Weiss appraised her appearance in the camera on her scroll. A spotless white jacket, blemish free skin, alabaster hair held in place by a shining tiara, not a single strand out of place. No one would have been able to find fault with her appearance. So why was she so nervous?
She smiled at the camera. Broad, teeth showing, dimples in her cheeks. A smile that could be found on red carpets around the world. An ideal smile that almost all aspired to. She knew it was perfect without needing to look at it; she'd been forced to spend hours and hours practicing in front of a mirror. It found its way onto her face whenever she became aware she was before a camera lens. It was second nature these days, her etiquette tutors would have been proud of her. It didn't matter to them that it was so fake.
That was the problem with her upbringing. Even a simple smile couldn't be reserved for times when she was actually happy. No, it was simply another tool to show the world the façade that they expected. She was Schnee. She had far too much money to be miserable, to be lonely, to cry herself to sleep at night. Before Beacon she had almost nothing. Nothing that actually mattered at any rate. Friends, companionship, even freedom. All simple things that even the poorest commoner could possess, but not her. Growing up in a lonely mansion the closest she'd had to friends had been her grizzled old butler. Well, that wasn't entirely true…
Weiss blew out her cheeks and let her lips relax. Her perfect smile just wouldn't do. It would be seen through in an instant. She tried to recall the expression that arose of its own accord when she was around her team. When she wasn't an heiress, just a student. When there weren't a dozen cameras focussed on capturing her every movement. When she was just sitting on her bed with a textbook on her lap listening to her teammates, her friends, joke with each. That smile wasn't as broad, it only showed a hint of white, but it was real. The eyes always revealed the truth.
Her attempted recreation wasn't quite perfect, but it would have to do. She returned her scroll to her clutch bag and raised her finger to the intercom. An inch from the buzzer Weiss paused, her pulse racing. As soon as she pressed it there would be no going back, no chance to put this off until later. She smoothed her jacket down, ridding the material of wrinkles that were barely visible. Before she had a chance to think she buzzed the intercom.
In that exact moment her nerves and trepidation almost got the better of her, she almost gave in to them and bolted. She'd even taken a backwards step when a perfectly clear voice came from the speakers.
"Hello?" Weiss' heart fluttered. The subtle timbre of her sister's voice was entirely unmistakable.
"He…" Weiss coughed in a most undignified manner, heat flowing to her cheeks. "Hi Winter it's me."
"Weiss? What are you doing here?"
"I heard you'd arrived in Vale and wanted to pay you a visit. I hope that's…"
Weiss cut trailed off as the door clicked and swung open. Winter was as perfect as ever. Even when she'd likely been expecting to enjoy a relaxing afternoon by herself she dressed to the height of fashion. A tight skirt that ended just above the knee, a figure hugging blouse, a sapphire necklace to add just a splash of colour to their hereditary white. The only disappointing feature of Winter's wardrobe that Weiss could find was her heels, or the lack of them.
Even when her sister was barefoot Weiss had to look up to meet her eyes. That had annoyed her growing up. It had been bad enough that Winter was three years older, but thanks to their family doctor and their yearly medicals Winter had had hard evidence to prove that she'd always been the taller one. Weiss might have flatly refused to admit her lack of stature to anyone, even Ruby, but it just felt right to have to look up at her sister.
Despite her glittering eyes the rest of Winter's expression was unreadable. Faced with that, Weiss fell back on propriety. She twitched her skirts in a slight curtsey ̶ ̶ an appropriate way to show respect to an elder sibling. "Good afternoon Winter."
Winter barely nodded her head in reply. "Good afternoon Weiss. Speaking of which shouldn't you be in lessons?"
Weiss' stomach churned. There was nothing in Winter's greeting to suggest that this was the first time in almost five months that they'd had the opportunity to see each other. No happiness, no joy, just a stern request to know the circumstances that had brought her here. Sure, they had never been a hugging family, not like Ruby and Yang, but after everything they'd been through together she'd expected more than this. At least a smile. Weiss wished she'd never bothered to make the journey into downtown Vale, nor got so excited over the prospect of surprising her sister.
With a conscious effort she hid her growing disappointment and sorrow. "Professor Goodwitch excused me. She's confident that I have sufficient knowledge of her course to teach it if so required." She tried not to make it sound like a boast even if she'd almost glowed with pride when the professor had asked her to stay behind after her fourth lecture ̶ ̶ boasting was yet another commonality that was unfit for someone of her bloodline.
The first year of Dust Theory was basic in the extreme to someone who had been brought up surrounded by Dust. Permission to avoid the tedious monotony of classifications and equations was a boon, and one she'd previously made good use of in the library. The knowledge of Winter's arrival had forced her to delay her study session, but now she could recognise she'd wasted it instead.
"Well I suppose you should come in." Winter stood aside and gave Weiss a glimpse of her apartment. She'd never actually been here before, but she knew what to expect.
