The doctor issued Blake a clean bill of health and affirmed the paramedics' instructions to ice, take pain relievers, and speak as little as possible. He also removed several years from Yang's life by pointing out that she was lucky her trachea hadn't been crushed or that the veins leading to her jugular hadn't ruptured and killed her. As much as Blake tried to console Yang - quietly, since her throat ached more by the minute - Yang's jaw remained stubbornly clenched for the drive to the department.
'Stressed' wasn't nearly good enough to describe Yang right now, and that was before the other officers, guests, and anyone else in the station started staring at Blake's neck.
Blake hadn't seen herself in the mirror yet, but she could feel the bruising underway. Based on the raised brows and stunned expressions, the painful, heat-scorched marks must look horrendous. When she stared at the floor to avoid the stares, however, Yang's cool, metal hand wrapped tightly around hers. She then looked up at Yang, who kept her gaze trained ahead, before ducking her head and letting a little smile slip onto her lips.
They first stopped at a room filled with hi-tech equipment. The overhead lights clicked on after Yang scanned her badge, and then she guided Blake to one of the workbenches. There, she fished the small, black tracker from her pocket, dumped it onto the counter, then found a clear plastic bag and a permanent marker to write with. She opened the bag with her teeth and her free hand, popped the cap off of the pen using her thumb, then jotted notes onto the bag.
"You are good with one hand," Blake quietly joked. Finally, Yang cracked a smile and even chuckled a little as she scooped the tracker into the bag and sealed it shut.
"Leaving this for the nerds to look at," she explained, dropping the bag into a box holding similar items. "Maybe they can figure out where it's transmitting to. Or how to turn it off, or where someone bought it - that sort of thing."
Blake cast the small device another glance before following Yang into the hall. They took several twists and turns before reaching Chief Fowler's office. The office lights were off, so Yang clicked her tongue and continued her search. It wasn't until they returned to the front of the station that they found the Chief of Police standing in the bullpen, speaking to a patrol officer. The woman's stiff posture forced a frown onto Blake's lips, but that frown disappeared when Yang released her hand.
"I'll be right back." Yang paused when Blake subconsciously reached for her and quickly clasped Blake's hand between hers. "I'll be right over there," she explained, nodding in Chief Fowler's direction. "I just need to brief her."
Yang waited for Blake's reluctant nod before hurrying to the other side of the room. She caught Chief Fowler's attention and, once the other officer ducked away, launched into a serious conversation. She gestured Blake's way before crossing her arms tightly over her chest, mouth set in a frown. Fortunately, Chief Fowler listened intently, asked several questions, and then nodded. Yang's brow was still too furrowed and her arms clenched too tightly for it to be good news, so Blake stiffened when both women headed her way.
"Chaos follows you around, doesn't it?" Chief Fowler remarked while passing by. "But you're in good hands with Officer Xiao Long."
A flippant wave prompted Blake's immediate scowl. Even Yang frowned at the woman's back before her expression softened.
"How do you feel?"
"Ok -" Blake's voice cracked, so she gently cleared her throat and winced. "Sore," she admitted softly. Yang bobbed her head then glanced off to the side and took Blake's hand to guide her to one of the desk chairs.
"Listen, I just talked to the Chief, and…" Yang briefly closed her eyes before meeting Blake's gaze head-on. "We're putting you back in protection and getting you the hell out of Vale." When Blake opened her mouth to argue, Yang shook her head. "He knows you're here. It's too dangerous."
"I'm not leaving," Blake said, struggling to raise her voice above a hoarse whisper. "I shouldn't have left the first time. I want a life here. I want to prove to you that what we had was real - I can't do that if I'm stuck on the other side of Remnant."
"He just sent someone to kill you, Blake."
"They weren't trying to kill me." Blake hadn't realized that truth until it slipped through her lips, but it settled over her like a heavy weight. "They were trying to kidnap me," she whispered as the truth locked in place.
"Great. Kidnap you so that they can kill you - that's not better."
"No, Yang -" Blake tried to shake her head but winced again. "Yang, he tried to kidnap me. He wants me here. He needs me." She paused, a chill seeping down her spine when the answer revealed itself. "That's why Emerald said Shroud needs to come back…"
Yang stared, her brow deeply furrowed, until realization dawned in her eyes.
"He doesn't have anyone for the safe."
When Blake tilted her chin down, Yang gaped at her in a mixture of disbelief and horror.
