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“A tale as old as time, a song as old as rhyme, beauty and… the beast.” Weiss sang, letting her voice trail off. A round of applause followed as she gave a small curtsey. Holding the microphone she looked out and says “To the happy couple, may your happiness last longer my company, which I’ll be making sure lasts a very very long time.”

A small laugh goes out as she steps down from the stage. Taiyang steps up in her place. “Thank you for that, Weiss. Now it’s time for some speeches. Since I’m already here and you can’t push me out of the way, I’ll go first.” He pauses and looks around, his eyes settling on Blake and Yang. “Yang, my daughter, my sunny little dragon. Since the day you were born you have lit up my life. I’ve seen you go through a lot, some highs and some lows. I’ve seen you at your worst, and I’ve seen you at your best. Now I can truly say I’ve seen you at your happiest, and that is all I ever wanted for you.

Blake, I remember hearing about you first. My daughters writing me letters about their teammates. I remember when Yang started mentioning you more and more, and the tone changed. We have one thing in common, and that’s that Yang has made both our worlds brighter. Now it’s up to you to keep her as happy as she is now. I don’t doubt you can. Welcome to the family.”

The newlyweds smiled and Yang gave Blake’s hand a squeeze before they joined the soft applause as Taiyang stepped off. Next up was Ruby, stepping up on stage and lowering the mic down to her level. “Uh, hey guys.” She says, “I’m not really comfortable in front of people like this, but I can do it for a few minutes.” She takes a deep breath. “Yang, you’re my big sister, and you’re the best big sister someone could ask for,” She points at Weiss and adds quickly “Quiet Weiss I get to say that today it’s her wedding.” Laughter went through the crowd. Ruby let out a nervous giggle and went back to the speech. “Yeah, you’re the best. You were always there for me, from the day I was born and every day since. Even when I thought you weren’t, like our first day at Beacon, you were just doing your best to help. I love you.

Speaking of that day, it’s also the day I met Blake. She can be a bit… off putting when you first meet her, as most people here know, but I knew the moment we met she was good. Probably because she saved me from Weiss yelling at me. Then we got to know each other better and she became one of my best friends. I got the up close view when she and Yang got closer, and I saw how they changed. Smiling brighter when around each other, becoming more open, and just being happier together. I couldn’t ask for anyone better for either of you two, and I’m glad I could be there to see it happen. Oh, and also, I’m still going to be there to make sure it keeps happening. I’ve got two big sisters now; you can’t get rid of me.” She gives a big grin as she hops off the stage. She walks over and gives them both a hug before going back to her seat.

“Alright here, looks like I’m up next.” Qrow says, walking onto the stage and taking the mic. “Don’t worry, not gonna make too much of a fool up here, just got a bit I wanna say. Now, I ain’t been around for everything, spent a lot of time away. Always made sure I came back though. I had two little nieces to come back to after all. Now one of them isn’t so little, other one kind of is. Gotta say she made a good pick here, firecracker over here will need someone to keep her calm, and the embodiment of shadows here can use someone to brighten up her day. Don’t worry, I only nickname the people I like. Ain’t that right, Tai Rack?”

“Shut it, bird brain.” Tai calls out.

“Real original. Anyway, I was never one for settling down myself. For some though, it’s the best choice you can make, and it sure seems like the two of you made a good one. To a very long, very happy, and hopefully not too exciting life.”

“Nice speech old man!” Yang calls out.

“Hey, watch it. I ain’t afraid to mess up a wedding, wouldn’t be my first.” He says as he gets off of the stage.

Next up on the stage came Kali, taking the mic herself. “It looks like I’m up next then. Your father wanted to make a speech, but he’s afraid he’ll start crying if he does. I certainly can’t blame him either. My little girl finally all grown up. When you ran away as a child we were so afraid we’d never see you again. Then you came back as a huntress in training, with a team of friends at your side. It was the first time in a long time I’d seen you smile. Now, here we are, and I get to see that beautiful smile so much more, thanks to this wonderful woman at your side. It makes me so happy to see you’re happy as well. So, Yang, to steal a line from your father, Welcome to the family.” She puts the microphone up and steps down, moving over to hug both Blake and Yang for a moment before heading back to her seat.

