And yet some more
Chapter 53:
Smiling gently Ruby simply plopped down on her bed as she took a deep breath. She was just ready for the day to end, but she couldn't. At least she couldn't with all the moving coming from Yang's bed.
"Yang? You awake? Or Weiss? I don't care which. And don't pretend that you are alone... or trying to sleep. I just want someone to talk to because in one week I went from dating this incredibly hot girl who is all kinds of kinky and was also all for just cuddling and reading, to being single after getting into an argument with my mother to shooting down this incredibly cute girl to possibly going out tomorrow to see her but might be told that she found someone prettier." Ruby said as she could hear a cough coming from next to her.
Wincing a little before she spoke, Yang just looked towards Ruby, "What are you talking about Ruby? It is just me. And you are going to be fine. I mean aren't you meant to look for something for you and your mother to do?"
"Yang, you don't wear Faubourg perfume. Especially to just stay laying in bed at nine at night. That is fifteen hundred dollars an ounce. Meanwhile I know for a fact that that is Weiss' brand, and from what I've heard from Winter that is the exact brand Weiss wears when she is getting some pounding when she is getting all kinds of stressed. And Win is far more observant than me. I just don't know anyone dumb enough to shell out that kind of money for that stuff." Ruby stated her reasoning as she began to sit up properly. "And me and Mom agreed on metal sculptures so we are doing that tomorrow instead of me going to therapy under orders of my therapist. Largely because I've several homemade welders made from microwaves, and years of working on cars and dozens of model rockets, the shells of microwaves, a few awful examples of bribery... so we've plenty of scrap metal." Ruby continued as she could see Yang violently coughing.
A sight that just caused Ruby to chuckle softly. "That about realising Weiss is all kinds of stupid? The fact I've known about the relationship literally the entire time because you or Weiss were dumb enough to use one of her expensive handkerchiefs on the door knob. Or are you shocked that someone from a rich family would drop that kind of money on something stupid... but I suppose you could make the same argument about the kind of money I spend on my Mom's cars... or you and that motorcycle... although it is probably significantly cheaper for you." Ruby continued to speak as she just started to roll onto her side. "Plus, Weiss, it is a lot easier to pretend you aren't here if you don't leave your heels by our door. Because you wear a smaller shoe than me and I know for a fact I wear a significantly smaller size than Yang. Not to mention I own literally one pair of heels that I never even brought here and if I didn't need them for your stupid stuffy parties, I'd burn them."
"Okay first off, I only wear it because it is literally the cheapest bottle I have because Whitley still doesn't understand that my scent is Notorious by Lauren Ralph." Weiss said as she pulled her head out from under the blankets. "And second off how are you panicking? Especially with what you said about you and Reese. And finally, go ahead. You need new heels anyways. And thirdly how the hell can you spend as much money on those stupid cars... and since when did you drive a motorcycle?" Weiss asked Yang as she began to look around the room. "And the most important thing... can you just leave the room long enough for me to get dressed?"
"That is thirty five thousand and forty dollars a bottle. So yeah we get the right to mock. With all the cars my Mom has, we don't even spend close to one of those perfumes on oil. And no because that is just going to lead to more sex. Just enjoy cuddling. I know it is a new feeling for the both of you. Plus Reese was different. It took me a while to even realise we were dating. Mostly because you have no idea how common it was with Neo to be just kissed by surprise. And frankly if she wasn't like always the little spoon she'd totally be my type." Ruby complained as she could see Weiss just frowning.
"And since I could drive. Technically and legally couldn't properly drive one properly without my Dad being nearby on one as well until a few months ago. But frankly screw legality. I wouldn't be drinking since sixteen if I cared about that." Yang said with a relaxed tone as she could feel Weiss deflating a little. "And we won't if you just step out long enough for us to get clothes on. Or anything really." Yang said as Ruby simply chuckled a little.
"I know that song and dance. Especially after hate banging." Ruby said as she began to roll out of her bed to just stand up. "You both are just lucky that I'm meant to head back home and was just picking up some of my books... and just to remind the both of you, if you try anything kinky... avoid choking, and if you use candles, keep them away from anything that can go up. There is also a tube of burn cream in my nightstand. Oh and apply some of the antibiotic cream if there is any sort of skin breaking from it. Because you do not want to get an infection. Especially you Yang. That dinner is happening with or without our consent which we totally need to talk about when we get the chance. Because you have no idea how annoying this is going to be."
"Oh I can guess." Yang said as Ruby just chuckled shaking her head.
"Oh, I bet it is going to be lovely. Your mother is one of the best women I've ever met. And easily the second best chef and baker I've ever had the pleasure to eat the dishes of." Weiss said as Ruby just smiled faintly at.
