Ten years after the defeat of Salam; the saviors found their own life.
In a way, they went their separate ways and only met occasionally. For example, Weiss went on to rebuild but also to reshape her family name, causing her to have less and less time for her huntress career. By the time ten years passed, her focus in life was to rebuild the Schnee, one with more modest light to the name. Ren and Nora set out on a journey and are hardly seen these days. Perhaps they have found some place to settle down or have decided on a new adventure in their life.
Before, in the first five years, their stories were well known.
This was all due to Nora never sitting still when dragging Ren to place after place.
There was not a known place where those two haven't been heard.
However, as said, their presence seems to fade in the past years, leading to much speculation.
On the other hand, after the defeat of Salam. Yang and Blake chose to settle their relationship in the far outskirts of Vale. There, they lived happily together, supported each other through tough times and lived the life they couldn't when they had so much on their hands. As a result of living a mundane lifestyle their tales were heard less than Weiss, Ren and Nora. However, this was the life they chose together, getting away from everything and being together without distraction.
To be honest, it was hard to think that someone like Yang of all people is living such a quiet life.
Time truly changed people.
And then there is the red-riding hood.
Of all the heroes, she was the two most well known and loved.
It was said she and the Knight were the most helpful in slaying the queen of Grimm. Her stories were written in books and children's books as well. Countless new huntresses admire her, wanting to become like her one day. Although the threat of Salam is gone, Grimm still roams freely—so who can say if another Huntress can't become like their heroes?
As for what Ruby was doing these days, well it was not a peaceful life unlike her sister.
She remained a huntress, doing missions and saving villagers from harm. This all contributed to making her name more widespread around the world. However, despite her growling fame, Ruby did not care. She only wanted to continue saving as many lives as she could.
Last but not least, the most popular of the heroes.
Jaune Arc.
Since defeating Salam he has saved more lives than ever. Unlike Ruby who seemed somewhat like a Huntrees acting on duty, Jaune was the definition of a hero. He would save, help rebuild destroyed property, encourage kids he met to find their own dream, and protect any people he encountered along his path.
Because of that, when people think of him; they think of the word hero instead of huntsmens.
All the people admired him, wanting to become like him someday.
His prestige was so regarded they wanted to make a statue for him in many parts of the villages he once helped protect.
Which they actually did against his bitter embarrassment.
Yelp. A statue out in daylight is somewhat embarrassing when you witness it yourself. He honestly didn't want this, but perhaps—he did achieve his naïve dream of becoming a hero. However, now that he's all grown up he finds it only embarrassing to think about.
…
On a rainy day.
As the clouds covered the sky, and poured throughout the small village—one person in a hoodie walked into a tavern.
The body of that person wasn't tall but was not short either. He or she strode step by step, and ascended up the stairs with calm bearing. The person seems to cover themselves with confidence, yet a slight touch of nervousness seems to peek through. Once she got to the second floor of the tavern, the hooded person strode up to one of the workers.
"Excuse me, um, where can I find room 004?"
"Hmm? Are you perhaps the person that sir is waiting for?"
"Eh, I think I should be…? Ah, did he have blonde hair, and blue eyes. Oh, also a goofy face when he laughed."
"Hm, I'm not quite sure about the last parts, but—he does indeed have blonde hair, with blue eyes. His figure outlined by his clothes was quite toned, I can tell he worked out a lot. He also seems like someone I've heard quite often about… though I can't quite put my figure on it? Perhaps I've met that sir before?"
"Hiss. I think most people have heard of him." The hooded figure murmured.
"Huh?"
"Nothing! So can you guide me to the room he's at."
"If you're the one he's waiting for, then it shall be done." Therefore, the worker does his job and guides the hooded person to the room. Once they got there, he knocked on the door twice before stopping on the last knock. "Who is it?"
"It's me sir. You have a guest waiting for you outside."
