A gentle breeze rolled into the town square of Beacon, filling the senses of passerbys with spring's delight and life. It was a dreary winter for all the continents, so the uplifting weather was quite the welcomed change. Now that the cold had settled into the earth so that the warmth of the sun could once again saturate everything it touched, people were more inclined to roam about and be active. Winter had a way to bring about a sedentary lifestyle, but for Ruby Rose, she was quite the opposite busy bee. Her winter in Signal was spent applying every bit of energy she had—and more—to get her academics scores high and catch the right kind of attention from a university. It wasn't that she was a try-hard, rather, she just knew when to apply herself for the right situations.

This being one of them, of course.

There was one school in particular she shot for; Beacon Academy. It was a rather prestigious school that didn't accept its students—it invited them. It was quite an honor if you were invited to Beacon Academy, especially from a bland—in comparison—town like Signal. Her sister, Yang, was one such individual who held that honor a couple years back when she received the formal letter. Ruby knew her odds weren't as well off as Yang's; Her sister was talented, charismatic, not to mention independent. Ruby shared in her sister's adept nature, but she was far less elegant—not that Yang was necessarily elegant, but she was far less awkward than her younger sister—and Ruby had no idea how life outside of Signal worked. If you talked about Small-Town-Syndrome, Ruby was the poster child. Big city lights and booming noises were foreign for her, but she still aimed for that school regardless. It was where her sister was and she might as well join her. Of course, Ruby still had a year left before she could be considered for admittance, so that letter wouldn't arrive for quite some time.

Or so she thought.

"Hey, Ruby! Over here!" A familiar voice beckoned as the jittery Ruby eagerly ate up the view. The weather was so inviting here in Beacon, and even if she's just hopped off the light rail, Ruby could already tell the populace would be just as kind. She had only passed a few small strip mall shops on her way to a special coffee shop date with her sister, Yang, and everyone she passed had a grin. It seemed peaceful, like everyone had their own reasons to smile. Even as she brought her attention to her sister, Yang had the biggest smile of all. Of course, Ruby knew her reason why. Clad in a knee-length black dress that flounced out a bit with a red sweater with matching tights and black boots for good measure, Ruby scrambled over to the outdoor patio table that her sister was occupying at the cafe.

"Hey, Sis!" Ruby greeted Yang anxiously, pulling up her roll-away suitcase beside an empty chair before settling down into the empty seat. Yang had a smug look on her face, obviously way too eager for the reunion. The last time they saw each other was during the Holidays, so it had only been a few months, but that was far too long for the pair. Ruby and Yang were two peas in a pod—despite having different mothers—and even a week apart would be too long for them to bear.

"So, did you find the place just fine?"

"Yeah...you didn't tell me this place would be so huge!"

"Well, of course! It's one of the largest places you could be at, not to mention home of ol' Beacon Academy!" Yang interjected, throwing a glance over her shoulder to guide Ruby's vision of the large estate on the horizon. A single tower that hung high in the sky was all that was needed to distinguish the auspicious place. Before Ruby could even speak up, Yang quickly turned back to Ruby with a large, smug smile. "So, are you going to let me see it?" She asked quietly, as if hiding a dirty little secret from the world. Ruby merely sighed in the face of her sister's excitement.

"Y'know it's just a piece of paper, right, Yang?"

"It's not just any piece of paper, Ruby! I don't think this piece of paper has ever existed before! It's not everyday that someone gets to skip a year of senior high and hop-skip-jump to Beacon Academy!"

"Really?" Ruby inquired quizzically, almost shocked. She frowned and pulled out the deep green envelope in question and revealed the contents; a single tri-fold letter. "I've no idea how this happened, if that's the case."

