Blake should've known it was coming. After all, she had read this story before. Right when things seemed perfect, everything had to come toppling down. She just hadn't expected it to be so soon.

The fact that they'd have to end things soon hadn't even crossed her mind in the last couple weeks; since she'd fallen asleep soundly in the comfort of Yang's embrace after their first horrible group movie night. Everything had been so perfect. So painfully painfully perfect. Every kiss, every touch, every date and conversation. Blake couldn't fathom a life without any of it, and so she didn't.

Not until today.

The morning started like any other, sun oppressively hot as she ran her shift in the ice cream truck. Yang had shown up a few hours in with iced coffees and a sweet smile that made Blake's heart flutter. And Blake had been foolish enough to think that the rest of the day was going to be fun. After all, they were set to hang out with Ilia once Blake closed up for the day and – despite her better judgement – Blake was excited to finally introduce the two.

"So, what's she like?" Yang asked, playing with her straw.

Blake smirked, looking over the top of her book and tilting her sunglasses down. "Why? Are you nervous?"

Yang chuckled, her cheeks turning a pretty shade of pink as she looked away, placing her drink down on top of the cooler. "I guess a little. I mean, you two have been friends for like… ever." Yang's eyes bounced back to Blake's. "Feel like that's a hard one to impress."

Blake chuckled lightly, her gaze flitting back to the words on the page. "And why would you be so concerned about impressing her?" Her heart beat a little faster. "You're only going to be here for another couple weeks."

She hadn't really thought about what saying that meant, if she was honest. After all, it was something neither of them had really brought up lately. Not in any serious regard. But the thought happened to cross her mind, and she found herself with an ache in her chest.

Logically, she knew that it would never work; her back at school and Yang home in Patch, but that didn't keep her from wondering what it would be like if they could stay together. A reality where she could peck Yang on the cheek every day when she got home from work. Ask her how her day had been and Yang could stay up late on her nights off to help Blake cram for an upcoming exam. One where they could fall into bed together and fall asleep in each other's arms every night.

Blake couldn't help but think it was such a simple dream – an easy wish – and yet she knew it could never happen and her heart ached for it.

Yang's fingers gently pushed Blake's book down, forcing her to look up into lilac eyes. Yang's gaze was soft and tender, her smile a little sad. "My lack of time here doesn't make me care any less, Blake." She sighed, her hand dropping into her lap. "It never has."

Blake wasn't entirely sure what Yang meant by that, but it seemed like too much to get into right now. Instead, she grinned and rolled her eyes.

"Don't get so dramatic," Blake said, bringing her gaze back to her book. "I was only teasing." Her voice didn't waiver, but she wasn't sure how convincing she'd been. The long silence that settled between them after made her uneasy. She'd expected Yang to quip back, or nudge her, or chuckle. But the silence…

Blake dared to look up and see for herself why it all felt off and found Yang looking at her. She couldn't help but think how different things were now, compared to that first day. Where before Yang's gaze was guarded – hidden by Blake's own reflection in her tinted aviators – now it was honest and open and vulnerable.

But right then, in that moment, Yang looked… hurt. Her brow knitted and lips pursed, pulled down into a small frown.

Blake lowered her book, any trace of a fake smile she might have plastered on fading away as she leaned forward. "Yang?"

Hearing her name, Yang blinked and looked away, clearing her throat. "R-Right, yeah. Good one."

"I'm sorry if I—"

"No! No. It's fine," Yang said with an uneasy chuckle. "I just… misread it. We're cool. We're good."

Blake frowned. "Yang…"

Yang shook her head and held up a hand, standing. "Really, it's fine. I… need to start helping Ruby pack some non-essentials so she's not cramming them all last second," she said quickly, the word "pack" hitting Blake like a ton of bricks. "I'll… I'll be back in a couple hours. Sound good?"

Yang started to head for the truck's door and Blake tossed her book aside, not bothering to mark the page as she stood to grab Yang's arm and tug her close. Her other hand came up to grip the back of Yang's neck as she pulled her down for a kiss, a little sloppy and a lot heated. A reminder of something between them that Blake was afraid to name.

When they broke apart, Blake kept close. "Stay?" Her voice was small, and this time it did crack and she was momentarily afraid that Yang would read into that word just as deeply as she'd meant it.

Instead, Yang just chuckled, a little forced and her arms circled around Blake's waist. "You make a compelling argument, Belladonna." She placed another gentle kiss to Blake's lips before pulling away with a sigh and looking down at Blake. She tucked a strand of Blake's hair behind her ear. "Don't worry, baby, really. We're good." This time, Yang's words were an attempt at sweet and reassuring, but Blake could still hear the lace of pain under the surface. "But I really do need to make sure she's getting stuff done." She chuckled lightly, looking away. "And I'm sure Weiss is looking for me to do the same."

