"Winter?" Weiss couldn't believe what she saw. Whatever magic she was just able to summon vanished as her emotions drifted away from anger and fear. Not completely, of course, but it was no longer burning in the same way it initially did when she heard the door being kicked in.
The older woman pulled her hood down. "Weiss." There it was, the same voice she remembered. The same troubled way of speaking. She never was sure if it was just her imagination or if it was really there, but whenever Winter spoke to her, directly to her, there was this… Strange anxiety. Weiss never could understand it fully.
Besides, It was always like this. Their greeting of just acknowledging that each other… Existed? Was there? Who knows. The ex-princess remembered that it became as such down the road of time. A sudden shift that made the relations between them… Complicated.
This scene, as if frozen in time, had potential to last for a long time, as neither of the royal women knew how to react to one another, luckily there was one more person in the room, and it was her grunts that dispelled the situation, at least off of Weiss's mind, as she was reminded that Ruby just had a close encounter with… Flying doors?
"Ruby!" She called out, turning around and quickly jumping towards where the girl laid, under a small pile of wood. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?" Her attention was divided between moving the planks off of her and looking over her body for any injuries. Her brain couldn't settle if this situation was dangerous or if it should be considered as trivial. Not often did one get kicked in with the doors.
I-I'm fine, just a bit bruised heh. Takes more than some doors to beat up a dragon!" Ruby tried to grin, but it couldn't cover the pained expression. While Weiss believed that nothing major was done, it was clear to her that it had to hurt. Why wouldn't it? Still, the fact that the dragon girl tried to not worry her made Weiss smile in return.
Sound of loud footstep reminded her of the situation all of them were in. She turned her head to see Winter move closer to them. "What are you doing here?" Weiss still wasn't sure if she should be angry with her older sister. Of course, she should, she hurt Ruby. At the same time… At the same time, she was massively conflicted over this entire thing too much to asses those things correctly.
"I'm here at the request of your wyrm." Winter explained calmly and crouched beside them, moving aside a few pieces of wood.
"My wyrm?" That made Weiss blink until she realized what it meant. Her blue eyes immediately moved to look at Ruby.
The redhead just offering a shrug and a sheepish smile. "Uh… Surprise?"
"You didn't lie." Winter said slowly as she glanced at the younger pair, standing up and offering a hand to help the redhead up.
"Of course not! Is it family related to think I lie about stuff?" The redhead huffed in annoyance, accepting the help.
It didn't take long for Weiss to sprung up after them and stomp her feet in annoyance. "What is the meaning of this?!" At least now she knew that she should be angry. Not just with Winter, but Ruby as well.
"I'll or We'll explain on the road. We don't have much time before the roads start getting crowded." As Winter noticed that her younger sister wanted to protest, she raised her hand. Even in her angered state, Weiss respected her too much to interrupt her. "Know that I don't mean you or the dragon any harm. I'm here to help." A small half-smile appeared on her lips. "As for my rude entrance, I apologize. I simply did not believe your bondmate. Now that I saw it for my own eyes I can tell she was telling the truth."
Weiss just stared at her sister in disbelief, not sure which part of her speech to address. For once in her life, she decided to reach for the low hanging fruit. "You… You know of us?" It sounded strange to voice it like that, as the secret wasn't that she and Ruby were together in some odd dragon fashion. Weiss wasn't even sure if it was part of the bigger lie or just a corollary of that bigger lie. Maybe both at the same time? At this point, Weiss will believe in a lot of things, even illogical statements.
Winter let a soft sigh and closed her eyes. "Of course, you showed it yourself when I intruded like that. The way you reacted, your eyes and… Magic." She opened her eyes once more and glanced at Weiss. "But now please, we must depart as soon as possible. If you have questions we can speak on the road."
The ex-princess's eyes moved slowly towards the dragon. Ruby's own eyes glanced at the surrounding, as she both felt as if she was guilty of something and at the same time it felt a bit awkward for her to be the… Well, the third wheel in this strange family reunion. Yet as she felt Weiss's gaze, she glanced at her briefly, seeing confusion in the blue eyes she just offered a small, uncertain nod.
