#rwby oneshots

[heyiwrotesomethings]

Could you do a follow up to the Winter Schnee X Sick Reader fic

Sick Prt: II

Winter Schnee x She/Her Reader

A/N: Prt1 Winter’s turn to be sick. Hope you like reading it. Word Count: 1,728

It all started with a with a quiet sniffle.

(Y/n) had looked up from her desk when she heard the sound come from Winter, but the Specialist kept her head down, reading through the pile of documents on her desk. (Y/n) smiled warmly as the hard worker read on, admiring that hyper—focused expression she always loved to see.

Winter finished another paragraph before she felt (Y/n)’s eyes on her, she looked up from the report and smiled at her inquisitively.

“What is it?”

“Nothing.” (Y/n) shook her head, then leaned forward, fingers laced beneath her cheek as her smile became a little more teasing, “Just thinking about how pretty you are when you’re focused.”

A very faint blush dusted Winter’s cheeks and she scoffed quietly before looking back down at her reports. “Then you had best not distract me for the good of both of us.”

“Oh, but that’s not an issue for me. I think you’re pretty all of the time, no matter what you’re doing.”

“(Y/n)…” Winter’s eyes narrowed and the rosiness in her cheeks grew just a tab more noticeable. “Not while we’re working.”

“We’re almost always working,” (Y/n) chuckled before going back to her sorting, “A little workplace flirting here or there wouldn’t hurt.”

A quiet sigh of acceptance fell from Winter’s lips. She then pursed said lips, and brought her eyes back down to her papers, however a small smile did manage to work its way into her face, unbidden. And then the room was quiet again, save for the occasional swipes and clicks of technology and the rustling of paper. That is, until the next sniffle, paired with the clearing of Winter’s throat.

“Are you alright?” (Y/n) asked, looking over at Winter once more, the woman’s cheeks still faintly pink from their last little chat.

“Perfectly fine. My throat is just a tad dry.”

“Can I get you some water?”

“That would be nice, thank you dear.”

(Y/n) was warmed by the term in endearment. Winter wasn’t to keen on indulging on such aspects of their relationship while working, or in public, but there were sometimes when she would slip up.

When (Y/n) returned with water bottle in hand, Winter was clearing her throat yet again, a mildly uncomfortable look upon her face as she did so. (Y/n) came up to her desk and placed the water in front of her girlfriend. Winter thanked her again, sounding just a tad hoarse. She only took a small sip of the water before wincing and putting the bottle down.

“You aren’t coming down with something, are you?” (Y/n) asked worriedly, placing the back of her hand against Winter’s forehead. She hadn’t time to gauge her temperature before Winter leaned away, sitting up even straighter than before.

“Of course not. It’s probably from disciplining those students that missed curfew yesterday.”

“Well that would explain the sore throat, but you’ve also been sniffling periodically.”

“I’m not sick, (Y/n). I never get sick.” Winter emphasized.

“If you say so….” (Y/n)’s hand followed Winter’s face, but she teasingly pinched her cheek this time around. “But I’m still going to get you some lemon honey tea and a couple lozenges from the nurse’s office.”

“I’ll be just fine, the water is plenty. I don’t need to be babied.” Winter spoke with certainty, lightly batting (Y/n)’s hand away from her face, but the hand soon returned with another as reinforcement, gently cupping either side of Winter’s face.

“I’m not babying you, I’m loving you on you.” She leaned in and quickly kissed Winter’s forehead before putting some distance between them, narrowly avoiding Winter’s flailing hands. “I’ll go get those throat aids now.” She sang with a mischievous grin, leaving the room once more as Winter called after her with a reprimanding tone. She chuckled under her breath and continued down the hall.

When she returned next, Winter was still pink, but (Y/n) suspected it was from something a little more substantial than being a bit shy around physical contact at work where anyone could happen upon them. When she heard the honk-like cough that bellowed from Winter near the end of the workday she new that this was shaping up to be more than a little sore throat.

But she knew better than to approach Winter about it this time, no, she knew Winter better than that. Even if it was true that she had never witnessed a sick Winter in all of the time that they had worked together and even now that they had been dating for quite awhile, just from those short interactions today alone, she knew that Winter would be awful at taking care of herself during a cold because of her stubbornness and harsh self-discipline.

But that didn’t mean (Y/n) was going to let her run herself ragged as usual, no. She was just going to have to abuse her assistant duties and cook up a little sabotage. She opened Winter’s schedule on her computer and got her scroll ready to make some calls. She had to rearrange a few things before tomorrow.

***

When Winter awoke the next morning, it was because she couldn’t breathe out of her nose properly. She felt awful. A simple swallow sent her throat into needling protest, her head ached, her skin felt blisteringly hot. But what alarmed her the most was how bright it was outside her window. She never woke up later than sunrise, as per her routine. The position of the sun indicated that she had overslept by at least two or three hours.

“Oops. Meant to close the blinds in here.”

Winter turned her head toward the door, wincing because of her aching joints. She squinted against the light to see (Y/n) come into her bedroom with a tray in her hands, an array of objects on top of it.

“(Y/n) what time is it?” Winter asked hoarsely, trying to sit up in bed. “I must have overslept if you’ve come to get me.”

Once (Y/n) placed the tray on the bedside table, she gently pushed Winter back down on the bed.

“You don’t have to worry about what time it is because I’ve rescheduled all of your appointments for the next three days, more to follow if necessary.”

“What?!” Winter then succumbed to her worst coughing fit yet.

“Hey, easy sweetheart. Everything is going to be just fine.” (Y/n) promised, smoothing over Winter’s bangs.

“Everything is not fine!” Winter rasped, “You’ve betrayed me!”

“Oh don’t be so dramatic.”

“But you did! I have important work to do, (Y/n). I can’t lay in bed all day!”

“But you will. I’ve thought of everything, Winter. I rescheduled meetings, filed paperwork, got substitutes for your classes at the academy, anything you could possibly think of that needed to be done, is taken care of.”

“Are you absolutely certain?”

(Y/n) gave Winter an incredulous stare and Winter retracted her question. Of course (Y/n) had it all figured out. She seemed to know Winter better than Winter even knew herself sometimes.

“Very well, you could have at least told me before hand instead of leaving me in the dark until now.”

“If I had told you before hand, it would not have worked because you, my dear, are stubborn. I would have never have gotten this far if you knew what I was planning.”

Winter closed her eyes and sighed, making a displeased expression that made (Y/n) chuckle.

“You be glad I’m on your side. All I’m doing is making sure you rest up so you can feel better soon. If I really wanted to, I could figure out how to plan a month long vacation away from all those pesky duties.”

“You’re evil…” Winter whined uncharacteristically, shuddering in her blanket cocoon.

“And you’re still dramatic.” (Y/n) leaned down to give Winter a kiss on her forehead. “Oh, you’re burning up. I’ll close the curtains and get you a cold pack. Then we’ll see if you can get some cough medicine down and we’ll wash it away with some warm, soothing tea.”

(Y/n) closed the curtains to block out the pesty sun and then began walking out of Winter’s room to get the cold pack from the freezer. Before she can completely leave, Winter calls out to her in a raspy voice.

“Thank you.” She whispered hoarsely.

(Y/n) turned back to her and smiled, “You’re welcome, dear.”

