Beta Read by: Crescent Sunrise

Recommended Story: "The Wind Mage of Remnant" by Aero1133

~RR~

Ruby was having trouble focusing. It wasn't the familiar paths the three walked as they patrolled the woods, helping the town guard in clearing out any Grimm that may be moving closer to the village or the fact that they had yet to actually encounter anything dangerous. No, boredom was not the issue for her. Her issue was, as usual since their first meeting, the girl walking in front of her.

May had a casual self confidence about her that Ruby was, if being perfectly honest with herself, envious of. She moved with a straight back and easy grace that the more self conscious Ruby couldn't manage to imitate. Even when she occasionally needed her cane she still managed to make herself seem as if the crutch was more for decoration. And, despite Yang's ribbing and implications otherwise, her time away from the gym hadn't affected her figure much at all visually. Though, with the exception of the scar, something usually covered by her outfits anyway. For someone to see it, May would have to be wearing some rather scandalous shorts or be entirely indecent.

'Like when I walked in on her. Oum if that isn't an image that won't be going away anytime soon.' She thinks, trying not to groan as she feels the heat rushing to her face again. It was just so awkward for her to have to deal with the seemingly unending string of perverted thoughts directed at her girlfriend.

It did not help that May would wink and visibly preen a little whenever she caught Ruby looking at her, that irritating, sexy smirk tugging at the older girl's lips every time. As if she knows exactly what Ruby is thinking and taking a great amount of pleasure in teasing her with it.

It's not fair.

Ruby looks down at herself and can't help feel a fresh rush of self conscious shame. She's been called cute before, actually quite a bit. But to herself she's just… plain. Except her hair. Her hair was amazing, her cloak too; but the cloak wasn't really a physical part of her as it was an accessory so it didn't count. She was short, didn't have much in the way of physical proportions like her older sister does, and her face was rounded with remnants of baby fat. In her own opinion she looked like a short, lanky boy. It was really her clothing that showed she was a girl and why she dressed like she did. That, and skirts allowed for more freedom of movement.

Nothing like her older sister. Yang had height and proportions enough to make people stop and stare. Maybe the confidence the two had was because they both looked so good and knew it? But then, Weiss might not be as strong and confident as she is. Her partner's self assurance was something Ruby admired. The two having similar builds, physically. But Weiss was more angular in the face. Ruby thought it made Weiss seem more regal.

She glanced up noticing she had fallen behind a little. Not too far really, only a few steps. But seeing May walking along ahead next to Yang grinning and laughing leaves her feeling odd. They looked good together like that. Really, the two were very similar. Both joking and confident but in different ways. Yang, with exuberant and outgoing confidence almost exploding out of her with energy and blatant sexuality, while May, was a more self assured confidence. Her sexuality expressed in her movements and coy teasing humor. It was no surprise they became friends so quickly.

When Ruby feels her eyes sliding over May's form towards her rear again, the girl firmly forces her gaze downwards again. May usually favored light and loose pants. It hid the tight corded muscles of her legs but the reason she gave for it was more practical. Vacuo is hot. And you will sweat. Tight clothing made skin itch and was uncomfortable. But today she seemed to pick clothing that hugged her body closely, making the curves of her body more obvious and distracting.

Especially when she's walking in front of Ruby.

It was in this downward spiral of internal self deprecation, mixed with spikes of that odd feeling from looking at Yang and May. Along with the other awkward feeling she gets from thinking of May in particular, she failed to notice May's pace slowing until they were next to each other again. Her thoughts interrupted when a hand lands on her shoulder, making her jump a little, flailing a little to maintain her balance after her startled little leap. When she gets herself under control again May is standing there. Hand having dropped down to her side as she looks at Ruby with a strange mix of concern and amusement.

