Diva - Chapter 23

‘Sure you don’t want anything special?’ Ruby typed while the line inched forward.  ‘Scone?  Latte?  Anything other than a dark abyss of tar?’

She waited only a few seconds for a response.

‘The usual, thank you.’

A second message quickly followed.  This one a slightly warmer, ‘But please get yourself anything you want.’

What Ruby wanted couldn't be bought at the coffeeshop, but she sent back an affirmative response before blowing out a breath and pocketing her phone.  Anxious energy had set up camp under her skin the instant she woke up and refused to leave.  Little shivers were so frequent that she foolishly wore a jacket thinking the added warmth would help.  It didn’t, and now the back of her neck prickled with sweat in the too-warm coffeeshop.

“Hey, Ruby,” the barista greeted her at the front of the line.  “The usual?”

She pulled an empty cup off the stack while Ruby said, “Yes, please.  And a chocolate chip cookie.”

“That must be for you.”

“Maybe.”  Ruby smiled as the girl filled the cup with jet-black coffee then grabbed the cookie from the display case.  “This’ll probably be my last day here for a while,” she admitted while swiping her card through the reader.

“Oh, no!  What happened?”

“Nothing bad,” Ruby quickly added.  “Today’s the last day of filming, so…guess you could say I earned my freedom.”

“Congrats!  We’ll miss seeing you around every day.”

“Maybe I’ll come back to see you,” Ruby joked as she picked up the cup in one hand and the pastry bag in the other.  “I have to come back at least once to get one of these cookies,” she added, inhaling the delicious chocolate aroma before grinning and waving as the barista chuckled.  Once outside the coffeeshop, she took a deep breath before jaywalking across the street to Crescent Productions.

Stopping by the coffeeshop had become such a habit that she didn’t know what she would do without it.  The extra half hour of sleep would be nice, but where would she get her morning jolt of energy in the form of coffee grinders and coffee-infused air?  Who would she swap work jokes with, always careful not to give away the identity of her ‘awful’ boss, who turned out not to be so awful after all?

Another wave of nerves swept from her fingers to her toes when Weiss entered her thoughts, adding restless speed to her pace as she neared the tram stop.  As usual, it was packed with employees ready to start their own days answering the beck and call of the few who arrived via limousine or luxury car.  Cups of coffee abounded.  As did plenty of yawns or mindless scrolling on phones during the wait.

As soon as she joined the periphery of the group, a young man wearing a baseball cap and headphones caught her gaze and smiled.

“Hey, Ruby.”  Pushing his headphones off his ears, he gave up his more favorable position in line in favor of waiting with her.  “Heard you’re wrapping today.”

“That’s the plan.  Of course, Cardin’s involved so…”

He chuckled as Ruby meaningfully trailed off and glanced to the side as the tram turned the corner.  “Don’t worry, they’ll make you stay all night if he messes up.”

“You know just what to say.”  She shook her head but smiled as they waited their turn to board.  Once on the tram, he followed her to the back and dropped into the seat beside her.

“Eighteen’s supposedly getting a new crew tomorrow, so they need you out ASAP.”

“Like…out out?  As in…everything??”

“Yup.”  The tram set into motion, subtly pushing her back in the seat as she stared at him in dismay.  “Hope you don’t have plans,” he added with a chuckle.

“I haven’t made plans since I started this job.”

“Good call.”  He glanced out the window as the tram stopped at the first studio before turning back to her.  “Thinking of joining another crew?  We just lost a PA, so you could join us.”

“No way.  Who left?”

“Melanie.”  When Ruby gasped, he nodded.  “Said something about how she’d rather live in hell than come back.  But, you know, I’m sure you’d do great.”

“I think I’ll pass…” Ruby replied before laughing and shaking her head.  “I’ve got some other life stuff going on now, but great to know I have options.”

“You’ll be back.”  Her brow rose at his certainty, but he nodded and grabbed his bag as the tram stopped outside his studio.  “Once you’ve caught the bug, it’s hard to quit,” he added before leaving her with a friendly wave and a, “I’ll see you around.”

“Yeah, see you.”  Ruby waved and watched him hurry to the studio.  Once the tram returned to motion, she leaned back and blew out a breath.

He sounded so confident that she would be back, but she wasn’t.  Art was her passion.  Her dream.  And she finally had the opportunity to turn it into a career.  Being a PA was just…a random side job that had helped her earn some independence along the way.  It wasn’t supposed to be forever, and it certainly wasn’t supposed to put a knot in her stomach or leave her facing the unknown when she stood in Studio 18 for the last time.

It felt like a high school shop class had used clamps on her innards, compressing and squeezing until she could hardly breathe.  She swiped her badge in front of the scanner like Coco had taught her, then entered the building like walking into her second home.  She might share this space with dozens of other people, but it was theirs.  At least, it was theirs until tonight.

