[Villain's hideout 12:00pm]
Roman was pacing back and forth in the warehouse with his cigar in his mouth "Where is Neo? She normally never leaves anywhere unless it's important… or for ice cream." Roman mumbled to himself.
He then heard the door open to see Ferret King and Neo walking in.
"And where, pray-tell, have you been?" Roman asked mostly towards Ferret King.
On a date Neo signed Relax, we just went to see a Spruce Willis movie then ice cream.
"And he didn't do anything else to you?" Roman asked.
Neo shook her head and skipped away.
Roman then sharply turned his head towards Ferret King, brandishing his weapon. "Listen here you little punk, if it weren't for Cinder I would take you around back and kill you myself if anything happened to Neo" Roman threatened.
"Relax will you? I won't do anything to her she doesn't want to" Ferret king deadpanned.
He then held his head "Oh wait, my psychic powers are kicking in!"
"Oh? And what do these 'powers' say?" Roman said, crossing his arms.
"That I'll fuck the shit out of Neo on our third date!" Ferret King replied.
Roman took exception to that and decked Ferret king as Cinder walked in.
"Roman? What is the meaning of this?" Cinder asked in a subtly threatening way.
"Um…" Roman looked between the unconscious Ferret King and Cinder looking for an excuse. "Duel gone wrong?" Roman said with a slight shrug. He had hoped Cinder would fall for it.
She walked up to Roman. "Roman, don't forget what happened when that bullhead crashed. Ferret King took most of the blow." She said, looking at Ferret King who laid unconscious. "If you had exercised even a bit of caution that night, we wouldn't be down a Paladin, and we would be more prepared for our upcoming events."
Roman dropped his head with an annoyed sigh "Ok. Cinder dear, as much as I appreciate a good business. Those psychics at that school will counter any sort of plans you have. Not to mention the fact that one of them managed to slice an entire robot arm off with just his sword! So maybe reevaluate who your enemy is. They seem to know you all too well." He retorted.
Cinder was rather unamused by Roman's words. "Emerald, Mercury, get Ferret King to his bed. I have a few words I need to speak to Roman in private" She demanded. "After that, head to Beacon for your classes, you know the target."
Emerald and Mercury nodded and hoisted Ferret King off the floor.
"Geez how much does this guy weigh?" Mercury asked.
"Much less than you deadweight" Emerald retorted.
"Why you-" Mercury cursed under his breath.
[In the sparring room, 2:45pm]
{Justin/Achilles' perspective}
Damn Pyrrha's got some moves! That'll teach Cardin not to mess with Velvet. I would do it myself but he has a mace that both is probably compensating for something, and explodes. Probably has something to do with that fire dust crystal in the center. I got to get some lessons from her eventually.
"Now I know that is hard to follow up, but we have time for one more match. Ms. Belladonna" Glynda said as Blake reflexively closed her journal "You've been rather docile in the last few classes. Why don't you-"
"I'll do it," Mercury said, raising his hand. Perfect opportunity.
Glynda adjusted her glasses. "Mercury is it? Very well, I shall-" she started
"I will" I said raising my hand "I need some practice against unarmed opponents anyway"
Glynda seemed to stare at me with either suspicion or confusion. I can't tell with her. "Very well, Achilles vs Mercury" Glynda said while making a few adjustments to her scroll tablet.
"Wait I wanted to fight her" Mercury protested pointing at Pyrrha who was already strutting away like a supermodel. Seriously those hips do not lie- and I need to stop right there. Operation Arkos, I need to remember that.
"Ms. Nikos already finished a match. Besides, Mr. Vermillion already volunteered." Glynda said making some final adjustments to her scroll.
Mercury looked pissed off at me, I love it. I then stood up and stretched.
"Please be careful." Weiss cautioned.
I shrugged at her as I walked to the sparring area. I then jumped over the light-dust barrier and landed on the ground. Mercury took the more boring way and walked in. Probably thinking things will be easy.
Unfortunately for him, I never fight fair.
"Let's get this over with" Mercury said stretching.
I drew my sword and got into my stance. "May the best huntsman win" Glynda said before the hard light barrier encased the arena
"Thanks, I'm sure I will," I said as I flourished my blade at Mercury "So how do you wanna do this?" I asked Mercury as I wiggled my fingers at him in a sort of 'come at me' gesture. "Should I come at you? You come at me? Come together? At the same time?"
