Another chapter down! Sorry if it seems a little rushed, I wanted to get it out before I had to spend the next few days being extremely busy. This chapter is also the first that I believe to be adult enough to warrant an M rating. It is also my first attempt at a 'steamy' scene. Thanks for reading, especially to all the people who have been following or favouriting, we are approaching 100 follows and nearly 50 favourites! So huge thanks to those wonderful people, and to anyone who has written a review, they have been every helpful thus far and I love reading them.
It turned out to be a quiet evening for Weiss and Ruby. They sat in relative silence, the only sound being that of cutlery scraping against porcelain. The two had set up on the balcony of the small cottage, overlooking the fields and forests around them. After a while they had run out of small talk, each knowing the other so well and having spent so much time together left little to talk about idly. This was only furthered by Weiss' hesitance in conversing with Ruby, delicate as to not cause any issue or create any problem. "So..." Ruby said, breaking the eerie silence,
"So…" Weiss replied as she set down her utensils.
"Hey, I haven't told you about my trip yet!" Ruby's face lighting up at her own suggestion. Relief washed over Weiss,
"I believe you said it was quite the tale."
With a smile glued to her face Ruby rambled through her adventure. She spoke of France, Germany and Spain. Stories of the other Assassins and the Templars that pursued her. Weiss hated to admit that she was slightly jealous; her travels had travels having never taken as far. Once again her sheltered existence brought her a measure of grief.
"So I had already hidden the hourglass, but the Templars though I still had had it. They caught up to me one the way back In France. One of them was huuuuge, he carried this giant sword as well which was, like, taller than me! He nearly got the better of me."
"But you bested him in the end?" Weiss asked with eyebrow raised,
"Ugh, not really," Ruby murmured as she averted her eyes sheepishly.
"Ruby Rose, you have had excellent instruction, to be beaten by a common brute," Weiss shook her head and sighed. Ruby's eyes grew wide, "B-but Weiss his sword! It was seriously huge! It's not my fault." Weiss looked back up at Ruby's panicked expression, unable to hold back her sly smile. Once Ruby saw the smile she backed down, pouting as she sunk into her chair. "Oh Ruby I was just teasing,"
"Yeah, yeah. But I'm telling you, his sword was huge…" Ruby's voice softening as she spoke.
"Well while we are out here we could get some, apparently much needed, practice in," Weiss chided. Ruby groaned,
"But this was supposed to be time off,"
"I promised to train you to be an Assassin, until that happens though I have to endeavour to complete said training. A Schnee never goes back on their word," Weiss raised her chin slightly as she spoke. Ruby stopped pouting, a soft smile replacing it, "Well I have learned a few tricks since last time we fought. I might even be able to beat you this time."
"Oh it will be interesting," Weiss matching Ruby's subtly challenging tone. Weiss gestured for the maid who had made the food to take away the now mostly empty plates. They both thanked her as she did so, Weiss telling her that her services were no longer needed for the night.
They made their way back into the cottage, the awkward silence settling in once again. Both tread carefully unsure of how things should proceed. They watched the maid leave before changing into their nightgowns. "You can use your cottage if you like, you don't have too-"
"Weiss, I want to be here with you, it's fine," Ruby slid underneath the heavy covers of the bed, looking expectantly at Weiss. She followed, sliding in carefully beside Ruby, "It's just that I know it's a bit odd-" Ruby silenced her again, this time draping her arms around Weiss and pulling her closer. The two now lay embraced underneath the warm covers of the bed. Yet even as Weiss started to feel comfortable, to feel secure, her mind drifted to a host of worst case scenarios. What if the maid comes back? What if Ruby is just doing this to make me happy? Does she really love me?
"Weiss stop worrying," Ruby mumbled, her head leaning on Weiss shoulder.
"How can you tell?"
"You're fidgeting," Ruby shuffled ever so slightly closer to Weiss. Slowly the thoughts that troubled her started to subside. She closed her eyes, and took Ruby's hand in her own. She could feel Ruby smile, bringing a smile to her own lips. Weiss gripped her hand tighter, Ruby responding by brushing away strands of Weiss' hair affectionately. "Ruby," Weiss' voice now a whisper, "I need you."
