It was a low hum that greeted Blake when she arrived home. It was a simple place, a nice stilted house on the beach quite some distance away from Kuo Kuana. Yet it was worth it to Blake, especially when she returned from work.

The hum quickly stopped as she closed the front door and her ears picked up the approaching steps of her wife. Soon Yang's smiling face popped out from the kitchen's entrance. Her visage warm to Blake's tired eyes as Yang's aura radiated around her.

"...why is your aura active Honey?" Blake asked as her brain suddenly realized that her wife's aura was active.

"Ahahaha, oh nothing much," Yang chuckled, though Blake could hear the embarrassment in Yang's voice, plus the cute crinkle of her eyes gave Blake enough to doubt that statement.

"Honey please don't--"

"Krikish!!"

A strange cry suddenly interrupted Blake's words. A cry that came from the kitchen.

"Was…was that--"

"Nothing to worry about," Yang pressed on even her head shifted to the side to glare back into the kitchen. "Why don't you get cleaned up and I'll have dinner--"

"Crash!!" And the sound of falling metal, along with a…scuttling. Yang swore and dove back into the kitchen and Blake quickly followed after her.

"Yang what's going…on…" her voice trailed off as her eyes viewed just what was going on in their kitchen. Pots and pans were strewn about and there splayed on top of the counter was a Greater Land Lobster, easily two Zweis long, and holding a mallet threateningly at Yang in its claws. Yang meanwhile glared at the beast as she shuffled around the beast and picked up the fallen kitchenware.

"Alright listen you overgrown shrimp, my wonderful wife is back, and regardless of what you think we will have a nice dinner," Yang stated after cleaning the lobster's latest attempt to avoid its fate.

"Yang,"

"When I'm done with you, there will be enough to shell you to others and they will want to lobster you,"

"Yang," Blake chuckled as Yang turned to face her again with a smile.

"Too much?" She asked Blake, who shook her head as she made her way toward Yang. Slipping behind her oh-so-bright wife Blake wrapped her arms around Yang and pulled her back into her letting the momentum carry her backward as well. The pair’s descent was soon stopped by the counter behind them and for a moment the two enjoyed being close to each other. Still, Blake needed answers. She was used to Yang’s surprises, twenty years of this had given her the ability to process the typical madness that followed Yang and her family, but it was great to listen to her wife explain. Yang’s voice was her favorite sound, especially after a tiring day.

“No, though I’m surprised about the lobster,” Blake finally spoke her eyes now staring at the creature. It had yet to move from its spot, mallet still held threateningly at the pair.

“Ah well, I know work has been getting a bit demanding for you,” Yang started, as she knew Blake still had the tendency to burn herself out, especially when it pertained to building a better future. “So I thought about getting you a nice dinner from the sea, but nothing bit my line for the whole afternoon, and just when I thought I’d have to make a run to the markets for something when this monster decided that my wrap was something it could snip at,”

“The green one that Weiss gifted you?” Blake asked softly and Yang tried not to think too much about how Blake’s words felt so close to her ears.

“Yeah, how did you know?” she managed to ask instead.

“Cause their species are vegetarians,” Blake answered as she kissed the back of Yang’s neck before stepping out from behind her. Yang caught herself on the counter as she watched her wife make her way to the fridge. The lobster moved, tracking Blake as she moved past the animal. Opening the fridge Blake grabbed a rather large leaf from the salad bowl. The lobster’s attention, originally split between the two suddenly snapped all its eyes toward Blake. “There you just wanted something to eat,”

“Yeah my clothes,” Yang barked as she watched amazed as Blake slowly traded the leaf for the mallet.

“Only cause their blind, right you old fossil,” Blake defended the beast as she ran her hand down the back of the animal’s shell, admiring the creature's patterned armor. Being so close she noted the various notches and cracks along the blended browns and reds of its carapace. It was a survivor, something that was probably alive before she was born.

“You’re thinking about keeping this aren’t you?” Yang asked as now she slid behind Blake, in awe at her wife’s ability to calm the lobster. She had spent a better part of the day fighting the beast, trying not to damage it too much before she got it into the pot. It had earned her respect for that adventure.

