#and she also admitted she didn’t like blake prior to this which is fine

[titsthedamnseason]

girl at work called me over to tell me some “taylor swift news” which turned out to be that apparently taylor ended her friendship with blake lively because of everything happening with justin baldoni….i set that record straight so fast and converted her to blake’s side

[arielleej]

Why I’m crying over Bumbleby

I was originally thinking about doing this on Twitter but after spending several hours browsing both it and Tumblr I came to the conclusion that Tumblr is just better for long-form content. Plus a huge number of the RWBY content creators (be they artists, fanfiction authors, or otherwise) that I follow or whose work I consume are here anyway, so I figure they must know something I don’t.

Anyway I wanted to talk about why I was so emotionally affected by Bumbleby finally getting their moment, and why as a member of the single most over-represented demographic in “western” media (i.e. a Caucasian cishet male) that I found it mattering to me.

For most of my life I’ve been bombarded by cishet romances in media. And like, that’s fine, but they start to lose any kind of meaning if they’re in literally everything you consume. I think the last one that I really felt emotionally connected to was Yennefer and Geralt in Witcher 3. Coming into that game with no prior experience left me with no biases towards any of the potential love interests, and their journey to reconciliation while trying to find their missing kid was something I found truly special.

Other than that one, most of the relationships I really felt connected to in media I’ve consumed have been gay. I think - and I have no idea if I’m right about this or not - that the reason for this is gay romances have to try so much harder to be valid and real than straight ones do. The lengths the characters go through to show how much they care for each other is just mesmerizing.

That’s the kind of love I want to have in my own life.

The first example of this to me was Femshep/Liara in Mass Effect. When I finished Mass 3 for the first time I was a depressed, sobbing, mess. I spent almost an entire weekend in my bed crying. I recognize that a lot of the lines Shepard uses are similar no matter what relationship you choose to pursue, but something about Jennifer Hale and Ali Hillis’ line delivery was incredible. I suspect that no small part of my attachment was a result of Liara being the only character you can have a relationship with spanning all three games.

A more recent example was Bill and Frank from The Last of Us on HBO. We were only given one episode (a long one, granted) but was enough to get me hook, line, and sinker. Doing domestic shit like secretly planting strawberries as a surprise gift, or establishing a trade network through some friends made on the radio (or online, to use a current day analogue) is what I live for. As for the ending, I would’ve done exactly the same in Bill’s place. 

Which brings us back to Blake and Yang.

I’ll be the first to admit that it took me until V6 to figure it out. Specifically it took Arryn Troche (https://twitter.com/dontyoudarryn) pointing out in their V6 reactions that the interactions between Blake and Yang are clearly romantic in nature. Specifically the scene where Yang is dropping Blake off to go sabotage the radar tower, and Yang says “Go” in the softest voice fucking imaginable. After that point, it all made sense.

Yang trying her hardest to coax Blake out from behind the anti-social defenses she had built up in V1/V2. Yang being the one to knock Blake out of her self-destructive spiral in V2. How heartbroken Yang was when Blake didn’t believe her story about the match with Mercury. Yang stepping in to protect Blake from Adam without a moment’s hesitation.

And then in V4 (and subsequently the comics) Yang is utterly heartbroken because this girl that she felt something for - even if it’s clear she didn’t know what it was exactly - just vanished after the most traumatic event of her life. Again it wasn’t until after V6 that I realized “A part of me is gone and it’s never coming back” was not only talking about her arm, but also the fact that Blake took her heart when she ran.

It’s pretty clear from the comics and V4/V5 that Blake realized what Yang meant to her while she was in Menagerie. But Yang wasn’t there and in order to get back to Yang to fight for her again, she first needed to fight for herself and what she believed in. She fights to win her parent’s love again (easy), she fights to convince the people to help her stop Adam (medium), and she fights to redeem one of her oldest and closest friends (hard). Only then is she able to take on the most difficult challenge in V6 - fighting for her future with Yang.

By the time we get to V7/8 it’s pretty clear that Blake knows how Yang feels about her, even if Yang doesn’t understand it herself. She laughs at every stupid joke Yang makes, makes a fool of herself dancing just so she can spend time with her, and spends time putting on makeup - all to try and coax Yang into giving a voice to their feelings. Honestly one of their best scenes is in V7 discussing how to talk to Robyn. They initially disagree on the approach but talk it out, and Yang is the one to come up with the solution based on Blake’s feelings.

It’s obvious to us as the audience that Yang is a total goner for Blake, and that’s even more true in V8 when they disagree about the best way to help Mantle and in the aftermath the thing that Yang is concerned about the most is if she somehow hurt Blake’s feelings.

Which brings us to V9C6.

To me the most beautiful thing about that scene is how all Blake did was give Yang the safety to talk about her feelings, and immediately validate them once they were given voice. Blake knew what she wanted and never doubted for a second what Yang wanted, even if Yang doubted herself. 

Just like Yang said, Blake never gave up on them.

That’s the kind of shit that makes me cry.

[sid471]

Cinder vs Adam

Fair warning: This isn’t a theory post about a Cinder vs Adam fight lol. Because we all know Cinder would win right?

So I love Cinder... Shock and awe I know. And I hate Adam, as most do and should. But why do I love Cinder and hate Adam? They’re actually pretty similar in terms of their attributes as villains. Both are liars, manipulators, and murderers who only seek power above all. They both have an obsession with a member, or members, of Team RWBY, Ruby for Cinder and Blake and Yang, mainly Blake, for Adam. And they’re both skilled fighters with swords and/or bladed weapons... A smaller similarity but still a similarity.

So again, why do I love Cinder, and hate Adam? The difference lies in their actions and personalities. Cinder is always confident in her plans, even when WE know it ain’t gonna end well, you may say that just makes her delusional. I disagree. I think she’s earned her confidence. She devised the plan defeat Amber by herself, without Salem’s help besides the beetle, claimed half of the Maiden powers, defeated and killed a world renowned fighter, and brought about the Fall of Beacon. All that was orchestrated by her, by herself. She ONLY started to slip when she got blasted by Ruby’s Silver Eyes. And THEN she started to lose herself.

Adam on the other hand has always been a fuckin... mess. We’ve never seen anything that makes us feel sympathy for Adam, we only saw his SDC brand, which, yes, horrible. But... be honest did you REALLY think “Aww poor Adam...” Or was it “Oh he’s just showing it to make Blake feel bad .-. What a dick >_>”. The only time we see him as “Good” is the Black Trailer. And I mean even then..... he’s actively stealing cargo off a train and is fully prepared to kill the crew members, who did literally nothing 😶. Hell! He even got his OWN character trailer. If they WANTED to portray Adam as a sympathetic villain, THIS was their chance to do so. But uh... They kinda didn’t. They just showed us more of what we already knew. That Adam is a sociopath, a murderer, and a manipulator who clings DESPERATELY to his grudge against humanity.

Cinder, in comparison, didn’t start to lose herself and go crazy until AFTER she miscalculated and underestimated someone she viewed as beneath her. Also ANOTHER similarity between Cinder and Azula .-. How do I keep finding these I swear I didn’t write that with the intention of finding another Cinzula parallel ._. Awesome stuff :3

ANYWAY Adam is emotional as FUUUUCK, and he always has been. Adam’s emotions don’t let him think clearly. Because like I said in my 2nd hot take post, if Adam WASN’T deranged in any way, he would been able to beat the Bees. But because he was blinded by his rage, he was sloppy. Cinder, prior to volume 5 I’ll say, never showed her emotions. She was cool, calm, and collected. For the most part lol. But even WHEN she shows her emotions, you FEEL something. Be it “Haha you deserve it bitch >_>” Or “Poor thing...” 

Take her ENTIRE backstory. Like with Adam, that’s the only time we’ve seen Cinder as sympathetic. Intentionally anyway lol. And with Cinder’s backstory, there was a WHOLE shift in how the fandom viewed Cinder. Before liking Cinder was something of an oddity but now there are more people who DO like her and new people in the I Stan Cinder club. If you are a new member of the I Stan Cinder club welcome and I hope you got your free cookies :3. Anyway, before Cinder wasn’t much of a discussion topic besides “Oh. Cinder relies on her maiden powers too much. She should stop relying on them as much as she does >_>” or “Cinder mistreats her allies. She should stop <_<” Which, both are true lol. But like... I dunno now with her back story revealed, there’s more INTERESTING discussion around her with like what could have been if Rhodes was around more or if he didn’t try and turn her in, people noticing how her sword in volume 5 was identical to Rhodes’ sword, a new debate of if Cinder SHOULD have killed her family or tried to wait just a little longer until she could take the huntsman exam. 

Adam’s character short...... didn’t do any of that .-. if anything it showed us MORE reasons to hate him. Hell, I’d watch that trailer more for Sienna Khan. If it were a Sienna trailer? Iconic. Okay, fine, I’ll be a little bit more fair. We DID see the start of the Grimm masks... But that doesn’t make ADAM interesting.... It makes TRAILER interesting. Besides we kinda already knew Adam started from Blake back in volume 2. We saw that Adam was fully prepared to kill people, and when he was praised for it by Sienna and the other Faunus around him, it only increased his desire to spread this method of intimidation even more. And that... is not... Good >_>. In my opinion, Cinder’s backstory did it better. You can say it felt outta place if you want, but you have to admit it WAS a damn good sequence. The contrast between Cinder’s life in Mistral, being pushed around and punished when she DOES stand up for herself. Compared to the sheer hope and AWE on her face when she arrives at the hotel, thinking her dreams are about to come true, only to find out that she’s only going from one environment of abuse to another. We FEEL for her naturally through out the whole thing. To the point that MOST of us consider Rhodes, the huntsman who WAS doing his job, the bad guy.

In conclusion: Cinder is a complex character with a tragic backstory full of abuse and a lack of power. Adam... I’m just gonna say it, is a brat >_> He’s used to getting what he wants, from Sienna and the other faunus in the white fang, from Blake, he’s USED to getting praise for the horrible things he does and when he DOES get called out, he’s used to being able to talk himself out of those situations or BEING talked out of those situations. When he DOESN’T get what he wants, he basically just throws a massive temper tantrum. I’m not saying Cinder doesn’t have her own share of temper tantrums, she does lol. But they come from a more... I dunno how to explain it, you just UNDERSTAND where she’s coming from. I do anyway.

[itsclydebitches]

Wait what was the mess with Ilia/queer representation? I don't usually look into these things so I probably didn't hear or see people talking about it

Happy to explain! First, the obligatory disclaimer: Ilia is a complicated case and, like anything else in RWBY, her place in the show is very much up to interpretation. I think her character arc, particularly in relation to her status as a queer character, is an absolute mess but I know others are of the opposite opinion. Many of the “flaws” I point out are perceived as her greatest strengths. So it’s subjective.

That being said, I wrote a little bit about this during Volume 5 when it was all going down. A simplified list of the primary issues includes:

Introducing your first, long-awaited queer character as a villain (even a sympathetic one)

“Redeeming” her in the span of one episode in a way that provides no punishment/responsibility/growth in the face of the horrific acts she committed

This character is left behind by the story at the end of the volume, presumably never to be seen again outside of, perhaps, a final battle that includes the whole cast

Tying her queerness directly to her villainy

It’s this last point that I take the most issue with. See, the fandom is right to point out that Ilia has motivations for her actions established throughout the volume, namely the death of her parents and the general racism that is still pervading Remnant. Ilia says multiple times throughout Volume 5 that this is why she’s going after Blake and her family. Because she honestly believes that they are a threat to the faunus’ progress. However, just because a character says something doesn’t make it true. Take Yang in the same season. She says she doesn’t want/care if Blake ever comes back to the group, which anyone with even a cursory knowledge of the show knows is BS. Rather, Yang’s emotions are functioning on multiple levels. A part of her really doesn’t want Blake to return because she’s still furious with her, whereas a larger part of her wants them to reconcile. Now, apply that logic to Ilia. It’s absolutely true to say that she’s motivated by activism and the death of her parents, however, her confrontation with Blake reveals that this isn’t the only reason for her attack. It is, arguably, not even the primary reason. Ilia gives a speech about how they need to be doing more for the faunus, how she doesn’t like to hurt people but she can’t deny that it has gotten them results. Yet when Blake challenges this part of her identity - you’re not a killer - the conversation unexpectedly takes a turn. When pushed to explain how she became this way Ilia does not reiterate her thoughts on racism or the trauma of her parents’ deaths. Instead, she starts talking about her unrequited feelings for Blake: 

Suddenly, Ilia’s motivations have changed. Or rather, they’ve become more complicated. Both sets of motivations exists, but this is the one she admits to under duress, framing it as more “true” than what she’s been saying prior to this conversation. Now, Ilia shows personal motivations rather than just the generically good rhetoric of I Want To End Racism Because It’s Bad. Having Blake down on her knees, shipping her off to Adam, and killing her parents is explicitly connected to the (perceived) problem of, “You didn’t love me.”  Blake is positioned as responsible for who Ilia became: You want to know why I’m like this? You were too busy looking at Adam. I wanted you to look at me that way but you didn’t. That’s how I learned that we can’t always get what we want. So now you don’t get to have what you want (your parents’ safety, distance from Adam). You get to feel what I felt when you didn’t love me back. When Blake poses the question of, “Why are you like this?” Ilia’s answer is “Because I’m queer, have unrequited feelings, and that taught me that life sucks. Now I’m returning the favor.” 

Suddenly, Ilia’s actions are removed from the (already ethically dubious) logic of treating Blake this way because she believes it will help the faunus in the long run and instead are implied to stem from a desire to punish her for not reciprocating those feelings. In this moment Ilia moves from a misguided activist-turned-terrorist and instead becomes a misguided lesbian seeking revenge. She might not admit it - she never explicitly says that she’s punishing Blake for not loving her - but that’s the implication by taking the conversation in this direction; by having Ilia answer with her sexuality rather than her activist views. By drawing such an overt connection between these actions and Ilia’s admission, these things - the impending death of Blake’s parents, kidnapping her, sending her back to her abuser - are framed as things that she “deserves” according to Ilia. If you’d just looked at me with love from the start we never would have ended up here. This falls into a number of horrible tropes including, but not limited to, The Predatory Gay, The Psycho Lesbian, and The Queer Character Falling For Their (Presumably) Straight Friend.

Now, the takeaway here is not “You can never write villainous queer characters.” More often than not any statement beginning with “You can never write ____” is going to be a bad take. Indeed, there are tons of queer/queer coded villains who I adore. That doesn’t mean I want media to perpetuate that long, stereotyped history though. “But Clyde,” the world says. “That doesn’t make any sense. How can you both want and not want this setup?” To which I respond with the iconic words of Jane Lynch:

People’s identities are made up of multiple parts and those parts can read the same writing choice in different ways. As a queer person who loves the ~drama~ of a flamboyant villain I want that entertainment (like Watts). As a queer person who is disgusted by the implications tied to that trend (you’re evil, you’re unnatural, you’re sick, you deserve to be punished, to be killed) I don’t want to see our only queer character be a villain. Which is what Ilia was at the time of her reveal. She was all we had and we didn’t know if RT would ever going to give us anyone else. That was just awful to watch and worry about. It didn’t make me happy. Which sounds like a shit thing to say - This isn’t your story! It doesn’t cater to you! - but after years of waiting for queer rep it felt like a kick in the teeth to get this character in this way and leave her behind when we had a cast of five main women right there, any of which could have been queer. Ilia’s reading was made worse by the lack of rep surrounding her, but to be frank things haven’t improved much. I adore Saphron and Terra, I think they were really well done as characters, but they’re still very minor characters and we can’t ignore that, like Ilia, they were left behind by the story. Blake and Yang are not canon yet, leaving all the hints at their relationship sitting in the limbo of, “Is this just queer baiting?” If you’re someone who pays attention to queer coding, a lot of queer-coded men have been killed off in this show (Roman, Ozpin, Clover). We supposedly have one trans character… whose identity thus far only exists in a tweet.

Kudos to RT for hiring a trans voice actor - they absolutely deserve recognition for that - but it’s still not enough in this day and age. It’s 2020. Queer coding, queer minor characters quickly shuffled off screen, and queer “rep” in the form of paratextual info simply doesn’t fly. We decided that in the most vocal terms possible during the Harry Potter era, a fandom that took over most of the world and, thus, had one hell of an impact on media going forward. No, it’s not rep if you say Dumbledore is gay in an interview but never work that into the story. It’s not rep if you say May is trans on Twitter but don’t work that into the story. Not unless both characters are supplemental additions to a canon already filled with a variety of queer rep. “It’s so cool that this character is also queer! I get why you didn’t have time to work that in, so it’s a good thing we have those five other characters to identify with.” RT might do that in the future. Blake and Yang might become canon in Volume 8. May might be confirmed in the show. Saphron and Terra might unexpectedly arrive to become a part of the story again. We simply don’t know. But as of right now Ilia is one of only three in-canon queer characters out of a cast of ten bajillion (approximately lol) and out of those three she is the only one who was developed into a well-rounded character. That means nearly the entirely of RWBY’s rep rests on her shoulders. I think her queerness is fine for a cast already full of queer characters. There it functions as good diversity - “Some lesbians do join extremist groups and blame unrequited love for their murder plans!” - rather than representation for lesbians/queer people as a whole - “It’s a good thing we have these three other heroic lesbians in RWBY to balance out the message Ilia sends!” But since we don’t have that the takeaway is just what we’ve seen for decades: Queer characters are villains. Queer characters are violent and predatory. Queer characters are written out of the show.

