Author's Note: Not much to say on this chapter, mostly some fluff though there are some tidbits that hint at future subjects that will be discussed. Hope everyone enjoys!

P.S. any comments or reviews are really appreciated!

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY.

"Where are they?"

"Stop being nosy Yang. They most likely have much to catch up on."

"Oh come on, I know you are just a curious as the rest of us, Ice Queen."

"I told you to stop calling me that!"

"Can both of you just quite it already?"

Both girls quieted down once Blake spoke up. Lucian had noted how she was particularly distraught when Kiara attacked Dante and still seemed troubled. That was several hours ago. After the teens had been sent off and the Slayers each split to their tasks, Lucian had watched Kiara and Athena converse from afar. He was surprised to see the two become friends so quickly, at least Kiara looked like she wanted to be friends. After they left, Lucian had gone into the lockers to shower and change into some sparring clothes he always left there in case of emergencies.

Once cleaned and changed, he'd stayed around waiting for Crato to do the same before they went back to their dorm to drop off their gear. When they arrived, they spotted Athena exiting her room. Lucian was about to ask why but she quickly placed a finger to her lips signaling for them to stay quiet. They dropped their things off and silently left the dorm and headed for the cafeteria. It was early for dinner but they preferred to ideally sit in the hall and talk there while they waited for their mentees to gather.

Athena hadn't elaborated much into what happened in the dorm, only saying that Dante and Kiara needed to be alone. She didn't look upset as she said it but Lucian had the nagging suspicion that she would have preferred staying with Dante. This entire day had turned out very differently than he would have expected. The fact that Kiara also wanted to follow in Dante's pack was unsettling, especially considering that she is an Alpha as well. 'A Red Lion, known for their strength and fortitude. That is a very powerful addition any way you look at it . . . some might even say it's too much power for such a small pack. There is no way their pack won't get some attention now.'

Lucian had a bad feeling about this. It couldn't be coincidence that Alphas were suddenly turning up. He would have to discuss this later with Dante but for now he needed to stay cool and collect. After idle chatter with Athena and Crato, later joined by Thantos, Havasu, and most of their mentees, they served themselves dinner. The pork, rice, and beans had tasted bland in his mouth, his thoughts too focused on the implications of Dante's addition to his pack. 'I can't ignore him as an alpha for much longer . . .'

Once everyone finished eating, the teens started to open fire with questions.

What does having another Slayer mean? Are there going to be more? Will their training change? How much did they actually know about Kiara? And most important of all . . . where are they?

Havasu and Thantos tried to answer the parts about Kiara but it looked like they hadn't talked much when she arrived and most of the morning had been training. Athena told them that Dante and Kiara were catching up back in the dorm. It took all of three seconds for Yang and Coco to start making heated suggestions as to what 'catching up' meant. Lucian could see Athena visibly start to shrink back as the suggestions grew wilder, Nora occasionally chiming in as well.

Blake and Velvet didn't look very pleased either, so Lucian had stepped in to silence the shameless duo. It still didn't do anything to settle the tirade of questions so now everyone just sat around waiting for the long lost friends to return and since the cafeteria was relatively empty now, everyone was starting to get antsy.

'Dante move your ass before I have to go and drag you here.' As he finished that thought, he felt two powerful pressures approaching. He recognized the sensation well, having grown up around powerful fauna. He looked to the far doors and not a moment later Dante and Kiara walked in.

Dante was dressed in some cargo shorts, sandals, his black wraps, and a blue t-shirt. Kiara was also changed out of her training gear, now dressed in some shorts and a red tank top. They both looked calmer than when they were in the arena and there didn't seem to be any odd tension between them. As they neared, the others at the table noticed them approaching, most quieting down until the fauna arrived.

"Hey" said Dante coolly.

"About time" Crato replied first. "What took you so long?"

Dante was about to reply when Athena suddenly asked "Weren't you wearing a green shirt?"

Dante glanced down for a moment before responding "Needed to change it."

"My fault" Kiara added softly.

"Oh?" Coco's face looked mischievous, Yang and Nora close behind while Velvet and Blake's ears flattened down. 'Here we go.'

