As expected, Cinder's muscles were still sore from the prior day. Damnit.
Slowly cracking open her eye, she was met with the sight of some nature program, idly playing on the television across the room, along with a thankfully familiar sight: the living room of Raven's apartment... Her new home. She managed a tired smile, remembering once again how lucky she was to have a friend like Raven. Though, as the sleepiness began to fade from her mind, Cinder realized something. She was still on the couch, and... sitting up. Well, sort of, rather... she was lying against something oddly comfortable...
I've got a bad feeling about this.
Slowly turning her head, Cinder discovered what exactly she was currently laying against, and her cheeks immediately heated up as a result. Her head was on Raven's shoulder. Her head was on Raven's shoulder. She had spent the entire night sleeping against her friend, and... Oh my gods, we're still holding hands. She should really move... but slowly... If she were to wake her friend up, it would be awkward, really awkward... This was inappropriate. Cinder did not even know what to say. Raven smelled so good... Indescribably so... She wanted to stay there forever... She really needed to move.
Ever-so-slowly lifting herself from her friend's shoulder, Cinder returned to an upright position, and she finally got a proper look at her sleeping form. Still tired, yet... younger, the lines on her face far softer, the perpetual scowl faded away... She was... so beautiful... Not unlike aged marble. Cinder only wished that she could remain there, gazing upon her gorgeous features... She wanted... to be closer... Just... Just for a little while longer...
By the time Cinder realized that she was practically cuddled up to Raven, she was startled by the sound of a scroll rattling through the apartment. Raven flinched, her face inches from Cinder's own, causing the younger woman to jerk back hurriedly, a deep flush tinting her cheeks as her friend began to stir, letting out a bleary groan. I really hope she didn't notice me doing that.
Bringing her free hand up to run through her messy black hair, Raven heavily sighed, slowly lifting herself into a semi-proper sitting position as she continued to hold her head. "Fuck me..." She grumbled, before noticing the other woman next to her. "Oh, mornin', Cin... Sleep okay?"
Cinder awkwardly nodded, trying her best not to focus on what she was just doing, and hoping that would lessen her blush. "Much better than the first half of the night." Only unfortunately it had to end. "Are you doing okay?"
Raven just shrugged. "Well, my dumbass forgot to drink any water last night so my head's fuckin' killing me, but I guess that's not too different from most mornings. So, whatever."
She... has headaches that often? "Would you like a glass of water?" Cinder offered.
Raven only blinked, clearly not expecting the question. "Oh, uh, sure, that'd be great." She answered. "Glasses and stuff are in the cupboard to the right of the fridge."
Offering a smile, Cinder stood up from the couch, though upon doing so, a realization hit her. She and Raven were still holding hands. Oh. There was a moment that followed where the two merely stared at their connected hands, both hesitating on letting go, until Cinder finally decided to release her friend's hand, knowing that she actually needed that glass of water. Heading through the living room and into the small kitchen - though it was nowhere as bad as her old apartment - she opened up the instructed cupboard and pulled out a medium-sized glass. Cinder then brought it over to the sink to fill it with cold water, making sure not to over or under-fill it. Once that was done, she returned to the living room, where she held it out for her friend.
Raven tiredly smiled, accepting the glass and immediately taking a huge drink from it, letting out a breath upon finishing. "Ah, thanks, Cin."
Cinder nodded in response. "My pleasure."
Raven quirked a brow at that. "My pleasure? What are you, a maid?"
Sitting back onto the couch next to her friend, Cinder managed a smirk. Now it was her turn. "No, but would you like me to be?"
Looking up and down the younger woman's body, a couple times over, causing a slight blush to tint her cheeks, Raven only smirked right back. "Well, you'd look damn good in the outfit."
Cinder let out a chuckle. "Perhaps without all these burns I might."
Raven just stared at her friend, for several seconds. "I don't think they make a difference."
Cinder opened her mouth to respond, before quickly realizing what the older woman said. "You... You don't?" No, no she's just saying that. She could never mean it...
Raven shrugged, taking a sip from her water. "Don't see why I would."
Cinder could not believe what she was hearing. "I... Th-Thank you, Raven..."
Raven just offered a tired smile. "Mnn, ugh, I need to stop drinking."
Cinder frowned. "If it causes you pain this often, I agree." She answered, before looking around the apartment, searching for another conversation topic, her eye soon landing on the kitchen. "Perhaps we should... think about preparing breakfast, since we both have work soon."
Raven looked at the kitchen as well, then groaned. "Fuck effort, I need greasy food and a jumbo thickshake."
While Cinder certainly enjoyed a nice home-cooked meal, she was not the best cook in the world, and judging from the reaction, her friend was not either. Plus, she was not exactly in the mood to cook anyway. "Hm, I share your sentiment." She agreed. "Do you have anywhere particular you would like to go? Maybe that nice family café down the street?"
Raven was quiet for a moment, likely attempting to remember what the younger woman was talking about. "Valencia, yeah good, great."
Cinder offered a small smile. "Well, shall we get changed? Since it would be rather inappropriate to go there in our current..." She began, unable to stop herself from peeking down at Raven's underwear again, before quickly shaking away the inappropriate thoughts that were starting to flood into her mind. "C-Current state of dress."
Raven shrugged. "Dunno, I could always stand to blind a few people."
"Well, it's certainly a good way to attract more people to the bar." Cinder added with a slight smirk.
"Getting arrested sucks though." Raven mentioned.
"But would getting more customers not be worth it?" Cinder wondered.
"New customers, sure, but the kind that hang around at a bar 'cause they saw the owner's ass? Eh." Raven answered with another shrug.
"I don't know, it's definitely a large part of why I stay." Cinder fully smirked. Of course that was not actually true, but catching a glimpse of her friend's shapely rear was always a nice treat, and a damn sight to behold.
Raven let out a chuckle. "Pshh, suckin' up for a raise huh?"
Cinder faux-innocently shrugged, the smirk remaining on her face. "That depends, is it working?"
