Hello everyone! So...sorry this took so long. I know I mentioned in Something Borrowed that I was almost done with a Bumblebee story, but then I wrote a huge White Rose story instead (more on that later). But here it is! I've finished it and it's here for you to read now!

As a forewarning, this is my most mature story to date - meaning that there are like three swear words and a little violence. It would still get a PG-13 in theaters, but just wanted to let you know in advance if you're thinking 'woah this is different.' It's 8 chapters total and a small kicker at the end. I'll post a new chapter each week, I think.

On White Rose, I still need to do a bunch of editing, but it'll be my longest story to date (I'm so sorry Bumblebee fans). And I haven't forgotten about RCR either!

The air was calm and cool as the sun set from the sky, shading the distant horizon in brilliant orange. The smallest amount of humidity hung in the air as low clouds promised a fresh layer of dew in the morning and quite possibly some rain overnight. It wasn't her favorite kind of weather...but that didn't matter when she was spending time with her very favorite person. As far as she was concerned it could be pouring rain and she'd be just as content as if it were sunny, dry, and warm. Which, coming from her, was quite a statement to make.

"Think it's safe for us to go back yet?"

"Hey…" she replied to the question, turning to give Yang a playful pout. "I thought tonight was about us."

The pout must have been a little too realistic because Yang immediately backpedaled from the insinuation, waving her hands through the air like that might wipe away the question she'd just asked.

"No, no - it totally is! Just me and you and being out on the town together - far away from the dorms where the princess is doing god-knows-what with my little sister..."

When Yang wrinkled her nose at the comment and gave an adorable shudder, Blake couldn't help but laugh. Even though Ruby and Weiss had been officially dating for far longer, the two girls had only recently crossed a new milestone - finally leaving that incredibly long handholding stage behind.

Blake and Yang had kind of raced through most of those stages...but anyone who'd spent time with Yang would absolutely understand that. She was positively magnetic. And that smile...it melted right through Blake's heart each and every time.

Although Yang had actually been the more hesitant of the two of them, which had been one of the cutest things Blake had ever seen...while it lasted. Shy, bashful, tentative Yang was an endangered species and, unfortunately, had already gone extinct. By now Yang was as confident and self-assured about their relationship as she was about seemingly everything else in her life.

Less could be said of how comfortable Yang was with the most recent step forward Weiss and Ruby had taken, although their two teammates were none the wiser to this fact. It was only Blake who knew the depths of Yang's struggles to accept that her younger sister, the one she'd been taking care of since they were both small children, had grown up. And now that their teammates were on the same level as they were there had been more than a few uncomfortable situations involving their tiny dorm room.

Yang's propensity not to knock certainly didn't help matters.

Neither did her habit of not locking the door.

So, in the interest of giving their partners a little uninterrupted privacy, the two of them had decided to leave Beacon behind for the evening. They'd caught an airship to downtown Vale where they'd eaten a fantastic dinner at the fanciest restaurant they could find - all courtesy of the way-too-clearly delighted Weiss Schnee.

Seriously. Blake needed to speak to Weiss about being so transparent with her feelings. It was something that never seemed to be a problem for the normally composed girl except when it came to matters regarding Ruby. In those instances there might as well be a neon sign above the heiress' head broadcasting her intentions. And, as much as Yang loved Weiss, she might be one slip of the tongue away from being on the business end of one of the brawler's fists.

As Yang's sparring partner for the last couple years, Blake knew exactly how much those hurt.

"Well…" she responded slowly, taking Yang's hand in her own and squeezing tightly. "If tonight really is about us, then there's no need to hurry back...right?"

Her words had their intended effect, bringing that trademark radiant smile back into existence - lighting up the sidewalk far better than the pitiful street lamps standing nearby.

"What do you have in mind?" Yang asked, lilac eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Those who didn't know Yang very well would suggest something outrageous...something high energy, something bold or adventurous or daring. That was the vibe the blonde gave out - of wanting to live on the edge, always pedal to the metal in the fast lane. It might be true in many instances, but there were some moments when that was the exact opposite of what Yang truly wanted to do. And, since Blake knew her girlfriend better than most people, she was actually pretty good at picking up on when those times were.

