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Weiss genuinely loved to study – even beyond all other arguments for the fact that she needed excellent grades in all subjects taught at Beacon. But sometimes even her steel willpower gave up... for example, because of the day with six lectures in a row.
Usually, the fact that she missed four whole days that could have been spent on work would be completely unacceptable – and she fought like a Grimm against Professor Goodwitch's decision to give her a three-day rest. Yes, she was almost killed by a Nightmare, so what? Physically, she was fine! But Weiss had to admit that even she wasn't capable of fighting three different variations on the theme of infinite care at once…
Ruby acted as the main driving force of the established alliance. Weiss was still thinking about how much her leadership position influenced this, but seeing how the brunette was trying to cook a salad for her for breakfast on her own – and seeing that she was clearly doing it for the first time in her life – Weiss became absolutely sure that Ruby was genuinely caring about her. Maybe even too much. It was strange, unusual, terribly embarrassing… But surprisingly attractive. Unique.
Blake, to her surprise, started using a lot of her practical skills, up to a full lesson on what breathing techniques could help to cope with stress. Weiss wasn't too impressed… But sometimes it really helped. Especially when Weiss was alone with herself – to the credit of team RWBY, that happened only three times. Weiss was unhappy… And Weiss was grateful.
And thanks to Yang, the great heiress of the SDC learned real Vale hospitality: anything for the sake of Weiss not shutting herself in, even the stupidest board games; the organization of a moral support group from team JNPR, who also did not want to stay away; shopping offers, which Weiss had to refuse so far, but definitely promised to think about it… And even the crazy idea with homemade karaoke Weiss considered successful – not for her own hearing, of course, but it was definitely... fun. When else will she get to see – and participate in – the performance of several songs from Menagerie and not be metaphorically crucified on every newspaper page in Atlas?
Overall, Weiss Schnee was relatively happy. But she was not very happy about the school day that destroyed her morals – if she would ever hear a story about hunting Ursa in Vacuo from Professor Port one more time, she would personally chop off his mustache with his own weapon. And she also added to her daily to-do list to monitor the amount of fire Dust that gets into Ruby's hands during the lab work. Yes, Weiss was surprised that her partner absolutely accurately calculated the necessary synthesis equation... For the recipe parts increased fivefold... In general, the result was impressive. Weiss was also sure that only she and Goodwitch – and maybe Ruby herself – understood that in case of failure, only ashes would remain in the place of the classroom. But the professor, apparently, was so happy with the positive outcome that she didn't even keep them after classes.
With inner glee, Weiss entered their room and proudly slammed the door behind her. As expected, Blake didn't even move her ears – none of the four, but at least they were able to persuade her to take off her bow for the night, which the rest of the team considered a victory. Yang was changing her uniform to a sports one, apparently intending to disperse her boredom at the expense of a couple of poor punching bags, peace be upon their souls… And Ruby…
"Where's Ruby?" Weiss threw her bag on the bed, already hoping to just lie down and get a good… four-hour sleep.
"I have no idea," Yang shrugged. "Flew away – literally – after the last lecture somewhere in the direction of the exit, and then, well, try and find her… At home, in the forest, it really was easier."
"Looking for her through the broken bushes and branches?" Blake looked up, interested.
"No, waiting for her screams. Sooner or later Ruby would meet an owl or a boar there… For some reason, she really doesn't like them, as she says, they make a lot of noise and are scary," Yang grinned. "No, really, she's not afraid to go out alone against the pack of Grimm, but some kind of pig… It is what it is – a future barbecue, only it's still running around."
"Illegal hunting is usually prohibited near cities..." Weiss muttered.
"As soon as you show the inspectors the way to our house – two miles, by the way," Yang shook her head, "I will immediately start to hug and love all those piggies. But in the meantime…"
"In the meantime, we need to find Ruby," Weiss put her hands on her hips.
"It's strange that I'm saying this, but my little sister is already old enough to walk around the Academy in the evening," Yang waved her hand.
"And outside the Academy?"
"And for 'outside' without permission after five p.m., she will definitely be forced to wash toilets for a whole week, and for the second time she will be expelled, of course," the blonde winked at her friend.