“Well you did always want a pet for company when one of us was stuck here,” Blake answered as she leaned back into Yang’s chest. 

“Yeah, don’t think something that I was trying to make into dinner was ever in my head,” Yang stated still trying to wrap her head around what had just happened.

“Well I might be a bit out of it, but you could also imagine Weiss’s face when she sees them,” Blake muttered, the start of a smirk appearing on her face.

“Oh that would be a great day,” Yang said as the infectious idea spread into her imagination. “Well welcome aboard Tri,” she said, and the now-named Tri swiveled their eyes from the leaf to their new owners. It had been a strange day, but if this was what it could get then it was content with the bright and the shadow.

“So pizza and soaps?” Blake pressed, as her stomach growled.

Blake never really had any thoughts of what she would be doing in her free time at Beacon. She was here to atone not engage in frivolous activities.

Yet here she was, in one of Beacon's gyms, clad in borrowed workout gear, having been coerced by her partner into joining her for a morning workout.

"Are you feeling okay Blake?" Yang asked, trying to break the quietness around the two started their stretches, only to receive a glare from Blake as an answer. Yang gave a slight chuckle, feeling a bit of trepidation for having managed to push her new partner to join for her regular workout session on the weekend. It had been…weird was probably the best way to describe the two's relationship. Blake was still a shadowy mystery to her. Granted it had only been a few weeks but still even Ruby had figured out what Weiss liked to eat while she was still wondering just what Blake was reading.

In the end the silence remained for the rest of their stretches, Blake still trying to jump start her head for the morning while Yang started questioning her decision to initiate this whole ordeal. The awkward silence continued with their warm-ups as Yang tried to think of something to say that might get a response from her partner. She tried to focus on Blake, to see if there was something her head could figure something out via association.

"Something wrong? " Blake suddenly asked as she flipped up from her sitting position and was now staring at her partner.

"Ah no just-you look good," Yang stuttered as she was surprised by Blake's sudden words and piercing gaze as her brain just went straight to autopilot for her response. Blake quirked an eyebrow up at her partner who clearly was avoiding her gaze, before finally addressing what she was wearing.

When she had pointed out that she didn't have any workout clothes to sweat in(combat could take place anywhere so her usual outfit was fine for such fights but no one was comfortable in wearing their sweat the whole day) Yang had dug through her drawers and thrown a black undershirt and blue athletic shorts. If she was honest it wasn't that bad looking on her, granted she always looked good with black on.

"Thanks, I'll definitely have to get something similar next time I go out,"

"Oh you don't mind--"

"I don't know if I'll be joining you every morning, but it's nice to not have to do this alone," Blake quipped, "so you ready to spot me?"

Blake held herself still as her mother's handmaidens carefully dressed and applied makeup on her. A mass of blues and whites soon decorated her form along with flashes of other colors, each one to represent the main families within the Kingdom of Menagerie with her own family's colors, the black and gold, dominating her face. Yet amongst all the colors her own purple was absent. A conscious choice she made despite her mother's insistence. This was to be a wedding for Menagerie not for her. It was for the safety and security of the people, not for her heart.

Her heart had been gone for a long time. Ever since General Khan had dragged the White Fang, the kingdom's elite warriors, to assist Mantle's defense against Atlas's conquest. Her heart had gone with them to their deaths if the letters were to be believed. Her father had been right in his caution to hold her home. Sure she had raged and cried but with the news from Atlas and it's threats to expand it's war to her home, she had to push down her emotions to help provide a bulwark for their now weakened kingdom.

