4.18 Detour to Patch

It had been an absolutely grueling summer so far. Time had not progressed as had been planned out. As in depth as she could possibly think, every possibility she could predict. All of it was meticulously, methodically and with surgical precision plotted out and addressed. All, but one possibility anyway. Everything had been thrown out to stay in the most rural of locations Weiss could think of. Vacations were canceled, employees and resorts were notified, then it was back to work.

Work she did. Every day, even weekend, from before the sun was fully up to well into the day. It felt odd to commit herself to living in the basics of the world like this. But it had a manner or rewarding hard honest work with just enough to keep somebody interested in resuming the next morning.

After a few months of this boot camp Weiss hardly recognized herself. Not even restricted to sheer physicality, her outlook had also of a sort, changed. She went from being surrounded by servants and having everything prepared for her to just about the exact opposite. The biggest difference was servants were traded for her the presence of her Partner. Her remaining teammates were set to return in the next day or two, and that meant if she wanted a private moment to fulfill the second part of her plan, it had to happen soon.

Thankfully, once again she had it all planned out. Though the wild card remained her girlfriend, she had higher hopes that this plan would not be tossed aside so casually as the one before. One thing that never seemed to change however, was how much her elder sister seemed to pick up on her mindset even through a scroll conversation.

"You appear to be distracted sister, I am curious what could possibly continue to steal your attention so consistently in this manner. This material can't possibly be as boring as board meetings." She chided.

Withholding a sigh Weiss replied "I just have a lot on my mind, I have a big night planed."

Winters eyebrow rising up was noticeable even through the small magnification on the scroll, though she had enough tact not to ask about it… yet.

Taking a deep breath Weiss sat back down noting with pride how much easier it was to move around another days hard work. Ruby had sworn how different she looked, even if Weiss herself had trouble seeing it. What began as a simple goal of not letting Ruby isolate herself in training for a summer turned into one of the most rewarding and challenging tasks she allotted for herself. Once she dove in and really removed any distractions, she didn't even resent it anymore. The best part was finally overcoming plateaus that had long held her back. Most of them mental, but the physical barriers were just as rewarding when conquered. Even if her current plan was the one she had fretted about the most of all these last few months.

"Sorry." The Heiress said once she had regained her focus. Squaring her shoulders and sitting up straight she tried to present a respectable form for her elder… despite her manner of casual dress.

"I can resume then?" Winter stated with a healthy mix of boredom and big sisterly interest.

Weiss nodded and buckled down to finish up this call with ease, she needed all she could muster for her evening plans.

"Well, where was I… I was just mentioning about the fallout from the attack on Mistral I think?"

"Yeah, that's right. Cadian forces arrived not a moments too soon eh? How lucky to arrive with one of the few aerial battleships in the world ready to start blasting away."

Winter nodded and pulled back a report to glance over even as she replied "While that's true even I have to admit the defensive positioning that classmate of yours managed to implement was impressive. He was working with basically no assets and still managed to get the pieces he had into their perfect position. Keeping most of the defenders alive and safeguarding the civilians under those circumstances could not have been easy. That it was done without consistent radio communication borderlines on impossible. General Ironwood himself has said it will stand as a perfect example in military tactics against fixed positional defenses for the next several generations. Believe me when I say the General doesn't say such things often, and never without cause."

Weiss nodded easily. Yes, the Huntsman lead resistance movement was impressive. Taking a bunch of spears and shields against a never ending wave of ever more deadly abominations with virtually no lines of communication outside of The Arc Semblance. Barely any resources for food, water or ammunition and only the barriers they themselves created for more than a day on end with essentially no meaningful chances to rest. Indeed Jaune, well all of them had done extremely well.

"Of course some parts of the Mistrali government were not pleased with the destruction of so many of their standing structures. Many of them had stood for multiple millennia after all, but given the circumstances they have very little room to openly criticize Cadia as a nation."

"Well that's natural, without them virtually the entire civilian population would have been lost. It's not like they had any plan or defensive effort in place themselves. Speaking which?"

Winter had reached for a glass of water when Weiss began speaking, and waited until the cup was placed perfectly back on its holder before responding buying herself a few seconds to think "I did look into that as you requested… I couldn't find definitive proof like you hoped. Doesn't mean it doesn't exist of course, but I did look into it thoroughly."

Weiss nodded subtly. It would not surprise her to learn if her father had some part to play in the Mistral government being so impossibly slow to react to the threat. The old man was as anti-faunus as one could possibly be, but she wouldn't put it past him to have had a hand in the Mistralian Government being completely outmaneuvered and unable to respond to that attack. As long as they survived it would have left a massive need for supplies and personnel for the rebuilding effort. Both of which the Schnee Dust Company was oddly well positioned to offer. But… with this information the likelihood of foul play had been severed.

