Behold: another fluff baby. Check out my newest fic called Redo, which will be out in January. For now, enjoy the white rose!
Something was amiss.
Groggily, Ruby opened her eyes with the grace of a garage door. Before forming any coherent thought, an unfamiliar sensation slithered down her spine. Wanting to find what caused that feeling, she sat up. As she glanced around in the dim light, that dreadful feeling poked at her again.
Why'd she feel this way? She can't remember the last time she woke up on edge. Maybe it was the way the window was tilted? Was the blind broken? No, that wasn't it.
Ruby refrained from groaning in annoyance, stupid, Ruby, stupid! Of course that's not the reason.
Carefully, Ruby leaned over her bunk. It appeared her other senses came into play, and Yang wasn't snoring for once. This was odd but not exactly cause for concern. Not that. Maybe something was wrong with Blake- nope. She was sound asleep.
It was then that Ruby dipped her head below to check on her partner.
Weiss is gone.
Which was fine. The shower poured in the muffled distance. Weiss is definitely in there. But that's not what concerned Ruby. It was-
Her bed's not made!
Ruby slumped against the wall in disbelief.
Maybe she'll make it later? But that's always the first thing she does in the mornings! She's chewed me out about making mine so many times… Something might be wrong… what if I'm overreacting? Then again, she could make it when she's done showering…
Satisfied with her train of thought, Ruby decided to wait until her partner was done in the bathroom. Weiss liked to be ready before her team, so the fact that she was up earlier than them wasn't setting off alarm bells.
Soon enough, the lights turned on and the team prepared for class, slower than snails. Ruby kept an eye on Weiss and noticed her movements were sluggish. Like her legs were made of lead.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Weiss asked, a little annoyed by her partner's persistent gaze.
An epiphany formed in Ruby's mind as she adorned a mischievous grin. Her suspicions were confirmed. Something was bothering her girlfriend. That would certainly explain the earlier dread she felt.
She'll tell me herself eventually. I won't guess what's wrong or bother her about it. Only help. This could be fun if I try to make her tell me.
Ruby adorned a Cheshire grin and blinked several times. "You happen to look beautiful today as always, my precious girlfriend."
Weiss began to make her bed and frowned, knowing she still had to brush out a few knots in her hair. "I don't know where that flattery is coming from, but it will get you nowhere."
She's making her bed, Ruby observed. Although it's really wrinkly. It's not pristine like usual.
A new, suggestive voice floated into the conversation. Yang couldn't suppress a smirk as she stared at her girlfriend across the room. "Flattery gets me everywhere," she finished with a wiggle of her brow.
Red in the cheeks, Blake yelped in defense. "It doesn't!"
Finding that exchange amusing, Ruby faintly chuckled. "Are we ready to go, team?"
With a loud groan, Yang swung her backpack over her shoulders. "Let's get this over with."
"That's the attitude!" Ruby chirped, not catching on that her sister was actually complaining.
The only class they had today was professor Port. It was also a Friday and the class was only one hour. After sighing, they left the room and headed down the hall to class. On the way there, Ruby noticed her girlfriend's posture was slouched as she dawdled behind her teammates.
"Are you excited, Weiss?" Ruby asked as she zipped beside her.
The sudden noise almost caused Weiss to jump in surprise. Like she had been on autopilot before. "Excited to be bored to death? Enthralled."
"You look a little tired," Ruby commented, raising her suspicion. "Did you get enough sleep?"
"Plenty," Weiss abruptly straightened up. To change the subject, she said. "I noticed you stayed up late again."
Her futile attempt failed when Ruby thought, 'plenty' my butt.
Ruby wore a smile to mask her deep suspicion. "I wanted to finish my magazine. There's this new weapon that has guns inside TVs, it's crazy!"
Weiss' face was neutral, but she smiled internally. That was such a Ruby thing to talk about. She sniffled once. "That sounds highly unnecessary."