Mercury looked confused as he put his fists up.
"Oh they'll come. THEY ALWAYS COME!" I yelled as I charged at him.
He tried to kick me but I grappled his leg and twisted it, slapping the back end of my blade on his torso sending him flying.
{Jocelyn/Rose's perspective}
What on Remnant is he saying to Mercury? I can't hear a thing here. I'm guessing he's taunting Mercury. For his sake, let's hope he doesn't taunt him enough to kill.
"Hey Rose, What is he doing?" Yang asked me.
I shrugged at her. "Probably taunting him, he did that back at Sanctum. He mostly quotes things he has either watched or read that seem like a good idea as a taunt." I explained.
"That seems rater self destructive" Weiss noted.
"He has told me he wants to die a lot. Though he told me they're jokes." I said with a slight shrug. That's mostly his internet humor talking. But it still concerns me every day.
"Again, seems self destructive" Weiss said "His fighting style could also use some work."
I glanced back at her with a smirk. "Look, I have confidence that he will win, or at least forfeit before he gets sent flying." I retorted. Hopefully he knows what he is doing.
{Justin/Achilles' perspective}
I'll be honest, I didn't think this far ahead. My main plan was to use quotes from Hellsing Ultimate Abridged. And right now, that isn't an option because Mercury is ferocious as he is smelly. Joce I apologise for the times I didn't shower.
"That all you got Black?" I said blocking his tenth kick in a row.
"No, but thank you for asking" He retorted with a smirk.
Screw it, plan B it is then. I backflipped out of his kick, striking the ground with my sword igniting it and slashing it vertically at Mercury. He dodged the wall of flames in which I matched his jump height and slammed him back to the ground. Once I made contact with the ground, I then did a 'come at me' pose "Is this really the legacy of Marcus Black standing before me? All I see is a quivering child."
Mercury looked shocked. Jackpot! I hit a nerve "How do you know my father?" He asked gritting his teeth.
"Oh it's simple, your father is a little bitch like you. I put two and two together, and you pretty much confirmed it. So I thank thee sir" I said with an informal bow. "Also, unlike you he tanked attacks like a man. You seem more keen to dodge them."
Mercury looked like he was getting pissed. Jackpot, let's see if I can use that against him.
{Jocelyn/Rose's perspective}
What is he saying to him? Whatever it is he looks pissed. I hope for his sake, Mercury will be more predictable.
"What is he doing? He should be attacking" Yang said with concern.
"Professor, can't you interject?" Ruby asked.
"Only if one of them forfeits" Glynda replied adjusting her glasses.
{Justin/Achilles' perspective}
I dodged yet another kick "Hey Mercury! Let's bet on something, if I win this match you owe me 200 lien. Vice versa if you somehow do!" I yelled.
"Deal! I need new boots anyway!" He yelled sending some rockets my way.
{Jocelyn/Rose's perspective}
I saw Emerald frantically dialing for Cinder. Oh Emerald, if only you knew she doesn't care about you.
{Justin/Achilles' perspective}
I decided to switch up my tactics slightly and take a blow. But I grappled his foot as it landed on me, I then flipped to make sure he would hit the wall first. And he did, I then kicked off him and did a few cartwheels landing in a way that was facing him. He fell off the wall and as I was about to give the finishing blow I heard Glynda interject.
"That's quite enough Achilles. You have proven you are one of the most brutal fighters. Even getting Mercury's aura that low in a few well placed strikes" Glynda noted writing it down on her scroll "That is enough today, class dismissed."
Mercury grumbled something as he got back up.
I cupped my ear and said "Sorry, losersayswhat?"
He walked by me and threw 200 lien at my feet.
I mocked a smile at him "Thanks for remembering our bet!"
"Yeah sure whatever" Mercury grumbled.
I then turned to my team and my fiancé and smiled.
"I think that'll do for today. And remember the dance is this weekend" Glynda reminded "And your first missions are on Monday. I will not accept ANY excuses."
[Out in the courtyard]
"That was amazing Achilles!" Ruby said excitedly "The way you sent him flying, landing him in a wall it was so cool!"
