Upon opening yet another box stuffed with used equipment, Yang wrinkled her nose and reached inside.
"Why are people like this?" she asked, holding up someone's crinkled, coffee-strained script for Pyrrha to see. "Seriously," she added when Pyrrha smiled and shook her head. "One, it's gross. Two, why can't they treat things with respect?"
"It's a script…" Pyrrha pointed out while Yang tossed it onto a stack of them. "We just throw them away once everything's done."
"Yes, we throw them away." After checking the rest of the box for film-specific information and finding nothing, Yang shoved it aside. "And we don't enjoy handling someone else's coffee stains."
Pyrrha smiled at the response but added nothing while sorting through a box of her own. As Yang's most mild-mannered coworker, she hardly complained about the unsavory or unpleasant tasks left for them. She listened to Yang's whining though, which was how the two of them became friends.
With long red hair, piercing emerald eyes, and indisputable beauty, Pyrrha looked the part of a model. The only thing separating her from the women gracing magazine covers was the desire and resolve to survive such a cutthroat industry. Which was just as well to Yang, who enjoyed having Pyrrha's even-keeled, upbeat energy around whenever work got especially atrocious.
"Oh, even better…" Yang said when she saw the contents of the next box. Carefully reaching inside, she pulled out an empty coffee cup. Unfortunately, the rest of the drink was nearby, coating everything in a sticky brown layer.
"These aren't trash cans!"
After tossing the cup into an actual trash can, she sighed at the rest of the box's contents. Some of the props could be saved with a fair amount of cleaning, but some were too stained and disgusting to be reused.
"Actors," she huffed. "Too busy living in their own worlds."
"You'd probably be the same."
"No way." Yang shook her head when Pyrrha sent her a skeptical look. "I'd be super chill about it! Or I'd throw my garbage into a trash can, at least."
While Pyrrha chuckled at the bare minimum display of human decency, Yang shoved the box aside to be dealt with later. As much as she wanted to clean dried coffee off of things right now...she didn't, so she would put it off as long as possible.
When she applied for this job, she was sold on how it would be 'great experience' in the entertainment industry. Learning how films were made, seeing the process unfold and, in many cases, being an 'integral part' of keeping things running smoothly.
She had learned plenty about how films were made, but it was a lot...messier...than expected.
At least the pay was decent and the responsibilities never got boring. She made enough to live on her own in the city and have some extra money to explore, and she honestly never knew what to expect when she showed up in the morning.
"This'll have to wait for Monday," she added after glancing at the clock, which decided to show mercy for once. While returning the box to the stacks waiting along one wall, she glanced Pyrrha's way. "Any plans for the weekend?"
"Nothing special," Pyrrha said right before a tall, blonde-haired boy poked his head through the open doorway, spotted her, and grinned.
"Hey Pyrrha!" he called out with a goofy wave. Yang hid a smile when Pyrrha automatically blushed.
"Hey Jaune."
"Give me ten minutes? I just need to get my stuff."
Yang's brow rose at the comment and Pyrrha's bright smile.
"Of course! Take all the time you need."
"I'll be quick."
Once Jaune grinned, tapped his hand on the doorframe, and hurried off, Yang slowly turned to Pyrrha.
"'Nothing special?'"
"You asked if I had plans this weekend," Pyrrha replied, her cheeks an even darker shade of red now. "And I don't. But I might have plans tonight."
Thank god the day was already over because no way could Yang work now. Instead, she gave Pyrrha her full attention.
"Ok, first of all - 'the weekend' means any time from when work ends Friday to when we get back Monday." Pyrrha chuckled at the description, but Yang crossed her arms and smiled. "Second of all, spill."
By now, Pyrrha knew Yang well enough to know that she wasn't leaving the building without answering. Still, her gaze flitted to the empty doorway before she sighed and leaned closer.
"I...might...have a date with Jaune tonight."
"Finally!" Yang exclaimed but quickly lowered her voice when Pyrrha shushed her. "You guys have only been flirting forever," she added in a whisper. "How could you not tell me?"
