The buzzing of an alarm echoed annoyingly in Ruby's ears. Blake looked angrily out from underneath her blanket, amber eyes narrowed, and a low growl resounded. A few seconds into the loud alarm, Yang tossed a pillow knocking over the clock over, breaking it. A hand reached towards the girl on the top bunk. It yanked off the covers from Ruby's bed exposing her rose patterned pants, and black tank top. Rolling over Ruby, groaned, "Five more minutes."

"Not on my watch," Weiss snapped. "Come on, we have a bet to settle."

Ruby sat up, rubbing her eyes, "Can we at least have breakfast first?"

Removing her hand from her hip, Weiss replied, "Alright, since the store doesn't open until eight, I guess we have time for breakfast."

"Waffles sound good, Rubes," Yang spoke facing away from the pair pillow still over her face

Begrudgingly Ruby rolled off the bed, meeting Weiss' icy gaze, she noticed that the heiress was already ready for the day. Wearing a blue bolero jacket, and combat skirt. Something she and Ruby had in common when the younger girl wasn't snowboarding. Her hair was already tied back into a ponytail. Averting her eyes from the heiresses attire, she called back a reply to her sister's breakfast request. "No problem, Yang. I'll make a batch of chocolate chip waffles."

Passing by Weiss, she walked after the young girl. "Now, see here. If you wish to learn–or see that you are able to even comprehend ice skating then waffles aren't an appropriate meal at all."

"It's just a few besides, I have a quick metabolism, so don't worry princess," Ruby grumbled entering the kitchen area.

Weiss opened her mouth, but closed it. No point in arguing with such a stubborn girl.

Twenty minutes later the girls were all up having breakfast. Yang and Ruby ate the warm, fresh chocolate chip waffles. Weiss had a coffee and oatmeal with strawberry slices sprinkled on top. Finally, Blake the still ever mysterious girl ate a fishy smelling sandwich, and had a cup of tea. "These are great Ruby," Yang praised, digging into the stack of four.

"Thanks," she replied. Taking a bite, she glanced up, looking at the heiress. Their bet still in the back of her thoughts. She was going to make Weiss her words and probably a bit of snow as well. Though Ruby wasn't too thrilled with attempting ice skating, but if she had to prove to Weiss that ice skating was easier than the heiress made it out to be, then she would. Staring at her just a bit longer Ruby wondered for a moment if there was a sweet girl under harsh icy personality.

Weiss met Ruby's gaze. "I hope you aren't planning on backing out on our wager."

"No way, Weiss, I was just thinking about how great these waffles are I made and that you should try them."

"Are you crazy those sticky pieces of cooked batter filled with chocolate will ruin the dietary regimen I must follow to maintain the right-" Yang rolled her eyes and proceeded to shove a bit of waffle in the platinum blonde's mouth. Weiss coughed, "Are crazy you . . . you," she swallowed. "Actually, I must admit they're not terrible, but never do that again."

Hearing Weiss compliment something she made Ruby feel a bit fuzzy and a light shade of pink coated her cheeks. "Um, Blake would you want any, they're now officially Weiss approved?" Ruby asked, ignoring the squeak in her voice.

"No, I prefer tuna," she replied softly, taking another bite.

No one said anything and kept on eating their respectable meals.

Around seven-thirty everyone had gathered up their stuff placing the dirty dishes in the sink. The heiress checked her watch. "By the time you get ready the shop ought to be opened, so try not to waste too much time. The sooner we get to the ice rink the sooner I can show it isn't as easy as you think it is, Ruby Rose. Of course, it's not too late to back out."

Something sparked in her silver eyes, Ruby turned standing her ground, "No way am I backing down. In fact, it will be you who will be eating her words, once we get to my element, princess."

Taking a step forward, Weiss returned the glare with an icy piercing gaze. "Ha, how hard can it truly be? I'm sure as I have said before snowboarding looks easier than you're making it out to be."

"You are so full of yourself, Weiss," Ruby retorted.

"We shall see," her icy blue eyes blazed with fire.

"Yeah, we're going to see which more difficult." The two girls became locked in an exchange of heated glares.

Yang placed her hands on both girl's right shoulder. "Geez, you two anymore tension like this and you might end up melting the snow," she laughed.

Both slowly backed down, Ruby started towards the room. Weiss shouted after her, "Wear something you'll be able to easily maneuver in."

In the span of fifteen minutes Ruby rushed out wearing ski pants, a flannel shirt, and jacket. "Alright, I'm ready."

The pair headed outside, Yang was there waiting. "How about I give you two a ride? I'm heading that way."

"Sounds great, Yang!" Ruby shouted gleefully.

Weiss wearily looked at the snowmobile. The vehicle wasn't exactly big enough for the three of them, meaning Weiss would have to get as close as she could behind the silver-eyed girl. "Are you serious? Do you honestly expect me to ride this thing?

