Chapter 14: What Matters ToUs

Aza, Cinder, Roman, and the hooded man sit around a table. Members of the White Fang are walking around them, piling the weapons and equipment brought back from the train.

"My apologies for the delay, Cinder," Aza respectively says. "We were attacked by Slater, then ran into some trouble with the Atlas Military. They weren't any match for me, however."

Cinder smiles.

"That's quite alright. Roman," she turns to him. "Is everything coming together as planned?"

Roman pulls his cigar out of his mouth.

"You're talking to a professional, of course it is. Good to see animals working hard."

Aza grinds her teeth at Roman, but a chuckle distracts her. Everyone looks toward the source of the laughter – to the hooded man.

"You know how to play with fire, Roman. Literally. But, Aza, leave him alone. You'll be taking orders from him once Cinder and her little posse leave for Beacon. That's less than a week away, no?" He asks, getting back to a serious manner.

Cinder lightly nods.

"It is. But... I assumed you would take command while I'm gone."

He lets out a single laugh.

"You think I want to lead your little brigade? No. I have my own business to attend to. Roman will suffice. Speaking of good enough," he leans on the table, closer to Aza. "I hear you and Neo couldn't defeat Slater."

Aza growls at him.

"I did what I had to do."

"You outsmarted the ignorant, and even still some of the suits were damaged in the process. What happened to killing him no matter what?"

Aza summons fire in her hand and shoves it towards the hooded man. She stops right before his face, which is still shrouded by the cloak. He doesn't move, despite the heat.

"Threats, hm? Very well," he pushes off the table as he stands. "Perhaps you want to fight me."

Aza nervously looks at the towering man before her. She turns her head away and allows the fire to go out.

"Hmph, that's to be expected. Cinder, I'm leaving. You all know how to contact me, if the need arises."

With that, the hooded man begins walking away, his every step echoing through the building. It's a heavy step, almost like a condensed earthquake. It shows power – power to destroy everything around him. Cinder angrily shakes her head at the man.

"He is difficult to work with."

"I like'em," Roman declares. "Anyhow, if you ladies are done bantering, I'd like to get back to work. Dust isn't going to steal itself you know?" Roman stands up and turns around. "Neo!"

Neo seems to almost materialize out of thin air, as nobody even knew she was in the room, and approaches Roman. "Let's go. We're leaving."

"One moment," Cinder calls out. Both Roman and Neo turn around. "Neo... how did Slater best you?"

Neo smiles and holds up her fingers, displaying a zero and a one, then winks at Cinder before turning around and walking away. There's an extra skip in her step as she walks, Cinder notices this. Something has her riled up? Excited? She's unsure. It's hard to tell with Neo, as she's one of the most difficult people for her to read.

Neo, on the other hand, has only two things on her mind. What Roman might have her do next, and when she'll be able to fight you again.

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"To think," Dylan speaks, fixing the sleeves of his coat. "The great Slater defeated so easily. Perhaps you shouldn't have been so cocky?"

"ACHOO!"

You rub your nose, staring at Dylan who's enjoying this ever so much. "You know what?" You threaten, you voice nasally and sick.

"What? You can barely go a minute without sneezing. Was it not Ruby who told you to stop standing out in the rain?" Dylan brings up, checking his shoes to make sure they're tied up tight.

You pout and look away from Dylan.

"I don't need your lecturing, Dylan. All I want is for you to skedaddle so I can sleep."

Dylan stands up straight and stares at you lying in your bed. He sighs.

"Are you sure you don't want me here? Seems you could use someone to at least be here for you. For no other reason than for you to tell them stupid jokes and sarcastic remarks."

You chuckle, then swivel your head back to Dylan.

"And you'd volunteer to go through that hell? You hate my jokes."

Dylan nods.

"True, but you could say I owe you one for saving me a couple days back."

You roll your eyes.

"Please, I'm always here to help with ladies, whether it be a crush or them trying to crush you."

Dylan shakes his head and approaches the door.

"Yeah, whatever. Just don't overexert yourself, alright? If you need something then send me a message."

"What? For you to look at it and say 'do it yourself'?" You predict.

