Third person
"She seems to be doing fine… so long as we don't talk to her it seems." Yang had her head in her hands, her elbows on her knees. It hurt. It hurt more than a beowulf's claws or Gynda's scolding. The very idea that she was a prime contributor to the extremely dangerous behavior that her baby sister partakes in, it was just, it made her stomach churn.
"That's just fine with me." Weiss rolled her eyes and focused on the paper at her desk.
"What!" Yang's face scrunched in rage. Her lilac eyes flickering between scarlet and back. "How can you say that!"
"Yang, calm down." Blake replaced the blonde's view of the snotty heiress with herself. Amber eyes staring understandingly into those of a light purple hue.
She was a mess. A very, very, emotional mess. Jumping from sorrow to rage, and from rage to embarrassment. Her conversation with Ruby and her feelings for Blake, it was hard to look her partner in those hypnotic topaz eyes of hers. Yang shut her eyes hard and willed herself to look away. "You're right, now is not the time to fighting amongst ourselves. We should focus on getting Ruby back."
"Tch, that disgusting monster, why should we want her back? She won't help us any, all she'll do is get in the way. We should just stay away and forget that she's even a part of this team."
Electing to ignore the baited words of the heiress, Yang sat back down on her bed. "What do you think, Blake? Any ideas on how to bring her back?"
"Whatever, ignore me." Weiss scrunched her nose and resumed her work.
"You know more about her than I do. She seems to not want to give up her career as a doctor though. It seems that pacifist nature is deeply rooted in her heart. Honestly, I don't think there's anything we can do. Especially with us being the reason she drinks by herself and all…"
The brawler sighed, "You're right. It's just… I miss her, y'know? She's my little sister and one of my best friends. It feels so empty without her."
"I know, I miss her too. For now, all we can do is think of plans and gradually get close to her again." Blake sat down next to Yang, she placed a comforting hand on her back.
It seems Yang has a weakness for that act of concern; with Ruby and now with Blake, she could feel the calmness quickly take over. Maybe it's just because of who it is?
Third person
"Junior!" Roman strode up to the bar with such confidence, it looked like he owned the place.
"Roman. What can I do for you?" Not even bothering to look up from the cup he was polishing.
"Listen, I need a favor. Well, first of all, have you seen this girl" Roman pulled out three pictures of Ruby on various outfits, casual, formal, and in a doctor's gown.
Junior raised a brow before turning to look at the photos. "Yeah, I've seen 'er. Been here a few times. Good business that one. She's a heavy drinker and doesn't cause any problems."
"Right, well, I want you to not serve her if she comes in."
"Why? She pays a lot of money for my best drinks."
"Ehh… it's for her own good. See, when she gets depressed, she comes here and drinks till she's totally incoherent. Then, she drives home on her motorcycle. You see the problem?"
"That's none of my business, it don't matter to me what she does once she's through those doors." Junior set the clean glass on the counter, lined with the rest of varying sizes.
""Couldn't that make you a tie in to her suicide should she die? There are a loooot of people who would sue you over that. Very powerful people. Like, SDC powerful."
"I can't be liable for what happens to her after she leaves. It's just not something that can be done. Besides, why do you care so much about this girl? Why is she so high ranking?"
"She's the one that gave me the loan to start my business… she's a close friend. On top of having a personal connection, she's the infamous Dr. Rose. Y'know, the girl who once slaughtered hundreds of White Fang and then decided to become the best doctor on Remnant. I'm surprised you don't know her. She's done a lot of good work for people on all levels. A medical legend."
"I don't care what she is. She could be the Winter Maiden for all I care. I'm not going to worry about her or whatever it is you're asking me to do." Junior placed his hands on the counter, shoulder width apart.
Roman sighed, "You're so hard-headed, you know that? Fine, what would it take for you to agree?"
"You never were good at cards, Roman. You can't make a deal because you have nothing I want. I have all the cards. Here, we're playing by my rules."
"Come on, at least tell me why you're so fixed on this. It's not even that big of a deal. All I'm asking is that you don't allow her to drink herself into oblivion and then drive herself home on an already risky vehicle!"
"I just am. Why are you going to such lengths for her?"
"I already told you. She's a friend and a great contribution to the world… she doesn't… she doesn't deserve what happened to her. It shouldn't be something that drags her the rest of her life." Roman look down.
"Who doesn't deserve what?" Melanie walked in from one of the back rooms. Miltiades at her side.
"Nothing, don't worry about it." Junior replied strongly.
"Ah, Melanie and Miltiades, it's so good to see you two." Roman stood from his seat and gave them both an air kiss to the sides of their cheeks. "Truly, it's lovely to see you. Are you coming in anytime soon for a mani-pedi or anything?"
"Roman, a pleasant surprise. And yes, we were planning next week or so. What was it you were talking about?"
"It. Was. Nothing." Junior grit his teeth. They ignore him.
"You see," Roman showed the the pictures. "This girl, Ruby Rose, I owe her a great deal. She's an incredibly talented doctor and is one of the nicest persons you'll ever meet… unless you get in her way when she's trying to kill herself. Which is what we were just talking about. See, a little birdy told me that whenever she gets in one of her moods, she comes here and gets piss drunk. Now, she doesn't have anyone to really take care of her. She lives alone and all. So that means, that when she gets so drunk she can hardly stand, you can imagine the danger when she drives herself home on her motorcycle. She won't actively take her life, but she wishes it was over. Which is why she does this reckless activity. I was just asking Junior if he would simply not serve her when she comes in. Maybe even call Cinder or I to come get her. She's such a good person, it'd be such a loss to all of Remnant if she were to go so soon."
"So that girl you told us to keep in check and collect money for her drinks from that one time. That was that Dr. Rose chick?" Melanie turned to Junior.
"I mean, I guess. I should have seen it, given her flat and money and all. Just didn't take her to be a drinker."
