Welp welp... I learned a lesson last chapter... don't edit while drinking. That mistake is fixed mind you... but now I'm drunk writing... but I got pie. So it is okay. Translation time 'Nǐ bù xūyào zuò fàn' means You don't need to cook and 'zhè píngjìng wǒ xiàlái' means it calms me down

Chapter 20:

Ruby let out a yawn as she stretched in her bed. She was happy it was Saturday, if it was just solely because Cinder had promised to take her to the zoo. Just because she saw that there are kinkajous there. Ruby rubbed her eyes as she quickly sat up.

'Now how do I tell mom and dad that I need to borrow one of the cars...' Ruby thought as she swung her legs over her bed and reached down to crab her crutches and began to swing over to her room door, 'I suppose I could always ask for them to give me a lift there... but then we couldn't give each other kisses... and the entire day will be ruined if they insist to chaperon... which dad would... maybe mom would too... Yang is just hyped because Weiss actually came back... really glad Winter talked some sense into Weiss... but pissed it took so long for.' Ruby continued to think as she tossed her left crutch down stairs and gripped the railing tightly.

She knew this was the worst part about crutches, but also knew that it wouldn't be much longer before she got used to them. Once she reached the base of the stairs she could see her dad holding out the piece of metal and plastic. Ruby rolled her eyes and took hold of it.

"I wish you would stop throwing those down the stairs... just because it is dangerous. What if someone was down here. You may not look like it, but you can still throw things and cause some serious damage." Tai spoke softly as Ruby rolled her eyes.

"Well, with my luck, they'd find the first case of stage five cancer. And then what... I get double death?" Ruby joked as she began to sniff the air. "Nǎinai... Nǐ bù xūyào zuò fàn" Ruby spoke as the woman smiled as she turned to Ruby.

"Zhè píngjìng wǒ xiàlái xiǎo méiguī." She spoke rushing over to kiss the top of Ruby's head to quickly return to the stove. Ruby was about to comment back when she heard her front door opening. She just knew who it was without her dad confirming it.

She began to work her way around knowing the tongue lashing she would receive from her white haired friend. As she made a half turn she could see Weiss standing there, gesturing for Ruby to go into the living room, almost as if she was mad that Ruby was still standing. "Fine... I'll go..." Ruby muttered as she began to walk into the room closely followed by Weiss.

Tai stormed in muttering under his breath. "Did Nǎinai kick you out?" Ruby asked as he nodded. "Well, while you're here, can I borrow your car? Cinder is taking me to the zoo and for obvious reasons she can't exactly drive..."

"Promise me you won't crash... and call when you get there, and about to leave..." Tai spoke as Ruby smiled. "Really I'm not meant to get into crashes? I mean I'm only one more away from a free sundae..." Ruby sarcastically spoke as Weiss began to laugh.

"Regardless, deal..."

Ruby relaxed as she unbuckled her seatbelt, she was already regretting the decision to not get someone to drive her and Cinder but knew it would be worth it in the end, just because she could kiss Cinder, and if things should get further she would not say no depending on how much fun she had.

She opened the door as she reached around to grab her crutches that were in the back seat. She quickly grew a passionate hatred for them as she began to fight them to get out. Thankfully she quickly won the fight and began to make her way towards Cinder's house.

She knocked on the door and began to wait patiently hoping that Cinder wasn't going to be long. She loved spending time with Roman, but she also knew him well enough to know that he would find a way to spoil the mood of how fun the day was going to be.

Cinder had even promised to make a small picnic. Something Ruby was looking forward to. It wasn't long before the door opened and Roman was standing on the other side yawning into his hand. "Sup Red..." Roman got out almost instantly followed by another yawn.

"Hey Roman. Where is Cinnamon Bun?" Ruby asked, as she heard a distinct groan coming from the closed off living room.

"She is still asleep... I mean it is eight thirty... on a Saturday..." Roman continued as he yawned again. "I'll go wake her up then... we are heading to the zoo... I'm going to show her what a red panda looks like." Ruby spoke as the man stepped aside letting Ruby in.

