Chapter 37
Hello everybody long time no see. Sorry about that procrastination is a bitch! That and I've been doing plenty of other writing projects (not Fanfiction related but not school related) so I was burnt out on writing. Anyway, enjoy.
I can't believe this asshole. He's barely even acknowledged I existed since mom died, and suddenly he cares?
"There is absolutely no way you're going to Beacon!" Dad yelled seeing the Beacon acceptance letter in my hand.
Oh he doesn't want me to go to Beacon? "Fine I'll just go to Haven then" I said, trying to walk past my douche of a father.
"You know what I meant" He said, trying to look tough but we both know he doesn't stand a chance against me. Not after his leg was nearly chewed off.
I was too bored of this to even respond. Of course he would choose today of all days to be a parent again.
Walking by him to the staircase and the safety of my room. I could see a fury building on his face. I mean at least it's something besides indifference, but could he have waited one more day?
"Yang Xiao-Long we are not done talking!" Oh he used my full name to show how serious he is. Yeah that would work when I was eight, not eighteen.
Sighing, I turned to face him. "What else is there to say?"
"I don't-"
"You don't want me to become a Huntress because you think I'll die" I interrupted trying my best not to sound bored.
Dad clearly held back some anger "That's part of it" Well that's a bit unexpected. "I don't want you to end up like-"
"Raven?" I'm so tired of his bullshit. "Well unlike that bitch I don't plan on leaving my team" I'll never end up like that worthless egg donor.
Dad sighed defeated "I don't even know why I tried, you're not going to listen to me"
"You're damn right I won't!"
"I guess you're more like Raven than I thought" He whispered but I knew he meant for me to hear it.
"What did you say?" I asked, walking down the stairs to meet him.
"That you're acting like Raven" My eyes began to turn red as a fury building for five years was unleashed.
"How dare you compare me to her!"
"You don't even know her!"
"I know enough!"
"Tell me one thing about her!"
"I know she abandoned us!"
"And what are you about to do?"
How could he possibly compare me leaving now to her? "I'm not leaving my child behind, with you"
"Oh well you're about to leave me with my child"
"Well you certainly haven't been treating her like your child for five years now" He had no response, good. "In fact, I've been more of a parent to her than you!" It clearly hurt him to hear that but I didn't want to stop. This will be my last chance to tell him the truth.
"I was there for her when mom died and Qrow left. While you were busy 'grieving' with the bottle. I was the one who helped her when she needed it, I was the one who had to be strong. I was the one who had to grow up early!" Tears began to run down my face.
"How dare you"
"How dare I what? Tell the truth?"
All those nights where Ruby would weep until her tears ran dry, crying out for people who couldn't and wouldn't be there for her.
All the while he was drinking like he was Qrow on a bender.
"The sad thing is unlike you, Ruby still tries to put in the effort. She still tries to get you to act like our dad again, but you never even try!"
Sniffling and wiping tears from my face. "You're just a sad pathetic old man, who's dug himself into a deep dark hole" Once again he couldn't say anything as he seemed on the brink of tears.
"I won't let you drag me down that hole, and when Ruby leaves. You're going to be alone in that hole for the rest of your life" He still was barely holding back those tears.
Again I walked past him but his fury was replaced by tears and I felt my own beginning to come up.
"Yang I just want…"
"I don't care" I cut him off not wanting to hear him speak anymore "Maybe if you spoke up years ago I would, but now? It's too little, too fucking late"
"And when I leave, I won't ever have to listen to you again" I explained, unable to even look him in the eye.
I walked up the stairs refusing to look back at the broken man that is my father. Upstairs Ruby looked to be on the verge of tears. No doubt she heard us screaming at eachother.
"Yang" She tried to reach for me.
"Not now Ruby" I said walking right past her towards my room. She followed me.
"But I-"
"Not now Ruby!" I felt a second wind of rage filling inside me, but I wouldn't take that out on Ruby. She doesn't deserve that. Taking a deep breath. "I… just need time alone ok?"
"Ok"
Entering my room I leaped onto my bed and grabbed my pillow beginning to scream into it. Screaming slowly turned to weeping. Weeping turned to silence.
Just wait until they go to sleep. Then he'll never see me again.
xXx
I have many regrets and that night is at the top of the list. I wish I could have left on better terms, said a proper goodbye to Ruby. Maybe even apologize to Dad.
This time it's gonna be different, even if Ruby doesn't accept me back I'm gonna say goodbye. It's the least I can do, but apologizing to dad?
Qrow told me to make up with them, to keep them safe while he dealt with Raven. Even if I fail at making up with them, I'll keep them safe. Neither of them deserve to be a part of this bullshit.
