Chapter Three: Ruby's First Drink - Part One

Fate: Three chapters in a night. Admittedly, they're small chapters. But, it's still nice to see Prick actually finally get some damn work done.

Reviews:

Fate-117: Seriously, stop this, Fate. It's downright shameful, and should be faced like any problem in life, Just Do It. (Fate: Do we get our money now?)

RPGPersona: First off, thanks for your dedication. Thanks a lot for the positive reinforcement, I for one like Zwei, too. *glares at Fate*

Zaegen: Once again, thank you for your dedication. Thanks, I agree, the lack of Lancaster is why initially began this story. And while most of this was on my own, everything now is with my good friend, Fate, so I can't take all the credit. Feel free to give it to me, though, we can't help that, now can we?

bellacane16: It's always nice to see my work with other authors pay off, glad you decided to give me a look. I'm flattered that I managed to make Jaune as a character appealing to you, but a bit confused as I genuinely feel like I've kept his personality the same as in canon, and feel that he'd shine (eh?) a lot more, if RT were to give him the proper situation. For now, Lunar Rose will have to suffice.

Guest (4): Nice to see you again! As for the wiki, praised be it, I find it at times unreliable, seeing as how when I gave it a look after reading your review, it was nonsensical babble about Ruby being a pop-star and everyone else her entourage. As for the fail, I genuinely believe the original watchers of RWBY believed Jaune's symbol was a Crescent Moon. I'm not trying to cover up anything, I just like the sound of Lunar Rose. Although, I'm curious as to what you would have me name the story, since naming it Lancaster doesn't seem like much of an option...

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Jaune resisted the urge to swing his feet. He was currently sitting on the ledge of a structurally questionable building, his view of Mt. Glenn was, in simple words, astounding. With his weapon not having any range beyond his arm, per say, as he never thought to add a scope to it. He was currently sitting through the last shift of what was their, relatively, short mission to Mt. Glenn. He was bored out of his mind had to be content with watching the black blurs of what he assumed were Grimm, oh, so many stories below.

The strangely colored horizon implied dawn would be coming soon, and only a few hours were left until they could be on their way home. Jaune deemed it safe - enough - to finally relax for the first time in the long weekend since entering the abandoned city.

Pulling out a small flask from a pocket inside of his hoodie, Jaune took small sips of the unknown substance, content with the peace and quiet. That's not to say he minded when an exasperated sigh was heard from behind when his favorite scythe-wielding friend took a seat next to him.

"Ruby."

"Jaune." Ruby said, seeming fine with ending the conversation there. After a about a minute of staring at the pretty sight, she grew bored before pulling out Crescent Rose and peering down its scope at the unknowing Grimm below.

"Can't enjoy the simple things, huh?" Jaune asked, taking a small sip of his flask before moving to put it away.

"I have no idea how you handle guard duty like this." Ruby said, now having sheathed Crescent Rose and wrapping herself with her cloak, playing mindlessly with her hood.

"Why do you still wear the hood, Ruby? Like, everywhere you go?" Jaune asked, the question stemming from boredom, seeing as how it was something Jaune had quickly come to accept of the girl without question.

"It reminds me of a better time. Better things. And besides, hoods are cool." Ruby said, smiling shyly as she defended her honestly childish reason. She smirked before pulling Jaune towards her and pulling out his own hood over his head for emphasis.

"Guess I can't argue with you there." He chuckled. Ruby let go of him and he tilted back up, and after seeing about a moment's hesitation flicker across Ruby's face, he watched as she stood up and put her head on his lap. Her body was now parallel to the ledge and only inches from the sheer drop. Jaune, however, wasn't concerned with that, he was currently staring down at a sideways Ruby with a glint in her eye and her hand rubbing against his shirt.

"R-Ruby?!"

"What, Jaune? It's cold. I saw you drink some milk. Probably got yourself a warm thermos stashed away somewhere else!" Ruby said in defense and her hand found the small pocket in the jacket before removing the flask.

"That's not….milk." Jaune said sheepishly.

"Then what is it? Water? People Like Grapes Soda?" Ruby asked, still sideways, immediately assuming Jaune was nervous about a sweet tooth and not bringing along a more nutritional ration.

"Well, it's... whiskey." Jaune stated, taking the flask from her before taking a small swig, only to see Ruby sitting up next to him and take the flask away. Again.

"What's it taste like? Alcohol. Yang… she always tried to keep me away from the stuff. How do you even have this? You're only 17, Jaune!" Ruby exclaimed, all the while opening the flask and taking a whiff, grimacing as the odor burned her nostrils and made her nose flair in what Jaune could only describe as somehow strangely cute.

"Well, I'm not really much of a drinker. I don't like beer, honestly. My father was always a man to celebrate with spirits, and, naturally, he offered me some from time to time growing up; said it built character." The Knight said with a frown as he shook the flask, noticing it significantly lighter, almost empty even.

"Ruby, you didn't down it all, did you?"

"Noope." A red-flushed Ruby said before hiccupping.

"Oops, I turned into Penny. I wonder if I get robot cannons and get to keep my soul." Ruby said, her words barely slurring.

"Better lay down before you roll off the building. You've had too much to drink, missy, talking crazy. Robots." Jaune said as he backed away from the ledge a bit more, hoping it would be enough to catch a tipsy Ruby before pulling her back down to his lap. She giggled and grabbed his hand, leading it to her back, making him stroke before letting go and returning her hands back to her sides, wrapping herself up in her blanket of a hood.

Jaune watched the sun rise and make its early morning ascent as he stroked a still red Ruby, the alcohol having left her system about an hour ago.

"Abandoned city that also happens to be the biggest tomb in existence: bearable." Jaune declared to himself, eyeing Ruby out of the corner of her vision.

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Prick: Hey guys, I just wanted to take a moment to pull you all aside and mention just how much I appreciate Fate. He works rather hard and his devotion is admirable. I don't know what I'd do without him.

Fate: *Stares blankly before the intern points at the teleprompter as if their life depended on it.* Oh! *Clears throat.* "Thanks. Here, have my Snickers."

Prick: Gee, thanks! I was kinda hungry...

Fate: "I just want to take this quick chance to mention my story, The Scales of-"

Prick: What the fuck are you doing? No one cares, Fate, get back to work.

Fate: Hm… should've given that Snickers to the homeless guy...