Cinder Falls... For Ruby Rose (ch20)

2-DAY EARLY RELEASE FOR ALL OF MY PATRONS! THANK YOU!

I hate to say it, but this story is going to be wrapping up soon. This chapter will begin the final little arc.

Thanks again to my patron s22132 for the ideas and story!

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY.

------------

												Chapter 20. Going Behind Backs

After about half a year's worth of dating, Ruby and Cinder had lost track of just how many times they'd come to visit one another for their get-togethers.

Just about every weekend or so one of them would travel to see the other, and they'd set up some kind of activity. Sometimes they went to the beach or to an aquarium or zoo, sometimes they went to the parks or on picnics, sometimes they went to watch sporting events and mock battles.

It varied by the week and by the season, but no matter what they always enjoyed themselves.

When it was possible their teammates would come along as well and they would go on big group excursions. Ruby was always having fun no matter what she was doing, so long as she was with her friends or Cinder or both.

But while the mini field trips and adventures were always a lot of fun, she didn't mind the slower calmer days like today either.

She was cuddled up on Cinder's bed with her, lazily reading a book her girlfriend was holding in her lap. The rest of Cinder's team had agreed to go out together for a while in order to give the two of them some alone time.

Ruby just kept humming and sighing blissfully as Cinder stroked her fingers through her hair with one hand and turned the pages of the book with the other. Ruby deflated against her, hugging her around her stomach and resting her head on the front of her shoulder. She was only half paying attention to the story, which was rare for a book-loving person like herself, but her main enjoyment was of course getting to spend time with Cinder like this.

The two of them had gone out to a little pop-up craft and food faire yesterday and walked around a lot, so today they were taking it easy. Ruby savored it for as long as she could, closing her eyes at one point and just napping as she tucked herself into Cinder's side.

But a few hours after noon, her scroll started beeping with her alarm. She grunted and groaned and whined and clung defiantly to Cinder.

"Nooooo! I don't wanna leeeeeave!"

Cinder closed the book and put it aside, patting the girl's head.

"You must, Ruby. We have classes again tomorrow."

"But it's still so early!"

"Yes, which gives you plenty of time to take an air ship back and still have time to eat dinner and rest when you arrive home."

"Mmmm..." She pouted and hugged Cinder closer. Cinder kissed her head.

"Come now, Ruby. I'll see you off."

Ruby grumbled and mumbled as she had to pull herself away from her girlfriend and start packing up the small suitcase she'd brought along. Hers and Cinder's stuffed animal plushies were sitting together at the foot of the bed, and Ruby bumped their noses together with a smooching sound before taking her wolf back. She scurried to the bathroom, then ensured all of her things were packed before Cinder led her out of the room.

Ruby continued pouting as she walked down the hallways toward the exit, but she made sure to keep ahold of Cinder's hand for as long as she could.

They got outside and started heading toward the air ship docks, watching as one flew in for a landing. Ruby sighed and halted, causing Cinder to turn back.

"Ruby?"

"This is far enough! You don't have to walk me aaaaall the way to the ship! Just go back in and finish reading that story!"

"Are you certain?"

"Yep!" Ruby jumped up and threw her arms around Cinder, pulling her in for an energetic kiss. Cinder smiled and cupped the girl's cheeks, reciprocating with something a little more tender. When they parted. Ruby giggled.

"And don't forget next weekend you guys'll be coming to Beacon again!"

"That's correct."

"So I'll see you then!"

"Indeed."

Cinder gave her one last kiss atop the head before turning away to head back to the building.

They waved at each other for a few seconds before Ruby began heading toward the air ship and the people gathered to board.

But she wasn't getting on that ship. Now it was time for her to enact her plan.

She'd set an alarm early in advance and told Cinder she would be getting on this ship to fly home. But instead, Ruby weaved through the crowds and went around the ship, then continued on-foot into the city.

She'd known even before coming here that she was going to do this today, so she had deliberately packed lightly, as now she had to lug her suitcase around in town. But she didn't plan to be here for too much longer. She really did have to get back to Beacon and sleep before classes tomorrow.

So for now she hurried along the sidewalks and scenery that were growing more and more familiar with time. She remembered the way to where she was going at least, so that ensured she wouldn't waste time in her travel.

She observed the surrounding buildings until they started to become a little more humble, a little more pleasant.

She searched until she found the homey little sign for Hope's Orphanage.

Quickening her pace, Ruby hurried onward, hopping up the front steps until she was at the doors. She straightened up and fixed her hair a little to look as presentable as possible before giving a couple of knocks.

Little voices squealed with delight at the sound of a visitor, but she could hear an older, calmer voice quieting them down. Ruby steeled herself for when Salem came to answer the door, dressed similarly to how she had been last time. Her red eyes widened in surprise and delight at the sight of her unexpected guest.

"Why, this is a surprise. Miss Ruby Rose, is it?"