"Ye-e-eah," Weiss sighed heavily, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "And if she thinks to read the study brochure about Beacon?"
"Show me at least one person who did that."
Weiss, with all her reluctance, had to remain silent, since even she gave up somewhere in the second third.
"Okay, if you don't want to, then I'll go alone!" Weiss threw up her hands.
"Why are you so worried?" Blake's calm voice rang out. "Ruby is probably the most capable of us for situations when something goes wrong," she shifted her gaze to her partner, "at least if we are talking about the combination of mission performance and collateral damage."
Yang's face clearly expressed the emotion of "well, it is what it is".
Weiss drooped a little, being silent for a dozen seconds. She turned her gaze back to her bed, objectively assessed the arguments given to her by her teammates, and even wanted to agree… Until the moment when the familiar sensations of cold and emptiness touched her heart. Of course, it was just her imagination, but it was still too easy to resurrect these memories. To go somewhere far away, to stay alone, to listen to her – absolutely not her own – thoughts… And lose hope every minute, over and over again. Hope in everything.
"Well, no way," Weiss muttered to herself, almost without moving her lips, "I wouldn't trade an extra hour of sleep for the chance that Ruby may find another Nightmare… No way..." she adjusted the collar of her uniform, buttoning it up again, and continued louder. "I, uh-uh… Then I'll go... to the cafeteria, yes. Four lectures had already passed since the break… It is unhealthy to go to bed on an empty stomach, and besides…"
Weiss, slowly retreating, slipped out the door, not noticing how Blake and Yang followed her with strange looks.
"Do you want a completely inexplicable guess?" Blake said softly, returning her gaze to the novel.
"That Weiss went looking for Ruby?" Yang, of course, didn't look surprised.
"It's just that you're the one who usually is worried about your sister. I guess, even all the time, you just don't always show it."
"You're so smart, kitten," Yang flashed a smile.
"...And it's hardly your style to let Weiss go like that," Blake ignored the nickname. "After all, a week ago you used a variety of words to describe her…"
"Well, whatever I want, it doesn't matter," Yang chuckled, "Ruby still needs to learn how to build relationships herself. Without saying that in front of them, of course, I'm not... Uh... Hmm… Not one hundred percent happy with the person who became Ruby's partner... but Weiss is not bad. After all, who is perfect? And you see, at the same time, Ruby will also help you and ruin Weiss' father's company with her requests to buy all the cookies in Vale. I mean, what else could happen? They won't admit their romantic feelings for each other or something like that, right?" she laughed nervously.
"Who knows..." Blake hummed mysteriously.
"Come on, they won't admit it even to themselves for at least another six months, even if there was something... there. Yeah. It takes courage!" Yang proudly pointed her finger at the ceiling, smiling broadly again. "It's me who can do that and say that I like you!"
Blake, putting down her novel, slowly raised her eyebrows and, batting her eyelashes, silently stared at her partner.
"Yeah!" Yang nodded cheerfully. "Well, I'm going to the gym!"
Blake watched her go without blinking – Yang covered the distance to the corridor in a record one and a half seconds – and continued to lie still, trying to make sense of what just happened. Blake could hear muffled knocking on the wall – she assumed it was someone's head – and even quieter, repeating over and over again, "you are a goddamn fool!". Half a minute later, someone from the other side rushed off to the stairs, stomping loudly.
Blake stroked her hair thoughtfully. The novel was put on the table and quickly forgotten – even without a bookmark.
***
Of course, Weiss had an approximate search plan in her head, but following it through fully... Would take a lot of time. Therefore, she breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the familiar splash of red on the edge of only the second rooftop.
Weiss froze for a second, noticing how Ruby's hand slid almost imperceptibly to Crescent Rose, as usual, hanging behind her back… But the brunette immediately returned the weapon to its place, apparently recognizing the steps of her partner – and the fact that it was clearly not Grimm. Weiss recalled the words of her friends again – and yet, it was too late to turn back, and it was really not her style.
"To be honest, I thought it would be a little more difficult," Ruby chuckled softly, gently shifting to the side to make room.
