Lights winking away in the distance, outside the window was the City of Vale. More than that was the strong light from the tower, the beacon. Beacon Tower, the light that guided me home for four years. Beacon Academy-My home, here away from the place of my birth.
Away, and alone.
Here, I am waiting, my life on hold.
I did what I did, out of love.
And soon I may have no love, no life.
There's doubt, the building fear, that I have ruined the only good thing that has come to me, in the past four years.
Still, here I am.
Wrapped as a gift, my black and crimson hair was tied back,off of my neck. The long white ribbon was curled and formed a short ponytail. On my skin, a deep black choker -in the center was Weiss's snowflake.
The negligee, short and super-sheer, brushed the tops of my thighs. Over that, a gauzy red cape covered the rest of me, to my ankles. It didn't hide dark lace-topped thigh highs I wore or even the lacy red push-up cradling my breasts. The matching panties were a peekaboo style, something I'd never worn before. A heart cut out exposed my rear, and the scrap of fabric was trimmed with tiny white pearls that tickled as I waited.
I only had eyes for the window and the candle flickering there.
Just as others had done before me and would do after, I had lit my own beacon to guide my love back home to me.
I was still waiting.
All dressed up and alone I begin to feel foolish, tears beading at my eyes.
Nothing seemed right. No colors or sounds, no tastes or smells. No feelings. Feelings.
That is what this was about.
I had betrayed her feelings, her sense of right and now I felt this soul-crippling heartbreak from what I did for her, to her.
I had gambled and now the dice were out of my hands.
I had tried to play the game like her father. A man with very deep emotions and no idea how to express them. The only outlet he knew was force and strength. And such things were only ever seen as coldness and abuse.
I felt sorry for him, never experiencing what my father had. The joy of success and the pride in one's child.
Now, I was facing the same-never experiencing the joy and pain or the tenderness of watching my own little one grow up. Without Weiss, I couldn't. She was the only one I could see; The only one I wanted as a possible partner. There was no one else that I would trust. No one else who could help me bring new life into this world.
I so want to bring a life to this world.
Remnant. A world of life and death and,dust. A world with a chance to make a change.
If you had told me I that I would count Cardin Winchester as a possible friend, or that he would have helped me or any faunus ever, I would have kissed a grimm on the lips.
And yet, I'm the one that's evil now.
I took something pure and sullied it.
In the past few weeks, I've come to understand what Ozpin said to me four years ago. We'd talked about mistakes. Perhaps he was wrong, perhaps I was the wrong choice to be leader, just another mistake.
My dad, Tai, had always encouraged us to do our best. But what if your best causes pain? What if your best destroys the one you seek to help? My uncle on the other hand was all about drive, drive, drive! Always moving forward, seeking out that which will make us better.
And still, I remembered Ozpin had once asked a question about leadership "So tell me, when you prepare to go to war, which do you send in first: the flag bearer, or the scouts?"
For Team RWBY, Blake was our scout. Here and now, I was the scout for my love, Weiss. She was the flag bearer, ready to surrender her love to me. I was her strength as her leader, and I had abused that privilege. Her love and trust was a privilege, not a right.. The leadership classes had taught us that. Why isn't this taught at the college level or even in corporate Remnant?
Fuck, damn my soul, now tainted and tarnished.
How many missions did we have in the four years: fifty, one hundred, two hundred? How many times did others look to me, follow my lead, respond to my commands? How many students from Beacon, Atlas, Haven, Shade had I led?
A leader leads from the front and a commander orders his troops from behind. I did lead out front, being the big, bold leader. So many times, i couldn't even count. Weiss yelling about my crazy plans, Yang smiling while telling me to stop taking risks. Blake telling me to be careful. Jaune smiling following my lead .
I felt like the room was closing in on me.
Me, years younger than the others, no skill as far as I could see, based solely on the word of the of the man who said Ruby. I've made more mistakes than any man, woman, and child on this planet. Well, all it takes is one mistake.
In the other room, I can hear the sounds through the walls. I hear a heavy thump followed closely by a feline yowl.
Whoo boy.
So much for the walls being as soundproof and discreet as an exclusive luxury hotel.
It seems my sisters were enjoying the benefits of being legally married and were putting it to it's best best use. The fact we put down a 500,000 lien bond did not the necessarily mean we should use it.
But I guess experience is the best instructor.
The candle is still burning. It's flame flickers as it slowly shrinks. With it my time is running out. That light as bright as a beacon will fade, just as sure as the soft sound of melted wax dripping over the window sill
Would I have the strength if the knock does not come? Do I have the will to do what must be done.
Could I walk away?
Oh, the troubles I would have, but they would be mine, just as much as my mistakes.
There on the bed, I kept wringing my hands. Interlacing and releasing the digits -crossing over and over, so fast that it was had the appearance of slow roll.
My choices were closing fast, even the darkest choice felt appealing compared to the loss of Weiss. Could my mother forgive me? Could Yang? Yang would need to know about my decision, otherwise, she would destroy Weiss, as in "No Remains to be Found" destroyed.
