#trans!nora

“And it has nothing to do with the way you’ve cut your hair?” Nora asked as she walked over to Ruby, looking the girl over. “What about those clothes you’ve been wearing recently? I know a lot of them used to belong to Jeanne before she transitioned.” 

“My usual combat gear has been getting in the way and men’s clothes seem to fit better. There’s nothing deeper-” 

“You can be honest with me.” Nora put a hand on Ruby’s shoulder. “If you want to be a guy, I know a few people who can help.” 

Ruby let out a heavy sigh and looked away from the mirror. “What if… what if its a mistake?” 

“Then its a mistake and you go back to being a girl. Its not really that much of an issue.” 

“Easy for you to say. You already know who you are.” 

Nora wrapped her arms around Ruby and pressed in behind her. “I do now, but I didnt always know. Before going to Beacon, the most I’d ever done was dress in girls clothes when Ren and I were travelling, but I hadnt quite figured myself out. And it wasnt until we started at Beacon that I started living as a girl to see if its what I wanted. All those thoughts about it being a mistake or just a phase still havent gone away. It took months until I realized this is what I really wanted. But you’ll never know what’s true and what’s just anxiety until you take the plunge.” 

“I’m… I’m not sure I can.” Ruby looked at herself again and placed a hand on her bound chest. “I do like how I look when I dress as a guy and I’ve never really was one of the girls, but… what if Dad and Yang dont understand? Or what if they think that I’m trying to remove whatever reminders they have left of mom?” 

“Then that’s their loss.” 

“I cant just hurt them-” 

“And you wouldnt be.” Nora kissed Ruby’s cheek and smiled at her. “I love you no matter who you are. Man or woman, it doesnt matter to me. But we also dont have to do this all at once. We can take it as slowly as you need it. Start with the binder and see how it feels. Then we can work on a name or anything else that you want to try. Baby steps.” 

Ruby nodded and leaned in to kiss Nora. “Is that advice really for me? Or something you wish you were told?” 

“Maybe a bit of both. But this isnt about me, this about making sure you feel like yourself. But first, if we’re going to do baby steps, we need to get you some new clothes.” 

“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” Ruby asked as she looked herself over. “I like it.” 

Nora rolled her eyes and pulled at the hoodie that Ruby wore. “None of this really fits you. Jeanne is much taller than you and you look like a little kid raiding their siblings' clothes for dress up. If you want to look the part, you’ve gotta have something that fits right. You know, pants that arent too baggy, a hoodie that fits…” She pulled at Ruby’s sleeve and frowned. “And sleeves that dont go over your hands like this. If you try to fight grimm like this, you’ll be just like Jeanne was when she first started training.” 

“I wont be that bad.” 

“You can barely walk as is. Besides, we dont have to go shopping for much. Just pants that can fit you and maybe a couple shirts to wear when you’re feeling boyish. We’ll give it a week and see where you’re feeling after that. Then, we can figure out the next steps.” 

“And you’re sure you’re okay with this?” 

“Afraid I’m going to leave you?” Nora asked with a smile. “But yes, I am. Like I said, I love you no matter who you are. Which means you’re stuck with me.” 

Ruby nodded, then paused. “Why does it sound like you’re more excited about this than I am?” 

Nora grinned and pulled away. “Maybe I’ve thought about what you’d be like as a guy.” 

“Wait… what? What did you mean by that?” 

“We’ll want to hurry if we want to get to the shops before they close!” Nora yelled out as she left.