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"I'm Dorothy Gale from Kansas"

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Burger Chef is an American fast-food restaurant chain. It began operating in 1954 in Indianapolis, Indiana, expanded throughout the United States, and at its peak in 1973, the chain had 1,050 locations, including some in Canada. The chain featured several signature items, such as the Big Shef and Super Shef hamburgers.
In OTL, the restaurant's owners – General Foods Corporation – owners of the Burger Chef trademark and name, divested itself of the restaurant chain, gradually selling to the owners of Hardee's, and eventually closed down in 1996. But in TTL, Burger Chef is continuing to thrive as is basically TTL's Hardee's and a massive staple on the Midwestern United States (i.e. Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, etc.).
Additionally, in OTL, the infamous Burger Chef murders occurred in Speedway, Indiana on Friday, November 17th, 1978, where four employees went missing and their bodies were found two days later (on Sunday November 19th, 1978). While investigators believe they identified the perpetrators, without physical evidence they couldn't prosecute those who remained alive.
Thankfully – in TTL – the infamous Burger Chef murders never happened as the perpetrators moved on to a different location as a police car was there (later reported to be getting a late-night dinner). Without the 1978 Burger Chef murders occurring, the chain avoided the panic, loss of patronage, and brand damage that accelerated its decline, remaining a top-five US burger chain, and became a strong competitor to McDonald’s and Burger King as well as other competitors like Wendy's, Sonic, and Dairy Queen, maintaining a solid "family-friendly" niche similar to Culvers, while expanding internationally into Canada, Mexico, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Check it out here!
In our timeline, Blockbuster - which was once a dominant home video rental chain founded in 1985, went out of business (closing most stores by 2014) due to slow adaptation to digital streaming, heavy debt, and competition from Netflix and Redbox. Only one, independently-operated Blockbuster store remains open, located in Bend, Oregon, serving as a nostalgic rental spot and gift shop.
However - in TTL - Blockbuster survived (and is thriving, too) all because of one change: they purchased Netflix for $50 million. In our timeline, Blockbuster laughed at that offer and thought of Netflix as a small, unprofitable "niche business" and were heavily reliant on in-store traffic and late fees... and look what happened next. But in TTL, Blockbuster was actually more forward-thinking and purchased it, still thinking of it as a niche business (albeit not as heavily like in OTL). As a result - Blockbuster's revenue exploded with the onset of "Blockbuster Rental Kiosks", "Blockbuster On-Line" (pruchasing your movies online, especially when SARS was a big thing (more on that in a future infobox)), and then the niche - but still relatively successful - "Blockbuster Premium" (basically: it's Netflix, Blockbuster-branded).
Despite the presence of the kiosks, on-line services, and Blockbuster Premium, Blockbuster rental stores are still thriving and the advent of "Friday night movie/game rentals" are still a huge thing, even in 2026.
Check it out here!
In this alternate timeline, the Handover of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the People's Republic of China – that occurred on July 1st, 1997 in our timeline – never took place and Hong Kong Island is now currently a semi-independent nation-state (something similar to Canada in OTL).
Just like in OTL, Hong Kong is the region with the most skyscrapers in the world, even though its housing is consistently in high demand. Hong Kong is the second most expensive residential property market in the world and is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Hong Kong is also one of the most visited cities in the world.
Hong Kong is a highly developed territory and has a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.955, ranking eighth in the world, and is currently the only place in Asia to be in the top ten. Hong Kong is categorized as an Alpha+ city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. The city has the highest life expectancy in the world, and has a public transport usage exceeding 90 per cent.
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Just like in our timeline, My Hero Academia (Japanese: 僕のヒーローアカデミア, Hepburn: Boku no Hīrō Akademia) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kōhei Horikoshi and set in a world where superpowers (called "Quirks") have become commonplace, the story follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy who was born without a Quirk but still dreams of becoming a superhero himself. He is scouted by the world's greatest hero, All Might, who bestows his Quirk to Midoriya after recognizing his potential, and helps to enroll him in a prestigious high school for superheroes in training.
However, in our current timeline, My Hero Academia went on to become a renowned anime series that aired from April 3rd, 2016 to December 13th, 2025.
But in this alternate timeline, instead of becoming an anime series, My Hero Academia is a science-fantasy/superhero-themed trilogy of multi-genre games—combining elements of action-adventure, life/social/school simulation, and role-playing elements, in a massively open-world environment—developed by PlatinumGames and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, and released exclusively for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles.
The first game in the series – My Hero Academia: Plus Ultra, released on April 3rd, 2016 – focuses on the beginning of the series all the way to the Sports Festival; the second game My Hero Academia: Rising Shadows – released on March 6th, 2020 – Covers the Stain Arc/Internship, Summer Camp, Hideout Raid, Provisional License, and Joint Training Arc; and the final game: My Hero Academia: Final War – released on February 6th, 2026 – covers the Paranormal Liberation War all the through to the final showdown, with high-stakes combat and world-altering events.
The three games were met with critical praise for its graphics, story, gameplay, music, open-ended gameplay and flexible character-leveling system, but had some minor criticisms about some glitches and bugs.
There They Go-Go-Go! (1956)
Item: Your First Video Game Rarity: ⏶ Common
What was your first video game?
Feed your dashboard by answering my question, blogger.
A tie between Crash Team Racing and Ape Escape for the PlayStation One.
Castle in the Sky (1986) The Wind Rises (2013) Spirited Away (2001) My Neighbor Totoro (1988) Princess Mononoke (1997) Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) The Boy and the Heron (2023) Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (2008) When Marnie Was There (2014) Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
pinball machines for anon!
❤️-🧡-💛 / 💚-💙-💜 / 🩷-🖤-🤍
Found this on Pinterest and I thought I share it.
Pick no more than five (originally it was "Choose three", but I thought I add 2 more just to be different). For me, it's gadgets, power suit, insanely rich, weapon master, and unarmed combat. Being the "Batman" of the superhero community (just not actually Batman), regulating superheroes that abuse their powers (i.e. Homelander and The Seven, sans Starlight) while taking on supervillains.
What five abilities would you have?
What is, in your opinion, the worst Disney animated film?
It's Wish. Not just because that's the hot seat that I'm sitting in right now, but because just about every other Disney animated film pulls ahead of Wish in every other category.
Dinosaur (2000) had better voice acting than Wish.
Chicken Little (2005) had clearer and more compelling character motivations than Wish.
Brother Bear (2003) had more meaningful sidekicks than Wish.
Home on the Range (2004) had a more exciting story than Wish.
The Black Cauldron (1986) had better scene design and world building than Wish.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) had a main character with more of an impact than the main character inWish.
Oliver & Company (1988) had better songs than Wish.
