Chapter 6

Reunion

The bustling market center fills my ears with the sound of a dull roar. The air is full with the scent of tropical delicacies of all kinds. I pull at one of my bangs lightly My hair is done in an eastern style bun with a pair of chopsticks stuck through it, although a pair of loose bangs still hang down to frame my face. I'm dressed in a my usual orange crop top, black tights, leather boots. Over all of it hangs a gold dyed cotton cloak that's trimmed with a simple black pattern, the hood of which rests lightly on my shoulders. Its takes seconds to obscure my form if need be.

I take a calming breath and slide on my favorite yellow tinted aviators. Crowds like these are still uncomfortable for me. Though, even after a few weeks you'd think I'd be used to it. I take the final step up the large stair case and wince at the sharp pain in my thigh. Capivara tail spikes are thick. I shake off the pain and start passing through the crowd. I'm wandering from stall to stall making low conversation and browsing merchandise.

I just arrived back to the inn early this morning. Ash and her aunt, Lizza, decided that it was time for me to stop hiding away at the inn. I finger at the lien in my wallet thoughtfully. The pay for this last mission was hefty. It's not hard to imagine why though. There's a noticeable shortage of hunters in the area. Not only has it put pressure on the city, its given me almost constant work. Unfortunately, I also seemed to have made a name for myself, if the side eyes and whispers are any sign.

Normally, I'd be ecstatic, but its only brought more ire from the White Fang. More than once, I've had to knock around their operatives trying to track me in the field. Luckily, Lizza has been insistent that she travel with me for work. Not having my license means she's had to shadow me and use her trusted status as verification for a complete job. She's a skilled Huntress who's taught me quite a lot in the past two weeks.

I find myself staring towards the Belladonna manor. Just a few minutes walk and I could be there. I could see Blake again. I feel my arm quivering and take a breath to calm the fear in the back of my head. I feel a tug at the edge of my cloak and turn to see a young faunus boy. He looks to be about eight with a pair of bear shaped ears protruding from the top of his head.

"Hey! You're that huntress everyone has been talking about right?" I nod and the boy gets a bright smile. "Wow! I heard that you beat up a bunch of Grimm while people were gathering herbs at the desert. Is it true?!"

I kneel down and ruffle his hair. "Sure is kiddo. That was just a couple days ago. Why do you ask?"

A bit of the joy fades from his face. "Well... my mom is real sick. She's been in bed for days. But the doctor... he said that the stuff you brought back will be a big part of making her better. So... I just wanted to say thank you."

I stiffen as the child wraps a pair of arms around my neck in a hug. A warm sense of joy fills my chest. I pat the kids back. "I'm glad your mom is going to get better. Here," I pull out of his hug and hand him a green Lien, "go buy your mom a nice gift, as a present from me."

The kid wipes tears away and nods before dashing off into the crowd. I watch him run. I stand and turn back towards the manor. Maybe I can do this after all.

I can't do this. I stare at the large door and the heavy knocker in my hands. What am I thinking. This is a mistake. No, I have to do this. I came all this way. It's time to face up. I let it drop and a loud thud echoes from inside the manor. I can feel panic clawing at my throat. Closing my lungs. I need to leave. Just as I turn to go, the door opens with a low creak.

"Hello?" An unfamiliar female voice sounds off in my ears.

I turn back forcing away the panic, I can feel my arm shaking. A woman, about my height stands in the doorway. She looks almost like the spitting image of Blake. Her cat ears have a couple of golden piercings, and the slight wrinkles under her eyes betray her age. "H-Hi... You must be Blake's mom." Confusion fades to recognition as she looks me up and down.

"Yang?" She opens the door and steps toward me.

"You... know me?"

She smiles and pulls me into a tight embrace. "Of course I know you, Blake talks about you all of the time. Please, call me Kali."

"She... does?"

"Dear girl, she's head over heels for you." She steps back inside and motions for me to follow. "Please, come have some tea with me and my husband. Blake and Sun are out and will be for some time. I have many questions."

I hesitate for a moment, but she waves again. I grip my shaking arm and follow her in. With practiced, deep breaths I manage to calm my racing heart. She leads me through the building. Guards are dispersed through the manor and eye me with distrust. Being in Kuo Kuana hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows, humans are met with suspicion and veiled hostility by many. I can't blame them though, who could? Eventually, we find ourselves in what looks to be a large study.

