Beauty ran away from the Beast, ran away from whatever was blooming between them, from the life they were building together, the family and friends they were forming.
And Yang didn’t blame Blake one bit. No, she understood why she left, why she wouldn’t want to stay with someone so weak.
She should have been able to save her from Adam, she could have saved her; she would have, if he hadn’t been stronger, if he hadn’t cut off her arm.
No matter, she’ll just rot here in her bed, a fitting punishment for her; for failing to save her Lady Belladonna.
The mighty dragon has grounded herself for now and for evermore.
_
Beauty ran away from the Beast, her heart, to protect her from Adam, is what she told herself.
She left her and she hopes her mighty dragon moves on and realizes she’s better off without her. She hopes Yang hates her.
She should have stopped Adam, should have lead him away from the town. But she didn’t and now innocent people are hurt because of her, her friends are hurt, Yang is hurt.
She holds her arm at that last thought. She wishes she could be there for Yang, to help with her recovering, to provide comfort, but its not what she deserves.
This is her punishment. The Lady Belladonna, princess of Menagerie, advisor to the court of Vale, best friends with the most amazing people in Remnant, lover to Yang Xiao Long and she left it all behind.
_
Beauty came back to the Beast. She came back. She came back and she’s all Yang can think about in that moment.
A mix of emotions crossed the dragon knight’s face. Happy, confused, angry, shocked, and relieved but greatest of all, awe.
Yang is used to people leaving her, never people returning. And yet there Blake stood, equally shocked.
And Yang turned away from her to run back into the fight, brandishing her new sword, she felt invigorated as she ran to confront her mother. Blake is here and now she felt she could do anything.
_
Beauty came back to the Beast. Blake knew there was a high chance of running into Yang in the kingdom of Mistral. And as much as she tried not to seek her out, she couldn’t help herself.
And there her mighty dragon was, half way shifted into her dragon form, bright and scary and handsome as she took down droves of Salem’s forces easily. Her prosthetic gleaming.
And then Yang saw her, and all of her attention turned towards Blake, expression slack-jawed.
It felt so good to have Yang’s attention on her again even if she felt she didn’t deserve it. And yet she couldn't help having the slight glimmer of hope they could mend their relationship as she watched her flame go.
_
“Lady Belladonna,” Yang bows.
“Ser Xiao Long,” Blake frowns. “Yang”
Yang stays bowed but she shudders hearing her name come out of Blake’s mouth for the first time in a year.
Blake kneels on both legs in front of Yang, eyes looking down at the floor. “I’m sorry,” she wipes away the tears beginning to form. “I’m sorry for leaving you, I thought I was protecting you, that you’d be safer away from me, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, I-”
Yang interrupts her by pulling her into a tight hug. Both now crying.
“I don’t care, I don’t care, I just needed you here and you are.”
They look at each other and Yang wipes away Blake’s tears, moves her stray hairs behind her ear and cups her face with her prosthetic; thumb gently rubbing her cheek. And she gives her signature lopsided smile, the smile that tells Blake everything will be okay, they’re safe now. Together.
_
Blake missed this feeling, wind flowing through her hair, fresh air and the excitement of flying atop such a mighty beast. She closed her eyes and raised her hands in the air. She doesn’t need to worry about falling, Yang will catch her.
Later that day, she lays in bed in her silk robe, Yang in her miniature dragon form wrapped around her, tail wagging slightly, tickling Blake. She giggles and puts down her book and picks up Yang, putting her on her chest. Running her hand through her mane.
Yang lets out a soft growl.
“Hush, you love this.”
Yang lets out a noise of disagreement before Blake scratches the spot behind her ear that has her repeatedly stomp her foot like a puppy. She even whines like one.
Yang transforms back into her human form, tank top and shorts covering her. She pouts as Blake giggles mischievously. But her giggles turn into laughing shrieks as Yang picks her up off the bed, princess style and spins them around in place.
“Yang, please, put me down!” she giggles.
“Alright, if my lady wishes,” and Yang throws Blake onto their bed, before jumping on herself causing both to bounce.
Yang immediately pulls Blake into her arms, “Thank you for loving me.”
Blake hums, she rubs her thumb where Yang’s prosthetic and bicep meets. She gives Yang a kiss on the cheek and settles back under her chin. “Thank you for loving me too.”