First Time at a Second Chance

by The Great Weiss Shark

Working at a café had many perks like free food and coffee, and Ruby honestly loved her job, but it felt lacking. There were days she wanted to give up and stay in bed but something in her gut told her to get up and go. And so she did and now she knows why: a chance meeting with a beautiful stranger and her little patch of spring. GP!Ruby

41. Just Another Lullaby Part II

Ruby woke with a start, her heart hammering in her chest like she'd fallen from a skyscraper. The dream she had was so vivid it haunted her. The touch, smells, and sensations—they all felt so real. Too real. The desperation in her heart yearning for Weiss' love was driving her mad. Everything she hoped would happen, happened in that brief idyllic dream. She wanted to go back and relive it, even if it was just for a moment. But just as Ruby hit her lowest, two tiny, cold feet tucked themselves underneath her knees and brought her back to senses.

"No way…" Ruby stared at the vision sleeping a few inches away with her back turned to Ruby. "No way…" Ruby whispered again as she dared to reach out. She touched Weiss' ear and gasped when her hand didn't fall through. Weiss was here. She was real. "No way…"

Ruby laid back down and greedily pulled Weiss into her arms, holding onto her for dear life. Everything was real. The washcloth, the food, the journal—Weiss had come back to her with nothing but love in her eyes and a sincere apology on her tongue.

"Please don't let this be a dream," Ruby whimpered as she buried her face in Weiss' hair. She smelled like heaven, but her sweet, woodsy cologne was so familiar to her she could smell it in her mind like Yang's famous spaghetti sauce. It was like a nagging itch just a few millimetres out of reach. She knew it was Coco's because Chrys sprayed it on everything she owned, and Weiss wore it from time to time when she needed a little boost in confidence. It was nice and comforting—but where had she smelled it before? None of her friends could afford it, and neither could her dads. So where?

Weiss turned in her sleep and snuggled closer to Ruby, her head nestled comfortably under her chin. And, as if she knew Ruby was in distress, she scratched her just behind the ear. The motion was weak, with little to no pressure, but it did just the trick. Ruby's racing heart gradually calmed down as her mind came to terms with the truth.

"You're really here," Ruby murmured, her lips brushing against the top of Weiss' head. "You're really, really here…"

Ruby wanted to envelop Weiss completely but knew better than to push her luck during an afternoon nap. Weiss was a light sleeper who liked to cuddle and it took a lot of trial and error to figure out how clingy Ruby could be before waking her up. It ended up becoming a game that Weiss won more often than not, though she sometimes tossed Ruby a bone and pretended to sleep throughout.

Fifteen minutes passed and Weiss still hadn't shown any signs of waking. Ruby decided to enjoy the moment and laid there basking in Weiss' warmth and listening to her breathe. It was slow and steady, tickling Ruby's skin. And speaking of skin, Weiss wasn't wearing any makeup. Ruby was used to seeing her with at least some light foundation at this hour, so she was having fun counting the faint freckles sprinkled across Weiss' nose and cheeks. She got to twenty before losing interest and going back to stare at the ceiling.

Five minutes passed at a snail's pace. Ruby wasn't used to sitting still for so long. It was illegal to leave when Weiss was sleeping on her, just like when a cat chooses you to nap on. Ruby had to lie there and suffer in blissful agony.

Another five minutes went by and Ruby was about to lose her god damn mind. She was drumming her fingers on her side of the bed just to get some movement going, but it wasn't helping. If anything, she was even antsier.

Two minutes.

Ruby started clicking her tongue and wiggling her feet.

Three minutes.

The urge to wake Weiss up was stronger than ever. Ruby's fever had finally broken and the last thing she wanted to do was lie in bed! She wanted to stretch her legs and take a shower.

Five minutes.

Ruby stared at Coco's journal like it was the last chicken nugget in a twenty-piece box. She wanted to read it, but her better judgement held her back. It didn't matter if Weiss was the legal owner, the journal was still something private.

Ten minutes.

Ruby desperately grabbed for the journal, throwing caution to the wind. She was so stir-crazy she'd read whatever nasty shit happened in their bedroom—respectfully. Ruby had braced herself for the inevitability and cracked open the cover, but the journal wasn't what she expected it to be. The first few entries were awkward and stilted, like bullet points written for a high school presentation.

Got into an argument with some ass at work.

Wanted to punch him, but didn't.

Weiss yelled at me for being late to dinner. Again. The food was cold.

Chrys was angry I didn't tuck her in.

Coco didn't know how to write a journal. And it was clear she wasn't doing this of her own volition. She was angry. The pen marks were embedded so deep into the high-quality paper the back felt like brail. But as Ruby skimmed through the pages, she noticed each entry slowly become lighter; more human. Coco eventually found her stride after what looked to be half a year's worth of short-form notes and, boy, Ruby was not prepared for it.

Sooooooo… I brought a hooker home tonight.

Ruby had to stop herself from chucking the journal right then and there and forced herself to read the next line, silently judging Coco for even looking at another person when she had Weiss— beautiful, perfect Weiss—waiting for her at home.

I know how that sounds, and I know I shouldn't care what you think since you're nothing but some paper and the skin of a super dead cow, but on the off chance my beautiful, amazing, and totally faultless wife, or my equally amazing—hopefully of age—progeny find this, just hear me out first, okay? I know it sounds bad, but I swear I'm innocent of whatever awful accusation you've come up with. I know you, Blue. That imagination of yours is deadly. But you also know how this story goes because you helped me.

So hah!

Ruby quirked an eyebrow. Coco was weird. Weiss had always described her as the sort of woman who was effortlessly cool and aloof with a playful, rambunctious side hidden underneath. She didn't speak much, but when she did, her words were often sly and callous. She didn't mince words, and if she didn't deem you worthy of her time, she wouldn't speak at all. She'd more likely walk away than listen, and most criticisms were met with nonchalance. Weiss also often called her an idiot, but never in the sense that denied Coco's intelligence. Ruby didn't know what to make of it at first because of how hurt Weiss was in the beginning, but now that more time had passed and Weiss got to grieve, Ruby believed the word she really wanted to use was "reckless," and this entry proved it.

