A/N I am back and I am late… again. Sorry -looks around nervously- Again.
So… I've been an idiot when it comes to the themes in this fic, as the negative greatly outweighs the positive. I actually do take these themes seriously, even though it doesn't seem like it. I mean, there's been a phenomenal and slightly disheartening few of you who can relate to this, and are kind enough to share why. Most of which I've become fast friends with.
You guys have been putting up with me since September, so I try to help any of you. You always always have someone backing you up, and if anyone needs to chat/vent or whatever, my PM inbox is an open book. Remember that.
~Shout-out to uberparagon, he's got a pretty interesting fic called "The Collector" hitting the shelves soon. Be sure to read it, ya?~
YOU ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL, ENJOY THIS CHAPTER.
Chapter 17. All Around Me
The day that followed one of such proportions was one Ruby and Cinder took for themselves. Electing not to go to school and spend the day in their latter's presence. Both girls still under a distraught feeling lapsing over from the previous day. The feeling seemed to leave however, in the solace they found when it was just the two of them.
By later that evening, Ruby had left Cinder's place and headed back for the apartment she called home. Yang had elected to mostly avoid Ruby. They shared small talk, but said conversations hadn't run too deep. It's seemed as though Yang was still taking in what had basically been shoveled down her throat. That and her conversation with Weiss, as far as Ruby could tell, hadn't gone over so well. Ruby still held onto hope that Yang would come around, and that a proper conversation could be arranged between her and Cinder.
Positively however, the crimsonette was feeling lighter and incredibly excited for the day that would come. Her dating Cinder doesn't have to be a secret anymore.
That day was upon them.
When the dust settled, Christmas break arrived soon after. Ruby and Cinder spent as much time as possible in their latter's presence in the two weeks that was alloted. They only split on random days, as well as Christmas day. Cinder reassured Ruby multiple times that she'd be okay. Mercury's family was pretty welcoming of her and she wouldn't be alone. The crimsonette would've invited Cinder over in a heartbeat to Christmas dinner at her house, but her father was still unaware of her relationship status with the ebony-haired girl. That was a totally different piece of the puzzle. Ruby didn't draw to much worry on it, as Taiyang is pretty forthcoming with opinions, and most of the time he has nothing but nice things to say. Cinder may be a little... different, but Ruby felt sure less problems lie there, than with someone such as Yang.
Once the holidays closed, school was set to resume, and this school day was destined to be different from the rest.
There's a first for everything. And for Cinder and Ruby, today was the first day they could truly broadcast their relationship for the world to see. No more hiding, meeting in stairwells, or forcefully separating out of the risk that someone might see. The risk was gone, and in its place rose normality. A chance for them to show all others that such a relationship can be found in even the most differentiating of places, people, and personalities.
Ruby awoke, ready to take on her first day back. With Cinder. The new year was here, and it only stacked on the feeling of renewal. The scarlet girl felt completely refreshed, her senses tingling with excitement at the day she'd get to spend with Cinder.
She tossed her bedsheets away, rolled out and stood at attention in the middle of her dim room. Using the small figments of light coming in through her window, Ruby opted for her closet first, she dashed across the soft carpet and stood near the messy spill of clothes by the sliding closet door. Immediately she began pulling random bits of fabric to try and find the best outfit as the first day back was an off-unifrom day. The girl would vocationally go to class in her white and red pyjama ensemble, but that wasn't the most feasible of options. Pulling something off the rack rather than the floor, she compiled a simple outfit consisting of black jeans with red stitching, and an off-white low-cut sweater also with red stitching.
Clothes in hand, Ruby left her room and entered the short hallway. She made a tentative step forward, until she realized the apartment was vacant. Her father was probably still sleeping and it seemed Yang had already left, evident by the vacant scent of lavender coming from the bathroom, and the dirty dishes on the counter far to her right.
As she entered their shared bathroom, the girl breathed a small sigh. Things hadn't smoothed over between herself and Yang since the revelation before the holidays. They set their differences aside only on Christmas eve and Christmas day, every other day wasn't easy. For the most part they'd avoid one another. Ruby going to Cinder's and Yang going to see Weiss, they felt it was best as it didn't raise any of Taiyang's suspicions. Still it felt painfully awkward when they'd share a meal together as a family, or do things that forced them to be near. Ruby wanted to talk to Yang almost to the point of desperation, but the blonde was still soaking all of this in, and refused any conversation until she had an honest one on one with Cinder.
She sighed once more, realizing the many steps that still needed to be taken.
'I've been hiding this for months, what should I expect...'
