Author's Note: At the suggestion of user Gorsouul I had Blake open up about her emotions more than I originally planned. Thanks for the tip!

Chapter 2

"Your hideout is a seedy bar?" Weiss groaned. "Why am I not surprised?" Qrow led Weiss and Blake inside. He waved to the bartender before taking a side door out of the room. It led to the staircase.

"My place is in the basement." Qrow said.

"It just gets better and better." Weiss complained.

"Look, if you don't like it, I can hand you over to your father." Qrow said. Weiss shut up. Qrow started down the stairs and the pair followed him. "The owner and his wife live in an apartment above the bar. They're both Beacon grads and excellent fighters so if anything happens they'll protect you." At the bottom of the stairs they came to a wooden door. Qrow unlocked it and waved Weiss and Blake inside. The main room was very simple. On the left was what counted as the kitchen: some cabinets, a small refrigerator, a sink, a toaster and a hot plate. Next to that was a small table with one chair. To the right was a beat-up couch. There were two doors in the far wall. "The left door is the bedroom, right is the bathroom."

"This place is not fit for human occupation." Weiss said.

"I know it looks bad, but the important stuff is covered." Qrow assured her. He walked over to the bathroom door and opened it. Inside was a toilet, sink, mirror and shower, all spotless. "I keep the place clean." He shifted to the bedroom. It was small, containing a single bed, nightstand and alarm clock. "Either you'll have to share the bed or one of you is sleeping on the couch."

"What about you?" Blake asked.

"I'm not sticking around for long." Qrow replied. "I have other business to attend to. When it's time I'll bring you to Patch. Do you two have any injuries that need attention?"

"No." Weiss said. She was beat up and bloodied, but it was nothing her aura would not fix.

"I'll be fine." Blake said. Weiss had done an excellent job of stitching her up and the wound was in good enough shape.

"Good, then I'm going to get a drink and hit the road." Qrow said.

"Wait, we need scrolls." Blake said. "If something happens, how will we contact you."

"For one, nothing's going to happen, because you're not going to leave this place." Qrow said. "Aside from that, if you need anything use the landline to call the owner on this number." He handed Blake a piece of paper. "I'll explain the arrangement and he'll get you anything you need. Feel free to hang out in the bar if you want, but for your own safety don't leave the building."

"This is feeling more and more like a prison." Weiss observed.

"Think of it as protective custody." Qrow said. "You'll be safe here, from the White Fang and Weiss' father. And it's only temporary. If things work out the way I expect they will, I'll be able to take you to Patch sooner than later."

As unhappy as Weiss and Blake were with the arrangement, they had no serious alternatives. It was either wait it out here, in a relatively safe if uncomfortable place, or take their chances on the street again. They would just have to make the best of it. Seeing that there were no further objections, Qrow left.

Blake sat on the couch. She rested her elbows on her knees and her chin in her hands, just staring straight ahead at the blank wall. Her mind raced. Now that the danger was gone and there was time to think, it was all starting to hit her. In the moment, holding a gun to her own head, to Weiss', there had been plenty of emotions but no time to process them. After that Qrow had kept them talking, probably for just that reason, but now that he was gone Blake could finally go over it all. Everything had happened very fast, but thinking back, it was easy to stretch out every moment, every sight, every sound, every emotion. It was so easy to second guess, to pick apart her own actions.

"Are you alright?" Weiss asked. The concern was obvious in her voice.

"Physically or mentally?" Blake asked.

"Both." Weiss replied.

"I've been worse." Blake answered.

Weiss sat down beside her and started rubbing her back. "I'm not so sure." Weiss said. "You're shaking."

"So I am." Blake said. She had not noticed until Weiss pointed it out.

"And you look like you're about to cry." Weiss continued.

"Is it that surprising?" Blake asked. "We both came very close to dying today. I came very close to pulling that trigger. Another second and...I don't even want to think about it." Blake had better emotional control than most, at least externally, but the facade was already beginning to crack. "I don't understand how you can be so calm."

"I guess it's easier when you're just a passive observer." Weiss said. "All I could do was sit there. My fate was out of my hands. I was going to die or I wasn't and there was nothing I could do about it. I was pretty sure I was going to die, so being alive just seems like a bonus now." Blake had managed to stop shaking but but tears still welled in her eyes. "Everything's going to be alright." Weiss assured her. "Just let it all out."

