A few hours later, Yang was still stomping through the corridors on her mission to get some answers from Team CFVY. She had initially tried to find Velvet after she left the library and demand an explanation from her. But Velvet had successfully managed to disappear and the enraged blonde gave up the hunt.
Plus, she came to realize that interrogating Velvet for information would just be cruel. The poor thing probably was already frightened enough just to ask Ruby something that outrageous. So Yang would have gotten no joy out of intimidating her. But there was someone who wouldn't be so easy to torment and Yang was pretty sure that she was the true mastermind behind all of this. Yang finally reached the door of the Team CFVY dorm and knocked loudly on the door, leaving behind a small burn mark from her fist. The door swung open and she was greeted by Fox Alistair.
"Hello, Xiao Long," he greeted Yang smugly. Yang faltered a bit at being identified so easily since Fox was allegedly blind.
"Seriously, are you actually blind or are you just screwing with all of us?" Yang asked, more impressed than angry at this point.
"Luna Perfume, tropical shampoo and conditioner mixed with the slightest hint of a forest fire? Who else could it be? That, and you're giving off more heat than a sun lamp right now."
"Whatever," spat Yang. She was already in a foul mood and having her focus be taken away was just making her surlier. "Where's your leader? She and I have something very important to discuss."
"Yo, Coco!" Fox shouted over his shoulder. "Your new girlfriend's sister is here to kick your ass!"
"Be out in a minute!" Coco called faintly from the bathroom. "You boys mind giving us some privacy for some girl talk?"
"You got it," replied Fox as he felt a fresh surge of heat blast him in the face. He turned to smirk at the source who must have been livid after his crack about Yang's sister. But it was too good to pass up. Yang stepped aside to let Fox pass and he was soon followed by the giant figure of Yatsuhashi. Before the taller man left, he paused and gave Yang a look.
"Just so you know," Yatsuhashi began saying to Yang calmly, "we'll be waiting right outside this door if things get out of hand. Don't do anything foolish." With that, he strode by Yang as well and left her free to walk into the dorm room. Yang could hear Coco humming pleasantly to herself from behind the bathroom door and that just fired her up even more. Finally, Coco emerged from the bathroom and treated Yang to a bemused smile as she saw just how agitated Yang already was. Knowing Yang's reputation of being fiercely protective of Ruby and for having a temper that was literally explosive, Coco was not surprised one bit that she was being paid a visit by Yang.
"What can I do for you today, Sunshine?" Coco asked with barely contained amusement.
"You can start with explaining just what in the hell you and your girlfriend are doing," growled Yang, not in the mood for any games with the upperclassman. "What do you want with my sister?"
"Oh, well," began Coco malevolently, "we were hoping to take her out this weekend but we're still not sure what we'd like to do. I suggested the movies but Velvet seems pretty set on a picnic in the forest."
"Don't get cute with me, Adel," snarled Yang through gritted teeth. "I didn't mean what your plans were. I want to know why you want to take Ruby out. "
"Because Velvet and I both like her," said Coco simply.
"And?" Yang asked in annoyance, unsatisfied with Coco's answer.
"And what?"
"That's it? You just 'like' her?"
"Isn't that usually why people ask each other on dates?" Coco knew she was literally playing with fire but it was just too much fun to wind Yang up like this.
"Oum damn it, cut the shit," barked Yang as she started to lose control of her temper. "Explain to me why you two want to take my sister on a date! Don't you two get enough just from each other? Why do you have to drag Ruby into this? What's your game?"
"There's no game," Coco replied, raising her hands in a show of innocence. "Velvet and I both find Ruby to be a very fascinating girl who also happens to be highly attractive so we want to go on a date with her. What's so hard to understand about that?"
"You mean besides the fact that you and Velvet are already dating and shouldn't need to bring my little sister into your business?"
Coco's brow furrowed at that. Yang was starting to get personal and Coco wasn't pleased about it. "Yeah, besides that," she fired back. "Because as far as I'm concerned, there's nothing remotely wrong with bringing Ruby into 'our business.' Assuming that Velvet laid everything out right, she knows exactly what she'd be getting into. So it's really up to Ruby about what she'd like to do at this point. Selfishly, I'm hoping she agrees."
"Alright, fine," sighed Yang as she pinched the bridge of her nose in anger, "we'll ignore the issue of you two wanting to turn my sister into a degenerate. Why exactly would someone like you want to date my sister? I mean, Velvet definitely makes sense, if it wasn't for that whole dating you thing. But I don't get why you would want to date Ruby?"
