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I cannot really remember the attack, and for that Mother and Winter say I am lucky.
My first recollection of what I consider my After is waking up in a hospital bed when I was 8 with a painful throbbing on my left temple.
I weakly attempted to open my eyes and panicked slightly when my left one remained dark. Reaching up a hand I felt bandages over that side of my face.
My scream must have awoken Winter as I felt her hand cover mine and then her talking in an unusually gentle tone.
“Shh, it is okay sister. You are hurt but your eyesight is fine. You will be fine.”
“Win…ter. What happened?” I croaked out, my throat feeling as dry as sandpaper.
“Here, drink this.”
I felt a straw held up to my lips and I greedily drank the whole glass.
“Where am I?”
“A private room in Atlas General Hospital. Do you remember anything?”
“It’s a blur. I think Father was angry, but he always is.”
“Mother and I both heard him shouting at you over your exam marks. He was most upset that you only scored a 98. I think you finally lost your temper as I could hear you screaming back at him.”
“I did?!”
“Yes. I was visiting Mother and trying to help her when I heard you scream in utter agony. I seized the heaviest item nearby- a rather massive crystal wine bottle- and ran to his office.”
“W-what did he do?”
“Oh Weiss, he had a knife and your face was cut open, almost to the bone.”
At this I began sobbing as the shock finally began to wear off and the pain became unbearable.
I felt Winter’s uncertain arms hold me tightly then to my shock a second pair surrounded us and I heard Mom weeping.
“I am so sorry Weiss. I failed you.”
I felt hot tears soaking into my gown as my mom wept.
“Mommy?” My voice was weak and trembling.
“He was screaming about finishing the job and taking out the trash Snowpea. I was a long way behind Winter when she struck him hard with the bottle. He went down and is in critical care.”
Here her voice dripped with self loathing.
”I was so drunk I couldn’t save you.
You have been asleep for almost a day now. I am so glad you’re finally awake.”
“Now you need to rest and recover sister. How is your pain?”
“Bad. My face feels like it’s on fire.”
I watched as she moved her hand and pressed a red button by my bedside.
“If it gets unbearable, press that and a nurse will arrive shortly.”
A serious looking woman came bustling in.
“Ah, it hurts doesn’t it? One moment.”
She pressed a syringe to my IV line and the world went fuzzy and out of focus.
“Rest Snowpea. Mommy will still be here when you wake up.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.”
With that I went under, dimly hearing Winter tell my Mom “Well, you have one chance left. Treatment or Grandfather and I will take custody and move.”
It required a week in hospital before the infection was under control and I was allowed to move home. It struck me how few visitors I had.
Mom and Winter, Klein with Whitley, and Ciel.
Grandpa dropped in once, looking older than I had ever seen him. Mom and my sister had to explain that he was extremely busy taking back control of the company.
We shared a long hug with him apologizing for leaving and not keeping a closer eye on my sperm donor.
Then finally I managed to return home.
“Sister, are you okay? Do you need anything?”
“No thanks, I’m fine.”
“Okay. Let us know if you need anything.”
This went on all day until I was ready to scream.
I nearly snapped at Klein.
“I am not helpless you know! I will be fine!”
He just gazed back at me with the most tired look in his eyes.
“Snowflake, I know you’re incredibly strong. But everybody needs help. Please let us help you.”
Those words struck something in my frozen core and I began to wail, finally processing my father’s total betrayal.
I held onto his steady presence for dear life, the only true constant in my life to date.
“Shhh Snowflake, it’s over. That man is in a prison hospital now and never getting out.”
“Do you promise?” I hated how uncertain my voice sounded.
“I promise Weiss. The chances of him ever waking up is slim.”
The days went on, with my returning to home schooling.
The only issue was my nightmares. I would often wake up screaming in a blind panic, convinced that Father was just around the corner.
Most nights saw Grandpa, Winter or Klein sleeping nearby. Mom was in a treatment facility, recovering from years of her addiction.
Grandpa got us the best therapists that money could buy. In the end they had 2 options for me:
A heavy regimen of drugs to try and keep me functional and help deal with the anxiety.
Or leaving Atlas for a fresh start, away from a house full of demons and trauma.
They left the choice to me.
In the end I chose moving, I was certain I could overcome these trials without them.
The choice was up to me and I chose Vale, specifically the small island of Patch.
Across the globe from Atlas the country seemed to be everything my homeland was not.
Warm, homey, surrounded by nature and with a reputation for friendly people.
Klein and I moved to a hotel for the interim and less than 2 weeks later Grandpa had found a house and we left Atlas behind.
Mother would be staying in place until her rehab was finished and Grandpa couldn’t leave Schnee headquarters so the three of us boarded a plane and flew to start a new chapter in my life.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We had been in Patch for a few weeks and were settled. My bandages were finally off and it was a lovely summer day.
Klein had convinced me to visit a local park and that is when Ruby blew into my life. I could never have imagined what she would come to mean to me.
Red tipped black hair flying every which way.
Startling silver eyes that seemed to glow with an inner joy.
A warm, happy smile that kindled something in my frozen chest.
Smaller and younger than me, dressed in shorts and a t- shirt with a cartoon dog on the front.
Assorted scrapes and bruises dotted her legs. Obviously she was active and energetic.
I had received nothing but pity and sorrowful looks from the people that I had met to this point so I braced myself for another pointed finger or comment on my disfigurement.
Hiya I’m Ruby!”
“Hello Ruby. My name is Weiss.”
To my shock she made no mention of the raw red scar running down my face.
“Your hair is pwetty. Can I feel it?”
I nodded, taken by surprise.
Gentle fingers ran through the end of my short ponytail.
“Wanna be friends?”
“ I suppose we could meet up again.”
Ruby threw her arms around me in a hug and I stiffened, unused to such affection from strangers.
After a moment I relaxed and carefully put my hands on her shoulders.
After ten seconds or so she let go and piped up “Momma says everyone needs hugs!”
/She might be right./
“What? That was really neat!”
“Oh sorry. That was Atlesian. My apologies.”
“Ruby? Where are you sweetheart? Oh there you are.”
A near copy of Ruby walked over, with matching hair and the same gentle eyes.
“Hello dear. My name is Summer, her mother. Was she bothering you?”
I tensed up, still expecting a bad reaction to my scar.
“Not really, she seems quite nice.”
Ruby beamed beside me, nearly vibrating in place.
“Well, I’m glad. Come on Ruby or we won’t have time for ice cream.”
“Ice cweam? Come on! See ya Weiss.”
I watched amused as she ran off, looking behind to see if her mother was following.
“So much energy, I swear she gets it from her dad. It was nice meeting you Weiss. We live in that building over there. Hope we see you soon.”
With that she jogged off after her and I was left to contemplate my afternoon.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The days blended into weeks and then months. Ruby became my closest friend incredibly quickly.
She found that I had the habit of slipping into my native tongue when startled or deep in thought and thought it adorable. It quickly became a good natured game of hers to get me to speak Atlesian.
I eventually met her unusual family.
Her sister Yang was like a burning campfire. Cheerful, brash, friendly and outspoken with a gentle heart underneath it all. With a core of steel to protect those that she loves.
She also understood me in a fantastic way, having also had a neglectful mother.
{At least mine is making amends.}
And her parents swiftly became dear to me as well.
Summer was thoughtful and kind, slotting into place as another mother for me. A few months after I
arrived in Vale my Mom arrived and they became fast friends.
Tai was basically a male Yang. Bad puns, a friendly disposition but be afraid if you ever hurt his family.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The years flew by, filled with laughter and a few tears. Even Winter loosened up under the influence of the Rose-Xiao Long family.
Then near the end of eighth grade Grandfather passed away.
It was a merciless blow and we needed to return to Atlas for an unknown period to keep Schnee Industries running. Patch or Vale simply did not have the infrastructure needed.
Ruby presented me with a bracelet the morning I needed to leave.
“Here Princess. It’s not much but it is the best I could do.”
I marveled at the soft bracelet, clearly woven from her hair. Red and black strands wove around each other in a chaotic pattern.
“It is lovely Ruby. Thank you.”
There were many tears and promises to keep in touch, and when Ruby grabbed me in a crushing hug as the airplane began to board there was no hesitation.
I hugged her back just as tightly, a few errant tears trickling down my cheek.
I found myself stroking the bracelet during the long flight back to Atlas as my tears fell.
