Chapter 49: Both Sides of the Story

"Guaranteed, we'll disagree..."

Nex sighed as he buttoned up his shirt, standing poised in front of the mirror. He pushed back his fringe. His hand came out all wet and wrinkled. Cold. He shivered, wiping it off his pants.

It took him about twenty minutes to freshen up and get dressed. His soiled duds laid in the bin at the corner of his room. Hrunting and Vigilance sat beside Oathkeeper, the blades crossed and leaning against the foot of his bed.

A knock came from the door.

"Master Shade," the maid from earlier said. "It's time for supper. But before you come down, the mistress Willow wishes to speak with you."

Of course. No doubt a conversation very similar to the one he had with Winter. Was she going to pull the same proper courtship trick?

Nex twisted the lock, nudging the door open. He stepped out the hall and closed it behind him. "Where's Willow?"

"The mistress is in her study," the maid answered, inclining her head. "Follow me, please."

Believe it or not, they made it halfway down the corridor before a short, white-haired boy—almost up his chin really—stormed past them.

Ruby Rose chased after what was probably Whitley Schnee, if he remembered right. She spilled roses all over as she caught up with the poor boy.

"What do you mean don't talk to me?" Ruby said, her fists clenched by her skirt. "I'm just trying to be nice."

"Clearly you're not listening at all, Miss Rose," Whitley said, offering her a sideways, deadpan stare. "If you aren't deaf or otherwise mentally challenged, then you should understand perfectly what I'm trying to say..."

Their voices turned faint—distant as the maid led him through the twists and turns of the Schnee manor.

Soon enough, she stopped before a door emblazoned with the Schnee snowflake, the white glass glittering over brown wood.

"The mistress' room is here," the maid said, rapping on the door. "Mistress Willow?"

A woman groaned inside, porcelain shattering against a wall.

"Who is it now?" Willow Schnee said, stumbling and leaning on the doorframe. "Oh. You're here."

The maid smiled thinly. She bowed as she scurried away.

Nex shrugged. His nose curled up on itself and died. Someone probably set a brewery on fire somewhere, in the darkness of her room.

And judging by how his mom's partner had bags hanging from her eyes like she went shopping for days on straight, and how her white hair was matted—tattered like a bird's nest—it was probably her who did the setting-on-fire herself.

"You..." Willow slurred. She lunged forward and cupped his cheeks. Her glazed eyes stared into his, her dead breath stinging his nose. "You look a lot like that bastard." She squinted. "You have Mary's eyes though."

"Tell me about it," Nex drawled, wincing. He leaned a little bit away. Still, her grip was tight, the callouses on her palms definitely not just for show. "But I can't do anything about my mug, can I?"

"Nexus Shade... Nexus Shade..." Willow muttered, stomping back into her pigsty. "Did you know the name was my idea?"

Nex raised an eyebrow. He flicked the lights on, frowning at the piles of laundry and wine bottles strewn across the floor. Fragments of a vase laid on the carpet, right next to an upturned drawer spilling out receipts and torn documents. She probably bumped into the poor thing, shit-faced drunk as she was. But still, one would think she would have had the maids clean it all up for her. Or not. Maybe it was her natural habitat.

"Oh, yeeesssh," Willow said, popping the cork off a bottle of red wine. She raised it towards him, beaming. "Drink?"

Nex groaned, cupping his forehead. "I can't believe you're just as bad as my father."

Imagine the headache of having a female Qrow Branwen living under the same roof as him.

"He's worse, beli—" Willow belched. She covered her mouth with her sleeve. "Believe me." She chugged the bottle down, her throat bobbing. "But who am I to talk? My husband isn't much better."

"You didn't bring me here to rant about him, right?" Nex asked, rolling his eyes. "If you did, well, I think we'll be here for a long time."

"A long time's all we got," Willow said, glaring at her bottle of wine. "Anyway, yada, yada, I approve of your relationship with Weiss, yada yada, treat her well, yada yada, don't be like Jacques, yada yada, as long as you promise me one thing."

"Here we go," Nex said, propping a hand against the door frame. "Is it along the lines of proper courtship?"

"You wish." Willow snorted, dropping the bottle on the floor with a thud and letting it roll away. "I heard you took a shot for her."

Nex chuckled. "It was a stray bullhead."

"Like good ol' Ozpin said you'd say," Willow replied, wiping her chin with her forearm. "What I wanna know is how many more shots you're willing to take for her."

