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Weiss's realization of her love for Ruby Rose didn't happen in the way she had anticipated. It wasn't love at first sight, as she had once imagined it to be. It wasn't during a romantic candlelit dinner with a sophisticated older woman, ready to enlighten Weiss about the ways of the world. Nor was it beneath the starry night sky, guided by an eager lover to reveal unexplored parts of the city. No, it was with Ruby—two years her junior—where the age gap between sixteen and eighteen felt like an eternity.
It wasn't the moment she saved Ruby from the Death Stalker, nor was it when Ruby devised a brilliant tactic to overcome the Nevermore. Standing atop the cliff, amidst the swirling rose petals and the debris left behind by the defeated Grimm as Weiss felt her heart race with a mix of adrenaline and exhaustion. In that intense aftermath, her perception of Ruby, her team leader, underwent a subtle but significant shift. It wasn't a complete transformation, but rather a stirring of doubt about her own abilities and leadership skills.
Nor was it during her conversation with Professor Port, where she confronted the realization that she lacked the mentality and emotional maturity required to be a true leader. That candid exchange with Port served as a catalyst for the heiress to deeply examine her life, choices, and priorities. And so she did. Weiss committed herself to profound personal growth, making diligent efforts to unlearn her prejudices and biases. She wholeheartedly embraced the challenge of empathizing with and connecting with her teammates, striving to foster a stronger bond among them.
Weiss keenly observed the transformation unfolding within their younger leader. The conversation with Professor Ozpin had undoubtedly left a lasting impact on Ruby. Despite her tender age, Ruby had risen to the occasion. She candidly confessed that she never required diligent studying during her time at Signal Academy. The homework and exams had effortlessly fallen into place for her. Instead, she had dedicated herself to honing her combat skills. Under the tutelage of her Uncle Qrow, Ruby had been meticulously trained to wield her scythe with lethal precision and astonishing swiftness.
Even during the Vytal Festival, when Ruby chose Weiss and Yang to advance, Weiss felt an overwhelming sense of honor. It was humbling to realize that their leader held such high regard for both of them. Deep down, Weiss recognized that Yang, with her sheer strength, was the most likely to emerge victorious in the entire tournament. In truth, Yang and Blake seemed to possess a stronger synergy, fighting seamlessly as a team. Weiss and Yang, on the other hand, were akin to… well, Yin and Yang —polar opposites in many ways. Yet, Ruby must have discerned something special in this unlikely pairing, and it proved to be true as they triumphantly progressed to the final round.
Then Beacon fell.
And Blake ran.
And Yang lost a part of herself.
And Ruby went to support her sister.
And Weiss... Weiss was left alone.
She was taken back to her desolate residence—a place devoid of life and brimming with solitude. The echoes of loneliness reverberated through the empty halls, amplifying the sense of abandonment. The chilling emptiness seemed to seep into her very bones. However, while trapped in Atlas, Weiss found solace in introspection and personal growth. She had ample time to reflect, nurture herself, and discover her own path. It became a period of self-discovery and escape, albeit a solitary one.
As Weiss neared the moment of liberating herself from the clutches of the bandit's captivity, just seconds away from breaking free on her own accord, Yang was there. It felt as if fate had intertwined their paths once again, as if their bond had transcended time and space. The fragments of Weiss's heart, still in the process of being gathered and delicately reassembled, were momentarily suspended, as Yang's presence intertwined with the intricate puzzle. The long-awaited reunion with Ruby, standing steadfastly by her side, felt like a harmonious return to the natural order of things. It was as if the broken shards had undergone a meticulous repair, reminiscent of the art of Kintsukuroi, where fractured pottery is artfully mended with gold, elevating its beauty beyond its former glory. And when Blake found them, the missing piece of their team finally falling into place, it was akin to reconnecting with her most trusted friend—the unwavering easel that held her upright as she faced the world.
But back then, Weiss couldn't possibly fathom the knowledge she possesses now.
It happened during the chaotic fray when Ruby's selflessness extended an olive branch to Raven, recognizing the need for unity against the encroaching evil. In that vulnerable act of reaching out, Ruby showcased her unwavering belief in the power of collaboration. It was a testament to her indomitable spirit, a glimmer of hope amidst the surrounding darkness.
