A New Life Together

Jaune Arc waited outside the bathroom of his hotel room, bobbing his head quietly to a silent beat. He whistled to himself, waiting for his girlfriend to be finished changing. Well, not really his girlfriend.

Just his girlfriend's body.

Man, that was still weird to think about.

The door opened and Weiss stepped out, and Jaune greeted her. She returned the gesture as he looked her over, analyzing her sense of fashion, the way she stood, the way her eyes seemed to stare at him.

Weiss' fashion sense was almost the exact opposite of Ruby's. While Ruby preferred black and red clothes, Weiss seemed to prefer pure, snow-white and light blue accents. She wore a long-sleeved white shirt and light blue jeans. Her outfit was cute, honestly, fashionable and clean.

"Stop staring," she huffed, and Jaune blushed.

"Sorry. Just interesting to see how you dress compared to Ruby."

"I had to ask her to buy clothes like this," she explained. "She doesn't like white. She says it gets dirty too easily."

"I think you look good in it," Jaune replied.

"Hm." Weiss nodded her head, glancing away. "I know. Can we go now?" she asked, crossing her arms.

"Right, right."

The wedding had passed, but that meant their vacation was almost over. Jaune still had a promise to fulfill, though, and he had every intention of doing just that with Weiss.

Weiss watched as Jaune stood up from the bed and the two walked towards the door. They left the room, and Jaune glanced at Weiss as they walked down the hall. She was smiling. Beaming, in fact.

"You look excited," he chuckled, and Weiss' cheek became flushed as she realized she had been caught.

"I eagerly await the chance to pursue knowledge. Unlike the others, I enjoy history."

"Yeah, Yang doesn't seem like the type to sit down and watch documentaries," Jaune commented.

"Exactly. Ruby doesn't care much for them either unless they're about engineering or weapons, and Blake just likes her books." Weiss stopped suddenly and Jaune did the same a moment after. He turned his head to look at her, concern clear in his eyes. "Thank you. For this chance. I understand it must be strange to be around me when I'm… like this," she muttered.

Ruby and Weiss shared the same body, but the more Jaune stared at her, the more he saw the differences between the two. Weiss didn't slouch, she kept her body straight and professional. Almost like she was always about to walk into a meeting.

Her eyes weren't as bright as Ruby's, but they also carried something else to them. An edge. A sharpness. Her wit and intellect was clear to anyone who just spoke to her…

"Hey, it's my pleasure," he replied. "I like museums, and it's nice to have someone to go with."

Weiss nodded her head, avoiding his eyes again for a moment, before she turned her eyes forward. She stared past him, finding familiar faces approaching them.

"Oh, great…"


"Yo! Ruby, Jaune!" Nora greeted the happy couple with a beaming grin. "We were just on our way to see you. What's up?" Ren stood beside his girlfriend, waving at the two as they stood in the hall. "You two headed out?"

"Yes," Ruby replied, glancing at Jaune. "We are going to a museum. Together." Her eyes bounced between Nora, Ren, then Jaune, before she wrapped her arms around her boyfriend's arm. She squeezed it as Jaune blushed.

"Aww, a museum? Seriously? Ruby, I'm disappointed in you," Nora sighed, clicking her tongue against her teeth. "And here I thought you were cool."

"Museums are cool!" Ruby growled, glaring at Nora as her face began to turn red. "Museums are monuments of education. Pathways to the pursuit of cultural exchange and-"

Ruby's mouth fell shut. Her eyes widened, before she squeezed Jaune's arm tighter. "Um, darling, don't we have to get going? W-we don't want to be late, now do we?"

"Darling?" Nora snickered.

"What?" Ruby huffed. "Darling is a perfectly acceptable thing to call your significant other, right?" She turned her head to Jaune, who quickly tried to agree with her.

"Oh, yeah. Totally. You're right, uh, darling."

Nora continued to giggle as Ren nodded his head. "Well, you two have fun then. Nora and I were thinking about just walking around the city."

"Good. That's good," Ruby stated, nodding her head. "Have fun. We will be going now." The two began to walk around Ren and Nora, Ruby's arms still locked around her boyfriend's as they left. "Goodbye…"

They slipped around the corner as Nora and Ren raised their brows. The two looked at one another, before Nora shrugged.

"Sounds like 'going to the museum' is code for 'finding somewhere to make out.' You know, kind of like how 'walking around the city' is code for-"

"Some people actually enjoy going to the museum, Nora," Ren chuckled, and she smirked as her arms wrapped around him.

