22

Yang lounged on her bunk, her arms crossed as she drummed her fingers on her arm. Her face set in a permanent scowl, Yang continued to stare daggers at the door, as if willing it to blow into a million tiny pieces.

The source of her ire? None other than her currently absent partner— her sister being absent also served to annoy her as well— but most of her indignation originated with her partner. It wasn't the fact that Blake was now spending more time with her sister than anyone else, in fact, she was glad Ruby had someone other than herself to be with. She was content to know that Ruby would be in safe hands after she realized how close Blake and her became.

But, Blake.

Yang grit her teeth, and growled lowly in her throat, her blunt nails digging into her skin as she thought about her faunus counterpart. Blake had been behaving out of character as of late; needlessly clingy, uncalled for anger, and her most recent transgression, growling at Yang. Yang felt both infuriated and hurt at that. It just wasn't right, it just wasn't… Blake. It was as if the world had been flipped upside down, and people's personalities were switched around. That wasn't possible, however, because if Blake was acting like a possessive boyfriend, then Yang should have been acting like their resident Ice Queen.

Speaking of the Ice Queen, Weiss was presently sitting at her desk, appearing as though she was studying. Yang said this because knew she was just as bothered as she was pertaining to Blake's behaviour earlier. Weiss had her fingers laced together, forming a bridge to rest her chin on as she gazed down at the textbook before her, her sapphire orbs unfocused as they stared at the ink printed on the paper.

Then, Weiss spoke. "Stop it."

"Stop what?" Yang asked, deliberately acting oblivious.

"Stop staring at the door." Weiss turned a leaf in her book. "Staring at the door won't make Ruby and Blake appear out of thin air."

"What makes you think I'm waiting for Rubes and Blake?"

"Oh, please, Yang, you've been staring at the door ever since we left the cafeteria," Weiss closed her book and turned to the side of the chair to look at Yang, who was still staring defiantly at the door. "Anyone with a brain who witnessed what happened this afternoon would realize what you're doing. Heck, even Jaune might figure it out!" Weiss threw her hands in the air in exasperation. "Not to mention, you were muttering under your breath how Blake better have a good excuse for her behaviour, or she was in for a heap of trouble."

"Oh, don't act like you're so above this, Weiss." Yang finally broke her staring competition with the door, and looked to Weiss. "I know you're just as affected by this as I am." Yang swung her legs over the edge of the bed, letting them dangle. "I'm surprised you're not acting more annoyed about this since you were the first person to get some of Blake's acid."

"Because, Yang," Weiss stood up and walked to the middle of the room, "as a Schnee, we're taught to maintain our composure, no matter the situation. If we gave into every jibe and set back tossed our way, we would've been ruined years ago."

"Always bringing up the Schnee legacy, aren't we?" Yang retorted, a bit spiteful.

"It's because of the Schnee's so called 'legacy', that I'm able to keep my wits about this situation while you let your temper get the better of you." Weiss fired back.

"Tch!" The blonde sucked her teeth. "I just want my sister and partner to hurry up and get back here."

"So, you can do what, Yang? Bombard them with questions the minute they set foot in that door?" The heiress moved over to the bunk she shared with Ruby. "You were the one who wanted to spy on them, yet you want to rush into this like some raging Beowolf. Be smart about this. You and I both know Ruby won't tell us squat until whatever's going on with Blake blows over." Weiss sighed. "So, maybe, for once, Yang, follow the example of the Schnee 'legacy' and keep your cool. You can't hope to spy on someone if you don't have an ounce of patience. An opportunity will present itself, and we'll know what's going on, eventually."

Yang, having nothing to say for now, fell back on the bed and placed an arm over eyes. Quietly, almost inaudibly, Yang spoke. "I just want my sister back."

Weiss almost couldn't believe what she heard. Was that Yang's voice? The boisterous, and outgoing, Yang Xiao-Long? Her voice was so meek, so timid, as if a little girl had taken the place of the teenage spirit that should've been there. Blinking out of her surprise, Weiss answered: "And I want my partner back."

"It's not the same!" Yang shot up from the bed, and stared at Weiss, lavender eyes slightly cloudy. "Me and Rubes, we've been together since we were kids. Our bond was always tight growing up, and it got even tighter when Summer left. Whenever Ruby got nightmares, she'd sneak in my bed, thinking I was asleep. She would feel safer when she slept next to me. I didn't mind, of course. I was her big sister, her hero, the person who fought off the baddies and bullies for my little sis. We had our uncle, but he spent most of his time out on missions, but we had each other, and that's all we ever needed." Yang wiped her eyes.

"But, you're still her big sister." Weiss said, hoping to ease some of Yang's grief.

"Am I?" Yang scoffed. "Ruby's a weapon specialist, a genius if you will. Give her some scrap metal, some rusty bolts, and I'm sure she could engineer a weapon strong enough to take down an Ursa. She always excelled in her academics, hardly ever focusing on the things a normal teenage girl would like shoes, and make-up, and clothes. That's one of the main reasons she doesn't have much friends. And… I was glad she didn't have much friends." Yang gave a bitter laugh as the words left her mouth. The aftertaste of the words tasted even worse, as if someone had poured acid down her throat, followed by a burning match.

