Hugs are the best Medicine
The sun in Vacuo was relentless, blanketing the Shade Academy grounds in shimmering waves of heat. But inside the training hall, the air was thick with a different kind of intensity—one born not from the climate but from the crackle of aura, the grunts of effort, and the clang of metal on metal.
Ruby Rose wiped sweat from her brow with the back of her gloved hand. Her breathing was fast, her heart hammering in her chest, but she wasn't about to give up—not with her team watching, and certainly not with Oscar Pine as her sparring partner.
Oscar, for his part, was holding his own, staff spinning in his grip as he parried Ruby's latest attack. His face was flushed, green eyes bright with focus and, despite his exhaustion, a glimmer of excitement.
"Again?" he panted, bracing for another round.
Ruby grinned, twirling Crescent Rose so the blade glinted in the light. "You're on, farm boy."
They circled, trading blows—Oscar's staff nimble and precise, Ruby's scythe swift and unpredictable. The world shrank to the rhythm of their movements, the clashing of their semblances, their silent communication. It was exhilarating, and for a while, neither of them thought about the weight of the world outside the sparring ring.
But after the final round, when Ruby managed to sweep Oscar's legs and pin him (just barely), exhaustion crashed over her like a wave. She flopped to the mat beside him, both of them laughing breathlessly.
"Nice move," Oscar managed, grinning up at the ceiling.
Ruby nudged him with her elbow. "You almost had me. If you hadn't tripped over your own foot—"
"Hey!" Oscar protested, but his smile was sheepish. "I prefer to call that an... improvisational maneuver."
Ruby laughed, the sound echoing off the walls. It felt good—better than good, actually. For a few precious moments, there was no Salem, no endless war, just two friends pushing each other to be better.
But as the laughter faded and the others filtered out, Ruby's smile slipped. She sat up, knees drawn to her chest, arms wrapped around her shins. Oscar noticed immediately.
"You okay?" he asked, propping himself up on one elbow.
Ruby hesitated, chewing her lip. "Yeah. Just... tired, I guess."
Oscar was quiet for a moment, studying her. "It's more than that, isn't it?"
Ruby huffed, looking away. "Am I that easy to read?"
He shrugged. "Maybe just for me."
She smiled at that—small, but genuine. "It's just... everything. Sometimes I feel like I'm carrying the whole world on my shoulders. Everyone expects me to be strong, to have a plan, to keep going. But sometimes I just... I don't know if I can."
Oscar sat up fully, crossing his legs. He rested his staff beside him, then reached out, hesitating only a moment before laying a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"You don't have to do it alone," he said gently. "We're all with you. I'm with you."
Ruby let out a shaky breath. "I know. I just... I don't want to let anyone down."
Oscar's hand squeezed her shoulder, grounding her. "You couldn't, Ruby. Not ever."
For a moment, they sat in companionable silence. The training hall was empty now, the only sounds their breathing, the faint hum of the academy's air conditioning, and the distant calls of students outside.
Suddenly, Ruby shifted, turning to face Oscar fully. Her eyes were bright, but there was a vulnerability in them that made Oscar's heart ache.
"Can I... can I have a hug?" she asked softly.
Oscar blinked, surprised by the request. But then he smiled—warm and earnest, the kind of smile that made Ruby feel seen.
"Of course," he said, opening his arms.
Ruby leaned in, wrapping her arms around his torso and burying her face in his shoulder. Oscar held her close, his embrace gentle but firm, one hand smoothing over her back.
For a long moment, they just stayed like that—no words, no expectations. Just warmth and safety.
Ruby hadn't realized how much she needed it until that very moment. She melted into Oscar's arms, letting herself relax for the first time in what felt like ages. The tension in her shoulders eased. Her thoughts slowed, the endless list of worries and responsibilities quieted by the simple comfort of human connection.
Oscar rested his chin atop her head. "You're allowed to need this, you know," he murmured. "You don't have to be strong all the time."
She squeezed him a little tighter. "Neither do you."
He chuckled softly. "Touché."
They stayed like that, wrapped up in each other, until the world started to feel a little less overwhelming. When Ruby finally pulled back, her cheeks were damp with tears she hadn't even realized she'd been crying. Oscar noticed but didn't say a word—he just reached up and gently wiped them away with his thumb.
"Sorry," Ruby sniffled, embarrassed.
Oscar shook his head. "Don't be. You know, I read somewhere that hugs are scientifically proven to make you feel better."
Ruby snorted, a genuine laugh bubbling up. "You and your science facts."
"Well, I had to learn something from Professor Oobleck," Oscar said, grinning.
Ruby leaned into him again, resting her head on his shoulder. "I guess you're right. I do feel better."
They sat together on the mat, arms still loosely around each other. Outside, the sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the training hall. The golden light made everything feel softer, gentler.