Upon arriving back at the Manor I tasked Klein with finding a way to protect it.
He worked a miracle, as usual and found a way to preserve it and keep it soft. I heard it cost a lot of money but frankly I did not care.
The next week I convinced Mother to trim my hair and make a matching bracelet for Ruby.
“Are you certain Snowpea? You have not cut your hair since we arrived at Patch.”
“Yes, I am. My bracelet has brought me comfort and I know Ruby must be hurting as well.”
“Very well then.”
With her help we fashioned a bracelet that was both thicker and stronger than Ruby’s due to my much longer hair.
Klein preserved it then I sent it off to Ruby with my first letter, overnight shipped across Remnant.
It only took me two days to write a letter without tear stains dotting the parchment.
As the years went by I outgrew it but it always remained safe, a cherished gift from my Thorn.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What can I say about the next several years? They were quite lonely.
Phone and online service to Patch was sporadic, one flaw from their remote location.
I spoke with Ruby and her family almost exclusively through letters, carefully saving each one.
I was trapped inside the walls of Schnee Manor for a time.
The sudden change in leadership meant turmoil for the company, and for our family.
Even while we were grieving some terrible men had terrible ideas for what direction we should head in.
And terrible attempts to force my Mother’s hand, to bend what they viewed as a weak willed woman to their will.
I was homeschooled for well over a year by carefully chosen tutors, online more often than not.
The few times I absolutely needed to leave I was surrounded by guards.
After Patch, after the freedom there it was excruciating. I grew desperate to still feel a connection to my friends.
Ruby had always loved my hair so I continued to grow it out to help me feel closer to her.
I eventually settled on an elaborate braid, or a side ponytail for days when I felt lazy.
I did have a plan. I attacked my schoolwork with a laser focus, along with my fencing studies.
Mother was kind enough to build facilities on the Manor grounds for me, and she was not unskilled herself.
I intended for one of them to be my pathway back to Vale. Worst case would be my going to Vale University once I was an adult, but I was most unwilling to wait that long.
Things eventually settled, the people causing trouble were finally arrested and I regained a degree of freedom once more.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally I received my chance at age 17, going into twelfth grade.
A letter came from Beacon Academy, one of the best Senior High schools in the world. And more importantly it was in Vale.
Their stellar reputation along with their on site dorms and certified resident advisors finally convinced my mother and sister to let me return.
“Look at you sister. You have grown so strong. I will miss you.”
Tears swam in Winter’s eyes, but as usual she was too proud to shed them in public.
“I love you too Winter.”
I pulled her into a gentle hug and she melted into it.
I thought to myself {One positive that came from my being attacked. We are much more close and expressive.}
“We’ll miss you Snowdrop. But you have to chase your dreams… and maybe a certain redhead?”
“MMOOOMMMM!”
“I just meant your friend of course.”
My mother had the most evil smirk as she said that.
“Weiss and Ruby sitting in a tree…”
“Shut up Whitley!”
“I’ll miss you sis. Hey, can I have your room while you’re gone? How about I turn it into a game room?”
“You will do no such thing!”
“Children, children. Calm down now.”
I finally settled onto the plane and my adventure began.
{8 hours in the air. I do hope Ruby got my letter that I was coming. It has been a few years since we saw each other in person.}
I had brought her last letter with me, although baggage restrictions meant that my binder with the rest had to stay behind.
“Dear Princess,
I hope you’re still doing well. The days here still seem quieter without you here by my side. Even Yang can’t fill the hole you’ve left in Patch, or in my life. Wait a second-
Heya Ice Queen! When will you grace us with your presence huh? There is snow way for lil sis to be happy without you here.
Here there were a few stray blots of ink
Sorry, Yang interrupted me.
I should rush if I want to catch the mailman.
Anyways, I hopefully have a big surprise to tell you about next time.
Love,
Your Thorn
Always and Forever.
The time passed slowly as I finally fell asleep in an attempt to beat the evils of jet lag, thoughts of my life running through my head.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you asked Ruby she would say that she wasn’t anything special.
An average high school girl, small and slender.
Toned from keeping her sister company in the gym a few times a week, but certainly not an athlete.
Messy reddish black hair in a ponytail, tied with her lucky white ribbon, her favorite gift from Weiss.
The only thing she thought was even slightly remarkable was her silver eyes, a very rare condition.
Being a year younger after having skipped two grades hadn’t done Ruby any favors, with how shy she is.
Today her outfit of choice was a simple red t-shirt with a cartoon corgi and a knee length black skirt, with a cartoon rose printed on the side.
Black thigh high stockings and a pair of red trainers completed her outfit.
Just a normal girl, on another normal day at Beacon Academy.
As she walked into the building her friend Nora waved her over.
She smiled, Nora having bulldozed her way into Ruby’s life upon her arrival at Beacon.
Having seen her sitting alone at lunch, Nora had simply sat down beside her and started chattering away.
“Hiya Ruby! I hope your winter break was fantastic! I went back to visit my grandparents in Kuroyuri.”
“Yeah Nora, I just hung around here and had a quiet Christmas with my family. Dad gave me a cool new tool set though. Should be perfect for prototyping my models. It was really nice to see everyone.”
“Anyways Rubes, did you hear the gossip? Rumor is there is a new girl starting here. She moved from overseas. She’s supposed to be gorgeous but also super strict. In fact I am pretty sure she is in some of your advanced classes. Good luck, I hear you will need it.”
“Really? I’m sure she won’t be that bad. It’s not like we will really cross paths.”
With that the lunch bell rang and I had to rush to my advanced physics class.
I had settled down into my seat when Miss Goodwitch began talking to us.
“Okay class, we have a new student transferring in this semester. Please behave, she worked very hard to come here.
You can come in now.”
The classroom door began to open and I heard the click of heels as she began to enter the room.
{Funny, her walk seems almost familiar.}
I glanced up from my work as she stood in front of the board.
Very expensive looking high heels led up the standard uniform skirt, done in very high quality fabric.
White stockings ran all the way up her legs as required by our dress code.
Going higher she was svelte and toned, obviously an athlete.
As I finished looking up my eyes locked on her face. Ice blue eyes with a prominent scar running across her left brow lay beneath long, snow white hair.
{Wait- What-}
A musical voice rang out firmly in lightly accented Valian.
“Hello everybody. My name is Weiss Schnee, a recent transfer from Atlas. I look forward to working with everybody.”
There was a loud crash as I fell off my chair in shock, then I saw her look my way in concern before her eyes opened wide.
{Well, here I am at the Academy. I do hope that my classmates are tolerable. Given the reputation of this school they had better be.}
At that thought Miss Goodwitch opened the door and waved me inside.
I walked up to the chalkboard and turned to face the class.
“Hello everybody. My name is Weiss Schnee, a recent transfer from Atlas. I look forward to working with everybody.”
Immediately after speaking I heard a crash and saw somebody go down hard in my peripheral vision.
Looking over I was relieved to see a lack of blood before noticing just who it was.
That messy black-red hair and those silver eyes were quite a unique combination after all.
{She’s here? HOW? WHY? She should still be in Patch Prep School.}
Still my eager feet betrayed me and my body moved on autopilot as I extended a hand and pulled Ruby up.
“Hello Ruby. I am so very glad to see you again.”
“WEISS?! Snowflake? You’re here!” Ruby crushed me in a hug that I happily returned until a throat cleared itself noisily behind me.
I realized with a shock that Ruby was actually a little bit taller than me now.
“Miss Rose, are you all right?”
Ruby’s face turned quite a dark shade of red at seeing all the attention on her.
“Yes, Miss Goodwitch.”
“Excellent. Please take your seat. Miss Schnee, you may take the empty one behind her.”
I found that for once I could not focus on the lesson.
Ruby occupied all of my attention.
She had grown up, and I felt sad that I had missed it.
Her hair was longer now, cascading down in a simple ponytail. My chest felt warm when I saw her still wearing the white ribbon I had given her one Christmas, the one with a red rose embroidered in.
She still wore flats instead of heels, that much hadn’t changed.
I could not wait for lunch time to talk with her.
Finally lunch arrived and to my surprise Ruby grabbed onto my hand and pulled me out of the classroom, chattering a mile a minute.
{That hasn’t changed a bit.} I thought while smiling gently.
“How are you here? Why didn’t you tell me?”
