Funny story about this chapter. Last night I spent maybe three hours going over it, editing, removing lines I wasn't thrilled with or editing others. What I ultimately came up with felt a lot better than what I'd had and I was thrilled.
Then I realized I was editing chapter 25, not chapter 26.
So! I think I'm going to take a fair bit more time editing in the future as a result. Also going to revisit numbers because evidently I've forgotten how to count.
If nobility was known for one thing it was their excessive wealth. That and their innate ability to hold preposterous grudges against a young woman, although Weiss felt like she was unique in that regard.
The homes of the aristocracy were, she assumed, furnished with nothing but the best. Plus, carpets, paintings that served no purpose but to brandish wealth. Everything was likely gilded, impeccably clean, and there would be servants every few feet waiting to help you breathe if you so needed it.
In short, extravagant and unnecessary.
By contrast Raven's 'home' more closely resembled storehouse than a resplendent display of fortune. The foyer was cramped and stuffed with containers, some full, most turned over and stacked haphazardly throughout. Tapestries and banners had been torn down in favor of repurposing them for clothing or bedding. Marbled floors once clean to the point you could eat off them now bore scores of scuff marks and chips. And that was only the entryway.
Many other rooms had either been stripped bare or repurposed into housing or storage. A kitchen's contents had been hauled away - outside, Weiss realized, and a dining room devoid of chairs or tables served as quarters complete with over a dozen sleeping rolls and cots.
At one point they passed by a library that had once been filled to the brim with over a hundred volumes of fine literature, now stripped nearly bare. Blake asked where the books had all gone and Raven casually responded they had been used as tinder. Weiss wasn't sure she'd ever seen the Meera so close to passing out.
A double-wide set of doors at the end of the hall must have served as the former owner's study. Gilded doorknobs against a dark stained door with twisting flowers engraved on the surface stood before them. A pair of paintings depicting figures none of them recognized flanked the doorway, wall mounted candle holders in the shape of growing vines, empty and littered with cobwebs, lined the walls.
They stopped short of the gaudy door and instead were ushered into a smaller side room.
"Sit down and wait, I'll be back," Raven ordered brusquely.
"How about instead you show us where Ruby is?" Yang snapped.
"Where do you think I'm going? Sit down and behave for five minutes." The blonde grumbled and trudged into the room, sinking down on a worn couch that buckled in the middle but didn't break. Raven rolled her eyes, gesturing for Weiss and Blake to enter. "Ruby is asleep still. Don't worry, I'll drag her downstairs if I must." Yang growled and the older Dimuran laughed curtly. "It was a joke, relax."
Not wanting to be anywhere near Yang right now Weiss settled for sitting on a locked chest. Out of curiosity, she rasped her knuckles against it, the echoing response telling her it was empty. Crossing one leg over the other, hands in her lap - she didn't want to touch anything given how dusty it all looked, she watched Blake drop onto the floor along the wall.
"There are chairs," Weiss pointed out.
"Considering how the couch looked? I'll pass."
Still agitated Yang managed a strained smile and pat the cushion beside her. Weiss didn't miss the way the blonde's nose wriggled or the plume of dust that came out of the fabric. "Come on Blake, it's fine! See?"
One bounce and the couch groaned and creaked. The second made the wood snap and with a yelp Yang landed hard on the floor. The legs of the couch fanned out beneath it, one breaking off entirely and rolling across the floor. Weiss bit her lip and tried hard not to laugh while Blake shook her head.
"Nice going."
Yang snapped one of the remaining legs off and bounced it in the palm of her hand. How was I supposed to know it was gonna break?"
"Maybe because it buckled when you sat on it?" Weiss offered, smiling as Yang stuck her tongue out.
"Maybe if you weren't so top heavy it wouldn't have broken." Blake ducked beneath the thrown piece, reaching for a discarded book, then upon seeing the title, setting it in her lap and opening it up instead.
Weiss bounced her foot while looking around the room, once more surprised by the spartan decor. A table pushed along the far wall had stacks of smaller containers, piles of dishes and random odds and ends cluttered on the surface. Three windows along the frontmost wall let light pour in, inches of grime creeping in from the corners, the panes themselves flecked with all manner of uncleanliness.
Just how long had the keep been abandoned for? It couldn't have been long, not if soldiers were still stationed here. Raven was here now yet didn't appear to use the room for anything besides storing whatever waste she found.
Perhaps they never used this room to begin with. Dragging her finger along the top of the chest Weiss grimaced, looking around and wiping her finger clean on a discarded drape. Another example of excessive wealth. How many more rooms were like this? How much of the keep was going unused, and why hadn't Raven allowed those outside to seek shelter here instead?
Weiss had scrawled half a dozen meaningless runes into the dust out of boredom by the time Raven finally returned. Standing, she craned her neck and peered past the woman at the doorway. "Where's Ruby…?" she asked, frowning as she moved towards the door.
"Getting changed. Brat wanted to run down here in nothing but her undergarments," Raven snorted. "Probably would have if -"
Somewhere outside the room a loud crash rang out followed by men shouting at someone. Another crash accompanied by the clatter of metal and the frantic shout of a woman. The three girls watched the doorway expectantly as Raven stepped out of its way. Then, when a red blur appeared at the door, she held out an arm, catching the speedy girl in mid-stride.