"So he's - he's going to kidnap you and make you open it?" Yang ran her hands through her hair before abruptly freezing. Both hands slowly returned to her sides, and then stunned lilac eyes blinked. "Holy shit. This was all a trap. Making the police bring you back. Figuring out where you are. And we walked right into it."
The pieces had finally fallen into place, but Blake found no comfort in solving the mystery. Yang didn't either, as she paced in front of Blake before scoffing and spinning towards her.
"Well, you're really leaving now."
"I'm not leaving."
"You don't get a choice, Blake." When Blake frowned, Yang glanced at her neck. "I'm in charge of your protection. It's my decision."
Distress shone through Yang's eyes and tense posture, so Blake slouched her shoulders and dropped her head. "I understand," she whispered, but then looked up and reached out to touch Yang's elbow. "But I'm telling you I don't want to leave."
Yang's eyes flitted between Blake's, reading Blake's unspoken pleas and promises, but a sigh slipped through her lips.
"You're safe now," she muttered more to herself than to Blake. "But we need to figure out what to do. We can't keep dangling you in harm's way."
Blake would willingly accept that temporary decision, but Yang sighed and dragged over another chair to sit down. When Yang hunched forward and buried her face in her hands, Blake wanted to hug her, kiss her, or console her in whatever way she needed. In the middle of the department, however, the only thing she felt comfortable doing was setting a hand on Yang's shoulder.
She was far more concerned about Yang than herself. She might be looking over her shoulder until this situation was resolved, and have plenty of nightmares, but her neck would eventually heal and the incident would fade. Yang, however, was already blaming herself.
"Yang," Blake whispered when Yang hadn't moved for several long minutes. Yang grunted and finally looked up, but her eyes instantly locked onto Blake's neck and her lips set in a grim line. "Please don't blame yourself," Blake tried, but Yang was already shaking her head and standing up. Blake reached after her, brushing a hand across Yang's fingers before the pacing resumed.
"We need to figure out where they are, or who they're targeting, and get there first." Yang nodded to herself, but her frown remained as she puzzled out how to accomplish that feat. Blake sighed but, fortunately, a distraction entered the room.
Ruby, dressed in full body armor, was leading her team past the bullpen. She spotted Yang and motioned her team ahead but rolled her eyes when everyone except Mel obeyed. Mel rushed over to Yang instead.
"You ok? I heard the call - what the hell happened?"
Rather than answer, Yang gestured to Blake. When Mel saw Blake's neck, she let out a low whistle.
"Damn. That looks bad. You kicked his ass though, right?" Blake shrugged, then flinched, but Mel beamed and raised a fist. "Yeah, you did." Blake hesitated before bumping her fist against Mel's, but Mel smiled and turned back to Yang. "Want me to take her to another safehouse?"
"No, I got it."
"You sure? You look exhausted."
"I'm fine. I got it." Mel's brow rose at the terse response, so Yang took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. "Sorry, it's been a stressful day. Thanks for offering though - I appreciate it."
"Ok…but if you need anything -"
"I'll let you know," Yang concluded with a small smile. Ruby joined them then, glancing between Mel and Yang before hugging Yang. Even after ending the hug, she held onto Yang's shoulders rather than let go.
"You good?" she asked, reading Yang's eyes just as much as Yang's nod. "Good." She glanced at Blake before turning to Mel. "Come on, Mel, get everyone set up for debrief."
"Right. Got it."
Mel flashed a smile before hurrying after her teammates. Ruby nearly followed, but Yang tugged her elbow and whispered something in her ear. Whatever it was, Ruby nodded, and Yang gave her a grateful pat on the back before turning to Blake.
"Stay here, ok? I'll be right back."
Blake hardly nodded before Yang rushed away. Left alone with Ruby, Blake clasped her hands in her lap and avoided the silver gaze studying her as if she was wearing a disguise. Once the inspection ended - whether or not Blake passed, she had no idea - Ruby took Yang's recently vacated seat.
"You alright?" Ruby pointed to Blake's neck. "Looks like that hurts."
"Yeah, it's -" Hearing the raspiness in her voice, Blake tried clearing her throat again. "It's alright. Could've been worse."
She didn't need to explain how tonight could have been much worse - Ruby pursed her lips as she filled in the blanks and eventually bobbed her head. Then she peered at Blake as if trying to read her mind.
"You know, Weiss thinks you set this all up."
"I heard…" Blake sighed.
"It's too convenient, you know? The White Fang starts acting crazy, so the Chief brings you in, and you'll only work with Yang, then you're running into White Fang everywhere, not catching them but they're just around, like you're always in the right place at the right time. Now this -" Ruby gestured to Blake's neck.
