With Weiss and Yang still off searching for more remedy berries, Ruby found herself alone with an increasingly affectionate and delusional Blake. She tried her best to resist Blake's advances, but the catlike Faunus was relentless.
Blake's eyes were half-lidded and dreamy as she gazed at Ruby. "Ruby, you're just so soft and warm," she purred, nuzzling her head against Ruby's shoulder.
Ruby squirmed, trying to keep her composure. "Blake, come on, snap out of it. This isn't you!"
Blake only seemed to become more insistent, wrapping her arms around Ruby and pulling her close. "I just want to cuddle with you," she murmured, rubbing her cheek against Ruby's. "You're like a big, comfy pillow."
Ruby's face turned bright red as Blake continued her catlike behavior. "Blake, please! We need to stay focused. Weiss and Yang will be back soon with the berries."
But Blake was far too lost in her delusion to listen. She began to lick Ruby's cheek, causing Ruby to gasp in surprise and try to gently push her away.
"Blake, no licking!" Ruby exclaimed, trying to keep a firm but gentle grip on her teammate's shoulders.
Blake ignored her, continuing to purr softly as she cuddled closer. "You're so sweet, Ruby. I could stay like this forever."
Ruby's frustration was mounting, but she couldn't help feeling a twinge of sympathy for Blake. The mushrooms had clearly affected her mind, and she needed help. Ruby just had to hold on until Weiss and Yang returned.
In the meantime, she tried to distract Blake by talking to her. "Blake, remember all the books you love to read? Think about those stories and adventures."
Blake's ears twitched at the mention of books, but she remained firmly attached to Ruby. "Books are nice, but you're nicer," she replied, her voice a soft purr.
Ruby sighed, realizing that reasoning with Blake was futile. She resigned herself to waiting, hoping that Weiss and Yang would return soon. She tried to remain calm, even as Blake's purring and affectionate behavior continued.
Meanwhile, Weiss and Yang were making their way back through the forest, a fresh batch of remedy berries in hand. They moved quickly, knowing that Ruby was dealing with Blake on her own.
"We need to hurry," Weiss said, her voice tense with urgency. "Blake's condition might be getting worse."
Yang nodded, her usual carefree demeanor replaced with determination. "Don't worry, we'll get her back to normal. Ruby can handle it until we get there."
As they approached the clearing, they heard Ruby's voice, mixed with Blake's soft purring. Yang couldn't help but chuckle at the sight that greeted them.
Ruby was sitting on the ground, her face red and her expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. Blake was practically draped over her, nuzzling and purring contentedly.
"We're back!" Yang called out, hurrying over with the remedy berries.
Weiss quickly moved to Ruby's side, her eyes widening at the sight of Blake's behavior. "Ruby, are you alright?"
Ruby nodded, relief flooding her features. "Yes, just please give her the berries. I don't think I can handle much more of this."
Yang gently pried Blake off Ruby and held out the berries. "Here, Blake. Eat these. They'll help."
Blake, still lost in her delusion, obediently took the berries and ate them. Moments later, her eyes cleared, and the dreamy expression faded away.
"Ruby? What happened?" Blake asked, blinking in confusion as she realized how close she was to Ruby.
Ruby sighed in relief, hugging Blake gently. "You ate some mushrooms and started acting like a house cat. But you're okay now."
Blake blushed, pulling away slightly. "I'm so sorry, Ruby. I didn't mean to—"
"It's alright," Ruby reassured her with a smile. "Just glad you're back to normal."
Weiss crossed her arms, a small frown playing on her lips. "Can we go back to Beacon now? This whole expedition of yours has been a disaster, Ruby."
"Not yet, Weiss!" Ruby was determined to keep exploring the Emerald Forest. "We need to continue to go deeper into the forest."
"For what exactly?" Weiss demanded, her frown deepening.
"Maybe buried treasure?" Ruby suggested with a hopeful grin.
Weiss fixed her with a disapproving stare. "Buried treasure? Ruby, really?"
"Who knows, Weiss?" Yang chimed in, supporting her sister. "We might even find a hidden Dust mine."
"You are being ridiculous," Weiss said, her voice dripping with skepticism.
"Worst possible outcome is finding random flying fish," Yang joked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Blake, still recovering from her mushroom incident, perked up at the mention of fish. "Fish? Where?"
Yang laughed. "I was kidding, Blake."
Blake's expression turned into a hiss of annoyance. "How dare you, Yang!"
Ruby, trying to keep the mood light, intervened. "Alright, everyone, calm down. Look, Weiss, I know this hasn't gone perfectly, but there's something out here. I can feel it. Let's just give it a bit more time, okay?"
Weiss sighed, her resistance wavering. "Fine, but if we don't find anything soon, we're heading back. Agreed?"
Ruby nodded enthusiastically. "Agreed! Let's get moving!"