Raven only snorted, finishing her water and putting the glass aside. "How 'bout I buy you breakfast." She proposed, pushing herself up from the couch, and smirking down at the younger woman. "And you can stare at my ass while I walk away."
Cinder's eye immediately widened in surprise, not at all expecting to hear a response like that. Did.. she hear that correctly? Yes... it seemed that she did. Oh my gods... "D-Deal..." She barely managed to agree, watching as her friend turned to slowly head through the living room, and only able to stare directly at her underwear-clad rear as she walked away. Cinder had not been so entranced by a mere sight in a very long time... And that sight jiggled with each step that Raven took, just the way she liked it. Fuck me... What made it even better was that her boy shorts appeared to had ridden up while they slept, so even more of her voluptuous backside was currently on full display for the younger woman to gaze upon, to admire- hell, to leer at, and... Oh boy...
It's perfect.
I wonder if it's as soft as it looks...
I could always go find out. I'm sure she wouldn't mind...
Gods, I just want to fall asleep, worshiping its supple curves...
And wake up to its warmth pressing down on me.
Cinder felt like she was going to have to wipe drool from her mouth fairly soon.
I want it on my face.
Then, as if somehow aware of Cinder's growing thirst, Raven grabbed the hem of her band T-shirt with both hands, and while still sauntering down the short hallway that led to her bedroom, slid the garment up her torso and up over her head, casually stripping it off, right... right in front of the younger woman, fully exposing her pale back, and... Good gods... Cinder could see the side of her bare, ample breasts... It was as if her friend had completely forgotten she was sitting there, watching her...
Cinder only managed to gulp.
Fuck... what I would give for her to just turn around... Even for a moment...
Just before she disappeared into her bedroom, Raven glanced back - without actually turning her body - flashed an exceptionally sly smirk at the younger woman, and slipped inside, leaving her alone in the living room, with the realization that all her actions were on purpose.
It was at that exact moment, that Cinder realized it was all or nothing. There was no turning back anymore. She was trapped there now.
I'm so fucked.
Weiss awoke to the smell of delicious food... and music. Though the latter was a bit overshadowed.
She laid there briefly in a bleary daze, trying to place the tune, her mouth beginning to water as the scent of cooking bacon filled the air. It was... incredible. She was twenty-three years old, and it was easily the second most appetizing aroma that had ever graced her nostrils, beaten only by the cooking of Summer Rose, which was something she had the absolute joy and pleasure of experiencing last year when she visited the Rose-Xiao Long household for a Solstice dinner, while... Vernal spent the night drinking with Raven. Though, perhaps Weiss should have taken that as the first sign, that her now-ex would rather do nothing but drink with her boss than spend a pleasant evening with her girlfriend at a wonderful family gathering...
Immediately shaking that rather uncomfortable thought and reminder from her mind, Weiss reached up to wipe the sleep from her eyes, letting out a quiet sigh. She then moved her blanket aside, and pulled herself into a sitting position, crossing her legs as she did so. Upon finally opening her eyes, Weiss was greeted with the familiar sight of Yang's living area, but this time it was bathed in sunlight from the open windows, creating a much... warmer atmosphere. She could even hear the faint sound of the wind outside, as well as a couple birds chirping from somewhere nearby. It was... a welcome change to say the least.
It was not until Weiss moved into a kneeling position to turn toward the kitchen that her eyes widened in shock, as she gazed upon... Holy fucking shit... Currently searching through the fridge, and dancing to the pop music that was playing from the counter top speaker was Yang, and she... was not wearing any pants. Yang was not wearing any pants. Weiss could not believe her eyes. What happened to her shorts from last night? The blonde was just casually dancing and cooking without pants, showing... Gods... Showing off her glorious underwear-clad rear, practically shaking it to the beat... What made it even better was the underwear she was wearing was no ordinary pair. No, instead... she was wearing a purple g-string, which meant that her behind was on full display...
Weiss,exe stop responding
She could manage nothing else but to stare at Yang's voluptuous backside, watching it move, swing... jiggle...
How the fuck does she squeeze that thing into jeans?
Gods, life is so unfair.
Bounce, bounce, bounce... Fuck me...
I swear to gods, Weiss, if you drool, I will never forgive you.
After several moments of nothing but having her eyes glued to her friend's shapely rear... or something like that - she kind of lost track of time - Weiss ended up having to cling to the back of the couch so that she could continue kneeling, and not, well, fall over.
Then Yang turned around, nearly catching her in the vastly inappropriate act as she briefly removed one of her earbuds... even though the speaker was still playing out-loud. "Hey Weiss! Good morning!" She excitedly greeted with a smile.
Weiss did her absolute best to offer a smile in return. "Yes... g-good morning." She stammered, barely able to maintain eye contact.
"You feelin' okay?" Yang wondered. "Want some coffee?"
Weiss only managed to shake her head a bit. "I-I'm fine, and... perhaps over breakfast." In response, Yang merely smiled brightly before returning to cooking breakfast, returning the earbud to her ear, and leaving her friend to do nothing but continue to stare at the blonde's wonderful, nearly-bare ass. It was... honestly one of the most beautiful things that she had ever seen... and not only that... magnificent rear. Just... Yang in general. She looked so... genuinely happy...
Then Weiss felt an unexpected arm around her shoulder.
"Enjoyin' the view?"
Weiss immediately stiffened upon hearing that, letting out a startled yelp. Turning her head, she soon found that it was Coco who had put an arm around her. "Don't sneak up on me like that!" She hissed, a furious heat rising in her cheeks. Though Weiss attempted to stop it, that did not exactly work very well... as expected. "I-I don't know what you're talking about."
Coco just chuckled, pulling the other woman a bit closer. "Sure ya don't, 'cause that's why you look like you need a cold shower.
"I do not!" Weiss quietly hissed, lest she allow Yang to overhear. "I-It's... inappropriate."
Coco only tilted her head a bit. "Why? 'Cause she's newly single? 'Cause you're newly single?"
"W-We're... on a break." Weiss managed, almost unable to believe it herself.
"So what?" Coco shrugged. "Yang's hot, enjoy the view, there's no shame here."
