I am sorry for the long break, but I was really busy with Uni, and I wanted this to be a long one.
So here it is! The final chapter of the Sailing AU! I hope it's up to scratch.

Enjoy.

Weiss and Yang had talked. There was no mention of Weiss's past, or why she had to leave, but instead they had talked about small things, little things. They had talked about their favorite coffees and their opinions on Ruby's' collection of movies. About the finer details of the workings of boats and about how possessing Yang was of her hair. There are times in a person's life when you come to a conclusion, or make a decision that will change the course of your life. For Weiss, that night was one of those moments. When she went to her bed, she slept well into the following morning and payed little heed to the last thing Yang had told her. Blake was coming home in under a week.

Ruby was waiting for Weiss when she woke up, slumped on the couch. She spoke the instant she heard Weiss's door open.

"Weiss I... I don't want you to leave me. Yang told me about last night, but... it hurts. I don't know why you can't trust me, but I promise I will never hate you Weiss. I can't."

Weiss stood in the doorway, listening as Ruby spoke, before moving to prepare them both coffee.

"You don't know that Ruby."

"And neither do you!" snapped Ruby.

"And you mean too much for me to take that risk!" Weiss shot back. "I... Ruby listen. Yang said Blake gets back at the end of the week, didn't she? Why don't you focus on that instead? From what I understand you have some sort of plan to make Yang confess first?"

"Yeah... do you really wanna hear this? You'll be gone by the time it happens."

"Of course I do."

Pyrrha was conflicted as she withdrew the money Weiss had transferred into her account the other day, making a hasty retreat from the Bank of Vale.

Weiss had borrowed her computer to make an online transfer. Anything to avoid accessing her account directly, inside the bank. Anything to avoid revealing who she was. A sentiment Pyrrha understood. Weiss Schnee. Heiress to the infamous Schnee Mining Company. The company directly responsible for the rapidly deteriorating state of the local marine environment. The company and the decline in fishing income, which was the very lifeblood of the town. A lot of hardships hadn't yet set in, but they were clearly coming. Yang's repair shop had to offer large discounts to any and all locals. Her own family wouldn't be able to send her to university were it not for her athletic scholarship. The ReNora cafe's menu was only half the size it once was.

Weiss had promised to change things but... was it too late? It was too late, as it turned out, for Pyrra to watch where she walked.

"Oof!"

Pyrrha fell backwards as Ruby bowled into her, tumbling to the ground.

"I'm sorry! I was in a hurry!" Ruby scrambled to help Pyrrha to her feet. "I was trying to find you and Ren said he'd seen you this way!"

"Ruby! Ruby it's alright." Pyrrha forced a chuckle. "Calm down. Why were you trying to find me?"

"You know why Weiss is leaving."

Pyrrha sighed. Of course. "I promised Weiss I would wait until she was gone." Motioning for Ruby to follow, Pyrrha started walking. "You must understand Ruby, this is very personal for Weiss, and I can understand why she doesn't want those closest to her to know. Even telling me, a complete stranger to her at that point, was difficult for her. And I had given my word I wouldn't talk. And even then, she knew who I was. I help people. All of that and she was still hesitant."

"But she can trust me!" Ruby cried, stamping her foot.

"And you don't think she knows that? But there are some things that you can't tell the people you care about Ruby. Some things that will change how you're perceived. She's scared Ruby, and she cares about what you think so much. She can't take the risk of telling you. She couldn't bear it."

"But I-"

"You need to let her go, Ruby. Respect her wishes. Because when she leaves I'll be forced to tell you. And then she's not coming back. She won't be able to come back."

Ruby opened her mouth to retort, but nothing came out. Instead she pulled on some headphones, pulled up her hood, and sullenly threw her hands in her pockets.

Pyrrha blinked slowly. Ruby wasn't happy with it, but it was progress.

And that was the first day.

"I'm not going to ask." were the first words Weiss heard on the morning of the second day. "I don't want you to have to worry about me making you tell me." Ruby emerged from the kitchen, looking sullen, but carrying two plates of pancakes. "I want to spend time with you, and Pyrrha says you won't be coming back. She says you won't be able to, so it doesn't matter what happens after you leave. I want you to enjoy the week before you leave. I want to spend time with you."

Smiling softly, Weiss took one of the plates.

"Thank you. So what are we doing?"

"I didn't plan that far."

"Yang!" Pyrrha entered the repair shed, moving quickly up the stairs and into the nearly complete Myrtenaster. "How's Ruby?"

"She was doing better today." Yang climbed over the railing of the yacht, adjusting a harness. "Hold on, this thing might keep me hanging next to the boat but it is really uncomfortable."