Ruby opted to take a quick shower. She freed her body of previous night clothes and stepped into the porcelain and glass enclosure. The scarlet teen cranked the hot water, then some cold, finding a heated balance between the two. As the water cascaded over her, she slowly felt at ease. There was just as many positive pros as there was negative cons to this. On a positive outlook, Ruby was absolutely thrilled to be open about her relationship, feeling completely at peace with dating someone like Cinder. After everything the ebony-haired girl has been through; Ruby immediately took it upon herself to show Cinder just how much she cares. To never see a tear slip from those beautiful eyes ever again. It wasn't a need or a want, it was a promise. A promise she'd strive to see through.
On a less philosophical note, she couldn't wait to hold Cinder's hand, rest on her shoulder, kiss, touch, everything.
'Today is going to be an awesome day.'
Shortly after her internal musings, Ruby ceased to shower and prepared herself for the day. The crimsonette towelled herself dry and slipped into her fresh set of clothes. After a few minutes she made some final adjustments to the tinted locks of her hair, and left the bathroom. The girl made a quick stop in her roo, to grab her phone, only to realize she had 2 missed messages. Both from Cinder.
/You still sleeping?/
/Where are you?/
Ruby subconsciously shook her head, wondering why Cinder was asking of her whereabouts. Her stormy eyes traced up to the corner of the screen, immediately going wide at the time.
"Seven fifty! Ah! Oh-no! I'm gonna be late!" Ruby squawked. Completely forgetting Cinder was giving her a ride. It made sense, Yang wasn't early, she was late.
Rushing to the door, Ruby quickly sent a reply to Cinder.
-I forgot, I'll be right there-
As quick as she could, Ruby reached for her winter coat on a nearby rung, and quickly slipped it on. It was mostly red in color, accented with beige-black fur here and there. On a lower shelf was her new laptop bag she received for Christmas from Uncle Qrow. Quickly shouldering that and pocketing her set of house keys; Ruby was out the door in a flash.
######
"She's coming," Cinder said in reply to Ruby's frantic text.
"Finally…" A gray-haired individual droned from the backseat.
He received a decent jab to the shoulder, "Be patient would you?"
"Hey it's not my-"
"Settled down you two. Mercury shut-up, Emerald quit acting so condescending."
"Cin, you know that-"
Cinder glared through the rear-view mirror, "Do I need to put you in a timeout Em?"
The dark-skinned girl slumped back in her seat. "No…" She murmured.
The ebony-haired girl shook her head with a grin. Looking after those two definitely was annoying, but they're friends, so she'll see past It. In reality It didn't matter anyway, as Ruby would be down any minute, and she'd have something much better to lay her saffron eyes onto.
Much like the crimsonette, Cinder was nothing but jovial to see Ruby, and go to school worry-free together. For such a day, Cinder donned casual white jeans and a maroon turtleneck with a small cutout just below the collar. Her hair was done in its regular swept-off style, revealing the earrings Ruby bought her for Christmas. Nice dark gem spikes to go along with the anklet from many months ago.
She, along with Mercury and Emerald currently sat in the apartment parking lot waiting for Ruby's now late arrival. They kept the car running and cranked the heat to a comfortable temperature. Winter was still in full swing, the skies a little gray with the occasional break here and there, along with the shallow snow that blanketed most untouched surfaces. The wind was calm, but the cold was still nipping to the flesh. It'd actually been a record low year in terms of temperatures in Vale. Most of which happened over the winter intermission.
With a small smile, Cinder looked back on the short break, and all she could do was smile wider. This past Christmas was actually one that warm and vibrant. Sure, it'd been normal with Mercury's family before, but nothing really special happened. The only gift she'd receive would be from the gray-haired bundle of confidence himself, and that was it. But this year topped the rest. Simply because she had Ruby.
To be in the girls arms, to kiss, touch. Everything made it more special. Even though they couldn't be together on Christmas day; they spent the eve of the day for just them, and exchanged presents. Ruby bought her a nice new set of earrings, and she "legitimately" bought Ruby a nice new set of headphones with money she'd been saving up. Still, she felt like it was desperate time to get a job.
As for Christmas; this year Mercury's extended family paid a visit, along with Emerald too, making it a much warmer "family"like experience.
Family. That word had always bothered her around this time of year. But with that holiday past her, it felt less encumbering, and more endearing. It still tinged her, but only in the slightest.
"What're you so happy about?" Mercury taunted.
Cinder shifted around and glared at him, "I can kick you out, you know."
"It's my car! Plus you still owe me for the bumper damage." He spat.
Emerald was about to give him a piece of her mind, but was promptly cut off by Cinder, "And I'll make good on it. No more fussing." She stated. The state of Mercury's car hadn't changed, but the ebony-haired girl didn't want to dwell in the memories it brought up. Those stupid, painful memories.
