[Sidenote: Imagine the picture above in bright daylight.]
(Flashback)
Weiss is looking through the window of her room, watching airships fly pass the Schnee Manor. She is sitting in a cushioned chair with her hands folded in her lap. Before long, there is a knock on the door.
Weiss: "Yes?"
The door opens to reveal Klien as he enters her room.
Klein: "Pardon the interruption, Miss Schnee, but I would like to introduce you to our newest member of the staff in the manor. He'll be assisting me with you."
Letting out a dry sigh, the uninterested Weiss turn to the butler.
Weiss: "Who is it, Klein?"
Klein turns to the opened door.
Klein: "You can come in now."
As instructed, the new worker comes around the corner and enters the room with a big smile on his face. Upon seeing him, Weiss's eyes widen and her mouth almost agape.
Weiss: "Y/N?"
She gazes upon Y/N, wearing a similar uniform to Klein, standing firmly in front of her.
Y/N #2: "Nice to see you're doing well, Miss Ice Queen..."
As he said this, Y/N bows to her before resuming, giving her a quick wink.
Y/N #2: "I look forward in working here."
The utterly surprised heiress goes to ask.
Weiss: "B-But how? Why are you here?"
The older butler is also quite puzzled, but for a different reason.
Klien: "Ice... Queen? Miss Schnee, do you know this young man?"
Weiss: "U-Uhm, well... he's my..."
Before she could finish, Y/N chimes in.
Y/N #2: "We're both teammates at Beacon Academy and... she's my girlfriend."
Klien: "E-Excuse me???"
Weiss: "Y-Y/N!"
Y/N #2: "What? I'm telling the truth, aren't I?"
Klein is quite taken aback by his remark while, Weiss tries to maintain her composure and hide her blushing face.
Klein: "I... I see."
Clearing her throat, Weiss gets Klein's attention.
Weiss: "Klein... please leave my room. I need to speak with the new... servant."
Klein: "You sure?"
The heiress nod to him.
Klein: "As you wish, Miss Schnee."
The butler then walks off, leaving and closing the door behind him. Y/N turn his head to watch Klein go as he speaks up.
Y/N #2: "Well, that's a bit harsh, don't you-"
He's interrupted by the sudden hug he's receiving from Weiss.
Weiss: "I'm so... I'm so glad you're okay..."
A smile form in Y/N's face as he embraces the hug back. They stay like this for a few moments before Weiss look up to Y/N.
Weiss: "What are you doing here? How are you here? And..."
She then shifts her gaze over to Y/N's left arm, which Y/N took notice of.
Weiss: "How... did you got your arm back?"
Y/N then break free from the hug before responding back.
Y/N #2: "I'm here to see if you're okay and I decide to work here as a butler in your home."
Weiss: "What?"
Y/N #2: "Your father even approved of my employment."
Weiss: "What?!"
Y/N #2: "As for my arm, well... it's quite the miracle. You can thank the doctors and nurses in Vale to have me as good as new."
Weiss: "I see... so my father just accepted your employment?"
Y/N: "Mm-hm."
Weiss: "How exactly?"
Y/N: "Oh, I have a way with words, believe it or not."
Exhaling a bit, Weiss comments.
Weiss: "Ever so cunning, huh."
Y/N: "Hm, you know it..."
There was a moment of silence between them before Weiss speaks up again with a question.
Weiss: "What... what happened to our team... our friends?"
Y/N goes to place his hands on her shoulders.
Y/N #2: "Ruby and Yang are doing fine at their home at Patch. As for Blake... she... she ran away..."
Weiss: "Ran away?"
Y/N: "From what I heard, she's heading home to her parents. As for Jaune and the rest, some of them made it to the hospitals and are safe and sound."
Weiss: "Oh... okay then..."
Once more, a moment of silence as Y/N goes to hug Weiss again.
Y/N #2: "Still, I'm so glad you're safe, Weiss... I really am..."
A small smile form on Weiss's face as she embraces the hug.
Weiss: "I am too. Now... I can spend time with you as much as I can..."
They then lock eyes with one another before Weiss press her lips against Y/N's lips. Y/N goes to wrap his arms around her as Weiss does the same, intertwining her arms around his neck. They stay like this for a few minutes but, for them it felt like hours upon hours. Before long, the two are lying on the bed as they separate their lips as they lock eyes once more.
