I can't believe my little sister is living with a terrorist. Yang's first thoughts as she pulled herself up out of Ruby's bed. Her sister's room was meticulously clean and had a definite organization with clear paths going from the bedroom to the master bathroom and to the door leading into the rest of the house. It was sparse with decorations though she had some vinyl records and a record player.
Yang sat on the comfy mattress, her legs hanging over the edge while her toes brushed against the cool, hard floor. It's clear Ruby has no idea who she's dealing with… the way I saw them last night, I'm really scared Ruby might be getting attached to this man in all the wrong ways. What's weird is, why hasn't Adam left or kidnapped her? What's his game? What could he have to gain by romancing my little sister? Ruby has never had a romantic relationship before so she's vulnerable, it wouldn't be hard for him to manipulate her, though that still leaves the question of why?
"Alright," Yang drew on a deep breath, steeling her resolve and pushing the unanswered questions to the back of her mind. "It doesn't matter what his angle his, my first priority is finding a moment where they're apart and then I can pull Ruby away and take Adam down. I just need one shot."
Still, even as she forced herself out of bed and crystallized the plan in her head, the image of her little sister's smile when she answered the door played over and over again in her mind. I'll never forgive him for giving her that false happiness. Ruby's been through enough.
Quickly, Yang got herself dressed and was ready for the most important mission of her life. With a fire burning in her chest and her muscles tensed in preparation for action, she took a firm step forward and opened the door.
Something smells good. All Yang's ferocity was pushed back as the delicious scent of warm apples, cream, and pastries filled the air, mingling with the warm scent of bacon and honey.
She proceeded down the hall, the smell getting stronger and stronger with every step until something else took her attention; voices.
"Heh, Adam, that's nutmeg, you really thought I couldn't tell the difference? Come on, at least give me a challenge." Ruby giggled, her laugh like pure morning sunshine.
"Alright then, here's your 'cinnamon'." Adam grinned playfully as he handed her another bottle, carefully placing the nutmeg in the exact spot it belonged in the cabinet.
"Cloves," Ruby said triumphantly as she shook the bottle of spice in front of him with one hand on her hip. "But you know, cloves might not be a bad idea, why don't we put both in."
"You're the boss, I've never made this before." Adam shrugged, content that he lost the little game of guess-the-spice with his blind friend.
"It's just an apple tart, we've got a long day today so I want to make sure we all start our morning off right." As she spoke, Adam could hear her hypersalivating at the delectable smells.
"You just want an excuse to eat dessert for breakfast." Adam smirked, feeling a great satisfaction as Ruby's cheeks burned a deep pink. She's so easily flustered and can't hide her feelings at all, even if she tried. It's nice, knowing what she's thinking and feeling, though I know she can tell by my voice and breathing whenever something is wrong with me. I wonder if she likes that about me too?
"I- I do not!" Ruby protested, lowered her head in embarrassment. "It's just, sugar will give us a lot of energy for the day and the fat and protein will um… help somehow?"
"Very convincing," He snickered. "Just don't go spoiling the rest of your breakfast by only eating sweets."
"Fiiiiine," Ruby huffed in feigned embitterment. "You know me too well."
"Not really, you're just easy to read." Adam once again laughed… but something in his chest cooled the playful happiness that had warmed his heart since he woke up and began cooking with his friend. I think there's a lot more I'd like to know about this girl. I think I have to admit she's grown on me. Something about her tenacity, energy and positivity is just admirable. I never thought I'd feel that way about a human but-
"Do you two always go all out like this or are you doing extra all because little 'ol me is freeloading with you both?" Yang chimed in, stepping into the living room and sitting down at the couch, intentionally making her presence abundantly known
"You're my sister, you could never be a freeloader here. As for breakfast, you came at a good time. We've got a very busy schedule; the festival is the day after tomorrow and I want to have everything ready. So eat up because it's all hands on deck!" With those commanding words, Ruby slid her apple tart into the oven, minding the levels of heat she felt on her skin to safely guide her from burning herself.
"Anything I can help with? You and me could go to the garden to get some herbs, been a while since I got to talk with you one-on-one." Yang leaned against the couch, trying her best to act casual and she resolved to not even glance at the terrorist. I probably could have been more subtle.
