Disclaimer: All characters are Owned by Roosterteeth
This is my first shot at a Fanfic its just for fun unless anyone wants me to keep writing for whatever reason. This story was influenced by a different one on the sight I'll try to find it and the author of it to give them credit so don't hate me please.
It was their fourth and final year at beacon academy and team RWBY was at the top of their class in academics and in combat earning high praise among teachers and their peers. However, while the team always presented themselves as happy and in good spirits, they often were not particularly their leader Ruby Rose. Blake and Yang had started dating a little over a year and a half ago but what they didn't know was Ruby had been in love with Blake at the time. The night Ruby was going to confess her feelings Yang had beaten her to it and that is when their relationship began. While its been over a year Ruby still holds a little bit of resentment for her sister and Blake alike and has been spending a lot more time around her partner Weiss. This year it would be made a lot easier as they are now in partner shared dorms instead of the ones sharded by the entire team.
Ove the last year in a half Ruby has gotten to the top of her class in all categories as she coped with her broken heart by focusing on becoming a huntress. She threw herself into her studies and has even overtaken Weiss at this point. Much to the heiress annoyance but she is just glad to have a competent leader. Though this did have an effect on their friendship.
"Hey Weiss, I am going to go to the library and study are you ready to go?"
"Yes, Ruby of course I cannot let you stay ahead of me"
"Okay if you say so but I don't intend on slowing down any time soon"
"That might be, it makes no difference to me dolt. Though shouldn't we invite Yang and Blake this time? It has been a long time since we have done anything as a team outside of sparing."
"I think they are out on a date there is probably no use in asking anyways they always say no"
"I guess that's true but I think we should spend more time together as a team and as team leader I think you will agree"
"Yeah I guess but there isn't a point I'm telling you they will say no"
"Whatever lets just go study we will just ask them another time"
Ruby and Weiss went to the library to study for a few hours and catch up on their grim studies before their next class. However, about half way through the study session Yang and Blake entered the library and started heading towards the two of them. Though they caught Ruby's eye and not wanting to talk to either of them and made her excuse to Weiss about having to go sharpen crescent rose and that she would meet her in their room.
Ruby had been feeling very lonely over the last year without spending any true time with her sister but she just couldn't do it every time she saw Yang it hurt she felt betrayed. How could he sister not see how much it hurt her when Blake started dating Yang? How could she not tell she was avoiding the two of them because of it? She felt like Yang no longer cared about her and that the only thing she was capable of caring about was Blake. Seeing Blake hurt her too, while she was happy that Blake was as happy as could be she wished it was her making her happy and not Yang. She had really bonded with Weiss recently because of it so it wasn't all bad and she might have even started to develop feelings for her as of late. Though she knew she wasn't ready to admit they were real for Ohm sake she was still trying to get over Blake not to mention she didn't even know if Weiss likes girls.
The first semester came and went in the blink of an eye and as the months passed Ruby and Weiss seemed to be drifting further and further apart and Ruby didn't understand why. All she wanted to do was spend time with the girl and get over her infatuation with Blake but she just couldn't.
"Weiss are you going to come study with me tonight?"
"No, I have decided to go study with Blake and Yang tonight though I'm sure they would love to have their team leader join them for once"
"What is that supposed to mean Weiss? Do you think I'm avoiding them or something?"
"Well, yes you don't spend any time with the team unless it's sparing or in class. Sure, you study with me, but you don't have anything to gain from me anymore. You're the top of the class and quite frankly I can't keep helping you because I need that spot and you're kind of in my way."
"Wow okay I don't even know what to say to that Ice Queen I'm just trying to be the best huntress I can be and if you think I'm in your way Ill go train on my own and you guys an go study.
"Weiss you need to tell Ruby eventually or she will just be mad that you are keeping secrets from her."
"Ugh, I hate it when you're right Blake I just don't know how to tell her I'll be moving in with you two I figured it would be easier with the two of you but I screwed up getting her here Ill just do it tonight when she gets back from training."
With that Weiss and her girlfriends went back to studying. Nobody had told Ruby because they didn't know if it was going to go anywhere but nearly 6 months later they knew they had to.
"Hey Ruby? Can we talk for a minute?"
"Sure what's up?'
"Firstly I must apologize for earlier I just wanted to study with the whole team and I didn't want to accuse you of anything so for that I am sorry"
"No worries water under the bridge. What did you want to talk about?"
"Well um I don't really know how to say this but um… I'm going to be moving out tomorrow"
"WHAT! Why are you moving out? Did your dad take you out of the school?"
