Waiting (on You) - Chapter 12 (Patreon)
Content
Yang grabbed the first set of earrings her hands landed upon, gave them a quick glance, and shrugged. They didn’t perfectly match the rest of her outfit - dark jeans and a nice, yellow top - but she didn’t have the time nor desire to labor over a decision.
‘Pretty good’ was good enough tonight, so she slipped on the earrings while heading to the kitchen for something to eat. Leftovers from the night before would do, and she wasted no time pulling them out of the fridge and popping them in the microwave. During the brief wait for her food to warm up, she checked that her ID and money were in her bag then grabbed a fork right as the timer went off.
Since no one was around to judge - a small perk of living alone - she ate directly from the carton while checking her phone. No new messages but plenty of junk emails to sift through, mostly sales or special offers at her favorite stores; some grabbed enough of her interest to be spared from immediate deletion. Once finished with her emails, she checked the time and took another bite to eat. In the few minutes she had left, she might as well try to plan how she wanted the night to go.
Meeting a girl for drinks was nothing new, so she wasn’t nervous. No matter how many times she told herself that tonight would be different, her mind didn’t believe her. It still acted as if this was just another date with just another girl at just another bar. Based on her steady pulse, calm breathing, and no butterflies to be found, her heart agreed.
The doorbell rang before she could argue with herself otherwise. She wasn’t expecting a visitor - she almost always met her dates at the bar or restaurant - so she glanced at the time, then her phone, before setting her food down and answering the door. As soon as she saw who was in the hall, she smiled and pushed the door all the way open.
“Ruby!”
“Hey Yang!” Ruby hugged Yang before bounding through the doorway and sniffing the air. “Smells good. What’d you make?”
“Leftovers. Want some?”
“I mean...only if you aren’t going to eat it all…”
Chuckling at the response, which was a big ‘yes’ rolled in a thin layer of politeness, Yang grabbed the container off of the island and handed it to Ruby. After another quick sniff and delighted hum, Ruby dug in. And by ‘dug in,’ Yang meant shoveled three giant forkfuls into her mouth before coming up for air.
“This is good! Where’s it from?”
“New place on Fifth.” Waving in the general direction, Yang leaned against the counter and watched Ruby eat. “What’re you up to?”
“Was just passing by and thought I’d see if you were home.”
“You could’ve texted.”
“But then it’s not a surprise!” Ruby pointed out.
Knowing better than to argue with Ruby’s spontaneous visits, Yang shook her head and said, “Ok, but I’m meeting someone for drinks in like fifteen minutes so don’t make me too late.”
“But you’re fine being sort of late?”
“Well...yeah.” Yang shrugged off the thought, but Ruby rolled her eyes. “She’ll understand!” Yang protested before changing the subject to something less focused on her. “But what’s up? How’re you doing? How’s Weiss?”
“Weiss is amazing...” Ruby sighed. As expected, thinking about her girlfriend pushed any thought of Yang’s date from her mind. Unexpected, however, was that she actually set down the food, too. “We went on a really cool date last night,” she added with a bright smile, so Yang let the out-of-character moment slide.
“What’d you do this time...take a private jet to Mistral to watch the sunset?”
“Ew, no. Why would we do that?”
“It’s supposed to be romantic,” Yang explained, but Ruby wrinkled her nose and shook her head.
“Well, no. Not that. She took me to an arcade!”
“An...arcade.”
If Yang didn’t know Ruby so well, she would assume that was a joke. But Ruby looked way too happy for it to be a joke.
“Weiss Schnee went to an arcade?” Yang asked anyway, and Ruby nodded.
“She’s actually not that uptight, you know? She likes having fun.”
“Sure, but...I just can’t imagine her surrounded by all those flashing lights and screaming kids.”
“Oh. Well, she rented the whole place so it was only us and a few employees.”
“There it is,” Yang replied with a laugh. “That makes more sense. I thought you didn’t want her spending a ton of money on you though.”
“I don’t,” Ruby replied plainly, picking up her fork but only using it to push pieces of pasta around. “We had a talk about that, actually.”
“Yikes.” Yang grimaced at the idea of having any sort of ‘talk.’ “How’d that go?”
“Really well!” Yang’s brow rose at the answer, but Ruby beamed and nodded. “I told her that I’m not interested in her money, like at all. I actually wish she didn’t have it because then she wouldn’t have to worry about everyone using her for it.”