"It's not a big deal," Pyrrha said, though she clearly didn't believe the words herself. "And you know how it gets around here...I didn't want everyone to start talking."
Relationship gossip traveled through the office at the speed of light, so Yang understood the concern. Drama was unavoidable when some of their coworkers made it their responsibility to know who was dating, sleeping together, or crushing on each other. That was one of the many reasons Yang avoided workplace relationships.
Unfortunately, Pyrrha hadn't been so lucky. The first day that lanky, uncoordinated errand boy showed up, she fell in love. Everyone knew by now, of course, so it would be a big deal if they became 'official.' That was a lot of pressure to put on a fledgling relationship…
"But how did it happen?" Yang pressed. "Who asked who?"
"He was just walking me out the other day, talking about this restaurant he and his friends go to. I said it sounded like a fun place, and...he said that maybe he could take me there sometime, so I said why not this Friday?"
Even though Pyrrha shrugged as if going on a date with her long-time crush was no big deal, her lingering blush suggested otherwise. Yang's instinct was to pry for more details - like exactly what was said - but she also didn't want to embarrass Pyrrha too much. Tonight was a big deal, after all, and the teasing could come later.
"Good for you," she said instead, patting Pyrrha's shoulder as they grabbed their bags and joined the stream of workers heading out for the day. "Are you excited?"
"And nervous."
"It'll be great." Noticing Pyrrha's uncertain expression, Yang nodded. "It will be! You already get along - it'll be like that but without work."
Pyrrha still looked uncertain, but their conversation paused as they stepped onto the next elevator, which was almost completely full. They remained in awkward silence for the entire ride to the lobby, where the doors opened and they joined the crowds heading for the exits. Only then did Pyrrha shake her head and turn to Yang.
"What about you? It's Friday night - you must have plans."
"I do have plans, actually. With the hottest girl ever."
Pyrrha's brow rose at the emphatic response, but Yang nodded.
"I'm serious. She's gorgeous, smart, funny - and right there."
When Yang nodded over Pyrrha's shoulder, Pyrrha spun around in surprise. As soon as she spotted Blake walking over to them, however, she relaxed and smiled.
"Oh, hi Blake."
"Hey Pyrrha. How are you?"
"Good! Yang was just telling me about some hot date she has."
"Really?" Brow raised, Blake sent Yang an amused smile. "You're canceling on me?"
Resituating the strap of her bag on her shoulder, Yang shook her head and laughed at the idea that she would ever cancel plans with Blake.
"Actually, you just beat out that super hot date," she replied. "Wanna grab a drink with me?"
When Yang offered her arm, Blake tapped her chin.
"Well, I was going to meet a friend tonight, but she ditches me for cute girls all the time, so..."
"I've never ditched you for a cute girl!" Yang gasped while Blake laughed and slipped an arm through hers.
"Not yet, at least."
"That'll never happen," Yang assured her before glancing at Pyrrha, who was watching them with a small smile. "Right, Pyrrha?"
"I doubt that'll ever happen," Pyrrha agreed before her eyes flitted to the clock hanging above the bank of elevators.
"We should probably let you mentally prepare," Yang teased. Pyrrha's cheeks reddened at the reminder, and even more so when Yang winked before tugging Blake to the doors. "Just try to have fun," she added. This time, Pyrrha nodded and managed a full smile.
Out of the loop, Blake glanced between them before settling on Yang. After only a glance, however, she smiled and said, "It was nice to see you, Pyrrha," rather than ask what was going on.
"You too, Blake. Have fun - and don't let her talk you into riding that motorcycle again."
Yang's jaw dropped when Pyrrha sent her an innocent smile and Blake giggled beside her. "Hey -" was all she got out before Blake pulled her away. With no time for a real rebuttal, she feigned a stern expression and pointed two fingers at Pyrrha. Pyrrha just laughed at the response and turned toward the elevators, waiting for Jaune to arrive.
"Pyrrha doesn't know what she's talking about," Yang whispered before they made it even two steps away. "Motorcycles make so much sense in a big city."
"Uh huh…"
Without even looking, Yang sensed Blake's eyeroll.