This wasn't too reassuring, but Weiss couldn't ask for more. Finally, with a deep, tired sigh she nodded her head. "Fine, let's move out."
oooOOOooo
Three concealed people traveling by horse were not that rare sight lately. Weiss wasn't sure if it was always or just in the past weeks. She wouldn't know either way if not for the fact that she experienced that sight many times herself while traveling with Ruby for said past weeks. Although now was different. Now she could enjoy the journey in the saddle of a horse. While it wasn't a carriage, at least it was faster.
This time she got confirmation as to where they were traveling. Further south. Weiss noticed that even when she traveled with Ruby, they were slowly moving in that direction. Less open, as Weiss assumed that they had to keep from the main roads. Confirmation, since all her knowledge came from what she remembered off of maps and names she saw there. She never really asked her dragon where they were heading or why. Not even to confirm her observation about the specific direction, since she wasn't even one hundred percent sure if that was the case.
As she mused earlier, this wasn't as suspicious for them to travel like this. Even now they passed people concealing their faces and bodies with robes, cloaks, and hoods. Sadly, Weiss suspected why. They were victims of the war. Civilians or soldiers from both sides, heading towards the central kingdom, the empire to seek any kind of refugee and escape some kind of ominous fate that would await them otherwise.
While back in the tavern she was told she could speak to Winter and Ruby about this odd situation, the form of their chat was… Obnoxious. As they had to not speak too loud and stop whenever they got too close to anyone. Even if it was just a suspicious activity that might have suggested someone hiding in the nearby bush.
Still, as they entered one of the less-traveled roads, Weiss moved closer to Winter. "Do you think we can resume from before?" Last time she tried to just talk, she was abruptly shushed by her older sister, something that left her ears burning as she felt like she was back in the castle, where she was treated like a child whenever she did something out of line.
"I think it's safe now." Winter nodded, taking a glance around.
"Very well. Since the answers were offered in small pieces to me, I have to ask if I got it right." Weiss paused and glanced at Winter. Without any reaction from her, she assumed she was clear to go on with the topic at hand. "Ruby contacted you directly, explained everything and set up a meeting in which you would help us. No, not even us. Help me."
"Precisely." Winter responded shortly.
"What, per se, is the help you're offering?" This was a very sensitive situation. Was Winter going to risk everything for her and keep them? But wouldn't that mean she just got caged again?
The answer came not from who she suspected, as Ruby slowly joined them, moving on the other side of Weiss. It was clear to Weiss that the redhead was not that good at horseback riding, still, she knew basics and they didn't have any issues so far. "Winter wants to help you fulfill your dream, Weiss." There was a small pause after which Ruby offered a grin. "She'll make you a knight."
Weiss wanted to stop the horse as she heard that, at the last moment fighting that urge off as she knew this wouldn't do much but slow them down. It would be a bad thing, as this was very time-sensitive. Eitherway she was stunned by this odd revelation. Ruby did mention this now and then, but whenever she talked about the topic at hand, knights, the girl never really seemed to understand what it meant. After all, she was what most holy knights would consider a worthy prey. This just meant that Ruby didn't understand fully her dream and how far away it was. Yet she always smiled at those promises. It's not like Ruby meant anything bad with them, right?
Yet here they were. "Winter?" She raised her head and looked at her older sister.
"Yes?" Once more, the older of the two didn't even look her way as she responded.
"Is that true?" She asked, not sure how to feel about all of this. Where exactly were they heading if this was their goal?
"In a way, yes." Weiss noted that this time it wasn't a straight answer. Maybe Winter was as confused by this ordeal as she was?
"Wouldn't our father notice if I joined an order?" She frowned at the idea. Not to mention she would have to leave her previous life behind. Which included Ruby.
"He would. Not to mention it would create a big political scandal." Winter paused for a moment. "Your disappearance already created a mess."
"A mess?" Weiss blinked. Of course, there would be a mess, but she assumed that both of them would take it for granted and not mention it.
