A/N: Sorry for the massive lag in update. Here's Ch. 7. Please thank BG-13 for her revisions!
Raven's POV
I watched as Yang and her girlfriend lay on a blanket out in the yard, a picnic basket sitting nearby. They'd started coming out here more often, sometimes even staying the night outside at the lake a half a mile out into the woods if the weather permitted. The blonde had always shared my love of the peace and quiet out here. It was nice that she felt comfortable enough to bring the person that made her happy out here.
"Who would have ever thought our house would become the stage for fireworks," Summer teased as she sat next to me. I'd never have guessed that we'd be roommates again after we graduated. But hey, life was weird sometimes.
I scowled but didn't say anything in return. She and Ruby had been tending to the garden they'd planted for me. To be honest, the only plants I liked were the daisies. I'd never admit it but I found them cheerful.
"Oh, come on, Raven. At least try to smile. They're happy."
"I didn't say they weren't," I answered taking a sip from my beer.
"Aunt Raven," the little pipsqueak called from the yard. "Do you know where the hose is?"
I opened my mouth to respond when she let out a yelp as water splashed her back, her sister chuckling as she continued to spray her. I smiled at that, and it wasn't long before the golden eyed girl joined them in their watery war. By the time it was all over they were all drenched but happy nonetheless.
After dinner, Summer and Ruby excused themselves, leaving just us three. I let out a breath of relief as I lit up the first cigarette of the day. Damn, Summer and her meddling. It was a quiet night, not much movement outside. I liked it when it was like this. The soft sound of crickets and the occasional owl hoot...
"I thought you were asleep," I called when I heard steps behind me.
"Blake is," Yang answered leaning against the rail with me.
I hummed in response, taking another puff. "Can't sleep?"
She shook her head. "No, just wanted to see how you were doing."
Oh.
"Um, I'm fine I guess," I managed to mumble.
She laughed. "I know Blake and I have been coming around more often, cramping your style, so I just wanted to make sure you were okay with it."
I shrugged. "Don't mind it. You know you're always welcome."
Yang smiled and nodded, and the smile reached her eyes. Honestly she had Summer's smile. That content grin that let the world know there wasn't anywhere else she'd rather be. "Goodnight, Raven."
"Night, kid."
It wasn't long after that I finally came back inside, putting the dishes away, cleaning up, checking the locks, and turning off the lights. I went by the living room and titled my head to the side before straightening the slightly tilted picture on the wall. Yang called it our awkward family photo and I couldn't deny it. I looked irritated as hell, which I had been if memory served. Ruby and Yang were teasing each other and Summer was leaning casually against me. I shook my head and headed back to my bedroom before laying down, turning on the lamp as I took out my wallet.
I smiled at the picture there. It was Yang in her cop uniform, the day she'd been sworn in. She'd given it to me the last time I tried getting sober. It was a little dented around the edges but it didn't matter.
It was the thing that had let me know she wanted me in her life.
Yang's POV
Coco certainly had a way of being persuasive. She'd been bugging me about having Blake and I over to their house for dinner, wanting to actually meet the woman she said had me all gooey. The description had made me roll my eyes. What were we, five? So I'd finally asked Blake if she would be interested in going. It was surprising, how much quicker she'd agreed to this than she had Raven's birthday. There was still some hesitation, obviously, but I could see the way determination sparkled in her eyes.
Something must have happened with her and Ilia because I kept getting texts from the auburn haired woman, checking in on Blake. I'd tried discussing it with Blake but would sigh and change the subject, or kiss me into dropping it. She'd been relatively quiet the last couple days, seemingly more tired than I'd seen her before.
Perhaps the change in scenery would help.
"I should probably tell you," I started as I squeezed Blake's hand as we walked up to the door. "Coco and I dated before."
Blake raised a brow at the revelation. "Oh, really?"
I nodded, rubbing my thumb against her hand, chuckling. "Obviously it didn't work out. I did basically introduce her to her wife, though."
Blake gave a small smile just as the door opened.
"There you are!" Coco stood there with her usually smirk, eyes flicking between me and Blake. "Stop being so weird and get your asses in here."
I shook my head at Coco's antics, leading my girlfriend inside. We'd just stepped foot in the living room when a loud shriek cut through the air, causing Blake to jump. I had just enough time to prepare before a small body collided with my legs. In a practiced motion I stooped down and scooped Madelaine up, causing the girl to squeal in delight.