"Aaw, I missed you too Sis, but don't worry, Adam already got the herbs and vegetables for us, you won't believe it but he already had them waiting before I even woke up! Isn't he the best?" Ruby beamed happily, her rosy cheeks glowing as she attempted to nudge Adam's side with her elbow but ended up only hitting air.
"You told me last night what you wanted to make, it wasn't a big deal." Adam stepped a little closer to his companion until her side just barely brushed against his and immediately, Ruby gave elbowing him a second try, knowing she couldn't miss. As soon as he felt the impact, they both laughed softly, with Ruby's head tilting so her ear was facing him while he looked down at her amused and contented.
"Uuhg, get a room you two." Yang rolled her eyes, keeping her tone light as she watched their affectionate shenanigans.
"You took my room, remember?" Ruby retorted, trying to hide the fire of embarrassment burning in her chest as she listened intently to Adam's breathing, hearing it ever so slightly pause before packing up again, this time slightly faster.
"Because you forced me. I would have been fine on the couch." The blonde shrugged, her pale purple eyes looking over to Adam despite her intent otherwise. Is he… blushing? Am I losing my mind?
"No way, no sister of mine will be sleeping on the couch as my guest." Ruby stomped her foot lightly for emphasis.
"Fair enough, your bed is really comfy anyway. But I bet you'd know all about that, huh Adam?" Yang grinned playfully, her implication clear in her tone.
"Y- Yang!" Ruby blurted out, her pulse now skyrocketing and her ears and face burning as deeply red as her namesake.
"We don't have that kind of relationship." Even as those words left his mouth, he could feel his cheeks burning and couldn't bring himself to look at either woman and found himself now noticing the very close proximity between himself and his companion, mere millimeters away. He was so close to Ruby that if he closed his eyes and focused, he could feel the warmth of her skin through his clothes and it made him feel so strangely comfortable.
"Really? You two are so close though, if I didn't know any better I'd think you two had been dating a long time. I mean, the way you were just playing and flirting while casually making breakfast, it was honestly kinda sickeningly sweet and cute." Yang grinned, getting a surprising amount of joy from teasing her little sister. If this were any other guy, if this were any other circumstance, I'd be so happy for you Ruby. The more I keep prodding, the less sense Adam makes. What does he want from her?
"Please stop," Ruby winced, hearing Adam's breathing and feeling how close he was to her, his body heat, his scent. She wanted to smile at the same time she wanted to hide under her blankets. "It's- it's not like that. He's my…"
She stopped, muscles relaxing and her expression softened with a wistful look as she listened to the sounds around her. What is Adam to me? I'm happy when he's close to me. I get scared when I think of him leaving. He's healthy again, he could be gone at any moment. When I wake up, the first thing I do is listen for him because I'm afraid of what my life will be like when he leaves. I told myself, I told my family I wanted to be alone, that I wanted to be independent, but with Adam I never feel lonely and I never feel like he pities me. The idea of him leaving, the idea of being without him, it makes my heart feel like it's pumping ice through my chest. I- I don't think he's just a friend to me anymore.
"Ruby?" Yang spoke softly, feeling her tactic of trying to get information out of them backfired and hurt her sister. Reluctantly, she looked to the terrorist and to her surprise, he only looked to Ruby with concern and caring. Is this acting or is he really…
"Let's finish breakfast and get to work. We have a long day ahead." Ruby shook her head and turned back to the stove. She heard Adam move out of her way but his steps sounded heavier, more labored. She knew it wasn't from physical weakness or pain, but rather it was his thoughts that labored his movements. Maybe, deep down, he feels the same way I do.
All Yang and Adam could do was follow her lead in silence. Their day had only just begun but within all three, heavy emotions weighed them down. Even as Ruby got the plates, Adam cut the tart and Yang set the table, none of them said another word.
"Just start bringing those to the truck. Load them carefully okay?" Ruby was quickly going through her order forms on her scroll, the device reading information out loud while she navigated the document completely without sight. Adam watched her work and it never ceased to be impressive.
"You sure Adam can't handle that? I could help you with paperwork and-"
"It's fine," Ruby cut off her sister, her eyes looking at nothing in particular as she continued to type away on her scroll. "I know you feel bad for this morning but it's fine, I promise. Adam's recovering from his injuries and I don't want to push him too hard so I have him bringing the flowers out of the greenhouse. I just need you to the heavy lifting and actually get them in the truck."