Y/N #2: "As much as I want to stay here with you, I have to go. Klein plans on giving me a tour around the place."
The smirking Weiss goes to place a hand on the side of his face, caressing it softly.
Weiss: "Very well. Even though, you're a servant here, don't ignore me, okay? I know where you work."
Y/N #2: "Hm, sure thing, Ice Queen."
Weiss then gives him a quick kiss on the lips.
Weiss: "Oh be quiet, you dunce."
Despite saying that, Y/N can definitely see the smile visible in her face as she gets off from him and lets him leave her room. Once Y/N does leave her room, closing the door, he turns to the hallway to find Klein, standing before him.
Klein: "So... you are dating Miss Schnee?"
Y/N #2: "Yes, sir. I am."
Klein slowly walk towards him with narrowed eyes.
Klein: "Hmm..."
Feeling a bit uncomfortable, Y/N lean back a little before replying.
Y/N #2: "Uhm, is something wrong, Klein?"
Klein: "If your relationship with Weiss is true, then you and I have a lot to talk about, young man."
Y/N #2: "Oh... okay then."
Several moments later, Y/N talk about his relationship with Weiss along with their time at Beacon. Klein also tells him about what's life like at the Schnee Manor and that he's basically a father figure to Weiss. After that, Klein then goes to explain what Y/N needs to do as a butler.
Klein: "You are to clean around the house and help prepare the meals with me. We will start with cleaning the halls and move our way to the rooms."
Y/N #2: "Okay then."
Klein: "It's not going to be an easy task. I'm just glad we have the cake butlers to provide those time-consuming delights."
Y/N #2: "Weiss did talk about a cake butler before."
Klein: "What was the reason for her to mention that?"
Y/N #2: "Oh, she was tasked to watch a cake be baked for five minutes and in that time, nearly burnt the whole kitchen down."
Klein: "Oh my, was she alright?"
Y/N #2: "She was. Ruby and I had to deal with the fire."
Klein: "Huh... Miss Schnee never brought it up before."
Y/N #2: "Ask her when you have the chance."
Klein: "Well, judging by the time, I think it's the appropriate time to get some tea."
Y/N #2: "I thought we were going to clean the halls?"
Klein: "We will... at a later date. For now, follow me. We have much to discuss about your time with Miss Schnee in Beacon Academy."
Y/N #2: "Uh, alright then."
The uniform-wearing Y/N follow after Klein as they walk through the hallways.
(Flashback Ends, 8 Months Later)
Inside of her room, Weiss, wearing a lavish dress, is sitting on her chair as she looks out the window once more before Klein knock on her door. She let out a sigh, getting up and walking out of her room.
Weiss: ("Time to go to the gala.")
The heiress silently walks through her home, passing by some hallways, a balcony, and the dining hall. She then arrives at a large door where Klein and Y/N are waiting with Y/N holding a tray of drinks.
Y/N #2: "Sure took your sweet time."
Weiss: "Well, the manor is rather enormous, Y/N."
Y/N couldn't help but stare at the dress Weiss is wearing which, she soon noticed. Looking away a bit, Y/N comments.
Y/N #2: "You... you look great, Miss Schnee."
Upon hearing this, Weiss's face turns slightly red, twirling her hair.
Weiss: "T-Thank you..."
Sensing the silence between them, Klein goes to clear his throat, getting their attention.
Klein: "Miss Schnee, I think it's time."
Letting out a brief sigh, Weiss nods to him.
Weiss: "Okay."
Klein goes to open the large door before loudly speaking up.
Klein: "Everyone! Miss Schnee is present."
Weiss emerges into the manor's gala where she moves to politely greet the guests and playing the good hostess. Y/N, meanwhile, is following behind her, still holding the tray of drinks as he climbs down the stairs to walk through the crowded room, filled with well-dressed guests.
Y/N #2: ("Okay. I can do this. Just walk through the room, tray in hand, let the guests take the drinks.")
As he does so, Y/N spots Weiss talking to some lavishly dressed guests. What he finds it odd is that despite the guests keep chatting away, Weiss remains silent, looking down at the floor.
Y/N #2: ("Even when she's in a crowded room, she feels alone.")