Pocahontas (1994) at least included a purpose behind introducing the "topic" of diversity to the story through the characters (even if it was poorly executed given the context) while Wish had no discernible purpose for introducing it through their characters.
Even Disney's worst other movies have more going for them than Wish: usually where they failed was reading the room and picking an audience that would like it. Like, nobody was really interested to see Atlantis: The Lost Empire, or Oliver Twist but with cats and dogs.
Which makes it more painful: audiences wanted to see Wish. Everybody likes a new Disney musical fantasy-adventure movie. And this was supposed to be a celebration of everything people love about Disney, so that would've added appeal to the audiences of Wish.
But Wish took that and totally dropped the ball.
If you were hoping for a less-recent, broader ranking of Worst Disney Movies:
Wish
Strange World
The Black Cauldron
There ya go!
I agree with Wish, but what makes it an even WORSE movie isn't that audiences wanted to see this movie and it isn't that plot, songs, and characters are bland, it's far worse: it has…
Nothing.
It's a nothing film. It's filled with "promise", but doesn't even deliever it. This was suppose to be a celebration of Disney's 100 years of delievering great animated products (films, shorts, etc.)… and THIS IS WHAT WE'RE GIVEN?!
Sometimes I fantasize about the kind of movie that Wish was SUPPOSE to be and how audiences would've loved that MORE than what we got. But no… Disney is SO dedicated to both maintain a "squeeky-clean" image AND making money that they're draining the magic of their movies faster than they think. I mean sure, Zootopia 2 is a nice return to form and all, but I feel like Disney's running on fumes anymore.
But I digress… and I might be alone on this.
Ink and Petals
The bell over the shop door chimed, a gentle note that floated through the air and mingled with the scent of ink, antiseptic, and a hint of lavender. Ruby Rose paused in the doorway, clutching the sleeve of her hoodie over her right arm, the familiar weight of nervous anticipation settling in her chest. She glanced at her older sister, Yang, who stepped confidently inside, her mechanical arm gleaming under the shop’s warm lights.
The shop itself was an eclectic mix of homey and industrial. Exposed brick walls were adorned with framed sketches and vibrant tattoo flash, the floors a well-worn hardwood. A cluster of plants basked in the sunlight by the window, their leaves trailing along the ledge.
“You’re going to love it here, Rubes,” Yang said, flashing her a reassuring grin. “Oscar’s the best. He’s got magic hands.”
“You mean, like actual magic?” Ruby joked, her nerves making her voice a little too high.
Yang laughed, the sound echoing across the tattoo parlor. “Not quite, but you’ll see. Nora! Ren! We’re here!”
From behind the counter, a shock of orange hair popped up. Nora Valkyrie’s smile was as bright as ever. “Yang! And you brought the whole gang!” She waved at the others: Weiss Schnee, in her immaculate white coat; Blake Belladonna, half-hidden behind a novel; and Jaune Arc, who looked up from a sketchbook, his blond hair flopping over his forehead.
“Hey, Ruby!” Jaune said, his smile easy. “Ready for your first ink?”
Ruby blushed. “Uh, maybe?” She looked around, eyes wide. “I didn’t realize you all worked here.”
“Everyone’s got to have a side hustle,” Blake said, her voice soft but warm. “Besides, it’s a good place. Oscar makes sure of that.”
Ruby’s curiosity peaked. She’d heard about Oscar Pine before, from Yang mostly, but there was something almost mythical in the way her sister talked about him. The boy who’d turned Yang’s trauma into art, who’d coaxed smiles out of scars. She wondered, not for the first time, what it would be like to have her own mark—a tattoo that could make her look at her arm and see beauty, not pain.
“So, where is he?” Weiss asked, smoothing her skirt and glancing at her phone.
“He should be—” Ren began, but was interrupted by the sound of a door opening from the back.
Oscar Pine emerged, wiping his hands on a towel. He was younger than Ruby expected, with tousled brown hair and striking green eyes that seemed to see right through her. He wore a plain black T-shirt, his arms decorated with intricate tats—some mechanical, some floral, some abstract. When he smiled, it was gentle, shy.
“Hey, everyone,” he said, then paused as his gaze landed on Ruby. He blinked, just once, and Ruby felt her heart stutter. “You must be Ruby. Yang’s told me about you.”
“All good things, I hope,” Ruby managed, her cheeks burning.
“Mostly,” Oscar replied, a playful glint in his eye. He set the towel aside and offered his hand. Ruby shook it, surprised at how steady her own grip was.
“So, what can I do for you?” Oscar asked, gentle but direct. He glanced at the sleeve Ruby still clutched. “Or, what can we do together?”
Ruby hesitated, then slowly pushed the sleeve up, revealing the pale, jagged scar running from just below her shoulder to above her wrist. She felt everyone’s eyes on her and forced herself to meet Oscar’s gaze. There was no pity there—only understanding.
“I want…” Ruby swallowed. “I want something that makes it feel like it’s part of me, not just something that happened to me.”
Oscar nodded, his voice soft. “I can do that. You have any ideas?”
Ruby glanced at Yang, who gave her a thumbs-up, then at her friends, who smiled encouragingly. She took a breath. “I was thinking… rose vines? With rose petals falling, and maybe some thorns. Something beautiful, but strong.”
Oscar’s smile widened. “That’s perfect. Let’s sketch it out.”
As Oscar led Ruby to his station, Yang turned to the others. “Told you. Magic hands.”
Oscar worked quietly, sketching as Ruby described her vision. The others gathered around, offering suggestions and encouragement. Jaune brought over a tray of drinks, and Nora regaled them with stories of disastrous first tattoos (all self-inflicted, all hilarious). Ren adjusted the lighting, Weiss critiqued Oscar’s shading (in good humor), and Blake found a comfortable spot to watch.
Ruby watched Oscar’s hands as he worked, the lines flowing together effortlessly. She found herself relaxing, the shop’s energy warm and accepting. When Oscar finally turned the sketchpad around, Ruby’s breath caught.
The design was perfect. Rose vines twined up her arm, the petals delicate but vibrant, the thorns sharp but not menacing. The scar was woven into the design, hidden but not erased, transformed into the stem of one of the roses.
“Can I…?” Ruby asked, reaching for the sketch.
Oscar nodded. “It’s yours. We can change anything you want.”
She shook her head, eyes shining. “It’s perfect.”
Oscar smiled, his gaze lingering on hers. For a moment, it felt like the world had narrowed to just the two of them, the noise of the shop fading away.
“Alright,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Let’s make it real.”
The process was long—painful, at times—but Oscar was patient, his hands sure and gentle. He talked her through each step, explaining the meaning behind every curve and line. The others drifted in and out, offering words of support, telling stories, making her laugh.
