(IMMM SORRRRRYYYY. JEEZ I WRITE ONE CHAPTER THAT ISNT 3000 WORDS AND I GET THE WORST COLD IVE EVER HAD. *sigh* I'll try my best with this chapter but I cant guarantee its quality. Im mostly writing it because I'm impatient and this is about the only thing my headache let's me do. Hope you enjoy nonetheless. Ready to face the xiao longs?)

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Ruby's Pov

Tai: "Ruby come on sweetheart it's been FIVE DAYS. I dont know how long you plan on keeping up this act but honestly I'm sick of it. Seriously the people at Beacon will think your crazy if you keep this up."

I was currently sitting on the bed in my room, opposite of my own. As my dad said, it's been five days since Y/n knocked out cold in the middle of that conversation with Profesor Ozpin. Ozpin had made good on his word and given us a bullhead home, the downside being that I had to quite literally DRAG Y/n on and off the bullhead and back into my house. And y'know what for being basically intangible he is HEAVY!!. LIKE SERIOUSLY WHAT ARE YOU MADE OF BOULDERS!?!?!?. *sigh* anyways I had managed to drag him up the stairs, past a very concerned and confused father and sister, and laid him down on my bed. I dont know why I didnt put him in the spare bed but I guess I was so sick of dragging him that I just didnt care.

After I got him situated I had to face my family...I didnt see any reason to lie to them so I told them the truth, all of it. From the moment he showed up to now. Ever since then five nights ago, I've mostly been in my room waiting for him to show up. Holding that form for so long must've really taken a lot out of him, it's got me pretty worried. I just hope he wakes up soon so I know he's ok...AND SO THAT MY FAMILY CAN STOP TREATING ME LIKE IM CRAZY. Seriously since I brought him up here my dad and sister have been treating me like I belong in a room with soft walls! They wont even come into the room to see the invisible person under the covers.

Ruby: "Dad for the last time I'm not messing with you! Seriously just come in here and look! I dont even know how he's been out for this long!"

Tai: "Ruby why are you eve-"

Ruby: "No! Stop! You havent even stepped foot in here to see if I'm telling the truth or not! You and Yang just stand out there acting like I belong in some asylum!" I cut him off. I was honestly reaching the end of my patience, and I was gonna make sure he knew that "Your team used to know Profesor Ozpin well right? Why not give him a call? Hell tell you what I'm saying it's true! If you dont even have enough faith in me to give what I'm saying a chance then you shouldn't even bothe-" I stopped talking as I noticed the sheets on the bed start to move around and Y/n slowly opened his eyes. "FINALLY OUM ABOVE!!!!" I said as i threw my hands above my head, and went to check on him.

Y/n Pov

After I passed out in the interrogation room, I woke up to find myself in the hallway again. I was a little scared at first, i thought i was dead again. I started to panic as i looked around and saw that i wasnt in a hallway, so much as i was in the middle of some large dark forest. What freaked me out even more was I couldnt see Ruby anywhere. For the first time since I woke up on remnant I felt like I was alone again.

Y/n: "No no no no c'mon-RUBY!?!? RUBY WHERE ARE YOU THIS ISNT FUNNY!!!!" I began to fall further into panic as I started to run around looking for her. No matter how far or fast I ran the forest only got denser and denser and didnt seem to have an end, even the trees looked like they stretched up into eternity. I ran around for wjat felt like hours looking for Ruby, constantly calling out for her hoping shed hear me and come back.

Y/n: "Please...come back...dont leave me here alone again..." Eventually I couldnt hold back the tears as I slumped against a tree and slid down it. I was alone again. Right after I finally found a home again...It was taken away and I was alone. I just curled up into a ball against the trunk of the tree as I brought my knees up to my chest and put my head down, I couldnt stop the tears from falling down my face. "Please...come back...I miss you..."

I dont know how long I sat there in tears. I didn't want to move, I didnt want to even breathe. I felt like I was back on earth again, just...hollow. Eventually i heard footsteps on what sounded like a wooden floor, they continued until it sounded like they stopped right in front of me. I was confused and a little scared of what I'd find, but I looked up anyways and I saw her bright figure there, kneeling down in front of me.