It's only when Weiss spot Y/N looking at him that a warm smile form on her face as she gives him a quick wave to him, which he waves back.
Y/N #2: ("Well, at least she's not alone anymore.")
Soon enough, Y/N sees her little brother, Whitely approaching her as he shares a few polite words with the guests around her.
Whitely: "Excuse me, but I would like to speak with my sister, if you don't mind."
Nodding to him, the guests move on to speak with the other guests as Whitely turn his attention to Weiss. Y/N decides to eavesdrop on their conversation via standing nearby them. Weiss, keeping her strain smile, turns to her brother.
Weiss: "Ah Whitely, have you grown? You seem a little... taller."
A little smug, Whitely responds back.
Whitely: "Oh, I have been the same height for months. I suggest you keep your eyes checked. After all, Winter saw that change immediately."
His remark makes Weiss confused, dropping the strained smile she put on.
Weiss: "Since when has Winter's opinion mattered to you?"
Before Whitely could respond, the two siblings spot Jacques, appearing at the top of the stairs to the gala, clearing his throat to get all the guests' attention.
Jacques: "I am so thankful for all of you being in attendance here today. Especially Atlesian Roundtable members, Camilla and Sleet."
Upon hearing their names being called, the two members nod to him while holding the drinks Y/N offered to them.
Jacques: "Unfortunately, General Ironwood and member Chartuese were unable to attend today's event. Probably too busy playing soldier than taking part in this event."
The man's remark makes some of the guests chuckle as Y/N glances over them, unsure if they're genuinely chuckling or not. Jacques goes to clear his throat to get their full attention once more.
Jacques: "Anyway, the goal for today's event is promote... unity in these trying and depressing times."
He continues with his speech as Y/N overhear Weiss and Whitely quietly talking to each other, while still looking at their father.
Weiss: "He doesn't even need us here for this. It's more grand sounding for himself."
Whitely: "I suppose it's to show family unity though, if that were the case, Father would have dragged Mother away from wine glasses and flower beds."
Weiss: "I... I guess that's true."
Whitely: "Perhaps, Father was hoping you would sing for the crowd."
The little brother turns his head to his sister.
Whitely: "Would you once his speech is over?"
Weiss's eyes widen a bit as Y/N glances over to them. Weiss then huffs, turning away before replying.
Weiss: "Whitely, if you're going to act as Father's messenger boy, you should have worn a uniform."
In response, Whitely pretends to be hurt by her words.
Whitely: "Ow, since when did you gain such a sharp wit."
Weiss goes to stare at Y/N, who has back turn and a few meters away from her and Whitely. Before she could respond, Whitely doesn't let her, and instead respond himself.
Whitely: "Well, since you insist on spending your time cooped up in your room that I simply wanted to hear your wonderful voice."
There was a moment of silence before Weiss speaks up.
Weiss: "You seem... different..."
Her brother replies back.
Whitely: "Spend some time outside of your room and I think you'll find more has changed than you think."
That last part he said was distant and cold before walking away, talking to some guests along the way. With her brother gone, Weiss let out a long sigh as Y/N walk up to her with a tray with some drinks still remain.
Y/N #2: "Care for a drink, Miss Schnee?"
Weiss: "No, thank you."
Y/N then pull the tray away from her as he goes to stand next to her.
Weiss: "Eavesdropping on our conversation, Y/N?"
Y/N #2: "Well... yeah. So, that's your brother... is he always like this?"
Weiss: "No... maybe... ugh, all I know is that he's changed... probably more than I thought."
Seeing her sad expression, Y/N sigh shortly, lightly bumping her shoulder with his.
Y/N #2: "Don't worry, Weiss. You're not alone. You got me, Klein, and Winter."
Weiss: "But Winter isn't here."
Y/N #2: "Hmph, I meant what I said."
Weiss couldn't help but giggle at his remark while Y/N smile at this, holding her hands for a couple moments.
Weiss: "Thanks for that, Y/N. Well, you should be going now, I see some guests in need of some drinks."
Y/N: "Aww, don't you want me to stay here a bit longer?"
Weiss: "Obviously. But not right now."
Y/N #2: "Sure thing. See you later."
As Y/N walks off, he turns to see Weiss giving a genuine smile to him compared to strained smile she gives to the guests as he waves her goodbye before diving into the crowd of guests.