"Oof!" Ruby's legs swung up and she kicked fitfully, taking a gasping breath and clutching onto Raven's arm. Swinging from the limb she giggled, dropped back to her feet and fixing her tunic. "Told you I'd be right down!"
"And I told you to wait for Vernal!"
The brunette smiled nervously and pressed her fingers together. "Yeah, well she's slow and I was excited and…" Ruby finally looked into the room, hands lowering and silver eyes widening. "And…"
Weiss felt tears welling as she slid from her seat, swallowing and waving to Ruby. The brunette missed her gesture however, gaze fixated on Yang who finally stood up from the broken couch. Dropping her hand awkwardly to her side she held her arm, forcing a smile to remain put as Ruby slowly shuffled into the room.
As if getting cold feet and reconsidering halfway Ruby stopped just a few steps in. Her mouth opened and closed repeatedly, and no sound came out, hands fumbling with the clasp of her cloak. After a moment she looked around the room, looking at Weiss but not quite registering she was there. Lost both for words and a means to express her shock Ruby whimpered, face scrunching up. Then, like a child separated from their parent she reached for Yang, a choked sob escaping.
Yang rushed forward and pulled Ruby into a hug Weiss was certain could break a spine. Ruby flung her arms around the taller girl, burying her face immediately as sobs came free, trembling as she clutched at her sister.
Weiss wiped a few tears from her cheek, cleared her throat and looked away, deciding a dark stain on the wall was far more intriguing than the display before her. Being here to witness this felt like she was intruding on something special, something she had no business seeing. Her heart clenched painfully, and she grabbed at her chest, closing her eyes and releasing a shuddering sigh.
How was Winter faring right now? Was she well? Happy? How long had it been since they'd shared a hug like this?
Too long. Far, far too long.
"What the fuck!" Boots stomped loudly and the same men from before uttered hasty apologies. The same angry voice shouted for them to clean, footfalls growing louder as their owner came closer.
Raven peered into the hall and grinned, leaning against the door frame. "Nice job keeping her there, Vernal. Glad to know you can handle a child."
"She tricked me!" A young woman about Weiss' age stormed into view. A vein bulged visibly in her temple and her face was red, either from anger or embarrassment. Probably both. Weiss had never seen blue flames before but when the woman looked into the room, she swore her blue eyes could set anything in her view alight.
"Tricked you?"
"She asked me to find her a new pair of underwear! I checked the other rooms and when I came back, she'd left!" Vernal seethed, pointing at Ruby's back. "Red! Do that shit again and I'll kick your ass, hear me?"
Raven slapped the back of Vernal's head and Weiss winced watching the foul-mouthed girl stumble from the blow. "That's my niece you're threatening. Want to say that again?" She didn't, and after regaining a sense of balance Vernal hung her head and crossed her arms petulantly.
Yang pulled Ruby along and sat in one of the nearby chairs. When it became obvious her sister wasn't going anywhere, she lifted the brunette, setting Ruby in her lap and wrapping her arms around the smaller girl.
"Why do you have her…?" Yang's eyes for once weren't red from anger, cheeks wet as she looked at Raven expectantly.
"Why? Because I saved her. You're welcome, by the way."
"Saved her…?" Weiss finished wiping her own face dry, placing her hands on her hips. "Forgive me if I sound skeptical, but I hardly believe that for a second."
"Why, because I'm a bandit?" Raven grinned, putting a hand to her chest before pointing to Weiss."Or is it because you're upset you couldn't be her hero, Schnee?"
"How about 'cuz you don't exactly have a history of taking care of family for starters?"
"Oh you…" Raven sauntered into the room, stopping when Yang bared her teeth. "Fine, don't believe me. Why don't you ask your precious little sister then?" She motioned towards Ruby and smirked. "Go on, tell them."
Ruby nodded and slowly pulled herself from Yang's shoulder, uttering a soft apology for the damp spot on her shirt. "It's t-true…" When a trio of baffled expressions silently prodded for more she sat up and rubbed her face fitfully. "I found a vill… Village under attack and tried to h-help. There were a lot of Grimm. Too many. I saved as many as I could…"
"And almost died for it." When Yang paled and started to look over Ruby, Raven sighed. "I had our healers mend her wounds already, relax. I was hardly going to let her bleed out on the spot. She's fine now."
"Fine?! She almost died!" Yang shouted. Ruby jumped and the blonde hugged her sister again, keeping her close. "And let me guess, you were going to let it happen too, weren't you?" she snarled, clutching Ruby tightly to her chest. "Until you realized you needed her to get me here."
Weiss galled, then stared as Raven began to laugh. How could she laugh about that? Ruby had… Ruby had…
"I wasn't going to let her die, Yang. I'm not that cold. And besides…" Raven pointed to Weiss, cocking her head with a snide grin. "It's not you I was after. Though I can't say having you here is a bad thing." She looked at the taciturn Meera and smirked. "Nor you. This will work out nicely actually."
"What will work?" Blake asked.
Raven took one look at Vernal before shaking her head. "In due time, girl. There's something else I need to attend to. You four enjoy..." she swept a hand before shaking her head. "Whatever this is. We'll speak in the morning.
She grabbed the back of Vernal's frayed vest, pulling the young woman into the hall with her. "Feel free to explore if you want," she called back, voice echoing through the keep. "It's a dump though!"
