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Blake was right - that hunt was a terrible idea.  Of course, Yang didn’t need to tell her that.  She already knew - she’d witnessed irrefutable proof as Yang suffered through the night - but she didn’t hold it over Yang like some people would.  She’d trusted Yang’s decision and, now that it was over, shared in the repercussions.

Ever since Yang took down that dreader, her spark refused to settle down.  Everything hurt.  All the time.  There was no escaping the fire scorching her veins.  No relief.

She used to love using her spark.  She loved showing off how bright she could shine.  Now, she wished she didn’t have a spark at all.

The only glimmer of hope?  The end was near.  Her spark had taken on a sinister edge as if punishing her for daring to use it.  Its bursts of heat tilted from frenzy to malice.  Soon, it hissed while searing through her veins.  Soon she wouldn’t have to deal with the never-ending pain.  Soon she wouldn’t have to deal with anything.

Death didn’t sound so bad if it meant escaping the Phage.  Standing between her and freedom, however, lay unspeakable torture.  It would be painful - no, it would be excruciating - but she refused to give up.  She wouldn’t beg for mercy.  She would take every last breath given to her.  Not for herself, but for the people she loved and the people depending on her.

“Maybe we should reschedule,” Blake whispered.  Her steadying hand had remained on Yang’s side ever since they left the room, not moving even when the staff sent curious or delighted expressions their way.   To observers, Blake must look clingy and overly affectionate.  Yang could only wish that were the case.

“We have to keep moving forward,” Yang replied through gritted teeth.  With her feet burning like they were, walking became a horrible experience in trying to move quickly while also never touching the floor.

“We can do this tomorrow, or the day after.  You need to recover.”

“Blake...if we wait until I recover, nothing else will get done.”

Somehow, Blake looked taken aback by the honesty.  Then sadness filled her eyes and she averted her gaze.  Yang hated being the bearer of bad news, but...she couldn't pretend that everything would be fine.  She needed Blake to be ready when...not if...the day finally arrived.

“Then you should sit down,” Blake said, nodding to the tall, regal throne in front of them.

As nice as that sounded, Yang glanced at the ornate piece of furniture and shook her head.  She avoided sitting there if at all possible.  It made her feel like she was talking down to people, and that wasn’t what she wanted when discussing important matters with the people her words affected most.

“I’ll be ok.”

Blake didn’t believe the lie any more than Yang did, but she didn’t argue.  Her arm tightened around Yang’s waist though, inviting Yang to lean against her for support.  On an ordinary day, Yang would accept the offer simply for the chance to be closer.  Today, she needed the help.  She didn’t want the help, especially when she noticed the pity in Blake’s eyes, but her options were either to accept it or end up sprawled on the floor when her legs gave out.

Leaning against Blake’s side, feeling Blake’s fingers intertwine with hers, she knew she would never fall.  Blake wouldn’t let her fall.  Either she managed to keep her balance on her own or Blake would hold her upright using that rock-solid spark of hers.  Yang hoped that she never got to the point where she needed Blake just to walk, but shifting some weight off of her feet was a blessing. Unfortunately, the reprieve ended too soon.  Before she’d even begun to recuperate from the trek downstairs, Bartholomew blazed into the throne room.

“Always on time,” she muttered, forcing herself to stand on her own.  After smiling at Blake for the brief respite, she squared her shoulders and straightened her back.  She might not feel very queenly at the moment, but she had to look it for Vale’s sake.

As Bartholomew approached, she briefly worried that he would feel the heat radiating from her skin.  Fortunately, he stopped a respectful distance away and bowed.

“Your Majesty,” he greeted her before bowing to Blake.  “Miss Belladonna.  I hope you’re feeling better?”

“I am, thank you.  The doctor did a wonderful job.”

“You’re the one who deserves praise,” Bartholomew replied, much to Blake’s surprise.  “I’m sure Queen Xiao Long has already expressed her gratitude but, on behalf of the palace, thank you for protecting our queen.  We’d be lost without her.”

“You’ll still have Ruby,” Yang pointed out, waving off the flattery while sorrow joined the fire in her veins.  “And we both know Ruby does most of the work around here anyway.”