With anyone else I might be worried by that question but Ruby was just excited.
“I am sorry, this was quite last minute. Someone else dropped out from the program- Octavia something I think? She got caught cheating. I was asked to come instead.
I did send you a letter but I guess I was faster. It’s so good to see you Petal.”
Ruby swept me up in another hug and I marveled at how *right* it felt. Like coming home, even if being a bit shorter now felt strange.
Breaking off I noticed a few tears running down her cheeks.
“What is wrong?”
Ruby was sniffling a bit.
“Nothing, just happy.”
“I am as well. Still, how are you in twelfth grade already?”
“Oh? I decided to graduate early and go to the same University as you.”
“You what?”
For once I was almost speechless as my heart stuttered.
“Yeah Yang and I made a pinky promise to go to the same school as you. The Three Amigas need to reunite after all. I didn’t want to be left behind again.”
“Ruby, that is so sweet. Where is the Brute anyways?”
“Yang’s in another wing of the school training with Blake.”
“Her girlfriend?”
“Yeppers. Or making out. You never know with those two.”
With those words my attention focused on our hands still joined together and to my horror a small blush formed.
Looking at her I saw that Ruby had grown up in our time apart.
A little over 16, she had gone from a scrawny tomboy to someone very well put together.
Toned and muscular, she now resembled her sister more than a skinny, hyperactive girl.
She was still tanned, after all nothing could keep Ruby from the outdoors.
She wore the school uniform as well, but her lapel had a small pin of Zwei on it.
Most importantly it felt like no time had passed, that our bond was as strong as ever.
And then a flashbang went off in my head and I reeled internally.
It was no secret to anyone who had known me on Patch that Ruby owned a piece of my heart, and was welcome there.
But here, as near adults and hand in hand I realized just how much she owned, and how deeply my feelings ran.
{I-I think I love her. WHAT? WHAT DO I DO? It’s too soon. Does she even like me that way? I need to settle back in with her first. I need time.}
Outwardly my control failed me as I flushed violently and sagged, my mind too busy to keep my body fully upright.
“Hey you ok? Still tired? That’s a mean flight you took here ya know.”
For once my mouth ran on autopilot.
/I’m thinking about how pretty you are./
Those words leaving my mouth broke me out of my loop but caused my internal panic to worsen.
{Goddess, at least I said that in Atlesian.}
“What was that Snowflake?”
Ruby was giving me an odd look, one I couldn’t quite place. Hope, and nervousness?
“Nothing, just agreeing with you. I may need some quiet for a few minutes.”
She led me to a quiet study room in the library and sat me down, clear concern in her eyes.
“I’ll be back in a few ok? Try to relax.”
She left, our hands finally parting. I desperately missed the warmth already.
{Ok. Close your eyes. Deep breath in, hold, deep breath out. Deep breath in, hold, deep breath out.}
The familiar, comfortable exercise took hold and I felt my mind slow down, the panic receding.
{All right. So what do I do? It is still far too early for a declaration of love. If I am even sure that is what I am feeling.
It has been years since we saw each other in person. Could it just be out of control emotions? Happiness at being with her again?}
I ignored the part of me yelling in protest with the ease of long discipline.
{More to the point, how do I ask her without risking everything? A ball of sunshine like Ruby must surely already have someone. Does she even like women?
*I* was not sure I liked women like that 15 minutes ago.)
I dug deeply into my business and etiquette training and donned my mask, flush receding through force of will.
{There will be time for thinking this over in private. I cannot give the gossips, or the tabloids, fuel.}
Just then Ruby returned and beamed at seeing me.
“Ya look better. Calmer and less ill. Are you ok for afternoon classes or should you see the nurse?”
I automatically reached out and grasped her hand, and could have sworn I saw a very pleased look cross Ruby’s face.
“I will be all right, thank you.”
“Sadly we don’t have the next class together but see you after school? Hey you’ll probably see Yang too!”
I pulled her into a long hug, broken by the bell as we scrambled off to class.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next few hours dragged by slowly. I automatically filed away the teacher’s lecture in some corner of my mind while my thoughts were elsewhere.
{When did this start? When I was forced away Ruby was just 11, all skinned knees and bright smiles. And I had only just started maturing, and growing before we left back to Atlas.}
Just then it hit me and I internally groaned.
{OF COURSE it would be her. My first real friend. My closest friend, my bestest bestie as she used to call herself. Ruby taught me to love freely, to love without restraint or reservations. Of course my heart chose her.
My therapist told me I was demi bordering on aromantic. Well, I guess I am actually Rubymantic.
It all makes sense. My half finished letters that never felt right. The odd feelings I ignored in my laser focus to get here. The knowing looks from Klein and Mom at my excitement when a letter arrived. They would even say I was glowing.
Wait- Klein tidied up my room. He must have seen some of those letters. Suddenly I understand some of his cheerful jokes about missing Patch. AGGHHHHHH.}
I internally facepalmed.
{To return TO HER. Goddess, I was blind. But what do I do now? Confess? Wait?}
My heart constricted at the thought that she might have a partner by now.
Classes finally ended and I had barely made it through the front gates when I was seized by a pair of steel bars, lifted, and squeezed against a substantial bust.
“Ice Queen! It’s been so Xiao-Long since I saw you!”
I managed to wheeze out “Yang!” as she put me down.
I pulled her into a proper hug as she laughed and spun me around.
“When did you get here? Did Rubes know you were coming? If she didn’t tell me she’ll get such a noogie!”
“Just last night. There was a cancellation in the exchange program and they allowed me to come.”
“Ohh yeah, Octavia. Bad vibes there. Pro tip, don’t call our Deputy Headmistress The Evil Bitch of The North.”
“Miss Goodwitch? I met her today. She seemed nice, just focused on classes. And no, the dolt did not know. I beat my last letter here.”
“You saved Ruby again! The Noogie Of Doom is averted a head of time!”
I took a moment and had a closer look at my second sister.
{More proof I was blind. Yang’s my sister not of blood and Ruby is… something else. Someone precious.}
Yang was taller than me before I had to leave. Now she towered over me, all tanned muscle and good nature.
Her hair had lengthened and ran down her back to her thighs.
“What are you, six two? Not fair!”
“SIx three actually Weissy. High five?”
She held her hand up and laughed at the smoldering look I gave her.
{Ruby mentioned a girlfriend. Maybe I can be sneaky using that fact.}
“Ruby said you had a girlfriend now? Blake something?”
Here her face softened and her smile turned gentle.
“Yeah, Blake Belladonna. It was rough for a while, but we finally got together last year. Now we’re inseparable.
Free advice. If you find your love, don't wait. Don’t waste time.”
“I see. Does Ruby have anybody I need to meet?”
“Lil Sis? Nah, she’s been more into tinkering and riding her bikes more than anything else. Why, you applying?”
I blushed and Yang’s grin widened into her “Gotcha!” smirk.
I desperately changed the subject.
“Oh, is she still racing?”
“You should see her latest project. A 1200cc dirt bike.”
She just gave me an over-the-top wink and called out “Heya Rubes!”
“Hiya! Whatcha talking about?”
“Weissy and I were catching up. Hey, you want to come and see Mom? She’ll be thrilled.”
“Sadly I need to finish setting everything up at my new apartment. Hopefully tomorrow?”
{I need to get myself under control and figure this out before I implode.}
“I-I could give you a ride?”
“Hell yeah! Ruby has her license now.”
“Congratulations.”
“Yeah, let’s go!”
She led me to the parking lot and a rather eye catching motorbike parked there.
It was vibrant red with white racing stripes, and a stylized red rose drawn onto the fuel tank.
To my relief it was a normal bike, not one of her “racing specials”.
Ruby correctly interpreted my look and chirped “Don’t worry, it’s street legal.”
{She still knows me very well.}
“My racing bike isn’t. Top speed of 200 MPH and special suspension and tires.”
For a moment my heart stuttered at the thought of her doing nearly a quarter the speed of sound on a dirt bike.
I was handed a spare helmet that I put on with a bit of difficulty before climbing onto the bike behind Ruby.
My stomach filled with butterflies and my heart sped up as I leaned against her back, my arms going around her waist.
{Are those abs? I see she is still very warm. It feels amazing.}
“Are you ready Princess?”
/Always, beautiful./
I got another one of those odd looks from Ruby.
I felt the bike get kickstarted into gear then speed off, my mind locked on her childhood nickname for me.