"Weiss made me promise to not take any more," Nex muttered. "She's scared. More scared than before Beacon."

Even if he refused to promise her, her words still remained the same.

"She should be," Willow said, covering her mouth as she burped. "There's a lot of stuff out there that'll scare anyone shitless."

Nex coughed, his eyes snapping towards hers.

"Problem?" Willow asked, grabbing another bottle of wine from the shelf.

"Nothing," Nex said. "It's just you're not what I expected."

Admittedly, he expected some sort of high-born lady, sipping on a glass of wine all day. But the woman in front of him shattered all expectations and tossed the broken pieces out the window.

"I'm no Atlesian wallflower." Willow scoffed. "Give me a sword and I'll"—she belched, alcohol wafting off her breath—"know how to use it."

"Then why not grab a sword and knock some sense into Jacques?" Nex said, his foot playing with the bottom of the door. "Do Weiss a favour and set your company straight."

"You want me to fight Jacques for the company, is that it?" Willow asked, swaying on her feet. "Would you fight Weiss too?"

Nex pursed his lips. "Nope. I guess everyone has their weak points."

Evidently, both of them had the exact same one.

"That's good." Willow nodded. "It keeps"—she took a long chug from her bottle, the second one since he came in about five minutes ago—"everyone grounded."

"What's there to ground Jacques?" Nex said.

"Everything. He's got a lot on his mind." Willow dropped her second bottle. It clinked as it rolled into the first one. "Jacques and I may disagree on a lot of things, and we don't really see eye-to-eye, but he's still my husband." She yawned, covering it with her palm. "Keep that in mind, Nex."

Nex shrugged. "What was it you wanted me to promise you?"

Willow's eyebrows furrowed as she said, "What promish..."

Her eyes glazed over as she crash onto her bed, sinking down the sheets. Not even a second passed and her snores filled the room.

Nex clicked his tongue. "Well, that's one way to escape a conversation."

Someone tapped his shoulder.

He spun around, sighing at one Blake Belladonna clad in a purple Mistralian dress as he slammed the door shut.

"Not a very enlightening talk, was it?" Blake said.

"Nope. Guess you could say that," Nex said as they strolled down the empty corridor. "The only thing missing was a wet bar and a couple of strippers."

Blake chuckled. "Weiss wanted me to fetch you. It will be just us and her siblings."

Jacques was probably pulling overtime, especially with their current issue. Willow was passed out in her room, drunk.

Geez.

It was no wonder his girlfriend's home life was a giant fucking mess.

"When are you going to tell Weiss?" Blake whispered. "You're serious about her, aren't you?"

Nex chewed on his left cheek. "I'll tell her on her birthday."

It was only fair, right? The truth was probably the best birthday gift he could have given her, the consequences be damned.

Like Willow Schnee said. She was still the love of his life, even if she could not understand who he really was. It was a risk he would have to take.

Blake's jaw slackened. She stared at him, seemingly dumbstruck. "That's it? No lone wolf speech about how it's too dangerous for her to know?"

Nex grinned. "Nope. That's it. I'm a pretty simple guy, actually."

Aside from his sociopathic tendencies, he was a normal and average guy all around.

Admittedly, some people would have disagreed.

But what the hell did they know?

"You don't fit the mould for simple, Nex," Blake said, her cat ears twitching. "Anyone who looks at you for more than ten seconds can see that."

Nex shrugged. "Maybe. I've got an extra pair of ears, right?"

They made it halfway to the dining hall when one Whitley Schnee crossed their path, his hands held stiff behind his back.

"Miss Belladonna, my sisters are already downstairs," Whitley said, smiling. "Do try not to make our hosts wait for too long."

Blake glanced at Nex, a frown on her lips.

Nex nodded. "Go on. We'll catch up."

The ghost-ninja loped down the stairs, her sandals clacking over marble.

"You must be Nexus Shade," Whitley said, holding out his right hand. "I'm Whitley Schnee. It's a pleasure to formally meet a man of your reputation."

Nex raised an eyebrow as he shook Whitley's hand, noting the distinct lack of callouses and his saggy grip. Not a huntsman-in-training then. "My reputation? Don't think I got one. Sorry."

Whitley pulled back his hand. "My father speaks a lot about you. My sources in the military say rather impressive things about you. Furthermore, you managed to woo my ice-cube of a sister. Quite a feat, might I add."

"Just got lucky," Nex said. "In the right place in the right time and all."