But that glimmer was abruptly shattered when the treacherous alliance of Raven and Cinder launched a merciless attack, rendering Ruby unconscious and defenseless. The sight of her partner lying still and vulnerable, ignited a surge of protective instinct within Weiss.
Every fiber of her being yearned to rush to Ruby's side, to stand as her shield and offer solace in her time of need. Yet, Yang was already there, providing unwavering support and tending to their fallen comrade. Weiss felt a mix of relief and longing—relief that Ruby was not alone, and longing to be the one by her side, offering her unwavering support.
In that lapse of vigilance during her battle against Vernal, Weiss had been too preoccupied to notice Cinder's spear narrowly missing its fatal mark. It may be considered cliché, she acknowledges, perhaps the most cliché thing she had ever experienced. Yet, in that terrifying moment, as her life seemed to flash before her eyes, every interaction and precious memory playing out like a movie, Weiss gained profound introspection. It revealed to her exactly what was missing—Ruby Rose, the person she yearned for with every fiber of her being.
It was in that transformative moment that Weiss's heart recognized the stirring of something unfamiliar yet undeniably recognizable. It was the essence of love, a concept she had experienced in various forms throughout her life.
She loved her father, despite the shattered fragments of his character, for he was the flawed figure who had shaped her existence. She loved her mother, even in the face of her icy detachment, yearning for a connection that seemed forever elusive. She loved her younger brother, wishing she could shield him from the scars of their broken family. And she loved her older sister, the beacon of salvation and guidance in a complex world.
Weiss understood the complexities of love, its resilience and its capacity to heal. And within the realm of her team, she discovered a newfound depth of love that resonated profoundly within her.
She loved Yang, with her infectious humor and unwavering support. Yang's presence brought warmth to Weiss's life, a light that illuminated even the darkest of times. Their bond transcended mere friendship, forged through shared trials and an unspoken understanding.
She loved Blake, captivated by the faunus's unwavering moral compass and her ability to see beyond the surface. Blake's patience and kindness had shattered the walls of Weiss's past prejudices, transforming her into a person capable of growth and change. Weiss yearned for Blake to comprehend the depths of her affection, to understand just how profoundly she impacted her life.
But above all, she loved Ruby Rose. In Ruby, Weiss found a connection that surpassed all others. Ruby possessed an innate understanding of her, an unspoken knowledge of when to provide space, when to slow down, and when to prioritize rest and recovery. Ruby's unwavering support and innate ability to sense Weiss's needs was a testament to the profound bond they shared.
Within the embrace of their team, Weiss discovered a kaleidoscope of love, each member representing a different facet of her heart's affection. And at the center of it all was Ruby, the one who knew her on a level that surpassed mere words. Ruby's presence was a comforting balm to Weiss's soul, a sanctuary of understanding and solace.
In the depths of her being, Weiss recognized the magnitude of her love for Ruby and the profound impact Ruby had on her life. It was a love that transcended romantic notions, a love that encompassed understanding, trust, and unwavering support.
Deep within the recesses of their shared history, Weiss understood Ruby in ways that even Yang, her own sister, could not comprehend. Weiss had witnessed facets of Ruby's being that remained concealed from the rest of the world. Ruby's vulnerability, her hidden struggles, and the burdens she carried silently were all revealed to Weiss alone.
In moments when Ruby was overwhelmed by the weight of academia, her head throbbing from endless hours of studying, Weiss was there to witness the toll it took on her. The unrelenting training sessions that pushed Ruby's body to its limits, causing spasms and disturbances in her sleep, were observed only by Weiss, the quiet witness from below.
Ruby never divulged the extent of her anguish to Yang or Blake, concealing her inner turmoil with a brave facade. She never spoke of the hurt she felt when her companions left the two of them behind, breaking the unspoken bond between sisters. Ruby never confessed her doubts and insecurities as a leader, keeping her own struggles hidden from prying eyes.
But Weiss knew. She heard the whispers of Ruby's unspoken pain, observed the nuances that others missed. And with every fiber of her being, Weiss made it her mission to alleviate as many burdens as she could from the shoulders of her beloved partner. She sacrificed sleep to assist Ruby in her studies, burning the midnight oil to cram knowledge into the weary mind. She woke up early, poring over flashcards and study guides, patiently guiding Ruby through the lessons she struggled to grasp.
