Chapter 48: Close

"I'm sorry, was something I said unclear?" Seraphina asked, feigning confusion. Only her wicked smile made it fall short. "Well, allow me to-"

"Yeah, it sounds like you should!" Coal blurted, jamming a finger into his ear. I should really clean these more often. "Cuz you either said 'Take Plum on a date' or 'Fake gum drops I hate'. Both sound insane."

"Ah, then there's no need to repeat myself. Sweep Plum off her feet. Woo her. Your deadline is next week. Good luck." Before the psychic could return to her prior duties, the aspiring Hunter grabbed her by the shoulders.

"What?! You can't be serious!"

"Oh, come now," She began, her sweet smile never faltering. she was enjoying this. "She's not that detestable."

Coal's hands retracted, clutching the sides of his head. "Nooo, nooo, it's not-UGH!" He groaned, unable to hide anything in his flustered state. His head was swimming with thousands of questions, thousands of scenarios. All of a sudden, the thought of Plum had never crossed his mind in that way. And now, he couldn't get it out. "Why?! What possible reason do you have to make me do this?"

"Because I can't send V to do it." She answered, throwing a glance at the gladiator. He heard, but chose to ignore her words. "And I can't go. I don't think she swings that way..." She flashed Coal a mischievous grin.

The aspiring Hunter closed his eyes, trying to clear his thoughts. With a deep inhale, he clasped his hands together. "Why?"

Seraphina tilted her head. "Why what?"

Coal rolled his eyes. "Why do we need someone to take her out?"

The psychic smiled, pulling out her Scroll. "Tell me, do you recall the mission Lord Sorrell tasked us with?"

Scoffing at the title she had given Sorrell, Coal tried to remember. His first meeting with the aristocrat. It's been half a year, yet their encounter hung like a famous art piece in the center of his mind. "Investigation." He blinked at the word he uttered. "That's what this is about? You want me to dig up whatever I can on her?"

Seraphina sighed distastefully. "You're making this all out to be so immoral. Don't tell me you never thought of Plum like that." As she spoke, she inched closer and closer. Each word that followed softly escaping her lips. "Her touch, her smell, her hair. No one said work doesn't have to be fun." As Coal's scowl grew, so did the psychic's despicable smirk. She finally declared "All right, have it your way. We didn't need a romantic influence to obtain what we need anyhow. It's not like her secrets and relations are safe from my powers or anything."

The realization struck him like thunder, leaving the aspiring Hunter gaping at her in disbelief. He was familiar enough with the sway off Sera's power. Are you giving me an ultimatum? Coal's arm reached out before he knew it, grabbing hers. "Fine. I'll do it."

Sera's exquisite smile made him want to punch her. "Excellent. I leave it in your hands." Her assurance brought to mind another problem. I've never been on a date before. Hell, I've never even kissed a girl. Upon noticing his dubious expression, she frowned. "You do know what to do, don't you?"

"Uhh-"

"Ugh... I should have known." The psychic brought a hand to her forehead. "All right, I will go over everything I can tomorrow, but you have to ask her yourself by then." But his confused eyes never looked away from her. "You can't be serious... Fine, ask."

"How do I bring this up? What do I say? Is there, like, any kind of ritual beforehand or anything?"

Sera stared back in disbelief. "What do you think women are?"

"Confusing!"

"Amen to that." Viridian added.

"You're both ridiculous. Look, just try to weave the topic into whatever conversation is going on. Disguise your intentions, if you must. Do you understand?" Coal shook his head slowly. The psychic groaned. "Would it help if I gave you a queue to pop the big question?" He nodded.

(-)

The morning routine, uneventful as ever for team Passion. Plum saw to the usual preparations; the coffee, the showering schedule, and even an ETA on breakfast. She didn't know whether it was in her nature as an older sister, or the nagging feeling she felt when plans went interrupted. Things just didn't feel right unless she was fully washed and dressed and prepared for the day. She clapped her hands over Nadine, curled like a caterpillar in a cocoon of blankets.

"Rise and shine, Nadine. Breakfast will be in one hour, and we won't be late again."

A hand reached out slowly, clawing at the covers. "It's breakfast..." She moaned after a yawn. "By technicality, breakfast can be anytime from six to ten thirty AM... Ten thirty sounds niiice." The bookworm crumpled with a heavenly murmur. Plum sighed, left with no other options. She whisked away the pile of blankets, leaving Nadine to flail and hiss at the sunlight.

"Come on, Naddy. We can't go through this every morning." Plum said as she separated and folded the blankets. Something caught her eye as it tumbled out and slammed on the floor. "Eh? What's this doing-" Pinched between her fingers, dangling by the spine, was a book. Plum's violet eyes squinted, glaring at the tome. "So that's it. You've been reading after lights out again."

"Pleeeeaaase..." Nadine grumbled, reaching for it. Her leader yanked it away, instead offering a warm mug of coffee.