"A guest? Ruby!" The person inside quickly opened the door, and saw the two people waiting there. When he laid eyes on the two, his eyes briefly passed the workers and stayed on the hooded figure, who slowly lifted her hood and showed a bright smile. "Hi, Jaune. Have you been well?"
Yes, the person was indeed the hero, Jaune Arc.
And the hooded person was Ruby.
Sometime past, inside room 004, two people seated as they stared at each other.
They were like time friends who hadn't seen each other in such a long time. Although, fairly speaking that is the case since they haven't been in contact in these past five years. Before, they contacted each other sometime, but since five years ago everyone was so caught up in their own business that they forgot to maintain contact.
Sitting in front of each other, Ruby broke the silence.
"Are you still going around saving people?"
Jaune laughed. "That's a given. Aren't you doing the same thing as I am? But more of all, have you found anything new other than saving people?"
Ruby shook her head. "Nothing, you know, same old same old. All I'm doing is slaying Grimm after Grimms. Salam's defeat didn't spell the end of them. And as long as I still breathe, I will continue hunting them down. So yeah, nothing new… only…"
"Only what?"
"Nevermind! Like I said, it's nothing, nothing at all!"
Jaune scrutinized her little before withdrawing his eyes. "Hah, Ruby you're still hiding things. It's great like that. Makes it seem like something is still there and hasn't faded into the past."
"Well you're still that dorky Vomit-boy from back then."
"Likewise, still the same Crater face."
They stare each other in the eyes for a moment, then begin laughing together. Once they laughed their fill they both went silent. Ruby looked down on the fruit juice in her hand, and said with some reminiscent of the past. "It has truly been a long time… we all seem to be going our separate ways. I know that… that this is their life choice and I do think they made the right decision… but—but I want…"
Looking at his long-time friend, Jaune's eyes were full of knowing looks.
"You want to see the old gang back together once again, right?"
"Uh!"
Hearing his words, Ruby jerked up, but then suddenly tears trickled from her eyes. "Yes… I wish we can all… all gather back together like back in—Beacon Academy. These days I couldn't stop thinking about it as I continued going to place after place and killing Grimms. I remember it started when I saw some passing huntress who recognized me immediately. They asked to join me since they wanted some pointers from me, and I agree. However…" her eyes turn more moist.
"They remind me of when everyone was still together… I miss that time a lot."
As he listened on, Jaune looked at his glass of champagne; with a level of alcohol which he can contend against. In all honesty, he missed that time as well, but change was all part of life so he fully accepted it.
What mattered was that all of them were living their life.
All of them were no longer stuck trying to save the world.
All of them can find comfort and love in this peace they work so hard to obtain.
Yes, it was all that mattered!
"Right, Pyrrha?"
Ruby eyes narrowed as her brows twitched. She heard him despite his quiet mumble. Till this day she still regretted not being able to save Pyrrha. Still thinking about the death of Penny. Still regretting so many things.
"Jaune, we made it here, yet we also lost so much on the way. I wonder if the lost outweighs the gain… And did we truly deserve the peace—"
"Don't say it, Ruby! Don't!" He raised his voice.
"What we went through, we deserve this. And I know they want this for us, too. Their death is something to grieve about, but is also the reason to live on! Live a life they would've wanted us to live, so don't go suddenly saying such nonsense."
Looking at his face that was full of regrets for their fallen friends.
Ruby was able to tell this was a sore spot for him, as it was for her.
Perhaps she shouldn't bring up such a sensitive topic in their first meeting after a long time.
Her lips pursed before parting. "Should we get some fresh air, Jaune?"
Gazing at his champagne and thinking about everything, he nodded softly. "Yeah…"
"Oh, I forgot it's still raining!"
"Don't worry, it's gonna stop for at least an hour before pouring down again."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's get our fresh air!"
…
The air felt moist since rain had only temporarily stopped.
In fact, it may have stopped but a small drip still came down, which wasn't a brother to the two who had wanted some fresh air.
Walking in the street, Ruby looked around, then asked. "I heard you often stay in a place you come across for weeks to months, so how long have you been here?"
