It was hard not to laugh at the pout forming on his lover's face. Sitting across from her at the small table, he smirked. Her hair fell loose down her back contrasting with the long-sleeved pink shirt she wore. It was adorable how annoyed she was. Biting into her pancakes, she looked away from him with a huff. At least, she'd left the brat behind with Oscar. Still, there were hints of nervousness in her movements.

Did she assume he was angered by her defense of the child? It was getting easier to predict Ruby's thoughts and actions. However, she almost never voiced those worries. He'd had to drag them out of her the last time she'd tried to hide. Narrowing his gaze, he leaned toward her only to earn an almost panicked expression.

"How could you just kill him," she said. Tilting her head, she hid her trembling fingers under the table. Her nails dug into the fabric of her black leggings.

"Did I steal your prey," he asked. When she rolled her eyes, he chuckled.

"I wanted to have him torn limb from limb by Grimm," she admitted.

"Cute."

He laughed. Noting the way her face turned a vicious red, he grinned. Reaching out slowly, he twirled a strand of her hair around his finger. All of her attention was on him instantly. She didn't even try to hide the way her body tensed. Part of him whispered about the fact they were sitting where any of their subordinates might see them. He didn't care much about that revelation. He cared about the fact she was hiding something from him again.

"What's wrong," he asked. Following the way her gaze flickered away from him, he frowned. "Ruby words."

What were words again? Digging her nails into her palm she tried to focus on anything other than how close he was. Honestly, at this point, she might as well lose her mind. Fighting was easier than dealing with Adam. Wait...

"Spar with me!"

Grabbing his hand, she bounced out of her chair. If talking to him was too much, then sparing would solve that problem. Besides, she needed to let out at least a little steam or she'd lose her mind. Tugging his arm, she pouted when he laughed at her. Stepping back when he stood, she tilted her head back to meet his gaze.

"Sure, but only if you tell me what's wrong after I win," he said.

"If you win," she snapped. There was no heat in her voice.

Tightening her grip on his hand she almost tripped when he began leading her toward the basement stairs. Stalking down the polished stairs she didn't even think about the fact she'd left her weapons upstairs. If nothing else, she could practice her hand-to-hand combat. It'd be fun to pin him to the ground again. Pressing her hand against her face at the idea, she tried to keep her heart from racing. She didn't need to lose control right now.

Ruby's eyes widened when they reached the end of the stairs. The underground training ground was surrounded by pillars. Racks of dull weapons lined the walls. Padded blue flooring matched the metal benches surrounding the sparing ring. Along the left wall was a mirror that ran down the length of the room. At the end of the wall was a single door. She was willing to bet that it was an observation room. Letting go of his hand to bounce on the padded floor, she giggled.

Watching her flip her way across the room, Adam smirked. He'd never thought that he'd have a lover much less watch them dance around his training room. Tearing his gaze from the Huntress, he stalked to pick up a simple sword. Tossing the weapon in his hand, he sighed at the unbalanced feel. It would work for the moment. Turning he raised an eyebrow as Ruby kicked off her sandals. The shoes bounced off the floor landing beside the door leading to the stairs. His lips twitched into a smile as he laid the sword on the bench beside him. Taking off his boots he didn't notice the flickering green light on the observation room door.

Deciding that he wanted to watch her face turn seven shades of red, he grabbed the hem of his black t-shirt and tugged it off. Tossing it onto the bench, he stood. What was the point of having Ruby if he didn't get to taunt her? Grabbing a second sword, one just a little smaller than the sword he'd chosen, he headed into the ring. The padded floor was cold on his skin. Moving to where Ruby was fighting with her hair, he smirked.

Her eyes flickered from her hair to him, and she froze. Where the hell had his shirt gone? Freezing completely, her hands dropped as she stared at him. Taking the swords from him on autopilot, she bit her lip. The instant he slipped behind her, every thought in her mind vanished. He'd taken her hair tie.

"Need help," he asked.

It was easy to see her face go from slightly pale to a fierce red. Brushing his fingers through her hair, he tugged gently. The small sound that left her lips caused him to grin. This was going to be fun. He tied back her hair into a small bun before letting his fingers linger on her neck. Even the tips of her ears were turning a bright red.

She was burning. Every touch set her skin on fire until it took every ounce of focus not to lose control. The tight threads of sanity were starting to break apart. Hot breath danced across her neck as he leaned closer. His chest pressed against her back when he grabbed his sword from her hand. The world around her was spinning when his lips brushed against her ear.