"You'll get this back after you've showered and brushed your teeth."

The bookworm whimpered, but after a sip, she sounded leagues better. "Ahh, black... Like my soul. And my bags."

Plum tossed the book on the overloaded laundry hamper along with the blankets, going over a mental list. "Sherry, are you-" After glancing in the direction of the bubbly girl, her mouth stopped working. She found Sherry enamored with her reflection, brushing her curly hair away. Every brush stroke counteracted by the bounciness of her curls. A line of lipsticks on the vanity she sat at. Plum tried to hide a snort. "Are you ready for the ball?"

"Ha ha." She answered dryly. "Laugh all you want, but today's the day, and I've got to look perfect."

"Oh, good grief. Don't tell me you're still bent on-"

"Absolutely!" Sherry turned in her seat, resting an arm across the back support. "It's been half a year. And we're still single." Put in such a blunt manner, it actually hurt a little. "The market isn't gonna be open forever, and I plan on snagging a man while they're available."

"She has a point." Nadine admitted, having crawled back under the folded blankets. The bookworm blinked after another sip. "Never thought I'd see the day."

"I'm ahead of schedule anyway." The bubbly girl added. And that Plum couldn't deny or complain about.

"All right, fine." The leader admitted, defeated. "Just don't go crazy with the cosmetics. And what do you think you're doing?" She asked the bookworm.

"Reveling in my lethargy." Nadine declared without shame. "Sue me." She added with another sip. The bathroom door busted open and a thick steam rolled through. Sandra heaved her towel over her shoulder, letting out a shout of delight.

"Bathroom's free. Outta hot water, though." Plum's arms sagged to her side, but she couldn't fight back a smile. These girls are a handful. But there's no place I'd rather be.

(-)

Casual. Casual. Casual. Coal repeated that prayer to himself, hoping it would give some form of comfort. He couldn't find it, to his dismay. The aspiring Hunter popped another forkful of egg into his mouth, resisting the urge to make eye contact with anyone. He had to put what his team discussed the other day out of his mind. A task he found difficult since the individual the topic revolved around sat one foot away.

So many mixed feelings. Pity for what would happen should he not go through with Sera's demands. Regretful for having to toy with her to get what they want. But the most awkward was the attraction he never acknowledged before. Plum was pretty; very pretty, as a matter of fact. Mature and adamant, sincere, kind, thoughtful. There were curiosities about her that he often wondered, but the same could be said for everyone present. He respected their right to privacy, however, and never brought up these questions.

This isn't helping... Coal chugged his water as his eyes darted from one individual to another. Sherry flirted with Grouch, as she did any other day. Whether the gladiator noticed her intentions or not he couldn't put his finger on. Grouch isn't exactly an idiot, but he's definitely heartless enough to ignore her advances. Monica and Sylvia and Sandra were in a heated discussion about the best to mince Grimm.

"Coal? Are you feeling unwell?" The question Dusk posed caught him off guard. Coal flinched in reflex, then tried to cover it up with a confused expression.

"No?"

The soldier examined him, eyes scanning up and down for the briefest of moments. "You seem... On edge. Of course, it could be my imagination. Carry on."

Dusk returned to his meal, and Coal hoped it was the end of that, had Ash not interjected. "You ask him that so often, I'm starting to think it's just how he is."

"Do I really?"

Ash counted off with his fingers as he answered. "Shortly after being accepted, a week or two before their first mission and even after that. Then the following month you inquired several times." Coal began to sweat buckets. The attention to detail bordered on creepy. "It's not far off to claim you assess his condition every month for the past six months."

Dusk twirled his fork against the plate. "I'm only concerned..." He mumbled sheepishly. "I simply can't help but notice he is often distressed or shaken. Did something go wrong when you were visiting your family?"

"My what now?" Coal blurted without thinking. Is that the story Sera gave them while I was off in Mantle? You could've at least informed me so I could get my story straight. "I mean, no, they were the same as always."

The soldier shrugged the topic off, satisfied, but Ash was not yet done. "You don't sound particularly thrilled talking about them."

"It's, uhh, a touchy subject." He hoped that excuse was enough to dissuade them from prying further. Family was a topic he didn't enjoy delving into. And if they knew about what I was getting into now? They might not even bat an eye.

"Has it really been six months already?" Seraphina interjected. "Time sure flies."

"I know," Plum agreed, brushing back hair that had found itself in front of her vision. "I didn't notice until Sherry brought it up earlier." Hearing her voice didn't ease Coal's worries. Focus, I've got to relax. Casual. Normal. This is a normal conversation. Totally normal.

"How are you liking Atlas, anyway?" Dusk asked. "I often forget that only Coal, Azure, and myself were born and raised here."

"It's been quite luxurious." The psychic admitted. "It's no wonder people flock to this city."

"I was a little dismayed at the lack of wildlife." Ash mumbled. "Granted, I should've expected as such, moving this far North."