"I'll go put the coffee on... she is mad in the morning without coffee." Roman muttered as Ruby smiled, saying a simple 'thanks' as he closed the door for her and quickly walked over and opened the living room door for the small redhead.

Ruby walked into the room smiling at the sight of the girl with a pillow over her face. Trying to remove all forms of outside sound. It made Ruby smile a gleeful type of smile. She had no idea why it made her look so adorable.

She took a seat on the side of the pull out bed and laid down next to the brunette trying to get some last few minutes of sleep. Ruby just reached up and poked Cinder's stomach. She could hear some grumbling as she giggled.

"Come on Cinder... the zoo is huge. And you did tell me that you wanted to get there before nine... and I may have screwed that part up... but my Nǎinai was cooking breakfast... can't pass that up." Ruby spoke nuzzling closer to where Ruby assumed was Cinder's head.

She could hear a muffled 'it is too early... the animals will be asleep.' Cinder wanted to roll onto her side, but she learned the first night since she got home, that it was a bad idea. Which spawned her second desire to just pull Ruby closer and instead of doing what she planned for the entire day, but she knew that she would not be able to live up to her promise from a few days ago about making the weekends the greatest times Ruby will ever have.

"Doesn't work... Yang lied to me before with that same line... almost exactly word for word... just less English. So come on... we can get some coffee... still owe Kirito that sucker punch..." Ruby continued as she lifted the pillow to see Cinder's golden orbs staring back.

"But... I'm really sleepy... I was up till late making sandwiches... and if you promise not to insult them... possibly failed dumplings... possibly successful dumplings." Cinder spoke causing Ruby's face to brighten up, she was surprised but in a good way. Ruby never hid how much she loved dumplings. To her they were the single greatest food, and now that she may have her favourite food from her girlfriend... it was a great surprise. "I promise to only try... I'm very picky on what I call good dumplings... took my mom until I was six to perfect them... hell Yang got my seal sooner... but that was only by like three months." Ruby spoke causing Cinder to groan. She was already regretting attempting to make them. She had spent two hours trying to figure them out and five failed attempts later she got some she was happy about.

Ruby leaned up and gave Cinder a kiss that she pulled back from, slightly too fast for Cinder's liking. "Now come on... I got my dad's car, it is just going to be us. You go get changed... I'll go talk to Roman while you do that."

"Give me another kiss then I'll go start getting ready for the day." Cinder offered as what she felt a reasonable compromise to Ruby's otherwise flawless deal.

Ruby leaned up once more to kiss Cinder, and could feel the kiss deepening, only stopping when she began to twist her body and accidentally putting too much weight on her booted foot causing her to pull back and barely withheld a scream of agony.

"Well, we both learned a valuable lesson... my ankle may be screwed... but the boot does not block stupid amounts of pain when I'm in an awkward position." Ruby joked as She began to move to the edge of the small bed. She was saddened by the mood getting killed, but glad that it meant they could actually get under way with Cinder's plan.

Ruby reached down and grabbed her crutches. "I shouldn't be long. Like once I get changed, I'll slam some coffee and we can get the food and go." Cinder spoke as Ruby stood up, Cinder moved the blanket causing Ruby to blush and averting her eyes. She hadn't noticed due to the blanket being up to Cinder's neck, but she was wearing a sleeveless shirt accentuating her bosom and from Ruby's quick glance a pair of red panties.

She let out a simple 'sorry for looking' and quickly left the room. She had no idea what was causing such a bashful reaction... after all she had seen women in an even less state of dress, but from seeing Cinder in next to nothing, was making her blush.

She quickly made her way into the kitchen to see Roman pouring three identical cups of coffee. Ruby cleared her throat to try and alert him. He turned around rubbing his eyes. "I don't understand how you can be so happy in the morning... this is just ridiculous..."

"Well, I have this hot date that wants to go and spend the entire day looking at really cute and really cool animals... I mean have you not seen a red panda... or an ocelot? They are so cool... and adorable." Ruby spoke seeing Roman rub his eyes with his open hand and then slide the hand off his face.

