[Time skip, one week]
I've liked Pyrrha for a while now, but I'm pretty sure that it's just a crush, at least I hope. I don't want my feelings for her to get in the ways of my studies and training. Like a broken record, Weiss' confession of that night kept on replaying itself in Ruby's head causing her to lose some focus of those surrounding her.
"Ruby?" Ariel called out when Ruby walked past her. "Ruby, are you alright?"
Ruby stopped on her heels, held her breath, then released it slowly. Ariel came around and placed a gentle hand on Ruby's shoulder.
"Ruby, you don't have to tell me now if you don't want to, but I'd like it if you tell me things when something's wrong. So that... maybe I can help..."
"Ariel... I don't know if you can help me this time..." Ruby proceeded to walk away.
"Ruby! Wait!" Ariel briskly walked to catch up to Ruby. "We're friends, right?"
"O-of course! Of course we are!"
"Well, if we are. I'd like know what's wrong with my friends, so I can help them."
Ruby exhaled an exhausted sigh. "It's Weiss. I love her, but she has her eyes out for someone else."
"Oh... do you know with who?"
"Pyrrha Nikos. And can I blame her? Pyrrha is smart, beautiful and world renowned fighter."
"R-Ruby... did you forget that you share all your classes with Pyrrha, with the exception of one?"
"Yeah, but... I'm not super attractive, nor am I that smart or a world renowned fighter. I don't even know how I got into this school!"
"Ruby, we all know that gifted students are welcomed here." Ariel mentioned softly.
"Why do we have to have feelings? Wouldn't life be easier without them?"
"That would be rather unfortunate..."
"I think I'm just going to try to forget all this and just focus on becoming a huntress..."
"Ruby, please don't tell me you're planning on doing that alone."
"Of course I am. I won't have to get in the way of anyone else.
"Ruby, we are to grow together and form teammates. We can't just do things alone."
"Ariel, I really don't know what to do..."
"You're not alone in this, remember that."
Ruby sighed. "You've been really good to me, you know. And just an overall great person. Whoever it is that you like must be a fool to not see it."
"Um... no... I think they're just... going through some tough times right now."
"Oh yeah? Well, I hope things work out for you."
If only you could see that you're the one I wish to share my word with, but right now you just have too many demons tearing at you... Ariel wanted to say, but stayed silent.
"Hey, things will be alright." Ruby smiled as she placed a gentle hand on Ariel's shoulder.
"Right..." Ariel muttered.
"C'mon now. Let's not let love bring us down." Ruby grinned. "It's funny, cause now you're the one who's upset."
Ariel managed to smile. "You know, you have a chance with Weiss. Since you already know that she likes girls. Maybe she'll have a thing for you?"
"As of right now, I can only hope. But I do want to see how this will play out." Ruby takes out her scroll and checks it after feeling a buzz coming from it. She looked at the main screen and saw that it was an alert message. "Oh, right. I almost forgot I have to meet up with Weiss again today. I promised I'd take her to a bakery."
"Oh, well you don't want to keep her waiting." Ariel winked causing Ruby to blush slightly. "Especially Weiss."
"Eheh, okay. Maybe we can catch up later?"
"See you, Ruby. And have fun."
Ruby watched as Ariel left with a smile plastered on her face. Then she looked down at her clothes.
Hmm, maybe I should head on home first before seeing Weiss... Ruby contemplated.
After deciding to go home and shower before meeting Weiss, Ruby had reached out for an airship to take her back to Patch. The trip felt short to Ruby thanks to her music device giving her company and the consistency of of her conversation with Weiss through scroll. Weiss has an interesting sense of humour where not much really understood but, Ruby. And even just through the messages, Ruby was still able to crack a laugh. In fact, almost every message that Weiss sends her either made her smile or laugh. Ruby recounted a time some days ago where she had made miniature versions of her weapon Crescent Rose and Myrtenaster during class. After the boring day lecture was over, Ruby had taken a picture of them and sent it to Weiss. In the message she it read, "Look at my babies."
Weiss' response came quickly saying, "They are such beautiful children. If we could, we would make beautiful kids," and ended the message with a winky face. She was sure it was all a joke since she likes Pyrrha, but it gave her some hopes, but she didn't want to be living in a dream.
