Why did that get to me so much? Weiss kept thinking this as she made her way to the sparring arena, dodging around other students. Stupid Neptune. Stupid Ruby. Wait... Does she really think I'm cute? Is she like Neptune? No. She shook her head vigorously. His confession is making me paranoid and keeping the secret is affecting my thinking. Besides it wouldn't matter anyway. I'm open minded, this is all just so new. Yes, new. And so I just don't know how to react. That makes perfect sense, hmpf.
With renewed confidence in her lack of bigotry, Weiss entered the double doors into the expansive arena. She made her way directly to the stands overlooking the area where the actual sparring took place and found a seat.
"Here awfully early, wouldn't you say?" came a voice from behind her. Weiss hadn't even noticed anyone else in the seats. She was even more distracted than she thought.
"I, uh, didn't really have anything else to do." she replied turning to look who had asked. About two rows behind her was one of the students here for the upcoming festival. Her sea foam green hair in contrast to her darker skin making her distinct amongst the plethora of new Hunters and Huntresses in training. So then, why can't I remember her name, thought Weiss. Was it Jade? No. Cyan?
"Emerald." the girl finally said clearly interpreting the thoughtful look on Weiss' face.
"Oh. Of course, it's good to see you again Emerald. What brings you here so early too?" I will divert away from that embarrassment she thought.
"Just waiting for Mercury. He went off somewhere with the blue haired guy from Mistral" Emerald answered, seeming bored with the conversation already and looking off at nothing.
"Ah, are they like together?" Weiss blurted out, immediately wishing she reach and pull her words back from the air. Why did I ask that? Why? Why?
"Ummm, no." Emerald sat up, her interest piqued.
Please don't ask. Please don't ask. Weiss repeated to herself, willing it to become so.
"Is Neptune gay or something?" Emerald asked, despite Weiss' mental plea. Weiss simply stared at her feet, hoping that perhaps this wish for her to let it go would have better luck.
"You know" Emerald leaned in "It helps to get secrets off of your chest."
Maybe she was right, Weiss thought. If I just tell someone about this then maybe I'll stop worrying about. After all it won't be a secret anymore, right?
"Okay." She stated turning and looking Emerald in the eye "But you cannot tell anyone. I am NOT a gossip, but my mental health is suffering over this stupid thing."
"Agreed. Now spill." Emerald replied.
"Neptune is gay, and he told me but I'm not supposed to tell anyone else but I've never known anyone who was gay and I don't know how to react and this secret is eating me alive and oh my god I feel so much better. Eep!" Weiss immediately put her hands to her mouth. Did she really just confess everything to a stranger? She did feel a little bit better though.
Emerald looked at her, a smile developing on her face. "Hmhmm. You know, those with the strongest reactions to this kind of thing usually have something similar to hide..."
Weiss looked at Emerald confused, and then realization dawned. "What!?"
"Yeah, I mean I knew this guy who was a complete homophobe." she eyed her with mischief in her eye "and guess who they found in the company of a certain male ummmm, friend for the night?"
"Well I am not this guy you knew."
"Oh, I don't know. I think you protest a bit too much." She made her way to the seat directly next to Weiss now. "You've never thought another girl was super cute? Or just wanted to embrace them and never let go?"
An image of Ruby flashed through her mind. "NO!" she shouted, standing up.
"Well you never know until you try eh?"
"I said NO!" Weiss yelled, getting entirely uncomfortable.
"Whoa, what's happening here?" Yang's voice called. They both turned to see her, the rest of team RWBY and team JNPR walking towards the stands.
"Nothing." Weiss said, smoothing her combat skirt as Emerald moved back to her previous seat. "Just having a lively discussion about nothing at all."
The others looked skeptical but before anyone could ask, Professor Goodwitch entered with Mercury and sparring began soon after.