"The war between the northern and western kingdoms." Winter explained briefly. The ex-princess could just lower her head. She understood it. Still, being told directly about it in such a manner? It didn't help.
"Hey!" Ruby called out in an annoyed voice, sounding borderline angry. "It's not her fault that your stupid kingdoms have war with one another."
"It is and isn't. But that would be a philosophical dispute and this is neither place nor time for that. Eitherway I'm not blaming you, Weiss. But it is a fact that both kingdoms are using your disappearance as an excuse for war in hopes of claiming some territories they were eyeing for a long time." It should be enough to cheer Weiss up. It was political, sooner or later they would find a different reason for war. Yet… People dying because of her. Not just dying, losing family members, homes and belonging. It just didn't sit right with her.
"Did the church decide on the side?" The ex-princess asked in a meek voice. For a moment she was wondering if Winter even heard her, as she didn't react. As she was wondering if she should repeat her question louder, came a delayed response.
"No. Not yet." Winter shook her head.
"Why should your church interfere in war?" Ruby's question made both of the Schnee to look in her direction. Deciding it would be better if she explained it to the dragon girl, Weiss cleared her throat.
"Ruby, what do you know about human kingdoms?" She quickly considered how to approach this, deciding that the best way would be to start from basics. Meaning she had to understand what kind of knowledge Ruby already had.
"I don't know. There are five of them, right? One in the middle and four around it." Ruby offered a shrug.
"Right, There are four outer kingdoms. North, Eastern, Western and Southern. Respectively named after the side they were bordering with the central kingdom. While the common names for them are these, within themselves and sometimes out of respect, they have their own names. Atlas is the northern kingdom. It's where I and Winter are from. Vacuo is the western kingdom where I… Would be married. Then you have Mystral in east and Vale in the south." Weiss was glad for the distraction as she explained the basic geography to the dragon girl.
"Right, how does that fit into the church meddling with these kingdom's wars?" Ruby tilted her head slightly to the side.
"The central kingdom, The holy empire or just empire, is a holy state. It's ruled by the emperor, which is also the head of the church, the holy pope. It's called the central kingdom by non-humans only, as it's a disgrace to call it anything but an empire. It's the biggest of kingdoms and it's controlling the political flow of the entire human race. Other kingdoms have to respect that, as disrespecting the holy pope is like disrespecting the Celestial Father." Weiss continued, but she noticed that Ruby was still confused once she finished.
Oddly and to her surprise, Winter decided to join in. Maybe bored, annoyed or just wanting to aid her younger sister. "The empire treats this situation as if they were the parent, and the outer kingdoms were children. While they won't always intervene, sometimes they consider their political antics as childish fights and will stop them, usually siding with one of the kingdoms."
Ruby snapped her fingers. "Now I get it. It's dumb but I get it." She chuckled.
Weiss just rolled her eyes, here she thought that she could explain it to her better or in greater detail. Yet here she was proven wrong. "Right, but if I won't join an order, how will I become a knight? Will you just do a mock ceremony where you knight me?" The ex-princess focused her gaze on her sister once more.
"We both know that it wouldn't satisfy you. Besides, you never liked the church and the order. Didn't you always say that they twisted what it meant to be a knight?" To Weiss's surprise, Winter looked her way. She could see the bitter smile on her lips.
"T-Then what's all of this about?" Weiss couldn't keep her composure after what she saw.
Winter had to notice but decided to ignore it. "I'll help you prepare. Once you're ready, you'll be able to go out and become a knight you always wanted. Forge your own path."
The ex-princess wasn't sure what to think about it all. She looked at Ruby, only to see a goofy grin on the girl's face. So this was their plan. Or was this Ruby's plan? "Where are we heading then?"
"To my manor." Winter explained shortly, but she had to feel it wasn't covering everything, continuing after a moment. "It's a place gifted to me for my loyal service. The staff there isn't numerous, but they are loyal and won't sell you out. It's a safe place for us to train and prepare you." She added.
