Author's Note: So…how about that Volume 3, huh? I don't know about you but I'm still emotionally destroyed after what transpired. So I've decided to hell with what happened and I'm just going to ignore it completely. I reject their reality and subsitute my own! So this is now going to be an ongoing series instead of just a one shot. Everything through Chapter 5 of Volume 3 is canon. But after that? Yeah, that didn't happen. Sure, Cinder and the Maidens and all that mess may still be taking place but it's not ever going to come to the forefront in this story.

So we're picking up where we left off the last time with Weiss and Yang together. Yang has won the Vytal Festival Tournament and now we're at the closing ceremonies. I have at least three more chapters already started or at least planned out for this but I'm not going to make any promises in terms of a release schedule. They'll be done when I bother to write them. Hope you enjoy!

"Yang?" Weiss called as she knocked softly on the bathroom door. "Yang, we're going to be late for your own party. Are you almost ready?"

"Dust, I don't know," a stressed-out Yang answered back from inside. "I'm so freaked out right now. This is such a big night and nothing feels right. I'm going to look like such a dolt out there. I don't know if I can do this, Weiss."

"Yes you can," Weiss huffed in annoyance. "If you can win the Vytal Festival Tournament by beating Pyrrha Nikos in the finals, you can get yourself dressed for the victory gala. And for the record, you always look like a dolt but that's why I love you so much."

"Love you too," Yang replied wearily. Weiss decided to give her some space and retreated over to the vanity. She sat down and took a look at herself in the mirror. She thought she looked flawless but she wasn't what mattered tonight. Sure, Team RWBY as a whole was being honored as the champions of the Vytal Festival Tournament but Yang had been the one to triumph in the Finals. So she was going to be the one receiving most of the glory and attention and she needed to look her best. Both Blake and Ruby had already left for the Vale Grand Ballroom where the gala was taking place, leaving Weiss to try and get the guest of honor ready all by herself.

Weiss closed her eyes and smiled as she thought back on the past few weeks of her life. Time seemed to move so quickly since that night in the showers when she'd revived Yang and she declared her love of Weiss to her in thanks. Since then, Weiss rarely felt like her feet ever touched the ground as an exuberant floaty feeling enveloped her at all times. And that happiness had rubbed off on other aspects of her life. She'd never felt more confident in battle and it clearly showed during the rounds of the Tournament she'd participated in.

Together as a team, RWBY had rather easily taken care of Team ABRN from Haven in the first round. Weiss and Yang were both chosen by everyone else to move onto the Doubles Round because of how much chemistry had formed between the two girlfriends. But they faced a difficult challenge from Team FNKI of Atlas and Weiss was forced to make a critical decision to protect Yang as she tried to tackle Flynt Coal into a geyser erupting lava but failed to subdue him and ultimately eliminated her from the fight. Yang ended up winning despite the numbers disadvantage but any joy she got from winning was immediately replaced with concern for her injured girlfriend. Weiss got scorched pretty badly and needed to spend a few days in intensive care but had made a full recovery.

Yang had been worried about Weiss and almost ended up losing her first match in the finals against Mercury Black but she managed to survive his onslaught with one of her own and picked up the victory. Then she and Sun Wukong had an amazing battle in the semifinals that left the entire arena giving both fighters a standing ovation. Yang managed to triumph thanks to a tip that Blake had given her about Sun not being able to handle smoke well so she caused a fire on the battlefield and took advantage when Sun was blinded. Finally, Yang and Pyrrha Nikos squared off in an all Beacon Academy Grand Championship Match that saw Pyrrha suffer her first ever defeat in a combat tournament. While Ruby and Blake were screaming in joy, Weiss immediately vaulted over the stadium railing and rushed to embrace Yang. Even with all of the people yelling and cheering all around them, Weiss had never experienced such peaceful silence. All she could hear was the frantic beating of Yang's heart and her deep breaths as she regained her wind from the grueling battle.

Finally, Weiss heard the bathroom door creak open and she swung around on her stool. Yang was standing in the doorway looking at the floor and nervously shifting her balance back and forth. She was dressed in an elegant, form-fitting champagne colored dress that softly glistened in the light. Weiss felt nearly all the air deflate from her lungs and her eyes went wide at how magnificent Yang looked.

