Envious. She felt envious. Watching the two comically red and white figures elegantly glide along the smooth ice only reminded Neo that she didn't have someone. Someone very dear and very, very attractive. Not just in body, but in mind and heart as well. The object of her affection spun beautifully in a tight motion. Rose petals lazily drifting along with the vortex of air created. Her signature red cape mysteriously fluttering around her, almost making her appear as a red diamond. No. She wasn't jealous. She wasn't scared of losing or being replaced by someone. Neo truly believed she had a special place in the Reaper's heart. Taking a moment to admire the spinning the Rose, Neo felt a smile curl on her lips. This admiration was short lived as the elegant red leader began slowing down. Gradually, her features became recognizable; first her lithe frame, then her face, that aggravatingly attractive face!
Time seemed to slow, just for a brief moment. A single silver eye gazed lifelessly into pink and brown ones. It winked with a suggestive smirk before disappearing in its rotation. Neo's little smirk dropped. How did she know she was there! Aside from her eyes, she was in no way recognizable! Her shock gave way to something more... sensual. Heat flushed her cheeks as she finally registered what her admired's smile alluded to. Ruby Rose what do you do to me?

"For someone that has never been ice skating before, you certainly know what you're doing." The icy heiress idly skated around the rink, having just witnessed the beautiful spiral of her leader. A bit of envy crept into her heart. That much natural talent is absurd! The idea of the date was for Weiss to take hold of Ruby and lead her around as she learned how to skate, but as events have just told, that will not be necessary. You could hardly even consider this a date now. A pout found its way onto her lips. While she will never admit it, the frozen queen loved the touches she got from her red leader. It filled her with warmth and made her feel wanted, loved even. Sighing to herself, Weiss refocused on skating around the rink. There were a total of 9 other people on the ice, one was her beloved Red Reaper. Which avoided her sight. Where is she? Little did she know, cold hands were snaking around her waist. Icy fingers delicately snaked their way into her waistband, resting on the warm, smooth skin of the heiress's hips. A crisp yelp tore through the chilly air. "R-r-ruby!" Turning to face her cold-fingered attacker, she was met with a silver eye, that while void of life, mysteriously gave off an impression of mischief. The perpetrator straightened herself from her stealthy position, but left her warming hands on the heiress's os coxa. Now standing a head taller than the heiress, Ruby silently looked down into the cerulean eyes of her personal hand warmer.

"Yes? Can I help you, Weiss?" as subtle as it may be, the playful lilt was still present.

"What are you doing!" As the answer was obvious, Ruby felt no need to answer. Instead, she drew a breath and spun the heiress fully around. Adjusting her hands to now rest on the dorsal side of the Ice Queen's hips. Warmed fingers ghostly apparent on the small of Weiss's back. With her cheeks reddening, the heiress made the mistake of looking up to meet the shallow, silver eye. Almost instantly was she drawn in, the mesmerizing beauty swallowed her in its dark embrace. She leaned forward, upward, slowly closing her eyes as she neared her target. Her lips puckered, any moment now she would feel the soft, warm flesh of her leader's lips. Any second now. Almost - I kissed a girl and I liked iiiIIIiiit. What was that? Taste of her cherry chapstick. Her phone. Weiss's eyes shot open in horror. What was she about to do! Ruby remained as stoic as ever, the only indication of life was the gentle motions of recovering breath.

"Weiss! It's ready, you guys can come back now."

"I almost feel like you were waiting to call." ice laced the Queen's voice.

"What? Why?"

A exasperated sigh preceded, "Nothing, don't worry about. We're on our way." Angrily, she tapped the "end call" button. Bracing herself for the bombardment of jests that was surely awaiting her, Weiss turned once more to look at her partner… 5 seconds. 10. 15 seconds. No teasing came. Instead, the red huntress stared back at her, unreadable. Just as the silence felt as if it were to suffocate the heiress, the Rose spoke.

"I no longer enjoy surprises."

Weiss's expression dropped, she knew.

"Alright, Weiss said she will be on her way with Ruby shortly, everyone ready? Oooh I just can't wait! This will surely bri-" Pting cut short by her scroll alerting the room to a received message, the fiery brawler opened the message.

Abort abort! She knows and is not happy about it! Gtg.

"What! She knows? How!" fiery red eyes scanned the assembled crowd of anyone and everyone who had ever made a significant and positive impact on Ruby's life.

"What do we do now? It'd be a shame to let all this. Delectable. Tasty. Scrumptious cake go to waste" a certain hammer-wielding member drooled.