"Aww, shucks. You're so innocent, darling," she cooed, and Ren rolled his eyes with a smile as the two kept walking.


As soon as Weiss and Jaune were out of sight, they sighed with relief. Their eyes met, before they both glanced at Weiss' arms around his and her body pressed against his side. They pulled apart like the either was on fire, standing on opposite sides of the hall as they walked.

"Not. A. Word," Weiss hissed, walking ahead with scarlet cheeks.

"...Darling?" he inquired, his own face painted red.

"I-I thought it was something couples said to one another." She caught Jaune's amused smile and she growled, rolling her eyes. "S-shut up, you dolt!"


Their time spent at the museum was, without exaggeration, one of the nicest moments in Weiss' short life. The woman had only been alive for a few years, and yet she couldn't remember a time she had felt so free.

She walked down the halls of the museum, in awe of all that she saw and learned. The culture, the art, the science. It was all so amazing, she almost felt like a child in a toy store. She barely had enough sense to actually look at the map in her hands.

The young woman took out Ruby's phone, taking several pictures as Jaune followed behind her. He watched her race around the museum, doing his best to follow her.

"The first floor here represents the Hawaiian gods, legends, and beliefs. We should go around and-oh!" Weiss stopped, and Jaune found himself bumping into Ruby's small frame. Despite the size difference, it almost felt like hitting stone as Jaune nearly fell back. "They have a garden outside! Oh, it looks beautiful. We have to see it."

She embraced the brochure, squeezing it against her body as Jaune smiled. He walked beside her now, and as he watched Weiss gush about the history and culture around her, he could see the resemblance between her and Ruby.

That happiness, that gleam in her eyes, and the way her voice rose when she was excited. Of course, there was still a clear difference between the two. He could never imagine Ruby being this excited for a museum.

"A planetarium?" Weiss gasped, catching a sign hanging over their heads.

"Have you ever been to one?" he asked, and she shook her head.

"No. I've always been curious.."

"Then let's go check it out."

"It will cost extra," Weiss warned, remaining where she stood as Jaune stepped forward.

"My treat." Weiss' eyes glanced away from him, silently sighing as she shook her head side to side. She closed her eyes for a moment, before following after him, walking by his side towards the planetarium.


Jaune paid for their tickets, and the two entered the show, sitting down in chairs that bent back, letting them stare up at the ceiling.

"Have you ever been to one of these?" She glanced at him, sitting in the dark as others began to sit around them.

"Honestly? No. Not really my kind of thing," Jaune replied, and Weiss nodded her head.

"Thanks," she whispered under her breath, and Jaune said nothing. It was doubtful he even heard her as she laid in her seat, contemplating the fraction of Ruby's life she had experienced.

She was a fragmented mind given life, given personality. She might have once been part of Ruby, but now she was her own self. Weiss. Weiss… Rose? Ugh, no. The very thought of sharing Ruby's last name sent shudders through her body.

But she was alive. She had her own interests, her own desires, her own aspirations devoid of just taking care of Ruby.

She was actually sitting inside of a planetarium, something she always believed she would have to convince Ruby to let her do. She had never even bothered to request it. What was the point? It wasn't worth dragging Ruby's body to something only she would enjoy.

Now here she was, finally experiencing it, just with one added guest. She glanced at Jaune, catching his eyes staring at her. He quickly turned them away when he realized she was staring at him, and she wondered if it was because he was afraid of her.

Afraid of the freakish woman with voices in her head.

No. She shook those fears from her head. Jaune wouldn't think that. Well, perhaps he did, but he hid it well, and he didn't let those thoughts control him.

Perhaps he was looking for the difference between her and Ruby? That was a question Weiss had often asked herself.

She knew she wasn't as hyperactive or happy-go lucky as Ruby was, but Ruby lacked Weiss' talent for academics. That was the original purpose to Weiss' existence, after all, but she was more than that. She had a love and respect for fine art, classical music, not that synthesized, soulless garbage Ruby and Yang were obsessed with.

Ruby was a full grown woman, Weiss was… technically a child. She had only existed for a few years, not even a decade… Immediately Weiss growled, digging her fingers into the arms of the chair.

"Uhh… Weiss?" Jaune whispered.

The idea of actually being the child of the group. She could accept being the youngest, but she counted her blessings that Yang had never treated her like the family baby. Ugh, how embarrassing that would be.

"Weiss?"

"Huh?" She blinked, turning her eyes towards Jaune.

"You okay? You look… upset?"

"Just… counting my blessings," she huffed.

