Flashing Lights - Ch. 4 - Ruby's POV (Patreon)

You voted, and it's finally here! Chapter 4 of Flashing Lights as seen through Ruby's eyes. This was a lot of fun to write, although I'm realizing today that we're rewinding the 'good feels' department by going back to this early in the story. You can reread the epilogue after this and remember how everything turns out for the best!

No post next week as I get a little break. I'm actually going to be out of town next week so the timing worked out great. Then we'll be starting Click, Click, Boom!

***

“Watch your head.”

Ruby gave the warning while putting her hand on the doorframe so that the young man wouldn't hit it as he maneuvered out of the backseat.  That hand then went to his shoulder, turning him towards the police station as she shut the door behind him.

“We’re going to book you in and take your prints,” she explained as he dragged his feet across the parking lot.  “Then you’ll be taken in for questioning, but you have the right to an attorney to be present with you at that time.  Got it?”

He didn’t acknowledge her.  The only clues that he understood his situation at all were his hung head, slouched shoulders, and heavy steps.  He must be hardly out of high school, if even that, but his continued silence left her guessing many of the details.  

Whatever his circumstances, he picked the wrong alleyway at the wrong time to break the wrong laws.  Ruby would like to think that she was also at the right place at the right time, but that determination ultimately rested on the path his life took from here.

“This way.”  

They turned left just inside the doors, earning curious glances from the civilians in the lobby as she scanned her badge and led the young man into the secured portion of the department.  Most of the desks were empty - the other officers were either out on patrol or off for the day - but Yang hopped to her feet as soon as she saw them.

“Back already?”  Yang’s lilac eyes glanced over Ruby’s company as she joined them.  “What’d you get caught with?” she asked him directly.  When his gaze never left the floor, however, she looked to Ruby instead.

“He was dealing by the high school.”  

As they stopped in front of the desk separating them from the booking center, Ruby caught Yang’s attention and subtly motioned to the kid’s hands.  Yang leaned back, spotted the royal blue star tattooed on his wrist, and frowned.

“They’re getting them young now, huh.”

“Too young.”

Yang studied the boy for another long second, her brow furrowed, before brightening up and lightly patting his shoulder.

“But you’re in good hands now, ‘k?”  He didn’t acknowledge her either, so she looked over his head at Ruby.  “Want to grab some patrol hours?  I’m on for another five.”

“You know it.  Still catching up.”  Ruby rolled her eyes, earning Yang’s scoff, but smiled when a middle-aged woman with a messy brown bun met them at the window.  “Hey, Harp.  Got more work for you.”

“When don’t you have work for me?” she playfully sighed before collecting several forms, a clipboard, and then opening the door beside the intake desk.  She waited there, motioning the young man over, but Ruby gently squeezed his shoulder before he moved.

“Hey.”  She lowered her voice and ducked down to meet his gaze.  Bright blue eyes, fearful yet resigned, finally met hers.  “I know this is a lot, and it all feels awful, but this is your chance, ok?  To get away from them.”  She nodded to his wrists and then offered an encouraging smile.  “I’ve seen others do it.  I know you can, too.”

Whether or not he believed her, or believed in himself, would become clear in time.  Today, he merely stared at her for two long seconds before trudging over to Harper.  “This way,” Harper said, motioning further into the room before waving and letting the door fall shut.

Ruby blew a breath through her lips and rested her arms on her head, so Yang patted her shoulder.

“Hey, it’s ok.”

“He’s just a kid.”

“Yeah, and he was selling drugs to other kids.”  Ruby made a disgruntled noise, so Yang poked her cheek and added, “We can’t save everyone, but we can do our best.”

Staring at the door to the booking center, Ruby swept through the typical range of emotions - sadness, anger, frustration - before releasing them like air from a balloon.  Yang wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gave her a little shake.

“Fuck the Royals though, huh?”

“Fuck the Royals…” Ruby muttered, rubbing her cheeks and mustering a tiny smile when Yang chuckled.  Her insides roiled from her most recent arrest, as they usually did whenever someone young or impressionable was involved, but she needed to put that behind her and focus on the people still depending on her.

As luck had it, a distraction appeared in the form of a young woman who made Yang light up with a smile.

“Hey, Rach!  Fancy seeing you here in this, uh, hallway.  Where we both work…”

Noticing Ruby’s brow-raised stare, Yang shook her head and waved away whatever that was.

“Fancy seeing you here too, Yang,” Rachel replied, smiling at Yang before turning to Ruby.  “The Chief’s asking for you.”

“She must’ve already heard about your latest drug bust,” Yang teased, nudging Ruby’s elbow while Ruby rolled her eyes.

“Patrol after?”  

Ruby waited for Yang’s nod before hurrying to the Chief’s office.  Before turning the corner, however, she glanced over her shoulder and smiled to herself when she saw Yang and Rachel still in conversation.  It probably wouldn't go anywhere - Yang insisted that their co-workers were strictly off-limits - but Yang’s happiness provided a balm to the vague ache in Ruby’s heart.

Their jobs were difficult in ways that Ruby had never imagined.  Even the stories she heard growing up hadn’t prepared her to experience the best and worst of humanity firsthand.  One moment, she could feel on top of the world.  The next, like someone just tore out her heart and stomped on it.  

Neither of those would matter to the Chief, so she shoved the thoughts aside as she quickly knocked on the Chief’s door and then entered.  One foot into the office, she realized that she just stepped into a bear trap.

Stupidly, she thought that she might actually be getting a pat on the back.  Her real ‘prize’ was a triumphant smirk from the daughter of crime herself.  

Weiss Schnee.  Sitting in the Chief of Police’s office.  Clearly here for Ruby.

“You’re shitting me,” Ruby scoffed without thinking.

“Officer.  Watch your language.”

Chief Fowler’s reprimand stung, so Ruby clenched her jaw and nodded.  She couldn't let Weiss rattle her that easily, not even with that perfect smile aimed squarely at her, pleased - pleased? - to see her.  