“I’m sure Queen Rose will agree that your leadership is vital to Vale.”  That response made Yang’s heart hurt even more, but he smiled at Blake.  “Regardless, if anyone harbored reservations about your presence, those are long gone.  If you ever choose to call Vale home, we’d be ecstatic to welcome you.”

Blake’s mouth fell slightly ajar at the unexpected offer, but Yang’s heart warmed.  She wouldn’t say anything now, but later she would tell him how much she appreciated the way he treated Blake.  Blake might not have an official title - she might not even be from Vale - but she deserved every ounce of respect and then some.  The palace staff had realized that without much prompting.  It might be a small thing to be grateful for, but Yang believed it went a long way in making Blake feel comfortable.  And if she was comfortable...she might stay longer.

“Thank you, Bartholomew…” Blake replied when finally regained her words.  He didn’t make a big deal of the matter though.  He simply nodded before addressing both of them at once.

“I have the update you requested.”

“Excellent.  Please proceed.”

This was the only reason Yang left her room this morning, so she waved for him to divulge the details.  Without even a hesitation about sharing confidential information in Blake’s presence, he launched into his report.

“The soldiers who’ve returned to Vale are already working on our most urgent needs - agriculture, textiles, mining, and rebuilding deteriorated infrastructure.  It will be several weeks before we see the fruits of their labor, but early results are better than expected.”

“That’s promising.”  Yang shared a smile with Blake at the relieving news.  “And we only called back a quarter of the forces.  Will you have enough work for the rest?”

“Absolutely.  We’ll fully staff every factory and get Vale back on its feet in no time.  The faster we get them home and working, the sooner we’ll have more than enough to spend both here and in the Badlands.”

Bartholomew nodded to Blake, and Blake responded with a nod of her own.

“How are they doing though?  The soldiers who’ve returned - how’s their morale?”

That was a fantastic question.  Yang hadn’t thought to ask, but that was why Blake was here with her - to think of the important questions she missed.

“They’re in high spirits.  Happy to be home with their families but also happy to have something to do.  They’re a restless bunch.”

“I can imagine,” Yang replied with a chuckle that quickly cut off when it angered the fire in her heart.  Small fireballs shot through her limbs and made her cringe - a moment of weakness that Blake noticed.

“Do you need any help with what you’re doing?” she quickly asked, drawing Bartholomew’s attention to herself while Yang struggled through the pain.

“Yes, actually.  If you have more direction on the specific tools needed in the Badlands, we can prioritize those.  At this point, Vale needs much of everything, so whatever directions we choose will work for both regions.”

“We can work on that now if you’d like,” Blake offered.

“Absolutely.  I’m free now.”

When Blake motioned to the office, Yang made it only a half-step before flames shot down her legs.

“Actually,” she got out, forcing her grimace into a smile.  “Why don’t you two work on that without me?  I need to...check on some things.”

Thankfully, Bartholomew accepted the change in plans with a quick nod.  Blake, however, looked concerned.  Amber eyes silently asked if Yang would be alright on her own, to which she managed a weak nod and flimsy smile.

For a second, she thought that Blake would insist they postpone.  Blake probably expected to do that too, but she eventually nodded and followed Bartholomew to the office.  Still, she glanced over her shoulder as she left, wordlessly saying she would return as soon as possible.

Once the unlikely pair disappeared into the office, which might as well be Blake’s office too by this point, Yang willed herself out of the throne room.  Breathing felt more difficult, like a vice tightening around her lungs while the fire urged her to suck in deep breaths.  She hardly made it into the entryway before the world started spinning.  Staggering into the nearest wall for support, she squeezed her eyes shut and waited for the inferno to pass.  Roaring flames were all she could hear while the pain climbed toward a crescendo that would confine her to her room for the rest of the day if she couldn’t stop it.

She couldn’t stop it.  She had no control anymore.  She’d used her last remaining grasp over her spark yesterday on that dreader.  But she had to.

“- Majesty?  Are you alright?”

The concerned voice cut through the torment, beating the pain back just enough for her senses to return.  Opening her eyes, she discovered one of the butlers reaching out to her.

“Are you feeling unwell?”

He didn’t touch her elbow, but he stayed close enough that he could help if she lost her footing.

“I’m -” she began before clearing her throat and carefully pushing away from the wall.  She swayed slightly, increasing his concern, before regaining her balance.  “Sorry, I just...got a little lightheaded.”