"You think I planned for someone to attack me?"
"It's just fishy," Ruby concluded. "And we all know what you're capable of…what if you spent the last year scheming up a way to get Yang back?"
"So you think I'm psychotic."
"Well…" Ruby trailed off but then laughed. "Yeah, I guess. Can you blame us?"
Blake opened her mouth to argue her innocence - because, for once in her life, she was innocent - then looked down and muttered, "No." She understood how Weiss, Ruby, Yang, and everyone might think this was all just some depraved plot to win Yang back. But she had learned her lesson the first time - she wanted an open, honest relationship where she didn't have to hide who she was, and she wanted that relationship to stand the test of time.
"This isn't my plan, Ruby," she finally replied. "I almost wish it was because then I'd know how it ends, and I'd know Yang will be alright. But I don't know what Adam wants, and that terrifies me. What if he tries to get back at me through her? She already got shot because of me - I'll never forgive myself if it happens again."
For a moment, Ruby just squinted, lips pursed and brow deeply furrowed. Ultimately, she shook her head and said, "Well, I'll tell you one thing - I'm not letting anything happen to Yang."
"Then we're on the same side."
Blake wanted Ruby to believe it, but she couldn't force anyone to trust her. So, when Ruby's brow remained furrowed, she didn't press - she resolved to prove that she was telling the truth. Before a tense silence descended over them, however, Ruby found a lighthearted smile.
"I heard you kicked the crap out of Mel."
"I wouldn't say that…" Ruby's brow rose, so a smile tugged at Blake's lips. "I would say that I won."
When Ruby laughed, Blake finally eased into a smile.
"Wish I could've seen that…" Ruby glanced to the side before leaning closer and lowering her voice. "She's been all over Yang for months. I thought Yang would go for it just because…what did she have to lose? Doubt that'll happen now."
"What do you mean?"
"Please," Ruby huffed, shooting Blake a knowing look. "I might be her little sister, but I wasn't born yesterday."
Blake stared for a second before ducking Ruby's gaze and whispering, "That's her decision…"
"Good. It should be." When Blake finally looked up, Ruby offered a small smile and nod. "Mel's great and all, but…" Ruby wrinkled her nose. "She always says how great they'd look together, like Yang's some kind of accessory. And if you're telling the truth…" Ruby trailed off before ultimately shrugging. "You treated her like she hung the stars."
"Because she did."
Ruby hummed then glanced to the side and hopped to her feet when Yang returned. Blake's gaze swept Yang from head to toe, searching for changes in her appearance just as much as her demeanor, but Yang focused on Ruby first. "Thanks," she said, patting Ruby's shoulder and offering a tired smile.
"Don't mention it." Ruby backed away, glanced at the time, and cringed. "Especially not to Weiss. I was supposed to meet her for dinner half an hour ago."
"She's going to kill some poor waiter."
"Not if I get there fast enough to make it up to her."
When Ruby waggled her brow, Yang scrunched up her nose and uttered a succinct, "Gross." Ruby laughed though - the joyful sound almost out of place considering Blake's evening - and waved before jogging after her team. Once Ruby had disappeared deeper into the department, Yang sighed and turned to Blake.
For a moment, Yang looked more composed than when she left - until her gaze landed on Blake's neck. Her expression grew somber as she moved closer, one hand landing on Blake's hip while the other gently brushed a strand of hair behind Blake's ear.
"How do you feel now?" she asked softly, as if anything louder might cause Blake more pain.
"It's not too bad," Blake replied just as softly, leaning closer as Yang's presence drew her in.
"I know this is probably the last thing you want to do right now…but we need to get your statement."
Yang's caring expression softened the blow, but Blake still sighed.
"Does it even matter? No one will believe me anyway."
"I believe you." When Blake's gaze snapped to hers, Yang nodded and lightly brushed her fingers down Blake's cheek, her eyes tracking the motion of her hand. "I believe you," she repeated, letting the words sink in before a tiny grin snuck onto her lips. "And it's kind of procedure, so…"
"So you need me to do it…" Blake concluded before biting her lip. "Then yes. Of course."
Yang pecked Blake on the cheek, landing soft and light as a butterfly's wings, before taking Blake by the hand and leading her out of the bullpen.
"We'll make it as quick and painless as possible, promise."