"It is possible it was just circumstance." Weiss admitted with a slight frown.

Setting the report down again Winter took a moment to consider before commenting "That is what it would seem. In any case Mistral is rebuilding with the help of several businesses and nations. Cadia for the moment has a great deal of goodwill built up amongst the nations of the world and those responsible are about to land to back their northern home. Ironwood still doesn't fully grasp how it all came together, but there you have it. That's all Atlas, or at least the SDC knows about that incident. Your teammate Blake deserves a nod too, getting word out like she did."

Weiss let out a long breath "I agree, she is set to return here in the next couple days. Thank you for looking into that once again."

Nodding gratefully Winter stood and put her hands behind her back "Anything for my baby sister… now, about why you seem so nervous with your big plan tonight? It cannot possibly go more wrong than your supposed vacation plans did."

Weiss chuckled nervously "I will let you know how it goes."

Winter just stood there with that knowing smile glaring into Weiss' soul. "If you say so. I am proud of you, you know. You've done a lot of good over this summer, even if it wasn't what you intended."

Still unsure how to handle her sisters praise Weiss shrugged "It is kind of you to say." She glanced at a nearby clock "I need to let you go now, I have a big plans for tonight, I am out of time."

Winter leaned forward to show her evil grin clearly "Good luck, don't trip over anything-"

Weiss ended the call with a smile, then walked towards the nearby closet muttering.

"Good luck me… I hope tonight goes well." She collected her precious box, then made her exit.

***Nighttime***

"Aww but Weiss! We are missing cookie time!" Somebody who did not need to be identified whined.

Keeping her grip firmly on the others arm the Heiress tried yet again to keep her nerves calm, it was a futile endeavor this night, but she made the attempt anyway.

"We will have plenty of time for cookies Ruby, just be patient for a few minutes please."

Normally Ruby would have been thrilled with some scheming on her partners part, but when it comes into conflict with mommies cookies that's when following instructions gets a bit more difficult.

"Aww fine just cause you asked so nicely…" She sent a warm and extremely charming smile in the direction of her girlfriend… she thought. She couldn't actually be certain at the moment.

"… but really is the blindfold necessary? I can't see where I am going at all."

Weiss smiled slightly. "Well, that rather is the point of a blindfold, right?"

For the next several minutes Ruby struggled along the path set for her by her girlfriend. It was several steps into her journey that a few things couldn't help but be revealed. Firstly that she really should have some idea where she was going. Second, and this was the bigger of the two, that she had no idea what Weiss had planned. It was not the first time that they had went off on their own way for an afternoon or a night to find some private time. Weiss didn't even object after the first incident, but this was the first time that she insisted a Blindfold be involved. Something that found its way onto her face before they even left home.

. . .

Barely without waiting for an 'ok' from her part even come to think of it.

Following their rather abrupt exit despite her vocal complaints, she was actually intrigued. She knew Weiss desired to go on a relaxing summer long vacation of sorts, and ultimately changed those plans to be with her. This might be the rough equivalent of what she can do in her current setting.

Though…

Well… that… that's surprising.

Also very unexpected.

Weiss, was sweating. Well after the sun had gone below the horizon and the temperature had fallen to something much more mild, Weiss' grip was actually completely covered in sweat.

Before a curious Reaper could ask about that particular point a familiar sound clued her in to where they were going.

"You're taking us to the lake?" Ruby asked incredulously.

Well this is interesting… what could she have in mind? If she actually wanted to go swimming there would be no need for the secrecy. It's not like she was wearing a special outfit or anything. Ruby herself was in lounge clothing, just the type of stuff to be relaxing in. She knew Weiss was in a similar outfit, that made the possibility for a sexy swimsuit rather low. Though, well technically Weiss could have it on under her outfit but that… well that doesn't really seem like a Weiss like thing to do.

Besides she ultimately would prefer Weiss naked than in some fancy swimwear.

Weiss's footsteps reaching the short dock produced a very different ring than the dirt, essentially Ruby now knew exactly where they were. Maybe 20 steps later she knew they had reached the end of the dock, thusly Weiss stopped, took a deep breath and seemed to turn around…

…With a fair amount of nervousness to her, if Ruby was forced to guess. Though the why continued to elude her.

"Well here we are." Weiss advertised.

Feigning boredom Ruby took a rather silly pose "Can I take off the blindfold then?"

"Not yet."

Feeling Weiss lean in for a gentle kiss on her lips she whispered "Just play along for a few more minutes, ok?"

Smiling very happily Ruby shrugged easily "For my partner? Anything."

Taking a deep breath the Heiress ruffled around the area for a bit, then -surprising Ruby- drew her sword.

Its bright song seemed to silence the wilderness around them, for the next few heartbeats Ruby was acutely aware of her breathing, and how much her own excitement had seemed to grow. Her heart was hammering away in her chest with barely contacted energy and youthful vigor.

