Yang could honestly not remember the last time she did not wake up to a cold bed... or couch in this particular case. Which was... a bit sad now that she thought about it. But judging from the last week and a half, it seemed like that streak may finally be over.

As Yang began to come to consciousness, she slowly became aware of the warm pressure that was currently on top of her. Having a sneaking suspicion as to what exactly it was, without even opening her eyes, she smiled, as the memories from the prior night began to come back to her.

Similar to other nights of the past week - or afternoons, depending on the timing of her shift for that day - Yang had spent the evening with Coco. They hung out, watched movies, ate popcorn and a variety of other junk food, drank some of the blonde's favourite craft beer, as per her recommendation, and finally, fell asleep on the couch together, with the brunette practically on top of her. All while the TV was still playing. All in all, it was a wonderful night. Sure, it was not exactly the most romantic date that they could have had - much like the other times throughout the week - but even so, she did not care, and she was fairly certain that Coco did not either. The only thing that really mattered is that they enjoyed each other's company. They had fun together. They were keeping things light and breezy.

Finally opening her eyes, Yang's smile only grew at the sight she witnessed before her. Currently lying atop her was Coco, appearing sound asleep with her head comfortably nestled between her clothed beasts. It was adorable, and... peaceful, like all the fatigue that usually plagued her features was gone. Certainly a rare sight to behold. Even when the two were laughing and joking like a couple of idiots, there was always this... weariness to her, so it was nice to see her in such a... tranquil state. Plus, the way she was cuddled up to Yang, it was almost kind of romantic. Unfortunately she could not make any jokes about it, since Coco was still asleep and all. She could not even take a picture for later, as her scroll was... somewhere in the apartment. That was definitely something that needed to be remembered when she actually got up. But until then, Yang just gently wrapped her arms around the other woman, closing her eyes again to go back to sleep.

Some amount of time later, she was roused from her light slumber to the feeling of Coco raising from her position, as well as the sound of her yawning. There was part of her that wanted to get up with her... girlfriend? Wait, could the two of them be considered girlfriends yet? It was true that the two had technically been going out for over a week now, but they had not exactly done anything romantic, so perhaps... friends with benefits? No, that was definitely not right. Maybe-

"Ah, shit." Suddenly came Coco's tired voice from above Yang, interrupting her train of thought and prompting her to open her eyes, which revealed the brunette staring down at her tank top - More specifically where her head had previously been.

"Everything okay?" Yang wondered as the two adjusted their positions, until she was mostly sitting up, while the other woman was straddling her thighs, still staring downward.

"I kind of uh, drooled on you... a bit." Coco admitted, reaching up to scratch the back of her head with her uninjured arm in slight embarrassment.

Raising a brow, Yang looked down at her tank top to indeed find a... rather large wet spot, right on her left breast. Wow, she was not kidding. Due to the white tank top she was wearing, that giant drool spot would normally partially expose the skin beneath, but like an idiot, she had forgotten to take off her bra the prior night due to dozing off with Coco. So, no such skin could be seen. Just a hint of a boring white bra. Even so, Yang just looked back up at the woman currently sitting atop her thighs with a sly smirk. "You're just tryin' everything you can think of to get my top off, huh?"

Coco just chuckled a bit at the accusation, meeting the blonde's smirk with one of her own. "That depends, is it workin'?"

Yang's smirk quickly shifted into a grin upon hearing the question. Not really, but that gives me an fun little idea. She thought to herself, before reaching down to grip the hem of her tank top, quickly pulling the garment up far enough to briefly expose her sizable bra-covered breasts, earning a pair of raised brows from the other woman - Who merely stared down at them for several moments.

"Nice."

Yang could not help but giggle at her friend's supposed amazement over seeing under her shirt. "Even with this boring ass bra? You're pretty easy to please."

Coco rolled her eyes, but the smile on her face did not falter. "Dude, I haven't seen a pair in ages."

Pulling her shirt back down, Yang faux-gasped. "My gods, you poor woman." Though before she could continue, the sound of a stomach rumbling could be heard from within Coco's midsection. It made the blonde smirk again. "Well, I could offer mine, but it sounds like you'd rather have some breakfast. You want pancakes?"

Coco immediately quirked a brow. "Homemade pancakes?"

Yang just scoffed. "What do you take me for? Yeah homemade!"

"Then fuck yeah I do." Coco confirmed. "You still got that chocolate syrup and caramel? 'Cause I know we've gone through a lot in the past week."

Yang nodded, a bright smile spreading across her face. "You know it. I bought more."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Coco wondered, shifting her position to get up off of her friend. "Let's get that shit going!" She burst, hopping off the couch.

"Sounds like a plan!" Yang agreed, standing up to join the brunette. Though as she did, she was suddenly reminded of a certain discomfort that she had not realized before. One of the worst feelings on the planet was leaving a bra on for longer than needed, but leaving one on overnight? Now that was truly awful. "Though before we do, just gimmie a sec. Gotta take care of somethin'." Yang requested, holding up a finger. As delicious as pancakes sounded, she desperately wanted to rid herself of the bra pain first. Gripping the neckline of her tank top, she pulled the garment up over her head, holding it aside with one hand, while the other reached up behind her back to unclip her bra. Was it a little weird to just undress right in front of her still-new girlfriend... friend... person? A little, but she did not care. They were both fairly open people, and it was likely going to happen at some point anyway. Removing the piece of underwear with a heavy sigh, fully exposing - and finally freeing - her ample bust, Yang tossed it onto the couch before re-donning her top, all while Coco merely stood a few feet away with a somewhat shocked expression on her face, staring directly at her chest until her shirt was completely back on. Gods, that feels so fuckin' good.

"Fuckin' damn." Coco marveled, before looking over at the discarded piece of underwear. "But seriously, you need better bras, girl."

Yang just shrugged, briefly looking down her tank top to observe the red indentations upon the sensitive skin of her breasts that made up the stress marks, most stemming from many of her bras being too ill-fitting. "Yeah, but better ones are way too expensive."

Looking around to spot the antique clock that was hanging on the wall near the front door - the same one that Summer and Tai had given the blonde when she first moved into the apartment - Coco read the time before turning back to Yang. "Alright, you don't have work until later, yeah?" She inquired, to which her friend nodded. "Cool, we're goin' shopping after breakfast then. My treat."

Yang quirked a brow at the offer as the two made their way into her rather small kitchen. "You're gonna buy underwear? What's next, sex toys?"

Coco shrugged while the blonde began to gather cooking supplies. "If you need 'em, sure."

And that definitely wasn't the answer I was expecting, but... "I like the sound of that, sugar mamma." Yang teased, taking a moment to wink at the brunette. "I've been meaning to get some more toys anyway. All I've got is a vibe that I've had for like, almost five years. Call her Ol' Reliable."

Coco just chuckled. "I've got way too many toys to name them." She admitted, to the slight surprise of her friend. "But that aside, this is the best week I've had all year, and I wanna pay it back a little."

Starting to prepare the pancake mix, Yang raised a brow slightly. "Really? Thanks, Coco. That's really sweet."

Coco only grinned. "Just like the chocolate syrup that's gonna be on my pancakes."

After both women shared a laugh, they returned to making breakfast. It was certainly not in silence, as the pair continued to joke around with one another, but it only lasted a short time. While Yang began cooking the first of likely many sets of pancakes, Coco raised her arms to stretch... sort of. What actually happened was that she completely rose her uninjured arm up over her head, as far as it could reach, while only lifting her cast-covered arm a bit. Though as she did, she groaned.

"Ah, fuckin' hell."

Turning to face her friend, Yang furrowed her brow. "Everything okay?"

Awkwardly squirming in place, Coco let out a sigh. "Yeah, just, forgot to take off my bra, too, and it's buggin' the hell outta me." She explained, reaching up to grip the neckline of her T-shirt, attempting to pull it up with one hand, which sadly was not going very well due to the cast that covered her other arm.

Awkwardly watching the admittedly sorry sight for a few moments, Yang put down her spatula and turned down the heat on the stove. "You... want some help with that?" She offered.

Coco just sighed again, letting her shoulders slump. "Yeah, that'd be great." She agreed, raising her arms after a moment to allow for her shirt to be removed.

