Okay I'm not watching an abridged series while writing this... but I am watching the gayest tv show out there... Supernatural... those of you who have seen it know what I mean. Onto the chapter!
Chapter 9:
"So, when do I get to meet this girl that is stealing my baby's heart?" The red haired man asked as Cinder glanced up from her bowl to glare at the man. That had been what her father had constantly asked her every meal they ate together. She had already started to get annoyed by it.
"Dad... do we need to have another boundaries talk? Because this is crossing it. I don't mind if you want to take an interest in my life, but not this way. It is creepy." Cinder asked as she dipped the spoon back into the bowl and pulled it up to her mouth and placed the spoon full of the cereal into her mouth. "It is just, she has been on your mind from what you've told me... still no idea what a 'history project' is slang for."
Cinder pinched the bridge of her nose as she let out a sigh of anger. She tossed her spoon into the bowl. "Jesus dad. First off, I told you time and time again, the project is real. Do you want me to show it to you or something? Secondly, and I can't believe I need to say this for the third time in a lifetime let alone a month, stop trying to get me to ruin possible the only person who doesn't make me want to kill everyone since mom."
Cinder was surprised at how civil she was handling this considering the last time they had talked about Ruby it had devolved into a screaming match. One that had ended in bad taste for both of the people currently sitting down.
"I'm sorry Cin... but outside of you helping out in the shop and a few meals here and there... we don't talk anymore really... and be honest, if you didn't come to me to ask how one girl made you feel different, I would not only not know about her, but I also wouldn't have known about you making friends." the man spoke as his daughter looked down, slightly saddened at the sight of her dad looking down trodden.
"I'm sorry dad... but I'd normally talk to mom about this kind of thing which isn't really possible... and any time you bring something like that up... I get angry and snap a you... I just find it really hard to talk to you about people like Ruby." Cinder picked up her bowel and walked over to the sink to place it in. "We are turning in our project today... she wants to celebrate and we may come here to do that. But I should be going now. Have fun today dad." Cinder finished as she kissed her dad's cheek and practically ran to the door.
She sat on her motorcycle as she thought about what her dad had kept saying 'He may be right, but I'm not going to act on the feelings... that would be absurd... if I do, I'll probably ruin everything.' Cinder turned her key and began to drive off. She had made the drive countless times, but it just felt different.
She had noticed that change no matter where she was going, she just felt like it was hollow unless Ruby was clinging to her waist.
As she pulled up to the last set of traffic lights before the school she shook her head to push the thoughts from her mind as she drove through the intersection hoping that the thoughts would just naturally leave her.
"Why Miss Rose, such an unexpected topic from you... and handed in ten days early. As expected. Who is your partner?" The green haired man asked as Ruby smiled. "It was Cinder... you know the only other person up here... how are the puppies by the way?" Ruby asked as Cinder placed her own bound stack of paper onto the desk.
"They are doing great. But I assume you don't want to stay here and gossip the night away. You two should head home." Oobleck spoke collecting both stacks of bound papers and zipped out of the room leaving the two woman to just calmly collect their things and walk out of the room.
Cinder smiled as Ruby held the door open for her. "So, Cinder, how do we celebrate? Can't go out and get wasted... so what do you want to do?" Ruby asked as they began to walk out of the room. She could see Cinder was debating it, unsure of what to do about the whole situation. "Well... we could always go get something to eat at the mall... maybe watch some movie or tv show... save heading to the movies till we get our grades back."
Ruby smiled as they walked towards her locker, personally Ruby was fine just staying close with her. She had no idea how to describe it. She just felt at peace when Cinder was near. Once she opened her locker she pulled out her history text books and put them into the locker as she pulled out her helmet and jacket.
"Well, I'm fine with almost everything. Owe Kirito a punch to the shoulder for that coffee incident... bastard trying to pull a pig in a poke on me... but that I already planned to do later... don't want to spoil his pain and suffering... so your house to watch one of those series you kept telling me about after I should you the brilliance that was Leslie Nielsen... like that one about brothers."
"Fine, but you'll have to deal with my dad a little... I hope you don't mind. But he enjoys the series just as much as I do and may tag along to watch it with us." Cinder spoke as Ruby zipped up her jacket and grabbed her helmet. "I don't mind... just I don't want any spoilers... I really don't enjoy those, especially for a series I may or may not watch fully."
Cinder smiled at her, 'Please say dad isn't going to get between us. Otherwise I may just beat him to an inch of his life.' Cinder thought as she zipped up her own jacket. She could see Ruby practically jumping in her spot at the mere idea of spending time with Cinder, or so she hoped. Cinder grabbed her helmet and pushed it down onto her head.