Weiss always dressed like a model, and today was no different.  Her vaguely floral, probably hellaciously expensive perfume wafted throughout the room; her bedroom smelled the same - a connection that Ruby should not have made yet did.  Her long, white hair had been done up without a strand out of place.  She clutched an expensive purse in her lap and, when she crossed one leg over the other -

Ruby tore her gaze away before she caught a glimpse of Weiss’ panties beneath the short skirt.  Seeing all of that pristine white skin was already enough for a blush to flare up the back of Ruby’s neck, but she wiped the memory away and stared pointedly at Chief Fowler.

“You asked for me?”

“Yes, Miss Schnee needs a police escort today, and she’s requested you.”

Ruby’s gaze flitted to Weiss, who rested her chin on the palm of one hand and smirked.  She looked like pure temptation when she did that, but Ruby was in no mood for deals with the devil today.

“What does she need an escort for?” she asked, keeping her voice level despite the frustration creeping through her veins.

“That’s for her to inform you.”

Disbelief joined the frustration.

“Shouldn’t she explain what she needs before we help?” she burst out.  “Or are we just giving her whatever she wants?”

“I’ve already made that determination, Officer.”

Chief Fowler’s tone ended any argument.  Of course she already bent to Weiss’ whims.  All she saw when she looked at Weiss was a pile of campaign money.  Ruby could actually thank Weiss for illuminating that severe character flaw in their fearless leader, though she was far from thanking Weiss for anything right now.  She swallowed her comeback and fell in line.

“Fine.  Of course.”  She hardly glanced at Weiss while returning to the door, shoving it open with one hand, and motioning Weiss through with the other.  “After you, Miss.”

Weiss’ subtle glare made Ruby’s fake smile easier to hold, but the pinprick of satisfaction evaporated when Weiss turned around and said, “Thank you so much for your help.”  She looked and sounded like the epitome of class.  Ruby knew better than to believe the facade, yet the Chief of Police looked delighted by the faux gratitude as they left the room.

“I can’t believe you,” Ruby seethed as soon as they were alone, striding to her desk with Weiss in tow.

“I didn’t call 9-1-1,” Weiss pointed out, smiling as proudly as a toddler who found a way around their parents’ rules.  “I requested your protection, and she said yes.  Apparently, there are more than enough officers to help the rest of the people.”  

The nonchalant flick of Weiss’ wrist, as if the ‘rest of the people’ was some trivial matter, struck a nerve.  Ruby couldn't decide if it was callous or self-centered or both - either way, it ran contrary to the tiny flickers of generosity she’d observed and made her wonder, really wonder, how Weiss would feel about the young man whose life might have just been ruined while the ‘rest of them’ carried on their lives.

Assuming she knew the answer, Ruby yanked her desk drawer open so hard that it slammed against its hinges.  The action dented Weiss’ triumphant smile, which somehow bothered her more.

“I have an actual job, you know,” she said while grabbing her keys.  “And it’s not ferrying around princesses all day.”  She shoved the drawer closed just as forcefully before pointing at the seat and saying, “Wait here.  I need to make sure someone covers my shift since I’m needed elsewhere.”

Weiss frowned, but Ruby brushed past her and flagged down Yang, who had just left the break room with a mug in hand.

“Ready?” Yang asked, but her smile fell when she noticed Ruby’s mood.

“Change of plans.  The princess has summoned me.”  Ruby jerked her head back to her desk, knowing that Weiss was watching.  Yang’s gaze flitted that way.

“No…that’s -?”  When Ruby nodded, Yang's brow rose.  “Are you serious?  What’s wrong with her?”  When Ruby sighed and shook her head, Yang narrowed her eyes at Weiss.  “Think she’s using you?  Trying to get info for her dad or something?”

“I wish,” Ruby scoffed.  “She never asks about work.  I’m her new toy.  She’s messing with me because she can.”

“Did you talk to the Chief about it?”

“Who do you think agreed to this??  The Chief’s wrapped around her pretty little finger.”

Ruby clenched her fists and sighed, knowing that the Chief’s borderline-corrupt behavior might be the most bothersome part of this ordeal.  If Weiss approached her like a normal person, maybe this would be different.  Instead, Weiss went over Ruby’s head as if Ruby didn’t deserve to make her own decisions.

“Tell her to leave you alone?” Yang suggested.

“If I do that, she’ll probably, like -”  Simply imagining the possibilities was enough for Ruby to throw her hands up in defeat.  “It’d be bad.  She’d probably get me fired, and you fired, and blacklist us from ever working again.  Or worse.  Run us out of Vale?  Tie bricks to our feet and toss us in the river?”

Faced with increasingly horrible scenarios, Yang set a hand on Ruby’s shoulder.

“Fuck the Schnees, huh?”

“God.”  Ruby blew a breath through her lips.  “Don’t let her hear that.  She’ll take it in a completely wrong way.”  Ruby could practically see Weiss’ teasing smirk but quickly shook the image from her head.  “It just sucks since she’d actually be kind of interesting if she wasn’t actively ruining my career.”

“Sounds like the crush from hell.  She’s not pulling your ponytail on the playground - she’s talking to your boss.”  When Ruby made a disgruntled sound, Yang squeezed her shoulder.  “You’re a pro though.  Just think - if you can handle her, you can handle anyone.”

“Of course you make this a learning moment…” Ruby grumbled, glancing at Weiss out of the corner of her eye and then sighing one last time.  “If you don’t hear from me soon, it’s because I walked into traffic to get away from her.”

“That’s the spirit.”  

Yang offered one last pat on the back as Ruby mentally steeled herself, then returned to collect her ‘precious’ cargo for the day.  More like deadweight if anyone asked for her opinion.  Very pretty deadweight, but a ball and chain all the same.

“Alright, let’s go,” she told Weiss before turning on her heel and walking away without pause.  Weiss followed - the sound of her heels would haunt Ruby’s dreams - but remained uncharacteristically quiet until they reached the car.

“I’d think that interdepartmental dating would be frowned upon.”

“Inter-department - what?”  

“The busty blonde.”

Weiss crossed her arms over her chest and rooted herself to the pavement, looking so petulant that Ruby nearly laughed.  She glanced at the police station instead and briefly considered calling Yang her girlfriend - better yet, her wife.  If that wouldn't put a massive target on Yang’s back, she would have.  Instead, she scoffed.