Once Ruby had arrived home, she sprinted to her room leaving a trail of rose petals behind her and grabbed some articles of clothes and her black towel with her rose symbol on it and sprinted into the bathroom. Her father looked left and right confused about Ruby's rush, but had accepted it. Ruby didn't want to take too long, especially if she was meeting someone and especially if that person is Weiss. Not that Weiss ever seemed to really minded if Ruby were to ever be late, but Weiss would get really anxious.
She made haste while in the bathroom and choose to let her hair air dry. She threw on a pair of solid black skinny jeans that were hugging her legs really tightly, a thick black belt with red and black pyramid studs on them. She choose a long sleeve black henley shirt and combat boots that were about ankles high. She quickly applied on some black eyeliner and to finish off her attire she wore a black sweater with her rose symbol printed on the back. And she was out the door sending a quick message to Weiss letting her know that she was on her way.
Ruby took another aircraft over to Beacon Academy's drop off area since that was where she was meeting Weiss and it was the fastest way to get to the bakery. There she spotted Weiss sitting crossed leg on a bench with her scroll in her hand as she looked out into the distance. She opened up her scroll again, checked it for about a second then quickly turned to face the fast approaching Ruby.
Weiss felt her heart jump for joy, she began walking briskly towards her, almost running to Ruby who was now taking slower steps to approach Weiss.
Weiss had on a navy blue three quarters arm length cardigan that was halfway buttoned up from the bottom revealing a white button up underneath that was. The white shirt's sleeve resting perfectly just before Weiss' elbows. Wrapped around the collar of her shirt was a black bow tie. She wore dark skinny jeans that complimented her form as well along with knee high boots with about three inches of heels. Ruby stopped to look at Weiss head to toe, then looked at herself scratching the back of her head. Weiss took this moment to analyze Ruby's combination of clothes. Weiss couldn't help smiling at her friend. But she felt something was different. She was smiling at Ruby for other reasons she couldn't reach just yet.
"You look fine." Weiss assured Ruby as she almost threw herself to her dear friend placing both her hands on Ruby's shoulders. Both began blushing. Weiss, startled by her own course of action turned away with Ruby doing the same. "I'm sorry, I'm not sure why I did that..." Weiss backed away feeling her face burn.
"Uh, it's alright..." Ruby averted her gaze not wanting to her eyes to stay glued onto every aspect of Weiss. "But let's get going now, shall we?"
"O-of course!" Weiss agreed.
Ruby smirked, then turned her head away from Weiss blinding herself from seeing Weiss flushed all over again. "C'mon, it's just a couple of blocks down."
What is this weird feeling? Why do we seem uncomfortable with each other? It was never like this in the past, but maybe that's because we were kids and never really cared for personal space. Weiss wondered. She shook her head before following after Ruby. Ruby froze for a second concerned about Weiss, but Weiss assured her with a smile that she was fine.
As Ruby and Weiss began walking to their destination, Ruby had her eyes glued to Beacon's tower.
"Must be nice to dorm. This tower is amazing..." Ruby said in awe. "I'd love to see the view from up there too."
"You should see the one in Atlas. It's enormous."
"Atlas is... pretty far..." Ruby mumbled.
"Maybe one day we can go together. And you can see the world of Atlas."
"Yeah?" Ruby asked with excitement. "Sounds like a plan! Dad misses you by the way."
"I miss him too. I wish he was my father." Weiss sighed.
Ruby throw an arm over Weiss' shoulders causing Weiss to jump a bit.
We're going to have get used to this, all over again... Ruby thought.
"Didn't mean to scare you... But Beacon isn't too far from Patch." Ruby informed as she looked down at Weiss who kept her eyes on the ground.
Why do I feel myself burning up again? Maybe it's me and I need to learn to accept gestures like this again... but Ruby is my best friend, so why is this an issue? Weiss pondered.
"So, if you ever want to visit, we're open doors."
"Thank you, Ruby."
"Don't thank me." Ruby and Weiss then took a corner and made it to their destination. "Ah, here it is!" Ruby said pointing out to the sign.
"Café la Romania." Weiss read then entered through the doorway with Ruby following suit.
They both waited by the doorway until they were greeted by one of their hostess.
