Author's Note: Would you look at that, less than 2 weeks! Like we're on some kind of roll.

Get ready.


One year, five months ago

It had been two weeks since that piece of shit sent by her father had appeared at their doorstep, and thankfully, things had gone back to normal. At least... for the most part. While it was true that Weiss had been just as happy as she was before that... experience, there was some small part of her that felt... off somehow, as if she was a tad... on edge from the encounter. Whether she was looking for work, or shopping, there was always an urge to look over her shoulder, searching for someone else on her father's payroll. She did not know how far he was willing to go to drag her back to Atlas, since... after all, she was hardly more than property to him. Something for him to control.

But that was no more.

Weiss had left that life behind her. No longer was she Weiss Schnee, heiress to the Schnee Development Corporation, mere pawn of Jacques Schnee, instead, just Weiss, and her father would absolutely despise who she had become. First off, she found herself openly swearing a fuck ton more than she used to - though, any amount was more than not at all - which felt... liberating, as there was no need to censor herself any longer. Weiss could swear up a storm, and Vernal would only smile and laugh, encouraging her to do it more. Next came her wardrobe. Not only had she been slowly purchasing more clothes that were similar to her girlfriend's punk style, but now, there was barely anything left in her closet that resembled the drab shit that she used to wear. Even now, her clothing choice for the day included red and black thigh-high socks, black booty shorts, an equally black band T-shirt that was two sizes too large - seeing as it belonged to Vernal - and her favourite skull earrings. Though, that was not all. She had also forgone underwear today, and it was not the first time. It was incredibly liberating to just not care about decorum, as well as incredibly arousing when her girlfriend took notice, which she was sure to eventually, given how the two had slept together more than once per day since their initial drunken meeting.

And the sex... Fuck, the sex was mind-blowing, to say the least. It was not as if Weiss was inexperienced, she had learned her preferences at a younger age, and pursued them to the best of her ability, but Vernal... was something else entirely. Something more... primal, possessive, almost sadistic at times, but she never once hurt Weiss. Not in a cruel way, just playful spankings, fingers fisting her hair, teeth upon her delicate skin... Gods, it made her shiver just thinking about it. Sure, her body ached afterward, but it was a good ache, a satisfying ache. Born of a mutual, torrid affair with a beautiful woman who made her feel amazing.

And finally, the cherry on top, sure to give her father a heart attack at the mere sight, was Weiss' hair, which had been not only cut to appear less feminine than it once did - and much less of a pain in her ass - but dyed to be completely jet black. She had thought about getting it dyed a variety of colours, but eventually settled on black given how different it was from her natural ivory. Then, upon it being finished, Weiss almost did not recognize herself when she looked in the mirror. She absolutely loved it, and even better, so did her girlfriend.

Even now, as Weiss sat upon their living area couch, cuddled up to Vernal while they watched one of her favourite cartoons, her girlfriend idly played with her hair, her fingers threading through the black locks. Unfortunately, it did not seem like she was enjoying them very much, appearing rather... well, bored by the colourful characters on screen.

"And you really like this shit?" Vernal wondered after a sip of beer, looking over to raise a brow at the younger woman.

Weiss nodded. "Yes, it gave me an escape from the fuckin' monotony that I called my daily life."

Vernal then leveled a smirk at her girlfriend. "I thought that was my job."

Weiss let out a small sigh. "Vernal." She spoke, sitting up and shifting her position until she was fully straddling her girlfriend. Then she raised her arm to gently caress her cheek. "You're far more compelling than a cartoon."

As her smirk grew, Vernal put her beer can aside, before wrapping her arms around Weiss, then moving them down to firmly grasp her behind. "You bet your sweet little ass I am." She agreed, punctuating the word with a playful, yet solid spank upon her rear, eliciting an excited gasp. Then Weiss began to giggle. She was just so... overcome by how much fun it was to be objectified by someone that she actually craved it from. It was such a... unique feeling, and she loved every single fucking second of it.

Unfortunately, on this particular day, that feeling would not last.

Knock, knock, knock

Upon hearing that sound, Weiss' entire body tensed, memories of the last incident sending cold dread down her spine. No... not again... Thankfully, Vernal immediately understood, gaze snapping to the front door like a hawk, her expression becoming cold, eyes piercing. Weiss would have found it rather alluring if she was not so anxious. She jumped as Vernal suddenly cupped her cheek, eyes turning to freeze her in place. "Hide in the kitchen, now." Her girlfriend ordered, to which Weiss nodded shakily, shuffling from Vernal's lap and padding silently over to the kitchenette, glancing back to see her partner pulling a wooden bat from its place beneath the living area couch. Of course the sight did not really do anything to ease her nerves about the current situation, given what could be done with that item, it at least... reassured her that Vernal was going to such lengths for her. They had talked about this, planned for it... after the first incident. Worst came to worst, Vernal would buy her time to run, to get to the bar, Raven would help her. Sure, they were not close at all, but her girlfriend trusted that woman, so Weiss trusted her. Vernal was willing to put her life on the line to protect her...

She was so lucky to have her.

As Weiss remained in the kitchenette, safely hidden behind the small island counter, she listened as her girlfriend unlocked the door, its door chain snapping taught. Then Vernal greeted their unknown guest- Well, at least completely unknown to Weiss.

"What are you supposed to be? Killer Frost's uptight sister?" Vernal questioned, the chain rattling as she undid it, opening the door wider.

Weiss could not help but furrow her brow at the... insult? She was not very familiar with that character. Just who is at our door?

"Excuse me?" Came their female visitor's voice. Well, at least it isn't one of my father's goons... hopefully. Weiss was not aware of any woman that worked in that... department, so to speak. But even so... there was something... familiar about her voice...

"Like, the fuck is this getup?" Vernal questioned, likely eyeing this woman up and down. "You some high class hooker or somethin'? Because I ain't payin' shit."

"I beg your pardon?" The visitor responded again, clearly surprised at Vernal's attitude.

Wait a minute... I know that voice... Weiss thought to herself, still crouching behind the kitchenette's island counter. Stern, yet still containing a hint of softness... While she had sensed some familiarity from it when that woman first responded to her partner's insult, now... it was something else. Not just that she knew of this individual, but actually knew them, closely. It can't be... Slowly peering around the side of the island, careful not to make herself known, Weiss did her best to catch a glimpse of the woman at their door, but the moment that she laid eyes upon her... her heart stopped, and she unintentionally stood.

Weiss only managed to remain there for several moments, staring wide-eyed at the woman, until she let out a quiet, choked gasp."W-Winter?"

Upon hearing another voice, the woman in question turned her gaze to its source, and her eyes widened. "Weiss?"

There was a moment where the two sisters merely stared at one another, both of them in complete disbelief of what they were seeing, until Weiss rushed forward, ducking under her partner's arm to throw her arms around Winter's waist, taking her off balance and nearly knocking her over with the force of the hug. Her sister appeared rather shocked for a few seconds by the sudden contact, especially after how Vernal was acting towards her, but soon reciprocated the hug, wrapping her arms around Weiss' shoulders and holding her tight.

