SSARKOSGHOST

The Fixture, once a humble family restaurant born from an idea in a kitchen, which then heralded the arrival of perhaps on of the greatest restaurant empires to ever exist in Remnant, as owners of Fixture managed to not only franchise a smaller set of restaurants that doted the kingdoms, but created titans such as Forever in Vale, and more recently the breakout Sky in Atlas itself competing against the original heavyweight of the Schnee's Resplendent.

It was in the blue hued halls of Sky, that currently one of the heirs to this new empire was busy. Not slaving away in the front greeting the esteemed crust of Atlas. Nor in the offices above buried underneath the piles of papers needed to run such an establishment. No Yang Xiao Long was in the heart of the restaurant, cooking.

"Order of Hardy Bison Strip medium rare, with the extra potatoes mashed, two pasta with the Golden Hart balls, one with onions fried, the other taking a King Oz's salad, and a Soup of Crimson."

"Got," Yang called out as she ripped the strip onto the grill, while throwing a the balls into the fry for a slow. "Ciel where's my sauces?"

"On you left chef," Ciel Soleil, spoke as she moved to her station, prepping the soup as she grabbed the needed tomatoes.

"Thank you," Yang responded as she threw the noodles to start cooking, before boiling the potatoes too. She was in her element, the sights, smells, and intensity thrilled her. Sure many had raised their eyebrows at the young twenty year old lady who had risen to the head chef of such a prestige and critical restaurant. Especially considering the fact that she was down one arm. However Yang enjoyed the challenge, plus her new limb, a massive project that her sister worked on. It had the latest of sensory instruments in it, allowing Yang to monitor her dishes in real time, from temperature to viscosity. Sure some folks were a bit weird about it, but those that made remarks she passed to her second. A few papers had tried to make tabloids, but her mother had quashed those with enough legal strength that most organizations now referred to them in the past tense.

A beep sounded from her arm, a millisecond after she already flipped the strip,drizzling another batch of oil over it. She then turned to do a quick stir of the noodles , before pulling up the Hart balls. Sparing a glance over to Ciel, she smiled as the girl was already onto prepping the salad.

"Good job, keep an eye on the soup, make sure to stir twice, these stoves give a bit more heat than what we got in the prep area." she stated before turning to finish off the strip, and get the butter and cream into the potatoes.

"Yes chef," Ciel responded, immediately adjusting her work to account for the difference. That's what Yang liked about her she was swift and dependable as a second, a perfect partner for the madness of the kitchen, especially one that was in charge of meals for the snobbiest of snobs. Oh sure Yang enjoyed the money her family's business brought in, along with making such exquisite dishes, but the clientele that funded such efforts where hardly the most appealing folk.

Already more than a few noble families had offered heirs for her and her sister. Ruby was fortunate that she was still in school and had that focus plus Uncle Qrow's assistant in dealing with unruly suitors. She however was in the business, and while her mum had assured her that no one would force her, she still had to play nice when not in the kitchen.

That was her domain and more than one pursuer had found that she does not take anything when in the kitchen. She would not let anyone jeopardize her career, or her control over the heart of what ever restaurant she was tasked with. Course that also means she had to deal with the wrenches fate decided to throw her way.

"Mmm, perfect alright, order for table thirty two is ready…what are you doing with that?" she asked, staring directly at a waiter who brought back a dish, a fillet of fish.

"Ah well chef table nineteen requested that their meal be probably cooked, chef." the poor waiter stated, no doubt waiting for her famous temper to come out.

"Oh they did huh, let me see that," Yang ordered, and to her displeasure she could see that the filet was a bit under cooked. "Who cooked this?"

"It was Chef Marigold," came the response and Yang wanted to swear. Sure there was a standard, but for her folks to get a foot in Atlas they did need local support, and the Marigolds were more than happy to give someone an opportunity to dismantle the Schnee's dominance. The unfortunate deal is that they had to provide employment of their heir, Henry, who was a decent chef for sure, but well there was a reason there was no Marigold restaurant.