"We are going to be on the honor system for this next step." The Heiress declared.

Ruby grinned innocently.

"So here's the plan… You will keep your eyes closed and not move for about a minute."

Ruby nodded energetically "Ok… and after that?"

Weiss took some quick steps pausing to give her girlfriend a kiss on the cheek "Then… just take off the blindfold and follow the stairs."

"Stairs? What stairs?" A confused Reaper queried.

The only answer that would come, would be a gusty burst of wind and the sound of Weiss rushing off in the grass.

Several seconds into her wait her belly proclaimed its objection to missing out on her favorite food.

'I really hope they leave me some cookies. Mom really does make the best of cookies, none of that raisin junk Beacon slips in too often.'

Somehow that errant thought couldn't help but say hello at this inopportune time.

Completely forgetting the task at hand of counting, Ruby seemingly was bailed out by the Heiresses own plan. Something sounding suspiciously like her semblance triggering and shaping the nearby water into… well something absolutely demanded she remove her blindfold without further delay.

The sight which greeted her caused her to take a sharp breath.

Truly, majestic was the only word she could compose to describe it.

The moon was about as full as a broken one could be and was proudly on display both above the lake and the cliff face above it. Giving off enough light to almost be a sun, though one of a very different shade. Moonlight reflected off the pond perfectly capturing the stars above.

'Weiss is doing that? I've never known the lake to be able to do THAT before.' A confused Reaper pondered.

She might have been right too, as the sound which captured her attention could not be anything else. An elegant stairwell made of water so clear it might as well have been crystal began to form from within the lake itself. Visibly drawing water inwards towards it so as to increase its height. As the seconds stacked up the stairwell was so elegant, so perfectly designed it could have been in the Schnee family manor. Circular in design twirling upwards with a handrail outside end it must traverse all the way to the top of the cliff, possibly even further beyond.

"I hope Weiss doesn't want me to climb this… it has to be slippery." Ruby cautioned placing a hand on the nearest step…

…to discover it was not even flat, Weiss had made the stairs ribbed, giving plenty of surface to safely climb.

"She really did think of everything…" Ruby admitted with a happy smile, then with youthful gusto took off power walking her way up.

Still though… wondrously designed and intriguing this was the Reaper could not help but wonder what was the goal here?

Once again, her girlfriend had the answer. She came to a stop as water was pulled up to create a door, then continued to morph to display a picture at head level. Ruby could only imagine the concentration needed to do this, but hearing her girlfriend speak she couldn't help but focus. The picture was… rather poorly animated as well, but it was the thought that counted.

"We have come a long way you and I." Weiss stated. Ruby believed her voice was somehow being projected through her semblance but… either way it was unmistakably her voice.

The image playing was none other than their first meeting, the infamous 'You made me explode!' moment. Several details were missing from the memory as Ruby remembered it, but she supposed that wasn't the point. The event was essentially unchanged in effect however. A sneeze, an explosion, and a furious Heiress walking from a bewildered Reaper on the ground behind her.

The door faded away revealing more stairs beyond, Ruby energetically went back to the climb. Several more stops presented themselves. But… well the Reaper quickly realized they weren't necessarily from a neutral perspective. They were from Weiss'. One thing which was always constant, was emotion. She caught onto it a few moments into the second such sequence. Whatever Weiss wanted to portray, how much these events came to mean to her was obviously transmitted.

There were moments from their sophomore year when Weiss broke things off, and nearly ruined their friendship. Only for Jaune to step in as he did and give them a chance to reconcile. There was Weiss' failing to keep up in their advanced work and her utter horror that when it mattered, Weiss wouldn't be able to protect what she loves.

'What she loves?! Daww that's adorkable!'

The final set of images was something not all that long ago, when Weiss opened up that box she had kept hidden throughout her stay at the Xiao Long home. Displaying two very gorgeous necklaces and… AND…. A… A Ring!?

"I've been struggling with this for the longest time. Well before I came here and met you all." Weiss was not using her semblance to speak anymore. The stairwell had progressed quite a bit above the cliff and concluded with a simple set of chairs and small desk, again made of the clearest of water. Only the wooden box from before was of a somewhat more mundane make.

Somewhere in the back of her mind Ruby remembered that brief story from earlier in the summer. How much the lake meant to her, and if she could just climb up to the sky she would find what she was looking for.

"I had no concept of friends, of equality amongst students before I came to Beacon." Weiss gestured for the open chair as she spoke sitting down in her own elegantly legs crossed hands on her thighs. She would have looked the perfect part of a high born lady… were she in anything besides the casual clothing from before.

