Chapter 22: Dedication's Reprisal

Oi, it's The Draigg again. After all that heartbreak, can you continue to read on? I'd hope so! By now you should probably know that I don't own RWBY or anything else I mention. With that being said, let's continue from where we left off last time!

When Pyrrha told her that Weiss wasn't okay, Ruby felt worried. So, when Ruby saw Weiss, she realized that her fears were justified. Weiss was sitting on the bed, her knees halfway up to her chest. Her breathing was shallow was she clutched a pillow, holding it tight. Tears and mucus were pouring out of her in streams, as Weiss cried harder than Ruby had ever seen before.

Rushing over to Weiss' side, Ruby wrapped her arms around her. Ruby's eyes started water again, ever so slightly. Sure, she had cried when she thought Weiss broke her promise to support her. But, now it was clear to her that that promise was never broken. Weiss was felling far, far worse. She must have broken a promise to herself.

"I'm h-here now. It's g—gonna be ok-kay.", Ruby said to Weiss, starting to choke up. It hurt to see her like this. Ruby always had a good sense of empathy. So, seeing Weiss like this… it was simply unbearable. But, she had to be strong for her now. Ruby steeled her resolved.

Pyrrha motioned for Jaune and Blake to leave the room. Whatever needed to happen, they didn't need to be there. It was all up to Weiss and Ruby now. Silently, the others exited the room and gently shut the door behind them.

Weiss managed to get a few words through her tortured sobs. "D-don't l-look-k a-at me-e.", she pleaded. She didn't want Ruby to see her be this weak. Weiss wanted Ruby to see her as a strong, caring individual. How could Ruby possibly think that if she's nothing but a sniveling, weak coward who hurt those she loved? Weiss cried harder at the thought.

As Weiss cried for herself and her failed promises, all Ruby could think was how to get Weiss to stop crying. She had an idea. Slowly, Ruby began to kiss Weiss' tear streaked cheeks. Weiss was a little surprised at the soft, gentle kisses.

"Wha- *sniff* what are you d-doing?", Weiss asked tearfully. Why was she doing this for her? She didn't deserve anything more from Ruby. Her touch was more than she deserved to feel any more. Maybe she should run away. She couldn't take her life, since she would never see Ruby again. If she ran away, then she could at least watch form a distance.

"When people are hurt, it helps to kiss where it hurts.", Ruby said with childlike sincerity. Her simple wisdom started to put cracks into Weiss' shell of self-pity. Even when faced with a wall of cynicism, Ruby always managed to tear it down, brick by brick.

The pillow was let go by Weiss. She replaced it with Ruby herself. Clutching her tightly, she cried into her shoulder. Weiss now couldn't let go of her.

"Why? W-why do you l-love me-e e-even when I d-don't?!", Weiss asked, demanding an answer. Ruby's love baffled her. Ruby didn't answer, instead guiding her down so they could lie on the bed.

"I h-hate myself! So w-why?! WHY?!", Weiss continued to cry. Her tears were starting to soak Ruby's top. The dark patch grew as Weiss cried harder. Ruby still refused to answer.

"My m-mom and d-dad hate m-me! Ev-veryone does! W-why don't-t Y-YOU-U?!", Weiss shouted into Ruby's shoulder. Ruby gently held Weiss by the arms and guided her to meet her gaze. Now Weiss realized that Ruby's eyes were also red and tear filled. She had been silently crying with her. Now she felt bad about wanting to run away from a hurting Ruby.

"Because I choose to.", Ruby whispered.

Weiss buried her face in Ruby's chest when she heard that declaration. Even if it was only one person, having someone love her was all that Weiss needed. All that pain, all that suffering she felt was worth it as long as someone understood her. No, she WOULDN'T run away. But still, one thing baffled Weiss.

"B-but why d-do you choose t-to?", Weiss asked, her choking voice muffled by Ruby's shirt. Ruby began to run her hand through Weiss' silver hair. It was softer than what Ruby thought was possible.

"Because… I don't know. Does it really matter? I just do.", Ruby posed to Weiss. Love was easy and confusing at the same time. Love itself was an easy feeling, but explaining it plainly was beyond the realm of possibility. It didn't really matter though. If the feelings were real, that's all that mattered.

