Dogma and High Tea
"No, no, no – It's everywhere!"
Ruby Rose has a problem. It wasn't the restless night dreaming of ember eyes in shadows. It wasn't the dread the Weiss instilled in her about their upcoming punishment. It was a much more pressing concern. Yay for black pyjamas, but Weiss is going to kill me for ruining the linens, she thought.
Ruby's toiletries lay scattered over marble bathroom sink, the drawers below still open with the contents tossed about from rummaging in vain. The chances that Weiss had what she needed were beyond slim, but desperation finds hope in unlikely places. Ruby let out a long sigh turning to leave, Maybe I packed it separately, she thought.
The door swung open as a listless Weiss entered bundled in a white dressing gown. Ruby froze. Swaying slightly, Weiss peered at Ruby through haphazard bangs covering her face.
"Why is the Wayfinder in my bathroom?" She mumbled.
"Um, you're dreaming?" Ruby tried.
"Oh, I should go wake up then." Weiss turned and shuffled out, closing the door behind her.
Ruby waits a few seconds to calm her pounding heart. Panic sets in again when she heard the rapid slapping of bare feet against hardwood floors. The doors banged open revealing a breathless Weiss, robe now hanging open revealing a pale blue nightgown.
'Ruby! What did you do to your hair?" She gasped.
"Nothing, it reset." Ruby groaned.
Ruby's neat, jet black hair of yesterday is gone. In it's place is a birds nest of inky red locks. Weiss goes for a closer look and Ruby withered under her scrutiny. Weiss reached out and plucked a single hair.
"Ow! Weiss!" Ruby complained.
Weiss ignores her she as examined it under the light. The midnight strand bled into crimson across it's length.
"It's natural," Weiss said in wonderment, looking back to Ruby "It looks so much like the Wayfinder's."
"It should, she's responsible for it." Ruby muttered.
"How?" Weiss said. Ruby hesitated before answering.
"She is– Was, my mother." Ruby watched Weiss' mouth open and close in shock.
"Really? You're the Wayfinder's daughter?" She managed to blurt out.
Ruby nodded and braced herself for the inevitable reaction and tirade.
"Amazing! I have all her shows on my scroll!" Weiss said, ecstatic. Ruby blinked and checked her ear with a pinky.
"Sorry, not sure I heard that right. You have all her videos?"
"Yes! The Wayfinder is so daring!" Weiss gushed.
"Wow, you were allowed to watch them?" Ruby said.
"Oh I had to hide them from father, of course. He forbade us from watching, but it actually made them more desirable." Ruby nodded in agreement.
"Dad said if the church banned them then they would be way more popular." She said.
"The forbidden nature did add to the thrill. Sneaking around with my sister after dark to play them in the theatre room is one of my fondest memories." Weiss said, nostalgic.
Ruby smiles. She loved meeting admirers of her mother's wild adventures – and it was Weiss of all people.
"With your hair like that I can really see the resemblance." Weiss said, getting back to matter at hand. Ruby smile faded back into memories.
"Yeah, it's why I dye it. Not everyone is fan." she said bitterly.
Ruby usually dreaded when her mother was brought up. Sympathetic looks hid silent condemnation for her mother's choice of profession. Others were quite happy to voice their judgement, and then there were the accusations. People like Weiss were rare enough that she wouldn't run out of fingers counting them.
"I... can understand that," Weiss absently-mindedly touching the bangs over her left eye, "But what happened? Your hair was black last night." Ruby held a level hand up, tilting it side to side.
"Uh, not really sure. When I use my semblance a lot the dye stops... sticking?" Ruby said vaguely.
"It disappears?"
"No, it comes off." Ruby showed her palm to Weiss; it's streaked with black.
"That is strange, coming off like... that..." Weiss trails off. She spun quickly before striding away.
Ruby stiffened when Weiss took a right towards her room. There's a few seconds of tense silence then a muffled scream. Ruby winced.
"It's everywhere!" Weiss screeched as she stormed back into the bathroom.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"
"The sheets are ruined, the pillowcases may as well be burned!" Weiss ranted on.
