Here, chapter 18.
Please support me on Pa-treon as 'The Tanker' if you like my stories.
I do not own RWBY. Rooster Teeth does.
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Chapter 18: Parted
Weiss pretended to fall asleep on the private airship on their way back to Patch Island.
The girl stubbornly refused to lean on Blake's shoulder, as it reminded her of a certain brawler.
Just right after the Summer Festival – although vague, she remembered it. The warmth sensation of a broad shoulder she was leaning on in the car while they were heading toward Dragon Tears Forest.
She didn't think much that time; she was tired and sleepy.
Now with Yang's disappearance, whatever she did reminded her of that blonde.
Leaning on someone's shoulder was included.
Her actions had already hurt Yang so much; she didn't want Blake to get hurt too.
The closer they were together, the more guilty Weiss felt. But, she couldn't force herself to turn gay just to be together with Blake so that the Faunus wouldn't get hurt. She knew if she did that, in the end both of them would be wounded even more severely and Weiss didn't want that to happen. She had hurt the people she loved enough.
Blake shifted her position slightly, but Weiss didn't open her eyes. Shortly after, she felt a warm scarf being tied around her neck.
She was surprised by this sudden gesture.
Please…don't be so kind to me…it hurts…
Weiss knew that even if Blake claimed she would make peace just by being around Weiss, it wasn't true at all.
#
Blake didn't expect Ren and Nora to be waiting for her when they arrived at the docks.
"We're worried about you." Ren said. Although he looked really mature (Blake didn't expect him to be of the same age as her) and expressionless, he did care about people around him a lot.
"Yeah, are you two alright?" Nora's voice was low; she didn't want to wake up the sleeping heiress.
Blake was carrying her bridal style as they made their way back to the building where their dorms were located.
"If you need us, please don't hesitate to ask." Ren said, then wished them good night before retreating to their own dorm.
"Sure. Good night." Blake answered before closing the door.
Jaune and Prryha were asking the sloths about the monochrome pair; they were concerned about the two girls too but didn't go to the docks with Ren and Nora. They decided too much people would only disturb them.
"Do you think they'll be alright?" Nora whispered to Ren.
They were sleeping on their respective beds, but Nora had taken this chance to sneak into Ren's. Of course, she had to wait until Jaune and Prryha fell asleep before doing so, or else they would be bombarded with questions.
"I don't know, Nora." Ren shifted a bit so that the girl would be more comfortable.
"They've been like that since we first met them. I wonder if stuff was always like that…you know, since Blake developed a crush on Weiss?" Nora moved in closer to Ren.
"I don't think Blake had told Weiss yet." Ren whispered.
"But Weiss doesn't show any sign of liking her." Nora sighed, "I think that's why Blake never told her anything."
"It's pretty obvious though."
"U-huh. It's easy to sense it when you get to know them more."
Nora closed her eyes, recalling how Ren and her had noticed the Faunus stealing glances at the heiress; how her cat ears perked up (She told them about her secret as she trusted them) whenever Weiss came to view; the subtle change in her eyes and lips when Weiss talked.
Ren thought Prryha also knew about it, but chose to keep quiet.
"I just hope they'll be fine." Ren said.
"Yeah…I think Blake and her are meant for each other."
"Weiss never showed any sign of romantic interest. Maybe she is ace?"
"I don't think so…"
"Let's just watch over them and don't think too much, Nora." Ren smiled.
"Mmhmm. Good night, Ren."
"You're sleeping here again?"
"Let's cuddle like we always do in the orphanage." Nora grinned sheepishly, "It's getting cold lately."
"Just make sure you wake up before Jaune does."
"Why Jaune?"
"I think Prryha knows. She knows everything, she just doesn't talk about it."
"…"
"Good night, Nora."
"Boop~"
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Blake didn't expect Weiss to be such heavy sleeper.
Even if she carried her all the way from the docks to the dorm, the heiress showed no sign of waking up.
Blake knew she just pretended to be asleep in the airship, as her Faunus hearing could spot the difference of her breathings. She never expected Weiss to actually fall asleep and didn't wake up even after all those big movements and sounds.
She must be blaming herself all the time…
The Faunus meant it when she said she would just make peace by being around her.
Of course, if it was possible she would want to go one step further, but she didn't really mind if Weiss didn't reciprocate her feelings.
Seeing the heiress' smiling face was the most important thing in the world.
