Chapter 13: Ballroom Blitz
A month passed after the encounter with Torchwick, and the semester continued on like normal. Teams RWBY, JNPR, and RSET got busy as usual with assignments from classes, save for Blake who focused solely on continuing the investigation of the White Fang. She became reclusive: hardly sleeping, eating, or talking to anyone, and spent all of her spare time in the library. As the semester continued, more time was set aside for sparring matches to prepare the students for the upcoming Vytal Festival Tournament. One afternoon, everyone gathered in the sparring arena for some combat practice. After several matches, Pyrrha was selected to spar against all of Team CRDL. The rest of Team JNPR watched while sitting by Teams RWBY and RSET and joined them in cheering on Pyrrha. Blake however, had her eyes glued to a book in her lap and paid no attention to the match. Roland, who was sitting by Yang, asked, "How long has Blake been at this?"
"She's never stopped since that night we fought Torchwick," Yang replied, shaking her head in concern.
"She's pushing herself too hard. Just look at those bags under her eyes. The last time I saw something like that was when my parents returned from a two-week-long mission. They told me they hardly slept the entire time."
"Well, Blake hardly sleeps now. She actually doesn't do anything else except try to get more info on the White Fang."
"She'll destroy herself at this rate." As Roland finished speaking, the match was over with Pyrrha as the victor. "Well done Ms. Nikos!" Glynda praised. "You should have no problem qualifying for the tournament."
"Thank you, Professor," Pyrrha replied.
"Alright, I know that's a tough act to follow, but we have just enough time for one more sparring match. Any volunteers?" Everyone was silent until Blake made a noise. "Ms. Belladonna?" Blake jumped as she was called on. "You've been rather docile for the last few classes. Why don't you-"
"I'll do it," another student interjected, raising his hand.
Glynda fixed her glasses. "Mercury is it?" she said. "Very well, let's find you an opponent."
"Actually," Mercury replied. "I want to fight…her." He pointed a Pyrrha.
"Me?" Pyrrha asked, shocked that she was selected as an opponent. Only Roland would pick me for an opponent, she thought.
"I'm afraid Ms. Nikos has just finished a match," Glynda said. "I recommend you choose another partner."
"No, it's fine," Pyrrha replied. "I'd be happy to oblige." Mercury then headed down to the ring.
"I have to admit," Roland said. "The guy has guts challenging Pyrrha."
"He won't know what hit him!" Nora proudly replied. Mercury made it down to the ring and the match began. "Speaking of combat," Roland said to Yang, "I doubt our bookish friend will last long in a fight in her current condition."
Yang let out a sigh. "I know what you mean," she replied. "She nearly leapt out of her skin when Goodwitch called on her. I guess that's another way to skin a cat! Eh, get it?" She chuckled at her own pun.
Roland simply stared at her in disdain and flicked a piece of paper at her. "That was TEAR-able," he said, causing the others to giggle.
"Oh come on!" she protested. "You've gotta be kitten me!"
Everyone stopped giggling and shook their heads.
"Boo!" Nora said, throwing a tomato at Yang.
"Grr!" Yang said as she prepared to throw the tomato back.
Roland caught her wrist. "No, we're not starting this again," he instructed, taking the tomato out of her hand. "Looks like I win again." He then gave her a wink.
"Hmph! Fine. Where did Nora get that anyway? It's not like we're in the cafeteria."
"Hmm, you're right. To be honest, I have no idea." The match then got intense as Mercury unleashed a flurry of kicks at Pyrrha that missed her by millimeters.
"Wow! It's like she's untouchable!" Téa said.
"Almost," Roland replied. "Her semblance is polarity, and she's using it just to divert each attack slightly to make it look like she's untouchable. Honestly, it's ingenious since it keeps her opponents at a disadvantage. It took me years to figure out." The fight continued, but after a few more exchanges, Mercury forfeited. Everyone was shocked, including Pyrrha, and Glynda declared Pyrrha the victor once again. She also lectured Mercury to think more carefully about choosing his opponents next time. Roland looked carefully at Mercury. Why would he do that? Roland thought. I don't what it is, but something's not right about that guy or his two friends. Once Mercury and Pyrrha left the ring, the class was dismissed. "That is all for today," Glynda announced, "and remember that the dance is this weekend. But, you all have your first mission on Monday! I will not accept any excuses!"
Roland snapped out of his stare and remembered the dance on Sunday. That's right, he thought. The dance is this weekend. He looked over at Yang who was getting up to leave. Should I ask her? He walked over to ask her but lost his nerve, and she walked away. Roland stood there, frustrated with himself for his weakness. "Roland?" Téa asked.