"I'm sorry!", Ruby repeated, "I'll pay for a new set, how much are they?" Weiss snorts derisively.
"If you have to ask then you can't afford it! Why didn't you take a shower last ni-" She stopped as realisation dawned on her face. Ruby anxiously watched Weiss struggling to regain control.
"It's fine" Weiss said after a deep breath, "We were scarcely in the right mind after that."
Ruby grimaced as jaws of jagged teeth stretched wide around a black void trespassed from her vivid nightmares. She shuddered.
"I was just exhausted and wanted to go to bed, sorry." Ruby said solemnly.
"It's not your fault." Weiss said graciously.
"You know, we didn't really get a chance to talk about it, what was that thing?" Ruby pondered.
"I'm a little curious at the Deacon's reaction," Weiss admitted, "It was like– Oh!"
"What?" Weiss doesn't reply, instead she manoeuvred around Ruby and started to push her towards the door.
"Where are we going?"
"I'm going to have a shower and get ready for services." Weiss said with one final shove, sending Ruby stumbling from the bathroom. The door slammed shut as she spun around.
"Hey! I was in there first!" The door opened and Weiss' head popped out at Ruby's protests.
"Please remember to put your things away, it's a bathroom not a trash can."
"Geez, alright princess," Ruby grumbled, a glimpse of red caught her attention, "Wait did you get hurt last night?"
"What? No."
"There's something..." Ruby motioned to her left eye. Weiss slapped a hand over her face.
"It's nothing!" The door slammed shut leaving a puzzled Ruby standing in the hallway.
–
Ruby peeked sideways at Weiss as they walked to Saturday services. Hair tamed and back into her signature ponytail, Ruby now has a clear view of her face. Weiss' pale skin is flawless, no sign of the angry red mark from before. Deciding she must have been mistaken, Ruby goes back to fidgeting with the borrowed hooded mantle.
'Would you stop that?" Weiss hissed, "Nobody can see your hair." Ruby's hands dropped down to clutch at the hem of her blazer.
Matching her uniform, the half cloak hangs loosely over shoulders, fastened by three large buttons at the front. The hood was tight over Ruby's head leaving a small amount of hair visible, the red tips carefully pinned back. Weiss was right that I wouldn't stand out, Ruby thought as she spied demure students wearing the pious head-coverings.
Their path led them onto a wide avenue bordered by trees flush with new spring growth. Students begin to coalesce into twittering groups, the occasional one peeling off with a delighted squeal to another gaggle of girls. A complex social dance that Ruby had little hope in deciphering.
Standing in gossiping circle, one girl looked up as they neared. She's sporting a prominent black eye that complements short, purple hair. She gave Weiss a sour look, earning a smug smile in return.
"Why, May! What an awful bruise, have you tried make-up?" Weiss said with mock concern.
May scowled and turned away. The other students clumped closer together, like a school of fish at an approaching shark. Satisfied, Weiss struts ahead, making Ruby jog to keep up.
"What was that about?" She asks.
"A lesson in etiquette." Weiss responded vaguely.
Ruby lets it go and studies their destination looming up imposingly ahead. The Deacon had called it a chapel – Cathedral would be a closer fit. Large, dark grey bricks trimmed with white stone make up the bulk of the construction. A massive, circular window dominated the front, it's stained glass portraying the Gods with hands clasped in the centre. Beside the church, a bell tower rose menacingly to a point capped with copper.
Ruby swallowed hard. Her family didn't go to services for pretty good reasons; As far as Ruby knew, this was her first. Tugging at the hood, Ruby is grateful for the anonymity it provided; standing out was never pleasant for the Wayfinder's daughter.
Distant hollers & jeers turn Ruby's attention to the considerable wall that separated the campus. She can make out an another chapel and bell tower jutting up behind it, almost identical save for an inverted colour scheme. Weiss followed her gaze.
"The chastity belt," She said, mockingly, "Because we're so helpless and weak willed to resist the boy's advances."
"It keeps the boy's out? Couldn't they just jump it?" Ruby said.
