Chapter 38
The steel stock was cold against her cheek, her neck bent at a mild angle to look down the scope. She was lying prone on the ground, belly down on a rough cotton blanket. Her breath pooled around her face, gently fogging up the delicate glass optic. The grip was rough against her right hand, her left elbow was dug into the ground to support her torso.
"Plus two rise" her spotter said. She lifted her right hand gingerly from the grip and twisted the vertical adjustment dial on the scope, watching the black cross-hair lower slightly on the tree she was aimed at, indicating that she was now aimed slightly more upwards.
"Time to target?" she questioned. Her spotter fumbled with her spotter's aperture.
"Four point five seconds."
She pondered this. Whatever she wanted to hit would need a reasonable lead time if it was moving. Her hand returned to the grip, pausing there for a moment as she gingerly turned the long barrel to the left, scanning the horizon for something to hit. A lone beowolf came into view.
"Eyes on target."
"I see it."
She watched it move for a minute. It looked to be of average size, walking at a slow pace. Only ten metres of lead distance would be necessary, she quickly calculated.
"Effective firing range?"
"Four thousand metres."
"Distance to target?"
There was a pause as her spotter fiddled with the aperture's laser distance sensor, followed by the sound of scribbling of a pencil.
"Three thousand, eight hundred and ninety-four metres."
Too close.
She held her right hand out, waiting for her payload. The sound of steel being pulled out foam was deafening in her ear. She heard her spotter press two rounds into the magazine. The first one making that signature clink as it bit into the spring, the second one scraping against the first, pulling some of the brass polish off. Not that the polish would be around for much longer, of course. The magazine was pushed against her palm. She exhaled a cloud of breath around her own face again, bringing the magazine to the magwell. It slipped in with ease, clicking into place once fully seated. Her hand moved from the bottom of the magazine to the bolt handle. She tracked the beowolf as it moved across the landscape nearly four kilometres in front of her. Her hand twitched on the bolt handle, not used to using a right-handed weapon. She lifted the bolt, sliding it smoothly back so the shell ejector wouldn't spring the first round out and onto the blanket. When it was in it's fully back position, she let go, bringing her hand down to the blanket, her eye still firmly glued to the soon-to-be-dead Grimm.
"Windspeed at target?"
More silence.
"Six kilometres per hour, due North..." more scribbling "...fourteen degrees west."
She twisted the lateral adjustment dial one click to the right. Right on target. Her right hand came up to the bolt handle again, fingers wrapping around it.
"Remember, only throw that bolt forward when you're ready to end a life."
She smiled slightly. Grimm don't have lives. They're just mindless creatures who feed on death and destruction. Killing one measly beowolf would be no big issue for her. She moved the bolt handle forward, feeling each notch and slide as it moved the huge round off of the magazine's follower and into the firing chamber. The final click it made to signify that it was prepped to fire gave her a warm feeling in her chest as she rotated the bolt handle down into firing position. Her hand slid silently back onto the grip, index finger resting on the receiver case and not the trigger. Gun safety was paramount, even when killing Grimm.
"Shooter ready."
"All clear."
Her finger moved down to the trigger. Her breathing slowed, methodical as she readied the shot. Her finger squeezed slightly, prepping the complex two-stage trigger. Any further and there would be only one chance to kill this ugly beast. She gave a few metres of lead.
"Aim for centre mass."
Her smile returned. She was going for the head. She rotated her wrist slightly, finger still poised on the trigger. She held her breath.
Squeeze, don't pull.
She squeezed. The weapon exploded, the pneumatic barrel careening backward into the gun, the shockwave kicking up the light dusting of snow that was under the barrel. Bright orange flame licked out from the muzzle break, filling her optic with only a blinding white light for a moment. Without hesitation, her right hand shot up to the bolt, and in one swift movement, she chambered the follow-up round. Her sight returned to the beowolf, which was still alive for the moment. It would only be a matter of time, she knew, as she counted out the seconds in her mind.
Three...
Two...