Grinning, Pyrrha stepped forward, turning Yang around to reach the ties on her back. "Need some help?"

"Gods you're a lifesaver..." Yang sighed as the harness fell to the floor, rolling her shoulders and massaging her chest as the redhead kneaded her shoulders. "I need a new harness, this is killing me."

"Well, a custom one should be affordable before too long."

"Mmm... sorry, could you repeat that? Your hands are magic..."

"Nothing important. Ruby's alright then?"

"Yeah, I'll be putting her back to work on Myrtenaster tomorrow, but for now she's staying with Weiss, I think. Wants to spend time together while they can. Only thing is, without her this'll take too long."

"Your muscles are really tight Yang. Please tell me you've been having breaks..."

"Can't. Got a deadline to meet."

"Yang!"

"Not my fault this needs to get done!"

"You need to rest!"

"I have work to do Pyrrha!" Yang grimaced, reaching for her harness.

"Yang." Pyrrha spun the blonde girl around, glaring. "You're not going back to work until I'm satisfied you're rested."

Yang met Pyrrha's stare, and crumpled. She was tired. "Fine. So where to?"

"Do I get a break too?" A voice called from under the boat.

"We don't get breaks Neptune!" A second voice scolded. "And if you take a break without me, I'm gonna die and haunt you forever!" There was a short pause before Neptune spoke again.

"Enjoy your break!"

...

...

...

"So, does this mean Blake's staying single?"

"Neptune, I will hit you."

"Yang I can afford it, I promise you." Pyrrha leaned over the table, pointedly ignoring the candle Nora placed between them.

"Since when? Last I checked your scholarship's the only reason you're not swamped in debt."

"I..." Pyrrha slumped back in her chair, not meeting Yang's eye. "I can tell you at the end of the week."

"Oh. She can afford it then?"

"It's not something I can say."

"Dammit I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring that up. I don't think anyone involved wants that conversation again."

"How about we take a platter to share?"

"Fine. With one lobster. I don't care how rich she is, I'm not buying two bloody lobsters. Nora!" Yang called. "King of the Castle to share?"

"So Pyrrha," Yang turned back after confirming the order with the short haired waitress. "Those massages gonna become a regular thing? Can I book you for an hour a day?"

"That depends. Are you going to return the favour?"

"Oh, I'm certain I can think of a payment..." Yang smirked softly.

"While I am not at all opposed to your suggestion," Pyrrha replied, grinning, "I'm not sure Jaune or Blake would be too pleased."

"What wouldn't I be pleased about?" A blond boy asked, slipping into a seat next to Pyrrha.

"Hey Jaune!" Yang grinned. "I was just propositioning your girlfriend for sex."

"He-what!?" Jaune spluttered, glaring at laughing blonde. "And- and- What!? Besides! Aren't you asking Blake out when she gets home?"

"Plenty of time between then and now, vomit boy! Besides, she can join in if she wants!"

"Well-"

"You're not invited."

"I- Well- I-" Yang could only laugh as Jaune struggled to respond. Even Pyrrha had her hand clapped over her mouth as Nora laid a seafood platter on the table, a lobster sitting proud in the center.

"King of the Castle for the lovers! And I'll get Jaune something as well."

"H-hey! Seriously am I the only one who cares Pyrrha and I are dating?"

Three voices replied in the affirmative.

Yang and Ruby left early on the third day to continue their work on Myrtenaster, leaving Weiss a note to use whatever she wanted from the kitchen, and asking her to open the shopfront when she woke. With the house to herself, Weiss steeled herself, picked up the phone, and made a call.

"Hello? This is Weiss Schnee..."

Pyrrha found her slumped at the shopfront, reading absently. "How did it go?"

"Better than I expected, worse than I had hoped." Weiss flipped a page. "My sister Winter is running the company in my stead. Do you want to know what my father had in his will?" Weiss shut the book, leaning over the counter. "My daughter Weiss is almost certainly nowhere to be found; undoubtedly on that damned boat of hers. Upon her return, she is to inherit the Schnee Mining Company, to do with as she wills. She was taught well, even if she will hate to admit it." Weiss sighed. "My father always looked down on me. I was never good enough, and now it was all just so I would strive harder and harder to please him!? He refused me my childhood just so I could run his damn company!" Weiss snarled, her hands clenching into fists. "Other people got fathers like Tam Al'thor," Weiss slapped her book, "where I got-" Weiss stopped in her tracks. "I don't know anyone to compare him to... I don't know enough fictional characters..."

"You don't have to be like him Weiss, and besides you're free of him now. Besides, it led to your coming here."

"Leading to a good thing does not excuse a bad thing. And besides, with who I am, it feels like I'm betraying you."