"No no no nothing like that and you didn't do anything either. I joined in a relationship with Yang and Blake and will be moving in with them tomorrow"
"oh. that's great. how long has this been going on"
"Almost 6 months now we really wanted to tell you but we didn't know how"
"No Weiss its fine dine worry about it I'm glad you are all happy together but I won't be here tomorrow to help you I am training with my Qrow"
"Oh. I was hoping to see you before I left and we can all schedule a time to spend some time together"
"Uh yeah that sounds… nice I just can't tomorrow and I should probably get going tonight Im supposed to meet him on patch. I hope it goes well and I'm happy for you guys. See ya."
"Ruby wait can we just talk some more?"
"That would be great but like I said I'm on a tight schedule so when I get back okay?"
With that Ruby left their shared dorm without another word and Weiss hadn't tried to stop her either. Ruby couldn't believe that this was happening again, she was being left behind again. She hadn't fully gotten over Blake, but she was close, so close and she thought Weiss was the one to help her out of it but she was wrong. But what hurt the most was Yang, she hurt Ruby again accident or not she couldn't take it anymore she didn't want to keep getting hurt by the people she cared about the most.
Ruby got to Patch late that night and spent the night at her dads where she would meet Qrow in the morning for some training. The night was a long one filled with turmoil and sadness. She didn't know what she was going to do. She always wanted to be a huntress with her team but now she didn't know. She still wanted to be a huntress but she didn't know how or where just that she couldn't do it with her team any longer.
Qrow was waiting for her when she got outside to train and he instantly knew that something was off but so did Ruby. The first thing she noticed was that Qrow wasn't alone he was with someone and the sight of her brought her joy yet broke her heart. It was Weiss or at least she thought it was until the woman turned around. Of course it was Winter. While Qrow and Winter don't get along they are constantly with each other for General Ironwood. They would often be partnered as they were both two of the most powerful hunters on Remnant. Ruby and Winter always seemed to get along as the elder Schnee seemed to take a liking to her energetic personality.
After their brief hellos the training started while Winter just watched and waited as elegant as ever. She could tell that she was being almost graded. The training was intense, more intense than usual. Qrow was not holding back so neither would Ruby she would either win or be put in the dirt unconscious.
"Uncle Qrow I don't know why you're going so hard on me today but it's been a long day so don't be upset when you lose this fight"
"Kiddo don't forget who taught you how to fight I may be old but I know everything about you"
"Not everything"
The fight went awhile longer with loud cracks from gun shots and even louder crashes from their steal striking the other. Ending with ruby cracking Qrows stance after a poor decision to try and get behind Ruby who he knew was faster. Ruby Took the curved blade of her scythe and swung for her uncles wobbling legs. With her swing she swept his feet out from underneath him as he fell she used her momentum to kick his weapon from his hands. When he opened his eyes all he saw was the barrel of crescent rose in front of him and he knew he had lost.
"Well you are certainly faster than I remember. Not bad what did I tell you winter?"
"What? What did you tell Winter"
"Your uncle told me that you were the best at beacon and maybe the best. To ever attend the school. I simply asked him to prove it to me so I could see if it were true. As it seems he was right."
"So this was all a test? You wanted to see if I was as good as he claimed? What was the point in that?"
"Give her a second kiddo she is getting there"
"Yes, I am. Ruby, you are the best in all 4 of the huntsmen academies and as such I have a proposition for you. Would you like to be granted your Huntsmen license today and travel back to Atlas with me to be a special operative in the Atlassian military or would you like to finish the year with your team and go out on your own together I have cleared your departure from Beacon already with Ozpin though if you choose to bring your team it may take a few weeks."
Normally a proposition like this would have her with her team but they didn't need her anymore, they were happy, and she wasn't relevant to them. Her choice was an easy one and didn't even require a second thought.
"Winter, Ill go with you I just need to get my stuff from my dorm."
"Woah there kiddo you don't even want to talk with your team about it?"
"There is no need they don't need me anymore they won't even notice I'm gone"
"Well Ruby, I am not so sure. You and my sister have gotten quite close over the years and what of your sister and her partner?"
"Trust me Winter it doesn't matter."
"Did something happen between you and your team kiddo?"
"No we have been drifting apart for a long time and its time fir me to carve a path without them"
"Winter do you mind giving me a second with Ruby?"
"Of course."
What is going on Ruby? you would never have left your team a year ago."
"Things change Qrow I don't want to talk about it I just want to set out on my own path and this is a path that you started for me so let it go."
"Okay I just want to make sure that you are positive that this is what you want to do."
"It is and I think I'll do well on my own."