Just like fashion Winter was gifted with exquisite taste when it came to décor. The living area was open plan, rectangular modern furniture, all snow white naturally, laid out in front of the fireplace and hidden television. The entire wall of the room was taken up by a floor to ceiling window that revealed the crystal blue water of the sea far below.
"Sit." There was still a stern edge to Winter's voice as she directed Weiss to one of the sofas. "Coffee?"
"Yes please," Weiss smoothed her skirt under her as she did as instructed. The cushions were as uncomfortable as they were fashionable. She was sure many would have expected someone as rich as Winter to order coffee rather than lower herself to such a base labour. It was an expectation that Weiss suffered from herself. Even her friends at Beacon were unable to understand just what it was like to have grown up in a mansion surrounded by servants. Every whim of hers had been catered for, it was actually liberating now that she had to do her own chores. Winter was the only person she knew who understood that as well.
"It's kopi luwak," Winter said placing a steaming mug on the coaster. Weiss nodded, she hadn't expected anything but the best. Winter took the seat at the far end of the sofa. Framed by the backdrop of the sun and the ocean Winter was stunningly beautiful. Weiss knew most people envied her looks, but she couldn't hold a candle to Winter. Everything about her appeared as it had been ordered from a magazine, her smooth skin, her plump lips, her piercing cerulean eyes. In all honesty Weiss had always held her sister as the template of what real beauty really was.
Winter peered at Weiss over her mug. "I was going to wait until the weekend, but I suppose we should get down to business. While I'm here father instructed me to assess your progress at Beacon. I had a look over your first semester report on my flight. Though your academic record is acceptable," Weiss forced herself not to show any dissent behind her mask. Acceptable, her grades were close to perfect, "your practical marks are less so."
With deliberate care Weiss sipped her coffee, the smooth blend failing to pleasure her. It was always unfair. As a Schnee it was simply impossible to reach the lowest standard her father required. Winter had been through it all now she was treating her the same way. For a moment Weiss considered protesting ̶ ̶ her classmates included a four time winner of a regional tournament, and it had just been poor luck she'd been drawn up against Pyrrha in the first round of their assessment ̶ ̶ but then she realised the futility of it. A Schnee did not lower themselves to excuses. She was forced to bear her sister's disapproving stare in silence.
"Father is not pleased, and by extension, I am not pleased. We came to the consensus that you need to be disciplined." Winter had wrapped her tongue around the word leaving it hanging in the air, and a shiver ran down Weiss' spine. Her sister's gaze reminded her of a Beowolf deciding just how to eat a hapless rabbit it had stumbled across.
"You undoubtedly have already noticed that father has decided to slash your allowance."
This time Weiss couldn't hold her tongue. "That was you?" The embarrassment at the food stand had been some of the worst she'd ever experienced. She was a Schnee who'd been forced to rely on her friend's largess.
"Father," Winter corrected, "but I agreed with the course of action. We're not cutting you off entirely, but perhaps a certain lack of luxury will provide you sufficient motivation to improve. The tournament will allow us to access your progress." Winter noticed the tightness around Weiss' eyes. "Do you think the punishment unfair?"
So many times Weiss had longed to cry out 'Yes, it's not fair,' when subjected to Winter's discipline. She hardly ever managed it though; under Winter's gaze she just felt like she deserved whatever her sister decided to subject her to.
"No sister." Weiss looked down her lap. The tone of her reply caused Winter to smirk.
"Good. Both myself and father will be assessing your fights." Weiss looked up in time to see Winter's expression change as if a switch had been flicked. Warmth flooded into her features. "Now we've got the unpleasantness out the way, can we start again? How have you been? We can't have seen each other in what? Five months?"
"Closer to six." Winter picked up on the hint of rebuke in her sister's voice.
"I'm sorry." Winter reached forward and took Weiss' hand. "I know I said I'd visit earlier, but it's just been one thing after another. You know how it is. The White Fang, father, the company. I've barely been able to get away. You're not mad at me are you?" Winter's eyes narrowed with genuine worry.
It only took a second for Weiss to buckle under her sister's gaze. She had been mad when Winter had cancelled her visits, sometimes at the shortest notice, but now, sitting on the same sofa, with Winter's thumb drawing circles on the back of her hand, any anger or frustration melted away.
Weiss shook her head. Growing up surrounded by servants and a distant father Winter had been her only friend. It hadn't been what most would call a normal friendship. In some ways Winter had been stricter than her tutors, but only so Weiss had to push herself and live up to Winter's ideals, and when she did need help with assignment or project Winter had always found the time for her. Winter had given her so much, taught her so much, she couldn't hold such a small grudge.
"Well look on the bright side, General Ironwood and father have agreed that I should remain in the city over the duration of the tournament. We'll have plenty of time to catch up and we can start now if you really have nowhere to be. What's life at Beacon like?"
The next hour passed quickly. Winter knew all the right questions to ask to keep her talking and unlike the times when she'd had to report to her father in flat monotone Winter genuinely cared about the answers, not just how they would affect the family. So much time passed that they were interrupted by the buzzing of Weiss' scroll. Winter politely waited for Weiss to reply to the text before speaking.