_______________________________________________________________________________
(Blake, One Month Since the Fall of Beacon)
Blake, wearing a summer dress and a summer hat, rests her hands on the rail of the boat, staring out at the ocean with passengers strolling across both the upper and middle decks. She blinks and looks over her right shoulder, somewhat startled only to see two kids laughing over a joke. Blake almost smiles and turns to look back at the ocean. It's only when she hears footsteps approaching her.
Captain: "Traveling alone?"
Blake immediately jumps and grips the hilt of Gambol Shroud. She halts her action when she sees the captain of the boat. The captain holds up his hands in a reassuring manner.
Captain: "Now, now, no threat here. Just here to chat."
Blake hesitates before relaxing her posture.
Blake: "And why is that?"
The captain lowers his arms and then twists to lean idly onto the rail.
Captain: "Well, not many people travel by boat on their own. It can be quite a lonely voyage. But I found those that do tend to have the more... interesting stories."
Blake turns away from the captain.
Blake: "Maybe it's just... better for some people to be alone."
The two kids run behind Blake laughing and she gasps again, not expecting the noise behind her. She turns and blinks at them trying to reset her calm.
Captain: "Maybe, but with your paranoia, I think a few friendly faces wouldn't hurt.
Blake: "Who says I'm paranoid?"
Captain: "No one, dear, no one. I'll leave you be."
The captain turns and walks away, then stops.
Captain: "But uh, fair warning: these trips can be awfully boring."
Blake: "Thanks for the warning."
The captain continues on his way and Blake stares after him. Once he's gone, she turns and looks at the ground for a few seconds. It's when she's about to leave that she senses she is being watched by someone on the upper deck. In the corner of her eye, Blake spot two hooded figures, watching her from a distance. She immediately takes out Gambol Shroud only for the two hooded figures back off, and runs for it, away from her view. Back with the hooded figures, they whisper to one another.
Sun: "I think she spotted us."
Y/N #3: "No kidding."
Sun: "You think it's time we stop stalking her."
Y/N #3: "As much as I want to stop too, we agree that we reveal ourselves to Blake once we reach Menagerie."
Sun let out a sigh, nodding to him and as he turns to Blake's direction.
Sun: "Crap, she's walking off."
Y/N turn his attention to where Blake was only to see walking away. They decide to follow her to the empty side of the middle deck. As they follow her, Blake walks around the corner and once they reach that corner, Y/N and Sun notice Blake completely disappear. Sun was left confused, but as for Y/N, he senses that Blake's semblance being used. Before the two of them could realize, Blake charge behind them, pinning the hooded Sun on a wall, holding a blade to his throat as she glares at the hooded Y/N.
Blake: "Why are you following me?"
Sun: "Y/N, I think we gotta tell her."
Blake: "Y/N?"
Letting out a brief sigh, Y/N takes off the hood, revealing his face to Blake, much to her shock.
Y/N #3: "Hey, Blake. Could you let go of Sun?"
Blake: "Sun?"
Sun quickly takes off his hood to show his face, giving an embarrassed smile to her.
Sun: "H-Hey..."
Now realizing who they are, Blake put her away her Gambol Shroud, still facing them.
Blake: "What are you two doing here? Have you been following me?"
The two guys share a look before looking back at Blake, narrowing her eyes at them.
Y/N #3: "We... we have been following you... sorry."
Sun: "We've been... tailing you for weeks after Beacon fell."
Y/N #3: "And thanks to Sun, we've been stowed away in this ship."
Once Y/N and Sun take off the hood and cloak, Blake speaks.
Blake: "I can't believe you two were following me this entire time. I thought someone was going to get me."
Y/N #3: "Look, we're sorry, Blake. I know it was wrong that we did that."
Sun: "Yeah and in our defense, you were pretty injured. I saw you run off. The night Beacon Tower fell. Once we landed in Vale, you made sure everyone was okay. And then you just took off, without saying anything."
Blake: "I had to."
Y/N #3: "And since you're so stubborn, you decided to go and fight the White Fang on your own by hitching a ride to Menagerie, right?"
Blake: "What?"
Sun: "You always felt like the White Fang was your fight. They show up, trash your school, hurt your friends. It makes perfect sense why you left!"
Blake: "You're wrong. You guys are so wrong."
