Chapter 11: Open Your Heart
The end of Beacon Academy's first term had come and gone, and Blake wasn't sure what to do with herself.
Blake had almost no free time to spare while part of the White Fang, but at Beacon, she had two whole weeks where she was allowed to do absolutely nothing. People actually looked forward to this.
She'd been homeschooled as a child, receiving a full education from her parents before she decided to go her own way. The White Fang honed her analytical skills and refined her combat ability through rigorous training designed to transform untrained recruits into hardened soldiers. It was tough, but she had a good mentor and friend who made her who she was today.
Beacon was different.
Her entrance exam was only a taste of what Beacon demanded of her, and she liked the idea of competing with her classmates. Between the uniforms, her teachers' unique quirks, having to walk to different classrooms, even taking tests, there was a lot to adjust to.
Fortunately, many of her skills proved to be useful. She was great at taking notes and absorbing voluminous study material with great understanding. Among her team, she had the highest marks in Grimm Studies and World History, and perfect scores in Stealth and Security – though no one else in Team RWBY took that class. Ruby had the best grades in Weapon Upkeep, while Yang scored the highest in their combat classes.
Blake took a vindictive pleasure in knowing that Weiss – with all her family's power and privilege – hadn't scored better than her in a single subject. She did do very well, but she definitely wasn't going to compliment her anytime soon. She hadn't spoken to Weiss since they fought the White Fang, and she didn't plan on doing so unless it was absolutely necessary.
Weiss would have to extend that olive branch first.
Having to accept that bigots like Cardin Winchester or prejudiced people like Weiss wouldn't be shamed for their horrid views was a hard pill to swallow. Individuality meant a difference in opinion, and tolerating opinions that weren't only egregiously ignorant, but actively dangerous. She knew dangerous opinions quite well from her time in the White Fang. The key difference was that everyone was united by a common cause, no matter what drove them.
While she was part of Team RWBY, she was still treated as an individual whose goals and dreams were worthwhile pursuits, rather than one part of a greater collective. That was one aspect of Beacon that she was still coming to grips with.
Another aspect was the reality of Faunus walking freely without being victimized, people actually standing up for Faunus that were being bullied, even something as simple as a Faunus not having to worry about biased examiners. It gave her hope that this could be the norm across all of Remnant.
Right now, she would continue to be Blake Belladonna, huntress in training. In spite of everything she endured over the past weekend, she was in a good position to achieve her goal.
If only she could use this free time well.
Walking around Beacon hadn't stimulated any ideas. She planned on training, of course, and reviewing last term's material. Ruby would probably (definitely) want to spend time with her. That still left her with a pit of empty space in her schedule that she wanted to fill.
Maybe she could finish reading Ninjas of Love...
Or maybe, she could see Velvet, who was sitting on a bench near the amphitheatre. Like Blake, Velvet was dressed in her combat outfit: a cropped brown jacket over a black top with matching brown pants and thigh-high black boots. She had a trio of gold accessories: spaulders, wristbands and a belt to complete the set.
She was alone, enjoying the fresh air. Alone, which meant nobody was going to harass her. Alone, which meant Blake could spend some of her free time talking to a good friend.
That settled, Blake walked over. Velvet's rabbit ears swivelling her way, and she greeted her with a warm smile.
"Blake! Enjoying your break? Between you and me, it couldn't have come at a better time."
Blake smiled. "I can tell."
Velvet's face wasn't pinched, and her shoulders were loose, free from tension.
"I'm not really sure why we're off for two whole weeks," Blake said. "One week's more than enough."
Velvet clasped her hands in front of her.
"One week is a tad too short, in my opinion. With two weeks break, you're given enough time to recharge and relax properly."
Blake mulled on the idea, before shaking her head. "If you need to recharge, then why don't you sleep?"
Velvet laughed, a soft chuckle that was fleeting. "Sleep is important, but there is such a thing as mental strain. The cure for that is to relax. Take it from me, if you do too much work, you'll crack from the pressure."
Blake had quickly learned that Velvet was only in her World History class due to taking too many electives in her first year, rather than her failing the class. On top of the bullying, it must have been hard for her to adjust, but Velvet had a good team watching her back. Or so she said; she hadn't met any of them, but Velvet spoke highly of them all.