"It's not that easy, a hard light barrier runs across the top of it." Ruby squinted, barely making out a faint shimmer in the air.
"Still, they try," Weiss continued, "It's amusing when they fail." Ruby nodded.
"What's a chastity belt?" She asked, causing Weiss to stumble. She turned to give Ruby an appraising look, finding only innocence.
"Etiquette class is going to be education for you, Ruby."
–
Weiss sat down on the hard pew, the Deacon not being a firm believer in cushions. She picked seats for her and Ruby to the rear as the other students filled up the front rows, always eager to make a good impression. Weiss plucked a couple of hymn books from the pocket in front of her, prodding Ruby with one.
"Here, you'll need this."
"Oh, um thanks." Ruby said nervously. Weiss doesn't miss sheen of sweat on her forehead.
"You don't have to sing, Ruby. I only mime along, No-one can tell over the din."
"It's not that, it's... this," Ruby gestured in a wide arc, "It feels so... Intimidating." Weiss reached over and gave Ruby's hand a hesitant pat.
"Don't worry, it'll only feel like the sermon goes on forever." She said and is rewarded with a small chuckle from Ruby.
Weiss leans back and considers Ruby's position; the Daughter of the Wayfinder would understandably avoid the Church when possible. Yet the Deacon seemed pleased at Ruby's attendance at Beacon. Clearly the Church was scheming again, though Weiss was puzzled at what the benefit would be.
Weiss' musings are interrupted as a wave of silence washes back over the congregation, announcing Deacon Oobleck's arrival. The heavy, formal frock of midnight swells his thin frame. White vestments stitched with thin gold lettering sway as he briskly walks to the pulpit.
"As the Gods have their domains, so do men and women." The Deacon said, launching into his sermon. Weiss bristles.
Great, another lecture on knowing our place, she thought while straining to keep her lips from curling in disgust. It's not a coincidence this topic was chosen by the Deacon; he always dusted it off after Weiss' aura indiscretions. Not that it had much chance to gather dust these days.
"Aura, a gift to man created by the combined effects of the Brothers. Divine and masculine, it allowed men to tame the fractured world." The Deacon pauses, sharp eyes peering through spectacles at the crowd. Satisfied he has the student's full attention, he continued.
"But touch not this boon, ladies!" the Deacon said, dramatically pointing to the rafters, "To encroach into a realm not yours is sure to invite ruin on your femininity."
A few girls softly giggle while glancing back towards Weiss. She grits her teeth at teasing whispers. If the Deacon noticed, then he made no sign.
"Strive not to touch the sun! Rejoice instead to bath in gentle moonlight. For the broken moon does not produce it's own light, content to shelter in the aegis of the sun." The Deacon concluded while tracing a circle in the air.
Weiss joined the others, right hand drawing a circle over her left breast. She nudged Ruby with her knee who clumsily follows suit a few beats behind.
"Now, how about a hymn," the Deacon said jovially, "Paragon of Virtue seems appropriate."
The congregation stood, pages rustling as they hunted for the correct lyrics. Oobleck taps the screen embedded in the pulpit and music crackles out of ancient speakers. Weiss and Ruby mouth the words unnoticed in the cacophony.
–
Weiss waits impatiently for the last few sycophants to finish up with the Deacon. She sneered at their enthusiastic prattling, while Oobleck humbly nodded along with their praise. Finally, they drop into low curtsies and flounced away. Ruby yelped when Weiss gave the dozing girl a short, sharp kick. Grumbling, she followed Weiss to greet the Deacon.
"Morning girls, I do hope you enjoyed the sermon." He said with a smile. Weiss politely curtsies.
"As riveting as always, Deacon." She said without a hint of sarcasm.
"Lets hope you put into practice this time, my child."
"Yes, and the moon may be whole again tomorrow." Weiss said sweetly.
The Deacon gave her a stern look and Weiss silently cursed her lack of self-control, hoping he wouldn't give out a penance. She breathed a small sigh of relief when Oobleck turned his attention to Ruby.