Ruby smiled as she waited for Cinder to climb onto her motorcycle. She was excited about the time she could spend with Cinder, no matter how short the time was. She loved every single second of it. And didn't even care if someone attempted to ruin it. She would be fine as long as Cinder was next to her.
Ruby climbed onto the back of the motorcycle and grabbed hold onto Cinder tight. Just wanting to enjoy ride, something she could do when she was with Yang, but it just felt different. Not that she didn't enjoy the rides her sister would take her on, but after being that close to Cinder, it felt like it paled in comparison.
Ruby just hoped that the moment would never end.
"Dad! You here!?" Cinder yelled as she walked into house closely followed by Ruby. "Dad...!" Cinder yelled again to be sure he wasn't there.
"Yeah... seems like he is in the garage, or something... probably working on the car brought in last week... I keep telling him that it clearly is just a hidden crack on the engine block but he refuses to take it apart until he knows for sure it can't be anything else." Cinder muttered turning towards Ruby who just looked at Cinder like she had three heads.
Ruby had no idea what any of what Cinder had meant, she hopped that she would explain what it meant. "It is costly to take apart an engine and if it is cracked it is an expensive fix for the person and might as well buy a new car."
"Ahhhh... so... where are we going?" Ruby asked as she she took a look around. The cream walls appeared to lead all the way up the set of stairs to her left and three doors were on the same floor. There were a few pictures of what Ruby adored. They were pictures of Cinder throughout the years with a dark haired woman and a red haired man.
'Where have I seen that woman before...? That is going to annoy me... ah it will come to me once I'm not actively thinking about it.' Ruby thought as Cinder looked at the picture Ruby was staring at.
"That was one of the last pictures she was a part of... before she fell ill..." Cinder spoke as Ruby looked up to see her wiping a tear from her face. "You don't need to talk about her Cinder... you know I'm not going to push."
She could see Cinder relax a little at the confirmation of that simple fact. "We can head up to my room... a lot easier to just watch the show up there than it is to carry things down here to watch them."
"You have a tv in your room? That seems wildly distracting... but in saying that I do have a computer in mine." Ruby commented as Cinder lead the way up the stairs. Cinder opened her door to reveal what Ruby had to admit was a rather large room. She could see a large desk with a small laptop resting on it and next to it was a tv stand with a flat screen tv on it and right next to it was a game console that caused Ruby to smile a little bit.
"Have a seat on my bed... just don't put your boots on it. I don't wash my bedding nearly as much as I should, and I'd rather not need to." Cinder spoke walking over to a small small bookshelf and grabbed one of the boxes on top of it and walked over to the tv and pressed a button on the side of the tv and placed a disc inside.
Ruby smiled as she pulled out her phone and began to text her sister.
R~ Gonna be at Cinder's for a while, we are watching something called Supernatural... save me some food.
Y~ Fine, but you cray cray kids best remember to use protection. The world is filled with so many crazy STIs.
R~ Yang, when I get home we are talking about boundaries, and I'm going to beat you with Mom's medical dictionary.
Y~ Challenge accepted Rubbles. Challenge accepted. That is if you think you can take your big sis on. Weiss is staying the night by the way.
Ruby rolled her eyes as Cinder slipped her shoes off and jumped onto the bed and moved just behind Ruby and closer to the wall as she the menu began to load up. "Who were you texting? I just asked because your eye did that involuntary twitch you get whenever someone makes some rude comment you want to sarcastically respond to, but cant out of manners." Cinder asked as Ruby turned to face her.
"Yang... and my eye does not twitch! I just like to save all my snark for when I talk to people." Ruby huffed crossing her arms as she noticed the remote Cinder was holding. "And why are you using a dvd player...? you've got a console over there."
"Because the controller is dead and it is just too much hassle to plug that in right now... but it feels like something is missing..." Cinder spoke as she tried to go down the list of things in her head that she normally had when she was watching anything.
"Popcorn? Or at least that is what I always have when I'm about to binge watch a series... same principle as movies... you want something salty and something sweet and something to drink." Ruby spoke as she looked around the room to see if there was anything else she could see to figure out who the enigma that Cinder truly was.
"I should probably go get some then shouldn't I?" Cinder rhetorically asked as she stood up as she quickly started and paused the first episode.
Cinder started down the stairs stopping at the base as she turned the corner to see her dad standing in the kitchen next to the open fridge door. Cinder ignored the man and walked over to one of the cupboards. She opened the wooden door and saw what she came down the stairs for. She grabbed the box and walked to the microwave.
"What are you doing Cin? Also got any ideas for dinner by the way?"
