These two are in quite a bind. And as they say, things often get worse before they get better...

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Chapter 10. Advice And Crisis

After Blake had gone back on her confession, the happy, carefree days in the library turned upsetting for her.

She'd timidly go through her usual routine, now lacking the confidence she'd built up for herself since meeting Ruby.

She'd slip into the cafe first and foremost to spill her heart to Velvet and Coco, lamenting her decision and often ending up with more tears in her eyes.

Her friends would do their best to console her, and then Blake would limp over to her usual seat beneath the stairs and slouch into it. She'd try to read, but could never focus for more than a few minutes before she'd end up sighing and leaning her head back to let her negative thoughts consume her once again.

Likewise, after the incident, Ruby had become a little standoffish at home, and Yang had known right away that something had gone wrong between her sister and Blake.

She talked to Ruby the night after it happened, and the girl explained everything in vivid detail.

Yang knew that should have been a moment Ruby treasured and looked back on fondly. But now it was a source of pain and heartbreak for her.

When they went to the library the morning after that, Ruby had sluggishly gone through her work routine, without even a spark of her usual self showing. Her cheery tone when speaking to patrons was forced, and her smile was always plastered.

Weiss had quickly inferred things hadn't gone well with Blake, and Yang confirmed her fears.

They'd sit with Ruby in the mornings whenever she wasn't helping anyone, and do their best to comfort her, telling her that maybe Blake had just been too nervous to confess.

Ruby tried to see the truth in their words and look on the bright side, but more often than not she just ended up crying into her elbow. When that happened, Yang always pulled her into a hug so Ruby could hide her face.

Then, when 12:30 rolled around, Ruby and Blake would both cautiously head to the cafe.

The day after the incident had been the worst. They'd both put on the most convincing of smiles and spoken such kind, casual words to one another.

To anyone else, it would've seemed normal.

But to the people who knew and loved them, it was painful to see just how forced their emotions were.

For several days afterward, Ruby and Blake would still meet up in the cafe to discuss books and talk about their days.

But at the end of Ruby's lunch break, the two girls didn't hug anymore. Neither made an effort to try, always thinking the other wouldn't want to.

Their friends and sister feared that a lack of proper communication between the two of them would be their downfall.

Day by day, Ruby's and Blake's relationship crumbled a little more each time, and it soon became unbearable for their peers. They wanted the two girls to be happy more than anything.

Luckily, about a week after the incident, they got their chances to help.

Blake needed to go up to the second floor to use one of the computers to look something up. She'd left her cell phone at home and there was no other way.

So after a long time of steeling herself and putting on the happy mask, she made her way upstairs. Her goal was to get what she needed and to avoid Ruby if at all possible.

She looked around herself, then scurried over to the computer section to get a seat.

She didn't see Ruby at first, but as she typed away at her keyboard, Blake spotted a familiar figure not far away. She was wearing a red shirt again with black leggings and a skirt, very similar to the attire she'd worn the first day she'd spoken to Blake.

The Faunus girl kept her head down, ears flat so as not to be seen. She watched from the corner of her eye as Ruby scurried to the restroom area, but a line outside had her freezing. Ruby spun around and quickly dashed down the stairs instead to use the first floor bathroom.

Blake knew she'd have a few minutes to do her work without the pressure of encountering Ruby now, so she focused on her task.

She didn't notice when another familiar figure sat down beside her. It was Yang, the loudmouth who'd unintentionally initiated Blake's meeting with Ruby several weeks ago.

The blonde had never caused a ruckus again, likely due to her girlfriend's influence. Weiss was sitting a few seats away from them, looking concerned.

Blake stiffened as Yang made it clear she'd sat there solely to talk to her.

"Hey," she said softly.

Blake's heart started to pound particularly hard, and she flashed a quick, nervous glance to the girl.

"Um... hello." She hoped that would be the end of their conversation, but of course things weren't that simple. Blake had a feeling she knew where this was going, and she didn't want to go there. "Uh, s-sorry. I have to-"

"Hold on." Yang urged her. "Blake, please. Could you just hear me out?"

The Faunus girl was frozen in her seat, though she'd already braced herself to stand and hurry off. With a gulp, she turned herself slightly towards Yang, saying nothing. But her eyes said she was willing to listen.

Yang took a moment to choose her words.

"Ruby... really likes you," she said. "And I think... you might like her too, right? No, never mind, you don't have to answer that. But... I guess what I'm trying to say is... don't give up on her, okay? Whatever happened, it's not over. It doesn't have to be over. Just think on that, okay?"

Yang didn't linger, not wanting her presence to pressure Blake into a response. She stood up and headed off, and with a quick glance over at Blake, Weiss followed her.

The Faunus girl let out a breath she'd been holding ever since Yang had sat down. The encounter had only lasted twenty seconds or so, but Blake felt as though it had been as many hours.

But despite the nervousness that had been ailing her like a sickness, she'd at least gotten one beneficial piece of knowledge from it.

