Ruby sat on the swing, rocking back and forth. She stared at the night sky, at the stars suspended in the darkness.

Anyways, it was a "meh" sort of day, and she was just now getting home. There were a few blocks left before she got back to the apartment complex, but she decided to stop by the small park on the way.

It was a nice night, at least. Mild, but just cold enough to focus the mind. Ruby liked nights like these. If she were Mercury, this would be ideal cigarette weather.

"I really should remind him to cut back on the smokes…"

"You talking about Mercury?"

Most people may have been startled to hear a random voice ring out from the darkness, but Ruby was a huntress. She had already felt Pyrrha's presence in the vicinity.

"Heh, you got it. How was work?" she replied.

"Not bad," Pyrrha replied, now standing just behind Ruby. "Just the usual mission prep... You okay? I have dinner ready, but you weren't answering your scroll."

"Ah, sorry. It must still be on silent."

"No worries."

Pyrrha looked at her girlfriend.

"Is it okay if I sit next to you?"

"Of course."

She took a seat on the neighboring swing.

Ruby, if it wasn't obvious, was a bit sad. There wasn't any particular reason behind it. Maybe she bottled up too much today and this is the result. It didn't really matter. Or maybe it did? Who's to say?

It was moments like this that made her wish that she still wore her red cloak everywhere. She didn't because she couldn't rely on Summer forever, but that didn't mean she didn't have people she could lean on. The best example currently sat right next to her, after all.

Ruby took a few deep breaths. The first couple breaths were a bit shaky, but as the crisp, cool night air filled her lungs, she felt a little better.

/=/

Back at their apartment, Ruby dug into the grilled cheese and tomato soup. The food was comforting and delicious.

A few bites in, though, the tears began to fall. She grit her teeth and tried to hold back the tears, but somehow that just made it worse.

Pyrrha didn't say a word and wrapped Ruby in a big hug from behind. The younger woman was tense and shaky as she silently sobbed.

A few moments passed.

"Wow. I guess my cooking is so good that it brought you to tears."

At that, Pyrrha could feel Ruby relax. She may have even seen the younger girl crack a small smile.

Ruby used her sleeves to wipe away the wetness from her face.

"Thanks, Pyr."

"Sure thing, babe. I love you."

"I love you too."


a/n:

Sometimes just being there is enough.