Ruby Rose only had two objectives in life. Two simple goals that were neither grand nor truly could be considered anything extraordinary.
The first was obvious. She had always longed to be a huntress after growing up hearing fairy tales and stories of heroes that had fought and risked their lives for the common people; most were stories of Summer Rose—her mother whom she only knew through the countless stories told to her by her older sister and father.
Regardless, she still grew up admiring while also inspired by her stories. It had played a major part in her desire to be a huntress herself, and being accepted into Beacon Academy had made that childhood dream a guaranteed success right off the bat.
And so, with her first goal in life a guaranteed success, Ruby Rose now turns her attention to the second goal. One, in her heart, was even more important than her dreams of heroism and living off her childhood fairy tales.
The second goal was to find a good man, start a family, have maybe one-three or four children together, and live out the rest of their life in happiness.
Many would say such a dream was too plain and lacked any grand form of ambition, but to Ruby Rose, it was a dream she wanted to achieve no matter what was thrown at her in life.
If one asks why this particular goal was so important to her, Ruby Rose would simply answer with this, ''Because she didn't wish to be like her mother!''
The truth of the matter was, despite idolizing the stories of her mother and wishing to become like her. The complete absence of her presence while growing up made Ruby Rose also desire another kind of life; apart from merely becoming a huntress and achieving her childhood dream of heroism. She also desires to experience motherhood and unlike her mother—she would never run off and die, leaving the children with only their dad.
One would say it's strange, and Ruby herself wouldn't deny it either.
Idolized and yet holding resentment toward that absence figure but both equally coexist inside her.
As mentioned, Ruby Rose was a person with only two aspirations in life. With one already guaranteed success, that only left the second but also the most important objective that she needed to pursue: finding a good husband, getting married, giving birth to three-four children and living off the rest of her day with them.
As for being a huntress and why not; after she naturally achieves it and plays off her childhood fantasy for a few years or so, she'll just quit and dedicate her life to the second goal.
Simple and straightforward. A done deal when thinking about it.
Now… where to find a perfect husband you might ask? Luckily, Ruby Rose had long found that perfect person. And better yet they just happen to be really close like two peas in a pod as it's none other than her bestie, who also has to be her first and best male friend since the beginning of Beacon Academy.
He is perfect in every way!
A little dorky yet shows surprising levels of bravery when it counts, lacks confidence but shows a great amount of resolve when standing up for what's right, coming off as too strong when flirted with but is always earnest toward the one he likes. And of course, he was tall, shaggy and after months of training with Pyrrha—those strong muscular arms, those biceps, those knightly air had only added to those charmed.
Ruby could list out many things she found wonderful about Jaune from the first moment they met but that would be too long of a list.
The thing was, in her eyes, Jaune was simply that perfect husband that she had always searched for but could only find in her dreams. To her, their meeting was equivalent to two lovers destined to meet and forever vow eternal love for each other. Just like those more romantic fairy tales read to her by Yang.
Now, many would question(Yang) why she hadn't already been pinning for him if she truly was that enthralled by him? Instead, she chose to let him run around freely and even let him pursue her partner, Weiss, and allow another certain red-haired girl the chance to snatch him up without doing anything.
Merely pretended to play the role of that perfect best friend who understands and shares his interest.
The answer was neither dramatic nor extreme. She merely wanted to confirm if he was really the one despite already believing he was from the very moment they met that and, she was absolutely confident that even if he somehow was taken by others during the couple of months that she allowed him to run around freely.
They wouldn't be able to hold onto him once she started!
The absolute self-assuredness in getting him was the reason she hadn't rushed into action.
After all, why rush when he was already hers from day one, right?
…
Ruby Rose looks at herself in the mirror, straightening the strands of hair reaching down, smiling at herself in the mirror.
Tonight was the Beacon Academy Dance Party, and she needed to present her absolute best self. There could be no flaw in her appearance on an important night like this. She even asks to borrow some makeup from Weiss.
After all, it wasn't just about the Beacon dance, tonight, she would finally be making her move! It needed to be swift and memorable; something he would never forget. And what perfect timing it was, knowing him, he was likely trying and failing to invite Weiss to be his partner. Sulking and depressed.
When he is in his most vulnerable state, she'll make her move and scoop him right off his clumsy feet. It'll leave such an impact in his mind that he will never escape from her grasp. Never.