As Ruby recovers her composure, May shifts, leaning a bit more on her cane as she get's closer. "You okay, Little Red? You've been really quiet." She mentions sliding her free arm not holding her cane around Ruby's slim waist. Drawing the small girl against her in a small display of casual intimacy. It was a small thing that Ruby didn't notice May doing with anyone else. While May was an incorrigible flirt, she always seemed to limit herself to words and looks. The physical she saved for Ruby alone. And the knowledge warmed the shorter girl. The strange tightness in her chest she got watching May walking next to Yang evaporated as quickly as it came as she leaned into the embrace a bit more.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Just got a little lost in thought." Ruby replies as they start moving again. Relishing the calm moment of affection and quiet as they walk.

"Lost in thought, little sis? Sure you weren't just staring at May?" Yang teases from just ahead of them, having stopped when she noticed the commotion behind her.

And then it was gone. Moment ruined.

Looking at May and seeing the pleased little smirk once more appearing on her face doesn't help as those blue steel eyes turn towards the little reaper, only to give a very familiar wink that sends flutters through Ruby's chest. That confusing mix of irritation and attraction really not helping Ruby's tumultuous emotions.

Thankfully, at least, a distraction seemed eager to announce itself as a loud growling announced the arrival of black forms decorated with white bone plates and bright red eyes shining with malicious hate.

She was much more comfortable killing Grimm than dealing with her frustrating girlfriend and teasing sister.

~MZ~

If asked what the biggest difference between Vacuo and Vale, May would have to say that for her, it would be the trees. Or, more specifically, the difference in her usual habit of tree climbing. In Vacuo, the arid heat keeps most from exposing themselves to the harsh sun more often than not. Sure people spent plenty of time outside, but long leisure walks weren't too common during the daylight hours. Most saved them for the cooler twilight and nighttime hours. The scattered trees mostly left alone for the sniper to perch in as a quiet place to nap away from the hustle and bustle of city life. But In Vale and, to a lesser extent the usually sleepy town of Patch, there was just so much noise all the time. Near Beacon the woods were full of students patrolling to ensure no Grimm got too adventurous, training in relative solitude, or just walking with friends enjoying conversation. It was alien to May, and after the first few times someone disturbed an evening nap she learned to head deeper into the woods for her private napping and thoughts.

Honestly, it was much the same in Patch. Villagers would travel into the woods near town, content that most of the Grimm were cleared out regularly and it was mostly safe to do so. So May would move deeper, but the further she got from people, the more she noticed another problem. The noise didn't stop, the source of it simply changed. People and the sounds of technology giving way to the tittering, buzzing, and chirping of nature. At first, May found it maddening trying to find a piece of nature that would be quiet was a challenge. Which lead May to find places in more dangerous locations. Such as a tall tree near the edges of Grimm infested areas. The presence of the monsters causing the birds and smaller animals to grow quiet. So long as May stayed the same she was relatively safe.

Oh they would find her eventually. Such was their nature to find all life and snuff it out in a brutal, hateful fashion. They were drawn to Humans and Faunus, the brightest flames flickering on Remnant. Clinging to their fragile little lights in the face of the encroaching darkness.

Still, with her recent injury and without wanting to worry her little girlfriend, May contented herself to simply finding the most comfortable tree near the house she could find and claiming it as her perch as soon as she felt well enough about putting weight on her leg to climb again. At first, Ruby had been rather put out with her seeing her taking an unnecessary risk. But after May coaxed her into the tree with her, they spent the evening perched together like they did before the mission, helping her calm down about it. The next morning she planned on practicing with Yang to make certain she'll be ready for the tournament. Not to mention that she would have to head into the woods at some point to be alone with Brawnz's strategies. Girlfriend or no, May wasn't going to let another participating team have access to them. Ruby will understand, she's certain.

Still, right now she closes her eyes, feeling the girl in her arms breathing evenly. Ruby's short frame pulled tightly to her own as she naps with May's chin tucked into her shoulder. The soft scent of strawberries teasing May's senses with every slow inhalation. May is torn, half of her wanting to join her girlfriend in unconsciousness while the other stubbornly clings to the waking world to savor every moment she can take like this. She shifts a bit and frees an arm to gently move Ruby's hair from her face, smiling fondly at the peaceful expression.

