Hey everyone! I… I can't believe it. We are at the end of the story… but I don't want to let it end here. I enjoyed writing this story a lot and even though complications in real life delayed this story… I'm also glad that I'm seeing this story through to its end. Looking back at it, I remember calling this story's AU, The Runaway Roses and now I can see why I called it that in a clearer way. It has been a crazy ride on this story and… now it finally deserves its rest. So long Red Snowflakes… maybe one day we'll come back to you with a sequel or… maybe you're better off as a single story. Who knows… and I like to thank you guys so much… I've been kicked down so many times during the process of creating this story, but you guys are part of the reason why I'm still up and at it. You all deserve my thanks and this final chapter. Here it is… and as always, don't forget to leave a review…
Before you guys actually start... I want to let you know that since there's two or three versions of this song (I know you guys look up the song before the lyrics roll in), the one version I recommend playing for this chapter is " Drown (Live from Maida Vale) ".
Ruby
We have come so far since that day. A few months has passed since my parents, along with my girlfriend's father, found us. Things… actually went a different course than what we expected during that moment and now, I feel like I'm living my old life again, but it wasn't as depressing as it was. They let us continue to live with each other in the home Weiss bought for us, and if we ever needed anything from them, they would be happy to lend us a hand. After all of that, I felt a heavy weight lift off my shoulders, making me feel much more joyful than I was ever before.
The morning greeted me gently, light taps of snow falling on the window being heard. It was snowing quite heavily today. I opened my silver eyes slowly and I sat up, stretching my arms and letting out a quiet yawn. That time of rest was worth it after the two weeks I spent trying to cover a song for a surprise. It was a band called Bring Me The Horizon, a band that I haven't heard for a long time, thanks to my mother banning the ability to play any music from them in our home. And after my sister recommended one of their newest songs to me along with mentioning the amazing lyrics of it, I decided to buy it online and give it a go. The one song she mentioned was known as Drown; the lyrics seemed melancholic but it was a song I could relate myself to. I fell in love with it on the spot.
It was perfect to play for her.
I immediately practiced the song on my guitar along with my vocals so it could be the best performance I put up so far, for my girlfriend. I'm not going to make any mistakes… I want to let her know the feelings I had when I was alone for the past few years before meeting her. No. That wasn't the only thing I wanted her to know; there was so much more to it than that.
It wasn't an easy task, transcribing the chords and vocals into an acoustic version proved to take a lot of time and… I began to doubt myself.
That was one of the things I had to deal with whenever I heard this song. It was so powerful with how it conveys its feelings. I was usually hit with sadness and loneliness that it just made me feel like I was drowning with despair. To put it simply, I got to know early on why the song was called Drown.
The morning was just like any other morning when it came to my routine. I climbed out of the bed and looked back at the person who was beside where I once laid and smiled. A white-haired, Weiss Schnee slept peacefully, her chest rising up and down slowly as she breathed softly. I quietly leaned over to her so I was looking over her beautiful face. If only she was awake. I thought and sighed. Her dreamy light blue eyes when they met with my own silver eyes, made me have a sense of tranquility as I got lost in them. Sadly, Weiss wasn't awake and I wouldn't be able to gaze into her eyes until much later.
But that was fine; I need to prepare breakfast for us both before showing what I had in store for her. I pecked her forehead with my lips and got off the bed, earning a murmur from the sleeping Weiss. Alright… I think I'll make myself a salad since I need to sing later. I could make Weiss a salad too but would she mind that instead of eggs or pancakes? Wait a minute! Of course she wouldn't mind! She loves to stay healthy. I kicked myself mentally and walked out the room, closing the door behind me slowly and quietly, as to not wake Weiss.
A couple of minutes later…
I heard footsteps coming from the direction where the staircase was, making me look back as I placed large, fresh bowl of salad down on the dining table near the kitchen. It was not who I expected as a familiar black-haired, cat faunus walked down the steps. "Oh, you're up early Ruby." She said, yawning and stretching her arms out as she walked towards me.
"Morning Blake. And is it really that surprising that I'm up this early?" I asked.
She thought for a moment and sighed, smiling. "Nope… and if you're up this early, then that must mean you're preparing to for something."