I shuddered, thankfully I could pass it off as a reaction to the sudden motion.
{That hit something very… primal in me. Goddess at least she cannot see my blush.}
We arrived at my building, with my thoughts still awhirl.
I dismounted the bike, already missing the feel of my arms around Ruby.
I removed my helmet and paused when I heard the dolt gently laughing.
“H-Helmet hair! You should see it!”
Without thinking she reached over and smoothed her hands through my hair, like she had a hundred times before as a child.
This time however her fingers brushing along my scalp felt heavenly as she attempted to force the wisps away.
/You’ve always loved my hair since the day we met. I grew it out just for you./
I caught a glance from Ruby, smiling as she kept giggling.
{Is that hope in her eyes? I doubt my ability to read her is as good as it used to be. I must be seeing things.}
“Thank you for the ride. Sadly I should go, I have so much to do.”
“Awww, ok. But first a hug! I have years worth to catch up on!”
She seized me up in a tight embrace, her hands resting on my lower back.
{I have missed this warmth dearly.}
/So very pleasing./
I allowed myself to melt into her, absently noting how well we fit together.
{My head slots perfectly into the crook of her neck.}
My Dolt {MY Dolt?!! What?} finally stepped back with a wave and hopped onto her bike. A moment later she was gone, leaving me to my thoughts.
I walked upstairs in a daze, finally ending up on my sofa.
{Who can I talk to? Mother? Winter? Klein? I think he is the only one I trust to stay discreet.}
Pulling out my scroll I called Klein. Thankfully Vale had ample bandwidth for a video call, and it was not yet bedtime over in Atlas.
“Good evening Tochter. Is everything okay? I hope you’re settling in properly.”
I savored the warm feeling of him calling me daughter, happy that he was my father by choice.
“Today was mostly satisfactory, although there were a few shocks.”
“It was your first day of school right?”
“Yes, and everything went well until I walked into my homeroom class.”
“Oh dear. Weren’t the other students well behaved?”
“Yes, until I heard a loud crash and looked over. Ruby is in my class. I certainly was not expecting that!”
“Excellent! I do hope all is well?”
“It was like no time had passed, and the first thing my dolt did is hug me.”
“I’m glad Weiss. But there is more correct? I can tell by your tone of voice.”
{He knows me far too well.}
“I-I think I love Ruby.”
“Well of course, we all love her. She’s a hard person to dislike after all.”
“Love as in romantic love Father.”
I couldn’t keep the trembling out of my voice, or a plaintive tone that was crying out for help.
“OH! I see sweetheart. That must have been quite the shock.”
“It was like a thunderbolt. She took my hand, like she did a thousand times while we were children, and my world tilted upside down. My mind went crazy, I could not focus or concentrate at all.
After a few minutes I got myself under control enough to last until I got home.”
“Do you want the truth? We’ve been expecting this for a while now. After all, Ruby wears her heart on her sleeve. And it was always clear to us where her affections lay.”
/So I do have a chance then?/
/Of course, if you wish it Weiss. After all you know your young friend./
/Of course, the silly Dolt. Shy, gentle, kind and afraid to hurt my feelings if I did not feel the same way./
/Could I ask you for a favor Father? Please do not tell Mother, Winter or the Roses. I wish to come to terms with her without…. Unseemly interference./
/Very well, I shall stay quiet as long as I can. You do know them however./
/I certainly do. Thank you and good night, I know it must be late there. I love you./
/Good night Weiss. All the love in the world to you./
I hung up the scroll and rather mechanically put away my school things and cleaned up.
I gave my hair a quick but complete brushing, wishing that it was Ruby standing behind me.
I was then nearly asleep when my scroll buzzed and a message from Ruby came up.
“Good night bestie! Super happy you’re back! Sleep well and beware of peas!”
Smiling and shaking my head I answered
“Thank you / Mein Thorn/. Sleep softly and don’t poke yourself.”
I got a thumbs up and a smiley face in return before the connection was broken.
{Wait a second. Mien /Thorn/? When did that start? In the beginning she was just a thorn in my side, always there no matter what.
When I was 10 or 11 maybe? Thinking back Mom and Summer Mom did smile a lot whenever I used it. DAMN.}
My mind drifted back to the day Ruby learned what /Thorn/ meant. It was the first real real test of our friendship.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
{Oh! Here comes Ruby. Wait, why is she crying?}
An unpleasant weight settled in my stomach as our eyes met and she began to sniffle, then sob outright.
“I th-thought we were friends *hic*”
“What? Ruby, /Thorn/, of course we are. My best friend.”
“THORN? The sharpest, most annoying part of a rose? Does that sound like a friend? Whitley told me what my nickname means.”
“Ruby- wait-” I moved forward and opened my arms for a hug, and my heart broke when she stepped back.
“No. Were you just teasing me like the others?”
“What others? Ruby- please-”
“The kids who pretended to be my friends, then hurt me. Not you too, Weiss.”
“Ruby, you know I was not well when we met. Yes, I started calling you Thorn since you were always with me. Even when I thought I deserved to be alone, you stuck with me.
Over time it became affectionate, a reminder that my Rose would stick with me.
And now I want you to always be around.
/ Mein Thorn /, My Thorn, with me forever.”
Then I wavered and collapsed as it hit me.
I had belittled her. Hurt her with words and damaged her heart.
I was acting just like my father, like *him*.
I curled up on the pavement and gasped for air, keening loudly.
My vision began to go black around the edges when I faintly heard “iss- Weiss-” before I felt arms encircle me and prop me up from behind.
I would know her hug anywhere as she rocked me, singing Summer’s lullaby into my ear until my breathing calmed down and my heart stopped thundering in my chest.
“I cannot be your friend, I hurt you so badly. Please leave.”
“No, Princess. That scream scared me.”
“I am sorry. Another pain I have caused you.”
“I forgive you.”
‘What?”
“You didn’t do it to hurt me. Not after I saw that.”
“Ruby- I think I am becoming my father. I need to think. I am sorry.”
Just then my sister came running up, panic clear on her face.
“WEISS! What’s wrong?”
“I don’t feel well Sister. Please help me home.”
With a worried look at the tears on both our faces she slung my arm over her shoulder and began walking.
I heard a raw, panicked “Weiss!” behind me and I mustered up the strength to reply “Please give me some space Ruby.”
Winter’s step stuttered when she heard that as I tried to ignore the tears scalding my cheeks.
{I am sorry Ruby. I hope to feel one of your hugs again. I already feel cold.}
We arrived home and I stumbled to my room. Collapsing onto my bed I let the tears fall, making smoothed sobs into my pillow.
“Weiss, what is wrong? Did something happen with Ruby?”
“I hurt her. Badly. I am like Father. Please leave me alone.”
I felt her weight settle onto my bed and arms reach for me, but I curled tighter into myself and whispered “I need to think.”
I heard a heavy sigh as Winter replied.
“Very well, I will be downstairs as will Klein. Call us if you want us.”
I heard her footsteps recede and my door gently close and I was finally, mercifully alone.
{I cannot hurt anyone like this.}
I tried to ignore the tiny voice saying {Except yourself.}
I must have cried myself asleep as I was gently woken by a delicate cloth wiping my cheeks.
“Are you feeling better Snowpea?”
My throat felt dry and raw from crying and my eyes ached.
“Mo-” my voice cracked and she passed me a glass of my favorite blueberry flavored water.
“Drink. You must be terribly dehydrated.”
I greedily drank until it was empty then tried again.
“Mom. I *hurt* her. Hurt Ruby. I am turning into Father.”
My eyes began throbbing but it seemed I was cried out.
“Oh, Weiss. Winter told me you two had a fight.”
“/Thorn/.”
“Your nickname for her? I found it rather cute.”
I began shaking again as my mind froze on the hurt look on Ruby’s face.
‘She did not.”
“Pardon?”
“She took Thorn to be an insult, and I hit her directly in an already sore wound.”
“Oh, Snowpea.”
I finally allowed myself to be held as I collapsed into her arms.
“I will just hurt her again, will I not? I learned too much from my father.”
“No you will not.”
“How do you know?”
“Weiss Lily Schnee.”
{Oh oh, here it comes.}
“You are nothing like your father. You made a mistake and hurt somebody. I am sorry, but it happens to all of us.”
“I hurt her so badly Mother.”