When she asked that, up ahead, one cubby child, donning a rain-coat bounce up and down on a puddle. He was adorable to the eyes of the silver-eyed girl, but watching him, they saw his legs slip and were about to fall on his butt. With her Semblance, Ruby plans hurried over to help, though before she could Jaune had already moved.
The distance between the child and them was short so he managed to make it over and caught the kid before he fell. Once he did that he steadied the child and said, "Be careful when playing in the rain, you wouldn't want to get bruised when having so much fun. It'd ruin the day later, okay."
"Okay." The child nodded after a slight hesitation.
Thereafter, they went on their way without lingering, walking amidst the chill.
Walking together, Jaune then answers her question from before.
"I've been here for nearly two weeks. Folks here are nice. Easy to talk to, and they enjoy their life in general. Although this place has some Grimms attack once in a while, but not often. The reason is because the people here mostly live in harmony, don't produce much negativity, enjoying each day to day life without much hardship affecting them. Another reason for their behavior is because they got a town's huntsmen living here. When small Grimm invaded, all of it was taken care of by him. I think, perhaps, the reason why they managed to live in peace is because they are always protected by huntsmen that are as great as you."
He looked at Ruby when saying the last part.
He truly meant his words. Thanks to people like Ruby who continue serving their duty as a huntsmen and huntress the people have closure in life.
Ruby snorted cutely. "You speak as if you aren't one of them anymore. Last I checked you're still one!"
The way Jaune puts it brought slight irritation to Ruby.
Wasn't he still saving people? And wasn't he putting this path before finding his own happiness and settling down like the others? So why is he speaking as if he was no longer part of this line of work? Typical of vomit-boy.
Hearing her complaints he scratches his head. "Heh, I have perhaps forgotten…"
"You did. Didn't they call you these days? What was it? Right, the shining hero, saving people and inspiring the youngster to live the life they believe in. Hehe, you know I saw those statues they built for you, right? It was quite interesting when I came upon it. The statue looks so cool, depicting you standing tall and mighty, looking handsome—I mean cool and strong!"
"Thanks for the compliment… I thought it was, well, slightly embarrassing."
He didn't take note of Ruby's misspoken words.
"Why would you think it was embarrassing? I think it was really cool. All of your great side was captured perfectly. Although, I'd say had they added your goofy side it would be far better."
He looked at her with some uncertainty. "Are you sure?"
"I'm positive!"
For the next tens of minutes they strode together while having a lovely conversation.
People sure have many things to talk about when catching up with old friends.
While together they stumble upon a gentle old lady who was observing her potted flowers. Apparently, she was worried the strong rain from before would ruin it, and was considering whether to take it inside. When she saw Jaune she greeted him. Having been here nearly two weeks he made friends with some folks, and this granny was one of them. About five days ago when her cart was stuck he helped push it for her the entire way until they reached her home.
The old lady greatly appreciated his help, offering some of her carefully planted flowers… Alas he refused because the flowers would probably dried to death in his hand.
He knew he wouldn't have time to water them.
Meeting her again the old lady smiled, but he couldn't help but notice her gleaming eyes.
"Young lady, you and our dear friend seem close, may I know your name?"
"I'm, uh… Ruby. Ruby Rose."
"Ah, what a lovely name! Was it taken from your mothers side?"
"Yes, yes it was." Unlike her big sister, her last name was indeed from her mothers side. Her dad loved her mother and wanted the child born from them to have the last name. And in all due consideration it fit well with the first part of her name.
The old lady smiled gently, looking at Jaune then darting her gaze back at Ruby. "Here's the deal, last time our dear friend helped push my cart, but I had nothing to offer him back then other than my flowers whom I love so much. Seeing you, I thought, why don't I give you these flowers instead, this can help alleviate some of my stress from not being able to give him anything. This is because since you two seem very close, I want you to have one."
"Um, I couldn't—"
"No. Please, I insist you have one! Less you want this old bone to continue feeling the weight on her shoulders."