Her feet took her to the PA table on autopilot.  There, she set down the coffee and pastry bag, then dropped her bag on the floor.  Excited voices drew her attention to the video tent, where two cameramen joked about something while sorting through rolls of film.  

Oob already had one of his prop lackeys on stage making alterations to the realistic bar used for Cardin’s scenes yesterday.  The bottles of alcohol had been a nightmare to set up, mostly because Ozpin had been extremely picky about how the labels looked in the reflection of the mirror behind them.  Several bottles might have found their way to the floor during the constant shuffling around.  They were filled with water, thankfully, but Cinder had been pissed nonetheless.

Before Ruby even started wondering what today might be like, the deliveryman wheeled the typical boxes of food through the door.

“Morning!” she called out, hurrying over to unload the boxes near the folding table.  “Just curious,” she added before he left.  “How many deliveries do you make every morning?”

He paused, his brow furrowing as he did the mental calculation.  “About fifty,” he said, then wheeled his handcart away while she stared at him in wide-eyed surprise.

“No wonder you’re always in a hurry…” she mumbled to herself as she opened the first box.

She would miss the free food, but who wouldn't miss catered meals showing up like clockwork?  The crew didn’t get to eat like clockwork, of course, but it was still better than cooking for herself.

“Good morning,” Velvet greeted her during breakfast preparations.  “Excited?”

Ruby glanced at Velvet, whose warm smile and relaxed demeanor suggested that today was worthy of celebration, before confirming that Coco had just arrived as well.

“I think so?” she admitted.  “I’m not really sure what to expect.”

“A typical day,” Velvet explained while helping Ruby with the last few trays of food.  “With some tearful goodbyes at the end.”

Ruby exhaled and glanced at the front door before saying, “Don’t know if I’m ready for that…” 

Her dread grew at the thought of saying goodbye to Weiss in particular.  She knew that she wouldn't see any tears though.  She might cry, if the current tightness in her chest was any indication, but Weiss would not.

While breaking down the cardboard boxes, she glanced at Velvet once, then twice, before finally sucking in a breath.  “Do you and Pyrrha keep in touch?” she asked in one quick exhale.  She motioned with her hands when Velvet turned toward her.  “You know - once filming’s done.  Do you keep in touch or just…go your separate ways?”

“We exchange messages every once in a while.  And we grab lunch sometimes to catch up.”  Velvet studied Ruby for a second before adding, “But some people talk all the time.  It’s not the same for everyone.”

When Velvet offered an encouraging smile, Ruby nodded and stared at the box in her hands.  Some people might stay in touch.  What Velvet didn’t say was that others - possibly even the majority - might not see or speak to each other unless they ended up on the same crew in the future.  Being friends within the bubble of this film was one thing, but once they were released into the real world…well, their lives couldn't be more different.

Trying not to let those downcast emotions win so early in the day, Ruby waved at Oscar while he grabbed his radio.  He moved quickly, anxious to get to work, but Ruby’s gaze slid from him to the front door the instant a limousine pulled up.  Her heart started drumming in her ears, and her entire body oriented itself toward the door as Weiss emerged from the vehicle.

Weiss looked as stunning as ever, but Ruby’s feelings for her had become almost as complicated as Weiss was herself.  Like a bundle of spare cables thrown into the back of a cement mixer and tumbled through an unfinished construction zone, one thought led seamlessly yet randomly to another until she had no clue how she truly felt.  As soon as she saw Weiss reach back into the limousine for a pink box, however, her feet started moving on their own volition.

“Hey, Ruby,” Oscar called out as she neared him, but she motioned for him to give her a moment and continued to the door.  She opened it right as Weiss got there, saving Weiss from balancing the box in one arm while searching for her ID with the other.  Ruby’s sudden appearance surprised her, but she froze for only a second before carrying on as if she had expected Ruby to open the door all along.

“Good morning,” she said while sweeping into the building with Ruby on her heels.

“Good morning.  Need help with that?”

When Ruby pointed at the box, Weiss finally paused and looked at it as if she had forgotten its existence.

“I suppose you could,” she replied, pressing the box into Ruby’s hands.  “You can help by eating all of it.”

Ruby’s heart clenched at the faint reminder that today was the end, but she looked at the box and said, “You are fattening me up!” 

“Like that’s even possible,” Weiss scoffed.  “You could eat donuts around the clock and not gain a pound.”

“Sounds like a challenge, and you know how I feel about challenges.”  Ruby grinned and waggled her brow at Weiss, who represented one of the biggest challenges she had ever faced, and Weiss rolled her eyes but vaguely smiled in return.  “But, uh, thank you,” Ruby added.  “You didn’t have to get me anything, but I love these, so I absolutely accept.”

“I got extra this time,” Weiss explained when Ruby flipped open the lid and gasped at the mountain of baked goods.  “I figured you could share with your sister and Blake if you want.”