"What if instead of surprising her here, we text her and tell her we are having a party of her close friends and family at a park or whatever. That way it would break the surprise and we'd still be gathered to see her. We'd have to come with some sort of alibi though…"

"That's what I was trying to say, reliable as ever Ren!" Nora mock saluted and offered a goofy grin at the mentioned ninja to which he just offered a small smirk.

Meet us at the park on Dames and Market in 30. Tell her we are having a party in honor of JNPR'S recent mission success.

If the heiress had to confess three things she, the as close to perfect being on Remnant, was not very adept in, lying would be number one. Acting she could do but straight up deceit is not the same. As for the other two, being humble and not being a useless lesbian. She sighed and closed her scroll down and placed it in her right front pocket of her combat skirt.

"We are to meet at the nearby park to celebrate JNPR'S recent mission success." The shorter the lie, the less there is to nitpick and decipher… so she hoped. Ever since she came back, Ruby seemed to be able to pick up on even the slightest things, despite only using one alluring eye.

Weiss stared at her partner, willing herself to believe what she had just told to be true. If she herself believed it then her leader would have to. She waited on baited breath, looking for the slightest indication that the Rose had bought the lie. When the red leader nodded, the heiress restrained herself from abruptly relaxing. Weiss turned to the exit of the rink, she took a steadying breath to keep up the farce as she made her way out of the icy oval.

Neo had idly been trying to find out what her sweet Rose was going to do next. Was she leaving? Was she plotting? Was she about to turn that icy persona with her into a hot babbling mess as she seems so keen in doing? Her thoughts were interrupted by the familiar ding of her scroll.

We are going to the park. You can join me if you want, but take off the disguise, you're much cuter without it.

Blink. Blink… blink. Blood rushed to her cheeks. Ruby had just called her cute? While she was on a date with someone else? What is she playing? Not that she minds, quite the opposite really. Neo really loved it when the rare compliment or flirt came from the tainted rose. She basked in it. Oh wait. Reply!

Sure. I mean if it's ok that is. I don't want to intrude or anything. And thanks. For saying I'm cute that is. =^_^=

She had just sent the message when her scroll ptinked again.

You won't be intruding, and if they say you are, then I'll leave with you. After all, it wouldn't be right to let someone as adorable as you awkwardly leave. ^w^

Cupid had just pierced her heart. From the phone screen came an arrow of love that shot from the god himself. It stabbed through her throbbing heart as pink painted her soft porcelain cheeks. If she wasn't already completely smitten by Ruby Rose, she was now.

"Everyone got their story straight?" Lilac eyes scanned the giddy crowd. Their story was team JNPR had just come back from a joint mission with Qrow and Taiyang was dropping off a some of Ruby's keepsakes in hopes it will speed up the recovery process. The story explained the presence of JNPR, Qrow, and Taiyang, as well as the reason for celebration. With hope, being surrounded by loved ones and having a good, memorable time; Ruby would make a speedy mental recovery.

"Um.. Actually, what am I supposed to do?"

"Penny?!"

"Salutations, friends. Where's friend Ruby?"

"She's actually on her way with Weiss right now."

Across the way was a white-clad individual, a red-cloaked one, and a tri-colored hair one. Ruby was in the center with her arms slightly extended to either side and behind her. Upon closer inspection, she was holding both their hands. The two accompanying her were throwing glares and taunts behind the Rose's back. It took several moments for the odd trio to join with the main group, but it seemed like forever. Everyone was anxious.

It was like a stand off. The three newly arrived, stood against the many assembled beforehand. Surprisingly, it was Weiss who broke the silence and eventually got the party started. The ice broke when the heiress exclaimed a certain season.

"Winter? What are you doing here?!" the heiress marched over to her older sister and cautiously stood up to her. After all, she had just been witnessed holding hands with another girl.

"To celebrate JNPR'S success of course." came the cool reply.

Weiss pursed her lips, she wouldn't get an answer with everyone focused on the two Schnees. "Well if it's a party, why don't we get is started!" despite herself, annoyance crept into her tone.

Meanwhile, a father and an uncle tentatively approached a certain Rose. Said Rose stared back with no emotion. Behind her, an anxious mute gripped tightly to the Rose's hand. Ruby blinked slowly.

"I'm not going to bite. I'm still your daughter and niece, just a little bit less." Taiyang cracked down. His cautious face melted into quivering lips and tearing eyes. Dramatically, he stumbled over and pulled the red leader into his arms. Tears freely flowing down his cheeks. Despite being engulfed by the blonde man, Ruby didn't let go of Neo's hand.

It took a moment of sobbing and blabbering until Taiyang composed himself. He stood erect and sniffed to clear away any remaining traces of the overwhelming emotion. No words were needed, his actions spoke louder than any speech.