''Sis, you are seriously scaring me a little! What's with that strange eerie confident smirk while looking at yourself in the mirror?'' Yang looked at her normally innocent, and so adorable baby sister and couldn't help but feel an unknown chill. ''And… I thought you have no partner to bring to the dance so what's with the extreme self care?''
Ruby merely flashed her sister an innocent smile and replied naturally. ''Whatever do you mean, Yang? No partner or not, isn't natural for a girl to want to look her best on any big occasion. Besides, I have always taken care of my appearance like this.''
''Uhh, if you say so, you could've fooled me…'' The last line was said silently, however, Ruby didn't bother to expose her sister.
Yang was right to doubt her. Growing up, Ruby rarely applied much makeup to herself, deeming it as unnecessary. But that was only half the truth—it was simply because back then no matter how hard she looked, she couldn't find that perfect 'one' she had always yearned for so she felt no need to make herself look that good in front of boys or even girls that wouldn't become her lifelong future 'half'.
Besides, even without much makeup, Ruby was always confident in her natural appearance. In her eyes, makeup was simply meant to enhance what was already there.
''So, has the other already gone to the dance?'' Ruby blinked her silver eye, only now noticing except for Yang and her, Blake and Weiss were nowhere to be found. ''Oh, those two, yeah they have already gone ahead. Saying we or should I say you, were taking too long.'' Yang rolled her eyes while answering, ''I mean, I could understand coming from Blake but Weiss… That girl, with how much time she usually wasted on her makeup, saying that you were taking too slow is rich.''
That, Ruby was unable to deny. While she had come to love her partner despite the initial difficulties in getting along with her, her long hours of self-care could be a headache-inducing to think about.
Though, judging from what Yang says, she could tell Weiss was merely in a hurry. With how smitten she was with that Neptune, it wasn't hard to guess that she must have been successful in inviting the boy to the dance.
While doubting Weiss's taste in boy's, Ruby still felt the need to be happy for her partner. After all, though her perfect ideal husband may have been smitten with her partner, Weiss' lack of interest and rejection did create an excellent opportunity for her to swoop right in.
As for the fear of her other rival(Pyrrha) swooping in and taking advantage of the situation, Ruby hadn't even bothered to consider it. With so many opportunities opening up to her and that girl couldn't even take that first step, the threat she posed wasn't even a consideration in the first place.
''Tell me honestly Yang, how do I look?'' Ruby asks, twirling lightly on her feet as her dress flutters about gently. A little stunned, Yang furrows her brow, ''Okay, seriously Ruby, you have been acting a little strange lately. Since when do you care that much about your appearance, you're not turning into another Weiss are you?''
''First of all Yang, that's just rude. And tonight is a special occasion, can't a lady care a little bit more about her appearance than usual.'' Ruby eyelash lowered as she pouted, not liking the way her sister had phrased that.
''Uh, lady?...'' Yang immediately stops her line of thought when a pair of silver eyes glare at her.
Just because I don't see the point in dressing up and making myself look good for random people, now I'm labeled as the type that doesn't care for appearance? Ruby was a little bit more than just annoyed. However, thinking about how today was a very special day, her mood eases.
''Yang, just tell me how I look? Great or absolutely great?'' Ruby asks Yang again. Noticing that her baby sister was being quite persistent on this, the blond older sister relented. ''You look absolutely adorable,''
''And?''
Yang sighed. ''Hard for me to admit this as an older sister who watched you grow up but... You look really stunning. In a mature way if you know what I mean. That and you feel... different today, I'mma go with that. Though I can't really explain.''
She could understand what Yang meant. Truth be told, Ruby had never told any of her family members about her dream of being a simple wife—only her first dream of being a huntress.
The reason was because, as a family of huntresses and huntsmen, Ruby simply felt that her second dream was too mundane compared to the first. Because of that she didn't feel the need to tell them about it.
So in front of Yang, uncle Qrow, their father, Ruby had always played the role of a naive and innocent younger child. It works for the most part and she prefers it that way as well when it comes to her family, but tonight was different.
She has to be her true self if she wants to snatch her future husband right off his feet and fulfill her long-cherished dream of starting a family with him. With such a goal in mind being her normal innocent self simply wouldn't do.
''I am your sister Yang so it's only natural that I look stunning. As for me being a little 'different', like I say, tonight is a special night; shouldn't I look my absolute best both in terms of looks and manner.''
''Mmm, you aren't wrong.'' Yang still had some doubts but couldn't refute her logic. Unable to figure out what was different about her baby sister, the older blond sister chose to give up.
