Old Friends Reunited (Ruby x OC Smut Story)

Commission for someone. A Ruby x OC smut story. Never did this before, so hopefully it's okay. Wonder if you guys will like it.

Next patron thing will be the next chapter for Maid Jaune. Time for Weiss to have her fun with the Maid. May or may also involve her being a sis-con for Winter. We'll see. After Weiss, it'll be Cinder, Blake, or an outsider. People seem to want May Zedong or Reese Chloris.

[line break]

The ballroom was dazzling.

The place practically screamed wealth, with its giant golden chandeliers, polished marble floors, and ridiculously fancy decorations. Ruby could feel the money in the air, and she had no idea how Weiss wasn't breaking out into some kind of happy, high-society dance right now. Everywhere she looked, people were dressed to the nines - silk gowns, tailored suits, jewelry that probably cost more than a lifetime's worth of cookies. And, of course, the whole place was filled with the kind of polite, fake laughter that made her want to check if she still had her weapons on her.

Not that she could use Crescent Rose in a place like this, but still. It would've made her feel way less out of her element.

This whole thing was way too fancy for her. Ruby sighed, swirling the champagne in her glass. She hadn't even taken a sip of it yet. She wasn't big on alcohol (you could thank Uncle Qrow for that), and this smelled like something that tasted both weird and expensive. But holding it made her look like she was doing something, which was better than standing around awkwardly. Weiss told her that looking busy was the most important thing in places like this. If you didn't, everyone would come up to you talking about this and that.

This whole party was in honor of her. Well, her and the rest of Team RWBY. The saviors of Remnant. The ones who beat Salem, ended the war, and made the world a safer place. Which was cool and all, but she really wished people would stop throwing these big, fancy parties for them.

Not that she was ungrateful or anything! It was nice that people cared. But this? The overly polite conversations, the weirdly serious dancing, and the sheer amount of people who wanted to shake her hand and say thank you for your service, Miss Rose like she was some kind of military general? Yeah. Not her scene. She would've preferred being out there in the frontier. Just because Salem was gone didn't mean the Grimm disappeared. It just meant they were running wild instead of organized, which was...better, but not the best.

Ruby had come mostly because not showing up would've been rude. Weiss had reminded her of that a million times before they even got here. It's important for public relations, Ruby. People want to see their heroes. And don't slouch in your dress - it was tailored for you.

Ruby resisted the urge to slouch right now just out of spite.

The dress was nice, though. A deep red, hugging her figure in a way that actually made her feel kind of...grown-up. She was still getting used to that feeling. At twenty-two, she wasn't the lanky kid she used to be, but her brain still hadn't fully caught up with the fact that she was an adult. An adult who was standing in the middle of a ballroom at a party in her honor, wearing a dress that Weiss had all but thrown at her and heels - because Weiss had insisted she wear them.

Ugh. The heels.

Ruby shifted uncomfortably, resisting the urge to just take them off and go barefoot. These things were not made for running, jumping, or doing literally anything fun. She felt like a baby deer trying to walk for the first time. How did Weiss and Blake make it look so easy? Give her a pair of boots any day.

Speaking of her team, they were somewhere around here. Yang was off charming some high-profile Huntresses, probably making them laugh so hard they'd fall in love with her instantly. Blake had disappeared into the crowd, and Ruby was pretty sure she was hiding somewhere high up, watching everything from a comfortable distance. Weiss was, unsurprisingly, in her element - talking to people with that natural air of Schnee elegance, completely at home in a place like this.

And then there was Ruby. Standing here. Alone. Awkward.

She took a deep breath, staring into the crowd.

Years ago, if someone had told her this was where she'd end up - alive, celebrated, standing in a ballroom while people called her a hero - she probably would've laughed. She'd dreamed of being a Huntress for so long, but she never imagined it would come with...this. The fancy parties, the expectations, the speeches she had to give sometimes. She was good at fighting Grimm and bad guys, not shaking hands with politicians and pretending she belonged in their world.

She wasn't that fifteen-year-old kid anymore, wide-eyed and full of dreams. She had been through some bad stuff. She'd seen war, seen people die, made choices that still stuck with her late at night when the world got too quiet.

And yet...

She exhaled slowly. It was over. The war, Salem, the constant fear that the world could end at any second. That part of her life was over. She had survived. She had won.

...Now she was here, at a fancy party she really didn't want to be at, but still. She was here. That had to count for something.

Ruby was just about to slip away to the balcony and look at the night sky when someone pounced, "Miss Rose!" A firm hand clapped her shoulder (which was pretty forward even in a place like this), and she barely managed not to flinch. Turning, she found herself face-to-face with a man who looked like he'd been practicing this exact moment in the mirror for months.

"Councilman Hadley," he introduced himself, his handshake already locked and loaded before she even had a chance to react. He was in his sixties, balding but clearly desperately trying to hold onto the last wisps of hair, his mustache neatly trimmed in a way that screamed, trust me, I'm one of the good ones! His suit was sharp, his tie maybe a little too tight, and his smile - ugh, that smile - was the kind of polished, political grin that instantly made her leery.