"What?" asked Dante, not noticing the reactions.

"We heard that you two were catching up so we thought . . ." Yang didn't voice the last part, letting it linger.

Some of the girls started to blush and Lucian could hear certain heartbeats quickening, namely Athena's. Dante took a moment before his eyes widened, getting the suggestion, before he shook his head and said "Oh no. Kiara's the closest thing I have to a sister so no."

Kiara gave Dante an amused expression before she suddenly latched on to his arm and pulled him close, his arm between her generous bust, and gave him an innocent face.

"Oh come on Dante. Don't you find me the least bit attractive?" she asked in a sensual voice as she leaned close to his neck.

Lucian thought someone was about to have a heart attack judging from what he could hear around him. He could also hear the slightest growl coming from Blake and Velvet. Dante on his end looked annoyed as he gave Kiara a glare that Lucian hadn't seen before.

Kiara now looked disappointed. "Damn . . . this used to make you get all flustered" she said with a pout, still holding on to his arm.

"I thought I told you to behave" he said sourly.

"I am" she replied.

"Then let go" he replied as he glanced at his arm.

"Nope. I'm making up for lost time" she replied.

"It's not like I'm going anywhere."

"Not taking any chances" she said playfully.

Dante's glare shifted to a sly smirk, worry suddenly flashing across Kiara's face. " . . . Dante, what are you planning?"

Quick as a whip, Dante's free hand moved to the top of Kiara's head and held one of her ears. She went rigid as she locked eyes with him.

"Behave . . . or I start pinching" he said mischievously.

"Y-You wouldn't dare" Kiara said softly as her loose ear flattened down.

"Try me" Dante challenged, his grin growing by the second.

The stayed silent for about 10 seconds before Kiara sighed in defeat and released Dante's arm but he kept his hand in place.

"Aren't you going to let go?" she asked.

"Nah, this is too much fun" he answered.

Kiara made a kitten face, her pupils growing nearly twice their original size, as she said "Please."

"You little cheat" Dante groaned as he released her ear.

Kiara stuck her tongue out at him before turning and sitting down beside Athena. Dante sighed before he looked at Lucian. "So, think there is anything left or will I have to cook back in the dorm?"

"They should still be serving some pork and rice, probably not hot though" Lucian replied.

"That won't be a problem" Dante replied as he left the table and headed over to the serving station at the other end of the hall.

Once he was a good distance away everyone turned to look at Kiara. She just looked back, unfazed by all the attention.

"So Kiara . . ." started Yang ". . . any juicy secrets you can tell us about Dante?"

"Yang! Can you be ruder or more intrusive for that matter?" asked a very irritated Weiss.

"I agree. If you are so curious then ask him yourself" said Velvet speaking for the first time since they pair had arrived.

"I can't be the only one that wants to know more" Yang defended.

"I want to know more too" added Coco. A few of the others nodded as well.

"I'm not sure that the best thing right now" said Athena.

"It's ok, I don't mind at all" said Kiara. "What do you want to know?"

Yang tapped her chin in thought as she pondered a question but Ruby beat her to it.

"What was he like back then?" she asked.

"Hmm . . . honestly not too different to how he is now though he seems a little more serious, almost sad. He could be very friendly and playful when he wanted to be or really serious and kinda scary, especially in fights." Kiara answered.

"So he only got a little more serious?" asked Jaune.

"That's very light, all this considered. If any of you went through what these two did, I'm more than sure none of you would have gotten off so easily" commented Havasu in a heavy tone.

"Way to kill the mood" Coco deadpanned as the group fell silent.

"Kiara . . . how much do you know about Dante's aura and semblance?" asked Lucian. He had been very intrigued by what he saw back in the arena and wanted to get a better understanding of just what Dante could do.

Kiara eyed him for a moment before speaking. "I know about its general nature and some abilities it gives him. I've also seen the results when he uses it."

"Could you elaborate?" Lucian persisted.

". . . Why?" she asked, her tone getting suspicious.

"Because he hasn't really told us more than a brief overview and has never fully used it in front of us," he said.