“And do you feel pleasure? Joy? Are you planning your next step in breaking her? Bending her to your will? Making her give up?”
I shuddered as the very thought filled me with disgust.
I almost shouted, until my throat gave out.
“Of course not. She is my closest friend. My best friend. She helped heal me.”
“There you have it then. Your father took great pleasure in breaking me down, in driving me to drink. He often gloated while I was blackout drunk.”
“You are nothing like him. You bring happiness to all of us. You give me great joy in seeing you recover from what HE did, along with forgiving me for allowing it to happen.”
“You were so hurt, I could not hold it against you. At least after I got help.”
“Now, young Ruby adores you, as do all of us.”
“Ruby- she said she forgave me already. Typical selfless Dolt. My leaving- how did she take it?”
“I will not soften it. She cried herself to sleep. She is currently cuddled up between Yang and Summer.”
I felt a pang rip across my heart.
“Momma, I can fix this right?”
“Of course Snowpea. She is waiting for you. Tomorrow morning alright? You should have some soup then sleep.”
I had a small meal then drank some yucky medicine before falling asleep again, albeit more at peace this time.
I awoke the next morning and raced through my morning routine, eager to make amends with Ruby.
I had just gotten dressed and thrown open my blinds when I froze.
A very familiar, somewhat shabby tent was set up on my front lawn.
“Ruby!”
I flew downstairs and out the door, to see a head pop out of the tent at the commotion.
She met me halfway, latching onto me with her deceptive strength as happy tears fell.
“I am sorry Ruby. Forgive me?”
“Pssh there’s nothing to forgive. Are you ok?”
“I am better now. Mom beat some sense into my head.”
She smiled so widely her eyes squinted shut as she held out her pinky.
“Together forever?”
Laughing, I linked mine into hers and agreed as a weight lifted from my heart.
“Together forever!”
“That’s right cause I’m your /Thorn/!”
“You do not mind the name?”
“Nah Momma talked to me and it’s grown on me. You’re stuck with this thorny Rose my Princess!”
{Princess? What the? Well it does sound sort of charming from her. I guess it stuck.}
“Very well then my loyal subject. I accept your terms.”
Ruby dissolved into laughter and I followed as all the tension drained away.
We became ever closer until my grandfather's death forced us apart.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next day came and school went as normal- other than the fact my skin seemed to tingle whenever Ruby touched me.
Which, happily, was quite often.
{Is it me, or is she holding on longer than usual? Goddess, I hope so.}
/Your hugs fill me with such joy./
Her eyes seemed to sparkle after that and her smile widened.
She came home with me again, riding on her bike.
Happily though this time I had time to invite her to visit.
“So this is your place? Smaller than I expected.”
“Well, I do not expect to spend much time here, and it takes less time to maintain.”
Her tone was playful as she replied “Yeah, I guess it’s enough for you. But not two people. What if you get a girlfriend?”
She playfully jabbed my side here.
/There is one candidate I am considering./
She looked momentarily startled then her face turned smug.
“But you do have some quirks to get used to.”
“Like what?”
I folded my arms and pretended to be offended by the remark.
“Look at this. Everything is in perfect order.”
“The front room is for-”
“Entertaining, the back for family.” Ruby fondly rolled her eyes.
We walked into my bedroom next and I was mortified as Ruby’s eyes locked onto my bedside table.
“You kept this?”
I carefully picked up the frame, admiring the art inside of the two of us side by side, arms slung around each other.
“Of course, it was your going away present to me.”
/It kept a tiny bit of the hurt, the loneliness, at bay./
“I’m glad. Took me two days, barely slept at all.”
“I knew. Well, here’s my humble room.”
It was painted a light blue, with space for a twin bed, a small dresser and a nightstand.
The bed was custom however, made from top quality memory foam and able to recline.
The sheets were not Atlesian silk, but high quality cotton lined with fleece.
A photo of my family was hung on the wall, along with a photo of Ruby and I from Patch.
Ruby curiously poked the mattress and began to giggle.
“Still the best for you Princess. You do love being warm.”
/Are you volunteering to keep me warm?/
I gently pushed her and she reacted by collapsing on my bed, pulling me down with her.
We wound up laying side by side with her arm wrapped around my waist.
{Is she blushing? SHE IS! WHATDOIDO?}
I felt a blush form as well.
“I recall spending nights stargazing much like this / Mein Thorn/.”
“Yep!”
“Atlas has no stars. There are too many lights everywhere to see them.
/And even if there was my brightest star was you. Even if I never realized your light until it was gone./
“Oh! I’ll be right back!”
She removed her arm and bounced off my bed, racing out the door.
{Now I am cold.}
Sitting up I walked to the living room and waited for her to return.
It didn’t take long before I heard the thump thump thump as she raced up the stairs and burst in, brandishing a tupperware container.
“Behold! Mom’s Marvelous Munchies!”
She popped the lid and the smell immediately took me back to the endless summer days of Patch.
“Are those choco chunk cookies?”
“Yup! Mom sent some along with me this week.”
I reverently bit into one and moaned, the flavor as delicious as ever.
“She has not lost her touch.”
“I’ll tell her. She’s thrilled you’re back, you know.”
“I am glad. I will call her this weekend. Wait, she is?”
“Yang told her last night. Mom and Dad are overjoyed.”
“That loudmouthed Brute.” Still, I was smiling as I said it.
“Yeah, they consider you another daughter. Nobody else ever learned her cookie secrets after all.”
My mind flashed back to a specific afternoon when Summer had decided we were ready to learn her greatest secret.
An afternoon full of laughter and happiness.
{My cheeks hurt from smiling at the end of all that. My first batch was nearly charcoal but my dolt ate one anyways.
It took me four tries but Summer finally deemed my cookies acceptable and good enough for Ruby.
WAIT- Was she teaching me so I could feed Ruby her favorite cookies in the future? Summer you sneaky little…}
Ruby smiled at the far away look in my eyes.
“Thinking about our baking sessions huh? Are you still in practice, or were you too busy in your castle my Princess?”
“I will have you know I kept in practice when I could. I bet I could still make a cookie that is suitable for my /Thorn/.”
/After all, eating the cookies I made reminded me of you, of Patch. It brought light to a difficult time./
“Bet! The usual stakes?”
“Very well. The loser owes the winner one favor.”
We spoke in unison.
“So may it be, by Royal Decree!”
Sadly Ruby had to leave shortly after, but not before one final hug.
My head slotted perfectly into her shoulder and I felt I could stay there forever.
My blush was thankfully hidden.
{Come on Weiss, you need to say something soon. It is a miracle she is still single.}
With a cheerful wave she was gone.
I totally did not watch her until she sped out of sight on her bike.
{Wait a minute did she wink at me??!}
Thursday flew by in a blur, with classes taking all my focus.
Gym class came and went with a game of baseball and I watched Yang flex then hit a home run while smiling at a black haired girl.
{That must be Blake. That explains why she keeps looking at me.}
I did not know it at the time but that night /Thorn/ and her mom had a very important talk.
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ruby paced back and forth with her phone held to her ear.
“C’mon Mom, pick up. This is urgent.”
“Hello sweetheart this is a surprise. Are you ok? How is it going with Weiss?”
“She’s great, I guess. You remember how she used to switch to Atlesian when flustered? She still does it.”
“How cute.”
“Our connection feels as strong as ever, maybe stronger.”
“That’s wonderful, Petal. I am rooting for you.”
“But I certainly didn’t learn her language well enough. The things I think she was saying. It’s not possible Mom.
I thought she was just rusty, not used to speaking Valean anymore. But she’s been getting worse as the week’s gone by, and only around me.”
“Really?” Mom’s voice had turned playful, teasing… and hopeful?
“What has she been saying?”
“That I’m very pretty. That she grew her hair out just for me. That she wants me to help keep her warm.
She said she was considering a candidate when I asked if she was seeing anyone. While gazing at ME.
She called me her brightest light. That my hugs fill her with such joy.
It’s not possible is it? This soon? She’s only been back three days.”
Mom sounded happy, even overjoyed.
“Ah Petal, love knows no time. You two have been building towards this since almost the day you met.
You’ve shown me her letters and trust me, she loves you. Maybe she finally realized. That silly girl.”
I was blushing heavily.
“What do I dooooo Mom? I can’t just ask her out. I’m scared.”
“All right. Does she have anywhere she needs to be this weekend?”