"I'll take your word for it. I'm not really used to having a lot of free time." She caught herself. "I like keeping busy."
Velvet nodded. "You seem the type. If you don't mind, may I take a picture of you?"
Blake shrugged. "Sure. Should I strike a pose?"
"Whatever feels most natural."
Velvet pulled out a gold and brown camera that matched her outfit, holding it with reverence. Blake thought about how she wanted to pose. Ruby would grin at the camera. Yang would probably try to show off. Weiss would sneer at the idea of having a Faunus take her picture, even though she wouldn't mind being in the spotlight for some canned performance or her father's propaganda.
The shutter clicked. Blake blinked out the blinding light that emerged from the flash, and witnessed the intense focus that consumed Velvet's gentle face.
"How fierce," she said, smiling. "Want to see?"
It was fierce; she was angry thanks to the dark place her thoughts took her, and that anger manifested in the form of a harsh glare. Did she ruin Velvet's desire for some keepsake because of her inner turmoil?
"We can take another photo, if you want."
Rather than agree, Velvet kept on smiling. "There's no need. I'm quite satisfied with this one."
"You are?"
She could hardly believe that. It wasn't bad, but that was solely because of Velvet's skill as a photographer.
Velvet hummed an affirmative. "It's very candid. I prefer to capture people's true selves, rather than some manufactured ideal."
This was supposed to be her true self? Blake imagined being more reserved, in better control of her emotions. She didn't like what it implied.
"I still think I can do better."
Velvet tucked away her camera inside a box strapped on her lower back. "If you insist, I'd really like to take a photo of you without your bow."
Blake bristled. That was not happening, under any circumstance. "I'd rather not."
Velvet stared at her bow with intent, not an intent born from curiosity, but suspicion. The moment was gone before Blake could berate herself for even thinking that thought.
"Were you headed somewhere?" Velvet asked.
Blake shook her head, letting herself relax. "Not really. I wouldn't mind some company, though."
Velvet smiled, freely. "I'd be honoured."
They walked together towards the cliffs overlooking the sea. Velvet didn't ask about her bow, and Blake was able to talk to her about the types of things that friends usually spoke about, like the best way to use her free time to relax, topics that didn't make her ache for a solution to be found.
When they reached the cliffs, Blake began to realize why Yang and Weiss went 'sightseeing' so often. Blake could count the real friends she made on one hand, and when she didn't count the friends she left behind, that number was even fewer. She hoped Velvet could be one of them.
After all, Velvet understood.
Blake heard the shutter click, blocked out the oncoming flash, and turned to see Velvet's earnest smile. Velvet captured her reserved contemplation, contrasting it against the afternoon sun shining its brilliant rays on the cresting waves.
"You're pretty good at this," Blake said.
"I have to be," Velvet said. She put her camera away. "There's something I want to talk to you about."
She sounded unusually serious, setting off alarm bells.
"What is it?"
Velvet breathed in deeply. Her back was straight, no hint of fear or skittishness impeding her.
"You're a Faunus, like me."
Blake frowned. Who could have told her? Nobody she could think of.
"What makes you think that?" she asked.
"You understood my feelings far too well, like you'd personally experienced the same pain. I wasn't certain until today, though."
Her eyes darted between her bow and the cliff behind her, settling on her mouth. Waves crashed against the cliffs as Blake took in Velvet's revelation. She didn't feel like she was falling... she was steady on the precipice.
"Why are you hiding your identity?"
Blake's fingers curled into her hands. She wouldn't get angry at a question Velvet had every right to ask. Yet, fear and revulsion sizzled and sparked within her mind.
"I have my reasons."
Velvet frowned. "I'm sure you do, but some of us don't have the luxury of hiding who we are."
Blake scowled. "Don't you think I know that?"
Sun accepted her choice to hide. However, he laughed at oppression, no matter how much it tore at his will. He chose not to hide. Velvet didn't have a choice.
"I think you do," she said, with greater caution. "I'm sure you don't hate being a Faunus, but I don't understand why you'd want to hide. Are you a –"
"I'm not ashamed!" Blake screamed.