When she smiled, he believed her.  Why wouldn’t he believe her?  As long as she smiled, everything was alright.

“Maybe you should sit down?”

With one hand still extended as potential support, he motioned to one of the many benches throughout the entryway.

“Good idea.” Fighting to keep herself upright, she half-walked, half-hobbled to the bench and collapsed onto it. “I’ll just wait here for Blake,” she told him, but uncertainty crossed his expression.  He didn’t know whether he should leave or stay a little longer.  When she smiled up at him, however, he acquiesced.

“Please let me know if you need anything,” he offered before setting off to complete his tasks.

With another close call successfully navigated, she let out the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding and again closed her eyes.  Even though she was off her feet, they continued to burn.  So did her hands, her arms, her chest, everything.  Blake would find her once the meeting ended.  Until then, she would sit here and grasp onto whatever piece of her former self she could find.  These days, it felt like there was very little left.  Yang Xiao Long hardly existed anymore.  What remained was just...fire.

Was it ironic that the downturn in her health coincided with life getting better?  Now that the constant fighting was potentially over, life in the palace had become less strained and stressful.  Rebuilding was underway.  Vale’s future looked prosperous and secure.  So did the future of the Badlands.  And they might have gained a valuable ally in Atlas - a luxury they’d never had before.

Then there was Blake...the most wonderful, amazing person Yang had ever met.  She couldn’t get enough of the earthbound ‘assassin’ with a heart of gold.  Poised, graceful, and just a little headstrong, Blake was everything she never knew she wanted.

The only thing missing?  Ruby.

Ruby had the most important responsibility in ending the war - mainly, ensuring it actually ended.  Atlas’ politics sounded difficult, but Ruby could motivate anyone to see her point of view.  Yang just wished things were moving faster so she could see her sister again.  Nothing lifted her spirits faster than Ruby’s laughter, which had remained upbeat despite everything they’d been through.

She hoped that Ruby would come home soon.  The Atlesian assassin complicated matters - Ruby might want to stay and figure out who sent him - but Yang didn’t care about that as much as having Ruby back at home.

Whoever hired that man likely wouldn’t try again.  They’d missed their chance.  Vale’s guards were keeping an extra close eye on all palace visitors now.  Even Cecelia seemed to be lingering around more than usual.  Just this morning Yang saw her berating one of the Elites for missing an assignment, so she must be unnerved in her own way.

Yang could deal without Cecelia’s increased presence, but at least she felt safe.  She just wanted Ruby to be here.

Once her pain reached a more tolerable level, she decided that a trip to Ruby’s quarters was in order.  She could check on Winter, but she could also just...be in Ruby’s space for a little while.

After pushing herself to her feet, groaning in the process, she spotted the one person she didn’t have the energy to deal with right now.  Unfortunately, Cecelia had already seen her.  The armor-clad mercenary she’d been speaking with immediately lost her interest, and she motioned him away before walking over.

“Just who I was looking for.”

Cecelia smiled as she stopped in front of Yang.  Yang smiled in return, but she couldn’t tell if it came across as fake or not.

“Cecelia.  What can I help you with?”

“Lots of things.”

When Cecelia reached up and touched Yang’s shoulder, Yang quickly backed away.  There was no reason for them to touch.  Not here in the hall, not ever.  Yang didn’t see the need to or feel the desire to but, most importantly, she wouldn’t risk Blake seeing them looking too familiar.  Cecelia’s scowl, however, suggested otherwise.

“You look like shit today,” she snapped in response to the rebuff.

“Thanks, Cecelia.  Appreciate that.”

Yang felt like death too, so she didn’t bother arguing.  She couldn’t even fake bravado while Cecelia crossed her arms and looked her up and down.

“What’s wrong with you?  Did you fry your spark that bad?”

“Maybe.”  Yang tried not to grimace when she shrugged.  “Maybe I’m just out of practice.  I told you going after such a big one was a bad idea.”

“You act like I was trying to kill you.  I thought you’d like getting out of here.  It’s so damn boring sitting here talking to people all the time.  Diplomacy and all that shit.”

“You’re in a mood today,” Yang replied, chuckling at Cecelia’s aggravated hand gesture.  “That ‘boring diplomacy’ is how a kingdom is run, you know.  It’s not all stabbing people.”

“I’d pawn that off on someone else.”

