In The Name Of Love (ch4)

Just in case anyone was confused, last chapter Ruby made a post on her social media and Blake liked it. When Blake later made a comment, Ruby liked that in turn. I think I might've used the word "post" and "comment" interchangeably and it might've confused a few people. But regardless I hope you understand what happened.

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY.

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											    Chapter 4. The Number On The Napkin

"You met Ruby Rose?"

Weiss' cry of disbelief echoed around her bedroom. She'd brought Blake up there upon her surprise arrival, as it was the most private place they could hang out together.

Blake was sitting on the edge of her bed, twiddling her fingers at the base of her shirt. She nodded coyly and continued.

"I was just grocery shopping and I bumped into her… Kind of literally, almost."

"And you know for certain it was her?"

"No mistake. What's more, she said her family had just moved here to Vale."

"Really now?" Weiss perked up at the news. "That's interesting. I assume they've kept that tidbit a secret, so the press won't be hounding them as much. For them to live in such a small town like this, they're probably looking for a bit of peace and quiet."

"Yeah, so I shouldn't mention anything to anyone. I mean, except you of course."

"Don't fret, I've got no one to tell." Weiss walked over to her friend and sat down next to her on the bed. "We have to be tactful about this. If they come into the café again, or if we see them around town, we have to act as though they're any other person. It's only fair we conceal their privacy."

"Yeah. You're right…" Blake sighed a little reluctantly. "I just… I wish I could…" She tapered off, but she didn't need to say it for Weiss to understand.

"I know. But we shouldn't impose ourselves in their lives. It wouldn't be right."

Blake's shoulders sagged a little, but she nodded. "Yeah…"

Weiss laid a hand on her friend's shoulder, trying to give her some reassurance. It was obvious Blake was feeling a little upset about all of this.

"Why don't you sleep over tonight?"

Blake looked up with a smile.

"Thanks, Weiss. I think I could use the company."

Blake texted her mother to let her know she'd be sleeping over. Weiss lent her some clean casual clothes to change into and she joined Weiss' family for supper, which wasn't unusual for them at all.

That night, Blake and Weiss discussed the famous sisters moving to their little town. And Blake noticed that Weiss seemed to be mentioning Yang as much as she herself was mentioning Ruby.

"So," she drawled at one point. "If they come into the café again, do you want me to give Yang your number?"

"Wh-What? What on earth are you blabbing about? Of course not!" Weiss turned pink and lightly whacked her with a pillow. "If you do such a thing, I'll give Ruby yours!"

That retort had Blake's laughter cutting off immediately.

After that, they re-watched the premiere episode of Ninjas Of Love, and Weiss asked all about the series, assuming she'd have to get into it sooner or later. Blake was content to go off ranting and raving about the lore of it without giving away any spoilers.

She wore a smile as she talked, but somewhere along the lines a troubling thought struck her. Blake's shoulders slumped and her smile vanished. Her voice lowered as she turned to Weiss on the couch.

"Hey, Weiss?"

"What is it?"

Blake fidgeted in her spot, and her voice became heavy with guilt.

"I... I guess I feel a little weird about all of this. I mean, I've loved this series for so long, way before it became a show. I loved it just for the story and I loved Briar as a character. So I wonder if it's... if it's okay for me to be getting so excited about Ruby Rose.

"I don't wanna think about her as Briar. She's her own person. So I'm just not sure if it's fair for me to be so excited about her moving here when I only really know and like her because of the character she plays... Maybe I'm just being stupid-"

"You've got that right!"

"Huh?" Blake felt as Weiss grabbed her face and turned her head, making her look a her face. Weiss gave her a stern lecture.

"Blake, it's only natural that you'd like her because of the character she plays. You've loved that character for years. It's not wrong of you to admire Ruby Rose for her skills. In fact, I'm sure she'd be flattered to know her character's biggest fan approves of her portrayal of Briar."

"I guess... But-"

"But nothing! It's fine for you to be excited about her moving here, Blake. So long as you don't go around stalking her and acting like she's a fictional character instead of a human being."

"O-Of course I wouldn't!"

"So then what's the issue?" Weiss released her friend's face and gave her a pat on the back instead. "It's all right to be excited about this, Blake. And who knows? Maybe if you see her around enough, you can become friends with her for who she is, not who she plays."

"That... I think that would be nice. She's really cute-"

Blake realized too late she'd said that out loud, and the subsequent slap of her palm over her mouth was too late. Weiss smirked knowingly.

"Oh, so you're already crushing on her, hm?"

"Y-You should talk! You went red as a cherry when Yang called you 'Miss' and thanked you for the iced coffee."

"Don't change the subject!" Weiss snapped. "What I mean to say is it's a good thing if you're liking Ruby for who she is, without thinking about her in terms of her acting. I'd say that's a step in the right direction. Me, on the other hand..." Weiss trailed off this time and looked away.

Blake already felt better from her friend's reassurance. Now it was her turn.

