Chapter 11

Ruby sat staring out the window of Winter's SUV as she cruised down the highway. Weiss sat in the front seat, often covering her eyes with her hands as Winter weaved through traffic. Maniac indeed. Blake, beside Ruby, seemed to be taking it all in stride. Close calls that elicited gasps of panic from Weiss barely registered for Blake. Ruby was a bit more apprehensive than Blake, though not nearly as panicky as Weiss. Still, there was an inexplicable feeling in the pit of her stomach, some anxiety she could not explain.

It was a longer ride than Ruby had expected, having only seen the university area and airport. Atlas City proper was on the far side of the airport, separated from the university by several miles, though it was technically part of the same municipality. Vale City - a place Ruby had often visited - was similarly sprawling, but nothing on Patch compared. In the distance the skyscrapers of the city center were silhouetted against the bright blue sky. Vale had nothing on the Atlesian skyline.

Winter drove up alongside a large truck, aiming to pass it in the fast lane. Without warning, the truck began edging into her lane. Winter laid on the horn took evasive action, pulling into the grass median at 80 mph. The SUV slid sideways but Winter straightened it out, easing back onto the highway in front of the truck. The truck then blasted its horn at her. "What's his problem?" Winter complained. "He almost killed us."

"Normally I'd blame you, but this time you're right." Weiss sighed, knowing the successful maneuver would only make Winter's driving bolder.

"Nice moves Winter." Blake said. "You should be a race car driver. Right Ruby?" No answer. "Ruby?" Blake looked over to see Ruby hunched over, arms covering her head. She was whimpering and breathing erratically. "Ruby, what's wrong?" Blake tried hugging Ruby but to no avail.

Weiss turned around in her seat to see what was going on. She met Blake's gaze, the latter shaking her head. "Winter, pull over." Weiss said. "Something's wrong with Ruby."

"What?" Winter gasped. She glanced in the mirror to see Blake struggling to comfort Ruby. "Right." She cut across the highway, bringing the car to a stop on the shoulder.

Ruby stumbled out of the car as soon as it came to a halt. She took a few steps away from the highway to the edge of the grass and bent over, expecting to vomit. Her stomach contents remained in place but she could not stop herself crying. Ruby took a few deep breaths and was finally able to compose herself. She became aware that she was being hugged from three sides. "I think...I think I'm alright." Ruby gasped.

"What happened?" Winter asked. "Was my driving that scary?"

"No, the truck…" Ruby trailed off.

"We got past it fine." Blake said. "There was a little drama but everything's fine."

"My sister...her accident...a truck hit her." Ruby struggled. "I guess...I guess it stuck in my head."

"There's nothing to worry about." Winter encouraged. "We're here, you're safe, your sister is going to be fine right?" Ruby nodded. "See, everything's fine."

"We'd be safer if we weren't standing on the shoulder of a major highway." Weiss observed.

"Ruby, are you ready to go?" Blake asked.

"Yeah...yeah." Ruby replied. "L-let's go."

The rest of the journey was uneventful, only notable for Winter's much more careful driving. Soon the group arrived at a huge shopping mall. Ruby guessed every shopping center on Patch could fit inside this one. After a trek across the parking lot that was long enough to classify as a hike, they arrived. As the automatic door slid open they were met by a powerful blast of cold air. Ruby shivered and closed her cardigan, flipping the hood atop her head.

"Cold?" Winter laughed. "If this bothers you, the Atlesian winter is going to be a rude awakening."

"So what are we doing first?" Ruby asked.

"Clothes shopping." Blake replied.

"Yes, I hear my daughter has been clawing apart your wardrobe." Winter laughed. Ruby blushed and pulled her hood down over her face to hide.

Blake wrapped Ruby in a hug. "It was in my way." Blake shrugged.

"And now we must rebuild it." Winter said. "Here's my card, go nuts. Weiss and I are going to browse."

"Try not to buy the store." Weiss said.

"I make no promises." Blake smirked. She pocketed the card as Weiss and Winter walked off chuckling. Blake rubbed Ruby's shoulders. "It's okay, the mean girls are gone now."

"I-I didn't know you told her." Ruby stuttered.

"There are no secrets between us Ruby." Blake explained. "Does that bother you?"

