Azure found her bathed in the soft moonlight. Her back to the loud commotions inside, Wisteria's mulberry hair blew gently in the night breeze along with her white scarf. She really had grown it out since he'd left, reminiscing when her glossy locks didn't even touch her shoulders. The half faunus found his eyes wandering to the delicate uncovered shoulder blades in the back opening of Wisteria's orchid colored dress, her forearms covered by silken gloves and a decorative gold diadem atop of her head. He recalled the young girl wearing the headpiece before, too. Azure wondered just where she got the accessory, as well as the outfit, but the thought didn't last long. Slowly, the young man walked out onto the balcony.
"Hey."
Wisteria's head shifted slightly, but went back into its prior place. Hearing no protest to approach, Azure ventured over to his old friend, taking a spot next to young woman.
"Out of your element here too?" the cat faunus asked, studying the dainty girl beside him. He saw no trace of his friend in those familiar kunzite pink eyes, only a blank hollowness. He knew that agonizing look better than anyone…
After a moment, the girl nodded.
"...It's…too loud." she said quietly.
Azure glanced over with veiled intrigue. The tone, how she carried herself… She was acting exactly like when they first met. It must've been over half a decade since, but he could still recall the scene so vividly...
"...You alright?"
The small girl didn't say a word. Fact, she hadn't said anything since the other kids ran off. All she seemed capable of doing was...staring warily at him as she shook with fear, curled up in a corner. The cut she received on her right arm was slowly bleeding...he'd better do something...
"Lemme get that…"
As Azure got to his knees to tend the wound, the girl withdrew away from him. After a puzzled moment, he tried again, taking extra care to move slowly. Took a lot longer than needed, but after a few minutes of him holding out his hand, the girl apparently deemed it safe to let him treat her, Azure tearing off a strip of his ragged shirt for a bandage. Once finished, the spiky haired boy got on his feet. With that whole fiasco over, a place to lie low would be ideal. Least until the White Fang dragged them off to who knows where next...
"...W-wait…!"
Azure halted; he hadn't even gotten near the exit yet. "Hm?" the half faunus hummed as he glanced behind, noting privately the girl was reaching out to him. The instance of bravery crumbled however, withering away from Azure's yellow gaze. "What?" he asked.
The pink eyed faunus continued to stare at the ground, and Azure now decided to really take a good look at his rescuee. Her magenta purple hair was short; not even past her shoulders, but was rather glossy considering the place they were in right now. The shade of the pink of her eyes (at least when she wasn't hiding them) reminded him of gemstones, and carried a heavily analytical air. At least, that was what Azure speculated while he was treating her. One thing he couldn't pinpoint, however, was just what kind of faunus she was. There wasn't any external animal trait on her body...
"...Y...you're hurt...too…" the girl whispered eventually, gaze flickering between the boy and the dirt floor.
Azure checked himself over. He didn't realize the scabbing area where his newly placed brand sat was beginning to slowly hemorrhage again, the numbing pain now at the forefront of his mind. He placed a hand over it, wincing. To his surprise, that small moment of weakness beckoned the purple haired girl over to him in a hurry. She fumbled around for what to say, but Azure spoke up first.
"It's not bad. I'll take care of it."
"O-oh…" the girl murmured, dejected. Azure couldn't help it when a pang of guilt struck his gut after seeing such a pitifully sad look. A resigned sigh escaped the boy's mouth, and sat himself down.
"Never mind. Make it quick." he stated coldly.
Hesitantly, the girl nodded. Mimicking what Azure did for her, she tore off a fraying part of her pantleg; a makeshift pad to stop the bleeding. Azure endured the pain quietly, even though the girl tried her best to be gentle. The minutes crawled in silence, and Azure kept to himself, periodically eyeing the entry.
"...W...what's your name…?"
Azure turned his attention back to his caretaker. The question he was given was so delivered so softly, he almost didn't hear it.
"...It's Azure." the boy answered.
"...Azure…"
"And you?"
"Me…? I...uh...I'm…"
"Well? You gonna tell me, or not?"
"Ah! I...I'm sorry…"
"...*sigh* No, it's fine. Nothing you need to apologize for." Azure admitted, recomposing. "Let's try that again: Who are you?"
"I'm...um… number 24…"
Confusion flashed in Azure's eyes before letting go of a sigh. "I didn't ask for the number they gave you. I meant your name." he stated.
The girl blinked with unrestrained surprise. After another minute, she answered meekly "I'm Wisteria...Dawn..."
"Wisteria? Hmm…"
"W-what is it…?"
"...Can I call you Wisty? Wisteria is a little long for me." Azure asked.
'H-huh?"
"Course, I won't if you don't like it."
Wisteria hastily shook her head. "N-n-no!" she awkwardly responded, voice squeaky, "I'm...I'm okay with it…"
Azure felt an eyebrow raise inquisitively. Just what was up with this girl? Regardless, he got his answer. "Alright then…" the boy got up once more, holding out his hand for Wisteria who quietly analyzed the gesture with her pink gaze. After a much shorter time than before, the small girl accepted the help, both kids on their feet.
"Seeya." Azure said blankly, promptly making his exit without another word.
Wisteria watched Azure go with concealed curiosity. This boy...who swooped in out of thin air, and rescued her. No one had ever done that for her before...not since...
.
Before she knew what was happening, the small girl's legs started following after the spiky haired boy; meanwhile, unfamiliar, microscopic feelings had begun to spark inside Wisteria's tiny heart.
And from that moment onwards, Wisteria was always with Azure. Actually, that would've been a bit of an understatement. She was like glue, which made the boy scratch his head for the first few months in Shadowolf. But from that first meeting, until the young man left, the pair really were nigh inseparable. So, knowing her better than anyone else, Azure recognized this behavior as really speaking to Wisty's displeasure of the situation. He may not have liked people, but she was something else entirely.