“What’d she say to that?”
“She said that she already knew that, but that spending money on me makes her happy. She likes feeling like she can get me things no one else can, or plan dates that no one else can. Like finally she has something she wants to spend money on.”
“That’s adorable,” Yang admitted.
“Isn’t it?” After dwelling on the memory for several more seconds, smiling all the while, Ruby refocused. “So we compromised. She can spend as much as she wants as long as she knows she doesn’t have to and I don’t expect her to. But, it can only be for things we can enjoy together.”
“Wow. That’s...really mature of you.”
“Thanks!” While Yang was still processing the grown-up solution, Ruby grinned and carried on. “So she rented out the arcade - for me, but also so she would have more fun, too. She’s more comfortable when it’s just the two of us. You saw how she was at dinner - she’s outspoken but also kind of...shy?”
“She’s probably only shy around you,” Yang pointed out, but Ruby shrugged. She probably thought it was cute that someone capable of running a giant corporation melted into a bashful mess around her.
“Either way, it was a ton of fun. No lines for anything and as many tokens as you wanted.”
“That’s the dream,” Yang replied with a laugh.
“Right? Weiss asked if you and Blake want to come next time. We can have an air hockey competition!”
The idea quickly caught Yang’s interest. And, after Ruby’s nod confirmed it could become a reality someday, she grinned.
“We’re so there. Prepare your ‘gracious loser’ face now.”
“No way we’re losing,” Ruby said, shaking her head. “Weiss is really competitive.”
“Like...concerningly so?”
“Adorably so,” Ruby swooned. Yang rolled her eyes at the typically effusive response then grinned when she realized something.
“You know who else is sneaky competitive?”
Yang sent Ruby a knowing look, and Ruby pondered the question before her eyes widened.
“Oh, crap. We’ll need helmets or something...”
Ruby’s brow furrowed as she thought through the logistics, but Yang laughed at the image of wearing helmets to play air hockey. Blake would never outwardly admit to competing with Weiss, but she had this...intensity…that would make it clear she didn’t want to lose. That side of her appeared very rarely, but Yang found it insanely attractive when it did.
“Well, I’m in, and I’m pretty sure Blake will be too. Just give us plenty of heads up so Blake can make sure she’s free.”
“Awesome! Weiss will be so happy. She really wants you two to like her.”
Faced with that admission, and the subtle question that went along with it, Yang patted Ruby’s shoulder.
“She doesn’t need to invite us places to like her,” she said, offering Ruby a sincere smile. “She only needs to make you happy, and it sounds like she does.”
“She does.”
Yang nodded at the simple, honest response. Ruby, meanwhile, picked up her fork but immediately set it back down.
“I think I’m in love with her.”
Yang coughed at the admission, but Ruby nodded.
“I love being with her,” she explained, growing more confident with each word. “I miss her when we’re apart, and I think about her all the time. Like, she literally never leaves my mind, and thinking about her makes my heart feel so happy and full and...right.”
Ruby clutched both hands over her heart as if she could capture those emotions and bring them into the light, but Yang struggled to find words. Fortunately, Ruby wasn’t done talking.
“I want to tell her so bad…” she added, dropping her hands and hanging her head. “But what if she doesn’t feel the same? I don’t want to mess things up…”
“Wow, Ruby...I didn’t realize you felt that strongly about her…”
“You think it’s too soon, right?” Ruby asked, her silver eyes pleading for honesty and reassurance at the same time. “That we haven’t known each other long enough? And I shouldn’t rush into something so serious?”
“No, I -”
Yang shook her head but paused to gather her thoughts before attempting a response. Regardless of her personal views on relationships, most of which she had been telling Ruby for years, she would never discourage Ruby from pursuing something - or someone - who made her happy. She smiled and gently squeezed Ruby’s shoulder instead.
“Follow your heart, Ruby. If telling her will make you happy or, I don’t know, take your relationship to the next level, then you should do it. And I don’t think you have to worry about her not feeling the same - I saw the way she looks at you. If you’re feeling like this, I’m positive she is, too.”
Biting her bottom lip, Ruby thought about the situation for several moments before nodding. Then her smile reappeared, and she lit up like the sun shining in the sky.