Weiss opened her mouth to defend her claim, but sadly she had nothing to do it with. So, she attempted to think of a way to change the subject. Unfortunately, there was only one thing on her mind... one exceptionally attractive thing... Though thankfully that at least raised one question. "What... happened to the shorts that Yang was wearing last night?" She inquired, desperately hoping that the brunette would focus on it.
"No clue, had 'em on when we went to sleep." Coco responded. "I know she wore those panties for me though, but definitely forgot you're also lookin'..." Then she grinned. "Want me to steal 'em for ya?" Or maybe pull her top up? You an ass girl or a tits girl?"
Weiss only managed to flush a deep red, swallowing, hopefully not audibly. "I-I am... undecided."
Coco just smirked. "I'll take that as a both." She informed, releasing the younger woman from her slight hold, hopping off the couch, and sauntering to the kitchen. Once there, she walked up behind Yang, and with a single finger from her uninjured arm, hooked the top string of her underwear, and... pulled upward. She winked at Weiss for emphasis, causing her eyes to nearly shoot out of her head. Of course, that did not exactly increase the amount of skin that was being displayed, it did not matter, the action itself was... well, rather hot. She was not quite sure why, it just was. Though just as Yang ceased her frying, Coco released the string, causing it to snap back, eliciting a high-pitched yelp from the blonde. Even still, she attempted to turn around, likely to ask what that was for, but the brunette stopped her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders in an attempt to distract her, before winking again at Weiss. It as almost as if she was sending her some kind of signal, allowing her to continue staring at Yang's incredible rear.
So that was what Weiss did.
Gods, it's so perfect... and it looks so soft...
Maybe I do need a cold shower.
"Look at you being all domestic and stuff." Coco giggled. "Gods, you're such a mom."
Yang let out a chuckle. "Just 'cause I'm cookin' you two breakfast doesn't mean I'm a mom. I ain't gonna serve you or anything."
Coco only smirked at the response, as an evil idea seemingly popped into her head. "I like chocolate syrup on my pancakes, mommy."
Yang just snorted. "You want some milk with those, sweetie?" She wondered, nudging her ample chest with her upper arms.
"Only if its mamma's milk." Coco informed with a sly grin, causing Weiss' eyes to widen. Just what kind of relationship did those two have?
Yang could not help but laugh at the admittedly ridiculous request. "Hey, I said you get tit-touchin' privileges, you ain't allowed to suck on 'em anymore."
Lucky bitch.
"Technically sucking is just touchin' with extra steps." Coco mentioned, reaching farther around her shoulders to squeeze one of her sizable breasts. "Honk."
Turning her head around to face her other friend, Yang groaned, though a smile was still spread across her face. "Weiss, Coco's using loopholes on me!"
Upon being called on, Weiss had to shake away the exceptionally inappropriate thoughts that were flooding into her mind, caused by the other two's exchange. "Y-You have only yourself to blame, Yang." She barely managed, trying her best not to let her eyes wander down to the blonde's chest... Which was... currently without a bra...
"Come grab a handful too, Weissy." Coco smirked, motioning for the woman in question to come over with her head, as well as giving her friend's breast another couple squeezes."
Yang just rolled her eyes. "Oh sure, everyone come grab some, not like I'm lacking or anything."
As much as Weiss wanted to take the brunette up on her offer, she had at least some self control, doing her best to keep herself focused on something else. "You seem to be in capable hands already."
Coco just chuckled. "I've only got her in a capable hand, I need one of yours to make up for my disability."
Damnit, why does that have to make sense?! Weiss was going to have to think of something fast, or else she would end up doing something that she really should not. Thankfully, an idea came to mind. So, she raised the back of her hand to her forehead. "I suddenly find myself terribly faint, I don't think I can stand, my lack of body fat has become my undoing."
Yang giggled at the excuse. "Alright alright, fun's over, Adel, lemme finish making breakfast."
Coco merely snorted, leaning in to peck the blonde on the cheek before pulling away, finally releasing her large breast and heading back into the living area, where she promptly plopped down onto the couch. A couple moments passed in silence, before Weiss came to realize something about the other two. "Say, Coco?"
Coco turned her head to look up at the other woman. "Sup?"
"I'm... sorry that your relationship didn't work out..." Weiss almost mumbled, unable to stop herself from frowning. "I know you and Yang care for one another..."
"We do..." Coco smiled, though it did not meet her eyes. "But we've still got each other, that ain't changin'... Thanks, Weiss."
Weiss offered a smile in return. "Of course, and just know that I'll be here for you if you ever need anything. My door is always open."
Coco brought her uninjured hand up to her chin, seemingly in thought, humming as she did so. Then she smirked again. "Well, I could always use a good ol' romp in the sheets."
Weiss just rolled her eyes. "Which you are free to look for elsewhere."
Coco's smirk remained strong. "Why do that when I've got a sexy little thing right here?" She wondered, scooting closer to the other woman, reaching up to poke her in the cheek.
Weiss grimaced, though not without a hint of amusement, knowing full well that the brunette was only joking... At least she hoped that was the case. Good gods she's horny. "Behave."
Coco merely shrugged. "Hey, I didn't actually get laid last night, so cut me some slack."
Weiss let out a sigh. "Oh, I'm well aware, far too well aware..."
Coco chuckled at her friend's discomfort. "So my door's still open, if you know what I'm sayin'."
Weiss just scoffed at the joke. "Don't make me get a spray bottle."
Unfortunately, it seemed that was just the response that Coco wanted to hear. "Oh yeah, Weiss, get me wet."
Weiss only rolled her eyes again, letting out a sigh. This was going to be a long morning. And it's not even ten AM yet. Thankfully they did not have to wait too much longer for breakfast to be ready, and boy did it look and smell good. Upon sitting down at the kitchen table with the other two after getting herself a cup of coffee - while the others got themselves some orange juice - Weiss admired the spread of food before them. A whole plate of crispy bacon, another one full of scrambled eggs, and finally, a huge pile of freshly-cooked pancakes - complete with sides of butter, syrup, chocolate syrup, and even icing sugar. Was she drooling? She was probably drooling. Gods, everything looked so... amazing.
