Author's Note: Well, I thought this story was done, but several of you said it needed one more chapter. You know what? You're right. The truth is I was getting burned out of working on this story, but I'm refreshed enough now to give it that little bit more it needs.

Don't expect anything too spectacular. This is just the falling action after last chapter's big climax, but I think it rounds out the story a little nicer. Enjoy!


Chapter 29: Forever and For Now

The next morning, the skies over Beacon were bright and clear with not a cloud in sight. High above campus, an airship was steadily sailing toward the horizon. Weiss was watching it intently from the window of Team RWBY's dorm room, keeping her eyes trained on it even as it faded off into the distance. Jacques and Whitley were on board. They were heading back to Atlas, and the last vestiges of Weiss's life as an heiress were leaving with them.

Weiss felt a tiny pang of sorrow. Being excommunicated from the Schnee Family didn't suddenly erase a lifetime of emotional connections. Despite everything, Weiss had never wanted to cut Father or even Whitley out of her life. She couldn't help but wonder if she could have found some way to make them understand, or at least tolerate who and what she was. She supposed it didn't matter now. She'd made her choice, and she was more than prepared to live with it.

The airship continued to pull away from Beacon. It was little more than a spec now. Then, like that, it was gone. Weiss let out a breath. She hadn't seen or spoken to Father since their confrontation in Ozpin's office yesterday. But only now did she feel like it was over.

Weiss turned away from the window. She may no longer be welcome in her own family, but she was far from alone. In fact, Yang hadn't left her side since yesterday. Right now Yang was reclining on Weiss's bed like she owned it. Weiss supposed the bed was just as much Yang's as it was hers at this point. The two of them had shared it last night, and Weiss intended for them to keep on sharing it for the foreseeable future. Yang was her girlfriend, and she was going to fully embrace everything that meant. Especially now that their relationship was out in the open.

True to Yang's nature, her public declaration of her love for Weiss in the middle of campus yesterday had been anything but subtle. Especially since she'd kissed Weiss in full view of everybody. Weiss hadn't been expecting a kiss, but even if she had, she wouldn't have tried to stop Yang. It had been wonderful to finally be open about her feelings. She just wished she could see the look on Father's face when the media got hold of the pictures someone must have inevitably taken.

In a way, Weiss felt sorry for Father. By the time he landed in Atlas, word would have spread, not only about her relationship with Yang, but that not all was well in the Schnee Family. Weiss wondered which shocking turn of events would end up being the bigger news item. Either way, it wouldn't take long before a connection was drawn between the two. Every news show, media outlet, and gossip rag in Atlas was going to be beating down Father's door demanding answers.

Weiss looked at Yang over on her bed. A smile crossed her face. Let Father have his kingdom. She'd found something so much better.

Yang must have felt Weiss's eyes on her because she turned and looked at her. She asked, "Are they gone?"

"Yes," Weiss said.

"Good riddance," Yang said. "I still can't believe how your dad treated you."

"I'm not going to waste my energy worrying about it," Weiss said. "He made his feelings very clear."

"That doesn't make it right," Yang said.

"No. It doesn't," Weiss said. "But I can't make Father's choices for him. I can only make mine."

"Do you still think you made the right one?" Yang asked.

"Absolutely," Weiss said without hesitation.

Yang actually breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good. I was kind of scared that you'd wake up today and want to take it all back."

"Yang. I love you," Weiss said. "That's what's most important to me, and that's not going to change."

"Yeah, I know but…you know," Yang said.

Weiss smiled and crossed her arms.

"What?" Yang asked.

"No one would ever believe me if I told them how insecure you're behaving right now," Weiss said.

"Yeah, yeah," Yang said. "I guess that's what happens when I love someone as much as I love you. Just don't tell anyone."

"Your reputation is safe with me," Weiss said.

Yang sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. She said, "I guess tomorrow we go back to class and pretend everything is normal again."