"Y-You were… glad?" Weiss couldn't believe the things she was hearing in such a short span of time. "Why would you be glad?"

"Because then Ruby would need me, and me alone, I would have her all to myself!" Yang cried out, startling Weiss. 'Calm down, no need to get so worked up just yet.' She told herself. "Selfish, I know. Then, we came here, and ever since, Ruby's made a whole bunch of new friends, and became popular among the students, especially the ladies. She's excelling even more in her studies, and pulling off amazing feats, as if being accepted into Beacon at such a young age wasn't enough." If Weiss didn't know any better, she would think that Yang sounded jealous of her sister. She chanced a guess.

"Are you jealous of Ruby, Yang?" Weiss braced herself, fearing the answer.

"What?! Of course not! I could never be jealous of Ruby. This is the happiest I've ever seen her since we left Patch, and I'm glad she's happy here." Yang looked out through the window, her eyes falling on a bird nest. "But, I am jealous; jealous of all the people that get to spend time with her. Ruby's grown in so many ways, and they get to experience them first hand." A small smile graced her lips as she watched the mother bird taught her babies how to fly. A worm in her beak as she took a step back, urging the babies out of the nest. Her smile slipped from her face. "I hardly ever get to spend any time with my sister now, and that's why I ask myself if I'm still her big sister, the person who would fight to protect her. I'm beginning to wonder if Ruby even needs me anymore…"

Weiss stared at Yang, her heart crying out for the girl. She never thought that Yang had her own fears when it came to the sisterhood of her and Ruby. She always assumed the two had the most admirable relationship among the majority of siblings she'd met. Protective of each other, and loving just as much. Never fighting with each other, and if they did, it would be playful.

'How self-absorbed can one person be?' Weiss quietly chastised herself for not realizing that her teammate was in such pain. "Yang," she softly called, causing the blonde to look down at her through puffy eyes, "come here." Weiss patted the space beside her on the bunk, the action causing Yang to feel slightly skeptical. Weiss realized this, and held her hands up to show she meant no harm. "It's nothing bad, I promise."

Slowly, Yang slipped down off the mattress, and plodded over to Weiss where she sat down in the appointed space before she was swept up in hug.

"W-Weiss?"

"I'm so sorry, Yang," Weiss began, "I'm sorry I didn't realize you were in such pain. If only I weren't so wrapped in myself, I could've done something to help you." Her voice was quiet as she comforted the brawler.

"W-Weiss?" Yang was having some difficulty making sense of it all. Here she sat, on Weiss' bunk, with Weiss' arms wrapped around her as she held her. Maybe the world did flip upside down. "H-Hey, now, it's not your fault. I'm just being selfish. Of course, I have to accept that Ruby's growing up." Yang feebly protested, her hands hovering awkwardly in the air because she had no idea where to put them.

"You're not being selfish!" Weiss pulled back to stare Yang straight in the eyes. "It's not fair that I can impose on you all with my petty issues, but you think it's selfish of you to want your sister back!" The ivory haired girl sighed and let go of Yang, placing her hands in her lap. "I'm a very self-centered person, Yang, and don't try to say I'm beating myself up." She cut Yang off before she could protest. "We all have our flaws, my ego being my main imperfection. I know how it feels to have something that you believe should be yours and no one else's. Similar to how you feel about Ruby, I was the same way with my sister."

"You wanted Winter all to yourself." Yang understood. Winter, from what she could tell, was a very formal person, but she still cared a lot about Weiss.

"I did, but I came to understand at a malleable age that it was unreasonable of me to think I could keep Winter to myself. I still would very much like to spend my time with her, nevertheless, I understand that she is a busy person." A nostalgic smile found its way on pink lips. "Would you believe me if I told you, as a child, I was much more obnoxious and egotistical than I am now?"

"Will you freeze me if I said yes?" Yang did not expect to hear the light tinkle of laughter that sounded after.

"No, I won't. You're an honest soul, Yang, it's what makes you a good person. Don't ever change." Weiss raised a hand to gently stroke a warm cheek. "As a little girl, I was nothing short of being the embodiment of selfishness. I was over demanding, and much more insulting than I am now. I was what you would call a 'petty brat.'"

Yang snorted to herself, the thought of a teeny tiny Weiss giving orders to adults was beyond adorable and frightening.

"Some even called me a little tyrant," Weiss' voice came, bring Yang back to the story, "but this story isn't about my 'tyranny', it's about how I was only concerned about my own personal being. You already know Winter works almost incessantly, and I've come to accept that, but as a child I didn't know why she would always be away from home, or why she was never able to play with me. I was angry when I learned that Winter was always absent because she was away tending to the needs of the public and others. 'Why should she care about the problems of unimportant commoners?' I asked myself one night. 'I'm the only person she should pay attention to.'" Weiss made a face as she remembered how terrible she was. "For that sole selfish reason, I made it my life's work to intercept any messages that were for Winter when she came home, whether they contained important news from her work, or if they were from suitors. I didn't care, Winter spending more time with me was my main priority. At first, it worked; Winter was playing with me more, going out with me, and taking me to my rehearsals, but eventually, she caught onto what I was doing."

"Was she angry at you?"

