Weiss sipped her cup of coffee while watching the steady stream of people passing by. Many carried shopping bags sporting a variety of business names and logos. Others had small children in hand, or the purses and keys they hadn't put away during the walk from the parking lot.
"And then we need…" Winter flipped through several pages before pulling out a five-page document. "This one," she concluded as she moved it to the front of the stack. "That's everything, right?"
"I think so," Weiss replied as Winter consulted a list on the table between them.
"This looks good to me." After pushing the pages into a neater pile, Winter finally looked up. "Does it look good to you?"
"Yes, but I really think we should hire an attorney."
"Your best is good enough for me." Weiss sighed and shook her head at the expected response, but Winter tapped her fingers against her glass before nodding once. "Besides, if we get Dad's signature -" Hearing Weiss' scoff, Winter paused and tilted her head. "What?"
"He won't sign it."
"That's why we asked Mom -"
"She can't do it."
"We don't know that for sure. Their relationship might be rocky -"
"You and Robyn have a relationship," Weiss interrupted. "What they have is bitterness and vodka."
"Just...give her a chance, will you?" Under Winter's imploring gaze, Weiss frowned and lifted her cup rather than respond. "So we give Mom a few more days then deliver everything to the court."
Weiss didn't expect a few more days to do any good, but she shrugged and motioned her coffee towards the stack of papers.
"I'll handle that if you want."
"Thank you." Winter looked moderately relieved as Weiss pulled the documents closer, but concern soon returned to her expression. "How are you and Whitley doing?" she eventually asked.
"We're fine. He just finished a family tree for one of his classes." When Winter's brow rose, Weiss smiled and nodded. "Yeah, he hated it. Left a blank space where Dad's face should be."
"That sounds like him…"
While ruminating on their younger brother's antics, Winter's gaze stuck on something beyond Weiss' shoulder. For a split second, she looked confused. Then she scoffed and said, "You're kidding me."
As an amused smile tugged at Winter's lips, Weiss spun around and felt her own smile spring into being.
Yang had always been easy to spot in a crowd, with her golden hair and effortless charisma drawing attention her way. Ruby had always been equally easy to find - for Weiss, at least - but now…she earned everyone's gaze as she passed. She garnered second glances too, and whispers, and in some cases stealthily snapped pictures. Unaware or unbothered by the attention, she smiled at Weiss - her steps bouncing along the path while Yang trailed slightly behind.
"What're the chances we'd find you two at your favorite spot?" Ruby asked as soon as she reached the table. Weiss had already stood up and accepted Ruby's blissful, rose-scented hug as if it was her entire reason for venturing out today. Ruby let go first and beamed at Weiss before giving Winter a quick hug next. "It's so good to see you!"
"It's good to see you too, Ruby."
Winter hardly had time to smile at Ruby and glance at Weiss before Yang hugged her next.
"If it isn't the Schneesters," Yang said, grinning when Winter rolled her eyes. "Ruling the world from coffeeshops now?"
"Only strategizing." Winter and Weiss shared a quick look, but Winter didn't elaborate. "I didn't realize you were in town," she told Yang instead.
"Oh, yeah. Wherever Ruby goes, I go."
"We're not here for much longer," Ruby added. "Which I'm already bummed about. I forgot how much I like it here."
"Atlas?" Weiss scoffed. "With the cold weather and too many people?"
"Just the right people, I'd say." After smiling at Weiss, Ruby nodded at the papers on the table. "Working on important Schnee business?"
"Something like that." Before Winter explained the situation, Weiss swept the papers into her bag and said, "What're you doing here?"
Ruby and Yang shared a smile at the question, but Ruby answered.
"Had some free time and thought we'd check out the mall. See if anything's changed."
"Apparently, nothing has since you two are still sitting here." After beaming at the obligatory eyerolls, Yang pulled another chair over to the table and sat beside Winter. "A little bird told me you're seeing someone. Who's the lucky lady?"
"Her name's Robyn," Weiss answered, smiling in the face of Winter's half-hearted glare.
