Why does Blake get like this?

It was a question that Ruby pondered as the two quietly sat in the library, reading a book.

The pattern took Ruby a long while to figure out; at first she didn't even notice Blake disappearing for longer than she normally did, instead just chalking it up to that was how the Faunus normally behaved. Blake likes books, so it'd make sense she'd read them a lot, right?

Ruby didn't start to notice the pattern until after the incident in the closet, the way that Blake would seclude herself off and just read. While Blake may not have been the most social member of the team, most times she'd read even when other people were around; it didn't normally bother her to have others around. In fact, it'd almost seem the opposite to Ruby; Blake enjoyed being around others, even with her nose behind a book.

The facts were not adding up in Ruby's head. Is something causing Blake to feel this way? Did I do something? That question got thrown out almost immediately: no, it's not me. If it was me then why would she want me to read with her? While that answered one question, it still left the big question of why.

Maybe she is just feeling sad? A brief glance at Blake's face told Ruby nothing, the black haired girl having an ever present neutral expression as her amber eyes scanned lines of text. Blake looked no different from the norm to Ruby… until she noticed the teen gripping the book tightly, her fingers clenched around and knuckles pale. It was perhaps the only sign that this was not some leisurely reading for Blake. The indication that there had been good cause for Ruby to check on her friend and make sure she was okay.

Blake had been quieter than normal during breakfast, not even responding with more than one word answers. Class had been even quieter, the teen engrossed into a book she had brought with, reading it during the lecture despite Weiss' disapproving glare. After class had ended for the day, she'd disappeared to the library. While it wasn't the first time that it'd happen, or that Ruby had noticed, it was the definitely the first time that Ruby had realized that perhaps… something was wrong.

I have to cheer her up… but how? The shorter girl wracked her brain for the answer only to come up with naught. That was of course until she spotted a very empty looking drink container. I could buy her a drink!

Jumping up from her spot, Ruby started to dart off towards the small café located within the library. Wait! I don't even know what Blake wants… probably should ask first. Spinning around on her heels, Ruby was greeted with a peculiar sight; the neutral expression had changed to a frown only to flit back to what it had been. That's weird… "Blake I wanna treat you!" Ruby could have sworn that the ever-present bow twitched. "What kind of drink do you want?"

"Hmm." Blake lowered her book as she thought. The neutral expression broke as Ruby watched Blake's lips curl up into a small smile. "Surprise me."

Several minutes later and a few lien poorer, Ruby felt a bit of a skip in a step as climbed up the steps to the second story of the library, Blake is going to love this, how could she not? Ruby had decided to get Blake the same thing she always got herself – it does taste the best!

"Here ya go!" Ruby gingerly handed Blake the drink, the black haired girl setting down her book – the first time that Ruby had seen her do it all day outside of getting a new one.

Favouring Ruby with a smile and a nod, Blake merely uttered, "thanks" before taking a sip.

Grk!

The reaction wasn't one that Ruby had been expecting as Blake slowly pulled away from the cup, having made an odd sound. Maybe she didn't like it? Did the plan fail? "I-I-I told them to add extra cream, syrup and chocolate…"

"Well, you did surprise me." Blake eyed the drink cautiously before taking a more tentative sip followed by a longer one. "I just wasn't expecting it."

Ruby could feel herself beaming. She liked it! That still didn't address the real issue; why Blake was so moody all of the sudden. Maybe I should just ask her? That always seems to work best… or maybe I shouldn't? What if I'm being too nosey and that's rude? That'd be bad. I could just be imagining it and Blake is fin-

"Ruby?" Blake's quiet voice pulled the younger teen from her thoughts. "Is something wrong?"

"Why do you want to be alone?" Ruby was not the most subtle cookie in the cookie jar and had opted to go the least subtle way. "I… mean you mentioned you wanted to be alone… why?"

Blake sighed, before setting down her drink. It may have only of been a moment, but it felt like ages to Ruby before Blake finally spoke. "I suppose… it's how I cope."

"How you cope with what?"

Blake's mouth formed a straight line before she glanced up. Ruby, following the motion had it brought to her attention the little black bow on top of Blake's head twitching. "That."

"Oh."

"I… don't expect you to completely understand..." Blake gripped her arms, hugging herself. "But… sometimes it's nice to have a little escapism in life, at least for me…" Blake held up the book she'd been reading. "In here, it doesn't matter to someone if I have these, or what I am."

Blake had gone from being moody to just… sad. Consequently, roughly half a second Ruby was hugging the girl. "Y'know we don't think of you like that, even Weiss doesn't think like that!"

Blake nodded as she hugged back. "I know… it's just..." Blake sighed loudly. "Sometimes it gets to me."

"But I-"

"It's just how it is." Blake pulled back from the embrace. "The fact that I'm even talking to someone about it is… different. I suppose you'd call it progress?" She gave a small shrug. "It's nice to have someone to read with me, even if it is in silence." Another tight smile graced her face. "Thanks, Ruby." There was real warmth in the voice.

As the two settled back down in their spots, reading in the library, Ruby had an epiphany.

What if more of our friends knew… would that make it more comfortable for Blake?

AU: Well this finally got done.

The only thing I really have to say on the story proper is that while it's a bit of a cliffhanger, it might not be the next chapter that addresses it. Don't know when I'll post the next Dilation except for a week from today.

I don't have too much to say this time, other than this particular chapter was inspired by some of Dani (Booksandweapons)'s art. Check it out sometime, it's really cute!

For those of you who don't know, Acceptance's chapter 17 was moved to next Friday, if you want to know more, check out my profile – I have a blurb there about it.

Oh! And I started a new story called Wrath – the Prologue was just released today! Check it out if you want, I'm particularly proud of it!