Yang was quick with her reflexes and already snatched the paper from Ruby's hands. Her eyes scanned the paper greedily, her expression practically glowing at this point. Ruby had been excited, but she couldn't help but feel bashful in light of her sister's joy. "Ruby Rose," Yang began after a dramatized clearing of her throat. "It is with great pride that I write to you and inform you that you have been selected and deemed worthy of the Beacon Academy sigil. It would be with great honor and humbled joy if you were to read this document and all of its content for consideration of attendance of Beacon Academy in the spring semester." That was the only line that really mattered, at least to Yang, because she practically threw the paper back to Ruby and slung her arms across the table to hold her sister's hands.

"Do you know what this means, Ruby?!"

"That I should probably frame that?"

"We can be roommates again!"

"Wh-what? Really?!" Ruby shouted back to her sister, their interaction starting to gather attention from a few customers who also populated the patio. Yang squeezed her sister's hands and gave her a reaffirming wink. Ruby knew her sister had roommates before, they were her close friends. Yet, hearing this gave her confidence. If she were forced to room all alone with some stranger while in a huge, foreign place like Beacon, she might drown in the pressure. "B-But, what about Nilla? Isn't she your current roommate?"

"Yeah, well, I think Nilla is going to get a place off campus with her boyfriend for the spring semester. That, and I can't just leave you to fend for yourself completely." Yang snickered to herself momentarily. "Just don't think you can survive with just me as a confidant though. You gotta break open and get to know others, too. Hey, didn't you get that pen pal thing a couple months ago, too?"

Ruby blinked and pulled out her scroll, unlatching the clasp so that it expanded. The electronic screen flashed on and with the flick of a finger, a few documents were pulled up. Ruby knew exactly what Yang was referring to. Apparently, to make life at a university easier for first years, the school sets up pen pals for the freshmen so they can form budding friendships before the beginning of the next term. Some of them are people who have been in attendance at Beacon Academy for a while, whereas others are new this coming semester like Ruby was. In her bin of contacts were several names, much to the surprise of Yang.

"Wow, didn't think you'd be this eager, Ruby."

"Hey, I know what a big deal this is, and I might as well take whatever head start I can to people not hating me, if possible." Ruby remarked lightly, knowing that she'd likely be ridiculed for her position at Beacon. She was expecting one of two things; great praise of great opposition. Likely the latter more than the former, unfortunately, but that was fine. Ruby didn't want to create a scene with people scrutinizing her, so she would rather try and make peace before it could even spark, hence her participation with the pen pal program. Ruby idly flicked through the list of contacts, eyeing them as they floated by. There was a Jaune that seemed rather enjoyable and a constant replier for Ruby. He was also new to the Academy this semester. What she could gather from the boy was that he was just as eager as Ruby was for this opportunity, albeit easily discouraged, it seemed. Still, Ruby was excited for when they would be able to meet in person officially. Another new student she only replied to a few times was a bit of a snotty girl named Weiss. It seemed like whatever Ruby tried to start a conversation with, Weiss would just use it as kindling to instigate a fight. Yet, they still responded to each other, which had to account for something civil, right?

Aah, then there was one guy, apparently already enrolled in the Academy, who didn't take this thing seriously at all. She never knew who his name was—as it was his assignment to contact a new student than the other way around—but he mustn't have taken it very seriously. They started up a conversation, normal as any, but he seemed odd. Not creative odd, but just...odd. He'd ask her questions about herself, and Ruby would back, but it seemed like she wasn't his cup of person as the responses came to a slowed halt. Well, not that it mattered, because out of the list, there were two she could dependably rely upon. Er, Jaune at least. Weiss was still a mystery unsolved for the fateful friend or foe question.

Ruby felt herself lose focus on the anonymous pen pal however. He was more of an enigmatic thing than Weiss. She didn't even know his name. Just that he had been enrolled for two years, was a bit of a sarcastic piece of material, and carried the demeanor of a cynical gentleman. What kind of person could that be? Before she could think more on this, Yang snapped her fingers and stole all of Ruby's attention away. The youngest sister was quick to snap her scroll back shut and glance up.

"Eh, was I zoning?"

"Definitely zoned to Zoneville."