"I was so afraid." Blake admitted. "I know what Adam's capable of." A tear rolled down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away and made a conscious effort to stop crying. "Still, I can't believe I almost killed us. I was going to do it. I was going to put a bullet through your head. Mine too. I really was. We're teammates, friends! How could I even consider it? I'm so sorry."

"You shouldn't be sorry." Weiss said. "You were in an impossible situation."

"You almost died because of me." Blake said. "You almost died by my hand."

"I almost died because I was careless." Weiss said. "I should have noticed I was being followed."

"They wouldn't have been following you if you weren't my friend." Blake countered.

"I'm a Schnee." Weiss said. "It doesn't matter who I know. The White Fang would love to get their hands on me. The only reason they didn't kill me on the spot was to get to you."

"No, that's not the reason." Blake said. "You were convenient bait for me, but just killing you wouldn't be enough for them."

"So they really would have tortured me." Weiss said. "I assume you know what that would have entailed."

"I do." Blake confirmed. "It's the same things they would have done to me."

"I'd like to know the details." Weiss said. "I want to know what you were saving me from."

"I don't think you would." Blake said. "It's horror beyond your worst nightmares."

"And if Qrow hadn't shown up and you hadn't killed me, they would have done the same to you?" Weiss asked.

"Yes." Blake replied.

"So why didn't you kill me?" Weiss asked.

"Are you questioning my decision to not kill my friend?" Blake gasped.

"I'm questioning your decision to not save yourself." Weiss replied. "I told you to kill me. It would have spared us both that suffering. Don't get me wrong, things worked out and I'm glad you didn't pull the trigger. It's just that...I don't understand."

"I would have killed myself before I killed you." Blake said.

"Why?" Weiss pressed.

"Just drop it." Blake said, jumping to her feet.

"Tell me!" Weiss shouted, standing up as well.

"Because I love you!" Blake yelled. There was a stunned silence as the pair processed what had been said. Blake wanted to run, but there was nowhere to go.

Weiss' look of shock was soon replaced with a smile. "I love you too." She said.

"W...what?" Blake stammered.

"You heard me." Weiss said. "Why do you think I came looking for you? I've loved you for a long time, I was just...afraid to say anything in case you didn't feel the same way."

"But why?" Blake asked.

"Why what?" Weiss asked.

"Why me of all people?" Blake clarified. "All I've ever done is brought pain to everyone I care about."

"That's not true." Weiss said. "This year I got to spend with you has been the best of my life, even with everything that's happened. And whether you realize it or not, you've helped me grow as a person."

"I was a member of the White Fang." Blake said. "How can you forgive that?"

"I'm a Schnee." Weiss countered. "How can you forgive that? I don't care about what you were. I only care about the person you are. You made a stand for what you believe in. You left the White Fang."

"I ran like a coward." Blake sighed.

"Stop that." Weiss ordered. "I will not have you beat yourself up over this. You did what was right. Leaving couldn't have been easy and it took a lot of courage. It's something you should be proud of. Whether you want to believe it or not, you're a strong, brave and kind person." Weiss laughed to herself. "It doesn't hurt that you're cute too."

"I...don't know what to say." Blake said.

"You don't have to say anything." Weiss said. She shrugged. "So, why do you think I'm so great?"

"I'll be honest." Blake said. "At first I didn't like you at all. That's probably not a surprise. But eventually I was able to see there was more to you than just the stuck-up heiress. Not only are you beautiful and talented, you have a good heart. You want to do the right thing, you want to make the world a better place. For someone in your position, that's very admirable. It would be easy for you to sit back and enjoy a life of luxury but you chose not to. If our roles were reversed, I don't think I'd have made the same decision."

"You would have." Weiss said. "You don't give yourself nearly enough credit and you give me far too much. I'm not all high-ideals and selflessness. A lot of what I did, I did just to piss off my father. But you helped me see the world through a different lens and I realized that I needed to go beyond that."

"I wish I'd known how you felt sooner." Blake said.

"You and me both." Weiss said.

"So where do we go from here?" Blake asked.

"You're the one who reads smut all the time, you tell me." Weiss laughed. Blake's face turned bright red. "Calm down, I'm just kidding." Weiss stepped forward and hugged Blake. Blake was surprised but wrapped her arms around Weiss' back and rested her head on Weiss' shoulder. They were both bruised and bloodied and the world outside seemed to be falling apart, but now none of that mattered now.

Blake felt as though she could stay like that forever. Weiss felt the same. But their embrace was cut short by a knock at the door. "Who is it?" Blake asked.