Taking a step toward her friend, Yang lightly grabbed one of the sleeves of Coco's T-shirt, pulling it out slightly to allow for her to slip her uninjured arm in, before grasping the neckline of the shirt, lifting it up and over her head. After that, she carefully pulled it over the casted arm. Once the garment was off, she put it onto the counter, just before realizing what exactly the brunette was wearing beneath: A lacy red bra. Oh man, that's uh, wow. Then Yang smirked, taking a moment to admire the piece of underwear. And she called mine nice. "Lace, huh? Seems like someone was lookin' to get some."

Coco let out a chuckle at the... accusation? "Blame Little Red. When we picked up clothes from my place, she went for the lace drawer, so that was all Big Red had to dress me with. The comfort drawer was closer to the bed."

"Well, she's got good taste." Yang offered, leaning forward to reach around her friend's back, unclipping her bra with a single, one-handed motion. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

Coco merely smirked at the motion as she used her uninjured arm to completely remove the undergarment herself, exposing her mid-sized breasts as she tossed it over the kitchen counter and half-wall partition, onto the couch. "Feels like you've done this before."

Yang met the other woman's smirk with one of her own, remaining close for a moment to look directly into her brown eyes. "Once or twice." She answered with a wink.

"I can tell." Coco grinned, picking up her shirt from atop the counter behind her.

A moment of silence passed. "So... now what?" Yang wondered, as her eyes shifted between the brunette's eyes and bare chest.

Coco rolled her eyes, a slight grin still on her face. She then leaned in close to her friend, until their lips were barely an inch away from one another, remaining there for several moments, before holding out her shirt out for the other woman. "You help me put my shirt back on, dummy."

Yang just chuckled, taking the shirt from her friend as she leaned back. Carefully helping Coco get her casted arm into the T-shirt, she assisted in getting her other arm, and finally her head into the garment, finally pulling it down to cover the rest of her torso. After taking a step back, the two woman both smiled, with Yang returning to the stove. "Now let's get back to makin' breakfast."

And so they did. Yang took the main responsibilities of the preparation, while Coco did what she could to help, which unfortunately was not too much, but she did her best - and the blonde really appreciated it. It was one thing to help with preparing a meal when one was healthy, but to do it with a broken arm? Now that was a truly kind gesture.

It took a while, due to the sheer amount of pancakes that the two made, breakfast was finally ready. While Coco set the table, Yang gathered the giant mountain of pancakes and various toppings that the two enjoyed. Maple syrup, chocolate syrup, caramel, and of course, icing sugar. My gods this is a lotta sugar. She thought to herself, picking up everything from the counter and bringing it to the kitchen table. After that, she headed back to the fridge, opening it up to get herself some orange juice. Though as she did, she turned to the brunette, who was now taking her seat at the kitchen table.

"Alrighty, what do you want to drink?" Yang wondered as she poured out the orange juice for herself. "Water? Coffee? Juice..."

From her place at the table, Coco just smirked. "Could go for some Xiao Long milk."

Yang just snorted, nearly spilling the juice all over the counter. Thankfully she was able to keep it together enough at that... unexpected request. "Kinky." Then she met her friend's smirk with one of her own, holding out an empty cup in one hand, and nudging her breast with the other. "You want that in a glass, or straight from the source?"

"You kiddin' me? Straight from the source." Coco grinned, before shrugging. "Never as good in a glass." After a moment of silence, with the two women merely staring at one other, they burst into laughter. Gods, we're such dorks. "But seriously, coffee would be great. With regular milk."

Letting out a chuckle, Yang moved over to the admittedly lightly-used coffee maker. "Comin' right up!" After the coffee was finished, she poured some into one of the many comedic mugs she owned - this one of The Real Geistbusters - added some milk, and brought it over to the table. "One coffee, with regular milk." Yang smiled, handing her friend the mug before picking up the spatula that currently sat next to the plate full of pancakes. Quietly beginning to serve a stack of pancakes onto each of their plates, an idea suddenly popped into her head, regarding a certain aspect of Coco that she saw after removing that lacy red bra. As she piled a set of pancakes onto the brunette's plate, Yang leaned in close for a whisper. "Nice ghost nips, by the way."

Rather than blushing, like the blonde had hoped, Coco just chuckled, using her uninjured arm to pull her top's neckline out a bit, taking a brief look down at her chest. "Yeah, some people like 'em, but I dunno, I'd much rather have ones like yours. Nice and prominent and shit."

Unfortunately, Yang could not stop her cheeks from heating up slightly, much to her embarrassment. Damnit, she's the one who's supposed to be blushing! She had always been a bit insecure about the size of her nipples, so it was nice to hear that someone liked them. "Thanks, but they're way too big." She sighed, looking down her own top. "Sometimes I paint smaller ones on with lipstick."

Coco quirked a brow as she began pouring chocolate syrup onto her stack of pancakes. "Sounds like a lotta work. What happens when it rubs off? Or a tongue gets down there?"

Yang only grinned. "Wanna find out?" She offered, downright purring. This time will do it.

Once again, Coco did not blush. Rather, she hummed, crooking her finger for the blonde to come closer... or something. So she did, leaning down until, for the second time this morning, their faces were mere inches apart. The two proceeded to remain there for a short time, lilac eyes staring into brown, and those brown staring right back, until their owner smirked. What is she up to... Yang silently wondered, as unbeknownst to her, Coco was discretely picking up a chocolate syrup-covered pancake from her plate. Another moment passed, before she brought it up to lightly smack the blonde directly in the face with it, getting chocolate syrup all over her cheek. Yang was immediately taken aback by the extremely unexpected action, blinking as she stood there, frozen, all while the brunette just continued to smirk at her.

"Oops."

Slowly reaching up to touch the chocolate syrup that currently covered her right cheek, Yang could not help but laugh at herself. "You're such a bitch." To which her friend said nothing, only smirking. So she just rolled her eyes. "Wasting my good chocolate syrup..."

Rather than responding, Coco remained silent, beckoning the blonde closer once more. Yang was suspicious, but it prompted her to lean in, but not as close as a minute ago. She was not about to get herself smacked in the face with another chocolate-covered pancake. Thankfully no such thing happened. Instead, Coco leaned toward her friend until they again were only a few inches away, reaching up to gently take hold of Yang's chin, drawing out a slight blush. She knew that the her friend was not about to kiss her - considering this was the third time their faces were so close - but... What was she up to now? After a couple moments of silence, Coco lightly turned her head, and, to her extreme surprise, leaned forward a bit more to lick the chocolate syrup right off her cheek, causing Yang to actually shudder.

Sitting back in her chair, Coco grinned once more. "There we go. Problem solved."

Yang only managed to stand there for several moments as her friend began to eat her breakfast, before finally clearing her throat and going to sit back down. "Guess that works. Just warm me next time." We stripped off our shirts in front of each other and a little lick made me shudder?! Gods this is embarrassing. She thought to herself as she began eating as well.

Coco let out a chuckle, even though her mouth was full of pancake. "Will boo."

Though still embarrassed, Yang could not help but giggle at the brunette's admittedly adorable, muffled words. That cocky, flirty image was being torn down, merely by how silly she looked. It reminded her of when Weiss was drunk... Weiss was so adorable when she was drunk... She's been doing that a lot recently...

"You alright over there, Xiao Long?" Coco suddenly wondered, pulling the blonde from her... slightly depressing train of thought.

Swallowing a bite of icing sugar-covered pancake, Yang just shrugged. "Yeah yeah, just got Weiss on my mind again."

Coco paused for a second, likely attempting to remember who her friend was talking about. Which made sense, considering the few heart-to-hearts that they had had were when they were a tiny bit drunk. "That's the uh, friend who constantly bangs her girlfriend in the bar closet, right?" To which Yang just nodded a bit. Coco was already aware of the situation regarding Weiss, so the blonde did not exactly need to say much. "Well, you could always bring me by sometime, give 'em a taste of their own medicine if you catch my drift."

Yang immediately inhaled her orange juice at the offer, leaving her coughing and spluttering for several moments. "W-What?" Is she offering what I think she's offering?

Coco just smirked, taking a sip from her coffee as she winked at her friend. "You heard me."

Yang's eyes widened at the realization that her friend was serious. Oh my gods... Though she attempted to focus on breakfast, she was unable to stop her cheeks from heating up, with various... inappropriate thoughts beginning to flood her mind. Yang imagined leading Coco by the hand into the bar's back closet, shutting the door as clothes were torn right off their bodies, ripping into each other like a couple of wild animals... Or pulling a Vernal and buying herself a nice, yellow strap-on and giving Coco the Weiss treatment... Or perhaps Coco would give her the Weiss treatment... That all depended on which one of them was the Weiss of the relationship... Oh man, that feels really weird to think about... But fuck does it sound hot... If Yang was being honest, she had always been a bit... curious as to what exactly it felt like to have sex in that back closet... Just shut up and eat your breakfast. You two are keepin' things light and breezy, remember?

