Chapter Text
The rain was coming down hard as the lone hooded figure mounted the steps leading up to the century old longhouse. The sound of drunken laughter could be heard through it’s thick solid log walls even before she reached it’s large double doors. She didn’t even need the assistance from her additional set of ears that were safely hidden beneath her hood in order to hear the overly jovial atmosphere happening within as various voices rose up in cheer occasionally. In fact, Nightshade had to pull her ears back in order to dampen the sound it was so loud.
‘Hall of Heroes they called it… Sounds more like the Hall of Juvenile Delinquents. Noisy ones at that.’ She thought sourly as she placed her hands on the old decorative wooden doors and gave them a hefty push. She had initially thought about knocking, it was the courteous thing to do after all. But with how loud it was inside she doubted anyone would have heard her anyway so she didn’t feel any remorse regarding letting herself in unannounced.
She was greeted by the sight of- Delete, Delete, Delete
The interior was a complete- Deeeeeellllleeettteeeee
Opening the door- DELETE DELETE DELETE DELETE DELETE
Blake’s fingers savagely smash the delete key as she let out a frustrated sigh. After effectively erasing the last sentence from her screen she leaned back in her office chair, taking off her glasses to rub at her eyes in a vain attempt to ease her growing headache.
The situation was unfortunate considering she had been doing so well writing her story up until this point. Why was it that every time Blake reached the point where her protagonist finally would meet up with their would be love interest and or party member that she would suddenly be hit by a sudden onslaught of writer's block? Glancing at the clock on her laptop Blake felt her ears pull back. Forty minutes… She had been attempting to write the main protagonist entering the hall of heroes for nearly forty minutes with zero progress to show for it. Ugh…
“It could be worse Belladonna, Weiss could be drowning you in emails requesting a status update because you’re behind schedule while you’re too busy floundering for some way to explain why you couldn’t connect two simple plot points that an amateur could write in their sleep.” She chided herself as she pressed her fingers just a bit harder into her temple while taking a deep breath. Thankfully Weiss breathing down her neck was the least of her problems seeing as Blake had only recently received the go ahead from her friend and publisher to proceed with this particular story.
After a moment Blake let out a long sigh before reaching for her cup of tea, because tea makes everything better. Or it would if her cup wasn’t empty of the very substance she wished to drink. Blake felt her heart sink and her ears droop as she continued to stare into her empty mug in disbelief for a moment before letting out another long sigh. “Why is it every time I need you, you’re gone?” She muttered to herself. Seriously she should just start brewing her tea by the pot rather than by individual cups instead.
Actually that sounded like brilliant plan. Maybe then she wouldn’t find herself out of tea so often.
Finding herself instantly perking up with the idea, Blake saved her current work before walking purposefully towards her kitchen with her empty cup in hand. She was just peering into her tea cupboard, or ‘tea shop’ as Yang had so fondly dubbed it, trying to decide if whether or not she should make another cup of her mint tea or if she should go with a different flavor altogether when her phone started to chime with an incoming call. Already knowing who it was based off the obnoxious ringtone of kazoos playing yakety yak, Blake had a smile already forming on her lips as she pulled her scroll out of her pocket. Well she certainly had perfect timing.
Without pausing Blake answered the call, leaning against the counter once she finished putting on some water to boil. “So if a thief walks into a building looking to hire a hero adventure, what scene do you think they would be greeted by first?” Blake asked without hesitation. Perhaps she should try some peach tea instead of mint this time...
“She walks in on an epic bar fight and sees a hot blonde totally kicking ass and goes ‘that one! Gimme!’” Yang’s voice was pure amusement as she answered the seemingly bizarre question without pause. Though to be fair, she was kind of used to it by now after all, seeing as Blake would often ask her similar out of the blue questions in order to help break through her random spurts of writer's block. As usual, Yang’s answer had Blake smile widening as her mind was already formulating how to use the suggestion to meet her writing needs.
“I can work with that. So what’s up? Are you done with your volunteer work already?” She asked while pulling out the tea box containing the peach flavor just as her tea kettle was seconds away from signalling it was done.
“Yup! Oh man Blake, there was this new kid I was helping, he’s like thirteen I think. Anyway, he just got fitted with his new arm prosthetic today and he’s already a pro in therapy. You should have seen his face when we met though, he had the biggest smile Blake! He recognized who I was because supposedly him and his dad are huge fans…” As Yang continued talking about her day Blake couldn’t help her smile from widening.
It’s been a year and a half since she asked Yang to move in with her. It turned out to be a matter of perfect timing actually, seeing as once Yang had moved all her possessions into Blake’s home, Jaune had officially moved in with Pyrrha. Which was quickly followed by the two of them getting married the following December. It was a lovely wedding, though the tabloids nearly exploded when they captured pictures of Yang out with Jaune at a burlesque show while celebrating his bachelor party.
Some of the things they reported were quite fanciful in their complete misinterpretation of the event. So much so that Blake and Yang still giggle over it occasionally whenever it’s brought up in conversation or whenever they visit the now wedded couple at their home. Pyrrha had actually bought one of the tabloids, one that included a decent shot of Jaune sitting next to Yang and just so happened to have the most outlandish title out of the lot, and had it framed. Last Blake remembered it was currently hanging up on the wall right next to their wedding photos.
Other than that, it felt as if Blake has been in a sort of honeymoon period ever since. She took a few months off from her writing in order to visit her parents down in Menagerie and forced Yang to tag along with her. Okay that was a lie, Blake only made a passing comment about it and suddenly Yang was all for the idea. Turns out she found Menagerie summers quite enjoyable. She even got a tan while they visited, which Blake found enjoyable for other reasons. But she’ll keep those reasons to herself.
Once they had gotten back from their vacation it was back to life as usual. Blake still wrote of course, but recently within the last few months Yang had started doing volunteer work at a therapy center for people with prosthetics. A decision Yang made after she had woken up one day on the verge of a PTSD episode caused by her left arm having gone completely numb. It was Blake’s fault, which she still felt bad over. She had fallen asleep on Yang’s left arm that night which caused the loss of circulation to begin with. Thankfully Yang hadn’t progressed any further than hyperventilating slightly, and afterwards she couldn’t help but come out and tell Blake about how she still felt useless on occasion along with a few other insecurities she still battled with.
