This is the climax and resolution y'all! As an apology for making everyone wait so long!

Back from the dead yall! How's it going everyone? I haven't updated a RWBY anything in an actual year. I have actually been pretty busy with work and real life. Covid didn't impact my work schedule at all so it's been essentially business as usual for me. Anyway, I've got some time off now and was reading through this story again. For the most part I've been happy with how it's been going but reading it as a whole I've seen some inconsistencies that I feel need to be addressed.

1: Ruby was in fact in a relationship. After everything she went through because of it and the hurt it caused her, she didn't want to remember it. She wasn't just lying to her sister when she said she'd "never dated anyone" but was trying to lie to herself. I did plan for that to be lie when I wrote it, but it's clear I never addressed it.

2: How Ruby had teased Blake in a fairly cruel way, flirting with her, despite having no real interest in pursuing a relationship. I feel I need to address Ruby's intentions behind her words more than I did. Ruby saw Blake as just another girl after her name and name alone. Besides that, with her being the dense person she is, and her own insecurities about her actions, she never believed anyone could harbor genuine feeling for her. Because of this she believed she was just doing some harmless teasing and didn't think Blake was being serious or honest with her responses.

Those were the biggest problems I noted with my story beside some minor grammatical errors. Anyway, you guys have waited long enough for this, so this is gonna be long one. This is the wrap to the big plot points. There's still gonna be like 3-5 chapters of fluff and continuation, but anymore and I feel like I'm pulling plot out of my ass just to extend it, and that's lazy. Enjoy!

RWBY is owned by Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum (RIP) Please support the official release.

"To be honest, I'm sad the night has to end. If you would be so kind, I wouldn't be opposed to you staying over tonight. I would very much enjoy your company."

"Winter, I had a lovely time, really, but you know I can't do that."

Dejectedly the snow haired beauty tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her eyes shifted from side to side thinking of how she could convince the famed reaper to stay. An idea popped into her mind, slowly she reached to the buttons on her blouse, looking into Ruby's sharp silver eyes, as trained hands slowly and seductively un-anchored the button from the clasp of the shirt. Then the next one down, and the next one.

"W-Winter?! What are you doing?" a light dusting of red tinted the space under her silver pools.

"Ruby, I'm just getting more comfortable. Although I could use some help getting the rest of it off. Along with a few other choice articles. However, I would like it if you would come inside to help me." Her tongue dragged across her top lip as she spoke. Her dark glossy lipstick not needing the added affect.

"Are you being serious right now?" Ruby's tone was playful with a hint of excitement.

"Of course. My bed has been oh so spacious without you in it. I'm hoping you can permanently fill such a vacancy." Heels clacked twice against the sidewalk pavement. Two steps was all it took to close the distance between her and the haunting girl in red.

Ruby's face was inches from the snow princess openly exposed and bountiful cleavage. She couldn't help but to glance at the familiar mounds. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves, too deep. Lavender filled her senses and accented the beauty of the woman in front of her. The oh so tempting woman in white. And, is that a hint of . . . roses.

"I think the scents mix well together. Gently colliding to create something uniquely profound and breathtaking." The eldest Schnee took another step, trying to close the gap and seal the deal. Until soft strong hands grabbed the sides of both of her arms.

"This is it, I've won. Now to claim my victory kiss." Winter thought to herself. Until the foreign hands on her pushed her away.

"Wha- Ruby?" Her voice oozed concern and fear. Leaking out like thick sap from a freshly cut young maple.

"I can't believe you would go this far Winter." There was no emotion behind her speech. Just empty hollow words. She sounded defeated.

"I'm sorry! I didn't- I just got carried away and-"

"After I told you how this would be. How this kind of thing between us had to stop. I told you I wouldn't sleep with you. I wouldn't take advantage of those feelings."

"You aren't taking advantage of me. I-I want this. I want you!" Winter had never been so panicked and lost for words, not since living at her father's home.

"I know. I just never thought you wouldn't extend the same courtesy to me."

"What-What do you mean Ruby?"