"You think she would be, but she wasn't." Weiss smiled as she met Yang's eyes. "She gave me a scolding, not a harsh one, but one that would try to make me see the bigger picture. That just because I was living the wealthy life it didn't mean that everything in the world was alright, that they weren't people out there who were in need of help. It took at least several scoldings before I got it through my mind that the world didn't revolve around me alone, and that I should be nicer to the people around because, who knows, one day those same 'unimportant commoners' may be the same people I have to rely on."

"So, were you any nicer?" Yang quirked a blonde brow, awaiting the answer.

"If calling the servants buffoons instead of imbeciles is any nicer." Weiss flatly replied before she covered Yang's slightly bigger hand with her own smaller one. "The point is, you're not selfish for wanting to be near your sister, you've been together since childhood. It's nowhere similar to my situation where I was born into a wealthy family and given everything I wanted and had the mentality that you were superior to everyone else ingrained into you since day one; that showing compassion was a weakness. You were Ruby's confidante and she yours. You feel the need to be near your sister at all costs because you love her and many dangers lurk around the corner, or sometimes that danger ends up being the people you trust the most." She squeezed Yang's hand reassuringly. "You're not selfish, Yang, you're human. And humans are entitled to a little self-centeredness every once in awhile, just don't do what I did." Something burned within Weiss' normally cold blue eyes—determination. "I'll help you find out what's going between Blake and Ruby, as long as it helps you get back to your confident self."

Yang sat there quietly, processing the information Weiss had just disclosed to her of her own free will. She wasn't selfish as far as Weiss told her. Then, why did she feel like she was? Maybe it was due to the fact that she and Ruby were side by side from the start, and she thought Ruby owed her something for sticking with her through the stormy weather. That wasn't selfishness, that was unadulterated greed. Yang shivered at the vindictive thought, chastising herself for even thinking such a thing. That was definitely not the reason she felt this way. Then, why… why did she feel like this? Was it because she loved her sister? And not love as in the love shared between siblings, but the love shared between sweethearts? 'Eros love is what they called it in literature class I think.'

The love initially felt for a person that with contemplation can become an admiration of the beauty inside that person.

And, yes, it was very true, to Yang and Ruby's own personal knowledge, that Yang loved her sister for who she was, inside and out. Nevertheless, deep within her, she housed a twisted love for her sister, something she could never share with anyone else. A sick manifestation of their sisterly love, Yang named it. And, sometimes, Yang hated herself for it. She hated herself for having these feelings, hated herself for getting jealous whenever Ruby was away with someone else, and she hated herself because she yearned to be more openly affectionate with Ruby without the fear of being ridiculed.

One night, when they were younger, Ruby had walked in on her crying. The always caring Ruby, thinking she was crying because she missed their mom, rushed over to her and cradled her. Yes, she did miss her stepmother, but that wasn't the reason for her tears. Yang had come to realize her feelings for her sister were no longer platonic, and at such a young age, the very thought scared her. That's when it happened; their first kiss. Yang didn't know if it was by mistake, and if Ruby had meant to aim for her cheek, but when Ruby bent her head, her lips landed square on Yang's own in an innocent peck. There had been a pause before Ruby dissolved in a fit of giggles, but stopped when she saw that Yang wasn't laughing. Ruby had made to ask her if she was okay, until she was pushed down on her back and straddled, Yang planting her lips on hers in a desperate and inexperienced kiss. And to her childish delight, Ruby had kissed her back, although shyly. Ever since that night, the bond between them had changed, and the boundaries were erased. The two would still kiss each other whenever they got the chance, but now, with Ruby attending Beacon and girls swooning at the mere sight of her, Yang feared those times would be coming to an end.

'No! I can't think like that! It's like Weiss said, me and Rubes have been through thick and thin, always there for each other when the other was down. Ruby would never abandon me like that.' Yang smiled to herself, a confident and slightly arrogant smile. 'I don't care how taboo this love is, as long Ruby will have me, I'll pursue her to the ends of this earth.' Yes, sometimes she hated herself for having these emotions, but she never regretted it.

Weiss saw the look of confidence that Yang usually exuberated return to her eyes, and exhaled softly, happy that her unruly, but undeniably sweet teammate was back to her old self. Feeling somewhat pleased with herself, Weiss stood up and went to get changed out of her school attire when she felt a hand wrap around her wrist and tug her back down into a pair of burly arms, her face buried in a heated neck.

"You're not as cold as you seem, Weissy." Yang sounded much more revitalized than she was earlier as she teased Weiss with her nickname.

"I'll take that as a compliment." Weiss returned the hug and ignored the harmless jab.

They remained like that for a couple of minutes, holding each other in amicable silence when Yang spoke up.

"So, I guess you're the 'little tyrant' of the team from now on, huh?"

"Hush, you!" Weiss broke the hug and picked up a pillow before swinging it at Yang's head. The blonde laughed, not even bothering to dodge the swing as she was knocked upside her head. "You will not breath a word of this to anyone!"

"You got it, your tyranny."

"Ugh!" Weiss began to hit Yang harder, the girl only laughing louder in response.

The doorknob rattled, alerting them to the presence of someone coming. Weiss tossed the pillow aside and fixed herself while Yang was still giggling a little as she sat up.