"Was that one of your friends?"
"Uhh… yeah, Ruby. She was wondering where I was."
"So I suppose you'll need to be getting back soon." Even if it was still only late afternoon Winter had resigned herself to their reunion being cut short.
"Actually, I told her not to expect me till late. I… I was hoping we could go out for a meal, or maybe you could cook something for me?" Weiss tried to make the second option sound like an afterthought. The food at Beacon was good sure, but it would never manage to compare with a meal cooked by her sister.
Winter set her refilled mug down on the table. "Did you just invite yourself over to dinner? And then make me do all the work?"
Weiss blushed. "Sort of… but I'll help you cook. It'll be fun."
"Fine. If you really have excused yourself for the rest of the day it would be bad manners to turn you away. But first can I ask you a question? And I promise I won't judge you or tell father. I just want to know. Is there anyone special at Beacon?"
Weiss' heart skipped a beat, there was no doubt in her mind just what Winter meant by special, and she could only think of one reason why Winter would ask that particular question. "No. I mean, some people have asked, but I've always said no."
"Are you interested in finding someone?"
Was she? She didn't think so. Even the idea felt disloyal, and she doubted that anyone would have come even close to comparing anyway. "No." Her answer was succinct and Winter appraised her.
"For what it's worth I appove. You're here to learn, not create distractions. Speaking of which I need to use the bathroom. If you'll excuse me."
Winter rose and Weiss watched her walk away. Many people told her she was graceful, Ruby especially, but deep down she knew she wasn't close to Winter. She just seemed to glide over the floor rather than walk. She never walked anyway, not with how her hips swung with every step, drawing the eye to what was hidden beneath the tight skirt. Weiss dragged her entranced gaze away and stared out at the ocean.
She jumped when Winter reappeared at the edge of her vision. Winter bade her to stand before taking her hands once more. For the first time she seemed unsure of herself. "I've left you a present on my bed. I… I know it's been a long time and we've both changed. If you want you can throw it away and we'll never speak of it again. I promise. Just… I have to know." With that she let Weiss' hands fall from her grasp and turned to the window.
Weiss stared at her back, her stomach fluttering more than ever. It was rare that Winter ever had a lack of confidence, but here her vulnerability was obvious. This was important to Winter, and as such it was important to Weiss as well. With mounting trepidation she entered Winter's bedroom.
It was huge, four times the size of the dormitories at Beacon, and the centrepiece was the enormous bed draped in spotless white sheets, but it was what was sitting on top of the quilt that caught Weiss attention.
Her throat tightened. Was this what she'd wanted? Why she'd spent months waiting for Winter to visit? Why she'd practically ran here the moment she knew her sister was in Vale? It shouldn't have been. It was wrong. She knew that. It was so wrong. It should have made her feel sick, not made her queasy with excitement and anticipation.
The pad of her thumb glided over Winter's present. It was new, entirely unblemished by wear, but the smell of the leather drew up so many of her memories. They were good ones, great ones even. Ones were she'd learned so much about what made her, her.
It wasn't surprising that Winter hadn't skimped on the cost. The leather was backed by the softest velvet, again in white. Weiss rubbed it along her arm sending lightning through her nerves. The sensation was intense enough that her knees quivered. It might have been wrong, but it would have been a lie to say she hadn't missed this.
Thick as it was the leather was pliable. With trembling fingers she began to undo the buckle. The first time they'd done this it had been innocent enough, just a childish game with a length of red ribbon. That afternoon had been fun, but she doubted either of them would have guessed just what it would lead to.
Depravity of the highest order. Activities that could never see the light of day. Activities that would see them disgraced and disowned, maybe even arrested. Activities that all but the most morally corrupt would vomit to learn of.
It was so wrong and Winter's present was the physical representation of it. Weiss tightened her grip around the leather. She wanted more than anything to be able to do as Winter had suggested, to throw it away. It would be the wisest course of action. It would only take single mistake to ruin them both in a way that they would never manage to recover from and even in the deepest, darkest forests of Vale they wouldn't be able to hide from the shame. She'd be expelled from Beacon, her friends wouldn't detest her, and Winter would be cast out from the Atlesian military.
Weiss got as far as the bin. She longed to put this part of her life behind her, but she just couldn't do it. It might have been wrong, disgusting, depraved, but it was a part of her. She couldn't deny what they'd done, nor her body's reaction to it.
Weiss flattened the circlet of leather, the material creaking in a way that made shiver. In many ways it was her safe word, at least when her hands were free. Without it on she was one of the heiresses to the Schnee Dust Company, a celebrity that many envied, a member of team RWBY, and a student at Beacon. With it on… she was none of that. With it on, her existence shrunk to one singular identity.
She was Winter's princess. Knowing that there would be no going back Weiss took a deep breath and buckled the white leather collar around her neck.
First story so be kind. I saw this idea on reddit and thought that I'd try my hand at writing. I'm not entirely sure how it turned out, should I continue?