Stealing On The High Seas (ch 2)

2-DAY EARLY RELEASE FOR PATRONS! Thanks, you guys!

Due to popular demand, I'm adding to this fic, Stealing On The High Seas! You might wanna re-read chapter 1 to refresh your memory!

A/N: The first little portion here is a re-cap and in past tense. Also, I introduce Ruby's crew a bit. You can imagine it involves JNPR, CFVY, and a few misc people.

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY.

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							Chapter 2.

It had been just one day since Captain Ruby and her crew had come to obtain their newest prize; Weiss Schnee, the daughter of the Navy-man who had become a target of interest for the young, tenacious captain.

That had been one day of smooth sailing in every sense of the word. The weather was clear, the waters were cooperative – and the waters weren't the only things.

After her capture, Weiss had initially found herself in a somewhat perilous situation; although her peril was not induced by the crew who had captured her, but by her own stubbornness to refuse food or water from them.

Persistent persuasion from a certain underage captain who loved wine far more than she should had been Weiss' ultimate downfall.

She'd shamed her father's name and his profession.

She'd fallen in love with Captain Ruby Rose.

And Ruby had fallen quite hard for her as well.

It would've been a simple feat for either of them to betray the other, but for that single day following Weiss' capture, no such mutiny had ever surfaced.

After discovering they'd both rather liked the sensation of the other's lips on her own, Ruby had untied her 'prisoner' from the post and sat beside her all night in the warm, open air of the sea. Weiss had slept at her side with her head on Ruby's shoulder, breathing softly, all traces of her previous fever absent.

The morning had found them discovered by Yang and Blake, and after much teasing and blushing and words of denial, the two younger girls had to admit their rushed relationship.

Yang had previously discussed the blossoming romance she'd seen between her sister and Schnee with her own lover Blake.

But to be hearing it straight from the Navy-girl's mouth...

It had put them all a bit on edge.

Yang had first wondered why Ruby had untied their captor.

"What gives?" she'd asked. "Why are you two suddenly on such friendly terms?"

Ruby had stood and tried to explain things, a bit sheepishly perhaps.

"Yang, listen-"

But before she could finish her explanation, Weiss had stepped up beside her.

"Hush," the white-haired girl had said. "You don't need to justify yourself to your own sister." Weiss had turned her piercing blue gaze on Yang. The taller girl's hair was golden and seemed to catch fire in the blazing red sunrise, and her appearance alone had caused a beat of fear to pass through Weiss' heart.

But when she'd continued speaking, it had been steadily and confidently. "It's hardly any of your business who your sister falls for, you know. I've got a younger sister as well, so I can understand your concerns in that regard, but don't you think your captain is capable of making her own decisions? Do you honestly think she'd decide on something so precarious and potentially-deprecating without first putting proper thought into it? What kind of fool do you take her for? A sister should trust her own more than that."

Her eyes had gone briefly to Blake, and then back to Yang. "You love a Faunus, do you not? So is it truly such a crime if your sister loves a Schnee?"

Her entire discourse had been spoken swiftly, surely, and she hadn't so much as blinked a single time as she'd awaited Yang's reaction.

Weiss had been fully prepared to take a hit or two if the blonde went into a fit of rage, but no such thing ever happened.

Yang had simply looked her over before her lips had curled into a grin.

"Now that's what I'm talkin' about," she'd said. "I'd suspected it for these past couple days, but there can't possibly be anyone better suited for my lil' sis than someone who'd just lecture me of all people." She'd offered out her hand to the girl. "Ya got my trust, Weiss."

Warily, the white-haired girl had accepted her hand and shaken it slowly. She'd later apologized to Blake firsthand for making an example out of her, but the Faunus had merely shrugged and reassured that she'd understood Weiss' intentions.

And since then, things had been rather good for Captain Ruby's crew.

She'd announced to everyone on board that Weiss Schnee was now her undisclosed lover, and was to be treated with the utmost respect and decency.