“You’re right! I should tell her. Sometime. I’ll have to figure out when…” Jittering now, Ruby trailed off before snapping back to the present and grinning. “Enough about me though! What’ve you been up to?”
When Ruby picked up the fork and resumed eating, Yang chuckled. That conversation might be over for now, but she was more than a little overjoyed on her sister’s behalf. It was a big step, and one they would discuss in more detail once Ruby was ready.
“I’ve been up to the usual,” Yang answered in the meantime. “Work, hanging out - oh. I went to Blake’s company party last weekend.”
“That sounds...fun?”
“Really fun.” Yang couldn’t help but smile while remembering that night. “You should’ve seen her dress. She looked incredible.”
“I bet she did.” Ruby took another bite to eat and gave it several thoughtful chews before frowning. “If you have so much fun with Blake, why are you getting drinks with someone else?”
“Because,” Yang sighed, slumping onto the barstool beside Ruby. “I’d love to take up all of her time, but she’s busy, you know?
“Did you ask if she’s busy or are you just assuming?”
“I’m - I mean -” When Ruby’s frown returned, Yang shook her head. “I just know she is. She’s got her job and her writing - I don’t want to get in the way and annoy her.”
That rationale had made sense to Yang for years now, but Ruby rolled her eyes and said, “I highly doubt you annoy her.”
“But I could, right?”
Ruby looked dubious but not enough to dissuade Yang.
“I could,” she concluded. “So I find other ways to pass the time.”
“You should still ask if she’s busy. What if she wants to spend time with you? Then you’re wasting all this time with other girls -”
“‘Wasting’ all this time?” Yang interrupted. Her scoff, however, earned her a deadpan look.
“You know what I mean, Yang. You won’t date any of them for more than a few weeks, but Blake’s always there. So why don’t you hang out with her instead? Or at least give her right of first refusal. Then, if she says no, you’re free to pick second best.”
“You might have a point...” Yang mused, considering that alluring strategy before shaking her head. “And that would make sense for past me, but I’m taking this more seriously now.”
“You’re...serious?” Ruby asked, surprise written all over her expression. “Then...this isn’t just a date? You’re actually dating this girl?”
“Ok, don’t go that far,” Yang replied, holding up one hand and laughing. “I went out with her a few times before and she’s pretty cool, but I didn’t give her a fair chance. So…I thought I’d call her up and keep a more open mind this time.”
“Please tell me it’s not Mel.”
“Oh, god no.”
“Thank god,” Ruby sighed. “She was so...laid back yet uptight.” While Yang scrunched her nose at the explanation, Ruby shook her head. “What prompted this huge change?”
“I promised Blake I’d work on my issues,” Yang admitted, though leaving out details on how they came to that resolution. “And this seemed like a good way to start? I don’t want to end up alone while you and Blake date people -”
“Is Blake seeing someone?”
“I don’t think so - why? Did she say something?”
Hearing the spike in Yang’s interest, Ruby tilted her head to the side and quirked her brow.
“You think she’d tell me before you?”
“Well, I don’t know!” Ruby had a point, but Yang still threw her hands in the air and tried to explain away the sudden panic. “Maybe you overheard something from one of your nerd-workers -”
“I told them you call them that, by the way,” Ruby interrupted with a big grin. “They love it. We’re getting a huge ‘nerd-worker’ sign to hang over the couch.”
“I would say that’s the nerdiest thing I’ve ever heard, but -” Yang motioned to Ruby, who giggled and playfully bowed. “But Blake won’t be single forever, you know?” Yang continued. “Eventually, someone will sweep her off her feet and...I don’t want to be left alone, I guess.”
Once again confronting that depressing future, Yang sighed and stared down at the counter. Hardly a second passed, however, before Ruby patted her shoulder.
“Have you told her about this new leaf of yours?”
“Not yet. I don’t want to get her hopes up in case this just turns out like the rest.”
“Ah. Well, I’m sure she’ll be…” Ruby trailed off, and for a second a frown tugged at her lips. Eventually, she shook her head. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
The reassurance wasn’t directed at Yang, but she accepted it anyway. It should be fine. She didn’t expect to make huge strides overnight. She was just...fighting the instincts telling her to get out before things got ‘serious.’ Before either of them commented more on the matter though, Ruby’s phone rang.