Historically, Ilia’s characterization has problems on its own, but those problems were very much exacerbated by making her the first and, at that point, only queer rep. I - and no doubt others - would have been far more receptive to her as representation if we’d already gotten queer heroes prior to her introduction. And again, that’s a preference. Some fans want more queer villains as a way to say, “Anyone can be queer.” For me though, I’ve seen enough Ilias throughout my life. I’ve seen enough versions of my identity painted as unwanted and dangerous. I was expecting RWBY to do better and I hope that they will do better in the future.

[demaury]

the best of me (chap.2)

“If anything bad happens I flush the rings, I leave my bestman spot to Baz, and I fly back to Paris.“

OR. Eliott and Lucas have never worked up the courage to actually make a move, and thus spent years dancing around each other without ever acknowledging their feelings. However, an engagement party gone a little too wild, an hotel room and a very bad idea might be all it takes to make everything blow up. (read on ao3)

“LALLEMANT’S HERE.”

Lucas should have known that having Arthur and Basile at the same time around a pool wasn’t a good idea, yet it wasn’t until he heard his two friends wail as soon as he set a foot on the deck installed on the rooftop that he realized it was a completely fucked up idea. He barely had any second to blink before two pairs of arms grabbed him like vices; next thing he knew he was sputtering water after getting back to the surface.

At least he had the bright idea to change into swim trunks before coming there.

Bless him.

“You,” he scowled, hair dripping all over his face as his two friends were laughing their asses off, “I swear to God you both are dead.”

“Oh, c’mon, don’t say you didn’t expect it,” Arthur snorted, hands falling to his hips.

Lucas lifted himself up onto the edge of the pool in a splash of water, warily accepting the hand Basile landed him. “Astonishingly enough I thought that we were between civilized people. My mistake,” he groaned as he grumpily fistbumped them hello, before going to see the girls.

Only Nola and Manon were there, but he wasn’t surprised since Emma had already been told by the girls herself that Daphné, Alexia and Imane were held back in some shopping session but had promised to run back to the hotel as soon as possible. Yann’s girlfriend-turned-fiancée had been a part of the group for almost two years now, and since she didn’t have a weird obsession with how hot Eliott and Lucas getting it on together would be — Arthur’s ex had one of those and Lucas had wanted to strangle her more times he could count — she had been welcomed to stay. She and Yann had met up through Imane, both working as interns in the same hospital, so it had been easy from there, Lucas could only guess.

“Consider yourself lucky,” Manon pointed out from her spot on one of the deckchairs, closing the book she was reading as she pushed up her sunglasses, “you’ll never have to worry about keeping a wedding dress clean for a whole day with these two around.”

Next to her, Nola paled. “Oh please no.”

“Already talking about wedding dresses but I don’t see any ring yet,” Arthur snickered.

Nola grinned. “My fiancé couldn’t wait to propose, I guess? We’re gonna go shopping when we get back home.”

Lucas turned to Yann with a shocked expression. “Who does that?”, he scoffed.

They were at the beginning of their relationship. Lucas didn’t know much himself about functioning relationships but he could only guess that technically those kinds of inadvertent dick moves happened later down the road, usually.

Yann looked a bit sheepish. “I wanted her to pick something she likes,” he mumbled. “She’s gonna wear it after all.”

“Didn’t you pick your wedding suit for your dad’s second marriage, like, two days prior or something?” Basile quipped.

“I didn’t want to go,” he grumbled. “That’s different.”

“I don’t think any of us particularly wanted you to livestream us the whole thing but I guess we all take one for the team, uh?” Eliott casually chimed in, joining him on the edge of the pool and letting his long legs dangle in the water.

Since Lucas was mature, and a very functioning adult at that, he stuck his tongue out as a response.

*

“It’s too bad we’re only here for the weekend,” Eliott complained with a sigh as he flopped down onto Emma’s bed. “Remember those three weeks after your BAC?”

Lucas snorted as he kept rummaging through his travel bag, squatting at the foot of his bed. He hadn’t wanted to take everything out but now he was starting to rethink his decision as he exhumed a wrinkled denim button down. Daphné, Basile, Eliott, Yann, Nola, Imane and him had gone out for lunch in a restaurant nearby, while the rest was dispersed in the city to do some shopping, then everyone had flocked back to the hotel and they had spent the better part of the afternoon by the pool occasionally trying to drown each other when they were mostly alone, on the seventh floor. It was the coolest thing Lucas had ever seen. It wasn’t so much that he had never seen something like that before, but he just had a thing for climbing and rooftop activities — back in Paris he had specifically chosen his new flat according to whether or not he had access to the one of his building. And well, also if he could afford it or not, but that was another story.

“We were young and wild and free,” Lucas commented dramatically.

He eventually set the shirt down, before grabbing his travel bag and emptying all of its content on his bed. It wasn’t like Eliott of all people would bat an eye at his calvin kleins. He reached for a pair of black pants finally standing out on the white comforter now that they weren’t lost in the deep end of the bag.

“I’d pick the black shirt,” Eliott said casually.

Lucas quirked a brow at him. “You just say that because it’s the one you bought me.”

Eliott grinned, making his eyes crinkle. “Well, yeah. Precisely,” he said, shrugging a little.

“I’m not going to dress all black, that’s right up your alley,” Lucas quipped.

“I’m trying to bring a little bit more colors, if you must know,” Eliott retorted, tugging at the hem of his light grey tank top as if it was a proof that it was a color. “Besides, the jeans you had this morning were fine, and they would look even finer with the black shirt. Who bought them for you?”

Lucas pondered the question and considered telling him to fuck off, but instead he just sighed. “Manon,” he grumbled, and Eliott started laughing like an asshole. Which was kind of sweet, but vaguely irritating. Lucas glared at him. “Someday I’ll claim back my closet, and you and Manon will finally stop dressing me up like I’m some sort of baby doll.”

“Wrong choice of words on every level.” The bastard smirked cheekily, regardless of the unimpressed look Lucas sent him. “Plus, we dress you up because you’d still be wearing sweatpants to your dates if it weren’t for us meddling in.”

“You’re admitting you’re meddling in, we’re getting at it,” Lucas bit back haughtily.

“Just admit I care about you, you little shit,” Eliott snorted.

Lucas cocked an eyebrow. “What did we say about size jokes?”

“It was a term of endearment,” Eliott protested, sitting up on Emma’s bed and leaning back his weight onto his hands.

It cruelly emphasized the veins on his arms and the sun was shimmering onto his skin and the tattoos he had on the underside of his arm. Not afraid? Not afraid. It had been a recurring joke between them when they were younger (a lifetime ago) and someday Eliott had snapped and just gotten it inked for good. Lucas had almost chocked himself when he had seen it on Instagram.

“And I’m feeling so endeared right now.”

Eliott flipped him off and Lucas chuckled. “Who are you rooming with anyway?”

“Arthur,” Eliott said casually. “Why, needed me to brush your hair?”

“Not really, but who’s gonna read me stories about hedgehogs and raccoons?” Lucas deadpanned.

“Hilarious,” Eliott deadpanned with the same voice.

Lucas laughed and went to push open the bathroom door, then stopped halfway and turned back. “Hey, I was meaning to ask. You still have the address of the tattoo parlor where you got those?”, he asked, gesturing at Eliott’s tattoos with his chin.

Eliott glanced down at his arms, a little bit lost, then he grinned. “No way, you’re gonna get one? After all this time?”

Lucas huffed and shrugged. “Dunno. Maybe? I’ve been thinking, you know. So you still have it or not?”

“Yeah, no problem,” Eliott smiled with a nod. “I’ll send it to you. They’ve got an Instagram page and all, no bad surprise.”

“Nice,” he nodded, almost to himself.

“What are you thinking about getting?” Eliott asked, curious. “If you don’t mind me asking, of course.”

Lucas pondered the question. “It’s not really- I don’t know, I was thinking about maybe getting something about my mom, but it sounds- I don’t know it seems kinda stupid.”

He scrunched his nose, mostly to himself. Now Eliott was gonna imagine him with a real-size portrait of his dead mom tattooed on his chest or something equally weird. All he had thought about so far was something small and rather casual, like a date or something no bigger than that. He had debated for months about it, thinking that it was maybe a bit hypocritical — after all he hadn’t really been the best son towards the end and he still had to live with a sense of relief that had washed over him after she had passed, before the actual pain could settle in — but now he considered that it didn’t mean he couldn’t honor his mom anyway simply because she wasn’t there anymore.

“It’s not stupid if it means something to you,” Eliott said.

Lucas huffed a laugh, which was his number 1 reaction whenever he had shared too much and just wanted it to stop. “Yeah, well, I’m just thinking, you know? Plenty of time for me to chicken out.”

“Not afraid. Remember?”

“Thank you Octavia Blake. I’ll remember that,” he snorted, pushing past the bathroom door.

*

Everything was fine, Lucas thought.

Absolutely, a hundred percent fine. He was fine. Yann was fine. Nola, Imane, Manon, Arthur, Basile, Daphné, Emma, Alexia were all fine. Eliott was fine. And the waiter who had been painstakingly hitting on him for the better part of the past hour was absolutely fine too.

They had all reunited at a bar down the street to get predrinks before hitting the clubs to celebrate, and Lucas was happy about it, he really was. Having all his friends gathered in one place and a free night to remember the good old times, what more could he ask, right? The third time Guillermo or Guz or whatever that stupid nametag read came around and eye-fucked Eliott without even the slightest hint of embarrassment, he genuinely thought he would burst though. The problem wasn’t that anyone was hitting on Eliott — water under the bridge and all — but it was rather that everyone seemed to find it the funniest thing on the goddamn planet.

Daphné certainly didn’t need another umbrella in her stupid cocktail.

Arthur didn’t need a refill.

And no one cared about the goddamn tapas and their fucking recipes.

As soon as the stupid waiter had gone back to the kitchen with a bright smile and a lingering look on Eliott, Emma leaned over the table. “He wants to give you the d so bad,” she grinned devilishly.

Eliott snorted and shook his head, leaning back against the backrest of his chair. “Maybe hookups at the back of a restaurant are your thing but they aren’t mine.”

Yann laughed, making his glass spin a little between his fingers. “Mr. Demaury’s a romantic, we been knew after all.”

“A romantic who’s single and isn’t getting any,” Emma commented, nose in her glass.

“That’s comforting, Emma, thank you.”

The table started laughing, but apparently Emma’s remark had sparked some interest in Daphné’s mind. Lucas knew something stupid would come out of it even before she opened her mouth — it wasn’t that she was stupid, it was just that this whole conversation was.

“She’s got a point,” she said thoughtfully. “You’re like one of the hottest guys I know, don’t tell me you’re still hung up on Macha.”

“Macha’s hot,” Alexia added, widening her eyes comically. “You guys were goals.”

Lucas almost snorted, but managed to hide it behind a coughing fit. Everyone knew that Eliott was bipolar, but he didn’t like to bring it up or to speak about it to all of them; in the end Lucas was generally the only one, sometimes along with Alexia or Basile whenever he needed advises, to know the extent of his low lows. The fact that at least one of Macha (her name was Marie-Charlotte, but beware to your nuts if you dared to call her that) and Eliott’s many breakups had been caused by a tantrum she had thrown because he wasn’t answering her texts fast enough, when he had already made a supreme effort to write her, with words, that he wasn’t feeling alright at the moment, was one of the things that only Lucas knew, and sometimes he wished he could share this information and the resentment towards her without betraying Eliott’s trust.

It was a tough balance to maintain, but he was managing it most of the time.

“Yeah, well. Macha’s busy these days,” Eliott shrugged. “It just wasn’t working with her in Berlin and me in Paris anyway. We’re both better apart.”

“Maybe we should try to set you up instead of trying to set up Lulu,” Basile said. “That’d make for a nice change.”

“I’ve never asked anybody to set me up,” Lucas scoffed.

“My bestman isn’t going to attend my wedding as a single man,” Yann retorted. “If by then you don’t have anybody to rock your nights, I’ll have to provide.”

“You wish you could, Cazas.”

On the other side of the table, Eliott grinned at him with a knowing look. “Spikey much, uh?”

Lucas rolled his eyes and downed his drink when he saw the waiter come back to their table with something they hadn’t even ordered, everyone holding back their breath with conspirator looks.

*

The first club they went to had a fifteen meters queue spilling outside the entrance and the slowest bouncer of the century. It took him an infinite amount of time to decide whether or not the group of five boys at the top of the line should be let in, before eventually deciding to ask them for their IDs. They all pretended to fumble for a while — or maybe they truly were this intoxicated already, hence why reaching for one of the four pockets of their jeans was so hard in the first place. In the meantime, Lucas was repressing the urge of constantly rolling his eyes by chatting away with Alexia and Eliott, until both got hooked by two girls (Dutch, apparently) from the group behind them. It wasn’t like he could really blame them. Eliott was Eliott, and Alexia radiated the cool vibe every single breath she took. It was rather the feeling of being left out that he resented always a little bit more than he was supposed to, and not just because people were hitting on Eliott.

Why should he care, after all?

If Eliott had game, he was happy for him.

Okay, maybe he was a bit upset. For the first time in forever they both happened to be single at the same time, and thus had no one clinging onto them for attention. This time, Lucas was clingy. Problem was, Eliott was one of those people who could fall in love with a doorknob, and when it was paired with good looks and good personality, celibacy wasn’t bound to be Eliott’s strong suit, and up until now Lucas’ theory had been pretty much verified. With a huff to himself he lost interest in trying to keep up with the conversation with the Dutch girls. On his other side, Daphné and Basile were happily sucking faces, which kept grossing Lucas out even after all these years, so he sidestepped them to reach Nola, Imane and Manon and finally find civilized people to talk to.

When they got inside, the club was packed, the walls thrumming to the beat of the music, the air stuffed and the bartenders busy for a while. Arthur, Manon and him lost a few more minutes of their time, trying to get their attention for drinks, while everyone was flocking into a booth somewhere on the side of the dancefloor. Apparently it was vodka night, a weird mix that made the drinks a blue as icy as the neon lights spread everywhere around the club. Two of those helped him relax and enjoy the night, and from his spot in the nearly desert booth his friends had managed to get a grip on, he could see them dancing the night away. Yann and Nola were giggling stupidly while doing those sickeningly couple dance moves, Alexia was busy making out with one of the Dutch girls from before, and Eliott was laughing with some girl in a corner, her extra-long, extra-straight hair cascading to her hips Ariana Grande style.

He blamed it on Emma’s insistence during their flight, on the drinks he already had, on the colors of the neon lights, but suddenly he was sixteen again, and he was kissing Chloé until he jaws hurt, while his eyes were desperately glued to Eliott’s as if he needed those stormy grey pools to breathe. What was that party called again?

Right. Kiffance.

What a joke.

*

He had only scarce memories of the second club, probably because it was not all that different from the first one. The third one, however, was in one of those underground locations that tried so hard to look grunge and hipstery — not like he minded. He was on whatever beverage Basile and Arthur had deemed fit for the occasion, and it tasted a bit weird and was strangely colorless, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as what he feared at fist. The floor swayed a little when he got up, but it was a fun feeling that made him giggle for almost nothing. He felt warm and fuzzy and his accent in English had gotten so thick that he wasn’t sure anyone could get a single word anymore, but it didn’t seem to put off the guy who had pressed him up against the wall a while ago, and who was slowly climbing his way in the top 5 of the best kissers Lucas had come across in a long time. He was kinda hot too, the kind Lucas wouldn’t mind letting in his pants. In their booth, the boys were apparently cheering on him for some reason, and Yann raised his glass to him, making Lucas huffing a little breathy laugh between wet kisses.

When the guy reached for him to drag him in a more secluded corner, he followed suit.

For some reason though, the memory of a pretty brunette with bangs and a chirpy voice stuck at the back of his head while they walked around the dancefloor.

*

What time was it? He had no idea. All he knew was that, while he was making his way back towards the booth after maybe or maybe not giving a blowjob, ‘fuck yes’ was the answer he had given when Arthur had come across him with the promise of some fresh air and some weed. Like the good old times. The air hit him in the face as they got outside through the back door, a welcomed kick he didn’t know he needed that made his head spin a little. They settled against some sort of railing, taking a hit every now and then.

Emma showed up at some point, and Lucas vaguely heard something along the lines of the girls minus Daphné going back to the hotel, and Arthur probably needing to find a place to crash because she was sure she had seen Eliott leave with someone.

Lucas handed the joint to her then went back inside. There was probably some room left in his system for another drink.

*

There was some room left for one, but probably not for three. The fact that the ground now swayed dangerously should have disqualified him from dancing, but the beat was just so alluring and the movement of the other people helped him steady himself and follow — to a certain degree. People and faces and neon lights kept printing themselves a second too long in his brain each time he blinked.