Ruby still liked her. As more than a friend.

Even after Blake had messed up so badly and hurt her.

She pressed a hand to her mouth to keep down the oncoming sobs, taking a minute to compose herself.

In the meantime, Ruby had just hurried out of the first-floor restroom, absentmindedly wiping her hands dry on a paper towel. She'd forgotten to throw it away inside, and the nearest trash can was in the cafe. Walking over, she deposited it and was about to head back upstairs when a small voice called out to her.

"Ruby!"

Looking up, she saw Velvet waving her over towards the counter. The library employee straightened herself to try and look professional, then went over to the Faunus girl.

"Hi, Velvet. Is something wrong? Did you guys run out of ice again?"

Velvet politely shook her head.

"No, nothing like that. I'd just wanted to have a word with you, if you can spare a moment."

Ruby glanced around quickly, as though she didn't want to be seen shirking her responsibilities while she was still on-duty. But Velvet knew she was really just looking out for a certain black-haired Faunus.

Once she was sure no one else was around, Ruby got as close to the counter as she could.

"Okay. What's up?"

Velvet leaned down and lowered her tone for Ruby's ears only.

"It's Blake," she began. "She might not've explicitly said as much to you, Ruby. But she's very upset over what happened, as I'm sure you can relate to."

Ruby winced simply at the mention of Blake's name, let alone the memories of the incident Velvet was referring to. She whimpered softly and nodded her head. Velvet went on quietly.

"I don't mean to pry into your business with her, but I feel I should just input something on Blake's behalf, because she's far too upset to do it herself. Just know that she never meant to hurt you, Ruby."

Velvet didn't want to overstep her boundaries. She already felt guilty in wiggling her way into their predicament, but she felt justified somehow in her actions in knowing she was vicariously speaking for Blake.

Ruby listened, letting out a long sigh.

"I know she didn't mean to..." she mumbled. "I'm just... I-I mean I know it's hard for her too, but I just-"

"Aw, Velvs, you made her cry!" Coco's playful voice cut in softly. Velvet jumped and instantly became flustered.

"N-No, I-I didn't mean to!"

"Don't sweat it, I'm only teasin'." Coco reassured her with a kiss to the cheek, then looked down at Ruby. Her cheerier tone softened suddenly, and she gave it her best effort to be empathetic. "Anyhow, I know it's difficult, Ruby. Believe me, it's just as difficult for Blake. You two can work things out, though. I know you can. Just take your time." She reached over the counter to pat the girl's shoulder, as though transferring a bit of strength to her.

Ruby felt it like a small jolt of lightning.

Coco's and Velvet's words seemed to empower her. On top of all the encouragement and support she'd received from Yang and Weiss over the past few days, she felt as though she'd snapped out of a trance.

Ruby wiped an arm across her face and sniffed, straightening her back and puffing out her chest.

"Yeah," she said. "Yeah. You guys are right. Yang and Weiss, too. I gotta make things right with Blake somehow. I don't wanna keep feeling sad all the time, and I don't want her to be sad either." She looked up at them both with a new smile on her lips, and a familiar sparkle forming in her eyes. "Thanks, guys. I'll do my best!"

Velvet teared up a little bit, touched by Ruby's determination. Coco gave a grin.

"Good luck!"

Ruby seemed to be re-energized by the pep talk, and she hurried off toward the stairs. She didn't look at the spot underneath the steps as she passed, so she didn't noticed that Blake wasn't there.

But it was almost her lunch break. Ruby would see her soon.

She just didn't know it would be sooner than she'd thought.

In her rush up the stairs, she ended up bumping right into none other than Blake herself at the very top.

With an "oof!" Ruby was pushed back a step, but she grabbed onto the railing and quickly righted herself. Blake was knocked to the ground with a grunt, her bag of books spilling out on the carpet. Ruby gasped and quickly reached down to offer her hand.

"Blake! I'm sorry! Are you okay?"

The Faunus girl pushed herself up and put a hand to her chest where Ruby had crashed into her. She peered up, freezing quickly as she realized who was looking down at her.

"Uh, yeah..."

Gathering her books, she placed them carefully back into her bag as an excuse not to take Ruby's hand. But when she'd finished, Ruby was still leaning down expectantly, almost determinedly.

Blake swallowed a little hard, but eventually reached up for her hand. Ruby gripped her fingers firmly and gave a slight tug to help her up. Blake wavered a bit, more from Ruby's presence than from the impact.

"Thank you..."

"You sure you're okay?"

"Yes. I'm fine." Blake forced herself to smile, but it quickly faded. "A-Are you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah I'm good!" Ruby chirped.

It was the first time since Blake's failed confession that Ruby had been back to her perky, peppy self. It made Blake feel a little better somehow. Maybe Ruby was getting over the pain now.

The brunette ended up holding onto Blake's hand a little longer than was necessary, but when she realized as much, she quickly let her go.

