Here we go

Cover Art: JustFun101

Chapter 21

"Yang hates Mondays," Ruby explained as reason for the cold shoulder he'd been receiving all day. "Trust me, this is nothing compared to back home. She'd be the best sister in the world all weekend, then literally the devil the second Monday hits. Don't worry about it."

"I'm not worried."

"Uh. You kinda are." Smiling apologetically, she poked his arm. "I know how you work. You had that broody look on your face, and you normally get that when you're thinking about something."

Was he that obvious nowadays? The flaws of living your life with a mask to conveniently hide your emotions were catching up to him. That or Ruby was so much more perceptive than he gave her credit for.

"Know how else I know?" she asked cheekily.

"I'll bite. How?"

"It's Monday. Eight. And you forgot that Pyrrha asked to spar at five."

Adam's eyes widened and he swore uncharacteristically, making to bolt before Ruby grabbed his shoulder and hung on for dear life.

"I texted her!" she wailed. "I texted her when I woke up and saw you were still asleep!" Ruby managed to wrestle him to a stop before he could leave the room and apologise. Adam Taurus was many things, few of them good, but he liked to think he was a man of his word. Missing a promised training session was just poor form.

"Why didn't you wake me up?"

"I tried!" Ruby planted her hands on her hips. "You mumbled something about being too tired, then called me Yang." Her grin returned, impish and full of teeth. Adam had a bad feeling about it. "So… is there any reason Yang should be avoiding you this morning? Is there any reason you're saying her name in your sleep?"

"I thought you said it's normal and she hates Mondays…"

"I was only saying that to cheer you up! Wait, no…"

"Mission failed, Ruby."

"Awww! Seriously, though. Did something happen on your night out?" She leaned into him, eyes sparkling. "Did you ask her out? Did she ask you out? Did you kiss…?"

Adam chuckled and placed a hand on her forehead, pushing her away. She reminded him of Blake when they'd been younger – much younger. Back then, he'd thought of her as a little sister, someone he was going to protect no matter what. How times changed.

"Do I look like the kind of person who would do that, Ruby?"

"No…" she said glumly.

"Exactly. Yang I just had a few drinks, shared a few stories and that was all." Conveniently, she'd just come out the bathroom at that point, brushing her hair into place and fastening the top button of her blouse. "Right, Yang? Nothing important happened."

The blonde froze, trapped, then looked away. "Yeah," she agreed. "Nothing important. I promised to meet some friends. Go to breakfast without me." Stomping to the door, she opened and slammed it behind her, shaking the room and making Ruby and Adam both wince.

"Yeah," Weiss said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Nothing important at all."

/-/

Yang knew she wasn't being subtle. It'd never been her strong point. That was a flaw she accepted. Hearing Adam talk about her like that pissed her the fuck off, though, which didn't make sense considering they'd both agreed that would be the story. She wasn't sure what exactly annoyed her about it. Maybe it was the fact he found it so damned easy to lie, like this was something he'd done time and time before and she was just another notch in the belt.

Don't be stupid. We agreed on this. I want this! Don't I…?

The answer was harder to reach than she'd thought it would be. She didn't fancy Adam – not like that, anyway. He was cool and funny, when he wasn't being a broody asshat, and he was great with Ruby and she loved – liked – that about him. Stop being so sensitive. It's fine to love the way he treats Ruby. I love the way Weiss does, too. Most of the time.

The word felt too dangerous to use, which was stupid. Completely stupid.

"I don't love Adam," she said out loud. "There. That was easy. I don't love him. He's way too old,way too broody and has a tonne of baggage. Absolute no go territory."

Not to mention he'd barely gotten over his ex, and not even then. It was always "her this" and "she that". Yang rolled her eyes, more resigned than feeling any jealousy, and desperately thankful for that.

"I'm not in love with him. Okay. Good to establish. Then why am I so fucking angry?"

