The dark circles under Blake's eyes took a considerable amount of makeup to cover, but no amount of makeup would erase the exhaustion seeping into her bones. Sleeping had become nearly impossible with Yang's soft breathing beside her, reminding her of everything she stood to lose.
She prided herself on being an expert at getting in and out of tricky situations. Beating a bank's security provided a challenge and a rush of adrenaline. Even with Yang - their first dates were a test of her abilities, and she had passed them all. She had succeeded.
She had succeeded a little too well. Now, she couldn't see an escape route. Well…there was one: she could disappear from Yang's life without a trace, but she would rather go to prison than accept that outcome. Today was her last-ditch effort to change the course of her future and their relationship.
It all hinged on Jacques Schnee. If Yang was transferred to a bigger, better case, then Blake had a chance - a small one - of escaping this mess with minimal collateral damage.
First, she affixed dangling gold earrings to her ears. Then she stepped back, smoothed her hands down her sides, and studied her reflection. The makeup had done its job masking her fatigue and the rest of her outfit had come together just how she wanted it - a small blessing considering her inner turmoil.
The elegant, navy-blue dress complemented gold jewelry that matched her eyes. The v-neckline was tasteful. As was the slit in the dress' side, offering maneuverability without sacrificing modesty. The last thing she wanted was to wear something that might be interpreted as an attempt to upstage Weiss or Ruby at their own wedding, but she couldn't pass up the opportunity to keep Yang's eyes on her.
She wanted Yang's eyes on her. She wanted Yang to look at her and, despite her deception, call her beautiful. Such surface beauty could be true, and could truly be her for the day.
One foot out the door, her phone rang. As soon as she saw the name on the screen - the name she'd avoided for the past few days - she sighed and answered.
"What do you want?"
"The Vanguard," Adam replied just as brusquely. "What's your status?"
"I can do it in five minutes. Four if I'm lucky. But that's just the combination -"
"Don't worry about the rest. We'll get you four minutes."
"Great." Blake rolled her eyes and shut the apartment door. "What's the target, Adam?"
"You'll see when we get there. Just be ready to go in the next few days. I'll message you when it's time."
"So just sit on pins and needles waiting for you to tell me when to jump?"
"If you want, but don't you have a wedding to go to? Word on the street is Jacque Schnee's daughter is getting married today, and I'm sure you got an invitation."
She could hear his smirk, so she hung up before any of her sharp rebukes slipped out. Today wasn't about him or the White Fang or Cinder's stupid job or the Vanguard 9000. Today was about Ruby and Weiss celebrating their unlikely yet enduring love.
Today was also about learning if her fledgling plan had a glimmer of hope, but she shoved that thought aside as she headed downstairs and waited on the sidewalk. The weather couldn't have chosen a better day to be perfect, as she tilted her gaze toward the warm sunshine while taking several deep breaths and exhaling as much agitation as possible. She wouldn't let Adam ruin her day. He had already ruined enough, and focusing on him would only distract her from the very real, very pressing issues that needed to be solved.
Those issues faded further to the back of her mind when a limousine turned onto her street, and her brow rose when the sleek vehicle stopped in front of her. Then the back door flew open, Yang hopped out, and she forgot how to breathe.
Yang looked radiant in a golden, knee-length dress that hung off of one shoulder. The fitted bodice flowed into a flaring skirt that swished around her toned legs and golden heels. Tasteful sequins scattered the neckline, drawing attention to an immaculate diamond necklace. Diamond earrings glittered like stars plucked from the night sky. And her prosthetic arm, far from looking out of place, added to the asymmetrical theme like an accessory rather than an outlier.
Rather than pause to accept Blake's stares, Yang dashed over and picked up Blake's hands. "Wow." Yang looked Blake over two more times and then beamed. "You look…incredible."
Blake was too busy ogling Yang to appreciate the hungry gleam in Yang's eyes or the delighted smile that seemed crafted just for her.
"Thanks. I…tried."
"You succeeded." Yang squeezed Blake's hands, spun her in a spontaneous twirl, then pulled her into a kiss that stole the rest of Blake's breath away. "Can't believe the hottest girl on the planet is my date. How lucky am I?"
Cheeks warming, Blake glanced away and caught sight of Yang's scar, fully visible on her bare shoulder. Yang, noticing the look, glanced down and then grinned.
"Gotta show it off, right?"
Blake wondered if she could ever see that scar without her heart clenching and her mind swimming with guilt, but she mustered a small smile while rubbing her thumb over the light pink mark.