Anyway, as I was heading home after a long ass shift, I spotted this young lady, wearing practically nothing, walking down the street. She was shivering up a storm and hugging herself to try and keep warm, but she was as thin as a stick and looked like she'd blow away with the wind. I pull up beside her and ask if she's okay. She looks me up and down, mascara running down her face, and says she'll fuck me if I buy her some food and take her home. I was speechless. She quickly loses her patience with me and starts walking away. This girl was barely legal. I don't know what compelled me to do it, but I sped up to catch her. Maybe it's my maternal instinct at work, but I couldn't leave this girl behind.

I took her to a diner close by. There were a few other folks here, all looking tired and down on their luck. I know Weiss has dinner waiting for me, but I still ordered something just so this girl doesn't feel too awkward eating alone with a stranger. She's hesitant at first, but after telling her it's okay, she ends up ordering something hearty. She probably thinks it'll be her last meal for a while. I can't blame her. It's tough being on the streets in Atlas.

While we eat, I start asking her questions. She answers most of them with a glare or a shrug— reminds me of a certain someone when she was younger—but I must've hit a nerve when I asked her why she was out in the cold because, I shit you not, her skin changed colour. She was dark red from head to toe, though her freckles and hair light up like the sun. After a few tense seconds where we stared each other down, the girl eases up and she changes back. She asks why I'm not scared or disgusted. I simply answer that there's nothing to be scared of. The Faunus deserve as much respect as the next guy. She starts crying and finally shares her story.

She was a former White Fang agent that followed the movement into the heart of Atlas. She believed in the cause and fought for it, but the group she was with changed the agenda from peaceful protest to legitimate acts of terrorism. She turns green and blue then, the guilt in her eyes as clear as day. She didn't participate in anything major, but everything came to a head when she refused to participate in a kidnapping. Their leader kicked her out of the commune, leaving her with nothing but the clothes on her back and what little change she had in her pocket. She tried to plead with a friend she had there to leave with her, but the poor thing was too blinded by the cause. I could tell there was something more between them, but it was easy to see it was largely one-sided.

Dinner ended there. I paid and got us a coffee for the road. I took her to the shelter she was heading to, but they were full up. We went to another one. Full again. Fearing the worst, I recalled the women's shelter my amazing wife helped fund. I called her and she was rightfully angry with me, but after telling her the story, she gets in contact with the shelter. There's an opening and my new friend has a place to stay. She cried in relief and hugged me, thanking me for my kindness. I hugged her back and gave her what little money I had left in my wallet. It wasn't a small amount though. If she was smart— which I know she is—she could probably get herself cleaned up and make that money stretch for at least two weeks, maybe more. I also gave her my coat. She was shocked when she saw my uniform underneath and asked me why I was helping her. I told her it was easy. I was a mom and she was someone's daughter. I couldn't leave her out here in good conscience.

And this is why Weiss calls me an idiot. I hit a landmine with that loaded answer.

She starts crying again and tells me she doesn't have anyone else. Before the White Fang, she was a student here. Since she could pass off as a regular human, she managed to get by while her parents worked themselves to the bone in one of the mines. I didn't have to ask which one; the look on her face screamed SDC. A tunnel collapsed. A lot of people were injured and many had died… including her parents. She cursed the SDC and every Schnee alive in one breath. I didn't have the heart to tell her it was a Schnee that got her a place to stay.

I drive my new friend to the shelter and walk her inside. The lady working that night recognized me from the few times I visited with Weiss. She greets us warmly and informs me on the side that an "anonymous" donor had donated a surprising sum just before we arrived.

Y'know, when we fight, it's really hard to remember how much she loves me. She knows the words that cut me the deepest, and she's not afraid to use them. And when things get heated, I can't help but think about the night she almost left and the fear attached to that memory. I get paralyzed and remember all of the pain I caused her. But Weiss can stand on her own two feet now. She doesn't need me anymore. Maybe it's time to let her go… and then she turns it all around by doing something like this. I'm probably going to have to beg for her forgiveness on my hands and knees.

And get down on my knees I did.

Unfortunately, my services weren't enough to sate Her Majesty's anger.

Weiss kicked me out of our bedroom the second we finished and forced me to do the walk of shame to my own couch. Ruthless. Absolutely ruthless. She didn't even thank me for the ride! But I'm oddly okay with this? Angry Weiss is kind of spicy… and I am—wow—way more into this than I thought I was.

Is this a new kink? I kind of want to try my luck and see what happens if I sneak back up. Second round? Oh boy, let's go!

Aaaannnnnnddddd it didn't work. She's still angry. Guess I really am sleeping on the couch tonight. Not the worst place to crash though, this couch is pretty comfortable.

Hey, journal, I woke up with Weiss in my arms. I guess she's forgiven me. But I suspect she was never really angry at me, just worried.

God, I love my wife.

Ruby let out a soft chuckle and pictured how awkward that situation must've been for Weiss, but that bit about the SDC made her stomach churn. Dust was a profitable commodity; however, it was quickly losing its place in the world thanks to rapidly evolving technology. Ruby couldn't wait for the day it finally became obsolete and the people working the mines were freed. Nobility owned a few mines, but from what Weiss told her, they were all Faunus owned operations with fair pay, the highest safety measures, and the latest equipment to ease the labour burden. Weiss had personally helped change and develop the system after Amélia took her in, though that was a trade secret.

Turning the page, Ruby found more bullet point notes and a couple of pictures taped to the page with a little description at the bottom instead of a full entry. One of the pictures was of Coco, Yatsuhashi, and Fox eating doughnuts and drinking coffee in full uniform in what Ruby assumed was their old dining room. Chrys was in the photo too, but she was so tiny, her head barely breaching the edge of the table on her tiptoes. She was trying to steal a doughnut from the box without Coco noticing, but everyone was fully aware. The picture was snapped right as Fox was pushing the box closer to her with a finger, his gentle smile free of the scar Ruby was familiar with.

Ruby flipped through a couple more entries, skimming each page until she found one that gave her pause.

You know what I hate about this job? The blatant misogyny. The guys and higher-ups don't even bother to hide it. There are a lot of good, honest people at the precinct, many more than these tiny dick asshats, but their voices get so easily drowned out by the vitriol. I'm one of the lucky few who get to be "one of the boys" because I'm married to a total bombshell babe, but fuck does it piss me off when they talk about my wife like that. I've spoken up about this so many times, but they insist I need to chill and that it's all just a joke. Well, I'm not laughing. I turned it around on one of the guys and he laughed. He fucking laughed and said he'd trade his ugly, old one in for mine any day—Yarkona gave this ungrateful bastard three of the sweetest children in the world! No wonder she looks so tired all the time. Her useless husband doesn't do shit.

