A/N So sorry for not updating this week. I just moved into a new place, so getting set up has been occupying my time. Now I'll be doing this thing we're I'll pick two fics I've read and enjoyed recently and recommend them here, so... Good reads!
'When Flames Take Hold' by: DemonEagle87
'In Just A Few Words' by: imyellincinder
Now, I know updates have been slow, and it's thanks to my bad habits of starting new fics when I know I don't have the time. So to get organized, and set things back to weekly updates, for the next month I'll be focusing on three fics. This one, After Dark [4 chapters left], and Role Reversal [7 chapters left]. These are my oldest fics and are all close to completion. Sort of…
Once these are done, I can focus on the SEQUEL and all my newer works. I'm really sorry about this, but it helps me get back to weekly updates.
Chapter 16. On Two Fronts Pt. 2
This wasn't it.
Yang wasn't sure how to react to her sisters words. Time seemed to moderate itself as Yang began to make sense of the new-found situation. It didn't take her long to come up with her own answer. Plain and simple, she didn't believe it. Not in the slightest.
The blonde looked to Ruby. The younger girl staring back with an unstinting expression, locked on tense. "Ruby," Yang worded, her tone melancholic, "You... you're-"
"Don't even say it Yang." Ruby retorted. "You have no idea..." The girl clenched her teeth together. She couldn't believe that even Yang -her own sister- acted just like everyone else. Not even giving Cinder a drop of chance. On the flip-side, she still felt unjustified. Yang still has no clue what Cinder's reality is, but the need was still present.
The crimsonette looked up to her sister, malice ridden in her stormy eyes. "You, have no idea what she's been through. You have no idea how much shit she's had to endure." The girls voice was rapt with repressed anger. Ruby didn't want to reiterate Cinder's life story as it didn't feel right to bring it up so soon. In contrast, Ruby wanted to tell Yang everything, but the blondes current disposition deemed less feasible to reason with.
Still, she'd try her best.
"I have no idea?" Yang said matter-of-factly. "Weiss is hurt. Because, of, her. I'm not, for a single second, going to-"
For the umpteenth time that day, Ruby cut Yang off. "You think Cinder just goes around attacking people for no good reason? Did you even ask Weiss what happened, cause I bet you didn't. I bet you took it upon yourself to be 'The Hero' thinking you're doing the right thing."
"That's... not true." Yang lied. It was so true it hurt. Weiss had been trying to tell her something. But she ignored it...
"Doesn't matter." Ruby stated. "No one -not even her own family- cares about her." She looked at Yang acerbically.
The blonde raised an eyebrow, still not buying it.
"Her brother passed away when she was young, her parents forsaken her, and she's never been given a chance to redeem herself. Redeeming she shouldn't have to be doing in the first place, Yang."
"..." The blonde continued to eye Ruby, insinuating for her to carry on. Deep down she was perplexed. In that very moment, Ruby seemed more mature than she's even shown.
"She, was always there. Even when you weren't, and even when you chose not to accept it. Unlike everyone else; I saw the care she needed. She was suffering in silence, practically begging for someone to just say, 'Hey, is everything okay?' When I showed her that, she accepted it. She accepted it so much because it was so foreign to her." Ruby's tone dropped off a bit, "It went from there."
The crimsonette could've went into far greater detail. But she didn't. Deciding that her words would fall deaf on Yang's stubborn ears.
"It hurts Yang. It hurts to know that I'm the first person to show her that in her entire life. I'd do anything for her. Just to make sure she's okay. Can't you understand that? She's broken, and I was there to pick up the pieces." Ruby spoke. A philosophical flavor added to her words.
"I love her. If you can't accept that..."
"...too bad."
"I know she feels the same. And that's all that matters."
Ruby still didn't let up, "Before you came here, she told me the truth. About her life, about what makes her, her." Tears threatened to leave Ruby's eyelids, but the girl still stood fast. "I-I love her Yang. I love her so much, a-and s-she... she..."
"S-She deserves so much better Y-Yang. I'm not a-asking you to t-try, but p-please..." Ruby's resolve started to fracture, she wanted it to remain still, and shakily wiped her tears away.
Yang's outlook still hadn't shifted, "Go get her."
Ruby quickly dabbed her eyes, giving Yang a quizzical look, "C-Cinder?"
