Tomorrow

Ruby stirred as the faint golden light of morning filtered through the curtains, warming her face. With a small groan, she blinked her sleepy silver eyes open, rubbing the lingering drowsiness away.

She yawned, stretching her arms above her head—only to be abruptly yanked back down onto the bed.

A strong yet familiar arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her into a firm embrace.

"Ruby~..." Yang's sleepy voice drawled beside her. "Don't leave yet~ I wanna cuddle you more...!"

Ruby let out a muffled noise as she was smushed against her sister's side, her cheek squishing against Yang's shoulder.

"Y-Yang...!" she protested, her voice coming out groggy but exasperated. "I'm not a baby anymore...!"

Yang let out a lazy chuckle, tightening her hold. "Nooo... but you're still my baby sister."

Ruby groaned, weakly pushing at her sister's arm. "Yang, come on! I have to get up!"

"Nope." Yang buried her face into Ruby's messy bedhead, inhaling dramatically. "Mmm. Smells like sleepy little sister."

"Gross! Don't sniff me!" Ruby whined, trying to wriggle free.

Yang snorted. "Too bad. It's cuddle tax."

Ruby sighed, her struggling fading slightly. She could still feel the exhaustion from yesterday weighing on her. The stress, the emotions, the confrontation with Qrow—it all made her feel like she had run a marathon.

And, well... Yang was warm.

"Fine," she mumbled, resting her head back against the pillow. "But only for five more minutes."

Yang hummed, patting Ruby's head like she used to when they were kids. "Five minutes? Ha. You say that now, but I bet we'll still be here in an hour."

Ruby let out a tiny laugh, closing her eyes for just a little longer.

Maybe... maybe five more minutes wouldn't be so bad.

Eventually, the warmth of the bed could no longer keep Ruby and Yang trapped. With a few groggy stretches and reluctant groans, the sisters finally rolled out of bed and got ready for the day.

They had work to do. After all, they were soldiers now—whether they liked it or not.

As Team RWBY descended the stairs, rubbing the last traces of sleep from their eyes, they were greeted by an amusing sight.

Rinko was still sprawled across the couch, fast asleep, his face buried in the pages of Ninja of Love, Volume 11.

Yang and Blake exchanged knowing glances before letting out quiet chuckles.

Ruby shook her head with an amused smile, while Weiss simply groaned, crossing her arms. "Tch. He's lucky he isn't part of the conscription."

"Jealous?" Yang teased, grinning.

Weiss shot her a glare but didn't bother responding. Instead, she sighed and shook her head, rubbing her temple.

The team chuckled at Weiss's signature early-morning grumpiness before moving on with their preparations.

They took turns freshening up—quick showers, tying up their hair, stretching out their limbs. Breakfast was light but enough to keep them going.

As they secured their weapons and checked their gear, Yang stole another glance at Rinko.

He had been through so much. Even now, with the quiet rise and fall of his chest, he still looked... exhausted.

She sighed softly.

He deserved this rest.

Careful not to wake him, Yang plucked the book from his face, brushing a few strands of his silver-white hair away. Leaning down, she pressed a soft kiss to his forehead before placing the book back exactly where it was.

A small smirk tugged at her lips. "Sleep tight, snowflake." she whispered

Once Team RWBY was ready, they gathered by the front door.

Selene, always one step ahead, was waiting for them with their lunch meals carefully packed.

"Take care, everyone," she said, gently smiling as she handed each of them a meal.

Weiss, despite her usually reserved nature, nodded gratefully, but she didn't say a word. It's been some time since that talk they had at the docks; she and Selene didn't talk much after that.

What's there to talk about? Selene did what she had to do while Weiss pushed the negative thoughts away. Rinko had already given her the closure she needed; there was no need to keep the hate.

But deep down, Weiss' grudge against Selene is buried, but that doesn't mean it isn't there.

With that, Team RWBY stepped outside. The cold Argus air nipped at their skin, but it wasn't just the chill that made them pause.

Standing at the bottom of the steps, waiting for them, was Qrow.

"Uncle Qrow..." Yang muttered.

Ruby's gaze hardened slightly, but there was no anger in it—just weariness.