She waited. Then the beowolf's head exploded in a cloud of black mist. The rest of the body seemed to pause in mid-stride, as if it was confused by it's own lack of head. It finally slumped to the ground, the flesh slowly becoming that odorous black mist that they all hated. Not that it mattered, it was four kilometres away, she couldn't smell it from here. Satisfied with her shot, she removed her cheek from the side of the stock and leaned her face away from the scope, flicking the safety switch upward. She got back up on her knees, finally comfortable compared to the belly-down position she had been lying in. Shouldering the rifle properly and working the bolt to eject the unused round, she looked over at her spotter. Who was frowning at her.
"What part of 'centre mass' did you not understand?"
But I didn't miss!
Her fantasy was shattered.
"But I did still kill it."
Her spotter's frown subsided, and her hand released from her own sniper, her knuckles white and strained against the polished red paintwork.
"You have a fantasy monologue of being a spec-ops sniper going on in your head, don't you."
Weiss giggled.
"Yes, I do. And it was spectacular. What's that phrase you use? Use many bullets but only one hits?"
Ruby dropped her head into her hands, grumbling.
"No, wait I remember. It was 'one shot, one kill', Rose-Petal. You've taught me well."
Ruby laughed. "And you call me the dolt."
Yeah. But you love me anyways.
"Do you know why we always were taught to aim for centre mass instead of the head?"
Weiss gave an upward glance at Ruby while she pulled the empty magazine from her rifle, giving her a shrug.
"Haven't a clue."
Ruby sighed.
"Well, in video games, you get extra points for landing skill shots, right? But in real life combat situations, there is no points, no achievements, no 'winning'. Landing a hit on mass is much easier and much more consistent than trying to be fancy and landing headshots. If you miss a headshot, you die. Squad commander doesn't want us to die."
Weiss frowned. What Ruby said was true, of course. In combat situations it was better to land more hits to ensure a kill than it was to risk missing, even if hitting a Grimm in the head guaranteed a kill in one shot. She silently put away the rifle back into the foam-filled steel carrying case it had been given to her in. She looked over her shoulder at Ruby, who was putting her very own rifle, the infamous Crescent Rose, back into it's matching red storage case. She seemed a little upset. Weiss spoke up softly.
"Did something go wrong, Ruby?"
Her head turned, silver eyes a little down-trodden.
"Yeah, but it's not a huge deal."
Is it the scar?
"I made a mistake on mission. Got surprised, aimed for the head on instinct, being a sniper normally of course. The K&H assault rifles are supposed to be really accurate, too."
It's the scar.
"But you didn't die. And you got a cool scar from it."
Ruby looked back over, some of the light returning to her face.
"You think it's cool?"
Weiss grinned, clasping up the rifle case. She stood up and strode over to her friend, her face warm.
"I think it's sexy. Makes you look roguish and aggressive. I like that a lot."
She could feel the heat in her cheeks. Ruby's eyebrows perked up, a sly smile coming to her face. It was contagious. Weiss let the goofy smile come to her face, feeling a little embarrassed at having admitted that. She turned away, sure that the redness would be blinding for poor Ruby. Her eyes flicked back over to said girl, and she noticed that Ruby was smiling and biting her lip, her face a similar shade of crimson. She giggled a little, and Weiss could hear her mumble something under her breath.
"heh, you think I'm sexy..."
Damn right I do!
She picked up her weapon case, putting the long strap back over her shoulder. Once her spotter had finished collapsing the mighty Crescent Rose and returning it to it's armoured case, Weiss held out her hand to help the blushing soldier up. They hiked back up the dirt pathway to the shooting range main building, hand in hand. Weiss's heart rate climbed as Ruby's gloved hand squeezed down on her own. It was adorable how the younger girl just melted around her.
"I stand by what I said before, Rubes. This is a very unorthodox firing range."
Ruby bumped herself against Weiss's side, her strong grasp becoming almost too strong.
"Well, it's not like we're in any danger. There's like three automated weapons outposts in the surrounding ravine. Live targets are more satisfying, anyway."
"Grimm don't have lives, Ru."
Weiss watched Ruby roll her eyes.
"You know what I mean. The Atlas military built this range to train snipers, specifically spec ops soldiers like myself. I actually taught a course here for two weeks on assignment. More Grimm were killed that fortnight than on any other mission, and we never had any danger-close incidents."