She left them? Just like that? Giving it a few seconds, Weiss jumped to her feet and hurried to the door, astonished when Raven was nowhere in sight. Baffled by their sudden stroke of fortune she hurried back to the chest, collecting her rapier and clipping it to her waist. "We should leave now, before she comes back."
"N-No! We can't!" Ruby protested.
"Why not? She's not someone you want to get involved with, Ruby," Yang chastised gently, running a hand through black and red locks. "Come on, let's get goin'."
Ruby shook her head and moved Yang's hand from her hair. "Yang, please… We can't leave, not yet!"
Blake pushed herself to her feet and frowned at Ruby. "And why not? We came here for you, we've got you, so let's go."
For a long few moments Ruby simply stared at Blake, then as though realizing she was here too, looked at Weiss in surprise. The wheels in her head visibly turned as she tried to make heads of the group, she found herself in, gaping like a fish until Yang gently flicked her forehead. Ruby rubbed the spot before smiling somberly. "Because… Because we can't just leave these people."
"Ruby, it's not that I don't sympathize with their plight," Weiss began.
"But they're not our problem," Yang interrupted. "You must have seen how they treat Raven. Let her deal with them, we've got other stuff to worry about."
Ruby shook her head, shaking her fists before sliding free from Yang's lap. "You don't understand! I'm the reason they're here right now! I have to help them get home!"
Weiss stared at Ruby and tried to tease out the meaning behind her words. "You… They're from the village you saved? Is that it?" Ruby nodded quickly. "Ruby… They're alive, and while they might not be in the… Best of states." That was putting starvation lightly. "That they have their lives is good enough."
"It's not though!" All three girls flinched when Ruby shouted. Realizing how loud she'd been Ruby tugged at her cloak nervously. "It's not," she repeated, softer this time. "I'm the reason they can't go home. I have to go back and fix things."
"How is it your fault? If anything, it's Raven's for not helping you," Blake said.
"S-Still… I could have done more. Even without Raven's help…"
If Yang hadn't been hugging Ruby, then Weiss might have. Watching the sisters share an embrace she shifted her weight between her feet before smiling. "You did all that could be asked of you, Ruby. No one can fault you for that. None of us do."
Yang and Blake nodded in agreement. Lifting her head from Yang's shoulder Ruby managed a ghost of a smile. "Th-thanks…"
"We're just happy you're okay, Rubes," Yang mumbled, pulling her sister close and burying her face in Ruby's hair. Ruby whined in protest but laid her head against Yang's shoulder, hiding her face once more and grabbing handfuls of Yang's top.
No one person could hope to save everyone. Even a force like the Church, widespread as they were, wasn't infallible. People died, and while Weiss was loath to call it the natural order of things, she was reluctant to be so dismissive. People shouldn't die when Hunters were involved. Their sole purpose was to prevent exactly that.
In a spurt of idealism that was normally reserved for Ruby Weiss smiled, approaching the sister's and laying a hand gently on her partner's back. "We can help them. We'll reclaim their town and help these people get home."
Blake inclined her head towards Weiss, ears swiveling. "We can?"
Weiss nodded, smiling when Ruby looked up at her. Seeing the tear-stained, hopeful face of her partner reaffirmed her idea. "Our mission isn't going to go anywhere, and you heard the commander before. The Grimm aren't likely to spread."
"Assuming the people behind this don't try spreading miasma further," the broody Meera warned.
"Which we won't allow to happen. But we can't ignore the cries of these people, can we?" Weiss smiled, nodding when Ruby returned it. Moving towards the windows she peered out and watched a handful of misplaced villager shamble about. "What's a day or two difference? Besides, they hardly expect us to succeed, remember? They've likely got a contingency plan in place already."
Yang eased her hold on Ruby and smiled sad while nodding along. "I like what you're thinking, Weissy. If they're so worried about it then they can deal with it. We've got our own mission to worry about." She scratched the scales on her cheek and smiled apologetically at Ruby. "That was kinda mean what I said, huh? Sorry."
Ruby balled her hands into fists and began hopping in place. "You guys mean it? Really? We can help them?!"
"I believe I just said as much, didn't I? Unless Blake has any objections?" Blake looked between the expectant faces and groaned.
"I don't imagine I'll get out of this otherwise. And besides…" The Meera smiled earnestly at Ruby. "I do still owe you for your help."
"Huh…? What'd I do?"
Ruby whined when all Blake did was shake her head, tugging at Yang's shirt for an explanation. Yang had none and Weiss shrugged, just as lost as the Dimuran. Not that it mattered much. If Blake was willing to cooperate a little longer and help them secure a village then their odds went up quite a bit. Ruby on her own might have failed but the four of them together?
As unlikely a partnership as it was Weiss could see them pulling off a miracle.
Yang slung an arm around Ruby's shoulder, holding the other open. "Come on, group hug girls! I guess we're a team now huh?" Blake didn't move an inch. Weiss considered it before smiling, holding up a hand and shaking her head. Yang puffed her cheeks before shrugging, hugging a protesting Ruby tighter. "Fine, more for me!"
"We shouldn't get too ahead of ourselves. We still don't know what Raven has planned for us," Blake cautioned. "She doesn't seem like the type of woman to just let someone walk once they owe her. And we do owe her."