Qrow remained unreadable. Standing a bit behind his brother-in-law. Emotions whirled within him. He wanted to run up and grab the once little Rose that he helped care for, but he also wanted to go sit in a dark corner and drink himself to sleep. He felt as though he failed. That it was all his fault that this entire event had transpired. If only I had trained her better, longer, harder. It wasn't until he got an elbow to the side, that he acted.

"It's good to see ya, Squirt." … nailed it.

The "party" was in full swing now. Everyone had refreshments in their hands and were chatting away with one another. Now was the time.

"Winter, why are you here?"

A sigh escaped the older ice queen, "To monitor how Ruby is doing. She's as shut in as ever I see, but there are glimpses of her old self returning." She cast her eyes mischievously and teasingly towards her little sister at the end.

"I-I don't know what you're insinuating." A bit of red dusted Weiss's cheeks.

"Now, now. Let's not lie here. That family is quite intriguing." Her eyes idly settling on a particular dusty old crow.

Grumbling more to herself, Weiss muttered, "You don't even know the half of it."

Weiss and Winter were catching up with one another, Yang and Pyrrha were arm wrestling with a crowd of Jaune, Nora, Ren, and Taiyang; Qrow was drinking alone with a small grin on his face, that left her, Penny - who disappeared right before Ruby showed up, Ruby and Neo. She found the latter two sitting at the complimentary bench that was custom to parks. Their hands still interlocked. A little green monster started to grow. Shutting her eyes and looking away, she willed the envious monster to die. Blake knew that it was Neo who saved her beloved leader. A pang of remorse struck her aorta. Her team wasn't there for their leader - some teammates we are. Bitter thoughts tangled themselves around the cat faunus's mind. Gradually, they got darker and darker. Instinctively, her hand went to her pocket for the pills that she long since gotten rid of. Despair began to set in. Her chest tightened. Heart beating wildly. Anxiety crushing her. A hand ever-so-lightly wrapped itself in her. She whirled around, eyes wide in surprise. Amber eyes found a silver one. Immediately, the negative emotions ebbed. As if that silver eye sucked them right out of her mind. A calmness had set in. There was a comfort to be found in holding her leader's hand. It was reassuring in some way. Even though the other one was still linked with the silent ice cream killer.

"Looks like you got some competitors." Winter nudged the younger Schnee to direct her attention to the odd trio on the bench across the way.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"I thought we promised not to lie to each other." a smirk grew on the older sister.

Silence was the best reply she could think of, so she didn't say anything. Instead, Weiss stood with wavering defiance.

"She is quite the looker, she's really skilled with her scythe too. I don't know, maybe I'll try my hand at wooing her." Pushing all the buttons, Winter could see the erupting reply she was about to get.

"No! You better not! I saw her first and we promised that we would never go after the same person! Remember? She's mine! Don't you dare try to steal her away!" Weiss had turned to stare at her sister harshly. One hand on her hip and the other wagging an accusatory finger. It wasn't until after she realized that Winter was laughing did she realize she had been played for a fool.

Composing herself, Winter pushed out one last tease, "Nothing, huh? You sure could have fooled me with the way you kept ogling at her. It looked like you were undressing her again and again in your head!"

Weiss steamed under her sister's statement. Finally, growling out her frustration, she snorted and stamped on the ground before diva-ishly marching towards the scythe-wielder.

Either side of the Rose was taken, but that didn't stop her. She sat down furiously in between the Rose's slightly parted legs. She huffed and laid her head back.

It was Blake who voiced the question on all their minds, "Ummm… Weiss, what exactly are you doing?"

"Recharging." If words had teeth, this one word was a piranha.

"Ah." Blake left it at that. After all, that was a fair way to put it. She smiled and leaned her head on the cloaked shoulder of her leader. On the opposite side, Neo was doing the same. One day, they'll fight it out to have the Rose all to herself, but right now this was enough.

The crowd was large and bustling. Perfect. Casually walking into the fray, she looked for potential victims; those with more expensive attire on. Her eyes inconspicuously scanning the hustling crowd of nameless faces until her eyes fell upon a businessman in a clean pinstripe suit. One wrist had a sleek black watch and the other hand carried a slim brown suitcase. A malicious smile crept onto her face. Weaving through the crowd until she was behind him, she made sure her pocket was ready. "Accidentally" stumbling into the man, her hand deftly slipped into his back pocket and took hold of the thick wallet therein. Stumbling forward, as part of her act, she threw her other hand up to catch his attention while throwing out apologies. The hand with the wallet had tucked behind her back and deposited the wallet.