I slowly uncurled myself as I looked at her, and managed to wipe my tears away. I dont know what I was expecting exactly, but I know it caught me off guard when she put her hands on my shoulders, and pulled me into a warm hug. I just sat there in shock for a few moments. Before I eventually caved in, returning the hug as I started to lightly sob again. Just something about her in that moment, i felt like i could tell her anything, anything and everything. We sat there for what felt like an eternity before my tears finally ran dry. We slowly released the hug as she looked right into my eyes before standing up. When she did, she offered he a hand up, and I gladly took it, rising up to my feet with a smile. She turned around and started walking down the path that had now returned, stopping a few steps ahead, and half turning back to me, gesturing with a hand for me to follow. I couldnt help but smile wider as I walked up next to her, and we continued down the path. After a short bit of walking, my vision started to fill with light and I took one last, long, deep breath before my vision went white, and I woke up.

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I slowly opened my eyes as I heard what sounded like distant yelling, the voice sounded familiar to me though.

Y/n: "...Ruby?..." I managed to get out as I opened my eyes completely and slowly sat up. When I sat up and leaned against the headboard of the bed I was in, I looked around and noticed through my blurred vision that I was back in Ruby's room, laid in her bed. I looked to my right a bit and was greeted with a blurred image of someone with VERY familiar, short, black hair with a long bang and ended in red tips. I brought my hands up and rubbed the blurriness out of my eyes. When I looked again I could clearly see Ruby sitting on the side of the bed looking at me in concern, with a hint of anger and annoyance.

Ruby: "Finally your up! Do you have any idea how worried I wa-!" She didnt get to finish her sentence as I quickly wrapped her in a tight hug. I hadn't even noticed I was shaking slightly with tears threatening to fall onto my face. God I'm such a crybaby lately... "Woah! Uhm. Ok?" She said, clearly thrown off guard by my sudden embrace, she did return it though as she patted the back of my head which had come to rest on her shoulder. I think I was trying just to reassure myself that she was really here. I had told her before how I felt back on earth and I guess she caught on to what must be happening as she slowly stroked the back of my hair in an attempt to comfort me. "Hey, hey, your fine okay? I'm still here, your still here, I'm not gonna leave you okay?" She soothed as she tightened the embrace slightly as I managed to stop myself from shaking and quel the tears threatening to fall from my eyes.

Y/n: "S-sorry..." I stuttered out as I started to release my hold on her. "...I-I j-just-" I tried to justify myself but she then cut me off as she moved a hand to my shoulder and placed one on my cheek, looking right in my eyes as she spoke.

Ruby: "Hey, it's okay" she reassured me. "I'm not gonna leave, I wouldn't dream of doing that to you, your to kind."

I let put a shaky breath that I didnt realise I was holding as I closed my eyes for a moment, taking deep breaths to calm myself down. I didnt even realise that I had gripped onto the hand she placed on my cheek. After a few breaths I opened my eyes again, feeling much better as i made eye contact with her.

Ruby: "Better?" She asked me. I just then took notice of the slight blush that had made it's way onto her face. I gave her a nod yes as I continued to look at her, still holding onto the hand on my face. I felt like i could sit there for eternity in that moment, without a care in the world. Unfortunately though, god had other plans i guess. Or should i start saying Oum now?.

Tai: "Uhm Ruby?" We both looked at the doorway to see both Tai and Yang standing there, looking noticeably concerned at their family member seemingly talking to herself while comforting some invisible person. Ruby turned her attention back to me.

Ruby: "Hold on dad. I know you just woke up and you might have some questions but do you think you could try and do that thing you did on the roof again? You've been out for five days. I had to tell them about you and since then they've been treating me like some sort of psycho!" I chuckled slightly before giving out a large sigh and responding, letting go of her hand in the process.

Y/n: "Yeah I can give it a shot, just hold on one moment." She nodded at me and scooched back from me on the bed slightly. I focused on the shadows around me and pulled them together into a solid shape around me. I opened my eyes again to see Tai and Yang staring at me with their jaws hanging almost down to the floor. "Ehm...hi there Yang and Mr. Xiao Long. I'm Y/n." I said as I rubbed my nape slightly in nervousness. I noticed that I wasnt entirely opaque this time, i was still slightly transparent but i assumed that was because it was mid-day

After I spoke both Tai and Yang seemed to raise their fists, ready for a fight if necessary.