"And why won't you help her and Roman out?" Miltiades crossed her arms and shifted her weight to one leg.
"She's great for business. It doesn't matter to me what happens to her. She pays before she leaves. Sure it would be a loss if she would stop coming, but nothing I'm concerned about."
The Malachite twins scoffed and turned to Roman, "How can we help?"
"Thank you girls. It means a lot to me and everyone else who needs help."
"Don't mention it, you do such a great job with your whole salon thing, it's the least we can do. Besides, she seems like such a nice girl." Melanie smiled.
"Wait, wait, wait. You're seriously going to help him. I should fire you, fire you both!" Junior slammed a hand on the counter top. The glasses clinked together.
"You're so hot-headed." Roman turned back towards the twins. "Don't worry, if you do lose your job you can come work for me. I'd be more than happy to have you. Heck, I'm sure even Ruby would take you in, free of charge. She's weak for cute girls."
"So we've heard."
"Anyways, all you gotta do is call Cinder or I and tell us that she's here. Don't let her drink anything either, no matter how charming she is. We want to keep her alive. I know it's a lot to ask, but it'd be such a relief if you could help us out."
"Doesn't seem like such a big ordeal, right Melanie?" Miltiades looked at her sister.
"Right, we'll help you out. We just call one of you right? Don't let her drink anything."
"Right, Cinder or I will explain what to do if she shows up. You know where she lives, right?"
"Yeah, we've been to her place before. Junior had us go collect money for one of her drinking nights."
"Hopefully you won't have to do that again. Oh, and one more thing. Try not to fall for her. It may sound ridiculous, but I have to admit. She's quite popular with the ladies. Even Cinder and Emerald are infatuated with her, Neo's on a date with her right now. Anyways, I've got to go. Thanks so much for your help. I'll give you your next treatment for free."
"You don't have to. Of course, I'm just being polite." The three laughed. Junior sat in silence, suppressing his anger. "Before you go though, what was she before she became Dr. Rose?"
"She was a huntress. Yeah, she's credited to single handedly saving Beacon from that White Fang and Grimm invasion that happen some time ago. It messed her up and she quit. She's a total pacifist now. It's a shame, she's quite the fighter and weapons expert. In fact, let me see those real quick." He pointed to the claws and kicks. "These are one of hers."
The twins turned towards Junior with an accusatory look, "You said you made them!"
Junior raised his hands in defence, "Hey, you wouldn't have come work for me if I didn't." His anger seeming to be focused on persuading the twins not to attack.
"Hmph." Roman left with a chuckle.
"Thanks again girls."
Third person
"Why do you talk to me through sign even if others are around? Like that time you verbally addressed Cinder, you signed my name." Neo placed her chin in one of her hands propped up on the table.
"I thought you'd like it more. It's like someone is talking to you rather than you just listening to them. I imagine that's what you've done most your life, so I figured, you'd appreciate it more if I talked to you the way you talk. Do you not like it?"
Neo didn't know what to say, it touched her heart. The thought that Ruby put into something so simple such as talking with her. It made her feel so… special. Like they had their own little world, just the two of them. "No, no. That's not it. I just thought it was strange… I like it. It makes me feel, cared for. Loved. Something like that." Neo took her head off her hand and looked to the floor, blood in her cheeks.
"Hey," Neo looked back to her date. "It's hard to tell you something when you're not looking." Ruby smirked. "I don't think I properly thanked you for coming over with the flowers and going out with me." There was a mischievous glint in her silver eyes. Neo shifted in her seat, not sure what to expect.
Their waitress dropped a cherry sundae in front of Ruby. "Anything else I can get ya, hun?"
Ruby looked up to the waitress, "No thanks cutie, but I'll let you know. Alright? She winked, the waitress blushed and scurried off. Neo pouted, puffing out a cheek and folding her arms. "Aw, don't be like that." That evil glint still in her eyes. "I didn't get you one cause I thought we'd share." A smile like the Cheshire Cat.
Neo gulped, she lowered her arms and her expression gave way to apprehension. She didn't know what the Rose was planning, but with that look in her eyes, she could tell it wasn't anything good. Well, good's a relative term, right?
Ruby sensually put one of the cherries in her mouth, never breaking eye contact as she placed the red fruit in her mouth. Neo didn't know why, but it made her squirm. Her date smirked at her uneasiness. A few seconds later, the renowned doctor showed another one of her secret skills. The cherry stem had three knots in it. While Neo thought one knot was impressive, three was just… wow. Then it clicked. The message was clear. Neo's face gradually turned a comical shade of scarlet and she hid it in her hands, letting out a silent scream. She could here the girl giggling at her.
When Neo finally cooled off, she turned back to Ruby. It was hard to meet her silver gaze without a rising blush. "Pervert!"
Ruby laughed, "But you still love me, right?"
"Whether it's for the best or not, I do." They exchanged innocent, cherishing smiles. But then another, familiar glint dimly shone behind those light grey eyes. Neo gulped, "What are you thinking."
Ruby shrugged and ate a spoonful of the pink ice cream. Neo looked at the oblong bowl with the cold treat inside. She was back to square one. The ice cream wasn't just any ice-cream. It was one-third chocolate, one-third vanilla, and one-third strawberry. In other words, it was neapolitan. Mixed eyes dared to meet silver ones. A teasing glimmer in those hypnotic, grey eyes.
It seemed everything about this sundae ordeal was an elaborate, sexual pun with Neo being the victim of it all. "I said I'd share, would you like some? Ruby offered a spoonful to Neo, mutely encouraging the mute to open her mouth by mimicking the expression herself. The flustered ice-cream girl nodded. She closed her eyes and leaned in. She waited for the cold treat to touch her tongue… and waited… and waited. Neo opened her eyes just in time to see Ruby put a big spoonful in her mouth. Before the mute girl could protest, Ruby leaned forward and pulled Neo towards her. She locked their lips. Neo could feel the cold and sweet taste of the ice cream on her tongue while she experience what that cherry stem did. Her mind was blank at the pleasant sensation. All she could think about was getting more from the Rose. More of this. More of that. She wanted all of it. All the Rose had to offer.
