Chapter Text
Yang's home wasn't really decorated, while big, it mostly stood empty since Yang preferred to travel and work on various tasks and quests from the guild. The only reason why she agreed to swap homes with someone, was because that someone couldn't afford this place. Ruby wasn't sure about the details, of course, she was sure there was more to it, but Yang always preferred the simplest of explanations. Well... Expect for now.
"Is this a joke to you? Am I a joke to you?" Yang slammed her hands against the table. They weren't even offered anything to drink, which Ruby didn't much care for, yet it showed how angry Yang had to be.
"I had to do that, otherwise Weiss would be captured and maybe even taken somewhere... Or killed!" Ruby protested, and while she knew that what she did was right, there were certain... Steps in the process which made it clear even to her that Yang had all the rights to yell at her.
"You lied to me, no, not just that, you deceived me!" Even under all that anger, Yang couldn't hide the hurt tone and sadness associated with it all. This made Ruby just feel awful. Yang stood up from the table and started pacing slowly in the living room that they were seated in. Weiss was with them, of course, but so far she was quiet, letting her and Yang do most of the talking. The dragon girl looking the way she did when she first had a... Humanoid body, to put it simply. As she stood next to other humans it was clear to Ruby, especially since they got into the city, that the girl was leaner than most humans and on her request, her ears were longer and had spikey tips, to resemble that of an elf. As it was the only way where she could hide Weiss' true reason for standing out as she did. Both physically as well as in other means.
"I didn't mean to but... I knew you'd try and stop me." Ruby shrunk in her seat at that accusation.
"Would I? Would I really? Or would I offer my help?" Yang stopped in her pacing and focused her gaze on her younger sister. "You really don't trust me, do you, Ruby?"
At that Ruby's eyes went wide, as she stood up in protest. "Of course I trust you!"
"Then what's going on? Why couldn't you tell me anything about... Anything! Just because you thought I'd stop you? From saving someone?" Yang let out a tired sigh, as she rested her back against one of the walls. "I don't know about you, Rubes, but to me? You're the only thing I have left, my only family. If I had to? I'd go get your dragon and bring it back to this town." Ruby had to stop herself from either smiling or doing any kind of inappropriate facial expression... Well, inappropriate for this specific moment.
"I know Yang, I'm sorry. I really am." Ruby sat down and hid her face in her hands.
"You." Yang said as she got closer to the table, this time focusing her attention on Weiss. "It's all because of you!"
"Me?" Weiss asked calmly, in no way intimidated by the angry tone of voice that her sister had at the moment.
"Yang." Ruby tried to get her sister's attention, as it was in no way Weiss' fault.
"Yes, you! Ever since she met you, she's like this. Ever since she met you, she got those silver eyes. Before you, she was normal, and now she's... She's acting crazy!" Yang moved closer to the table and slammed her hands once more against the wooden furniture, as her eyes angrily looked at the white-haired girl. "You bewitched her in some way, admit to it already!"
"Yang! She didn't do anything! I swear I'm not a victim of any hexes or maledictions!" Once more, Ruby stood up to meet the ferocity of her sister.
"Then what else could cause your sudden shift in behavior huh?! Because there's no other explanation than this elven witch casting a spell on you!" At that point, Yang was yelling her words.
Ruby could feel her own frustration build-up, as her own voice raised to the same volume as that of her older sister. "Because I fell in love with her!"
This wasn't what she hoped to accomplish by having this discussion. Neither was her yelling out what she just did, nor to receive the reactions she did. She wasn't sure if Yang was shocked at the fact she yelled or what she yelled, but the worst was Weiss' face. It looked... What, horrified? Confused? Scared? She wasn't sure, but it made her stomach tie into a knot. "S-So there you have it." Ruby blurted out and without even thinking, she dashed towards the front door.
As her mind grew empty, she could feel her legs move at a rapid pace. Her eyes scanned the area to avoid any object or once on the street, person to ran into. She had to hide, she had to find a safe place, and right now? The only place like that was her home. She didn't think about what she just admitted to and in front of who. Regrets took energy and she couldn't afford it right now. No, panic has set in and her instinct took reins of her body.
While initially, Ruby was... Or rather would be happy that the rain ceased to pour, it made the streets more crowded, especially since the streets that connected her own house and Yang's were one of the more popular ones. Without thinking her mouth released an apology, one after another, as she tried to squeeze through some people, when she almost ran into them or if she did, by accident, hit any of them. Soon, she got to her house, without any chase and without making any more scenes.
If she was aware of her current situation and her actions, it would perhaps amaze Ruby at how fast her body could act when you shut your brain off. As she got to the front doors of her house, her hands knew what to do. Reach for the key, open the door, lock it behind. Once inside, she ran upstairs. Why? Maybe because the bed was always associated with the safest place in your house.