“That’s my sister.”

A glimpse of Weiss’ relief was all Ruby caught before slipping into the driver’s seat and starting the car. 

“You look nothing alike,” Weiss commented after joining her.

“Thanks.  Really appreciate that.”

“Why don’t you look alike?” 

“Gee, I don’t know.  Genetics?”  Weiss’s scowl suggested that she didn’t appreciate sarcasm - ironic considering she was fluent in it.  Rather than offer an explanation, Ruby rested her hands on the steering wheel, looked over, and said with as much attitude as she could muster, “Where to, Your Highness?”

“For the last time, I’d prefer that you use my name.”

“And I’d prefer getting to do my job.”

The thinnest thread of turmoil flashed through Weiss’ clear blue eyes, almost as if this wasn’t going how she wanted even though it was exactly what she wanted, but annoyance replaced it as she huffed and crossed her arms over her chest.

“Are you hungry?” 

“No.”

“Then Crescent Avenue.”

A sigh nearly escaped Ruby’s lips - Crescent Avenue could only mean one thing for someone like Weiss - but she shook her head and put the car in drive.  Uncomfortable silence blanketed the vehicle, broken only by police chatter and, if Weiss had a keen ear, Ruby’s rumbling stomach.  She had planned on eating after the drug bust, but then Yang, and the Chief, and now this.  Whatever this was.

Feeling a particularly loud grumble approaching, she turned the radio up to mask it.

“Do you always listen to this?” Weiss asked.

“Again.  It’s my job.”

“Just like it’s your job to help old ladies cross the street and listen to neighbors bicker about hedges?”

Ruby huffed but kept her responses to herself.  Weiss probably wouldn't like being told how annoying it was that she had a sarcastic remark for everything.  Sure, she was sharp.  She could also be witty and shockingly funny once in a blue moon.  The problem was that she showed those sides so rarely that they might be hallucinations.

Who was Weiss, really?  

Rich, haughty, stuck-up, and used to getting her way.  Yet there were glimpses of something more that Ruby almost wished that she hadn’t seen.  Could something…good…be buried beneath all that barbed wire? 

No.  Never.  

At least, that was what Ruby wanted to believe, but she had already witnessed too many efforts to change.  Weiss always pushed boundaries, but she recognized when she stepped over a line.  She modified her behavior, or at least tried to.  Even now, as she frowned out of the passenger window, she didn’t bristle with untapped displeasure like she had the first couple of times they met.

Change or not, she had crossed another line, and it wasn’t Ruby’s responsibility to teach her how to be a decent person.  So, as Ruby parked along the most popular section of Crescent Avenue, she accepted the moderate surge in annoyance when Weiss said, her voice a teasing purr, “You do know me.”

Rolling her eyes, Ruby exited the vehicle and went to open Weiss’ door.  “What now?” she asked once Weiss gracefully stepped out.

“What do you think?  We go shopping.”

Ruby had known what was coming as soon as Weiss said Crescent Avenue, but that forewarning didn’t stop her from dropping her head back and sighing.  Unfortunately, traffic along this section of road moved at a snail’s pace - any collision, say between a fender and her knees, would cause minor injuries at best.  Absent that escape, she had no choice but to follow Weiss down the spotless sidewalks bordering stores filled with clothing, home goods, and gifts.

The curious and concerned glances reminded Ruby that she was still in full uniform, so she pretended like this was a regular patrol.  Just her, an officer of the law, patrolling in one of the safest sections of town, being led around by the picture of privilege and wealth.  Weiss ducked into a clothing store before long, subjecting Ruby to the new indignity of ‘shopping’ while on duty.

Private security could wear suits or regular outfits.  They still stuck out like sore thumbs, but at least it made sense for them to follow around snooty rich girls.  Cops though…?

“You’re frustrated today,” Weiss commented, breaking Ruby out of her thoughts yet hardly glancing up from a rack of shirts.

“Surprised you noticed.”  Ruby glanced at the curious cashier before trailing Weiss to the next rack.  “You see, some stuck-up rich girl has decided that I work for her so keeps making me drop everything to do what she wants.  Which, shockingly, isn’t why I became a cop and doesn’t help me reach any of my goals.”

“I could live without the sarcasm, Officer.”  Weiss’ brief scowl surely matched Ruby’s, but then she paused, one hand still lightly touching one of the shirts for sale, and gently asked, “What goals are you working towards?”  

Weiss’ brow instantly pinched, looking as if she hadn’t recognized her own voice.  A genuine question appearing where a biting remark should have been caught Ruby equally off guard.  Weiss usually matched fire with more fire, but she just…deescalated.

So Ruby didn’t scoff; she sighed and answered.

“I’m trying to make the SWAT team, but I need a certain number of patrol hours before I can join and these don’t count as patrol hours.”

“Oh.”  Before Ruby felt bad about her agitated response, Weiss subtly tilted her chin down and added, “I’m sorry I took you away from that.  I’ll request someone else next time.  Perhaps a competitor you’d like to see fall behind?”

The shockingly sincere offer brought back all of the conflicting emotions Ruby had grappled with for practically as long as they’d known each other.  One comparison, in particular, she couldn't get out of her head.

Weiss was like an attack dog.  She had been trained to subdue threats, or perceived threats, with ruthless efficiency.  Whenever she was uncertain or unsettled, she fell back on that training - she attacked.  Having been on the receiving end of that instinct more than a few times, Ruby knew how aggravating it was.  Having it used in her favor was…oddly charming.  Almost sweet.

With Weiss waiting for an answer, however, Ruby glanced over out of the corner of her eye and then huffed.

“You should stop requesting police escorts for anything.  I doubt you need protection”

“I do need protection,” Weiss argued.  “My family is well-known and wealthy, as you’re aware.”

“I know you have personal security if you’re actually worried.”  Ruby finally met Weiss’ gaze, challenging her to argue, before nodding.  “And if you just want company, I don’t work all damn day.”