“That’s a big if.”  

Chuckling, Ruby hugged Weiss with one arm without even thinking about it.  She thought about it once Weiss’ hair brushed across her chin, blessing her with the sweet smell of flowers, and Weiss’ small frame fit snugly into her side.  Before doing something extra stupid, like kissing the top of Weiss’ head or burrowing her nose into Weiss’ hair, she let go and took a small step back.

“So…ready for today?”

“No.”  Ruby’s brow creased at the succinct response, so Weiss sighed.  “I usually look forward to the end, but today…”  She trailed off, her gaze sweeping around the busy studio before returning to Ruby’s eyes.  “Can we pretend it’s just another day?”

“If that’s what you want, then sure.”  It sounded like a doomed idea to Ruby, but she would do whatever Weiss wanted.  As her gaze landed on the PA table, however, a small grin slipped onto her lips.  “I guess that means you don’t want what I made for you…since it’s just a normal day and all.”

“You made something for me?” Weiss asked, her blue eyes locked onto Ruby now.

“Just a little something, yeah.  But that’s not normal…”

“You can give a gift on any day,” Weiss pointed out.  “It doesn’t have to mean anything.”

Ruby looked at the pink box in her hands, which absolutely meant something to her, before saying, “Right.”  During the ensuing silence, tainted as it was with a strain that refused to go away, her heart begged her to confess how much it meant that Weiss thought of her outside of work, and that she wanted it to mean something, no matter how improbable that would be.  And, most importantly, that she didn’t want today to be the end.

But she wouldn't rock the boat, especially not on the last day of work.  She cleared her throat and motioned Weiss over to the PA table instead.  There, she set down the bakery box and pulled out a small wrapped package from her bag.  She held it out to Weiss, but Weiss stared at it for several seconds before taking it.

“You wrapped it.”

“Well, yeah.  That’s what you usually do with gifts.”

While Ruby expectantly watched, Weiss pursed her lips and carefully slid one finger underneath the seam as if ripping the paper would tear a hole in space and suck them all into the next dimension.  Her brow remained furrowed, especially when she set the wrapping paper aside and looked over the journal in her hands.

“I started a new sketchbook a couple weeks ago,” Ruby explained while Weiss turned it over.  “You probably noticed me doodling during breaks.  And I thought…maybe you’d like to keep it.  To remember things.”

After a glance at Ruby, Weiss opened the sketchbook and slowly turned the pages.  Her fingers lightly trailed across the page as she moved from one doodle to the next, devoting time and attention to each.  A smile slipped onto her lips when she reached the collection of cows that Ruby drew the day Oscar gave them an in-depth explanation on how to raise one.  A soft laugh escaped when she reached a recreation of the scene where Cardin accidentally slipped and tore his sleeve - Ruby felt like she had nailed Coco’s reaction, in particular.

Then there were doodles of Weiss.  Ruby’s cheeks warmed as she realized how many there were - she hadn’t thought she drew Weiss that much, but Weiss said nothing while slowly flipping the pages.  Just when Ruby wondered if Weiss would look through the entire sketchbook right then, Weiss let it fall closed and met Ruby’s gaze.

“Thank you,” she said, gently running her hand across the cover.  “This is one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten.”

“You’re welcome.”  Ruby’s heart wanted so badly to explode that she threw on a smile and said, “Just a normal day, right?” instead.

“Right.  Just a normal day.”  The tension had become so constant that it felt normal, but Ruby felt the added stress as they stared at each other.  Before she filled the void with another joke, or anything to loosen the shackles binding them, Weiss cleared her throat and said, “Winter convinced me to have dinner with my brother last night.”

“You did?” Ruby asked, latching onto the subject change like a lifeline.  “How was it?”

“It was…nice.”  Weiss ruminated for a second before adding, “He’s just as annoying as I remembered.  I don’t know why I wanted to see him again.”

Even though Weiss rolled her eyes, a smile slipped onto her lips.  Ruby’s heart grew two sizes too big.

“I’m glad you got to see him.  I’ve always wanted a little brother.”

“Perfect.  You can have mine.”

When Ruby laughed, Weiss finally smiled.  And, like the sun peeking between storm clouds, everything felt…normal.  The fleeting reprieve threatened to slip away the instant Ruby recognized it, but Coco saved them both by striding over and pressing a tan jacket into Weiss’ hands.

“Try this on for me?” she asked with hardly a pause as she carried on across the studio.  Weiss, meanwhile, gave the jacket a puzzled look.

“They’re letting me wear real clothes today?” she asked with such confusion that Ruby lightly snorted.

“The audience will be so disappointed,” Ruby joked.  She was immediately rewarded when a short laugh slipped through Weiss’ lips, but a smirk followed.

“Just the audience?”