When Ruby's heart found solace in the embrace of Penny, Weiss gracefully stepped aside, understanding the depth of their connection. And when Penny was cruelly ripped from Ruby's grasp, Weiss became the steadfast pillar of support, holding Ruby as she wept for her lost love.
Through it all, Weiss's love for Ruby Rose grew with an intensity that surpassed mere friendship. She recognized the intricacies of Ruby's being, the layers of vulnerability and strength that coexisted within her. Weiss was there to witness the raw authenticity of Ruby's emotions, to offer a refuge from the storms that raged within her heart.
With unwavering dedication, Weiss shouldered the burden of understanding Ruby's unspoken pain, cherishing the moments when she could provide comfort and respite. In the depths of her own soul, Weiss embraced the truth that she loved Ruby with a depth that defied words, a love that transcended the boundaries of friendship.
And as Weiss stood steadfastly by Ruby's side, she knew that her devotion would remain a silent pledge, hidden from the world. For in the sanctity of their bond, Weiss found solace and purpose, her love for Ruby Rose shining brightly in her every action and sacrifice.
In the city of Argus, a heavy silence settled between Weiss and Ruby. Weiss understood the need for her own silence, for Ruby was grappling with the weight of their recent revelations and needed space to process the immense knowledge bestowed upon them by Jinn. Ruby's mind was consumed with strategic contemplation, with finding the path forward amidst the chaos that surrounded them. It was a time when Weiss yearned to offer her unwavering support, to alleviate Ruby's burdens and share the weight of responsibility, but she recognized that Ruby had withdrawn, shutting them out.
Within the depths of her heart, Weiss acknowledged that Ruby did not reciprocate her love in the same way. It was a painful truth that she carried in silence, knowing that Ruby's heart belonged to another—Penny Polendina. Weiss had observed the evolution of their relationship from its inception to its heartbreaking end, and then its unexpected resurgence. Their connection had flourished with a carefree and youthful energy, even if they never officially defined its nature. It was a love that resonated among their teammates, an unspoken understanding shared by all.
When Penny fell victim to tragedy during the Vytal Festival, Ruby mourned deeply. And when they were granted the miraculous opportunity to reunite, Weiss understood the depth of Ruby's love for Penny. In respect for their bond, the rest of the team consciously created space for them, dispersing when Penny was invited over and making excuses when Ruby sought companionship or study sessions. They granted the two precious time, recognizing the significance of their connection.
But time, cruel and unforgiving, was snatched away all too soon. The fragile sanctuary they had carefully cultivated for Ruby and Penny was shattered, leaving behind an agonizing void. The abruptness of their separation left a deep ache within Weiss's soul, a longing for the love she could never possess.
Yet, despite the heartache, Weiss remained resolute. She understood the importance of granting Ruby the space to grieve, to heal, and to reconcile her emotions. With unwavering loyalty, Weiss stood by Ruby's side, ready to support her through the storms that lay ahead. She silently carried the weight of unrequited love, burying her own desires for the sake of their unity and shared purpose.
For Weiss Schnee, love was not always reciprocated, but that did not diminish the strength of her devotion. In the face of longing and unspoken pain, she embraced her role as a steadfast companion, a pillar of support. And as they navigated the treacherous path before them, Weiss found solace in the knowledge that her love for Ruby Rose, though unreturned, would forever burn as a guiding light in her heart.
The Battle in the Pocket dimension was a whirlwind of chaos, an overwhelming torrent of emotions that swept through Weiss and her team. It was a desperate struggle against an insurmountable foe, a battle that unfolded with lightning speed and ended all too abruptly. In the midst of the chaos, Yang made the ultimate sacrifice for her sister, throwing herself into harm's way. Weiss, with every ounce of her strength, had to hold back Blake, her dearest friend, who was ready to follow Yang's lead. She could feel the weight of the moment, the crushing weight of loss and the desperation to protect those she held dear.