Yang sat beside Ruby the whole time, her mechanical arm resting on the table. She flexed her fingers, the tattoo across her own limb a marvel of gears and wires and blooming flowers, the ink blending seamlessly into metal. Ruby traced the pattern with her eyes, drawing strength from her sister.
“You’re almost done, kiddo,” Yang said softly. “It’s going to be beautiful.”
Ruby smiled, tears prickling at her eyes. “Thanks, Yang. For bringing me here.”
“Always.”
Oscar finished the last line, wiped away the excess ink, and sat back. “Ready to see?”
Ruby nodded, nerves fluttering in her stomach.
He held up a mirror, angling it so Ruby could see her arm in the light.
The tattoo was stunning. The rose vines wound gracefully up her arm, the petals a vivid red, the thorns curling protectively around the scar. The scar itself was almost invisible, woven so seamlessly into the design that it became a part of the art—a testament to survival, to beauty in adversity.
Ruby stared at her arm, hardly able to believe it was hers. “It’s… wow.”
The others crowded around, voices overlapping with praise and awe. Weiss squeezed her shoulder, Blake smiled softly, Jaune gave her a thumbs-up, and Nora bounced on her toes, declaring it “the coolest tattoo ever!”
Yang grinned, pride shining in her eyes. “Told you. Magic.”
Oscar flushed, rubbing the back of his neck. “You did all the hard work, Ruby. I just helped show it.”
Ruby looked up at him, her heart thudding in her chest. “Thank you, Oscar. Really.”
He smiled back, and for a moment, the world felt impossibly bright.
The friends lingered in the shop long after closing, sharing stories and laughter. Ruby caught herself glancing at Oscar, warmth blooming in her chest every time their eyes met. She wondered if he felt it too—the spark, the possibility.
As the night wore on, the group began to drift out, one by one. Yang squeezed Ruby’s hand before leaving, a silent promise that she’d always have her back. Weiss offered to drive Blake home, and Nora dragged Ren and Jaune out for late-night pancakes.
At last, it was just Ruby and Oscar, the shop quiet around them.
Oscar cleared his throat, fiddling with a stray pen. “So… how do you feel?”
Ruby looked at her arm, the tattoo alive with color and meaning. “I feel… new. Like I’m not just my scar anymore.”
Oscar’s gaze was gentle. “You never were.”
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment before Ruby found the courage to ask, “Would you maybe… want to get coffee sometime? With me?”
Oscar smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’d like that.”
Ruby grinned, a little giddy. “Me too.”
As she stepped out into the cool night air, the world felt different—full of possibility, of hope, of new beginnings inked in rose petals and thorns.
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.
Later That Night
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.
Across the Hall
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 Next Morning
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.
The Awakening
It had been three years since the end of the war—a war that had taken more from Team RWBY and their friends than any of them could have imagined. The scars of battle were everywhere: in the still-ruined districts of Atlas, the silent, empty homes in Mantle, the haunted looks in the eyes of those who had survived. But for the tight-knit group that had braved the Ever After, the deepest scar was the one that never healed. Ruby Rose, their leader, their heart, had not woken since the final day.
The Ever After had changed them all. It had shown them worlds within worlds, painted their dreams and nightmares into reality, and then spat them back out, battered but alive. Ruby had returned home, but not as herself. When she finally opened her eyes in the hospital, it was only for a fleeting moment—a flash of silver, a single breath—before she’d slipped away again. Doctors called it a coma. Her friends called it hope deferred.
The world moved on. Grimm attacks dwindled, the Kingdoms rebuilt, and Hunters and Huntresses finally took their first breath of peace in a generation. But for Team RWBY, and for Oscar Pine, peace was a distant, unreachable thing, locked behind the glass walls of a hospital room.
The room had become a sanctuary of sorts, a place where time seemed to stand still. Ruby lay in a bed by the window, sunlight spilling across her covers, the only constant in a world that refused to wait for anyone. Machines monitored her heartbeat and breathing, their quiet beeps a lullaby for the living. Flowers, cards, and trinkets from friends and fans lined the shelves, but it was the people who mattered most.
Weiss Schnee came every week, her expensive shoes clicking across the linoleum, always carrying a new book or puzzle. She would read aloud, her voice steady and clear, even as her hands trembled. Sometimes, she’d braid Ruby’s hair, murmuring about Atlas fashion and the latest SDC news, pretending for a moment that things were normal.
Blake Belladonna, quiet and gentle, brought stories from Menagerie and Vale. She’d sit by the window, reading poetry or sharing updates from the world outside. Sometimes, she’d talk about Sun and their adventures abroad, her words winding around the room like the gentle flick of a cat’s tail.
Yang Xiao Long was a whirlwind of energy and pain. She’d burst in, arms full of snacks and jokes, laughter echoing through the halls. But when the others weren’t looking, she’d sit by Ruby’s side and let the tears fall, shoulders trembling. She never stayed long—too much pain in too small a space—but she always came back.
Jaune Arc, older and wiser, had grown into his role as a leader. He visited often, sometimes with Nora and Ren in tow, sometimes alone. He’d talk to Ruby about his missions, the new recruits he was training, the changes in the world she’d helped save. He’d tell her about Pyrrha too, whispering memories into the silence, hoping they’d find their way to wherever Ruby’s mind wandered.
But it was Oscar Pine who never left. He was always there, his chair pulled close to her bed, a steadfast sentinel in a world of change. He’d lost the boyish awkwardness he once carried; his eyes were older now, tinged with the wisdom of Ozpin and the sorrow of loss. Every morning he’d greet Ruby, every night he’d say goodnight, and in between, he’d fill the hours with stories, hopes, and dreams.
He told her about the world—how Vale was rebuilding, how Atlas was under new leadership, how Menagerie had become a symbol of unity. He told her about his own struggles, the echoes of Ozpin’s memories, the weight of destiny he’d once carried. But mostly, he told her about her friends, her family, and the life waiting for her outside the hospital walls.
Sometimes, when no one else was around, Oscar would take her hand and speak softly, his words barely more than a whisper. “I miss you, Ruby. I miss your laugh, your stubbornness, your optimism. You saved us all, you know? I don’t think I ever told you, not really. You’re the reason we’re here. I just… I need you to come back.”
The doctors said there was hope. Ruby’s body was strong. Her aura flickered occasionally, a sign that her soul was still fighting. But as the years slipped by, hope felt more like a burden than a blessing. Her friends clung to it anyway.
One spring morning, as sunlight streamed through the window and the scent of cherry blossoms drifted in from the gardens outside, the room was unusually full. Weiss had arrived with a bouquet of fresh lilies—Ruby’s favorite. Blake had brought a stack of new novels and was curled up in the armchair, reading quietly. Yang was perched on the windowsill, her golden hair catching the light. Jaune stood by the door, arms crossed, a look of quiet determination on his face. Nora and Ren had stopped by earlier, leaving behind a basket of cookies and a drawing from one of the new students at the Academy.