Her mind jumped to pregnancy hormones but that was stupid. This'd have to be the fastest pregnancy in the history of Remnant for that to be the case, plus they'd made sure that wouldn't happen. Was it the fact they had sex? Yang didn't think so. That was a mistake on both their parts, and he'd been a lot easier to deal with about it than she could have hoped for. No messy feelings, no complications and no sudden expectation she hang off his arm like a brainless bimbo. In fact, he was almost as relieved about the lack of romance as her. Was that the problem? Did she feel scorned that he wasn't interested?

"No way. I'm not that petty. Ugh. I could really use you right now, mom. Can't tell dad or uncle Qrow this. Can't talk to Ruby. Sure as hell I'm not talking to Miss Goodwitch."

Where had all the trustworthy female figures gone in her life? Oh right, they'd either run away, died or were potentially racist and hated Adam's guts. Cool. Pyrrha…? No, she didn't know her well enough, and she really needed an older and more mature point of view. Times like this, she wished Qrow would stop being a bachelor.

Yang slapped her own face lightly, leaning against a nearby wall and closing her eyes. This was just something she'd have to deal with on her own, and luckily enough it was ten times easier than it had any right to be. She wasn't in love with Adam; he wasn't in love with her; no one knew what they'd done. The obvious choice was just to move on with life and forget it ever happened, just like he was already doing.

Insensitive, jerkish asshole that he was...

"Gahhh! This isn't working!"

"Maybe I can help."

Yang jumped and swore, but the girl who'd spoken wasn't on her team. For a second she'd nearly died at the thought or Ruby or Weiss overhearing her. The girl, who seemed to have come from nowhere, had dark black hair and yellow eyes. She wore the school uniform with the addition of a dark bow in her hair. She looked familiar, but not in any meaningful way, just as someone Yang had seen here and there. Around. Likely in class.

Not someone she would normally share secrets with. "Uh-huh? And you are?"

"Someone who just happened to be passing by."

"How much did you hear?"

"Not much," she admitted. "Just you mumbling to yourself and then saying nothing is working." Her smile was disarming. "I wouldn't normally stick my nose in but I'm not in the mood for breakfast."

"And I don't normally tell my problems to complete strangers. No offence," Yang added. "I just don't know you from Ada-" Her lips pursed, and she cut off. Even that old saying was dangerous now. "I don't know you. I think you're in my class. That's about it."

"Blake." The girl extended a hand. "Blake Belladonna."

Yang took it cautiously. "Yang… Look, Blake, I really appreciate this and all but I don't think you can be any-"

"You're interested in your teammate. Adam."

Shock. Horror. Then, without warning, a startled laugh.

"Whoah! Whoah! You've missed the boat by a mile!" Laughing, Yang let out a long breath. "Whooo! Okay, nice try but no. Adam and I are tight. We're friends." She linked her fingers to show it. "But that's all we are. We live together, train together and hang out together. Don't go reading into things."

"Then you're not…?"

"Whatever you thought. No."

"Maybe I was wrong. I just thought the two of you were acting so close…"

"We are close. That's just the kind of person I am." Maybe the news of their late night training was getting around from those videos. That was stupid, though. They worked out their frustrations because it was easy, effective and they both liked it. She'd do the same with Weiss or Ruby if they wanted. If she wasn't barred from working things out that way now.

"Didn't you go out the other night?"

How did she know about that? Had Ruby and Weiss been talking? Come to think of it, there was a good chance other people from Beacon had been out and seen them. The best places to go clubbing weren't exactly secrets. Maybe someone had seen them tearing up the dance floor. Maybe she'd been there as well.

"Only as friends. Our teammates are sticks in the mud, so they didn't come. Well, Weiss is. My sister is too young." But would also probably be a stick in the mud, too. Now make it a weapons convention and she'd be all over it. "So, yeah, whatever you saw, heard or what your friends told you is wrong. Me and Adam are pals. Teammates. Buddies."

"Lovers?"

"Lov-" Yang bit her lip. Panicky as she was, she managed to laugh. "Funny. Tricking me into saying something doesn't make it true, though. What's your deal anyway? Why are you so-"

"I saw you coming out the pharmacy with him."

Yang's hand sealed over Blake's mouth as she toppled her sideways, yanking her into an empty classroom and slamming the door behind them.