Time seemed to blur as the events unfolded. Weiss vividly recalls the heart-stopping moment when Ruby plummeted over the edge, her breath catching in her throat. For a fleeting moment, relief washed over her when Ruby was caught, only to be shattered as they both fell into the abyss. Ruby was gone. The one person who had inspired and moved her like no other had disappeared into the void, leaving behind a void in Weiss's heart.
Alongside Penny, Weiss stood helpless, watching their loved one vanish into the unknown, swallowed by the emptiness of the void. It was a haunting moment, etched into their souls forever. With a heavy heart, Weiss clung to the only thing she could offer: time. She allowed Penny to process the whirlwind of emotions that flooded her, understanding the depths of pain and loss they both shared.
With tears clouding her vision, Weiss became a whirlwind of fury and determination. Cinder became her target, her strikes fueled by a blend of grief and anger. She fought with every ounce of her being, channeling her grief into a relentless assault. Her team was gone, and Ruby was gone, but she would fight for them. She would carry out what Ruby would have wanted, a fierce resolve burning within her.
Yet, amidst the chaos and her valiant efforts, Weiss couldn't escape the bitter taste of failure. The weight of guilt pressed down on her shoulders, for she had been unable to protect Ruby and the one thing that Ruby cherished above all else. And in that moment, as she plummeted through the void, Weiss was engulfed by a profound sense of loneliness.
Alone, she continued to fall.
Her mind raced, flashes of memories flooding her consciousness. The empty corridors she had wandered, the solitary meals she had consumed, and the vast expanse of her bedroom that had always felt devoid of warmth. The nights spent in her bed while Yang and Blake shared whispered laughter, oblivious to her yearning for connection. The times when Ruby and Penny had disappeared into their own world, leaving Weiss behind in the Atlas barracks, alone with her thoughts.
How lonely it felt to be surrounded by love, yet perpetually on the outside.
As Weiss awoke in this unfamiliar realm, it bore no resemblance to the religious teachings she had heard about the afterlife. It was a vivid tapestry of colors and cacophony, overwhelming her senses. Lying amidst the dirt, she gazed upward, observing the colossal canopies above as clouds drifted lazily by, their shifting hues blending together in an incomprehensible symphony. The dual suns overhead forced her to shield her burning cheeks, prompting her to turn onto her stomach, resting her chin on her hands with an air of indifference. Myrtenaster lay before her, a testament to the battles fought and the pain endured.
If this were truly the afterlife, why was her weapon, a reminder of her struggles, still by her side? Shouldn't eternal happiness entail a tranquil existence free from strife and suffering? And yet, her head throbbed, her cheeks stung, and her heart ached, defying the notions of serenity.
In that moment, Weiss found herself contemplating the possibility that this was not an afterlife of bliss, but rather a damnation of eternal pain. She accepted it with a resolute determination, pushing herself off the ground and brushing away the dirt. She retrieved and sheathed Myrtenaster, taking stock of her surroundings. It was then that she heard the stirring and rustling of the understory, a sign of an unknown creature lurking nearby.
Weiss stood tall, her resolve unyielding. If this realm was to be her damnation, then she would face it head-on. She braced herself for whatever lay ahead, knowing that she would not falter in the face of pain and loneliness. With each step she took, she embraced the uncertainty, ready to confront the challenges and the creatures that awaited her. For even in damnation, Weiss Schnee would not be alone.
Weiss settled into her combat stance, drawing Myrtenaster, ready to face whatever creature lurked in the rumbling foliage. But as the vegetation parted, her eyes widened in disbelief. It was Blake. Her heart skipped a beat, and suspicion crept up her spine. This couldn't be the real Blake, could it?
"Stop!" Weiss shouted, her voice cutting through the air. "Tell me something only the real Blake would know."
Confusion flickered in Blake's eyes, but she complied. "Oh, umm... That's kind of complicated?" Her hands rose in surrender, and her ears drooped slightly. "You always wanted... bunk beds."
Weiss's breath caught in her throat. The realization struck her like a bolt of lightning. She had only whispered those words to Ruby, her desire for bunk beds expressed in the privacy of that night. Blake must have overheard it with her keen cat ears.
Tears welled up in Weiss's eyes as she sheathed Myrtenaster and crashed into her friend, her sobs escaping in torrents. Blake held her tightly, offering solace in her embrace.
