This slice of life one-shot popped in my head. Hope you like angst. The next story is January 2024.
"I said no."
In finality, Weiss slammed her locker shut. The screech resounded through the vacant hallway and gutted through the bewildered guy with orange hair. Her words drifted through one ear and out the other as he crossed his arms. When she tried to leave, he blocked her escape path and towered over her.
"Don't be like that. Let's see a movie, ice queen. We should see Threat of Death."
It's not like she'd give him the satisfaction of a reply. Over the last couple of months, he approached her on four separate occasions to ask her out. His pesky persistence and ignorance is what made him stick out from the rest of her delusional suiters. Apparently, no one knows she's in a committed relationship. Or they don't care.
It seemed he had a pattern, she noticed. He waited for me to be alone- waited for the halls to clear- before approaching me. If he's not a creep then I don't know who is. On guard, Weiss straightened up to appear unfazed by his disturbing tactics and pushed past him with practiced ease.
"Move, Cardin."
She moved fast, so he stayed in place and didn't attempt to block her new escape route. He scoffed loudly so she'd hear as she slipped past him. While frowning, he leaned on the lockers and watched her walk down the hall.
A hole burned through the back of her skull. He's still watching, Weiss thought as she picked up the pace and rounded a corner. At least he didn't ask a follow-up question. Maybe he's starting to understand I want nothing to do with him.
Hopeful, Weiss turned the door knob and walked into the room. Her three roommates perked up from her arrival. While two of them sat at a table with mountains of papers, the blonde frolicked at her like an eager puppy and greeted her with a kiss on the lips.
When they pulled apart, Weiss blushed. "Sorry I'm late. Grabbed the wrong book."
It's best not to tell them, Weiss thought. Yang has exams coming up, she can't spend her time worrying about me. And I doubt he'll try asking me out again with how quiet he got.
"Ice princess," Yang replied and rubbed her back with her palm. "You should relax first-"
"Maybe you can save me!" Ruby blurted happily. "Blake doesn't let us take breaks."
"Why don't you?" Blake asked. "I've been reading my book for the last hour."
"No way, I thought that was a textbook!" Ruby yelped.
Weiss lightly chuckled from their banter and gazed up at her girlfriend. "I promised I'd help them. I'll take it easy later, okay?"
"Deal," Yang replied as the couple sat at the table.
A tornado ripped through their room. There was no other explanation with how chaotically organized their notes were. A tell-tale sign of final exams season. After they explained the problem to Weiss, she opened the textbook to a relevant page. Blake pointed to a number.
"We're stuck on this question specifically. We don't fully understand the process behind tap water purification."
"It sounds complex but it's simple when you think about it like this…"
While Weiss explained, Yang gathered some snacks. Fresh fruits rested in the middle of the table they munched on before Weiss walked in. While Yang collected grapes and strawberries, her mind wandered. The last few days, Weiss smiled less and was more stoic like she was hiding something. She was fatigued with slouched posture, and her voice strived for steadiness. The others didn't notice, but Yang was different. She learned a lot about her since they started dating a few months ago. Weiss tended to neglect herself when she had a goal she was hellbent on achieving. It was the way Weiss threw herself into work and didn't focus on anything else. Her work became her world, which grew Yang's worry.
Blake nodded when her friend completed the explanation. "What about the chemicals used in disinfection? What's the best type?"
"Scientists are continuously looking for ways to improve the disinfection process," Weiss revealed. "That's why it's intriguing to me."
Ruby popped a piece of pineapple in her mouth. "I assume your Master's thesis is going well?"
For the last several weeks, Weiss disappeared into her lab after classes. She stayed there in the late hours of night. With the permission of president Ozpin, she could come and go as she pleased to perform her scientific research. The results shaped her final grade in the Beacon University chemistry class.
"I'm making little progress," Weiss admitted with a sigh. "Hopefully I figure something out before the paper is due."
"Baby steps," Ruby encouraged.
Warmly, Yang wrapped an arm around her girlfriend's shoulders. "You should go to bed early tonight. We can cuddle all you want."
Blake chipped in to add onto her friend's suggestion. "You're getting bags under your eyes."