The walls are lined top to bottom with binders and books. Green potted plants dot the room, adding to the tropical coloring of the wood and pillars. Kali directs me to sit at in a large brown cushioned chair in the center of the room. It lies in front of a wooden coffee table, with a couch to the side and another chair across from it. As I take a seat on the offered chair, I spot movement in the back of the room. A massive faunus man sits at a desk, flipping through papers.

"Ghira, dear, come away from all of that for now. We have a guest." Kali's voice is light, but I get the sense that arguing would be futile.

"Oh, who is it?" His deep voice bellows out the question as he folds away his reading glasses. He catches sight of me and there's a hesitation. He walks around his desk and comes towards the couch. I meet his curious gaze with a nervous smile. "Hmm... You seem awfully familiar."

"Ghira, it's Yang. Blake's partner that she's told us about." Kali waves dismissively with a smile at me. "Don't worry about him, Yang. Its your hair, its always down in all of your pictures."

"Oh, yeah, I uh... I've been trying to keep a low profile." I feel a warmth in my cheeks and suddenly the table seems really interesting. "I've been in town for a couple of weeks. It's just my first day out in town."

"I see. Are you upset with Blake?" Ghira questions as he takes a seat on the couch at Kali's side. The heat in my face grows. "Blake has talked about how close you are, and she did mention that she didn't say anything to her friends."

I look at Ghira, meeting his yellow eyes. "Well, I... Yeah. I uh- Is it alright if I'm completely honest with you both?" I glance at Kali, she seems a little worried.

"Of course, dear. You seem stressed." If only you knew. "I have tea on its way shortly. Some nice lavender will help with your nerves."

"Thank you. I've been living on lavender tea. Blake told me once that it..." A wave of sadness passes over me. "She talked about tea a lot with me. It was a passion of hers. I see where she gets it." I grip my wrist to ease the shaking arm. "I'm terrified of seeing Blake again. I don't know how it's going to go."

"Well surely you can't be that worried." A tea set is set on the table in a silver tray. "You should know as well as any that she'd love to see you again."

"Think about it, dear. Blake just left her friends after what happened at Beacon," I struggle to keep down the flash of fear at Kali's words. "You two were a couple right? It must've been very hard on you these past months."

I can't find the words to respond with. I just stare at my prosthetic hand quietly.

"Oh." Kali's voice is soft and filled with shock. I look up at her. There's a look of concern on her face as she eyes my arm. Ghira's eyes are widened as well.

"Did that happen at Beacon?" Ghira asks, I meet his gaze. She didn't tell them.

I draw in on myself and lock my fingers. "She didn't tell you... did she? About what happened?"

There's a pause. "No, dear. She never seemed to find the strength, and we didn't press her. We won't press you either."

I swallow a knot in my throat. I think they deserve to know. "Towards the end of the attack, when extract was ordered. I was leaving when I met Weiss." Breathe Yang, you can do this. "She told me that Blake had split off to chase down an Alpha. I wasn't with the main group at the time, so I wasn't nearly as exhausted as the others. I went to get her and bring her back." I can feel tears dripping from my cheeks. "I couldn't find her, until I heard her scream. Adam had stabbed her." There's a gasp from both of them. "I-I completely lost it. I charged in and t-"

Kali is suddenly knelt down in front of me. She wipes at my tears with a cloth. "Shh... It's okay. You don't have to say any more."

"I'm sorry." I take a second to get my emotions in check. "I'm... usually in better control of myself."

A large hand pats me lightly on the back. "Yang, please, don't apologize. You're astoundingly strong to bounce back like you have. But, I think you can be allowed the freedom of a cry every now and then"

Kali clasps my hands. She studies my face. "Tell me, dear, where are your other teammates? Blake said she had left them with you."

"Weiss... got taken back to Atlas by her father. Ruby went off during the first snow to look for answers in Mistral. My dad did the best he could." I let out a sigh. "Honestly, I'm almost glad that Blake didn't stay. I... I was in a really bad way afterwards."

"Yang," Kali stands up and pours a glass of tea. "Sugar?" I shake my head accepting the tea cup graciously. "I know Blake would've been there for you regardless. But she's been struggling to face her demons lately." She places a gentle pat on my shoulder. "I take it that you're aware of the White Fang in town?"