"You look amazing," she told Yang, meaning the compliment with every fiber of her being. She traced her fingers from Yang's scar to Yang's ear, where she gently touched one of the diamond earrings. "Where'd these come from?"
"Weiss made me borrow them. She basically has an entire jewelry store's worth of this stuff."
"Ah." Jealousy pricked at Blake's chest, especially as she tested the weight of the precious gem with her fingertips. "So another woman is giving you diamonds that I could never afford…"
"I don't need diamonds. I only need you."
The sincere response convinced Blake to hum and release the earring, still noting how dashing Yang looked in the expensive jewelry. I could steal diamonds for you, Blake thought while Yang extended an arm toward the limousine. Would that be any different from Weiss loaning Yang diamonds purchased with illicitly earned money?
"Your chariot awaits, m'lady," Yang added, bowing her head. As soon as she straightened up, still grinning away, Blake planted a kiss on her lips before slipping into the back of the vehicle. Yang was right behind her, sliding onto the seat beside her so that they could hold hands as the driver navigated away from her apartment.
"The limo's a nice touch, right?" Yang asked as their adventure began.
"Did she send one to pick up all the guests?"
"Of course." Yang laughed at the incredible expense. "I made one joke about how Ruby's crew would all show up in squad cars, and this is what happens. But at least now everyone can drink as much as they want and get home safely."
"What's wrong with people arriving in squad cars?"
"It's all about control." Yang nuzzled her nose through Blake's hair before pulling back and adding, "You'll see."
Humming softly, Blake leaned into Yang's side and clenched her hands in her lap as they rode to the outskirts of Vale. Yang whispered compliments and jokes in her ear while gently playing with her hair, her hands, her dress - any bit of her that could be reached - but the comforting presence only kept a lid on her simmering nerves. That lid flew off as soon as a tall, wrought iron gate appeared outside the window, with an enormous mansion towering in the distance.
The limousine slowed down at the massive estate entrance, where four guards openly displaying rifles stopped the vehicle. They requested identification from the driver, then confirmed Blake and Yang's identity, then swept the entire limousine before motioning them through.
"Quite a place, huh?" Yang asked while Blake's gaze remained fixed on the palace that Jacques Schnee called home.
Her brow furrowed when their driver turned off of the main driveway, which had been blocked by two large, black SUVs and another host of armed guards. Their new route took them away from the home, towards the clifftop overlooking the sea. Several limousines had arrived ahead of them and were offloading their passengers in front of another security checkpoint erected in front of a strip of pristine grass decorated in white and silver sequins that fluttered in the breeze. Standing between them and that tranquil scene were more guards in black suits, sunglasses, and earpieces stationed at practically every corner.
"Welcoming…" Blake muttered as Yang guided her out of the limousine and toward the check-in.
"Weiss' dad insisted they have the wedding here," Yang whispered while they waited in the short line. "She was pissed."
Blake couldn't understand why Weiss would be angry - the estate was breathtaking.
At the same time Blake stood in awe, however, her heart fell. If Jacques' secret safe existed, she could search nonstop for a year before finding it on an estate this size. Not that she would have any chance to search when every inch not devoted to the wedding had been locked down tighter than most banks. It looked like enough guards had been hired to assign one to each guest, then there were security cameras hidden in the candelabras and enormous bouquets of flowers, and who knew what other security measures existed in the house itself.
Yang was right about control. The limousines were only a piece of the puzzle, restricting what vehicles entered the grounds.
If Blake couldn't search for the safe, she could never find it and slip that information to Yang. Yang wouldn't be pulled off of the White Fang case. And if Yang stayed on the White Fang case, Blake couldn't convince Adam that she was no threat to whatever he planned next. Blake couldn't assure him that parting ways was in their best interests, and that she could never tell Yang the truth without destroying her purpose for leaving.
Usually, such a setback was only something to get around, avoid, or negate. This one left her scrambling for alternatives as they approached a metal detector serving as the event's gateway. She only released Yang's hand so that she could walk through when prompted and frowned when the machine beeped.
"Stand here, Miss," one of the guards instructed before waving a security wand over her. It beeped at her hair, where she had used a bobby pin to keep some flyaways in place.
"You'll have to remove it, Miss."
"Seriously?" Yang asked as she stepped through the metal detector, setting it off herself. Blake touched Yang's elbow before removing the bobby pins, letting her hair fall across her shoulders as she dropped the pins into the container he offered. Yang, meanwhile, scowled when another guard gestured to her prosthetic arm.
"I'm not taking it off."
"Mr. Schnee ordered no weapons inside the venue."
"And bobby pins are weapons?" Yang replied, crossing her arms and scowling.