Ruby tried to refuse a couple of more times, yet in the end she could only accept the gift.
"Alright, now that's settled I wonder which flower suited such an adorable child like you… Ah, this one will do." She brought forth a rose flower, holding it in her hand. Then handed it to Ruby, despite Ruby's wishes. "Since your last name is Rose, then this rose flower would suit you quite well." To be honest, Ruby thought the rose was lovely—but how can someone who goes to place after place to kill Grimms have time to watch over a flower? This doesn't seem possible? However she didn't want to keep refusing this kind old lady, it would feel wrong.
With the rose flower in her hand, Ruby sniffed it and the scent entered her noise.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Ruby, the kind old lady winked at Jaune.
And her lips seem to say, you find yourself a wonderful girl, make sure to make her happy!
For a second, Jaune's lips pursed, speechless as he looked at her.
What was that supposed to mean? Was she suggesting something? It can't be, right? It can't be what I imagined!
The kind old lady's wink really caught him off guard. It caused his imagination to wander, but slight awkwardness formed when looking at Ruby. After some time, he shook his head, Ruby and him said their goodbyes, and continued walking together.
However, before they knew it, rain began once again. This time it went from slow to pouring very fast, causing them to hurry to Jaune's rented hotel. Ruby only got here so she hasn't had time to rent her own place for the weeks.
Once they entered the hotel they were greeted by the staff in the reception hall.
"Welcome back sir, you're just in time for dinner. Will you be having it tonight, we have some special from Mistral which happens to be on the menu for only today. If you are interested I'll set a table for you now as you get ready."
Hearing about the special, Jaune looked thoughtful for a moment. He then turned his gaze to Ruby before inquiring, "Will dessert be served after the male?" The person nodded, "Why of course, we have all kinds of desserts waiting after males. Does our dear sir have sweet-tooth? In that case I'd make sure to bring all kinds from all around the kingdom and special from other nations as well. As a matter of fact, today we brought it so much we were worried it wouldn't be finished anytime this week."
"That'll be greatly appreciated since I have a friend whose taste for sweets is amazing." It was impossible to resist chuckling.
Of course, the person he mentions was Ruby—who's already drooling by the mere mention of so many delectable desserts.
You can say she is very eager to dine on those.
Alas before anything, Jaune thinks a shower is in order. Before going up to his room Jaune asks the staff if they have any female dress of this time. He even said he'd paid if there are any. With how Ruby is always on a mission it'll be odd for her to travel with any appealing dress.
The staff reassure him that they'll have one pick up for his fine lady friend.
Was it his imagination or is everyone looking at them like they were a couple or something?
If he sees any more of that he might feel awkward being close to Ruby. To be fair, they were friends and nothing more. Something he hopes others won't take it the wrong way, hopefully that is the case.
In the room, Jaune asked Ruby if she wanted to take the first shower—Ruby shook her head and told him he could go first. There was no reason to refuse so he went in and came out twenty-minutes later. He didn't have his clothes in the bathroom so he came out with a towel covering his lower-half, and one he used for drying his hair.
However what he didn't know was that Ruby was staring at his toned body with some thoughts.
Upon drying his hair he said to Ruby. "You can go in now, hmm? What's wrong?"
Ruby's eyes look absentminded. Though his words did snap her out of whatever is clouding it. "N-Nothing, nothing's wrong!"
He scrutinized her for a moment before saying, "Alright. Um, take your time. We still have some time before dinner starts."
"Okay." A flushed seem to tinged her cheeks, though he thought it was only his imagination. He shrugged and put on his new set of clothes without thinking much more.
In the shower, as the rain water soaked her from head to toe.
Ruby eyes had the same absentmindedness like before. Her mind couldn't help but think about something indecent when she saw Jaune's half-naked body. "Does he not know to cover himself fully when in front of a girl? Hah, what am I thinking about! Stupid me!"
Once Ruby's dress was brought upstairs to their room—he handed it to her while covering his eyes.