/-/

Adam stepped out the familiar elevator and into the familiar office, striding up to the familiar desk with the familiar man behind it. "I'm not sure what I've done to deserve a direct invitation to your office this time. Has someone blamed me for a miscarriage? Am I at fault for paint drying poorly?"

Ozpin smiled indulgently and gestured to the seat. Adam took it.

"Nothing so dull for once, Adam. I've actually called with good news. The scrolls you and Qrow helped take from the White Fang at the recruitment meeting have yielded results. One of them was contacted."

Adam leaned in. "By whom?"

"Roman Torchwick."

"Who?"

"The man you dealt with before, helping Miss Rose. White coat, orange hair-"

"The poser."

Ozpin chuckled. "Yes. That's an apt way to describe him. I suppose you wouldn't know of him being active so far away before now. Torchwick is something of a notorious figure in Vale. A gentleman thief if you will. Before now, he's always been active but very careful not to be too much of a problem. He steals from those who can afford to be stolen from, both for the economy of such and to avoid labelling himself public enemy."

"Not much point stealing from the poor."

"No, but Torchwick has always been particularly careful to avoid lasting consequences. It would seem that has changed. Why such a man is working with the White Fang is unknown, as is why the White Fang would care to work for him. He is a thief, yes, but hardly an industrious one."

"He would have contacts in Vale," Adam said. "Those can be useful. Knowledge of the area, who to speak to, who is in power…"

"But would you let him command your men?"

"No. I wouldn't."

"That is what baffles us. As far as we can tell, he's in a position of power over the White Fang. If not leading, then at least being granted the authority to order them into position. We're not sure what this means, but we'd naturally like to find out."

That was strange. Adam wasn't sure who would have been made direct leader in his absence, but the role must have fallen to a faunus. Even the worst of them would be better than a selfish thief who only looked out for his own skin. It didn't add up.

"What do you want me to do?"

"I suppose that answers my question of whether or not you wish to be involved." Ozpin gave him a chance to back out anyway; one Adam didn't take. "Very well. We can't infiltrate you into the operation with how recognisable you are, so our best bet is to attack and close it down, capturing either Torchwick himself or enough of the White Fang that we can interrogate them."

"Letting them make the first move would show what it is they're after," Adam suggested.

"Officially, I cannot suggest that as it would mean allowing a crime to happen. However, it would be you and Qrow in the field and you can adapt to the situation as you feel is required."

Adam snorted. The old permission that wasn't permission trick. It'd been so long since he had to deal with it. "Fine. When is it, and where?"

"The meeting is at an abandoned factory. It's still abandoned," he said before Adam could suggest they raid there instead. "Qrow had a look last night and said there's no sign it's been in use. It's likely just a meeting spot. Torchwick hasn't indicated the target but we have our suspicions. A shipment of dust from the SDC will arrive the day prior and will spend the night in the harbour. Given Torchwick and the White Fang have been active in dust robberies of late, this seems the most likely target."

Dust was valuable and always targeted by his raids, but that was only ever outside the walls of cities. The main reason was because once you took dust out of the SDC stamped containers, it was impossible to tell who made it or where it came from, allowing for great ease of sale and distribution. Everyone bought dust. Everyone.

Taking it within a city wouldn't make as much sense. First of all, you'd have to move it. That was fine in the wilds where they could hit an SDC convoy and have hours and hours to siphon it off, but robbery in the middle of Vale would give you minutes at best.

That meant heavy machinery to move the dust.

Again, that was fine in the wild. No one would notice Bullheads or forklifts in abandoned areas of the wilderness, but those couldn't be moved across Vale quietly. You might as well wrap yourself in neon lights and dance in front of a police station. Then, you had the obvious problem of getting rid of it. Everyone bought dust, but not straight after news of a robbery was going around.

They're using it, he realised. That's the only reason they'd want so much dust and not care for how hard it is to shift. If they needed it themselves. But what could the White Fang need with so much dust?

Conquest came to mind, but that was idiocy. If Sienna had given him every member of the White Fang and all the resources she had, he might have been able to attack Vale, but it would have been a terrorist attack. In and out after causing damage. He couldn't hope to hold the city and would never try.

