3.5 weeks just about. Hope you all enjoy. :)
Yang:
After contributing to quite the scene and tragically dropping their food, Yang and Blake decided it best to take their leave from the pier. The couple wandered the streets of Vale for a while, passively searching for a new source of food and actively enjoying one another's company. The sun had begun to set, flooding the area in a rich, orange glow. As they walked down the sun baked sidewalk, Yang overwhelmingly wanted to hold Blake's hand, but unfortunately after their embrace at the pier, Blake quickly returned to her reserved self as she took control of her crying. Yang was realizing more and more how challenging their secret would be to keep. She began thinking of potential ways of building up Blake's comfort and confidence, but quickly suppressed such ideas.
'No, she'll be ready when she's ready,' Yang thought definitively, 'This has to happen on her own time, and I'll gladly wait patiently until that day.'
After strolling for around an hour, the couple finally decided on a local sandwich shop. Neither of them had tried it, but it appeared clean, modern, and not at all busy.
With meals in hand, Blake and Yang claimed a table in the corner of the restaurant to finally feast.
"Ohhh yes," Yang drooled, "I am starving."
Blake shook her head as Yang hastily bit through a significant portion of her sandwich.
"How charming," Blake teased as she too started eating.
Yang's retort was smothered by the food in her mouth. After a comically large gulp, Yang repeated with a wink, "Hey, my charm made you drop our food back there, missy."
Blake's smile faded, clearly remembering the recent events.
Noticing the sudden shift, Yang murmured, "Hey, uh, we can talk about what happened back there if … I don't know … if you feel like you want to…"
The faunus took another bite as she reflected. She seemed understandably resistant, but eventually seemed to decide that talking couldn't hurt.
Following a thoughtful pause, Blake eventually replied, "I'd seen that group of guys around Vale before. Harassing people seems to be a regular activity for them…"
She sighed as she continued, "When I saw them again today… I completely froze. I-I had a vision of sorts where I was in the place of that couple … being yelled at … being treated like an animal…"
She let the stinging words linger as she ate a bit more.
"In case it wasn't clear, I'm grateful you stepped in there, Yang. I truly wish I was half as brave as you…"
Yang shook her head, "You're plenty brave, Blake. You've willingly fought and defeated tons of grimm and plenty of tough huntsmen at Beacon. Don't you think for a second that you're some sort of helpless coward."
Blake chuckled, somewhat sadly, "It almost makes me sound foolish when you put it that way. It's remarkable how differently physical dangers compare to phycological and emotional ones…"
Another silence followed as the pair quietly ate.
"Hey, uh," Yang softly stated, "It maybe deserves repeating that I don't mind keeping this a secret … You know, as long as you want it to be."
Blake smiled at the reiterated promise. After a strategic glance around the shop, the faunus quickly took hold of Yang's hand across the table and lovingly replied, "Thank you…"
…
"Hello team RWBY!" Yang yelled as their dorm room door slammed open.
The pair had returned from their totally-not-a-date date after finishing their meal and walking all the way back to campus. It was starting to get dark outside, so Yang and Blake had expected to return to a quiet room for some well-earned relaxation.
As they entered, Yang immediately noticed Ruby was missing from her usual spot at her desk. She looked over to Weiss' desk, expecting to perhaps find Ruby studying with the ice queen. Yang's eyes widened as next to Weiss she instead spotted a stylishly dressed gentleman with a head of sleek, blue hair.
"Ah yes, hello part of team RWBY!" Neptune greeted with a laugh. "Is that how you all always greet each other? I may have to start something similar with my team."
"That's how Yang and Ruby will address us so they don't forget what team they're on," Weiss grumbled, "Also I thought you two would be gone until later…"
"It is later… We were gone for nearly five hours, Weiss…" Blake muttered
Completely overjoyed and completely ignoring Weiss' clear aggravation, Yang ran over to the desk and pulled them into a very one-sided group hug, "It is so cute to see you two together. This is adorable! Oh my god! How's the studying going, Weiss?"
"Yang…" Weiss forcefully shook her head back and forth as she broke from the group hug and stood from her seat.