"Well," murmured Yang as she slowly looked up at Weiss, "do I look alright?" Weiss didn't respond for a moment but then she stood up and strode over to Yang, trying her hardest not to let her see just how much her knees were shaking. Once she was stood in front of Yang, Weiss looked into her eyes and saw the usually vibrant lilac eyes shrouded with uncertainty. She then stood on her tiptoes and placed a lingering kiss on Yang's lips.

"My darling," Weiss said breathily against Yang's mouth, "you look wonderful tonight."

"I still can't decide to do with my hair, though," whined Yang.

"Here, sit down and I'll braid it for you. Would you like that?" Yang nodded and took Weiss's spot sitting at the vanity. Weiss retrieved Yang's hair brush and began gently trying to tame her wild blonde locks. Yang stiffened and closed her eyes tightly as she wasn't overly fond of anyone handling her hair other than herself but she knew that Weiss would do everything she could to not damage it. Weiss could feel how tense Yang was and told her curtly, "Yang, relax. Everything is going to be fine. I promise you that you can handle one ball."

"I'm trying Weiss. I really am," said Yang through gritted teeth.

"Is there anything else I can do for you to help you feel better?"

Yang thought for a moment and when she got an idea, her eyes flew open. She waited for a moment where Weiss wasn't handling her hair and craned her head back to look directly at Weiss. Yang then asked her, "Would you be willing to sing for me?"

Weiss faltered and cleared her throat nervously, not expecting that request from Yang. "Sing? Are you sure?"

"Please?" Yang asked as she put on her best adorable pout.

"Very well," sighed Weiss, unable to resist the image of her girlfriend deliberately being as cute as possible. "But this is just because we're alone and this is your big night, got it? Don't get used to this."

"Of course, thank you." Yang then puckered her lips, hoping for a kiss. Weiss rolled her eyes but obliged Yang's childish request. "You're the best," said Yang serenely.

"I know," replied Weiss as she resumed her work on Yang's hair. Now Weiss was feeling nervous since Yang had put her on the spot about singing but hadn't given any sort of request for what she wanted to hear. Weiss racked her brain, trying to think of a suitable song that she knew and that could ease Yang's nerves. She finally thought of one and took a few breaths to steady herself before beginning a soft ballad.

"Unforgettable…

That's what you are.

Unforgettable…

Tho' near or far.

Like a song of love that clings to me,

How the thought of you does things to me.

Never before has someone been more…

Unforgettable in every way.

And forever more, that's how you'll stay.

That's why darling it's incredible

That someone so unforgettable

Thinks that I am unforgettable too…"

Weiss continued to hum the melody as she felt Yang melt beneath her fingers and finally relax. After a few more minutes of work, Weiss had gotten Yang's hair into a very regal looking set of waterfall braids that cascaded down her back. "Okay, I think that should do it," Weiss declared as she knotted the final few strands in place. "What do you think?"

Yang opened her eyes and nodded in impressed approval. "Wow, yeah, this looks amazing. Thanks so much, Weiss!" She jumped up and embraced Weiss with one of her signature bone-shattering hugs.

"Ow! Unhand me you brute! I can't breathe!" Weiss gasped out as she struggled to free herself.

"Oops, sorry babe. I got carried away." Yang released the heiress and gave her a gentle kiss to apologize. Weiss immediately felt better and threaded her arms over Yang's shoulders to pull Yang in closer. But when she tried to slip her tongue into Yang's mouth, the blonde pulled away abruptly. "We probably shouldn't kiss too much," Yang said with reluctance, clearly not wanting to have to pull back like she did. "We wouldn't want to ruin our makeup before we get to the party."

"Oh, yeah, good plan," replied a slightly out of breath Weiss. "Shall we head out then?"

"Yeah, let's," affirmed Yang. The two then gathered up their coats and handbags before heading for the docks with their hands intertwined.

"What's taking them so long?" Ruby whined. All of Team RWBY had assembled at the Vale Grand Ballroom and were waiting behind the stage to be introduced to the gathered crowd. "Why can't we go out there already? I'm so hungry."

"I did say you should grab a snack before we left," answered Blake without looking up from the book she'd smuggled in her handbag.