"Ruby, I wanna—"

"Not now, Uncle Qrow," Ruby cut him off. Her tone wasn't harsh, but it left no room for argument. "We're running late."

Qrow's expression faltered, but he nodded slowly. "Right... gotcha."

As the team walked past him, Yang lingered for just a moment. She reached out, giving Qrow's shoulder a firm squeeze.

"Don't worry, Uncle Qrow," she said softly. "She'll come around."

Qrow looked at her, then gave a small, grateful smile.

"Thanks, firecracker."

With that, Team RWBY entered Terra's car—Terra's driving them to their work—leaving Qrow standing alone on the front steps.

He let out a breath, watching as they disappeared into the city.

A Few Hours Later, Team RWBY

The air atop the Argus city wall was crisp and cold, the salty breeze from the ocean carrying the distant hum of the city below. Beyond the walls, people moved in and out of the gates—merchants, travelers, and weary citizens seeking passage.

The distant outline of the train station, the docks, and the surrounding hills stretched far beyond the horizon, a stark contrast to the tension simmering beneath the surface.

After receiving their assignments at the Atlas base, Team RWBY had been stationed alongside the Argus guards, tasked with overseeing the front wall and maintaining order at the city's entrance.

Meanwhile, Team JNPR had been sent to assist with the withdrawal of equipment from the base, ensuring that supplies were properly distributed as Atlas continued to solidify its control.

"Ahh, yes! Team RWBY is back in business!" Ruby cheered, her voice laced with excitement. She stood with her hands on her hips, her silver eyes scanning the bustling streets below. "And this time, we're actually together. No crazy separations, no splitting up—just us, side by side!"

Yang chuckled, leaning against the stone barrier of the wall. "Yeah, let's just hope it stays that way." She smirked and flexed her robotic fingers. "I dunno about you guys, but I could use a little action. Standing around is kinda boring."

Blake adjusted her bow, arms crossed as she surveyed the area. "I wouldn't complain if things stayed quiet for once," she murmured. "After everything we've been through, times like this don't sound so bad."

Weiss let out a small sigh, shaking her head. "I'd prefer something more productive than standing watch." She glanced toward the stationed Argus guards. "Atlas has already tightened security around the city. I doubt we'll be seeing anything more than disgruntled civilians and traders."

"Well," Yang piped up, stretching her arms behind her head, "our shift is almost over, and when the next group takes over in a few minutes, we should totally grab some lunch together!" She leaned over the stone railing and pointed down at the street below. "There's this restaurant I saw earlier—looked cozy, not too fancy, and I bet they have amazing burgers."

Ruby perked up instantly. "Ooh, food? I'm in!" She clapped her hands together. "A proper meal sounds so much better than rations from the base."

Blake hummed thoughtfully, her gaze still scanning the streets. "That does sound nice," she admitted.

Weiss crossed her arms but didn't seem opposed to the idea. "Well, I suppose we are due for a proper meal," she conceded. "And spending some time together outside of missions wouldn't be the worst thing in the world."

Yang grinned. "That's the spirit, Ice Queen!"

Weiss rolled her eyes. "Call me that again, and you're paying for my meal."

"Pfft. Worth it."

Ruby giggled before shifting her gaze toward the street below. "Besides," she said, her voice softening, "after everything that's happened... I think we need this. Just us. Together."

Her team exchanged glances, and for a moment, the weight of the past few weeks settled over them. The battles, the losses, the choices they had to make—everything that led them here.

Yang smiled and slung an arm around Ruby's shoulder. "Then it's settled! Once our shift's up, we eat."

Blake nodded. "Agreed."

Weiss let out a small chuckle. "Fine. But if the food is terrible, I'm blaming you, Yang."

"I can live with that," Yang said, flashing a thumbs-up.

As their shift neared its end, Team RWBY looked forward to the brief moment of peace ahead of them—one where they could be more than just soldiers or Huntresses. Just four friends, sharing a meal, and reminding themselves why they fought in the first place.

After they finished their lunch and paid for their food, they stepped out of the restaurant, the midday sun casting a warm glow over the bustling streets of Argus.

Ruby stretched her arms above her head, letting out a satisfied groan. "Ugh, I'm stuffed!"

