12

Ruby slouched against the wall, caressing her neck after Violet had practically choked her.

Soon though, Ruby heard the crunching sounds again, alerting her of someone's imminent arrival.

'Velvet!' She sucked her teeth. 'Crud, I can't let her see Violet.'

"Quick! Put your hood on!" Ruby bounded up from the cavern floor, hands immediately going for her twin's hood, yanking it over her head.

"Why the hell should I?" In between Ruby's fussing, Violet lifted her hood a fraction, face displaying signs of agitation.

"Because I don't feel like explaining you to everyone yet. So, just work with me while I try to make up a believable story about finding you." Ruby was eventually able to swat Violet's hands away and cover her face. "And, keep your hood on!"

"Tch, fine!" Violet relented, wrapping her cloak around the rest of her body. Minutes later, Velvet came across the two.

"Ruby, are you hurt?" Velvet fretted as she jogged over to the girl, brow furrowing once she saw the newcomer. "Who is this?"

"I-I don't know. I sorta found her down here after I fell, says she can't remember anything much." Ruby eyes darted to and fro, indicating her obvious lie.

"Oh, what's your name?" Velvet turned to face the girl.

"Violet..."

Ruby subtly let out a sigh of silent thanks. 'Thank, Dust. She's going along with it.'

"Have you been down here long?" Velvet's accented voice inquired.

"Maybe a few days? I-I don't know. I can't r-remember." Violet stammered.

"Well, let's get you out of here. We can treat any injuries you have once we get back to the surface." Velvet extended her hand for Violet to take, which she begrudgingly did as the brunette lead her to the rope. With some assistance on Velvet's part, they were able to climb out of the cave.

Still down in the cave, Ruby gathered a few of the crystals that caused Violet's manifestation and placed them in her pouch before she ran over to the rope, and started to climb up. Velvet and her did come to this forest for a reason after all.

Hectic did not even begin to describe her day, and she could feel it in her gut that tomorrow would be even more tiresome.

The next day came, and the twins slumbered heavily. Ruby had snuck Violet into the dorm around midnight through the window when everyone went down for the count. Violet had hidden in the gardens until she was called.

The two were out like burnt candles the moment they touched the bed. The new pair drained by the separation.

Of course, life was never simple.

Once the sun rose, and their early rising teammate woke, preparing to greet Ruby with her usual 'good morning'. That's when things quite figuratively went to shit.

Weiss instantly recoiled when she saw Ruby's bunk being shared by another girl with a blue cape and black locks with blue tips.

A nasty case of 'the green-eyed monster' found its host in Weiss as she angrily glared at the two girls, their cuddling bothered her tremendously.

That should've been her.

Weiss forgot her jealousy for a moment, stunned by the thought. Clearing her mind, she focused back on the scene before her. "Wake up, you little minx!" She ripped away the sheets, the sudden jerk and whip of air snapping Ruby awake.

"Huh! What! What!" Ruby lurched out of her sleep, mind foggy and thoughts processing much slower.

Where was she?

Oh right, this was her dorm.

How'd she get here?

Forest... falling...

What happened after the fall?

Cavern... crystal... Violet.

Now, she remembered! She and Violet had come back to the dorm after their initial meeting in the caverns below the Emerald Forest. Then, they collapsed due to exhaustion and spent the night together as bunkmates.

Ruby sobered up when she noticed one minor snag.

Weiss was glaring at her bitingly.

"M-Morning-"

"Explain." Hard sapphires were cold and uninviting. "Now."

And, explained Ruby did.

"As I'm able to understand," Weiss said as she fashioned her hair in its usual off centre ponytail, "you were helping Velvet with a mission when you failed to the notice the ground beneath you was unstable, thereby, falling into a subterranean cave under the Emerald Forest, and after falling, you came upon this strange girl." Weiss ended off by pinning her icicle shaped tiara in place and fixing her blazer. "Correct?"

"When you put it that way..." Whether she meant to, or not, Weiss' analysis came off as condescending, frankly making her feel incompetent.

"Good job, Weiss," Yang spoke, already dressed as she sat beside Blake. "You just made that story sooo boring." She dramatically fell back on the bed, feigning anguish as she gripped her chest, arm across her face.

Weiss bared her teeth at the blonde before sniffing and giving her attention back to her partner.

Blake closed her book. "Why don't we focus on the main issue at hand, besides Ruby being careless," Blake smirked as the aforementioned girl gasped loudly. "Where will she stay?"

"I spoke with Professor Ozpin about that. He said she could stay with us until further notice." Violet lowly growled as Ruby patted her head.

"She got a name?" Yang asked, righting herself.

"Violet. No last name, though."