"Hm? Oh, what is it Téa?" Roland replied.
"Can we go now or are you going to stand there all day?"
"Oh, sorry. Let's go." Team RSET then left the sparring ring and saw Team RWBY heading back to their room. Sun then caught up to Blake and asked her to the dance but got turned down instantly. She then walked away, leaving Sun with his head hung low. The rest of Team RWBY then followed Blake back to their room. Team RSET then did same, and they could tell Roland was distracted. "Roland?" Scarla asked as they all sat down in their room. "Is something wrong?"
"Hm? Oh, nothing's wrong Scarla," he replied.
"Yeah right!" Ella said. "Your head was in the clouds the entire time we walked back!"
"Come on, spill it," Téa added.
Roland sighed and began, "It's…a few things. For one, I don't know what it is, but I'm getting a bad feeling about Mercury and his two friends. Maybe it's just me, but I can't help but feel uneasy about them. I'm also a little concerned about Blake. She's been so focused, no, obsessed with this investigation of the White Fang. At least I know her team will talk some sense into her. Speaking of her team…" Roland trailed off.
"No quitting!" Ella scolded. "Keep going."
"It's…Yang. I was going to ask her to the dance earlier today, but I got cold feet. Besides, she's got enough on her mind as it is with organizing the dance and dealing with Blake. I don't want to be a bother. Also, my friendship with her is really good right now, and I don't want to ruin things with her. I just don't know what to do…"
"Wow, that's a first!" Ella said.
"Yes, you always have a plan Roland," Scarla added. "It's actually very strange to hear you sat that."
"Heh, I know," he replied. "I don't like it one bit."
Téa was quiet the whole time. The moment Roland began to speak about Yang the way he did, her heart sank. She admired him since they day they met and was elated to have been put on the same team as him. However, while the two did form a good friendship, it wasn't like how close he and Yang had been getting. She felt sad to see him struggle but a little happy that he seemed to be hitting a roadblock. "I think you should be honest with her," Téa said. "You'll regret this more if you don't take this chance."
"Téa's right," Scarla added.
"Besides, how do you think she'll react to hear that you're scared?" Ella asked.
"…You're right, all of you are," Roland said. "Thanks Scarla and Ella." He walked over and gave his sisters a hug. "And thank you Téa. I'm glad to have a friend like you."
"Same here Roland," Téa replied. They all noticed that the hour was late and they all got ready for bed and went to sleep.
The next day, after Team RSET got ready for the day and finished their homework, they made their way to ballroom to offer help to Team RWBY with setting things up for the dance. Their help was accepted and they all got to work, but as usual, Blake was nowhere to be found. Ruby slumped down at a nearby table, sad that Blake wasn't around and that she had no intention of coming to the dance. Weiss then placed two pieces of table cloth in front of Ruby. "I need you to pick a table cloth," she said to Ruby.
Ruby looked at the cloths skeptically. "Aren't they both the same?" she asked.
Weiss sighed. "I don't even know why I asked!" She then walked away, passing Roland who was setting up chairs with the rest of his team. He saw the cloths and said, "They look the same to me too."
"Oh shut up!" Weiss retorted.
Yang was carrying a big speaker and placed it down by the stage, causing Ruby and the table to bounce into the air a few inches. She then walked over to Ruby and asked, "So, have you picked out a dress yet?"
"What's the point?" Ruby replied. "Who cares about the dance if Blake isn't going..."
"Oh don't worry she's going." Yang sounded confident. "Weiss! I though we agreed: no doilies!"
"If I don't get doilies, you don't get fog machines!" Weiss retorted.
While they argued, Roland walked up to Ruby. "Your sister sounds confident she'll convince Blake to go the dance."
"I hope so…" Ruby replied.
Roland put his hand on her shoulder. "You know Yang better than I do, but from what I know about her, once she sets her mind on something, she'll get it. Have faith in your sister."
Ruby then smiled a bit at Roland's words. "You're right. Thanks Roland."
"Anytime." He finished putting down some chairs and saw Sun and Neptune walk into the ballroom. He and his team stopped what they were doing and joined the others.
"Your dance is going to have fog machines?" Neptune asked.
"We were thinking about it," Weiss replied. She perked up as Neptune entered the room.
"That's pretty cool."
"You ladies all excited for dress up?" Sun asked.
"Pfft. Yeah right," Ruby scoffed.