For Atlas to reach them, they would have to cross through the Kingdom of Mistral, a kingdom they have signed numerous treaties with. However not all of Mistral's lands were under its control. Many of the lands closest to Menagerie were actually under the dominion of the Brawen Tribe. A ruthless band of outlaws that had broken Mistral's hold in the Mistwoods, forcing many of the cities in and nearby to swear allegiance to the Maiden of Ravens. Atlas had sent scouts and elite warriors to try and dislodge the bandits to fulfill parts of its obligations with Mistral. Though those earlier attempts failed, the Brawens now had the threat of Atlas's entire army crashing down on them. Blake still had no idea how her father had contacted them for this alliance. The deal was simple, the Brawens would forestall Atlas's forces, while Menagerie quickly reinforced it's army with new blood, and Menagerie would supply the bandits with food, weapons, and even provide medical assistance to them. All in all it should have been a simple treaty but the Maiden of Ravens had demanded a tenable symbol of this new bond so that Menagerie could not betray her and cut a deal with Atlas. At first her father had balked at the insults and nearly broke down negotiations there, especially with the Brawen representative clearly looking at his daughter. Blake however quickly stepped forward and offered herself as a hostage. That was when the representative surprised the chamber again by saying the Maiden of Ravens would accept no hostage but her as her progeny's bride.

This was what led to Blake's current situation, dolled up as the seal for the Brawen and Menagerie newest treaty. Today was the day that her new…partner would come to claim her hand. A hand that Blake had offered, but that was all they would get. This was for Menagerie and nothing else.

"Oh you look so beautiful my little Nightshade," her mother Kali Belladonna said as she stepped into the room. Dismissing the handmaidens she set about fixing her daughter's hair.

"Mother," Blake pouted, but made no move to stop her. Fear of messing anything up more powerful than the embarrassment of being fretted over by her mother.

"Oh relax honey," Kali stated as she masterfully undid a knot that was pulling at Blake's ear. "They may know how to do the style but I've know your hair since the first tuff appeared on your head,"

"...Thank you Mom," Blake finally said, fighting the rush of emotions that filled her head. This could be the last day she is home with her family. Kali, noting the tears forming in her daughter's eyes, quickly wrapped her in a hug.

"We can end this right now," she whispered, "there are other options--"

"None that can help us now," Blake said as she steeled herself again. " It will be fine mother, I promise," she finished as she resumed her calm outlook. It was her duty to bring safety to the kingdom's citizens and as the last representative of the once vaunted White Fang, she needed to help atone for the war that was brought on.

Kali could only smile sadly. Her daughter was always drawn to duty and nothing could change her mind once set on a course of action.

"Very well," she said standing up, "then shall I bring them to you?"

"They don't want a ceremony?" Blake asked puzzled.

"They said the ceremony would happen back in their home," Kali mentioned sadly. She had tried to convince Ghira to let her go with the first wave of medics and supplies, but she knew it was wrong to ask him to let both his daughter and wife venture into possible danger. She would have to trust that the Brawens were honest and that if the worst would come to pass then Blake's skills would be enough to escape.

"Ah that does make sense," Blake muttered, after all she was to be the Brawens' guarantee. " Very well best to get this over with," Kali nodded and left the room, leaving Blake alone with her thoughts. Visions and ideas of her potential partner began to swirl inside her head. Small things like would they be tall or short, what were their eyes like, to larger concerns such as her new partner's temper and morality. She had heard numerous rumors as to what these bandits took part in. It could be a real monster--

"Knock, knock,"

A soft rapping perked her ears up, her new fiance must have arrived. Not yet ready to give them satisfaction Blake merely grunted in response. Petty for sure but she did need an outlet. A minute passed and Blake wondered if they had already locked each other in the first battle of their potential union.

"Man you'll are quiet, is it nap time already," an energized voice spoke from behind her.

"Perhaps it is quiet because this is supposed to be a revenant occasion," Blake quipped and took stock of the person who would take her away from her home. They were clad in the standard black and maroons of the Brawens' yet she could also spot flashes of orange and yellow amongst their gear. However the main draw was her eyes. Prinpicks of lilac that gazed at her, filled with humor and light. These were no eyes of a monster.

Her future partner also seemed to be shocked at her appearance. Their eyes roamed over her getup before settling on her own eyes. For a minute the two merely stared at each other, gauging whatever emotions they could read through the other's eyes. Suddenly the Brawen sat down and flipped off her hood. Blake was nearly blinded as the mass of blonde hair billowed out.

