Disclaimer: Of course I don't own RWBY, its characters, or the franchise. That's all Rooster Teeth~
Story: Where James found himself with a penpal and writing back, and ended up with a strange kind of friendship that he was actually enjoying. If he found himself a Romeo, he supposed he could deal with being 'Juliet'.
Set as crack!AU (sometimes taken serious?), in which Ruby and Ironwood somehow become penpals before main series start and related to my other RWBY fic "Team RAMEN!"
Spoilers: Probably.
Warnings: Age disparity, maybe future situations if this is continued. Crack humor in abundance and absurdity rampant –probably OOC. Tons of fluff, though be warned of depressive moments because of undiagnosed depressive characters.
Pairings: Ruby/James Ironwood; IronRose pre-relationship.
The R&J Exchange
Chapter Fiver: Cheer
For once, James had a day off. He thought he'd spend it home, unusually enough, and do as he once told R he liked to do —read by his fireplace. Having written that to her made him think of it and now he'd found the perfect time to do so. But first, he had a new letter from R to read.
Quick to open it up, he started to read eagerly. He frowned though, when he realized that he saw some areas being tear-stained, even from the back of the paper.
Dear J,
Sorry, I'm just writing really quick. I have to go on a field trip for my class. I'm writing a quick letter during class actually and will hand it off to my dad to send off to you. I just wanted to let you know what was happening, so you don't wonder why my letter is taking so long to reach you. I didn't really tell Dad much about you, only that I have a penpal and to send this to your address.
I just wanted to say that I'm really happy you're talking to me. And on friendship, honestly…
You're my first and only friend, so thank you for still talking to me.
I appreciate you indulging me, though you don't have to anymore.
R
James was more than worried about R by now and admitted that he was upset he couldn't do anything. He didn't like knowing she was upset about something and had even cried over whatever it was. He wanted to cheer her up, but he didn't know what he could do for her.
He also wasn't happy that she thought that he was only indulging her, that she didn't understand that he reciprocated her enthusiasm for their letter exchange. James, since deciding to continue this correspondence, genuinely found himself happy to write to her and was eager to get one of her letters back. He just needed to find a way to get her to see that.
Once again, James recalled he was off that day. He had nothing else to do. He didn't have to work. So he could…he could…he could figure something out for her. What did girls like?
Gifts. Any female of any age liked gifts, didn't they? Even Winter on occasion would wear some trinket or two that was given by someone.
He was out of his house as soon as he got ready and headed to a popular outlet he'd overheard was pretty useful for shopping for others.
James' first thought was that maybe she'd like pretty things. She was a girl, but then again that didn't always stand to mean that she would be typical and like 'girly' things. She had, after all, expressed her love for weapons. So maybe a compromise between the two, so he could make sure either way?
He found the outlet's map and looked through it, trying to determine the best shop to head to. Heedless of the glances towards him, he determinedly went to the one shop he was betting on. Relieved that he'd made the right choice the first time around, he looked around the Dust jewelry shop for something R might like.
"Can I help you, Sir?" one of the employees came towards him and James ignored the obvious wide eyes and glances at his military uniform.
"I'd like something that can transform into a weapon," he said bluntly.
"Matthews, I can take over," they were interrupted by whom he saw was the manager, smiling congenially at James. "General Ironwood! Welcome to this humble store. I think I overheard you asking about some of our jewelry that could be turned into a weapon?"
"That's right. I have a friend," he said naturally, not even pausing at saying it, "who I'd like to give something pretty to cheer her up with. She likes weapons though, so I ideally would prefer if the jewelry could transform into something functional."
"Do you remember if she has long or short hair?" the manager asked and James inwardly frowned. He hadn't gotten to ask her how she looked; they hadn't gotten to that point yet.
"I'm not sure," he answered and the manager gestured to a certain area. "We have a selection of hair combs and hair clips that can change into various blades. Good for a quick surprise attack, if she needed a weapon suddenly."
James hummed, already looking over the display case. "Red is her favorite color, so something with rubies perhaps…"
"May I suggest this then?"
The man picked out a very pretty hair clip, composed of silver floral designs that reminded him of his revolvers, with twin rubies inlaid in the middle and parallel to each other. Then the manager changed it and it became a sharp, thin dagger.
James nodded, pleased. "It's perfect. Wouldn't do anything against Grimm, but it's more than sufficient for an enemy attacker."
"Very good, General! Good choice," the other praised. "I'll ring it up."
He made a nonchalant noise, taking one last look and eyes alighting on something.
"That as well," he pointed it out. The manager made a pleased noise as he went to grab the other item.
Besides, his gut told him that he would need that one for the future.
Once home, he focused on one thing —writing back and sending a letter back for her to come home to (if her Signal field trip was one of those that were meant to last a few days) and a gift to cheer her up (as well as some choice words).
Dear R,
I hope you will feel better when you come back to read this letter, or whenever it gets to you. I'm sorry you're feeling upset and it sounds like you are having a rough time.
However, let me make one thing very clear, R. I am not obligated or forced to write back to you, and nowhere am I indulging you in this. I enjoy and just as much am happy to be your penpal.
We haven't exchanged many letters yet, so it's strange and amazing to be so happy and eager for us to write back and forth already…But that's how it is and I am just as much feeling that way as you. Perhaps because of the lack of friends I have that the bonds I do create are ones I am very invested in. I guess, strangely enough, in that way, it means we can already call us friends?
And whatever it is that bothers you, or when you get upset, please feel free to talk to me. You can always put it all on paper and send a letter to me about it, and I promise to listen.
Yours truly,
J
P.S. I attached a small gift for you. I wanted to cheer you up somehow and bought it with you in mind. I hope you like it.
Started 12/30/20 – Completed 12/31/20
A/n: Super happy this little niche story has somehow gained a bit of audience XD Thanks for reading and sticking around, guys!
Quick Point:
1. If you're curious as to the hair clip he got her, the Ao3 version of this story links it :)