The night had finally come, and the main hall of Beacon was jam-packed with people. Students of different size, age, skin color, and even race were all dancing together, enjoying the little time of peace they had. Like Ozpin said, "It's not every day that friends are able to come together like this. Time has a way of testing our bonds. But it's nights like these that will keep them stronger than ever. Nights like these are ones we never forget."

I was picking up glasses, carrying a tray to place everything on. I had to maneuver my way around the students. Freddy was the bartender for this night, while I was the server. I glanced around, trying to find anymore empty glasses when I suddenly bumped into someone.

"Apologies," I said, bowing my head. "Didn't see where I was—oh, hi there, Blake. You look… better," I said, scanning the Faunus girl. She was in her prom dress, and the bags under her eyes had disappeared. She was holding an empty glass, which she almost placed on my tray. I stopped her before she could, and took the glass from her hand. "Bartender rule number twenty-five; never let a guest place or take something from your tray. You will lose your balance and everything will fall and shatter." I smiled a bit. "Thanks for the help though. And, uh, sorry about what happened a few nights ago. I was kind of shocked you followed me all the way to the elevators."

"It's fine," Blake replied. "I was just being paranoid. I'm sorry I acted the way I did. It's nice to see you getting accustomed in Beacon." She looked over my shoulder. "I see your uncle is having fun. How… how is he?"

"Doing fine, I guess. Being gay and stuff," I replied, shrugging. "I see you are having a good time as well. Who's your date?"

Blake motioned to the boy standing behind her. She nudged him, and he turned around.

"This is Sun," Blake started. "And he's my friend. He accompanied me to the dance tonight."

Ouch, that must have a felt like a kick to the balls for Sun. Being put into the friend zone like that? Geez, that has got to hurt.

"What's good, my dude?" I asked Sun. "See you got nice little tail there, monkey boy." I commented. "Does that mean you like banana's too? And for the record, I'm not being racist. I am just curious."

"I enjoy a banana from time to time." Sun shrugged, winking at me. "So, fancy pants, you're the one that had Blake all shaken up and—oomph!"

Sun was cut off mid-sentence when Blake elbowed him in the ribs. He looked at her, but quickly scratched the back of his head when he saw her piercing glare towards him. He looked at me again, and held out his hand.

"It's nice to finally meet you." Sun held out his hand, signaling me to shake it.

I carefully shook his hand, keeping my balance so the tray would not fall. "It's nice to meet you too, monkey boy. Have some fun tonight, alright?"

Sun gave me a thumbs up. "I'm dancing with this lady over here, so I'm good!" he grinned widely, looking at Blake.

Blake rolled her eyes amusingly, before tugging at his arm and getting him to follow her towards the bar Ozpin had set up near the end of the ball-room. I watched as they took their leave. I continued walking and searched for more glasses that were empty.

Eventually I reached the front, were Yang was standing as a hostess for the dance, keeping track of everyone coming in and sorting out the names for the couples. I stood beside her and placed my tray on the table she was standing at.

"What's up?" I asked. "You look good in that dress. Might want to be careful though because, you know, it's all white and I'm standing here with a tray of dirty glasses."

Yang noticed my grin, and laughed a bit, punching my shoulder playfully. "As if. You know I'd kick your ass."

I shrugged. "Hey, I'm just being honest. I might just lose my balance. Lots of people out here that really don't pay a lot of attention."

Yang nodded. "True. But still, don't ruin my dress."

The door the ballroom opened, and Ruby walked in, wearing a red and black dress. She was struggling to keep her balance. Yang's eyes lit up and she held her hands to her mouth.

"Oh my god you look so cute!" she exclaimed.

Ruby looked at her, still struggling. "Can we have a serious conversation about how Weiss fights in these things?" she asked.

I scanned over her, chuckling slightly. "Ruby, if I gave you twenty lien, would you walk in those things for an entire day? Would you do it?" I asked.

"Don't you have work to do—whoah!" Ruby almost tipped backwards, but I grabbed her arm and pulled her straight. She looked at me, rubbing her head awkwardly. "S-so how are you doing?"

"Yeah, nice going, kiddo," I said, crossing my arms. "Was that a snappy remark I just heard leaving your mouth? Here I am trying to be nice, trying to start up a conversation and you just screw me over like that! How dare you!"

Ruby grabbed my hand. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry!" she said quickly. "How can I make it up to you?"

And now, ladies and gentlemen, you will see why I never, ever lose a bet. I smiled a bit, opening one eye and looking at her.

"You will be my date for tonight," I said.

Ruby blushed, while Yang deadpanned.