"Ah much better," her blond haired partner said as she sat down, "well guess it's time for some introductions then, I'm Yang the Phoenix Fire,"

"Blake Belladonna," came Blake's reply her voice slightly off as her mind was still trying to process just what was going on, though there was still ice in her tone.

"Well Blake, firstly I'd like to apologize for my mom's bullshit," Yang started as Blake's eyes widened in surprise, but was quickly cut off as Yang continued on. " Yeah she's always going of on power this power that and it tends to make things so complicated, still I am going to have to bring you back to our main camp till this war blows over, just know I will do my best to make sure you make it through this time without you losing anything, that is unless you want to," Yang finished with an eyebrow wiggle.

Blake instantly felt a flash of fury as this Yang took this very serious moment with frivolity and and insinuations. In a blink of an eye she had lunged and knocked Yang down. Yang let lose a brief laugh before stopping when a thin dagger hovered over her eye.

"I could end it, claim you couldn't contain yourself," Blake pressed her mouth locked in a snarl, but Yang merely grinned.

"Then Mom would just assign you to the next person, but first let me ask you a question my beautiful assassin, do you think my title was merely just that?" Yang asked as a warm glow surrounded her downed form and those once clear eyes harden into fonts of crimson. There were the eyes of the killers Blake knew was her partner. With a viscous yell she got off Yang threw the rooms door open and stalked off

“Alright everyone good job today Sabers on three, one two three!”

“Sabers!!”

“Enjoy your weekend kids,” Yang shouted after the quickly dispersing gaggle of kids made their way to the sidelines of the field.

“We are going to crush the championship!!” Nora cried at her fellow coach as the parents began to hustle their children to the parking lot.

“Let’s focus on getting them ready for the start of the season,” Yang quipped back as she started packing up the remaining equipment.

“Ah come on,” Nora groaned, “Where’s the passion, we’ve got to keep the energy--”

“Honk! Honk!”

Fortunately, Yang was saved as Nora’s ride announced its presence. Especially when Jaune poked his head out to yell at his friend.

"Hurry up Nora, we've got to pick up the others," he shouted.

"Coming!!" Nora shouted back before she turned back to Yang. "Listen if we're going win it all we need to be pumped now with me. We're going to the championship!"

"We're going to the championship," Yang stated, almost jokingly which caused Nora to narrow her eyes.

"We're going to the championship!!" She shouted louder, staring hard at Yang.

"We're going to the championship!" Yang responded a bit louder.

"WE'RE GOING TO THE--"

"HONK!! NORA!!" Jaune's combined voice and car horn broke through Nora's attempted cheer. Yang chuckled as Nora now shot a glare at Jaune. Nora quickly gave Yang a hug before marching over toward her impatient friend.

"Heh, glad that's not my ride," Yang chuckled before going back to packing up the training equipment. Usually by the time she finished locking it all up in the park's equipment shed she was alone in the park. Today however was not to be the usual.

On her way toward the parking lot, she spotted a lone kid sitting on the curb staring at the park's entrance. As she approached she saw it was Grant Belladonna, one of the newest kids to join the club, having apparently just moved into Patch last winter.

"Heya sport what's with nightly watch?" She asked as she stood next to him.

"Oh just waiting for Mom," Grant said as he idly kicked his feet in boredom.

"Ah is she going to be long?" Yang pressed, a bit worried at how late it had already gotten, "anyone else around that can get you?"

"Probably she works in the city and no it's just me and Mom," Grant answered a bit too calmly for Yang's taste. Though she did wince sympathy at the drive Mrs. Belladonna must be making. Even on the best days getting here from Patch proper was a challenge. She almost offered to drive Grant home when she remembered two things. Firstly Grant hand mentioned it was just him and his mother being just the two of them, and secondly, as she cast a glance to her motorcycle, Bumblebee was not the best option for a small child, especially when she still only had a helmet for herself.

"Welp looks like you're stuck with me till she gets here," she said sitting down next to the kid. Grant merely nodded and an awkward air settled between the two. Well awkward for Yang at least, sure she had experience with kids, her own time with Ruby and coaching the little monsters. Something about this however seemed off, Grant seemed way to calm about this.

