The Golden Room (ch7)

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

With Weiss' concert over, Yang's big game is coming up! But will Weiss even be able to attend?

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY.

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												Chapter 7. Surprise Victories

The day after the band and choir concert, Yang had a particularly long afternoon's worth of volleyball practice.

Their coach kept reminding them over and over again how well they'd been doing so far this season. But the school and team they'd be facing in tomorrow night's home-game match was a team Beacon hadn't beat in a decade.

Of course, Yang wanted to win just as badly as the rest of her teammates did, but if they didn't come out on top, it wasn't really the end of the world.

She gave her full attention to her extended practice that afternoon, but was antsy to get released so she could run down to the music room.

Texting Weiss last night hadn't really sufficed. She wanted to see her in person now.

When at last the coach blew his whistle and dismissed the exercise-worn team, Yang jogged to her locker in the changing room, peeled off her sweaty volleyball uniform, stuffed it into her gym bag, pulled on her skirt and undershirt, and tied the blazer around her waist within a matter of seconds. She wished her teammates goodbye for the afternoon, then with her mussed ponytail swaying, whipped around and hurried out the doors.

Even though she was sore and aching from practice, she pushed herself to make it to the music room. But there was no tinkling piano filling the air today, and for an instant, Yang was dismayed to think she'd missed Weiss this time around.

But as she skidded to a halt in the doorway, she was relieved to see her girlfriend sitting in one of the empty chairs, back straight as she read over a heavy textbook. However, the second Yang laid eyes on her, Weiss lifted her face, a bright, gleeful smile already curling its way onto her lips.

"Ya-"

"Weiss!"

Before her girlfriend could even finish saying Yang's one-syllable name, the blonde had dashed across the room and thrown her arms around her where she sat. Weiss was half-pulled to her feet, the textbook falling sideways out of her lap as she sputtered in surprise.

"Y-Yang!"

"Weiss~! Ahhh finally! I'm so glad I can finally see you again! It feels like it's been months!"

Once Weiss had gotten her bearings, she smiled again and returned Yang's hug softly.

"It's been twenty-four hours, you oaf. Fewer than that if you consider the fact that you saw me last night at the concert."

"Which you were absolutely totally super amazing at!" Yang reminded her.

"Flatterer."

"No, I really mean it! You've been working so hard practicing those songs by yourself, and especially that solo! Last night really went to show just how dedicated and passionate you are about your singing! I kinda wish other people knew just how much time and effort you put into practicing for it."

Her endless string of compliments was beginning to make Weiss' cheeks flare red. She turned her face to hide into the crook of Yang's shoulder.

"Yang..."

"I mean it!"

"I know you do," Weiss murmured. "I just need a moment to take it all in." She clung to the back of Yang's ruffled shirt, fingers playing idly through her messy ponytail. Yang squeezed her closer, savoring the moment with her.

It was already time for the sun to begin slanting in through the windows, and the entire room was filled with warm, golden light once again. Yang had been admiring the way it mixed into Weiss' silver hair when her girlfriend finally took a deep breath and pulled away.

"You good?" Yang wondered.

"Yes," Weiss affirmed. She moved her hands up to balance them on either side of Yang's face, then gently coaxed her down. Yang dipped down as Weiss strained onto her tip-toes, closing her eyes as she eased Yang into a long-lasting kiss.

Weiss could feel the places where Yang's practicing had caused her clothes to become a little warm from the sweat. It was a foreign feeling to Weiss, but she didn't mind it. She liked to think of it as a special thing she'd only ever feel being this close to her girlfriend.

And Yang was savoring Weiss' cooler breath, the slight taste of lunchtime coffee still lingering on her lips. She drank Weiss in, working her mouth softly in time with hers.

Occasionally they'd pull apart, catch their breath, gaze into each other's eyes, and then gradually – inevitably – be drawn back together.

It lasted until the sun's brightest rays had shifted their way out of the room, leaving it in its usual, pale color once again.