Velvet flinched, fear flickering across her face for an instant that stretched into infinity. She gnawed on her lip, shut her eyes.
"I was going to say afraid," Velvet said in a small voice, and Blake felt her stomach flip. "I'd never accuse you of being ashamed, Blake. Never."
Blake looked away, truly ashamed for her outburst. "I know. I'm sorry."
Velvet breathed, opening herself up. There was a hint of hesitation in her brown eyes, but Blake noticed her concern first. She didn't like fighting, but it didn't make her weak. She deserved an explanation.
"I came here to be a good huntress and I didn't want to deal with the same bigotry I've faced my whole life. I've tried fighting it, but I failed to make a difference."
"Is that why you chose to hide?"
Blake nodded twice. "I took the choice that would protect me. I'm not brave like you are."
"You think I'm brave?"
"Of course I do. You never let those bullies break you."
Velvet frowned. "That's only because I let other people fight my battles for me. I've never taken action on my own."
"You never went to Ozpin?"
"No, I did. He was very helpful." Her frown darkened. "If only more teachers were like him. To be honest, I despise them, truly; both the bullies and the bystanders. Sometimes, I wish that they could understand the torment they've inflicted on us, on me." She sighed, one that spoke to a long suffering. "I try not to dwell on that anger. It's never made me feel better."
"I understand," Blake said. "I really do."
Many Faunus were beaten into submission, whether it was by fists or words or a coward's inaction. That was why Blake chose to fight back. Yet, it was that anger that led to the White Fang justifying atrocity after atrocity.
Blake grit her teeth from those vivid, harsh memories. "None of us chose to be born as Faunus, but we get treated like garbage while everyone else gets to live ordinary lives. I'm sick of this."
"So am I. It hurts."
Velvet reached out, like she wanted to touch Blake's shoulder or arm. It fell, but Blake didn't mind. She let her fingers go loose in her hands.
"I thought hiding myself would make things easier, but it didn't. You must think I'm a coward."
"I don't," she said, immediately. "I don't like that you chose to hide, but I understand why."
Blake felt a smile begging to emerge, and she let it. "Thank you."
It was a true relief.
"Have you told anyone else?"
"Ruby. She's accepted me."
Velvet smiled. "I'm happy for you. Has she... seen you without that bow?"
"Not yet. I'm... still not comfortable."
"That's okay. When you are comfortable, can you show me?"
She took a moment to think. It wouldn't be hard to say 'yes', but she wasn't certain.
"I'll think about it."
Velvet's smile didn't waver. "Don't worry, I'll wait until you're ready."
Blake breathed in deep, letting the crisp seaside air clear her head. She chose to let down her guard and didn't get hurt. However, there was one question burning at her lips, begging to be asked.
"Would you hide if you could?"
Velvet pursed her lips. "I wanted to... but I wouldn't. I'd rather stand tall as myself."
As she should.
"Never forget that resolve, because that's all we have."
She reached out, and touched Blake's arm.
"We have each other," Velvet replied.
Blake chuckled. Such a simple gesture, but it was all she needed.
"Yeah. We do."
Blake stared at the mirror in her dorm's bathroom and pulled off her bow, revealing her black cat ears for her eyes only. This was who she was: Blake Belladonna, a Faunus, and she liked what she saw.
It had become insultingly easy to ignore the guilt she felt for pretending to be a human, yet she couldn't ignore that this was a privilege. If Velvet tried to hide her large ears, she'd put herself through discomfort that would be much harder to disguise. Blake could be like Velvet and walk out of the bathroom, ears unveiled, but what would she accomplish?
The thought of opening up and being rejected was so terrifying that she barely imagined it, lest bile swarm her throat and swallow her whole. Her talk with Velvet soothed some of those fears, but she still didn't want her true identity out in the open.
She liked flying under the radar, almost as much as she liked being treated as an equal. Unfortunately, that treatment wasn't true acceptance. Being accepted was something she truly appreciated, it filled a hole in her lonely heart.
Ruby provided that trust, in spite of the fact that Blake tried to have her ousted from Beacon out of what she thought were good intentions. Fortunately for them both, Ozpin knew better, and now, they were friends.