“That’s Weiss!” Ruby dropped her fork on the counter and scrambled in her pockets for the device. “Sorry, let me get this real quick?”
Surprised Ruby even asked considering her excitement had just rocketed through the roof, Yang chuckled and waved for her to answer.
“Hey!” was the first word out of Ruby’s mouth - a traditional greeting that still somehow conveyed her giant smile. “How’s it going?”
While listening to Weiss’ response, Ruby hopped to her feet and started pacing. Yang recognized the habit immediately - Ruby was so excited that she had to move around to release some of the excess energy.
“Does that mean you’re done now?” she asked, pausing for a split second before giggling. “I was just going to ask you that! And I’d love to! Meet at your place?”
Weiss must have agreed because Ruby’s smile brightened.
“Ok! I’ll see you soon!”
After ending the call, Ruby grinned at her phone for several seconds before remembering that Yang existed.
“We’re going out to dinner!”
Glancing at the empty takeout container on the island, Yang laughed.
“You literally just ate.”
“I’ll eat again!”
The thought of eating two meals in a row didn’t dent Ruby’s smile. If anything, she looked thrilled as she backed toward the door. Sensing that she wanted to leave as fast as possible, Yang stood up and followed her.
“Maybe I’ll tell her today,” Ruby added, only to immediately freeze and put both hands on her cheeks. “Oh god, that makes me so nervous...”
“You can do it though,” Yang encouraged her.
“I can! And I want her to know...” After trailing off for another second, Ruby shook her head, opened the door, and backed into the hall. “I’ll figure it out,” she concluded before breaking into one of her signature grins. “Thanks for the advice. I’ll let you know how it goes!”
“Good luck!” Yang rushed to say, though she had to poke her head into the hall to catch the wave Ruby threw over her shoulder as she raced off to meet Weiss. Smiling at the enthusiasm, Yang stepped back into her apartment and glanced at the time. Abruptly reminded that she was late, she grabbed her wallet, phone, and keys and hurried out as well.
Her destination was within walking distance but walking would make her even later than she already was. Heading to the parking garage instead, she jogged over to Bumblebee and, for a split second, considered forgoing her helmet. Helmet hair wasn’t exactly attractive. Plus, she wasn’t going far. What were the chances that she got into an accident in just a few blocks?
But Blake had a sixth sense when it came to Yang doing stupid things. The next time they saw each other, she would probably ask out of the blue - just checking in to make sure Yang was still wearing it as promised. And, since Yang was horrible when it came to lying to Blake, the truth would find its way out sooner rather than later.
Rather than risk Blake’s disappointment - personal safety was only a secondary factor - Yang pulled on the helmet and turned the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life before settling into a low purr that she would never get tired of hearing. After patting Bumblebee’s side, she kicked the stand up and coaxed the bike from the parking garage to the city streets. With only a few blocks between her and her destination, she zipped through traffic on autopilot while ruminating on her and Ruby’s conversation.
Ruby was growing up in front of Yang’s eyes. Not long ago, nothing held her interest outside of her work, her friends, and food. Now she was in what could only be described as a committed relationship, where she was having mature conversations, coming up with mature compromises, and throwing around the ‘L’ word.
Yang couldn’t be in a more different place, but she hoped to change that. She wasn’t the only one who lost a mom so young, after all. That experience was, unfortunately, one that she and Ruby shared. It shaped their childhood and who they were today, just in different ways. That didn’t mean that Yang could never get to where Ruby was now. It just meant...it might take her a little longer to figure everything out.
Hopefully, she would figure some of those things out tonight, as she pulled into the parking lot of a new, trendy bar she’d had her eye on since it opened. After parking in one of the designated motorcycle spots near the entrance - again, driving a motorcycle came with real perks - she cut the engine and knocked the kickstand into place. She removed her helmet next, ran a hand through her hair, gave it a good shake, and sighed.
Now that she was here, she regretted not messaging Blake first. She always figured that Blake was busy unless told otherwise, but maybe she had it backward. Maybe she should take Ruby’s advice and ask if Blake was free before making plans. Because Ruby was right - she would rather spend time with Blake than anyone else.
But that wouldn’t help her with her new life goal and bailing on a date from the parking lot would be a new low, even for her. So, helmet in hand, she headed inside and scanned the hip, colorful interior for a familiar face. Spotting a slender, strawberry-blonde sitting in one of the booths, Yang hurried over to join her.