"Heh, yeah. Loud and crowded. Personally, I'd take someplace quiet." he admitted lightheartedly.
"...I don't want to be here."
"I bet...Then why are you here?" Azure inquired seriously.
Wisteria's face cracked a splinter of a frown. "Creed….he wanted me here for recon." she stated flatly, still avoiding eye contact.
Azure did his best to contain a grimace. So the snake sent her to keep an eye on him. Probably on the others, too. It pissed him off that the man in black wouldn't even give him a moment's peace, as well as utilizing his venomous tongue in turning Wisteria into his personal puppet.
"...-not so bad…"
"Come again?" Azure asked. Wisteria had whispered something, but he didn't quite catch it. He did however see a faint light in the young woman's eyes as she continued gazing out into the dark blue horizon; A softness that grabbed his attention.
"...It's not so bad." the half faunus repeated, "This is actually...pretty easy compared to some...other stuff we've done…"
Azure hummed after a moment, understanding what she meant. The cat half faunus then noticed Wisteria subconsciously chewing her lower lip, eyes wandering to where her hands were fiddling with themselves. He knew what that meant; She wanted to say something but was either afraid to, or trying to figure out how she wanted to word it. But that really was Wisty in a nutshell: the epitome of 'shrinking violet'.
"Actually I was...wondering if...if you wanted to talk..." the girl eventually managed to articulate, eyes on the ground.
Azure's eyes widened with surprise. So there still was some of his childhood friend buried under all the feelings of anguish and corrosive lies of Creed, reaching out to him. And to be honest with himself, it weighed on him how they left things the last time they talked.
"Sure. I'd like that." He replied, smiling.
Wisteria felt her breath catch in her throat, glancing over in genuine astonishment. She actually didn't think he would agree to stay, provided when she saw some girl accompanying him in the ballroom. In fact, that bluish-silver haired human almost made her heart hurt as much as when she saw Azure with the fox faunus. But she didn't let that bother her now. Azure was spending time with her, but...what should she do now?
Suddenly, the music from inside changed to a softer, slower tune. Azure caught the shift in tone, and an idea popped into his head.
"Tell you what," He told Wisteria, "How 'bout we also share a dance or two?"
For the first time that night, Wisteria's quiet, apathetic persona completely dissolved, the young woman shying away in flustered embarrassment. "W-what? N-no, that's fine. I don't..." she stuttered, fiddling with her hands bashfully. This earned a small chuckle from Azure, and the young man gently reached out and took both of her hands with his own. The sensation sent jolts through Wisteria's body, pink rising to her cheeks while she silently looked into the warm yellow eyes of her old best friend.
"Don't worry, I'll teach you how." Azure assured, voice comfortingly gentle.
Inside her chest, Wisteria's heart was going a mile a minute. Azure asked her to dance? Sure, she found out as she was watching that he learned how at some point, but...Was this really okay? The more she dwelled of it, the more she felt terrified. Yet it also made her really...excited.
"O...Okay…" she eventually managed to answer (despite the urge to decline and hide) and Azure led her out into the middle of the balcony.
"Now, this will take a few tries," Azure admitted, "But if I was able to get this, you should be fine. You're better on your feet than me."
A muted, but nervously amused laugh escaped the short young woman. "I...I don't know..." she mumbled.
Cracking a grin, Azure began the quick dance lesson. "Trust me… Okay, first place your left hand on my shoulder. Then, place your feet about a shoulder's length apart."
"L-like...this?" Wisteria asked unsurely.
Azure nodded when taking note of her placement. It looked good to him, but...he really didn't know if it was bad either. Regardless, it was time to work. Once the pair were ready, Azure did a simple rundown of all the basic steps. Wisteria did exactly as instructed, the heat in her face fluctuating whenever she accidently bumped into her dance partner, or did a misstep. They repeated this for a good couple tries until Wisteria seemed to be comfortable with the motions, and eventually the two were able to do a few simple dips, swings, and spins. Once the lesson was over, Azure looked at Wisteria curiously.
"Ready?" He asked, smile hinting when he heard the next song start.
Wordlessly, Wisteria nodded, placing her left hand on Azure's shoulder. The young man pulled her in closer, and the two began slowly moving to the beat of the music. Their dance went on in silence for a tense moment, but Azure soon broke the ice.
"So," the young man ventured, "what've you been up to? You know, besides the...other stuff."
"Oh. Um...Not much." Wisteria admitted. In her opinion, Vale wasn't anything special. Then again, she didn't really have favor for anywhere else in Remnant either. To her, if it was somewhere where she could get by in peace, it was enough. Although, there was one or two places in each of the kingdoms that were special to her; Havens that she and Azure would go to when off duty, and were their special spots that only they knew about. Part of her wondered if he still remembered them...
Azure softly guided the girl in the sky magenta dress out into a spin, leading her around the balcony, before joining back together. "What about you?" She asked.
The half cat faunus thought quietly for a moment. "Hmm...Well, mostly training for the tournament. There's my team's first mission tomorrow, and I also have school work I'd rather not do on top of that. Can't you tell how excited I am?" The faunus quipped sarcastically. The statement earned something of an amused sound from his dance partner, and Azure took it in stride. He could feel her body start to ease up, and mentally took note of her sentences starting to flow a little more naturally. She was thankfully starting to relax...
"Is it really that bad?" Wisteria asked, intrigued. She had never been to a school before, so the concept was quite foreign to her.
"Not really. It's not my strength. I leave all of the excess book stuff to Gayle."
"...One of your teammates?"