Ruby opened her mouth as if she had an incredible comeback planned, but she just gaped like a goldfish while her cheeks steadily warmed.  Weiss noticed - she had also caught Ruby staring a few too many times at the skimpy outfits her character seemed to love - but she showed mercy this once.  

“Hold my bag, please.”  Weiss handed over her small, white bag before shrugging into the new jacket.  “And don’t get it dirty,” she added.  “It costs over ten thousand dollars.”

“Ten thousand dollars?” Ruby squeaked before holding the bag like a piece of gold, which it might as well be.  “You could feed a whole bunch of kids with this.”

“Doubtful.  It hardly holds my phone - food for any amount of children would never fit.”  A startled scoff slipped through Ruby’s lips at the remark, so Weiss squinted at her before waving a hand and adding, “Oh, you mean feed it to children.  I don’t think kids eat leather, but we could try it out on Oscar.”

Weiss’ deadpan expression was so convincing that Ruby nearly believed it.  Then she noticed the sparkle in Weiss’ eyes and started giggling.

“Please don’t do that,” she got out in between giggles.  “He might actually eat it.”

“The price of stupidity,” Weiss muttered under her breath before pulling the jacket tight around her shoulders and buttoning it up.  “How’s it look?”

As Weiss held out her arms and turned from side to side, Ruby leaped at the opportunity to study her from head to toe.  Her perfect, soft hair.  Her stunning blue eyes.  Her captivating lips…

Ruby quickly dropped her gaze from Weiss’ lips and focused on the jacket clinging to Weiss like it had been tailored just for her.  Which, technically, it had been.  The tasteful buttons, perfect-length sleeves, and quality fabric all complemented her flawlessly.

“Really, really great,” Ruby concluded once her gaze returned to Weiss’ eyes.  “But everything looks great on you.”

The last part was either an overstep or stating the obvious, but Ruby couldn't determine which.  All she knew was that Weiss seemed to enjoy the compliments, and Ruby enjoyed giving them.

Weiss had just opened her mouth to respond when Cinder snapped her fingers and pointed to the wardrobe department.  “They’re ready for you,” was all she said while walking away, leaving Weiss staring after her in a mixture of annoyance and disbelief.

“Did she just…snap at me?”

“I believe she did.”

Weiss clicked her tongue but, after glancing at Ruby, let her scowl fade away.

“She’s lucky it’s the last day.”

“Otherwise, you’d personally escort her to the underworld?”

“Much worse,” Weiss replied, the devious glint in her eyes prompting Ruby’s laugh.  A smile eased onto her lips as she pointed to her bag, still in Ruby’s hand.  “Can you take that to my room?”

“Sure.”

“Thank you.”

Anyone would expect Weiss to simply walk away, but she smiled and gently squeezed Ruby’s arm first.  The smile alone would have made Ruby’s day, but feeling Weiss’ deft fingers loosely clasped around her upper arm made her yearn in a way that still took her breath away.  She wanted to pull Weiss to her, or she wanted Weiss to drag her down for a kiss.  She wanted to erase the background of work and chase desires that she sometimes believed they shared.  

Then Weiss let go and walked away, stealing Ruby’s heart and carrying it with her to wardrobe.  That was how it felt, at least, as Ruby watched her join Coco to begin preparations for the first scene.

Before Weiss caught her staring or Cinder caught her loitering, she glanced at the bag in her hands and took it to Weiss’ room.  When they first met, she would never have imagined being comfortable in Weiss’ room alone, nor could she have fathomed being left unattended with Weiss’ purse.

What did their future hold?  The answer scared her probably just as much as getting hurt scared Weiss.  So, she focused on her job instead - not that Cinder gave her much choice.  Despite being the last day of filming, their workload remained frantic, bordering on impossible.  She somehow found herself around Weiss more often than not, through a variety of lucky requests and her own determination.

After the first scene wrapped up, Pyrrha asked Ruby to read lines with Weiss while she worked with Cardin.  Weiss was incredible, as usual, and wowed Ruby with her ability to shift between emotions at the drop of a hat - or the drop of a line on the page.

Coco then shoved another outfit into Ruby’s hands and told her to help Weiss change - an experience that hadn’t gotten any less nose-bleedingly electrifying over time.  Weiss shed her clothing without modesty, leaving it up to Ruby to decide if she should turn away or not.  She snuck glances - Weiss probably noticed - but they acted like her flaming-red cheeks were nothing out of the ordinary.  Which, honestly, they kind of weren’t.

Pretending that things were ‘normal’ grew exponentially harder when lunch arrived.  Maybe it was the realization that the day was already half over.  Maybe it was how fast the morning flew by.  Maybe it was the sinking feeling that no amount of time would ever be enough.  Whatever it was, it stilted their conversations and reduced Weiss to the silent, brooding actress who Ruby hadn’t seen in some time.