"Oh my! Look who I found! Did anyone lose a child!" I called playfully, pressing a kiss to the girl's cheek.
Madelaine giggled. "Auntie Yang! Stop!"
I twirled around with her before setting the girl down, letting regain her footing. I heard a soft laugh and looked over to see Velvet coming down the stairs, Jack babbling in her arms. "Yang, it's so good to see you."
I returned the sentiment before holding out my arms, Jack reaching out for me in return. "Oh, there's my favorite little man! Look at you, you've gotten so big."
Jack looked up at me with big dark eyes, putting his fist in his mouth. With a chuckle I turned toward my girlfriend to see her watching the scene, studying the interaction curiously. I smiled and held my hand out, bringing her closer.
"Blake, this is Coco and Velvet," I introduced. "Guys, this is Blake, my girlfriend."
"I was wondering when Yang would bring you around. I was growing concerned she'd made you up," the tech woman answered, a teasing glint in her eyes.
"Pleasure to meet you," her wife responded, shaking Blake's hand. "Well, now that everyone is here, we should eat. Dinner is ready."
We nodded and followed them to the dining area, giving Jack to Coco. Conversation flowed pretty easily. Coco actually got Blake to discuss various computer codes with. I hated to admit that they quickly devolved into things that I had little understanding of. It reminded me of when Penny and Ruby went on a tangent, lost in their own little world. Interesting that my girlfriend hadn't mentioned an interest in this stuff…but then again she hadn't mentioned a lot of things.
"So, Blake, what is it that you do?"
"I'm a bouncer for Junior's Club," she replied with a shrug, taking a bite out of the pie. "Something to do while I finish school."
"You're going to school?" Velvet asked.
My girlfriend nodded, smiling as she looked over at me. "Yang brought up the possibility a couple of times and I figured I didn't have anything to lose. Plus... It was something I missed out on the first time around. Better late than never, I suppose."
"What major are you going for?" Coco asked, avoiding one of Jack's grubby little hands with practiced ease.
Blake put her fork down, cleaning her mouth with the napkin before answering. "It's actually my GED."
"Ah, then I guess you're right. No time like the present."
"I think it's great Yang's supporting you in that area of your life," Velvet answered. "I know I appreciate that kind of thing from Coco." Said woman seemed to beam at the acknowledgement, leaning over to press a kiss to the corner of her wife's mouth.
"Yeah. Yes it is," Blake answered, flashing me a small smile.
Coco opened her mouth but shut it when her phone rang, excusing herself for a moment. Her wife stood and collected the plates, Blake helping her carry them to the kitchen while I moved the kids to the living room to play. I was on the floor, making plane noises when the ravenette came in.
"You're good with kids," she commented, sitting down on the couch.
"Just a bit," I answered, keeping the plane in the air. "Had practice with Ruby when parents were at work. Still can't help but be a little nervous about having kids one day," I admitted with a light chuckle.
I almost regretted making the comment. Something in Blake's expression changed though it wasn't like before. It was almost…sad.
"You want kids?" she whispered after a moment.
"I know, shocking, right?" I answered, playing it off with a shrug. "You'd think after all the things I've seen kids would be the furthest thing from my mind."
She didn't say anything, and I tried to not let it bother me as I entertained the tiny people. I'd hoped to bring this up later, when she was more open with me, when we were a little further settled into our relationship. The kid conversation wasn't something you sprang on someone. I didn't want her to spook like before.
"Yang, I-"
"Kids! You know what time it is?" Coco asked loudly, getting everyone's attention. "Bedtime!"
"Aw, but momma," Madeline whined.
"No buts. Time to get you and your brother to bed. C'mon." It still was weird when Coco used her 'Mom Voice'. The normally sarcastic woman becoming an actual parent. It suited her though. I was happy she got to have this.
I laughed and kissed the kids goodnight. Well, guess we'd been saved by the bell, so to speak.
Blake's POV
I watched the water slip through my fingers as I sat in the tub, thoughts racing. Kids. It was amazing how the thought had never occured to me, that Yang would want those someday. I shouldn't have been surprised. Yang was a very family oriented individual. The way she looked after her little sister and friends with such fierceness. Seeing her with Jack and Madeline had only made that clearer. I didn't have much experience with them, myself. Adam had never cared for them. Probably because he'd never be able to actually have any.