After hearing the sniffle, Ruby enveloped an arm around her waist to tell her she knew what was ailing her. Ruby was expecting to be pushed away, but Weiss didn't oppose the contact. Normally she would in public. Instead, Weiss leaned onto her like she was trying to conserve heat.
She's sick, Ruby realized as she stared down at her, noting her eyes drooped. And she doesn't want anyone to worry. I wonder if she'll tell me on her own.
So far in their relationship, Weiss and Ruby had shared many things about themselves. However, it didn't take Ruby long to know that Weiss kept her walls high. She'd only chipped them down a little bit.
She's hesitant to ask for help or show vulnerability, Ruby thought. Back home, she faced her problems alone. Not anymore.
Protectively, Ruby rested her head on her shoulder to comfort her. Weiss nestled back, keeping a poker face as she watched in front of them to make sure Yang and Blake wouldn't see this display of affection.
"Are you guys excited for Qrow's fight tonight?" Yang asked smugly, keeping her face forward.
Oh, that was tonight. There was a tournament for professional hunters and huntresses and this was the first day it was held.
Weiss chipped in, wanting to defend her sister. "You mean Winter's fight?"
Ruby nodded to her sister. "Qrow might kick her butt."
"I don't know," Blake interjected. "I've seen what Winter can do. She has a good chance of winning against him."
Confident in her uncle, Yang boasted. "I say we take some bets."
Ruby shook her head. "I say we don't."
"You're not confident in Qrow?!" Yang almost yelped, offended as she whirled around.
Hastily, the white rose couple separated before Yang could have a chance to tease them.
"I'm confident in him," Ruby reassured, blushing. "But I've seen what Winter can do, too," she gazed at Weiss, who subtly smiled. "It's going to be close."
Yang crossed her arms, unimpressed by their reasoning. "I'm telling Qrow all of you don't have faith in him."
"You know that's not what we said," Blake replied and opened the classroom door for her team.
Together, the team sat and Port began the lecture. During the boring class, Ruby noticed her girlfriend didn't take any notes at all. Normally she filled pages worth. At least she acted interested before, but now her eyes were vacant like she wasn't all there.
After what felt like an eternity, the bell rang. The team couldn't dart out the door faster. While three of them headed back to their room, Weiss turned in the opposite direction.
"Weiss!" Ruby called after her, leaving the bumblebee pair to go back on their own. "Where're you going?"
Weiss adjusted the textbook in her arms and lightly sighed. "I have an assignment to finish before we leave for the match."
The library, Ruby thought.
"I'll come with," Ruby almost insisted, wanting to keep an eye on her.
Weiss rolled her eyes from how eager she was to join. "You will not."
"Wha-uh, why not?" Ruby asked, flashing those puppy eyes to beg her to change her mind.
Weiss rubbed her temple a little like she had a headache. "Are you saying you won't be a distraction?"
A valid point, Ruby thought. But now she has a headache. She probably didn't take medicine today.
"I am offended," Ruby huffed playfully. "Offended!"
It appeared Weiss had no energy to argue and accepted her fate. Ruby opened the door to the library for her and they walked inside. Like a loyal puppy, Ruby quietly followed behind her.
A glance around told them that no one was here. It was a Friday afternoon, after all. Glad to almost be alone, Weiss rounded the corner of the library.
"Grab a table, will you?"
From her sudden request, Ruby snapped to attention. It sounded like her voice strived for steadiness.
I hope she finishes the assignment soon, Ruby thought as she placed their belongings at the nearest table. She needs to take medicine before the tournament at least.
Anxiously, Ruby watched her girlfriend from across the room. It didn't take long for a frown to form. Weiss' movements were rigid like her whole body ached.
Weiss tried to find the right book for her assignment as she read each individual spine. Although she appeared to have trouble focusing since she took a little longer than Ruby liked.
I don't think waiting to go back would be wise, Ruby told herself. The question is how am I going to drag her away from her beloved books-?
A withered sigh lingered with the sound of a book slamming onto the carpet. A thud ensued along with a wobbling bookshelf. On instinct, Ruby raced across the room faster than lightning to steady Weiss in her arms. She held her upright, keeping her arms around her back and waist.