Blake then turns her back on them.
Y/N #3: "What are you-"
Blake: "I'm not going anywhere near the White Fang. In fact, contrary to popular belief, the White Fang's central organization is in Mistral, not Menagerie."
Sun: "Seriously?"
Blake: "I need to sort some things out. That's why... I'm running."
Y/N #3: "Running?"
Sun: "What... what happened with Yang? I only saw the aftermath."
Blake chokes out Adam's name but, shallow down the rest of her words to prevent herself from crying. It's only when Y/N hold her hand, giving her a reassuring smile to her. Blake quietly spoke to him.
Blake: "Thanks, Y/N."
Noticing this, Sun speaks up.
Sun: "You... don't have to tell right away. You can take your time."
Blake nod to Sun as she takes a deep breath, composing herself, still holding Y/N's hand slightly.
Blake: "My old friend in the White Fang almost killed me and Yang. It wasn't until Y/N show up and-"
She soon recalls that Y/N's left arm was gone as she quickly turn to Y/N.
Blake: "Y/N, your arm... how did you..."
Y/N #3: "I went to the hospital, by some miracle, they found my left arm and well... I feel good as new now."
Upon saying this, he shows off his left arm, moving it around to show it being fine. Sighing in relief, Blake then continues.
Blake: "Every time... I look at Yang's stump, while we were in the hospital... I felt nothing but guilt..."
Y/N #3: "Blake..."
Blake: "I was unable to stand it so, I... I just ran away... booked a trip home to Menagerie and now I'm here."
Y/N #3: "Blake, what about our team? Our friends?"
Blake: "Of course, I'm upset for leaving them behind. But... I'm paralyzed between facing my guilt head-on or just avoiding it, hoping I never have to."
There was a moment of silence between the three before Sun asks.
Sun: "What you plan on doing once you make it to Menagerie?"
Blake: "I... I don't know... But I do know one thing..."
Before she continues, she starts removing her bow from her head, now holding it in her hand.
Blake: "I'm sick of hiding who I am."
As she said that, she tosses it into the water. Seeing it drift into the sea, Blake speaks up.
Blake: "That's one weight off my shoulder."
Sun: "I agree! This is what you need to do, right Y/N?"
Y/N nod to him before turning to Blake.
Y/N #3: "Blake, if you want, we can help you remove those weights one by one, every step of the way."
Blake: "I suppose... that's fine with me."
Sun: "And we're coming with you. The Grimm are getting worse; you guys saw it yourself! And just because you're not going after the Fang doesn't mean they won't be coming for you! Besides, we're... kind of already on the boat."
Blake: "There's really no stopping you, huh?"
Sun: "Nope! But this is going to be great! Never been in Menagerie before! It'll be a regular journey to the east! Yeah, I like the sound of that. What do you think, Y/N?"
Y/N #3: "Sounds splendid, Sun. So, how is your team?"
Sun: "Well, from what I heard, Sage and Scarlet flew back to Mistral. As for Neptune, he's still in the hospital at Vale."
Blake: "I hope he's doing well."
Sun: "Oh, I'm sure he will. He's stronger than he looks."
After a few moments of idle chatting, Y/N turns to Sun.
Y/N #3: "Hey, Sun. Can you give us a few minutes?"
As he said this, he gestures himself and Blake. Sun was a bit confused by his words for a moment only to suddenly realize what he means.
Sun: "Oh! Right. Gotcha, I'll be... walking over there."
Sun quickly walks away, scratching the back of his head. With a sigh, Y/N turn to Blake, hugging her warmly, much to her surprise.
Blake: "Y/N?"
Y/N #3: "I'm so glad you're okay, Blake... I really am."
After a moment of hesitation, Blake hugs him back, interlocking her arms around him.
Blake: "I'm sorry... I had to leave."
Y/N #3: "As much as I disagree with your decision, I think you need some time to... think things over."
Blake nod to him, looking up at him before asking.
Blake: "What about Ruby and Weiss?"
Y/N #3: "Ruby's doing fine, and Weiss went back home to Atlas."
Blake: "I see."
She then hugs him tighter as her voice softens.
Blake: "I'm sorry... I should've stop Adam... if I did... you and Yang would-"
Before she could finish speaking, Y/N cuts her off by pressing his lips into hers. Despite being surprised by his sudden action, Blake steadily embrace it, kissing him back. They stay like this for a minute before parting ways.