"I know that," Weiss crossed her arms and noticed their worried expressions. After heaving a sigh, she relented. "Fine, I won't work on my project tomorrow or over the weekend. A three day break."
That made them perk up. Weiss hid the corners of her lips that wanted to turn up. Her friends cared so much.
Ruby squealed in disbelief. "It was that easy?"
"I am going now, though," Weiss said as the chair scooted out behind her. She slid the new textbook over to Ruby. "Use this book, the other doesn't go into as much depth. Anyway, don't stay up for me."
When Weiss turned to leave, they called after her.
"Good luck," Ruby called after her.
Blake exclaimed. "Don't stay late!"
While Weiss grabbed her backpack, Yang grabbed the cup full of fruit and opened the door for her. Together, they left the room and headed to the lab. It was a quick walk outside on campus and down a couple blocks. The fresh spring air welcomed them, and then the lab inside slapped them with a cold chill. It felt like a refrigerator. Dozens of beakers, graduated cylinders, test tubes, tunnels, and flasks scoured around the room in organized chaos.
"I'll never get used to this," Yang whined about the cold and watched her girlfriend put on a lab coat. A small blush faded into her cheeks from the sight of her sexy intelligence. "I'll be back in two hours to pick you up, ice princess."
Typically, Weiss worked for several hours and sometimes from sundown to sunrise. Every time Weiss was here, Yang was there that night to walk her there and with her home. Yang didn't like that she was here alone the whole time, at night no less, but Weiss was determined to further her research. And Yang was stubborn.
"Deal," Weiss agreed. "Don't distract them too much."
Before leaving, Yang took off her jacket and draped it around her smaller frame. "Here, stay warm. You look smoking hot in the lab coat, but it's thin."
Almost instantly, a blanket of warmth settled around Weiss. "How thoughtful, but your coat might get holes if the chemicals hit it. Is it worth the risk?"
"If it keeps you warm? Hell yeah."
One again, Weiss was left to wonder how she landed such a selfless person. Carefully, Yang set the cup of fruit on top of her notebook so later Weiss would be forced to acknowledge its existence. At that moment, Yang hoped she'd at least nibble on a slice of apple.
"Thank you, brute," Weiss hugged her tightly. "How did I get so lucky?"
When they pulled apart, Yang gingerly kissed her on the nose. "You certainly won the lottery, but so did I. I can't wait to cuddle you later~ I haven't had my daily dose of Weiss yet~"
Weiss almost chuckled from how direct and loving she was. She playfully rolled her eyes as she watched Yang take her leave.
"Get out of here."
Yang made two kiss sounds before the door shut behind her. Weiss was left alone. Or so she thought. What appeared to be a shadow figure flickered by the windows. It was swift in the night, so Weiss thought she was seeing things. It's probably Yang checking on me before finally leaving. Satisfied with that explanation, Weiss finally began to work.
One hour into testing a few hypotheses, she wanted to fall asleep on her soft mattress, snuggled up to Yang. The goggles pinched her face, which gave her a headache. The feeling of being watched never dulled while she was here. She wished there were no windows in her lab. They made her feel vulnerable since anyone could look in. The windows should at least have blinds so no wandering eyes could peer inside.
To her shock, the door abruptly swung open. From the unexpected arrival, Weiss jumped in surprise. It was Yang, who arrived thirty minutes early.
"Couldn't wait?" Weiss addressed, sounding pleasantly surprised.
"Not another second," Yang caressed her cheek with a cute smirk, which fell to a frown. Abandoned on the edge of the table, was the cup full of soggy fruit. "You didn't eat."
"I-" Weiss stammered, looking like she was caught red-handed and felt guilty for making her worry. "I forgot…"
Warmly, Yang held her hand and led her out of the laboratory.
It was finally the end of the week.
The spacious room was loud and borderline rowdy. Most of the university students gathered here since it was time for lunch in the cafeteria. With a wide grin, Ruby dunked some fries in a mountain of ketchup.
"These are the best!"
After she popped a handful in her mouth, Blake asked. "How do we get such good bass?"
It was barely visible, but drool rolled down her mouth before she munched on the next piece.
"We picked the right Uni, that's for sure," Yang said, which earned nods.