After bringing Weiss lunch, which she didn’t eat a single bite of, Ruby watched the final scene progress with almost twisted ease.  None of the props broke, malfunctioned, or looked anything other than perfect.  The video and audio teams had zero issues with their equipment or in laying cords across the floor.  They were a well-oiled machine by now, working together as seamlessly as if they shared a brain.  Even Cinder - perpetually scowling, fire-breathing Cinder - seemed pleased by their work.  And Cardin…

Cardin nailing his lines on the first take was like being mocked by some cosmic joker.  Ozpin only added to Ruby’s misery by nodding along with the replay on the screen in his hands.  He liked it.  He approved.  So, despite Ruby expecting - or wanting - to work late into the night, he passed the tablet to Cinder and said, “That’s a wrap.”

The bubble of anticipation that had been growing all afternoon finally burst.  Some people clapped.  Some cheered.  Some patted each other on the back and offered high-fives.  Weiss, Pyrrha, and Cardin walked to the edge of the stage and bowed.  Everyone smiled, and the swell of happiness swept Ruby up with it.  She clapped and beamed at everyone around her, feeling a spike of pride at what they had accomplished.

Weiss was right: they all came together and created something magical.  They might go their separate ways now, but that couldn't diminish the blood, sweat, and tears they poured into this movie.  That couldn't erase the camaraderie they shared or the friendships they built.

Ruby immediately searched for Weiss in the crowd, finding her descending from the soundstage like a goddess must descend the stairs of heaven.  Despite the jubilation, Weiss appeared impassive and detached from the situation.  The moment her blue gaze sought out Ruby, however, Ruby recognized that she was bothered - almost troubled - by something.

“Yo, Ruby!”

Mid-step in Weiss’ direction, Ruby paused as Cardin bounded into her path, blocking Weiss from view.

“Just wanted to say thanks for being cool,” he added while pulling a thick wad of hundred-dollar bills from his pocket, peeling off a handful, and slapping them into her hand.  

“Uh…you’re welcome?”

Ruby stared at the money in her hand, unsure of what else to say, while Cardin waved Oscar over.  “Lil’ man, get her a shirt!” he said while Oscar dragged a large cardboard box across the studio floor.  Once Oscar opened it, Cardin leaned over his shoulder and said, “She’s probably a small.”

Oscar muttered something under his breath while flipping through piles of shirts.  Upon finding the one he wanted, he handed it to Ruby with an apologetic smile.  As soon as she held it out in front of her, she understood his reticence.

“Win-Chest-Monster?” she read aloud.  The three syllables occupied separate lines on the t-shirt with ‘chest’ plastered in an incredibly ironic or unfortunate location.

“Made it up myself.”  Cardin beamed before motioning for one of the cameramen’s attention.  “My offer still stands, by the way.  If you’re ever up for some fun, you know who to call.”

He held his hand up to one ear like a phone before winking and hurrying away.  Oscar, meanwhile, sighed and grabbed one of the box’s flaps to follow.

“We’ll hang out soon, right?” he asked, his eyes shining with hope.

“Of course!  Just call me and we’ll go to a movie or something.”

“Really?  Like, just you and -?”

“Oscar!” Cardin interrupted before hastily waving Oscar over.  “We’ve got another Winchestmonster here!”

Oscar blew a breath through his lips before looking at Ruby, who chuckled and said, “We’ll talk later.”  Mollified with the response, Oscar went to deliver more humorous or insulting gifts.  Ruby, meanwhile, pocketed the unexpected but pleasant bonus and draped the shirt over her shoulder.

Her gaze returned to Weiss like a bug drawn to maple syrup, but Glynda and Ozpin’s presence kept her feet on the floor this time.  The cordial conversation seemed serious, and Ruby could only imagine the topic.  Planning for the sequel already?  Asking Weiss who she did or didn’t want to work with again?

If it were an option, would Weiss want to work with Ruby again?  Or had this…whatever this was…run its course?  Ruby’s heart begged to know the answer, but she tore her gaze away and smiled as Velvet and Pyrrha walked over.

“Tearful goodbyes already?” she asked before accepting Velvet’s hug.

“Not goodbye.”  Velvet pulled away and shook her head.  “But a little tearful,” she admitted as her eyes shimmered.  “I’m so glad we got to work together.  This was the best time I’ve ever had as a PA.”

“Same,” Ruby agreed, grinning.  “I mean, not that I have anything to compare it to, but this was really fun.  And thank you - for teaching me everything.  Think you’ll be back?”

“I’m not sure yet.”  Velvet glanced at Pyrrha before adding, “But don’t worry - we’ll keep in touch.”

Ruby nodded at Velvet’s reassurance before accepting Pyrrha’s hug next.  This time, her heart clenched harder and her throat tightened along with it.