"…"

"I'd like to think that he would be ok with you telling us," he continued.

"How much have you seen?" she asked.

"Only two small occurrences back when we had our initiation" he replied.

". . . and?" she asked.

"Both times were to help me" Athena answered. "The first was to intercept Crato's lance and later to seal a cut I got while fighting Crato."

"That doesn't answer how much you've seen" Kiara stated.

"I'm not sure about how he managed to catch my lance but the second time was him heating up his index finger to cauterize Athena's cut" said Crato.

"Then you haven't seen his semblance" said Kiara.

"What? You mean he caught my Gungnir Bolt, an attack matching bullet speeds, without even using a semblance?" Crato asked incredulously.

"Yep" she replied curtly.

Lucian was about to ask what she meant by that but Kiara raised her hand to cut him off.

"Look, there is a reason you haven't seen it. Hell, the only reason I've even seen it is because he was beyond angry when he used it," she said.

"What do you mean by that?" asked Thantos.

Kiara's expression darkened as she looked at him before answering. "The one time I saw it was on the night of that dance."

Everyone stayed quiet, intently waiting for Kiara to continue. She took a deep breath before speaking.

"I don't really want to go into it but if I have to say anything is . . . his semblance is always lethal" she said gravely. Some of the teens paled while Blake and Velvet's ears flattened down completely.

"I don't unders—"

"You don't need to" Dante said as he returned to the table with his and Kiara's food, cutting off Lucian. Some people jumped at his sudden arrival, too focused on Kiara to notice his return.

No one made a sound as Dante sat down beside Kiara since it was the only spot open and gave her a plate of pork and rice. He took a bite of his food without really looking at anyone before he glanced at Kiara and frowned.

"What's wrong? Thought you were hungry" he said.

"I am but . . . it's cold" she returned.

Dante gave an irritated sigh before he place his hand above her plate. His hand started to steam, the exposed skin of his fingers turning to a shade of silver with steaks of red. The space between his palm and the food began to radiate with heat, the air becoming distorted, for 10 seconds before Dante removed his hand and resumed eating.

"Thanks" Kiara said as she dug into her meal as well, the duo eating in silence while everyone else waited. Dante finished his plate in just a few minutes and once finished, looked at the others.

"I know you are really curious but it's best that you don't look into it" he said sternly.

"Why?" asked Ruby softly.

Dante looked at her, his expression softening slightly. "You all saw what happened back in the arena. My semblance is dangerous, especially when my emotions run rampant. I can't even safely spar with anyone using it and I only use it in the field when the situation is dire."

"But didn't you just use it now?" asked Weiss as she glanced at Kiara's empty plate.

"No, that's just an effect of my aura. I can superheat my body and am immune to heat damage because of my semblance but the actual ability is only applicable in combat," he explained.

"What about your healing? That was far more than any standard Alpha healing back in the arena," Lucian stated. He could heal quickly as well but such severe muscle and bone damage like Dante had received would take at least a couple of hours to heal.

"I can metabolize energy faster so regenerating damage like that is trivial" Dante answered nonchalantly.

"Scary" Havasu commented making Dante shrug.

"So Kiara, what about yours?" Coco asked.

"Hmm . . . I'll tell you some other time. My semblance isn't exactly any prettier than Dante's" Kiara replied.

"Ah come on! I thought you said you didn't mind answering our questions?" said Yang.

"Not if they were silly little things like dirty secrets," Kiara answered.

"Careful" Dante said evenly. Kiara gave him a wicked grin before she leaned forward and whispered "He is a total pervert."

Some of the girls gasped as they stared at Dante with accusing looks.

"She is worse," he replied.

"At least deny it," said Velvet as her cheeks reddened

"He can't and he knows it," Kiara said smugly.

"That may be true, but at least I have some humility," Dante retorted.

"It's more fun that way," she returned.

"Please tell me I'm not going to have to babysit you?" Dante deadpanned.

"Hey!" Kiara pouted.

Before she could say anything else Dante stood up from the table and yawned.