"They take up so much less room!" she argued anyway. "You get through traffic easier, you can park almost anywhere, and they use less gas. Basically, they're all-around great for everything."
"What about your general health and well-being? You could get tapped on that thing and end up in the hospital."
"Someone could get tapped in a car and end up in the hospital!"
"How?" Blake asked, giving Yang a miffed look.
"Tapped in a car, tapped by a car...same difference."
When Blake laughed, Yang beamed at her. If anything beat the sound of Blake's laugh, Yang had yet to discover it. Even better was the way Blake's amber eyes sparkled and crinkled in the corners, and her smile lit up in such a real, uninhibited way that Yang could practically feel her joy.
Once they reached the front doors, however, another sound caught Yang's attention. Then they stepped outside, and she stopped and stared.
"Uh…when did it start pouring?"
"A few hours ago. Where have you been?"
"In a room without windows…" Yang answered while looking around. The sky was dark, and the rain came down in a thick blanket soaking everything in its path. Small rivers rushed along the edges of the street, and big puddles sprayed onto the sidewalk as cars drove past.
Most of the people exiting the building paused and opened their umbrellas before hurrying to their next destination. When Yang looked down, she noticed that Blake also had an umbrella carefully folded up and tucked under one arm.
"So...I guess we're walking," Yang concluded before smiling at Blake. "I can hold your umbrella?" she offered, but Blake laughed.
"Why don't you wear your helmet? Since motorcycles are so great for every occasion."
"Except rain!" Yang whined while Blake teasingly held the umbrella out of reach.
"What do you mean 'except rain?' You just said they're great for everything!"
Blake motioned to the torrential downpour just beyond the awning and smirked. She just poked a massive hole in Yang's argument, and she knew it. Not only did she know it, but she relished it.
"Alright," Yang caved. "What do I have to do?"
Rather than immediately respond, Blake opened the umbrella, held it above her head, and stepped out into the rain. Then she turned around and sent Yang a teasing smile.
"Ask nicely."
"Blake Belladonna," Yang began in an affronted tone before clasping her hands and mustering her best pleading expression. "Please don't make me walk in the rain. My hair will be a mess, and then I'll be wet and miserable when I just want to hang out and have a good time with you!"
Blake's smile quickly lost its teasing edge, but she still mulled over the decision before sighing and stepping closer.
"Alright…but only because you have ridiculously cute puppy dog eyes."
"My best quality," Yang joked while gluing herself to Blake's side so they both fit underneath the umbrella. The rainfall made a steady pattering sound above them, and her shoes were bound to get a little wet, but she was now blissfully safe from an unintended shower.
"But motorcycles are awesome," she added just for the fun of it.
"I'll make you walk in the rain."
When Blake playfully moved the umbrella away, Yang looped her arm through Blake's and pulled them closer together.
"You know my hair gets frizzy!"
"Yes, and it's adorable." The flattery wiped away any response Yang might have come up with, but Blake wasted no time gesturing to the street. "Where're we going?"
"New place. Couple blocks over."
Sticking close to Blake's side, Yang guided them to the small brewery she'd chosen after a great deal of research.
"How'd you know it was going to rain?" she asked while they waited to cross the next intersection.
"I check the weather every morning.'"
"See, that's smart." Once the light turned green and they set off across the slick pavement, she shook her head and kept a slightly firmer hold of Blake's arm. "I don't check until it's already raining."
"Makes sense," Blake said before chuckling at how little sense it actually made. "Do I have to tell you when it's supposed to rain?"
The question was clearly facetious, but that didn't stop Yang from nodding and squeezing Blake's arm.
"If you could, that'd be great."
"I'll do my best, but no promises."
Knowing she would receive an exceptionally dry, sarcastic message the next time it was supposed to rain, Yang grinned at Blake. Spotting the smile on Blake's lips made her even happier as they neared their destination.
As unexpected as the rain might be, she enjoyed the end result. The sound of raindrops hitting the umbrella drowned out everything except the cars driving past, leaving them with their own little piece of the world to share. It was cozy, private, and the perfect start to the weekend.