He managed to return Whitley's polite smile.

What else could it have been? They barely knew each other.

"So, why send Blake ahead?" Nex asked. "What did you want to talk about?"

Whitley raised his left hand. "Why, Nexus, you make it sound like I'm harbouring some ulterior motive. I simply wish to see my future brother-in-law. After all, I imagine we'll be working together soon."

Nex chuckled. "Just spit it out, Whitley. I don't like it when people beat around the bush."

"I see you're a direct man, much like father," Whitley said, nodding. He straightened his back even more. His smile faded. "I have two inquiries. One, what are your intentions? And two, what makes you worthy of becoming the new Schnee patriarch?"

"My intentions? I love Weiss and I intend to grow old with her. That's all," Nex said, grinning. "And I don't think I'm worthy of the patriarch post or whatever. Weiss can call all the shots."

"Is that so?" Whitley lowered his hand, a scowl lifting his lips. "I don't believe you."

"Why not?" Nex asked. "No reason to lie here."

Admittedly, his current predicament was definitely the reason why Weiss and her little brother never got along.

"Dozens of heirs would have given their left arms just to have blind dates with my sister," Whitley said. "You may be a technician and a huntsman-in-training, but she's the heiress of the SDC. Where does that put you?"

"I'm her partner and boyfriend," Nex said. "She's also a huntress-in-training, by the way."

"A mistake that will cost her everything," Whitley said, huffing as he pushed his chest out. "Mark my words, Nexus Shade. You may have father's and sister's favor, but if I catch even a hint of duplicity on you..."

"You'll what?" Nex said, his eyes narrowing. "Who she chooses to spend her life with is none of your business. If she hears about this little encounter, I think she'll do the thing where she puffs up and explode."

Whitley hmphed, raising his chin. "I shall see you at dinner, brother-in-law."

The boy spun and walked down the stairs as if nothing happened.

And in a way, nothing did.

Nex spent the dinner in silence, having really nothing to talk about. Well, at least with the constant glares Whitley fixed him—while no one else was looking—meant he had a someone to share the quiet with.

Weiss and Winter exchanged some talk about Beacon, with the older woman asking Blake and Ruby some basic questions as well. Of course, nothing came up about Blake's past in the White Fang. It was a team secret they all agreed to carry into their graves.

Ruby Rose shot Whitley Schnee a pointed stare. Definitely because she thought no one was looking. Whitley was doing the same to him, nibbling on a chocolate doughnut.

Both of them tore their eyes away when Winter coughed at the head of the long table.

Blake poked her food, sat beside her partner, her other hand probably busy with the book on her lap.

Nex chuckled and stared at his steak. He nudged Weiss' foot with his left.

She flashed him a smile and continued talking about something with Winter.

It was understandable why Whitley was looking at him as if he was a stain on the table. But what exactly was going on between him and Ruby?

If he remembered correctly, they were having some sort argument up the corridor.

Something about Ruby being nice and Whitley being a prick?

No surprise there. Ruby Rose was a nice girl, after all. Someone who meant well no matter if you were a stranger off the road or an ex-terrorist. In hindsight, the only reason she even skipped two years was because she helped some shopkeeper against a bunch of thugs or something.

An hour passed before they finished dinner and went to their rooms. Ruby and Blake chattered on the other side of the stairs. Something about going on a trip down the arcades and dragging the ghost-ninja along. Winter pulled Whitley behind, just before the staircase. She waved at them to go ahead.

Weiss nodded and smiled at him.

Nex grinned. His hand slipped into hers. "Wanna play some chess?"

Weiss arched an eyebrow as he led her up to his room. "I thought you didn't like chess."

"Chess." Nex winked. "I've got some cool stuff to show you."

Weiss hummed. She smirked as he unlocked his door. "Does it involve us lying on your bed?"

She nudged it shut with her hip, leaning in close. Close enough for her to warm his skin and her vanilla-strawberry scent to fill his nose.

"Does it involve something we really shouldn't be doing while other people are around?" Weiss asked.

She pushed him against the door, her palm brushing his wrist.

The lock clicked.

Nex tilted his head, mirroring the smirk on her face. "You missed me, didn't you?"

"I can't help it if my fiance's absent the entire day," Weiss whispered into his neck, her hair tickling his chin. Her smirk sank into a pout. "Gone with my sister no less."

Nex stroked her temple with his thumb, parking a hand on her waist. "Worried?"