Yang pulled herself away, panting slightly now. Weiss' cheeks were flushed too, though she seemed to be catching her breath a lot more easily.

"Geez..." the blonde mumbled. "Guess all that singing trains you for other things too, huh?"

Weiss shrugged.

"Perhaps."

With that, they sat down side by side in the two closest chairs. Weiss picked up her fallen textbook and smoothed out the pages before slipping it into her bag.

"Sorry," Yang said sheepishly. "I just got so excited to see you today."

"I could tell," Weiss mused good-heartedly. "I was excited to see you, too. I've got something to tell you."

"Oh, really?"

"I think you'll be surprised."

"Shoot."

Yang was getting more and more curious by the second. Judging by the way Weiss was having trouble keeping the smile off her face, she could tell it was going to be great news. Weiss leaned forward, taking both of Yang's hands in hers and squeezing with vigor.

"I'll be coming to your big volleyball match tomorrow night!"

Her declaration stunned Yang into silence for a solid ten seconds. Her jaw dropped, and her eyes widened until it hurt.

"What? Seriously?!" Incredulous and exuberant, Yang's hands trembled in disbelief as she interlocked her fingers with Weiss'. "Y-You really mean it? Your old man's letting you come?"

Weiss straightened up her posture a bit, puffing her chest out proudly as she raised her chin in triumph.

"I made him see things from my perspective. My concert is over and I don't have a lot of homework to do these days. I've no reason to practice so rigorously anymore as I have been until now. He agreed that I deserve a bit of a break. So long as I hand in all of my assignments on time, he'll be fine with me coming to see your volleyball game tomorrow night. Additionally..."

Yang was so enthralled about this news she was shocked to hear there was more. Eagerly, she nodded, indicating for Weiss to go on.

"Additionally... he said it wouldn't be inappropriate if I were to... perhaps have some time to enjoy myself on the weekends now. When I asked him if I could go out to lunch or see a movie with friends, he didn't oppose. Isn't that wonderful?"

Her blue eyes were shining brightly enough to put diamonds to shame.

Yang needed a moment to comprehend everything her girlfriend had just thrown at her. Not only would Weiss be attending one of Yang's actual games for the very first time – and her biggest one, at that – but she'd also revealed that she'd be available on weekends from now on.

This meant... they could go on their first real date together.

Yang almost swayed in her seat before she quickly shook herself off, almost breathless all over again in her joy.

"What...? Oh gosh wow... wow that's-that's a lot to take in oh my god..."

"Was it too much all at once? I'm sorry."

"Don't be!" Yang exclaimed. "Don't be at all! Weiss, this is the best news I've heard, like... ever! You're gonna come see me play and then... and then this weekend we can go out on a date together! Holy crap!"

"My sentiments exactly," she beamed.

"This is great. This is so awesome. C'mere, you."

Yang scooted closer and all but pulled Weiss into her lap, steadying the girl's legs over her own knees and holding her in place. Weiss gasped in surprise, but quickly got comfortable in her new position, holding lightly onto Yang's shoulders. With a sigh, she rested her forehead against Yang's, boring her gaze down into lavender.

"I'm so happy."

Yang looped an arm around the small of her back, nuzzling their noses together.

"Me, too."

Tenderly, Weiss pulled Yang close to her chest, resting her own chin atop her girlfriend's head and closing her eyes, relishing every second of this bliss. Yang nestled close, turning her face to one side, her ear resting perfectly against Weiss' collar. In the quiet stillness of the music room, she could hear Weiss' heartbeat, slow and steady, a rhythm no song could ever compare to. She counted the beats until she lost track, enjoying the sound for all it was worth.

When Weiss' alarm sounded a few minutes later, it roused them both. With effort, they parted from one another, helping each other get to their feet. Yang pulled her in for one last kiss, then handed Weiss her bag.

"See you tomorrow."

Weiss pulled her down by the collar and pecked her cheek.

