Chapter #10: A Friendly Warning

They seemed to be in the middle group that arrived as the hall wasn't yet packed, but was still littered with people. Ruby and Jaune went off to the punch bowl while Nora dragged Ren to the food. Of course Nora would want to eat first. Pyrrha thought, a laugh escaping her mouth before a gentle tug reminded her that she was the one being led, and by none other than her date. Blake.

Still clinging to her date's arm Pyrrha was lead to the refreshments where she finally let go. Blake surprised her by insisting she be the one to pour the pair a drink each. She let the Faunus do just that as she observed with a soft smile, her hands clasped together in front of her.

Blake's long black hair was longer than she thought and was well kept unlike a certain brawler's. She couldn't help but make that small comparison between the two partners. One was an introvert while the other an extrovert. One had bundles of energy and spoke loudly. The other seemed flat most of the time and rarely spoke.

Not only that but Pyrrha was sure Yang could get any guy or girl she wanted. She too was an attractive girl, not her type but still. I wonder if she found herself a date? She wondered. Turning her eyes from an upwards glance and back to Blake. She saw the slightest shaking as she poured the second drink.

There was already evidence that Blake had missed some of her pouring and it made Pyrrha want to coddle the girl. She refrained from doing so, but she did step closer and leaned down. She placed one hand on Blake's lower back and the other on the jug to stop Blake's sudden jolt of surprise from spilling even more.

"I've got it Blake". She said softly. Blake did allow Pyrrha to take over and finish pouring the drinks. She was nervous, but it seemed not nearly as much as the Faunus girl who downed her entire drink immediately. It was then that Pyrrha was glad they were non-alcoholic, but guessed Blake was wishing the opposite.

Pyrrha, not wanting her to feel embarrassed or wondering if she was the only one, downed her drink in one go. Fruity, apple and mango. Licking her lips, she looked to Blake whose eyes were bulging. She frowned wondering why.

"You look like a cat licking food from around its mouth". Blake stated while covering her mouth and trying her best not to laugh. Pyrrha just blushed a bright red and huffed. She did have a tendency to lick her lips when she enjoyed the taste of something, but to be called catlike by a cat Faunus was a little strange.

So, she leaned down and whispered. "So, I'm more like you than I thought hmm?" Looking upwards before looking down sideways at Blake, a smile on her face. Blake's face went a deep shade of red that Pyrrha had to laugh at. So, she can deal it but not take it. She made a note not to tease her too much tonight, after all, tonight was a good chance for her to become more than friends with Blake.

"I'm teasing Blake". Pyrrha told her as she hooked her arms around Blake's once more. Her heart immediately speeding up. This closeness was something she'd never experienced before and was something she wanted to keep, however, there were a few people already looking at them and feeling Blake's reserved nature making her pull away ever so slightly she reluctantly unwrapped her arms.

Blake did seem sorry as their eyes met, but Pyrrha just smiled. Blake had only made her mind to come to the dance a few hours ago and she didn't want to risk making her leave before it even really begun. She wanted to dance with the Faunus and help her enjoy the night. If that meant being patient then that's just what she'd be.

So the pair walked around and talked with others. As more people arrived both Weiss and Yang were able to be freed from their duties and one thing that happened quickly was such a shock that Blake couldn't get a response from Pyrrha. She was busy, staring at the odd pairing.

"Pyrrha? What's wrong?" Blake asked, touching the Champion's cheek to get her attention. It worked and Pyrrha looked sideways with a grin. She pointed over to where Jaune was and as people moved Blake's eyes too widened.

"I guess he asked Weiss to the dance again". Pyrrha said with a joyous grin. Proud that her partner had the courage to ask again, something she herself hadn't the courage to do.

"Wasn't she going to ask Neptune to the dance though?" Blake added. She then remembered their little girl's meeting and Weiss had indeed said she was going to ask Neptune.

"You're right. I wonder if she changed her mind?" Beside her Blake shook her head.

"I doubt it. Perhaps she got turned down and didn't want to come alone?" That is… certainly a possibility. Pyrrha thought, but found it hard to think that Neptune would have turned Weiss down. They seemed to click upon their first meeting while Weiss was playing a board game.