"Who will she be bunking with?" You could see the trepidation on Weiss' face. Clearly, she was not welcome to the idea of sharing her bed with some strange girl Ruby found in a cave.

"She slept with me last night, and we had no problems," Ruby said. "I don't mind if she sleeps with me again."

"Absolutely not!" No way! She absolutely refused to let Ruby share her bed with that… that… that girl!

Both Violet and Ruby leapt into each other's arms at the loud cry. "W-Why not?"

'You're so obvious.' Violet simpered

"Because..." Weiss fumbled, "because, you don't even know her! Is she even clean? I mean you found her in a cave for Oum sake!"

"You sound a bit jealous there, Princess." Violet quietly snickered.

"Wha-!" Weiss flinched, cheeks kissing pink like a spring rose. "You're insane if you think I'd be jealous about you sharing a bed with that…" Her eyes fell to Ruby, who gazed up at her expectantly, very much resembling a puppy. Eyes all big and oozing sweetness, her head cutely quirked to the side as she blinked owlishly. "Oh, forget it…" She relented, knowing it was, indeed, only her newfound jealousy talking.

"Oooh, she shut you up real good!" Yang cackled.

"Sod off, Xiao Long!" Weiss snapped.

"It's settled then. Violet will share my bunk." Ruby nodded decidedly.

'As if there were any other options I'd agree with.' Violet rolled her eyes.

"Fine, but know this," With her arms folded, she strolled towards the two girls with purpose. She bent over, face sinfully close to Violet's, who angled her head in a way to not show her face. "You hurt her in any form or fashion, and I'll make sure you regret ever being found."

Everyone in the room shivered as the temperature dropped. The threat held promise, they could tell. More than often, they forgot of Weiss' lineage, and threats were rarely empty words coming from them.

Violet sat, dare she say, impressed by the girl's fortitude. 'Bold girl.'

"I'm sure we'll agree this turned out to be an interesting morning, but it's about time we left for class." Blake declared. "We'll see you there." Blake tossed Ruby a lazy smile before she strode out of the room, Weiss going after her, but not before throwing a glare at Violet.

"See you, two kids, later!" Yang waved, jogging to catch Weiss and Blake.

Ruby sighed, now able to breathe easy.

"That girl does not like me." Violet removed her hood, red eyes displeased. "She's lucky I have a farce to sell."

"Please don't be upset with Weiss. She means well even though she isn't the best at showing it." Ruby begged. "Just bear with it for a while longer, at least until we find a permanent solution."

"No promises I won't do anything rash if she threatens me again." Violet pulled her lips back, revealing pearly whites. "Should've yanked that hair of hers."

"Calm down, I know you're supposed to be negativity incarnate, but you don't need to be so violent." Ruby inspected Violet's clothing. "If you want, you could borrow some of my clothes. I have another cloak I use as a spare when I put this one out to wash."

"I'll see what I can find." Violet slid over to Ruby's dresser, fishing around until she discovered said clothes. She came back with a crimson shirt combined with black leggings and the spare cloak around her shoulders. Violet neatly folded her cloak and laid it down on Ruby's mattress.

Ruby assessed her attire. "This should work, as long as you stay in here."

Violet groaned. "Where would I go? It's not like there's anything interesting to do at this school.

"Great, I'll be back later." Smiling, Ruby waved before she headed to class.

Violet stared at the door, a devious smirk gracing her lips before she grabbed one of Ruby's uniforms. "Nothing interesting to do… yet."

Violet casually paced the hall, musing to herself as students bustled out of their classroom. 'So many unexpecting souls.'

"Ruby." A stern voiced called.

"Great." Violet begrudgingly turning to greet the elder Schnee. "Hi!" She lit up with a faux smile, gums included.

Winter slowed, standing a few metres away from Violet. Light blue eyes narrowed as they inspected her from head to toe. "You're not Miss Rose."

No getting past your watchful eye, Violet scoffed. "You're insane. Of course, I'm Ruby."

"Don't take me for a fool. It's insulting." Winter raised her chin, quite literally looking down on Violet. "Ruby has her tips dyed crimson, yours are blue. And, your eyes are far from silver. So, enlighten me to who are you, fake."

"Fake?!" Ruby's carbon copy sputtered. "Now, listen her-"

"I refuse." Winter dismissed Violet's chagrin. Winter maintained eye contact with Violet, never faltering under her withering stare. "However, seeing as you pose no real harm to the student body, I will ignore you, for now."

Violet came face to face with Winter, being the shorter of the two making the size up a lot less intimidating. She spoke with a hiss, her eyes almost slits. "A round of applause for the Atlas specialist, you have figured me out. A pity the same can't be said for your knowledge of Ruby."