"Have you thought about how I felt this whole time? The guilt from using you after learning about your feelings. I'm here now because of how important you are to me Winter. You've been my friend longer than anyone else and been through some of the worst parts of my life with me. That alone means the world to me. You're my best friend. I've tried so hard to start fresh with you, to see you in a romantic light so that a relationship not based on physical intimacy has a chance. But, after two dates, you try to get me to crawl in bed with you? Is sex the only thing you've really been after?"

"Ruby! How could you say that?! This is a natural part of wanting to be close to someone! Don't tell me Blake hasn't tried to get you in bed!" Tears threatened to spill as her voice became heated and broken.

"She hasn't, not even once! Matter of fact, even though she feels that she desperately has to catch up to you she hasn't once tried catch up like that!" Ruby was quickly reaching her boiling point.

"She does need to catch up! I know you better! I've been with you through everything! I know what you've done, and I understand it and share the weight! That filthy Faunas, doesn't even know the things you've done!"

"Did. . . did you really just call her that? I thought you were better than that. So, you think my actions are horrible too? You know, I did tell Blake some of the things I've done, she accepted me despite them. Even told me it made me seem more human. That was a first for me. Is that- is that how you really feel Winter? Do I look like a monster to you?" Gone was the anger, all that was left was a shattered heart, a nearly broken soul. Drained from the one betrayal she never expected.

"Oh my gosh! Ruby! No! I-I-I just- I was angry! I didn't-I didn't mean it! I have no idea where that came from-I was just so scared, and angry and-"

"I think I need some time Winter. You're my best friend, but please, just. I'll call you when I'm ready to talk. Please." She didn't wait for a response as she quietly walked away. Each step left her entire body feeling heavier and heavier. A familiar and eerie static climbed from her toes up to her eyes, her whole body was hot, her breathing became rapid and sporadic, until everything boiled over and her slow walk turned into a jog then to a run and finally, a rabid sprint.

Monday morning, classes as usual. The WBY team awoke normally, however, not before long noticing the absence of an abundant bubbly personality.

"You don't think she stayed the night at Winter's, do you?" If not for the bow restricting movement, cat ears would be flat against her skull.

"What? No, Blake. No. I know my sister, she wouldn't do something like that. Although I didn't think she would do that kind of thing in the first place." Yang tried to reassure her friend.

"Not making me feel better you know. . "

"Relax. I'm sure you can ask her about it after class. We do have Grimm studies first, and she still has a job to do." The team rationalist and middle child to the Schnee fortune spoke while walking with her friends.

"Thanks Weiss, I appreciate a voice of reason right now. I'm scared of what she'll tell me though." Blake perked up slightly hearing her friend's words.

"You know Weiss, I figured you'd be more on bored with calling the legendary Huntress Ruby Rose your sister-in-law." Yang spoke trying to lighten the mood.

"Still not helping." Blake tried to sidebar.

"Oh, I've given it a lot of thought, and wouldn't that make you my sister-in-law too?"

"Oh yeah! I'm not sure how that would work so, maybe?"

"Yup, the risk is too great. Team Ladybug all the way."

"I'm hurt, I'm stricken, oh how you wound me so my dear icy comrade. Even if the prize is Ruby Rose, the penalty of Yang Xiao-Long is just too much for you?" Overly dramatic and poor acting skills did not make for an amusing or comedic dialogue.

"Two things. I'm positive you didn't know at least 30 percent of the words you just said, and second, yes. Yes, the price is too steep even for a Schnee's bank account."

The three shared a warm laugh before opening the door to Professor Port's classroom and quickly finding their seats. For one of the three class couldn't start soon enough.

When the door finally opened instead of the dark-haired girl with a claim to fame walking in a familiar bespectacled headmaster walked in. Setting his coffee mug on the desk he turned to address the class.

"I know you students were expecting Ruby Rose, but unfortunately urgent matters kept her from attending today. As such I'll be teaching your class today. Hopefully, it will only be today."

Class dragged on far longer than any of the girls wanted. Ozpin repeatedly would fumble through the text-book, clearly out of practice. The entire class, Blake was filled with questions and concern.