"First of all, we're not degenerates for liking your sister, got it?" Coco said acidly. Yang had struck a nerve finally and now Coco was through with playing around with her. "Secondly, what exactly do you mean by 'someone like me?' And while we're at it, what did you mean by Velvet making sense? Are you saying you only think a Faunus could like Ruby?"
"No, that's not it," Yang answered a little uncomfortably.
"Then what then? Come on, out with it!" Now Coco was irate. Part of it was at herself for losing control of the situation and allowing Yang to play her instead. But she wasn't going to let anyone tear down her and Velvet like this, especially directly to her face.
"Why would a popular, cool person like you want to date someone like Ruby?" Coco felt like she had been sucker punched by the question. She hadn't expected that to be a factor in Yang's anger with her. But once she regained her faculties, Coco realized that it wasn't implicitly herself that Yang was degrading.
"Yang Xiao Long," Coco began slowly with malice dripping from every syllable, "are you saying that you think 'cool' people couldn't be interested in Ruby?"
"Well, no, not really," stammered Yang. That definitely sounded better in her head. "But don't play dumb, you know what I mean."
"No, I'm afraid I don't," Coco answered icily as she crossed her arms across her chest. "Do you not think Ruby's cool? Do you think she's somehow not worthy of dating me?"
"Look," Yang began defensively in full backpedal mode, "Ruby's great but come on, you have to admit she's kind of a geek. She likes weapons way too much. She doesn't have a ton of friends and has trouble interacting with people. So the rich, popular kids aren't supposed to be interested in people like her, you know? You're supposed to want to be with people like Weiss or Pyrrha. So yeah, I'm kinda confused as to why one of the alphas of this school suddenly wants to go out with my sister. You got a problem with that?"
"Me? I don't have a problem with anything." Coco then began backing down Yang as she glared at the blonde over the top of her sunglasses. "But I think Ruby would definitely have a problem with how little her big sister Yang thinks of her. I mean, all I've ever really heard about you is how much you love your sister and how protective you are of her. But now I can't imagine why you are since you seem to have so many problems with her."
"You don't know anything about me, or Ruby, okay?" Yang shot back hotly, not letting Coco intimidate her. "I don't think I've ever seen you try to hang out with her or anything like that before now so yeah, it's a little out of the blue that you're asking her on a date. I mean, do you even know her favorite color?"
"I'm going to go out on a limb and guess red. With black as a close second."
"Okay, lucky guess." Yang grumbled begrudgingly. "But what's her favorite food? How does she take her coffee? What's her favorite band? When is her birthday? Huh? Do you know any of those things?"
Coco held her glare for a few moments before she sighed and slumped her shoulders in defeat. No, she couldn't answer any of those questions and she could definitely understand why it didn't make her look great that she didn't. Coco pulled off her sunglasses and sat down on her bed. She could see that Yang was still on edge and decided to try and offer an olive branch to try and calm things down.
"Look, Yang, let me be real with you, okay?" Coco asked as she patted a spot at the foot of her bed to ask Yang to sit there.
"About time…" Yang said under her breath as she took up Coco's request and sat cross-legged on the bed. Coco paused for a second to contemplate pushing back against Yang's reaction but decided to let it slide.
"Yes, it's true that I haven't really gotten to know Ruby on a personal level yet. Yes, most of my infatuation with her has to do with her looks and her reputation. But Yang, when I hear the things that Velvet or other students have told me about Ruby, it always gets to me. When I hear about how badly she wants to be a huntress so she can be a guardian for the world even if it means no pay or notoriety, it motivates me. When I hear that she goes and picks a fight with a group of people bigger and older than her because they were bullying someone, it inspires me. Ruby is only 15 and yet she is already the model for how we should strive to be in this world. Ruby makes me want to be a better person because I want to live up to the standard she sets. And I believe that someone as special as she is deserves to have a relationship that's equally as special. Both Velvet and I adore Ruby and want to bring a little bit more happiness into her life. We're not looking to change her or toy with her or anything malicious like that. We just want to try and give her something as remarkable as she is. Because she deserves it. And even if you have issues with me or my lifestyle, I'm sure we can agree on that."
Yang closed her eyes and nodded soberly to herself after Coco had finished her reasoning. She had to admit that she was impressed that Coco had managed to ease a lot of the doubts Yang had about her. Coco genuinely sounded like she wanted the best for Ruby and was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen. When she opened her eyes again, they had returned to their usual lilac hue for the first time in awhile.
