Chapter 18

True to her word, Winter arranged an art auction just a few days later. She had to head back to Atlas and could not attend, but assured Ruby that it would be a success. Before she left Winter pointed out the pieces likely to sell for a decent price, and Ruby picked out a dozen paintings she decided she could part with. Once again Ruby put on a fancy dress to attend a venue that was too upscale for her taste. This time she incongruously wore sneakers, heels being a bridge too far.

"Weiss, how much do you think I'll make?" Ruby asked.

"Maybe 250,000 lien." Weiss shrugged. "I don't really know. I've never been to an auction here before, but it looks like there are some high-rollers in attendance."

"Well if Blake wants anymore paintings I'd be happy to part with them for six figures apiece." Ruby laughed.

"What can I say?" Blake said. "I really liked that one."

"I'm sure someone in the crowd will like each of your pieces just as much." Pyrrha encouraged. "Coco said she'd like to take one home, and you know she's going to pay as much as it takes."

"I never thought I'd make any money off painting." Ruby said. "I was just happy making a little from tattoos. Anything I get will be a bonus I guess."

"That's the spirit." Yang said. "Just enjoy the experience."

"Ms. Rose, can I borrow you for a moment?" The head of the auction house asked.

"Sure, what is it?" Ruby asked.

"An anonymous buyer has offered to purchase all of your paintings." The man said. He handed Ruby a paper. "Here is the offer."

Ruby stared at the paper with her mouth agape. "Ruby, what is it?" Pyrrha asked. She looked at the paper from over Ruby's shoulder. "Wow...that's a lot of zeroes."

"How many?" Yang asked. She slipped behind Ruby's other shoulder. "Damn, I'd be lucky to make that in a year."

"So, Ms. Rose, do you accept the offer?" The man asked.

Ruby said nothing but released a slight squeak as she nodded. The head of the auction house handed her a pen and she signed off on it, still standing there in shock. "Ruby, are you okay?" Pyrrha asked after Ruby stood there for a little longer.

Ruby let out a loud squeal and leapt into Pyrrha's arms. "I can afford the surgery!" Ruby exclaimed.

"Surgery?" Yang asked.

"Yeah...surgery." Pyrrha sighed. Despite Pyrrha's lack of enthusiasm, Ruby was bursting with energy, practically bouncing off the walls.

Weiss had a feeling she knew exactly who the anonymous buyer was. When she got home she dialed up her sister. "Hello Weiss." Winter answered the phone.

"Hey Winter, make any interesting purchases today?" Weiss asked.

"Whatever do you mean dear sister?" Winter inquired.

"It's just that Ruby's paintings made a killing." Weiss explained. "And the payment came from Atlas."

"I wouldn't know anything about that." Winter giggled.

"She's full of shit!" Qrow shouted in the background.

"You know, Ruby would love to meet the person who made her career." Weiss said.

"Perhaps one day she will." Winter said. "How did she react?"

"After the standing coma?" Weiss laughed. "She's been giggling and kissing Pyrrha all day."

The day after the art sale Ruby sat in her studio. She had no works in progress and was having a bit of difficulty thinking up what to paint next. Her mind kept coming back to the surgery. She wanted to have the procedure done, she wanted to be free of the hallucinations and the fear, she wanted to be happy. But it was not so simple. The surgery could do her serious harm. It might even kill her. The people around her, Pyrrha and Yang in particular, would be crushed if anything happened to her. They would want her to be happy, but the risks were great. Were they really worth taking?

Ruby closed her eyes and covered her face with her hands. It was not just thoughts about the surgery, but a powerful headache too. When she looked up she realized she was not alone. Jaune and her parents were there. "Hey...what are you...when did you get here?" Ruby asked.

"We thought you might need some help with your decision." Jaune explained. "So tell us what's on your mind."

"I want to get this surgery." Ruby said. "With the way things are now, I'm afraid all the time, terrified I'll have another hallucination. It's...I don't want to live like this. If I get the surgery done...I could die. There's a pretty good chance I would at least be seriously hurt by it. But it might be the only thing that can help. I just...I don't know if I should do it."

"Yeah, that's a tough one." Jaune sighed. "If things go wrong it could mess with your art too. That would be a tragedy. But living in fear like this...that sucks."