Who came through the door was the same person they were having their self reflecting conversation about a few minutes ago, her new companion behind her. Ruby entered the dorm, her hand stretched out behind her as Blake held onto it, her head down. Ruby's brow furrowed when she saw her partner and sister sitting on the same bunk.

"Did we miss something?"

"Just your sister being her brutish self."

"Guilty as charged."

"O...k," Ruby slowly said, a bit weirded out that Yang and Weiss were actually near each other and not trying to rip the other's throat out. Image saved in her mind, Ruby blinked before she smiled. "Yang, Blake has something she'd like to say to you," she glanced back to the faunus, "right, Blake?"

Blake obediently nodded her head. She stepped forward, so she was standing beside Ruby, never letting go of her hand. Blake peeked up through her bangs and looked past the strands of ebony locks. Guilty amber meeting unreadable lilac. Yang waited patiently in silence for Blake to talk.

Blake swallowed and wet her lips, preparing herself to speak. "Yang… I just want to say I'm… sorry." She briefly looked at Weiss. "To both of you, actually. I know I haven't been the most pleasant person to be around at the moment, I guess I'm just going an emotional… phase of sorts, but that didn't give me the right to lash out at you." Blake faced Yang again, this time looking her straight in the eyes. "Especially you, Yang. I had no right to growl at you like I did earlier today, you were only doing what big sisters do, and I know no apology can make up for that." Ruby softly squeezed the hand in her palm, which Blake returned. "That's why I want to make it up to you—both of you— if you would allow me," Ruby cleared her throat, "once I get out of this funk, that is."

"And we swear we'll explain it all to you once Blake is back to normal." Ruby quickly threw in.

Weiss and Yang looked at each other, carrying on their own non-verbal conversation as Ruby and Blake watched them in nervous anticipation—Blake more than Ruby. After what seemed like hours, they turned back to the black and red duo.

"Alright/I accept your apology." Weiss and Yang said in unison.

"Yaay!" Ruby rejoiced.

Blake stood silent for a moment before she said anything. "Thank you, I'll do my best to make up for my transgressions."

"I know you will," Weiss stood up, "if you'll excuse me, I have to get changed. Winter asked me to accompany her to dinner this evening."

"That reminds me!" Ruby took both of Blake's hands in her own. "Didn't you tell me you wanted to go that book signing of the author who wrote the book you were reading when we first met?"

"That's right, I almost forgot." Blake looked panic now. "Do you think we can still make it?"

"Course we can! You forget, you have speed on your team." She puffed out her chest. "Let's just change first." Ruby, still holding Blake's hand, zoomed over to her drawer, then over to Blake's where she picked out an outfit for her, leaving her flourish of petals everywhere and a dazed Blake wobbling in place.

"Ruby Rose! What have I told you about using your semblance in the dorm?!" Weiss barked.

"Sorry, Weiss, but this is really important!" Ruby sent Weiss an apologetic look before she dashed into the bathroom. Not even a minute later did Ruby appear out of the bathroom with a changed Blake. Ruby had on one of her many red hoodies and a pair of jeans with a pair blue, high-cut sneakers. Blake wore a black, long sleeved V-neck shirt and black jeans, a pair of navy blue boat shoes on her feet and a black beanie on her head. "Okay, we're changed and it's time to go!"

"Ruby, if you use your semblance one more time, so help me." Weiss hissed.

"I agree with her, Ruby." Blake managed to say in spite of the wave of giddiness upon her. "Please don't do that again."

"I'm sorry, but we gotta go now! I'll face the consequences later!" Ruby threw open the door, a floating wave of petals began to trail in the air.

"Ruby…" Weiss' voice was threatening.

"Ruby, please." Blake's was begging.

"Bye!" And like that, they were gone.

"Why?!/Rose!" Weiss yelled at the same time Blake cursed her fate.

"I'm sure of it now, your sister likes to drive me insane!" The heiress swivelled on Yang, an icy glare in place.

"Hey, hey, you're giving the wrong person the stink eye. Besides, aren't you suppose to be getting ready for dinner with your sister?" Yang pointed to the clock.

"We have a reservation for seven, it's only five o'clock."

"Then, why are you getting changed now?" Yang knew the girl liked to be punctual, but arriving two hours early was just ridiculous.

"A Schnee must always dress to make heads turn no matter the occasion, and it'll most likely take me an hour to find something I deem as suitable to wear." Weiss educated Yang once more on that Schnee 'legacy'. "I could make a wager with you and win it that Winter is doing the same thing."

"Egotistical, aren't we?" The blonde said in jest.

"Just a bit." Weiss answered.

Yang shrugged before she went and changed into her standard night wear while Weiss dug through her wardrobe. 'Might as well entertain myself.' She took out her scroll and a pair of earbuds from the drawer before she hopped into her bunk, and settled against the pillows; the music, though loud, calming to her nerves.

It was on the fourth song Yang spoke.

"Weiss?" She called.

"Hm?" Weiss gave a grunt in recognition as she inspected a white and mesh dress.

"We start our operation tomorrow."

"Understood." Weiss decided to wear the dress.