"… fine, I'll take care of it, Sis." Yang sighed, her first attempt at getting Ruby away from Adam was shut down. The terrorist was a short distance behind her, having only just received his instructions from Ruby but still, he hadn't gotten to work just yet, instead opting to watch the younger sister with a complex expression.
"Thanks, and don't worry, we'll have all day together. We've got a busy schedule getting ready for the festival. We still have to go into town to pick out outfits, Adam doesn't have anything to wear for the event, I also need to go to the grocery store to pick out ingredients, then I want to stop at the library." She didn't stop working the entire time she spoke.
"I didn't know I needed to dress up." Adam looked sheepishly away.
"That's one reason I'm glad Yang is here. She can help you pick out something that looks good. She helped me with my entire wardrobe and apparently has a good fashion sense. You're in good hands, Adam." Hearing the embarrassment in Adam's voice, she couldn't help but smile. I just hope Yang doesn't mess with him too much… maybe just a little though.
"If it's really necessary. Just… nothing excessive, I don't like to stand out." He gave a resigned huff as he noticed the amused look on his companion's face. He knew she was having fun at his expense but he couldn't help but want to let her continue. That smile really is dangerous.
"I get it, we'll make sure to get you into something that'll suit you." Yang grinned at him, but her chest was tight with tension. Like a prison uniform.
"Alright, get to work everyone. We can play later." Ruby shook her head at her companion and her sister's antics. Still, a pleasant warmth spread from her chest. I like this. With Adam here, Yang doesn't seem so focused on me, it feels nice, it feels normal.
With Ruby's declaration, the trio set to work. Yang effortlessly lifted the vases of arranged flowers into a truck bed while Adam wheeled the next batch out from the nursery's greenhouse. Ruby continued her administrative work, all done digitally.
The day was hot and the sun glared down. Yang didn't have any trouble with the manual labor, though the glass vases were delicate and had to be placed carefully into special crates one by one. Yang couldn't help but admire how beautiful the arrangements were or how fragrant they smelled. She could see the love and care that went into her little sister's work.
She's been doing well. I was really scared when she decided to move out on her own, I wanted her to stay so I could keep her safe. She's got such a strong will and a kind heart but she doesn't think about herself enough. Dad practically begged her not to go, but Ruby said she wanted to try to be independent, to start her own business. She's bad at hiding her real motives and feelings, it wasn't a big secret that she felt like a burden to us. If I had been a better big sister, maybe she never would have felt that way. Now she's developed some kind of attachment to a violent terrorist and it's all my fault.
With a soft sigh Yang turned her attention to the greenhouse. Through the hazy plastic she could see the figure of the White Fang general as he diligently followed Ruby's orders. He carried one vase after another to the entrance where they would be collected at once by Yang. He worked with both speed and care, not spilling a drop of water or roughly handling a single flower.
What's your game, Taurus? What do you have to gain by this? She narrowed her eyes, feeling unease mingle with confusion as she loaded the rest of the flowers into the truck. Just one batch remained and as luck would have it, she made her way back to the greenhouse just as Adam brought out the last of the flowers.
"You work fast, Adam." Yang feigned a smile as she casually strolled up to the wanted fugitive.
"I've been helping Ruby with her work for a while. I'm used to it by now." He spoke coldly and calmly, his gaze not landing on the girl in front of him, but rather to Ruby who sat behind a counter some distance away though he figured she could still hear them talking.
"Right, it's just hard for me to imagine my little sister bossing anyone around. She's so soft spoken and doesn't really stand up for herself." Yang leaned in just a little closer. Come on, take the bait. Show your true colors. Right now I'm standing between you and Ruby. If you make the first move-
"Maybe you've been away too long. You don't seem to really understand Ruby." His eyes held a hard edge as he spoke. He was mad, just as Yang intended.
But he's angry on Ruby's behalf. The huntress took a small step back, restoring his personal space. I didn't expect that. From everything I've heard, he hates humans more than anything, why is he defending Ruby like that? He looks… protective?
"Maybe you're right. My job takes me away a lot," Yang sighed, realizing she had lost this round. "When we lived together, Ruby always tried to do everything herself, she's sweet but we always worried she cared for people a little too much. I worry she'll get herself involved in something she shouldn't and won't realize it until it's too late. I've never really seen her stand up for herself, except against me and our dad when she insisted on moving here alone."