Oscar sat by Ruby’s side, as always. He looked tired—dark circles under his eyes, hair a little longer than usual—but there was a softness in his gaze that never faded when he looked at her.
He reached for her hand, holding it gently between his own. “It’s a beautiful day, Ruby. The gardens are in bloom. You’d love it. Blake says there are kittens in the courtyard. Weiss thinks she can get you a room with a better view, once you wake up.” His voice was steady, but there was a tremor beneath the surface—a note of longing that never quite left.
Yang glanced over, a teasing smile on her lips. “Oscar’s been talking your ear off again, sis. Better wake up soon or he’ll start reading you farming manuals.”
Weiss rolled her eyes, but there was warmth in her expression. “At least he’s not reciting puns. I think we’re all grateful for that.”
Blake looked up from her book, her amber eyes gentle. “We miss you, Ruby. The world’s quieter without you.”
Jaune stepped forward, setting a hand on Oscar’s shoulder. “She’ll wake up. She’s too stubborn not to.”
Oscar managed a small smile, squeezing Ruby’s hand. “Yeah. She is.”
The group fell into a comfortable silence, the only sounds the soft beeping of the monitors and the distant laughter of children playing outside. Time seemed to stretch, the moment suspended between hope and despair.
Oscar leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. The others, sensing something private, began to talk quietly among themselves, giving him space. “I know you can hear me, Ruby. I don’t know if you remember the last thing I said to you before… before everything happened. I told you I’d never leave your side. I meant it. I’ll be right here, as long as it takes.”
He hesitated, glancing around to make sure the others were distracted. “I’ve been thinking a lot about the future. About us. There’s so much I want to do with you, so much I want to say. I keep thinking… maybe, when you wake up, I could ask you to marry me.” He laughed softly, the sound tinged with nerves. “Not that you’d say yes. I mean, I’m just me. But I’d wait forever for you, Ruby. I’d wait as long as it takes.”
He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch gentle. “I just want to hold you again. To hear you laugh. To tell you I love you, every single day.”
The conversation in the room faded to whispers, the others sensing the weight of Oscar’s words. Weiss dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. Yang looked away, blinking back tears. Blake closed her book, folding it in her lap.
It was then that something changed. A flicker of movement—a twitch of Ruby’s fingers beneath Oscar’s hand. He froze, heart pounding. Had he imagined it? He looked up, searching her face.
Ruby’s eyelids fluttered, her brow creasing as if struggling against a heavy weight. The room fell silent, all eyes on her. Blake set her book aside, Weiss leaned forward, Yang slid off the windowsill, and Jaune stepped closer.
Oscar’s voice was barely a breath. “Ruby…?”
Her lips parted, a soft, raspy sound escaping her. She tried again, her voice weak but unmistakable. “Oscar…?”
The room erupted in motion—Weiss gasped, Blake covered her mouth, Yang’s eyes filled with tears, and Jaune let out a choked laugh. Oscar leaned in, tears streaming down his face, disbelief and hope warring in his eyes.
“Ruby! You’re awake! You’re really awake!”
Ruby blinked, her silver eyes shining in the morning light. She looked around, taking in the faces of her friends, her family, before her gaze settled on Oscar. She managed a weak smile, her fingers tightening around his.
Oscar laughed through his tears, pressing her hand to his lips. “You’re here. You’re really here.”
Yang was the first to react, barreling forward to wrap her sister in a careful, gentle hug. “Don’t you ever do that again, sis. Don’t you ever leave us like that.”
Weiss followed, tears streaming down her cheeks as she pressed Ruby’s other hand between her own. “You scared us half to death, you dolt.”
Blake smiled softly, her own eyes shimmering. “Welcome back, Ruby.”
Jaune grinned, relief and joy written across his face. “Told you she was too stubborn.”
Ruby smiled at them all, her voice still hoarse but filled with warmth. “Missed… you guys.”
The group crowded around her, laughter and tears mingling as they took turns hugging her, squeezing her hand, whispering words of love and relief. The room felt lighter, the air charged with a joy none of them had dared hope for after so long.
Eventually, the excitement settled into a warm, contented silence. The others gave Ruby and Oscar a moment alone, stepping out into the hallway to give them privacy.
Oscar stayed by her side, his fingers entwined with hers. He looked at her, really looked at her, as if memorizing every detail of her face. “I meant what I said, you know,” he whispered. “I’ve been thinking about it every day. About asking you to marry me. I just… I never thought I’d get the chance.”
Ruby’s smile was small but sure, her eyes never leaving his. “I heard… everything. Even when I couldn’t wake up. I heard you, Oscar. Every word.”
Oscar’s breath hitched. “You did?”
She nodded, her hand tightening around his. “And for the record… I will always want to marry you.”
Oscar laughed, a sound of pure, unfiltered joy. He pressed his forehead to hers, tears slipping down his cheeks. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear you say that.”
Ruby closed her eyes, savoring the moment. “I think I do.”
He kissed her forehead, gentle and reverent. “When you’re ready. When you’re strong enough. I’ll ask you properly.”
Ruby smiled, her eyes shining. “I’ll say yes, no matter what.”
They stayed that way for a long time, hands entwined, hearts finally at peace. The world outside the window was bright and new, filled with promise and hope. For the first time in years, the future felt like something worth dreaming about.
The others returned, filling the room with laughter and light. Weiss regaled Ruby with stories from Atlas, Blake shared news from Menagerie, Yang cracked jokes and threatened to drag Ruby outside for fresh air the moment she was able. Jaune promised to bring her cookies and keep her updated on Academy gossip.
Ruby listened, her heart full. She’d missed so much, but she was here now. She was awake. And she was surrounded by the people she loved most in the world.
As the sun set, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson, Ruby looked around at her friends—her family. She thought of all they’d lost, all they’d fought for, and all the days still to come.
And when Oscar squeezed her hand, she squeezed back, a promise in her eyes.
No matter what the future held, they would face it together.
Epilogue:
The days that followed were a whirlwind of celebration. News of Ruby’s awakening spread quickly; friends and allies from across Remnant sent messages of love and congratulations. Doctors marveled at her recovery, calling it miraculous. But those who knew her best simply smiled and said it was Ruby being Ruby—impossible and unstoppable.
Oscar visited every day, bringing flowers, books, and, most importantly, himself. He’d sit by her bed, talking about everything and nothing, filling her in on all she’d missed. Sometimes, he’d bring his guitar and play softly, the music drifting through the open window.
Ruby’s strength returned slowly but surely. With each passing day, she grew stronger, her voice steadier, her laughter brighter. The others visited often, filling her room with stories and laughter, making sure she never felt alone.