"Does this happen often?" Yang asked before mentally slamming herself for asking such a question.

"Sometimes, but Mom always comes she's always there for me," Grant replied nonchalantly, unknowingly hitting Yang hard. Such faith in a mother's return was something Yang was not ready for.

"Yeah…" she muttered her mind whirling with a thousand thoughts, "sounds like an awesome mom,"

"Oh she is," Grant responded, this time a smile breaking his usual monotone voice. " She always remains calm no matter what the situation.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Blake was going to murder every single person involved with making her late. She definitely was not ever going to get wrapped up with assisting Mr. Port, even if she had to remove him. She had plenty of time to compile this list as the traffic around her crawled forward an inch.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Yang herself was also getting close to swearing as she stood under the park's main pavilion with Grant as the rain poured in sheets. She knew she should have checked the weather, the spring showers were always heavy and often sudden. She had just managed to carry Grant to the safety of the pavilion before their clothes got soaked.

"Well we should be dry here," she started as she watched the water pelt Bumblebee, not too worried. She had made sure that nothing could stop Bumblebee, plus it did need a wash. However, concern turned to Grant, who was now clambering on top of one of the picnic tables staring at the rising waters. "Hey hey you okay Grant?" She asked as she made her way over to him, gently grasping his shoulders.

"Don't like water," Grant muttered, still staring at the pooling water. Yang quickly sat next to him and threw an arm around him

"Well don't you worry Grant," she started, "your Coach Yang will keep you afloat!" She finished drawing out her best smile to give him confidence.

"But Coach Nora said you sink like a rock," came Grant's semi-innocent response.

"Well maybe Coach Nora needs to reflect on not blabbing," Yang gritted through her teeth. "Well good news is that my secondary plan is that the park's drainage will be able all this water,"

"Really?" Grant asked finally turning his head toward Yang.

"Oh absolutely, these fields can take so much water," Yang proclaimed, "see." She pointed at the now stabilized water level. For a time the pair watched the water rise and lower as the rains continued to fall.

However Grant suddenly perked up, his head tilted toward the entrance. Yang was about to ask what it was when she saw a wave of water coming from the road as someone tore through the water-soaked roads. For a minute Yang was worried that Ms. Belladonna (for who else would be driving here this late) would hydroplane but in a masterful move Ms. Belladonna swiftly glided her truck into the closest parking spot. However Yang could still see a problem, the rains where still pounding heavy and it would soak anyone that tried to make that run.

"Hold on Grant," she stated and before Grant could say anything she tucked him underneath her jacket and sprinted.

Blake, extremely worried for her boy, his hydrophobia must be playing havoc with him, was so surprised when suddenly the blonde hair figure of Coach Xiao-Long suddenly came sprinting at her truck. For a minute she was stunned by what she saw before it all suddenly clicked. Quickly she unlocked the passenger door and kicked it open. Yang dove through catching the door with her boots and slamming it shut.

"You good little man?" She asked Grant as she let him scramble up and into his mother's lap.

"Uh-huh," he affirmed before hugging his mother tight.

To say that Yang was nervous was an understatement. Which of course was crazy for anyone else to imagine. She was the blinding star of Team RWBY, the heavyweight brawler that personally threw hands at Salem herself. Yet here she was frozen in the team’s tent trying not to overthink what was about to happen.

After coming back from Ever After, where she finally grasped her heart and asked Blake to be with her together. Granted it had come after Blake tearfully tore into her for her sacrificial nature for them all. That had been an ugly conversation, especially when Yang had snapped back asking what was she supposed to do. Neither was able to answer the other and they had stormed off to cool their minds. Of course, neither was ready for the island to react to their emotions and the two soon found themselves slammed back together. It had been painful, emotional, and ultimately needed time that helped them clear whatever was between them. In the end, they both just wanted to be with other during and after the war.