Before Blake could spiral back into aching disappointment, her ear twitched in the direction of the ocean. A few shouts and bouts of familiar laughter catching her attention and she looked over to see Sun out in the water. He bobbed freely, laughing as a waterlogged Weiss sat atop his surfboard, wringing water from her hair and kicking some in his direction, very clearly trying to fight off a smile even as she almost tilted over into the ocean again.

Blake raised an eyebrow. "I'm not so sure about that," she said, pointing in the direction of their friends.

Their friends. Thinking the phrase caught Blake off guard and spiraled her into thoughts of future get togethers; Weiss and Sun bickering over who gets to do what in the kitchen, Yang sneaking up on them for some terrible practical joke with Ruby by her side, and Blake shaking her head with a smile as it all unravels.

Yang's laugh snapped her out of it as she leaned on the counter by the window to get a better look. The ocean breeze swept Yang's hair back, the sun making it almost shimmer gold. The muscles in her arms flexed as she rested her palms on the metal counter. Her eyes shined bright.

She was so beautiful.

"Never thought I'd see Weiss on a surfboard, not gonna lie," Yang said, some of her lightheartedness coming back at the change of subject. She turned to face Blake with a grin. "Also never thought I'd be the responsible one." Yang faked a shiver, shaking her head.

Blake smiled back, playing off Yang's mood shift and taking a step closer, hooking a finger into one of Yang's belt loops. "Then… don't be the responsible one?"

Yang let out a shaky breath, hesitating a moment, her playful demeanor deflating as her cheeks tinted pink. "I…" she let herself be drawn in only to take a step back. She cleared her throat. "I… really do need to get going." She rubbed the back of her neck and Blake leaned forward to plant a gentle kiss to the underside of her jaw.

"Are you sure?"

Yang inhaled, stepping back and gently guiding Blake back by her shoulders. "Yeah. I'm—I'm sorry. I'll see you in a few hours?" She looked flustered and her eyes didn't quite meet Blake's gaze.

Blake cleared her throat and crossed her arms, shoulders hunching slightly. "Y-Yeah, of course!"

Yang glanced up at her and nodded. And then she was gone, walking away into the early afternoon crowd and leaving Blake with her mind reeling.

She deflated the instant Yang was out of the truck, cursing quietly under her breath and rubbing at her temples. She hated how everything was so awkward between them just then. All tense and serious and – and now, with their time drawing short, she didn't want to waste any of it on… whatever that was.

Blake let out a sigh and leaned against the counter, looking out over the ocean where Weiss and Sun sat happily.

She'd just have to make sure the rest of the day made up for it.

When they met up later, Yang was in better spirits, excitedly bouncing on the balls of her feet as they neared the boardwalk together. However, Blake couldn't help but notice that Yang's hand was distinctly not in hers and while that could mean absolutely nothing, every part of her felt like it did. And with the breeze that just started to roll in off the ocean, she's was more aware of it than ever.

"I'm really excited!" Yang said, smile broad as she looked out towards the lights of the boardwalk rides and games, just starting to turn on with the sunset starting within the next couple hours. She turned to Blake. "How did we wait this long to come to a place with rides and games?"

The corner of Blake's mouth twitched up and she offered her a shrug, her cheeks flushing a little. "You asked to have a non-tourist experience." Blake jutted her chin in the direction of the boardwalk ahead of them, to all the sandal-wearing, sunblock-caked people. "Tourist Haven," she said.

Yang chuckled with a nod, her hands sliding into her pockets. "Okay, fair point."

Blake's smile slipped a little as they continued to walk. Usually, Yang would've played back, teased her, taken her hand, slung an arm around her shoulders, done something; but she just… went with it, and every alarm in Blake's head started blaring.

"Blake!" Ilia's shout from their right startled Blake out of her own head and she quickly found her friend waving from the railing that overlooked the beach.

In a rush to try and make things feel normal, Blake hooked her arm through Yang's and smiled as she started to lead them in Ilia's direction. She felt Yang jolt slightly at the contact, but almost instantly relax into it. She glanced up at her to see a small smile and blush on her face as her hand came out of her pocket to hold Blake's instead and Blake felt her heart melt.