"Laugh all you want, I'll be turning heads tomorrow night!" Yang confidently replied. Roland couldn't help but think how stunning she was going to look, causing him to blush a little.
"I can't wait!" Ella said. "I love dressing up for this!"
Scarla nodded in agreement.
"Eh, it's not really my thing but I'll be dressing up too," Téa added.
"What about you Roland?" Sun asked.
"I think I'll let my suit speak for itself," he replied. "Wait and see."
"What are you two wearing?" Weiss asked Sun and Neptune.
"Uh, this," Sun said, gesturing to his current outfit.
"Ignore him, for he knows not what he says," Neptune interjected.
"Hey, I may have moved to Mistral, but I'm from Vacuo. It's not exactly a shirt-and-tie kind of place."
"Yeah, we've noticed," Yang said.
"So, what does Blake think of all this?" Sun asked. "Is she still being, y'know, Blake-y?"
"Obviously," Weiss replied.
"Still cooped up in the library," Roland added.
"I still can't think of a way to change her mind," Ruby said.
"Guys, trust me," Yang said. "Blake will be at the dance tomorrow." Yang then began to walk out of the ballroom to find Blake in the library. As she left, Roland scolded himself under his breath about missing another opportunity to ask her to the dance. He continued to look at her intently as she left.
"Roland?" Ruby asked after Yang left the room. "Why are you staring at my sister?"
"Huh? I was staring?" he replied.
"Yes," everyone said. Roland felt embarrassed.
"I think I know what's going on," Weiss said. "You're planning to ask Yang to the dance aren't you?"
Roland was hesitant to answer, but he saw no alternative to telling the truth. Roland let out a sigh as he confessed, "…Yes."
"Well, so why haven't you asked her yet?" Sun asked.
"Well, it's…" Roland then went into the reasons he shared with his team the previous night.
"Aw, that's so sweet of you to think of my sister, Roland," Ruby said. "But don't worry! You won't be adding any more trouble for her!"
"I say go for it!" Sun said.
"A woman like that won't be dateless for long!" Neptune pointed out.
"I agree. You should go now Roland!" Weiss said.
"Really?" he asked.
"Yeah, just wait until she's done talking to Blake, and you can ask her then," Ruby said. Everyone else was in agreement, save Téa who remained silent.
"…Alright, I'm going!" Roland said after some more deliberation. He then turned to exit the room once he was told where Yang was taking Blake. Sun and Neptune accompanied him to be his "wingmen." They gave him somewhat helpful advice and let him on his way once they neared the destination: the lecture hall. As he arrived, he overheard the last part of Blake and Yang's conversation. Yang grew angry and pointed out that Blake was too exhausted to stop Yang if she were an enemy, proving that Blake was in no condition to fight Torchwick. Yang's voice then grew soft, "I'm not asking you to stop. Just please…get some rest. Not just for you, but for the people you care about." Roland then heard Yang's footsteps heading towards the exit. "And if you feel like coming out tomorrow," she continued, "I'll save you a dance." Her footsteps grew closer as she left the lecture hall. As she exited, she saw Roland waiting for her.
"Roland!" she said, a little surprised and annoyed to find him there.
"Sorry," he said. "I just got here, but I tried not to overhear the last part of your conversation. Speaking of which, did you manage to talk some sense into her?"
"Honestly, I can't say for sure, but I at least got her thinking about it."
"That's good. I only heard the end, but you handled it well."
"Thanks Roland. So why did you come here? Were you going to try and talk to Blake too?"
"No, she's more your friend, not mine, so she'd be more likely to listen to you. I actually came here to talk to you, if that's alright."
"Sure! So, what's up?"
Roland hesitated again but he knew he had everyone behind him on this. He took a deep breath and began to speak what was on his mind. "I'm just going to cut to the chase. Yang, would you do me the honor of coming with me to the dance tomorrow night?"
Yang was surprised at first but smiled as she was waiting for Roland to ask her. "Do you know how long I've been waiting for you to ask me?! Of course I'll with you Roland!"
Roland was shocked. He expected some elaborate reason for "no" but the exact opposite happened. At a loss for words, all he could say was, "Uh, that's…great!"
"What took you so long?!"
"I didn't want to add to your troubles. I mean, you had this whole dance to organize and this whole thing with Blake."
"C'mere you!" she reached out and hugged him. "You are so sweet to think of me, and Roland, you'll NEVER be trouble for me."
"Thanks Yang, I mean it," he replied as he hugged her back.
"But just to let you know, I have to be there to check everyone in, so we gotta be there early. And if Blake comes, I owe her a dance!"
