RWBY: A Thorn in My Heart
Chapter 12: Roses Blossom
2 hours ago….
Ruby ran to Blake and Thorn while panting heavily. That last battle really wore her out and her stomach still ached from its wound, almost feeling like it would burst open again. But Ruby didn't care, all she could think about was giving her son and the woman who saved him and her the biggest hug her damaged body could allow. Blake held one arm open while positioning Thorn to her side to avoid him getting crushed by what she would assume to be a tight squeeze. True to form, Ruby embraced the invitation with a vice-like grip as she hugged her teammate and savior with all her might, nearly suffocating her. Blake soon relaxed her body enough to wrap her arm around her leaders head, gently stroking its back tenderly so not to hurt her. Blake saw Ruby's wounds and bandages begin to slightly open from the strain, but she give much mind to it, she wanted this moment to last longer.
Ruby felt all her physical pain fade. From her aching arm and stomach to her eyes stinging from crying and their mysterious exertion of white light, it was all like a bad dream finally over.
"But this hug, this warmth, it just feels like a heavenly dream." Ruby thought to herself.
This past year had wrought almost nothing but agony and beat downs for the young huntress that shocked her to the core. She initially thought her torture and rape were the most painful things she could imagine, but had recently found a worse experience. From the pain of losing her son for a time and receiving Blake's affections out of nowhere made her feel so dejected. Her life as a huntress wasn't going anywhere like the stories mom and Yang read to her. She initially wanted a romantic prince charming like man in her life. She once briefly considered Jaune after he was so nice to her at Beacon, despite his goofiness, but knew he had feelings for Pyrrah so backed off. But after what Timber did to her a year ago, she felt she couldn't so much stomach a mans touch that didn't come from her family or friends. Her lost virtue from that night made her feel so unsure about her worth as a huntress and a woman. But this warm hug from this girl, she realized then and there what her true feelings were and casted those worries aside as she broke the hug and stared at Blake warmly.
"Blake… thank you" she softly said before slowly leaning in for a kiss.
Blake's cat ears perked up at the motion, she felt a mix of anxiety, joy, and panic. Blake was happy Ruby returned her affections but felt more grateful to her for saving them from Salem and felt she owed Ruby more. Whatever insecurity she felt melted away at the sight of Ruby closing her eyes and getting inches away from her lips.
"Eh screw it!" Blake thought to herself, casting aside her uneasiness and began to close her eyes, ready for the sweet reward.
Ruby and Blake almost gasped in shock hearing a groan from Yang, who finally woke up, "at the worst possible time" as they thought, and weakly got on her feet. Ruby and Blake quickly stopped what they were doing and got out of bed to give an arm to support their sister and partner.
"Easy Yang, you got beat up pretty badly." Ruby sternly said with fear infecting her tone. Yang looked at her lovingly and smirked.
"Look who's talking, I've seen Nevermores who have looked better." Yang jokingly responded, hoping to break some tension. Ruby chuckled in response and began to open her mouth, wanting to say something.
Yang soon raised her head in panic.
"Blake, your shoulder!" Yang screamed, finally noticing the huge gash on Blake's neck from the grimm bite. She instantly grabbed some bandages and gauze the doctor left for Ruby and applied them to stop Blake's bleeding. After finishing that task Yang gave a huge sigh of relief. She couldn't imagine losing a friend or family member, but all these scares and near death experiences had put her on edge. She then thought of her family in particular and the fear of losing them arose from within as she realized she didn't see one of them.
"Wait, Salem! Mom! What happened where are they!?" she screamed while looking around the room.
She ignored a glare from Blake who was unhappy her partner's scream startled Thorn awake who began crying. Ruby released her hold on Yang, who nearly stumbled from the sudden lack of support, and grabbed her son tenderly. As she sang him a lullaby, Blake supported Yang to the bed. She then went over and picked up the unconscious Raven from the corner behind them and placed her at her father's previous bed. The thought of her father ran through her mind, she was not sure how he didn't hear any of the commotion they made while fighting. As if fate sought to answer her questions, the mansions doctor entered the room in panic, startling her.
"Thank goodness I could finally get in!" he yelled, once again startling Thorn whose mother cradled as she gave the doctor the stink eye.