"Yeah," Ruby responded with an innocent and sincere smile, "it will be fun and quicker than walking." With a sigh of surrender Weiss straddled the snowmobile a mixture of regret and slight embarrassment she wrapped her arms around Ruby's waist. Ruby responded with small squeak.

In the rearview mirror Yang noted both girls cheeks were a dark shade of red, a cheeky smile curved her lips as she slid on the snowmobile. "Okay, you two make sure you hold on tight things might get bumpy," Yang forewarned, slipping on her helmet.

"You know it's illegal to drive while your passengers are without the right protective gear," Weiss shouted.

Yang shrugged, I'll go slow no reason to get your crown in a twist. Not taking another second to respond the golden blonde revved the engine and took off at moderate speed toward the main lodge.

Fighting off the urge to bury her head in Ruby's shoulder, Weiss forced herself to endure the ride telling herself it was like a ski lift only being driven by an unpredictable adrenaline junkie blonde demon. Thankfully, the ride didn't last much longer and they were at the lodge in no time. Quickly removing her arms from around Ruby, she raced in hiding her still flushed face. At the door, she barked, "Come on we don't have all day."

"Thanks for the ride, Yang, I'll see later if she doesn't try to kill me first."

Lifting up the visor Yang replied with a wink, "Try not to have too much fun."

Before Ruby had the chance to ask what she meant, Yang was already speeding off down the trail. Why did she wink when she said that? Ugh, sisters, she scoffed internally. Turning around, she headed for the lodge to meet up with Weiss before she grew impatient.

Inside the pair went to the shop on the left side. The sign bearing the name of her families lucrative business Looming over the heiress like a doubting shadow. In the ice skating section Weiss began, "You want a pair of skates that fit snugly, not too loose or tight. So, pick a pair in your . . . " she trailed off, looking at Ruby's attire, "style."

Ruby picked up a pair of decent red and black ice skates and immediately put them back. "Wow, these are really expensive."

"Oh, come now, surely if you and your sister can afford a trip like this, you have the cash to. . ." Weiss paused noting both the scruffy jacket, and the solemn expression in Ruby's eyes. "Pick out what you want, money is no object with me."

Looking wide-eyed Ruby asked, "Really?"

"Yes, I refuse to let this arrangement be done with cheap rented gear. If it is to be done, it will be done properly as I said once before."

In a blink of an eye Ruby had wrapped her arms around the typically cold girl. She whispered a thank you against Weiss' hairline, but it wasn't about what the heiress assumed it was.

"Don't get too excited. You're going to have to get a dress in order to do this right."

Ruby groaned backing away. Upon the Weiss' lips was a rather smug smile. "Do I have to? I'm sure a jacket and ski pants will do just fine."

"Absolutely not, it's part of the experience and skating is about needing the freedom especially when we try jumping. If we manage to get that far. Your casual wear is only for today since we are starting you off at the beginning".

"Well, then the same goes for you to princess." Ruby snatched the ice skates off the shelf. "Let's get this over with. You're going to need a board too."

She paused, glancing at the other girl. "How exactly do I go about that?"

"We're going to have work together, I guess. 'Cause I have no idea either for my end of the bet."

Scoffing off Weiss grabbed Ruby's hand leading, her towards the dress rack. "Here try this one on," she demanded handing her a dress to match the skates."

Ruby hesitantly took the sparkly dress and begrudgingly entered the dressing room. Unzipping the jacket she grumbled all the way through the change. After she finished, Ruby opened the door to find that Weiss wasn't there. "Weiss," she called, looking around. "Ugh, why am I even bothering to wear this stupid outfit. I feel way too exposed in this thing."

"Aw, I wouldn't say that Ruby Rose," a low purr said in her ear.

Ruby jumped, quickly whipped around only to see that it was the girl she ran into the other day. "Hey Cinder, what are you doing here?"

"Oh, simply browsing didn't expect you to be are wearing something so eloquent." Behind her roamed a guy with silver hair was stuffing a few things into his pockets.

A light shade of red coated her cheeks. "Um, this isn't something I would normally wear," she started to explain. "I have a score to settle with one of my cabin-mates."

"Does mean you won't be on the slopes today, then?" Cinder asked acting distressed.

"Not today, but soon. I hope."

"Wonderful, though perhaps I might have to see how you're ice skating lessons are faring," she purred placing a hand on the younger girl's cheek.

Weiss rounded the corner with a pair of black leggings for Ruby. The heiress figured the energetic girl could use them since Weiss noticed that Ruby didn't seem too fond of wearing a dress. Plus, they would keep her legs warm. Upon returning to the dressing room, she saw not only Ruby, but another woman there. A crooked seductive smirk upon her pale face, and the dark glimmer of ill intent in glowing amber eyes as she touched Ruby's face. Something about the scene made her heart sink, but didn't wish to linger on the possible explanation.