"Alright I'll take it, Ciel you are on point, someone call Ren get him up from the prep line to cover, and I'll deliver this to the table." Yang stated as she took the plate. She knew she should have made a new dish, but well she did enjoy a challenge. So she quickly got to work while also pepping a side dish of roasted cauliflower. In no time she had the dishes ready, and soon had them warm and ready.

Taking a plate and jacket, Yang made her way out to the dining area. It was the later half of dinner time, with many of the larger tables now vacant, as those still occupied where nursing drinks and deserts. She spotted the table, a lone faunus judging by the cat ears sticking out of her short black hair.

"Apologies for the delay ma'am, I've brought—You." Yang's tone went from professional to vitriol as she recognized the person. Blake Nightshade, infamous food critic for Beastly Bites, rising star in the food world, former student at the Beacon Academy for Culinary Arts, and Yang's nemesis.

Honestly for how close they all were, it was somewhat surprising that none of them had actually interacted with their teammates parents, Blake mused as she caught sight of Taiyang Xiao Long stumbling his way into Dustbound Legends, the local bookstore that she had made a bit of a haunt of hers when she needed quiet time. Yang sometimes kept her company, when she wanted to lounge. Blake did love her, but she knew Yang preferred action for relaxation, which to be fair was quite enjoyable at time.

"Hi um Blake was it?" Tai finally stated as he reached her seat, after nearly asking the two other dark-haired faunus that were there. It was…interesting to finally see the father of Yang and Ruby.

"Yes Mr. Xiao Long I presume?" she led, closing her copy of Knights of Passion, a cheap imitation of her usual, but considering the state of the world there were little new volumes being produced.

"Ah yep, good to meet you too, um so books eh you like action?" he started, and instantly so many questions were answered for Blake.

"Occasionally, I tend to prefer emotional tales," Blake answered.

"Oh drama girl gotcha, so soap or pie?" Taiyang asked, as Blake blinked in surprise.

"Pie?"

"Yeah like homely dramas, about daily life stuff, with funny moments,"

"Comedy?" Blake poised.

"Ah no more down to earth stuff, sure they got funny moments, but is more about just regular life," Taiyang answered.

"Oh slice of life, honestly I tend to more fantastical elements," Blake stated

"Now I see how you and Ruby became friends," Taiyang joked, "she did like her fairy tales…"

"…I believe she still does," Blake started from the awkward silence that filtered between the two individuals.

"That's good, that's good," Taiyang replied, though his tone wasn't entirely sure on that. Blake took the moment to study the man. Yang hadn't said much about him in their travels, and Ruby only mentioned him sparingly. Obviously he was a tired man, after all he had lost so much, but there was still an awkward air around him, like he just didn't want to be in this situation at all. Both sitting with her, and the state of the world. Blake could see why he wasn't really brought in, as from what she could tell he just wanted a regular life.

"Yep, honestly never really considered much other than slaying Grimm and marrying." Taiyang answered.

"I guess my stare was obvious," Blake summarized as Taiyang chuckled.

"Its very similar to what Ruby's partner gave me, Weiss right?" he answered as Blake nodded. "I definitely wasn't exactly in this business for the greater good, I was just a good fighter and well looking for a partner."

"I see," Blake responded diplomatically, to which Taiyang belted out a sardonic laugh.

"Ah I can see why Yang enjoyed your company, she really did enjoy dry wit," Taiyang started as he leaned back. "I've messed up so much…I guess I still am,"

"Is that why you've been circling around your daughters, instead of actually talking to them," Blake pushed.

"Yep, not sure how to say hi I've been ensuring that one of the artifacts to an ancient legend is safe, and sorry I didn't follow after you all, but I really just wasn't sure if you wanted me around." Taiyang mused.

"…A valid point, considering how dangerous carrying such artifacts are." Blake stated. After all her own experience with transporting the lamp had hardly been comfortable. However once Taiyang had been relieved by Prof. Goodwitch, his avoidance was more suspect. "They still would like to be with you though."

"I'm sure they would…I just—"

"Feel like you brought this on them, that by staying away it wouldn't have gotten worse?" Blake queried.

"Perhaps, but they're tougher than me…Yang especially," Taiyang started as he finally locked eyes with Blake. "I've lost my heart twice, and gave up, but she rallied after the first break."

