I think this has got to be my favorite chapter (31) of the entire fic, just barely edging out chapter 25. Weiss’ Big Darn Hero moment, with all its build up, it’s just so mmph! I wanna see it play out in comic/manga form. I wanna draw it myself so badly that my own inability to draw is suddenly excruciatingly painful. Just, argh!

What Defines Us has been a wonderful read, and I’m sure I’ll be back for a reread soon. Thank you for all your hard work! I can’t wait to dive into your other fics now!

With Ruby's eating habits and her supposedly cute "squeals", I ended up imagining her just bent over the table shoving food in the vague direction of her mouth, occasionally having to cough up food she almost chokes on and getting some in her hair, and Weiss resting her chin on her hand while she looks at Ruby lovingly.

There wasn't this chapter the last time I read this, and it's a lovely addition. I really like the idea of Ruby being meticulous not out of a penchant for perfection, but rather to just have an amazing Christmas with everyone. Weiss and Ruby dressing up in elf suits was adorable. And once again a brilliant use of Weiss' glyphs (I might like tree-decoration speedruns with glyphs more than combat with them).

The "You usually sit there and...tell me how much you love me" part was really, really cute.

Somehow, you're the only writer I know to use Weiss' glyphs with the epicness that they deserve. Being able to summon platforms at any angle in midair that are also able to shoot things forward just screams "teamwork", "combos" and "badass fight scenes", and you used that better than the show or any other fanfic I've read (though I admit I haven't watched volume 7).

"If Weiss was the conductor, they were her symphony" was a very apt description that I liked.

I'm reading this again, and I shivered from the scene where Weiss counts to calm herself and then "Four! Ready or not, Weiss - here I come!" gets mixed in, followed immediately by "The front door slammed behind her..." rather than a description of actually running out. The "speed" of the writing used the built up tension perfectly, if that makes sense. It was amazing, like so many other parts of this story.

This is one of the MOsT incredible stories I have read in my FanFiction life! Such detail and emotion, thank you this was an immense pleasure to read!

Uh huh.

Yang has a ‘disarming’ smile.

Sure. Explains yourself.

I am curious if Yang heard all that Ruby was saying about her insecurities which is why she announced herself before making an appearance and offered to stop by the parts store to cheer her up. Regardless, I love the Blake and Ruby interaction.

I got to admit, I had hoped you would have written a chapter or twenty for their (WhiteRose and Bumbleby) wedding and after and possibly in the far future. Who am I kidding, I just love this story so much, I don't want it to end.

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I never eww wanted it to end though. I honestly could read more about their lives and the weddings. It was beautiful.

Ruby just took her first step into the realm of OP.

Man, Ruby sure got set back a lot. I would say that Ruby would win against Blake most of the time in canon in the first 4 seasons (those are the only ones i watched, should probably watch them all again now that i have 6 seasons complete of drive).

Seeing Weiss start healing is somehow very real and cathartic to me. Wonderful writing. Genuinely had me smiling with a big stupid grin at the end. I do hope Weiss can eventually reveal the truth to Ruby.

Just wow, I finished this entire thing in under two days and am absolutely blown away.

First, I just wanted to say that you absolutely nail the characters in your RWBY fanfics. I've read work from half a dozen or so other authors but none have come so close, and felt so right, as your portrayal of them. I especially love the rambling, spaghetti thoughts you dole out when in Ruby's frame of mind and how that's juxtaposed to Weiss's very careful and methodological headspace. The thoughts, words, motivationsall just on point. It makes the story all that more immersive and feels like it could easily be canonical.

Second, I loved the story and the way information was slowly drip fed. I love the character interactions (and how those interactions felt so true to form for the individualse.g. Blake's insight and empathy for Weiss, etc). This entire story was just done so well and everything made sense, it never felt like anything was reaching or done just for the sake of connecting plot point A to B.

Third, I've been blitzing through all your work and you're an amazing writer. I really enjoy your style and work and tbh your stories have motivated me to try and be a better partner to my fiance and a better person in generalso thank you for that.

If I had one grievance with this story, it was the number of times we got baited out for some big reveal! I don't want to go into too much detail for the sake of spoilers but two scenes, both in Ruby's bedroom, come to mind where we are moments away from a big development only to be delayed by an unexpected event. This happened one or two additional times if I recall. Honestly I'm not even upset about it, the payoff in the end was great and worth the waitbut I also had the benefit of reading the completed story. I can only imagine how impatient I'd be if I was reading it as the chapters were released and I had to wait even longer for the payoff!

All in all, thank you for posting this (and all your other wonderful workit's reignited my love for reading again.

I'm experiencing so many emotions I can't even begin to describe them. This chapter hit hard.