Weiss’ gaze snapped to her, so she quickly moved to the next rack, wondering why the hell she just said that out loud.  Weiss, of course, pursued her.

“Why would I want company?”

The cat was out of the bag now.  If Ruby didn’t explain, Weiss would pester her until she did.

“Because you’re lonely,” she stated.

“I’m not lonely.”

Touching a pair of pants on display, Ruby turned to Weiss, whose hackles had already raised, and arched her brow.

“Oh, yeah?  I’d be pretty lonely if I was trapped in that huge house by myself.”

“I’m not -”  Weiss clenched her jaw and shook her head.  “My family lives there, too.”

“And which one of them would be shopping with you if I wasn’t here?”

“My mom if she was sober, or my brother if I bribed him -”  Weiss stopped talking, perhaps realizing how sad that sounded, and scowled.  “I have plenty of people to go shopping with if I choose to.”

When Weiss spun on her heel and stomped out of the store, Ruby hung her head and sighed.  Staying annoyed was really difficult when she kept getting the overwhelming sense that Weiss was just…unhappy.

A police officer’s duty was to maintain law and order, but as a person…it was the human connection in her, not a sense of duty, that sent her jogging after Weiss.  Weiss had only made it several storefronts away, either because the heels slowed her down or because she didn’t actually want to leave Ruby behind.  Still, she didn’t look over when Ruby returned to her side.  

“There’s nothing wrong with being lonely,” Ruby said as gently as possible.  She didn’t expect Weiss to accept it, so she wasn’t surprised when Weiss sighed.  She was surprised when Weiss grabbed a bundle of napkins from her purse and shoved them into her stomach.

“Eat these and shut up.”

Confused, to put it mildly, Ruby unfolded the napkins and felt her heart skip as soon as she saw what was inside.

Weiss brought her a cookie.  The same one that she had tried at Weiss’ house - the most delicious cookies she had ever eaten.  Weiss brought another one for her.

Now, Weiss wouldn't even look at her, of course, but the genuinely thoughtful gesture added to Ruby’s growing list of contradictions.  Thoughtfulness…compassion…kindness?  Could those traits really lurk within that prickly exterior?  They showed through for the briefest of moments and Weiss snuffed them out like a firefighter putting out hot spots, but Ruby had already seen enough to make her seriously question what she knew about Jacque Schnee’s daughter.

After taking her first bite of literally the best cookie in the world, she hummed and wondered if this whole ordeal was actually just Weiss wanting her company but not knowing how to ask.  If Ruby believed that - and she was starting to - then this was a lot easier to bear.  It was flattering, in a way.  Sure, it didn’t help her at work, but maybe it helped Weiss learn something about herself, and maybe that was a worthy trade.

She still wished that Weiss would ask rather than make all these power plays with donations and her boss.  But that begged a bigger question…if Weiss did come right out and ask her, civilly, to meet for dinner, would she say yes?

Her answer should probably concern her, but she felt oddly at ease with it as she brushed crumbs from her hands and followed Weiss into another gaudy clothing store.

“This is one of my favorite stores,” Weiss explained, so Ruby gave the spacious, well-lit interior a more thorough inspection.  The clothing looked no different from the previous shop - not to Ruby’s amateur eye, at least - but Weiss somehow looked more relaxed in the familiar environment.  Ruby, on the other hand, was still horribly out of place - the long glance she earned from the saleswoman approaching them confirmed it.

“Welcome.”  The woman’s smile brightened as soon as she recognized Weiss.  “Miss Schnee!  It’s lovely to see you again.  Our newest pieces just arrived - you’ll find them along this wall.”  

Ruby stifled a smile at how Weiss’ expression darkened at the term, but Weiss kept her retort to a subdued, “Thank you,” and headed in the direction the woman had gestured.

“Let me know if you need any help,” the saleswoman called after them, but Weiss dismissed the offer as easily as she dismissed most people.  The racks of clothing claimed her attention instead and Ruby, with nothing else to do, peered over Weiss’ shoulder trying to make sense of the different styles.

White, less white, lesser white…everything looked pretty much the same, so Ruby had no idea what Weiss was searching for.  Something flattering, obviously, but Weiss would look good in anything.  She clearly put a great deal of effort into her appearance, with incredible results, but she was probably just as innately beautiful.  Put her in sweats and a hoodie, her hair down, relaxed, and -

Ruby jumped when Weiss unexpectedly spun around and walked right into her.  Her eyes widened, recognizing how fully pressed into each other they suddenly were, before quickly moving out of the way.

Weiss’ smirk gave away the scheme, but Ruby hardly had time to feel annoyed before Weiss held up a white blouse and asked, “Maybe you’ll help me?”

The sweet smile probably worked wonders on most people - Ruby’s heart certainly responded to it with a heavy thump - but Ruby knew better than to trust it.

“You want me to undress you?”

“I want you to help me change,” Weiss restated, a pleased smile slipping onto her lips.  “If you’re suggesting something else…”

Ruby didn’t need to hear more than that.  Before Weiss made a scene - and she would make a scene - Ruby found the dressing rooms and motioned Weiss into one as hastily as possible.

The dressing room matched the rest of the store: gaudy and out of Ruby’s price range.  Most people only needed enough room to move their elbows and a mirror to check their reflection, but apparently the wealthy needed their own small apartment complete with a superfluous sofa and an area rug.

Rather than dawdle, Ruby took the hanger from Weiss’ hands and slipped the blouse off of it.

“What’re you doing?” Weiss asked.

“What’s it look like?”  Ruby held up the shirt but lowered it when Weiss arched a brow and meaningfully looked down at her current top.  “You can undo buttons on your own,” Ruby added, but Weiss held up her hands and wiggled her manicured nails.  

“These are only a day old.  I’m not chipping them already.”

Considering Weiss had gotten herself into that shirt somehow, the excuse made zero sense.  In the interest of getting through this as fast as possible, however, Ruby kept that snappy response to herself.  “Fine,” she scoffed, tossing the new shirt over the arm of the sofa and reaching for Weiss’ blouse.

The top two buttons had been left undone, so the first one that Ruby’s fingers slipped out of place revealed enough to make her cheeks burn.  

