Home Artists Posts Import Register

Content

Ruby had no idea what she was waiting for, but she could tell that Weiss was nervous.  So, not wanting to say or do anything to destroy Weiss’ sudden determination after finalizing the peace treaty, she stood motionless in the middle of the unfinished ballroom.  Just steps away, Weiss took several calm, deep breaths and curled her fingers into loose fists.

As the seconds ticked past, Ruby wondered if Weiss had changed her mind about sharing.  That would be fine with Ruby - it was Weiss’ secret to share, after all - but now that she knew there was a secret, she couldn’t help wanting to know what it was.

Just before offering assurances that nothing needed to be shared right now, she saw it.  And she gasped.

Right in front of her, suspended in the air by nothing at all, shimmering crystals of ice swirled into being.  Soft gusts of cold brushed across her skin while the crystals whirled around each other, rapidly growing in number.  First, just a few crystals, then a few more, then more, as an icy form began to solidify.

Ruby couldn’t believe her eyes, but she was also mesmerized.  In a matter of seconds, it all stopped.

A pristine, icy rose dangled in front of her, hanging by an invisible thread.  When Ruby plucked it from the air, the ice feeling slick as glass under her fingertips, she understood.

“You’re not sparkless,” she whispered, turning her gaze from the rose to Weiss.

“No.”  Weiss gently clasped her hands in front of her and offered a small, timid smile.  “I never was.”

Speechless, Ruby could only stare.  Dozens of questions flitted through her mind - Why? being the loudest - but none of them made it off her tongue.  Instead, she watched in shock as Weiss closed her eyes and took another deep breath.

Gusts of snow sprang to life around them.  The temperature quickly dropped, making Ruby’s breaths visible in front of her, but she thought nothing of the cold while reaching out to catch some of the snowflakes with her hand.  Before she commented on how beautiful it was - the two of them trapped in their very own snowstorm - the flurries raced to the far corners of the room, covering every surface they passed in a thin layer of sparkling, clear ice.

Blades of icy grass sprouted from the floor near Ruby’s feet before spreading in a small circle around her.  Clear, crystal flowers popped up through the grass.  Then, surprising Ruby enough that she took a step back, a giant evergreen of ice shot from the floor to the ceiling.  Its branches unfurled as it grew taller, each clump of leaves glittering like it was covered in diamonds.

Once the tree towered above them, Weiss sighed - a puff of frozen air leaving her lips as she did so.  In only a few seconds, she’d turned the unfinished ballroom into a winter wonderland beyond Ruby’s wildest imaginations.  Now, she clutched her hands together and waited for Ruby’s response.

Ruby spun in a slow circle first, trying to memorize everything, before looking at the flower in her hand.  So many thoughts and emotions flitted through her head that she hardly knew what to do with them. She’d never cared if Weiss lacked a spark.  While it might be an uncommon trait for someone of royal lineage, Weiss made up for it in other ways.  But the gorgeous, intricate rose in Ruby’s hand implied that Weiss didn’t just have a spark - she had a powerful one.

The knowledge only added another layer to Weiss’ strength, and tears stung Ruby’s eyes.  Weiss let everyone believe that she didn’t have a spark, enduring the disrespect that came with it.  But she did so while harboring a power that must surpass anyone in Atlas.  At any point in time, she could have revealed it and rid herself of the stigma.

Ruby had never met anyone willing to carry a burden like that, and she probably never would again.  When she looked at Weiss, however, she found hesitant yet unfearful blue eyes staring back at her.

Weiss wasn’t scared of Ruby’s reaction.  She didn’t worry that Ruby would spill her secret to anyone willing to listen.  She wasn’t concerned about Ruby using this information against her.  Instead, she was...hesitant and hopeful, nearly sanguine.  The realization prompted Ruby’s spark into a whirlwind, seeping out in small gusts of wind that caused a tinkling sound amongst the icy blades of grass as her heart beat even faster.

“You’re amazing...” she whispered while trailing her finger across the rose’s petals, feeling it slowly melt within her grasp.  “Thank you for trusting me with this...”

“I trust you more than anyone in Atlas, Ruby.  More than anyone in the world, really, save for Winter.”