*

He tripped over his own feet in the stairs leading up to the street, nearly falling face first in a fit of giggles. The others were lost to the crowd, for those who still remained at least, and his mind kept skipping what looked like a frame every now and then.

*

Wow, what the fuck, you okay? The voice was familiar. French? Maybe. He didn’t know, and suddenly the brick wall next to him grew alarmingly close.

*

Fuck he was gonna regret this. A giggle burst out of him.

*

Lucas cracked his eyes open with the feeling of rising up from the dead. His brain was fuzzy and his throat dry as a desert, and if there weren’t many pleasant occasions on which those two things gathered at the same time, this one was definitely not one of those. He found himself staring at the void, eyelids heavy, for at least good minute. The blinds hadn’t been shut at all, and apparently all the sunlight in the world had decided to flood in this particular room in order to make his eyeballs melt. With a wince at the pounding headache, he closed his eyes and tried to swallow down some saliva. Which, in fact, wasn’t that good of an idea. Lucas winced some more in disgust at the bad taste, curling a little bit on himself. The question was now how much courage he had left to get up, for a total of three minutes, just enough to grab a glass of water he’d probably apply first thing on his forehead, then go to the bathroom to relieve his bladder from all the liquid he had the night before. Good plan. Good. Plan. That was a good plan, Lucas thought sluggishly. The major flaw was that he didn’t know if his stomach would make it.

Said stomach started gurgling and Lucas felt a chill run up his spine.

Okay. The bladder would wait. It would. He squeezed his eyes shut, digging his face deeper in his pillow. Fuck. How many fucking drinks did he have? He hadn’t had a black-out since college, and now he was starting to remember why he had stopped pushing himself to the breaking point.

Because it fucking sucked afterwards.

A quiet huff echoing in the room and a movement on the other side of the bed made his eyes snap back open, the mattress dipping a little bit.

Oh no.

Oh no, no, no.

He forced his last two surviving braincells to connect together, but his mind was blank. All he could hear was the birds chirping aggressively outside, a few cars passing down the street and someone walking outside the room, feet digging into the thick carpet.

Thomp, thomp, thomp.

He didn’t remember hooking up with anybody. Let alone bringing them back to the hotel afterwards. That being said he didn’t remember much at all in the first place. He tried to scan his memory for any available clue but the only that came to his mind was Yann happily cheering on him for some reason, a very colored cocktail he didn’t remember the name of and-

Oh. Yeah.

He had hooked up with someone. Some guy. In a club.

Now he recalled. He also recalled getting down on his knees and he humfed to himself.

Yeah. Great. He didn’t dare to move now. It wasn’t his first one night stand, don’t get him wrong. He had had his share of those. But rarely ever with a hangover of this magnitude. Fuck he wasn’t in the right state to have the awkward morning after talk. No matter if the guy was all casual about it — they lived in two different countries and Lucas was literally there for two days, it wasn’t like something else would happen anyway. It still felt impossibly awkward regardless and the prospect of dealing with it didn’t help his already unsteady stomach. Particularly when he couldn’t get out. Because it was his room, right? Lucas squinted his eyes. It must be. Who else’s would it be?

It didn’t make sense. He spared a glance around. The armchair in the corner. The table aligned against the wall. The commode with a small tv screen. He could make up the dark shape of a building towering outside, across from the street.

It wasn’t his hotel room, Lucas thought.

Unless they had built whatever that building was last night.

He knew the hoodie thrown carelessly on the armchair though. And the sneakers near the foot of the bed. Heartbeat rising as realization downed on him, Lucas mustered enough courage to sit up, and after taking a deep breath, he turned his head to the other side of the bed, hands clutching at the sheets pooling low around his waist, where Eliott was still dead to the world.

[periodicreviews]

RWBY Volume 6 Episode 1 and 2

I watched these recently at my roommate’s urging to get back into the show. After watching them, I asked him when it gets good, to which he replied “You didn’t think episode 1 was good?”

I’ll admit that despite the opening monologue from Qrow which literally summarizes Volume 5, I still felt lost. I definitely think this led me to not enjoy these episodes just from being slightly confused about where they were going and why (even though they also say in one of these episodes). Amidst my confusion, two things in particular stood out to me. Flashbacks and Sun/Blake.

Episode 1 Flashbacks

There are flashbacks in both episode 1 and episode 2, and they are both hard to follow.

Episode 1 starts off the train battle, then flashes back to prior to their boarding. Then later it jumps forward to them on the train before the battle starts. The jumps in location are fine by themselves because it’s immediately clear that train station comes before train ride.

However, in my notes while watching the episode, I wrote “train fight felt disconnected”, but I couldn’t figure out why that was until I replayed the scenes right before and after the flashback.

In order to understand this, I felt like I needed to assign the segments with letters A-F in chronological order

>

A: Train station

B: Start of ride

C: Start of Battle

D: Cool intros

E: Why is it always something? Version 1

EE: Why is it always something? Version 2

F: Tunnel! Version 1

FF: Tunnel! Version 2

Doing that, this is how the episode plays out from beginning to end:

D->E->F->A->B->C->EE->FF

  (D->E->F)Before we go from train battle to the past at the train station, we’re focused on Team RWBY. Then Jaune, Ren, Nora, and Oscar ascend to the roof and Nora asks “Why is it always something?” Later, Oscar screams “tunnel” and then everyone rushes inside.

(B->C->EE->FF)When we cut back from the train station to on the train, it’s before the battle starts. The viewer is supposed to get that the scene from the opening converges with this new scene at the point of Nora’s “Why is it always something?” and the fight pauses with the same “tunnel” scream from Oscar. These two lines intentionally repeated to be signposts to orient the viewer.

In my case at least, it wasn’t until the 2nd instance of “tunnel!” that I realized I had been in a flashback.

 There are a few things that I believe hindered my ability to figure these scenes out.

1. Part of why this is so complicated is because they’re on a train with no distinguishing features other than the characters. You see Ruby fighting off something, but it’s kind of hard to remember that she is at the back of the train while Oscar is towards the front of the train. The background is just a cliff side and obviously the train is always in motion so it’s hard to orient the characters in your mind.

2. Another thing that isn’t helping is that the episode starts the battle with a cool intro for each character. These intros are visually distinctive and memorable, but those would feel out of place if they were present again when you flashed back.

3. Nora’s signpost line, “Why is it always something?” is fine. But we see it happen from two different camera angles.

One could argue that you need to change the angle to indicate a shift in perspective from one version of the scene to the new version. But I feel like you could also argue that using the same camera angle would be more likely to trigger my apparently failing short term memory of what I saw 5 minutes ago. If I saw and heard the same thing twice, I think I would’ve caught on for sure.

 Episode 2 Flashback

In Episode 2 after opening with the reveal that Cinder didn’t die, it cuts to a flash further back to before the team is at the train station, discussing taking the train while in the room from Volume 5 at Haven Academy. Then it flashes forward to “present time” after the train has crashed. I was lost for a time as to whether the Haven scene was a flashback or a flash forward.

Maybe the reason why I had trouble following it is because it was a cut or transition that jumped character perspective (Cinder to RWBY), time (Volume 6 to Volume 5), and location (whatever town Cinder is in to Haven) all at once.

All of this isn’t to say flashbacks are bad or anything, it’s just easy to get lost when so many things are changing.

LOST is a series that many people found confusing and hated in part due to its flashbacks.

Flashbacks not only happened to characters remembering scenes from before the plane crash, but for the audience being shown what other characters on the island were doing during key events.

For example, in season 1, the main survivors discover a “hatch.”  A character named Locke pounds on the door in frustration at being unable to get inside until a light shines through the window.

It’s not till season 2 that we see the character, Desmond, on the other side of the door turning on the light.

This particular LOST flashback occurred in a completely different season, but at a pivotal moment when both characters were at their lowest points, so it was easy to connect the two. The location was super distinctive as the hatch was this mysterious structure on this seemingly uninhabited island. The character perspectives are different, but they are intersecting at the same location and time. There’s also no train involved.

Granted, this LOST scene is a much simpler example of a flashback. But I bring it up to point out what LOST did right to make the flashback easier to follow. I feel like the RWBY team was trying to cram too much into 1 episode and my ability to follow the show was hampered as a result.

 Blake and Sun

In Episode 1 after Blake and Sun say their goodbyes, she kisses him on the cheek. Then it cuts to Sun and Neptune with Neptune chastising Sun for just letting her go. I don’t profess to know every scene of RWBY, but the only other kiss I can remember is Jaune and Pyrrha kissing right before she went off to die. I would fact-check myself, but I don’t want to spoil anything that may happen in Volume 6.

I say this because I feel like this kiss should’ve been a bigger deal and it feels just kind of passed by, like it’s not significant. Granted it’s not on the lips, but I think the gesture is still significant when it involves one of your main characters. And even more so when there’s a very vocal group of fans that pair Blake and Yang together.

Part of why it feels weird is also because of the wide camera angle. It’s distant physically and lends itself to a feeling of detachment. It’s also not immediately clear what Blake is doing because her back is to the camera. I think it could’ve been more effective if it cut from wide angle to a close up, so we could at least see the reaction of either Sun or Blake.

 Despite all of that, the end of episode 2 definitely had me wanting more since the answer to “what is Ozpin hiding?” could be anything.

[amnachil]

To the Perfection Chapter 1 Part 3

The next part of our feeder’s story :) Thank you for reading !

Thomas Friday January 11

"I heard one of them died, or something like this." was relating Ilhan. "They tried to run from the cops, and an officer shooted. And at the hospital, they weren't able to resuscitate him."

Thomas rolled his eyes. As if.

"Yeah sure." added ironically Joël. "And during the funeral, the other tried to commit suicide to join him. That would be creepy, right Thomy ?"

The ginger looked at his friend with a smile. You perfectly know it didn't happen like that at all. Nobody died. Each time people talked about Liam's story, they transformed the truth. It became a sort of legend in town, but Thomas knew better. And so did Joël. He was the son of the sheriff after all.

"I think it's mainly rumors." Thomas eventually replied. "But yeah, this is creepy. I don't know what got into Liam, but he seemingly lost his mind..."

Cody glanced at him, circumspect, but he ignored him. They just finished their football training, and he had things to do.

"Sorry guys, but I need to go. See you tomorow for practice."

As soon as he was out of their sight, he rushed towards his house. Man. I don't know how to stop. His mother's absence affected him more than he would admit. Of course, he was a grown-up teenager, and he could take care of himself. But without her around, he was feeling Raphaël's aura everywhere, even when his brother wasn't literally here. But at least, he wasn't lonely. Dan was there. Dan. Only thinking about him was a turn on. Since college started only on next monday, the junior was spending most of his time at home. He did the chores, some DIY, but he mainly ate and watched TV. He was so kind with Thomas. They were playing videogames, watching movies and they even did a workout session together. He promised to come tomorow watch the young lad's practice. And all of this is not helping. Thomas was more than eager to watch Dan stuff his face. He scrutinized every single changing of his body. He indulged my food every single day of the last week. Fortunately, Dan wasn't the kind to watch his figure. But it wasn't only a sexual attraction for Thomas. Of course, his kink was feederism, but his friend was more than that. His shining and comprehensive personality, his penchant to be always optimist... I shouldn't do that. After all, it was a vicious circle. The more he was falling for Dan (and he was everyday !), the more he feared Raphaël.

The ginger lad arrived at home panting, because of both his running and his excitation. However, he  noticed the light-brown haired junior was getting ready to go out.

"What are you doing ?" Thomas asked, surprised and disappointed.

"Hey Thomy." his friend smiled. "How was your day ? I'm going to Bobby's party tonight, remember ?"

The party. I forgot. He expected to spend the evening with Dan ! And obviously some food. His eyes caught subtle lovehandles when his buddy put his jacket on. I don't want to stay alone in here. Thomas wasn't scared of his own house but... He wanted to make the most of his time alone with Dan. He came up with a plan.

"As usual... " he plaintively confessed. "It's already starting to get boring, and it have been only one week."

Dan looked at him. He didn't seem convinced, so Thomas put on his most beautiful smile. Just bring me with you. Please.

"You could've ask like every normal person." laughed his friend. "You're not a child anymore, you can come to a party."

It was all Thomas wanted.

They arrived at Bobby's home approximately one hour later. Before entering, Dan dusted himself off.

"How do I look ?" he asked.

Gorgeous ? Handsome ? Man I don't know. Dressed like that, his weight gain was unoticeable for an untrained eye. But Thomas glimpsed the little curve of his lower belly, which softly pushed his shirt.

"You're fine." he replied pleasantly.

"Good."

And they entered. Bobby Blake welcomed them joyfully. It was only 8 p.m but he was already drunk enough to confuse Thomas and Raphaël. Anyway, once inside, the young ginger gulped, a bit impressed. There were students everywhere. The atmosphere was fairly highly charged. He smelled a mixture of alcholol, weed and aromatic foods. Of course, Thomas had already done parties with his classmates, but it wasn't this big. Here, they all were older than him. And to be honest, partying wasn't his cup of tea.

"Let's grab something to eat." suggested Dan. "And then, I'll have to find Carol."

They headed to the buffet. The young lad recognized here and there some former highschool students. He noticed a bunch of guys who had been in Raphaël's little paper. Dan gave him a little smoothie.

"I know this is the only flavor you like." he stated. "Take it before they're all gone."

Thomas gratefully took it. He's so considerate... It wasn't good to stay here with him, in this party. It helped to fantasize. But it was a daily routine for around five years now.

Dan Friday January 11

The party was going well. Alongside Thomas, they played some drinking games and talked about this and that. Dan also danced for a while, before Carol finally showed up. His classmate was a short girl with a contagious smile. She had long curly hairs and keen brown eyes. They knew each other since highschool, and she was one of the only friend who didn't abandonned him after his coming out.

"Dan, there you are !" she greeted him. "And... You must be Thomas, right ?"

"Nice to meet you." replied cheerfully his ginger friend.

"You and your brother look so alike !" she continued. "I'm sure you're very proud to be related to such a genius."

Thomas nodded, but Dan noticed a little glint of annoyance. Since Raphaël had made it in the national selection, everybody was always speaking about him. In the end, it must be stifling...

"Anyway, you see the guy over there ? This is my future boyfriend."

When she wanted something...

"I'm sure you have your chances." he answered. "Do you want any help ?"

"Sure thing ! Thomas can you wait here ? It's not against you, but I don't want him to talk only about your awesome brother, you know ?"

"Of course." replied the teeanger.

Maybe he had drunk too much. Maybe it was the atmosphere of the party. But Dan didn't see Thomas's negative reaction. He followed Carol, pretty sure his friend would find something to do in the meantime.

During one hour, Dan, Carol and her crush talked. He did his best to praise her friend, and in the end, he decided to let them alone. Thus, he searched Thomas. But the ginger lad was nowhere to be found. This is weird. He wasn't around the buffet, nor the pool. Not even in the living room. At this point, the junior felt guilty to have let him alone. I mean, he's a grown-up right ? He should be able to manage on his own... Dan was looking in the garden when Raphaël called him.

"Hi honey." he answered quickly.

A cold silence. Already ?

"What's wrong ?" asked his boyfriend. "I can tell when you're worried."

The soccer player was more than fast to perceive even the smallest detail. He could almost read minds. Another thing which made him appear frightenning for people.

"I'm at this party, you remember ?" Dan replied obediantly. "And I might have brought Thomas with me. And I might have lost him at the moment."

Again, a cold silence. It's a good sign. He's not mad. Dan also had developped some techniques to understand his boyfriend. Silence meant he was thinking.

"I think I know where he went." he finally whispered. "I'll sent you the location. It's an old park where we used to  play back when we were kids. I know he still goes there to contemplate things."

"Thanks."

"We'll talk later, for now just find him, and keep me posted." ordered Raphaël. "Be safe my love."

"Aye sir. Love you."

Dan hung up and left the party immediately. He was concerned about Thomas, and he also didn't want to upset his boyfriend. And when it comes to his brother, he's very sensitive.

As Raphaël had guessed, the highschool student was sitting on a swing in the middle of the park. He looks like an actor in a drama... Dan came closer in silence, but his friend heard him. (He wasn't very discreet to be honest).

"Sorry I left the party without any prior warning." he mumbled. "I was feeling a bit uneasy."

"I understand." assured the junior.

He sat next to the ginger teenager. Why did he insisted to come in the first place ? Thomas hadn't shown any interest for parties before. He was more of a home lover.

"Are you nice to me only because I'm your boyfriend's brother ?" he suddenly asked.

Dan glanced at him, surprised. Is he serious ? Thomas was smiling, he had his perpetual warm smile like immobilized on his face. But the question was deeply different than everything he had ever said before. The junior decided it recquired an honest answer.

"I know Raphaël and you for more than ten years now." he recalled. "And I'm perfectly aware you're two completely different persons. I'm acting nice with you because you're my friend. I really like you Thomas, you're sweet, patient, understanting and fun. There are things I want to do with you, and not with Raphaël. Do you think he would be my videogames partner ? For real the man probably don't know what a controller is !"