Mercury made a disgruntled, whiny gesture before pointing out the window. "Look…" He called, completely uninterested, "Your ditsy girlfriend is coming…"
Cinder didn't even humor Mercury with so much as a glare. Instead she focused her attention to the perpendicular window, feeling a warm flutter in her chest at the fast Ruby nearly-sprinting towards the gray sedan. The crimsonette yanked open her door and sat inside, tossing her bag onto the floor by her feet and doing up her seat belt.
As soon as the belt made its metallic 'click', Ruby slowed down. Cinder's invigorating scent of jasmine and cinnamon filling her senses. She glanced upwards, purposely slowing her movements to make the impending sight much more enjoyable.
Her head came to an almost equal height with Cinder's, immediately finding that comfortable feeling within those aurous eyes she'd come to love.
Cinder looked so much better compared to two weeks prior. What looked like exhaustion bundled with self-hatred, was now radiant beauty. She looked better, even more so than the first day she laid eyes on the ebony-haired girl.
Such beauty still keyed up her nervousness. "H-Hi." She simply stayed.
Cinder didn't answer. Rather, she placed a gentle palm on Ruby's rosy cold cheek and brought her head up, their lips meeting with an invisible spark. Ruby melded into the kiss, sweeping Cinder's ebony tresses back and planting one hand behind her ear for leverage. As the touch continued, Ruby could feel her body warm up with great intensity. A warmth only provided by Cinder.
Slowly their tongues met between their lips, figuring out whose mouth the fight should start in. It was quickly decided on Ruby's, as Cinder moved her hand up behind the girls head and shuffled forward in her leather seat. Her dominance shining through.
"Mhmm…" Ruby hummed passionately, feeling her body reach regular temperatures then start to exceed them. Flustered by Cinder's action. Their lips smacked as the kiss grew more intense, completely forgetting about the other two occupants taking host to the backseat.
"A-hem…" Emerald fake coughed. Her action was enough for Cinder and Ruby to pry their eyes open. Both girls sat back in their seats slightly out of breath.
"S-Sorry." Ruby apologized.
Cinder merely rolled her eyes, but focused on getting to school. Even though it was already five after eight.
The mint-haired girl sat back with a grin. Not over Cinder and Ruby breaking their makeout session; but over how happy they were together. Especially Cinder.
"Man, can we leave now?" An obviously discontent Mercury whined.
'Leave it to him to ruin everything…'
######
Morning classes went by with a breeze, for Ruby at least. Cinder shared first period with Blake, and resisted the urge to ring the faunuses neck for all the trouble she'd caused many weeks ago. But now less of a violent animal, Cinder vouched to take part in a normal conversation with the cat faunus. Practically thrown on her list of people to talk to, with Yang being at the top and Ruby's father at the bottom. For now she was forced to set their differences aside, as Volleyball was kicking up very soon.
Now, the stage was set for lunch. While the opportunity to flaunt their relationship was missed because they were late, the current time allotted them what they seeked out to do. Call it arrogance, Cinder and Ruby have been waiting several months for this.
Waiting in familiar stairwell, was none other than Ruby herself. She didn't like being here, but it was nice to know it'd be the last time she'd be meeting her oh-so beautiful girlfriend here.
Roughly three minutes after the bell rung, there was a clatter of a door opening, and Cinder appeared at the upper half of the stairwell. Gracing Ruby with a nice sway towards her.
"Last time we'll be meeting here, hm?" Said Cinder. She didn't give Ruby a chance to reply, simply giving her a few pecks to the cheek before standing back.
Ruby rubbed the back of her head, a blush and a smile on her face, "W-Well you know what t-they say; there's a first for everything?" She spoke, feeling a little silly.
Cinder brushed Ruby's bangs back to get a better view of that adorable face of hers, "That's one way to put it. Now c'mon-" the ebony-haired girl intertwined her hand with Ruby's and carried her off down the stairs. Ruby happily obliged and basically let Cinder pull her along. They reached the base of the stairs, hung a right, and entered the atrium. Both girls crossed over the atrium and passed into the familiar cafeteria.
Cinder could barely contain herself, evident by the extra kisses she gave Ruby while they stood idle by the door. When it looked like she was done, Ruby gave Cinder a faltering smile accented by a pink blush, "After, y-you?"
Cinder giggled, "Red, we go together."
"Right."
Their hands combined for a second time, and with a small stride they went deeper into the cafe. As they walked, most of the other students paid them no mind. There was the odd stare, or even a nod, but for the most part they carried on with their business as per usual.