Being put on the same level as Winter, who Weiss adored, made Ruby blush while jittering, happy feelings soared through her chest.  Her feelings for the young woman in front of her had, impossibly, grown even stronger.  Her affection for Weiss felt so unfamiliar and powerful that she could hardly contain it, least of all put it into words.

“It’s so nice to finally tell someone,” Weiss sighed while another wave of cold rolled off of her.  Beside her, two icy foxes sprang into being before chasing each other around the tree and through the blades of grass.  Eyes widening, Ruby watched the adorable creatures play with each other.  Even though they were made of ice, they looked so real - from their long, bushy tails to their tall ears and mischievous pointed noses.

“You can make animals??”

“Of course.  I can make pretty much anything I can imagine.”

When the foxes raced between her legs, Ruby smiled and knelt down to watch them play.  “I can’t do that,” she pointed out, holding her hand to one of the creatures.  The small fox walked over, its footsteps light and nose curious as it approached.  Every little detail mesmerized Ruby so much that she could hardly believe what she was seeing.  It was real though - a living creature made of ice, from Weiss’ imagination to reality.

While Ruby gently touched the fox’s ear, pride swelled in her chest.  Then the little fox stood on its hind legs, set a paw on her thigh for balance, and softly booped its cold nose against hers. The sweet gesture perfectly embodied the person who’d initiated it.  And, adoration stronger now than ever before, Ruby stood up and turned towards the girl of her dreams.

“This is incredible, Weiss.  I can’t even - I don’t even know what to say.”

Ruby motioned to the foxes, the evergreen tree, and the flowers but couldn’t find any words good enough to capture her feelings.  But, as she’d recently learned in very intimate detail, words sometimes weren’t the best way to express such intense emotions.  So, without a second thought, she walked over to Weiss, gently cupped her chin in one hand, and kissed her.

The foxes stilled as a now-familiar burst of chill seeped from Weiss’ lips to hers.  This time, Ruby giggled at the sudden cold.  Now, she understood that it wasn’t just a uniquely Atlesian quirk - it was Weiss’ spark responding to her touch.

They were taught to control their sparks from a young age.  Weiss must have been too, but her control slipped whenever they kissed.  For someone whose level of control rivaled Yang’s to let her spark slip whenever they kissed…

A breeze drifted across the room when Ruby realized what it meant, and another one followed when Weiss wrapped her arms around Ruby’s neck and pulled her closer.  She could feel how much Weiss loved this, as their lips moved in perfect harmony, but learning how deep and intense Weiss’ feelings were was enough for Ruby’s spark to join in.

The next gust of wind was far stronger than the first two.  And, as it passed across the icy room, much colder.  Any hope that it would go unnoticed disappeared when Weiss broke away from the kiss and looked up with curious blue eyes.  Unsure of what to say, Ruby just smiled and gently brushed her fingers across Weiss’ cheek. Weiss smiled and nuzzled against Ruby’s hand.

“I think I understand now...” she mused while Ruby moved her hand from Weiss’ cheek to lightly brush through her gorgeous, soft hair.  “Why Winter wanted me to keep this a secret.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m not strong, Ruby.”

The blunt answer was dead wrong.  Ruby nearly said as much, but Weiss sighed and continued.

“At least, I wasn’t.  I wanted his approval...even after all these years.  No matter what he said to me.  No matter how he treated me, I was a child, and I just wanted him to...love me.”

Ruby’s heart broke at the words, but Weiss just frowned and shook her head.

“He would have used me like he used Winter.  He made her do some...awful things, and she saved me from that.  Until I was old enough to understand, and strong enough without this power.”

In awe, Ruby watched a grizzly bear of ice cascade into being beside her.  When the massive animal stood on its hind legs, towering aggressively above them, she resisted the instinct to pull Weiss out of harm’s way.  Instead, she watched the creature drop down to its legs as a small, adorable bear cub appeared beside it.

“Atlas needs a strong ruler.  That doesn’t mean a powerful one.”

Watching the mother bear tenderly nudge the cub to its feet, Ruby felt her heart overflow.

“You’re an amazing queen,” she said before kissing Weiss’ cheek.  Those clear blue eyes blinked in surprise, but this time...there wasn’t as much disbelief as there once was.

“You really think so?”