With a heavy sigh and a deep inhale I sank beneath the water.
Kids.
The more I thought about it, the more that I realized the direction this was headed. Marriage, maybe, eventually. That was the first step wasn't it? First get married and then having a kid… That was the perfect way this all should go. Yang would propose, or maybe I did, and then we'd have a wedding with all our friends and family. My father would give me away. Then after a bit we'd have kids. Adoption maybe, or biological. What would Yang want? She probably wouldn't care. She had a big enough heart for any kid that they had, no matter how.
It was a nice fantasy. Sadly, our reality would never be that kind. Because I was in it. Because of my issues. My baggage.
"Blake?"
I hear her voice and I shut my eyes tighter through the water. I can't think. Can't get my thoughts organized. Why is this happening? When did this become my life?
I let out a gasp as I'm pulled from underwater, eyesight blurry. I blink, and suddenly there's a towel being wrapped around me.
"Are you okay?" Yang asks, a flash of concern in her eyes, holding me tight in her arms.
I nod, against her collar. "Yeah, can I get a minute?" I ask as I wrap the towel tighter around my upper body.
Her arms retreat back to her side. "Of course. Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude, I just…" She shakes her head, and I realize how this must have looked to her. "I panicked. I'll be in the room."
I sigh, drying myself off after getting out of the tub. I pull on the sweats and t-shirt I'd left on the counter and mentally prepare myself. I catch my reflection in the mirror. I tried to picture the young, bubbly girl I'd once been, gaped toothed smile and rambunctious laugh. I hadn't seen her in a very long time, not since Adam came into the picture. What would that little girl think of all this?
Another sigh. Dammit.
I walked into the room and find Yang sitting up against the headrest. She taps the spot next to her and I can't help but smile, sitting down on the bed on the opposite side. There's a moment of silence and I know she's waiting for me to say something. "Yang, about earlier..."
"Mm?" she hums, turning to face me. "Oh. That. Uh, I'm sorry, I-"
I know what she's doing. I've seen her do it before. She's acting like it's not a big deal, like it doesn't matter, trying to give me space. Except I know it does matter to her, and that's why I need to talk to her. I need…I need her to know my situation. At least a piece of it. She deserves that.
"You don't need to be sorry," I answer, my hand going to rub at my arm. "I...what I want to say is..."
"You don't want kids."
"No, that's not-" I sigh. "I don't know if that's a possibility."
"Right now or?"
"I don't know," I whisper, avoiding her gaze. "I don't know if it'll ever be a possibility. It's hard for me to think about that stuff right now. I... I wish it wasn't. I wish I could give you that."
She doesn't say anything. I know she's upset. She has to be. Having a family would make her happy. I know it will and I feel horrible for shattering that for her. I was wrong to do this. To be with her. I'm not good enough. I'm not-
I feel something warm in my hands and I look up to see Yang there. I hadn't even felt her move, but there she was, this familiar warmth in her eyes and she takes my hands and gives them a kiss. I blink before noticing the red on my arms.
"You were rubbing too hard," she tells me quietly. "Blake, it's okay. I'm not mad."
I swallow the knot in my throat. Why? Why did she do this? I don't…I don't deserve her. I know it. I don't know what she needs no matter how much she knows me. I have to try. I…
"I'm sorry," I say after a moment. "I'm not good with this. Intimacy. I…I mean I haven't even shown you my tattoo."
"Intimacy isn't about a tattoo," Yang says. "And it's not about touching or kissing or even sex. It's... being vulnerable with someone... and trusting them not to hurt you...and them returning that trust... it's... being able to just lay next to someone and feel... content... It's about sharing your biggest fears."
"What are you scared of?"
She smiles at the question, lopsided in its beauty. "I love being a detective, but every day I walk into the precinct I'm filled with a little bit of doubt," she starts. "Am I smart enough? Am I capable enough? Do I really deserve to be here? Eventually, those thoughts go away. Until the next morning, when they all come crashing back." A pause and then she tilts her head seriously. "That and bugs. They freak me out a bit."
It works, her attempt at getting me to laugh. My brave detective, scared of bugs. Of all the things.