It was a bond that had helped them escape Ever After, and even helped beat back Salem’s agents' attempts to infiltrate Shade. Their nights were easier together and both were finding out more about each other. At this point, Yang knew she could keep going as long as Blake was with her, heck she even managed to get Blake and her dad to enjoy a brunch together, despite both being terrible morning people, a fact the two bonded wonderfully over.

Now though she was on the receiving end of meeting the parents and truth be told her nervousness was quickly turning into genuine fear. Oh sure Blake had done everything to assuage her fears, but deep down Yang knew that maybe just maybe she might drop the ball. She did not want to mess this up, this was Blake’s parents. Parents who she had only recently reconnected with, parents who had willingly let their baby go into fight a war that could end the world. Parents that had almost lost her to one person Blake had given her heart to. 

Yang suppressed that thought, it would only make her angry, and that was the last thing she needed to be. This was to be a joyous occasion, if somewhat muted. Salem was slowly gearing up for a full war, and the people of Remnant would need more than a smattering of Hunters to protect them. They needed an army, and only the Kingdom of Menagerie Guards, along with the reborn White Fang, had the numbers to provide a solid foundation for the rest of the world’s buildup for the final fight. So not only was Yang going to meet her girlfriend's parents but also two of the most influential individuals alive in the world.

“Yeah, I’m the one who's supposed to overthink things,” Blake’s voice whispered into Yang’s ear which caused her to jump with a shriek.

“Blake!!” she cried out as Blake chuckled, and Yang felt her indignation disappear. Blake’s laughter was precious and absolutely a delight to hear.

“Sorry Sunshine,” Blake said and grinning as Yang flushed at the nickname before she enveloped Yang in a hug. Yang melted back into Blake with her own hug as her heart enjoyed the calming moment. “You know it will be okay,” Blake continued on, “I wouldn’t have you doing this if I thought it would end badly,”

“I know, I just…want to give them my best,” Yang stated, somewhat embarrassed that she was this obvious.

“And you will, now come, dad managed to figure out how to make a sandfish taste like it's a tuna,” Blake said planting a quick kiss on Yang’s lip, as she dragged Yang out of their tent toward her parents’ temporary shelter. The walk was far shorter than Yang could ever imagine, and though she tried to focus on her hand holding Blake’s, her early worries started to creep back. So much could go wrong and--

“Yang,” suddenly she found herself staring deep into Blake’samber eyes, oh she could look into those gems all day. “If you’re not ready we don’t--”

“No, if I don’t do it now it's gonna just make it worse,” Yang quickly interrupted her girlfriend’s sentence, already steeling herself for the worst. “Besides I do need to see just how well your dad managed with the sandfish, that stuff has been nothing but leather.”

“Alright, Mom! Dad! We’re here!” Blake announced through the tent’s entrance and was quickly answered by a soft come-in, as well as shuffling sounds of people moving. Blake threw Yang a quick smile before dashing in, and Yang followed in. Now Blake had shown pictures and talked about her parents to Yang, so she easily knew just what Kali Belladonna was. The older woman seemed to glide toward her daughter, sweeping Blake up in a hug.

“It’s so good to see you,” Kali crooned as she peppered her daughter’s face with kisses.

“Mom, we saw each this morning,” Blake playfully complained before touching her forehead to her mother’s, before turning her head back toward Yang. “Anyway, Mom here’s Yang, my girlfriend,”

“Hello, Mrs. Belladona, a pleasure to meet you” Yang instantly straightened herself and stiffly extended a hand toward Blake’s mom. The two Belladonnas looked at her for a brief second before Blake had to turn away to stifle a giggle, while Kali gave Yang a wide smile.

“Oh you are just as sweet as Blake mentioned dear,” she started before opening her arms out for a hug. “Please no need for formalities,” she continued, while Yang shot Blake a look, who nodded and then hugged Kali. “Ah it is nice to meet you too, Blake has been giving tidbits of your adventures.

“All yangtastic ones right?... Oh shades,” Yang’s face bloomed red in embarrassment at what she said. The feeling was not helped as Blake’s giggles turned into chuckles and Kali herself let out a laugh as she stepped back.