"Aah, sorry! Well, hey, I'm here now and we have a few days before classes begin. What should we do?" Ruby asked curiously, knowing her sister would be the best tour guide. Judging by the lighting, it was onset early evening—likely five o'clock of somewhere in the neighborhood—and Ruby didn't know what there was to do. In Signal, on a weekend, there was always the arcades and karaoke clubs with some childhood friends, but this definitely wasn't Signal. Just the one outlet mall in the town square they were at was overwhelming! Yang laughed and slowly rose from her seat, rolling her eyes at Ruby's innocence to the big city scene.

"Tell you what, I'll go inside and grab you a cup of hot cocoa and we'll go for a quick walk. I promised my freshman pen pal that I'd go pick her up at the transit station in about a half hour, so we don't have time to gawk at everything just yet." Yang suggested, catching Ruby's attention instantly.

"You have a freshman pen pal too?"

"Yeah, almost all of the students previously enrolled have to contact a freshie. Mine's pretty cool, actually. Her name's Blake."

"Aah, but if it's that soon, we can just go straight there together. I don't mind waiting to see the sights if this girl hasn't seen them either. It's only fair and I can be patient for a little bit longer." Ruby insisted, gaining a favored smile from her sister. "Oh, and make sure there's little marshmallows inside the cocoa if you're insisting on treating me! They're what make it taste better and it makes me more, uh, patient!"

The blonde haired sister laughed as she came to fully stand beside the table, stretching as she did so. Ruby took note of the cream colored sweater she wore with black thigh-highs and similarly dark skirt and boots. Her sister was definitely more of a looker than she was, and she definitely dressed for her body type. Ruby kinda felt inferior in that department, but hey, if Yang was that pretty then Ruby had a semblance of hope. "Alright, alright, I'll make sure there are extra marshmallow puffs even. Just wait here, I'll be right back." Yang remarked as she waved her sister off and entered the inside of the cafe. Ruby watched her walk off, noting her sister's confident stride. It sort of made Ruby feel proud of herself. For once, she was more than recognized for her talents. Hell, if Yang was right, then being invited to Beacon was the greatest honor she could hope for. Nothing could dash her luck right now.

A loud crashing sound could be heard from across the town square, quickly catching Ruby's attention. It looked like there was a scuffle between two guys, but she couldn't quite make out any details from so far away. One was incredibly tall with broad shoulders and black hair while the other was slender and light on his feet, but that wasn't the feature that struck her the most. It was the flounce of orange that hugged the other boy's head, swaying in the light breeze as his right eye remained hidden behind it. Ruby's eyes widened as she could hear the larger man yelling while the other seemed disinterested. They stood in the center of the square beside a large fountain while people just passed them by and continued on with their daily routines. 'I wonder what's going on?' Ruby thought idly as she continued to snoop over her shoulder. Hopefully they weren't creating trouble. Albeit her small stature, Ruby would be the first to stand up and defend anyone in need. She had a strong moral compass, just like her mother.

Just when things seemed to have resolve between the two individuals and Ruby began to straighten her posture—glad not needing to intervene in anything—another loud noise echoed in the square. This time, it was a large, resounding splash. Ruby whipped her head around to see the large male head first into the fountain while the ginger man was...gone? Ruby blinked in quick succession, thoroughly confused.

Where the hell could he have gone?

"Hello, Red."

Ruby yelped audibly and straightened in her chair, her eyes shooting up to meet a single emerald eye. Here, up close and leaning on the fence to the patio was the orange-haired man in question. He seemed so relaxed and without a care, judging by his aloof expression and grin. He had a black sweater on with equally dark slacks and shoes on. He certainly looked far too dapper than he ought to, all things considered. Ruby scowled at him, confused at his introduction.

"Er, hey, you shouldn't just push people into fountains." Ruby remarked, shrugging off the other's greeting.

"He deserved it, trust me."

"Yeah, well that doesn't mean you get the right to push people around—"

Ruby was infinitely silenced as the man hopped the fence and came to stand by Yang's vacant seat. Just who did this guy think he was? Without even an invitation, he sat down onto the chair and scooted closer to Ruby, despite her obviously hesitance

"Ooh, so this is the famed letter?"

