I never really bought into the idea of soulmates. The notion that there was only one perfect match for everyone in the world, it always seemed outlandish. Impossible, even.

But you, my love.

You changed all that.

From the moment I looked into your brilliant, beautiful eyes, I knew that the two of us were simply meant to be.

And yet, it seemed, we were content to watch each other from a distance. The two of us, so close, and yet so far.

But it was never enough for us, was it? Because soon thereafter came that glorious day, when I came to you, and you came to me. We two said not a word as our palms and fingers met, and it was like an unsolvable riddle had at last found its answer.

"I love you."

That shared, breathless whisper of affirmation echoed in the caverns of the universe for an eternity, it seemed.

Could this be it?, I thought as we drew ever closer. Could it be that I have filled the hole in my heart? And deep down, my love, I know you thought the same.

And our answers were given as our lips intertwined, like a beautiful knot in the thread of fate that bound us in the eternal bliss of the infinitum.

My love, run away with me into the unknown. Let us be together for as long as the Fates deem worthy, and should there be another path to tread on the other side of death's murky veil, I swear to you that we shall walk it hand in-

"Sis, what are you doing to the mirror?"

Ruby pulled herself away from the reflective glass to find Yang standing in the bathroom doorway, trying to decide whether she was amused or taken aback.

"Um… I'm kissing it?" she responded, a bit shyly.

It seemed as though she had settled on amused, as she broke out in a short fit of laughter.

"Oh, dear Gav… Ruby, you really need to find someone else to project this onto. Someone sentient."

"My dearest sister," Ruby said, bringing herself down from the counter, "have you not, in the past, impressed upon me the importance of loving oneself?"

"I didn't think I needed to tell you this, Ruby, but apparently I do." Yang crouched down a bit to get to her sister's eye level. "Having high self-esteem does not always include making out with your reflection. Okay?"

Ruby sighed, looking down. "Okay."

"Sorry if I'm coming across as a midget escaping a prison with a parachute, but you need to grow out of this. People might think it's weird."

"Okay, I won't do it again."

"And don't worry, Ruby." She ruffled her sister's black hair. "I'm sure you'll find someone real to do that to."

Ruby let out a small laugh. "Maybe someday."

Yang stood back up and exited the room. "Now come on into the kitchen. Weiss just whipped up some hot chocolate."

"Ooh, sounds good!" Ruby said, following her sister. "Wait, 'midget escaping prison with a parachute?'"

"You know, a little con descending," Yang smirked.

"Goshdarnit, Yang!"

Author's Note: And we're done! For real this time. I'm thinking about continuing this concept at some point with select characters from later in the series, but for now, Kiss from a Rose is officially Complete.

Final Tally

Total Kisses: 20

Kisses on the Lips: 17

Kisses on the Forehead: 2

Kisses on the Hand: 1

Initiated by Ruby: 11

Initiated by Secondary Character: 2

Mutual Initiation: 7

Now that your rose is in bloom

A light hits the gloom on the grey

-Seal, "Kiss from a Rose"