"It's right over there," Yang said when she spotted a dark blue awning across the street. White lettering stood out even in the dim light, as did the 'open' sign illuminating the front window. Once the two of them made it underneath the awning, Blake shook the water droplets from her umbrella and folded it up.
"Looks nice, right?" Yang asked while Blake glanced through the front windows.
Blake's discerning gaze swept over everything she could see outside, and only when it won her approval did she nod and move toward the door. Yang, meanwhile, jumped into motion and grabbed the door handle before Blake could.
"After you," Yang said, opening the door and gesturing Blake through. Yang wasn't far behind and paused just inside to check out their locale for the evening.
Advertised as a cozy, neighborhood bar and grill, it didn't disappoint. To the right, several customers sat at the bar talking to the bartender or watching a ballgame on the televisions hung up above. Booths and tables took up the left side of the space, though most were unoccupied at the moment. At the far end of the building, near a glowing neon sign for the restrooms, a small group of college-aged boys played a game of pool while laughing and drinking tall glasses of beer.
Louder, rowdier bars could be fun for the atmosphere, but that was the opposite of where Yang wanted to take Blake. With Blake, intimate was always better. In a quieter space, they could relax after a long week and, most importantly, wouldn't have to shout just to be heard. Here, they could sit back, relax, and enjoy a real conversation.
"Grab a booth while I grab drinks?" Yang suggested.
"But wherever will we sit?" Blake teased while motioning to the empty tables.
"I'm sure you'll find a good spot." Before Blake walked away, Yang grabbed her hand and turned her back around. "Want anything special?" she asked with a wave at the large chalkboard menu above the bar. After glancing over the options, Blake shook her head.
"Order for me?"
"You got it."
Grinning at what she considered to be her unofficial duty, Yang read through the menu on her way over to the bar. She knew what Blake liked, of course, and she had a pretty good idea of what she'd like too, but she always kept an open mind when trying out someplace new. This was where a more experienced opinion came in handy and, as luck had it, that opinion appeared in the form of the friendly bartender coming over to greet her.
"Hey, what can I get you?"
"What're your two most popular beers?"
She pointed at the extensive list of beers on tap, and he glanced up at it.
"The IPA and blonde ale, by far."
"Perfect." Just what she'd wanted anyway - she loved when everything lined up like that. "One of each, and a basket of wings. With fries."
"Sounds like the start of a good night," he joked before taking her credit card and moving over to the register. "I'll get the drinks for you now," he added while returning her card, so she waited for him to pull out two glasses and fill them at the taps.
During the short wait, she glanced over her shoulder and smiled when she caught Blake's gaze. Only a few minutes into this adventure and she couldn't wait to sit down to go over their weeks. Boring, tedious, or 'the usual' hardly mattered when it was just the two of them, as they always found something interesting to talk about.
"Here you go." The bartender set the second glass on the counter before carefully pushing both closer to her. "The food will be out in a few."
"Great. Thanks!"
After grabbing the drinks, Yang hurried over to the booth Blake had carefully selected and slid into the seat across from her.
"Which one looks better?" Yang offered both glasses to Blake who, after looking them over, pointed to the lighter one. "Knew it," Yang said, sliding it to Blake before leaning back and winking. "You're into blondes."
"Absolutely."
When Blake picked up the glass and shrugged without missing a beat, Yang laughed and tasted the drink she'd expected to end up with all along. "Not bad," she said before setting the glass down. "What do you think?"
"It's good."
"Yeah?" Once Blake nodded, Yang grinned and settled in even further. "Wanna know why I picked this place?"
"To avoid your exes?"
"Ha ha," Yang said while Blake hid a smile behind her glass. "Very funny, but I'm on great terms with my exes! Minus one or two…"
When Blake laughed at the admission, Yang waved her hands.
"But the wings, Blake! The wings."
"Wings?"
"Yeah! Like...chicken wings? They're supposedly great, and I already ordered us a whole basket of 'em."
"Thank god. I'm starving, and I don't think beer's going to cut it tonight."