“Of course you would…”

This time, Yang shook her head.  What else did she expect?  The only thing Cecelia enjoyed was the thrill and adrenaline of battle.  Everything else was boring or tedious.

“Whatever.”  Cecelia rolled her eyes.  “What’re my guys supposed to do now?  It looks like this whole ‘peace’ thing might stick, so I guess you don’t need my help anymore.”

“Cecelia...you and your men kept Vale in the war longer than we would’ve lasted otherwise.  We might not need them to fight now, but there’s plenty around here for them to help with if they’re willing.  Or they can move on, I guess, if that’s too boring.”

Arms still crossed, Cecelia ground her jaw back and forth but said nothing.  Something about Yang’s response agitated her, but Yang couldn’t figure out what it was.  That she wasn’t needed anymore?  That there was no more fighting to do?

“I don’t think you’ll hold up your end of our deal.”

Regardless of the Phage, Yang’s blood ran cold at the challenging expression accompanying the remark.  Cecelia wasn’t an idiot.  She saw what was going on between Yang and Blake, and she knew it made Yang less willing to follow through on a deal she made before Blake appeared in her life.

These were dangerous waters.  Cecelia wouldn’t take rejection lightly, but Yang’s heart hadn’t been part of the bargain.  She couldn’t force herself to feel for Cecelia what she felt for Blake.  But, knowing what Cecelia was capable of, Yang had to do whatever she could to keep Blake safe.

“How long have we known each other?” she asked, trying to go about this in the softest way possible.  “It’s been a long time, right?”

When Cecelia begrudgingly nodded, Yang took a deep breath and held that steely green gaze.

“You know I keep my word.”

Yang watched the response sink in, praying it was enough.  Cecelia didn’t smile though - she narrowed her eyes.

“What about the girl?”

“Blake will go home.”

Yang didn’t know if she could survive Blake leaving again, but Cecelia couldn’t know that.  Fortunately, she didn’t press for details.  She thought about that future for a moment before smirking.

“If that’s true, then maybe I’d take a down payment now...as assurance.”

It took every ounce of Yang’s willpower not to back away when Cecelia moved closer.  From the gleam in Cecelia’s eyes and the victorious smirk on her lips, Yang knew exactly what was being demanded, and that acquiescing was the only way to put this matter to rest once and for all.  If Yang didn’t relent, Cecelia wouldn't be satisfied.  What would Cecelia do if she felt both scorned and cheated?

When Cecelia stepped forward, pressing against Yang while setting one hand possessively on her waist, her heart jumped into her throat - and not in a good way.  What she would say next was dangerous, but no way in hell was she kissing Cecelia while Blake still existed on this planet.

While Cecelia rolled onto the balls of her feet, inching closer to Yang’s lips, Yang finally whispered, “The war’s not over yet.”

That froze Cecelia in her tracks.  Then anger flashed through her eyes.

“I see.”  Clenching her fists and backing away, she briefly looked at the floor before meeting Yang’s gaze with a cold one of her own.  “I don’t see what she has that I don’t.”

This time, Yang resisted the urge to sigh.  Of course Cecelia considered this a competition.  Everything was a competition to her.  What she didn’t understand was that Yang decided a long, long time ago that they could never be together.  Fighting over her was pointless anyway.  What did the winner get - a few days of her dying agony?

“It’s not about her ‘having’ something you don’t.”

When Cecelia scoffed and rolled her eyes, Yang tried to think of a way to phrase it so as not to insult Cecelia or praise Blake.  Coming up empty-handed, she lied instead.

“I’m just...having some fun.  Can’t you let me enjoy it while it lasts?  Besides, you can’t tell me you haven’t been making your way through Vale’s most eligible bachelorettes while you’ve been here.”

That was a shot in the dark, but Yang had seen how easily Cecelia could woo someone into bed.  Fortunately, Cecelia didn’t deny it.

“One or two,” she grumbled before backing away.  “And fine.  Enjoy it while it lasts.  The day that treaty’s signed, I expect you to hold up your end of this.  And if she doesn’t leave, I’ll make her.”

Cecelia smiled at the thinly veiled threat before spinning on her heel and stalking away.  She was quickly joined by several of her mercenary buddies before they exited the foyer together, off to find more trouble.

