The Void of the Second Years (Kanaruby)
She caught sight of her pink hair completely by accident. On the walk home, Kanan expected the park to be empty, but there she was, sitting on the swing alone. She approached from behind, reaching for the chains that suspended the seat.
“Heya, Ruby!” Kanan greeted, shaking the swing. Ruby screamed, reflexively grabbing the chain. She looked up, finding a toothed grin flashed her way.
“A-ah, Matsuura! D-don’t sneak up on me like that,” Ruby sputtered out, her face red. Above her, Kanan shook her head, the smile never fading.
“Why the formalities, Ruby? I’m not one of those fancy people that visit your place.”
U-uhm... You are sister’s friend, so I should r-respect that...” Her voice trailed off. Despite the close proximity, Kanan could barely hear the younger girl’s words. Sometimes she could hardly believe this was Dia’s sister.
“What’s with that?” She slid her hand down the chain, then wrapped her arms around Ruby, hugging her from behind. “You can ditch all that! If Dia’s my friend, then you are too!” She pulled away, finding tears tease at the corner of vibrant emerald eyes. “S-shoot, did I say something wrong?”
Ruby shook her head, her hands settled atop Kanan’s. A smile brightened her face, though it did nothing to dispel her tears. “T-then... Kanan!” The mention of her name stretched her grin wider.
“And don’t you forget it, Ruby!” A silence followed, but the hug was comfortable. However, Ruby dropped her gaze back to the floor. Kanan saw nothing but her pink hair and pigtails. “Ruby?”
There was no response, but she felt her breath hitch from their bodies hugged close. The hands atop hers gripped tight. She said nothing, but there was nothing more to say. “She’ll come around soon, Ruby...”
Kanan moved out of the hug, a pang of guilt stung her chest when she heard Ruby quietly cry out, but it wasn’t for long. Kanan moved around to stand in front of her. She dropped to her knees, holding her arms out to the middle schooler.
“Give me a hug, Ruby.” She saw the tears stroll her white skin, and it hurt her. Ruby hesitated for only a moment, throwing herself at the second year. The hug was warm, but her heart was cold. Ever since the end of Kanan’s first year of high school, everything changed. Dia grew more distant even to her own sister and to herself. She would never regret what they had together, but it still sucked things ended the way they did.
But worst of all was knowing it affected Ruby. Being alone to begin with, her supposed pillar of comfort gave her the cold shoulder at home.
Kanan stayed there, hugging Ruby close as she cried muffled tears against her uniform. She whispered comforts, her lips pressed softly against her ear. It would slowly calm her sobs, but she always kept the hug warm until Ruby was ready to let go.
For Kanan, it was the least she could do, for the mess she created. For Ruby, she never wanted to let go, and the thought of losing Kanan too was enough to build her tears up all over again.
Silent intentions that were never exchanged, but Kanan would never ask. She lent her warmth, and the dryness of her uniform’s ribbon to catch the tears. Kanan didn’t mind, the pink ribbon was a bad color on her. Perhaps green would be a better look. Next year, she hoped thing will be better.
Their shared warmth was getting addicting, and Kanan was beginning to fear that she would be the one wanting not to let go.