"Hmph. Please, is that all? That'll be easy to work with!"
Yang was surprised to see Roland acting loose and confident around her, but she loved seeing this side of him. She only heard of him acting this way around his sisters, so seeing it was a real treat. "Alright! There's still more I gotta do!" Yang said. "Thanks for all your help today Roland!"
"It's my pleasure," he replied. "I can't wait to see you tomorrow night!"
"Heh, me too Roland. I hope you'll blow me away tomorrow night!"
"Just you wait." Yang then turned around and headed back to the ballroom to finish setting everything up. Roland looked at her as she walked away, admiring her blonde hair as it swayed with every step. To him, it felt like nothing could ruin this moment, and he grew ecstatic about the dance. Unknown to both him and Yang, Blake overheard part of their conversation, further swaying her to come to the dance. She then left to get some rest and hopefully find Sun.
The next day came rather slowly as Roland could hardly contain his excitement. Scarla and Ella jumped for joy as they heard that Roland not only asked Yang to the dance, but Yang also agreed to go with him. Téa expressed joy in hearing the news, but it was all an act to conceal her broken heart. She withdrew for the next few hours, wanting to be alone. Everyone then spent the few remaining hours before the dance getting ready. Roland made sure he was the first to shower and made sure his outfit was ready since he had to meet Yang early. He combed his hair in the same way he normally wore it, but made sure it looked nice. He then put on his suit and looked at himself in the mirror: he wore a typical black suit all the other guys wore, except his had his family's crest stitched by the right shoulder on the front. He then finished tying his tie that matched the color of his hair, and finished things off by putting on black gloves to conceal his mark on his left hand. He stepped out of the restroom and allowed his sisters to look at him. "Wow!" Ella said. "You look so handsome!"
Scarla gave one last inspection and said, "Everything's perfect! You look like a true gentleman!"
Roland scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "Thank you Scarla and Ella," he said as he gave his sisters a hug. He saw the clock and said, "I'd better get going. It'll be rude to keep a lady waiting!"
"Sweep her off her feet!" Ella cheered as he left his room. Roland then walked down the hallway to Team RWBY's door. Nervousness suddenly gripped him as he raised his hand to knock on the door. No! Not this time, he thought to himself and then knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" the voice of Ruby answered.
"It's Roland," Roland replied.
"Hang on a second!" Activity was heard within the room but then ceased as the knob of the door began to turn as the door opened. Ruby and Weiss were standing in the doorway as if they were making a presentation. "Allow me to present one of the esteemed ladies of the prestigious Team RWBY!" Weiss announced.
"Yang Xiao Long!" Ruby cheered as the two of them stepped aside, revealing Yang waiting for Roland in the room. Roland stood there, utterly speechless as he saw Yang: she wore a white dress that seemed to complement her every feature. To Roland, it was as if an angel descended from heaven. "What do you think?" she asked.
"I think…you weren't kidding about turning heads tonight," Roland said. "You look absolutely beautiful…"
"Aw, you're sweet. You clean up nicely yourself."
"Th-thanks." Roland stood and stared for a minute, mesmerized by the sight of Yang, until Ruby snapped him out of it with an elbow to his side. He composed himself and held out his right arm to Yang. "Shall we?" he asked.
"Let's go!" Yang replied as she took his arm and leaned on his shoulder, and the two then left for the dance.
As Roland and Yang arrived at the ballroom, expectedly, no one else had arrived. Despite there was no one to see them together at the ballroom, all eyes gazed upon them as they walked through campus. Yang, with Roland's help, finished setting everything up and were ready to open the doors. Dozens of students entered the ballroom within a few minutes and the music began shortly after that. Roland patiently waited for Yang to get a break so the two of them could dance. Roland looked and saw Ruby enter the ballroom and saw Yang fawn over how beautiful she looked. Roland smiled at the scene and mentally agreed with Yang. Weiss arrived shortly afterwards and, to Roland's surprise, Blake and Sun. Well done Yang, he thought. You did it. Blake and Yang then proceeded onto the dance floor to dance. While he waited for everyone to find him, a girl came up to him, one of the many interested in him, and asked him to dance.
"I appreciate the offer," Roland said, "but no thank you."
"WHAT?!" the brunette replied. "Why? I don't see you with anyone. Besides, why not have a pretty girl like me on your arm for the night?"
Roland grew annoyed by her prideful attitude. "Actually, I DO have a date, and it's someone far better than you. Now, if you don't mind, please move along."