The blonde nodded, "Bring her back in."
An unsure feeling took host of Ruby, "Yang, please don't-"
"Now." Yang ordered.
For a moment, Ruby hesitated. Not for herself, but for Cinder. Basing her opinion off of Yang's unclear state, it was a fifty-fifty split on whether bringing Cinder back in was a good or bad idea.
The crimsonette gave Yang a look filled with uncertainty. Deciding to console Ruby, Yang gave her a barely legible smile. It was fake, but it'd have to do.
Not taking her eyes off of Yang, Ruby swiveled her body away from the blonde and slipped out of the living-room. Ruby couldn't help but feel guilty about leaving Cinder out in the cold, but her temporary absence provided an even playing field for a proper conversation with Yang.
Be that as it may, Ruby could already feel the tension rising in the air. Each step she made towards the back door made her stomach stir. The image of Cinder getting decked by Yang still fresh in her mind. But like a gearbox locked in first; Ruby couldn't argue Yang's actions. The blonde hadn't known the truth, and the only thing on her mind was -and still is- 'Cinder attacked Weiss'. On Cinder's end, the last thing she needed was to get even more detriment from a situation miles out of her control. That would be the last stack on top of the fragile structure that made up this day.
Which leaves the question: Who's really winning here?
Too deep in thought, Ruby didn't account for the sliding porch door until it was too late. With a loud 'thud' she collided with the glass, bouncing back and grimacing at the sudden pain in her forehead. She slowly glanced upwards, rubbing the dull pain away, only to have a new one fill her senses.
It was Cinder. The ebony-haired girl sat in a patio chair still not put away for winter. The porch light was on revealing how her knees where pressed to her chest, arms fastened to them tightly. It was apparent that on her way out, she grabbed a jacket. The expression on her face was blank, seemingly staring off into oblivion. Occasionally she'd bring her sleeve up to wipe away a stray tear, or dab any blood from her injured nose.
Not wasting another second, Ruby gripped the handle and slid the door back, immediately, Cinder made eye contact. Her dreary orbs shimmering.
"Hey..." Ruby expressed in a soft voice. The crimsonette felt like everything was back at square one.
"...Hey." Cinder nodded back. She flashed Ruby a meek smile, hoping it would relieve the both of them. Ruby saw directly through the façade. Cinder's expression really showed how broken she was. Worn down from all the sobbing, and wincing from pain. She looked exhausted, ready to pass out at any moment. As Ruby continued her examination, Cinder began dabbing her face more and more, displaying the fact she was sobbing again. It was unbearable. Seeing Cinder crying was like a shard of glass through her heart, each tear intensifying the wrenching in her stomach. It needed to stop, tears should never be present on her beautiful smooth skin, nor a downcast expression, or so much as a frown. Ruby didn't care what Yang said, the blonde would just have to wait a few more minutes.
The scarlet girl made an initiative step forward, slow, but still in Cinder's direction. Time seemed to slow down, and the first thing Ruby saw was Cinder perch her head back up, desperately wiping her tears away. The crimsonette blinked, and in the milliseconds her eyes had been shut, her body was immediately shrouded in an embrace. Shaky hands running up and down her back, trying to find a good focal point to latch on to. Astonished by Cinder's sudden act, Ruby made her body slightly more rigid for Cinder to embrace upon. Once she had blinked again, her rightmost peripheral vision was filled with the side of Cinder's head -buried into her shoulder.
For Ruby, it felt unreal. The strong-willed and sly Cinder Fall, abated to a frail girl holding on like she'd never let go.
They held each other for some time. Ruby's eyes remained open. Watching the small breeze catch the dark tips of Cinder's tresses, the smooth scent of jasmine radiating from them. Each second that passed, Cinder seemed to relax more and more. Her muscles loosing their rigidity and her breaths becoming soft and gentle.
When the ebony-haired girl seemed most at ease; Ruby pulled back. Giving her beautiful girlfriend a warm smile.
"You... you want to come in?" Ruby asked quietly. Yang had told her to get Cinder, but the crimsonette wasn't fully ready to listen to the blonde. If Cinder didn't want to come back in; than Ruby would stay with her. Deep down, it made her feel like a rock lodged between two opposing gears. Yang is her sister. The person who was there the most after the passing of Summer. Who always encouraged her to do better. But Cinder... the girl she would do anything for. Her first love. The only love she could ever want in life.