Ruby crossed the distance with a couple long measured steps before sitting elbows on her knees staring at her girlfriend. One hand was kept behind her hip gripping her sword with a somewhat bright glow, clearly maintaining whatever glyph Weiss came up with to manifest all this even now.

"I cannot even put into words how much I have grown in my time at Beacon, how much I have come to appreciate my time at the school. It has been without a doubt the second best thing to happen to me. Not only did I find friends, I found a meaning to life. I found a sisterhood, I found people who would go out of their way for me, not because they worked for me but because they cared for me. For so much of my life I was simply the Schnee heiress, I had a great deal of power destined for me in my future. There was no shortage of people who were polite to me simply due to that fact alone."

She took a deep breath keeping her gaze on her girlfriend.

"At school, I have found friends. Allies who would stand with me against anything. In you, Ruby Rose. I have found everything I've ever wanted. A companion to be with, who understands why I must become a Huntress. Somebody who doesn't mind and even adores my rather prissy side… I really could go on and on. You bring out the best of me Ruby."

Ruby's mind must have clunked in neutral when Weiss reached for the open box and pulled out the jewelry. The two necklaces were utterly gorgeous and probably worth more than the entire property she lived on. An utterly huge gem dominated a circular center with a thick ring of gold laced with diamonds carried with a thin golden chain, they literally glittered in the moonlight as if they had a mind of their own. The only difference between them was the center gem. One was a very pretty blue with a deep red heart, the other red or… dare she think, ruby, colored with that same shade of blue at its center.

"I had these made for us some time ago… waiting for the best time to give you yours." The Heiress said offering the necklace with the blue hued core keeping the necklace with the red heart for herself.

"Why two? Is this some Schnee tradition I don't know about?" The Reaper asked.

Weiss smiled and shook her head "No, not beyond simply wanting us to wear matching necklaces."

Tentatively Ruby gripped the chain finding the gem heavier than she expected "Thank you, seriously this is gorgeous. I don't think I've seen anything so expensive much less held it in my hand."

"You clearly haven't recognized my hair at the start of the school year then." Weiss stated flatly.

Ruby was studying the necklace so intently it took her a few seconds before she snorted.

"A joke?! You? Weiss Schnee just made a joke?! Now of all times?!"

Weiss smiled very superiorly "Well, it's hard to be blessed with exquisite looks AND a superb sense of humor but somehow I get by."

With another snort Ruby through the chain over her neck proudly. Weiss did the same, seeming very relived at this juncture. Hanging perfectly just below the base of her neck.

"Isn't this a dangerous place to bring those things Weiss? I mean, gold doesn't react well with water."

Weiss waved her concern off with her free hand "Believe me the metal's and gems have been prepared for anything nature can throw at it. It is probably more sturdy than your sisters Bike."

Ruby smiled again shaking side to side briefly, when Weiss once again reached for the box.

"Ruby… I have a very important question to ask you tonight." Ruby stopped mid shake and looked at the ring being pulled out.

"I want you, to-"

"Wait a sec! Hold that thought!" The Reaper cut in with a finger over the Heiresses lips before essentially becoming a red tornado and zooming her way down the stairs, back towards the house, then back towards the lake and up the stairwell again leaving a trail of dust and upturned objects in her wake.

She reappeared roughly in the same spot as she was before, though this time, holding a ring of her own.

"See? Great minds think alike!" Sitting tentatively with their heads resting forehead to forehead.

"You… you were going to ask me as well?!" Weiss stuttered somewhat speechless.

Appearing the epitome of youthful energy via her closed eyed smile Ruby proudly broadcast "Yup! Was just waiting for the right time to ask. Something always seemed to come up."

"Well that hardly seems fair! I was going to ask you now!" Weiss objected only partially annoyed by the delay.

Ruby couldn't help but make the equivalent of a 'Tee hee hee!' as she leaned forward more.

"We could both ask at the same time. You know, compromise." She suggested.

Weiss briefly considered the possibilities when she came to a conclusion, and took up Ruby's hand sliding the ring on easily. The Reaper paused for a moment to study how the ring looked on her hand briefly. Made mostly of gold with several rubies dotting the ring in a circular pattern around a rather gigantic diamond, it seemed extremely expensive. Much more so than Ruby herself would have asked for, but she had to admit, she loved it.

After she had studied it for a few heartbeats Ruby repeated the gesture with her own offering. Much more mundane compared to Weiss', it was none the less a gorgeous band. Mostly silver with a single blue diamond as the centerpiece. Weiss couldn't think of any change if she herself had selected the ring.

"So… on the count of 3?" Weiss asked with a slight lump in her throat.

Though instead of saying the words, Ruby leaned in for a kiss…

… a kiss that was vigorously returned, after the briefest of delays.

"Ruby you really shouldn't be kissing me right now!" Weiss warned, not so sternly as to stop though.