Weiss simply nodded, accepting whatever was laid before her. It would take her days to get a hang of what occurred and what was said today. For now, she just decided to stop questioning things. If this was all true, she would have plenty of opportunities to do so.
oooOOOooo
While not big, the land given to her sister was surely impressive. Hidden among small hills and some woods, surrounded by a small wall, later fence, stood a large house. Weiss wasn't much for architecture, as such the best way to sum it up was to say it looked very cozy. At the gate Winter told them that it was fine to take off the cloaks they were having, greeted by some guards, they were allowed in.
The interior was as expected from such a large house. Numerous rooms. Dining room, ballroom, bedrooms and various smaller places that weren't named, just glanced over briefly. Weiss never knew that Winter had a home of her own, she assumed that she lived in the capital in some kind of knightly barracks or whatnot. While she had a negative attitude towards the knights of the church, she never really looked into how they operated, nor did it interest her whenever the topic was raised.
"You can pick whatever room you wish. The servants are ordered to not do anything on their own, but will assist you if asked." Winter explained as she led them around the house. It was clear that the older of the Schnee sisters wasn't an experienced host, but she did try her best. "I advise against it, as you should learn to be independent." She finished and sent Weiss a stern look.
Weiss felt more offended than intimidated by the accusation. Frowning she replied without even blinking. "The few weeks on the road were enough to make me understand that servants are a thing of the past. I'll be fine."
Winter simply nodded. "I trust you. I have a few boring things to discuss with the steward. As mentioned earlier, pick any room. You'll be called for dinner and you'll inform me which room you picked. Tomorrow morning I'll have a fresh set of clothes for you, as your current ones are… Exploited enough." The knightess started to walk away, but paused and glanced over her shoulder in case there were questions or protests. All she saw was a nod from Weiss, which she returned and moved towards her tasks, leaving the two girls alone in one of the numerous hallways.
Once alone, the apparent tension between the two unveiled itself, as they stood in silence. Neither knowing what to do or what to say. Weiss wasn't sure how she felt. On the one hand, she wasn't really mad at Ruby. The girl didn't want anything bad to happen and not like anything negative did occur. At least not to Weiss. Yet on the other hand, while it was supposed to be a surprise, this felt like once more she was just a pawn on someone's else board. Of course she… She… LIKED Ruby, but there still was that part of her which sipped poison into both her mind and heart. About mistrust of those around her.
"H-Hey Weiss?" Ruby broke the silence, stopping the ex-princesses thoughts, which was good as they started to spiral down a dangerous hole. She turned to face the dragon girl, seeing her troubled expression and erratic body language made Weiss regret her previous thoughts. "I know I should have said something about this, but I wasn't sure how to even start. Then I figured you would be against it and… Well, I thought it would be better to just surprise you. I didn't mean anything bad." The redhead lowered her head. "But I'm sorry if I did."
Ruby resembled a kicked puppy at the moment, or rather a puppy that was being yelled at, which just further softened any kind of hard feelings she had towards the dragon girl. Still, she had to remain firm. Turning around, as to avoid the sight before her, she cleared her throat. "I hate those things. I know I shouldn't dislike it as much, but… I can't help it. What's done is done, but I'd like you to not plan such elaborated things behind my back. Especially if they involve me."
"Y-Yeah, of course. I'm sorry. I won't do that again." She could tell that Ruby was honest. Perhaps even feel? Was this bond between them this strong? Weiss wasn't sure, but she did reckon that this deserved a reward. Maybe, or just something to turn the atmosphere between them from this gloom and into something more cheery.
She looked over her shoulder, trying to keep a stern look on her face as to hide the real intent behind her glance. Ruby stood there as before, her head low and her eyes refusing to look her way. An acceptable setup if anyone asked Weiss. "Ruby." She called out, her voice was already partially fixated with excitement and partially with embarrassment as what she tried to do. Those two elements sipped through the fake annoyed layer which Ruby caught up on almost immediately. Luckily for Weiss, it only confused the dragon girl, as she wasn't able to comprehend what it meant or what was the reason behind that sudden shift.