"What're you—hey!" Ruby shouted as the man had managed to flick the acceptance letter into his own hands, to Ruby's dismay. "Look, I don't even know who the hell you are! Now give me my letter back!"

"Hm?" The man finally turned his gaze back to Ruby, his vibrant green eyes searching her silver orbs for only a moment before his aloof appearance returned. He released the letter and smiled more sincerely. "Oh, where are my manners, I—"

"Roman!" A loud gurgling battle cry shouted from the surface of the fountain, dripping with rage and embarrassment. At that, the ginger snickered and leaned in closer to Ruby. She leaned back in her seat, but that didn't stop the other from placing a single hand above her knee while bringing his head closer to hers. Ruby's face grew nine shades of red within seconds. Hey, she hadn't had a real relationship with anyone before, so for a stranger to stroll on up to her like this was unexpected and flustering.

"H-Hey, what're you doin'?!" Ruby interjected, whipping her head away from his while squeezing her eyes shut. He didn't seemed deterred, as he placed his other hand just underneath her chin, guiding back her line of vision back to him. At this, she peeked at him, noting how smug he was.

"Sorry, but I gotta have you help me become inconspicuous. I'll owe you one, Red."

Then, Ruby was infinitely silenced.

This strange man, whoever he was, just wandered up to her, took her sister's seat, and had his lips hovering over hers. They weren't quite kissing—as Ruby was frozen solid—but the man wanted it to look like they were to anyone passing by. From their close proximity, Ruby's wide silver eyes were given a wonderful view of the eccentric green hues of the man in front of her. 'Just what the hell—?!' Ruby thought frantically as she heard loud footsteps trounce out of earshot. Realistically, the shared space moment had only lasted a solid ten seconds, at best. Why did it feel like hours?

The man swiftly pulled back and returned to a normal slouched position in the chair, taking his hands off of Ruby completely. Ruby inhaled loudly, not realizing she had been holding her breath the entire time. She fanned her face with her hand, cooling off the color from her face. She may be wearing red, and her hair might have had a red ombre into her black roots, but her face certainly didn't need to be red too.

"My apologies, people tend to look away from kissing couples, so let's just say I owe you—"

"You can't just do that! And we're no couple and we weren't kissing!"

"Do you want to be?"

"Excuse me?"

"Aah, you really are a goody-goody. You're just like your messages."

Ruby glared daggers at the man, about ready to finish the job the taller man was intending to do. This guy just walks up, invades her space, and starts throwing strange accusations at her like he knows her! Which, speaking of, he couldn't. Her hands balled up into tight fists as her frustrations grew. "Messages? Just who the hell do you think you are?!" Ruby shouted at him, clearly still frazzled at the situation. The man paused long enough to note Ruby's expression before bursting out in a fit of laughter. Before she could say any more, he pulled out a dark bowler hat with a bright red band on it, placing it on top of his head. He then fluidly moved up and slid out of the chair, all the while dipping his hat and head in a sort of bow while grinning wildly at her.

"Torchwick, since that is my name. Roman Torchwick." He replied, his voice a bit more velvety than it had been previously. With a wink, he clicked his heels and began turning away, but not before he whispered a final message.

"Try not to forget it, Red."

oooOOOoooOOOoooOOOooo

Howdy! This is Lenore, reporting for duty! This is an idea I've had for a while that I finally managed to publish. What if the RWBY verse had the same setting/location/characters but with a lack of Grimm and other magical properties. No dust, no oncoming war, nor insane weaponry. The only beasties these guys will tackle are the woes of homework and university life. I'm not planning on making this huge, just a small little project before I begin something bigger. Expect a few more chapters though! Let me know what you think in the comments/review section below! It helps motivate me and keep me in good spirits. If you couldn't tell, I've fallen for the Rosewick ship. I'm not sure how I got here, but I'm here to stay and glad about it. Everyone is so nice and I hope my fellow Rosewickers enjoy this! Until next time!