Ruby ignored the warning, filled with passion and love were they, so much so that when right when the heat between them had reached their peak and their breath was at its shortest…

The tower vanished.

"WAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Ruby screamed suddenly falling towards the lake.

"You dolt! I told you not to kiss me!" Weiss scolded just seconds before they both splashed down below.

It didn't take them long to get back to the surface and swim their way to the dock pulling themselves up to sit on the ledge. Ruby did manage to arrive a handful of seconds before her partner. For reasons she couldn't explain even if she wanted too Ruby just could not stop laughing. Not trying to hide her smugness at being able to cause Weiss to lose her concentration mixed with her own happiness seemed to make something of a perfect storm for laughter.

She might have been able to make a somewhat collected attempt at getting her laughter under control if Weiss didn't emerge from the lake with the most flat semi annoyed look Ruby had ever seen. In other words, extremely adorable.

With a slight grumble Weiss found a spot right besides her partner and began the task of wringing her hair dry.

Some minutes later when Weiss deemed her task completed Ruby succeeded in returning to something more normal. Unable to help herself she reached her hand out and placed it right on top of her partners hand.

With a sigh Weiss leaned to rest her head on the others shoulder. "I DID warn you against kissing me Ruby."

Ruby giggled "Sure, you absolutely did. I couldn't help myself."

Content with quiet companionship they simply sat there, their feet splashing around in the lake, the sounds of the wilderness eventually resumed leaving the two women with a rather serene moment.

"It was magical Weiss." Ruby commented.

Weiss slightly repositioned her head while stating "Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed it. It took a great deal of concentration to get water to align that way."

Feeling energetic again Ruby blurted out "But it wasn't just the water! It was the design! The color even the little motion pictographs were well done! It must have taken an age to plan all that out! All just to ask little old me to marry you!"

Weiss chuckled "There was nothing irrelevant about it at all Ruby, it meant a great deal to me to get it right."

With a bright smile Ruby planted a kiss on her now fiancé pleased that the other kissed back easily "It was perfect Weiss. I can't imagine anything better."

Weiss smiled back gratefully but otherwise turned back towards the lake.

"I couldn't ask for a better life-mate." She said after a time.

With a light squeeze Ruby let herself go flat to the dock deciding she wanted to study her ring and necklace a bit more. After a few minutes Weiss joined her.

"I do admit I feel somewhat guilty. You could probably have bought a country with all this. My ring was somewhat plain by comparison."

Weiss waved her hand away "Don't let that bother you in the slightest. I love the ring, it is perfect."

Sending another smile her way Ruby just put her hands behind her head and admired the stars. Very rarely did either of them actually have the time to just relax like this.

"Thank you for tonight Weiss, it was perfect. If I didn't know better id say you have learned to control the weather. It is a gorgeous night."

With a somewhat surprising snort Weiss admitted "Well if I could control the weather believe me I would have… but you are right, tonight it would not have been necessary."

When they deemed it late to the point they needed to head back inside Ruby couldn't help but point something out.

"You know of course this means you technically are sisters with Yang."

Weiss scoffed "Ugh… yeah the big oaf isn't ever going to let me hear the end of it? When she gets back home she will almost assuredly, as you might say 'Flip-Out'. We should be ready for that."

With a shrug Ruby took Weiss' hand and began to walk back to the house "Thankfully we are already well prepared for that right? This just means when they do find us, we have a bit more ammunition now right?"

Weiss smiled somewhat sinisterly "That… friend of my heart, is a brilliant notion. Ohhh I can't wait to see the look on her face when she sees the rings on our fingers."

Sharing a meaningful glance Ruby gave Weiss yet another kiss before opening the door "Somehow I think, she will take this well. Either way though, it should be an entertaining afternoon. Now… let's hope my mother lets us get some rest tonight. We have another early day tomorrow."

***Arriving at the scene of the crime***

Blake had to admit, she wasn't sure about Bumblebee at first. The bike -while well made- was a loud, noisy and in some cases, smelly thing that wasn't even the most comfortable of things to ride around in. All that counted doubly so in the desert without much protection from the elements. The sand, the sun constantly bearing down on you, it made the bike work uphill to earn any points from her.

It might be benefiting from events outside of its domain, but since they returned to Patch the night before several circumstances had changed. She and the Fang were no longer sworn enemies. She did the best she could to prevent a massacre in Mistral. What's more, both events worked out in the end. Without that on her mind she could just enjoy the downtime.

Returning to a more moderate climate didn't hurt either.

Enjoying the feeling of companionship, her arms around her girlfriends waist and the wind her in hair, she couldn't help but smile behind her mask. No longer needed for protection from the sand, but it still made conversation easier. Thus they progressed at a slightly hasty pace. Weaving along the road progressing towards the rural area that was their destination.

"It will be good to be home." Yang's voice broadcast through her mask.