"I didn't want to get crumbs on my dress. I wanted to look nice tonight for once," said Ruby as her stomach let out a growl that could be heard audibly.

"Then why, if I may ask, are you wearing those?" Weiss asked in annoyance, gesturing to Ruby's ensemble. She was wearing her dress from the dance before the tournament but was wearing her combat boots instead of heels and had her hooded cape on as well.

"Yang said I could," answered Ruby sternly as she crossed her arms. "She said I look awesome like this. And besides, it's her big night so what she says goes."

"It's our night too," Weiss argued back gesturing to all of the girls. "We're being honored as a team so forgive me if I expected our leader to dress like one."

"Well, as leader, I declare that I look awesome tonight and anyone who disagrees can get stuffed." Ruby stuck her tongue out at Weiss to punctuate her point. Weiss was about to reply but she was cut off as Yang wheeled around on both of them with her eyes glowing red. Both girls took a step back, knowing this meant trouble.

"Guys, please," said Yang desperately as her eyes faded back to lilac, "can we not do this right now? I'm already stressed out enough as it is about this speech I have to do so can we cool it with the fighting?" Both Ruby and Weiss hung their heads in shame and mumbled apologies. Satisfied, Yang turned back to the curtain and peeked out of the corner. Weiss gave Ruby one final disapproving glare before walking up next to Yang and threading her left hand into Yang's right.

"For the record, Ruby does look awesome," Yang said as she glanced over at Weiss. The heiress sighed and rolled her eyes which got a chuckle from Yang. Weiss smiled a bit at seeing Yang loosen up a bit and squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"You're going to be great out there, trust me," whispered Weiss to Yang. "I believe in you."

"Thanks honey," replied Yang with a smile and she kissed Weiss on the top of her head. Blake began making exaggerated gagging noises upon seeing that and Ruby giggled as Weiss and Yang both stared daggers at Blake. Ruby gave the Faunus a fist bump as Yang shook her head and turned back to the curtain. She'd always hated having to give speeches in class but this was on an entirely other level. Not only was much of the student bodies of all four schools present but so were all the leaders of the schools and kingdoms as well as the media who were broadcasting this all over Remnant. The eyes of the world were going to be on Yang and she was not looking forward to it. She gave a small groan of nervousness and Weiss responded by leaning into her arm and hugging it close to her.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN," boomed out the voice of Peter Port, making all the girls jump in surprise. "WELCOME TO THE VYTAL FESTIVAL CLOSING CEREMONY GALA! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE IN ATTENDANCE AND THOSE TUNING IN AROUND THE WORLD. AT THIS TIME, WE WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT THE TROPHY TO THE CHAMPIONS OF THE VYTAL FESTIVAL TOURNAMENT. PLEASE JOIN ME IN WELCOMING OUR GRAND CHAMPION FROM BEACON ACADEMY, YANG XIAO LONG AND TEAM RWBY!"

The assembled crowd burst into applause as the Beacon school song began to play. Yang took one final breath to try and calm her nerves and stole one last glance at Weiss who gave her the biggest smile she could. The four then stepped through the curtain and took in the sight of the ballroom which was packed full of a few thousand people. Yang froze momentarily but Weiss quickly elbowed her in the ribs to wake her up. As flashbulbs exploded in front of them, the four girls smiled and waved politely.

Below the stage, Professor Glynda Goodwitch was gesturing to the girls to try and get them to focus their attention to the side of the stage. They turned and saw Professor Ozpin standing by a dais and holding a gigantic trophy in his hands. They walked over to Ozpin and he handed the trophy to Yang with one hand while extending his free hand for a handshake. Yang shook it and more flashbulbs went off. Ozpin then stepped away and the four members of Team RWBY were left with the trophy. Yang turned to face the crowd and held it high over her head, causing a loud eruption of cheers. She then let it down and all the others crowded around it with Ruby planting a big kiss right on the top. Ruby, Weiss and Blake then took a few steps back so they were behind Yang and Yang stepped up to the microphone.

