Guardian

Chapter Twenty-Nine

"Dad you can let go now," Blake groaned, hardly able to breathe in her father's bear hug. "It's not like we'll never see you again."

Ghira squeezed her harder. "That doesn't mean I won't miss you."

Kali placed an always gentle hand on his elbow. "We're going to miss our ship if you don't let her go dear."

He released Blake, albeit reluctantly, and turned to Yang. "Don't think that just because you're dating my daughter that you can slack off on your job," he flashed her a smile at the end to let her know he was messing with her.

She held out her hand. "I wouldn't dream of it, sir."

He smacked her hand away and pulled her into the same giant hug he had Blake in, then lowered his voice so his wife and Blake couldn't hear. "Keep me posted on your search for Adam," as they broke apart he gave her a few goods pats to the back and raised his voice to it's normal level. "You're a part of this family now Yang! If you need anything don't hesitate to ask."

"And tell your father he's more than welcome to come visit as well," Kali added.

Yang laughed, remembering how he and Ghira had bonded over their repertoire of dad jokes. "I'm sure he'll be elated."

Blake and Yang waved them off and waited until the ship was out of sight before making their way back to Yang's bike.

"Gods I missed you," Yang cooed at the machine and and draped her arms over it.

"Yang, it's only been like two days since you were last able to ride it," Blake teased but she was also glad they took the bike. She loved the freedom it made her feel.

"So, straight home or...?"

Blake shook her head. "Nope. We are off to Crosshares! We promised the others we would stop by to celebrate you finally moving in."

Yang leaned over the bike and gave Blake a quick peck before putting on her helmet. "Great minds think alike."

As they sped down the road Blake and Yang let out a few loud giddy cries as the wind rushed passed them, and their cries were joined as soon as they pulled up to Crosshares where they were greeted by their friends.

"Saw your parents off okay?" Jaune asked as he held the door open for them.

"After a few bone crushing hugs they made it to their ship alright," Blake chuckled.

"I'll admit I'm gonna miss his hugs," a voice from the bar spoke, "but at least he gave me my job back."

"Ilia?!" Blake shrieked and nearly tackled her friend out of the chair she was in. "I thought you went back under cover for my dad?"

"Nah. I told him I would but he said he would feel better if I took my old security job back. Looks like I'll be back to guarding the Belladonna house."

"What are you doing here though?"

"Yang told me you were gathering for some drinks and you know I wouldn't say no to that."

Blake faced Yang, who simply smiled knowingly in return. She knew that Blake had missed Ilia and had kept the secret for a week that Ilia would be a part of the small guard her parents left behind as security for the house. It was hard, after everything that happened she didn't want to keep anything from Blake ever again but the look of joy on her face as her and Ilia talked and laugh made keeping the secret worth it.

"This seat taken?"

Yang looked up into the bright green eyes of Pyrrha and shook her head. "Currently unoccupied."