Emerald stretched her arm, the pain in her shoulder now only a dull annoyance. She had a nasty mark on her forehead, the only trace of her fight the night before. As much as she wanted to lie in bed for the rest of the day, there were still names on her list. Cinder had requested it be done as quick as possible, and Emerald did not dare disobey. She had not known Neo well, but she had known that Cinder had considered her a very useful tool. One mistake and she was destroyed, Cinder didn't kill those who worked for her. That would be too simple, too risky. Those who failed Cinder disappeared, no evidence of their life or their death. It was as if she had the power to rip people from the pages of time.
Emerald didn't have time to worry though, she had to focus on her next target. The Nikos family hailed from Greece, a wealthy family that moved to England some time ago. They claimed to have moved to escape some conflict or another, but Emerald imagined it was likely to do with the Greek Templar order, a very efficient group.
A knock at her door broke her train of thought. Emerald got up, pistol in hand, and went over to the door of her small apartment. "Who is it?"
"Just me," Mercury replied from beyond the door. Emerald raised the pistol but opened the door. Mercury regarded the pistol now point at his chest with an air of indifference. He pushed past Emerald, "wow, you really know how to pick the best cupboards to live in" Mercury casting his eyes around the one room apartment. "It would be nice if you could clean it at least," he said as he kicked at a garment that lay on the floor. Emerald stood at the door, clutching her pistol tightly as she watched Mercury. "I'm not here to kill you, why would you even think that? From all accounts you did well last night" Mercury said with indifference.
"Oh I was not worried about that, I just don't like you in my personal space," her words didn't carry the bravado she wanted, but she breathed a sigh of relief. Mercury smirked, "Neo really got to you huh, I wouldn't worry you're too valuable at the moment."
"A compliment? From you?" Emerald look taken aback, Mercury just frowned,
"Well if you don't do your job then it's my skin as well, and if you're not feeling one hundred percent then it will end badly for both of us."
"If you're here checking up on me then you can see I'm fine, now get out," Emerald moving out of the doorway and gesturing for Mercury to leave. Mercury shook his head, "I'm here to offer my assistance, you're shaken up and have taken a few hits. You're going to need a little help."
"Bugger off Mercury I can handle this on my own," Emerald glared at him, before turning her head away in disgust. Mercury sprung, lunging forward he grabbed Emerald. She tried to raise her pistol, but Mercury was already twisting her wrist, causing the pistol to fall. Tucking her arm behind her back he shoved her onto the bed. She flipped around to see Mercury's face inches from her own. "Your sloppy, unfocused," Mercury's voice soft
"You cheated," Emerald whispered.
"And you don't when you're fighting?" Mercury released her and brushed off his black suit. "I'll return around elven o'clock tonight, we can start then." Without another word Mercury left, Emerald cursing under her breath as she watched him leave.
Ruby lay on top of Weiss, the two locked in a passionate embrace. They struggled to hold themselves back, Weiss trying to dominate the kiss, but was forced to submit to Ruby's exhilarating hold. Weiss let out a moan, and Ruby took this as a sign to go further. Ruby fell onto her, entwining their legs she began to rub Weiss softly with her thigh. Weiss' breath was raspy and rushed, now unable to focus on the kiss. She clutched Ruby tightly, forcing herself closer. Ruby slowed her movements, grinding against Weiss to a relaxed rhythm. Weiss let out a series of whimper, bolts of electricity arcing through her body.
She gasped, her body convulsing slightly, her legs locking Ruby's in place. She panted and laid back in the bed, her face flush and her hands shaky. Ruby smiled down at Weiss, who was currently basking in the afterglow of the moment. Just as Ruby began to remove herself and lay back down, Weiss jumped her. Flipping her onto the bed Weiss now kneeled over Ruby, her face set in a look of determination. "Weiss we can go back to- oooh!" Ruby's protest ended as Weiss traced her fingers down Ruby's stomach. Weiss silenced her with a kiss, her hand travelling down, lightly brushing over Ruby's thighs. They looked into each other's eyes, blue and silver orbs meeting in anticipation.