So I better start with Ruby. I think she'll at least be easier to deal with than my dad.
While I didn't know Ruby's schedule perfectly. I knew she had Sunday's off from Pyrrha. So I'm just gonna make the assumption she has work today. I won't visit her during work hours. That might cause a scene, like we did last time. So I'll have to wait until she's done for the day.
I spied the sign that showed the hours open and the bakery closed around five in the afternoon. So once it was half past four, I sat outside the store waiting.
Which, now that I'm here I must look crazy. I kept getting weird looks so I chose instead to kill some time in a nearby coffee shop. Keeping my eye on the clock the entire time.
After a quick cup which was able to calm my nerves I was ready… or as ready I could be.
It was just past five and a white haired girl left the store. I recognized her as one of Ruby's co-workers. I mean with her white hair she's not hard to remember. But having wild hair goes both ways which made me immediately recognizable.
"Yang?" She asked, well I should have thought this might happen.
"Yeah, it's me so is..." I answered, facing her.
"Ruby's still inside" My relief was palatable. Thank goodness this day hasn't been wasted. "Do you need me to get her?"
"Nah, I can wait" I need a bit more time to psych myself up.
"Good luck. I hope it goes well this time" She said with an understanding smile.
Even though I don't really know her at all, I knew she was telling the truth.
"Thanks…"
"Weiss"
"Thanks Weiss" I said with a nod that she returned and walked away.
Less than a minute later and Ruby exited the store. She almost immediately spotted me. She was shocked to say the least. Well she's not angry so that's good.
"Hey" I said with an awkward wave.
"Hey" she was quick to return with her own.
Alright moment of truth. Time to put your money where your mouth is and say "I'm so sorry Yang" Wait a second? Why is she apologizing?
"What?"
"I had no reason to get so angry at you" Of course, only Ruby would think she was out of line.
"No, no i-it's fine" Deep breaths Yang moment of truth. "You were right, I did try to come back like nothing happened and I'm sorry for that"
"It's ok"
Dammit Ruby why do you make things so easy, but so hard? "I'm also sorry for not saying goodbye"
"Oh that" Clearly that still stung a bit.
"I was just so angry at Dad, it all just slipped my mind. I'm so sorry Ruby for leaving you with him and not-"
Ruby pulled me into a hug. I wanted to say so much more but somehow this made it all seem pointless to say.
"I know you are. You wouldn't be here if you weren't" I don't know why I got so worked up. Ruby is too understanding and forgiving to push me away, maybe to a fault.
I finally returned her hug and even though we were on a sidewalk with others around I didn't care.
"Dad took your words to heart" She said as she pulled away.
"What do you mean?"
"I think it's better if you just go see him" I knew she was leading to that.
"I'm not sure-"
"Of course you can!" Ruby exclaimed, surprising me. "You were able to face me so you can face him"
While that's true "That's not exactly the same thing"
Ruby smiled "I'm not so sure. He's missed you more than I did"
I took a deep breath. "Fine I'll go"
"Today?" Ruby asked
"Well it's a long trip"
"If you put it off now you'll never do it!"
Ruby is 100% right on that. It's just with what I said, can I face him? What does Ruby mean he took my words to heart? Why does she have to be so confusing?
Then again I can't put it off forever and now that Ruby has called me out on it. It'll be eating away at me.
"Ok I'll go today"
"Yay!" Ruby cheered, pulling me into another hug. "You better get going, the fairy to Patch doesn't run all day"
Yeah I remember one of the worst parts of living on an island. No twenty four hour service for rides home.
I chuckled to myself "I'd ask you to come with me but-"
"I wouldn't be able to come home"
"Nope" I giggled "That would drag you away from your boyfriend!"
Ruby's cheeks lit up but she didn't freak out like before. "And what if he is?" She asked defensively.
Is she being serious? Did that happen after I got here or before? "Wait hold-"
"Gah don't concern yourself with me get going!" Ruby said, pushing me still blushing like crazy.
"Alright I'll go" I said, making her stop. "And I promise when I leave for another mission I'll let you know"
"Thanks Yang" She said with a smile.
I waved goodbye, which she returned. That was easier than expected now all I have to do is face my dad. I hope he won't be as explosive to me returning.
Sorry this was so short. I wanted to have Yang's reunion with Tai in this chapter but didn't want to delay anymore. Fun fact: the first part of the chapter was something I thought of 2+ years ago and I'm happy to finally do the scene.
Anyway, thanks for reading, hope you've enjoyed, review if you wish, and have a great day.