Even as she was climbing the stairs up, she felt herself breaking. She felt the tears stream down her cheeks, leaving a hot trail. She felt her chest convulse with sobs. Even when she got to her bed, she could barely stop herself from collapsing next to it, as she sat up and rested her back against it.
At first, there was no rational thought behind this behavior. Was it just pent-up frustration? Was she mad at herself? Frustrated at Yang and her inquisition against... Weiss? Herself? Ruby wasn't even sure anymore. Nothing made sense. Perhaps that was the reason why she cried. Because things stopped making sense. Then the more sober thoughts were allowed inside. Fear of being rejected by Weiss and why would she accept feelings from a human? Ruby was astounded she even accepted her invitation, but that wasn't that much of a surprise. It was safer and more comfortable, right? Love from a human? That was... Less comfortable, Ruby imagined.
Ruby knew she couldn't escape the truth, nor facing it. She knew it would happen sooner or later. Perhaps leaving Yang and Weiss was a bad idea? Perhaps. At that moment Ruby didn't care, she wanted to curl up and disappear from the world.
oooOOOooo
Ruby wasn't sure how long she sat there. She felt her body ache from being in the same position, but she fought with herself against the desire to move. She didn't want to. That wasn't part of the disappearing process, and it was the only thing she cared about right now. Disappearing. She heard knocking on the front door, and the reality of her situation reminded itself. She felt the burden of her own actions, not just recent but all of them, catch up to her.
After waiting a moment, she heard the doors slowly open and close. Of course, it was Yang, either alone or with Weiss, as she knew where the spare key was hidden. Listening in, she was surprised by what she heard. Those definitely weren't the heavy boots that Yang wore. No, those were light steps. It was just Weiss.
"Ruby?" The dragon girl called out to her, but she didn't answer. She couldn't. Every moment, every second of delaying the inevitable was enough of a reason to remain quiet. The steps continued to move downstairs for a moment before there was a pause. Soon after her footsteps started to get closer to the stairs, and sure enough, she began to climb them. Ruby knew why, she once more didn't really think things through and she forgot to close the doors to what served her as a bedroom.
Even when she thought she was done with crying, once Weiss slowly entered the room, Ruby couldn't control the sobs that once more erupted from her chest. She couldn't stop them. She could try, but she was afraid that if she didn't focus all her willpower on suppressing the inner, primal fear that returned, she might just stand up and try to run away again. The steps got closer, and in her curled up position Ruby couldn't see her, but she could hear the material of Weiss' outfit make a sound as she crouched next to her. She wasn't forceful, no, her touch was gentle as she felt Weiss' hand softly touch her shoulder. That made Ruby raise her head a tiny bit, but not enough to show her face. This wasn't enough for Weiss, as she moved her hand to guide the younger girl to raise her head higher, up till she could see her face. This, of course, worked both ways, as Ruby could see the dragon girl's face. Soft expression wearing a gentle smile, and a not so subtle worry behind her pale blue eyes. "I'm sorry." Ruby said as it was the only thing she knew what to muster ever since they came back to the city.
"I think I decided." The white-haired girl said, seemingly ignoring Ruby's apology. "I much more prefer your face when it's smiling." To that, Weiss' own smile grew more vivid. "Now come on, let's clean your face. I assume bathroom is that way hm?" Weiss pointed towards one of the doors, to which Ruby just nodded slightly. "And from what I saw, this city has plumbing." Saying that she embraced the girl and helped her stand up. Ruby winced as she not only heard but felt her joints make all sorts of nasty sounds. Remaining in the same position for a long period of time was never a good idea. It made her feel ashamed that she also had to rely at first on Weiss' support to not fall over, as her legs felt like they would collapse under her weight.
oooOOOooo
With her face cleaned and something warm to drink, both girls sat in silence. The only words spoken between them were when Weiss asked where things were inside the corner that Ruby considered kitchen. If anything, Ruby was surprised that Weiss knew how to make tea... Then again, why shouldn't she? If anything, Ruby didn't know a lot about Weiss in the first place. Or maybe she did?
"You're a very poor host, you know that?" Weiss finally decided to break the awkward silence.
"I'm sorry." Ruby answered, trying to hide behind the cup in her hands.
"What exactly are you apologizing for?" Weiss asked, seemingly dissatisfied with such an answer.
"For being a poor host?" Ruby asked as an attempt of a smile failed to bloom into a proper one.
Weiss simply rolled her eyes. "Fair enough, if that's the game you want to play." Weiss said and cleared her throat. "What did you apologize for, when I first found you?"