Nothing, not even a minor facial twitch as Winter gazed at her with unbothered eyes.

It only served to rile Violet more.

Winter bent as low as possible with practiced ease, back still straight and arms folded. "Oh, but I do know. Enough to know there's a darker side to her naiveté." Winter corrected her posture. "You obviously have a connection with Ruby, but you're not the same thing I saw that night though, your volatile nature is somewhat similar, more docile maybe." Again, the temperature surrounding them plummeted similarly to before, and suddenly Winter loomed above Violet with eyes that promised pain. "I know not the origins of your manifestation, but it's a given that if you harm Ruby in any way, I will make your existence in this world short-lived."

Another threat! These Schnee's loved dishing them out like pie during the holidays.

"With that said," Winter strode past Violet. "I bid you adieu, imposter."

Violet roared, startling the students as they passed her by. Anger boiled beneath her skin as she shoved some students out of her way. 'That pompous, crone! She dare call me a fake!' She rounded the corner, a nasty scowl on her lips.

Her blood boiled, veins pulsing faster, some bulging under the stress. Violet realized she needed a way to vent, or this built up rage would cause a nasty result to any unsuspecting person.

Luckily enough, a de-stressor presented itself.

Team CRDL appeared to be skipping class today, loitering in the corridors unlike those who hurried to class.

Naughty, naughty. Someone should teach them the consequences of playing hooky. 'Someone like me.'

Dove Bronzewing leaned on the wall, listening with sick amusement as Sky Lark regaled them with his most recent Faunus conquest.

Sky's tale was cut short as he witnessed Dove's unsuspecting assault, his attacker stealing his footing, and smashing his head on the tiled surface.

With one down, she moved onto the scared Sky, socking him in the gut hard enough that he almost hurled.

Violet laughed as he curled up in pain, dry heaving. "Bullying isn't a nice thing, a big boy like you should know that."

"Are you kidding me?!" Cardin screamed when he recognized the red hood.

Cardin ventured to run, quickly halted as Violet angled her hips, and delivered a swift, powerful kick to his ribs. Violet grinned cruelly as he crumpled to the floor. Her smile faded, unfortunately, when she noted Russel had successfully fled. 'Damn it.'

*Clack! Clack!*

'There's no way he could've ratted me out already.' An angry yell of her name, or rather Ruby's name, forced her to tear her eyes away from the beaten bodies she stood among.

Glynda Goodwitch was fast approaching. Black heels clicked on the tiled floors as she stomped over to her, expression anything but pleasant. "Boy's a lot faster than I thought…"

Nevertheless, she smirked. 'Sorry, Ruby.' She gave a two finger salute before she bolted, forcing Glynda to give chase.

Ruby unsuspectingly made her way to her next class, until a sudden rush of wind nearly knocked her over. Steadying herself, Ruby found that on the tail end of that breeze was Professor Goodwitch, who came to a standstill before her, arms crossed as green eyes seemed magnified behind glass lenses.

"Ruby Rose."

"Yes, ma'am!" Ruby's spine went ramrod straight at the amount of force in Glynda's voice. She sounded downright pissed. She dared to peek at the woman but reckoned the tiles were a lot more interesting than those angry vortexes.

"Come with me, and no buts."

Violet laid on Ruby's bunk, arms crossed under her head, one leg bent at the knee, and the other resting atop of it. 'Ruby should be here any minute.'

On cue, the door opened with a bang as Ruby angrily shouted. "Violet!"

"Yes, Ruby?" Violet answered, faking bewilderment.

"Why did you do that?!"

"You're gonna have to be more specific."

"You know what I'm talking about!" Ruby barked. "First, you get the blame pinned on me for the unwarranted assault of Cardin and his team, which I didn't do this time!" The silver eyed girl barked. "Then, I get greeted with a 'glad to see you're not the fake' by Winter when she saw me! Didn't I tell you to stay in the dorm?!"

"She called me a fake, again!?" Violet shot up off the bed. "Aah! That woman is the bane of my existence!"

"Not the point!" Ruby threw her bag on her bunk, narrowly missing Violet. "Why. Did. You. Do. That."

"It was just for fun, yeesh. Kill a girl for living, will ya." Violet shrugged.

"'Fun' is not at the expense of my life at this school!" Ruby growled.

"Relax, you'll give yourself a stroke at this rate."

Ruby grew silent, annoyed as Violet dismissed her complaints. This girl had no shame, and she was a part of her for crying out loud!

Ruby's expression darkened, and with calculated steps, she reached the door and locked it.

"Hey, I'm getting some bad vibes from you." Violet sat up on her elbows, cautiously eyeing her former host.

