The-Soul-of-the-Void: I really need to get around to watching Vol 7 & 8, I hope Ruby matures. Also yes Rosewick... welcome to my dumpster please enjoy the fire.

Chitsukee- I'm so glad you like it! I greatly enjoy your stories as well, especially your sense of humor.

Kootranova1- My original plan was to stop this 'everyone thinks Roman is pedo' angle but with the comments I keep deleting calling me a pedophile it stays in the forefront of my mind. You influenced Ozpin ALOT.

Seriouslazy- I appreciate it, and yeah they are getting to me. I've almost rage quit a few times.

Later that morning the couple seamlessly worked in the kitchen while making breakfast. The other teenagers rolled downstairs and rubbed the sleep out of their eyes. Ren snatched the cup of coffee from Nora. He eyed the extra mug in the sink, Neo wouldn't have had a cup.

"Did we have a guest?"

Roman smiled, "Ninja, for someone as observant-"

Neo signed and a soft laugh emitted from the tallest ginger.

"And silent as you, I would have a job. "

Nora suggested, "probably offers more than a mission."

Jaune tried to ignore Neo who poked him in the ribs with a comb, "do you even have any operations going?"

Roman would not dignify that with a response.

Ozpin filing through his host's skull, Dear brothers, how do you keep track of all this?

Roman snarked, Asks the centuries old wizard who has warred over custody of 4 powerful relics.

Jaune then sighed dramatically and began to braid Neo's hair, who looked positively pleased with however she persuaded him.

Red, "We had a visit from one of my Aunt's men." she picked at her skirt anxiously "Offering an army."
Jaune,"That's great! We can have a little muscle against the White Fang."

Nora cut in, "Not that we doubt Yang and Blake and crew."

Ren frowned, "The price?"

Rose looked at her feet, "I would have to leave and join the tribe."

Jaune, "Wait weren't you two trying to build a reputation so Ruby wouldn't have to declare herself."

Torchwick frowned, "We don't have the time… The fastest way…" his lips suddenly quirked upwards. Neo immediately recognized a plan was afoot and jumped out of Jaune's grasp. Her fingers through her hair, the braids unlaced themselves.

Ruby let her forehead twack against his arm, "I'm going to have to kill someone aren't I?"

"Well this time I'll have something planned with surgical precision, just leave the heavy lifting to me."

Her fingers wove through his bright hair, "we do this together as equals"

Ren stood, "I would like to help as well."

Nora slapped his back, "We got you group dad!"

Jaune slowly stood and cracked his neck, "I don't know much about the criminal underworld, but you're going to need some muscle."

Neo flexed her arm, her illusion making her bicep look disturbingly large.

XXX

The team, miles outside of the city of Mistral and on top of a grassy hill that looked down onto a well traveled dirt road.

Ozpin, this was the tribe that was on the farm? Would they even be of use?

Roman, it's not much of a competition, but the Corcorans are the second largest tribe.

Red, "Ozpin giving you a hard time?"

Roman, "Asking about the Corcorans, if they would be of any use to Haven's defense."

Red pressed her hands together, "We share territory in the city, because the Corcorans can hold us off there. I imagine the men close enough to the Pine's were simply not part of the main group."

Jaune moved up beside them, "I know the plan, but how did you know this was happening?"

Roman, "I called a few favors and got the intel of the caravan of stolen jewelry."

Nora, "well that's fairly honest, stopping the sale of stolen goods."

Torchwick leisurely spun his cane, "We'll either take it to a Branwen fence or negotiate with the headman for his cooperation."

Ren, "so don't kill anyone?"

Ruby nodded, "this is a lot of money they're transporting the fighters will have Aura and semblances. We want them alive to protect the city...if this goes well."

Jaune scratched his head, "'ve stolen from a bank and set it on fire. Now I'm stealing stolen goods"

Neo typed in her scroll [that's it?]

Jaune, "I once punched a kid in the throat and took his lunch money" he stared at his toes.

Patting the blonde's back, Roman smiled, "Jaune this is why I haven't thrown you off a cliff again."

Jaune squeaked, "Again?"

Roman confused, "I haven't?"

Ozpin, I did that… not you

Roman, Again concerned that you ran a school for kids.

Ren pointed out a large van flanked by 4 motorcycles.