"How about something thrilling...exhilarating...death defying…"

"Ohhhh...I like where this is going," Yang replied with a grin. "What could you possibly have in mind?"

One of Blake's ears flicked in amusement, internally wondering if Yang had known all along that Blake was intending to tease her.

"How about...we go for a walk. Through that park."

Nodding towards the park entrance across the street from them, Yang burst into joyful laughter. The sound brought out a giggle from Blake, just as it always did.

"Let's cheat death tonight?" Yang asked facetiously before pulling Blake across the quiet road.

It wasn't a very well lit area, but they were in the nicer part of Vale so she wasn't too worried about being here after the sun set. Plus, with the combination of her eyesight and Yang's strength, any would-be mugger would be in for a very rude surprise upon approaching them.

It was with no fear that they walked the narrow pathway away from the main road, passing between towering oak trees and industrial park benches while leaving the sound of the city streets behind. There weren't many people out tonight, but Blake could spot several others some distance away - jogging the trails, playing fetch with their dog in the open spaces, or simply walking along like she and Yang were doing.

"What do you think they're doing right now?"

Laughing, Blake turned and shook her head at her partner, who was still stubbornly stuck back at Beacon.

"I think it's best if you don't think about it.".

"I can't help it…" Yang mumbled, looking at the ground and kicking a small pebble in front of them. Pursing her lips, Blake's eyes chased the pebble away while trying to come up with a way to distract Yang. Maybe a little logic would help her see the situation in another light.

"How would you feel if Ruby acted weird about you and me being together?"

"I'd knock some sense into her," Yang answered without a second thought. When Blake turned and gave Yang a look that said she should consider that answer, she finally sighed. "Which she should do to me. You're right. Of course you're right - you're always right."

"Well I'm glad you can finally admit that," Blake teased with a smile, reaching over to squeeze Yang's hand. "But do you need suggestions of other things to think about?"

"Please." Yang gave Blake a thankful grin and refused to drop her hand, instead intertwining their fingers while they walked along the path.

"How about...us?"

It was a vain and self centered suggestion - or at least, one would think, but…

"That's my favorite subject!" Yang practically squealed, nearly crushing Blake's hand when squeezing a little too tightly in excitement. "How about...oh! Remember the day we first met?"

The memory made Blake smile. That was the night she'd played so very aloof when Yang had dragged Ruby over for an introduction. But, honestly, Blake hadn't imagined anyone would try to approach her when she'd isolated herself on the periphery of the room to read her book in peace. That and she'd never been known to give off that 'open' or 'approachable' vibe, so for Yang to pick her, of all people...

"I wasn't very personable, was I?"

The question was rhetorical. Remembering some of the things she'd said made her shake her head in amazement. It had definitely not been the best first impression.

"So...what's your name?"

"...Blake."

"Well, Blake, I'm Yang - Ruby's older sister. I like your bow!"

"Thanks."

"It goes great with your...pajamas!"

"Rrrright…"

"...nice night, don't ya think?"

"Yes, it's lovely - almost as lovely as this book - that I will continue to read - as soon as you leave."

"You must've thought I was a complete idiot," Yang replied with a soft chuckle, the two of them thankfully having moved far past that unfortunate meeting.

"No...I thought you were interrupting my book...and that your shorts were ridiculously short," Blake commented teasingly, knowing her last comment would draw a good reaction from her partner.

"Oh be honest - you tried to look up them."

"I did not!" she immediately refuted with a flush, having gotten exactly the playful argument she'd been searching for. She hadn't tried to look up Yang's shorts, but she'dseen an awful lot of leg anyway...it had been impossible not to from her position sitting on the floor with Yang standing over her.

Well, maybe she could have turned away...

"I know you love those shorts though. You almost cried the day I thought someone took 'em from my locker!"

"I wasn't going to cry," Blake disputed. "I was upset because...because that meant someone had something that belonged to you."