So after a bit of discussion, and perhaps one of the most supportive speeches ever given from one Ruby Rose, Yang started helping people who were starting their physical therapy after receiving a new prosthetic. Needless to say it was the perfect fit for Yang. She was not only supportive to each person she helped but Yang was a huge hit with the younger patients as she showed off how cool prosthetics could be rather than some ugly hunk of metal and carbon fiber. Something to do with her inner mom mode, she claimed. It also didn’t escape Blake’s notice that Yang was also visibly happier ever since she started helping out at the clinic, which was a huge plus.
“Well it sounds like your fan club at the clinic has a new member.” Blake added once Yang had finished telling her all about her new charge. “So what trouble are you up to now?” She teased as she walked back to her office with her scroll held between her cheek and shoulder while carrying her teapot in one hand and her cup in the other.
Yang let out a warm laugh on the other line. “Hey, I’ll have you know I just got kidnapped by Pyrrha and Weiss. So unfortunately they are preventing me from doing anything explicitly naughty, you know, like fantasizing about what you’re wearing or better yet, not wearing.” When Blake heard a light smack followed by Pyrrha’s unmistakable voice in the background saying something that sounded suspiciously like ‘save it for later’, it was her turn to laugh.
Ah yes, some things never change, like Yang’s inability to not openly flirt with Blake even while in the company of friends. Not that Blake was complaining.
Setting her bounty of tea down on her desk, Blake couldn’t help the mischievous idea that suddenly came to mind. No doubt a symptom of Yang’s influence over Blake that has developed over the course of their relationship. “Hmm you really want to know what I’m not wearing right now?” She purposefully pitched her voice to something a bit more sultry, knowing full well that Yang would play along with her act.
“Ooooo, yes, the suspense is killing me already babe…” Even over the sound of her girlfriends flirtatious tone Blake was able to hear someone, most likely Weiss, scoff. Or perhaps it was more of a gag? Either way she tried to keep her amusement from ruining what she was going to say next.
“I’m not wearing any socks…” She said slowly.
Just as she thought, Yang played along as she let out an intrigued sound. “No socks you say? Well that’s even sexier than what I had imagined!! Pyrrha! Change of plans I need to go to my place because I need to-” There was several loud slaps that echoed through Blake’s scroll.
“You will not finish that sentence you brute.” Weiss’s voice was as loud as it was stern while several more slaps were heard while Yang could be heard trying to say something more.
Of course the sound of Weiss’s relentless assault on her girlfriend prompted Pyrrha’s motherly tone to chide in. “Hey, no fighting in my car.”
“Oh no. You can’t expect to enforce that rule when she blatantly deserves this punishment.” Weiss huffed, sounding a bit out of breath as Yang could still be heard giggling.
She heard Pyrrha let out a small laugh of her own. “You know what, you’re absolutely right. I’m sorry Weiss, please continue.”
“Nooooo! Blaaaakkeee save meeeee!” Yang whined loudly.
Blake couldn’t help but allow her own amusement to ring out at Yang’s predicament as she finally poured herself some tea. “Sorry, sounds like you are on your own dear.”
Just as Yang tried to continue to exaggeratedly whine about how unjust her treatment was, Weiss chimed in once more. “Enough of your whining, you’ll see her later. Now say goodbye Yang.”
“Goodbye Yang!”
Blake could practically feel Weiss’s facepalm through her scroll at Yang’s antics. “Gods can you be anymore insufferable?” It was no surprise that simultaneously Blake, Yang and even Pyrrha all answered ‘yes’ at the same time prompting Weiss to make another disgusted noise. “Ugh why do I even bother associating with you lot? Speaking of such, will you be picking up Ruby later today Blake?“
Weiss’s question had Blake smiling knowingly. One of these days either she or Yang will finally get the publisher to admit whether or not if she is actually dating the younger brunette. Ruby unfortunately was also equally tight-lipped on the matter but alas... “Yes, I’ll be picking up both her and Jaune around the same time.”
“Very good then, that’s all I wanted to know. Bye for now Blake, we will see you later.” There was a few more shouts of ‘bye’ from both Pyrrha and Yang in the background.
“Until later then.” She replied easily as she disconnected her scroll still smiling. Armed by a good mood and an abundance of tea, Blake returned to her writing with renewed vigor.
---
When the clock struck four o’clock Blake felt accomplished. Not only had she gotten a fair amount of work done, but she was now officially ahead in her self imposed writing schedule. Needless to say it caused Blake’s good mood to elevate as she saved her work before heading to her car in order to embark on her quest to pick up both Ruby and Jaune from the hospital downtown.
Jaune had finished his internship only a month prior, thus allowing him to take his radiology major to a more challenging field than a walk in clinic and now worked at Vale Memorial Hospital in the ER center. And it just so happened that Ruby, who had graduated Beacon at the beginning of this year, had also landed a job at the same hospital. Though instead of taking x-rays Ruby used her degree and knowledge to outfit patients with new prosthetics. Neither of their jobs were necessarily considered to be easy, but according to them they both enjoyed what they do so that was all that mattered.
Yang of course was super proud of her baby sis. Especially whenever she would help someone down at the therapy center who sported one of Ruby’s prosthetic designs. Causing her to further joke that perhaps she needed to have Ruby design her an upgraded version. Blake partially feared that Ruby would take that as an opportunity to do something… potentially dangerous. And she only says that because one night, when the topic had been brought up, the younger woman joked about adding some sort of weapon to its design. She claimed it would be for self defense purposes but Blake wasn’t fooled, she knew Ruby loved things that were followed by the term “it’s also a gun."
When Blake had pulled up to the hospital, both Ruby and Jaune were already waiting for her outside near the ER drop off zone, and they appeared to be in the middle of a conversation. A conversation that unexpectedly continued as they clambered into Blake’s car.
“I wish I was joking! Seriously, here I thought I had seen some weird stuff while working at the clinic with Nora but I was so wrong.” Jaune exclaimed as he climbed into the back seat and buckling himself in.
Ruby hopped into the front seat and quickly did the same. “I have no doubt about that. But what I’m saying is that’s gross and how anyone thought that was a safe or even a smart idea is beyond me. Hi Blake!” Like switching gears Ruby went from having a disgusted look on her face to all smiles as she leaned over the center console to give Blake an awkward one arm hug. Even after getting to know Ruby a bit better over the years Blake has still yet to figure out how Ruby was able to switch between emotions so fluidly.