Weiss moved underneath Ruby's nightgown, hand gently meeting her centre. Ruby shut her eyes and pushed her head back into the pillow, biting her lip as she supressed a whine. Weiss leant down and laid a series of kissed along her neck as she started slowly. Ruby huffed, her hand gripping Weiss back in desperation. They kissed again, and Weiss sped up. Ruby broke away from the kiss to let out a loud moan, interrupted as Weiss forced her back into a kiss.
It wasn't long before Ruby shuddered and lay still, her face a picture of release. Weiss fell back onto her side of the bed, thoroughly exhausted. The two lay panting for some time, both in awe of what had just happened. Eventually their breathing slowed and Ruby snuggled in close to Weiss once again. "Goodnight, Ruby"
"Goodnight Weiss." Both whispered before closing their eyes.
Mercury jostled along in his coach. The small blinds firmly covering the small windows, he set about checking his pistols. As sloppy as Emerald was, Mercury was equally out of practice. Too much time spent on the more subtle job of infiltration had left little time for Mercury to practice his other skills. Yet he was strangely confident, if Emerald had managed to take down a whole family by herself, the two of them would make quick work of The Nikos'.
The carriage pulled to a stop, and Mercury holstered his two pistols in his belt. He pulled the hood up over his head and quickly exited. His lightly armoured gear made no sound as he entered the small building that Emerald resided in. He found her waiting on the stairwell, in similar gear. However instead of knives, she wielded a wicked machete alongside a set of pistols.
"Nice hood, you look like an assassin," Emerald commented,
"Yeah well I still have to play the part of the good noble bachelor, I can't have people witnessing me commit murder, so it's an annoying necessity for the moment." Emerald just shrugged, waltzing past him and out the door, Mercury following with a sigh. The two of them moved quickly through the quiet streets, few people were out, most having worked a hard day and retired to sleep long ago. The few that wandered the streets, drunks, thieves and the homeless, never saw the pair of Templars. It was a particularly dark night, clouds often covering the dim light of the moon, the perfect conditions for the work that Mercury so enjoyed. Emerald lead the way, through winding streets and dark alleys, soon they stood before the large sandstone manor.
It was a grand building several stories high and appeared to have two large wings. The gardens were immaculate, the hedges trimmed to an impossible straight edge, the flowers, although in autumn, still held their colour. The manor was however frustratingly well lit. "We should try and find an easy entrance, I could probably pick the lock of one of the back doors," Emerald whispered.
"No, the house is too big, it's too great a risk to go wandering their halls aimlessly."
"Oh yes let's just barge in the front door shall we?" Emerald said sarcastically. Mercury simply grinned,
"I was thinking more of the front window,"
"Are you mad? They will come rushing if they hear that!' Emerald raising her voice ever so slightly. Mercury's grin only grew wider,
"Exactly." He rushed from their hiding spot behind the shrubbery, taking long strides towards the house. Emerald cursed, and ran out to catch him. That idiot is going to get me killed. She watched as Mercury drew one of his silver pistols and dive through the large first floor window. I cannot believe this!
Mercury tumbled over the broken glass, her could hear a commotion a few rooms beyond. He crouched on one knee and raised his pistol. The first person to make it through the door appeared to be a common house servant, Mercury dropped him with a single precise shot. He quickly drew his second pistol, however was too slow as another man entered the salon. This man was clearly one of the Nikos'; his burgundy hair and beautiful sword were easy markers. He batted away Mercury's second pistol with his blade, the gun misfiring as he did so. Mercury drew a dagger and engaged the Patriarch of the Nikos family. He proved to be a proficient swordsman, and managed to force Mercury back towards the window. He glanced away for a second and saw Emerald now a few feet from the shattered glass, she quickly shot at him, the bullet taking striking his shoulder. He grunted and fell a few steps back, blood slowly stained his white shirt.
Mercury took the opportunity to press his advantage, now sending the father back with an onslaught of jabs. Several of the jabs made it past the swords guard and bloodied the hand of the now injured swordsman.