"So where is this 'better girl than me'? I'll leave when I see her!"
"That would be ME," Yang chimed in as she strode over to Roland and took his arm. Everyone else—Weiss, Ruby, Sun, and Blake—followed soon after. The girl stood there speechless upon seeing Yang.
"B-But, I thought you were-" the girl began.
"Making up an excuse?" Roland finished. "Take a good look and see if I'm making this up."
"Anything else, princess?" Yang asked, her anger beginning to build.
Mortified, the girl left. Roland then exhaled. "Whew, you came just in time," he said. "I thought she was never going to leave."
"You know I got your back!" Yang replied, giving him a wink.
"She was another one of THOSE girls, like the many who chased me back home."
"Well, I'm happy to help!"
"Since that's over," Sun began, "I think it's my turn!"
Blake smiled. "Alright Sun," she said. "Let's go." The two of them then left for the dance floor. As they danced, Blake laughed with joy the entire time, and then she looked over at her team, giving them a smile. "I told you she would come," Yang said.
"Mission accomplished," Weiss said.
"And a fine job too," Roland added.
"So…what do we do now?" Ruby asked.
"Just have fun!" Yang said. "Oh by the way, Roland, I have a little something to show you!" She then grabbed Roland's hand, leading him to the door. Weiss then walked around to mingle. "Does that mean I can change out of these stupid things and into my hood now?" Ruby called.
"So what is it you're going to show me?" Roland asked as he was led by Yang.
"Oh, just some folks you might wanna see!" she replied. As they arrived at the door, Roland saw a sight that blew him away: he saw his sisters all dressed up for the evening. Scarla wore white kimono with a pink cherry blossom pattern, and Ella wore a black dress with a yellowish lily pattern. "Wow…" he said. "The two of you look so beautiful…"
Scarla and Ella both giggled. "Aw, thanks Roland!" they replied as they hugged their brother.
"Okay, hold still," he said as he got out his scroll. "Mom and dad will love this!" He then took a few pictures of the two of them.
"Hey Yang" Ella said as Roland finished. "Get one with all three of us!"
Yang giggled. "No problem," she replied. "Okay…say Nevermore! Aw, you guys look so cute!" She handed Roland back his scroll and returned to checking students in.
"Don't get too comfortable!" Roland said. "You still owe ME a dance!"
"Oh don't worry! It's coming!" Yang replied. She then checked Mercury and his friend Emerald in to the dance. Roland, however, didn't notice them enter as he was introduced to Scarla and Ella's dates for the night. Roland then proceeded to question them to make sure they were worthy to accompany his sisters, but stopped as Scarla and Ella protested. Roland then backed off and allowed the four of them to proceed to the dance floor. After a few more minutes, Yang was done checking everyone in and rejoined Roland. "Alright, I'm all yours now!" she cheered.
"Let's do this!" Roland declared as he and Yang hit the dance floor. Yang laughed with joy as she was impressed by Roland's skill at dancing, and Roland smiled the entire time, as he too was having a great time. "Wow, I'm impressed!" Yang said as the pace slowed.
"Just wait," Roland replied. "I'm just getting started!"
"Wow!" Ruby said to Weiss. "They're so cute together!"
"I agree," Weiss replied. "Roland also displays impressive dancing."
"Yep! He has US to thank for that!" Ella chimed in as she and Scarla were taking a break from dancing.
"We taught him everything," Scarla added. Roland and Yang continued to dance for the next several songs until they left the floor to take a break. Yang then found a seat by Scarla and Ella. "Whew!" Yang said. "Your brother's good at this!"
Scarla and Ella giggled at her praise and began to tell Yang how they taught him when they were younger. "We HAD to have a noble gentleman to come to our tea parties!" Ella said.
"Our father was often busy, so Roland kindly filled in," Scarla added. However, "kindly filled in" was code for "he had no choice." Yang laughed as she heard this, picturing Roland dressing up for a tea party.
Roland headed for the punch bowl to get him and Yang something to drink. He then ran into Ruby and Jaune. "Hey guys!" he said.
"Hey Roland!" Ruby and Jaune replied.
"Boy, I'm having a grand time!" Roland continued. "How about you two?"
"Well…I haven't really left this spot so…" Ruby began.
"I think that speaks for itself," Jaune finished.
"Really?" Roland said. "You have to dance at least once!"
"Nope!" Ruby promptly replied.
"Not really in the mood," Jaune said. He then shared that he and Ruby were talking about how things fell through with Weiss.