"The Vytal Festival is coming up," Adam warned.

"I know. I, General Ironwood and the Council of Vale are very concerned about the timing of this. That is why I'm taking it so seriously. General Ironwood is sending a team ahead to assess the school and prepare for his arrival. He will be taking over security."

"You don't sound pleased with that."

"I'm not. James is an excellent strategist and a good man, but he is… focused. At times, he is too focused and loses sight of the big picture."

"I'll have to take your word on that," Adam said. On both him being a good man and a strategist. He'd crossed wits with General Ironwood before, and it was hard to respect someone who, with such overwhelming numerical, technological and economical advantages, couldn't take out the White Fang. "Who is he sending? Anyone I should be worried about."

Ozpin sighed. "I'm afraid so."

/-/

Weiss wasn't one to normally scream but the message from her sister had come with exactly no warning and half her team were missing presumed dead. Or at least they'd be wishing they were if she got hold of them. At least Ruby was around – and it was a cold day in hell that she was grateful for the fact, but here they were, welcoming her sister to Beacon far ahead of schedule and far before she was mentally fortified.

"Hello Weiss' sister."

Death could not have come quickly enough. Weiss paled as Winter's cold eyes fixed on her diminutive leader, but for once the eldest Schnee sister did not comment on it. If anything, she looked relieved. Or… not pleased, but less displeased than she expected to be.

Weiss supposed that would be the normal response to Ruby. Upset at someone so young upstaging her sister, but relieved she wasn't half as bad as she looked.

"Good day. I am Winter Schnee. I expect my sister has mentioned me?"

Not one bit. Weiss paled.

"Yep. Weiss said you're amazingly skilled and determined."

"Did she now?" Winter smiled faintly. "Thank you, Weiss. I try my best."

Ruby was officially her favourite person in the world at that moment, especially since she'd lied to casually. Weiss could have kissed her. "Ahem. Yes, well, it's only natural to talk sisters when Ruby's is our other teammate. I'm afraid I'm not sure where Yang is at the moment. She was feeling a little under the weather and skipped breakfast."

"I see. And your… other teammate?"

"Adam was called to see the headmaster."

Winter clicked her tongue and gestured to her two guards. The soldiers, both women, saluted and remained by the aircraft, a sleek, white personal shuttle renowned for its speed and grace.

"Little matter. Why don't you show me to your dorm? I'm curious to see how life is in Beacon. How it differs from Atlas Academy."

"O-Of course." Their room was messy. Weiss looked desperately to Ruby.

"I'll go see if I can find Adam or Yang quick!" she said, hopefully lying. "I'll meet you there." Her teammate shot off with a burst of her Semblance, leaving rose petals fluttering in the air behind. Winter raised an eyebrow and Weiss laughed it off.

"Ruby is excitable but very determined to be a good leader."

"I was under the impression from your letters that you did not like her."

"A poor first impression on my part." Weiss dipped her head. "I'm ashamed to admit I let my ego get ahead of me."

"A problem acknowledged is a problem on its way to being solved," Winter said wisely. "It's good that you recognised it." Winter began moving, indicating that Weiss should lead. "How is your team performing? Are you cohesive?"

"More than most other teams. We train as early as four in the morning." Weiss preened a little at the impressed look on Winter's face. "So far, we've done well on individual and team drills. Miss Goodwitch says she's hopeful we will be chosen to perform in the Vytal Festival."

"A great honour. How is being on a team with a man?"

The implication made Weiss blush, even if that was foolish. There hadn't been any problems to blush at. Not so much as a slipped gown or inopportune shower incident. Adam always knocked.

"It's been easier than I expected. He's a perfect gentleman, if a little rough around the edges."

"Rough how?" Winter asked sharply.

"W-Well, he has his opinions. They're not always the ones I share. He's a faunus," she explained quickly. "There was some early tension between us over that, but I like to think I've proven to him how little that matters. I can understand his paranoia a little more now if I can be honest. There have been a few incidents with the other students."

"What kind of incidents?"

"Harassment," she said. "Sometimes physical." Weiss didn't mention her black eye and knew better than to. Winter would overreact. "I'd never realised how bad discrimination could be. People treat him like he's an animal."