Seeing that Yang wasn't pursuing the matter any further, Ruby glacé at the clock hanging on their dorm wall and smirked inwardly. Hmm, the dance should've gone on for quite a bit of time now. I wonder, is he sulking after realizing Weiss is simply not interested? Or worse, wallow in depression while trying to uplift himself with comforting reasons? Knowing him, it's likely both.
Whatever the case was, her chance would present itself quite nicely.
...
''Whistle~ the party seems to be going along nicely. Can't lie, those suits really fit the boys~. Since you're so heavily dressed for the occasion, why don't you try your luck on the boys who hadn't gotten a partner.'' Ignoring her sister's joking comment, Ruby's silvery eyes had immediately wandered onto a certain someone.
Just like I expected, Ruby's lips visibly curled up into a smirk. The boy in her dream, her ideal husband, Jaune, was currently standing all alone while watching others have fun with that disappointed look of his.
Even his depressed look is too cute!
Her gaze then traced over to a certain redhead, Pyrrha, sipping a glass of drink while stealing a glance at Jaune, hesitated in taking action.
Seeing the sight, Ruby's eyes only flashed with disappointment. She would have felt slightly bad in what she was about to do if Pyrrha had at least been more decisive in pursuing her crush, however, she considers Pyrrha a good friend but someone who, despite having been given so many chances, is still hesitant to act upon it.
Ruby could only feel disappointment over such indecisiveness.
Oh well, this works better for me anyway. Ruby stopped thinking about her so-called rival in love and reverted her attention back to her Jaune. ''Yang, you go on and have fun, I'mma just hang out with Jaune.''
''Uh, well, if you say so.'' Yang heard her sister and looked over to Jaune, and seeing his less-than-excited face she could tell that the poor guy was facing another rejection from his crush, Weiss. ''You might need to comfort him though, the poor guy is obviously not in the best of moods.''
''Don't worry sis, I fully intend to comfort him thoroughly~'' Ruby silver eyes glitter as she smiles, striding toward the blond boy.
Watching her baby sister back as she made her way over to Jaune, Yang couldn't help but have a stunning confused expression on her face. ''That… sounded strange and not right.'' However, believing she was overthinking things, Yang kept it out of her mind and focused on enjoying the night like everyone else.
Meanwhile,
Ruby made her way to Jaune. And Jaune, noticing her, lifted his glass and said with a forced smile. ''Ruby, you and Yang were a little late to the party, though... that doesn't really matter since the night is not going to end anytime soon anyway.''
''... what's wrong, you don't look in the best of moods? Did something happen with... Weiss?'' Ruby raises an eyebrow, asking.
Though she already knew why he was like this, pretending not to know in order to have him wallow in the memories was a necessary step if she wanted him more vulnerable than he was currently.
As she expected, the moment she mentioned Weiss, Jaune's expression instantly shifted as he utterly in self-deprecatedly manner. ''You're spot on as always… craterface.''
Jaune bitterly smiled, bringing up the nickname he had given her in order to let her know he didn't want to talk about it.
If it was any other time, she would have respected his wish, however, not today. Now that she was making her move after months of just watching, she intended for it to succeed and leave a lasting impression!
''Hmm, do you wish to talk about it?'' Pretending not to get the hint, Ruby pressed forward with her inquiry. Jaune hesitated and was about to be direct with her and tell her that he didn't wish to but she gently punched him in the shoulder and said with a wink. ''C'mon, tonight is supposed to be a night of fun and let loose! You being all… y'know, like this, is a total waste. So share your problem with me, I'm your bestie aren't I?''
Chewing on his lips with a hesitant look, Jaune sighed and finally relented. ''Mhm. Alright, I suppose sharing it would be better than keeping solely to myself.''
''That's the spirit. Now, tell me.'' Ruby's smile reached her lips, and as Jaune's expression shifted further into gloom, he chugged down all his drink at once, as his cheek turned a shed of red and he became a little tipsy, he started speaking in a bitter tone. ''You know how I've been wooing Weiss since day one of Beacon…''
As Jaune began to talk about his initial spark of interest toward Weiss, which rapidly evolved into a heavy crush, until at some point he came to realize his feeling will never be returned but still wanted to believe otherwise.
Ruby just stood silent without interrupting his story. Comforting him occasionally with a pat on the back or a hug when he grew more emotional throughout the narration.
''The reason I didn't give up despite realizing my feelings wouldn't be returned was because I thought… her coldness was toward everyone. But after seeing how she acting toward Neptune, I was completely crushed because… because…''
Jaune hiccup, drowning in his sorrow as the story was about to come to a conclusion.