Dylan snickers, looks at his shoes for an instant then back to you.

"Pretty much, yeah. Take care of yourself, Slater."

"Ye- ah, ah, ACHOO!" You let out a howling sneeze, shaking the bed.

Dylan snickers as he exits the room.

"Shut up!" You shout at him, but it's no use. He's gone.

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Dylan walks through the halls of the building with a specific dorm in mind. He was surprised to be invited out to the town, especially at a later hour. Seven at night isn't that late compared to other times, but he simply wasn't expecting his trip to the training room to yield an outcome such as this. Dylan rolls his right shoulder, testing to see if it still hurts. He's recovered quickly from his battle with Aza, thanks to his aura and to you. You made sure he healed nicely before returning to Beacon. It's the second time you've helped save his life, even if he wasn't in danger of dying from these sets of wounds.

But that night still troubles him. His sister, the one who's watched over him for so long was so ready to strike him down with no regret. All for the name of the White Fang and justice. That act alone has warped everything he's known, and your kindness hasn't helped. The kindness of all humans haven't helped. Only a few he's encountered have been cruel to him, but the positives far outweigh the negatives. This isn't like last time. Nobody is like them.

Dylan clenches his fist as he stands in front of the door. He didn't mean to lead his mind to back then, but it just happened. Perhaps all this thought roots back to it. To when he first left the White Fang. To when he thought he found his purpose. But that seems shrouded now. Almost proven wrong, in a sense.

He shakes his head and escapes the maze of his mind. He focuses on the now, and what he's intending to do. He knocks on the door twice with the bone of his index finger, then patiently waits for a response. Within a few seconds, the door opens to reveal Blake, who is holding the door open, along with the rest of team RWBY looking at who Blake was so eager to meet.

"Oh, it's Dylan," Ruby concurs, going back to her bed.

"Are you ready?" Blake bluntly asks.

Dylan nods.

"Sure. Let's go."

"Oh? And where are you two going?" Yang teases, crossing her arms and smiling smugly.

"Library," Dylan quickly answers before taking a step away from the dorm.

Blake turns around to grab the door handle.

"I'll be back before curfew," she informs before closing the door.

Blake catches up to Dylan, who was walking slowly.

"So you have information on the White Fang?" Blake asks, her tone far more serious.

Dylan slowly nods, looking around.

"I do, but we'll discuss that when we get to the library. In the meantime, we're actually lucky to be going," Dylan says, changing subjects to an average, less suspicious conversation.

"Oh? Why's that?" Blake inquires, turning her head towards Dylan.

"Slater seems to have caught a cold and isn't doing too well. I was worried I'd have to take care of the idiot myself. But, he's stubborn as always and refuses the help," Dylan finishes in an exhausted tone.

"Oh? Really?" Blake mumbles, an idea forming in her mind.

She takes out her scroll and quickly types up a message for her illustrious leader. Dylan notices some of the words she types.

"Why're you letting Ruby know he's sick?"

Blake quickly sends the message and places her scroll in her pocket.

"Well, I'm not supposed to say, and Ruby wouldn't admit it herself, but she's got a crush on him."

Dylan chuckles.

"She must have an acquired taste to like him. But... I suppose I can see it. They were talking to each other in the rain a few days back."

Dylan and Blake approach the door. Dylan opens it for Blake and allows her to pass first before following.

"Hm... it's possible that it was the day she asked me for advice on it. Truthfully, I don't know what conclusion she came to, but I believe she's recognizing her feelings."

"She's only a kid," Dylan brings up.

"She isn't much younger than us, and, if you think about it, (Y/N)'s maturity level doesn't surpass hers."

Dylan and Blake laugh at that.

"Very true," Dylan agrees, nodding his head as he lets out the last few chuckles. "But, that's none of our business anyway. His love life means little to me."

"Even if you're friends?" Blake brings up with a smug smile.

"Tsk, friends? I... I don't know about that. He called me a friend when... look, let's just get to the library. We can talk then."