I chuckled as I scratched the back of my neck. "Thanks" I said with a shrug "It's easy to predict my opponent when they're angry"
Weiss crossed her arms at me. "Well, your form and footwork could use work" Weiss nagged.
"Weiss, you have a rapier, I have a double edged sword. You don't know about proper form with a regular blade. If anything I'd ask Jaune or Pyrrha." I retorted.
I then heard a faint "Hello again" in the distance.
Weiss scoffed "Are you telling me you don't want sword fighting lessons from me?"
I looked up at the sky for a moment while making a look like I was in thought. "hm... No, I'm saying that you would give me the wrong advice" I joked.
She then glared at me. "Training room, five minutes" Weiss demanded.
I chuckled again. "You know Weiss, you keep challenging me like this people are going to get the wrong idea" I said with a shit eating grin.
Weiss looked like she was both embarrassed and angry "Shut up and duel me!" I gave a shrug.
"I have plans anyway" I told her. "I promised Rose I'd spend the rest of the day with her"
It was then I noticed Blake and Sun talking.
Oh boy there's that Blake angst again.
"-I thought YOU of all people would understand." Blake stated strutting away. I turned to the rest of my team.
"I've got some business of my own to attend to" I stated before walking away. "I'll be back at the dorm before dark don't worry."
[Courtyard near the statue]
{Jocelyn/Rose's perspective}
Ugh where is he? He told me he would meet me here after the class where CRDL got their asses handed to them.
I had told them I had plans with my fiance and they seem rather understanding. I never really got to see this side of him in the show, he really does care for his team. Even if he is a bully… But whatever, I've had worse.
Like this one guy who constantly taunted Justin about 'sharing' me. I remember seeing the rage in his eyes, but holding it back because he cared more about my well being than sticking it to those jerks.
… Part of me worries about what would have happened if he snapped in the town library that day...
Whatever would have happened, nowadays he probably would cleverly insult them.
Oh my sarcastic genius, what did I do to deserve you?
I then had my eyes covered. Guess who?" Said my fiance
"Hm… Could it be my beloved fiance?" I replied.
"Of course darlin'." Justin said uncovering my eyes as I turned to face him.
I honestly couldn't help but wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him.
He, in turn, wrapped his arms around my waist.
Once we parted lips he said "So the dance is coming up. I'm thinking you and I liven up the dance floor a little. Give these kids something to remember us by?"
I grabbed him by his hand as I asked. "Oh? Are you asking me to the dance?"
He raised an eyebrow at me. "Well who else would I ask? The Ice Queen? She already has Neptune" He replied.
"Ok my sarcastic genius" I replied.
He waved a finger at me. "See 'genius' would imply I have a higher brain function" He stated.
"Oh you don't give yourself enough credit" I replied. He has this bad habit of putting himself down. I try my best to make sure he feels good about himself. "You're much smarter than you think."
He then gave me a deadpanned expression. "I think you give me too much credit" He said as we started to walk.
Right, there's also Operation Arkos, as he calls it, "Anyway, So how are we going to do this?" I asked.
"I saw Jaune practicing with his guitar in JNPR's room earlier, so we do as we discussed the other night." He replied.
I nodded with the understanding of what we were going to do. "Got it, I have a girl talk with Pyrrha, you have a heart to heart with Jaune. And maybe slap some sense into him." I confirmed.
He smiled at me. "Great. Now then, how about we take a walk in the garden" He said as he glanced back out onto the garden.
"As long as we don't fertilize anything in the greenhouse with our love" I replied with a bit of laughter.
"With the pagan rights of fertility? We're better than that now anyway." He said I wrapped my arms around his.
"Of course my bae" I replied as we walked through the garden.
Honestly this is romantic, I know why he chose this place over any others. One because no one else comes here apparently. And second, it's peaceful, serene, and above all... beautiful.
"A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet." Justin quoted, I know that one! It's from Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet. I just hope we won't end up like them.
"I remember that quote. Our English teacher made you say that line to me when we read it in class." I remembered.
Justin smiled as he remembered that memory "Well, she shipped us as did everyone else in our high school. Hell some guys were jealous of me for having you in my life."
I glanced back up at him. "So what? They're not important anymore. What matters is us."
He glanced back into my eyes. "For now until death do us part."