"Thank you, Professor Ozpin and everyone here. I can't believe we did it," said Yang as she held the trophy over her head once more. After a few more seconds of cheering and pictures, Yang set the trophy on the dais and pulled a small notecard out of her dress. "First of all, I have a need to thank Pyrrha Nikos. Winning this tournament meant a lot to me but it meant even more that in the Finals, I got to square off with not only one of the most decorated fighters in the world, but also one of my closest friends. Anytime you want a rematch, it's yours." The crowd applauded again and Yang saw Pyrrha beaming widely and giving her a thumbs up.

"Next, I'd like to thank my dad and my uncle for training me so well but also always believing in me and pushing me to be better. I couldn't have done this without you guys. I love you." Taiyang used his sleeve to wipe the tears from his eyes as Qrow raised his glass to Yang before slamming his drink back in one gulp. "To my teachers, previous and current, thank you for getting me to this moment. I know I put you all through a lot of stress and headaches but I really did learn a lot from you and I appreciate you all so much." Another round of applause from the crowd went up and Yang then turned and addressed her team.

"And finally, I need to thank my teammates who trusted me enough to represent us and encouraged me every step of the way. Ruby, you're the best leader I could have ever dreamed to serve under and an even greater little sister. I may be getting all of the attention and glory right now but honestly, my greatest reward was getting to grow up with you and see how amazing you've become." Ruby went beet red and pulled her cloak over her head to try and hide which got a laugh from the crowd.

"Blake, you're one of the toughest and most inspirational people I've ever met. After all you've been through, you still get up every day and fight as hard as you can to make this world better. You inspire me every single day to keep fighting and to never give up. It truly is an honor to be your partner." Blake applauded politely with the rest of the crowd but Yang could see her fighting back tears. Yang then finally turned to Weiss and spoke to her directly as much as she could while still being at the microphone.

"And finally, to Weiss Schnee. There is so much I want to say to you. I literally could go on and on all night about how much you mean to me. But to save time, I'll simply say you're my best friend and the most important person in my life. We've only known each other for a few months now but now I literally refuse to imagine my life without you. You have improved my life in every single aspect that I can think of. I couldn't possibly thank you enough for everything you've done for me. So instead I'll just say that I truly love you with all of my heart."

Weiss was unable to hold back her tears and turned to cry happily into Ruby's shoulder. Yang smiled but then her face fell a little as she turned back to face the crowd. "In conclusion, this year has been the absolute best of my life. I got into Beacon Academy, I got to be on a team with my sister, I've met the best friends I could have dreamed of and I got to win the Vytal Festival Tournament for my team. But, uh, it wasn't a perfect year. Not all of my dreams got to come true." Yang paused to clear her throat as she was getting visibly choked up. All of her teammates looked on at her with concern. "If I could make just one change to this night," Yang continued, struggling to keep her voice even, "I wish my mom could have been here to see this." Yang couldn't hold out any longer and she dissolved into sobs. A hush fell over the crowd as Team RWBY immediately ran to her side and they all hugged her close. After a few tense seconds, the crowd all rose and gave Yang a standing ovation. Yang gave a small wave of thanks as she walked off the stage with Blake and Weiss surrounding her.

"Thank you everyone," said Ruby as she stepped up to the microphone and retrieved Yang's forgotten trophy. "I should go check on my sister. Thank you all for supporting us and enjoy your night!" The Beacon school song played again as Ruby dashed off the stage after her sister. She found Yang sitting in a chair and still bawling loudly with Weiss on her knees in front of her and hugging Yang tightly while Blake was providing gentle rubs to Yang's back and shoulders. Ruby joined Blake in her efforts as suddenly Taiyang came running up to them with Qrow trailing behind.

"Yang, are you okay honey?" Taiyang asked quickly as he knelt down beside his daughter.

"Yeah, I'm fine daddy," Yang sniffled through her tears. "I'm so sorry for breaking down like that though. I bet I just made a real ass of myself."

"No, no you didn't sweetheart. You were wonderful out there. What you said was very heartfelt and brave. I'm so proud of you." Taiyang brushed Yang's hair away from her forehead and gave her a short kiss.

"You're dad's right, Firecracker," said Qrow, gently rumpling Yang's hair. "You've done a lot of great things the past few days. I'm proud of ya, too. And I know that if my sister was here, I'm sure she would be as well."