Spinning around to face the other girl, she grabbed her collar and pulled her in. Usually, she suspected, it wouldn't have much effect on the girl, as she had to be of superior strength, being a dragon and all, but the timing was on her side, as the surprise attack gave her an advantage. Pulling the girl closer, she pressed her lips against those of Ruby. While not the most passionate nor romantic of kisses, yet as short and unfulfilling as it seemed, it was just the right thing both of them needed. Reassurance that everything was alright.
As soon as Ruby was pulled in, she was pushed away. Weiss turned around and began to walk, clearing her throat before calling out to the redhead. "Right, we should find a room for ourselves. Unless you plan on having a room all for yourself, which is fine by me. If that's what you wish."
Between being suddenly pulled in and now, Ruby wasn't even sure what happened. It was all registered by her brain, that wasn't the issue. It was just all… Lacking context to make it fit. At least for a brief moment, before a broad smile blossomed on her lips, as she started to ran after Weiss. "No! No! We can totally share a room! Weiss, wait up!"
oooOOOooo
"I see, I'll have some clothes send by the morning." Winter nodded. They were just done discussing trivial things. Which room they picked, what the routine around the house is and such. Weiss understood this was all-important, both practically as well as for the conversation they were having right now. To ease the mood and slowly escalate the topics they will talk about. Although they did miss out on pleasantries, she didn't expect anything different from Winter.
"This is great!" Ruby announced with a smile. She was referring to the food they were offered. While not a feast, Winter made sure to have at least a few kinds of dishes prepared. Weiss was glad for it, while Ruby's cooking was decent, the lack of tools made its toll on the end product. Besides, for all the shortcomings of her previous life, she never complained about the food. Too often at least.
She shook her head and raised her gaze to look at her older sister. "What will happen now?"
"There are a few steps, but I'm not the one that should begin." Winter nodded towards the dragon girl that sat beside Weiss.
The redhead stopped her eating and glanced between the two Schnee sisters. "Mmm!" As she caught up with the topic at hand, she forced whatever food was in her mouth down her throat. "Right! First, we'll have to get you some knight worthy equipment. Like armor and weapon and all that."
"That's understandable, but why were you supposed to tell me this?" While it sounded like she asked Ruby, the real target of this specific question was Winter, as she was the one suggesting it was the dragon that should begin the explanation.
"Because I'm the one getting you that stuff! Duh." Ruby announced in a matter-of-factly manner.
"You?" Weiss asked and it was impossible to hide her confusion.
"Of course, I might go along with your plan of becoming a knight, but I won't let you endanger yourself wearing some low-quality stuff. That's why we're visiting a dwarven smith that owes me one." Ruby announced proudly.
Weiss just nodded, it was far too late to question anything. Ruby knew a dwarven smith who would make her gear. In hindsight, it was perhaps one of the more logical things that occurred lately. "What next?" The ex-princess turned her eyes and once more laid them on her older sister.
"We need to find someone who would help you with your draconic gift. The third step will be the longest and will be the main reason as to why you're here. You'll train under my eye." Winter explained dryly before taking a sip of wine from the glass she held.
Gift, of course. The thing she did in the tavern. It was magic, it had to be. What else could it be? She never trusted magic, mostly because of the things it could do and how little defense people had against it. And yet here she was, not far from learning it. Not just wanting to, but having to learn it. If it started doing things on its own just because Weiss was under some form of pressure or stress, it could end up in a disaster. She understood why Winter's choice of word was "help". Because it would be that, helping her control it.
"Since everything is settled, I'll take my leave." Winter stood up and turned around ready to leave.
"Wait! You're leaving? Already?" Weiss called after her. This was perhaps the first… Normal interaction she had with her sister for a long time and once all business was done, she would just leave?
The older of the two paused in her steps. "Weiss I… I'm glad you're alright. Deep down, even before Ruby contacted me I knew that you wouldn't just die. You're too sturdy for that. Even so, there was always a part of me that couldn't help but think about your death." She let out a deep sigh. "There will be plenty of time for us to… Talk. Right now you should settle in, rest and prepare for your next small journey." Not waiting for Weiss's response, Winter left the room.
