Ace Combat: Remnant

Chapter 2: A Brief Respite

Ruby tapped the video call icon on her phone and let it ring, two dial tones passed before her mother answered the call.

"Ruby!! Oh thank God! We were getting concerned!" said Summer Rose when her image appeared on the screen.

Ruby rubbed the back of her head "Hey mom! Sorry I haven't called in a bit, we've just been really busy these past couple of months. Just got back last night and we finally have a few days off right now."

Summer let out a sigh of relief before looking off screen "Tai! Honey, come quick! It's Ruby!"

Ruby heard her father running over, eventually his face popped into view "Ruby! You've had your old man worried!"

Ruby smiled "I'm okay, still in one piece! Everything's still attached and works just fine!"

Taiyang chuckled "Really? You look a little shorter, the G-forces finally starting to shrink you?"

"Har, har, very funny dad." Ruby pouted.

Summer sighed and shook her head "Speaking of terrible humor, where's your sister?"

Taiyang gasped in feign injury and put a hand to his chest "My dear wife! You wound me with your words!"

"Such a drama queen." said Summer as she playfully shoved him.

Ruby giggled at the antics of her parents before thinking momentarily "Honestly I think she's still asleep."

Taiyang raised a brow "This late? It's almost noon."

"They've been on constant missions, this is their first of a few days off." Summer explained.

Taiyang nodded before looking back at Ruby "Ahhh I see, can't blame you then for sleeping in. Well don't let me take up your day off, make sure you enjoy yourself."

He leaned in to kiss his wife on the cheek "I gotta get going. Love you."

"Love you too dear." Summer replied.

"Bye dad! Love you! Have a great day!" Ruby said as she waved.

"Love you too kiddo, stay safe out there." Taiyang said, waving back before disappearing off screen.

Summer turned back to her daughter "So, any plans for today?"

Ruby shrugged, "Eeeehhhh, to be honest, I'll probably just take it easy for today. Going to have a get-together later tonight."

A thought popped into her head "Oh! Did you get my deposit?"

Summer frowned "Yes, we did. But that's your money Ruby. You...you go through a lot to earn that money."

"Yeah I know." Ruby said "But I don't need all of it ya know? I mean, I make more than enough to cover everything I need covered." Her smile turned slightly sad "Besides, I want to make sure you and dad are taken care of...in case...you know...the worst happens-"

Summer held up her hand "Stop! I get your point but I'd rather not talk about that."

A wave of sadness hit Ruby "Sorry."

Summer gave her daughter a loving, assuring, and understanding look "It may bother me, but I know why you do it Ruby; and part of me is proud that you do so. Not many parents are fortunate enough to have their kids look after them, me and your father are blessed to have raised two incredible daughters."

Ruby's sadness disappeared while her face turned red as she buried her face in her knees "Aaaaaaaawwwwwwwweeeeeeeeee mooooooommmmmmmmm!!!!!!!"

Summer giggled, happy that she could easily cheer up her daughter "Well I think I've kept you long enough. If your father is already off to work then I shouldn't be too far behind."