Weiss' mind raced through what Ruby's words had meant. Sure, it sounded simple, but there was more underneath the words. It wasn't a just a justification, but it was also a declaration: a declaration never to leave, a declaration to shoulder the burden of doubt, and a declaration to completely understand one another.

The sobs coming out of Weiss' mouth eventually slowed down, so that she was just left sniffling instead. Wiping away stray tears, Weiss was still confused, even though she was feeling a little better now.

"B-but I'm a coward! I-I'm sneaky, and mean! How could you love anybody like that?", Weiss asked.

"Oh Weiss. You're you. That's all I need to know.", explained Ruby. She held her head closer to her chest. It was warm, being there in that moment. It wasn't just the heat coming from Ruby's body. It was the warmth of knowing that her pain and her love were noticed. It was warmth coming from the soul. It was the warmth of a sacred oath. That warmth washed over any doubts Weiss had about Ruby.

It didn't matter how much she cried, begged, or bled. Ruby would always accept Weiss no matter what. Weiss finally believed that she could do the same. Sure, that thought was always at the back of her mind, but now she truly understood what it meant. Love flowed both ways. Even if they didn't share a touch, Ruby and Weiss would still understand how each other felt.

Weiss met Ruby's gaze. Reaching behind Ruby's head, Weiss pulled her closer into a kiss. Weiss' trembling lips met with Ruby's soft mouth. Even though it was the briefest of kisses, it said what words couldn't express. The aura of their souls bridged the gap between each other, finally melding into one. It was the perfect moment. Even if the sun died, or the fragments of the moon crashed onto Remnant, everything would be okay. Their feelings were real. And, if they were real, then their lives were lived well. All was right in the world for Weiss and Ruby.

"You know, I really wanted to run away.", Weiss said with a distant chuckle. It was if she was thinking of a foolish memory.

"But now…", Weiss continued, "I can't imagine being without you.", Weiss whispered to Ruby.

"Weiss…", Ruby breathed out. She was just in awe of this woman in her arms. No, no, Weiss was not a girl. Instead of running away, her fears were faced. Weiss was now a woman.

"You know… I… really didn't know what love was.", Ruby explained. "But… ever since we met… ever since you became my friend…", Ruby began to choke up. "E-ever since you said you l-loved me…".

Ruby paused. She was having a hard time trying not to cry again. Her body failed her as tears started to fall down her soft face.

"I… I think I always cared about you.", Ruby managed to squeak out between tears. Ruby held Weiss tighter. She buried her nose in Weiss' scalp as she started to cry. Not all tears were sad. Tears can be wonderful, loving things.

Ruby let go and smiled a warm smile at Weiss. "I think we ought to go.", Ruby suggested. She then chuckled. "This isn't even our room!".

Weiss, laughed along with Ruby. It was kind of funny, actually. She had always thought the vocal validation of their love would be someplace special. But, it was in a room she rarely ever visited, if at all.

Getting out of the bed, Weiss offered a hand to Ruby. She smiled at her and said, "Come on, you dolt… Let's go.". Even if Ruby was a dolt, she was Weiss' dolt. She wouldn't have any other way.

Ruby took her hand and wouldn't let go. Weiss' hand fit perfectly with hers. It felt like silk against her palm. To Ruby, it was one of the finest treasures imaginable. Weiss' touch was worth more than silver, more than all the time in the world.

Holding hands, Weiss and Ruby exited team JNPR's room.

Blake had explained what had caused this whole episode to Jaune and Pyrrha while waiting in the hallway. She was ashamed that her petty actions resulted in her friends having breakdowns. While Pyrrha said that Blake was in the wrong, she also noted that as long as she was sorry, she could redeem herself.

So, when Ruby and Weiss exited the room holding hands, Blake rushed over to their side immediately.

"Ruby. Weiss. I know whatever I say can't exactly make up for what I did. But, please, forgive me. I'll let you do whatever punishment that you feel fits.", Blake offered to the both of them. She hung her head down low. Her pride was wounded. Maybe her penance would redeem herself.

Ruby and Weiss looked at each other, and then laughed. Blake really looked confused right about now. Pyrrha and Jaune just grinned. They guessed that everything turned out fine in there.