She had taken an explosive ordinance course a couple of years back, and those lessons came to mind as she lowered her hands to the next button.  Slow, even breaths.  Steady hands.  No sudden movements.

Even without the instructor or classmates watching, Weiss’ steadfast gaze made her adrenaline race.  Blood rushed through her ears.  The blush on her cheeks spread to her neck and all the way up her ears.

She focused on her hands, trying not to see beyond her fingertips yet still seeing practically everything.  Her mind filled in the rest, projecting mounds of soft white skin underneath the lacy white bra and definitely noticing the faint blush spreading across Weiss’ chest.  

Weis was undeniably beautiful.  She might even be the most gorgeous girl Ruby had ever met.  She could be mistaken for a model, an actress, or even an angel.  Her long white hair exuded that angelic effect, as did the effortless confidence.  The crystal clear eyes.  But then she would open her mouth - 

“You must be so gentle in bed.”

Ruby jerked her hands away as the image of naked bodies pressed together, intertwined in passion, shattered the thought of pure, sinless angels.  She was the sinner now - and that sin became clearer when Weiss shrugged out of her shirt, letting it fall to the floor as if it meant nothing.  Weiss then leaned forward, pressing her chest into Ruby, and grabbed the new shirt from the sofa.

Finding no safe spot to look except the floor, Ruby stared so hard that she could have burned a hole in the rug near Weiss’ foot.  Thankfully, Weiss put the new shirt on for herself and, surprise, didn’t chip her nails while doing so.

“What do you think?” she asked, holding out her arms and checking Ruby’s response rather than the mirror.

The sheer white fabric and plunging neckline barely concealed Weiss’ bra, which itself overly emphasized Weiss’ cleavage.

“My eyes are up here, Officer.”

Ruby instantly turned away, looking anywhere but at Weiss and mumbling, “It looks fine…”  

It looked more than fine - it looked provocative and attention-grabbing - but those responses would set off a string of suggestive remarks.  Not that Weiss needed suggestive remarks to capture Ruby’s attention.  She proved that by stepping into Ruby’s space, so close that their toes practically touched, and ran Ruby’s collar between her fingertips.  

The subtle sense of intimacy made Ruby wish that she could read Weiss’ mind because she had never met someone who could push someone else’s buttons with such precision.  Weiss wielded her words, actions, and body like a surgeon wielded a scalpel.  She had a motive - she always had a motive - and she used whatever means necessary to see it through.  How she learned to act this way, Ruby didn’t know if she wanted to know, but it was as concerning as it was captivating.  

“I think I’ll wear it home,” Weiss concluded, releasing Ruby from her spell with a hair flip and purposeful stride out of the dressing room.  Heart racing, Ruby took a long, deep breath before following.

While Weiss paid for her new shirt, Ruby hung back, cycling between frustration, bewilderment, and a miniscule amount of forbidden curiosity.  Weiss had intended to plant those thoughts in Ruby’s mind, and she’d been successful.  She could never know that though.  Not only would she never let Ruby hear the end of it, but she might - no, she would - double her efforts to fluster Ruby in that way.

By the time Weiss accepted the shopping bag containing her original top, Ruby had shoved as much of her flustered feelings into a small box with a very sturdy key.  Weiss vaguely motioned Ruby after her as she left the store, head held high and a little smile gracing her lips.

Why hadn’t Ruby put her foot down?  Weiss couldn't force Ruby to help change her.  Ruby could have said no, but then Weiss would have complained and then - 

Did some part of her actually want to?

That idea was quickly shaken from her head.

“Do you need me to carry that?”

She pointed to the shopping bag, but Weiss pulled it closer to herself.

“No, thank you.  I’ll carry it.”

‘Pack mule’ seemed like the security escort’s responsibility, yet Weiss tucked the bag under her arm as if Ruby might snatch it from her.  She ignored Ruby’s furrowed brow, too, uncaring or unwilling to explain the deviation between expectation and reality.

Ruby didn’t press - she knew that much about Weiss already.  She faintly sighed and glanced around as they passed through shoppers and workers alike.  The curious looks continued, but they were easier to ignore as time progressed.  Or maybe she cared less about what they thought of her versus what Weiss was currently thinking.  If she asked, would Weiss tell her?  

Everything felt like a coin flip with Weiss.  Maybe Ruby would get a serious response.  Maybe she would trigger Weiss’ self-defense mechanisms and get shot down like a plane in hostile airspace.  

Ruby had never flown a plane before…but she could probably be a decent pilot.

“Thirsty?” Weiss suddenly asked, gesturing to a bustling coffeeshop once she had Ruby’s attention.

“I’m good, but feel free.”

When Ruby motioned for Weiss to lead the way, Weiss…surprisingly did.  She even held the door, missing Ruby’s baffled reaction as they entered the noisy business together.  All eyes instantly landed on Ruby - her uniform, more specifically - before moving to Weiss and eventually away.  The other customers probably assumed, rightfully so, that Weiss was someone important.

Or maybe Ruby was overthinking it.  Maybe they assumed that she and Weiss knew each other, that she was temporarily off duty, and that they decided to grab coffee together.  Something like a…date?

Ruby’s gaze flitted to Weiss, who was busy surveying the room, before dashing away.

Maybe that wasn’t such a crazy idea.  Yang met people in her uniform while off-duty all the time.  Ruby sometimes did, too.  They didn’t always have time to change, or bring a change of clothes, or even feel like changing after a long shift.  So…maybe she should be a little less sensitive.

She stiffened and looked down when Weiss suddenly set a hand on her arm.  Weiss, undeterred, slid her fingers down Ruby’s sleeve and then squeezed Ruby’s biceps.

“You must not be getting your daily dose of donuts,” she quipped before letting go.

“It’s mostly cookies these days.”

The response flowed so smoothly that Ruby could hardly believe it came from her.  Equally unbelievable was the way Weiss brightened upon hearing it.  She didn’t outright smile, but there was an almost…joyful…gleam in her eyes.  The happy spark changed almost everything about her, bringing back the angel comparison that felt so fleeting and out of place in the changing room.