“Yes.”  Ruby nodded and beamed, practically bursting with joy.  “I’ve watched you with the people, and with the Council.  You’re compassionate and fair - that’s what any kingdom needs.”

“I hope so…”

“I know so.”

Now, more than ever, Ruby wished that she didn’t have to leave so soon.  She had to.  She had to get back to Yang.  But if the situation was different...she would stay in Atlas and watch Weiss grow into a remarkable queen.

But they would see each other again.  Ruby knew that with every fiber of her being.  So, for now, they should enjoy what remaining time they had.  And it didn’t take much for her to think of something fun they could do.

“Hey Weiss.  Wanna race?”

When Ruby grinned and waggled her brow, Weiss laughed.

“Sure.”

“Really??”

“Of course.  Why not?”

“No reason!”  Throwing on an innocent smile, Ruby pointed at the opposite side of the ballroom.  “How about to there and back?”

While Weiss calmly turned toward their destination, Ruby hopped up and down and prepared her spark for liftoff.

“Ready?”

Once Weiss nodded, Ruby grinned and crouched down.

“Ok...go!”

As soon as the word left Ruby’s mouth, she tried to blast forward only to yelp and nearly fall right on her face.  Her feet wouldn’t move and, when she looked down, she discovered that they’d been frozen to the floor.  An adorable laugh reached her ears as Weiss stepped out in front, now officially winning their race.

“That’s so unfair!” Ruby whined while struggling against the cold, sturdy boots holding her in place.

“Oh, so you can use your spark but I can’t use mine?”

When Weiss turned around and arched one brow, Ruby nodded.

“That’s exactly right,” she replied with her best attempt at a straight face, but a smile slipped through when Weiss looked so amused by the situation.

“So what you actually meant was do I want to let you win a race?”

“Yes.”

Ruby nodded extra emphatically this time and smiled when it made Weiss laugh.

“Do you need the ego boost?” she asked while returning to Ruby.

“Yeah, sometimes.”

Stopping in front of Ruby, whose feet were still bound to the floor, Weiss looked her up and down with a hungry expression that sent a shiver down her spine.

“I kind of like that you’re stuck...”

“I could move if I wanted to.”

“Oh, really?”

Weiss arched one brow again - the expression both attractive and distracting - while Ruby tried to free herself.  But the more she struggled, the further the ice crept up her ankles, then her calves.  The only thing being proved right now was just how strong Weiss was.  Even when Ruby tried to use her spark to break the ice, Weiss held it steadfastly in place.  Eventually, Ruby gave up and blew a cold breath through her lips.

“I totally could.  I just...don’t want to.”

The obvious lie brought a sparkle to Weiss’ eyes as she moved closer.  Their proximity sent little bursts of anticipation through Ruby’s veins, fully distracting her from the ice holding her there.

She wasn’t used to being frozen in place - her spark practically begged for motion at all times - but whenever Weiss stood so close, and looked at her so intently, an unmistakable stillness fell over her.  It was as if her spark knew that she needed to be calm, as if any sudden movement might scare the Atlesian Queen away.

The last thing she wanted to do was scare Weiss away.  She wanted Weiss closer than ever before, especially after what she just learned.  That unspoken desire grew more urgent when Weiss moved even closer, nearly pressing against her now.

Weiss’ blush suggested uncertainty.  As did the way she briefly broke eye contact and lightly touched Ruby’s arm with two fingers.  But that moment didn’t last nearly as long as when they’d first met.  Soon enough, Weiss met Ruby’s gaze with soft determination in her own.

“Can I kiss you?”

The question caught Ruby so off guard that a giggle slipped out.  Realizing Weiss was seriously requesting permission - which was adorable in itself - she quickly smiled.

“You don’t have to ask, Weiss.  My answer is always yes.”

Ruby probably couldn’t be more upfront than that, but she would be if Weiss needed it.  Fortunately, Weiss didn’t need it - she took the words to heart.  Eyes sparkling brighter than ever, and a beautiful smile starting to show, she brushed her fingers lightly across Ruby’s cheek before leaning in and kissing her.

As far as Ruby was concerned, kissing Weiss was one of the most incredible things in existence.  But kissing Weiss right now was somehow even better.  With Ruby’s feet still locked to the floor, Weiss was in charge.  Ruby couldn’t move - not that she wanted to - and Weiss capitalized on the opportunity by pressing against her. When Weiss’ arms wrapped around her neck, subtly demanding her to deepen the kiss, her desires returned in one loud, breathless heartbeat.