"Where is Ruby? She would have said something if she suddenly had to take off right? She wouldn't just leave like that, right? Or do I really mean so little to her? Maybe she's just sleeping everything off? No no no, the thought that she's still asleep at Winters hotel is even scarier. Oh god, I'm a mess. I have to talk to Headmaster Ozpin after class. He'll know what's going on."

Blake relentlessly tried to distract herself all class, to no avail. Luckily as she was close to completely losing it, she heard the first words she had all class.

"All right, you're all dismissed. Hopefully Miss Rose will be back tomorrow."

Blake glanced to her team as they nodded at her. Clearly having the same idea of asking Ozpin what was going on with the red reaper. The class slowly trickled out, leaving the three girls in their seats. Oz quickly noticed them before they could even speak.

"Before you ask, I have no idea where she is. I was going to ask you three to stay after and ask if you knew anything." He picked up his coffee and took a drink. For the first time they'd heard him speak, his words conveyed slight concern.

"We wouldn't have stayed after to ask you if we knew anything. No call, no missions taken, nothing?" Yang was now clearly worried, weather for her sister, or the team Faunus, who could say.

"Nothing. Do you girls know if she did anything last night? I tried calling her, but it goes to voicemail without ringing." Ozpin informed the girls.

"Well, she had a date with my sister. But surely, she wouldn't have missed today without notice right? She's a professional." Weiss was the only one to not hesitate on giving the famed huntress's private rendezvous.

"No, Miss Rose, in all the time I've known her has taken every assignment, no matter how small or trivial, seriously. Would you mind giving your sister a call Miss Schnee, I would like to know Miss Rose is at the very least, safe."

"Of course sir." She pulled out her phone, easily finding Winter in her contacts of 6 total people. Without question she called. The first time, no one answered. She quickly hit redial and heard the line pickup.

"Hello?" Tired and sickly the voice on the other line answered.

"Winter? It's Weiss. You don't sound so good." New concern for her sister took precedent over the situation.

"I'm fine, well, physically anyway."

"Good. Actually I was calling to ask if Ruby is with you?"

"No, she's not with me. She- Did she not come back to Beacon last night?"

"No, she was supposed to teach class, but Headmaster Ozpin hadn't heard from her. Did something happen?"

"I-I messed up bad Weiss. I said. . . a lot of things I shouldn't. She left me on the sidewalk in front of my hotel. I hurt her Weiss, I said things I cant take back." Her voice was rising in pitch and quickly breaking. Clearly something happened.

Before Weiss could respond, Blake snatched the phone from her grasp.

"Winter, do you know where she might have gone?"

"Blake? I'm sorry I don't have the faintest idea. And- I'm sorry. I said some rather unbecoming things of you last night to Ruby. I really- I really pushed her over the edge. Forget a relationship, I don't know how I can possibly salvage this friendship." As the words left her mouth, her voice stuttered and broke apart until the dam holding her tears in burst for the countless time.

"It's ok Winter. . . I just need to know that Ruby is ok. I hope you're ok too. When we find her we'll let you know. I've got your back in trying to fix this. Whatever was said, Ruby will forgive you. I know what you mean to her." Blake wouldn't let her newest friend down. The few she had, she cherished.

"Thank you Blake, I really don't deserve it though. I called you a filthy Faunus while arguing with Ruby. I tried to take advantage of her, and get her to stay the night. . . Why would I do that? I-I'm not sure of my own feeling anymore." Sniffles accompanied the seemingly broken woman's voice.

"I. . cant pretend that doesn't hurt my feelings, but if your own sister is to go by, I know that you didn't mean it. I guess Schnee's say similar things when they're angry. How did you even know I was a Faunus?"

"Haha, please dear, you're not hiding it from anyone smart enough to look. I don't know anyone who wears a bow like you do, and frankly I've seen it twitch. I'm . . . truly sorry Blake, I guess a part of my father came out." Winter was finding that talking to Blake and coming clean was giving her some comfort.

"I forgive you. If you were a bad person Ruby wouldn't have been friends with you in the first place."