Now, I could see why some hunters never came home. We are an insanely crazy breed, but we are all human and faunus alike. All bright red blood and squishy bits inside, well, all, but one.
What would Penney think, her first real friend ending it all ? Sadness and grief-could she comprehend-would it even compute? Would her aura take a hit?
Another life I would ruin... mistake, mistake, mistake.
A gentle laugh escaped me …
'Ozpin, at this rate I'll catch up you.'
Then a sound- a tap- a knock -was it ?
Yes, but no.
I could hear Weiss walking to the door of the suite her bare feet whispering across the deep pile of the carpet.
The was another sound, the door and voices hushed. What was happening? What could be going on?
"Room service, I have a food delivery for the four roses."
"Food , really at this time, " a soft sigh, "put it over by the door."
I heard more knocking ,more voices and a wolf whistle. Surely she couldn't have been talking to Yang and Blake, not in a moment like this? Had she made her decision? What was she waiting for.
I could hear my sister, her boisterous voice and irritation, before I heard a bark of laughter. I resisted the urge to go to the door. I would just have to wait. I wouldn't do anything else, the choice was in Weiss's hands.
The door slammed and then nothing. No knock, no call, it was quiet once more. I sighed and eyes back on the window once more. All thoughts swirling in my head, none of them shedding light into my soul, I feel darkness. Darkness will always be my companion, my new friend, from now on.
The light wavered again, the candle was still lit, but it was less than half it's original height. The wax dripping down its length, ran over the over the edge sill splattering on the floor.
Out in the distance was the beckoning light, the beacon, it stood the test of time. It called to those deserving - those willing - those that soon have no other place to call home. It was cold and uncaring, feelings reserved for others, not for those that defend it.
It is my light and soon my life with my only break of darkness.
Time seems to stop the world;stop turning; to stop my heart beating. Was this really all I had left?
I heard it then. The sound of feet treading to the door and stopping.
This was is.
I shut my eyes and prepared for anything.
There was a soft rustle and a slip of paper slid under the door.
The remains of the candle was guttering trying to stay lit. My little beacon frantically struggling against Remnant itself. The drippings continued to the floor, the trail of wax, like a path of tears.
My heart beat faster. My breathing nearing panic, not able to contain my fears .my life just feet away on the floor.
Sliding from the bed I walked to the paper. There emblazoned on it, was the Coat of Arms of Vale.
The annulment form!
I had my answer- it was over, it was done, she wants to be free of me and in the morning she would be.
Bending over to retrieve it. I broke.
My eyes tearing up. A sob escaping my throat fear clutching me. I needed something I needed ... There it was, the light- my beacon. I needed to be closer. I walked to the window, my mind figuring how thick the glass add in the height of the hotel, and the distance across the City of Vale...
I could make it minimal pain and injury or I could drop my aura and feel nothing. Walking to the window, intent on blowing out the flame ending my vigil.
Oh! To have her call me a dolt again!
Seeing my reflection in the window, there was something there on the back of the form...
Turning it over there it was written in her precise script.
Ruby, unlock the door.
Wait? What?
I stopped breathing, almost.
My life, my light, my soul was back and I had almost missed it!
My flurry left petals streaming to the ceiling. Unlocking the door, I stood in the middle of a the red and white shower .
I held my breath.
And this time came a knock
"Come in"
The door opened and my life entered. My breath came back at once, but my voice didn't
"H- hi Weiss"
"Is that ?"Her eyes drifted to the petals and she caught one between her fingers.
"Weiss please I'm so sorry let me exp-"
She silenced me with her other hand. "No, do not speak."
"-but Weiss, I need-"
The pale finger pressed against my lips.
"Did I not say to be quiet? "
At this point all I could do was nod. Her smile was soft and she replaces her finger with her lips. Her kiss fulfilled me revived me completely, and I prayed I wasn't dreaming.
Taking her face in my hands I stepped back. Her brows creased and as I opened my mouth she gave me a glare that would have frozen the sun. She beat me to the punch, her voice interrupting my thoughts.
"I have spent hours out there thinking and in that time I decided "
"Wha-"
This time her whole hand appeared before me and she turned it so the ring was all I could see. Then she flicked me in the forehead.
"You insufferable dolt."
I could feel my flush but my smile lit up the room, I wanted to tell her I loved her, but she wasn't having any of it.
"Let me finish. I've been sitting there for hours and in that time I decided that I Don't Care. Yes, I don't care. You are my wife. I have come to trust you more than the rest of my family ,my friends or my sisters. I trust you with my life. You saw I could not face my demon directly and did that for me. While I would have appreciated a warning first. You saw my father and beat him at his own game for that I thank you.
I smiled and held my wife, nuzzling her face. " I thought you were done with me when the paper came under the door "
"Yes that we need to deal with that. " Pulling me to the window Weiss stole the form and held it over the flame. It caught at once and burned away in moments, leaving behind only ash and the scent of smoke.