"You said, if I died, you'd cease to exist, correct?" Crescent Rose found itself being removed from its casing, gently cradled in its storage mode as the owner caressed the deadly armament.

"That's right." Violet warily replied. "Woah, woah! Are you planning to ice yourself?!" Her legs tangled in the sheets as she fought to free herself. When she did, she fell to the floor with a thump.

"Nothing of the sort." Ruby reverently pet her baby, fingers massaging the smooth grooves. "Another question, what would happen if you… died?"

"I'd lose my physical form, and return back to your head." Violet eased away as Ruby approached. "I don't like that look in your eye, Ruby."

"Good," whirring noises were heard as Crescent Rose entered rifle mode, "I won't feel so guilty about doing this then."

"What!?" Violet jumped back, tripping on a bump in the carpet. She frantically crawled backwards as Ruby approached, Crescent Rose's muzzle aimed in earnest. "Wait a second!"

"I'll make it quick, don't worry." Little by little, Ruby put pressure on the trigger.

"Hold on! Let me make up for what I did!"

"Nah, I'm good, this'll do." More pressure.

"I'll give you all the cookies you want!"

"I already have a whole storage full." Almost there.

"How about some pancakes?"

"Ren gave me some this morning." One final centimetre left.

"What about your love life?"

The pressure vanished, and Crescent Rose lowered. Mystified, Ruby's murderous contempt faded, and confusion took its place.

"I'm sorry, what?"

'Phew! Saved.' Violet got up, standing arrogantly as though she hadn't been cowering moments ago. "Your love life."

"I don't have one of those."

"Not yet, you don't."

"Is this some scheme to dodge your execution, cause if it is, things are only gonna end a whole lot messier."

"Cool down, Grimm Reaper." Ruby stared unimpressed. "Trust me, I know there's someone or some people you fancy, I've lived in your head pretty much till now to know that much." Violet carefully placed an arm around her twin, pointing Crescent Rose's muzzle away from her. "Tomorrow, I'll provide my assistance."

"Something tells me to deny your generous offer."

"Ignore that something, listen to me." She guided Ruby to their shared bunk, graciously tucking away Crescent Rose. "Why don't we get some rest? We've had a hectic day, don't you agree?"

"Yeah, at my expense," Ruby grumbled.

"You'll live."

Weiss watched on with discontentment as Ruby and Violet hugged each other while they slept, similar to the day before. An eye twitched when Violet snuggled closer to Ruby, and the latter returning the favour.

She'd seen enough.

"Get up, you two! Weekend or not, it doesn't mean you can sleep in!" Weiss ordered, exposing the comatose girls.

"Snrk! I'm awake! I'm awake..." Ruby jolted up, throwing Violet to the side before she fell back on the bed, Violet returning to her original spot.

Weiss inhaled sharply, temper building.

"Wake up, and spare yourself the torture, Ruby," Blake said amused.

"'Kay, 'kay." Ruby, still half asleep, groggily untangled herself from her clone and slid off the bed. She stretched her tired muscles before trudging off to the bathroom.

Violet used the shower next once Ruby came out. Coming out of the bathroom, Violet donned one of Ruby's many cloaks, a towel in hand as she dried her damp hair, face still hidden.

"About time," Weiss muttered.

"Sorry, Weiss, we had a crazy day yesterday." Ruby pointedly directed a look at Violet as she spoke.

"I bet you did."

"Wimp," Violet muttered before speaking louder. "We should go, Ruby, time for our little chat."

"Huh?" Ruby scrunched up her face, understanding when Violet scowled. "Right, chat, yes, now, I remember."

Violet pinched the skin on her nose bridge before she dragged the dense girl with her. "Come on."

Weiss spoke freely once the two left. "Ruby's explanation makes me skeptical. If she found Violet in a cave, that would technically mean she was missing, so why weren't there any reports of a missing teenage girl when we arrived at Beacon?"

"A valid point, though, strangely enough, she looks familiar…" Blake said.

"How so?"

"I only caught a glimpse, but she looks like an exact replica of Ruby."

"Ruby? Are you sure?" Weiss furrowed her brow. "How could you even see beneath her hood? I was practically in her face yesterday, and still saw nothing but her hair."

Blake kept quiet, figuring it best if Weiss deduced the answer herself.

"Ah… yes." Weiss had the decency to look embarrassed. "Better eyesight, and what not."

"Mhm." Blake raised her brow.

"Don't look so smug with yourself."

"I'll allow myself this treat, you almost took a page from Yang's book there."

Weiss gaped, lost for words. "How could you?!"

"Wasn't that hard, really." Blake carried on with her teasing, snickering as Weiss seemed to enter a permanent state of shock. "I'll be back in a bit, later." She breezed through the door, leaving Weiss as the sole inhabitant in the dorm.