"I...I don't want to lose you." Taiyang said. "I know things are tough, but think of the people who care about you. If you died or were crippled...it would hurt them so much."

"I know, that's why it's so hard." Ruby groaned. "Mom...what do you think?"

Summer thought for a moment then smiled. "Ruby, if this is the only way you'll be happy, it's worth the risk." She said. "Yang, Pyrrha, everyone will understand and I'm sure they'll support you, just like I do. Just remember, we love you, always."

"Same." Jaune nodded.

"I love you, and I don't want you to die but...do what you must to be happy." Taiyang said.

"I love you guys." Ruby said. "And it's so good to see you again...again…" Ruby's headache flared and her vision blurred. When the disorientation faded she was alone in her studio. "They were...that was…"

There was a knock at the door. "Ruby, are you okay?" Pyrrha asked. "I heard you talking."

"I was talking to a hallucination." Ruby admitted. Pyrrha opened the door and came in. "I was thinking about the surgery and then Jaune and my parents appeared and talked to me about it."

"Are you...alright?" Pyrrha asked.

"I am." Ruby replied. "It wasn't scary or anything."

"Well...call me if you need anything." Pyrrha said. "Love you."

"I love you too." Ruby said as Pyrrha backed out of the room.

Pyrrha was full of worry. She wanted Ruby to be happy, but a surgery with only a 20% chance of success without harm, a 30% chance of death, it was a tremendous risk. It was tough enough to think about when it looked like it would never happen, but now it was a real possibility. That night they made love. Afterwards they held each other. Ruby, as she usually did, took a position as a preposterously small big spoon.

"I want to get the surgery." Ruby said. "I don't think I can be really happy if I have to keep fearing the next hallucination."

"Are you sure?" Pyrrha asked.

"No...but I want to be sure." Ruby admitted. "I need to get better, and if this is my only chance…"

"No matter your decision, I'll support you." Pyrrha declared.

"You might lose me." Ruby sighed. "I might lose you."

"But you might get better." Pyrrha countered.

"If...if I don't make it...what will you do?" Ruby asked.

"Keep your memory alive, however I can." Pyrrha replied.

"But would you ever be happy?" Ruby pressed. "Could you ever be happy?"

"No, not for a long time." Pyrrha said. "But if I could keep remembering the good times...maybe one day."

"And you're okay with that?" Ruby asked.

Pyrrha grabbed Ruby's hand, entwining their fingers. "I would do anything for you, Ruby." Pyrrha said.

"I love you." Ruby said.

"I love you too." Pyrrha responded.

"I know it sounds bad, but if it's my only chance…" Ruby said after explaining the surgery to Yang.

Yang already had tears in her eyes. "I don't want you to do it." She said. "I'm so afraid I'll lose you. But I want you to be happy, and if this is the only way...do it."

"Yang I…" Ruby started.

"I don't want you to have to live in fear." Yang cut her off. "No one should have to suffer like that. If this is the risk you have to take, take it. I'll be there with you the whole way."

"But if I died, what would you do?" Ruby asked.

"I don't even want to think about it." Yang shook her head.

"Please…" Ruby said.

"I'd be depressed, really depressed." Yang said. "I don't know what I'd do. I don't know how I'd be happy. I'm sure Coco would help but...no, I can't put this on you. If I know you're suffering I'll end up just as down. You need to do what you think is right, for you. You've always been so kind, too kind, too selfless. But now you need to do something for you. Whatever you decide, I'm with you."

"Yang, thank you." Ruby said. Yang wrapped her in a crushing embrace.

"I love you so much." Yang said. "And I just want you to be happy."

"I love you too." Ruby said. "Whatever happens I always will."

On Monday Ruby returned to the hospital to meet with Dr. Oobleck and schedule her surgery. She went through the last scans and tests the doctor would need to plan the procedure, and it was scheduled for the following Monday morning. Ruby paid with the money from her art sale and that was that. Only the wait remained, one week, maybe her last.

"If this is the last week I have...I want it to be a good one." Ruby said as she and Pyrrha drove home from the hospital. "I...I want to spend time with everyone I can." She sighed. "I wish Uncle Qrow was here too."

