although scowling at being ordered around yet again, while Neo dragged her chair beside his, sitting and leaning her head on her fist. She looked like someone killed her dog. If anyone kills our dog, they will be made to suffer an unimaginable torment. "I, Ruby Rose, will return ice cream privileges, and disclose the whereabouts of the Vacuan cigars, if..." she raised her index finger, leveling it at Roman. "You can get Blake, my sister, and I out of Atlas and on our way to Vale."

Roman squinted at her suspiciously. "No deal." he said after a moment. Neo leaped out of her seat and grabbed him by the shoulders, shaking him as hard as her skinny arms could. "Neo, darling, one night without ice cream will not kill you..." The short girl released him and returned to her chair, pouting.

"What if I told you..." Ruby muttered, stroking her chin as she glanced at Roman, watching his glum expression, "where the Mistralian spirits are."

Roman's eyes flashed open and he sat up straight, gripping tightly to the armrests of his chair and levering himself half out of the seat, towel forgotten. "You... you found those?" He sat back after a moment, eying the huntress more seriously. "You have earned a margin of my respect, Red."

"So we have a deal?" Red was trying to appear aloof, but Roman could tell by the sparkle in her eyes that she was excited, hopeful that her goal had been accomplished.

"Not quite." Neo wriggled in her seat, covering her face in her hands. Roman ignored her tantrum, leaning back in his chair and supporting his head with a palm. "But you have my attention." After a few seconds of consideration, he continued, "I can get you out of Atlas, but we're going to Vacuo. We have some... old acquaintances, that want to see us."

Ruby thought about this for a moment, her eyes wandering the ceiling and tongue peeking out of her mouth. "Deal." She emphasized the word with a nod.

Roman stood, keeping one hand on his towel, and shook her proffered hand. "Glorious. I'll need a day to set it up, and we could be in Vacuo by the end of the week." Just in time to greet Cinder. "Now," he rubbed his hands together in anticipation. "You mentioned Mistralian spirits?" Red's face flushed and she turned away, holding a hand to her mouth. "What?" The huntress pointed at the ground. His towel had fallen off. "Oh." He scrambled to recover his only clothing.

"That is not something I needed to see. Ever. I think I'm going to be sick."

The moment the vibration from the phone tickled her fingers, her blue eyes opened. Nearly smacking herself in the head as she raised the device to her ear, she sat up in her bed. "Ruby?"

"Hi again, Weiss! Did I wake you up? I'm sorry..."

"No, it's fine. It's fine. What is the matter? Did something happen?"

"No no, everything's okay. I just wanted to let you know that we can't come straight to Vale."

"Oh..." I must wait longer to see her?

"Yeah, we're making a detour to Vacuo. We'll get a boat or a plane from there, I guess."

"I'll meet you there!"

"What?"

"I insist! I'll meet you in Vacuo!" I need to see you again. I need to see you, and Yang, and Blake again. I need to know I'm not alone anymore.

"Don't you have, like, Professor things to do?"

"I don't think my students will mind a few days off of class..." I need to see you. I need to hold you.

"Okay! We should be there by the end of the week. I'll call you again when I get some more definite details. Hopefully not in the middle of the night again." Whenever, I don't care. I just want to hear you more.

"Thank you, Ruby. I..."

"I love you too, Weiss. Goodnight."

"Goodnight Ruby. I love you."

The next three days involved a swarm of activity as the six occupants of Roman's mansion and their dog prepared for the trip to Vacuo. Yang remained on the couch, slipping in and out of fitful sleep, constantly attended by either Ruby or Blake, once the faunus had completely recovered her senses. Blake was unmovable from Yang's side, changing her bandages and making sure the ill blonde was fed.

Ruby busied herself gathering all the necessary supplies for the journey, cleaning her weapon and armor, and searching for a place for Drei to stay while they were gone. The scorching Vacuan deserts were no place for a giant Atlesian war-hound. She finally found the ideal spot: while picking up her regular order of cookies from the baker, she mentioned her problem. The agreeable older woman offered her assistance, and two hours later shared a laugh with Ruby as her young twin girls rode around the Market on Drei's back. "Be a good boy while Mama's gone, okay?"

'Bark!'

Roman and Neo, once they received permission from Ruby, left the mansion to meet with Roman's contact and obtain the few illicit necessities for their travel arrangements. Ruby ensured their return by hiding their weapons, as well as moving the Mistralian spirits to a new location.