The last joke made the young teenager laugh. A warm, innocent laugh. He should laugh like this more.

"Thank you Dan." he whispered. "You might be the only person in this world who treats me that way."

Wrong. Raphaël sees you as you are. It wasn't necessarily the good moment to say this. His mother's decision seemed to have impacted him more than Dan thought.

"Besides, I can't even imagine eating the food of someone else than you." he joked.

"That's so true."

To be continued

Nothing much to say here. Our little Thomas is sad but also happy to be with Dan... Who is starting to gain weight (not that he cares).

Joël, Ilhan and Cody are Thomas’s school friend. Their relationship will be detailed later :)

[thethaumaturgeworld]

Jude’s Last Strike (The Thaumaturge World Teaser)

The fire wasn’t exactly the worst part of Jude’s week, but it came as a close second.

On the bright side, Jude now understood the universal law of returning books to the school library on time. Because that’s how this whole mess started. A library book.

Jude was a thirteen-year-old student at Havendale Primary. Upon first meeting Jude, you couldn’t tell that he was a troublemaker because he seemed like such an average teen. Bright brown eyes, strawberry blonde hair, and freckles, nothing out of the ordinary. He was smaller than most kids his age, which was an advantage when hiding from teachers, policemen and disgruntled neighbours out for revenge.

His Dad often turned to Jude’s Uncle Aaron, telling him he was a bad influence. Aaron would just laugh it off, of course. But there could’ve been some corruption there. Aaron had told them many stories of the dumb things he did in his younger life. Pranks he used to pull, things that he thought was smart at the time but later discovered could’ve killed him. The real rebel inspiration, however, belonged to Jude’s late grandfather.

William died three years prior, coincidentally a month before Jude’s rebellious attitude had spiked. Nobody is sure of the cause of his death, but Jude knew something that nobody else had. He still couldn’t quite explain it. When he had reached his grandfather’s house a few blocks away and saw the ambulance, he’d have sworn he had seen something scuttle across the road.

At first, he thought it was his imagination. Then he thought it might have been a bearded dragon. Upon closer inspection, that theory was squashed. The creature had scales that were dark cream in colour. A lamp like object on its head similar to an angler fish. Jude only saw it for a second before it disappeared into the bushes. It was real, and it had come from the house in which William Blake was found dead.

The real story began on a Monday, as a class of seventh graders left their classrooms for break time.

Jude was pretty tired after a whole day of boring lectures from different teachers. He knew a fair share of the topics discussed in class; he just didn’t care enough today to listen to the things he didn’t know. Before he made it around the corner to get to the staircase, he felt a hand grab his arm.

“Hey! wait for me!” Henry Jones said with exasperation, “I was caught at the back of the row, and you sped off like a runaway car. Are you trying to avoid me?” He smirked at him at the last sentence.

“I am not avoiding you,” Jude rolled his eyes at the other boy, “I forgot.”

“Your own friend?” Henry placed a hand over his heart, “I am wounded.”

Jude snorted in laughter, “Don’t expect an apology any time soon.”

Henry pouted but then just shook his head, looking up the staircase, “We have… history after this?”

“Ms Jacobus? Correct,” Jude replied.

They headed up the stairs, into the mostly empty hallway. Henry placed his backpack in the row in front of the classroom. Most students were making their way back so they could join the rest of the school on the field, chattering amongst each other. Jude placed his own backpack next to his friend’s.

That’s when he noticed Henry’s eyes following his every move. He looked at him, confused.

“What are you looking at? Does my face resemble a steak?” Jude asked.

He shrugged in response, “Just wondering what you’ve got up your sleeve for today. Any plans?”

Oh. Right. Reputation.

“I thought I should tone down on the surprises today,” Jude explained, “So my sleeves are all empty.”

“Hey, Blake!” He heard behind him. He knew who it was before he turned around. Amy was making her way toward them, her school monitor badge set blinking on her white shirt collar, mocking him.

“Anything you want?” Jude asked.

“Yeah,” Amy said slowly, “The library book? Do you have it with you? Karla’s been stressing about it all morning. It’s two days late, you’re gonna have to pay.”

Jude tried to avoid looking at Henry, “Library book? The ghost story one?”

Amy crossed her arms, “Unless you have other books that are past due, yes the ghost story one? Please return it today… okay? Give us all peace of mind so Karla won’t have another anxiety attack.”

Jude flashed a thumbs up, “It’s in my backpack.”

Amy smirked as she looked over Jude’s shoulder at Henry, “Good, and good luck.”

She turned around and swiftly walked away. Jude turned toward Henry, who was positively glaring at him. Jude shrugged, grinning. “Whoops?” He said.

Henry groaned, “Why!? You told me you returned it!”

“I forgot,” Jude responded, already rifling through his backpack to look for it.

“I asked you if you gave it back and you said yes!” Henry stuck his hand in his dark brown hair, much like Jude’s father would do if he was frustrated. He sighed, “You have it here, though? Right?”

“I’m looking! I’m looking!” Jude said, “Hold your horses!”

“I cannot be stable! You know that!”

“Ah yes; Henry Jones, my dear unstable friend.” He rifled through his books until his hand closed around the library book. He smiled and showed it to Henry, “We’re in luck.”

Henry sighed in relief “Great,” He said, “Let’s go return it.”

They reached the bottom floor where kids from grades one to seven were already on the field. Jude could see a few familiar faces; Abu and Hansie were playing ball closeby. The ball almost hit Imka. The girl turned around and started to shout at them. All good fun.

They finally arrived at the school library.

When they entered, the line at the front desk was long, and Jude almost decided to turn back. Karma, art thou a heartless snitch.

“I’m gonna return this,” Jude said “You can look around. Looks like I’m gonna be a while.”

Henry nodded “Yeah, I’ll be over at the Comic Book section.”

Henry left for the comic books and left Jude standing in line alone. He tapped the book against his leg as he waited. The line shortened way too slowly. He really didn’t want to wait this long and waste his break.

He was considering ditching the library and come back during the second break when the librarian called ‘Next!’ and realised he was the next one. He stepped forward and placed the book on the table. He was just going to turn away when Mrs Botha grabbed his wrist. He sighed. Of course. He turned to face her. She let go of his wrist slowly, peering at him over her golden spectacles.

“It’s late,” she said. It wasn’t a question.

“Yes, it is,” Jude admitted, “Would you also be interested in knowing the colour of the sky?”

She sneered at him, “Five Rand Mr Blake.”

“Fine,” Jude sighed, “I’ll bring it tomorrow. Can I be excused so I can enjoy what is left of my break, or will you prefer to keep me in your clutches?”

Mrs Botha’s glare hardened. “Go,” She hissed.

Jude left as fast as he could and looked for Henry. He walked passed the kiddies’ section, avoiding Karla as she organised some books. He saw the Comic Book section up ahead. All of a sudden, a strange feeling overcame him. He saw something scaly move in the corner of his eye. He turned around. A strange creature was making its way around a bookcase and right towards the Computer Lab.

Jude’s eyes widened when he recognised it. Now that he was closer, he could easily make out the bat-like ears and large, yellow eyes. This one was a lighter colour than the one from three years ago, though, but looked to be the same species. A part of Jude wanted to turn around and pretend it never happened.

Alas, he followed it like an idiot.

He supposed a part of him hoped that by following, he’d find an answer to what had happened to his grandfather. Finally, there would be no more ‘maybes’. This creature could hold the answer, and he needed answers.

Jude saw as the creature zipped into the Computer Lab and with little hesitation, Jude followed. He cautiously observed the room. Old school computers were lined on the tables with cables and mouse pads. The blinds over the windows were closed, and everything looked normal. There was no sign of the angler gecko.

He considered leaving. Little did he know that he was at a crossroad. The decision he made now, will directly impact the rest of his life.

He can get Henry and leave. Spend some time with him and finish this day’s school work. Pretend this never happened. But no… he couldn’t. This creature would keep coming back, and he’d just be forced into another encounter one day anyway. With that thought in mind, he proceeded forward into the room. He scanned the room carefully, a strange feeling crawling down the back of his neck.

His chest burned as he moved slowly into the place. Something was holding him back. He shakily bent down and checked under one of the tables. There was nothing. No sign of anything out of place.

The burning in his chest intensified, his ears buzzed. It felt as if the walls were closing in. He got off the floor and headed to the door before he could think. He looked back and saw nothing. Maybe he was going mad after all. He shook his head and left the computer lab, quickly making his way back to the library.

“What took you so long?” Henry asked, placing the comic back.

“The… the line was long,” Jude said, eyes darting to the computer lab. Was it just him or was there sound coming from there? No, he was just paranoid.

Nevertheless, he grabbed Henry by the elbow and dragged him out. Henry made sounds of protest but was shushed by one of the assistants. They exited the library, and Jude picked up his backpack.

“What was that all about?” Henry asked.

Jude nervously smoothed down his hair, “It’s nothing,” He said. He forced a smile as if to prove his point. He jerked his head toward the staircase “Let’s enjoy the rest of break while we still have time.”

They started to make their way down the hallway. What happened next took them entirely by surprise.

There was a loud booming sound from behind them followed by the sound of screams. Henry and Jude whipped around. Jude lost his voice. Bright red flames moved at an abnormally fast speed across the fabrics of the library curtains. The fire roared aggressively. The alarms blared to life around the school. The principal’s voice was heard in the distance.

“This is not a fire drill. Everyone must gather on the sports field immediately. Do not to panic, and proceed calmly.”

“What about Mrs Botha?” Henry asked “And Karla, Miranda, Chris-”

“I don’t think this is our place to interfere, Henry,” Jude said, “We should leave and go to the field.”

“But… Karla’s in there,” Henry said, “Chris is a first grader!”

“We don’t have any experience,” Jude replied “There’s no point. We’ll only die, Henry. We’ll be helping nobody.”

“You’re always prepared to take a risk,” Henry said. Jude was horrified to see his friend move toward the burning library.

Even though his entire being screamed to grab Henry and run, he knew there was no stopping his friend. It was one of the things that they shared along with freckles and being shorter than most of their classmates.

Jude followed Henry reluctantly into the burning library, cursing himself for doing so. When they were inside, Jude stared around. The fire crackled on the walls and, electronic sounds came from the lab.

The lab… Jude’s eyes found the door hidden behind a burning bookcase. He didn’t see the angler-gecko anywhere. Whether it made it out already or if it died in the explosion, Jude wasn’t about to find out. He saw something else move from the corner of his eye.

While leading the other kids toward the exit, Mrs Botha stumbled away from the bookcases, a small boy in her arms. That’s when she set her eyes upon Henry and Jude.

“Move!” She shouted “Move outside! Now!”

Jude didn’t hesitate. He grabbed Henry and pulled him along, Mrs Botha following soon. The boy in her arms coughed, eyes darting around the room as they made their way out of the library. When they got out, coughing and shaking, Jude took time to see if everyone made it out. To his immense relief, they did. Karla was standing there, looking frazzled.

There were cuts on all of them, but Mrs Botha definitely took the brunt of it. She had a bruise forming over her eye, spreading to her temple and her glasses were shattered and bent. It was then that Jude realised the way she was looking at him.

Her face seemed to be filled with hatred, her glare beyond murderous. Jude knew the only reason she hadn’t tossed him off the third floor yet was she was carrying a first grader.

But the message was clear. Jude Blake was her main suspect.

“All of you — follow me to the field at once,” She said, “Before there’s another explosion that kills us.”

“Kills us?” The first grader asked.

“We’ll be fine,” Mrs Botha assured him. They headed toward the staircases, Mrs Botha telling them to form a line. Jude was relieved when they finally arrived outside of the school building, heading for the field. Every Havendale student stood there for roll call. Principle Mollow had the list and was calling out names.

That’s when he noticed them. His face turned to shock and surprise “How in heaven’s name did you get out of there alive!?” He asked.

“Long story,” Mrs Botha said, gently putting down the young boy, who stood there, shaking. A fifth-grade girl that must’ve been his sister raced toward him.

“Did everyone get out?” Mollow asked.

Mrs Botha nodded. “Continue the roll call with the others, though.” She gave Jude another dirty look before limping over to the nurse, who had a paramedic kit ready.

That’s when he heard the sound of fire truck alarms blaring. A red truck was speeding towards the school, and the sirens that followed meant there were cops as well. He looked back at the building, thinking of the strange creature. He’d observed that thing a few times before, but this was the first time it caused havoc. Actually, there were a few creatures he had seen this past week.

He’d convinced himself that it wasn’t real, but it became more and more real as time went on. The ghoul he’d seen crossing the street last week Wednesday. It had saluted him and then disappeared into thin air, right in front of him. None of his schoolmates had seen it.

Then there was last Friday when something small, fluffy and round had stolen his favourite pen. He felt pretty confident that hamsters weren’t into taking stationery. He tried to ignore it. But he was starting to wonder… maybe ignoring it wasn’t the best decision?

[texanredrose]

Countdown (Pt 1 of 2)

Here’s your only warning: angst ahead, but with a happy ending. Promise. For the Free Day.

Day -195 Winter awoke to her alarm much like every other day despite the realization that she'd turned twenty seven while she slept. Her final birthday, a marker she'd seen coming and watched with equal parts dread and grim acceptance. How else should she regard the milestone? Sitting up in bed, she cast her gaze around her military lodging. Per regulation, she would be discharged one hundred and eighty days prior to her death day, which gave her only two more weeks amid familiar surroundings before she would have to move her meager belongings into one of the funeral motels- a distasteful reality, to be sure, but a necessary one. They only existed for people like her, those too stubborn or too far gone to be welcomed back home for their final days. Getting out of bed, she grabbed her scroll and headed for the kitchen area. No doubt Weiss would call, try to arrange for some manner of bonding. Although it had taken them a few years, the sisters had improved their relationship substantially during that time, no longer at odds now that they'd similarly distanced themselves from their father. Without him constantly driving a wedge between them, they got on rather well, and their brief contact with their mother similarly proved much easier without his interference. Then again, it might be her imminent death that moved them to mend bridges rather than remaining silent until the end. That Winter, the eldest daughter, would only live for twenty seven and a half years while her mother and sister had over eighty years each seemed unfair to some extent but... it also made her invincible, in some ways. She didn't fear death. She didn't have to consider the long term health effects of strenuous work or balk at suicide missions. She didn't have to worry about anything. Twenty seven years... in the grand scheme of things, she couldn't do much with that, aside from what the military offered her. She couldn't have a family of her own because leaving them behind would be unfair. So she adopted her soldiers and defended them viciously. It won her more accolades than she could count.

But she would be lying if she said she had no regrets. It lingered in the back of her mind- children, a wife, a family of her own. A dream she wanted to chase but couldn't. Her scroll ringing snapped her out of autopilot, only then registering the bubbling of coffee and the bread toasting, as close to a breakfast as she felt necessary. She picked it up, unsurprised to see who it was calling her. "Good morning, Weiss." "Happy birthday, Winter." She chuckled, pinning the scroll between shoulder and ear as she continued making her meal. "I'm not sure if that's entirely appropriate, given the circumstances." "I don't want to be morbid about it; just because it's your last doesn't mean it can't be a good one." "I suppose you have a point," she replied, grabbing a mug from the cupboard. "How are your cases going?" "Ah, right, I... probably should've informed you already." A pause, anxiety gripping her sister then, almost audible in her concern. "I've opted to stop practicing business law." "Oh?" She raised a brow. "Have you found a different calling?" "Family court." Her other brow joined the first. "I've found that the work suits me a little better." "Really?" She lifted the mug to her lips, needing the bite of black coffee to prepare her for the day. "I would think watching families tear themselves apart would be the furthest thing from what you'd want to pursue." "Actually, I tend to think of it as ensuring the best circumstances for the children," she said, her voice turning to steel. "I'm rather tired of seeing children awarded to the parent with the most money. It's hardly a fitting scale for the child's welfare. It certainly did us no favors." "I'm glad to hear you aren't in it for the money." Her toast popped up, and she grabbed the jam from her fridge to spread across the slices. "Any noteworthy cases?" "None I'd like to discuss at present." Weiss paused, obviously hesitant to voice the next sentence but doing it all the same. "I'd rather talk about your living arrangements." That made her pause. "I already told you-" "Come to Vale. Stay with me instead of one of those wretched death motels. It's no way to spend your last six months." "I only planned to use one for the final two; there's some traveling I'd like to do beforehand," she said, sighing. "But I can make Vale my first stop... and I'll consider returning for the last month. Did you talk this over with your girlfriend?" "Blake's been the one pushing for it." Weiss admitted with a fond little laugh. "If you met her parents, you'd understand. It took her a while to reconnect with them but she's now very adamant about supporting familial bonds. Our friends may or may not be an equally strong influence." Rolling her eyes, she took a bite of toast to mull it over. "Very well. I'll be discharged in fifteen days. I'll book my flight to Vale as soon as I finish breakfast." "Excellent! I think you'll like Vale-" "I've been there before, remember?" "Right, right, but I think there's a few spots you haven't experienced fully..." Winter listened as her sister went on a long speech, expounding all the things she'd yet to see in the kingdom of Vale. She couldn't help but smile; at least she could rest easy knowing Weiss' zest for life wouldn't suffer from her passing. Maybe she could spend a bit more time in Vale than she'd originally planned.