“What can I get you?” the barista interrupted, and the moment disappeared.  Weiss clicked her tongue and turned away.

“I’ll have a skinny, half-caf soy double shot vanilla latte.”  

Ruby’s laugh came out a bit like a scoff, so Weiss smiled at her.

“Sure you don’t want anything, Officer?”

“I’m good.  That’ll take long enough as it is.”

“Are you suggesting I’m high maintenance?” Weiss asked while paying for the order and moving away from the line.

“Yes.”

Weiss scoffed at the blunt response but, ultimately, tilted her chin up and said, “Well, I am.”

A bright smile raced onto Ruby’s lips before she even thought to stop it.  A laugh very nearly followed it.  Of course Weiss claimed the trait with that signature Schnee pride.  If she was going to be something, even a negative something, she would be the best there was.  It was actually kind of cute.  So was her doe-eyed surprise at Ruby’s response.

That uncharacteristic softness forced Ruby’s gaze away before long - it was far more powerful than any of Weiss’ scowls or glares could ever be.  A new thought had struck her: for someone so difficult, Weiss was surprisingly easy to be around.  Pretty girls usually made Ruby nervous.  She fumbled her words, tripped over her feet, or, in general, made a fool of herself.  But with Weiss…

Ruby’s gaze flitted to Weiss, who lightly chewed her bottom lip as they waited for her drink.

Weiss was intimidatingly pretty, but Ruby was too busy trying to hold her own to be flustered.  It was kind of nice.  Like a low-stakes battle of wills constantly playing out through banter and a few sharp barbs lobbed from Weiss’ side.  The barbs were no longer harpoons though.  They were more like…blunted arrowheads.  Increasingly, they felt a bit like softballs.

“Skinny, half-caf, double-shot soy vanilla latte?”  

The barista didn’t even glance around the room before leaving the cup on the counter and returning to work.  Weiss, however, didn’t move.  For a split second, Ruby thought that Weiss wanted her to pick up the drink, but Weiss seemed lost in thought until Ruby gently cleared her throat.

“I think that’s yours.”

Ruby pointed at the cup, but Weiss blinked once before snatching it.  She tucked a flyaway hair behind her ear before taking a sip and gesturing the cup to the doors.  

“Want to sit outside?  It’s nice out.”

Ruby’s gaze flitted to the patio, where umbrella-shaded tables waited for customers, before returning to Weiss.

“That’s up to you, isn’t it?”

“Then why did I ask?” Weiss shot back.  The return of her signature flare reminded Ruby of who she was dealing with: fire and ice wrapped around what could be a soft, molten center.  Arguing brought out Weiss’ claws, but if Ruby played a little nicer…and went along with Weiss’ plans for a little while…maybe she would catch another glimpse behind those sturdy defenses.  So, rather than argue, she glanced outside and shrugged.

“Sure.  I’m just going to use the restroom real quick.”

She pointed toward the restrooms but waited for Weiss’ nod before walking away.  She took a deep breath as soon as some space opened between them, only then noticing how frazzled she felt.  In just a few hours, Weiss brought out more emotions than a typical month at work.  And work could be taxing.

“Need someone to buy you a drink, Officer?” a pretty brunette waiting near the drink counter asked as Ruby passed.

“Oh, I - um -”  Batted eyes melted Ruby’s composure, but she glanced away right as Weiss walked outside.  Even across a crowded coffee shop, crossing a busy patio, Weiss stood out as if a spotlight followed her everywhere.  Once she found a seat, purposefully separating herself from everyone else, Ruby turned back to the brunette and smiled.  “I’m good, but thank you.  Just passing through.”

She pointed to the hallway and, thankfully, the young woman let her go with a warm smile.  As soon as she ducked into the restroom, however, she splashed some cold water on her face, then dried off and stared at the mirror.

She was an officer of the law - her uniform said so - and that meant dealing with unexpected, unpredictable circumstances…and unpredictable people.  It meant never knowing what the day led to, whether it be slow and tedious or fast and dangerous.  Weiss fit one of those categories much better than the other.

Sure, Ruby had different plans for today and, sure, Weiss crashed them.  That was rude, inconsiderate, and manipulative.  But, beyond that, it almost felt like Weiss was trying to be…nice?  If that was actually Weiss’ intention, then Ruby wanted to see what Weiss had planned next.  

When she reached the patio, however, Weiss was nowhere to be seen.  Brow furrowing, Ruby quickly swept the rest of the patio before glancing back into the coffeeshop and heading to the sidewalk.  A flash of white caught her attention just as it disappeared around the next corner.

“Of course…” she sighed as she jogged that way.  Now, Weiss was literally making Ruby chase her.  Had she stolen all of these ideas from cheesy movies?

When Ruby tracked Weiss down to a side alleyway, a clipped remark floated to the tip of her tongue.  Then the rest of the scene registered: two large men, looking very much like Weiss’ usual security detail, walked close - too close - behind her, and a white van waited at the edge of the street.  

“Weiss?”

The men stiffened, and Ruby’s muscles tensed from some unspoken cue.  Weiss turned around too slowly.  The men were standing too close to her - she would never let them stand so close - and they whispered to each other as Weiss’ blue gaze met hers.  Alarms blared in her mind, setting off a chain reaction of adrenaline and heightened alertness, but she pushed back against the instinct.  Confirmation before conclusions.

“Where’re you going?” she asked.

One of the men shifted, causing annoyance to flash through Weiss’ eyes.  Then she cleared her throat, tilted her chin up, and said, “It’s Miss Schnee to you.”

For a second, time stood still.  Then Ruby blinked once and her weapon practically flew into her hand.  “Hands in the air!” she shouted, aiming at the man who now had a gun pointed at Weiss’ head.  He didn’t comply - he pulled Weiss a step backward instead.  Weiss scowled, looking more pissed off than scared.  Ruby, on the other hand, was so terrified that she could hardly feel her limbs.