"That she did…I was lucky—"

"Right, you kids have been lucky…but also determined," Taiyang cut her off. "you'll didn't give up, made it work, took the steps to be there for each other."

"We nearly didn't." Blake stated as Taiyang groaned.

"But you did, if it was old Team STRQ in that Ever After…well there probably be more legends in the tales," he quipped, "A chance to change yourself…I don't think any of us could have resisted that."

Another oause stretched on as Blake observed the man again. She had always had several scenarios of this meeting, ever since she and Yang had their first intimate night. Sure Yang had waved it off, stating that he would be fine, probably glad to have another face for family cook off, but Blake had concerns. After all she had hurt Yang so much, and while Taiyang did seem to appear as a lax adult in most of the tales she was told, it was hard not to imagine how he would react to someone who directly hurt one of his girls emotionally, not too mention the indirect association with Yang's missing limb.

Still all those scenarios fell short to now, as Blake saw the mess of a man. One who was still held together by thoughts and promises in the past. She almost wonder if this is what she would become if she didn't reunite with her teammates, with Yang. Just someone who held onto the what's of the past.

"You still also are trying," she started gently, "the fact that you are finally here, and well talking to their partners."

"Ah the Schnee warned you?" Taiyang asked with a small grin as Blake nodded.

"Weiss mentioned that you were testing the boundary, I heard she gave you quite the talking to,"

"Yeah oh still amazed how Ruby was able to work with her at first."

"It was touch and go, I certainly didn't help either," Blake concluded, as she stood up, "would you like to join me for lunch?"

"Ah," Taiyang started in surprise, "I mean I wouldn't want to intrude—"

Reincarnation, now there's a concept that Yang had almost never thought about. Once when she was young, still technically a tot, her mom read her a story about two souls that were always destined to chase each other, but were kept apart by fate. The two tried to escape it by turning into animals on their death, however the magic was corrupted and so one became a stag of snow white while the other turned into a wolf of shadows. Apparently it was the start of some series for kids, based off some ancient legends, Summer never really got to do the rest as there was Ruby, then…well then she left.

So why was she thinking about it now. Well it was partially due to how bored she was in the pit that she was in. Yep turns out there happened to be some sort of underground temple in the middle of the desert, which just happened to finally cause a sinkhole underneath where she had finished dealing with some Crown goons. Now normally such an obstacle wouldn't have been too much trouble, but she had fallen quite the way down and her first attempt to rocket back up had only widened the chasm above and poured more sand in, which forced her to duck into a side passage of the underground structure.

Which also had her mind wondering as the hall spat her out into some sort of shrine that held a magnificent, if aged, statue of Blake. Well not really, the woman had cow ears, and the hair was styled in waves, midway between Blake's old and current hair styles. The face though was almost a perfect match even with all the wear and tear the years had on it. It honestly was kind of freaky especially with the faint markings beneath it.

"My darling Blac, holder of my heart," it read with the same twirl on the y that Yang tended to do when signing. Oh sure she could have just been imagining this, as she know her tumble wasn't exactly soft. Yet the more she stared at it the more her mind couldn't shake off the fact that she was looking at Blake in a past life.

"I'm going crazy, this the sun madness Sun joked about," Yang murmured as she turned around to head back.

"That won't work." A faint voice spoke startling Yang, who immediately turned and cocked her weapons. There staring at the statue stood a tall figure, blonde hair done in a ponytail as ancient armor hid most of their form. "The sands will keep filling till a storm returns the opening to its natural hidden state.

"Okay and you are?" Yang pressed as she lowered her arms.

"Ah just a lone hermit, traveling these old places," the mysterious knight spoke.

"Cool, so do you like know a way out or…?" Yang asked earning a quick sigh from the knight.

"Yes, it is a ways though." the knight answered as they slipped on a helmet and moved. Yang paused as she spotted the fresh array of white flowers at the foot of the statue, before following after the knight.

"So um, your like real right, not some figment of my concussed brain right," Yang finally stated as the two wandered throughout the narrow tunnels, which were surprisingly lit with glowing rocks.