"You're going to do your best to fix it, Weiss. That makes this a good thing. Besides, you met Ruby, and she's never going to hate you, no matter who you are."

"I... thanks."

"I'm always here. And by the way," Pyrrha dropped a bulging envelope on the table. "The money you transferred me. They're never going to accept this much, you know."

"I'll make them accept. They're going to need it. You're fine with being the recipient of donations to keep the town on its feet until the bay heals?"

"I am."

"Thank you. For helping me."

"You're welcome."

"I mean it. No one's ever done so much for me."

"Well, maybe I just like helping people."

"I don't have much experience with people like that."

"Well, this town is full of people like that."

"It's a nice town."

"Yes it is." Pyrrha smiled.

"If we're lucky and don't stop for breaks, Myrtenaster can be ready tonight." were Yang's parting words on the fourth morning. "Watch the shop for us, kay?"

As Yang said those words, a bus was pulling into the town.

"Ma'am? Ma'am?" Blake cracked open her eyes, squinting. When had it gotten bright?

"Mmmm..." Blake moaned, closing her eyes against the glare. "Sleep..."

"Ma'am? This is our last stop. I need you to get off now."

Groaning, Blake roused herself, blinking and shading her eyes. "Give me a minute..." she mumbled, rubbing at her eyes. Looking around, she grabbed her bag from her feet before stumbling to her feet. "Coffee..." she mumbled, stumbling from the bus and looking around. There was a tall, grey haired figure standing in front of her, sipping from a mug.

"Miss Belladonna." Ozpin greeted her. "It is a pleasure to see you home. Just waking up?"

"Unless you're sharing that coffee, I'm not interested."

"This? I'm going to tell you something not many people know, Miss Belladonna."

"What."

"It's hot chocolate."

"What?"

"This, however," Ozpin paused, holding out his spare hand. "is very much coffee."

Slowly taking the proffered cup, Blake took a sip. "This is good."

"Ren was surprised to hear you were back."

"How did you know I was getting back today?"

"An educated guess. You always overestimate how long things take."

Blake grunted.

"I won't pretend to know what that meant. I will, however, offer you breakfast."

"Ren's already cooking it, isn't he."

"If Nora's having her way."

"BLAKE-oof!" Nora's tackle fell short as Ozpin stepped forward. A single step that placed his foot perfectly to take Nora's feet from beneath her.

"I think Miss Belladonna is a little tired for that, Miss Valkyrie. Why don't we get some breakfast in her first."

Blake inclined her head. "Please."

"And now, Miss Valkyrie, please run to Miss Rose's house. Let Miss Snow know I would like to see her at my office in..." Ozpin checked his watch. "An hour and a half for a checkup. That should be sufficient time to see Miss Belladonna sorted. You may do whatever you like to her upon your swift return, provided she has finished eating."

"Yes!" Nora sprang to her feet, saluting, before dashing from the cafe.

"Now, Miss Belladonna." Ozpin sat down at a table, motioning for Blake to join him. "Tell me about your trip."

Ozpin was impressed as he entered his office, looking around at the clockwork motifs. Winter was doing an admirable job of keeping Weiss's disappearance under wraps, even after so long. She was a keen businesswomen; it was such a shame Weiss had return home. But necessity was necessity, and Weiss Schnee had a job to do.

The voice from the intercom was enough to interrupt his musings. "Miss Snow is here to see you."

"Thank you, Glynda. Please, send her in."

Weiss grimaced as she entered, looking around.

"Not a fan of clockwork, Miss Schnee?"

"Miss Snow." Weiss corrected, frowning at his deliberate use of her name. "And no, I'm not. It reminds me too much of my fathers 'everything must run like clockwork' mantra."

"I see. A valuable lesson far more often than not, but the memories associated with it can't be your favorites."

"How shrewd of you."

"It is one of my talents. Now, how are you feeling?"

"Tired. Scared of going back. Ashamed of lying to Ruby. Guilty of what's happening."

"All very valid. Tell me, why do you feel guilt?"

"Because it's my fault this is happening! I'm sitting here eating Ruby's food when I should be back there stopping this!"

"And this is your fault, how again? Is it your fault you were caught in a storm? Is it your fault your yacht was so damaged? Is it your fault that, even if your vessel was capable of sailing, I would have kept you here under medical surveillance until your wounds healed?"

"I- I should never have run away!"

"You could not have foreseen this."

"I should have!"

"And tell me, when you return, what is it you intend to do?"

"Fix what my father broke. Save this town from my company."

"I see. And how do you know you haven't been declared dead? What happens if your sister Winter has already inherited the company? What happens if she doesn't stand aside?"