Weiss looked over at her, a curious expression crossing her face as they reached the main building.
"You were a teacher?"
Ruby shrugged.
"Eh. Briefly. I wouldn't consider it as a career, thought. Go inside, it's cold as knobs out here."
She pulled the door to the main building open. Walker's Range was a military funded shooting range situated on a cliff, an old army barracks that had been converted into a weapon shop and range. It had been very conveniently situated just off the highway on their route to the next fuel stop, and Ruby had recommended that they stop in for a bit to visit her old handler, Graenn Walker. The grizzled old veteran was sitting behind his counter as they entered, field stripping some Valean pistol, his forest-green dress shirt stained with various greases and metal polishes. He looked up at them through his glasses, smiling as he recognized his favourite patron.
"Welcome back, Agent Red. Good hunting?"
Ruby smiled at the old man. Weiss couldn't help but smile as well upon seeing the happy expression her friend had put on.
"Kinda sparse today. Weiss got a Beowolf though. Turns out that she's a good shot, even though she's a 'spineless corporate shark', as you'd say."
Both Weiss and Graenn laughed. The old man sighed and put down the half-finished handgun, standing up from behind his desk, circling around to the front. Weiss stepped back slightly as the huge behemoth of a man stepped toward them. He must have been nearly seven feet tall, his head almost touched the ceiling.
"I never said that, Red. She looks like a perfectly reasonably nice lady."
He leaned over Weiss, his previously happy expression becoming a scowl. He lowered his voice, strong and serious.
"I hear you like my sniper."
Weiss was taken aback, her voice faltered.
"Y-yes sir, I do."
"You promise to keep her safe?"
Weiss met his gaze, frightened but determined.
"I always strive to be my best self, sir. Ruby is important to me. You can trust me to protect her."
He paused for a moment and narrowed his eyes.
"Good to hear. But if you even think once about hurting her, I will personally find you and pull each of your limbs off, one by one." He said, poking her in the shoulders to indicate precisely where it would hurt most. Weiss shivered, but kept her resolve.
"I understand, sir. But I just want to point out that she's a soldier. I'm sure she's more capable of actually hurting anyone than I am with my noodle arms."
The old soldier's serious expression broke at the mere mention of her 'noodle arms', as deep hearty laughter bellowed out. She could hear Ruby giggle as well from her place over at one of the glass gun cabinets. Weiss gave a toothy and goofy smile. The old man stood up and clasped her on the shoulder, a brief twinge of pain shooting through her as the likely fifty-pound hand collided with her delicate form.
"I like you, Schnee. You're alright."
Ruby strolled over, and put her arms around Weiss's midsection.
"I like her too, Walker. Please try not to damage her. She has to drive next."
Weiss blushed as Ruby placed her lips on her cheek.
"Speaking of, we really need to get going if we want to get to Frühlingdorf before one thirty. Besides, you promised to buy me lunch, remember?"
Weiss let out a deep sigh, still smiling.
"Yes, I remember, you cuddly dolt."
She handed the weapon case she was still holding back to the giant weapons dealer, who took it from her gracefully, as if the forty-pound rifle weighed only as much as a pistol. She took Ruby's hand after the giddy brunette had received her goodbye-hug, and they walked back out to the sparkling burgundy truck, climbing in and settling down for the final half hour drive to town. Before Ruby had a chance to do up her seatbelt, Weiss reached over in a sudden instance of forward affection, and placed her hands on Ruby's rather ample chest. Ruby stopped mid-movement.
Ha! Got her!
Ruby paused. She looked down at the hands on her chest, blinked a few times, then looked over at Weiss.
"What are you doing?"
Weiss giggled in her seat.
"Aiming for centre mass."
Chapter 39
The road to Frühlingdorf was perfectly plowed, with no snow at all. The temperature was warming up as well. Ruby rolled her window down and stuck her arm out. She reached up to her sun visor and grabbed her shades, tossing them on and shaking the loose bangs out of her face. She glanced over at her passenger, who was similarly wearing sunglasses. Only she was smirking back at her.
"You look like Yang trying to be cool, you know."
Ruby scoffed, mildly offended.