"Would that make this any better," the knight spoke

"…not really, just wanted to know if I went crazy," Yang supplied earning a chuckle from the knight.

"We live in a crazy world," they stated, "one that tends to enjoy the misfortune of others."

"That, that seems a bit harsh?" Yang murmured though her words weren't exactly solid with belief.

"It is, but true, it kept me away from her, it wouldn't let me return," the knight stated, anger evident in their tone.

"Why not go to her?" Yang asked, though her mind she knew the answer.

"Our duties couldn't be abandoned so easily," came the expected response. "We chose to complete our tasks, in hopes that we could make the world a better place to live in."

"Didn't work that way did it," Yang stated pausing as the knight stopped in front of her.

"No it didn't, one thing came after another, and then…I don't remember what happened." The knight answered. "I just came here, my…" and they trailed off as if there were no more words for them to say.

Yang could understand that, after she lost her arm and well Blake (oh that revelation had been a bitter one) her memories preceding her departure after Ruby were vague. Not sure what was real and what was figment of her mind, like now here she is probably talking to some sort of fantasy version of herself.

Oh she knew she was crazy but it all added up, a statue like Blake, and ancient warrior that haunts the place they made a shrine to with long blonde hair. Yeah this was some sort of weird fugue state she put herself in, as her mind deals with the question of being left alone. Yang sighed, she thought it was over, she was with Blake, the two of them promised that they were in it together—

"Rarely do our words assuage what has happened to us," the knight spoke, further confirming that they were just a piece of Yang's imagination as the answered her thoughts.

"Yeah, but she meant it—"

"We meant it too," the knight answered, finally turning, and giving Yang a proper view of them. There were vague similarities to Jaune's outfit in the Ever After, except the metal had a more yellow hue, with a blacker trim, all while appearing a bit bulkier. The real difference was the helm, as where Jaune's was simply the one Yang conjured up for alternative self was much more ornate, as it looked like the head of a beast with its mouth agape as the face plate was made of a dark, possibly opaque material. "We're here."

To say the atmosphere was tense was an understatement. Yang felt her nerves frying as she watched Blake set the small table in her dining room. Honestly it was a scene that Yang had participated in more than a few times, as she and Ms. Belladonna had become quite…friendly ever since the late night rescue from the practice fields last year.

Okay no she hadn't had sex…shades that sounded bad in her head, but like she had gotten to enjoy Blake's company. She was smart, dedicated, and always there for Grant, which made Yang smile. Her experience with her moms was, abnormal, especially with one being dead, but that was besides the point. No it was that maybe that there was a chance here, I mean Blake was planning on announcing the fact that they're dating to her son.

Yang remembered that conversation at the bar, in hesitant pauses, as Blake tried to verbalize that yes she wanted to give them a try, if Yang was okay with the fact that Grant took priority. Which of course Yang completely understood, and would never consider making Blake choose between them. Plus she was happy to be around Grant, the kid enjoying her various stories of her time in the pros, along with the more tame antecedents of her life.

Still that was her being just a friend, who knows how he will take her actually dating his mom. Sure the kid was mature for his age, but Yang knew that was often a mask for experience hardships. After all even though Blake hadn't mentioned the boy's father, Yang could see how even the barest hint of him sent Blake into a spiral, which often prompted Grant to either move closer to her or leave the room. Neither a good sign for the boy being okay with someone else attempting to step in close to his mom.

Yang had seen the glares he shot at some of the dads that moved a bit to close to Blake's space during games, and she had intervened on more than a few occasions when one of his teammates made a less than palatable joke about his mom. Fortunately he had never gotten overtly physical, often letting his game do the talk, though she did know at least twice he made a pass with a bit more force than needed.

"You think he will be fine?" Blake's voice drew Yang out of her musings as she turned to face her girlfriend. Honestly Yang couldn't believe how easy it was for her to lose focus at seeing her, as even with jeans and a black long-sleeve shirt Blake was killing it.

"Yang." Blake stated again giving the blonde a look as she placed her hands on her hips.

"Oh right sorry, and I'm sure he'll be okay, I mean I did have to have the team do extra line drills last practice, and he still waved goodbye to me." Yang responded.