***

Once Winter fully embraced that she was sick and there was no way (Y/n) was going to let her do even the most menial task, she acted much needier. It was a side of Winter that only (Y/n) had the privilege of seeing. One might think such behavior to be annoying, but compared to how Winter normally carried herself, (Y/n) found it quite endearing and it wasn’t like Winter had been coddled when sick while growing up in the Schnee manor. Or coddled at all for that matter. (Y/n) was very happy knowing that Winter felt comfortable enough with her to let her see her in such a vulnerable state.

“(Y/n)?” Winter whimpered, breaking (Y/n)’s attention away from the book she was reading, sat in a chair beside Winter’s bed.

“Yes, dear?” She put her book down. “Want more tea?” She was already getting up from her chair when Winter reached out for her hand and weakly shook her head, tangled white hair becoming more mussed by the movement. (Y/n) smiled and clasps Winter’s hand between her own. “What do you need, sweetheart?”

Winter seems a little pensive, but ultimately asks, “Hold me? Put your hands against my forehead? They feel cooler than my face.”

“I could change out your cold pack if it isn’t cool enough anymore.”

“I just want you.” Winter whined quietly. “Please.”

“Okay, I’ve got you.”

(Y/n) maneuvered around the bed to join Winter, not getting under the hot layers of blanket, but draping one arm over Winter, the other propping her up as she swept Winter’s bangs away from her face, lightly pressing the back of her hand against her forehead, cheeks, and back of her neck interchangeably. She smiled fondly when Winter hummed contently and pulled the arm hugging her middle closer to herself.

Before long, Winter drifted to sleep, quiet, sniffle-y snores falling from her lips. (Y/n) hunkered down, planting a feather-light kiss against her temple.

“Sleep well, Winter,” She whispered, “get well soon.”

[frickingnerd]

i'll make it feel right

pairing: pyrrha nikos x gn!reader

summary: your relationship with pyrrha was just supposed to be pretend, yet your feelings for each other are real...

a/n: i've been rewatching rwby recently & i just love pyrrha so much! i miss my girl, so i need to write more for her <3

“i think… i might be falling in love with you.”

pyrrha could barely look at you, as she gasped out those words. under any other circumstances, those would've been happy words for her. but there was one thing that made this situation more complicated; pyrrha was already your girlfriend. at least, publicly she was, as the two of you were faking a relationship.

“but… it doesn't feel right.”

pyrrha added, finally looking up at you. both of you knew why this didn't feel right. but it seems pyrrha was too afraid to admit the reason.

“it doesn't feel right, because i wasn’t supposed to be the one you'd end up with.” you quietly said.

the one that should've ended up with pyrrha was jaune. he was a nice guy, if a little naive at times. pyrrha thought that if she'd pretend to date you, maybe he'd finally pay attention to her. but in the end, she found herself falling for you, instead of jaune…

“i'm sorry, i– i should've never asked you to pretend to date me in the first place…” pyrrha sighed, running a hand through her hair and turning away. “and i'm sorry that i fell in love with you…”

“i know this isn't how it was supposed to end, nor does it feel right…” you started hesitantly. “but if you give me a chance, i can make it feel right. i could be the one you want…”

pyrrha's eyes widened as they darted towards you. for a moment, she stared at you in shock, before her expression softened and she took a step towards you, gently taking your hands into hers.

“you're already the one that i want.”

[novankenn]

... is greater than the sword!

On the roof of Beacon Jaune was once again flat on his back.

Jaune: I can't do this!

Pyrrha: Come on Jaune, you're getting better and better, just keep at it.

Jaune: Just admit it Pyr... I'm not good enough. I'm just wasting your time.

Pyrrha: Stop it Jaune! You are not wasting my time. You never have. I want to help you. I chose to help you.

Jaune: I'm an anchor around you, Nora and Ren's necks. You'd be better off with out me.

Pyrrha: Jaune, please stop talking like that. We just need to find your strength.

Jaune: Strength?

Pyrrha: Maybe Crocea Mors is not the weapon you should be using? There are plenty of training weapons, we can take time and let you try them all... see if something sticks.

Jaune: Something that suits me? Maybe...

Pyrrha: Jaune?

Jaune: I just had an idea. Can we call it for tonight? I need to work out a couple things.

Pyrrha: I guess. Are you sure?

Jaune: Please?

/==/

Class: ROARING IN LAUGHTER!!!

Pyrrha: Jaune what are you doing?

Cardin: (laughing) What you going to do, Arc? Make me an omelet?

Professor Goodwitch: This is HIGHLY unorthodox, Mr Arc.

Jaune said nothing as he just stood there waiting for the spar to start. Shaking her head Glynda gave the signal.

Cardin: Prepare to eat dirt...

CLANG!

KLUNK!

DONG!

DING!

THUD!

Class: CHOKING ON LAUGHTER AND GASPING IN SURPRISE!!!

Professor Goodwitch: Ah... winner Jaune Arc?

Cardin: Mommy... I don't want to go to school today!

Jaune shot Pyrrha a smile as he flipped a cast iron frying pan into the air and caught it without looking by the handle.

Pyrrha: Jaune?

Jaune: You said use what I'm good with... I'm good with a frying pan, in more ways than one.

Pyrrha: Yes, I did say that, but...

Jaune: How about in celebration of my victory, I make you some chocolate crepes?

Pyrrha: YES!

[ultimate-character-design]

The 3rd Character Design Tournament

Please remember to vote for characters solely based on their design, rather than which character you are more familiar with or like more! Reblogs for more reach are much appreciated as well.

Niko | Oneshot

“8-year-old cat-child of unknowable gender goes on a journey to save a world (and experience The Horrors™)”

Ruby Rose | RWBY

[No propaganda submitted]

[gaymakima]

Mmm Raven's semblance linking her emotions/soul to others and feeling what they feel as if it were her own emotions vs Ozpin's god knows how many decades of self-loathing, guilt, pain—but also love, the genuine affection he has for those around him, including her, that he cares for from the bottom of his heart

and she understands him maybe a bit too much

[rwby-encrusted-blog]

Blake: Well guys, this is my Little Cousin, Niko.

Niko: Hello! Blake's said a lot of good things about you all!

Ruby: Hello! It's nice to meet you! I'm ruby! I like your scarf!

Niko: Thanks! My Mom made it for me! I like your Cape!

Ruby: Ah! Thank you!

Yang: 'Names Yang! Need anything?

Niko: Can I get a hug?

Yang: Uh, Sure? Why not.

Niko: *Hugging Yang* Wow! Blake's Right you are warm like the sun!

Blake: *Blushing*

Yang: *Blushing*

Niko: Well, what's with her? I guess she's Weiss then?

Weiss: ...

Ruby: I think she's just stunned from how adorable you are!

Weiss: ... If anything made you cry I would rend the world asunder to undo whatever pain caused the tears.

Niko: ...........

Niko: Uhm. Please don't?

Weiss: Very well.

Yang: You okay Weiss?

Weiss: They are so overwhelmingly cute I cannot physically express it without potentially damaging something.

Weiss: The amount of restraint I am using would break a normal person.

Niko: ( ;^_^A ...........

Niko: Um. I could use a drink?

Weiss: What would you like to drink? While We might not have it on hand, I could go get it for you!