"Too tired... need coffee before I can deal with any of this." Roman spoke as he grabbed a cup and took a large mouthful. He quickly grabbed a second cup and held it out for Ruby. "Can you add milk and five sugars... I'd do it... but my ankle... and my hands are filled with... you know keeping me up." Ruby asked, hoping that the man would.

Roman began to chuckle to himself as he put the cup back down and walked over to the fridge. He quickly opened the door and grabbed the blue carton and walked back over to the mug and poured some in. He reached into the cupboard and pulled out a small plastic container filled with white granules. He then just grabbed a spoon and then quickly began to spoon sugar into the cup. After a quick mix he held it out for Ruby again which she quickly accepted.

"Thanks Roman..." Ruby spoke as she took a drink from the mug.

The silence that befell the duo was strange. Neither knew what to talk about. They had never had time by themselves, and it was a strange thing. Normally Ruby knew what to do and what to talk about, but now it was strange.

"So... strange thing... I'm just curious... how is your family taking the news?" Roman asked, he was curious, and really did want to know. He still remembered how hard it was to lose his wife, but he couldn't imagine if Cinder was in a similar position as that Ruby was in.

Ruby frowned as she quickly made her way to a chair. "Terribly... just terribly... I mean my family that knew beforehand are here and they are trying everything they can to ignore it... and my parents told the rest of their family and they are mad... but also some are trying to get the money to come and visit in January... but they are just as sad as you." Ruby spoke as Roman brought over her coffee and took another seat.

"Kind of why I'm glad about Cinder... She actually wants to help take my mind off this... hence heading to the zoo. I kind of really like animals..." Ruby spoke, the sadness dripping through her voice as Cinder entered the room and quickly over to the free mug and quickly downed it. "Dad, don't dampen the mood like that... Ruby, quickly finish that and let's go."

Just the way Cinder would gladly stick her head into the sand, knowing it made Ruby feel better, just so she wasn't alone in the cluster fuck her life had become. Cinder was the one who wanted to take her mind off it all. Something she was thankful for.

Ruby quickly drank the rest and stood up as Cinder closed the fridge door and slide a few of the brown covered containers into her messenger bag. She pulled out a small dumpling like thing and presented it to Ruby. Ruby grabbed it and right before she popped it into her mouth she spoke up, "What type are these meant to be?" Ruby asked, figuring what the golden orbed goddess wanted.

"I was trying to make pork..." Cinder muttered as Ruby popped it into her mouth and began to chew it carefully trying to decipher what Cinder had put it in. "Too little ginger... and far too little chillies... but passable." Ruby spoke as Cinder smiled and slipped the box she was holding in her hands into the bag as well.

"Dad we'll be back later... don't wait up." Cinder spoke as Ruby made it to the front door in record time and opened the door. She wanted to get to being just her and Cinder. "Stay safe Cinder, I don't need another mini heart attack from getting a call my daughter was in a crash." Roman joked as Ruby laughed quickly unlocking the car.

Once Cinder was sitting comfortably Ruby leaned over and gave Cinder a kiss. She quickly returned to a sitting position and placed the key into the ignition and turned it. She felt comfortable. She really wanted to press herself against Cinder as the rode her motorcycle to where ever, but knew that not only would it be near impossible to use the speed machine that Ruby adored, but Cinder couldn't drive it. So this would have to do.

They both just enjoyed the scenery passing by when Cinder decided to speak up, "Probably should have asked this a lot sooner... but since when can you drive?" She asked with a slight amusement in her voice, as Ruby began to chuckle herself.

"Legally... since I was sixteen... but I learned when I was fourteen. Unlike you and Yang though, I can't drive a motorcycle... and before I hear some wise crack about how many times I've been in a crash I'm going to be pissed... I've still been in four less total than Yang, and two less than Weiss... no idea how many you've been in." Ruby spoke as she turned the corner.

She could feel a concerned eye of Cinder looking at her. "I've been in one... ever... and no intentions of getting in more. Why do you keep track... and more importantly how have you guys gotten in that many?"

