Chapter Text
Weiss is not a greedy person. She wasn't.
When she was just a kid everything she did was decided. When she woke up, what she should eat, which activities she would do, her classes, her clothes and her friends, every breath she took. It was antognizing.
Captured in a castle with people who served her. She had everything on a material side. Money, clothes, the latest technology.
That didn't make her happy. It was fun to have all that, but it was lonely. The friends that were hand picked by her father were only interested in her welt. That and nothing more. Always trying to please her father and getting on his good side. Peasents all of them.
She knows she shouldn't complain. She had a roof above her head, decent food and a bed to sleep in.
She shook her head for a moment. Rain droplets falling from the tips of her hair. She was soaked. The rain almost made her clothes see trough. Her arms wrapped around her body in attempt to stay warm.
The seering wind trying to cut her arms open, rain pouring down so hard she could only see a few meters ahead. Well at least her tears wouldn't be visible.
The last time she felt this bad was when Winter, het sister, left home. Without a goodby. Just like that. She swore to never cry again, never.
But her she is. Bawling her eyes out, six months after she left her father's home.
Squeezing her eyes she saw a sort of shadow on the side way. A little cabin. Walking towards it, a boom was heard into the sky fallowed by a lightning strikes.
Weiss used to be fascinated by it. Each strike lightning the sky in a fashion way. Beautiful.
Reaching the cabin she found it aboneded. Door slightly left open.
Logic would tell her to turn away and walk on. Every horror movie ends in a scary cabin somewhere in the woods. But the ice on her skin punched her forward.
Trying to fit on the light switch. A miracle didn't acure though. No electricity. Slowly with shaking hands she pulled at her purse, trying to find a lighter.
You never know when you need one. Ruby once said. Ruby. The reason why she was batteling the rain, the reason she...
No. It wasn't Ruby fault. Its her, everything that happens is always because of herself.
She flipped the lighter on. With the little light she got she saw some cabinets. With a bit of luck maybe there would be some candles.
And for once, life was at her side.
She lit the biggest one, lifting it up. Slowly she looked around. A single room cabin. A fire stoof, a demolished kitchen, a half broken table in the middle, papers everywhere, a patato sack in a corner and what looked like a old wool red blanket. The side were raffling.
It reminded her how she met Ruby in the first place.
2 weeks after she left her father's home, wandering the streets with the little money she had left, call it coincidence, she had run into Winter. For the first time in 4 yours.
Not knowing what to do she ran. Because that's logical isn't it. Running away from the person who left you without a explanation. Winter who still hadn't managed to say a word had only a chance to blink before Weiss disappeared. Running back the way she came.
'Wait, Weiss!' she didn't look back, didn't stop. Trying to get as much distant between them as possible.
Forgetting for a moment that Winter had special military training. Only a moment, taking a glimps behind her she saw Winter running after her.
Panic rose in her chest. She ran inside the store on her left, straight to the changing cabins. Here she could rest for a moment.
'uh Hallo?'
She suppressed a scream. Turning around there stood a girl. A little taller then herself. Dark red hair all the way to the tips. She was dressed in a red hoodie that made due like a dress, reaching under her hips. With black leggings and leather boots.
Instead of yelling at Weiss for barging in or looking shocked, no she was totally calm, like it had happened before.
'You okay?' she asked. Tilting her head a little to the side. That moment Weiss wanted to scream 'Do I look okay?!' but then Winter would find her for sure.
'U, no' she whispered
'Why you whispering? ' the redhead whispered back. Then she gasped louldly. 'Are you being followed? Is someone trying to kidnap you?'
Weiss nodded, it wasn't entirely true, but it was a better explanation than she could give right now. 'Weiss I know you here somewhere.'
Weiss swallowed. Her sister could find her at any moment. She stepped back till she hit the wall.
'Don't worry' the redhead said. 'Stay here. I will keep you safe.' The girl left the cabin.
'Oh Ruby!'
'Winter?' that girl knows Winter. Now she was in trouble for sure.
'What are you doing here,' She sounded so nervous. She was screwed.