While Blake lifted her glass and took another sip, Yang gently swirled hers around on the table.
"See, this is why you're perfect. It's impossible to eat wings on a date without looking unattractive."
"Oh, thanks," Blake replied dryly. "So I'm supposed to eat wings with you and make myself look unattractive?"
"You look attractive eating anything," Yang argued, but Blake just smiled and rolled her eyes. "I, unfortunately, inherited the propensity of being an utter slob."
"You could try not inhaling your food…"
"I grew up with Ruby. If I didn't eat fast, that little tornado swiped food right off my plate."
When Blake laughed at the image of Ruby grabbing food off of other people's plates - something Ruby still did to this day - Yang smiled and glanced around the bar. The laid-back atmosphere was already washing a week's worth of work off of her, and Blake's company lifted her spirit in turn.
"This is great," she concluded after scanning the rest of the room, which remained low-key even though happy hour had officially begun. "The rain's probably keeping people away."
"Maybe they're all driving motorcycles..." Blake mused, though she lost her serious expression as soon as Yang burst out laughing. The slow smile that spread across Blake's lips only made Yang happier.
"Alright, I'll let that slide because I haven't seen you all week, so I'm happy. And it was funny."
Blake smiled at the response, and Yang grinned right back. After a long week, seeing her favorite person in the world made everything better. The fact that she got to claim some of Blake's time all for herself was the cherry on top. No one else interrupting them or demanding their attention…just the two of them, some good drinks, and food on the way.
"Ok, spill," she said, settling in to listen to everything Blake had to tell her. "How was your week?"
"Busy and a little stressful," Blake answered, leaning back and casually drawing shapes in the condensation on her glass. "Nothing exciting happened, but it went fast."
"How's the new girl doing? Think she'll make it?"
"Too early to tell...I hope so though. She wants to do well."
"That's half the battle," Yang said, and Blake hummed her agreement.
"Did Ruby go on her date yet?"
"Yeah! They got dinner Wednesday."
When that was all the information Yang offered up front, Blake waited only a few seconds before motioning with her hand.
"And? How did it go?"
"Would you be surprised if I said that my little sister, who's the biggest geek I know, and a super-rich heiress of...the city, basically...really hit it off?"
"...yes?"
"Me too!" Yang agreed, nodding at what sounded on paper like a horrible match. "But apparently it went great. Ruby was a total klutz, of course, but only spilled on herself this time."
"A step in the right direction."
"Totally. Now they're texting each other constantly and already have another date planned this weekend. I've been told that's a good start to a relationship." Thinking about how smitten Ruby sounded when they last spoke, Yang chuckled and shook her head. "I always imagined her getting together with someone a little more...normal?"
"It's cute. Just because they seem like opposites doesn't mean there can't be a spark."
"That's true...you should hear her gush about this girl though." Yang glanced at her phone, where dozens of Ruby's emphatic messages still sat. "I'm a little jealous I'm not the coolest person Ruby knows anymore, but it's pretty cute."
"You're the coolest person I know," Blake replied without hesitation, the sparkle in her eyes making Yang laugh.
"Well, now I'm all flustered," she teased and, once Blake was smiling again, took another sip of her drink. "I'm still worried though," she admitted, noticing Blake's smile fade ever so slightly.
"About what?"
"About Ruby getting her heart stomped on." Blake shook her head at the idea, but Yang hurried on. "You've heard her talk about this girl - she's already got stars in her eyes and everything. I'm afraid she's more into this than Weiss is, which means she'll be the one with a broken heart."
"Ruby's an adult, Yang," Blake gently pointed out. "She's not dumb or naive. If this is what she wants, then it's her choice."
"Yeah, I know...I just don't want her to get hurt."
"That's sweet of you." Blake reached across the table and squeezed Yang's hand before adding, "But please don't worry too much. It's not your heart on the line, and Ruby wants your support."
Knowing that Blake was right, Yang squeezed her hand in return before sighing and trying to push those worries away. Ruby was an adult and capable of making her own decisions. If she decided to pursue a relationship - any relationship - Yang's place was to offer encouragement and maybe just a few words of wisdom. It wasn't her place to project her fears onto her sister.
