Blake

It felt so weird acting as the strong one between Yang and me. For all the time I've known her, she was always basically my image of independence. The image hasn't changed for me but I now can't shake the hidden problems behind such a role. Many would argue that I was pretty independent, but it was more like supported solitude. Moving out to go to a college that my parents helped pay for, spending my extra bit of time before the semester getting used to my new home, barely managing to get out enough to be healthy. I tried very hard to act normal and rational. Unfortunately, that was only able to translate to others while my own mind tried it's best to make me feel like things didn't matter. Being by myself for such an extended amount of time didn't do much to help it.

Then Weiss showed up that rainy night. My mind raced with positivity after that event. I had left my apartment to drive aimlessly around the town in hopes of outrunning my depressed thoughts. It wasn't working very well and I was just about to turn around to go home when the vehicle in front of me flashed it's brake lights. It annoyed me at first until I saw her leave the car. Her beautiful looks getting illuminated by my headlights. Almost immediately, my negative thoughts left my mind and body acted on it's own to pull up next to her so I could offer her a ride. I fought hard to hide those feelings from my face so she wouldn't get the wrong idea.

The morning after that event I still had those elated feelings jumbling around my brain. I decided to forgo my normal medicine that normally tried to keep my head level. That small decision quickly became a habit as Weiss began to invade my life. My parents probably wouldn't be as happy with Weiss if they knew that little fact but I'm not going to be the one to tell them. Yang's problems are the bigger subject at this point though. My inevitable conversation with my parents will have to wait until later. Besides, any little thing that delays that is welcome right now.

Right now Weiss and Yang were were planning away for Ruby's stay and here I was just letting my mind wonder through memories. They were mostly discussing how they thought Ruby would handle it but you never know with young kids. One minute they're happy, the next, they're crying in the shower so no one can hear them. Or something along those lines I believe. It was only a matter of time now though, because the door to Weiss's room finally opened. Ruby slowly wondered out and immediately decided to push herself onto the couch between Yang and Weiss.

Yang was already on the ball. "Morning, fluff ball."

"Morning, sis. You're up early." Ruby told her.

Yang tried for a smile. "That's because us three were discussing some stuff."

Ruby yawned and looked around at Weiss and I. "What were you guys talking about then?"

I decided to chime in since Yang didn't look like she wanted to say it. "Some complicated stuff. Some of it involving you." Ruby looked at Yang for a second but turned back to me. "It's nothing bad but you may not enjoy it all that much.

Ruby's eyes darted around a little. "Did I mess something up?"

Yang immediately hugged Ruby. "No no no, Ruby. It's more like I messed something up. What's going on is that I need you to stay with Weiss and Blake for a few days while I get something straightened out. I hope you don't mind."

Ruby had a slight frown. "I don't mind it but are you okay, Yang?"

Yang apparently didn't want to hear that question because she thought about her answer for awhile while slowly rocking back and forth with Ruby. "Yes and no. Things are going on that I need to fix so I'm making sure that will be okay for a little bit while things get settled properly."

Weiss jumped on in. "It'll be okay, Ruby. It's only just a couple of days. You've got nothing to worry about."

Yang nodded to herself. "Yea, I wouldn't do it if I thought it was a bad idea."

"If you say so, Yang. If it helps you cheer up then I guess its okay." Ruby said.

Yang made Ruby squeak from a sudden squeeze. "You're such a peach. Thank you for understanding." Yang made Ruby stand up. "Now go brush your hair and teeth. Preferably the teeth first.

Ruby groaned but she let up and went to the bathroom. After a second, Weiss jumped up and followed her. Probably to show her which toothbrush to use since I doubt Ruby just carries hers with her. When they both left Yang let out an understandable sigh. I noticed one of her hands snaking down her arm towards her burns.

"Yang, stop." I plainly told her.

Her hand flinched. "I wasn't doing anything."

I watched her hand slowly leave her arm. "If you keep that up then it'll just keep hurting."

"I know, Blake. My hands just kind of move on their own." Yang just sounded tired at this point.

"That's kind of why you need to find help. To get a hold of things before you create destructive habits." I said.

Yang stood up and started getting ready to leave. "I know, I know. Its just that.. well I'm scared of all this. I'm supposed to be a supporter but now I'm just being torn down."

"We're all a little afraid. New experiences in life and all that. You can make it through." That was about all I could think of to say.

Yang finally looked like she was ready to go when Ruby and Weiss emerged from their cleanliness trial. Weiss had the sweetest smile on her face while Ruby still had a spec of toothpaste on her chin. Ruby ran up to Yang and tried to wrap her in a hug. It looked like Ruby was trying to become a human vice grip as her arms squeezed tighter and tighter.

Yang finally managed to pry Ruby off of her. "I'm going to head out now, Ruby. I'm sure you know how to behave properly for Blake and Weiss."

Ruby rolled her eyes. "I'm not a little kid, Yang."

"Well you're still tiny to me so I still have to tell you to be nice while I'm gone." Yang told her.

"Do you really have to go?" Ruby asked.

Yang had to look away for a second but managed to train her eyes back on Ruby. "Yea, Ruby. I'll be completely fine though. It's not like I'm disappearing completely. I just need some time to get things straight."

"If you say so, Yang." Ruby said through pouting lips. "Can I at least still call you then?"

Yang nodded her head. "Yea, you can. I'll still want to talk to you. Blake knows my number so just ask her if you can call me."

Ruby finally gave a smile. "I'm going to call you every day then."

Yang laughed. "That's what I like to hear from you." Yang gave Ruby a quick hug and took a couple of steps towards me and Weiss. "Thank you guys for the help so far. Don't let her cause too much trouble while she's here."

Weiss spoke for both of us. "I'm sure she'll be just fine, Yang. Don't worry yourself. You've got your own stuff to concentrate on."

Yang nearly choked up and pulled me and Weiss into a huge hug. When she finally let go she headed for the door. After a couple of waves she finally managed to close the door and be on her way to hopefully getting her problems sorted out. Now it's our turn to figure out what we should do while Ruby is here. I've had basically no experience with little kids past my random times with Ruby and those moments were only short times. Thankfully, Weiss seems to have a naturally great handle on the situation so I may have to rely on her to show me the ropes.

"Come on, Ruby. Let's get some breakfast in you." Weiss told her.

Ruby picked her mood up. "Okay! I'm a little bit hungry."

Off to the kitchen they went while stayed behind a bit to pick up the couch. All the while I'm still wondering where all these people came from. It wasn't a lot of people but three is a huge step up from zero people. Hopefully it meant that things were turning around.

I'm kinda getting back into this groove, maybe.. Oh well. It's been kind of nice coming back to this. Funny thing about being away for over a year, FanFiction auto deleted all of my documents for my old stories, woops! Oh well, hope everyone enjoys this chapter. Remember, HAVE FUN!