With a chuckle Blake couldn't help but agree "I think we have earned a few weeks off. That's for damn sure."

Yang scoffed "I don't know exactly how much time we will have off."

Withholding a sigh Blake gripped down a bit tighter "C'mon Yang I know you were sneezing a bunch but that doesn't mean anything foul was afoot."

Yang's objection was clear despite not seeing her face, Blake had little difficulty picturing it "Blakey, I'm telling you. My big sister senses are unassailable. SOMETHING was going on here the last couple days. I am completely certain of that. Those girls have a great deal to answer for."

Blake would have facepalmed if she wasn't bound to Yang for stability. Naturally her partner was referencing their destruction of her precious bra collection. Yang to this moment was positive that did in fact take place. Blake was upwards of 90% sure it was nothing but a well executed prank. Even so, Yang would need to see for her own eyes the truth of the matter. The cat-girl couldn't actually picture a scenario where her teammates were so foolish enough to actually destroy Yang's precious bra collectables... but either way. The truth would be revealed in a few hours.

They would be returning to the Xiao long home in the evening, just in time for dinner. Food always perked the two traveling companions up in a way that was almost comical. Even so, it wasn't the only thing the Brawler had on her mind.

"I can't help but keep thinking about those sneezes! It was like 17 in a row, I've never done that before I can only imagine what was actually going on! I swear if Weiss broke up with Ruby, AGAIN, I will send that girl back to Atlas via a paddleboat." she vowed.

Shaking her head Blake retorted "Come now Yang, it was just the pollen in the air-"

"No! No it was not! I admit I don't know what it was, but it was something big and I'd wager nothing good will come of it. Trust me on this, my sisterly senses are never wrong." Yang actually took a hand off the handlebar to shake a fist to the sky here.

With a happy laugh Blake pulled herself tighter and commented "Well there's a first time for everything and that includes being wrong. Weiss has a temper when she's pissed off sure, but I'm pretty sure Ruby would stop her from anything that would cause a grudge between you two."

"True that may be Blakey, Ruby is also very bribable. If you're trying to bribe a dog, you bring a burger. If you're trying to bribe a cat, you bring a ball of yarn and if you're trying to bribe a Ruby, you bring a cookie… or maybe 12. It could have happened before Ruby came down from her cookie high."

With another shake of her head Blake relented… Yang just couldn't seem to let this go.

"We will see soon enough." She stated with a slightly sadistic grin.

Thus with the setting sun behind them they sped on towards their destination.

***Soon Enough***

Blake was just getting comfy resting on Yang's back when the Brawler declared "Ok we are getting close. Set your scroll to record, I want a video of this to show future generations what sisters should not do to bra collections."

Extending her arms above her head stretching her back Blake looked very much like a cat as she lazily muttered "Why not just record it yourself then?"

"Several reasons! Chiefly among them I can't strangle somebody when one of my hands is on a scroll."

Blake very much doubted that but none the less she did as requested. She put her scroll on a band around her neck resting on her chest pointing outwards. Everything she points at, her scroll will see.

"You don't necessarily need both hands for that, but very well." She said with several bored vibes echoing through her scroll.

"I see you are still in doubt. Rest assured Blakey I have a 6th sense for such things. They were up to no good, I know it. Now we just need to capture the evidence."

Yang really did sound at least part raving lunatic to Blake's ears at this point but… well there was little to be done but allow the event to unfold.

It was only a few more minutes later when the Xiao Long home came into view. Yang parked Bumblebee outside the large barn like structure where the record of the cabinet being set alight took place.

"So we arrive at the scene of the crime! I doubt we will find anything so obvious after so many weeks BUT we would be foolish not to look!" Yang declared walking confidently up towards the doors. With a two armed push she sent both doors swinging open… then froze.

The bars the girls would use to exercise with was of course clear and well taken care of. The sides of the barn however was like a graveyard for cabinets. There had to be at least 10, if not a couple dozen of her precious cabinet littered all over the sides. Most of them in various states of assembly. Some missing a right side here, others where the left side was poorly assembled, with others the backs were just done poorly.

Finally regaining some degree of motion control Yang absentmindedly pointed at the piles of wood muttering to herself as if she was extremely confused.

"I ugh, er… da… wha…. who…. what… what exactly am… what are we looking at here?" She demanded still clearly baffled.

Walking up to one of the piles Blake tossed out a few guessed "Seeing as your forcing me to guess, I would say either both Ruby and Weiss are terrible at assembling the things and they failed more than a dozen times… or maybe they were using them for training or… maybe even sorted for firewood. I dunno." It took a fair bit of control, but Blake kept her smile in check, she suspected they were just beginning to experience the prank left behind by their teammates.

"It's like…a graveyard for bra cabinets! Those monsters!" Yang exclaimed.