"Thanks Qrow," said Yang as she sat up out of Weiss's embrace and dabbed at her eyes. Taiyang pulled a handkerchief out from his pocket and handed it to Yang who used it to blow her nose. "I was hoping this would take place differently but we might as well just do it now. Daddy, I'd like to introduce you to my girlfriend Weiss. Weiss, this is my father Taiyang."

"Hello Weiss," greeted Taiyang warmly as he took Weiss's hand and stood up, bringing Weiss to her feet with him. He then bowed deeply to her and kissed her hand. "I have heard a lot of wonderful things about you from both of my daughters and it is truly a pleasure to finally meet you.

"The pleasure is all mine sir," replied Weiss with a curtsy. "Your daughters have been two of the most extraordinary people I've ever met and I am so lucky to be their friend and teammate. I'm so glad I finally get to meet the man who raised them to be such fine young women."

"Aw, shucks, you flatter me, miss Schnee," Taiyang said as he pretended to swoon over-dramatically. Weiss could clearly see where she got her sense of humor from. "It's no surprise how you managed to charm my daughter like you have."

"Alright, alright, enough of this sentimental crap," interrupted Qrow as he put his arm around Ruby. "Let's get back to the tables before they throw our dinners away. We can chit chat after we eat."

"Yeah, let's eat already! I'm starving!" Ruby cheered.

"Come on kiddo, let's go chow," Qrow laughed as he and Ruby left to go find something to eat. Blake followed behind them and they were soon joined by Yang, Weiss and Taiyang.

Later in the night after everyone had eaten, the tables were cleared to the sides of the room and the ballroom floor was packed with people dancing and conversing. Yang had spent much of the night giving interviews and hearing offers from businesses wanting to make Yang their spokeswoman. It was all very draining and she finally managed to sneak away for a moment to grab some punch. But when she got to the table, she saw a very tall man with short black hair and wearing red sunglasses standing beside the table. Sighing, Yang walked over near him and poured herself a glass.

"Junior," said Yang curtly, taking a sip from her punch.

"Blondie," he replied shortly as he removed his sunglasses and tucked them into his vest pocket.

"Are you here trying to cause trouble?"

"You really must take me for a fool," chuckled Junior. "Almost a hundred of the top combat trained students from all over the world are in this room, not to mention a dozen or so full fledged huntsmen. I don't feel like ending my night in a morgue.

"Then why are you here?" Yang asked seriously, not caring for any of Junior's joking around.

"I came to congratulate you, that's all," he said innocently, putting up his gloved hands to illustrate his innocent intent. "Even though watching your fights gave me some unpleasant flashbacks from personal experience, I figured you deserved a reward."

"And what would that be?"

"This," he said as he pulled out a gold card with a picture of an ursa head on it. Yang stared at it for a moment, unsure of what to do. "It's a lifetime pass to the VIP Area of my club. Here, take it."

"Wow, I don't know what to say," said a stunned Yang as she slowly took the card and examined it. "This is for real?"

"It's 100% legitimate. You and any guests are welcome to my club at any time you wish. Just please try not to wreck the place again is all I ask. And if you're interested, I'm hosting an afterparty bash there so you and your friends can come have a real party if you like."

"Junior, this is very nice of you. Thank you." Yang offered Junior a peaceful handshake which he accepted. He then put his sunglasses back on and started heading for the door. Yang turned the card over in her hands a few more times before she stored it in her handbag and finished her glass of punch.

Meanwhile, Weiss was sitting at a table by herself feeling lonely. Yang was constantly being hounded by people, Ruby was off talking with Team JNPR and Penny Polendina while Blake and Team SSSN were putting on a show on the dance floor. Weiss was so zoned out that she didn't even notice that General James Ironwood had made his way over to her.

"Good evening, Miss Schnee," he greeted her.

"General Ironwood!" Weiss said with a jump. "You startled me, sir."

"My sincerest apologies. I merely saw you sitting by yourself looking gloomy and wanted to make sure everything was okay."

"Yes sir, I'm fine. I guess I just am not in much of a dancing mood tonight. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"Actually, yes there is. I have to apologize to you."

"For what, sir?" Weiss asked uncertainly.

