Disclaimer: All characters belong to Rooster Teeth Productions

Co-Authored with ToxicExotic

Rough Starts

"Alright. Check."

"I'm busy."

"But you said you'd check."

"When I wasn't busy."

"Weeeeeiss."

"UGH! Fine!"

The sheet was snatched out of Ruby's hands as Weiss threw her Scroll to her bed, the paused video showing the girl had actually been doing nothing more than watching a puppy video. As Ruby waited, she twiddled her thumbs nervously and watched her partner's eyes flick over each question, but Ruby was confident she had got them all ri…

"Question three is wrong."

"What?"

Ruby snatched the practise dust paper back and looked over the question. She wasn't quite sure how she had managed to get a question wrong when she had poured over it so meticulously. And the question was easy. What would be a safe, but effective, two-form dust fusion to use when clearing out a Grimm hive? She had absolutely got tha…

"Fire and Lightning are both volatiles." Weiss sighed and picked up her Scroll again. "Without a coolant such as Air or Ice added to the mix, you would turn where you are standing into a crater long before you throw it into the hive."

Dammit, Ruby thought to herself. Weiss was right.

"Are the rest okay though?"

"Yes." The heiress replied testily. "Now can I resume enjoying what little free time I have left? Or should I just resign and throw away my Huntress career to become a full time Ruby Rose tutor?"

As snarky as the reply was, Ruby still gave the girl a smile. Weiss wouldn't have even bothered to look at the paper if she really didn't want to. "Thanks, Bestie."

"Ugh."

With a quick look to Blake, who gave her a smile that made Ruby's stomach flip, she moved back to the study table and worked on a better answer.

The past week had been a busy one. With classes starting back up and the teachers piling on the coursework, there had been little time for anything other than training. But in truth, Ruby didn't mind. Normally she would have. Normally she would have been upset that she couldn't bake cookies or read her comics, but after everything that had happened, she found the work more engaging.

It was no longer just the boring work between training and combat, but something that would help her become a better leader. From Dust, to History, to Plant Studies; all the lessons she didn't pay too much attention to before, finally had her undivided attention. She was even asking the teachers for the best recommended reading material and some old exams so that she could constantly test herself. Thankfully, Weiss was an expert at Dust, and Blake was pretty good at History. Unfortunately, neither were very good with Plant Studies, and Yang's area of expertise was moral support.

But coursework wasn't the only area in which she had been applying herself more. She had increased her private training sessions by half an hour each day, and she would eventually be increasing it to an extra hour each day. Team sessions were also going to be increased a little. Blake, Weiss, and Yang had all agreed to an extra two hours on Saturdays, and Ruby had talked to Jaune and Coco about maybe getting their advice on forming strategies.

With all that though, she had found her free time to be a little slimmer over the past week. She still had some of course, it was always good to relax, but the only other member of their team that was studying harder was Weiss. But that was normal for the heiress.

"Hey." The voice would have made her jump if Ruby hadn't sensed her girlfriend climb off the bed. "How's it going?"

"Good," Ruby smiled as Blake gave her a small peck just below her ear that sent tingles running through her body. It was a new thing, but Ruby enjoyed it immensely. "How was your book?"

"Boring." The faunus cooed softly, though there was a dismissive hint to her tone. "This is the third mock test you've done tonight. You should take a break."

"After the next one." Ruby replied with a smile, but found the pen being pulled from her hand. "Hey!"

She twisted around and gazed into firm, amber eyes. In them she saw a bit of worry, but mostly affection.

"I get that you're trying to improve, and we all support you, but you might be taking on too much at once."

Ruby glanced around the room and saw they were all staring at her out of the corner of their eyes. It wasn't hard to work out that the conversation had been planned by the three of them.

"Blake is right, Rubes." Yang said from her bunk where her nose was buried in a magazine. "You've had your nose in those textbooks more than Weiss this week."

"And you've been annoying." Weiss added dismissively and clicked something on her Scroll.

"But I've been doing better in class." Ruby countered them all.

"You have," Blake said with a nod. "But you're taking on too much too quickly. You need to do this gradually, or you'll burn yourself out."

"Yeah, Weiss can even make you a schedule if you want."

"Only if she promises to use it this time." The heiress huffed. "I found the last one I made for her half burned from dust."

It was true that the last schedule Weiss made for her had quickly been forgotten about, but with her new outlook, she knew one would definitely be needed. She could also see that Blake, Yang, and even Weiss were acting out of concern. And since Blake was looking at her with kind eyes, she couldn't help but let out a small sigh and reach out for the pen. A small break to spend some time with her girlfriend would hardly be a bad thing.