Ruby shrugged, there were a lot of answers, but she decided to go for the simplest one. "For running away."
Weiss scanned her for a while with her blue eyes, before shrugging and offering a single nod. "I see."
After this came more silence. At some point Ruby glanced towards one of the windows, it wasn't dark yet, well it would be in an hour or two, which made her wonder how long was she here alone. Perhaps that would push this conversation in some direction. "How much time passed? I mean... Since I ran away."
"Asking a dragon about time is like asking a rock about flying." Weiss answered with a small smirk on her lips. Although seeing Ruby's face lower once more, the dragon girl cleared her throat to get her attention once more. "I was merely joking, Ruby. Although I must say the fact that I adjusted to the flow of time is... Intriguing, to say the least. Regardless, it couldn't be more than an hour." Weiss explained calmly, which got Ruby's attention back into the conversation. Knowing very well what was on the redhead's mind, Weiss decided to continue. "Yang wanted to run after you, but I persuaded her to not. For one, I trusted that you wouldn't do anything rash, as well as you could use a moment to yourself. Perhaps the latter was misjudged, considering the state I found you in." The dragon girl let out a small sigh. "Still, we used that time to talk. Me and your sister, that is."
"Talk? A-About what?" Ruby had too many answers to that question to keep it to herself. And the answer could change too much to simply ignore it.
"We exchanged our thoughts and opinions in regards to this situation, as well as you." The dragon girl answered, her blue eyes moving to glance at one of the windows.
"Oh, I see... And what..." Ruby wanted to ask but was interrupted.
"What was the conclusion? I think you'll have to learn for yourself. Your sister told me that she'd like to talk to you." Weiss paused, her fingers rumbled against the wooden table for a moment before she continued. "Unless you'd feel very bad when I find you. Still, she decided it was up to you when you'll see her."
"And what about..." Once more, Ruby wasn't allowed to finish her question, which made the human girl clench her teeth to keep any snarky comment from following up.
"Us? Or rather your statement regarding me? I decided if only to show my goodwill towards your sister, that we can have that talk once you settle things with your family first." Weiss took a deep breath. "No matter how you feel, you expressed quite a bit of attachment to her, which I... Admire, to some degree and I think you should settle that, before anything else." Weiss reached to a pocket she had in her robe and placed a key on the table. "She told me to give this to you."
Ruby slowly reached for the key. She understood what it meant, or rather where Yang would be. Which meant that knocking on the front door wouldn't do much. At least this much was clear. "Will you..." Ruby started, making sure she was allowed to finish the question. "... Stay here? Wait, for me I mean." The younger girl moved her eyes, as she wanted to hide the fear she felt towards any of the potential answers Weiss could offer.
"I will, I told you I'd come to this town with you and... Well, not much has been said about it, was there? I think we're bound to have a serious discussion, as a lot of... Our decisions were done under pressure of boiling feelings and emotions." Weiss closed her eyes at that, pausing for a moment, before she continued, this time focusing her blue eyes on the human girl that sat in front of her. "I'll merely look around your house, since you had full access to my cave, I think it's only fair that I snoop around while I'm waiting for you." She smiled, before adding. "I'll think about... Everything, at least it comes to us." She finished.
Ruby didn't like that, serious talks and all that. Whenever that happened, it was usually bad news. While foggy, she still remembered when Yang was telling her that mom wouldn't come back. An important thing to tell, important talk to have. The same went with her attempts to become an alchemist. Still, Weiss was right. Things between her and the dragon were forged on a very shaky basis. That's not how you made an item that would outlive its creator. "You're right. I'll go see Yang and after I'm back we can... Talk... About us." Glancing up at Weiss, she saw her wear the same, soft smile. It was hard not to smile back.
Ruby understood that it was time to properly forge her own life and not just hope for things to end up in her favor.
oooOOOooo
Just like Yang knew where the spare key was to Ruby's place, so did Ruby when it came to knowing about Yang's hideyhole. Although she couldn't remember when was the last time she had to use it. Just like mentioned before, Yang's house was bigger or maybe it just felt that way to Ruby? She never really thought about it, but it just felt emptier. Ruby had to be creative with some of the things she had in her house to make it fit, mostly because of the alchemy business. Maybe this was normal and if Ruby got rid of her stuff it would be as spacious? Maybe.
No, there were differences. Ruby's home was built to serve as a working place for a craftsman of sorts, perhaps not as complex as an alchemist, but it was partially made to fit in that sort of work. Yang's home felt more like it was made for a family. Perhaps even a big one, she wasn't sure. She let out a small sigh at that thought. Stepping deeper into the house, she could feel the emptiness. Perhaps that was why Yang never liked to be here for longer than she had to be? Maybe this was how she felt for the past year huh?