"Perhaps he warrants some of it."

Weiss stopped suddenly. "Excuse me?"

"I'm not talking about his race," Winter said diplomatically, "but it's worth remembering that people don't always treat someone poorly just because of one thing. Perhaps he did something to antagonise those who acted against him. You can't only see it from his point of view-"

"Forgive me, sister, but I believe I had a better point of view on the situation than you do from Atlas." Weiss' tone was frosty, almost biting. "I was here after all. I witnessed it."

"I'm only saying that some people like to blame racism for everything. It's not always just that. You can dislike a person who is faunus without their race coming into it. Don't default on assuming the reason is discriminatory."

"I'm not defaulting to anything. I was there. This is our room," Weiss said quickly, changing the subject before she could sour things further. Winter was surely just trying to ease tensions, but it didn't feel right. Weiss tried her best to ignore it. "Team RYST's dorm. Let me just open it for you."

By the time she'd scanned her scroll against the lock and opened it, Ruby had shoved all their loose clothing into cupboards, under beds and anywhere else she could think of. The room was not clean by any means, but it wasn't a mess either. Weiss' side was mostly well kept, while Adam's was spotless. That had more to do with his lack of possessions than anything. His sword rested against his bedframe, the red hilt sticking out the black sheath.

"No luck finding Yang or Adam?" Weiss asked.

"Um. Nope. I just got here."

Weiss sent her team leader a grateful smile as Winter moved into the room and looked about. Reading her impressions was close to impossible but Weiss knew they couldn't have been negative because she would have said so. Winter moved to Weiss' bed and inspected it, touching the cloth of her sheets and humming.

"I was planning to wash them next weekend." Weiss lied.

"They will need it by then. The room is… cramped."

"We considered bunkbeds but lacked the materials, and Miss Goodwitch said we couldn't fit any through the door. We only really start and end our days here, so the space isn't an issue."

"A good point." Winter's eyes fixed on Adam's weapon and narrowed. "This is your teammate's weapon? Why is it in the room?"

"Oh. I asked if I could look at it." Ruby said.

He'd brought it out on a promise to let Ruby inspect the firing mechanism for ideas on how to set fire to Crescent Rose's blade. Weiss really didn't see the point, but Ruby had just shouted "flaming blade, duh!" like that answered everything. It wasn't worth getting into an argument over.

"Is it really safe to sleep in the same room as someone who is armed?"

"We're all dangerous," Weiss pointed out. "Even unarmed. Adam doesn't keep it on him normally. It's only because Ruby asked to look at it. I don't see the problem."

"I'm only concerned for your safety."

"I trust Adam would not harm me," Weiss said.

There was a curious twitch to Winter's expression when she said that. Her sister pinched her lips tight and her nose scrunched up like she'd bitten on a lemon. Weiss wasn't sure she liked it, but she more than noticed Ruby's eyes turning to sharp slits of gunmetal grey. Desperately, Weiss waved her down. Winter wasn't like that. This was all just a misunderstanding. It was her sister suddenly getting overprotective because she was with a boy. Bizarre, but understandable.

"You've only known him for what, a month? Two? I hardly think that's enough time to let your guard down in his presence. If he's been in as many fights as you say, then I believe I have a right to be concerned."

"He didn't start those fights," Ruby said.

"It takes two to tango, Ruby Rose. Even if he did not instigate them, he has some culpability for engaging-"

"Perhaps!" Weiss interrupted before things could get any worse. "Perhaps you should wait until you meet Adam before making any assumptions. He's actually very reasonable and exceptionally disciplined. I think you will like him."

The look on Winter's face said that she highly doubted that.

/-/

Yang kept her hand over the nosy girl's mouth until she was sure they were alone. A quick check of the classroom proved that, and she dragged Blake even further in, all but tossing her at the teacher's desk before letting go.

"Alright. I don't know what you saw or why you were watching-"

"I saw you take birth control. You slept with Adam."

"What I do or don't do with my teammate is exactly none of your business!" Yang hissed. "Also, it's no one else's business either, so you better not say a word about what you saw! Got it? Not a word!"