"Robyn, huh? I'm gonna need a picture to confirm she exists."
Yang held out a hand and grinned at Winter's scoff. When Yang wiggled her fingers, however, Winter caved and pulled out her phone.
"Think I can steal Weiss while you do that?" Ruby slid an arm through Weiss' and tugged her close, earning Weiss' smile as she subtly leaned into Ruby's side.
"I believe she's already yours," Winter replied, her watchful gaze prompting Weiss to scoot a little further away. Winter noticed that too but just smiled and nodded towards Weiss' bag. "Let me know if you want me to go with you to -"
"I will." Winter's brow rose at the interruption, but Weiss glanced at Yang and Ruby's curious expressions before adding, "Thank you though."
"You're welcome." After studying Weiss' reaction for another second, Winter smiled at Ruby. "It was great seeing you, Ruby."
"Yeah, you too! Hopefully, I'll see you again before I leave."
Weiss scooted even further away at the reminder, but Ruby tugged her close and waved before leading her away from the table. "So what's she like?" Weiss overheard Yang ask while she and Ruby walked towards the mall's entrance.
"Dang," Ruby whispered on the way. "Your sister's still, like...super composed."
"That's Winter for you." Weiss glanced over her shoulder and found Yang and Winter already locked in conversation. "Yang's the only person who's ever gotten her to talk about her private life," Weiss added while Ruby held the door for her.
"That's Yang for you," Ruby replied, chuckling at the playful response before glancing behind them one last time. "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your sisterly bonding time."
"We were actually just wrapping up."
"Then I'm not bothering you? Looks like you've got a ton of work to do."
When Ruby's gaze fell to Weiss' bag, Weiss shifted it out of view.
"Ruby, I don't think you've ever bothered me." The instant a sparkle leapt into Ruby's eyes, Weiss raised a hand and added, "At least, not recently."
"That's more like it," Ruby replied, chuckling to herself before pausing just steps inside the doorway. Her eyes took in the white linoleum floor, fluorescent lights, potted plants, wooden benches, and shoppers from all walks of life. Weiss watched her as the steady drone of voices and faint music playing over the speakers drifted past their ears.
"Wow. This place hasn't changed at all."
Weiss' brow furrowed at the crowd, lights, and noise, but the annoyance disappeared when Ruby extended a hand to her.
"Window shop with me?"
Looking between Ruby's outstretched hand and sincere eyes, Weiss accepted the gesture with a quiet, "Sure."
Ruby's hand was soft and warm, though not as warm as Weiss' cheeks. Thankfully, Ruby's focus remained on the stores they passed, moving from one side of the hall to the other on repeat. They hadn't made it far before the furor started. First, small spikes of excitement in the drone of voices. Then gazes and, in some cases, gestures directed their way.
The first person staring at their joined hands convinced Weiss to pull away. "You're going to start rumors," she said when she noticed the confusion and disappointment in Ruby's eyes.
"That I'm dating the most beautiful girl in Atlas? I wouldn't mind." Weiss' brow furrowed at the response, but Ruby stuck her hands in her pockets and scuffed her foot across the floor. "I always wanted to go on a date here."
"At the mall?"
"Yeah! Yang took pretty much all her dates here, so I figured it must be fun."
Hands still in pockets, Ruby shrugged, but Weiss wrinkled her nose at the tired stores bathed in drab fluorescent light. As high schoolers, the mall was a playground free of parental supervision. Now, Weiss felt too old for it and, if the staring was any indication, Ruby was too glamorous for it.
"What would you have done on this date of yours?" Weiss asked, waving a hand towards the busy electronics store.
"Oh, you know, the high school trifecta - dinner at the world-class food court, movie at the ultra-clean and modern theater, then walk around until one of our parents picked us up."
"Ruby, we did that practically every weekend."
"I know, but those weren't, like, dates." Weiss frowned at the statement, but Ruby's eyes lit up when they rounded the next corner. "This was your favorite store!" After tapping Weiss' elbow, Ruby hurried over and peered through the front window. "You wore their stuff all the time," she added. "But they don't sell heels, so I'm guessing you don't shop here anymore."