Alarm bells immediately rang in her head. This wasn't the first time someone came up to her like this...

"I must say," Hadley continued, gripping her hand just tight enough to make it clear he wasn't letting go anytime soon. Not that fighting off a guy three times her age would've been hard, but it was bad manners to judo throw people in parties, "It's an absolute honor to meet you in person. Truly. A woman- no, a legend of your caliber. It's almost overwhelming! If someone had told me years ago that I'd be shaking the hand of the savior of Remnant herself, I'd have laughed them right out of the room!"

Ruby forced a polite smile, subtly trying to extract her hand. Yikes.

"But here you are!" Hadley chuckled, finally releasing her, though his sharp eyes never wavered, "And might I just say, you are even more impressive in person. Why, Miss Rose, you're a symbol of everything Vale stands for! Strength, determination, perseverance! And such humility, too, despite all you've done. It's honestly refreshing in today's political climate."

Oh no. She could see where this was going. Ruby bit back a grimace. Being the leader of the team that saved Remnant came with...perks. Parades, fans, statues in her honor, her own strawberry farm, the works. She didn't ask for any of it, but she couldn't exactly do much to stop it either. She told people she was just doing her job and all that, but they just thought she was being humble. Didn't help that Yang leaned into it. Free drinks for life in some of her favorite clubs? How could she refuse? Ugh.

Then there were the...politicians. She shuddered. It didn't matter that they barely survived the end of the freaking world or that Vale and Atlas were still rebuilding. They just saw it as a chance to prop themselves up on top while everyone was still reeling. And who better to help them get there than one of the saviors of Remannt?

"I won't take up too much of your time," Hadley said, stepping just a little closer, "I know a woman like you is very busy. But, well, since we have this moment..." He chuckled, as if they'd just run into each other at a farmer's market instead of him clearly hunting for her the second she walked in, "I wanted to personally extend my admiration for what you've done for this kingdom. You saved Vale, Miss Rose. All of Remnant, really. And now that we are in the process of rebuilding, it's crucial that we have leadership that reflects the same values that got us through those dark times, don't you think?"

Ruby's smile became a little more forced. Uh-huh. There it was. This was...what, the sixth politician to try this stunt this month alone?

"I'm actually running for office in Vale's upcoming elections," Hadley went on smoothly, obviously reading from a very well-rehearsed script, "A fresh start, new leadership - bringing true stability back to the people. I'm sure you agree that now, more than ever, the people need someone they can trust."

She opened her mouth, trying to think of a way to steer the conversation away from whatever favor he was about to ask, but Hadley was already pressing forward, clearly not done yet.

"You have such a strong influence, Miss Rose. The people love you! They believe in you. And let's be honest - your word carries more weight than any campaign speech ever could." His smile widened, all charm and just the right amount of fake sincerity, "It would mean so much to have your endorsement. After all, a hero like yourself wouldn't want to leave the future of Vale in the hands of just anyone, would you?"

Holy hell, this guy was laying it on thick. Ruby fought the urge to groan. Two years on and it hadn't stopped. Weiss had specifically warned her about this exact scenario, "Ruby, under no circumstances should you agree to anything political without running it by me first. You have no idea how ruthless these people can be!"

Yeah, yeah. Weiss was always right about these things. But still - Ruby could handle herself!

...

Probably.

Hadley was still watching her expectantly, his beady little politician eyes practically vibrating with anticipation. She needed an out. Fast, "Wow, uh-" she started, about to make some excuse about "needing to check with her team first" when-

"Oh, come on, Ruby."

A new voice cut in, smooth, familiar, and perfectly timed. Ruby blinked. A man had stepped up beside her, his presence so natural it was like he'd been there the whole time. Tall - probably half a head taller than her (thanks to that late-stage growth spurt) - with messy gray hair and sharp blue eyes. He was wearing a suit, but compared to the pristine, polished outfits of the other guests, his had a much more lived-in look. Still formal and expensive, but the tie was undone, the vest a little looser, and the jacket worn in a way that made it seem more comfortable than stiff.

And he was looking right at her.

Hadley's smile stiffened, "I don't believe we've met."

The man barely spared him a glance, "Old friends," he said smoothly, slinging an arm over Ruby's shoulders like it was the most natural thing in the world, "Haven't seen each other in years, and she was just about to leave me hanging. Not very heroic of you, is it, Ruby?"

Oh, bless this guy. Ruby barely had to think before slipping right into the act, a relieved, genuine smile spreading across her face as she turned toward him, "Right! Sorry, Hadley," she said, already taking a step back, "I'd love to talk politics, really, but old friend trumps new acquaintance no matter who you are. Gotta catch up - super important stuff." Hadley looked like he wanted to argue, but what was he gonna do? Demand she not talk to a long-lost friend?

So instead, he forced out a tight smile, "Of course. We'll speak later, Miss Rose."

No, they wouldn't.

Ruby barely resisted the urge to sprint away as the stranger gently steered her through the crowd, his hand warm against her back. Once they were a safe distance away, she let out a deep breath and turned to get a proper look at him, "So," she said, giving him a lopsided grin, "Who exactly do I owe my life to?" If he was another politician hoping to get on her good graces, she was gonna be really freaking pissed.