Niko: Syrup milk?

Blake: Niko-

Weiss: How would we make that?

Blake: They're old enough to drink normal milk.

Weiss: They are a Guest Blake.

Blake: ...

Niko: ... It's Milk with syrup in it!

Yang: We don't have any syrup-

Weiss: JNPR does!

R_BY: What!

Ruby: It's Nora's Syrup!

Weiss: She won't mind me borrowing some.

Yang: Weiss, You do have a will wrote up, right?

Weiss: I will be fine.

Blake: ... Hey Niko, How does your imaginary Friend feel about this?

Niko: They're not imaginary-

Niko: ... Tourmaline? What do you think about this?

Niko: ...

Niko: They say Weiss can handle fighting Nora?

Weiss: Do you think I can Fight Nora?

Niko: If Tourmaline says you can, I believe you can!

Weiss: Your faith in me is enough to accomplish anything with!

~Some Time Later~

Niko: *Drinking Syrup Milk* Weiss is scary.

Ruby: *Drinking Milk* She's not usually like this. She just likes cute things, and cute people.

Nora: *Drinking Syrup* I'll be honest, I didn't want to fight her. She can be legit terrifying.

Weiss: *Destroying Neo in fight* WE DO NOT STEAL FROM PEOPLE- ESPECIALLY LITTLE KIDS!

Niko: ... Yeah, I think this is a bit much Tourmaline.

Nora: HuH? You can speak to the one's above to?

[haz3-daz3]

Requests Open

I haven't written in a whole while and I don't wanna be rusty so I think I wanna get in to writing requests. This is my first time,

pls be gentle 👉👈

Headcanons mostly!! But I would take the odd full on story/request if the premise/idea is doable enough.

REQUESTS BY DEFAULT ARE SFW! IF YOU DON'T WANT THAT, PLEASE SPECIFY IT.

Fandoms

Drifters (I'M BEGGING YOU)

Fate/Stay Night and other Fate related stuff except FGO cuz I stopped playing the game, I'm familiar with most of it though

Homicipher

RWBY (because vol 10 is taking longer than anticipated)

Rules

-I only do character x reader not character x OC sorry folks. But Character x Character? Eh, why not. Depends on the pairing so feel free to send them.

-NSFW is welcome. I can do SFW/Fluff too.

-Nothing too vague or super-duper specific or restrictive when requesting please, it's a little hard to get inspired when all I've got to go on is "general" like, what kind of general?? Fluff? Smeggs? Eh?? And it's also hard to think or write a scenario/headcanon with an all-too restrictive premise.

-But uh, nothing super restrictive too if that be okie 👉👈. I can accommodate of course but not ultra specific to the point where I can't work with the scenario properly

-I am female so uh, by default Y/N is female. I can write in the male perspective but not as comfortably as female so I tend to ignore requests where Reader is a male. So unless specified/asked, Y/N is female by default. Gender neutral Y/N is a-okay.

-I'm comfortable with most things except truly depraved things like forced/non-con or incest. I'd really rather not write about those things, ya know?

Don'ts

-As of now, I don't write Modern AUs. I have difficulties in writing a character from older/fantasy realms and putting them in Modern eras. RWBY's settings are fine since it has fantasy elements and a bit of medieval in it.

-Requests that are too restrictive or ask for too much. Everyone has their limits. I certainly have mine.

-Minors and NSFW combined. Fuck off with that shit. If someone asks me to write a smut fic with Ruby from Volume 1 or anything similar I'm deleting that on sight.

Not every request is guaranteed. Some would be deleted due to various reasons and some will take longer than others depending on how my life goes. Please understand.

[mizuki-scarlet]

Not a word - Freezerburn Oneshot

Made a cute short Freezerburn oneshot based on a video someone shared in the ladybug discord ;-;

[trialbystory]

Remnants Exchange Piece: Life At The Party

A gift for @powertaco, with apologies for the unimaginitive title. What else could it be but DWR?

At a party celebrating the end of the first week of class at Beacon University, Weiss feels abandoned by her friend, Ruby feels awkward and lonely, and Maria feels a need to find and get to know to of her fellow students that she may or may not have spent the last week obsessing over.

This was fun to write, hopefully I stuck the landing.

[team-iceflower]

New Whiterose one-shot posted to ao3!!

[tumblingxelian]

Fandom: RWBY Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Summary:

Experience a world in the throes of a new technological paradigm.

The streets of Mistral are riddled with thrumming pipes, and smog blocks out the sun, Veloci and automatons flood the streets. Amidst the noise and turmoil, the head of the mighty Rose Clan takes her family on a journey to the great city of Argus.

Written for day 3 of Rosebird week 2023.

[heyiwrotesomethings]

how about a Blake belladonna x female reader.

blake is not a very affectionate person which is normal considering what Adam put her through, but Reader is but doesn't overstep her boundaries and let's thing go on her terms( doesn't say I love youand doesn't initiate physical contact in order to not make her uncomfy).

Until one day Blake catches reader saying "I love Blake belladonna" while she is sleeping so the lil neko goes and snuggles herself in R's hoodie( R wakes up and ask if everything is ok) and falls asleep listening to her heartbeat

I'm sorry it's very specific but I can't get that scenario out of my head.

thanks for reading this whole shit and for your time have a good day!!!

Bound(aries)

Blake Belladonna x She/Her Faunus Reader

A/N: It’s so hard to attempt to write slow burn without writing everything that happens in between. I managed to compress this quite a bit despite how long it still is. Improvements! Warning for near drowning of the reader character and the drowning of Adam. Thanks for reading! Word Count: 3,795

When Blake severed the train cars and by extension, her relationship Adam, (Y/n) stood by her side, she almost rested her hand atop Blake’s shoulder, but thought better of it. They watched Adam’s portion of the train slow to a stop, watched his figure shrink as the distance between them grew. The locomotive whistled ominously as he finally vanished from sight, too far behind to see.

“You did the right thing.” (Y/n) quietly assured.

Blake shook her head and fixed gambol shroud onto her back. She then slunk into the train car, head hung low.

(Y/n) bit her lip but did not follow. She felt it best to leave Blake alone for now. She sat down, watching her legs swing above the tracks as the wind whipped at her bare face. She tapped her nails against the hard material of her White Fang mask, once worn with pride.

She inhaled deeply. The White Fang was not an organization to be proud of anymore. But if Blake had decided to stay… (Y/n) didn’t think she would have been able to bring herself to leave on her own. She brushed the mask off of her lap and with a clatter, it was lost amongst the iron and gravel.

This was the start of a new chapter. She only hoped she and Blake would not grow to regret their choice. The way Adam just stood there and let the distance grow… somehow they would meet again and the thought gave (Y/n) goosebumps.

They never would have guessed where that decision and all that followed would take them. When Beacon fell, they had felt awful. Adam had been there, he stabbed Blake, slashed (Y/n)’s face, cut off Yang’s arm… Blake felt that as long as she was there, she’d be putting them all in danger, so she ran.

(Y/n) and Yang had been distraught, but where Yang was resigned, (Y/n) was determined to go looking for Blake. She tried to entice Yang to come along, but she wouldn’t budge. (Y/n) promised she would let her know when she found Blake as soon as she could because although Yang acted indifferent, she knew she was just as worried about Blake as she was.