"Yeah, you're right," she eventually said. Before she listed all of the ways Blake was right, however, a waiter appeared beside the table.
"Basket of wings and fries for ya." After placing the two baskets, spare plates, and a pile of napkins in the middle of the table, the young girl looked between them. "Need anything else?"
"I think we're good," Yang began but waited for Blake's nod before smiling. "Yeah, we're good. Thank you."
"No problem."
While the girl headed back to work, Yang looked at the heaping piles of food and heard her stomach grumble.
"Those look amazing."
The bar's special, secret-recipe sauce - a combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy that had Yang drooling in no time - drenched the wings. They looked crispy, hot, and delicious all in one, while the fries were the perfect golden color suggesting a few extra seconds in the fryer.
"They smell amazing, too," Blake said before picking up one of the wings and lifting it to her nose. After it passed the sniff test, she took a bite and hummed in delight.
"Good?"
"Really good," Blake said, and Yang grinned while reaching for the basket. Before touching anything though, she remembered that she'd been sorting through someone else's spilled coffee not long ago.
"Ah, shoot. Need to wash my hands." After wiggling her fingers, Yang slid out of the booth and pointed at their food. "There better be some left when I get back."
"You better hurry then."
Blake's innocent smile made Yang laugh while she headed to the restroom. If Blake ate all that food in the time it took her to wash her hands, she wouldn't be upset - she would be impressed. She and Ruby inhaled their food, not Blake. But maybe they were starting to rub off on her...
While turning on the faucet and holding her hand under the soap dispenser, Yang smiled at the thought. After years of friendship, Blake had made a big impact on Yang's life, and Yang liked to believe that she'd done the same in return. Realistically, she'd probably only had a small impact on Blake since Blake had been pretty perfect to begin with, but she would take what she could get.
On her way back to the table, that heartwarming thought vanished from her mind.
Blake hadn't finished the food yet, but Yang had apparently been gone long enough for one of the college boys to take her seat. The discovery was annoying, not to mention rude. A minute was all it took for this guy to wander over and start flirting?
Yang's instinct was to barge in on the conversation and reclaim her seat, but she checked Blake's posture and expression before doing anything rash. If Blake was interested or even vaguely amused by this nitwit's presence, then Yang would try a different approach.
The moment Blake caught her gaze and gave her the look that every girl used when faced with unwanted advances, Yang knew what she had to do. She let the boy keep her seat. She sat on the bench beside Blake instead and wrapped an arm around her shoulders before kissing her cheek.
"Sorry that took so long," Yang said before glancing at the boy, whose eyes were now big as saucers. "Do you know each other?" she added, gesturing between them before looking at Blake for a response.
"No, he just came over to introduce himself."
"Uh, right." With a sheepish smile, he slid out of the booth as if it had suddenly caught on fire. "I just wanted to say 'hi' but, uh, sorry to bother you. Have a good night."
Without further ado, he gave them a strange half-bow and hurried back to his friends. Left in the wake of his embarrassment, Yang chuckled and removed her arm from around Blake's shoulders.
"I can't take you anywhere!" she teased, turning toward Blake rather than moving to the other side of the table. "I leave you alone for two minutes and guys start hitting on you."
"Maybe you shouldn't leave me alone then," Blake suggested.
"I won't! From now on, I'm glued to your side. And I'm investing in a bat - that'll keep 'em away."
While Blake smiled, Yang shook her head and pulled the basket of wings closer.
"I swear…" she mumbled to herself before grabbing one of the wings and taking a bite. The amount of flavor packed into that first taste prompted her to hum before carefully wiping her mouth. "Ok, these are amazing. I'd come back just for these."
"Same," Blake agreed while picking out another wing from the pile. Yang didn't need more permission than that to happily demolish the rest of that first wing before moving on to a second. The sauce they were smothered in was incredible and made for an excellent dipping sauce for the fries, too. The drinks might be average-to-good, but the food was fantastic. That was more than enough for a return trip.
