Dress code

Weiss tried to analyze her current situation as dispassionately as possible - after all, thanks to her upbringing and family connections, evenings like this were all too frequent. Even with her quite excellent memory, she could not specify the exact number of similar social occasions she attended - so why was she feeling so unbalanced now, about this particular time?

As always, she ensured that her own exterior presented the proper picture for the gala they would be attending tonight. Her clothes were, as usual, impeccable both in quality and style - fit for the high society ballroom, yet providing just enough flexibility to and movement that she would not be hampered much in the highly improbable case of a physical altercation. Sure, she did not expect anything of the kind, but her family had a point about constant vigilance and just a bit of useful paranoia. Though she still considered Winter's suggestions rather … extreme and unlikely to be necessary. Especially when she considered the exquisitely crafted bracelet she wore. Her fingers caressed the cool metal, tracing the intricate webwork of circuitry, again wondering at the level of workmanship required to craft something like it - and, as so often on similar occasions, she had to exert rather more effort than usual to keep her face neutral and posture proper. Unfortunately, as usual, she could feel the shadow of a smile on her lips, and her cheeks felt slightly hotter than the room's temperature would have warranted.

Her eyes narrowed as she realized that, her glare focusing on Ruby, who was chatting obliviously with their uncle, instead of erupting into flames, no matter how much Weiss wished for the latter. Not that she seriously wanted that, but still. Ruby should have had the decency to at least fidget under her glare, never mind that she did not seem to notice Weiss' attention - and the white-haired girl huffed. Her companion really should have better situational awareness - just because she was behind Ruby, for her to ignore Weiss' glare was just rude. Especially considering Ruby's reaction when Weiss arrived - and again, the white-haired girl fought to control the traitorous reactions of her body, her glare boring into Ruby's back. And no, her gaze did not linger on how the dress clung to the other girl's curves.

Or, well, if her eyes lingered, it was only to evaluate the quality of the younger Huntress' attire - and no, just because Weiss herself had it commissioned did not necessarily mean it was good enough...though why would she think that? Of course it was a perfect fit for Ruby, the red and black coloring, along with the rose motifs just what the other girl liked, the cut and length comfortable enough to not impede Ruby's movements, the Dust embroidered into the silky material would make for either a great sight or a handy distraction in case of a fight. The dress really did fit Ruby quite comfortably, and was snug at just the right places, and who turned up the heat, Weiss wondered for a moment.

A badly-suppressed basso chuckle snaps her to attention, and her eyes widen in surprise and something else, before they narrow to a laser-like glare - first at her uncle, then at Ruby, who had the temerity to join the giant's mirth. The younger Huntress' grin broadened as Weiss' cheeks burned, before Ruby squeaked and took cover behind Perturabo from the white-haired girl's laser-like glare. The Atlasian girl huffed and turned to the side, arms crossed in a dignified and not at all petulant manner.

The tattered remains of Weiss' dignity were saved when the trio heard movement from the top of the stairs, and Penny descended, apparently finished with her own preparations. Though what kind of preparations she had to do baffled Weiss - it's not like the girl's body couldn't shift to simulate any required article of clothing. With a critical eye, she took in Penny's appearance, assessing her looks and the quality of the dress she apparently decided to wear. It seemed someone had assisted her in Penny's neverending quest to improve her ability to mimic and blend in with humans - and whoever did it, the person certainly had a very good eye for fashion. With a sharp, slight nod, Weiss deemed Penny's appearance satisfactory - not that she had any doubts about that, the redhead would never embarrass her father or her friends on such occasions with a minor faux pas like incorrect clothing selection. A part of her mind noted that Ruby did seem awfully focused on Penny, almost to the same degree she focused earlier on Weiss herself.

"Father, Weiss" Penny's voice was the usual cheerful tone, before it dipped into a somewhat huskier register at the last name, and she beamed at the young Huntress "Ruby. I'm dating ready."

For a moment, there was silence.

Ruby's cheeks burned.

Perturabo choked on air.

Weiss desperately chanted in her mind, praying that she did not utter a word aloud. Must not kill her. Must not kill her. Must not kill her. Must not kill Ruby either.

The temperature dropped noticeably, Ice Dust tracing faint whorls and patterns from Weiss' still-sheathed blade.

Penny just smiled, as she stepped closer, and linked arms with both Ruby and Weiss.