“It was lovely working with you,” Pyrrha said, as genuine as ever.  After pulling away and squeezing Ruby’s shoulders, she glanced at where Weiss still spoke to Glynda and Ozpin.  “Thank you for being patient with her,” she added in a quieter voice.  “I think this is the first time she’s ended a film with the same PA she started with.”

“A badge of honor I’ll put on my gravestone.”  Once Pyrrha’s gentle laughter faded, Ruby cleared her throat.  “But thank you for encouraging me to be patient.  I think I see what you see now.”

Pyrrha’s smile brightened.

“She’s wonderful, isn’t she?”

“She is.”

After returning Pyrrha’s smile, Ruby glanced at Weiss, who warmed her heart in unfathomable ways.  Sometimes, she still couldn't believe what an amazing person hid behind unscalable walls and lethal defenses, but she would be eternally grateful that she, of all people, had witnessed it.  It felt like joining an ultra-exclusive club where she and Pyrrha were the only members, and that was excellent company to keep.

“And I have a little something for you,” Pyrrha added while Velvet held up a pink gift bag tied with red and white ribbons.  “For all of your hard work.”

“You didn’t have to do that…” 

“Couldn’t let Cardin show me up, could I?”  

Pyrrha glanced at the boy, who was still handing out money like candy, before chuckling to herself.  Sensing that ‘no’ wasn’t an answer, Ruby accepted the bag from Velvet and said, “I’m going to miss seeing you basically every day.”

“Don’t worry.  The film might be over, but there will be opportunities for us to catch up in the future.”  Pyrrha glanced at Weiss before leaning closer and adding, “Plus, you could always come back for the sequel.”

“I’ll think about it.  Don’t want to overstay my welcome, you know?”

“She’ll want you back.”  Despite Pyrrha’s confidence, Ruby’s gaze flitted to Weiss.  Pyrrha then set one hand on Ruby’s wrist and added, “Trust me.”

Pyrrha lightly squeezed Ruby’s arm before motioning to the other side of the studio, where a great many other crew members needed and deserved their own goodbyes.  Ruby smiled and nodded, so Pyrrha and Velvet carried on to make the rest of their deliveries.  Once they had gone, Ruby peeked into the bag and discovered several expensive bottles of perfume along with a gift certificate to Vale’s most expensive day spa.

Tears started pricking at her eyes, so she quickly cleared her throat and blinked them several times.  She didn't know if she would ever see Pyrrha again.  If they did, it probably wouldn't be like this.  Her heart hurt at the thought, but that was only the tip of the iceberg.  

Weiss’ conversation with Ozpin and Glynda had ended, and now she stood alone.  If she was waiting for Ruby, it was impossible to tell.  It looked like she might get ready to leave, actually, and Ruby couldn't let that happen before talking to her first.  So, determined yet apprehensive about the impending interaction, she took a deep breath and headed over.

She only made it halfway before Cinder swept in front of her and shoved a white envelope into her hands.

“This is for you.”  

“Oh, uh, thank you.”

“It’s not from me,” Cinder quipped before marching off to deliver more envelopes.

After glancing at her name written across the envelope, Ruby pulled out a generic ‘thank you’ card from within.  Inside that card, however, was a check written for an amount that made her eyes boggle.  There was no indication as to who it was from, yet she didn’t need a name - only one person in this studio would make such a generous gesture without wanting any recognition.

Holding the check in one hand and Pyrrha’s gift in the other, she made her way over to Weiss.  Weiss watched Ruby’s approach with something akin to anticipation in her light blue eyes, but her posture lacked the semi-relaxed aura Ruby had grown accustomed to.

“If I ever see you wearing that, I’ll probably throw up,” Weiss said, nodding to the t-shirt draped over Ruby’s shoulder.

“Wear it?  I want to get it as a tattoo.  Where do you think - shoulder?  Arm?”

“How about your forehead?”

“Perfect,” Ruby replied with a laugh.  “Then everyone else can see it but me.”

A small smile was enough to stoke the butterflies in Ruby’s chest.  Rather than lose herself to that feeling, however, she held up the check and said, “I’m not accepting this, by the way.”

“What is it?”

“Nice try.  I know it’s from you.”

“Ruby,” Weiss began, sighing as if she’d had an exceptionally long day.  “If you’re going to blame something on someone, at least tell them what it is.”

For a split second, Ruby doubted herself.  But that was what Weiss wanted her to do.  And Weiss, as always, was an incredible actress.

“Nuh uh, not falling for that.”  Ruby wagged her finger in the air, so Weiss sighed again.  Not a ‘you caught me’ sigh either - a ‘I still don’t get it’ sigh that reinforced her supposed innocence.

“How about this -” Ruby began, having learned a thing or two about weaseling around Weiss’ ironclad poker face.  “I’ll keep it if you admit it’s from you.  If you don’t, I’m tearing it up and throwing it in the trash.”