"It doesn't matter. Jaune looks happy… Kind of". Pyrrha felt that something was off. Jaune was smiling and his mouth was moving, but she could see even from where she was that he was tense. She wanted to help him out when she realised something. Her own tenseness and Blake's had gone as they watched their teammates, their friends.

Neither said anything for a while. It wasn't awkwardness so much as deciding whether to stick to themselves or to aid their friends in their struggle. Acting boldly Pyrrha took Blake's hand in hers and began walking. There was a small yelp at the hand holding but there was never a moment where either tried to pull away.

"Hello". Pyrrha chimed in causing the pair to face her. Immediately she registered two faces of relief. She would have laughed if she wasn't so unsure about the situation she had dragged herself and Blake into.

"Pyrrha!" Jaune said happily. She knew her partner well enough to know this tone. He used it when she bailed him out of some predicament.

"Don't you two just look darling". Weiss said with a wide grin. Pyrrha followed her eyes to where the heiress was looking and found she was still holding Blake's hand. No. They were still holding each other's hand. At least they're focused on something else…. Us.

"Thank you". Came a softer, shier voice from her right. Weiss made eye contact with her making the Champion blush.

"So, are you two here together?" Pyrrha asked smiling. What she got in return was an awkward look from Jaune and an embarrassed look from Weiss. Neither really knew what to say. Blake squeezed her hand to get her attention. Her head nodded towards the food.

"Would you two like to grab some food and sit with us for a while?" She offered. Weiss's eyes lit up and Jaune gave her a thank you pat on her shoulder as he passed. Pyrrha just turned to Blake and beamed.

"Thanks Blake". She said as they followed them. All four only grabbed a small portion each, well, the girls did anyway. Jaune got himself a heaped plateful. Pyrrha shook her head, he was making it worse again.

Conversation flowed, mostly between the Heiress and the Champion. Both had a reasonable amount of similarities. Both were largely renown. Were top of the classes academically and both had paths that they had been pushed onto. Weiss to inherit her grandfather's business and Pyrrha to become a great warrior and by her choice a huntress.

Blake and Jaune jumped into the conversation where they could, Weiss and Blake even talked about how their views of one another had change since their run in back in the first semester. Pyrrha found it rather enlightening to hear how they, a Faunus and a Schnee were happily living and working together despite what was publicly said about both groups.

"At least I don't have to wear a dress". Jaune said randomly during one of the moments where they had nothing to say. The other girls looked at him while Pyrrha only laughed.

"Why would you wear a dress?" Weiss asked him, looking rather disturbed by the image of Jaune in female attire.

"It was an off handed comment. He said if I couldn't find a date…" She smiled over at Blake. "… then he'd wear a dress". She smiled affectionately at Jaune while Weiss giggled.

"Thanks for not allowing that to happen Blake". Weiss said with a big smile on her face.

"I don't know. It would have been funny to see him in a dress". Blake's eyes narrowed at Jaune making him feel uncomfortable. Pyrrha just giggled and playfully pushed Blake's shoulder.

"Stop teasing the poor boy". Weiss said, telling her teammate off. "Besides, I think those two, and especially those two are far more interesting right now". Following her direction, the first two they laid their eyes on were Ruby, and Sun. Pyrrha felt her stomach tie into knots. She'd heard what Sun had said to Blake before the dance.

"I see. If you'd rather choose a human over one of your own kind then so be it". Was what he'd said. Yet here he was, talking with Ruby and they both seemed to be having a good time. He was smiling and joking when Neptune joined them both. The three seemed to be enjoying themselves so much and it had distracted Pyrrha so much that she nearly didn't notice Blake's closed fist on the table.

She reached over and placed her hand over the top of it and squeezed it. Blake's amber eyes met hers and were filled with pain and anger. She moved closer and put an arm around her shoulder pulling her close.

"It's ok Blake. We can avoid him if you want to". She didn't mind if Blake wanted to confront him though. She would take her side and protect her if things got out of hand, and she was sure Yang would be quick to her side too.