Squeaking in surprise, she suddenly found herself lifted clean off the ground by a pair of strong arms, feet dangling a good foot in the air. Her instinct was to try to squirm out of Yang's grasp, but the movement only managed to get her further locked into an inescapable death grip. It was only when she'd stopped fighting the embrace that Yang pulled Blake close and whispered into her ear the words she'd been hoping to hear -

"You're the only one I could ever belong too..."

By the time Yang set Blake gently back on the ground she was blushing uncontrollably, consumed by the love she held for the gorgeous girl she had the privilege of calling her best friend, her partner, and her girlfriend. When she'd tracked down Yang in the Emerald Forest during their initiation, she'd written off the escapade as nothing more than ensuring she had a competent partner for the next four years of schooling. If she was going to be forced to work with another student, at least she wouldn't be stuck with someone completely useless.

It was only as they'd grown closer that her budding feelings had become more and more impossible to deny. Deny she did, of course, for as long as she possibly could. Even after Yang had confessed her feelings...Blake had tried to contain her own.

There was something extremely vulnerable about having feelings like this. While in the White Fang she'd been taught that these emotions were weaknesses - vulnerabilities that would be exploited by enemies in order inflict the most pain and agony possible. Watching families torn apart, hearing their wails of sorrow, she'd sworn to herself that she would never put herself in that position to begin with. Keeping those lessons in mind, she'd tried to keep Yang out of her heart for as long as she could.

In the end, it had been a fruitless endeavor. Her feelings had grown to the point where holding them inside had begun causing her the type of pain she'd been trying to avoid.

It was a weakness. Yang was her weakness. But Yang was also strong in so many ways...ways that helped ease away Blake's hesitation. So these days, Blake freely admitted her feelings to Yang - only to have them returned in droves.

With a smile, Blake pulled Yang forward and gave her a quick kiss on the lips before immediately pulling away. By now Blake knew better than to linger too long in Yang's personal space - especially when they were out in public. That was just asking for a display of affection that would leave a blush on her cheeks for the rest of the night.

"I don't know where you come up with those lines sometimes," she commented with a pretend scoff, turning away so that they could continue their leisurely stroll.

"They just pop into my head whenever I look at you! Like *bam* there's a line. *Bam* there's another one!"

Chuckling at the response, her body let out an involuntary shiver when a small blast of cold, evening air swept across them. The tiny movement was picked up by Yang, whose warm semblance negated any cold no more than an instant later. When the air surrounding them warmed to the temperature of a summer day, even though it was a brisk fall evening, Blake couldn't help but to let out a content sigh.

It was like taking a walk with her own personal sun - one that shone only for her.

"Have I mentioned recently how much I love your semblance," she murmured while leaning into Yang's shoulder to soak up even more warmth. One strong arm looped around Blake's shoulders, increasing the temperature substantially and making her even happier.

"Hmm...nope! Don't think I've heard that in a few days, at least."

"Yang, I love your semblance," Blake replied before playfully adding, "It could very well be my favorite thing about you."

"Ouchhh," Yang instantly responded with fake hurt in her voice. "I knew you were only after my fire. Everyone wants a piece of the heat."

Rolling her eyes, Blake was about to respond when she noticed a young man sitting on a nearby bench staring at them. Or, more accurately, staring at Yang.

It certainly wasn't uncommon for Yang to attract the attention of the opposite sex - especially when she looked as great as she did tonight. The jacket...the jeans...everything fit together in a way that was extremely flattering in an effortlessly beautiful way. It was almost unfair how she could pull two random pieces of clothing from the closet and make them look like the year's top fashion.

Yang looked amazing. Blake knew that. But even though she knew it, that didn't mean she was particularly fond of the unapologetic intrusions on her girlfriend's body. So when they walked past she slid her arm around Yang's waist - marking her territory subtly, but firmly.

"Ohhhh...I love when you get jealous," Yang whispered excitedly in Blake's ear, making her turn in surprise to find Yang grinning at her - having just witnessed the extra strength glare Blake had been leveling towards the boy.