"In the right hands they are," Blake joked, gently taking Yang's hand in hers before turning to the man. "Surely you can make an exception. It's her arm, not a weapon. No one asked you to remove your hair for the day, did they?"
He frowned and ran a hand over his short, blonde crew cut. Before he responded, however, a young woman wearing a silver and blue dress, who looked strikingly similar to Weiss, swept over to them.
"She's fine," she told the man before gesturing Yang and Blake after her. Her authoritative tone left no room for argument, and the guard hardly glanced after them before focusing on the next guest.
"Can't believe them…" Yang muttered before shaking her head and smiling at their unexpected savior. "Thanks for the assist."
"You're welcome. Weiss worried they would forget her instructions."
The young woman clicked her tongue and glanced at the guards before studying Blake, her light blue eyes every bit as stern as Weiss'.
"Oh, this is Blake," Yang introduced them. "Blake, this is Weiss' sister, Winter."
"Nice to meet you."
Blake offered her hand to Winter, who shook it and dipped her chin.
"Nice to meet you, too." Blake noted the lack of recognition, or even customary 'I've heard so much about you.' Instead, Winter snuck a curious glance at Blake before gesturing at the venue in front of them. "The ceremony should begin soon. Yang, I was instructed to bring you to the other bridesmaids as soon as you arrived."
"Got it. I'll just show Blake to her seat real quick?"
Yang pointed to the pristine white chairs arranged in two groups separated by a silky white path. Winter nodded and nodded to Blake again before moving aside, clearly waiting but giving them privacy.
"Alright, let's see what we've got," Yang said, her hand finding Blake's as they entered the magical ceremony space.
The sweeping ocean views took Blake's breath away. As did the blue and white ribbons fluttering in the breeze, lending an ethereal atmosphere to the comfortable venue. Red and white roses were everywhere, with petals scattered along the ground and fluttering through the air on any sturdy breeze. Tall, ornate lanterns lined the silk aisle leading to an altar crafted from the most exquisite wood and roses.
"It's beautiful…" Blake mused, her gaze sweeping over the decorations before landing on a man she had never seen before yet immediately recognized. "Yang," she added in a quieter voice while Yang led her to the seats on the left side of the aisle. "How will this even work?"
"How will what work?"
"I mean, Jacques Schnee is right there." Blake subtly nodded to the impeccably dressed man surrounded by several burly, hired men. "You and Ruby work for the police. Doesn't it bother you to be here with him?"
"Of course it does." Yang frowned at Weiss' father before turning away and shrugging. "But I'm here to support my sister and Weiss. I can't do anything about him right now and he can't do anything about me."
Blake pursed her lips, imagining that Jacques Schnee could do something about Yang if he wanted. There might be plenty of cops and detectives here, but they were all unarmed - he made sure of it. Yet his guards openly carried enough weaponry to end a small war.
"Hey." Yang squeezed Blake's hand to regain her attention. "Sometimes, we have to put aside our differences. If I could prove he's done something wrong, I would arrest him. But I can't, so I'm just happy to be here celebrating with some of my favorite people in the world."
Yang smiled - one of those genuine smiles that melted straight through Blake's heart - so Blake smiled, too.
"I'll tell you though…" Yang added with a chuckle. "The Schnees are who the White Fang wish they could be."
Blake would have refuted that claim weeks ago, but today…her smile fell and she leaned against Yang's side as Yang motioned to the open seats.
"Pick your poison. I'll be standing right around…there." Yang pointed to a spot at the front of the seats. "So if you want the best view of me…"
"Then I'll sit over there." Blake nodded to an empty seat further from the aisle and smiled when Yang beamed at her.
"You're perfect." Yang kissed Blake one last time before backing away and gesturing over her shoulder. "I have to do bridesmaid things though. Will you be ok?"
"Of course."
"Awesome. I'll see you after they do this thing!"
Reminded of the event on the horizon, Yang beamed before rejoining Winter at the edge of the ceremony site. The two of them hurried off together, both looking gorgeous and in a hurry as a steady stream of guests arrived.
Since Blake didn't know anyone here outside of a few members of the department who looked vaguely familiar, she picked a chair for herself and absorbed the environment in more detail. Pretentious displays of wealth used to fuel her desire to change the world. She would recommit to her cause, seek out bigger targets, or silently vow that she would right the injustice.
Jacques Schnee's wealth, on the other hand, felt…different. He hadn't exploited flaws in the legal system, engaged in anticompetitive business practices, or campaigned against fair wages. He extorted, threatened, assaulted, kidnapped, and murdered his way to the top. He stole from anyone and used everyone who might serve as a stepping stone to more money or power.
