Love is a curious affair. There is more to the emotion than simply caring for one another. Love creates the joy of having a bond so inseparable that the two involved share their hopes and dreams, sadness and fears, memories and secrets. It will bring out the best in people, and cause a person to stumble into the craziest of ideas.

Life as a whole seems to brighten. Colors are more vivid while the sounds of the world are crisper. Being around their loved ones allows a mind to be at ease. The demons in the heart are quieted, nothing more than hushed background noise. Doubts are lifted and fears subdued. Next to that special someone, anything seems possible.

But when removed from one another, when distance is added to the equation, a sense of longing begins. Every subtle image, every muted sound, and every action brings back a memory of them. A picnic on a warm spring day. A shared coffee on a cool autumn afternoon. Hands interlocked on a snowy winter night. These remembrances calm a person. However, doubts creep back into the mind. The fear that this love could end ever lingers.

Yes, love is a curious affair. Yet when true, the intertwining of two souls creates a bond that rarely breaks.

"WEISS!"

The heiress nearly fell out of her chair at the sudden outburst. She planned to use this peaceful Saturday morning to get ahead on her essay for Professor Port's class, the migration patterns of Nevermore. Terribly dull, in Weiss's opinion, but work that needed to be done before winter break. Any train of thought or progression ground to a halt at Ruby's exclamation.

"Ruby Rose…" growled Weiss, turning to face RWBY's bubbly leader. "How many times do I have to tell you NOT to yell when you are but five feet from me?!"

The smile that adorned Ruby's faced faltered for a second. A twinge of guilt ran through Weiss. Perhaps I could have toned that down. Yet, as quickly as that thought crossed her mind, that goofy grin returned to her leader's face.

"But Weiiisss. Don't you remember what today is?"

"Saturday," Weiss deadpanned. "A day in which I planned on getting my papers done before break. Which I advise you do the same Ruby."

"Nope! Not today anyway! Do you really not remember?" The question trailed off at the end, Ruby's grin fading again.

What am I forgetting? We had no team plans, no combat practice scheduled, what else could it… oh. I'm an idiot. Weiss brought the palm of her hand against her head and sighed, "I was supposed to take you ice skating today wasn't I?"

"Yup! You were going to teach me… right? Unless you're too busy... I don't want to bother," came a docile, almost whispered response. Ruby hung her head slightly, digging the toe of her shoe into the ground. Her bottom lip stuck out with the slightest pout.

"Goodness that isn't fair," muttered Weiss under her breathe. It was no wonder Yang doted over Ruby constantly. The girl could break the sternest of men with the look Weiss received right now. She is quite adorable when she pouts though… wait what? Where did that thought come from?! Never mind that.

"Of course I will take you. A Schnee never goes back on a promise!" Weiss puffed out her chest on the emphasis. "Just… give me a few minutes to get ready? I see that you're already dressed for the occasion."

Which was true. Ruby still adorned her trademark red cloak in addition to a black scarf and toque, both embroidered with a rose. Her usual combat skirt was replaced with black jeans along with calf high red snow boots. Yes, she was definitely ready for an outdoors adventure.

"Sure thing! I'll go wait downstairs," rang Ruby's response as she skipped toward the door. Weiss gathered the notes that littered her desk, stacking them neatly before slipping them into Grimm Studies: Past and Present. With a lift of the arms, Weiss arched her back feeling faint cracking from her joints. A glance at the clock displayed in bright green numbers that Weiss had been working for nearly three hours at that point. A content sigh escape her lips as she eased her stretch.

Heh, I suppose I should thank Ruby later. I lost track of time. Up from her desk, Weiss wandered up to her closet with hands on her hips. But wherever did I place my skates?

Wonder what could be taking Weiss so long? Probably can't find anything to wear. Ha! Perched upon a bench, Ruby's silver eyes gazed aimlessly across the snow covered quad. What was once a gorgeous fall landscape gave way to old man winter. The beautiful auburn and yellow colors that adorned the trees vanished, leaving behind only bare branches. The sun's warmth hid behind overcast grey clouds while a sheet of white replaced the formerly green lawn.

A breeze rushed through the crimson hood, rustling the redhead's hair. Students huddled together through the court, bracing the cold as they went about their business. Mindless chatter filled the silent void that accompanied winter. She suddenly felt very alone on her bench.