"I brought some things Qrow requested for you." A woman said.

Blake opened the door to reveal a woman a little taller and older than herself. She wore a yellow jumpsuit with bronze armor around her midsection. Her hair was tied back in a tight ponytail. "Oh my...are you two alright?!" The woman exclaimed.

Blake and Weiss were both still bloody messes. "We had a rough day but we're fine." Blake replied.

"Qrow didn't really explain what's going on, just that you're both in trouble." The woman said. "He asked me to bring some towels and a change of clothes for both of you." She handed the aforementioned supplies to Blake. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"We'll be fine." Weiss assured her. "You still haven't told us who you are."

"Oh, sorry." The woman said. "My name's Helia. My parents run the bar. That reminds me." Helia reached into her pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. "It's a menu for the bar. Just call up and we'll bring you whatever you want. No charge."

"Thank you, but this is all too much." Blake said.

"It's the least we can do to repay Qrow's kindness." Helia said. "He's helped us out on more than one occasion."

"Are you a Beacon graduate like your parents?" Weiss asked.

"No, I went to combat school in Vacuo." Helia replied.

"So you're a Huntress?" Weiss asked. "We're Huntresses in training."

"I'm a former Huntress." Helia said. "It's an honorable profession but...it's dangerous." The look in her eyes told Weiss there was a story there. "I wish you both the best of luck."

"Well, thank you." Weiss said. "We really appreciate all this."

"Oh, and if you want me to wash your clothes for you, just leave them on the floor outside the door and I'll pick them up later." Helia said. "If you need anything at all, don't be afraid to ask." With that Helia left, closing the door behind her.

Blake placed the towels and clothes on the table. If the clothes were Helia's they would be a little big for Blake and very big for Weiss. "I think I should take a shower." Blake said. "I haven't had a good one in days."

"That's probably a good idea." Weiss said. "If we smell anywhere near as bad as we look Helia's going to come back with a gas mask."

Blake took her shower first. It might have been the most refreshing one she had ever taken. Even with the chaos that surrounded her everything seemed right for the first time in a long while. She dried herself off, wrapped a fresh bandage around her stomach and put on the clothes Helia had provided, a bright yellow tee shirt and a brown pair of sweatpants. As predicted they were too big but comfortable enough. She looked at herself in the mirror. There were a few bruises on her face and a pretty good cut on her cheek. She felt lucky to have escaped from Adam with such minimal damage this time.

As soon as Blake left the bathroom Weiss headed in for her own shower. Blake took her dirty clothes and left them outside the door. With the adrenaline now gone Blake realized just how exhausted she was. It was already very late, it had been a taxing day in more ways than one, and she was already injured. She lay down on the couch. It was surprisingly comfortable given its distressed appearance. She fell asleep almost immediately.

Blake did not sleep long. "Blake, this is unacceptable." Weiss said. Blake opened her eyes to see Weiss standing over her. She was wearing clothes that were looked comically oversized on her, her still damp hair draped over her shoulders. More concerning was the state of Weiss' face. With the blood washed off it was clear that her lip was massively split open. One whole side of her face was bruised and she had two black eyes. It hurt Blake to see her in that state. Blake wondered exactly what Adam had done to Weiss before she had arrived. Blake was afraid to ask and hoped Weiss had been unconscious for most of it. "You get off that couch this instant." Weiss commanded. "If you're going to sleep, sleep in the bed."

"You take the bed." Blake said.

Weiss thought for a moment. "How about we both take the bed?" She suggested.

"Uh...are you sure you're okay with that?" Blake asked.

"Of course I'm okay with it." Weiss replied. "I already told you how I feel about you. And why does your mind always go straight to the gutter? There doesn't have to be any funny business." Weiss paused. "Unless you want there to be."

"Now who's mind is in the gutter?" Blake laughed. "I really just want to get some sleep. I'm sure you're exhausted too. That bed's too small for the two of us and we'll be able to sleep better if we're not constantly bumping into each other. Besides, this couch is very comfortable."

"Fine, but if we're still here tomorrow night you're taking the bed." Weiss said.

"Deal." Blake said. Weiss walked away and Blake was asleep in a matter of moments. Weiss got to sleep with similar alacrity.

