One more prompt to go. I haven't really seen many RoseGarden fans tackle the "scar" prompt, so I figured I'd give it a go. Hope you enjoy! As always, my eternal thanks and gratitude for the support you've given.

All characters belong to Rooster Teeth

"So, not only are you good at making casseroles, you also make really good sandwiches," Ruby commented to Oscar after trying one of his homemade turkey sandwiches.

Laughing nervously, Oscar replied, "Well, my aunt taught me how to cook in case something happened to her. It's a skill that's come in handy more than I anticipated."

Ruby couldn't help but chuckle at Oscar's explanation, taking another bite of her sandwich. She and the former farmhand had decided to have a late afternoon picnic in one of Atlas' parks, thanks to Ironwood giving the newbie Huntsmen and Huntresses the night off. Oscar had insisted on making everything before they left, which Ruby agreed to as long as she got to choose where they went. Well, fifteen minutes of preparations later and here they were munching away on a light dinner while enjoying a beautiful Atlesian sunset. Most people would call this the ideal romantic setting, but for the two budding friends, it was just another day they got to spend some time together.

But something had been bothering Ruby as of late about her agriculturally inclined friend. Sure, it had popped up in her mind back in Mistral a few times, but she never had the courage to actually ask him about it. Well, a few months had passed since then and Ruby felt like she and Oscar could talk about anything now. All she hoped was that this wouldn't backfire on her.

"Hey, Oscar," she nervously said, "Why do you wear those bandages around your neck?"

Oscar's movements ceased in a single second, his eyes widening in shock at Ruby's question. Ruby immediately felt a sense of guilt wash over her for asking, as Oscar was clearly not expecting that at all.

"Sorry. Forget I asked."

His mood dampered a little, Oscar answered, "It's...something I don't like talking about."

"Like I said, forget I asked."

The two remained in silence for a second before Oscar set his sandwich down and started to unwrap the bandages from his neck. Now it was Ruby's turn to be shocked. Oscar was actually trusting her with this? But Ruby had no time to think as she saw the bandages reveal a scar on the base of Oscar's neck. Her silver eyes only grew wider at the sight in front of her.

"It was a Grimm attack...," Oscar explained, "...from when I was young. My aunt got me to a nearby clinic in time, but the scar's always remained."

Ruby's eyes filled with tears, "Oscar, I'm so sorry. I never meant to…"

"That scar's always reminded me of what could happen to Huntsmen and Huntresses. It's why I never wanted to be one despite wanting more than being a farmhand." Oscar chuckled ruefully before adding, "Look at how well that turned out."

Oscar got his response not in the form of words, but by Ruby carefully touching the scar that had haunted him for most of his life. It was the source of his fears and anxiety, the reason why he never followed his dreams, and the constant reminder of a trauma that had made him complacent with his place in life.

"Well, you're wrong," she said, surprising him, "This scar shouldn't remind you of what could've happened. Instead, let it remind you of just how strong you really are. Against all odds, you're still standing here fighting when most people would've given up after just a week or two."

Moving her hands down to hold Oscar's, Ruby resumed, "I've said it once and I'll say it again. You are one of the bravest people I've ever met, Oscar Pine. And I will always be proud to call you one of my best friends. So please,...stop underestimating yourself. I hate it when you do that."

Oscar's eyes filled with tears while Ruby spoke, but they freely fell when he smiled in response before embracing her. Ruby returned his hug happily, their sandwiches now forgotten and slowly being picked off by random birds. After a minute or so, the two pulled apart and Ruby wiped away Oscar's tears gingerly.

"Just so you know, you look better with the bandages," Ruby commented, bamboozling Oscar as he wrapped the bandages back again.

"Really?" he inquired.

"Yeah. It's kinda like me with my hood. You wouldn't be you without them."

Chuckling a little, Oscar replied, "Yeah, I guess you're right."

With a smile on her face, Ruby cuddled up next to Oscar, resting her head on his shoulder. As Oscar wrapped an arm around her, Ruby took the opportunity to give him a quick peck on the cheek. Oscar turned to face Ruby, also smiling as she did the same, the two sharing a gentle kiss moments later. They then returned their attention to the sunset, enjoying the beautiful sight that was in front of them. Come tomorrow, a new day would be dawning for them and neither could wait to see what the future had in store.