I will admit, that made me smile. But I have to remind him. "Hey silly! We're not married yet."
He shrugged. "I know, but all things considering, you are my wife. And nothing else will convince me otherwise."
I then pecked his cheek. "Love you babe." I told him.
He then retorted "I love you 3000." The rest of the time we walked in silence. Enjoying the day and the sounds of nature.
[Hours later in RWBY+A's room 6:30pm]
{Justin/Achilles' perspective}
"-We want you to go to the dance Blake" Ruby stated.
"That's ridiculous," Blake stated.
"Blake dearie, we're all worried about you. You're tearing yourself apart because of this investigation" I said leaning against the bookshelf in between Ruby and Weiss on one bed and Yang and Blake on the other.
"We're all worried about you," Yang said.
Weiss then pointed out. "You can't sleep, you hardly eat, and to be honest, your grades are suffering."
Blake threw her hands up in frustration. "You think I care about grades?! People's lives are at stake!" Blake yelled.
I made gestures that I tried to convey as 'settle down'. "Yes Blake, but you'll be no use to anyone if you can't even keep your eyes open" I said as I crossed my arms.
"Besides, we're still trying to figure out what Torchwick is up to," Yang assured.
I mean, I know what they're up to. But I'd rather not spoil it for them now.
Weiss seemed to notice my face but didn't seem to want to ask for some reason. I'm sure it'll come up at some point later.
"Thanks to you, Sun and Achilles, we now know that they're operating somewhere outside of southeast Vale." Ruby stated.
Weiss then stated "And Schnee Company Records singled out Vale as the primary target for dust robberies."
Yang then pointed out. "Don't forget about the missing military tech,"
Blake blurted out. "But there are still unanswered questions!"
I then glanced back at Blake "Which won't matter if you pass out halfway through a fight" I said "You need to relax some. Rule one of the Warrior's code; always rest when you are able."
Ruby then added. "Achilles is right. You won't be able to find any if you can't keep your eyes open."
Yang glanced back at Blake. "All we're asking is you take it easy for one day," Yang said, sticking one finger up.
"It will be fun! Yang and I will make sure of it" Weiss stated.
Blake looked at Weiss confused while Yang enthusiastically said "Yeah! We're planning the whole event" as she pumped her fists.
"Excuse me?" Blake asked.
"Oh joy, this oughta be good. Ice Queen and Flaming Blonde planning a dance." I mumbled as I rolled my eyes.
Yang shot a warning glance at me. "Hey I heard that" she barked.
"Team CFVY's away mission lasted longer than expected." Weiss said glaring at me first before slowly turning her attention back to Blake.
"So they asked us to pick up where they left off" Yang continued "And now we can make sure you have the perfect night!" She said pointing at Blake, who glared at Yang.
Weiss then spoke up "And once it's all over, we'll return to our search. Rested and ready." She said with a smile.
I don't know why I'm still not used to her smile, it sends chills down my spine.
"Plus Blake," I added as I stood up. "I can see the bags under your eyes. You NEED a good night's rest for once" I said putting my hand on her shoulder "A night with food, drinks, and dancing sounds like a good way to let out some stress. What d'ya say?" I said with a smile
Blake was silent for a moment before glaring at me and smacking my hand away "What do I say? I say this is a colossal waste of time" she then got up and headed to the door. "I'll be in the library," She said rather coldly. She then shut the door behind her.
I sighed "Teenage angst, my favorite" I mumbled.
Yang glanced at me with an eyebrow raised. "And yet you're in a room full of them."
I shrugged "Hey, beggars can't be choosers."
Weiss then glanced over at me. "She can't keep going like this!" Weiss pointed out.
I turned my attention to Yang. "I'll leave this up to you, Yang" I said as I headed for the door.
"Where are you going?" Weiss asked.
Just then there was a knock on the door. I turned to them and informed them "I have to have a talk with Jaune. I'll be back" I then opened the the door just enough for Jaune to not be able to see in.
"Oh hey Achilles, is uh Weiss in there?" Jaune asked.
I then put my hands on his shoulders and guided him away from my team's dorm. "Jaune-y boy, you and I need a little heart-to-heart" I said patting his back closing the door behind me "Walk and talk with an old man?"
"Um… ok? But you're not that old." Jaune answered confused.