Ruby had no dislike of winter. The landscape was pretty at times with a dusting of snow on the ground. Of course she enjoyed the festivities as well. Sledding, building snowmen, the impulsive snowball fight, they all brought her joy. Yet, the season always left a longing in her heart. Summer… Mom… I hope you're proud of me.

"Rubes! I thought that was my baby sis! What are you doing out here?" Ruby glanced over her shoulder and caught sight of Yang. The bright yellow mane along with the trademark brown leather jacket gave her away, if her booming voice wasn't enough.

"Waiting on Weiss. She said she'd teach me how to skate!"

"Awwww, that's sooooo cute! Is my little Rubes going on a date?" teased Yang. A quick flush led to Ruby matching the color of her cloak.

"I.. I.. YANG! We're just going out for fun! She is my partner and best friend after all," stammered Ruby. I couldn't ask her to a date…

A hearty chuckle came from her sister. "Well you just let good old Yang know if she leaves you Weiss cold! Speaking of which, the Ice Queen herself decides to grace us with her presence. Have fun you two~" With a wink, Yang scampered off before Weiss made her way over, a shoebox in tow.

"Ruby, sorry I'm late! I couldn't find the skates," gestured Weiss down the box she held. "Where's Yang off to? Blondie can't say hello to me?" A scoff. "Regardless, are you rea- are you alright Ruby? You seem rather red. Not a fever I hope."

The blush that began to fade flared back with a rush. Of course you would notice Weiss.

"O-of course I'm alright," Ruby stated. A deep breathe and her composure returned, along with her smile. A smile that warmed the coldest hearts. "Let's go! Can't lose any more time!" The young huntress grabbed the heiress's hand with a gentle tug, pulling Weiss into a run.

"Ruby Rose! Wait!" But Weiss's protest fell on deaf ears. In flash of petals, the pair was already off.

"Ruby! I'm going to… oh my lungs burn…," panted a winded Weiss. Sweat formed at the top of her brow while a slight red flushed her cheeks. The white haired girl doubled over, hands on her knees trying to catch her breath. She had not expected Ruby to use her semblance to drag her along. I'm lucky to even be in one piece. Weiss shook her head. How can she even move that fast?

The response was a sheepish giggle and a scratch behind the head. "Oops. I guess I should have warned you about that. Heh."

"Yes, that would have been wonderful. If I wanted to torture myself with cardio, I would have gone with Yang to the gym."

Both girls shuddered at the thought. Yang was clearly the most in shape on team RWBY and took great pride in that fact. Her workouts had an almost legendary status in the school. A day at the gym with Yang equated to not moving until the following day.

"But… we're here! Yay!" gestured Ruby, a sweep of the arm to the landscape in front of duo. Before them was a small outcrop of pine trees, dusted with the first snowfall of the year. Wind tussled the tops as the trees swayed in conjunction. Directly behind, the small grove gave way to an iced over pond. Weiss let the smallest of smiles across her face. Who would have thought Ruby would find such a breathtaking place?

"If you don't mind me asking, how did you discover this place?" inquired Weiss.

"Oh! I overheard Ren mention this place when he was talking to Nora at breakfast a few weeks back. He said he likes to come out here to clear his head and relax. I thought this would be a great place for us to be alo-" Ruby paused, realizing what she nearly said. "I mean for you to teach me! Yeah, that's it! Don't want to disturb anyone, right? Heh…"

Weiss furrowed her brow at Ruby's rambling. Did she say for us to be alone? Not that I would mind per say.

"Very well. I suppose it would be wise to keep you away from the crowds until you can handle yourself. We don't need you falling into anyone."

I may not being falling into anyone, Ruby thought, But I might be falling for someone.

"Weiss, just because I exploded you doesn't mean I'm a complete klutz. That was at the beginning of the year. And not even my fault! I said I was sorry," puffed Ruby with crossed arms.

"Yes, yes. Apology accepted. Now, I've got an extra pair of skates that should fit you. Let's get laced up, shall we?" Weiss pointed to a small bench near the ice. The pair made their way down the gravel path laid before them. Neither the heiress nor the leader noticed an old sign, the front weathered away by mother nature.

"Danger! Ice inconsistent! Skate at own risk!"