I can bear with it. I can bear with the pain. I won't leave like Yang…
She covered Weiss with her blue colored blanket and sat down beside her, silently watching her sleeping face.
It wasn't peaceful at all.
She was certain that Weiss was having a nightmare.
But she could do nothing to help her.
I'm sorry…I'm just beside you, and yet I can't make you happy…I guess you really want Yang more…
Ah, what am I thinking! Stop thinking nonsense you stupid brain!
The Faunus knew that Yang's disappearance upset Weiss very much and she was really jealous of the blonde. Even if Weiss just felt guilty and wanted to apologize, she still couldn't shake off the thoughts that Weiss paid more attention to Yang who was missing than her who watched over the heiress all the time.
"Good night, Weiss." Blake placed a gentle kiss on the heiress' forehead.
#
The next day, Weiss' classes were cancelled as all the professors need to retake some qualification exams in Beacon Academy. She had decided to use her time to study at the library, so she took all the materials needed and walked to the second library that was near to her dorm.
It was empty.
She was scribing things on her notebook when the library door opened, revealing a rather handsome young man who looked like a senior. He was wearing a vest on his white undershirt with black slacks and a turquoise colored tie around his neck. The man looked around and when his eye fell on Weiss, he was surprised as he jumped a little.
He scratched his head while walking slowly to the heiress.
"Hey…"
Weiss frowned; she didn't know the man, but judging from his actions, he was about to flirt with her.
"Hi."
"You're…Weiss Schnee right?"
"Yes I am." The heiress answered impatiently.
"I uh…my name is Flynt Coal."
"Hello."
"I was wondering if…"
The library door opened again at this very moment as a girl in black clothing stepped in.
Her amber eyes spotted Flynt and Weiss talking. Flynt was scratching his head all the time and he was blushing – and Blake immediately understood.
She gulped and suppressed the jealousy within her heart as she remained her trademark poker face, silently withdrawing from the library.
Her coming didn't go unnoticed by Weiss.
The heiress saw everything; she saw the subtle change of expression on Blake's face; she saw how she bit her lips trying to refrain herself from exposing.
And it hurt.
A lot.
"Weiss? Are you listening?" Flynt's voice brought her back to reality.
"I'm…sorry. I want to focus on my study first before romance." The heiress made up an excuse.
"Oh…I understand." Flynt kept his gentleman attitude, "Thanks and sorry for bothering you."
"It's fine."
#
It was lunch time soon and Weiss had to go to the cafeteria to meet up with Team JNPR. They had promised to have meals together every day.
Which meant she would meet Blake.
She had no idea why the Faunus would go to the library when she was supposed to be training.
And the worst thing was her timing.
I thought things like this would only happen in a novel or some cliché movies.
Weiss sighed as she made her way to the cafeteria.
Team JNPR and Blake was sitting at the corner near to the fish cuisines corner (She wasn't even surprised by it anymore) so she went to join them.
"Hello Weiss."
"Hiya Weiss!"
"Hello again!"
Ren, Nora and Prryha greeted while Jaune was busy mumbling about a bruise on his arm.
According to the shape, he had likely sparred with Nora.
Magnhild definitely wasn't just an ordinary warhammer; and so as the wielder.
"Good afternoon." Weiss greeted as she sat down beside Blake.
Usually, the Faunus would greet Weiss with a gentle smile but today she was obviously spacing out that she didn't even notice movements beside her.
Weiss heart ached seeing her friend like this.
Maybe…I should do something for her to hate me so that she'll stop loving me…
But she couldn't do that.
She didn't want Blake to hate her.
Wait, does that mean I love her too…?
"Here." Ren who was sitting at the opposite of the heiress pushed a bowl of salad to her, "Ordered it for you."
"Ah, thank you." Weiss smiled as she took it.
Blake was snapped out of her thoughts when Ren talked; she quickly greeted Weiss with a forced smile.
The rest of the meal time went by in complete silent, other than Jaune's groaning because his arm hurt.
Weiss went back to her dorm while the other huntsmen and huntresses went back to their training.
She didn't know what to do.
Whenever she was conflicted, she would go to Ruby, but seeing as the girl was in coma – and was transferred to Atlas on top of that, she had no one to go to.
The only people she knew in Vale were the Belladonnas and the Rose-Branwen household. The latter went to Atlas with their daughter and Bart was always busy. That left Beatrix, Blake's mother; but she couldn't possibly go to her because it was about her daughter.