"Yep." Azure confirmed, "She's kinda...well, is a socially awkward bookworm, kinda critical about the small stuff...but she's a good friend...Heh, really keeps her partner's shenanigans in check."
Wisteria cracked a small smile, and when Azure saw, it took his breath away. Her smile. He had almost forgotten how...innocent it made her look. It made him wonder how it survived through those torturous years in Shadowolf. She rarely ever let her guard down when they were in the White Fang; partly due to training, partly because of personality. But when she allowed herself to be calm, there was a purity about her you never would've guessed. As far as Azure knew, he was the only one that knew that side of her. It had been so long, he had almost forgotten how...pretty her smile made her look...
Of course, that wasn't the only thing that grabbed the half faunus' attention. It was her eyes. From the very moment they met, Azure first noticed Wisteria's vibrant pink eyes. They always carried an analytical air, making her look completely invested in activities like reading, despite whether she was interested in the material or not. But right now, all the young man could see in his old friend's gaze was confusion as her eyes kept wandering the floor while they danced.
"Hey..." the short girl piped up quietly.
Azure raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "Something on your mind?" he asked, and Wisteria nodded ever so slightly.
"...When we first met...why did you go out of your way to protect me?" the purple haired girl asked after another pause.
Azure thought he misheard for a moment. That wasn't what he was expecting. "That's...an interesting question. Why'd you ask?" he responded.
Wisteria took in a deep breath, as if trying to build up her courage. "I've never told you this...but… Ever since I was little, I've been alone in the world. Grimm took everything from me...and everyone."
Azure was speechless with realization as the girl in front of him began divulging her own past. Her painfully familiar past, that no one had ever been privy to…and the girl couldn't stop her hands from anxiously shaking whilst in his. Wisteria forced her words to continue.
"My life after that is so hazy…" she whispered, "...The first thing I remember is when I was placed in an orphanage...and being scorned for just existing...even by those I thought I could trust…"
...Wisty… Was all Azure's brain could process for a reply as it was wracked with relevating shock.
"I thought I could be someone that mattered, but...I'm just...a doll." Wisteria muttered, voice void of any positive emotion. "Something to be used, a-and then tossed aside when I'm not needed anymore...A-am I wrong?"
Azure finally got a grip after hearing such a self-berating comment, but kept his gentle attitude. "Of course you are. Do you really see yourself as so disposable? Replaceable?" the young man answered sternly, "You're not, Wisty!"
Wisteria abruptly broke away from the young man, something in Azure's chest beginning to hurt as she did."...Yes I am. You did it when that girl with blue hair showed up...and now with the...fox faunus..." the short girl counter-claimed, sounding disgusted with herself. "I know I'm… Just someone to protect...a burden…" She whispered, "You had to show me how to survive while we were in Black Claw...but even after we made it, the fact never changed I'm only a… a thing to keep safe ...so I'm used to it..."
Azure felt stuck. Wisteria was too sharp, and was interpreting everything that had happened between them in the most horrid way she could think of. He was ashamed to admit the truth behind her logic in assuming he 'replaced' her...but...what could he say to resolve this? What could he do?
Tense silence passed between the former friends. Wisteria turned to leave, but Azure tentatively placed a hand on one of her delicate shoulders, stopping the girl in her tracks. The confusion in the girl's kunzite eyes clashed with the solemn appearance of the young man's golden gaze. Before Wisteria could question him further, Azure did the only thing he could think of.
"...I'm sorry, Wisty."
Wisteria blinked in surprise. "W-what did you just say...?" she asked in disbelief, staring down her former spiky haired familiar. Azure paused, steeling himself. He knew what he needed to do.
"...When I left," he continued, "I did think about asking you to join me. But in the end, I didn't. I was sorting through my emotions for a long time...Things were complicated...confusing. I guess I did that...because I thought you'd be better off without me." the young man explained, "I didn't think you'd assume I was 'throwing you away'...I thought I was protecting you by keeping the burden to myself...but...I was just hurting you by feeding your insecurities. It was an easy way out, but not the best, or the right way. So again...I'm very, truly sorry."
Wisteria didn't say a word, completely frozen as Azure kept talking in his calm, almost soothing voice. The same voice when she and him were talking alone...one of many things she missed the most since he'd been gone...
"Don't forget...Creed killed 'blue haired girl' in order to get to me. There's no doubt he'd have gone after you if too, if you came with me."
"...You...do have a point…" Wisteria whispered, Azure nodding his head in the accompanying silence.
"...Wisty...you're not some weak, unimportant, interchangeable person." Azure stated, making sure his words were received, "You're a survivor of Shadowolf, same as me. No one know's how strong you are better than me. Also…" the half faunus paused for a second, "...To answer your question from before: I saved you...because I chose to. Not because you seemed helpless, and the like, but because I that's what I wanted. And to this day...I've never regretted it. So please..."
Azure took his arm off Wisteria's shoulder and gently took one of her hands in his own, meeting the stunned look of the girl faunus head on.
"...Don't belittle yourself anymore. You may not believe or trust in this stupid idiot, but...you are still important to him."
Wisteria's eyes went wide. "A-Azure…" was all that came out of her mouth, volume barely above a squeak. Emotions were overtaking her thoughts, tears threatening to fall. For all the grief her fears had convinced her, the young man that was her best friend...he was still here. Although, something was different about him, too. Nothing like what she was led to believe regarding the info a certain raven haired snake faunus disclosed anyways.
Was...was Creed...wrong…? The girl thought to herself privately. She needed answers from the snake faunus. She needed them now...
Azure almost flinched in surprise when a small, appreciative grin suddenly appeared on Wisteria's face, vanishing as quickly as it came. Wiping out the moisture blurring her vision, the small girl nodded gratefully to him.