It was a good thing Ruby was sensible. They were still in public after all, and she wasn't sure how long Neo's lungs could hold out, so she broke the kiss. Neo slightly leaned forward as Ruby pulled away, as if trying to follow for more.
Neo opened her hazy eyes. It took a moment for her to come down from that sensual high, but when she did, she pulled her hands to her mouth with a mute, shocked gasp. It doesn't matter how many times they kiss, each will feel like the first, and the first was the best.
Ruby on the other hand seemed to be enjoying herself quite a bit. It's fun to tease a mute because they can't accidentally drawn attention to them. The doctor idly ate another bit of ice cream while she planned her next move. Yes, while Neo was preoccupied with calming her racing heart, Ruby was preoccupied with thinking of how to make it race again.
A spoon topped with brown, pink, and white caught her eye. She raised her tinted face to see what it was. It was an offered treat. Seemingly like a peace offering. Gazing beyond the silver platter, she eyed the giver of the cold delicacy suspiciously. Ruby raised her other hand in a sign of honest intention. With reluctant satisfaction, she accepted the treat. She didn't close her eyes this time, just in case.
If Neo was being completely honest with herself, she'd say that the… warmed ice cream was better than the cold. But that's not really a fair competition since with the melted treat, there was something intensely pleasurable to help "deliver" the goods. Seriously, it's impossible to compare a dull, cold spoon, to those talented, kissable, tempting… wait. Neo squinted her eyes at Ruby, who seemed to be smiling to herself. What was her game? To force her to compare the two experiences? It worked, but it seemed rather… disappointing compared to all the previous shenanigans she was victim of. She almost felt cheated.
"Indirect kiss." Ruby explained.
Neo crossed her arms and tilted her head slightly to one side. "Seriously? After everything else you've done, this is your next big tease?"
Ruby shrugged, something seemed off. Neo kept her guard up. Ruby had a spoonful, then she gave one to Neo. Ruby ate some, then she fed Neo.
Maybe that's it? She's done? Neo shrugged and dropped her guard. The sound of a camera, shutter clicks. Neo's eyes widened as she looked for the source. Looking across the table, she saw Ruby had her scroll pointed at her. Another camera shutter. Neo blinked and then launched abruptly stood from her seat. Reaching over trying to grab the scroll out of Ruby's hands. Closer, closer, she leaned over the table. It was just out of reach. Just a bit more. Her resolve was dwindling. With each failed attempt at the scroll, Ruby gave her a peck on the lips.
Neo slumped back in her seat. She sharply turned her head away from Ruby with a silent "hmph."
It didn't last long. Refraining from looking at her doctor of a date, that is. Ruby wasn't making any noise. The only sound was that of the ambient chatter expected in a restaurant. Curiosity won. Neo turned and faced her date once more. She was met with a genuine, innocent, beaming smile. It totally took her off guard.
"Thank you. Thank you so much. You… you have helped me more than you'll ever know. And even though I'm a pain to deal with, you stick around. It means a lot to me." Ruby lowered her head with her humble statement. "I can't thank you enough. I just… I'm so grateful to have met you. Please stay with me."
Blink. Blink. How do you even begin to formulate a response to that! You can't just say, "Yeah no problem dude." There's no combination of words that could possibly phrase an appropriate response! There was only one thing to do, then. Actions are more meaningful than words. Steeling herself, Neo reached over and grabbed Ruby's cheeks with her hands and pulled her into a kiss. It was a bit awkward being the one to initiate the kiss, and a bit more since she was squishing the other's cheeks. But her point got across if Ruby smiling into her lips was anything to go by. They broke apart from the less sensual kiss. It wasn't meant to bring heat, but to demonstrate love and acceptance or something like that. At least, that's what Neo wanted it to be.
"You better take full responsibility for your actions." Ruby looked at the neapolitan girl with a confused expression. "I mean, after all you put me through with your teasing, you better make it up to me." Neo blushed at what she was insinuating.
A slow grin spread across her features. "Of course, I am a good and honest citizen and will happily accept the consequences of my actions." She waved over the waitress. "I'll pick up the tab now."
"Of course, right away."
While they waited, in the uneventful atmosphere. The two finished the sundae. Sharing it equally between the two with one spoon. There was no more teasing, just the romantic enjoyment of each other's company.
After Ruby paid for their meal, she stood up. "Shall we?"
Neo rolled her eyes, but smiled and stood up as well.
Ruby offered her arm, forming an open triangle. Neo scoffed in her mute manner, but locked her arm in hers anyway. Inevitably drawing them close.
The waitress stood at the table the two were just at. She was a bit envious of the tri-colored girl. That red one was charming and cute. Personally, she would totally go lesbian just for her. With a sigh, she began cleaning up. Most of the dishes had already been stacked, so all she really had to do was organize the sundae bowl into the mess. Her eyes fell upon the cherry stem. They widened. She looked at the leaving Rose, then the triple knotted stem, back to the Rose. Ruby must have felt the waitress's eyes because she looked over her shoulder and winked. The waitress blushed and looked at the teasing girl's date. "Lucky girl." She mumbled to herself.
Third person
"Why do you think Weiss is still so fixated on hating Ruby?" Yang stirred her straw around in her lemonade.
"I'm not sure, it doesn't make any sense. They were closest after all." Blake delicately cut a strip of her steak out.
"You're right…." Yang's eyes took on a wistful look. "Did you see the way she reacted when Ruby told us her preference?" Her lilac eyes looked up as she took a sip from her drink.
"Yeah," Blake placed the strip in her mouth. "She was totally outraged."