"Shush, he's been through a lot already." She said angrily, eliciting a awkward look from the apologetic doctor. Blake looked at Yang and pointed to Raven's unconscious body.
"We all have, Yang and Raven especially could use some help please." she softly ordered. The doctor nodded and began treating everyone's cuts, bruises, and reapplying Ruby's bandages and cast. He then changed Blake's bandages and remarked the crude job Yang did. While he did this, he explained Blake's Father had watched the exchange on television and passed out in bed from the shock of seeing her hurt. Thats why the doctor felt worried and decided to check on them. But when he got to room he saw a weird red and black energy enveloped the door that felt like fire every time he touched it to try and get in. He didn't even get a response when yelling for them, so he figured it was sound proof as well.
"I guess Salem didn't want any meddling kids entering." Yang said bitterly. She was still angry she couldn't finish that witch off herself, before remembering in shock that the latter defeated her. She couldn't have stopped such a powerful witch, so she didn't know how they all survived this ordeal.
"What happened with Salem, how did we even survive that!?" she said in panic.
Blake gave Yang a smile as she proudly retold how Ruby defeated Salem. Yang looked on in shock. Her sister was so beat up from her attack from Tyrian and near death from that rampage. Yang couldn't fathom how her sister could win against such a powerful enemy like Salem in her condition, before remembering something crucial.
"Oh yeah, she did end up saving the world while 6 months pregnant." Yang said flustered. She couldn't believe she forgot that crazy stunt Ruby pulled and how she doubted her skills when the latter could do pretty much anything she set her mind on.
"You'd be proud of your sister, she was everybody's hero today." Blake said with a huge grin as they looked over to Ruby. She was cuddling her son, who finally calmed down from the noise and slept on her shoulder. It was no doubt she had saved all their lives today, including Thorn's. Yang watched with pride at the sight of her sister. She always thought Ruby a great huntress for saving Remnant despite her forced pregnancy, a great leader for fighting for them in that state, and most of all she was a great mother to her son. Even before all that, Ruby's passion and bright nature were a source of inspiration for her, really for everyone she encountered and befriended. She was their beacon of hope in those dark times. Yang soon frowned as a dark thought entered her head.
"You know, I always kicked myself for not saving her that night. Maybe she wouldn't have been so burdened this year, so less cheerful if could have save her." Yang said quietly so Ruby wouldn't hear. Blake was surprised at first, A part of her wanted to admonish Yang for saying such deprecating things, especially as she remembered her father telling her to forgive herself. But she then lowered her cat ears and head as she nodded, unable to bring herself to deny it. She too felt Ruby may have lost some purity from her rape and mental anguish that followed. She certainly was less cheerful these days since having to become a mother and taking on so much responsibility to support Thorn, her team, and her dream. She raised her head as she noticed a giggle from Ruby, whom smiled bright as she breast fed her baby and laughed from the tickling. Blake and Yang's eyes watered as they felt a warmth tug at their hearts seeing their doubts proven wrong.
"Ruby may have a lot on her shoulders, but she always powers through it. It's part of the reason I love her." Blake softly stated.
"Yeah, she's stronger than me and anyone I have ever met." Yang replied with a nod.
Red like Roses
After nearly 2 hours of rest, Raven finally came too and got out of bed. Despite her doctor's protest, Raven knew she was the only one who could check on her allies in Atlas. Before she opened a portal she turned to see Ruby and gave a satisfied grin towards her. She was proud Ruby not only saved them, but defeated a foe she herself couldn't. As much as it hurt her own pride, she felt it was fine since her family upstaged her.
"You really are one tough mama" she said to the younger mother, who smiled in response.
"Well I have good role models." Ruby responded. But Raven formed a frown, remembering bitterly how she abandoned her daughter to protect her but since then failed in countless battles. Just like she failed this one and Neo. Her heartstrings got tugged as she remembered the image of the bloody corpse of the pink haired girl. She was holding a dagger in her arms she was prepared to cut Cinder with, but had been cut herself during the exchanged. Raven was there and felt she was strong enough to stop Cinder this time, but failed. She had initially only thought how badly Ruby would react to her failing to saving Thorn, but knew losing a friend on top of that would destroy her.
"I don't deserve to be admired since I failed you, since I failed Neo." She bitterly replied.