"Dreadful business last night. I hope it hasn't soured your coming to the Academy, my dear." He said sympathetically. Ruby gave him a wan smile.
"Um, I'm still a bit shocked." Ruby replied honestly.
"I would imagine, a helpless lass against a brute! Worry not, the custodians are sure it was a male student pulling a prank; boys will be boys."
"That's... a very good costume then."
"Oh, they can be creative when they put their mind to it. We're confident the rascal will be caught." The Deacon assured.
"If that's all then Deacon?" Weiss said hopefully. Oobleck chuckled.
"Nice try, Miss Schnee. I'm afraid the punishment still stands." The Deacon moved towards the pulpit, he motioned for Weiss and Ruby to follow.
"Your punishment is give all the pews a good wipe down, and sweep the floor." Weiss blanches at the instructions, the floor may as well be measured in acres. This will easily eat up the rest of Morning, she thought with a sigh. The Deacon takes a right towards an annex, stopping at the first door.
"You'll find everything you need in here," he said, rapping knuckles on the door, "Now, must dash. I don't want to be late for morning tea with the faculty."
Weiss and Ruby dip into a quick curtsies as the Beacon bustled away. Opening the door they find a tangle of mops and brooms. Buckets are stacked haphazardly, and piles of mildewy rags line shelves about a wide, dripping sink.
"Well, we better get to it," Ruby said with a sigh, "Need me to show which end of the broom to use, princess?" Weiss rolled her eyes.
"It's heiress, and I've seen the help clean. It doesn't look that hard."
–
A couple of hours later and Weiss has decided cleaning is a lot harder than it looks. She frowned as she holds her nails up for inspection. Imperfections stand out boldly to her critical eye, how the maids put up with this everyday baffled her. Carefully wringing out her dustcloth, Weiss inspects her handiwork; the pew shines to her satisfaction. Lifting her bucket of murky water, Weiss turned around.
"Ruby, be a dear and empty this." She said, before noticing a distinct lack of Ruby.
"That- That brat!" Weiss said with a angry stomp, "If she's left the floor to me-" Weiss is interrupted when a hoarse whisper issued from within the annex .
"Weissss! Weissss!" Ruby hissed, holding a hefty, leather bound book with a large sheet of paper jutting out from between the pages. The cover and the spine have no visible title.
"What is that? Where did you get it?" Weiss hissed back, the contents of the bucket come close to spilling as she hurriedly made her way to Ruby.
"Look," Ruby said, using the oversized bookmark to flip open the book, "Seem familiar?"
The beast stares up at Weiss. The detailing is meticulous, capturing the nightmare wolf down to the clumped hair and protruding bony plates.
"It's- It's that thing. Where-"
"This was in the Deacon's office!" Ruby interrupted excitedly. Weiss' eyes bulged.
"You can't go in there! Are you asking for a penance?" Weiss said shocked at the girl's recklessness.
"The door was open," Ruby said dismissively, "And I can afford a penance, I think."
"It's not a fine, you dolt! You have to kneel in a dark cell while ice water is dumped on you! The Deacon only lets you out when he thinks you've repented!" Ruby paused as she considered the punishment.
"Doesn't sound too bad."
"You have to strip to your undergarments!"
"Okay, lets make this quick then," Ruby said as the colour drained from her face, "Do you know what this says?"
Weiss looked down, Ruby is tapping at a nameplate embossed under the picture.
"It's old Vale I think," Weiss frowns as she attempted to translate, "Lupus apes? Wolf of bees? Bee wolf?"
"Wait, Beowolf? Like the fairy tale?"
"Maybe, it could mean swarming wolves." Weiss said doubtful.
"There's more." Ruby cradled the book in the crook of an arm as she flipped though the pages. Weiss is shown more intricately drawn horrors; twisted caricatures of lions, tigers, and bears.
"Oh my." Weiss mumbled at a particularly gruesome creature.
"And check this out." Ruby unfolded the large scrap of paper to reveal a map. Red marker circled a small area with the word 'Grimm?' scribbled beside it. Weiss takes a closer look.