“And she was right about your humor,” Kali started grin still on her face as Yang tried to hide her face with her hands, “but now let us get seated, I can smell my husband finishing tonight’s dinner,” Kali finished and Yang soon also smelled the wonderful aromas that were wafting from the tent’s rear. No sooner than the three had taken their seats, Blake’s father Ghira Belladonna arrived carrying a massive skillet, still steaming with four sandfish and a bevy of herbs and spices that enthralled Yang’s nose. In a flash after Ghira had set down the skillet then two of the fish had moved from the skillet to the plates of Kali and Blake. The atmosphere soon became a homely one as the Belladonnas plied the two girls about their adventures, with the two partners easily focusing on the better parts of their time together. Yang had no idea how much time had passed and honestly was ready to keep talking till they all dropped asleep when a sudden cough cut through their discussions.

“Make it quick,” Ghira announced sitting straighter as one of the Menagerie Guards swiftly made their way over and whispered something in Ghira’s ear. It obviously wasn't the best of news as his lips went straight before he turned to Blake. “Dear can you go with him and help Ilia, there’s a slight scuffle between some of the recruits and our allies?” he asked and Yang instantly knew just what was about to happen. To be fair she too had left Blake with her dad, via a long bathroom break, but this seemed a bit much to her. A thought Blake seemed to agree with by how her eyes narrowed, but before she could Yang placed her hand over Blake’s.

“It will be fine, besides you know I’m best for ending fights not preventing them,” she quipped flashing her signature smile at her girlfriend. The tension in Blake eased away before she leaned in for another quick kiss and turned to face her parents and the guard.

“Lead the way please,” and with that, the two disappeared out of the tent and into the night.

“Hm perceptive she is,” Kali quipped as she leaned against her husband, who maintained his stoic expression. Yang knew that she needed to say something, proclaim her love and devotion to Blake, promise that she won’t hurt Blake ever. Yet just as she opened her mouth Ghira held up a hand.

“Please Ms. Xiao Long, before you pour out your heart for Blake please allow me to start,” he said as Yang could only nod, “Firstly thank you for defending her against…Adam.” Yang couldn’t blame the man for the hesitancy, even she and Blake were rarely able to say anything when those nightmares struck one of them.

“Sir that was something anyone of us would have done--”

“And yet I missed it,” Ghira interrupted her, “I let myself out of her life, which is why I must thank you again for letting Blake be herself again,”

“Uh wait what do you mean?” Yang asked not exactly sure what he meant by that, sure Blake had the issue she tended to close herself off, but it was still her…right?

“What my husband means is that around our daughter chooses that the person to be is herself,” Kali stated, “not a lieutenant, not a criminal, but her honest self, and it is so good to see her make that choice,”

“My wife is correct,” Ghira pushed “Blake with you has been the most we’ve seen her be true to herself, and we can not thank you enough,” Yang herself was shocked at the news, she honestly assume that Blake mostly just kept to herself before opening up to others. Hearing that Blake had apparently always had her barriers up and that she had helped let her be herself again was definitely a bit much.

“I…I don’t really have words for that,” She started as the two Belladonnas let loose a chuckle, “but other than your daughter has helped me to, given me the strength to live for her and others that are in my life,”

“Well then, let's get going before my daughter again decides the best response is to burn a house down,” Ghira stated as he stood up.

“And that is the best way to live,” Ghira stated his voice a bit melancholic, “too many have died for their loves these days,”

“Agreed,” Yang stated, and for a moment the three let the silence honor those they lost.

It was honestly surprising how hard this task seemed to be, Blake mused as she stood amongst the trees slightly away from the camp they had been staying at. Perhaps it was because while nothing explicit had been said she and Yang had expressed so much the past few…days. Honestly, that was another part of what was keeping her hesitant. Who knew just how much time had passed. She even feared that this could all just be a dream that she was still falling somewhere.