Coal chuckled, trying to include himself in the conversation again as normally as possible. The false front somehow replenished part of his spirits. "We've got some trees, here and there. The gardens are a good place to look."

"Yes, I recall seeing some as we ventured downtown for that pizzeria." Dusk confirmed.

Plum's ears perked at the mention of fast food. "Pizzeria?"

"Yeah, there's several here and there. I've heard the Cat's Eye is pretty good as well." Coal answered. By this point, his nervousness had all but vanished, color returning to his face. Then a question popped into his head. "Have you... Not gone far with your team beyond the Academy?" Her ears turned beet red and she looked away.

"We, umm... We've been busy with studies... A-and we don't really know the area, I-I know there's maps and directories, but..." She twiddled her thumbs. "Atlas is a big city. Bigger than anywhere we've ever been."

"That's understandable." Dusk said, trying to comfort her. "Even I don't know these streets that well. Though that's mainly due to my time spent training."

"It's not so big once you familiarize yourself with the city. Alleyways end up being shortcuts, busy streets become more of a bother than claustrophobic." When was the last time I strolled around town on my own? It'd be nice to clear my head again. Coal recalled making a habit of exploring the streets between music lessons. And once his parents stopped forcing it on him, the outside became like a second home to him.

"You're street smart then?" Sera asked, humming with thought. "And all this time, we could have been touring the hottest shops and restaurants Atlas had to offer." Coal laughed in response, shrugging.

Plum turned her gaze to the breakfast, sunny side up eggs staring back at her. "I wouldn't mind visiting any of those if you have any suggestions. My palate for the same old school meals has left me a bit... yearning."

Something clicked in Coal's mind, like the tide parting. A solution to this problem soared above his worries and anxiety. Forget some stupid, awkward date. An expedition to the best shops in town is more like it. "If you'd like, I could show you what you're missing out on. We can hit up the best food joints. And you've gotta see some of the sights and attractions Atlas has." This is so much easier, he thought to himself, unaware that both Sera and Sherry spun their heads to him in shock.

Plum gave it a moment of thought. One final glance to her plate and she made her decision. "That sounds interesting." She admitted with a smile. "I might take you up on your offer."

"Awesome. Does tonight work for you, after classes?"

"I might have to forfeit some studying time... You know, a break does sound nice. Sure!"

(-)

"Oh my gosh Plum, do you not realize what happened back there?" Sherry exclaimed with unbound excitement. As soon as they left the lunchroom, the bubbly girl spoke a mile a minute. Her enthusiasm left the leader confused.

"Yes, Sherry, I was there. Coal offered to show me the sights of Atlas, which I graciously accepted."

Sherry's jaw fell. "You can't be that oblivious."

"Oblivious to what?" Sandra asked.

But before Plum could repeat herself, Sherry blurted out "Coal asked Plum out on a date! And she said yes!"

"What?" Plum sputtered. "How do you come to that conclusion?" Unfortunately, Sherry was already off in her own little world, fantasizing.

"I didn't think Coal could be so bold and up front like that! How long do you think he's been harboring those feelings? Oooo, I'm so excited!" She squeaked.

"It's not a date." Plum insisted crossly.

Nadine closed her book, intrigued. "Well, what did he say? His exact words?"

"He's just giving me a tour of what he feels are fine dining locations and attractions in the city."

"Is that invitation open to all of us?"

Plum found her tongue twisted in a knot for a moment. "N-no, I don't think it was..."

"Dinner, just the two of you? That's got date written all over it."

"It's not a date!" She repeated.

Sherry ignored her statement, giving her no room to breathe. "What are you going to wear? Wait wait wait, let me get it all planned for you! I've been stockpiling the hottest clothes for such an event! Today, after class, I'll make sure he can't pull his eyes away!" Plum buried her face in her hands. It was evident her words were falling on deaf ears. It's not a date...

(-)

"I'm impressed, Coal." Seraphina began, wearing her usual, wry smile. "To think you would cut straight to the chase and declare your intentions right off the go. Are there feelings for her deep inside your heart after all? Will they blossom forth after this date?"

"It's not a date." He replied, in a matter of fact tone. "It's a tour. Totally different. No romance involved." They left not longer after the rest. Coal was grateful no one else was within earshot.

"Methinks you protest too much." She answered.

"You're welcome to think whatever you want." The aspiring Hunter gave no opening for the psychic to pry into.

"And how do you plan on obtaining the information we desire?"

"Small talk. You know, that thing normal human beings use to share things?"

The psychic brought a finger to her lips, deep in thought. "You've thought this through, haven't you... Very well, but you'll still need lessons on how to behave around a lady on such an intimate evening."

"You're not going to let this go. Fine, whatever..." He groaned, exasperated.

"Then today after classes are over, we begin your first lessons in courtship." Sera clapped her hands together, pleased with herself. Coal rolled his eyes. At least he has the food to look forward to.