"You're not wrong there," Yang grumbled, running a hand through her hair with a scowl. "She's nothin' if not a colossal pain in the ass."
"Yang!" Ruby put a finger in Yang's face and almost giggled when her sister went cross-eyed. "No swearing!"
"Even so we can still make plans. Assuming the village is nearby, or better yet, on the way to our original goal, maybe it won't be much of a detour." Weiss gestured to Ruby and smiled. "Well then? Where is this village of yours? Does it have a name?"
Would these people even want to return home? The way they had clamored for Raven before made it almost seemed like they revered her. Like parishioners fervently hanging onto every word of a priest they'd eaten up everything the woman had said. The similarity to the Church hadn't been missed by Weiss, although to the woman's credit she hadn't reveled in it.
Ruby peeled herself out of Yang's hold, fixing her freshly tousled hair and sticking her tongue out before smiling brightly. "Mhm! It's about…" she paused, tapping her chin with a finger. "Maybe a day or two south… Ish? I forget exactly, kind of wasn't the most… Awake when I got here, heh…"
"Don't remind us," Yang said. "And what's the town's name, or did you forget that too?"
"Nuh uh, I know it! It's got a funny name, and it had a statue of a boar in the center, so it was super memorable!" Ruby giggled, jittery at the prospect of saving the town now. That or Raven had unwittingly given her sugar earlier, a grievous error on her part then.
"Well…?" Blake urged. "What's its name?"
"Plockton!"
Weiss stared before burying her face in her hands, dragging them across before exhaling slowly.
Only Ruby would stumble into a warzone and not realize it.
Well… Weiss mused, smiling as Ruby questioned why Yang was gawking at her. At least we won't have to change our course.
How lucky for them.
/+/+/+/+/+/
Weiss didn't consider herself a selfish person. She'd often give away large portions of her meals when out with friends, both by virtue of having a small appetite and losing said appetite watching others shovel food in their mouths.
Judgmental? Maybe, but not selfish. Nor was she selfish by paying a little extra for goods she needed or making a point to help her friends with whatever tasks they needed, however menial.
It was her job, yes, but being a Hunter was about the least selfish job she could imagine.
Risk your life for complete strangers? And, more often than not, receive no recognition from the people you saved?
That seemed pretty selfless to her.
For those reasons Weiss felt guilty when Ruby wandered off with Yang for the bulk of the evening. Logically she understood why; Yang and Ruby hadn't seen each other in years and as far as Ruby had been aware Yang was dead. Recalling the conversation, she'd, ahem, overheard in the cathedral she realized now Ruby must have been referring to Yang. Why? Weiss didn't know but it was clear that the younger girl hadn't given up on her sibling.
A sorry sentiment if not for the fact that the two girls were reunited after all this time.
Weiss sighed, her breath fogging the thick panes of her room. Outside she watched as soldiers patrolled the fort, torches in hand, their flickering lights reflecting off their armor and faces, distance rendering the latter indecipherable.
After the fanfare of their reunion and subsequently being left alone by Raven the girls had opted to retire for the evening. With a meeker member of Raven's ranks serving as an attendant they were each shown to their own rooms with Ruby and Yang opting to bunk together. The third floor proved to be the cleanest and, after removing bedding and using said bedding to dust off every surface she could reach, Weiss dared to claim the space she was in inhabitable.
Sleep should have claimed her easily. A long day preceded by a night of fending off Grimm would be enough to drain anyone of their vigor. When Weiss laid in bed, the hard, unflinching straw mattress beneath a thick linen refusing to budge, she tossed and turned to find comfort. Even when she managed a position, she could sleep in her mind refused to rest, thoughts cyclically churning.
What were they expected to do now? Could they leave without abiding by Raven's demands? She knew nothing of the woman, or her tribe save for passing whispers. They were bandits and, evidently, Raven was the mother of Yang. Weiss scoffed at the notion, slamming her palm in frustration as she glared up at the dark ceiling.
How was it that Yang managed to have a mother in her life?
Evidently, she was selfish and jealous too.
Then there was the small matter of what they'd do once they did leave Morris Keep. Plockton was in desperate need of help and any thoughts she'd had of abandoning the mission - not that there had been any to begin with, were promptly snuffed out upon seeing its residents, despondent and on the verge of death.
It was a blessing and a curse to see firsthand what was happening. In Holbrook she'd known the residents however fleetingly before the town was attacked by the White Fang. The personal touch had encouraged her to fight despite her nervousness. It also was a dour reminder of how many people's lives relied on her success.
Now, with an entire town huddling in an abandoned keep and at risk of starving? Weiss felt as though she'd been brought before an executioner and their blood-speckled axe hung overhead, ready to come down in an instant.
She detested failure before but now Weiss refused to fail. Just as her mind refused to let her sleep.
After an hour of tossing and turning, getting out of bed and roaming only to return she deemed rest a lost cause, swung her legs out of bed, strapped on her boots and left the cramped quarters to wander the keep in hopes of tiring herself out.
As dark as it was, for a few torches if any adorned the halls, navigating the keep was a perilous undertaking. It didn't help that she was unfamiliar with its layout either. Keeping a hand against the cool stone walls she meandered through hallway after hallway, turning around whenever she found a dead end, sealed door or stairwell. The lack of anyone else wandering the keep allowed for her delicate footsteps to echo, the slightest sounds reverberating off the corridors.