"I'm not your enemy."

"No. You're a nosy classmate who knows a secret I need keeping. That's ten times worse because I can't break your nose without getting in trouble." It was tempting all the same. Maybe she'd suffer amnesia and forget ever seeing anything.

We didn't even check to see who was watching. We probably weren't the only ones from Beacon enjoying a night out. Hell. How many people could have seen us?

Blake pushed her hand away and sat on the desk, placing her hands in her lap. It might have been meant to make her look less intimidating, but she still knew things she shouldn't. Posture didn't help.

"What do you want?" Yang asked tiredly. "What do I have to do to keep you quiet?"

"I'm not here to blackmail you."

"Then what are you here for? To say you saw the evidence of me banging my teammate? Yeah, thanks. Awesome. I kinda figured out what happened already. I'm having enough problems over it."

Golden eyes narrowed. "What kinds of problems?"

"The kind that are none of your business!"

"I can help you."

"Unless you can unsex me, I doubt it. Gah. Just forget what you saw, okay? That's the best way you can help me."

"Is Adam threatening you?"

Yang… choked on air. "W-What?"

"Is he threatening you?" Blake pressed. "Is he forcing you to do something you don't want?"

"What? No. What?" she repeated. "No! What the hell made you think that!?"

"I can help you if he is."

"He isn't!" Yang snapped. "And if he was, I'd kick his ass myself. Fuck. Is there something about him that makes you think he'd do that?" Her expression darkened. "It better not be the fact he's a faunus."

In answer, Blake reached up and removed her bow. Two black ears poked out, shocking her. Huh. Well, maybe she wasn't against Adam for that then. Yang didn't bother asking why she'd hide them. After being on a team with Adam, she knew.

"Well either way, Adam isn't forcing me to do anything. We got drunk, got… intimate." She cringed at the word. "And then he said it didn't have to mean anything. He… He's been great about it." The pit opening up in her stomach said otherwise, but for the life of her she didn't know why. "He's been awesome. A lot better than I'd have thought."

Blake peered into her eyes. It pissed Yang off more than she cared to admit, because it was like the girl thought her some abuse case hiding the truth out of fear of Adam. As complicated as things were now, he was a friend. A good friend. All this doubt wasn't doing much for her already fragmented mood.

"You shouldn't get involved with him." Blake said. "Not at all. Certainly not romantically. I can't force you to, but I'd suggest you spare yourself the problems and stay away."

Yang bristled. "Is that a threat?"

"No. It's a warning. I know Adam-"

"You clearly fucking don't if you're talking like this about him!"

"He's not someone who can be trusted."

"Fuck off!" Yang shouted, startling Blake. Yang slammed a hand down on the desk, eyes burning red. "Do you know who can't be trusted? You! Because I don't know you and I don't have any reason to trust you! Whatever goes on between Adam and me," she pointed to herself for emphasis, "is our business. It's not yours. It won't ever be yours."

"I thought you said nothing was going on between you."

"It's not-" Yang bit herself off. "We're done here. Tell anyone what you saw, and we'll be having words." Words with her fists, maybe. Yang was fuming as she marched away from the desk, ignoring Blake's attempts to call her back.

"Don't get involved with him. He's violent and twisted by madness. You don't know the things he's seen and what they've done to him. He can act civil but it's just a mask. Underneath, he's a monster."

"Like you'd fucking know…"

"He's using you to get back at me!"

Yang froze in the doorway. Her heart felt like it was gripped tight in a fist. Her stomach dropped out from under her, leaving her dizzy. "What… What did you just say…?"

Drama. Arghhh. Blake, she's well intentioned and has so much reason and right to feel this way about Adam, because the Adam in the show was one who just couldn't give up on her.

Next Chapter: 22nd December (maybe)

I've yet to fully decide when I'll have time off this Christmas. I usually do 2 weeks, but since I had to take a week off in November, I'm going to try and do only 1 week off now. As such, the date for the next chapter will EITHER be 22nd December or 29th December.

Depending on what week I take off.

P a treon . com (slash) Coeur