A/N: Written for monochrome week day 2: weapon swap; takes places after volume 6
After a grueling journey getting to Atlas, the group took some time to relax while Qrow attempted to persuade the military to allow them entry. Blake absentmindedly reached for Gambol Shroud before remembering-
"Since we're in range, I should check if there's any news pertaining to the SDC since I've no doubt my father would expect me to be updated despite my absence." Blake looked up at Weiss' sigh and watched as she rolled her eyes while pulling out her scroll. Right, the SDC was headquartered in Atlas, and try as she might to avoid it, she would most likely be faced with its influence in some fashion while they stayed in Atlas.
Blake let out a shaky breath, hoping that it went unnoticed by her teammates. Unfortunately for her, Weiss was as perceptive as ever. Narrowing her eyes imperceptibly at her as to not draw attention from the sisters. Blake gave what she hoped was a reassuring smile, but it did nothing to deter the ex-heiress.
"Ruby, can you and Yang go recheck our supplies to ensure that we're fully equipped?" Weiss asked. Ruby nodded, and Yang gave her a wink before they departed. Blake closed her eyes and released some tension from her shoulders. Maybe now she could take a quick nap before the energetic duo returned.
"Blake." No such luck.
She opened her eyes to find concerned blue gazing back at her with a questioning eyebrow. She huffed. Even after being months apart, she still wasn't sure how to properly communicate with her team.
"I'm fine, Weiss. This journey just exhausted me." She knew it was a weak lie, and from Weiss' disapproving glare, it wasn't bought. Weiss sighed. She knew that Blake wasn't the best at communication but believed the Faunus only had good intentions. It seemed that she would have to be the one to start this long overdue conversation.
Weiss picked up Myrtenaster, causing Blake to stare at her curiously. She opened the dust cartridge and emptied out the remaining rounds.
"Do you remember what we discussed at our coffee and tea…outing?"
Weiss' hesitation had Blake wondering if she was going to use a different word before she considered the question. She had tried to repress as much of that night as possible considering what had occurred afterwards. She recalled a discussion involving business policies, labor practices…
Something signaling her recollection must have shown up on her face because when Blake looked up, there was a sad smile on Weiss' face. "Before we were interrupted, I think I wanted to say that you inspire me, Blake."
Blake couldn't think of a response to that, so she just gaped at Weiss with wide, disbelieving eyes. Weiss gave a small chuckle in response and shook her head. "I know, I wouldn't have expected this either before meeting you. But hearing you speak so passionately about wanting to peacefully seek equality for your people made me reconsider a lot that I was familiar with growing up. Violence was always the expected force to produce results, especially when used by my father"-Blake's eyes widened-"A-anyway, seeing you want to resolve things peacefully allowed me to be more open-minded and accepting."
Blake made a mental note to ask about her teammate's upbringing more later. For now, she gave a more genuine smile and felt her chest fill with warmth from the honesty being shared with her.
"Honestly Weiss, you inspire me too." Before Weiss could get her token protest in, Blake continued. "Seeing you always bounce back after getting repeatedly knocked down, especially with what happened in Haven, gives me hope that I can overcome any obstacle I come across. I kept that in mind as I was taking back the White Fang."
Hearing this, Weiss looked away and smiled bashfully. "I actually wanted to ask for your assistance in taking back the SDC. If a nonviolent solution is possible, I can't think of anyone better to help me. After all…" Weiss finally turned to look at Blake. "…Weapons don't have to be physical objects.
Weiss reloaded Myrtenaster, and Blake put her hand over the ex-heiress', making her look up and smile. "Together, we can overcome Jacques Schnee's influence and pave a way for a better future for Atlas." It wasn't going to be easy, but they both knew better than to refuse aid from others.
Defiance. What a powerful weapon indeed.
A/N: I took liberties with this prompt. This went in a different direction than I originally had planned. Just to clarify, the 'weapons' in this prompt weren't intended to be their actual weapons. I hope that I conveyed that, but I'm not sure if it was done well. Thanks for reading!