(-)

(That evening)

I take it back, Plum found herself thinking. I'd rather be anywhere but here. Even a Grimm nest. But her anguish had only begun. Sherry had her leader strapped to a chair, staring with such intensity, Plum could only assume she had broken. The only factor contradicting her theory was the occasional tilt of her head, studying Plum from all angles. One would think that knowing each other all their lives, they would have a perfect idea of their appearances.

"Naddy!" Sherry shouted. "How goes the excavation?"

The bookworm, beyond Plum's restricted vision, tossed something onto the floor. "Your organizing system is atrocious. It could take me hours to find what you requested."

"Keep looking! I know it's somewhere in there." With a sigh, Nadine continued her search. Plum heard the poor girl hold in her breath before diving in again. Sherry has gone insane. As the bubbly girl jerked her leader's face upwards, the door opened.

"These the pants you wanted?" Sandra asked. She held up a pair a jet black trousers, looking to be made of a soft and comfortable fabric.

"Perfect! Now, listen carefully. I need you to find a top with an open collarbone and flared sleeves. Either the fuchsia or magenta one. Actually, get me the magenta one."

The brawler's expression twisted with bewilderment. "There's a difference?" Sherry smacked her on the head with a folded up fan. "Ow! Ok, ok, geez..." She disappeared behind the door again.

"Sherry, I'm having second thoughts on this." Plum declared, growing more nervous with every passing second.

"Stop worrying so much, everything will be perfect. Now, about this hair of yours... It's way to plain just straight. Maybe if we tie part of it where it meets the base of your neck... Or all of it. That could work..." She continued to mumble as she toyed with Plum's hair.

"Sherry, please-"

"I got it!" Sandra burst through the door again, a top dangling off a coat hanger.

"That was fast-" Sherry took one look at it and shook her head. "No, no no no, I said magenta. This is wine colored."

Once again, Sandra studied it herself, before asking "There's a difference?" Sherry grumbled loudly, already reaching for the paper fan.

"Bwah!" Nadine gasped, emerging from the tide of clothing and accessories Plum still had yet to see a hint of. From the sounds of her rapid breathing, the bookworm had wrestled her way out of a rock slide. "I got the belt."

"Perfect! Way to go Naddy!" Sherry flashed the black loop in front of Plum for a moment, and she could make out a ring of sparkling studs where the buckle would be. "Any luck on those heels?"

Plum blinked, alarm plastering her face. "Heels?! I am not wearing those to this. I don't even know how far I'll be walking today!"

"Shush, dear. We all have to make sacrifices in the name of fashion. Naddy?"

"Uuuuuggghh." The bookworm whimpered. "I request to trade places with Sandra."

"I'll take that any day." The brawler answered without hesitation.

"Fine, fine, just hurry." Sherry waved them away, focusing again on Plum's hair. The reassuring smile she wore did nothing to soothe Plum's worries. "Everything will be just perfect."

(-)

"Remind me again why you insist I need your teachings?" The question had rattled away in Coal's head, but he decided to finally blurt it out.

"For one thing, this is common knowledge anyone could use in a relationship. However much you insist tonight won't be like that, surely you'll find use for it in the future. Now, listen carefully." The aspiring Hunter rolled his eyes, an action he had repeated since this morning every time Seraphina brought it up. "You must treat your partner with the utmost respect, but not revere her. Courtesy is key for this. Even the smallest actions and gestures make a great impact. And be sure to keep them up. If you fail once, then it will all be for naught."

"Sooo treat them as I would anyone else. Seriously, have you never heard of common courtesy?"

The psychic hummed in thought, cupping her chin in her hand. "You do show splendid manners, even to strangers. Those will be bonus points for you, as well. People judge you not by how you treat your close ones, but strangers."

"Do you have anything useful, or is this all going to be a waste of time?

"A waste of time, you say?" Seraphina smirked. I don't like the looks of that. "How silly of me. I should have assumed you were capable of a kiss that could knock out any woman." Coal's face flustered, and he was forced to look away. "That's what I thought."

"I'm not gonna kiss her, though."

"Even if she were to make the first move? How unexpectedly cold of you."

Coal scoffed. "All right, fine. How is it done?"

"With a touch of passion. You don't want a first kiss to be overbearing with desire. But once you reach beyond that stage, the more intimate you can make it, the better." Sera noticed Coal's blank, unchanging, expression. "Perhaps an example would do well. Viridian, dear, come here for a moment."

"Screw you." The gladiator answered without missing a beat.

The psychic frowned. "Would you do it for an ice cream sandwich?" The mention of the frozen dairy treat stirred him. His glare was intense, but before long, he rose and threw down his book.

"I hate you."

"Don't hate me, hate your weaknesses." Sera's small frame fell into Viridian's, who wrapped a hand around her back. Coal sputtered in surprise.

"Wha-Seriously?"

"Of course," The psychic answered, staring into his eyes, enchanted. "We've often had to blend in at parties and other events in order to go unnoticed."