"And that makes you angry?"

"Shut up," she grumbled, and Jaune shrugged his shoulders as the show began. Weiss' thoughts were quickly wiped clean, replaced by amazement and awe as the show began.

The show above them showed the night sky of Hawaii. The stars moved as they saw hundreds of nights flashing by their eyes, showing them both a dazzling display of lights and sparkles. The shimmering heavens above were a glorious sight, and the beauty only grew as the show mixed in crashing waves on the edge of the screen.

Weiss said nothing, only enjoying the show as she listened to a calm, peaceful voice speak about the beauty surrounding humanity's world. The flora and fauna, the stars above, and the mighty, literally earth-shaking power lying just beneath their feet.

Weiss felt… alive, as odd as that was to say. It reminded her of when she and Jaune were dancing. Doing something like this and feeling like her own person. For a moment, Weiss forgot about Ruby and the last few days. Instead she thought of the world around her, and how… magnificent it was.

There was just her. Just her and the world open before her like a book.

The show ended all too soon, and Weiss fixed her seat back to the upright position. Jaune did the same and Weiss felt a moment of embarrassment as she realized she had forgotten his presence for the moment.

"What'd you think?" he asked as the lights turned on and everyone began to exit the room.

"It was amazing. Absolutely stunning," she confessed. She glanced at him, before quickly looking away. "Thank you for joining me. I apologize if you were bored."

"Nah. It was nice," he complimented, and Weiss nodded her head in agreement.

"Yes, very nice. Come along now, we still have more to see," she declared, leading him towards the exit. She was smiling again, unable to deny this energy to her. She was excited, and she swore she would thank Ruby for this opportunity.


Weiss and Jaune took several pictures of the museum as they spent their day together. Weiss gushed over the cultural history of Hawaii and the local traditions and flora the museum displayed.

Part of Weiss didn't want to leave, but she knew they had to.

"Want to grab a souvenir?" he asked, pointing towards a shop by the exit.

Weiss stared at the store, before turning her head away. "No, I shouldn't. I don't want to spend Ruby's money, or anymore of yours."

"Well, what if I gave you money?" he asked, before he reached into his wallet.

"Jaune-"

"I mean it. Why not? This is our vacation. We're across the ocean. We may never come back! You should have something to remember it."

"And what about Ruby?" she asked.

"Ruby has me to remember it," he chuckled, winking at her, earning an eye roll for his troubles. "Besides, I was going to get something for her too, but you deserve something too."

"Yang and Blake?" she asked, and Jaune scratched the back of his head.

"Man, I forgot," he muttered, and Weiss could see the concern in his eyes. Her hand touched his, merely stroking it for a moment to catch his attention.

"D-don't worry about them. I'm sure they'll be fine. The experience of being here was enough for Yang, and I doubt Blake even really cared…"

Jaune glanced at her, before nodding his head. "Feel kind of bad, but still. You should get something, to remember this part of the trip, at least. I think this is the longest I've ever spent with one of… you," he commented, motioning towards her.

Weiss raised her brow, but she decided not to say anything. She only watched as Jaune pulled some money out of his wallet again and handed her a ten dollar bill. "Here. Just something simple to remember this trip."

The young woman stared at the money in Jaune's hand, before she took it and watched him walk away. He entered the store as she stared at the money in her hand. Her fingers gently stroked the paper, pulling and twisting it between her digits.

"Coming?" he asked, turning his head to smile at her.

"What if I don't buy anything?"

"I don't know," he shrugged. "You can keep the money, I guess?"

"So it's mine?"

"Yeah. I'm giving it to you."

"Huh." She nodded her head, following behind him. He walked into the store with her behind him, silently contemplating something.

She never… had money before. Never in her entire life did she actually have money that she could call hers. Come to think of it, she never had anything that was really hers before. She crumpled up the bill in her hand, crushing it into a small ball as she walked around the store.

There were several nice items on display. Necklaces, ornaments, fridge magnets, all sorts of little things to bring home. There were more complex designs based on the local art, electronics, and so much more.

What was Weiss supposed to get for herself?

The first thing Weiss had ever bought with her own money.

The very thought seemed almost absurd. She chuckled, her fingers brushing against a shelf as she continued to walk around. Eventually, though, she found something.

"Hm." She picked a hairpin. A simple, unimpressive hairpin that felt… right in her hand. She stroked it with her thumb, her eyes caught by the simple, but eloquent design.

On one end of the hairpin was a crown or tiara, it seemed. The silver crown had a light blue gem in the center of it. A cheap little thing, probably made out of plastic more likely than not, and yet… eye catching.