"Making popcorn... me and Ruby are up stairs about to start watching Supernatural... and before you ask no we aren't going to bring it downstairs and if you barge into my room again, I'm going to freak out." Cinder almost yelled as the popping began in the microwave. She could see the gleam in her dad's eyes, "Well, after that argument we had this morning, you bring her here, and watch our favourite series? Challenge accepted Cin."
Cinder tensed up a bit as the popping stopped. Cinder reached over and grabbed the bottle filled with a dark brown liquid, and two glasses as she quickly grabbed the bag of popcorn and nearly ran up the stairs. She could feel her father was just behind her as she slammed her door and flicked the lock.
She took a look around to see Ruby holding a silver framed picture that Cinder knew all too well. She only ever had one picture in her room. She carefully placed the items onto her dresser as she walked over to where Ruby was took the picture from her.
Ruby froze as she saw the picture being removed from her. She had finally remembered where she saw that woman in the pictures downstairs before. The picture Cinder had on her desk was what reminded Ruby of her. "Please don't touch that picture Ruby!" Cinder yelled as she looked at it again to make sure it was unharmed.
"I'm sorry... I just saw some machines I recognized from an Oncologist's office... and I know this would be the first time I pushed... but what was she diagnosed with?" Ruby asked... she already knew the answer... she had talked to the woman countless times before and had wondered where she vanished to, but now it made sense to her. "She was diagnosed with a Pancoast Tumour... and that is what took her life... she suffered for a year of constantly going to chemotherapy and radiotherapy... even had a large section of her lung removed... but it was too late when they found it." Cinder spoke as she placed the picture back onto her desk she didn't want to seem harsh, but she just knew she did, even if it was by mistake.
Cinder looked up from the picture to see Ruby frowning. "Sorry I just took the picture... my curiosity is always gets the better of me... and I'm so very, very sorry if I trudged up anything." Ruby spoke walking over to the door getting ready to leave when Cinder spoke up.
"Ruby... don't go... we can still watch the show... it is just, I dislike talking about my mom's cancer. Cancer does terrible things, to both the person diagnosed and to their family and friends. Especially if their cancer wins." Cinder spoke, she could see Ruby tense up a bit at the door.
"I've been in hospitals almost my entire life, and from talking to cancer patients a few times, Cancer is harder on the person diagnosed. They need to appear strong... they need to appear like their insides aren't on fire... just so they can ease the stress and worry others have for their health." Ruby spoke as she turned around to face Cinder.
Cinder frowned as she looked at Ruby, "Can we please not talk about cancer and it's effects on people. I'm pretty sure I know more about what it does to people than you do. Can we just watch the show?" Cinder asked as Ruby tensed up more. 'I can't tell her... just got to watch the show.'
"Fine... if you want to drop it let's just watch the show..." Ruby muttered as they both walked over to the bed and sat down.
Cinder looked down at Ruby's sleeping form. They had gotten through four episodes, before Cinder looked down. 'She just looks so peaceful... I should probably wake her up... but I don't want to ruin it...' Cinder thought as Ruby's eyes opened and she sat up and began to cough into her arm.
"Nothing like coughing to wake you up." Ruby joked but received no laugh from Cinder. She closed began to look around and saw nothing but the darkness outside. "It is really late... how long was I out?" Ruby continued as she stretched a little letting out a yawn.
"I don't know... the fourth episode just finished..." Cinder spoke as Ruby looked at the tv, "So I've only been asleep for an hour... god damn... time does fly when you are having fun..." Ruby muttered as she looked at her phone.
Ruby turned around just as Cinder leaned over to reach for the remote. Their lips crashing together. Both Cinder and Ruby's eyes widened and slowly closed as they gave into the feeling of the other's lips. Ruby felt a tongue rub against her bottom lip causing her to open her mouth.
She soon felt Cinder's tongue running along hers. She pulled back, and saw the look on Cinder's face. "I've got to go." Ruby said as she quickly grabbed her bag and ran. She unlocked the door and ran down the flight of stairs and out the front door. She had no idea why but the feeling of Cinder's lips on hers felt amazing to her.
But that was what caused Ruby to hurt. The fact she knew Cinder's mom had the same type of cancer she did was what was hurting. The fact she knew now if she got closer to Cinder, she could hurt Cinder all over again.
She just ran, she knew she would have a distance to get back to her home... but she had to. Once she was some distance away she slowed down to a walk and eventually stopped. She braced herself against her knees. Wheezing and coughing.
She didn't even care she could see some blood flying from her mouth and onto the dusty ground. Once she stopped coughing she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "God damn it!" Ruby yelled as she slammed her fist into the side of the building she was near.
"My lungs hurt about as much as when I get chemo, and now I know for a fact Cinder shares my feelings... and if she finds out... I'm going to hurt her in an all new way." Ruby yelled to herself, the people passing by paying her no mind.