The other thing is they treat me like I'm some piece of meat to stare at. I'm like a novelty to these itty-bitty-dicky dipshits. Yeah, I get it. Model turned cop, haha, funny. But I'm purposefully being used for it. Using my image for flyers and sending me off to speak at schools—I don't mind that one so much, but god I wish I could tell the truth instead of spouting the horseshit they made me rehearse. It killed me to tell a girl, just a little older than my Chryssie-wyssie, that being a part of the APD helped the community—I haven't helped shit. I see children with nothing to eat because their deadbeat parents spent what little money they had on drugs and alcohol—I get it though. Times are hard. But as a parent, I'd sooner give Chryssie to my mother than make her live the way some of these kids do—better yet, I should've been smart worn a god damn condom.

I can't help them. I can't do shit about it. All this money I have sitting in the bank…I can't help them.

Ruby swallowed the hard lump in her throat. This was something Qrow warned her about long before she decided to really commit. She figured the years of bullying she'd gone through had hardened her enough to weather the workplace abuse just long enough to get some experience before jumping ship. But if someone as cool and collected as Coco got this angry about it? Ruby shuddered just imagining how her squishy feelings would manage. She didn't want to deny her true self anymore. Weiss made her feel beautiful and accepted. Shame for being who she was no longer had a place in her life.

Some new rookies joined the precinct the other day. One of them thinks he's a real hotshot just because he's big and burly. He's also a lot smarter than he lets on, like, genuinely smart, so it's a damn shame he chooses to act like a high school bully. Just the other day, I had to stop him from picking on the smaller guys and harassing the women—I'm honestly surprised I'm not on his shit list thanks to all of my meddling, but that's probably because he thinks we're friends. I don't know how I feel about that. Aside from Yatsu and Fox, Winchester's the only other guy I hang around with that doesn't feel the need to try and one-up me in some shape or form. He actually finds it hilarious whenever someone tries.

This one guy—I think his name was Lehmann—strutted over to my lunch table all smug and full of himself. He spouted some bullshit about how a "pretty little thing" like me shouldn't be working a man's job. He also asked what kind of guy would let his wife become a cop and made some stupid joke abort how his gun was the smallest thing he was packing—I think it was supposed to be sexy, but me and the ladies I sat with just thought he was talking about his ego. I decided to ignore him and keep eating the lunch Weiss made me… he immediately insulted it. Called it slop fit for a pig. Weiss tried her best with this stir-fry. And it was fucking delicious. So I stood up and dwarfed his sorry ass. If he wanted to compare "guns" so badly, I had no problem crushing him. God, I wish I got a recording of his face—it was priceless! He was up to my shoulders at best. And when Yatsu stood up to have my back, I swear his dick shrivelled up into dust. I wonder how he'd react if he knew the kind of heat I was packing.

Haven't seen hide nor hair of Lehmann in days. Good riddance.

Ruby tried to laugh at the progression of the entry, especially the part where Coco stood up, but the whole thing had left a sour taste in her mouth. The last thing she wanted was to imagine what Coco's trouser snake looked like and have it live rent-free in her mind forever—this was the perfect example of why Ruby refused to ever snoop through Weiss' computer or her personal scroll. Who knows what horrors lie in wait within those folders and apps… though, Ruby had a pretty good idea because she had a secret folder on her scroll for that exact reason.

Winchester's kind of growing on me. He's an idiot, but he's my kind of idiot. He also smartened up a bit and apologized to the people he harassed. Fox thinks he's being genuine, but I'll hold off on my judgement for now.

There's been a few questions about my personal life going around the lunch table, like my family and why I decided to leave the glitz and glamour of being a model. I told them about my daughter and how the strict diet I was on started to affect her. I didn't care about the money or the fame, I just want my little girl to grow up well-adjusted and healthy.

I regret opening up about this because it started a whole slew of new questions. Who got who pregnant? Did we use a donor? Wasn't I in my early twenties? I don't mind lying. I can lie as easily as I breathe. I could be lying to you right this moment and you wouldn't even notice. But this was my chance at having more mature friends. Some of the ladies at my lunch table were older, wiser, and married with children of their own, and minus Winchester's frat-boy attitude, the guys were pretty solid too. So I opened up. For once. And fuck it was scary.

I told my new friends that becoming a parent snapped me out of the young and invincible mindset that the new younger guys fresh out of the academy all had. If I didn't have my family to think of, I'd probably still be acting like that. Looking back, I'm embarrassed by all the things I did and said. Weiss is three years younger than me, but I always felt that she was the more mature one. She saw through my crap and told me things no one else would ever dare to. She's my grounding rock in all this. Without her, well, I don't think I can face myself without walking away in shame.

Y'know, the more I write, the more I realize this journal's less about venting my frustrations and more about how much I appreciate my wife. I can't do what I do without her. I should get her a gift… wait, when was the last time I got her a gift? Birthdays, holidays, date nights, and our anniversary aside, I can't remember the last time I got her a "just because" present. I used to get her a bunch when we were younger—wait, no. We're still pretty young. Weiss just turned twenty-one… wow, we should be out partying and getting drunk, not discussing who goes to next week's parent-teacher meeting while we pick out a new dish soap… we picked the blue one with a little ducky on it.

Ruby wasn't the jealous sort. She respected Weiss' marriage and the importance Coco would have in their lives well into the future, but that didn't mean she wasn't envious. How could she not? Being married to Weiss sounded like a dream come true. What Ruby wouldn't give to be the one Weiss discussed those things with while shopping for ducky soap—well, she could right now if Weiss didn't buy her supplies in bulk like a paranoid doomsday prepper. Ruby had gotten a peek at the supply closet once when Neptune came to raid it and found a literal mountain of toilet paper packs in what essentially equated to a giant walk-in closet. The shelves looked like a grocery aisle with everything you'd need to clean. From mould busting to stubborn stain removal, Weiss "the Neat Freak" Adel had it all.

I surprised my lovely lady fair with a dozen of her favourite long stem red roses and chocolates at work today. She looked so surprised she forgot how to speak. Literally. It took her a whole minute just to say thank you. I think I embarrassed her though—in a good way for once! Some of her coworkers came out to see the ruckus and teased her. She tried to play it cool, but I knew she was happy. I could tell because she was fighting back a smile the whole time.