"I had assigned your sister, Winter, to what was supposed to be a simple mission in Vacuo but things ended up getting a little…complicated." Ironwood paused as he noticed the frightened look on Weiss's face. Realizing his mistake in choice of words, he put up his hands to try and reassure Weiss. "No, don't fret; she's not in any danger. The mission simply took longer than I had expected it would and that's why she was unable to be here tonight."

"Oh, I see," sighed Weiss in relief.

"She did want me to pass along a message to you though." Weiss's eyes lit up and she leaned closer to Ironwood expectantly. "While she was disappointed in your choices in the tournament to let your teammates take the glory at your expense, she is very proud of you and wishes she could have been here tonight to celebrate with you."

Weiss's face faltered at the less than complimentary praise from her sister but that was typical of Winter. "Thank you sir," said Weiss as evenly as she could. "Have you heard anything from anyone else in my family?"

"Um, yes, I have" Ironwood replied uncomfortably, letting his business-like manner falter. "They…they won't be attending tonight either. They've been very displeased about your lack of communication with them recently and said that coming down to Vale wasn't worth their time."

Weiss's face fell completely and she hung her head glumly. She pulled her knees up to her chest and hugged them as a few tears trickled out of her eyes. Ironwood could see that Weiss wasn't going to respond and awkwardly excused himself. Weiss felt so conflicted about everything that Ironwood had just told her. Sure, she didn't really want her father here since he would have no doubt found a way to completely ruin her evening. But there was just something about hearing that her success wasn't worth their time still hurt like hell. They'd always made excuses before about why they weren't there for her growing up but they always had a degree of believability to them. So it was a shock to hear it laid out as brutally honest as they had.

"May I have this dance?" Weiss looked up to see Yang standing in front of her, extending her hand to Weiss. She hadn't even noticed that a slow ballad was playing now instead of the usual dance music. Yang saw how miserable Weiss looked and immediately got concerned. "Hey, do you feel alright?"

"Yes," answered Weiss as she took Yang's hand and stood up with a small smile. "I feel wonderful tonight." Weiss then lead Yang to the center of the dance floor and pressed herself as close to Yang's body as she could. Yang was a bit taken aback but grabbed onto Weiss's hand and began to lead their dance. Weiss nuzzled her face into the crook of Yang's neck and sighed in contentment.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Yang asked, still not believing that Weiss was being honest.

"I'll be okay. Just keep holding me and don't let go," murmured Weiss into Yang's collarbone. Yang nodded and pulled Weiss in closer.

"I'm always here for you if you need to talk," said Yang as she tenderly kissed Weiss's temple. "I love you." Weiss looked up at Yang who was smiling down at her. She looked deeply into Yang's eyes to try and find any signs of doubt or insincerity in her gaze. But she found none. All she could see in Yang's glimmering eyes was complete confidence and honesty and love. Weiss honestly couldn't recall a time in her life when she'd ever been looked at like Yang was right now.

"I love you so much Yang," whimpered Weiss breathlessly. She returned to snuggling against Yang's collarbone and kept muttering, "I love you," against Yang's neck for the remainder of their dance. The song ended but Yang and Weiss took no notice as they continued to sway, completely oblivious to the world around them. All that mattered in that one moment was that they had each other.

A few hours later, Yang and Weiss were in a limousine that was heading back for Beacon Academy. Ruby and Blake along with most of the students had taken up Junior's offer for the afterparty at his club but Weiss was suffering from a headache and Yang was exhausted. So they were looking forward to getting some peace and quiet and hopefully a good night's sleep. Weiss was lying down in the back seat with her head on Yang's lap as Yang was gently massaging Weiss's temples to try and combat her headache. Weiss was so at peace that she ended up dozing off for the remainder of the ride back.

"Weiss?" Yang said softly to her as the car pulled up to the front gates of Beacon. "We're home, honey. Time to wake up."

"Five more minutes," yawned Weiss as she stretched out on the seat. Yang giggled as she extricated herself from under her girlfriend and stepped out of the limo. Yang then carefully helped Weiss out and hoisted her up in a bridal carry.