"N-no, it's actually kind of sweet." Ruby replied. "I'm just not sure how open to be around her yet."

"Winter will never judge you Ruby." Blake assured her. "She just wants me, and by extension you, to be happy. Treat her like your mother mixed with your sister. She's a big sister, but also a mother to us."

"I can do that." Ruby said. "At least maybe Winter won't roughhouse me like Yang does."

"Don't get your hopes up." Blake laughed.

"Damn." Ruby sighed.

"How have you been?" Winter asked as she and Weiss walked past the various stores, window shopping.

"Splendid!" Weiss cheered. "I'm already among the top of my classes, my studies are going wonderfully...barring distractions...and ah!"

Winter flicked Weiss' nose. "I didn't ask about your schooling." Winter said. "I asked how you've been. Are you eating properly? Taken up new hobbies? Make friends aside from Ruby?"

"Oh, well, yes, I believe I have the best diet out of the three of us, barring the occasional lapse due to study...or Ruby shoving desserts in my face." Weiss answered. "And uh...um…" Weiss blushed as she trailed off.

Winter put a hand on her sister's shoulder, pulling her to a stop and turning her so they faced one another. Grinning excitedly she met Weiss' gaze. "And?" Winter asked.

"I have begun a friendly and beneficial relationship with a girl, Neon." Weiss said.

"Oh?" Winter gasped. "And what is so beneficial about this relationship?"

"...shewasmyfirstandlikesmebeingrough…" Weiss mumbled.

"I'm sorry, speak up." Winter said with a smirk. "I can't hear you."

"She was my first." Weiss admitted. "And she likes it when I'm...rough."

"Oh Weiss, you naughty girl." Winter giggled.

"Winter." Weiss groaned.

Winter laughed and pulled Weiss into a hug. "I'm so happy for you." She said. "What is she like? Does she treat you well? Do you treat her well?"

"Winter, it's not serious." Weiss explained. "It's almost purely physical. She was very kind and understanding, and lets me set the pace, and I do my utmost to treat her...well, how she deserves."

"Is that why I spy a few fading claw marks dear sister?" Winter asked.

Weiss flinched, trying to cover her barely exposed neck as Winter laughed. "She's...she has very sharp claws." Weiss sighed.

"Oh?" Winter said. "She's a…"

"Yes, a cat Faunus." Weiss confirmed. "But with a tail instead of ears."

"Reow!" Winter faux-growled. "Between Blake and your new girlfriend, Father must be spinning in his grave." Weiss slapped at Winter before burying her face in her sister's shoulder. "Am I going to meet this Neon?"

"It's not serious Winter." Weiss reiterated. "I was just pent up and Blake noticed. Her roommate hooked us up, and it's been fun, but I'm not interested in her like that. We don't have that spark like Ruby and Blake do."

"Weiss." Winter sighed.

"I know, I know." Weiss said. "It's not entirely healthy but I look it as a safe way to gain experience, to grow more comfortable with myself before I enter a true relationship. Neon is lovely, but if she starts developing feelings for me, for both our sakes I'll end things. I don't want to use someone who deserves more."

"When did you grow so mature?" Winter asked.

"I had a good mother." Weiss smiled.

"Stop that, you'll make me cry." Winter said, tearing up.

"Too late for me." Weiss said with tears in her eyes.

"Damn." Winter sighed.

"Snap button-ups?" Blake asked as Ruby took an example off the shelf.

"Yeah." Ruby confirmed. "I'll show you why." She took off her cardigan and hooked it on the shelf before slipping on the button-up. She snapped the buttons shut before splaying her arms. "Ravish me."

"What?" Blake scoffed.

"Ravish me!" Ruby insisted.

"Okay!" Blake shouted. She grabbed the shirt and violently pulled it open. The buttons unsnapped but the shirt remained undamaged. Ruby and Blake grinned. "We're buying a dozen of these."

"If only they made underwear like this." Ruby sighed. She tossed the shirt in the trolley and put on her cardigan.

"They probably do, but it wouldn't be nearly as satisfying." Blake smirked. "I love the sound, the feel, of snapping fabric."

"We could find really cheap packs." Ruby suggested. "Maybe there's a place where we can buy in bulk."

"I'll ask Winter." Blake said. "She's good at finding things cheap."