With a soft sigh she closes her eyes again and let's herself enter a drowsy half-sleep. 'Trees in Vale aren't so bad I guess. Strong limbs enough to support us both. I suppose I can live with the noise.'

She woke some time later to the sound of Yang calling them back in. She smiles at the sight of her girlfriend, half turned and clutching her jacket, murmuring softly in her sleep. Gently, May nudges Ruby until she wakes up and starts to blush at her position, shifting even as May holds her close to keep her from slipping and potentially falling. Aura would protect her of course, but it gave the older girl a great excuse to cuddle just a little longer before they got down.

When Ruby finally situated herself, May let her know that Yang called for them and waited for Ruby to start the climb down before making to follow. She's slow despite not really having to be, conscious of Ruby's eyes on her, alternating between ogling and concern until May makes the last drop letting her good leg hit the ground first to absorb her weight before adding the other. Just to be on the safe side.

Now standing, she looks towards the house and more specifically, the windows. When she doesn't see any sign of Ruby's father she leans down and steals the younger girls lips for a long kiss before starting to make her way inside. Feeling absolutely delighted that something like that can still make her girlfriend turn that wonderful shade of red. Perhaps it was more doing so here. She had seemed better just after they got off the Bullhead until Taiyang reminded them of his presence.

Still, if she was uncomfortable with the affection she didn't show it. In fact, May gets the suspicion that Ruby would be more than willing to further their relationship physically. But she wouldn't, not yet at least. Rushing things and making assumptions was how May messed up before and it was not going to happen again. Not with Ruby.

Once seated at the table, conversation died off as everyone ate. May realizes that she actually does have something to ask. Usually she would direct her question to Yang or Ruby but this time she turns to Taiyang, hoping to gauge how well she's doing working her way into his acceptance. "Mr. Xiao Long, can I ask if there's an empty clearing nearby? I received some practice information from my team leader I need to go over and try out for the upcoming tournament. I'm hoping for someplace a little private."

She smiles when instead of grunting or leaving it up to his daughters, he instead leans back scratching his chin in thought before nodding to himself. "Yeah, there's a place. Want me to take you there tomorrow morning?" He asks, ignoring the grin coming over Ruby's face while May nods and thanks him for helping her out.

The rest of the meal was uneventful, filled with small talk as Yang and Ruby catch their father up on their time at Beacon so far, with May interjecting on occasion and highlighting differences between Beacon and Shade. The biggest difference besides the structure of the school was the lack of dress code. Then again, convincing the majority of the population to work together is hard enough. Teaching the rowdy youths of those same people to wear a uniform would have been like rolling a boulder up a hill, only for it to roll back down at the end. This because every year, a fresh batch of students would arrive forcing the administration to start all over. Not really worth it for only four years of training.

After dinner, Ruby pulls May into the living area and turns on the T.V. after reclaiming her spot in the older girls lap. 'I guess she didn't like having our tree cuddling interrupted by dinner.' The older sniper muses leaning back on the couch as Ruby shifts so she can watch a movie in comfort.

May's hands move around and under Ruby's cape, her fingers creeping slowly across Ruby's waist as the younger girl shifts, moving her cloak to cover them both, letting the fabric trap the warmth underneath. Her fingers meet bare flesh as they tease under the younger girls shirt, playing over the smooth skin of her girlfriends stomach as she draws Ruby closer, reclining herself back for comfort. 'Well the movie isn't too interesting, but the company is nice.'

She inhales deeply before blinking rapidly, feeling a small hand moving across her own waist towards her back and down. 'Is she really…?'

May turns her head, craning her neck to get a view of Ruby's face catching sight of the nervous look and deep blush that only seems to grow deeper as the younger girl's hand slides down and settles on her rear. Covered as they are in Ruby's cloak, no one could tell, but, that was definitely a squeeze May felt from that hand.