'I'm looking for my sister. White hair like, blue eyes. You haven't seen her pass through?'
'You sister? Uh no I was busy changing. Can't say I haven't seen her. '
She was dead.
'Okay Ruby, thanks. If you see her, please call me.'
'Will do, see you tonight. '
Her sisters steps slowly waved away. Finally been able to breath she slide down on the floor. Not much later the redhead girl, Ruby came back in.
'So' the girl fiddled. 'You must be Weiss then.'
First though. Deny it. Before she had the chance the girl spoke further. 'I mean you look like her. White hair, blue eyes.' Weiss snorted. 'And she showed you picture.'
No denying it then. ' Wrapping her arms around her knees she signed. 'I haven't seen her in 4 years.'
'Well', the girl said, sliding down next to her. 'Then why not say hallo?'
' We haven't spoken either.'
'I see.'
'Do you know her?' Weiss asked. She was a bit curious after the encounter. Winter knew her name after all.
'Well yeah, she is marrying my uncle in a couple of weeks.'
'What!'
Weiss smiled. While it was a bad experience at first, it was the first time she met Ruby. The girl was so upfront and honest. They had stayed in the little changing cabinet for at least 30 minutes. Ruby trying to explain how she met Winter and calming Weiss down at the same time. In the end she started rambling about herself and while it was annoying hearing someone talk so nervously it did help taking her mind of things.
'So Weiss. Not to push you, but what are you going to do now?'
That was an excellent question. She only had a couple of bucks left.
'I'm going to find an inn or something I guess.' she shuddered her shoulders, resting her chin on her knees.
'Well, maybe you can come to my house. Winter will be there for dinner, but I can sneak you through the back door.'
'Thats generous of you, but I don't want to cause trouble and running in my sister by chance.'
Ruby signed. Going with her hand through her hair. 'You don't have to answer but did something happen between you? I mean I have a older sister too so I can relate about being the little sister or something?'
'We didn't have a fight. She just left one day without explanation. Just like that. I tried calling her multiple time , she never picked up the phone.'
'Oh.'
Without warning Ruby jumped on her feet. 'Then you should confront her. Yeah.' her hands balled in fist's and her head bobbing up and down. 'You totally should. The best way to get answers. Come on!'
Ruby took her right hand and pulled her upright. 'Wait!'
But she didn't stop. Ruby took her hand in a firm hold. 'You should' she said again. 'Running away from it will keep you awake at night.'
And Weiss went with her. Fighting against her instinct to run away.
Opening her eyes the white haired girl broke the last leg of the already broken table. She had gathered the old newspapers and with the wood she could make a fire. She is to stubborn to die from hypothermia. She had shed her jacket, shoes en socks.
Looking at it. It was the jacket Ruby gave her. No bought her in the store where they met. It was cold back then and Ruby insisted to buy her a coat.
'You happy know' Weiss grumbled. Ruby laughed. 'Yeah, you look cozy at least.'
'I probably won't be able to repay you for this you know.'
'You can repay me by talking to you sister.'
'You are blackmailing me aren't you.'
'Then give the jacket back if you don't want to.' making grabbing hands she reached out to Weiss. 'No, this is mine now.' If her smile could get any bigger it would. It was nice to joke around a little. It held her mind of the inevitable, talking to Winter.
'So Ruby, it is Ruby right.'
'Yea, didn't I introduce myself? I happen to forget it sometimes' she smiled smugly.
Tucking her hands into her pockets Weiss signed with closed eyes. 'You are not that bright are you?'
'Hey! So you know I skipped two grades and I'm going to college next semester.' Ruby pointed, faking a hurt face.
Giggling Weiss asked. 'How old are you then ? If I can ask that is.'
'I'm a sixteen growing girl.'
'Growing? Do you drink milk or something?'
'I do.'
Weiss signed once more, but this time the tense feeling was leaving her bones.
They felt in a comfort silence while Ruby let the way.
...