Ruby glanced over spotting Weiss. Taking a step back, Cinder's hand dropped. "There you are Weiss. So, is this suitable enough for you?" she asked slightly nervous.

"Yes, I guess it will suffice for the moment. Since that is done, change and we will get what I need snowboard."

"No problem," Ruby said relieved to be able to take this stupid dress off. "It was nice seeing you again, Cinder."

"Same, little rose, but do remember our little agreement to have drinks at some point."

"I haven't forgotten, how about . . ." she looked at Weiss for a second as if to confirm the answer with her. "Tomorrow evening?

Weiss didn't respond still unsettled by the way Cinder looked at Ruby.

"Tomorrow sounds lovely," she whispered darkly, patting the top of Ruby's head. "See you then."

Watching Cinder leave the shop, Weiss coughed gaining Ruby's attention. "If you are done, let's finish this up and go over to the snowboarding area to pick out board."

"Finally, just let me get out of this thing." Rushing back into the dressing room Ruby hastily changed.

Standing out there waiting for Ruby, Weiss' thoughts were swirling. Why do I feel like I had just lost the biggest competition of my life? I shouldn't care who Ruby decides to talk to or make plans with.

Handing the dress over to Weiss, Ruby grabbed her hand dragging over to the snowboards. A little while later finding the perfect one for Weiss along with the appropriate boots and jacket, all sporting her family's snowflake insignia. At the register Weiss flashed a credit card and told the cashier to have everything delivered to their cabin except for Ruby's ice skates.

As the pair left the lodge for the rink Cinder watched them leave. The man who was behind her earlier approached once more, "I see you got your eyes on a new toy."

"Not yet, Mercury," Cinder replied, "I like to lure my prey in my trap before I make the kill."

"Just like you did with Amber," he reminded.

Golden eyes glowed in the darkness of the shadows where the woman lurked, she chuckled amused by his statement, "Yes, just like I did with Amber."


At the ice rink Ruby watched Weiss elegantly tie the laces of her ice skates. She had simply done it as she would with her snow or combat boots. The loops were even and neatly sat on the tongue. Standing up Weiss looked down at Ruby's stakes seeing the state they were in. "This will simply not do."

"Uh, I tied them like I normally do.

Weiss took a moment to rethink her words, she's nowhere near a professional level and remember you weren't one either at one point. Her father's voice echoed in her ears. His scolding words of displeasure caused her to feel like a child once more. "Who taught how to tie ice skates? Everything must be perfect down to the smallest detail. Do it again," he yelled.

She winced from the internal berating from the past. This is a bet to see whose sport of choice is easier not a competition. "Okay, do as you please. Just give a moment I want to quick lap around the rink. Start by trying to stand on the ice, gain a sense of balance, and relax. I'll be right back."

Confused Ruby watched the heiress glide off further into the rink. She decided to do what Weiss said. She started to stand, her legs wobbled a bit, feeling herself begin to fall. Landing back on the bench, she tried again determination glimmered in her silver eyes. Standing up, she outstretched her arms heading Weiss' advice to relax. Taking a few baby steps further onto the ice, Ruby lost her train of contraction, and felt herself slipping. Before she could fall, a hand had grabbed her pulling back to her feet. With the morning sun in her eyes all she could make out was red hair, a pair of kind green eyes, and a forced smile.

Weiss stopped to lean against the barricade. Taking a few sharp breaths, she needed a moment to clear her head. It had been a while since she had thought about her father when it pertained to ice skating. She fell in love with the sport while watching her sister Winter skate. She looked so graceful and it looked like fun. Winter gladly showed her the basics, but once she got the hang of it and showed promise her father took control. She trained every day following his every order, what to wear, what to eat, practicing from sun up to sun down until her feet were blistered and she could hardly stand. During her grueling years of training, she lost touch with her friend and sister. Winter moved on to join the Atlesian Military. Yet, Weiss kept going for deep down, despite the hardships she wanted to make her father proud of her. One day she got that chance during the Atlas Winter Festival. All her hard work had paid off as she proudly showed off her gold medal. Yet, her father still managed to put her down by telling her that her form wasn't perfect enough and shouldn't have won. To make matters worse for the young heiress, her sister didn't come to show an ounce of support by not showing up even for a second. After that day something changed within the heiress. It felt like she was battling a giant suit of armor as she spiraled into a deep depression. The main reason she came to Beacon Summit was try and defeat it.

Finishing her lap, she arrived seeing Ruby talking to a rather familiar girl. Skating over she caught Ruby's gaze. "Oh Weiss, I would like to introduce you to-"

"Your Pyrrha Nikos, the youngest professional speed skater in all of Remnant," Weiss gasped.