"I dare to hope that I know you at least to a certain extent," Weiss shrugged, settling down next to her. "It definitely wouldn't be a library or restrooms… And the Emerald Forest is still considered a territory outside of Beacon."
"It's a pity..." Ruby sighed. "I wouldn't mind a run."
"So why do I find my partner after a whole school day not in our room, but on the edge of the roof, by the way, in fairly cool weather?"
Ruby drooped and looked away, apparently, mechanically continuing to beat the rhythm with her fingers on the stone edge. Weiss's hand froze somewhere in the middle.
"Well… After all, we agreed not to keep secrets within the team," Weiss continued, trying not to show irritation. "And... and I was kind of worried about where you might have gone."
"Can it at least remain our secret?"
Even if Weiss had been preparing, she would not have been able to resist Ruby's penetrating gaze. For a second she even stared at how her silver eyes sparkled with the reflection of the moon that had already peeked over the horizon… And gave up. After all, how many times had she seen that same look in the mirror? Family again, problems again, barely restrained tears again.
Maybe, Weiss thought, that's why she was here. Whoever Ruby is, no one deserved this. Especially someone who saved her – in many ways.
"Maybe. But if you turn out to be a spy from Mistral, I would still have to tell Yang and Blake."
Weiss was completely unsure of herself, but the barely noticeable movement of her partner's lips calmed her down. The first step was enough – and then Ruby herself would find the way to her eternal genuine smile.
"It would be cool…" Ruby murmured, exhaling sharply. "Weiss. Mm-hmm... Yes. Anyway, my mom... Well…"
"It's hard not to notice that you and Yang have different surnames."
"Well, Yang will tell you her side of the story if she wants to," Ruby shook her hand. "And my... our mother... was a Huntress."
"Was."
"Yes," Ruby looked down.
"When did that happen?"
"In about six months it will be ten years since... she disappeared. I know," Ruby easily guessed without looking what her partner would be surprised at. "So much time has passed. It no longer requires an explanation. It's just..." she sobbed softly. "Another ordinary day, once again she promised to come back... and now…"
Weiss thought for a few seconds… And she realized that she could do something she had not been allowed to do before – she certainly could with Ruby. And somewhat clumsily opened her hands, inviting her partner.
She was embarrassed when their eyes met – because of how clearly hope flashed in Ruby's gaze. Or was it approval? Or just joy. Or all of the above mixed up.
And Weiss was even more embarrassed by how abruptly Ruby wrapped her in a hug, pressing her head against Weiss's shoulder. Clumsily closed her hands on her partner's back, desperately trying to remember how it should be done – but with Ruby in her hands, it turned out to be surprisingly easy to relax. Weiss stroked Ruby's head slowly and carefully, smiling to herself. And somewhere in her mind a stray thought tried to convince her that it had become much warmer this way…
"I didn't expect that from you…" Ruby muttered softly, without raising her head. "Well, I... don't mind, of course…"
"I just know that if I were you, I'd be freaking tired of listening to something like 'I'm sorry'. Words are important, of course, but actions are more important. So I thought…" Weiss was glad that at least in the twilight Ruby would not notice that she blushed.
"And I realized that you're really smart from the very beginning, since you came up with that."
"Of course."
"And... sorry."
"Let me just say that it is nothing, and you won't continue this line of thought?"
"Okay," Ruby chuckled softly. "But I have to continue the previous one."
"If you want to."
"Well," She took a deep breath. "I mean that… When mom disappeared, it was a normal day, you know. And in one moment everything went to the bottom. Like us. An ordinary day – even a great one, actually – we saved Blake and fought those bandits, and everything was cool… And then you... and a Nightmare," Ruby snuggled even closer to her partner. "I... I don't know how I would have survived this a second time. Yang said that I was very... expressive in my emotions back then, even though I don't remember it. Maybe I would have run off to the morgue screaming and breaking down doors along the way, demanding from anyone to cure you, to bring you back..." Weiss gently stroked Ruby's back, feeling hot tears dripping on her shirt. "I don't know how much I would have cried for... for you. What would I even do after that? Could I still want to be a Huntress…"
"And yet you saved me. Nothing will change or diminish this. You risked your life and saved me, Ruby. You're already a great Huntress."
