Yay, time for Cinder/Ruby time... for a guilty ship... I love writing this story.

Chapter 7:

Ruby walked to the lunch table where her friends sat. She quickly took a seat across from Cinder who smiled at her sudden appearance. She smiled in return as she pulled out a bottle of water. She was kinda mad she forgot to pack anything to eat and nearly slept through school, but glad she was there.

Ruby looked over and quickly opened her bottle of water and tossed a bit at her sister who was in a fierce tongue battle with her best friend. She then began to drink from the bottle knowing there would be some form of retaliation.

"What happened to the days where you would just clear your throat. I missed those days. Not when I get water poured on me. If it gets any worse, I swear I'm going to gut you and hang you by your intestines." Yang yelled as she turned around to see Ruby smiling as she shrugged her shoulders.

"I needed to resort to more extreme actions ever since I walked in on you two in the living room... and the garage... and in the bathroom... and what pisses me off the most my room. After that be glad I don't stab the both of you every time you look at each other with kissy faces" Ruby shrugged and began to take another mouthful of water.

Ruby smiled as the others began to giggle as she just knew Weiss was blushing a dark shade of red. "I'm still so very sorry about that. I let her talk me into it... and regretted it almost instantly... and an hour later when you walked in." Weiss continued blushing as Yang laughed and Ruby took a deep breath.

"Gonna let that one slide. Next time Weiss, and I swear your dad will have a report in triplicate about what you and my dumb sister get on to when the door closes and the music goes on. Win will receive every single thing Yang has a phobia of and what embarrasses her." Ruby continued receiving a glare from the blonde and white haired duo.

"What on earth could Yang have a phobia of?" the redhead asked as Ruby laughed. "Well, there is clowns, tangerines, moths, bats, seagulls and my favourite the colour p-" Ruby was cut off by Yang placing her hand over her mouth.

Yang leaned in and whispered, "You get one of those. Any more and I reveal a big secret you've been keeping" She made sure only Ruby could hear her. She actually didn't want them to know but She knew Ruby didn't know that.

"Nǐ bù gǎn!" Ruby yelled as she pried Yang's hand off her face. The anger in her eyes was obvious to them all and no one seemed to know exactly what was said. The group turned to Ren who shrugged. "That wasn't Mandarin... and I'm assuming it was intentional."

"It means 'don't you dare'... probably one of a few Cantonese sayings I know. They both have said it a lot since I've known them. There is five or six other sayings that I know for similar reasons." Weiss spoke as she began to pick at the salad she had. She just hoped whatever it was that Yang said to Ruby that didn't just cause enough interest that it became the topic of conversation.

"Aren't you going to eat anything Ruby?" Cinder asked as Ruby just recapped the bottle of water she had. "I barely made it in today because I slept through my alarm and unlike when I need to wake Yang up, she never makes me lunch and I'm saving up money. So one day without lunch or breakfast, I'm going to be fine." Ruby answered as Cinder just seemed unsure.

As the rest continued to eat Ruby could see Cinder slowed down to a near snail's pace. Ruby could see her hand go down to the last half of a sandwich she had before Ruby spoke up. "Cinder. I swear, I'm fine. The day is nearly over, then we are going to the library, then I'll eat a large dinner."

Cinder wasn't sure how Ruby's scolding had hurt so much, but it did. She had to make it look like it didn't hurt that bad. But it had. It was almost like she got caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Lunch was rather quiet to Cinder and Ruby.

The silence was broken by the sound of the bell. "Meet me at my locker after school. My bag is nowhere as big as yours... I can't keep my helmet or jacket in it along with my school crap." Ruby stated to Cinder as they began to walk in.

"Okay, why did you tell me? The rest of our day we share."

"Just in case. No idea what can happen... that is three hours away. And chances are Yang is going to get in trouble, I'd just like to know the full story if I get questioned. Which will happen if she does get in trouble." Ruby spoke as Cinder nodded knowing Yang's record from one month alone it would make sense with her parents questioning her.

Ruby closed her locker and began to zip up her coat as she heard someone walking up behind her. She turned around to see Yang standing there smiling. "Rubes, I won't be home till late, me and Weiss need to lay some serious ground work for the project. But I'll bring something home." She spoke as Ruby quickly looked around to see if Weiss had followed Yang.

"Ignoring the grammar issue, fine, me and Cinder are heading to the library. But I have no idea how long we are going to be... plus I feel a little woozy..." Ruby spoke as she grabbed her helmet as Yang smirked. "One, English isn't either of our first or even second languages so who cares. Two it is probably just because you haven't had anything to eat in like two days. Just screw getting mom or dad something for Christmas, they would rather the both of us to be healthy." Yang joked as Ruby laughed.