"Let go."

His order lingered. The sword in her hand was heavy. Her heart pounded in her ears as those thin threats of control snapped. Her aura coated her body in a curtain of bloody red as she spun on her heel. A howl of metal echoed in the air as their swords met. The leather wrapping of the hilt dug into her palms as she pushed against him. His own aura brushed against her own as he chuckled. He shoved her back.

She wanted to paint him red.

Twisting around his downward strike, she didn't bother to use her semblance. Instead of ducking back like usual, she swung at his neck. His touch was lightning as he grabbed her wrist and then tossed her over his shoulder. Flipping the weapon in her hand, she swiped at his back. The dull blade impacted his aura instead of cutting into his skin. A pout formed on her face.

Landing easily, she barely blinked before he was in front of her. He was fast, however, even at his top speed, she was faster. Sidestepping easily, she kicked at the back of his knee. Or that was the plan. Blinking as he caught her ankle, she heard him chuckle. A yelp left her lips as he tugged her off balance. Her back hit the floor with a thud. Bouncing on the padded floor, her eyes flickered upward lingering on the dark scar marring his chest. A flash of metal was her only warning as his sword came rushing toward her face.

Tilting her head, she didn't even blink as the weapon stabbed into the floor beside her face. Kicking both her feet upward she flipped him. His fingers left his shaking sword as he flew over her a startled expression flickered across his face. Giggling, she vanished in a flutter of petals.

Landing roughly, he barely had a moment to think before she was on top of him. The dull metal sword pressed against his throat. One of her hands pressed against his chest as if to keep him still. It'd be easy to break free if he wanted to. His hands grabbed her hips keeping her balanced. Neither of them was sweating. Meeting her gaze, he smirked. Those silver eyes of hers were almost feral. She'd lost control. Tightening his grip on her waist, he noted the way her eyes flickered to his lips.

"You really are adorable," he said. His hand trailed over her body as he grabbed her hair. Her eyes widened before closing tightly as he tugged her hair. The stands were silky around his fingers. Snatching the sword from her hand, he shoved her away.

Rolling, the reaper tried to refocus her hazy mind. Pushing back her now loose hair, her mind was lingering on the stinging pain. Biting her lip, she shook her head. Now was not the time. Eyeing him closely, she didn't bother to move as he stood. At this rate, she'd be the one painted in red. Shivering in a way that had nothing to do with being cold, her eyes landed on the sword in his hand. If only it wasn't dull.

"Want to be a good girl and lose," he asked. A taunting smirk formed on his face.

Her fingers twitched.

"Make me," she said. It was both a dare and a desire.

Aura flickering, she vanished in a burst of red petals. Snatching a set of daggers off of the weapon racks, she grinned. Appearing behind him, it was easy to lash out. The dull blades scrapped against his aura as he stumbled forward. Watching his muscles tense, she giggled. She was moving by the time he started turning. His blade sang through the air passing her face as she struck his ribs.

"What's wrong," she asked. Her feet barely touched the floor as she danced out of range. Tilting her head innocently she tossed one of the daggers in the air. Catching the weapon, she scattered into petals. Her toes barely touched the pillars as she used them to bounce around the room creating a hurricane of red.

Tightening his grip on his sword, he didn't even try to keep sight of the reaper. Closing his eyes, he spread out his aura into the air around him waiting. A spark clashed against the field. He twisted meeting her blade with his own. The metal screamed as her dagger scrapped along the sword. Tilting his head, he dodged the second dagger that stabbed at his face. Then she bounced away from him with a laugh.

Even without seeing her, he blocked every blow she set at him. Her aura was vibrant and playful as it brushed against his own. Knowing that she was teasing him caused him to chuckle. The sword in his hand glowed a dark red absorbing the force of her strikes. From the way she'd started aiming for his weapon, she knew exactly what he was doing. She was daring him to strike. Tightening his grip on the sword, he blocked her next attack. Her body lingered in the air as both the daggers pressed down with enough force that the dull sword trembled.

His semblance kicked off with a flash of crimson. Hair glowing a bright red, Adam shoved the red aura blade outward returning all the force she'd attacked him with tenfold. For a moment the daggers held against the attack then they cracked. The metal shattered like glass. The next instant she scattered into petals leaving the broken weapons behind. His attack slammed into the wall leaving a large crevice that 'someone' was going to have to fix.

"Holy fuck!"

