#Ruby's trans and you can pry that from my cold hard fingers when I'm dead

[bridgyrose]

This time I'll ask for a one-shot prompt with a somewhat mundane premise:

Ruby's first time trying on a corset.

(Not as mundane as you think. This is actually something I've thought about doing before.)

Ruby watched her reflection as she moved around, keeping her eyes on the skirt and blouse she wore. Everything seemed to keep in place as she moved, but the longer she looked over her outfit, the more it felt like it was missing something. Maybe it was the importance Yang put on making a combat outfit unique or how she wanted to honor her mother in a way she’d be proud of, but it didnt feel completely like her. 

She made her way back to the closet and started to look through the rest of her clothes. Most of them had been from before she started to transition, but she was sure she could use something. Maybe some chains or belts to wrap around herself like some of the bands she listened to would or pouches she could wear around her hips to hold the ammo she’d use for Crescent Rose. 

“Everything alright, Rubes?” Yang asked as she walked into the bedroom. “Sounds like you’re fighting grimm up here.” 

Ruby nearly fell backwards as she pulled out a belt and a small pouch she had used for a halloween costume. “I’m fine.” 

“Putting together another cosplay?” 

“Trying to put together something to wear for combat.” Ruby grabbed her scissors and sewing kit, going to work on removing the straps to the pouch in order to adjust them for the belt. “Something that will set me apart from everyone else.” 

“Right.” Yang sighed and sat down on Ruby’s bed. “Its not something you should have to worry about yet. Its only your first year at Signal and any combat they run you through will be controlled with their own gear.” 

“I know but I want to get something together now. Especially since Qrow’s been talking about taking me on a short hunt to help me train with my scythe.” 

“Would you like any help?” 

Ruby let out a sigh as she finished adjusting the straps on the pouch and pulled the belt through to sew everything in place. “Maybe a second pair of eyes would help.” 

“Show me what you have.” 

Ruby nodded and finished getting the pouch in place. She put the belt around her waist, clipped her cloak in place, and straightened out her skirt. “So, what do you think?” 

Yang sat up a bit. “You look a lot like mom.” 

“I took some inspiration from the picture dad has of her from their Beacon days.”

“I think I have something that might work with this,” Yang said as she got up and rushed out the room. “I’ll be right back!” 

Ruby nodded and went to sit down on her bed as she waited for Yang, almost tapping her fingers on the bed. It wasnt that she didnt trust Yang and her fashion choices, but after getting enough hand-me-downs from her, she figured she could cut, tear, and sew anything she gave her into something that worked much better for her.

And yet, as she watched Yang come back in, she hadnt expected to see a black corset in her hands. “What’s that?” 

“A training corset that I bought a couple years ago.” Yang handed it over to Ruby. “I kept telling myself I’d use it but then I… never did. But something like this might work for you.” 

Ruby took the corset and looked it over. “Can you help me put it on?” 

“Sure.” 

Ruby took her cloak off and started to put the corset on, clipping everything into place. Once she double checked to make sure everything was set correctly, she let Yang lace it up. At first, it felt tight as it squeezed around her, but as she took a few breaths, it all seemed to set in place just right. And once it was all laced up, she stared at her reflection in the mirror and ran her hands down the corset, feeling the ribs through the fabric. 

She pulled her hands away from the corset and started to really look at her reflection. Not only did the corset seem to pull her outfit together, but it made her figure look more feminine than what she’d been used to and gave a bit more support to her chest, almost helping her look bigger than what she was. She wiped away a small tear as she took a deep breath. 

Yang put a hand on her shoulder. “Its not too tight is it? I can loosen it up-” 

“N-no, its… its fine,” Ruby interrupted, her voice almost shaking as she turned to face Yang. She couldnt help but pull her into a tight hug. “Its great, thank you.” 

Yang gently rubbed Ruby’s back. “I’m glad I could help, sis. I know a few shops we can look at for some other corsets. Maybe something less constricting but still able to keep everything in place.” 

Ruby pulled away and nodded. “Maybe in a bit. I’d like a few minutes to clean up.” 

“Just get me when you’re ready.” 

Ruby turned to face the mirror again and looked over her reflection, the smile on her face growing. She finally felt like herself.