"I'll do everything I can to make this week the best one you've ever had." Pyrrha promised. "I'm sure the others will too."

"Yeah, I just...I still feel bad." Ruby groaned. "If something happens to me, everyone else is going to hurt so much."

"But if you don't do this you'll just go on hurting." Pyrrha said. "That's not fair to you. You deserve to be happy too."

"I know but...I just want everyone to be happy." Ruby said.

"And when the surgery goes off without a hitch we will be." Pyrrha declared with a smile. "We can't just focus on the negatives. What we all want is the old, happy-go-lucky Ruby back. Things will never be quite the same after what happened, but seeing you smile, that's what makes us happiest."

The next day Coco picked Ruby up from the apartment and drove to the gym to collect Yang. This was to be Ruby's day with Yang and Coco. Ruby was surprised to find Nora at the gym. Apparently she and Ren were just stopping in to take care of some business before moving on with the rest of their day. Ruby had already informed all her friends of the surgery, and when Nora spotted her she rushed over, launching immediately into a high-impact hug.

"Hey Nora, it's good to see you too." Ruby struggled as Nora squeezed the air out of her.

Nora released Ruby from the hug and held her by the shoulders. "You have to finish my tattoos." Nora said. "Please. Before the surgery. Just in...I want…"

"How about tomorrow?" Ruby suggested.

"Oh, that would be perfect!" Nora exclaimed. "Right Ren?" Ren nodded.

"Just swing by the apartment and I'll take care of it." Ruby promised.

"Ready to go?" Yang asked, walking up to the group.

"Yeah, just making some plans with Nora." Ruby replied. "So, where are we going?"

"I thought I'd take you shopping." Coco said. "It'll be fun for all of us. Then we'll head home for some tattoos."

"Sounds good." Ruby said. "Lead on."

Ruby, Yang and Coco arrived at the mall and headed into a clothing store. "How's your wardrobe holding up?" Coco asked.

"As sturdy as the day Yang built it." Ruby replied.

"She means your clothes Rubes." Yang laughed.

"I know, I know..." Ruby said.

"I haven't seen you in a new pair of jeans since we met." Coco observed.

"I thought the holes were fashionable." Ruby said.

"Only when made on purpose." Coco said.

"Your hoodie is getting pretty frayed around the edges." Yang added.

Ruby absentmindedly toyed with some of the loose threads around the left cuff. "I don't want to replace it." She said. "You got it for me."

Yang forced a smile and hugged Ruby. "I don't want you to replace it." Yang said. "Just get another so this one doesn't fall apart as fast."

"Uh, okay, sure Yang." Ruby agreed, not sure exactly what to make of Yang's display of emotion. "Wait, do they even make designer hoodies?"

"They make designer everything." Coco replied. "Designer socks, designer collars, designer plain white t-shirts…"

"Collars?" Ruby asked.

"Where do you think Blake got hers?" Coco asked.

"The pet store?" Ruby answered.

"Hah, wrong pet store Rubes." Yang laughed.

Coco had Ruby try on all sorts of outfits, almost using her as a dress-up doll. At one point she even put her in Yang's favorite ensemble. Ruby loved every minute. By the time they were done she had more clothes than she knew what to do with. Still, the thought that she would never get the chance to wear them nagged at her. Before leaving Yang headed off to use the bathroom, leaving Ruby and Coco alone.

"I think...I think I want to marry her." Coco blurted out.

"Really?" Ruby asked. "I never thought of you as the marrying type."

"Me neither." Coco admitted. "But for Yang...I feel like I could do it."

"I guess that means I'll have two big sisters." Ruby said.

"You're okay with this?" Coco asked.

"You helped Yang when she was at her worst, when no one else could." Ruby said. "The way I see it, that already makes you family."

"That means more to me than you think Ruby." Coco smiled. "I always wanted a little sister."

"Well, if you want, I can add a rose to your dragon tattoo." Ruby suggested. "You know, to make it official."

Coco teared up and Ruby smiled at her, leaning in as Coco hugged her. "Thanks sis." Coco said.

"What's up with you two?" Yang asked, returning.

"Oh, nothing." Coco said, turning off the waterworks. "Let's hit the road. I can't wait to get that tattoo."