Next day

Ruby hummed a soft tune as she exited her class and shuffled down the hallway. She was alone today because Blake was somewhere off studying for a final she had. Her heat was on the final stretch today and had eased up considerably, so she opted to study alone and told Ruby she had the opportunity to get back her energy. Meanwhile, Weiss and, shockingly, Yang were working on a project together since they were assigned as partners.

Weiss and her sister, what an unlikely pair. Ruby had found it difficult to believe when Weiss had denied her invitation to go shopping—Ruby was just as surprised, too— since she and Yang had a very important assignment to work on.

Ruby's soft humming died and her pace slowed to a crawl as she thought of her icy partner and fiery sister. Two passionate souls placed together. Ever since yesterday when she and Blake had caught the two of them sitting on Weiss' bunk, Yang giggling for some reason only Weiss knew of, the two seemed to be getting along a little better than they usually did.

Now, if only Ruby could figure out why the two had become such bosom buddies in the span of twenty-four hours. The conundrum that jumbled her mind. Ruby wasn't complaining. The two of them being more hospitable to each meant they'd be less arguing in the team and more peace and quiet.

'Wait,' Ruby stopped moving completely, 'what if they're so friendly now because they like one another? They're both very attractive people, Yang's nice and protective, like really protective. Weiss can be… nice at times, but she's also very loyal. They'd make a cute couple honestly.' Ruby's hands flew to her head. 'Hold it! Weiss and Yang, fire and ice? That's like asking for an electrical shock! Imagine if they do become a couple, their quarrels will be electrically charged and then I'll have to mediate but then I'll also I have to pick a side and Weiss will yell at me if I don't agree with her but Yang will be really really hurt if I don't agree with her then Blake will have to get in and I know how much Blake loves to avoid confrontation-'

Her inner ramblings came to a pause as her 'Ruby senses', as she liked to call to them, alerted her to the presence of someone else. She spun around, her fist cocked back, ready to give the unknown being a right cross. "Hi-yaa-ah?" To her confusion, no one was there. Just her and the stray hunter that stared at her like she'd gone mad. Ruby scratched her head. 'I could've sworn someone was following me.' She shrugged. 'Maybe I've lost it, though, I doubt that's possible since I lost it years ago.' Ruby resumed her humming and her shuffle down the corridor.

Pressed almost impossibly close to a wall, Weiss and Yang sighed as they narrowly avoided detection.

"Your sister has very keen senses." Weiss said.

"Yeah, Rubes trained herself to be completely aware of her surroundings."

"How astute of her." Weiss peered around the corner of the wall. "Blake wasn't with her, so she's probably in the library. She does have a final coming up."

"To the library?"

"To the library."

Weiss was seated beside Yang as they perused the book in front of them. Well, Weiss seemed more taken by the book than Yang. All Yang did ever since they entered the library was slumped forward on the desk and groan annoyingly.

"Hng…" Yang moaned for the billionth time.

"Will you stop that?!" Weiss hissed, keeping her voice low since they were in the library, and due to the fact only a distance away was their dark teammate seated. "You were the one who suggested we stalk our partners."

"But, I'm booooored." Forehead became acquainted with desk. Then, it was cheek as Yang turned to her cold compadre. "You know you don't actually have to read the book, we're only using it as a cover."

"It's an interesting book," was the distracted reply and Yang groaned again.

Weiss focused on her book again, about to turn the page when:

"Ugggh…"

"Dust, dammit, Xiao-Long!" Weiss slammed the book shut and dug into Yang.

In the distance, Blake watched them from her station at the computer terminal, shaking her head and tsking under her breath as Weiss tore into Yang. She had found it odd when the fire and ice pair walked into the library together, selected a random book from the shelf, and seated themselves at a desk. 'Ruby did tell me that Weiss and Yang were assigned as partners for some project.' Blake was more shocked when Ruby said Weiss had said it calmly and that Yang hadn't even thrown in a snarky comment. 'Odd, indeed.'

Blake refocused on her notes, drowning out the sound of Weiss scolding Yang to a dull buzz in the back of her head. She groaned to herself, hating this topic more than anything. Her final was based on Ramses' findings of rare Dust, their properties, and his hypothesis on how they came to be. 'Why couldn't the professor have given us a more sensible subject?' Blake had no problem studying, it involved reading after all, but Ramses was known for inconsistent notes and blank pages when it came to his research. This meant Blake had to use whatever material she could pull from his cursory work and the notes that were distributed in class, and even those would prove tiresome since they were almost as vague. 'Procrastination brings naught but sorrow, as they say.'

With her heat almost over, it meant Blake had more self control and less urges of wanting to shake the sheets in the wee hours of the morning. A dying heat also gave her time to push extra work and allowed Ruby to recover her energy. A win-win for both of them.

Blake scribbled down some notes, rotating the pencil every now and again when her hand got too clammy. Another strange occurrence. Blake's hands rarely ever sweated, so why were they sweating now?

Her answer came in the form of a faint, unpleasant warmth spreading out in her chest like tree branches. The trunk being the warmness that flowed down to her gut, making her shake and tremble as beads of perspiration glistened on her brow. 'This thing lives to irritate my senses.' Blake squeezed her eyes shut as the roots formed and gravitated to her core. "Maybe…" Blake's hold on the pencil became a death grip as she tried to will the cravings away. 'No! I refuse to resort to carnal pleasures for relief every time this happens!' Blake wiped her brow and pushed the annoying presence to the back of her mind where other senseless things wandered, renewing her interest in her work as she furiously jotted down some important factors.