"...Thank you, Azure. For the dance, and for the...talk.." she said, a mixed expression across her face. "I...I have some things I need to do, so…"
"Before you go, may I ask you something?"
Wisteria tilted her head quizzically.
Azure stared down the girl insipidly. "...Are you sure that you want to go through with Creed's plan?" he asked.
Wisteria's eyes moved towards the ground. "...I do." The girl with magenta violet hair answered. Unlike their last talk regarding this subject however, she didn't carry the same conviction. Azure didn't need to read her emotions to see it; it was plain as day all across the girl's body language that she wasn't wholly buying her answer this time. Regardless, the boy with white hair bobbed his head.
"Okay." he replied, which threw Wisteria off guard.
"You...aren't going to fight me on this?" she asked in genuine surprise.
"No. You're your own person, Wisty. I may not agree with you helping Creed, but I do know that you're only acting on what you think is right." Azure shook his head, "I'm not one to berate someone for that. However, you told me Creed wants to get rid of the White Fang before, yeah? That he needs me to do it, too? But think about it...what incentive does Creed have to just stop there when that plan's complete? Will you still stand by him...if he forces you to do something against your own desires?"
Wisteria went speechless. Azure watched as the girl's eyes searched for how to reply, and he spoke up one more time.
"You don't have to answer that now." the half faunus stated, "Just...think about it. Please?"
The girl with magenta hair returned her attention to her old friend, keenly studying the boy. Without another word, Wisteria nodded and turned to make her leave. Just as she was about to disappear behind the door, the girl peered over her shoulder.
"I'll...see you later." She stated.
Azure said nothing, standing silently while under the moonlight. The young girl then vanished in a violet flash of light, leaving the half cat faunus completely alone.
Azure's whole being shrunk, a feeling of fatigue seizing his body. He had no idea...just how hurt Wisteria was because of him. And it was with one action. One decision of him leaving her behind in the White Fang. The half faunus never could've anticipated this, but he hoped that this meeting tonight was the beginning to mending the cracks in their relationship. But as long as they were on opposite sides...the young man wouldn't assume. Reflecting on the conversation and the one a few weeks back, Azure regrettably knew Wisty was at least semi-serious about being loyal to Creed. As the boy understood it: In her eyes, the snake faunus was the only one that hadn't betrayed her yet, and would follow his lead. The girl wasn't stupid though, she probably knew on some level that he was just using her as a means to an end. At least, that was Azure's theory. But for right now...It was the smart thing to stay off of Creed's radar, and what better way to accomplish that, than to be at the center? Regardless, there was one thing clawing at his mind however…
He just wished there was more that he could do.
Taking one last look at the moon shining in the sky, Azure walked silently off the balcony and back into the party. Despite his desire to call it a day, the night wasn't over yet...
Glynda had dragged Jad a good distance out of the dance hall and into the night before she decided to release her grip on the young redhead. All the while, Jad hadn't made a fuss in the slightest, which admittedly made the professor puzzled. With the music now a tolerable din, the woman with blonde hair turned to look at Jad, the boy showing a...stupefyingly carefree smile.
"You know, you don't have to be so rough to get us alone." the redhead commented, "It'd've been more than enough if you asked nicely. Not that I'm against a little force…"
Goodwitch didn't notice her composure beginning to crack as one of her hands trembled. "*sigh*...Why?" the professor asked.
"Hmm?" Jad hummed whilst tilting his head curiously. However, while still keeping his merry mask on, Glynda suddenly exploded with unreserved anger right in front of him, the young man not budging an inch under her oncoming verbal storm.
"Why...On God's. Green. Earth… Are you doing this?!" the professor demanded, "Never, in my entire life, have I had to deal with such a-a headstrong brat with such a complete disregard for decorum and etiquette! It baffles me that such a ruffian is at this school!"
Jad said nothing as he kept his contentful smile.
"Well?! What are you possibly hoping to achieve, carrying on like this?" Glynda continued ranting, "Is this just some elaborate joke to you?"
The redhead shook his head.
"Then what?! I just don't understand! What are you standing to gain from this?! And don't you care about how others see you?!"
It was here the teacher had to take a breath, the red in her face dying off from yelling more than she had in a long time. Once gathered, the woman looked to Jad for her answer. Deducting she had got all her frustration out, the tall boy shrugged his shoulders.
"My goal? It's nothing so extravagant as to wind yourself up so much. All I want is a chance to receive a glance from you, no matter if it must be in my lowly direction. For you, milady, have captured my heart from the moment I laid eyes on you. Something like my 'image' is but a small price to pay..."
Glynda couldn't muster the energy to fight this boy any longer, her whole body deflating due to the flowery, yet purposefully woven compliment. Yet before she could verbally answer, the professor abruptly found herself being swept up by the young man, Jad holding her as if they were dancing. The blonde with green eyes momentarily short circuited, and the tall boy with the fedora drew in close for the coup de grace.
"Of all the gin joints in all the kingdoms in all the world… You just had to walk into mine…"
"I'm back."
Azure took a seat next to Valerie as he joined in on a conversation she, the rest of her team, and Gayle were currently having. Once comfortable, the girl with red eyes scooted closer and whispered inquisitively "Everything all good now? You were out quite a bit…"
Azure nodded. " I'm fine." he answered, "So, what'd I miss?"
"Well, Rosalie's joined us after finally able to catch a break. But ever since Jad was pulled off and you stepped out, it's mostly just been Gayle and Sonara going back and forth about any random topic. Mostly dancing."
The young man hummed in recognition. He knew if you got Gayle on something she had interest in, she could go on for hours if you'd let her. And Sonara was...well...Sonara. The half faunus tried a venture into what they were saying, but quickly gave up trying to follow. Kyra and Rosalie grouped up with Azure and Valerie, leaving their youngest team members to themselves.