Ruby didn't run away because of what she said. Well, not exactly. No, it became pretty obvious that she ran away because of how she felt about this entire situation. Ever since she went out to go chase after long-gone creatures, she forgot that while she tried to reach out for her dreams, she completely forgot about people that helped her rise to even be able to think such a bold thing could be achieved. She forgot about Yang.
Even if what she felt towards all those other things and people was true. Even if she loved her job, her craft. Even if she would love to be an alchemist. Even if what she felt towards Weiss was true... She forgot that throughout all her existence, all her memories, there was one person she loved and could rely on no matter what. Her sister, Yang.
That was why she ran away. Because the burden of it all came apparent to her. Like always in her life, the realization came too late. Weiss claimed Ruby couldn't be stupid, but she knew better. She was. Either stupid or blind. Maybe both? Sitting there and having nothing to say, as Yang was upset with her. It wasn't Yang's fault, of course, it wasn't. Neither was it Weiss' fault, if anything she just got mixed into it all and almost took the blame for Ruby's ineptitude.
Regardless, Ruby wasn't here to throw a pity party for herself. No, she was here to straighten things out with Yang. While she had her promises to Weiss, she had to be honest with Yang and hopefully mend this wound that she made between them. Then she would go back to talk with Weiss and... Live with the consequences of her choices.
For now, one thing at a time. She had to find Yang... Well, not exactly in sense of locating her, but go to where she was. Yang's home didn't have a basement. Not officially. Unofficially though, it did. That's what the key was for. To open the secret door that led inside the basement. Ruby assumed that a lot of old houses in this town had these types of secret places. Just like hers did with the small stash, although Yang was luckier and she had an entire basement worthy of a secret.
The trap door was under one of the rugs, the heavier-looking one, which was pushed to the side for obvious reason, Yang was down there. The trap door was designed to lock itself behind, so without a key, you'd be trapped down there. She never knew what this was used for originally. She just hoped it wasn't for anything bad. As for the basement, it wasn't large, as such she didn't have to summon any lights to not fall, since the candle lights were already lit, with Yang sitting on a stool next to a chest. Even if her steps were audible, she wanted to ensure her sister it was her. "Hey, Yang."
"Hey, Rubes. Didn't mean to set any mood with this I just... Got into this mood. Wanted to see those." Yang said in a soft voice. There was no anger, although she wasn't really happy either. If anything, she sounded tired, weary. All because of her.
As there was a second stool prepared for her, Ruby decided to sit next to Yang. In the empty, underground room, stood a chest, the only object that was permanent in this secret location. Ruby knew it and she knew what was inside, although now partially taken out by her older sister. Inside of which were all the mementos they had after their parents. All three of them, as odd as it sounded since Yang kept stuff after her own mother. "It's fine. I understand."
Currently, in her hand, Yang had a cracked mask. Almost a helmet, white with red markings on them, formed after beasts of the Grimm, most likely a bird type. This one, as mentioned previously, was cracked, tossed away, as Raven had to have a different one, at least according to Yang. "You know..." The blonde started. "...People said that before she left, she told dad off. Some thought she didn't really leave to go out on a mission but wanted to leave me and dad behind. Some said she knew what she was getting herself into, and wanted for us to be angry at her, instead of sad after her." Yang chuckled with a sad smile. "Dad never felt that way, he was never angry, although he never thought she'd be back."
"You never told me about that." Ruby said, and as Yang offered her the mask, she gently took it, afraid that if she applied too much force the thing would crumble. It was light, but she knew it was durable. She could wear it now, and even if the crack made the whole thing seem unstable, it could probably save her face from a blow or two. Still, she had to question the terrifying design of it.
"I never thought it was important. And people like to gossip about these kinds of things, especially if people involved were no longer around." Yang offered a shrug, as she reached towards an old piece of clothing, red in color. "I know I was young, but I don't remember mom walking around without her red cape whenever she was outside. Inside? Sure, but even when she went out to the marketplace, she had this."
Ruby giggled at that. "Nothing wrong with a good cape."
"You always liked your capes too, don't you Lil sis?" Yang grinned, as she placed the old cape back into the chest.
"Hey, I'm not little, I'm just two years younger." Ruby protested as she nudged Yang, giving her the mask so that it could join with the cape inside the large chest.
