Blake headed home with wings on her feet, still on a high from spending the night with Yang followed by their lengthy, kiss-laden goodbye this morning. Neither of them wanted to part so soon, but when Yang had a meeting with her agent and Blake had that meeting with Dean Caldwell...there wasn't a way around it.
Yang still offered to walk Blake home, willing to make herself late in the process, but Blake felt too guilty to accept. So, after spending yet another night away from her apartment, she returned for the sole purpose of picking up some notes before heading to the dean's office. Her thoughts, however, remained on Yang.
She couldn't believe how well they meshed, both emotionally and physically. Every moment they shared further cemented that belief and added to her growing addiction for everything revolving around Yang.
They would see each other again soon; they'd promised as much after their last kiss that morning. As soon as their meetings ended, they could spend the rest of the weekend together. Blake needed to work on her capstone and study for some early exams, but she could do that while spending time with Yang. Possibly.
After letting herself into her apartment, she spotted Sun in the kitchen eating breakfast. The flowers from Yang still sat on the counter in front of him, freeing another round of butterflies in her chest.
"Hey, Sun."
"Blake!" As soon as he spun around and saw her, his eyes widened and he jumped to his feet. "Oh shit! Hold on - I'll call a doctor!"
Confused, to put it lightly, Blake stared while he scrambled for his phone.
"What? Why do you need a doctor?"
"To get that hanger out of your mouth!"
As soon as he started laughing, she rolled her eyes and grabbed a granola bar from the cupboard. "How long have you been waiting to use that?"
"Couple days. I thought of it when you wouldn't stop cheesing at your dinner."
The observation brought a blush to her cheeks while she tried to think of a comeback. Coming up empty-handed, she shook her head and headed to her room to grab her bag. Maybe she was smiling almost incessantly, but she couldn't help it. Yang made her that happy. Even when they were apart, it only took a small reminder to bring another smile to her lips. And when nearly everything reminded her of Yang, that happened often.
"Heading to the library?" Sun asked once she returned from her room.
"Maybe later," she said while filling a glass with water. "I have a meeting with the dean today."
The impending meeting dampened her good cheer. Dean Caldwell hadn't responded to her outline in any way, shape, or form, which she interpreted as a bad sign. Yang could be right - it could be good news - but convincing herself of that was a little difficult at the moment.
"But just think - you'll see Yang afterward!" As soon as Sun said Yang's name, Blake smiled. And as soon as she realized what he just did, she glared at him for playing with her emotions. Based on his laughter, he found the reaction more than humorous. "I'm so taking advantage of this..."
"You're the worst," she replied as emotionlessly as possible, but she still smiled while leaving the apartment and his laughter behind. The fact that he noticed her happiness was flattering, in a way. It meant he paid enough attention to recognize when she was in a good mood. Or, in this case, a great mood. It also meant that he knew Yang was the undeniable source of that happiness.
She loved that someone else saw and acknowledged those feelings. It felt like validation of their relationship, in a way, and made her even antsier to see Yang again. She only had to get this meeting out of the way.
Even though it was Saturday, Dean Caldwell's office was the usual scene of students waiting for meetings or dropping off assignments. And, as usual, the people sitting in the lobby regarded Blake with apathy bordering on dislike. The animosity seemed more tangible than normal, actually, so she avoided eye contact and sat in the only available chair.
Sometimes, she regretted taking this 'competition' so seriously. Seeing students in other majors enjoying their college experiences only reinforced that feeling, but the decision had been necessary. If she wanted to land her dream job - and she did - she had to finish at the top of her class. She wished that her classmates didn't hate her, but…
"You're dating Yang, right?"
The name immediately drew her attention. Looking up, she discovered that one of the other girls in the lobby had asked. That was, in and of itself, nearly as surprising as the topic being brought up.
"Yang Xiao Long, right?" she clarified when Blake didn't immediately respond. "The model?"
Internally, Blake flinched at the emphasis on Yang's name. She heard it everywhere now, and she didn't enjoy it. Yang wasn't just Yang Xiao Long. She was...Yang. The kind, sweet, funny girl who Blake loved being around.
The kind, sweet, funny girl who Blake was dating.
"Yes," she answered with a small smile. That smile instantly faded when the girl scoffed.
"Figures. Couldn't give yourself enough of an advantage, huh?"