And when the time was right—when Ruby was well enough to walk in the gardens she’d only seen from her window—Oscar led her outside. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, petals drifting on the breeze. He stopped beneath a tree, dropping to one knee, his eyes shining with hope and love.
“Ruby Rose,” he said, voice trembling with emotion. “Will you marry me?”
Ruby laughed, tears streaming down her cheeks, and pulled him to his feet. “I already said yes, you dolt.”
He kissed her then, beneath the cherry blossoms, surrounded by the friends who had become their family. And for the first time in a long, long time, Ruby Rose felt truly, completely alive.
Oscar's Weapon
Vacuo’s midday sun blazed down upon Shade Academy, its rays bouncing off the white stone and glass of the campus buildings. Inside the cool, shadowy halls, however, another fire burned: the spark of invention.
Ruby Rose practically skipped down the corridor, excitement humming in every step. A roll of blueprints was clutched tightly in her hands, and her red cloak trailed behind her like a comet’s tail. She turned a corner and nearly collided with Oscar Pine, who was carrying a box of assorted metal parts.
“Whoa!” Oscar steadied himself, laughing as a wrench clattered to the floor. “What’s got you in such a hurry?”
Ruby grinned, holding up the blueprints. “Guess what I’ve been working on?”
Oscar squinted at the roll in her hands, then gave her a lopsided smile. “Let me guess… a new scythe upgrade?”
“Close!” Ruby bounced on her toes. “But this time, it’s not for Crescent Rose. It’s for you.”
Oscar blinked. “For me?”
“Mm-hmm!” Ruby beamed. “I've been thinking… your staff’s great, but you’re always talking about making it better. So… I designed a few upgrades. Want to check them out?”
Oscar’s expression softened, and he nodded. “I’d love to.”
They found an empty classroom, the worktables inside littered with half-finished projects and the unmistakable scent of machine oil. Ruby unrolled the blueprints, spreading them across the table. Oscar set down his box and leaned in, curiosity bright in his eyes.
On the parchment, intricate sketches danced: a staff with a reinforced core, a fold-out blade, a hidden dust chamber, and a locking mechanism that would make even Pietro Polendina proud.
Ruby pointed excitedly. “See, I thought if we reinforced the shaft here, and maybe add a dust channel along the spine, you could channel your aura more efficiently. And if you want to switch to close combat—” She flipped the page, revealing a schematic for a detachable blade. “—you just snap this out and boom! Sword mode.”
Oscar’s eyes widened. “Ruby… this is amazing.”
Ruby’s face turned pink, and she ducked her head. “I mean, it’s just an idea. We’d have to make the parts, test the weight, balance—”
“It’s perfect,” Oscar interrupted, his voice earnest. “No one’s ever… built something for me before.”
Ruby’s heart fluttered. She fiddled with the hem of her cloak, suddenly shy. “Well… wanna build it together?”
Oscar’s answering smile was all the answer she needed.
The forge at Shade Academy was hot, noisy, and alive with the clang of metal on metal. Ruby and Oscar spent the afternoon scouring the supply room for parts: a length of reinforced titanium, a set of custom gears, a dust chamber, and a handful of old, battered sword hilts.
Ruby was in her element, explaining the properties of various alloys with the enthusiasm of a teacher and the joy of a child in a candy store. “So, this one’s tungsten carbide—it’s super tough, but really heavy, so we’ll use it for the core. And this is magnesium alloy—lightweight, perfect for the housing. Oh! And if we add a dust infusion matrix here, you could channel fire or ice dust without overloading the mechanism.”
Oscar listened, captivated. He’d never seen anyone so passionate about weapon-making. He watched the way Ruby’s eyes sparkled, the way she gestured with her hands, the way her mind seemed to race a mile a minute.
“You really love this, don’t you?” he asked, unable to keep the awe from his voice.
Ruby smiled, a little shy. “Yeah. My mom used to say weapons are just extensions of ourselves. I guess… I feel closer to her when I’m building.”
Oscar nodded, understanding more than he could say. They collected the last of the parts and lugged them back to the forge, ready to begin.
The hours slipped by in a blur of hammer strikes, whirring drills, and the hiss of molten metal meeting water. Ruby guided Oscar through each step, showing him how to temper the blade, how to weld the joints, how to fit the gears so they turned with a satisfying click.
They worked side by side, hands brushing as they adjusted the grip, laughter bubbling up when Oscar accidentally dropped a screw and Ruby had to crawl under the workbench to retrieve it.
“Remind me to invent a magnet that only attracts lost screws,” Oscar joked, holding up a handful of tiny bolts.
Ruby giggled, wiping sweat from her brow. “If you do, patent it. You’ll be rich.”
As they worked, they talked about everything and nothing: childhood memories, favorite foods, the best pranks Nora ever pulled. Ruby told Oscar about the time she’d tried to build a jetpack for Zwei, only to end up with a very frightened corgi and a ruined kitchen. Oscar shared stories of farm life—the stubborn rooster that chased him every morning, the time his sister tried to help with the harvest and ended up tangled in a row of beans.
Their laughter echoed in the forge, blending with the music of creation. At one point, Ruby paused, studying Oscar as he carefully filed the new staff’s blade. “You’re a natural,” she said, admiration in her voice.
Oscar blushed. “Only because you’re a great teacher.”
Ruby grinned. “Well, you’ll have to teach me how to plant beans sometime.”
“It’s a deal,” Oscar replied, smiling wider than he had in weeks.
As sunset bled across the sky, painting the forge in gold and crimson, Ruby and Oscar stepped back to admire their work. The staff was nearly complete: the blade gleamed with a mirror finish, the dust chamber clicked smoothly into place, and the grip was wrapped in soft, red leather—the same shade as Ruby’s cloak. Oscar ran his fingers over the hilt, awe and pride warring in his eyes.
Ruby yawned, rubbing her eyes. “We should probably get some sleep…”
Oscar shook his head. “Let’s finish it. I want to see it in action.”
Ruby hesitated, then nodded. Together, they worked into the night, fueled by determination and the thrill of creation. As midnight approached, they attached the final piece—a small, silver rose emblem, pressed into the pommel. Ruby’s idea, a personal touch.
Oscar traced it with his thumb, voice hushed. “Thank you, Ruby. For… all of this.”
Ruby smiled, suddenly bashful. “You’re welcome.”
They carried the staff outside, where the desert breeze was cool against their sweat-damp skin. The training ground was empty, the moon casting long shadows across the sand.
Oscar hefted the staff, testing its weight. It was perfectly balanced—light enough to swing with ease, but sturdy enough to withstand a Grimm’s assault. Ruby watched, heart pounding with pride and nervousness.
“Ready?” she asked.
Oscar nodded. He spun the staff, the blade unfolding in a smooth arc. With a flick of his wrist, the dust chamber whirred to life, sending a stream of blue sparks down the shaft. He swung, channeling his aura—and the blade burst into icy light, frost curling along its edge.