Once the pair eventually separated, Winter immediately looked to her sister's hair, seemingly examining the black locks. "What have you done to your hair?"

Weiss blinked, almost forgetting the situation atop her head. "Oh, I um, I dyed it..."

"And the dye had clippers?" Winter added, reaching up to run a hand through the now much-shorter hair.

Weiss shook her head a bit. "N-No, but the barber did..."

Looking past her sister, likely at Vernal, Winter raised a brow. "I take it... you had inspiration?"

Weiss nodded, turning to glance back at her girlfriend, who was currently leaning against the wall, watching them with a slightly skeptical look. "I did..." Then she turned back. "Does... it look okay?"

"It... is certainly a surprise." Winter admitted. "Though, I cannot say I dislike it."

She... doesn't hate it? "R-Really? You're not... disappointed in the way I look?"

"Weiss, dearest." Winter smiled, stepping forward to pull her into another, tighter hug. "You could never disappoint me."

While shocked for a moment, Weiss quickly reciprocated the hug. "Thank you..." She mumbled into her sister's suit jacket, before they separated. "Would you like to come in?"

"Perhaps, if the attack dog stands down." Winter considered, once again looking past her sister at Vernal.

"That depends, you here to take Weiss back?" Vernal questioned, narrowing her eyes once more. "Or use your sisterly status to convince her to go back with you?"

"I am here..." Winter began sternly, before huffing, lips drawn tight. "I am here to ensure my sister is indeed happy and being taken care of, and not in the clutches of an unwashed delinquent."

Weiss looked back at Vernal, who merely narrowed her eyes and glared at her sister. "I am happy!" She quickly assured, not wanting for some sort of fight to break out. "I'm happy... Don't worry, Winter... Everything is fine... Vernal has treated me with nothing but love and respect, and I'm happy here with her, I promise."

Winter let out a sigh. "I am merely going off of what little report I was given. I believe you Weiss, but you haven't exactly been communicating with me."

Weiss' gaze immediately fell upon hearing that. "I know... and I apologize, but... I couldn't bring myself to contact you... lest I risk Father hearing about it and sending another one of his... goons to attempt to drag me back to Atlas..."

"Pah, he believes this is just some mild rebellion." Winter scoffed. "He believes he can starve you home by emptying your accounts."

"Well, I already transferred most of it into a new account anyway, so thankfully he can't threaten me with that anymore." Weiss explained, exceptionally glad that her girlfriend had talked her into transferring her funds as soon as possible.

Placing a hand upon her sister's shoulder, Winter smiled. "I'm proud of you for thinking ahead. Now, to see what an unwashed ruffian calls home."

"She's not a ruffian!" Weiss attempted to defend. Well, at least not outside the bedroom... Though, there was no way in hell she was going to say that out loud.

"Foul-mouthed then." Winter compromised.

Weiss opened her mouth to retaliate, but found herself unable to say different, considering how much her partner swore - which in turn had caused her to swear a lot more than she used to. Of course she was not about to tell her sister that. "Outspoken!"

Unfortunately that did not work very well, as Winter merely raised a brow. "Do I really look a hooker to you?"

Once again, Weiss opened her mouth to respond, this time to say of course not, given the fact that she was wearing what was likely quite and expensive white suit, but her girlfriend beat her to it. "Why else would you have a rack that big?"

Thankfully, Weiss was not drinking anything, otherwise she would have just spit it out. "Vernal!"

Winter merely rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed by the less-than-appropriate comment. "Unfaithful to boot, tch, I find your taste in women rather wanting."

Well, this certainly isn't the best first impression. "I admit she's a bit... unique compared to those I have been with before, but I promise you, Winter, she has been nothing but good to me since we met."

Winter was silent for a moment, before letting out a slight sigh. "At least it isn't the help this time."

Weiss pursed her lips at the comment, not exactly fond of her own sister dismissing her admittedly short-lived - but no less emotional - relationship with one of her maids, Violet, but elected to say nothing. She did not want to argue with Winter during their first time seeing one another in almost two months, so she instead merely guided her inside the apartment. After the older sibling removed her dress shoes, they continued into the living area and onto the couch, where she proceeded to look around, appearing as if she was... examining the the apartment, detailing every piece of furniture, every small stain, and so on and so forth.

"So, this is where you have been living the past month and a half?" Winter wondered, continuing to observe the area.

"It's not bad!" Weiss attempted to defend, though to little success. "It's just got... character."

Vernal just chuckled from her place leaning against the nearby wall. "It's a shoe box, babe."

Winter let out a slight huff. "I suppose it fits its owner."

Vernal merely smirked. "Doilies aren't my style, Princess."

"And just what is your style then?" Winter questioned, narrowing her eyes. "Theft? Drugs?"

"Winter-" Weiss attempted to begin, before her girlfriend cut her off.

"Sometimes I dabble in murder, takes the edge off, but I try and stick to pimps 'cause my mom used to pimp me out." Vernal explained, though to her partner it was obviously a lie. "Tragic story, isn't it?"

Weiss then stepped between the two women, hoping that would at least do something to ease the tension, at least a little bit. "She works at a bar, Winter." She informed. "Please stop attacking my girlfriend."

Once again, Winter was silent for a moment, before taking a breath. "I apologize, Weiss. I am simply concerned for your well-being, since you are no longer at the mansion."

Weiss offered a warm smile. "I assure you, I'm fine."

Taking her sister's hands in her own, Winter stared directly into her frosty blue eyes. "And you've been taking care of yourself? Exercising? Eating well? Brushing your teeth? Looking for work?"

Weiss nodded at each question. "All yes, Winter. Though I will admit I'm having some trouble with that last one..."

Then Winter hesitated, gaze falling for just a moment before meeting the younger sibling's gaze again. "And... you're safe?"

"I've not felt so safe as I have here in... a very long time." Weiss admitted after a moment.

Winter once again looked around the area. "You feel safe? Here? While in Atlas we had the highest-grade security system that money can buy, and armed guards around the premises?"

Weiss merely let out a sigh. "Gilded though those bars may have been, they felt no less thick upon my window... I woke each morning anxious, ate breakfast at an empty table, watched mother drink herself into oblivion and Whitley turn ever steadily into Father, and should he see fit to join us it was only ever to ensure we were all doing exactly what was expected of us... It was suffocating, Winter, and I could feel myself fraying at the edges. I was so tired, but here? In this shoe box?" Weiss heaved a shaky breath, grinning. "I can breathe, for the first time in my life I feel like a human being, I've made friends, I wear what I want, speak how I please, I wake up in strong, warm arms instead of a cold empty bed because Vernal took me in, and accepts me for who I want to be." Then her voice hitched, eyes filling with tears. "I feel... alive."