"I don't know about you guys but I'm headed to bed. Got to be in Port's lecture tomorrow. Night" he said as he started to walk away. Athena stood up as well and said her goodbyes before she followed after him, the two disappearing around the doors.

"Bed sounds nice," said Blake as she stood up, her team following suite.

"It has been a long day," Pyrrha added as her team got up as well. Team CFVY also began to depart leaving the remaining Slayers alone.

Once the teens were out of sight Lucian turned to look at Kiara. She had a small smile on as she looked at the doors.

"Happy about something?" he asked.

"Hmm? Oh, just getting a little nostalgic about something is all," she replied.

He raised an eyebrow in question, hoping she would elaborate.

She took notice and continued. "It's an odd feeling of déjà vu, watching how Dante and Athena interact."

"How so?" asked Thantos.

"It's funny . . . I'm pretty sure Athena realizes she has more than just feelings of friendship but she doesn't know if Dante would return those feelings. Dante on his end doesn't even realize he has feelings for her. It reminds me how cute and innocent he can be when it comes to mundane things," she said softly."

"I wonder how long it will take," commented Havasu.

"Well, there is still the problem of Dante being with some chick from Vale," Kiara added with a frown.

"Just what are you planning?" Lucian asked suspiciously.

He was starting to become aware of just how similar Kiara and Dante are. They both had an odd twinkle in their eyes when they wanted to plan something mischievous and he had the nagging suspicion that she was going to involve them somehow.

"Something," she replied ominously.

"Ok then . . . I'm going to head out before I get pulled into anything," said Thantos as he stood up and hurried out of the cafeteria.

"Coward," Kiara called after him.

She then looked at Havasu and Crato, her eyes asking the question for her 'Will you help me?' They both glanced at each other before Crato grinned as he stuck out his hand.

"This should be fun," he said. Kiara beamed back at him as she took his hand and firmly shook it.

'I got nothing else to do," Havasu added as he also shook hands with her.

Kiara then looked at Lucian.

"I don't know," he said nervously. Messing around with other people's romances weren't exactly his ideal pass time.

"Please?" Kiara said as she made that kitten face again. 'Ok, that is just not fair' he internally groaned as he sighed in defeat and nodded.

"Yes!" Kiara jumped off her seat triumphantly.

"Now that it's settled, night," she said as she walked away and left the cafeteria.

"Anyone else feel like we just made a pact with the devil?" asked Havasu as he stood up to leave.

"Maybe she hides the horns behind those ears but hey, this could be fun," Crato said as they started to walk out.

'Or it could be some hair-brained scheme that will end in disaster' Lucian thought cheerily as they made their way down the halls.

Athena was feeling odd. Ever since she'd left Dante alone with Kiara and joined the others in the cafeteria she had felt an odd discomfort, especially with the comments Yang and Coco had made. She knew that Dante and Kiara were like siblings but it didn't help to settle her thoughts. She had even felt something akin to jealousy when Kiara latched on to Dante's arm and now she was feeling ashamed of it.

'Come on, you shouldn't judge how they interact. They haven't seen each other in years and deserve to have some quality time' she reprimanded herself. She thought back to when his hand was trembling and how she moved without even thinking. She had been surprised to feel just how scared he was, the trembling running through his hand as if his body was freezing up but then he relaxed and the familiar warmth started to flow through him.

She had felt slightly sad when he let go of her hand, missing the contact, but she understood that they needed to be alone and so she quietly left, giving Dante a quick nod to let him know it was alright. Now she was just finished changing into a pair of sleeping shorts and tank top after showering.

She stepped out to see Dante leaning against his bed while he stared out the window. She couldn't see anything outside since it was pitch dark but she guessed that it wasn't a bother to him. She softly walked over to her bed, unsure of what to say to him. He had been quiet the whole way back so she guessed he wasn't in the mood to talk to her. She was about to get in bed when she felt Dante wrap his arms around her waist, hugging her from behind.

"Dante?" she asked softly, a slight blush coloring her cheeks due to the contact.

"I just wanted to thank you," he replied in a whisper.

"For what?"