"Thank you, Blake. And before you go, can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Take care of her for me? I don't have the right to love her like that after what I said. I would simply like to remain her friend and be happy she found someone who can give her a little peace." The tears slowed.

"Are you sure? You have the right to chase your own happiness you know."

"Thank you again, but after last night I'm questioning my own feelings. The only thing I truly know is that I want Ruby to be happy, in the same way I want Weiss to be happy. So please, find her."

"I promise you Winter, I'll find her."

The first thing she noticed was her pounding headache. Like her head was trapped under a hydraulic press or under a goliath's heel. Her eyes opened to an eerily familiar scenery. The window to her left with familiar curtains blocking the sun. The familiar red pillow that lie beneath her head. The familiar wooden nightstand with a lamp that she had awoken to far too many times. The familiar identical twin bed, with a familiar orange pillow, on the other side of her nightstand. Looking forward she noticed the familiar bookshelf and all the books and Grimm figures she had grown accustom to growing up.

"I'm home?" As she spoke the door opened. Tai.

"Your up!" Tai sounded relieved. He was holding a tray of breakfast with what looked like a cup of coffee. Chocolate chip waffles, two eggs, scrambled, and sausage links. Her favorite.

"You remembered?" She spoke without thinking.

"Of course, I'd never forget my eldest daughters eating habits. No cookies this time though." Taiyang Xiao-Long was known for many things. An accomplished hunter, a father of two, a teacher. But, the thing Ruby believed to be the best thing about him was his overwhelmingly warm smile. The one that seemed to push away the cold in her heart. A smile that told her that everything would be okay.

She quickly averted her eyes. Looking away from her father in shame. He'd seen her after all, cleaning a slimy red liquid that was unmistakable to any huntsmen worth their salt.

Tai sat the tray down on the nightstand and pulled up a chair to her bed side. The way the legs thudded against the wooden floor was one of the scariest sounds Ruby had heard in her entire life. Louder than a goliath's roar, more piercing than a screech from a nevermore. Grimm she could handle, cull them and the problem goes away. But, how do you deal with telling your Dad you're a murderer?

"I found you passed out against the door last night. Heard a loud thud, opened the door and you just fell right in. Scared me nearly to death. You never even made a peep. I had to check if you were even breathing. Haha gave me quite the scare last night. You didn't look injured, so I figured you were just exhausted."

She couldn't bring herself to look in his direction, never mind responding. Taiyang didn't wait for a response and just kept talking.

"I kept your room just how you and Yang left it. Just in case either of you ever stopped by, I wanted it to be like you never left. And, keeping it like this makes me feel like you girls are never that far away. I want you to know Ruby, this will always be your home. You're always welcome here. I love you no matter what." He spoke softly, gently. Concern was the most prominent emotion, and a hint of caution followed, the last thing he wanted was for Ruby to bolt out without saying a word again.

Without looking at him she felt like her heart was flying, like the weight of the lives she'd taken had lifted off her soul. She felt freed from a horrible burden. In this moment she found her voice but was still unable to meet Tai's eyes.

"You don't think I'm a monster? That I'm just a murderer? I'm. . . I'm still your daughter?" Her voice broken and scared, tears fell freely, like an endless waterfall of pent up sorrow that never before had had the opportunity to flow.

Tai put his hand on her head, ruffling her black and crimson locks. He pushed her head back lifting her face and her eyes, that had previously been glued to the comforter she was tightly grasping. Her knuckles were white, holding on to the fabric like it was her only lifeline for survival.

"Honey, I'd never think that of you. When I saw you cleaning your weapon I was surprised, but honestly, proud. I know more than most that Grimm aren't the most frightening thing on Remnant. It takes someone strong to make that choice and do what you do. It doesn't make you a monster, you're performing a great service to the world, one that not many have the strength to do. I'm proud to have raised the strongest huntress on Remnant, and I'm proud of the choices she's made. Mourning them doesn't make you weak. Guilt doesn't make you weak. Neither does sharing those things with others. I'll never stop being proud of you sweetheart. You're my precious little Rose. You'll never be anything else."