Weiss isn't the nicest or the most openly affectionate, but for a woman that can barely say "I love you" without looking like she's in pain, she sure knows how to make me feel loved. She remembers the smallest details about me down to which side of the plate I like my forks and knives on. I can't even begin to explain how annoyed I get when they're on the wrong side, but Weiss never calls me out or makes fun of me for it. She treats me with so much regard and care that I feel like a princess—me! Coco Adel, the undisputed prince of princes in our high school… but I guess I got so caught up in that role that I forgot I was a woman too.

Weiss turned and scooted away from Ruby, stealing most of the blanket on her way. Not wanting to fight for it, Ruby tucked Weiss in like a burrito and smiled when she happily sighed and snuggled deeper into her cotton cocoon.

"You were really tired, huh?" Ruby whispered as she stroked Weiss' hair and kissed the shell of her ear. "Rest as long as you want, baby."

Y'know, journal, today was crap. Typical Adel family get together filled with snobby aristocrats addicted to the smell of their noxious fumes. Luckily, the food was absolutely to die for. Etienne did a fantastic job catering for these hedonistic—deep breaths, Coco. Deep breathes. Your therapist said to cut the swearing down. Think of your stress levels—buttholes. I swear, these people really are addicted to themselves. I had a one-sided conversation with an aunt I don't recall ever meeting tell me all about how her irresistible—ew—son had six children with four different women. She kept laughing about how frivolous he was but loved how many grandchildren she had at such a "young" age. She also kept bringing up how I should consider having more children for the sake of the "family"—blegh. And when said irresistible son joined the conversation, he promptly hit on my wife. In front of me. If Weiss hadn't kept me cool, and full of booze, I think I would've said or done something I'd regret. Then the bitch had the audacity to think it was funny and jokingly tried to warn me to keep a tighter leash on my woman before we added a seventh or eighth to her total. Weiss laughed it off and said I was more than enough for her before politely dragging me off to check on Chrys; she wasn't having much fun either thanks to her snotty cousins. Then after that, I got roped into another conversation with these two guys at the punch bowl who bragged about a hit they did on some guy like—oh my god, we're the mafia.

Ruby snorted out a laugh and immediately clamped a hand over her mouth, but sleeping beauty didn't budge; Weiss was dead to the world.

It all kind of makes sense now. The dedication to "family," the massive amount of wealth across the board without an explanation—we had a massive swan ice sculpture in the middle of the fricken table! Who the fu… dge does that?! The mafia, that's who!

Okay. Packing that away. We had a poopy day. I also argued with Weiss on the drive back, but it ended on a pretty high note; we're getting better at this whole communication thing. Also, I think we're going to try for another kid.

There it was again. That envious knife twisting in Ruby's gut.

Chrys asked for a sister last Christmas. We just laughed it off because she talked about her hypothetical sibling like she'd be a dog. "I'll feed her and take her out for walkies, Maman." God, she was so cute… but that was months ago and it's been largely forgotten, or at least I thought it was. I didn't think we'd ever actually have this conversation. Weiss was, uh, pretty convincing when she said she'd kill me if I ever got her pregnant again, so colour me surprised when she suggested we consider it. Money's not an issue and our relationship's more solid than it's ever been. Holy shit, I think we're ready. Like, actually ready. We're going to be like those stereotypical suburb couples talking about how we're trying for another baby like we're not trying to brag about how much sex we're having. I already bake pies for our new neighbours and host barbecues. Oh my god, I hang with the dads by the grill while wearing cargo shorts—unironically! We're already those kinds of people.

Oh, oh no.

My reputation!

I couldn't sleep. My whole body feels like it's buzzing. Weiss wore me out pretty good with that magical tongue of hers, but I'm still so restless. I was content with only having Chrys, y'know? I got so lucky with her. She's perfect. From her cheeky little attitude to that astonishing brilliance—even if she was painfully average, I'd still think the world of her. So how could I ask for more? The thought of having another one never even crossed my mind, but now I can't stop thinking about it.

Another kid…

If it happens, I hope she looks like Weiss—or they, or he, I'm cool with whatever. I just want a tiny version of her running around the house, laughing and playing… Chrys would be the best big sister ever. Maybe we'll get a dog. A big ol' Atlesian Shepard, or a fluffy Golden Retriever. Something big with lots of energy to keep up with Chrys.

Wow. This is actually happening.

Sighing, Ruby curled in on herself and inched towards Burrito Adel until her back met something solid. Ruby felt sick to her stomach thinking about the implications in Coco's writing. She had felt a trickle of this pain at the start but didn't give it much thought since she, in her mind, was prepared for it.

Ruby wasn't the jealous sort, but this feeling—this contradicting, nauseating feeling—couldn't be anything else.

She turned the page and found the next entry dated a couple of days after.

I wonder if I'll actually get to enjoy the pregnancy this time around. Weiss was so angry when she was pregnant with Chrys. Every little thing I did set her off, so I kept my distance and only got to touch her stomach once she was asleep. And I'll confess, it was entirely my own fault. Every hurtful word and plate she threw at me, the threats—everything. I deserved it all and more.

One of my biggest regrets is that because of my pride I never got to feel Chrys kick or help Weiss work through the symptoms. She hid it all from me and pretended she was fine even though she was constantly sick and sore all over. She might've been the one carrying the baby, but it was my pregnancy too. In the end, I never got to feel connected until I had Chrys in my arms.

I want things to be different this time around.

And I know they will because I'm not the same selfish brat I was back then.

I know my restlessness about the situation is tied to the awful things I did in the past. I've never forgiven myself even though Weiss says she's put it all behind us. She's forgiven me for everything and still loves me regardless. I know she means it. I do. But I can see it in her eyes whenever she tries to talk about the baby we might have… the pain and suffering I caused her back then has never really left her.

You have to forgive me, journal. I've shared some awful things with you in the past, but I can't keep this in any longer. This is probably the most heinous thing I'll ever write, so please bear with me, okay?

Ruby raised an eyebrow and sucked in a breath.

To the public, I must've looked like the perfect supportive spouse. I was young and rash at times, but I had my head on straight and fully prepared to take care of my family. I bought all the essentials a baby would need, went to all the doctor's appointments, and actively participated in the Lamaze classes the actual pregnant lady didn't want to attend. But that was it. That was all I did.

When I first got back to Atlas, I used to take all my anger out on Weiss. I was cold and distant just like she was even though she needed my support the most. I never raised a hand at her though. That thought never once crossed my mind even if Weiss was being insufferable. I was a monster, but I wasn't a monster that hit her wife. And I'd sooner die than ever hurt a single hair on Weiss' head. But that's beside the point.

