"Hey Weiss."
Weiss almost dropped the mug she had been holding. The words were so genial, but she recognised the voice and knew it was anything but innocent. The voice's owner was cruel, bitter and vindictive and that had just been in high school. Slowly Weiss looked up from the counter, praying hopelessly that she had been mistaken but to no avail.
"Emerald."
It was all Weiss could think to say and even then, it barely came out above a whisper. She stared dumbly at the face of Emerald Sustrai, grinning like the Cheshire Cat back at her. It was a familiar grin to Weiss. It was the grin Emerald got anytime she got one over on Mercury or some other poor less deserving soul. Just like that, Weiss was back in high school, remembering all the horrible things she had done, the person she had been.
Emerald had changed a little in the time since Weiss had last seen her. Her vibrant green hair was shaved on one side, showing off a bar piercing in the shape of an arrow through the top of one ear. She wore light hooded fingerless gloves, with her nails painted red showing through, but apart from that, she was dressed for Vales beach weather though still looked a little uncomfortable in it. At least that hadn't changed, Emerald could hate anything.
"Fancy seeing you here," Emerald said, leaning forward on the counter. "Long time no see."
"It's certainly been a while," she replied evenly.
Internally, thought her mind was racing, a buzz with questions. Why was Emerald here? Was she alone. Was Mercury with her? Was Cinder? Was she staying? Had she come looking for Weiss? What did she want?
Emerald laughed, and Weiss wondered if Emerald could see how anxious she was getting. She felt like it was probably written all over her face. A spotlight on her discomfort that Emerald revelling in.
"Geez Weiss I know you're not used to working for a living but aren't you meant to ask if I want anything."
"Oh- right... well?"
"Hmm," Emerald said, tapping her chin slightly. She was drawing it out on purpose. She wanted to watch Weiss squirm. "It is hot out there... how about some ice cream? Watching you scoop should be entertainingly abysmal. Love the uniform by the way. Hot... in a sort of 1920s sort of way."
Weiss let the comment go, just wanting her gone. Emerald had arrived after the morning rush, so Beacon was empty. Nora was back of house stocking the freezer so if Weiss was lucky, maybe Emerald would get bored and leave before anyone was the wiser. Her brush with the past could remain just that.
She did drag the tip jar out of Emeralds reach though. Beacon wasn't losing money because of her. Emerald raised an eyebrow at that though she didn't look offended. Guessed she hadn't changed all that much then. She still no shame at all.
"What flavour?"
"Surprise me. You got this right? For old times' sake?"
"...Sure," she muttered, yanking out a cone.
She could pay for a cone if meant that Emerald would leave quicker and without making a scene. She agonised over the counter wondering what the least offensive flavour would be so Emerald couldn't comment. Mint would get a comparison to her hair, she'd hate bubble-gum only based on the colour, so she settled for chocolate.
As she was making her way back to the counter, she heard Emerald say.
"What no sauce and sprinkles? Dont skimp me Weiss."
Repressing a groan, Weiss complied, generously coating it in rainbows and criss-crossing it with toffee. She passed it across to Emerald, resisting the urge to ram it in her smug face. It would almost be worth it just to see that smugness vanish, just in the moment. And she was working with Nora today. Out of all her friends, Nora would appreciate it the most and probably deny it happened later if asked.
Instead she just passed it over and watched as Emerald licked it, letting out a hum of approval.
"Hmm, not bad Weiss." She took another bite. "Really happy you found your calling in life."
The words stung more than they should have.
"What do you want Emerald?"
"Who says I want anything? Maybe it was just hot out."
"You always wanted something."
"Still mad huh?"
"You used me," Weiss hissed.
"Oh please," Emerald said with a causal wave of her hand. "Sure, Mercury went a little far with it, but you had fun while it lasted. You wanted to hang with the cool kids and piss off daddy, well you got what you wanted."
"You think you were the cool kids? Cool kids are popular. Not outcasts."
Emeralds eyes darkened for a moment, the insult hitting home like Weiss knew it would.
"Doesn't really matter. We never lied about who we were. You were fine with us when Amber was pissing you off."
"I did not want that."
"Sure, you didn't," Emerald said, though for the barest second, she looked uncertain. "Point is, you knew who we were. What did you expect?"
Friendship at the very least. Trust and companionship among other things. People who would have her back when she needed them. Like she would have with them if the time had needed it.
But there was still that small nagging doubt. The one that came at nights when she was alone in the dark. The reason she sometimes struggled to sleep when she thought about how things used to be.
Would you have though?
It's really easy to say you would and not at all hard to say it now without burden. But would she have really put herself on the line to help them. Mercury hated his dad and with good reason from what Weiss knew. Emerald had been on her third foster home and Cinder...
Well Cinder had bad days. The days when she came into school with bruises on her arm, a longer skirt and a plainer make up. Those were the days they had known to stay out of Cinders way, though Emerald normally couldn't help herself and suffered for it. Cinder would return to normal after a few days, transition back to her regular attire and none of them would mention it.