Blake wasn't very worried about herself in this situation, but she remained silent and let Yang usher her into a small room with two chairs placed across from a small sofa. Pyrrha half rose from one of the chairs while Yang led Blake to the sofa and motioned for her to sit. When Yang sat right beside her, however, Pyrrha's brow furrowed.
"You don't have to be here," Pyrrha gently pointed out.
"I know, but I'm staying."
Pyrrha opened her mouth but, sensing Yang's steely resistance, turned to Blake with a sympathetic smile.
"I'm sorry we have to do this now, but it's procedure."
"So I've heard," Blake croaked out before pointing to her neck. "Sorry for the voice."
"Don't worry about that at all." Pyrrha waved away the concern before setting up a recorder to tape the conversation. Her caring emerald gaze flitted to Yang before holding Blake's.
"The two men who attacked you," she began gently. "They're still at the hospital, and they're claiming you were a random mark. That they planned to rob you."
"If I was a random mark, how'd they know my name?" Blake replied.
"They knew your name?"
"When they knocked. They called me 'Ms. Belladonna.'"
"Ok, let's start from the beginning."
Pyrrha leaned forward and patiently waited for Blake to begin her side of the story. Blake glanced at Yang first, seeing right through the impassive mask that Yang struggled to keep in place, before recounting what happened after Yang left the apartment. The knock by two men claiming to be members of the department, texting Yang that someone was there, hiding beside the door as they broke it down, then the ensuing fight.
As Blake spoke, her and Pyrrha's gazes flickered to Yang, who grew more agitated as the story continued. Her fists clenched so tightly in her lap that Blake could have sworn the metal creaked in protest. She sat so still that she could be confused for a statue. Her jaw worked back and forth while her breathing became shallow, like a raging bull begging to be set free.
Pyrrha gently pried for details or prodded Blake to remember specifics that her mind initially glossed over until the full picture had been drawn. To Blake, the incident felt less horrible in retrospect, as if reliving every moment led her a step closer to acceptance. When Pyrrha leaned back and stopped the recording, however, Yang hardly moved a muscle other than the one clenching in her jaw.
"Do you want me to line up another safehouse?" Pyrrha asked, forcing Yang to unfreeze and stare at Blake.
"I don't mind," Blake added in case Yang was worrying about her feelings for the drab, sterile apartments. Yang considered the situation for several more moments, however, before shaking her head.
"No. They'll expect that."
"Then…?"
"She'll stay with me." Pyrrha's brow rose, but Yang nodded as if convincing herself of the decision and stood up. "Post patrols at my address. And you'll let me know what happens?" She pointed to the recorder, so Pyrrha glanced down and then acquiesced.
"Of course." Pyrrha stood up, prompting Blake to follow suit. "I wouldn't expect them to be released from the hospital anytime soon though."
"Good." Yang took a deep breath and released it with a fraction of her usual smile. "Thanks, Pyrrha."
"Anytime, Yang." Pyrrha's gaze flitted to Blake before returning to Yang. "You know we all have your back."
Yang nodded and gave Pyrrha a quick hug, patting Pyrrha's back before stepping away and offering a grateful smile.
"Thanks, again," Blake murmured while trailing Yang to the door. Pyrrha's gaze followed her into the hall, but she brushed off the lingering observation in favor of sneaking glances at Yang. Yang's long strides conveyed a sense of purpose, yet the tension in her shoulders had yet to release.
"I'm sorry," Blake blurted out. Yang froze and turned back to her. "That you had to hear all that," she explained, gesturing behind them. Yang's eyes darted that way before returning to Blake. Yang opened her mouth as if some of the emotions behind her eyes might make it into words, but then she shook her head.
"Let's just get out of here, ok?"
The beseeching request convinced Blake to nod, albeit haltingly, and let Yang handle the emotions in her own way. She seemed to be holding herself together through the sheer force of her clenched fists, and she probably wanted to be anywhere but at work right now. So Blake quietly followed as Yang chose action over standing still, picking up a new pair of car keys, grabbing the solitary bag holding Blake's belongings, and leading Blake to a heavily tinted sedan parked behind the department.
The silent drive to Yang's apartment offered plenty of time to think, but Blake vacillated between spikes of adrenaline at memories of the fight and swells of concern for the rigid detective beside her. Yang didn't even say anything when they reached her apartment - she just carried Blake's bag upstairs, unlocked the door, and made sure to lock it behind them.
Blake sighed in relief - Yang's apartment felt like home and probably always would - but Yang set Blake's bag by the door and went to the kitchen without a word. After filling a glass with water, she set it on the counter and then found a bottle of pain relievers to go with it.