Winter was silent for a time, until eventually she sighed, gaze actually falling to their connected hands. "I'm sorry, Weiss."

Weiss just blinked. "What for?"

"I... should have been there for you more... and Whitley as well, but instead I merely... toughed it out on my own..." Winter almost mumbled. "I believed I was doing enough by being someone you could look up to, but when I went back to Atlas alone, I realized that was not true, that I had left you to essentially fend for yourself. And... I'm sorry..."

Weiss could honestly not believe what she was hearing. "You... I did, look up to you, I still do, I feel I should have spoken with you about how I felt, this was all rather spur of the moment, and I don't regret it, but I do regret running from you like that. I... I forgive you, if you forgive me."

Winter gave her sister's hands a reassuring squeeze. "Of course I forgive you, Weiss, on one condition."

Weiss furrowed her brow. "What... kind of condition?"

Releasing the younger sibling's hands, Winter stood from the living area couch, and approached her partner, who was still leaning against the wall, and stared directly into her icy blue eyes. "Do you care for my sister?"

Vernal just raised a brow. "Of course I do, why wouldn't I?"

"And will you promise to treat her with all the love and respect she deserves, and to protect her with your dying breath?" Winter questioned, eyes narrow, expression stern.

Vernal looked down to the weapon that was still in her hand, then raised it for the older woman to see. "The bat isn't just for show, you know."

Winter was silent for a moment, glancing back at her sister before back at her girlfriend. "Very well, you have my blessing to start dating now."

Vernal only scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Gee, thanks, your highness."

"You're welcome." Winter acknowledged, before turning back to her sister. "And now that I know you are well and safe, I promise to visit more often. At least, as much as work allows me to."

Weiss could not help but smile at the news, though unfortunately it did not last long, as a disturbing thought soon popped into her head. "What... What about Father?"

Winter offered a smile of her own. "As far as he should be concerned, you have moved out, and he no longer as a say in what you do with your life."

"So no more goons?" Vernal wondered.

Winter shook her head. "I will see to it that no one from the SDC will set foot on your premises, aside from myself."

After a moment, Vernal seemed to nod a bit. "Good, because I don't need a longer criminal record."

Winter just sighed, looking over to glare at her sister's partner. "I already gave you my blessing, don't make me change my mind."

Finally placing the bat aside against the wall, Vernal raised her hands in faux-surrender. "Ooh, scary."

"Vernal." Weiss cut in. "Be nice."

Vernal just offered a snarky smirk. "Babe, you know this is my nice."

Rolling her eyes at the comment, Winter took a quick breath, likely to calm herself down a bit. "Well, now that the unpleasantries are out of the way, have you two had lunch?"

Weiss looked at her girlfriend, who shrugged. "We were just planning on ordering pizza."

"Why don't we go out?" Winter suggested with a smile. "My treat."

Weiss blinked. "Really? We'd love too!"

Vernal quirked a brow. "We would?"

Weiss just looked to her partner, keeping her smile, but shifting her tone to a more... persuasive one. "We would."

Taking the hint, Vernal shrugged. "Alright, we would."

"Splendid, now how about-" Winter began, before a feint sound of what had to be a buzzing scroll, coming from her suit jacket pocket drew her attention. Upon pulling the device free and glancing at the screen, her brow twitched upward, before briefly furrowing, a flicker of... surprise on her otherwise passive features. Winter then hid the screen against her chest, and took a small breath. "Actually, why don't you two go get ready? I'm afraid I must take this call."

Oh no. "Is... it Father?" Weiss hesitantly, shrinking down in her seat slightly.

Winter shook her head, which caused her sister to let out sigh of relief. "No, no just... annoyances, better to handle it now than have them blow up my phone later, excuse me." She requested, heading out of the living area, slipping on her dress shoes, and exiting the apartment, quietly shutting the door behind her.

After a moment, Vernal finally made her way over to her girlfriend and plopped down onto the couch next to her. "She seems nice, in the if you piss off my sister I'll sue you and your dog kinda way."

Weiss let out a chuckle. "Well, you're not exactly wrong about that one, but I'm sure you two will be getting along in no time. Now come on, let's get a little more dressed up than band shirts and booty shorts."

Vernal only scoffed, though with a grin spread across her face. "Yeah, because I keep a tux all nice and pressed under the bed."

"I mean maybe a shirt that's not from yesterday?" Weiss suggested, knowing full well that her girlfriend had been wearing that deep-red band T-shirt since the prior day, as she had worn it to bed after the two had slept together. "And a pair of non-ripped jeans."

Vernal raised a brow at the comment. "Babe, you've folded my jeans."

An accurate statement. Weiss was normally the one who did the laundry around there, as her girlfriend tended to be a bit... well, lazy when it came to that. "Alright, so just find the least-ripped pair and put them on before I go out and buy you a nice dress."

Vernal just let out a groan. "Ugh, fine."

Reaching down to grab her partner's hand, causing her to look over just before Weiss leaned in for a kiss, small and gentle. Once separated, she warmly smiled. "Thank you."

Grinning, Vernal quirked a brow again. "For what?"

"Putting up with... all this." Weiss explained, letting out a shaky sigh, her lip quivering.

"Oh, babe..." Vernal acknowledged, pulling Weiss in for a tight hug, as her girlfriend collapsed into her embrace. "I've got ya."

"I'm just... really happy right now." Weiss quietly continued.

Vernal simply planted a soft kiss upon her partner's head, which... was a tad out of character if she was being honest, but she did not care. "Good, let's keep it that way."

Lunch, she was going to lunch with Winter, her sister, and her girlfriend... It felt unreal, and a bit exhausting to process. That she was okay, her father would not pursue her any longer, and that... Winter accepted her. Incredible relief filled her heart, a great weight felt like it was falling from her shoulders. She could finally just... be free. She could finally just be herself...

Weiss was happy.


Present day

Weiss stared up at the popcorn ceiling of her apartment's living area, and withheld a groan of anguish.

This was not something that she wanted to do, in fact... the mere idea terrified her, but... it was... it was time. Weiss wrung her hands, attempting to quell the trembling that threatened her composure, shifting uncomfortably upon the familiar, frayed couch. Anxiety thrummed in her veins, the leather of her jacket taught upon her shoulders as she hunched into herself, attempting to calm her breathing. Vernal was due back any minute from her shift at the bar, and for the first time in her life... that frightened her.

Weiss had prepared for this, she had practiced for this... She... even had an overnight bag packed and ready, sitting hidden beside the couch, but... it was not enough. She was... She was still scared. Scared of what would happen, scared of Vernal's reaction, scared of breaking down, scared of... what would come after... It was all just... a bunch of unknowns. Weiss did not know how her girlfriend would react, as she had never once done anything to harm her on purpose, aside from consensual spanking of course. Vernal had never snapped at her, been angry with her, or even made her feel anything less than wanted... until recently, and even then... It was not because she did not want her. There was still a part of Weiss that thought that she was just overreacting, and that she should be more patient and understanding, but... that part was overridden by Yang's advice. It gave her the courage to set this up in the first place.