But a choice had to be made. Ruby didn't feel like her hand was being forced, but the choice was still uneasy.
Stepping forward unexpectedly, Cinder nodded, "Yeah... it's, cold out here."
Out of her thoughts; the next thing Ruby did, made Cinder's lips twist upwards. The scarlet girl, reached down and intertwined their hands together. The crimsonette winced slightly at how cold they were, but was more than happy to share her warmth.
She pulled Cinder forward, back through the door, and in seconds standing -hand-in-hand- in front of Yang.
For the blonde, the indecipherable fact of it all -was broken before her eyes. Cinder and Ruby are together. Not a ruse, or a joke.
She still refused to believe it.
Yang examined the duo. A quick glance turned into a deeper stare as she realized how Cinder's disposition differed from just a moment ago. Now looking more exhausted than determined. Ruby, on the other hand, looked frightened, an unsure shimmer in her silver eyes.
Breaking the stares, Yang spoke up, "I'm sorry about your nose." She gestured to Cinder. The blonde's expression made Cinder question whether she was being sincere or not.
"But, I'm not forgiving what you did to Weiss anytime soon."
That last comment made ever muscle in Cinder's body tense with a sudden anger. Her eyes narrowed, and she tore her hand away from Ruby's.
"Who said I was apologizing?" Cinder silently seethed. She took a small step forward, narrowing towards Yang. "I'm not apologizing to you."
"Apologize to Weiss." Yang commented back.
The blonde's snide words only addled Cinder's anger, "Do you really think I'm going to say sorry?" She said, still zeroing in on the blonde. Eventually their faces became inches apart, Cinder somewhat shadowed over Yang displaying the slight height difference between them. "You, are child. And you know nothing." Her tone dropped to an aggressive sneer. "Not about me. Not about who I am, and not even your, own, sister. The sooner you realize that, the better."
Yang's lilac eyes narrowed with shock and anger, "You can't speak for her." She shot back.
Cinder wasn't messing around, "Ignorance is bliss." She taunted.
Yang stepped forward, the tension reaching a breaking point.
"Guys, please don't do this." Ruby cut in, scared by how quickly the situation escalated. Neither Yang nor Cinder were in the right mindset, and she wanted to avoid any unnecessary conflict. As much as she hated to admit it, she wanted Yang to leave.
The black and yellow pair ignored Ruby's plea. Their gazes still locked on each other.
"Get out." Cinder snarled.
Yang looked over to Ruby, deciding maybe it was time to go, but she wasn't leaving alone. "C'mon Ruby, we're leaving." She followed her statement by stepping past Cinder and towards the younger girl.
Only to have an arm block her path.
Yang glared at Cinder's attempt to stop her. "Move." She ordered.
Cinder obliged, sliding her hand back and allowing for Yang to pass. Letting things play out on their own rather than her trying to control it.
"C'mon sis, it's late." Yang emphasized with an over-arm gesture.
"I'm... staying here."
Yang was stricken by those words, "What?"
"Yang don't even go there." Ruby's tone rose from its previous murmur, "You are not the boss of me."
"Ruby I didn't-"
"You're not listening. Yang, please, if you're not going to accept anything I've said, you might as well go. Go and come back when you're acting like yourself, and... not like... this."
This time, Ruby's words had actually impacted Yang. Hearing her sister talk like that was almost painful, but it was what she needed to hear. It winded her, knowing that Ruby was on Cinder's side. Showing that in fact Ruby does love and care for Cinder. Even over family. It was still confusing; Yang felt defeated, angered, and saddened simultaneously. Using the senses she had, the blonde swallowed her pride, and turned towards the door.
Yang's eyes started to water, but she quickly kicked the feeling back down. Feeling foolish for how ignorant she could be sometimes. But she still wouldn't grace them with so much as a 'goodbye'. Call it the reminiscence of her stubbornness, but as far as she could tell, there was still another important conversation in her path. The only reason as to why she chose to listen and leave, was that she really didn't feel right. Hitting Cinder and arguing with Ruby had gotten her nowhere. But there was one fact she walked away with; and that was the revelation of Ruby's loving relationship to Cinder. Seemingly a strong bond, evident by Ruby's zeal towards Cinder. Deep down, Yang wanted to stay. Stay to hear how the two of them got together, act like a real sister, and be able to joke and tease Ruby about having a girlfriend. A romanticized vision, like you see in the movies. Where she could become good friends with Cinder, where everything was fine.