Yang stands up with Blake, turning to face the crowd. “Alright people, party time! Let’s cut some cake!” She cheers.

…

“Now welcome to the dance floor, for the first time, Mrs. and Mrs. Xiao Long.” The DJ calls out as Yang and Blake step onto the floor. Taking a position they begin to dance as all around them their friends and family watch, Gold playing over the speakers.

“It’s still weird hearing that.” Blake says as they danced.

“Yeah it is. You still sure you don’t mind taking my name?”

“Yang we’ve had this talk. Belladonna is a great name, but it has too much attached to it with the white fang. I’d rather move forward always having part of you with me.”

“It’s our wedding day, you don’t have to keep trying to be so romantic. You’ve already got me.”

“I’ll make sure I’m worth keeping you too, by trying every day. I expect the same though.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll never stop.”

“Perfect.” Blake says as the song ends, Yang holding her close and leaning down to kiss her. Once they break apart Taiyang walks over to them.

“I do hate to break up the loving couple, but I was hoping to have a dance with my daughter?” He says.

“As was I.” Ghira says, coming up behind him.

Yang and Blake share a look and a small smirk. “Sure.” Yang says and steps over, right up to Ghira, while Blake steps up to Tai.

Both men are confused for just a moment before laughing a bit. “Funny.” Tai says.

“Well you did say I was part of the family now.” Blake says.

“That I did. I’d be happy to dance with you, as long as…” He looks up at Ghira.

“Go ahead.” He says, “I have my other daughter to dance with for now. I’ll take the next one.”

…

“Oh come on, don’t be so stubborn.” Yang says.

“Nope, nuh uh, can’t do it, not happening, no way.” Ruby says.

“Just one dance, Sis, please?”

“Yang you know I can’t dance.”

“I’ll lead, you just follow. It’ll be easy.”

“Can’t, nope, nada.”

“You really going to turn down a bride on her wedding day?”

“Everyone will be watching though.”

“Ruby, you’re a grown woman and a huntress, maybe the best huntress. At all. Ever. You can’t be scared of people watching you.”

“Why not? You’re scared of scissors.”

“You wouldn’t say that if you knew what me and Blake got up to.”

“Ew Yang!” Ruby says, making a face, “Don’t do that.”

“I’ll stop if you dance with me. Or if you don’t I might get bored and go into detail.”

“Ugh, fine, I’ll dance with you.” She says and stands up.

“Awesome, I knew you’d come around.” Yang says, leading them both onto the floor. “The day wouldn’t be perfect without getting a dance with my sister.”

“Well consider yourself lucky, you only get one.”

“So I don’t get one?” Blake asks, dancing beside them with Weiss.

“What? No, I don’t want to do another one.”

“Would you turn down a bride on her wedding day?” Weiss asks.

“Already used that one.” Yang says.

“I’ve never had a little sister before.” Blake says, “I’ve got one now, and I’d love to dance with her.”

“Alright.” Ruby says, “One each and that’s it.”

“Never change, Ruby.” Yang says with a small laugh.

…

“This was supposed to be a good day.” Yang says, starring in horror.

“Please tell me when it’s over.” Ruby says, covering her eyes.

“I never thought the universe could be this cruel.” Blake says.

“I think it’s hilarious.” Weiss says.

The four of them stared on as Taiyang, Qrow, Ghira, Kali, and a few more parents of various guests all formed a conga line dancing around the room.

…

“Go Jaune! Go Pyrrha! Go Jaune! Go Pyrrha!” Yang led the chant as the two in question danced, a large circle having formed around them as they did so.

“Oh that ain’t nothing! Check this out!” Nora calls out and drags Ren into the circle. After just a moment the two of them start dancing, taking over the center of the circle for a minute before stepping aside, challenging Jaune and Pyrrha. Thus ensued The Great JNPR Dance Off. Reports on who won vary from person to person, Nora and Pyrrha both claiming victory for their side while Ren and Jaune both gave it to the other. In the end, the real winners were those who thought to record it and upload it to the CCT for the world to see.