"Well with the exception of two of my crashes, they have been intentional, I really don't like my parents fighting and I have learned I need to go to some drastic solutions. Yang... well motorcycles are hard to see at night as you know well enough yourself. And Weiss... well... she claims it is because she drove tired... I think she drove a little tipsy... probably why she would rather not drive while she drinks anymore."

Cinder frowned at that last story, 'And she has the gall to make it seem like I'm at fault for one crash outside my control... not going to let her live that down.' Cinder thought as she felt a smack on her arm from Ruby. "I know that look... drop it. That is just my theory. There is nothing backing it up. So drop it... please drop it... I have no idea why you two fight so much."

"Not my fault she starts it... I just defend myself... if she wants to go all out I'll go all out." Cinder defended crossing her arms over her chest. She didn't like it when she was getting in trouble when she wasn't the one at fault.

"All I'm saying is be the mature person. Drop any and all arguments with her. It isn't that hard of a thing to do. And if you really want to get under her skin, that does it the best in my experience... just don't use it a lot... I don't want my last few months with my girlfriend and best friend constantly locking horns." Ruby spoke as she lowered her hand to grasp Cinder's.

Ruby knew that it wouldn't be long before they reached their destination. She didn't even realise they were on the road for nearly half an hour. Ruby figured the old adage was true, time really does fly when you are having fun. And to Ruby spending time with Cinder always meant she was having fun.

Cinder squeezed the hand within hers already. She began to recognize some of the scenery passing by. She was smiling despite the fact she knew how much strain she would be putting on her upper body for the entire day, but knew it would be fun. She got to see Ruby smile and laugh, which is what really mattered.

"So... why was there a sign at the sloth exhibit with a picture of Nora with the text 'under no circumstance let this woman be here without security for a prolonged period of time'? Or is that just me that finds that weird..." Cinder asked as she got comfortable once again on the bench in the small petting zoo section.

Ruby laughed as she grabbed the chopsticks Cinder was nice enough to get for her just so she can eat the dumplings in a way she felt most comfortable with. "She has broken in on a few occasions... both during the day and the night. If her dad wasn't a decent criminal lawyer and if this place was a bit stricter... she would be in jail."

"Not surprised that she should be in jail... I mean she even has told me how to make a bomb... and napalm..." Cinder spoke quickly stealing one of the dumplings Ruby had in the small container in front of her. "And these taste bland..."

"I told you that... needs more ginger and chillies. And once we are done with lunch... where do you want to go? I still want to go and see the lions and tigers and bears-"

"Oh my... sorry... I just had to take the opportunity. But I want to go see the lemurs... and the red pandas... which again sounds made up... like half the animals you keep talking about." Cinder spoke as Ruby glared. She harshened her glare as Cinder poked her nose.

Ruby began to grumble. "That was a terrible joke... and if after I should you the adorableness of the kinkajou... why doubt the existence of a red panda... they sound less made up." Ruby spoke picking up another dumpling with the pieces of wood and placed it into Cinder's mouth right before she could respond.

Right before cinder chewed the dumpling Ruby leaned over and bit the other half of the dumpling that was just sticking out. That simple thing soon turned into a kiss. One Ruby was more than comfortable with deepening.

Only pulling back when the need for air won out over Ruby's bliss. "Huh... dumpling kisses are some of the best kisses... good to know." Ruby spoke to herself as she placed another dumpling into her mouth and began to chew.

"I don't disagree... but is doing that in public really necessary? I mean... anyone can come by and just stare." Cinder asked as Ruby laughed. "We are at a petting zoo in a zoo... people should be more concerned with the animals and their children... plus according to my dad you can cause some major damage if you throw crutches. Something I would be tempted to test out if I need to. People should mind their own damned business."

Cinder offered half of her sandwich to Ruby who took a bite, and smiled. She quickly leaned up and planted another kiss on Cinder's lips. Ruby smiled as she rested her head on Cinder's shoulder. Just enjoying the small animals, gleefully picking up the small pellets of food the children and the occasional adult with small children would feed them.