Ruby couldn’t get enough of the cold lingering on Weiss’ lips, on Weiss’ tongue, and in Weiss’ fingers as they wove through her hair.  The addicting sensation only made her crave more.  She knew what she wanted as her hands dropped to Weiss’ waist and tugged their hips together.  The soft gasp that slipped through Weiss’ lips reminded her of last night, and if they were in private she might steer them that way in a hurry.

Weiss seemed to feel it, too.  Because, before things got too heated between them, she broke away from the kiss.  She didn’t go far though.  She stayed within Ruby’s grasp and looked up at her with those beautiful blue eyes that almost begged for more.

Ruby was willing, if Weiss really wanted to.  Weiss released the ice’s hold on Ruby’s feet instead.

“Would you like your ego boost now?”

When Weiss motioned to the ballroom’s far wall, Ruby glanced that way and grinned.

“You just gave me one.”

“Did I?”

“Absolutely.”

Ruby was no idiot.  She knew anyone would fall over themselves for the chance to be with Weiss in the ways she’d already been with Weiss.  Weiss might not view herself as anyone special, but...she undoubtedly was. Fortunately, Weiss didn’t argue this time.  Her uncertainty returned instead, but it was so subtle that it didn’t keep her from speaking what was on her mind.

“If you’re not busy…will you spend today with me?”

Part of Ruby wished that Weiss didn’t feel the need to ask, but another part of her thought it was so damn adorable that she did.

“Weiss, I have no plans other than spending time with you.”

“Then...maybe we can go back to my room?”

Abruptly understanding why Weiss was hesitant, Ruby felt her cheeks warm but still nodded and said, “I’d love to.”

The acceptance could have been far more effusive, but Ruby didn’t want to overwhelm Weiss with her...eagerness.  But she was eager.  Eager enough that she hopped in place before grabbing Weiss by the hand and pulling her out of the ballroom.

Weiss released Ruby’s hand when they reached the hall, but that didn’t dampen Ruby’s mood in the slightest as they trekked back to the main areas of the palace.  Knowing that she would be returning to Vale tomorrow had settled her anxiety enough that she could look forward to their last day together.  The hardest parts were still to come but, for now, she would enjoy what she had.

Once they reached the entryway, Weiss motioned for Ruby to wait and flagged down one of the butlers.

“Yes, Your Highness?” the man asked after setting down the candlestick he’d been polishing.

“Queen Rose will be returning to Vale first thing tomorrow morning,” Weiss told him.  “Can you make sure her carriage is prepared for the journey?”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

“Also,” Weiss added before he hurried off.  “Can you ask the wait staff to deliver some food to my chambers later?  Queen Rose and I will be...discussing the treaty.”

Ruby’s blush instantly returned but, fortunately, he didn’t notice.  He nodded and said, “I’ll let the kitchen know at once,” before rushing off to do as instructed.

“Thank you,” Weiss called after him, though he’d already almost disappeared from view.  “He’s in a hurry, isn’t he?” she commented while turning back to Ruby.

“All of the staff are.  They’re so fast at everything, you’d think they were winders.”

“I’m sure they’d take that as a compliment.”

When Weiss chuckled at that thought, Ruby smiled and gently nudged Weiss’ side.  Before they could abscond in Weiss’ room to...discuss the treaty, apparently...a familiar face entered the foyer. Ruby straightened up while James walked over to them, already wondering if he had news for her.

“Hey James!” she said while he politely bowed to Weiss.  “What’ve you been up to?  Find anything interesting?”

James hardly opened his mouth before a commotion stormed into the foyer.  Alarm bells rang in Ruby’s head as soon as she saw Councilor Ironwood, whose stark white robes made the dark red spatter marks all the more glaring.  A gash on his cheek had been covered with a heavy bandage, through which blood could be seen, and plenty more cuts and scratches covered his hands and arms. He’d clearly been injured, but his combative posture worried Ruby.  As did the group of fully armed Knights behind him.

“There he is.”  Councilor Ironwood jabbed a finger James’ way.  “Arrest him at once.”