(Y/n)’s search lead her to Menagerie and to a smoldering mansion. The smoke obscured the dawn, but through the commotion (Y/n) still found Blake in the center of it all, calling her fellow Faunus to action.

“Blake!” She called out, pushing through the crowd.

Blake scanned the crowd, quickly leaping into the sea of people when she saw (Y/n) struggling to get through. She reached her hand out and pulled her forward with enough force to knock their bodies into each other with force.

“(Y/n)!” Blake hugged her, she hugged her! “I can’t believe you’re here. I missed you.”

“I- I missed you too.” (Y/n) stammered, clumsily returning the embrace though her mind had suddenly grown fuzzy with the contact. She never would have guessed Blake would be so happy to see her. They were friends sure, but she had never seen Blake be so affectionate.

“Your tail,” Blake giggled, “it’s gone into overdrive.”

(Y/n) yelped in embarrassment and pressed her tail flat against her backside, making Blake laugh a little louder. (Y/n) couldn’t say she had ever heard Blake laugh like that before either. The Blake before her now was so different from the Blake who had left Adam and the White Fang behind her. She wasn’t covering her ears anymore. She was healing, budding like a new sapling in a scorched forest. She was breathtaking.

“What, (Y/n)’s here? No way! Wish you could’ve gotten here a little sooner. It was a crazy night.”

Sun swooped in, slinging a heavy arm over (Y/n)’s shoulders.

“You decided to stalk Blake too?” He grinned.

“I wasn’t stalking!” (Y/n) sputtered, horrified, “I was only— I just wanted to— I was only tracking her scent! (Because that sounds so much better) Just to make sure she’s okay! Because she’s my friend! And it looks like everything’s cool so I guess I’ll just head back to Vale—“

“Don’t go.” Blake spoke hurriedly, taking (Y/n)’s hand before she could slip away, “I need you.”

She needs me?! Me?!

“Huuuh…?” (Y/n) could only feel the fire in her blood skyrocket to new temperatures only found in the center of the planet. Sun snorted at her and she gathered enough functioning brain cells to elbow him in the stomach.

“We need to go to Mistral. The White Fang, Adam, they’re going to attack Haven Academy. I know it’s a lot to ask of you, but will you help us?”

(Y/n) wished that Blake knew she would never need to ask. Ever since she had tentatively whispered to her that she wanted to leave the White Fang and even before that she had (Y/n) in her pocket. (Y/n) would follow her to the end of Remnant as long as she wanted her.

“Just what have you gotten yourself into?” (Y/n) scoffed, then smirked, “I’m in.”

“Aw yeah!” Sun whooped, “Faunus dream team right here. Ilia, you’re welcome too. Even if you did stab and electrocute the crap outta me.”

“Ilia?” (Y/n) spun around, finding the other Faunus standing an awkward distance away.

“Uh, long time no see?” Ilia coughed, absently rubbing the back of her neck.

(Y/n) decided she wholly missed way too much while she and Blake had been apart.

The journey to Mistral was long, plenty of time to catch everyone up on what had gone down since the fall of Beacon. (Y/n) was surprised how easy it was to fall back into place with Blake, but it felt so different. Blake was different. She seemed more confident, more surprisingly she was kind of goofy. It was cute.

(Y/n) couldn’t help but feel a little jealous seeing her with Sun. Maybe he had brought that out of her. And things were awkward with Ilia too, but that was nothing new. Both of them had been very aware of each other’s crushes on Blake when they were both still in the White Fang. (Y/n) had tried to avoid being alone with her during their trek to Mistral, but she did catch her alone eventually.

“Congratulations, I guess.”

“…For what exactly?”

“Oh come on,” Ilia groaned, “don’t play dumb with me. I’m trying to bury the hatchet. Start fresh?”

“That sounds fine, great even, but what are you congratulating me for? I honestly have no idea.”

“You and Blake, idiot. Obviously. The girl we literally fought over behind her back? The girl you got to run away with?” She reminded, each word growing more noticeably bitter until she took a deep breath in, than a long exhale.

“Oh, well, we aren’t together-together. We haven’t been, and probably won’t be, anything other than friends… not saying you should try shooting your shot or anything though.” (Y/n) warned, making Ilia roll her eyes.

“Are you kidding? Did you see the way she ran to you when she saw you? You should have heard how she talked about you when we were fighting too. When it’s all said and done, she trusted you enough to tell you she wanted out of the White Fang over me… and she was probably right to.” A regretful look washed over Ilia’s face and (Y/n) put a hand on her back.

“Look at where you are now. You’re making a difference for the better, like what the White Fang was meant to do. You’re a good person, Ilia.”

Ilia’s lips twitched upward for a moment. She didn’t quite believe (Y/n), but she appreciated the sentiment from her old rival. “Thanks.”

“Everything okay over here?” Blake asked, jogging up from the slower ranks.

Both (Y/n) and Ilia flinched as if they had been caught doing something they shouldn’t have. Blake was somewhat aware of their rivalry but not the full extent of it.

“Yeah, just, um, catching up.” (Y/n) shrugged. Ilia nodded.

Blake bit the inside of her cheek, eyes darting between the two of them almost as if she was suspicious. Then as casually as she could, she eased herself between them and began a new subject.

When they finally made it to Haven, they dominated. (Y/n) had been scared to see Adam again, but Blake faced him with a courage that inspired (Y/n) to give her all as well. Together, they had him retreating into the woods, utterly defeated.

When they burst into the academy, they were in awe at all the familiar faces they saw fighting along. (Y/n) stood back, smiling fondly as team RWBY reconnected. She did feel the absence of her own team acutely. She could tell Sun did too. They were all in Vacuo last she heard.

“Told you I’d find her.” She chuckled when Yang forcefully pulled her down into the hug.

“I’ll know better than to doubt your nose,” Yang smiled tiredly.

Apparently the reason for the fall of Beacon and the attack at Haven was a lot bigger than anything (Y/n) or Blake could have imagined. Salem was no joke, and though it was an easy choice for Blake to continue on with her team, Sun already decided he was going to link back up with his team and the reminder that (Y/n) had a team of her own that she had separated from made her feel more than a little guilty.

Blake had told her it would be okay for her to go to Vacuo while they all began their journey to Atlas, but of course (Y/n) couldn’t agree to that. First and foremost her loyalties always laid with Blake, even before she had a team. Not to mention how dangerous this mission to defeat Salem would be… her team would understand. They knew how she felt about Blake, and this was a mission to save all of Remnant after all.

So she stayed. Everyone was happy to have her aboard, none more so than Blake. The further north they traveled, the colder and more difficult their journey became. They hit a wall with Argus and when trying to get through peacefully failed, they decided they would need to get more creative.

For (Y/n)’s part in the mission, she and Blake would disable the communications tower. Yang had drove them as close to the tower as she could without being noticed and (Y/n) only grew more anxious the closer they got.

Blake noticed and took her hand. She stopped walking and asked her what was wrong, her ears titled downward.

“I don’t know what it is… something just doesn’t smell right. I’ve smelled it a couple times before, but this is the strongest it’s been and I swear it’s getting stronger.”

“What is it?”

(Y/n) shook her head, unsure. “Something bad. We have to take care of the tower quickly. The sooner we get back to Yang, the better.”