"What...?" Looking around the lobby, where the eavesdroppers rolled their eyes or shook their heads, Blake felt her confusion grow. "What do you mean?"
"Must be worried about your capstone," the girl continued. "So you jumped in a relationship with the most popular girl in school. I'm sure the professors will eat that up."
"You think I'm dating her to help my case?"
Blake couldn't even fathom the idea. How would dating Yang help? Yang wasn't even a sociology major, nor did she know anyone working at The Peace Center.
"You know it's a huge deal. Everyone knows, and everyone will think better of you - including Dean Caldwell."
Blake had no idea how to respond to the accusation other than scoff. That disbelief quickly morphed into something closer to anger or disgust that such a thing would even be suggested, but she held her tongue and turned away. Let them believe what they wanted to believe, but she would never use Yang like that. Yang was a person with feelings who didn't deserve to be used.
Regardless of how their relationship started, Blake had very real feelings for Yang and was very seriously dating her. For anyone to suggest differently was petty and fundamentally wrong. Being sore losers was one thing, but this...this was just bitter.
Having no desire to speak to any of them anymore, Blake willingly sat in silence, simmering in her annoyance. Fortunately, she only had to wait through one more meeting before Dean Caldwell walked into the lobby and looked at her.
"Blake," he said before motioning her into his office.
Taking a deep breath, she followed him into the room. Hiding her nerves proved difficult as he sat across from her and folded his hands on the desk, but she clenched her hands in her lap and tried to remain calm.
"How have you been?"
Pleasantries only delayed the reason for this unexpected meeting, but Blake did her best to play along.
"I've been good. Just keeping up with classes and…" She trailed off when she realized that Yang had taken up most of her free time. But she didn't want to bring Yang into the conversation, especially after what her classmate suggested. "And working on my capstone," she concluded.
He nodded, as if he'd expected that response, and leaned forward.
"I read your proposal."
Blake nearly stopped breathing at that, and her heartbeat quickened. She'd hoped that wasn't the reason for this meeting. If her capstone was on the right track, he would say 'looks good' or 'can't wait to read it,' but he did nothing of the sort. In the absence of that approval, this was probably when he told her that her idea didn't meet the project's parameters and she had to start over.
"And I have news for you," he continued, speaking normally while she struggled to maintain her composure. She mustered a nod urging him to explain and held her breath while he held her gaze.
"You won't be receiving an internship at the end of the year."
For a second, Blake couldn't comprehend what he said. The moment the words sank in, however, it felt like a bomb went off in her mind.
She didn't understand. Her grades put her at the top of the class, and there was no reason to believe she couldn't maintain that position through the end of the year. If her capstone idea was that horrible, surely they couldn't make a decision before reading the result. Or let her start over - she could always choose another topic and start over. How could they write her off without even letting her finish?
"But why not?" she finally asked.
"Because I spoke to the people I know there," Dean Caldwell explained in that same even-keeled tone. "I told them about how hard you've worked, how smart you are, and your capstone. They want to offer you a job instead."
Blake could barely keep up with the whiplash of emotions. First, losing the dream she'd worked so hard for. Then, reaching her goal and more?
"Are you...serious?"
"Yes." Finally, he smiled, and Blake didn't know whether to be angry or burst into tears. "As long as you keep your grades up and write the paper I know you're capable of, you have a full-time position waiting for you after graduation."
"I -" Her hands were shaking, so she took a deep breath and said, "That's amazing."
"It's quite the opportunity," he agreed before standing up, prompting her to stand while he offered his hand. "Congratulations."
"Thank you," she said, shaking his hand with a wide smile. "Thank you so much."
"No need to thank me. You've earned it."
For a second, she thought she should say something else, but words failed her. Instead, she said, "thank you," one or two more times before hurrying out the door. She flew through the lobby without a glance at her classmates and was practically bursting with happiness by the time she rushed outside. Without a second thought, she pulled out her phone and called Yang. On the second ring, the call picked up.
"Hey! What's up? How'd the meeting go?"
The moment Blake heard Yang's voice, her smile grew.
"I have great news - are you home?"
"Just got back."
"Can I come over?" she asked even though her steps were already leading her to Yang's apartment.
"Of course!"
"Great. I'll be there in a few minutes."
"Can't wait."