I chuckled "Thanks for the compliment, but between you, Yang, and Ren I feel old."
He looked off to the side then back to me as he told me "Well you seem more mature than everyone else here... minus a few things that make it seem like you're one of us."
I raised an eyebrow at him but shrugged it off, it's time to put Operation Arkos into action.
First to put the idea into his head. "Have you ever thought to yourself 'Gee I should have a second choice in case my first choice says no'?" I started.
He raised an eyebrow at me. "No not really, is this about Weiss?" Jaune asked.
"Partially" I answered "Sometimes when you're infatuated with someone, you tend to have tunnel vision. So much so you don't see the one who is trying to grab your attention."
His eyes narrowed at me. "Look if this is your way of discouraging me, it's not working" Jaune said looking out the window.
I shook my head at him. "I'm not discouraging you," I said with a shrug.
"Then what are you trying to say?" Jaune asked
I patted his shoulder. "I'm trying to tell you someone else is already crushing on you" I stated cryptically.
Jaune then quickly turned his head to me "Huh? Someone is crushing on me? Who? Why?"
I chuckled. "Relax buddy, if you look hard enough. You'll find 'er" I said patting his shoulder again.
With his eyes still narrowed at me, he then said. "So no hints or anything? Gonna be cryptic as always?"
I nodded at him with a shrug. I'll admit I've been working on being a cryptic asshole lately. "Ok ok I'll throw you a bone." I chuckled "This individual knows team JNPR" I hinted.
"Ooookaaaay... That narrows it down a little" Jaune said looking ahead in thought.
"And this person is also very close to you. Practically breathing down your neck when you're not looking" I said with another shrug.
Jaune dropped his arms with a grunt. "And you lost me" Jaune said as we made it back to JNPR's room.
"Just promise me you'll think about it, alright?" I asked.
He nodded slowly "Sure. But if she declines me, I'll still go after Weiss." Jaune said.
Welp time to break his heart before he does it himself. "She will be asking Neptune to the dance" I said before going to my team's room.
Jaune was taken aback by this brazen statement. "Wait… what?" I shrugged at him with my left hand placed on the doorknob.
I gave him a shrug "Sorry Jaune, sometimes the one you desire is not the one for you. And honestly, I wish someone would have told me that when I was young." I was about to open when I remembered I had female team members, who would also send me to the nurse's office if I saw anything. I knocked before I continued to open the door. "Is it safe for me in there?" I asked.
"Yes, you may enter," Weiss said. Weird it's normally Yang. Must be asleep or something.
I gave him a wave "Night Jaune, happy training." I said before going into RWBY's room.
Weiss greeted me with her arms crossed "So that was Jaune" she rolled her eyes. She was in her nightgown, so I can only assume she was about to go to bed.
I nodded at her and looked around the room. "Where are Ruby and Yang?" I asked.
She pointed at our bathroom as she informed me. "Ruby is in the shower, and Yang went to go see where Blake went." Weiss said.
"Got it" I said placing my jacket on a nearby chair.
"So… You're going to ask Rose to the dance right?" Weiss said as my back was turned. "Yeah, she is my fiance. It would be a cardinal sin if I didn't." I joked, well half-joked.
"Right… of course. So what do you plan on wearing?" Weiss asked.
I turned back around to answer, only to discover that she was way too close "W-why do you wanna know?" I asked backing up a little. She had moved her hands behind her back.
"Well I thought I'd help you on your style, since it is supposed to be romantic, not to mention formal, event." Weiss stated stepping closer.
"I mean… I can afford to rent a tux for a night." I said backing up a bit more to the point my back was against the wall.
She shook her head. "No no. I will not allow it. You need one that will make you a cut above everyone else" Weiss said as she once again got way too close to me.
Ok, her intentions are good but she's WAY too close to me.
"Weiss, could you back up a little, I'm a little uncomfortable" I said, trying my hardest not to freak out.
I'll be honest, I don't like people in my personal bubble. And I like even less people touching my back. That is reserved to those who I know well.
"Hm? Why?" Weiss asked.
I tried to gather my thoughts before answering "You're in my bubble, and I would like you to stay out of it."
She seemed to not understand what I was asking.
Because she asked "We're teammates, what's the problem?"