As the blonde took the mask, she nodded. "Yeah just... Just two years." Once the mask was placed back inside the chest, the older girl picked up a folded document, the identity of the piece of paper was pretty clear, as it was of higher quality, but the most important thing was the clearly visible seal. "When mom first came to the city, she went to the alchemy guild and when she heard it's only for men, she agreed to not try and break any rules. It wasn't because she was afraid of getting into trouble, but she just... Didn't want to make people fight, divide them. Didn't want to put anyone into a bad mood." Yang chuckled, which Ruby followed with her own giggle. "At least that's how people talked about her. Once she went to join the adventurer guild, the first person she met was Raven. She thought mom was the most naive, weak, insufferable person ever, and yet she always stuck around. The excuses were countless, but the guild master said it was pretty obvious she was protecting her. Not that Summer needed that, at least not out on missions. Capable magician, fighter, and alchemist. Just a bit too kind for her own good when in the realm of humans and the like."
"They were like sisters." Ruby commented and took the document from Yang, as the older girl offered it to her.
"Pretty much. People say that things between dad and both of them were a wild ride, as our favorite swordsman described it." The blonde shook her head. "They teamed up with dad, and they both feel for his dad's charms, so Summer decided to let Raven take him, because of all that. They say that was why Raven left because she learned about it all those years later. Although I heard all sorts of wild speculations, you know. One that claimed the two of them had a thing for each other even." Yang let out a tired sigh. "There was a time in my life when I got really curious and really confused as to what to feel towards them. I started asking questions and got all those conflicting stories." The blonde shrugged. "The only thing in common was that they all cared for each other."
"And uncle." Ruby chimed in.
"Huh, you're right. Although he always preferred to be on the side of things. Even when... Even when they never came back, he just sent some coins now and then." Ruby could feel the disappointment in Yang's voice. Her silver eyes glanced down at the document, one that she dreamed of one day holding in her hand... Well, with her own name on it, of course. Permit to perform alchemy in a professional manner. Which included opening an alchemy store.
"He never liked to get involved with people." Ruby knew her defense was weak, but she still attempted to, as she handed the document back to Yang, who placed it back in the chest.
"I know." Yang said. "When they left, dad said that it wouldn't take them longer than a week. It wouldn't even be their longest mission. But mom, Summer. When she was sure that dad wasn't listening, she took me aside and told me to protect you, gave me the necklace. It's like she knew they wouldn't be back. Just like Raven." Yang paused, moving a hand through her hair. "Uncle was the one to go out and be back after some time to bring the bad news. I'm still not sure what he knew or what was the evidence or what he saw, but he couldn't tell that to me personally. It was the guild master that said it to me. That they wouldn't be back, not in a week, not in a month or a year. Not ever."
"Yeah, and then... Then you told me." Ruby lowered her eyes, remembering that day. It wasn't a nice day, even if she was very young, certain elements were burnt into her memory.
"I thought that maybe lying would be better, not forever, but till you got older. But I decided against it and I just told you, at least as much as they told me. That they would never come back." Yang's voice seemed to crack at the end, but the blonde cleared her throat, as she closed the chest and continued, regaining the composure of her voice. "For the past year, I was wondering if I'd prefer for you to just... Never come back, or have you in that state. State of what I assumed you being crazy, possessed, or just cursed. Like, for you to not be there at all, or be there physically, but not be yourself. Because over the last year I thought I lost the only family I had. That I lost my sister." After another short pause, Yang continued, although her voice was merely a whisper. "Turns out all I lost was your trust."
"I know, I understand it now." Ruby nodded. "I... After I came back... I mean, you know what I said. I had this feeling boiling inside of me, and yet I thought I'd never see Weiss again." The redhead shook her head. "If you asked me now, I'd tell you without an issue, but back then? Back then there was this tiny voice that filled me with doubt, and in the grand scheme of everything, me having this... Sadness, I just didn't want to be bothered. All I wanted to do, is work on the one thing that connected me to Weiss. Because it made me feel better, it filled in that void of sadness, even if by a little." Ruby felt her throat grow tight and she had to take a deep breath to control herself. "I was stupid and I could have lost everything because of it."
"Weiss told me, at least her part of the story. About the cause of your silver eyes, about the dragon scale, how you two met with her hiding from the humans of that village, while wanting to conduct her research on dragons... And how she was captured and how you almost died trying to save her." Yang glared angrily at Ruby, it was the first time she felt Yang's eyes on herself ever since she came down here.
Ruby lowered her eyes, although she needed a moment to let all that sink in, mostly the version that Weiss told Yang, about who she was. The dragon researcher was something they agreed upon even before they came back to the city, but she had to make sure to not give conflicting details here or there. "I was stupid and curious, that's how I lost mom's necklace and got these eyes instead." Ruby admitted, which was completely true. "When it came to me leaving to save her I was afraid you wouldn't let me go. That you would think I'm too weak. Although I admit it was... Horrible of me to deceive you like that. I'm sorry Yang."