“No, just homework. Why?”
“Your Dad and I desperately want to see her.”
“Ok?”
“So we’ll hop over and pick the four of you up tomorrow after school. Family weekend at our cabin. Sound good? I can keep an ear open around Weiss and help you.”
Ruby sagged as a lot of stress left her frame.
“Thanks Mom. I’ll message her tonight. We both know she sometimes reacts poorly to surprises.”
“I love you Petal, but I need to go. A lot to be done for tomorrow.”
“Love you to the Moon and back. Bye!”
—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was preparing for bed when my scroll rang with the special tone reserved only for Ruby.
Her text read-
“Hey! Did you have weekend plans? Momma wants us all to visit Patch for the weekend, have a family shindig.”
“What exactly is a shindig? And no, I had just planned to get ahead in my studies. I would love to go.”
“Fantastic! Mom says she or Pops will be waiting outside the school for us, so pack a bag. Princesses don’t travel light after all 😛”
“Of course my lovely Thorn. See you tomorrow, and tell Momma Summer I miss her terribly.”
Closing my scroll I went to bed, I knew I would need my energy for tomorrow.
The next day dragged on as I only shared one class with Ruby, a science class with a very strict teacher.
I found it strangely difficult to focus on my class.
{I am so excited to be going back to Patch.}
Without thinking I touched just below my neck, where Ruby’s precious bracelet was hanging under my blouse.
{I don’t often wear it anymore, but I refuse to chance leaving it in my locker.}
Ruby and I managed to meet after the final bell rang.
“Hiya Bestie! Ready to go?”
“I certainly am. It has been far too long.”
/And I intend to make my feelings clear where this all began./
Ruby had a beaming smile as we walked out the doors, and for the second time this week I was being squeezed by a hydraulic press.
A deep, joyful voice that made my bones shake rumbled out “If it isn’t little Weiss!”
“Air- air-”
“Sorry, got a little excited. Welcome home!”
“Hello Papa Tai.”
I returned his hug properly and he set me down.
I looked up- and up- at him. It was clear where Yang got her height and her build from. Standing six foot six and broad as a barn door he was an imposing sight.
Until you got to know him and realized he was a big softy and addicted to puns.
“Did Momma come as well?”
“Ayup, she’s over with Yang.”
“Over here Weissicle! Come and meet Blake.”
I glanced over and the quiet, dark haired girl who had been studying me greeted me with a small wave and a nearly inaudible “Hello.”
“Hello. I am Weiss, Ruby’s childhood friend.”
I got a small nod and was panicking at how aloof Blake was being when I saw a specific book hanging half out of her backpack.
My heart gave a single lurch as I saw the very distinctive cover for Ninjas Of Love.
{That book. Oh my Goddess. The maids dropped a copy once and the contents were utter filth.}
Blake saw where my eyes were looking and my expression and blushed slightly, holding her finger across her lips.
I felt much more at ease then Summer rescued the moment in that effortless way she had.
“Weiss! Oh it’s good to see you!”
Summer came rushing over and pulled me into a gentle hug.
Stepping back I took a good look at my second Mom.
She could pass for Ruby’s older sister, with the same happy silver eyes and red tipped hair.
She had a few more laugh lines and was slightly more filled out than my Thorn but other than that they were almost identical.
{I can have not only the kindest, most beautiful woman on Remnant but she’ll look like this in twenty years? I am blessed.}
Mindful that I was in public I replied “Mom! It is good to see you.”
She seemed especially happy today, but that made sense as most of her family was back together again.
Ruby engulfed me in a surprise hug from behind and I melted backwards, a happy smile curving across my lips.
/That feels wonderful Beloved./
Summer’s smile increased in brightness and her eyes began to sparkle.
“What was that Snowpea?”
“I-I said that feels wonderful.”
“Yes, she does give the best hugs. She’s always loved hugging you after all. We should get going, you remember it’s a bit of a boat ride.”
The ride over was filled with quiet conversation, mostly Momma Summer filling me in on the goings on in Patch while Ruby napped at my side.
Yang and Blake sat together on the other bench seat while Tai was our friendly driver.
“Sea you later Vale! Patch Ahoy!”
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We finally arrived home, to the family cabin.
{I cannot believe how many people still recognized me and came running up to say hello.}
Built of sturdy logs with plenty of windows to let in the light, the front door was lovingly carved.
Rose petals swirled around a stout dragon, while underneath was a smaller dragon aflame next to a blooming rose with thorns.
I had never been as touched as the day I came over and there were three freshly carved snowflakes, one of them conspicuously close to Ruby’s rose.
It had been renovated once when Ruby was born to add a third bedroom and a basement.
“Well girls welcome home. I suppose you should get changed out of your uniforms then meet back in the living room.”
With that Ruby dashed down the hall, as full of energy as ever.
I slowly followed,my feet automatically taking me to Ruby’s room.
I opened the door, lost in thought.
Then erupted in a massive blush.
She stood with her back turned to me, her blouse off.
I couldn’t take my eyes off her lean, powerful muscles as they rippled with her movements.
She began to bend over to remove her skirt and my heart began thumping against my chest.
I must have let out a strangled noise (not a squeak thank you!) as Ruby jumped in shock.
“Sorry! I’ll use the bathroom!”
With that I stumbled away, my entire body aflame with embarrassment.
I locked myself in the bathroom and decided I could use a nice cold shower to rinse off before changing into my sundress.
{I knew she was athletic but when did she get so toned? Clearly she has been hanging out with Yang.}
The cold conquered my blush and I opened the door to see Ruby waiting outside, with a blush and looking worried.
“I am sorry /Thorn/. I didn’t mean to see you unclothed like that.”
{She looks a bit embarrassed but also happy? Is that hope in her eyes?}
“It’s okay. We changed together all the time when we were little.”
I was screaming inside.
/You are not little by any stretch now. And I love you./
I fell into eyes of glittering silver and the world vanished.
She looked incredibly happy and began to reach out her hand when Blake came down the hall.
“Hey you two. Summer wants you in the kitchen. Something about Cookie Combat?”
We both sprang apart, blushing, as we began walking. But our hands intertwined on their own.
Momma looked at us both and took in our blushes but mercifully said nothing.
I was also grateful that Yang was elsewhere, probably helping Tai.
Blake took her leave after getting a brief hug from Ruby.
“Okay you two. Do you remember the rules of Cookie Combat?”
They sprang to mind immediately even though it had been years.
“Have fun, don’t stick our fingers in each other’s dough-” Here I directed a smirk at Ruby- “Don’t eat raw dough and may the best cookie win!”
“Hey! I was seven and you gave me sugar and chocolate. What did you expect?”
“That is true.”
Ruby pouted and I could not help myself.
/Those look very kissable./
Summer looked happier- if that was possible- and gave Ruby a nod and a thumbs up.
I looked at the counter and nostalgia flooded through me. Two cookie pans sat there, one dark red and one pale blue, with matching utensils.
“You kept them?”
“Yup! I knew the two of you rascals would be home together someday. Nothing could keep you apart forever!”
I felt a tear slip down my cheek and then I focused.
“You are going DOWN /Thorn/!”
“In your dreams Princess!”
In the end Ruby narrowly won according to the Head Honcho, Momma Summer.
“Ha! Take that!”
Ruby was bouncing while massively smiling.
“You win this time you scoundrel. But next time you shall face my full royal might!”
“You’ll never beat my ultra super secret ingredient!”
“Was it the extra powdered sugar I saw you sneak in?”
/Or was it love? I think it was!/
Ruby gave a cute “EEEPPP!” and I laughed.
“Busted!”
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dinner that night was Tai’s BBQ and grillwork.
The food was plenty and merriment flowed. Even Blake unwound a bit and joined in when Papa placed a whole grilled salmon in front of her.
“Thank you Papa. This is a greater meal than all my time back in Atlas.”
“Why thank you little Snowflake. It’s all in the heart. And the muscles!”
He playfully flexed and hammed it up to Ruby’s cheering.
Clean up went swift;y with may hands helping and everyone began to yawn.
“Okay girls I have some fun for you. You remember the Fort of Amazing Awesomeness? I set it back up for you downstairs. I expanded it with Ruby’s queen size mattress since you two are bigger now.
Enjoy! And please keep it down, your dad and I are getting old you know.”
With an over the top wink she wandered off calling for Tai.