What few windows there were allowed miniscule rays of moonlight inside. Filth and grime diluted the moonlight further and in some places, Weiss walked in complete pitch, hand groping blindly before her to make sure she didn't walk into anything. Once her foot caught a small table and she stumbled, then her foot snagged the carpet and she nearly tripped if not for a nearby curtain, she grabbed for dear life.
Blake could probably see just fine in these conditions. For the first time in perhaps forever Weiss was envious of Meera and their night vision.
Her mind continued to taunt her and Weiss, frustrated, began retracing her route back towards her room. Perhaps she could study her map, try and formulate a plan for Plockton. She could check her supplies, then double check, and inspect her weapon for any imperfections. Preparation was the key to success, after all!
On her way back Weiss slowed, then stopped and frowned. A large swathe of corridor bathed in unfiltered moonlight, the gray carpet bursting with color when all else was shrouded in shadow. When had that happened? Approaching it she paused again finding a pair of doors wide open, cold, crisp wind drifting inside with a breeze and making her draw her tunic tight.
"Ruby…?"
The brunette turned from her place along the railing and smiled, then turned again and rubbed at her face. Weiss walked out on the balcony and glanced around realizing it was the selfsame spot Raven had emerged from before. From here they could look out over the entire fort, level with the tops of the walls. Stopping short of the railing herself Weiss peered over the edge, down at the makeshift homes crowding the already limited courtyard.
"Couldn't sleep either?"
Weiss shook her head and smiled slightly. "No. I guess I'm too…" Nervous? Apprehensive? Dreading what was to come? "Excited about all that's happened today."
Ruby giggled and turned back again, flashing an easy smile as she nodded. "Yeah, it's been super busy! I was just hanging out and then you guys showed up!" The brunette gaped before covering her mouth. "Weiss, oh my gosh! I hardly spoke to you earlier, I'm so sorry!"
"Ruby, please, it's perfectly fine," Weiss lied, waving a hand and returning Ruby's relieved smile. "You saw your sister for the first time in ages. I can hardly fault you for spending time with her."
Concerns assuaged Ruby nodded, preying herself from the railing. Watching her bounce on the balls of her feet reminded Weiss of the endless fount of energy that was Ruby Rose. How wasn't she exhausted after such an emotional reunion? How hadn't it drained her of every last drop of energy?
Weiss certainly felt fatigued by it all, although nowhere near enough to sleep still.
Rolling her tongue when she realized a silence fell over them Weiss rubbed her hands together, unsure of what to talk about. For the first time since meeting the brunette Ruby didn't jump at the first thing that came to mind either. While not a miserable silence she did feel like they should speak about something. Ruby's journey, their mission - which they had already discussed ad nauseum earlier, or even something as frivolous as the weather.
One thought came to the foreground and Weiss was tempted to throw it away like a rotten apple, yet clung to it instead, rotting flesh and all.
"Ruby…" she began, biting her lip and looking elsewhere, anywhere but the aforementioned girl. "How… How are you doing?"
"Huh? I'm awesome, Weiss! I got my sister back, my best friend in the whole wide world is here, and… Well, Blake might be a friend now!"
Weiss couldn't help but roll her eyes at the comment. "She tried to kill us, Ruby."
"But she didn't! And she traveled with you, so…"
That made them friends? What a wonderfully simplistic way to look at things. Weiss found herself wishing she could view matters in a similar light, wondering if it was really so easy to forgive and forget. Even if Ruby held any animosity, she didn't show it, greeting Blake with the same joviality she might one of their closer friends.
Weiss had suffered Blake's company because of necessity and managed an air of civility with the woman. Ruby seemed genuinely happy for her presence.
Deciding to move from that topic Weiss finally allowed her eyes to drift back to Ruby, to the smiling, giddy girl who had settled down save for the constant tap of her left foot. Her head was cocked slightly and her eyes, polished like the finest cutlery, enthralling as the fullest moon, rich like a molten pool of silver, shone with unbridled enthusiasm.
At least they normally would. Weiss had spent enough time around her partner to know when her happiness was genuine. Ruby's smile, wide as it was, didn't quite reach her eyes, the corners of which always crinkled when the girl was happy. Her lips were pressed too thin, shoulders too rigid, and Weiss realized her partner's hands groped nervously at the sides of her trousers, fumbling for something to occupy themselves.
"Ruby… Are you positive you're alright?"
"Mhm! We're all together now, everything's peachy!" Ruby replied quickly. A bit too quickly for Weiss' liking.
"I see. I'm just concerned, I suppose. You went through a lot after all." Weiss took a step closer and smiled uncertainly. "You're okay with returning to Plockton so soon? After everything that happened?"
An almost invisible flicker of doubt crossed Ruby's face before she redoubled her effort, her smile turning into a full-blown grin as she nodded. "Ready as can be! We've got people to help and Grimm butts to kick!" She pumped her fists before beginning to shadowbox, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "They won't get me this time!"
At any other time, Weiss might have rolled her eyes or made a remark about Ruby's behavior. Instead she stepped closer again and reached out, seeking her partner's hand with her own, clasping both around Ruby's. Even with having been outside for longer than herself Weiss found Ruby's hand warmer, her own soft fingers clasping around calloused ones. Ruby stopped bouncing and glanced at their hands before flashing Weiss a smile.
"Weiss…?"