"Emerald Hill? Do you know where that is?" Weiss asked. Ruby shook her head.
"No, don't know what Grimm means either."
"It means monster in Atlasian." Weiss said thoughtfully.
"Finished already, girls?" a cheerful voice sounded out behind Weiss. Time slowed as Weiss and Ruby share in the horror of getting caught. An idea flares, bright and desperate; she hoped Ruby is quick on the uptake.
Weiss lets out a piercing scream as she twisted around to hurl the contents of her bucket. The Deacon is drenched by the dirty water, spluttering in surprise. The bucket clattered as it bounced off the stone tiles.
"Oh goodness, Deacon! I'm so sorry!" Weiss said, reaching for his glasses, "Here, let me help you."
"Miss Schnee! What in the world!" The Deacon said, incensed. Weiss snatched his glasses, making a show of cleaning them on her sleeve.
"It was an accident, I didn't mean to!"
"You accidentally upended your bucket on me?!" Weiss felt a twinge of self-disappointment as she played the distraught girl card.
"I'm sorry, you surprised me," Weiss said with a sad sniff, eyes tearing up she rambled on "After last night, I've been on edge, and you suddenly called out, and I just reacted." The Deacon's face softens, at a wailing Weiss.
"You're right, that was thoughtless of me," he said looking abashed, "Sneaking up on you after the trauma you went through. Yes, yes sometimes I forget how fragile you girls are."
Weiss gave the Deacon a teary smile. A light touch to the small of her back from Ruby sent relief flooding though her. Weiss offers the Deacon his glasses back.
"Thank you, my dear", Oobleck slipped the smudged spectacles back on, "Oh, Miss Rose. My apologies if I also startled you." Ruby waved him off with now empty arms.
"That's alright Deacon, we all make mistakes." Ruby said.
Weiss took a step forward and exaggerating a wobble in her stride. Ruby is instantly at her elbow, holding her steady.
"Weiss are you okay?" She asks, radiating concern. Weiss gave her a shaky nod.
"I will be after a rest, if that's acceptable to you Deacon? We'll get back to cleaning as soon as possible." She pleaded. Oobleck frowned.
"No, I think that should be enough for today. I'll tell the Headmistress the punishment went smoothly." He replied.
"You're too kind, Deacon." Weiss demurred with a tilt of her head. The Deacon addressed Ruby.
"Please make sure she gets back safety to the dorms, Miss Rose. Now, if you'd excuse me I must go and clean up."
Ruby helped Weiss as they dip into curtsies while the Deacon squelched towards his quarters deeper into the annex. Weiss kept her act up as they leave the chapel. Truth be told, it wasn't a complete farce; she was positively giddy with what happened. Not only did she buy enough time for Ruby, she also got to soak the Deacon with no consequences! It was taking all her willpower to keep a wide grin under control. Genuine happiness welled up in Weiss and she welcomed it in from the cold.
–
"I can't believe you did that! Right into his face!"
"I can't believe it worked!"
Ruby and Weiss fell laughing onto a shady bench, the empty courtyard they stop in sheltering them from nosy students. Plum trees with fragrant blossoms are artfully arranged, dappling grey pavers with soft shadows. A squat fountain splashed merrily in the centre.
"That was awesome! Where did you learn to act?" Ruby asked.
"Please Ruby, your performance was divine. You almost convinced me." Weiss replied modestly. Ruby grinned.
"It's good to know you can think outside your jewel encrusted box, princess." She said.
"Good to know you're quick on the uptake, dolt." Weiss retorted.
Ruby and Weiss exchanged a wary look before dissolving into giggles again.
"What was that book about?" Weiss said, sobering up.
"ABC of fairy tale monsters, are they all real?" Ruby mused.
"If they are, then will more show up?" Weiss' question lingering uncomfortably, they watch silhouettes dart over cobblestones as branches sway.
"We need weapons." Ruby said, breaking the silence.
"I... had one," Weiss offered tentatively, "A dust rapier, it got confiscated."