Still smiling like mad, Blake hung up and quickened her pace. Thankfully, Yang's apartment wasn't far, but she wanted to be there now.
She'd worked so hard for that internship, which she'd hoped to turn into a job and career. Apparently, she'd worked hard enough to skip that step entirely. Now, she was so thrilled that she could probably levitate right off the ground. Adding to that elation was knowing that she would see Yang soon, and imagining Yang's reaction made her even more excited.
Leaving campus, she realized how strange it was that she called Yang first. Sun was usually her go-to for news, mostly because he was her closest friend and the only person she regularly talked to. Now...
Yang made her heart sing. That was a horribly cheesy way to describe it, but she loved it all the same. She'd never felt this strongly for someone. And she hadn't expected to start a relationship this close to graduation, but being with Yang felt so right. The news didn't erase the pressure to do well, but now she could enjoy their time together without that constant worry hanging over her head.
The door to Yang's building hardly closed before she rushed to the third floor. Then she hurried to the door she stood at just this morning, wrapped in Yang's embrace while stealing more than a few kisses.
Now that their meetings were over, maybe they could stay together for the rest of the weekend. That was Blake's hope as she knocked on the door. She didn't have to wait long for an answer, as it swung inward only seconds later. Yang stood just inside, already smiling.
"God," she breathed out while taking Blake by the hands and pulling her inside. "You're a sight for sore eyes."
That was all Yang said before Blake willingly tilted her chin up and accepted a kiss. Desire sparked in her chest, and she quickly found herself not wanting to stop. She loved feeling Yang's lips on hers. She loved feeling Yang's hands on her hips, or on her sides, or gently brushing through her hair. But she also had important news, which she couldn't deliver if they fell into that again. So, even though her body protested, she ended the kiss and looked into Yang's eyes.
"How was your morning?" she asked, her voice slightly breathless as her pulse came back down.
"Eh." Yang shrugged, but Blake knew there was more to the story than that. She would have pried into it further, but Yang squeezed her hands. "But come on - tell me the good news!"
Leading Blake to the sofa, Yang sat down and patted the cushion beside her. As soon as Blake took that seat, Yang's arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her close. "I'm excited," Yang added before nuzzling her nose into Blake's hair.
Adoration swept through Blake from the simple statement and casual affection. She hadn't even said what it was yet, but Yang was already excited for her. She couldn't wish for someone more supportive if she tried.
"Ok." Her smile returned when she remembered what happened. "I had my meeting with Dean Caldwell, and you were right. It was good news."
"When you put it like that, it makes me really like you," Yang replied before laughing and setting her free hand on Blake's thigh. "But you're killing me - what did he say?"
Sensing Yang's anticipation, Blake considered drawing this out as long as possible. Ultimately, she wanted to see Yang's reaction more than listen to her adorable whines.
"You remember how I'm trying to get an internship at The Peace Center?"
"And you need to graduate top of your class to get it," Yang replied, and Blake nodded.
"Right. Every year, they give an internship to one of Dean Caldwell's students." Blake used 'internship' a second time so Yang realized that was the original deal - an internship. "But apparently he liked my capstone idea so much that he talked to the people he knows there, and…"
She still couldn't believe it, just like she couldn't believe so much of her life recently. First, she met the girl of her dreams. Then, she skipped months of interning and landed her dream job instead.
"And…?" Yang prodded when Blake remained silent for too long.
"And...they want to offer me a job once I graduate."
Yang mouthed the word 'job' to herself before the word sank in. As soon as it did, she broke into a huge smile that made her gorgeous lilac eyes sparkle. "A job?" she repeated while clutching Blake's hands. "Not an internship - a literal job? Like where they pay you money and everything?"
"Yes." When Yang laughed at the answer, Blake's heart nearly burst with positive emotions. "A job. All I have to do is keep doing what I've been doing, basically. Get good grades and write a good capstone."
"That's great news!" Yang said before leaning forward and pecking Blake on the lips. "I'm so happy for you!"
"Thank you." A blush rushed to Blake's cheeks, but she couldn't stop smiling. Not only was she happy, but Yang was happy for her - somehow, that made the news even sweeter. "It's literally my dream job," she added. "It's everything I've worked for, and now...I can't believe it's so close."
"No one deserves it more than you."
Blake only had to look at Yang to know she meant the words with every fiber of her being. That only made Blake like her even more.