The walk to the airship was a sad one. Ruby was relieved to be able to go out on her own. Her team was better off without her, right? All she had to do now was take her stuff and leave. All she needed was her clothes and cleaning tools for crescent rose. As the airship took off all she could do was hope that Weiss was done moving out so she wouldn't have to see any of her team when she left they wouldn't know she was gone anyways. The ride was quiet and peaceful for the most part. Qrow annoying Winter was a good source of entertainment too. Her scroll had only been opened once and it was to check the time when they landed. It was 5:37pm and she knew that Weiss had to be done now especially if Yang had been helping her.
As she walked on campus she saw no signs of anyone from her team. They must be in their room at this point. Ruby walked slowly taking it all in. She was going to be a huntress when she got to Atlas her new life was going to start and she was going to do it alone. She didn't want or need a team they just slowed her down and hurt her. It was better for everyone.
She used her scroll to open her dorm room and as she expected it was empty there was no life to be found. All of Weiss' belongings were gone and it was just her bed and dresser left. So, she started packing. First her clothes then her cleaning supplies. It wouldn't take her long to get it all only a few more minutes if that. Until the lock turned and the door opened and in walked Weiss. She must have forgotten something.
"Ruby?"
"Hey Weiss. Seems the move went well"
"Actually it did we finished awhile ago it would have been nice to have you there but training and studying comes first."
"Yeah it does" Ruby said while still packing behind her bed so Weiss couldn't see what she was doing"
"I actually came here to see if you and I could find a time to just sit down and talk about all of this? It doesn't matter when just soon? Our team should be together more. We are going to graduate in 6 months."
"Actually Weiss that wont be necessary you guys have your team and you're with each other."
"What is that supposed to mean do you not want to be apart of the team anymore?"
"Well, I guess not. There is no place for me anymore. You all have each other, and you've all been fine without me in the past."
"Excuse me what?'
"Weiss, I don't have a place on a team anymore. You guys need to work out your own leader now and you'll all be better off without me anyways. You've already shown that."
"What is that supposed to mean Ruby?! You want to leave the team because we are in a relationship?!"
"I never wanted to leave the team I loved you all. I loved Yang as my sister, and I fell in love with Blake. I got hurt by them. It wasn't their fault but it hurt for a long time." Weiss simply sat silent at this revelation nobody knew that Ruby ever had feelings for Blake. She didn't know what to do, she didn't know how badly her friend had been hurt none of them had.
"Then I thought I could move on from her, so I spent all my time with you and I don't know how but I got feelings for you too and well you know the rest" Weiss didn't know what to do she was so bad with feelings she didn't know how to comfort her friend. She didn't mean to hurt Ruby. She needed the rest of their team Yang could help Ruby she always did.
"So yes Weiss I guess I am leaving because you guys are in a relationship because you all showed me I have no place with the team."
"Ruby you are our leader you can't just leave you have to graduate anyways so I don't know where you think you are going." Weiss defaulted to logic to get Ruby to stay she couldn't leave anyways she was about to graduate.
"Weiss I just told you that you needed to pick a new leader among yourselves I am not your team leader anymore and if I remember right you wanted to be leader to begin with so now is your shot."
Wiess couldn't believe what she was hearing she needed her team or Ruby would surely leave them. Though she wasn't leaving the school they could fix this. They had time graduation wasn't for 6 months. She just needed to ger Yang and Blake.
"Ruby stop you're our leader Ozpin assigned you that role nearly four years ago and you have to graduate as part of the team. So why don't I get Yang and Blake we can work this out and show you that you still have a place with us." Ruby always saw reason She just needed to call Yang and Blake.
"No thanks Weiss you guys can handle yourselves plus I am done packing now so I'll be going now." So that's what she was doing behind the bed she was packing. Wait, what was she packing for? She still had to graduate.
"Packing for where? Did you just get moved to a smaller room dorm? You still have to stay here and graduate."
"No. I don't."
"What? You are just going to leave and give up on your dream?" There was no way that Ruby Rose would give up being a huntress it was who she was she needed to help people.
"No I get my license tomorrow I passed a test today that is sending me to Atlas with Winter as a huntress to be a Special operative under General Ironwood." Ruby was a huntress already? She was really leaving and with Winter? Her training was a test and she didn't tell her?
"You're going to Atlas with my Sister? And how long did you know about this test why didn't you tell any of us Ruby?!"
"Yes I am right now in fact" Ruby stood revealing her fully packed suitcase. "I also didn't know about the test until it was done and Winter offered me the position so I'll be on my way now."
"Ruby wait. Aren't you going to say goodbye to them?"
"No, I'm not. I wanted to be in and out so everyone could live their lives without me. You just so happened to catch me as I was leaving."