A small piglet that Ruby had been following mentally had begun to walk towards the fence causing the mother pig to come and nudge the child away. Almost as if what was awaiting it on the other side of the fence was a terrible fate.

Ruby began to chuckle at the sight of the mother protecting its child. She just knew if her mom could she would be doing something similar.

"Hey Ruby... I'm sure you don't want a damper on the mood... but did you want to be when you got through high school and from what I assume college?" Cinder asked, she could feel Ruby frown at the question.

"Promise not to laugh..." Ruby spoke as the taller of the two began to chuckle. "Fine... I promise not to laugh, and we can start going towards the next thing on the list." Cinder spoke as Ruby passed her the container with some of the remaining dumplings left in it, and Cinder just placed all their garbage into her bag.

They both grabbed their crutches and began the journey to the next stop when Ruby decided to answer Cinder's question. "To answer your question Cinder... I had no idea. Closest thing that entertained me was biochemical engineering... but I found nothing interesting enough to make a career out off. What about you?" Ruby asked, curious as to what Cinder planned to do with her life once Ruby was gone... she knew it sounded dark, but she also felt like it was important to know if she is what is holding Cinder back with her life's goals.

"I kind of always wanted to be a mechanic like my dad... after all my social skills are like non-existent... and I can see and fix problems with vehicles easier than I can with even talking with people. But when my mom got diagnosed I kinda shut in on myself, but I got fixated on how doctors are kinda like mechanics but with people." Cinder spoke as they came to a stop in front of grizzly bear exhibit.

"That makes... like no sense..." Ruby spoke, hoping for Cinder to clarify what she meant. "It does make sense... people are like cars in a way. Just more complex but also much simpler. It is kinda hard to explain... just trust me on that they are similar where it matters." Cinder muttered as Ruby got closer to the glass protect the people from the massive bear while the bear cubs were playing.

Something that never made sense to Ruby. She knew if they were in the wild, they would be sleeping the winter away, but here in the zoo, they played. "Okay... ignoring your terrible comparison... you do realise doctors need to deal with a lot of people... short of you having some unrivalled skill you can't brush people off. And even then..."

"I'm aware Ruby. But I know I can change. I mean a year ago I never would have thought about dating anyone. Last person I had feelings for shot me down... and my dad mocked, and my mom... she tried to help... but between the chemo and the fact a couple months later she well... anyways... I just tried to shut people out. Worked for a few years... and then this cute girl came and sat next to me and read over my shoulder as I started this new school." Cinder spoke as they began to go towards the next thing.

"She sounds like a bitch... I mean she does know it is rude to do that... I mean reading over people's shoulder. That is just common sense." Ruby joked causing Cinder to laugh. "But in all seriousness... glad that one person turned you down... because I can now insult her or him I mean they were stupid, and I can keep you all to myself for a few more months. Like it may be selfish... but if I could only ever have one girlfriend or boyfriend... I'm glad it is you." Ruby spoke as she turned around to see what stopped Cinder.

"You are making it hard to let you go when the time comes Ruby." Cinder spoke looking down at the ground. "I promise with my last breath to spit in your face if it makes you feel better. But Cinder... this trip really means alot to me... you are the only person that really hasn't shut in on themselves that require someone to smack some sense into them. And I know it is probably hard for you to ignore what is to come... I know it is hard for me... so how about next week, seeing as it is the final week before Christmas, let's just go to the mall... go see some cheesy Christmas movie." Ruby spoke as Cinder caught up.

She kissed the top of Ruby's head because it was the easiest part to get to. With their current position. "That sounds like fun Ruby."

Author's Note:

Well that was a pain to write... god damn fluff... it is easily the hardest thing to write. But onto an order of business... I have started to write what is the single darkest story I've ever written... I mean I find it too dark... five attempts writing it and stopping because it was just too dark, it makes you want Ruby to die in it. So here is the reason I'm bringing this up is I have a pure fluff, two shot challenge... and I'll put this onto a poll, which to you guys want to see first?