When they got to the tower, they saw that a worse trouble than them had gotten their first. The tower watchmen were scattered around the tower, unresponsive, and that was when Adam decided to make himself known.

“I have waited so long for you to be alone Blake, but you can’t seem to be without each other for even a minute, can you?” He growled, baring his teeth at (Y/n).

“Adam! Why can’t you just leave us alone!” Blake yelled.

“You used to be such a good soldier (Y/n), a confidant. Then you just had to go and ruin everything, didn’t you? You manipulated Blake into leaving me so you could have her all to yourself.” He tightened his stance, hand on his sword, “I’m going to make the scar I left you with at Beacon look like a mark of beauty by the time I’m done with you.”

“She didn’t manipulate me into leaving!” Blake readied herself for Adam’s attack, “You did that all on your own, Adam!”

“So I just wasn’t good enough for you.”

“You know it’s so much more than that.”

Adam released an angry scream and lunged forward, starting the battle in earnest. The way he was moving was erratic and reckless. After Beacon and Haven and now ambushing them here, it was clear that he would never stop hunting. Try as Blake might, this cycle could only end one way.

“Blake, watch out!”

Adam had Blake backed up dangerously close to a cliff overlooking a magnificent waterfall. Blake’s back foot skidded off the ledge, but before she could fall completely, (Y/n) took her hand and swung her back up onto the ledge, placing herself into the precarious position Blake had been in moments before. Adam tried to take advantage and swung his sword with the intent to cleave (Y/n) in two no doubt, but (Y/n) gripped his wrist in one hand and his jacket in the other, taking him down with her into the frigid waters below. The last thing she saw before the water enveloped her was Blake on the cliff above, hand outstretched.

Below the water, Adam did not let up. They punched and kicked and struggled against each other. Their oxygen was quickly running out and Adam seemed more interested in making sure they both drowned than saving his own skin.

(Y/n) kicked him hard in the stomach trying to wrench herself free from his clutches. She heard a bubbling, gurgling sound and saw Adam begin to sink though his arms clawed at the water above him in a futile attempt to breach the surface. (Y/n) didn’t take the time to watch him sink any lower, her own air supply had reached was reaching its limits.

No matter how hard she kicked, the shimmering surface never seemed to get any closer. Dots began to speckle her vision and her lungs burned hollow. The light above her was suddenly blocked out and then she knew nothing.

(Y/n) came to with a round of violent coughs, expelling a concerning amount of water and bile. Hands grasped at her and hot breath fanned against her lips, gradually the muffled voices became clearer and (Y/n) opened her eyes, only finding gold before being enveloped in wet, inky black hair.

“Blake, give her room to breathe.”

(Y/n) blinked when the harshness of the sun met her full force. When she was able to keep her eyes open, she saw Blake and Yang hovering over her.

“Oh, (Y/n), can you hear me? I’ve got you, you’ll be okay.” Blake sobbed, cradling (Y/n)’s head in her hands.

“Blake—“ (Y/n) fell under a coughing spell and Blake shushed her.

“Just focus on breathing. Blake and I are going to carry you to Bumblebee so we can get to the ship. Just hang on.” Yang told her, already scooping her up on one side while Blake worked on the other.

They balanced (Y/n) on the motorcycle and Yang slipped in front of her while Blake took the back. Yang revved the engine and Blake held onto (Y/n) tight as they zoomed through the forest, catching up to the stolen airship with all the their friends on board.

It took a some time before (Y/n) could fully get her wits about her, but when she did they were well on their way to Atlas. She and Blake were wrapped up in a big blanket, her clothes still uncomfortably wet. She shivered, and one of Blake’s ears flicked against her cheek. Blake lifted her head from (Y/n)’s shoulder to get a better look at her, sleepily checking her all over.

“Are you okay?” She asked.

“Yeah,” (Y/n) cleared her throat, trying not to think about how close Blake had been willing to sit with her yet again, “I’m fine, just a little uncomfortable with these wet clothes.”

“Me too. Unfortunately this plane is disappointingly bare of resources. Thankfully, Ruby and Qrow lended us their cloaks. It helps a little at least.”

(Y/n) looked down at the blankets and sure enough, they were a familiar deep red, one a little rattier than the other.

“Thanks guys.”

“No problem!” Ruby smiled, Qrow gave a loose thumbs up without looking away from the plane’s course.

“Blake, how did you get so soaked?” (Y/n) asked, her brain still felt waterlogged, so she had a hard time following all that had gone down.

“Really?” Weiss shook her head in disbelief.

Yang snorted, “Who do you think pulled you out? By the time I found you guys, Blake was already doing chest compressions.”

“Ah.” The chill from the water still enveloped her, but just beneath it, a fire began to rage.

Blake had pulled her out of the water and she— and she—

“Sorry about that!” She laughed awkwardly, putting a little breathing room between her and Blake, “Well, um, thanks for uh, not letting me die!”

Blake blinked twice in rapid succession, a bit stunned by (Y/n)’s sudden liveliness. Then she smiled warmly, scooting closer to (Y/n) once more. The poor girl could just about faint.

“Of course I wouldn’t let you die, are you kidding? Stop moving around so much, I’m freezing.”

“Sorry!”

“Not gonna do you much good in those wet clothes,” Maria laughed, “If you really want to warm up, you’re gonna have to take those off.”

A mix of laughter and groans rose from the group but (Y/n) was already too far gone to hear it. Turns out, she ended up fainting after all.

***

Once they were all set up in Atlas, (Y/n) worked really hard to allow Blake plenty of personal space. She worried a lot about Blake’s comfort and how her own feelings might affect Blake should she ever learn of them and judging by the not so subtle teasing of literally everyone, it might be sooner rather than later.

(Y/n) worried constantly about boundaries, making sure to show Blake she respected her autonomy. She wanted to leave no doubt that even if Blake finally put two and two together, they would still be friends at the very least. Adam had treated her like a possession who owed him everything. If Blake thought for even a second that (Y/n) was taking advantage of her budding affectionate side, then she would punt herself off of this floating rock of a kingdom posthaste.

But that was what made it so hard! Since when had Blake become so openly affectionate, and with (Y/n) specifically?

It seemed like every moment they could possibly be together, they were. Blake always had a hold of (Y/n)’s sleeve between her fingers or sleepily lean against her during morning briefings. (Y/n) often found herself wondering how she hadn’t failed a mission yet given she frequently flew by the seat of her pants because of how often Blake distracted her.

It was becoming harder and harder to maintain the invisible bubble (Y/n) tried to keep between them. It was hard to see Blake’s ears droop when she tried to reclaim that distance. It was becoming harder not to let an, ‘Be safe, I love you.’ slip off of her tongue when they were sent on separate missions. What was a girl to do?

A tired groan rumbled passed (Y/n)’s lips as she put on the soft and warm academy issued hoodie that quickly became a favorite after long days. It wasn’t late by any means, most of her friends were still out doing their own tasks, but being as exhausted as (Y/n) was, she slipped right into her bed. Mornings started hellishly early anyway, it was smart to get in as much sleep as possible. And without anybody else around, sleep came easily.

Blake entered the barracks just a little less than an hour later. Having heard that (Y/n) got back a little earlier, she hoped to ask her if she wanted to go to Robin’s election party with her the next night… as a date.