"Yeah Mom is pretty great about that kind of thing. But not what I was talking about. Just both of you be safe when you try anything beyond normal stuff. Which is why safety words can be important in normal vanilla stuff as well. If it is just a far less fun thing to enjoy. At least in my experience." Ruby said with a smile as she walked over towards her desk and picked up a few of the books. "Also if you guys do do some rough things, Neo and Emerald are in and both do know basic first aid... personally, I'd go for Neo over Em. Neo is doing nursing." Ruby said with a smile as she pushed the items into the bag. "Or alternatively you can go with whoever else you know that knows first aid, or is in a course about it... just Neo and Em are a lot closer and again, they are versed in all of it and keep their qualifications up. Largely because my Mom wants them to especially with my tendency with choking."
"Gross..." Yang said as she just took a deep breath. "Get going Ruby. We can talk tomorrow... or Thursday."
"Make it Friday. I have some tests coming up and this is a great stress reliever that we've agreed to not let it go beyond that." Weiss said as Ruby just began to laugh. The type of laugh that made Weiss all kinds of angry because it was like she knew something that the rest of the world didn't.
"Sure sure... whatever. Catch you both later."
"Mom! I'm back! You home!" Ruby said as she slipped the keys onto the hook just inside the door leading from the garage into the house. She was actually hoping that her mother would be. Just so it would be much easier to test the welders
Walking towards her mother's office when she didn't hear a response, Ruby just sighed as she knocked on the door. Smiling a little as she could hear some faint talking as she heard some footsteps towards the door before it opened to reveal her uncles and mother.
"Mom, I'm back... do you want me to test the welders? Or would you rather we put that off until tomorrow? Because while I'm fine doing that... I haven't checked them in a while, and it does get really hot, and I'd much rather not having one of us ending up in the hospital from one crapping out... and we have a few that need to be checked." Ruby said as Cinder just took a deep breath. "And not that I don't trust Uncle Watts... but I doubt that he has experience working with high AC current... and that stuff can kill you at low voltages and even lower currents. And frankly I'd rather risk myself than any of you four being dead... largely because I do know and follow the safety procedures."
"I'll have you know that I do know how to work with electricity... although welders would be a new one. Since when did you get one?" Arthur stated as Ruby just laughed softly at the older man.
"I made it. Took the transformer out of a microwave, rewound the coil from DC to AC. And it can also be used technically if I wanted to, to melt steel, just, it takes a lot more electricity and will more than likely melt the coils first." Ruby said with a smile as she looked back towards her mother. "Are you guys talking about something I should know... or something that it is best I don't hear and go check the welders if not sleep?"
"I'd rather you sleep Ruby. And what is being talked about certainly won't make any of us seem better to you." Cinder said softly as she just took a deep breath. "But if you absolutely must check them tonight... use the proper equipment, and make sure you have something covering your eyes. And if you are, only go as far as the first working one. Okay?"
"Got it Mom. And... just... don't tell me any of the details. Okay?" Ruby whispered softly as Cinder just nodded her head in understanding. "And... I know it is a foolish request... but can you please not create new bodies Mom... or making people end up in hospital." Ruby whispered softer as she could see Cinder just taking a deep breath.
"I can't promise that Ruby. Just if my hand gets forced, remember that it is probably self defence." Cinder said as she gently pulled Ruby in a hug. "I promise though that I'm not going to need to leave the house for a few days. So there shouldn't be the need for you to fret like that. Just go test the welders like you want, and get some rest. Okay? Just do me that. And I'm serious about the proper protection. I even splurged and got the top of the line welding masks and I don't need the panic attack of you getting welders burn again." Cinder said in a soft tone as she could see Ruby just sighing.
"Okay Mom. And I should be fine either way. I don't intend to be dragged to the hospital today. And certainly don't intend to get that again... sunburn is so much better. Hell I'd take eating those stupid herbs." Ruby said as Cinder just smiled. "Just... if you do hear me screaming... bring Arthur with you. Even a non-practising doctor is better than nothing." Ruby said as Cinder just smiled and gently patted Ruby's cheek. "You know... better safe than sorry. Eye sunburns suck."
"Okay Ruby." Cinder said as she could see Ruby walking off towards the garage that just caused her to sigh. "And like that, I've got a really bad feeling..." Cinder whispered before she spun around. "Where were we?" Cinder asked as she could see Hazel relaxing a little.
"Any leads about Oz. Because if you want Ruby in ignorance you can't let Salem regain her seat at the head for very long." Arthur said as he looked towards the laugh Faunus. "And keep your ears peeled Tyrian. I heard a brief segment of what Ruby and Cinder were talking about and she is too stubborn to ask. But with our niece, chances are she is going to give herself photokeratitis which she supposedly already has suffered." Arthur continued as Cinder just took a deep breath and began to rub her eyes.
"I remember why I hate having you three in town." Cinder said in a soft tone as she as she rested against a wall. "But he has a great grandnephew. That is the last of his family alive at least. I just find it impossible to get a location. Oscar Pine is the name but Ozpin has been moving him around every few months, which is impressive because he does it without resurfacing. Which means our only ways to get to him are either through the five star general and leader of the entire army of Atlas, we continue to go after the small fish or we can try and find little Oscar's location."
"If you want to go after Ironwood, fine. You'll have me. Even the small fries. But I won't help torturing a teenage boy." Hazel stated coldly as Cinder simply held her hand up.