"You should take some," she directed before returning to the freezer for an ice pack. She wrapped that in a towel and handed it over once Blake dutifully swallowed the pills. When Blake pressed it to her neck and cringed at the cold, Yang's expression pinched with equal pain.
"I'm ok," Blake whispered, but Yang grunted and didn't relax. She went into the living room as if she wanted to do something, then stopped and set her hands on her hips when that 'something' never appeared. She hung her head and stared at the floor instead, so Blake quickly moved to her side and touched her hand.
"Yang…"
Yang's head snapped up, but her gaze hardly landed on Blake before she walked to the bedroom. "You're probably exhausted," she said while Blake trailed after her. Standing in the doorway, Blake held the ice to her neck and watched Yang search through several drawers. Eventually, she grabbed a small stack and brought them to Blake.
"You can wear these if you want."
Blake would recognize the soft, pastel-purple T-shirt and flowing black shorts anywhere, but she looked at Yang in surprise. Yang motioned for Blake to take them, so Blake did and then, without thinking, held them to her nose and took a deep breath. Her heart fluttered at the smell of home, but she quickly lowered the pajamas when she noticed Yang staring at her.
"Thanks," she mumbled, her cheeks suddenly feeling hotter than the sun. Yang studied her for another second, expression unreadable, before motioning to the bed.
"You can sleep here and I'll take the sofa."
"What? No, Yang - I'll take the sofa. You had a hard day."
"You did, too."
Yang's eyes dropped to Blake's neck, which burned as bruises colored it, but it didn't hurt enough that Blake wanted to kick Yang out of her own bed.
"We're both grown-ups," Blake finally pointed out. "Can't we just share?"
She gestured to the bed, which was more than big enough for two people to sleep comfortably, but Yang squinted at it as if she didn't trust its intentions. Eventually, she shook her head and left the room saying, "I'll be out here if you need me."
Yang closed the door behind her, so Blake sighed and looked down at the pajamas in one hand and the ice pack in the other. She didn't see the problem - they'd shared this bed plenty of times without anything happening, and she was capable of keeping her hands to herself. She didn't want to upset Yang any more though, so she changed into the pajamas, which were just as comfortable as she remembered, and slipped under the covers.
Like slipping into a dream, her mind sped up rather than slowed down as soon as she shut her eyes. The sheets were cool and almost liquid-smooth. The pillow was the perfect softness. And everything smelled like a mixture of Yang's shampoo and laundry detergent. Along with that overwhelming familiarity, she was intimately aware that Yang was just in the other room, separated from her by nothing more than a few steps and an unlocked door.
She tried to sleep - first without the icepack, which left her neck aching, then with it, which was too cold. In addition to the enduring discomfort, those fraught moments in the apartment replayed in her mind. What could she have done differently? What would have happened if those officers hadn't shown up in time? She might already know what Adam wanted. She might already be doing his bidding.
After several restless hours, she finally sighed and sat up. Light slipping under the bedroom door caught her attention, so she quietly slid out of bed and opened the door.
Yang had claimed the sofa, but it didn't look like she had even attempted to sleep. She sat there, mindlessly staring at the television screen, instead. Her firearm rested at the edge of the coffee table, unholstered and within arm's reach.
"Can't sleep either?" Blake asked. Yang's gaze snapped to hers before slowly returning to the TV.
"Thinking too much."
"Mind if I join you?"
Yang lazily waved the remote control to the seat beside her, so Blake padded across the room and sat beside her. The cushions dipped, making their elbows briefly brush, but Yang never looked away from the screen. Her puffy, reddened eyes were noticeable at this distance, but Blake bit her lip and turned her attention to the television.
Some late-night comedy show was on, but the volume had been turned off. Not that Blake cared about the show - she was much more concerned about the person beside her, who sat quietly, similarly watching yet not watching the screen.
When Yang sniffed and then sighed, Blake hesitantly reached over and set her hand over Yang's. Yang didn't pull away, so Blake didn't either. She waited, doing what she'd always wanted yet never had the opportunity to do: be there for Yang, with no other motive other than for Yang's best interest and happiness. She would have sat there for years, but only a few minutes passed before Yang sighed.
"I just…keep thinking about what could've happened…"
The soft, strangled gasp that slipped through Yang's lips made Blake spin towards her and reach up to cradle her cheek in one hand.
"Hey…I'm fine. Everything's fine."