All she wanted was for her partner to talk to her, to open up to her. She wanted to work on this issue, not... let it get the best of them.

Suddenly, Weiss heard the sound of a lock turning, and her entire body stiffened. Vernal was back from work. Okay... You can do this. She told herself, taking one final deep breath as she watched the front door squeak open, and her girlfriend make her way inside, hanging up her motorcycle helmet on its designated hook next to the door. Upon seeing Weiss, she offered a small smile and a hey, babe, but that was about it, merely heading toward their room, most likely to get changed out of her work clothes.

"Vernal." Weiss barely managed, causing her partner to actually freeze in her tracks, almost as if she knew what was coming. Though she did not look back, instead just staring down the hall at their bedroom door. "We... need to talk."

After a couple moments, Vernal let out a quiet sigh. "Sure, Snowflake." She mumbled, slowly padding over to the couch, sitting down so slowly it flared her partner's anxiety to new levels. Vernal never walked silently, and she always flopped down when sitting down.

Taking a deep breath, Weiss did her best to keep her eyes away from her girlfriend, to remain cold and straightforward, lest she risk losing her composure. "I have been giving this great thought, Vernal, our relationship, the path we have taken, the love I hold for you."

Vernal did not answer immediately, instead just staring forward as well. "And... where has uh, where's that led you?"

"It has led me to... an undeniable reality, a perspective of this situation I have lived in denial of willingly, but can no longer lay down and accept." Weiss heaved a small, but heavy breath, swallowing the lump in her throat and meeting Vernal's gaze. Her expression was stony, but her posture spoke louder than words. Stiff and still. "You gave me a new life, Vernal, before I met you I... would hardly call it living at all. I was lonely, I was miserable, and I was tired... and then I met you, and never in my life had black and white seemed so vibrant to my eyes." Her girlfriend's lips grew taught, and she looked farther away. Weiss felt a pang of hope, and leaned forward. "I know you want this, I know you feel strongly for me, else you would not have let this go on for so long. This is more than physical. I make you happy, and you make me happy, but happiness alone does not carry a relationship. As selfish as I sound, I want more, from you, I want your trust, as I trusted you with my pains, with my deepest pains, I ask that you entrust me with some of yours, so that we may grow stronger, so that I may help you as you helped me." Weiss lay a hand upon her Vernal's thigh, and her lover finally looked back at her, jaw tensed with discomfort, but she refused to back down.

"We can work past this, Vernal. We, not I, us." Weiss squeezed, trying to impress her desperation without breaking, without begging and pleading. "If you cannot meet me, even if only halfway, you do not trust me... and a relationship without trust..." She blinked a sudden influx of tears away, her eyes stinging. "Is no relationship at all." Weiss held her partner's steely gaze for what felt like an eternity, searching for a hint of give, but... Vernal was a statue, tense and stoic. Then she felt fatigue fill her body, breaking her gaze with a weary sigh. She leaned over the couch's arm, grabbing the bag that she had packed as a last resort and standing up. Weiss had hopes for this. Not high, but still more than none at all, and as she stood before Vernal, who's gaze had moved to the bag at her side, a taught frown tugging at her lips.

"Where-" Vernal finally spoke, but her voice rasped, and Weiss almost faltered as the woman she loved swallowed audibly, and looked up at her with eyes that had always looked upon her with such passion. Now only filled with worry. "Where will you go?"

"To Yang's... failing that, Ruby and Pyrrha's..." Weiss watched for a reaction, a flinch, a twitch, anything, any weakness or remorse, a sign that the woman before her would burst into action, but... nothing came. "I will text you, to let you know I'm safe."

Vernal swallowed, looking down to the floor and nodding slightly. "Okay."

Okay... The word formed an ache in her heart, and Weiss swallowed yet another lump in her throat. "Take care... Vernal." She mumbled, forcing herself to make a steady pace, almost fumbling with the front door handle, and catching one final glimpse of her... of Vernal, as she closed it behind her, still sat on the couch, staring blankly down at the carpeted floor. The image refused to leave her mind, as she pulled her scroll free from her pocket, and dialed for a Ryde service.

The trip was an uneventful blur, as Weiss merely gazed out the window at the buildings that passed by. She could barely even process the bumps in the road, or the hum of the engine... The only thing that ran through her mind... was the realization that a year and a half might have just been... wasted. Weiss attempted to focus on the scenery around her, trying to distract herself from the truth of what happened, but... nothing could draw her away from those thoughts, and... what they meant for the future. She did not even notice that she had arrived at her destination until the semi-sudden stop of the car snapped her back to reality. But even then, she barely managed to pay and thank the driver before exiting the vehicle and making her way into a surprisingly unfamiliar apartment building.

Weiss had never been to Yang's apartment before, or... anyone else's really. All she knew was their addresses and apartment numbers as part of her and Vernal's emergency plans, as well as for just in case. Well, it was a good thing that the current situation fit that category.

Slowly ascending the stairs to the fifth floor of the building, and making her way down the carpeted hallway, Weiss suddenly froze before approaching the door labelled 501, as a realization hit her. She had forgotten to text ahead of time, and unfortunately it was a bit too late for that. Now she had cold feet, unable to even raise her hand to knock, feeling that it was... unfair to just thrust herself upon her friend out of the blue. What if Yang could not take her in? Or worse, what if her arriving there... interrupted something with Coco? The last thing she wanted was for her failing relationship to interfere with her friend's own prospering one. But... she had to do something. She was already there.

Eventually, Weiss hesitantly raised her hand, almost softly knocking upon the hard wooden surface of the door. After a few moments, the door swung open, revealing Yang, clad in a silk rose-print pyjama shirt and matching shorts. Must have been a gift from her sister. Upon seeing her friend, the blonde furrowed her brow.

"Weiss?"

Weiss could barely keep her composure. "H-Hey, Yang... Door still open?" She wondered, attempting to smile through fresh tears.

Yang quickly nodded. "Of course, always." She smiled back, reaching forward to take her friend's bag.

Weiss then blearily walked into the apartment, with the blonde closing the door behind her. It appeared as though Coco was not in the main area, but that did not mean she was not... in the bedroom waiting. "I... apologize, if I'm intruding."

Yang immediately shook her head. "No, no, you're fine... Are you fine?"

"I'll... Vernal and I are..." Weiss' voice caught, and she heaved a shaky breath, unable to find the words to continue. A warm pressure on her arm suddenly drew her gaze to Yang, who shimmered through the tears. "I couldn't..." She whimpered, and allowed her friend to pull her into her body, as she buried her face into her shoulder as she sobbed.

"It's okay." Yang whispered, rubbing soothing circles into her shaking back. "I've got you."


Another week, another therapy session. Except... Glynda had informed her that things were going to be a little different this time.