"Not like I had a choice." The gladiator grumbled.

"Zip it." She spat. "Now, you'll want to meet her gaze, and never back down. Even if she looks away, stare into her eyes." Her words became like music, sweet and pleasing. "One hand around her waist, like so..."

"The other under her chin." Viridian continued with disdain. He followed his own instructions, holding the psychic close to his body.

"A glance at her lips, before leaning closer, and-"

"Wrap both hands around her throat."

"What?" The atmosphere shattered as Viridian's hands shot for her neck. Coal watched, awestruck, yet unsure whether he should intervene.

"Firmly grasp it." He continued. His hands tensed, and Seraphina reached for his wrists.

"No, wait, sto-" But it was too late. The gladiators mighty hands clutched her throat.

"Firmly grasp it." He repeated in a clearer tone.

"Viridian, no!" She gasped.

"Viridian, yes." Was his rebuttal.

Coal didn't know if he wanted to watch anymore. "I'm just going to leave, now..."

The gladiator dropped her to the floor as their spectator left the room. Having lost interest, Viridian retrieved his book, ignoring Seraphina's glare. "You wouldn't truly do such a horrific thing to a poor, defenseless woman, would you?"

He met her gaze, and opened his mouth to say "Where's that ice cream I was promised?"

(-)

Coal breathed in the fresh air of the outdoors, standing at the entrance of the Academy. "Psychos... I shouldn't have expected anything else." He rolled back his arms, his shoulder blades creaking, alleviating the ache. A long and heavy sigh later, and he stared out into the busy streets hundreds of feet away. The Academy occupied an incredible amount of space of Atlas. Even the courtyard had a decent view of the city thanks to the natural slope.

He eyed the train station where he had first arrived to the Academy. The memories that followed left a bitter taste in his mouth, and so Coal turned his attention to the dazzling lights below. Although the evening had barely begun, the night sky swept in from the East swiftly. He glanced up, wondering when the northern lights common to Solitas would become visible. A happy sigh escaped him. When was the last time I did this? Sitting outside, loitering. The lack of purpose was something Coal craved. No expectations to fail to meet, no pressure. Just the city at night, car horns blaring and lights shining. I needed this.

When he heard footsteps from the entrance, Coal spun to meet Plum approaching, unable to recognize her at first. Her fine dark hair drooped to her neck, where it was bound into a long ponytail. She wore plain black pants and high heel sandals, but the eye catching belt was hard to miss. Her top demanded his attention as well, a deep and intense purple, revealing her collarbone and bare shoulders. The sleeves flared out towards her wrists, sagging over her hands.

He realized too late he was gaping at her. "You look cute." He mumbled, later cursing himself for blurting something that seemed so idiotic. But when Plum blushed, something stirred inside him. He found her flustered look to be even better. Coal smiled at her, reminding himself that this wasn't a date, just a stroll with a friend. No need to be so tense. But he had to admit, he didn't expect her casual look to be so different from her combat gear. "So, where did you wanna hit up first?"

She gave a quiet laugh. "You're supposed to be the guide, remember?"

"Right, right," He mumbled sheepishly. "I meant if you had any preference or anything." Plum shook her head. "Not a lot to work with." Coal added, failing to lighten the situation. Be decisive, dammit, he reminded himself. You're the local. What's the first thing anyone lines up for in Atlas? "Ah, how about that? There's a famous ice cream shop not far from here."

"Ice cream?" She asked in surprise.

"Yeah!" Coal set off down the empty courtyard. "Their famous item is the Solitas Snowcone. They advertise it as a hundred percent distilled snow from the highest peak on Solitas, with a pinch of the magic that made Atlas famous in each lick."

His companion tailed along. Her curiosity piqued, she asked "Is it really?"

"Nah. I think it's just vanilla. But trust me when I say it is divine. If we're lucky, we should be able to get a scoop."

(-)

Coal's voice faded as he trailed away from the Academy. Certain the coast was clear, Seraphina emerged from behind one of countless pillars lining the entrance. She admits, her intentions were impure as she stalked the two leaders. Her powers would probe the preoccupied Plum every now and then to see if a part of her had opened up. Orders were orders, after all. Like it or not, Sorrell demanded they get every bit of information they could. And unsurprisingly, she did enjoy her occupation.

Sera crouched low as she followed from a safe distance, hiding behind whatever obstacles she could. Scarce trees to use as cover. As expected of an area covered with concrete. Her targets were almost out of her sight, forcing her to proceed faster. There was another goal in mind for the psychic. Coal remained a bit of an anomaly; his mind stirred and changed in such rapid ways in the past half year. But never before has he been so lax. This would be the perfect opportunity to find out what else he might be hiding.

After several dozen seconds of walking, the two team leaders reached the streets, still unaware of their stalker. Once the crowd became thick enough, Seraphina knew she could within the masses with ease. A man bumped into her, almost knocking her over. She would have turned to send his mind into a frenzy, but something else knocked into her. Growling, the psychic focused on avoiding getting run over by the ever flowing crowd.