"See you tomorrow."

She turned her back and headed for the doors.

With a bubbly sensation filling her stomach, Yang watched her go, more excited for tomorrow than ever before.

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When the day of her big game had finally arrived, Yang was filled with a natural sensation of bubbling excitement, from the tips of her toes to the top of her head.

But she was actually less excited about the game itself, and more so about the fact that her girlfriend was finally going to be able to attend.

Weiss had seen her in practices many times before, but this would be the first time she'd be coming to a game.

The games were later at night, after everyone had gone home and had something to eat and taken some time to prepare themselves. When everyone came back to the school at 8PM that evening, bustling in the bleachers and eager to cheer for their school's team, there was an entirely different atmosphere about the place.

The opposing school's teams and supporters would be given the Away side of the gymnasium to sit in, while Beacon's would claim the Home side.

Since this was the first time Weiss would be attending one of her school's games, she was unsure of how to dress for the evening. So as soon as she got home, she washed her uniform so she could wear that again, assuming it would be an appropriate choice.

But after her father dropped her off in the crowded parking lot that evening, Weiss quickly noticed that she was the only person dressed in the skirt and blazer. Evidently, sporting events weren't as formal as the concerts were, because people were dressed in casual clothes. Whichever side of the gymnasium they sat on would prove which side they were supporting, so uniforms weren't really necessary.

Weiss was already feeling out of place as she walked through the busy doorways and followed the crowds toward the gym. She knew Yang was already here, likely in the locker rooms having some pep talks with her teammates and coach. Weiss wanted to text her, but she also didn't want to bother her. She just felt so lost in this sea of people, and she didn't really know what to do-

"Hi."

A sudden tap on her shoulder caused Weiss to jolt and whip around. Before her stood a familiar Faunus girl with long black hair, and a certain clarinet player from the band. Weiss instantly recognized them as Blake and Ruby, Yang's close friend and sister.

"Oh, you startled me!" she gasped.

Blake took a step back right away.

"Sorry. You just looked like... you could use some help. Want us to walk to the gym with you?"

"Yeah!" Ruby piped. "We can all sit together and cheer for Yang!"

Weiss tensed up for a minute, wondering what Yang might've told these two about their relationship. They weren't really implying that they knew anything beyond the fact that Weiss and Yang were good friends. Therefore, she took a deep breath and tried to remain composed as she gave her reply.

"Yes. I think I'd like that."

"Great!" Ruby darted around to Weiss' other side, wearing a huge grin. "Yang's so excited that you're coming tonight! She was ranting and raving all through dinner tonight!"

"Oh? Was she...?" Weiss tried to sound surprised.

"Yeah," Blake hummed from her other side. "She's been talking about you nonstop recently on the car rides home."

"D-Does she now?" Weiss did her best to keep her back straight and her eyes forward. "I wonder why..."

"Me, too," Blake mused.

The three of them entered the gymnasium where the bleachers were already packed with people on both sides. Beacon was versing Haven High tonight, and both groups were equally as rowdy.

Most seats on the Beacon side were filled near the top, since people liked to be up high during these things. But Weiss was more than content to take a seat in the front row. Ruby sat down next to her, and Blake next to Ruby.

"This is gonna be such a great game!" Ruby squealed. "Haven's beat us for a few years in a row, but there's no way they'll win against us on our own terf!"

She started blabbering to Blake after that, and Weiss got lost staring out at the empty gym between the walls lined with cheering people.

There were two volleyball nets set up, so there could be two separate matches happening at once between the two schools. Beacon and Haven would each have their teams be divided into two groups, and each group would face both groups of the opposing school for a total of four matches tonight.

It wasn't long before there was an announcement made that the games would be starting soon. A surge of excitement swept through the crowds as their respective teams entered, all dressed in their game clothes and ready to play.