Ruby however could feel a small bit of tension rise as her silver eyes spotted a certain table occupied by Weiss, Yang, Blake, and… was that Coco?
It didn't matter. With each stride the couple made, Ruby, and most likely Cinder, could feel the tension sprawl out and intensify.
The table they were heading for was the same one from many months ago. The day the first step towards their friendship took place. Hands now held a little tighter, but grins a little wider. When they reached the opposing table; the pass they made felt rather anticlimactic. Weiss and Yang sat with their backs to them, while Coco and Blake were facing front, and made first eye contact. Coco didn't seem to acknowledge them, barely making a shrug before going back to her feeble attempts to chat up Blake. The faunus paid the brunette no mind, instead her amber eyes traced up from Ruby and Cinder's intertwined hands and eventually met their gazes. The crimsonette and the ebony-haired duo giving her flat stares in reply.
Weiss was next, wondering what Blake had been staring at. The snow-themed girl swiveled around and faced only Cinder. A heated orange, and a cooling blue danced for a moment before the stare was broken.
Last but not least was Yang. The blonde didn't even so much as move an inch. Yang had caught a quick glimpse of them as they strolled in, and wasn't about to grace their presence. Not until she had her own conversation with Cinder.
With the pass-by made, Ruby couldn't help but feel the same awkward tension from Christmas break wash over her. It was impossible to get used to Yang like this. Only to be addled by the fact that it's basically her fault and not the blonde's.
"Even at school…" The girl murmured, her tone directed away from Cinder.
The taller girl's hearing still caught it, and just before they sat down, Cinder halted their steps and stared into Ruby's plain expression, "What was that?"
Ruby waved Cinder off and sat down. Glumly so. "It's nothing, really."
Thinking on her feet, a skill Cinder has that is coveted by many, she left Ruby at the table much to the younger girl's bewilderment. The crimsonette was given a nice view as Cinder's hips swayed away, over towards the canteen, and eventually falling from sight as she melded into a group of students purchasing lunch.
With a regrettable 'thump' Ruby's head made contact with the cold, hard table. She folded her arms into a triangle and rested her head on her elbow watching Yang's table from a far.
Ruby always looked up to Yang, but recent events made standards change. Violently. Even watching her now; Ruby could clearly see the disdain in the blonde's vivid eyes. Even Weiss seemed to be hesitant around her. Cinder's intervention definitely shook their group into two halves, and Ruby hated it as much as she loved it.
Caught in her own daydreams, Ruby failed to realize Cinder had returned and sat down next to her rather than across from her.
"Ruby."She whispered in the girl's ear.
Ruby jittered up, "Wah! Ah-ho, Cinder don't scare me like that…"
"I… brought something to cheer you up?" Cinder slid a neatly-folded napkin across the table. Ruby gave her sly girlfriend a quizzical look, glancing down at the folded… thing, she unwrapped it quickly.
"Oh, oh!" Ruby immediately beamed, "You didn't have to." She responded to the rainbow-chip cookies before her.
"So." Cinder pecked Ruby's cheek, leaving with a warm breath of air, "I know what's troubling you."
Ruby rested back down again, "Am I really that easy?" she groaned.
Cinder didn't see it as easy. She, more than anyone else, knows how hard it can be to have a stagnating relationship between siblings, even to the point where it pained her to see Ruby so distraught about Yang.
Cinder pushed the cookies aside and rested her head on the table too, matching the same posture as Ruby. "I have plans for us this Saturday." She proposed open-endedly.
With curiosity Ruby implied for Cinder to continue. "I think you'll… enjoy it."
"What is it?"
"You'll just have to wait and see." The dark-haired girl said with a covert grin. She lifted Ruby's chin up and slowly brought their lips to grace. When they parted, Cinder pointed down, "Now eat up hm?"
Feeling a little less down, Ruby giggled, "Fine… if you so insist."
As she ate the delightful snack, her mind ran through ideas of what Cinder's proposed 'Date' could be.
'A movie? Nah, nothing good is playing… oh! Maybe it's a new- wait no she got me those for Christmas… Maybe it's a trip to the arcade! Oh who am I kidding...'
Cinder faced away from the gleeful sight of Ruby chowing down, and reached out her phone. At the top of her favorite contacts -right below Ruby- was Mercury. Or more properly renamed: 'Moron'. A few quick taps at her keyboard, and a content nod later; Cinder slipped the device back in her pocket. Her message read;
/I'm taking the car on Saturday. For the whole day./
Her phone vibrated less than a minute later, but the girl was not going to bother. She knew it was a yes hidden behind Mercury's trademark incoherent bitching, like it always was.