Oscar glanced at Ruby, then shifted so they were sitting side by side, shoulders touching.
"Do you remember the first time we met?" he asked, voice soft.
Ruby smiled, a faraway look in her eyes. "Yeah. You were so nervous. I thought you were going to pass out when you said hello."
Oscar laughed, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. "I probably would have, if you hadn't smiled at me."
Ruby nudged him. "You were brave, Oscar. You still are."
He looked at her, sincerity in his gaze. "Only because I have people like you to believe in."
They fell into an easy conversation, reminiscing about their journey—their first mission together, the night they'd stayed up talking about their dreams, the time Oscar had accidentally set off the school's fire alarm trying to make pancakes (Weiss had not been amused). Each story made Ruby laugh a little harder, the pressure in her chest easing with each memory.
After a while, Ruby's eyelids grew heavy. She yawned, stretching her arms above her head.
"Think we should head back?" Oscar asked.
Ruby nodded, but made no move to stand. Instead, she rested her head on his shoulder, her eyes closing for just a moment.
Oscar smiled, reaching up to gently brush a strand of hair from her face. "You can rest, Ruby. I'll wake you if anyone comes in."
She murmured something unintelligible, too tired to resist the comfort of his presence.
As the minutes ticked by, Oscar found himself reflecting on how much they'd both changed. When he'd first met Ruby, she'd seemed invincible—a whirlwind of energy and optimism. But over time, he'd come to see the cracks in her armor, the moments when the weight of leadership threatened to crush her.
He understood it, in his own way. The burden of expectation, the fear of failing the people who depended on you. Ozpin's voice—once a constant presence in his mind—had faded, but the responsibility lingered.
Oscar tightened his arm around Ruby, silently promising to be there for her. To be her support, her comfort, her friend—and maybe, if he was brave enough, something more.
Eventually, Ruby stirred, blinking sleepily.
"Sorry," she mumbled. "Didn't mean to fall asleep."
Oscar shook his head. "Don't apologize. You needed it."
She smiled up at him, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thanks, Oscar. For everything."
He blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Anytime."
They stood, gathering their things. As they left the training hall, the sky outside was painted in hues of orange and pink, the desert winds carrying the promise of a cooler night.
As they walked side by side, Ruby reached out and slipped her hand into Oscar's. He looked at her, surprised, but she just grinned.
"Thanks for the hug," she said softly. "I think I'm going to need another one tomorrow."
Oscar squeezed her hand. "I'll always have one ready. Just for you."
They walked into the evening together, the world a little lighter, the weight a little easier to bear.
Ruby lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The events of the day replayed in her mind—the sparring, the exhaustion, the tears she'd been too embarrassed to shed in front of anyone else. But through it all, one thing stood out: Oscar's embrace. The warmth of it, the safety, the way he'd held her like she was precious.
She rolled over, hugging her pillow to her chest. For the first time in a long time, she felt... okay. Not perfect, not fixed, but okay.
She remembered something her mother had once told her, in a voice she could barely recall. "No matter how strong you are, everyone needs a safe place to land."
Ruby smiled softly. Maybe, just maybe, she'd found hers.
Oscar couldn't sleep. He sat by his window, looking out at the desert stars, his mind full of thoughts. He'd always admired Ruby—her courage, her kindness, her unyielding determination. But today, he'd seen another side of her: vulnerable, hurting, human.
He'd held her, and in that moment, he'd realized just how much she meant to him. More than a friend, more than a teammate. She was... everything.
He knew he wasn't the strongest, or the bravest, or the smartest. But if he could be her safe place, even just for a little while, that would be enough.
Oscar closed his eyes, replaying the feeling of her in his arms. He smiled, hope blooming in his chest.
Tomorrow, he promised himself. Tomorrow, and every day after. As long as she needed him, he'd be there.
The sun rose over Vacuo, painting the academy in golden light. Ruby stretched, feeling rested for the first time in days. She dressed quickly, eager to start the day. As she stepped into the hall, she nearly collided with Oscar, who was just leaving his room.
They both laughed, the awkwardness of the moment making their smiles brighter.
"Morning," Oscar said, cheeks tinged pink.
"Morning," Ruby replied, grinning.
They stood there for a moment, neither quite sure what to say. Then, before she could lose her nerve, Ruby stepped forward and wrapped Oscar in a hug.
He stiffened in surprise, then relaxed, arms coming up to hold her close.
"Good morning," she whispered, voice muffled against his shirt.
Oscar held her a little tighter. "Good morning, Ruby."
They broke apart, both blushing, but neither willing to let go of the newfound comfort between them.
As they walked to breakfast together, side by side, Ruby felt lighter. The world was still uncertain, still full of danger and fear. But with Oscar beside her, she knew she could face whatever came next.
And if she needed a hug—well, she knew exactly where to find one.
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