So far, Blake's will had proven resilient enough to ignore the constant gnawing in her stomach. She was already halfway through her fourth piece of paper and was preparing to move onto the fifth when the presence—not to be taken lightly— pushed back to the forefront of her mind and caused a gush of heat to radiate all over, igniting each nerve in her body. Blake's vision clouded slightly, sweat now rolled down the side of her head as drool leaked from the corner of her mouth. Her head fell to the desk, pencil dropping from her hand as she placed on her head and her free hand creeping under her skirt and in between her thighs, which felt like they were burning up.

Back on the freezerburn side, Weiss was still reaming Yang a new one, though the blonde had blocked her out since the first paragraph. Yang's elbow rested on the desk, her hand a fist as she rested her cheek on her knuckles, blatantly disregarding her scolding. She glanced over to her partner, her brows squinching.

"Are you ignoring me?!" Weiss bellowed, forgetting where she was.

"Yeah, yeah," Yang distractedly took hold of Weiss' chin and turned her head in the same direction as hers, "look."

Sapphire eyes took note of the hunched form of her teammate.

"Do you think she's sick?" Weiss asked, moving her chin from Yang's hold.

"I don't think so…"

"What do you mean?"

"Look where her hand is at." Yang muttered.

Weiss inspected Blake closely. One hand was in her hair, the other was… between… her legs!?

Ivory cheeks turned beet-red and sapphire globes became bigger. Flustered in disbelief, Weiss averted her gaze to Yang. "I-Is… she… Is she r-really doing what I think she is?" Weiss stammered violently.

"I don't know, I mean she does read all those books, mainly that erotica one." 'Ninjas of Love', if Yang remembered.

"Do you think she's a voyeur then?" Weiss, a bit rosey, suggested.

"Nah, I don't think Blake's that kinda gal." The bell rang, signalling the end of the period. "Ah, there goes the bell."

"And there goes our target." Blake briskly sped out of the library, paying Yang and Weiss no attention.

"After her, you fool!" Yang vaulted over the table and quickly chased her partner. "She might be going to Ruby!"

'That brute…' Weiss let the comment pass and ran after Yang.

The two burst through the double doors just in time to see a wisp of ebony locks bend the corner.

"Come on!" Yang sprinted up the corridor, and bent the corner to see that Blake had disappeared. "Damn! Lost her."

Weiss slowly walked up beside Yang, her face indifferent and her arms crossed behind her. She paid no mind to the side eye she was being given.

"Could you move any slower?"

"I'd rather move slow and keep our cover unlike a certain someone who shouted out 'After her, you fool!' like we were in some fantasy movie. She would never have heard that one." Weiss' sarcasm was deadly, and so was her stink eye.

Yang grimaced slightly, she probably shouldn't have done that. "Um, my bad?" She offered sheepishly.

"Indeed." Weiss exhaled. "Blake's most likely going to Ruby, I suggest we head to the gardens." She pivoted on her heel and walked away without even waiting on Yang.

"Wait, how do you even know that?"

Ruby lightly tapped on the paved path in the gardens as she did her own little jig. She somehow managed to tap dance and walk at the same, moving in time with the soft tune she was humming and shaking her fingers side to side. 'For the finisher!' Ruby tapped her feet faster as she stood in place, and did a twirl before she striked a pose. "Pizzazz!" She shook her hands to add some flare and glamour to her pose. The pose was held for a few seconds before Ruby started giggling. "So glad no one saw that." She continued her stroll through the gardens.

From their position in the bushes, Weiss and Yang bore witness to Ruby's silliness.

"Your sister's a dolt." Weiss said.

"Yup."

"But, she's a cute dolt."

"Yup." Yang agreed again.

"Hey, five lien!" Ruby bent down to take up the money. "Today must be my lucky day!" She cheered, waving the money in the air. Pattering footsteps on the pavement heading her in direction made her stop celebrating. A shadowy figure was approaching her at a high speed, a shadowy figure Ruby was barely able to deduce as Blake before she was swept off her feet and whisked away. "Yipe!"

It happened so fast. One minute Ruby was there, rejoicing with the small amount of change she'd found, and then, all of sudden, she was gone as a black blur snatched her up. Weiss could only blink, not knowing what to say.

"What. The. Hell?!" Yang, so elegantly, summed up.

Ruby found herself being shoved into a dark room as the door shut. Ruby blindly stumbled around in the darkness, searching for a light switch. She didn't have to wait too long since the lights came on seemingly on their own.

Ruby observed the brooms and mops neatly stationed in the room. "A closet?" She wondered aloud. 'A bit cliché, isn't it?'

Ragged breathing from behind her interrupted any thoughts that came after that one.

Ruby looked over her shoulder, Blake's form towering over her own petite frame. Blake stood still with her shoulders slightly raised, raven locks blocking her eyes and the bow on her twitching constantly. Blake took a step forward, each step forcing Ruby back until she hit a shelf behind her.