I gave her a nod as she sat down in one of the chairs, looking at me with a determined stare. I sat down in the chair that faced her and smiled. "I think I'm ready to perform it to her." I said softly. After saying that, her smile widened. I let Blake in on the plan I gave to her, and she also told my sister, Yang about it. They've both been behind me since I started transcribing the song into a soothing version. Another thing they did was help improve the cover by adding their own roles to the mix. Over the months, we filled the studio with custom ordered instruments; the instruments included were microphones, drum sets (even electronic drums), electric guitars, and one grand piano that doubled as a digital piano. For the cover, Yang, being a genius when it comes to drums, went with the electronic drums while Blake went with the grand digital piano, since she was the only one out of the three of us that can play it beautifully.
For me, I decided to double down my role with my trusty Roseline and vocals. The cover was coming out perfectly; making me come with the thought that I might be liking it more than the original version. Blake looked at the large bowl I placed down on the table and gave me a questioning look. "Salad for breakfast?" she asked.
I gave her a nod and sighed softly. "I made it mostly for myself since I'm thinking about playing the cover to Weiss later today when everyone's fully awake, and a vocalist needs to have a healthy meal and lots of water."
She shrugged. "Fair point. I'm guessing there's only enough for you and her?"
"Yep." At that moment, I realized what she was trying to get at. "Oh… s-sorry Blake. What would you like for breakfast?" I asked, looking away in embarrassment. Yeah, let's just forget that there's more than just Weiss and I here at this place. I thought to myself sarcastically.
"If it won't trouble you that much, the usual."
"Eggs and bacon?"
"Yes."
I looked back at her and smiled. "Alright then, coming right up!" I replied cheerfully and made my way to the kitchen.
"Don't forget about making some for Yang too!" I heard her exclaim from where she was.
"I won't!" I immediately went to work, making quick work to cook the eggs and bacon. I heard footsteps again from the stairs and guessed that it was Weiss. Yang was always the last one up when we lived with our parents, and the change in where we live didn't change that fact. I giggled softly, remembering the times my mother would forcefully get her out of bed in a playful way, which always resulted in a frustrated Yang. Speaking of my mother… I believe her and dad were going to be coming over today along with Weiss' father.
My thoughts went into a complete halt. How could I have forgotten that?! I-I mean, I don't mind if they hear me but… that's the only problem I have left. In all my years of singing and playing guitar, I never played or sang a song my parents… or any adult really. W-what if they don't like it? I thought, worry starting to pour into mind. That's the last thing I actually need in my life; I don't want to be told by my own mom or dad that I don't sound that great or the cover was terrible in general.
I was so lost in thought that I didn't even feel a pair of arms wrap around me from behind until a familiar voice whispered in my ear. "Morning my rose."
I immediately panicked and nearly ended up on the ground if it weren't for my right hand grabbing the edge of the counter beside the stove. Weiss gasped and backed off as this happened and I looked at her in surprise. "W-Weiss?! W-when did you come in here?" I asked, trying to regain my composure, but I was clearly failing at that.
My white-haired girlfriend sighed. "A few seconds ago? May I get an answer as to why you panicked like that, you never did that when I hug you from behind?" she replied, giving me a curious look.
"I-I was lost in thought so I didn't expect it at all."
"Huh… what were you thinking about?"
Gods Weiss, why do you have to be so curious this morning?! "W-well… I was thinking about you… a-and how pretty you are when you were sleeping this morning?" I stammered, mentally kicking myself afterwards about how stupid my response was.
Her eyes widened and I noticed her cheeks slightly becoming red. "W-were you watching me sleep?" she asked.
Damn it Ruby. You probably made it worse! "I-I didn't mean to… I-I- you're just so beautiful that I couldn't help but watch- gah! What am I saying?!" I exclaimed, turning away from Weiss in embarrassment.
I received a giggle from her and felt her arms wrap around me once again. "You dunce… I don't mind if you do that." She said softly.
"Y-you don't?" I replied.
"Of course not. I-I… I may have done the same to you at times."
I looked back at her and noticed a blush on her cheeks. I sighed softly and turned myself to her, wrapping my arms around her. "Oh really?" I replied.
It was her turn as she looked away embarrassingly. "D-dolt."
I used one of my hands to caress her hair gently. "But you're my dolt."
We both heard someone clearing their throat, making us pull away from each other and turn to the direction where the way to the dining table was. Blake was standing there, chuckling. "I know you two like to talk… a lot, but shouldn't you be looking over the food you're cooking Ruby?" she asked.