Even if her words were reassuring, Weiss couldn't shake off the bitter feeling that lingered in her chest. It was just frustrating to be so close yet so far away from Winter. Her sister and more often than not the only family member that really felt like that. Like family.
Feeling a familiar gaze on herself, Weiss glanced to the side, meeting worried eyes of Ruby. She didn't say anything, just offering a small, tired smile, hoping it would be enough to reassure the dragon girl. The redhead simply offering a slow nod as she finished the rest of whatever it is she had on her plate.
For now, they should rest. For the first time, she felt safe, not having to look over her shoulder and just enjoy some peace. She trusted Winter. She had to.
oooOOOooo
"What a strange feeling." Weiss commented as she glanced through the window. While it was getting dark outside, she could still get a decent view of the orchard that was maintained not that far away.
"Living in a big place again?" Ruby asked, not even turning as she was looking through the various furniture that was inside the room.
"No, just moving in somewhere, even if temporary, and not having anything with you to put anywhere or be worried if it arrived, nothing. Just walk in and say this is your room now." Weiss chuckled and turned around to look at the redhead who was still occupied with exploring the large room. Relatively large, Weiss suspected, as even their tavern room was tiny in comparison.
There was something she wanted to do, maybe even more now. "Ruby?"
"Mmm?" The dragon girl finally looked her way, seemingly satisfied with her little exploration.
"Do you think you could help me with a bath?" Weiss asked sweetly. There were two ways she could approach this situation, a stern one where she would command the girl, or this one, where she would rather ask nicely. Neither of those was completely serious, but the fake annoyance might have not been seen as fake, considering how today went for both of them. It was safer to just play nice.
It came to no surprise that Ruby groaned at that. "Now? But it's late. I'm tired too, you know." The redhead grumbled.
Weiss was prepared for that, as she approached the other girl and took her hands. "Please? I won't be able to fully relax if I'm feeling all sweaty and dirty after our little journey." She finished with a small smile, as she looked into the silver eyes of the dragon girl.
That, of course, was too much and Ruby had no other choice but to crumble under the request. "Ugh, fine." She rolled those silver eyes and glanced to the side. Weiss had to wonder if it was a side of Ruby she never saw, the fake annoyance, or was she just rubbing off on the dragon girl that much.
Eitherway she just giggled at her antics and moved up to kiss her cheek. This created difficulties for Ruby to try and keep a straight face, as a smile fought its way onto her lips. Before it was fully seen, the dragon girl turned around and started to walk towards the doors. "R-Right, I'll be back in a few."
oooOOOooo
"Ugh, should be enough water." Ruby mumbled to herself as she extracted the last bucket from the well. Even if she was a dragon, those things weighted something and it wasn't a made-up excuse that she was tired after all of today. Still…
"You know that you don't have to be her servant." Came a voice from behind her, turning around Ruby noticed that it was Winter standing on the wide porch with her arms crossed, leaning against one of the supporting pillars.
"Huh? Oh! You mean this?" She raised one of the buckets, before settling them down on the ground. Ruby wasn't sure what Winter wanted, but if there was at least a moment of talking involved, she would rather not hold two full buckets of water.
"You're tired, that's for one. Two, while I said you two shouldn't rely on people working here, you can still ask them to prepare a bath after all this traveling we did." Winter glanced at the night sky.
"I'll be fine. I don't mind that she's relying on me. At least for now." Ruby moved one of her hands behind her neck, rubbing it as she felt a bit awkward discussing this sort of thing with Winter of all people.
The redhead could feel a long, cold stare of Weiss's older sister before the woman gave a small nod. "I came to apologize for what happened earlier today. With the doors."
"Huh? Oh! That, yeah no big deal." Ruby grinned at that. "You had your reasons to not trust me, so I don't really mind that much. It hurt but, well… It's what I get for trying to be clever and plan big things on my own."