“Dare I ask what you two are talking about?” Blake asked with a raised brow as she pulled away from the curb. She nearly laughed out loud as Ruby practically groaned out ‘no’ while Jaune said ‘maybe’. So she decided to pose her next question to Jaune, glancing briefly in his direction by the use of her rearview mirror. “Why do you say maybe?”
Ruby slouched in the passenger seat with a groan. “Oh gross I have to listen to this story again…”
Jaune of course chuckled at her antics. “Well, it is kinda gross but I say maybe because I’m sure you’ll end up telling Yang at some point and she’s the type of person who would get a kick out of it. Soooo… Yeah. You sure you wanna know?”
She had a feeling she was going to regret her next words, “Sure, why not.”
While Ruby stuffed her index fingers into her ears and proceeded to hum out loud, Jaune proceeded to regale Blake with one of the x-rays that he took during his shift. Yup, Jaune was right, Yang was totally going to get a kick about hearing how a guy got a vibrator stuck up the back end and then had the bright idea to use a pair of tongs in an attempt to get the vibrator out. Only to get the tongs stuck up there as well. She on the other hand had to agree with Ruby, that that whole ordeal was a bit too much information. “Okay… I regret asking now…” She tried and failed to suppress a shudder as she got onto the highway.
“See!? I tried to warn you but noooo, curiosity got the better of you didn’t it!” Ruby added once Jaune finished his tale.
“Yes, you were right Ruby, I sincerely apologize for ever doubting you. Why don’t you tell me about your day so that I can burn the mental imagery that Jaune provided me with then?”
“Gladly!” Ruby practically cheered next to her causing both Blake and Jaune to chuckle at her enthusiasm. It was contagious after all.
The younger woman wasted no time at all before proceeding to tell both Blake and Jaune all about how she was helping a young girl who was about the age of eighteen or so get some measurements done so that Ruby could hopefully outfit her with a new leg prosthetic sometime next week. The girl she was helping supposedly already had a prosthetic, so it wasn’t a new injury or anything but she had outgrown her previous one and thus needed a new one. Which prompted Ruby to then launch into one of her infamous ramblings regarding new technology when it came to leg versus arm prosthetics and the differences between what kind of tech each used. Not to mention how fancy they were to work with.
Honestly most of the terminology she used went over Blake’s head but the writer was still impressed with how far technology has advanced in just a few short years in regards to the use of prosthetics. Or at least according to what Ruby was telling her at least. Still, between Ruby talking about her day and the few questions she herself was asked regarding her latest work along with it’s progress, the conversation easily carried them all the way to their destination. Which was the Emerald Forest Hotel Resort.
Pulling up into one of the parking spaces closest to the building, Blake had to take a moment to just breathe. It wasn’t because the area was busy or anything, in fact they were in a remote area. So it wasn’t her anxiety flaring or becoming an issue, more accurately she was just flat out nervous. Inside, she knew not only her parents were waiting for her but also possibly Tai along with all of her and Yang's friends.
“Everything alright Blake?” Jaune’s voice which was quickly followed by Ruby resting a reassuring hand on her shoulder broke Blake out of her wandering thoughts.
“Uh-Yeah. I guess I’m just nervous is all.” Her voice, even to her own ears, sounded hesitant. Thankfully her friends didn’t question it as they shared a look between themselves before offering Blake dual comforting smiles.
“It’s okay Blake, we understand. Well, Jaune at least understands more than I do but you get what I mean.” Ruby’s ever cheerful voice was followed by a short laugh before she turned and hopped out of Blake’s car, prompting both Blake and Jaune to do the same. “Besides, you know everyone who’s gonna be here so it’s not like you are being forced to mingle with strangers, am I right?”
Well the shorter woman had a point there. “Yeah, you’re right. Thanks Ruby.” Blake gave the brunette a hug in thanks as the three of them walked into the resort. They easily found themselves following the markers, no doubt set up by her mother, that led them to the venue area.
Not like reaching the venue area was hard to begin with but once there, they were greeted by a wide open space with the back wall consisting of several floor to ceiling windows looking out over the Emerald Forest itself. They also found both of Blake’s parents there and both were hard at work. Her father was currently busy setting up tables and chairs around the room while her mother on the other hand was spotted fussing over various bouquets consisting of an assortment of soft purple and yellow tulips, along with a mixture of bupleurum and baby’s breath set in glass vases with little bees on them. To Blake, it felt as if she had walked into a spring garden despite being indoors. Granted, seeing as it was May and thus was technically late spring, Blake chalked it up to the added effect the flowers had in addition to the lush growth of the forest seen just outside the windows that had the atmosphere feeling as if it was mid spring instead.
It was perfect.
Ghira had apparently spotted their arrival during the short time Blake was busy admiring her parents hard work transforming the venue. Not noticing his approach until he enveloped her in a big bear hug that nearly lifted her off her feet. “There’s my girl, are you ready for your big day?”
Blake couldn’t respond for a moment, not that she was speechless or didn’t know how to respond, but more accurately because her father was squeezing her so hard that she just couldn’t. A sure sign that told her he was trying really hard to hold himself together. Still, when he had finally let go of her she couldn’t help but give him a large warm smile. “More than ready.”
At that moment Jaune had come up behind Blake with a smile of his own. “Anything we can do to help out?” Ghira just returned his smile before starting to delegate small tasks to the three of them. Though he informed them that if Kali requested something to just go ahead and do whatever she said. Apparently her mother was being very particular with how the arrangements were to be set up because everything had to be perfect according to her.
Blake had to stifle a laugh at how much her mother resembled Weiss just then with how meticulous she was being. No wonder those two got along so well.
She had just finished helping Ruby blow up a few dozen balloons, an array of purples, lilacs, gold and yellow that were intended to be part of the table decorations alongside the flowers when someone calling her name drew her attention. Looking up Blake had to do a double take.
There standing in the entryway to the venue was a woman with tan skin dotted with freckles, currently wearing a zip up hoodie with cut off sleeves and jeans. Her long brown hair was held in its familiar ponytail as blue-grey eyes met Blake’s gold with a wide smile.
“Illia? But I thought- You said you wouldn’t be able to make it…” Blake rushed over to greet her long time friend and once girlfriend with a bone crushing hug.