"I'll have you know that I'm exceedingly cool. Yang's lame motorcycle and shades pale in comparison to me."
Weiss whipped her hair around, which Ruby found quite humorous. The long white off-centre pony tail flipped around and smacked Weiss's face, causing Ruby to snicker.
"Motorcycles aren't lame, Ruby Rose."
Ruby turned and the sunlight glinted off her shades. She watched as Weiss flinched from the glare.
"Yes, they are."
Weiss crossed her arms.
"No, they aren't."
"Yes, they are!"
Weiss bashed her fists against the seat and harrumphed.
"They are so incredibly cool! You don't even know! I look fucking sexy on mine!"
Ruby paused mid-laugh. She turned to the white-haired and frowning person in the passenger seat.
"You ride motorcycles?"
Her passenger turned red in the seat and crossed her arms, turning away slightly. Ruby reached across the bench and touched Weiss's shoulder. The angry girl shrugged the hand off, and Ruby felt a tiny twinge of regret at her words.
"Yeah, but you said you don't like it."
Ruby shrunk in her seat. It hadn't been her intention to upset her friend, she was just trying to poke fun at her own sister was all. Something she had said had angered Weiss. Not like that was a big surprise, that is.
"Weiss, I was only joking. I'm sorry if I've upset you. I didn't mean it."
Ruby turned away, ashamed. She sniffed. Weiss was scary when she was angry. She tried not to cry.
"I'm sorry."
There was a shuffling of clothes from the seat next to her.
"Ruby..."
No! You're angry! I'm sorry!
"Ruby!"
Ruby looked over, her eyes down-trodden.
Bra.
She furrowed her brow and looked forward again. That couldn't be right. Did she just see... undergarments? Ruby took a second look.
I was right. That's a bra.
Her gaze returned forward. She had just seen Weiss's bra, exposed. It clicked in her head.
WAIT, WEISS HAS HER TITS OUT.
Her neck nearly snapped under the force of looking back over at the white-haired vixen in the passenger seat.
"Weiss! What the hell!"
The aforementioned girl giggled to herself as she pulled the black turtleneck back down over the smooth white skin and lacy blue bra. Ruby watched each motion intently, forgetting entirely that she was driving. Weiss straightened up in her seat and gave a smug look.
"Well, you seemed sad, and I needed to make you happy, ergo, my boobs. And I'm not really upset with you, Ruby, I know you were joking."
Ruby blinked a few times, her mouth agape.
"Motor...cycles..."
Weiss straightened her back and pushed her chest out. Despite her girlfriend being less well-endowed, Ruby couldn't help but ogle the soft round mounds protruding from the confident woman. Her brain was a mess of confusing sights and sounds, all culminating from the bosom of the white-haired ice-princess.
"Yes, pervert, I do ride, and likely a whole lot better than your sister, who seems intent on just going fast and being a nuisance."
"...boobs..."
"I have to say, though, she has reasonable taste in bikes. It's because of her suggestion that I bought that old Hunter NiteEagle seven-fifty. Brilliant bike, really. Plenty of go for an old Vacuan machine made thirty-four years ago."
"...sexy..."
"Now, I know I criticized you the other day for buying a car made in Vacuo, but truth be told the best stuff is made there. My bike has never broken down once since I bought it. Okay, well, there was that once time the battery died because I left the ignition on overnight, but that doesn't count, right?"
A small amount of drool had escaped Ruby's mouth. She still couldn't get the image of Weiss laying on her motorcycle, clad only in her lacy blue lingerie out of her head. Her lower region stirred at the thought, and her hand subconsciously dropped to her lap.
"Ruby! Not while you're driving!"
But it's hot as fuck.
Weiss's snapping fingers brought her back to reality. Her eyes came back up and turned back to the road, just in time to see that she had drifted over into the oncoming lane. She wrenched the wheel back right and the old truck heaved unwillingly back onto the correct side of the road, all the while Weiss was laughing at her. The laughing stopped suddenly.
"Ruby, how fast are we going?"
She checked the speedometer.
Oh, shit.
She lifted her foot off the accelerator, the big truck lurching forward on its springs, shaking a little from the previous onslaught of speed. Ruby sheepishly tried to hide her embarrassment.