He grinned, exhilarated. “Ruby, this is amazing!”
Ruby clapped, bouncing on her toes. “Try the locking mechanism!”
Oscar pressed the hidden switch. The blade snapped back into the staff with a satisfying click. He could feel the power humming through the weapon, an extension of himself.
He turned to Ruby, eyes shining. “You really are the best weapon-smith in Remnant.”
Ruby blushed, ducking her head. “You’re just saying that because I let you pick the grip color.”
Oscar laughed, stepping closer. “No, I mean it. I’ve never… I’ve never had something like this. Not just the weapon, but—” He hesitated, searching for words. “—someone to share it with.”
Ruby looked up, her eyes soft. “Me neither.”
For a moment, they stood in silence, the moonlight painting them in silver and blue. Oscar slid the staff into its holster, then turned to face Ruby fully. “Why did you help me?”
Ruby blinked, surprised. “Because you’re my friend. Because I care about you. And… because I know what it’s like to feel like you have to do everything alone.”
Oscar nodded, understanding. “It’s hard. Carrying so much. But it’s easier with you.”
Ruby stepped closer, her hand finding his. “We’re a team, Oscar. You and me, and everyone else. But… especially you and me.”
Oscar squeezed her hand, hope blooming in his chest. “Especially you and me.”
They sat together on the sand, backs pressed against the stone wall, gazing up at the stars.
“Do you ever think about the future?” Oscar asked, voice soft.
Ruby nodded. “Sometimes. I think about what it’ll be like when all this is over. When we don’t have to fight anymore.”
Oscar smiled. “What do you see?”
Ruby was quiet for a moment. “I see… peace. Friends. Maybe a workshop where I can build weird weapons all day. And… someone to build them for.”
Oscar’s heart thudded. He shifted, nervous. “Do you… think I could be that someone?”
Ruby turned, eyes wide, cheeks flushed. “I’d like that.”
Oscar grinned, shy and hopeful. “Me too.”
They talked until the first rays of dawn crept over the desert, painting the sky in pink and gold. The staff lay between them, a testament to their teamwork, their friendship, and something more. As the sun rose, Ruby yawned, resting her head on Oscar’s shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her, drawing her close.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
Ruby smiled, closing her eyes. “Anytime.”
They sat in silence, watching the world wake around them.
Word quickly spread through Shade Academy about Oscar’s new weapon. Team RWBY, Team JNPR, and even some of the professors gathered in the training yard to watch its debut. Oscar stood at the center, Ruby at his side, beaming with pride.
He spun the staff, the blade catching the light. With a practiced movement, he triggered the dust chamber—this time, fire dust. A ribbon of flame danced along the blade, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Yang whistled. “Nice work, little bro!”
Weiss nodded approvingly. “Impressive craftsmanship, Ruby.”
Blake smiled, tail flicking. “You two make a great team.”
Oscar flushed, but his confidence shone as he demonstrated the weapon’s features—switching between modes, channeling dust, even showing off the quick-release mechanism. Ruby watched, pride swelling in her chest. She caught Oscar’s eye, and he grinned, mouthing, “Thank you.”
After the demonstration, students crowded around, peppering Ruby and Oscar with questions.
“How’d you balance the blade?” “Can you customize the dust options?” “Will you help me with my weapon?”
Ruby answered each question with excitement, Oscar by her side, occasionally chiming in with details about the process.
As the crowd dispersed, Ruby and Oscar found themselves alone again.
“You were amazing out there,” Ruby said, nudging him.
Oscar grinned. “Couldn’t have done it without you.”
Ruby’s smile softened. “You know… maybe we could build something else, together. Not just weapons. Maybe… a future.”
Oscar’s cheeks turned pink, but he nodded. “I’d like that. A lot.”
They walked back to the workshop, hand in hand, ready to face whatever came next—together.
The Sky We Share
The heat of the day faded into a gentle, golden dusk as Shade Academy’s stone walls cooled and the desert wind danced through the courtyards. Ruby Rose stood at the edge of the training grounds, letting her eyes wander across the horizon where the last light of the sun painted the dunes in shades of honey and rose. She inhaled deeply, savoring the moment—a rare pause between missions, meetings, and the constant thrum of worry that never seemed to leave her chest anymore.
Behind her, the clatter of laughter and utensils from the mess hall faded as students trickled away, heading for their dorms or the city’s nighttime markets. The world was winding down, but Ruby’s mind was wide awake and restless. She unfastened Crescent Rose’s harness and set her weapon gently on the ground, sitting beside it in the brittle grass. The stars were just beginning to peek out, one by one, like old friends in a darkening room.
She found herself thinking of old nights at Beacon, of lying on the roof with Yang and watching the stars wink into being above Vale—before everything changed. She thought of her mother, too, and the stories Summer told about constellations and the Huntresses who’d come before. Ruby tried to remember how those old legends went, but the words slipped through her mind like water through her fingers.
She barely noticed Oscar Pine approaching until his shadow fell across the grass. “Hey, Ruby,” he said quietly, not wanting to startle her.
She looked up, smiling, her worries easing a little at the sight of him. Oscar wore a soft, worn shirt and carried a blanket under one arm, his green eyes catching what little light the sky still offered. “Couldn’t sleep?” she guessed, teasing gently.
He grinned. “You either, huh? I thought I’d find you here. Most people are inside, but… you always seem to find the best spots.” He looked at her, a hint of concern in his eyes. “You okay?”
She shrugged, patting the grass beside her. “Just needed some air. And I wanted to see the stars.” Ruby glanced up, her eyes shining with anticipation. “They’re different here. Sharper, I think. Wilder. Not like at Beacon, or even Patch.”
Oscar knelt and spread the blanket out before settling beside her, close but not crowding. He followed her gaze, quiet for a moment as the first constellations brightened overhead. “You know a lot about the stars?” he asked.
“A little,” Ruby admitted. “My mom used to tell stories about them. She said when you’re far from home, you can look up and remember you’re still part of something bigger. That the same stars shine everywhere in Remnant, even if everything else changes.” She faltered, her voice softening. “Sometimes it feels like everything’s changed but the sky.”
Oscar nodded, understanding in his silence. He lay back on the blanket and patted the space beside him. Ruby hesitated only a second before joining him, the ground cool beneath her, the air tinged with the smell of sand and distant flowers.
They lay in silence, the kind that felt safe, not awkward. The stars multiplied, spilling across the sky in unfamiliar patterns. Oscar pointed to a cluster near the horizon. “That one there—back on the farm, my sister used to call it the Rooster’s Tail. She said it brought good luck for the harvest.” He smiled, a little embarrassed. “Not sure if that’s actually a real constellation, though.”