"Late for that, but have some fun with Weiss. And don't be too late." Ruby spoke as she began to walk away from Yang. The blonde turned around to see Cinder walking up. "You two remember to use protection!" Yang yelled as Ruby just walked away.

As she approached Cinder, Yang's comment clearly seemed to have had an effect on her. The red blush as Ruby giggled. "She is joking Cinder. Come on. We should get the bulk of the work done."

Ruby began to walk with Cinder towards the door she smiled at how Cinder seemed to become bashful at Yang's joke. She would just love to see if she could make Cinder blush like that. She could just picture it now.

She was pulled from her thoughts as she heard an engine being revved. She could see Cinder sitting down waiting for her causing her to smirk pushing her helmet on and climbed on. "Why did you zone out?" Cinder asked as she heard Ruby giggle.

"I was thinking about how easy you blush. Kinda curious as to what else can cause you to blush that shade." Ruby joked hoping it would cause a similar colour dusting her cheeks. She quickly wrapped her arms around Cinder who began to drive off. She just knew it was to try and change the subject, but she just hoped it was so Ruby would hold on tighter.

'Where did that thought come from... I seem to always lose control of my mind when I'm this close to Cinder. I swear if this continues, I'm going to need to get advice from someone... maybe and I hope it won't get that bad... talk to Yang.' Ruby thought as she closed her eyes and just enjoyed the feeling. She didn't want to spoil it by speaking.

She was snapped out of her trance by the feeling of someone tapping her hands. She quickly looked around to see the motorcycle had stopped just outside the library. She quickly pulled her arms back and climbed down. She pulled her helmet off and was about to apologise when Cinder spoke up.

"Are you sure you are okay to do this? You kinda passed out a little, and I've noticed that you've been doing that a little during school as well. I don't mind putting it off. I mean we still have four weeks. I mean like even if we spent the next week doing nothing, we still have three to research and get the eight pages."

"Nah it is fine... I just haven't had any decent sleep. Probably just have a really bad head cold. And sadly can't pop pills to cure one. Just got to soldier through it." Ruby spoke as Cinder dismounted and locked her bike, picked up her helmet and gestured for Ruby to lead them into the library.

Ruby let out a sigh of relief as she noticed there was only a few people in the building. She walked over to a free table and placed her bag onto the desk. As she took the seat she pulled out a notepad as Cinder sat down across from her.

"So I suppose the obvious thing to do is we go down the list we made. Or we take turns reading off them." Cinder spoke as she pulled out her own notepad. "Let's just read off the lot and stop between each one so the other can give their opinion on the topic. You want to go first? Or what?" Ruby asked as Cinder smiled.

"Well, looking for things... not much actually caught my attention... we can do the great Irish Potato Famine."

"Too big of a time frame. Plus that makes my ancestors seem harsh... and unforgiving... and slightly rage inducing... damn dirt farmers." Ruby muttered crossing her arms as Cinder laughed a little. "Okay, knowing the next answer now... the Easter Rising?" Cinder asked as Ruby smiled.

"Actually that was the third one I thought about. And I know what you are thinking, we were just defending our property. Damn dirty terrorists." Ruby continued as she tossed the notepad she was holding towards Cinder to show how serious she was.

"So I think that decides what our topic is on... are you feeling alright?" Cinder asked as Ruby's head hit the desk. Cinder ran around the desk and began to shake Ruby who didn't seem to respond. She lowered her hand onto her neck to feel a steady but faint pulse.

Cinder turned around to see a librarian walking over to see what was wrong. She wasn't sure if her face was broadcasting fear or what but the librarian ran back behind the desk and pulled out the phone.

'The hell is happening Ruby? You were just fine a few minutes ago... please don't be too bad.' Cinder thought as the librarian came running back. As Cinder continued to attempt to jostle Ruby awake.

The incandescent light that shone into Ruby's eyes as she woke up shocked her a little. She couldn't remember much. She remembered sitting in the public library with Cinder next thing she new she was staring at the all too familiar hospital ceiling.

Ruby sat up and began to look around to see Cinder sitting next to her bedside with her mom on the other who shot up and wrapped her in a hug. Ruby lazily twisted her arm around her mom and gave her a one armed hug as she began to try and think about how she ended up here. She just hoped that she would find some answer.

"Oh thank god Ruby you're alright, I was so worried." Cinder spoke as Summer pulled from Ruby and rubbed her eyes a little with the back of her hand. "Are you alright Ruby? Do you have any idea what happened?" Summer asked as she quickly hit a button next to where Ruby's head was.