''-because I realized she was just like that toward me. She just… didn't have any interest toward me, that's all.'' His brow furrowed as he looked down at the empty glass, ''Heh, like this empty glass my heart also felt empty. It felt like someone dug through it and took out everything, leaving behind nothing.''
*Shatter!*
And maybe intentionally or unintentionally, Jaune's hand suddenly slips at that moment and drops the glass cup; shattering the entire thing into countless fragmented pieces on the floor.
''And now it further resembles it, don't you think?'' He looked at Ruby, his eyes looking a little hazy.
Seeing how broken and vulnerable he was, Ruby didn't utter any words of comfort, instead only plastered a worrying expression on her face as she silently placed his head under her arms.
After dealing with her father's drunken sorrow over the years every time he drank too much and thought about mom, she came to understand that sometimes a simple silence and action offer far more comfort than any words could possibly do.
So she only looked at him with worry without saying anything. However, hidden underneath that expression was a satisfying smirk threatening to edge outward at the corner of her lips.
I have to thank Weiss for such perfect opportunities, Ruby thought, feeling like giving a thumbs up to her partner for thoroughly crushing her future husband's feelings and leaving him so vulnerable to a point where she barely needs to lift a finger in doing anything.
As they remained like that for a while, Jaune lifted his head off her embrace, and uttered dozily. ''Thank you, Ruby. I- *hic*- I really needed that.''
''Anytime. That's what friends are there for after all.'' Feeling a little lost after he took his head away from her embrace, Ruby didn't forget to put on a gentle comforting smile. ''You're right. I'm really lucky to have a great friend like you, Ruby.'' Jaune said, smiling foolishly.
''However, I don't think you're in the best condition for the party. How about we go back to the dorm instead and have you settle your mind there.'' Ruby locks arms with him, saying as a deep meaningful smile flashes through her silver eyes.
''Uh- I suppose you're right. I'm not really in the best condition for a night that is all about celebration and fun,'' being a little drunk, Jaune didn't think much of it and agreed after some thought.
''Alright then, I'll take you back since you seem a little tipsy. We don't want you accidentally bumping your head or worse—tripping and injuring yourself.''
''C'mon, even a little drunk I'm not that clumsy!'' Jaune protested, however, a single glance from Ruby had him retract that statement. ''Point taken. Please lead the way, Miss. Guid,'' Ruby snorted at the joke but was happy that he wasn't against her suggestion.
Now, only one more step to go.
...
Hand hung over her shoulder for support, Ruby took Jaune through the corridor of the dorm hall before reaching theirs. As she was about to take him to her team's dorm room, Jaune, while tipsy were still clear headed enough to see that she wasn't taking him to his own team's dorm, asked.
''*Hic* Ruby, why are you taking me to your team dorm and not mine?''
Ruby's expression slightly stiffened but it went unnoticed to Jaune as she quickly reverted to a sweet smile, saying. ''As your current condition, I don't want to leave you if I can help it. As your friend I'm quite worried and simply want to look out for you.''
''Hmm, I- I suppose you're right. Thank you, Ruby.'' Feeling a little light-headed, Jaune pressed his hand to his temple and said after a brief hesitation.
''Jaune, there's no need for 'thank' between us, y'know that!'' Ruby whines, and Jaune chuckles, ''Hehe, my bad. Won't do it again.''
''You better,'' because we would be far closer after tonight, the rest went unsaid.
Ruby then unlocked her team's dorm and took Jaune into the room. Jaune looked at the room with his hazy eyes and murmured thoughtfully. ''I forgot your team had a bunk bed unlike ours. Maybe I should've suggested we made our four separate beds into one as well at the start of Beacon. That would've been cool.''
''Mm, then who would you share the bunk bed with?'' Ruby heard him and asked meaningfully. Understanding why she meant, Jaune was slightly flustered as he hurried to explain. ''Uh, uh, of course Ren and I would be sharing and Pyrrha and Nora would be sharing! We have an even number of males and female in the team so that is the obvious choice.''
''Heh. I was joking, no need to get so defensive.'' Ruby giggled cutely when seeing how flustered he was. Jaune clicks his tongue, and deadpan. ''Y'know, sometimes I feel as though you resemble your sister Yang more than you yourself think.''
''Well, we may not share a mom but we still share a dad so us being a little similar shouldn't come as a surprise.'' Jaune nodded, and shifted the conversation. ''So… where should I sit?''
