Author's Note: Hello all... again... you're all still here?

Happy Labor day to all of my American readers out there! Happy Monday to the rest of you! :p

I tried to promise myself that I wouldn't write a short chapter for this story, but then this chapter happened and it just felt like the perfect length.

A gasp filled the room as the sole inhabitant awoke from a twisted land of dark premonitions. A sheen of cold sweat encased her body as she continued to fight for the additional air to calm her nerves. She didn't need to check to know that the bed next to her was empty, the warmth that would have been there was gone. Sliding her bare legs out of bed, she grabbed her robe that lay on the floor and glanced at the clock; 2:49am. Tying the garment around her, she crept out the bedroom door and headed to the location where she knew she could find her missing spouse.

The house was unnervingly quiet at this hour and the plush carpet muted her normally boisterous footsteps to only a small whisper. Small creaks and groans could be heard as the house continued to settle and cool from the late afternoon heat they had experienced the day before. Taking the last corridor, she caught sight of her objective. As predicted, a light shone out from under the closed door of the study, but no noise could be heard from the person inside it. Gently gripping the brass door handle, she eased the door open.

The room was a combination of a study and a library. When they first moved in, Weiss made it a personal priority to clean this room out for their use. After all, they had plenty of books that they had brought with them and at least one of them enjoyed having a quiet space to read. Moving carefully through the room she spied the person she was looking for. Slumped in the chair with her head resting on the desk, her midnight black tresses were strewn across the table top.

"Oh, Blakey." Yang sighed softly as she stepped forward, determined to carry her wife back to bed. "You need to stop this."

Every night for the last two weeks, since Blake and Weiss were released from the hospital, Yang had awoken to an empty bed. The faunus didn't seem to be able to sleep properly and could always be found back her in her study, usually reading. Stooping forward, she brushed her lips against the faunus' head, giving her a light kiss. Now leaning over, she was able to see what her wife was doing before she had passed out. Obscured by her face was a long hand-written letter that was addressed to Yang. Without pause, she walked to the other side of Blake and carefully withdrew the letter to read it's contents.

My Dearest Yang,

Do you remember how we got to where we are today? Do you remember how we first started on this path? Do you remember how many trials and troubles I have caused you through the years? How I fought tooth and nail to make your life difficult? Your smile always told me that you have forgiven me and forgotten about it. I have always tried to do the same, but I can't. As far back as my memories take me, you have always deserved better than me.

So do you remember?

I remember the first day at beacon. This beautiful blonde came up to me. She only wanted to be friends, but I couldn't be bothered with the inconvenience.

I remember our trials in the forest. I was going to pass you over, but you were so sure of yourself in combat, so powerful. It was only for my benefit that I revealed myself to you in the forest and forced my burdens upon you.

I remember keeping my secrets. Not just from Ruby and Weiss, but you too. There was no reason I could trust you with my secret. You were just my partner, my tool to make my time at Beacon easier.

I remember the first time I ran. I remember seeing the hurt in your eyes. I remember not caring. My safety, my need to protect myself from people who have never harmed me, outweighed any harm I could do to someone who had only showed me care and compassion.

I remember when you found me. I remember how you told me you looked for me for hours on end. I remember that false promise I made to you.

I remember how you listened to me patiently and risked your life to help me in an investigation. I remember how you got pummeled by a mech to protect me and cover for a mistake I made.

I remember how you pulled me aside. I had run myself ragged going forward with my investigation. I remember how your poured your soul out to me and told me things you had never told me before. I remember how you laid your heart out on a string. I remember the look in your eye, how you wanted to ask me to the dance, but didn't want to destroy our relationship.

I remember how much of a coward I was. How I toyed with your feelings. I remember all the time I wasted with Sun. I remember tugging you around by the heart.

I remember how you fought Mercury. How you told me you were innocent and I refused to truly believe you. I remember the rage I felt and how I forced you to verify your story.

I remember when Cinder's attack proved you right, and how I couldn't protect you from her onslaught. Instead I abandoned you to so I could try to avenge Sun's death at Mercury's hands.

I remember how the cost of my selfishness got you injured. I remember how I felt when you were gone for six months. I remember the elation I felt when Amber brought you back safe and sound.

I remember how I continued to disrespect your wishes and tried to force my affection on you.

I remember how you again set aside your own personal safety and tried to protect me from Adam. I remember how you lost your arm to that maniac. I remember how I broke every promise I made to you. I remember how I ran away that night.

I remember how long I stayed away. I knew how much it would hurt you, but I rationalized it by saying it was for your good.