"Hello, Azure." Rosalie greeted, and the boy answering in kind. 'I must applaud you for that excellent show you and your teammates put on!" the girl complemented, fiddling with the hem of her light blue dress. "It was quite fun to watch."
Azure felt a tinge of heat enter his face before absentmindedly scratching the back of his head. "It wasn't planned. 'Least, not by me…"
"So I've been told." Rosalie giggled, "Gayle and Jad seem to have a knack with coming up with….unique ideas."
"You don't know the half of it."
Suddenly, the teens began to hear furious whispers directed in their direction as a familiar face drew near, an unmistakable face.
"Oh, speak of the devil…" Rosalie commented with a smile.
WIth a number of guests watching him, Jad moseyed his way towards his team's and AMBR's shared table. He received several curious looks from his friends when the young man sat down with enough swagger to grab even blind people's attention. Azure also pointed out the overwhelmingly jubilant aura coming off of his friend. It was similar to when Jad won a fight in class, but magnified a hundredfold. When pushed for the outcome of getting dragged off by Goodwitch, his smile merely widened (Kyra didn't think it could get any bigger) and commented "That's a secret, love...". Even with excessive prodding from Gayle and Sonara, Jad didn't break, so the topic was begrudgingly put to rest.
The seven teens decided to fraternize for a little bit longer before they all decided to call it a night. Sonara and Jad deliberately spurred the majority off a bit early, leaving the team leaders to themselves. Once outside after bidding their 'goodnights', Valerie convinced Azure to take a little detour back to the dorms. While the young man could practically hear his bed calling him, he agreed with a good natured nod. Now the two lazily walked through one of the many gardens dotting around the school, Valerie's arm interwoven with Azure's as they resumed their previous chat from earlier.
"Hehe, you know, I haven't had that fun of a night in a long time…" the steely blue haired girl hummed happily, "Thanks for taking me."
"You're...ah...You're welcome."
"I still can't believe Gayle and Jad hijacked the speakers. They really do have just as much crazy as my team."
"Pfft, sure. You don't know the half of it."
The two teens shared a short laugh, taking a few minutes to appreciate the midnight scenery before Valerie picked the conversation back up.
"Guess it's back to the grind tomorrow, huh?"
"Yup."
"You nervous about it? Getting your first Huntsman assignment, I mean."
"Not really. You?"
"I'm actually a bit excited, if I'm being honest." Valerie admitted, "Our first mission as Huntsman and Huntresses...the anticipation is giving me goosebumps."
Azure didn't notice a smile tugging as he felt the girl beside him slightly shake to emphasise her point. "I see."
The two of them to a break from talk, opting to view the flowers in quiet. Azure appreciated that any sounds of the dance were over with, listening contently to the wind whistling through the surrounding trees.
"Hey."
Azure perked up at hearing the feminine voice. "Yeah?"
"How about one last secret? Before we turn in for the night."
The young man glanced over at the girl with silvery blue hair. She still wanted more?
"Okay, but you first." he proposed.
Valerie hummed an agreement. "Let's see…" she pondered, "...Did you know I used to be really shy when I was a kid?"
Azure blinked a few times in genuine surprise. "Really? You?"
"Hehe...Yeah. How could I put this...I guess you could say our family is rather secure, financially speaking. Sure, a great deal of people that live in Atlas are. My Dad's a businessman, and helps with the Schnee Dust Company. That kept him busy of course, which I understand now, but….it was a very lonely house, my home." Valerie continued, "And I guess you could say I was the black sheep of the family. Both my sisters were...well, nothing like what I was at that age. Still aren't. They were super talented, gaining praise all day, everyday. But not me. I could never match up."
"Really?"
"Yup. Since my dad was busy a lot, and my mom...well...gone-" the girl sombrely added, lights going off in Azure's brain as puzzle pieces began to fall into place, "-I was left on my own in our house, since he didn't know what to do with me."
"...So...you're mom is...?" Azure asked carefully, and Valerie nodded.
"Yeah. She died when I was only five."
"May I ask how?"
Valerie took a long time to answer. "...She and my dad apparently got mugged one night. It was by a distraught faunus who apparently got fired from his job and targeted them for some easy money. Both of them got injured...and she didn't make it."
Azure stayed silent.
"I guess that's one of the reasons why I'm wanting to be a huntress. I want to make the world safer, however I can...Oh!" The young woman abruptly realized they had veered off the original topic, and reeled herself back in. "Went on a bit of tangent there. Going back to before, I actually got an Idea from my oldest sister, Vivian, to try and make as much friends as I could to get over my shyness. So that's what I did... Heh, I guess you could also say that's why I flirt a lot, too. My kid self found it got more attention."
"...So that explains it." Azure mumbled.
"Mhm!" she smiled, trying to lighten the mood back up. "Your turn now."
Azure contemplated. What was of similar value, yet safe enough to share….?
"Before I continue-" the young man began, "...What are your feelings regarding faunus?"
Valerie quirked her head. "Mm? Well, I have no issues with them. I am friends with quite a few. Like, half your team's comprised of faunus! All of whom I think are some of the coolest people I've met, by the way."
"...And you still feel that way even after one killed your mom?"
Valerie momentarily flinched, but quickly recovered. Her face scrunching up in thought, the girl found a reply. "...Just because one hurt me, doesn't mean I should hate all other faunus. It's not a fair thing to punish countless innocents for the crimes of a single man. I'll reserve my judgement for when after the misdeed happens." She surmised, and Azure couldn't help but feel a little awe-inspired by such self conviction. Finished her explanation, Valerie asked "Why'd you ask?"
Any lingering hesitation now at ease, Azure answered plainly whilst closing his eyes "Because the girls aren't the only one-" only to reveal his natural pair of cat eyes, finishing with "-Who're faunus."