"It's okay to be nervous, Ruby. Or afraid, or… Not wanting to go back," Weiss urged, keeping her voice just above a whisper. She shook her head, squeezing Ruby's hand before looking back and burying herself in Ruby's pools of silver. "You… You nearly died, Ruby. Raven said as much."
"Well… I got pretty banged up, yeah, but I'm okay now!" As if to prove her point Ruby jumped in place, posing with her free arm and grinning. "See? A-okay!"
Weiss giggled at the showy display. Well, Ruby wasn't wanting for energy, that much was certain. Not that she'd ever known her partner to be worn down save for the most intensive training days.
"Ruby, we're partners, right?" Ruby nodded and Weiss smiled, the gesture fading as she squeezed the brunette's hand again. "And we're… Besties," she used Ruby's own term with care. "If something was bothering you then you'd tell me, right?"
"Of course! You're only, like, my super best friend in all of Remnant! We go together like two peas in a pod, or two cakes on a plate, or -"
"I'm not certain the second one means anything," Weiss quipped playfully.
"You know what I mean!" Ruby flashed an easy smile. "I'd tell you if something was wrong!"
Then why wasn't she? Ruby's foot began to tap again and her smile, as easily as it came, was as false as a nobleman's courtesies, put upon because it was expected, not because it was heartfelt. Feeling her partner's hand trembling in her own Weiss squeezed it gently, releasing a sigh that fogged up the air between them.
Why was Ruby so determined to lie to her?
"I'm nervous," Weiss conceded, wondering if her own admission might coax something out of Ruby. "I'm afraid, I suppose. What if we can't beat the Grimm? What if the town is already lost? Where will these people go? We can't stay here and protect them forever either."
For the first time since coming outside Ruby's smile wavered, falling completely as she cast a forlorn look out over the balcony's edge. "I know, but… We have to try something!"
As well they would. They were Hunters, duty bound to deal with all matters concerning Grimm. It was a fool's errand to try and reclaim a town in the midst of one of the largest Grimm incursions Vale had ever seen. Even madder still was it to expect to do so with such a paltry force.
Yet Ruby maintained an air of positivity or feigned one. Weiss wasn't sure what hurt more, knowing that Ruby had nearly died or that she was putting on a show to try and convince them she was okay. No one would be okay after nearly dying. Weiss knew firsthand what staring death in the face was like. To resign yourself to whatever lay beyond, to wait for Kalom, the god of death, to take you into His embrace.
Not wanting to press matters and upset Ruby, Weiss reached out and placed a hand on her friend's arm. "If you need anything, no matter what hour or where I am, don't hesitate, okay?" She smiled warmly. "Even if I call you a dolt you can talk to me."
"I know!" Ruby said, grinning. "That's why you're my bestie!"
Right. A 'bestie' that couldn't coax out whatever troubles her friend was enduring. Ruby shouldn't suffer in silence, no one should, and feeling incapable of changing that made Weiss feel utterly useless.
"Maybe we'll make rounds tomorrow? I think these people would be happy to see you alive and well after all you've done for them."
If she hadn't known Ruby's smile was a sham before then she did now, watching Ruby's lips twitch as her eyes shimmered. Worried she'd said something wrong Weiss took up her friend's hand in her own.
"Ruby? What's wrong?"
"N-Nothing! That sounds like a good idea!"
Unconvinced she cupped her hands around Ruby's, rubbing the back of it as she frowned. "Ruby… Do you not want to see them?"
The brunette shook her head hastily then gave the most strained smile Weiss had ever seen from her. "N-No, I do! I just… M-Maybe we should take it easy tomorrow? I mean you guys j-just got here!"
They had just arrived, and no doubt Raven would be putting them to task the first chance she got. Still, wouldn't Ruby like to see the people she'd saved? Surely their gratitude would help lift her spirits.
"I could go with you if you'd like? Yang too." Then again, they hadn't seem overly keen to see Hunters arriving. Weiss' hands gripped Ruby's a bit tighter and she frowned. "Ruby? Are these people angry with you?"
"What? No! They were super happy when I showed up!" Ruby answered hastily. A bit too hastily. Another false grin was given, and she shook her head. "Well not happy because, well, you know, but they haven't been mean to me once! I even know a lot of their names!"
That was surprising. Also distressing. Ruby knew the name of the survivors which meant she likely knew at least a few names of those who hadn't made it as well.
Those she couldn't save. Weiss stared into Ruby's eyes until they flickered away, downcast. Ruby nibbled on her lip and her free hand toyed with the clasp of her cloak, tracking the silver rose and tapping her foot rapidly. She feels responsible, doesn't she? Oh Ruby…
Maybe she was misreading the signals or looking where there were none. Either way Weiss dropped Ruby's hand and pulled her friend into a hug. It was nowhere near as firm as Yang's and Weiss had to get on her toes to be the same height. Ruby squeaked in surprise at the gesture before raising her trembling hands and placing them on the small of Weiss' back.
"You're a hero, Ruby," she whispered softly, patting her partner's back. "Everyone here is alive thanks to you. You… You did what a lot of people couldn't do." What a lot of people were refusing to do.
Hearing a soft whimper, she redoubled her hug, swaying slowly in place and closing her eyes.
"I'm not a hero, Weiss."