I took a few deep breaths. I hate this feeling, my chest tightening. My breaths feel heavy. I try everything in my power to make sure I don't ever end up like this. "I have a problem with people being too close to me like this. And it makes me feel like I'm about to pass out." I explained. I am not lying when I say this. My social anxiety doesn't know how to handle this type of situation.
Sure customer service is one thing, but regular interactions? No thank you.
"Oh I'm sorry!" Weiss said as she backed up a good 2 feet.
I took a sigh of relief. "Thank you." I said sitting on my bed. My knees felt weak after that.
"So you have anxiety too?" she asked.
I then answered. "In a way, it's more or less social anxiety. I've learned to deal with it enough when I worked in customer service. But when anyone other than my fiance comes that close to me, I start to panic."
She looked shocked by that. Then looked down at the floor "Oh… I'm sorry" Weiss said looking at the floor.
Damn Ruby takes a long shower, possibly longer than her sister.
Regardless I shook my head at Weiss. "Don't be. You weren't to know. I don't really let it be known that much anyway. And don't worry about my tux, I can pay for it on my own. I saved up just for this occasion" I said waving my arm.
Just then Ruby finally came out of the bathroom in her pjs.
Flippin' finally. She noticed I was in the room.
"Oh hey Achilles! How did your talk with Jaune go?" She asked.
I shrugged. "Oh I gave him some advice. Hopefully it gets through to that thick skull of his."
Ruby looked at me confused. "Jaune has a thick skull?" she asked.
There's days I forget that Ruby is so innocent. "It's a metaphor Ruby, what I mean is he doesn't know who is actually in love with him." I said as I stretched my arms.
"Oooooh. Got it" Ruby said with a nod.
Weiss then glanced back at me. "So who is 'crushing' on him anyway?" she asked.
"Pyrrha" I answered abruptly.
I don't know what came over Weiss, she looked shocked, confused, and angered? Sources may vary. "Wait… Pyrrha actually LIKES that dork?" Weiss asked.
I shrugged "Love knows no bounds. No matter race, gender, or otherwise." I said to her as I took my shirt off. I have my undershirt on at all times, don't worry. No one wants to look at my boney chest anyway. Even though this body reuses Jaune's assets.
"But she's way out of his league!" Weiss said rather rudely.
"So?" I retorted.
"Why him of all people of Remnant?" She asked once more.
I once again shrugged at her. "Because unlike the rest of you, Jaune never knew Pyrrha and didn't put her up on a pedestal. If anything, he treated her like a human being." I explained. "When you're put up on a pedestal all your life, people tend to think like you Weiss, where no one can possibly compare."
Weiss nodded understandingly.
Oh I hope Joce's conversation with Pyrrha ended nicely. I would hate for her to get threatened
[Earlier while Justin was talking with Jaune]
{Jocelyn/Rose's perspective}
Good, Justin has Jaune distracted. Now is my chance for some girl talk with Pyrrha. I approached JNPR's room knocking.
Pyrrha answered the door, she looked suspicious at me. "What is it you want?" She asked as she took a defensive stance, using the door as a shield.
I walked in pretty much letting myself in. "Relax, I just want some girl talk. Since Jaune and the others seem to be out of the room" I said looking around.
She seemed confused "How do you know he's out?" She asked.
I then answered "Saw him walking with my fiance."
She nodded "Very well." Pyrrha said after a moment of hesitation she then strutted over to her bed.
I sat across from her. "Let me get straight to the point, I know you like Jaune" I said bluntly.
Her expression immediately softened to a mad blush. She was fanning herself as well "I-I don't know what you are talking about-."
I am not buying any of this. I narrowed my eyes at her. "Pyrrha, if it's obvious to Cardin, it's obvious to everyone but the man himself" I deadpanned.
Pyrrha sighed "So you are aware of his… lack of awareness."
I nodded. "Yes, everyone is aware of his density. He's almost like Achilles was back when we were going to Signal." I said crossing my arms. "And like me and Achilles, everyone here ships you two."
She glanced at me confused. "'Ships us'? What does that mean? And what do ships have to do with anything we're talking about?" Pyrrha asked.
Right, can't let her know that they're in a show. Better try to come up with something... Right I got it. "Oh sorry, I forget you don't know a lot of slang. Ship means people want you and Jaune to be together. And if I'll be quite frank, you do need him" I said.