"Um..." Twirling her foot, Ruby scrambled for something to say. "Um... it's almost lunchtime. I'll see you in a few minutes, right?"

Blake took a deep breath, then nodded.

"Yes. I'll... see you soon."

Ruby nodded back, and her smile was genuine again.

"Okay!"

With hasty feet, Blake hurried back downstairs.

When she retreated to her chair to sit and get her bearings, she was distracted by a strange change in scenery. The lighting she'd grown so accustomed to in this spot had become odd somehow.

A glance at the window over her shoulder showed her it had started to rain outside, and she felt a shiver run through her just at the thought of it. She hadn't brought an umbrella today, and she didn't like the idea of walking home in the downpour. At least it was summertime, and the cold rain wouldn't be as bad to her sensitive skin as it might've been in any other season.

For a few minutes, she waited in her chair, until the clock on the wall told her the footsteps coming over the steps were Ruby's.

It was still difficult to try to be going back to the way things had been before, but with her happy smile back on her face, it was clear Ruby was doing her best with it.

Blake told herself she'd do the same.

She stood from her seat and flashed a tiny smile, picking up her brown handbag and following Ruby towards the cafe. Even if they couldn't be more than friends, at least they could go back to just being friends again.

Maybe that would be good enough for the both of them.

As they waited in line, they started to talk again, very softly, almost timidly.

After the cold shoulders and awkward silences they'd endured within the past few days, it was a little bit of a challenge to get back into their old routine. But gradually, they got there.

By the time they reached the counter and placed their orders, Blake was chuckling softly at one of Ruby's jokes, and Ruby had a wide grin on her face, glad she could elicit such a reaction from her friend once more.

Velvet and Coco were both pleased to see the two seemed to be mending their relationship; perhaps their little pep talks had worked.

What happened next was...

It was just an accident.

Velvet had placed Blake's tea cup on the counter, beside Ruby's tray. Once they'd paid and thanked the baristas, the two customers reached for their items.

As Ruby drew her tray away, it made the most minuscule of contact with the handle of Blake's tea cup.

Just enough to tip it over the edge of the counter towards her.

Blake's comfortable little laugh cut off instantly and transformed into a terrifying scream.

Blazing hot liquid spilled all down her front, splashing onto her upper arm, then over her chest and thighs. She howled as though she'd been shot, collapsing to her knees as the cup shattered beside her on the floor.

The entire library froze in horrified silence, the only sound for a few seconds being Blake's pained screams.

Appalled and almost disbelieving at what had just happened, Ruby let go of her tray and dropped to her knees.

"Blake? Blake!"

Velvet called out to her as well, but Blake couldn't hear anything but her own screams.

The searing tea had burned her all over, causing her to clutch at herself with a trembling ferocity she hardly had the strength for.

She was in so much pain.

She'd never felt anything this awful before.

Physical, aching, burning agony.

It was festering, boiling in her skin like liquid fire, making it feel as though she'd been branded with a red-hot iron. More heat was on her face from where her tears were falling, and she slumped against the counter, choking on her sobs.

Ruby did her best to told her up, but realized she needed to do something more. She jumped up and tore napkins from the dispenser as Velvet, Coco, Canela, and several other staff members rushed over to them, panicked and horrified.

Ruby knelt beside Blake and used the napkins to dab away at the excess tea seeping into her skin and clothing, thinking and acting as quickly as she could. The voices around her were heightening her own panic even more.

"What happened?"

"Blake?"

"The tea spilt-"

"She's burnt!"

Ruby tried to keep herself from crying as well as she continued pressing the napkins onto Blake's chest, then toss away the dirtied ones. Her voice rose up amongst the chorus of confused tones.

"S-Someone needs to call 9-1-1!" she cried. "Sh-She has a skin condition, she's burnt really badly!"

That was all she said to the rest of them. Now she only focused on Blake.

The Faunus girl was hugging herself weakly, her body racked by sobs of sheer pain. Her chest was throbbing, her clothes heavy with wet heat, and her entire body was shaking violently.

Ruby continued drying the tea away, and not a minute later, Canela handed her a pack of ice. Ruby wrapped it in napkins before swiftly pressing it to Blake's chest where she'd suffered the worst of the burns.

But no matter what Ruby did for her, Blake just kept crying.

The minutes dragged on, and Ruby could only pull Blake close to her and hold the ice to her burns.

"I-I'm sorry, Blake-" she whimpered. "I-I'm so suh-sorry, this is all my fault..."

Blake's hard breathing soon began to lessen, her sobs cutting off suddenly.

Just as Ruby heard the screech of sirens outside, Blake lost consciousness in her arms.

A/N: We all knew that skin condition of Blake's would have to come into play sooner or later. But right when things were starting to improve again for hers and Ruby's delicate relationship? What will this do to them?

If you like my work, you can support me on P-a-t-r-e-o-n as Kiria Alice!

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