On the fourth day, the huntresses and criminals boarded a train and left Atlas, heading west towards a harbor often used by smugglers.

Roman had rented out the entire car, Blake and Yang alone in the shuddering steel compartment. The faunus girl brushed her fingers through Yang's thick golden locks, the blonde's head resting in her lap. Yang's body was hot and her breathing was too fast to be normal, her eyes closed as she slept. Blake just kept stroking her head, love bubbling in her chest as she watched Yang's stomach rise and fall. "What are we going to do, Yang? What if there is no cure? What if Weiss can't help us?" What if you-

"I know what you're thinking..." Blake looked down at her girlfriend, the blonde's eyes peeking open and staring back at her, glimmering purple. "I know what you're thinking. But don't worry, I'm not going to die. Been there, done that." Blake smiled and giggled, continuing to brush Yang's hair. "I'll never leave you alone, Blake. Never ever ever." Yang reached up and caressed the faunus' cheek, her fingers far too warm. "I love you, Blake."

Blake bent down to connect their lips, purring gently at the feeling of Yang's hand running through her hair. She pulled away after several moments, Yang tugging her hand to her mouth and kissing the back. Blake giggled at the tickling sensation of Yang's lips, holding Yang's arm close to her chest. "I love you too, Yang. I love you." Don't leave me. Let's get better. She needed the blonde. Needed her warmth, needed her energy, needed her smile and her eyes and her voice. The thought of life without Yang was... unthinkable. She refused to consider it. It's not going to happen. It's not going to happen. "Are you hungry? Thirsty? Do you want anything?" she asked, looking around for something to feed her partner. "Yang?"

Looking down, she discovered Yang fast asleep, clutching Blake's hand tight against her neck, a wide, satisfied grin spread across her face. Blake smiled, returning to the slow, calming pattern of stroking her fingers through the dense yellow hair. I love you.

Roman groaned as he sat beside Neo, the short thief glancing at him as she licked a cone of chocolate-vanilla swirl ice cream. "Look, Cinder," Queen Bitch. "We will be in Vacuo in two days! That fits within your 'one week' schedule." He said loudly into the mini-scroll he held to his ear. So piss off!

"Don't use that tone of voice with me, Roman." Cinder's voice snapped through the speakers. "And I'm glad you could make it. I would have hated to have to eliminate my... most productive subordinate." I hate this bitch. "Meet me in Grand Bazaar. You'll know where."

~Click~

"I hate that bitch." Roman growled as he pocketed the scroll, resting his elbows on his knees and grimacing. But I need to protect Neo... His partner patted him empathetically on the shoulder, biting into the cone with a crunch. Roman sighed, lounging back in the uncomfortable train seat. He had reserved two full cars, and they gave him the two shittiest. I think I'll rob them. Or blow up one of their offices. "Just one more job for the Queen, darling. Just one more." He drew Neo in to cuddle against his chest, pulling his hat over his eyes and trying to get some sleep as the train clattered onwards. Just one more...

As he slipped into a dream of ice cream and strawberries, a common occurrence after meeting Red in his house, a shimmering silver eye disappeared from sight as a barely opened carriage door closed with a quiet thunk.

"So that's who he's meeting..." Ruby mumbled to herself, pulling at her lower lip as she walked back to her teammates.

Author's Notes: I know I said last week that we're finally set up for the end, but now we're REALLY set up for the end. This chapter brings Weiss up to speed, and gets everyone to Vacuo which is where the ending happens. ONLY TWO CHAPTERS LEFT! And then an epilogue, of course.

Sorry if this chapter wasn't as good as some of the others. Now, I know you're all going to get on my case about being negative about my writing, you have been for the last two months. I get it, really. But I rushed this chapter; I'm really excited about the ending and just want to start on that, but this chapter had to come first.

I've been writing so much White Rose and Roman stuff that I've forgotten how to write Bumblebee! Doesn't bode well, considering this is a Bumblebee story...

Bad news: Finals week is coming up, so the next chapters might be delayed because I'm getting pretty busy.

Please remember to review/follow/favorite the story! We're almost done!

Your review challenge is "What was your favorite line and why?" - Mine was "...carve it into a statue of a cookie." because it makes me laugh.

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Thank you very, very, very much for reading.

Keep moving forward.