"You like that?" Jaune asked, turning his head towards her.

"I… Yes." She let it rest in the palm of her hand, wrapping her fingers around it. "I do."

"Cool," he replied, and she nodded her head as she walked away.

This was hers. It belonged to her. Weiss walked up the counter, going through the simple motions. She bought the hairpin, thanking them, and walking away with her possession.

Hers.

Weiss squeezed the item in her hand, feeling the shape of it push against her palms, against her fingers. She wanted to memorize every detail she felt.

These weren't her hands, but this was her pin.

Hers.

Weiss could actually feel her eyes watering for a moment as she stood by the store's entrance. She couldn't believe it. This was-!

"Weiss?" Her body jumped and she quickly blinked the moisture away from her eyes. She turned to find Jaune behind her, and Weiss quickly crossed her arms.

"Yes? What? What is it?"

"Are you okay?" he asked, raising his brow.

"Yes. I'm fine. Just… fine." She nodded her head, releasing her hand. She glanced at the hairpin, breaking it off from the paper and tossing the garbage into some trash. "Are you done?"

"Yeah."

"Good, then let's go. I will switch when we get back to the hotel."

"Alright," he shrugged, before he watched her take the hairpin she had bought and slip it into her hair. She fidgeted with it for a moment, before noticing his eyes on her. "It looks good on you," he complimented, and Weiss' found herself unsure of how she should reply.

"Thank you." She turned her head away, before looking at him again. "And thank you for today." She turned her body towards him and lifted up her arms, only to immediately return them to her sides. She lifted her hand up to shake his, but that quickly returned back to her side again.

She wasn't sure what to do or say. What would she properly articulate the emotions swirling inside of her? Especially to someone like Jaune.

Weiss grabbed Jaune's hand by the wrist, lifting it up and knocking her hand against his knuckles. A fistbump. Yes, he would understand that.

"Thank you, Arc. You are a good friend."


That night, Ruby and Jaune laid in their bed, cuddling together under the blanket. Neither said anything, just quietly snoring and sleeping the horus away.

Then Ruby's body stirred, and her body rose up, shaking sleep from her frame. She opened her eyes to stare at Jaune, watching the young man slumber.

This was him. This was the man.

She held her hand, hovering it over Jaune to see if he would wake up. Her every breath was quiet, almost not even there as she watched him. She slowly moved the hand down, brushing it against the golden locks. They were shining in the mood light, and they captured her eyes.

The light and the warmth of his body reminded her of a candle.

Then he starred, and her eyes widened. A blue eye opened to stare at her, and she said nothing. She was quiet, waiting for him to move or to speak. Would he scream? Would he be mad?

But he didn't say a word. The silence in the room continued as he just lifted an arm and embraced her. She fell under the weight of his embrace, feeling him pull her closer. She felt his warm body against hers, still waiting for something to happen.

Nothing did, though. He fell back asleep and she was left alone once more. She blinked, before placing a finger against his chest. His pajamas kept her nail from touching his bare skin, and she gently scratched at it, trying to tear a hole in the fabric for a moment.

She soon decided it wasn't worth the effort. She placed her palm against his body, feeling the soft rhythm of his heart. She felt it pumping blood through his system, and she was in awe by the thought of it.

Her fingers gently stroked his chest, before she closed her eyes and allowed him to hold her. He was warm, and she enjoyed that warmth as she fell back asleep.


Ruby, Nora, Ren, and Jaune walked together towards their plane. The latter three walked in front, leading Ruby through the crowd, but the young woman found her feet dragging for a moment. She stared out a window to the soaring planes and gorgeous horizon, and she smiled.

"I think this was the best vacation ever," she thought.

"Well, you did nab yourself a hunk," Yang commented.

"Did you just call him a hunk?" Weiss questioned.

"I'm saying, Ruby thinks he's a hunk. He's like a six or seven for me, honestly."

Ruby rolled her eyes, before she took one last, long deep breath. Velvet, Cardin, and Yatsu had already left back to Vale earlier that day, while Fox and Coco were staying a few more days to have Hawaii to themselves. She and her friends were leaving now, and she felt… scared? Excited? Melancholic?

Part of her didn't want to leave. What if they headed back to Vale and that was it? It'd be like waking up from a dream, and Jaune and her wouldn't be a couple anymore.

Ruby knew that was silly. She was just being stupid and scared, but after her first relationship… She came to a stop, her fingers curling into fists as she took a long, deep breath. Perhaps Yang and the others were going to say something, but Ruby was the one who spoke first.

