The Ineffable Ruth Rhodes

28 i accept payment in cash or hugs

ruth

In the weeks that came, there was something that had changed within Ruth and Vincent's relationship.

It might've been because of the argument they had which cleared up a lot of questions, or the promise they'd made, or maybe it was just that she was getting attached as she always did.

No, Ruth thought. Definitely not that.

"Earth to Ruth," a soft voice called.

Ruth turned to Vincent and gave him a flat stare, and he did a horrible job of trying not to smile.

"Vincent," she said, trying to stop the corner of her lips from turning up, but failing.

"Ruth," he replied, smiling wider when he saw her small smile.

"We need to focus."

She'd only accepted his question to help with his bio if he'd stay on task... and of course if he bought her breakfast for a week. She was not going to spend unnecessary time with him, especially not when every time he smiled at her she felt like her legs were going weak. She must've been allergic or something.

"You're one hundred percent right," he replied, nodding, and Ruth tried not to reach out and touch his curls. "Hit me with a question."

"Alright. What to do if your partner comes into the lab without correct lab gear?"

"Burn them at the stake."

Ruth narrowed her eyes at him.

But then his stance shifted, as if he became apprehensive. "Okay, I have one question."

"Vincent, seriou--"

"I promise after you answer I'll stay on topic."

She blinked at him, potent skepticism animating her features.

"Promise," he repeated.

"Fine."

"What would... what would you do if you fell in love again?"

Ruth stiffened for a second, a million thoughts running through her head. Was he asking because-- no, no. There's no way. What would she do? Fumble like she did with Remy? She relaxed and shook her head, not meeting his eyes, and instead letting her eyes graze the shelves of books in the small library space. "I wouldn't."

He was unfazed, like he expected the answer from her. "Why?"

"I just won't. Now can we please finish the questions?"

"No," he said. "I have a question left over from our game. I'm using it now. Why won't you fall in love again?"

It was indescribable, the amount of irritation she felt that he chose to use his question here. She wanted to smack her hands on the table and scream. Why did he care, anyway? It wasn't any of his business. This was fake. It was all fake. None of it even mattered.

"Because I can't fall in love when I don't love myself."

"You fell in love with Remy."

"You're not Remy."

Hurt was evident in his eyes then, as he raised his brows and let out a low whistle. Ruth wanted to turn time back and swallow her words.

"That was low," was all he said.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly. "I didn't mean that."

He nodded as if he had already decided she was sorry, and rested his arm on the table and his head in his palm, body facing her.

"However," he started, eyes steadily on her, "We do have that wedding coming up you promised to go to, so I'll take it as an official sorry if you followed through."

Ruth's eyes widened, guilt still lingering. "Of course, but I was going to come either way so it seems unfair."

"I also accept payments in cash and or hugs."

Ruth wanted to take him up on the hug option, but shook her head with a small smile. "Alright, I'll take the first option."

"Great. Now what's the answer to two again?"

"You don't expect me to just hand you the answer, do you?"

"... would that work?"

"No."

"Walk me through it, then."

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shorter ch. for today bc 26 was like ten essays good grief