Yang was right - this was what Adam wanted. Power, wealth, and control. Control that Jacques Schnee wielded with calm certainty as he watched guests arrive. Every person here was in his domain. Under his command.
No wonder Weiss wanted to have her wedding elsewhere. But even Weiss, who did and said whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted, hadn't escaped her father's grasp. That type of power was ironclad and, unlike the bank executives and board members who normally suffered in Blake's plans, terrifying.
Jacques Schnee was on an entirely different playing field. If he knew or even suspected what Blake's plans were upon arriving here today, he would probably have her shot and thrown off the cliff without a second thought.
Fingers curling into her dress, she focused on anything other than the imposing patriarch of the Schnee name. Thankfully, the guests were almost equally interesting, especially since distinguishing between Weiss and Ruby's invitees was remarkably simple.
Ruby's friends and family carried themselves like the everyman, talked louder, smiled brighter, and - at least amongst her department friends - cast frequent, suspicious glances at the security. Weiss' guests oozed wealth, power, and the desire to schmooze rather than celebrate. Fake laughter, fake smiles, and jealous gazes took in the generous displays of Schnee wealth. There was no intermingling, especially for members of the department, several of whom sat in front of Blake and put their heads together whispering among themselves.
As the seats quickly filled, her thoughts returned to her disastrous plan. Finding Jacques Schnee's safe was a pipe dream at the onset. She should have known better, but desperation made it impossible to strategize like she normally did.
Her next plan, unfortunately, was no less desperate: convincing Yang to leave the department. Retire. Find a new job. A less dangerous job. Maybe a private investigator? They made more money, set their own hours, and weren't as hamstrung by rules and regulations. Plus, Yang would be an incredible private investigator, just like she was an incredible detective.
Blake mulled over that potential future until a string quartet began to play. The guests, filling the rest of the seats by now, all turned to watch the first of the wedding party walk down the aisle.
Two young women from the department, wearing identical golden dresses and carrying white bouquets, linked arms with two young men in silver-and-blue tuxedos, one of whom shared Weiss' alabaster hair and light blue eyes. Yang walked with Winter, and she made sure to catch Blake's gaze and wink before making her way past.
They were followed by Ruby, who wore a gorgeous crimson dress and was escorted by an older gentleman with blonde hair - Blake's nerves spiked upon recognizing him as Yang and Ruby's father, who she would have to meet shortly. A burly man in a black suit, who looked more like a security detail than a guest, then escorted a woman who, based on her fair hair and stature, could only be Weiss' mother. Once all of the wedding party had settled into their positions, the string quartet strummed up the wedding march and Blake stood with the rest of the guests.
Weiss' dress was a stunning combination of white adorned with silver embroidery and tiny, sparkling diamonds laid out like snowflakes. A high neckline transitioned into sheer, long sleeves equally embellished with intricate beading. The flowing skirt was a blend of silk and tulle. Her veil had been lavished with more diamonds. Diamond earrings dangled from her ears. And around her neck rested one of the largest diamonds Blake had ever seen.
Ruby probably didn't even notice the blatant signs of incredible wealth. Her gaze locked onto Weiss' blue eyes and never strayed. Her smile rivaled the sun - bright, blinding, and bursting with energy. Weiss smiled, too, though that smile never left Ruby.
Blake bit her lip and glanced at Yang, whose own smile could have lit up the sky. Yang then whispered something to Ruby and nudged her shoulder, though Ruby probably needed no encouragement to close the gap between her and Weiss, taking Weiss' hands and leading her to the altar.
The rest of the ceremony was beautiful and, despite the attendees, went off without a hitch. The vows, in particular, brought tears to Blake's eyes. Ruby's elegant and poetic words contrasted with Weiss' straightforward, deeply sincere profession of love, but the impact was no less dampened in either case. Then they exchanged rings, they sealed their promises with a kiss, and they smiled at each other as if nothing in the universe could make them happier.
Blake's gaze drifted to Yang again, and Yang winked at her as the newlyweds walked down the aisle together. The rest of the wedding party followed, and then the guests were led to the nearby canopy that had been lavishly decorated for the occasion. A large dance floor. Immaculate round tables covered in fine linen. Sharply dressed waiters and waitresses prepared with food and drinks. Another band ready to play. Before Blake even wondered where to go, warm arms wrapped around her stomach and pulled her back into a hug.
"Hey you." Yang nibbled the bottom of Blake's ear before kissing her temple. "Ready to party?"
Blake swiveled around in Yang's arms and smiled up at her. "With you? Always."