"Winter spoke to me about what you did " She chuckled. "It is unlikely she will ever come between us. Ever !"
"But I never threatened anyone." I explained looking abash.
"She says you are my ever faithful defender."
Weiss's hand cupped my chin lifting it and my spirits "That's enough Ruby. I will hear no more of what you think you did." She smiled again. "Thank you."
"But Weiss " I tried.
Once again I received a flick to the forehead. Goddess I needed that.
"Mrs Rose, I do believe we have to finish a few more things before dawn."
She drew towards the bed, and I looked her over. She was dressed as delicately and deliciously as I. Her pale feet were draped in ivory lace embroidered with roses and snowflakes.
I giggled. It was so cute. I wanted to see her draped in more red. More roses. More me!
"Mrs. Rose..." I breathed and swept her into my arms. "My Weiss."
With that I bent to kiss her as sweetly and as much as I had desired. She responded in kind until we were giggling and breathless. Squeezing her tight, I nuzzled her smooth neck. Her delightful collarbone stood out like a beacon drawing me to it. I pressed lips to it gently before raking my teeth over the soft skin. Lightly salty, but sweet. I had to taste more of her.
I kissed her again and lifted her into my arms.
Usually so austere, she quivered under my touch, it wasn't easy, but I draped her across the bed, a gift so perfect and beautiful.
I grinned brightly. "Yep!"
Her expression was quizzical and I crawled into the bed.
"Ruby?"
"Best mistake ever!" I cheered.
I drew my hands over her shoulders down her sides. Following her arms down to the lines of her belly. It was smooth and as white as silk pearls or carved alabaster. I have always been drawn to the purity of her body, just as the free and unblemished as her perfect hair.
Carefully I raised the sheer gown up her hips. Bending to kiss her skin, I trailed my lips over her navel down to her leg.. She gasped as I caught her knees, raising them up to brace her as I descended on her inner thigh She trembled and made a noise, shifting under my hands and lips. A light bite, a kiss there. She rolled and stuttered, but I ignored that, in favor of stroking over her skin.
This was what I had wanted. Giggling again, I tried to be serious, but it failed as I watched my wife dance under my ministrations. I kissed her gentle, with careful hands and slight whispers I opened her up. I enjoyed the view as she clutched the sheets, moaning as i pressed into her. With fingertips and tongue I made her arch and groan. I grinned into her not so strawberry sweetness and drew her close.
She tugged on my hair, distracting me from the point
I grinned at her and crawled up to kiss her deeply. I admired the view as well, keeling over her in the most intimate way. The heat of skin was delicious and I couldn't wait for more.
Her hands were all over me, the smooth satiny fabric gently prodding and -Oh. Her delicately manicured nails found the daring slit of my fabulous little underwear. She hummed in approval and I couldn't help but flush with embarrassment and excitement.
I sighed as she turned the most lewd look my way. I couldn't even argue, we were married now. She could do whatever she wanted with me and that only made my smile wider.
She seemed to take the hint, turning me over to my belly. I quivered and just as much she began to press loving kisses to the bared skin of my bottom. I laughed and wiggled at the light bite she pressed to the left cheek. And then I gasped, Weiss had taken the lace and fabric and slipped them down my legs. I turned to watch her toss them away as she descended upon me.
The squeal I made was only in pleasure of course. I made way more noise than that when she pressed me open to return the favor. I leaned to watch as much as I could, but Weiss was way more focused on her work and working me over. Throwing my head back into the pillows I shuddered and rocked giving her her access to me and everything that was hers all hers.
The floor was covered in clothing, but the the food was mostly gone. The remains were flecked white peaks over the smears of red. The fruit had long been polished off leaving only the cream and a smatter of rose petals. Half under the bed the last can was almost empty, the sweet cream forgone for an even better treat.
With the early sunlight peeking through the window, Weiss awoke stretching hands over head. Her long hair was a twisted mess of disheveled curls and wisps. Her tired yawn and delighted stretch left no doubt about the kind of activities she had been engaged in the night before. Setting against the mattress, the snow-white heiress inspected her wife.
Splayed against the sheets, she could see the wounds and scars, the marks of old bullets and battles. Each was a story, another facet of her precious stone that only made her more beautiful in her arms. Finally the reached the only thing that Ruby still wore, the rest of her clothing having been scattered about their suite.
The woman made a sleepy purr as her wife stroked the choker about her neck.
"Ruby, this is really lovely. I like it. Where-"She made a confused sound her fingers examining the tough material. It was thick and curved, with a soft lining. But something wasn't quite as it seemed.
"Ruby how did you get this on? It has no clasp. What-"
The cheeky grin on my face was irresistible and I shut my eyes, humming in pleasure.
"Yes my one, it is a collar." I took her hand pressing it about the circle letting her explore the rest of the shape. "And it is fused on. It will never come off. It can only be cut off and that's never gonna happen."
I reached for her face and pressed her lips to mine. "It's my promise to you. Forever!"