Her whole life had been turned upside down in a matter of days, and I know my mother was doing everything she could to make Weiss feel at home after she took her in, but she can be a little much. The switch between the cold and quiet Schnee household to the loud and affectionate Adels must've been such a shock, not including the language barrier. Ugh, just thinking about how overwhelmed Weiss might've felt when Maman insisted she eat more without really thinking about it—writing that has made me want to kick my past self in the balls even harder now. What was I thinking?

I was so fucking stupid.

This had been Weiss' reality for a month while I got my shit in order. And even when I was there, I didn't do anything to make her feel any safer or at home. She was so scared of everything and probably thought the wrong move would land her on the streets like it did with her father. I used to listen to her throw up because she forced herself to eat more than she was used to. I'd sit on the other side of the door wondering if I should go in or not. Before I left for Vale, this hesitation never would've happened. I would've broken the door down to be with her… and I think Weiss wanted me to do it because the door was never locked. She was waiting for me, but I was too full of myself to notice.

In an unfamiliar home with unfamiliar people, I was also the only one who could take the brunt of her moods. I should've been kinder to her instead of meeting everything she threw at me head-on with my own arguments. I should've pulled her into my arms like I do now and properly comforted her instead of running off to drink and get high with my old friends. I was going to be a mom and yet I acted like a spoiled teenager; I was eighteen, but that wasn't an excuse. I let them say the most awful things about her just to make me feel better. And it did. I didn't stop to think about how I was letting these clout chasers insult the mother of my child until I was older. And the worst part of all? I came home once in the middle of the night looking like a mess and smelling like another woman's perfume. It was supposed to be a harmless prank, but Weiss had waited all night for me, texting and calling because she was worried about me. What was I doing? Why did I think it would've been funny? I was all she had in this world…

Dried, guilty teardrops dotted the page like deep scars that would never fade. Coco had tried to wipe them off, but all she managed to do was smear her words. Ruby couldn't believe what she was reading.

But I'm not done with my colossal fuck ups yet. It gets worst. Much worse.

That stupid prank could never compare to how I held my new relationship over Weiss' head. I used to text my ex every night, not caring if the light kept Weiss awake. She never complained about it, but I knew it bothered her… and I knew I did it on purpose. I wanted to hurt her in the worst ways imaginable. I blamed her for the situation even though I was the one that begged her to keep the baby. I made her feel like she ruined my life.

Weiss used to cry herself to sleep and I'd pretend to not notice. By then my anger had mellowed out and I was just apathetic. Weiss had stopped reaching out to me entirely and relied on Neptune more each day. He used to worship the ground I walked on, and things have more or less been worked out between us, but I know he still harbours some resentment. I don't blame him at all. I'm glad he was there for her, and I'm so thankful for all that he did. But it should've been me. I should've been the one making sure Weiss ate her meals and been the one to hold her hair back when she got sick. I should've been the one to massage her feet when they were sore. I should've been the one talking to her belly and comforting the baby inside. And I should've been alone in the delivery room with her. It didn't hit me until I saw Neptune in scrubs holding her hand while I stood uselessly to the side. The nurses all thought he was the father and asked him all the questions they should've asked me. When he directed them towards me, it was awkward, to say the least. They were still friendly, but I could tell they were curious about why I was so far away. Neptune had done more for Weiss and the baby than I did. I swear, if Neptune wasn't gay, he would've stolen Weiss away from me easily. And again, I wouldn't have blamed him. He treated her better than I did.

If Weiss gets pregnant again, things'll be different. I know I said this at the start, but it bears repeating. I am going to do everything I can to make sure she's okay. I won't let her go through things alone.

I'm going to be there every step of the way and be the dedicated, supportive spouse she deserves.

I am so sorry, Blue.

Ruby took a deep breath and swallowed the scream she'd been holding in. How could anyone do this? If Ruby had been in Coco's position, she never would've left Weiss alone.

There had to be more. Something to redeem Coco in Ruby's eyes. She flipped through entry after entry, skimming over each blurb with a judging eye. She eventually found one dating a month after.

Weiss noticed there was something off about me. I haven't been sleeping well and I've been avoiding the baby topic like the plague. She sat me down and we talked about it for a while. I laid everything out and, like magic, she made all my fears disappear. She kept reassuring me that it was okay. We were both young and stupid, and that she was just as much at fault as I was.

I don't deserve her. I don't recall ever crying this hard in years, but she held me tight and kept telling me she loved me until I fell asleep. I woke up in her arms and we spent the whole afternoon locked away in our bedroom. I still feel extremely guilty for the things I did, but Weiss is giving me the chance to make up for it. We're going on a date tonight to try and shift the mood. Something nice and fancy over candlelight with some roses. I'm going to go all out.

Thanks for putting up with me, journal.

The next entry was dated almost half a year after, leaving much to the imagination. Ruby was dreading what waited for her next but went in anyway. She knew how the story ended, so she was hopefully optimistic.

Hey, journal, it's been a while, like a long while. Life kind of happened and I sort of forgot about you. Work still sucks and I want to quit, but every other aspect of my life has been great. Got the snip undone shortly after that last entry and spent the whole week getting pampered by Weiss until I felt better. Still no baby, but we're not in a rush. After that talk, we realized there was a lot we didn't know about each other, so Weiss and I have been taking this time to reinvent our marriage from the ground up. We've been going out on dates every Wednesday and doing more things together as a family. There's actual romance now, and I never realized how great it'd feel. It's kind of like that honeymoon stage early in a new relationship. We didn't have one back then, we also didn't have a real honeymoon after we got married either, but I wouldn't be opposed to having one now. I think it'd be great. We can hold a tiny ceremony with our closest friends and family, reaffirm our vows, then jet off to someplace warm and tropical. Just me and her relaxing on a white sand beach with some cocktails while Chrys builds a sandcastle nearby… I can picture it already.

Chrys is the perfect child as always, but I'm beginning to notice she's taking after Weiss more and more each day. I got to peek into her agenda the other day to sign a permission slip and there were so many sticky notes with arbitrary things written on them. She's as obsessive about organization as Weiss is and I'm scared for the future. I think I'll walk in one day and find her room covered in 'em. Just wall to wall like when Weiss was in university.