She smiles and uses her free hand to gently turn Ruby's chin, letting her look into those worried silver eyes that always seem to pull her right in, freezing her in place with their attention. Between the hand and Ruby's gaze, May feels a shiver of joy run down her spine. She gives the smaller girl a smile before her eyes close and she leans forward catching the smaller girl's lips in a passionate kiss.

Oh they'd kissed before, soft things either short or long, but only holding simple affection. It was still there of course, there was no point in either denying there was real affection between them. But this kiss, this kiss had an undercurrent of want and need that hadn't been in any previous. They tried to keep quiet, with people in the house with them, but it was a near thing. 'I'm going to moan if I let this carry on and I don't want to try to explain this. But by Oum I want to keep going.' She thinks, reluctantly pulling back, panting gently as her forehead presses against Ruby's.

"I told you on our first date you could do that whenever you wanted, Little Red." She says softly, using a hand to keep Ruby's in place when she tries to draw it away. "It's okay, you're not doing anything wrong. We won't go farther Ruby because we're not ready for that yet. But don't be afraid to touch me." May mutters gently before tucking the younger girl's head under her chin. They forgot about the rest of the movie. And just about everything else as they both fell asleep there for the night. Yang finding them shortly after and covering them with a blanket from the guest room.


The next day found May walking next to a silent Taiyang towards the clearing he mentioned the previous evening. Her rifle over her shoulder and dressed in the outfit she had decided on for the tournament. Her hat folded and tucked into her back pocket with her eyepatch covering her eye. The silence wasn't uncomfortable like it was before, though, she can tell that there's something the man wants to get off his chest but she won't rush him. He'll say his piece in his own time, or not at all.

'Just hope it won't be him telling me to stay away from Ruby. Not sure I can at this point. When did I become so attached?' She wonders and the thought gives her something to mull over on their walk. Ruby was slowly taking up more and more of her thoughts. Where she had started as a cute girl May enjoyed teasing and taunting, now her little caped girlfriend held more of May's heart and attention than even Nebula had while May was falling over herself in her crush. She certainly wasn't ready to call it love, not yet. But it was getting close to the point where May wouldn't be able to deny the word without it feeling like a lie.

'This is crazy, we've only been dating a few months. I can't have fallen for her this hard this fast, it just doesn't make sense. She would have to be like, the perfect girl! And no one is perfect. But somehow even her faults are cute and attractive to me.' She considers a little frown crossing her lips as she considers it from another angle. 'She might not be perfect. But maybe she's just perfect for me? That… is much closer to possible. Nothing but time will tell that though. By Oum I wish time travel was a thing so I could see us in five years. Would certainly make dating a lot easier if I knew something was going to work out or not.'

She she huffs and gives a little chuckle knowing that if something like that were possible she wouldn't take it. That would suck all the fun out of discovering for herself how things would go. And so far signs point to yes, she's enjoyed the trip so far. Why spoil it now?

May is drawn out of her thoughts when she bumps into Taiyang, not having realized they arrived at the clearing she requested as they walked. She blushes a bit at having lost herself in thought while muttering an apology. She turns, taking in the space with a careful eye and listening intently for the sounds of nature. It doesn't take her long to hear the birds and insects either as she turns in place, smiling at her guide. "Thank you Mr. Xiao long, it's a straight shot back to the house from the way we came right?" She asks, getting a nod from him. But instead of turning around he stays planted, staring at her until she get's the urge to shift in discomfort.

Instead, she removes her rifle and plants the stock on the ground. Leaning gently on it as she submits herself to his scrutiny with a straight back and a wary look on her face. It feels like time stops as neither moves before Tai lets out a long sigh, running his hand down his face and shaking his head.

"I thought we came to an understanding Mr. Xiao Long." May finally says growing tired of the silence and scrutiny. A large part of her worried that she had done or said something to make him rethink his stance on their relationship. She misses the way he twitches at his name.