“Put your weapon down and let her go,” she ordered, matching the step in one stiff, calculated movement.  “I’m going to count to three,” she warned.  “One…two…”

Weiss didn’t wait for ‘three.’  She slammed her elbow into her captor’s stomach then stomped on his foot with her heel.  As he howled and reached down, Ruby reacted.  Not smartly.  Not per any of her training.  Led by something reckless and instinctual - she had to get him and that gun as far from Weiss as possible - she charged forward and lowered her shoulder into his chest, catching him by surprise and sending him crashing to the pavement.  

The gun clattered across the ground, but she hardly reached for it before his partner grabbed her around the waist and yanked her backward.  She lost her balance and her knee slammed into the pavement with a painful crack before she stabilized herself.  That was plenty of time for the second man to reach her.

A deafening bang echoed off the walls as the man collapsed in a heap at Ruby’s feet, grasping his shoulder, blood seeping through his fingers.  A second gunshot rang out seconds later, accompanied by a howl of pain as the other attacker dropped like a sack of rocks, clutching a bloodied knee.

Ruby’s mind struggled to catch up.  Weiss had already rushed over to her, knelt down, and checked her for injuries.

“Are you ok?” she asked, one hand lighting on Ruby’s shoulder while the other still clutched the gun.  Her blue eyes held concern.  Concern for Ruby.  Nothing else.  

“You shot them,” Ruby gasped while rolling onto her side, breathing heavily and trembling with adrenaline.  She gaped at the two men - attackers, criminals - now incapacitated by pain.  “I haven’t even shot anyone.”

“Would you like to?  It’s remarkably cathartic.”

When Weiss offered Ruby the gun, Ruby stared at it as the gaps in her memory slowly filled in.  Weiss, fearless.  Weiss, saving herself.  Weiss, unaffected by the groans of two would-be kidnappers bleeding all over the pavement.  Unaffected by the gun in her hand and the blood spattered across her skirt.

“What is wrong with you?” Ruby got out as she pushed herself to her feet.  And that…that got a reaction.  Not anger.  Not annoyance.  Hurt flashed through Weiss’ eyes, buried instantly yet real enough that Ruby winced while taking the gun from Weiss’ hands.  She shouldn’t have said that.  She wanted to take it back but she was supposed to be in charge.  Supposed to have a handle on this. 

But she checked the two whimpering men only long enough to confirm that they would survive before returning to Weiss.

“Are you ok?  Did they hurt you?”

Weiss hardly moved, and she avoided Ruby’s gaze.  “I’m fine,” she said, a slight mumble, leaving Ruby to gently check her for signs of injury.  Finding none, Ruby breathed a silent sigh of relief and unclipped her radio from her belt.

“This is Officer Rose.  I need immediate backup at the corner of Crescent and Pine Avenue for an attempted kidnapping.  Two perpetrators, both need medical assistance.  The victim is here with me.”

Victim.  Weiss was almost a victim.  She still was, even though she stood there, lightly clasping her elbow with one hand, seemingly unharmed.  Ruby was the shattered one.  Parts of her wanted to bundle Weiss up in her arms and whisk her somewhere safe.  Her training made her stay, pressing her hands to the bleeding shoulder of a man she found it hard to root for.

He would survive.  The bullet went clean through, but it probably still hurt like hell and she found no words of encouragement for him.  She kept glancing at Weiss.  Every second.  Every half second.  She should offer reassurance.  Comfort.  Apologize.  This was her fault, not Weiss’.  She’d been careless.  Too focused on - focus.

She needed to focus.  Breathe.  Calm down.  Stop looking at Weiss every other breath as if Weiss might disappear.  Stop desperately wondering what Weiss was thinking as she stood there like a statue, lacking her usual larger-than-life presence.

Backup took an eternity to arrive.  One cruiser, two officers - they jumped out and hurried to Ruby.

“Status?”

“Single gunshot wounds.  Knee and shoulder.”  Ruby nodded to the other man, so one of the officers applied pressure to his knee.  She looked up at Weiss, who still hadn’t moved, before re-focusing on the issue in front of her.

An ambulance arrived, unleashing two EMTs to help with the injured.  Ruby finally backed away, keeping her bloody hands away from her uniform, as another ambulance and two more squad cars arrived.  Soon, their little corner of the world swarmed with police and bystanders.  

Weiss finally moved, but only to duck her gaze as the onlookers started taking photos.  Ruby reacted how she should have earlier: rushing to Weiss’ side and ushering her to one of the squad cars.

“Here.”  Ruby opened the passenger door but made sure not to touch Weiss with blood-covered hands.  “I’ll get you home in a bit, ok?” she said once Weiss settled into the seat.  Weiss nodded, and Ruby opened her mouth to say something more.  ‘I’m sorry’ felt too insubstantial so, lacking anything better, she shook her head and gently closed the door.

She wanted to get Weiss home now, but she had a job to do.  Her job - to protect Weiss.  To put Weiss’ best interests first.  

Her heart clenched as she glanced back at the car while returning to the scene.

“Ready?” one of the EMTs asked.  He waited for his partner’s nod before they lifted the man with a bleeding knee onto a stretcher.  The other man was already being loaded into one of the ambulances, with a police escort ready and waiting to follow them to the hospital.  As they left, more police took their place.  A third ambulance arrived.  For a moment, Ruby couldn't imagine who it might be for - then one of the EMTs jumped out and raced over to her.

“Ruby!  Are you ok?”  

“Yeah, I’m fine.”  Ruby tried putting more weight on her knee and flinched.  She then glanced at the car, making sure Weiss was still there, before turning away and holding up her bloodied hands.  “Do you have a towel or something?”

Seconds later, she wiped the damp cloth over her hands, cleaning off as much blood as possible.

“We should probably check your knee…”

“It’s fine.”  Ruby leaned away from that side but waved off the concern.  A trip to the hospital would take too much time.  Fortunately, they didn’t press.  They glanced at the car instead.  “She’s declining medical attention,” Ruby added without thinking.  “She just wants to go home.  I need to get her home now.”

“We need her statement though.”

Ruby grimaced as a tall, blonde officer joined them.  

“We’ll get it later.  She’s not talking to anyone now.”  Jaune’s brow furrowed, so Ruby sighed.  She wanted to leave now, without dragging Weiss more into this, but all of these procedures…

“Listen, just take mine, ok?  You know her family will be pissed if we talk to her without an attorney.”  