"You're probably right about that one." Yang admitted with a sigh of her own. "This Weiss... She's not an elf, isn't she?"
This question made Ruby feel a cold heat wash over her. Did Yang know? No, she just... Suspected. She was around plenty of folks, she had to understand that elves are... Different? Maybe. Or that there had to be more to this story. "I promised Weiss I wouldn't tell anyone about her identity... But... I trust you, Yang. I really do. So I'll tell you this much. Weiss isn't an elf, no." She shook her head.
"Thought so. I won't ask questions, if you trust her, I'll do the same. Besides, after we had our little talk, I think we have a common goal of keeping you well and safe... Or as she said, having a dolt to look after." Yang grinned, trying to go for a little mood change.
Ruby just rolled her eyes but smiled. "I can't say I didn't act like an idiot now and then." Still, there was one thing Ruby wanted to make sure, as she chewed on the inside of her cheek before asking. "You... You aren't... I mean, you know. After what I said about Weiss?"
"Said? Or yelled out?" Yang asked, raising her brow, clearly amused. This was a good sign, but nevertheless, Ruby couldn't stop blushing.
"I-I was under a lot of pressure, alright? Still, that's not answering my question!" Ruby once more lowered her eyes. "I mean, Weiss is a... A girl and she's not even a human."
Yang simply let out a deep sigh and wrapped an arm around Ruby, pulling her in closer. The younger girl let out a yelp and had to hold to her stool to not fall off, as she was dragged with it closer. "Rubes, you could bring in a pet rock and claim to me that you're marrying it, and you know what? I'd lead the ceremony for you!" Yang smirked. "I know, when it comes to this kind of thing, all kinds of conflicting thoughts linger on your mind. So here's my official answer. I'm fine with it. If that's who you love? I don't mind. Although, from what I understand, things aren't exactly settled between you two huh?"
"N-No, no they aren't." Ruby glanced to the side. "But she wanted me to try and settle things with you first. Family comes first, she said."
"Wise gal, that one. See I already can say she's a keeper." Yang said with a grin, to which Ruby just blushed harder, shaking her head.
"Yang! Please, at least... At least wait till things clear up before you start teasing me!" She frowned, glaring at her older sister.
"Yes, yes. Just promise me you won't go weird on me again? Promise me you'll trust me to keep a secret or two and to help you out when things like this come up? In return, I'll promise to never doubt you, little sister." Yang said, wearing a warm smile as she made sure to look directly into Ruby's eyes.
The younger girl couldn't help but smile back at her sister, while things would be shaky for a bit, they at least agreed to try and mend them properly. "I promise, and I'm sorry."
"Now come give your sister a hug and go try to tie your girl down before she runs away." Not waiting for a response, Yang pulled Ruby into a bear hug.
"Y-Yang!" Ruby protested, but couldn't help her smile from growing, as she embraced the older girl back. She missed this, perhaps her loneliness wasn't just because of Weiss, but because she forgot about other important people in her life.
oooOOOooo
It was already starting to get dark as Ruby got back home. Luckily people were still finishing their business on the streets, so she didn't risk being mugged or worse. Once at home, she noticed that Weiss was still in the middle of her curious exploration.
"Like what you see?" Ruby asked, wanting to bring attention to the fact she was back home.
"It's curious, I never was able to see an alchemist workshop. In a way, it was hard to imagine you working using all these objects back when we first met in the cave, yet now? I...I believe you." Weiss said as she turned her full attention to Ruby.
The younger girl just rolled her eyes. "I'm glad I seem at least partially professional." She shook her head. "Anyway, want to get some tea before we... Well, you know. Talk?"
Weiss leaned against an anvil, as her eyes moved to glance at the nearby window. "I don't think we need to have any kind of ritual for this. Not after you were kind enough to yell your mind out like that, surprising all of us."
Blushing, Ruby rubbed her neck, as she got to the doorway of the room that Weiss was in, leaning against the door frame. "What can I say, I'm an honest person." Ruby shrugged, trying to keep the mood as light as possible.
"You are and I won't lie, it wasn't really a surprise that you'd hold such strong feelings towards me, although I didn't necessarily expect... Well, romantic interest." Weiss said, as her blue eyes went back to focus on Ruby.
"W-Why not?" The younger girl wasn't sure if it was good or bad. Maybe both?
"Concepts such as friendship or family, let alone romance, are an alien thing to dragons." Weiss began and paused. The only reason why Ruby didn't interrupt her was that she didn't know what to say to that. Which was good enough, since Weiss decided to continue. "Then again, time is also something we can't really grasp with our minds, and yet... Yet I decided to count seconds, in order to know if a year has passed. Just to have a chance to meet you again.