Yang knew what would happen if Cecelia’s ‘turn’ started and Blake was still here.  Blake insisted that she could take care of herself, but Cecelia had years and years of combat experience.  She also had an entire army of well-trained soldiers at her disposal.  Blake had to get out of Vale, yet Yang didn’t want her to leave a minute sooner than necessary.

Sighing at yet another predicament, Yang slowly continued upstairs.  That conversation had been more emotionally exhausting than usual, but everything was more exhausting than usual these days. Had she phrased everything perfectly?  Did Cecelia believe she would follow through after the war ended?  Because if Cecelia didn’t believe her...

Shoving away that worry, Yang shuffled her way to Ruby’s room.  Since the day was already well underway, few people used these halls.  Regardless, she double and triple-checked that no one was nearby before knocking on Ruby’s door.  After waiting several moments, she leaned close, lowered her voice, and said, “It’s Yang.”

After hearing the door unlock, she opened it just wide enough to slip through and quickly closed it behind her.  While re-locking it, she smiled at the young woman borrowing Ruby’s living quarters.  From the stacks of books and paper on the desk, Winter was finding ample ways to pass the time.

If Yang had the energy, she would attempt a proper, formal greeting.  Considering how fragile she felt right now, she opted for a friendly, “Good morning,” instead.

“Good morning,” Winter replied with a slight bow of her head.  When a strand of hair fell in front of her eyes, she quickly brushed it behind one ear while straightening her posture.  “Can I help you with something?”

“Oh, no.  I just wanted to spend a little time here...before…”

Yang couldn’t say ‘before I’m not around anymore,’ so she trailed off and half-heartedly gestured with one hand.  Thankfully, Winter didn’t press for elaboration.

“Please feel free.  This is your home, after all.  I’m only a guest.”

On a good day, Yang would argue that, as a guest, Winter deserved more privacy and consideration than anyone else.  Today, she smiled as Winter sat at the desk and motioned that she was free to stay. After gingerly making her way to the nearest sofa, she sat down and looked around Ruby’s room.  Even though Ruby wasn’t here, her spirit could be found in every piece of furniture and decoration - or lack thereof.  Modest, humble, functional...not exactly what someone would expect from a queen, but Ruby had always defied expectations.

Yang had so many memories in here that she couldn’t go through even a fraction of them in the time she had left.  Playing games as children...gossiping as teenagers...

While they were still living under their parents’ protection and guidance, they’d hatched so many grand plans for when they were ‘in charge.’  If they’d known how soon that time would come, they wouldn’t have approached the topic so lightly.  Instead, they found themselves forced into their parents’ shoes with only implausible, farfetched dreams in mind.

They never let anyone know how scared they were.  How lost they were.  How much they worried about ruining everything their parents and ancestors had built.  How often they wished to be normal people without the weight of a kingdom on their shoulders.  They’d confided only in each other.  They’d relied on each other, supported each other, and for that, Yang had always been grateful.

She didn’t want to leave Ruby to do everything on her own, but Ruby was strong.  Ruby was a great leader.  She would do a better job than Yang ever would.  And with the war ending...there wasn’t as much for Yang to worry about, but she would always worry about her little sister.

Flinching away from the painful thoughts, she refocused on Winter.

“How’re you doing?  Bored yet?”

“Admittedly, yes.  A little.”  While Yang smiled at the honesty, Winter glanced at the neatly arranged books and papers on the desk.  “I’ve been using the time to write down some thoughts.  Figure out how I feel about certain...events...in my past.”

Winter didn’t sound like she wanted to delve into those ‘events’ just yet, so Yang didn’t press.

“That’s a good idea.  After the past few years, we could probably all use some time to decompress and figure out what the hell happened.”

When Winter nodded, Yang sighed and rubbed her burning heart.  She should also write down her thoughts about everything - her life, Vale, the war, her hopes for the future.  With so many pressing matters to attend to, finding time became an issue.  Every small task became a race against a clock.

“Once the treaty’s done, I can show you around Vale.”  Feeling her spark flare up, she flinched and added, “Or Ruby can when she’s back.  I think you’ll like her.  Everyone does.”

“That would be nice.  And I’ve heard nothing but good things about Queen Rose.  Except from my father, of course, but he never had good things to say about anyone but himself.”

Noting Winter’s frown, Yang chuckled softly and continued rubbing her pestering heart.