Wait, there is one more person that I can talk to…
Weiss took her scroll and dialed a number.
"Torchwick." A deep male voice came from the other side of the scroll.
"Hello Roman."
"Ah, Weiss. It's rare for you to call, what's up?"
"Are you free now?"
"I'm at an animal shelter at the moment. What is it?"
"Can I join you there? I…" The heiress hesitated for a while.
Roman was a mature adult, and very much like Yang he was a good listener. He kept secret pretty well too and he was very experienced.
Maybe Weiss could seek help from him.
"I kind of…need help with something…"
"Sure." The man replied, "I'll send the address to you. I'll be waiting near the dog section."
"Alright, thank you."
Weiss just threw everything on her bed, grabbed Myrtenaster and went out to the docks.
#
The animal shelter was just a small one located a few streets away from Roman's clinic.
Weiss was greeted by a rabbit Faunus when she reached there, and she had brought the heiress to Roman.
She recognized the Faunus.
There was no way she would forget about her…and her girlfriend.
It was the couple on the street the day she hung out with Yang in the central shopping district.
"Thank you…"
"Oh, the name is Velvet!" The rabbit Faunus smiled. She had a beautiful accent that Weiss couldn't recognize.
"Right. Thank you, Velvet."
"Sure! Have a nice day!" The girl left when Roman came to view.
The man was sitting on the floor, surrounded by different dogs as he pet them with a bright smile on his face.
Weiss quickly shook her head to get rid of Topaz's images forming in her brain; that was not why she came here.
Roman was busy dealing with the dogs that he didn't notice the heiress arriving, so she took the initiative to greet him.
"Roman."
"Oh hi!" The man gently pushed a big dog away and patted the space beside him, "C'mere."
Weiss took the offer and sat beside him; a small corgi instantly hopped up her lap.
"Oh, Zwei likes you." Roman chuckled.
The heiress scratched his ears and belly as the corgi turned over, displaying his trust on her.
"So…what do you need help with?"
"Remember I told you…that Yang left because of me?"
"That's what you told everyone."
"But I didn't go into the detail."
"U-huh."
"Well…you see…" The heiress tried to form a proper sentence in her brain. "Yang left…because I did something hurtful to her."
"I see…"
"And uh…now, I've done something…really hurtful to Blake too…"
"You're scared that kitty will leave you too?"
"No…" Weiss held her urge to cry, "You see…I can't tell you the exact thing I've done…but…it had hurt Yang and it is still hurting Blake…I don't want them to get hurt because of me…"
"Love is not something you can control, little girl." Roman smiled, "You see, they chose to love you and it's not your responsibility."
Weiss looked at the doctor with an expression of shock and panic.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. It's pretty obvious though." Roman shrugged, "I don't know about kitty, but Yang is really bad at hiding stuff even though she thinks she's good. And judging from the same way you talked about the both of them, I'm pretty certain that kitty's the same."
"I just…don't want any of the people I love to get hurt." Weiss sighed, "I wish I can just disappear…or turn back time."
"Now you're being unrealistic."
"Yang confessed to me before she disappeared." Weiss continue to rub Zwei's belly, "But, in a…bad condition. The stress from Ruby being hospitalized and…the pain accumulated since I told her that…I am not into girls…kind of made her snap."
Roman put a hand on Weiss' shoulder, silently encouraging her to go on.
"And when she snapped…I snapped too. Things just got out of control and she left."
A pause.
"It's all my fault. And now…Blake's confessed too…but she said she'll be happy when she's around me…even if I don't reciprocate her feelings. And it hurt to see her like this."
"That's what you need my help for?"
"Mmhmm…"
"I can't help you with this Weiss." The man shook his head, "It's not your problem. It's perfectly normal to not feel the same way to someone who has a crush on you and you shouldn't blame yourself. They will have to walk out of it."
"I see…"
"Maybe…you can try to put some distance between you and kitty cat." Roman suggested, "You don't like her back?"
"I…I just can't…turn gay because of her. I mean, I don't have feelings for her and if I force myself to…we'll both get hurt. Like you say, love comes naturally and it's not something that I can control."
"Well then did you make it clear to Blake that you can't accept her feelings?"
"Crystal." Weiss sobbed lightly, "That's why she said it's okay even if I don't like her back."