…

“Ruby, no.” Yang says.

“Oh come on it would be so easy.”

“I said no.”

“You can’t deny it would be useful.”

“That’s just not how it works.”

“What is it now?” Blake asks, sitting beside her wife.

“Ruby wants to turn our wedding rings into small guns.”

“You’re kidding.” She says, after a moment of silence she adds. “Of course you’re not.”

“I’m just saying, it could store enough dust for one good shot. You never know when you’d need that.”

“Ruby.” Yang says, “It’s a wedding ring. It’s a symbol of my love and devotion to Blake, it’s not a gun.”

“I don’t see why it can’t be both. I mean, what’s more devoted than always being prepared so that you can come home to her?”

Yang opens her mouth to answer, but stops. Blake speaks up instead. “Well I certainly didn’t expect that much of a logical argument for this topic. Thank you for thinking of us, Ruby, but we’re good for now. If we change our minds we’ll let you know.”

“Alright. Still think it’s silly though.” Ruby says.

…

“So, that was one hell of a time.” Yang says as she and Blake start to clean up a bit, the guests having left.

“That it was.” Blake says, smiling over at her. “It was great.”

“Better than I expected from a wedding.” Ruby says, walking up to them.

“Ruby.” Yang says, “I thought you left.”

“Pfft, nah.” She says with a wave of her hand. “We stuck behind to help you.”

“We?”

“Of course ‘we’ did.” Weiss says, walking through the door. “We’re not going to leave you to do this on your own.”

“Uh, thanks guys.” Yang says. “You really didn’t have to.”

“Of course we did, your our teammates, friends, and your both my sisters now.” Ruby says as she starts to clean up.

“Plus you’re both brides. We can’t have you ruining your special day with chores like these.”

“Right.” Blake says, “It’s just that…”

“Look.” Yang says, “We love you guys, a lot, and we love being with you, but we kind of want some alone time as wives.”

“So go home.” Ruby says.

“What?”

“We refuse to leave until this place is cleaned up.” Weiss says as the two of them keep going about it, “But we’re not going to go home with you, no matter how much you ask, so if you want to be alone, then go home and enjoy yourselves.”

“What was that part about asking?” Ruby asks.

“Oh come on, we’re not related to you, Weiss. You could consider it a wedding gift. You’d have fun.” Yang says with a smirk.

“Really Yang, hitting on me on your wedding day?”

“Hey it’s a gift for her too, I said join not replace. I ain’t letting go of her and she knows it.”

“I kinda hoped she’d stop hitting on all of our friends now that she was married.” Ruby says, “Guess I was wrong.”

“You can’t expect that.” Blake says, “Yang likes to say nice things. I wouldn’t ask her to change.”

“I married the perfect woman.” Yang says, looking at her with a smile and then giving her a kiss. She looks at Weiss and Ruby. “So… we can really go home and you’ll clean this up?”

“Happy to do it.” Ruby says, “We decided to help so it’s fine.”

“Really, we’re good. You two can go home. We’ll handle it.” Weiss says.

“Best. Teammates. Ever.” Yang says. She walks over and grabs them both in a big bear hug.

“Ugh, Yang, breathing!” Ruby says, causing Yang to let them go.

“Thank you, really.” Blake says. “We’ll call you both tomorrow to talk.”

“Yeah, definitely.” Yang says, walking over and taking Blake’s hand. They both wave as they leave, walking out the door.

“So.” Yang starts as they approach her bike. “You ready?”

“Yang, I just married you, of course I’m ready.” Blake says as they get on.

Ruby smiled with excitement as she watched the video play on her scroll. No matter how many times she watched over and over, Pyrrha’s fights at the Mistral Regional Tournaments never ceased to amaze her. She moved with such grace and confidence, always seeming to land her attacks perfectly against her opponent while not even taking a graze from their weapons. She couldn’t believe that this same girl was currently living across the hall from her dorm room.

