She had to be social. That was what she kept repeating to herself.
After all the fun Teams RWBY, JNPR, and CFVY had on their beach trip, Ruby opted to make use of the remaining days of their semester break by scheduling another trip for everybody to go on! Coco was only too happy to take the girls on a second shopping trip and find some new outfits for them, especially when she heard Ruby had extended an additional invitation to two teams of students from Haven -both of whom she'd apparently befriended- Team SSSN and...
Well, they declined Coco's offer of a shopping trip, saying they'd already brought the necessary attire. That was a lie, but a quick trip into town at a time when the Beacon kids wouldn't notice made that particular lie become truth. While there she also picked out something casual to wear for the upcoming Vytal Festival Tournament, anticipating this little beach-related distraction was but one of many public appearances she'd need to make through the course of her infiltration.
Cinder had made the time to buy a dress and dark attire for a nighttime raid. This swimsuit would serve much the same purpose.
When she picked out the suit she'd been in a foul mood, exacerbated by the burning hunger of the Fall Maiden's incomplete power within her. She rationalized that this was a task in aid of achieving her goal -of the wolf further blending in under the sheep's clothing- but her mood declined further when she reminded herself it wasn't entirely necessary. She could've refused the silver-eyed girl's invitation, or simply sent Emerald to maintain her illusion of friendship with the first years. Cinder could've offered an excuse and she was reasonably sure the naive young girl would've fallen for it. Mercury couldn't possibly attend this get-together, and she could've simply insisted she stay and keep her dear... teammate company.
Instead here she was, deciding between one piece or two... something black or something red...
When was the last time she went shopping? When was the last time she thought about what she wanted to wear rather than simply what suited her mission?
She indulged herself a bit at the dance, picking out a lovely black dress with a plunging back. At the time Cinder scolded herself for something that revealed Salem's brand in her back, but she couldn't deny how much fun she had dressing up and getting out on a dance floor, and no one seemed to notice the black flesh of a Grimm, or mistook it for some innocuous tattoo.
It wasn't something she ever got to do... she didn't have the luxury of a prestigious academy to attend, or those close enough to her she might want to see them in social settings, or might feel... well, like she just wanted to do something for its own sake. Even though she had enjoyed a slow sway with Mercury, Cinder had constantly reminded herself it was all part of her cover, and she counted down the number of people who spotted her and could corroborate her alibi.
It didn't matter what she wore for this farce, this similar distraction rendered moot in less than a week's time... yet still she insisted on finding something that she liked. Still she insisted on the indulgence.
Salem had instilled in her a sense of discipline, and taught her to forget what little social graces Cinder knew in the life before the queen took her in. She was going to transcend humanity, and their little quirks were something for her to discard.
Yet here she was, wondering how she would look in one color or another, or if revealing so much of herself might lead to... unwanted attention and make her infiltration harder; exactly the opposite of why she agreed to this pointless side trip. And for what? So she could... look pretty?
She... didn't usually think of it that way. Cinder cared about her appearance, of course, but only because her looks were an asset too; a weapon that lowered a foe's guard and closed distance between them as they willingly walked into whatever trap she set. Or at least that was what she told herself.
Was it... really so bad if she wanted to go to the beach and try to enjoy herself?
She had to be social, and she saw that as a burden. But she could certainly amuse herself at the same time she gained insight to the list of candidates all assembled... nearly all of Ozpin's choices to be vessel to the Maiden's power in one place, and Cinder could not only learn about them but possibly pit them against each other with subtle, careful observation.
She had to risk attention. There would be teenage boys there, and if the dance had been anything to go by, Cinder would catch their attention. That could be put to use if it meant driving a wedge in teams... or even between Beacon and Haven.
Or she could savor the attention and enjoy the sun. She had never had an opportunity to enjoy surf and sand... only to visit briefly and always with a greater purpose.
Thinking she might do something other than slowly advance her mission made the pangs of hunger worse. But thinking she could enjoy herself without reserve, without the need to rush towards the destiny so close at hand and enjoy the moment...
There was an anticipation there to savor. A feeling to feast on, to quell her hunger with smaller joys.
Cinder looked over the rack. The red. But one piece or two?
The two piece was revealing. It'd draw many eyes her way. At best it'd sow dissent sooner than she meant to, and at worst it'd have several taking an interest in her and imposing on her secrecy.
It was dangerous; foolish.
It looked very pretty, though.
Cinder took the garment and headed for the fitting room. Taking the time to put it on and see herself in the mirror...
By day's end, one or more of those boys would be in love with her. They'd probably undermine all she had planned.
And... that thought was exciting. That she might have someone devoted to her, not because of her power, but because of her beauty. Because of her poise. It might be fun to lead one along... see how much she could do in the scant few days before Beacon came crashing down...
Fun?
That was a feeling to savor too. Something that silenced the burning of hunger.
Cinder took one more look in the mirror and smiled. That smile looking back at her would delve into many hearts and bend them to her.
But for once, that'd be the bonus, not the goal.
This trip? This was for fun.
Cinder couldn't wait to see them looking back...