But that did not even compare to how it all tasted.
Upon taking her first bite of perfect-looking, lightly-syrup-topped pancake, Weiss actually froze, almost unable to comprehend the quality of taste that just graced her taste buds. She may have developed a sweet tooth over the years, but pancakes had often left her quite disappointed. Never the decadent luxury of nuclear family legend, often times too caked in fruit and icing sugar to really stand on their own. But Yang's thick, pillowy pancakes were rich, buttery, and melted in her mouth like nothing she had ever tasted before.
"Yang-" Weiss rasped, before clearing her throat. "Have you ever considered a career in hospitality?"
Yang furrowed her brow in response. "Uh, not really, why?"
"I have not once experienced pancakes of this quality." Weiss informed, after cutting another admittedly huge piece from her first one. "I mean... fuck, Yang, what is in these? Drugs?"
"Technically love is a drug." Coco commented, mouth practically full of scrambled eggs.
Yang merely shrugged. "It's just buttermilk and flour mainly, nothing really special about it, I just... do it like Summer taught me."
"The woman is a goddess among mortals." Weiss declared upon swallowing another delicious bite.
Yang let out a chuckle as she cut a couple pieces of bacon in half. "I'll be sure to pass along the compliment."
Weiss held out another chunk of pancake in front of her, almost admiring it. "And you... Yang, if anything else you cook is even half as good as these, you very well may actually get me fat."
Yang just giggled at the idea. "I'll have you waddlin' around in no time."
"Oh gods, please don't." Weiss groaned. "After tasting this, I'm convinced you legitimately could."
Yang snorted. "Psh, I'm sure you'd burn all the calories buzzing around looking for stuff to do."
Weiss could not help but pout. "Hey, I do have a job, you know."
Yang raised a brow. "You hate that place."
Weiss let out a sigh. "Yes, but unfortunately it's where I have to work for the time being."
"Well, I'll be sure to come around more often then." Yang smiled.
"So I can fatten you up?" Weiss wondered with a slight smirk.
Coco snorted at the question. "I mean, she's kinda halfway there. Just look at those milkers." She commented, looking over to stare at the blonde's chest and actually licking her lips. "Like, fuck. And not to mention that junk in the trunk, if you know what I'm sayin'."
And with a hearty laugh from Yang, and a smaller chuckle from Weiss, breakfast continued in relative silence - as they all became too busy with their food - though not for long it seemed, as the brunette merely watched the other two interacting, with a sly smirk spread across her face, appearing to be... up to something. Oh, great.
"So, how's it feel to be livin' together?" Coco wondered, still smirking as she ate her lightly-peppered scrambled eggs.
"We're not living together." Weiss attempted to correct, though she could tell that her friend was not at all convinced. "I'm temporarily seeking asylum during a time of difficulty."
Coco just chuckled, though a mouth nearly full of eggs and bacon. "That's what they all say. I'll give it a couple weeks before you're sayin' We're not sleeping together, I'm merely seeking warmth during these cold Vale nights." She teased, imitating the younger woman's voice, though not exactly very well.
Yang nearly spit out her orange juice. "Coco!"
While the thought of sharing a bed with the blonde certainly embarrassed her, Weiss was able to fight back a blush as a clever retort popped into her head. "I imagine living with Pyrrha is a similar experience, she has a certain effect on those she cares for."
"You're damn right she does." Coco grinned. "If that woman wasn't married, you bet your tight ass I'd be all over her."
Weiss opened her mouth to respond, but quickly realized something. The brunette just referred to her behind as... tight, which clearly implied that she had been looking recently, likely before they spoke earlier. Well, either that, or... "Yang, have you been talking about my rear?"
Coco chuckled at the question, even though it was not even directed at her. "Nah, I got a pretty good look earlier before gettin' your attention." She answered with a wink.
"Hey, who let you out of the dungeon?" Yang wondered through a mouth full of scrambled eggs.
"Big Red." Coco informed. "She was like hey, my sister needs diddlin', and booted me out."
Yang just smirked at the answer. "And yet here I am, un-diddled."
"Oh diddly no." Coco giggled.
Yang quickly joined her friend in giggling. "Oh I diddly say so."
Weiss only managed to groan. "Remind me to never hang out with you two together."
"Too late, you're stuck with us." Coco grinned, before briefly eyeing the younger woman. "And besides, you and I gotta talk shop. I love the whole kinda-goth thing you got going."
Weiss looked down at her appearance, observing that the only thing that was really goth - or technically punk - about it was her hair, and even that was beginning to fade due to her growing roots. Even her current pyjamas were just a grey T-shirt and blue cartoon-themed pyjama pants. Not exactly the epitome of punk, as she once was. "Well, I haven't really been keeping up with that recently, but thank you. I'm glad someone likes it."
Contrary to a minute ago, Coco actually appeared to be listening properly as she ate. "Oh, by the way, is your hair naturally white? 'Cause otherwise the whole white roots, black hair thing is a bitch to pull off."
Moving onto the scrambled eggs and bacon, as she had practically wolfed down the pancakes when she was not talking, Weiss nodded. "Oh, yes, it is naturally white. I began dying it a little while after I moved here."
Coco hummed. "Nice, I used to dye a little, but uh, well... haven't been feeling it, might start doing it again though."
Observing the brunette's hair, Weiss could tell that it had not been dyed in quite a while, given that there was no remains anywhere. "What sort of dying did you do?"
"Just a little accent on my fringe." Coco explained, gesturing to that area of her hair. "Dyed it caramel, and when my hair is cut just right it looks pretty stylin."
Weiss did her best to imagine what her friend was talking about, and... wow, it looked quite good, at least how she pictured it in her mind. "I could imagine..."
"So, you two got any plans today?" Coco inquired, before turning to the blonde. "Well, I know you've got work in a bit, but I mean after that. Plenty of time for activities."
Yang looked to Weiss with a smile. "Well, we were gonna see what Rubes was up to and hang out."