"Look just… Only Glynda and James call me that, and even then it's only when they feel like being formal. Just call me Tai. Please?" He asks half pleading as May's eyebrow lifts. This was a different attitude than what she was used to. Slowly, the tenseness in him drains out and his shoulder slump. "It makes me feel old."

This get's May to snicker as she lifts her rifle onto her shoulders. Her arms wrapping around the two ends to leave her hands hanging. "But Mr. Xiao Long. You are old." She says, chuckling as he gives her a glare in return. Feeling much more relaxed now that she's fairly certain he's not about to change his mind.

"I can still take you and both my daughters down." He states crossing his arms over his chest. The motion emphasising the muscles corded tightly under the skin. His usual slouching posture hides it rather well, but the man is built like an Ursa. It makes May wonder if he fights like his older daughter.

Still, that was a challenge, and May couldn't help herself as a smile crosses her face and she takes a few steps back, moving her rifle into her arms while her eyes narrow. "Are you sure? Your age might just be getting to you Mr. Xiao Long." She replies emphasising his name and this time noticing the twitch of irritation. "I mean, I certainly haven't seen you doing more than chopping wood or walking around since I got here. Are you sure you're still up to snuff?" She asks poking idly at him looking for a reaction. She's rewarded when his hands drop from his chest and move back upwards half clenched as his feet shift.

"Are you sure you're up to this?" He asks, apparently well aware he's being goaded into the sparring match. Well, she wasn't exactly being subtle about it.

"I'll be fine so long as you don't hit the leg. It's strong enough, but I do need someone to test myself against. My team isn't here and Brawnz would flip if I let Ruby and Yang know everything about how well I fight. He was already irritated that Ruby saw me in the hard light sim before we started dating. " She replies, taking a few extra steps back. There was a pause between them for a long moment before she shifted and Taiyang lunged, closing the gap in a forward jump that left the sniper wide eyed as she lifts her rifle using it to block the incoming punch.

Breath leaves her in a gasp as his fist connects traveling upward, pushing her gun into her diaphragm, her feet leaving the ground as she heads upwards and away, further across the clearing. Landing she winces and inhales sharply before raising the rifle and aiming down the scope. He's a huntsman, and aura would let him take a few shots before it became a problem for him.

'Big frame but faster than I expected when he jumps like that.' She fires a few rounds watching him start running. The gauntlet on his hand blocking one round as the second goes wide of the mark and the third glances off his shoulder. That wasn't good, she had hoped for something solid. But already he managed to cover most of the distance and shooting at this range would leave her wide open if it didn't at least make him stumble. So instead, she brought out the axe blade and changed her grip to use Myrtles Bloom in it's melee form.

Just in time too, as shortly after she made the switch she was forced to swing in order to keep some distance between herself and the hard hitting man. Not that it helped her for long as she was forced to jump back when he made it inside her guard. He wasn't as quick as Yang could be but he knew how to move effectively, not wasting any body movement and always seemed to know where she would put the next swing. This was a hunter, and the difference between them was staggering. He didn't even have a weapon.

She saw the next fist coming and there was nothing she could do. She was way off balance already and over extended, she was going to get punched. That doesn't mean she couldn't do anything about it however. She waited until it made contact with her. She had a split second once his fist hit her side to activate her Semblance, pushing his arm back the way it came. Now he was off balance as she stumbled from the hit, her Aura flashing as it failed. She only had the one chance to counter so while he was still recovering she lifted her axe and brought it down only to have it caught before it can make it all the way down.

"And that is the match." He replies with a little grunt as he pushes himself upright, letting go of her rifle. Honestly, she's tempted to contest that it's over but she knows without her aura, fighting someone like him throwing punches like he was would only risk her coming to serious harm. Him stopping here was very kind. If he had capitalized on her swing she might have ended up limping back with busted ribs or worse.