At that moment, I looked over at the stove and noticed the eggs and bacon were ready. "O-oh! Sorry Blake!" I exclaimed and immediately turned off the stove so they wouldn't burn.
At the corner of my eye, she looked over to Weiss. "Your food is already ready and waiting for you at the dining table." Behind me, Weiss hummed in acknowledgement and I noticed her heading towards the dining table.
Blake turned back to me and I went to grab two plates to put her and Yang's food on. "I'll put your food on the table, there's no need to worry."
The cat faunus shook her head and leaned her back against a wall near the doorway Weiss went just went through. "It's not that… and I'm guessing you remembered what today was supposed to be, right?" she asked.
I sighed. "They're coming over. I'm totally ready to give my surprise to Weiss, but… I don't think I can have the confidence to play in front of my parents if they wanted to hear it too."
Blake sighed and leaned on the island close to me. "Come on… you're Ruby Rose. When have you ever been so nervous to do something?" she asked, beckoning me to answer her question.
"W-well… I-I haven't for a long time and-"
"And look where you're at." She interrupted, gesturing me to look all around. "You're here with those that you care dearly for, especially the one that you love. The Ruby Rose I know will never give up or become afraid to do something."
"But I-"
"Ruby…" she gave me a reassuring smile, "think of this as a way for you to tell them that you're okay with them. I know there's still a tiny bit of tension between you and them, but what good of a time is any to get rid of it now? There's no need to worry, I've got your back, and Yang has your back too. Now, what do you think of the task up ahead after I told you all of that?"
I thought for a moment. She has a point. When they would come over, I didn't show it, but I still had the fear that Weiss would be gone at any moment. It's stupid; when they said that they were okay with my relationship with Weiss, that should have been it. But for some reason, I always found it too good to be true. It's time for me to tell them that I'm perfectly fine with them… I do want them to be there with me… when 'that' day comes. I gave Blake a nod and smiled.
"Thanks Blake. It means a lot to me… sis." I wrapped my arms around her and she gasped softly in surprise before returning the embrace.
"Sis, huh? I recall Yang telling me that you thought of me as your second sister. Is that true?" she asked.
I nodded. "You just showed part of the reason; you and Yang just know how to make me feel so much better when I'm down or angry."
"Well… I try my best to comfort you so you'll be back to your happy, energetic self. You're not Ruby if I don't see that smile on your face."
I looked up at her and smiled. "It means a lot to me that you helped me through tough times, Blake. I can see why Yang likes you."
She chuckled. "She does need some help sometimes… speaking of Yang, I should wake her so she can get some food in her." I pulled away from her, and she ruffled my hair playfully. "Let me know when we're going to do it today, okay?"
"I'll let you know as soon as I know when's the right time."
I heard a knock on the front door but before I could start walking, Blake was already out of the kitchen. I heard the door open and the cat faunus greeting someone, who must have been our parents since we're not expecting anyone else to visit us. I sighed and went back to putting the food onto two separate plates before heading out to greet them.
My mother was wearing an assortment of casual attire that consisted of a red and black flannel, along with black jeans. Thinking about it reminded me of the time when she and the rest of our parents found us, but this time around, it looked much more better in terms of its quality. "Well if it isn't my little rose." She said, smiling as I went to her and hugged her.
"It's great to see you again mom." I replied, feeling her hand caress my hair gently.
Blake looked at all the adults and started walking to the stairs. "You all can make yourselves at home; I'm going to wake up the lazy blonde." she said, receiving a giggle from my mother as she went up the steps.
After I could no longer see her, I turned back to my mother. "How are you doing, Ruby?" she asked.
Pulling away, I looked up at her and smiled back. "Things have been great for me; how about you?"
My mother let out a sigh. "To be honest, you're mother sometimes worries about her daughters being somewhere else than their home. You've grown up so much for such a young age… and I'm proud of you for doing that." She said softly.
The smile I had present became reassuring. "Don't worry mom, we'll visit too when we can." I replied.
"I appreciate it, dear."
Suddenly, we both heard a familiar, tired voice. "Oh, well would you look at who it is?" We both turned towards the stairs and noticed a tired Yang walked towards us with a smile. "Since when did you get here, mom?" she asked.