“What?” Ruby yelped while the Knights strode forward.  Before the angry guards reached James, however, Weiss stepped in between them.

“What’s the meaning of this?  Councilor, what happened?  Are you alright?”

“Your Highness, Councilor Hill and I were just attacked.  And this -”  Councilor Ironwood sneered at James.  “This traitor must be arrested at once.”

“You were attacked?” Weiss asked while Ruby’s mind raced to catch up.

“Just outside the Council room.”  Councilor Ironwood sent another glare James’ way.  “A masked man sprang from the shadows and attacked us.  Councilor Hill has been gravely injured.”

“I haven’t hurt anyone,” James calmly replied.

“A likely story.  Arrest him.”

“Stop.”

The Knights had only taken one step forward before freezing at Weiss’ command.  James’ wary glance at the encroaching guards suggested that he hadn’t hurt anyone ‘yet.’  Even with a numbers advantage, the Knights didn’t realize the precarious situation they were in.  The last thing anyone needed was a bloodbath in the entryway.  Regardless, Ruby didn’t appreciate the accusations hurled his way.

“What evidence do you have?” she asked, hoping to steer the conversation towards reason.  She already knew James hadn’t done it - he would never hurt anyone unless it was to protect himself or her - but she needed everyone else to believe that, too.

“He’s an outsider.”  The fire in Councilor Ironwood’s eyes warned her that she wouldn’t like what he said next.  “Clearly, your goal was to get a treaty then murder the Speaker of the Council.  Maybe the Queen is next?”

She was right - she didn’t like that one bit.  When she opened her mouth to defend herself, however, Weiss raised a hand.

“That’s enough, Councilor.”  Despite the slight tremble in Weiss’ hand, her voice was even.  “If you’re accusing our guests of such a serious crime, I expect more evidence than them simply being visitors.  Do you have any?”

Councilor Ironwood scowled at the request but, when Weiss didn’t back down, relented.

“No, Your Highness.  But I know -”

“Find out who did this,” Weiss interrupted.  “Start an investigation now.  If there’s an assailant loose in the palace, we have to find them.”

The way Councilor Ironwood looked at James suggested that he knew who that assailant was.  He didn’t want to let it go - anyone could see that he didn’t - but Weiss stood her ground.

“We’ll start searching immediately,” he eventually snapped before motioning the guards after him.  The Knights glanced at each other, briefly unsure of what to do, before obediently following.  Weiss stared after them but, once they were gone, turned around.

“James, where were you?”

Weiss’ tone wasn’t accusatory, but she expected the answer.  And, based on the look in her eyes, if she wasn’t given one, she might demand one.  But James glanced at Ruby before saying anything, and Ruby nodded for him to answer honestly.

“I was breaking into that man’s office.”

When James nodded in the direction Councilor Ironwood just went, Weiss’ jaw dropped.

“You - what?  Why would you do that?  Do you have any idea how bad that looks?”

James looked taken aback and a little miffed by Weiss’ demanding tone, but Ruby raised her hand and said, “Uh, I asked him to do it.”

Immediately deflating, Weiss turned toward Ruby.

“You did?  Why?”

“Because I don’t trust him,” Ruby admitted.  “He’s up to something - I know it.”

For a moment, Ruby thought that Weiss would reprimand her.  She deserved a reprimand, probably.  Instead, Weiss sighed, slumped her shoulders, and motioned them after her.

“Come on.  We need to check on Councilor Hill.”

After sharing a look with James, Ruby followed Weiss to the infirmary.  The jovial mood from earlier disappeared entirely when they reached the rooms providing care to everyone in the palace.

Weiss drew in a sharp breath as soon as they saw Councilor Hill.  Just as Councilor Ironwood said - the woman had been gravely injured, with bloody bandages covering her face and arms proved.  She seemed to be unconscious at the moment, lying motionless on the bed while two doctors murmured nearby.

While Weiss went over to the doctors, Ruby motioned for James to stay with her near the door.  From there, they watched Weiss catch one of the caretaker’s attentions.

“How is she?” Weiss asked, keeping her voice soft so as not to disturb the room’s subdued atmosphere.

“It’s too early to tell, Your Highness.  But...I think she might be very fortunate.”