It didn't matter to her. There was really only two things at the forefront of her mind right now. The first being Ruby, and the second being this Saturday. Cinder purposely played it off to Ruby like it was going to be something enjoyable. In all actuality; it wasn't.
Cinder had made a promise. A promise to tell Ruby everything. No matter how difficult. And while she had told her everything, Cinder felt as if her words could only go so far. She wants to share, to Ruby and Ruby alone.
More would be coming to light this weekend, but for the delightful girl next to her, Cinder would do anything. The crimsonette deserves to know, and know she will.
######
Saturday had come quicker than Ruby expected. She'd been looking forward to her outing with Cinder all week, as with upcoming exams, they spent slightly less time with eachother, and put a deeper focus into school efforts. Only having a study date for their shared history class.
It was roughly mid afternoon, with the sun hanging high above the horizon. Casting a bright, clear, and cloudless day over Vale. It'd been like this for the majority of the week, with higher temperatures averaging just above zero, effectively melting some of the snow and reducing roads to slush-free grippable surfaces again.
As of now, Ruby was at Cinder's place. Her patience being tested as she waited for the ebony-haired beauty to get ready. Ruby was adorned in a plain, black jeans and grey top combo with a sharp hip-length jacket of a vivid red color. Accessorized by light winter boots and a white scarf.
"Hurry up..." She breathed out impatiently. Either Cinder was teasing her by taking forever, or the girl really liked to take her time. Either way, it wasn't fun. Ruby almost felt tempted to pass the time by hopping over to the living-room and playing Xbox until Cinder came down. Certainly more appealing than waiting in silence for who knows how long.
"Cinder?" Ruby whined, "Are you ready yet?"
The second Ruby called up to her, Cinder emerged from the upstairs hallway and stood atop the stairs smiling down at her.
"I believe so," She replied whilst fixing her ear jewelry, "Are you?"
"Duh." Ruby gestured down to herself. She took a second look at Cinder, and immediate regretted being a little shirt with her. If there was one thing Cinder Fall never failed at; it was appearances. The dark-haired girl was garbed in a perfectly silhouetted set of white jeans and a nice flowing black blouse. Her hair in the off-the-shoulder style, and her scent as evocative as ever.
"Y-You look nice." Ruby stammered.
Cinder's smile faded a bit, and Ruby couldn't figure out why, "Red, I want to show you share with you today. Not because I have to, but because I want to." She stated a little harshly.
The cimsonette backpedaled, "Wha? Cinder I'm not-"
"Shh," She grinned again. "You'll see."
Ruby's next response was halted by a quick kiss and an even quicker embrace. Still curious and a little crestfallen, Ruby eyed Cinder as the older girl paced over to the front door and began doing up her boots.
"Where's Mercury, and Emerald? I saw the car in the driveway." The stormy-eyed girl questioned.
Cinder made a small wave with her pale hand, "His parents took them out to lunch, leaving me, the car. Still even if he was here; I'd still be taking it."
The scarlet teen nodded along. Feeling as if keeping her mouth closed was a better idea. If she kept talking, it would carry on forever with unending questions. Instead she just watched Cinder finish with her boots, slip on her jacket, and grab the car keys. With a small and rather cliché curtsy, Cinder motioned for Ruby to go first before following in tow and locking the door behind her. They both climbed into that familiar gray sedan, and a few seconds later, were off.
The drive was silent, bar the annoying hum of radio commercials in the background. Occasionally Ruby would glance at the dash-clock before resuming her stare out the window. What'd felt like a fifteen minute drive actually ended up being almost an hour, with them on the opposite side of Vale. A small shopping plaza resting just outside three series of subdivisions. Ruby promptly decided to hold off on her questions of why they were across town until later.
In the plaza was their destination. They both exited the car in sync and eyed the nearby building. Cinder gave a plain stare while Ruby raised an eyebrow. "Starbucks?" the crimsonette inquired.
"Mhm," Cinder nodded, "You ever tried a macchiato?"
Ruby paused, "A-who?" she replied to what sounded like gibberish.
Cinder pleasantly took the girl's hand, "I'll show you."
She ushered Ruby inside the quaint building and sat her down at a booth for two. The café wasn't all that large. With a coffee bar lining one side, a few mahogany tables perpendicular to them, and the opposite side lined with booths next to large windows that faced the busy street. The entire place bathed in a soothing warm glow, complimented by the aroma of fair-trade coffee.
Cinder left Ruby at the table, and strolled over to the main counter where she ordered two caramel macchiatos for herself and Ruby. Five impatient minutes later, the drinks were made. Cinder collected them off the counter and returned to Ruby. Nearly slamming the drinks down on the table to catch the girls wandering attention.