"Blake?" Two hands shot forward, planting themselves beside her head on the shelf. Ruby's breath hitched when she took in the appearance of golden orbs. Blown and clouded. Ruby smiled, reaching up to undo Blake's bow. Blake whined when Ruby's hand brushed against her scalp and ears, the touch enough to offer some relief. Ruby caringly massaged the furry appendages in her hand, tracing their shape. She always loved to touch them, never able to get over how soft they were and how privileged she was. Not many faunus allowed people to touch their traits, it took trust and certainty. "Do you want to?"

"No." A rumble reverberated in Blake's chest as she pushed further into the caress. "This will do."

"You'll let me know when you're ready?"

"I will."

"Alright."

"I can't believe that just happened!" Yang paced back and forth on the white pavement while Weiss sat on a bench. "And I was there!"

"So was I." Weiss inspected her nails. "Let's head to the roof." She pulled out two pairs of binoculars. "Ruby should be coming back here since her walk got interrupted."

Yang caught the pair of binoculars tossed at her as Weiss stood up and walked away. She stared at the binoculars before looking after Weiss. "Seriously, how do you know Ruby's schedule?!"

No longer was Ruby skipping or tap dancing as she ambled down the corridor, her hand on her aching lower back. There was one thing Ruby learnt from Blake's heat. The closer it was to its end, the more aggressive the romping was and shelves weren't exactly the best places for having a go at it.

Yesterday, after they'd left the book signing with Blake getting a limited edition book from the author himself, her heat had struck while they were taking a shortcut through the park. Long story short, she was thrown to the ground and placed on all fours as Blake mounted her and began to rut her through their clothes. Animalistic, yes, but so hot in Ruby's mind. Nonetheless, they'd gotten back to dorm around nine because of that setback. Fortunately, Weiss was still out with Winter and Yang was out cold.

'Small mercies.' Ruby lamented.

They'd parted after their session in the closet; Blake heading back to the library to finish her work while Ruby returning to the gardens.

"Ruby!"

She carefully turned around to see Blake jogging up to her. 'Does she want to do it again? But, we only did it like five minutes ago… wait a minute...' Ruby realized how Blake's eyes weren't murky or cloudy, and how her bow wasn't twitching whenever the breeze blew. In fact, her eyes looked a bit brighter. 'Is her heat over?'

"Ruby," Blake began once she was near the girl, "are you going back to the gardens?"

"Yeah, what's up?"

"Would it be okay if I joined you?" Blake rubbed her arm ruefully.

"Course it would be!" Ruby chirped, intertwining her fingers with Blake as they walked, causing pink lips to pull over pearly white canines.

"By the way, why are you limping?"

"I'll tell you later."

Their new vantage point gave them a bird's eye view of most of the school. Up on the roof, Weiss and Yang were stationed near the ledge as they surveyed the garden, looking for their targets.

Yang removed the binoculars from her eyes. "Really, Weiss, how do you know what Ruby's going to do, and how did you know to bring these," she held the optical device in the air.

"A Schnee's intuition," Weiss said, almost… jokingly? Yang was given no time to think on it as Weiss gasped, and lowered her binoculars.

"What? What is it?" Yang placed the binoculars back to her eyes.

"N-Nothing, it's nothing!" Weiss tried to snatch the binoculars from her, but a firm hand in her chest pushed her back. It was too late, Yang had already seen.

There, on a bench, were Blake and Ruby locked in a passionate lip lock, the latter sitting partially in the former's lap as the older girl supported the younger's girl back with one arm wrapped around her and her other hand resting on Ruby's thighs. Something pink darted out and swiped against Ruby's lip. It must've been Blake's tongue because the next minute Ruby parted her lips and the kiss became deeper. Slyly, Blake's hand began to creep up under Ruby's skirt, causing Ruby to moan into the kiss.

The glass lens of the binoculars cracked under the pressure of Yang's hold. Weiss looked away from the heartaching sight below at the sound to see the broken binoculars clutched in a death grip.

"Where is Ruby going next." Yang no longer cared how Weiss knew so much about Ruby's timetable, she only cared about skinning a certain kitty cat alive.

Weiss sighed. Yang's voice brokered no room for argument, and she wasn't going to upset the girl anymore than she already was. "Back to the dorm."

Red eyes trailed after the red and black duo.

A chain of ice formed around Weiss' heart.

Yang charged through the corridors to their dorm room, knocking everyone out of her way. A minute ago, she'd push Cardin and his flock straight into the water fountain. Weiss struggled as she fought to keep up with the brawler. She was beginning to question if Ruby was the only speed demon on their team.

Reaching their dorm, Yang didn't even bother to slow down as she delivered a powerful kick to the door, blowing it off its hinges as she barged into room, and startling its occupants.

"You!" Yang roared, directing a heated gaze to the two figures on her sister's bed. Weiss arrived in time to see Ruby and Blake lying back on the redhead's bunk, Ruby laying her back on Blake's front with a scroll in hand as they watched a movie. Well, had been watching a movie. "How dare you put your hands on my sister?!"

"I saw you!" Red eyes narrowed. "Where do you get off thinking you can just shove your tongue down my sister's throat?!"