Distracted by her mind, Weiss picked at the breaded chicken on her plate. It taunted her. She had to be hungry since she didn't eat today, but she was too anxious. That dreadful feeling from last night- it hadn't faded. The feeling of being watched. Like something burned her. She had to be paranoid, right? She couldn't logically explain it. On guard, she glanced around. Only the sounds of students laughing stuck out to her. Nothing suspicious. No one was looking at her as far as she could tell.
My body's in fight or flight mode. I could be anxious, but why? Eating with them here is routine.
When a hand landed on her shoulder, Weiss flinched and was yanked abruptly from her thoughts. Blue eyes widened, but she internally sighed in relief when it was Yang gazing at her in concern.
"Didn't mean to scare you there," Yang smiled and glanced at her full plate. "You barely ate. Is there anything you want to talk about?"
With a frown, Weiss pushed the plate away. She was done pretending like she would eat more. It was more of a task. Honestly, she wanted to leave the cafeteria. The feeling of being watched rocketed her anxiety. On top of that, her eyes weighed like bricks despite the tiny bit of extra sleep she got last night.
Weiss frowned and allowed her stoic facade slip in front of her girlfriend. "I think I need rest, that's all."
After a nod, Yang stood with a plan. She had an inkling there was more to Weiss' worries than academia. Something else was going on. The blonde wanted to ask, but she wanted to wait for Weiss to mention it. Yang trusted she would eventually and packed their lunches.
"Me and Weiss're heading home," Yang said to the table. "Save us some fries."
"You know they're not the same when they're re-heated," Ruby said.
Weiss allowed her girlfriend to hook an arm around her own. She was led away from the echoing chatter.
"Feel better," Ruby waved after them.
After Blake swallowed some water, she said. "See ya."
Together, they walked down the hallway.
Mischievously, Weiss asked. "What do you have planned, brute?"
"Well, you can't resist my massages," she winked. "You're tense."
Touched that Yang cared so much for her, Weiss clung tighter to her arm and raised on her tiptoes to kiss her cheek. From her sweetness, Yang nuzzled the top of her head. They walked inside, eager for some alone time.
My body still aches even after her… thorough… massage….
A blush tinted her cheeks as Weiss stared at the bunk above her. Yang's breaths were deep, which meant she was fast asleep. The gentle moonlight trickled into the room. Too many thoughts distracted Weiss, so she had trouble joining her girlfriend in slumber. The earlier nap confused her internal clock, but it was worth it since they had a lot of fun. She hadn't taken it easy for a while, so it was needed. Weiss wiggled away from her girlfriend and rolled out of their bed. She missed the warmth.
If I can't sleep I might as well be productive.
She grabbed her clothes and retreated into the restroom. After she changed into her lab coat, Weiss slowly shut the door to avoid waking her three roommates. When no one roused, she scurried out of her room with one destination in mind. It was a short walk - down a couple blocks to reach her lab.
After she opened the door, the air in the room pricked her skin. A smile grew. She truly felt at home here as she approached the familiar setup. Right where she left them. Dozens of beakers, flasks, and funnels rested on the counters. Formulas she used every night colorfully written on the white boards. After popping her knuckles, she began to work.
An hour passed as the distinct smell of chemicals loomed. Weiss set down a flask to adjust the goggles pinching her face. They gave her a headache. She didn't notice before, but she felt warm in this chilly room. So warm in fact, that she shed her girlfriend's jacket. After a determined breath, she poured the blue chemicals into a beaker for her next task.
Before she could grasp the last beaker, a dizzy spell hit her in the back of the head. A sigh slipped out as energy rapidly drained from her body. Instinctively, she slammed her hands on the table in front of her as her vision spun.
Coming here was a mistake. Yang's right. I should rest.
After some deep, controlled breaths, Weiss found her composure and corrected her posture to be upright. After she heaved a sigh, rapid footsteps rumbled behind her like thunder. Quickly, Weiss whirled around to find the intruder. A large figure rushed impossibly fast-
Who's-?!
A gasp ensued when a hand the size of her head latched around her throat. With force, she was shoved back into a desk. Her balance faltered and her feet lifted off the floor. She coughed weakly and tried to grab the hand holding her up as shock jolted her senses.
