Famous for a reason

Chapter 5

Ruby and Yang casually strolled out of the arena. The two sisters feeling closer than ever after reconnecting for so long. Secrets were shared, tears were shed, and warmth filled the both of them. Ruby was grateful that Yang listened intently, she really was proud that Yang was growing up. Comfortable silence permeated the atmosphere. Both girls walked with smiles and contentment, until Ruby spotted an eerily tense situation between opposites of black and white.

Blake had an obvious expression of frustration that was far too uncommon for the normally cool and collected cat faunus. Winters expression was much more concealed, but Ruby had known the Atlesian Specialist for some time now. Ruby could see the clear challenge presented in Winters eyes.

"Win-" Ruby began to call to her friend, but was quickly stifled by a hand covering her mouth.

"Shhh let's just see what happens for a second okay." Yang dragged her sister to a nearby bush. Both girls squatted low to avoid detection.

"Do you really think you can understand someone you barely know?" Winter spoke first.

"That's not what it's about. I want to get to know her. I want to prove I'm not just some fan."

"The motivation that comes from that feeling is based off of an idolized version of Ruby Rose that you conjured long before you met her. In essence the root of your feelings are based entirely on the fictionalized version of her. Your want to know her comes from being one of her fans. Can you truly say that is not the case?"

"I-I." Blake was having trouble collecting her thoughts. Was Winter right?

"I thought so." The stern eyes that met Blakes gaze sent a chill down her body. Ice cold intimidation that spoke volumes about what the eldest Schnee sister would do to anyone that dared toy with Ruby Rose.

Blake was stunned, frozen solid, beneath this fierce woman. At the same time there was warmth. Hearing Ruby's story, Blake was concerned about how alone the famed huntress might be. Seeing how far Winter would go to protect Ruby made her happy that Ruby did have people who cared for her. Knowing that the ditzy flirt that has preoccupied her head was loved by others was both infuriating and relieving. To know that Ruby's overly zealous nature was reciprocated positively by people who weren't in her family made Blake slightly happy. A realization struck Blake, like Yang had thrown an oversized warm teddy bear at her, a soft smile worked its way onto Blakes' lips.

"No. You're wrong."

"Hmm?" Winter was eager to hear the younger woman's response.

"I didn't care all that much about Ruby before. I was her fan sure, but I was more looking for guidance from her than anything romantic. I was a fan of Ruby Rose for her skill and the respect she garnished as a huntress. Before, it didn't really matter what kind of person she was. She was strong, and all I wanted was to be strong too. The few days she's been here have been an emotional rollercoaster for me, but it was the most fun I've ever had. Her overly zealous nature, the way she eagerly tackles any task, the way she tries to bring the best out of others, even her flirtatious teasing has all been very endearing. I didn't want to really know Ruby Rose until after I got a small glimpse of who she could be on the inside. I can say with confidence that I genuinely want to know Ruby." Blake met Winters eyes with a fierce expression of her own. The young faunus was shocked to see a smile gracing the older womans face.

"Good. I wouldn't accept any half-baked attempt at Ruby's affection. I will not relent to you still. I care for her deeply." Both women's eyes sparked with determination and mutual respect.

Blake approached Winter before extending her hand. Winter gripped Blake's hand, perhaps a bit too tightly, and shook with vigor.

"May the best woman win. As long as Ruby is happy in the end, that's what matters most." Gone was the analytical tone from Winters voice. Instead, a hint of respect and maybe some camaraderie in the fact that the same woman had caught their eye.