“Yeah...he was a fun guy…” she mumbled before they drifted into a thoughtful silence.

Her experiences with the Mad King had been few but memorable.  He loved hearing himself talk, which would have been fine had he not also been alarmingly quick to anger.  She could only imagine what he’d been like as a father.  Winter’s troubled eyes and slight frown provided clarity.  Combined with Weiss’ hesitance and uncertainty…

Suspecting the worst, Yang’s heart broke for the Atlesian princesses.  Hopefully, once the war ended, their healing could truly begin.  They needed to be safely reunited first - another important task on her to-do list.

Still unsure of how to handle that situation, she sighed and stared at her hands. Was it just her imagination that her skin looked red?  Was the Phage starting to show?  Could other people see it?  The last thing she wanted to do was fully cover up - the additional heat from her clothing was getting damn near unbearable - but she couldn’t let anyone see the Phage.

“Are you alright?”

The question drew her gaze across the room, where Winter watched her closely.

“I think so.  Why?”

“You’re...exceedingly warm.”

Seeing the suspicion in Winter’s eyes, she didn’t waste energy joking about Winter calling her hot.  Instead, she looked at her hands - which were redder than normal - and whispered, “Yeah…that’s what the Phage will do to you…”

The extended silence made her wonder if Winter even heard her.  Then Winter crossed the room and sat beside her.

“How long?”

The soft question suggested that Yang didn’t have to answer if she didn’t want to.  But why bring it up if she didn’t want to talk about it?  It might feel good to get this off her chest - and not to Blake.  She couldn’t bear the heartbreak in Blake’s eyes whenever the subject came up.

“I don’t even know…”  Hanging her head, Yang tried to remember the last time she felt truly healthy.  “A few months since it started getting bad.”

“That’s the longest I’ve ever heard of the illness lasting.”

“Yeah...guess I’m lucky.”

Given how fiercely her skin burned, she didn’t feel lucky.  Most people succumbed quickly, in weeks or less, but she’d been blessed with living through this torment for much longer.  Part of her thought she was just too stubborn to die.  Another part of her believed this was retribution for her sins.

“Are you treating it?”

“There’s no treatment.”  She finally looked up and gave Winter a small smile.  “Any painkiller stopped working long ago.  Now I’m just...trying to get as much done while I still can.”

Winter nodded but, after a thoughtful pause, curled her fingers into loose fists.

“If you don’t mind, I can try to help?  At least, temporarily.”

Instinctively, Yang wanted to ask how Winter could help.  When Winter looked uncertain enough as it was, she decided not to bother.  “Might as well,” she said instead.  “Doubt it can hurt.”

Even with permission, Winter looked hesitant about whatever she was going to do.  Yang half-expected her to say nevermind but, after nodding, she rested her hands on Yang’s shoulders.

The first thing Yang noticed was how gentle Winter was.  For a supposedly ruthless enforcer, the light touch implied great compassion and caring.

Then Yang felt the cold.

Winter’s hands still lightly and carefully rested on her shoulders, but they were suddenly much, much colder.  What felt like a patch of ice formed underneath them, and that ice spread.  From her shoulders, down her arms, chest, and legs, all the way to her toes, the fire retreated from her skin while ice took its place.

It was such an immense relief, a gasp slipped through her lips - along with a small wisp of frost.

“Wow…” she sighed while taking a deep, icy breath and wiggling her fingers and toes.  The fire was still there, rooted deep within her, but a thin layer of cool separated it from her skin.

As soon as Winter removed her hands, the relief began to fade.

“It’s dangerous,” she explained.  “Too much and your heart will seize.”

“You don’t want to kill me?” Yang joked before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.  “That’s good to know,” she sighed, enjoying the temporary cold.  The fire was creeping back in, using every beat of her heart to send hotter blood through her veins, but for now...she felt a little better.

“Thank you,” she said, opening her eyes and meeting Winter’s gaze. Before Winter could respond, three rapid knocks hit the door.  Yang’s brow rose, then she heard the soft whisper from beyond.

“It’s Blake.  Yang, are you in there?”

Yang started to get up, but Winter beat her to it.  As soon as Winter unlocked the door, Blake flew into the room.  Her eyes instantly locked onto Yang, and she sighed while hurrying over.

“I’ve been looking all over for you.  I thought - I was worried.”