Coco's eyes immediately lit up upon hearing that. "Ohh, little double date with her and Little Red?"
A double date... with Yang? No no, stop it. You're just friends. It's just a hangout. "I promised I'd be a better friend to Ruby, I've been neglecting her."
Coco just raised a brow, another smirk spreading across her face. "So why you bringin' Xiao Long then?"
"Hey!" Yang exclaimed with a mouth full of bacon.
"They function better as a matched set." Weiss answered, the corners of her mouth spreading into the slightest grin.
"So does that mean whenever I wanna hang out with Yang, I should invite you too?" Coco wondered, adding a wink for emphasis.
Weiss quirked a brow. "Are you propositioning me, Adel?"
Coco only smirked. "I dunno, am I?"
"You need a leash and a handler." Weiss deadpanned, shoveling more eggs into her mouth. Gods, these are so good.
"I mean, if you're offerin'..." Coco near-purred, licking her lips.
"Down, girl." Yang instructed, reaching over to tap the brunette on the head.
Weiss turned to the blonde with a raised brow. "Is she always like this?"
Yang let out a chuckle. "You have no idea."
Well... "I'm beginning to learn."
A brief silence followed, with the three merely continuing to eat Yang's delectable breakfast, at least until... with no surprise, Coco had something else on her mind. Or likely more accurately, up her sleeve. I wonder what it could be this time.
"So since you two are livin' in the same place now, you gonna be doin' more stuff together?" Coco asked, finishing the last of her food.
Hm, that wasn't so bad.
Yang just shrugged. "Well it's not like we've got much else to do."
Coco then leaned over, close enough to whisper, and lightly nudged the Weiss with her casted elbow. "If you need a wingwoman, you know where to find me."
Weiss only rolled her eyes at the offer. "Down, girl." Perhaps I should get a cold glass of water to pour out on her.
Coco chuckled. "Hey, I've been told I'm a pretty solid wingwoman."
"I'm sure you've been told a lot of things." Weiss commented.
Coco just grinned. "What can I say, I'm a talented gal."
Weiss opened her mouth to offer another sarcastic answer, but Yang had another idea in mind. "Mini golf!" She suddenly blurted, almost startling the other two. Thankfully neither of them had been drinking anything when that happened. Though in response, they merely looked at the blonde in confusion, wondering what exactly she was talking about.
"What about it?" Weiss inquired.
"There's a mini golf course nearby that's been renovating all year and they just reopened." Yang explained with a bright smile, clearly excited about the place. "I keep forgetting to check it out, so we could go there!"
Weiss thought for a moment, considering what her friend said. "That sounds like a great idea, Yang, and I'm sure Ruby will love it."
Yang's smile only grew brighter at the answer. "Have you ever played mini golf?" She wondered.
Weiss raised a brow. "Is that even a question? Of course I haven't." Though that was not to say that she had never wanted to go... or at least try it. But alas, her previous lifestyle did not allow it.
"Man you're missin' out, Weissy!" Coco added. "Mini golf is the shit."
It does look rather fun... "I suppose I am scaled for it."
Upon hearing that, Coco proceeded to just silently stare at the younger woman for a moment. "Oh my gods, you are." She gasped, wide-eyed as she looked at her petite body. "Guess for you it'd just be regular golf, huh?"
Weiss could not help but let out a slight chuckle, wishing that the brunette was not so amusing. "Oh shush, you, I'm not that short."
Coco just grinned. "Whatever you say, midget."
Yang only sighed at the interaction. "Coco, play nice."
Weiss felt a smirk spread across her face as an idea popped into her head. "I don't think she has a nice setting either."
Coco brought her uninjured arm up to her chin, seemingly in thought. "My only settings are... sassy, sexy, bitchin', and as Xiao Long over here knows, loud."
Yang opened her mouth to respond, probably to agree, but froze, appearing to realize what her friend just said. "Wait wait wait, you were awake for that?"
Unfortunately. "Among many other things."
Coco immediately quirked a brow. "Oh yeah? Did ya hear what you needed, if you know what I'm sayin'?"
"I heard enough." Weiss answered, quite simply, as she had absolutely no desire to get into any further detail about the prior night. Gods, that was so fucking awkward.
"Well, it's good to hear at least someone got to finish in this apartment." Coco commented with a grin, teasingly sticking her tongue out at the blonde, who just did it right back.
Of course she's taking it that way. "Not that kind of enough, Coco."
Unsurprisingly, Coco only smirked in response, slyly winking at the younger woman. "So you say."
Weiss just let out a sigh, wishing that the brunette had some kind of off switch.
It was a weird feeling, visiting a bar again, especially when the Reds were not allowing Coco to drink.
Walking behind Ruby through the front doors of The Perch, where she had previously been told Yang - her now-ex - worked, she was met with... well, an admittedly average bar. The first thing Coco noticed was how dimly lit the room was, which was a contrast compared to the cloudless, sunny day outside - and meant she had to take off her aviator sunglasses. The only real sources of light were the random neon signs scattered around the walls and the deep-red under-glow of the bar counter. Due to the time of day, it was pretty empty - aside from a few people at the booths - though the pair quickly spotted a familiar blonde cleaning glasses behind the bar, and an equally-familiar mask-wearing hottie cleaning a nearby empty table.
"Hi Yang!" Ruby burst, waving at her sister as she and Coco approached the counter.
Turning to the source of the voice, Yang immediately grinned. "Hey! It's my two favourite people!"
Coco quirked a brow, taking a seat on one of the bar stools, just as Ruby did the same on another. "Don't let Weissy hear you say that."
Yang let out a chuckle, putting a freshly-cleaned glass aside. "Don't get your hopes up, Adel, I say that to her too."
While that information was certainly good to hear, Coco smirked. "Oh, so you're a two-timer now?"
Beginning to wash another glass, Yang only smirked right back. "Well, I did say you were just the mistress, didn't I?"