Y/n: "*gulp* oh boy...uh listen can we just talk about this real quick?" I asked putting my hands up in surrender.

Tai: "Youd better talk pretty damn quick before I knock your lights out!" I let out a nervous whimper as I looked to Ruby.

Y/n: "I thought you said you told them!" I said to her. She looked at me as she responded.

Ruby: "I did!" She said as she quickly turned back to her family. "Dad, Yang calm down. This is who I was telling you about! But you kept acting like I was crazy!"

It took a good few minutes but Ruby eventually managed to calm down her dad and sister as we were all now sitting in Ruby's room. Tai and Yang had pulled up chairs while I remained in my spot on the bed, Ruby sitting off to my side. I had retold the story to them both and explained how we got to where we are now. Tai was sitting there with his hands put together in front of his face, leaning forward in his chair with his eyes closed.

Tai: "Ruby do you think I could have a quick talk with Y/n here? Alone?" I was a little nervous about this and Ruby was about to object, but I put a hand on her shoulder and spoke to her.

Y/n: "Hey I'll be fine ok? Just wait outside and I'll see you in a minute okay?" I reassured her. She seemed skeptical and concerned, before she eventually let out a sigh and nodded. I watched as she stood up and walked to the door, stepping outside with her sister close behind her. I could already feel a slight tugging on my being from her distance but I tried not to let it show as I waited for Tai to speak.

He was still in the same position as before, the only difference being that he was looking right at me with those piercing blue eyes of his, honestly I was super intimidated and hoping he wasnt gonna kick my ass. Eventually he let put a long sigh i to his hands as he rubbed his face and spoke.

Tai: "Listen I'm not mad or anything, this is just a lot to take in ya know?" He finished his sentence as he reclined back in his chair and rested his hands on his thighs. "And just call me Tai okay? All that 'sir' and 'Mr.' crap makes me feel old." I just nodded in confirmation while letting out a breath I didnt know I was holding, happy he wasnt angry with me.

Tai: "Look kid you've already been here a month if what you say is true so I assume you know the way things work around here. I'm just trying to look out for my girls, I dont want anything bad to happen to them ya get me?" I nodded in response to let him know I was listening. "I know I cant be there to look after them their whole lives and with them both going off to Beacon soon its gonna be a minute before I see them again. I'm so proud of them but part of me still doesnt want to let them go." He looked down in thought for a moment before he looked back up at me.

Tai: "Listen Y/n it's obvious to me and Yang that Ruby cares about you, we saw that firsthand today when I assume you woke up. Just...just promise me you'll look after her okay? She does her best to hide it but...she hasnt been the same since her mom died. I can tell it eats her up inside and I just want to be sure that if shes gonna be stuck with you her whole life, you'll look after her. Can you promise me that?" I was slightly shocked at everything Tai just threw at me. But I collected myself and responded. I wanted him to trust me, so I told him the truth.

Y/n: "Mr.- er Tai...*sigh* look I dont know exactly how much Ruby told you about me but...my life before all this wasnt the greatest. I never really had a home, or anyone to walk through life with. I was alone, completely and when I died I was ready to fade away completely..." Tai seemed to furrow his eyebrows in sympathy, but I continued. "When I woke up tethered to Ruby...she made me feel...she made me feel ANYTHING. I had never felt like I do now before and without her...things just wouldn't be the same. She made me feel loved, and she gave me a home. Shes my light in the darkness and if I could...I'd give my life for her without a second thought. She means everything to me. So I promise you. I'll look after her."

After I finished my sentence Tai closed his eyes again and crossed his arms in thought. I was worried what he was gonna say for a second before he smiled slightly and let out a warm laugh shaking his head slightly. He stood up and walked over to me, offering a hand up off the bed. I smiled back at him and took his hand, standing up and shaking his hand.

Tai: "That's good enough for me Y/n. Now come on let's not keep the girls waiting too much longer." He said this as he put an arm over my shoulder in a friendly embrace and we walked to the door. He opened up the door and we were greeted by the sight of a worried looking Ruby pacing up and down the hall outside the room, and Yang leaning against the wall watching her sister with concern. They both immediately looked right at us as we stepped out of the room and into the hall. Yang stood up straight and Ruby stopped her pacing as Tai spoke.