"Should'a said yes to the movie, ice queen."
Cardin, shudders tore through Weiss' spine as she gasped for breath. He was in the storage closet this whole time?
A twisted smile formed as he watched the confusion and fright flicker in her eyes. Weiss dangled helplessly as he held her up like a prize he won. Desperation fueled her, so she flailed like a fish out of water. She had to force him to release her. Fortunately, she was nimble and eventually kicked the side of his neck with her pointy flats.
"How the-!" Cardin yelped and staggered, releasing his grip.
Weiss hit the ground hard and heaved, frantic for oxygen. Her adrenaline pumped, which fueled her legs. While coughing, she stood and grabbed the closest potential weapon. She was hesitant to use it since this chemical could melt skin, but it could buy her precious time. Slowly, she backed away to gain some distance. The exit door was so close, but so far.
To bait him, Weiss scoffed with her hands behind her back.
"I don't know what delusional fantasy you conjured up in that smooth brain of yours, but you're about to get a reality check!" Weiss shouted for the world to hear, trying to cause a ruckus so someone- anyone- would notice them. "How long have you been following me, you cretin?!"
The insult didn't seem to deter him. Cardin wiped the side of his bruised cheek as he gradually approached her. "Why do you always have to make things difficult? Be a good girl. You never listen to me. You need to work on your communication-"
Weiss grit her teeth while he rambled on with his delusions. Talking won't do any good. I need a plan. Her eyes flashed to all the potential weapons in the laboratory. I have to get out of here, but he's blocking the only exit.
When he tried to grab her arm, Weiss shoved a chair into him to shield herself. Skillfully, she tossed the chemicals into his side with satisfying results. A vicious hiss tore out as his shirt was devoured, then his skin bubbled and blistered, searing. Flesh warped to a rawness that she could smell.
Wild shrieks spewed from Cardin, but he wasn't deterred for long. To her shock, he stayed in one spot. She managed to scurry on the other side of him while he writhed in pain. Her safe haven was right in front of her as she soared to freedom. He sucked in air to block the pain and watched her like a hawk. Triggered, he reacted when she pounced to the exit.
"You can't leave me!"
He recovered so quickly! Weiss observed as her heart pounded in her throat. Almost there-
A glass cylinder almost shattered into the back of her head, but she was able to jump to the side. The floor broke it into tiny pieces that scattered through the room. Smoothly, she grabbed a nearby beaker and broke it on the table. She held up the sharp edge and stood tall in an attempt to intimidate him.
"Last chance before I gut you like a fish!"
"You don't mean that, babe. Why are we wasting our time here when we could go to my place?"
The bile in her throat was heavy as they shredded each other apart with only eye contact. That's when Weiss noticed the fire in those lustful, conniving eyes. It- for a moment- terrified her. If he succeeded, what would happen to her? How would Yang react? Best case scenario, I end up in a ditch.
While calculating her next move, Weiss inched toward the only door with her weapon raised. The small action compelled Cardin to shout in frustration. She was still trying to escape. She didn't even give him a chance. He had to show her that she's missing out. He's a nice guy, he could take care of her! Refusing to give in, he leaped for her.
He's fast-!
"Stop playing hard to get!"
Briefly, Weiss thought she couldn't dodge. She pleasantly surprised herself and was able to side-swipe his arm with the jagged glass. It tore into him and gushed blood. Crimson streaks splattered onto her white lab coat and ivory hair. Unfortunately, a dizzy spell caused her to misstep when avoiding his other fist. A steel-like punch rammed into her gut.
Fuck-!
As all oxygen rattled from her lungs, Weiss wheezed in agony. The pain didn't deter him, she recalled how deep the gash ran. Before more confusion jumbled in her fogged mind, a hand covered her throat. Easily, she was lifted from the floor like a feather and cried out. Her hands weakly grabbed his arm when they constricted.
Aim for his head-!
Before her leg could raise, darkness overwhelmed her when she slammed into a nearby wall. A crater formed from the harsh impact. Pain erupted like her skull split in two. Her mind warped to a blank slate and Weiss was left to gasp in a desperate attempt to stay conscious. She heaved for air, but instead slid down the wall and tilted over, falling on her side with a loud thump. The world was sideways and dim. Remnants of a nightmare appeared in the form of a crooked smile.