“What even is it?” Weiss repeated more forcefully this time, so Ruby unfolded the check and held it in front of Weiss.

“Look familiar?”

“Looks like enough money for you to get your own place.”

Ruby squinted at Weiss, searching for any clue as to whether or not she was lying.  When Weiss didn’t flinch, Ruby shrugged.

“Yeah, it is,” she agreed before gripping the check in both hands.  “Too bad.”

A small rip hardly appeared in the middle of the flimsy piece of paper before Weiss grabbed her hands and said, “Wait.”  Ruby obediently stopped and lowered the check, though her skin tingled with thrill at how Weiss’ hand lingered on hers all the way down.

“Maybe it’s from me,” Weiss admitted.  “I don’t see why that matters - money is money.”

“It’s a lot of money.”

“Not to me.”  When Ruby’s brow furrowed, Weiss sighed again.  “Cardin’s handing out money and Pyrrha bought all those expensive spa days - how is this different?”

“It’s anonymous,” Ruby explained, something tugging at her heart the more she heard of Weiss’ argument.  “I don’t get it, Weiss…why don’t you let other people see who you really are?”

“Because I don’t know who I really am.”

“Sure you do.  You’re the person you’ve been protecting all this time.”

The answer flowed from Ruby’s lips like some biblical treatise she developed over years of living alone in the mountains.  But Weiss looked as if Ruby just spoke another language - one that she could almost understand but couldn't quite decipher.  In a more private setting, she might have asked Ruby to translate for her.  Here, surrounded by the people she spent considerable effort hiding from, she clasped her hands in front of her instead.

“You’ll keep it, right?”

Weiss motioned to the check in Ruby’s hands, so Ruby sighed.

“I don’t want your money…”

“I know.”  Weiss tilted her chin in a partial nod and let a smile flash across her lips.  “That’s why I want you to have it.”

Ruby blew a heavy breath through her lips, struggling with what she wanted versus what Weiss wanted, before eventually nodding and saying, “If it’ll make you happy, then…sure.”  She still waited for Weiss’ nod then slipped the check into her pocket and stuck the generic card into Pyrrha’s gift bag.  

Of all the ways she had imagined this moment to go, Weiss handing her a fat check hadn't been in a single one of them.  Then again, Weiss had a way of surprising her even when she thought she knew what to expect.  And when she didn’t know what to expect?  Not even the world’s smartest computer could predict Weiss’ next move.

The stilted silence enveloping them like a thick fog made her painfully aware of the blank canvas facing them.  She didn’t have an outline.  Not even a shred of an idea.  Just white, white, and more white waiting to be filled in.  When Weiss’ gaze slipped to the doors, through which they both saw the black limousine park in front of the studio, she realized that they were nearly out of time.  If she didn’t do something, not a single brushstroke would make it into existence.

“What happens now?” she blurted out, successfully drawing Weiss’ gaze back to her.

“The scenes we filmed go to editing, then Ozpin decides what he likes and doesn’t like.  Hopefully, we won’t have any reshoots and they’ll go right to test screenings.”

“...right.”

With us.  Ruby wanted to know what happened with the two of them.  Not that there even was a them.  But if there was, what happened when they no longer had an excuse to see each other every day?

“I meant with you and -”  Ruby’s flash of courage disappeared when Weiss’ eyes met hers.  “I meant with you and your life,” she redirected.  “What will you do next?”

Weiss stared so deeply into Ruby’s eyes that she probably read Ruby’s thoughts while mulling over a response.

“Well…”  she drew out the word as if the rest of the sentence had yet to be decided on.  Ruby found herself leaning forward waiting for it.  “There will be publicity tours,” she eventually said, and Ruby deflated like a popped balloon.  “Interviews, promo videos…anything to drum up interest.”

“I see…it sounds like you’ll be busy.”

“I suppose I will be.”  Another silence followed - this one more uncomfortable than the last.  “What about you?” Weiss eventually asked, so Ruby scraped her brain for an answer.

“Oh, uh, well Winter’s been asking me for new paintings, so I’ll work on those.”

“Right.  Good.  I’m sure it’ll be nice to get back to your passion.”

“Yeah, I guess, but won’t be the same.  You know, without coming here every day and…seeing everyone.”

Ruby motioned around the studio, where some members of the crew were already starting to leave, before ending on Weiss.  Silently, she begged Weiss to say something - anything even hinting at wanting to see each other again.  But, as her mind detangled the knots that Weiss presented her, she kept reaching the same conclusion: Weiss wouldn't.  

That depressing reality became true when Weiss glanced at the doors and then lightly cleared her throat.

“I don’t want to keep you.”  She nodded over Ruby’s shoulder - Ruby glanced that way to find Velvet and Pyrrha subtly watching - before straightening her posture and letting that impenetrable mask fall into place.  “It was nice working with you, Ruby.  I know we had our…differences…but you did a tremendous job and I…I really enjoyed our time together.”