"I'm not jealous," she denied, trying to maintain a small amount of pride even though she'd been caught red-handed.

"Uh huh…" Yang replied disbelievingly before leaning over and placing a kiss on Blake's temple, moving away with a soft 'hmm' of satisfaction.

They both knew that Blake got a little jealous when other people encroached on her partner, but...that was because Yang was the light of her life. Never before had she had someone or something she guarded so fiercely - daring anyone to attempt to take the girl away from her. Because it wouldn't happen. She would fight tooth and nail to make sure Yang was always by her side.

Of course, Yang only seemed to enjoy it immensely.

They walked for several minutes in peaceful silence, the kind Blake only knew to exist when she and Yang were together. It was as if, even without words, they were still communicating with each other - speaking through tiny body movements, fleeting glances, and shared smiles.

By now she knew better than to believe that fairy tales existed, but...if they did...this would be it.

"What do you think the chances are we get the room to ourselves tomorrow?"

Smiling when Yang decided to break the silence with that question, Blake leaned her head against the girl's shoulder, still basking in the warm glow and an overabundance of affection.

"Probably pretty good - if you ask nicely."

"Ha...I always ask nicely!"

"Picking Ruby up and tossing her into the hall doesn't count as asking."

The reply made Yang laugh, most likely enjoying the memory of Ruby's arms and legs flailing in all directions while trying futilely to free herself from her sister's iron grasp before being unceremoniously thrown out into the corridor.

It wasn't very often that Yang could actually catch Ruby, but if she did there would be no escape.

"Maybe you can do the asking then?"

Blake 'hmm'd at the question, pretending that she actually needed to think about whether or not she wanted to do that.

"I guess I could ask. If you promise to behave," she finally replied, leveling her partner with a gaze that said she knew exactly what type of shenanigans Yang had planned. In return, Yang made the cutest scout's honor gesture right as they reached the opposite end of the park. The two of them temporarily separated as they looked around in order to gather their bearings.

"Was that the entire thing?" Yang asked, looking behind them at the park they'd just passed through relatively quickly.

"I guess so. A small one, huh?" Blake replied before shrugging. Squinting in the distance, she read the nearest street sign to figure out exactly where they were. "The airship landing is a few blocks from here. Should we head back?"

"If you think we'll miss the...festivities?"

Rolling her eyes, she retook Yang's hand and pulled her towards the street in the direction they needed to go. The last bench on the lighted path was occupied by two young men. Both Faunus, based on the slightly different scent they gave off.

Faunus or not, they both had the gall to stare Yang's way - the action once again causing Blake to bristle with indignation.

"You seem to be getting a lot of unwanted attention tonight," she remarked through gritted teeth, trying to ignore this latest intrusion as much as possible. Her gripe only made Yang chuckle happily while they walked past and crossed the empty street, leaving the park behind.

"Hate to break it to you, Blake, but it's you they're looking at."

"What?" she asked in confusion, glancing back only to find that they'd already turned away.

"I know you have the whole modesty thing down pat, but most of the time guys are actually looking at you," Yang clarified with a huge smile.

For just an instant, Blake thought that Yang was actually speaking the truth, but the smile confirmed that Yang had once again lured Blake into a cleverly wrapped compliment.

"They're not," she replied with a shake of her head, willingly walking into Yang's trap.

"They're not? Huh...well guess it's hard for me to tell since I can only see you."

It was cheesy and corny, but it still made her heart do this rapid ba-dump, ba-dump in her chest.

"You're too charming for your own good," she responded before uttering a soft 'excuse me' to a couple they brushed past on the sidewalk.

"What? My girlfriend is so beautiful strangers are always staring at her. How does that make me the charming one?"

Yang turned and flashed a (charming) smile in order to emphasize...whatever point she was trying to make. It was really hard for Blake to tell sometimes whether Yang was actually arguing with a valid goal in mind or whether she was just trying to compliment Blake as much as possible. With another shake of her head, she retook Yang's hand so they could walk the last couple of blocks together.