Had worst come to it and any of them had needed to leave, would Weiss have offered? Would she have waited to see if anyone else did or make up some excuse about her father saying no despite her never asking. Maybe she wasn't as bad as them, but had she really been different?
"That's what I thought," Emerald said. "I'll be seeing you Weiss."
"You're leaving?"
"Don't worry, I'll be around Vale for a bit longer." Emerald sauntered over to the window, running her finger over a photo stuck there. "Who's the brunette? She's kinda cute. You're looking pretty cosy with her too..."
Her breath caught in her throat and it took all her strength to repress a shout. Emerald might just be joking and reacting would give her away. And if she knew then rising to her bait was just what she wanted. Just deflect.
"Emerald, are they with you?"
"Who?"
"You know who," she snapped before composing herself. "Mercury and- and Cinder."
There was a long pause and then with one final smile, Emerald walked out of the shop leaving Weiss alone. For a few seconds she didn't do anything. She didn't even move. Then she heard Nora walking back into the front of shop loudly humming to herself.
"Hey Weiss, were you talking to someone?"
Releasing a breath, she didn't know she had been holding, Weiss forced herself to relax. They might not know. Surely Emerald would have rubbed it in her face if she had told them. Maybe they weren't here at all and it was just Emerald. Maybe...
"Uhh Beacon to Weiss, can you hear me?"
"What? Oh, sorry Nora. I guess I was day dreaming."
Nora didn't seem convinced.
"Day nightmare more like. You okay? You look kinda tense there."
Unclenching her body, Weiss forced a smile and turned back to the counter to distract herself.
"Oh, I'm fine. Don't worry about it." She took a sharp breath. "Now quit trying to slack off, don't you have work to do."
The rest of the shift past in a blur. Weiss spent all her time looking over her shoulder expecting Emerald to walk back in at any moment. Or even worse, for Cinder to be brought in. She was jumpy and tense causing Nora to ask her more than once if she was okay.
All in all, she had never been more relieved to finish a shift, feeling more like defending a wall from an attack then scooping ice cream. Giving Weiss a quick good bye, she changed quickly out of the uniform and left to go to the train station to meet up with Yang and her dad.
"She's going to be happiest to see me," Yang said with a smirk.
"What? I'm her father. That's way better than sister."
"In what universe? I like Ruby way more than you."
Zwei barked excitedly, running around their legs as the two blondes continued their incredulous bickering.
"Well maybe Ruby will be more grateful to the man who raised her." Taiyang grimaced. "And the one paying for everything."
"Can't buy love Dad."
"Then why do we give valentine presents."
Yang shook her head as Taiyang knowingly tapped his head as though this had won him the debate.
"What do you think Weiss?... Weiss."
"Huh, oh sorry I was just... never mind."
Tai continued his knowing nod as he smiled at them.
"Daydreaming huh? Ahh to be young again."
"Gross, dad."
Weiss blushed and laughed though she didn't think Taiyang had really meant it like that.
"To answer your question Yang, I would ask why both of you are fighting over second and third. Obviously, she will be happiest to see me."
Zwei barked and they all laughed again, continuing and escalating their friendly debate until passers-by were staring at them. And every time Weiss caught a glance of silver or green, she repressed the urge to curl in on herself.
It didn't take much longer for Ruby's train to arrive and soon they saw her jumping out of the train with a back pack and hurrying along to the ticket barriers. As she passed through she caught sight on them and went beat red as Yang held up a huge sign that said, "RUBY ROSE".
Still she soon recovered, and grinning started to run towards them.
"Moment of truth," Taiyang whispered and they all took a deep breath of anticipation.
Grinning from ear to ear, Ruby ran towards them, getting closer and closer until-
"Zwei!"
Happily, Ruby scooped up her dog as he barked happily at seeing his master and she span him around in air.
"Oh, I've missed you so much. Who's a good boy?"
Weiss, Yang and Tai all sighed as one. Of course, she would do that. With her own sly smirk, Ruby seemed to notice them and tucking Zwei under her arm gave her father a one-armed hug.
"Hey there kiddo," Tai said hugging back before frowning. "You need a haircut."
"Dad!"
Depositing Zwei into Tai's arms she turned and hugged her sister only for Yang to pick her up into a bone crushing hug.
"Yang, can't breathe."
Laughing Yang loosened her grip and the two sisters broke apart. Smiling, Ruby finally turned to Weiss looking a little more bashful than before. All thoughts of Emerald or Mercury or Cinder melted away with that look and Weiss just wanted to kiss her. She couldn't of course. It would probably embarrass her in front of her family, so it would have to wait-
And those thoughts vanished as Ruby pressed their lips together. It didn't last long, and they were both red as they pulled apart, Yang gagging and Tai looking away awkwardly.
"Hey," Ruby said. "It's good to see you."
"I know... I missed you."
They stood, smiling for a few moments happy to just be, until Yang coughed awkwardly. Weiss glared at her almost immediately and Yang raised her arms in defence.