I don't say anything for a moment, but she doesn't let go of my hands, simply rubs her thumbs over my knuckles in a calming gesture. "My biggest fear is that I'll be alone," I finally admit. "If I don't get over this, you'll leave. That you'll get hurt and it'll be no one's fault but my own."
"We don't have to do anything if you don't want to," she reminds me gently. "And we don't have to talk about something that makes you uncomfortable either."
That's how it's always been with her since the beginning. She always gives and doesn't expect anything in return. Doesn't push. But I feel like I have to give her something. I have to show her that I'm trying. I gently pull my hands away from hers, going to the hem of my shirt. I close my eyes tightly for a moment before pulling off the gray top. It's quiet and I feel exposed despite having my bra on. I fight the instinct to cover myself and I slowly open my eyes.
Yang hasn't moved. Her eyes are soft, and there's some form of understanding there as her eyes move to see the many scars I have. They stop at the one on my side, where the deformed rose tattoo is.
"Can I?" she asks gently.
I nod and she reaches out to touch it. I can't help but flinch, taking in a sharp breath and letting it out in a tight shudder. Her fingers trace the bumpy flesh gently, and I could feel the warmth of her touch.
"He, um, he did that," I say when I find my voice again. "When I left. Ilia helped me get away from him. Told me I was lucky to be alive. But I don't feel alive. I feel half dead sometimes."
Yang didn't say anything, just scooted over until she was next to me and I lay down so that she was holding me. She wrapped the blanket around me, tightening her hold. I grasped her shirt tightly before letting go, suddenly feeling exhausted.
"Nothing feels right," I said. "You're the only person that makes me feel like...I exist."
Yang's grip tightened ever so slightly before kissing my forehead. Despite everything that had happened I felt…content. A little more free. Maybe she was right. Maybe I had gotten it wrong. Intimacy wasn't about a tattoo. It was about warmth. She understood me. I don't know how but she did. I felt myself drift away to her humming a familiar tune.
Ruby's POV
I followed Weiss dutifully into the building, clutching a box of cookies protectively. Visiting Weiss' mom was always interesting, if not a little sad. Their mom was a difficult subject for both of the Schnee siblings, but Weiss had always been more open about the topic, even inviting me to come visit once we'd gotten to know each other.
That had been interesting.
Weiss had asked, and had been so nervous as we'd driven to the hospital, hands gripping the wheel tighter by the moment. I hadn't questioned the spontaneous outing, glad to see her allowing me into this very hush hush part of her life. We'd only known each other for a few months at the point, after all.
One of the nurses of the hospital had directed us to a private part of the facility and I took the chance to look around. Many of the people there had some sort of disability it seemed, visible or not. The picture this painted of Weiss' mother started to clear a lot of things up in my mind.
"Wait here," she said, stopping in front of a door. "I need to see if today's a good day."
I nodded and didn't say anything, patiently waiting until she came back and gently grabbed my hand to lead me inside. The inside of the room was simple, a window at the back wall let in lots of light. A bed was pressed up against the right wall with small table pressed against the right. And sat in front of the window was a woman with hair that matched her daughters', though with a subtle hint of gray.
"Mom, this is my friend."
"Hi Miss Schnee," I said offering a wave.
It took a moment for the woman to respond, turning her head so that she was finally looking at us. I could see more of Winter in her features, the shape of her eyes, how tired she looked. Weiss fidgeted with her hands before going over and straightening the already spotless table.
Willow's eyes seemed to study me, a spark of curiosity barely noticeable in her eyes. I smiled back.
"You're... Ruby, aren't you?" the woman said after a moment.
I could see Weiss freeze from the corner of my eye.
I nodded, holding out my hand. I didn't expect her to take it but I'd always been taught that was the polite way to greet people. "Yeah, that's me. Nice to meet you."
The woman blinked before looking down at my hand, carefully taking it and giving it a shake. "Nice to meet you. Weiss... talks about you. All the time."
I couldn't help but flash a grin at the younger Schnee. "Aw, Weiss."
The other woman had turned an impressive shade of red, sputtering indignantly to deny that she talked about me that much. Honestly, though I thought it was sweet. I was happy that I was important enough for her to talk to her mom about.
"Hi, Miss Schnee," I greeted as we went inside. "I brought you some cookies that Weiss and I made."