"Holy shit," Yang suddenly said. "My girlfriend's a freaking genius."
"Yang…"
"I'm serious! You'll be top of your class, and you already have an awesome job lined up - do you have your life together or what?"
The comment made Blake feel guilty about Yang's less-than-certain future, but there was nothing but genuine happiness in Yang's eyes. Of course she was genuinely happy for Blake. Regardless of her situation, she loved being happy for others.
"You're so sweet," Blake said without thinking and was glad she did when Yang looked taken aback. "You are," she added while nodding and squeezing Yang's hand. "You're the sweetest person I've ever met."
"That's Ruby's thing...people usually just say I'm 'hot.'"
"Well, you are," Blake admitted before kissing Yang's cheek. "But you're even sweeter than you are hot. That's what I like most about you."
After searching Blake's eyes, looking for something only she knew, Yang smiled, and that smile warmed Blake's heart like the sun. As much as she wanted to soak up that warmth forever, she didn't want all of the attention when Yang had important events happening too. "How was your morning?" she asked.
"Uh, it was...good, I guess."
"You guess?" Rather than answer, Yang sighed and motioned to the coffee table. Only then did Blake notice the thick stack of papers sitting there. "Is that...?"
Yang nodded before picking it up and handing it to her. "The proposed contract," Yang explained while Blake flipped through the first few pages. "He went over it with me this morning."
"Wow."
Even the weight of the document felt important, so Blake handled it carefully. While her eyes scanned the pages, glossing over words and numbers alike, her heart protested the idea of Yang signing it. This contract looked and felt like something someone should only agree to if absolutely certain. Yang expressed uncertainty last night, but what if -
"I haven't signed yet," Yang answered before Blake asked. "I told him to give me a few days to think about it."
Relieved that this wasn't Yang's future - at least, not yet - Blake let the pages fall flat and handed the contract back to Yang. After returning it to the coffee table, Yang held Blake's hands and met her gaze.
"I was hoping you'd help me think about it. You, Ruby, and Weiss - I need your input."
Her, Ruby, and Weiss...the inner circle that shouldn't be, yet was.
"Of course." Pushing those thoughts away, Blake mustered a small smile. "I'll try to help."
"Maybe you can think of some reasons I should or shouldn't do it? Any reason counts, ok? Doesn't matter how small or, um, personal you think it is."
Faced with another of Yang's hesitant-yet-hopeful smiles, Blake felt a twinge of uncertainty at what was being asked of her. Could she honestly say that she wanted Yang to stay for her? Could she make such a selfish argument when Yang's future hung in the balance? Did Yang want her to say that? Did Yang want to hear that Blake wanted her to stay so they could be together?
"I'll think of some," Blake replied, noticing Yang's relief. "But...out of curiosity...do you know about how Ruby and Weiss feel?"
It wasn't a debate, but knowing where the two girls stood would tell Blake what the opposition might be. Would she have to argue with Ruby - Yang's sister, who probably wouldn't appreciate a newcomer holding so much sway? Or would Weiss be on the other side - a fiercer, more intimidating opponent who probably wouldn't hold back?
"Ruby isn't helpful," Yang replied with a shake of her head. "She keeps saying she wants me to do what I want to do. Weiss is...pretty firmly against it, which is surprising. I thought she'd want to get rid of me by now. Then she gets Ruby all to herself."
Yang chuckled at the idea, and Blake agreed that the answer was surprising. Weiss seemed practical and logical. She would see the benefits of accepting the offer versus very few 'legitimate' downsides. The only subject that made her seem somewhat illogical was Ruby -
Stumbling over the crux of Weiss' argument, Blake glanced at Yang to see if she made the connection too. She hadn't. If she had, the decision would probably already be made.
In a vacuum, Weiss would argue for Yang to go based on career and wealth prospects. With Ruby refusing to voice an opinion, however...Weiss was voicing it for her.
Ruby wanted Yang to stay. But she hadn't told Yang that, probably for the same reasons Blake was so hesitant to express her thoughts out loud - they didn't want Yang to stay for them. They wanted Yang to stay because it made her happy. Absent Ruby's opinion, however, Weiss was doing her best to make that wish come true.
Apparently, this discussion would be a little one-sided.
"Are you inviting anyone else?" Blake asked upon making the realization. "Like Mel, maybe?"