Either missing or ignoring what Yang was suggesting, Neptune happily replied, "I think it's been going great. I've probably done more studying this week than like all semester. This is basically how you became so smart though, right Weiss?"
Weiss blushed profusely at the comment and began not-so-subtly pushing Yang away – back towards the exit.
"Well," Weiss almost shouted, "It's been just lovely to see you both, but you all really should go meet up with Ruby at the sparring hall. She's certainly been waiting a while for you all by now."
"What?" Yang laughed, "Since when, on a Friday night, do we-"
"Don't you worry," Weiss continued with an empty smile, "I am certain that Ruby will forgive you for what has just happened if you leave right now."
"Yikes, princess. Don't need to tell me twice. Let's go Blake!"
"What?" Blake grumbled, "but…"
Yang grabbed Blake by the arm and pulled her out the door.
"Nice seeing you, Neptune!"
"Yeah, likewise!" Neptune called out as Weiss slammed the door shut behind them. The sound echoed through the empty hallway for a moment as Blake glared at her partner.
Feeling her gaze, Yang giggled, "What's wrong?"
Blake rolled her eyes, replying, "Was the plan not to relax in our dorm room? Why exactly did we so easily let the princess kick us out of her castle?"
Yang wrapped her arm over Blake's shoulder and steered her towards the stairwell.
"Well you see, my dear kitten, I believe we just earned ourselves a pass to kick Weiss out of the room at some point in the future. I have no idea how that could possibly be useful, so I guess we'll just have to hang onto it for a while."
Yang's following wink brought Blake to roll her eyes at the suggestive idea.
"Heh, yeah, you better hold onto that pass for a long while, Yang," Blake mused, "How few days have we been dating again?"
"More than I probably deserve?" Yang beamed, "Anyways, let's find out what our dear team leader is up to!"
…
Following a short exchange of messages, it turned out Ruby truly had been at the sparring hall with Jaune and Pyrrha, although such was only the case because of similar demands from Weiss. Since they were wrapping up their sparring session and the dorm room was restricted, Ruby suggested ordering some food and hanging out in the library. She reasoned it should be relatively empty on a Friday and they could play some card games.
Despite only recently eating, neither Blake or Yang opposed the idea.
After a quick call, delivery pick-up, and stroll to the library, the majority of team RWBY arrived at their usual spot with a hefty pizza in hand.
"Hey, Sis!" Yang grinned as she dropped into her seat at the large table, "Where's Jaune and Pyrrha?"
Ruby looked up from her scroll, "Hey! They had plans with Ren and Nora, so they're probably back at the dorm by now."
"It would be nice if we were back at the dorm…" Blake mumbled.
"Aw I thought you loved the library, Blake. Weiss seriously did kick us out of there though. I wonder if she actually believes we haven't caught on about Neptune yet…"
Shaking her head, Ruby answered, "She's just trying to avoid our teasing. Weiss sort of explained that Neptune had asked to join her studying as she forced me to leave. It probably wasn't her plan to study in the dorm – she probably just avoided some awkwardness of suggesting another studying spot."
"What I am hearing," Yang mused as she tore a slice of pizza, "is that we should brutally tease her the moment that Neptune is gone?"
"Yang…" Blake grumbled.
Yang smiled as she wrapped an arm around the frustrated faunus, "And by that, of course, I mean we should have a talk with Weiss about this 'Neptune' situation, so that our dearest Blake may freely attend our dormitory when she really needs to relax."
"Sounds like a plan to me," Ruby agreed as she began shuffling a deck of grimm cards, "We could set up a system to 'reserve' the room with plenty of notice?"
"Something like that could work," Yang approved as Ruby passed her a hand of cards.
As Blake looked at her own cards, she asked, "I'm aware I'm not one to talk, but why is Weiss acting so sensitive about her relationship? Wasn't she adamantly trying to convince me to ask out Sun, last week? No wait … or was that just part of your scheming, Yang?"
Yang chuckled, recalling her luck in that situation, "Nope - that was all Weiss. I guess giving romantic advice to others is substantially different than actually being in a relationship."
"I suppose so…"
"Say," Yang realized as she carefully lifted another slice from the box, "On a similar note, Ruby, you appear to be a romantic mastermind by somehow helping set us up. How are things on your personal war front? Anyone catching your eye?"