"Ruby, it's been so long since Weiss has brought you by," she commented with a smile. So it was one of her more coherent days.
"How are you feeling today, Mom?" the heiress asked.
"I'm well."
Weiss nodded her head as her mother and I had a cookie. We didn't talk much, just little things here and there. Sometimes she'd ask the same thing more than once. Not that I minded. Eventually Weiss' phone cut the moment short, and by the tone of her voice it sounded like a work call.
"Bye Mrs. Schnee."
She nodded, offering a wave before looking over at her daughter, brow furrowing. "Weiss," she called, her voice soft. "How's Winter doing?"
Weiss seemed to mull over the response, that familiar sag to her shoulders momentarily setting in. "She's okay. I'm actually going to see her right now. We have a case."
"Oh, okay." The woman gripped the blanket covering her lap. "Can you...Can you ask her when she'll come visit? Please?"
If I hadn't been looking, I would have seen the way Weiss winced. It wasn't really a secret that Winter had a much more... volatile reaction to anything regarding their mother. There was a lot of unresolved anger there. Still, Weiss offered her mother a smile. "Of course."
Yang's POV
I smiled and kissed Blake's temple, running my fingertips up and down her spine through her shirt. We'd gone out last night, had fun, come home, had more fun. Falling had been easy with her in my arms. I'd only woken up again when I'd felt her tracing the raised flesh near my collarbone with her finger. I let her be, giving her kisses and pulling her closer.
"They're beautiful," she said after a moment.
I had to laugh, grabbing her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. "Hardly."
Blake shifted she would meet my gaze. "Hey, they saved your life. They're beautiful."
I smiled, too tired to blush even though that was probably one of the sweetest things she'd ever said to me. I kissed her before reluctantly pulling away so that I could go make us breakfast. I watched for a moment as she sunk into the sheets, hugging my pillow to her chest. I loved seeing how comfortable she'd gotten, more sure of herself, especially now that she was going to school online. She was almost done too. Just a month or two left.
We ate quietly, comfortably. We then spent the afternoon watching TV before I suggested taking a trip out. She was weary when I asked if she'd be okay with seeing Winter again, understandably. Last time they'd been in the same room together hadn't ended well.
She was even more incredulous when she saw me pull the truck into the parking lot of the local shooting range. I laughed, kissing her cheek again as I led her inside by the hand. Winter was already there, in her usual spot: the last stall all the way to the left.
The white haired woman spared us a glance before returning her attention to her target and firing three shots. All hitting the chest area on the target.
"Not bad," I commented as we walked up.
Winter shook her head before nodding at my girlfriend in acknowledgement. "What brings you both here?"
I shrugged. "Haven't brought Blake here yet and wanted to teach her a thing or two."
She hummed but shrugged, handing me the gun. "Be my guest."
I smiled and took it, showing Blake the weapon and explaining the proper way to hold it. She nodded her head in understanding. I had her hold the glock between her hands, guiding her into position before firing a few shots with her. Winter was up next, then me, both hitting the chest area before I called up the brunette.
There was a gleam in her eye as she smiled, almost sauntering up and taking her position. She lifted the weapon, took a deep breath, then fired with excellent precision into the target's heart. Her smile turned easily into a smirk as my jaw went slack.
"That is definitely not beginning's luck," Winter mused, trying to suppress her own amusement. "She played you."
I raised a brow over at my girlfriend whose grin could only be described as deceptively innocent. Why that little...
"I learned to shoot when I was thirteen," she whispered. "Don't usually advertise it."
"No kidding." Winter chuckled as she drank from her water bottle. "Well, since you know how to shoot how about we make a little bet?"
Something familiar flashed in her golden eyes, determination maybe. "Name your price."
"Dinner. Loser pays."
"And drinks," the eldest Schnee added.
"You're on."
We kept score in different rounds, but no matter what Winter and I did, Blake always outdid us by a slim margin. She had incredible aim I had to admit. I'd even tried distracting her by kissing her shoulder but her focus remained. However when she did it to me...I couldn't even hit the freaking mark. So I'd finally thrown in the towel and offered to buy dinner and drinks for us. Blake gave me a chaste kiss as we walked out of the range.
"Your girlfriend hustled us."
I couldn't help my smile, knowing it must have been goofy as hell. "Yeah."