Y/N: "I don't blame you, Blake. You did the best you can... Adam was just too strong to handle."
Releasing her from the hug, Y/N hold her hands.
Y/N #3: "For now, let's focus on something else, okay?"
Blake: "S-Sure. Like what?"
Y/N #3: "Well..."
He looks at the summer dress she's wearing.
Y/N #3: "You look great. All things considered."
Realizing that he's referring to her outfit, Blake blushes a bit.
Blake: "T-Thank you. You look... nice as well."
Y/N: "Aww, thanks."
The two share a laugh as Y/N resumes.
Y/N: "Anyway, let's go find Sun."
Blake: "Sure."
As they walk to find their friend, Blake goes to cling on to Y/N's arm, as her worries slowly fade for now.
________________________________________________________________________________
(Yang, 8 Months Since the Fall of Beacon)
In her casual clothes, Yang is sitting on a green couch in her home on Patch. She looks at the stack of three books on her right and instead picks up the remote control to her left.
As she does, Yang notice Y/N climbing down the stairs and walking over to her.
Yang: "Hey, babe."
Y/N #4: "Hey, Yang. Going to watch some TV?"
Yang: "Yeah."
Y/N #4: "Mind if I watch some with you?"
With a gentle nod from her, Y/N goes to sit down next her, leaning his head on her shoulder as she holds the remote control. With a click, the projected scene comes on, revealing a news segment from the Vale News Network.
It shows Glynda unsuccessfully piecing together a building with her semblance. Across the bottom of the screen, it reads: Beacon Inaccessible.
Reporter #1: "Reports in that local Huntsmen and Huntresses have made significant progress in reclaiming Beacon's campus, albeit in a slow and steady pace. Older Grimm have been dealt with though, officials say it'll be some time before it can be restored and reponed. Try as they might, they can't seem to get a hold of the situation at Beacon Academy-"
Yang clicks the remote. As the next reporter speaks, the large lettering across the screen is slowly revealed backward, from the perspective of someone facing Yang. It reads: CCT Repairs "Underway". The subheading reads: Atlas officials working on solution, but not optimistic.
Reporter #2: "Repairs for Vale's CCT is met with difficulties since Atlas's dust embargo went into effect and communication with their engineering firms have been slow. Though the fail-safes have supported wireless communication within the kingdom, the loss of the CCT Tower continues to prevent contact with the outside world-"
Yang clicks again, cutting off the reporter and bringing up yet another news segment. A horned anchorman speaks above the caption: "Sending Citizens Home." The corner caption has the logo for VOX News.
Reporter #3: "The Vale Council voted this week to continue to ban any air traffic that does not have a direct correlation with evacuation. The council has made it clear that they feel-"
Yang clicks the remote once more.
Lisa Lavender: "Multiple rumors continue to circulate as to who was behind the attacks at the Vytal Festival Tournament. While no one knows for sure, officials have confirmed that the White Fang played a major role in this attack. As of now, the former leader of this White Fang branch still insists that it was a rogue element responsible for the attack."
The TV screen shows a collection of White Fang troops during the attack, what caught Yang and Y/N's attention is a blurry image of Adam among the crowd of White Fang members. Upon seeing this and seeing Yang's eyes widen, Y/N quickly pull his head back from her shoulder and take the remote from her hand and turning the TV off.
Y/N #4: "Okay... that's enough TV for today."
Yang: "I... I guess so..."
An awkward silence fall upon them for a moment until a door clicks open. They turn to see Tai, carrying three boxes with two bags hanging from his forearms.
Tai: "I'm home!"
Y/N sets the remote down as Yang leans her head backward on the couch, looking up at the newcomer that way.
Yang: "Hey, Dad."
Y/N #4: "Welcome back."
As he said this, Y/N goes over to close the front door as Tai walks into the living room.
Tai: "Guess what came in today."
Yang: "What is it?"
Tai: "I can't wait for you to try this. Y/N, help me carry these."
Y/N #4: "Okay."
He and Y/N walks into another room to unload, while on the couch Yang looks somewhat interested. Tai returns, carrying one long white box. He sets it on the coffee table in front of Yang, revealing the Atlas symbol on it. As Y/N walk up beside Tai, Yang looks at it and doesn't move.