"Weiss, are you okay?" Ruby murmured, worried beyond comprehension.
But Ruby already knew the answer to that question. Pools of blue fluttered hazily and swam with distress. Her breaths came labored and her face burned with the subtle embers of fever.
"You're warm," Ruby whispered down to her, shocked that her partner was this weak so suddenly.
"S-shut up," Weiss replied softly, attempting to regain her balance. "I'm fine… Just a little dizzy."
Concerned by her condition, Ruby hugged her closer. Weiss was shaking like a leaf in a hurricane. She wasn't merely shivering from the chills induced by fever. No, it was too intense. There was another factor to her falling ill.
"When was the last time you ate?" Ruby asked with her brows furrowed in worry.
"… Does that-"
Knowing Weiss was about to give her sass, Ruby easily lifted her off the carpet to quiet her. A high-pitched squeal ensued, and Ruby tried to stop a grin from forming. The sound she made was too cute.
Correction: I will sweep her away from her books, Ruby thought in amusement.
With great care, Ruby guided her to rest on a nearby chair. She kept a hand on her shoulder to prevent her from swaying.
"Did you take medicine today?" Ruby asked, likely knowing the answer.
Weiss crossed her arms and looked away like she didn't believe her own words. "Why would I? I'm fine."
Ruby sat on the table by her and smoothed fingers through those white tresses. "How are you so stubborn? Can you tell me how I knew you were sick this whole time?"
Blue eyes narrowed and locked with silver. "I don't need another lecture," despite her sharp words, they lacked a signature bite.
From her stubbornness, Ruby lightly smiled and bent down to get at eye-level with her. "Here's what's gonna happen, love."
From the sudden seriousness in her eyes and shift in her tone, Weiss' eyebrows rose in curiosity. It wasn't often that Ruby called her that. Only during their more intimate moments.
"We're gonna go back to our room," when Weiss was about to retort, Ruby settled a finger over her lips. "You're gonna take some medicine, eat, and then rest. I'm gonna take care of you till you're good as new, okay?"
This was the stern Ruby that Weiss didn't witness often. The suddenness of it all caused Weiss to almost be speechless. When she noticed those silver eyes surged with concern, she almost felt guilty. After Ruby drew her finger away, she held her girlfriend's hand to reassure her that's exactly what they should do.
Almost inaudibly, Weiss murmured. "The tournament…"
When her head lowered in disappointment, Ruby lifted her chin and gazed fondly into those azure eyes. "Hey, Winter is here for a full week. You'll definitely be able to see her before she leaves."
Weiss frowned, feeling guilty for another reason. "You need to see your uncle fight, dolt. You've been looking forward to it for weeks."
Touched that was her main concern, Ruby grinned ear-to-ear.
That's why she didn't say anything? Here I thought she was worried about not seeing Winter, Ruby thought. She acts like an ice queen sometimes but she cares for others more than herself. Oh my god, is she made of sugar?
From how thoughtful she was, Ruby leaned onto her and held her in an embrace. She could act prickly like a cactus all she wants, but Ruby knows the truth. Whether she'll admit it or not, Weiss is a total softie.
From the hug, Weiss was stiff at first since she wasn't expecting it, but she gradually sank into her as well.
"And you think I'm the dolt…" Ruby whispered.
Puzzled by her comment, Weiss asked. "Pardon?"
Ruby leaned in closer, smiling the whole time. "Do you know how many times I've watched Qrow kick butt? Enough. I can miss one of his matches. And if it makes you feel any better, they'll both be on TV. We can still watch them."
Despite what she said, Weiss had a stubborn spirit.
"You should go," Weiss insisted softly. "You can't miss-"
"Weiss," Ruby said and leaned back to gaze intensely into her eyes. "I love you. I want to take care of you. So would you shush and let me already?"
After seeing those determined eyes, Weiss gave a defeated sigh. "I love you, too," she held her head as if it was pounding and sighed again. "Fine."
