Ruby sat up and faced the rising sun. Having woken up intermittently throughout the night, her head was groggy and her arms felt sluggish, but now that the sun was up, Ruby knew she wouldn't be able to fall back asleep. Ruby slung her legs over the side of the bed and wiped sweat from the back of her neck.

The shower in the bathroom turned on, water beating against the wall. Ruby rubbed her still puffy eyes, standing up and sauntering to the mirror. There was a red shade beneath her eyes, highlighting the hallowed cheekbones and the pale lips. Have I lost weight? Ruby thought. She was about to sweep the notion from her mind, but she realized that her pants, once tight, were barely hanging off of her hipbones, and the underwear was loose.

Ruby felt horrible and slung herself back across the mattress, reaching for the edge of the comforter and pulling it over her head. She groaned, assured that no one could hear her. Tears brimmed again, the memory of last night creeping into her mind. Execution, she thought. Law enforcement wants my boyfriend dead.

Ruby's eyes snapped open. Boyfriend? Is that what we are now? Ruby rolled over and drew her knees into her chest, tears rolling over her burning cheeks. One wrong move, one little word, and he goes away. Forever.

"I can't do this," she said.

"Can't do what?"

Ruby jumped, tossing her body over and looking up. Roman kneeled next to her, towel in hand. He reached for hers and held it, looking up into her eyes. "Are you okay?"

Ruby listed her eyes, averting the intensity of his gaze. "I'm fine."

Roman reached for her shoulders. "Come here."

He pulled her into his chest, resting his head on hers. Ruby's arms shook despite her efforts, and she began to cry again.

"Why are you upset?"

Ruby's words came out in broken gasps. "I don't want you to die. And it's already killing me to even think about it."

Roman rubbed her arms. "I know. I'm so sorry you had to find out."

"No, it's not that," she said, pulling herself away to look at him. "I have been so selfish, trying to get your attention, and I didn't even know that I was putting you in danger. I should have known, I should have been better, I should've—"

"Stop." He grabbed her face. "You have never once been selfish. You have saved my life twice, and that is more than I can say about most of the people I have ever known. I am so grateful for you, and I will never interpret your actions as selfish. That just isn't who you are, and I love you for it."

Ruby melted. "What?"

"You heard me." He smiled. "Would you like to go out on a date with me?"

"Of course," Ruby said. "Of course!" Giggling ecstatically, she threw her arms around him.

"Wait!" Ruby pulled back. "How are you going to leave?"

"Let me worry about that. Do you have any classes today?"

Ruby blushed. "Just one. Three o'clock."

"Then I'll see you at six."


"I can't believe you were listening through the keyhole," Ruby whined.

"Sounded pretty juicy," Yang said. "But more importantly, what are you going to wear?"

"Wait a second, weren't you anti-Torchwick, like, yesterday?"

"Eh, I'm convinced, and I am seizing this opportunity to get you some class-ass shit and dress you up."

The doors to the elevator opened and they walked into the lobby. The receptionist shot Yang a dirty look as they crossed to the exit. She must have recognized them from the other night.

Yang scoffed, tossing her hair with a sashay of her hips.

"Nothing too…sexy, okay?"

"Ha, no. I don't want to encourage that kind of activity."

Ruby cringed. "Wait, I have to turn in my assignment at homeroom!"

"Screw it, we're going shopping!"

"Yang," Ruby whined.

"Do you really want me to pick something out without your supervision?" Yang cocked her brow, smirking.

"Fine, but what am I going to do about my homework?"

"Just email it and say you're sick. I do it all the time."

Ruby gasped. "How is your attendance not failing you?"

"Hey, I show up when it matters," Yang defended. "Plus, I have read the syllabus in close detail, so I know when it'll really cut me."

"Yeah, okay," Ruby laughed, "but I need to go back to my dorm. I don't have it on my scroll."

"Ruby, you wound me. No, seriously, I haven't broken in these shoes yet."


"A date?" Junior poured himself a drink.

"Yup," Roman said. "I don't know what I was thinking. Where do I even take her?"

"Dinner," Junior said.

"Why are you saying it like it's so simple?" Roman took the drink out of Junior's hand, throwing it back instantly and holding it back out to Junior. "There are so many fucking restaurants in this district alone, and I can't just take her to a nice place, or show her the skyline, or, just, like, give her roses like they would in the god damn movies because that never works in real life."

"Or, you know, you could do that." Junior refilled Roman's glass. "But don't get her roses. That's a little too cheesy."

"It's all cheesy. That's my point."

Junior rolled his eyes. "It's her first date, right? Show her a good time."

Roman groaned. "Crap. I just realized I don't know where I could get a reservation on such short notice."

"Chill. We'll figure it out."

Neo walked in front of him. Let's go dye your hair pink, shithead.

"Please tell me it's not pink," Roman pleaded.

I wish. It's black.

"Oh hell, I'm going to look so washed out."

Junior laughed. "Neo, he doesn't know where to take her out."

Seriously? Of all fucking things in the world. Just take her someplace casual. I don't think she would appreciate if you dumped a whole bunch of pressure on her not to act like a dumbass in public.

Roman groaned. "And what would that be? McFred's?"

"The burger idea isn't so bad," Junior said. "How about High Line?"

"What makes you think she would like burgers?"

Really? You've met her, right? Now come with me. I need to do some serious coverage makeup.


Felt like updating today. Y'all are the best, and you deserve the best. I wish I could have made it longer, but it is SO late and I need to be at work at 8 AM tomorrow. Wish me luck!

To all the people who dropped a review on my update chapter, thank you :) I did NOT expect responses so quickly and it is so encouraging. I love you all, and I'll have the next chapter up ASAP.