For starters, Cinder was told not to expect a typical session, which to her, hopefully meant no standard lying on the sofa while the therapist sat across from her with a clipboard, as that format was starting to get a bit stale. Though at the same time, the possibilities of what could replace it made her... wary, but also curious. Next, she was requested to wear outdoorsy clothes, which for Cinder, translated to a pair of slightly faded jeans, a crimson blouse, and pair of actually-new black mid-calf boots. Sure, it was not exactly ideal, but it was also the best she had. At least in terms of articles of clothing that did not show off all the burns that covered the left side of her body. So, she would have to deal with it. Though thankfully, it was not exactly the hottest of days, even though it was almost summertime.

What exactly did that woman have in mind for today? Cinder wondered to herself. She considered asking Raven about it, as she was currently driving her to Glynda's office like usual, but... something held her back, due to things being a bit... tense between the two since the accident a few days ago. After waking up in the spare room of her bar-top apartment, holding her hand like in the hospital, Raven... offered for Cinder to move in with her, explaining how she and the others had a meeting while the younger woman was sleeping to discuss who could take her in. Unfortunately, an offer that should have made her overjoyed... only made her feel guilty, that everyone was going to such lengths... just for her...

While Cinder ended up accepting the profoundly generous offer, she asked for a few days to... prepare. She was not ready to just pack her bags and move in with her boss of all people, and... she needed some time to spend with Nora. Surprisingly, she took the news fairly well, of course telling her how much she was going to miss her, but overall... She was thrilled that Cinder was moving in with Raven. But... she was not ready to leave her just yet. So, for the past few days, when neither of them were working, they had been spending all their time together. Eating meals, talking about their days, cuddling, and of course, sleeping together. Normally, Nora was quite a passionate lover, but during the past few nights... it was as if she did not want to let her go...

"So uh, Yang and I have been... getting along, a lot better." Suddenly came Raven's voice from the driver's seat, pulling the younger woman from her thoughts.

"That's... good to hear." Cinder acknowledged after a few moments, finding it a bit odd that her boss was mentioning that now, after a good two weeks had passed since she and her daughter had made up. Perhaps it was just something that she was using to break the admittedly awkward silence.

"She even hugged me, which... We... haven't ever really hugged much." Raven admitted.

Cinder could not help but furrow her brow slightly. "I... can't imagine why, Yang is... quite affectionate."

Raven just shrugged. "Well, in case you haven't notice, I'm basically a cactus over here."

As awkward as she was feeling with this exchange, Cinder actually managed a slight smirk. Humour had always done well to defuse the tension between the two. "You seemed pretty soft when you hugged me after you two made up."

Raven only rolled her eyes at the comment. "Pshh, smartass."

"Like a big teddy bear, with perhaps a tad more stuffing in places." Cinder added, unable to stop herself from thinking back to their hug, and how comfortable certain... parts of her were.

Raven quirked a brow, briefly glancing over at the younger woman. "Was that a comment on your boss' tits?"

"Miss Branwen, what do you take me for?" Cinder faux-innocently wondered. "It was your ass." Of course I wasn't actually able to feel that during our hug.

"Not sure you should be commentin' on that either, Cin." Raven mentioned.

"I neglected to compliment my prior boss' ass, I won't make that mistake again." Cinder informed, rather proudly.

"Is that so?" Raven inquired, sounding quite curious. "Alright then, who's is nicer?"

That was not even a competition. "Yours of course, you wear jeans." And good gods do you wear them well.

"And what exactly did the great Salem wear?" Raven asked.

"Dresses." Cinder answered, thinking back to her boss, her old job... her old life. "The type that made her look like a queen."

That seemed to make something click in Raven's mind. "Ahh, so you couldn't really get a good look. What a shame." She smirked. "Though I guess you can't exactly stare at mine either, cause y'know, I'm in my office most of the time."

Quite a shame indeed. The one time Cinder witnessed that woman wear pants of any kind was at company party, and she swore, neither she nor Emerald could take their eyes off of her rear. Though at the same time, as nice as it was, it had a hard time comparing to Raven's. Plus... "You walk around enough."

"So you have been starin'?" Raven inquired, her voice almost sounding a bit... less tired at the idea. "Well I guess that makes two of us."

Cinder immediately raised her brow. "Excuse me?" Raven's been... staring at my rear? She wondered to herself, unfortunately unable to stop the slight blush that began to tint her cheeks from the thought.

"Hey, you're the first person who's worked at the bar in years who isn't blood-related or pseudo-family." Raven admitted with a shrug.

Oh my gods she has been staring... Suddenly, Cinder felt a lot more self-conscious about working next to a one-way mirror. Though she was not about to let the older woman know that, as the idea that her boss was staring at her rear from behind that mirror was... exciting to say the least. So instead, she went for a more... teasing response. "Oh sure, because I really feel the love between you and Vernal."

Raven actually chuckled a bit. "Look, it's not something we really talk about, we're not that kind of pseudo-family. She knows her place in my life and she knows mine in hers, and we're uh, all happy about it."

Sounds like a mother-daughter sort of relationship. "So I suppose that translates to I can't stare at her ass."

Raven let out a slight huff. "Somethin' like that." She shrugged, before a brief, somewhat awkward silence followed. "So uh, how's Nora?"

Well, that all depended what time it was. During the day? Hungry. During the night? Hungry. "Overly affectionate, now that I may be moving out."

"She seems like a handful for sure." Raven commented, surely thinking back to the couple times that they had interacted.

Cinder could not hold back a small chuckle. "You have no idea."

"Then clue me in." Raven requested. "You don't talk much about her."

"Well... Nora and I... k-keep each other warm on cold nights..." Cinder hesitantly answered, gazing out the car window to hide her growing blush, quickly reminded of all the occasions that the pair had slept together. I can't believe I just admitted that!

Raven just nodded, seemingly not understanding it at first. "Oh..." Then it appeared to click. "Ooh."

While still idly gazing out the window, Cinder managed a smile. "She has helped me a great deal since we met... I cannot thank her enough..." Because if she wasn't there... I'd probably be dead.

Raven was silent for a few moments, simply staring at the road ahead of them. "So then... what happens when you... leave?"

Cinder found herself without an answer at first, as if she was being honest, she did not know. She had spent months seeing that girl practically every day and every night, so imagining what it would be like without her in such close proximity... was difficult to say the least. "When I'm ready to move out... I'm... unsure... Nora has recommended I pursue... other interests..."

Raven's shoulders slumped. "I didn't think... I-I didn't mean to interfere with anything, I just..." Then she sighed. "Sorry..."

Cinder shook her head, though it went unnoticed. "It's alright, Raven... Nora and I aren't exactly a thing to interfere with anyway..." Even though she's made it clear she open to more...

"Is she... going to be okay?" Raven hesitantly inquired.

"She's been in that area for much longer than I have, so if anyone can, it's her." Cinder assured, not even having to convince herself, knowing full well that Nora had once physically kicked out one of her clients because he wanted... rear entry for no added cost. To be frank, it sounded badass.