"Avoid… At least for now". She felt the Faunus quiver as she leaned into the Champion's embrace. Jaune and Weiss looked at the two with mischievous looks which made Pyrrha scowl at them in warning.

That's when Weiss coughed and pointed to the other member of her team, Yang. She was standing there talking, her arms were moving and she was smiling. Pyrrha's view was blocked and it annoyed her. She wanted to see who Yang was talking to. She too disappeared, however, the way she went allowed her to see that the brawler had linked arms with someone shorter who had black hair.

Something touched her chin which made her jolt ever so slightly. Blake looked up with a smile and twitched one of her hidden ears. Pyrrha smirked and squeezed her shoulder causing her to come closer still. They were still on separate seats, but the way Blake was leaning into Blake suggested a comfort that none of the others had seen her show towards anyone.

Some music started to play and some of the attendants started to dance. There was a set movement for this song which was perfect. Jaune asked Weiss to dance and she accepted his offer. Pyrrha smiled. Good for you Jaune. Now then. Clearing her own throat and steeling her nerves she whispered.

"Would you like to dance Ms Belladonna?" A small nod let her know the answer, and so the two went and joined Jaune and Weiss, along with the crowd on the dance floor. She didn't consider herself a dancer by any means, but she could move her body to the music well enough to not seem completely incompetent. Blake on the other hand was a lot better.

Her moves were slow and in rhythm to the music. They weren't fancy, but they were smooth. So much so that Pyrrha found herself smiling at her date and trying to mimic some of her movements. Blake was smiling too, having the first dance with Pyrrha was something she'd thought impossible ever since the dance had been announced.

Yet there they were. Moving their bodies and limbs to the music while facing one another. They didn't touch each other, it wasn't that kind of song. The next song was a little faster and they opted to remain on the floor to see what the other was capable of. There were people with worse moves there so it put Pyrrha at ease.

Another three songs on and the two had begun to sweat. Jaune and Weiss had only stuck around for the first two and were back at a table talking with Ruby, Neptune, and Sun. Pyrrha and Blake had started making their way towards Jaune until they'd seen the rest. It made Blake stop in her tracks completely. Realising this and that they were still a little in the way of the dance floor, Pyrrha guided her to another seat.

Pyrrha didn't even get to sit down when there was a tap on her shoulder. Turning she found herself looking down into the lilac eyes on Yang's. She breathed happily. Thank Oum it isn't someone else.

"I've come for my dance. Whose first?" Yang asked happily. Though they'd just finished dancing and this was their break, Pyrrha knew Blake would be better off going now and not being left alone.

"You're up Blake. I'll dance with Yang at a later time". She nodded her head towards the table, what she didn't know is that Sun was looking in their direction. Yang, however, did know and she took Blake's hands and pulled her away. She wasn't taking no for an answer, especially seeing that it would help distract her from Sun.

"Entertain my date if she comes back from the bathroom. I told her who you are". Yang called back before disappearing into the mess of dancers. That's right you did come with someone… but what's her name? She'd been so focused on Blake since the dance had began, even when it was pointed out that Yang had a date she only knew two things, shorter, and black hair.

A tap on her shoulder let her know someone wanted her attention. She figured it would be Yang's date and turned around with a smile. First impressions are… Her smiled faded in an instant as she stood face to face with a monkey Faunus. Sun only held the eye contact for a second.

Pyrrha had tensed up and felt like there was a real, physical threat standing before her. She even stepped back to get a better stance when a soft word reached her ears. A word she hadn't expected, but one that would make her hear him out. "Sorry". She repeated the word a few times and relaxed, a little bit.

She didn't say a word. She didn't respond to him, only with her eyes which were transfixed on him. Waiting for him to say something more than a single word. That kind of apology wouldn't do for what he said to Blake, for how much he'd already affected her night of fun.

"I ah… suppose you heard me in the dormitories?" He asked finally meeting her eyes once again. She nodded slightly, enough to let him see that she'd registered and answered his question.

"Right… so what I really wanted to say is… I'm sorry for saying what I said. I was angry, sad, and to be honest… jealous". A faint smile appeared on his face as he looked towards the dance floor, to where they could both see Blake dancing with Yang. Jealous? Why would you be… The realisation hit her hard as her eyebrows rose.