Ruby rolled her head to look at Weiss. She looked pained, like an old wound is acting up. It's fleeting though, as Weiss straightened up, hands clasping in her lap. The cool mask slipped back over her face. Ruby opened her mouth, but hesitated in prying further. Their fragile alliance may not hold under the weight of invasive questions.
"Where is it now?" Ruby asked instead.
"On the boy's side, locked up in Headmaster Port's office." Weiss said.
"Then we get it back." Ruby said, clenching a fist with resolve. Weiss gave a short laugh.
"We can't walk in ask for it, Ruby."
"How hard can it be? It's only an office, not a vault or anything hard."
"An office in the middle of the boy's campus, that we have to walk through, after getting over the wall unnoticed." Weiss said, listing the obstacles off.
"I'll think of something." Ruby muttered.
"Let me know when you do."
"There's another weapon we can get first," Ruby volunteered, "It's in Vale, at my uncle's house."
"He'll bring it here?" Weiss asked.
"Well no, he's out on business most of the year," Ruby frowned, "Plus, I don't want him to know I'm taking it." Weiss shook her head.
"We can't leave the without an escort, Ruby. Until entering the University, all students must be chaperoned outside the campus."
"Well that sucks, does it have to be family?" Weiss pursed her lips as she considered Ruby's question.
"No, it can be a Daffodil or older."
"Then let's ask-"
"But that doesn't help us, we need to be in their clique." Weiss interrupted.
"What if you pay them?" Rudy asked. Weiss raised an eyebrow.
"This is Beacon, Ruby. It's about who you know." She said dismissively
"Well, you know Coco." Weiss cringed at the thought of asking Coco for anything.
"Well, yes but-"
"But me no buts! Can we at least try?" Ruby pleaded. Weiss sighs.
"Fine, but she won't-"
"Nope!" Ruby jumped up and offered a hand to Weiss.
"This will be a waste of time." Weiss huffed as Ruby pulled her upright.
"Just let me do the talking." Ruby said confidently.
–
Ruby's confidence slowly ebbs away as she pushed the buzzer for Coco's room. She stood in an air conditioned foyer of a dorm a short walk from their own. Although apartment block is closer fit for the sprawling building. Arms crossed and foot tapping, Weiss waits impatiently beside her. There's a click and a pleasant, accented voice answered.
"Coco Adel's residence. May I ask who is calling?"
"Um, Ruby Rose is calling. May I ask whom is speaking?" Ruby said. Weiss face-palmed at Ruby's attempt at polite speech. There's a short pause before the speaker answers.
"This is her lady's maidservent."
"Does her lady's maidservent have a name?" Ruby asked, ignoring the look Weiss is giving her. There's a longer pause, and a faint sound like... muffled giggles?
"My name is Velvet. May I ask the nature of your call?"
Weiss spoke up before Ruby could garble another answer.
"Is Coco in?" She asked curtly.
"Yes, although my lady wishes to remain undisturbed."
"Tell her to expect company." Weiss abruptly made for the elevator without waiting for a reply. Ruby hurried to catch up.
"That was rude, Weiss. She sounded nice."
"She's the help, Ruby." Weiss said with a roll of her eyes.
"So?" Weiss gives Ruby a exasperated look.
"Let's get this over with." Weiss said, ending the conversation.
An elevator ride and a short walk later, they arrived at Coco's place.
"Be polite." Both say simultaneously. Ruby knocks.
There's muffled scurrying before the faunus maid opens the door, cheeks dusted with pink. Velvet pulled at her drab uniform, adjusting it before brushing a few hairs from her eyes.
"Welcome," She said, dipping into a smooth curtsy, "Please, follow me."
Coco's apartment is much smaller then Weiss', yet still dwarfed the average dorm room. The style differed greatly; earthy browns and greens with a lot of rich timber joinery. Stark contrast to Weiss' sleek modern look. The short hallway leads into a joint kitchen and living area. Coco sat in a plush, high backed chair at a round table laid with a delicate tea set. Velvet ducked into another curtsey.
"My lady, Miss Schnee and Miss Rose to see you." Coco nodded her acknowledgement and Velvet scurried off towards the kitchen.