"Ah! Hey, watch where you're-Whaa!" A girl crashed into Sera, sending them both to the ground. Someone stepped on her fingers, moving on without even noticing her. She glared at the one who caused her fall, who also had a couple words for her. "Would it kill you to help a poor girl-"

They both gasped at the same time, recognizing one another in an instant. "Sherry?"

"Sera? What are you doing out here?"

"I could ask you the same-" Aaahhhhh. The psychic paused, a smirk growing. "You're spying on them, aren't you?"

The bubbly girl turned bright pink, before becoming hostile. "No, it's not what you-"

"Calm yourself, Sherry." Sera laughed, helping her up. "There's no need to be ashamed. You see, I'm doing the same." Sherry gasped, but her surprise ended when she shared the psychic's grin.

"Great minds think alike, as they say."

"I couldn't have said it better myself." She agreed. "Let's be off, shall we? We've a pair of lovebirds to track."

"I knew I wasn't the only one who sees it!"

(-)

The lineup for the Solitas Snowcones was packed as usual. Not that it surprised Coal, considering the way the frozen treat was heralded as a treasure. Maybe we should've come here sooner. The line continued at a snail's pace. Then he remembered he was with someone. Coal glanced at Plum, who gave clear signs of distress and discomfort. "Something wrong?"

Plum jumped and raised her hands in protest. "No, nothing's wrong."

"It's ok to be honest." He mumbled with a half smile. The girl stared at the floor, silent as smoke. The aspiring Hunter began to wonder if this was the right place to take her as a first stop. The crowd was pretty thick.

She raised her head and said "I didn't expect there to be so many people."

Coal smiled, trying to comfort her. "Like I said, this place is crazy popular." Plum smiled back, brows furrowing.

"I also didn't think ice cream would be a popular treat so far up North."

"Ohh, that's thanks to the barrier field." Coal pointed up, where the stars began to sparkle. The shattered moon was nowhere to be found, allowing the stars to shine brighter agains the pitch black sky. "It's a little hard to see it now, but there's a city wide barrier above us. The Amity Coliseum uses the same thing. Keeps Grimm out, while keeping heat in. It's the reason we don't get much snow inside Atlas."

"Oh, that's neat." The line moved forward once more, and Coal could see the booth's details. The people and Faunus inside worked like crazy, dealing with orders, accepting lien and distributing change.

"Looks like we're next." They stepped up to the booth, where a sweaty man sighed.

"You folks want the Snowcone?" Coal nodded, bringing up a lien card. But when the booth manager brought out only one, he looked back, confused. "The last one, sorry."

"Oh..." I knew we should've come earlier. Well... He glanced at Plum, who stared back. With a smile, he gestured for her to take it. "It's on me. I wanted you to get a taste of it, anyway." She smiled back, accepting the ice cream cone, before they escaped the now unhappy crowd. They traveled another block further, where the crowd started to thin.

"Oh my gosh, that is amazing!" Plum exclaimed, a sliver of ice cream hanging off her upper lip.

"Right?" Coal nodded.

"How is that even possible?" She asked, laughing.

"I've no idea. Maybe the advertising is true, for the most part." He had hoped his joke would have received at least a chuckle in response. But when he turned to Plum, she shrunk towards him, as thought trying not to draw attention to herself. Coal's grin faded, replaced with concern. "You all right? Not a fan of big crowds."

Plum shook her head. "I was raised in a small town a stones throw away from Mistral. There was never this many people. It's a little overwhelming." She nibbled her frozen treat some more. "I can't fathom how you deal with it."

She's from Mistral? That's pretty exciting. "I guess I got used to it, in a way." He couldn't help but admit. Life in Atlas was a little dull, since everyone was forced to stay inside the safe walls. With no natural wonders to marvel over, things get old fast. An idea popped into his head. "Actually, there's a bit of a secret." She paused from her snack, ensuring him she was straining her ears. "Let me guess; when you walk around, surrounded by people, you're worried about them looking at you and judging you, right?"

Plum nodded, eyes scanning the strangers passing by nervously. Coal continued, explaining "That's the thing. So is everyone else. They're so concerned with what others think that they're focused purely on themselves. They can't pay attention to you cuz they're trying so hard not to trip or fumble or anything." Her violet eyes lit up, and she scanned the crowd to verify his hypothesis. Everywhere she turned, she met someone glancing back, but only for a second. "Welcome to invisibility."

(-)

"Oh, hurry up and hold her hand for crying out loud!" Seraphina hissed.

"You can't rush blossoming love, Sera." Sherry reminded her.

"It's the least he could do. After how she dressed up all nice for him."

"You like her outfit?" The girl at her side squeaked in delight. "What do you think?"

"Ahh, did you have a hand to play in that? Exquisite work, I must say. A nice touch with the modest appearance."