"You're mine," Weiss said, grabbing his hands and dragging him to the bed. She poked his chest, her nails digging into skin. "I don't like sharing."

She shoved him against sheets, pouncing on his stomach. Her knees sank on both sides. It was a good thing he had aura as well as years of hardcore training. An ordinary civilian would have probably thrown up their dinner.

Weiss stole his lips, shoving her tongue down his throat. He pawed at her soft chest. His legs squirmed, tangled with hers.

Huh.

It was the first time she made him squirm.

Weiss huffed, pulling away. Beads of sweat trickled down her cheeks. "Agent Nightshade. You better tell me what happened this afternoon. I want a full report verbatim."

Nex quirked an eyebrow, cupping her lean ass. He kneaded the tense muscle, chuckling as she flushed even more, a moan slipping through her parted lips.

"And what'cha gonna do if I say it's classified, Miss Schnee?" Nex asked.

"I'll keep interrogating you," Weiss said, pecking his lips. She started unbuttoning his shirt. Pop. Pop. And pop. "Until you confess."

"Winter and I went down Mantle," Nex said, tugging at her skirt. "Specifically, deep into the sewer network."

"I gathered that," Weiss said, giggling as she peeled off his top. She plastered a scowl on her face. "Care to be more specific, agent?"

"We ran an errand for your dad," Nex said, his fingers snaking down the sides of her thighs. "Top secret, under pain of death. Something that could bury your company in sand."

Weiss chucked his white button-up behind her. "Something that could bury the company?"

"Nope. No-no." Nex shook his head. "You're not seriously thinking what you're thinking."

"It could be what we're looking for," Weiss said, resting her hot palms on his bare chest. "Something to use against father."

"For fuck's sake, Weiss," Nex said. "Why can't you see the bigger picture?"

Weiss frowned and rolled off him, snuggling into his side. "Why can't you see the smaller one?"

The smaller picture. She was wrong. He could see it. Even thought about it. Hell, he even lived it before. But it just so happened that the bigger picture was—by definition—bigger.

"I can see it," Nex said, bobbing his chin. "But the four kingdoms are more important than the faunus in your mines."

Blake would have had some strong choice of words in protest, but it was simply the way the world was.

"You really believe that, don't you?" Weiss said.

"What I believe doesn't matter," Nex said. "It's simply the reality of the situation."

"Then help me change it," Weiss said. "Tell me what I need to know to set things right."

Nex bit his lower lip, fingering the scroll in his pocket. Pareidolia tingled. Visualizing every possible route he could take and the potential consequences.

In the end, what Willow said echoed in his mind. Everyone had a weakness. Something to keep them grounded. And it was unfortunate that his was the woman lying beside him.

"Fine," Nex said, turning away from her. "Go back to your room and check your email."

Weiss grimaced. "Nex—"

"Weiss. I'm pretty sure we're both tired." Nex groaned as he sat right up and fished out his scroll. "I'll see you in the morning. Goodnight."

Weiss nodded, her lips knitted into a thin line. She smoothed down the creases on her dress, the fabric quivering in the dark. "Alright. Thank you. I know we'll be risking a lot, going against my father..."

Nex shrugged, flicking his scroll on. He flinched at the blue light. "No need to thank me. We're partners, right?"

Weiss stopped before the door. She fumbled with the lock, the metal clanking. Still, she managed to push it open, staring at the knob. She craned her head, flashed him a tiny grin, and mumbled, "Yes. Partners. I love you."

"I love you too," Nex said, smiling at her back as she closed the door. "Too bad we're probably never gonna agree on this picture thing."

With those words, he whipped up a quick message about Jacques having a secret lab in his study, along with how to access it. One encryption later and it arrived at Weiss' email, the password being something he would tell her tomorrow. He urged her not do anything rash or stupid, but knowing his partner when it came to her family, it was definitely best to play it safe.

Well, she had her reasons. But he had his as well.

Nex stared at his scroll, the hunk of metal sitting on his palm. Once upon a time, he would have swiped on Jacques' mug. Told the man that Weiss knew. That he let it slip, giving in to the woman he loved.

But then again, he was tired. Tired of lying to her face. And it was—gods forbid—not something he could simply sleep away.

Damn. She really got to him, huh?

Nex chuckled, flipping off his scroll.

The stack of boxes beckoned at the foot of his bed. He stifled a yawn. Fuck. No sleep for a few more hours at least.

He had to do the job after all.