Tai: "Well?"
Yang: "It's... for me?"
Tai: "For you and you only."
Yang lifts the lid off the box to reveal a robotic right arm. Yang looks it over, somewhat wide-eyed while her father gushes. She blinks and her eyes droop a bit, revealing she's more distressed than pleased.
Y/N #4: "A robotic arm?"
Tai: "It's a brand new, high-end model robotic arm. It's part of a program created by General Ironwood. It's to honor all the students who were injured for protecting the civilians during Beacon's collapse."
Y/N #4: "Wow, so this robotic arm very advanced?"
Tai: "From what I heard, it's not the most advanced thing Atlas cooked up, but it still pretty advanced on its own. You know, I thought I was gonna have to pull some strings, call in a few favors, but it seems you earned this one all on your own, kiddo."
Yang then looks up to her father.
Yang: "Huh?"
Tai: "You should be proud of yourself, Yang."
Yang doesn't reply back to her father.
Tai: "Well? You going to try it on? Because if you are, I could squeeze you in with the rehab classes Y/N is taking. Your friend, Neptune would probably be happy to have another friend along for the last stretch."
Y/N #4: "What do you say, Yang?"
Yang: "I..."
Before she continues, Yang shifts her gaze away from them.
Yang: "I uh... I'm not feeling too great right now. Maybe later?"
Tai deflates a bit and puts his hand to the back of his neck as he sighs and considers how best to respond. Y/N, feeling a bit discourage as well, asks her.
Y/N #4: "You sure, Yang?"
Yang: "Y-Yeah..."
Tai: "Well, alright then."
Yang gets up and walks up the stairs, Tai giving her an encouraging smile as she passes in front of him. She pauses partway up the steps, turning in their direction.
Yang: "Thanks, Dad. I'm... I'm going to do some chores."
Yang continues upstairs as a visibly disheartened Tai bows his head. Watching her go, Y/N turn his attention to Tai.
Y/N #4: "I'll go do some chores too."
Tai: "Oh, you don't have to, Y/N?"
Y/N #4: "I insist. After all, I'm living here now so, it's the least I can do for you."
Placing a hand on his shoulder, Tai replies back.
Tai: "Okay then."
Later on, Yang sweeps the porch, adept at it with one arm. She pauses to wipe her brow and sigh only to spot Y/N sweeping the room leading to the porch.
Yang: "Y/N? What are you-?"
Y/N #4: "Doing some chores for your dad. You don't mind, do you?"
Yang: "No... not all."
After that, she then gets the mail out of the mailbox at the end of their driveway. Lastly, she and Y/N are in the kitchen as they're cleaning some dishes. While Y/N is cleaning the last few dishes, Yang is busy rinsing off a glass.
Yang: "So... what is it like living here?"
Y/N #4: "It's been pretty fine. I honestly thought your dad would go ballistic on me when we told him that I was dating you, Ruby, and the rest of our team. But instead, he took the news pretty well, oddly enough."
Yang: "Yeah, no kidding. Though, I did explain how this relationship work so, that might have help."
As she lifts the glass out of the sink, it slips out of her fingers, and she gasps. When it hits the floor and breaks, it triggers a flashback. Against the blackness there's a slash moving from upper left to bottom right and the red markings from Adam's mask glow red while the sound of a sword loudly resonates. In the kitchen, Yang rears back with a cry.
Yang: "Ah!!!"
Y/N #4: "Yang?"
She clings to the countertop and pants, out of breath due to sheer fright. Once she snaps out of her hallucination, she finds Y/N, standing in front of her and looking at her with visible concern, holding her shaky hand with his two hands.
Y/N #4: "Yang, take deep breaths. In... and out..."
As instructed, Yang takes several deep breaths as she slowly calms down, all while she looks at Y/N's hands, specifically his left.
Yang: "..."
Once she does relax, she slams a fist against the countertop before whispering to herself.
Yang: "Damn it."
Y/N #4: "It's okay, Yang. It's okay... you're safe here..."
He then pulls her into a hug as he caresses her hair.
Yang: "Thanks, babe... I'm so glad... you're here..."
From the doorway, Tai watches with concern for her daughter before turning away without saying a word.
Tai: "..."