"Can I talk to you?"
Oscar, who had been reading a book Weiss left for him, turned to see Yang entering the room. Though he was propped up into a comfortable sitting position against two pillows, he still shifted to sit up taller.
"Everything okay?" he asked, and Yang smiled tiredly as she sat down in a chair next to the bed.
"Well, it's nothing terrible, so don't worry."
"That's not exactly reassuring," he smirked. He set his book aside, then hissed and held a hand to his chest after he moved too much.
"How do you feel? It probably still sucks, huh?" Yang asked, wincing sympathetically. "Your aura should start healing you a little faster, but until Jaune gets here…."
"It's fine, really. Would you believe me if I said this is actually better than earlier?"
"Seriously? Maybe it's the magic."
"Yeah," Oscar replied, suddenly distant, "the magic."
They sat in heavy silence for a moment. It was not an uncomfortable silence, but one that leaves a weight on the mind all the while. Yang pursed her lips before deciding what to say next.
"Oscar, thank you for protecting my sister. Ruby is a capable fighter, but it's nice to know someone else has their eye on her."
"Oh, uh, sure, it's no pro—"
"But that was reckless!" She leaned forward with a pointed finger and scolded. "You had no aura left and ran in without thinking! You had us all worried sick! And if you had died, Ruby would—"
Yang stopped suddenly. Oscar, who had shrunk down under her diatribe, cautiously opened one eye to peek at her.
"Ruby?" he prompted. She drew a deep, calming breath. Memories from the mansion outside of the Origami Acre ran across her mind. Watching her little sister willingly give herself up to the Tree—no matter its intentions—still haunted her.
"Something happened… in the place we went after we fell," she started, slowly. "I think Ruby saw something awful. And I'm not sure what it was, but it really affected her. We came out of that place stronger and more confident, but there are times I think she's… reminded.
"You need to know that, after you got hurt, Ruby broke down."
"She what?!" Oscar exclaimed, then winced again. "Is she okay? What happened?"
"All I'm saying is she might be nervous to talk to you. Not out of embarrassment, but because she's afraid." Yang leaned back in her chair, relieved at having gotten through the worst of this conversation. "She feels like she let you down."
"But that's not—" Oscar started to retort, but Yang stopped him with one index finger held up.
"I want you to tell her it won't happen again. And you have to promise this." She caught his eye with a dangerous glint in her own. "You really scared all of us."
Oscar stared, remorse reflecting on his face, then he hung his head. "I'm sorry. I'll be more careful."
"Thanks." They sat quietly for a minute or so as their conversation sank in. Yang snuck a glance at Oscar and caught a particularly contemplative look on his face. She absently wondered if this was crossing a line, but she felt decidedly playful as a grin grew on her face. "You should talk to her. Really."
"Huh?"
"Don't play dumb. I've seen how… well, anyway, what I mean is just be honest with Ruby." She put a hand on her chest. "A heart-to-heart wouldn't hurt. It did wonders for me and Blake."
"What? What do you mean?"
"It means this is the perfect opportunity for you two to sort your feelings out." Mind made up, Yang stood from the chair. "I'm telling Ruby it's her turn to change your wraps." She chuckled as he flushed bright red and began to sputter. "And don't even think about trying to run, either!"
"W-wait!"
With that, Yang turned and dodged his grasping hand, then marched out the door before he could say another word. Oscar, with his hand still outstretched after her, dropped it and sighed defeatedly.