"It's not fine, Blake. Jesus, just look at you. You could've been seriously hurt, or worse -" Yang choked up but then shook her head. "I shouldn't have left you there. I thought - I thought the bank was a trap. I didn't think -"
Tears welled in Yang's eyes, so Blake hugged her. Blake's sore ribs protested, but they were easily ignored when Yang buried her face in Blake's shoulder and cried. Yang was always the strong one, but right now…she was crumbling. And Blake, who might be the least deserving, was also the most willing to be there for her, rubbing her back as the emotions finally broke free.
"You did what you thought was best…" Blake murmured gently. "This isn't your fault. Please don't blame yourself so much…"
Yang probably didn't believe Blake right now, as she wrapped her arms around Blake's waist and burrowed closer. Blake's heart cried with her, but there was a sense of renewal in it, as if these tears needed to come out and Blake needed to be there to hear them.
They didn't last for long. Yang was too tough to let the sadness consume her. They slowed down, then quieted, then trailed off with nothing more than a quiet whimper. Only when silence returned did Blake pull back and tilt Yang's chin so that their gazes met.
"My neck's not that bad, right? I always thought black and purple were my best colors."
When Blake flashed a grin, something between a laugh and a sob slipped through Yang's lips.
"G-god…how can you even joke about it -"
"Because I'm right here, Yang." She ducked her head to hold Yang's gaze, gently wiping Yang's tears away. "I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere."
For once, her reassurance wasn't met with guarded acceptance. Instead, Yang stared at her deeply, then closed her eyes and turned to kiss Blake's palm. Blake's heart stuttered, and then she forgot how to breathe when Yang kissed her inner wrist next. Then Yang opened her eyes, trapping Blake in a haze of stunning purple, and leaned in for a kiss.
The instant their lips met, something powerful and forgotten stirred in Blake's chest. She did everything that she could to hold back and not chase the feeling, but her restraint disappeared when Yang pressed closer, silently urging her to let go. She had so much to let go of - everything she'd harbored for a year and more - that it would be impossible if she couldn't feel Yang waiting to catch her. To support her just like how she wanted to, and could, support Yang.
A sigh slipped through her lips as the kiss deepened as smoothly and seamlessly as a choreographed dance. There was no sadness or remorse in Yang's actions as she brushed her fingers through Blake's hair or clutched Blake's sides. There was decisiveness, possessiveness, and certainty that would have brought tears to Blake's eyes had she not gasped when she suddenly found her back pressed into the cushions. Yang hovered over her, hands on either side of her head, staring down at her.
Her eyes slipped to Blake's neck and concern blossomed, but Blake shook her head and wrapped her arms around Yang's back.
"I'm fine," she repeated before dragging Yang down to her, their lips connecting once more. "I can hardly feel it," she added between kisses. When Yang pulled back and arched a brow, however, she added, "Ok, I can feel it, but it hurts less if I don't think about it."
"So…you need a distraction?" Yang asked, her eyes bright and sparkling in the low light cast by the television.
"If you have one in mind…" Blake teased. Yang smiled while leaning down and ghosting her lips across Blake's, even going so far as to chuckle when Blake haplessly chased the kiss.
"This is against so many rules…" Yang mumbled before kissing up Blake's jawline to her ear. The comment felt like a bucket of cold water splashed in Blake's face, so she quickly removed her hands from underneath Yang's shirt.
"You're right. I'm sorry."
Blake tried to wiggle away, but Yang gave her a befuddled look that quickly shifted to amusement.
"I didn't say I care."
"Oh."
Blake was nearly the idiot who asked 'why not?' but Yang was already leaning back down to kiss her. As nice as hearing the reason might be, Blake felt the answer in Yang's gentle, caring touches and the smile lingering on Yang's lips.
Blake's chest could hardly contain her heart as it overflowed with love, devotion, and an increasingly pressing need - and that was before Yang nibbled on her ear and whispered, "Remember what the doctor said - no screaming."
A scoff was the appropriate response, but Yang turned it into something closer to a moan by sliding a hand beneath Blake and grabbing a handful of her butt.
"No screaming," Yang repeated, this time an order. Blake mimed zipping her lips and drew Yang back to her, the two of them smiling through their kisses like two fools in love. Her aching neck was the furthest thing from her mind right now, buried beneath her body humming with pleasure and her mind focused on one thing: Yang.
This wasn't the end of something old and broken. This might be the start of something new. Something that Blake had fought so hard for, and would fight for, no matter the cost.