Before long Ruby came out fresh, dressed in a new outfit with a nice contrast between pink and red. They then went down to their table downstairs, their tongue craving whatever special being served on the plate.
Although, unlike him, Ruby was more interested in getting to the dessert. That was understandable considering Ruby's appetite for sweets far outweighs her appetite for other foods. Knowing Ruby desired to eat dessert more than what's been placed on the table, he looked at her and said to himself. Something never seems to fade with time… The sweet lover was still the same sweet lover—time left this wonderful part of her behind.
Since Ruby prefers to get her sweets he requests they serve her dessert directly.
Yang probably wouldn't want Ruby stuffing her face full of sweets, however… he figured today was a special day, so letting Ruby pump herself full of it shouldn't be that big of a deal.
When the table was placed with dessert of all kinds, Ruby was not patient.
On the other hand, Jaune tried out the amazing food on his plate.
He was not polite about eating his fill.
And so time passes.
By the time dinner was being wrapped up, Jaune couldn't help ordering a bottle of champagne as a final treat for the night. He poured it in his glass, then took a drink with a smile plastered on his face. All the while Ruby gazes at him with some curiosity. "When did you start drinking?"
Putting his glass down, he answered honestly. "About two years ago when I stayed in a local town, an acquaintance of mine suggested I have a bottle. In the beginning, I wasn't certain, but… once I downed it down, hm… I realize the taste seems pleasant. Soon it became something that wasn't a one time thing."
Ruby narrowed her eyes. A certain drunk uncle came to mind.
"You better not become like Uncle Qrow, I won't forgive you if you do! We already have one when on the journey to slay Salam. Although there is no longer Salam, I still wish to see the dorky friend as he is, not a resemblance of an old men."
"Hehehe… he'd won't like you calling him old men?"
She shook her head cutely, exclaiming with persistence.
"I don't care! Uncle Qrow is an old drunk! I stick by that."
"If you say so…" he downed his champagne glass. Yet again Ruby looked on with some curiosity. After some time, she looked hesitant but asked anyway. "Does it taste good? Just asking…"
"Not bad, I'd say."
"Then… Can I try some?"
"Huh?" Words spoken by her caught him off-guard. He wasn't sure if he heard it right. As far as he considered, Ruby seemed like the person who would never drink these things in her whole life. "Why do you look so shocked? I'm already 27th this month, so I can legally drink for some time now. So wipe that off your face and hand it over." To her, the feeling was quite exasperated. For a friend to still give her that look when only asking something as silly as an alcohol bottle.
"Ah…"
He looked at his bottle, feeling uncertain before she took it from his side.
"If you're not gonna give it to me, I'll take it myself."
Before he could say anything she poured it down on her glass and gulped it down. All of it, she drank the whole cup. Looking at her, he thought in his mind. I asked for one that was strong enough for me to take it, but… does Ruby have any tolerance for alcohol?
After a few seconds of consuming the glass.
He had to ask, "Are you feeling okay? No effect, I hope not."
"What are… hic! Oh, I feel… hic hic, is this what alcohol feels like…?"
Her tolerance sure is weak! He almost blurted but held himself back. Ruby hiccup some more time while a red flushed showed on her cheeks. She then said with swirling eyes, "Ah… I don't feel so well… Jaune, I don't think I can walk back up, can you piggy-back me, please…"
Looking at the frail looking long time friend, he sighed and nodded his head.
"Of course."
He expressed his appreciation over the food served today, and slowly took Ruby back to the room. When they got more than halfway, he heard Ruby mumble quietly. "So warm… I wish I could stay like this forever…" he could feel her hands on his shoulder tighten while saying that. He smiled, softly responding to the person on his back. "If you want I can piggyback you all the time. Though I don't know about doing it publicly since it can be embarrassing, however… When no one is around I can do that."
Honestly this felt like he was comforting his little sister when they were young, giving special treatment when no one's around.
As if hearing him, Ruby's response was resolute. "No take back…"
"Yes yes, no take back."