While Ruby was happy they came to an agreement, her worry amplified when her girlfriend winced from some unseen pain. Determined to get her back to the room, Ruby stood and grasped her arm. She helped her girlfriend rise to stand, but even that looked like it took a toll on her as she gripped the desk in front of them.
When Ruby was sure she could stand on her own, she grabbed their bags for a split second and was back by her side.
"Which do you prefer? Bridal style or piggyback?"
Ruby was only half-joking. She knew Weiss wouldn't want to be seen in either position, but it was a long walk back.
"Neither, I still have my pride," Weiss said and cleared her throat. "Your arm, if you will."
"Yes, ma'am," Ruby happily obliged.
That tiny exchange caused Ruby's heart to soar. Her girlfriend actually asked for help. It was major progress. They took it slow when walking back to their room. Weiss wore a poker face the whole time, but she couldn't mask her red complexion.
When they were near their room, Weiss' breathing became labored. Ruby gradually kept a tight grip on her since she was growing weaker with every step. And eventually, Weiss stumbled over her own feet. Ruby was there to tighten her hold around her waist to prevent her from falling.
"Weiss!" Ruby cried as she held her upright. She was supporting all her weight, even though it felt like nothing. "Are you okay?"
"I…" Weiss whimpered and coughed so feebly that Ruby was taken aback. "I might be sick…"
From how frail she seemed, Ruby frowned and pressed her lips on her forehead.
"Agh, you're burning up now. Rest."
These strong arms that supported her and those comforting words made Weiss feel completely safe. It was like being wrapped in a warm, comforting blanket. Weiss allowed her body to give in to exhaustion. Her head lolled onto Ruby's arms and her eyes fluttered closed.
Hurriedly, Ruby carried her bridal style and bolted the rest of the way to their room. From the sight of the couple, Yang welcomed them home.
"Look at the happy couple! We were just leav-ing..."
Upon their entrance, Yang's sentence dipped. Her white-haired teammate's complexion almost matched Ruby's cape when she normally blended with snow.
Blake's cat ears perked up from her hasty entrance. "Is she alright?"
Before acknowledging her teammates, Ruby treated Weiss like she was glass and laid her down on her bed. She became a red whirlwind to fetch medicine and a cold cloth before she settled beside Weiss' bunk.
"She's sick," Ruby informed and settled the cloth over her forehead. "Try to be quiet."
Yang frowned from how Weiss didn't even stir. "She must be exhausted. Does she need anything?"
"I can get everything fast," Ruby reassured, referring to her semblance. "No worries."
Since Weiss looked like a tomato, Blake wanted to check her temperature. She placed the back of her hand on her forehead and almost recoiled. Even with the cold cloth, the warmth wafted through.
"Yikes, she feels like Yang. Are you sure she doesn't need the nurse?"
Tenderly, Ruby patted the cold cloth over her girlfriend's neck. "She'd be mad if I took her there."
While that was an option, Ruby knew that Weiss disliked the infirmary and hospitals in general. Weiss is the kind of person that has to be dying to visit either. Ruby had yet to find out why, but she was willing to wait for her girlfriend to open up when the time came.
Yang softly patted her resting teammate's knee as if that would make her feel better. "Take her there if you feel you have to, alright? Blake and I are about to go out. Unless you want us to stay and help."
"Go, I'll text you if I think of anything to buy," Ruby said.
Blake nodded, feeling guilty for leaving them at a time like this. Then again, this could be a chance for them to get some much-needed quality time alone together. Like what the bumblebee couple was about to do.
"You better text us," Blake said sternly, wanting her sick teammate to be as comfortable as possible. "We have plenty of soup here. Make her eat, she didn't yesterday."
"I noticed that, too," Ruby agreed. "I'll make some chicken noodle soup. Only a monster would refuse that."
Yang faintly smiled at the comment. "We'll see if a princess does."
Blake quietly headed to the door. "We might be back before the tournament. We'll let you know."