"H-hey! Can we take one more picture?" she asked, and Ren, Nora, and Jaune came to a stop, turning to her. "You know, one last selfie with all of us in it?" she asked.

"I'll never say no to a selfie!" Nora beamed as Ren nodded his head and Jaune smiled at his girlfriend.

"Sounds good."

"Hm. Excuse me, sir?" Ren called out to a nearby passerby, who turned to the four. "Would you mind taking our picture?"

"Not at all," he replied, taking Ren's phone and stepping back. "Just tell me when."

Nora wrapped one arm around Ren, before grabbing Ruby's and pulling her close. She and Ruby stood in the middle now, with Nora's smile bright and beaming. Ren stood beside her, a calmer smile on his face as he bent down a bit, resting his head on Nora's as his hand fell on her shoulder. Jaune and Ruby glanced at one another, before he gave her his hand and she locked her fingers with his.

Ruby and Jaune were both blushing as the man took their picture. Each of the four smiled for the picture, a moment captured in time forever…

The man soon handed Ren's phone back to him, and Ren thanked him.

"Thank you, sir."

"Name's Monty."

"Well, thank you, Monty." Ren looked back at the others and motioned them along. "Come on, we don't want to be late for our flight." Monty waved the four goodbye as Jaune's gaze lingered on him.

"Did that guy look familiar to you?" he asked Ruby, who shrugged her shoulders.

"Not really." She glanced to her side, before back at Jaune. "Yang asked if you took any medicine for your stomach yet."

Jaune blinked, before he groaned, palming his face in one of his hands. "Ahh, man."

Ruby patted her boyfriend's back, before she tried to offer a silver lining to him. "There, there… Vomit Boy." Jaune's jaw fell as his girlfriend giggled. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, i-it was too easy!" He shook his head, a laugh beginning to spill out of his mouth.

"Oh, you are in so much trouble when we land!"

"What are you going to do? Chase me?" Ruby teased. "Won't you be too busy throwing up?"

The two chuckled as Ruby reached into her pocket, before pulling out a small, plastic tube. "Here. Dramamine helps with motion sickness."

Jaune let out a sigh of relief, before he took the tube from her. "You're the best girlfriend ever," he declared, before he leaned in to kiss Ruby's sweet lips. Her eyes widened at the sudden kiss, before she placed a hand on his chest and melted into it.

The two stood in the middle of the airport, people walking by them like a parting river. For a moment, it was just them and this warmth flowing over them, bathing and drowning them in love. It was a euphoric tingle in their body, from his to hers, from hers to him..

They were lost for a moment, before Nora called out to them.

"Hey! Will you two stop sucking face and come on?" She shook her head, before hugging Ren's arm. "Ah, to be young and in love, huh?"


The trip had been uneventful, but perhaps that was for the best. What wasn't for the best, though, was just how long the trip was. Ruby and Jaune walked under Vale's familiar night sky, carrying her things back to her room.

"You didn't have to help me," she commented, before turning those silver eyes to him. "But I'm really glad you did."

"What can I say? I can't help it. I'm a knight in shining armor," he joked, and the two chuckled as they stepped out of the elevator. They made their way to Ruby's room as the dark-haired woman beamed.

"Hawaii really was amazing, but I'm so glad to be back in Vale."

"Yeah, same here," he replied. "I love this city."

"So did my mom," Ruby confessed. "She loved growing up here. Even when we lived in Patch, she would go on and on about how Vale was this magical place."

"It's something, alright," Jaune agreed, before they stopped outside Ruby's door. "Well, here we are."

"Yep." Ruby didn't move to open the door. She just put her things down and stared at her boyfriend as he did the same. She had spent so much time with Jaune lately, the thought of actually being apart almost felt wrong…

"So, back to sleeping on my bed alone, huh?" Her face was red, just like Jaune's as they stared into the other's eyes.

"Well, I'd come in, but I don't want people to talk," he joked, and the two quietly laughed.

"Can… Can we hang out tomorrow?" Ruby asked, and Jaune's smile told her all that she needed to know.

"Love to."

Neither said anything for a moment. Sapphire eyes met silver ones as the seconds ticked by, and they were lost to them once more. They just enjoyed each other's company, until a voice rang out through Ruby's head.

"Oh, just kiss him already!" Yang shouted, and Ruby's face turned a bright shade of crimson. She groaned quietly as Jaune raised his brow again.