"I have no idea mom. I feel fine... just have no idea what happened. I remember sitting in the library agreeing we would work on the Easter Rising... and then nothing until I woke up here." Ruby muttered glad she still had her long sleeved shirt.

"Summer, Miss Fall, can you please vacate so I can ask my patient some questions." The brown haired woman that walked in demanding not asking. "Should I wait outside... or... what?" Cinder asked as Ruby looked around to find a clock but just saw the blackness that always meant night.

"You should probably go home Cinder. I don't want your dad to worry. I'll text you when I get out or tomorrow morning." Ruby spoke as Cinder walked up and hugged Ruby, "Okay, just promise you'll text me."

"Okay Cinder I promise. Just make sure you drive safe." Ruby spoke as Cinder smiled pulling away from Ruby and began to walk out closely followed by Summer as the doctor walked up to Ruby and took a seat as Ruby pushed herself up into a more so respectable position.

"So Elie... do you know what happened? Or is it going to be a mystery?" Ruby rhetorically asked as she turned to her doctor who frowned a little. "Well I figured out what might have caused it, but it raises some questions." She continued as she took her glasses off to clean them.

"Are you eating properly because from a blood sample Summer allowed me to take, it came back that you were lacking a few vital nutrients. Like iron, potassium, zinc, some other elements." Elie continued as she replaced her glasses onto her face as Ruby frowned a little.

"Well, I haven't had anything today... and I did have chemo yesterday which always leads some violent projectiles coming from both ends... so I didn't have anything yesterday... and I think I may have slept through dinner the day before that. So I last had something decent Friday... but three days isn't that bad..." Ruby continued as she knew exactly where it was going.

"Yes normally, but as you probably know, you are already borderline anorexic due to how your already high metabolism added into the fact chemo seems to cause you nausea and diarrhoea, your body lacks some basic building blocks... but it is easily treatable for now. You just need to take some supplements followed by eating foods rich in the needed nutrients. But you can be discharged as soon as you have a ride that doesn't mean you'll be clinging onto someone." Elie spoke standing up as Ruby flopped down onto the bed.

"UGH! Pills suck though! Almost as bad as chemo." Ruby whined as she heard the doctor snicker a little. "Well, you need the building blocks somehow, and there is no food rich enough in them, to not take them. Plus you are lacking a total of eight separate things, it is easier to do it this way." She continued as Ruby rolled her eyes.

"Fine..." Ruby began, having long since given up the will to fight any of the doctors in the hospital.

"Hey Elie... can I ask you a personal question?" Ruby spoke up trying to hopefully get an answer to the question that had been burning in the back of her mind. "Ruby, I've been your doctor for sixteen years, and your parents friend for even longer. Our relationship can't get much more personal for all kinds of legal reasons. So if you can't ask a personal question, I'd be hurt." Elie spoke getting comfortable in her seat once more.

Ruby saw the car pull up next to where she was standing and the door flew open as the angry white haired friend walked out of the car and glared. She closed the door and began to tap her foot. "We aren't going anywhere until you explain what the fuck happened this time Ruby! Because to me it keeps seeming like you are doing it again!"

"Weiss! Stop yelling. I just passed out. I just didn't have the right nutrients in my system... I've just been eating junk food. And no food today just tipped it over. I'm on supplements for like the next two months." Ruby continued as she walked a few more steps closer to Weiss whose demeanour had not shifted in the slightest.

"I need to hear it Ruby..."

"I have not tried to kill myself in nearly three years Weiss! Why do you keep bringing that up?" Ruby asked as she threw her arms up in the air. Already tired from the conversation she was having with Weiss.

"Because I was the one that found you with your arms sliced open! I was the one that desperately prayed that you screwed up learning the circulatory system. How I hoped that you didn't put so much research into wanting to end it that way. I prayed that my best friend would tell me why eventually she did something like that." Weiss yelled as she stared into Ruby's eyes.

"Sorry Weiss. But I can't tell you why I went down that route. I haven't even told Yang. But I told you three years ago I would never do something like that again. Especially if I was going to, I wouldn't use baby aspirin. I'd go for the full strength stuff. That way I can run the chance of overdosing as well." Ruby joked as she walked up to Weiss and hugged her.

"But I promised you, time and time again. This is not me trying to commit suicide again. Nor was me crashing the car another cry like that. You made it clear, I don't get out that easily. Not until we are old and had a long life. You don't need to ask every time I'm here." Ruby continued as she rubbed Weiss' back.