“Y-yeah.  Same.  Me, too.”

What else was Ruby supposed to say?  What else could she say?  No magic words came to mind - nothing that wasn't desperate or pleading in a way that Weiss wouldn't enjoy.  Instead, her mind emptied as if telling her that nothing could be said - it sure felt that way as they stared at each other, neither blinking, before Weiss turned toward the door.

“Weiss, wait.”

Ruby’s hand shot out and grabbed Weiss’ arm.  But when Weiss looked at the hand on her arm, then into Ruby’s eyes, Ruby’s mouth dried out like a desert.

“I just…I wanted to thank you.  I didn’t know what to expect from this job, but it’s been an incredible experience.  I’ve learned so much and…I really loved working with you.  You’ve taught me a lot.  Not just about film but about myself and…everything.”

That wasn’t at all what Ruby hoped to say, but she couldn't imagine putting her real feelings out there only for Weiss to shoot her down.  And Weiss’ smile - a thin smile that didn’t reach her eyes - suggested that she understood.

“You taught me a lot, too,” she whispered.  When no other words found their way into existence, Ruby finally broke and hugged her.

Weiss burrowed against her, arms wrapping around Ruby’s waist and face buried in the crook of Ruby’s neck.  Ruby kissed the top of Weiss’ head before resting her cheek on that perfect white hair and holding on with no intention of letting go.  It felt like the moment she let go, this would be lost.  Everything they built would disappear in the wind.  Weiss’ fortress of walls would shove her out and never let her back in again.  Her chest tightened and tears stung her eyes at the thought of it. 

This was only supposed to be a side job.  Something she did to earn a little money and get on her feet.  A momentary deviation from pursuing her art career.  It wasn’t supposed to be…this.

Weiss pulled away first, forcing Ruby’s arms to release her, and kissed Ruby’s cheek before dropping down to her heels.  “Goodbye, Ruby,” she whispered before ducking her head and hurrying away.  Out of the studio, across the sidewalk, and into the limousine - she never looked back.

Ruby, meanwhile, could only watch her go.

“You’re going to see her again, right?”

Every last drop of energy had drained from her veins, but she dragged her gaze to Velvet and mustered something that hopefully looked like a smile.

“I don’t know.  Maybe?”

Velvet frowned at the response, or perhaps Ruby’s defeated aura, but motioned over her shoulder.

“We’re going out for drinks to celebrate.  Want to come?”

Celebrating was the furthest thing from Ruby’s mind, but if she went home, she would cry.  And if she cried, Yang would ask what was wrong, and then she would cry even more while trying to explain herself.  Faced with that gloomy future, she nodded and said, “Sure.  Sounds fun,” instead.

As Velvet opened her mouth to respond, Jaune bounded over and lowered his voice.

“You’ll never guess what I just heard: Cinder’s coming out with us.  So…prepare yourself.”

“How are we even supposed to prepare for that?” Ruby asked.

“You can’t,” Jaune replied before looking around and lowering his voice even further.  “I’ve heard she can be an experience when drunk.”

“A good or bad experience?” Velvet asked.

“No idea.  Guess we’re about to find out.”

While Jaune grinned and went away to deliver the news to everyone else, Ruby shared an amused look with Velvet.  “I’ll grab my things real quick,” Velvet added before heading away, leaving Ruby in temporary solitude that dragged her gaze back to the front doors.

Her heart hurt as if she had just lost a dear friend.  Which…she had, in a way.  She would miss Weiss’ beauty, poise, and the tremendous effort that went into everything she did.  The professionalism she displayed regardless of Cardin being an idiot or the props not working.  The way she elevated the rest of the crew by being exceptional at her job and expecting, or sometimes outright demanding, excellence from them.

But everyone knew that Weiss was pretty.  Everyone knew that Weiss was a great actress.  What Ruby would miss the most were the things so few seemed to know about her.

Like her sense of humor.  How her quick wit would appear when least expected, momentarily stunning Ruby before prompting laughter.  And her generosity - the check in Ruby’s hand was only a glimpse of her impact on others.  

Ruby used to believe that the only thing Weiss gave freely was criticism, but that couldn't be further from the truth.  Pyrrha knew, and Velvet probably suspected, but no one else noticed.  No one else saw what a kind, funny person Weiss was.  Everyone saw someone cold.  Someone demanding.  Impersonable.  

A diva.

And that was exactly what Weiss wanted.  That was the image she built for herself.  It was another role she played, and she played it to perfection.

If Ruby still believed in that caricature of Weiss, it would be much easier to say goodbye.  It wouldn't feel like a cannonball just blasted through her chest, leaving a gaping hole where her heart used to be.  It wouldn't feel like she just lost someone incredible…and someone who she still wanted in her life.