“Avery,” she called out, smiling when Avery’s light-green eyes landed on her.
“Look who it is,” Avery replied, standing up to accept Yang’s one-armed hug before the two of them sat across from each other.
“Sorry, I’m late.”
“Don’t worry. I haven’t been here long.” Settled back into her seat, Avery held Yang’s gaze and smiled. She had a nice smile - that was one of the first things Yang noticed about her. “This is a cool place,” she added with a wave to the room.
“Isn’t it?”
Giving the bar another inspection, Yang tried to determine whether its newness - and, therefore, cleanliness - created the nice ambiance or whether the establishment actually did something different. But, from the chalkboard menu hanging above the bar to the polished wooden counters to the booths and tables spread throughout the building, it seemed like another typical watering hole except shinier.
This was the type of place Blake would like. Quiet, laidback, clean…it checked all of the boxes. Now, all Yang had to do was bring her here sometime. Hopefully, sometime soon.
Excited by that thought, Yang turned back to Avery and smiled.
“Thanks for coming. It’s more fun to check out new places with someone.”
“Don’t mention it. I’m actually glad you called me. I was starting to think I’d never hear from you again.”
If a lot of other things hadn’t happened recently, that might have been true. Knowing better than to admit that out loud, however, Yang chuckled.
“Yeah, sorry. Life’s been crazy.” Leaving the explanation at that, she motioned to the menu above the bar. “Know what you want? They supposedly have fantastic ales.”
“You read my mind. I was eyeing the blonde.”
Spotting the playful glint in Avery’s eyes, Yang sidestepped the flattery by standing up and saying, “How about I grab that for you?”
Once Avery nodded, Yang made her way to the bar and waited for the bartender to finish helping the customer before her. Only a few minutes into this adventure and she felt...off. Usually, she capitalized on any opportunity to flirt - that was the best part of casually dating, after all. But if she was trying to be more serious, shouldn’t she be...more serious and less flirty?
“What can I get you?” the bartender asked, interrupting her thoughts before she found a solution.
“A blonde and a red,” she answered with a nod to the list of ales.
“This ok?”
When he set two empty pint glasses on the counter, she said, “Perfect.” While he poured the drinks, she set her credit card on the counter and glanced over her shoulder. Avery caught the look, prompting Yang to smile and wave before turning around and letting that smile fade away.
Part of her had foolishly hoped that all she had to do was think about being more serious for it to come true, as if she could just will a long-term relationship into fruition. But old habits die hard, lifelong fears die even harder, and - the nail in the coffin - she didn’t feel any type of...spark.
Everyone talked about a spark - the big, obvious, undeniable sign of something. If such a thing existed, she should be able to walk into a room, lock eyes with someone, and know. But either everyone was exaggerating or she hadn’t experienced it yet. The closest she’d ever gotten was meeting Blake at The Regal last weekend - the excitement, the anticipation, the bliss of being together...
“Here you go.” Two filled glasses appeared on the counter in front of her, and the bartender quickly swiped her credit card before returning that as well. “Let me know if you need anything else.”
“Will do.”
After shoving her card in her pocket, she grabbed both glasses and returned to the table. “Alright,” she said, passing one of the drinks to Avery before sitting down. “A blonde for you and red for me.”
“Thank you.”
“No problem. Whoever’s late buys the first round, right?”
“If that’s not already the rule, we should make it one from here on out.”
Eyes sparkling at the suggestion, Avery lifted the glass to her lips for a taste and Yang chuckled before doing the same. Unfortunately, the drink didn’t distract her from the little jump of anxiety the comment elicited.
“That’s pretty good.” After giving the glass an appreciative glance, she took another sip and nodded. “Oh, before I forget, I’ve probably only got one round in me tonight - I drove.”
Avery nodded, but Yang internally grimaced at the excuse. Nothing shortened an evening like capping the number of drinks, and she did it without even thinking. All Avery said was ‘from here on out,’ implying several or potentially many future dates, and Yang ran for the escape hatch. Realistically, she could get Bumblebee tomorrow, but apparently her subconscious decided she didn’t want to go through the hassle.