Blake woke up some time later. She had no way of knowing how long she had been asleep. There were no windows and the only clock was in the bedroom. Blake got off the couch and walked over to check on Weiss. She was still sleeping. Blake glanced at the clock and was shocked to see it was already well past midday. It had been around midnight when she went to sleep, and she never slept for that long. Though it did make sense given everything she and Weiss had been through the previous day. Blake stood in the doorway and watched Weiss sleep for a long while. She looked so comfortable, so peaceful. Already her bruises were beginning to fade and the cut on her lip was much smaller.

Blake's stomach rumbled. She remembered that she had not eaten since the previous day's tiny breakfast. She called up to the bar and ordered a sandwiches for her and Weiss, along with some bottled water. All Qrow had in his refrigerator was booze. A few minutes later Helia arrived with the food and the pair's freshly washed clothes. The slice in Blake's shirt from where Adam had stabbed her had even been sewn up. Blake thanked Helia, put the clothes on the couch and brought the food in to Weiss.

"Time to wake up." Blake said.

"Five more minutes." Weiss groaned.

"It's almost three o'clock." Blake said.

"Seriously?" Weiss asked. "I haven't slept like this in ages."

"Seriously." Blake confirmed. "I got us lunch." She handed over the sandwich as Weiss sat up and then placed the two bottles of water on the nightstand. Then Blake sat on the edge of the bed and started eating. Her sandwich may have been the best she had ever eaten, but that could have just been because of how hungry she was. Weiss seemed to enjoy hers as well.

"I'm surprised you didn't put your bow back on." Weiss said.

"I'm among friends." Blake said. "What does it matter?"

"You usually wear it even when you sleep." Weiss replied. "This is very out of character for you."

"Maybe I'm just tired of running from who I am." Blake said. "Or maybe...nevermind."

"Or what?" Weiss pressed.

"I don't know." Blake sighed. "It might have something to do with you. If a Schnee can accept me for who and what I am - a Faunus and former member of the White Fang - maybe the rest of the world can too."

"Do you accept you?" Weiss asked. "Are you okay with who you are?"

"Not really." Blake admitted. "I've done some awful things. I've caused a lot of pain. Thanks to you I don't hate myself at least. That's an improvement over yesterday. If you can love me I guess I can at least try."

"That's good." Weiss said. "You'll be a lot happier. I know from experience."

"I'm going to have to forgive myself for what happened to Yang and what happened to you." Blake said. "That's not going to be easy."

"What happened to me?" Weiss said. "It wasn't that bad."

"What did happen to you?" Blake asked. "If you don't mind my asking."

"It's not a big deal." Weiss assured her. "There's not much to say. I was walking back to the warehouse after I went to the store and I heard footsteps behind me. I turned around to look and someone hit me in the side of the face. I was unconscious before I hit the ground. I woke up on the floor in that hotel. Adam saw that I was awake and kicked me in the face. I was out again. The next time I came to I was in the chair across from you. It all could have been a lot worse." Weiss shrugged. "How did they get you?"

"They sent me a message from your scroll asking me to meet you there." Blake explained. "I showed up, saw you on the floor and saw Adam. Then someone hit me in the side of the head, just like they did to you. I woke up in the chair. And you're right, it could have been a lot worse. The things Adam would have done to you…"

"So he used me as bait?" Weiss sighed. "I'm sorry. If I hadn't been so careless…"

"There's nothing for you to apologize for." Blake cut her off. "The whole thing's my fault. I just hope you can forgive me."

"It's hard to forgive you when I don't blame you in the first place." Weiss said. "But if it makes it better, I forgive you. I forgive you for everything you've ever done, your time with the White Fang, running away, yesterday, all of it. I forgive you. Now stop dwelling on it."

"I guess all that's left is to get Ruby and Yang to forgive me." Blake sighed. "I don't think that'll be so easy."

"Don't be silly." Weiss said. "Ruby will just be thrilled to see you. She won't care at all about why you left or anything that happened. Yang will be mad about you running away but once you explain it I'm sure she'll forgive you. Deep down she's probably just worried about you."

"She lost her arm because of me." Blake said.

"Why won't you accept that it wasn't your fault?" Weiss asked. "I'm sure she doesn't blame you for that."

"I hope you're not just saying all this to make me feel better." Blake said.

"Am I the kind of person to lie to make someone feel better?" Weiss pointed out. "You know me better than that."

"Thank you." Blake said. She leaned toward Weiss.

Weiss leaned toward her until their faces were almost touching. "Any time." She whispered. They kissed. It was awkward. It was messy. It was terrifying. It was exhilarating. It was bliss.

END

This story and others will be continued in RWBY Redux! Coming soon!