"Dude," Yang started. "You're working, and my sister is way too young to be dating. So, no deal." She glared slightly at me. "I can move much better in high-heels than she can, by the way."

I eyed her carefully. "Was that a threat?"

She shrugged. "Who knows." Looking at her sister, she smiled. "Have fun in here, Ruby. Watch out for creeps, though." She eyed me quickly, hoping I did not notice.

"Ahem!" I said, getting their attention. "I don't intend to do anything weird to your sister. I just wanted to ask her if she would like to be my "date" as in, dance partner. You know, she could teach me some things and I could teach her some things. Yang, I won't do anything stupid. I'm not that kind of a creep. I'm the good kind. You know, like the kind that watches people shower instead of joining them."

Ruby's eyes darted between Yang and I. She raised her hand. "If I dance with you, will you show me how to hold a tray like that? It seems so cool when you do it."

I nodded. "Yes. You have my word," I replied.

Ruby smiled as she walked over to me, intertwining her arm with mine. "Take me to the dance floor, honey." She giggled at the nickname.

"Sure thing, little rose," I replied. I felt her stiffen after I said that. Did I say something wrong? I looked at Yang, and she gave me a look that said "don't ask about it", so I didn't. I grabbed hold of the tray and walked towards the bar, now having to keep balance of two things to prevent them from falling.

I reached the bar, placed the tray down so Freddy could reach it, and turned to Ruby. "You okay?" I asked. She nodded slightly.

"Yeah, I just hate high heels." She replied. She looked up at me. Funny fact: Ruby actually reached my chin when she was standing on these heels. So without them, she was a tad bit smaller and reached the top of my chest. Hehe, tiny girl. That's funny.

I held out my hand, signaling her to grab them. She did and together we made our way to the dance floor. "Just a quick dance." I reminded her. "I have to work, you know."

Ruby nodded and together we started moving to the rhythm of the song that was playing.

Freddy finished up cleaning the last dirty glasses that were left on the make-shift bar Ozpin had provided them with. He looked far into the ballroom and smiled when he saw Blake happily talking with Sun and Neptune. He had gotten to know the two of them when Blake had come to the bar to order a new set of drinks for her and her friends. They talked a bit, and Freddy commented on how good she looked in her dress. He also talked to Sun and Neptune. He was especially interested in Neptune. For some reason he had not seen that boy dancing this entire evening.

He smiled when he caught a glimpse of Ramses and Ruby dancing. It looked like he was having fun too. Even though Ramses would have to get back to work soon, it was fun seeing them like this.

Suddenly, he noticed someone standing near the edge of the bar. He walked towards said person and saw that it was none other than Jaune. Jaune looked… less than pleased. He looked like crap. Feeling sympathy for the young man, Freddy quickly made his way over to him and tugged the back of his tuxedo.

"Freddy, hi there," Jaune said, smiling. "Hope you're enjoying yourself."

"Oh, I'm enjoying myself. Enough fresh meat walking around here if you know what I mean," he replied, nudging Jaune's side playfully. "But looks like you're not enjoying yourself," he continued, getting Jaune to sigh audibly.

"I… I don't know. I think I messed up. I went to ask Weiss for the dance last night but she… she had already asked Neptune," he replied, sighing. "I am such a fool. And now I have to scratch your back for a month because of the stupid bed I made with Ramses."

Freddy chucked softly at that. "Jaune, as much as I would love for that to happen, I'm just going to be blunt with you: Weiss is not interested in you in the slightest. She sees you more as a nuisance than boyfriend material."

"Let me guess, she told you?" Jaune asked, sounding defeated and saddened.

"I have eyes. Even a blind person—heck, even Ramses can see that she is not interested in you. That's why I want to ask you this. Are you a blind person? Are you so focused on one thing you fail to see what's happening around you? There are so many girls out there, and there is always one that has her eye set on you. You just have to stop focusing so much on one person." He placed a comforting hand on Jaune's shoulder. "Look at Ramses over there," he said. "He is having fun dancing with Ruby, but he's not doing it to get in her pants. He is just having fun with her."

'And winning our bet.' Jaune mentally added.

"I know about your bet," Freddy told him. "Ramses came to me and asked for help. He couldn't find a date either." He shook his head. "He might act like it, but Ramses has no idea how to talk to girls. Hence the reason why he's single. He's… too honest and blunt with them."

Jaune's eyes widened. "Wait, he told you?! That slimy cunt!"

Freddy raised an eyebrow at him. "You're sounding exactly like my nephew. Have you two been spending too much time with one another? His influence isn't always the greatest, you know. Being honest is one thing—but Ramses always has to take it a step further."

