Yang couldn't keep her eyes off Blake all night. It wasn't exactly a new development but Blake just seemed more alive than usual. During dinner she'd talked nonstop, had made Yang's eyes water from laughter, and she didn't think Blake's smile had wavered at any point so far. Now, Yang couldn't drag her eyes away from the graceful movement of the girl next to her. How could she make a simple action like walking seem like a performance? She was practically dancing down the sidewalk.
"Yang?" Blake's hand came into view as she waved it in front of her. She realized she'd not heard the ending to the story Blake was telling.
"Oops." Yang's eyes finally left Blake to find anything at all to occupy her in her embarrassment.
"You didn't hear a word I was saying did you?"
"I heard you speaking. I just don't think I was processing at the end there."
"Is something wrong?" Blake turned worried. "What was occupying your mind?"
Yang felt the heat move up her neck and settle, burning, into her cheeks. She chuckled through her frazzled nerves. "Nothing's wrong. And my mind… it was just on you."
"You didn't hear what I was saying because you were focusing on me?" Blake laughed and it was so infectious Yang couldn't stop herself from following along. "That- that makes no sense." She finished through struggling breaths.
Yang let them both sober before giving her answer. "I was thinking of how nice it's been to see you so lively and happy. And I was also thinking how happy it makes me to see you enjoying yourself."
Blake's smile disappeared as she turned to continue down the street. The sudden change in her demeanor confused Yang, unsure why her words resulted in such a negative reaction. She jogged to catch up as Blake turned to cross the road, disappearing through an ivy covered archway. All light was snuffed out as Yang stepped out of view from the streetlamps. Tree branches rustled overhead, blotting out the stars. Blake's murky shadow was barely discernible on the path ahead but Yang followed it as best she could. It wasn't long before a light became visible through the gaps in the trees ahead of them. It outlined Blake's silhouette and Yang quickened her steps to catch up now that she wasn't completely blinded.
The light turned out to be illuminating a playground. Blake made a beeline to the swingset, claiming one by taking a seat. She pushed off and let gravity do its job, swinging her forward and back at a low height. Yang waited until Blake's pendulous motion slowed and she pushed off again with a strong kick. Realizing she wasn't in any hurry to explain her odd behaviour Yang took a seat in the swing next to her. Instead of swinging as Blake was she started to sway side to side, giving Blake time to gather her thoughts.
"I don't mean to be so withdrawn all the time," she started. "And even if I don't show how I feel in extravagant displays, that doesn't mean I'm not having fun or anything."
"I didn't mean to imply you were a sourpuss."
"I know. It's just…" Blake brought her feet down to stop herself mid-swing. "I sometimes wish I could be more open with my emotions, but it's hard for me."
"What do you mean?" Yang prodded gently. She really did want to know more about how Blake ticked but she didn't want to push for answers Blake wasn't ready to give. The last thing Yang wanted to do was to screw this relationship up before it got any traction in the first place.
"I'm an only child and my parents worked away a lot. I was left in the care of multiple different sitters and family friends growing up. And I-" Blake paused and Yang watched her features turn sour. "To be honest, I never had many friends growing up. Ruby and Weiss were, or are, basically my first real friends. And before you say anything I know how pathetic that is."
"No!" Yang was quick to defend. "You are not pathetic. I mean I do pity you a little that you have to count Weiss Schnee as basically your first friend." She joked, trying to get Blake's mood back on a positive note. The smile tugging at the corner of her mouth told Yang she was on the right track. "I always had a lot of people around me that called me their friend, but I think besides Ruby, Pyrrha's the only one that I'd be able to really talk to, you know." Blake nodded. "So I suppose besides my sister I only have one friend." Yang groaned. "Ruby was a built in friend, at least you've made two where I've only made one."
"Are you trying to make me feel better?" Blake asked softly.
"Depends if it's working or not."
"I think it is."