"Right cause being punished for goofing off is similar to this," Blake stated as she pointed at the two of them. Spirits she felt selfish doing this, they had barely been here in Patch for two years and already she was dating…though that term felt wrong with what she and Yang had. Yang was just so understanding at times, and always seemed ready to help. Sure Grant mentioned that she was the best coach he had, but he had only limited coaches before and and—

"Hey," Yang stepped forward and took her hand in hers, "listen kids are always a mess, I should know I was the biggest one back home," Yang started earning a chuckle from Blake. "But we can always work something out, and don't worry I'll be around."

But what if I don't just want you to be around, a treasonous thought occurred in Blake's head. She could feel her cheeks darkening at the simple touch, but it just was what Yang did, calming her with simple gestures when her mind was elsewhere. For to long did she let her mind always go to the worst scenario, and yet here with Yang she finally felt at ease, that she could depend on.

"You are such a wonderful person Yang," she finally said enjoying how flushed Yang got in response.

"Ah you, you are playing dangerous tonight," Yang murmured, only to blush further, as Blake pulled her into a hug.

"Well it is a dangerous evening," Blake teased as she touched her forehead to Yang's, the moment becoming more intimate. It was just so hard to ignore the beauty before her as the lilac eyes of her girlfriend widened. For a moment the two just stare at each other, observing the others face in great detail. Until finally Yang broke, moving her lips forward, as Blake quickly copied her, as the two settled for a quick kiss.

"Yes she finally proposed!" a young voice shouted quickly causing the two adults to jump apart as Grant Belladonna sent a fist into the air. "Man I though I was going to have to find away to lock you two in a room." he started.

"Wha, huh? what?" Blake stammered as she watched her son do a dance in the foyer. Grant catching on to his mothers surprised did stop.

"I mean that's why you two are kissing now, and not just being flirty like Coach Nora says, cause you're getting married right?" he asked, with such sincerity that the already dazed mind of his mother finally to its last hit.

"Marry…"Blake stammered as she felt her knees give out, though Yang quickly caught her.

"Oh gotcha, hold on lets get you situated," Yang spoke as she got Blake in a chair at the table before turn toward Grant who was staring at the pair in confusion. "Alright well I guess I'll explain sport, but no marriage we just wanted to let you know that we're dating—"

"Spirits above, you weren't doing that already?" Grant half asked half exclaimed, surprising Yang now.

"I mean yeah we've just been hang out occasionally—"

"Coach you've been our with my mom for at least half the year, maybe more if Coach Nora is right about her count," Grant stated causing Yang to blink, before her eyes narrowed.

Yang was comfortable walking into…explosive situations, after all she had excelled at being the face for several operations, many of those having her arrested to start the whole show started. It had helped that she always had the right words on her lips for whatever situation developed before her.

Course most of those where agency sanctioned missions, and the ones that weren't she ran in conjunction with her uncle, the infamous Little Reaper. Both also came with hefty banks and backup potentials should things go dark. A solid safety net that she really only just learned how in-depth it was, when she had been told that she was on her own for this crusade of hers.

She had laughed at first…well swore at her superiors then laughed, only to find out how hard it was to book a simple trip across the world without any help. Fortunately she had her own stash, which was quiet considerable. Still that was the first of her problems, as now she had to figure out where her old partner was. She had settled for a notable tea house, Rays of Night, to listen for gossip here. Except once again her luck seemed to be out as the establishment appeared to be one for reserved moments of contemplation.

"Your order ma'am," the lone waitress stated, an older woman, amber eyes flashing under above her veil, dressed in muted silver, as she pushed aside the beads that marked the entrance of Yang's room. Yang nodded and quickly took the drink as she flipped her scroll, and flicked through her notes. Taking a sip she flipped through the few details she managed to get from her quarry. Brief asides during their training, quips on missions, and…outbursts during failures.

For a moment Yang paused on a picture of her and Blake, the two smiling on the plane after a successful mission. Her other hand traitorously shifting toward her pocket to—It wasn't there!

Yang felt panic surge through her system as her hand grasped nothing, which was further augmented by the fact that she suddenly couldn't move.