Ilia met them half way, letting out a long breath. "Thought you two would never get here." She looked up at Yang, a scrutinizing look on her face as she sized her up and Blake felt her heart speed. After what felt like an eternity, Ilia held out her hand with a small grin. "Nice to finally meet you, Yang."

Yang chuckled, shaking Ilia's hand with her free one. "I know, I swear I wanted this to happen sooner, but Blake's got a way of keeping me— oof."

Blake's face flushed as she nudged Yang in the ribs.

Ilia rolled her eyes as she pulled back. "It's not like it's a secret, Blake."

"Doesn't mean she has to say it," Blake mumbled.

Yang smirked, but let it go with a shrug. "Anyway, glad we could make it work before I leave."

And there was that word again. The one that struck Blake in the gut every time it left Yang's mouth.

Leave.

She felt herself wince as Yang said it and desperately hoped neither of them noticed.

"Same," Ilia said. She frowned in the direction of the flashing lights along the coast. "Though, I do wish it was somewhere a little less… touristy."

Blake reached out and pushed her gently with her fingertips. "Oh, c'mon Ilia. You have fun here and you know it. Now come on," Blake said with a smirk, "let's show Yang how we own every game here."

Ilia smirked back. "Sounds like a plan."

Yang chuckled. "Hey. Don't count me out, Belladonna," she said, a grin growing across her face as they started to walk toward the game booths. "You have first-hand experience how good I am at games."

Blake rolled her eyes, but the tightness in her chest eased a little at the familiar banter. "This isn't Grimm Eclipse, Yang." She set her with a look. "These are serious games. Ones that require more than button smashing."

Yang held her free hand to her chest and let out an offended huff. "Oh, I'm sorry, are you implying that I can't be serious and tactful?"

Blake raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Yes. And you're kind of proving my point. They aren't your strong suit."

Yang's eyebrows shot up. "Well," she said, looking forward again, "I guess we'll just have to see about that."

Ilia groaned. "Oh god. What did I sign up for?"

"A third wheel position, I believe," Yang said with a playful grin. "But don't worry, I think it'll wear off once the competitiveness kicks in."

"Sure hope so," Ilia muttered, though there was a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

"Here," Blake said, coming to a stop and gesturing at the line of booths ahead of them, set up with twinkling lights and various songs playing over one another in a horrible cacophony of sounds, "I'll even let you pick the first one. How about that?" She smirked up at Yang and Yang quickly stuck her tongue out for a moment, making Blake laugh, before turning to her options.

After a moment of scanning the variety of games and prizes available, Yang grinned and pointed one out. "That one."

Blake followed Yang's finger to a water shooting game. She looked up at her and raised an eyebrow. "Anything to do with the fact it's about aiming water at a target?"

Yang shrugged and threw her a wink. "Play to your strengths."

They made their way over and took a few seats at the game, an actual child taking the last of the seats next to them. Blake glanced at Yang who simply smirked before turning to the game, her thumbs coming up over the buttons on the sprayer and swiveling it a couple times to get a feel for the motion.

Blake chuckled with a shake of her head, her hands resting on her own spray gun.

The man running the booth took a few moments to explain the game and the rules, amping it up to eleven what with the little boy seated next to them with a huge smile on his face, excited to play. Then, the man rang the bell and the race was on. Or it would've been, if Blake didn't intentionally shoot just a little to the left of the target, her eye trained on the progress the little boy's bar was making.

Just as the kid's marker was about halfway up the pole, the bell rang signaling a winner and Blake looked around in confusion. Her own was only about halfway itself and Ilia's was barely a quarter. She glanced to her left to see Yang's at the top. She looked at Yang and was met with a grin before Yang turned to pick out her prize: a tie-dyed blue dolphin plushie.

Blake raised an eyebrow. "Really, Ya--?" Before Blake could say anything more, Yang stood from her seat and jogged to catch up to the boy and his mother, who had just started making their way down the rest of the boardwalk, the mother rubbing the little boy's shoulder in comfort.

Blake couldn't hear what was said, the noises around them and distance muffling any real words, but she saw Yang wave them down. Saw them both turn in her direction as Yang slowed to a stop and said something to the woman before crouching down to talk to the boy. She presented the little dolphin to him, making it swim briefly through the air before placing it into the smiling child's hands who then promptly launched himself into Yang's body, nearly knocking her off balance with his hug as his mother took a half-step forward ready to steady them. Blake could see the light shake of Yang's shoulders as she laughed and patted the kid on the back before untangling herself from his arms. She stood and gave the mother a little wave, who smiled thankfully in return.

"Wow."