"So are you going to tell me what was up with Pyrrha tonight?" Blake asked after they made some progress through the basket. "Or do I have to ask?"
"Sounds like you just did," Yang teased before looking around to make sure no one was listening to their conversation. "Can you keep a secret?"
"Don't I always?"
That was true - Blake was a vault when it came to secrets, which was why Yang had no qualms sharing. Besides, there were no secrets between the two of them; they were too close to keep things from each other.
"Ok, don't tell anyone," Yang said regardless, but laughed when Blake rolled her eyes. "Not that you would. But Pyrrha and Jaune are going on a date tonight!"
"Took them long enough."
"I know, right?" Thinking about the pair, who'd played the 'will they, won't they' role for too long, Yang shook her head. "Pyrrha's so cute about it - all excited and nervous."
"Good for her though. You keep saying they should just get together already."
"Because they're cute together!" Just thinking about Pyrrha, Jaune, and their adorable, awkward flirting, Yang sighed. "Pyrrha and Jaune...Ruby and Weiss...everyone's got someone except me."
"That's such a lie," Blake scoffed. "How many girls are waiting for you to call back?"
"Like none." When Blake's brow rose, Yang held up her hands. "Ok, a few of them might be expecting a call, but that's different."
"How?"
"Because I'm not dating any of them."
"You go on dates with them."
"That's not the same!"
It was a solid argument and Blake knew it. That was why she shrugged rather than try to poke holes in it. "Who's next on your call list?" she asked instead, picking up her drink and shifting to more fully meet Yang's gaze. "Mel?"
"Mel? God, no." Yang shook her head before giving Blake a look to confirm the suggestion was only a joke. "But, uh, I met this cute girl at the coffeehouse the other day. Her name's Sam. I love girls with names that double as guy's names…"
When Blake coughed and set down her glass, Yang grinned.
"Yeah, you heard me Blake. I think it's hot when girls have names that can also be guy's names."
The soft blush on Blake's cheeks made Yang even giddier about the topic, but Blake shook her head and grabbed a fry to avoid responding. Interpreting the action as permission to keep talking, Yang did exactly that.
"Pretty sure you're the reason I think that..." she mused while grabbing a fry for herself. "You're like...the beginning of my fascination with names."
"I highly doubt that."
"It's probably true! No one has a name as great as yours though."
When Yang nudged Blake's shoulder, Blake took another drink and cleared her throat.
"So Sam," she said. "Cute, friendly, probably flirty -"
"You make it sound like I have a type."
"You do." Yang's brow rose at the blunt response, but Blake glanced away and casually swirled the beer in her glass. "What do you like about her?"
"I don't know...she's cute? Friendly? A little flirty?" When Blake shook her head, Yang smiled and leaned against the back of the booth. "I don't know anything else about her, but that's the point of grabbing dinner. Getting to know each other."
"What do you think her chances are?"
"Chances of what?" When Blake made a vague motion with one hand, Yang frowned. "Of me wanting to date date her?" she asked. "Probably not good. I mean, I don't know anything about her. And dating someone is just...a lot of work."
That was Yang's opinion, but she knew Blake didn't share it. Which explained the thoughtful expression Blake gave her before eventually shaking her head.
"Why do you keep doing this to yourself, Yang?"
"Doing what?"
"You don't want to date anyone, but you keep going on dates with girls you're not even interested in -"
"I don't know I'm not interested in them until I get to know them better," Yang mentioned. "Even we were just strangers until we hung out, right?"
"That was different."
"How?"
Yang tilted her head and waited for an answer, but Blake thought about one for a long time before shaking her head.
"It just feels like you're sabotaging yourself somehow…" she muttered, surrendering the topic before truly starting it.
With Blake's attention glued to her glass, Yang frowned - both at the expression and at the corresponding thoughts rushing to the forefront of her mind. Blake was nice enough not to point out the obvious reasons why Yang might intentionally set herself up for failure, but they were both thinking the same thing.
"I'm going to die alone," Yang eventually groaned, but Blake rolled her eyes at the melodrama.