"And it took your capturing for me to know that... Well, you came back." Ruby said, smiling sheepishly. Not really anything to be proud of.
"Perhaps, but I don't find you guilty of anything. Fate is a very playful mistress. I simply am glad that... That things worked out for all of us." Once more, Weiss paused, as she raised an eyebrow. "Since I assume you and your sister are on better terms?"
"Huh? Oh! Yeah, I mean it will take time, but I think both me and Yang decided that we have to move on and stuff." Ruby nodded, in a way it was nice that Weiss cared. Even if for her own reason, the fact was that she cared. "Still... Well, I think I stepped a bit out of line, didn't I?" Ruby said and she knew this had to be said. "I mean, you're a dragon, aren't you? You'll live forever, while... While I'll have a relatively short life compared to yours."
Weiss simply sighed, as she bounced herself off of the anvil and moved towards Ruby. The younger girl wasn't sure what would be the outcome of it, as she braced herself for the worst of the possibilities. "Ruby." The dragon girl said as she took her hands. "Is it that common among you humans, that when you pair up, both of you die at the same age? Is it unusual for one of the partners to die before the other? Years if not decades before that?"
"I... Well..." Ruby wasn't really sure what to say to this. Was this a question that Weiss hoped for an answer to?
"Perhaps it is true that I'll outlive you. Perhaps we'll find a way to turn you into a dragon or make you immortal. Or maybe in my quest to save this realm, I'll leave you behind." Weiss shook her head. "The possibilities are endless, and would it matter if I was an elf as I pretend to be or even a human?"
"I-I guess not?" Ruby said, still not sure if she was being scolded or... Or what?"
"Exactly, so perhaps instead of thinking about the end, we'll properly start at the beginning?" Weiss asked, and this time the long paused was enough for Ruby to know that she had to answer or rather was expected to answer.
Even if she knew that she should say something, she knew that it wouldn't just be a yes or no. She wanted to know what all of this meant before she would mindlessly follow Weiss' logic. "That's fair enough and all but... But what does all of this mean?"
"Oh you're such a dolt, I swear." Weiss shook her head. "Very well, I'll properly assume that your intellect is not on par with such a bright mind as one of a dragon." Weiss announced, to which Ruby just rolled her eyes, although still amused at the little theatrics. "While certain feelings are hard for me to distinguish and understand, something that's very rare for a dragon, I can say that you hold a very special place in my life. I might be a hasty dragon to come to such conclusions, but... After counting a year in my mind, while I did other things, hoping I wouldn't lose count or make a mistake... After risking my life just to see you? I think it is a fair assumption that I would not wish to leave your side."
Ruby's eyes went wide at that, feeling the playful mood from before disappear and instead be replaced with... With what? Hope? Happiness? "D-Does it mean..."
"Oh for the sake of creators. Here, let me show it if my words aren't enough." At that, Ruby felt herself being brought closer, her head being grabbed as she noticed that their faces were getting closer. At first, it felt too fast as if they were about to collide, but Weiss slowed down. Ruby closed her eyes, expecting something to happen, and soon... Their forehead touched. Which confused Ruby, as she expected something else. Not that she demanded or needed it, she just thought it would end up in a ...Kiss?
As their foreheads touched, Weiss embraced Ruby. "It means that... While I'm not sure if I understand my feelings correctly, I think I... I love you too. Although please don't ask me to yell it out."
Oh! The foreheads, right just like when Weiss was a dragon... Well, she still was a dragon, but when she had a body of a dragon, she would press her head against her. Not just that, but at the river and... Wait. Wait! Wait, did Weiss just... "L-Love?"
"Y-Yes, Ruby. Are you trying to embarrass me?" All that Ruby heard was the first word of that sentence, it was all her mind focused on, as she suddenly moved her head back and grabbed Weiss' shoulders, which startled the dragon girl. "R-Ruby?"
"Weiss you... I mean... I love you. I love you too. Thank you, thank you so much." Not sure what to do, she brought the dragon girl into a hug. A hug that, after a moment Weiss would return, confused by everything. Remembering the dragon gesture, she very gently moved her hands to grasp Weiss' cheeks and move her own head for their foreheads to once more touch, as she looked into the blue eyes of the dragon. "I promise you I'll be the best human you ever could love."
Weiss just rolled her eyes and giggled softly, placing her own hands-on Ruby's cheeks. "Whatever that could mean."
"Whatever you want for it to mean." Ruby said with a grin. "Also we... Um, we can try some more human ways of expressing affection... I mean i-if you want to." Even the mere thought made Ruby feel heat gathering up inside of her.
"Human ways of expressing affection?" Weiss' brow raised at that.