She was super nervous, and a party wasn’t exactly her first choice for a romantic date, but if she backed out now, who knows when the next opportunity would come along.

At first she was disappointed to see that (Y/n) was already asleep, but she got over it fairly quickly. (Y/n) must have been exhausted to have gone to bed so early, she needed her rest, and truthfully, Blake could use a couple extra hours too.

Blake got ready for bed and pulled back the covers, pausing when she heard (Y/n) begin to mumble. She chuckled quietly, it had been a long time since she heard (Y/n) talk in her sleep. Sometimes when they were doing overnight missions in the white Fang, Blake would hear (Y/n) say all manner of things when it was Blake’s turn to keep watch.

Blake crept over to (Y/n)’s bed and carefully sat near the foot of the mattress so she could better listen to whatever silly things she might say.

She seemed to be having a passionate discussion with someone. Some of the things she said were mundane, other random, and some things were completely unintelligible, but one thing made Blake’s heart nearly leap out of her chest.

“Because I’m in love with her. I’m in love with Blake Belladonna.” (Y/n) snoozed, but the passion with which she spoke couldn’t have been more clear if she had been wide awake. “Her hugs feel like sunshine and she’s more beautiful than when the moon and stars reflects off of tranquil waters. ‘Gotta be good to her and leave her be so I don’t cause any waves.”

Blake blushed, touched by those sleepy words, but also a bit saddened by them. If she understood that last mumbled line correctly, and if (Y/n)‘s waking thoughts were being accurately worded, then she was worried about getting too close to Blake and making her uncomfortable.

However, that’s not how Blake saw it at all. She loved (Y/n), without her, who knows where she would be right now. She wanted nothing more than for them to be closer, so closer she would get if (Y/n) felt like she couldn’t be the one to make the first move.

Blake joined the other Faunus in the same bed. The lack of room suited her just fine since she wanted to snuggle as close as she could. (Y/n) wiggled, subconsciously confused by the sudden lack of room, she squinted against the dark, sleepily asking what was going on.

“It’s just me.” Blake whispered. “Are you okay with this?”

“Yeah, are you okay though? Is something wrong?”

“No,” Blake smiled, “everything is just fine.”

“M’kay,” (Y/n) yawned, wrapping an arm around Blake to pull her in closer, “good night.”

“Good night, sleep well. We have a lot to talk about in the morning.”

But (Y/n) was already sleeping again.

Blake shook her head fondly then closed her eyes, focusing on the thrum of (Y/n)’s heart to lull herself to sleep.

[frickingnerd]

one moment is enough

pairing: ruby rose x gn!reader

summary: after stranding in the ever after, ruby seems off. and while she pretends to be alright, you can see behind her mask and offer her some comfort

tags: set during v9, tons of angst with a fluffy happy ending, depressed!ruby, spoilers for volume 8 (aka. penny's death), platonic/romantic implications, comforting ruby, crying (ruby), mentions of team rwby

a/n: have you ever asked yourself: ‘what if someone just hugged ruby in v9’? boy, do i have just the oneshot for you!

ever since arriving in the ever after – no, even before that – ruby had been acting different than usual. you had noticed she had grown a bit more quiet, been more distant towards her team members and seemed to be lost in thought at all times.

“are you okay, ruby…?”

you tried to carefully ask ruby about it. you know she's been through a lot. that girl carried the weight of the world on her shoulders and while everyone always praised ruby for it, it never felt like anyone made an attempt to help her carry that burden. you simply worried that one day, she'd break underneath it all…

“me? i'm fine–! super fine! a-okay!”

ruby was quick to smile again. she always smiled as soon as someone suspected something. she just didn't want people to worry about her. it was admirable, but it wasn't healthy.

“you can be honest with me, you know? i'm your friend, i'm here for you!”

ruby's smile slipped for a second. it was enough to see she was just putting up a facade. when she tried to smile again, it wasn't even half as bright as the smile she forced before. each time she smiled, the light within her eyes faded a little bit more.

“really, i– i-i'm…”

before ruby could finish presenting you another lie, about how she was doing better than ever, you had already tightly wrapped your arms around her, startling the girl.

“don't pretend that you're okay. please, don't lie to me, because i know you're not okay…”

ruby was silent for a moment. her face was buried in your chest and you couldn't see her expression. but after a few seconds of silence, her shoulders lightly rose and sank, before you could hear the first quiet sob: ruby was crying.

“w-why am i like this?” she sobbed quietly, her fingers sinking into the cloth of your shirt, as she desperately held onto you. “i– i keep fighting, but i don't know what for. i can't save anyone. if i would've been a better leader, then maybe we would've never ended up here. maybe penny would've still been alive. maybe–”

you stopped ruby's spiraling as soon as you noticed it. you quickly pulled away a little to make her look at you, staring at her with such intensity in your eyes, as you gently wiped her tears away.

“you're not a bad leader! you've just been carrying everyone's burdens for too long, without ever letting anyone help you carry yours. you're the most selfless person i know, but you need to be selfish just this once and put yourself first”

ruby stared at you with eyes wide open as you spoke. her sobbing had stopped, but her tears quietly kept on rolling as she listened to you.

“i'm always here to help you, ruby. and so are yang and weiss and blake and all of your friends! you're not a burden, alright? we want to help you! so please, let us help you. don't hide how you feel and share your pain with us, so it'll be easier to bear for you. if you can't do something on your own, then you can always count on us!”

as you finished talking, ruby quietly wiped her remaining tears away, before looking up at you. a small smile lingered on the corner of her lips. it was a weak one, but this time ruby wasn't forcing herself to smile. she was genuinely happy to hear those words from you. and even if she hadn't regained the strength to smile with all of her hear again, you had given her enough strength for this little smile.

“thank you. i… i didn't know just how much i needed to hear that…”

[novankenn]

Ravenous Familiae

Beacon was burning. Civilians, soldiers and students were dying as Grimm, White fang and rogue Atlas Knights. But Pyrrha couldn't focus on that right that moment. She had made her decision she would save everyone... with the help of the Headmaster by accepting his offer.

Jaune was at her side, and she felt oddly perfectly calm with him supporting her. Jaune said nothing as he raced with his partner through Beacon's grounds for the tower where the Headmaster was waiting for them.

Jaune paid little attention to what the Headmaster was saying. HIs senses were on overdrive. The scent of blood and ichor was thick in the air, calling to him. But he had to resist the urge to indulge. There were more important things to focus on... like Pyrrha. In fact she was his only concern at that moment. He had no faith in Ozpin's machinations.

As Pyrrha and Ozpin were focused on the technological monstrosity or the aura transfer machine, Jaune moved. He had sensed her approach, no that's not right. He had tracked her following them ever since they had entered the halls of Beacon, and when she made her move... he was ready.

"Jaune!" Pyrrha screamed in panicked anguish. The sight of the young man she felt so close to impaled through by a black arrow making her hands shake, and tears well up in her eyes.

"Mr Arc?" Ozpin's voice was filled with concern and confusion.

"That takes care of your pathetic defender. Now for the true prize!" the raven haired woman cackled. Jaune knew who she was. He knew what was inside her. He had always known.