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Ruby flips through some of her books, but can't find anything she wants to read. Finally, she looks to the corner of her bed and sees the book you lent her some time ago. She still hasn't read it completely yet. She saves it for when she's with you. She hasn't had much time to read it with you, unfortunately. She wants to, but... well her own conflicting feelings are getting in the way.

Since her walk a few days ago, she still doesn't have an answer. She ended up standing in front of the statue of your family and thought. She's never really done that before, and it almost reminded her of when she visits her mother's grave. But, like when she visits Summer's grave, she felt a sort of comfort while standing there. Part of her wished you were there with her, which adds to her feelings. She wanted you there. She wants you here.

Ruby grazes her hands over the book, but is interrupted when her scroll goes off. She jumps at the sudden surprise, which Yang and Weiss notice, but dismiss instantly. Ruby reaches to her scroll and reads the message from Blake.

"Ruby, apparently (Y/N) is alone. Just trying to help you out, not that he's the boy or anything, but I thought you'd like to spend time with him."

Ruby narrows her eyes at the message, and how cheeky Blake is being to her. But, the thought it tempting. She's not really doing anything right now, and she really does enjoy your company. Ruby nods to herself, swiping her scroll and the book before she hops off the bed. Yang looks over to her sister who's approaching the door.

"Where're you going, sis?" Yang casually asks, messing with her hair as she lies on her bed.

"I'm gonna see what (Y/N) is doing," Ruby answers.

Weiss and Yang share a look, Yang smirking.

"Oh... well, have fun," Yang hopes with a certain spunk in her voice.

Ruby closes the door behind her and lightly jogs through the halls. It takes very little time for her to reach your room, but the first thing she hears is something she wasn't expecting.

"A...A... ACHOO!" You howl, shaking the halls of the building.

Ruby stops a few doors down from yours. No doubt that was you. It sounded like you, but... why are you sneezing?

"ACHOO! HACHOO! ACHOO!" A succession rustles

Ruby giggles at the thought of you sneezing. With a smile on her face, she approaches your door. She knocks twice, then knocks once after a moment. She waits a moment, swinging her hips front and back in a cutesy manner, imagining what condition you're possibly in. She has a certain confidence right now, hoping, though a maleficent thought, you're sick. She wants to see if you're truly sick so she can say "I told you so." She remembers telling you not to stand in the rain, and she's noticed you've been wandering during the night more and more.

The door slowly opens to reveal you, leaning against the door looking like you've seen a ghost. Your skin is pale, your eyes are drooping, and you keep wiping your nose. You look down at Ruby as lazily as you can.

"Little Re... Re... RACHOO!" You sneeze, turning away from Ruby and sneezing into your arm. "Ahh... bleh..." You dart your eyes over to Ruby, who's looking as happy as ever. You narrow your eyes at her. "What're you looking at?" You pout.

Ruby continues to smile, staring at you with her shining silver eyes.

"Oh nothing. Do you mind if I come in, and close the door. You're loud enough with the door closed," she chuckles, teasing you.

You roll your eyes and walk away, letting your hand slide down the door to your side.

"Yeah... knock yourself out. God knows I want to."

"You want to knock me out?" Ruby pouts, sadistically playing with you.

"What? No, of course not!" You quickly respond. "I meant knock myself out and... ehhh whatever," you say in defeat, falling face first onto your bed.

Ruby chuckles as she closes the door behind you.

"Do you need anything? Water, or maybe some medicine?"

You moan from the pillow loudly, right before...

"ACHOO!!" You release it into the pillow, making it all condense around your face. You slowly start fake crying at your state.

Ruby giggles at your suffering but she does walk to the bathroom to get you some water. She fills up a cup she finds near your sink and sits it to the side. She lets the water run so it becomes colder, but also allows the sound of running water to calm you. She looks over at you to check your state. You've rolled off the pillow and are staring at the ceiling now.

"Sounds nice," you admit, your voice painfully nasally.

"Better than sneezing?" She brings up.

You nod, smiling.

"Definitely better."

Ruby smiles and looks back to the tap. She grabs the cup and moves it under the water, allowing the cup to fill up with some decently cold water. Once the cup is mostly full, she turns off the tap and saunters to you. She places the water on your bedside table then sits on the edge of your bed.