When Weiss breathed a sigh of relief, Ruby did the same.  The ink on the treaty was hardly dry - the last thing they needed was Atlas thinking James killed one of their Councilors before leaving.  So long as Councilor Hill woke up, they might be able to learn the identity of the real attacker.

“Is there anything we can do?”

“For now, only wait.  Hopefully, in a few days, she’ll have recovered enough to be taken off ice.”

“I’ll hope for the best.  Thank you, Doctor.”

The doctor nodded before returning to his patient’s side.  Weiss, meanwhile, stared at the woman for a long time.  Ruby wished that she could read Weiss’ mind, but she didn’t interrupt.  She could tell Weiss was puzzling through something, and she would rather hear the solution than disrupt Weiss’ thoughts.

“I need a favor.”

Ruby had already nodded, willing to do anything Weiss asked, when Weiss turned toward James instead.

“Will you watch over her?”  James’ brow rose in unison with Ruby’s when Weiss gestured to the woman lying in the bed.  “Just tonight,” Weiss added.  “If someone really wanted to kill her…”

Weiss trailed off, but she didn’t need her to finish that thought.  If someone wanted the Councilor dead, there was a good chance they tried to finish the job.

When James glanced at Ruby, she knew what he was thinking - if an assailant was on the loose, he didn’t want to leave her side.  She understood his concern but shook her head and subtly moved closer to Weiss’ side.  Understanding the unspoken response, he nodded.

“Of course.  I’ll stay here.”

“Thank you,” Weiss sighed.  It didn’t escape Ruby’s notice that Weiss had a legion of Knights capable of doing the same job, but she obviously didn’t trust any of them to do it.  Ruby wouldn’t either.

“We’ll be in Weiss’ chambers,” Ruby told him while gently touching Weiss’ arm and backing toward the door.  If James wasn’t staying with her, he needed to know where to find her if needed.  “Probably won’t leave,” she added for reassurance.

“Yes, My Queen,” he replied, nodding at her decision before sitting in the chair near the door.  With him now occupying his temporary post, Ruby tapped Weiss’ arm again and motioned out of the infirmary.

“Let’s get to your room,” she whispered, gently ushering Weiss that way. If someone went after high-ranking council members, anyone could be a target.  She didn’t particularly enjoy thinking of herself or Weiss as a target of anything, but she kept her wits about her as they returned to the foyer and hurried upstairs.  It must have been paranoia that made her feel like someone was watching them because when she looked over her shoulder she found no one.

“You aren’t having me followed, are you?” she asked as the two of them reached more private halls.

“No...why?”

“James and I have felt like someone’s watching us, that’s all.”

Looking vaguely disturbed by the admission, Weiss glanced over her own shoulder before shaking her head.

“I didn’t, but I wouldn’t be surprised if someone else did.  No doubt they’re keeping track of what you’re doing.”

“Very trusting.”

“Atlas is anything but trusting.”

That seemed to be true, though Ruby couldn’t say the same about Weiss.  She didn’t argue though.  She just got them to Weiss’ room as fast as possible.  Only when she locked the door behind them did she relax.

Unless Atlas’ palace had secret passageways like Vale’s did, an intruder could only reach them through the door or the windows.  Considering how high up they were, and how much snow covered the sharply sloped rooftops, the windows presented a treacherous task.

“Are you alright?” she asked when Weiss walked to the middle of the room and sighed.

“I guess.  I just...can’t believe someone did that to her.  She might be difficult but to do something like that…”  Weiss shook her head and wrapped her arms around herself.  “Now I have to worry about that, too.”

“And now I really don’t want to leave.”

“But your sister -”

“I know...”

Ruby had to leave, but her heart felt torn in two.  The thought of leaving Weiss alone amidst all these snakes sent vehement anger and concern through her veins.  Noticing Weiss’ soft expression, however, she sighed, gently picked up Weiss’ hand, and clutched it to her chest.

“Just because I have to go back to Yang doesn’t mean I want to leave you here.  You’re important to me.  And I’m worried what they’ll do if I’m not around.”

“Ruby...I can protect myself.”

“I know that now,” Ruby admitted with a fleeting smile.  “But that doesn’t mean I want you to have to protect yourself.”

“I’ll be fine though.  And I’ll figure it out.”