"What? You don't recognize me?" He laughed. She blinked then looked him up and down, her eyes sweeping over the tousled gray hair, the sharp blue eyes, the slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, and for a second, she thought maybe he was just some smooth talker who happened to swoop in at the right time trying to score, but then-

She blinked.

Wait a second.

That face. That posture. That slightly lopsided grin that always made it look like he was up to something.

Oh.

Ohhh.

She did know him, "Richard?" The name slipped out before she could stop it, her head tilting slightly in disbelief as she stared up at him.

Richard Silverstone, the mayor's son from...from Patch.

She could hardly believe it.

They'd were friends - good friends - years back. Back when she was just a kid running around the island, still dreaming about being a Huntress and thinking life was simple. He'd always been around, always a little taller, always a little too good at teasing her in ways that got under her skin but never crossed the line into outright mean.

She remembered sparring with him in the training fields behind her house, him always acting like he was humoring her, right up until she landed a hit and he'd immediately give up cause he didn't have remembered sneaking out to explore the outskirts of Patch, Richard always the one to suggest some ridiculous adventure, and her, being Ruby, always going along with it. She remembered late summer nights sitting on the dock, swinging their legs over the edge, talking about what they'd do when they got older. She always wanted to be a Huntress, but he was kinda aimless.

Then she'd gone to Beacon and...everything happened.

They'd lost touch. Not on purpose, but between training, the Fall, the war, the never-ending fight to save the world, she was barely able to keep up with her team, let alone people from back home. Patch - her home, her childhood, her entire previous life - was behind in the dust of her journey, something she always thought she'd return to later. Like the hero leaving their hometown to exlore the big bad world. Something she'd come back to at the end of her journey.

Only later never really came. She hadn't been back to Patch in years.

And now here he was, standing in front of her like no time had passed at all. Richard's smirk widened just a little, "So you do remember me," he said, tone amused but a little softer than before, "I was starting to worry I'd have to reintroduce myself."

Ruby huffed out a breath that was almost a laugh, still looking him over, still trying to process the fact that he was here, "You got taller," she finally said, crossing her arms as she gave him an exaggerated once-over.

Richard raised a brow, "So did you."

Ruby scoffed, "Not by much."

"Still counts."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the small grin pulling at her lips. It was weird, seeing him again, being pulled back into an old familiarity she hadn't even realized she missed until now. The weight of everything that had happened, all the years that had passed, settled over her for just a moment before she pushed it aside. Right now, all that mattered was that she wasn't stuck talking to that politician anymore, and somehow, in this sea of strangers, she'd found someone who actually knew her.

She let out a breath and shook her head, still smiling, "Well, I guess I owe you for saving me back there," she said, "So, what's the plan? You really just wanna catch up?"

"Sure, why not?" He smiled.

[line break]

For the first time that night, Ruby actually relaxed.

She and Richard found a quiet spot near one of the balcony doors, away from the worst of the schmoozing politicians and businessmen, where they could actually talk without someone butting in to either flatter her or subtly ask for favors. It was...nice. She wasn't against going to these parties on principle, but there wasn't a single one where someone didn't try to schmooze or pretend they were such big fans and could she pretty please endorse their campaign or appear on this ad?

They talked about Patch, about how things had held up during the war. Vale had fallen, but Patch had managed to hold its ground, thanks to a mix of luck, stubbornness, and just enough defenses to keep the worst of the Grimm at bay (plus Salem not really caring about it). Even still, it was rough. The sudden influx of refugees from Vale had nearly overwhelmed the island, and keeping order had been a challenge. Richard, apparently, had stepped up to help his dad manage things - coordinating supply chains, settling disputes, making sure everyone had a place to stay.

He talked about it like it was just something that needed to be done, like it wasn't a big deal. Ruby knew better, "Sounds like you've been busy," she said, tilting her head at him.

Richard shrugged, "Had to be. Patch isn't a big place, but it is home. I wasn't gonna sit back and let things fall apart."

Ruby hummed in approval, "Not bad, not bad." Then she smirked, eyes gleaming with playful smugnless, "Of course, I was a little busier, y'know. What with the whole saving the world thing and all." She didn't like to brag usually, but among friends? It was fine. She knew they wouldn't treat her as anything besides Ruby.

Richard snorted, "Ah, yes. The legendary Ruby Rose, Slayer of Salem, Hero of Remnant, all-around badass." He leaned against the balcony railing, crossing his arms, "Should I be kneeling or something? Maybe groveling at your feet?"

Ruby waggled her eyebrows, "Wouldn't say no to that."

He rolled his eyes, but she caught the faintest twitch of a grin at the corner of his mouth, "Yeah, yeah, big damn hero, we all know."

"Savior of Remnant," Ruby corrected, tapping her chin in mock thought, "Or was it Legendary Warrior? Greatest Huntress in history? Silver-Eyed Savior? Ugh, I keep forgetting my title. I have so many!"

Richard snorted, "You haven't changed at all."

She grinned, shrugging, "Eh, maybe a little."