"Have fun," Ruby said quietly and watched them leave.
Yang peaked her head inside before the door shut. "Feel better, princess."
The door closed, leaving the white rose couple alone. Ruby watched her peaceful face for several minutes. She soaked the cloth in cold water before easing it on her forehead and repeated the process several times.
After an hour passed, Ruby decided she needed to be woken for medicine. She didn't want to, but the sooner she takes it, the sooner she'll feel better.
Softly, Ruby soothed her thumb over her cheek and whispered strongly. "Hey, Weiss?"
Her face remained still, her breaths deep.
Maybe I should let her sleep longer, Ruby thought as the guilt crept in. No, she really needs medicine. I don't think her fever's gone down at all.
Determined, Ruby leaned down by her ear and murmured warmly. "Wake up, love. I need to know you're okay. Pretty please with strawberries on top?"
From the distant voice, Weiss groaned before flinching a couple of times.
"That's it," Ruby encouraged and softly pecked her cheek. "Don't you want some nice, cold water?~ Or maybe see my cute face?~ You know you can't resist~"
From her persistent singing, Weiss had no choice but to wake. Her eyes appeared clearer than before and Ruby breathed a sigh of relief.
"Ru…by…?"
Ruby adjusted the cold cloth on her forehead. "How're you feeling? Any better?"
While it was nice to see her girlfriend, Weiss only wanted one thing. Sleep. "G'way…"
I got grumpy Weiss, Ruby thought in amusement, glad to have woken her up. This could be interesting.
After mumbling that, Weiss allowed her eyes to close. She would have fallen asleep again if Ruby hadn't coaxed her awake by kissing her on the lips.
"Stay with me for a little bit," Ruby said as she pulled away with a blush. She knew Weiss would be blushing too if she didn't have a fever. "Think you can do that?"
"No…"
Slowly, Weiss turned on her side to face the wall as if that would make Ruby disappear. The cold cloth fell from her forehead and onto the sheets.
Undeterred, Ruby grasped the washcloth and set it on the nightstand. "Take some medicine for me?"
An annoyed hum.
"Two tiny pills," Ruby tried to compromise. "Then you can go back to sleep all you want."
At last, a sigh lingered. Ruby recognized that as admitting defeat. The only way to get some peace and quiet was to do what Ruby says, so Weiss might as well give in now.
"Yes," Ruby cheered quietly in victory. "It'll be really quick, I swear!"
Ungracefully, Weiss rolled onto her back. She tried to sit up but struggled due to her body aching. Not needing to be asked, Ruby leaned in and helped her sit upright.
"I got you," Ruby said, fluffing the pillows behind her. "Is that comfy?"
"Good enough," Weiss breathed, slightly dizzy from the sudden position change.
Ruby handed her the medicine and a glass of water. Easily, Weiss swallowed the medicine and appreciated the coldness that soothed her parched and itchy throat. She gave a wheezing sigh, wrapping her warm fingers around the chilly glass.
"You really need to drink all of it," Ruby encouraged and gently patted her forehead with the cold cloth.
Knowing it was for her own good, Weiss drank the entire glass of water before handing it back to her girlfriend.
"That wasn't so bad, was it?" Ruby gave her a bright smile.
"Thank you, dolt," Weiss said genuinely, enjoying the coldness on her forehead. "I feel a little better already."
While Ruby set the glass on the nightstand, Weiss gradually sank onto the pillows to lay down. Before she could, Ruby propped her back upright. A scowl tore into her.
"You gotta eat, too," Ruby said, giving her hand a squeeze. "Might as well while you're up, right?"
"That was your plan all along, wasn't it?" Weiss coughed. "I'm not hungry."
"What if I told you that you are?" Ruby replied, knowing she hadn't eaten today or yesterday.
"I would tell you goodnight," Weiss retorted without missing a beat.
Ruby let out a groan of frustration. "Are you always this stubborn of a patient?"
"Are you always this persistent of a dunce?"