"How long have you been sick for?" Ruby softly speaks.

"Mmm... just today. Dylan's been taking... well, taking care of me isn't really the word for it, but he's making sure I don't die or anything," you snicker.

"But he left you for Blake."

You shake your head.

"Always for the ladies, of course. Next time I'll just hang out with you instead of him," you plan.

Ruby becomes a shade of pink at the thought of you wanting to spend time with her like that.

"I... I wouldn't mind it. Us hanging out, I mean."

"Well, isn't that what we're doing right now? Even if – ACHOO," you rub your nose. "Even if you're technically taking care of me."

Ruby shrugs.

"It's my pleasure. Better than Weiss taking care of you, right?" She jokes.

You both laugh.

"Yeah, yeah that's true. Hey, is it hot in here or is it just me?"

Ruby leans closer to you and place her small hand on your forehead, keeping secret how fast her heart is pounding in his situation.

"You do feel hot. Here, I'll get you a cloth. Just... um... drink some water!"

You nod and grab the cup to drink as Ruby runs to the bathroom to get the damp cloth. You watch as Ruby rushes around your room to take care of you. It's an odd feeling. You haven't needed someone to take care of you in years, and now it's by someone who's younger than you. Still, there's a comfort you can't deny in having Ruby taking care of you. She's fun to be with, and evidently responsible by the way she's acting now. She's... interesting. Unique. You'd be lying if you said you didn't enjoy her around. You'd be lying if you said you didn't like her.

Ruby scurries back to you, quickly placing the cloth on your forehead.

"Gah, it's so cold!" You whine.

"It has to be, silly. Would you rather be getting warmer?" She proposes.

You shake your head.

"No, no, this is fi- fi- FACHOO!"

Ruby ends up laughing at your sneeze again.

"Shut up!" You pout.

Your childish face makes Ruby laugh even harder. You roll your eyes and look away.

"Aren't you supposed to be older than me?" Ruby teases.

"Aren't YOU supposed to shut up?" You remark, still fake angry.

Ruby clicks her tongue and stands up.

"Fine. I guess I'll just leave you alone then," she declares as she begins to walk away.

"Wait!" You unconsciously shout.

Ruby stops, slips one leg around her other, and spins her body to face you. Your arms are crossed and you're looking away from Ruby.

"You... you don't have to go," you whisper.

Ruby melts at your words. As evil and sadistic as she's being for the fun of it, she can't help but want to keep going just to see your reaction to it all.

Ruby returns to her previous seat on your bed and look at you.

"I still have that book you leant me. Do you want to read it together?" Ruby offers, slipping the book out of her pouch.

You look over at her and the book. You notice a glimmer of hope in her eyes that you'll agree. You warmly smile and nod.

"Sure, why not. But, ah... do you know where some tissues are? I don't think I have any here."

Ruby looks around and confirms with what you said.

"I have some in my room. I'll go grab some."

Ruby bounces off your bed and heads out the door, leaving you all alone. You rest completely on your bed, relaxing before the bubbly redhead comes back. But before you can, you hear a knock on your door. You doubt it's Ruby, for she wouldn't knock. You groan as you lift yourself off your bed and stumble towards the door. You open it up and are surprised to see Jaune and Ren, standing patiently at your door.

Jaune waves, while Ren bows his head.

"Hey (Y/N)," Jaune starts, his happy-go-lucky tone still there. "I heard you were sick."

"Literally. We heard you," Ren clarifies.

You chuckle.

"Yeah, sorry about that," you rub the back of your head.

"Have you taken any medicine?" Ren calmly asks.

You shake your head, then take a step back so Jaune and Ren can enter. They do, and Ren closes the door behind him.

"Well, it's a good thing I brought this," Ren pulls out a glass of green liquid.

Jaune look at it and moans, face palming.

"Oh no," he mumbles.

You raise your brow at the concoction in Ren's hand.

"It's a blend of herbs and spices that will stimulate the body's natural healing process. Please, drink it," Ren politely insists, extending the drink to you.