"Oh, uh um," Ruby blushed slightly, clearly in no way prepared for such a question.
"I mean not really… like uh…" Ruby placed down one of her cards.
"There are plenty of attractive people around, but none are really standing out, I guess? I'm kind of focusing on classes anyways…"
Yang nodded with a grin, "Fair enough. Just remember that you have a solid panel of advisors including a very intimidating sister."
"I think Ruby is clever enough on her own, Yang," Blake grinned.
"Heh, thanks you guys," Ruby giggled, "Now then, my beowolf will attack your ursa for three points of damage!"
"You fiend!" Yang shouted.
…
Ruby's scroll eventually received a message from Weiss they were free to return. With several games and all of their pizza completed, the group gathered their belongings and trudged back towards the dormitory. It was now well into the evening as the dark courtyards of Beacon were only illuminated by the cold, mechanical glow of the streetlights.
"It's about time," Blake yawned, "I'm just about ready to collapse."
"Do you want me to carry you?" Yang offered with a grin.
"No… Well yes, but no…" Blake motioned around them, indicating the public space they were in, even if it was late.
"We're almost back," Ruby reassured, "and don't worry - I'll take the lead with talking to Weiss as is duty of team leader."
"How is this bizarre situation one of your duties?" Yang laughed.
"I don't know. It probably applies under teammate conflict resolution or something… What, do you want to lead the conversation bringing up such a personal subject with our sweet heiress?"
"Uh I'll pass," Yang decided, "Blake and I will be back up in case she freezes you or something."
"Freezes her or something?" Blake critically questioned.
"It is late," the blonde laughed, "Don't pay too much attention to the things I say."
"Ignore Yang – I'll be sure to get right on that," Blake tiredly chuckled.
The trio finally arrived back at their usurped housing, prompting Ruby to encouraging announce, "Alright, it's go time, girls! Let's go team RWBY-except-for-Weiss!"
Ruby slammed the door open and charged in like a swat team leader.
"HELLO TEAM MEMBER WEISS-", she abruptly halted her yelling as she realized Weiss was missing. The group looked around the room, utterly confused.
With a juicy thought, Yang laughed, "Holy shit. Did Weiss actually go over to Neptune's-"
The bathroom door crashed open as the ice queen herself stormed in, clad in her night gown, wielding a meticulously prepared toothbrush, "Why on Remnant are you buffoons screaming? I can't even fathom a less dignified way to enter a home. Do you even realize what time it is?"
'Ah, no,' Yang thought, 'the corrupted queen still contests these lands.'
"I am well aware," Blake snapped, "It's roughly two hours past the time when I should be freely relaxing in my own god damn room."
"Well… uh…" Weiss stammered, clearly aware of how she was more in the wrong here.
"Alright, ladies," Ruby intervened as she stepped between the checkerboard pair, "Let's calm down and talk things out here. Please, let's all just take a seat."
Reluctantly, Weiss sat at her desk as Blake dropped onto one of the beds.
"So, Weiss," Ruby began in an overly formal voice, "We all believe it is necessary for us to discuss what has transpired regarding your company with Neptune and the uh… resulting exclusion of your dear team mates from their rightful… abode."
"Talk like a real person, Ruby," Weiss scowled.
"You need to give notice before claiming the room," Yang summarized.
"Excuse me?" Weiss scoffed, "I was not claiming the room. Why would I possibly need to reserve the room? You all were interrupting my studies, so I merely asked you to let me study in peace."
'This bitch…' Yang angrily thought.
"Weiss, it's fine if you want some space with Neptune," Ruby granted, "I'm sure every couple wants some privacy from time to time, but-"
"Excuse me!? Just what are you trying to suggest?"
"Weiss", Yang shook her head, "It's so obvious that you're dating, Neptune. Relax – it's not a big deal."
Weiss sat silently as her face grew red. She seemed to be struggling for some method to convince the group otherwise.
