Weiss' midterm papers and Blake's second round of board exams come and go. As expected, they both pass with flying colors. Considering they spend most of their time together studying, there was no reason for them to do any less than satisfactory. Or so Weiss thought.
The only thing less than satisfactory for Weiss right now was sitting in Blake and Yang's living room while she waited for Blake to get home from a meeting with one of her academic advisors.
"So, Ice Queen,"
"Don't call me that." Yang smirks, clearly not going to abide by Weiss' request.
"You and Blakey have any plans for holiday break?"
"We haven't really discussed it. My family doesn't really get together for holidays any more. So I will be staying here."
"Ah, well I will be going home for about two weeks. Gotta see my dad and my sister."
"You have a sister?" Weiss is honestly surprised, though she's not sure exactly why.
"Yup. Her name's Ruby. I think the two of you would actually get along."
"If she's anything like you, that's highly unlikely."
"In some ways, yes. But she's definitely her own person."
"Well if she ever visits, let me know." Weiss mumbles nonchalantly as she picks at something under her fingernail.
"Will do." Yang lets the moment of silence settle before crossing her arms and continuing. "So… how are things going with Blake?"
"Fine." Weiss honestly just didn't feel like indulging in Yang's question.
"Just fine? Blake gives the impression they're going a lot better than fine." Yang shrugs carelessly.
Weiss couldn't understand how Blake could honestly feel that way, considering Weiss seemed to always leave her empty handed. Or so to speak. She didn't like feeling insufficient. But Weiss was truly struggling with the idea of herself actually being a good girlfriend.
Maybe she just couldn't ever be that. For anyone. Suddenly remembering that Yang was still right there with her, she shakes herself free of her thoughts.
"I've got to go." Immediately standing, Weiss heads towards the door, not bothering to listen to anything Yang said as she left.
When she walks out of the door she runs directly into Blake.
"Oh hey." When Blake leans forward to kiss her, Weiss pulls back awkwardly. "Is everything okay?" Blake tilts her head to the side slightly, worry falling over her expression.
"Yes. I'm just not feeling well so I think I just want to go home."
"Oh okay. Well do you need me to-"
"No Blake, just let me go home."
Blake instantly steps to the side so Weiss can move past her. And she watches in silence as Weiss walks the remainder of the way to her apartment and disappears.
Once she's back in her own apartment, and alone, Weiss sits down at the dining room table to try and collect her thoughts. But she can hear the muffled sounds of her neighbors arguing through the wall. Not once had Blake ever raised her voice to her. She could tell they were having a disagreement but couldn't make out any of the words. She hears a door slam and roughly thirty seconds later, she hears the front door of Blake and Yang's apartment slam. Weiss looks out of her window to see Blake throwing her work bag and school bag into her car and driving off.
Her heart sinks into the pit of her stomach, knowing she most likely caused their argument. Turning her phone over and over in her hand, she contemplates sending Blake a text to apologize. But she just can't bring herself to do it.
She chooses instead to make a phone call. But it's not to Blake. Figuring it would be the closest thing to impartial advice she could get. When the line connects there is a formal, yet confused tone of voice on the other end.
"Weiss?"
"Hello Winter." Weiss breathes out once she hears her sister's voice.
"It's unlike you to call without notice, is everything alright?"
"Yes and no."
"So which is it?"
"I'm going through a personal dilemma and I could use some advice, if you have any you can spare."
"You know emotional entanglements aren't my area of expertise. But I will try to remain objective."
Taking a deep breath, Weiss regales her story with Blake to Winter, as well as conveying her worries. Winter remains mostly silent throughout. Only making sounds of acknowledgement or hums of thought.
"It sounds to me like the two of you are currently under an immense amount of academic pressure."
"I don't think it's something I can't handle."
"But can you handle the pressure that the both of you are facing? Do you think maintaining a relationship will be difficult to balance with managing your academic life?"
"Well I don't know, I-"
"You are going to school for an education, that must take first priority."
"Are you suggesting that I end my relationship because that-"
"Listen Weiss, I'm not telling you to do anything. Just that you have a responsibility to your schoolwork. Maybe you and Blake just need to take a step back for a while, if you feel overwhelmed."
"A step back…"
"But you have to do what's best for you. I have to go. Duty calls, literally. I will speak to you soon."
"Goodbye Winter." Weiss' voice fades off as she hears the line disconnect.