"And I was so happy about it, you can't imagine…"
"You didn't leave my side for a minute for six hours after that."
"Maybe you can imagine… But I only understood that at the time. And the next day, when I woke up, I saw you again, still sleeping... It struck me like a thunderbolt: this could not have happened. Your bed could have been left empty. Just like that, in one day… Like with mom."
"You know... if it means something to you, I understand your feelings," Weiss sighed.
"Hmm?"
"About, well, your mom… Mine is still alive, and, of course, I don't want to compare anything, it would be so disrespectful… But to be honest," Weiss lowered her hands a little, allowing Ruby to raise her gaze to her, "I even lost her about the same time as you. Yes, she is still alive and living in our mansion, but – and I hate myself for it – sometimes I even think that it would be better if she disappeared. Because she doesn't care, Ruby. She gave up on me. She has no daughter, no son, nothing but a bottle of whiskey – or wine, on a good day. And that's why it only hurts more to see her – to see that there is something inconspicuous and indifferent in your mother's place, like a faded copy. I don't see her here, in Beacon… And so my memories cause less pain, at least."
Ruby, keeping silent, pulled away for a while, starting to fiddle with her collar. Weiss watched her in surprise for a few seconds... But her remark was interrupted by the red petals that flew into the air, accompanying the cloak that had covered her body. Ruby, after a bit of pushing, also managed to get under it, hugging Weiss by the side.
"Actions, right?" A gentle smile graced Ruby's lips.
"Perhaps," Weiss did not notice how she smiled herself and responded to Ruby's hug.
It was surprisingly warm under the heavy red fabric of the cloak. However, for a moment Weiss allowed herself to at least enjoy the fact that everything was fine with them – and none of her fears came true.
"Thanks, Ruby."
"It's nothing."
"No, really," Weiss looked up at the bright moon. "I didn't tell anyone, but when... when I was possessed by the Nightmare, I didn't feel much. It wasn't me…"
"Of course not!"
"...it was like my shadow. Indifferent. I wasn't even particularly aware of what was happening, everything was like flashes, some strange images... Most of the time I couldn't even bring myself to care about what was happening. To feel something other than the incomprehensible frost surrounding absolutely everything. That... something that wore my face, worked as if according to its own program."
Weiss felt that Ruby squeezed her hand.
"But the first time I felt something at the time, it was you. You let me wake up. And even now... thanks to you, I can't imagine what it's like to be indifferent. Maybe because of these joyful emotions, maybe because of sad ones… But at least I understand that I'm here with you. And it's all... real. And you're also warm," Weiss finished in a whisper.
"Then I'll always be there for you, so you could be confident that the world is real," Ruby smiled. "So I could always wake you up."
"If it's not too hard for you."
Ruby just muttered something negative, settling herself comfortably on her shoulder. And what was scarier, Weiss didn't have a word against it at all. However, she thought it was quite possible to put up with this. And she certainly wouldn't say out loud how nice it was.
***
Weiss looked around with interest: she had, of course, already visited Beacon workshops, but not the part that was intended for forging and working with metals in general. And she couldn't help but admit that being surrounded by anvils, blast furnaces, manipulators and machine tools had its own special charm – but she was sure that she would never love this place as much as her partner. And also the heat here was already making sweat stand out on her forehead.
"Your messages were quite demanding and too abstract, Ruby," she turned to the brunette, who abruptly slipped out of the maze of mechanical monsters.
"Oh, yes, I was just busy monitoring the temperature of the alloy and didn't have time to finish writing!" Ruby waved her hand, pulling the protective mask off her face.
"Important work, huh?" Weiss chuckled.
Ruby might have looked a little unusual wearing protective gear, but it definitely suited her, even the big and shapeless gloves. At the very least, Weiss could imagine her spending time here every day. And Ruby, obviously, was only glad of such an occupation, which raised the rating of this activity by a few more points in Weiss' eyes.
"Important!" Ruby proudly confirmed, extending her hand to Weiss.