Despite this, Ruby had yet to formally spend time with Pyrrha. Sure they briefly interacted with each other when the rest of team jnpr and rwby hung out, but Ruby craved for more. She wanted to befriend the famous huntress in training more than anything. Unfortunately for her, Pyrrha always seemed just out of reach. 

She’s so cool and nice, and she fights better than some of the third or even fourth year students here! Uhhhhhhng I wish I could just invite her to my room to play some video games, but why would she do that when she has her own team and friends to be with...

“You knooooooow,” a singsong voice interrupted her thoughts, “maybe instead of hiding in your bed drooling over her videos all day you could just go across the hall and ask to hang out with her.”

Ruby scowled as she turned her head to address her sister who was currently peeking over the side of her bunk bed, a teasing smile across her face. 

“Yang you know I’m bad at making friends,” the younger girl whined, “plus it’s not like she probably has a zillion other friends she’d rather hang out with over me.”

Yang rolled her eyes as she hoisted herself up and sat on the edge of the bunk bed. 

“Come on, you’ve known Pyrrha and the rest of team jnpr for over a semester now. You’re practically friends already! All you gotta do is ask her to come over and play video games or something for a little while.”

Ruby’s scowl deepened before she pulled her hood over her head in an attempt to hide herself from her pushy sister.

“You say that like my first time trying to make friends at Beacon didn’t end up with a crater in front of the school.”

“But look how well that turned out!” Yang added before stealing a quick glance at Ruby’s partner.

Weiss sighed audibly from her desk before dropping the pen in her hand. Trying to study would be nearly impossible with this conversation taking up the room. 

“Ruby, Pyrrha is probably one of the most gracious, talented, intelligent, and capable students in all of Beacon. I’m sure she would have no qualms in spending some time with you,” the heiress stated simply. 

“Ah, what?” Ruby asked attempting to understand if Weiss’ words were that of encouragement or sarcasm.

Ruby heard a soft laugh before looking down to Blake who until now was quietly reading on her bed. 

“I think what she’s trying to tell you,” the faunus girl explained, “is that Pyrrha would have no problems spending quality time with you if you just asked her.”

Ruby begrudgingly looked back to her sister who had a knowing smirk plastered across her face.

“Weeeeeell I think we’re all in agreement then. You gotta ask Pyrrha for a friend date. Or a date-date, whichever one you’re hoping for.”

Ruby immediately began assaulting the blonde’s head with her pillow.

“SHHHHHHH Yang I don’t like her in that way!!! I just want to be her friend!!!”

Yang couldn’t help but laugh at her little sister’s reaction to her light quip. 

“Okay okay whatever you say. Either way you’re gonna ask her to hang out with you. We’ll even make sure the three of us are out tomorrow night so you two can be alone. Right guys?”

“Mhm,” Blake hummed in agreement, her eyes not leaving her novel.

“If it’ll make this room quiet for the next hour,” Weiss huffed out in annoyance. 

Yang clapped her hands as she jumped down from the bed. “Then it’s settled!”

“Oh great...,” Ruby muttered.

--

Ruby nervously paced back and forth outside her dorm. As promised, her teammates had made sure to leave for the evening and Ruby knew she couldn’t back out of her “date” without the risk of Yang intervening and making the situation more embarrassing than it already was.

Oh what do I say what do I say? What if Jaune Nora and Ren are in there? No no no Yang told me the three of them would be out training tonight. But what if they aren’t? What if Pyrrha thinks I’m weird or annoying for bugging her on a Friday night? What if she’s busy studying for a test? What if-

“Something the matter, Miss Rose?” a familiar voice calmly inquired. 

Ruby was too busy interrogating herself to notice the school’s headmaster making his way down the hall. She jumped back slightly in surprise at his presence. 

“Professor Ozpin! I’m sorry for blocking your way I was just uh...thinking of some stuff.”

The older man hummed thoughtfully.

“I can see that, though it seems whatever may be on your mind is troubling you.”