Ruby giggled, her tension easing. “I like it. I think I’ll call it that, too.” She pointed north, tracing a crooked line with her finger. “That’s the Beowolf. At least… that’s what my mom said. See? The two bright stars are the eyes, and the tail curls off that way.”
Oscar squinted, searching, then nodded. “I see it. It’s… kind of cute, actually. Not as scary as the real thing.”
Ruby grinned, but there was sadness in the curve of her mouth. “Sometimes I wish monsters were only up in the sky, you know? Easy to look at, easy to name. Not so easy to lose people to.”
Oscar was quiet, letting the weight of her words settle between them. He reached out, his hand hovering before resting gently over hers. Ruby’s fingers curled into his, and the contact steadied them both.
They watched the sky together, letting their worries slip away with each passing minute. The world shrank to just the two of them, the blanket beneath, the stars above, and the gentle pressure of their joined hands.
After a while, Oscar spoke, his voice low and hesitant. “Do you ever think about… what comes after? When all of this is over? Not just the fighting, but everything?”
Ruby considered, her thumb running over his knuckles. “Sometimes. I wonder what it would be like to not have to look over my shoulder, or worry about the next attack. To just… be.” She glanced at him, a hopeful smile blooming. “Maybe I’d open a workshop. Build weapons, sure, but also toys or gadgets. Maybe I’d travel. I’d like to see all the places I’ve only read about. And you?”
Oscar closed his eyes, picturing it. “I used to think I’d just go home. Back to the farm. But now… I think home isn’t a place. It’s people. Friends. Maybe… you.” He blushed, but didn’t look away. “I know I’m not as strong or brave as you, but—”
Ruby squeezed his hand, shaking her head. “Oscar, you’re braver than you think. You’ve been through so much, and you’re still here. That’s… that’s what matters.”
He smiled, shy and grateful, and for a while, they simply watched the stars. Above them, the Milky Way burned like a silver river, and shooting stars occasionally flared and vanished.
Ruby rolled onto her side, propping herself up on one elbow. “You know, there’s a legend about the Milky Way. My mom said it was made by a Huntress who fought a monster so big and dark, no one believed it could be beaten. She chased it across the sky, leaving a trail of light behind so everyone would know that even in the darkest times, someone was fighting for them.”
Oscar’s eyes shone as he listened, and Ruby felt her heart flutter at the attention he gave her words. “I think you’re like that, Ruby. You always find hope when things look darkest.”
Ruby flushed, ducking her head. “Maybe. But I couldn’t do it alone. I think… I think we’re all chasing away the dark together. You, me, everyone.”
Oscar squeezed her hand. “Yeah. Together.”
A comfortable silence settled between them. The wind whispered through the grass, and a chorus of crickets started up nearby. Ruby felt her eyelids grow heavy, lulled by the peace of the moment.
“Hey, Ruby?” Oscar said, his voice softer now, almost tentative.
She turned her head toward him, finding his gaze in the starlight. “Yeah?”
Oscar hesitated, searching for the right words. “Sometimes I think about how easy it would be to just… give in to fear. To let the world get too dark. But when I’m with you, it feels possible to keep going. Like maybe, no matter how dark it gets, we’ll find a way through.”
Ruby’s heart squeezed, and she reached over, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead. “I feel that way with you, too. When I’m scared, or tired, or just… lost, you remind me that I’m not alone.”
He smiled, a little sheepish, but there was relief there, too—like he’d been waiting to hear those words. “I’m glad.”
They lay side by side, hands still joined, and watched as the stars wheeled overhead. Ruby pointed out more shapes: the Crescent, which looked a little like her scythe; the Huntress’ Bow, which Oscar insisted looked more like a bent spoon; and the Broken Shield, which Ruby said was for all the fighters who kept going even after they’d been hurt.
Oscar traced each constellation with his finger in the air, learning their names and stories, laughing at Ruby’s wild explanations. For every monster in the sky, she had a hero to match, and for every story of loss, she had one of hope.
At some point, Ruby rolled onto her back, staring up at the sky so wide and deep it made her dizzy. “Sometimes, when I look at the stars, I feel small. Like… nothing I do really matters. But then I remember that even a tiny star still shines. And if enough of us shine together, maybe that’s enough to keep the darkness back.”
Oscar rolled closer, propping himself up to look at her. “You’re not nothing, Ruby. You’re… you’re one of the brightest stars in my sky.”
She blushed, but her smile was radiant. “You’re pretty bright yourself, you know.”
Oscar laughed, nervous and happy at once. The distance between them seemed to shrink, and for a moment, Ruby wondered if he might reach for her hand again, or if she should reach for his. Instead, they both moved at once, their fingers tangling together, sparking a new warmth that had nothing to do with the desert air.
The night deepened, but they didn’t notice. They spoke quietly, sharing dreams and fears, memories of the people they loved and the battles they’d fought. They talked about little things, too—Oscar’s favorite kind of tea, Ruby’s plan to invent a dust-powered camera, their shared dislike of spinach.
They laughed. They teased. They dared to imagine a world where the future wasn’t just about fighting and loss.
Eventually, Ruby’s words slowed as sleep tugged at her. Oscar wrapped the blanket around her shoulders, careful and gentle. She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder, her breath softening as she relaxed.
“I wish this could last forever,” Ruby murmured, her voice thick with sleep.
Oscar rested his cheek against her hair. “Me too. But even if it can’t… maybe we can always find the stars together. No matter where we are.”
She smiled, her eyes closing. “Promise?”
He squeezed her hand. “Promise.”
The stars kept watch as Ruby drifted to sleep beside him, her fears eased by the rhythm of his breathing, the steady beat of his heart, and the endless, hopeful sky above.
Oscar stayed awake a while longer, watching the heavens and feeling, for the first time in a long time, something like peace. He looked at Ruby, at the slack, peaceful curve of her mouth, and wondered at how lucky he was to share this moment with her.
When he finally lay down, he kept her hand in his, letting the warmth and comfort linger. He let the stars lull him, their quiet brilliance a reminder that even in the darkest desert night, there was beauty, and hope, and the promise of another day.
As dawn crept over the horizon and the first birds called out across the dunes, Oscar and Ruby lay together beneath the fading stars. And though the world was uncertain and full of shadows, they faced the new day side by side, their hearts a little lighter, their dreams a little brighter, and the memory of the night—a night made magical by starlight and hope—forever shining between them.
A Vacuo Masquerade Ball- Happy Birthday Ruby
The sun was setting over Vacuo, painting the endless sand in strokes of copper and violet. In the heart of the city, lanterns flickered to life, illuminating the grand sandstone venue that would host the annual Halloween Masquerade Ball. It was the event of the year—one that drew Huntsmen, Huntresses, students, and friends from every corner of Remnant. Invitations had gone out weeks in advance; excitement was at a fever pitch.