My mother giggled. "Just now… I'm guessing you just woke from your slumber?"
"Yep. It's great to see you but I'm still kind of out of it at the moment, sorry."
"It's alright, my fiery dragon."
I heard footsteps behind me and I realized that it was Weiss, greeting her father as I turned to the two. Ever since that day he changed his views of her relationship with me, I'm actually comfortable with being around him. All those stories my white-haired girlfriend told me about him seemed to definitely be a thing of the past with his new attitude. Things really did turn for the better for the both of us. But there was one thing I needed to get off my chest.
I still hid things from my own parents… and I feel like the only way to start opening myself a lot more to them would be to sing for them. Blake said that it was a good idea to do it, but I'm not sure if I'm even ready to do that. Speaking of Blake, I turned to the entrance into the kitchen and noticed her leaning on the left side of the entrance itself. She is totally reading my mind right now. I thought and sighed. Noticing her look change, she was trying to ask mentally if she should setup the studio right now. I gave a nod and she nodded back before traveling towards the stairs once again, giving a silent gesture to Yang before heading up, since my blonde sister looked at her with concern. She realized what she meant and excused herself before following Blake.
I gave a sigh. The moment of truth's going to be coming soon.
We've gotten to the point of no return. I sat in the recording booth, looking nervously through the long, rectangular glass window like never before. Usually, I would give a confident smile… but the situation I was in was different. My parents and Weiss' father was standing behind Weiss, who the song I'm playing was actually for. After Blake and Yang finished setting up earlier, they came down and discussed that they were going to play a song for Weiss but it was okay if they wanted to hear it. I, who was reluctant about the whole situation, agreed with them after a few moments of hesitation.
I told Weiss that it was her gift and didn't disclose anymore information than just that. I sat on a black stool, tuning Roseline as accurately as I could so it would sound good while playing. Two, very expensive microphones stood on stands, one aimed at my guitar and the other towards my mouth, close enough to sound crystal clear during recording… and everyone outside the booth needs to hear me.
I looked to my right to see Yang setting her electronic drumset to the same sound profile she used during our times practicing this song while Blake, who was to my left, played small parts of the song on the piano as a sound test to those outside the booth. "Does it sound good?" she asked, using the microphone that was aimed towards her mouth but not in the way of her hands so she was still able to play without discomfort. The ones outside nodded as their response and Blake sighed in relief.
My sister was ready as she turned to me and gave me a thumbs up. Am I even ready? I thought and felt doubt in myself once again. She noticed and frowned. "Ruby… you can do this." she said softly.
I looked up at her and took a deep breath before nodding. If Yang says I can do it… then I must be able to pull it off. I looked back at the microphone in front of me, guitar pick in hand, and I strummed the first chord that began the song. As if on instinct, the others started their roles into the song, Blake humming since she was chosen as the background vocalist for this piece.
A few hums and notes later, I began my set of vocals.
What doesn't kill you
Makes you wish you were dead
Got a hole in my soul growing deeper and deeper
And I can't take
One more moment of this silence
The loneliness is haunting me
And the weight of the world's getting harder to hold up
I remembered the time when Yang and I stopped the robbery that happened at the ValeTech. It was relaxing to know that we stopped it and kept people safe, but I realized during that time, that my life with Weiss might just be over. It felt so… depressing. I could barely feel my own self and breathing was so difficult when that consequence formed in my head.
It comes in waves
I close my eyes
Hold my breath
And let it bury me
I'm not okay
And it's not alright
Won't you drag the lake
And bring me home again?
It was terrifying. It was slowly consuming me… the fact that my life was going to be over with her. And when they found us, I expected my lover to be taken away from me in an instant. My dreams after that only made me feel worse… even if that wasn't what happened. I readied my voice for the next wave of vocals, for I know that I need to raise it to convey myself more to those out there.
Who will fix me now?
Dive in when I'm down?
Save me from myself
Don't let me drown
Who will make me fight?
Drag me out alive?
Save me from myself
Don't let me drown
After our parents found us, it was difficult to be calm and relaxed. The nightmares that I had during the first month after they approved was… terrible. That moment kept playing in my head, but instead of approving, Weiss' father took her away and I could do was watch. Everything felt like they were going to tear apart, and Weiss noticed. It was like having a night terror… I was paralyzed in a hellish slumber while I had to watch my life fall apart mentally.