Weiss spotted Yang immediately, her hair tied up into its high ponytail, swaying as she jogged into the gym behind her teammates. She scanned the crowds briefly and managed to find her little support squad, and when she met Weiss' gaze in particular, she gave a quick wink. Weiss smiled and waved her on.

The teams were halved, then set up on either side of the two nets.

For the first round, Yang was on Beacon's B-team, versing Haven's A-team. A ball was provided for each match, and the games began.

Weiss was easily swept up by the thrill pulsing around the atmosphere, this unbridled excitement and enthusiasm, the likes of which she'd never experienced before. All the events she'd attended thus far had been much more refined and somewhat quieter. But even though this was the complete opposite of what she was used to, she did her best to adapt.

Ruby and Blake cheered their hearts out next to her as the matches commenced, and everyone around her seemed to be doing the same. Weiss didn't raise her voice a lot to cheer, but instead kept her eyes trained on Yang.

Every serve she sent was perfect, every strike, every hit. She was playing with just as much enthusiasm as she practiced with, but somehow, Yang was glowing tonight.

Weiss had never seen her play a real game before. She was really putting her heart into it, and Weiss could tell. It made Yang look all the more beautiful as she enjoyed her passion.

Of course, Weiss didn't really know it, but Yang was trying to show off just a bit more tonight, since she knew her girlfriend was watching.

It was about twenty minutes of intense games for the first round. Both matches were serious, and each group was giving it their all. By the end of the first round, Yang's team had won their match, but the other Beacon team had lost, putting both schools at a temporary tie. The players were dismissed on a water break for five minutes as the crowds started chattering.

Weiss was a little surprised to find Yang headed her way, towards the bleachers now. The blonde girl raised a hand and waved to her group of friends.

"Hey! Ruby, please tell me you brought that water bottle."

"Yeah! Got'cha covered, sis!" Ruby pulled out a bottle from her bag and tossed it to her sister. Yang caught it with a grateful smile.

"You're the best!" She chugged for a minute, then pulled it away with a sigh. "Phew! Those guys're just as tough to beat as ever!"

"But you're tied," Blake reminded her.

"Right!" Ruby agreed. "If you guys can win just one of these next matches, then we'll go into overtime! You can do it!"

"I sure hope so." Yang wiped her mouth, then finally directed her full attention to Weiss. "Hey! Glad you could make it."

She was trying to sound casual, as though she wasn't totally thrilled that her girlfriend was here. Weiss did her best not to give anything away, either.

"You're doing wonderfully. It's very entertaining."

"I'm glad you think so!"

They tried not to maintain eye contact for too long, or smile at one another too hard. More than anything, Weiss just wanted to give her a good luck kiss. But she wasn't sure if they were ready to tell everyone about their relationship yet. So as the coach blew his whistle and Yang jogged off again, Weiss just waved.

The second set of matches commenced, and the audience was even more lively than before. If either school won both of these matches, the games would be over.

Both games were at close scores and almost tied all the while, but in the end Beacon's A-team beat Haven's. However, Yang's team lost their match this time, by a single point, and only because of a penalty. This meant both schools were still tied 2 to 2 overall, and an overtime match was necessary.

The crowds shouted and screamed like crazy as the coaches from both schools decided who would compose their respective teams for the final game. Weiss was relieved to see Yang had been chosen for Beacon's side.

One volleyball net was moved aside, and the other was brought to the center of the gym so everyone could watch now. Yang was in the serving spot, and a coin toss determined she'd begin the match.

"Woo-hoo!" Ruby shouted. "Go Yang!"

"You can do it!" Blake added.

Weiss hadn't called out to her at all tonight. She felt it was now or never.

She cupped her hands on either side of her mouth and gave a shout from the bottom of her stomach.

"Good luck, Yang!"

She'd never shouted so loudly before in all her life. Up until now, it'd only been strict singing practice and deliberate support of her voice for similar purposes.

But never before had she shouted just to... shout.

Her voice cracked a little, but it was worth it. Yang heard her and flashed a surprised look her way. But she soon grinned, gave a thumbs-up, and served the ball.