"Okay," Ruby said with a nod. "Let me just finish this question, then we can watch a movie or something."

Blake seemed satisfied with the answer since she gave a sly smile pulled at her lips and she handed the pen. "Sounds good by me."

"Aww yeah." Yang cheered in celebration and jumped down from her bed. "Team RWBY movie night. I'm gunna go rob that couch from the common room again."

"I guess I will order food then." Weiss said with a shake of her head. "You can wait down there for it."

"Gotcha."

With that, Yang ran out of the room and Weiss began to swipe away at her Scroll. With everyone no longer paying them any attention, Blake apparently thought it was the perfect opportunity to steal a kiss, and Ruby gladly accepted it. The warmth was almost enough to push her work from her mind entirely, but it ended too soon.

"Plants are good short-term conductors." The girl whispered with a small wink and tapped the sheet before she moved back to her bed.

Smiling at her girlfriend's reminder, Ruby quickly began to search for the best way to utilize Plant and Lightning dust. Thankfully, Weiss' book, which she may or may not have stolen, on dust was rather extensive, and she quickly found the chapter she sought.

Movies were always tough to decide on for Team RWBY, since they all had wildly varying tastes.

For Yang, it was action movies. The crazier the better, and story was not needed. In contrast, Weiss despised such things. For her, it was old black and white films with carefully scripted characters and interactions. For Blake, it was mostly indie films. Films that had likely been seen by less people than attended Signal. And for Ruby, it was more documentary style movies. People probably wouldn't assume it from looking at her, but she loved to know how things worked on the inside; especially when it came to technology and weapons. Needless to say, finding a film that suited all their tastes was almost impossible.

That was why Ruby had imposed a game of it, and the game was simple. They all rolled a 20-sided dice, and whoever rolled the highest chose the movie. It helped avoid arguments, since they all had an equal chance. Though, since Blake had been the first to roll and had somehow managed to roll a nineteen, they all knew who would be picking the movie and let out a groan. Ruby didn't hate Blake's taste in films that much, but they did tend to be a little boring than anything Yang and Weiss picked.

However, unlike usual, Ruby had actually really liked the film; and she was pretty sure Blake had purposely picked it for them. While it was still an indie film with fairly low views, it mostly revolved around a group of teenagers defending their tiny settlement with makeshift weapons. The weapon design was horrible, as were the visual effect Grimm, but Ruby had fun critiquing the elements she could. As for Weiss and Yang, however; one was asleep, and the other was fiddling with her gauntlets.

She and Blake though, were happily cuddled up on the couch as they watched the final minutes of the film. A blanket had been retrieved almost an hour ago and thrown over them due to the fact Vale was still a little chilly, and though Yang had tried multiple times to get under it, Ruby had kicked her each time because she knew that the girl would try and tickle her beneath it. However, as the credits began to roll, the blonde stood up and stretched.

"Thank god that's over." She said and let out a yawn before putting on her best Vacuic accent to mimic the cast. "No offense, Partner."

"Not my fault you have bad taste in movies." Blake smirked at her partner as Ruby felt the girl's thumb begin to gently rotate in her palm. "Ruby liked it at least."

"It was alright." Ruby chuckled.

"Eh, you both need to learn the glory of a good action movie." Yang groaned and turned to look at Weiss. "At least she had the right idea." She reached out to poke the sleeping heiress. "Hey, Sleeping Beauty. Film's over."

Weiss was so deep in her slumber that the only reply they all got was a soft, incoherent hum. In truth, the girl was pretty cute curled up on the corner of the couch, not that she wasn't normally; but there was something about seeing her so relaxed. It was a state that people very rarely saw, and Ruby couldn't help but feel lucky to be considered someone Weiss could relax around.

"I don't think she's gunna wake up." Ruby answered for her partner.

"Ughh," Yang sighed and leaned down to slip her arms beneath the girl. "Every other movie night. She really needs to start paying me."

With a small grunt, that Ruby knew was only for show since Weiss weighed practically nothing, Yang lifted the heiress gently in her arms and stepped away from the couch.

"I think she's still confused about how she ends up in her bed." Blake laughed as Yang began to move towards the bed.

"Yeah well, speaking of beds," The blonde replied as she set Weiss down and pulled the quilt over her. "That's where I'm headed. Don't you two stay up too late."

"Just got watch this Extraordinary Tales episode to watch, then I'm gunna go too." Ruby replied with a small wave. "Night."

"Night." Blake said and pointed to a book on the shelf.

