Weiss loves Ruby. She really does.

Despite their rocky start, the two have come to terms on the basis of Ruby's veiled maturity and Weiss's craving for all of the "normal" things she was denied growing up.

However, as Ruby (in her haste to show Weiss her latest creation in Beacon's forge) rocketed into a wall, Weiss quietly decides that some time away from her partner, while not urgent or necessary, would do them both good. Indeed, even though the heiress wore an exasperated smile, she couldn't help but feel another Ruby-induced headache coming on.

Blake is the opposite of quiet as she closes her book with unnecessary force. Between the puns and the boobs, she's decided not to start her weekend off with a Yang and go to Vale by herself instead.

Almost there.

Concentrate.

Concentrate.

Concentr-

"Oooohhhh, Rennnn!"

And as Ren's house of cards imploded, his ironclad patience did as well.

Ren let out a sigh as he took a seat in the bullhead. He crept out of the dorms as quietly as he could but was still prepared for Nora to appear at any moment. Such was the eternal paradox of his life, that a girl so boisterous could manage to sneak up on him.

And he was pretty much a ninja for fuck's sake.

It was early in the day, and he looked forward to a nice stroll through the park. Perhaps he would even indulge in a spot of tea.

And that's when he saw a certain cat faunus blending in with the shadows at the corner of the vehicle.

"Yang?" He asked.

"Yang," she said.

Weiss walked in moments later, and with a brief nod to each of them, took a seat.

As they approached Downtown Vale, Blake was the first to speak up.

"I propose that we hang out together."

Weiss put down her scroll and gave Blake a questioning look. "Why?" she said.

"In fancy Schnee terms? Because we should explore and experience different social situations within the overall paradigm of our friend group."

"First of all, I do not view our friendships that mechanically. And secondly, you just want a buffer between yourself and Yang in case she decides to track you down."

"Guilty. Strength in numbers and what not."

Ren spoke up with a raised hand. "I, for one, am in favor of this proposal."

Weiss raised an eyebrow. "Et tu, Ren? Fine. I suppose I have no choice."

"I'm glad that we could come to an agreement, Ms Schnee."

"Shut it, you. I'm still not convinced that you're not scheming against us."

Ren, for his part, looked positively aghast. "Why, Weiss. What have I done to incense you so?"

The white-haired girl scoffed. "Beware the quiet ones right? Blake was a terrorist, and she can seem downright boisterous compared to you."

"Hey!"

The trio, upon Ren's suggestion, were currently taking a walk through one of the residential district's many parks. Fall was in full swing, and it showed. Leaves were falling, and up above there was only a hint a greenery amongst patches of red, orange, and yellow.

Speaking of green, Ren stuck to his usual color scheme but decided on a simple outfit of jeans; a white t-shirt; and a dark green bomber jacket. Blake did the same with black, fitted pants and a white turtleneck.

It was all very nice, and for all the world, the three friends looked like normal teenagers. It's just that not a word has been said since they started walking.

Should I say something? thought Weiss, who for her part was dressed in a casual light blue dress shirt tucked into white jeans. She quickly shook her head, however. She was a Schnee, and Schnees knew not of social awkwardness.

But as the minutes rolled by, her slight fidgeting caught the attention of Ren.

"Something the matter, Weiss?"

"Ah, sorry. I was just thinking that I should say something. You know, to break the silence."

"Mmm. Well if you wish to chat, I'm all ears. And indeed, Blake has ears to spare."

The aforementioned cat faunus shot him a look but otherwise carried on in her silent footsteps.

Ren continued, "But I wouldn't mind relishing in some peace and quiet. That's part of why we all came out by ourselves anyway, no?"

Weiss nodded in understanding. "You're right. I guess I just grew used to filling in the conversational gaps with Ruby. She's amazing, but she really isn't one for prolonged silence."

Ren laughed at that. "Tell me about it."

After being seated in a cafe of Weiss's choosing, the heiress decided to comment on the rarity that occurred earlier.

"I don't think I've ever heard you laugh before. It's not as disturbing or maniacal as I thought it would be," said Weiss.

"You're really pushing that hard, aren't you, Snow Angel? I swear I'm not some undercover agent plotting to assassinate you. Besides, if anyone was gonna do that, it would've been Blake."

"Hey!" She paused. "… Meh, you have a point. I have to admit, while that wasn't why I came to Beacon, the thought still crossed my mind early on."

"Hey!" Weiss said, mirroring Blake's previous indignation. "I wasn't that bad…"

"No, you weren't bad."

"Thank you, Ren."

"From what I recall, you were awful."

"Well, Blake, I suppose Weiss and I will leave you to it," Ren said as they entered the bookstore.

"You two aren't sticking around?"

"No, we are," replied Weiss.

Ren stepped in. "We just figured that you'd like some quality time to yourself with the pornography section."

"It isn't porn!"

"Oh, our mistake. We meant plot-driven smut."

"Exactly-wait, no it's not that either!"

"..."

Having clearly lost that exchange, the faunus's ears folded back onto her head. "Just leave me alone. I'll be ready to go in thirty minutes or so."

"So are you looking for anything in particular?"

"I'm mostly just browsing, but I wouldn't mind coming across some books on Zen."

"Oh? That's very you. No wonder your recommendation involved a park."

Ren laughed, "You got me there. I intended to get a little walking meditation in."

"Walking meditation?"

"Yup. Mindfulness in a context of physical activeness, as opposed to the sitting positions usually associated with contemplation."

"I see. It sounds like this could be quite useful for my team captain. She could stand to be a little more mindful while running around, lest she propel herself into another wall. Tell me more."

That earned another laugh from the usually stoic boy. "Very well."

…

And so he did.

...

"The way you walk is very deliberate, powerful. I'm not sure if you're consciously doing it or if it's a leftover impulse from your childhood, but it's quite pronounced."

Weiss hummed as she read the open book in her hands. "Hmm, perhaps I should change it then."

"Perhaps, perhaps not. It depends."

"On what?"

"On who you are and who you want to be. And whether you want your movements to reflect that."

"Who am I and who I want to be, huh? Well, posture has always been important to me, but Ruby's been teaching me how to slouch recently."

"Slouching, eh?"

"Indeed. For example, Blake's slouch is very cat-like. Lazy and languid but coiled like a spring, ready to strike at a moment's notice."

Ren could imagine, having witnessed the phenomenon several times. "Ha, and Yang?"

"Hers is easily the most provocative. She's so full of it. She must always prop her leg up on something or someone. Ruby's is actually the most understated. Her slouch is less a look and more of an overall demeanor. She will simply melt into whatever piece of furniture is available and refuse to get up until cookies are offered. Truly, a child at heart."

"Your words speak of disdain, but your smile says otherwise."

Weiss's eyes widened before quickly turning away with a harrumph.

And for the umpteenth time that day, Ren found himself laughing.

That is until Weiss threatened to tell Nora that he's been hanging around two girls all day, not including her.

A/N: I'm still very much focused on writing stuff for my Ruby x Pyrrha collection, so I wrote this with those characterizations in mind. You could view this as an extension of that AU, if you'd like.