Coco had to resist the urge to laugh upon hearing the response, remembering that joke from a couple weeks ago. Ruby on the other hand, only appeared confused, which was rather adorable to see. Though just as she opened her mouth to respond, Cinder approached the bar, reaching over to place her cleaning supplies behind the main countertop, before turning to the blonde. "I don't believe we're supposed to flirt with the customers." She commented, as Coco noticed Ruby somewhat shifting uncomfortably out of the corner of her eye.
"You say that like we don't always do that." Yang defended.
Cinder just rolled her eye. "Speak for yourself, Yang."
"Hey, I've seen you fishin' for tips with that rockin' body of yours a few times." Yang accused with a sly smirk, much to the surprise of both Coco and Ruby, neither expecting Cinder of all people to be one to do that sort of thing. "No shame here."
Cinder merely shrugged. "I don't know what you're talking about." She probably lied, walking away toward the bar counter hatch.
Yang let out a chuckle. "Sure ya don't." She teased, before looking to her sister and friend. "Anywho, you guys want anything?"
"Just my usual." Ruby smiled, which all three of them knew meant a Strawberry Sunrise.
"Boorring!" Yang groaned through a slight smirk. "You always order the same thing, Rubes! I mean come on, even Weiss shakes things up every once in a while."
Ruby managed a slight giggle. "Well excuse me for keeping my drinks consistent." She huffed, before her smile faded a bit. "But uh, speaking of Weiss, how's she doing?"
Gathering the necessary ingredients to begin making her sister's drink, Yang hummed. "I mean, it's only been a day, so the situation's not exactly ideal, but I can see she's doin' her best, and I'm makin' sure she's as comfortable as possible. Of course it'll be a little while before she's completely back on her feet, but y'know, the best we can do it be patient and supportive and stuff." She smiled, mixing the orange and red liquid. "Plus, I'm sure takin' her out for mini golf will help."
"Oh yeah, definitely, but it's good to hear she's doing okay." Ruby acknowledged. "Just remember if Weiss ever needs anything, or if she needs anything but won't admit it, maybe I could give her the face so she can't refuse, or if that somehow doesn't work, I know she won't be able to say no to Pyr."
Yang only snorted at the... threat? Or was it a promise of bringing out the face? "I don't think anyone could say no to your wife, Rubes." Then she turned to Coco with a smirk. "Like I said last night, if she wasn't married, we'd all be part of her harem."
Coco immediately chuckled. "You're damn right we would. She'd rule over us like a queen."
Ruby just looked between the other two for a moment, a rather... puzzled look on her face. "I'll just leave you two alone for a minute." She awkwardly decided, before a slight grin spread across her face. "I'll let you bring my drink to me, Yang." She added, heading over to plop down into an empty booth, leaving the pair alone, where they proceeded to spend a few moments in silence, not quite knowing where to go. Why were things all of a sudden so awkward?
"Hey." Yang finally spoke.
Coco just offered a small smile in return. "Hey."
"So uh, how'd Rubes take the news?" Yang wondered, looking past her friend for a moment, likely at her sister.
"Well, aside from the initial shock, not bad, but also not great." Coco informed, thinking back to earlier that morning when she tried her absolute hardest to avoid telling Ruby and Pyrrha that they had actually broken up, even though she still slept over. Unfortunately, Big Red eventually broke her over lunch, and she had to break the news to them. As expected, Pyrrha took it alright, but Ruby on the other hand... Gods, it was awful, even if it was only brief. Coco could not imagine what it would have been like if she and Yang had dated for longer. "Though she's super disappointed her matchmaking didn't work out. You doin' good?"
After a moment, Yang nodded. "Yeah yeah, I'm good..."
Upon seeing her friend's downcast expression, something clicked within Coco's mind. "Okay, we gotta stop with this awkward post-breakup shit."
Yang blinked, seemingly realizing something similar. "Yeah, I mean, we didn't even really date."
"Right?" Coco added. "So why don't we just skip all the awkwardness and go back to being buds like this morning?" Sure, it still hurt, but honestly, nothing would make her happier than to just not have to deal with all the shitty feelings that came with a breakup.
Yang immediately smiled at the question. "Should we drink to it?"
"Fuck yeah we should." Coco quickly agreed, a grin spreading across her face. Though unfortunately, it was not alcohol that she was going ot be drinking, as per the rules given to her by Pyrrha. "I'll have an orange juice, on the rocks."
Yang quirked a brow at the order. "Not exactly what I expected, but comin' right up!" She brightly smiled, reaching under the counter to grab a carton of orange juice.
Reaching up with her uninjured arm, Coco rubbed the back of her head. "Yeah, the Reds don't want me drinkin' for a while. So uh, so I'm gonna try." 'Cause Little Red especially wasn't too happy that I've been drinking so much with you... Though of course, she was not about to vocalize that thought, lest the blonde think that anything was her fault. That was the last thing she wanted.
Once Yang had prepared the both Ruby's Strawberry Sunrise, and brunette's orange juice on the rocks, as well as a beer for herself, the two clinked their glasses - technically the glass and can - and took a drink. "Ah, nothin' like a mid-shift beer. I hope mom doesn't kill me for this."
Coco let out a small chuckle. "Hey, you're the one who wanted to drink to being best buds, Xiao Long."
Yang merely pouted a bit at the comment, seemingly knowing that her friend made a good point, but not having a clever response. "Oh, go bring Rubes her drink." She finally grumbled, placing the newly-made Strawberry Sunrise onto the bar counter.
Coco just smirked. "No can do, 'cause last time I checked, I didn't work here."
Yang breathed a heavy sigh, clearly becoming done with her shit, so to speak. So she turned to her coworker, who was just coming out of the back room. "Hey Cin, you mind bringing my sister her drink?"
Approaching the section of the bar counter where the other two were standing, Cinder nodded. "I suppose, since bringing people their beverages is part of my job." She agreed, picking up the drink and turning to head toward the booth that Ruby was currently sitting at, idly playing on her scroll as she waited.