As much as she didn't like the girl, she knew which side Mel would fight for. It would balance the tables, although in a confrontational way. But how else would Yang get a reasonable presentation of facts?
"No way. I know her answer - don't need her here to tell me that. Besides...I trust you three the most. And I value your opinions the most."
Whenever Yang made statements like that, Blake felt equal parts elation and crushing guilt. She tried to be trustworthy - in general, she thought she was - but Yang's trust in her was tainted by a lie. Could she ever build past it? How many years would she have to go without telling another lie to make up for the one she did?
"I know you're busy with homework and all," Yang added. "But maybe we can go through it tomorrow? We'll order food and make a good ol' pros and cons list."
"It's been a while since I've made one of those," Blake joked. Yang's smile made her feel better as she offered a more serious answer. "And of course I'll be here. I'll think of as many good reasons as I can."
"Thank you." Yang nodded once and, for a second, looked like she had nothing more to say. Then she took a deep breath and met Blake's gaze. "I really appreciate you being here for me, and just...listening to me talk about this stuff." When she gestured at the contract on the table, Blake shook her head.
"You don't need to thank me -"
"But I should. You're incredible and...I just...knew you were special the second day we met, when you came to my agency's party."
"That early?" Blake asked, and Yang nodded.
"You weren't phased by it. You weren't even excited about it. It felt like the only reason you were there was because of me."
"You were the only reason I was there."
"Exactly." When Yang smiled this time, Blake's heart fluttered. "You know how many people I've taken with me? Ruby tolerates it. Weiss hates it. Mel spent the entire time chatting up execs and other models. And Cal -" Yang paused and shook her head. "Well, it was a dumb idea to bring him in the first place. I guess what I'm trying to say is...I really like you, Blake. You're incredible, and you make me feel like...like nothing I've ever felt before. Like I can do the things I never thought I could do."
The words struck Blake's heart like arrows, especially when she knew that she could say the same about Yang. No one had ever made her feel this way, and she was beginning to doubt anyone else ever could.
"I...feel the same about you," she replied, watching Yang's eyes as the admission sank in. Surprise appeared first. Then delight and unmatchable joy. Right as she leaned in for a kiss, however, she paused at the sound of keys in the lock.
Flattered by the disappointment in Yang's eyes, Blake patted her knee and savored the feeling of being wanted. The door swung inward a moment later, allowing Weiss in, followed by Ruby and, surprisingly, Melissa.
"The leader of Planet Barbie is here," Weiss quipped, walking past the living room and setting a grocery bag on the kitchen counter.
Melissa glowered at the introduction, but Weiss just smiled sweetly, taking full advantage of the power dynamic. As Ruby's girlfriend, she was closer to Yang than Melissa could ever be, making outright attacks useless in diminishing her standing. So, rather than retort, Melissa scoffed and focused on Yang. Whether purposeful or subconscious, Yang reached for Blake's hand while the girl joined them.
"Hey Mel. What's up?"
"I'm glad you're both here," Mel replied while sitting in the chair beside the sofa and setting her bag on the floor. "I have something to show you. I think you'll enjoy it."
Mel's triumphant expression rang alarms in Blake's mind. She didn't know what Mel had, but clearly it was cause for vindication.
"Uh, sure?" Yang glanced at Blake and shrugged, seeing no reason to deny the request. "Hook it up."
Once Yang gestured at the television, Melissa pulled a flash drive from her bag and plugged it in. Blake, meanwhile, watched with growing concern. Sitting upright, she only glanced to the side when Ruby and Weiss joined them, also curious about what this was about. It couldn't be good, as the pit in Blake's stomach warned. Somehow sensing her burgeoning worry, Yang looped an arm around Blake's waist and pulled her close enough to kiss her cheek.
"I'll get rid of her right after," Yang whispered in her ear, keeping an arm around her waist while Mel grabbed the remote.
"Remember when Omega got in trouble for that party last year?" Mel asked Yang, who nodded and turned to Blake.
"Did you hear about that kid who got alcohol poisoning?"
"I...think so."
"It was really bad," Yang added. "And he was underage, so Omega almost got shut down."
"Right." After flipping her auburn hair over her shoulder, Mel flashed a smile Blake's way - another bad sign. "They convinced the school not to shut them down by installing cameras in the living areas and recording every party for potential trouble."