It had been really nice to have a night away from Beacon. They'd been so busy with schoolwork recently that this was the first time in months they'd had the free time to get off school grounds for an entire evening. Not that she really had anything to complain about. As long as they were able to spend every night together, Blake was happier than she'd ever been.

The streets and shops became more familiar as they continued their long loop around several city blocks towards the airship station they'd used to get to Vale earlier that evening. There were more people in this section of the city, with shoppers only now beginning to head home with their bags filled with new purchases.

"You'd look cute in that," Yang commented, pointing to a yellow and white sundress on display in one of the windows.

"Not quite my style," Blake replied, eyes lingering on the dress as they walked past. It was too...bright.

"I know, but you'd still look cute in it."

It was such a simple comment, but it made Blake feel really special. The fact that Yang would look at a random piece of clothing draped on a mannequin and think of Blake…

Letting out a quiet 'hmm' of content, Blake squeezed Yang's hand a little tighter while they made the last turn and found their destination looming up ahead. This station was actually moderately busy for the time of day, likely due to this being a popular destination for students. That also explained several familiar faces milling around waiting for the next ship to Beacon.

After buying a pair of passes, the two of them were walking up to the landing pad when Yang let out a sudden gasp and nearly scared Blake right out of her skin in surprise.

"I totally forgot I wanted to bring back cookies for Ruby!" Yang pointed towards the advertisement that had jogged her memory - an image of a humongous chocolate chip cookie taking up the entire video screen with thin wisps of cleverly created steam rising off of its surface. "Her favorite place is right around corner. I'll run and get them -"

"I can come with you," Blake immediately offered, turning away from the arriving airship that was supposed to take them back to Beacon. But Yang waved her away.

"No, you can go on ahead."

"...are you sure?"

They normally did everything together, so for Yang to decline her company…

"Yeah, I know you've got a new book stashed in your dresser that you've been dying to read," Yang teased with a knowing smirk.

"What? Yang, how -"

"How did I know? Please, Blake - how long have we been dating now? I know a look of longing and desire when I see one."

When Yang winked suggestively, Blake playfully slapped her in the shoulder.

"I'm not longing for it. I just…really want to read it."

"Then go for it! I'll meet you back in a jif."

Biting her lip, Blake quickly considered her options while the chime rang out announcing the boarding of the next airship. It was an awfully enticing offer, but…

When Yang winked at her again Blake relented, finally understanding that Yang probably had something else up her sleeve - something she needed to be alone in order to accomplish. This happened every now and again and would always result in a spectacularly cute and thoughtful gift...or an adventure the two of them would go on once everything had been set up. So Blake let it go for the time being, excitement growing as she smiled and turned towards the transport to head home.

Pausing for a second, she turned back.

"Love you," she called out softly, her face heating up from admitting as much in a public environment. But when Yang gave a radiant smile in return, Blake completely forgot she was supposed to feel embarrassed.

"Love you too, Kitten!"

With a half-hearted roll of her eyes and embarrassment returning full force, Blake hopped onto the airship just as the doors were about to close and found an empty seat by the window. When the ship undocked and slowly rose into the air, she was able to watch Yang disappear from the landing while heading towards the bakery nearby.

Kitten…it was the rather unfortunate nickname Yang had decided upon for Blake. As much as she pretended to hate it, she really couldn't. Especially not when Yang's explanation for the name had been so truly adorable. Realistically, Yang could call Blake anything and she wouldn't mind one bit. As long as the underlying intention was love, she would love it in return.

Leaning back in the seat she allowed her mind to wander while the airship sailed through the sky - mostly lingering upon the girl she'd just left behind, trying to guess what sort of surprise Yang had come up with this time. Maybe...if Blake was lucky...she'd find out tonight when Yang got back to Beacon. That thought put a smile on her face for the entirety of the flight home, imagining her reaction and, most importantly, how she could adequately thank Yang this time.

It was remarkable how daydreaming about Yang could pass the time. In what could only be a few heartbeats later, the airship was making its final descent.