"For helping me back when my aura was stirring. It seems that every time I get on edge, you are there to put things under control. If you hadn't . . . I don't know what could have happened."

"Dante . . ." she said gently. ". . . I told you I'll always be there if you need me. If you need someone to keep you calm, then just let me know," she said as she leaned back into the soft embrace, resting her head beside his chin.

She loved the warm feeling that always radiated around him, the sense of security and care it provided. She thought back to how he said his semblance is only good for hurting others but she knew it wasn't always the case. He thinks that he can only burn and hurt others but now, the way he so gently warms her up, she knew he was far more than the monster he thought he was. 'And even if he really is a monster, I don't care because . . . I'm in love with that kind and gentle monster.'

After watching Dante get hurt in his fight with Kiara, Athena knew she didn't just care for him as a partner. She didn't want to see him in any kind of pain even though she knew he could and likely would bare it if it meant helping those he cared about. Kiara had instantly noticed her feelings the moment they started to walk together and had asked her how long she's felt that way. She had tried to play it off, slightly embarrassed at having her feelings read so quickly but Kiara had persisted until she relented.

She still doesn't know if Dante has any feelings for her beyond those of platonic friendship but that didn't mean she would cherish these moments with him, alone and in his embrace. They stayed like that for several minutes until Athena decided to turn around to face him, his arms still wrapped around her back as she looked up at him.

Sapphire looked into hazel. She smiled warmly at him before she said softly "Can you please show me your real eyes?"

He didn't even ask why as he exhaled, his eyes shifting to their natural silver and scarlet coloration as the crossed slits focused on her. Before those eyes had been sources of fear and intimidation, the eyes of an apex predator ready to kill. Now they only made her feel safe and reassured. Those eyes show her exactly who he is, the kind, caring person behind the scary exterior, always willing to help those that need him even if it meant he would suffer.

She brought her hand up to his cheek, softly running her thumb over his cheek. He leaned into her hand, his arm slightly tightening the embrace, not that she minded. After a few more minutes Dante did something that surprised her. He leaned forward and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek, her face instantly burning at the contact.

She stared at him, at a loss for words while he himself lightly blushed before he let go of her and turned around.

"Night" he said hastily as he hopped into bed, his body turned towards the wall.

Athena stood rigid for a moment, her hand tracing the spot he kissed her before she managed to turn and climb into her own bed.

"Goodnight," she said as she covered herself in her sheets. Her entire body felt like it was burning up and she couldn't help but softly giggle at what had just happened. 'I don't think I'm falling asleep any time soon.'

"And there it was! I had cornered the foul beast in its own cave. The tear in its hind leg having caused massive blood loss. I approached, waiting, biding my time to strike . . ."

"Make it stop."

"Quit your groaning!" Dante whispered harshly.

"But this is so boring . . ." Kiara grumbled back.

"Just try to hold out, it should be over soon" Athena whispered to her.

Kiara groaned some more but started to quiet down. Dante and Athena were just as bored as her but they knew they needed to stay quiet unless Port asked them to speak. 'How did it end up like this though? I thought only two Slayers were supposed to attend each class as assistants or did Kiara just sneak here?' Dante pondered as he tried his best to tune out Port's tale.

He looked at the students, entertaining himself with guessing which one's would fall asleep or make it through the class. He made eye contact with Weiss, the only conscious member of team RWBY, and glanced at Port before he rolled his eyes with an exaggerated sigh making her stifle a giggle. After a few of Port's lectures, Dante had started making faces and small shenanigans with Yang or Ruby to pass the time, Blake occasionally joining in. Now since it was just Weiss, he was trying to see how much it took before he got her to crack and play along.

He glanced at Kiara and Athena to his left, the duo seemingly playing rock-paper-scissors in their boredom. It looked like Athena was winning, judging from her grin while Kiara pouted, asking for constant rematches. He looked back at Weiss, the heiress still looking at him rather than pay attention to Port. He smirked a little before he stuck his tongue out and touched the tip of his nose with it, a challenge to Weiss. She got his intention and gave him a scowl but after a few seconds she glanced around before trying to mirror him.