Blake started swinging again, this time gaining more altitude. Yang joined her as they fell into a companionable silence. Somewhere along the way they started competing for who could swing the highest. Ever competitive, Yang pushed hard lifting high into the air. The chain went slack and for a split second Yang was falling. Her stomach flipped and panic set in. She let out a yelp before the chain pulled taut, nearly knocking the air out of her as it jerked her body violently backwards. When the shock wore off Yang dragged her boots into the dirt below her. She came to a stop and as her heart slowed she heard Blake's roarous laughter break out beside her.
"That wasn't funny."
"I beg to differ." Blake shot back, the smirk on her face stretching wider than Yang would have thought possible.
"You're lucky I like you."
"I sometimes wonder why you do."
"Does there need to be a reason?" Yang asked. "Isn't it enough that I do?"
"Hmmm." Blake hummed. "For now I suppose." Yang smiled, standing from the swings and holding her hand to help Blake up. She interlocked their fingers and led them back down the path they'd come. As darkness enveloped them once more Blake became aware of Yang's unease and unsteady steps. Squeezing, she felt Yang return the gesture. "Just walk normal. I won't let you trip over anything. I promise."
Yang relaxed and tried to follow Blake's advice. "I trust you." She whispered into the dark.
"Does that make me your second friend?"
Yang stopped them as they came to stand under the arch at the entrance to the park. Turning to face Blake she lifted her free hand to brush a stray strand of Blake's soft hair behind her ear. She boldly stepped forward, reducing the space between them.
"I think so, but I hope to be more than just friends with you Blake Belladonna."
"I think I'd like that too."
Dipping her head, Yang brushed their lips together for the second time. She gave Blake a chance to escape if she wanted but when she stood her ground Yang connected their lips more firmly.
She felt more than heard Blake sigh against her mouth and thought she'd like nothing more than to do this every day. Not just to kiss, but to talk to, to be with, and to learn more about her.
Unfortunately not everyday could be filled with only Blake. Over the next few weeks classes had to steal her focus more than Yang would've liked. Blake's kept her far busier and the only saving grace to her two art's majors was that Yang was at least able to watch her work when she was sketching. Unlike Yang's workload that required reading, studying, memorization and complete focus, when Blake had only art to work on she would text Yang a paintbrush emoji. It somehow became their secret code for 'if you want to come pick me up I can work on my art at your place' and Yang would rush out of the apartment or library to get her, even if she was busy with her own studying at the time.
Even with their stolen study sessions Yang was getting antsy at their relationship status, or lack thereof. They texted all the time, phoned fairly regularly just to hear about the other's day if they hadn't been able to see each other. They always sat next to each other and Blake would sometimes curl into her side when they watched movies with Weiss and Ruby. They held hands walking down the street, and Yang was free to kiss Blake whenever she wanted; vice versa. By all accounts Yang should be thrilled at the development, and she was. It was just, they hadn't said what it meant. Were they just hanging out? Dating? Was it safe to call Blake her girlfriend? Or were they not there yet?
She blamed their differing schedules. Whenever they were both free they were just too exhausted to do anything besides movie nights. And it was fine. Yang loved them, but she so desperately wanted to take Blake on another date. If only to see if this was real, because it was so easy for Yang to wake up and think it had all been some elaborate dream.
But today that was all going to change. A group date wasn't really what she had hoped for over the past few weeks but she couldn't really nitpick her opportunities. Their campus had shut down classes for the day and froze over the central court to create a skating rink for the students to take advantage of. Vendors selling hot chocolate and food ranging from baked treats to full turkey dinners were set up around campus, and Ruby was unwilling to miss the festivities. It didn't take her long to convince Weiss, who Yang assumed was eager to show off her skating skills, and even Blake was quick to accept, even as her workload was increasing coming to the end of term.
Yang and Ruby made their way to the skate rental booth and easily picked out their partners within the crowd. She waved at Weiss but her eyes were all for Blake, who looked absolutely adorable wrapped in multiple layers to stave off the chill. Her nose was pink with cold and Yang couldn't resist placing a gentle kiss to it as her arms came to rest at Blake's hips.
"Hey," she whispered, watching the way her breath frosted in the air between them.