"H-Hello, ma'am! I'm really sorry for coming by unannounced and stuff, but I just... I had something I wanted to ask you. But of course I know this might not be a good time! You're probably really super busy so-"

"Ruby!"

"It's Ruby!"

"Yaaaay!"

Several children peeked around the door frame and spotted her, and the news of her arrival spread like wildfire.

"Ruby's back!"

"Tell us about the Grimm! Did you fight any more?"

A crowd had gathered behind Salem, their smiles wide and eyes eager. But Salem hushed them all with a gentle wave of her hand.

"Everyone please give our guest some space. By the looks of things she came here for a reason and she doesn't have long to stay. If there's time when she's finished what she needs to do, perhaps she will entertain a few questions."

Ruby nodded.

"Yeah, that's right! But for right now I have a suuuper important top secret mission I have to look into!"

All of the children gasped and ooed and ahhed before dispersing, muttering about what the mission could be.

With that Salem invited her in. She led her down a familiar path into the kitchen like last time, but kept going until she revealed a sliding glass door.

This time they sat outside on a small patio. Other adults and caretakers were playing with the children in a large fenced-in play area, and the sounds of laughter drifted over to their quiet little spot.

Ruby put her suitcase against the building and took a seat on a cushioned chair across from Salem. The woman's hands were folded neatly, her eyes calm and expecting.

"Now then. What is it you needed to come see me for by yourself, Miss Rose?"

Ruby fidgeted for a moment in her seat, twiddling her thumbs as she tried to collect her thoughts.

"Well, I was wondering... I mean I was thinking of... doing something for Cinder. Something special. And I couldn't think of anyone better to discuss ideas with than you."

Salem nodded.

"I see. I would love to help you. It makes me so happy to know that Cinder encountered such a wonderful girl who would go out of her way like this for her sake."

Ruby blushed and giggled.

"Th-Thank you! I just wanna treat her as best I can and let her know how much I love her! So I wanted to do something more thoughtful."

Salem reached out to rest her hand on Ruby's shoulder.

"That's wonderful, Miss Rose. In that case, I think I might have something for you."

She held up a finger to have Ruby remain seated while Salem herself got up. She went back into the building, and in the meantime Ruby looked out across the open area to watch the children playing.

One of the little boys had a red blanket tied around his shoulders and was claiming he was Ruby Rose, and was using a pool noodle as a scythe to slay the other Grimm-children. Ruby's heart swelled as she watched them.

A moment later Salem reemerged. She was carrying a small jewelry box, which she placed on a glass table between Ruby and herself as she sat. Ruby peeked up at her.

"What's this?"

Salem turned the box around so it faced the girl, eyes solemn.

"I trust you know what happened to the village Cinder came from?"

Ruby's smile faded.

"Yeah... She told me it was attacked by Grimm... and completely wiped out..."

Salem nodded sadly.

"Yes. Eventually wildfires broke out and swept through the ruins. Even now the area hasn't been refurbished. I traveled there once many years ago to see what I could find. And I found little, but I did find something."

With that she opened the box, and Ruby leaned forward eagerly to peer inside.

The box was filled with small fragments of black coal and glass that sparkled faintly in the sunlight. Ruby gasped softly as she took in the sight of the tiny mysterious treasure trove.

"Are those... obsidian?"

Salem nodded.

"Indeed. These are pieces of the village Cinder came from."

Ruby felt a strange twinge go through her chest at the thought of it. An entire village full of people and animals and homes... had been reduced to a few fragile shards in a jewelry box. At least, that was all Salem had found.

Now the woman looked expectantly at Ruby and offered her the box.

"Please take one. I believe you may be able to use it for a gift of sorts as you'd wanted."

Ruby sniffled a little bit before reaching forward, determined to focus on the present and the future rather than the sad past.

She carefully pawed through the pieces of black glass until she found one that was a good shape for what she had in mind. It was roughly circular and not very heavy. She picked that one out and cradled it in her palm. It was somehow dusty and shiny at the same time. Satisfied with her choice she nodded to Salem.

"Thank you. I think this is perfect."

Salem closed the box and smiled.

"I'm very glad."

After that she offered Ruby some tea, but the girl kindly refused.

"I've gotta catch my real flight back to Vale now! But thank you so much for seeing me today Miss Salem! And for giving me this! I promise I'll make Cinder happy!"

The woman reached out to pat Ruby's head.

"I know you will. Thank you."

Ruby grinned, grabbing her suitcase and waving goodbye before Salem saw her out. Ruby slipped the piece of obsidian into her pocket and zipped it up securely before hurrying off toward the nearest air ship dock.

She'd already planned what she'd wanted to do for Cinder. Now she just needed to make it a reality.

-----------

A/N: Only half of this chapter was Cinderruby this time, but don't worry! Ruby has something special planned for her girlfriend soon~