“I have an early day tomorrow anyway,” Avery added, much to Yang’s relief. Freed of the possibility of this dragging on for hours, she relaxed and enjoyed her next sip a little more than the first few.
“How’s work going?”
“Pretty good, actually.” When Avery met Yang’s gaze, Yang motioned for her to elaborate. “We brought on a few new clients - big ones - so everyone’s excited.”
“Anyone I know?”
“You definitely know them,” Avery answered before sipping her drink. “Unless you haven’t seen any movies in the past couple years, which...I’m guessing you have.”
“Me? Watch movies??” When Avery chuckled at the joke, Yang leaned back in her seat and joined in. “It’s not like they’re practically shoved in my face all day long,” she added. “Then there’s the nonstop competition to find the ‘best’ films…”
“At least you’re not pandering to spoiled, oblivious celebrities all day,” Avery pointed out. After thinking about that scenario though, Yang shook her head.
“I don’t know...maybe that’d be a nice change of pace.”
“Well, if you’re ever interested in joining the talent side of things, you know who to call. Or if you want to be the talent...”
Catching Avery’s wink, Yang chuckled and waved off the compliment.
“So you’ll have to pander to me all day, too?”
“Yeah, but...I wouldn’t mind doing that.”
Yang managed a smile at the forward remark but internally recoiled from the idea. What bothered her most about it though? The implied intimacy or the thought of Avery being the one dispensing it?
“I’ll keep that in mind,” she said before grasping the first non-romantic topic she could find. “How do you do that, anyway? ‘Discover’ new actors and stuff?”
“Usually, you just find someone really attractive who appeals to a certain demographic.”
Based on the coy look in Avery’s eyes, Yang was supposed to ask what demographic she appealed to. That set Avery up for another compliment, but Yang didn’t really want the flattery right now. Which was a new and unnerving feeling...as was the growing regret that she hadn’t invited Blake instead.
This was Blake’s type of bar, yet Yang invited Avery. Why would she do that when Blake was more fun to talk to? They always had a great time together, and there was never any of this constant, subtle pressure to be more. Being themselves was enough.
Blake would be the ultimate girlfriend. Whoever caught her fancy would be the luckiest man or woman alive. Of course, they would have to survive whatever series of tests Yang put them through first.
“That’s what I would’ve guessed,” Yang replied instead of walking into Avery’s trap. “Is that what you want to do? Or you’d rather work with A-listers?”
“Either is a step up from my current position, so...either.”
When Avery smiled, Yang chuckled and took a bigger swig of her drink. She didn’t know what was wrong with her tonight, but she preferred when Avery wasn’t flirting with her. Not only did she not feel up for flirting in return, but guilt gnawed at her stomach the longer she sat there.
“That would be so cool though,” she mustered before being blissfully interrupted by her phone. As soon as she saw the name on the screen, she smiled and motioned with it. “I should get this,” she said while slipping out of her seat, hardly catching Avery’s nod before hurrying to the back of the bar.
“Is this your designated writing break?” she asked as soon as she picked up.
“Possibly…”
Just hearing Blake’s voice was enough to make Yang laugh as she leaned against the wall in the hallway leading to the restrooms.
“Good thing I’m really good at short conversations,” Yang joked, her smile growing when Blake’s laughter reached her ears.
“I’m about to put that to the test,” Blake teased in return. “What’re you up to?”
“I’m, uh...just out having drinks.”
“Like...on a date?”
More uncomfortable now - guiltier too - Yang shuffled her feet and cleared her throat before saying, “Sort of, yeah.”
“And you answered my call? Did you just…leave her at the table by herself?”
“Uh…” Glancing into the bar, Yang cringed when she saw Avery looking at her phone. “Maybe?”
“Yang…”
“I know, I know - bad date.” After another glance at the table, Yang leaned her head back against the wall and sighed. “But I wanted to talk to you. It feels like we haven’t gotten any quality time since The Regal and...I dunno...I miss you.”
“I miss you, too…” The soft response was more than enough to make Yang’s heart soar. “But please don’t ignore your date on my behalf,” Blake added a moment later. “You can always call me after.”
“Yeah?” Yang straightened away from the wall and beamed. “You’re not too busy?”
“When have I ever been too busy for you, Yang?”
“I don’t know...” Even though Blake couldn’t see her, Yang shrugged and twirled a lock of hair around her finger. “You’re a busy person.”