"Yeah… not necessarily disgusted."
"I don't know, she seems pretty perturbed by it. I would say she is totally disturbed by it." Amber eyes looked across the table at the lilac partner's.
"I think there's something more to it…" Yang threw a fry in her mouth.
"Enough about that delicate subject. Why did you invite me out? I mean, I'm enjoying myself, but it's sudden." Blake looked back to her steak.
"Oh! Uhh… n-no reason. Just thought we'd go out you know. As partners. Get away from all the drama, y'know?" Yang rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. Avoiding eye contact.
Something was definitely up. This wasn't just a dinner. Before Blake could grill her partner more on the subject, her scroll vibrated.
Yang breathed a sigh of relief. Blake narrowed her eyes at the blonde before checking her scroll. "Kiss her." From an unknown number. Her eyes widened.
"Who are you?"
"I'll explain later. Just kiss her, trust me."
"Like I'm going to trust a stranger."
"Just. Do. It. Make the first move and all will follow through. Like in your "novels." Look, if you look three seats behind you, you'll see a girl with long black hair." Blake turned around, sure enough, what the anonymous matchmaker said was true.
"That doesn't prove anything."
"Hey, Blake. Who's that?" Yang leaned across the table to see who was messaging her partner.
The scroll vibrated once more. Blake had just glanced down at the message. There was a push on her head. Her eyes widened as she suddenly felt her lips on her equally shocked partner's. The force didn't let go, it held her there, she didn't have the strength to break away. Her resolve was rapidly being eaten away at this foreign, but pleasurable sensation. Yes, despite reading many… questionable novels. Blake hadn't so much as kissed before.
Yang. Was. Shocked. That was such a weak word for what she felt. It was a concoction of pure surprise, lust, love, gratefulness, and so many more emotions thrown in haphazardly. There was less pressure in the kiss, now.
Whatever or whoever had forced the kiss upon her, had left. She could pull away at any time… but she wrapped her arms around the back of her partner's head and pulled her into the kiss. The table jostled as Yang leaned forward, luckily nothing fell.
Their intimate moment last for too short of a time. As was the case for these sorts of things. There was just never enough time to fully revel in your special someone. Time could freeze over, the universe could cease to move aside from just you two, but there still wouldn't be enough time.
Both pairs of eyes blinked as they broke apart. Yang was the first to recover, "Well… that was a thing."
"Yes." Blake smiled. "Yes it was."
"So… does this mean," Yang put up her fingers to mimic quotation marks, "We're 'together, together. As Nora would say."
"I… I think so. I mean, I want to be… do you?" Suddenly feeling shy, Blake felt vulnerable.
"What! Are you kidding! Heck yes! It's been my dream since we met."
Blake smiled, her falling attitude perking back up. Her scroll buzzed.
It was an image. It was Ruby with her arm wrapped around a tri-colored girl. Posing with her fingers in a peace sign and a large grin on both their faces. In the background was a blonde and a car faunus, kissing.
"Who's that?" Yang walked around the table and peered at the scroll from over Blake's shoulder.
"That would be your sister setting us up." Blake looked over to the angle at which the photo was taken. A few falling rose petals.
"Remind me to thank her the next time we see her."
Third person
The booming music was something they had forcibly gotten used to over the years. It was a wonder they were deaf with how loud it was and how long they were exposed to it.
Being a secret bodyguard pair was rather uneventful. Very rarely did they actually get involved in anything. Perhaps this new, kinda side job would give them a bit more excitement in the mundane actions of their job.
It was already playing off. Melanie nudged her sister and jerked her head at the wandering girl. They stood up and made their way towards her. Miltiades grabbed one of her arms and Melanie grabbed the other. "I see Roman has been here." The twins exchanged a glance over the smaller girl's head. "What's your next move, call him and restrain me until he gets here? Maybe take me back to my place and wait there?"
They tightened their grips. "I'm not going to try anything… can we go somewhere quieter, I need to talk to you two."
A conversation between eyes played over Ruby's head. The twins were silently conversing on the matter. Ruby waited patiently. Finally, they nodded their heads and pulled her outside.
The booming music was heavily muffled behind the doors. Melanie crossed her arms and shifted her weight to one side, Miltiades to the other. They were met with a grin.
"Thank you." Suddenly, Ruby bowed before them. "I'm deeply sorry for the way I treated you. My actions were unruly and uncalled for. Please forgive me."
The twins exchanged shocked looks between each other and the bowed girl in front of them. "I-its no problem." Miltiades looked to her sister for support.
"Y-yeah. We forgave you the first time you said you were sorry. We didn't hold it against you, besides, you were drunk."
Ruby stood back up. "Thank you…" She threw herself at the two and pulled them into a hug. It was brief. "Uh… sorry. I just wanted to fully show you how much I appreciate your forgiveness. I hope we can be friends." Ruby titled her head to one side and beamed at the two.
A blush rose on their cheeks. "Yeah, no problem." Melanie coughed. "It'd be uh…"
"It'd be nice to have you as a friend." Miltiades added.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you! Uh. I wish I could stay longer, but I've gotta go meet up with someone else now. But don't be strangers, stop by anytime. I'd be more than happy to have you over. I gotta go now, thanks again." Ruby hesitated a moment before hugging them again. "Bye!" She zoomed off, red petals behind her.
Melanie's scroll rang. In a dazed state she pulled it out of her pocket and answered the call. "Hello?"
"Has Ruby been in?" It was Roman.
"Uh. Yeah, she just left actually."
"Wait… what's wrong?"
"N-nothing, just a bit surprised is all." She could practically see the smirk on Roman's face.
"She called you out didn't she." It wasn't a question.
"... yeah."
"And apologized?"
"Yeah."
"And now you're standing their with red in your cheeks?"
"What the heck! No! I am not! We are not!" She finally came out of her haze.