"First, the new girl throws in her two cents, and Blake just compared me to that brute." Weiss collapsed on her bed, crying out to nobody. "I can never win in this cruel game we play."

The wind ruffled Blake's raven locks as she hopped from branch to branch.

This technically could be considered an invasion of Ruby's privacy, but she was wary of the newcomer. After hearing her team leader's perfunctory recollection of events, Blake felt compelled to do some digging of her own.

Sue her, curiosity made up at least three-quarters of her being.

She followed the faint scent of strawberries which grew stronger as she drew nearer to the source of the fragrance.

The scent was at its strongest here, leading to its owner behind one of Beacon's building, her latest cohort present.

Blake landed on a branch that was neatly tucked away at an angle, providing cover for herself. Crouching, she closed her eyes, shutting out sounds from the world around her. She reached for her bow, and undid the ribbon a touch, granting her feline ears more freedom. Relying solely on her second set of ears, she listened as the voices of Ruby and Violet funnelled through.

"What's this big idea that's suppose to help with my love life, as you put it." She heard Ruby say.

'Ruby has one of those?' Blake paused.

"I'm thinking I should take back those words. Your love life's essentially nonexistent, you treat your weapon better than you do most people."

'She's got you there, Ruby.' Blake remembered when it was time for their monthly weapon maintenance. Ruby had treated Crescent Rose like a baby, cooing and calling it her precious darling.

"That's because weapons are life, weapons are love!" Ruby pouted. "They never betray you, unless they jam or malfunction in the middle of a life or death crisis but then the blame would fall on the owner for neglecting to ensure their weapon was fully functioning-"

"Ruby, shut up."

"Shutting up."

Violet sighed. "You can't be honestly saying that you've been at this school for however long, and you find no girl attractive."

"That's not true, I find plenty of girls here attractive!" Ruby said matter-of-fact, but then gave a jerk of bemusement. "Wait a minute, how do you know I like girls-oooh, nevermind."

"Yeah..." Violet drawled. "A weapons prodigy accepted into Beacon at fifteen, and this is the result."

"People are a lot harder for me to interact with! You know that!" Ruby cried. Violet's cynicism tended to be overbearing sometimes, and she only experienced three days worth of it.

"Alright, fine." Violet relented. "Back to the main topic. Would there be any little lady of Beacon who's caught your fancy?"

Almost instinctively, flashes of sable and smokey amber fired in her mind's eye. Ruby attempted to hide her face behind pale fingers which did little to draw attention away from her cheeks that rivalled Nora's skirt in colour.

"Oh," Violet's surprise was short lasting, a grin spread over her face, wide and open. "My, you sure know how to pick 'em."

Soft pink turned to beet red, and she was almost certain, if she could catch fire from the heat present in her cheeks, she'd most definitely be a walking bonfire.

"Not that I can blame you, Blake is a very attractive girl." Violet mused. "All cool and mysterious, smart too. Is that your type?"

Meanwhile, in the foliage, Blake just stared open-mouthed. Brain function stopping for the moment. She closed her mouth, astonishment fading.

'Me?' Ruby and her had grown closer ever since their date in the park, yes, but for her to think of her in that light? Blake never thought Ruby saw her as more than a friend. That made her heart jump a beat faster.

Reconciling with a legitimate childhood friend had been doing wonders for Blake's state of mind. Don't get it twisted, she wasn't suddenly all sunshine and rainbows, she was still the brooding scholar of her team, but she found herself smiling more often, and even laughing a notch louder.

Yang had noticed this, and congratulated her on 'acting like a real teen'. Blake rolled her eyes at that statement. Not everyone fancied being rambunctious. Of course, Yang ignored her, continuing on by saying that being closer to Ruby was good for her.

"If only Ice Queen here would see the light, and embrace my adorable baby sister."

Naturally, Weiss' rhetoric was the same as usual whenever receiving a jab.

She'd always have a sullen outlook on the world until serious change started to happen, but for the moment being, she allowed herself the small mercy of thinking like her team leader periodically.

Perhaps Yang was right.

Being around Ruby always made her feel lighter. She remembered her comment to Weiss on their official first day.

"Ruby's childlike enthusiasm can be infectious."

She failed to realize just how infectious it could be because in time she found herself embracing her juxtaposition.

In a world encompassed by darkness and death, Ruby remained a light, seemingly unable to be contaminated by the murkiness. Blake had a feeling it wasn't solely her alone who noticed this because even Weiss, known as their coldest teammate, was beginning to melt, exposing her warmer centre on occasion.