Cinder wore a grin and sat down, tantalizingly waiting for the moment Ruby would try her drink,
The girl in scarlet took the lid off of her cup and eyed the contents with inquiry, "Ooh, it's pretty." She grinned.
Cinder took a sip of her own, "Well, go on, drink it." She insisted.
With a small shrug, Ruby grabbed the cup and took a savoring sip, wincing a little at the hot contents but delighting in the caramel taste. She set the cup down, a white line from the drink's foam outlining her upper lip like a mustache.
Cinder stifled a laugh, smirking coyly, she leant forward in her seat, "Lemme get that for you."
Ruby wondered what Cinder was talking about, but quickly got a rather nice answer when Cinder's lips and tongue met her own. The action made the crimsonette lean forward as well. Melding into the kiss sweetened by their beverages.
They broke apart, with Cinder finishing it by dragging her tongue across Ruby's upper lip. Moping up any remaining foam and doing what she had sought out to do. With a little extra of course.
"So…" said Ruby wondrously, "Why did we come out here?"
Sitting a tad bit straighter, Cinder looked into Ruby's curious pools and decided it was time she got down to business, "Ruby-" She started, "There's something I want to tell –no, show you."
Ruby shot Cinder an even more curious look. Wondering where the sudden staidness came from, "What is it?"
"Something… that I want you to know about me. It'll make more sense when I tell you."
Ruby could see the small glints of trepidation in Cinder's averting eyes, portraying that it probably wasn't something upbeat and happy, "Cin, you don't have to."
"No Ruby," She placed her hands on top of hers, "I want to."
######
'The bitter cold began to bite at her skin as she walked aimlessly through the park. She hated Fall, let alone Winter. Every aspect seemed so depressing. From the sub-zero temperature, to the shorter days, and watching everyone around her ease into the holiday spirit.
After stopping off at home, Cinder walked down to the park. The same park that she used to find endearing and fun. It was much smaller now, with the suburbs expanding into half of its territory. She didn't mind the change much -so long as her favorite 'spot' remained.
The sun had almost completely set, but it was still only quarter-after six in the evening. One of the many aspects of Fall that she hated so much.
The dark-haired girl pulled her black-and-red leather jacket tighter over herself and continued to march forward. She slowed her pace however as the path neared the river bank, giving the place a solemn stare as to why she came here;
To reminisce.'
Things weren't like that this time. She brought Ruby to the very same park, but everything seemed to contrast that day from many weeks ago. The sun was warm and inviting, people were walking about, enjoying their time with one another, and Cinder didn't feel such an intense hatred to them anymore. All attributed to the adorable girl walking alongside her.
Ruby was the almost the firstmost person who had an influence in her life, but Roman still held his place close to her, and Cinder wanted nothing more than to share him with Ruby. Deceased or not.
They were heading to the exact same 'spot'; the bench along the riverbank. Cinder walked with a steadfast pace with Ruby almost skipping along next to her.
With the bench coming in close proximity, Cinder slowly pointed it out, "Over there," she beckoned.
"The bench?"
Cinder nodded. They reached the small rustic, metal and wood seat and took their places on it. Cinder on the left, Ruby on the right.
After a short pause, buffeted by the background sounds of the city, Cinder straightened up and gave Ruby a solemn stare.
"I… brought you here because, well, I want you to know… about Roman."
"Cinder, but-"
"Red, I just want you to know… I promised, remember?"
Ruby sat back and allowed for Cinder to begin.
"Ruby you're the only person who's given me a chance since he passed. If it wasn't for him we probably wouldn't even be talking right now. Just like you; he was always there. Even when I didn't want it that way."
Ruby knew how good it was in the end for Cinder to speak her mind, plus, she couldn't deny having a decent interest in who Roman was. Knowing what was better, the girl spoke up, "Tell me about him." She said, swinging her feet beneath the bench, arms at her side.
Cinder took a breath, watching as it faded from the air, "Sure."
######
Pathetic fallacy. The term meaning when one's emotions could be compared or related to that of current weather conditions. Some call such a comparison to be 'Superstitious'. Others, choose to believe it.
But, what if you're too young to understand? Too young to understand why the world seems to be making some kind of game out of you? A game you can never win.
Cinder Fall didn't understand why.
Not entirely.
A young saffron-eyed girl a few days shy of nine years old, wasn't entirely sure why.
Her day had been business as usual. The constant berating from her young classmates. Hitting, calling her names, taking her belongings. Even some of the older kids joined in.
The ignorance of her teachers didn't help. The ignorance of most of those around her, didn't help.
But the thing that hurt most, the thing she didn't understand, was such actions from her own parents.