She is not a coward, she is not a coward. Fears need to be feared. A Shnee doesn't fear
'So are you getting in anytime soon?' Ruby was already in her house. Shoes off. Weiss had a harder time. Trying to coach herself in, it was like a wall was placed between them.
'I..' taking a step back she shook her head.
'Hey Ruby!' A loud voice shooted from behind. Tensing up Weiss didn't dare to turn around.
'Hi Yang' Ruby greeting cheerfully. 'Why you standing with the door open?' A girl a that was even taller then Ruby passed Weiss.
Blond curly hair and purple eyes. 'I was hoping for Weiss to get in.'
'Weiss?' the blond took a sixties degree turn and locked eyes with Weiss.
'Oh you are tiny.'
'Excuus me!' Weiss shouted. 'Come on peep squeak.' Yang took her arm and forced her inside.
She was inside. She was inside. INSIDE!
The door closed with a big bang.
'Come on Weiss. It will be fine.'
'Weiss? As in Weiss, Winter sister', the blond exclaimed. 'That is great she told so much about you.' Yang slapped her back.
'Its not.' Weiss gritted her teeth. Yang facial expression changed immediately. Opening her mouth.
'Yang don't, it's private.' Yang looked at the visitor, who was looking at her feet.
'A sister thing, huh?'
Meeting Yang eyes, the girl nodded.
'Okay. Why don't you get yourself comfortabel. I will make some hot coco knowing you sister she will be here at six sharp.'
With that Yang walked away.
'I guess I should have mention that she was here at six.' If looks could kill...
'How did you skip two grades.'
Ruby smiled, rubbing the back of her head.
Somehow it made Weiss relax.
'So are you going to lead the way or?'
Sometime later Weiss was sitting at the dinning table. As promised a hot chocolat drink with some marshmallow. Ruby's older sister Yang sat across from her.
They father was busy cooking. First impression: a very kind man. He had a pity look on his face, when Ruby had spoken silently to him. Probably explaining the situation.
Not that Weiss could be mad at her for that. She was a stranger after all, invited at someone's house she didn't know.
She could be a serial killer for all they knew. They could be serial killers. Shaking her head she slapped herself inward. Ridiculous.
Taking a sip she let the warmt flow in her body. Two minutes before six. Any moment now.
She felt nervous, angry and had so many questions. The question that was nagging her most of all. Why Winter never contacted her. The sound of a door opening brought her back to reality. her slouched posture almost immediately back to a perfect upright. Stiff and uncomfortable.
She recognized her sister voice. It was soft and she didn't understand what she is saying, but it was definitely her sister.
The door of the living room slides open and he sister stepped trough. Her face aimed at the person she was talking to.
'I really saw her Qrow. She looked so scared. And then she just disappeared.' she snapped her fingers. Now she was able to take a good look at her sister she discovered she hadn't changed a thing. Her hair still tied in a tight bun, a few strands loose. Clothes still white and blue. Formal pants and black shoes.
Weiss stood up. 'So we finally meet after 4 years.' She tried to remain calm and collected, but deep down there was this boiling anger waiting to rise.
Winter turned around. Blinking. Looking like she couldn't believe who was standing before her. Ruby's father, Yang and Ruby went out of the way. This was a privet matter after all. Yang took Qrow, who Weis though was Qrow at least, by the scurf and pulled him towards the couch. 'Introduction later, uncle.' Ruby said softly
'Weiss you here. How, when. Why did you run?' Winter asked while coming closer.
Taking a deep breath and a step back Weiss locked her deep blue eyes with her sister. 'I can ask you the same sister.'
Winter had a hurtfully expression when Weiss stepped back, only to turn to confusion when Weiss spoke her answer.
'You left 4 years ago. No note. I called you everyday for one year long and you never answered. Never called back.'
The girl voice started to shake, while tears stood visible in her eyes.
'And then I find out by accidentally bumping into Ruby that you are getting married!' bailing her fist, she forced the tears back.
'Sqeezing her eyes shut, she tried to steady her breathing. She hated losing control of her feelings. It was a bad thing after all, she had learned the hard way.