Ruby represented a lifeline of sorts, a way to escape the darkness that nipped at their heels. She offered her hand to almost anyone, once they could be redeemed.

Maybe Ruby would be a good addition to her life.

Introspection over, Blake focused back to the conversation at hand.

"My question to you, why haven't you said anything?"

With hands clasped tightly in front of her stomach, she constantly fiddled with her knuckles, weaving her fingers in and out of each other. "I guess I was… scared. Blake's older than me, a-and even though we knew each other as kids, who's to say… who's to say she doesn't see me as just a kid." Ruby must've wet her lips and swallowed at least eight times as she spoke. A sign of her nerves working her. "I didn't want to set myself up for disappointment with my expectations, Oum knows it's happened in the past."

"Oh, Ruby." Violet sighed with pity, Blake could agree in sharing her compassion. "I know you've been let down in the past, but if you let your fear dictate your life you won't achieve anything." Blake shared the sentiment. Ruby held a lot of potential, but if she doubted herself this much, there was a possibility it could come back to bite her in future incursions.

"I don't know, Violet." Ruby unwove her fingers, twisting them through the fabric of her skirt.

Violet stepped towards her meeker side, forcing her to look in the eye as she gripped the sides of her head. "Listen, you want to be a great leader for your team, right?" A nod. "Then, learn to take risks. Taking risks should be nothing new to you, you've done it in the past, and things turned out great."

"But-"

"But nothing," Violet interjected, "you're going to take the risk of confronting Blake, and confessing to her. And, things will turn out okay."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Trust me," brilliant red glanced at the trees, "they will." Violet stepped back, and slapped Ruby on the back, jerking her into motion. "Now go."

Ruby hesitated momentarily before she started to jog away.

"You'd think us being split apart would make her a little more confident," Violet grumbled. "Heard enough?"

Blake started. Obviously, Violet meant her, no one else was present, and she was almost certain she'd been caught when Violet looked her way earlier.

She leapt from the tree branch, settling in a crouch before Violet. "How did you know I was here?"

"Always try to stay on my toes," Violet answered simply.

Blake snorted.

"Don't you have a confession to go feign surprise about?" Violet made shooing motions with her hand.

Blake folded her arms. "You seem pretty confident I'll return Ruby's affections."

"Oh? So, that wasn't displeasure in your voice when you came upon Weiss and Ruby kissing on the pavement?"

Blake slowly unfolded her arms, words lost to her at the moment. How the hell could Violet know about that?

"Get a move on, would ya? Ruby's probably running around like a headless Beowolf looking for you."

Blake stood rooted to her spot for a moment, reluctantly leaving Violet in search of her leader.

"Oh, by the way." Violet's call made Blake pause. "Tell Ruby to meet me once you're done, I'll be here waiting."

"Ruby?" Blake whisper-yelled. Again, she had followed the overly sweet scent which led her to the library. Suddenly, something solid crashed into her. 'Ow... feels like deja vu.' She groaned and opened her eyes to find Ruby sitting on her.

"Blake!"

"Shh." Blake put a finger on her lip, reminding Ruby they were in a place of silence.

"Oh, sorry." Ruby allowed Blake freedom as she stood up, pulling the older girl with her. "Could we talk somewhere a little more private?"

Blake disliked tricking the younger girl, but she had to take Violet's side in saying that Ruby needed to stop being so fearful in some cases. "Sure. Follow me."

Ruby let Blake direct her through the library until they came to a secluded area where no one happened to frequent.

"We can talk openly here. No one really comes here since the books are archaic in language. I suppose Ozpin has them around as antiquities."

"This is your hideaway from the masses, isn't it."

"You know me well," Blake smirked.

Ruby giggled, toying with her fingers. "Comes with the territory of being a leader."

Silence fell after that. Ruby endlessly fidgeting.

Blake gave her this reprieve, aware of the girl's difficulties pertaining to sociability.

"Okay," Ruby breathed out, "the reason I wanted to speak with you, that's what we're here for." A heavy sensation settled in her tummy like an anchor hitting rock bottom.

"Mhm." Blake hummed.

"Okay, okay, here I go." Ruby nervously shifted her weight from one foot to the other, hands lowered in a steeple. "Blake... oh dear Remnant, this a lot harder than I thought."

"Take your time."

"R-Right." She cleared her throat. "D-Do you think I could hug you? It… It helps to have someone close when… when I do these kinds of things." Ruby scuffed her boot on the floor. "A-Actually, never mind, you probably think I'm weird for even suggesting it." She laughed weakly.

"Ruby, I would never think you weird because you have a different method of coping with nervousness." Blake opened her arms and wrapped them around Ruby's body, pulling her close. "Never be afraid to do what makes you comfortable."