Turning to where Ruby was staring at the wall, he raised an eyebrow. Flushing scarlet she shifted on her heels. Apparently, large displays of power threw her off guard, good to know. He chuckled tightening his grip on his sword before rearing back his arm. Her eyes widened as he threw the sword in her direction. Squeaking in a way that reminded him of a mouse she scrambled out of the way. Rushing forward he tackled her.

Pinning her wrists to the floor with one hand, he loomed above her. His other hand was wrapped around her neck. Her pulse pounded against his fingertips. Blinking up at him slowly her hair was a dark blanket on the blue floor. Tugging her arms in his hold she pouted only to gasp when he tightened his grip on her throat.

"Want to tell me what's wrong now," he asked. He could feel her heartbeat increase.

Pressing her lips together she looked away from him with a flush. How stubborn was she going to be? Sighing, he dropped his hand from her neck. Pressing his hand against the floor, he leaned down. Since violence hadn't worked, he needed to try a new tactic. Pressing his lips against her skin, she jolted under him. Her skin was sweet. Her hands twisted in his grip when he bit down. The action drew a sharp whine from the woman.

"Is this okay," he asked. His lips brushed against her skin. Her hurried nod caused him to frown. Sitting back, he noticed the flustered blush on her face. Forcing her to meet his eyes, he said, "words Ruby."

For a moment she shivered. Her eyes flickered from his eyes down to his lips.

"More please," she whispered.

If he had been a little further away, he wouldn't have heard her. He smirked.

"What were you thinking earlier," he asked. His hand traveled down to play with the hem of her shirt.

"Adam," she snapped. Shifting, she froze when he tightened his grip on her wrists. This wasn't fair. A heavy scent of peppermint caught her attention. Staring up at him, she asked, "will you come to meet the Rose family with me?"

"Is that all," he asked. When she nodded slowly, he grinned saying, "of course."

His shoulders relaxed. His hand slipped under her shirt. Her skin was smooth under his touch except for the scar his fingers danced across. Keeping his eyes on her face, he smirked. Her head pressed against the floor as her eyes slid closed. How much would it take to break her? Dropping down to capture his lips in a kiss he let go of her wrists. She took advantage instantly. Grabbing his shoulders, she flipped them. Taking his hands, she moved them to her hips.

Sitting across his hips, she pressed her lips to his neck. He'd already marked her, so it was only fair. Trailing kisses across his skin, she stopped at his collarbone. Nipping at his skin she didn't pull back until she tasted blood. Licking her lips, she eyed the marks on his skin. A rough hand twisted in her hair as his lips met her own again. Following his lead, she gave up on holding herself up, instead, she tangled her fingers in his hair. His tongue brushed her lip. Her body pressed against his own, and her clothing was too hot.

Nipping his lip, she shivered when he groaned. The hand still on her waist wrapped around her pulling her even closer. His touch was fire as he tugged on her hair. It was so good. Pulling back to breathe, she didn't notice the approaching footsteps before a hand grabbed her collar.

"Ruby Rose!"

Her mind was spinning as Cinder held her like an unruly kitten. Dangling in the woman's grip, she caught Adam's alarmed frown. How long had the woman been here? Part of her was mortified, however that was nothing compared to the urge to ask if the woman wanted to join in. Her feet refused to work as the woman dragged her toward the door.

"You are not losing your virginity in a fucking sparing ring," Cinder snapped.

"Wh-"

"You are taking a cold shower, then getting ready for that meeting you can't miss," Cinder said.

Ruby nodded instantly through the fog that refused to let go of her mind. It was better to follow the woman's orders. Glancing back to Adam, she flushed at the heated gaze that met her own. Even through his mask, his eyes were burning into her skin. She wasn't the only one who needed a cold shower was she?

(Oscar)

Children were terrifying. Shying away from the boy glaring at him, it crossed his mind to jump out the window. The only reason he didn't was due to Ruby asking him to watch the hell child. It didn't help that Ozpin was laughing at him. This brat had claws! Watching the boy shift toward the door he wanted to cry. Why couldn't someone else watch the kid, someone who was older than barely fourteen? Like maybe Qrow; didn't the man already raise Ruby? She turned out fine.

Never mind his self-proclaimed sister was proudly dating a terrorist. Speaking of the terrorist, were they supposed to live here now? He'd left his games at the bar.

"Where's Ruby," Jay asked. His ears were flat against his head. Despite the fact the teen across from him wasn't much older than him, there was no way he could trust the situation.

"Hopefully waking the drunks," Oscar stated. If it was up to him, he'd hose them down until they were spluttering like the fools they were. Luckily, he wasn't the one in charge. Shifting on the bed, he glanced toward the door when someone knocked. "It's open."