There was no chair in the dorm, and Jaune was feeling a little awkward at the thought of just sitting down on someone else's bed without permission from the owner.
''What do you mean, isn't it obvious. There.'' Ruby pointed at the bottom bed of one of the bunk beds and said naturally. Looking at the bed she pointed at, Jaune hesitated. ''The style, the color, and even the way it is designed… doesn't seem like yours though.'' A little drunk or not, he was still clear-headed enough to judge that the bed was obviously not Ruby just from its appearance.
''It's not,'' Ruby honestly replied.
Jaune tilts his head, gives her a look, and asks. ''Who did it belong to, your sister? Or Blake… certainly not Weiss.''
''It belongs to Weiss,'' as Jaune was about to freak out over her suggestion, Ruby pulled him along and dragged them plopping down on the bed.
As he plopped directly down on the bed, when Jaune thought about how he was lying on the bed of his crush, he stuttered. ''Y-you! Ruby! What are you doing!? Weiss is gonna kill me if she found out I'm lying on her bed, she already hates my gut enough as it is!''
''Shh,'' Ruby placed her finger to his lips, smiling slyly. ''Relax, why are you getting so worked up? It's merely a bed. Nothing more.''
Jaune stared dazily at Ruby, now realizing something he had been overlooking. ''R-Ruby…''
''Hmm,'' Ruby stared back at his sky-blue eyes with her silver.
''You're a little strange tonight. I have felt that when we were at the dance but thought it was just my imagination, though, now I'm certain… Are you alright?'' Jaune's tone was filled with worry. He didn't know what was wrong with her, which only made him more worried for her. Ruby's lips curled up into a slight smirk, speaking dreamily. ''You really are dense Jaune, though it also makes you look rather adorable. Since you still don't get the hint, I'll have to take the initiative.''
''A- Adorable!? What are you—Mhm!'' He was unable to finish the line when Ruby suddenly leaned her head forward and sealed his lips with her.
Eyes wide and breathless, Jaune's mind froze up from the suddenness of the kiss. When he regained clarity, he was shocked to find that Ruby was on top of him and bobbing her head cutely at him. ''W-what are you doing?'' He asked, though already started to understand what was going on.
However, the things he couldn't figure out were when, where, and why?
Ruby pressed her lips upward with her finger, as if in deep thought, carefully contemplating what to say. After a short yet seemingly long contemplation, she smiles slyly. ''If I was to say when… that would be from the first moment we met. When you came to help me after the situation with Weiss. The instant I saw you, talked to you, shared stories with you, and joked and laughed with you. I was already certain I wanted you. Now, to fulfill my dream,'' she leaned down and spoke directly into his ear. ''After months of simply watching, I would make you mine, Jaune.''
''That… It's too sudden. I don't understand, why me? And what is this dream you've mentioned?'' Breathless from the intimate contact with a girl, mind hazy from the heat, vision clouded. Jaune was truly at his wit's end. Ruby lips raise when noticing the confusion clouding his vision, ''There are many reasons, as for my dream—it's to find a husband, settle down with him in a nice little land of our own and have three-four kids, and spend our days in peace. Doesn't that sound wonderful to you too, Jaune?''
Even with his mind hazy, Jaune was still able to piece together every word she said.
He was struck speechless and couldn't voice the words stuck in his throat. Already in a vulnerable state due to the situation with Weiss, the drink and the repeated intimate contact with Ruby made his consciousness blurred.
But maintaining the fragile string of consciousness he had left, he gazed into those beautifully unique silvery eyes of her, at that moment; all the protest and desire to refuse were halted, and in the end. He uttered the only words that came to mind. ''A-are you... s-sure about this…?''
''Silly,'' Ruby gently touched his face, a gentle loving smile on her face. ''If I wasn't sure, we wouldn't be here right now.''
How could she not be sure? Her years of searching have finally come to an end. The perfect ideal husband she had always been hoping for had landed right in her hand. And she wouldn't let him go no matter what!
''Relax. I'll take care of the rest.'' Ruby delicate hand sliding down his face, the neck, the collarbone and to his chest area. As she traced a small circle on his chest playfully before long, her hand went to the button and unhurriedly unzipped one after another. Thereafter, kissing his open chest, she uttered dreamily at him. ''This is a party, a party for just the two of us, Jaune.''
The long night persists, accompanied by heavy breathing and cries of moaning lasting throughout the night in that dorm room. All unknown to the rest of the team RWBY that were at the dance.
The end.