Frowning at the blatantly incorrect answer she shook her head. "Don't be absurd. You protected an entire village by yourself and all of these people are alive thanks to you."
When no answer came Weiss kept silent and continued to sway, her hand rubbing a loose circle on Ruby's back. For several minutes they stood together until Ruby finally held Weiss' sides and eased her back. Concern etched on her features Weiss managed a small smile, grabbing her partner's hands and holding them.
"Please don't think you failed, Ruby. You didn't."
The brunette smiled and nodded slowly. "I know… I just…" She shook her head, easing her hands free before running one through her own hair. "I'll be inside in a bit, 'kay? I just want a bit of fresh air."
Hesitant to leave Ruby on her own Weiss stepped back, smiling as she rubbed her chilled hands together. "If you need anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to come find me, okay?"
"R-Right. Goodnight Weiss."
It felt awful to leave Ruby standing out here on her own, when she was clearly distressed and in need of help. Weiss didn't know how to offer it though and didn't want to press only to make matters worse. Were the situations reversed she was certain Ruby would refuse to budge until everything came spilling out, then somehow make everything seem alright. Compared to that Weiss' efforts felt insignificant.
"We'll save everyone, Ruby," she urged gently, and this time it was Weiss who forced a smile she wasn't feeling. For Ruby's sake. "Hunters are heroes, remember? And more than that, I believe in you. With you here we can do this."
If Weiss hadn't felt like a failure before she did now. Ruby's face crumpled and her hands clasped over her mouth, eyes squeezing shut before staring desperately at her. Concerned she slowly approached, pausing when Ruby stepped back and shook her head. Perplexed by the reaction Weiss reached out, gawking and retracting her hand when Ruby bat it away.
"Don't! Just… Don't!" Ruby shouted, cringing hearing her own voice ring out so loudly.
Weiss flinched at the unexpected shout. What had she said? Why was Ruby acting so poorly all of a sudden? Taking another step forward she froze when Ruby whined, hugging herself and shaking her head. "Ruby…?"
"I'm not a hero," she tearfully argued, voice breaking. Pale cheeks began to glisten and she shook her head fitfully, bangs and tears flinging about. "You sh-shouldn't believe in me! I'll… I'll only let you down!"
"Ruby, what are you talking about?" Her own voice became desperate and Weiss tried to approach again, reaching out as Ruby darted away from her, pressing against the railing and trembling. "Ruby, please! I can't help if I don't know what's wrong!"
Her partner tried to speak yet each time her mouth opened little more than a pitiful whine or pained groan came out. Feeling as useful as a glass of water in a forest fire Weiss stood, hands flexing at her sides as her breath hitched, heart hammering in her chest.
Through ragged, strained breaths Ruby managed to speak at long last. She doubled over and whined again, shaking her head before giving Weiss a tearful, broken look. "You shouldn't believe in me, Weiss. I f-failed…"
"Ruby, you didn't -"
"And I ran away without telling anyone!" the brunette went on, tears falling as she shake. "I couldn't wait around, and I couldn't keep listening to dad telling me Yang was gone! I knew she had to be out there! I had to go, Weiss! I had to!" When she looked to Weiss for approval or something all Weiss could do was nod. It felt pitifully weak, but she didn't know what to say on the matter.
Ruby rubbed at her face and exhaled before running her hands through her hair, repeatedly, making a mess of her already unkempt locks. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I left, I'm sorry I ran away, I'm… I'm s-sorry that… Th-that…" Her voice broke in a tremor and another whine escaped. Ruby sank to the floor and sobbed, wrapping her arms around her knees and burying her face in them.
Weiss was at her side in an instant. Wrapping her arms around Ruby's shoulders she knelt on the cold balcony, pulling the other girl into a hug. Body wracked with woeful wails Ruby turned slightly and grabbed onto Weiss, clinging to her desperately as her hands blindly fumbled before grabbing hold of Weiss' tunic.
"I'm sorry," Ruby repeated. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry…"
All Weiss could do was sit as she was and hold Ruby. Were the apologies for her or for those she hadn't been able to save? The former confused her, the latter broke her heart. No one would fault Ruby for being unable to do the impossible. No one save for Ruby herself.
How ridiculous she was for feeling jealous earlier.
When Ruby had gone to Yang first then she'd felt betrayed. It was a silly, selfish feelings and she knew it then just as she did now; Yang was Ruby's sister, her "dead" sister suddenly back in her life. By all rights Ruby could and should have sought the blonde out first.
That didn't make Weiss feel any less inadequate then and it certainly didn't change things now.
Maybe Yang could comfort her. Maybe she'd know what to say.
Ruby sank further and Weiss leaned in to follow suit, hugging Ruby tightly without making it uncomfortable. Her friend buried her face in Weiss' shoulder, and she shifted to accommodate, sobs stifled. Through her shirt Weiss began to rub circles in Ruby's back, unwittingly seeping heat from her friend as she closed her eyes and began to gently rock side to side.
Weiss wasn't sure how long they spent in those positions. Long enough that her knees began to ache against the cold balcony, her skin growing cold and damp as Ruby's tears continued to soak her tunic. If it meant providing even a modicum of relief to her friend, she'd gladly endure both all night if she had to.
For all her magic ability she was unaware of the 'magic words' that might have helped Ruby in that moment. If they even existed to begin with.