'What a joke.' Yang deduced.
The blonde finished her stride to the door. She grasped the handle, and within a second, disappeared out into the darkened suburb.
She decided to go back to see Weiss, and ask for the story on what had happened. It made her fell so imbecilic. The simple act of listening could've avoided all of this. Or at the very least, made it a little lighter.
When the door clicked shut, and the sound of Yang's motorcycle faded down the street, Cinder slowly turned to face Ruby. The crimsonette stood there, her posture a fallacy to how she was actually feeling. Cinder relented, knowing how difficult it was to speak in such a manner to her own sister.
Ruby picked up on Cinder's light stare, and turned to face the ebony-haired girl. When she had done so, the light from the kitchen caught the sheen of tears lining her face.
But even then, Ruby still tried to smile. Even now she still wanted to show Cinder that everything's okay.
That simple gesture was something Cinder had always taken for granted. It had almost become routine for Ruby to smile whenever Cinder was upset. But now, it held a much greater meaning. Something she should've realized the entire time...
Ruby would go as far as she could for her.
And it made Cinder forget everything that had transpired today. Not entirely, but just enough to close end that chapter of her life, and begin a new one.
A better one.
She could thank Ruby, but words weren't fitting of the situation. Instead, Cinder took a small step forward, warmly reaching towards the girl.
"Ruby..." Cinder whispered.
The girl in question grinned wider, but sobbed more. When Cinder's hand was inches away, Ruby jared into Cinder's inviting touch. It was reversed now. Ruby clinging onto the taller girl, hoping to do so forever.
"Shh," Cinder hushed the racking Ruby in her arms. The ebony-haired girl didn't feel useless anymore. And that helpless feeling almost all but gone. The memories of today, the pain in her nose, all no longer present. Only Ruby. "I'm here." She continued.
"I... d-didn't want t-to do t-that..." Ruby sputtered through Cinder's shoulder. "S-she's my s-sister, and... I..."
Cinder adjusted her body and gave Ruby a small kiss above her left ear, "I know... but we-"
"C-Cinder." Ruby pulled back, face matted with stray bangs. "Cinder." She repeated. "P-Promise me something."
"Anything."
"P-Promise... that you'll never go. T-That you'll always b-be here? A-And..." Ruby tailed off, gasping to find words.
"I promise. Ruby I promise, I'll always love you, and I'll always be here." A singular tear rolled down Cinder's cheek.
Ruby's arms gripped Cinder tighter. Showing the uncontrollable joy upon hearing Cinder speak what she wanted to hear. "I-It's just..." As if it were possible, Ruby held on tighter, "God, C-Cinder I love y-you s-so much! I-" Ruby was overcome with a myriad of feelings, practically breaking down in Cinder's arms. She held onto Cinders shirt, sobbing openly.
"Shh, Ruby... it's alright. Please... just don't cry. I'm here... and... I'll always be here." Cinder pecked Ruby's cheek, trying her best to soothe her.
It was working.
Ruby's loud sobs died down to small shivers, and eventually ceased all together. She still occasionally sniffed or dabbed her eye, but Cinder was glad it wasn't full blown wailing. The young couple continued to stand. Gold and Platinum irises staring deeply at each-other, smiling like two fools who had just made the world's biggest discovery.
Through and through, today wasn't a day of grief or sorrow. That was past them now.
There was only one thing left to do.
Longingly, their faces drew close together. Ruby loosely hung her arms around Cinder's neck while Cinder planted her gentle hands on the perimeter of Ruby's abdomen.
Their eyelids drifted shut, and their lips connected. Tender pink skin meeting in passion and frivolity. Cinder tilted her head, using the action to pry Ruby's lips open and prod for permission to enter. The crimsonette happily obliged. Eliciting a small squeak before their kissing went open-mouth. It wasn't a fight for dominance like it usually was. Just an intertwined make-out to signify their moment.
