9 Days of Lancaster Day4: Patching Injuries
They say most nightmares begins and ends in a dream, but for Ruby, sleep seemed to be the only quiet place. Pulled back into the waking world, her eyes open as she sits up violently. Pain wracks her body from the sudden jolt all across her sides; the familiar sensation of strained stitches and bruised ribs. Thankfully it dulls quickly. Before she could ponder anything, a voice calls to her from the right. Sitting in a chair beside their bed is none other than her healer.
Jaune:Don’t move much. Your aura is still replenishing.
Ruby:Jaune? How did…right. *lays down* I made it back home.
Jaune:Is that what we’re calling it? You were practically in a daze when you knocked. I had to carry you.
Ruby:Heh, my bad. Things got a little crazy.
Jaune:Do you know how long you were gone?
Jaune:Two weeks. I thought you said the mission was four days?
Ruby:Yeah, and then I texted you that I took another one. After that…I might’ve found another. People like asking a hero for help.
Jaune:A hero needs rest like anyone else.
Ruby:Not arguing that. Things got a little crazy on the hunt. I can admit that, but wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle. That’s not ego talking either.
Ruby:What? I’m sorry! Is that what you want to hear?
Jaune:Not if you don’t mean it.
Jaune:What the heck got you so good?
Ruby:Forces from the battle that were left hidden. Salem sure made everything she could.
Jaune:You didn’t think to call for backup?
Ruby:All the mission said was “rouge grimm” and they were causing immediate harm. I didn’t think I was about to find the special forces of grimm.
She chuckled, but Jaune didn’t seem amused. Ruby still played it off, rolling over away from him.
Ruby:I’m taking another mission in a couple days.
Jaune:…Ruby, you could’ve died outside today if I wasn’t home. It’s the desert. The war has been over for months now, and yet you’re acting like we’re on borrowed time. It’s not even about clean up. You’re just…leaving.
Jaune:Do you…need to talk to someone? It doesn’t have to be me but I think maybe-
Ruby:I don’t have PTSD. It’s not like most of the battle was any different from the rest. Even you thought it was short.
Jaune:It was still crazy, and I wasn’t assuming that’s what you had. I just…I don’t know. Let me go on the next one with you. It’s not like I’ll slow you down. Plus I could use the ex-
Ruby: Jaune, I don’t need you looking after me! I get that I screwed up this time but it worked out! No need to be so scared. I’m not gonna die on you.
As if a spell had broken, Ruby turned around and saw the boy looking solemnly at the edge of the bed. Her fingers clenched the covers as she sat up again.
Jaune:We’ve been arguing a lot lately. More than we’ve ever had. I get there’s growing pains in living together and all but…I guess I thought saving the world was the hard part. Now it feels simple compared to…us. Changing the world means changing us it seems.
Ruby:S-So what? Is this you asking for a break?
Jaune:Ruby, I’ll never need a break from you, but if this is too fast or you feel like you need to do something without hearing an opinion then…I’ll get out of your way. You can’t ask me to not worry about you. Best you can do is tell me to go.
Ruby:I’m sorry. For real, I…I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have talked to you like that. You’re just worried about me.
Ruby:…I…I don’t think I know how to be normal.
Ruby:It’s really dumb, thinking back at it. I always talked about being normal and living life. I did it; I became a hero like I wanted and now I have the rest life to do the rest. But…no matter what I think of, I can’t help but wonder what my next mission is. Why find the time for a hobby when I can pack my things and go fight something? I don’t mind the applause but it isn’t for that; I’m not afraid of the peace getting ruined either. I’m sure it’ll endure. And that…scares me. *tearing up* I fought foot to be over, and now I’m mad about it? Heh, how stupid can one girl be?
Ruby:Well I’m not smart! Not like Weiss! I never looked ahead at a grand picture like Blake! I’m definitely not as adaptable as Yang! Ren and Nora already know what they want to do with their orphanage, and I’ve never seen you happier than when you put down your sword! You’re so happy with this; with us! Why…why aren’t I? *rubbing face* I love you. This should be the perfect ending but it isn’t because all I ever wanted to be is a huntress! Every time I’m out there I feel so calm but then the mission ends and I….
Her voice shattered like glass, overwhelmed with this disgusting sense of guilt that made her head fall into her hands. She did her best to hold it all in, but then she felt Jaune’s arms wrapping around her. Ruby’s breath hitched again and again as she audibly wept. Saving the world really was the easiest part.
Jaune:It’s okay. Things are…okay. I know I look happy to finally rest, but the joy of it is being with you. Don’t ever feel like taking me on another mission is a burden. I’m a huntsman too. As for after the mission ends, we can solve that together too. It might feel awkward and even boring at times, but that’ll end too. It’s not like your talents end at combat either.
He managed to pull away Ruby’s hands from her face. Both his thumbs repeatedly wiped away flowing tears as she tried to pull herself together.
Jaune:You’re the most talented person I’ve ever met. Athletic to a fault and caring. Not to mention a motivator. Any sport could be a hobby, and there’s thousands who still want to hear your voice. Wasn’t your dad and uncle a teacher? I don’t know if you care for that sort of thing, but you’d be an awesome one! The best even. Oh! Let’s not forget you’re an exceptional weapons craftsman. You could totally start your own little forge or shop.
Ruby:That…That sounds kinda fun.
Jaune:See!? Nobody loves weapons quite like you. It can even just be a hobby you do occasionally and you test them out on missions. I know things don’t feel as great as you had hoped. I feel the same. After all, my happy ending has you smiling brighter than the sun. We’re no strangers to fighting for a happy ending, so it should feel pretty normal working towards it together, right?
His smile soothes her arching heart. Again, Ruby returns to his embrace, clinging to him with all her heart.
Ruby:I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have made you worry like that. I should know better; I know exactly what waiting feels like! Please, please don’t think I want you go. I love you. I’m always going to love you!
Jaune:Apology accepted. It might not sound the best right now, but take a proper rest. Breathe. Just breathe. We can worry about everything else later.
Slowly, Ruby got her body under control. Her chest stopped hurting, the trembling in her fingers ceased, and her tears dried. The warmth of Jaune’s hand against the right side of her face steadied her breathing. Ruby couldn’t stop herself from tugging down on him shirt, bringing him in for a kiss brimming with thoughts and emotions. Despite her confidence in many things, Ruby always feared she never said enough no matter how much she spoke. May this kiss even be half enough to express how badly she felt for her attitude. Even when their lips parted, it wasn’t long at all before they met again to reassure her of his forgiveness. By the time it ended, Ruby had fully calmed down, now resting her head on his chest.
Jaune:Now then, should I cook your favorite meal tonight?
Ruby:Later. Right now, just stay like this. At least a little longer.
Jaune:Not a problem. I love you.
Ruby:Can I make this up to you somehow? Please?
Jaune:Hmm, you can make me new armor? When you’re healed of course.
Ruby:Deal. You can have the first Ruby Rose original.
Jaune:Looking forward to it. I know you’ll do great.
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