Weiss was introduced to every member of the crew, including the scraggly blond boy who had guarded her on her first night as a captive, whose name was Jaune.

There was also Pyrrha, a highly-skilled fighter who dressed in much the same fashion as Blake and Yang did, albeit with different taste in colors. She adorned long red robes to her ankles and black binding around her chest as well as a bandana around her upper right arm and one securing her ponytail. For one reason or another, she also wore an eye-patch over her right eye, but it didn't seem to lessen the brightness of her smile.

Like her respectively pink and green-clad companions Nora and Ren, Pyrrha wielded two golden daggers and often trained Jaune in fighting lessons.

There were several other Faunus on board too, including a rabbit named Velvet, and a monkey named Sun who was their lookout – he spent most of his time in the lookout basket on the highest mast above the flags that kept them adrift.

Whenever he did make his descent, Weiss would watch his interactions with Ruby - mannerisms as though they were related, ruffling hair and shoving one another playfully.

It was only one of many indications as to just how close Ruby was to every member of her crew.

Weiss spent her first day free from the post observing the shenanigans of Ruby's companions, committing their names and occupations to memory: Blake and Yang often took turns steering the ship while Pyrrha and Jaune were typically on the decks training, or fishing for a few meals.

Those meals were cooked by Ren and Nora in the kitchen below deck, and the finished products were later presented for all to enjoy.

Suppertime was a very important time for this crew, as Weiss discovered on her first evening unbound.

There was a handful of other boys and girls on Ruby's crew, but all in all, there were only a dozen people total, all of which gathered in a small enclosed room with a single table to eat at. They all sat on stools, save for Ruby herself who had the only chair. The first evening Weiss joined them for supper, Ruby had ordered a search for another chair to be found for her.

Yang had pitched in a helpful comment.

"If they can't find one, ya could always just sit in Ruby's lap," she said with a wink.

Luckily for Weiss, it didn't come to that, as Sun had located another stool for her to use.

The food was immensely more scrumptious than Weiss had ever thought it could be, and she had personally commended Ren for his efforts. Despite the crew's limited resources, it was top-notch quality, probably on par with the food produced by her own father's chefs.

After suppertime, the ship simply drifted as dusk settled in.

Presently, Weiss had just finished her first real meal in two days on this ship, and was helping to clean up the kitchen when her mind was dragged back to thoughts of her father.

Her hands moved mechanically as she washed her dish in one of the two sinks, but Ren insisted she needn't partake in such a task and politely sent her off.

Weiss wandered the upper deck aimlessly. The sounds of Ruby's merry crew laughing and enjoying a few drinks had taken a constant residency in the back of her mind by the time she'd finally stopped walking.

She held onto the side of the ship – Crescent Rose – she'd learned was its name. Her gaze cast out over the tame waves that rocked the vessel, and she was relieved that her seasickness was no longer resurfacing now that she could move about freely.

Her left hand went to the rapier at her hip, the weapon Ruby had only just returned to her this morning. Yang had advised against it, but Ruby had silenced her, declaring she more than trusted Weiss enough.

How easy it would have been for Weiss to turn on the younger girl now that she'd gained her trust.

Ruby and her crew were notorious on this ocean, and the 18-year-old girl had managed to steal more treasure from every noteworthy business' ship than any other petty thief.

Weiss still adorned the white and blue clothes of her Navy uniform, but even if she were to remove them, her white hair would serve as a constant reminder as to who her father was. She could never change who she was, how she was raised, how she'd been told to treat Ruby Rose and other pirates...

Approaching footsteps pulled her from her reverie. It was Blake and Yang.

"Hey, princess," the blonde called over to her. "D'ya-"

"Actually," Blake stopped her. "Isn't she technically an heiress?"

"Ehh, same thing," Yang shrugged. "But anyway princess, d'ya care ta join us for the evening? We don't do much, just sit around some of the lanterns and drink and tell stories is all. We'd love to have ya."