The conversation flowed easily after that. They bounced between serious topics and old memories, catching up on everything that had happened in the years they'd lost touch. Richard asked if she'd been back to Patch at all, and Ruby had to admit - somewhat awkwardly - that she hadn't. She'd meant to, really. But things just kept coming up. Grimm still popping around. She'd gone where the hordes were thickest. Her Silver Eyes meant she could kill them faster than just about any other Huntsman could.

She expected him to tease her about it, but he didn't. He just nodded, "Figured. You had bigger things to deal with." It meant more than she thought it would. People adored her, sure, but it also came with expectations. She was the Hero, the one they expected to be perfect.

An hour passed before Ruby even realized it. She was mid-sentence - something about how if she ever went back, she expected at least one free meal from her old favorite diner - when Richard suddenly straightened and turned to her with a casual shrug, "Hey. You wanna head out?"

Ruby blinked, "Huh?"

Richard jerked his head toward the exit, "Come on. You're miserable here."

She hesitated, "I mean, I - "

"I'll take that as a yes." He grinned, "C'mon, Rubes. Let's ditch this snoozefest. You look like you're about five minutes away from throwing yourself off the balcony just to escape." Ruby did want to leave. That was no secret. She only ever went to these things because Weiss insisted. They were more then just Huntresses now, she said. They were symbols. Larger than life figures thaat inspired people. Ruby ditched as often as she could, but Weiss had practically dragged her here by the ear and said she had to put in an appearance. How would it look like if the one who stopped Salem didn't put in an appearance on the anniversary of her defeat?

So she knew Weiss would definitely yell at her for sneaking off early.

...

Buuuut Weiss could yell at her later.

She exhaled, then shrugged with a lazy grin, "Sure. Why not?"

[line break]

Richard's place wasn't huge, but it was still pretty dang nice.

The kind of nice that came from a comfortable, steady income instead of being stupid rich. Ruby wasn't sure what she expected. Being the son of Patch's mayor didn't exactly come with Schnee-levels of fortune, but it was clear Richard was doing well for himself. The house had that lived-in but still classy feel, all polished wood, neatly arranged furniture, and soft lighting that made it feel warm rather than overbearing. Best part? No giant paintings of dead relatives staring at you like they had an itchy nose and blamed you for it.

Ruby let out a low whistle as they stepped inside, hands on her hips as she took it all in, "Not bad," she hummed , glancing over at him, "You sure you're not secretly rich?"

Richard scoffed, kicking off his shoes before motioning for her to follow him further inside. Ruby did the same, toeing off those gods-awful heels, "Please. You know damn well Patch mayors don't get that much. I just know how to spend wisely."

He led her past the main living area where a sleek couch and a well-stocked bookshelf caught her eye before stopping in front of a door at the far end of the hall. With a smirk, he gestured for her to step inside first. Ruby arched a brow, "What, you got some kind of secret lair in here?" She wasn't scared. Even on the off-chance her old friend secretly turned into some weirdo serial killer, she was a Huntress. Sure, she wasn't armed, but she actually knew how to fight without Crescent Rose now.

Richard just grinned, "Something like that."

Curious, she pushed the door open and immediately let out an impressed whistle. The room was practically an armory. Both walls were lined with weapons. Racks upon racks of beautifully crafted firearms, melee weapons, and custom-built hybrids, all neatly arranged with the kind of care only a true weapons geek would bother with. Some were sleek and modern, others were old-school classics, and a few looked custom-made, though Ruby couldn't tell if Richard had built them himself or just collected them.

She let out a low chuckle, stepping further inside as she ran a finger over the hilt of a particularly wicked-looking sword, "Okay, seriously. This is a huge armory for someone who's not a Huntsman."

Richard laughed, leaning against the doorframe as he watched her, "I don't need to be a Huntsman to appreciate good weapons." He smirked, "C'mon, Rubes, you and I spent years geeking out over this stuff as kids. You think I was just gonna grow out of it?"

Ruby turned to him with an amused grin, "Guess not. I did always say you had good taste."

"And I always said you were obsessed," Richard shot back, stepping further in and reaching up to grab one of the rifles off the wall. He turned it over in his hands before tossing it to her without warning, "Still know your stuff, Silver Savior?"

Ruby caught it instantly, her fingers curling around the grip like it was second nature, "Please. Like I'd ever forget."

Talking about weapons was easy. It always had been.

Ruby had spent so much of her childhood obsessing over weapon schematics, studying how different designs worked, and debating which combinations were the most effective. Richard had been one of the only people back then who actually kept up with her rambling. He'd never rolled his eyes when she went off on a tangent about recoil compensation or the versatility of foldable blades. He'd added to the conversation, bouncing theories back and forth, even when they were just kids pretending they knew what they were talking about.

And now, years later, it was exactly the same.

She leaned against the workbench, flipping the rifle over in her hands, inspecting the weight distribution and balance like it was second nature, "Bolt-action with a reinforced barrel... looks like Dust-augmented rounds too," she mused, glancing up at Richard with a teasing grin, "Pretty old-school for a guy who used to swear by semi-auto rifles."