Adam didn't say a word for a long moment. His gaze softened and his expression became complex, a mix of bitterness, caring and frustration roiling just under the surface. He looked over Yang's shoulder, to the young woman still working diligently some distance away. He could tell though, by the way her head was tilted… You're hearing all of this, aren't you Ruby?
"I've seen her stand up for herself. She's more than strong enough to hold her own in this world. Don't make the mistake of underestimating your sister, I did that and now-" His next words died silently on his lips as he continued to stare at the blind girl he had come to know so well. Now, I don't know what I'm doing anymore. I'm here stocking flowers for some festival on some nowhere island with these humans and I don't feel disgusted. Ruby, what have you done to me? It's like my hatred and rage burn less brightly when I'm around you and I feel… contentment.
Without another word, Yang turned around, her long hair swaying in the breeze as she looked over to her little sister. Ruby… what have you done to this guy?
"So I'm thinking cookies! A whole bunch of cookies!" Ruby jubilantly spoke as the sound of the buss' engine growled along as they drove through the countryside from her home.
"Is it normal to bring our own food?" Adam felt himself being not entirely uninterested in the festival, if only because of Ruby's enthusiasm.
"Oh yes, it's a big deal. Pretty much everyone on the island brings something. There's no cost for food at the festival, everyone can eat their fill, from the most wealthy to the poorest, no one is left out. This is everyone's festival. That's one of the things I love about it, I feel like I really belong, a part of something bigger, you know?" Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she spoke, though her gaze was staring somewhere on her companion's chest.
"Actually, I think I know what you mean." He smiled, feeling her contagious energy beginning to take its toll on him once again. Though he knew the sense of belonging she got was different to the sense of belonging the White Fang gave to him. "There's something like this on Menagerie, but I haven't been to it in years. It's the Ocean Lights festival, fish from the deep sea come to the shallow waters around the island at night and the entire sea glows. Everyone on the island gathers on the beaches with food and games and dances and we would watch the sea at night. My mom and I went every year… I haven't seen it in so long."
Suddenly, he felt a tender warmth touch him on his leg, an hand wandered over his body until she found his arm and followed it down to his fingers. Her hand enveloped his and her smile and eyes held a gentle fondness so landen with compassion that he couldn't look away. As her thumb tenderly stroked his hand, a light blush tinted her cheeks.
"I'm sure you will again one day. I can tell from your voice, the way you talk about it, I know how special that time was to you. I hope… when you do go, it'll be everything you remember and more." Ruby's free fist gripped the hem of her dress, the only sign she gave of the turmoil in her heart. I should let him leave. Having him around has been some of the best times of my life, but I shouldn't ask him to stay with me.
Adam, for his part, didn't pull away. Instead he let his eyes fall softly closed as he focused on a sensation so far removed from the things he had felt before in so many years. He could feel her pulse through her fingertips, a quick but steady beating that pushed warm blood just under the surface of her skin that was so incredibly soft. Over the engine of the bus, he couldn't hear her breathing but he could imagine it, that soft, rhythmic in and out of air, the way her breathing gave away her mood so easily. After a moment, he felt a smile pull at his lips and this time, he didn't fight it.
Look at those two. They sure look close. The situation is worse than I thought. Yang sighed, sitting in the seat behind the two 'roommates', as they called themselves. Her arms folded over her chest and a not at all hidden look of annoyance on her face. What can I do about this if the worst case scenario is true?
"O-our stop is coming up." Ruby's smile became bashful as she pulled her hand from Adam's.
"Oh? How do you know?" He grinned, looking out the window and sure enough, they were in the shopping district of town.
"Well, I take this route every week for shopping. I memorized the number and direction of turns to tell me when we're there. They call out the stop but I think it's cool I know beforehand." She spoke sheepishly but looked so proud of herself at the same time.
"Your list of skills at this point, if you told me you could fly I might just believe it." He smirked, one that only grew into a full smile as he watched Ruby's face shine with delight and her cheeks burn a rosy pink.
Uhg, they're so sweet it's nauseating. I'd be so happy for you little Sis, if it were any other guy. Yang shook her head, her vision stuck on the face that Ruby made, how happy she looked in that moment. I don't think I've seen her look like that before… ever.