Weiss took a step back to meet their gazes – curious and inviting, not the slightest bit apprehensive or doubtful of her loyalties anymore. She'd made an oath to Ruby Rose, and trust on this ship wasn't something so easily earned, especially between strangers.

But once it was, the bonds that bound her were deeper than the depths of the seas they sailed.

To break such a bond would surely mean a fate worse than death.

But so long as that trust was respected, all would be well.

Still, Weiss had to shake her head in response to their offer.

"Perhaps tomorrow night," she replied. "I need a bit of time to myself to get my bearings."

The two girls nodded comprehensively.

"Alright," Yang said. "But if ya need us, ya know where to find us."

Together the two of them headed off toward the source of the joyful sounds and the rest of the crew.

Weiss watched them go before turning back to gaze across the water that had just finished reflecting the golden sunset. The seas grew darker until they were black, but the wind was in their favor, and the waves weren't harsh.

Weiss had learned much in her first day freed, and she presently reflected upon it all now, repeating names in her head to try and stave off the nagging thoughts of her father. Whenever her mind went back to him, she could only imagine what he'd expect from her in this situation.

How easy it would be for her to draw her blade now and take the life of Ruby Rose...

Surely, she'd lose her life to the crew shortly afterward, but she'd be doing her father and many other seafaring men an enormous favor for seasons to come by ridding Remnant's oceans of the young pirate captain.

And yet, Weiss felt ill just in thinking such heinous thoughts. She leaned over the edge of the ship a bit, bracing her palms on the sturdy wood as she took deep breaths.

She didn't hear the footsteps that time past her own labored breathing, so when a hand touched her shoulder, Weiss reacted on natural instinct.

She whipped around and drew her rapier, poised to fight in the blink of an eye.

But whomever it had been had vanished even quicker, leaving naught but a few fluttering red petals behind.

"Whoa, whoa!"

Ruby's surprised voice reached her ears, and Weiss turned around once more to find the girl behind her. She'd put a bit of distance between them, just enough to evade the length of the rapier should Weiss see the need to use it.

Weiss immediately dropped her weapon, gasping as she took a few steps back.

"Ruby! I didn't..."

She was forced to stop when her hip met with the side of the ship. Her eyes were trained on Ruby's wide silver ones, and Weiss was finding her previous thoughts almost laughable; even if she'd wanted to betray this girl and make an attempt on her life, Ruby Rose was far too speedy and clever to fall victim so such a treacherous act.

Weiss held her hands up in front of her, a gesture that demonstrated she had no intention to move for her weapon. Her eyes were still on Ruby's, her voice thin and horrified at what she'd just done.

"Ruby... I-"

"Hey." Ruby stopped her, stepping around the fallen rapier and going to her side with ease.

Weiss tried to recoil, but found herself against the side of the ship. So she raised her voice into a shout to keep Ruby back.

"Wh-What are you doing?!" she cried. "I just- I just did something like that, and you're coming closer?"

Ruby paused just a foot away from the girl, not because she was frightened for herself, but because she wanted to give Weiss her space. She could see just how appalled the heiress was at herself for succumbing to the knee-jerk reaction of drawing her rapier, but Ruby knew it was her own fault for startling Weiss.

"Hey," she said again. "Weiss, I get it... You were thinking about your dad, weren't you?"

Weiss swallowed, but nodded.

The younger girl went on, offering a small smile.

"It's my fault for sneaking up on you when you were lost in thought. I should've given you more warning first. I'm sorry."

She didn't move - not closer nor away. She merely waited for Weiss to calm herself down, for her chest to stop heaving and her eyes to lose that spark of fear.

It was a moment before the heiress could manage to speak again, raspy as it was.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. Truly I didn't," she said. "I could never turn on you, Ruby. Not after everything..."

It sounded a bit foolish in retrospect; they'd only known each other for a few days and nights, and had loved each other for even less time.

But what they'd found in that short window of time was strong enough that neither needed convincing to understand it was real.

Weiss was distraught by what she'd just done, and Ruby knew as much.

That knowledge was only fueled tenfold when she realized there were two small tears running down Weiss' cheeks now.