After shaking away those... stimulating thoughts, Yang just offered a somewhat awkward smile. "Y-Yeah, I'll uh, definitely keep that in mind..." To which the brunette only kept her smirk while the two continued eating their mouth-watering pancakes. It was an old feeling, seeing someone enjoy her cooking so much again. With Ruby having been gone for almost three years now, it was only ever Yang herself in the apartment. But Coco seemed really happy... Far happier than Melanie, and without any of the coldness. Now, eating a delicious breakfast with a woman who not only appreciated it, but her company... It made her feel warm inside.

It was not exactly what Yang was after, but it filled the hole just enough.

That's what she said.


It was always a bad sign when not even Yang could cheer Weiss up.

Of course there had been other times when the wannabe punk had come into The Perch feeling rather down, but this time... this time was different. When Weiss walked through the front door - looking considerably less punk - slowly making her way to an empty booth and slumping down into a seat, not even speaking a single word, she looked... hopeless, and... defeated. So, naturally, Yang slipped into the booth, right across from Weiss, and tried her best to improve her mood, staring with a classic White Atlesian on the house.

It was still early in the afternoon, and the bar was still fairly vacant - plus Cinder was still on her break - so Yang should have plenty of time with her friend. Unfortunately, even with free drinks, it was not going well so far. Contrary to her other visits, Weiss barely said anything. No ranting, no complaining, just... quietly drinking. The only thing that Yang knew for sure was that Vernal was involved, which... she sadly expected. The blonde did her best to make a reasonable excuse for her, but she was unsure if it was enough.

"It's Vernal, and... some people aren't good with feelings, and as far as I know, she came from a bad place in life..." Yang attempted to explain, hoping it would cause some positive reaction. As conflicted as she was about this whole situation, the last thing she wanted - rather, something she was afraid of - was driving a wedge between the two.

Weiss merely let out a tired sigh, taking another rather large sip from her fourth White Atlesian. "I know, I just... don't know what to do..."

Damnit. "Hey, well, no matter what happens, my door's always open, alright?"

Looking up from her drink, Weiss actually managed a fairly small smile, for the first time since she came in. "Thanks, Yang."

Yang met her friend's smile with a brighter one of her own, glad to know she was at least getting somewhere. She then opened her mouth to continue, but out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of the bar's front door opening, revealing a perky redhead excitedly walking inside, clad in a bright pink T-shirt and jean short shorts. So she turned back to her friend. "Alright, I'll be right back, 'nother customer just walked in." Yang informed. "I'll see what she wants, and we can..." She began to explain, not even noticing that the unknown redhead had looked directly at them, before sauntering over to them and plopping down into the booth right next to Weiss, a smile as bright as the sun adorning her face. It caused her to trail off, merely looking between her friend and this new woman before them. "Continue... this... Uh... Hello?"

The redhead across from her only grinned. "Hiya!" To which Yang and Weiss shared a somewhat awkward look, extremely confused as to who exactly this woman was, and why she was being so friendly to two people she supposedly did not even know. "You've got really pretty hair!"

Yang just blinked, not prepared for the sudden compliment. "Uh, thanks..."

Then, before the blonde could even get her composure back, the woman turned to Weiss. "And that jacket looks so good on you! Was it expensive? It looks expensive!" She burst, which was followed by a gasp. "And it goes so well with that adorable pink shirt you've got on underneath!"

What is going on right now?

Finally gaining back her composure, Yang cleared her throat. "So uh, you want something to drink?"

The woman only continued to grin. "Absolutely! Gimme somethin fruity, with a kick!"

Fruity with a kick? I can do that. "Comin' right up." Yang accepted, raising from her seat and making her way behind the bar to make that woman her drink. A couple minutes later, spent both mixing the drink and watching her friend and the woman interact, she returned to the booth with a Strawberry Sunrise in hand, placing it onto the table in front of the redhead. "One Strawberry Sunrise."

"Oooohh." The woman marveled, curiously eyeing the drink. "Looks good!" Then she turned to Weiss, nudging her slightly with her elbow. "But is it as sweet as this little lady?"

As odd as the current situation was, Yang could not help but chuckle a bit as she returned to her seat across from the other two. "Not likely." To which Weiss just scoffed, causing her to chuckle more. "But uh... what brings you around here?"

With a grin still on her face, the redhead shrugged. How is she keeping that smile for so long? "No reason, just heard this was a great place to chill."

Well, she's not wrong.

After taking a sip from her drink, and thoroughly enjoying it - evident by the over-dramatic hum that came after - the woman looked between the two. "So are you two like, an item or somethin'?" To which Weiss immediately almost choked on her own beverage, while Yang was left to only blush.

"Oh, no! No, I'm uh, I-I'm spoken for... I think." The blonde attempted to assure.

Weiss then furrowed her brow. "You think? I thought everything was going well with Coco?"

"Everything is alright!" Yang confirmed. "It's just uh, we're keepin' things light and breezy for a while, y'know? So I dunno if we're considering us together together yet. Though she did buy me a butt-load of nice underwear yesterday..." Is that something that only couples do?

"Ahh... got a little casual thing goin' on, huh?" The woman grinned. "I dig it." Then she leaned closer to the blonde, lowering her voice. "If you're ever lookin' for a third in the sack, I'm always available." She offered with a wink. After a moment, Yang realized what had just been said and only managed to blink at the... unexpected offer, while Weiss only watched the interaction, brows raised in amusement. Unfortunately for the latter, the woman turned to her next. "How 'bout you? Got a special guy or gal in your life?"

Caught off-guard by the sudden change in focus, Weiss took a moment to realize what exactly had just been asked. "Y-Yes, a gal- I mean, a girlfriend. I have a girlfriend, Vernal. She actually works here."

"Oohh, bartender girlfriend, nice." The redhead hummed, before looking off toward the bar counter. "She workin' today?"

Weiss shook her head, taking a small sip from her drink as her expression faltered. "Not until tonight, she's probably still sleeping... but I can... show you a picture of her so you will be able to recognize her next time you come in."

The woman quickly grinned at the offer. "Okay!" She excitedly agreed, sliding closer to the wannabe punk until they were shoulder-to-shoulder.

Somewhat awkwardly pulling out her scroll, Weiss tapped a few times until turning the device toward the woman beside her, pointing to what the blonde could only assume was a picture. "That's her, between Yang and I."

Furrowing her brow at the image for a moment, the woman suddenly perked up. "Hey, I know her! She buys pot from one of my clients."

Her clients? What exactly does this woman do?

Upon hearing the revelation, Weiss' expression became that of... concern. "Do you mean that she used to? She told me she doesn't do that stuff anymore..."

Uh oh.

The redhead merely paused for a moment, likely aware of what she might have just revealed. Thankfully she knew better than to continue, instead changing the subject. "I've never seen her smirk like that. I didn't even know she was allowed to smirk." Then she chuckled a bit. "Isn't that like, against the biker code or somethin'?"

"Only time she smirks is when Weissy's around." Yang informed, hoping the change in subject would stick.

The redhead smiled, rather warmly. "Aw, adorbs." She gushed, before looking over to eye the woman next to her. "Can't blame her though, you're cute as a button." She complimented, reaching up to lightly boop Weiss' nose, causing her blush slightly, even though she rolled her eyes.

"Oh, hush."

Man, this girl is weird.

Before the three woman could continue their conversation any further, the door to the back room opened, revealing Cinder, who, upon seeing the woman that currently sat in the booth with Yang and Weiss, stared directly at her with a widened eye.

"Nora?"

The woman in question only grinned. "Hi Cindy! Come sit with us!"

Cindy? Looking between her coworker and the redhead, Yang made a realization. "Wait, this is Nora?"

"The one and only!" Nora confirmed.

So this is the escort friend Cinder was talkin' about... Well, she's certainly... bubbly.

Making her way out from behind the counter and approaching the booth, Cinder stopped in front of the table, almost appearing to glare at her escort friend. Man, I should not be calling her that. "What are you even doing here?"

Nora just shrugged. "I had nothin' to do until later, and felt like visiting my friend." She smiled. "Now come on and join us, Cindy!"