Weiss thought about that for a moment. She asked, "Isn't everything normal now?"

"I guess?" Yang said. "But, you know, you're not an heiress anymore."

"I'm not convinced that was ever my fate," Weiss said. "Even if it was, I don't think it's what I really wanted."

"Really?" Yang asked. "You seemed pretty set on it when I first met you."

"My grandfather didn't accomplish anything by sitting behind a desk or attending board meetings," Weiss said. "Now that there's nothing to interfere with my career as a huntress, my life will be more like his than I ever anticipated."

"Huh," Yang said. "I guess when you look at it that way your plans for the future haven't changed so much after all."

"They've changed even less than you think," Weiss said.

"What do you mean?" Yang asked.

"Well…" Weiss said. She took a few steps toward Yang. "Part of my plan was to marry someone not long after graduation who had mutually compatible career goals."

Yang's face lit up. "So you were being serious yesterday about all that wedding stuff," she said.

"Of course," Weiss said. "Weren't you?"

"You bet I was," Yang said.

"Good. Because there's no way you're getting out of it now," Weiss said.

"Like I'd even want to," Yang said.

"In the meantime, the weekend isn't over yet," Weiss said. "I think we've earned some rest and relaxation."

"Relaxation, huh," Yang said. A smirk spread across her lips, and her eyes started roaming over Weiss's body.

"What's that look for?" Weiss asked, knowing full well what Yang was thinking. She resisted the urge to shy away from Yang's gaze. She was resolute not to be ashamed of the desire she and Yang felt for one another.

Yang got up off the bed. "I can't help but notice that Ruby and Blake aren't here," she said.

"Yes. And?" Weiss asked, continuing to feign ignorance.

"It'd be a shame to waste our…alone time, don't you think?" Yang asked as she walked up to Weiss. She leaned forward, very intentionally giving Weiss an eyeful of her cleavage.

Weiss swallowed. She forced herself to meet Yang's eyes and said, "Sometimes I worry about your lack of inhibitions."

"Oh like you're one to talk," Yang said.

"What do you mean by that?" Weiss asked.

"I'm talking about yesterday at the statue," Yang said. "And that kiss."

"I merely wanted to hold hands," Weiss said. "You were the one who kissed me."

"Uh-huh," Yang said. She suddenly hooked an arm around Weiss and pulled her in close. "I may have started it, but you were the one who wouldn't let me stop."

"I-I did nothing of the sort," Weiss said, blushing. The sensation of Yang's body being so close to hers was making her feel warm in the most delightful way.

"Sure you didn't," Yang said.

"I can hardly be held responsible if kissing you in public was so…exhilarating," Weiss said.

Yang leaned in close until she was practically nose-to-nose with Weiss. "You want exhilarating? How about I give you a real kiss? If you think you can handle it."

Weiss's eyes flicked down to Yang's lips. "I can handle anything you've got, Xiao Long," she said.

"Oh yeah?" Yang asked. Her mouth drifted closer to Weiss's.

"Try me," Weiss said.

Yang grinned. Her hand reached around the back of Weiss's head, and she pulled Weiss into a kiss. It wasn't the hungry, frenzied one Weiss had been expecting; it was slow and simmering with passion. It was a kiss that felt like it would last forever. It stole Weiss's breath and made her heart ache with love. Enveloped in Yang's arms, Weiss lost track of her surroundings until there was nothing left in the world but the two of them.

Yang finally released Weiss from the kiss, but she still held her tight. Her head came to rest on Weiss's shoulder. Weiss leaned her cheek against Yang's head. She breathed deeply, and then let the breath out slowly. Maybe it was the safety of Yang's arms or maybe it was simply the distance of time, but a lingering bit of tension eased out of her.

"We did it," Weiss said.

"Did what?"

"We escaped my father."

"Yeah. We did."