"You're not going to die alone. You just...need to give someone a chance to stick around."
"You know that terrifies me."
"I know."
It was a simple response to a complicated problem, but it still made Yang feel better. As did the small smile Blake gave her before leaning into her side. Blake's presence could cure just about anything, it seemed, and Yang was smiling again before long.
"You'll visit me when I'm old and lonely, right?" she joked. "Take a break from your perfect husband and kids to pity your friend?"
"Bold of you to assume I'll have a husband…"
"Too boring?" Yang's grin widened when Blake shrugged against her. "What if he's a fighter pilot, and you only met because his plane crashed on your...farm?"
"Why am I living on a farm?"
"Because you wanted to get away from the city! But then you nurse him back to health - and he's from a different country so speaks a different language, but you fall in love and live happily ever after."
"Sounds like the plot of Love is a Battlefield…"
"Is that a real book?" As soon as Blake froze, Yang gasped. "It's a dirty book, isn't it? And you know it by name!"
"I work in publishing. I know lots of books by name."
The smooth answer would have fooled most people, but Yang knew better than to fall for it.
"Are you saying that if I look it up right now I won't find a busty blonde and half-naked man on the cover?"
"No," Blake scoffed before quietly mumbling, "Because they're both women…"
A smile tugged at Blake's lips while Yang burst out laughing. Honestly, she didn't know what amused her more: that Blake had actually read a book with that plot or that she admitted it.
"Do you own it?" Yang asked, knowing the opportunity to tease Blake rarely came along. "Because maybe I want to borrow it."
"I'll buy you a copy," Blake said while dropping a handful of fries on the plate in front of Yang, clearly trying to get her to stop talking.
"Any reason I can't use yours?"
Yang winked, grabbed one of the fries, and watched Blake's blush deepen. A laugh slipped through her lips shortly after, because there was nothing more enjoyable than making Blake blush. Not only was she cute when embarrassed, but...well, she was cute when embarrassed.
"Anyway…" Yang began, grabbing another fry off the plate and changing the subject for Blake's benefit. "You're coming with me next week, right?"
"If you're sure you want me there."
"Why wouldn't I?"
"Because...it's an important day."
"You know you're more than welcome," Yang replied while wiping her hands on a napkin. "Besides, I want you there. You're part of my family, too."
To Yang, that seemed like the most obvious thing in the world. Blake had to know it, but she still smiled as if hearing it for the first time.
"Then of course I'll go with you."
"Awesome! Ruby and I will pick you up around nine?"
"Sure. Do I need to bring anything?"
"Just yourself." After a small pause, Yang grinned. "But my dad will be there, so…"
Knowing exactly where Yang was going with that, Blake smiled and shook her head.
"I meant besides the obvious."
"Then nope! Just your gorgeous self...but that's also obvious, isn't it?" When Blake rolled her eyes, Yang laughed and picked up her drink. "Now that we've got that settled...what do I have to do to get you to karaoke with me?"
Yang nodded at the machine set up across the room, currently unused in the sleepy bar, but Blake hardly glanced at it before scoffing.
"No way."
"Aw…come on…" Yang whined while Blake laughed. The adorable sound made her smile, but she did her best to look disappointed. "There's gotta be something I can do." Sensing that Blake wouldn't budge, Yang grinned. "Just have to get you in the right mood."
"Good luck with that," Blake joked. When she sipped her drink, however, Yang's eyes narrowed with an idea.
"Want another one of those? Or a few?"
"You really think I'm more likely to do karaoke drunk?"
"I think you're more likely to do a lot of things drunk," Yang teased while Blake laughed and shook her head.
"You're ridiculous."
"I've got all night to convince you!"
"You're going to need it."
When Yang laughed at the response, Blake smiled and leaned into her side.
No matter the outcome of that spontaneous wish, Yang's heart reminded her that there was no one else she'd rather spend the night with. Friday night might be everyone's idea of the perfect date night, but nothing beat starting the weekend with a quiet evening of good drinks, good food, and Blake's company. And maybe some karaoke if she played her cards perfectly and bartered away her entire existence.