Richard smirked, standing just a little too close as he reached over and adjusted the weapon in her grip, "What can I say? I've matured." His fingers brushed against hers as he tapped the barrel, "Besides, you know me. I like power and precision. Thought you'd appreciate that."

Ruby hummed, pretending to think it over, "Mmm. Not bad. Not Crescent Rose level, but not bad."

Richard chuckled, stepping back slightly - but not too far. He was still close, still within reach, his presence warm and steady beside her. It wasn't intrusive, wasn't overbearing like some of the ones she'd had to deal with in the past.

She was used to people fawning over her.

Being one of the saviors of Remnant had a way of drawing attention, and not all of it was welcome. She'd had to deal with more than her fair share of admirers. Most of them were harmless, but some were downright creepy. Fanboys who acted like she was some untouchable goddess, treating her with so much reverence it became suffocating. Strangers who got too bold, thinking that just 'cause she was famous, she'd tolerate them getting in her space.

Richard wasn't like that. He didn't idolize her. He wasn't in awe of her. She could tell he thought she was attractive, but that wasn't a bad thing. Sure, she liked killing Grimm more than attending parties. And yeah, she knew more about the Atlesian Rifle platform than interpersonal relationships. But that didn't mean she wasn't a woman. She liked it when people saw her and thought she was pretty. She just wished they weren't so creepy or obsessed about it.

Familiar. Relaxed. Confident, but not pushy. He leaned close when he talked, his shoulder brushing against hers, his fingers occasionally skimming over her hands when he pointed out details on a weapon. Once, he rested a hand on her back. Just a fleeting touch, a casual press of warmth as he reached past her to grab something off the shelf. Later, he put a tentative hand on her thigh when they were talking about which AR platform was better.

Ruby noticed. She noticed the way he was positioning himself, the way his fingers lingered just a fraction of a second longer than necessary, the way he didn't pull away too quickly when they bumped into each other.

She didn't mind. If anything, it was...nice. She was a Huntress, someone who had spent years in the field, learning how to trust her instincts, how to read people, how to know when someone was being genuine or when they had ulterior motives. Right now, she didn't feel tense. She didn't feel wary.

If she really wanted to, she could just stand up, thank him for the chat, and walk out the door. He wouldn't stop her. He wouldn't try to stop her. And even if he did, she could handle herself. She'd fought Grimm the size of buildings and dealt with hordes by the daily.

Richard leaned against the bench beside her, arms crossed, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips, "So. Am I still just 'some guy who's not a Huntsman' or do I officially get some weapons cred now?"

Ruby let out a laugh, shifting her weight so that their arms barely touched. She raised a brow, tilting her head at him with mock consideration, "Hmm, I guess you're not completely hopeless. But I dunno, Rich - might have to test you in a spar before I officially recognize your skills."

His smirk deepened, "Oh? You wanna go a few rounds, Rose?" The way he said her name sent a flicker of heat down her spine. They both knew she didn't mean an actual sparring match. She didn't know if Richard had Aura now, but even if he did, she'd trained with the best of the best. Her Uncle Qrow, the Ace-Ops...people who pushed her to her absolute limits. She wasn't one of the best Huntresses on Remnant just because of her Silver Eyes.

Ruby held his gaze, her lips curling up in challenge, "Maybe I do."

For a moment, neither of them moved. The space between them was charged, thick with something Ruby wasn't entirely used to - at least, not like this. Not in a way that felt like it was creeping up her spine, heating her skin, making her heart hammer against her ribs with something that wasn't the thrill of battle, but something just as exhilarating. Richard was watching her, eyes sharp, almost expectant. He wasn't pushing, wasn't assuming anything, but he wasn't backing off, either. He was giving her the choice.

And Ruby...

She didn't think. She just moved.

Their lips met in a slow, tentative kiss, testing the waters. But it barely lasted a second before something deeper took hold; hotter, hungrier. Richard made a low sound in the back of his throat, and suddenly his hands were on her, one gripping her waist, the other tilting her chin up just enough to give him better access. Ruby let out a quiet gasp as he pressed in, and just like that, all hesitation was gone.

She wanted this.

She'd spent years fighting, pushing herself to the breaking point, struggling to stay alive long enough to save the world, and in all that time, she never stopped to really want something for herself. But right now: she wanted this.

She rose up on her toes, pressing closer, and Richard let out a soft groan against her lips before gripping her thighs and lifting her off the ground. Ruby didn't even hesitate. Her legs wrapped around his waist on instinct, arms looping around his neck as he stumbled slightly, clearly not expecting her to just launch herself at him like that, "Warn me next time," he muttered, voice rough against her ear as he adjusted his grip, fingers digging into the bare skin of her thighs where her dress had hiked up.

Ruby barely heard him. She was too focused on how good this felt. The heat of his hands, the way his body pressed against hers, the sharp, intoxicating scent of his cologne mixed with something inherently him.She felt him shift, adjusting his stance, and then-

They were moving. Shakily, Richard carried her through the doorway, almost bumping into the wall as he blindly navigated toward what she guessed was his bedroom. Ruby giggled against his lips, tightening her hold around him, pressing a teasing kiss just below his jaw.