Roman was laughing on the other end. "Oh man, I never thought I'd see the day when the Malachite twins had let someone into their lives! And by the same person, too!" His laughing continued.
"Rrrr!" Melanie growled and angrily pressed the "end call." "Stupid Roman." And yet, he was right.
Weiss's PoV
I took a deep breath, and not a moment too soon. A familiar girl with silver eyes had come to stand before her.
"Weiss." Her expression matched her tone, neutral.
"Ruby." They had a stare down. "I've come to make amends."
"Done. Good bye." Ruby turned to leave, but Weiss grabbed her hand and spun her back around.
"That's it! No argument! No, no protest! Just, 'Good bye.' Do you know how hard it was for me to convince myself to do this! I still have a hard time looking at you without fear in me. I treated you like a monster. I threw insults at you so disdainfully and you not once retaliated. You just took it, and yet when I come here to apologize. You don't so much as ask why, or-or anything! How can you be so… apathetic!" Weiss was shouting, her body movements matching the energy of her tone.
"Because you're my partner. You did what you believed was the right thing, no one can hold you against that." Ruby replied with such an even tone, Weiss dropped into an almost saddened expression.
"But I wronged you. Again, and again." Weiss felt a tightening thread around her heart.
"People say and do things. Whether they are deemed good or bad, it is up to them. We are prone to error, it is part of living. It's foolish to pretend that you're above others because you witnessed something they did 'wrong.'"
The cutting string tightened. "Wh-what do you mean? Why are you so stoic? You should be angry! Sad! Relieved! Anything! But you're-you're just standing there like A-like a rock! I don't get it!"
"There's nothing to get. Excuse me." Ruby turned away from the heiress and walked away. Weiss stood with her mouth agape and tears running down her face. A hand frozen, reaching out to her partner. She had lost her, perhaps forever. What they once had, that special bond, it was gone. She cut it with her own sharp words the day Ruby had come back. Weiss's hand fell to her side and she boarded the ship heading back to Beacon. A painful twist in her heart. It was stronger than the loss of a close friend. It was something more, something she had never felt before.
Neo's PoV
Pancakes, eggs, sausage, and toast. Spread masterfully across a plate atop a tray that lay on a table across her lap. This was a first. Brown and pink eyes looked up questioningly at her servicer.
"Figures you might be hungry. I uh… I just wanted to make sure you're comfortable… since I hope you stay over more often and all…" Ruby blushed and looked away.
So that's what this is about. She wants me to come back and have us do this again. I have no complaints, last night was so relieving, so heavenly. I've never felt better, never felt so goooood. And then waking up to this! I took a bite of the pancakes. The syrup melted in my mouth and the butter blended so perfectly with the warm, cooked mix. There was a faint trace of vanilla in the pancake. Just a bit of extra flair. To put it simply, it was really tasty.
Everything was delicious. Everything. I was full about halfway through but it was so good I couldn't stop. So now I lay here, on this feather-soft bed, which has the faint smell of cherry, her scent. Over the time I've grown close to her, I've also grown to like the scent of cherry, strawberry, and cinnamon.
I inhaled deeply with my nose in the pillow. A smile grew on my lips. I felt so at ease, so happy. Everything just felt perfect. Even more so now.
Ruby had crawled into bed next to me. Her hand hesitantly touching my arm. There was a moment of hesitation, but she snaked her arm around me and pulled us together. I smiled at her actions. The testing contact, the resolved hugging, and the possessive, protecting cuddle. I loved this feeling. While those… other sensations last night were rather pleasant. I much enjoy these more… intimate ones. The want hugs, the tender kisses, the needy cuddles. All of it. It felt so right. I loved her warmth. Her smile. Her laugh and honesty. Everything about her, I love unconditionally.
I twisted around to face her. My arms tucked up to my chest, her around me. We looked into each other's hearts. Our breath mingled in the air. I can feel her heat radiating, it was soothing. It was that ideal temperature where a nap would be the most perfect thing.
Her eyes said, "I love you." Her snuggling said, "I hope you do too." The breakfast she made, "Please don't leave me." Her kisses yet to come, "I really do love you."
I let out a muted sigh of contentment. I felt her stiffen. Burying my head into her, I reassured her that it was a happy sigh. A good sigh.
Her chest started quaking abnormally. My head shot up to look at her. Tears were streaming down her face.
"Sorry, just… I'm so happy. You're so beautiful and caring. Whenever you're with me I feel so bright. I just… I feel so warm inside. I would tell you this through our language, but I don't want to let go."
I couldn't help myself, she was too cute! Too pure! I rolled her onto her back and straddled her. "I feel the same way. You… you're my hero and my girlfriend. I never thought it possible. I just want to love you." I leaned down and kissed her. It wasn't a sensual kiss, it was one filled with all of my hopes for a continued love; my desires to be with her forever, I love her hopelessly and she, I. What more could anyone want?
Third person
"No luck then?" Yang sat up from her bed to question the heiress.
"None, when I told her that I wanted to apologize, she just said 'done, good bye.' That was it. She didn't question me, she didn't sound relieved or anything. I tried to talk to her some more, but she excused herself." Weiss sighed.
"Well, she only tells the truth, so…" Yang went back to lying supine.
"I know, I know, but it just… I want what we once had. She's so distant."
"Understandably so, she's not the same with us either. It seems a part of her still believes that we are scared of her. She doesn't approach us." Blake paused in her reading.
"We've got our foot in the door, now we just need to get inside."
Third person
"Tell me, what's wrong?" Ruby sat in a chair close to the girl lying down on the couch. It was a therapy session, and this patient was new.
"Well, you see. I'm just the decoy. To distract you." She hadn't so much as blinked.
A burly man threw his hands down, a burlap sack aimed to cover the doctor's head. It grabbed nothing but air.