Beacon's airship landing was far from the main buildings, resulting in a ten to fifteen minute walk after she disembarked. It was a distance she crossed quickly, maybe a little more excited about that new book than she'd originally let on. It had been in her drawer for over a week now, filling her with burning desire whenever she pulled out an outfit for school. She wanted to read a few chapters...that's all.

Of course, she knew that she would devour as much as possible before Yang got home. If there was one complaint she had about their relationship, it was that Yang was so...all consuming...that it made it difficult for Blake to read in her presence. Not that Yang was intentionally being distracting! She was actually surprisingly content to sit quietly on the bed beside Blake, flipping through a magazine or playing games on Ruby's scroll while allowing Blake her 'quiet time.' But who wanted to read an exciting story when they could be experiencing something amazing in real life?

Whenever Blake found these little pockets of time when Yang wasn't around, she dove into them headfirst. Although she would only enjoy the book for so long before she began to miss Yang instead.

It was a really complicated situation…

Making the left turn into the hallway Team RWBY's dorm was located in, she hesitated. They'd been gone for hours...that had to be more than enough alone time for Ruby and Weiss, right?

Padding softly towards the door, her ears told her an entirely different story. Apparently the pair hadn't bothered to check their scrolls and read the message she'd sent them on the airship notifying them of her impending arrival. Seeing as how Blake had been guilty of the same offense just recently, she couldn't really blame them. It was only unfortunate because now she had no subtle way to let them know she was back.

Sometimes she really wished that she could make her footsteps louder, but it was nearly impossible. No matter what she did her steps seemed to remain soft and silent. It was great when she needed to sneak up on an unsuspecting enemy...or to surprise a certain blonde with a good morning kiss...but in situations like these it was truly a hindrance.

'You should get a bell.'

'Weiss!'

'What? I wasn't saying WEAR a bell. Just get one and then you can jingle it when you need to announce your presence.'

'Weiss, I swear to god...'

'Come on, Yang, I'm trying to be helpful! She said it was a problem, I'm trying to fix it. I don't hear you coming up with any genius ideas.'

'Ruby, have you found the 'off' switch for her yet?'

'I'm just saying - it would be useful. Then we'd never lose track of - hey! Let go of me, you big -!'

Maybe the bell wouldn't have been such a bad thing, but since that idea had been almost literally crushed into oblivion she was going to have to figure something else out.

Reaching their door, trying to ignore the sounds from within, she noisily got her keys out of her pocket and made sure to shake them as loudly as possible. Then she dropped them on the ground just to make a little extra noise. Slowly reaching down to collect them, she could hear the two inhabitants of the room scrambling around to...undo whatever they'd been doing.

Once the door was unlocked, she opened it much slower than usual to give the girls a couple of extra seconds before nervously peeking her head of them were sitting on Weiss' bed - Weiss 'working' on homework while Ruby 'read' a magazine upside down. Walking calmly into the room, Blake pretended that she hadn't heard what the two had been doing just before she'd unlocked the door. As if their flushed cheeks, deep breaths, and Weiss' uncharacteristically ruffled hair weren't dead giveaways.

Honestly...they were lucky Yang hadn't come back with her.

"Where's Yang?" Ruby asked curiously, glancing up from her still upside-down reading material.

"She had to make a quick stop, but she'll be back in a bit," Blake answered calmly while dragging her pajamas off of her pillow and making her way to the bathroom to change and get ready for some reading.

Once she'd changed and brushed her teeth, she made her way back to her bed and collected the book she'd been dying to read from her dresser. Moving Yang's haphazardly strewn pajamas out of the way, she slipped underneath the covers for more warmth. Breaking open the book, feeling the spine crease for the first time, she took a deep breath of brand new ink and paper - one of the best smells in the world. Besides the strangely amazing combination of citrus and spent gunpowder Yang seemed to carry everywhere...

Finding the first sentence, Blake suddenly remembered how annoyingly cold her bed was when Yang wasn't around. Usually Yang would be right here, that blazing semblance creating Blake's own personal sauna to enjoy. But she could deal with the cold for a little bit in the interest of devouring as much of this book as possible before getting back to her own happy ending.