Ruby's smile faded as she remembered her friend's demise. She felt a surge of guilt and sadness overtake her. She knew Neo took her place to rescue her son out of guilt for the night she was raped. After all, Neo ambushed her and captured her, which is what allowed Timber to do so. Though a part of her hated Neo for that, she was appreciative the latter wanted to make amends and helped them during the war.
"Neo knew the risks of any mission, don't make her sacrifice worthless by pitying her." Ruby sternly said, her tone surprising everyone in the room.
"We might have had our differences, but we had similarities too. I would gladly die if it was going to give us a chance to save my son, so don't feel to bad about Neo because she did Raven." She continued. To her, sacrificing your life was a great honor if it was to save another's life.
Raven stood silent as she pondered this revelation, but soon decided to ignore any more doubts that plagued her.
"Okay then, I am just going to leave then and help your uncle and friends. They might need more help cleaning up the mess over there." She said in a professional tone to indicate her being finished with this topic as she opened a portal to travel to Atlas and left.
Ruby sighed in relief after that tense situation finally ended. Soon a warmth overtook her shoulder as she felt small tender fingers softly grasp it, almost bringing a squeak of flustered excitement from the red head. She blushed as she faced Blake, the source of that kind and warm hand on Ruby's shoulder and smiled. Ruby in fact gave her biggest and warmest smile that melted Blake's heart. Despite all the chaos that ensued earlier; life felt perfectly blissful, she didn't want the moment to end.
"Blake... thank you, for giving me Thorn, for giving me... a reason." She said softly, making Blake blush and her lip quiver. Ruby was indeed grateful for the support Blake had given her not just today, but throughout this journey. She knew she wouldn't have survived even a day without her crushes mental support, nor would she and her son had survived without her bravery. The image of Blake being stabbed for them flashed in her brain, she shivered as she saw the blood again, it was a frightening scene for her and she was especially grateful her son wouldn't remember this, but her heart ached as she knew she would have it stained in her mind forever. She eyed Blake's quivering lip, knowing she was nervous from this display of affection Ruby was giving her, it honestly thrilled the young red head. She honestly wanted nothing more right now then to forget her troubles and embrace those purple lips that looked so delicious.
"So, where were we?" she said with a flirty tone as she clasped Blake's cheek and motioned towards her slowly. Blake felt heat rise within her as she slowly returned the motion, reeling in. This was it! no more interferences from an attempt to kiss her or showing love without pain and fear. It was just them right now, they completely ignored Yang and Thorn, the former who looked on surprised as they embraced.
Little did they know, outside the house was Ilia, who watched this scene unfold from her binoculars. She gritted her teeth in anger and jealousy. She wanted nothing more than to charge in their and slaughter them all. From her plan failing to drive Blake to despair to the little rose girl being able to have Blake as a lover where Ilia failed growing up. The only thing holding her back was her desire for Blake exceeding her blood lust. She just had to wait for the perfect time to strike again and take down her obstacles. Until then, she continued to watch the scene unfold as she grew hot with excitement, wishing it could be her in that position.
Let it all out
After Raven returned with the teens and an injured Qrow from their victory, they were shocked to see what Ilia spied on earlier before them.
Ruby and Blake lips were locked together, they were exchanging a hot kiss as the former held a sleeping Thorn in her arms. Jaune felt his palm sweat as he noticed tongues overlap, having to fight the urge to exclaim and interrupt, he just didn't want to and keep seeing this steamy situation. Yang merely stood on smiling proudly at them as she folded her arms, happy her sister was getting to enjoy her moment and would no she (yang) would love to see her no doubt get more embarrassed then ever when she noticed them glaring.
"Whoa! Where did this come from!" Nora exclaimed in shock. She said what everyone was thinking right now, but were too surprised to say anything. They didn't know Ruby and Blake were lovers and the two stopped their kiss at the exclamation and looked to see their friends watching them. The sight of their gazes made them blushed heavily as they realized everyone saw their romantic moment.
"That… uh, was a surprise." Sun stuttered. He couldn't really comprehend what he just saw. Soon a wave of dread washed over him as he realized something terrible for him. Since Blake and Ruby were a thing, that meant there was no chance for him and Blake now.