"You're struggling," she teased, voice breathless.

Richard huffed, "You're heavier than you look."

"Ohhh, bad move, buddy." She nipped at his ear in retaliation, making him stumble before regaining control, "Pro-tip, women don't like it when you call them fat."

"Okay, you're definitely trying to make this harder."

"Maybe." She rubbed herself up against him and grinned, "Speaking of hard..."

He growled under his breath, and then suddenly they were falling. Or more accurately, he was dropping her onto the bed with just enough force to make her bounce slightly. Ruby barely had time to process before Richard was on top of her, hands braced on either side of her head, his face hovering inches from hers. His blue eyes were dark, filled with something heavy. She saw the same hunger she felt and let out a shuddering breath.

She reached up, curled her fingers into the front of his shirt, and pulled him down into another searing kiss, their tongues wrestling with one another as they pushed more and more. It wasn't her first kiss, but that kind of thing lost a lot of meaning for her. Technically, her first kiss was when she had to give desperate CPR to Blake during a mission gone wrong. It was as far from sexy as you could imagine.

Ruby barely had time to catch her breath when the two of them split before she felt Richard's lips move lower, trailing along her jaw before pressing hot, open-mouthed kisses against the side of her neck. She let out a quiet breath, tilting her head just slightly, giving him more space to explore as he took his time, mapping out every inch of her skin with slow, deliberate attention. She felt lightheaded, but it was...good. Great.

His mouth was warm, his breath teasing against the sensitive skin, and then she felt it - his lips pressing against an old, faded scar, one that stretched just beneath her collarbone, a souvenir from a battle long won. It something she had to deal with every time she looked in the mirror. Reminders of how close she came to death, how often she brushed against it for all those years.

Richard didn't rush. He kissed every single one. Every faded line, every mark left behind from the countless fights she'd thrown herself into. His lips brushed over them with a kind of reverence that sent a shiver down her spine, something deep and warm curling in her chest at the way he acknowledged them. He wasn't shying away from them, wasn't imagining they weren't there like the rest of her fans who pretended she was some flawless goddess.

He was cherishing them.

Ruby let out a slow, shaky breath as his mouth continued its descent, his hands carefully pushing aside the fabric of her dress, his kisses trailing lower and lower until he reached the soft, generous swell of her breasts. Still not as big as Yang's, but she'd grown a lot since her Beacon days. Her fingers curled into his hair as he lingered there, pressing a kiss just above the edge of her dress; teasing, testing, waiting for any sign that she wanted him to stop.

She didn't want him to now, not when every nerve in her body was buzzing, not when her heart was pounding against her ribs, not when he was right there, touching her like she was something precious and beautiful all at once.

Her grip in his hair tightened just slightly, a wordless plea, and Richard chuckled against her skin before pressing another heated kiss just above her heart, "You really have grown up, huh?" His voice was low, teasing, but laced with something heavier.

Ruby swallowed breathlessly, "You're just figuring that out now?"

He hummed, his lips grazing her skin once more before he lifted his head, his blue eyes locking onto hers with a hunger that made her stomach tighten, "Guess I needed a reminder." He looked down, drinking in the sight of her.

"So...are you just gonna look or are we gonna do this?"

Richard wasted no time. As soon as Ruby gave him that look - lips parted, chest rising and falling just a little quicker than before - he practically ripped his shirt off, tossing it somewhere behind him before hurriedly shimming out of his pants. His movements were rushed, desperate, like he'd been holding himself back this entire time and had finally decided there was no point in pretending anymore. Knowing that she was the cause of that made her spine tingle.

Ruby didn't hesitate to follow. She reached for the straps of her dress, dragging them down her shoulders before slipping out of the fabric entirely, barely giving it a second thought as she tossed it on the floor beside the bed. There was a faint voice at the back of her head, one that sounded suspiciously like Weiss, scolding her about how expensive that dress was, how careless she was being, but she shoved it aside.

Right now, she didn't care. All she cared about was the way Richard's eyes dragged over her, the way his hands twitched like he was barely holding himself back. Just like her neck, there were scars all across her body. Most of them had faded to almost nothing thanks to her Aura, but a few stubbornly refused to go away. One on her right side, a jagged scar that ran from her waist to her abdomen, marred the pale skin. A last gift from Tyrian. She'd joked before that her beach days were over, but when Richard saw it, she didn't see any hesitation. He looked at it like it was something beautiful.

They were down to almost nothing. Her in nothing but her bra and panties, Richard in just his boxers. The sight of him like this - exposed, breathing heavier, his toned chest rising and falling with barely restrained hunger - sent a rush of heat straight through her. She had seen him before, obviously. They had grown up together, played together, spent summers running around in the heat, but this was different. This wasn't just a childhood friend standing in front of her.

This was a man. A very, very attractive man, standing in front of her in nothing but his underwear, looking at her like he wanted to devour her whole. Ruby licked her lips, eyes dragging downward, and without a second thought, she reached between his legs, cupping the obvious bulge beneath his boxers.