Blake jumped, taking in a small gasp as she nearly forgot Ilia was even there, too lost in the moment before her. She glanced at her best friend who was staring at her, nodding slightly and fighting off a smile. Blake raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Oh. Nothing," Ilia said, standing. "Just never thought I'd see the moment where you decided you were going to marry someone."

Blake felt herself turn completely red as she stumbled over her words, glancing in Yang's direction, thankful she was still out of earshot. "That's not— I—I wouldn't—I mean, it isn't even— We haven't even—"

Ilia smirked. "Mhmm."

Blake's mind reeled as she stared at Yang and did consider it. Flashes of a future there again, but this time it was them in a little home, kids running around the backyard, Yang cooking something on the grill while Blake planted a kiss to her cheek…

Blake's jaw clenched and she shook the fantasy from her mind. It was stupid. They weren't even in love. How could she be imagining all that if they weren't… even… in…

Oh.

Fuck.

Her heart pounded and she swallowed thickly, turning back to Ilia. This wasn't the day to be pushing the boundaries of their relationship when things were already so fragile. "Seriously, Ilia. Don't. Not in front of her. Not today."

Ilia looked Blake over as her tone changed from thrown to genuinely distressed and Ilia's gaze softened. "I… I won't. Is everything okay?"

Blake looked towards Yang again, who was quickly approaching, and sighed. "Y-Yeah. Just… complicated. And I don't need marriage jokes on top of it."

Ilia sighed. "Fine. As long as complicated is all it is…"

Blake's eyes bounced back to Ilia and found the concern there. The question lingering underneath her statement easily read between lifelong friends. "I swear. Yang's… not like that." Blake looked in Yang's direction again. "I mean just look at what just happened… y'know?"

"Yeah…" Ilia put a hand on Blake's shoulder. "Hey," she said, and Blake turned to face her. Ilia thought for a second before continuing. "Just… I'm here for you. Okay?"

Blake gave her a small smile, a little forced, but genuine nonetheless. She nodded once, patting Ilia's hand with her own. "Thanks."

Ilia dropped her hand back to her side and smirked as Yang came jogging back over to their little group. Blake tried to stop her heart from pounding as Yang got closer, her body evidently still reeling from recent admissions – even if they were only to herself. But with the way Yang threw her a smirk, eyes glowing with mischief…

God Blake was truly hook, line, and sinker.

"You didn't actually think I'd beat a kid like that, did you?" Yang asked with a chuckle. Blake was only relieved she could hear her over the pounding of her pulse in her ears.

Blake shrugged, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "You do have a mean competitive streak."

"Yeah," Yang said, grin growing as she inched closer to Blake. She tapped her on the nose and tossed her a wink. "And I still won."

Blake squinted at her. "Rematch."

Yang didn't miss a beat. "You're on."

As they settled back into the game, Ilia hesitated for only a moment before muttering, "Knew I'd regret this," under her breath and taking her seat next to Blake and Yang as well.

Yang won. Actually, that wasn't even fair to say because Yang not only won; she won five times.

Five fucking times.

Blake wasn't even sure how it was possible, considering she never once missed her own target. And it wasn't that certain seats were rigged either. No. They switched spots and still Yang won. It would have been unbearable aside from the fact that Blake couldn't help but notice the way Yang lit up with each victory. Her smile shining a little brighter, shoulders getting a little straighter… after the morning they had, it was so nice to see Yang look bright and happy and like herself. Besides, it's not like Blake could complain when after five wins, Yang got a 'grand prize' of a golden dragon stuffed animal that she happily passed off to Blake with a smile.

But still the competitive side of Blake wanted to scream.

"C'mon," Yang said with a smirk, her arm coming around Blake's shoulders easily as she led her away from the carnival game. "Why don't we try a different game out? Maybe you two can beat me at something else."

Blake nudged Yang with her hip, though not hard enough to jostle herself from the half-embrace, too relieved that Yang felt comfortable enough to initiate contact again. "Or," she said, tucking the little dragon Yang had given her under her arm, "we could ditch the games and go on some of the rides." She gave Yang a soft smile. "I have a feeling you might like some of them."

Yang smiled back. "You just don't want to lose again," she said with a chuckle.

Before Blake could retort, Ilia said, "She is a bit of a sore loser. Always has been."

Blake's jaw dropped as Yang laughed a little harder. "I—I am not."

Ilia smirked. "Sure, you're not."

"I'm not!"

"You did get really competitive with the fighting game at the arcade…" Yang said, smirking.

Blake squinted at her. "That was only because you were cheating and you know it."

To her credit, Yang only snickered in response.

Blake sighed. "I knew introducing you two was a horrible idea."