"You noticed! I always insist that you shouldn't be too bold on the first date. The second and onward is where you can be more intimate and alluring."

"You made the right move. I relished how dazed he look when he first saw her. Simply delicious."

"Where do you think they should go for their next night out?" Sherry asked, unable to contain her excitement.

"The movies, hands down." Sera replied with a smirk. "There was a thriller on some time ago that'd be the perfect chance for them to get closer! Turk took me to see it once." She sighed with joy. "He was so forward..."

"We should totally scope out a film to suggest to them!"

"Oh, without a doubt. After they've finished, however. I wouldn't miss this for the world."

(-)

A pizzeria, a kebab store, and a sandwich shop were but a few of the places Coal brought Plum to during their evening. Sure, it was only a bite to eat here and there, but it added up rather quickly. The two sat on a bench with a perfect view of the night sky, barely a soul to bother them. Coal's throat had started to hurt from all the talking, but it was a good feeling. The entire trip had relaxed him tremendously, and he hadn't felt that great in ages. Not since arriving at the Academy.

"So you and Sandra grew up in that small town?"

"The four of us, actually." Plum admitted.

"All four of you? And you've been together ever since?"

"Heh, what are the odds? Oh." She stated in a serious tone. Coal wondered if he had done something wrong. "That reminds me. I'm supposed to ask you about some of Viridian's... Preferences..."

"Pfft!" He couldn't hide the snort. "I don't even know if he enjoys anyone's company."

"Really? But he's always so close to Seraphina."

"Nah, it's the other way. She clings to him like baby gorilla."

Plum shot him a perplexed look. "So she fancies him?"

"I have no idea. Those two are in a different league of their own, and honestly, trying to understand that will give you a headache. So is Sherry only aiming to get a man?"

"I'd... like to say she has higher aspirations..." She confessed. "But for the time being, that's definitely her goal. Nadine is on a proper path, however. She's been studying ever since she could read."

"That's impressive dedication. What does she hope to do?"

"She's been trying to decipher the origin of the Grimm threat." She shot him that half smile and rolled her eyes. "I know, I know, every scientist's dream."

"No, no, I would never mock it. That's a noble goal right there. I'm kinda envious, really."

Plum blinked. "Of Nadine?"

"Of all of you, to be honest." Coal leaned forward, twiddling his thumbs. "You all have these incredible hopes and dreams. That kind of drive is inspiring. You wanna know why I wanted to become a Hunter?" He ignored the worry in her eyes, sighing. "I didn't have much future as anything else. If I didn't get into the Academy, my fallback was buying and running a bar." Coal tried to laugh it off, but Plum didn't avert her gaze. Worse, the pity in her eyes grew.

Coal frowned. "What? It's no big deal. I'm just at odds with my parents."

"Weren't you off visiting them the past couple of days?" And so the lie unravels, he thought to himself. "If you don't mind me prying, could you tell me about them?"

Coal tried to bring out his smile again, but it came halfhearted. He turned his eyes to the sky, leaning back as he got comfortable. "They're both incredible musicians. Amazingly so." He hesitated with his next choice of words, finding them difficult to spit out. But in the end, his tongue complied. "Impossibly so. My mother specialized in the piano, the flute, and the violin. My father played the cello unlike anything I've ever seen.

"You'd think being their eldest child, I would have inherited even a sliver of that skill. But prodigies are born. Not taught. I had nothing."For a long time, she said nothing. Coal was tempted to get up and head to the next food stall. To put the depressing topic behind him.

But then she asked "You have a younger sibling?"

The aspiring Hunter paused. He hadn't seen his family in at least two years. If not for the allowance they bequeathed to him, it was like they had cut all ties to him. Coal couldn't blame them for it if they decided to do that. "A sister. Crystal Basklef, a musical genius. The kind my parents had always wanted. She should be around eight years old. The little stinker has yet to find an instrument she hasn't mastered within a week."

"Are you two close?"

"No, not in the slightest." He answered quickly. A distant clock tolled, the sound echoing off the building walls. Ten strikes. "Is it really ten? I didn't think we'd be out so late. I'm sorry for dragging you all the way."

"No, not at all." Plum assured him. She smiled afterwards. "I had a lot of fun."

"Yeah?" Coal found her warmth contagious, unable to hide his own smile. "I enjoyed myself too. I need to come out here more often. Just wander."

"Would you mind if I joined you again, then?"

"You're more than welcome to." He answered. Coal rose from the bench, offering his hand. Plum grasped it, and with one simple motion, he pulled her up and onto her feet. The two strode towards the Academy, him with his hands in his pockets. The tingling in his hand hadn't settled. He found he rather liked it. A gust of wind blew by. No doubt, a ship had requested access to the city and the breeze came in through the hangar door.