Emerald climbed inside the house, trying to line up another shot, however Mercury's enthusiastic attacks made it impossible for her to make a safe shot. Focused on the fight in front of her she didn't notice the gun barrel that poked past the door, aimed directly at Mercury. Both gunners stood aiming at their enemy, both unable to shoot due to their ally. Finally Mercury managed to catch the blade of his enemy with his daggers, forcing it into the luxurious lounge nearby. With a hard kick the thin blade snapped, and after a hard backhand, his opponent fell to the ground.
Then, with a clear shot, Pyrrha fired.
It was a crisp autumn morning, the dew on the grass produced a silvery sheen. Ruby and Weiss stood out in the fields near the cottage, both standing with weapons drawn. The whole morning had been one of the best of Weiss life, unable to stop smiling the whole morning.
Now the two stood ready to duel, only just managing to stay serious now in the intensity of their practice. They went through the basic forms, at first slowly, but soon the two ran through the drills with great speed. Ruby was the first to break away from the drills, initiating the real duel. In their simple shirts, pants and boots, the two became a hurricane of steel. Weiss' rapier and style was aggressive, she poked and sliced elegantly. Ruby was a more defensive fighter, her curved blade easily deflecting and strikes. However when ruby attacked, he swings were hard and fast.
Weiss struck low, Ruby spinning her blade down to protect her legs. Swatting away the blade Ruby made a near full arc, as the blade passed her shoulder she struck. Weiss brought her blade above her head, grabbing it with two hands to absorb the shock of the hit. Blades locked, they stood motionless, each pressing their weight against the other. Weiss feet dug into the moist ground, and she slid slightly. Gritting her teeth she pushed back with all her strength, now forcing Ruby to slide. Both strained to remain dominant. It seemed as if they would stand there for hours, until ruby broke the standoff. Quickly she leant in a planted a peck on Weiss lips. Caught off guard, Weiss let up and Ruby pushed her to the ground, her rapier falling beside her. "Ruby!" Weiss cried in annoyance
"Haha I am the victor!" Ruby standing in a dramatic pose, "having finally bested you I believe I am now proficient enough to become a full-fledged Assassin, and that means no more practice." Ruby said affecting her best Weiss impression. Weiss tackled Ruby, the two rolling around in the grass. Eventually the two lay back and laughed.
"Fine, since you beat me, no more practice. But you will have to talk to whoever is elected the new Leader about becoming an Assassin." Weiss turned to Ruby, smiling.
"You think I'm ready?"
"Please, you have probably been ready for some time. You have to be sure though, you don't have to become an Assassin." Weiss said solemnly,
"I mean, what else could I do? Being an Assassin, following my mother, that's all I have." Ruby spoke with passion, staring into the sky. Weiss frowned,
"You still have your family, and you have me."
"Not if I can't protect you, I'm not going to just sit by anymore. They are going to need you too, whatever you say about the order disliking your family, you are too special to throw away. If they ask you will help, because that's who you are. If you go, I will follow." Ruby turned back to Weiss, her eyes sincere. Weiss just studied her, trying to memorize this moment, "I love you Ruby."
"Not as much as I love you," Ruby said cheerfully. Weiss laughed, shaking her head at the childishness of it all.
The rest of the day was spent relaxing. A quiet walk through the woods, a ride around the vineyard. In the evening they sat on the balcony, enjoying a glass of wine. In the distance Ruby spied a horseman, galloping at full pace towards the cottage. "Weiss, I think there someone is coming," ruby stood and move to the edge of the balcony to examine the rider. Weiss went inside and found her sword, moving towards the door carefully. The rider pulled up close to the cottage and leapt from his horse. Ruby joined Weiss near the door, she too was armed. The two exchanged a nod and opened the door. "Lady Schnee! I have an urgent message from one Mr Lie Ren." The rider passed over a letter, cautiously eyeing the weapons both girls had in hand. Weiss tore it open quickly and read,
"T-thank you for delivering this so quickly,"
"No problem mam," the rider tipped his hat and left. Ruby looked to Weiss, who wore a worried expression,
"Weiss what's wrong?"
"Something horrible has happened," Weiss looked into Ruby's eyes, and the two made to pack their things.