Ilia chuckled. "You're just mad because we're right."

"Insufferable…" Blake mumbled and shook her head.

Yang chuckled lowly, placing a kiss to the side of Blake's head as they continued walking down the boardwalk. "Don't worry," Yang muttered quietly against her hair, "I like it about you. I think it just shows how much you care."

Blake's ears perked up; her cheeks flushed red. Leave it to Yang to both drive her absolutely insane and flatter her speechless in one fell swoop. Still, the flattery won out, and Blake slipped her arm around Yang's waist, a small smile slipping back onto her face.

"So!" Yang said, breaking through the last of the teasing. "What ride are we thinking?"

They made their way through quite a few of the rides, starting with the one, small, wooden coaster the boardwalk had and traversing through several different variations of spinning until they were left dizzy and just on the brink of nauseousness. It was fun and freeing and Blake couldn't remember the last time she had this much fun.

Yang and Ilia got along so well it was like they'd always been friends, and it warmed Blake's heart whenever they'd find a conversation that worked for them, that led to them laughing until they were red in the face, or sassing each other with smirks, or even ganging up on Blake for yet another thing. It was something Blake always expected if they were to meet, and honestly, she didn't mind. After all they were two of the most important people in her life… and as long as it worked, she wasn't going to be picky.

Besides, Yang always managed to find a way to turn the teasing into flattery that left Blake flushed and speechless.

It didn't feel like long before the sun had set and Ilia decided to call it a night, the unnaturally cool breeze wafting in off the ocean that night definitely lending to the masses of people calling it a night early, or at least running off to grab hoodies to bundle up in for the evening.

Blake gave her a quick hug as the reached the end of the boardwalk.

"She's amazing, Blake. Don't let your head get in the way," Ilia whispered quietly, giving Blake a friendly, but knowing look when she pulled back out of their embrace. Blake's mouth opened and closed silently a couple times before Ilia directed her attention to Yang instead. "Yang," she said, extending a hand out for her to shake.

Yang shook her hand with a chuckle. "It was nice to meet you," she said, pulling her hand away and tucking them both into her pockets. "We should try to do it again one more time, before I leave."

Ilia's gaze bounced to Blake for all of a second before answering with a friendly smile. "I think that'd be fun. In the meantime…" she said, pointing between the two of them. "You two make good choices." She smirked when Blake rolled her eyes, and started walking backwards, giving Blake one last wave as she said, "See you tomorrow!" before disappearing into the night.

Yang let out a slow, steady breath and Blake felt her relax next to her. Honestly, until that moment, Blake hadn't even realized how tense she'd been.

"God," Yang said, chuckling lightly. "Y'know, I met your mom when she caught us making out at a tiki bar during a festival and I was still more nervous today than I was then." She blushed, turning and leaning against one of the guardrails that overlooked the ocean, her hands fidgeting. "How stupid is that?"

Blake smirked, settling next to her so they were arm-to-arm. "I don't think it's stupid," Blake said, shaking her head and nudging Yang with her arm. "Just very unnecessary."

Yang sighed. "Yeah." She paused a moment before continuing. "I just… I really wanted her to like me. Like, someone you choose to keep in your life that long… they mean something." Yang shrugged, her voice growing a little quieter. "Their opinion, I'm sure, means something."

Blake was a little lost at to where exactly Yang's mind was wandering off to with that, but she supposed she understood to an extent. After all, she did want Weiss to like her. And Ruby. Maybe it was just as simple as that. This was – after all – new to Yang. Maybe it just… felt different.

Blake sighed, lacing their fingers together as she rested her head against Yang's shoulder. "Well, based on the amount of teasing I endured tonight, I think it's safe to say she liked you."

Yang eased a little with Blake's teasing demeanor, chuckling lightly as she played with Blake's fingers between her own. "Good to know."

They stood there in silence for a moment, nothing but the cool breeze starting to kick up and the lapping of ocean waves crashing against the shore before them.

"So," Yang said, shifting a little until Blake's head lifted from her shoulder. Blake looked up at her as she continued, the faint hint of lightly masked moonlight highlighting her features beautifully. "Seems like the heatwave might be breaking…" Yang glanced at Blake with a small smile. "Want to enjoy it? Nice walk along the beach without sweating to death?"

Blake chuckled, leaning back off the railing and tugging Yang along towards the stairs, pulling her close and kissing her softly once before pulling back and muttering against her lips, "Sounds like fun."

Maybe she would've held Yang a little closer, kissed her a little longer, if she'd known then what that walk had in store for them.