When Weiss huffed at the joke, Ruby grinned at her.
"Want to go in? You can pick out a new outfit!"
"We don't have to -"
"It'll be quick!"
Weiss had already stepped back, but Ruby grabbed her hand and tugged her to the entrance. Weiss sighed and playfully dragged her feet into the store but, hardly five steps inside, a stark-white jacket with sharp, black buttons caught her eye. Suddenly, she was the one leading Ruby over to it.
Without dropping Ruby's hand, Weiss touched the jacket's sturdy-yet-soft fabric before searching the hangers for her size. Only upon finding one did she drop Ruby's hand, pull the jacket from the hanger and onto her shoulders.
"What do you think?" she asked after smoothing her hands down the sleeves. She glanced up but, noticing Ruby's silver eyes sweeping over her, focused on fastening the buttons instead.
"It looks really, really good."
Finding the nearest mirror, Weiss rolled back her shoulders and studied her reflection. "It looks alright," she mused before turning to one side.
"Ok, I know you probably own the entire clothing brand or something, but please let me buy this for you." Before Weiss protested, Ruby clasped both hands together. "Please? It's always been my dream to buy you something like this."
"What? Why?" Ruby blinked at the questions before blushing and shrugging, so Weiss shook her head. "I don't want you spending money on me."
"That only makes me want to even more!"
After subtly glancing at the tag hanging from one sleeve, Weiss shook her head again. "I don't need more clothes," she said, quickly undoing the buttons. "And buying it just to have it is wasteful."
When Weiss looked up, Ruby was staring at her with wide eyes and mouth open in a near-perfect 'O.' A smile soon appeared though, followed by a soft chuckle.
"Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?" Ruby asked while Weiss shrugged out of the jacket.
"I've changed."
"I noticed." Ruby handed Weiss the hanger and watched as the jacket returned to the rack. "You've changed in like...really great ways though. Leave it to you to become even more amazing than you already were."
While Ruby chuckled, Weiss trailed her fingers down the jacket's sleeve and turned away. "It's just part of growing up, I guess," she mumbled while averting Ruby's gaze.
Her cheeks warmed when she noticed two young girls whispering amongst themselves on the other side of the store, sending frequent glances Ruby's way. One had her phone in hand while the other teasingly prodded her forward. The store clerk had also noted Ruby's presence and seemed in a hurry to finish folding so they could come over and offer help.
"I have an idea."
Before anyone interrupted, Weiss motioned Ruby out of the store. The smell of expensive clothing faded as they returned to wide, busy hallways, and she guided Ruby aimlessly before spotting a small stall in the middle of the hall. Soon after, a mouth-watering aroma of cinnamon and sugar filled the air.
"Look."
Weiss nudged Ruby's shoulder and pointed out their destination, where a red-and-white striped sign advertised candied nuts of nearly every variety. Smiling at Ruby's small gasp, Weiss gently grasped her forearm and led the way. "I'll get you some," she added as they reached a clear case displaying their choices.
"But you wouldn't let me buy you the jacket."
"These are slightly less expensive. Besides, it's tradition."
"Well...if you insist," Ruby eventually agreed, and Weiss smiled before approaching the employee working at the small booth.
"Two, please," she said, holding up two fingers before pointing to the candied pecans.
"You're getting one?"
While the man scooped candied nuts into a red-and-white striped paper cone, Weiss arched one brow at Ruby.
"You don't share, remember. If I want any, I might as well buy my own and give you what I don't eat."
"You know, that sounds like a pretty great idea. I was starting to worry you might be hungry for once."
When Ruby grinned, Weiss managed a neutral expression for only a second before laughing. Soon enough, they were both giggling like fools while Weiss paid for the sweets. "Thank you," she told the man, accepting her paper cone before she and Ruby headed off.
With no destination in mind, their slow pace offered plenty of opportunities to glance Ruby's way. Unaware of Weiss' observation, Ruby tossed one of the candied pecans into her mouth and crunched down so hard that everyone in the vicinity must have heard. Undeterred, she poured a handful into one hand, popped another one into her mouth, and hummed.