"Okay Coco," began Yang calmly, "you were real with me so I'll be real with you as well." Coco nodded and leaned in towards Yang to better pay attention to her. Yang took a deep breath and resumed speaking. "I'm not sure if you know this or not but Ruby's mom passed away over a decade ago."
"No, I didn't know that," said Coco guiltily. "I'm very sorry to hear that."
"It's fine. But that was extremely tough on Ruby and there was a long time where she was constantly mourning. Every single night she'd cry and ask for her mama. It was heartbreaking to hear that. Dad was pretty much doing the same thing so I took it upon myself to try and make things better. I buried any grief I had to make sure that Ruby became happy again. I spent every hour of every day with her. I was her cheerleader when she was trying something new. I was her confidant when she needed to keep a secret. I was her security blanket when she was sad and needed a hug. I saved up my allowances to make sure Ruby had the best birthday presents every year. I watched her grow up into the girl she is now and the one you said you admire so much. I worked my ass off and sacrificed anything I possibly could to put Ruby's smile back on her face."
"You did a spectacular job and deserve a lot of credit for accomplishing that," said Coco honestly. She'd heard the talk about how much Ruby meant to Yang but getting to hear it straight from Yang was incredibly touching to Coco.
"Thanks," replied Yang with a small smile that Coco returned. "Anyway," Yang continued, growing serious again, "this is the first time anyone has made it known to either me or Ruby that they're interested in her romantically. So she doesn't know what she's in for in a relationship. Sure, while her Mom was alive, she and Dad were damn near perfect. They really were that stereotypical sappy couple you'd always see in the movies. But Ruby was too young to really get love like they had. If you and Velvet really think you can keep her happy, then you have my blessing. But if you two end up breaking her heart again and taking that smile away, I guarantee you that any pain that I could inflict on you physically will be nothing compared to the pain you feel when you know you took away her happiness. Trust me, I've had to experience it. It's the worst feeling in the world knowing that she's hurting. So don't screw it up, got it?"
With her piece said, Yang stood up and left the dorm room. Fox and Yatsuhashi filed back in and returned to what they were doing. But neither took notice of Coco and how shellshocked she looked. Yang's warning was definitely more effective than she intended it to be because now Coco's confidence was shattered and she was completely terrified about hurting Ruby. She thought that she had everything under control and flawlessly planned out but suddenly this had gotten a lot bigger than she had anticipated. Coco slowly crumbled down onto her bed and covered her face with her pillow. She was so filled with doubt about if she could make this work that she actually was kind of hoping that Ruby rejected Velvet straight away.
Coco decided she needed some fresh air to think and put her sunglasses back on. She then trudged out the door, desperate to try and come up with a way to make sure this didn't fail. But as she meandered around aimlessly, she suddenly bumped right into someone and knocked them down.
"Oops, I'm sorry!" Coco said in a daze. She automatically reached down to help up whoever she'd just walked into.
"Um, hi Coco," said Ruby quietly. Hearing Ruby's voice broke Coco out of her stupor and she looked down to see the young prodigy splayed out on the ground. Coco felt all of the moisture in her mouth evaporate instantly and she swallowed hard.
"Ruby!" Coco squeaked in a pitch she didn't think her voice was capable of. She cleared her throat frantically as Ruby quietly giggled and took Coco's hand to pull herself up. When she was back on her feet, she let her hand linger in Coco's for a moment, experimenting with how it felt. It felt warm and powerful, much like Coco herself. Ruby felt her heart start to race as she finally released Coco's hand.
"Sorry I bumped into you like that," said Ruby sheepishly. "I wasn't really looking where I was going."
"No, it's my fault," responded Coco, her voice having returned to its normal pitch. "I was just wandering without paying attention. You sure you're okay?"
"Yeah, I'm great."
"That's good." A moment passed where both girls stared awkwardly at anything except for each other. "I should probably let you get going, though." Coco finally managed to get out and turned to try and make a quick retreat.
"Wait," called Ruby frantically. "I need to ask you something first! Is what Velvet told me earlier true?"
Coco froze in her tracks and nearly fainted when she heard that question. She gulped and asked Ruby hoarsely, "You know? She actually told you?"
"Uh…yeah," replied Ruby as she rocked back and forth on the balls of her feet.
"Oh. Okay." Coco's knees began to shake so she leaned against the wall to try and cover it up and to give herself some support. "So, um, what do you think?"
"I, uh," began Ruby uncertainly. This was somehow more intimidating than jumping out of an airship into a pack of Grimm. But she'd done enough thinking; it was time to get this out in the open. "I think I wanna do it."