"A minor paralytic," A quiet voice spoke as a figure took the seat across from Yang, whose mind raced as she finally realized just who the waitress was. The old White Fang had many operative that had yet to be accounted for, especially considering the fact that Ghira Belladonna had been assassinated. An event that Yang had witness personally in a mission that had done everything but go right. So many had lost much that day and no one had more of an axe to grind than Kali Belladonna, who if Yang had to guess was the infamous Breathstealer. An assassin who's mastery of poisons had left many an opponent of the Fang dead with no trace of how she struck.

"Ah I knew she would attract a smart one." Kali stated as she started at the frozen form of the young lady. "Already you've deduced who I am, though I am surprised that you are out here in Menagerie. Your agency isn't exactly in everyone's good graces, considering the debacle you all made with my husband." Kali continued as she grabbed the tea in front of Yang and took a sip. "But you aren't here about that are you."

In a slow motion Kali placed a small smooth box, decked in roses and thorns carved into the wooden surface. Yang felt her anger rise, sure this woman had all the rights to strike her, but that, that was something personal that should never be held by anyone else. Her eyes flashed as a finger twitched earning a raised eyebrow from the older woman before her.

"Please relax, it may be minor but it can be quite painful to force your way through, besides," Kali started as she leaned back, "as you already summarized if I wanted you dead you wouldn't know. Instead consider this an exchange, you listen to me and I can give you the clue you have been searching for okay?"

Yang grunted but stopped pushing. She had gotten into this mess, and well her luck was still holding.

"Good now I know you're determined, considering that officially you've been voided by the agency for this mission, I also know that you do care about her considering during the incident you stopped several of your fellows from following her, oh sure it was under the pretense of going after the assassin but with cameras showing you physically hurling your fellow agents away from her well I'm surprised that they let you out. Course she has always attracted the strong willed, but that's not what she needs is it?" Kali asked as she took another sip from the tea. "She's hurting, because the last bit of trust she had was broken…or so she thinks. which why you are here, with this." Kali stated as she tapped the box before her.

Yang's eyes stared at box before shifting her eyes up, giving Kali all the answer she needed.

"I see, well, then I guess there isn't much more for me to do." Kali started as she stood up. "Now then here is what her latest escapades have been too." A scroll was produced and slid in front of Yang, where she saw the list of heists and felt her heart sank.

"True she's been on the move, spiraling as she's not sure what she should do," Kali answered as she flicked the scrolls screen to the next page. "This is her next job, one that others have tried before, but the client is persistent. I can get you in to talk to her."

Yang full turned her head in surprise at what Kali was offering her. This all seemed too good to be true, that there had to be a catch.

"Why yes there is a catch," Kali answered her unstated question. "Should you give any reason for her to sincerely wish for your death, she will have it. For too long have I let others interfere with her life." Kali answered as she left the room.

Blake wanted to die. That was it, just simply have the earth swallow her so that her flesh could be used to nourish flowers that could actually help others with their romantic lives. Cause hers was an absolute mess right now.

First there was her childhood…something with Ilia, which of course had started as them being totes at the White Fang meetings their parents had taken them two when they couldn't find anyone to babysit. Which had morphed into a weird dependency that Blake had completely missed till Ilia had a breakdown over her first relationship, with Adam.

Now Adam was a host of issues that Blake absolutely ignored, enamored with his image and drive to end the suffering of their fellows. So she had joined is band of the White Fang, leaving both her home and friends, wreaking havoc until she finally realized what Adam wanted, power for himself irregardless of others. One call to the authorities and she had been shipped into witness protection at Vale.

Which hadn't been too bad, she had gotten a nice place in a seaside village, and met Sun. Sun by all accounts was great, funny, compassionate, and a wonderful distraction from her past. Unfortunately his tendency to jump first into anything was a bit vexing, especially when one particular night he took her to crash a White Fang meeting, one still affiliated with members of Adam's pack. A meeting that had also been tapped by the authorities.

Needless to say she had been picked up and moved again, except this time due to her infraction she was saddled with another individual in the system. Worse the office in charge of both of their identities had made it that the two were not only roommates but actually dating. An obvious ploy to keep her with someone who also apparently had a bit of an issue at staying discrete about their situation as well.