"Oh, Blake.", Ruby said, her laughs turning into low giggles, "It's fine, it's fine. Just… talk to us more, alright?". Ruby had forgiven Blake. Weiss would agree with her, if she wasn't still laughing at the irony. Her biggest blow up so far had brought her and Ruby closer together.

"Come on.", Ruby ordered to Blake. RWB walked back into their room. As Pyrrha and Jaune walked back into their room, both couldn't help but feel glad for their friends. Things were starting to look up.

When Blake walked into the room, she expected to be forgiven by Yang as well. She couldn't be more wrong. Instead of being greeted with a smile, she was greeted by a fist imbedding itself in the side of her head. Her punch must have been enhanced with her aura, since Blake was sent flying across the room, literally knocked out of her socks.

"What the HELL?! You make my sis cry, and you think you can just WALTZ back in here?!", Yang shouted at the barely conscious Blake. Just as she started to stomp over to finish the deed, Yang was stopped by Ruby. She rushed in front of her sister, her arms held wide. Ruby waved her arms furiously.

"No! No! Don't kill her! It's fine now! It's FINE!", Ruby pleaded.

"But she hurt you! Get out of the way!", Yang demanded, ready to cripple Blake. Maybe then she would have a good idea what it was like to be paralyzed. Yang didn't notice Weiss until it was too late.

Weiss had put Yang in a head lock, making her unable to use her fists. Yang tried to shake Weiss off, but the struggle was useless. Eventually, she just wore herself out. Now Yang just felt plain tired. You know, a lot happened today. Maybe she should just slow down a bit.

Once Ruby saw that Yang was giving in, she motioned for Weiss to let go. Tired, she fell to the ground, tired. Yang dragged herself over to the nearest chair and sat down. Blake, who by now had regained her senses, picked up her socks and shoes and staggered over to her bunk.

Sitting down, Blake stared at the wall for a few minutes in silence. Eventually, she said, "No thanks, teriyaki pencil case dad mop.". Then she slumped over, out like a light. Apparently, that blow did something to her brain.

Nobody was too concerned. They had suffered worse wounds. Plus, given all the crap she had been pulling recently, Yang and Weiss thought Blake had that punch coming to her. But, now that Blake had fallen unconscious, the others felt their energy failing them as well. The rest of the team decided to turn in early. The afternoon sun was starting to dip below the horizon, anyway.

Once the team (sans Blake), changed into their night clothes, they settled into their sleeping positions. As Ruby crawled into Weiss' bed, Yang couldn't help but question that action.

"Err, what do you think you're doing?", Yang asked. Sure, just because she wouldn't attack the couple, doesn't mean that she couldn't question what they did.

Ruby blushed as soon as she was caught. Thinking quickly, she tried to downplay her actions.

"Oh, I'm just staying with my girlfriend.", Ruby explained. A small smile crossed Weiss' face. It was nice to be acknowledged as her girlfriend.

Yang eyed the pair, and looked like she was about to say something. But then she closed her mouth and relaxed. She had reconsidered her comment. Then, she decided to try a different response.

"Just don't do anything TOO bad, okay?", advised Yang. She then crept under her covers, read to sleep.

As Weiss settled into a comfortable position on her side, she felt Ruby slink her arm under hers. She wanted to hold onto Weiss while she slept. It was as if she was Ruby's personal safety blanket. Weiss didn't mind. If anything, she felt the same way.

Ruby's warm breath tickled the nape of Weiss' neck. Her breath sent a small tingle down Weiss spine. She was so glad that she could be with Ruby. Sighing with contentment, Weiss whispered, "I love you, Ruby.".

Ruby buried her head in the back of Weiss' neck and deeply inhaled. Weiss' scent was comforting. It reminded Ruby of the smell of peppermint. Weiss smelled like home. She hugged Weiss closer.

"Love you too.", Ruby mumbled, as the veil of sleep started to cover her eyes.

The lovers drifted off into sleep, where they could play and love in the land of dreams.

Aww, doesn't that just warm the hole where your heart should be? Or is that just me? Anyway, get ready for some more coming to you soon! And be sure to keep on sending in those reviews! This is The Draigg, signing off currently.