"Ruby," Coco greeted warmly, before narrowing her eyes at Weiss, "Schnee."
"Adel." Weiss said, icy. Ruby waved.
Velvet bustled back over balancing a three tiered silver tray laden with an assortment of finger sandwiches and small cakes. Ruby stomach growled loudly.
"I can't take you anywhere." Weiss said. Coco smirked.
"Please, help yourself." She said, inviting them to sit.
Ruby doesn't need to be told twice. She plopped down onto the closest seat, reaching eagerly for a sandwich. A sharp slap to her hand by Weiss has Ruby pulling back with a yelp.
"Ruby! Manners!" Weiss said, directing her attention a patient Velvet clutching a napkin. Coco laughed musically.
"You're a delight, Ruby. How on earth did you end up at this dreary Academy?" She asked.
"Um, I was sponsored anonymously." Ruby said, fidgeting as Velvet smoothed the napkin she placed in Ruby's lap.
"Oh? Mysterious. Any idea who it could be?" Coco said, eager for new gossip. Ruby shrugged.
"No clue."
"Shame," Coco said, leaning back, "So what brings you here?"
"We need a favour." Ruby said.
"Happy to help a cute Daisy. Having issues fitting in? I can see Weiss not being a help there."
"Hey!" Weiss cried out, startling Velvet who was fussing with Weiss' napkin.
"Um, no. We need to go into Vale and were wondering if you could take us?" Ruby asked. Coco chortled, waving her off.
"Oh no, sorry. Not Weiss, if she does anything... brutish, it'll reflect badly on me." Weiss glared at Coco, but held back on the retort.
"Oh." Ruby said, disappointed. China clinks, filling the awkward silence as Velvet began to pour tea. Coco gave Ruby a calculating look.
"I may be persuaded to take you, if given something in return." She said.
"Forget it, Ruby. It's won't be worth it." Weiss warned. Coco made shooing motions at Weiss.
"Don't listen to her, Ruby. I only need a little secret, something worthwhile."
"A secret?" Ruby said, looking puzzled.
"Information is valuable at Beacon," Coco said, spreading her arms, "It's not who you know, it's what your know about them."
"Ruby's been here for a day, she doesn't know anything of value." Weiss said
"It'll have to be about herself, of course," Coco said, leaning forward, "So, what are you hiding, Ruby Rose?"
Ruby is silent as Velvet carefully pours her tea. Weiss watched her, frowning.
"Ruby?" She said.
"It's fine Weiss." Ruby said, resolved. She smiled at Coco calmly sipping tea.
"I have absolutely no secrets worth mentioning. Normal girl, normal knees." Ruby said cheerfully.
Coco splutters into her cup as laughter tumbled out.
"Ruby, you are delightful," Coco gasped, "An honest, simple soul." Ruby decided to take that as a compliment.
"I guess that means you won't take us to Vale." She said. Coco shook her head.
"No, but please stay for a while. It's refreshing to chat without the verbal fencing."
Ruby smiled, reaching for the spread before hesitating. She glanced at Weiss who gave an almost imperceptible nod of approval. Ruby happily sampled the treats on display.
"So," Ruby began, "How long have you and Velvet been friends?" Coco almost choked on a scone while Velvet found sudden interest in the ceiling.
"Ruby! Don't be rude!" Weiss interjected.
"What? It's just a question. Besides, we were rude for interrupting their afternoon tea." Ruby grumbled.
"Coco's afternoon tea." Weiss corrected. Ruby used both hands to gesture at the food.
"All this for one person?"
"It's about appearances." Weiss sniffed.
"Then why did Velvet need to change?" Ruby argued, "If she was already maiding around then she wouldn't need to." Coco and Velvet look considerably more nervous as Ruby laid her case out.
"And I could hear them giggling on the intercom. Sounds like friends to me." Ruby finished, crossing her arms.
"Ruby, that's preposterous. The very idea–" Weiss stopped mid-sentence and looked at the faunus maid for the first time, Velvet shrinking under the scrutiny. Her dress hung slightly askew, wisps of hair drift loose from a hanging bun.