Tai: "You've got yourself a good one here Rubes. I'd hold onto him if I were you." Ruby blushed slightly at his comment, looking away in embarrassment as he gave me a pat on the back and walked down the hall, heading downstairs. "I'm gonna get dinner started! You three have a big day tommorow!" He yelled back as he disappeared down the stairs. Yang and Ruby turned their attention to me as Ruby was the first to speak, the embarrassment gone from her face and replaced with obvious concern.

Ruby: "Are you okay? He didnt threaten you did he?" She said that last part with a bit of annoyance as she crossed her arms, scowling at the thought. I just chuckled and ruffled her hair a bit as I responded.

Y/n: "I'm fine rosebud, he just wanted to talk with me for a moment is all."

Ruby: "R-rosebud?" She questioned as a blush made it's way back onto her face and she swatted my hand away from her head.

Y/n: "Oh. Sorry its just the first thing that came to mind. If you dont like it I'll-" she cut me off as she spoke.

Ruby: "N-no its f-fine. J-just, caught me off guard is all." She spat forth as her blush intensified. I couldnt help but chuckle at how cute he was acting, when Yang suddenly cleared her throat loudly, getting both of our attention.

She seemed to study me carefully for a moment as she walked closer, until she was right in front of me, and squinted as she looked me dead in the eyes. Her lilac ones piercing my very soul. I was getting nervous before Yang suddenly gave me a huge smile as she wrapped an arm around my neck and brought my head down, giving me a rough noogie and bringing my face uncomfortably close to her...eh...chest as she spoke.

Yang: "You got yourself a catch here little sister!" She teased Ruby as she didnt release her hold on me. I was starting to lose air and failing to get out of her hold as Ruby came to my rescue, looking more flustered than ever.

Ruby: "YANG!! Quit it your gonna make him pass out again!!!" She said as she hit her sister on the arm, not fazing yang in the slightest.

Yang: "Oops. Sorry." She said as she released her child on me. I took a deep breath as I recovered before telling her it was fine. "Just look out for my little sister okay?" She said a bit more seriously but still with a playful attitude and a wink. Ruby was about to call out her sister again before I spoke.

Y/n: "I will" I said with a smile as I looked her dead in the eyes. "Going out with a YANG sounds fun and all, but I'll look after her." Yang gave an even wider smile while Ruby groaned in annoyance.

Ruby: "Not you too! Great now theres two of them!" She said with a huff as she crossed her arms and cutely pouted.

Yang: "Ha! I think you and I are gonna get along just fine. Just dont go passing out for another week okay? Ruby was really worried about you. Anyways let's head on down, I wanna see what dads got cookin!" She said with a playful punch to the shoulder that had a little too much force behind ismt and made me stumble slightly, and walked downstairs. I chuckled and began to follow her, but noticed Ruby was still standing in the hall with a somber expression.

Y/n: "Hey are you alright?" I asked her as I walked back and stood in front of her. She glanced up at me before looking down at the floor for a moment hiding her expression. I was about to speak again when i was caught off guard be her wrapping me in a surprise hug, barely coming up to the middle of my chest because of the height difference. While I was still caught in shock she spoke.

Ruby: "I really was worried you know..." she said as she tightened her hold on me. This brought a noticeable blush to my face but I smiled and returned the hug anyway.

Y/n: "I'm sorry for making you worry. I'm fine now though, I'll try not to let it happen again."

Ruby: "Promise...?" She asked as she looked up af me slightly, still not taking her head off my chest.

Y/n: "Pinky promise." I said as I held up my pinky finger in front of her. She smiled at me and locked pinky sealing the agreement. "Now come on, let's not keep those two waiting. I'm excited to try your dads cooking." With that said she giggled a bit before backing out of the hug, as we both walked down the stairs.

'All things considered...that went pretty well.'

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(Welp I gave you guys a short chapter last time so here I present you with this MONOLITH chapter of almost 3800 words! I hope you guys enjoyed and next chapter we'll be getting back to the actual story. Hopefully I wont be sick when I try and write it, and I apologize for any slip-ups in this chapter because of that. In the meantime heres a song, and I hope you enjoyed! Until next time!)

(STAND ON TOP!)