"Same," Blake admitted, patting her stomach. "Though, their fish was better than anything I've had in a long time."

"That's because Argus is a port city," Weiss said, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Their seafood is bound to be fresh."

Yang smirked, placing her hands on her hips. "Well, we just found ourselves an underrated gem! Good food, decent prices, no stuck-up Atlas elites—what's not to love?"

Ruby let out a happy sigh. "Yeah, it was nice."

The team lingered outside for a moment, basking in the rare, quiet moment of normalcy.

"So... what's next?" Yang asked, rocking back on her heels. "Since our task was so simple, we practically have the entire day free."

Ruby tapped a finger against her chin in thought. "Mmm... I wanna get myself a ride."

Yang's eyes lit up. "Oh? Finally realizing the magic of bikes?"

Ruby chuckled. "Not exactly. I was thinking more of a scooter or something simple."

Weiss arched a brow. "A scooter?"

"Yeah! Think about it," Ruby said, growing more animated. "We keep relying on Terra to drive us places, but she's got enough on her plate already. And you—" she pointed at Yang, "—have Bumblebee, which means Blake can ride with you. But Weiss and I? We've got nothing."

Blake nodded in understanding. "That's true. It would be good to have our own way of getting around."

"See? Blake gets it!" Ruby grinned. "I don't need anything crazy. Just something practical, affordable, and easy to maneuver."

Yang threw an arm over Ruby's shoulder. "Sis, you have no idea how much I love hearing you talk about buying your own wheels. I'm so proud." She wiped a fake tear from her eye.

Ruby rolled her eyes with a chuckle. "It's just a scooter, Yang. It's not like I'm trying to become a motorcycle badass like you."

"Give it time," Yang said with a smirk.

Weiss sighed but relented. "Fine. If it means getting around without relying on others, I suppose it's a reasonable investment."

"Awesome!" Ruby clapped her hands together. "Then let's go find a shop!"

Yang grinned. "Well, lucky for you, I saw a dealership on our way here. Let's get you your very own set of wheels, sis!"

With their destination set, Team RWBY set off through the streets of Argus, eager for a small, well-earned distraction from their military duties.

After a short walk through the streets of Argus, Team RWBY arrived at a small vehicle dealership nestled between two larger buildings. The front lot was lined with all sorts of bikes, scooters, and other compact transports, ranging from sleek, modern designs to bulkier, more rugged models.

Ruby's silver eyes sparkled with excitement as she rushed forward, scanning the selection eagerly. "Oh man, there are so many!" she gushed, practically bouncing on her heels.

Yang chuckled, crossing her arms. "Alright, Ruby, what's catching your eye?"

Ruby zipped from one bike to the next, inspecting each with a critical gaze. Some were too big, others too expensive, and a few just didn't feel right. Then, finally, she spotted it.

A sleek red-and-black scooter sat near the back, its compact frame and aerodynamic design catching her attention immediately. It wasn't flashy, but it was perfect.

She turned back to the others, grinning. "This one! I like this one!"

Weiss stepped forward and examined it herself, nodding approvingly. "Not bad. It looks sturdy, lightweight, and efficient."

"More importantly," Blake added, glancing at the price tag, "it's affordable."

Ruby beamed, rubbing her hands together. "Alright, let's see how much I—" She reached into her pocket, then froze.

Weiss noticed immediately. "What?"

Ruby let out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of her head. "So... funny story—I, uh... I don't actually have enough on me right now."

Yang groaned. "Ruby..."

Weiss sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You dragged us all the way here and didn't even check if you could afford it?"

Ruby pouted. "I thought I had enough!"

Weiss shook her head before pulling out her card. "Forget it. I'll cover it."

Ruby blinked. "Wait, what?"

Weiss exhaled, rolling her eyes. "Consider it an investment in efficiency. If it keeps us from having to rely on others for transport, it's worth it."

"You mean you're just spoiling her," Yang teased with a smirk.

"Hardly," Weiss countered. "This is practical."

Blake chuckled. "Sure it is."

Ruby's face lit up, and she practically tackled Weiss into a hug. "Thankyouthankyouthankyou!"

Weiss grunted as she patted Ruby's back. "Yes, yes, you're welcome—just let go already."