You have to… Get up…
"That's right. Accept it..."
The words cut through her ears.
The cool marble floor was soothing on her sore, warm body. While the sensation was enticing to embrace, she struggled to move. Get up, a line of blood dripped over her eye. Get up, her limbs refused to listen to her as her head throbbed relentlessly. Get… It was like a screwdriver jammed repeatedly through her skull and into her brain. She couldn't compensate for her exhaustion with sheer willpower no matter how desperately she wanted to. Yang… Weiss breathed a withered sigh as her eyes fluttered shut.
Satisfied she could no longer resist, Cardin curled his finger around her white and blood-stained hair. She should add red to her aesthetic, he thought. She's as beautiful as ever. He prefers her awake, though. It's a lot more fun that way.
"You won't regret this. I have the perfect date planned," Cardin said and rose with her cradled in his arms. Her head lolled lifelessly to the side. "We'll go back to my place. I made you green tea. Your favorite-"
"Mine's peppermint, thanks for askin'!"
Stars exploded across his vision when he was suckerpunched from behind. Normally, he could prepare himself for the pain, but that came out of nowhere. Her fist felt much harder than a normal fist. Especially not one that belonged to a girl. She had a weapon. His immediate reaction was to lower the girl in his arms as he staggered. Forcefully, Yang shoved him to the side and caught her girlfriend in her supportive arms. A frown formed since Weiss didn't react at all.
"Weiss, Weiss! I'm here. I'm so, so sorry."
She sounded full of regret and guilt, which is probably what anchored Weiss to reality. Her girlfriend couldn't blame herself. A pained moan lingered and her face flinched the tiniest bit. Watching her struggle to wake fed the surging rage for him- this scum- in front of them. Weiss' lips and eyes barely parted as the words strained to drift out.
"You're late…"
Yang kissed her forehead to provide her even an ounce of comfort. "You're safe now."
A light nod onto her elbow. Yang barely felt her move. Carefully, Yang lowered her girlfriend to rest in the nearest corner of the room. The wall kept Weiss propped upright while she attempted to collect herself.
"Rest."
When the blonde stood protectively in front of Weiss, Cardin snarled.
"You're always in my way!"
"Oh, am I an inconvenience? Did I ruin your little kidnapping attempt?"
"It was a date!"
That made something snap in Cardin. It was enough to make him charge. Composed more than ever, Yang simply took one step back to wind up like she'd done this a million times. He rocketed a fist directly at her face, but Yang was lightning. She grabbed his arm and used it as leverage to drop to the floor and yank him downward. When he stumbled, she exploded in a fury. A wicked punch landed below his chin, which sent him reeling into the air. He landed on his back with a resounding thud.
"I can give you more air time. Just say the word."
Grunting, Cardin rolled onto his side in an attempt to stand. This fuckhead had the audacity to try and get up? After what he did to her beloved? How dare he? Infuriated, Yang jumped on top of Cardin to pin him down. He retaliated with a fist that was swiftly dodged. She wailed on him with what felt like two metal bricks. Brass knuckles, he realized. While Yang's determined screams echoed through the whole building, she assailed him punch after punch.
"You can't stop me," Cardin breathed in frustration between jabs, sometimes dodging the punches. "She deserves me-"
The more he struggled, the harder she knocked his lights off and on.
Fury erupted in her grunts of rage every time her arms flew back for another jab. And another. Her eyes warped red as she heaved and didn't dare stop. This isn't enough damage. Inherently, he was much stronger than her, she knew. She had to trap him here. He would die before he could even think about touching Weiss again. Blood splattered onto the white marble floor and her pajamas.
"She's mine!" Cardin shouted, desperate for it to be true.
"She belongs to no one!"
Wild blonde hair flamed around her as she slugged him like a punching bag. When he went limp, she rammed her fists into his genitals several times. Until there'd be enough damage for years- decades- to come. When she was satisfied, she stood and stepped over him. She flicked her hands of the blood and noticed her knuckles tore open from the impact on his skull. She only had one brass knuckle for her dominant hand, so her other hand didn't have the extra protection. Growling, Yang glared down at the offender. He was black and blue with beautiful splotches of crimson. The swelling on his face will remain for months, she hoped.