"Ruby, I truly... I didn't..." She kept repeating words, almost as if she thought Ruby didn't already believe her.

"Hey, hey..." Ruby soothed, moving closer. "Weiss. I get it. Trust me, I get it."

She advanced another step slowly, to let Weiss know her intentions. The heiress sighed, but didn't recoil or refuse when Ruby reached out to her, pulling her into a soft embrace, an embrace one never would've expected coming from such a notorious felon.

Weiss' hands went to that red cloak and clung desperately, her words still tumbling out over trembling lips.

"I didn't mean to, Ruby..."

"I know," Ruby soothed, petting through the girl's ponytail. "I know, Weiss. It's okay. Shh..."

She held Weiss for a moment as she cried against her shoulder.

Those tears told Ruby so much more than words ever could. The renown, confident, eldest daughter of Schnee who had matched Ruby move for move two days prior had currently been reduced to a shuddering girl in her arms.

She cried for fear of harming Ruby, and that served to remind the captain just how hard and deeply she'd fallen for this girl. Spontaneous as it may have been at the time, their affections ran deeper than the sea itself.

Weiss had never meant to hurt her; her reaction had merely been a manifestation of the heiress' stress. Ruby could imagine she was suffering a great deal of it, considering all she'd been through these past few days.

By staying with Ruby – by loving her – Weiss was betraying her father and the only life she'd ever known thus far. Ruby couldn't even begin to imagine her conflicting emotions, but despite them all, Weiss had chosen her.

And Ruby intended to cherish that decision and return it full-force.

A few moments passed as Weiss continued to cry softly. Ruby ran hands through her hair and down her back, kissing her scarred cheek softly.

"Sorry... I'm sorry..." Weiss was still mumbling apologies; even if Ruby had forgiven her, she was unable to forgive herself.

Ruby longed to ease her mind. She moved back only slightly, bending a bit and positioning herself so that her head was tucked beneath Weiss' chin. She closed her eyes, turning her face until her ear was pressed to the heiress' chest, listening.

She heard the fast beat of Weiss' heart, still scared and thick, perhaps even a bit painful. She felt Weiss clinging to her shoulders to keep herself steady on her feet.

"Weiss..." Ruby hummed. "It's okay. Such a gentle heart could never beat this way if it was trying to deceive. Your heart is pure, Weiss. I know it is."

Ruby stayed that way a few moments longer, simply listening to the quick rhythm begin to decrescendo both in tempo and severity. She smiled a bit, feeling Weiss' breath coming easier now.

When she finally did pull away and straighten her posture, it was to cup Weiss' cheek and kiss her tenderly.

Weiss almost felt she didn't deserve this, but Ruby's words and surety were enough to have her returning the younger girl's kiss as best she could manage.

When they parted, Ruby made certain to keep her hand at Weiss' side, supporting her in case she needed it.

But the contact had served to remind Weiss where her loyalties and her affections resided now, and where Ruby's did.

The brunette pressed her forehead to Weiss', giggling softly as she pecked her nose.

Once she was certain Weiss could stand on her own, Ruby bent down to collect the rapier and returned it to her. Weiss slipped it back into place at her left hip, noticing that Ruby's sword was on her right side, indication that she too was left-handed. Weiss couldn't recall ever having met another person with the left hand being dominant, such as herself. The fact that Ruby was as well seemed to be yet another implication that they were meant to be together.

The younger girl tucked a stray lock of Weiss' ponytail over her shoulder, looking up into her eyes.

"You okay?" she asked.

Weiss inhaled and let it out slowly.

"Yes. I just... didn't want you to think I'd-"

"I know." Ruby hugged her again to prevent her from finishing the unsettling thought. When she pulled back, her hand went to Weiss' trembling one. "Hey, we never found you a bed yet, did we? This is your first night as member of my crew, rather than a captive. Let's go see what's available."

She led Weiss below deck, down corridors the heiress had yet to look upon until now.