"Mh-hm!" Ruby just grinned, her cheeks red and her body giddy from all of today.
oooOOOooo
"Rise and shine!" Ruby yelled as she dinged into a small bell in her hand. It didn't take long before Weiss raised up enough to grab Ruby's collar and bring her down, her eyes squinted in a deadly glare.
"Ring that thing one more time, and you're dead." Releasing the girl, Weiss hid under the blankets once more.
Ruby just rolled her eyes. "Weiss, you can't sleep in this long! It's already morning, time to get up."
"Dragons don't sleep." Weiss announced from under the blanket.
"Then what are you doing right now?" Ruby asked, a bit annoyed.
There was a long pause before Weiss came up with an answer. "Not-sleeping."
"Well, then you can't not-sleep this late! Weiss, come on, I made breakfast, I even made coffee." She said as she tried to get the blanket off of the dragon girl. Perhaps this gesture would end up in Ruby's death, if not for the coffee mention.
As Weiss glared at Ruby, the human girl knew she had her attention. "Did you..."
"...Prepare it as you like, yes yes, I mean that's the only way to get you going in the morning." Ruby sighed, being sure the other girl would get up now. This was going on for a while now. Struggle in the morning, go to work, have Weiss prepare dinner, and spend some time with the dragon girl in the evening. It was... Oddly satisfying. "You know, you should go to bed earlier, it would make your mornings less like... Well, this." Ruby said, as she sat down to take a piece of bread and started to wonder what exactly to have it with for breakfast.
"It's not my fault that I prefer nights and it's the best time to enjoy a book." Weiss said as she joined Ruby at the table. Instead of food though, she reached out towards the kettle filled with coffee. Pouring herself a cup, it took but a whiff of the aroma for the dragon girl to smile. She moved closer and offered a peck on Ruby's cheek. "Just the smell tells me you made it just like I enjoy it."
"Yes, yes, anything for my dragon overlord." Ruby couldn't help but grin, more at the kiss than her own lame joke.
"I'll enjoy my coffee and go wash myself up." Weiss said as she took a sip of the almost boiling liquid. It took some time to get used to the fact that Weiss could tolerate much more extreme temperatures than herself, in some cases, she even preferred it that way. Still, she was mindful enough to remember that Ruby was a bit more fragile, so there weren't any accidents, at least so far. "What about you? Anything planned for today?"
"No, not really. I'll make sure everything is ready while I wait for someone to show up." Ruby shrugged.
"You know that..." Weiss started, but Ruby interrupted her, knowing well what she was about to say.
"No, for one I can't say if they'll believe me, but more importantly? That was a gift. And I won't let them have it. Besides, I'm sure I'll figure something out sooner or later, and for now? I'm as happy as I could be." Ruby smiled, finally deciding what she would have her sandwich with.
Weiss eyed Ruby for a long moment from above her cup, before releasing a small sigh. "Just don't come up with anything stupid, mmm? Speaking of ideas, do you prefer anything for dinner or..." Weiss raised a brow.
"Nah, whatever you had in mind, I'm fine with it." Ruby smiled, Weiss wasn't a born cook, and when she first demanded she'd help out around the place, it took her a few tries before she... Well, to put it bluntly, made something edible. Luckily for Ruby, she was easily convinced to not just experiment with random things and to try out a cooking book. Especially after the initial claim that cooking can't be this hard, and how it could be for a dragon like her... Well, it turned out it was, at least without proper directions and instructions.
"Should I drag Yang along?" Weiss asked, already done with her first cup.
"Mmm..." Ruby pondered that, not that she didn't want Yang to share a meal with them, but it implied the meal would consist of meat. A lot of meat. Then again it was a bit since they ate together. "Sure, I guess we'll have to get some beer and wine huh?"
"That is if she agrees, I'll let you know when I'm back from the market." Weiss said as she stood up. "For now, I'll go soak in the water for a bit."
Ruby rumbled her fingers and cleared her throat. "N-Need some help with that?"
Weiss paused and glanced over her shoulder. "I think you have a workshop and a store to attend to." She said, before continued her walk towards the bathroom. Although she did pause before disappearing behind the door. "...Maybe after dinner, when Yang's gone." With one last smile, Weiss finally disappeared and locked the door behind her.
How was a girl to focus after a promise like that? Well, Ruby had to find a way somehow. While things weren't great, they were stable and they weren't in any danger of going hungry. Still, all this was thanks to her working hard. Which she assumed had to continue if she didn't want to tempt fate. The fate that was already tempted in the past by her.
Looking at the piece of bread with some cheese on it, she shook her head, deciding she'd finish it downstairs. After all, there was a long day ahead of her.