Richard sucked in a sharp breath, his entire body tensing as she gave him an experimental squeeze, her fingers trailing over the outline of his length. She hummed, tilting her head, "You're so hard." She meant it to come across as soft and seductive. Instead, she sounded awestruck.

He let out something between a groan and a curse, hands bracing agaisnt the sides of her head to steady himself, "Ruby..." His voice was rough, strained, like he was using every ounce of willpower not to just take her right then and there like a starving anmal.

She smirked, fingers teasing along his length through the fabric, enjoying the way his breathing hitched, the way his grip on her tightened, "I mean," she hummed, pressing just a little firmer against him, "I knew you were excited, but this?" She glanced up at him through her lashes, her voice dropping slightly, "This is something else."

Richard couldn't hold back anymore. She could see it. The moment she palmed him through his boxers, something inside him snapped. Whatever restraint he had left shattered in an instant, leaving nothing but raw hunger, a need that had been building from the second she pressed her lips to his. His hands moved fast, yanking down his boxers, kicking them away like they were nothing. His erection stood tall, thick, and heavy, flushed with heat and aching for her.

Ruby barely had a second to admire the sight before he hooked his fingers into the waistband of her panties and ripped them clean off.

She let out a startled gasp, but the only thing she really felt was thrill. The little Weiss voice in the back of her head was screaming about the cost, about how that had been expensive, Ruby, for the love of the Brothers, have some respect for fine lace!, but Ruby ignored it, just like she ignored every other warning sign telling her to slow down.

She gulped, her eyes dropping down between them, drinking in the sight of him. Nine inches. Hard as a rock. All because of her. Heat pooled low in her stomach, a mix of nervous excitement and something darker, something deeper, something that made her breath come out just a little faster.

Without a word, Ruby laid back against the bed, spreading her legs just enough to invite him closer. His breath hitched. His hands tightened around her thighs. Slowly, carefully, he lined himself up, the thick tip pressing against her entrance.

And then, with deliberate slowness, he began to push inside. Richard moved gently, carefully, his body tense with restraint as he pressed forward, easing himself into her inch by inch. Ruby let out a shaky breath, her fingers curling into the sheets as she adjusted to the feeling of him stretching her, filling her in a way that was new but not unwelcome. He was big, but he wasn't rushing, wasn't pushing too hard.

She looked up at him, at the way his face twisted in concentration, at the way his hands gripped her thighs like he was grounding himself. His eyes flickered to hers, and there was something in them - something warm, something deep, something that told her this wasn't just about raw need.

Just the two No Grimm. No war. No politics.

No people trying to get something from her.

Just an old friend, someone who had known her before she became Ruby Rose, Huntress of Legends, Savior of Remnant. Someone who wasn't here because of what she had done or what she could offer, but because he wanted her.

That thought made her heart beat faster, made her reach up, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and pulling him down into a slow, lingering kiss. They'd always had a bit of puppy love between them growing up. Sure, Ruby was more focused on being a Huntress back then, but that didn't mean she couldn't have a life outside of that. The Fall had changed things. Vale almost being destroyed, Yang losing an arm, that trip to Mistral...anything besides stopping Salem had left her mind entirely.

But it was over now. She could move on.

Richard groaned softly against her lips, his movements still careful as he bottomed out inside her, his chest rising and falling with labored breaths as he adjusted to the way she felt around him. He didn't move right away. Instead, he kissed her again, deeper this time, one hand sliding up her side, tracing the curve of her waist, memorizing the shape of her. Ruby sighed into the kiss, her body relaxing, melting into his warmth.

She felt...full. Ruby breathed out slowly, trying to keep herself steady. She was a virgin, but that didn't mean she was innocent. She knew how this went. She read porn during lonely nights and took care of herself every now and then. Her half-lidded eyes looked down at the sight of his cock buried up to the hilt inside her snatch. There was no blood - her hymen broke years ago from rigorous training. Still the sight of her pussy accepting every inch of his veiny serpent made her feel lightheaded.

And then he moved.

A slow, gentle roll of his hips, withdrawing just enough before pushing back in, setting a rhythm that was tender but still full of heat, a quiet passion simmering between them. She clung to him, her nails digging lightly into his back as he thrust into her, each movement deliberate.

It wasn't frantic, wasn't rushed, wasn't desperate in the way so many things in her life had been. It was good. It was real.

It was exactly what she needed after years of hell.

Her fingers threaded through his gray hair, tugging him closer, their bodies pressed together, warm and slick with sweat as he whispered her name against her lips, his voice breathless, reverent, "Ruby...fuck..." He groaned, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down. She was tempted to lean forward and bite him back, "You're...fuck, you're amazing. You're so-"

"S-Stop talking! Just keep g-going-!" She grit her teeth as he bottomed out again.

Richard's movements grew faster and more frantic, his rhythm still controlled but steadily unraveling as the heat between them built higher and higher. His breath came in ragged pants against her neck, his body tense with the effort to hold on, to make this last, but Ruby could feel it - the way he was losing himself in it, the way his fingers dug into her hips just a little harder, the way his thrusts became just a little more desperate.

She was right there with him.