Crescent Rose was a fairly modern ship model, and came equipped with some electricity and several bathrooms. Weiss chuckled at the thought of these ruffian pirates brushing their teeth before bed, but Ruby ensured her that was exactly what they did.

The ship dispensed used water and the like into the ocean, but other trash was kept in waste bins and barrels until they docked on land and were able to dispose of it properly. When Weiss asked why Ruby went through the trouble rather than simply dumping everything into the water like many ships did, she was pleased by the response.

"The sea gives us live," Ruby said. "It gives us fish for supper and means of transportation to get our work done. Even if we're pirates, all the gold we take gets donated to struggling towns – with just a bit to keep to ourselves. Without the ocean, we'd be out of luck in all terms. We've gotta respect it."

She showed Weiss inside one of the bathrooms where wraps of bandages and basic medical supplies were stored in a cabinet. "We get our fair share of injuries in this line of work!" Ruby told her. "So just in case something happens, we're prepared!"

Ruby took a drink from the tap before leading Weiss back into the corridor. They passed by the sleeping quarters her crew members shared in groups of four to a room, as each side had a set of bunk beds.

They stopped at Yang and Blake's shared room where there were two vacant beds on one side. Ruby turned to Weiss with a grin.

"You can sleep here, if ya like! Though Yang and Blake can be a bit rowdy sometimes."

Weiss stepped into the room, and Ruby let go of her hand.

The heiress inspected the place, lit only faintly by the lanterns from the hall. There was a neatly-made bottom bed and a disheveled one above it, indicating who slept where. Aside from a few books piled in the corners next to some kegs and bottles of wine, there wasn't much else to the room.

Weiss' old room back on her father's ship hadn't been very far off from this; she'd shared a bunk with her sister Winter, though the quality of the beds their father could afford was ten times what was before her now.

And yet, Weiss found she rather liked the humble beds; there were no unnecessary decorations to flaunt the wealth of the ship's owner. Just the basics – just what was needed.

Ruby waited for her for a moment, speaking softly.

"D'ya like it? I know it's probably not much compared to what your dad must have given you."

"No," Weiss said, shaking her head. "I like it plenty. Only..." She turned around, her eyes finding silver once more. "Correct me if I'm mistaken but, I'd imagine... the captain's chambers must get lonely at night."

Silence ensued for a moment as her words sunk in.

Ruby felt her heart lift with joy.

"Really?" she gaped. "You wouldn't mind...?"

"Of course I wouldn't," Weiss reassured. "But only if you'd have me."

"Of course!" Ruby blurted almost childishly. "Of course, what was I thinking? The only acceptable place for the captain's lover to sleep is beside the captain herself!" She took Weiss' hand once more and led her out of the room, shutting the door behind them.

A few more yards down the corridor brought them to the final door, and Ruby pushed inside.

It was the same size as all the other rooms, only there was a single bed to one side. The other side of the room had a small table with books and papers littered about, maps and the like. There were a few drawers beneath the table, but Weiss knew she had no business in nosing about.

Ruby removed her cloak, hanging it on a small hook on the back of the door. She shed her belts, sword, and boots, pausing before changing her clothes as she looked to Weiss. The heiress turned away, blushing slightly, and Ruby chuckled before grabbing her sleepwear of loose pants and a simple shirt to change into.

When Weiss turned back to her, she was fairly stunned.

Ruby... looked so normal.

It was that image of her with a grin lifting her rosy cheeks in the dim lamplight that reminded Weiss this captain was but a teenage girl just shy of twenty years.

Ruby rummaged about one of the drawers to find sleep clothes for Weiss.

"Here!" Ruby presented her with a long dress-like shirt and some pants. "Nice and clean! We just did laundry and washed everything in the soapy buckets a few days ago!"

Weiss accepted the clothes and Ruby promptly turned away to allow her privacy to change.

It took Weiss a bit longer to remove her clothes; unlike Ruby's arguably more casual vest and pants, Weiss' Navy uniform had many buttons to unclasp and zippers to undo.