Ilia of course just chuckled as she returned the hug just as fiercely before loosening her hold. “Yeah well, as it turned out I didn’t like my job enough to be able to miss out on this. So I quit. Turns out it was for the best seeing as I ended up receiving a job offer with better pay just before I got on the plane ride here. The interview won’t be until next week when I return to Atlas so I at least get the chance to enjoy some time here with you on your big day.”
Blake was caught between being ecstatic and totally flabbergasted as she looked her friend over. She was actually here! Physically here! They have talked over the scroll a few times but they haven’t physically seen each other since the day they both left for college. All at once Blake remembered when Yang suggested that she reach out to Ilia in order to invite her for today. Followed by how sad they both were when Ilia, having initially agreed and was excited about seeing the two of them, had later informed them that she regrettably couldn’t get the time off approved even with several months of advanced notice.
She never would have expected that Ilia would quit her job though. According to Ilia she had to work extra hard in order to earn her position as a receptionist for the SDC mining company and work even harder to keep it. “So what’s the new job, do you know?”
Ilia gave her a proud look as she stood just a bit straighter. “I actually got offered to be a safety inspector with the Mantel Mining Health and Administration board. Can you believe it? I’ll actually be allowed to conduct inspections at the mines rather than sit behind a desk and feel useless while the higher ups just busy themselves with numbers and productivity levels.”
Wow that certainly was amazing! Especially since Ilia lost her parents in a mining accident, Blake was proud of her. Here she was officially achieving her goal to ensure that what happened to her parents wouldn’t happen to anyone else. “That’s, that’s amazing! I’m so proud of you!” She gave Ilia another hug because she couldn’t help herself, she really was proud of her. But there was still one thing that Blake couldn’t help but worry over...
Apparently Ilia was still able to read her like an open book and let out a soft chuckle. “Don’t worry Blake, I’ve been in contact with your mom for the last two weeks. She assures me she has everything taken care of and I believe her. Besides, we thought it would be a nice surprise if we didn’t tell you about me showing up beforehand.”
Letting out an amused sound of her own Blake nodded. “Well I’m definitely surprised. I can’t believe you were actually able to make it.”
“Well believe it!” Ilia laughed out. “Now, if you don’t mind me, I’m gonna go hunt down your mother to see what she wants to do with me. Knowing her, it will at least save the rest of you from her stressed induced perfectionism.”
Blake let out a laugh. “Only for a few minutes.” Seriously, they way her mother copes with stress was both amusing to watch and stressful to deal with. “Though you do realize that just means she’ll focus all of her attention on you instead of whether or not if the decorations are symmetrical right?”
They both took a moment to look over and see Kali doing exactly that at the long table that was intended to be the buffet line as she directed poor Jaune to move various decorations with a nudge here or a nudge there until finally nodding in satisfaction. She turned back to face her friend just in time to see Ilia roll her eyes. No doubt she was also remembering the various birthday parties that they had growing up where Kali had conducted similar antics. “Oh I am perfectly aware and I will gladly make this sacrifice for you, but just this once. So don’t make a habit out this Belladonna.” She gave Blake a mock look of seriousness before cracking a smile.
A smile in which Blake easily returned. “Trust me, I don’t intend to.”
“Good.” Illia gave her one last hug before walking purposefully in the direction of Blake’s mother. She watched for a bit as Ilia tapped Kali on the shoulder, the older faunus turning with a look of confusion on her face for perhaps half a second before wrapping her arms around the chameleon faunus in a tight hug with words of joy. Yes, it was definitely a nice surprise to have her here, Blake thought before returning to continue helping Ruby with the balloons.
They were able to get a lot of work done within the next hour. Shortly after six both Tai and Qrow strolled into the venue carrying in catered food with the assistance of some of the resort staff. Before now Blake had only seen Yang’s Uncle in pictures, so today would be her first time meeting him in person. Unfortunately, her attention was immediately drawn to both Sun and Neptune making a loud entrance, as per normal for the duo, as they followed Yang’s family with their arms overburdened with bags of ice and various drinks.
Blake had been busy talking with Coco and Velvet, both of whom had shown up early so that Coco, who offered to film today’s event, could scope out the best spots for Fox and Yatsu to set up once they arrived. Blake was being entertained by the one year old held in Velvets arms, the little blonde bunny faunus blowing bubbles at her while Coco proudly told Blake about how she and Velvet chose to adopt the adorable little bundle after getting married last summer. Sun had decided to make his presence known just as Coco was about done with her tale when rushed over and hooked an arm around Blake’s unsuspecting shoulders.
“Hey Blake! Ready to get hitched finally?!” Of course he was all smiles as he all but shouted his question, causing Blake to let out a small laugh. Of course he had to remind Blake that she was getting married today. Not like she needed the reminder seeing how everything was mostly set up and she would have to go get ready soon.
“Well if I remember correctly, you were the one who told me to put a ring on her, sooo yes?” She said with amusement. Well, technically speaking it was Yang who had popped the question. On Blake’s birthday no less.
She remembered it like it was yesterday rather than a few months ago.
They were at Pyrrha and Jaune’s place with the addition of Ruby and Weiss in celebration. Blake had been enjoying herself so far while in the company of her friends when Yang had suddenly shot up off the couch and demanded that they play a game of charades. Blake should have known something was up when Weiss was more than enthusiastic to participate rather than qrip about how childish it was. But at the time she had merely chalked it up to Ruby’s enthusiasm over the suggestion proving to be contagious as always.
They had paired into teams, Jaune and Pyrrha, Ruby and Weiss, and of course Yang and Blake. The theme was movies and the married couple had went first. Jaune surprising everyone with how good he was at the game after successfully guessing 008 His Majesty's Secret Service with Pyrrha using possibly the vaguest hand gestures ever. And within thirty seconds no less.
Ruby and Weiss were up next, however Weiss had a much harder time trying to guess just what Ruby was trying to mime out until she jumped over the back of the couch and onto the covers in the motion of a breaching whale. “Free Wilson?” Weiss finally called out in confusion.
Ruby shot up with a loud cheer of success. “FINALLY!” Causing both Blake and Yang to laugh at her antics before turning to them. “Alright nerds! You’re up!” Ruby couldn’t flee fast enough in order to prevent Yang from grabbing her and putting her in a headlock.
“Just who do you think your calling a nerd squirt!?”
“Ack Noooo!! Blake heeeelp meee!!!”