Ruby was gone now she used her semblance to speed past Weiss and down the hall. She was gone she really left them behind and went with Winter. Their team now had no leader and her best friend was gone. The worst part being it was their fault none of them thought about what was happening with Ruby during all of this and none of them knew about how she had felt.
Weiss made her slow walk back to her new dorm. She knew her girlfriends were waiting for her and she also knew they had no clue that Ruby was gone or why. She was going to have to break the news to them and she couldn't hide it even if she tried. "How is Yang going to take all of this" Is all she could think to herself.
The walk was long even though they lived only a few doors down. She took her time and thought about what she would say to them how she would break the news that their leader and friends was gone and not coming back. Until she reached the door. She hesitated to go inside but there was no avoiding this. So, she reached for the knob and turned it.
As she opened the door she could hear Yang and Blake laughing together but they instantly stopped when they saw Weiss. She was a mess she clearly was upset and even cried at some point even though she didn't know she had. Yang was the first to notice and respond.
"Weiss! What happened? Why are you crying? I thought you said you would try to get Ruby to come over?"
"Hold on Yang slow down let her breathe first things first. Did you talk to Ruby?"
"Yes she was in the dorm when I got there."
"Weiss did Ruby make you cry?" Blake asked with her ears flattening on her head.
"Yes and no. I am crying because of our conversation but not because she hurt me specifically." Yang already headed for the open door only said "I am going to go get her right now we are going to find out what the hell she said to make you cry"
"Stop Yang there is no point."
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN THERE IS NO POINT"
"She's not there Yang. Pleased just sit down there is something that I need to tell the both of you"
"Okay we will sit and listen Wiess, come on Yang let's just hear what Weiss has to say before you storm off"
They both sat on the one king size bed and waited for Weiss to tell them what happened and then she spoke.
"So yes as you know I went to speak with Ruby so we could all talk and you also know that Ruby had training with Qrow this morning which is why this conversation had to wait until now"
"Yes we know that but why are you crying and where is my sister?"
"That is what I am getting to Yang. When I got there Ruby was sitting behind her bed on the ground so I thought she was cleaning crescent rose. I went to speak with her about sitting down with all of us and she shot me down and told us we needed to pick a new leader."
"Wait why would Ruby saw we needed a new leader?"
"Well Blake I thought the same thing and I asked and well she told me she was no longer a part of the team"
"WHAT?!"
"WHAT?!"
"I need to go get my sister what does she mean she's not on the team anymore?"
"Yang I already told you that she is not there so stop and listen. I had the same reaction and before you ask no she is not staying for graduation and Ill get to that in a moment. She had told me she was leaving the team and that her training with Qrow as actually a test to send her to Atlas to become a huntress and a Special Operative next to my sister."
"So let me get this straight my sister left with Winter and Qrow to be a huntress in Atlas? After a test she didn't tell any of us about? Did she tell you why?"
"So yes she did leave with them I tried to stop her and she's not coming back. She will officially be a huntress tomorrow. Sadly, she left because of us. She told me she has no place with us anymore and its because of our relationship."
Yang just sat on the bed shocked her sister was just gone and never coming back? She wasn't going to graduate with her anymore? But why would she just leave over their relationship?
"Weiss why would she leave because of us being together?" Blake was the first to ask beating Yang to the punch for once.
"I don't even know how to say this Blake. But its because she fell in love with you before you and Yang became a couple and when she started to spend time with me to avoid it all she started to get feelings for me and none of us knew or even cared to look for it and we caused her so much pain she felt alone and forgotten, and I can't blame her."
That sent daggers through Yang's heart. She always had pride in herself about being able to take care of Ruby and see she was hurting. How could she have missed it how could she have not cared? How much pain did she cause Ruby? Now her sister was gone and she could only blame herself for not paying attention. She hurt Ruby so bad she couldn't even tell her goodbye.
Ruby made it out of the dorms and to her airship where Winter was waiting. Ruby was now even more stone cold than she was before she had left and Winter noticed it right away. That spark that made Ruby who she was just wasn't there anymore and she vowed to bring it back at all costs she couldn't let whatever happened be the end of Ruby Rose. Winter always knew Ruby was special and that she had a certain care for the girl almost as if her spark needed to be cherished.
Winter did get a few calls from Weiss and some texts but all she could tell her sister is that Ruby made her choice and never told her why.
Ruby never said a word to winter as they flew to Atlas. The time flight was over in what felt like minutes to Winter. She wanted to take care of Ruby and she knew she had to or everything that made her who she was would be lost. Winter took Ruby in for the night when they landed. Tomorrow would be a long day.