"Look Weiss," Ruby tried to recover the conversation, "Regardless of whatever is happening with Neptune, it's not fair to kick us out of the room out of nowhere. We need to establish some guidelines on-"
"Dear god, you all are absolutely relentless! I have no idea if Neptune and I are dating, okay!?" Weiss wailed, "We've spent tons of time together, but I don't actually know what we are…"
Weiss buried her face in her knees as the room grew silent.
"I was hoping we'd have a discussion today, but I still have no clarification… Neptune just droned on about nothing for hours… I'm sorry that I kicked you all out, alright? I'm growing desperate for answers here…"
Blake and Yang shared looks of confusion.
Ruby placed her hand on Weiss' shoulder, "From my perspective, and I assume Yang and Blake's, Neptune seems to clearly be interested in you, Weiss."
"I thought so too, you dunce!" Weiss grumbled, "So, why hasn't he established anything officially?"
"He's clearly laidback, Weiss," Yang explained, "He probably believes the status between you two is implied. Your feelings towards him aren't exactly cryptic after all."
"Your expectations are too rigid," Blake added, "Neptune's not going to deliver some formal atlesian dating proposal."
Weiss grumbled, "All I want is some clarity."
"Well then ask him what exactly your relationship is," Ruby plainly advised, "I'm sure he'll be more than happy to explain it to you."
"And what if he explains we're just friends and I'm a fool," Weiss questioned.
"That's literally not going happen," Yang insisted, "He clearly likes the crap out of you for some reason."
"…there are plenty of potential reasons…" Weiss grumbled, still talking into her lap.
"That's the spirit!" Ruby beamed, "I uh should probably also mention that Neptune talked to me before your first date with Neptune last weekend… when we all went to Forever Fall… and uh…"
"What!?" Weiss shot up and glared at Ruby.
"He wanted my opinion if you'd be interested in going out with him, which kind of confirms to me at least that he does actually like you…"
Weiss' deep blush struck her face once more.
"Well," Blake mumbled as she pulled away from the group and collapsed into her bed, "I am very glad that Weiss' issue has been addressed, but I am going to sleep now, after being kicked out of my own room for hours, and I expect such will never happen again…"
"I said I was sorry, Blake. It was an extreme situation for me. I will attempt to offer fairer notice in the future, okay?" Weiss scowled.
"Mhm…" Blake closed her eyes.
"That's all we wanted," Yang confirmed, "Thanks, Weiss."
"Hmmf!" Weiss angrily stormed back into the bathroom to finish brushing her teeth.
"Well, I guess we can clarify more details tomorrow if we need to," Ruby proposed, "Until then, goodnight, team RWBY!"
The remaining pair scattered to prepare for their respective slumbers. After changing her garments and brushing her teeth, Yang crept next to Blake and leaned in over her girlfriend's face.
"Hey," Yang softly whispered.
Without opening her eyes, Blake quietly replied, "What?"
"We're like a thing, right?" Yang joked, imitating Weiss' voice, "What exactly is our relationship?"
Blake chuckled, "Shut up and go to sleep, you dunce!"
Laughing, Yang replied, "love you too," as she pecked the exhausted faunus on the cheek.
So as I'm sure you can imagine, college has been time consuming. However, it's been enjoyable to work on this when time permits. This chapter is somewhat shorter than average, but after stringing the group between 3 different locations, it seemed logical to cut the chapter off at the end of the day.
"What the heck? Is this a story about Weiss and Neptune now?" No, relax. I'm setting up more ground work. This Weiss-bit will be resolved VERY quickly, (Since it's just Weiss creating her own problem basically). Afterwards more fluff is coming which will be followed by the greatly teased third arc.
I hope by this point, it's clear that every single chapter has a significant component for the progression of the core story... *wink* *wink*
Also I hope the Weiss thing felt natural and made sense. I don't find it unreasonable that someone as technical and proper as Weiss would be insecure about hearing some clear confirmations...
In other news, Volume 6 ended and now Bumblebee is like actually almost canon. I'm both thrilled, but also really annoyed about how it was done. Felt like it came out of nowhere...
I think that is about it. As always, thank you for reading. Please review if you feel inclined. Have a great one :)
Also shoutout to Darkfire Galaxy, SomeRandoFromTX and Jay aka Jordan :)