When at last she'd slipped into Ruby's clothes, Weiss let out a long exhale. She found she could breathe much easier in this attire. It was liberating, in a sense.

She freed her hair and then folded her clothes, placing them on the floor beside Ruby's, lying their weapons together.

Ruby left the lantern on; it was securely in place on the wall, and even the rocking of the ship at night wouldn't produce a danger of it falling.

She went to her bed and all but flopped down onto it, stripping the covers down and wrestling herself underneath.

Weiss hesitated, almost forgetting how to draw breath.

The brunette looked expectantly up at her from her pillow. Ruby beckoned her forward with a soft smile.

"It's okay! I won't bite. Promise."

But when Weiss still hesitated, Ruby's smile faded.

"Do you wanna go back to Yang's room after all?" She realized how strange this must be for Weiss; two days ago, she'd been sparring Ruby to defend her father's treasures, and now she was to share a bed with her?

It certainly sounded absurd.

But in practice, it wasn't all that difficult to comprehend.

Weiss shook her head.

"No. I want to stay here with you," she said. "I was just... appreciating the sight of you."

Ruby felt the blood rush to her cheeks and she quickly looked down to make sure her top hadn't slipped.

"W-What do you mean?" she stammered, pulling the blankets up.

"Calm down," Weiss chuckled. "I simply meant that... I was appreciating the sight of you looking so comfortable. So carefree. I never would have imagined Captain Ruby Rose could behave in such a manner. It's quite charming."

Ruby chewed her lip and chuckled.

"Well, I'm glad you think so! I'm getting a little chilly, though."

Weiss took the hint and moved herself forward, her white socks padding lightly on the wooden planks of the floorboards. She reached the bed and sat down, sliding her legs in gradually.

Ruby waited patiently for her to settle in, though she noticed Weiss wouldn't lay down, and instead continued to sit up straight. In an effort to invite her to relax, Ruby spoke up again.

"Hey, the pillow's down here, Weiss."

Weiss looked to her side to find silver eyes peeking up at her past rose-tinged bangs. Slowly, she laid herself down on her side, facing her lover.

"Atta girl!" Ruby beamed. "Don't be so stiff! It's not good for your health! Loosen up a bit, ya know?"

"That could be easier said than done," Weiss mumbled. Tension was still coursing through her veins, and her breathing was clipped with nervousness.

Ruby slid a little closer.

"Then... would it be alright if I helped you get more comfortable?" she wondered.

Weiss closed her eyes and sighed.

"I don't think I'd be opposed to it."

Ruby smiled again.

"Okay."

She shifted herself, and Weiss reopened her eyes to watch the girl. Ruby slipped an arm over Weiss' stomach, and then a leg over her thighs. With a gentle push, she coaxed the girl onto her back, long, loose strands of ivory hair pooling down onto the mattress below. The brunette braced her weight on her elbows on the mattress to either side of the white-haired girl's body.

Weiss was more than a little startled, her nails digging into the sheets below as her heart began to pound. Ruby saw the hint of fear in her eyes and immediately went to apologies.

"Sorry! I wasn't thinking, I just kinda moved... Is this okay?" she asked.

Weiss' breath was coming shorter, but there was no malice in Ruby's tone or her eyes. She didn't intend to do anything Weiss wasn't consenting to.

"Yes..." she said shakily.

"Okay," Ruby nodded. "I'm sorry. I should've asked first. But I just wanna help you relax." She eased a bit of her weight onto Weiss' stomach and chest, able to feel the rapid hammering of her pulse. Ruby's hands went to the locks of alabaster hair, glowing faintly golden in the lantern's light.

She pressed her forehead to Weiss' for a moment before kissing her scarred cheek. One of her hands ran down Weiss' upper arm and then to her side, tracing the slight bumps of her ribcage.

Such intimacy was foreign to Weiss, but she couldn't ignore the pleasant warmth that had curled in her chest. Ruby was very mindful not to lean too much weight onto her or to touch anywhere that might've made Weiss flinch. It indeed proved to be very relaxing.