I scoff and sip at my tea. It's delicious. "Yeah, I'm aware alright. Had to knock a few of the around more than once." I look up at the couple. Kali's taken her seat by Ghira. He has a curious eyebrow raised. "They've been stalking me on missions, trying to get the jump. Not fans of mine, I guess."

Ghira leans forward, a spark of interest in his eyes. "On missions you say?" He looks at Kali. "I think we've found that mystery woman that Blake is after." He chuckles softly, the smile reaches his golden eyes. "You've saved me a lot of headaches Yang. Taken care of many problems that I simply haven't been able to find manpower for."

I feel the warm heat of blush my cheeks again. "I was just doing my job. I've been staying at Lizza's inn." She's always so confidant everyone knows her. By the gleam of recognition, she still might be right. "She's been putting me hard at work on contracts. Payment for the room and board."

"That certainly sounds like Lizza." Kali smile softens.

Ghira leans back against the couch. "About Blake... She's been troubled for a long time with the White Fang. I'm sure you know her history with them?" I nod. "Well, she's recently made it our mission to retake the White Fang as a peaceful organization. Owing to the fact that we managed to acquire some intel, that Adam is planning another attack at Haven academy." I can't stop the sharp gasp. Ruby. "Exactly. After our public announcement, those two have been hard at work, trying to get signatures for a group to go defend Haven."

I tap at my leg thoughtfully. "So, that's why they're out looking for me, hoping to get help for Haven?" He nods. "I mean, of course I will. I had plans to meet up there with my Dad after he found my sister and her group. They'll likely be there already." I've gotta be there in time. Ruby... I hope you're going to be okay. "When is the attack planned?"

"Three weeks from now. It's been a real struggle to get help though. Not many faunus want to leave their peaceful lives to protect a human school."

I nod, circling the rim of my cup with a finger. "I can't blame them. I can't say with certainty that I'd go if I were in their shoes."

Kali chuckles, a twinkle in her eye. "Dear, after everything that happened at Vale, Mt. Glenn, even Beacon." She looks at my prosthetic. "Did you even hesitate to do all that you have for us?"

"I'm just doing my job. A Huntress is supposed to be there for everybody. Faunus, Human, Friend or enemy. We have to be better."

Ghira looks at Kali. "I really like her."

A knock at the door turns my blood cold. I feel my body go tense. The door slide's open. "Hey guys! Oh-" Blake's voice cuts off. I'm facing away from her, she can't know yet. I could still run. I have to grip my trembling arm fiercely. The cold metal is painful. I hear footsteps. "You're that Huntress. We've been lo-"

I look up, lavender eyes meet familiar golden orbs. Everything seems to fade away. I'm on my feet in an instant. Her hands are over her mouth and tears well in her eyes. I feel my own tears forming. She steps close and reaches out, slowly. I flinch back. After a short pause, she places her hand on my cheek. "Yang... it's really you..."

Her touch is calming. All of my fear and anger wash away and I feel a smile take over my face. I place a hand on her cheek and run my thumb lightly across her fair skin. "I missed you... so much." I feel warm tears leaving wet trails on my face.

She presses close to me, the feel of her against me is wonderful. It feels safe here, like home. "I missed you too. Yang, I'm so sorry. I-"

"Blake, it's alright." I press my forehead against hers. We're both crying. "I thought I'd be so many things when I saw you again. But... I'm just so happy."

"Yang, I love you." My heart skips a beat. "I was so scared to say it, back then. But I love you and I'm never leaving again." She wraps her arms around my midriff in an embrace. I loop my arms over her shoulders.

"I love you too. I love you and I'm never leaving either."

After a short visit, we decided it would be best to meet more secretly. With everything going on with the White Fang, meeting at my place seemed best. We had taken separate routes to the Inn. I was first and had waited downstairs until she made it here. Back in my room at the inn, I unclasp my cloak and drape it on a hanger in my wardrobe. I take a moment to adjust my crop top and let out a shaky breath. When I shut the wardrobe, I come face to face with Blake. She's leaned in the doorway eyeing me up and down. I take in the sight of her in turn.