Reassured by Weiss’ certainty, Ruby nodded.  Then she looked around and led Weiss over to the sofa so they could sit.

“Who do you think did it?” she asked while Weiss settled close enough that their legs brushed against one another.

“Honestly...it could’ve been anyone.  One of the staff, one of the other Councilors…”

“But she must have a strong spark, right?  So for someone to hurt her so badly, they either got the drop on her or...

“Or are equally strong,” Weiss concluded before rubbing her eyes.  “I thought this would stop without my father around…”

“He would - you know -”

When Ruby made a slashing motion with one hand, Weiss frowned.

“He did anything he wanted.  If someone made him angry, or questioned him, or even just disappointed him, they were dealt with.”

“Sounds awful.”

“It...wasn’t great,” Weiss admitted.  “Winter shielded me from as much as she could, but...he had a fury for me unlike anything else.”

“Because you didn’t have a spark?”

“He hated me for it,” Weiss replied with a sad smile.

“But you do have a spark.”

“It didn’t show up until quite late, and Winter convinced me to hide it.  She didn’t want anyone to know what I could do, especially him.”

When Weiss sighed at the memory - her very childhood - Ruby wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.  Ruby hated the thought of someone using Weiss’ power for personal gain, but that was something the Mad King would have done.

“I’m not sad he’s gone,” Weiss whispered, and Ruby squeezed her hand.

“I’m not sad he’s gone either.”

For several quiet moments, the two of them ruminated on the Mad King and his tumultuous days in power.  Imposing, vindictive, evil...yet he’d raised one of the sweetest, most caring people Ruby had ever met.

“What about you and your sister?” Weiss eventually asked.

“What about us?”

“Well...everyone thinks it’s strange that sisters rule together.  How’d that happen?”

Thinking about that moment in her past, Ruby smiled.

“We’ve always been close.  We spent basically all our time together, learning from our parents or the advisors.  Yang never said anything while we were growing up, but when her time came...she said she wouldn’t rule without me.”

Ruby shrugged at the simple explanation, but it was a bigger deal than she or Yang ever let on.  Even if Ruby hadn’t become queen, she would have had some power on her own, but Yang insisted on being equals.

“I’m glad you have someone like her.”

Weiss winced as soon as the words came out, but Ruby squeezed her shoulders so that she didn’t apologize.

“I’m lucky to have a sister like her.  I’ve learned so much from her.”

Trying to ignore the pain in her heart, Ruby mustered a quick smile.  Left off of that statement was that she didn’t want Yang to be gone.  She still had so much to learn from her older sister.  So many conversations to be had and adventures to experience. Determined to lighten the mood, she found a happier subject and laughed upon remembering it.

“We knew there were two Princesses of Atlas,” she began.  “But we didn’t know much else, so Yang and I made up names for you and Winter.”

“Did you?” Weiss asked, a small smile flickering onto her lips.

“We did.”  Ruby nodded before laughing again.  “Yang decided that your dad probably loved the family name so much, he gave it to you as a first and last name.”

“You mean…‘Schnee Schnee?’”

Ruby burst into giggles at how silly it sounded, especially coming from little Schnee Schnee herself.

“It’s a great name, isn’t it?”

“It sounds ridiculous.”

That only made Ruby laugh harder, and her heart warmed when Weiss chuckled and leaned into her side.

“Winter and I made up things about you and your sister, too.”

“Really?  Like what?”

“Mostly what you might be like.  Your sister - blonde and dumb.  You - young and also dumb.”

“Basically...you thought we were both stupid.”

“The news we received from Vale hardly suggested otherwise,” Weiss pointed out.  “Everything was spun in our favor, so your actions seemed obscenely ill-informed.”

“Wait.  How’d you know Yang’s blonde?”

When Weiss’ smile abruptly fell, Ruby tilted her head and waited for an answer.

“Winter saw her once...”

“And...?” Ruby gently prodded.  “She was blinded by Yang’s beauty?”

Weiss softly laughed at the joke before focusing on Ruby’s hand.  She stared at it intently, tracing her fingers up and down Ruby’s palm.

“It was years ago…before the war started.  My father sent her to Vale to kill your sister.”

When Ruby froze, Weiss rushed onward.