Oh, it was also our birthday last Friday! We decided to rent out a cabin by a river for the weekend instead of throwing our usual party bash and went on our first family fishing trip. I thought I'd be the one putting on the dad shorts, I even packed them just in case, but Weiss totally showed me up in every aspect. We decided we'd try sleeping in a tent for at least one day just for the experience. But after I nearly broke one of the poles, Weiss relegated me to the highly coveted position of Chryssie keeper. We explored the woods for at least two hours and came back to a picture-perfect campsite. Seriously. It looked like a scene straight out of a catalogue.

A picture of Weiss, bundled snuggly in chic outdoorsy clothes, standing next to the freakishly perfect campsite was taped underneath. She had done a fantastic job setting everything up. It was cosy and inviting with the unlit campfire waiting in the heart of the display, so Ruby had wonder how Christmas turned out the way it did.

Weiss was definitely way more into this trip than I was expecting. Fishing was something I didn't think she'd enjoy at all since it involved getting her hands dirty, but her impressive knot tying abilities and her skill with a rod has me wondering if she'd been secretly practising. I also realized we raised a tomboy and that I'm way more of a sissy than I thought I was. Chrys had no problem digging up worms and holding them, Weiss was relatively unperturbed and unfun, as is tradition, but I screamed like a little girl when I saw a fistful of fat, wriggling worms in the palms of my baby's pretty little hands. Thankfully, my little eco-terrorist decided to have mercy on the disgusting things and put them back where she found them. And thank fucking god for the cabin's indoor plumbing and Weiss' crazy obsession with soap. I had, like, five to choose from.

Worrisome worms aside, we caught some beautiful nice fish thanks to the, uh, unorthodox bait Weiss brought. Shrimp and tiny frozen fish I can understand, but onion bread, hotdogs, and marshmallows?! She said one of her coworkers told her to use anything pungent if she wanted to catch some monsters. It worked, especially the marshmallows, but I can't wrap my head around my wife, Weiss Adel, queen of the concrete jungle, casually hanging out by the water cooler asking a coworker about his last fishing trip. I just can't. Chryssie insisted we release everything we caught though, so no fish dinner for us. Luckily, we figured this would happen and cooked the leftover hotdogs on a fire Weiss had a little too much fun lighting. After dinner, we laid out a blanket and watched the stars until Chrys fell asleep.

I'm pretty happy with my life, journal. It's not where I imagined I'd be, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Also, fish are really stupid. God damn marshmallows, journal. Marshmallows.

This entry felt a little heavier than the others, so Ruby wasn't surprised to find the next page and the many pages after that filled with pictures all lovingly taped into place. Ruby stared at each one with a small smile, but her favourite of the bunch was a picture of Weiss proudly holding up a massive fish next to a scowling Coco who caught the same fish only much, much, much smaller. There was also a picture of Chryssie with a fishy too. She looked so proud holding it up.

Ruby turned the page and found more photos of the trip. There was one of the whole family out on a hike with Weiss lagging behind, looking red and out of breath. Another of them fishing by the river on some camping chairs. But the highlight of this set was a photo of them at night all crowded around a fire with gooey smores in their hands. Chrys was sitting between her parents, her cheeks full of the sweet treat. She had a little chocolate smeared all across her cheeks and fingers, looking as happy as can be. But that pesky, digging knife dug even deeper when Ruby noticed the arm Coco had loosely around Weiss' shoulders and the loving gaze she got while she was busy looking at the camera. Ruby knew that look well, though she'd never seen it without that little twinge of sadness tucked away in the deepest corner of Weiss' eyes.

Ruby gritted her teeth.

There will never be a day when the remorse plaguing Weiss' heart vanishes completely. It'll weigh on her mind forever, affecting every choice she makes. Ruby understood this and accepted the burden anyway. Even if it was just a fraction of a fraction, she wanted to make the weight on Weiss' shoulders just a little bit lighter. And maybe then, just maybe, she'll catch a glimpse of that loving look free from the past.

Ruby turned the page again and felt her heart sink into the depths of her stomach and punch right through her. There was a single picture titled "Sunrise." Weiss was kissing Coco's cheek with her arms looped around her neck, both looking happy and content, but most important of all—in love. Ruby had to stop herself from tearing it out. The more rational side of her brain was terrified of this kneejerk reaction, but the baser part that wanted Weiss all to herself was louder.

She'd never seen this side of their marriage before. All the photos she'd seen were mostly of one parent with Chrys while the other was off somewhere else or taking the photo. Come to think of it, the only picture Ruby had seen of Weiss and Coco together was the one Chrys showed her. And even then, it hadn't exactly shown their relationship in the best light.

After a moment of quiet self-reflection, Ruby realized this harmless kiss during a picturesque sunrise had just caught her off-guard. She wasn't the jealous sort. She knew that despite having all the odds against them, they were in love until the end. There was no room for jealousy here.

The knife was gone, but the wound lingered.

To the love of my life,

Ruby tamped down the guilt nagging at her to stop reading here. This was clearly a private letter, and even though its recipient was sleeping next to her, that didn't give Ruby the right to it—but she was so god damn curious.

Maybe just a little.

Just a tiny peek.

I'm was an awful person.

Ruby snorted.

I won't lie or sugarcoat it. I did so many awful things to people who didn't deserve it. And if you knew them, you could probably argue that they did, but that's just making excuses. At the end of the day, I was the core of the problem and I didn't do anything to fix it.

I was an irresponsible mess growing up and I only ever thought about myself. Sure, I was aware of other people's wants and needs, and the consequences of my actions, but it just never seemed important enough. Everything could be fixed with a bit of money or some time hidden behind the bleachers or an empty classroom. I felt like the world revolved around me, and it sort of did. I was the Coco Adel. Rich, beautiful, smart—someone bound for greatness. Humble too. I could've been anything I wanted to be, and I don't mean that hyperbolically. My grades and background pretty much ensured it. But a mother? Never. A good mother? Hah, not in a million years! The thought only ever crossed my mind when I played things fast and loose, but it was never in a positive light. The idea of taking care of another person—a person so small and helpless that a sneeze can kill them—just thinking about it scares me. So much can happen in the blink of an eye.

But then you happened.

I'll never forget the sound of your mother's voice the night she called to tell me about you.

Oh no, Ruby quickly realized, this wasn't for Weiss.

She was cold and quiet, almost robotic, like she was telling me the world was coming to an end as calmly as possible. And, I guess, for her it was. She'd been through a lot before she called. Her father had disowned her. And then he hurt her. You've probably noticed her bad shoulder, but did you know she hurt it trying to protect you?