Silence hung in the air as Weiss and Yang enjoyed the simple pleasure of holding each other close. But then Yang lifted her head. She looked at Weiss and said, "You know, I really should thank you for keeping me out of jail."

"You already did," Weiss said.

"Well I said thank you, yeah. But I'm talking about giving you a…reward." Yang's hand slid down Weiss's back and brushed against the fabric of her combat skirt.

A tingle of excitement shot up Weiss as Yang's fingers played with her hemline. She asked, "Would this be a reward for me or for you?"

"Mmm," Yang said. She started nibbling her way down Weiss's neck until she found a spot that made Weiss gasp. "Maybe both?"

Yang's other hand slipped inside Weiss's jacket and pushed it off one of Weiss's shoulders. Weiss's breath quickened as Yang started caressing the newly exposed skin. "You're right," Weiss said. "A reward is in order."

"I knew I could talk you into it," Yang said, leaning in to kiss Weiss again.

Suddenly, the door opened. Before Weiss or Yang could do anything, Ruby and Blake walked in.

"Hi guys!" Ruby said. "We were—agh!"

Ruby threw her hands over her eyes and spun around. At the same time, Weiss pulled out of Yang's arms in a panic. She yanked her jacket back into place. "What are you two doing here?!" she exclaimed.

"We live here," Blake said, sidestepping Ruby so she could get inside the room.

"Well, yes, but…" Weiss said.

Ruby wailed, "You guys are supposed to put a ribbon or a sock or something on the door when you're doing stuff like that!"

"Sorry, Sis," Yang said, sounding more amused than apologetic. "It was just kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing."

"Well the moment is officially over!" Ruby said. Then she asked, "Is it safe to look?"

Blake said, "It's safe."

Ruby turned around. She tentatively peeked through her fingers. Seeing that it really was safe, she dropped her hands and breathed a sigh of relief.

Blake said, "Why do I get the feeling this is going to happen a lot."

Ruby said, "Please tell me you're joking."

Blake said, "Maybe we should start knocking before we come in."

"Yeah," Ruby said. "That's probably a good idea."

"That's hardly necessary!" Weiss insisted. "We can control ourselves!"

Blake looked at Weiss with a wry smile.

"Well maybe not Yang," Weiss admitted. "But I certainly can."

Blake's smile got bigger.

"What? I can!" Weiss said. She didn't like what Blake was silently implying.

Ruby said, "Yeah, I think knocking's a good idea."

"Hey!" Weiss said.

"So…" Yang said, trying to change topics. "Is everyone on campus still talking about me and Weiss?"

"Ugh, yes," Ruby said. "I can't go anywhere without overhearing someone blabbering about it."

Blake said, "At least you didn't have to hear what Sun was saying."

Weiss groaned. "Please spare me the details."

"I think he's gotten most of it out of his system," Blake said. "But he did want to thank the two of you. Apparently, you won some sort of bet with Neptune for him."

Yang shook her head and laughed. "Poor Neptune," she said.

Weiss said, "I already sent him a message yesterday apologizing. Again."

"Don't worry," Yang said. "I'm sure he'll get over it."

Ruby said, "I hope everyone else hurries up and gets over it too. I don't see why it's such a big deal. I mean, I think it's great you two are dating, but lots of people are dating and no one's talking non-stop about them."

Blake chuckled. "Maybe it has something to do with a certain kiss I heard about."

Weiss blushed, but she held her head high and said, "I am well within my rights to kiss my girlfriend in public anytime I want to."

Yang said, "Good thing. Because I think I'm going to be kissing you in public a lot."

"Yaaang!" Ruby said. "Then people will never stop talking about it!"

"Hey! I couldn't even hold hands with Weiss outside our room," Yang said. "I'm going to be making up for lost time."

"Weiss! You have to stop my sister!" Ruby begged. "You're the only one who can control her!"

"It's too late for that, Rubes," Yang said with a grin. "Weiss was just telling me how thrilling kissing me in public was."