The trio headed back to Ruby's apartment. Penny prepared some food while Ruby started work on Coco's tattoo. The design was pretty set, a brown dragon with yellow highlights, curled up on her back. As she often did with her art, Ruby went big, and the expansive tattoo grew to cover most of Coco's back. Then, as a little finishing touch, a tiny rose clutched in the dragon's teeth. It was subtle but oh so powerful. After a break for some dinner, Ruby repaired Yang's damaged tattoo. Her accident had obliterated most of the dragon's head but Ruby remembered the original design perfectly. At Yang's request she added a few brown highlights to the dragon, making it a mirror-image of Coco's.

"Thanks for hanging out with me today." Ruby said. She turned to Coco. "And thanks for being my canvas. You too Yang."

"That hurt like hell but it was so worth it." Coco said with a smile. Yang slapped her on the back and Coco winced.

"Nice work on both of us Ruby." Yang said. "We had a great time." She stepped up and hugged Ruby. The embrace was firm, but not as crushing as Yang's hugs usually tended to be. "After you're fixed up we'll have to do this more often." Yang held onto the hug much longer than she normally would. She simply did not want to let go.

"Sure thing." Ruby said. "I love you, both of you."

"And we love you." Coco said.

"Yeah, always." Yang added, finally releasing Ruby.

The following day Ren and Nora showed up at the apartment in the morning. Ren brought some of his pancakes, and the three shared them with Penny. Then it was straight into Nora's tattoo. The first part of Nora's tattoo, just half of it, had taken Ruby about a dozen hours spread over several days. Nora was not good at sitting still and it slowed the work down tremendously. Now the days were limited, so Ruby wanted to get an early start to make sure she could finish the whole thing. Nora took off her top and sat down in the chair as Ruby prepped her equipment.

"Ruby, before we start, I wanted to ask if we could make a tiny little change." Nora said.

"Sure." Ruby replied. "What do you want?"

"Uh...I know it's kind of important and...I wanted…" Nora struggled. "Well I was hoping you'd be willing to add a small rose. Just above my boob. I...I…" Tears welled in Nora's eyes and her lips quivered.

"I understand." Ruby said. "Come here." She pulled Nora into a hug and patted her on the back. "You two have always been like family to me."

"I don't want you to go." Nora wept.

"I'll fight Nora." Ruby promised. "For my family."

"I...okay." Nora said. With a bit of effort she composed herself. "Okay. Let's do this. I'm ready." And just like that, Nora was silent and still.

Ruby went to work. To her surprise, Nora contained her seemingly boundless energy. Far from the nightmare she had been the first time around, Nora was the perfect subject this time. Once Ruby finished with her chest and back and Nora could speak freely without disturbing the work, the two chatted about this and that, almost like everything was perfectly normal. Ruby managed to finish the whole thing by the early afternoon, far more quickly than predicted.

"All done." Ruby announced. "What do you think?" She handed Nora a mirror and held up another one behind her so she could see her back.

"Wow...it's beautiful." Nora gasped. "And the rose...it's so...I love it!" She hugged Ruby, then still topless, skipped out of the studio to show Penny.

"Do you need any touch-ups while you're here?" Ruby asked Ren.

"No, my tattoos are fine." Ren replied. "But I would like it if you prayed with me." After a troubled upbringing, Ren had once been in a very bad place. He credited religion with saving him and had been deeply religious since. His tattoo, a sunset with a specific pattern of birds before it, was a symbol of his devotion.

"I'm not really...I don't really know how." Ruby admitted.

"Don't worry about how." Ren said. "There's no right or wrong way." He knelt on the floor and motioned for Ruby to join him. "Just close your eyes and try to find peace. When you've done so, ask the Creator for his blessing. I will be asking on your behalf."

"I'll give it a shot." Ruby said as she knelt down. She tried her best. Though not sure she was doing it right, she did find the exercise calming. When she finally opened her eyes Penny and a still topless Nora were watching.

"I'm not too into the whole religion thing, but I'll be praying for you too." Nora said. "Ren's been praying for you every night since he heard. He's been praying since...the incident."

"I wish you luck, and the blessing of whatever higher power there may be." Penny added.

"Thanks, all of you." Ruby said. "I may not really get it, but it still means a lot."