"Yang! Relax will you they clearly cant all have been your cabinets! I told you this was all a prank." Blake stated with a hand over her face.

"They carried one from the house down here Blake! We saw a record of it! I wager they were trying to build another one and buy all my bra's from scratch hoping I wouldn't tell the difference!" She crowed.

With a sigh Blake just walked back to the barn doors.

"This must have cost a fortune how could Ruby even afford all this?" Yang demanded clearly still not in her right mind.

"One word… Weiss, Yangy, Weiss could have bought 100 of those cabinets with the change out of her pocket." Blake stated easily.

Yang seemed to calm down slightly taking a few deep breaths, leaving Blake plenty of time to ponder just how much she was bothered by what happened. Underwear must be nearly as sacred as hair to this girl. She clearly isn't thinking clearly at present.

"Shall we continue to the house?" She asked.

Twitching slightly at the question the blond girl finally pulled herself up straight again walking towards her partner. "Ok… let's see what more depravity they have in store for us."

"Oh… the horror…" The cat-girl sarcastically agreed.

Walking up the path towards the house once again the partners reached the house door. Yang halfway expected to find the pair on the living room sofa enjoying some food… That turned out to be untrue.

Opening the door Yang tentatively said "Hello? Anybody home?"

"Hi Honey! I'm in the kitchen!" Summer broadcast cheerfully.

"Hey Aunt Summer! Wonderful to see you again!" Yang stated moving forward quickly to embrace in a hug.

Blake watched happily from the doorway her scroll still working away capturing the scene. Noting that mid hug Yang looked off to the side and seemed to gawk at her room. After walking closer Blake understood, her precious bra cabinet was untouched. Left right where she left it.

"I tried to talk em out of it, they insisted on their joke anyway." Summer declared with a Ruby level sweet smile.

Yang's mouth fell open pointing again at the cabinet. Walking reverently up towards it she put her torso on its back as one might a bed "Your safe! I was so worried!" She exclaimed.

"Sorry, she is a bit loony right now." Blake stated indicating her girlfriend.

Summer waved it off "Oh, it's quite ok. Yang has always been a bit attached to her underwear."

'That's an understatement if I ever heard one….'

After opening the drawers and verifying her precious collection Yang seemed a bit more controlled.

"Ok… so Ruby didn't go and do it after all. I was still sneezing like a maniac the other day! SOMETHING happened I know it!" She attested.

Summer practically beamed "Oh! She has something important to tell you! She's out by the Lake with her girlfriend! You should go see them right away!"

Yang's gaze went back to all business and sternly exited finally having a destination in mind.

Following her girlfriend out the door Blake couldn't help but chirp "You know, if you went birdy on them you could spy what they were up too without them knowing. I doubt they could pick you out of all the other birds out around here."

Yang seemed to seriously consider briefly before shaking her head rather vigorously. "Nah, I will find out what I need to without resorting to such trickery. If I know Ruby she won't be able to keep a straight face soon as the questions begin and will bare her soul to me without any further prompting."

Their teammates came into view shortly thereafter. They had setup a rather large umbrella on the lake's shoreline along with a couple rather comfy on appearance lounge chairs, which they currently occupied. One seemed oriented towards the lake, the other away from the lake. Either way, they were obviously holding hands. Such depravity.

Much to her shock Ruby had really transformed herself over the summer. The rumors of her mom putting her on a limited cookie diet is really paying dividends. She looked in nearly as good of shape as Katherine did, there was no flab to be found on her anywhere. Even Weiss had undergone some seriously changes. Previously Yang described her as a bit of a marshmallow… but… well that was not the case now. The girl finally completely looked the part of an athletic Beacon student now. Even so! She couldn't talk about that, not just yet. The Brawler was a woman on a mission! Finally her chance arrived.

Broadcasting her voice easily towards them Yang pull her hands to her mouth and somewhat shouted "Hey there! Not going to welcome your sister back with open arms?!"

Yang was pleased by Rubies rapid feet movement, her arms extending towards her while moving her feet up and down in rapid succession was so very 'Ruby' it never got old to witness.

"YANG! Blake! Good to see you both back safe and sound!" She trumpeted with typical youthful cheer…. though she didn't break her grip on Weiss' hand.

Weiss turned towards the new arrivals and gave a polite nod "Welcome home you two…" She looked around briefly. "I don't see either Qrow or Taiyang around. Did they not arrive home with you?"

Blake shook her head while Yang answered "Qrow went to stop by Beacon… apparently he had a meeting with Ozpin he couldn't put off any longer. Tai decided to visit Vale with him. They would be returning soon, just taking a later flight than Blakey and I."

Weiss nodded without any other answer.