Ruby thought that having Weiss maintain eye contact might've been putting a bit of unwanted pressure on the heiress, so she moved down to rest her head on the girl's collar. Weiss' heartbeat was fast and hard, not unlike how it had been before above-deck.

But earlier, it had beat with uncertainty more than anything else. Now, it was a bit of that, but mostly excitement. She felt Weiss slowly bring her arms up around to settle on her back, rubbing Ruby's shoulder blades gently.

But even after several moments, Weiss' pulse hadn't calmed down, and Ruby grew concerned.

"Weiss..." she whispered. "Are you alright? This... doesn't seem to be helping-"

"No." Weiss stopped her instantly. "No. Ruby, please. This is..." Words were failing her for the first time in her life. "This is fine..." she said. "More than fine. Trust me."

Ruby smiled a little at the familiar words. Weiss trusted her, and she'd proved that a thousand times over in the short amount of time they'd been together.

Now it was Ruby's turn.

"Okay. Sure thing," she murmured.

For a few more moments she simply listened to Weiss' heart, committing its sound and pace to memory. It finally began to slow, and the pair of hands on her back squeezed her tighter. Weiss released a sigh.

"Ruby... you're so warm," she breathed.

The captain chuckled, nuzzling the side of her neck.

"I'm glad! You were shivering a little before." She kissed Weiss' shoulder. "You're really warm too, Weiss."

Weiss returned the kiss to Ruby's shoulder.

"I'm glad."

For a while, they simply stayed that way. Ruby trailed warm kisses over Weiss' collar, then up her neck, her palms mapping patterns along the heiress' sides.

In turn, Weiss' cool fingers threaded through Ruby's messy hair, and her lips returned the favor of every kiss bestowed upon her. She kissed Ruby's ear, her neck, her cheek, her hair, and generally wherever she could reach.

When Ruby pulled back again, they were both slightly breathless, pink hues dusting their faces.

"Weiss..." she murmured. "You're really beautiful. Even more than I'd thought."

Her silver eyes bore into crystal-clear blue pools that shimmered with fond affection.

"You too," Weiss whispered. "You're lovely, Ruby."

"Mm, okay but you're gorgeous," she retaliated, smiling.

Weiss rolled her eyes, but couldn't deny she was flattered by the comment.

Ruby let out a small chuckle then, and Weiss quirked an eyebrow.

"What's so funny?"

"Oh, nothin'. I was just remembering that funny name you called me when we first met. What was it again?"

"I believe it was, 'you swashbuckling scallywag'," Weiss recalled.

"Pfff, yeah that one! It's great," Ruby laughed.

Weiss sighed hopelessly at her, though her lips still smiled.

Then, she felt Ruby slide a hand up to cup her cheek. The younger girl dipped her head once more to kiss over her lover's pulse and then her lips found Weiss' softly. She only held it for a moment before pulling away, but Weiss' lips lingered on her own, unwilling to let her go, coaxing her back in like the tide.

Weiss cupped both sides of Ruby's face and brought her down for another, fiercer kiss, more passionate. A fire lit in Ruby's belly and she eagerly reciprocated.

When they parted by necessity for oxygen, both were pleasantly breathless. Ruby kissed her heaving chest as Weiss pecked her ear once more. Hands curled through hair as their lips came together again and again, hearts beating as one.

It was hours later when Ruby finally slipped off of Weiss, leaving her instantly colder. The heiress turned onto her side and Ruby eagerly pulled her in, kissing her hair and stroking her back. Their breathing synchronized and began to slow as they drifted off into a slumber like never before.

They whispered many things to one another that night, things they'd never rescind or regret, things of promises, trust, and love.

No doubt those vows would come to be tried and tested before long, but they would face things together.

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A/N: Now I know all of this seems rushed since chapter 1, but it's what people asked for, so I did my best with it, given Ruby and Weiss only know each other for a few days. Future events required them to get to the status of "lovers" ASAP anyway.