After sorting out the purchase, Ruby now stood proudly beside her new scooter, running a hand along the handlebars with a gleeful smile.

Yang clapped a hand on her shoulder. "You're officially a biker now, Rubes. Well... a scooter rider, but hey, baby steps."

Ruby stuck her tongue out. "I don't need to go fast—I just need to get around!"

Weiss crossed her arms. "Well? Let's see if you can actually ride it before you celebrate."

Ruby scoffed. "Pfft, how hard could it be?"

After a quick rundown from the shopkeeper, she hopped on and started the engine. With a small rev, she eased the scooter forward, wobbling only slightly before adjusting her balance.

"Hey, this isn't so bad!" she called back, confidence growing.

"Just don't crash it before we even leave the lot," Blake said dryly.

"I won't—whoa!" Ruby yelped as she accidentally twisted the throttle too hard, shooting forward a little faster than expected before slamming the brakes. She stopped just short of running into a parked bike, letting out a breath of relief.

Yang snickered. "Smooth."

Ruby coughed, sitting up straight. "Okay, now I got it."

With that, Team RWBY made their way out of the dealership, Ruby riding her new scooter alongside them. As they navigated through the streets of Argus, Ruby couldn't stop smiling.

For the first time in a while, things felt... normal.

As Team RWBY cruised through the streets of Argus, the afternoon sun cast a golden hue over the city, its warm light reflecting off the rooftops and cobblestone roads. The wind brushed against their faces as they weaved through the streets, the hum of their engines blending into the distant bustle of the city.

Ruby grinned, gripping the handlebars of her new scooter tightly. "This is awesome! I never knew riding a bike felt so fulfilling!"

Yang, riding her beloved Bumblebee beside her, chuckled. "Told ya, Rubes! There's nothing like the open road!"

Behind Ruby, Weiss held onto the back of the scooter, her grip firm but not desperate. "Just make sure you don't crash, or I will personally make sure you regret it."

Ruby pouted. "Weiss, have some faith in me!"

"I do. That's why I'm warning you in advance," Weiss countered.

Blake, seated behind Yang on Bumblebee, smirked. "At least she's not that reckless. Not yet, anyway."

Ruby playfully stuck her tongue out before focusing back on the road. "I'll have you all know I am a very responsible driver!"

Just as she said that, she misjudged a small bump in the road, causing the scooter to jolt slightly. Weiss let out an undignified eep as she tightened her grip, while Yang burst out laughing.

"Very responsible, huh?" Yang teased.

Ruby huffed, cheeks puffed out. "That was a test bump. I totally meant to do that!"

Weiss sighed. Her gaze fell on her rapier beside her waist before turning to Ruby. "You are so lucky I'm not holding Myrtenaster right now."

Despite the lighthearted teasing, the ride was peaceful. The streets of Argus weren't too crowded, and people gave them curious glances as they passed by—likely because it wasn't every day that conscripts zipped through the roads on motorcycles and scooters.

Eventually, they reached a more open part of the city, a scenic route along the coast where the ocean stretched endlessly into the horizon. The salty sea breeze mixed with the crisp air, added to the peacefulness of the moment.

Ruby slowed her scooter, taking in the breathtaking view. "Wow..." she murmured.

"It's beautiful," Blake agreed, her voice soft.

Yang nodded. "You don't get sights like this in Vale or Atlas."

Weiss, still recovering from her near-scare, exhaled and looked toward the sea. "Argus may have its problems, but... it does have its charm."

For a few minutes, they simply took in the view, letting the moment sink in. For all the battles they had fought, the hardships they had endured, moments like these reminded them why they kept going.

Finally, Ruby grinned. "Alright, enough sightseeing! Let's see what this baby can really do!"

"Ruby, no—" Weiss started, but it was too late. Ruby twisted the throttle, accelerating forward with a giddy laugh.

Yang whooped, revving Bumblebee to keep up. "Oh, now you're speaking my language!"

Blake sighed but smirked nonetheless. "Well, this should be interesting."

Weiss groaned, holding on tighter. "I swear if we crash, I'm billing you for the hospital fee!"

And with that, Team RWBY sped off into the city, laughter and excitement filling the air as they embraced the fleeting moment of normalcy.

[End]