"But, I've taken so many! How can I just, get over it?! How am I supposed to live like this!? I know they were bad people, each and every one, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm responsible to the people they left behind. They had families, people that loved them! And now, they'll never see them again. How do I live with that?!" Ruby spoke as she looked into Tai's eyes. They never wavered.

"Have you thought about the families you saved by doing what you did? How many families did those people destroy? How many were saved from being torn apart by your actions? You know, my mother was killed by bandits."

"She was?" Ruby wiped her tears away.

"Yeah. . . it's not the easiest thing to talk about. I never told you or Yang because I'd gotten over it. I didn't feel it was important, but I'm starting to see I was wrong."

"What happened?"

"I was little, and I was out fishing with my dad. We came back to find the town destroyed and our house burned to the ground. My mother was still inside."

"Dad. . . I'm sorry that happened."

"Yeah, me too. But, not two years later, I'd heard the news that the men responsible had been taken down by a Huntsman. I was grateful. I thought, now nobody has to suffer like I did. Like my Dad did. You're no monster Ru, You're a hero." Tai wrapped his arms around his daughter as she cried into his shoulder, finally freed from the burden that had weighed her down.

"I was so scared that you would hate me. That you and Yang would never want anything to do with me. I was so so scared." Ruby's cries were muffled by her Father's gentle and loving embrace. She was home. Taiyang rubbed her back as she cried and assured her, that she would always be loved. They stayed like that for some time.

Her stomach chose this moment to make itself known.

"Hahaha, I think I could go for that breakfast now." Her earlier pain all but forgotten as she wiped the remnants of tears from her cheeks.

"Tell you what, come downstairs after you're ready and I'll re-heat it for you. I'd like to catch up with my super star daughter.

"I'd like that."

After getting up, showering, getting on some clean clothes that she, luckily, hadn't quite outgrown yet, she made her way downstairs. Her father was waiting for her in the kitchen. Ruby pulled out the seat and sat down at the table looking at Tai with a smile on her face. He returned the gesture before turning around and turning the stove on.

"You don't have to make it again. Just throw what you made into the microwave."

"ah ah ah. Fresh food helps heal the soul."

Ruby wasn't going to complain.

"Thanks."

"So, any romantic interests?"

"Daaad! I don't see you for a couple years and that the first thing you ask me?" Ruby responded, her cheeks tinted red.

"What?! I'm curious if someone is good enough for my daughter. From your reaction I'd say you found someone." It was spoken as a statement not a question. Unfortunately, the insinuation dredged up a fresh wound. Ruby's look became downtrodden.

"Well, yes and no. I mean, kind of. It's . . . complicated right now." She responded somberly.

"Is that why I found you outside so late last night?" The skillet sizzled from the introduction of eggs.

"Yeah. Truth be told I just remember running. Don't even remember getting all the way to Patch, let alone boarding a ship to get here."

"I'll crush them."

"Huh?"

"Whoever made my daughter cry will feel the full wrath of the Xiao-Longs. I will use every fiber of my being to destroy whoever made you upset." Tai's voice was far to calm for Ruby's liking.

"Dad, no. They were angry and said things they didn't mean. That's all it was, we'll make up soon." Ruby sweat dropped, trying to save her friend from her family's wrath.

"Any woman that makes you cry isn't good enough for you."

"Yeah I don't think it'll work with her anymore. She just said some things about this other girl that I couldn't quite let go. . . . Wait, how did you even know I liked girls?"

"Ah, so there's another girl. You truly take after your old man."

"No, Dad seriously, how did you know I don't like guys?"

"Please, I've always known. Did you think it would bother me?"

"Well, no, but I didn't even know until a few years ago. How did you know?"

"Because you're my daughter."

"Aww." Ruby said sweetly.

"I mean, women just can't stay away from us. It runs in the family. I remember when I was at Beacon I used to sneak out when the team was asleep and go to this one girls' room and- "

"Ahhhh! No no no, don't wanna hear it. Nope! Gross!"

"Stay up talking for hours. Jeez kiddo. Where is your mind at this morning? So, tell me about this other girl." He chuckled at his own joke.