Hence why she Cali Chicory, a mild-manner librarian living in Vanity in a small studio with her rough and tough girlfriend Yue, a recovering free fighter, slightly taller than her dressed in muted whites and pale grays, her massive mane of pitch black hair almost as dark as her own locks in their natural form. They made a striking pair the few types they walked together as Blake knew her tortoiseshell colors clashed with Yue's dull palette, really the only striking color were Yue's eyes, a brilliant crimson that matched a small sash that hung from her waist.

Their clashing colors where not the only discordant feature, as while Blake was fine with seeping into her new life Yue obviously was not, as Blake observed her supposed girlfriend constantly leaving clues about her previous identity. From suspicious searches on the infamous Branwen tribe, to old ID cards and notes that were obviously scribbled to someone else, Blake had a feeling that Yue was not going to sit quietly and wait for the authorities to bring the Raven Blade to justice.

After all why else would Yue hang around the seedier drinking establishments at night conveniently avoiding Blake when she returns from working at the library. Honestly Blake could count on her hand the times that they went on a date for themselves. It was three and all three were timed when their watch officer came to visit. Yue did a good job, but Blake was quite aware that it was merely for her not to get in trouble with the authorities again.

To be fair Blake was fine with this all, Yue gave her plenty of peace and quiet even on the days that the two were trapped in their studio due to weather or other emergencies. As such she was quite capable of defending her "girlfriend" in the town's gossip rings.

"But she's hardly ever around with you?" One of her coworkers started as Blake sighed internally.

"She is busy, the tournament circuit is rough, and she had a major injury, she has to compete in the augment league now, which I consider an issue with the governing body, no one should have to immediately be forced into such a division at the risk of losing their accreditation," Blake chimed, her knowledge of Yue's supposed history already ingrained in her mind.

"Still it just seems like she doesn't have time—"

"We make our own time," Blake stated, seriously how did her mother ever enjoy this this, it was just random people making assumptions, usually negative ones, so that they could feel better about themselves. Sure her relationship with Yue was false but she was considerate, and ensured that Blake was fine. It was awkward but that was from why they were in it and not because of her partner.

Course tonight though it seemed like Yue was about to earn her first strike. After all she did check that she would get groceries today and yet here it was almost 10 O'clock at night with no sign of her or their food for the week. For a moment Blake just thought about going out in the morning, calling in late to work. She had few vacation days she could burn.

However something was nagging her so she quickly put on her coat and made her way out into the night. It really wasn't long till she picked up a trail, some goons who weren't part of the regular hoodlums were nursing their face's with beers mumbling about that damn woman boss wanted them to get. From there it was easy to find the temporary hideout that they held a captive Yue in, trapped in a cage and missing her prosthetic limb.

"Alright you, you've got five seconds—"

"Bite me, you'll got nothing, and when I'm out you won't have any bones," Yue snapped though her words slurred a bit.

"Right we're not going to get anything from her, load her…" the large musclehead stopped as he blinked at the sight before him. His goons were gone, and their in a white and orange coat stood Blake staring at him. For a moment his mouth opened and closed, before he turned his head to look at Yue—

"Whack!"

The man went flying as Blake appeared next to him and slammed her foot into his head sending him crashing into a large container.

"Wha—" Yue went to speak only for her to scramble back as her supposed girlfriend pulled out a gun and blasted the lock of the cage.

Evening in Vacuo was never a quite affair, as the growing shadows provided the perfect opportunity for those less hardened to the extremes of the sun to come out and enjoy the various establishments of the city. It turned the city into a bustling metropolis, especially with the massive influx of refugees that still made their way to the quote, last kingdom.

Sure the defeat of Salem had lessen the overall threat of the Grimm, but many places where still left with lingering Grimm infestations hiding the remaining devastation left over from the conflict, making many homes unsafe. As such many folks had opted to stay in Vacuo while the remaining Huntsmen cycled through after leading the various reclamation missions into the old kingdoms.

