[ Once you get used to Nora's special brand of hugs, a little Ruby-sized bear hug isn't anything he can't handle. It's also really nice, as Jaune has never been one to turn down affection! ]
That's just what we called it back home... I guess you're not really supposed to celebrate "pre-birthdays", so I kept it from our parents.
[ So, calling it a secret now is pointless, basically. ]
...a-anyway, I figured I'd do something for you! Since Yang is away, and Blake isn't here, and Weiss is - wonderful. [ yup!! ] Don't forget to make a wish!
[ Classic Weiss smirk. She lets out a soft "hmph", too. ]
Of course I did. [ She gestures to the strings next to her. ] With Yang away, I'm your... closest. . . [ She pauses, then hums in thought, looking pretty troubled. ] Contact.
[ Whether it's pointless or not, it's still sweet, and there's something...nice about it, about sharing a birthday surprise with a friend like this. It makes her feel special in a different way that a giant party with everyone she knows would. ]
Pre-birthday...I like it. [ Look at them, celebrating a pre-birthday, they're so bad. Ruby watches the candle flicker for a moment, mulling over a wish in her head, but ultimately, it's pretty easy to decide on one.
She blows it out. ]
Hmm...I have a good feeling about this one coming true!
[ Wow, she won't even say it on her birthday?! But Ruby's too happy to give her too hard of a time about it. She's jumping down from her bed now, careful not to pop any balloons as she does so, and then she throws her arms around her closest "contact" in a suffocating bear hug. ]
Oh Weiss, thank you, thank you, thank youuuu! You're the best best friend a girl could ask for!
Don't tell me what it is! What is it? N-No! No! You must stay strong! [ Is he saying that to her or to himself? ] You can't tell me, no matter how much you really, really, really want to, okay?
[ ....... he still wants to know, kind of. DAMN IT. ]
[Nora looks so pleased with herself. The sight of Ruby laughing and accepting the box is a clear victory. Doesn't matter if Ruby has mentioned her birthday several times recently.]
[ Atsushi doesn't want to bother her on her big day, but he was told a certain someone had a birthday today, and him being a doting mother type who has somewhat adopted a lot of the rwby household into his family, he can't let Ruby feel left out.
So left out front for Ruby is a nice big box nicely wrapped up. Inside are a bunch of comics that verens has made, and a big container of chocolate chip cookies with frosting, done up to look like roses. ]
To: Ruby
I heard today was a special day, so I hope you'll have a great one. Things around here a little chaotic right now, but please don't let that stop you from having a wonderful time.
[ He might have an inkling what the wish is anyway; at least if Ruby is anything like him. ]
Now, are you ready for your birthday present? Technically, I'm supposed to give it to you tomorrow, but once you see what it is, you'll understand why I wanted you to have it tonight.
[ That's right, there's more to this weird pre-birthday party. ]
I had some time to think about it. All of you were trying to protect me, right? Because... you didn't want to see me hurt?
[ at least, that's what she gathered from the advice of the people she spoke to. she's resolved herself to give ruby and her friends the benefit of the doubt. ]
[ Oh... god, Ruby is such a dork. She can't help but smile goofily at all this - at Ruby's happiness. She's glad to have been a part of this day and this celebration.
Without even thinking, she puts a hand on Ruby's shoulder, patting it gently. ]
I'm 100% certain that your birthday party is going to be a lot grander.
[ Wait. Her party isn't a surprise, right? RIGHT??? ]
I do have one more thing to give you, though.
[ She reaches for a small box by her drawer and hands it to Ruby. Unlike the lavish decor in the room, this one is a simple black box. It's not much, but it's a rose hair pin! ]
[ Ruby gasps all over again, falls to sit on Yang's empty bed, and then jumps back up again, grasping Weiss by both of her shoulders. ]
We're having a party?! Omigosh I'M SO EXCITED!!!
[ it, evidently, was a surprise. Even if Ruby had dropped more than her fair share of hints about having one. Look, she's just made so many amazing friends here, it's totally reasonable for her to want to celebrate her birthday with all of them!!!
But Weiss is then handing Ruby a small box, and her mouth goes quiet and eyes wide with wonder once more as she lifts the lid off the box. Ah... ]
[ By the time he returns with her gift, Ruby is positively bouncing on her heels, her fists bunched excitedly over her heart. To be honest, she'd love it even if it was pajamas. She'd love it even if it was socks! For as shameless as she is about reminding her friends about her birthday, she's nothing if not grateful for the attention and gifts that may result from her reminders.
So when Jaune returns to the kitchen carrying that body pillow, Ruby screeches with delight - and then screeches even louder when she sees what's on it.
IT'S A PILLOW THAT IS ALSO A GUN. ]
Omigosh! [ She rushes over, taking the pillow in her hands and hugging it tightly to her. ] Have you ever seen a more perfect pillow in your whole entire life?!
[ This is why no one ever tells Weiss anything, including the identity of Pluto Boobly...smh.
But no matter, the important thing here is that Weiss is hugging her back, and they're not even in a dream this time! It's such a rare moment, that Ruby even gasps quietly, but she won't draw it out. After all, if she's going to encourage Weiss into more hugs she's got to make them not completely miserably for her!
So a moment later, Ruby steps back, taking the hair pin out of the box and sticking it in her hair at crookedly. ]
[ She's now swiveling at the ankles with her pillow still clutched to her chest. It's so perfect. She'll never sleep with another pillow ever again... ]
It's wonderful. Thank you, Jaune!
[ And then she unlatches one arm from around the pillow so she can pull him into ANOTHER HUG. ]
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