The empty, quiet courtyard outside is a welcome relief from the crowded chatter of the ballroom. Ruby lets out a sigh, feeling herself relax for the first time since Yang had dragged her into the dance. It's just her and Penny out here.
"Are you alright, friend Ruby?" Penny asks, sounding concerned.
"Huh?" Ruby blinks in confusion. "Yeah, I'm fine. Why are you asking?"
"You sighed," Penny replies. "I find that that is usually a sign of discontent in people. Is everything okay? Did I do something wrong?"
Oh. It's funny being around someone who's even more awkward around people than Ruby herself is. Actually, in a lot of ways Penny reminds Ruby of how she'd been when she'd first started at Beacon, before she made all the wonderful friends that she met here. She hopes that she can help Penny make more friends and become more confident too.
"No, no, Penny, you didn't do anything wrong," she rushes to reassure her friend. "I just—well, I don't really like being in crowds, that's all. It's kind of a relief to be out here where it's quiet."
"Ah, I see." Penny is thoughtful for a moment. "I believe I understand. I also find myself feeling a bit uncomfortable when I'm around a lot of people."
"Oh," Ruby says, surprised. She'd thought that Penny loved being around people—her friend had run off before and gotten in trouble when they were at the docks, all in an effort to go make friends. "Do you mind if I ask why?"
"Not at all, Ruby! I'm always happy to answer your questions." Penny smiles at her. "I suppose that being around a lot of people makes me nervous because I'm worried that they'll find out my secret. I want to make lots of friends, but not everyone is as kind and accepting as you, Ruby. Most people, if they found out what I really am, they would run away, I'm certain of it."
"Well, those people are jerks," Ruby replies firmly. "And like I told you before, you're just as much of a real girl as I am. It doesn't matter if you're built a little differently. Anyone who'd judge you for that or would run away doesn't deserve to be your friend, anyway."
Penny seems taken aback for a few seconds, before beaming at her. "Thank you, Ruby. It means a lot to me to hear you say that. It seems like you always know just what to say to make me feel better."
"That's what friends are for," Ruby tells her. "They make you feel better when you're feeling sad."
"Friendship truly is such a wonderful thing," Penny declares, her eyes sparkling. "I hope that one day I can have lots and lots of friends."
"You will," Ruby promises her. "Anyone would be lucky to have you as a friend."
The two fall quiet for a moment, smiling at each other and enjoying a rare, peaceful, uninterrupted moment together. Who knows when they'll get another chance like this to just hang out, alone, without anyone listening in or reminding them of their responsibilities.
Suddenly, there's a flicker of movement on the roof next to them. Both of the girls, being trained huntresses, immediately snap to attention, craning their necks to get a better look. "What was that?"