"Hmn, well, if she ever needs a hand..." Raven began, but trailed off, likely aware that her friend knew what she was talking about.

Cinder let out a small chuckle. "You would not be able to handle her living with you, trust me." Hell, I can barely handle her sometimes.

Raven only rolled her eyes. "I put up with Summer and Tai, I think I could handle Nora."

Cinder lightly scoffed at the statement. "Summer is a sweetheart, and Taiyang sounds like a gentleman, Nora is like a child hopped up on candy." And don't even get me started on when she's horny.

Raven just scoffed right back. "You've met parent Summer and Tai, roommate Summer and Tai were a fucking nightmare, couldn't sleep in to save my life."

Cinder offered a smile, just as her boss slowed the car in order to turn into the plaza that held Goodwitch Therapy. "Well, I look forward to hearing about after my session..." Then she spotted a figure standing just outside the office. Tall, blonde, incredible figure... Wait a minute. "Is that Glynda standing out there?"

As she pulled the car into a parking spot in front of the building, Raven nodded. "Yep."

Cinder furrowed her brow as her boss turned the car off, not expecting such a... quick answer. Upon undoing their seat belts and exiting the vehicle, Glynda greeted them with a warm smile.

"Good afternoon, Cinder... Raven."

"Good afternoon, Glynda." Cinder greeted with a smile of her own, observing the therapist's... interesting choice of clothing. For one, she was not wearing... well, anything that was fit for business. Even her hair was tied up into a nice ponytail. Instead, she was clad in a white windbreaker over-top of a black tank top, sneakers that were fit for a workout, and... good gods... purple crop leggings that accentuated her curvy figure even more than that tight black pencil skirt she always wore did. She sure doesn't skip leg day... I can see everything... Cinder was going to have to remember to keep her eyes off of her rear if she ever turned around... Oh, too late.

"Hey." Raven simply responded.

Barely even glancing at her friend after locking the front door to the office, Glynda turned to Cinder. "So, are you ready to go?" She wondered.

Cinder furrowed her brow. "Go... where?"

"For today's session, I thought I would take you to a private range, to teach you archery." Glynda explained. "It's actually a hobby of mine, I find it to be quite healthy to blow off some steam every once in a while."

Raven immediately raised a brow. "You're taking her to Port's?"

Glynda nodded. "I believe it would be best to allow her to learn without any prying eyes."

Ah yes, somewhere I can yell and scream and cry without anyone but my therapist witnessing it. Joy.

"Those poor, new boots." Raven commented.

Glynda let out a small chuckle at her friend's remark. "Fear not, Cinder, I have already worked with Peter to set up an area that is hopefully still free of mud."

"I'm not allergic to mud." Cinder mentioned.

"Even so, I would hate to allow a new pair of boots to be ruined by the mess that Peter calls his fields." Glynda defended.

Then, out of the corner of the younger woman's eye, she witnessed Raven awkwardly bring a hand up to run through her hair. "So uh, you want me to come this time, Cin?"

"I-I don't believe that will be necessary." Glynda quickly answered.

Cinder just blinked at the therapist's... unexpected reaction. Did... Glynda just stutter? "Yes, I think I can handle a small field trip, Raven." She assured with a small smile, reaching over to briefly grab her boss' hand, and giving it a squeeze - against her better judgement if she was being honest. Guess I'm just too used to holding her hand.

Raven appeared almost... dejected by that answer. "Oh uh, alright, then I'll... see you later then... Just call me when you're done." She requested, offering a final, tired smile to the younger woman as she made her way back to her car, gaze lingering upon her for a few moments before getting into the vehicle.

Once the pair was alone, Glynda gestured to another car a couple spaces down. "Ready?"

Cinder merely shrugged a bit. "As I'll ever be."

Entering the therapist's car - a sporty, silver sedan of some kind - the two headed off. It was quite a smooth ride if Cinder was being honest, which was rather nice, but of course, filled her with envy. She missed her old vehicle... A beautiful, luxury sedan, the metallic crimson and sleek curves made for a striking visage, and she would never forget the purr of that engine... but... she could no longer afford the rather expensive payments, and had to return the treasured car. Perhaps she would be able to afford a nice car again someday...

After a shorter-than-expected trip - given Glynda explained how they were going to a farm - Glynda turned onto a long dirt road, which eventually led to a large red barn. Once parked in front of the building, the two exited the vehicle and Cinder followed the therapist around it, revealing an wide open field, empty but a wooden fence in the distance, a couple of targets around thirty feet away, give or take, and a table containing two bows and a bag full of arrows hanging off each side. Glynda then brought Cinder to that table, grabbed one of the bows off of it, and handed it to the younger woman.

And so, the lesson began, starting with the basics. Glynda taught her how to hold a bow, the correct stance, how to properly pull back the string, and finally, how to notch an arrow. It was fairly straight forward, though as they both expected, Cinder's first shot completely missed the target, instead flying by about... five feet to the left. The next few several were not much better, but at least they were slowly getting closer to the target. Her eleventh shot hit near the edge, but then came her twelfth shot. Notching another arrow and pulling back the string, she took a deep breath, closing her eye for a moment before opening it back up, and releasing the arrow, letting it fly through the air...

Bullseye.

Holy shit.

Even Glynda seemed impressed. "Extremely well done, Cinder. You seem to be picking this up rather quickly." She smiled, picking up the other bow from the table. "Now, is there anything that happened since our last time together that you wish to talk about?"

Cinder merely shrugged. "You can ask, I don't mind."

"I know, but at your pace." Glynda acknowledged.

Picking another arrow from the bag closest to her, Cinder gazed at it for a moment. "Well, I participated in a girls night with Raven's daughter, Yang, and then a few days later I was robbed and cut on my way to work."

Glynda remained silent for a time, expression carefully blank. "I did not realize Yang was such a violent individual."

Cinder just looked to her therapist, brow raised. "Oh the therapist has jokes now?"

Glynda let out a small chuckle. "Technically we're not on the clock yet, however I apologize if that crossed a line."

Cinder only sighed at the explanation. "Whatever. I suppose you want me to elaborate on each of those events?"

"Only with what you are comfortable with sharing." Glynda clarified.

Cinder just rolled her eye. "Ugh, I hate it when you're reasonable." She grumbled, notching the arrow that she was holding and firing. Thankfully it hit the target, though it was mere inches away from missing. Guess that one shot was beginner's luck.

Glynda offered a smile. "It's part of my job to be."

"Yang tried to invite all her friends over, I was the only one who came." Cinder explained after a moment.

Picking an arrow from her own bag, Glynda hummed. "I see, did the fact that you two were alone make things uncomfortable at all for you?"

Cinder nodded. "At first, yes... but... time and alcohol helped." A lot of alcohol...

"As it tends to." Glynda acknowledged, notching the arrow and aiming it at the second target. "Can you tell me more about your evening together?" She requested, letting the arrow loose, and nailing the target a few inches above the bullseye.