Weiss pushed Ruby till she was at arm's reach. "Let me see your arms. I want proof." Weiss demanded as Ruby rolled her eyes. She reached down and rolled her sleeves up and turned her arms to prove to Weiss.

Weiss looked down to see the scars almost perfectly going down the length of Ruby's forearm. It hurt Weiss whenever she saw them. It meant that their almost life long friendship wasn't strong enough. But the fact there wasn't a single new one that appeared meant, at least partially that Ruby was telling the truth.

"Get in the car Ruby. We are going to get every damn pill you need to take. I will not let you pass out because you are accidentally starving yourself. I don't care if I need to buy every single bottle in the fucking city. I'm not letting you die." Weiss stated as Ruby smiled as she began to move her sleeves down and began to button them as she opened the passenger side door and took a seat.

"Now what did your doctor say you needed?" Weiss asked as Ruby just began to recite off everything Elie had told her she was lacking. She could see Weiss tense up and waited for Ruby to be done before she spoke up.

"How do you lack six fucking things Ruby? It is things like this that causes me to doubt what you are saying. Because it seems like you are starving yourself."

"Weiss, think about that for a minute. If and it is a big if. If I was going to commit suicide, in a house filled with razor sharp knives, countless prescription pads and medication, the knowledge of how to tie a noose... why would I go for what is the slowest possible method. Seriously... you've known me for so long... why would I take the slow way?" Ruby asked as she rested her head against the window. She felt really tired but curious.

Curious over the simple fact she had expected Yang to have shown up as well. Not that she minded. "Hey... where is Yang? I figured she would have come along as well. Especially seeing as I was in hospital..." Ruby asked as she turned towards her white haired friend.

"I didn't call her... you always seem to dodge my questions when she is around. She knows I'm assuming that you were there though. No way did Summer or Tai not call her." Weiss continued as she turned the corner causing Ruby to remember her promise to Cinder. She pulled her phone out and began to text the girl who helped her out when she passed out.

R~ Sorry I didn't text sooner. Weiss picked me up, I'm nearly home.

Ruby locked her phone thinking she wouldn't get a response seeing as it was getting late. To her joy she felt her phone vibrate. She opened her phone to see a message from Cinder.

C~ It is okay, I was just helping my dad. What was wrong? Or did they not figure it out.

Ruby looked up from phone to see Weiss pulling into a parking space, "I'm going to go in. Wait here, because knowing you, you would try to destroy the bottles and try and steal the cookies."

"One time Weiss. I did that one time. And I paid you back... eventually." Ruby muttered as she turned back to her phone. "One time too many. One time too many." Weiss spoke to herself hoping Ruby was going to be fine inside the car.

R~ Nutrient deficiency... turns out cookies despite what I want, aren't acceptable for regular consumption... pissed Elie right off with that. So I'm now meant to take supplements to make up for the lack as well as eat food rich in what I'm missing.

C~ How many were you missing? And more importantly how were you missing nutrients in the first place?

R~ Six different things according to Weiss who counted. And again, cookies apparently don't count. Along with junk food.. pissed off a lot of people.

C~ I would not be surprised... you had me worried. It isn't every day a person passes out.

R~ Well, Weiss is almost back from getting the crap. I'll see you tomorrow.

Cinder laid on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Pondering why it had hurt her so much about Ruby fainting. She had no idea why the dread covered her as if it was a blanket. She looked at her phone, looking at the previous conversations she had with Ruby and smiled a little.

'She is going to be alright Cinder. She has countless people that care about her. She even said she would be fine.' Cinder thought as she heard a faint knock on her door. "I'm not asleep Dad, what did you want?" Cinder asked swinging her legs over and walked over and opened the door to see a tall red haired man standing there.

"I just wanted to make sure you were feeling alright. You just came home late, and ran up stairs. Didn't even walk into the kitchen. It was pot roast night... you have never missed pot roast night." He spoke as Cinder smiled a little. "Just a friend passed out in the library while we were planning our history project. I was just worried about her."

The man walked into the room smiling at his daughter actually being alright. "Is this the girl that despite you just wanting to read got you to open up a little bit more?"

"Yeah... same one... but she just has this way about her... it is confusing really." Cinder started as she took a seat on her bed and laid down. There was a question brewing in her mind as she continued to stare at the poster.

"Hey dad... mind if I ask you a personal question?" Cinder asked as rage grew by the sound of her father's chuckling. "What is it sweetheart?"

"How did mom make you feel when you first met her?"

Author's Note:

Okay after drinking... a lot... and a few setbacks, finally got around to finishing this off. I hope you all enjoy.