Aw, that's cute. Yang thought to herself as Cinder finally gave in, sliding into the booth next to the blonde. Then a thought occurred. I wonder if Coco will ever randomly visit me... Or maybe I could go visit her... No wait, she doesn't have a job. But... Weiss does...

"Now, have you behaved since you arrived here?" Cinder questioned.

"Of course!" Nora defended. "Just 'cause I don't wear pants around your place doesn't mean I never wear 'em."

Hold up, what was that?

"And you didn't try to pick either of them up?" Cinder continued.

"Nope!" Nora grinned, clearly proud that she did not attempt to do to them what she did to her friend, back when they had first met. "We've just been chattin', y'know, havin' a nice time while I was waitin' for you." To which her friend only raised her brow in suspicion.

"Well, she did kinda offer to be a third for Coco and I in the bedroom..." Yang almost hesitantly informed, which only caused Cinder to roll her eye.

"Of course she did."

After a moment, Weiss raised her hand a bit. "Excuse me, could one of you please explain to me exactly what's going on?"

"Oh yeah. Weiss, Nora. Nora, Weiss." Yang clarified, gesturing between the two women as she spoke. "Nora lives in Cinder's building."

"Oh, well, a pleasure then." Weiss smiled, holding out a hand to the redhead to shake. Though unfortunately for her, Nora did not seem to be interested in a handshake. Instead, she pushed her hand aside and leaned forward, wrapping the younger woman in a bear-hug, eliciting a cute little yelp.

"Nice to meet ya!"

Clearly aware of Weiss' shock, Cinder let out a sigh. "Nora, release her."

Releasing the woman in question after a couple seconds, Nora giggles a bit. "Hehe, sorry. I'm a hugger."

"You'll fit in fine then." Yang commented as her friend composed herself.

Nora then grinned at the older woman. "See, told ya they'd like me, Cindy."

Cinder just rolled her eye. "Of course they like you, you're a basket case."

Watching those two interact, Yang could not help but wonder something. "Though that does beg the question, how are you two friends?" She asked, looking between the two women. "You're so... different!"

"She's a lot cuddlier than she acts." Nora answered, flashing a grin over at Cinder.

Upon hearing that answer, Yang's brow immediately raised. Okay, that sounds like a story. "Oh is she now? Please go on."

"I am also curious about elaboration." Weiss added, taking a sip from her drink.

"Glomping is hardly cuddling, Nora." Cinder mentioned, rolling her eye once again, causing Yang and Weiss to raise their brows, both eager to know more.

"Still counts, Cindy!" Nora insisted.

"So you say."

Yang furrowed her brow at the interaction. "So you two are cuddling..." Then she turned to the redhead. "Hey Nora, what's Cindy like outside of work?

"Don't call me that." Cinder sternly requested.

"But Nora does!" Yang attempted to defend.

"And that is because she's Nora." Cinder clarified, much to the unsatisfaction of the blonde.

"Yeah! I'm special!" Nora immediately burst after a sip of her drink.

Cinder seemingly could not help but smile, rather warmly at her friend. "You certainly are."

"Alright then, what's Cinder like outside of work?" Yang wondered, using her full name for emphasis, hoping that would get her an answer.

"That is none of your concern." Cinder responded, flashing the slightest little smirk at the blonde.

"Oh come on!"

Weiss let out a chuckle, likely at her friend's failure to get any answers out of the older woman. "How did you two meet?"

"Oh, we just ran into each other one day." Nora explained, before giggling. "Literally like, sent her flying!"

While Yang was already somewhat aware of how those two met - with the redhead attempting to pick up the older woman - but now it seemed there was much more to it... At least that was how it sounded. "Okay, I'm gonna need more detail."

"Seconded." Weiss quickly added.

"I wasn't watching where I was going." Cinder simply answered, much to the disappointment of the other two.

Man, I thought it was gonna be more interesting. "So uh, Nora, how long have you been in Vale?"

Bringing a hand up to her chin, Nora took a moment to seemingly think. "Hmm, around five years, give or take. I'm bad with numbers."

"Where did you live before then?" Weiss inquired.

"East Mistral, but there wasn't much goin' on there, so I left." Nora explained with a shrug.

"And judging from your blatant offer to join Yang and her girlfriend in the bedroom, you don't have a partner of any kind?" Weiss continued, flashing a slight smirk over at the blonde. Aanndd she's not gonna let me forget that.

"I'm ridin' free." Nora added, before snorting. "Well, kinda. Besides, Cindy's wife enough for me."

Guess having a partner would be a bit difficult when she's bangin' guys and gals all the time.

Upon hearing the other woman's answer, Weiss raised a brow. "She's wife enough for you?"

"She won't sign the divorce papers." Cinder commented.

Understanding the joke, Yang smirked a bit before faux-gasping and turning to Cinder. "So does that mean we can't get married?"

Weiss just blinked at her friend. "Wait, what?"

Cinder shook her head, faux-frowning. "I'm afraid not, Yang."

"You'll never take her from me!" Nora excitedly declared, lightly hitting her fist against the table for emphasis.

Over next to the redhead, Weiss was clearly not understanding the joke. "But I thought-"

"How dare you keep her from her true love!" Yang objected. Man this is fun.

Then Cinder just smirked, clearly amused at the fake argument. "Fight for my heart, my dear friends."

Upon hearing the request, Nora immediately leaned forward, almost slamming her elbow onto the table as she held out her hand, appearing to be ready for an arm-wrestling competition. "Let's go, little girl!"

Seeing the challenge, Yang did the same, placing her elbow onto the table locking hands with the redhead. "Bring it on!" She agreed, thus beginning the competition. As the two pushed back against each other, Yang could not help but be a bit impressed. Wow this girl is strong. Almost as strong as the blonde herself in fact. They both pushed and pushed, but after almost a full minute of arm wrestling, Yang finally began to gain the upper hand, slowly pressing the other woman's arm toward the table, until she finally won. All while Weiss was still sitting there watching, noticeably confused as to what was going on.

"Boom!" Yang burst, raising her arms in victory. "Looks like your mine now, Cindy."

Cinder brought a hand up to her chin. "Hmm, Nora, you disappoint me."

Appearing dejected for a moment, Nora seemingly realized something, and smirked, rather slyly. "Does that mean I can have you know who?"

"You can have your Sunrise on the house, as consolation." Cinder answered, clearly dodging the subject. Not on my watch, Cindy.

"You know who?" Yang wondered, quirking a brow. "Does someone have a crush we don't know about?"

Rather than blushing, which was what the blonde was kind of hoping for, Cinder remained stoic, merely glaring at her friend. "Someone has a big mouth."

Oh my gods. "So it's true!" Yang burst, somewhat unintentionally. "Who is it? Anyone we know?"

"Someone who values their privacy." Cinder simply answered.

"Someone who values their privacy..." Yang echoed, attempting to figure out who it could possibly be. Could always just start guessin'. Let's see... "Is it Pyr? No no, Qrow? No that's worse. Uh... Ah, damn, who is it, Cinder?"

Cinder remained quiet for a moment, causing Yang to wonder if she was going to avoid answering her question. "Lisa Lavender." Or not.

Weiss raised a brow in response. "The newscaster on channel nine?"

Cinder just nodded a bit, a slight smirk spreading across her face. "I never miss it."

Yang could not help but smile at the realization. "Aw, you've got a celebrity crush, that's adorable!"

Surprisingly, quietly watching the interaction, Nora furrowed her brow, seemingly in confusion. "Wait, what?"

Noticing her friend's expression, Cinder cleared her throat. "Nora, do tell them about Ren, you are rather fond of him." She requested, clearly attempting to change the subject. Oh don't think you've escaped that topic, Cindy.

Weiss again raised a brow. "Ren?"

Finishing another sip from her drink, Nora nodded. "He was my boyfriend back when I was in Mistral. We uh, we broke up just over a year ago."

"That's sad to hear, I'm sorry, Nora." Weiss acknowledged, placing a hand onto the redhead's shoulder and offering a small smile. Even when somewhat intoxicated, she was still able to be the caring person that she was.

Nora just shrugged. "It wasn't for bad reasons, life took us different places We still keep up sometimes."

"What happened?" Yang inquired, before catching herself. "I-If you don't mind my asking of course. I just... know what that sort of things feels like."

"He got a job opportunity in Atlas, and I couldn't follow where he needed to go." Nora explained, her gaze falling, just a bit. Though her smile remained bright. It was clear that the memory was painful, but even after only an hour, Yang could tell that she was the type of person to always put on a happy face for her friends. "I didn't wanna leech off of him, so I stayed behind."