"Just be more careful next time." He bit out, obviously annoyed. He glanced at his watch and growled. "Great." He pushed past her and continued onward.

Her smile returned, her eyes followed the man for a bit before she turned around and began backtracking. A glimpse of scarlet from the corner of her eye caught her attention. Amongst the mundane colors, this brilliant red seemed out of place. She paused in her tracks to search out the source but none came to view. Shrugging, she carried on.

As the store came into view, she couldn't suppress the giddiness she felt well up inside her. There was a sale going on and all of her favorite brands were part of it. Her happiness was interrupted by the growling of her gut. But first… lunch. Taking a left, she turned and saw a peculiar red-cloaked girl sitting on a bench outside the café. She didn't seem to be waiting for anything, rather, she was just relaxing. Without realizing it, Emerald found herself standing over her, a question already slipping out of her lips.

"Want to get some lunch?" A silver eye looked up at her. The other was hidden behind some sort of mask. Could this be the girl Neo is fawning over? And why did I just suddenly ask a stranger out to lunch?

The only indication of an affirmative was the girl standing up and making her way to the door. She held it open and looked back at the puzzled thief. Who, in turn, coughed and hurried through, muttering a thank you. Stepping in, she was greeted with many melodic voices saying, "Welcome back, Master." Her eyes went wide. She hadn't realized it was this type of café. Whirling around to leave, she saw her "date" just now making her way through the door. Her silver eye, while void of life, seemed to give off the impression of taunting and mirth. Shutting her eyes in frustration, she turned back to the maids who were now acting oddly bashful. Hiding behind their trays and menus, peeking over them at the red-cloaked girl making her way in. In unison, they stuttered out, "W-welcome back, m-master." Blushes painted all their cheeks. Looking back with a questioning expression, Emerald was surprised to see a gentle, easing smile on the red girl's features. A chorus of excited squeals caused her to throw her head back and nearly draw her weapon on the maids. She never would have stood a chance. They swarmed passed her, trampling her to get to her "date." A cacophony of requests and demands spilled from the staff. Some were:

"Please follow me, I'll have you seated."

"No, no, let me be your waitress."

"Don't listen to them, me, pick me."

"I'll serve you right, pick me please."

Along with many others. Despite herself, Emerald couldn't help but feel a bit… jealous. Wait, what? I barely even met this girl and I'm feeling jealous. Pft. Whatever. Not me… even though I did see her first… not like I care or anything. She puffed out her cheeks in frustration. Her stomach sang again. She has had enough. "Hey," no response, they were all too busy fondling over this alluring red girl, "Hey!" Silence. Slowly, they all turned to look at the fuming brown girl. "Can we please just be seated." Quickly, a brave maid gestured for the two to follow. She seated them at a window seat that looked out at the street of bustling people.

"Do you guys need a minute to look over the menus?" Her voice was shaking and her eyes were watery. She was trying to keep it together. A pen and a pad were quivering heavily in her hands. The pen fell from her gasp and she gasped. It tumbled, in the air but it never hit the floor. A scarred hand had caught it from beneath a red cloak. The red girl offered it back. "S-s-s-sorry." She outstretched her hand to take the offered pen. The scarred hand relinquished the simple tool. As the maid's hand curled around the writing utensil, a slightly scarred one curled around it. Looking back in shock, the maid found a comforting, easing smile. Her heart melted, but she felt nervous no longer.

That smile. Curse that smile. It's so charming. So charming it pisses me off! Just who is this girl! Why is she so attractive! A nervous cough brought her back from her thoughts. Three eyes were looking at her, two nervous and questioning, one emotionless once more. "What?"

"I asked w-what you'd like to drink."

Suddenly put on the spot, Emerald just through at the first drink that came to mind, "coffee, black." Dang it! I don't even like coffee, let alone black! I can't look like an idiot now!

"I'll have your drinks out to you in just a moment." She flipped her pad shut and looked almost longingly at the red-cloaked girl before hurrying off to the kitchen.

"So… uh… my name's Emerald. Guess we should introduce ourselves, y'know, since we're having lunch together and all." Why did she feel so nervous.

"Ruby, Ruby Rose." Her voice was… raspy. It kind of had this "dirt" to it that you'd find in rock singers. The good kind.

"As in, like, Neo's girlfriend Ruby?" She didn't really know if they were dating, but with the way Neo silently gushes about it, she assumed they were.

A ghost of a smile briefly appeared, "You could say that. Though I'm not sure if that is entirely accurate."

"What-" she was cut short by the arrival of their drinks.

"Black coffee for you, and a chocolate milkshake for you." The maid placed the drinks on front of their respective customers. "Are you guys ready to order?"