Like days before, and days to come, gray clouds and angled downpours took host of each and every day. As of now, Cinder was waiting for her parents to arrive at school so they could pick her up. Wait she did, but they still hadn't come yet. She had stood in the schools parking lot for a solid thirty minutes and waited. But they were a no-show.
Cinder was basically used to it by now. Her Mom or Dad wouldn't show, and she'd end up walking home -soaked clothes and all. It seemed everyone was too caught up with their own lives to care. Even her brother Roman didn't help. Always too busy with school, and extracurricular activities. He said he'd try, but Cinder still waited for the day he'd stick to his word and do something.
Today's rain wasn't tolerable. Heavy downpours filled the gutters and washed the dirt off of cars. Cinder had left the school's roundabout and found shelter under a large tree located directly in front of her elementary school. The coverage it provided still wasn't enough. She stood there, feet soaking from the deluge from the leaves, her raincoat slippery, and any other fabric on her completely soaked through.
The wetness on her skin amplified the cool air. Making her shiver every few seconds or so. Cinder's weary eyes looked up and down the street. She constantly brushed her damp bangs away; begging to see the sharp architecture or her parents car coming towards her. She watched the cars swish by. Filled with families who would probably go home, get warm, have dinner together, and be a family.
Cinder loathed them, hated them, was outraged by them.
She would have to stand alone. Waiting for something that would never come.
The ebony-haired girl had told herself that things would pass. That everything, over time, would get better again.
She heard a word one time. Optimistic. Roman had used it one day. She didn't have a clue as to what it meant, so she took to the dictionary to find out. Cinder later found out it meant. The word basically meant to look at situations favorably, and hope for the most favorable outcome.
The girl then labeled herself as that. The word brought a new outlook to her young mind, seeing a time when things would change.
Seeing turned to hoping. Hoping turned to begging. And begging turned to acceptance.
It was an endless, and unrelenting cycle. She'd rise from her bed in the mornings, ready to take on the day. Feeling like today would be the day of change. Cinder would come down the stairs, only to find an empty home. There'd be times she'd purposely wake up earlier via an alarm, to try and catch someone before they left. Most times, she was left alone.
That was strike one.
She'd get to school, wearily hoping for a turnaround. All she recently was dejection and ridicule from those around her. There were some who left her alone, and it was those moments she found solace in. Still, solace is just an upscale word for alone.
That was strike two.
The day would draw to a close. She'd saunter from her classroom, watching all of the other kids running to cars that would take them home, or parents waiting with open arms. Smiling upon their child's return. Cinder never got such satisfaction, and just like today, she'd walk home. Isolated.
That was strike three.
When the third strike was laid, Cinder's resolve would break. She could cry, but what's the point? If a tree falls in the forest, and there's no one around to hear it; did it really fall? Day in and day out, that's how she felt.
There was one person. Her brother Roman. He was there when he could. But the times when he could, never lasted beyond a few hours. And a maximum of thrice in a week. Usually it was Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. After that, he was too busy to socialize with her. To some extent, Cinder understood. Roman was busy with preparation for University, and keeping his grades where they should be. Her father James, and mother Autumn, held high expectations of him. But it was all in good faith. He got all the praise , love, and family from them, whilst Cinder was pushed off to the side. Deemed to incomprehensible.
That's where Cinder's relationship with him went amiss. Another one of those parts she didn't understand. Why he got a family and she didn't.
It lead to odd outburst of hate towards her titian - haired sibling. Days where she didn't want to talk to him. Others where she'd push him away as far as possible, feeling she was more of a burden to him than a loving sister. Roman would make an effort, but she'd keep running. Telling him to leave.
As the days went by, he spent less and less time. Whether it was intentional based on the fact that he got the message, or unintentional, was something she didn't know.
If there was such a thing as strike four, it'd already hit now.
Sniffing and racking, but not fully sobbing, Cinder turned to face the opposite direction and began her slow, soaked walk home. Her parents would be home, but that didn't make it feel any less empty. Today, like many days before, Cinder trekked home. Not wanting to, but having to.
Where else can she go?
She felt a warm line trickle down her cheek, contrasting with the cold air surrounding it. Through the rain, she sobbed.
"It's not...fair..."
In a little under an hour, Cinder made it home. Gradually, the rain ceased while she walked, but the damage had been done. The young girl was soaked, and cold.
In general it made her feel like it was a small victory in a large war, the walk practically meaningless.
She wearily passed over the steps and made it to the door. With a small grunt and a decent push; she shoved it open. Surprised by the fact that it was unlocked. Immediately when she came in, she was faced with what looked like an empty house. All curtains cast shut, everything shut off, and not sound to be heard.