"That's... that really sucks..." Yang sighed. "I uh, I once got left behind too, but it was my fault..." She continued, before realizing that everyone was looking at her with concerned looks on their faces. "Uh, sorry, that's depressing." Reaching to rub the back of her head, Yang attempted to think of something else to talk about. Then she looked between Cinder and Nora, and an idea popped into her head. "So... I'm just curious... has anything ever actually happened between you two? 'Cause you seem pretty comfortable around each other."

Rather than dodging the subject, as both Yang and Weiss expected, Cinder merely smiled at her friend. "She keeps my spirits high on rainy days."

Nora let out a small giggle. "Yeah, 'cause Cindy wouldn't be able to handle all this." She added, gesturing to her admittedly curvy figure, at least from what the blonde could see in their current position.

Cinder just rolled her eye. "Nora, you can hardly handle, all that."

Nora giggled again, harder this time. "Guess I'm just too powerful for my own good."

"Certainly a word for it." Cinder commented.

After they all shared a laugh, and returned to normal conversation - well, normal was probably debatable for most people if they were to listen in - Yang realized something rather important about their current situation. She and Cinder had been sitting with Weiss and Nora for a little while now, completely forgetting that both of them were still on their shifts for the next few hours, and should probably not be just hanging out with a couple of customers. The Perch would very likely be getting busier soon, so it would be a smart idea to find another time to talk like this.

"Hey, girls?" Yang began, thankfully getting the attention of the other three. "So uh, Cinder and I are kinda still on the clock for the next little while, so maybe we should continue after we're done? Anyone wanna go out for pizza later? My treat." She offered, hoping for at least one of them to say yes.

Unfortunately, Weiss was the first to say the opposite, shaking her head. "I would, but I have shopping to do after this visit. Plus, I believe my favourite coffee shop closes soon, and I'm out of my favourite kind, so I think I will be taking my leave now."

As she watched Nora and Weiss raise from their sets - the former so the latter could get out - Yang raised a brow. "You mean that hole in the wall, hipster place?"

Weiss only pouted at the description. "As I have told you before, it is a quaint little café, thank you very much." She reminded, which was technically the more accurate description, but the blonde enjoyed teasing her. "But either way, it was good talking to you all, and it was nice to meet you, Nora." Weiss added, holding out her arms, since she knew full well that the redhead was not going to shake her hand. As expected, Nora wrapped her in a tight, but brief hug before releasing her and sitting back down.

"Nice to meet you too!" Nora beamed as the other two bid her farewell, and she took her leave.

"How 'bout you, Nora?" Yang continued, interested to talk more with her. I would love to hear more about Cinder outside of work.

"Sorry, I've got clients to meet later." Nora answered, taking a sip from her almost-finished Strawberry Sunrise. "Next time!"

Yang just nodded, understanding that work was more important. Heh, clients. Bow chicka bow wow... Gods that's a weird thought. Then she turned to her coworker, who was getting up from her seat. "Cinder?"

The woman in question merely shrugged as she turned back to look at the blonde. "I don't have anything planned for after work."

Yang quickly grinned, practically hopping out of the booth. "Looks like you're stuck with me then!"

As the pair bid partial farewell to Nora, and headed behind the bar, Cinder raised her brow. "Is this to be my dowry?" She wondered, to which Yang let out a chuckle.

"Yeah- wait, your what now?"


As Pyrrha sat back on the living area couch, quietly attempting to get lost in the world of one of her favourite books: The Gladiatrix, she could not help but... find herself losing her place every so often, due to what would... unfortunately soon be arriving. Yes, today was the day that Blake Belladonna had scheduled to fly from Menagerie to Vale, and Ruby was currently on her way to pick that woman up from the airport. It was certainly not something Pyrrha was excited for, but at the same time, she and her wife had made a deal, so when Blake did arrive, she would finally be given the chance to give the Faunus a piece of her mind, after years of... contempt, slowly building within her.

Sadly, there was only one issue. Since it was not a workday, neither Pyrrha nor Ruby had anywhere to be, so when the latter got back to the apartment with Blake, there would be a total of four people in their home. Which was not exactly ideal for what the redhead wanted to achieve. Of course there was always the guest bedroom - also known as Coco's room for the foreseeable future - but unlike their worship room, it was not sound-dampened, so there was a chance that their conversation would be able to be heard from elsewhere in the apartment. And that was something that Pyrrha did not at all want. Though it seemed that it would be the only good option, unless she could somehow get Ruby and Coco out of the apartment for a while, or she went out with Blake for a while, which was... Well, she just would rather not do that, as she wanted to spend as little time with that woman as possible.

Then Pyrrha heard it. Murmurings coming from the hallway outside of their apartment, slowly growing louder. Two voices. One chirpy and excited, and the other... low and monotone. That could only mean one thing: Ruby and Blake were back from the airport, and it seemed that her peaceful time alone was about to be ruined. Hearing the front door's lock turn, she let out a quiet sigh, silently preparing herself as she attempted to continue reading, just before the door swung open.

"And this is our apartment!" Ruby beamed as she led her impressed-looking friend into the living area, with a travel bag hung over her shoulder. Upon noticing her wife, her smile faltered a bit as she and Blake set the latter's suitcase and bag aside. "Oh, and shoes off at the door! This isn't Vacuo y'know?"

Even with the redhead eyeing her from behind her book, Blake let out a slight chuckle as she untied and removed her... hipster sneakers, putting them beside those of Ruby. "You sound like my mother."

"Good! Now let's start the tour!" Ruby burst, leading the Faunus into the living area. "Now this is our living room! It's where we relax, watch TV, and sometimes eat, depending on the night. And over there is our kitchen! It's where we make food." She explained, before grinning. "But I guess you wouldn't know that since Sun cooks everything for ya."

"Oh ha ha." Blake deadpanned. "He doesn't make everything for me. I've been learning."

Ruby just giggled. "Well it's about time." Then she turned to the redhead. "And that's my wife! Though you already knew that..."

Pyrrha just continued to eye the other woman. "Blake."

Blake attempted to offer a small smile, clearly nervous. After all, Ruby did tell her what was coming. "H-Hi, Pyrrha. It's um, nice to see you again. Thank you... for letting me stay." To which Pyrrha merely hummed as she returned to her book. While she did feel the desire to make a comment, she instead decided to hold it down. She had to hold everything down, to avoid making the situation awkward for her wife. So, she would wait until the tour was over, then she get her chance to speak with that woman. Though before Ruby could even lead Blake into the hallway that contained the bedrooms and bathrooms, the guest bedroom door opened, revealing Coco, clad in a pair of black skinny jeans, but... completely shirtless. Well, aside from a chocolate-brown bra - not a sports bra, but a lacey one - and a pale yellow singlet top and grey cardigan hung over her shoulder, so that was at least a good sign. It meant that she was likely going over to Yang's sometime soon, since that was pretty much the only reason she had left the apartment in the last week and a half. Upon seeing the other two women walking kind of walking toward her, Coco let out a tired sigh.

"You're not gonna try to set me up again are ya, Big Red?" The brunette wondered. "'Cause I thought I told you the last one is going fine."

While Ruby appeared to be taken aback buy the question, her wife was unable to stop a small grin from spreading across her face. Thankfully no one else witnessed it. "Oh, no no! I promise that was the only time!"

Coco did not seem to believe it. "Uhuh." Then she eyed the unknown woman with a skeptical gaze. "And this isn't some high class stripper or somethin'?"

Blake just blinked at the... unusual guess as to who she was. "High class?"

"Of course not!" Ruby assured. "This is our friend, she's visiting from Menagerie!"

At that moment, Coco understood her mistake. "Ah. My bad."

Stepping forward, Blake held out her left hand, aware of the cast that covered the other woman's right arm. "I'm Blake. Blake Belladonna. I went to high school with Ruby and her sister."

Coco accepted the Faunus' hand with her own uninjured one. "Coco Adel. My uh, my girlfriend used to work with Ruby."

After a few moments of somewhat awkward silence, with the three woman merely standing there, one of them still shirtless, Ruby seemed to realize something. "Oh shoot."

Blake turned to her friend. "What?"

"I forgot about the spare room." Ruby admitted. "And there are two of you, and I doubt you wanna sleep in the same bed..."

Coco just shrugged. "I mean I don't really mind, but I could probably just crash at Yang's." The name caused feline ears to perk up, the Faunus' skin paling a bit. Good. "It would get me outta your hair for a while, plus I'd get me my new favourite pillows back."