"I forgot how good these are."
"Worth coming to Atlas for?"
"Atlas has a lot going for it, you know." When Weiss huffed and carefully bit down so she didn't crack a tooth, Ruby nodded. "It does! The snow's pretty, downtown's fun, and you're here - that's the best part."
Ruby's smile could have melted Atlas' snow in the dead of winter, but Weiss averted her gaze rather than bask in its warmth. She focused on the paper cone instead, and picked out the least-candied nut to eat next.
"Plus, this is the best mall ever." Weiss scoffed at the exaggeration, but Ruby grinned and hopped several steps ahead. "Come on, Weiss. Just look at this place!"
Weiss held out a hand when Ruby raised her arms and spun in a circle but couldn't get a warning out before Ruby backed right into one of the dark green trash cans. She knocked it over, of course. Then the lid popped off, clanged on the floor, and rolled away while garbage spilled everywhere. Not finished, she yelped before tripping over the canister and tumbling into the pile of trash.
In that small section of the mall, silence abruptly fell. Weiss' cheeks instantly warmed, and she covered her face with one hand but still smiled when Ruby hopped to her feet.
"Sorry!" Ruby waved to the onlookers, many of whom started whispering when they recognized her. "Totally on purpose," she added with an embarrassed laugh. "Not like I'm clumsy or anything."
Some people chuckled at the joke and carried on with their day as if nothing happened. Some returned to their previous conversations or started new conversations with Ruby as the obvious subject. The drone of voices returned with more energy than before, but the energy shifted again when a janitor made his way over with a cart and broom.
"Oh, let me do that! It's my fault; I'll clean it up."
The older gentleman clutched the broom tighter but, when Ruby smiled and extended her hand, relinquished it to her. He collected the lid and righted the trash can instead, and offered Ruby a few quiet pointers as she swept the trash into a neat pile. Several people had their phones out now, recording Ruby Rose sweeping up garbage, but Ruby didn't notice. She worked quickly but carefully and, once everything was back where it belonged, gave the janitor a thumbs up and jogged back to Weiss.
"You saved them," Weiss said, pointing to the crushed paper cone in Ruby's hand. After glancing down at it, Ruby laughed.
"Damn right I did."
"Priorities," Weiss joked as they left the scene of Ruby's most recent embarrassment. Even though Weiss hadn't been directly involved, her cheeks felt redder than Ruby's adorable pink flush. The looks following them away didn't help, as she sensed the unspoken questions and judgments aimed at her back.
The attention faded as they put distance between them and the trash can incident, but it never completely disappeared. Just when Weiss was beginning to accept that this was the way of life when walking with a celebrity, Ruby broke the easy silence.
"So...I have a confession."
Weiss glanced over when Ruby didn't immediately continue, but Ruby kept her gaze trained forward.
"I was hoping to see you while I was here," she eventually admitted. "I even asked my agent to schedule as much stuff as possible so I'd have time to work up the courage to call you. Then I saw you at the convention and...that was like the stars aligning, right?"
When Ruby finally returned Weiss' gaze, her silver eyes hopeful and honest, Weiss smiled.
"Well...I have a confession, too." When Ruby's brow rose, Weiss chuckled and shook her head. "Blake convinced me to go to the convention to see you. She said she wanted to know what you were like now, and I did too."
"And?"
"'And?'"
"And what am I like now?" Ruby elaborated with a small wave.
Weiss opened her mouth but closed it on the first response that came to mind. "You're...Ruby," she said instead. "A bit older and wiser, but...you're still you."
"Is that a good thing?"
"I think so. Don't you?"
Weiss thought that was an easy question, but Ruby searched her eyes for several seconds before looking at the floor and saying, "I hope so."
The next few moments of silence weren't as easy or carefree as the first, but Ruby eventually took a deep breath and looked up. "I've been thinking," she began. "When I go back to Vale -"
Weiss' heart jumped when her phone interrupted that sentence.