Blake was already shaking her head no. “Sorry Ruby, you brought this upon yourself.” Pyrrha was the one to eventually break the two sisters apart after about a minute of their roughhousing nearly knocked over the coffee table. Returning to their game it was Blake who was up next while Yang would be the one trying to accurately guess what Blake tried to convey by use of hand gestures and poor acting skills. Drawing her card Blake had to read it twice to ensure that she read it right while trying not to blush fiercely.
Was this card actually part of the game? Surely this had to be a hoax because she couldn’t remember if this actually was a movie or not. If it was Blake for sure has never heard of it. Furthermore, how the hell was she even supposed to mime this without giving Yang the wrong impression? When it was time to start the round Blake decided on mimicking the action of opening a ring box, but of course that proved to be too simple as Yang started to shout out random answers. “A clam? No wait! A mouth!” She silently shook her head no to both of Yang’s guesses. Of course her hoping that Yang would guess right with such a simple action was too much to ask for.
‘Okay plan B…’ Blake looked around the room quickly, trying to find an alternative solution. She ended up walking over to a picture Pyrrha had hanging up on the wall showing her and Jaune saying their vows to each other.
“Old married couple?” Yang called out with a cheesy grin, while Pyrrha, no doubt on reflex by this point, had reached over and smacked the blondes shoulder while Blake face palmed. She held up four fingers instead, prompting Yang to accurately guess that there were four words.
She held up one finger, “first word…” Yang started to say as Blake nodded and pointed to one of the numerous dvd’s on the shelf where the main actor’s name was written in large print. “Will Smyth? No... Will! First word ‘will’?” Blake nodded vigorously. Progress… She held up a second finger and just pointed at Yang. “Me? Or do you mean ‘you’?” She nodded at the latter before holding up a third finger and repeated the motion of opening and closing her hands again. “Oh I got it!” Yang shouted as she stood up with excitement.
What happened next caught Blake completely off guard. Yang bounced towards her, a hand quickly digging into her pants pocket and pulling out a ring before suddenly dropping down to one knee in front of her. No way….
“Will you marry me?” As recognition finally dawned on Blake, Yang had the proudest look on her face. Truthfully, there was only one correct answer here. And that was to pull Yang back up on to her feet by the collar of her shirt and kiss her fiercely in front of everyone gathered. When they pulled apart, Yang smiled widely at her. “I take it that’s a yes then?”
Blake just ended up kissing her again.
The memory of that day still caused Blake to blush. It was cheesy, undoubtedly so, but to her the moment and the way Yang had proposed couldn’t have been more perfect.
“There you are!” Collectively the whole group turned their heads to stare at none other than Weiss Schnee walking purposefully towards them. “Your mother has been making a fuss looking for you.”
That was news to her. “But I’ve been here this whole time.” Blake quirked a brow at Weiss as she smiled at her friends approach.
Weiss rolled her eyes as she came to a stop just in front of Blake, hip cocked to one side and her arms crossed. “I know, but try telling your mother that while she’s currently busy being the embodiment of a hurricane. So I suggest we go before she decides to come down here herself.” Weiss had started to turn before stopping and spinning on her heel once more, this time pointing at Sun. “You better go see Ghira by the way, seeing as Jaune is already with him getting ready.”
Of course Sun just gave her a mock salute. “Aye aye Ma’am!” He gave Neptune a kiss on the cheek before dashing off in a random direction.
Blake rolled her eyes fondly at the sight of her friend just as she felt a hand rest on her shoulder. It was Velvet giving her a large warm smile. “We’ll get out of your hair. And don’t worry Blake, we’ll be sure to take lots of pictures as well.” As she and Coco turned to continue with their own set up, Honey, their daughter, waved a chubby little hand and babbled cheerfully at Blake that she couldn’t help but wave back at the toddler.
‘As adorable as she is, I think it would be best if Yang and I waited a bit before discussing having kids of our own. Though I’m more than confident Yang would be all for the idea…’ Blake barely refrained from laughing out loud to herself, instead silently shaking her head as she followed behind Weiss. ‘Look at me, not even officially married yet and already thinking of kids. One thing at a time Belladonna.’ Her smile never left her face as she continued to follow Weiss out of the venue area and taking the elevator up one floor leading to the room her parents had rented. Initially they had rented the room for their stay in Vale during Blake and Yang’s wedding, but seeing as they were getting married in the same building they ended up using the space as a dressing room of sorts.
As it turned out however, Ilia was also staying at the resort seeing as Weiss led Blake past the room her parents were staying in and continued on down towards the end of the hallway. And here she was hoping to get a sneak peak at what Yang would be wearing but alas, it appeared that she would be kept in suspense until the ceremony. It was probably for the best actually seeing as whatever her love had decided on wearing would just end up being a distraction to Blake.
When Weiss opened the door Blake spotted Ilia already dressed up in soft lilac colors with yellow accents. Those were the colors she chose for her bridesmaids. Sun, as Blake’s sole bridegroom, would be wearing a tie in the same shade of lilac with his tuxedo. A bit simple, but at the time Blake had decided on her color scheme with the help of her mother, she couldn’t think of anything more elaborate that the monkey faunus could be convinced to wear.
Not even with one foot barely in the room Blake was hardly able to take notice of the sympathetic look Ilia shot her just before her mother had set upon her like a swooping vulture. She grabbed Blake by both hands, pulling her fully into the room with more force one would think someone as short as she would possess. “Finally you arrive dear! We have so much to do, why don’t you go get changed while I finish up Ilia’s makeup. Weiss, could you be a dear and help Blake get into her dress?”
Well at least now Blake had a better understanding of what Weiss’s earlier comment about her mother had meant.
Kali had all but shoved Blake in the direction of the bathroom and was quickly followed by Weiss. When the door was firmly shut behind them Weiss pointedly rolled her eyes at Blake, causing her to stifle a laugh. She knew what her friend and publisher was trying to convey, even without the use of words. Her mother was blatantly nervous in her efforts to ensure that everything would be perfect. Admittedly Blake was a bit nervous as well but unlike her mother, she was at least confident in the work everyone had put in to ensure that everything would turn out alright.
“Alright, the sooner we get you into your dress, the sooner we can save your friend out there from your mother’s fussing.” Weiss was already handing her a nondescript cover bag that presumably contained her wedding dress.
“You do realize that no matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to escape my mothers fussing Weiss.” Blake gave the publisher a knowing smile. Weiss of course just rolled her eyes again with a tsk.