"This is complicated."
Indeed; if they were just normal friends or even strangers, things would've been very easy.
But, the three of them were best friends that would die for one another. Situation like this was very difficult because of the relationships.
"Well, I don't really have any advice to give. Just maybe try to distance a bit and draw the line clear between 'friends' and 'lovers'."
"Okay. Thanks Roman…"
"You're welcome."
Her scroll rang all of a sudden, startling the both of them as well as the dogs in the room.
The screen showed Blake's face.
"Hello? Blake?" The heiress answered it.
"Weiss! Are you alright?"
"Huh?"
Blake was panting and sounded really worried.
"I'm fine, Blake. I'm at an animal shelter."
"Oh Dust…I couldn't find you anywhere in Signal and I thought…because you didn't let me know that you'll be heading there…I thought…"
"I'm sorry…" Weiss apologized.
The two of them would always let each other know their locations, like leaving a note or something on the study table. Weiss rushed out just now and apparently had forgotten to let Blake know her whereabouts.
Guilt washed her as she apologized again to the Faunus.
Don't be so kind to me…Blake…I don't deserve it.
"I'll be back in about an hour." Weiss said softly, "I'm really sorry…"
"It's okay. Glad to know you're safe."
Sorry, Blake…
#
Weiss sat on the airship back to Patch while recalling the incident just now.
When she walked out of the animal shelter after hanging up her scroll, she saw that tall human girl wearing sunglasses coming to pick up Velvet. And this time, the girl had kissed the Faunus on the lips without caring if anyone was watching, unlike when they were on the street that day.
Surprisingly, Weiss didn't feel anything.
She wasn't really fond of same sex relationship when she was with Yang in the central shopping district before the latter went missing, but now she felt like she didn't mind of it at all.
Yang and Blake's confession had changed her a lot.
Still, she couldn't decide that she liked girls just because she didn't mind it.
She needed to figure it out and make things really clear before doing anything, so for now having a little distance between her and Blake was the best option.
One step wrong, and they could really end up hurting each other in the worst way.
#
After that, Weiss started avoiding Blake a little.
She didn't know how to put distance between them, so she decided she would just not see the Faunus that much. That way, maybe Blake's feelings for her would disappear eventually, right?
But boy she was so wrong.
No matter how much she tried to distance herself from Blake, to put up a thin layer of glass between them like how Yang did, Blake always would break through it.
When Weiss waited until late night to go back to the dorm to avoid having conversation with the Faunus, she waited for her the whole night.
When she purposely sat with Team JNPR at the opposite of Blake, the latter would always push the bowl of salad to her that she pre-ordered.
When she buried herself in study to forget about this, she would always end up falling asleep and when she woke up the next day, her blanket would be covering her body.
She couldn't take it anymore. Blake would always break her defenses no matter how painful it was for her. And this had made the heiress even guiltier.
Two weeks had passed as winter approached.
And that was the time Weiss couldn't take it anymore.
She did what her friend was the best at – she ran.
She moved to Atlas without telling any of them beforehand.
All she left was a note.
Please forget me and live on. I'm really sorry, Blake. I don't want you to get hurt every minute because of me.
Blake held the note tight and collapsed to the floor, sobbing intensely.
Weiss had drawn the final line of defense that was impossible for her to destroy.
And it had destroyed her instead.
Sure, it was painful being around her crush that never loved her back, but it was more painful to not see her, not being able to touch her.
That was what Blake feared of all this time.
And it had happened.
Team JNPR burst into her dorm immediately after hearing those heartbreaking sobs. They comforted her and told her that she still had them.
Yes, she still had Ren, Nora, Prryha and Jaune – as well as her parents. She could still rely on them; she could survive this.
Maybe when everyone was calm enough…maybe when everyone was mature enough, they could see each other again to thoroughly solve this problem.
All they need was time.
She could do this.
She could face all of this with her beloved friends and family's support-
-But thing weren't always so smooth, because she received a call a few days later, from the Vale Police Department.
Her parents died in an accident.
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Because I've tortured Ruby, Yang and Weiss. It's Blake's turn now.
Anyway thanks for reading, and I'm sorry it took so long to update. Sorry too if this chapter doesn't meet your expectation.
Anyone get the real meaning of the title of this chapter?
Please support me on Pa-treon as 'The Tanker' if you like my stories.
I do not own RWBY.