"You really think so?" Jaune commented dryly as to the utter shock of everyone he reached up and with agonizing slowness withdrew the arrow from his flesh. "I must commend you... Cinder. It's been many years since someone has been able to injury me..."

"This is not possible!" Cinder screeched as she knocked another arrow.

"Mr Arc?" Ozpin yelled his own mind reeling at what he had just witnessed.

"Oh it is VERY possible." Jaune replied, "But maybe you'll all understand better if I show you..."

Pyrrha's tears stopped and she watched awestruck as Jaune's body began to twist and morph. His height bloomed from just over six feet to well over nine. His body grew thin, almost skeletal, and his fingers lengthened even further past what would be proportional. Viciously wicked looking claws growing from each finger tip.

Cinder staggered back the whites of her amber eyes visible as she took in the horrific creature before her. Trying to steel her nerve she brought her bow up only to find that thing no longer where it once was. Her hands released her weapon, letting it shatter against the metal floor, as spindly fingers wrapped about her throat and liften her from her feet.

Cinder clamped her hands upon the stick like forearms, as she kicked out with her dangling feet.

"Fear makes meat so much more sweeter." the creature that had once been a lanky young blond man chuckled, "And considering the filth infesting your flesh... it will need to be so much more sweeter to be palatable."

Ozpin forgot about everything as he stumbled back and away. He knew what Mr Arc was, or at least now that his true form had been revealed. It was something, a malevolent entity that he thought he had eradicated decades ago. The Wendigo shouldn't exist anymore. How did they escape his judgement?

Cinder screamed in pain and terror as her back impacted the far wall of the metal encased room. The wall deformed where she had struck. Sobbing she tried to pull herself away as the thing slowly stalked forward, but her legs wouldn't work. They wouldn't obey her will.

"Grimm aren't the only horrors in this world... girl." Jaune chuckled, "they're just the most... numerous... more akin to vermin than real horrors like me and my sister."

"Please?" Cinder bawled out as she felt herself being dragged back along the metal floor. "Please!"

Pyrrha didn't blink, or flinch as she watched Jaune toy with Cinder. She hadn't even noticed that the Headmaster had vanished. No all she noticed was the inhuman grace, speed and strength Jaune's thin limbs contained. A thin smile even curled her lips when Cinder's breaking body was flung against the very pod she was currently trapped in.

Cinder couldn't move. Abject fear and searing pain raging through her mind and body. She could only whimper when she was pulled away from the tubes containing her target and Nikos, by her hair, and then deposited in the center of the room. She didn't see the monster. She didn't see Jaune tear the pod containing Pyrrha open with the ease of a child ripping paper.

"Jaune?" Pyrrha asked, her eyes alight with intrigue and no small amount of affection and desire. "Is this really you?"

"It is." he replied.

"How?"

"Since my birth two centuries ago." he informed her, as she reached up without hesitation with her hands. He leaned forward letting her fingers ghost over his taunt, pale flesh.

"What now?" Pyrrha asked, her eyes never leaving his twisted visage.

"You have a choice."

"Choice? What choice?"

"Embrace the hunger that now gnaws with in your gut, or walk away." Jaune replied. "You have tasted the flesh of man..."

"What?" Pyrrha was a little shocked at that statement. "How? When?"

"The dry meat that the others refused."

"The gift package from your sister?"

"It is human, meat."

"I was..." Pyrrha took a step back from Jaune, in shock, "But it was so sweet?"

"It was and if you choose you can have more. But you must choose... embrace the hunger join me... or flee like the headmaster has."

"What happens... if... I..."

"If you embrace it. If you choose to feats upon the flesh of man and faunus you will become like me, my sister and her mate. You will live and exist with a craving for such meat..." Jaune commented, being honest with the young woman before him.

Pyrrha looked up at the creature that was Jaune, and then to the broken and beaten form in the center of the room. Her emerald eyes returned to look directly in to the haunting, glowing blue of Jaune's.

"What would you like for me to choose?" She asked a soft smile upon her lips. She had a hope, a wish to the answer she wanted to hear.

"I want you to embrace it. Join me... become my mate." Pyrrha bit her lip. It was what she wanted to hear.

"Then I choose..." Pyrrha smiled her eyes gaining a cruel tint. "... to be your mate."

Jaune nodded and smiled. He reached down and tenderly took her hand, leading her to the barely alive form laying in a heap on the cold metal floor. Jaune released her hand and inclined his head towards Cinder.

"I don't..."

"Kill her, and then I will feed you fresh flesh." Jaune informed his would be partner.

Pyrrha didn't hesitate, she closed on Cinder's broken form and grabbed a handful of her bloody locks, lifting her head from floor. Pyrrha slid her other hand down and clamped in upon Cinder's exposed throat, before leaning down and whispering in the doomed woman's ear.

"Thank you." Pyrrha hissed.

[lemon-butters]

A/N: What's supposed to be simple 500 short escaped me, all this stemmed from Malcc art. (I have more in the works)

Glynda lies nestled on a plush sofa, the contours of her form relaxed into the soft cushions. Her swollen belly asserts itself, an audacious curve interrupting the line of her body; it rises like a gentle hillock from the valley of her reclining figure. Atop this mound rests a tome, its pages splayed wide open, though the words seem to blur and dance under Glynda's half-focused gaze.

"Settle down, little one," she murmurs with a fond chuckle as if addressing a mischievous student rather than the life stirring within her. The baby responds not in obedience but with a series of gentle flutters against the inner wall of her womb, like the delicate wings of a butterfly trapped in cupped hands.

"Always so active when I try to read," she whispers, her voice tinged with both exasperation and wonder. She imagines she can almost discern patterns in the movement. A secret language of nudges and bumps that only she is privy to decipher.

"Are you trying to tell me something?" Glynda's bright green eyes squint as she ponders the sensation, her thin ovular glasses sliding down the bridge of her nose. With a sigh, she adjusts them back into place, yet her focus isn't on the lines of text. It's inward, attuned to the tiny dancer.

A powerful kick interrupts her reverie, drawing a gasp from her lips.

"Oh!" The fluttering evolved into more assertive taps now, commanding her full attention. Glynda places her hand gently on the epicenter of the activity,

"Easy now," Glynda murmurs.

Her tranquility fractures when she attempts to rise from the sofa, an action once simple now a feat of sheer willpower. Glynda exhales sharply, bracing herself against the cushions' soft resistance. Her muscles contract, protesting against the shift in gravity as she leans forward, seeking leverage. A pang of discomfort arcs across her lower back, drawing a tight line between her shoulder blades.

With an effort that leaves her breathless, she plants her feet firmly on the floor and pushes upward. The book that had been her companion slides off her belly and thumps onto the cushion beside her, its pages fluttering like captive birds eager for release.

Finally upright, Glynda allows herself a small smile of triumph. Her hand, still resting on her abdomen, feels the echo of the earlier kick.

Glynda's ascent begins each stair, a gentle peak to summit. She places her foot on the first step, weight shifting forward as she pulls herself up with a measured grace that belies the strain it imposes on her body. Her breath is steady, a cadence marking her progress, and her green eyes focus on the landing above.

The nursery door stands ajar, a sliver of light promising a haven. As Glynda nears the top, her gaze lifts to find James, his back to her, standing on a step ladder. Immersed in his task, the careful strokes of the brush against the ceiling painting clouds of a gentle storm grey.