You slowly go to grab it, keeping your eyes on Jaune. He looks far more concerned than you'd like to be. Ren's serious, and almost hopeful look, makes you want to put faith in him. You take a deep breath, raise the glass towards Jaune, then down the entire glass in one go. Jaune watches in amazement as Ren stands proud. You pull the glass away as you realize what you just drank. The texture, odd. The taste, revolting. The health benefits, unknown.

You hand the glass back to Ren, trying to keep the concoction down. The taste is attaching itself everywhere around your mouth, ensuring it lingers for as long as possible. But, you've come to believe that things that taste bad are usually healthy. Still, they taste bad. You give Ren a reassuring smile, completely hiding your absolute disgust.

"Ah, it's good to see someone can handle healthy food. Would you like me to make you more?"

"No!" You instantly shout, then calm down. "No. It's fine, Ren. I think that'll be all I need for," you rub your stomach. "A w-a... ah... ACHOO!"

Suddenly a small red blur comes into your room, leaving pedals all over the floor as she grinds to a half in front of you.

"Sorry that took so long we didn't have any in our room and I had to find some but I couldn't so I asked Professor Port and he kept talking and..." Ruby slowly realizes that Jaune and Ren are in the room. She waves at them with a wide smile. "Hi Jaune! Ren!"

"Hey Ruby. I see you're taking care of (Y/N)," Jaune pieces together.

You give him a menacing glare, which he only giggles at.

"Well, I wouldn't say tissues is taking care of someone-"

"Yeah, I can take ca- ah... ACHOO! Goddamnit," you say right after, immediately covering your mouth after in an attempt to hide what you just said in front of Ruby.

Thankfully she didn't seem to notice since she continues to talk to Jaune. Ren shakes his head at your mistake, but remains friendly. Ren turns to Ruby as she talks to Jaune and notices something about her. She's moved position to one beside Jaune, which gives her a view of you and him. He also notices that her eyes tend to look your way, if only for a split second, before returning to Jaune. Ren nods in understanding, then moves beside his teammate.

"It seems Ruby has this under control. Perhaps it is our time to leave?" Ren suggests.

Jaune looks over at Ren, then shrugs.

"He is right. You can handle him on your own, and the less people here the less chance we'll all get sick."

Ruby nods, hiding her excitement of being alone with you again. She won't admit it, but she was slightly worried when she noticed Jaune and Ren. They're her friends and she loves spending time with them, but she was really hoping for it to just be you and her again. So now that they're leaving she can finally have that.

Ruby looks away, contemplating that thought. She wants to be alone with you. She was worried when others were here. More and more she realizes that she has some sort of desire to be close to you and a need to help you. Maybe she does... maybe she really, finally, likes a boy.

Jaune and Ren leave with a wave and close the door behind them, letting you and Ruby be alone. Ruby feels an awkward silence fill the air. She doesn't know what to say. You don't know what to say. But something does know exactly what to say.

"ACHOO!!" You let out.

Ruby stares at you for a second then bursts out laughing. Her laugh is so cute, so contagious that you can't help but laugh along with her. Ruby moves beside you as she laughs and slowly place her hand on your back.

"Alright, get back to bed. You need to rest."

You scratch your neck as she lightly pushes you towards your bed.

"Fine," you moan, getting back into bed.

Ruby takes her usual spot on the edge of her bed, then hands you the tissue box. You smile, taking it from her, and set it on your bedside. You then fall flat on your back, staring up at the ceiling.

"Ruby..."

"Yeah, (Y/N)?"

You inhale as much as you can before loudly saying.

"I'm boooored!"

Ruby chuckles and grabs the book once more.

"I brought this? Do you finally want to read it?" Ruby offers.

You smile and nod, allowing the little hooded girl to read. Ruby opens up the book to the next section of the book, and she reads it like she's an expert.

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Blake keeps her eyes absolutely focused on Dylan and he tells his story. It's a simple one, but important. Everything that happened the night of the train – you fighting Neo, him fighting Aza, what they were after, how they got it, and how you saved his skin. Blake listens attentively, taking everything in.

"And now the White Fang have the suits – albeit less than planned – and the equipment and I have no idea what they could be doing now. It's..." Dylan tightens his fist on the table. "Aggravating."