I remember how I couldn't stay away any longer. I remember how it became physically painful to be apart from you. I remember how I put my needs above yours, how I decided to burden you to soothe my own needs.

I remember how you forgave me. I remember how you kept giving every little piece of yourself until you had nothing left to give. I remember how I took it all.

I remember how you said yes to dating me. I remember how my burdens solidified their grasp on you.

I remembered how you fought in the next Vytal tournament. I remember how you put me ahead of your own self image. I remember how you kissed me in front CCT Cameras transmitting to millions of people. I remember how I only wanted to hide.

I remember how you continued to carry my burdens. Even as people tried to tear you down for being with a faunus and barred you from their stores. I remember how you just smiled at me and told me I was worth it.

I remember when you asked me to marry you. How you were so willing to carry my burden for me, yet you refused to give me a burden to carry for you.

I remember how you asked me to start a family with you.

I remember how you put me first, how you gave into my request.

I remember how you put your trust in me to carry our child.

I remember how I failed y-

Yang set the incomplete letter down. Watermarks dotted the paper. The area after the last few words was marred with ink splotches and tear stains. Glancing back down at the sleeping woman, Yang took a deep breath and decided on her course of action. Slipping the pen out of Blake's hand she added to the blank half of the page.

I'm afraid my memory isn't what it used to be. Too many happy times over the years have clouded it. But there are some things that I do remember. I do remember where this all began.

I remember meeting a lonely and confused girl reading against the wall. She looked as though she had never had a real friend in the world. Nothing would have made me happier than seeing her smile.

I remember when we met in the woods. I could tell that you never had some had someone to watch your back before. I remember the only thing I wanted to do was make you feel protected.

I remember how you kept your secrets from us. I remember how you ran when they were revealed. I remember the drive I felt to get you back. The desire to give you a safe place.

I remember when you made your promise. How I never wanted to put you in a position where you would have to break it. I wouldn't trade the late nights I spent listening to your problems and helping you work through them for anything.

I remember when I realized that I cared for you more than a friend. I remember trying to work up the courage to tell you. I remember hiding it from you for the sake of our friendship.

I remember when I was disqualified from the Vytal tournament. I didn't care about the masses, the only thing I was worried about was that you would see me as a monster.

I remember my drive to protect you when Cinder attacked Beacon. I remember when I got my memory back after Amber kept me safe. I remember how happy I was to see you and get to hold you in my arms again.

I remember how it took months for me to acclimate back to a normal life. How I tried to keep you at arms reach to protect you from having to carry my burden.

I remember how you kept pushing through. How you reminded me that it was ok for me to let you love me. It was ok for me to love you.

I remember how you left after I tried to protect you from Adam. How you succeeded in protecting me by keeping him away. I remember how you came back once it was safe. I remember how you have stayed by my side ever since.

I remember how you gave me all of you. I was elated to be able to carry your burdens for you. I remember being able to say the things I never said before. I remember when you said yes. I remember how you took my burdens and carried them for me.

I remember how I put you on the spot in front of millions of people. I remember how you showed me the courage to stand up for what you believed in. I remember how you reciprocated that kiss.

I remember how you stood by my side against all the attacks society could throw at us. How running would have been easier. But you continually gave me the strength to carry on.

I remember how you said you'd marry me. I remember how you stood at my side that day. I see the light you have brought into my life both before and since then. I remember how much easier I can breath each day knowing you are at my side. How much taller I can stand as you take my burdens and make them yours.

I remember how you gave me everything. You were willing to put yourself through so much to provide me with a family.

We will have a family, Blake. I promise you that. It's the least I can do for someone who has brought so much joy and happiness to my life. For someone who has had my back through the years and always provided for me, asking for nothing in return.

I love you now, and always will.

Replacing the cap on the pen, she set it down and rolled the letter up. Tying a small piece of ribbon around the scroll, she placed it in the pocket of her robe. After that, she gently scooped the faunus up, cradling the exhausted woman in her arms. It didn't take long before she was back at their bedroom and carefully set Blake back down on the bed so she didn't wake up. Placing the rolled up paper on the nightstand, she tucked her wife back in before sliding in on the other side of the bed.

"Good night, Love. I promise you tomorrow will be a brighter day."

Thank you all for continuing to read and review, it is greatly appreciated.

And thanks to Zelindsay for getting up early on a holiday to edit this for me.

So, this chapter technically concludes chapter two... I think I have nine planned (looks for notebook). Eh, we'll figure it out along the way.

All of you take care of yourselves and I will see you next time.