Satisfied, she gasped in realization.
"Weiss!"
Red eyes flickered to lilac as Yang knelt in front of her girlfriend. She didn't move an inch. Cautiously, Yang placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Weiss, Weiss, are you okay? Agh, of course you're not. Hey, can you hear me?"
When she didn't reply, Yang almost panicked and gently shook her shoulders. A light groan lingered. It took immense effort, but Weiss groggily opened her eyes and immediately regretted it. Her eyelids flew shut when the harsh fluorescent lights amplified the relentless throbbing in her head. To block the light, Yang shielded her small body to cast her in a shadow.
"I can… hear you."
"Brace yourself. This might hurt."
Gingerly, Yang coaxed her into her arms. Weiss was stiff like she was afraid to move or more agony would ripple through her. She allowed herself to collapse into Yang as the scent of lilac bloomed into her senses. She felt safe now. She was safe. Yang hugged her close and stood with controlled slowness to avoid jostling her. The small movementcaused the pain from her head to reverberate through her body. It demanded her ' hands flew to her head like she was trying to piece it back together after breaking.
"Weiss? Is it your head?"
"I can always… count on you…"
The mumble was quiet, almost too soft for Yang to hear. Yang picked up the pace, eager to get Weiss to a hospital.
"Help's comin,' snowpea," Yang whispered and darted so fast around the block she looked like a yellow streak. "You fought well."
From the reassurance, Weiss faintly smiled and released a sigh. In the same breath, she fell still.
"Weiss?! Shit!"
If it was possible to sprint faster, Yang managed it.
It felt like an eternity as she waited by her bedside. In reality, it'd only been a few hours. The sun's rays trickled into the room, lighting up the atmosphere. Anxious, Yang chewed on the inside of her cheek. She replayed what the doctor said over and over. Weiss had suffered a concussion. She briefly woke up in the hospital but fell asleep soon after. Their roommates would normally be at home- here- during this crucial time, but it was their turn to talk to law enforcement about their now former classmate Cardin.
"I'm sorry this happened to you, snowpea. Of all people…. Why'd it have to be you?" Yang choked out while restraining tears as she stared down at her darkly bruised neck. She eyed the individual fingerprints and how boldly they contrasted with her pale skin. To be in her safe space and be violated like that… After a sniffle, she rang out a washcloth over a bucket. "I'm sorry."
The icy water trickled into the bucket below as Yang expertly folded the damp washcloth. Gently, the blonde patted it over her cherry cheeks. When the chilly cloth absorbed the heat on her forehead, a tiny moan slipped out. It offered Weiss a slice of heaven and sent shivers through her body, face furrowed.
"Weiss?!" Yang exclaimed and grabbed her hand, leaning in by her side. "Rise and shine. I made you chicken noodle soup. You gotta try some."
Apparently, the promise of food was compelling enough for her to stir. It was a battle as her eyelids raised with the grace of a garage door and revealed a twinkling azure.
"Hey, snowpea," Yang greeted and squeezed her hand. "You feelin' alright? Does your head still hurt?"
"Yang?" Weiss asked deliriously like she woke up from a dream. "Is that you?"
From the simple question, Yang smiled and layed on her side next to her. She blanketed her arms around her, providing an anchor to reality. This gentle embrace was familiar. The scent of lilac drifted into her nose again, which made Weiss subtly smile.
"I'm here," Yang said as her breath tickled her cheeks. "I'm real."
This warmth was unmistakable and wrapped her in a warm blanket. Yang was a flame that beckoned her over and reeled her in. Weiss was drifting in the clouds, content to lay there and savor the presence comforting her.
"You know how to make an entrance," Weiss said, grateful and lowered her voice when she thought of the other potential outcomes. "I could've been taken. I could've died… and worse…."
"I wasn't fast enough," Yang said sadly, full of guilt. "I should've noticed you were gone sooner."
To reel her in, Weiss slipped her arms around the girls' torso and back. Lilac eyes gazed into blue with prominent regret. To calm her, Weiss rubbed her back in firm, soothing circles. For the moment, Yang enjoyed and sank into her touch.