Blake places her hand on Dylan's shoulder in an attempt to calm him down.

"Don't worry, we'll find them. You've found out more than I have, and now I have more information. I just need to piece it all together."

Dylan smiles slightly before Blake takes her hand back, though she let it linger for some time.

"From what I understand, you've learned little since the docks incident. The White Fang have had little trouble after that, other than the village."

Blake's face goes sour.

"I hate it. My mind is constantly going back to that night and what the White Fang are doing now. I just... I need to stop them!" She exclaims, becoming more passionate about it.

Dylan can't help but smirk.

"I'll help you. I've been in the White Fang for longer than you have, so I know them better."

Blake shakes her head.

"Have you been? I've been there since I was a little girl. I saw it change to the twisted form it is today, and I did nothing. Even thought it was right."

Dylan can almost feel the desperation and sadness seeping from Blake's words. Dylan stands up and walks past Blake, placing his hand on her shoulder so she follows.

"Hey!"

"Just follow me."

The two leave the library, and Blake follows Dylan's lead. He has his hands in his pockets, walking in a lazy fashion as he thinks on his next words. Eventually the two reach the edge of the docks, which instantly reminds Dylan of you. He's stealing your spot, this time around.

"I, uh... I didn't know anything but the White Fang. My parents were killed when I was only a year old, apparently, so Aza, my sister, was the only one who could look after me. She was only four or five herself, not fit to raise a baby. So, she took us to the White Fang for help. Apparently humans they... they killed our parents. That's likely the root of Aza's grudge against them."

Dylan starts waving his hands forward, confusing Blake. But once water begins to rise into view, Blake understands what he's doing. He starts manipulating the water to look like a young boy and young girl.

"So, I grew up in the White Fang with Aza, going to every protest and every rally, not really knowing or understanding what we were doing."

Blake watches as Dylan manipulates the water to tell his story. It shows the two children, along with a few others, holding signs like a protest. Blake relates to this more than Dylan knows. She was there too, as a child. But... something about his demonstration is beautiful. The detail in the water, the way it shimmers and flows. It's amazing to her; she can't stop looking at it.

"I knew it was changing, especially after Adam took charge. But... it was all I knew, and Aza told me we were doing the right thing. She was the only family I had, you know?" The water changes to show older versions of the two, and Dylan hopefully looking at Aza. "Her word was the only one I truly trusted. She said it was right. I said it was right. But... after some time, actually before you left, Blake," he mentions, looking over at her to meet her amber eyes. "I remember that. Adam was furious," he huffs, somewhat chuckling. Dylan shakes his head, looking back at the water figures.

"I got fed up with the killing, with everything. So, I left. I ran away." The water forms into Dylan running from a group, but they don't care. "And within that day... my conviction was torn. I..." Dylan struggles with his next words, unsure how to tell the story, what words to use, examples to pull. The water forms into Dylan being talked to by three men. "The police found me, thought I was White Fang still. I tried to tell them otherwise, but they didn't listen. I didn't want to fight back, so I let them. I thought I could convince them otherwise."

The three men start beating Dylan, and more show up to join in. Blake looks away to Dylan, seeing the anguish and despair.

"They tortured me, but I didn't fight back. For days they hurt me... days," his voice filled with venom. "And as they beat me. As they shouted... I changed. My thoughts on humans, on how they should be spared completely changed. I snapped. I killed them." The waters figures fade away – all but Dylan. "The hope I had was diminished by these men, and I returned to the White Fang, intent on ending humans."

"Dylan... I... can't say I know how you feel. I was never treated like that... but..."

"Blake, none of this is your fault. We were both blinded. Maybe... I don't know," Dylan shakes his head, and all the water falls back to the lake below. "I want to believe that there's a good side of the White Fang, a side that's been corrupted but still redeemable. Killing humans... killing other Faunus... That's not how to bring equality, or even 'justice.'" Dylan clenches his fist, his entire arm shaking from anger. "But that's all I knew, and now... to see it in a different light, all because of Slater... it's... hard for me to decide what the right choice is."