"That's what I like to hear." Positively radiating joy, Yang took Blake's hand and led her over to one of the tables. As soon as Yang found Blake's name printed on a small paper card, she pulled out Blake's chair for her. "Food first," Yang said, sitting beside her and retaking her hand. "Weiss promised it'd be the best meal I've ever eaten."
"Usually, I'd call that an exaggeration, but…" Blake glanced around the reception. Yang chuckled.
"Yeah, she's probably right."
The rest of their table - Ruby's red-headed bridesmaids and their dates - showed up not long after. Yang made introductions and led the small talk until Ruby and Weiss returned in modified versions of their dresses that would hold up better for the 'party.'
Dinner arrived, and it was the best meal Blake had ever eaten. Next, Weiss' younger brother gave a profanity-laden speech that shocked everyone except Weiss, who, as evidenced by her grin, adored every word. After eating their fill of food and cake, the band strummed into action, ushering in a night of dancing and high spirits.
"Come on." Yang leaped to her feet and dragged Blake over to the newlyweds the instant the plates were cleared away. Ruby and Weiss hardly made it three steps away from their table before Yang crushed her sister in a hug.
"I can't believe my little sister is married!" Yang released Ruby and turned to Weiss. "And to you, of all people!"
Weiss barely got in an eyeroll before Yang pulled her into an equally big hug.
"Congratulations," Blake told Ruby, who beamed and reached for Weiss' hand as soon as the hug ended.
"Thanks. We finally did it!" Ruby beamed at Weiss, who smiled back as if this was truly the happiest day of her life. She didn't seem to notice or care that 'her' guests were busy congratulating her father rather than her. Yang noticed the circumstance shortly after Blake and groaned.
"Please tell me your dad's not working on 'business' deals right now…"
"Knowing him, probably."
"Let's go say 'hi' then!" Grinning, Ruby backed towards Jacques Schnee and waved Yang after her. "Come on, Yang. I'm his daughter-in-law now - he has to put up with me!"
Yang scoffed but, upon realizing that Ruby was serious, shrugged and glanced at Blake. "Stay here?" Once Blake nodded, Yang and Ruby rushed off to crash Jacques' party, leaving Blake standing alone with Weiss. Blake glanced at Weiss and cleared her throat when Weiss lingered rather than walk away.
"It doesn't bother you?" Blake asked, subtly nodding to Weiss' father.
"I just married the love of my life. He can shoot the minister for all I care."
Blake waited for Weiss to say that she was joking but, sensing her impressive indifference instead, nervously chuckled and changed the subject.
"The ceremony was beautiful." Blake gestured toward the cliffside. "And - everything, really. It's gorgeous."
"Thank you." Weiss dipped her chin before looking around and, eventually, sighing. "I would've married Ruby under a bridge, but it's nice that everything turned out."
Weiss' serene smile was so unlike her typical abrasive aura that Blake, rather than counting the seconds before Yang returned, actually turned towards her.
"Yang never told me how you two met. Was it at an event or…?"
"She tried to arrest me." When Blake's brow snapped up, Weiss' smile grew. "Can you believe it? Some rookie cop trying to arrest me for speeding. Well…and I might've given her a bit of attitude."
"You don't say…"
"There's just something about a beautiful woman putting you in handcuffs…" Weiss sighed. "I asked if we could discuss over dinner, but she said bribes were unbecoming for someone so pretty. I was hooked from then on."
"Did she actually arrest you?"
"Oh, she tried. Impounded my car and drove me to the station, where the chief of police profusely apologized for the inconvenience. I told her I'd let it go if their prettiest officer drove me home."
"So Yang drove you home and then what?"
Weiss barely suppressed a smile.
"Yang must have been out," she replied. "Ruby took me home and I invited her to dinner again. She said she would only go if I did something good, like donate money to charity."
"So you did?"
"I wrote the check right there, gave it to her to drop off, and told her when and where she could meet me."
When Blake laughed at the power move, Weiss joined in. Her adoring gaze soon found Ruby, who had moved on from badgering her father to laughing about something with Yang and some of the other guests.
"I wasn't a very great person when we met…" Weiss quietly admitted. "But she helped me figure out who I wanted to be. She saved me from a future I thought I couldn't escape. I owe her my life, and I'll spend every day trying to repay her for everything she's done for me."
Weiss smiled and clasped both hands over her heart. Blake tried not to stare, but the incredible transformation took her by surprise. If this is who Weiss truly was when stripped free of the haughtiness, when she let herself be vulnerable, then it was no wonder that Ruby loved her so much.