Day -180 Winter stood outside the terminal, bag slung over her shoulder. She'd opted to travel light, having already sold or gifted her worldly possessions while going through the process of leaving the Atlesian military. In the unassuming drab olive bag sat a few changes of clothes and her hygiene kit; she needed nothing more. Well, except a ride. Checking her scroll, a frown touched her lips as she noted the message Weiss had sent her a good two hours ago, warning that her meeting with clients ran long and she'd be sending a friend to pick her up. Really, she wasn't in any hurry, so it didn't truly matter; she had one hundred and eighty days to wait. She'd accepted it. All her affairs were in order, lightly tapped into line over the past few months, and she had nothing left except seeing a few sights and spending time with the only family she cared to claim.  As easy an end as could come. Various vehicles came and went, waving goodbye to loved ones bound for airships or welcoming them back, and she contemplated taking up smoking in her final months- because, really, what harm could it do? Her aura, the life force that sustained her, would give out far before her lungs would. It wouldn't be accurate to say she didn't notice the roar of a motorcycle coming around the bend, seeing as it was rather impossible to miss, but she didn't expect for the rider to make a short stop in front of her, a bit of smoke rising up from the skid marks as she kicked out a leg and lifted her helmet clear of her head. "Wow, when Weiss said 'look for an older version of me, but more pissed off', she meant it literally!" Lilac eyes that sparkled like her smile, an unruly mane of golden locks, and skin tanned and kissed by the sun- Yang Xiao Long, if her memory served, though her sister's description of the woman hardly did her justice. "It's nice to finally meet you! Weiss talks about her big sis all the time!" "And you must be Yang," she replied, offering a hand. "She's mentioned you as well." "All good things I hope!" She laughed, shaking Winter's hand with a strong, firm grip, flexing muscles beneath her skin tight leather jacket. "Sorry I don't have a car; I prefer riding and didn't know you needed a lift until I was already out." "It's no trouble." She shrugged her shoulder to indicate the bag. "I'm traveling light." "Hey, sounds good to me!" Then she turned, digging into a saddle bag attached to the bike and fishing out a helmet. "Here. I really hope it fits alright." Winter smiled, a bit bemused. Weiss mentioned that Yang could be caring bordering on motherly from time to time and took other people's feelings seriously, but she hadn't expected someone quite so... well, genuinely kind. "I'm sure it'll be fine." "Great!" She waved a hand towards the city beyond. "Officially, I'd like to welcome you to Vale! Where do you wanna go first?" And she didn't know why, really, but she felt a smile tug at her lips. "Surprise me." And the expression was mirrored back at her. "I'll do my best."

Day -166 Two weeks later, Winter found herself with a... strangely active social life. She'd never exactly sought out friends or companions- she fell into step with some fellow service members from time to time, sure, but she didn't actively try to come across others or spend time with them. It just seemed like a futile effort, seeing as she would only have a handful of years with them. Why make her loss even more felt? But, as she'd quickly learned, Yang Xiao Long was a very hard woman to turn down. "C'mon!" The blonde laughed, smiling wide enough for a dimple to appear in her cheeks. "How have you never been to a carnival?" "I just never saw the point." She shrugged, finishing off the last bit of her coffee. They'd opted to meet for brunch on a gorgeous Saturday, when Yang's job permit her time off. "Cheap rides and cheaper prizes- I don't see the appeal." "It's about the experience!" She spread her arms wide, voice taking on a rather whimsical quality. "I mean- the music, the screams, the cotton candy, the flashing lights, the pings of the ring toss, all of it's great! And the view of the city from the top of the Ferris Wheel? How can you pass that up?" Raising a hand, she conceded defeat. "I'll at least admit that you make it sound far more interesting than I thought." "Hey, if you're still skeptical, why don't you give me the chance to prove you wrong?" She jerked her head. "There's one down by the docks. I could pick you up around five?" On the one hand, it would at least be cool enough by then to bear, seeing as she hadn't quite acclimated to Vale's warmer climate yet. On the other... "I find it hard to admire the lights you've mentioned with the sun up." "See, that's the beauty of it." She waved a hand. "We go a few rounds on the bumper cars, we play some games, maybe a ride or two, and then we can grab some good, greasy carnival food and catch the Ferris wheel as the sun sets." She smiled again, eyes sparkling. "What do ya say?" "Count me in," she replied, finding herself more and more agreeable with Yang's suggestions. Ever since the woman opted to surprise her with some of the best food- home cooked at that- she'd ever tasted and a trip out to Beacon Falls when she first arrived in Vale, Winter couldn't really fault her self appointed tour guide's tastes. "But at the end of the night, when we're both lamenting how much time we'd wasted, I want you to remember this conversation." "Oh, I will."  Winter didn't know she could enjoy someone's company so much. She'd never really had a best friend before but Yang... she made it impossible not to consider her for the position. An infectious laugh, a kind and caring demeanor, a penchant for joking- a proverbial sun to brighten her day. While she couldn't quite return that- razor sharp her wit might be, but it tended towards the biting sort, not the funny kind- she somehow provided the woman with something, considering how often they met for little talks like this. It made her heart ache a little. With her time so limited, it would've been nice to have known Yang earlier in life. Perhaps they could've been more than friends.

Winter sighed, relaxing back into the seat as the Ferris Wheel began to turn, raising them into the twilight sky. As much as she hadn't admitted it aloud, she'd found their activities at the carnival were a great deal more entertaining than she'd expected. She'd won a cheap teddy bear at the dart toss, and felt more than a little proud of that, and Yang had won a stuffed dog of some sort at the 'test your strength' game, proving the muscles in her arms and core weren't just for show, even if the air had turned a bit cool by a Valen's tastes for the halter top she wore.  "So?" Yang turned towards her, settling an arm across the back of the seat. "How lame are carnivals?" "Very well, I concede defeat." She rolled her eyes at the woman's wide grin. "This was a lot more enjoyable than I expected. Truly an experience worth having." "See, now that's what I'm talking about!" She chuckled, waving a wand in front of them. "And this is the best part! I mean, look at this view!" Blue eyes roved over the cityscape, lights beginning to flicker on as the sun sank beyond the horizon. "Personally, I'm partial to the roller coasters, but this is nice." As they ascended, the wheel stopped to admit new passengers, until they sat at the very top. "Ya know, some people think that Ferris wheels are kinda romantic." She returned her attention to the woman beside her, raising a brow. "And why is that?" Yang had her own gaze trained on the sights below them, a small smile on her lips. "It's kinda intimate? Alone, on top of the world, night falling... seems like the perfect time to sneak in a kiss, yeah?" "That does sound rather romantic." Again, her thoughts turned to her single regret, that she would never indulge in the secret, strong desire for a family of her own. A partner to kiss at the top of a Ferris wheel- how bittersweet that the night would provide her with both a wonderful experience and a daydream that would never be fulfilled. Then she noticed Yang turning, the arm she'd rested on the back of the seat curling around Winter's shoulders, trying to coax her closer as the woman's head tilted. She quickly put a hand on the blonde's shoulder, stopping her advance immediately. "Huh?" Yang leaned back, blinking at her a bit owlishly as a blush began to rise in her cheeks. "Oh, I thought- sorry, I just-" "There's no need to apologize." She offered a small, sad smile. "If I had more time, I'd take you up on that offer. But as it stands, I've less than six months. There are better uses of your time." "Wait, what does that have to do with anything?" Confusion splayed across her expression as the wheel began to turn again. "Just because your time is running out doesn't mean you stop living." "That's a nice sentiment." She chuckled, touched by a bit of dark humor. "But I've lived all I wish to; now, it's just a matter of waiting out my remaining days." "So, what? You're just going to give up?" She withdrew her arm, running her hand across her bicep where a long, golden dragon tattoo wrapped itself around a white rose. "Haven't you ever heard it's better to have loved and lost than to never love at all?" "I've never seen the sense in that," she replied, sighing. "I've lived my life without regrets and without apologies. I've become exactly the sort of person I set out to be. Were I to become involved with someone now, it would just be a blip- nothing meaningful. There's no reason to pursue something I'll not have the chance to finish." "You never 'finish' loving someone." Yang slumped slightly in her seat. "It doesn't work like that." "At any rate, I'm afraid it's one of the many mysteries I'll not have the chance to unravel myself." "You mean, you won't take the chance." "Semantics." As they approached the platform, she glanced back at Yang. "How long do you have? If you don't mind the question." She gave a mirthless chuckle. "In total? One hundred and forty six years. Plus some change." "Oh." She blinked. "That's... quite a long time." "Runs in the family." A sigh left her lips. "Downside is, I'll end up watching a lot of people die. I'll get left behind. But, at least, I can choose who leaves me behind like that now." She shrugged. "And I'd choose you." "Forgive me for sparing you that pain." As the attendant raised the bar so they could exit, she looked back at Yang. "Save it for someone who can give you years, not months." "A month from the right person is worth years from someone else." She said nothing in response even as Yang fell into step beside her, the two heading for the parking lot. A rather sour end to an otherwise pleasant experience but she tried not to dwell on it. In the end, it was for the best.

Day -162 Winter pressed her lips together in a thin line, maintaining her sister's stare for a few moments longer. Then, she relented. "What would you have me do?" "You're more than entitled to conduct your affairs as you see fit," Weiss said, a thread of annoyance in her tone. "But you did lead Yang on; you could've made it very clear from the beginning that you didn't wish to entertain anything romantic." "She knew very well why I'm here. She could've drawn her own conclusions." A bit unfair a claim, perhaps, and maybe she'd noticed that the attention she'd received from Yang wasn't the platonic sort, but it still should've been obvious. "If the circumstances were different-" "The circumstances, as you call them, and entirely within your head." Her sister wagged a finger at her, and she had to be a bit proud that Weiss somehow learned to stand up and buck those whom she admired. "Yang's aware of the situation and still wants to try. If you're turning her down because you feel it's a waste of your time, then tell her that. But don't try to blame her for it." "That's not-" "That's exactly-" "HEY!" They both stopped, turning to look at the Faunus frowning at them from the kitchen. "Stop fighting about it. Weiss, I appreciate you sticking up for Yang, but it is Winter's decision. Winter, you could've turned Yang down in a better way than making it seem like having a shorter countdown is a reason to not consider a relationship. You could've just said you weren't interested." "That would be a lie, though, and I still don't see the error in my logic," she said, not nearly as inclined to quit the field just because Blake had spoken up as her sister. "It's perfectly sound-" "Almost everyone will die before Yang." Feline ears flicked back, a subtle display of her mounting aggravation. "She's known that since she was young. Most people don't have the sort of aura she does, the sort of time, and it puts a lot of people off. They don't want to get involved with someone they know will outlive them by decades and they always say it's for her sake. She's just tired of people making that determination for her." Winter sat back in her chair. She hadn't considered that angle before. "But some don't, correct? Use that excuse, I mean." "I didn't." Blake shrugged, disappearing back into the kitchen for a moment before returning with two mugs of coffee, setting them down on the table for the sisters. "We didn't date for long, but we learned a lot about ourselves from the experience." She bent down and pressed a kiss to the top of Weiss' head. "That's how I found out I need a little more friction from my partner. Someone to challenge me." "Which I certainly do, some days more than others," she replied with a fond smile, tilting her head back for a proper kiss before Blake went back for her tea. "But more to the point, relationships- or dating in general, for that matter, it's not about finding forever right away. It's about the potential." "Except, there is no potential here." She spread her hands. "My time's almost up." "And when it is, are you certain you'll be at peace with never knowing?" Weiss raised a brow. "Perhaps you and Yang aren't meant to last anyway." Blake sat down beside her, wordlessly offering her hand so they could sit, side-by-side, fingers interlaced, their chosen beverages in their other hand. "But perhaps she'll be there at the end." Winter's gaze lingered on their hands before she looked away, busying herself with her coffee. For a woman already slated to die... would a taste of ambrosia really be so terrible an indulgence? And if it turned to poison on her tongue, what could the harm be? Perhaps it wasn't too late to mend one last bridge. She still didn't think pursuing a relationship would be wise but she could at least reach out and apologize for her thoughtless words.

Day -157 If she didn't know any better, Winter would be very hard pressed to think anything could be remiss. Yang seemed in high spirits as they walked through downtown, heading to a little restaurant that didn't get nearly enough attention considering the quality of their cuisine, according to the blonde anyway. In fact, she seemed just as upbeat as ever. But she didn't quite press close like she used to, verging on invading personal space but not quite crossing the line. Her gaze seemed focused elsewhere, rarely on Winter, when it seemed like her attention rarely wandered before. Most obvious of all, however, was the complete absence of teases and jokes, those little flirtations that had fallen from her lips so freely. This could not continue. "We don't have to do this," she said, her voice soft. "We can be cordial without overt acts of friendship." "What?" Lilac eyes snapped to her, then immediately darted away. "I mean- I, uh, I'm not following." "I'm saying that, if I make you uncomfortable, just say so." Yang pressed her lips together, looking down at her feet for a moment. "It's not you; I'm just... I like you, Winter. I wanna get to know you a little better, ya know? But I get it, you don't want that, so it's gonna take some time for me to... get over it." Her brows pinched together. "You mean, you're still interested in me? How?" For a moment, they just blinked at each other, and then Yang started laughing, shaking her head as she walked. "You really don't see it, huh? You're a heartbreaker, Winter." "I beg pardon- what do you mean by that?" She hurried to catch up to the woman, a frown on her lips. "You're just- you're kinda amazing!" She glanced over. "You've got this poised and dignified thing going on, like you're above it all, but then you turn around and you swear under your breath and you get annoyed over things like anyone else. You've got a sweet side that you don't always show and I like coaxing it out. And you're just- you're steady. You're like the ground beneath my feet." She shrugged. "It's hard to put into words but I just... feel good around you. You laugh at my jokes and you listen to what I have to say and it makes me feel invincible." "I don't see how-" "Hold on, lemme finish." Lilac eyes sparkled, though there seemed to be a hint of sadness about them. "See, I know if I see it, others can, too. Have you ever thought of how many people have fallen in love with you without you ever being the wiser?" She hummed. "I suppose I haven't." "Yeah. That's what I meant. You've probably broken a lot of hearts, just being you." Another shrug. "So, yeah. I'm kinda bummed you aren't interested, and it's going to take a while to get over, because I still look at you and see marble over steel, silk over iron, and it still gets me. It just takes time for it to... not. I'll get over it, eventually." They walked a few more steps before Winter spoke up. "I never said I wasn't interested in you." "You aren't interested in a relationship," she said, waving a hand. "Same difference." A shrug. "Perhaps my thoughts on that have changed." That brought Yang to an abrupt halt. "Wait, did I hear that right?" "You did." Winter nodded, clearing her throat. "Now, you must understand that this will only be temporary-" "Hey, don't ruin the fun!" She smiled wide, enough for that dimple to reappear, and linked their arms together. "We both know we're on a clock. That doesn't mean we have to focus on it!" "I suppose you're right." She chuckled, both amazed and a little proud that something so small could make Yang so happy, and that she'd been the one to cause it. "And try to give me some... slack. I don't exactly have much experience dating-" "Then I'll be your teacher." She laughed, a happy and free sound. "Lesson one? I'm gonna be your rock. So lean on me if you need to and don't be afraid to speak up, alright? You can always hit me up just to talk." She tapped the side of her head. "I'm a pretty good listener." "As long as you'll do the same," she replied, tone turning serious. "I do prize honest communication." "I picked up on that." Yang smiled, leaning her head to rest against Winter's shoulder. It felt... words couldn't describe it. Having someone so close, actually touching her, being so... she'd never allowed herself to focus too heavily on what she'd be missing, not pursuing that single daydream she harbored. Now, she could tell with utmost certainty that it would be her only regret. Still, despite the melancholy, she couldn't help but feel warmer and lighter with Yang beside her. Perhaps it would never satisfy her deepest desire but maybe she could still enjoy what she could while it lasted. "Oh, and one more thing. Just for the record." Yang hummed curiously and a smile curled her lips. "I think you're quite amazing as well." A chuckle and a squeeze of her arm were all she received in response.