"She taught me to cook... or rather, not to burn what I'm cooking." Cinder continued. "We made stir fry... It was nice."

Glynda offered a warm smile. "That sounds like quite a pleasant evening. Do you feel closer to Yang because of it?"

Cinder nodded again. "Far closer... Closer than we both intended." Almost... intimately close...

Glynda furrowed her brow. "Can you elaborate on that?"

Cinder was silent for a few moments, almost embarrassed to admit what she and Yang did that night. "We kissed... at length."

"Was this due to the amount of alcohol you consumed?" Glynda inquired.

"In part, I believe we were both searching for something we did not have." Cinder explained.

"Are you referring to intimacy? Or perhaps companionship?" Glynda asked, grabbing another arrow.

Cinder just shrugged. "Both."

"Can you explain?" Glynda requested.

"We both have individuals in our lives that... cannot, or had not given us what we truly wanted." Cinder hesitantly admitted.

"So the kiss you shared was due to neglect from others?" Glynda continued.

That was a bit of a difficult explanation. "I think Yang wants... to be controlled, in some way... She was pliant, and I enjoyed that, I took advantage of her, and she enjoyed it."

Notching her arrow and firing it, leading to another good hit, Glynda then turned to her patient. "How exactly did you take advantage of her?"

Picking an arrow of her own out of the bag, Cinder twirled it in her fingers, partially to put off having to answer that. "I... teased her, ordered her around... She wanted to please me, she found me... attractive, it made me feel... powerful... I... I missed the feeling." Though perhaps I went a bit overboard with the good girl jokes.

"If you feel comfortable sharing, what did you do with this... power you felt?" Glynda inquired, putting her bow aside so that she could listen.

Cinder's gaze fell. "I... lapsed."

Glynda furrowed her brow at the short explanation. "What do you mean by that?"

Cinder let out a sigh. "I... felt like I was home, loved, appreciated... like Emerald was-" The name brought a hitch to her breath. She swallowed, closing her eyes and breathing in shakily. "Yang was my Emerald that night, and... I-I wanted her to be mine."

"And did you act upon this desire?" Glynda asked.

Cinder nodded. "Several times... Once before she ran away, and... twice after."

"She ran away?" Glynda wondered, sounded a bit surprised. "What caused her to take such an action?"

"Guilt, over her... companion, Coco." Cinder admitted, ashamed that she had almost caused her friend to cheat on her partner.

Glynda nodded rather slowly. "I see. And you still acted upon your desire with that knowledge?"

Cinder nodded again. "I did."

"Can you explain why you did so?" Glynda inquired.

Cinder could not stop herself from letting out a slightly frustrated huff. "If Coco wanted her, she would have been there, she should have been there... The girl was neglected, lonely and starved for affection, and when she reached out, I was the only one who came." She seethed, clenching her fists, tightening her grip on the bow. "She deserved better."

"So you offered yourself in place of Yang's partner?"

"I offered myself because I wanted to, because I wanted her." Cinder clarified, clenching her teeth a bit. While she was not exactly proud of what almost happened between the two, part of her still wished that it could have... Even now. "I wanted to take her and show her what it feels like to be appreciated, and I wanted her to love me for it... Because gods know I'm not going to get that love from... s-someone else..."

Glynda was silent for a moment. "Is it the thought not having your feelings reciprocated from this other person what pushed you to look to Yang?"

Cinder merely shrugged. "I don't know... I don't know how I feel half the time, it's just... it's numb, and then it's hot, and I chase that heat, because I don't know when I'll feel it again."

"I understand that, Cinder." Glynda attempted to comfort. "When I first met Raven, I felt the same thing, that... heat, so I tried to chase it, throwing my drunken self at her in a futile attempt to avoid the numbness I had been feeling since my husband died." Then she sighed. "Unfortunately it was not until the next morning that I realized the type of heat that I felt wasn't what I actually needed, rather what I simply wanted at the time." Glynda went to continue, but noticed the slightly confused look on her patient's face. "What I'm trying to get at is that what you felt with Yang is not what you're actually looking for. Instead I believe you were using that as a replacement for the one you truly care for."

Cinder just chewed her lip in response, gazing downward until she was looking at her hands. Nora had convinced her to paint her nails that morning... Crimson. The colour of her eyes... "It's not fair on them."

"Why so you think so?" Glynda inquired.

Cinder remained quiet for a moment. "She's given me so much."

"And you believe that makes it somehow unfair to love her?" Glynda continued, now aware it was a woman that her patient was talking about. Damnit.

"I believe she deserves far better in life." Cinder almost mumbled, feeling so... deadened that it was just another thing to be depressed about... There was no frustration, no anger or fury, or anything... Things happened, and there was absolutely nothing that she could do about them... And... that made her sad.

"What she deserves- what you both deserve, is to be happy." Glynda encouraged, reaching over to briefly place a hand upon her patient's shoulder.

Cinder just let out a sigh, gaze falling to the ground. "What she deserves is someone who doesn't try to sleep with her daughter because she's an unstable headcase."

Glynda was silent for a short time, seemingly understanding who the younger woman was talking about. "I see." Then she took a breath. "Cinder, I have known Raven for a long time, and during that time she has made a number of mistakes, but let me tell you this, being with you would not be one of those mistakes."

Cinder only managed to sigh again. "I wish I believed that, Glynda."

"Why don't you find out for yourself?" Glynda wondered.

Cinder shook her head. "I have too much to lose."

Glynda actually shrugged at the younger woman's answer. "Perhaps, but if I may be honest, I don't think it would go the way that you're convinced it will."

Cinder remained quiet for several moments, merely staring at the ground. "Perhaps..."

"Have you told her about what happened with Yang?" Glynda inquired.

Cinder shook her head again. "No..." She admitted, feeling almost... ashamed that she had kept such news from her boss and friend. Especially given how Raven was the mother of the woman she almost slept with.

"Then maybe you should start there." Glynda suggested with a warm smile. "Begin discussing your feelings about the matter."

Cinder just sighed. "Very well."

"Now, what about this robbing you mentioned earlier?" Glynda continued, changing the topic. "Can you tell me about that?"

Cinder shrugged at the question. "What's there to tell? I was walking to work and I got mugged."

"When I called to inform Raven of my plans, she mentioned the incident." Glynda explained. "You walked in dazed and bleeding... Were you merely in shock? Or do you feel it was something more?"

"I don't remember it well..." Cinder admitted, unable to make eye contact with her therapist. "It felt like a dream, I was confused, and numb, Raven was there... then I was terrified, everything hurt, I couldn't move..."

"Do you remember how you felt during the incident itself?" Glynda asked.

Cinder was silent for a time, managing to look up, but merely proceeding to stare at the target in front of her. "Powerless." She mumbled, causing her to think back on how good her evening with Yang felt, while the mugging... did the opposite. It reminded her that she was weak, broken... so much that she could not even react to the trauma. Cinder should have been sobbing, she should have PSTD talking about it... She remembered every second of it, and all she felt was disappointment and shame that she was brought so low by something so... stupid.