"I don't know what you've got going on, Blake," Weiss continued, tearing her gaze from Ruby and leveling Blake with a calm stare. "Everyone has their own story, and you don't have to tell me yours, but please promise me one thing." When Blake swallowed and waited, her palms suddenly clammy, Weiss took a deep breath and met her eyes. "Please take care of Yang. She loves you so much. She might literally kill someone if you asked her to."
Blake's heart cracked as she suddenly found it difficult to breathe.
"I promise," she got out before Weiss waited too long for an answer. And Weiss smiled - a bright, genuine smile that Blake hadn't known existed for anyone other than Ruby.
"Good." Weiss nodded once and then exhaled. "If I know anything, it's that having someone love you so much is worth more than all the money in the world."
It was worth everything. That was why Blake had to figure out a way to save it. To save all of this.
"They're lucky to have you looking out for them," she mustered, earning another smile.
"Now they have us looking out for them." Weiss looped an arm through Blake's and tugged her closer. "And I could use the help. You'd think two people who've experienced as much as they have would be more careful. Instead, they see the best in everyone. They're fools, really. But sweet fools."
"They are," Blake agreed, watching Yang and Ruby elbow each other, all giggles and gorgeous smiles. A lump of emotion lodged in Blake's throat, but she swallowed and held back tears. She nodded when Yang motioned that she would be a little longer, but Ruby bowed out of the conversation and raced back to them.
"Weiss!" Ruby swept Weiss into a hug, lifted her right off the ground, and twirled her around. "I mean, Wife," she corrected, setting Weiss down and kissing Weiss' cheek. "I just heard a rumor about a secret cake."
"A secret cake? At our wedding? We must find the culprit at once."
"And eat it!"
Ruby punched a fist in the air and Weiss brightened.
"I have a confession…" Weiss leaned closer to Ruby and lowered her voice. "There might be three secret cakes hidden around here." Ruby's eyes went wide while Weiss smiled and brushed her fingers through Ruby's short, dark hair. "Think you can find them?"
"Oh, I know I can. I can eat them, too!"
Bouncing with energy now, Ruby glanced around before finding some of her coworkers and whistling for their attention. She then held up three fingers and made a firm hand motion. The group immediately set down their plates and set off.
"SWAT dorks…" Weiss muttered under her breath as they fanned out amongst the crowd. Ruby, rather than follow, beamed at Blake.
"You and Yang are next, right?"
"Ruby…" Weiss gently scolded her, but she innocently raised her free hand.
"I want to start working on my speech now! And if they get married soon, maybe I can reuse this dress."
Ruby held out her arm and looked down at her crimson dress, sparkling as it did under the canopy lights. Weiss, meanwhile, squeezed her hand and said, "Aren't there some cakes you need to find?"
"Right! They're around here somewhere, I can feel it."
After planting a parting kiss on Weiss' cheek, Ruby dashed off, leaving Weiss smiling after her.
"One track mind, that one."
"I'd say two tracks," Blake replied. "Cake and you."
"I like the sound of that…" Weiss hummed. Ruby ducked under one of the serving tables and her joyful squeal was free for all to hear. As soon as she popped up and hastily waved Weiss over, Weiss laughed. "Looks like they found one." Before leaving, Weiss turned to Blake and said, "Please don't feel like you have to rush. Ruby's just excited to have 'another sister.' And I suppose that would make us sisters-in-law."
Weiss smiled and squeezed Blake's elbow before hastening over to Ruby. Blake's heart broke into tiny pieces watching Ruby celebrate the hidden cake, which she evidently insisted on trying right then and there. Weiss beamed all the while, looking carefree and happy.
Despite their differences, they loved each other fiercely. Blake couldn't even imagine what obstacles they had overcome to reach this point. What compromises and sacrifices had been made. They were proof that love could conquer mountains, but could love conquer the mess Blake found herself in?
Yang said that Weiss wasn't even a criminal. Her family might be implicated in many crimes, but she herself could be a model citizen.
Blake wasn't a model citizen.
She stiffened when a pair of arms wrapped around her from behind but relaxed when Yang's familiar presence enveloped her.
"Hey." Yang kissed Blake's cheek while Blake melted into her. "How'd it go with Weiss?"
"Pretty well, actually." Blake's hands settled over Yang's as she tried to soak up every ounce of comfort. "This whole thing though…it's incredible."
"Isn't it? It's even better when you realize Weiss was one speeding ticket away from becoming a full-fledged villain." Blake hummed while Yang's nose brushed through her hair. "Just imagine…" Yang added. "Weiss could be running her dad's business. And if she was, she and Ruby couldn't be together. I mean, how could Ruby marry a criminal?"