Day -143 Dating Yang, as it turned out, was akin to breathing air. She fell into it much easier than she expected- or perhaps it only felt like that because the woman seemed patient to a fault. Either way, it became habit to grab her scroll and send a text before even getting out of bed, wishing Yang a good day and hoping she slept well. "Are you sure-" "I'm fine, Snowdrift! I got this!" Talking to her became as easy as before but their conversations turned deeper, more personal. Yang confided in her- her fears, her worries, her weaknesses, her triumphs. How she felt more than a little cocky after showing up some rude customer who'd tried to con her into giving a discount, how she cried for a week when her favorite character in a tv show died, how she had to restrain herself and busy herself with other things to keep from hovering around her little sister, how she worried that, in the end, she would have little to show for her long life span. Winter learned that beneath the cheer and jokes lay a glass heart- golden and true, yes, but pieced back together after being scratched and gouged. "Sundrop. I'm right here." "I'm getting the hang of it!" Yang loved freely and she'd been hurt for it but she threw herself into everything with the same vigor regardless. Perhaps more cautiously, perhaps with more restraint, but with no lack of fire in her soul. Winter admired that, adored it even, and she'd swallowed her pride and admitted Weiss and Blake were right to talk some sense into her. It would break Yang's heart when she passed but, for every minute they had together, they made them count. And she'd emerge all the stronger for it. "Yang." Lilac eyes flashed her way, one of her stubborn streaks possessing her as she clung to the rail for dear life. "I said. I got this." "It's been fifteen minutes and you've moved two meters." Winter raised a brow, nodding towards the little entry door to the indoor rink. "I'm not saying it's an insurmountable task; I'm merely offering a shortcut." Perhaps ice skating, though, wasn't the best suggestion for a date. "Look..." Yang tried closing the distance and standing up straight but nearly lost her balance again and went back to clinging to the rail. "... okay, fine." She puffed a breath up, ruffling the golden bangs peeking out from beneath her cap. "I've never ice skated before." "I surmised that." She chuckled, holding out both hands. "Give me your hands." "But-" "Trust me." Such a simple phrase. Such a powerful one. Without another moment's hesitation, Yang took her hands, awaiting the next set of directions. "Now, just try to focus on your balance." And then she was skating backwards, dragging her girlfriend with her, and bracing as best she could against the jerks and hesitations from the woman as she tried to find her balance. It amused her, how off kilter she seemed, but Yang did her best to not use her superior strength to her advantage and bring them both crashing to the ice.  Which, in itself, was rather telling. "Okay... I'm getting the hang of it." She nodded, tongue poking out in that little way she had as she concentrated. "Indeed." Winter smiled, noticing she could lead them into a gentle turn without a jerking motion to answer her. "It's almost like you've stopped feigning inexperience." Blonde brows climbed high before she barked out a laugh. "Can't get anything past you!" She shrugged, pushing off with her skates and adding to their momentum. "I learned when I was really young but I haven't skated in years." "Then why pretend otherwise?" She didn't really concern herself with the little fib, not until she'd uncovered the reasoning at least. "Isn't it obvious?" She chuckled. "I didn't want to embarrass myself! I'm still trying to impress you!" "Impress me?" Now, she laughed, shaking her head. "You needn't worry about that. You're perhaps the most impressive person I know." "C'mon." She rolled her eyes, using the next turn to turn herself around and skate beside Winter, keeping one hand clasped in hers while the other swung wide. "Your sister is a lawyer, she's dating a community activist, you're practically famous in your own right- that's a lot! And I'm just-" "Hold on now," she said, wanting to correct a few misconceptions immediately. "What makes my sister impressive, in my eyes, is that she broke away from a toxic environment and built a life she can be proud of in doing so. Next, what makes Blake impressive is that she's made mistakes in her life and found a way to not only overcome them but make amends as well. And the only thing I find impressive about myself is how I'm incapable of boiling an egg without step-by-step instructions but can disassemble an Atlas Paladin and put it back together in less than two hours without so much as glancing at a manual." Her expression softened. "And you are not 'just' anything. You started your own business and built it from the ground up, working out of your own garage until you could open a proper shop. You provided for your sister and supported her through university. And you did something only three people can even claim: you changed my mind." She skated a little closer, lowering her voice. "Frankly, you've yet to do something that doesn't impress me." "You really think that highly of lil ole me?" She tried playing it off with a laugh but her cheeks turned a bit redder, and it had nothing to do with the cold of the rink. "Gotta say, I didn't expect that." "Then you probably didn't expect this, either." She smirked, shifting her weight and pulling on Yang's hand as she switched to skating backwards, now in control of their momentum. As her girlfriend struggled to keep her feet, Winter lead them to the middle of the rink, the stopped short, bringing them close together- close enough for her to lean down and steal a firm, deliberate kiss. At first, she stiffened, caught off guard, but then she came roaring back to her senses and held her close, fingers digging into Winter's jacket. When they parted, she wore a dopey grin on her lips. "Well... got me there. Didn't expect that either." "Not as intimate as the top of a Ferris wheel, admittedly," she said, aware of the various eyes upon them, the little awes from adults and either confusion or excitement from children, but ignored them all. "But I do hope that was sufficiently romantic." "Hmmm," Yang replied with that twinkle in her eyes. "I dunno. Might need to try it again for a real comparison." "Where's the next carnival?"  She'd planned on some manner of travel, simply to pass the days. This proved to be a much better use of her time.

Day -139 "What's on your mind?" Winter blinked, turning away from the view outside the airship window to see her girlfriend's expression pinched into concern. "Nothing." Yang watched her for a moment before sitting back in her seat. "Alright." She winced. Fooling the woman turned out to be much harder than she'd anticipated and it just made her feel lousy besides. "It's just... Weiss is keeping secrets from me." "How do you know that?" Something about lilac eyes watching her carefully made her think that perhaps the odd behavior she'd noticed had an explanation- one her girlfriend seemed privy to, for some reason. "Usually, Weiss allows me free roam of the house, whether or not she's there." She frowned. "Lately, I've noticed she tries to... steer me clear of wherever Blake is. Not in overt means, of course, but I've hardly seen her in the past week for some odd reason." "Well, it might not be the solution you're looking for, but why don't you move in with me?" Yang shrugged. "Maybe they just need some space." Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "You know why Blake's avoiding me, don't you?" "Yeah," she replied instantly, expression twisting. "But it's not my place to tell. I get where they're coming from, even if I disagree with how they're handling it." Winter hummed, slipping an arm around Yang's shoulders, coaxing her girlfriend into leaning her head against her shoulder. "You think that if I moved in with you, it would improve matters?" "Something like that." A short chuckle. "Plus, I just like the idea. Sometimes, I can be an opportunist, ya know." She remained silent for a moment. Frankly, she'd been ill accustomed to roommates, having never shared a room as a child and often finding herself in positions where she had single housing while in the military. Moving in with Weiss and Blake came with challenges, but they'd adjusted well.  Now, however... "I suppose we could move in together," she said, a smile curling her lips. "I don't have much in the way of personal belongings, outside of what you've bought me." "Hey, some of that stuff is hand crafted!" She playfully corrected, then sighed- content. "We could pack up your stuff when we get back. Have you set up in no time." "Would I have my own room?" The airship began to descend, making to land in Vacuo. They'd opted to combine the search for a carnival with Winter's desire to travel, Yang more than capable of turning the shop over to her crew for a week or two. Silence for just a moment too long. "I mean... my bed's big and comfy. I've got room in my closet. The bathroom's attached and it has a killer tub." As always, Yang offered her a choice while making her own thoughts known. Not an outright refusal to utilize her guest bedroom but a tempting sell on sharing the master. "We haven't slept together."  It was both an excuse and not. Winter hadn't wanted to delve into the physical side of a relationship- somehow, she connected sex with the sort of bond that was meant to last, not one under a time limit- and Yang hadn't objected. However, with every kiss, she found herself wondering... would a little more be so wrong? A little more friction, a little more heat, a little more passion- what could they explore together, what could Yang teach her, what could she learn for herself? "Yet." Her girlfriend offered, voice soft. She turned her head and pressed a kiss to golden locks. Yang had a point.

Day -126 Winter lay spent, sweat cooling on her skin and panting, listening to her girlfriend's attempts to catch her breath. Although she'd moved in upon returning to Vale a week ago, they hadn't actually done anything aside from sleep in the same bed until tonight. Not for lack of willingness, from either party; rather, it stemmed from a touch of romanticism on Yang's part, and she'd cooked a full meal that they'd shared by candlelight to build the atmosphere. "Hey... Snowdrift?" She turned to see the wide, lazy grin on the woman's lips. "Anyone ever tell you you're a fast learner?" A laugh burst from her chest, invigorating her for a moment to roll over, laying on her girlfriend for a moment and hovering, staring into those lilac eyes. When they kissed, it wasn't the heat from before- slow, languid, reveling in the feel of their skin pressed together, hearts slowing in tandem. Winter hadn't been a prude before- one in the service would inevitably be exposed to carnal descriptions, either in jokes or just the complete lack of boundaries between soldiers- but she'd always discounted what she'd heard as exaggerations born of boredom and poor prioritization. Better to make it sound like a worthy investment of time than merely an aerobic exercise. Experience, of course, gave her a new perspective. "I have a superior teacher." Yang laughed, wrapping her arms around her, indulging in more kissing and cuddling before her expression turned downright wicked. "Just you wait. There's a lot you don't know." Despite the promise, they both found themselves settling down after that, preparing to turn in for the night. Yet... she found herself not wanting the contact to end, not very keen on returning to their usual opposite sides of the bed sleeping arrangement. "Sundrop?" "Do you really want to go another round?" Her girlfriend teased, lightly pushing at her hip to encourage her to move. Which she did, rolling onto her side and watching the woman settle for bed. "No, I have a different request in mind." "Oh?" Yang stretched her arms above her head, yawning wide and relaxing fully into the mattress. "Wuzzat?" "May I... touch you while we sleep?" A frown touched her lips. "That's perhaps poor wording-" "Are you asking to spoon?" She perked up, excitement replacing the mischief in lilac eyes. "... spoon?" Yang laughed. "C'mere, you." After a bit of shuffling, she found herself being cradled in her girlfriend's arms, Yang's forehead resting against her shoulder blade. "How's that?" Winter breathed in deeply. "... better..." "But?"  Her girlfriend seemed genuinely confused, and she hurried to clarify. "Is there any way... I could hold you like this?" A hand stroked along her hip as Yang laughed. "You wanna be the big spoon, huh?" A kiss pressed to her shoulder. "I'm super okay with that." They switched positions, allowing her to nestle among golden curls. "I'm not on your hair, am I?" "Nah." Her girlfriend yawned, already falling asleep. "Night, Snowdrift." "Good night, Sundrop," she replied, closing her eyes and nearly dropping off but kept awake by two mumbled words. "Love you." The deep breathing that immediately followed proved that the woman hadn't said them consciously, had probably meant to kept them to herself but groggily let them go. Winter's eyes opened, watching the sliver of broken moonlight catching in golden strands as her heart swelled. Just two months of knowing each other and dating for half that... it felt like a whole other lifetime. A new life, one where she'd been able to indulge in every idle fantasy, and in that time, she'd come to believe the words herself. "I love you, Yang." Carefully, she leaned over to press a kiss to her shoulder before settling back down. She would say them again in the morning- as many times as she could. Avoiding love had seemed like the pragmatic answer before but now that she'd allowed herself a taste, she couldn't drink enough, and Yang made it so easy. She loved wholly and freely, let her fall as deep as she wanted, strong and steady enough to catch her but trusting enough to buckle and lean against her as well. It felt... well, like she'd always imagined. Yet, better, because Yang could be as unpredictable as a storm, as passionate as fire, and as quick as lightning. "And I owe you an apology." She whispered into the night. "This is meaningful." To her, at the very least.

Day -125 If Yang's reaction to waking up and hearing 'I love you' served as any indication, it was meaningful to her, too. And Winter learned a little bit more that morning.

Day -113 Winter sat across from her sister, noting ever nervous pick at her sleeves and skittish glance. In public, perhaps she'd be so concerned about her appearance, but not in the comfort of her own home- not that she seemed comfortable in the slightest. Weiss and Blake had taken the news about her change in living arrangements well, though a bit of guilt lingered in their expressions, and they'd seemed more at ease for a time. However, a hushed conversation between Yang and Blake the night before during a double date dinner seemed to prompt some sort of change, hence the invitation. But a pot of tea later, Winter couldn't tell what seemed to be preying on the woman. "Weiss-" "We didn't plan it." Their gazes met briefly before she ducked her head, drawing a steadying breath. "We weren't sure whether or not we should tell you. If it might... bother you. It wasn't intentional-" "Weiss, I'm still not sure I know what you're talking about." She raised a brow. "You've yet to mention that part." Her sister winced, though her lips appeared to be at war, caught between smiling and frowning. "Blake's pregnant." Immediately, her expression brightened. "Congratulations!" Of course it stung. Frankly, it might've hurt worse two months ago. But now? She wouldn't want Weiss and Blake putting their lives on hold, waiting for her time to be up. She would never know her niece or nephew or any of her sister's children... but that didn't mean they wouldn't know her. "How far along is she?" "We just got the confirmation a few weeks ago." Now faced with Winter's approval, Weiss glowed with happiness, smiling wide. "We're hoping for a girl. Blake's family is predisposed to them too, so there's a good chance. The morning sickness has caused a bit of an adjustment but..." Winter smiled and listened intently, reveling in her sister's excitement.

She heard Yang come through the front door even as she set up the scroll, leaning it against a book on her desk in Yang's little tinkering room. "Snowdrift?" "In here!" She called, waiting for her girlfriend to find her and greeting her with a smile and a kiss. "Welcome home." "Heh, thanks." Lilac eyes fell to the scroll. "Whatcha up to?" "Weiss told me the happy news." She nodded towards the device and papers laid out in front of it. "I thought I'd record a message for the little one to watch when they're old enough." "Oh." And she saw something, then, the spark of an idea that would no doubt be brought up again later. For now, it got filed away, as Yang instead smiled and nodded. "That's a really nice thought. I'll go get started on dinner while you do that." "I could-" A sharp look silenced that offer; after her last attempt cooking dinner, she'd gotten into the habit of ordering some manner of delivery before her girlfriend got home. She'd just forgotten today. "If there's anything I can do, let me know?" "I will." Yang started heading back towards the kitchen. "Focus on that for now." "Right." She nodded, looking at the camera on her scroll and sighing. "Right." Reaching forward, she started the recording, glancing at the notes she'd made to ensure she covered everything she wanted to say. "Greetings." She paused. She sounded stiff and formal- a realization she'd come to after being around her girlfriend's much more relaxed demeanor. So, she stopped and tried again, restarting the recording. "Hello. I'm your Aunt Winter..."

Two hours later, she emerged to find Yang settled on the couch, watching some show while their dinner stayed warm in a pot on the stove.  Wordlessly, she went to her girlfriend, not bothering to announce her presence until she'd curled up beside her. Yang merely chuckled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "So? How'd it go?"  "I accomplished my mission," she replied with a frown tugging at her lips. "I just hope it conveys what I want it to." "Can I watch it?" She smiled. "I can give you a one hundred percent unbiased opinion." Winter raised a brow. "Okay, ninety-five percent." Even that number seemed too high but she relented, hoping Yang wouldn't inquire as to how many tries it took to get right. She queued up the video and held it out, watching her own countenance fill the screen. "Hello, little one," the recording said, a small smile on her lips. "I'm your Aunt Winter and, by the time you're old enough to understand this, I'll be long passed. However, there are some things I must impart upon you before I go." Her expression turned a bit more somber then. "I'm not sure which surname you will bear when you're born, little one, but Schnee blood will still run through your veins. With that heritage comes certain standards, ways to conduct yourself, and a single rule you must follow." Her shoulders straightened, chin tilted up, eyes piercing as she continued. "As the next scion in a long proud line, you absolutely must pursue your own happiness." Every feature softened as she continued. "We're headstrong and nigh impossible to dissuade, so it's important you remain focused on the right priorities- yours. Don't bend or bow to those without your well being in mind and don't compromise yourself; believe me, you'll be stronger from surviving those who'll try to break you. I have no doubt your moms will fully support you doing so." She sighed. "And try to give your Mother some slack. Her heart's in the right place and, when you're old enough, you'll see that you'll do the same thing; being passionate and being right don't always align. It's a challenge we Schnees face: having patience and respect for others rather than just our own goals." She paused. "Or... perhaps that's just me. It's something I learned perhaps too late. My life hasn't been very long but I've managed to learn my fair share of lessons along the way. I'll pass what wisdom I have to you." Her smile pulled a little wider. "Know that you're loved, little one, even now and it will only grow with time. Know that, sometimes, it's better to ask forgiveness than permission. Know that your Mother Weiss is trying her hardest and doing an excellent job and that your Mommy Blake is much stronger and more brave than you think. Know that they didn’t start out that way, that the challenges they overcame helped them become the people you see before you, and that you will grow like that, too. Know that your Aunt Yang is no doubt going to sneak you cookies before dinner and will always guard your secrets and your Aunt Ruby can literally build anything and will always look out for you. Know that you have before you untold opportunities and untested abilities. Know that the only person who will determine how far you go in life is yourself and, know, even if you stumble and stutter and fall, that your family will be there to help you back up." Her gaze deviated then. "I wish I had the time to know you. No doubt I'd love you just as dearly as the others; I already love you so much now. But if an after life does exists, I'll be your guardian angel; speak to the north wind and I'll hear you. You will never be alone." Tears gathered in her eyes but her voice remainder strong. "Play often and rest when you can. Fight when you must and try not to hold grudges. Above all else, enjoy your time, because no matter how long you have, it's going to feel far too short." Then, she saluted. "March on, little one, and hold your head high. You're a Schnee, and you've already made me so proud. Keep it up." The video ended and Winter looked to her girlfriend holding back tears. "Yang?" "It's good," she said immediately, scrubbing at her eyes and laughing. "It'll mean a lot. They- I think they'll really like it." "Yang, what's wrong?" Worry colored her tone as she set aside her scroll and gathered the woman into her arms, stroking through her hair gently. "Talk to me." After a few minutes to compose herself, she started, turning into the embrace and clinging to Winter. "It's just- my birth mom, she ran out on me, yeah? And I just- she could've done that. Left me a message, done something to let me know that I'm- that I wasn't a mistake or a waste of her time." She drew a steadying breath. "She didn't have to mean it but... it would've been nice to hear." "Oh, Sundrop." She believed that it constituted part of the reason for the reaction, sure, but something about the way Yang wouldn't meet her eyes had her concerned there remained more to it than that. However, best to handle one thing at a time. "You're certainly not a waste of anyone's time. Please don't think that." "I know, I know, I just- it's hard not to think about sometimes." A watery laugh. "And thanks, ya know. For calling me Aunt Yang. I know Blake's gonna ask me to be godmother and all but hearing it... you hit the nail on the head." She smiled. "This kid is gonna be loved. No doubt about it." Winter nodded, waiting for a few moments before gently prodding. "Is there anything else on your mind?" For a moment, she thought Yang might break. But then she just shrugged. "I dunno. I mean, I think the message is great, but I also don't think those two are the kind to stop at just one kid." "A valid point," she replied, opting to set her concerns aside for the moment. "But I think I should eat something before I try making another one." With that, they got up and went to fix their dinner, but Winter kept a close eye on her girlfriend for the rest of the night. Something seemed to be on her mind... but she would have to wait for it to come to bear.