Pyrrha looked confused at first, but then sighed "So what is your advice then?"
This is rich, Pyrrha asking me for relationship advice. Justin would be better at this because honestly, he confessed to me. Wait, this could work actually. "Let him ask you. He'll know when the time is right."
She looked at me confused. "But, what if he still wants Weiss?" Pyrrha asked.
"Then try to grab his attention somehow. Go out on dates, check out some sights when you both have the time. Take him to a restaurant" I said with a shrug. "Eventually he'll realize what's going on."
Pyrrha then looked at the floor. "So you are saying to just 'wait and see'?"
I placed my hand on her shoulder in a reassuring way. "Pretty much. He'll know it when he sees it. After all, it worked for me and my fiance." I said as I stood up.
She narrowed her eyes at me as I headed for the door "You're being very cryptic again" Pyrrha stated.
"Thanks" I replied before heading for the door. I heard Weiss shouting something as I headed back to CRDL and my room. But I think Justin has it handled.
Now then, to spy on their training sesh later. Then send him a photo if it we manage to make it cannon.
I love this power I feel.
[Roof of CRDL's room, 7:30]
{Pyrrha's perspective}
Where is he? He's normally not this late. I sighed to myself. My scroll then vibrated, I took it out to check. Achilles? Since when did he get my contact information? Oh well, might as well see what he wants.
I opened up the message and it read: If you do get a date to the dance, I'll wear a dress.
That is bizarre, why would he say something like that? It was then I heard the door open. I quickly turned around to see Jaune looking rather lost in thought. "Hello Jaune!" I greeted with a smile.
He seemed to of snapped out of whatever thought he was in. "Hm? Oh hey Pyrrha." Jaune greeted as I approached him.
Something was bothering him clearly. "Jaune, is everything alright?" I asked.
"Oh it's nothing…" He said unable to meet my eyes as if he couldn't.
"Jaune…" I said putting my hand on his shoulder "you can tell me if something is bothering you. Is it Cardin again?"
He threw his hands up in defense. He is so cute when he does that."Wha- no no it's nothing like that. I just…" He said. He then paused for a moment before sighing "I was told someone has a crush on me."
My eyes widened in surprise. Who told him about that? "Oh did they tell you who?"
Jaune shook his head "He was being very cryptic about it. Only told me they know team JNPR and were always… right… behind me." He then looked at me with an expression I cannot describe. He then quickly shook his head in disbelief. "W-wait… is it y-you?" Jaune said rather nervously.
I could barely contain my excitement at this moment. I have to confess now. "Yes Jaune, I am the one cushing on you." Jaune looked like he didn't know what to say. I gave him a hug and after a moment of hesitation he returned it. After what seemed like a millennia, we let each other meet our eyes.
"But… why?" Jaune asked.
I couldn't help but giggle a little. "I thought that was obvious, you treat my like any other person. You treat me like a teammate, and not some big celebrity like Weiss did when we first met." I explained.
He scratched the back of his neck. "Oh um well…" Jaune stuttered rubbing the back of his neck. He then cleared his throat. "I uh… well… you-me-Sunday?"
I don't know what came over me at this moment, but the next thing I knew I pressed my lips against his. He didn't seem to mind, as he wrapped his arms around me. His lips taste sweet... I fell like I can stay like this forever.
{Rose's perspective}
Aww… they really are adorable. I better send this pic to Justin just so I can prove it to him that Operation Arkos was a success.
"Rose, what are you doing?" Cardin asked as I climbed down.
"Just needed some fresh air" I replied, climbing down.
He walked over to his bed as he spoke. "Well that dance is coming up, I'm sure you're going to be with your fiance anyway." Cardin said with his hands on his hips.
One shoulder rose then fell as I told him. "Well yeah, because he is my fiance. I'd feel terrible if I didn't go with him." I told him.
Cardin nodded and sat on his bed "So, I've got something to ask. There's this girl I want to ask, but she isn't exactly a big fan of me. She sees how I 'torture' Velvet and now wants nothing to do with me. Got any advice?"