They sat in silence, Weiss wiping away the tears and mucus from her face. "We should survey the area," she said, her voice still trembling.
Blake nodded in agreement, understanding the need to gather information and formulate a plan. Leaving a trail of breadcrumbs to mark their path, they walked together for what felt like an eternity, the concept of time fading away in this mysterious realm.
"If Myrtenaster is here, then Gambol Shroud should be too. We should look for it," Weiss suggested, her tone a mixture of hope and uncertainty.
Blake pondered for a moment, her eyes scanning their surroundings. "You really think it's around here somewhere?"
"I wouldn't say I'm certain about anything at the moment," Weiss admitted, her voice laced with vulnerability.
"Gambol Shroud fell after you and Ruby, but before I did. And we found each other, so... what is this place?" Blake mused aloud, her voice tinged with a hint of confusion.
"I don't know," Weiss confessed, her brows furrowing in frustration. "None of my guesses really make sense."
A bittersweet smile formed on Blake's lips. "Weiss... I'm really glad you're okay."
Weiss couldn't help but return the smile, although a tinge of sadness lingered. "I'm really glad you are too." Their shared heartache hung in the air, but it was Blake who lowered her head, lost in thought. "And if we're here, that means Yang and Ruby might be too."
The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on both of them, but Weiss quickly turned away, concealing her emotions behind a mask of determination. They needed to find their partners, to reunite their team.
"Weiss... can you... what happened after we fell?" Blake asked tentatively, her voice laden with concern.
Weiss gestured for them to continue their search, unable to find the words to describe their descent and the subsequent chaos. The urgency to find their missing friends took precedence, their unspoken worries driving them forward in this bewildering landscape. Together, they pressed on, their footsteps echoing through the surreal realm, their hearts intertwined with hope and determination.
As Weiss laid eyes on Ruby, her heart soared with a mix of relief and joy. She had her person back, her Ruby Rose, and for a fleeting moment, the weight of their recent tragedy seemed to fade away. But reality crashed back down upon her like a merciless wave, shattering the brief respite. Ruby wasn't ready, and deep down, Weiss knew she might never be ready to confront the full extent of their failures.
As they pressed forward, Ruby eventually mustered the courage to ask Weiss about what had transpired during their fall. The heiress couldn't bear to face her directly, avoiding her gaze and diverting their focus to finding Yang. It was her turn to need time, to grapple with her own inner turmoil and find some semblance of understanding amidst the chaos.
When Blake tackled Yang in a desperate embrace, Weiss averted her eyes, longing for that closeness with her leader, for the solace of physical connection that could offer some temporary respite from the overwhelming emotions. But time ran out, and Yang pushed for answers, leaving Weiss no choice but to confront the painful truth. She couldn't meet Ruby's gaze as she acknowledged their failures, her own failure. The weight of her inadequacy threatened to crush her spirit.
Weiss's mind raced, searching for something, anything, to rationalize their current situation, to find a glimmer of hope or a plan of action. But the answers eluded her, and the magnitude of the unknown overwhelmed her rationality. In her desperation, she retreated back to Ruby, believing that by shouldering her leader's burdens, by taking on the responsibilities of a leader herself, she could protect Ruby from further pain.
Yet, despite her best intentions, Weiss couldn't shield Ruby from the trials that lay ahead. She couldn't erase their past failures or rewrite their destiny. The weight of her own shortcomings bore down upon her, intensifying her sense of inadequacy and fueling her determination to do better, to be better for Ruby.
In the face of uncertainty and relentless adversity, Weiss clung to the unwavering resolve to stand by Ruby's side, to offer support and strength even when her own foundation felt fragile. She knew it would be an uphill battle, but her love for Ruby, her unwavering loyalty, compelled her to press forward, to confront their challenges head-on, even if it meant facing her own fears and failures along the way.
As Weiss watched herself stumble through the aftermath of their failures, she couldn't help but feel detached, as if observing her own actions from a distance. She witnessed how she struggled to separate herself from the remnants of their fallen home, how she failed to fully focus on Ruby amidst the crumbling worlds that surrounded them. Desperation for something, anything, to cling to led her gaze towards Jaune, the one who had been in this strange realm the longest. Yet even that attempt to distract herself proved futile, unable to free her from the weight of her own failures.