Valerie exclaimed something of a startled yelp when seeing the sudden external change regarding her date. She was so used to seeing the sage green look, that this was really jarring for her. Yet the longer she took absorbing the switch...the more enamoured she became with them. "Y...You're faunus too?" she asked in wide eyed wonder.
"Half. From my mother."
"H-How many others know…?"
"Just the team. You're the first one after that."
"W-Why show me this? Why now?"
Azure looked at his date. "That's not obvious? You never asked before."
"But I had no idea before!" Valerie exclaimed vehemently.
"Fair point. Though...I guess I told you because...well...I trust you now." Azure concluded, smiling as he continued escorting a now speechless Valerie. "...C'mon, Val, let's go."
Conversation died down to insignificant small-talk for the most part as the pair continued on, their walk now exiting the garden and onto the doormat of their dorm building. Azure escorted Valerie all the way to AMBR's room, the young woman reluctantly letting go once there.
"Well...I guess that's it for tonight." Valerie surmised.
Azure hummed in acknowledgement.
"I really had fun tonight. Honest." the young woman openly stated, "Just promise me you won't make this a one time thing!"
Smiling, the boy with white hair answered "I promise. You're an alright person, Val."
Valerie beamed at the rare compliment. "Good to know." she grinned. Looking at her dorm one more time, the woman with steel blue hair found herself growing uncharacteristically bashful. There was just one last thing she wanted to do tonight…
"Hey...You serious about trusting me?" She asked mildly.
Azure felt an inquisitive eyebrow raise perk up, but nodded sternly. "I've let you in on a few of my secrets tonight, Val. Including this-" the half faunus emphasised by momentarily revealing his natural set of eyes, "I do trust you. It's not something I give out lightly."
Valerie couldn't stop smiling when a wave of warmth spread through her chest. "Hehe...Okay. Then-" the girl drew her face up close to Azure's, smiling coyly. "Could you close your eyes? Please?" she asked, retreating back with expectant eyes.
Curious puzzlement in Azure's mind flared to life. What on earth was this supposed to accomplish? He could read the girl's emotions to surmise a guess, but...that needed time and a clear head to work. He had neither at the moment. This was probably a 'yes or no' question anyway…
...Eh, screw it. Azure conceded inwardly, shrugging his shoulders at the same time. Doing as he was asked, the young man closed his line of sight. Jad probably would've told him to do the same, anyways. Left alone in the temporary self inflicted darkness, the cat faunus waited to find out just what kind of plan Valerie had concocted for him. He also could've sworn it was getting hotter around here as well. Was this Valerie's doing? If he remembered correctly, her semblance had something to do with fire. Should he say something? The girl probably wanted-
The young man's thought process was abruptly cut off when he felt an unfamiliar sensation brush across his left cheek. It was...fleetingly soft...small…
Warm.
"'Kay. You can open your eyes."
Azure's vision quickly returned, immediately met by a radiant looking Valerie. As in: her body was actually radiating a soft scarlet red glow (especially from her eyes)...with a noticeable heat exuding off of the bluenette. Bringing a hand to his cheek, he looked to his date with a questioning look, and it only made Valerie giggle.
"Think of it as a little bonus. You'll figure it out." she teased as she opened the door behind her. Once stepping inside she added one final "Goodnight..." before closing the portal behind her and leaving her newly established friend on his own.
Rember was curled in a nest of pillows on the window seat, staring out into the night without really seeing anything. She didn't look around as Jad and Gayle entered the room, laughing and bidding team AMBR a good night before turning the lights on.
Gayle was the first to notice her. The fox girl was wearing an old pair of sweatpants and a sleeveless grey shirt with a strange burn mark on the left shoulder and a tear along the bottom. Gayle couldn't remember seeing the top before, and wondered briefly why her friend had kept such a ratty thing.
Jad quieted down as his partner frowned and walked over to Rember, catching onto the fox girl's strange silence.
"Ber?" Gayle inquired quietly.
No response.
She tried again, a little louder but still gently. "Rember? Are you okay?"
One of Rember's ears twitched and she shivered. Gayle saw that goosebumps covered Rember's arms and shoulders and looked around for a blanket, noting that the window was open. Jad reached up to Rember's bunk and pulled one off, handing it to her silently, concern evident on his usually grinning face.
Rember jumped as the blanket touched her and looked around in shock, her eyes wide and bright and her ears going flat. Gayle was stunned by the fear on Rember's face, and quickly took a step back so her friend could see who it was.
It took a moment for Rember's face to clear and for her to remember where she was. When she did she blinked and shook her head, ears pricking up again as she tried to smile.
"S-sorry." She said. "Did you, um, did you need something?"
Gayle frowned. "You okay, Ber?"
"You okay, Bera?"
"I, um- yeah. Yeah I'm...I'm fine." She replied unconvincingly, not meeting Gayle's eyes.
Jad and Gayle exchanged glances. Rember noticed and looked at the floor, fox ears flat against her head.
"Rember-" Jad started.
"I'm going for a run." Rember interrupted, getting to her feet abruptly and pushing past her teammates.
Azure was walking through the door when his partner rushed past. He moved aside as Rember all but ran from the room, exclaiming "Rem?"
Rember either didn't hear him or didn't care, and disappeared into the hall.
"What just...?" Azure asked his friends.
Jad and Gayle shrugged and shook their heads.
"We just came in and she was...weird." Gayle replied.
Azure raised an eyebrow. "Weirder than usual?"
Gayle shot him an unimpressed look.
"...Got it." Azure nodded, removing his suit jacket. "Give me a few minutes and I'll go find her."