As it is, she's winded and tired, moving over to a tree and seating herself against it. It isn't long before Tai joins her, resting despite not seeming at all out of breath. He stretches out and relaxes back with one hand scratching his stomach through his clothes. "Well, not bad. I could have expected more from a 'Hero of Vale'." He jokes getting a roll of the eyes from the sniper. An action he seems to approve of. "You're still favoring that leg of yours. You're going to have to train yourself out of that habit or you'll be at a disadvantage."

She frowns at that and sighs, leaning back and pressing her head into the bark of the tree. She would rest for the moment, let her Aura recover, then start training herself. Yeah, that sounded like a good plan.

~RR~

Ruby was nervous. There was no other way to phrase the feeling she had at the moment, nervous fit best so that's what she was going with. She knew returning to Patch that she would absolutely make this trip out to her mother's grave, but she wasn't sure if she should invite May. She didn't want her girlfriend to feel awkward or anything but she absolutely wanted May to come with her. She always felt like her mom could hear her when she spoke to her at the gravestone and if that was true, there was a good chance she could see as well. There was no one more she wanted to introduce May to than her mother.

Still, talking to a silent grave seemed like it might be weird. Sure, her dad and sister would sometimes join her or visit on their own and usually they would talk too, but they understood. They knew Summer when she was alive. May had no connection to the deceased woman beyond that she was her girlfriend's dead mom. It might make her feel awkward. Totally not what Ruby wanted. Yang had gone earlier to visit on her own and there was no question, Ruby was going. But would May even want to come with her?

This is what lead to Ruby standing and fidgeting near the tree she knew her girlfriend had sequestered herself in earlier. Likely taking a nap. May seemed to do that a lot. When Ruby asked about it, May had to explain that she tended to get sick really easily and resting often helped her body fend of potential illness. Didn't always work, but it did seem to help when she was able to nap often. When Ruby asked if that was just an excuse to laze in trees all day, the older sniper just gave her another of those sly looks and winked. So Ruby was sure it was at least part of the reason why.

'Ugh, stop stalling and just ask! The worst thing that can happen is she isn't interested and waits for you to come back.' She thinks to herself as she squares her shoulders and opens her mouth before deflating again. 'But I really do want her to come.' It was true, this was important to Ruby. Even if she didn't want to say exactly that.

"What's the matter, Little Red? You've been fidgeting down there for the past five minutes." May comments from above before dropping down from the tree in front of Ruby with a smile that does little to alleviate Ruby's nerves. The hug that comes next helps though, also the kiss she get's on her forehead. "Tell me what's up."

Ruby shifts a bit before looking up at May and sighing before finally managing to get it out. "I… I'm going to visit my Mom's grave, and I wanted to know if you wanted to come with me? I mean you don't have to if you don't want to, I know it probably seems a little weird asking you to come with me to visit her-" She asks, already starting to motor mouth when May gently muffles her with a hand.

It was the look she got in response that alleviated Ruby's worries and left her feeling a little silly. She didn't even need to see May nod to know she was going to agree. Ruby should have known May wouldn't mind coming with her. 'We've been dating for a while now, she knows when I really want something and she's never turned me down.' Ruby considers before realizing that it was completely true. May might tease her about it a little at times, but she hasn't ever actually turned down anything Ruby has wanted to do with her. Baking cookies, playing games, going to a movie or just spending time together. They only times May has ever had to turn something down is when there's something else she needs to take care of right then, and even then, she always just did whatever Ruby wanted to do after she was finished.

It made Ruby feel warm inside. But also a little sad. It wasn't often they did things May suggested because, usually, the older girl didn't make suggestions. In fact, Ruby rarely saw May do much on her own besides climbing trees, working out, and working on Myrtles Bloom. Sometimes she would add a book in there while in a tree. Ruby decided then to be more determined to do things with May that the older girl wanted to do.

It's also about this point in her thought process she becomes aware of the hand waving in front of her face and looks up at May again, the older snipers face a picture of amused exasperation.