Even when she's sick, she's still quick-witted, Ruby noted. Even though she's giving me a hard time, she's doing it in her own adorable way.
To compromise, Ruby held out her pinky finger. "Eat a little soup, then you can sleep. Pinky promise."
Hesitantly, Weiss lifted her pinky finger, but didn't wrap it around her girlfriend's. "That doesn't-"
Since Ruby knew she was about to argue, she dashed to the kitchen. She became dozens of red streaks as Weiss watched her, almost disoriented. A loud beep rang out and before she knew it, steaming soup was in front of her.
"The best soup in Remnant for my love," Ruby knelt as if she was before a throne. "Rated five stars by the most criticy of critics."
Weiss couldn't help but giggle at her antics. "How can I say no to that?"
"You can't," Ruby said and gently set the bowl in her lap. "I made this with all my love."
Weiss coughed from an itch in her throat. "You made it with a microwave."
"The microwave is full of my love."
"That makes no sense-"
"Just accept my love!"
Giving in, Weiss lifted the spoon full of broth to her lips. "If you insist."
At first, Weiss didn't have an appetite, but she realized that she was really hungry when some food was in her system. Ruby sat beside her on her bed the whole time. Every vegetable slowly disappeared from the bowl. It took a bit, but Weiss eventually finished the chicken noodle soup.
"I really didn't think I would eat all of that," Weiss said, amazed.
"It's a good thing you did," Ruby chirped and put the bowl away. "Otherwise, I would have persuaded you to."
"Your powers of persuasion are surprisingly strong," Weiss commented with a slight smirk.
At last, Weiss dissolved into the pillows and laid down. Wordlessly, Ruby pressed her lips to her forehead to check her temperature.
"Your fever's gone down a bit," Ruby put the cold cloth on her forehead. "At this rate, I bet you'll be better for the weekend!"
"Not soon enough," Weiss frowned and lolled her head to face her girlfriend. "Can you hand me my phone?"
She looked utterly exhausted, so Ruby was surprised she didn't fall asleep right then. Weiss held up her hand, and a nanosecond later, her cell phone was in her grasp. She almost smiled at how attentive and fast her girlfriend was.
Weiss held the phone up to her ear.
"Who are you calling?" Ruby asked, perplexed.
"Winter."
"Ah."
She probably feels really guilty for missing her match tonight, Ruby thought. Please don't, Weiss...
After a few moments, Weiss spoke.
"Win, is now a good time?"
From the nickname, Ruby internally squealed. In public, Weiss wouldn't ever call her that to maintain her sister's professionalism. It was great to see this side of her. To give them some privacy, Ruby whisked the bowl away and cleaned it. She purposefully took her sweet time.
Winter answered her sister from the other end. "I will be busy soon. Why, is something wrong?"
"I- I won't make it to your match," Weiss regrettably said. "I'm sorry. I'll watch you on TV," she quickly added, hoping not to disappoint her.
Winter could feel her sister's regret seep out of her phone. "You're sick, aren't you?"
"How... did you know?" Weiss asked, covering the phone so she could hide a sniffle.
"I keep telling you to take care of yourself. You never listen to me. You sound congested. Did you take any medicine? Do you have a fever? I can go to the store and drop by. I have a little time. This could have been prevented. I'm willing to bet you didn't get enough sleep, either. It's the same old habits with you. Here I thought your team would set you straight…"
On the other end, Ruby heard lots of muffled words and winced from the lecture. Weiss slowly pulled the phone away from her ear. At one point, she covered her phone to hide a cough. Eventually, the voice stopped. When it was clear, Weiss spoke and was hoping her sister wasn't mad at her.
"Win?"
"Are you taken care of?" Winter asked, finally getting to the point.
"Ruby is with me," Weiss informed, glancing over at her girlfriend. "She's exceptionally attentive."
From the compliment, Ruby's eyes twinkled. If she had a tail, it'd be wagging relentlessly.
Winter used a stern tone like there was no room for argument. "Hand me to her."
"Uh..." Weiss mumbled in confusion.