He couldn't help but chuckle as she tried in vain to touch the tip of her nose with her tongue. He knew she wouldn't like being called it, but the way her face looked while she tried to perform such a childish task was adorable. Kiara and Athena noticed his game with Weiss, both starting to giggle at Weiss's expression making her blush in turn. Luckily Port didn't notice any of the antics going on and soon the bell rang, officially ending, in Dante's opinion, the most pointless lecture in all of Beacon.

The Slayers waited for the students to file out, a very groggy team RWBY and flustered heiress being the last to leave. Once the room was clear the Slayers waited to see if Port had any tasks for them but he just waved them off before he exited the room through a back door.

"Could have just told us he didn't have anything for us instead of making us wait," commented Kiara as they walked out.

"Maybe he noticed us playing around and got sour about it," added Athena.

"Whatever, at least we are done with it for today," said Dante.

Outside they were greeted by team RWBY who seemed to be waiting for them.

"Yo," Dante greeted.

"Need anything girls?" asked Athena.

"Just wanted to hang around until next class," answered Yang cheerily. The others nodded in agreement.

"What time do you have class?" asked Kiara.

"Around 1 pm," answered Weiss.

"Oh, how about we head into Vale afterwards and hang out," suggested Ruby excitedly.

"Sounds good. We don't have any class until late at night," said Athena. "What do you think Dante?" she asked sweetly as she smiled at him.

He looked at her smile and instantly started to feel oddly warm. He thought back to last night, Kiara's groping, hugging her from behind, her tender touch on his cheek, how he almost ended up kissing her. He could feel his cheeks start to heat up so he turned on his heel and walked hastily away while calling back "Um, I got to talk to Lucian about something. . ." and rounded the corner out of sight, not even trying to look back and see how the ladies reacted though he could hear Kiara laughing.

'I'll get her later' he thought as he looked for a secluded spot to stop and calm down. 'The hell is up with me!? First I hug her from behind, then I barely manage to steer clear of her lips when I went for that kiss, and now I just see her smile and I heat up. Dammit Dante! Get some fucking control!' He leaned his forehead against a wall, trying his hardest to get her image out of his head and failing miserably.

He reared his head back and smacked it straight into the wall, a crack forming on the brick wall as he made contact. He let out a heavy sigh of defeat, unable to clear his mind. He was about to repeat the process when he detected a presence approaching, a powerful pressure marking the strength of an Alpha. Just from the feeling, he knew it wasn't Kiara. He didn't know exactly how he could tell but whenever Kiara approached it felt like energetic warmth was getting closer, forceful yet not overpowering. He had asked her once and she told him his presence felt like a burning heat was getting closer.

This presence on the other hand was calm and cool, almost making him feel as if he was standing in a river, the current steadily gaining strength as the person got closer. 'Lucian.'

He glanced to his side and there stood the Grey Wolf, observing him with polite curiosity and something else but he couldn't place what. He waited for the wolf to say something, not too keen on starting the conversation himself.

Lucian took about a minute before he asked "So, any reason you are assaulting the defenseless wall?"

"Trying to clear my thoughts" he answered bluntly.

"How's that working for you?"

"About as well as the wall is doing against my head," he groaned.

"Surprise, surprise," Lucian replied sarcastically. "What's troubling you?"

Dante eyed him for a moment, unsure if he should confide in him or not. He knew he couldn't tell Crato or Havasu for that matter, they are both too chatty. Kiara would tease him mercilessly if she knew and he wasn't sure if Thantos would even be interested in the subject.

"It's sort of a tricky subject," he said cryptically.

"Athena then?" Lucian instantly retorted.

Dante stared at him, dumbfounded as to how he knew. Before he could say anything Lucian continued "Let's go to Vale and grab some drinks. You look like you need it."

Dante took a moment to think it over but then nodded. Now that he thought about it, the two of them have never spent any time alone to really talk so this could be a nice change of pace. He started walking beside Lucian, the duo silently making their way to the transport.

Author's Rant: Well, looks like the oblivious dragon is finally realizing what's up or at least I hope he will. Lets see how the guys will bond.

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