"Isn't she super rich though?" Ruby asked.

"She plays the stock market." Blake shrugged. "She probably has shares in a lingerie company or two."

"What about a cookie company?" Ruby asked.

"Hmm, anymore cookies and I won't be able to resist groping you publically." Blake laughed. She slid her hands down to squeeze Ruby's rear, eliciting a whine and blush. Ruby giggled and buried her face in Blake's shoulder.

"An exhibitionist too?" Winter gasped. "Blake dear, you've met your soulmate!"

"Oh God she's back!" Ruby gasped.

"I see you've bought half the store." Weiss observed. "But all of this is useless without the right shoes to go with it."

"Oh no." Ruby groaned.

"Oh yes, go on." Blake encouraged. "Spend some quality time with your new sister."

"No!" Ruby pouted as Weiss practically dragged her away from Blake's protective arms. Blake just smirked.

"Adorable." Winter sighed.

"Quite." Blake agreed.

"How have things been?" Winter asked as she and Blake headed for the checkout.

"We hit a minor bump in the road, but otherwise things have been amazing." Blake replied.

"A bump?" Winter pressed.

"Yeah, a minor bump." Blake tensed and groaned. "Almost killed Ruby but it's fine. It's fine, she's fine, I'm fine, we're fine."

Winter pulled Blake into a hug that was tightly returned. Winter rubbed Blake's back until she was able to relax. "What happened?" Winter asked.

"Ruby has an asphyxiation kink." Blake explained.

"Oh Blake…" Winter sighed.

"I know, I know, and Ruby said the same." Blake said. "I should have told her I was uncomfortable with it, but God, the look in her eyes when she's at my mercy...it's...it's the most beautiful thing in the world. She makes me feel like...like...she makes me feel whole, Winter."

"Good, good, you deserve this." Winter said. "Have you told her much about yourself?"

"No, she knows what Weiss does." Blake answered. "I'm not...ready to relive that yet."

"I know dear, I know." Winter said.

"I will tell them though, before the year is out." Blake said. "Both of them, especially Weiss, deserve to know everything."

"Take your time." Winter advised. "Don't force it."

"I won't, I promise." Blake said. "Thank you Winter. I love you."

"I love you too Blake." Winter said with a gentle smile. "Now, I don't see any underwear in here."

Blake smirked. "Ah yes, about that…"

Winter and Blake caught up to Ruby and Weiss as the latter exited a shoe store. Both were carrying bags from several stores, soon dumped in the trolley filled with the group's previous purchases. "I thought you were only buying heels." Blake observed.

"Which she will only use when forced." Weiss explained. "She gets far more use out of trainers and flats, and her current pairs are years old."

"I don't usually think about them." Ruby shrugged. "As long as they're not falling apart I'm fine." Ruby tapped her new shoes on the ground.

"They were bordering on falling apart." Weiss said. "They were so faded and the soles were beginning to split."

"Still, good shoes are expensive Weiss." Ruby complained. "I tried to make them last. Money was tight. Still is back home, I guess."

"That's not an issue with us." Weiss said. "You don't have to worry anymore."

"Are you sure you're okay with this Winter?" Ruby asked. "I don't want to be a drain."

"Ruby, I have far more money than I know what to do with, and Blake hates it when I spoil her." Winter replied. "The least I can do is spoil you for a day or two."

As Ruby and Winter spoke, Weiss stepped up to Blake. "Blake, I need your advice on something...private...please." Weiss whispered.

"Oh really?" Blake laughed, being as loud as possible.

"Yes really, come on." Weiss huffed. She took Blake's hand and practically dragged her away.

"Winter, behave!" Blake warned as Weiss pulled her out of sight.

"No promises!" Winter shouted back.

"Uh…" Ruby struggled. Now left alone with Winter, she was entirely at a loss.

"Feel up to a snack?" Winter asked, noticing her nervousness.

"S-sure." Ruby stuttered.

"Ruby, do I intimidate you?" Winter asked.

"Just a little." Ruby admitted. "Maybe a lot."

"Why?" Winter asked.

"Ah...it's stupid." Ruby shook her head.

"How so?" Winter insisted.