"Sorry to hear that," Roland said. "I've often heard that once you stop trying so hard, the right woman will appear. Often, she's been right in front of you the whole time." Roland implied Pyrrha to Jaune, trying to get the boy to notice her.
"Meh, it's fine. Neptune's pretty…cool," Jaune said. "I get why she went with him."
"What do you mean?" Ruby asked.
"Well, come on, not many people can pull off blue hair!"
"Hey!" Roland retorted, pointing to his own blue hair.
"Uh, you pull it off too Roland!" Jaune nervously replied. Roland simply rolled his eyes and headed back to where Yang was sitting to bring her some punch. As he sat down, he was subjected to scrutiny by Yang after hearing how he learned how to ballroom dance. Roland gave both of his sisters an annoyed look which only prompted more laughter by them and Yang. He then put his head down on the table in embarrassment, but Yang rubbed his back. "Aw, I think it was real sweet what you did for your sisters," she said.
"Yeah, sure," Roland sarcastically said. Roland lifted his head and drank some punch, saying nothing more.
"Hey c'mon," Yang said. "I know what will cheer you up! We need a picture together!"
"…Alright, I'd like that," Roland replied. He handed Ella his scroll and Yang handed Scarla her scroll. As they got a picture, Yang cuddled close to Roland as she saw how cute the two of them looked together, and Roland did the same as he mentally agreed. After talking for a bit, Yang got up to find Ruby while Scarla and Ella rejoined their dates on the dance floor. Roland then saw Pyrrha enter the ballroom, wearing a beautiful red dress that complemented her hair, and was relieved to see that she came. He smiled and waved at her, causing her to smile and wave back. He then saw someone he hoped would arrive: Téa wearing a green kimono that matched her hair. Roland got up to greet her, "Téa! I was hoping you'd show up! Where have you been?"
"Hey Roland," she said. "I had some things to do. Where's Yang?"
"She went to find Ruby. Anyways, you look nice."
"Thanks Roland. Just don't say that too much around this guy!" Téa then introduced Roland to her date.
He shook his hand and said, "Take care of her. She's a dear friend." Téa smiled at the complement and headed to the dance floor with her date. Roland then headed up to where Yang and Ruby were standing.
"And you did a great job planning it too!" Ruby said to Yang, referring to the dance.
"I second that statement!" Roland chimed in.
"Aw thanks!" Yang replied and then hugged Ruby, choking her in the process. Roland stood back to not get strangled himself. "That wasn't all me though," Yang continued. "Weiss did a lot too." The three of them watched as Neptune strode up to Weiss and taking a seat by her.
Yang sighed, "Tomorrow it's back to work…"
"Hey now!" Roland chimed in. "Let's not ruin what we have tonight!"
"Roland's right," Ruby added. "And I'm sure we can handle whatever gets thrown at us." Laughter was then heard growing among all the students there. "Except for that," Ruby said.
"Oh what fresh hell is this?" Roland added, completely thrown off as Jaune walked into the ballroom wearing a dress and made his way to Pyrrha. Roland then cracked a smile. "Finally, that idiot finally gets it!"
"Huh, what do you mean Roland?" Ruby asked.
"I'm talking about those two!" He pointed at Jaune and Pyrrha. The music started up to a faster song, prompting Roland to take Yang's hand. "You and me, let's go," he said.
"Whoa! Alright then!" Yang replied, surprised by his bold move and the two headed down to the dance floor and joined Team JNPR, the rest of his team, and Blake and Sun. Everyone had a grand time and Roland had quite the time out of all of them as he also danced with his sisters in addition to Yang. Ruby then made her way down to watch, prompting Roland to grab her hand. "Come on Ruby!" he said. "Dance with me!"
"Uh, no, please no!" she replied, trying to get away.
"Don't worry, just follow my lead!" He wouldn't take no for an answer. He then led Ruby in an easy dance and she enjoyed it more than she expected. Yang, who was taking a break, smiled as she watched Ruby dance with Roland and was touched by his kindness. As the song was over, Roland led Ruby off of the dance floor. "Okay, okay," she said, catching her breath. "I think that's enough dancing for one night!"
"Sorry for being a bit forceful Ruby," Roland said. "I had to make sure you got a chance to dance."
"It's okay, and thanks Roland!" Ruby then left the floor and sat down and after a bit, she quietly exited the ballroom to head back to her room.
Roland then felt a tap on his shoulder. "You still got some dance left for me?" Yang asked.
"Do you even need to ask?" he replied, and the two continued to dance into the night, the clock striking midnight.