"The futon is perfectly functional." Pyrrha informed from the couch.

"I'm fine with the futon." Blake agreed.

"It's not a problem, really." Coco attempted to argue.

"Coco." Pyrrha firmly interrupted. "You have a date to prepare for."

"I mean, it's not really a date, just goin' out for pizza with Yang and her friend." Coco explained.

Hearing that information actually gave Pyrrha an idea. She wanted a chance to get both Ruby and Coco out of the apartment so that she could speak with Blake, and the brunette's plans may have just given her the opportunity. "Well if that is the case, Ruby, why don't you give Coco a ride? I will help Blake get settled." She suggested in a warmer tone than before, lest she worry her wife or friend.

While she knew what that really meant, Ruby smiled, thankfully. "Okay!"

"Oh, well, I was just gonna walk, but if you're okay with drivin' me, that'd be great." Coco accepted after a moment. "Just give me a sec to finish gettin' changed." She added, heading into the bathroom and closing the door behind her.

Ruby then turned to the Faunus. "You mind if we put the tour on hold until I get back?"

Blake just smiled. "Of course."

A couple minutes later, Coco emerged from the bathroom, not wearing much in terms of makeup, but still looking beautiful nonetheless. And of course Pyrrha was sure to tell her friend that upon seeing her. Then, once Ruby was finished gushing about how pretty she looked, the two bid their farewell, and headed out, finally leaving Pyrrha and Blake alone. After a few moments, ensuring that her wife and friend were completely gone, the redhead swiftly closed her book and placed it onto the coffee table in front of her. Thank you Spring, for this opportunity. Winter, grant me strength. She silently prayed, raising from the couch and turning toward the other woman with a stern gaze.

"So... R-Ruby said you wanted to... t-talk to me?" Blake nervously wondered, unable to maintain complete eye contact.

"That's correct, now sit." Pyrrha commanded, pointing to the couch in front of her, and causing the woman in question to flinch at the harsh tone.

"O-Okay..." Blake mumbled, timidly making her way around the living area furniture and slowly taking a seat onto the couch. A few seconds passed by, with Pyrrha merely standing there, staring down at the nervous Faunus before her. There was so much that she wanted to say, but it seemed that the other woman had a different idea in her mind. "A-Are... Yang and Coco... dating?"

"That, is none of your concern." Pyrrha coldly informed. While one part of her wanted to tell this woman how happy her two friends had appeared to be recently due to their newly-formed relationship, the other felt that she did not deserve to know. "The only concern you should have in regards to my sister is what I have to say. Do you understand?" To which Blake just nodded a bit. "Good. I want you to know that it was Ruby's idea to allow you to stay here, not mine, because as far as I see it, you are not part of my family. You separated yourself from your best friend, causing more pain than you will ever know, and even after all this time, made no effort to repair any of the damage. Now, you're barely anything more than an intruder in my home." Pyrrha near-spat, before briefly leaning down, closer to the other woman. "And the only thing that is stopping me from throwing you out is the love I hold for my wife."

Rather than responding, Blake merely sat there, almost perfectly still, nodding ever so slightly as she just stared at the floor, appearing crestfallen. It was a bit of a sad sight, but the redhead did not care. She was not through with her yet.

"You brought needless harm to my family, and refused to take responsibility. Instead you ran away to Menagerie and let it fester for years." Pyrrha continued, anger simmering beneath the surface of her cold expression. "I did not and do not want you in my home, but, I respect Ruby's wishes, and I will tolerate your presence here so long as you do not inflict further harm upon those I love. I also respect what my wife hopes to achieve, but make no mistake, I do not respect you."

Once again, the Faunus remained silent, just... enduring it. She could not even bare to look up at the other woman, because in truth... she did not have anything to say in her own defense. The only response she had was her eyes beginning to water. It caused the redhead to feel a slight pang of remorse, but taking a deep breath, she pushed it down.

"You should consider yourself fortunate that you have received this chance, and lucky that Ruby still considers you so dear to her." Pyrrha resumed once more, trying her absolute hardest to keep herself composed. "You divorced yourself from the family, and have now far outlived the right to mend bridges, because while you were hiding over a continent away, the duty of taking care of Yang fell to Ruby and myself. Ever since you abandoned her, she has been depressed, and near-alcoholic. Every time she fell down, we had to pick her back up, since you used to be the only person she ever willingly trusted herself to, and every time she attempted to reach out to you, you merely avoided the responsibility, and left her to us." She almost hissed, taking a deep breath again to calm herself down. "Now, there's a chance for happiness in her life, separated from you, and if you disrupt it, causing more harm to my sister, or you cannot reconcile with her as Ruby desires, I will personally ensure that you are never granted any further opportunities." Then she briefly leaned closer once more. "This is your only chance. Do not treat it lightly."

By the time Pyrrha was finished, tears had begun streaming down Blake's face as she continued to stare at the floor in front of her. It was not full sobbing or anything like that, rather the appearance of guilt and anxiety at the fact that someone was finally, openly judgmental and angry over the things she had done. In all honesty, she looked... scared, likely because she had never seen this side of the redhead. After several moments of silence, she finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm sorry..."

Pyrrha just let out a frustrated sigh, ready to be finished with this conversation, if one could even call it that. "I'm not the one you should be apologizing to, Blake." She reminded, taking a second before walking into the kitchen and grabbing a wine glass from one of the top cupboards. Pyrrha was going to head into the worship room, where she would retrieve a bottle from a secret fridge that she and Ruby used to keep their best wines, and pouring herself a large class.

Maidens knew she needed it.


Out of her entire thirty four years of living, Cinder had never once gone out for pizza with anyone before. It was a strange feeling, but not unpleasant.

Of course she had eaten pizza before, many times. She recalled how she and Emerald used to order in almost every Friday night, cuddle up on the living room couch, and watch movies until they fell asleep in each other's arms. Emerald loved pizza - most junk food, really - and Cinder loved what it did to her figure, as it all went to just the right places. She may have been a fairly thin woman, but with all of the junk food that she ate, she could not avoid growing... thicc, as the kids said, in certain areas of her body. Which translated to her thighs, breasts, and rear. Plus, just a bit in her tummy.

In that aspect, Emerald was a tad similar to Yang, the woman who was currently collecting their pizzas from the front counter. Unfortunately, due to the slightly inappropriate nature of her thoughts, it was causing Cinder to idly stare at the blonde's admittedly large, skinny-jean-clad backside. Even worse, she did not even realize that Yang noticed her staring when she turned around to return to the table with the now-ready pizzas. A Spicy BBQ Chicken with a pop of some sort for herself, and one with hot sauce and peppers with a bottle of water for the older woman.

Upon sitting down and passing the designated pizza to her friend, Yang quirked a brow. "Were you... staring at my ass?"

Cinder remained silent for a moment, slightly embarrassed that her idle gaze had been noticed as she removed the first piece from her pizza. Damn, this is delicious. "No."

Yang just shrugged, picking up a piece of her own and taking a bite. "Hey, it's yours now, I don't mind."

Cinder furrowed her brow. Wait, what is she... Oh, right. The marriage joke. Didn't realize we were continuing that. "Oh yes, well, be quiet now so I can stare at your chest while we eat." She requested, looking down to begin leering at her sizable, dress shirt-covered breasts.

"Yes ma'am!" Yang accepted, straightening her back so that she could better show off her bust.

Cinder brought a finger up to her mouth. "Shhh, breasts don't speak." She reminded, to which the blonde proceeded to puff out her cheeks, cross her eyes and push her breasts together with her arms. Good gods those things are big. Observing the amusing sight, Cinder was unable to hold back a chuckle. "And, you've ruined it. I am no longer aroused."

"But I'm so adawkable!" Yang attempted to defend.

Cinder immediately raised her brow. Adawkable? "Oh dear, it seems we need a divorce now."

Yang faux-gasped. "But honey, I love you..."

"I apologize, but adawkable was too much for me." Cinder informed with a slight smirk, continuing to eat her pizza.

"Coco likes my adawkableness." Yang pouted.

Cinder raised her brow again, confused for a moment as she had almost forgotten who that was. Oh right, Yang's new girlfriend. Though that gave her an idea. "Now you have a mistress?"

Swallowing the last bite of her first piece, Yang paused for a moment. "Is it still a mistress if we've only cuddled?"