"Sorry, do you need to get that?" Ruby asked while Weiss pulled it out of her bag and glanced at the screen.
"Probably a wrong number," she muttered, silencing the call and looking at Ruby. "You were saying?"
"Oh, just, when I go back to Vale, I was hoping we could keep in touch."
When Ruby ran a hand through her hair and shrugged, suddenly looking very much like the well-paid, popular actress that she was, Weiss forced away a frown.
"Of course. I'd like that."
"Um, great. Me too. So we should...do that."
The frown slipped out when Ruby turned away and tossed another candied nut into her mouth. Only a few silent seconds passed, however, before Weiss' phone alerted her to a new message. Ruby didn't look over at the sound, opting to play with the paper cone instead, so Weiss decided to check it.
"Bet it's another scam," she muttered while holding the phone to her ear.
"Hello, this is Atlas Medical Center calling for Weiss Schnee. Your mother was brought into the emergency department about an hour ago with a head injury. Her condition is stable, but she'll need someone to help her home -"
The rest of the message faded away as Weiss stopped walking and lowered the phone from her ear. Ruby took two more steps before realizing Weiss wasn't beside her and, after turning around, hurried back.
"What's wrong?"
"That was the hospital." Ruby's eyes widened, but Weiss frowned at her phone. "My mom's in the hospital."
"Is she alright?"
"They said she's stable, but -" When Ruby gently touched Weiss' arm, Weiss blinked and shook her head. "Sorry, I have to go."
"We'll go." Weiss had hardly returned her phone to her bag before Ruby grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the exit. "Let's get a cab," Ruby added as soon as they traded the artificially lit mall for Atlas' cloudy skies.
Fortunately, a small line of taxis waited outside for anyone needing a ride. Ruby hailed the first one, opened the door for Weiss, and told the driver, "Atlas Medical Center, please," before they even settled into their seats. The cab pulled away from the curb moments later, leaving the bustling parking lot in favor of bustling streets.
Weiss' knee bounced up and down when a streetlight turned red, and traffic passed, before turning green again. "I'm sure she's alright," Ruby gently assured her. Weiss nodded once but, when Ruby reached over, gratefully accepted Ruby's hand. The warmth eased her shivers, though trembles still broke through when a giant white building loomed into view.
The taxi hardly stopped in front of the emergency department before Ruby paid and hopped out. She waited for Weiss to slide out behind her and, as soon as she was standing, took her hand and led her through the sliding double doors. A blast of cold air greeted them just inside, drawing another shiver as she and Ruby approached the front desk.
"Hello," Weiss directed to the young woman typing on the computer. "I'm here for Willow Schnee. Someone just called and said she's here?"
The young woman did a double-take upon seeing Ruby, but a nearby nurse stepped over before she responded. "Willow Schnee?" the nurse asked before mirroring Weiss' nod. "I can take you to her."
After glancing at Weiss and Ruby's joined hands, the nurse waved them through the large door separating the emergency room from the rest of the hospital. "She fell and hit her head on a table," she explained while leading them down a busy, claustrophobic hallway. "She has a minor concussion and sprained wrist, but she'll be fine. Just keep an eye on her for the next few hours and bring her back if she feels any worse. She can take regular aspirin for any pain or headaches. Other than that, she's free to leave when you're ready."
Ruby squeezed Weiss' hand at the news, but any relief Weiss felt evaporated when the nurse motioned into a small hospital room. "Thank you," she said before entering the room with Ruby. Bloodshot eyes quickly found her, followed by a sleepy smile that erased any sympathy the large, swollen bruise and bandaged arm might have otherwise garnered.
"Is that little Ruby Rose?" Weiss' mother asked, her words slurring as if she just woke from a deep sleep. Knowing that wasn't the case, Weiss clenched her jaw and hung back while Ruby walked over to the side of the bed.
"It's nice to see you again, Mrs. Schnee. Are you feeling alright?"
"Oh, I'm fine. Just a little fall." Weiss' mother waved off the concern and glanced at Weiss. "I'm sure my daughter was thrilled that the hospital called her."