Once Blake caught the book, Yang jumped up onto her bed and hung her gauntlets on the bed post, while Ruby turned back to the HoloViewer.

The next fifteen minutes were enjoyable for Ruby. As Blake sat there reading, Ruby happily leaned against her and watched her program. Unfortunately the tale they were telling was rather boring, simply revolving around what was clearly a Creep in a garden, so there was nothing to really distract her from the fact that Blake's thumb was still idly circling her palm.

The night had actually been quite fun; and after a week of dedicating herself to her studies, very much needed. And it was thanks to her girlfriend for talking to her. Sure, Weiss and Yang would have been able to talk her into a movie too, but it had been Blake who actually came over and intervened. And wanting to show just how grateful she was, Ruby gently squeezed the faunus' fingers to get her attention. The second the girl turned around, Ruby gave her a smile and pressed a kiss to her lips.

The smile on her face widened due to the fact she had obviously caught Blake off guard, if the hum of surprise was anything to go by. Happy at that fact, Ruby pressed her advantage and shifted herself up a little so that they were the same height, but Blake had already begun to respond. The book hadn't dropped, but it was definitely forgotten. However, Ruby didn't keep the kiss going for long, and pulled away with a cheeky grin.

"And that was for what?" Blake chuckled suspiciously when she recovered.

Ruby returned to the hug and settled back into her girlfriend to enjoy the warmth of her body beneath the blanket. "For being awesome." Ruby replied and stuck out her tongue. "And getting me to take a break."

"Well you weren't exactly hard to convince." Blake laughed and looked back at her book. "Unlike Weiss."

"Yeah." Ruby scooted closer and felt Blake's hand leave hers to slide around her waist. "I'm not that stubborn. Yet."

"Give Weiss time and she will get you to be." The faunus smiled and turned a page, though Ruby was sure she hadn't actually finished the previous one. "But for what it's worth, I get why you've been so focused on schoolwork this week."

"You do?"

"I wasn't blind to how you felt after the fight," Her voice was a little more gentle, but she was still cheerful. "And I know why you felt that way. If you want to study more and work harder to improve, then you definitely have my support; just please don't overwork yourself. I do still want to spend some time with my girlfriend."

"Mmm, I'll definitely use that schedule Weiss is making for me."

"Good."

There was a hint of relief in Blake's voice, and Ruby cuddled up to her girlfriend to reassure her a little. She very much intended to fulfill her end of the bargain, and wanted Blake to know that. Thankfully, the arm around her waist tightened a little and Ruby gave a small, inward smile at the fact it worked.

"How was the film, by the way?"

The tone of the question was a little off. Almost smug and self-satisfied, enough so to make Ruby glance at the girl.

"Did you cheat to pick the movie?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about." The lie was entirely unconvincing. "Ok! Maybe I wanted you to watch the film with me." Ruby rolled her eyes and let out a chuckle. She had no idea how it was possible to cheat at a dice roll. "So, did you enjoy it?"

"It was okay." Ruby admitted with a smile as she looked up to her girlfriend. "The weapons were a little lame though. Except that shotgun shovel. Why?"

"Of course you liked that." Blake grinned and turned another unread page. "But, they are releasing a second part next week, and since our last date was interrupted, I was wondering if you maybe wanted to come and check it out with me? They got an actual Huntsman to help with the weapons this time."

"Hmm. You're asking me out on an actual date?" Ruby sat up again and looked at her girlfriend.

"Well," Blake's gaze fell down onto hers. "We do have plenty of reward money to spend. We can maybe go shopping afterwards…"

"... I could buy you a new pair of boots. To replace the ones you lost in the hill."

"Hmm. They were one of my favourite pairs." Blake bit her bottom lip. "So is that a yes?"

Instead of giving a nod, Ruby pressed her lips against Blake's again, and felt the girl immediately respond. However, before she could really get lost in the kiss, the ninja pulled away and gave her a teasing grin.

"I'm still not su…"

She wasted no time reinitiating the kiss, though that time she reached out to place a hand on Blake's leg. Thankfully, Blake seemed done with the games, and Ruby felt a pressure on her back as she was pulled deeper into the make-out session. Before she knew it, the book was discarded and another hand was placed on her cheek, the finger's slowly pushing into her hair and causing a low groan to escape her.

Ruby really liked how experienced Blake's hands were. How, unless it was a new step, they never seemed to hesitate in what they were doing. Whatever Blake wanted, her hands would take, and Ruby was happy to give. It was something she was trying to work on more herself. She was still a little hesitant in her exploration, still nervous about putting her hands somewhere she wasn't ready to go. But she was slowly working through it. Bit by bit, her hands were beginning to respond to her desires more, and as she shuffled a little closer and forced her girlfriend to lean backward, she let her hand roam upwards a little.