Cinder dried her dripping face with her cool sleeve and set her bag down by the door. Only to kick it a few seconds later.
It would always go like this. First she'd be upset, then become angered at the fact that no one cared as to why she was upset to begin with.
She slipped out of her raincoat and crumpled it up on the floor wetting anything underneath it. She now stood in the foyer, soaked and not knowing what to do. It was aggravating no, frustrating. A helpless feeling she'd yet to be accustomed to.
To her, it started to seem as though Roman was losing interest too. Cinder had kept tally of the number of days he'd shown up instead of their parents, or made any general effort to do something, anything.
But he was always too busy, and it seemed like she was substituted out for schoolwork…
"Who cares anyway."
Cinder turned to the left and went for the stairs, but a sound emanating from the back of the house made her freeze.
"Dad? You're back… already…"
It was Roman.
Her titian-haired brother came around the corner at the end of the hallway, dressed in a casual outfit. The only notable thing was the funny dapper hat Cinder had found for him at fair they went to last month. It gave her a small unintelligible smile that quickly faded.
'He's just like Mom and Dad.'
Instantaneously however, Roman was dumbfounded by what he saw. There stood his sister, soaked to the bone, nothing but sadness radiating from her body language.
"Sis, what happened? They… were supposed to pick you up." Roman spoke hushly.
"…Go away…"
"Cin."
"Just go away, I hate you!" She thundered. Accentuating her shout by stepping back towards the door again.
"Kiddo," Roman made a tentative step forward. Completely outraged, not at Cinder, but at their parents for forgetting about her twice in a little under a week.
Cinder didn't want to see him, couldn't bear to look at him. She lurched down and went for her drenched shoes, trying to get them back on so she could leave. Roman was too close however, and with one larger step forward he grabbed her by the shoulders, gripping her firmly.
"They, didn't come, am I right?"
Cinder thrashed and kicked, trying to break free.
"Sis, sis, look at- look at me!" His tone raised an octave. "Start to finish, what happened. No lies."
The girl with short ebony hair, reached out and embraced him in hug, her resolve shattering quickly.
"Y-Y-Yes…" She cried, holding on tighter.
Roman could feel the spots where she held on begin to dampen. Her began hushing her as best as possible, "Hey, hey…' He whispered, "It's okay… I'm not going."
"B-But you're j-just l-like them…"
"You know I'm-" Roman stopped himself short of giving what would be a stupid answer. He was the type to use actions rather than words, so with a quick dash he left around the corner to the main-floor bathroom and reappeared, a nice towel in his grasp.
"Come here," He ushered her close, and attempted to dry off her drenched and disheveled locks, "Looks like you went for a swim." He joked.
She sniffled but finally cracked a smile, something about him just denied her ability to get upset. When he finished with her hair he took his hat off and placed it on her head, it's slightly larger size causing it to dip over her ears.
"Why don't you keep it." He offered.
"Really?!"
"Sure, why not?" He said, trying to cheer her up.
She grinned wider and gave him a hug, he reciprocated, but felt a tinge of guilt pry at him. By his count this was roughly the fifteenth time she was forgotten, and one of many efforts he'd made to make her smile. Confused by why their parents practically insisted on forgetting.
Still, this wasn't about them. It was all for her, going the extra mile just to see her laugh or smile. The girl was his only sibling, not matter what people say or do, he'll stand by.
For as long as he can.
######
Cinder relented and finsihed what she planned on doing today, eyes a little watery but smiling all the while. She was perplexed. It actually felt really nice to tell Ruby, to share something she never shared before.
Cinder inhaled a shaky breath and sniffled, "He was always there." Cinder eased closer to Ruby, "Always."
Ruby could draw a lot of connections between herself and Roman, thanks in part to the fact that they both shared a great positive influence in Cinder's life. Ruby would stay by her, for as long as she could.
"I will too." Ruby whispered, her tone a pitched whisper.
The crimsonette, took notion of Cinder moving closer and decided to close the gap. The sat next to each-other, heads touching, eyes watching the river. A warm feeling of serenity washing over them. It was nice for a change, no shouting, crying, or pain. Just calm.
"Hey Cinder?"
"Hm?"
"I love you."
Cinder held Ruby closer, "I love you too."
A/N The little bit about Cinder and Roman was actually a one shot I had planned from months ago, but couldn't make it long enough, there it was, so in it went. I actually really like the dynamic I created between them, maybe I'll do a mini fic? Who knows.
Next chapter will be longer than this, with Ruby telling Cinder some things about her past. With some fluff of course.
Thanks to my buddy Dean for betaing this!
Thanks for reading everyone!