Her nails dragged along his back, her legs tightening around his waist, pulling him closer, deeper, her body arching into every movement. She could feel the sweat beading on his skin, feel the heat rolling off him in waves, feel every inch of him sliding in and out of her, stretching her, filling her in a way that had her mind spinning, her nerves tingling, her breath coming in uneven gasps. It wasn't the picture-perfect sex she saw in all those videos. It was raw, clumsy, and desperate.

And she loved it all the more.

She could feel everything. The way his muscles tensed beneath her touch, the heat radiating from his skin, the deep, heavy weight of him as he filled her over and over again. Her body arched into his, her breaths turning to soft, stuttered gasps as pleasure built with every deep stroke, every shift of his hips against hers.

The bed creaked beneath them, the air thick with heat and the scent of sweat, their bodies tangled together in a way that felt natural, familiar, like they had always been meant to fit this way. Ruby's hands slid up his back again, pulling him closer, urging him to go faster. He groaned against her throat, his lips trailing along her collarbone, his hands gripping her hips just a little tighter, holding her in place as he drove into her with more force, more intent.

Her mind was hazy, completely lost in sensation.

She knew - she knew - this was a bad idea. She wasn't on any kind of birth control, and he wasn't wearing any protiection. She should care about that. She should. But with the way he was moving, the way her body was thrumming with pleasure, she couldn't bring herself to stop. She couldn't bring herself to say no, not when she was so close, not when he was right there with her, panting against her skin, whispering her name like a prayer.

His movements grew erratic, rougher, his grip tightening as he buried himself inside her again and again, chasing the inevitable climax. Ruby could feel cock throbbing inside her, feel the way his muscles tensed, the way his breaths turned into broken groans against her skin.

She barely had time to register what was happening before he let out a deep, shuddering gasp, his hips pressing flush against hers as he spilled inside her, warmth flooding deep within her as his entire body tensed above her.

Ruby gasped, her nails digging into his shoulders as he held her tight, pressing his forehead against hers, his breath heavy, uneven, his body trembling from the force of his release. The force of his ejaculation painted her inner walls white, and she shut her eyes tight as she came too. Her loud, broken moan was interrupted when his lips pressed against her's in a desparate, hungry kiss. The two of them held each other close and refused to let each other go as he filled her to the brim with his seed.

It was only after the heat began to fade, after the haze started to lift, that reality really hit her.

Oh.

Oh no.

She exhaled, staring up at the ceiling as Richard slowly collapsed against her, his weight comforting, grounding, his arms still wrapped around her. His slowly deflating cock was still inside while their cum dripped down her lower lips onto the bed.

...

Weiss and Yang were going to kill her.

[line break]

The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft golden glow over the room. The sheets were a tangled mess, evidence of the night before, and Ruby lay in the middle of it, completely bare, her body still warm from sleep and the lingering heat of Richard's touch.

She felt good. A little sore, sure, but it was the satisfying kind of sore, the kind that came from pushing her body to its limits and enjoying every second of it. Stretching, she let out a slow breath, blinking up at the ceiling as last night's events replayed in her mind.

She'd popped her cherry with her childhood friend...and she let him finish inside her.

Ruby groaned softly, dragging a hand down her face. Okay, yeah, last night had been amazing - no regrets there - but she really needed to be smarter about this. She was a Huntress, she'd seen what happened when people were careless. She needed to take a morning after pill, now, before she started spiraling into what-ifs. Sighing, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed, stretching her arms before rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She just had to find her clothes, get dressed, and -

Before she could move, she felt warm hands wrap around her shoulders, slowly pulling her back against the firm, familiar heat of Richard's chest.

He was still half-asleep, his breath slow and deep against her skin, but that didn't stop him from trailing lazy kisses down her neck and between her shoulder blades, his lips soft and teasing, the beginnings of stubble stubble lightly scratching her sensitive skin, "Stay," he murmured, voice rough and husky from sleep.

Ruby sucked in a breath, her resolve flickering dangerously, "I really should go," she muttered, though it sounded weak even to her own ears. She didn't want to go yet. The pill was important, sure, but then she had to deal with a lecture from Weiss because she ditched and Yang teasing her about if she finally got lucky.

Richard hummed, his mouth moving lower, pressing a kiss between her shoulder blades, then another, then another, his hands sliding down her arms, fingers tracing along her skin like he knew she was already having second thoughts, "Mmm, don't think you want to go," he murmured against her skin, his hands tightening around her waist, gently pulling her back toward him.

Ruby knew she should push him away. She knew she had things to do, that she needed to think about what last night meant, that she had responsibilities and that Weiss was going to kill her when she found out about all this.

But Brothers, his hands were so warm, his kisses so gentle, and the way he was holding her, the way his body pressed against her's-

With a defeated sigh, she let herself fall back against him, her back meeting the mattress once more as he rolled her over, a lazy, knowing grin on his face as he leaned down to kiss her. The morning after pill could wait, she thought.

She had no idea that she'd be staying for way longer than breakfast and that she'd be dealing with a new tagalong soon enough, but that was a problem for future Ruby. Present Ruby just closed her eyes and smiled dreamily as they readied themselves for round two.