We changed into our pajamas and got ready for bed (me in the bathroom THANK YOU very much) and met downstairs.
It was like I was sent back in time.
Blankets and duvets were arranged in a tent shape along the walls, with Ruby’s mattress laying underneath. Pillows were festooned everywhere.
More surprisingly the same TV and VCR still sat on their stand, perfectly set up for viewing.
“I didn’t want to get rid of them. Plus some shows you can’t find on newer media. Like your favorite.”
Ruby playfully thumped my shoulder.
“I remember. Educational yet fun. I have not seen Reading Rainbow in years.”
“Me neither!”
/Yes, it would not have been the same without you by my side./
We watched a few episodes, my favorite being the Princess who fights and claims her own destiny with
the aid of her loyal handmaiden.
I began to brush my hair but she gently took it from my hands and sat beside me.
“I remember doing this for you my Princess. It’s a lot longer now.”
She gently ran the brush through my hair as I melted, drifting away in a blissful haze.
I came to when she ran gentle, reverent hands through my shining locks.
“Lessee if I remember how.”
She did my hair in a loose but serviceable braid.
“An excellent job my loyal retainer!”
We laughed but there was a current running underneath everything, one I felt we both silently acknowledged.
{If you kissed me now I would happily accept. Tomorrow, I am so tired now.}
I brushed her hair for her in return then we settled onto the mattress.
I remained stiff for a few minutes, feeling Ruby laying so close to me.
“Are you OK Weiss? Overwhelmed?”
“Just overtired I think. Hold me?”
“Like old times.”
She snuggled up to me and I drifted off shockingly quickly.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ruby awoke in the middle of the night with an uncomfortably full bladder.
{Weiss is curled up with me? This is so comfy. But I need to go.}
Carefully removing her hands from around my waist I softly giggled as she fumbled around for something to hold.
I carefully pushed my pillow into her hands.
{You always were grabby in your sleep.}
I took a moment to look at her. Relaxed, with her hair in a halo around her head where the braid had come partially loose.
Her lips were curved in a tiny smile, so unlike her when awake and I selfishly found myself hoping she was dreaming of me.
The faintest little snore could be heard then to my amusement she began to mutter.
{So, Princess, still talk in your sleep hey? This should be funny.}
/Where is my faithful friend? I require her assistance in slaying the mighty Zweibeast./
{Ha! Hadn’t thought of that game in years./
/Ruby, I miss you./
I softly mumbled back to her.
/I missed you too./
Her smile grew larger as she spoke more clearly.
/I must make you my betrothed and wed you my love./
{What does that word mean? Be right back, can’t open my Scroll here.}
Padding quietly into the bathroom I took care of business before looking up the word.
Betrothed: Noun, High Atlesian
A term used by the nobility of Atlas to refer to their engaged partner, or a very serious synonym for engagement.
Verb: To be promised to somebody in marriage.
“The Princess of the realm chose to become betrothed to her love.”
I felt a blush flash down my collarbone as my entire body began to shake, and butterflies filled my stomach.
“Well, no mistaking THAT. I can’t wait until she wakes up. Now how to surprise her? Got it!”
I felt lighter than I had in years as I crept back into bed.
Weiss happily let go of the pillow and pulled close to me instead.
I had thought that I wouldn’t sleep but I passed out swiftly, her warmth and heartbeat calming me.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I awoke feeling snug and content, under multiple blankets.
{This is the life.}
I was at best half awake when I cracked open my eyes and saw Ruby.
/Did you sleep well? No peas I hope?/
/No peas for certain. Best sleep I have had in quite a while./
/Good. Only the best for you my liege./
Her voice was light and joyful, and her eyes shimmered with happiness.
/I could gaze into your eyes forever./
/I accept by the way./
/Pardon me?/
/You still talk in your sleep. It’s super cute!/
/Oh no. Did I ask you to pilot my ship to the limburger cheese moon again?/
Her laughter tinkled in my ears.
{I could listen to this for eternity.}
/Not quite. You made me learn a new word. Yes, I accept being your betrothed./
THAT word had me wide awake in a hurry, panic shooting through me as I began to blush.
/Wait. We are speaking Atlesian??!/
/Surprise! I learned cause I thought I would be going to a fancy Atlesian school to be with you./
/This was your surprise from your letter then?/
/Yeppers./
I felt my blush go below my collarbone.
/So you knew what I have been saying all week?/
/Yes, but I couldn’t believe it at first. Momma helped me out though./
/That is why she was so smug!/
/Yes. I have waited years for you, my Princess./
I switched to Valean, my home language not having the right words.
“I am such a DOLT!”
Ruby was blushing as well, with what I now knew was love radiating off of her.
I leaned in, knocking our foreheads together.
“Ow!”
She gently took my cheeks in her hands and guided me in.
Our lips came together and my world exploded.
Heat thundered through my veins then I felt at peace as my heart sang.
This was right. This was written as a law of the universe.
One of her hands tangled into my hair as mine settled at her waist, our kiss deepening.
{I was right. She does taste as sweet as her soul.}
We finally broke off but I kept my forehead leaning against hers.
“I love you Ruby. /Mein Thorn/, for now and always.”
{Goddess it feels good to say that.}
“I love you Weiss, my Princess. For now and always. I’m stuck to your side.”
We fell back onto the bed. We exchanged several more kisses before I rested my head on Ruby’s chest.
Her steady heartbeat in my ears was soothing and I felt myself begin to drift off.
I was woken by a gentle knocking as Summer came in.
“Good morning! As per tradition, breakfast is being delivered to the Fort Of Awesomeness!”
She paused, noting our blushes and the fact our hands were still joined. Or maybe our swollen lips were a bigger giveaway.
“Well, what have we here? Do you two have something to tell me?”
Momma looked overjoyed as she waited for a reply, her voice happily teasing us.
My first instinct was to deny anything was happening, a sad byproduct of my childhood.
Ruby, of course, swiftly pecked me on my lips and said “We’re finally together-together Mom!”
I am sure that squeal of joy could be heard a block over as she set down the tray and engulfed us both in a hug.
{Still comforting, still loving, but not as good as Ruby’s hugs. 9/10.}
“FINALLY! Suck it Qrow, I won the bet!”
“You BET on us getting together?”
“MMhmm. We all knew it was going to happen, it was just when. Her idiot Uncle thought that you’d be useless until Junior year in Uni Weiss.”
“What- I am not useless- ohhhh when I get him-”
Then I thought about how long it took me and calmed down.
{It did take me quite a while. Whatever, I still got the best girl on Remnant.}
“Whatever. All that matters is we are together. I hope you’re ready for a lifetime, my Rose.”
“Always and forever!” She blushed saying that in front of Momma, but her voice was clear and strong.
Just then I heard a distinct thumping coming down the stairs.
“Sweetheart, company’s coming.”
Yang came barreling through the door.
“Hey, what’s the noise about?”
She paused, taking us in then tensed.
“What are you doing with my sister, Ice Queen?”
“Not that it is your business, but kissing and cuddling her you Brute.”
“I’ve got one thing to say-”
Here I made a show of tensing up.
-“About damned time you two!”
She slapped my back and I jerked forward an inch.
I wheezed out “Thanks.” as I recovered.
“Where’s Papa and that delinquent Uncle anyways?”
“They went out for “boy’s time” together. They’ll be angry they missed this.”
“That they will. Now if you will excuse us, we have years of cuddling time to catch up on. Thanks for breakfast. Oh and please let me tell my family.”
I waved them off, settling back down on Ruby’s chest as she made a cute little squeak.
“I see how it is, tossed aside for the younger model. No gratitude these days.”
Yang fondly grumbled, then said “Congratulations you two!” before leaving.
“Have fun you two. Remember to break down and clean up the Fort when you’re done.”
Summer left, closing the door and I focused on what was important- taking a nap with /Thorn/.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A little while later I awoke to the feeling of a hand gently running through my hair.
Cracking my eyes open I saw Ruby sitting up with a soft smile on her face.
“Hello sleepyhead.”
She leaned down and kissed my scar.
“We should get going, I know you hate to waste the day away.”
“It’s not a waste, Ruby cuddles now.” I mumbled before I was propped up and handed a mug of coffee.
Draining it in two noisy gulps- which made Ruby giggle- I reluctantly left her warmth.
“Do not dare tell anyone I gulp my coffee.”