Ruby sighed before crossing her arms and pouting slightly.

“Is it that obvious?” she asked reluctantly. 

Ozpin gave an encouraging smile.

“Perhaps.”

Ruby fiddled with her cloak as she debated on weather or not her headmaster was a suitable candidate to vent to about her terrible social skills.

Well, we’ve talked about other stuff before. I guess I shouldn’t be too worried about this.

“I’ve really been wanting to hang out with Pyrrha. She seems so nice and the way she fights is just so cool! I mean she’s able to control her spear and shield with her semblance without her opponents knowing is just so awesome and she can even control THEIR weapons without them realizing and shes just really amazing and shes everything I wish I was in a huntress but I’m not and I’m worried she’s just gonna see me as a nuisance like Weiss did and I’m really REALLY bad at making friends and I wish there was a much easier way to do this.”

Ozpin hummed again before he spoke.

“Indeed, a student like Miss Nikos is a rarity. One with such intuition and skill at such a young age is very hard to come by. However, none of that is relevant when the subject of interpersonal relations is at hand.”

Ruby’s brow pinched in confusion as Ozpin continued. 

“How did you initially feel when I told you you would be skipped ahead two years to attend Beacon?”

Ruby thought back to the airship ride when the full gravity of the situation had finally hit her.

“I felt different, but not in a good way. I didn’t want others seeing me as some girl who was better than everyone else. I’m...I’m just a girl who wants to become a huntress.”

“So tell me, do you think Miss Nikos has experienced anything similar to that given her background?”

Ruby’s face softened as she listened to Ozpin’s words. She never considered that Pyrrha might have been more like her than she initially thought.

“While being placed on a pedestal can be advantageous, it doesn’t come without potential draw backs. Instead of viewing your peer the way you think she deserves to been seen, perhaps you should try viewing her the same way you wish others would see you.”

Ozpin took a sip from his mug before he continued. 

“I know you’d much rather face a hungry Beowolf than engage in awkward social confrontation, but being a huntsmen or huntress requires you to be broadening your horizons and constantly going into the unknown. If you never push yourself to go beyond what you find comfortable, your true potential will never be reached. And I see much potential in you, Ruby.”

With that, the headmaster continued down the hallway until he turned a corner and disappeared from Ruby’s sight.

Ruby sighed to herself once her headmaster left. 

I guess this is it then. I can’t let Professor Ozpin down.

With three small knocks on the door, Ruby heard Pyrrha’s cheery voice from the room. 

“Jaune? Did you loose your dorm key again?”

“Uh, actually it’s Ruby,” the younger girl said awkwardly. 

“Oh I’m sorry!” Pyrrha apologized before hasty footsteps made their way toward the door. Soon after the door opened revealing the tall redhead. 

“Forgive me, I assumed Jaune had come back from his training with Ren and Nora. Is something wrong?”

Ruby shifted in place as she contemplated what to say next.

“Well, ah, nothing’s wrong!” she fumbled over her words. “Yang just told me you’d be alone tonight and I’m alone too! So I was just wondering if maybe you’d want to hang out. With me. In my room. Not in a weird way but in a playing video games sort of way and I’m really bad at this aren’t I...”

Pyrrha couldn’t help but giggle at the younger girl’s awkward yet sweet invitation. 

“I would love to! Though I haven’t played many video games myself...perhaps you’d be willing to teach me?”

Ruby’s silver eyes practically sparkled with excitement at Pyrrha’s words. 

“Of course! It’s different than you know, fighting for real. But I’m sure with some practice you’ll be great!”

--

Pyrrha proved to be a fast learner, to the point where she actually won a few matches. Normally Ruby didn’t like losing at her favorite video game, but since it was Pyrrha she was playing with she felt nothing but elation. 

After a couple hours of game play, the two girls ended up sitting on Ruby’s bunk talking about weapons, school, favorite foods, and whatever other topics came to their minds.  

Without much warning, Ruby quickly wrapped her arms around Pyrrha giving her a bear hug. 