Violet eye shadow stands out against her pale skin. A light pink coat of blush is applied over her cheek bones. A wild length of jet black hair hangs just over her waist. The strap of her weapon Gambol Shrouds sheath stretches across her chest. Under it is a long white tailcoat which covers a sleeveless black crop top. She's in a pair of black fitted pants with a white belt pulled tight. A pair of thigh-high black boots with gold trimming around the top cling to her legs. Each boot has a white stamp of her emblem on the outer sides of her thighs.

"Come on in. We can talk in here without prying eyes or ears," I pull back one of the chairs at my corner table and offer her the seat.

A smile graces her lips and she walks into the room. It's quiet as the door falls shut behind the faunus. I watch her start unbuckling the strap to her weapon sheath.

"Is it alright if I get comfortable?" She questions, pausing her fingers.

"Of course." A warm smile curves my lips. "We've got a lot to talk about, I think. Can I get you a drink or anything?"

"Hmm," Blake makes a thoughtful noise and meanders to the window at the foot of my bed. She lays the weapon sheath on top of the chest. There's a moment as she stares out the window before drawing the curtain close.

"I could go for some tea myself. I saw you with a drink down there. What was that?" Blake questions a piercing gaze finds its way towards me as she slips out of her coat.

"I have found a new addiction to tea." It reminded me of you. "It helped me cope with everything."

I lift my scroll out of my pocket and send a message to Ash. I fall into the other chair with a hiss of pain. Right, forgot.

"You alright?" Concern takes over the other woman's expression.

"Yeah, still healing from a Capivara spike. It pierced my thigh pretty cleanly. I should be right as rain after a couple of days though."

A buzz from my scroll catches my attention, "Looks like there'll be tea up shortly."

I glance at Blake and feel another wave of heat climb from my stomach up to face. She's out of her coat and the exposed skin of her stomach and arms sets butterflies off in my gut. It takes some effort to pull away my gaze. I lean over and unzip my boots. I pull them off and let out a sigh of relief. I'd been ready to relax all day. I glance up at Blake and there's a warm blush covering her face as well. She meets my gaze with soft eyes. I feel my heart skip a beat.

There's a long moment of silence before a knock at the door interrupts the moment. I stand up and stroll to the door. I glance back at Blake and she's taken her seat at the table. I can see her leaned over and working her way out of the thigh-highs. I swallow and pull my eyes away to open the door. Ash is standing in the entry with a simple tray with a tea pot and two glasses. She looks over my shoulder and then back at me. There's a moment where her face lacks expression, but with a wink she places the tray in my hands.

"You have a good night Blondie." Another glance at Blake over my shoulders. A small smile finds its way on her face and she starts off back down the hall. I watch her leave for moment before stepping back into the room.

I kick the door shut gently and turn back towards the table. Blake is watching me intently and I can see the question in her eyes. I place the tray of tea on the table and take my seat near my partner.

"That's Ash. We shared a room during the boat journey to Menagerie. We spent a lot of time talking, and she knew me from the Vytal tournament," I'm pouring two cups of tea as I explain. "Just before we arrived, she offered me a place to stay here at her Aunt's inn. They've both been amazing and have been a huge help this past month."

Blake takes in the information and lifts her cup taking a sip of the steaming liquid. I do the same and lean back comfortably in my chair. There's another moment of silence.

Blake leans on the table and rests her chin in her hand. She takes me in quietly, studying my face.

"I still can't believe you're actually here Yang. How did you know I was here?"

I mimic her pose and take in the contours of her face, the soft angle of her jaw, the sharp edges of her chin.

"That night, before you left. I was awake... I saw you leaving." Her eyes widen slightly. "Sun did too. I asked him to go after you. He promised me he would. Then about two months ago, I got a letter," I lean back and lift my tea glass taking a sip, "He had told me you had come to Menagerie. That there was trouble with the Fang. He asked for my help. It was a tough decision, but I worked out something with my dad. It freed me up to come."

Blake sits up as well, nursing the glass in her hands. She's watching the liquid swirl in her lap. There's an expression of shame written on her features.

"Yang I'm sorry I left... I thought... I thought you'd be okay with Ruby and Weiss there. I thought they'd be enough to take care of you." She looks back up at me, but I avoid her eyes.

"Maybe they would've been... but, they left too. With everything that happened, Weiss's dad took her back to Atlas, he thought she'd be safer there. Ruby." I stare at my hands and ball them up into fists, "She couldn't just sit around and do nothing. After she finally woke up at our home in Patch, she was adamant that she needed to find answers. It was less than a month after everything happened, when the first snows set in, that Jaune, Nora and Ren came to visit. Ruby left with them, a note on her bed was her final words to us. She was going to Mistral to find answers."