"Didn't get any of that did you, Little Red?" She asks with a chuckle as Ruby blushes brightly, realizing that she hadn't been paying attention at all, lost in thought as she had been. "I was just saying I don't mind going with you if you want me there. When do you want to go, we're going back to Beacon soon, right?" The older sniper asks, finally breaking their hug as Ruby adjusts her cloak.

"Oh um, I thought we could go now? You're all packed right? We can spend some time there until we have to leave. We won't really have too long, it's a bit of a walk to get there." Ruby explains patting her folded scythe and May gives a nod of understanding. They would be going through the woods and there might be some Grimm along the way.


Ruby was glad it was uneventful the whole way to the grave sight. May seemed really relaxed too as they walked since they could still hear the woods around them, stirring with life. It wasn't until they got close to the grave that May tensed and started looking around more warily.

"It's okay May, we're almost to the cliff, it's normally quiet here. I like to think it's nature respecting her resting place. Probably not really, but I've never seen Grimm out here." Ruby explains and it seems to relax May at least a little as she shoulders her rifle again. When they get to the grave Ruby is once more silent glancing occasionally at May as she approaches the simple stone marker.

'Thus Kindly I Scatter. Mom, I hope it didn't hurt too much when you died.' Ruby thinks to herself before taking a deep breath. When she spares a glance around her she notices May has paused to give her a little space and privacy. Ruby can't help but feel a little grateful, despite knowing May will likely be able to hear everything in the quiet. It's the thought that counts.

Turning back to the marker Ruby starts to talk after wiping at her eyes. "Hey, Mom. I know it's been awhile since I visited but I didn't get a chance to tell you that I was accepted into Beacon. Two years early! It was pretty crazy and I'm sure dad told you some of it, but it went like this: I was at a Dust shop in Vale and…"

Ruby went on telling the silent grave all about her time starting at Beacon and the problems she's had being two years behind everyone else. The friends she's made, all about Weiss and Blake. Her first mission and the time her team spent trying to discover what Roman Torchwick and the White Fang were up to, leaving out the events surrounding May for the moment. She would get back to all of that. She revealed everything she felt and lamented not having Summer around to ask questions, mentioning that she could still ask Tai, but some things were just too embarrassing to ask her dad about. Then she told her about how he gave her 'The Talk' shortly after she got back home with her girlfriend. She had sort of hoped that he wouldn't feel the need with her dating a girl, but he did. And getting rid of that blush was really hard, especially with Yang's constant sniggering, and her girlfriends endless amusement after Yang filled her in.

Finally, she got to the end and cleared her throat before beckoning to May, bringing the older girl closer before moving to stand next to the taller girl so she can properly present her girlfriend. "So, I left out a little bit Mom. This is May, and she's my, um, girlfriend. I wanted to save it for the end before introducing her. She was on the team that saved Vale by stopping that train. But we were already dating by then, um, I met her just before the sniping competition and I, uh..." Ruby trails off suddenly, really embarrassed to be talking about this part. The time leading up to their dating was just that, embarrassing. She sighs then and tries to just get it over with.

"I kinda hated her at first. She kept doing this thing where she would tease me about something and then give me a compliment and it was super confusing. And she would wink and grin and walk all... sexy and… yeah… Finally when I couldn't take it anymore I just asked her why she kept doing it, she said it was because she liked me and wanted me to pay attention to her. Well… It worked! She asked me out on a date and it was awesome! Well, I guess it was kinda normal, we didn't do much more than walk around and talk about ourselves but it was really nice. And then we kept going. Oh, and I met her mom over a call, May's from Vacuo. She's doing her training in Shade, her team came for the tournament. So… yeah, May's really great." She says her normal tendency to let her words get away from her taking over as she verbally sprints through the introduction, blushing brilliantly. She wasn't going to tell her mom about how good May is at kissing or the other stuff they tend to do. That was waaaaay too embarrassing to vocalize to her mother.