"You did well so far. But remember that the only reason I trust you now is that Weiss decided to trust you." There was a hint of… What, a warning? Ruby wasn't sure, but it made the hair on her neck stand up as she heard it. "While she rarely was able to decide on her own, whenever she did? Her decisions put her in a better spot." Winter chuckled at something, and Ruby was wondering how often did this woman actually laugh. "To be honest I think all her decisions, the one she was in full control of that is, lead up to this moment here." Winter let a tired sigh. "I won't keep you from your… Duties anymore. Have a good night." With that said she turned around, wanting to move inside.
"Wait." Ruby called after her, stopping Winter after a few steps. "I know that you don't trust me, it's fine. I'm who I am. I just… I mean, I promise you I will do all I can to protect Weiss, but not just protect her. I'll make her happy. I know that what will make her happy will also put her in danger, but I'm aware that this is how she wants to live. Happy, not caged just to feel safe." Ruby wasn't sure of her reaction, as Winter stood as she did, frozen in place almost. Moments before Ruby wanted to ask her, the woman spoke.
"Please do. Succeed where I failed." With that said, she entered the house, leaving Ruby alone with her two buckets of water. It wasn't any kind of big surprise to Ruby to hear words like that. She suspected and had it confirmed that the relations between Weiss and Winter had to be… Complicated, as would be their past.
She shook her head, this wasn't important right now. Weiss was waiting for her and the sooner she has her bath, the sooner both of them can go to bed.
oooOOOooo
Ruby rarely needed to use her… Powers? Magic? Only when dealing with humans did she need to come up with a proper word. Magic was a safe bet most of the time. Only after they started traveling together, which wasn't that long, did she even test them to this degree. Test it, magic that is. Sure, it was for minuscule things like heating water, but she never really needed that for herself.
She let a small sigh as she decided the water had to be of appropriate temperature. She had to do it slowly. The first time she tried it, she thought that the sooner the better, and she boiled the water to the point it mostly evaporated from the wooden tub.
"Weiss? I think it's ready. I'll make sure it is and leave you to it." She called out, still glancing at the water. She heard the footsteps getting closer behind her, but before she could turn around she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist. Soon she felt the girl fully embracing her, clinging to her from behind with her entire body. Well, as much of it as she could at least. "Weiss?" She called out to her. Something was out of place and it didn't take long for Ruby to suspect what that might be.
She inhaled sharply at the thought. "W-Weiss? A-Are you… I mean… Y-You're… Are you?" She wasn't even sure how to ask about it. If that was the case, it meant that Weiss was going to… Was she?
"Yes, Ruby? I'm what?" She asked playfully.
"R-Ready for the bath? I-I mean, r-regarding your attire heh." She felt stupid, but she couldn't think of any different way of asking this. Not right now. It was just so sudden, so out of nowhere.
"See for yourself." The ex-princess said, her voice husky and quiet as she took Ruby's hands and guided them to her sides. There, she forced her palms to brush against her skin. Just as she suspected, Weiss was… Naked.
"I-I thought you wanted to take a bath. It'll get cold." Ruby felt her heart begin to race. She wasn't even sure why she was saying this anymore, as if she was against whatever it is that Weiss planned. Was she playing along? Was she just so sure that Weiss would push her further?
"I did, but I never said I wanted you to leave after helping me with it or did I?" Weiss answered, her own hands moved across the dragon girl's chest.
Ruby's previous plan crumbled into pieces at that, the one about going to bed earlier or at least after the bath. Such were the consequences of bonding with a princess.
Author's note:
I'm back. Bad stuff happened which pulled me away from writing, but I'm back now. Don't worry, All is fine now. While I usually like to get myself back into this writing thing with a one-shot of sorts, I decided that I had enough inspiration and will to continue something I already have out.
Obviously I'm not really satisfied with how this chapter came out, but it is what it is. I suck at writing fluff, hence why I try to put small parts of it here or there to at least practice as much as possible.
Also according to grammarly I really overuse the world really. Like, really guys I really do.
I also hate to explain my AU's as I always feel anxious and stupid whenever I do.
Enough of my low self-esteem. Hope this chapter was at least partially entertaining.