Once they got back to the room, he laid her down on the bed, then went to unveil the curtain. He somewhat carved the night sky today. Gazing at the moon, broken as it has always been—yet extremely bright and beautiful. Thinking silently, it was today he truly reunited with a friend. Although they have been in contact for sometime before losing touch, they only talk through the scroll and nothing more. This was the same for the others—which was why today was such a special day.
When sometime passed, he looked at the wrinkle blanket over Ruby, shook his head amusingly.
He then walked over, trying to refix it so it wouldn't slip down.
However when doing that, suddenly Ruby's arms wrapped around his neck. He struggled to get out of her hold, but when she pulled him into her embrace he heard her voice full of reminiscent of the past. "Jaune, although the past is long gone… I still feel emotional thinking about all that we could have prevented, at the same time, all the happiness obtained from it puts me at ease. Knowing that everyone is living their life happily, made me tearful. Although… Our time together as a team and friend has ended, I still can't stop thinking about it."
Hearing all these, he soothes her with the best of his abilities.
"Our time together was memorable. Nothing in the world can erase that, perhaps we'll all come together again… it will happen!"
Seemingly listening fully despite her state, Ruby smiled and tightened her hands even harder.
"Thanks, Jaune. Thanks, I needed that."
Feeling that she had calmed down a little, he tried to wriggle his way out of her embrace. However, Ruby did not let go and continued using all her strength to keep him in this position. In truth, he could free himself quite easily with aura, but he doesn't want to resort to it nor will he ever use it on a friend who needed comfort.
However, this position feels awkward.
His struggle seems futile.
As time passed, he heard Ruby speak again. "I remember you asked me if I found anything new to look forward to, right?"
"Um, yeah I did."
"You remember I told you about the girls who remind me of our time with everyone as a teammate? Well, being with them for a short period, they asked if I would consider stepping down and starting a family."
What! They ask such a thing? He didn't know what to say. By all accounts, both Ruby and him are in a ripe age to settle down, get married and have a family. Unfortunately, the things they do have no time for such things. Ruby spoke once more, "They say many huntresses perish without being able to start a family… They encourage me to start mine before that happens."
"That won't happen, I promise you. We survived Salam, and we're going to live fully—"
"When they told me that, my thoughts couldn't help but wander. Deep inside me… I think I wanted to start a family of my own."
"Oh…" a slight surprise plastered on his face. This was new, it seemed Ruby finally began to think about such a topic, this was good—he believed it'll be good for her. Again her lips moved, "However, I've never been in a relationship. Starting a family means being in a relationship, but I never have one nor do I have the experience to get one… Yet, I remember when I first saw you in that tavern, my thoughts seemed to surge with imagination…"
She unbuckles him from her chest, looking at him with those deep sliver eyes, still filled with some swirl.
"Cough! Cough! Cough! I—I didn't know you thought that. This is all very awkward." This was no lie, he truly was feeling awkward considering he never thought of Ruby like that.
Eyes swirl, cheeks showing flushed, she said slowly. "For just today… Jaune, for only today. Can you stay with me like this…" her eyes were full of hope, as if any refusal would cause her to break down. Then, he looked at her clearly, an irresistible desire began to welled up from within. Soft lips, cute and slender physique, and the tinge of alcohol seem to intensify her womanly allure.
With an act that seems to contain no reasoning, he kisses her on the lips.
When he knew what he had done, he tried to pull away in a hurry.
However, Ruby pulled him in for another kiss, lasting longer than when he did it. Afterward, he heard Ruby's soft and inviting voice. "Please don't leave me…"
Hearing her, he fell silent for a moment, then said after some time.
"I won't. From now on, I won't!"
They sunk into each other's embrace. Moans of pain and pleasure reverberate in the room where both of them intertwined together.
The morning dawn quickly, when sunlight gleamed into the room, a loud panicking scream came from within. The scream came from the bed, it was Ruby, as she recalled last night. Holding the blanket over her, her heart pounded frantically, how could she have done that with him last night?!