"What were you doing before we showed up?" Weiss asked. Velvet's eyes flicked to Coco looking for support.
"I gave her the afternoon off," Coco replies smoothly, "Your unannounced arrive gave her scant time to be presentable." Weiss casually picks up her teacup.
"You see Ruby? A reasonable explanation. Please refrain from wild speculation, you wouldn't want rumours to start circulating." She said, offhandedly. After a dainty sip of tea, Weiss continued.
"It would be scandalous. Not to mention what would happen to the poor little faunus..." Tension almost sings with the veiled threat hanging in the air.
"No-one would believe that." Coco said, looking unsure. Weiss pounced for the kill.
"Of course not, but they may start paying closer attention, looking for little tells. Hiring a new maid would be a must." Coco and Velvet share a worried look.
"I don't get it, why is it bad they're friends?" Ruby asked, puzzled by the exchange.
"It's just not proper, Ruby. Being intimate with the help." Weiss said with mock outrage. Coco stood abruptly, chair skidding backwards.
"It's not like that! We're just friends!" She yelled, panicking. Weiss leaned back smugly.
"Well, I'm sure we can work something out in exchange for a little discretion." She said. Coco slumped back down into her seat.
"Want do you want, Schnee?" She asked, defeated. Velvet hovered beside her, fretting between keeping the charade up and comforting her friend.
"How about a trip to Vale for a start?" Weiss said triumphant. Ruby frowned.
"Let me get this straight," She started, addressing Weiss, "You want to blackmail Coco by spreading rumours about being friends with Velvet."
"Blackmail is a harsh way to put." Weiss protested.
"Weiss, that's terrible."
"It's Beacon, Ruby. This is how it's done."
"It isn't very..." Ruby's hand makes lazy circles, reaching for the correct word.
"Honourable?" Coco offered.
"Honourable! It isn't very honourable, Weiss." Ruby said. Weiss' jaw dropped with shock before angrily snapping close.
"Oh for goodness–I wasn't actually going to do it," Weiss huffed, she folded her arms and turned away, "I'm better than that."
Swinging her head between a cheerful Ruby and a sullen Weiss, Coco looked for signs of deception.
"You would give up an advantage?" She said, suspicious.
"Yep!" Ruby said.
"Because it's... mean?"
"Yep!" Coco blinked, then burst out laughing.
"Because it's mean!" She gasped, tears running down her cheeks. Ruby looks to Velvet who shrugged at her partners mirth. With great effort, Coco got herself under control.
"I underestimated you, Weiss." She said, sitting up straight.
"Wouldn't be the first person." Weiss muttered.
"I'll take both of you into Vale, on one condition."
"Oh?" Weiss said, warily.
"That we must do this again." Coco said, smiling. Weiss raises a eyebrow.
'Deal!" Ruby said. Velvet sags with relief.
"That was more than a little terrifying." Velvet said, dropping all pretences.
"May as well join us now Vels." Coco said. A delighted smile slips on easily as Velvet pulls another chair over.
"I've always wanted to do this more people!" She said, sitting down between Weiss and Coco.
–
Cigar smoke hangs suspended in the still air like a drop of ink in water. Half a dozen men sit around a table, piles of poker chips and half empty bottles before them. A few more are scattered around, sitting on wooden crates or guarding the exits, their guns in plain sight. A tall man in a bowler hat frowned at the cards in his hand. Tossing down two, he is silently dealt more. The rhythmic clinking of chips echoed off the bare walls as the pot is raised.
Everyone's attention is turned upwards at a sudden thump from the rafters. The skylight cracked then shattered into a rain of shards as two bodies tumble through it. They hit the table hard sending it's contents flying and the men jumping backwards. A women with a shock of blonde hair sat up, straddling the hooded figure beneath her. A sandwich is cradled protectively in her hands.
"Aha! Mine again!" She crowed.
There's a scrape of metal on leather as guns are pulled from holsters. The blonde is suddenly aware of the icy reception as a dozen barrels point at her.
"Well, shit."