What would Ruby think if she saw her ears? Would she like them? Would she think she was weird for having two pairs of ears? It was an odd Faunus quirk – Sun had human ears, while she and Velvet had both – and it took some getting used to.
Her thoughts ground to a halt as someone entered their dorm. Blake had wanted to catch up on Ninjas of Love, and listen to some good music, but she couldn't do the former if Ruby was around. She recognized her footfalls when she entered the room, heard her humming some tune she wasn't familiar with.
It wasn't the first time she thought about baring herself to Ruby, but she still wasn't certain it was the right call. They hadn't discussed her past in the White Fang yet, after all. It probably wouldn't matter if they did.
Ruby hadn't lived through her struggle, but she wanted them to talk about any problems they had, and listened to her without belittling her experiences.
Blake took one more look in the mirror. Her grip on her untied bow tightened.
Moment of truth, she thought.
She opened the door. It was only the two of them inside their dorm room, and the entrance to it was closed.
Ruby's black and red headphones were snug against her ears as she made her way to her bed, swaying to some unknown beat without a worry in the world. What a marvel to witness. Ruby was almost always anxious when she didn't wear her heart on her sleeve. She felt things so deeply, while Blake kept her emotions locked up until they spilled out.
It was high time she changed that.
"Ruby."
Ruby spun on the spot and saw her. She did a double take, before pulling her headphones down to her neck, mouth ajar.
"H-hi, Blake. Where's your bow?"
Blake revealed the black ribbon coiled in her hand. Ruby glanced at it before looking back at Blake's cat ears. If her silver eyes could glow, they'd be shining right now.
"What do you think?"
Ruby stood there, frozen. Then, she blinked. "They're really cute."
Blake palmed one of her ears for a brief moment. She felt her cheeks begin to heat up.
"Can I... touch them?"
Ruby's face was almost as red as her scythe. Blake couldn't find any reason to say no, since Ruby would never use this against her.
"Yes," Blake said, before she could change her mind. "You can."
Blake sat down on her bed. Once Ruby switched off her harsh, distracting music, Blake felt Ruby's soft hands settle on top of her head, palms cupping the sides and her fingers lingering against the tips. Ruby's touch was delicate, searching as she rubbed her cat ears. The only sound came from their steady breathing.
"What were you listening to?"
Ruby snapped out of her rapturous focus, halting her movements. "Death metal."
Blake pursed her lips. "Where the singers growl all the time?"
"Yeah."
"I see. Don't stop."
Ruby continued to rub her ears. "It's more than that, though. There's some really cool melodies and these intricate guitar riffs. I listen to it when I want to unwind."
"Then maybe I should it give a try."
Ruby smiled. "I think you should."
She kept on exploring Blake's ears, shifting the fur between her fingers with a soft touch.
"How was your training?" Blake asked. Ruby had been hard at work ever since she was cleared, for completely understandable reasons.
"It's going great."
Ruby's fingers ghosted against the lining along the edge of her ears. Blake latched onto the soothing sensation.
"That woman won't hurt you again. I won't let her."
"Okay," Ruby whispered. "Thank you."
Blake couldn't be certain about that huntress' motives, but they didn't matter. She went after Ruby, so they'd make sure that nobody harmed a hair on Ruby's head.
"You don't have to worry, though, she won't come here to Beacon."
Blake looked into Ruby's eyes. "I know, but I'm your partner. I'll watch your back."
Rather than respond, Ruby's palm settled on top of Blake's head. She looked like she wanted to pet her head. Blake let her, leaning into her fingers as they dug into her thick hair.
Underneath Ruby's hands, Blake felt something rare: vulnerability. This wasn't quite what she expected to feel after baring herself to her partner, but it wasn't all bad. Ruby's touch was so gentle and calming.
Eventually, Ruby let go of Blake, a grateful smile blossoming on her face.
"Thank you, Blake," Ruby said, soft and quiet and sweet.
"You're welcome."
Blake decided to tie her ribbon into its proper bow, while Ruby sat next to her on the bed, all bashful.
"Have you ever thought about wearing different coloured bows?"
"I have, but black works best for me."