Azure saw his partner out on the cliffs, where she usually went at times like this. He knew by now that unless she was too shell shocked or didn't mind Azure coming to get her that she would have hidden somewhere he couldn't find her so easily.
Rember didn't look around as he walked up behind her. She was staring out over the Emerald Forest with wide eyes, completely still. Azure could see that her skin was covered in goosebumps. Unsurprising, really. It was past midnight, and she hadn't stopped to get a jacket or even a pair of shoes.
Without saying anything, Azure settled himself cross legged on the ground beside her and pulled out a bag of Rember's favourite chocolate chip cookies. To his surprise she didn't even flinch as he opened the bag, maintaining her wide eyed stare out over the forest. Azure's brow furrowed and he set the treats down between them. He considered saying something, but decided to wait and see if Rember reacted to his presence without further prodding.
It took a few more minutes, but eventually Rember reached for a cookie. She still didn't speak, munching on her snack in silence, and Azure let her be until she shivered, at which point he stood up, unclasped his cape, and draped it around her shoulders. Sitting back down he caught a glimpse of her pulling the cape tighter around her body and hid a smile. They stared out into the night a little longer before Azure broke the silence.
"Nice night."
Rember nodded in response and Azure waited a minute before trying again.
"I understand if you don't want to talk about it right now," he told her kindly, "but if and when you're ready...go ahead."
Rember closed her eyes and let out a quiet sigh. "I know." she replied softly.
Azure stretched his legs out in front of him, resting his weight on his hands as he leaned back. Moments like this he often found the temptation to read Rember's emotions, though he'd found more and more often that if he waited long enough she would tell him what she was feeling, and explain her emotions better than he could ever read them. He pushed the temptation to the back of his mind and listened to the sounds around them.
The music that had been so loud in the ballroom was inaudible out here. Party songs and heavy bass were replaced by rustling leaves and muted animal chatter, complimented every so often by the hoot of an owl or the howl of a lonely Beowulf. Azure let the sounds soothe him, the excitement of the evening slowly seeping from conscious thought and into the subconscious. On his left he could hear Rember breathing, and the rustle of cloth as she fidgeted with the hem of his cape.
It was...peaceful. Something that Azure didn't experience often. There was always some problem occupying his mind, some issue demanding his attention, but for whatever reason everything seemed far away for the moment. Like it could be dealt with sometime in the future, near or distant. It was...nice. Different, but nice.
Whether Rember was experiencing the same thing as Azure or not, she maintained her unusual silence for a while longer, occasionally reaching for another cookie. Eventually, though, she sighed again and looked over at Azure, who returned her gaze openly.
"Do you...do you remember when I told you about my brand?" Rember said quietly.
Azure nodded, choosing not to interrupt with a vocal response.
"What about the friend I had at Sanctum?"
"The one who tried recruiting you?" Azure ventured.
"Yeah…" Rember looked away. "He was in Goodwitch's class...and tonight he was at the dance." she let out a deep breath and her shoulders slumped.
Azure's alarm spiked and he sat up straight. The last time Rember had seen Lupin Grey she'd had a full blown meltdown. Clearly that wasn't quite the case this time, but the fact that she was out here instead of back in the dorm room said that something had happened.
"What did he do…?" Azure demanded sharply.
Rember either didn't notice the change in his tone or didn't acknowledge it. "Nothing, really. He just wanted to talk." She snorted. "Apparently he was sent by the White Fang."
Azure went silent for a moment. While hearing that Lupin didn't try anything did put him a bit at ease, the wolf man was the cause of her anxieties. He also had a sneaking suspicion who the White Fang were looking for. But that could be worried about later. For now, Rem was hurt, and that's what was important.
"Really?" He asked cooly, "Your ex-best friend from the White Fang was there too? Tonight really was eventful..."
Rember studied the boy beside her, one fox ear swiveling towards him.
Azure focused his gaze onto the forest beyond. "Yeah...She was there alright...honestly, I was kind of expecting it." he continued, a touch of sadness in his voice.
It took a minute for Rember to respond, and it was with the faintest hint of interest.
"Wisteria?" She asked.
Azure nodded slowly.
"I spotted her during the night, and I was actually able to get a moment alone with her."
Rember lifted an eyebrow. "...What happened?" She inquired. In all honesty, she would rather not be thinking about what happened with Lupin, so this was a welcome distraction.
Azure couldn't hide the small smile creeping onto his face. The half cat faunus fell softly onto his back, the grass acting as a cushion.
"Same answer as yours," He replied wryly, eyes closed as his smile grew. "Just wanted to talk. Had a dance. Heh, I actually had to teach her the steps too. Talk about blind leading the blind."
Rember kept looking at Azure, now cracking the softest of an amused snort as she reached for another cookie.
"Yeah... It was actually...nice to talk to her again." The boy admitted somberly. "Not caring about being on opposing sides...no underlying agendas or motivations...just talking."
Rember felt her heart jump. Why did those words stick? She didn't want to think about it, but...on some level...did she also enjoy speaking with her own old friend? The fox girl quickly shook her head clear. No, she wouldn't dwell on it.
Azure continued recapping his outing with Wisteria.
"I actually got her to smile…" the boy's demeanor abruptly dampened, "But she's hurting, and I know I'm part of the problem..." He mumbled condescendingly, absentmindedly rubbing his right forearm.
There was silence for a minute, and Azure picked the conversation up again.
"Want me to keep talking? It's fine if you want some quiet. Don't really know if my rambling helps anyway..."
Rember took a thoughtful bite of her snack. "Yeah." she said eventually. "Keep going. It doesn't make the problem go away, but it does help some."