"Yes, police. An unknown amount of villains are trying to kidnap me. Yes. Yes. Alright. Thank you." The two invaders turned towards the girl just hanging up her phone. "We can talk about this. I'm willing to help. Just tell me what you want or what you need." Her tone was soothing.
"We want your money! 1,000,000 lien." The man slowly approached the girl. Moving in front of the door, the woman blocked Ruby's escape.
"No, it's not money you want. It's something else. You're not acting alone either. Someone sent you." Lunging with the bag poised to mask the passive Rose's head, he once again, bagged only air.
"So it's someone powerful. Is it Ironwood?" No expression, "Not Ironwood. Then Ozpin?" Still nothing. "Mr. Schnee?" The slightest twitch in the brows. "Mr. Schnee then. He could have just asked. One moment please." She pulled out her scroll and began dialing the Schnee Corps. Number.
"Hey! We're not playing around!" Another swoop of the sac. Even distracted, she evaded. He followed with a flurry of swipes and scoops, trying desperately to throw the sac over her head.
"Hello, this is Ruby Rose. I need to talk to Mr. Schnee immediately." She rolled to the side. "You say he's in a meeting, but your tone says he's in his office. Put me through please."
He was getting frustrated. He was completely ignored! Tossing to bag to the ground he stomped over to the girl, lounging on the couch.
"Mr. Schnee! I would much appreciate it if you didn't send thugs to abduct me. Surely whatever it is you wish to discuss, we can do so in a civil manner." She rolled off the couch as a conjoined hammer fist crashed down where she was. Ruby rolled forward to avoid a stomp. "I know you sent these guys, just tell me what you want… so you're the puppet. Tell Ironwood I don't like his choice of actions and that I will be having a word with him shortly." She hung up and sidestepped the overhead hammer fist. "You can leave now." Walking over to the woman blocking the door, "Really, your job is done. Go home." She ducked beneath the grab of the burly man. "I'm not going to fight you. I don't do that anymore. I took an oath to do no harm, and I intend to keep it." She rolled to the side. "So please leave. If you go now, the cops won't catch you." The attackers hesitated.
With a raging shout, the man charged again at the doctor. Ruby sighed and prepared herself to evade. "Look," She danced around the brute. "You got 4 minutes before they cuff you. That's 3 minutes to get out of here. Plenty of time to drive off." She hopped over the sweeping kick and limbo'd under the shadowing arm. "Surely, you're more reasonable." Ruby looked to the woman barring the door.
The woman scoffed, "You're bluffing. We're getting paid a lot of dough for this job, and we intend to get paid." Ruby back handspring away from the large man.
"I never lie." Dodging to the left, she turned her momentum into a series of steps and stood in front of the woman again. "You've got 2 minutes." The woman hesitated. She made a grab for Ruby.
Ruby sighed and spent the 120 seconds evading the pair of attackers. Sirens' screams drew near. She sat down at her desk as the invaders froze. "Told you so." Signing off on a sheet of paper as though nothing had happened. It wasn't long after that the two were handcuffed and taken outside.
Third person
"James!" An angry Ruby stomped through the halls towards the man's office. A worrying secretary running after her.
"Miss please, you can't just barge in there. He's very busy." Her pleas fell on deaf ears as the vehement doctor continued on.
"So was I when he had Mr. Schnee send two lackies to abduct me." She stood before the door. With a snarl she threw open the door.
Ironwood jumped back in shock from his chair. "Dr. Rose, please. You can't just-"
"Can it James. What's the big idea, trying to make me break my oath. You think this is a game! I can't fight ever again! You saw what I did there that day! Yet you insist on 'recruiting' me. I'm technically a huntress at Beacon. So shove off." Ironwood gulped as the girl drew near. "If you ever try anything like that again, I'll never do anything for you again. I'll have the banks shoved so far up your rectum, your debt will be seen through your eyes. I'm not a naive huntress girl anymore. I'm a renowned doctor in many fields. Many powerful people owe me a great deal of favors." Her scowl grew as she leaned over the desk. "You don't want to fight me, James. This may not be Vale, but I am more than capable of bringing your little military program down. Without raising my fists." She erected herself back into a normal standing position. "Tell Winter I said hi and that she's welcome at my place anytime. Good bye." She turned on her heel and marched out the door. Her nose in the air.
Ironwood slumped in his chair. "Bring me a drink, will ya." The receptionist nodded and left the room. He massaged his eyes and looked at the papers on his desk, crossing out one of the items on the list before him.
Third person
"Dr. Rose, there's someone who wishes to see you. Should I have them make an appointment?"
"Boy or girl?" The nurse smiled a bit.
"Girl, and yes, she's pretty."
Ruby grinned, "You know me so well, I'll see her." She rocked forward and stood up.
"You know, some people make think you sexist." The nurse tailed the girl.
"Mmm, yeah. But you know, I'm just so weak for pretty woman." Ruby suddenly stopped and spun around to face the nurse. Her voice lowered to a hot whisper, "Like you."
The poor nurse's face burned bright. Ruby giggled and continued on her way.
/ Mild Break /
"I was told that a pretty girl wanted to see me!" Ruby stepped into the lobby. For a moment, all activity froze. All eyes on her.
"Ruby!" A rabbit faunus bounded up to her. "Sorry for intruding, but I couldn't get a hold of you and I really wanted to talk to you." Suddenly aware of all the attention, Velvet squeaked and try to retreat inside herself.
Ruby smirked, after a moment, everyone went about their business. "Want to go out to lunch then?"
Velvet nodded shyly, "and there's some people I want you to meet. They're waiting outside, actually."
"Lead the way." Ruby fell in step behind the excited rabbit faunus.
Velvet was the first to step out of the marble hospital.
"How'd it go? She too busy for us?" It was a tone that said that the owner had a problem with rich and famous people.
"Nope!" Ruby smiled as she stepped beside Velvet. "I'm Ruby Rose, nice to meet you." She smiled brightly and extended her hand.