Weiss started cheering like the rest of the crowds during the final match. Whichever team got 10 points first would be declared the winning side.

It wasn't good to begin with. Haven scored 4 points in a row while Beacon only managed one. As the other side of the gym started whooping and hollering, they let it go to their heads. Beacon made a quick comeback and soon brought the score up 7 to 5.

It was a relentless game from then on. Every hit was so hard the players arms started turning red. Adrenaline and the desire to win was fueling them to jump higher to spike or hit the ball. The audience was on the edge of their seats as the score rose to a perfect 9 to 9 score.

Weiss never took her eyes off Yang. She was panting now, covered in sweat, fists red from how many times she'd hit the ball.

Weiss wasn't the one playing, but she could barely breathe. There was a tight, almost unbearable tension gnarled within her chest, a nervous anxiety shared by everyone else in the entire gym right now. Her heart was throbbing so hard she felt it might burst.

Come on, Yang. You can do this...

Haven served the ball, and Beacon's team was ready for it. They passed it back, and it soared over the net, only to come back a second later.

Weiss watched the ball, trying to determine if it would make it over the net or not.

Then, one of Haven's girls returned it, but the hit was weak. It was a split second, but to the players on the ground, it looked like it wouldn't make it over the net.

But Weiss could tell it would, and she knew exactly whose range it would be in when it did.

She'd never cried out as quickly or as loudly as she did then.

"Yang!"

And her shout woke Yang up quickly enough to realize the ball had just barely grazed the top of the net, then made it over. Yang flattened her hand, bent her knees, and sprung up in an incredible jump. She spiked the ball so perfectly and so hard it bounced off the floor on the other side of the net before anyone could react.

The whole gym held its breath as Haven's final point went to Beacon instead.

It took a second.

But then everyone went wild.

Beacon's students and supporters all jumped up from their seats, screaming and hollering. Yang's teammates rushed at her, swarming her in a massive congratulatory hug as the final whistle was blown. Weiss jumped up with Ruby, Blake, and the rest of the school to clap and cheer, until she knew her voice was hoarse from it all.

In that moment, Weiss didn't know what came over her. She was just so... so excited. Her heart was soaring, and an incredible urge to move overtook her. She jumped down from the bleachers before she could think to stop herself, and dashed across the gym-

-right into Yang's waiting arms.

Yang had been expecting her, it seemed. She scooped Weiss right off the floor, spinning her around in one swift, clean motion, holding her up high in her arms. Weiss giggled and gasped as she locked her arms around Yang's neck, her eyes alight with the thrill of it all. Yang laughed and twirled her again as the rest of the gym continued shouting and cheering.

"Holy crap!" Yang cried. "We did it! We won!"

"You did it, Yang!" Weiss reminded her.

"Only thanks to you!"

Yang couldn't stop herself. She didn't care who knew anymore. She pulled Weiss in and kissed her full on the lips, for all the audience to see.

And Weiss couldn't even spare the moment to be bashful about it. She just kissed her back, unashamedly, wanting all the world to know.

And they understood right away. As if the gym hadn't been loud enough beforehand, the volume doubled in loudness now. Cheers erupted from both sides, Haven and Beacon supporters alike now awed by their joyful display of affection.

Yang just kept holding her up, spinning her around slowly, kissing her again and again. And Weiss continued to hug her tightly, giggling and sighing blissfully between kisses.

Their hearts were ecstatic, beating with a fervor that was unique only to this moment in time.

Yang knew she'd have a lot of explaining to do to her teammates and family. While Blake might've suspected her to be dating Weiss in secrecy, no one else likely had.

And Weiss would have a bit of explaining to do to her father about why her voice was so hoarse now. But at least she didn't have any more concerts anytime soon.

But all of that could come later.

For now, they just relished their moment in each other's arms, and let the whole world celebrate with them.

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A/N: Finally, they let their love shine!