Blake thinks on this herself. She knows what's right and what is wrong, but it's different for him. But she knows one thing that has helped her. Blake takes a step closer to Dylan and places her hand on his shoulder.

"Maybe you need to take a lesson from Ruby. Maybe you're more like (Y/N) than you think."

"Tsk," Dylan rolls his eyes.

"Dylan... I know your situation better than anyone else. If you're unsure, then I'm here to help. Working together, we can return the White Fang back to what they were before," Blake reassures.

Dylan looks over at Blake, who seems far more confident than he is. Dylan smirks, then looks away.

"I guess I can't argue that. It'll be hard though."

"When's it not? But with enough work, we'll stop them. We'll find Roman."

Dylan raises his brow.

"Roman? You know him?"

Blake cringes.

"I do. He's the one I need to find."

Dylan thinks for a moment.

"I... know a few places Roman often visits. Perhaps we can check those places?"

At last, since the docks, Blake has lead.

"We'll have to wait though," Dylan continues. "He's not at every place every day. But it's a start."

Blake nods.

"We'll do this, Dylan. We will."

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After some more conversation that isn't focused on the White Fang, Blake and Dylan finally retire. Having Dylan's room being closest, Blake volunteers to walk him there, to which Dylan gracefully accepts. Dylan reaches his room and flashes his scroll for entry. He's surprised that there's no more sneezing coming from the room. He's almost disappointed he won't get to see you suffer anymore.

Dylan and Blake enter the room to hear two distinct, light sounds. They look to your bed and see two people. There's you, under the blankets and sleeping peacefully. One of your hands are outside of the blankets, and linked to someone else. Your hand is under two layers. Your hand is cupping another hand, while that hand is acting as a pillow to a head. Blake leans on her hip and smiles at the sight. You and Ruby are sleeping peacefully, subtly snoring, almost cuddled together. There is some space between you and Ruby, but you're nearly spooning her.

Ruby suddenly shifts a bit, her face constantly smiling, and she gets even more comfortable. Dylan and Blake share a sly look.

"Should we wake them?" Dylan asks.

Blake shakes her head.

"No... let's leave them here. I'll talk to you tomorrow Dylan," Blake says as she leaves the room.

Dylan watches her leave, then once the door is closed he returns his gaze to you two. He can't help but smirk at the sight. It's... cute. Dylan changes into his pajamas, which is just his underwear, and turns off all the lights. You two can work out what'll happen tomorrow. It's not his business.

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Blake enters her room and is surprised to find Yang still awake, laying in her bed with her hands behind her head.

"Oh, Blake... I thought you were Ruby. She hasn't come back yet."

"Oh... well," Blake smirks to herself. "I think she'll be fine. You should go to sleep, Yang."

Blake grabs her pajamas and heads to the bathroom. Yang lifts off her bed and looks at Blake.

"What's that supposed to mean? Do you know where Ruby is?"

"She'll be taken care of, don't worry."

Aaaaaaaand done. Yes, I realize this is a shorter chapter than most, but I really couldn't write anything more without dragging on. It's a short, fluff, happy chapter and nothing more. Don't worry though, next chapter goes right into the actual Volume 2, so expect a food fight coming your way.

Also a lot of people were messaging me about the Volume 4 stuff. Everyone seems older, and everyone looks different. It seems nice, but a hell of a lot of work for me. Why? You know what I'm going to have to do during that timeskip? I have to make up another arc! By my estimations, there's probably about a year between Volume 4 and the Battle of Beacon (remember, it goes from summer or something to winter at the end of Volume 3, and then even more skip for Volume 4). That means everyone is probably older by at least a year, which is cool. But still, a lot of work. What am I saying? I already have a plot ready for that.

It also seems that everyone loved the Neo/Slater interaction. I'm glad you did, and all the "Neo x Slater x Ruby" comments are funny. Is that going to happen? Well, who knows? I already have stuff planned out with Neo, so you'll have to see what I have in store for you all.

But, that's it for me guys. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I'm looking forward to reading your comments/reviews.

FACT: GoldenShirt1234 is the realest and the only reason this story is good. Bow down to him. This is totally Chinsangan's words, don't doubt that!

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