Coco stood dumbfounded for a moment. Velvet cleared her throat, shifting uncomfortably at her leader's reluctance. "I'm Coco Adel. Leader of team CFVY. I uhh… I wasn't expecting you to actually come without an appointment or large amount of lien, anyways." She took the offered hand.
"Well, usually yes, but if there's a cute girl involved, well… I just can't say no, y'know. It's a good thing too because now I'm going out to lunch with two very beautiful ladies." Coco blinked several times behind her designer glasses. Her hand fell to her side. "How rude of me, sorry. Just pretty woman make me forget my manners sometimes. I'm sure you two understand." She turned towards the giant and the blind.
Yatsuhashi grinned and Fox smirked. "This is Fox, he's blind. That's Yatsuhashi, he's…. Big. They don't talk much." Velvet gestured to the two other members of CFVY.
"Nice to meet ya!" Ruby shook hands with both of them. "Now, where are we going for lunch?" They all grinned, it seemed like today was going to be a good day.
/ Mild Break /
The seating order had Yatsuhashi at one end of the table, Fox at the other. An empty seat on either side of Ruby, and Velvet and Coco sitting across from her. Yatsuhashi chuckled to himself at the arrangement. Ruby was the first to sit down, then Velvet, the rest just filled in.
Fox "looked" at Coco, he smirked at the the fashionista's choice of seating. It seemed like she subconsciously wanted to sit close to the doctor.
"Hello, my name's Emerald and I'll be you- Ruby?" the girl in question turned around.
"Emerald!" She stood up. "It's so good to see you. I had no idea you worked as a waitress. You should come over some time. It was nice having you." Ruby hugged the flushed waitress tightly before returning to her seat. The table looked on in silence.
"R-right. Ummm… can I- can I start you off with something to drink?" Her typical waitress demeanor was having trouble keeping itself in place as she kept stealing glances at the seated Rose.
"Cherry limeade, please!" Ruby folded the drink menu and grinned at the blushing girl.
"R-right. And for you sir?" She turned towards Fox.
"The red bean special." Emerald nodded and wrote down the orders. Her eyes turned towards Velvet in silent questioning.
"Strawberry Banana shake, p-please."
"I'll take a lime martini." Coco added.
"Water."
Emerald flipped the book shut, "I'll have those out to you in just a moment." She took a long glance at Ruby before she scurried off.
"Who's that?" Coco asked as she opened the menu.
"That's Emerald, she's a friend. Her and some other friends came over to my place one night and had some drinks. You guys should come over some time too. I love having company." Ruby flipped through the pages. Coco and Velvet froze in their browsing.
"Ruby, my cute little doctor." Ruby turned to see Cinder approaching.
"Cinder! These are some of my newer friends." She gestured to the table. "Are you the owner here?"
"Yes, I am. It's a pleasure to meet you all. I wish I could stay and chat a bit more, but I gotta take care of manager stuff. I'll see ya around."
Feeling the question in the air, Ruby turned back to team CFVY. "She's one of those people that came over. Mercury was there too, I bet he's in the back."
Velvet had the inkling of jealousy. Her "date" wasn't going as planned.
"You were a huntress, right?" Coco closed her menu, having decided.
"Yup. I was the leader of team RWBY. I still am, but I'm more of an 'on call' huntress. I kinda gave up on it."
This grabbed their attention. "What happened?" Velvet leaned forward slightly. This is good gossip.
"When the Grimm and White Fang invaded, and the rest of the people were evacuating. I stayed to give my team and the stragglers time to get to the ships." She flipped the page. "I thought I was going to die; I was fully prepared to die. Instead, I went on a rampage and killed everything. When it dawned on me that I killed all those White Fang, and saw the look of horror on everyone's faces; I quit… how's that for creating an awkward gloomy atmosphere." She chuckled.
It was silent until their drinks came. "Here you all go, are you ready to order?" Emerald opened up her pad.
"I'll have the 12oz. Salmon please, with mash potatoes and toast on the side." Ruby was first.
Following the routine for drinks, Fox was next. "BLT and steak fries, please." Emerald nodded and jotted down the orders.
"Caesar salad, please." Velvet meekly said.
"What do you want for your sides?"
"Uuhm, breadsticks!" She panicked.
"Double breadsticks. And you?"
"The fiery chicken sandwich. With coleslaw and rice on the side."
Strange, but whatever. Emerald wrote down her order.
"Double cheese burger with chilli cheese fries, please." Yatsuhashi folded his menu and placed it in the pile of others.
"Alright, I'll have those right out to you."
"So… you're Beacon's hero?" Velvet tentatively asked.
"Yup, I guess that's what they're calling it… anyways let's talk about something less dreary. Like you guys! Let's get to know each other better. Hmmmm… Coco! Are you a model?"
Taken aback by the sudden shifted Coco took a moment to respond. "A little bit. I do some shoots every now and then, how'd you know?"
"Well, your clothes are the latest style and your physique is perfect. You're just so pretty, I thought you had to be, ya know?" Coco fought a blush. She was used to being called such, but Ruby seemed to have a different effect on her. "Yatsuhashi!... I don't know. I guess, what's your favorite movie?"
Fox snorted from across the table. "The Notebook." came the giant's reply.
"Really! I love that movie! I cry every time I watch it!" Yatsuhashi grinned, he expected to be criticized, but this was a pleasant surprise. "Now it's your turn. Ask me anything!"
He sat in thought for a moment… "What's your most liked type of surgery?"
"I really like neurosurgery. Brains are cool, and fixing one is even cooler." Ruby grinned like a child. She turned towards Fox, "Hmm…" she snapped her fingers, "Ah-ha! What's your favorite anime?"
An evil smirk appeared on his teammates' faces. "Yes, Fox, what is your favorite anime?" Coco's tone dripping with teasing intent.