Giving her friend one final nod and a smile, Coco followed Cinder over to the booth, pausing briefly as the older woman handed Ruby her drink - which was followed by a slightly awkward, yet bright grin and a thank you as she accepted it - before sliding into the booth. After her beverage was confirmed to be non-alcoholic, the two proceeded to sit in relative silence as they enjoyed their drinks, with Coco's gaze eventually making its way back toward Yang, which was where it lingered for several moments, until it was noticed by the woman across from her in the booth.
"Are you... really okay, Coco?" Ruby asked, her voice full of concern, the previously bright smile faded away.
Turning back to her friend, Coco managed a smile, even if it was not completely genuine. "For the thousandth time, Big Red, yeah, I'm good." She attempted to assure, taking a drink from her orange juice.
Reaching out to gently take hold of the brunette's uninjured hand, Ruby gave it a slight squeeze. "Because you know I'm here for you if it's not. Breakups aren't easy."
Hesitating for a moment, Coco returned the gesture with a light squeeze of her own, her smile fading as she briefly stared at their connected hands, before looking back up at her friend. "I uh, might need some ice cream when we head home."
Ruby immediately smiled brightly at the request. "I'm always up for ice cream."
Coco just softly chuckled, managing a smile. "I know, Ruby."
As the two quietly sat there, enjoying their respective drinks, Coco spotted an... interesting individual walk through the front door of The Perch. Well, sort of. Not quite in appearance, but rather, in attitude. Sure, it was not exactly every day that she got to see a cute, busty redhead in the same place as her, but it was quite a unique sight to see a woman so perky, so... bubbly, come into such an average bar. So, Coco decided to just keep an eye on her as she made her way through the room, immediately approaching the bar and very excitedly greeting Yang, and ordering a drink. A Strawberry Sunrise if she heard correctly. The woman then moved on to Cinder, who received a Ruby-level hug as her greeting. It was... rather amusing to say the least, seeing an actually genuine smile spread across her face for whoever this unknown woman was as they chatted, prompting Coco to wonder who exactly she was. Once they were done, she turned to go collect her drink from Yang...
Then she spotted Ruby, and froze.
For several moments, this woman merely stared at her from afar, not even blinking. Did she know Ruby? Perhaps Cinder told the redhead about her? Or maybe she was just mistaking her for someone else? Well, whatever the case, she now found the distance to be too much, and began approaching the booth, until she stood barely a foot away from the table, gaze still locked on Ruby, who soon noticed the staring with the woman now in front of her.
"Um... hello?" Ruby awkwardly asked after a couple seconds. The woman just kept staring at her in response, even squinting her eyes. So she shared a look with Coco before looking back up at the redhead. "Can I... help you?"
It was at that moment that another idea popped into Coco's head. "I think she's just admiring you."
Then Yang took notice of the unknown woman's actions, or technically lack thereof, from behind the bar. "Hey Cin, you fed Nora today right?"
So her name's Nora. That's at least good to know.
"She is perfectly capable of feeding herself." Cinder informed from across the room. "Plus, as I told you yesterday, I don't live in that building anymore."
The whole time, Nora had not once taken her admittedly pretty teal eyes off of Ruby. "You know a... Summer?" She finally wondered.
Ruby furrowed her brow at the question. "I mean, my mom's name is Summer, why? You know her from somewhere?"
Nora then stood up straight, turning to point at Cinder. "You didn't tell me it was that Summer!" The woman in question merely raised her brow, but just as fast as she stood, the redhead slid into the booth across from Ruby, nearly bumping into Coco on her way in, which might have caused her to spill the orange juice that she was drinking. "Oh my gods, you're like a little clone!"
Ruby appeared to not know how to respond, which was super amusing. "I- Um- What now? Who- Where do you know my mom from?"
"Charity!" Nora burst, turning to point over at Cinder again. "I told you all about it, Cindy! Why didn't you realize?!"
"You never mentioned her name, Nora." Cinder defended, expression exceptionally neutral.
Nora just paused for several moments. "Oh yeah."
Ruby shared another look with Coco. "So... you've done charity work with my mom?"
Nora quickly nodded. "Yeah, I did every weekend for about a month or two last year. She was really nice, total angel!"
After taking another drink from her Strawberry Sunrise, Ruby let out a soft chuckle. "Yeah, everyone kinda says that, but I don't think she ever mentioned you. I'll have to ask her!" She smiled. "Do you still do charity work?"
Nora shook her head, and her smile faded a bit. "Can't afford it. I got lucky last year and had some savings, but then the rent went up, so..." She explained, but trailed off, and she shrugged.
"Oh, that sucks, I know what it's like to have to give stuff up 'cause of the rent." Ruby admitted, frowning. "Do you at least have a stable enough job? Because I know some people if you need help with that."
Nora was silent for a moment, her smile actually fading even more as she seemingly became lost in thought, which felt... odd to Coco, as if the redhead's face was not meant to express that emotion. "I used to make much more of an effort to do charity work, but opportunities were slim, and keeping my place meant I was uh... takin' on a lotta work." She finally continued. "But that's fine, I'd rather have to... well, work really hard than reach out for help. I mean, at least it's reliable, and I know it works for me. I'm not homeless, I've only had a couple health problems, and I'm alive. So... that's all I can really ask for." Then Nora managed a smile. "I've got lots of memories of all the fun I had with Summer, and that's enough for me."
Rather than immediately answering, telling the redhead that she was there to help, as Coco expected her to, Ruby merely turned and reached into her adorable little black purse, and pulled out her anime-themed wallet. Unzipping and opening it up, she began sorting through the various cards that were inside. "Well, I'll admit I dunno much about your situation, but there are options and ways to achieve your goals, and sometimes you need a little help. There's no shame in asking for it, 'cause not everyone's as fortunate as someone like me, which is something my mom made sure I understood growing up."
As Ruby spoke, she was pulling out what looked like business cards and placing them onto the table. "These are details of some agencies that can help you financially, provide work opportunities, that kinda stuff." Closing her wallet and placing it back into her purse, she picked up the cards and held them out. "I get that you wanna do things on your own, but please, let me help you, just this once."