Cinder then faux-gasped a bit. Not quite as dramatically as the blonde, but hey, she was no actress. "We have not even cuddled."

"You never ask!" Yang countered through a mouthful of pizza.

"I shouldn't have to, Yang." Cinder kind of fake-reminded, since they were not actually married. "And now my heart is broken. I have never felt such betrayal."

"I was merely attempting to respect your personal space." Yang argued.

Cinder rolled her eye as she ate another bite. "And I have been waiting for you to make a move, and instead you take a mistress."

Yang just fake-pouted. "I thought I wasn't good enough."

"Says the woman who has another lover, rather than tending to her extremely needy wife." Cinder commented.

Putting her piece of pizza back onto her plate, Yang reached up to clasp her hands together. "Please let me make it up to you, I value your love."

Cinder opened her mouth to provide a snarky response, but before she could, a better idea popped into her head. A more... imaginative idea, considering even if it was not a joke, it would not be possible, for obvious reasons. "Hm, I suppose I could break out the old paddle once more."

Yang faux-gasped, quite dramatically, at the suggestion, reaching down to seemingly grasp her rear. "Aw, my poor tushie."

Cinder just shrugged, flashing a smirk at the blonde as she began eating the last bite of her first piece of pizza. "It's big, so I'm sure that it can handle it."

To the older woman's surprise, Yang actually flushed in response, biting her lip. "I don't doubt it."

Cinder immediately raised her brow at the reaction. "Did that just turn you on?"

Yang merely cleared her throat, continuing to eat her pizza as her blush remained strong. "Shush."

Seeing the clear embarrassment on the blonde's face, Cinder smirked, as another idea graced her mind. So she leaned forward, lowering her voice as she spoke, lest anyone hear her. "I'll be sure to go extra hard then, until both of your cheeks are bright red." To which Yang's eyes widened, though refusing to meet her friend's gaze as she swallowed visibly, her blush deepening. Didn't realize she was that much into spanking, damn. Although, that did not mean she was about to let up. "Perhaps then I'll be satisfied. Or maybe I'll keep going. You know, until you've learned your lesson."

After a moment of silence, with Yang in complete shock, with eyes wide, and blush deep, she let out a choked giggle before returning to her pizza. "Have you ever thought about doing a scroll sex service?"

Cinder could not help but chuckle at the question. "No, but I'm sure if I did, I would find a certain blonde on the other end every night."

Yang just shrugged. "Even I get lonely sometimes."

Cinder rolled her eye once again. "And who better to satisfy you than your new wife."

Yang finally buried her face in her hands, letting out a deep breath. "Gods, you're gonna be the death of me."

Cinder only proceeded to smirk. "Through pleasure, I'm sure." She added, which caused Yang to over-dramatically collapse onto the table. She could not help but chuckle at bit, reaching over and lightly patting the blonde on the head. Wow, her hair was so soft. "Love you too, honey." Yang just mumbled, incoherently into the table beneath her face and arms. Cinder was unable to understand her friend, but it gave her an idea. "Oh yes, I would love a massage after this."

After the two shared a laugh, Yang eventually sat back up. Though before they could return to normal conversation - or at least something more normal than hypothetical spanking - the blonde's attention was drawn somewhere behind the older woman, as her face lit up with a smile. Well, that's either her girlfriend or Weiss, and since the latter wasn't able to join us, it must be the former. "Glad you could make it, Adel." Yang smiled.

"You kiddin'? Wouldn't miss it, Xiao Long." Coco answered, approaching the table and noticing the two partially-eaten pizzas on the table. "I see you started without me, bitch."

Adel? Xiao Long? I thought these two were girlfriends, not roommates. Cinder thought to herself as she watched the pair interact.

Yang merely grinned. "Not my fault you got here late." She teased with a wink. "Your pizza's waitin' for you in the oven, already paid for, and pepperoni, just how you like it."

"That's what I'm talkin' about, 'cause I'm starvin'." Coco acknowledged, turning to approach the front counter so that she could collect her pizza.

No peck, not even a hug... Very contrary to how Weiss and Vernal act around the bar, with their constant PDA. Cinder continued thinking to herself. Though Yang did say how they only got together a week ago, and were keeping things 'light and breezy', or whatever she called it, so perhaps that's why they're not acting very... 'lovey dovey'. After a minute, Coco returned with what appeared to be a large, pepperoni pizza and a pop - having a bit of difficulty carrying them due to the cast on her right arm - as she crossed the table-filled area and sat down next to her girlfriend. Though as she took her seat and began talking to Yang, Cinder could not help but stare, feeling as if there was something... familiar about the brunette in front of her. Like... they had met once before... But where...?

Removing her first piece from the pizza, Coco brought it to her mouth to take a fairly large bite, clearly quite enjoying it. "Mmmm, fuck that's good." She gushed, with her mouth still full. Finally she swallowed. "Took a nap earlier and slept through lunch."

Yang then raised a brow... for some reason. "Oh yeah? You miss your two new favourite pillows too?" She wondered with a smirk, pushing her breasts together slightly with her upper arms.

Ah. There it is.

"You know I did, Xiao Long." Coco smirked right back. "Which reminds me, I might need them later. Along with some movies, popcorn, and maybe some candy. Actually, no, definitely some candy. You've gotten me addicted to those Dust Crystals."

"Only if you buy me some more craft beer." Yang proposed. "'Cause you've been clearin' me out."

"Hey, at least half of those empty cans are from you." Coco accused before taking another large bite of her pizza, all while she and the blonde continued to smirk at one another. Then she turned to the woman across the table, seemingly just remembering that she was not in fact alone with her girlfriend. "Oh, sorry 'bout that." Putting down her slice, she offered her uninjured hand. "Nice to meet you, I'm..." She trailed off, furrowing her brow at the older woman. "Um... Coco..."

Wait a minute... Coco Adel... I know that name...

Looking over at the brunette, Yang furrowed her own brow. "Everything okay?"

Coco merely kept staring at the woman in front of her. "Yeah, yeah, I just... Have we met before? You look... familiar..."

Cinder remained quiet for a moment, attempting to figure out who this woman was. The name... The face... Hell, even her voice... She was sure that she had at least seen her before... The memory was on the tip of her mind, so to speak. "I'm... unsure... Did you know someone that used to work at Salcorp?" Or Salem Corporation, the company that she was accused of burning to the ground.

Suddenly, Coco's eyes widened, seemingly from a revelation. She then blanched, her lips drawing tight. "I did... My... last partner, Velvet..."

Velvet... Scarlatina? Then Cinder's own eye widened. Oh no. Not again... Though certainly lacking the flair that she once did, she knew who this woman was now. Of course they did not exactly know one another that well, as they had only met once at a company Solstice party, but the time they did spend together was... pleasant. A little while into the party, they both had separated from the larger crowd at their own times to have a quiet drink in peace, but they ended up stumbling upon each other in one of the open conference rooms. So they just... talked for a while. Overall, it was a nice conversation, at least until their partners dragged them back to the fun. Their partners... who were now both gone...

"And that means... you're Cinder Fall, right?" Coco wondered, expression now completely devoid of the slyness that was present a minute ago. "Almost didn't recognize you 'cause of the mask and that new haircut."

"Funny... Normally it's the opposite." Cinder mumbled, avoiding eye contact. It's what happens when a trial is publicized like that. Instead she just focused on her pizza. This felt similar to when she spoke to Ruby and Pyrrha, so she was expecting something to go wrong. It was all a matter of time.

"You... How have you been handling it?" Coco wondered after a moment of hesitation.

Wondering how I'm doing? Check. "About as well as you'd imagine for a woman in my position."

"Yeah... gettin' blamed for an accident must be a real shitty situation."

Then Cinder blinked, not expecting that response. "You... don't think I did it?" Just like Raven and Yang...

Coco just shrugged, picking back up her half-eaten piece of pizza. "You wouldn't be here if you did."

That was... true, but Cinder certainly did not expect the brunette to say that so soon after meeting her. After all, she lost a partner in that fire. Though, if she was being so accepting of it... there was no sense questioning her. So Cinder turned to Yang. "I like her." She smiled, motioning to woman in question with her head.

Yang looked at her girlfriend, then she smirked. "Eh, she's alright I guess."

Coco immediately quirked a brow upon hearing that. "Oh, alright am I?"

Yang only kept smirking. "You heard me, Adel."

Bringing her uninjured arm up to her chest, Coco faux-scoffed. "What a cruel, cruel woman you are."