"Here again?" The young lass smiled at Ruby, then at Weiss.
"Yes, but this time with my friend and not my sister." Ruby recognised her as the cute girl from her last visit with Yang, but something was slightly different about her. Now seeing her up close and personal, Ruby could say that she was probably the same height as Weiss if Weiss were to take off her heels. She still seemed to be a little timid, but definitely more courageous to speak. Ruby realised that she had changed her hair colour. Her eyes appeared to be different as well... they were two different eye colours this time that Ruby suspected that they were just contacts. She then eyed her name tag, then resorted to a proper introduction.
"I'm Ruby, and this my friend, Weiss. We've known each other for a long time."
"Nice meeting you both, Ruby and Weiss. I'm Neo. Would you two be eating in or?"
Ruby looked over at Weiss then back at Neo. "We'll be eating in." Ruby smiled giving Weiss a light nudge to the elbow who has been remaining silent.
"Right, eating in." Weiss agreed.
"Good, you two can follow me. There's a seating for two upstairs."
Weiss kept her eye on Ruby who kept smiling as they both followed behind Neo. She had a slight suspicion that Ruby must be attracted to the girl. Ruby can fall in love with whoever she fell for, but she felt a little strange to suspect if Ruby were to ever fall for her. What would there friendship be like then? There's nothing wrong with dating your best friend, was there? The person you fall in love with ends up being your best friend either way. Weiss tried to brush away those thoughts when they had reached their seats. It really was a nice area. They were able to see outside from where their seats were. And above them was a chandelier that was dimly lit, perfect for an evening for a first date. Neo has left them after showing them to their seats and handing them their menus.
Date... This isn't a date Weiss. What is wrong with you? And stop thinking about your best friend in such a way...but if Ruby liked girls... Weiss thought as she browsed through the menu. Ruby and their server were introducing themselves in a side conversation.
"I'm Melanie," was all Weiss heard as she was focused on her thoughts.
"Um, let's see what Weiss would like to have." Ruby said to their server interrupting Weiss' thoughts when she heard her name.
"Oh, sorry!" Weiss quickly apologised and closed the menu. "I'll have a black coffee and..."
"There's more than pasties and such..." Ruby added seeing that Weiss was still a little uncertain of what to order.
"I'll have your turkey, swiss cheese and bacon. No mayo please." Weiss smiled earning a strange look from Ruby.
"What?" Weiss questioned.
"Coffee and a sandwich?" Ruby asked wondering how the two would compliment each other. Ruby chuckled and Melanie giggled at Ruby's reaction. "We'll have coffee after our meal. Weiss, how about the pineapple juice with lime and spinach? That sounds like something you would drink." Ruby suggested to Weiss who gave the okay. "As for me, I'll have the tropical juice with chicken pesto and the seasoned red skinned potatoes along with a spinach salad. And for after the meal, coffee and the mixed fruit tart, strawberry cheesecake trifle and strawberry croissants." Ruby grinned.
"Alright, anything else?" Melanie smiled at Ruby.
"I think that would be all..." Weiss said slowly as starred at Ruby.
"Alright, awesome. Hope you two enjoy your meals."
Weiss watched the girl in white leave before saying a word. "Ruby!" Weiss whispered.
"Yes?"
"What did you do to these girls? They all seem to really like you."
"Uh... what?"
"Nevermind Ruby, you're a lost cause." Weiss facepalmed herself.
"Well, there are a lot of cute girls that work here. Like Neo. She's really cute."
"So... Do you like her?"
"Can't really tell right now, but I wouldn't mind trying. The last time I came here she was really shy and had me only pay for half the price of the pastries I bought."
Weiss' brows furrowed. "Is that why we're here? To get things cheaper?"
"No, I wanted to see how they interact with you really... and... their pastries are really good here."
"Hmm... I don't know how I feel about that girl..." Weiss said softly.
Ruby shrugged as a waitress that seemed to clone Melanie in appearance came with their food and drinks. "Thank you!" Both Ruby and Weiss said simultaneously. Ruby then searched around for Melanie and spotted her at another table.
"Oh, that's my sister. We're identical twins. I'm Miltia. And oh, please be careful. The food is very hot." She said winking at Weiss causing her to burn red, then took her leave.