To put her at ease, Winter explained. "I must see that you are cared for properly."
Knowing it was futile to argue, Weiss held her phone up. "She wants to talk to you."
Ruby pointed to herself, perplexed.
"Yes, you."
Like the phone might bite her, Ruby hesitantly grabbed it but maintained her cheerful voice. She'd only talked to Winter a handful of times, but she seemed nice under her stoic demeanor.
"Hi!"
"Ruby," Winter greeted.
While they talked, Weiss dissolved into the fluffy sheets. It was hard to keep her eyes open.
Winter continued on the other end. "You've probably noticed that she's difficult."
"Ah, could be worse," Ruby reassured, picking her words carefully since Weiss could hear her.
"Make sure she gets green tea. Green. Not a different kind. She doesn't like to be doted on, so don't take her grouchiness seriously. Use plenty of blankets but make sure she doesn't overheat. She doesn't like medicine so that might be a battle on its own…"
So many instructions almost made Ruby disoriented.
"Everything's taken care of," Ruby consoled, glad that Winter cared so much. "Please don't worry."
"... very well," Winter eventually said. "I'm counting on you."
"You have nothing to worry about," Ruby replied. "Only worry about your match. We'll be cheering you on."
There was a pause before Winter spoke. "Shouldn't you cheer for your uncle?"
"He doesn't have to know," Ruby said with a smirk.
A light chuckle caused Ruby to be proud of herself. She'd never made her laugh before.
Winter smiled with her voice. "Your secret is safe with me."
"Goodbye, Winter, and good luck," Ruby said cheerfully.
"Bye, Ruby."
After Ruby hung up, Ruby placed the phone on the nightstand. A fatigued voice grabbed her attention.
"You betrayed your uncle?" Weiss asked, amused.
"If either wins, I'll be happy," Ruby shrugged. "Your sister really cares about you, you know."
Weiss held out her hand to peek out from under the blankets. "It appears you do, too, dolt."
Ruby could have just held her hand, but she had a better idea. She slipped under the sheets and expected some kind of resistance, but Weiss welcomed her with open arms and pulled her close.
"You finally accepted my love," Ruby teased softly and felt her shiver.
To combat the chills, Ruby settled the cold cloth on her forehead. Weiss let out a wheezing sigh as she melted into Ruby. Gingerly, Ruby pulled her closer and tucked her protectively into her chest. Due to the close contact, her heart beat rapidly and a blush simmered on her cheeks.
Weiss curled into her, feeling completely safe. They were like the perfect puzzle pieces that fit together, arms and legs entwined.
"I want your cuddles, dolt," Weiss almost mumbled. "Now give me your cuddles. They are crucial to my recovery."
Ruby savored the moment with the widest grin. This didn't happen often. Maybe the sickness made Weiss more prone to her emotions than usual.
Her girlfriend had a grip around Ruby's waist. Due to the embrace, Weiss no longer shivered. She absorbed Ruby's natural heat and savored the chilliness on her forehead.
Might as well enjoy it while it lasts, Ruby thought. How is it possible for my girlfriend to be this cute? Is it a crime?
"I won't let you wait a second longer," Ruby whispered lovingly.
Gingerly, Ruby held her close. She dared any nightmares to challenge her. Right now, Ruby's job was to be Weiss' guardian angel. Her attentive girlfriend.
As Ruby combed through the white tresses, her heart fluttered.
"G'night, beautiful," Ruby whispered and kissed her on the lips.
Weiss teetered on the edge of unconsciousness, liking the sweet taste on her lips. "I love you."
"I love you, too," Ruby grinned so widely her face almost hurt. "I thought flattery would get me nowhere?"
"… shut up."
Keep your eyes peeled for my upcoming freezerburn fic called Redo. "Life was stagnant until three roommates got a new neighbor right next door. After interacting with the now dubbed 'ice princess,' they discover she raises more questions than answers. High school AU with a twist. Freezerburn with a dash of Ladybug."
Stay dandy,
~Toto