"Hello." Blake pulled her scarf down and Yang watched their breaths swirl together, rising in the air above them. "As cute as that was, I haven't seen you in three days Yang. I think I deserve a proper kiss, don't you?"
Her lips were pulled thin with a smile as she pressed them to Blake's for a proper greeting. Yang was about to pull away, knowing Ruby would be in a hurry to get on the ice, but Blake had other plans. She pulled Yang's lips back to her own and Yang melted into their warmth. Holding tighter she pulled Blake firmly against her own frame. Layers that were adorable before now seemed a hindrance. A tongue swept along her bottom lip before slipping past to greet Yang's own. Her heart beat fluttered erratic beneath her ribcage and her legs felt as if they would give out. The thrill of Blake taking the lead was overwhelming. Yang wasn't used to relinquishing control to anyone and although it scared her, it also roused something in her. Blake seemed determined to unhinge all of Yang's preconceived notions of her. And Yang loved it.
"Here." Weiss dropped two pairs of skates at their feet before Ruby dragged her, flailing, to the side of the ice. One blade jabbed into the fabric of Yang's pants before settling in the snow. It forced her to pull away from Blake with gritted teeth, drowning out a pained moan.
"Are you okay?" Blake bent to remove Yang's hand covering the injury. It was sure to bruise. Blake ran a comforting hand against the area until the pain subsided. Yang pulled her up and placed a gentle kiss to her cheek in thanks. "Better?"
"Thanks to you, yes. My hero."
Yang led them to a bench so they could swap their boots for skates. Yang had never been amazing at the whole skating thing, though she'd learned enough to join Ruby when younger, if not able to keep up. So she knew she wasn't a total embarrassment on the ice, but from the second Blake's bladed foot touched the hardened surface Yang knew she seemed a toddler by comparison.
She watched Blake fluidly skate a few small circles, finding her rhythm, in awe. She could probably rival Weiss' own professionally taught skills. "How on earth does a girl from a tropical island learn to skate?" Yang's feet moved sluggishly as she allowed her body to glide to meet Blake.
"There are such things as indoor rinks." Blake rolled her eyes, grabbing Yang's gloved hand in her own as she came near. "You don't think Weiss' manicured feet touched a natural frozen surface in Atlas, do you?"
"I never really thought of it, but I suppose that is a little beneath the princess huh?"
They made several slow circles around the outside of the rink, watching as Weiss tried to teach Ruby a few spins in the center. It was nice. No matter how expert Blake was gliding along beside her she never made Yang feel inferior. She let Yang set the pace and talked animatedly about her last essay that Yang almost forgot the slight wobble of her own ankles was unnatural.
As the holidays neared, their conversation naturally turned to family traditions. "Ruby and I were always up before Tai. The day always starts with her waking him to the loudest rendition of Deck the Halls while I make him coffee as an apology."
"Holidays at your place sound like a bunch of chaotic fun." Blake shook her head in disbelief.
"Oh, so much so. Maybe one day we can show you." She knew what she was implying. Yang was half scared for Blake's reaction but she felt like whatever it was would be the answer she needed to what their relationship meant.
"Maybe." It was all Blake was willing to supply and Yang felt her stomach fill with lead. She swallowed hard and reminded herself that it wasn't a no.
"Are you going home this year?"
"No, my parents are on a campaign tour that takes them over Christmas." Blake sighed.
"I'm sorry." Yang wasn't new to the disappointments of parental figures so understood more than most that the hurt didn't diminish with each let down.
"It's okay. I know this tour is important to them."
"Ruby and I aren't going home this year either." Yang shrugged at Blake's empathetic look. "You could spend it with us."
"Oh," she said surprised.
"If you want," Yang quickly added, not wanting Blake to feel pressured to accept.
"I'd actually really like that." Blushing Blake turned her attention to Ruby and Weiss once more; Yang's eyes followed. Ruby fell after trying to complete a jump and Weiss quickly skated to her side.
"You would? Because you don't have to." She hated how she felt the need to give her an out but immediately thought of how that might seem to Blake. "I mean I would really love for you to come, but you shouldn't feel pressured to accept."