Yang stood confidently in front of her sister hands on her hips, cocky smile on her lips and asked "So… I have to say, the oddest thing happened to me the other day Rubes. I was waiting for our plane to take off when I started to sneeze uncontrollably! IT was horrible I almost felt they would toss me off the plane out of fear I carried some horrible disease! I know you were up to some shenanigans."

Ruby seemed to be actually giving off a completely innocent look, but paid attention none the less.

Yang orated rather dramatically further with "I found your cabinet graveyard, so clearly you were up to no good at some point. But this was very recent. Clearly you are trying to out prank the prank master herself! So fess up! What evil deeds do you have planned?"

Their teammates shared a very obvious… and eerily affectionate glance.

"Well truth be told, the 'shenanigans' took place the night before last." Weiss admitted with a coy smile.

Sensing her moment Yang pounced on the admission.

"AH-HA! Finally to the heart of the matter so you finally admit to it! Do either of you care to…" Yang froze, her gaze fixated on Ruby's neck.

"Where did you get that necklace that is absolutely gorgeous." She stated slightly stunned.

Ruby pushed her chest out, evidently very proud to show it off. "You like? Weiss gave it to me! We have matching jewelry now!"

Appearing extremely smug posh Weiss reappeared from years past by stating "I waited until an opportune moment, the best I possibly could before giving it to her. A couple nights ago was the perfect moment. Only difference is Ruby's is red like her hair, mine is blue."

"Those are gorgeous Weiss, nice work with picking them out." Blake praised.

Weiss shrugged in good nature "I give all credit to the artist, I just presented the idea to her. She made it come to life. The Manaforge filled the order some months ago."

Not finding anything really damning in that Yang moved on "You held them for months? What was the occasion I -!" She seemed to freeze randomly in place, her gaze swapping rapidly before each of their hands.

Without warning Yang leaned forward nearly knocking both girls out of their seats and sending the umbrella craning to the ground.

"You oaf!" Weiss complained trying to maintain her balance.

"But Yang! We were comfortable!" Ruby whined.

A ring… my sister is wearing a ring. My sister is wearing a ring that looks expensive enough to buy this entire island… Bzzt bzzzt.

Holding her somewhat awkward position Yang… well… seemed a bit broke.

"Oh… My… Gosh… By the Broken moon you two are engaged! Weiss proposed! Oh that's wonderful!" The Cat-Girl beamed happily.

"Technically-" Ruby began.

"We both came to the same conclusion, but I was the one to ask first, yes." Weiss proudly stated.

"My… baby… my baby sis…. my baby sister… is engaged?!" Yang managed to say.

The two girls both raised their hands to show off the metallic bands "Yup!" They said in unison.

They waited several moments for some witty comment from the Brawler… but it seemed the best she could do was maintain her balance and blink.

"What's wrong Xiao Long? Cat gotcha tongue?" Weiss asked with a confident smirk.

Ruby poked her sister in the forehead a few times before declaring " appears to be broken. I don't know how to go about restarting her… any ideas?"

Blake chuckled walking forwards slowly "Congratulations, I am happy for you both. About my partner…" She paused to think, then leaned in close to whisper quietly "I think it's time to try on that new lingerie from Menagerie. You agree?"

Yang, still stunned, just seemed capable of nodding before being lead away by her partner. Once they disappeared inside the house Ruby and Weiss stood up and straightened up their area, setting the umbrella upright again before making each other a drink. Sitting down again a chink echoed when they touched their cups together with a silent toast.

"Well, that went smooth. At some point tonight she will probably realize what happened here. We will likely need to say that all over again." Ruby pointed out with a smile.

Leaning in for a soft kiss Weiss declared "Either way, it will be something worth telling as many times as we need too."

With a chuckle Ruby nodded "Well, that's good. Cause once Qrow and Tai get back… well I think the interrogation mom gave us might seem small by comparison."

"Winter too, I will have to tell her at some point. And my dad… I have no idea how he will react."

Reaching for each other's hand Ruby stated "We will face it together, and we will overcome anything, as long as we face it together."

"You know, seeing you say that, I think you believe it." Weiss commented with a smirk.

With another gentle kiss Ruby commented "Well, that's because I do."

"Good enough for me."

"I HAVE YET TO INTERROGATE YOU TWO! I KNOW YOU ARE KISSING! I HAVE NOT GRANTED PERMISSION FOR THAT YET!" Yang shouted from… wherever she was.

"Well, that was quick." Ruby stated evenly.

A/N Sorry for the extreme delay between chapters. Life has not been very kind to me these last few months. It has been difficult to be able to focus on writing. Thankfully I think the worst is behind me, and I believe I will be able to get chapters out at a more normal pace now. At least, that's the hope.

Thank you for those who have been patient, I am in this for the long haul, I do intend to finish this story, no matter how long it may take me.

Please let me know your thoughts, or drop me a line if you just want to chat. Until next time

-Sean.