Ruby took a brief look at her bow, before smiling. "It's definitely your colour."
She laughed, because it was true. Black and white were her favourite colours. She didn't mind purple, either.
"Um, Blake, can I ask you something?"
Ruby had scrunched up her fists, pressing them against her lap.
"What's on your mind?"
Her partner sighed, harnessing her boundless courage. "Have you thought about telling Yang and Weiss that you're a Faunus?"
Blake breathed through her nose. "I don't see the point."
Ruby frowned. "They know you were part of the White Fang, and I don't think that humans were allowed to join, right?"
"They weren't."
For good reason. A terrorist organization aimed at making humans respect Faunus through fear wouldn't let a human join their ranks, no matter how sympathetic they were to their cause. That didn't mean they didn't work with other humans at all, but it was almost exclusively with criminals – or in rare cases, huntsmen and huntresses fending off a Grimm outbreak.
Besides, there were other Faunus activist groups eager for human recruits, and some won small victories.
Blake shook her head free from the thought. "I'd rather not bring it up."
"Why?" Ruby was staring at her lap. "I just want to know."
Her own gaze trailed up to Ruby's unique bed, hanging above her own. Ruby had taken the risk in revealing her own secret, knowing that it could irrevocably alter her relationship with them. And it paid off.
Those rumours were nasty, and Blake didn't like being one of Torchwick's potential killers. However, even if Ruby understood her concerns, her secret wasn't the same as Blake's.
"It'll just cause more problems. Yang might be fine with it, but Weiss? She already hates the Faunus, so why would I invite her to hate me even more?"
Ruby stared at her. "How can you say that when you haven't given Weiss a chance? I know she said all that horrible stuff, but she apologized."
"Because you told her to."
"And she did it anyway. Not only that, she was nice to Sun the other day. She just has a good reason to hate the White Fang, and that made it hard for her to trust Faunus."
Blake scoffed. "She's been nice to one Faunus. Big deal. If you had any clue what her family did to our people –"
"But Weiss isn't her family. She's her own person. I know she can be really mean sometimes, but she's trying to improve herself."
Blake grit her teeth. This was going nowhere. "What do you want me to do, forgive her?"
"Listen to her, really hear what she has to say."
"Then what, you want me to reveal my identity?"
Ruby's frown began to seep away. "I really think it would help if you opened up, but if you don't want to, it's okay. You shouldn't be afraid, though. If Weiss is going to be mean, I'll make her stop."
"And Yang?"
"Yang's going to accept you."
Would she? Yang's bout of bitterness really hit Blake hard, because she lashed out when Blake was trying to cheer her up. Fortunately, Yang had sincerely apologized for her rudeness. In spite of that, it wasn't an easy decision to make. She was afraid. She was weak.
But she wanted to be stronger.
"I'll think about telling Yang," Blake said. "As for Weiss... I have to make sure she's sincere. If she isn't, then that's it."
Ruby smiled. "Okay. Then you've got my support!"
A rather sardonic smile crossed her face. "Glad to have it."
For what she was about to do, she'd need every single bit of help she could get.
If Ruby had her death metal, Blake had her own brand of music to sink her teeth into. The Faunus had used music to protest and raise awareness against the injustices they faced. Her favourites combined hard-hitting lyrics with simple, soul-churning guitar chords to drive home their profound message.
She listened to them with Ruby while they waited for Yang to return, and in exchange, Blake sampled some of the bands Ruby recommended to her. Lucidia was her favourite, with intense melodies that stirred every nerve in her body. She didn't like the growling from Remnant of the Shattered or Feasting Grimm's songs all that much, but it wasn't terrible, either.
Before long, Yang entered their room. Unfortunately, she wasn't alone. Weiss was with her, because no matter what Yang said to her, she stuck to her partner like a dried up piece of gum.
"Hello, Ruby," Weiss said. "Did your training go well?"
Ruby nodded, too enthusiastically for Blake's liking. "It really did!"
Weiss smiled without any hint of irony or smug superiority. "Excellent. Don't worry about that awful woman. She'll have to go through me before she can even think about reaching you."
Ruby smiled, eyes glinting with determination. "Thanks, Weiss."