"Well, actually, I've been visiting Yang at Beacon the past couple weeks. And, well, the other girl is one of her teammates. Yang was actually the one who convinced me to give her a chance, I thought she was just another over-zealous fan."

"If it's your sisters' word then she sounds like a good girl." Tai dumped the eggs onto a plate before throwing sausage onto the pan. He turned to preheat the waffle maker.

"The age difference doesn't bother you? I mean, I am seven years older."

"Is she 18?"

"Wh-you wound me with your accusations oh father mine." Ruby said in a faux hurt tone while putting her hand to her heart.

"So yes?"

"Oh my god, YES Dad, she is 18."

"Then no, it doesn't bother me at all." He said while he poured the batter into the waffle mold and closed it.

"Oh my gosh! I had a class this morning! I didn't call or anything! My scroll!" Ruby patted herself down, finding no joy.

"Relax. I laid it on your nightstand. I think it's dead by now though. Here use mine." Tai pulled his scroll out of his pocket, tossing it to the panicking girl.

Ruby quickly found Yang in the contacts, but not without finding another contact by the name "Sweetness".

"Okay, one problem at a time." Ruby said to herself, too low for her Dad to hear.

She quickly pulled up Yang's contact and hit call. One ring.

"Dad? Kind of in the middle of something." Yang answered.

"Bet I can guess what it is." Ruby teased.

"Ruby!?" The WB accompanying the blonde brawler stopped at that word. Yang quickly put it on speaker.

"Sup." She cooly responded.

"Don't you "Sup" me! Do you know how worried we were!?"

"Aww, look at you acting like the big sister for a change."

"Oh no, none of that young lady, explain. Now!"

"Jeez, ok Mom~ I'm fine. I'm at Dad's. Don't really know how I ended up here, but things with Winter, didn't go well last night."

"I heard. I'm just happy your alright." Blake answered before Yang could.

"Worried about me pretty kitty? Did you talk to Winter?" Blake blushed.

"Worried like you wouldn't imagine. We called her looking for you. She apologized to me." The pretty kitty in question answered.

"Well that's one thing she needed to do for my forgiveness. Glad to hear she came clean."

"Yeah, we've heard similar things from Weiss when she's angry."

"Hey!"

"So, it hurts, but I understand she didn't mean it. She sounded rough."

"Yeah, I'll talk to her before long, but I'm gonna give her a chance to sort out her feeling for me first. I don't think she loves me like she thought she did."

"She said the same thing to me. I don't want to lie; I felt a little relieved. Does that make me a bad person?"

"Nah, I'd probably feel the same way if I were in your shoes."

"Yeah yeah, this is real heartwarming and all, but do you think you could have this conversation in private instead of in front of us?" Yang interrupted.

"Please." Weiss chimed in.

"Seconded." As did Tai, yelling so he could be heard.

"Hey Dad!" Yang yelled. Ruby understanding where this was going just put it on speaker.

"Why did you go all the way to Patch though Ruby?" Blake asked more curious than anything. Her earlier worries nearly forgotten.

"Honestly, I don't know. It's just where my heart took me. Winter was implying some stuff about the assassination missions I take, so I kind of lost sight of everything."

"Ruby, Yang and Weiss can hear you!" Blake felt her pulse quicken.

"Did she say assassination missions?" Weiss asked, shocked.

"Weiss, it's not what you think!" Blake tried to defend the famed woman.

"It's ok Blake. They deserve to know. And thanks to a certain couple of people, I've come to terms with it. Yes, assassination missions Weiss. And Yang, I'm sorry I never told you. I hope you won't see me as any different after knowing." Ruby would be lying if she said she wasn't a more than a little scared. But, at this point, she would trust the words of her Father and Blake.

"My sister takes assassination missions. . . . . . So COOL! You're like an actual Super Huntress!" Tai just smiled hearing his youngest daughters' words.

"I don't think I can see you the same Ruby. Knowing this, you're much more accomplished than the news gives you credit for." Weiss also voiced her opinion.

"Thank you, guys, for being so accepting." The tension left the legendary reapers body.

"So, you coming back today sis?" Yank asked.