It was such an atmosphere that Yang had often thought she would live in as she made her way through the throng, nodding at the occasional acquaintance and staring down the few hoodlums that were skirting the edges. Sure she was on break but that wouldn't stop her from keeping the peace. Fortunately most seemed content to just lounge, and enjoy the festive atmosphere, as the rest of the crowd bounced between the various bars and entertainment centers, as music and beats echoed out into the street.

Yes once this was what Yang thought were she would end up. Someone who enjoyed partying for their life, without anything else for her adventures. Oh sure she enjoyed a nice outing now and then, but now she had new goals.

Taking an alley Yang slipped out of the bustling street and moved through the winding side paths that circumvent around the main roads of the city, making it easy for her to reach her destination, a small two story apartment that she had become quite familiar with over the past year. She fished out the key and unlocked it entering the darkened foyer, stretching as she made her way toward the kitchen.

She flipped on the lights, bathing the room in a low amber glow as she put her bag down and began to unload the groceries. She had been surprised at how well the Vacuoan palette had agreed with her, the various spices that many of the dishes had were fantastic to some one who had mostly used ketchup and barbecue sauce, plus she had to admit it had been a fun challenge learning how to handle the numerous types of sandfish.

A pair of arms slip around her waist as Blake arrives from the shadows, pressing her body into her girlfriend, slotting her head on Yang's shoulder.

"Did you have a nice trip," Blake whispered into Yang's ear enjoying the slight shiver her voice sent through the blonde. Yang turned her head to send a soft glare at her girlfriend as she gently put down the last of the groceries.

"Why yes I did, you teasing shade," Yang answered with a bit of heat, though Blake smirked at how read Yang's cheeks were. "I didn't wake you did I?"

"No I just came in too, my ship was late," Blake answered, as she hiked her legs around Yang, who began to waddle into the living room.

"Another serpent in your path?" Yang asked as she settled into a lounge chair, her hands moving to cup Blake's magnificent butt as she shifted the dazzling woman to sit on top of her. The two touched foreheads as Yang leaned the chair back, the two laying in the evening light for a moment.

"No, just some troubles at the docks, folks are still uncertain about the newcomers." Blake answered as she closed her eyes and rubbed her head under Yang's chin. While Vacuo had been the main location for refugees, Menagerie had seen a few new settlements as well, with Kuo Kuana officially being given Kingdom status, a major step for the Faunus. Of course the issue was that some settlements weren't wholly faunus, as a few humans, mostly partners and kids, had come, which in turn had gotten some extend families and friends to join and before long more mixed settlements had been constructed.

Blake had been helping, becoming one of the primary Huntresses that assisted in clearing out new locations for said settlements, along with reconnecting with her folks. It was nice to be in her home, using her skills to ease the wounds that so many had, and build the future she so desperately wanted to bring. It was good work, however it was always nice to come here and just be on Yang.

Their little escape had started only about a week after their arrival from Ever After, when Weiss had put her foot down from the two's, and in her own words, obscene need to plaster onto each other. It wasn't even because they were making out just simply existing on each other all the time apparently drove the Ice Queen nuts (Blake considered it was due to Weiss's own romantic issues). So the two had found this nice place, which had meant to be a temporary retreat which now had turned into a nice private comfort for the two.

It was nice for Blake to just press into the strong firm muscles of her partner, all flexing with each warm breath that tickled her ears. Her hands gentle clutching the brilliant locks, undoing them from their massive ponytail. Soon a wild mane was unleashed as Blake used a hand to scratch the back of Yang's scalp, earning an appreciative moan from the larger woman. Blake smiled as she felt the tension leaving her girlfriend's body, as she slipped a hand up over the cool smooth surface of Yang's prosthetic, as she slowly began to remove it.

Yang tucked her head down, her chin nestling between Blake's topmost ears, her eyes already fluttering as her partner slowly eased her into a nap. Her free hand gingerly moved up from Blake's butt and slide it along her back. Blake must have slipped off her normal outfit as Yang only felt a light tee underneath her fingers and as such she could almost feel the bare skin beneath it. Slowly she moved it in a wide circle, enjoying how it has Blake murmur in appreciating and stretch, wiggling deeper into Yang.