Though she made sure to avoid that area, it finally landed on Blake's stomach, the firm muscle beneath the thin yukata-style nightshirt feeling wonderful beneath her fingertips. As her hand slid over it, the raven-haired girl took in a sharp breath of pleasure and leaned back even further. She was practically laid down now, and her body twisted to get situated better on the couch. Before Ruby knew it, she was laid between her girlfriends legs, the raised knees keeping her in place

Not that Ruby minded at all. In fact, she moved herself up a little higher. One of her hands slid down beside Blake to stabilize herself as teeth clamped down gently on her bottom lip caused a low, hungry groan to escape her. It wasn't a sound she had produced before, and hadn't even consciously made. It felt like it was dragged from her, the knowledge that Blake wanted her so badly driving her body to act on its own.

"Are you ok…" Blake tried to say when she released the lip and pulled back a little, but Ruby cut her off.

In truth, she wasn't sure; but not because she didn't want to continue. No, she absolutely did, but there were still nerves there, nerves she knew would have to be pushed through. She was pushing through it though, and as she made that clear, Blake's hesitancy seemed to fade away too. The hand on her cheek moved down to her neck and circled behind until the crook of her elbow was pulling her in deeper, while the hand on her side slipped down to grip her hip. A tongue flicked across her lips, asking for access, and Ruby gladly allowed it.

It felt nice to let Blake take control. While Ruby thought she was a decent kisser, as evidenced by the fact Blake was clearly enjoying herself too, she still had trouble working out where her hands went. Did they go on Blake's stomach? Maybe too suggestive. Blake's cheek? No, Blake had a hand near her own, so the tangle of limbs would be awkward. Maybe the hip? But it was a little too far down. Her side? That seemed right.

Unfortunately, as much as it seemed right, there was always stuff she couldn't plan for. Like how Blake's tops had ridden up a little with all the shifting under the blanket. As Ruby's hand landed on the target area, warm, supple skin greeted it and a shiver ran through her girlfriend. An appreciative hum also left the faunus, and Ruby figure that she had actually done the right thing.

She didn't know how long they continued like that, but Ruby definitely enjoyed herself. The careful touching, the cautious exploration, the feel of Blake's lips pressing greedily into hers; it all felt wonderful. All Ruby knew was that by the time they finally broke apart and she looked down on her breathless girlfriend, the program she had been watching had finished and a new one had started. Not that she cared, since neither of them had been paying any attention. Instead she was looking down at her teammate, and failing to suppress the happy smile that her face insisted on wearing.

"We should probably head to bed." Blake chuckled as she reached up and brushed aside a lock of hair. "We have early training with Glynda tomorrow."

"I know, but I'm comfy here."

"Hmm," the girl hummed, and Ruby felt herself pushed aside as Blake's knee dropped. "Well, if you are too comfortable to move, we could just, you know, stay on here? If you want to?"

As Ruby came to a rest between her girlfriend and the back of the couch, she draped an arm across Blake's stomach and looked into the amazing amber eyes. Thoughts of her conversation with Weiss crossed her mind, where the heiress had told her the moments would present themselves; and though she had struggled to believe her partner at the time, it was easy to believe now. The moment just felt right. She was comfortable, she was warm, she was already covered in a blanket wearing her pajamas, and Blake was right next to her. It just seemed perfect.

So as the grin on her face widened a little, she glanced up at her girlfriend and gave a small nod.

"Sounds good." She said and bit her lip.

Blake grinned, and leaned in to kiss her. It was short, nowhere near as heated as their previous make-out session. More of a goodnight kiss than anything, but it made her stomach flip all the same. It was one thing to accidentally fall asleep on each other, but to actually make that choice was another. So it didn't surprise Ruby at all that, as Blake slipped her arm under her head and she moved in to rest her head against the girl's chest, she felt her cheeks burn bright red.

Raalm's Note

Hello everyone, so this is the start of the new arc. As I stated before, they will will jump around a little more because it will be very boring to just write them in class and doing the same training sessions every chapter. That doesn't mean we are going to be rushing things though. Each character has their own little thing they will be dealing with from this point on, as you can tell, Ruby's is going to be studying, and we do intend to flush them out, but don't be surprised it there is sometimes a few in-story days between the chapters. We also said that it was going to be fluffier, and that will definitely be a thing, so expect there to be a lot of cute moments with Ruby and Blake, and other pairings.

But I guess that is it for me xD I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. The next chapter will be available on the 7th of May :)