WhiteRose Week 2023: Day 7
Partners Against Crime | Secret Identities
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Ruby climbed to the top of the building and got onto the rooftop. She took off her mask and leaned on the ledge. “You let him get away, Ruby!” she scolds herself. She sighs and looks at the sunset. Was there better than being a hero? Better than laying her life for people who don’t care the next week? Maybe she should quit?
A body flies onto the rooftop and Ruby puts her mask back on. She looks at the unconscious body and it was the criminal who got away. “You’re so sloppy,” someone says behind her. Ruby turns and sees her hero idol. “Crescent Rose, correct?” the woman says.
“Y-yes,” Ruby says. “You’re Myrtenaster.”
“Yes,” Myrtenaster says. She takes off her mask. “I prefer Weiss Schnee.”
Ruby almost collapses as she sees Weiss’s face. “You just revealed yourself!” Ruby exclaims as she approaches Weiss. “You’re not supposed to do that. That’s superhero 101.” Weiss looks at Ruby with a disappointed face and walks in a circle around her. Ruby watches Weiss inspect her. From the bottom of her black boots to her red cape to her red mask and hood.
“That’s a bit of childish thinking,” Weiss says and Ruby blushes in shame.
“Sorry,” Ruby sighs and takes off her mask. “I’m still in training.” Weiss’s eyes widen for a moment, but she goes back to her usual demeanor. “My uncle is teaching me. You may have seen him.”
“Yeah,” Ruby answers. “He’s so much better than me.” Ruby sits on the ledge and stares at the city. Weiss sits by her and hesitantly places her hand on Ruby’s shoulder. “Sometimes I wonder how my uncle does it. Does he ever let the criminal get away?” Ruby clenches her hands and looks down the building. “He’s got powers. I don’t. I try my best but…” Weiss takes off one of her silver gloves and passes it to Ruby. Ruby takes it, but almost drops it how cold it is.
“Sorry,” Weiss says. “Ice powers.” Ruby sighs and looks at the gloves. “At least, that’s what I tell everyone.” Weiss takes Ruby’s hand. Ruby feels the warmth of Weiss’s hand, and she looks at Weiss with wide eyes. “I’m like you. That’s why I came here.”
“I thought it was for the guy in the back,” Ruby says. Weiss smiles softly and clasps Ruby’s hand tighter.
“Maybe a bit of that too,” Weiss adds. “I came because I found someone like me.” Weiss picks Ruby up. “Want to see how I get around?” Ruby nods with glee on her face.
Weiss goes to pick up the criminal and puts him on her back. “Let’s go,” she says. Using her silver glove, she makes an ice path from on building to the other. Weiss gets on the bridge and reaches out for Ruby. Ruby looks at the bridge and looks back at Weiss nervously. “It’s safe. I can promise you that.” Ruby takes a deep breath and takes Weiss’s hand. “Hold on tight. This may get a bit fast.”
“I like fast,” Ruby brags and Weiss rolls her eyes.
“Okay, speedster. Let’s see how you handle it.”
Weiss slides quickly from building to another and Ruby clings on to Weiss’s arm. “Okay! This is too fast!!!” Weiss smirks and stops at the tallest building in the city. Ruby begins panting, trying to slow down her heart.
“Do you like the view?” Weiss asks. Ruby looks up and sees most beautiful view of the city with the lights illuminating the dark sky. “I come here to think,” Weiss explains as she puts down the criminal and she sits down on the edge of the building. “I have been thinking a lot lately.” Ruby sits down next to Weiss.
“About what?” Ruby asks. Weiss looks at Ruby and smiles. Ruby blushes and looks away.
“Do you want to be my partner?” Weiss asks and Ruby turns back to Weiss. “I believe that the powerless could make a big impact. I’ve been studying your methods of dealing with crime. It’s merciless yet kind. I need someone like that watching my six.”
“I just follow your example,” Ruby says. “You’re such an inspiration to me. I thought you were so much better than me.”
“Definitely,” Ruby compliments. Weiss frowns and lies down.
“You have to give yourself credit, Ruby.” Weiss takes off her other glove and throws it in the air. She catches it and throws it back in the air. “You may be sloppy, but you’re not someone that should lack praise.” Weiss catches her glove and sits up. “So, what’s your answer to my proposal?”
“I don’t think it will work. I don’t have powers,” Ruby explains. Weiss smacks the top of Ruby’s head and Ruby clutches her head.
“Are you going to let me do that to you? Are you going to let anyone do that to you?” Weiss asks, and Ruby shakes her head. “Then put on my glove and become my partner.” Ruby looks at Weiss and then back at the glove she forgot was in her hand.
“If we’re doing this, let me pick the team name,” Ruby proposes. Weiss shrugs and Ruby smiles as she puts the glove on. Weiss smiles and Ruby shakes her hand. “To White Rose.”
“That sounds ridiculous,” Weiss says. “I was thinking Ice Flower.” Ruby glares at Weiss and Weiss sighs. “Which is more ridiculous.” Ruby smiles.
Ruby pumps her gloved fist in the and cheers. “Crescent Rose and Myrtenaster going to save this city!” Weiss holds back her laugh and shakes her head.
“I was right. You are childish.”