Nora, "6 on 6." The Viking pulled out her hammer.

Roman smirked, "Nora, Jaune, get down there"

"This isn't-!"

At a hand gesture from her brother Neo kicked Jaune in the back to send him rolling down the hill into the path with Nora running after. Another hand gesture Neo and Ren dart off into the trees. He then wrapped an arm around Red's waist, pulled her tight to his chest.

He smirked, "A kiss for luck?"

Delight stretched over her features and she playfully shoved him away, "save it for someone who needs it, Torchwick" she began a leisurely pace down the hill occasionally firing a shot.

Torchwick tugged his collar.

Ozpin, Look I get it… maybe we just unbutton the top button instead?

XXX

Red held a knife to the leader of this job's neck. "Roman check the van."

The Corcoran shook his head in amusement, "At least it's the pretty Branwen girl who showed me up."

"You met my sister?" And he thought she was the pretty one?

"Cousin I thought, although who knows with your tribe. We met once when we were kids. You pulled my hair, I gave you a black eye."

"Yang broke your nose."

"Congratulations now you have earned a reputation. I'm Triston...Crooked Nose Triston."

"Of course you are." Ruby snickered.

Nora ripped off the driver's side door, with a roar...naturally.

Jaune yelled, "Rose, one of the bikes broke."

"We'll make do."

XXX

"Smart, making me the driver. If I start something funny, shoot me and then kick me out the side you ripped out the door. One of your brutes riding out there can pick me up."

Red's mouth slipped into a delicate smirk, "I'm not sure if you want to call my team 'brutes' within earshot. Especially Neo, she really did not like a plan that involved so little stabbing." Lunar Rose was in rifle mode aimed at Triston. Roman's arm around her waist and he lightly pressed his cheek to the back of her head. His hand occasionally reached into his white jacket pocket.

Ozpin, I can't believe I let you steal that.

Roman, You still going to help right?

Ozpin, Since I've already died, I might as well give the ride a solid go.

Roman, Are you trying to be my Ride or Die bitch?

Red lightly elbowed him, "We're almost here."

Triston grumbled as he slowly pulled the truck to a stop. "Never thought Torchwick to be spacey." Dryly as he saw his own tribesmen show up and gather, "Now Pop-pop is going to rip me a new one." He hopped out the truck with Ren waiting to immediately put a blade to Triston's throat. Ruby felt her chest swell seeing her friends willing to back her in this.

The old man, the one she had only known as Mr. Corcovan approached him. His lips pressed into a thin line. His eyes flicked to Torchwick and then to Rose.

"The rest of my men?"

Torchwick lightly, "A little battered and bruised."

Triston, "They will be walking back."

Mr. Corcovan to Torchwick, "I didn't see this alliance coming, kid." He gave a dry laugh and looked to Rose, "What can the Corcovans do for you?" He glanced at his grandson, his eyes darkened.

Rose, "Ren, let him go."

Without hesitation Ren did and Torchwick flicked out a knife from his sleeve before he could recapture their assurance Rose grabbed his wrist. He gritted his teeth, she was a novice in this criminal underworld. Fighting her over how to operate would only make things more treacherous.

"Trust me." She turned back to the old man, "Mr. Corcovan," she bowed slightly, "I know that your and my tribe have been in relative peace." She straightened and met his eyes, "I am sorry I have killed one of your tribesmen."

He waved a dismissive hand, "I heard, they shouldn't have been out there anyways. Young fools, you were staying the night in your own territory, even if they were 'protecting' that house they had no right to fight you." His grandson was beside him and he slapped the kid upside the head. "I do not wish to repeat my question, Rose."

"I need an army to protect the City of Mistral from being looted."

The old man deadpanned, "And you do not wish to succeed Raven."

She blinked rapidly, "You don't seem surprised."

"I met Taiyang once. Strong man and one hell of a moral compass. He wouldn't raise you or his daughter to be made for this life. Now you are not equipped to make deals for Branwens, so what do I get out of it?"

She knew his tribe could kill them, and she heard of the headman. He would not cooperate well under threats. She could also tell Roman had no idea what was the appropriate expression to have right now, she'd have to ask him about Vale or Atlas's politics and how different they were. Her face was carefully neutral as she stated the facts, "You are a small tribe. Most of your deals happen in the city Mistral. The White Fang is coming to the city intent on killing humans. We both know what happens when a city burns and to those who rule a city from the bottom up."