Just as Ruby had said, the bus came to a stop and the trio made their way out. Unsurprisingly to Yang, the driver and some of the passengers said friendly goodbyes to Ruby as she departed, but much more surprising to her was that some even said the same to Adam, one even joking about them going on a date. It wasn't hard to see why, they walked so close to each other and they spent the entire ride together talking and saying frustratingly sweet things to each other.
As they walked down the sidewalks their formation didn't change much. Ruby and Adam took the lead while Yang walked a bit further behind. Somehow, the not-a-couple couple walked with strides in sync and it wasn't just Adam modifying his gait to match pace with Ruby but when he began to walk a little bit ahead, Ruby's pace increased to catch up. Yang could tell she was listening closely to the sound of his footsteps and he was watching her to make sure he didn't pull ahead too much.
All the while, Ruby and Adam talked, about anything, about everything. Sometimes they would fall into a comfortable silence but the whole time, Yang couldn't help but think; 'It feels like I'm not even here. These two are in their own little world. This is going to be harder than I thought.'
Eventually, they reached their first destination; a modest boutique nestled amongst a myriad of other stores.
A bell chimed as the three entered the building. Compared to the hot and sunny outside, the interior of the store was refreshingly cool and smelled like herbal tea. It was a lovely place with hard, smooth floors and the sound of the air conditioning mingled with the light taps of shoes and someone typing on a keyboard.
"Welcome!" A woman spoke up, her light footsteps quickly approaching them. "Can I help you find anything?"
"The big festival is coming up and we all need something nice to wear." Yang grinned.
"Yang, no I've got plenty of clothes at home, I'll just wear-"
"Nope," Yang abruptly cut Ruby off. "I haven't seen you in a while and I want to spoil my little sister. Don't worry, I'll pay for everything, for both of you."
Adam blinked in surprise at Yang's declaration. As he looked at the elder sister to his companion and roommate, he saw her look back at him, at first with a complicated expression… and the she gave him a smile and a wink before turning back to the shop's owner.
"That's so sweet of you," The owner cooed at Yang's gesture. "Let's get you all fitted and we can find something that suits all of you! Do you have any preferences."
"Um, I'm blind so I don't really know what anything looks like. If it's at all possible, I like how linen feels, anything else aside from texture and comfort I don't have much of an opinion on." Ruby shook her head and tapped her cane on the ground for emphasis.
"That's fine, linen is an excellent choice, especially in this heat. It's a fast wicking material that breathes well. I have a natural, undyed linen dress that might be exactly what you're wanting." She smiled and that's when Adam noticed that she was a wolf faunus, her tail swaying excitedly behind her.
"I really appreciate it." Ruby mirrored the owner's smile without even knowing what it looked like.
"And for you, sir?" The owner took a step forward, her tail swaying with every step.
"I don't have much experience. I'll leave it up to you and Yang." He spoke in little more than a mumble, deferring to those more experienced than himself.
"No problem, how about I get you something made from linen or some other light, soft fabric? That way the lovely young lady at your arm will have a pleasant texture to hold on to." She, just like Yang, winked at Adam, unabashedly amused by his flustered, cheek reddening response.
Adam instinctively looked to his side, only realizing in that moment how close Ruby was to him, they were only centimeters apart. Still, their proximity was the last thing on his mind as soon as he saw her face. The look his companion held was like nothing he had ever seen on Ruby, it wasn't embarrassment or anxiety but instead, she leaned just a little closer to him and smiled with a fondness and contentment so deep that made his heart feel like it was pumping pure sunlight through his veins.
"Sure." He muttered absently, his gaze affixed to the woman beside him, the one he had lived with for months. The strange, frustrating human that I can't seem to overcome no matter how hard I try.
"Well then, with that settled, let's get your measurements." The owner smiled, feeling excited to be fitting such a lovely young couple.
The owner walked further into the store, ushering them forward. Ruby didn't see her gesture but as soon as she heard Adam's steps recede and then come to a stop, she knew he was waiting for her to follow him. Without hesitation, Ruby walked in the direction of his steps until her side bumped into his and she felt a wave of relief having found him.
Yang however, lagged behind, feeling frustration once again bubbling in her chest. This can't be real, can it?
The measurements were done quickly and professionally, one after another the trio were sent off to look at outfits while the others had their turn. Soon enough, it was time to pick their clothes.
