Yang Xiao Long opened her violet eyes and sprung out of bed. I'm home, she thought, if only for a little bit. Today I'll get to tell Mom and Dad all about Beacon and my classes and Ruby! What's up with Ruby? Yang thought as she got dressed, brushed her teeth, and got in the shower. She's been a little off...distant. And I know that she's younger and is still changing, but what's the cause? I've always been basically her only friend, but she hasn't been around me as much lately. It's not a bad thing, I just don't know what drew her to Weiss. Ever since that one night...could they be together? They barely know each other. I'm going to ask Ruby today. No teasing, just real talk. Sometimes, I wish people could take me more seriously. Yang stepped out of the shower and dried off. Walking downstairs, she tried to think of how to ask Ruby. How can I ask her in a way that doesn't make her defensive? Kindly, I guess. Not my cup of tea, but I need the truth. Yang greeted her parents with a bear hug and a huge smile.

"Is Ruby up yet?" she asked.

"No, she hasn't come down here," said Taiyang.

Weird. She's usually up before me. We did get home late, but even then...

"Ok!" said Yang. I'm gonna go see if she's up." Yang's parents didn't bat an eye. Yang finished breakfast and walked upstairs. She stopped at Ruby's door, slowly turning the knob and slipping inside. She didn't make a sound. Ruby's room was dark, the girl herself was still in bed. What's that in her hand? A scroll? I swear, if she's doing something inappropriate...Yang stopped her thoughts before her protective instinct kicked in. She's in college, Ruby can do what she wants. Even Weiss. Heh. Yang looked up from the floor to find that Ruby was sitting up in bed.

"Uh, Yang? What are you doing?" she asked.

"Hey sleepyhead, just wanted to ask you something. You know, you're growing up, and with that comes realizations about ourselves. I've noticed a change in you, Ruby. Ever since you kissed Weiss-"

"Hey, she kissed me!" exclaimed Ruby.

"Ever since Weiss kissed you, you've been acting a little different. Ruby, are you gay? I need to know. I won't judge you." Yang said.

Ruby looked crestfallen. "It's that obvious, huh," said Ruby. "To answer your question, Yang, yes, ever since Weiss kissed me I realized that I was gay, and I wanted Weiss. And I don't know if she feels the same way, or what your parents will think...or...or..." Ruby ended. Her eyes were glistening.

"Rubes, it's ok. I'm here." Yang rushed over to her sister and pulled her into a hug. "This doesn't change anything."

"Yes it does! It changes everything! I'm so confused, Yang, and I feel so alone, and can I even be in love with Weiss?" Ruby sobbed.

"Of course, Ruby, please calm down, I'll get you some Pumpkin Pete's, then we're going shopping. I'm going to find an outfit for you that Weiss can't refuse." This brought a smile to Ruby's face.

"Ok," she agreed.

"And Ruby?" asked Yang.

"Yeah?"

"You do know what they say about girls with short hair..." Yang smirked and closed the door. She could still hear her sister's protests.

"Oh, Ruby, you look beautiful!" Yang exclaimed. Ruby was wearing a rose-red dress with black straps and chest that ended just above her knees.

"Yeah, I'll take your word for it. Can I get back into my pants? I like pants. I don't have the legs to wear a dress." Ruby said.

"Yeah, I think this is the one. Go ahead and get back into your boring old outfit." Yang teased. After the two left the shop, they walked down the streets of Vale City aimlessly, talking.

"So, when are you going to tell Weiss?" asked Yang.

"I don't know. Hopefully soon. I just don't want things to be awkward, you know?"

"No, Ruby, I don't, because it's obvious you two are into each other, now that I of course know you are indeed into each other. She won't turn you down," Yang reassured. "However, we need to talk about how Mom and Dad are gonna deal with this. I'll be there for you, but they need to hear it from you. I know you're scared, but nothing bad will happen, I promise."

"Oh...ok...I'll try, Yang. But I know your mom will use it as an excuse to kick me out. She's been looking for one ever since I came to live here."

"Trust me, if she does, I'll deal with her." Yang's eyes smoldered. "And please, no more will-she won't-she crap about Weiss. She feels the same way about you, I guarantee it. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if she was talking to her own sister about this."

Weiss stared at the ceiling. She'd been up for half an hour, but she was content to let her thoughts take her away to daydreams of Ruby, of talking to her, going on dates, kissing, cuddling, all things that she wanted desperately. I'm going to tell Winter. She will accept me. What do I tell my parents? I can't lie to them, I can't keep this from them forever. My father is a bigot, but maybe Mother will be able to sway him. She's always tried to love me, however she isn't very patient. I should text Ruby-Weiss' thoughts were cut off as her younger sister burst into the room.