There were a few moments where Nora merely stared down at the business cards that Ruby was currently holding out for her, not saying a word, expression... almost neutral, but for a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. Eventually, she slowly reached out, hesitantly taking the cards from the younger woman, briefly staring down at them. Then, looking back up at Ruby, she finally nodded a bit.
"I'll think about it."
Coco awoke in a cold sweat, exhaling long and shakily, clutching her blanket, once again afraid to open her eyes.
She fucking hated nightmares, but... they were something that she just had to deal with. Unfortunately, that fact did not make them any less bearable. Not... Not in the slightest. Even though Coco was starting to become aware of the various real sensations around her - the sound of her panting, the cold sweat on her skin... the blanket wrapped around her body... and the loud thumping of her heartbeat - she was unable to stop herself from shaking. She did not want to open her eyes... she could not open her eyes... out of fear that the feelings around her were fake, and that she was still in her nightmare...
And this was no ordinary nightmare.
It began with Coco outside of a burning office building, and... she recognized it. This was where Velvet worked... and it was currently burning to the ground. She wanted to run in there to save her, to search through the flames and ruble to find her soulmate, but... her legs would not move, as if they were cemented to the ground. She could not even scream her name... as she had no voice. So, all she could do was watch as the building slowly burned to the ground...
And then a miracle happened.
Through the smoke and flames, Velvet emerged... coughing and choking... but... She was alive, and Coco could finally move again. Running up to her partner with tears in her eyes, she wrapped her in the tightest hug she could muster, without even thinking. Pulling her close, running her fingers through her hair... She was just... so happy that Velvet was alive. Nothing else mattered to her... But alas, if only the dream ended there. If only...
Upon finally pulling away, Coco's eyes widened, as... as she witnessed one of, if not the most horrifying sight that she had ever experienced in a nightmare. When she laid eyes upon Velvet's face again, it... was turning to ash. Her partner's entire body was turning to ash, slowly disintegrating... Coco's heart screamed, hoping to every god that it would stop, but... she was only left to watch in horror until Velvet... was gone. Feeling nothing but numbness in her body, she fell to her knees, as tears streamed down her cheeks.
She wanted nothing more than to die.
And it seemed that her nightmare was going to grant her that wish. Looking down at her own body, Coco soon found that her own skin was starting to dry out, the colour slowly draining as it turned completely black, until cracks began to form. It should have been painful, but there was nothing more that could hurt her... It would be over soon... and she would be joining her soulmate...
Then Coco found herself back in her bed, sweating, panting... shaking. She kept telling herself that it was not real, that she was in the guest bedroom of the Reds' apartment, but that did not quell her beating heart... Though she and Yang were not a couple anymore... They had not been for several days now... Coco still wished that she could be at the blonde's place. She always slept well there. Of course that was likely due to the alcohol, but even still. Dulled senses were a hell of a lot better than this.
Although... there was one place she could go...
Hesitantly opening her eyes, Coco pulled herself up into a sitting position, and pushed her blanket aside. She knew where to go. Getting up out of the bed, and stepping onto the carpeted floor, she approached the bedroom door, and after a brief moment, opened it and stepped into the dark hallway.
It was a nice apartment, hardwood floors covered in nice rugs. Mistrali, from Pyrrha's home trips. If she was being honest, Coco loved the aesthetic, and she wanted to learn more about the culture, but was not really sure how to express it. Pyrrha always made her feel... unsure of herself, because she was so much stronger than her. Someone who really knew who she was, and embraced it. Then there was Coco, who without Velvet... did not know anything. Nothing felt right without her soulmate, and it scared her. It was as if she was alone in school again... All she could do was to hold on to what she knows. And it was exhausting...
Making her way toward the bedroom door that belonged to Ruby and Pyrrha, Coco reached out for the knob, but... felt herself hesitating. Her heart was still pounding in her chest, and her hands still shaking, yet there was something holding her back. Coco wanted to badly to feel the warmth of another person so that those feelings would cease, but... she could not bring herself to do it. They deserved so much better than to have their apartment crasher wake them up in the middle of the night. Though at the same time, she knew for an absolute fact that both Ruby and Pyrrha would rather be woken up by her than allow for her to suffer in silence...
Even in her current state, Coco managed a tiny smile. Those two were too nice for their own good. Hesitantly grabbing the doorknob, she ever-so-slowly opened the door, peering into their bedroom. Of course it was dark, but she was still able to make out a few things. Though the room was not quite as rich as the living room, it was no less decorated, with a bedside lamp producing a soft red glow, likely for nighttime excursions to the bathroom, or... other activities. She tried not to think about the latter.
Slowly approaching the king-sized bed, Coco finally laid her eyes upon the sleeping forms of Ruby and Pyrrha, all cuddled up under the fancy covers, and once more, she froze. She knew that both of them would not hesitate to help her, but seeing the two now... sound asleep in each other's arms... made her reconsider asking for help. Pyrrha looked so strange, no warm smile, no disappointed scowl, no mask upon her features... Just peace. The redhead would never admit it, but Coco could see the effort she made to fulfill the role she laid out for herself. To take care of Ruby, and her family. Her hair was down, splayed across the pillow as she slept, Ruby's own dark mop just visible below her chin, as she huddled into her wife's chest. It was... a beautiful sight, one that she did not want to disturb, but... she also knew that either one of them would scold her for not asking for help.
Though before Coco was given the chance to reconsider - even though she was already at their bedside - Pyrrha's eyes fluttered open to find the brunette awkwardly standing there. Rather than saying anything, the redhead merely smiled, reaching over to pull back the covers from her wife, causing Coco to smile. Those two are too nice for their own good. Slowly taking a step forward toward the bed, Coco hesitantly began to climb in, accepting the covers from Pyrrha and pulling them over herself. Though just as she got into position, Ruby began to stir, rolling over to reach out for the brunette, and... unconsciously planting a kiss upon her lips. Ruby just kissed her on the lips...
Did... she think I was Pyrrha?
The action left Coco to merely lie there as her friend cuddled up to her chest, confused and baffled as to why it just happened, and as more time passed in silence... guilty. Guilty for not saying anything, and...
Guilty for wanting more.