'Weiss, I'm sorry...'
'Don't apologize. I only want to know why you never answered, never called back. I was your sister. I understand why you left. Klein explained it to me. I don't care about that.' whipping the tears away from her eyes, sniffling a bit.
Winter stayed silent. Her mount opening, nothing coming out. Weiss took a glance at Ruby, then at Qrow. The engagement ring blinking.
'I see. I understand.' she said defeated. 'You found a new family.'
'Weiss' Winter tried only to be interrupted.
'No, you found a new family. Your happy that's all that counts.' swallowing she locked eyes once again. 'At least I hope you are.'
With that Weiss couldn't bare to be here any longer, taking bigs steps to pass her sister, who she didn't recognize at all anymore it seems.
'Please Weiss, hear me out.' Stopping for only a moment Weiss turned her head. 'I don't wish to intrude. I got my answer.'
'But.'
'Don't, you left me behind you can't ask me questions. I changed Winter. I'm not that naïef anymore. I'm not that little kid who buys every apology.'
'I tried to protect you. If father found out I contacted you...'
'Then what Winter! He was already abusive. He always thought we had contact. Do you see this scar?'
She laid her hand over her left eye. The scar definitely visible. 'He gave it to me the day after you disappeared demanding to know where you were. He didn't believe that I knew nothing. You didn't really protected me. You made it worse.'
Tears started leaking from Winter eyes. The truth out in the open space between her. 'I would never told him you know. I loved you to much for that.' With one last look Weiss walked into the hallway. Done with talking. Done with everyone and everything.
Finally having her answer. She was never worth or for her sister. Not for anybody. She was destined to be alone. Nobody caring for her. She stumbled slightly, trying to located her shoes.
She was loosing control of her emotions. Ready to break down.
'Weiss' a soft warm voice called her back. Ruby sister Yang. 'Don't go like this. It's late.'
'I will be fine. I'm sorry for ruining your dinner.'
'Its late' another voice piped in. Yang's father, Taiyang. 'You can stay in the guest room.' he offered. 'I don't take no for a answer.'
'I slept under a bridge a few days prior. I will be fine's she gritted her teeth. 'Weiss. You will make Ruby worry. Please one night.'
Well she couldn't do that. Ruby had been very nice, bought her a coat, listened to her.
'Fine, one night for Ruby.' she mumbled.
Thinking back on it. Weiss was glad Taiyang convinced her stay that one night. It was the first cozy bed she slept in since two weeks. She had to be careful with the money she had and renting a hotel wasn't in the budget. Once she had broken in a stall to escape the upcoming storm. Only once. Waking up next to a goat was a heart attract she didn't want to experience again.
Shivering. She needed this fire fast otherwise the hypothermia would win. Her hands shaking, fingertips turning blue. Time was running out.
Closing her eyes for a second she though back to the first night and Xiao long household
Ruby had lent her some pyjama's. Both had eaten together in the guest room. Ruby never leaving her alone, trying to comfort the youngest shnee sister.
'You alright?' she asked. Weiss glared. 'Stupid question, sorry.' the redhead let herself fall next to Weiss on the bed.
'Video games always make me feel better. You want to play some?'
Staring at the girl, Weiss frowned. 'You can play video games?' Ruby nodded. 'Of course you?'
'I'm a technology expert, but father never let me play video games. ' Gasping Ruby shot upright. 'Lets change that. I have ton of games in my room. Let's go play some.' she suggested.
'Ruby.'
'Pleasse. It will help I promise.' she wined
'Such a child.' Weiss hit her with a pillow. 'Mayne tomorrow. I'm really tired to be honest.'
It wasn't a lie. Weiss yawed. This day was starting to take a toll fysical and emotionally.
'Okay, gets some rest then. I will see you tomorrow.'
Weiss crawled under the covers, when Ruby moved to put out the light.
'Don't' Weiss pleaded. Reaching her hand out. 'Let the light on please.'
She sounded so afraid, pathetic.
Ruby looked sad, disappeared and came back. All in a mater of minutes. Her hands full with stuff.