Your mother's no saint, my love. She's done and said some inexcusable things in the past—this is probably why we blended so well together; two destructive forces colliding—but she did everything she could at that moment to keep you safe. I'll never be able to thank her enough.

There was a lot of hardship between then and the day you were born. Your mother said that my support was more than enough and that I just had to do the bare minimum. I considered it. If I had been a better person, the decision would've been easy. But I wasn't. I was selfish, self-centred, and self-absorbed. If you looked these words up, you'd see me in the description and I would've been proud of it. I had a new love and a life that was entirely mine to live the way I wanted to in Vale. I tried to drown out the situation by partying as hard as I could, but no matter how drunk or high I got, I couldn't stop thinking about you. You were like this black hole in the back of my mind. And then your mother sent me your first photo. You were about fourteen weeks old. You had all your fingers and toes, and even though you were just this black and white blob, you were the most beautiful thing I'd ever laid my eyes upon— and that's saying something because your mother's breathtaking.

Everything came crashing down then. Like a hard, sobering slap. This was really happening. I remember staring at your picture and crying until I couldn't cry anymore. You were my new reality. I packed my bags that night and never looked back.

Your mother was… less than inviting when we saw each other again, but we got through things together. Somehow. It was a lot of work and I don't know how we managed it. I still wonder how. So does your mother.

I was the first person to hold you when you were born. Your mother insisted I be the first. She fought the nurse when she tried to give you to her first. Your Uncle Neptune has it on camera— and if you wondered whether he was gay then, he certainly was now. Ah, the miracle of birth. You were like a little alien when you were born. Your mother thought something went horribly wrong and that you weren't done cookin' in the oven, but you were perfect to me. You were mine, and nothing in this world can take you away from me.

Y'know, Chryssie, the second you were in my arms, I had this flash of inspiration, like all the tiny, disjointed cogs spinning on their own in my head fell into place and moved as one. I suddenly saw clearly for the first time. I turned nineteen an hour before you were born. People didn't even see me as an adult yet, but I already had my whole life planned ahead of me. All I could think about was you and how I couldn't be the selfish person I was anymore. You deserved better than that. So I vowed to get my life in order. And I did. And, somehow, in that process, I convinced your mother to fall in love with me.

Chrys, there has never been a day where I regretted being your mother. You are everything to me and the best birthday present I could have ever hoped for. And if there ever comes a time when we fight or drift apart, just know that from the tips of your perfect little toes to the many hairs in that ridiculously lush mane of yours, I love you. To my dying breath and the next life over, I will never stop loving you. Yours forever,

Coco Adel

PS: Whatever you choose to do in life, even if you take a couple stumbles and detours, I will always be proud of you.

PPS: Seriously, I mean it. I don't know what I did to convince your mother to stay with me after being such a dick when we were younger. If you find out, please let me know because I am still so confused.

PPPS: If you have siblings, just know that you're my favourite—but don't tell them that or you're grounded for life, missy!

Ruby took a deep breath, her eyes stinging with tears she couldn't bring herself to shed. She'd crossed the line lone reading Coco's letter to Chrys, but her morbid curiosity wouldn't let her stop because in that moment, that one selfish moment, Ruby desperately wanted to be in Chrys' shoes. Summer was there and then she was gone. There were no letters hidden away in a journal for Ruby to stumble upon when she was older. All she had was an old car and the word of a man who left his two young children to fend for themselves while he wasted away.

Ruby needed to tell Weiss about the letter when she woke up, but for now, Ruby was curious to see if there was a letter for Weiss too. And there was. Near the end of the journal was a long letter addressed to "Blue." Ruby closed the journal before she could read anything past it and set it back on the stack. Weiss was beginning to show some signs of life if the hand rubbing Ruby's belly was anything to go by.

"How long was I asleep for?" Weiss asked, snuggling closer. She slipped her hand underneath Ruby's shirt and trailed it up, her delicate fingers tickling the underside of Ruby's left breast.

Ruby suppressed a giggle and answered, "A couple of hours. But, uh, you got someone to pick Chrys up, right? It's getting a little late."

"She's got a playdate with Heizell and Briar," Weiss yawned. "I won't be seeing her again until bedtime if I'm lucky."

"Oh, cool."

"Hopefully, you'll be coming with me to pick her up? She misses you."

"Yeah, I will," Ruby said, kissing the top of Weiss' head. She was relieved things snapped back into place so easily for them. A little time was all Weiss needed, just like she promised. "And I missed her too. I missed both of you so much."

Weiss sighed in content, her nose tickling the side of Ruby's neck while her mischievous hand languidly traced tiny circles across Ruby's sternum. Between Weiss' soft breathing and her gentle touches, Ruby couldn't help but let her mind—and her hands—wander. She followed Weiss' example and slipped her hand under Weiss' shirt, trailing her side and her firm stomach. Ruby didn't dare go any further, but when Weiss whispered it was okay, Ruby inched higher.

A quiet moan escaped Weiss' lips as she placed soft, warm kisses on Ruby's neck. Her hands were bolder than Ruby's and set the border for what was allowed. Ruby dutifully followed her and treated Weiss' to the same torture she got on her sternum; soft circles, their skin barely touching. Weiss responded by nipping at Ruby's neck and slipping her hand down the front of Ruby's pants.

Ruby let out a surprised gasp, shocked by how fast Weiss escalated things. Normally, when Weiss wakes up feeling frisky, things progress slowly, like a puzzle falling into place one piece at a time. There was a specific order—a chain of events—and deviating from that path often pulled them both out of the mood. Ruby was prepared to follow their routine, but it had been two weeks since they'd last seen each other.

"Are you up for it, mon amour?" Weiss asked, her accent slipping through. "It's been so long."

It took a second for Weiss' words to reach Ruby because almost every brain cell was dedicated to imagining what was going on beneath her sweatpants. She could see and feel everything Weiss' hand did and it turned her on more she thought it would.

"Well?" Weiss asked again.

Ruby didn't have a reason to say no. Her fever had broken and she felt better than ever. She decided to answer Weiss' question directly and pulled the blanket back, helping Weiss out of her shirt. Ruby took her time remapping Weiss' body, looking for any subtle changes that might've occurred during their time apart, but she was as perfect as ever.