"Yang, none of this is your fault," Weiss said firmly. "I shouldn't have been there. Not while no one knew where I was. How did you know?"
It sounded like Weiss had no clue how Yang cracked the mystery of her location. Maybe Yang knew her too well, or rather, how hardworking Weiss could be. Yang held onto Weiss' arm to stop her from rubbing her back. Weiss paused, confusion present. A gesture so small could be taxing on her recovering body.
"Don't, you need rest," Yang said and caressed her face. "I didn't think about it, to be honest. You work too hard sometimes."
"I regretted going there before he attacked me," Weiss said. The chilly washcloth gradually turned lukewarm on her burning forehead. "I was sick-"
"Still sick," Yang corrected without missing a beat.
Briefly, Weiss pouted while the other girl grasped the cloth from her forehead. Yang leaned up and dipped it into the chill water below. When it reached simmering skin, Weiss released a shaky breath.
"When I noticed my poor state, it was too late. How could I not notice?"
"You overworked yourself again, snowpea," Yang said as a fact. "You're a genius, but forget to take care of your own body," when her girlfriend frowned, Yang noticed she didn't try to retort. Deep down, she knew Yang was right. Yang had to praise her. "You kicked his ass, I'm being serious. Especially since you're sick. Third degree burns and a large gash that requires a few dozen stitches? Man, he wouldn't stand a chance if you felt normal."
Weiss twiddled her fingers through those blonde locks. "Do I want to know what injuries you added to the list?"
With a smirk, Yang took a deep breath for the long list. She held up a finger for every injury. "Broken nose, cracked ribs, swelling on his face that won't go down for months, loss of his vision because he's that swollen, a concussion, broken cheekbones…. And probably a broken dick."
"Oh my Oum, you killed him."
"He deserves much worse."
Already, Yang despised the culprit - Cardin- for hurting and traumatizing her girlfriend. The obsession. It was the fact that Cardin held onto his delusion to the very end - until blacking out. That was disgusting to her. The threat needed to be eliminated. On top of it all, he was persistent. If being beaten to a pulp doesn't prevent him from future attacks, then what would? Briefly, Yang thought she went overboard, but decided it was justified.
"Piece'a shit got expelled and arrested. The camera caught everything."
"That was a good call. You're right, buying it was a brilliant idea," Weiss admitted and patted her head. "I have the best bodyguard. Thank you, Yang. You saved my life."
"I'll never leave you again," Yang whispered flirtatiously as she patted the cool washcloth over her cheeks. "You're stuck with me~"
A light giggle. That was exactly what Yang wanted to hear. At least she succeeded in distracting her thoughts from a few hours ago. To help Weiss take her mind off things, Yang slid over to her and their lips met in this blissful moment of peace. Blonde wisps fluttered over Weiss and tickled her warm, prespired cheeks. Yang was careful not to touch her neck or head and deepened the kiss when Weiss became more assertive. Her arms flew around Yang's shoulders and became entangled with her hair. They kissed each other for several minutes until Weiss pulled away and closed her eyes like they were heavy.
"You need some Z's, pronto."
When Yang said that, Weiss softly yawned.
"No… I haven't gotten enough of you yet," Weiss whined like a child.
"I'd love to kiss you all day, but you have to rest."
After Weiss nuzzled into her arms, Yang dipped the cold cloth in the bucket. When it refreshed to a familiar coolness, she settled it on her girlfriend's forehead. The sudden chill caused a soft shudder to run through her body.
From the heavenly sensation, Weiss moaned. "Feels so nice…"
"Relax, I'll cool you off."
Tenderly, Yang patted from her neck, avoiding the bruises, down to her wrists. When Weiss visibly relaxed into her touch, Yang pulled up the blankets. She firmly tucked her in so she stayed insulated. Yang slipped under a thin sheet, giving Weiss a gap in case she grew hot under the covers.
Weiss blinked up at her before her eyes fell shut. "I got so lucky with you…"
"You're never this flirty when you feel fine," Yang mentioned. "Is it bad I'm enjoying it?"
"No."
They shared a smile.
My next story called The Cave will be released January 2024.
Remember to stay dandy,
~Toto