"Hey, easy now. It's just what kinda have dinner plans..."
Right, Ruby was only back for a weekend and, so they were planning to make the most of it. Family dinner tonight that Weiss had graciously been invited to. Then a Beacon night out so she could see everyone. Only a small one though. Yang was still barred from Juniors. Recovery tomorrow and she'd probably want to see Qrow. Back to school on Sunday...
But to her girlfriend, that might as well have been a year from now. Ruby grinned, linking herself into Weiss's arm and the four of them started the walk towards the car, Zwei yipping around their legs. One small stop at home to drop off Zwei and Ruby's bags at home then onto Ruby's favourite restaurant...
Weiss would probably be able to find something that wasn't deep fried.
In the end, Weiss had to settle for a club sandwich avoiding any hot sauce with a shudder, though she did tease Yang a little, much to Tai's delight who hadn't heard the full story. Blushing a little about her humbling consequences of her defeat, Yang had also opted not to have hot sauce.
Still the mood was light and cheerful. Ruby spoke a mile a minute, talking about her new friends, flat mates and classes. It sounded incredible and even if Weiss didn't know what half the equipment Ruby was talking about, Ruby's enthusiasm made it a joy to listen to. She had a feeling some of the stories of nights out were edited for her father's benefit but still it seemed like art school was everything she had hoped it would be and more. It was amazing she had ever doubted it.
Weiss herself didn't say much, content to leave the questioning to Yang and Tai. Through her frequent talks with Ruby over phone and webcams, Weiss had heard a lot of this anyway, though she still enjoyed listening to Ruby's voice without the sound of a filter for once.
And it was all going well until Ruby accidentally knocked a glass over the table during a particularly vivid re-enactment. It shattered against the table, spilling red cherry soda across the cloth and Weiss almost jumped out her seat.
"I-I'm sorry." Three mouths opened to speak but she stood up quickly. "I need to go and get cleaned up."
The soda hadn't even spilled on her and she didn't think any of them bought her excuse, but she hurried away before they had a chance to question her. Her heart racing, she headed towards the bathroom but stopping in the hallway, just out of sight.
Letting out a muffled choked sob, Weiss bent over, trying to resist the urge to vomit. Why was this happening? Emerald hadn't even done anything. She might not do anything. Cinder and Mercury might not even be here, yet still Emerald had done this to her without even trying. She hated feeling so helpless. She wanted to scream.
"Weiss?"
She jumped again, straightening up quickly and finding Ruby staring at her, eyes filled with concern. Excuses jumped from her mind to her mouth, frantic and disorganised, and Weiss talking before she even knew what she was saying.
"Ruby, I-"
And then Ruby's arms were around her, hugging her tightly. Weiss froze, stiffening and knowing she didn't deserve this support. Emerald was her issue, her past come back to haunt her. Not Rubys burden to bear. Then she in her selfishness, she decided she didn't care and took the hug and all the love that came with.
"Talk to me Weiss," Ruby said softly, stroking her hair gently. "Tell me what's wrong?"
Breathing deeply, the smell of berries from Ruby's shampoo filled her senses, soothing her. They weren't in the restaurant anymore. The bustle of the kitchens was gone. It was just them. Taking another breath, Weiss pulled herself from Ruby's shoulder.
"Emerald came to work today."
Ruby gasped. She knew all about Emerald.
"Oh... was she alone."
And she knew all about Cinder.
Weiss nodded, quickly recounting Emeralds visit and everything she had said. Ruby's didn't say anything until she finished, just listening and occasionally nodding. It didn't take long, and Weiss felt like she was rushing through just trying to get it over with, not wanting to share this part of her life with Ruby.
As she finished, she was staring at the ground, only noticing when Ruby touched her arm gently.
"Hey it's okay Weiss. Don't worry."
"You don't know what they're like."
Ruby bit her lip before responding.
"Maybe not, but I know what you're like." Ruby smiled. "And from what you've told me. You're nothing like them. I know you think you are, but I know you're not."
Weiss could almost believe it when it was Ruby saying it. She smiled so earnestly she could convince Weiss the sun was cold. But that didn't make it right. Weiss knew what she was.
"Do you still want to go out?" Ruby asked. "I could say I'm too tired."
Instantly she shook her head.
"No, you haven't seen everyone. I don't want you to miss out at my expense."
"Are you sure? I don't mind."
"I'm sure. I don't want them to control me. They probably aren't even here. Emeralds just trying to screw with me."
"She does sound like a bitch."
"Ruby!" Weiss admonished, before letting out a giggle. "Come on, you family's probably wondering where we've gone." She paused before smirking. "Knowing Yang, she probably thinks it was a lot more exciting."
It was a poor attempt at humour, but Ruby smiled anyway. Probably just trying to make her feel better rather than actually finding it funny. Still Weiss followed Ruby back to the table, putting on a smile she hadn't used since the galas of Atlas and tried to pretend nothing was wrong.
And all while she ate, her food tasted like ash.