"I agree. But if it comes down to Ruby or him, I won't give it a second's thought. Besides that tactic is more to apply the screws enough for him to pop up and turn himself in. You know, since his daughters died in that shipwreck, forty five odd years ago." Cinder said as she just took a deep breath and began to rub her brow. "Which is why he hasn't let Oscar stay in the same place for more than half a year and the last nine times we've gotten close we were late by weeks. And there is no pattern to how he is moving him. Mostly because he knows Arthur can pick up on those like no tomorrow. Trusts no one because he knows I can get information out of a stone. Anyone that he does trust even temporarily will be intimidated either by Hazel immediately or if that fails, Tyrian injects them with a dreadfully slow acting poison and gives them false hope if they survive he'd give them the anti venom. And even if we all fail, it won't get past Salem." Cinder said calmly as she could see the group just nodding their heads in agreement.
"We should probably be wrapping this up. Just because the door is still open." Hazel said as Tyrian held a hand up to silence him.
"She just started screaming and it is a very painful sounding one." Tyrian barely got out as the quartet nearly sprinted from the room.
None of them seemed to care about the situation as Hazel threw his shoulder against the door, not caring about what was on the other side. If it was someone dumb enough to break into the house and harm Ruby, he just knew that the person was going to live a long and painful few days.
"MY FREAKING EYES!" Ruby screamed as Cinder just took a panicked breath as she shoved the taller man with ease out of the way as she came sprinting up to her daughter who had been twisting back and forth on the ground with her hands clamped tightly over her eyes.
Gently stilling Ruby, Cinder just took a deep breath as she looked around for the cause. "Ruby! What happened!?" Cinder screamed as Ruby just flailed her elbows a bit. Taking the sign, Cinder gently caught it and just took a deep breath as she could see Arthur grabbing the first aid box giving it a once over and just frowning.
"This is why you shouldn't mess with this stuff." Arthur scolded as he began to gently pry one of Ruby's hands away, much to Ruby's clear annoyance. "Tyrian, turn off the lights and go get my bag. Hazel, I need you to hold Ruby's hands back so I can at least get a grip on the situation." Arthur demanded as he looked towards Cinder. "And you, hold her head steady. I don't have anything on me to treat photokeratitis, or even anything that can numb the pain. All I can do is make sure she didn't cause anything permanent because she did get part of her hand as well. And if she did screw around with a transformer, chances are she could have also narrowly avoided death. She did burn part of her hands at least. I can feel the burnt flesh." Arthur said as Ruby began to take a deep breath.
"What happened Ruby?" Cinder asked as she gently just braced Ruby's head.
"I just thought the one thing I didn't want I really did!" Ruby screamed as she tried her hardest to feel some guilt but the fact was she was in too great of pain to feel that. "Sorry mom." Ruby said after a few seconds before she took a deep breath. "I just forgot the shield was still up when I went to test the second one and now my eyes are freaking killing me and I'm in a lot of freaking pain!" Ruby screamed again as Arthur accepted the item from Tyrian before he gestured towards Ruby. A signal that was understood. "Please tell me I'm going to be fine... I made a promise to go on a date tomorrow last week." Ruby complained as she felt one of her hands being moved as she felt something soft being placed over her eyes.
"It is doubtful Ruby. Besides... glad to see you and that one cat Faunus are a couple." Arthur said as he spared a glance towards Cinder who looked slightly angry at Ruby as if she was already planning revenge.
"It isn't Neon. We broke up. This is a cute barista. A Belladonna. Blake."
"So from a drug addict to a terrorist? Do you want me to go to an early grave?" Cinder scolded as Ruby just took a deep breath.
"Blake isn't a terrorist... at least not now. And this can all wait!" Ruby scolded back as she just took a deep breath as she felt something a little cold being applied to her hands.
"Well, it looks like the burns aren't even fully first degree... and your heart rate isn't that screwed up. But you are going to need to go to hospital. I'm going to call ahead to a friend in the city who happens to be one of the best ophthalmologists around and owes me a number of favours." Arthur said standing up. "As for the burns, a few days away from high unregulated voltages and currents, you'll heal up fine. As for your eyes, I can't say. But even without looking I'm positive you won't be making that date."
"DAMN IT! THE ONE TIME I CAN GET A CUTE GIRL WHO MOM WON'T NEED TO INTIMIDATE AND I SCREW IT UP!"
"This can all wait Ruby." Cinder said as she looked towards Hazel. "Get her in the car. I'm driving her down. Arthur, your coming with me... Tyrian, Hazel, call Salem and meet us there... after you dispose of all of Ruby's homemade welders."
"Got it." The trio of men said as Cinder begrudgingly let go of Ruby as she got up to grab some keys as Hazel began to lift Ruby.
'And she wonders why I don't trust her to do a lot of things.' Cinder thought as she ran towards the car, keys in hand just so she could let Ruby into the back seat. A sense of dread just seemed to fade as Ruby seemed to stop screaming and they were going to get the help that Ruby needed.
Author's Note:
Wouldn't be one of my stories if I didn't sabotage Ruby's happiness a little.