"Yeah, I'll be there sometime this evening. When I get back, Blake, you and I need to talk."

"Sure thing." Blake responded.

"See you soon sis!" Yang said her goodbyes and hung up. She looked at her teammates and saw them visibly relieved, especially the Gothic themed team cat.

"Well I guess we should let Ozpin know." Weiss said as she marched towards the headmaster's office.

Back in the kitchen of Taiyang Xiao-Long, he laid a fresh breakfast in front of his visibly relieved daughter.

"I'm happy for you sweetheart. What did I tell you?"

"Really, thank you Dad."

"As payment I demand you visit more often." He laughed.

"For sure!" Ruby responded happily.

The rest of the day father daughter duo spent the time catching up, sharing stories about hunts and people they had met on the road. Ruby divulging her one and only train wreck of a relationship spent the better part of the afternoon calming down her father, who was quite literally flaming with rage.

Before long though it was time for Ruby to head back to Beacon and have a much needed talk with a woman she had kept waiting for far too long.

"I'd love to meet her soon. How bout you bring Yang and her team here next weekend? Feels like forever since I've had you both in this house."

"Yeah. I'd like that Dad." She hugged her father goodbye.

"I love you. I'll see you soon." Ruby said in her warm family hug.

"I love you too kiddo. See you real soon." They separated as Ruby made her way to the docks.

It was a short ride to Beacon. Luckily, it was late enough that no one was crowding the docks to swarm her. A relatively short and pleasingly quiet walk later and she was standing at the headmaster's office. She didn't bother knocking.

"Hey Oz, sorry about this mor. . . . . ning?" Ruby froze in place. Trying desperately to process the sight in front of her.

There Ozpin was, in his chair behind his desk right where he should be, but also in his chair seated on his lap was one Glynda Goodwitch, who quickly jumped up and straitened her skirt as she walked to the front of the desk.

"Miss Rose, what you just saw-"Glynda desperately pleaded before Ruby, using her semblance blinked to her, placing a finger on her lips, silencing the good witch.

"Shh shh shh. That's gross. I don't want to hear about that." She said gently and far to sweetly. Ruby removed her finger, then lightly tapped Glynda's cheek with her hand.

"So yeah. I'm just gonna go~. You kids have fun, be safe, I'll teach class tomorrow. Bye~" She backed away with each step until reaching the door and bolting outside.

"What the fuck just happened?!" Glynda turned around and yelled at Ozpin, who this whole time, sat there paralyzed with the same, neutral, expression.

"Sweet Christ, I have seen Sin." Ruby said to herself, wide eyed and terrified, leaning against the door before attempting to sprint the image out of her head.

To her (mis)fortune the image was mostly gone by the time she reached the WBY dorm room. This time, having learned her lesson, she knocked.

The door swung open, revealing the most beautiful black hair, and amber eyes, that Ruby had ever seen.

"Welcome back." Blake purred as she pulled Ruby in for a hug.

"Talk to you now, talk to you later sis bye!" She yelled into the room as she grabbed the cat Faunus's hand. They walked in silence, but Blake couldn't help but to notice the light dusting of red on the older woman's cheeks.

Shortly, they reached their destination. Their favorite place in Beacon, the garden. They sat on the same bench. The stars lined the night sky now. A clear night, as if the heavens were giving them their blessing for this moment. The light of the broken moon shined down on them. The way it made Blake's face glow was aww inspiring to Ruby. Blake had perfect skin, in the dim moonlight she looked angelic. The light smile on her face on accented the scenery. To Ruby, Blake was an angel.

"You know. You saved me." The words left Ruby's mouth with little thought.

"Hmm?"

"When I got here, I was a mess. I was desperately trying to find something that made me human again. Something that would lift the thoughts of being a monster far away. Something to help me find some peace. Who would have thought that the enchanting kitten that I teased so much would be exactly what I was looking for."

"Ruby I-. Is this?" Blake didn't want to get her hopes up she didn't want to expect this moment to finally come, just to have it torn away from her again.