When she finished she spared May a glance to see her shifting a little, blushing herself as Ruby expounds on her 'virtues' and talks about some of the things they've done. When May notices her looking she gives Ruby a smile and hugs her gently. The look in her eye telling the smaller girl she might end up with mild oxygen deprivation later, but in the best way ever. Not appropriate for their current location though.

Ruby swallowed and motioned with her head towards the grave while keeping eye contact with May. The older girl smiles and looks at the grave before speaking herself. "Well, I guess I don't really need to introduce myself. Little Red did a fantastic job of that already. I never got to meet you but I'm sure it would have been great. There's not much really I can think of to say except for one thing. Thank you. Thank you for having such a wonderful daughter. I've never met anyone like Ruby before and while I don't know if we'll still be together a year from now, I will never regret getting to know such a wonderful person. If you were anything like her growing up, then the world lost something truly beautiful the day you died. Thankfully you left behind a flower that brings joy and laughter everywhere she goes. Oh, and Ruby too I suppose." The older girl says before Ruby makes a sound of indignation and punches May's arm, a little harder than she intended to, but not hard enough to do any real damage.

Still, it's enough for the older girl to act dramatic as she rubs the arm and starts speaking again. "See? Ruby is so violent. She's always saying how I'm being mean by teasing her a little, but I've never hit her before. Little Red is truly a sadist, honestly, it's the least I can do to shield the rest of the world from her cruelty. I'm sure I will be remembered for my sacrifice." She says, waxing poetics about her hardships at the hands of the little reaper as Ruby just rolls her eyes, but smiles at the older girl regardless. Once more joking with amusement clear on her face.

"Why did I agree to date you again?" Ruby asks idly as her eyes narrow at the older girl. She can't keep the smile off her face though that destroys her false irritation.

The response is immediate as May does a much better job hiding her own humor, her face forming a deadpan look that matches the tone her response is given in. "Because you like my butt."

She held the look as Ruby's face lit up immediately before finally losing it to laughter as Ruby starts hitting her in embarrassment, crying her name in a similar tone she usually uses for her older sister.

It's a very red faced Ruby hiding her head under her hood again that finally calms down, putting up only token resistance to the arm pulling her into a hug before just giving in. She enjoyed the hugs too much to really fight it, no matter how embarrassed.

"Teasing aside, really. Thank you Miss Rose for gifting the world and, myself specifically, with your daughter. Remnant is truly a brighter place for her presence in it." She finishes and Ruby finally calms herself down enough to lower her hood and smile at her mother's grave.

"The tournament is coming up soon Mom, I know if you're watching you won't miss it. I'll make you proud. And I'll visit again as soon as I can, I promise." She says before they turn to walk back the pair finally noticing a grinning Taiyang watching them with Zwei at his heels. May shifts around putting Ruby between herself and Zwei as they move to walk back to the house so they can grab their things before heading back to Beacon.

'She seems more bothered by Zwei than Blake. It's so weird. He's just an incredibly adorable dog. May is weird.' She considers before shrugging and leaning into the older girl. 'That's okay though, I like weird.'

AN:

Yes, May is still a little disturbed by the adorable Zwei and will likely remain so. The dog is impossible. Super cute but still impossible.

I know it's been about two weeks since I updated a story and it might remain that way. I'm finding less and less free time lately as my job keeps giving me more hours that eat into my writing time. That and streaming but I find myself really enjoying the later.

Patch actually got it's own chapter! I wasn't expecting it to really be this long but I kept getting ideas. and so much fluff! There can apparently never be to much fluff in my stories no matter how much I remind myself that this isn't IMS and meant to be much more serious. Oh well, I hope you all enjoy.

As always a special thank you to all of my wonderful reviewers. knight7572, Axel Fones, Fencer22, CinderBurn, MrFox7189, Robthekiwi121, Aidis, AyomiVendethiel, and Ninjapandas0010

Thanks for coming, thanks for reading. I love you all and I'll see you next time!