Yang chose a showy, vibrant short dress with gold accents. It suited her; confident, strong and bold, just like the huntress. Adam had to admit, the elder sister had an eye for fashion, though he was very inexperienced, he could tell it looked good on her.
Adam was next. He was anxious about his choice and he felt foolish for feeling that way. He had never dressed up before, not for anything so formal. His normal combat wear was all he had needed but now he was once again being forced outside his comfort zone.
It was a perfectly fitting suit with a linen jacket and black tie tipped red at its end, unintentionally matching his companion's hair color. The shop owner and Yang both provided their compliments and input, however once he had it on, the first thing he did… was approach Ruby.
"I've never worn something like this." He laughed, having trouble looking Ruby in the eyes.
"I'm sure you look great. Yang says it looks good on you and I trust her word for it." She blushed, her head lowering slightly as she let her hearing try to pick up anything other than her own pounding heart.
"How does it feel?" Lifted his arm in front of her, the sleeve making just the slightest sound but he knew Ruby would pick up on it. Hesitantly, he watched his companion's hand raise to where she thought his arm was and after a few fumbled attempts, her palm and fingers perched themselves over his forearm.
"It feels nice. It's smooth and cool and I can still feel you under there, your muscles I mean. I mean, it's just… I um… nevermind!" Her face was burning hot and her hand immediately retracted back to her side.
"I'm glad you like it…" Just as she did, his own hand came to rest at his side and he could feel his blood rushing to his cheeks.
Finally, it was Ruby's turn. The florist was ushered to the changing room by the proprietor of the boutique. When asked if Ruby would like any help changing into the outfit, Ruby shyly said yes, and the two women vanished behind a curtain… leaving Adam and Yang alone.
This is it, my chance to separate him from Ruby. Ideally I'd like him out of the store but I can make him leave by force, he's unarmed, I can stop him here and now. Yang's eyes began to burn crimson with fury and anticipation as she prepared to flare her aura for a fight.
"Yang." A deep, low voice pulled Yang from her thoughts.
"Y-yeah?" She forced her semblance down and her eyes cooled back to a soft lilac color.
"Thanks," Adam couldn't bring himself to look her in the eye as he spoke, opting to turn his gaze anywhere else. "For getting me this suit. I don't know what your motive was for doing so, if it was just to make Ruby happy… then I appreciate it. I can't get her anything, I can't do much for her."
"No… problem?" Yang tilted her head, her hostility and drive completely thrown off by the unexpected gesture.
"It's easy to tell Ruby thinks highly of you," Adam forced himself now to meet the gaze of the huntress. "I don't have any siblings myself, however Ruby has spoken about you a lot. She doesn't talk about other people much, just you."
"She talks about me?" Yang's voice softened and all her hostility and aggressive drive was snuffed, her gaze shifting just for a moment to the fitting room.
"Don't worry so much about her, she's stronger than I gave her credit for at first. She doesn't want someone who only frets over what she can't do." It was only as he spoke that he realized he had only ever seen her as someone strong and capable, someone who could impress even him. It must have been hard watching her get to that point.
"You've come to know my little sister pretty well." Yang fingers ran through her long golden locks while her expression held a complicated look. Is this terrorist really making me look bad to my own sister? No, that's not fair. Adam may be to blame for a lot of things but I can't put my deteriorating relationship with Ruby on him. It's my fault I chose not to see who she grew up into.
"She's all set," The shop owner stepped out looking very pleased with herself. "Come on out and show everyone."
"Okay…" A meek and soft voice chimed up with a silvery tone and all eyes turned towards the dressing room.
The curtain pulled back and Ruby stepped out. Everyone was speechless. The woman who had stepped out before them looked so stunning and elegant. It was a dress of natural, undyed linen that hung down just below her knees. The organic nature of the cloth accentuated Ruby's own natural beauty and floral patterns were hand stitched into the fabric in light blues, yellows and reds. The dress itself seemed simple but everything about it fit her so perfectly it was like it was made for her and no one else.
"W- what do you think?" She mumbled, her hands clasped in front of her as her fingers nervously fidgeted with themselves. Though her question was addressed broadly… her ears were turned and focused on where she had heard Adam's voice coming from before she stepped out.