Wait. Cardin Winchester is asking me for relationship advice? Well there's a plot twist. Well I don't really have any advice. I used it all up talking to Pyrrha. None of that will work for him... Maybe I can encourage him to change. "Give up" I told him "If she's a goody two shoes she won't give you a chance."
Cardin rolled his eyes at me. "Gee Thanks Rose." He deadpanned with hints of sarcasm in his tone.
"I wasn't finished. But if you really want to ask this girl out, change your act a little." I continued.
"Wait wha-" Cardin said.
"I'm not finished." I interrupted. "Anyway, if you really love her, clean yourself up a little. Maybe just be yourself, not the you everyone wants to see.
Cardin nodded. He seemed to understand what I told him... I hope anyway... "I think I get it. Thank you Rose"
I went to grab my pajamas "Any time Cardin." I said to him. "Good night. And for the Gods sake, clean up in here"
Cardin chuckled "Alright MOM."
[Friday, Ballroom of Beacon 3:45]
{Justin/Achilles' perspective}
Weiss shoved out two pieces of cloth in front of me while I was busy with some decorations that hung on the wall and told me "I need you to pick a tablecloth for the dance."
I looked at both of them dead confused. "Weiss those are the same colors" I pointed out.
She seemed displeased by that. "You're such a guy" Weiss said walking away to Ruby.
"The hell does that mean?" I yelled throwing my hands up.
She pretty much ignored me. Ouch that kind of hurt a little.
"Don't worry about it A, she's just being herself" Yang said carrying a subwoofer that is three times her size.
Honestly I was amazed she can carry that on her own. I have to have someone help me at work back home on Earth for anything similar in size.
"How on Remnant are you carrying that?!" I asked.
"Hm? Oh it's easy, I lift with my legs" She said as she casually walked over to where she needed to set it down at.
Note to self: Do not piss Yang off, I'm pretty sure she could yeet me back to my solar system.
Oh she's talking to Ruby, better see what's up.
"-Oh don't worry, she's going." Yang said with a raised eyebrow.
I walked up and greeted "Hey what's up?"
Yang turned to meet my eyes. "Oh just Blake problems- Weiss! I said no doilies!" Yang yelled.
Weiss then shoved a finger at Yang. "If I don't get doilies, YOU don't get fog machines!" Weiss retorted.
I pushed them apart to prevent a cat fight. "Ladies ladies you're both beautiful. But let's get back to decorating" I said as I turned my head to both of them.
"Your dance is going to have fog machines?" Neptune asked. And this is where I should tune out...
"We were thinking about it" Weiss said quickly.
Welp now I can't ignore this chance to mess with her, "Well you certainly changed your fucking tune" I said crossing my arms.
She glared at me and shoved a finger in my direction, "Quiet you!" she retorted.
Sun then interjected "You ladies, and gentleman, all ready for dress-up?"
I rolled my eyes. "As ready as one can be. I never really liked suits." I said as I went back to what I was doing.
I heard Weiss behind me say "That's surprising to hear knowing your family."
I sighed "Well Weiss, ya learn something every day."
I then heard Ruby groan.
"Laugh all you like, I'll be turning heads tomorrow night" Yang claimed.
"Both boys and girls alike I'm sure" I mumbled under my breath.
"Did you say something?" Yang asked.
I shook my head. "No Yang, not at all. Don't you have a cat faunus to find?" I asked.
Yang gave a look like she just remembered. She then ran out of the ballroom.
"So what are you wearing?" Weiss asked mostly Neptune.
I wasn't paying any attention because I was busy with what I was doing.
"Um… this?" Sun said as I'm sure he was gesturing to his outfit.
"Ignore him, for he does not know what he says" Neptune said moving in front of Sun.
Blah blah blah I've heard enough.
Besides, y'all know the show so I'm not going to bother with the rest of their dialogue.
In the meantime, I trust Yang will handle things from here. In the meantime with that, I've got a dance to prep for. I heard my scroll vibrate. I would check it, however, my hands were full. Since I have bunch of streamer rolls on my left arm. Eh, I'll check it later on and see what's up. It's probably Jocelyn. Whether or not it was a photo of Arkos finally getting together, I'll know later. For now though, I better make sure this dance is a night to remember. For both reasons.
Author's note
I was going to have all of this as one chapter, but I decided to split it up between two different chapters. Moslty because there was so much I wanted to write.