"Come on Princess, let's get you to bed." Yang then set off across the grounds while Weiss mumbled a sleepy protest to being carried like this. When they finally reached the Team RWBY dorm, Yang let them inside and deposited Weiss into her bed. Yang then retreated to the bathroom where she poured a glass of water for Weiss with some headache medicine. She returned to the room to find Weiss had removed her dress and was laying on her bed in her underwear, blinking up at Yang with bleary eyes. Yang nearly dropped the glass as she was taken aback with how gorgeous Weiss looked but she quickly recovered and set the pills and water on Weiss's bedside table.

"Thank you Yang. You're the best," said Weiss as she popped the pills into her mouth. She then drank the whole glass of water in one gulp before relaxing back against her pillows.

"Anything for you, love," Yang responded with a grin as she began to undress as well.

"D'you mean that? Because I would really like it if you'd sleep with me tonight."

Yang froze and her eyes grew to unnatural proportions. "Really? Don't you think it's a little soon for that?"

No, not like that, you dunce," groaned Weiss as she threw her pillow at Yang. "I meant literally sleep with me. Blake and Ruby are staying out with JNPR so we have the room to ourselves tonight. Please?"

"Yeah, sure. That would be nice. Let me just get changed into my PJ's and I'll be right in."

"I can't wait that long," whined Weiss in jest. "Just come to bed like you are. It'll be fine." Yang felt a chill run up her spine that she wasn't sure if it was caused by the cool air hitting her nearly naked skin or the thought of being in a bed with Weiss like this. But she followed Weiss's instructions and grabbed her pillow before she climbed into Weiss's bed. As she situated herself, Weiss immediately clamped onto Yang's side and attached herself to every inch of Yang's skin that she could get at.

"God, you feel like heaven," sighed Yang in bliss as she began mimicking Weiss's movements.

"You feel pretty amazing yourself."

"You're really tense, though," noted Yang. "Are you sure you're up for this?"

"Yes, of course I am. I just…" Weiss paused as the memories from earlier came flooding back. She wanted to block them out and just enjoy this wonderful moment with her girlfriend but it was no use. "I just don't understand how you can care about me as much as you do."

"I'm sorry, what?" Yang asked in disbelief.

"How can you care for me as much as you do?" Weiss repeated sadly. "Everyone that I've ever cared about in my life has never reciprocated it. I'm so messed up and broken that nobody could bring themselves to love me. Not even my own parents think I'm worth their time. But you do. You value me more than any of them ever have combined. Why? What have I done to deserve you?"

"Sweetheart, where did this come from?" Yang responded in horror.

"Earlier tonight. The general told me my parents said coming and celebrating our win tonight wasn't worth their time. It's not unusual for them to not support me but to have it be said like that is new for them. And I don't understand it. What did I do wrong? Why don't they love me?" Weiss dissolved into tears yet again as she could feel Yang's skin start to heat up in rage.

"Weiss, look at me," Yang commanded. She waited until both of Weiss's eyes met her own. "There is nothing wrong with you, okay? They're the ones who are screwed up. I know this is hard to believe but you have to trust me on this. I had to go through all of what you're feeling right now too after my mom left me. It took me a long time to come to terms with it that I wasn't the problem and that she was. I've never met any of your family nor am I in a particular hurry to do so. But I have heard all kinds of rumors and stories and none of them were positive. But you aren't them, Weiss. You have such a magnificent heart in you that it's a miracle that you were able to grow it growing up like you did. I care about you because you deserve it. Remember what I told you earlier up on stage? I meant every word of that. That's why I care about you. And I know that it will take you some time to believe me that you're worthy of it. But I will be right here anytime you need a reminder, okay?"

Weiss was too thunderstruck to even speak. She simply closed her eyes and nodded before resting her head on Yang's chest so she could hear her heart. "Thank you for a night that I will never forget, Yang," she finally said softly.

"You're welcome, Weiss," replied Yang as she undid Weiss's hair and gently began running her fingers through it. "I just wish I could have done more to make it even better. I love you"

"My darling, you were wonderful tonight. I love you too." Yang was right in that it was going to take time for Weiss to feel confident that she was worthy of being loved as much as Yang did. But she could never doubt how much Yang meant it. And that was all that mattered tonight. With her new favorite sound in the world filling her ear, Weiss drifted off to sleep.