"Because I shouldn't be intimidated by you." Ruby replied. "You're nice, you smile, you're treating me like family...and...mnhprty…"

"Ruby?" Winter pressed.

"You're really pretty." Ruby declared.

"Oh, thank you Ruby." Winter said. "No one has called me pretty in quite some time."

"Y-you're going to tell Blake about this, aren't you?" Ruby groaned.

"Of course I am, but she won't mind." Winter confirmed. "She feels the same."

"I don't blame her." Ruby said with an uneasy laugh.

"She loves you very much." Winter said.

"I love her too." Ruby sighed. "I...I messed up a little though."

"No, you didn't." Winter countered. "Blake told me about it. What happened was a simple accident, one you both learned from I imagine."

"She was so scared." Ruby said. "It hurt to see her like that. I can't help but feel like I could have avoided it."

"These things will happen Ruby." Winter encouraged. "You and Blake have a very...risky...set of kinks. You can't expect everything to go perfectly all the time."

"T-thank you Winter." Ruby said. "It means a lot that you're so supportive of us. I was really scared of not making a good impression."

"And that's why I intimidated you?" Winter asked.

"Well, that and...uh…" Ruby struggled.

"You hold no secrets, and I'll hold no secrets." Winter suggested.

"You would be an awesome dominatrix." Ruby declared.

"You think so?" Winter asked, somewhat taken aback. "Should I find a suitable partner I'll be sure to ask Blake for advice."

"Heh, you might get along with Glynda then." Ruby laughed.

"Glynda?" Winter asked.

"She's my Aunt Raven's partner." Ruby explained. "Raven is more like me, but Glynda is like Blake, except with this hot librarian or headmistress vibe."

"Your family sounds entertaining." Winter said. "Could you tell me about them?"

Ruby took a deep breath and sighed, stopping at a nearby bench to sit down. Winter sat beside her. "Well...it's a little complex early on, but these days it's mainly Raven, Summer my mom, my sister Yang - who is Raven's daughter - and me. Glynda is Raven's partner, but they haven't married yet. Mom and dad - Taiyang - divorced and now he lives in Vacuo with Uncle Qrow, Raven's brother. They're not on really good terms with mom and Raven."

"What happened?" Winter asked, laying a hand on Ruby's shoulder.

"It's a long story, but mom and dad grew apart, and things got heated between dad and Yang, and there was a fight, and everything just kind of fell apart." Ruby said as tears welled in her eyes. Winter wrapped her arm around Ruby who leaned into the embrace. "Thanks, it's just...a mess. What about your family?"

"Weiss and I were never truly close to our parents growing up." Winter sighed. "We were a business family. One day they went on a business trip and never came back."

"O-oh." Ruby gasped.

"It was sudden, and we mourned, but as sad as it sounds the biggest issue was the company itself, not our loss." Winter continued. "I was the heiress, and I had a choice between dedicating my life to the company or providing a sort of normal life for Weiss. I chose Weiss. Not long after that Blake came into our care, and we've been a family ever since."

"Things worked out alright I guess." Ruby said.

"I couldn't ask for anything more." Winter smiled. "Except maybe someone cute to warm my bed."

"Maybe Blake will let you borrow me once in a while." Ruby joked.

"She used to love curling up beside me." Winter laughed. "You can both join in. Maybe we could get Weiss as well. She was always more insecure about being mature."

"Hah, then you show her a picture of a kitten and she turns into a big baby." Ruby giggled.

"She was always a cat person." Winter observed. "Which makes Neon all the more ironic, or kinky."

"Oh, she told you?" Ruby asked. "She's been stuck between bragging and being shy about it. It's hilarious."

"I wonder what she wanted Blake for…" Winter thought aloud.

"Trust me." Blake said, pushing the bag into Weiss' hand.

"You want me to get her high?" Weiss demanded.

"Velvet assures me that Neon loves it." Blake insisted.

"I-I don't want to take advantage of her." Weiss protested.

"Weiss, so long as you don't sneak it into her food on a day she explicitly does not want to have sex, she'll be fine with it, trust me." Blake countered.

"Okay, fine." Weiss sighed. "Catnip, what could go wrong?"

"You could always just tie a bow around your boobs and sing her happy birthday in the nude." Blake suggested.

Weiss gasped. "Catnip it is!"