"Shut up, Yang," she muttered, and Jaune chuckled. He didn't need any other explanation as a door opened nearby.

The two were soon entranced by the other that they didn't even notice someone watching them. Not until she greeted them.

"Greetings!" a voice called out to them, and Ruby and Jaune both turned their heads to find an open door. It was the room right across from Ruby's, and a young woman stood in the doorway.

A woman with orange hair and bright, emerald eyes. Her dress was simple and modest, a pale grey with green accents to give it life. She smiled at the two, waving a hand at them as her eyes seemed to gleam.

"My name is Penny Polendina. I take it, you live next door to me?" she asked.

"Oh! Y-yeah," Ruby smiled. "I'm Ruby. This is my… my boyfriend, Jaune," she stated, a wide grin on her scarlet face. Jaune held his hand up to Penny, waving at her as the orange-haired woman beamed.

"It is wonderful to finally meet you both. Mr. Port spoke very highly of you," Penny smiled. "Please, excuse me for one moment!" She slipped back into her own room, leaving Jaune and Ruby to glance at one another. They heard some shuffling, before Penny stepped out into the hallway again with a smile and plate of cookies in her hands.

"For you, neighbor. I hope you enjoy-"

"Cookies?!" Ruby beamed, practically shaking with excitement. Jaune snickered and Ruby quickly tried to save face. The dark-haired woman took the offered plate, bowing her head in thanks. "Thank you. This is really nice of you!"

"It is my pleasure! I hope to see you again soon, neighbor!" Penny declared, before she opened her door and slipped back inside.

Jaune blinked, before he glanced at Ruby. The young woman already had a cookie stuffed into her mouth, chewing on it. He chuckled at the sight as she blushed, quickly grinding it down into fuel for her body.

"She seemed nice."

"She seemed pretty weird," Yang commented.

"Don'th ve mean," Ruby's muffled voice pouted, before she glanced at Jaune. "Yang."

"Gotcha." He nodded his head, and Ruby took a moment to just enjoy the fact that someone knew her secret. She could be herself around him, and that sent her heart racing with glee.

"Should we put your stuff inside?"

"Oh, r-right," she nodded, taking out her key to unlock the door. "You're probably pretty tired, huh?" she commented.

He seemed to read her mind as he nodded his head. "Yeah. I'd love to hang out, but I am exhausted. I think the dramamine is still in my system," he yawned. She nodded her head in understanding as she unlocked the door.

"Yeah, me too…"

She opened it for the two of them, and Jaune placed her things on the ground right outside the door.. "Well, I'll leave you to get some rest, dear princess."

"Oh, why thank you, kind knight." The two laughed at their own silly antics as Ruby stepped inside and Jaune stood in her doorway. The couple faced one another, the same lovestruck smiles on their faces as before.

"See you tomorrow?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world." Jaune stepped back, only for Ruby to catch his arm before it could pull away. She pulled him down by the collar, and she stood on the tips of her toes to kiss his lips.

It was just a peck, but it was more than enough as the two blushed.

"Bye, boyfriend." Jaune's eyes gleamed with joy after that kiss, and he chuckled weakly as she pulled away, stepping back so he could close the door. He smiled at her, closing the door for her as Ruby stood in her room once more.

The door fell shut and Ruby listened to the quiet hall outside. It took a few moments, but Jaune eventually turned and walked away, his fading footsteps the last farewell Ruby would receive until she saw him again.

When she heard the elevator being lowered, Ruby turned around and stared at her apartment. It was practically untouched. The same as when she left, and yet she felt a new excitement at seeing it.

She walked forward, dropping her things onto the ground as she took a long deep breath.

"I have a boyfriend!" she shouted, punching the air with both arms. "Whoohoo!"

"Is she just realizing this?" Weiss groaned.

"Ah, let her have her fun," Yang chuckled.

"We're going to have to unpack eventually," Blake muttered.


It had been a few days since Jaune returned home to Vale, and life was already starting to return to normal.

That meant it was back to delivering pizzas.

Jaune returned to Hazel's, putting the pizza bag away as he sighed. Another delivery was done with. He did brighten up a bit when he saw his boss, but that was for a particularly funny reason.

"How's the new cook doing, Hazel?"

"Huh? Fine. Why?" Hazel raised his brow as Jaune just enjoyed the sight of the new cook.

"Ugh, gross! Who the hell wants beans on their pizza?" Cardin groaned, pouring the bean sauce on the pizza. The screen above him beeped and he looked up, glaring at it. "Will you shut up?! I'm working as fast as I can! Huh? Who the hell ordered pineapples on their pizza?"