Jaune shrugged. "Well, we have spent some time together, yes. But he's teaching me how to be more assertive since… well… I am not really that kind of a guy." He rubbed the back of his head. "I'm rambling too much, aren't I?

"Not really," Freddy replied. "But just for your information; if Weiss has a date, how come she is playing around with a dead flower?"

Jaune gave Freddy a confused look, until he set eyes on the Heiress. She was indeed trying to get a dead flower to stand up again. Why was she…? Where was Neptune? He scanned the ballroom and finally caught him in his sight. He was just standing there, talking to Blake and Sun! How dare he leave her alone like that!

"Freddy," Jaune said, handing him his glass. "Hold my punch."

Freddy took the glass, looked at it, and took a sip. "Hm," he hummed in delight. "Indirect kisses are one of my favorites."

Jaune was furious. He could not believe that Neptune! Here he was, acting all cool and stuff and showing off his blue hair, while Weiss was left all alone! How dare he? He was going to give him a piece of his mind! And after he had done that, he would go to Weiss, ask her to dance with him, and he would finally get a shot at her! And he would not lose the bet!

Jaune smiled to himself. This was going to work out perfectly. He started to increase his pace, when he suddenly caught a glimpse of Ramses, who had said his goodbyes to Ruby and went back to work. Ruby was searching around, trying to find any of her friends. She seemed to have noticed someone, presumably Yang because she was waving franticly and not in the direction Blake was at. So it must have been Yang.

'Almost there.' Jaune thought to himself.

It was then, a few feet away from his target, that he noticed a girl he knew all too well walking up a set of stairs. The look on her face told him enough. She was saddened. Why, he did not know. He took several glances between her and Weiss. He did not know what to do, until he heard a voice in the back of his head.

'You fail to see what's happening around you.'

He took one look back at the bar, and saw Freddy working on some drinks. He nodded to himself and went after the girl he found to be more important in this situation.

Time passed quickly for us. We were so caught up in shaking cocktails, serving and keeping the students comfortable that we forgot to take care of ourselves. I sighed, taking a seat on a nearby chair and sipping from a cold beer I had been given by my generous uncle. The dance was still active, although the mood had changed to a more "slow dance" style. Everything had gone according as planned. Jaune came back into the dance, wearing a dress.

I decided to be nice to him. I asked him to dance with me, and he replied with an unsure "okay, I guess." I told him that he could be my date for the dance, and that he did not have to be scared I was going to kiss him or something. When he asked why, I told him I knew that he did not have a date because I saw him talking with my uncle—and the fact my uncle tends to run his mouth a lot about juicy things like dates. He asked me why I wanted him to be my date, because he thought Ruby was mine.

I had to carefully explain that I was dancing with Ruby as her "date", that being a friend—I wasn't going to tell him about the fact I was holding her as my second trump card. What's my first, you might ask? You'll find out.

Eventually the big question was asked.

"What happened to our bet? We didn't get a girl to the dance so we technically both lose, right?"

To which I replied. "You said "a date". You didn't specify the gender of said date. I had my uncle as my backup. I would have won nonetheless." Okay, I didn't have my uncle as a backup, but he would have played along nonetheless.

Jaune's reaction was something I will never forget. The look on his face was priceless. I teased him a bit, stating that since he did not specify a gender the two of us dancing and stuff technically counts as a "date". After a few awkward minutes of dancing, and earning laughs and comments from team JNPR and RWBY—minus Ruby herself, because she seemed to have left the building. I didn't care though. I had outsmarted someone again!

I sipped from my bottle, laughing at the memory. I closed my eyes, listening to some music that was playing. I felt tired, and my less hurt from all that walking. I leaned back into the chair and crossed my legs.

This was a fun night. I got to joke around a little with Yang a bit more, hang around with Weiss—who was also enjoying her time with Neptune very much. I even danced with Pyrrha, commenting how I knew we'd end up dancing one way or another. She laughed at that, and it seemed like she was pleased with my dance moves. Even Nora joined in on the fun, alongside Ren.

Ren commented on how good of a job I and Freddy did tonight. I thanked him for the compliment, and invited him over for a drink at the bar this weekend. He accepted my offer.

Ruby had not returned yet. I was starting to get a little worried something might have gone wrong. My scroll beeped. I took it out. A text message.

Code-name: Psylod. Urgency: High.

Target escaped. Military is at the scene right now. Make your way out of the ballroom. Target could still be there. Meet us at the CCT.

Ozzy Osbourne.

Looking around the ballroom, I placed my scroll back in my pocket. After excusing myself to my uncle, and telling him about the message, he let me go and announced that I was going to go back to the bar to get some more drinks. The crowd cheered and clapped.

I had to hurry up, otherwise she might find out about my plan.