"Any time."
Weiss glanced at Blake, before looking away, her smile twisting into a frown. Yang grinned at Blake.
"So, what's new, Blake?" she asked.
Blake sighed, pulling down her black earphones. "Listening to some death metal Ruby recommended."
Yang whistled. "You like that stuff?"
"It's... unique."
"For real. It's definitely an acquired taste. I've got some pretty hardcore rap tracks you might like. Want me to send you some?"
"Please do."
"What sort of music do you like, Blake?" Weiss asked, arms crossed.
Ruby poked her sides, shooting her a thumbs-up. Blake looked up at Weiss, and this time, the heiress didn't look away. Cold blue eyes stared down at her, resentful. What could she possibly resent? She had everything.
"My favourite band is Prideful Roar," Blake said. "They're all Faunus, and they love shining a light on all sorts of oppression."
Weiss clicked her tongue. "I'm familiar with them."
Blake stood up. "Of course you are. They've said plenty about the Schnee Dust Company."
"What's your point? Do you want to start another argument? Don't bother, I'm not interested."
"You're the one who started this."
Weiss suddenly scowled. "I don't want to fight you, Blake. What I'd like to know why you've despised me from day one! Is it because you were radicalized by the White Fang? Or was it for some other unfathomable reason?"
Blake reached for her bow, ready to tear it off. Ruby grasped at her free wrist, while Yang was a second away from grabbing Weiss' shoulder. They had nothing to fear. And in that moment, neither did Blake.
She unveiled her cat ears, her identity to the rest of Team RWBY. Yang's eyes bulged out. Weiss quirked an eyebrow.
"You knew about this, didn't you, Ruby?" Weiss said.
"Yes."
Weiss smirked. "As I thought."
What? Weiss was supposed to be shocked, regretful that she said such hateful things towards a Faunus she thought was human. But she already knew. She was stealing her catharsis.
"You really are one, huh?" Yang said. She smiled. "Well, I don't mind. You're still you, just with some cute cat ears."
She could barely articulate herself, so she forced herself to nod in gratitude from Yang's acceptance. Palpable anger seethed within her, begging for an outlet.
"I don't care that you're a Faunus, Blake," Weiss said. "As far as I'm concerned, you could be a talking Grimm. It wouldn't stop me from trying to get along with you. That is, if you ever gave me a chance. But you didn't. Not once did you ever treat me with any respect, and –"
Blake bared her fangs. "You don't get to play the victim here, Weiss. You've ignored everything your family did to us. If you could comprehend anything other than the privilege you've enjoyed for your whole life, then maybe I'd give you a chance, but all you've shown me is that you're the definition of a Schnee: a spoiled, hateful, arrogant bitch!"
Weiss recoiled, struck silent. Good.
"Okay, Blake, that's enough!" Yang roared, glaring at her.
So, that's how it was?
"You're defending her? Are you still mad at what I did to Ruby? Am I too boring for you to care about?"
Yang winced. Good. "That's not –" she growled, scrunching her eyebrows "– Look, I get it, you have every right to be pissed off, but Weiss isn't who you should be fighting! Listen to her, please!"
"No! I tried, and I've regretted it ever since!"
"Why do you hate the White Fang, Weiss?" Ruby asked. She was on her feet.
Weiss blinked. "What?"
"Don't do this, Ruby!" Blake said.
"Why do you hate the White Fang?" Ruby repeated, slowly.
Weiss breathed in deep, glancing at Yang. Yang nodded at her. Then, Weiss faced Blake. She blinked first, but recovered her composure.
"I hate the White Fang because they kidnapped my family and executed members from our company. It made life at home extremely difficult when I didn't know any better."
Blake didn't need Weiss to remind her that the White Fang was terrible. She needed a reason to hate Weiss. There was no way she would let Weiss win this argument when she represented every single cause of the Faunus' suffering.
"Then you decided that you should hate the Faunus, right?"
Weiss gulped. "Not hate, but... I didn't like them. I never had anyone like you to tell me that was wrong. However, that is no excuse for my abhorrent behaviour. I truly am sorry if I hurt you, Blake."