"Yang, calm down." Blake laughed at her awkwardness. "I want to. I wouldn't have accepted if I didn't."
They circled the rink again before Yang took Blake's hand and brought her to a stop. She knew what she wanted to say, but didn't know why it was so hard. She'd never felt so anxious in any of her previous relationships. But the sight of Blake, so cute in all her layers, and so warm and intelligent and everything Yang could have hoped for and more, she knew why. She really, really didn't want to mess this up and the thought of it not working terrified her like no other relationship had. Blake's questioning look seemed almost worried and it spurred Yang to speak.
"I really like you, Blake." Yang's blurted confession seemed to confuse Blake further as she lifted an eyebrow.
"I like you too?" Her voice rose at the end.
"Is that a question?"
"I don't know Yang. You're being a little weird."
She could tell Blake was getting frustrated and that was the last thing she wanted. "I'm sorry. I just…" Yang grabbed Blake's other hand and brought both to swing between them. "I've really liked spending time with you over the past couple of weeks and-"
"Are you breaking up with me?" Blake's voice broke halfway through and she tried to take a step back, forgetting she was on ice. Her foot slipped and she lost her balance for the first time. Yang was quick to catch her, wrapping her arms completely around Blake's middle and using her own sturdiness to support her.
"That's not what I was going to say." Yang said, thinking it was most important to clear that up first. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Please just say what you were going to before I make up more scenarios in my head."
"I was just saying I want more weeks like that."
"You were?" Blake's voice turned soft. She looked to Yang in anticipation of her next words.
"Yeah. I don't really know where your head's been at or how you've felt about us the past weeks..."
Blake noticed the pause and spoke realizing Yang needed some kind of confirmation of her feelings. "I've enjoyed them very much."
"Good." Yang's voice dropped to almost a whisper. "I want to continue this but I've been unsure of what exactly we are." She smiled softly at Blake's expectant features and pressed a soft, playful kiss to Blake's red nose again. "So, will you officially be my girlfriend?" Knowing Blake had been enjoying the previous weeks did little to take the edge off her nerves as she waited for her response.
"I-" Blake's eyes opened wide in her shock. "Of course." Yang squeaked and dipped her head to connect their lips. "But just so you know," Blake spoke once Yang's lips released her. "I've already told my parents you're my girlfriend so…"
"You have?" It was a pleasant sort of surprise that filled Yang with warmth to know that Blake spoke of her to her family.
"Yeah, what did you think we were doing?"
"I hoped it was that but we never really explicitly stated what we were." Yang shrugged and the motion brought Blake's body closer. "I didn't want to assume. I mean, I've wanted to ask you out for ages!"
"Be serious." Blake lightly smacked Yang's shoulder in reprimand.
"I am. I mean I was drawn to you from the start but I've been interested in asking you out ever since I learned of your affinity for Sour Patch Kids."
"They aren't really my chosen candy. Sour isn't my thing." Blake's admission shocked her.
"But at the movies?"
"Ruby told me they were your favourite."
"You bought them for me?" Yang's jaw dropped.
"Yeah." Her eyes rolled playfully. "You didn't actually think it was some serendipitous candy miracle that day did you? Like it was some cosmic sign."
"I did!"
Blake scoffed derisively. "Does it change how you feel about me? Us?"
"Actually, yes." Blake's narrowed eyes connected with her own. "I'm impressed you'd go so far to catch my attention. I mean, I knew I liked you, but you were so confusing in the beginning." Multiple students zipped past them, some groups having to part, shaking their heads at the disruption. Blake's teeth caught the corner of her upper lip the way they always did when she was contemplating something. "If there's something you want to say, just say it."
"If you were so sure of your... intentions with me, then why didn't you call?"
"I did." Yang laughed. "Remember we went on that date, restaurant and swing set?"
"No, I mean after the movies. Why didn't you call?" Yang sobered at the complete look of vulnerability coming from Blake.
"I didn't have your number. I could have gotten from Ruby but I didn't want to seem pushy."