"Really, Weiss?" Ruby asked.

Weiss blushed again. She couldn't keep herself from smiling.

Ruby sighed. "I'm going to spend the rest of my life having to listen to people gossip about my sister and her girlfriend."

"Is that really so bad?" Weiss asked. "You said you were okay with me dating Yang."

"I am okay with it," Ruby said. "And you two are so cute when you're hugging or cuddling. But then you start kissing and bleck! But…if you two are happy, I guess it's okay."

"We are happy," Weiss said. "We'll…attempt to keep our public displays of affection in check."

Blake chuckled.

Weiss was about to object to Blake obvious lack of confidence when Yang said, "Speaking of public displays of affection. Weiss, I think you and I should go on a date next weekend."

"I would love to," Weiss said. "With all the recent excitement, a nice, normal date would be a wonderful change of pace."

"I don't know how normal it's going to be," Yang said. "Since we don't have to keep anything a secret anymore, we can do whatever we want!"

"That's true," Weiss said, and the more she thought about it, the more the notion pleased her. At the very least, if someone tried to hit on her or Yang this time, she could finally say what she really wanted to say to them.

"Oh," Yang said. "But I'm paying for it. So we can't do anything too crazy."

"I…suppose that's a given," Weiss said. Her expression soured.

"It's way past my turn again anyway," Yang said.

When Weiss didn't immediately respond, Yang asked, "Uh, Weiss? Are you okay?"

"Yes. I was just thinking about money," Weiss said. It had only been a day, but the cold reality of being cut off from the Schnee fortune was already sinking in.

"Oh," Yang said. "I'm sorry. I probably shouldn't have brought that up."

"It's fine," Weiss said. "It needs to be addressed. It's a long way until graduation, and Father won't be supporting me anymore. I suppose I'll have to find a job."

Blake said. "There are plenty of people who would be willing to hire a huntress-in-training. It's something we can all consider over the summer. But in the meantime…" She pulled a pamphlet out of her pocket. "Ruby and I came back here to give you this, Weiss. It's got information on student aid programs. Normally you can only apply at the beginning of the semester, but given your circumstances, they might make an exception for you. I'm sure Ozpin would be willing to help your application along too, if you asked him."

Weiss took the pamphlet from Blake. Her pride bristled at the notion of seeking a handout, but she knew practicality would have to win out in this case.

Ruby said, "Don't worry, Weiss. We're all here to help you out."

"Thank you," Weiss said. "All of you."

Yang smiled. "See? I told you we'd get you through this."

Weiss knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but the obstacles in front of her seem less daunting now, knowing that all her friends had her back.

"Welp," Ruby said. "I need to go. I, have an appointment."

Weiss asked, "You do? What kind of appointment?"

"Pyrrha managed to get a sparring room at the arena today, and she wanted me to join her," Ruby said, sounding smug.

"Alright, Sis!" Yang said, pumping her fist. "Go kick her butt!"

Blake said, "I should go too. Velvet is expecting me. I guess that means you two can get back to…what you were doing."

"Blaaake!" Ruby said. "Don't encourage them!"

"I don't think they need any encouragement," Blake said.

"Don't worry, Rubes," Yang said. "We're just going to, uh…study. Right, Weiss?"

"Right," Weiss said sardonically.

Ruby looked at Weiss and Yang like she didn't believe them. "Okay," she said warily.

"But since you're heading out…" Yang said. She walked over to the closet and opened it up. Then she pulled out the ribbon she wore as part of her school uniform. "Could you put this on the doorknob?"

"Nope! Too late! Don't want to think about it!" Ruby said. She vanished in a puff of rose peddles. The door flew open and banged against the wall as she made her escape.

"Yang," Weiss said. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't use our relationship to traumatize your sister."

"Oh, you're no fun," Yang said. She held the ribbon out to Blake. "Want to help me out, Partner?"