Grant that thought was really only reserved for the darker nights when Yang had to take watch. They all knew this place was not friendly. Sure Little and their kind were nice but Ever After had always seemed to be pressing them for something. It had picked at their faults and made them question just what they were doing with their lives. Ruby had particularly been hit hard, as the weight of everything came crashing down with her finding Penny’s fate. That incident had held Yang’s attention, even after she and Yang had a tearful moment upon reuniting.

Blake didn’t blame Yang for dropping what was happening between them to focus on Ruby. To be honest she too was happy to drop that line of thinking to help Yang in keeping Ruby okay. Sadly the island did not make it easy and more than a few times they all find themselves alone with only their thoughts.

That’s how Blake found Neo was alive and her fury took over again. She really didn’t know what had happened, only snapping out when Yang had apparently tackled her to the ground. That had only heightened her worry about just what she was planning to do. Yet it was hard to ignore the feelings as she and Yang spent time closer together. Weiss’s arrival had allowed the two to have some time alone, but Blake felt the creeping anger in her soul. The fact that Neo got away and could potentially take any of her teammates away for real this time only added to her stress.

Yang did her best but with her own avoidance of her issues, the two often just cuddled together and basked in each other’s company. There still was too much to worry about so just being able to grab a moment of quietness was all they needed from the other. For a few nights that was their routine, until Neo showed herself again.

It was one of those times when emotions had exploded and the group separated when Blake caught a flash of pink. After that Blake went hunting, she would nip this problem here and now. She would not tolerate another person she should have confronted slipping away. It had almost been freeing to just go after a problem, however, she wasn’t counting on the fact that she would find Jaune.

Or what the island had turned Jaune into. Granted she had also fallen a bit into the island’s magics but Jaune had fully been subsumed by his guilt. In essence, he had been diluted to a single thought to protect. The island had been working on Blake to do the same, except with the regret of something coming to bite those she held dear being the driving force, seemingly enjoying the fact that the person both of their thoughts focused on had been Neo. Which of course led to another surprise for Blake, Neo trying to help…maybe.

Regardless of the tri-colored girl’s reasons she had ran to find the others and stop her and Jaune from killing each other. Said fight was a blur to Blake though she recalled Yang pleading with her to come back, promising they would talk. It wasn’t enough to fully break her out of whatever had fallen over her. The romantic in her had hoped for a kiss, but Blake knew that she wasn’t exactly cooperating with Yang at the moment for such a maneuver so accepted that getting dunked in a lake was the better choice. It cleared her shocked mind enough for her to claw herself back from whatever the island had tried to conjure on her. Plus the hug from Yang felt nice.

Afterward, they had all done their best to stick together, to keep everyone from falling again. They were in this together till they found a way out of Ever After. Still, some things were easier than others.

The talk Yang had promised still had yet to happen and again Blake couldn’t blame her. If not done in the proper way one or both of them could fall to the island’s games. Besides, it was just so much easier to accept what they had with each other. Yet Blake knew she had to say something, especially as it seemed that the magics the island used seemed to be dimming. Something was about to happen and if she didn’t push soon who knows when she’d get the chance.

“Admiring the view,” Yang’s voice suddenly jolted Blake from her musings. Turning around she gave her partner a soft smile.

“Not really, just lost in thought,” came her response as she drew her arms around herself. She knew Yang would notice, and true to form Yang instantly dropped the humor as she moved to inspect her.

“Everything alright?” came the question and Blake knew she had to take her chance.

“No,” she started and she hated the panic that filled Yang’s eyes, but she pushed on. “Yang, you know we need to do this,”

“Blake listen--”

“And it has to happen now,” Blake pushed past Yang’s half-hearted words. “Yang we’ve become so close and it is been wonderful,” Blake started enjoying the swell of joy in Yang's form at that statement. “But you need to know that…I love you Yang,”

“Blake of course I--”

“Yang you hold my heart,” and with that uttered Yang’s mouth stopped as she hissed in a shocked breath. Blake however continued to push on, taking slow steps toward Yang. “You have given and done so much for me and I can not hold it any longer, but you must know that my love is all for you and I just…I just…” Blake couldn’t finish, but Yang however could. Closing her arms around Blake, Yang pulled her in tight.