“Still here,” Yang replied, smiling as Blake sat beside her.

“How are you feeling?”

Looking at her hands, Yang curled her fingers and sighed at the still-chilled feeling of her skin.  The effect was wearing off, but she felt pretty spectacular.

“Do you remember when we first met?” she asked instead of answering Blake’s question.  “You didn’t care at all how I was feeling then.  What changed?”

“I decided I care about you more than that.”

Yang’s heart skipped a beat at the blunt response.  She shouldn’t feel so giddy about Blake saying those words, but she couldn’t help it.  Even though it couldn’t last, it made her...happy.

“You mean you like me,” she clarified.  Her smile grew when Blake playfully rolled her eyes.

“Don’t push your luck.”

Proving the response was nothing more than banter, Blake reached for Yang’s hand.  The moment they touched, however, she recoiled in shock.

“You’re cold.”  Eyes wide, Blake touched the back of her hand to Yang’s cheek.  “Are you ok??  You’re freezing.”

“Yeah.”  Yang chuckled and glanced Winter’s way.  “I’m feeling pretty good right now.”

After looking at Winter then Yang, Blake quickly put two and two together.

“Her spark?” she asked anyway.  Once Yang nodded, she wrapped her hand around Yang’s before turning to Winter.  “Thank you.”

“It’s only temporary, but...it’s the least I can do.”

Winter bowed her head, looking almost apologetic that she couldn't magically erase the illness from Yang’s veins.  Yang, however, smiled at her for the small relief she’d provided before turning to Blake.

“How’d things go with Barty?  Make any progress?”

“Lots.  We drafted another list of supplies for the Badlands, and he’s organizing everything now.  Said he can have another big shipment ready in a few days.”

“Does that mean…?”

“I’ll have Sun come get it,” Blake answered before Yang expressed that worry.  “I’m not going anywhere,” she added, squeezing Yang’s hand.

Lost in that response was Blake’s reason for staying: Yang didn’t have long left.  But Yang didn’t care about that as much as knowing that Blake would be with her until the end.  Or as close to the end as they could risk before Cecelia became a genuine concern.

“Vale’s already sending aid to the Badlands?” Winter asked, taking the seat across from them.

“Whatever we can manage,” Yang answered.  “It’s not much right now…”

“But it’s more than we’ve had in a long time,” Blake assured her.  “I wish you could’ve seen everyone when we told them the supplies were from Vale.  It might not seem like much, but the fact that you’re helping at all is enough to give us hope.  And hope is more powerful than you might believe.”

Faced with Blake’s sincerity, Yang didn’t argue.  She still wished she could do more - she would always wish she could do more - but if Blake was happy about progress so far, then she would also try to be happy.

“Is Atlas going to help?” Winter asked.

“That’s the plan.”  Yang shared a look with Blake before smiling at Winter.  “Weiss agreed to split the costs down the middle.  No one takes more blame than the other, and the Badlands gets all the help it needs.”

“That’ll be quite the task.  But a noble one.”

“Coordinating has been a bit difficult,” Yang admitted before smiling at Blake.  “Fortunately, we have an expert.”

“Yes.  Bartholomew’s been a big help.”

Before Yang protested Blake sidestepping the compliment, Blake leaned over and gently nudged her shoulder.  Winter noticed the subtle intimacy but didn’t say anything; she just smiled.

“I guess we should probably get back to work though,” Yang said before turning to Blake for approval.

“If you feel up for it?”

Once Yang nodded, Blake gently helped her to her feet.  Blake kept a hand on Yang’s arm rather than let go, offering steady support that Yang accepted regardless of her current need.

“Do you need anything?” Blake asked Winter before they headed to the door, but Winter shook her head.

“I’m fine for now, thank you.  There’s plenty for me to do.”

“I’ll be back in a few hours then,” Blake promised while gently leading Yang to the door.

“And thank you again,” Yang added before motioning to herself and the lingering cool on her skin.

“You’re welcome.  Feel free to come back anytime.”

Winter’s genuine expression implied exactly what Yang hoped - that Winter would lend her spark whenever Yang needed relief from her own.

“Thank you,” she repeated, softer this time.  Hearing Blake open the door, she glanced that way before turning to Winter one last time.  Smiling at the elder Atlesian princess, she bowed her head before slipping into the hall.