"I'll convince her!"

"I see. Now, how are you physically?"

"What?"

"Your arm and ribs. How are they feeling?"

"A small ache in my arm when it's stressed. Aside from that, nothing. I'm fine."

"And your head? No recent headaches? Memory loss?"

"Not that I am aware of."

"Excellent. Well, Miss Weiss, I must declare you fit for travel. Good luck." Reaching into his desk, he retrieved a thermos and a second mug, the latter of which he handed to Weiss. "Now, will you join me for a drink?"

Ruby was waiting for her when Weiss left Ozpins office. Grinning wordlessly, she jumped up and left beside Weiss, ignoring the other girls questioning expression.

"Aren't you working on Myrtenaster?" Weiss asked.

"Nope!"

"So... it's ready?"

"Not when I left."

"Then why are you here?"

"So we can spend your last day together. Yang will be finished by dinner, so they don't need me. That and Ozpin called. He wanted me to pick you up, give you a fun last day."

"Last day... wait, how did he know you would be done today?"

"I... he's Ozpin. He just knows things."

"That doesn't tell me anything!"

"Well what am I supposed to say! He just always seems to know what's going on!"

"Well!... I should hardly be surprised..."

"What do you mean?"

"Don't worry about it. Come on, I'll buy you lunch. What's something you've always wanted to eat but never got the chance?"

Blake smiled as she approached Yang's house that evening. She had returned home after breakfast, to unpack and catch up on lost sleep. She had woken up bare minutes ago, Yang's cooking the only thing on her mind. Blake was smirking as she unlocked the house, slipping in through the shopfront and sneaking up the stairs. She had it all planned out. She would open the door silently and lean there, grinning at Yang, until she or Ruby noticed. Blake never thought she would be the ont doing the noticing as she swung open the door, her grin slipping away.

"Why are you eating with Weiss Schnee?"

The scene froze. Weiss sat at the table, somehow paling despite her natural complexion.

"What," Blake breathed, "is going on? Yang? What-"

"They didn't know!" Weiss blurted.

"Weiss...?" Ruby stared at her. "What does she mean?"

Yang's reply was more aggressive. "Schnee!?" Yang turned to stare at her. "What does she mean Weiss? Is-"

"That's why you said we'd hate you..." Ruby cut her off, her voice faint. "Weiss...?"

"It's not their fault..." Weiss whispered. "I didn't... They didn't know who I was."

"Get out of this town..." Blake whispered softly. Trembling, Weiss stood up, pulling an envelope from her pocket.

"Payment." Weiss held back tears as she dropped it on the table. "For Myrtenaster... and for everything else. I'm sorry."

Weiss started running as soon as she closed the door behind her. She didn't look back. She couldn't face the hurt she knew had to be on Ruby's face. She should never have stayed.

Blake slumped in her chair as Yang buried her face in her hands. Ruby just stared at the door. Yang was the one to break the silence.

"What the hell just happened..."

Blake shook her head. "I don't know. I get home, I was hoping to surprise you. But you're having dinner with Weiss Schnee. You know what her company's doing."

"I just... A lot of things make sense now. She really didn't want us to know why she had to leave so quickly."

"What?"

Yang looked up quizzically. "She shipwrecked. You mean that wasn't the first thing you heard when you got back?"

"No one... told me anything."

"Ruby was prepared to talk your ear off about the mysterious shipwrecked girl she liked." Yang paused, looking over. "Ruby?" Her sister was gone.

Weiss found Myrtenaster docked at one of the towns piers. Yang must have moved it when she was done. Blinking away tears and choking back sobs, she climbed aboard and cast off the mooring rope, stowing the knife she had taken from the shop. Moving quickly around Myrtenaster, she started the engine.

Ruby ran madly to the docks. She didn't slow; she didn't look back. Weiss was leaving. Without her.

"WEISS!" She cried as she saw Myrtenaster cast off. "WEISS!" She saw Weiss at the helm, not looking back. "WEISS!" She didn't notice the ground beneath her feet turn to the wood of the pier, and she didn't notice when the pier ended until her foot came down on thin air. "WAHH!" Then she hit the water. The sudden cold sucked her breath from her body. She gasped , choking on water as she thrashed, desperately searching the surface. She tried to scream and water flooded her throat. Then she was choking, vomiting water and Weiss was leaning over her sobbing. Then Weiss was kissing her, and then Weiss was gone.

Weiss squared her shoulders as she sailed into her families dock, staring at the figure who came out to meet her. Steeling herself, she stalked off Myrtenaster to face her sister. She had a promise to keep.

And that's that. The final chapter.
Keep an eye out though, I have one more present for you!

As always, please review! I love your reviews!