The explanation felt like a bucket of ice water dropped over Blake's head. Suddenly, she understood - and Mel's smug smile confirmed what was on the flash drive. Or, more specifically, what wasn't on the flash drive.
"I forgot about that," Yang replied with a chuckle. "They had to put a sign by the door and were worried people wouldn't come party anymore."
"Clearly, that didn't happen," Mel said with another winning smile. "But, seeing as how you two just look...happy as could be...I started thinking about how you met. Then it dawned on me that we can actually see how you met, so I convinced them to give me the tapes from the back-to-school bash."
"No way. That's awesome!" Yang turned excitedly to Blake, but Blake couldn't tear her eyes away from Mel. "How'd you do that?"
"Easy. Just promised that the Kappas would be at all their parties this year." Mel shrugged as if it was no big deal, then smiled while lifting the remote in the air. "Want to watch?"
"Uh, yeah!"
Yang smiled at Blake, but Blake couldn't move. She couldn't argue against watching it without raising suspicion. She couldn't let Yang watch it without revealing the truth. She was trapped, and Mel knew it. There was nothing she could do besides give a small nod and stare at the screen when Mel pressed play.
"Here you are," Mel narrated, pointing out Yang in the kitchen with the other sorority girls. "And she shows up with some blonde boy a little after eleven."
Blake watched her and Sun walk into the house and pause to take in the sights. Meanwhile, she sat frozen on the sofa, with Yang's arm wrapped around her, watching her worst nightmare play out in front of her eyes.
"Oh, that's when I convinced Weiss to makeout with Ruby," Yang whispered before laughing. Weiss scoffed but resumed watching the screen while Blake and Sun walked past the scene in the kitchen.
Could she pretend to suddenly feel ill? But then what? Then she would have to tell Yang immediately. Otherwise, Mel would.
"Then they stood outside…" Mel said while Blake and Sun stood near the pool. Then that girl Sun liked walked past, and he took off after her not long after. That left Blake alone in the backyard...and she felt Yang practically buzzing with excitement beside her.
"And this is when she leaves."
Mel looked right at Blake with the blunt comment, her resentful expression implying Blake had deserved this all along. Maybe she had, but her chest still tightened while watching herself walk out of the house and feeling Yang stiffen beside her.
"You...left." Sounding like she couldn't believe what she just saw, Yang turned towards Blake instead of watching the rest of the video. "But...you came back, right?"
The hopeful question broke Blake's heart, and she wished she could lie. She wished she could make up some excuse to explain away what they just watched. But she couldn't. She couldn't lie again.
"I can answer that," Mel cut in, raising her hand and sending Blake a vindictive gaze. "She didn't. She left, and you spent the rest of the night talking to people before these two dragged you home."
The silence in the room was palpable. No one moved. No one spoke. Not that Blake would even hear them over her pounding heart. After all this time, she should have something prepared to say. She should have an explanation. A rationale. A reason why she did what she did. Instead, the expanding silence strangled her ability to speak.
"When you think about it…" Mel continued, having no such problems talking. "She lied to get your attention. She lied about hooking up with you. She lied about even talking to you, and she's been lying ever since. This whole thing - just one big, fat lie."
When Yang withdrew her arm and slid further away, Blake felt the first crack in her heart.
"Is that true?"
Yang knew it was true. She saw the video, which left little to be disputed. She knew it was true, yet her eyes still held hope that Blake would tell her it was wrong. That this was the lie. That this was something Mel and her friends cooked up as a way to get between them.
Yang knew it was a lie, but she was willing to listen to another one. That was how much she trusted Blake, and that was how much Blake had taken advantage of Yang's willingness to believe in the good of others.
This was the worst thing she'd ever done, and it was past time for her to take responsibility. No matter how much it hurt.
"It's true," she whispered before watching the words sink in. Hope faded from Yang's eyes, replaced by surprise, confusion, and finally...hurt.
"What?" Yang's voice was soft and incredulous, but the question didn't demand an answer. She didn't want an answer now - that's why she leaned further away, putting more distance between them. "It was a lie...this entire time?"
"Makes you wonder what else she lied about," Mel mused. Blake glared at her for the comment, but she just smiled and waved, looking vindicated now that she'd 'won.'