Arms crossed, Weiss forced a smile when Ruby glanced over.
"We were worried," Ruby replied in a more caring tone than Weiss could have managed. "It's great to see you're feeling ok though. And they said you can leave now, so that's great too."
"They're taking pity on me."
"Or they know someone as vibrant as you shouldn't be stuck in a place like this!"
Willow chuckled at the compliment - a light, girlish giggle aided by her current state - and Weiss sighed before setting a hand on Ruby's shoulder. "Give us a second," she told her mom before leading Ruby into the hallway. "I'm so sorry…" she said as soon as the door closed behind them.
"Hey, you have nothing to apologize for. I'm just glad she's alright. That's a nasty-looking bruise."
"Yeah…" Weiss glanced into the room before frowning and shaking her head. "Well, that ruined today, didn't it?"
"What? Absolutely not."
"We ended up at the hospital, Ruby -"
"So?" When Weiss opened her mouth, Ruby squeezed her hands and offered a small smile. "I'm glad I could be here for you. Hospitals aren't fun."
Whatever Weiss wanted to say disappeared under Ruby's caring gaze. She nodded instead, then leaned her forehead against Ruby's shoulder and sighed when Ruby's arms wrapped around her. Ruby nuzzled into her hair before kissing the top of her head, whispering, "She'll be ok," while gently rubbing her back.
If Weiss had her way, she would stand there forever. Unfortunately, Ruby eventually pulled away and tenderly touched her cheek.
"Let me get you a cab to take her home, ok?"
Weiss' shoulders slumped as another sigh erased the air from her lungs, but she nodded and returned to the room. "Are you ready to go?" she asked, focusing more on collecting her mom's belongings than on the actual response.
When Willow stood up and immediately teetered, Ruby steadied her. Ruby offered an arm for support walking her out of the hospital. Ruby hailed a cab and helped her into the backseat. And Ruby set a hand on Weiss' shoulder while offering the kindest, most compassionate smile Weiss had ever received.
"Text me when you're home?" Ruby asked, her gaze flitting once to the backseat.
"I will. Thank you, Ruby."
Weiss kissed Ruby's cheek and mustered a small smile before slipping into the taxi. As soon as the vehicle pulled away from the curb and Ruby disappeared from view, however, any fragment of a smile disappeared. Crossing her hands in her lap, she stared out the window and listened to the talk show quietly playing on the radio.
"I can change my emergency contact…"
"It's fine."
Silence returned to the backseat. Unfortunately, it didn't last long.
"I know you're angry, but it really was an accident."
Weiss clenched her jaw to hold her first few responses at bay. "You have a problem," was all she said, scowling out the window as the buildings passed by.
"I asked your father." That comment drew Weiss' gaze, but her mother stared down at her bandaged wrist. After several seconds of silence, she took a deep breath and said, "He won't sign anything."
At that sour news, Weiss turned forward and shook her head.
"I tried. I really did."
"It's fine."
Heavy silence settled over the backseat this time, smothering conversation as the skyscrapers of downtown gave way to suburban sprawl. Weiss leaned an elbow against the window and frowned outside, longing for Ruby's warmth and optimism as the universe served another reminder that her life was far from perfect. Her family was a disaster, as were her finances and job and pretty much everything she touched.
With Ruby, none of that seemed to exist. Even if it interrupted, as it had today, Ruby made it…better, somehow. Just by being herself and being there.
Weiss wished Ruby hadn't gone back to the hotel alone. She wished the two of them could have stayed up all night talking like they used to, or that Ruby would just hold her while she confessed all the stressful events taking over her life.
While the neighborhoods grew familiar, she rested her head on her hand and wished that she could ask Ruby if they could see each other tonight. She wanted to see Ruby tonight, but her heart fluttered when she imagined that desire coming true.
Ultimately, she'd already taken up too much of Ruby's time, and she had to supervise her mom for the next few hours - an unexpected joy for her day off. Fortunately, Ruby would be in Atlas for a little while longer, and they could see each other again. Next time, Weiss would do her best to keep her family out of it. That would be for the best, for everyone.