"Sis… you look amazing!" Yang beamed with pride and adoration for her little sister.
"You really think so? If I got your seal of approval I know it must really suit me!" She smiled gratefully at her elder sister but by this point, it was apparent to everyone who's opinion she wanted most. Despite her anxiety and trepidation, Ruby stepped forward towards Adam.
"What do you think?" She spoke more clearly, letting her hands fall to her sides. Ruby forced her head up, hoping her eyes would meet his, that something in them would convey to him what her words couldn't yet.
From Adam's perspective, she was looking just a little off from him, as usual, but that didn't matter. Words died the instant they materialized in his mind. Any response he could come up with melted away like ice in the brightest summer sun. He stared at her, his eyes looking her up and down, taking in every detail. He noticed how small she was compared to him, he noticed the way her hair just barely rolled over her shoulders that were bare except for two thin straps of fabric holding up the dress. Her face was stunning, so beautiful that any makeup couldn't possibly improve it, the light glow of blush tinting her skin from under her cheeks and the way her large eyes shifted with no input of light, searching for nothing but expressing so much.
In that moment, Adam felt something shift, like a glacier falling to pieces, lurching forward and then crashing apart. He couldn't look away, he wasn't even sure he was breathing. In that moment, Adam had only one thought resounding through his mind… Oh no.
"Adam?" Ruby squeaked even more nervously than before, her fingers lightly gripping the sides of her dress.
"You-" Once more, his words failed him and he had to summon up all of his resolve to force out anything. "You look beautiful."
Just like that, all the sunshine in the entire world glowed from the smile that appeared on Ruby's face at his words.
"That makes me so happy!" Unable to contain her excitement, Ruby bounced on her toes and did a twirl, feeling the air catch the hem of her dress. Yang only caught a glimpse of Ruby's face as she spun around… but she saw it.
Ruby looks like… she's about to cry. As the realization played in her mind, she turned her attention to the terrorist who just continued to stare at Ruby's back as though entranced by her. At almost the same time as Adam had realized what was happening, Yang realized it as well and her thoughts echoed his. Oh no.
"Could this really be happening?" Yang muttered to herself as she put on her nightgown. Their day was long and exhausting, after the boutique they stopped at the library and then to the market to do their grocery shopping.
The way home had been quiet and unlike the bus ride out, Ruby and Adam had been unable to face each other, though the elder sister couldn't help but notice Adam stealing glances at Ruby and Ruby leaning a little closer to him, her ear pointed at him just so she could hear him breathe.
From her perch on the sidelines as the definite third wheel, she saw everything and it made her anxious.
With a heavy sigh, she paced around the room, feeling herself growing more restless and agitated by the moment. There's no way, there's just no way.
With a heavy sigh, Yang felt a pang of frustration in her stomach. I can't think straight, dinner was nice but I need a snack. I think I'm just losing my mind.
Shaking off her worries for the moment, Yang quietly made her way out of Ruby's room into the hall. It was dark out and the full moon shined through the windows amidst a clear night.
She saw the guest room where Adam slept and a stray thought came to her head, a notion that she had a chance to take him out while he slept but something in her heart weighed on her and an image of Ruby's face as she turned away from Adam in the boutique clawed its way into the forefront of her mind.
With an embittered huff, she kept walking until she reached the living room, hoping to steal a cookie of the many Ruby, herself and Adam had baked together.
However, something brought her to a dead halt. A sound. The sound of breathing. Ruby was sleeping on the couch, but Yang distinctly heard two breaths. She looked over to the couch and carefully padded over to them.
There, in the light of the moon, she saw Ruby sleeping contentedly, her cheek resting gently against Adam's side while his arm was wrapped around hers and a book of braille lay between them. The pair had stayed up late with Ruby teaching Adam how to read braille and they fell asleep together in the middle of it.
She looks so peaceful. Yang thought to herself, just barely able to make out Ruby's face. She was snuggled up close to him and pressed firmly against his body. However, she then noticed something else… she had a blanket pulled over her, up to her shoulders. This told a very different story. Ruby fell asleep first and Adam didn't want to wake her. He let her rest herself against his side and he fell asleep too. Maybe he did this on purpose to keep me from getting him alone but that wouldn't explain everything…
This is the worst case scenario. I think my little sister is in love with a terrorist… and I think that terrorist in love with her.