This particular book was the story of a prince who finds out that his father had actually usurped the throne by exiling the true royal family - pretending that they had perished at sea in a tragic accident. Distraught at his father's deception, the prince sets out to find this family with the wish to set things right. Over the course of his travels, he discovers many places - villages and towns he'd never known to exist in the giant kingdom he'd once thought of as his own. Everywhere he goes he searches for any clue that will lead him to the family's whereabouts.

It's in a faraway land that he finally finds a clue in the form of a myth spread by locals - one of a family that lived by themselves at the far edge of the forest who had appeared 'overnight.' The prince makes his way there immediately only to find there is no longer a family living there, but just a singular young woman spending her days in a small wooden cabin in a secluded clearing.

At first, the woman is untrusting and wants nothing to do with him. So he comes back, day after day, bringing gifts of food and other luxuries it looks like she could use. When it's obvious she won't be swayed by possessions, he tries to help around the cabin instead - chopping stacks of firewood, fixing broken sections of fence...the type of work he'd never done before in his life, so was therefore terrible at and injured himself more often than not.

Bit by bit she warms up to his presence. And then, one day, he ends up hurting himself and she tends to his wound. While she's wrapping his hand in bandages, she finally tells him her story -

Blake's concentration was broken when Weiss got up to get ready for bed. Blinking in surprise, she looked out the window to find that night had officially fallen and the sky outside completely black. Reaching over to the dresser, she tapped the top of her scroll so it would tell her the time. But...it must have gotten off somehow, because that couldn't be right.

"Hey Ruby?" she called across to the girl still lounging on Weiss' bed. "What time is it? I think my scroll is messed up again."

Ruby glanced at her own scroll before replying.

"11:30."

Frowning at the answer, Blake picked up her scroll and looked at it again. It did say 11:30...but there were no missed messages.

"What's the name of that cookie place you like again?" she asked, trying to ignore the way her heart was beginning to pound in her chest.

"Captain Chips!" Ruby answered with a happy grin. "Why?"

"Just wondering…" Blake mumbled absentmindedly while looking up the bakery's address on her scroll. It wasn't that far from the airship station...and they'd closed almost two hours ago.

Where was Yang? It had been nearly four hours now since they'd separated. It couldn't have taken that long to go get cookies and then whatever else she'd planned to do...could it? Unless it was a very, very elaborate gift...

"Yang should be back by now…" she mused, mostly to herself, right as Weiss walked back into the room and sat down on the bed beside Ruby.

"Maybe she ran into someone she knew. You know how she can get talking," Weiss suggested before running one hand lovingly through Ruby's hair and placing a quick kiss on her forehead.

"I...yeah, I guess you're right." Regardless, Blake checked her scroll one more time.

Sometimes Yang would run into someone she knew and spend hours catching up. Blake had witnessed this on several occasions, during which she'd actually read good chunks of novels on her scroll while waiting for her partner to finish talking.

Sending off a quick 'where are you?' message, she stifled a yawn while Weiss turned off the light on their side of the room. Tapping her scroll impatiently against her hand, Blake waited several minutes for a response before turning off the light near her bed as well. Setting the scroll right by her pillow, she pulled the covers over her but didn't close her eyes just yet.

It obviously wasn't preferred to go to bed alone, but this had happened once or twice before - each time Blake had woken in the middle of the night with Yang slipping into bed beside her. So while she wasn't worried, she just...wished Yang had messaged to say that she would be back late. But that was probably just Blake being overly protective and a little possessive. Yang could take care of herself, wherever she was.

Closing her eyes and sighing, Blake thought instead of all the possible surprises Yang could have set up for her in the morning. If it was taking this long, it had to be something pretty elaborate. Maybe they would go on a scavenger hunt around Vale? That would be fun. Yang could be hiding gifts around the streets right now, setting up clues that would lead Blake to them later. Or maybe it would only be one big gift with lots of clues - like a treasure chest and a treasure map!

Whatever the present ended up being...no matter how big or small...Blake already knew that she would love it.

Knowing this, it was with a little smile on her lips that she drifted off to sleep.