Blake frowned in disdain as she could tell what Sun was thinking. As embarrassed as she felt for having her moment with Ruby pried upon, she knew she had to set things straight with everyone while Ruby hid her face in her son's stomach, pretending to give raspberries to hide her embarrassment.
"Look everyone" Blake began with a sigh. It wasn't easy spitting out the words, but she knew she had to.
"Me and Ruby love each other and…." She started before pausing, almost choking on her words from the embarrassment, but forced them out of here from sheer willpower.
"She's my girlfriend now because I always looked up to her for her acceptance of me. She's the only source of hope I have left for a better world that bigots beat out of me as a kid!" she exclaimed. She felt Ruby was giving her the strength she lost years ago seeing people hate each other for petty differences and would hate to see Sun or her friends do the same to her and Ruby now.
"I know our relationship isn't really… natural, but I hope you can put discomfort aside for..." she could no longer continue, not from being uncomfortable from the speech, but by a tight hug from her friends.
"Sorry Blake, we didn't mean to scare you!" Weiss started.
"Yeah, we just were a little surprised!" Nora continued.
"To the point you killed one ear of mine from screaming." Ren said jokingly while clutching an ear on his head.
As the hugs continued, Sun looked on and frowned in displeasure.
"I-I am so sorry Blake, your right I should have been happy for you." He apologetically stated. He kicked himself for his selfishness. If he really loved Blake, then he should be happy as long as she was. After conveying his thoughts to a suffocating Blake, who struggled pull the arms off her neck.
"F-Forgive Sun!" she stuttered out, nearly passing out from the lack of air.
A sudden cough ended the group hug. It didn't come from Blake, who gasped for air finally being freed, but from Qrow.
"Uncle Qrow?!" Ruby said with fear, finally noticing his wounds.
Qrow was sweating heavily as his body went pale from blood loss coming from his stomach. His pale skin soon gained some purple marks Ruby instantly recognized as Tyrian's poison. Though her mind began to race and she hyperventilated at the sight of her poisoned Uncle, Raven shoved past everyone and placed him to Ruby's lap.
"Quick Ruby, use your semblance and you can save him!" Raven exclaimed.
Her order confused Ruby as she breathed heavily in panic.
"What do you mean my semblance?!" she yelled.
Raven explained during Ruby's rampage she poisoned her aunt. Ruby winced in terror at the revelation, but a light slap from Raven brought her back to her senses.
"Qrow used the vines you summoned to absorb my wounds poison, it can do the same for him now!" she explained.
Ruby collected herself as she felt a ray of hope for her uncle. Though she wasn't sure how to summon vines, she knew she had a chance. She closed her eyes as she placed a hand over her Uncles wound, ignoring his groan of pain. She imagined the moment she summoned vines to save Thorn from Salem.
"You won't take my family from me!" she said aloud as she remembered her feelings of rage and drive to protect her family.
Her arm glowed red as a vine formed from her hand to the group's shock. Ren had to cover Nora's mouth to prevent another scream and break Ruby's concentration, despite his jaw hanging open in equal shock. The vine soon covered Qrow's stomach wound and absorbed the poison from his body, turning the vine purple as it soon wilted and was replaced by another to close the wound. Qrow gasped as he coughed up a little blood and the remaining poison before finally opening his eyes. His only sight before him was his crying niece Ruby.
"Did you miss me?" she softly asked with tears streaming down her face.
Qrow laid silent as he pondered what to say. A part of him wanted to joke, but didn't feel the strength to chuckle. All he could think about was how happy he was too see her right now.
"Yup" he weakly stated with a smile, fighting the urge to pass out again as the team demanded the doctor give him a blood transfusion.
Ruby's only response was to give Blake Thorn while she hugged her uncle with all her might. A sentiment he returned with a tender smile, happy to finally have some peace with her at last.
Short Chapter I know, but I am exhausted from work and feel some closure and happiness for Ruby and Blake was deserved. Next Chapter will get back into conflicts, such as bigotry towards Ladybug ship and Hazel planning revenge on a certain someone. While ships I don't usually care for, I wrote this one because I feel Blake and Ruby deserved more interactions than they had in the canon show. Blake's ability to empathize with Ruby from her own experiences with bullying and bigotry I felt were key to this stories progression and hope others will look past their ship likes and dislikes to appreciate the emotional journey the cast goes through beyond romance. Next Time in Ch 13: Preparations