He breathed deeply, "Love Live." The table erupted into laughter. Even Ruby was snickering. "How'd you know I watched anime?" He narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
"I saw you with your blades once, they reminded me of a Pokemon. It was just a hunch. I like Ga Rei Zero. That leaves Velvet." The rabbit faunus's mirth dropped. She gulped. "What's your deepest, darkest fantasy?"
All eyes went wide as they waited apprehensively for the confession. "Th-that's not fair! They got easy questions! Why do I get such a hard one!" Her face gradually turned pink as the depths of her mind dragged out the answer.
Ruby shrugged. "Because I like you the most, and because maybe, if I knew. You'd get a surprise." She winked. The other team members snickered.
Velvet was now a tomato. "To do it with you in a carrot suit." She hid her face in her hands.
"Me or you in the carrot suit?" A grumble that vaguely sounded like "you" came from the hiding faunus.
Velvet suddenly shot her head up, determination in her eyes. "My turn." Her mind turned over and over, trying to think of something that would cause the other girl to feel the same embarrassment she is. Nothing came to mind, Ruby was open about everything. She sighed, "Why do you like girls?"
"Have you seen them! Cute girls, pretty girls. Beautiful and sexy girls. Flirty and reserved, shy and loving. Tall girls, short girls. Girls wit-"
"Here you are." Emerald placed the salmon and sides in front of Ruby. She quickly placed the other plates in front of the respective patrons, then she quickly scurried off. Trying to hide the blush on her face.
Ruby grinned down at her plate. Around the rim, in the shape of a heart, cilantro lay. "Oh yeah, want me to continue or-"
"No, no, you're good." Velvet blushed.
/ Mild Break /
Coco stood up and began walking to the payment booth. A gust of wind blew past her, rose petals trailing behind. A moment later, another brush of wind going the other way. She stood for a moment. With a shrug, she continued to the desk. "Paying for table 4." She pulled a card out of her leather wallet.
"Oh, that's already been payed for." Coco pursed her lips. She walked back to the table.
"Did one of you pay in advance? The lady said that we were already paid for." She looked at her teammates. Ruby sipped from her drink. It dawned on her, "Ruby."
Ruby choked on her drink. "Yes?"
"Was that you who ran past me?"
"... yes."
"That's not how this is supposed to work. We invited you out to lunch, so we pay."
"You already paid. You paid with your friendship." Ruby waved her hands magically. Velvet giggled.
"That's not- that isn't- not what I meant." Coco scrunched her nose. "You better let us pay next time."
Ruby perked up. "So there will be a next time!?" She abruptly stood from her seat. "Thank you, thank you, thank you thank you." She hugged the fashionista tightly.
"Y-yeah, no problem." Her team members chuckled at her. She shot them a glare. Ruby was still hugging her. Smiling down at the girl, she patted her head. There will definitely be a next time.
Third person
Ozpin sighed, "What did I tell you would happen?" it was rhetorical.
"I know, but-"
"James, she's done more than enough for us. We should respect her wishes."
"I know, it's just such a waste. She can be of such good use. Strengthen our efforts against the Grimm and terrorists."
"I understand how you feel, but trying to force her to act is not the way to do it. If she decides she's ready to take up arms again, she will. Until then, all we can do is wait."
Third person
"Come and snuggle me until I feel better please." Ruby had her body slumped against the couch, a blanket loosely draped around her. She held her arms out, inviting Neo into them.
She didn't have to tell her twice. Neo practically skipped over to the couch and settled into her lover's embrace. The fireplace flickered silently as they tried to mesh together into one. Neo's head lay on Ruby's chest, a strong beat followed by a weaker one. Having a speed semblance, Ruby's heart was far stronger than average in order to cope with the intense work her muscles experienced. As such, her resting heart rate was very gentle. It was like a smooth song, lulling and soft. It was one of Neo's favorite sounds, metaphorically, she believed that it belonged to her, seeing how they were so close.
Ruby ran her hand along the other girl's arm, drawing sweet nonsense with her palm and fingers as the brush. She didn't say anything and thought nothing of it. It was a rough day, and instead of having a few rounds of strong drink, she cuddled in front of a fireplace, swaddled in a cozy blanket. Ultimately, it accomplished the same goal of making her feel better, minus the numbness and killer hangover.
If Neo were a cat, she decided, she would be purring in contentment.
For a comfortable 20 minutes, they sat together, snuggled up to each other. The only sound was their beating hearts and mingled breathing. Interesting thing about the cardiac muscle, it is made of intercalated discs which allow it to act as a single unit. These discs can sync up with another heart for the two to beat at the same tempo. In ancient times, people believed this was a sign of complete love; even their hearts were together.
While snuggling and cuddling were nice, Neo believed that the last part of SCK, was the most precious; Snuggle, cuddle, kiss; that's what you do to your significant other when they're having a bad day, right? (idk, never been in a relationship) One has to follow their own beliefs, right? Right? Neo thought so. She pulled away from Ruby and stared into those alluring silver eyes for a moment. "I want kisses now."
It seemed Ruby had thought of this, she shuffled around in her seat for a moment before she pulled out a handful of almost-teardrop-shaped candies wrapped in a reflecting foil. A grin plastered to her face.
"Not what I meant! And you know it! I-" Ruby popped one of the chocolate treats in her mouth and kissed the ranting girl. She slowly eased her onto her back, lovingly moving the chocolate into the other's mouth.
"I know, but this way, I have all the bases covered." She smirked, it seemed she lived off of teasing.
Having accepted the gracious treat, Neo had a smirk of her own. "You better take responsibility for your actions." Smiling, Ruby placed a kiss gently on the pinned girl's lips, it started innocent and sweet, but those desires quickly grew heated.
"Of course, I will."
I suck I know
So Whatever
Do what I want
Write trash
Disappoint my parents
Woohoo.