Coal knew the wind would sweep through the enclosed city. He turned to watch the rare trees shuffle, and in the corner of his eye, Coal noticed Plum shiver. "Oh, I'm so sorry!" He cried out. In no time he removed his jacket and offered it to her. "I should have realized sooner."

"Th-thank you." She answered, teeth chattering. "I should have brought a coat."

"No, no, it's my fault I let this drag on for too long." He insisted. And from the lack of rebuttal, it seemed she would let him have this one. But it turns out she was struggling to put his jacket on.

"It's a little tighter than I thought it would be..."

"Hey, I'm not that scrawny!" Coal argued. Plum let out a laugh, a sound that seemed magical to him.

"I appreciate the incentive, at the very least. Thanks. This was a wonderful evening."

"The pleasure is all-" A lump formed in his throat, unable to finish his sentence. Even if it hadn't hindered his speech, the shock he felt would've rendered him mute anyhow. For past Plum, not far from where they had sat, he caught sight of Seraphina watching them. His face paled. Plum called his name, but it never reached him. His right arm suddenly throbbed like mad, as if a current of electricity set ablaze all of his senses.

No. Of course she was here. Of course she was watching, digging around in her mind. Am I just a scapegoat? A jester to her? Coal's hand gripped his arm, tightening to the point it halted blood flow. Again, Plum called his name, her voice dripping with concern. Plum.

"I'm sorry." He murmured. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." He repeated again and again.

"Coal, what's wrong? Are you all right?" Her eyes, they wouldn't stop staring into his. Piercing his. He had made her vulnerable enough for that witch to dig around in her head. He did his job, unaware, with ice cream and snacks.

"I'm so sorry, Plum." Left with no other choice, Coal fled. He ran and ran, until even her cries became drowned in the sounds of the passing city folk. Coal didn't even bother to check whether she tried to chase after him. His mind swirled with twisted thoughts. Hatred and anger. Clenching his fists, he marched straight towards the Academy Grounds.

(-)

"I don't believe it..." Sherry gasped, after witnessing Coal leave Plum out in the cold, all alone. "He ditched her! How could he?!" Seraphina didn't even nod. Instead, she pulled her companion to the ground, so as not to be seen or heard anymore. Coal spotted her. The jig was up. And they were so close, too. Sera reached out to Plum, reading her mind. The crumbling psyche, the shattered trust, too familiar for her. The psychic decided to leave her be. She deserved that, at least.

(-)

Countless questions swam through Plum's mind, overburdening her. She couldn't focus on a single one as she shuffled back to the Academy. So much happened all at once, she wasn't even sure of what happened. Coal went as white as snow, as though he had seen a ghost. Was I prying too much? Did I dig up something painful by mistake? It didn't sound like he had a most pleasant childhood. Trauma was a possibility.

She didn't mean to. Whatever it was that went wrong, she didn't mean for this to happen. And the evening started so nicely, too. I was too nosy. Too insensitive. I should have respected his right to privacy. It's all my fault. Her hand froze as it came into contact with the Academy's wide doors. He would have to see her tomorrow morning. What do I do?

Before she knew it, Plum found herself entering her team's dorm room. But she didn't expect all three of the girls watching her with such worry upon entering. Sherry looked downright nasty, scowling so hard, her face might freeze that way. But the other two were left concerned and bewildered.

"Did... Everything go ok, sis?" Plum rarely saw her sister so distraught. It hurt her to see Sandra like that. Plum cast aside her own problems. She couldn't let them worry for her sake. It was the mature thing to.

"Yes, it was fine." She lied. Plum tried her hardest to believe the fib she just said. But couldn't. Even so, she never let it show. "There was... A misunderstanding. I want to thank you for helping me out so much today. But I don't know if I'll be joining Coal for another venture." Her lie grew more painful to bear as she tried to smile, to show the others that nothing was wrong. But inside, she knew differently.

(-)

Coal arrived in his room half an hour ago. Azure had already gone to sleep, while Viridian ignored his entry. He never said a single word to anyone, laying down on his bed to stare at the ceiling. The silence carried on for ages, all the while he burned with rage. But anger doesn't sit well over such a prolonged period. As fury swirled in his thoughts, Coal wondered what exactly he would do to Sera when she stepped inside. It might've been the waiting period alone that spared her.

When she finally stepped inside, her eyes instantly turned to him. "Coal, I-"

"I'm not your tool." He declared. The long pause left the air thick with tension, all from four simple words. "I'm done toying with people's hearts for you entertainment, for Sorrell's gain. You want your precious information, get it yourself. You clearly didn't need me."

"Coal-"

"Leave me out of it." He rolled over, facing the wall. Not another word was said for the rest of the night.

(A/N: Happy Valentine's Day! And what better way to ruin it than a dark and twisted chapter? Honestly, it feels more like a continuation of that time I had Sylvia kill a reindeer on the chapter I released on Christmas Eve. No gonna lie, I'm tempted to keep it going to Father's Day.

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Hang on, I need to check a calender.)