“Just watch me...” Blake found herself openly laughing at the defiant look Weiss gave her just then. As amusing as the thought of Weiss trying to escape the inevitably however, Blake’s mirth was turned into stunned silence as she unzipped the cover bag, revealing her wedding dress.
Granted it shouldn’t have been that much of a surprise, she had picked out the design after all. But that was when the dress itself was made up entirely in the more traditional white colors. The one she now held was lilac in color starting at the top before fading to a rich purple towards the bottom of the gown. With the assistance of Weiss, she quickly changed into it and marveled at the off the shoulder design paired with an illusion neckline.
Blake couldn’t tear her eyes away from herself in the mirror as she ran her hands over the smooth fabric. “Judging by your reaction I can assume that Coco’s connections had made everything to your liking?” She caught a glimpse of Weiss’s satisfied looking smile over her shoulder in the mirror.
“It’s more than perfect.” She said as she turned to hug Weiss. The action caught the publisher only slightly off guard. Blake having forgotten that her friend wasn’t really the physical type but was relieved when the gesture was returned.
When they parted Weiss gave her one last look over before nodding as if satisfied that her work was at least done and the two of them rejoined Ilia and Kali in the main portion of the room. “Oh Perfect timing, I just finished up with Ilia and- Oh my word you look so lovely dear! Come here and let me have a look at you.” Her mother gushed almost instantly.
She could hardly refuse her mother as she approached Kali who proceeded to look her over while gushing the entire time. During which it didn’t escape Blake’s notice that Weiss had disappeared along with Ilia, no doubt the two of them taking the opportunity to escape her mother's fussing. Traitors.
‘Oh well, it’s not like my mother will ever have the opportunity to do this again after all. Might as well let her have her fun.’ Blake thought with a smile as Kali proceeded to have her take a seat while she wasted no time in thinking out loud regarding what to do with Blake’s hair.
---
“Oh damn… Blake what will it take to have you run away with me instead of allowing you to marry Yang?” Blake had to refrain from laughing at the obvious awe in Ilia’s voice least she somehow cause Kali to mess up while applying her eyeliner.
“How can you even ask that?” She heard more than saw Weiss’s slightly offended tone.
“What? I dated her first.” Really if Blake was able to roll her eyes just then she would have.
“She has a point Weiss. But sadly Ilia, I believe you were the one to suggest that we break things off in the first place.” She managed to peer out of one eye as Kali switched to apply mascara to the other, allowing her to give Ilia a fond look. She knew that Ilia saw her as nothing but a friend now, but that didn’t change the fact that once upon a time they were indeed a couple with feelings for each other once.
“Ugh don’t remind me. Stupid college… Think if I kick Yang’s butt I could change your mind?” There was a teasing note to her voice that had Blake’s smile widening. Even though they could no longer claim to have romantic feelings for one another anymore, that didn’t mean that they couldn’t joke about getting back together after all. And it’s not like Yang would be offended by the conversation either. Blake can easily recall countless times Yang had made similar staged but no less flirty comments to Pyrrha.
Of course Weiss, not knowing Ilia as well as Blake did, couldn’t tell the difference if she was joking or being serious. “You do realize that Yang is a former kickboxer right? An undefeated pro kickboxer even, that is if one doesn’t count her last match.” Blake had her eyes closed again but she could picture Weiss standing there with her arms crossed with one eyebrow raised. Even just picturing it was as amusing as it would have been if she actually seen her using such posture.
Thankfully she heard Ilia laugh off the comment. “Man you really know how to crush a girls hopes and dreams Weiss. Oh well... You can at least count me in on that little bet of yours though. Twenty bucks on gold.”
Wait, what? What bet?
“Twenty bucks on gold? What are you two talking about?” Blake tried to face her two friends but her mother's hand placing a firm grip on her chin prevented her from doing so.
“It’s nothing, don’t worry about it Blake.” Okay, now she knew something was up. Weiss telling her not to worry in that tone? A tone that all but screamed smug satisfaction… You bet Blake was going to worry about it! Unfortunately that was all she could do until her mother was done with her makeup, seeing as that was the one thing currently holding her back from doing anything else regarding the situation. Like perhaps glaring at her friends.
Thankfully she didn’t have long to wait until Kali finally sat back with a loving smile. “All done dear. Oh you just look so beautiful, when did my baby girl grow up to be such a gorgeous woman?”
Blake gave her mother a brief hug before standing from the chair she had been confined to for the last twenty minutes. She gave Weiss a wicked look just as an idea came to mind. “A product of all your hard work mom. Out of curiosity though, have you had the chance to do Weiss’s makeup yet?” Quickly glancing at the publisher, who visibly flinched at the comment while giving Blake a betrayed look, she correctly assumed not. Good, cause this was revenge for starting a bet of unknown origins on her wedding day. Seriously who does that?
Besides, it was well worth watching Weiss who had at some point put on her own bridesmaids dress, immediately try to slink away only to have her attempted escape thwarted by Ilia who easily stopped her with a hand on the shoulder. “Oh no… If I had to go through this, so do you missy. Where do you want her Kali?” Ilia looked absolutely pleased with herself as Kali smiled at her and wordlessly indicated towards the chair Blake had just been sitting at.
Oh yes, watching her mother proceed to fuss over Weiss, something that she knew the publisher was not accustomed to so therefore was visibly squirmy over it, was well worth calling her out on. As they waited, she and Ilia proceeded to take a few selfies including some incriminating photos of Weiss having her hair redone because Kali insisted that a french braid would look better on her than her usual ponytail. As amusing as the ordeal was, it wasn’t long before Kali declared that she was done with Weiss’s new look. Which made both Blake and Ilia slightly envious as the older woman had ended up spending far less time with her than they had initially thought before leaving the room under the pretense of checking in on the other half of the wedding party.
Blake found herself taking a deep breath as the door firmly shut behind her mother. It was just a matter of time now, and oh boy were the butterflies starting to get to her. But this was normal… Right? Thankfully both Weiss and Ilia seemed to pick up on her sudden nervousness. Perhaps her ears gave her away, again. Regardless, she gladly welcomed their comforting hands on her shoulder along with their reassuring smiles.