"Fine," Blake said, rolling her eyes. She took the ribbon from Yang and walked over to the open door. But then she paused and said, "Try not to make too much noise. Nora's been complaining that she can hear you across the hall."

"She what!?" Weiss exclaimed. "You're joking!"

Blake didn't say anything more. She just slipped out through the door and shut it behind her.

"She's joking, right?" Weiss asked Yang.

Yang was trying her best to hold in her laughter, but she couldn't. She doubled over in a fit of giggles.

Weiss huffed and said, "Maybe we need to use a gag."

"Oooh, kinky," Yang said, straightening back up.

"I-I didn't mean it like that!" Weiss stammered.

"Too bad," Yang said.

Weiss cleared her throat. She said, "All the same, maybe you should try to be quieter."

An impish grin spread across Yang's lips. "Between the two of us, I don't think I'm the loud one," she said.

"That's ridiculous!" Weiss said.

"You sure about that?" Yang asked. "I bet I can prove otherwise."

Weiss scowled. She wasn't above some good-natured teasing, but she was worried that Yang might be right. Suddenly, an evil idea popped into her head. If Yang was going to have fun at her expense, she was going to have to learn to take it as well as dish it out. Weiss said, "We'll have to worry about that later. Right now we have studying to do."

"Oh yeah, I'm all ready to do some 'studying'," Yang said, still grinning. But when Weiss didn't say anything more, her grin faded. "Wait. You're serious?"

"It's what you told Ruby we were going to do," Weiss said.

"Well yeah," Yang said. "But didn't you say earlier—"

"More to the point," Weiss interrupted, "with all that's been going on, we've both fallen behind on our homework."

Yang looked completely perturbed. She opened her mouth to protest, but then she closed it again. "Alright," she grumbled.

Weiss blinked. "You're actually agreeing?"

"If that's what you want to do," Yang said.

"You must really love me," Weiss said absently.

"I really do," Yang said. "So if you want to do homework, then alright. That's part of life, right? And I want to share the rest of my life with you. The good and the bad."

"That's…that's good," Weiss said, feeling her heart flutter. "Because I do too. You gave me the strength to make my life my own. I can't tell you what that means to me."

"Ah, Weiss…" Yang said.

Weiss leaned forward. She kissed Yang softly. Yang's eyes fluttered closed, and the two of them embraced. They held on tight, both to the moment and to each other.

When Weiss's and Yang's lips parted, Yang opened her eyes. They were wet with happy tears.

"Alright," Yang said, letting go of Weiss so she could dry her eyes. "Enough with the mushy stuff. What are we going to study?"

Weiss smiled. "I was thinking we should start by studying each other."

It took Yang just a moment to realize what Weiss was saying, but then she grinned and said, "Now you're talking, Weissy."

Weiss took Yang's hand and started guiding her toward their bed. If felt like a lifetime ago that Weiss had grappled with the fear that something was missing from her life. And she'd been right. Something had been missing. It had been moments like this. It had been spontaneous dinner dates, motorcycle rides, and hours spent talking about nothing in particular. It had been all the wonderful memories that filled Weiss's heart and made her life worth living.

Weiss looked longingly into Yang's eyes. "I love you, Yang," she said.

"I love you too, Weiss," Yang said. "Forever."


Author's Note: And that's the end of the story for real this time. While I've got your attention, I have a vague idea for a sequel in my head. It still needs a lot of fleshing out, and I've got some other major projects I want to get to first, so don't expect anything soon. But I'm here to say that a sequel will definitely maybe probably happen at some point that is later than now. Unless "now" is the future and I did write it and it's already posted. Is that clear? Good.

Thanks for reading all the way to the end of this story. Again. I hope you enjoyed it.

As always, I welcome constructive criticism. Please feel free to leave a review. And if you like what you've read, taking the time to favorite and/or follow really helps me out. You can also find me on tumblr (electronicyarn) if you want to send me a message or be notified of updates.