She was standing, facing a boy, the boy that had feelings for Blake. Her competition, her rival for Blake's affection who had also been shot down. Yet she had the blessing to be asked to the dance by Blake, she'd chosen her over Sun and the boy had reacted harshly towards her and her choice, humans in general too.

It was a situation she had to be cautious in. Sun seemed like a capable fighter and she didn't want to ruin a night she promised to Blake that would be one to remember. She began to pray that it would be for the right reasons, not the possible wrong ones. She shifted slightly and stared him down. Thanks to the heels she could see eye to eye with him.

Sensing and seeing how Pyrrha wasn't talking, was in fact standing up to him with a tense aura about her, Sun decided her should try what he talked about with Ruby. After all, she'd been the one to chase him down after his little outburst, and had asked him to the dance if only to resolve the situation he was entangled in.

"Pyrrha… Ms Nikos… What I said was out of line, completely uncalled for and cruel to Blake, you, and everyone that heard." He stared back into those emerald eyes that had begun to soften with the apology. She knew he was a decent guy. He'd helped Blake in the past when she revealed herself to be a Faunus.

"I know how it feels to be turned down by Blake, Sun". At this his eyes widened in surprise, he hadn't heard this bit it seemed. "I asked Blake a few days before you. Similar result, she said no".

She knew how Sun felt, of course she did. She'd been rejected when she asked Blake to the dance just like Sun had. It had hurt, terribly hurt and she was lucky she had the support of her friends. Yang and Nora both offering support with the latter insisting she ask again only minutes before Blake asked her.

It had been frustrating and heart wrenching when she heard the word no. She could only imagine how it would feel to hear she was going with someone else. Although she felt sorry, a feeling of elation filled her, Blake had picked her over Sun.

"If it was Blake's decision… Then I'll respect her decision… Can I talk to her though, apologise?" He looked to Pyrrha as though he was asking for her permission. She smiled and shook her head which only confused Sun and made him look sad.

"I don't mind you talking to Blake. However, you'll have to see yourself if she'll talk, forgive you. I don't own her after all". Sun's face of sadness flicked from surprised to happy. A smile dawned on his face and he clapped.

"You get it. You're not so bad Nikos… and thanks". He offered his hand to shake and Pyrrha took it firmly.

"I'll be watching you Sun". She warned before letting him walk over to Blake and Yang. She didn't mean just watching now either, from now on she'd be watching him to see if he tried to make a move on Blake. The song ended and Yang remained at her side while they began to talk. Pyrrha couldn't hear what they were saying but as Blake glanced over at her questionably, she nodded. She wouldn't stop Blake from repairing a friendship.

Yang came over and leaned on Pyrrha. "You sure you want to let Sun close? He might try to take her from you". That fear was oh so present. Steely herself and turning, she told Yang plainly.

"If… If she decides to choose him over me… Then I'd have to accept that". Her lips quivered and Yang caught sight of it. Squeezing Pyrrha's shoulder she smiled.

"There's no way she'd choose him over you. I have it on good authority that she likes you. So hurry up and ask her out already, a real date". Yang's confidence and brightness that she brought with her to everyone she talked to put Pyrrha right at ease. Did Blake tell you she liked me? Is what she really wanted to ask, was going to ask when Yang looked away and stepped back with a grin.

"Pyrrha. Allow me to introduce you to, my, date….."

Being left alone with Sun next to the dance floor was nerve racking. She'd been dreading talking to him since he'd snapped after she'd admitted to asking Pyrrha to the dance. Yet now even Pyrrha had let him slip that close, only for Yang to give him a few stern words before she walked over to Pyrrha.

She saw a smaller figure join them, Black hair and… Her name made her head swivel back to face Sun. His face full of trepidation as he waited for her to answer to her name.

"What do you want?" Her words came off harsh, but he took it on the chin, he didn't even flinch or bat an eye as Blake herself narrowed hers, her bow twitching.