"Really?" Coco asked incredulously as she stood up straight again.
"Yeah," Ruby said with a smile. Now that she'd gotten that out of her, she felt great and a rush of confidence surged through her. "Yeah, I'd like to go out with you and Velvet sometime."
"That's great!" Coco cheered as she broke into a huge smile.
"Yeah, I'm excited about it. Which is kinda strange because when Velvet asked me, I was really nervous. But now…now it feels like the right thing to do. But do me one favor first, okay?"
"Name it."
"Don't tell Velvet yet, please?" Ruby begged, putting on her best adorable pout that was completely irresistible. "I wanna tell her myself and make it special. I was gonna do it with both of you but I kinda ran into you here first."
"I can do that. I bet Velvet will love whatever you have planned."
"I hope so," said Ruby hopefully as her eyes went wistful. "Anyway, that was all I wanted to ask."
"Okay. I guess I'll be seeing you around, Ruby."
"Yeah, see you." But before she left, Ruby slowly stepped up to Coco and wrapped her arms around her waist. Coco was surprised at first but eventually hugged Ruby back. She felt so small and delicate in her arms and Coco was overwhelmed with the instinct to protect her. Ruby could hear just how hard Coco's heart was beating and she smiled, knowing she was probably causing that to happen. Usually she only felt this safe when she was being hugged by Yang or her dad but this was different. Coco wasn't obligated to love her like her family was; she was choosing to. And Ruby didn't want to let go.
"Thank you," whispered Ruby.
"Hmm?" Coco asked as she snapped out of her trance. "For what, Ruby?"
"For liking me like you do. I didn't think that was ever going to happen."
"Of course it would have," Coco said as she ran her hand into Ruby's hair. "You're too amazing for people to ignore. But I am honored to be one of the first to admit it."
"I'm glad too. I really feel so special now."
"Good, because you are special. It's why we like you so much."
"Thanks, Coco. I really should be getting back now. Have a good night." With that, Ruby finally let go of the taller girl and skipped off down the hall. Coco smiled that she had been given this chance to really make a positive change in Ruby's life. But then Yang's words from before came calling back and tied her stomach up in knots again. Instead of thinking about Ruby smiling and having fun, all she could see in her mind was Ruby slumped over and crying hysterically from something she'd done. Coco felt her stomach lurch and she quickly dashed back for her room. She made it just in time and sped into the bathroom right before the contents of her stomach came back up. When it was finally over, Coco sank to her knees and panted for breath.
"Coco? Are you okay in there?" Yatsuhashi asked worriedly as he knocked lightly on the door.
"Yeah," coughed Coco as she spat some more stomach acid into the toilet. "I'll be okay."
"Anything at all we can get you?" Fox asked this time.
"No, I'm good. Thanks though." The boys must have believed her as they didn't ask any more questions. Coco flushed away the vomit in the toilet and laid down on the tile floor, crying silently to herself. It wasn't supposed to go like this. She was supposed to be the cool, calm and collected mastermind who had everything under control. Now things had gotten so complicated and she just felt helpless. Coco really hoped that Velvet was up to carrying the load for the two of them because she was pretty sure that all she would do now was ruin everything.
Eventually Coco pulled herself up off the floor and looked at herself in the mirror. Her reflection told her that she looked as miserable as she felt. She washed her face and tried to put on a smile to mask the turmoil she was really feeling. But it was no use. Defeated, Coco exited the bathroom and crawled into bed. Yatsuhashi whispered something to Fox and the two of them left to give Coco some space. As more tears spilled out, Coco closed her eyes and tried to sleep, hoping that in the morning, things wouldn't be so grim.
Later that night, Velvet was walking through the halls on her way to a meeting on the roof. Ruby has sent a text to her scroll asking Velvet to meet her there and that it was important. Velvet had been keeping watch over Coco once she'd returned to the dorm and heard she'd gotten sick and was very hesitant to leave. But Fox and Yatsuhashi assured her that they could keep an eye on her for a little bit.
Velvet climbed up a final staircase and reached the door to the roof. She took a moment to compose herself before opening the door and stepping out into the summer night. It was beautiful out tonight as there were no clouds to speak of and the stars were all twinkling brightly. Velvet tore her gaze from the sky and found Ruby sitting on the edge and dangling her feet. She shut the door behind her and that got Ruby's attention as she leaned her head back to see if it was Velvet.
"Hey," greeted Ruby as she couldn't help breaking into a wide grin.
"Hey yourself," replied Velvet who returned the smile. Ruby rolled herself back and sprang up to her feet before walking over to Velvet.