Yang chuckled, but Blake didn't respond. She couldn't respond when her throat tightened to the point that it strangled words. She didn't want to be a criminal - she just wanted to help people. She thought - she used to think - that taking matters into her hands was the only way. Adam told her - he said they were going to make a difference.
"Ready to meet my dad?"
Blake bit her lip but nodded. What other option did she have? She couldn't tell Yang that her mind was too frayed to take more emotional hits or that she was a few loving comments away from bursting into tears. Yang interpreted the hesitation as typical 'meeting the parents' nerves, so kissed Blake's cheek and beamed.
"He'll love you, promise."
Blake almost didn't want him to, but she followed Yang across the dance floor and to the open bar. There, the man who had escorted Ruby down the aisle spoke to the bartender, exchanging what looked like pleasant conversation over a glass of sparkling water.
"Dad." Yang motioned to the bartender, who slipped out of the conversation, before tugging her dad's sleeve. "This is my girlfriend, Blake."
Blake's heart jumped at the term, at the proud way Yang puffed up her chest and grinned, and at the warm blue gaze that locked onto her. Yang's dad had short blonde hair, a muscular build, and rugged features, but his smile revealed kindness and enthusiasm that Blake knew all too well.
"Blake." He smiled and warmly shook Blake's hand. "It's nice to finally meet you. Yang hardly stops talking about you."
"Ok, Dad…" Yang said, chuckling when Blake glanced at her.
"No, it's true. Every time I get her on the phone - which isn't often, mind you - it's always 'Blake this' and 'Blake that.' Reminds me of when Ruby started dating Weiss."
Yang scrunched up her nose and ran a hand through her hair, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink. Her lack of denial raised the temperature on Blake's cheeks as well, but Blake focused on being polite.
"It's nice to meet you too, Mr. Xiao Long -"
"Please call me Tai," he interrupted, waving away the formality. "'Mr. Xiao Long' makes me feel old."
"You are old," Yang teased, earning a shush and laugh from her father.
"Right. Tai. I can do that."
The name felt strange in Blake's mouth, but he set down his drink, stood up, and crossed his arms over his chest. Rather than intimidating, the posture suggested that he was ready to hear her out, but that she better answer honestly - an abrupt reminder that he used to be an officer himself.
"Yang said you work in accounting?" he began as the back of Blake's neck prickled.
"I do. It's not very interesting, but it pays the bills."
"Honest pay for honest work. Can't ask for more than that."
The comment hit her heart like an asteroid, knocking her off balance and making her seek Yang's gaze for support.
"It means she's super smart and great at math," Yang jumped in. "But she can also kick my ass on the mat, which is even hotter."
Blake's cheeks fully flamed when Yang chuckled and Tai studied her. That particular skill set might be unusual for someone in her feigned profession, but she at least had a good, honest explanation for it. Fortunately, Tai seemed more impressed than suspicious about the lifestyle mismatch.
"I don't get to catch criminals though," she pointed out. "Unless you consider finding transposed numbers the same as catching criminals."
"Yang's always wanted to be a detective. Her first words might as well have been, 'I want to be a detective like Mom.'" Tai patted Yang's shoulder and beamed at her. "You would steal her badge when she got home and wear it around. Poor Ruby was arrested so many times."
He chuckled at the memory while Blake's heart crumbled.
"Then Ruby got old enough to complain. Guess who had to be the bad guy then?"
When he pointed to his chest, Yang patted his back.
"Dad's guilty of a lot of crimes. Burglary, criminal mischief, grand larceny - the works."
"Never served a day in jail though!" he proclaimed.
"Only because Mom was a lenient judge…" Yang grumbled. Blake half-smiled at the adorable pout. Tai beamed at his daughter before motioning Blake closer as if to impart a secret.
"This one asked for a gun for her sixth birthday. When we told her 'no,' she cried so much -"
"Dad!" Yang yelped as Blake bit back a smile. "Ok," she added, grabbing Blake's hand and tugging her away. "We're going to go dance now. You can just…stay here."
His blue eyes sparkled as he laughed, and Blake waved before following Yang to the dance floor.
"He's so embarrassing…" Yang lamented as they joined the guests already dancing.
"He's sweet though." Blake glanced at Tai one last time before focusing on Yang. "Reminds me of someone I know."
"Ruby, right? She's just like him."
"Sure…but also you."
Blake smiled when Yang pursed her lips and scrunched up her nose, but she couldn't revel in the new stories like she wanted to. Her thoughts had already raced forward, digesting Tai's words and coming to a heartbreaking conclusion.