Ruby didn’t know for sure that that was true, but she had a pretty good inkling that she was telling the truth.  Jaune believed it, too.  As soon as he nodded, she tried to recount her scattered memories as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“I - we were at the coffeeshop down the road.”  She pointed in that direction.  “She was sitting outside - I went to the restroom - I shouldn’t have done that.  I shouldn’t have left her alone.  That was…stupid.”

He squeezed her shoulder, so she took a deep breath and cleared her throat.  “When I got out, she wasn’t there.  I tracked her here, and she was with those guys, and it was all wrong.  One of them had a gun.  I told him to drop it, he didn’t, then a scuffle and -”

“Did you shoot them?”

For a split second, Ruby considered taking responsibility.  Evidence wouldn't support it, so she shook her head.

“It was self-defense,” she quickly added.  “She had to.”  She glanced back at the squad car where Weiss waited, her heart briefly seizing as if Weiss might no longer be there.  “She had to.  It was self-defense.  She probably just…saved me.”

Scenario after scenario raced through Ruby’s mind, some of which ended with her on the stretcher instead.  Or worse, Weiss…

“I need to take her home,” she concluded, nodding to herself then looking up at Jaune.  “Can you wrap up here?”

“We should probably have someone else take her home…”

“No, I’ll do it.”

“Ruby -”

“I’m fine.  I’ll do it.  So just - back off.”  As soon as he raised his hands, she sighed and muttered a quick, “Sorry.”

Weiss might not even want Ruby to take her home, but Ruby needed to do it.  She needed to see Weiss walk into the house with her own two eyes.  A more senior officer might have forced her onto the ambulance despite her wishes, but Jaune quietly handed over his keys.

“Come back to the station right after?”

“Of course.  Thanks, Jaune.”

She mustered a quick smile before hurrying - or hurrying as fast as her throbbing knee allowed - over to the car.  “I told them you’re declining medical attention,” she told Weiss while buckling herself in.  “Is that true?”

“Yes.”

Ruby nodded, started the car, and carefully drove around the ambulance on the side of the street.  “They’ll need your statement,” she explained.  “But I told them to wait.  I’ll just give them mine today.”

“Ok.”

The short, dull response drew Ruby’s glance, but Weiss just stared out the window.  Every ounce of life and personality seemed to have withdrawn to the furthest recesses of her mind, tucked behind insurmountable walls that Ruby would have no chance of scaling.

‘What’s wrong with you?’

She said that to someone who just experienced what might have been the worst moment of their life.  Or what should be the worst moment in most people’s lives.  The horrible part was that she didn’t even know if that was the worst thing that had ever happened to Weiss.  The longer Weiss quietly sat beside her, detached and seemingly miles away, the more she worried that it wasn’t.

Despite wanting to help, she didn’t feel capable of reaching Weiss in this state.  All she could do, as tall gates let them onto an expansive property, was hope that home was the best place for her.  Someone here - her brother, her sister, her mother - would be there for her, right?

Another question that Ruby lacked an answer to.  It left her uneasy as she stopped in front of the immaculate courtyard leading to the front doors.

“Do you want me to wait with you until your family’s home?” she offered.

“No, thank you.”

“Weiss -” Ruby started, suddenly desperate to say something, but Weiss just shut the door and walked away.  Ruby watched her go, knowing that she wouldn't look back but still hoping that she would.  Even after Weiss disappeared inside, Ruby waited, and waited, before finally giving up and driving away.  

Her parents never minced words about life as a public protector.  There would be good days, they told her.  There would even be great days.  But there would also be days so bad that they would affect her for the rest of her life.  Days bad enough to change her.

Hardly a minute away from the giant Schnee compound, she pulled off to the side of the road, parked, and buried her face in her hands.  She wanted to scream, cry, and break something all at once.  Her heart felt like it was bleeding out.  Her ears were faintly ringing.  Her knee throbbed.  And the massive pit in her stomach could only be a chasm of guilt.

She fucked up, and Weiss almost paid the price.  If something had happened to her…

Her ringtone cut off the train of thought.  Without looking at the screen, she answered and breathed out a soft, “Hey.”

“Are you ok??  Where are you?  Are you alright?” Yang asked, her words stacked on top of each other.

“I’m fine.”  Ruby rested her forehead on the steering wheel and wondered how many more times she would have to answer that question.  

“Where are you?  Do you need me to come get you?”

“No, I got it.  I -”  She took a deep breath and lightly clenched her fists.  “I got it,” she repeated more firmly.  “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

The pause was nearly imperceptible, but Ruby felt the mallet coming before it struck her heart.

“...she ok?” Yang asked softly.

“Yeah.  Yeah, she’s…she’s unharmed.”

“Good.”  Yang sighed, thankfully not seeing the way Ruby squeezed her eyes shut.  “Get back soon, ok?  I’m already here.”

“Ok.”

The last word came out as a whisper before Ruby ended the call and tossed her phone onto the passenger seat.  Her gaze lingered, picturing Weiss’ still form sitting there just moments earlier, before drifting away.

Weiss might have escaped physical harm, but she had been hurt today.  Ruby hadn’t helped; Ruby had only added to it.  That knowledge sat heavily in her stomach as she slowly put the car in drive and headed back to the station.  Her thoughts remained with Weiss; they likely wouldn't leave Weiss anytime soon.

‘It’s remarkably cathartic,’ Weiss said.  But which part - the pain and bloodshed or the sense of power and control?  One suggested a penchant for violence.  The other…someone who might be grasping for control over their own life.

Was Weiss a bad person capable of good deeds…or was she a good person trapped in a bad situation?

Ruby didn’t know.  She’d never taken Weiss seriously enough to find out.  The only thing she knew was that Weiss was complicated.  Weiss’ life…even more so.  And now, feeling that she might have just found a way to make Weiss leave her alone for good, all she could think about was how to fix it.  She desperately needed to fix it.  She needed to know who Weiss was.  That was the only way she could ever start to forgive herself.