They didn't speak much during the time they stole. Weiss was still somewhat half-asleep, so she let Ruby take the reigns and gave in to her every whim. She was like putty in Ruby's hands and surrendered herself completely. Ruby wasn't a selfish lover though. She put Weiss' needs above her own knowing she'd get every bit of effort back once Weiss decided to take control. But Ruby's bed wasn't like Weiss'. It was old and rickety and groaned like it was on its last breath with every move. It could barely handle Ruby turning in her sleep, what more with two bodies in motion—not that Ruby was calling Weiss heavy; she was as light as a feather and as pretty as the dove that dropped it.

Weiss got bored with Ruby's gentleness and swiftly switched their positions.

"You are far too sweet," Weiss purred.

Ruby swallowed and braced herself for the ride.

The bed caved in on itself without warning just as Weiss started, the mattress dropping like a sack. No one was hurt, thankfully, but god damn it—Ruby really hated it when she was right.

"Did… did that just happen?" Weiss asked, flustered and out of breath. Ruby looked at the carnage around them and the angel on top of her. "It did, didn't it?"

"It did," Ruby laughed, hugging Weiss tight.

"I can fix this," Weiss said.

"I'm sure you can, but what do we tell Yang?" Ruby asked, kissing Weiss' face wherever she could.

"Termites."

"Yeah, sure," Ruby said. "Horny termites killed my bed."

"Look," Weiss said, pausing to kiss Ruby's lips, "I am her boss. She knows better than to question my decisions and motives. I am also wealthy and eccentric… and… and… okay, I have nothing. We can go to the mattress store and see if they have anything ready immediately—"

"Or," Ruby cut in, "we finish where we left off in the ruins of my bed, take a bath, inconspicuously dispose of the remains, and pretend like it was all according to plan when Yang asks."

"That sounds insane, but I'm still horny so we'll go with the first half of your plan," Weiss said. "But instead of the splinter hazard we could potentially stake ourselves on, why don't we go somewhere else."

Ruby followed Weiss' gaze and sighed. "You are so weird."

"You're the one that always calls me a piece of art, so why don't you treat me like one and nail me against the wall?" Weiss asked in a cheeky tone.

"Weiss!"

"What? You've done it before," Weiss said, flashing a Ruby smile. "Or are you already tuckered out? You were only on top for a couple of minutes." Ruby glared at Weiss and pulled on her cheek. "Ow! Why?"

"A 'few minutes' was thirty minutes and my jaw's still sore!" Ruby indignantly huffed, more scared than annoyed at her girlfriend's monstrous stamina.

"Mhm, and?" Weiss laughed, pulling Ruby's cheek in retaliation.

"You are a monster!"

"Does this mean we're done?" Weiss pouted.

"Not by a long shot, lady!" Ruby got up from under Weiss and helped her out of the bed. "I'm going to us some water, and when I get back, I'll show just how 'tired' I am."

"Ou la la, I expect great things then," Weiss said.

"You know, I'm a collegiate athlete that's in the best shape of her life—"

"You're welcome."

"Thank you—wait, no!" Ruby huffed in annoyance. "You are being such a butt!"

Weiss stifled a giggle as she kissed Ruby on the cheek. "You are entirely too cute. Go get your water."

"Hmph!" Ruby stormed off, buck naked.

"You've got a cute butt!"

"I know!" Ruby shouted back, still a little miffed by the teasing. But by the time she was in the kitchen, she was a smiling, gooey mess.

Things between them were really back to normal. Ruby had expected and feared there'd be more repercussions to the fight other than the quick break. But turn after turn, Weiss kept proving her wrong.

Ruby drank her cup of water and pour another for Weiss. When she got back, she found the love of her life sitting by the desk, glaring at her scroll like it had personally offended her.

"Something up?" Ruby asked, giving Weiss her water and a kiss.

"All these mattresses look cheaper than dirt," Weiss said, taking a sip.

"Huh?" Ruby peeked at the screen and gagged at the mattresses Weiss deemed unsuitable. She had expected something cheap but solid, not a bed fit for a king! The mattress Weiss was looking at currently was one of those fancy foam mattresses people took loans to pay for. "Weiss, you're killing me here!" Ruby cried out. "Please, we can go to Odea and pick a nice one from there!"

Weiss raised a judging eyebrow at her. "You're joking, right?"

"No!"

"We fucked on your bed once and it broke. I'd rather invest in something we can use in the long term," Weiss said, scrolling past the horrendously expensive mattress set to one that cost even more.

"Weiss, you're hardly ever at my place!" Ruby wept as she paced around her room, mentally calculated the taxes on one of these fancy beds. She could buy so much steak—no, she could buy the whole stinking cow!

"Fine. We'll go to Odea and get your dinky cardboard bed there," Weiss said, chasing after Ruby before she could wear a hole in her floor. "You can buy some meatballs too and those of those little plants you like leaving around my apartment—yeah, I've noticed."

"It brightens the place up, okay?" Ruby pouted.

"They do, so thank you," Weiss said, pulling Ruby into her arms. "I love my little leafy friends, even more so because you gave them to me."

"Really?" Ruby pouted, her eyes big and wide.

"Really," Weiss chuckled. "I brought some to the office, and I'm sorry, but I think Ciel adopted a few. She has names for them and everything."

"I knew the ones on her desk looked familiar," Ruby mumbled to herself.

"So," Weiss clapped her hands to focus Ruby's attention on her, "Odea, meatballs, and plants after we do naughty to each other—sound good to you?"

"One of these days I'll get used to you saying these things," Ruby said after a pause as she led Weiss over to her desk.

"Do you want to replace your desk too?"

Weiss had asked her that as a joke, but Ruby shyly nodded her head. Like her newly deceased bed, the desk was old and made out of cheap plywood. It bent under the weight of her textbooks making Ruby miss the days she could work in Weiss' actual study with the big fancy chair and the smell of old books and coffee. It was comforting in there. Quiet. And if Ruby was being honest, she felt smarter too, like she was working towards where she really should be in life instead of the miserable one Coco described in her journal. It needed more plants though. Maybe a healthy, leafy ficus (sorry, Freddy) by the window with some hanging pothos stretching across the shelves. And definitely more succulents. Weiss had the perfect amount of light in that room.

"If you wouldn't mind," Ruby said.

"Okay, we'll add that to the list and grab Chrys another one of those stuffed sharks she loves while we're there," Weiss said, a little too eager to break more of Ruby's old furniture. She sealed the deal with a kiss and pulled Ruby in towards her.