“Well...not for you.”
That remark released the first butterflies in Yang’s chest, which always seemed to appear when she thought about having Blake’s time to herself. Along with those butterflies, however, emerged an even better idea.
“I’m actually not that far from your place. Maybe I could stop by after? I can pick up ice cream on the way...”
“You had me at ‘stopping by,’” Blake replied, her laughter sending Yang’s heart straight to the moon. “No way I’ll say no to ice cream.”
“Then I’ll see you later? It shouldn’t be much longer.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll wait.”
“Maybe I’m the impatient one,” Yang teased before glancing at Avery. “But alright, I should go. See you soon!”
“See you.”
Once the call ended, Yang grinned at the screen before pocketing her phone and returning to the table in brighter spirits. Now she was really kicking herself for not calling Blake first, but at least it worked out in her favor - she would still see Blake tonight, and she couldn’t wait.
“Sorry,” she said while retaking her seat. “That was my friend, Blake. Sometimes she’ll call with work stuff, but I’ll talk to her later.”
Yang waved off the conversation, but Avery responded with a small smile while tapping the top of her glass.
“You’ve mentioned her before. You two are close?”
“She’s my best friend and better half all in one,” Yang replied before taking a longer sip of her drink.
“Ex-girlfriend?”
“Me and Blake?” When Avery nodded, Yang shook her head and laughed. “No, we’ve never dated. Just friends.”
Avery hummed at the response and tapped her glass several more times before taking a sip. Her furrowed brow suggested she was mulling over the topic, but Yang’s thoughts were already moving on.
As much as Yang wanted to jump right to her new plans for the evening, she needed to stick this out for another fifteen minutes to be polite. Then she could stop by one of Blake’s favorite ice cream places - it was a few blocks out of the way, but she didn’t mind the extra drive. A pint of Blake’s favorite flavor would be an apology for barging in on Blake’s evening and maybe an incentive to watch a movie before calling it a night.
“Actually, I should probably get going,” Avery suddenly said, drawing Yang’s focus away from those plans.
“Oh, are you sure?”
“Yeah. I have to get up pretty early, so…”
Avery let the explanation trail off, but Yang gladly accepted an early end to this get-together. Maybe she was supposed to protest or barter for a few more minutes, but she didn’t have the energy to pretend that was what she wanted.
This was yet another failure, but maybe Avery was the wrong person for this endeavor. They already knew each other, and knowing each other came with pressure to move forward. Maybe Yang needed a fresh start. A blank slate. A new beginning on which to foster a more serious relationship.
“No worries.” After taking one last gulp of her drink, Yang grabbed her helmet and stood up. “I’ll walk you out?”
“Sure.”
After Avery gathered her purse, the two of them traded the warm, lively bar for the cool night air outside. The short walk was moderately uncomfortable, marked by an awkward silence that was only bound to get more awkward as they said their goodbyes. Preparing for that moment, Yang stopped just outside the entrance and threw on her best ‘let’s just be friends’ smile.
“Thanks for trying out this place with me.”
“Yeah, it was fun.” Avery glanced at the front doors before stepping closer, and Yang suppressed the urge to back away. “We should do this again sometime. I can make the drinks at my place - I’ve been told I make killer mai tais.”
Recognizing where that was headed, Yang chuckled and switched her helmet between her hands.
“I love a good mai tai,” she said, neither accepting nor denying the invitation. “I’ll text you?”
It was a standard goodbye, but Avery must have already caught on that this was likely the last time they saw each other in this capacity. What else explained the disappointment flickering through her eyes? Fortunately, she didn’t call Yang out on it or make a scene. She just nodded and said, “Sure. Sounds good.”
“Perfect. Then I guess I’ll...see you around.”
Backing toward Bumblebee, Yang waited for Avery’s nod before turning around and hopping onto the bike. She balanced her helmet in her lap while searching her pockets for her keys. No sooner had she pulled them out did she hear an engine - a conspicuously loud and conspicuously close engine. Then there were headlights, Avery’s eyes widening, the squeal of tires, and she hardly glanced to the side in time to see a car moving straight toward her.
Someone screamed right before the car crashed into the front of Bumblebee. It wasn’t her, but that was just about the only thing she remembered before the lights went out.