What doesn't destroy you
Leaves you broken instead
Got a hole in my soul growing deeper and deeper
And I can't take
One more moment of this silence
The loneliness is haunting me
And the weight of the world's getting harder to hold up
It comes in waves
I close my eyes
Hold my breath
And let it bury me
I'm not okay
And it's not alright
Won't you drag the lake
And bring me home again?
Who will fix me now?
Dive in when I'm down?
Save me from myself
Don't let me drown
Who will make me fight?
Drag me out alive?
Save me from myself
Don't let me drown
The next part of the song was the softest moment in it… but it was the most emotional for me to deal with. Whenever I thought about my night terrors, I knew that I couldn't do anything alone anymore without Weiss. She was just in my heart and I never want her to leave. Never.
Cause you know that I can't do this on my own
Cause you know that I can't do this on my own
Cause you know that I can't do this on my own
Cause you know that I can't do this on my own
Blake began to hum again as I plucked certain notes for the solo I had during this part. It was a nice break from vocals, but I still made sure that I was playing it smoothly and beautifully. I readied my voice again, knowing that I would have to raise my voice once again.
Who will fix me now?
Who will fix me now?
It was time for the finale. Yang moved away from her instrument and looked towards me. I strummed my guitar in a much softer motion now as I gave my final words in a gentle and depressed tone.
Who will fix me now?
Dive in when I'm down?
Save me from myself
Don't let me drown
I took a deep but soft breath as I focused my gaze at the people outside the window. My mother was actually crying, but a smile was present despite the teary eyes she had. My father was also giving the same expression, but I could tell he wanted to break down also. I broke the final barrier of tension between me and my parents… and every second of breaking it was worth it. They loved it. I thought and smiled at them.
Weiss' father clapped softly, giving me a warm smile. And then there was Weiss… the girl that I made the cover for. She stood up from her seat and went to the door, opening it slowly and giving me a sad smile. "I know how it was for you." She said softly. She must have been referring the night terrors, but I shook my head.
"It goes much deeper than that Weiss." I put down my guitar and walked towards her, wrapping my arms around her and kissing her lips. I felt her kissing back and after a moment of our lips in a lock, I pulled away. Tears started to flow from my eyes as I said depressingly, my voice cracking at times. "I don't want to be alone anymore. I never want you to leave me, because I know I won't be able to hold myself together."
Weiss caressed my hair with her right hand, and she nodded. "I will never leave you, Ruby Rose. I will stay with you, forever and always." she replied, her voice soft and gentle. I buried my head into her chest, trembling and hiccuping as I cried.
I felt something tap into my soul; it was her aura, wanting in. I complied without hesitation and activated my own aura, intertwining with it. Weiss… I spoke mentally to her, knowing she can hear me in this state.
Yes Ruby? She asked.
I'll do anything… to make you happy. I said softly.
Then do me one favor.
What is it?
Never. Never let me go.
I pulled myself away from her, brushing my tears off of my cheeks and nodding. "I will never let me go, Weiss Schnee. I promise."
From here on out, the next chapter to my life will unfold, with the girl I love.
Fin…
I-I… I can't believe it's over. I… I was going to publish this on February 1st (the day marking one year since Monty Oum died) but I wanted to make sure that I went through with I wanted to give you guys in great detail. This chapter is the longest chapter I ever made in my history of being on FF. And it's all thanks to you guys. I know I took forever to conclude this story… but I hope the wait for the finale was worth it.
I love you all to death… even I can't see the huge amount of love I have for you guys. It was a fucking crazy ride to finish this story and… it's depressing to see it close. Well… I hope I did you all a great service with this story… but the fluff must end now.
It was awesome to write this story… and I feel like this is going to be the one fanfic I look back on during this year and say, "This is proof of how worth it it was to get this far". I thank you guys for your support… it means so much to me.
I'm going to be going on hiatus for a month so I can plan out my next story. It's not going to be fluff… it's more like going back to the old roots and enhancing them a lot so it'll be a very dark story. It's also going to be my first Monochrome story so I can't wait to see how it turns out to be.
Anyways, thank you for reading this fanfic… but it must now draw to a close. For the last time on this fanfic (unless I make a final thoughts chapter), Stay Classy… and I hope to see you all later…