"Look Blake… I screwed up, I snapped, and I insulted you and your friends. I threw your decision in your face… and I'm so sorry". He bowed his head in both apology and shame. Something that surprised Blake a little. She was still angry about what happened, angry that he snapped at her and called Pyrrha a human. It was kind of silly since that is what Pyrrha is, but considering her past with the White Fang and him knowing about it.

It was uncalled for and, not unforgiveable, but certainly in need to be apologised for. And apologising Sun was. To both her and before that to Pyrrha. She mumbled under her breath and got his attention.

"Sun. Thank you, for apologising". His eyes brightened but as he went to speak she raised her hand. "You made me angry, you made me regret knowing you".

Her heart thumped, her skin began to crawl and cold sweat trickled down her back via the valley her muscles created along her spin.

"But, you did apologise to Pyrrha right?" Sun nodded his head immediately, but again as he went to talk Blake held her hand up.

"Did she accept your apology?" This time he nodded slowly, waiting, and checking if it was ok to speak.

"I did, she accepted it. But… that wasn't the best part." He was smiling and almost excited like. "I made a mistake, my words failed me again. I asked her permission to speak to you, and what your decision would be".

Blake tilted her head slightly, wondering what he was getting at, what point he was trying to make and why it had him so excited. Just spill it you silly fool. She thought, wanting him to hurry up. She wanted to get back to Pyrrha's side and continue having fun. Which is exactly what she wasn't doing right at that moment.

"I misjudged her. She said she didn't own you. You weren't some property and that… I'd have to ask your forgiveness. Which I am. Please forgive me. It was a moment of jealousy". Finally, he asked her while telling her around about what Pyrrha said, implied. It made Blake happier to hear what her date had said about her, that she hadn't labelled her as hers, and told Sun straight up that he'd need to ask her, not Pyrrha.

"She's a good one. Not a human who looks down on us…" He ended his sentence there and brought his tail into view. She knew what he meant and rolled her eyes. He turned his head back to the red head Blake had brought to the dance.

"She'd better be careful though. One misstep and well… I'll be there for you. That's a promise". The way he said it was like he was waiting. He was confident about it too, smiling, and it made her blush. She figured he was at least a little attracted to her, now she knew that if Pyrrha gave him the opportunity he'd try his best to win her over.

"Thanks, I'll let her know". She pushed past him heading straight to her date. A fear came to the forefront of her mind. What if Pyrrha doesn't like me like that? What if she… No, stop it Blake. You heard what Sun said, and how serious she was about asking you to the dance. Stopping herself from thinking any more negatively she stops behind Pyrrha.

Taking a deep breath and putting on a smile she stepped forwards. Whispering Pyrrha's name so she doesn't get a fright she links her arms through the Champion's then grabs onto it with her free hand. Pyrrha let her do so with a smile on her face.

"Thanks for talking to Sun the way you did. It means a lot". What happened next, she didn't expect. They'd both clung one another's arms, but this time Pyrrha moved her arms and took Blake's hand, intertwining their fingers. I think Sun might have underestimated you Pyrrha. She thought happily as she tightened her own hold.

Her eyes then went forward to see Yang in her white dress. She wore a bright smiled, her eyes obviously looking at the interlocked hands holding the Faunus and the Champion had started. Beside her though, stood a much shorter girl. Her black hair put into twin tails that hung from either side of her head. Bright green eyes similar to Pyrrha's and a dress similar to Nora's only black and without the heart shape made from the seams. Her pale skin and green eyes seemed to glow because of the blackness of her dress, and even though she wore heels, she was still much shorter than Yang.

"Right then. Now that you're finally here I'd like you to meet my date Blakey". Yang put her hand around the smaller girl and smiled. "She's from Haven Academy". The small girl tried to do a bow but it didn't work.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Blake, Yang's partner here at Beacon". She smiled, thankful her own partner, despite helping out both her and Pyrrha, found a date.

"Sorry I forgot, her name's…".

Blake and Pyrrha together at last, as dance dates anyway. I'm sure some of you have already guessed Yang's partner, but that will be revealed in the next chapter. That's right one more chapter involving the dance before I move the story on.

As always, if you want to leave a comment or so constructive criticism I'd appreciate it. Thanks to everyone who is following or just tuning in.