A pair of bright eyes met his own as the door opened slowly. A spotted tail drifted into sight.

"I brought some food," Nix said softly. Her eyes darted from him to the kid. Entering the room, she closed the door behind her carefully. She kept her steps even and light as she moved to set the brown wooden tray on Adam's desk. Meeting Oscar's eyes for a moment she hesitated before saying, "There are pancakes, bacon, and eggs. I didn't know if you wanted fruit or syrup, so I brought both."

"That's great," Oscar said quickly. Taking the plate, she held out toward him, his fingers brushed against her own. He turned his attention to his plate as she stepped back quickly.

Jay snatched the plate she offered him, before shifting further away from the two teens. Stabbing a pancake, his brows furrowed as Oscar began squirming nervously. It was weird as the older boy's gaze trailed after her. The girl smiled slightly before vanishing out the door with a small wave. Turning his attention to Oscar, he stole the bacon off his plate.

"You little brat," Oscar snapped. Holding his plate closer, he made no move to steal back his bacon. Huffing he rolled his eyes saying, "you should've just asked."

"You like her," Jay stated proudly. He bit down on Oscar's bacon enjoying the spluttering way the teen tried to deny it. He knew what liking someone looked like.

"I just met her," Oscar said. The leopard faunus was pretty. Far too pretty to go unnoticed. Ozpin's mocking laughter was easily ignored. He refused to face the boy who seemed far too smug for a child. Rolling his eyes when the kid laughed, he snapped, "how would you know anyway, you're like five."

"I'm ten," Jay said a wicked grin crossing his lips.

"Brat," Oscar said. This kid was perfect for Ruby and Adam. Just the right mixture of annoying and sadistic. Still, Jay's age caught him off guard. That was four years between them. He flinched. Would he have gotten kidnapped if he'd come to the city alone? Even with Ozpin living rent-free in his head, the prospect was a bit terrifying. Shifting, he took a nervous bite of his eggs. He was starting to understand Ruby's murderous urges.

(Blake)

She was beginning to hate ships. The most boring and longest mode of transportation was being on a ship. Eyeing the endless waves outside the cabin window, she almost wished for a Grimm attack. At least then it'd be more interesting than the silence. Still, she'd rather be hiding in her cabin to avoid Ilia than out on the deck where the woman could find her. She was starting to hate the chameleon especially since she was rapidly growing obsolete.

Sighing, she glanced down to where Sun was lying beside her. The man had rolled over onto his stomach allowing his head to be pressed against the pillow. The tan sheet stopped just over his waist exposing his tanned back. His blonde hair had lengthened reaching the tips of his shoulders, and now it laid over his skin like a taunting curtain. Red scratches decorated his skin. Leaning against the wooden wall she watched him sleep. Her hair fell over her bare shoulders as she reached out to push back his own blonde locks from his face.

His hand was wrapped around her wrist. The way his eyes fluttered open caused her mouth to dry.

"Morning," he mumbled. His eyes traced her skin to land on the marks he'd left on her neck. Laying a gentle kiss on her palm, he melted when she rewarded the action with a bright smile. His ears burned as he shifted to press his face against the pillow. Wrapping his tail around her ankle, he lost his mind a little when she ran her fingers through his hair.

"Good morning, Sunshine," she said. His tail tightened on her ankle.

There were two weeks until they'd arrive in Mistral. With no idea what she'd find, she wanted more than anything to enjoy this time with him. She needed to either deal with Ilia now or once the woman betrayed them. She had no doubt that the chameleon was going to make a mistake sooner rather than later. If she gutted the woman and threw her overboard then Sun might hate her for it. Sighing, she tried to focus on the man beside her.

"What do you want to do about Ilia," she asked. If killing the woman might upset him, then she'd allow him to make the decision.

"I don't like her," Sun said with a pout. Why did they need to talk about Ilia this early in the morning?

"Should I kill her then," Blake asked. The words were light and teasing. She'd happily strangle the lift from the woman who sold out her family then came crawling back like a parasite.

"No killing," he scolded.

Sun was bright. He was the one to drag her back from the edge. If letting Ilia live was what he wanted, then she'd allow it. Although she wasn't about to save the woman if Ilia decided to get herself in danger. Pouting, she let him think the offer had been a joke. Letting him drag her down until she was cuddled against him, it was easy to close her eyes. The rocking of the ship caused her to sink back into the sea of dreams she'd just left.