And then, she failed once more. She failed to see the depth of Ruby's grief, the weight she carried in silence. By the time she realized the extent of Ruby's pain, it was too late. Weiss reached out, desperately trying to pull her back, but the red roses of her leader disappeared from sight, leaving Weiss with a sense of emptiness and a haunting sense of her own inadequacy.
Driven by a fierce determination, Weiss pushed the remaining members of their team to find Ruby. They couldn't leave without her; Weiss would be damned if she failed again. She would search for Ruby alone if she had to, tearing through every inch of the Ever After, setting the forests ablaze to clear the path that hid her from sight. She would upturn every rock, explore every cave and den. She would climb mountains, cross bridges, and traverse any obstacle that stood in her way.
But then, in a cruel twist, Weiss watched Ruby fall, her heart shattered into a million pieces. The sense of helplessness consumed her, intensifying the bitter taste of failure that had plagued her every step. Ruby, her beloved Ruby, had willingly let herself go, disappearing into the void. Weiss couldn't comprehend the depth of her own anguish, as if a part of her had been torn away, leaving her incomplete and adrift.
In that moment, Weiss's own descent felt inevitable. She wanted nothing more than to join Ruby in the unknown, to be by her side even in the face of oblivion. The world without Ruby held no meaning, no purpose for her. It felt like she was losing herself, as if her very identity was tied to Ruby's presence.
Yet, even in the depths of her despair, Weiss found a flicker of determination. She knew, deep down, that Ruby wouldn't have wanted her to give up. Ruby, the embodiment of resilience and hope, would have pushed forward in the face of adversity. She would have fought to find a way back to Remnant, to confront Salem and protect the people they cared about. Weiss couldn't abandon that legacy.
Through tear-stained eyes and a heart heavy with grief, Weiss made a solemn promise to herself. She would continue their mission, carrying the memories of Ruby's unwavering spirit and the love they shared. In a world that seemed to conspire against them, Weiss would honor Ruby's legacy by fighting for a future where their sacrifices mattered, where the darkness could be vanquished, and where they could find solace in each other once again.
As Weiss moved forward, a resolute determination fueled her every step. Failure was not an option, not this time. She couldn't bear the thought of letting Ruby down again, of faltering in her duty to fulfill what Ruby had been forced to undertake. Without Ruby, who was she? Without the love she held so fiercely in her heart, she felt compelled to become the embodiment of revenge itself.
Hiding her own pain, Weiss urged the rest of the team to press on, to continue the mission they had set out to accomplish. And amidst the challenges they faced, it was all worth it when Ruby returned. Stronger, reborn, and renewed, yet still the same Ruby that Weiss had fallen so deeply in love with.
Even though Ruby didn't love her back in the same way, Weiss couldn't help but cherish every moment she spent by Ruby's side. She knew that her love for Ruby went beyond romantic notions, transcending into a fierce loyalty and dedication. She would take Ruby's hand anyway, standing steadfastly as her champion. She would do whatever it took to protect and support Ruby, to avenge any harm that befell her.
Weiss had become Ruby's unwavering ally, her guardian, and her advocate. In this newfound role, she discovered a sense of purpose and strength she hadn't known before. For as long as she could fight by Ruby's side, she would embrace her role as Ruby's champion, knowing that her love and devotion were not dependent on reciprocation. It was an unbreakable bond that drove her forward, giving her the resolve to face any obstacle and protect the one she held dear.
***
For Weiss, love is an undeniable truth.
Her heart beats for Ruby, with a love that knows no bounds.
But alas, Ruby's love does not mirror her own.
Not in the way Weiss yearns for, hopes for, dreams of.
And yet, Weiss persists.
She loves Ruby with unwavering devotion,
Knowing that love is a journey of its own.
She remains steadfast, cherishing their bond,
Hoping that one day, Ruby's heart might see,
The depth of Weiss's love, waiting patiently.
For now, Weiss loves Ruby,
Even if Ruby's love remains elusive,
She embraces the beauty of unrequited affection,
Knowing that love, in its complexities,
Can hold both joy and sorrow in its embrace.