Weiss, surprised, took the still hot... rose in her hands. A flat, metallic color, clearly similar to the one that Ruby herself wore as an accessory on her belt. This one was, of course, much smaller and much more elegant in its engraved pattern of small petals. The girl carefully ran her finger along its ribbed surface.
"And this is…"
"Aluminum, chrome, a drop of titanium," Ruby listed, counting off her fingers. "It should be gorgeous in terms of characteristics."
"And in a more general sense?"
"Oh, right, heh-heh," Ruby stroked her hair in embarrassment. "It's... um, a talisman. Or a pendant? Or a necklace? I don't remember. In general, a gift! For you! I am ninety-nine percent sure that there is no other thing like this one in the world!" She nodded to herself with a smile. "I mean, do you remember how we talked yesterday?.. About reality. Now you have this, and you will always know that it's all real, because I made it, and not anyone else. Right?"
Weiss remained silent.
"Oh, yeah, I also made a chain, well, to wear it around your neck, it's here somewhere…" Ruby looked around. "Need to look for…"
However, Weiss managed to grab her hand first. She peered into the silver of her eyes, in which the reflections of the fire were still blazing, into her slightly embarrassed smile, cheeks on which for some reason soot was visible – apparently, Ruby, as always, did not immediately remember about safety…
Only a few seconds had passed in the real world, but Weiss already felt like an eternity had passed between them. How her thoughts have been slowly flowing for years and decades, moving between "Ruby is the best", "I do not know what to say", "I don't know-I don't know-I don't know" and "This is wonderful".
But Weiss never allowed herself to be indecisive. Even if she was taking a risk. And she was taking a risk.
And besides, she couldn't touch the soot, it was kind of disgusting.
No one around exactly noticed anything, and even Weiss herself felt almost nothing. Quite possibly, because she was on the verge of losing consciousness at the moment and did not hear anything but the pounding of her own heart. But she noted with satisfaction that, judging by Ruby, who was blushing sharply and couldn't take her eyes off her, her partner felt what she did.
"You're charming today, by the way," Weiss barely managed to squeeze out of herself, having difficulty forming words from her scattered thoughts. "And beautiful. Here. You can go look for the chain for now, and I'll go… I'll go… to the room. Uh... admiring this. Thing. Yes."
Ruby, blinking her eyes, just continued to watch her partner go silently, finding the strength only to gently touch her own lips. She, of course, assumed that she could get heat stroke here, but she was careful… And Weiss was absolutely real – her own face, blazing hotter than the nearby blast furnace, was the main proof.
A couple of minutes later, the workshop was shaken by an exclamation of sincere joy.
***
"She kissed her, do you understand?!" Yang waved her arms with such expression that half of the dance floor shied away from her.
"But what's wrong with that?"
"What's wrong?!" the blonde almost choked. "My innocent little sister! And this one! This one! That's it! They haven't even known each other for at least six months!"
"So you're going to let Ruby make the same arguments when we get back?" Blake grinned and tasted her cocktail.
"Ruby?"
"Well, excluding, of course, these little things like the fact that I had to look for you all over Beacon and squeeze the essence of your words out of you, in the end it was you who asked me out on a date, right? And Ruby is your sister and also has to keep an eye on your well-being."
"But, I mean…"
"Have I also known you for more than six months?"
Yang, sighing heavily, silently accepted the second glass from her partner and drained it in one gulp.
"I mean, you shouldn't make such hasty conclusions. Like promising to pull out Weiss's hands and rearrange them below her back, use her body instead of targets in your training…"
"Yeah?" Yang asked uncertainly.
"We haven't even met them here. So, at least, Weiss didn't introduce your younger sister to alcohol. And anyway, you promised that we could have fun in a way that I had never experienced. So?" Blake impressively reached out to the person she still should have gotten used to calling her girlfriend. "Believe me, Ruby and Weiss won't disappear anywhere, and there are just the two of us for now."
"Yes... Yes, you're right. And Yang Xiao Long never throws words around for nothing!" the blonde gladly accepted her partner's hand. "I suppose you would like to dance, oh my beautiful lady?"
"I definitely won't refuse," Blake, seeing how Yang was blushing from one of her winks, smiled.