For Team RWBY and their friends, the ball was a chance to forget missions and monsters, to sink into revelry, and, for one night, to become anyone—or anything—they wanted.
The Atlesian airship touched down just as the sky deepened to indigo. Ruby Rose was first to tumble out, cloak billowing. Her costume was a whimsical yet gothic take on Red Riding Hood: a black-and-red dress dusted with silver, a deep crimson cloak lined in velvet, and a midnight-rose mask that covered her eyes. Her tall lace-up boots gleamed as she twirled, catching the last rays of sun.
Weiss Schnee descended, graceful as ever, her icy blue gown shimmering with frost-like patterns. White fur trimmed her sleeves, and a delicate silver filigree mask—crafted to look like curling frost—rested on her face. Tiny snowflakes sparkled in her hair, her entire ensemble radiating winter’s elegance.
Blake Belladonna slipped into view, nearly silent in her black velvet catsuit. Silver accents traced her hips and shoulders, and a sleek panther mask hugged her features. Her usually hidden bow was replaced by black cat ears peeking through her hair, and a matching velvet tail flicked with each step.
Yang Xiao Long approached, a striking figure in her golden lioness costume. Her hair was wild, teased into a mane, and her dress was a riot of gold and orange, split high for movement. Faux-fur at her collar and cuffs completed the look, and a half-face lion mask with bright amber eyes gleamed as she grinned, flexing clawed gloves.
Jaune Arc clanked up in knight’s armor painted ghostly white, his breastplate and greaves almost gleaming in the lantern light. His mask, a grinning skull, made him look like a cheerful apparition—Sir Jaune, the Gallant Ghost, as Nora had dubbed him.
Nora Valkyrie bounced in beside him, a thunder goddess in crackling blue and yellow robes. Her white mask was streaked with painted thunderbolts, and she hefted a prop hammer that crackled with Dust-powered sparks.
Lie Ren followed, serene in a deep emerald and black suit. His fox spirit mask—sleek and mysterious—was adorned with silver bells that chimed softly as he moved, and a long, flowing cloak trailed behind him.
Pyrrha Nikos, radiant as ever, had made the journey from Argus to join them. Her dress was a blaze of red, gold, and orange feathers, her mask a beaked, fiery visage set with ruby gemstones. She seemed almost to glow with her own inner light.
Oscar Pine had chosen a young wizard’s costume, simple but clever. His midnight-blue robe sparkled with hand-sewn stars, and a crescent-moon mask rested on his brow. A battered spellbook peeked out from under one arm, its pages filled with doodles and pressed desert wildflowers.
Emerald Sustrai and Mercury Black arrived together: Emerald as a forest dryad, her moss-green dress threaded with real vines and a mask of leaves and bark; Mercury as a silver harlequin, his mask fixed in a perpetual, sly smirk.
Others arrived in a flurry of laughter and color—Cinder, Neo, Team SSSN—but the heart of the night, for one person at least, was Ruby Rose.
Inside the ballroom, the transformation was magical. Orange and purple banners draped from the high ceiling, and jack-o-lanterns floated above, glowing with Dust-powered lights. Tables groaned under the weight of treats from every kingdom: apple tarts from Vale, honey cakes from Atlas, Vacuo’s spiced pumpkin bread. The air rang with music that shifted from elegant waltzes to rollicking Vacuan folk tunes and back again.
Ruby led her friends into the dance, her cloak swirling, laughter bubbling up as she tried to teach Jaune a few steps. Weiss and Blake partnered for a waltz, their movements a seamless blend of grace and playful competition. Yang, never far from mischief, attempted to “haunt” Jaune with Nora’s sparking hammer, while Ren and Pyrrha drifted through the crowd, content in the moment.
No one seemed to realize that tonight was more than a masquerade. Only Oscar, quietly watching, marked the date in his mind—October 31st. Ruby’s birthday.
He’d noticed the oversight a week earlier, when Ruby, busy with costume plans and excitement, had barely mentioned her own birthday. As the preparations swept everyone up, Oscar realized nobody else remembered. He decided, quietly, to fix that.
While the others danced and mingled, Oscar slipped out to the courtyard. He’d prepared a small table beneath the lanterns, set with a single red velvet cupcake and a silver candle. A hand-drawn card, adorned with a rose, waited for Ruby. He’d even borrowed a phonograph, which now sat ready with a record of her favorite Valean lullaby.
He sent a message to Yang. Moments later, Ruby, cheeks flushed from dancing, stepped outside.
She blinked, startled at the gentle light and Oscar waiting by the table. “Oscar? What’s going on?”
He smiled, a little nervous. “Happy birthday, Ruby.”
Her eyes widened, and for a moment she was speechless. “You… you remembered?”
“Of course I did.” Oscar shrugged, tugging at his wizard’s cloak. “I thought you deserved something special… just for you.”
Ruby’s eyes shimmered as she took in the cupcake, the flickering candle, the sweet, simple card. She grinned, sitting beside him as the phonograph spun softly, the melody floating into the cool night air.
“Make a wish,” Oscar said quietly.
Ruby closed her eyes, letting the moment sink in. She wished, then blew out the candle, the flame snuffed but her heart aglow. They sat together, the sounds of the party fading, replaced by gentle music and the scent of cactus flowers on the breeze.
“You know,” Ruby said, voice soft, “I almost forgot it was my birthday, too. I got caught up in everything.”
Oscar smiled, relieved. “You’re always thinking about everyone else. Someone should think about you.”
She turned, eyes bright, and reached out. “Thank you, Oscar. For remembering. For all of this.”
He blushed furiously as she leaned in and pressed a gentle, grateful kiss to his cheek. Ruby giggled at his startled expression. “Best birthday ever,” she whispered.
Inside, the party continued: Yang peeked out, saw her sister’s happiness, and grinned knowingly before shooing Weiss and Blake away to give them privacy. When Ruby and Oscar finally rejoined their friends, there were quiet, heartfelt birthday wishes all around. The dancing resumed, masks slipping, laughter echoing late into the night. Pictures were snapped, stories swapped, and for those magical hours, the world’s troubles were forgotten.
As midnight neared and the ball wound down, Ruby found herself back in the courtyard, gazing up at Vacuo’s endless stars. Oscar joined her, hands tucked in his robe.
“Think you’ll remember this birthday?” he asked, half-teasing.
Ruby smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder. “I think I’ll remember it forever.”
Above them, lanterns twinkled in the breeze, casting a warm glow over Huntress and wizard, shadows and stardust. And on the table behind them, a single candle, melted but cherished, marked a wish come true.
That night, beneath Vacuo’s starry sky, friendship and love shone brighter than any lantern—making it a birthday Ruby would never forget.