Despite the heaviness in her stomach, it fluttered at the feeling of her body pressed against Blake's. She relaxed into the warmth of her hold, appreciative of the understanding gesture. Ruby graciously returned the hug. "Thanks, Blake."

Blake squeezed harder for a second, acknowledging the pleasantry. "Try saying it in the simplest form possible."

"Simple, I can do that… I think." Warm breath coming out in a stutter caused hills to form on Blake's skin. "I… I… I l-like you, Blake… as more than a friend."

Blake hummed. "I know."

"Oh…" Ruby murmured, and not a second later did she jerk back to stare at Blake incredulous. "H-How?!"

"Ruby, volume." Blake shushed, pulling Ruby in ever so slightly. "I know because I followed you and Violet."

"Why?" Blake often respected a person's privacy, she herself a strong believer in seclusion when needed.

"It was an invasion of your privacy, I know, and I'm sorry, seeing as I am a very private person myself, I should understand the value of it." Blake apologized, looking down and away. "But, when Violet asked to speak to you alone, I was concerned. I not too recently rekindled my relationship with the very first person, a human at that, who showed me kindness. I couldn't tell what her intentions were, and I can't get a read on her. So, I tailed you to make sure nothing happened."

"Aw, Blake," she cooed, the top of her brushing Blake's chin as she pressed her ear to her chest, listening to the rhythmic beat of her heart. "Don't beat yourself up, you were just worried about me, and I find that flattering. Thank you."

Quietness fell once more, the two simple standing there, enjoying the embrace. Blake seemed to be taking more pleasure in it than normal as she nuzzled Ruby's hair, rubbing her face in the soft, messy locks as her chest rumbling.

Ruby giggled, leaning back a nudge, still close enough that Blake could rest on her head. "Sooo, what's your response to my… less than fancy confession?"

"Hmm," firm hands found their place in the small of her back, "I wouldn't be opposed to the idea. I'd be a liar if I said I didn't share the sentiment."

"You like me, too?"

"What's there not to like? You're cute for one, but you're also strong and compassionate, you're fair and just, you light up an entire room with your cheery nature whenever you enter." Blake listed. "Anyone with a brain could see how much your worth."

Ruby laughed, joyful and sweet, setting Blake's heart alight. "You're gonna make me blush if you keep that up."

"Good, means I'm doing my job right, so far." Blake dipped her chin, placing a peck the mop of red and black.

"Does that mean you'll be my girlfriend?"

"If you'll have me, I'm not exactly… experienced with relationships, proper relationships that is."

"Neither am I. We can both learn together."

Craning her head upwards, Ruby could feel the heat growing in her cheeks, eyes flickering to Blake's lips. "Does this mean we kiss now?"

"Would you like that?"

"I totally would."

Blake moved her head closer as Ruby remained still, from both fear and excitement. This would be her first time willingly kissing another person! Blake leaned in, so her forehead rest against hers. Amber more dazzling as usual as Blake stared adoringly, cheeks carrying their own shade of pink.

She darted forward to place a kiss on Ruby's forehead, before coming down to brush her lips on the supple pair before her. Blake was testing the waters, giving Ruby a chance to back out if she felt uncomfortable, needless to say, Ruby pleasantly surprised her when she pushed back, even as uncertain as it was. It meant Ruby wanted this, and she would be more than glad to oblige.

It was slow and soft, comforting in ways words failed. Blake's hands rested below her ears, thumbs stroking her pliable cheeks gently. Soon, they started a descent, drifting to plant themselves on Ruby's hips, drawing her in closer so she was flush against Blake's chest. In response, Ruby rested her hands on sturdy shoulders.

They pulled apart, and open their eyes, breathing heavily with faces flushed and skin warm.

"That was nice," Ruby said, licking her lips, relishing Blake's unique taste.

"Yeah," Blake replied, voice low and husky.

"Do you think we could do it again?"

"I see no problem with that."

Violet lazed on a bench in the gardens, staring up at the sky as clouds drifted by in a sea of yellow and red with splotches of purple and orange. 'It's a lot prettier when seen in person.'

*Tap! Tap!*

Violet got up, the noise notifying her of another's presence. "You sure took your sweet time." She smirked as Ruby stood before her.

"Sorry, got a little caught up."

"I'm sure you did," Violet smirked roguishly. "Sporting some war scars, I see." She tugged on her twin's collar, revealing blotches of red on her otherwise perfectly creamy skin.

"Can we not talk about that?" Ruby swatted away the prying hand, righting her collar despite the glow on her face.

"Sure, whatever." Violet shrugged. "Glad to see it worked out though."

"Thanks." Ruby smiled. "Blake said you wanted to talk to me. What's up?"