“Thanks for hanging out with me Pyrrha. You’re so much fun to be around.”

Without hesitance Pyrrha returned the hug with warm smile across her face.

“I think I should be thanking you, for treating me just like you would anyone else. I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to make any meaningful friendships while I attended Beacon, but I’m relieved to see that’s not the case.”

Ozpin’s words echoed in Ruby’s head as she processed the implication of Pyrrha words.

“I think I know how you feel. A little anyway. At first I was really nervous about being skipped ahead two years because I didn’t want people thinking I was special. Also the only person I knew here was Yang and she’s ALWAYS pushing me to make new friends. And I’m not really the social-ey type like she is.”

Pyrrha giggled as she remembered Ruby’s clumsy yet endearing invitation earlier that day. 

“Well, I should thank her for pushing you to talk to me. I know I’ve made friends here that I will cherish for the rest of my life, and I’m sure you’re no exception to that.”

Ruby felt her cheeks flush slightly at the older girl’s words. Knowing Pyrrha kept her in such high regard was such a wonderful feeling.  

“You’d also have to thank Ozpin too! He helped me a lot.”

“Professor Ozpin? I never thought he’d be one to help with student’s personal livess. He must be more understanding than what meets the eye.”

Ruby gave a small smile as she fondly remembered all the times Ozpin had helped her. 

she murmurs her name, rolling over to the edge of the bed. there isn't much illumination, but her blonde hair is easily distinguishable in the dark. she reaches out to the other bed, whispering louder.

"yang!"

"hm?"

yang's response is quick, rather than groggy. so, it seems, she isn't the only one unable to sleep. does she have nightmares, too? nightmares of the white fang, of beacon falling, of that cruel man who sliced off her arm? she must do. people don't go through what they did, what yang did, and not have nightmares.

"yeah, what's up?" even though weiss can't quite see her face, she can just hear the grin she offers up. yang, always trying to be her namesake. always trying to be happy, for the sake of others.

"i was just thinking..." weiss's voice trails off.

"yeah? thinkin' of what?"

"what are we going to do?"

if it had been months before, the words would only have come out with a glint of vulnerability. now, it's plain in her voice. she could've gone so many places, but she came to patch, to the last team member she had left. blake had disappeared and ruby was... well, apart of a new team now.

she saw yang prop herself up, the faint suggestion of her head tipping to the side. "what do you mean?" her tone is soft.

"we can't stay here forever."

there's a pause, and then she hears feet hit the floor. she notes that as yang crawls into her bed, she brings along her mother's white cloak. she was told about summer rose, and about her biological mother. this was my mom's... that's where ruby got it from. i wanted to be just like her. i still do.

yang reaches out, with her left hand, and brushes back a strand of white hair. weiss leans into the touch. there's no point in lying to each other anymore. there's no point in keeping anything back.

"i know. but we owe the world nothing, y'know? we can't just save it."

weiss knows she should feel like that statement is callous, but to be honest, she feels the same. they didn't even complete a year of training. she's no longer that naive. they can't just go out, and expect to save the world, and just be a hero. they aren't anything near ready to do so.

"so what will we do then?" weiss murmurs back, as yang's hand trails down to her neck. they both have long hair, she muses. hers being as bright as a summer's day, and hers as stark white as a winter's night. like the sun and the moon.

"i just..." yang's voice breaks off, for a moment, and unflinchingly, weiss pressed her lips to her right arm's stump. she didn't want to leave. weiss never wanted to leave. it's encouragement.

"i just want us to live." it's a confession, and certainly not a sign of defeat. she understands. to live is to take revenge, when all the evil in this world sought to break yang. sought to kill her.

"then we will live." weiss replies, certainty and fear of the unknown mingling. she doesn't know what the future will hold. but they will make it, together. last time, she had no choice. this time, she does. and she chooses to stay.

she brings her head forward, to meet yang's, and their mouths meet. weiss holds onto her, like a gravitational pull, and yang doesn't let go.

"never leave me." yang breathes, breaking apart for a moment.