As the caressing intensified, Cinder's hands worked a subtle magic up and down Ruby's abdomen, gracing down past her hips and to the tops of her thighs. Ruby giggled into their kiss and kicked her legs up, wrapping them around Cinder's waist, and using Cinder's shoulders as a leverage point for her arms.
Cinder hoisted onto the crooks of Ruby's knees and grinned at the action her Rose had just made. When their lips met again, it wasn't as passionate as the first time. Mainly due to the fact that neither of them could hold back a giggle.
Once the kissing did cease, Cinder still held onto Ruby, her face lively and up-sprung.
"You're getting good at this." Cinder remarked, eyes still watering.
Ruby blushed and sniffed, "I try."
"Well-" Cinder lulled her head back and yawned, "Why don't we-" she was cut off with a small finger on her lips.
"You, look exhausted." Ruby stated, "Why don't you head to bed, I-"
"No." Cinder interrupted.
"Cin you need some sleep, it's getting late and-"
"Could you... could you spend the night here? I'd... actually feel more comfortable if you stayed."
Ruby felt warm at the suggestion, "I can do that. But... where would I sleep?"
"With... me?" Cinder whispered.
The crimsonette almost laughed at how adorable Cinder was being. She gave the ebony-haired girl an affirmative nod and was taken by the hand up to Cinder's room. They were both still dressed in their regular clothes, but it wasn't a bother.
Cinder took host to the twin bed first. Planting her body on top of the sheets, and inviting Ruby to join her. In the darkness, Cinder could barely make out Ruby's gentle smile, but knew it was from her previous notion.
The older of the two felt a new sense of comfortability when Ruby's smaller body came down on the bed, and immediately nuzzled in. Ruby's head rested below Cinder's chin, her shoulders reveling in the softness of Cinder's bust. Their hands intertwined, along with their legs, and once they had become settled; Cinder took a second to waft the heavenly essence of Ruby's hair. Stroking the crimson-tinted locks gently.
The warm embrace of Cinder lying next to her, made Ruby feel drowsy with affection. Addled even more by Cinder's gentle hands playing with the tips of her hair.
Despite everything that had happened today, Ruby felt like this was their relationship at it's core. How it should've been all along. She wanted it to remain like this forever, on her part, and on Cinder's.
"...Cinder?" Ruby whispered. She twisted her body in Cinder's loose grip to get a good look at her face.
"...Yes?" She whispered back, half-half-lidded eyes struggling to stay open.
"Can... you make another promise?"
"I can try..."
"N-No more secrets." Ruby turned back down, "For the both of us."
"No more secrets." Cinder assured. She wholeheartedly accepted that idea. Mainly because of all the damage secrets had done to a girl who didn't deserve it. The damage Cinder had done to herself over the years. Today's events didn't undo that in its entirety, but finally telling someone, Ruby no-less, was a step in the right direction. Cinder begun to learn her lesson on what happens when you hold your emotions like that. In the end, it was worth it. Just to feel Ruby's warmth against her own. Whether it be a kiss, an embrace, or lying together.
Quicker than she wanted, the exhaustion of today pressed her eyes shut. And Cinder succumbed to the invitation of sleep.
For Ruby, there was one last thing on her mind. Something she had wanted to know from the beginning. "Uhm, Cinder?" The crimsonette contorted her body so she was looking up at Cinder again. Only this time she was greeted with the sight of the ebony-haired girl sleeping softly.
"It can wait..." Ruby whispered. She turned back down and nuzzled into Cinder. Closing any gap between their bodies.
Ruby would just have to ask Cinder the next day. It would've been a burden to ask today anyway. Ruby didn't know if Cinder would want to. But knowing would be a proper way to find closure.
There was still one thing left to do.
A/N O-kay... I know their scuffle ended early, but Yang and Cinder will have a proper sit down in an upcoming chapter. I just didn't want to dwell on it for 3+ chapters.
There was a reference up there. First one to find it gets a shout-out. Now I don't know why, but I've been listening to the Halo Reach soundtrack whenever I type now... idk, just a random fact.
In other news, this will be the last of the short chapters and slow updates. My new schedule will get things focused again. Also allows me to actually get this beta'd. Sry beta readers…
As always thank each and every one of you lovely people for reading!