Roman suppressed a glare, she just alluded that he was lesser now that he didn't have Vale.

Torchwick, leaned light on his cane, "My advice, trade jewelry for food and medicine. After the attack...well you know." He tossed a roll of lien high into the air as he whistled.

He saw the tight line in Red's jaw, oh she was going to have some words for him later.

Mr. Corcovan, "I do not like these non-Mistrali criminals."

Rose rubbed her temples, "I know what you mean. Everything is handled with either carelessness or violence."

Roman pinched the bridge of his nose, of course the Mistrali underworld would have an actual honor among thieves.

Mr. Corcovan rolled a blade over his knuckles, "Would you prefer to terminate your claim? I'm sure you and my grandson could come to an agreement."

Ozpin, Whoa, where is the honor!

Roman, I have not earned it here.

Neo moved next to Roman and their whole team inched their fingers to their weapons. Rose, "You seem to misunderstand what a claim means. Torchwick and I belong to each other and I will protect what is mine." Lunar Rose's blade arced violently into the ground.

Ozpin, Is it just me or is this whole business frightfully possessive.

Roman, Thieves take things that do not belong to us. Of course we're possessive of what we do have.

The elder reeled his head back and laughed loudly, "Now that I can admire. Young Rose, have some intel on my precious city. These things are best discussed over a map and some snacks."

Triston annoyed, "can I now deliver the jewelry?"

Rose tossed the keys.

XXX

Mr. Corcovan gave them the motorcycles and they rode back. Roman drove and he could feel Red hold onto his waist and quake.

Ozpin gasped, She's crying.

He pulled the motorcycle to the stop and waved to their team to proceed. "We'll catch up with them, Red." He got off the bike and handed her a handkerchief. He walked off a bit and sat on a grassy spot. Patiently he watched her gather her thoughts and dry her eyes.

"We have an army."

Roman nodded, "You seem disappointed Red."

She shook her head, "Was I wrong to not rely on my own tribe?"

"Raven has been trying to back you into a corner. You didn't want to choose today."

She wrung her hands, "Isn't that childish?"

"We are doing the best we can. Do you want to be the head of the main Mistral crime syndicate?"

She sat next to him, "All I know is that I want to make people's lives better and that might be my tribe or," She rubbed her arms. "I don't know. I know however I do that I want you to walk in step with me."

"Well I guess I could shorten my gait for you." he enjoyed her laugh and playful shove. He pulled her into his lap. "I can't stay in Mistral. I'm going to have to go to Atlas or Vacuo next."

"Salem isn't stopping. We'll fight her together, the three of us." He loved her conviction, she left no room for argument.

Ozpin, first I'm adopted by Neo and now …little red.

"Oh I think we have a whole team for that." he inhaled deeply of her bakery scent, "Are you okay with Ozpin?"

She brushed the hair off his face, "I don't think I could stop myself from falling for anyone with your eyes."

Ozpin, That is a good answer.

"You did promise once to love all of me."

"It just took me a bit to accept that one of your parts is my headmaster."

"When we become one…"

"I don't know how I will adjust." she straddled his lap and held his face in her hands. "I have no doubt that I will."

"Red you don't know that, we're teenagers."

"So why did you pocket that piece of jewelry?"

"You saw that?"

She rolled her eyes, "I didn't see you steal it, but I was in your lap as you fiddled with it."

"I was hoping to do something more romantic, Red."

She booped his nose, "Well, we could find some Grimm to hunt."

"Why am I attracted to someone with no idea what romance is!" He didn't sound as exasperated as he would like.

She pushed him onto his back, "You love me because I'm an intelligent criminal." She sighed as his mouth found her throat. "It's a little big."

He stopped, "You haven't complained before."

She shorted and rolled off on him, holding up her left hand.

"The bracelet . You fucking bandit." He took her hand.

"That you just stole a pretty piece of jewelry for."

"Well maybe got or for Neo?" he huffed because he knew he fooled no one.

She grinned, "we both know she looks better with gold and this is a very nice piece of silver"

Torchwick took her hand and watched the bangle shrink around her wrist until it fit perfectly. "Thanks Ozpin." She gave him a quick kiss. "But I don't want an audience, so some privacy please?"