Upon recalling the full story, all kinds of emotions spring from her shy and embarrassed heart.
She actually did that with her friend? Someone who matters so much to her, and she remembers being the initiator of the whole affair.
At this moment, Ruby felt uncertain about whether to be happy or ashamed.
Truth be told, she had liked him since a long time ago after the death of Salam, but didn't know how to go about it. In the end, she chose to bury it deep within her heart for a long time—never expected this to happen under the influence of alcohol.
"Ah… I hope Jaune doesn't hate me because of this!"
"What do you mean?"
"Eh!" Ruby jolted from surprise. Seeing her silly expression, Jaune chucked in some amusement. Although that was short lived as he rose, then spread his arms and held her by his embrace like she did to him last night. He then whispered in her ears gently, "Ruby, will you listen to me?"
Thump thump!
Her heart raced, yet she mustered the courage to reply. "Yes…"
He unbuckled himself from her and looked at her with adoring eyes. "Last night I lost a friend…"
Ruby's heart sank when hearing him. However, the last part changed everything. "Yet, I gain something much more wonderful than I could ever imagine. I love you, Ruby!" Words can make your heart sing, today it happened to Ruby as she pulled him in for a hug. Her hands were locked onto him tightly, fiercely like last night.
"Thank you! This… I love you!"
Drops of tears rolled down her cheeks. The happiness she experienced yesterday filled her with so much joy that she could hardly believe. Regardless of what might come after this, all she wanted was to stay in his warm embrace forever…
…
On one sunny day, Rose blooms under the sunlight.
At this time, humming, and flowering the rose with some water—Ruby was reminded of the gentle old lady who had given this to her. Has it already been nearly seventh-month? Yes it has, and Ruby was the happiest she can be during that time. Looking at these rose flowers, it felt like the symbol of her love between her and Jaune. Which was why she wanted it to last as long as possible, so she never forgot to water it.
She smiles, touching the rose and whiffing its scent into her noise.
The rose was fragrant, she could smell it all day.
Alas, she had lunch to prepare for the day.
She thought about Jaune, hoping he likes what she makes.
Speaking of which, is he missing her like how she misses him?
Last Thursday night he went out and hasn't come back despite it already being a few days already. She worried about him and called, to which he replied that he was alright and was bringing back a surprise for her on her birthday. This caused her to be so happy that she was looking forward to it so much last night—unable to fully sleep.
Walking into the kitchen she stroll through some recipes while chopping down some vegetables.
Today was a special day, whereupon her beloved was bringing her a surprise for her birthday. She had to cook the best for him.
While chopping some carrots, her stomach thump and aching pain sear into her.
Clutching her belly, the pain didn't make her cry, instead she smiled anticipatingly. Then she rubbed it gently, enduring the pain and said. "Mama's right here, awaiting your arrival… rest easy before then, okay?" Just as it seemed, Ruby's belly was swollen noticeably, because she was almost seven months pregnant.
And the doctor said the child inside her was coming along nicely.
Time goes by like the blowing wind.
When time for lunch arrived; she looked at the oven, grabbed a glove and took her home-baked cookies out. Ruby drools at what she made but holds herself back for when Jaune comes back, by then they can both have their meals together.
Lunch will not do without cookies.
By this time, as she puts the cookies near the windows to cool down… the door bell rings.
Her eyes immediately brightened, the love of her life was back… She was sure of it.
When she reached to open the doors after rushing over, her eyes widened in surprise and disbelief.
Because, the person beyond the door wasn't only Jaune—friends and family were there as well. Most of all, her former team was there, and so was Jaune's former teammates. They were all there! It felt instantly like the gathering of old teammates and friends, which she yearned so much all the time. However, being with Jaune this yearning may start to fade a little, but to think they will all be here…
Jaune smiled. "We have guests…"
Ruby almost tears up, and longed in for a hug.
Today may be the most memorable day of her life.
She had it all thanks to her friend, or now, lover…
The end