"Make sure not to ruin it," Jaune chuckled, and Cardin turned his head to glare at the blond.

"Laugh it up, Arc," he growled, before Hazel spoke up.

"Hey! Focus on your job!"

"Yeah, boss," Cardin grumbled.

If someone had told a younger Jaune that he'd be working alongside Cardin one day, he would have thought they were crazy. If they had told him that Jaune had pushed for his boss to hire Cardin, then he would have thought they were really crazy.

But that's exactly what happened. Jaune had pushed for Cardin to try and get a job at Hazel's, and once Hazel and Cardin spoke, Jaune practically begged his boss to hire the young man. That led them here, with Cardin trying to put together a pizza for the customers.

Soon enough, their shift was over and the two stepped outside to sit at a table together.

"God, this is exhausting. Feel like I've got pizza dough under every single nail," Cardin grumbled, glaring at his hands.

"Hey, be glad you're not delivering them. People can be mean, and don't even get me started on their dogs," Jaune sighed, shaking his head.

"Whatever," Cardin huffed. He closed his eyes for a moment, before sighing. "Hey, Arc?"

"Hm?"

"Thanks for helping me get this job," he mumbled. "I mean, this minimum wage shit ain't much, but at least I can pay for stuff myself," he grumbled.

Jaune gave his former enemy a small smile. "No problem, Cardin. You need a ride back to Velvet's?"

"Nah. Velvet's coming to get me. Told her not to bother, but she didn't freakin' listen," he huffed.

Jaune nodded his head, before he watched Hazel walk over with a pizza box in hand. "Here." He gave it to Jaune, who thanked him as Cardin raised his brow.

"You ordered pizza?"

"Yeah. Had to wait for your shift to end so you didn't make them."

Cardin rolled his eyes, before he flicked a particular finger at Jaune. The blond didn't give it much thought as he stood up with the box in hand.

"See ya tomorrow, Cardin."

"Yeah, yeah. Get out of here," Cardin grumbled, waving the man away. Jaune left him at the table as Cardin watched him go. He entered his car and soon drove off, leaving Cardin alone.

"Hey, Winchester." Cardin turned his head to find Hazel walking over again, this time with an envelope in hand. "Got something for you." He handed Cardin the envelope, who looked at Hazel with confusion. "Your first paycheck."

"Seriously? I've only worked for a few days, I thought-"

"Just take it," Hazel ordered, and as big a man Cardin was, Hazel was much bigger. He did what he was told, taking it as Hazel walked away. "See you tomorrow."

Cardin blinked, before he opened the envelope and stared at the paper inside. He stared at the words and numbers, a smile slowly forming on his face.

Money.

Months of standing on the sidewalk, a cardboard sign in his hand, silently begging people for money... Rain pouring down on him with no home to go to. Snow falling on him while he searched for somewhere to hide. Cops telling him he had to leave. Other homeless people yelling at him to share when he had a lucky break...

After all of that, he finally had money again.

Cardin closed his eyes and he ground his teeth. He swore to whatever god there was, if he started crying, he'd kick Jaune's ass. In the end, his lips curled into a small smile. He squeezed the envelope tightly, bending it in his hand.

He was going to pay Velvet back as soon as he could. Then he was going to buy some fattening, greasy food and just enjoy it.

"Thanks, Jaune," he muttered, before he watched Velvet's car drive into the parking lot. He stood up, greeting her as she stepped out of her car. He waved at her, the envelope still held tightly between his fingers.


Jaune had picked up Ruby at her apartment, and together the two stepped out of the car and down the path within Emerald Park. Jaune held the box in his hands as Ruby carried a bag full of soda bottles and napkins. The young woman beamed, staring at the trees around them as she walked deeper into the park.

"So, this is Emerald Park," she thought aloud. "I can see why my mom liked it so much."

Jaune nodded his head in agreement. Unlike his girlfriend, he had been to the park several times. Just watching Ruby's reaction, though, was more than enough for him.

"It's so beautiful."

There were so many green trees around them. She almost couldn't see the buildings towering around them. It was almost like being in another world, though the sound of rushing cars and construction could still tickle Ruby's ears.

Her mother might have walked down these same steps. The very thought of walking the same steps as her mother made Ruby pause for a moment and just savor the moment. She remembered how her mother would talk about this city, how she would walk between the trees and lose herself to the beauty of nature.