“Of course not, it’s one of the secret pieces of you only I know about.”
We went upstairs and were met with a rousing cheer as we entered the kitchen.
“Hip hip Hooray! Hip Hip Hooray!”
Blake was the only one not joining in, though she was smiling gently over a cup of tea.
Tai seized me in a hug, followed by Qrow.
“Congratulations on finding a spine, even if it cost me the bet.”
“What was it, out of curiosity?”
Summer answered, laughter in her voice.
“The old grump here needs to wear a sign that says Summer Is Superior for an hour.”
“It is what you get for betting against me!”
Yang began to sing.
“RUBY AND WEISS SITTING IN A TREE
K-I-S-S-I-N-G!”
As she finished I pulled my love into a kiss, ignoring Yang’s playful gagging noises.
“My bag is in Ruby’s room and I need to change so please excuse us.”
I tugged Ruby out of the room, delighting in her stunned look.
We entered her room and I took a closer look now that I wasn’t distracted.
{Muscles…}
People often expected her room to be red or pink, but in her usual unpredictable fashion it was a soft white instead.
Two photos hung on the longest wall, one of our family(including us four Schnees) and one of the two of us the last time we managed to get together.
/You know, I cried on the plane after this./
“So did I. I already loved you back then, three years ago.”
She collided with me in a hug, as though she was assuring herself I was here.
“I have no plans to go anywhere, my Thorn.”
I glanced at her desk and was astounded to see both a decorated red and white binder and a familiar bracelet in a shadowbox frame.
Walking over I picked it up for a closer look.
Frayed edges, off white hair and a broken clasp told the tale.
I gave a soft gasp.
“You kept this?”
“Yes. It seems silly, but it’s a precious gift to me.”
Tears were running down my cheek as I knelt by my bag and pulled out my matching bracelet.
“Me too Ruby. This kept me sane for the first while in Atlas. Proof you were real. That I did not just dream the whole thing up.”
“Oh Princess. You know I’m too weird for you to dream up.”
With a giggle she laced our hands together and leaned her forehead against mine.
She continued on.
“I always had faith that we would be together, that our bond was that strong. Would you like to see the first thing that really gave me hope?”
“Of course /Thorn/.”
She sat down, hesitated, pinked, then pulled me into her lap, the sturdy chair supporting us both.
She opened the binder and I was happy to see all the letters I had sent her neatly laminated and arranged by date.
“This is highly flattering. In all fairness I will tell you I did the same with your letters.”
“I figured, it’s a very Princess thing to do.”
With an impish grin she stopped at a letter from roughly 18 months prior.
“Dearest /Thorn/,
I still miss you greatly and wish I was still in Patch, watching the stars with you.
Things have improved here in that I can actually go out with a very minimal guard now.
Mom and Klein(Father now, did I tell you they FINALLY got together?) tell me that they have caught all the bad people.
It was very cute. They were so nervous to tell us, but we had already guessed the truth.
You know he was always here helping raise us with Mother so we were not surprised that the pair of them grew close.
He is the only man we would give approval to after all the times he protected us all.
Anyways, I hope to one day find my happily ever after as they have. I know that my heart is ready and they are waiting out there for me.
Mother keeps teasing me that they are closer than I think, and I hope that she is right.
I need to go, Mother is calling me.
Know that I miss you, your warmth and your presence more than anything. I hope we can see each other again soon.
Love always,
Princess”
It was my turn to blush as I read the letter,and how obvious I was being.
“I was an oblivious dolt, was I not?”
“It was very cute. Plus you were still healing, still mending. But this mention, that your heart was ready, really set me in action.
I studied my ass off and qualified for grade 12 with Yang. And you know the rest.”
“I do indeed.”
I wiped the tears off my face and picked up my Scroll.
“I had better call my family before somebody- like a certain Brute- spoils the surprise.”
Giving her a quick kiss I dialed Mother’s number.
“Good evening Snowpea. It is rather late here, are you alright?”
“Oops, sorry Mom, I forgot the time difference.”
“Now what would make my precious daughter that absent minded?”
Her eyes glanced down and I realized she must have seen our hands twined together.
“Ah ha!”
Her face lit up as she yelled “Klein! Winter! Weiss is on the Scroll.”
“Hang on for a moment sweetheart. Now where is it- There it is. A new feature. Smile, you are on the 75 inch tv in the living room.”
“Hello Sister, it is late for you to be calling.”
“Good morning Schneeflocke.”
“Hello Father, Winter. I have momentous news. Ruby and I are now dating.”
Here Winter smiled.
“Congratulations Weiss. I am very happy for the both of you. Sad that we lost the bet however.”
I all but shrieked.
“You bet on me as well? Let me guess, you chose Senior year in University?”
“No my daughter, we chose last year after we saw your behavior, and after I accidentally saw one of your discarded letters.”
“Oh. Well, thank you for the confidence even if I was not aware of my own feelings.”
My Mom spoke up next.
“We are so very happy for you. Ruby, your fondest wish has come true I see.”
“Yeppers! I finally got my Princess!”
“Did everyone know but me? I feel so foolish.” A blush was spreading across my cheeks.
“Well daughter, young Ruby here wears her heart on her sleeve does she not?”
“She does. I guess I was not ready to see until I realized I was a lesbian.”
“Worth waiting for!”
I said my goodbyes to my family as they laughed then embraced Ruby, enjoying her gentle laughter.
“Well my love, it is barely noon and we have the afternoon. What should we do?”
“Let’s go for a walk! It’s been a few weeks since I was home.”
“As you wish.”
We went out along Main Street, enjoying the spring sunshine and greeting old acquaintances.
{So many people remember me. It is very heartening.}
Several of them cheerfully congratulated us as well on becoming a couple.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I decided to have some fun.
/Well My Rose, where would you like to visit next?/
/Can we go to our favorite park?/
/Of course we can./
We arrived hand in hand and sat down on my favorite bench, where I was sitting that fateful day we met.
“It seems so much began here, /Thorn/. My new life, our meeting each other by chance. It was possibly the second best day of my life.”
She tried to look playfully offended but only looked amused to my eyes.
“Only second?”
/Yes, today is certainly the first. Waking up to my love saying she would be my betrothed will be hard to beat./
/I’ll try to surprise you then!/
/Yes, you are good at that Mein Thorn. You bring life and laughter to me./
She replied by touching her forehead to mine, a new favorite comfort before gently kissing me.
“I do try don’t I?”
She continued on, her tone light and curious.
"Did you know?"
"Know what Ruby?"
"What would happen? What we'd become?"
Here she lifted our joined hands and gave mine a gentle kiss.
"I am not sure. I do know you were the first person after the attack-" She leaned over ane kissed my scar, grinning at my blush.
"Ahem, you were the first person to not look at me with pity or disgust. You just saw me."
"I saw someone sad and had to help. As Mom says-" "A smile is free, and you never know who needs one." I finished with her in sync.
"My first true friend, the first non-family person to hug me and show me affection. I knew you were special. But us? As you saw, not for years after. I didn't know how to see."
"I needed time to grow, to thrive. You were a lush garden tended with great care while he left my heart scarred and barren."
"You and your family showed me that love was real. In a thousand tiny moments instead of one grand gesture a year.
That you could love someone and be happy. But most of all it was you /Mein Thorn/."
She was blushing and fidgeting. I savored the sight.
"Me?"
"You taught me to love without reserve and without limits. That love could be infinite and freely
given without demands, without a price. You took my battered heart in your hands and kept it
safe, helped it bloom. Is it any wonder it chose you?"
“My Princess, all I saw was a lonely girl who needed a friend. How could I not have reached out?”
“So many would not have. The dozens of people I met before you seemed to agree. Then again, it is part of what makes you so special.”
I pulled her up and led her to the swings, where we sat down side by side and flew into the air.
My laughter was musical and carefree as I marveled at how my life had changed, how it had improved since I made the choice to come here.
The next evening found us on the boat headed back to Patch, to school and our future.
However, as we sat side by side, covered by Ruby’s favorite blanket as she napped I knew our future would be bright.
And indeed it was. In years to come one of her favorite games was to make me blush by saying the most outlandish things in Atlesian, then passionately kissing me.
{Not that I ever have reason to complain.}
Smiling, I glanced down at the small, tasteful ring on my finger.
{The greatest accomplishment of my life was getting her to marry me. And at least I was awake when I asked her this time.}