Blake clicked her tongue. "Do you really mean that?"
"I do. Yang and Ruby helped me put my actions into perspective, but you were the one who forced me to confront my beliefs in the first place."
Her wrath was beginning to ebb against every instinct telling her otherwise. She was beginning to realize why.
"It's going to take more than that for me to forgive you. Much more."
Weiss frowned. "I expected as much. I'm going to prove that my change of heart isn't just my attempt at placating you. There's no point in hating every Faunus when the White Fang are solely responsible."
"Do you know why they targeted your family's company? They tortured us, they forced us to work in their mines as slave labour, they humiliated and discriminated us –"
Blake shut her eyes. Tears were threatening to spill out, but she couldn't let her guard down, not yet.
"That isn't –" Weiss cut herself off. "I'm sorry. I have a lot to learn."
Her eyes shot wide, sticky eyelashes and all. "Why are you taking this so well? I'm a Faunus, I was part of the White Fang!"
Weiss' jaw clenched. "I had a lot of time to think about this. I thought your former allegiance was proof you were no good, but then you fought against the White Fang to protect Schnee Dust Company goods. You've also been a good partner to Ruby, overall. What I can't imagine is why you'd want to leave when you're still so... passionate about your beliefs."
Blake let out a shaky breath. "I left the White Fang because I didn't want to be a part of a group that revelled in killing innocent people and spreading destruction. But I didn't want anyone to know who I was. All I wanted was to leave that part of me behind and start anew."
Weiss' mouth curled. "I would've been horrible to you. Of course, you would've hated me from the outset no matter what, but it's not as if you weren't justified."
She felt her anger flare up... but stamped it down. A knock on the door stopped her before she could respond. Who could it possibly be?
"Let me handle it," Weiss said. "You might want to cover yourself."
Blake watched Weiss move to the door, shaken by what she said. Weiss opened the door after Blake sat down on her bed, as Yang went to hide Blake by standing in front the new arrival's line of sight.
"Is everything all right with you guys?" Jaune asked. "I heard lots of shouting."
"We're doing fine."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Ruby was making us listen to her death metal. It's very rambunctious and loud, but that's Ruby in a nutshell."
"Pretty much. I'm more of a blues guy myself. The hardest metal I listen to is the clanging of my shield!"
Weiss stifled a laugh. "I prefer classical music, but I don't mind some EDM. Don't tell anyone!"
Jaune laughed. "Don't worry, your secret's safe with me. Anyway, I'm glad nothing's wrong."
"Me too. Tell Pyrrha I said hello."
"I will. Till next time!"
"Goodbye!"
Weiss shut the door. She could've easily told Jaune the truth, but she hadn't. She could've rejected her for being part of the White Fang, but she didn't.
Blake realized it: her initial impression of Weiss had been coloured by her family's reputation, and it was only now that she realized that it had been twisted by constant negativity. That argument they had amplified that disdain into hatred. She truly despised Weiss.
That wasn't fair. In the end, she wasn't much different than her former comrades.
"You really were serious," Blake said, once Weiss reached her.
"Of course I was. Prejudice is for the weak-minded, and I'm better than that." Weiss stretched out her hand. "Truce?"
Blake looked at the offered hand. If she ever tried to turn this against her... No. No. If Weiss truly was willing to change, she could try to cast aside her resentment.
She was tired of hatred, most of all her own.
Blake shook Weiss' hand. "Truce."
Weiss smiled. "Thank you, Blake."
Blake wiped at her tearing eyes. "I never gave you a chance before. I had no reason to. But you've shown me you want to change."
"I won't let you down. Needless to say, I won't tell a single soul about your former allegiance or your identity as a Faunus."
"Same here," Yang said. "We might've had our differences, but you're all right, Blake. I'm glad you're here."
She couldn't hold in her feelings any longer; she let go of Weiss' hand and covered her eyes. Her hand quickly grew wet from hot tears. Ruby's arm wrapped around her side, and she nestled her head on Blake's shoulder.
"You did it, Blake. I'm proud of you."
Blake leaned into Ruby, too overwhelmed from relief to talk. She hadn't been burned for opening her heart. She was accepted.
And it felt like a dream come true.