Glynda's breath hitches as she crosses the threshold, her gaze sweeping over the nursery. The room is a midnight canvas, the dark walls serving as the night sky for an array of bright constellations that twinkle with vivid hues of sapphire and emerald. Each star seems to pulse with life, a cosmic dance frozen in time beneath the gentle glow of a crescent moon decal. On the lower half, a lush valley stretches across the walls, painted in verdant greens and earthen tones, a tranquil landscape under the watchful eyes of the heavens.

"James," she whispers, the words barely escaping her lips, caught between admiration and awe.

James perches precariously atop the step ladder, paintbrush in hand, as he etches the final touches on a particularly ornate cloud. The bristles dance delicately across the matte expanse, each stroke adding to the tranquil ambiance of the nursery. He steps back, his eyes scrutinizing the ceiling with an artist's critical gaze, ensuring every detail contributes to the serene tableau he envisions for their child.

"Is it too much?" he mutters.

"James, it's breathtaking," she whispers, the words barely escaping her lips, caught between admiration and awe.

A sharp jolt seizes her attention, a sudden kick from within that draws a low groan from her throat. Glynda's hand flies to her lower abdomen, pressing gently against the fabric of her blouse. The baby asserts its presence with another robust movement, shifting restlessly inside her.

"Let's sit you down," James suggests, guiding her gently toward the rocking chair nestled in the corner of the room. The celestial tapestry they've created surrounds them, stars and comets bearing witness to the quiet strength of their bond.

She breathes out, sinking into the chair with a relieved sigh. "I just need a moment."

"Stubborn, just like their father," Glynda remarks a wry smile, the tension easing from her features. Her humor, a balm to his concern, prompts a chuckle from him.

"Or their mother," he counters playfully, the warmth in his voice wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. The baby chooses that moment to kick again, a firm nudge against James' hand. His eyes widen.

Glynda leans back in the chair, her breath quickening as James' hand settles protectively on her belly. She closes her eyes and tries to focus on the feeling of his touch, the familiar warmth of his skin against hers, but it's difficult with the baby kicking so insistently. The little one seems to know exactly what it's doing; every nudge and wiggle sends a wave of joy through her body. It's like a dance between them—the baby leads, and they follow, their hearts syncing in rhythm. The rocking chair creaks softly under their weight, providing a gentle sway that matches the movements within her womb.

The celestial tapestry hangs above them, its colors shimmering in the soft light from the nearby lamp. A shooting star flashes across the fabric, leaving behind a trail of silver dust before fading away into nothingness.

---

The first light of dawn barely creeps through the curtains when Glynda shifts restlessly, her body heavy and cumbersome. The bed creaks softly as she turns, a deft hand nudging James. He stirs from his slumber with a groggy grunt, his eyes struggling against sleep's sticky tendrils.

"James," she whispers, urgency etched into her voice, a thin thread of panic weaving through it.

He blinks at her, his brain foggy, not yet catching the gravity of the moment. But then he sees it—the dampness spreading across the sheets like a silent alarm—and he's instantly awake. His heart hammers in his chest, a mix of fear and awe seizing him.

"Your water…" James murmurs, the words trailing off, his voice thick with emotion. He sits up, suddenly wide-eyed, every cell in his body on high alert.

"James," Glynda says again, this time a clear command. She swings her legs over the side of the bed, each movement deliberate, fought for against the weight of her belly. Small beads of sweat glisten on her skin, a testament to the effort and the pain that is just beginning to announce itself.

"Okay, okay," James replies, scrambling to his feet. He rushes to her side, his hands hovering over her as if he’s afraid to touch her, afraid to somehow make things worse. His mind races—hospital bag, car keys, call the doctor—but he forces himself to focus on Glynda.

"Are you alright? Can you stand?" His voice is steady now, the military man within finding his footing even amidst the chaos of impending fatherhood.

Glynda nods, grimacing slightly as she places a hand on her swollen stomach, feeling the stirrings of life within battling to greet the world. "I can stand," she asserts, though her voice betrays the rising tide of discomfort.

"Good, good." James is all efficiency now, his training kicking in, guiding him through the protocol of emergencies, even one as personal as this. He tries to steady his breathing, to match the calm he knows Glynda needs from him.

James springs into action, his military training kicking in as he retrieves clean clothes from the dresser. His hands are steady, belying the tempest of emotions inside him. Glynda, with the grace of a dancer even in her ungainly state, attempts to stand. He's at her side in an instant, guiding her gently to her feet.

"Deep breaths, love," he murmurs, slipping a soft maternity dress over her head. The fabric cascades down her body, a gentle wave of comfort. Her hands clutch at his forearms, her grip ironclad.

A contraction grips her then, fierce and unyielding. Glynda folds inward, a sharp inhalation marking the pain that etches across her features. "James…" she gasps out, and he feels the tremor in her voice.

"Right here, Glynda. I've got you." His words are a lifeline as he steadies her, his own heart pounding a relentless rhythm against his ribs. She leans into him, her body racked with the effort of birthing new life.

The world contracts to this single moment.

They reach the hospital, the early morning calm shattered by the urgency of their arrival. James' arm is firm around her waist, her fingers digging into the muscle of his back. Each step is measured, a testament to their shared determination.

"Almost there," he assures her, though it's more for his sake than hers. The pain is a live thing between them, a third presence that demands attention.

"I know," Glynda breathes out through clenched teeth, her nails leaving crescent moons imprinted on his skin. The sensation is grounding, a reminder of the here and now - of the life they're about to welcome.

The hospital room hums with the quietude of exhaustion and elation. Glynda, now a depository of tranquility, cradles the monumental bundle that is their daughter. Her eyes, twin emeralds softened by tears and fatigue, never leave the infant's face — a visage so new yet already etched into her heart.

"James," she whispers, "come meet your girl."

"Hey there, little one…" James begins, his voice a cocktail of awe and fear. He reaches out with his left hand, flesh and blood, trembling as it hovers above the child.

"James?" Glynda prompts, her brow arching in concern.

"Your hand won't hurt her," Glynda assures him, her tone gentle, yet edged with the steel that defines her. "She needs her father."

Taking a deep breath, James extends his flesh hand once more; his movements are deliberate, mindful of the precious cargo he's about to receive. The metal hand remains aloof, tucked against his side, a silent sentinel.

"Okay, okay." James’s internal mantra pulses with each heartbeat. "You can do this."

Glynda lifts the girl, guiding her towards James with practiced ease. Gossamer strands of black hair crown the baby's head, and her tiny nose, unmistakably his, scrunches in slumber. When the weight of his daughter settles into his arms, a rush of warmth floods through him, drowning all fears.

"Hi there, sweetheart," he murmurs, drinking in every detail. His thumb, cautiously, tenderly, strokes her cheek. She stirs, a small sigh escaping her lips, and James feels the seismic shift within him. This fragile being, part him, part Glynda, is theirs. Completely theirs.

"Look at you," James breathes, his throat tight, "you're perfect."

"Hello, my brave little girl," he says, vision blurring as he leans down, pressing a kiss so full of promise to her forehead. "Daddy's here."

[darkmoonravewolf]

All of team rwby has varying degrees of a praise kink