Day -107 Winter made a few more videos over the week, mostly addressed to any subsequent kids Weiss and Blake might have. Her sister seemed genuinely touched she’d made them and Blake all too happy to safeguard them in the meantime, though the couple tried- in vain- to insist they wouldn’t have a big family. Maybe one more, they said, but she could see the way they looked at each other and didn’t doubt for a moment they’d have four or more.

But she found her attention pulled away from making more videos by Yang’s odd behavior. With just a little under half her remaining time spent, perhaps it was the looming deadline beginning to prey on the woman’s mind.

At any rate, it required further investigation.

The moment she heard the door open, she closed the book she’d used to preoccupy her time. 

“Hey!” Yang set her motorcycle helmet down and shook out her hair. “What’s up, Snowdrift? No welcome home kiss?

She offered a small smile and got off the couch. “My apologies. I’m afraid my mind’s been a bit preoccupied.”

“Oh?” After their kiss, Yang kept her close, hands on her hips. “Wanna share?”

“I feel like you’ve been acting a bit odd recently. As if you want to talk with me about something but keep refraining.” She ran her hands up and down the woman’s back, noticing the way her posture changed, eyes looking away, body turning as if she wanted to break contact. Yet, when Winter ducked her head, encouraged her to meet her eyes, her girlfriend didn’t balk. “You can tell me anything, you know. I promise I’ll listen. No judgments.”

“You... really don’t want to hear this.” Yang mumbled, shaking her head. “It’s just a stupid thought-”

“Is it important to you?” Reluctantly, she nodded. “Then it’s not stupid. Regardless of my opinion on it, it’s not a stupid thought. Tell me and let me form my own opinion.”

This time, her girlfriend did pull away, but took one hand in hers and led her to the couch, sitting both of them down. She then took a moment and composed herself, choosing her words with care. “What if I stopped taking my birth control?”

“Why would you do that?” Of all the topics in the world, this happened to be the last one she expected they’d discuss. “Is it... making you sick or-”

“Well, aura pregnancies are pretty rare. We could leave it up to chance-”

Winter jolted, sitting up straighter and incidentally pulling away from her girlfriend. “Aura pregnancy- Yang, what are you talking about?”

She remained silent for a moment, drawing in a steadying breath before taking the plunge. “I want the chance to carry your child.”

“No,” she replied, instantaneous, getting to her feet and pacing. “Do you even realize what you’re talking about; I’ve hardly three months left.”

“I know that.” Yang got to her feet as well, crossing her arms over her chest. “I know there’s a big chance it won’t happen anyway and I know that, even if I do get pregnant... you’ll be gone before the baby’s born... but...”

“There is no ‘but’ here.” She shook her head. “I’m not going to leave behind a child that’ll never know me-”

“They’ll know you, the same as Weiss’ kids.” A frustrated sigh. “Look, I know it isn’t what you want-”

“Don’t put words in my mouth.” Winter looked at her, the pain in her chest nearly crippling as those secret daydreams she’d entertained flashed before her eyes. “You don’t know how badly I want a child, a family- you have no idea what this life has denied me.”

“You mean what you’ve denied yourself.” Yang’s lips twisted, a bit of anger coloring her tone. “I get it, I can’t understand what it’s like having so little time. But you don’t have to give up on everything else. There’s ways around it, to try- it might mean only having a taste but it’s something.”

“Not now.” She shook her head, waved her hand, denied as best she could. “Are you even listening to yourself? It’s- it’s impossible, Yang. I don’t have a chance for a taste of anything- it’s too late for me. I can’t just leave you alone to raise our child by yourself.”

“My dad did it.” Her expression softened slightly. “Being a single parent... yeah, it’s hard. It can be hell. But it’s not impossible and at least, this way, our kid would know they’re wanted, that if you could be here, you would. That- I don’t think you understand how much that means. That could be enough-”

“How could it possibly be enough?” Winter sighed heavily, turning away. “Please understand, in any other life, I’d be with you. I’d- I’d marry you, I’d start a family with you, I’d be completely devoted, every moment of my life, because I would have that time to give to you. In another life, there wouldn’t be any hesitation on my part.”

“But this is the only life we have, Winter,” she replied, crossing the room and putting a hand on her shoulder, turning her gently so their eyes could meet. “This is all the time we have. And when it’s over, if all I have left of you are memories... I won’t regret this, because I love you, so much it hurts and scares me. But... to have a kid, a little bit of you living on- that means something to me, too.”

The words were born of a helpless sort of anger and pain but they left her lips too quickly for her to catch. “Then you’re being selfish, wanting to have a child purely so you can cling to past memories.”

The hand on her shoulder disappeared but Yang didn’t say a word for a long moment. When she did, her voice sounded heavy with tears that wouldn’t fall. “Yeah... maybe you’re right.”

Regret lanced through her heart. “Yang, I didn’t- I’m sorry.”

But her girlfriend had already turned her back, heading towards the bedroom. “I’m gonna change. Get out of these clothes. Call for pizza. I don’t feel like cooking tonight.”

“Sundrop, wait-” The closing of the door sounded much louder than it should’ve and Winter stood there, flinching at the sound.

She thought about following Yang into the bedroom- watched the door for half an hour before the pizza arrived while she debated- but ultimately decided to give the woman some space. Plus, she needed the time to properly formulate an apology; her words were harsh and unnecessary, she didn’t want to hurt her girlfriend and she shouldn’t have lashed out at her.

For the remainder of the night, Yang stayed in the bedroom, only leaving to grab some of the pizza. She avoided eye contact but Winter could see her puffy red eyes, the dried tear tracks on her cheeks.

Winter opted to sleep on the couch that night.

Day -106 When morning came, Winter waited in the living room for Yang to come out. She hadn’t slept much, plagued by the argument from the night before, but at least she’d decided on what to say. Provided she had the chance to do so, of course.

The moment the bedroom door cracked open, she shot to her feet. “Yang-”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Lilac eyes didn’t even glance her way as she made a bee line for the kitchen, ignoring all else. “The conversation’s over, case closed.” A mirthless chuckle. “I told you it was stupid anyway.”

Seeing as words would do her no good for the moment, Winter crossed the room, heading her girlfriend off before she could slip into the kitchen. She wrapped her arms around the woman’s waist, pressing back to front, and rested her chin among golden locks. Her embrace wasn’t so tight as to completely prevent Yang from escaping- any pressure and she’d relent- but it at least made her give pause.

“It isn’t stupid,” she said, her voice soft. “Before I knew how long I had, I had dreams. I wanted a wife and a family, children of my own. I wanted to raise them better than my parents raised me.” Winter paused, closing her eyes and tilting her head so she could rest her forehead against the back of Yang’s head. “But then I became old enough to understand how little time I had left. I wanted to be there for my children and support my wife; bereft of that, knowing I wouldn’t be around to protect them... I couldn’t abide it. So I put those dreams away. Until I met you.” A sigh, heavy and deep. “I’m sorry for accusing you of being selfish. For the longest time, I convinced myself that it would be selfish of me to pursue those dreams, knowing I wouldn’t be around to see them through. It... assuaged the regret of never trying, thinking I’d taken the nobler path... but that doesn’t excuse my behavior last night. I am sorry.”

Yang sighed, not quite encouraging her embrace but not breaking it either. “Apology accepted. We both got a little heated last night.”

“But you were right. I did give up on those dreams.” She held her girlfriend a little tighter. “What does it mean to you? Having a child?”

She turned in her arms, encouraging Winter to open her eyes. “It’s an expression of love. Finding someone I love enough... that I want to see a part of me and a part of them, together. I mean- you’re not entirely wrong. It is a way to hold onto the past, onto you. But it’s not just you- it’s both of us. Every time I look at them, I’m going to be reminded of this.” Slowly, Yang drew her into a kiss- soft, sweet, and slow. “I want this part of you to live on and, in my heart, you always will. But there’s a chance another part of you could live on- a part of you that’s also a part of me.”

“Very well.” She swallowed thickly, trying to hold her emotions in check. “Make me a promise.”

“Yeah?”

“Promise me they’ll know.” Winter did her best to keep her voice steady but it broke anyway as tears slipped. “They’ll know how much I wanted to be there for them. That I love them even though I’ll never know them. Promise me they’ll never think otherwise.”

Yang gave her a small, sad smile. “That’s a promise I look forward to keeping.” 

A nod as Winter leaned forward, burying her face in her girlfriend’s hair. And she sobbed, clinging to Yang, because in her mind, she could clearly picture it- the blonde laughing and playing with a small child with lilac eyes and white hair, both happy and content, and she so badly wished to be part of the picture.

But she never would be. As much as it hurt, it also brought a smile to her lips, because there stood a chance she could see it from whatever afterlife she’d earned for herself. And maybe, in time, before her end came, she could take solace in knowing they would carry on even after she fell.

That would be her legacy and she could ask for nothing better.

“Did you mean what you said last night? In another life, you’d marry me?”

“I’d marry you in this one if you’d let me,” she replied softly between sobs.

“You still have to ask.” A small chuckle and a kiss pressed against her jaw. “Even if you know I’m going to say yes.”

“Do you know how many times I’ve dreamed of asking someone to marry me?” Winter confessed, stifling her tears long enough to draw back and look at the woman properly. “I hope you’re ready.”

“Hit me with your best shot, Snowdrift.” Yang smiled, wider than she had in weeks. “Blow me away.”

Part 2 is coming shortly.

[itsclydebitches]

I miss when RWBY art style was lower quality. It felt more like a webshow and a bit janky which worked. It's to visually good now that cut corners are more visible. The writing issues are more visible to. It's trying to compete with productions RWBY can't compete with. Go back to the janky webshow that had a sense of fun to it.

I’ll be honest in admitting that the low quality art initially put me off. At first I had no desire to watch past the first episode just because of how iffy it was. But that very quickly changed once I returned to it. Yeah, soon what had previously annoyed me became rather charming because I fell in love with the story and the characters. It was also just a good reflection of what the show was trying to be: something that didn’t take itself too seriously. Sure, you might have shadow people populating the background but you’ve also got Serious Character Weiss getting sped up through a dust lecture. There was a real sense of fun and campiness to it, a show that touched on more complex issues---racism exists in this world, there’s technically a war going on, our characters need to figure out what their motivations are, etc.---but prior to late Volume 3 we never did too much more than just give that nod of acknowledgement. Which was fine for a series whose primary goal was just to get our cast into epic fights and miraculously come out victorious. The animation fit well with those goals. We no more expected RWBY to tell us a nuanced story about war than we expected the characters to stop clipping. RT had set up certain expectations and adhering to those made the show really enjoyable. If you wanted something objectively “better” you went to find a different show because you knew going in precisely what RWBY had promised to give you---and it succeeded in that. Though the first three volumes had subtle improvements, ultimately RWBY wasn’t attempting to do much more than what people expected of it. 

All that changed with the end of Volume 3. When the fun tournament arc with villains who hung out in the student dorms suddenly turned into a traumatic blood-fest with two characters dead. We slam into Volume 4 with a new engine and a narrative promise that suddenly all these nods will become integral to the story: Blake is actually taking over the White Fang and combating racism on a practical level, Yang is working through her PTSD and the loss of a limb, Weiss’ abuse is made explicit as she tries to escape her father, and Ruby can’t sleep because she just watched two friends get murdered, Jaune has begun a revenge arc (no more dealing with bullies!), and Nora has to help Ren work through the trauma of his whole village being slaughtered. The show suddenly looked the part of a more complex series and it tried to become that, pleasing a whole slew of fans because hell yeah, who doesn’t want an all around “better” show? Problem is, the writing couldn’t keep up. The concepts the show now puts at the front and center of the story are both hard to tackle in this form and, to be frank, not something the writing team is doing a great job of. I think they were managing through the first few episodes of Volume 6. Not perfect, but testing these new waters... and then they slammed these complex issues together with the original goal: get the group into fights (even though these new situations call for more level heads) and always have them be victorious (even though that now challenges our suspension of disbelief too much in a more realistic world). The simple format of “Team RWBY is intrinsically the best” from Volumes 1-3 cannot sustain itself in a show that now grapples with moral conundrums every other episode. 

So yeah, I miss the older RWBY too. I likewise miss what RWBY might have been without that drop-off in Volume 6. It’s in this weird in-between place where it’s not a “good” complex show but no longer a fun “bad” show either. 

[texanredrose]

A New Tradition

Winter sipped her cup of coffee, trying to settle her nerves. Really, prior experience should be enough to calm her but something could always go wrong and it clawed at her heart every time she heard Yang’s muttered curses escalate into a roar of pain. Eyes flashing red, hair aglow, Yang looked like she often did in the midst of a battle, except absence her usual cocky smile and brash banter. It got bad enough that she didn’t even seem to notice when the door opened and their sisters hustled inside, a cranky two year old squirming in Weiss’ arms.

“Yang! Not in front of your daughter!” The younger Schnee chastised, doing her best to contain the child in her arms.

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW?” Yang rounded at the woman, one hand on her lower belly and the other gripping a nearby counter top for support. The hospital room, while small, managed to fit the four of them comfortably, though they were still awaiting Blake’s arrival. Once the process started in earnest, they’d all be ushered out to the waiting room to await the results while doctors and nurses filled the space, alongside Yang and Winter, of course.

“Sis, I thought you were going to get the epidural this time?” Ruby’s brows knit together in confusion, doing her best to calm the child with one hand.

“YEAH, GUESS WHOSE SEMBLANCE EATS THROUGH THAT-” Her response was cut short as yet another contraction tore through her, turning words into a guttural roar.

“Yang. Sit down,” Winter said, rising from her seat and going to her sister, accepting the now crying child and shushing her. “It’s okay, Zephyr. Mama’s fine. She’s just being a drama queen.”

“Snowdrift, I love you, but say that to my face.” Although it sure sounded like her wife was furious, Winter could tell that any aggression stemmed from the pain of preparing for childbirth and had less to do with her words than a general discomfort. Huntresses didn’t register the pain the same as civilians, their auras typically activating to lessen the agony of it, but the energy build up brought with it an entirely different set of problems. “This is torture.”

“Yes, it is.” As the child calmed down, Winter took the few steps over to her wife and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, carefully guiding her back towards the bed. “But we both agreed on this and you absolutely refused to let me carry.”

“You know what the odds are,” Yang said, voice tight enough she couldn’t tell what caused it as her wife wrapped one arm around her waist and put the other on her belly. It seemed to be an unconscious action, as if constantly checking to ensure the child within still moved. Once she got into the third trimester, the blonde almost always had a hand pressed to the flesh, though she admitted it didn’t make a lot of sense; it wasn’t like she couldn’t feel every time their unborn child moved already, but the extra sensation just satisfied some unspoken need. “I had to carry.”

Distracting the woman with realistic considerations always seemed to ease the process, though only in certain amounts. Before Winter could open her mouth and try to continue the conversation, another contraction wracked her wife and the arm around her waist squeezed, quite nearly pulling a pained cry from her lips as the woman’s superior strength threatened to snap something. Thankfully, Zephyr didn’t seem to notice, suitably entranced by grabbing onto the dangling sapphire earring in winter’s ear and lightly batting it, admiring the way the colors played off the gem.

As long as she didn’t start tugging, everything should be fine. “Just remember, you’ll pull through this.” She did her best to suck in air, ignoring the way her aura flared along her sides to protect her from another devastating squeeze. “And we’ll have our second little one in just a few short hours.”