“I only found out after.  Winter came home and said it was impossible - Yang was too heavily guarded.  She lied - I knew she lied.  He knew, too.  He...wasn’t happy with her for quite some time.”

Grappling with that admission, Ruby didn’t say anything.  And when she didn’t say anything, Weiss slumped her shoulders and sighed.

“I’m sorry...”

“It’s not your fault,” Ruby quickly reassured her.  “Please don’t be sorry.  I’m just...surprised.”

“I understand…”  Before Weiss became too dejected, Ruby squeezed her shoulders.  Only then did Weiss sigh - this time, in relief.

“The only reason I know is because she told me Vale isn’t what we thought.  And the queens weren’t what we thought.  She must’ve seen something that made her hesitate, or maybe she never planned to do it in the first place...”

After ruminating on that thought for several seconds, Weiss met Ruby’s gaze.

“My sister isn’t a horrible person, but she was forced to do horrible things.”

Ruby had heard the rumors of Winter’s power and temper but, as she’d recently learned, the truth within a rumor was often smaller than imagined.  Based on Weiss’ stories, Winter was a good person stuck in a bad situation.  It couldn’t have been easy deciding when to risk the Mad King’s anger and when to sacrifice her morals, but it sounded like she did the best she could.  And she protected Weiss in the process, which automatically made her one of Ruby’s favorite people.

“I’d like to meet her someday.”  When Weiss’ brow rose, Ruby smiled and nodded.  “I’d like to meet someone so important to you.  She sounds like a wonderful person.”

“I’d like you to meet her, too.”  Weiss averted her gaze when her eyes shimmered with tears, but she turned back to Ruby shortly after.  “I think she’d like you,” she added with a small smile.

“I’ve been told I’m pretty likable.”

While Weiss fully smiled at the joke, Ruby grinned and slipped her arm around Weiss’ waist to pull them closer.  She loved that Weiss leaned against her as if craving the closeness as much as she did.  If Weiss kept responding so positively to the intimacy, Ruby would keep showing it.  She’d grown up with Yang, after all.  She basically lived off of physical affection.

“You’re pretty likable too, you know,” she teased while lacing their fingers together.

“I try...but...James doesn’t think very highly of me, does he?”

“Why do you say that?”

“It just feels like...he doesn’t trust me.”

“If he didn’t trust you, he wouldn’t leave you alone with me,” Ruby pointed out.  James had a lot of reasons for not trusting a lot of people, but Ruby never got that sense from him.  He didn’t trust Weiss, but he didn’t not trust Weiss either.

“Then...what?  He doesn’t...respect me?”

“He just...takes a while to warm up to people,” Ruby tried to explain.  “But don’t worry.  He’ll see how amazing you are.  It might just take a little time.”

Weiss bit her bottom lip but nodded.  Ruby wanted to offer more reassurance, but Weiss quickly looked up.

“I’m sorry.  Did you want to keep him company -?”

“No, he’s fine.  Plus, I just want to be with you right now.  And...maybe I’ll stay here tonight?”

Ruby didn’t want to leave Weiss for a variety of reasons, but the flash of emotions in Weiss’ eyes reminded her that she wanted to be here anyway.

“If that’s what you’d like to do…”

“It is.”

A small burst of cold revealed Weiss’ underlying thrill at the answer.  Smiling, Ruby pulled Weiss nearly into her lap and nuzzled into Weiss’ long, beautiful hair.  Feeling Weiss’ arms wrap around her in return, she burrowed closer and took a deep, steadying breath.

After what happened to the Councilors, she probably wouldn’t sleep tonight.  She didn’t want to leave Atlas.  She didn’t want to leave Weiss.  But also...she didn’t want this temporary stasis to end.

While she was here, she could imagine that Yang was fine.  Still sick, but still hanging in there.  If Ruby stayed away forever, could Yang hang on forever?  Would they never reach the end so long as they stayed as still as possible, never moving their stories forward?

Ruby knew that it was impossible, and that her escapism ended soon.  Soon, she would be forced to face a future without her sister.  Soon, she would be forced to manage Vale on her own.  But until then...she would savor these moments with Weiss as much as possible.  For a little longer, they could enjoy each other’s company and forget about the world intent on driving them apart.

Comments

No comments found for this post.