"I left the party," Blake admitted, turning back to Yang and hoping they could talk through this. "We never met that night, but everything else has been true."
"Right..." Mel cut in sarcastically. "Why would we believe that?"
"Mel, stop."
Yang clenched her jaw and shook her head at the girl, who scoffed at the firm response.
"You're seriously going to listen to her? She's a liar. She played you this entire time."
"Ok," Ruby interrupted, standing up and tapping Mel's shoulder. "It's time for you to leave."
"Agreed." Following Ruby's lead, Weiss stood and glared at Mel. "Get the hell out of our apartment."
Mel scoffed at the demand but, when it became clear that Weiss wouldn't back down, scowled and stalked out of the room. Clearly not the result she'd expected, which showed in the way she left the door swinging open behind her. Ruby and Weiss followed at a hurried pace, grabbing their bags from the table before quietly shutting the door behind them.
The entire time, Yang stared at Blake. Blake could hardly stand the hurt in Yang's eyes - hurt of her own doing - but she couldn't look away. She wouldn't look away. No matter how much she wanted to hide from this new reality, she refused to do so. She cared about Yang too much to do that.
"You lied to me," Yang repeated, her voice soft but audibly upset.
"I made it up," Blake restated while reaching for Yang's hand. The moment they touched, however, Yang pulled away. And that hurt even more. "I told Sun that I made out with someone when I didn't," Blake explained. "He thought it was you, and I...never corrected him."
"So you just let me believe we hooked up?"
"I never thought you'd believe it..." When Yang scoffed and stood up, Blake stood up too. "Yang -"
"Why would you even make that up?" Yang asked while turning on Blake. Before Blake could respond, Yang's eyes narrowed. "For your project?"
Seeing where Yang was going with that, Blake immediately shook her head.
"It was, wasn't it?" Yang said anyway. Her eyes filled with disbelief and, even worse, betrayal. "You used me for your project."
"Yang, please...that's not what I did -"
"But it makes sense," Yang butted in. "You're the one who wanted to write about popularity. You're the one who called me a 'sun.' And you're the one who made up a reason to get close to me."
Blake shook her head but could tell that Yang was already accepting the reasoning. It wasn't true. That was so far from the truth, and for Yang to believe it…
"Yang," Blake tried again, hearing the pleading in her voice. "Please listen to me - that's not why I made it up. I didn't even come up with the idea until after the party -"
"Then why?"
Yang's tone and posture demanded an answer, but Blake couldn't give one. Her throat tightened with emotion. Her eyes burned with the beginning of tears. And she wished for a solution - a magic answer that erased the hurt in Yang's eyes - but she didn't have one.
"Because..." she said before shaking her head in defeat. "I didn't think it would matter."
"How could it not matter?"
"Because you're Yang Xiao Long. Why would I ever think you'd believe me? Why would I think you'd even care? You're so far above someone like me -"
"But I'm not."
"You don't think you are - and that's one of the things I like so much about you - but you are, Yang. Everyone else sees it. Why can't you?"
"Because -" Yang began to say but, when she met Blake's gaze, she stopped. For the longest time, she just stared, her eyes saying more than her words ever could. "All this time…I thought you were different," Yang said, her voice quiet and sad. "Turns out, you're just as fake as the rest of them."
The words stole the air from Blake's lungs, and she couldn't have said anything even if she knew what to say. Not when Yang set her jaw, crossed her arms, and stared at the floor.
"Weiss was right. I never should've believed a rumor." When Yang finally looked up, there were tears in her eyes. "I guess I just...wished something like that could happen for me."
The first tear fell from Blake's eyes then, her heart hurting more than ever before. When she stepped forward though, hoping to somehow make this better, Yang turned away.
"Please leave," she whispered before walking into her room and shutting the door behind her.
For a second, Blake considered following Yang to the door and pleading her case. Or staying there until Yang eventually left her room. But in a world where very few did what Yang wanted, she couldn't be that person. Yang told her to leave, so she would leave.
Drawing in a sharp breath, she rushed out the door and downstairs. What had started as a joyous day was now a nightmare, but a nightmare of her own making. That knowledge did nothing to dull the pain and sense of loss radiating through her chest while fleeing the building, hurrying home to bury her tears in her pillow.
Her sun - the person who brightened her days and filled her with warmth - was gone. Just like that. And, just like Mel said, she deserved it.