"I realized something when Winter said that about you. I was more upset that she called you a "filthy Faunus" than I was that she implied I was a monster. I thought about that a lot today. I think it's because you've become someone dear to me. Someone I respect and am thankful to have come into my life. Ultimately, I went to my Dad's place and told him everything. He gave me the final push I needed to accept who I am and what I do. To see it in a different light. None of that would have happened without you. Before I knew it, my time here was fun, and I was enjoying spending my days with you. Before, I dragged myself from town to town, village to village, solving other people's problems without ever addressing my own. I was numb to it all. I was numb to the world and who I was. So, convinced that I didn't deserve to feel happy, I just stopped feeling altogether. And then, I met you. And my world began to shine like the sea of stars above us. You've done more for me in the weeks that I've known you than any person outside of my family has ever done. You learned my biggest secret and my greatest weakness. You wanted my attention when I got here, now, I'm not sure anyone else can ever have it."

Their eyes met, locking on to each other. Luckily for Blake, Ruby couldn't see in the dark like she could. Hopefully she wouldn't see the amount of heat that had accumulated on her face. Blake, however, did notice the clearly new shade that was Ruby's face.

"I know you're a nice shade of red too pretty kitty. I might not see in the dark like you, but I know you well enough." Ruby teased.

Blake turned her head to look away. Choosing to stare at her feet, until a cool hand greeted her warm cheek. It was nirvana how a thumb slowly drew circles into her cheek. The faint scent of roses put Blake in a state of bliss.

"Ruby's perfume is pulling me in. She's so captivating. Her eyes shine brighter than the silver light of the moon. Her red cheeks are just begging me to cool them with my hand. I love this woman. I love everything about her. I love the way she teases me to the point I can't breath. I love the way she almost reads my mind and knows what I'm thinking. I love the way she smiles earnestly at me. I hope I can make her do that more often. I love her bubbly personality that greets every day with generosity. I love the determined look in her eyes when she tackles any challenge. I could drown in the sea that is her kindness, and the oceans of her passion. This woman motivated me to be a better huntress before, but now she inspires me to be a better person. How have I survived without this breathtakingly bewitching woman in my life? I don't want to be away from her ever again. How has she captivated so in the short time I've known her. I want this woman to envelop me in all that she is." Blake thought to herself as she leaned into the hand on her cheek, gently clasping it with her own and closing her eyes.

Blake felt the hand turning her head.

"I couldn't have said it better myself. We really need to fix that habit of yours."

She opened her eyes to look at what Ruby was doing, but before she could process what was going on something warm collided with her lips. Blake saw white, an endless sea of white. She felt so content, so at peace, like this was the only place she ever belonged. Like this was the only place she would ever be safe. Slowly the sea of white faded, revealing a closed eyed Ruby, nose to nose and lips to lips with her. Blake froze at the situation. Unable to pull away, nor wanting to. Eventually though, all dreams must end. Ruby pulled away. An embarrassed look sat on display adorning her features.

"Was that- was that not okay?" Ruby asked, her voice, meek and fragile, yet enchanting and more beautiful than any sound Blake had heard. It was like a lone rose blooming on the battlefield. Mesmerizing.

Blake quickly grabbed the back of the legendary reapers head, burying her fingers in those soft crimson locks and pulled Ruby in, colliding their lips together again. They passionately embraced each other trying to get closer and closer, as their lips seemingly molded to one another. It was like finding a piece of yourself that you lost. A warmth that enveloped your soul, like finding shelter after hours of being stranded in an Atlesian blizzard. This was home now, and both girls would die before they lost it.

WOO! I'm actually like, super proud of this chapter. This might be one of the best things I've written, I hope you guys feel the same. This was the climax, and hopefully, a satisfying one. There's more, but it's not gonna be as serious from here on. Look at everything after this as a prologue. Meeting the family, their first night together ;), and of course patching things up with Winter. I plan on doing maybe like a 1000 word true prologue checking in on them again after like 10 years.

Well guys, how was it? As always Read and Review, criticism is wonderful. I'm so happy to put another chapter of this out after so long, and this one is just under 7000 words, my longest chapter yet! Till next time!

-StasisRage