She finally pulled herself up to look at how far she had left to go.'Joy... still a ten minute walk to get home... and I forgot my helmet and jacket at Cinder's... this day just gets better and better.' Ruby thought as she just started to walk slightly faster than normal. She was feeling a chill that came with the setting of the sun.
As she turned the corner and saw her house she began to run. She could finally vent, but slowed down once again when she remembered the text Yang had sent her. 'For once, I'm genuinely pissed that Weiss is here. What the fuck! How the fuck am I meant to vent about life when Weiss is here!' Ruby yelled internally and was about to punch a wall when she saw a bright light.
She turned to see the light dimming and thankfully her ears caught up before her eyes when she heard a distinct "Ruby?"
"Aunt Raven? What are you doing here?" Ruby asked as her eyes adjusted and she felt a chill. "Besides wondering what you are doing out without a sweater at least? Summer asked me to check up on you two. It has been a week after all since she has seen either of you two." Raven asked ushering Ruby into the house.
"Raven?" Weiss asked as Ruby quickly walked in to see Yang just putting a plate into the microwave. "Yang... I kind of really need to talk to you... like now without Weiss nearby." Ruby rushed out quietly but loud enough so Yang could hear.
Yang just nodded as Ruby led Yang up the stairs and into her room. She closed the door and began to pace. Yang was unsure of what was causing the stress of her sister to panic but she just took a seat on the chair. And just wanted to let her sister work through her thoughts.
After five minutes, Yang spoke up, "Rubes, your pacing is making me dizzy... just say what is on your mind."
"I found out not only who Cinder's mom was I found out how she died."
"Why does that matter? It certainly doesn't warrant a panic attack." Yang asked as Ruby stopped pacing and faced her sister. "Because we kissed and her mom is Salem."
"Oh... Salem as in... 'I have the same kind of tumour' Salem?"
"Yeah... and now I know for a fact, she has feelings for me... and this is getting far too complicated... why does she have to have feelings for me?" Ruby continued her rant as realisation dawned on Yang. "Ah... that kinda does deserve a little panic... but relax Ruby, you know you can't think properly when you panic... and despite what I would like to think... you are a lot smarter than me... so if anyone can figure out an answer it is you. But only if you calm down." Yang spoke grabbing Ruby's hand.
Ruby used her free hand to run her fingers through her hair. "This sucks Yang... if she finds out... I'm just going to hurt her... something I don't want to do... to anyone... ever."
"I know Rubes. And I'm sure if she ever finds out she'll know. If not, who needs her?"
"But Yang... as soon as someone finds out... I'm going to hurt a lot of people... like a lot. Including Weiss... and everyone." Ruby continued to panic as Yang slapped her lightly. "Think about that Rubes. Weiss will never stop being your friend. No matter how hard you try. She didn't leave you when you tried to end it, and if she finds out, she'll be a little pissed, but I'm the one that will take the brunt for lying not you."
After a few moments, Ruby hugged Yang who pulled her off. "I'm going to go make sure your dinner is alright. Just no more hugging... it makes me feel bad... and you may want to dry your eyes. Otherwise she will worry and won't stop till you speak." Yang joked as she ruffled Ruby's hair causing her to bat the hand away.
Ruby puffed her cheeks out as she tried to fix her hair. "Stop doing that!" Ruby yelled as she followed behind the blonde woman.
Cinder yelled as she punched the nearest wall. She felt her hand go through the plaster. She felt the plaster scrap and cut away at the flesh on her hand. She saw her dad walk into her room. She could see that there was a burning question on his mind, but unsure if he should ask it. He pulled her hand from the wall and examined it.
"That looks bad... we should probably go get that checked out? Mind if I ask what caused that bout of anger?" He asked as Cinder could see the red liquid dripping onto the floor. "I kissed Ruby... and she ran... I just ruined our friendship... I thought she was kissing back but then we pulled apart... and she ran." Cinder yelled as she tensed her other fist and was about to throw another punch but thought against it.
"Cinna bun... I'm sure that isn't what happened. You always second guess yourself when it comes to people. If she was a car, motorcycle or even a boat, you would know every single thing right and wrong. Next time you see her, talk. And it should be tomorrow. She forgot her jacket and helmet by the looks of it."
"You know I hate that name... let's just go before I add more holes into my walls and possibly break some of my bones."
The man smiled as Cinder moved her other hand over and cupped it, "I know you don't hate it... you just hate how I use it when I'm concerned." Cinder rolled her eyes as they began to walk down the stairs. Cinder already loathing the conversation she will have to have with Ruby the following day. But hoped her dad was right, and she was just being dumber than normal.
Author's Note:
Welp, that was fun to write, time to start the next chapter. Because I'm in the zone.