I was too busy making small talk to look over the menu! She's probably already decided. I can't make her wait. But having her order alone is ridiculous. Opening the menu, she quickly scanned for anything that looked moderately appetizing. "Can I just get a BLT on wheat please." Not too bad. High five!

"Strawberry shortcake, please. And a club sandwich." Her stunning smile was back.

"I'll have that right out to you."

Emerald looked dejectedly down at her coffee mug. A hand slowly crept into view and took it away. Looking up from her mourning with a question on her brows, she was met with a chocolate milkshake sliding towards her.

"Wh-what are you doing?"

Ruby took a long sip from the steaming mug, "You don't like coffee." She answered as though it was plain as day.

Emerald opened and closed her mouth several times to speak out her protests, but the milkshake was so tantalizing. The way the whipped cream came off the top and the slight precipitation dripping down the side. Her mouth started to water. She looked up one last time to see Ruby taking another sip from the mug before greedily slurping from the shake.

Recomposing herself, Emerald looked back expecting a jest or taunt, but instead, nothing. How strange, she's not very expressive. I'll have to ask Neo why that is.

Their meals came and for the first half, it was silent aside from the cooings of maids taking every chance they could to talk up the Rose. With each passing flirt, Emerald felt her blood temperature rise.

It wasn't until the end of the meal that she broke the silence, "Why does everyone want to get in your pants?" her voice was accusatory and harsh.

A void silver eye looked over to her. Suddenly Emerald felt self-conscious and fought a blush from rising to her cheeks. "I don't know… but you have the answer, don't you?" despite being monotone, the last bit seemed teasing and knowing at the same time. The blush won.

"I… hmph!" The thief crossed her arms and looked away from the Rose. Her cheeks puffed out from anger.

Their maid came by with the check, "Pay when you're ready. No rush." She looked at Ruby, "Really, you could stay as long as you like." a blush adorned her cheeks.

Emerald reached into her back pocket where she had stowed the stolen wallet, but panicked when she didn't feel it there. Frantically, she checked herself in hopes she simply misplaced it. Despair filled her. She looked up to see the Rose pulling bills out from the stolen wallet. The thief stared in disbelief. How… when did she? Wha. A silver eye met her dumbfounded gaze. A teasing light glimmering behind the dead gaze. Emerald stole wallets, but Ruby stole hearts, and Emerald just became a victim.

Sitting cross legged on her bed, Ruby stared at a blank wall. The dimming light of dusk trickled in through the holes that the thread went through in the blinds, casting thin beams on the floor. The smell of steak on a grill lingered in the air. Faint footsteps indicated her teammates moving about in preparation for dinner. She, however, had not moved so much as an inch for the past hour or so. Her eye fixated on the bare wall. Her thoughts running about. A string of happiness that she could vaguely recall, rollercoastered into the dark abyss of her time in captivity. It whirled about like a kite in a tornado, round and around it went. Pain. Suffering. Agony. Hate. Hunger. Vengeance. Those feelings overwhelmed her mind. No matter how hard she tried, she could not focus on the cheery like she once was, instead there was only the dreary. She couldn't live like that. The constant tsunami of drowning sorrows swirling round and round, turning her mind. And so it was easier to feel nothing. She'd rather feel nothing than to be in constant agony.

It had become a routine. They'd roshambo and the winner got to "be there in case Ruby needs reassurance during the night." which directly translates to "cuddle all night." It was generally just the two of them. Occasionally, Neo would mysteriously appear at their doorstep and assert her position as Ruby's guardian for the night. She even brought a pillow and toothbrush. Regardless, it was an ongoing struggle. She just wanted Ruby to pick some, but at the same time she was scared of her choice. She'd rather share than to risk not having at all.

She threw rock. Weiss threw scissors. Both looked up. A victorious smile had found its way to her lips. Weiss growled in frustration and stomped to her room. Firmly closing the door behind her. Her smile remained. She walked the halls to her room and procured her pillow. The smirk grew wider as she drew closer to her leader's room. She gently tapped on the door. After waiting a few seconds she entered. Ruby already seemed to he asleep. She frowned. She had missed her chance. The frown thankfully gave way to surprise and giddiness as the Rose had lifted one arm, inviting the faunus into the bed. Blake happily obliged and settled in. Arms gingerly wrapped around her. A sigh of contentment escaped her lips and she drifted off to sleep.

It was moments like these that made Ruby want to feel openly, but she didn't dare open the gate that held her emotions. For there were far too few shining moments and a grim surplus of the shadowy ones. So for now, she'll just experience these happy glimpses of time in the diluted state they're in. Perhaps some day she will be able to fully appreciate them, but for now. Sleep.