Violet rested on the bench again, eyes back to the painted sky. "I'm leaving."

"Huh, why?" Their time together had the longevity of three days. Though short, Ruby had come to appreciate Violet being there, in spite of the fact she got her in trouble. Having someone around who knew you even better than yourself turned out to be delightful. Sure, Yang was there, but Yang held no knowledge of the workings in her head, not like Violet did.

"Well, there's not really much for me to do here, and I'd probably just keep getting you into trouble, so to spare you, and mainly myself, from the hassle I figured it'd be nice to see the world. You know, through eyes of my own." Violet unfastened Ruby's cloak, extending her hand as she returned the hood. "Here, it was nice to wear."

Ruby refused the cloak, pushing it back Violet. "Keep it, think of it as a token of my thanks." Silver eyes winked. "I'll keep yours as a memento."

"Oh, well, thanks. I'll make sure to care for it."

"Good," she chirped. "Do you need some Lien?"

"Have no scroll, remember?"

"Actually, you do," Ruby explained further, seeing the perplexity on her brow. "After our talk with Ozpin, I asked him if he could have one personally made for you, and he agreed. I bumped into him on my way here." Violet accepted the customized scroll presented to her. "By the way, what happened to your scythe, the one in my dream?"

"It was only a shadow of Crescent Rose, so it wouldn't have manifested when I did."

"I see, well, here, make yourself a weapon." A large sum of Lien instantly appeared on the screen as Ruby transferred some of her funds.

"Thanks." Violet smiled and placed her new scroll in her pocket. "Better take my leave now, airship leaves in a bit." Violet stared at Ruby for a moment before lurching forward and giving her a squeeze. It was over as quick as it happened. "Goodness, that felt weird."

"That reminds me before you go, you said you're my negative emotions, which ones are you?"

"Hmm, mostly your doubt, fear, sadness, anxiety. Base emotions, really."

Ruby made a noise with her throat, seeming to understand. "Guess I'll see you whenever."

"Probably will, knowing you, trouble is something that always tags along when it involves you. Might need to save your ass." Violet joked, waving as she departed. "See ya."

"That it is." Ruby waved back, stopping when Violet disappeared.

Giddy happiness took over Ruby's body when she entered the dorm, her new girlfriend dressed in her nightwear as she reclined on the mattress; the common book in her grasp.

'Dad won't believe this when he hears this.' She bounced over to Blake, linking her arms around Blake's satin covered waist.

"Hello, Ruby, did the talk go well?" Blake averted her eyes from the pages, turning her attention to the little ball of affection currently hugging her.

"Yup! Violet left, though. Said she wants to go explore the world." Ruby enjoyed the feel of Blake's finger combing through her locks. "Weiss doesn't have to worry about us sharing a bunk anymore."

"True." Content murmurs of approval reached her ears when she massaged a particularly sensitive spot on Ruby's head. "Think you'll come to miss her?"

"More than likely, but I know she'll be good." Ruby beamed at Blake. "Plus, I have you to take care of me now."

Blake hummed, scratching behind the girl's ear. "How's about you go change, and we can lay together." She hadn't said the words a good ten seconds before Ruby vanished, and reappeared, donning her black vest, and pink polka dot night pants with her Grimm sleeping mask on her head. "That was fast."

"Never underestimate the power of cuddling." Joining Blake back on the bed, she chose to situate herself on Blake's chest, arms loosely wrapped around her torso. "Do you want to tell Weiss and Yang about us?"

"To tell the truth, I'd prefer to keep us quiet, just for now." Blake languidly traced circles on a pale shoulder. "I'm probably asking a lot of you, keeping a secret like this from your sister, but I've never been a person to express my… romantic side." The soothing circles stopped, giving Ruby reason to gaze upward. Blake's expression was unsure, apprehensive as she spoke. "I don't know how to explain us to Yang without there being some backlash. I'm... afraid. Her partner and her baby sister getting together behind her back? It might feel as though we betrayed her, as though I betrayed her."

Sensing the faunus' panic, Ruby crawled a little further up the bed, lying face to face with Blake. "Hey, there's no need to worry. I understand you're scared, I can respect that, we don't have to say anything yet. I'm," it was Ruby's turn to look uncertain. "I'm not positive she'll take this well, but we'll ease her into it, once you're ready."

Blake slid an arm between their bodies, their fingers brushing before intertwining. "I appreciate this a lot."

Ruby replied with an Eskimo kiss. "Let's get some rest before the others get back, and we have to start explaining a lot sooner."

Blake grunted in agreement. "I'll sleep light so I can listen for their footsteps."

"Sleep tight, Blake."

"You too, Ruby."