Blake reaches out and lays a hand over my fist and I look up at her. I can't keep the sadness in my heart off of my face. The sadness on Blake's face mirrored my own.

"Yang," She twines her fingers with mine, "I never thought that I'd be leaving you alone. If I knew..."

I shake my head, "It doesn't matter. You needed this. You needed to get away and come back home. I know it always bothered you so much, what happened with your parents. Besides, I wasn't alone. My dad is far from perfect, but he was there for me. He helped me through my darkest days and taught me a lot. And... I was in a very bad place, I'm glad you didn't have to witness that."

A look of frustration fills Blake's face with every word. "It's does matter. I should've been there for you! I should've been stronger. Maybe if I had then-"

"Don't." I cut her off with a frustrated voice of my own, "We can't go back in time Blake. What happened, happened."

Blake looks away, ashamed to meet my eyes. I place a few fingers under her chin and turn her head to look at me.

"We've both been through, so much, these past months. We've both grown and changed too. Blake I don't want to dwell on what could've been. You're here with me right now. That's all that matters now."

Blake eyes drift shut and she nuzzles into my hand. She reaches up and holds it tight against her warm skin. My heart skips a beat in my chest and I become acutely aware of the heat swirling my stomach. Time seems to stop in this moment. After what feels like hours pass, Blake's eyes open slowly. There's an emotion written across her face that I can't place. She places a gentle kiss on my palm.

I vaguely register a small noise escape my throat at the action. Blake meets my gaze and her eyes widen slightly. A deep blush covers her face. I swallow a knot that's forming in my throat.

"Yang... do you remember our first kiss? That night at the dance?" Blake's voice is low. I nod slowly, unable to summon words. I remember it vividly. One of the best nights of my life.

There's a moment of heavy silence as Blake gives me a long, searching look. Before I know what's happening, the faunus has left her chair and pulled me up into her arms. There's only a few inches of distance between our faces. Warm, flowery breath washes across my face. I feel movement in my hair and it waterfalls down my back, free of the bun. Slender fingers find themselves tangled in my hair with a light grip. The heat in my chest flickers into a glowing ember of desire. I find myself pressed against the wardrobe.

Her eyes shine like liquid gold. The scent of water lily fills my senses. A warm hand caresses my jaw. She looks at my parted lips. A soft thumb glides across my lower lip. My knees start to go weak. She looks back into my lavender eyes. "Yang..." The sound of my name from her lips skips my heart another beat. "Can I kiss you?"

A shiver pass my spine. My face is flush with warmth fueled by the desire growing in my chest. "Please." The word is but a whisper. Blake's lithe form drapes across my body. I can feel the rise and fall of her chest against mine. Another heartbeat passes. My eyes drift shut as she slowly closes the last distance. Warm lips press lightly to mine. I feel a small noise escape my throat. The grip in my hair tightens slightly. My senses are flooded with Blake, the feeling of her warm lips, the sound of her breathing, and the smell of her perfume. All that matters in the moment is the feeling of the woman in front of me.

An eternity passes and we part just slightly enough to gasp for air

"Yang," Blake murmurs my name through heavy panting, "I promise you that I will never leave you again. I will always be by your side."

Before I can respond, her lips capture mine in another kiss. The taste of lavender fills my mouth. My knees buckle slightly, but she catches me in an instant, arms around my waist. She holds me tight against her body. I loop my arms around her neck, pressing into the kiss. The ember in my stomach sparks into a blazing fire. When we finally part for breath, we share the air with heated panting. A light sheen of sweat beads on her crimson flushed face. Her eyes have gone from liquid to molten heat.

"Blake..." I pant her name out in a whisper. "How do you do this to me?" Her light laugh fills my chest with a different warmth. That smile, I love that smile.

"I'm more concerned with how you do this to me." She slides a loose bang behind my ear. "I always thought I'd be the one melting in your arms."

"Is it disappointing?" I question with a slight tilt to my head.

A glint appears in her eye. She knows I'm teasing. She leans in, pressing her lips close to my ear. "It's sexy." Oh. I feel my legs give way completely. She has a slight smirk as she holds me up.

"N-Not fair."