Cinder merely kept eating her pizza. "Ouch."

"Not everyone can be Nora." Yang commented. "Speaking of which, hello ball of energy!"

Cinder just rolled her eye at the topic change. "Quite a unique girl, that one."

Looking between the other two women, Coco furrowed her brow slightly in confusion. "Nora?"

"Friend of Cinder's." Yang informed through a mouth full of pizza. "Set the bar on fire earlier."

Coco only furrowed her brow further at the answer. "You talkin' figuratively or literally?"

Thankfully the former. "I wouldn't put it past her."

After a moment, Coco nodded. "I'll take that as a bit of both."

A few seconds after that, Yang grinned, which given her nature, definitely worried the older woman. It meant that she was up to something, and when the blonde was up to something, that was never good. "She and Cindy are real friendly with each other."

Cinder just sighed. Well, not the worst thing she could have brought up. "Here we go..."

Coco raised a brow at the new information. Oh joy, she's interested. "Oh yeah? What kinda friendly? The best friends kind or the friends with benefits kind?"

Yang shrugged, smirking slightly at the woman in question. "Dunno, she won't admit anything."

"And I never will." Cinder confirmed, taking a sip from her water.

"See! She's no fun." Yang accused, attempting to pout like her sister.

Nice try, Xiao Long. Only person who could ever use their adorable pout to get what they wanted was Emmy, and you're too hot to be considered cute. "I'm not built for fun." Cinder deadpanned.

Forgoing the failing pout, Yang chose to instead continue with her own pizza. "Well, speakin' of fun, when Nora accidentally called me last week, who did she actually mean to call?"

Oh gods, why did she have to remember that? "Mind your own business." Cinder warned, shooting a slight glare at the blonde. "You think your little crush on Weiss was subtle?"

Upon hearing that, Yang proceeded to actually gag on the drink that she had just brought to her lips, while her girlfriend just laughed. Not exactly the reaction she would have expected with that information, but she just figured that the brunette already knew about it. Rather than trying to defend herself, Yang instead attempted to change the subject. "The weather's been nice recently, huh?"

While she attempted to stifle it, Cinder could not help but chuckle a bit. "You look cute when you're clueless."

Yang only raised a brow. "What d'ya mean? I look cute all the time." She grinned.

"No, you look gorgeous all the time." Cinder clarified, offering a small smile to her friend, prompting a brighter smile to be returned as a small blush made it's way onto the blonde's face.

"Aw, flatterer."

While the pair offered smiles at one another, Coco merely sat there, leaning against her uninjured elbow, hand against her cheek as a sly smirk adorned her face. "Now don't you two make a fine couple."

Unfortunately for Yang, she was just taking another sip from her pop when her girlfriend said that, so she ended up nearly spitting it out, while the older woman practically choked on her own. "W-What?"

Seeing the blonde's embarrassment, Coco let out a chuckle. "Kidding. Besides, from what I've heard, Raven's a better match anyway."

Cinder just blinked at the sentiment, certainly not expecting anyone other than Nora to say that she and Raven would make a good couple. But alas... "I have a bad history with female bosses."

"Mom's pretty far from typical, Cinder." Yang shrugged. "I think you two could work."

Another unexpected answer, that Cinder honestly did not know how to react to. Did it make her happy that her friend was saying such a thing about the woman that she may or may not have small crush on? Perhaps, but of course she could not divulge that information. Best to go with the usual. "Thank you, Yang, for... your blessing to seduce your mother."

Yang could not help but chuckle, likely at the wording that the older woman used. "Oh gods don't put it like that."

Coco chuckled along with her girlfriend, though hers more out of amusement, rather than discomfort. "Can you blame her?"

"I kinda can blame her." Yang confirmed.

"Sorry, but you already gave me permission." Cinder shrugged, taking a smug sip of her water. "What do the kids say? No take backsies?"

"Kids also say eating cookies from the oven won't hurt." Yang added.

"I mean, I've never hurt myself doin' that." Coco commented, causing the other two to look at her with perplexed looked on their faces. "Trick is not to use your hands."

Yang actually snorted a bit, which was rather amusing. "What, do you just suck them up like a hoover?"

Coco let out a laugh at the question. "If I could've I sure as shit would've, but nah. Just used a spatula like a normal person."

"But the spatula is for pancakes!" Yang attempted to insist.

"A cooking utensil can be used for more than one food, Yang." Coco informed.

Yang then looked between her girlfriend and friend, seemingly astounded at the former's answer. "But then it's tainted!"

"It's not like I left 'em dirty." Coco defended. "We did have a dishwasher."

Now it was Cinder's turn to briefly gaze between the other two. "Am I the only one here who cannot cook?"

Yang and Coco then shared a look. "Probably." Yang answered. "You want me to teach ya?"

Being taught to cook by Yang Xiao Long. Certainly an interesting proposition. Up to and including this point, she had had people in her life to help in that regard. Her... shitty ex-step-parents, Emerald, Nora... It allowed her to go this long without seriously learning how to cook. But... perhaps she should stop relying on others so heavily. "I... suppose I should learn someday."

Yang immediately grinned at the answer. "I'll take that as a yes!"

Cinder just rolled her eye. "Your funeral."

Yang shrugged in response. "As long as you don't burn my apartment down." She proposed, until realizing what she had just said. "Oh, uh, sorry."

Cinder only shook her head, knowing how easy it was to slip up in conversation like that. "It's fine, I prefer knives anyway."

Upon hearing that, Coco raised a brow, mid-pizza bite. "You sayin' you gonna skewer my girlfriend?"

"She's a tough girl." Cinder insisted.

Coco smirked. "Damn right she is. But in case ya do..." She then leaned over toward her girlfriend, lifting her arm to nudge the blonde's chest with her elbow, eliciting the slightest gasp. "Just leave these intact, and there'll be no hard feelings."

Cinder shot a smirk over at her friend. "It seems your body is mine."

Yang furrowed her brow a bit. "Should... I be worried right now?"

Cinder remained quiet for a moment, if only to psych the younger woman out a bit. "Possibly."

Yang then turned to the brunette, her expression... an odd mix of worry and hope. "Have we been datin' long enough for me to call upon you to throw your body in front of Cinder's knife for me?"

Coco just shrugged. "Dunno, you got more chocolate syrup?"

"You know I do." Yang confirmed with a smile.

Coco brought her uninjured hand up to her chin, seemingly in thought, though the sly smirk on her face said that she already had her answer. "Hmm, I'll get back to you."

"What if I promise to feed you your pancakes next time?" Yang offered.

Coco's smirk grew. "Getting warmer."

"Then uh, I'll give you a massage after?" Yang continued.

Coco actually let out a giggle at that proposition. "It's cute when she' tries."

"What about a nice hot bath?" Yang wondered, clearly hoping something would stick.

"Never a quitter." Cinder added with a slight smile of her own.

"Hey, I'm out of practice." Yang shrugged, before her expression faltered, just a bit. "My last girlfriend only wanted me for sex."

Cinder wanted to say something, as she knew how her friend got when discussing certain parts of her past, but it seemed that Coco beat her to the punch, so to speak. "And now you've got me, your awesome new girlfriend, who you still have to convince to throw my body in front of Cinder's knife for you."

Yang remained silent for a few moments, before shrugging again, appearing as if she was out of options. "I give good head."

Coco immediately grinned at the suggestion. "Now we're talkin'."

Cinder just raised her brow. "Honestly? Good enough for you to take a knife for her?"

"Apparently I give really good head." Yang confirmed, somewhat proudly.

"Says who?" Cinder questioned. Certainly could not have been Neo, because that little bitch was never satisfied with anything I did to her.

"My many sordid affairs." Yang informed, prouder than the last answer.

Sure they do. Cinder thought to herself. "Ah yes, coming from the same woman who constantly says she has nothing to do, and merely hangs around her apartment without pants, watching cartoons."

"Hey, I like my pantsless cartoons." Yang defended.

"Favourite past-time." Coco added, reaching up with her uninjured hand, receiving a high five from her girlfriend.

Cinder just rolled her eye at the exchange, though not without a small smile on her face. While she had not known Yang for that long - and Coco for much less time - she was happy that the blonde had found a suitable partner for herself. Well, perhaps a bit more than suitable. Those two were practically a perfect match for each other, as if she was looking at two Yangs, except one was a brunette, and had normal-sized breasts.

"Kids these days..."


Author's Note: Hope you all enjoyed! Let me know what you think!

Because as always, your feedback fuels me!