'A night light. It will keep the monsters away and to be sure I will stay here with you.' she explained.
She dropped the blankets on the bed Weiss was sleeping in and plugged the nightlight in. 'Ruby, I'm 18. You don't need to coddle me.'
'Maybe, but your my friend now. I'm not leaving you after tonight.'
'Friend? But you don't know me?'
'Well I know you are Winter sister. You like hot coco with marshmallows. Mostly the pink and blue ones. You picked the yellow ones out. You favorite color is blue. Because have you seen your clothes. '
'Red, my favorite color is red.' she interrupted. 'Oh okay, red. See friends correct each other. And friends tell each other secrets and you told me yours earlier '
'Do friends also blackmail each other to get what they want?' Weiss asked with a smirk.
'Totally' a third voice joined in. Caring with her a heavily matras, Yang.
'A little help Ruby?'
'Nope, yesterday you said you could lift Blake with two fingers. Surely a matras wouldn't be a problem with two hands.'
Ruby smirked.
Yang sticked her tongue out. 'Come help.me you gremlin or you sleeping in the hallway.'
'Are you really treating you little sister.'
'Yes now please, Ruby. It's really heavy '
'Fine you big baby.' Pulling with two people went along easier. Till Yang let go and the matras tipped over onto Ruby.
'So one mouth less to feed tomorrow. You can take her place now Weiss' Yang winked.
Ruby arms slapping at the matras in attempt to move it.
'Shall I sleep here tonight?' the blond suggested before letting herself fall on top of the matras, crunching Ruby. Making her younger one scream her sister name, quiet annoyed.
Weiss watched amused. It was funny to see.
'Tell me why I'm so great and I will get up.' black mailed Yang.
Ruby voice was muffled by the matras. 'Can't hear you Ruby.' The redhead was visible getting frustrated.
'You are great ..' Yang lifted the matras. 'ass' Ruby finished smiling.
'Ouch, you break my heart.' Yang clutched playfully at her chest pretending to die.
'Are you always like this?' Weiss asked curiously. Both immediately stopped playing around. 'What you mean?'
'Winter never did with me what you doing with Ruby.' she answered while pulling her legs to her chest.
Signing Yang went to sit on the bed. 'A sister relationship is different for every family. '
Taking her eyes to the left side to the room Weiss mumbled: 'It feels like I never had a sister.'
Ruby decided to bounce on the bed landing next to the white haired girl. 'Winter told is about your family awhile ago. It was shitty. Probably still is. But she does care a great deal about you.'
Weiss made an unbelievable noice from her throat, scoffing.
'Its true. She told story's about you. Your hobby's, funny things you did. She always had this sad smile on her face when she was talking about you.'
'Then why didn't she call me back. I left so many voice mails. I really hoped she would everytime. And then when the phone number was out of commission I thought she died. She was my number one, the example I wanted to be.'
'Must have been a shock when you saw her today .' A deep voice sounded from the door way. 'I'm Qrow. I haven't been able to introduce myself ' the man stepped inside the room. He looked a bit messy
Clothes not proper tucked away, a beard, maybe a bit drunk?
'I'm not going to talk her actions good' he started. 'I think it's important you do hear her out though. It will keep you awake at night otherwise.' Throwing a side glance to Ruby knowing full well from who she got her antics from.
'You don't have to do it tomorrow or the day after that or after that. But it will benefit you both. ' With those words he left the room again.
Silence filled the room till Yang stood up. 'Time to hit the sack.' she yawned. 'Good night you two and she flipped the light off.' Ruby jumped into her own bed laying down facing Weiss. Crawling closer to the end of the bed Weiss had one question to ask
'Are we really friends Ruby?'
The girls responded immediately. 'Yes. Unless you don't want to.'
'No, I never had a friend before that's all.'
'Never?'
'Never.'
'Mmm, well I will be your friend then and you won't get rid of me.'
It was her third promise that day. Only that last promise was broken. Ruby hated her now, she would never be friends with someone like Weiss. Those were her exact words.