Azure nodded. "Alright. But maybe something less depressing..." He said, putting a finger under his mouth in contemplation. The young man felt his eyes searching for a conversation starter, but found nothing. Idle chat really wasn't in his comfort zone. He then glanced over to his partner, the girl's shivering slowed thanks to the protection of his cape. Wait...his cape...
Suddenly, an idea popped into Azure's head, the boy humming with a smile.
"Hey," Azure began, gesturing to the white cloth. "Have I ever told you why I wear that?"
Rember shook her head. The question peaked her interest, fox ears up and attentive.
"Heh, didn't think so." Azure chuckled. "I'll tell you on one condition: try not to tease me too much after, okay?"
A glimpse of Rember's impishness flew across her face, but soon vanished and she bobbed her head.
Azure sat up before explaining.
"When I was a younger, my mother used to read me and my siblings bedtime stories. We all had our favorites, but I always liked the heroes. Those that were clad in shimmering armour with a cape billowing in the wind. I also liked it when the characters wore hoods, 'cause they were always cool and badass. So I wore a hoodie everywhere I went. Figured that if I had one, maybe I'd be cool too."
Rember didn't notice a smile creeping onto her face as she listened.
"So that's how it started…. but there's a little more." Azure continued. "See, my father was...not the nicest person to me. To anyone really. So whenever I was hurt or sad, I'd go to my room, flip my hood up and close my eyes. Eventually I added wrapping myself in a blanket, which helped. I did it 'cause...well...I felt safe. Even after going through the White Fang, it's stuck with me. Without it...I don't know..."
Azure took a pause, catching his breath and giving his partner a smile.
"So yeah, the assassin has a childish secret. Pretty ridiculous, huh?" He joked, hoping to lighten the mood.
Rember let out a quiet laugh. "It is kinda funny." she admitted. "My little sister used to be kinda like that. Whenever she got scared or upset she'd go wrap herself in a blanket and hide under her bed or in the cupboard." A smile graced Rember's face and she fiddled with her necklace absentmindedly. "Once I learned why she did that I would always try to build blanket forts that we could hang out in. The best ones were the ones that we built during thunderstorms. We would set them up in the living room and move the tv into the fort. My stepmom would make us popcorn and we'd spend the whole storm inside our fort watching movies."
Azure grinned at the image of little Rember and her sister sitting together in an elaborate blanket structure munching on popcorn, their eyes glued to the screen in front of them. It wasn't often that Rember talked about Sylva, and Azure always enjoyed listening when she did.
A small frown came across Rember's face suddenly. "I miss making those blanket forts." she said quietly. "I stopped after Sylva died."
It was a minute before Azure spoke up, his voice gentle and careful.
"You loved her a lot, didn't you?" He asked.
The fox girl nodded. "Yeah." She confirmed, whispering.
Azure strategically paused again, looking for the best follow up.
"Well, I know it wouldn't be the same, but I'm sure Gayle would be all in for a pillow fort one of these days. Jad too, probably." The young man replied, seeing if the idea stuck. He then reached out and pulled the hood on his cape over Rember's head, her fox ears lying against her skull.
"There, better. If you're going to wear my hood out here in the cold, I expect it to be worn properly." Azure mock scolded with a hint of a playful smile. "After all, our first mission's tomorrow. You're gonna be able to watch my back and make sure I don't do anything stupid, right?"
Rember snorted and reached over to shove him. "Like anyone else could do it better."
With the good natured push from the fox, Azure felt a feeling of relief spread throughout his chest. Rem was seeming to feel better, and that was good enough for him. He could feel the dark feelings in her heart slowly clear away, but he knew she would need a bit more time.
"Heh, yeah you're right." The half faunus stated. Picking himself off the ground, Azure extended a hand to his partner, "Come on," he spoke softly, "It's late, and we should get going."
Wordlessly, Rember accepted the gesture and was helped to her feet.
"Ugh, I'm such a mess." She sighed, trying to spark a tone of humor back into the mood.
Azure chuckled, "Join the party." He quipped, the both of them sharing a brief laugh.
As everything settled, the fox girl slipped out a yawn, her body growing heavy. A part of her wasn't looking forward to the walk back, as it wasn't exactly short.
"That tired, huh?" Azure inquired.
"Wha? No, no, I can...*yaaawn*"
Another yawn made it's way out before Rember could complete her answer, eyes going a bit droopy. Guess all that drama was more draining than she first thought.
"Uh huh, sure you can." Azure commented, laced with sarcasm. "Well, I can't have you spontaneously falling asleep while we're walking and hurting yourself..." the boy thought aloud, pretending to not notice the unamused look his partner gave him. "So...guess I'll carry you."
Rember raised an eyebrow.
"You're serious?" She asked.
"Yep."
"And... you're fine with it?"
"Yep."
"...I really am-"
"Rem, just get on." Azure sighed, rolling his eyes.
No longer protesting, Rember compiled and hopped onto her partner's back, the boy walking back towards Beacon.
A few minutes passed by in relative silence, with only the cool wind and occasional sound of wildlife. Rember had her eyes closed, half asleep while Azure kept quiet, as to not disturb her.
"...Hey..."
Azure peeked over his shoulder. Rember seemed to be looking at nothing in particular as she kept talking.
"Thanks," she whispered, "For...putting up with me."
Silence.
Azure turned his face back around. "...Heh, well that's one way of putting it." The young man replied. "Makes it sound like I shouldn't be your friend."
"Well...I did tell you I haven't had many friends...and my last one...well..."
"...Yeah...I get it." The pale haired boy answered quietly.
Rember nodded. "So, yeah...thank you."
Azure bobbed his head as he kept walking.
"Don't worry about it. Besides..." the half faunus looked back at his partner to flash her a smirk. "I could say the same thing about you putting up with me. How bout we just say we both drive each other nuts and call it even?"
"...Deal." Rember agreed sleepily.