"How are you doing?" Ruby asked.
"I'm okay, I suppose. Coco took ill earlier and so I've been worried about her."
"Oh no," gasped Ruby as her good mood deflated a little bit. "What happened?"
"I'm not entirely sure. Fox and Yatsuhashi said she just came sprinting into the room and puked in the bathroom. Other than that, she hasn't talked to any of us."
"That's awful. I hope she's okay." Ruby couldn't help biting her lip in fear that she might have had something to with Coco getting sick. She really hoped it was just a coincidence.
"Anyway, what did you want to talk to me about?" Velvet asked expectantly.
"Oh, right, that." Ruby had gotten thrown for a loop by the news about Coco and had temporarily forgotten why she was here. "Velvet, I thought a lot about what you asked me in the library today and talked about it with my team. And I think I'm ready to give you an answer."
"Oh. Okay then." Velvet fidgeted nervously. She hadn't counted on Ruby making her decision so quickly. Now she wasn't sure if she should feel hope or dread. Ruby stepped up to Velvet and took both her hands and traced little patterns over her knuckles with her thumbs.
"Velvet, will you go out with me and Coco this weekend?"
"Really?!" Velvet gasped in surprise as her hands flew to her mouth in surprise. "You really want to?"
"I can't imagine anything that I'd like to do more."
"Oh my gosh, I can't believe it." Velvet picked up Ruby and spun her around causing Ruby to let out the most beautiful laugh Velvet had ever heard. She then set Ruby back down and buried her face in Ruby's shoulder. "You're sure? This is really happening?"
"I am sure," confirmed Ruby as she rubbed Velvet's back. "I haven't felt this sure of something since I decided to become a Huntress."
"Thank you," choked out Velvet as she began to cry in elation. "This is so incredible."
"It sure is," hummed Ruby happily. Velvet was hugging her just like Coco did earlier and she felt just as safe in the Faunus's arms as she did in Coco's. These two really were something special and Ruby couldn't help feeling like she was the luckiest girl on Remnant. "Thank you for wanting to be with me. I hope I'm worth it."
"I think you will be just fine," sniffled Velvet. "I already thought you were pretty amazing so I'm hoping you just get better from here."
"Me too."
"Goodness, look at me getting all leaky eyed here," chuckled Velvet as she released Ruby and wiped away at her eyes. "I'm so sorry that I sobbed all over you."
"It's totally fine. I know it was because you're happy and anything that makes you that happy is worth it."
"You really are such a sweetheart," gushed Velvet. "Why'd you bring me up here to tell me, though? You could have just called and told me over the scroll."
"I know," said Ruby as she turned to look up at the sky. "But it's always so pretty up here after dark and I wanted accepting my first date to be memorable."
"It is quite lovely, I'll give you that," Velvet admitted as she stood beside Ruby. "Being surrounded by all these stars and the moon."
"But none of them are as beautiful as you or Coco," Ruby said as she took Velvet's hand again. She then realized what she'd said and gagged in revulsion. Velvet laughed and put her arm around Ruby's shoulders.
"Well, you are definitely gorgeous in your own right, Ms. Rose," giggled Velvet.
"Thanks. But man, did that feel weird to actually say," shuddered Ruby. "I haven't even gone on a proper date yet and I'm already talking like those girls in the movies my team watches."
"You'll get used to it. I never thought I'd say things like that either and really mean them. But the right person can definitely inspire it in you. Or, the right people is what I guess I should say." Velvet looked down at Ruby and smiled warmly at her. Ruby snuggled up against Velvet's chest and listened to her heartbeat. "Anyway, I should probably head back to make sure Coco's still doing okay. Would you like to walk back with me?"
"No thanks, I'd kinda like to stay and watch the stars a little longer. Please tell Coco I hope she'll feel better soon, okay?"
"Of course. Don't stay out here too late or else you'll be getting sick as well."
"I won't, I promise. Good night, Velvet."
"Good night, Ruby. Pleasant dreams."
Velvet blew Ruby a kiss as she left the roof and Ruby laid back down and stared at the stars, grinning like the Cheshire Cat from Alice In Wonderland. She could not believe how amazing she felt right now. Finally she understood what people meant when they talked about having butterflies in their stomach because her insides were flying and jumping all around. Every time Ruby thought about Coco or Velvet, she felt her heart give a jump. Ruby was so brimming with energy that she scrambled to her feet and started doing cartwheels and flips all over the roof, laughing giddily the whole time. This was going to be the best weekend ever.
To be continued…