"And how do you feel talking about it now?" Glynda wondered.

There was only one word to describe how Cinder currently. "Anxious."

"But you are still able to." Glynda assured. "Now, I have had patients who have gone through similar experiences, and even months, sometimes years after, they still remain unable to discuss what happened without having a panic attack. For you, it has been mere days, and yet you stand here, perfectly capable of talking about what should be quite a traumatic experience. Cinder, what do you think of what happened to you?"

That was easy. "I think I'm tired of feeling like I have no agency in life."

Glynda furrowed her brow. "Why do you believe that?"

Finally notching the arrow that she had been holding for the past several minutes, Cinder attempted another shot. A decent hit, but still fairly close to the edge of the target. "I have rarely felt in control of my life... just... drifting, reacting... Emerald gave me stability, and for a time I felt secure, but now... I survive on the charity of others, and... were it not for them, I would have taken my life long ago." And she practically mooched off of the person that had already given her more chances than she deserved, making her feel guiltier on top of it all... She should be better, more capable... Like Raven.

"You say you rely on charity, but do you not have a stable job? And a place to call home?" Glynda defended. "Cinder, just because those around you offer their help and support doesn't make you any less of a woman, it means you have people that care about you."

Cinder just shook her head. "I'm a burden upon them, and... I should be better than this."

"If you were truly a burden, they would be helping you, much less call you family." Glynda reminded.

They may call her family, but... "Family should not be so burdensome."

Glynda was quiet for a moment. "If I were to call Raven right now and ask if you were a burden, what do you think she would say?"

"How did you get this number? Stop calling me you stalker." Cinder responded, doing her best to imitate her boss' voice.

Surprisingly, rather than simply correcting her, Glynda actually let out a chuckle. "I would surely hope not, we have known one another for years. Though in all seriousness, do you truly believe that she thinks you're a burden? Or any of your friends for that matter?"

"I believe they're too generous for their own good..." Cinder mumbled.

"Or perhaps they give you so much because that's what families do, they help one another in times of need." Glynda suggested, likely hoping it would stick.

Cinder just remained quiet for several moments. "They deserve better than me."

"And what do you deserve, Cinder?" Glynda questioned.

"I don't... deserve anything... I'm not worth it." Cinder murmured, unable to even look at her therapist.

"Nonsense." Glynda almost snapped, reaching over to gently take hold of the younger woman's free hand. "There is no one more deserving of happiness than those who have suffered as much as you have. What you deserve is to be happy with your family, with the woman you love, and the fact that you feel so guilty from receiving their help only means that you want to pay them back for what they've done for you."

While the therapist's words were rather encouraging, Cinder only managed to sigh in response. "I can't... I don't have anything to give."

"Of course you do, Cinder." Glynda pressed, giving her patient's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Was it not you who sat with Raven, spoke with her, soothed her anxiety until she returned to that young Weiss girl's birthday? She'd have spent the night drinking and sulking otherwise."

Cinder timidly nodded. "Yes..."

"And was it not you that helped convince her to reconcile with her daughter after their fight?" Glynda continued.

Cinder shrugged. "She loves Yang, she would have figured it out on her own."

Glynda actually scoffed at the answer. "Both Raven and Yang are as stubborn as ox, so if you didn't help her, things most likely would have gotten much worse." She stressed. "Trust me, Cinder, you have more to offer than you realize."

Cinder only let out a small huff. "I'm touched you have such faith in me."

Glynda offered a smile to the younger woman. "I only have as much faith in you that that rest of your family does. Now all you have to do is have faith in yourself."

Cinder scoffed. "You make it sound so easy."

"And you make it sound like it should not be." Glynda countered.

Cinder opened her mouth to respond, but only managed to shake her head. "You don't live my life and end up feeling worthwhile."

"Perhaps that is because you're not looking in the right places." Glynda suggested with a small smile. "You feel that... because your past was so difficult, that means your future cannot be brighter. Cinder, you know that I have been in your place, that I have been at rock bottom with no hope that I could ever return, but look at where I am now. I was but a mere burden on society, and because of the help of one person who decided to care about me, I was able to believe in myself again. And you can too. All you need is a little faith."

Cinder only sighed at the admittedly inspiring story. "I've never been one for faith Glynda. I'm tired of building myself up just to be torn back down again." She informed, finally placing the bow she had been holding back onto the table

"Sometimes it's worth the risk." Glynda pressed.

That's easier said than done. "I don't know how many risks I can survive... I'm just... so tired."

Glynda was quiet for a moment, nodding slowly as she seemingly processed the information. "If you're comfortable with sharing, how strong are your feelings for Raven?"

Cinder just huffed. "It's everything I can do not to straddle her at the first opportunity." And that's with having Nora to satisfy that part of me.

"I see." Glynda acknowledged, not even appearing surprised at her patient's answer. "Now isn't that enough to take that chance?"

"And make a fool of myself? Trying to seduce my boss?" Cinder questioned, almost unable to believe what she was hearing. "Glynda, I can't take that risk."

"It may not be as much of a risk as you think, Cinder." Glynda defended, offering a warm smile.

"Any risk is a risk that I do not wish to take..." Cinder mumbled. "The last time I did something out of line toward my boss, I... ended up saddled with the blame of several lost lives."

Glynda took another step toward her patient, still holding her hand, which she gave another squeeze. "I understand your fear, I truly do, but without taking those risks, you will be unable to move forward with your own life."

Cinder just shrugged, picking the bow back up, as well as an arrow from the bag. "Then I am at an impasse." And what an impressive impasse it is.

Letting go of her patient's hand, Glynda placed that hand upon her shoulder for a moment. "Then if you need help, you need only ask, whether it be me, Raven, or even Yang, but you will not receive help unless you prove that you're willing to move forward."

Notching the arrow, Cinder let it loose, watching it soar past its target entirely, causing her to lower the bow with a sigh. "I fear I'm destined to fail."

"Only if you believe that you will." Glynda reminded.

Cinder laughed bitterly, the lump in her throat escaping in a breathless sob. While she saw the reason in Glynda's words... her heart feared allowing them to take root. She wanted to believe, so desperately... to look Raven in the eye and tell her every last word of her attachment, to risk it all... Cinder wanted to love again... She wanted to be loved. It was what Emerald would have wanted... But Emerald was dead... and her heart was as scarred as her body. The fact that she stood that day was testament to her sheer fortune, and even so, she wanted to risk it on feelings. Life was so very fragile, and so very fleeting. Cinder could not bear more loss... Not when she was so close to happiness...

"I'll think on it."

Reaching up again, Glynda squeezed her shoulder, the warmth offering a trickle of reassurance.

"That's all I ask."


Author's Note: Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think!

Because as always, your feedback fuels us!