Ruby's fingers brushed against the bark of one tree, leaning in close until her forehead almost touched it. She wondered if this tree was there when Summer walked through the park. Did it live long enough to see Summer's daughter now?

"I love you, mom," she whispered, closing her eyes and taking a long, slow breath. She pulled away from the tree, finding Jaune waiting for her with a patient smile.

They kept walking deeper into the forest, admiring the scenery around them until they found a nice clearing. The two sat down, opening the pizza box and enjoying their picnic together.

"Ew, pineapples," Ruby gagged, seeing half of the pizza was covered in the fruit.

"Hey, I like pineapple," Jaune replied, taking a bite of his own slice.

"It is pretty good," Weiss commented.

"Weiss says she likes that stuff too," Ruby stated. "I think you're both crazy," she teased, taking another bite of her own slice.

"Finally, someone with taste!" he shouted, and Ruby rolled her eyes.

"How's Cardin?"

"He's doing alright. How're... uhh," Jaune pondered the proper word for a moment, before he glanced at her. "How's everyone?"

"They're good," Ruby replied, smiling back at him. "Thanks for asking."

"Hey, they're my friends too. Well, I-I don't know about Blake… She can't hear me, can she?"

Ruby's eyes widened, before she cringed slightly. "Oh, she is pissed right now."

"S-seriously?"

"Nope," Ruby replied, snickering before she started eating her crust. "She's not listening. I think just Weiss is."

"Oh. Then Yang is…?" Jaune raised his brow, and Ruby gave him a small smile. A weak one that seemed barely there.

"She's been quiet lately since we got back. Usually keeps to herself."

"Hm. Sorry to hear that. Maybe she and I can hang out later?" he suggested, and Ruby nodded at the idea.

"Yeah! That sounds like fun."

Jaune suddenly leaned in close, pecking Ruby's cheek. Her eyes widened, before her heart fluttered and her face began to turn red. She leaned back towards him, catching the corner of his lips with her own kiss.

He pecked her lips as soon as she pulled away, and the two leaned in to kiss once more until a hand pushed against Jaune. He watched her eyes change, and before she even spoke, he knew who he was talking to.

Weiss held their faces apart with a frown on her scarlet face. "You two are covered in grease! Stop kissing and clean up! Now!" she ordered, before shuddering in place. "Ruby, can you not eat with utensils like a normal person?"

Ruby quickly regained control of her body, and she turned her head, glaring at nothing. "Normal people don't eat pizza with utensils, Weiss!" Jaune chuckled and Ruby turned to him, her silver eyes wide as her blush began to spread to her neck and ears.

He didn't think she was a freak. She just argued with herself, and he…

He picked up a napkin and dabbed it against her soft lips, before doing the same with his with another napkin. Then he leaned in and kissed her, and she felt her heart skip a beat.

Jaune Arc didn't think she was a freak. He wasn't scared of her. He knew her deepest secret and he still… wanted her.

Ruby fell forward, forgetting all about their meal as she kissed Jaune's lips once more. His muffled voice brushed against her lips, before he wrapped his arms around her and kissed back, gently smacking his lips against hers.

The rest of the world faded away, and Jaune and Ruby laid in Emerald Park together. Between kisses and quiet moans, they stared into one another's eyes… and they felt safe and free once more.

THE END

It's over. Book 1 is over! I did it! And I have you to thank for it. Thank you to everyone who reviewed this story, to the people who favorited it, to the over 1,000 people who are following it! Thank you very much!

This story is over, and while I plan to return to 'You, Me, and Everyone in Between' for a Book 2 and 3, for now, I'm putting an end here. Ruby and Jaune have their happy ending, and things are looking hopeful.

As some of you may have noticed, certain parts of this chapter are just setting up stuff that will be relevant in Book 2, with some even only becoming relevant in Book 3. That's a long way from now, so just know that Book 2 is mainly about the realistic problems of dating someone with DID, plus one or two redheads you might be familiar with.

Book 3 is something else entirely.

No idea when I'll continue this story, but I promise it won't be the longest wait between chapters my readers have had to endure. Sorry about that, long time readers. It will also, hopefully, be updated faster.

Thank you again to everyone who read this story, who reviewed it, urging me to continue, who told me about how much they enjoyed this tale. Thank you all so much. Words really just can't describe how thankful I am that people actually wanted me to finish this story.

I'm repeating myself. Well, look forward to more of my work, because I hope to post more stories here again. Follow me on Twitter if you want to talk to me or see my developing art skills and original projects.

Thank you for reading, stay safe, and remember, you are loved.

My Twitter name is at LeafyDream0