"Weiss, it's okay if you like Yang. She's a model, so it's kind of hard not to be attracted to the physical stuff. If you ever do get to talk to her, I'm sure you'd like her personality, too."

"N-Now, let's not get ahead of ourselves... But thank you, Blake."

"Don't mention it."

With each of them reassured by the other now, they turned off the television and got ready for bed.

Weiss retreated to her bed while Blake opened the couch and laid herself on the pull-out mattress.

They hadn't been this excited about going to work tomorrow since the first day they'd started working together.

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Blake and Weiss woke at the sound of Weiss' alarm the next morning, and they took turns dressing and getting ready. Blake borrowed some of Weiss' clothes instead of running back home to grab something of her own. She settled for a pair of shorts and a blouse while Weiss put on a blue sundress.

After a quick breakfast of toast, fruit, and coffee, they headed out for the café.

It was another beautiful day full of potential. They tried not to expect to see Ruby or Yang at the café today, but they'd try not to be surprised if it did happen.

Blake and Weiss were on a mission now; to act normally if they saw the sisters, to not give them away in front of the public any more than they gave themselves away.

The reached the café, clocked in, and got to work.

The usual morning crowd came through, and then the lunch crowd. But no beautiful blondes or rosy-cheeked brunettes.

They left the café feeling a little dejected and parted ways for the evening.

As soon as Blake got home and up to her room, she decided to blog a little bit. But she didn't get far before she got a notification from someone she followed. And she only followed a few people.

To her excitement, it was - in fact - from Ruby Rose. She'd posted a photo, one that made Blake's heart sink.

It was a photo of the CFVY Shoppe that said "Back at one of my fav places for a cool drink!"

Posted twenty seconds ago.

Which meant Ruby Rose was probably walking into the café right now.

Right as Blake had just gotten home.

"You've gotta be kidding me..." She groaned and flopped onto her pillow with a whine. "I just missed her... And it's not like I can go back over there right now and act like a customer just as an excuse to see her..."

Defeated, she texted Weiss her dilemma and sighed. Weiss replied with equal dismay, but also a hint of positivity.

/That's terrible timing... But isn't it a bit neat to consider they're at the same place we were just at? Ruby Rose and Yang Xiao Long are only a ten-minute walk away from us right now. How many people can say that?/

Blake smiled as she read the text. Weiss was right. And besides, if the sisters were back at the café again, that meant they might become regulars. Especially since Ruby said it was her favorite place for drinks.

That made Blake's heart flutter. She sat back up and tried to get ahold of herself.

"I wonder who prepared her drink for her. Probably Coco or Velvet... I doubt either of them know who she is."

But perhaps that was for the better. Ninjas Of Love had a very passionate, but very small fanbase. So realistically, Blake might've been one of the only people in Vale who actually knew that Ruby Rose was an actress, and consequently might've been one of the only people who would make a big deal about her. But Ruby still probably had to cover her face when she could, just as a precaution.

Blake got lost in more thoughts about the girl for a while, wondering if she'd get lucky enough to see her tomorrow.

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She and Weiss went to work together for the rest of the week, but didn't see Ruby or Yang. Ruby didn't make any more posts on her social media about going there, but she did post a lot of other things. Pictures of her corgi, who Blake now knew was named Zwei, pictures of the food she bought, and then just everyday posts talking about the weather and things like that.

On Friday night Ruby promoted the following day's episode of Ninjas Of Love, and that's what got Blake through her final day of work.

On Saturday Blake went out with Weiss to do some shopping, and then came back to her friend's house to watch the new episode.

It was odd now, seeing Ruby Rose playing Briar on national television when Blake had just seen her a few days ago stuffing cookies into her grocery basket. It just went to show that she was a serious actress and a hard worker, but when the cameras were off she was just a regular girl.

The second episode was thrilling, with Briar making a very suspenseful kill in the nick of time before someone caught her in the act. She left no evidence and retreated back to her apartment where she hung up her katana and then fed a mouse to her pet snake. The episode left off with a shot of the serpent coiling itself around the dead mouse and sinking in its fangs, a chilling, yet telling image.

As soon as it was over, Blake slumped back against the couch with a smile.

"That was soooo good..."

Weiss chuckled from beside her.

"You're like that mouse, Blake. Ruby Rose has got you snared."

"Shut up."

Blake pulled out her phone and started posting about the new episode, tagging the series every time as she talked online with other fans. She only tagged Ruby Rose once, to once again commend her on her performance.

Part of her wanted to add in something like "Come by the CFVY Shoppe tomorrow!" but she refrained. She didn't want to say something that might give away her own identity. If Ruby found out her barista was one of her online fans, she wasn't sure how she'd react. And Blake didn't want Ruby to feel uncomfortable if she knew someone recognized her in real life.

It really was a lot to think about, and it was difficult not to feel like she might be stepping out of line.

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The next day, on Sunday, they didn't see either of the sisters at the café either. And Blake was just beginning to wonder if they'd ever see them again when Monday morning rolled around.

