"That's... That's just not fair."
"Aren't you the one who said they'll beat me in the next Vytal Festival?"
"I said I'll win, which doesn't necessarily entail me defeating you. But yeah, same difference."
"So you have no right to complain."
"I know... But c'mon! You're flying."
Pyrrha smirked and lowered herself back down to earth, both literally and in terms of the sheer amount of smugness she was exuding. It's not everyday you learn how to fly after all.
Sure, she may have struggled at first. Learning to use her semblance on not just on her heels but also on her bracers to improve in-air stability took a while, as did the fine-tuning required for knowing how to adjust polarity strength appropriately as she moved about. And sure, she may have been keeping all the practice secret from Ruby for the last couple weeks, but at this point, they all were doing some "super secret training", so who really cared anymore? Amongst their friend group, if you went off in secret for a few hours and no one could find you, then it was safely assumed that you were doing whatever shady stuff you needed to do to become stronger.
And besides, Pyrrha thought, The look on her face is priceless.
Meanwhile, Ruby was silently fuming with her arms crossed. Laughing, Pyrrha crossed the distance between them and planted a quick apology kiss on her girlfriend's pouting lips.
Ruby's features softened before frowning once more. "First, that was the most unapologetic apology kiss ever, and secondly, is this the reason you haven't been able to game with me?"
Pyrrha had the gall to look sheepish. "I'm sorry?"
Ruby was not amused. "One dozen cookies."
"Come again?"
"We all have our own idiosyncrasies, Pyrrha. But luckily for you, I'm a simple girl. As you know, my level of annoyance operates on the cookie scale, and right now, it's at a twelve."
"Ah, I see."
A pregnant pause later, and Ruby spoke up.
"I'm waiting."
"For what?"
"My cookies!"
"Oh."
"Don't just 'oh', Pyrrha! I want-eep!"
Pyrrha didn't know what got Ruby so riled up (even though she was pretty sure the Schnee was involved somehow), but she knew exactly how to lift the little reaper's spirits.
Through romance of course. And by literally lifting her. So, just like that, Pyrrha activated her semblance and whisked Ruby off her feet.
Despite the wind buffeting against their ears, Pyrrha could hear Ruby's complaints loud and clear.
"P-Pyrrha! Let me down!"
"Not yet~"
"Why not?!"
"Because it's a lovely day for a fly."
"What are you-oh…"
"Right?"
As their ascent came to end, Ruby bothered to look around for the first time, and even she had to admit, it was a nice view.
Not only could she see the entirety of the Beacon, its gardens and spires on full display, but she could see beyond the landing platforms towards the deep blue water separating the academy and Vale. Sure, Ruby saw the water every time they took a Bullhead down into the city, but somehow at this moment, it became all the more appreciable. Maybe it was because she was steadfastly secure in her girlfriend's arms? She sighed and looked up.
"You suck, Pyrrha."
Emerald eyes met silver. "I know. I'm sorry."
Ruby sighed again and craned her neck up to begrudgingly deliver an apology-acceptance kiss. "I know you don't mean that, but at this point, it's like 'meh'."
Laughing, Pyrrha returned the kiss. "I love you."
"I love you too, Pyr. Congrats on achieving flight."
"Thank you, Ruby."
"You're welcome. And at least this way you won't be too mad when I show you what I've been up to."
"I beg your pardon?"
Ruby waved it off and nuzzled into Pyrrha's collar. "Oh, nothing. Let's just enjoy the moment."
Loose Timeline:
Ch. 18 = Stealing Glances Omake
Ch. 13 = Trappings
Ch. 9 = Pyrrha's Rival
Ch. 11 = What's Next?
Ch. 12 = Help from an Unlikely Source
Ch. 7 (sophomore year) = The Dance
Ch. 14 = Going for a Run
Ch. 16 = A Helping Hand
Ch. 2 = On Butterflies
Ch. 3 = Stars
Ch. 4 = Lingering Flowers
Ch. 19 = Can't Sleep
Ch. 20 = Take Flight
Ch. 8 = Go
Ch. 5 = Philosophy of Ruby
Ch. 6 = Chocolate
Ch. 1 (senior year) = Just a Touch of Spice
Ch. 17 = Stealing Glances
Ch. 15 (post-Beacon) = Three Nights
Ch. 10 = Knowledge