"I knew you were up, sis, why didn't you say hi last night? You know I stay up late. I'm a teenager, remember?" Winter jumped on Weiss' bed and started shaking her. "You gotta tell me all about Beacon. Is the weather nice over there? Did you make any friends? Did you go to any parties? Did-" Winter was cut off by a hand over her mouth.

"I am not talking," Weiss growled, "Until I have breakfast."

After a hurried breakfast of Winter staring across the table from her, Weiss walked down to the first floor, to one of many large rooms. She flopped onto a couch and let out a sigh.

"Okay, what do you want to know first?" she asked Winter.

"Tell me you made at least one friend."

"Hey! I'm not that cold all the time!" Weiss looked over at Winter, who was taking that statement with a grain of salt.

"Well, actually, I did make a friend. Her name is Ruby Rose. At first, we met in some...unfortunate circumstances. I was getting the keys for my dorm, and this girl with short red hair and a military jacket runs into me and I drop my bags! She was quite apologetic, and I was like 'whatever' so she left. Then, when I'm ordering my luggage workers around, the same girl comes into my dorm! As it turns out, she got the same dorm as me. Remember, her first impression wasn't great, so things weren't looking good. But, as the first week wore on, I convinced myself that I should make friends with her so that this first year wouldn't be too awful. However, her...dorky...awkward? Personality made it hard for me to stay mad at her for long. Winter, what's the word for dorky and awkward and cute?"

"Adorkable?"

"Yes, her...adorkable...personality was endearing, in a way. After the first week of classes, she asked me to come with her sister to this one club. It was pretty...unsavory. However, I ended up having a lot of fun..." Weiss trailed off as she realized where this would bring the conversation. Here goes.

"Winter, that night, I kissed Ruby. I didn't even really know her. I had never kissed a girl. But for some reason, she fills my thoughts! I've never felt this way and–Winter, what I'm trying to say is that I'm gay. I don't know if i'm in love, if that's even possible to be in love with Ruby. At the same time, I don't care. I want her, Winter, more than anything, and I just couldn't go on not telling anyone." Weiss' face felt hot. She looked at Winter, who looked as if she'd seen a ghost.

"Weiss, I'm happy for you, trust me, I am, but what will Father think? He's not known for his...open-mindedness. I don't know what to say..." Winter trailed off, hugged her sister. "Whatever happens, I'll be here for you," she whispered.

"Thank you," said Weiss, a single tear rolling down her cheek. I just hope things are ok with Ruby. That song she was listening to...it gives me hope for us. When I get back, I'll ask her. I'm so afraid, but I can't stand to be without Ruby.

As Yang and Ruby sat down at the dinner table, Ruby could not believe what was about to happen. It's just like a normal dinner, but this could be the biggest day of my life. Except, of course, when I ask Weiss out. Raven had cooked a simple chicken marsala with green beans. Although Ruby's stomach churned with anxiety, she realized she was actually hungry and devoured the main dish. There was some small talk at the table, but when Yang saw that Ruby has finished her chicken, she caught Ruby's eye. Now, her violet eyes seemed to say.

"Dad, Raven, I have something to say. As I grow older and experience new things, I realize things about myself. I don't really know how to say this so I just will: I'm gay. I like girls. But this doesn't change who I am. I hope you can accept me no matter what." Ruby sighed. There. Regardless of what they say, it's out there. They know.

"Ruby, I am happy that you could share this–" Taiyang was cut off as Raven interjected.

"I'm not. We have rules in this house, and as long as we give you a bed, food, and clothes, you have to obey us. And I do not want you flaunting around this house the fact that you're a lesbian. You attract enough attention, wearing your stupid mother's jacket all the time. Every time I look at you, I see her staring at me, that bitch. You are a constant reminder of how close Taiyang and I came to seperating. I've tried to be as welcoming as possible, but I'm putting my foot down." Raven finished.

"Rules! I can't change who I am, Raven! I can't change who I love, and I can't change who my mom was–''

"Then go! Leave, you little freak! I don't ever want to see you again!" Raven screamed shrilly. Ruby, horrified, looked at Taiyang, who merely averted his eyes, looking at his shoes. Ruby turned to Yang, whose face was a mask of shock and rage.

"Let's go, Ruby." Yang muttered. Ruby threw on her jacket and rushed outside with her sister. It was fall, turning to winter, and as Ruby watched the tress shed their leaves, tears rolling down her face, she felt a kinship to those leaves. Cast away, forgotten, carried by the wind, without a place to call home.

A/N: Alright, I hoped you all liked the chapter. I really do not want to write something like that last scene again, it broke my heart, but I have a feeling I might have to. Next episode, we might have some White Rose moments (finally, lol) and a whole lot of angst coming up :). I wanted to say a huge thank you to anyone who left reviews, they helped me immensely! Thank you for telling me to take it slow, develop the plot. It's great hearing from you! See ya next time.