Ruby quickly disengaged from Blake and got off her bunk, landing on the floor in front her raging sister. "Yang, wait!" She planted her hands on Yang's shoulders, in hopes of stopping her from doing something she'd regret. 'So, that's why I thought I was being followed. Yang and Weiss were following me.'

"Out of my way, Ruby!" Yang stopped her advance momentarily, glaring at her partner as she calmly got down from the bed. She scowled when Blake just stared at her, unfazed as though she wasn't about to get pommelled.

"So, you can do what, Yang?" Blake stepped forward, until she stood next to Ruby as she tried to restrain her sister. "Beat me to within an inch of my life for finding solace in your sister?"

"Blake…" Ruby's hands fell from Yang's shoulders as she glanced back softly at her girlfriend.

Blake pulled Ruby into her body, clinging to her tightly as she stared into her eyes. "I love your sister, Yang." Going from gunmetal eyes, she now stared into fiery red orbs. "And though she has yet to say it, I will continue to love her as long as she wants me. You couldn't possibly think threatening people with bodily harm all the time whenever they showed an interest in Ruby would always work, did you?"

"It worked for the past fifteen years, I don't see a problem with it." Yang sneered through clenched teeth.

"Not everyone will be afraid of you, Yang." Blake stood tall as she kept eye contact with the burning fire, the heat not deterring her at all. "If two people truly love each other, they will fight through all obstacles in the way to ensure they end up together."

"But, it's like you said, Ruby never told you she loved you. What's to say this so called 'love' you have for her isn't one-sided?" Yang laughed almost cruelly as she folded her arms beneath her bosom.

"Sis!" Ruby never thought such a cruel sound could come from her sister's mouth.

"Yang! That was uncalled for!" Weiss scolded from her place at the door, even though it pained her.

"No, it's alright. I'm not trying make to anyone seem like the bad guy here," Blake remained unperturbed despite the harsh comment. "But, Yang has to realize there will come a day when she has to let Ruby grow up. I'll end my stance by saying this: Actions speak louder than words."

"Huh? What's she talking about, Ruby?" Yang turned her gaze on her sister.

At the door, Weiss let Blake's words play over in her mind. 'Actions speak louder than words? What could she mean?' Blue eyes widened. 'Don't tell me. No… she couldn't… sh-she wouldn't!'

"You asked me before what was wrong with Blake, and I told you I couldn't tell until she felt better." Ruby tightened her grasp on Blake's hand. "Blake was in heat during that time."

"What…?"

'No, no.' Weiss braced herself on the door.

"Faunus have a period of time when they go through an emotional and impulsive phase," Ruby began to explain, "where they either find someone to mate with, or they sweat it out on their own."

Yang listened closely to Ruby, hooked on every word she spoke.

'No, no, no, no.' Weiss' hand flew to her mouth as she gasped.

"I couldn't take seeing Blake in so much pain, so that day, when you two left us in the room, I helped her."

"Helped her how?" Yang asked, fearing the answer.

Weiss didn't have to fear anything, she already knew the answer. Tears began to pool in her eyes.

"We had sex."

"What?!" The roar re-ignited the flames that had died faintly around Yang.

Tears streamed down Weiss' cheeks as she sobbed and quietly slid down to the floor.

Ruby swallowed before she spoke again. "That's not all," she glanced up to Blake, receiving a subtle nod in return. "Blake is my… girlfriend."

If Weiss has stayed in the room, she would've seen how Yang had lunged at the two of them, Blake pushing Ruby behind her as she blocked the blow Yang threw at her. But, she didn't stay. Too distraught to hear anymore, she ran away.

"Not only do you fuck my sister to get your high, but you make her your girlfriend too?!" Yang bared her teeth, angry liquid building up in her eyes.

"We were girlfriends long before my heat started!" Blake yelled from her place in the stalemate.

The flames died instantly at the newest revelation.

"What…?" Yang lowered her gaze to meet the eyes of her sister, the way she looked away confirmed her response. Yang turned back to Blake, only now seeing the fire in her eyes as she held her back. Fire that wasn't hers. She lowered her fist, letting it fall dejectedly to her side. "Is that so…"

"Yes," Ruby said softly.

A ball of thorns formed and ensnared her heart, planting its barbs the fragile organ.

"Then, that night you pulled her away from Winter…?"

"Was because I was jealous, and couldn't stand the sight of her kissing Ruby." Blake relaxed her posture. "Yang, I am so sorry. I never meant to make you act like this." She made an effort to touch her partner, but stopped when she flinched.

"I… see." Yang said nothing more as she turned to leave the room. "I have to go."

"Yang, wait!" Ruby ran after her sister and tried to hold her hand, but the limb slipped from her fingers as Yang's stride never faltered until she was out of the room.

Ruby stared after the gone figure of her sister. Sobs soon shook her frame as she ran into Blake's arms and buried her face in her chest. Blake held her closely, patting her head and gently shushing her as she eased her onto her bed.

"What just happened, Blake?" Ruby's muffled question came once her cries died down.

"I think things just got a bit more complicated."

Yang found Weiss on the rooftop where they'd been earlier, sitting on the ledge with her arms around her knees, her face hidden.

"Mind if I join you?" Yang's voice was monotone.

Weiss gave a despondent grunt.

The breeze was cold that night as a ball of thorns comforted an icy chain as they wept.