Weiss and Blake had barely put on their aprons when the doors opened and the bells rang, and in stepped Yang Xiao Long and Ruby Rose themselves.

Blake almost fell over, but luckily for her Weiss almost fell over toward her so they bumped into each other and snapped themselves out of the trance.

They might've been able to prepare themselves for this throughout the day. But first thing in the morning... their very first customers of the day-

"Hey, morning," Yang said with a wave as if they were all old friends. Her gaze went straight to Weiss. "Could I have the Monday Morning Melon Mix, please?"

"O-Of course!" Weiss almost tripped as she turned around to start making the drink.

But Blake couldn't help her right now. It was every girl for herself.

Ruby was approaching her with a smile, no hood to cover her face this time, just a bright unhindered smile.

"Hi! Can I have... hey, do I know you?" She paused when she got close to the counter to look up at Blake.

Blake's heart did a backflip as her thoughts jumbled her mind.

/What do I say? Should I tell her we met in the store? Should I tell her I know her from acting?/

Either way, she knew she had to say something.

"U-Um, well, I-"

"Yeesh, Rubes!" Yang cut in by leaning her arm on her little sister's head. "Don't waste her time, just give her your order!"

"R-Right, sorry! I'll have the Strawberry Swirl Summer Special please!"

"I... u-uh right. I mean sure. O-One moment, please."

Blake stiffly turned away and started preparing the drink. She was just as nervous as she'd been the first time and had to force herself to focus and remember how to make the swirl. She was vaguely aware of Weiss handing Yang her drink and telling her the order total in a clipped voice.

Blake swallowed, knowing it'd be her turn next. She sucked in a deep breath as she capped Ruby's drink, the turned to the register, trying not to look her customer directly in those pretty silver eyes of hers.

"Will... Will that be all?"

"Hmmm, actually can I have one of this big chocolate-chip cookies, too?"

"Sure. For here or to go."

"Mmm, to go."

"Okay..." Blake was a little sad they wouldn't be staying, but maybe that was for the best. Otherwise she and Weiss would never be able to focus on their job.

Blake picked up a napkin and selected a cookie for Ruby, then slipped it into a little baggie before handing it to her.

"Your total is $4.99."

"Okie-doki!" Ruby dug through her wallet and pulled out a five. When Blake handed her back the penny, their hands touched.

"Enjoy..."

"Thanks, Blake!"

"Wh-" Blake really needed someone to pinch her this time.

/H-How does she know my name?!/

"Hey, Ruby," Yang chided her sister. "Just because they're wearing name tags doesn't mean you should just go callin' them by their first names all casual-like."

"Oh. Sorry."

"N-No!" Blake gulped. "It's fine. I-I was just... really surprised..."

But even more surprising was when Ruby leaned over the counter toward her again.

"Are you suuure we haven't met before?"

"U-Um, I mean-"

"Hey, Ruby, c'mon." Yang grabbed her little sister by the scruff of her shirt and pulled her back a step. "Sorry about my sister. We're new around here. She's probably seen you in-passing or something."

"It's fine," Blake half-wheezed. "A-Actually-"

"Y'know, if it's not too much trouble, Ruby and I would love to have someone show us around sometime. We're still getting situated unpacking at home and stuff. If you two are ever free, would you mind giving us a tour? You and your friend. Weiss, is it?"

"Y-Yes!" Weiss squeaked. "Weiss Schnee!"

Yang's eyebrow raised.

"Schnee, huh? You don't say. I'm pretty sure I've worn some of your family's jewelry for some shoots in the past. Small world, huh?"

"Really?" Ruby piped up. "That's so neat!"

"I'll say!" Yang grinned, then turned back to the baristas. "So what do you think? If you have some free time this week, could you guys show us around?"

Blake and Weiss shot half-terrified, half-excited looks at one another. Blake had forgotten how to speak by this point, so she begged Weiss to answer in the affirmative. Weiss cleared her throat and tried to compose herself as she stepped forward.

"That sounds nice. Blake and I would love to give you two a tour of Vale." It was a miracle her voice didn't waver. Blake made a mental note to thank her later.

Yang and Ruby both grinned.

"Great!" the blonde said. "I'll leave you my number just in case we don't catch you here at the café. Seems our schedules are all different."

Neither Blake nor Weiss fully comprehended those words until Yang had pulled out a napkin and a pen and scribbled a phone number on it. She pushed the napkin specifically toward Weiss.

"There. Just shoot me a text whenever you guys are free!"

"Yay!" Ruby cheered. "I can't wait!"

"Thanks again! Bye!"

Yang waved to the baristas, and with that the sisters took their food and left.

And then they were gone, as if it had all been a dream.

The only indication it was real was the tight feeling in Blake's chest and the napkin in front of Weiss.

They couldn't even speak.

They just looked at each other, grabbed hands, and sunk to the floor.

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A/N: These two are too gay for their own good. How will they hold up on a 'date' with the sisters?