By the time Ruby's cries had been reduced to soft sniffles the clouds that had plagued the sky at long last passed by. White light shone from the heavens as the moon, unrestricted by coverage any longer, unleashed its strength in earnest. Weiss lifted her head and shivered as a cool wind blew, drawing Ruby closer against herself when she felt her friend shiver too.
At long last Ruby pried herself from Weiss, cheeks stained with tears and eyes rimmed red. She sniffled, wiping her face on her sleeves before managing the sorriest of smiles. "S-Sorry about that…"
Weiss shook her head and managed a smile in return, gently wiping off tear-soaked cheeks. "You dolt… Don't ever apologize for that. We're friends, aren't we? The least I can do is be a shoulder to cry on."
"Y-Yeah…" Ruby sniffled as her eyes found something, sparkling with tentative mirth, her lips curling slightly. "I definitely did a lot of that, huh?"
Damp was generous, it was positively soaked through. Bearing an apologetic smile for Ruby's 'crime' Weiss smiled, shaking her head.
"I'm hardly upset. I'll gladly suffer a few tears if it helps you at all."
Weiss tilted her head when Ruby offered up her sleeve, then held still as a statue when her cheeks were wiped dry. Blinking, she checked her cheeks and found traces of tears on her skin, wiping away the remains of what she hadn't realized she'd shed in the first place.
Ruby giggled weakly, pushing herself back on her hands and rear until her back was against the railing. Weiss followed and settled beside her partner, close enough that their sides pressed together, feeling Ruby's natural warmth radiating into her from the light contact.
"I'm… I'm really glad you're here, Weiss…"
Hearing the tone of her voice Weiss felt her eyes prickle, stubbornly shaking her head as she refused to let more tears fall. "Of course I'm here, Ruby. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
Pleased with the answer Ruby nodded, letting out a soft hum before looking skyward. She gasped, a more honest smiling appearing as she pointed. "It's so pretty…"
It certainly was. With nothing to inhibit it the heavens decided to put on a brilliant display on their behalf. Stars, countless in number as they were in distance, sparkled and shone brilliantly, scattered chaotically in a random beauty that only nature could manage. The moon, larger than any star, floated high above and even its broken mass was somehow inherently gorgeous. Its borderline silver glow was warm despite the cool air around them, and welcoming.
Trees rustled as another wind, warmer than the last, waltzed through the canyon. Beside her Ruby released a squeaky yawn and rubbed at her raw eyes. Weiss placed a hand over her own mouth to stifle a yawn, then stretched herself out before smiling at Ruby.
"Shall we go inside…?"
Ruby shook her head, taking her eyes from the sky to look at Weiss shyly. "If it's okay… Can we stay out here tonight…?"
Weiss considered it for a moment before nodding. Dealing with the occasional chilly breeze was worth the happy clap Ruby made, or the eager, bright smile she bore.
"If we get too cold though we're going indoors," she warned, wagging a finger in Ruby's face. "We can't afford to catch a cold on a mission."
"Pfff, you don't catch a cold from being cold, Weiss!" Ruby squeaked, drawing back and covering the top of her head.
"I know that, dolt," she chastised gently, smiling as she lowered her hand. "But I don't want to wake up shivering, as I'm sure neither do you."
"Oh! Well then…" Ruby leaned forward and undid the clasps around her shoulders. Her red cloak came free and she shook it out before draping it across their laps. "It's a little thin but it should help a bit!"
Face matching the cloth in her lap Weiss nodded, looking away and clearing her throat. They settled in side by side, nothing but the chirp of crickets and cicadas and the heavens above to keep them company. Her cheeks only darkened when Ruby moved closer still, looking back when her friend's head laid on her shoulder.
"Hey Weiss…?"
"Mhm?"
Ruby lifted her head just enough to smile, eyes sparkling and warm once more. "Thanks for coming outside…"
Feeling her chest flutter Weiss nodded, patting Ruby's knee beneath her cloak. As if she needed to be asked to do so. Laying her head back and looking skyward once more she yawned again, rubbing at her eyes.
"Naturally…" she muttered softly.
A gentle snore startled her a moment later and she turned to Ruby, smiling finding her partner already fast asleep. Though her cheeks were still stained with tears and her hair a mess the brunette looked peaceful, the faintest trace of a smile on her cherubic face. Content that she'd helped to calm Ruby, and feeling the exhaustion she'd so desperately craved earlier, Weiss closed her eyes and smiled.
Another breeze ruffled them, but Weiss paid it no heed. Instead she chose to listen to Ruby's gentle breathing, the faint crackling of nearby torches, and the not-so-distant rustling of leaves in the wind. Before long, her own breathing became slower and relaxed, her head falling to the side to rest upon Ruby's.
The balcony was more comfortable than any bed could ever hope to be.
A bit of a slower chapter but one I wanted to do. Anything shy of this would have felt, to me, like I was glossing over what Ruby had endured. As things stand I already feel like I didn't address Weiss' thoughts enough and given everything Ruby went through it felt right to spend time on it.
For those of you who don't want my gushy stuff I promise next chapter is about to have a lot more in the way of fun! Spoiler: magic!
And angst. Can't forget angst!
Thanks for reading as always you wonderful people. Feedback is appreciated! You spending time just reading even more so!
Have a wonderful day, week, whatever indeterminate amount of time that pleases you. Until next chapter!