"Weiss, you okay there?" Ruby asked her friend seeing her flushed red.
"Sh-she winked... at me..."
Ruby started laughing. "Guess they just like to flirt here, or maybe she just finds you very cute. I mean I can't blame her." Ruby blurted.
"What?"
"N-nothing." Ruby turned her head to avoid Weiss' gaze, then took a big bite out of her sandwich.
"Well Ruby, before I forget, Ozpin has announced that there will be a masquerade dance sometime either this month or next month. But before that, we have another mission, or test, however they view it as." Weiss informed in between bites of her food. "And hey, good choice. The food is really good here." Weiss said chomping away not realising how hungry she was. Ruby was already pretty much done with her food. Weiss had forgotten how quickly Ruby could eat.
"Cool... I'm not so much of dancing kind of person... but that does sound fun."
"So, you'll go?"
"Yeah, I think I'll skip out on that. I can't dance." Ruby took a sip out of her tropical juice.
"What!? It'll be fun!"
"I don't know... I'd rather just sit in the corner and laugh at every girl that can't walk in heels... "
"I think you should go." Ruby and Weiss turned their heads to the voice seeing Melanie came back to their table bringing them their desserts and coffee replacing their empty plates, then left the two alone.
"See, even Melanie thinks you should go. We just need to find you someone to go with."
Ruby, the girl with a normally huge appetite was starting to lose her hunger. She picked up a strawberry croissant, but just placed it back down on her plate. Most cases, in any event her and Weiss would do together, but this time she knew it wouldn't be the same. Weiss had someone else in mind.
"Uh, Weiss. I'm sorry, but really, I'm not interested."
"If you change your mind, I'll save you a dance."
"I don't think you'd want to. I'll just end up falling over and maybe accidentally tripping you."
Weiss sighed. She knew Ruby better, but right now she knew couldn't turn Ruby's mind around. "You wanna wrap it up here?" Weiss asked her friend softly.
"Yeah." Ruby then looked up at Weiss. What am I doing? I'm ruining our time together... Ruby you idiot. "Let me guess, you already picked out a dress to wear."
"Actually no... Only because I'm not sure if the person I want to go with wants to even go with me..." Weiss confessed.
"You don't have to hide it, I know it's Pyrrha." Ruby smirked with a raised brow taking a sip out had coffee and almost gagged for drinking it black.
"I'm just so shy..." Weiss' shoulders rose up to near her ears as her face went red. Ruby couldn't help smiling and snickered a bit.
"Sh-shut up! You're really not helping!"
"Alright, I'm sorry." Ruby arched her neck looking for anyone to flag down for the check.
Weiss couldn't turn away from Ruby's neck. She never paid any attention to it before, but now she couldn't help but to find Ruby's neckbone that gutted out when she turned so attractive. Realising where her thoughts were going, she turned to face the window and shortly after, Melanie came to their table.
"How was the meal?" she asked sweetly.
"Amazing. We're ready for the check."
"Alright, would you like to wrap up anything?"
"Yes, thank you."
"I'll pay." Weiss smiled.
"Hey, I'm the one who asked you to come out, so it's my treat."
Weiss gave Ruby a death stare, but she earned the opposite effect from Ruby who just winked at her.
"Ruby Rose..." Weiss said calmly. "I despise you."
"You hate that you love me, I get it."
After paying for their meal, Weiss left a huge tip and they both headed for the exit, but Neo stopped them on their heels.
"I just thought I'd give you two our business hours, we deliver." she smiled as she handed a small card to Weiss and Ruby.
"Thank you." Ruby grinned, Weiss smiled.
"Come again." Neo asked more than said.
"Of course." Ruby promised.
Now both Ruby and Weiss continued towards the exit of the café. Ruby examined the card she was given. Turning it over, she saw in a poppy handwriting a phone number she excepted it belong to Neo. Weiss peaked over and saw that it was a phone number. Immediately she knew it was Neo's.
"I still don't know how to feel about her." Weiss cringed.
"Hey, easy. We not ever become a thing. But it won't hurt to try."
"Hmph."
"C'mon Weiss, let's go."
Neo watched as the two of them exited their café together.
"Neo, is she the one?" a man asked.
"Yes." Neo smiled as the man laughed.