Blake quickly exited the room after her, but they both waited for several moments in silence until they heard the lock slide into place.  Only then did they leave Ruby’s room behind.

“If only we could switch elements…” Blake mused while they headed downstairs.

“But you’re my rock.”

“And I’d do anything to make you feel better.”

“You do.”

When Blake looked dubious about that response, Yang nodded.

“You do,” she repeated.  “Just by being here, you make me feel better.”

Blake studied Yang for several seconds before accepting that response with a small smile.  Yang, meanwhile, held back the heavier thoughts accompanying that sentiment.  It would be too much to say that she needed Blake to be here.  That Blake was one of the few things keeping her going.  She didn’t want Blake to feel any pressure to stay.  She wanted Blake to stay because she wanted to stay, not because she felt obligated to.

As a strong, independent young woman used to making her own decisions, Blake choosing to stay meant that...somehow, some way, Yang had earned her devotion.  Yang might not deserve it, but knowing that she had it was more than she could have hoped for.

“Can you help me figure out a way to tell Weiss?” she asked before nodding behind them so Blake would know what she was referring to.  “I’m scared to even write her name down.”

“I know the feeling,” Blake replied as they slowly made their way to the office.  “Once the war’s officially over, maybe Weiss will visit Vale again?”

“That would be quite the visit.”  Imagining showing Weiss to Ruby’s room and revealing Winter’s presence made Yang smile.  “As long as we can get them back together, I’ll be happy.”

“Me too.”

Reaching the landing overlooking the busy entryway, Yang sighed.  The sound drew Blake’s gaze and concern.

“Are you sure you want to work?  Maybe you should go back to the room instead...”

“When I’m feeling better than I have in a week?” Yang asked before shaking her head.  “I need to put this energy to good use.”

“Oh?”

Blake’s arched brow and coy smile suggested Yang was missing something, and she figured out what it was the instant Blake stepped closer.  Back pressed into the railing, she welcomed Blake into her space no matter where they were or who was watching.

“Does that mean we can take plenty of breaks to...refocus?”

“We probably should...”

“In the office?”

“I don’t see why not.  We’ll just tell the guard not to let anyone bother us since we’ll be...concentrating on important tasks.”

When Yang grinned, Blake laughed and leaned into her.  The intimacy encouraged Yang to wrap her arms around Blake’s back and hold her closer, leaving no space between them.  If anything made Yang forget about the fire raging in her veins, it was being with Blake.  And right now, with that fire reduced to a simmer rather than a roar, she could be as close as ever.

She didn’t want to waste the temporary reprieve.  She could work hard today but, as the sparkle in Blake’s eyes suggested, she could enjoy a few physical pleasures as well.  Considering how much she loved being with Blake even with the Phage burning through her skin...it would be amazing while it lasted.

Feeling someone watching them, she glanced into the entryway and saw Cecelia glaring up at them.  As soon as their gazes met, however, she turned around and walked away.

“What’s she mad about?” Blake mumbled while Cecelia shoved through the doors and disappeared into the plaza.

“Forget her.”  Silencing those alarm bells for now, Yang clutched Blake’s hips to regain her attention.  “This will sound incredibly selfish,” she added while staring into pools of amber.  “But pay attention to me instead.”

“Wow, you are feeling better,” Blake replied in equal parts amusement and relief, running her fingers through Yang’s hair.  “Just how cold did she make you?”

“Pretty damn cold.”  When Blake chuckled, Yang gently rested their foreheads together.  “But I don’t want to spend this energy on anyone but you.”

“This will sound incredibly selfish of me too…”  Curling her fingers through Yang’s hair, Blake looked up at her with excited, loving eyes.  “But I don’t want you to spend this energy on anyone but me either.”

Finding permission in Blake’s eyes, Yang leaned in and kissed her.  Blake accepted the kiss almost greedily, her lips moving against Yang’s as if she’d been waiting for this all morning.  That kiss couldn’t go as far as Yang wanted to take it - not out in public, at least - so she soon pulled away and smiled before leading Blake downstairs to the office.

The Phage was already fighting for control again.  Soon, it would return with vengeance, but she would enjoy every second of this relief while it lasted.  She didn’t have many moments like this left.  She didn’t have many moments left at all.  The only thing she could do was make the most of them.

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