Yang loved her job. She had been practically born to do it. Asking her to leave would be asking her to change everything about herself. Even if she would do it - if she loved Blake that much, like Weiss suggested - Blake could never ask her to do such a thing. Giving up on a dream like that…especially a worthwhile dream that actually benefited others…would be the real crime.
When Yang's strong, capable hands settled on Blake's hips, Blake forced her body to follow Yang's lead. Moving to the music, falling closer, soaking up Yang's presence like an insatiable sponge.
"You're a good dancer," Yang said before long, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled.
"You're not so bad yourself."
That was a lie - Yang was an incredible dancer, and Blake was only halfway decent because she could copy Yang's motions. She might prove better if her mind wasn't fraught with despair.
She needed a new plan, but what? How could she navigate out of this without destroying something?
Song after song passed while she desperately searched for an answer. Each dead-end left her more hopeless than the last, and the growing pit in her stomach threatened to swallow her whole. All the while, she forced a smile for Yang as if nothing was wrong. As if dancing together was everything she wanted.
It was everything she wanted. By the time the slow songs rolled around, she was more certain of that than anything. When she wrapped her arms around Yang's neck and Yang leaned into her, sharing their own intimate space amongst a sea of strangers, she knew that this could be her entire world.
"What do you think?" Yang glanced at the band, the fairy lights, the other couples dancing, before smiling at Blake. "Want to do this someday?"
"I've…never really thought about it."
"Me neither. Until recently."
Yang drew Blake into her intent gaze and adoring smile, stealing Blake's breath away. On subsequent beats, Blake's heart fluttered, clenched, and then dropped through her stomach when she realized that Yang was serious. Yang wanted to marry her. Yang loved her enough to consider forever and always.
An invisible fist wrapped around her throat and squeezed. Her skin prickled as a sweat broke out and adrenaline spiked her pulse.
That future couldn't happen. Even if she somehow left the White Fang, what sort of life could they have if she kept that secret forever? The guilt would drive her mad. The truth would crush Yang, but the longer she waited…the longer she let this go on…the worse it would be.
Please take care of Yang.
She couldn't go back in time and stop this from happening, but she could stop the hurt here. Before Yang asked her a question that she would say yes to. Before they started planning a future that might destroy them both.
"Yang…" Her voice sounded strangled and her eyes burned with tears, but she forced herself to meet Yang's gaze. "I love you."
"I love you too," Yang replied, squeezing her hands and smiling.
"No, I really, really love you. Everything about you. And I…" She wanted that future. She wanted it so bad that she would have sawed off her own leg to have it. "This wasn't supposed to happen…" she whispered to the floor, her vision swimming with tears.
"Hey…" Yang stopped dancing and hugged Blake. "It's alright. Everyone gets emotional at weddings."
"No, I mean this."
Blake pulled away from that loving embrace and gestured between them. Yang, perfect and stunning in that gold dress, and her, an imposter who didn't deserve to be in Yang's life.
She could ask Yang to leave. She could ask Yang to run away with her. They didn't need to be in Vale. They could be happy anywhere as long as they were together. But Yang's whole life was here. Her family was here. Even now, Ruby was casting curious glances their way while dancing with Weiss.
"I can't do this anymore…" Blake whispered, her heart finally breaking under the pressure. As soon as she spun around, however, Yang grabbed her hand.
"Woah, woah, slow down. What's going on?"
Blake could hardly breathe let alone deal with the concern in Yang's eyes. Yang cared too much. Blake shouldn't have let her care so much.
"I can't do this anymore," she repeated, weakly gesturing between them so that Yang would understand. "This. Us. You just…you don't deserve this."
"What? But - did I do something?"
"No. No, you didn't. You're perfect and I love you so much."
"Then what's the problem -?"
"I'm the problem," she cried out, pulling her arm free of Yang's. More people were watching now, and she didn't want to cause a bigger scene than she already was. "I'm sorry," she whispered as her tears began to fall. "I'm so sorry. You didn't deserve this."
"Wait. Blake!"
She didn't wait. She ran out of the tent as fast as her feet would carry her. Just outside, she paused only to ditch her heels so that she could run faster. She raced past the site where the ceremony had been held, then back through security to the line of limousines waiting to take guests home. She found their driver from earlier that day and motioned to the car. Thankfully, he responded to her urgency and hurried to the driver's side door.
"Miss?"
"Just get me out of here, please."
He stepped on the gas as soon as she dove into the backseat. She looked back as the vehicle sped away, saw Yang jogging out onto the drive, and buried her face in her hands.
She could see that future with Yang. Getting married. Living together. Maybe even kids. Happily ever after.
All of it shrouded in lies.