When the door had creaked open a few minutes later, Blake had half expected it was her mother returning, or even her father. But it was neither as the voice that filtered into the room belonged to none other than Sun. “Uh, ladies… Is it safe to enter?” When there was a chorus of ‘yes’, Sun fully opened the door and walked into the room. He looked positively handsome in his three piece suit and tie, for no other reason than the last time Blake had seen him dressed so nicely was for his own wedding years ago.
He had hardly taken a few steps into the room however when his blue eyes became impossibly wide as they landed on Blake. “Oh man, is it too late to change my bet?” He asked as he looked to Weiss with what looked like a pleading and hopeful look.
Seriously what is this bet they were all talking about? When she turned her own questioning look to both of the other women in the room they pointedly pretended not to notice. Weiss however crossed her arms and looked almost smug. “No you may not Mr. Wukong, as I distinctly remember saying that all bets are final.”
“Aaaaawwwww daaaaaannnng it!” Sun whined out. His pout didn’t last longer than a heartbeat though as he then purposefully walked up to Blake with a smile. He took up both her hands and kissed the knuckles of one, still smiling charmingly at her. “I gotta say though Blake, you look amazing! I didn’t know you could clean up so well!” The joke caused Blake to give his shoulder a playful shove.
“Liar.” Was all she managed to say. Her cheeks however, like the traitorous bastards that they were, were blushing furiously at the complement. Her embarrassment was thankfully short lived as the door opened once more, this time revealing her father’s large frame taking up a bulk of the doorway.
“Blake honey? Are you ready?” His normally low booming voice was somehow pitched to sound softer as he walked into the room. He was dressed sharply in a traditional styled tuxedo that was such a deep purple that it looked nearly black in color with a matching bowtie. When his eyes landed on Blake, his reaction was similar to that of her mother as he offered her a fond smile. “You ladies look lovely.”
“Aww thanks Mr. B, but I’m not as lovely as Blake!” Sun piped up with his usual good ‘ol boy smile along with his monkey tail swishing behind him. While her father gave him a flat stare, Blake on the other hand, was tempted to roll her eyes at him. With his inability to not make some witty remark, it was no wonder that Sun got along so well with Yang. Her father on the other hand… Well it was nice to know that some things never change.
Ilia’s amused chuckle broke through the sudden quietness of the room. “Well to be fair, bridesmaids aren't supposed to outshine the bride. It is her wedding after all.”
Sun looked like he was going to say something just then, but whatever undoubtedly playful remark that was about to come out of his mouth was cut off by the sound of a scroll chiming loudly. It came from none other than her father as Blake watched him pull out his scroll from an inner coat pocket, giving the device a quick look before placing it back into its hiding spot. “That was your mother, looks like it’s about time for us to head down there. Are you ready dear?”
He gave Blake a fond look as he reached out with his hands to hold both of hers. Looking at how small her hands looked held within her fathers large calloused palms had Blake smiling warmly, feeling her nervousness disappearing completely with the comforting gesture. “I’m ready.” She said confidently, causing her father to match her smile.
Of course the moment between father and daughter was interrupted by none other than Sun. “Ah yeah! Operation ‘putting a ring on that’ is officially underway!”
Sometimes Blake finds herself seriously wondering if her friend was dropped as a child. Where does he come up with these things? Either way, her father once more leveled the blonde with a hard flat stare that even she found intimidating.
“Have I ever mentioned how much I dislike you?”
Of course Sun was never one to be easily intimidated. Least of all by her father. “All the time sir!” He said with enthusiasm, even going so far as to give him a thumbs up.
Ghira of course sighed heavily while the rest of the group just shook their heads at Sun’s antics. Still, he wordlessly held out his arm for Blake to take. A silent gesture that it was finally time to start her wedding. She took a deep breath and released it slowly, smiling as she took her father’s arm.
She was ready for this.
As they headed back down to the venue Blake never caught sight of either Yang or for that matter Ruby, Pyrrha or Jaune who consisted of her party. Well, it wasn’t like she had much longer to wait. Kali met her and the others at the entrance of the venue. She gave Blake a smile that spoke volumes of how much she was proud of her daughter and gave her a loving kiss on the cheek before turning and proceeding through the venue doors first.
Blake heard the music start up the moment Kali walked through the doors and awaited her cue. When it came, she and Ghira were up next. Walking through the doors herself, Blake tried her best to keep her eyes focused forward. From the corner of her eyes she could see the gazes of both family and friends alike stare at her, all with smiles and a few with tears. Not to mention more than a few camera flashes, no doubt from Velvet but just the thought of that had her feeling embarrassed. Blake wanted to say something like she never before had been the focus of so many people before but that would be lying. She has attended a few awards ceremonies since that first year she was with Yang, and was even talked into attending another guest panel last summer. But that hardly meant that she was used to the attention. And this was far, far different.
Her attention was drawn to her father about halfway down the aisle as she heard a sniffle next to her. Oh no… Of course her father would choose this moment to finally lose his cool and start the water works. Blake patted his large forearm affectionately and gave him the best reassuring smile she could. When they reached the altar Blake gave her father a light hug as he gave her a kiss in between her feline ears before joining Kali off to one side in the seated crowd.
Next came Weiss, back ramrod straight and looking as elegant as ever as she walked down the aisle in measured steps followed by Ilia doing much the same. Sun was last and of course he appeared to almost march down the aisle in a manner only he could pull off. When he reached the others he gave Blake a goofy grin which she returned with a roll of her eyes and a fond smile.
There was a brief pause as the music changed, but only slightly and then Ruby finally appeared through the doors. Even being only two years younger than Blake, she had always had a childlike aura to her. But the person walking down the aisle in a dress much like Weiss and Ilia’s, only in shades of soft yellow with lilac accents, could only be described as a fully grown woman. Ruby walked with even steps before reaching the altar, standing opposite of Weiss before she broke character for a split second to give Blake an excited smile. One of course she returned because, well just because.
Next was Pyrrha, and much like during her own wedding she almost appeared to glide down the aisle in effortless grace. Once she took her place standing adjacent of Ilia it was Jaune’s turn and unlike Sun, he was much more natural walking down the aisle. That is until he reached the altar and nearly tripped on the first step. Thankfully he managed to correct himself just in time as he stood next to his wife and opposite of sun as he let out a nervous chuckle.
The next person to come through the doors, Blake knew to be prepared for but still she couldn’t help her sudden tension as it was Zwei. Admittedly, he looked cute strutting down the aisle in a little corgi sized black bow tie worn around his fuzzy neck and wore little cuffs on his stubby legs. In his mouth was even a little basket that swung from side to side with his movements.
