I have to leave the library.

Blake's thoughts felt fuzzy as she struggled with some difficulty to keep her eyes open even as her emotions continued to stay in flux.

I did promise Ruby I'd talk to the rest of the team. Yet Blake continued to be firmly seated on the computer desk chair as she muddled over what to do.

Blake had asked Ruby for a few minutes to collect her thoughts before going back to her teammates. Ruby had gone on ahead, happy with the outcome of their discussion; leaving Blake alone with her thoughts.

From one perspective, the choice didn't seem that hard at all; all that Blake needed to do was to get up and go discuss what she'd found out with her team and hopefully assuage some of their worry, in particular their team leader. There was just one tiny, itty bitty little issue with that…

Blake had nothing to show for all her research. Literally nothing. No progress had been made, no hidden plans had been uncovered or some secret pattern to the White Fang's operations.

Absolutely nothing.

I can't show up with nothing! There has to be something that I have, something, anything!

All Blake did have to show was a growing migraine, a very hungry stomach and a new appreciation for the application of keyboards as pillows.

Truth be told, Blake was miserable in more than one way. In her pursuit of a lead she'd let pretty much all of her standards of living slide – from basic hygiene to class work to socializing. And she had nothing to show for the dark circles under her amber eyes.

By all rights, it was time to throw in the towel, yet one thought kept her from following up on what she had told Ruby.

How am I supposed to face them like this? "Sorry for abandoning the team for two weeks, unfortunately I just wasted everyone's time and made everyone worry needlessly with no results"?

…if I take any longer, I'm just going to aggravate the problem, aren't I? The thought of hurting Ruby or her teammates any further finally brought Blake to her unsteady feet.

I've already hurt them enough, I guess I can just try and not make it worse?

To say that Ruby felt relief as Blake ambled into the room was an understatement.

A sentiment that both Weiss and Yang echoed as the blonde wrapped her partner up in a big hug while Ruby's partner joined them – not quite hugging Blake, but with an affectionate pat on the shoulder.

It felt like the first time in a long while that she'd been able to see her entire team together once more, even if Blake looked like she was just about ready to fall over – note to self, make sure Blake gets plenty of sleep tonight.

"I'm sorry." Amber eyes were downcast as Blake mumbled. "I-I probably should have tried to ask for help, or talked to you guys, but I haven't. I'm sorry."

The mumbled out apology that the black-haired teen gave after a few moments, while nice considering the amount of drama she'd caused, Ruby felt was unnecessary. After all, if I'd been doing my part as the team leader, none of this would have happened.

"It's alright Blake, just let us help you next time, okay?" Yang provided words while Ruby's doubts prevented her from doing so. "So what's the plan of attack?"

Amber eyes slowly squinted at the blonde for a moment, as if trying to figure out what she was asking. "Huh?"

"Y'know, what did you find out from all of your research?" Curious lilac eyes stared back. "We're gonna help you, remember?"

"O-oh okay." Ruby could have sworn that she saw Blake's bow sag. "I..." Her hoarse voice trailed off, as her eyes became downcast.

Ruby, Yang and Weiss exchanged glances between themselves. Does Blake not trust us enough to share? That was Ruby's first thought. Except, if that had been the case, then she wouldn't have showed up in the first place.

Silver eyes widened as a possibility dawned on Ruby. What if she didn't find anything of use? That would explain why Blake looked like she was feeling crummy in more ways than one.

"Well, we could always discuss this after you've gotten some sleep." Weiss had evidently come to the same conclusion, offering Blake an out of the situation.

"Yeah, as your team leader, I'm ordering you to get some rest!" Truth be told, Ruby didn't think she had a lick of authority in her voice when she said that, but on the other hand Blake didn't seem to notice as she gave a small nod.

Nor did she offer up much resistance as Ruby led her over to her bunk bed. "I'm sorry I'm such a burden." The defeated tone made Ruby feel sad. "I'm really sorr-"

"It's okay Blake! You'll feel better after some sleep-"

GROWL

Blake guilty held her stomach as peals of laughter erupted from Ruby's lips.

"Maybe food first?"

AU: Aaaaand sad kitty Blake saga comes to an end for the most part. Hoorah! We got through it without death threats! :P

I quite enjoy

Alright, there isn't going to be a new chapter from me until I do my big update with Acceptance either Friday or Saturday most likely! (and possibly a new story too!)

A special thanks for Gorsouul for looking over this chapter before I publish, it always helps when I have someone who can do that on short notice.

Sooooo, now that we got through that part of canon, everyone knows what comes next right? TIME FOR THE DANCE ARC, WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

…I think?

As always, thank you for reading, and I hope everyone has a wonderful day! :D