"Yeah, that's me," Pyrrha replied modestly.

"I don't understand," Ruby said, peeking around Weiss.

"She's on every box of Pumpkin Pete's Marshmallow Puffs," Weiss exclaimed.

"Oh," Ruby began, "Yeah, I've never liked their cereal."

"They're not very healthy," Pyrrha responded, "or that great."

Weiss started to wave her arms up and down in frustration. "Ugh, you dolt that doesn't matter the point is, she's a famous athlete so show some recognition and respect."

Pyrrha held up her hands, "Thank you, but it's okay, really. The main reason I'm here is to avoid all the publicity this little ski resort is the perfect place allowing me to take some down time. Plus, I'm teaching others how to speed skate." She looked around, "Speaking of lessons I'm looking for Jaune Arc." Ruby's looked at Pyrrha wide-eyed. "We're sharing a cabin together, and he was supposed to be my first pupil this morning."

Ruby started to rub the back of her head nervously, "I'm sure he'll turn up soon."

"Yeah," she smiled softly. "He ought to be here soon. Well, it was nice to meet you, Ruby and . . ."

The heiress frowned, "Weiss Schnee at your service."

"Thought you looked familiar. You won the gold in your division."

Shocked Weiss replied as best she could, "Y-yes, I did, t-thank you. It was wonderful to meet the Great Pyrrha Nikos."

With a final nod Pyrrha skated away. Weiss turned watching the single red ponytail disappear into a small forming crowd. Ruby leaned forward a clear taunting smile on her face. "You're blushing, Weiss," she stated.

The platinum blonde did feel a little hot in the face, but she quickly dismissed it not giving Ruby any satisfaction. "I am not you dolt. You've done enough stalling let's get this lesson started."

Ruby let out a sigh of despair, "Okay, but we should move to the other side of the rink. The rinks may be separated by a barrier, but I wouldn't put it past Jaune to find a way to break it. 'Cause if you think I'm a reckless dunce, then you're going to hate Jaune if he shows up."

"Alright, we'll go, but we're going to skate there. Stand up and let's get going."

Holding on to the bench Ruby slowly attempted to stand up once more. Stretching out her arms like a flying bird, she wobbled again. "O-okay, now what?"

"Keep your skates parallel to your shoulders and bend your knees just a bit," Weiss instructed. "You'll want to push off with your lead foot, so your left I do believe by keeping the tip of the left skate on the ice and your weight on your right. However, keep your lead foot off to the side having it at least at a forty-five degree angle. Glide for three seconds and straighten out as your left foot returns to the ground. Simply put push with your left and glide with your right. Bend your knees when gliding and straightened up as you land. Understand?"

"Um, yeah, I think so." It wasn't like being on her snowboard where both her feet were in control of a single board and she could maneuver easier. She wasn't used to the slippery, icy surface one bit. Weaving and wobbling left and right, Ruby tried to do as Weiss said, but fell backwards landing hard on the ice. Using the barricade Ruby stood up again. Holding her knees at shoulder width apart, she placed the tip of her left blade at an angle, and pushed off letting go of the barricade. She glided along the ice for two seconds, but those mere two seconds felt like amazing. Then, she began to fall forward. Landing face first on the ice, Ruby looked up with a goofy grin, "Well, at least it's a start."

Weiss should have been angry seeing the dorky look on the girl's face, but something about Ruby's smirk made it hard to do. "Yeah, it's the start of something." She recalled how Winter laughed at her when she fell the first time, but offered a sisterly hand and patted her head in praise. She watched the stubborn girl get up. This time she didn't wobble too much making Weiss a little impressed by how quickly the silver-eyed girl was taking to ice skating. Giving gliding another go, she actually managed to land both feet on the ground. Gleefully, Ruby shouted, "I did it!" She made the mistake of jumping and landed wrong.

Nearly falling once again Weiss reached out, grabbing her wrist and pulling her up. "You dolt, you haven't learned enough to be able to master jumps or gained the momentum. We should keep going though."

Ruby glanced at Weiss' hand on her wrist. Neither of them were wearing any gloves and the younger girl felt how cold Weiss' were on her bare skin. Removing her hand from the icy girl's grasp, she grabbed Weiss' hand in hers. "Um, I think I could use a little more help with my balance if you don't mind."

Weiss looked at their touching hands and back to Ruby. She should have said no forcing Ruby to continue on by herself. It was what her father would have done, but she wasn't him. "I guess I can help you a little bit, but don't expect it all the time.'

Staking on the ice, well Ruby tried to keep up stumbling every now and again, but as the contined on their hands remained intertwined all the while.


A/N: Yay, some beginnings of some cute White Rose. I was going to add some Bumbleby, but decided to keep this mainly focused on Ruby and Weiss. So, they'll be more prominent in the next chapter. Hope you enjoyed!