When Yang had suggested that he serve as their ring bearer, it took a lot of sweet talking on her part to make Blake agree. She still had an uneasy relationship with the family pet, granted it was better than when they had first met but still, that didn’t mean Blake was magically a dog person all of a sudden. Thankfully though Zwei was on his best behavior as he hopped the few steps to the altar and plopped down in front of Ruby, his little corgi tail wiggling happily underneath him as he held onto the little ring basket with this biggest doggie smile.
When the doors opened next, Blake could hardly drag her eyes away from the one person she has been waiting to see since the moment they slipped out of bed this morning.
When Yang finally came into full view, it was like the breath was knocked out of Blake’s lungs. Yang’s dress was a rich gold color that was only a shade or two darker than her hair that was elegantly braided and pulled back away from her face. Like’s Blake’s own dress, Yang’s was also off the shoulder but without the illusionary neckline, allowing her defined collarbones and upper chest to be on full display. Despite her muscular build the whole dress gave Yang a feminine look that left Blake in awe.
In fact, Blake was staring so intently that she hardly took notice of the way Tai was doing a poor job of trying not to openly cry as he walked his daughter down the aisle. Or even how Weiss and the others were staring at her with knowing looks and smiles. All she could focus on was a pair of uncharacteristically shy lilac staring back at her, never breaking eye contact even when they suddenly stopped moving as the person they belonged to now stood in front of her.
About a thousand different compliments ran through her head, however Blake couldn’t even bring herself to speak even one of them as she was content with just staring into pools of lilac. And judging by the way Yang was staring back at her, Blake thought it safe to say that she felt the same way. Possibly even more so seeing as when the wedding officiant, who had started speaking shortly after everyone was present and had taken their places, Yang ended missing her cue.
It was adorable how Yang blinked owlishly once the low rumble of laughter drew her out of whatever haze she was caught it. “I’m sorry, can you repeat that?” Even Blake couldn’t refrain from laughing lightly when Yang gave him a small look of embarrassment. Suspiciously, Blake barely caught sight of Ruby and Pyrrha hand something small over to Jaunue where as in her peripheral she noticed of Sun do much the same with Weiss and Ilia.
The elderly gentleman just gave her a kind smile. Or perhaps a knowing one. Blake could hardly believe that Yang was the first person to ever be caught off guard because they were too busy staring at their spouse to be. “Your vows Miss Xiao Long?”
“Oh right, that. Yes of course.” Yang stammered with a blush, causing another round of light laughter to ring throughout the hall as she took a deep breath before reaching out to hold both of Blake’s hands in hers. They trembled only slightly but her voice when she spoke never wavered. “Blake… The most remarkable moment in my life is when we meet. You quickly became the person who made me feel whole again. You’re the person who I now share a bond so special that it transcends any normal relationship and became something so wonderful, that I can’t imagine spending another day of your life without you. I promise to support your dreams and to respect your unhealthy addiction to tea, and to love you and be by your side for the rest of our lives together.”
It was a beautiful speech, and Blake couldn’t quite decide if she was embarrassed by the absolute sincerity behind Yang’s vow or moved from the unquestionable affection in which she had spoken them. Most likely it was both, not that she would openly admit it. At least not right now anyway.
When the wedding officiant nodded and turned to face Blake in silent prompt for her to continue with her own vows, she couldn’t help but grip Yang’s hands which were still holding hers, just a bit tighter. Here goes nothing…
“Yang,” she started out, though her heart fluttered with giddiness, Blake was surprised that she spoke with such calmness. “You became one of my closest friends and confidants. I fell in love with what I know of you, along with the things that I’ve discovered and what I still hope to discover about you. I promise to respect you not only as a person, but as a partner, and an equal. There is honestly little to say that you haven’t already heard, but before you asked me to be yours, my heart had already belonged to you, and I am devoted to you in every way. Today I marry you with no hesitation or doubt, and my commitment to you is unwavering.”
She watched Yang blink back obvious tears as she smiled at Blake. She returned it easily as the wedding officiant continued with his script. “Yang Xiao Long, do you take Blake Belladonna to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others, and holding only unto her forevermore?”
“F yeah I do!” Clearly Yang hadn’t meant to say that as she suddenly looked embarrassed as others laughed at her blatant honesty. Including Blake, because that was just like Yang to say something like that. Yang gave a light cough and gave the officiant an apologetic look. “I mean.. I do.”
Again, the elderly gentleman just gave her a wider smile before looking to Blake. “And you Blake Belladonna, do you take Yang Xiao Long to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others, and holding only unto her forevermore?
Blake couldn’t contain her smile as the thought of Yang as anything other than her wife was unfathomable. “I do.” She said with a determined nod.
Turning slightly, the wedding officiant looked down at Zwei. “May we have the rings please?” Obediently, Zwei stood and presented his little basket, tail waging furiously panted out a huge dog like smile as the basket was taken from him. From the basket, the wedding officiate produced two rings and placed one in each of Blake and Yang’s palms. “As you place the ring on your beloved’s hand, please repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a daily reminder of my love for you.”
Yang of course went first. She repeated the words with reverence as she placed a golden band with a single trillion shaped amethyst on Blake’s left ring finger. When it was her turn, Blake repeated the same words as she slid a similar ring on Yang’s finger but was a silver band with a trillion shaped citrine instead. The wedding officiant then rested his old weathered hands upon their shoulders, giving them each a warm smile before looking out to the gathered crowd and speaking the loudest they have heard him speak since the ceremony began. “By the power vested in me, I pronounce you married. To celebrate this beautiful union, you may now kiss.”
Blake of course wasted no time in placing her hands on Yang’s cheeks to pull her in for said kiss. One that Yang was more than happy to return as Blake felt her arms wrap around her waist and proceed to lift her off the ground.
There was a chorus of cheers, most loudest seemingly coming from Ruby before they finally pulled apart. Looking out towards their gathered friends and family Blake could see many of them clap and cheer. Of course she also saw both Ghira and Tai reduced to a sobbing mess as she and Yang walked down the aisle. But Blake couldn’t think of any better outcome to her wedding. Because here she was, officially married to the most amazing person in the world.
Sure they were practically strangers nearly two years ago. But she had found happiness with Yang, even if it all started out as a fictional relationship.
End. :)