Blake looked perplexed. "I gave you my number though." It was once again Yang's turn for confusion. "I wrote it on the ticket stub. You said you found it." Blake's eyes dropped and so did her voice. Yang had to lean in to hear her.
"The ticket you ruined when you washed my sweater before giving it back? You could have thought that through a little more." Yang smiled.
"I didn't wash your sweater."
Yang would have thought it was some ploy to deny the faded but undeniable scar her sweater now wore, but Blake looked so sincere. "The stain on the hood?"
"I did not stain your sweater, but if I did I would have had the decency to tell you." Blake turned defensive.
"But, then-" Yang's eyes shot to the center of the rink where Ruby was trying to skate on one foot with Weiss' help. "Ruby!" Her sister turned at her call. "You stained my VU sweater?"
Ruby's expression went through many changes but settled on terrified. "It was an accident," she squeaked back, moving behind Weiss and using her as a shield.
"And you didn't think to tell me? I thought Blake was responsible."
"That didn't seem to stop you from dating her." Ruby yelled over Weiss' shoulder, feeling bold with her choice of barrier between them. "I thought you'd be less angry if you thought she did it."
Yang had to admit Ruby was right. She wasn't angry about Blake staining it, but she might not have been angry at Ruby doing it either. But to think she'd had Blake's number for weeks and weeks but missed the opportunity due to her sister's clumsiness did upset her. Releasing Blake, Yang skated her way towards the two younger girls in the center. "Ruby." She warned.
"Weiss, run!" Ruby called, pulling at her arm.
"We have skates on Ruby, we can't run." Giving up on her girlfriend, Ruby dropped her hand and took off in the opposite direction. Throwing her hands up, Weiss quickly turned to catch up to her fleeing girlfriend.
Yang had every intention of chasing them, all around the rink if that's what it took and she knew it would because she was slower than them, but her angered tunnel vision became blocked by something more pleasant: Blake. She placed herself between Yang and her targets, skating backwards. Her smile was distracting and soon Yang felt her anger wane.
"What are you doing?" Yang asked, reaching out for her. Blake moved just out of her range, her smile widening.
"I was about to ask you the same thing."
"I-" Yang actually had to force herself to remember what she'd been doing prior to Blake entering her sight. Blake quirked a brow, amused at Yang's lost train of thought. She took great pride in messing with her. "I'm chasing Ruby."
"If that's what you want." Blake shrugged, moving to the side, slowing her momentum. "But don't you think you should be kissing your girlfriend instead of chasing your sister?"
The knowledge of 'girlfriend' being said in reference to Blake did distract her from her goal. The sound of it coming from Blake's mouth was what ultimately tripped her. Literally. The toe of her skate dug into the ice and Yang's body jerked forward with her momentum. She scrambled unattractively but managed to catch herself before falling to the ice. Turning she noticed Blake trying to hide her laughter behind a gloved hand.
"You find that funny?" Yang asked, amused with herself after seeing how happy Blake appeared in this moment. Embarrassment of her almost fall vanished at the mere sight of Blake's smiling eyes. How could she worry about Ruby or a stained piece of clothing, or even that Blake's first attempt to give Yang her number was ruined by outside control when they were both so utterly happy now?
Blake simply nodded as she opened her arms to accept Yang's place back in them. "I'll forgive you for laughing at me." Yang whispered against her lips.
Blake moaned into Yang's mouth. "Why?" She asked quickly as Yang tilted her head for a better angle. Her question trapped between their lips.
"Because," Yang finally answered, pulling away. Blake's half-lidded eyes fluttered lazily before she was able to focus and Yang found it delightful. "It made you smile, and as your official girlfriend, it's kinda my job to make sure you're happy."
"You do." Her words were swallowed once again when Yang's lips captured hers. Neither cared about the continued disruption they were causing the other skaters. Yang thought the entire rink could melt around them and they probably wouldn't notice. It was a thought she didn't mind in the least, not with her girlfriend in her arms.
/
Prompts for this one were Swing and Dizzy.
- JJ