“They’re gonna be the longest of my life.” Yang groused, though they’d finally made it to the bed, allowing her to sit down and at least calm herself enough that her hair stopped glowing. “Are we sure it’s worth it?”

Rolling her eyes, she let go of her wife and switched her grip on their toddler so she could hold the child out, pleased when Zephyr immediately reached out towards the other woman.

“Mama!”

Instantly, wide smiles broke out on their faces as Yang leaned forward to press a kiss against the child’s forehead. “Hey, Zeph. Sorry for scaring you.”

“Why Mama yell?” A little frown tugged at her pudgy face, raising one hand to her mouth to bite at her fingers- a nervous habit she seemed to be developing, though none of them could figure out where she’d picked it up from.

“Because Mama’s getting ready to bring your sibling into the world,” the pregnant woman replied, motioning down to her belly. “You’re gonna be a big sister!”

Blue eyes sparkled, turning a shimmering lavender around the edges as tiny hands started reaching for Yang's belly. "Sister!"

"That's right, little one." Winter shifted the toddler around so she could touch her Mama, the child doing her damnedest to wrap her arms around her unborn sibling. That drew an appropriate amount of cooing and aweing from the assembled adults. However, another contraction had Yang muffling a curse into her hand and her shoulders shaking, prompting Winter to pull their daughter away and entrust her to the care of her aunts for the time being. "It probably won't be much long now."

"I'm here!" Blake burst into the room, out of breath and more than a little surprise when Weiss put a hand on her shoulder and quite nearly pushed her right back out. “Wait, I-”

Another, protracted but muffled scream from Yang changed the Faunus’ mind, leaving the married couple alone as a nurse came in to check on the blonde. Winter did her best to try and keep the woman calm as they checked how far she’d dilated, letting out a sigh of relief when they’d determined she could begin trying to push and directing the pregnant woman into the stirrups.

To ensure nothing went wrong, Winter detached her wife’s prosthetic arm and set it aside before being ushered away to clean up and change into scrubs. Although something of an argument at first, they’d eventually agreed to both be present for the birth of their children, when the situation permit. Considering General Ironwood was very sympathetic to that wish, she’d been on leave for the past two weeks, just in case, but those thoughts were pushed from her mind as she donned the medical scrubs.

She had to remain calm and focused and cool so she could help Yang, which she could absolutely do, of course.

She was Winter Schnee, after all.

Hours later, Yang lay back with sweat plastering blonde bangs to her forehead and holding the newest addition to their family, a small baby girl with the faintest wisps of platinum blonde hair on her head. She hadn’t actually opened her eyes yet but Winter doubted they would be much different from Zephyr’s; Schnee genes ran strong, though Branwen traits could still be seen in the width of tiny hips and shoulders. Personally, Winter found it a blessing, but she didn’t have much time to vocalize that as she traced a finger lightly along their daughter’s cheek.

“Wisteria? Walnut? Walter? Wendy?” Yang tried name after name but got no reaction from the little girl nestled in the crook of her arm. “C’mon. Wisteria’s a good name!”

“Have the waterworks stopped yet?” Weiss offered glibly as the rest of the extended family entered, finally permitted to meet the newest addition to an ever growing clan. Blake and Ruby followed, with Zephyr in her latter’s arms.

Yang laughed. “Nah, she’s still crying.”

“I am allowed to express my happiness, thank you both very much,” Winter replied, absolutely no heat behind the words as she cooed at the newborn.

Perhaps she did go a little overboard with expressing her emotions at times like these but, after having grown up in an environment devoid of such, was it any wonder she cried with joy when gifted with children of her own? Or when she married her wife? Or when they exchanged presents? Or when they- okay, maybe she went a little over the top, but Yang had often said she wasn’t to the ‘standing on a wobbly chair’ level yet, whatever that meant.

“Has she reacted to a name yet?” Ruby came over, carefully setting the toddler on the bed so she could see her new sibling.

“No.” Yang sighed, shaking her head. “Not even Wisteria!”

“Why are you do hung up on that one?”

“Because it’s pretty and it starts with a ‘w’! It’s, like, a perfect Schnee name!”

Another agreement that had been difficult to reach, at least at first. Opting for a hyphenated surname- a painfully long one at that, though they both acknowledged it could be worse- also brought them to another slight hiccup: what to name the children. Winter, frankly, had no desire to continue the Schnee family tradition of ‘W’ names, seeing as they’d stripped away many of the impractical restrictions placed on their families the moment it was within Winter’s and Weiss’ power to do so. Continuing the tradition just seemed... strange.

Yet, Yang had insisted on it. Very vocally. Something about their children having ties to both sides of the family; Yang’s name was derived from her father’s, after all, and though she’d never quite patched things up with the enigmatic bandit leader who gave birth to her, Raven had stopped by enough in recent years for the blonde to give a little bit and let Zephyr know her Grandmother.

The compromise they’d come to amounted to throwing names out until the little one reacted to one. Maybe the newborn wouldn’t be able to understand it or just something of the like but waiting for a reaction seemed to be as good a naming convention as any. Zephyr, of course, hadn’t reacted to any of the ‘W’ names Yang had suggested. In fact, Weiss ended up being the one to suggest her name, something the little girl’s Aunt took an exceptional amount of pride in, when there wasn’t another little bundle of joy to consider.

“Wynn? Westeria?”

Winter’s brows furrowed. “Did you just mispronounce Wisteria or were you trying to pass that off as a name?” Lilac eyes shot towards her and she wisely dropped the question; although past the ‘hard’ part, her wife obviously needed rest to completely recover, and pushing her buttons now just might be an unwise decision. “What about Wendel?”

Nothing.

Yang groaned. “Well... looks like we’re gonna have to open up the floor. Suggestions?”

“Talia?” Ruby put forth, to no effect.

“Francecsa?” Weiss said, meeting the same result.

“Zise?” Blake offered.

Suddenly, the baby started squirming, tiny, pudgy face screwing up in preparation for a cry.

Everyone in the room pressed closer, Yang and Winter exchanging a glance before they tried again.

“Zise?” The single word left her wife’s mouth tentatively and Winter watched as their daughter squirmed again, then began to fuss. While the others cheered, Yang let out a groan and laid her head back. “Wisteria’s a nice name though! We really couldn’t get a ‘W’?”

Seeing her chance, she took it. “Well, if we couldn’t get a ‘W’ or ‘X’, why not ‘Z’?”

“Oh Maidens now there’s two of them.” Weiss muttered in dismay, putting a hand to her face and sighing while Yang burst out laughing, almost enough to upset the tiny little bundle in her embrace.

“This is why I married you.” The shine in lilac eyes convinced her to lean over and kiss her wife, the moment brought to an end when the newly dubbed Zise began to cry in earnest. “Time for someone’s first meal!”

“Zephyr, come here.” Winter took their other daughter into her arms. “Can you say your sister’s name?”

“Zise?”

“Very good!” She smiled, pressing her lips to the little girl’s head. “And you know what this means, right?”

Zephyr nodded. “I gotta look out for her.”

“That’s right. You’re a big sister now, just like your Mama and I.” She looked over at Ruby and Weiss. “It’s a bit responsibility.” Almost immediately, the toddler leaned forward and buried her face in the woman’s chest and whined. Winter couldn’t help but laugh right along with everyone else. “It comes with time, little one.”

A knock on the door preceded Taiyang popping his head in, excited voices in the hall belonging undoubtedly to an excited Kali and a pacifying Ghira. “Safe to come in yet? We’re not sure we can keep Gramma K away much long, and the kids are feeding off it!”

“Yeah, come on in,” Yang said, fully focused on the newborn. “I’m just feeding her.”

Tai started to push the door open but then Kali brushed past him, eyes alight as the self proclaimed grandmother of any Team RWBY child found her target. “Oh, there she is! What’s her name?”

“Zise,” Yang said, becoming a little more comfortable with admitting as the minutes passed. “So we’re oh-for-two on the ‘W’ names.”

The Faunus ears perked up, her head tilting to the side slightly as a sly smile claimed her lips. “However, two-for-two on ‘Z’ names, correct?”

Winter’s brows rose, watching her wife’s reaction as the blonde frowned. “Yeah, but... that’s not the Schnee thing.”

“And they- we aren’t Schnees.” She pointed out, favoring the other woman with a soft smile. “We’re Xiao Long-Schnees, and we can have whatever traditions we want.”

With a slow nod of her head, Yang began to smile. “Yeah. Okay. But, wait a minute, I thought we agreed-”

“We are not changing our names to ‘Mrs. and Mrs. Schlong’, Yang.”

“Oh, fine.” Her wife pretended to pout, eyes fluttering closed slightly. She’d need at least a nap before being released from the hospital, but they still had quite the extended family to introduce to the newest member. “Ready to meet Gramma and your cousins, Zise?”

Zephyr perked up, squirming herself at the mention of the cousins, likely still out in the hall with Sun and the others. Pretty soon, the room would be packed to the bring with three generations spanning four kingdoms.

Winter truly couldn’t imagine any place she’d rather be than here, among the family that had stitched itself together after terrible battles, forging the way ahead together. She pressed another kiss to their daughter’s head, watching as her wife held their other daughter. They still had a long day ahead of them, but they’d be alright.

As long as they had each other, they’d be alright.

[texanredrose]

"Is this a bad time to tell you I'm allergic to bees ?" Monochrome

I couldn’t resist. It’s all in good fun, y'all. It’s all in good fun.

Weiss kept her head down, pretending to focus on the script in her hands while surreptitiously glancing around the set over the lid of her espresso. As always, people were bustling to and fro, setting up for the next scene while the actors took a break, the noise of shouted directions and moving pieces covering the conversations all around her. Most of her co-stars were getting ready for filming to resume, some reading over their lines just like her while others joked around in character.

She shouldn’t say ‘others’ like there was more than one. Although a talented actor in her own right, Yang Xiao Long threw herself into roles a bit too vigorously for Weiss’ tastes, constantly keeping up a loud, boisterous, and downright grating attitude even when the cameras weren’t rolling. The blonde mellowed out considerably once they were away from the set but, even with all the requisite noise for installing a secret lair where an office space was a few minutes prior, she could still hear Yang’s voice rising above the din. Dealing with it on set was easy enough considering they didn’t share many scenes one-on-one and the presence of other characters kept the characters from holding the spotlight but the longer filming went on, the more it bothered her for… other reasons.

Finally, when blue eyes quickly lifted to scan around, Weiss found her co-stars suitably distracted, the director engrossed in yet another argument with the producer, and everyone else too busy with their own tasks to notice if she slipped away. By her estimates, she had ten minutes before she’d be needed on set, and she was going to take them. Leaving her copy of the script and her coffee behind, the woman quickly left the set, ducking behind a scaled down version of the city’s skyline to reach the backlot. Although today’s filming involved most of the major players in the show, a few were notably absent and waiting in their trailers to see if they would be able to get around to other scenes. Which was perfectly fine, Weiss thought with a little smile on her lips as she took another glance around before sneaking into the trailer marked ‘Blake Belladonna’ and locking the door behind her. Her sister would probably scoff at the lengths she took to ensure their relationship remained a secret but Weiss firmly believed their private lives should remain just that.

However… there were some notable downsides.

“Blake, what are you doing?” A frown curled her lips as the mischievous intentions she’d had dried up in the blink of an eye.

Her girlfriend of nearly three years- whom she’d started dating before they were cast in their respective roles- perked up, leaning away from her laptop to twist in her chair and look at her. “Nothing?”

“You’re looking at fanart again,” she said, the accusation holding only a little of the venom she could feel building behind her tongue, stepping up to peer over her girlfriend’s shoulder. Sure enough, the entire screen was filled with depictions of Blake’s character, both in and out of costume. Considering the show itself revolved around the lives of masked superheroes with mundane day jobs, there was a fair mixture of leisurely pictures with varying wardrobes alongside action scenes with the character’s alter ego. Now, normally, she would be completely fine with a little indulgence in vanity- she liked scrolling through fanart of her own character, after all- but this particular search turned up only one specific subset of pictures involving Blake’s character: ones that also featured Yang’s character.

Apparently, fans of the show- as fans often did- placed nearly every character in some romantic relationship or other, regardless if it was depicted in the show or not. And the ones who enjoyed 'shipping’ Blake with Yang? They were certainly… prolific.

“Aw, you’re pouting.” Blake pointed out, getting out of her chair to approach the other woman.

Not that Weiss was making it easy, of course; crossing her arms over her chest, she turned away slightly, tearing her gaze away from the screen. “I am not pouting.”

“Lying doesn’t suit you, Love.” Her girlfriend chuckled, wrapping her arms around the woman’s smaller form. Not only was Blake taller, now she was acting smug as she continued to tease. “Does it really bother you that much?”

“What? Is this a bad time to tell you I’m allergic to 'bees’?” She returned, sparing another short glare at the computer screen. Normally, she’d admit using such a clever term to refer to the fictional relationship between Blake’s and Yang’s characters nothing short of amusing, but years of being confronted with enthusiastic fans gushing over the 'ship’ had soured her perspective.

“Now you’re just being ridiculous.” Blake chuckled, pulling her into a hug despite her reluctance and pressing a kiss to her cheek. “You know I only have eyes for you.”

“I know,” she replied, relaxing into her girlfriend’s embrace. It was rather silly, wasn’t it? Getting worked up over other’s perceptions of fictional characters? The frustration was just an irrational response compounded by the discreet nature of their relationship. Perhaps she should just take Winter’s advice and stop trying so hard to keep the paparazzi out of her personal life. It certainly wasn’t doing her any favors. “Maybe we should just go public. Let the tabloids have more than just speculation- something concrete.”

“We could do that, but it won’t stop the fans.” Blake gave her a rueful grin. “We could shout it from the rooftops, put it in the show, and invite everyone to the wedding. Some people will still want to see Yang’s character and mine together in a relationship. That’s their fantasy.” She shrugged. “Why worry about it? I prefer my reality, so let them have their fun. It makes them happy.”

“You’re right.” She conceded with a soft sigh. The woman had a point; the legitimacy of their relationship wouldn’t matter to many. She’d, perhaps, on a few nights when she’d had one too few things to do and one too many drinks in her, dove down the rabbit hole to understand what other people saw in the 'ship’, and many of them had legitimate, positive reasoning behind their support. Who was she to begrudge them that?

“But do you know why I like looking at fanarts like these? The ones with Yang and I together?”

Weiss tilted her head back, looking up into her girlfriend’s smiling face. “No, actually. You’ve never explained your fascination with those other 'ships’.”

“It’s easier to appreciate the artist’s work when I’m not distracted,” Blake replied, leaning down to steal a kiss from her lips, a theft she was only too happy to allow. “If you are in the picture, though. Well, it’s hard to look anywhere else.”

“Now who’s being ridiculous?” She ducked her head, hiding the silly smile that came to her at hearing those words. Somehow, despite all the fawning praise over the years from being on various TV shows and movies, every compliment her girlfriend said seemed absolutely genuine and sincere.

Blake was probably the only person who could truly make her feel special and she loved the woman for it.

“I do like looking at fanart of us, though.” She continued, ignoring the charge laid against her in favor of nodding towards her laptop. “Hit the back button.”

This had all the markings of a trap. A prime opportunity to tease her about something or other but Weiss was willing to play along. Maybe, if she got it all out of her system now, they could enjoy the night once filming finished up for the day.

Reluctantly leaving her girlfriend’s embrace, Weiss stepped over to the laptop and did as requested, expecting the screen to fill with a similar array of pictures, except with her own character taking the place of Yang’s.

She was wrong.

She was very wrong.

“Sometimes, I like to play 'spot the difference’,” Blake said, sliding up behind her as she gawked at the images being displayed. True, this search turned up only the ones including her character and Blake’s, and she didn’t miss the little star icon in the corner identifying the page as a bookmarked favorite. However, they were decidedly… not safe for work, to borrow a phrase, and she’d intentionally avoided searches of this sort for fear of what she might find. Her girlfriend, apparently, had no such reservations. “They can only guess at things I know, and I find it a little… amusing.”

Weiss shivered as the words were whispered into her ear, Blake’s hands resting on her hips for a moment while she pressed into the smaller woman’s back. Blue eyes fluttered shut when a kiss landed just below her ear, prompting another shudder.

“Other times? Well, I have to admit.” She chuckled, fingertips teasing along the hem of her skirt while the other hand slipped under Weiss’ blouse. “They’re rather creative and it gives me… ideas.”

The last word, practically purred out and punctuated with a nip at her ear, destroyed what self restraint she might’ve been capable of dredging up. Weiss turned, hands burying into waves of midnight as she brought their lips together, backing her girlfriend up until they collapsed on the small couch set against the wall of the trailer.

Needless to say, she was late getting back to the set.

Okay, I’m going to admit I’m probably a little bit of an asshole for this, but it’s honestly what occurred to me first and I thought it was just too funny. A little meta commentary on how actors might view the… *ahem* content their fans create is just too tempting to pass up. My mind works in curious ways. Hope you enjoyed!