"Well, we aren't going a hundred and forty-five anymore. How's that?"
Weiss audibly shook her head as Ruby giggled a little.
"I swear, Ruby, you are going to be the death of me."
Ruby shrugged.
"Yeah, but you love me."
"Yes. Yes I do."
Ruby sniffed and wiped her nose on her sleeve. Odd, she thought, furrowing her brow and looking down at the stain on her sleeve. Her nose began to tingle, and a burning sensation welled up in her chest. This was abnormal. Was it allergies? It couldn't be! They were seasonal, and it was winter! Ruby looked around at the surrounding landscape. There was not an inch of snow to be seen.
"Hey, Rubes, do you mind if I turn the heat down? It's stifling in here."
She nodded her answer, trying not to let the impending explosion burst forth, her index finger pressed against her philtrum. She glanced over at the window crank, a pained look on her face. If she moved her finger from blocking her nose, she'd sneeze. If she didn't roll the window back up, she'd sneeze. It was a lose-lose situation.
Aw shit, and it was just cleaned in here.
She turned her face out the window. And exploded.
Chapter 40
By the time Weiss had ceased laughing and her driver had rolled her window back up, they had pulled into the small villa of Frühlingdorf, where the sun shone brightly down upon them. Weiss had pulled her oversized and exceedingly fashionable sunglasses from her purse and tossed them on, as the glare from the truck's paintwork was almost unbearable. Her driver sniffled again and spoke up.
"Why's the weather so weird here? Like, it's all warm and pollen-y."
Weiss smiled and looked over at the pouting brunette. Damn, she was pretty, even when flustered.
"Well, Ruby, let me tell you a little story about a man named..."
"Weiss, I'm certain there's some real interesting legend about this place. I just want to know why the weather is weird."
Weiss paused, mildly insulted. There indeed was a legend of this town, one where a man by the name of Jahreszeit came to the land and settled down with a girl named Wärme, and they lived happily ever after and such, as they do. Weiss frowned, annoyed that she didn't get to tell her story.
"Hmph. Fine. It's because this town was built on a fault line, and the heat of the planet's mantle in this location keeps the ground and air warm, so it's in a constant state of springtime, hence the name Frühlingdorf, which directly translates to 'spring village'. Happy, you sneezy dolt?"
Her driver softened the pout.
Wow, those lips are making me have bad thoughts. Down, Weiss.
"I suppose that's acceptable. So where are you taking me for lunch?"
Weiss pulled out her scroll and indicated for Ruby to hold on. A quick peruse of an online review site and she had her answer. It was only a short drive away, and they had arrived in no time, found a parking spot that fit Ruby's obnoxiously large truck, and were standing outside. They both frowned.
"Huh."
"Yeah, I don't get it either."
"I mean..."
"No, you're right Ru, that's just obscene"
"Put my meat in your mouth Burgers and Shakes?"
Weiss shrugged and they walked cautiously inside."
"Well, it has the best reviews for burger joints in this town, and I know how much you like burger, so..."
A bell dinged above the door frame as Weiss pushed it open. The warm aroma of cooking beef and peanuts permeated her nose, causing her to shiver with delight. It would be a fair sight messier than anything Klein could cook up back a the manor, but she was certain that it would be good nonetheless. You didn't win a Blue Ribbon if your food sucked, after all. A sign just inside the doorway indicated that they were allowed to seat themselves, so Weiss took Ruby's hand gently and led her over to the small diner's bar. The polished counter top shined within an inch of it's life, the chromed steel coffee machines and milk-shakers glinting sunlight at them. They almost needed sunglasses inside, everything was so clean. Not thirty seconds after she and Ruby had deposited themselves up onto bar stools, a cheerful-looking bear-faunus boy materialized behind the counter, a ridiculous smile adorning his face.
"Goooood afternoon, ladies, and welcome to Put my meat in your mouth! What can I get you today?"
Weiss smirked at him, giving him as sultry a glare as she could muster despite the startling appearance.
"Well, I think I'd like to start with your meat..." she flirted, turning to watch Ruby squirm. Her pout was intoxicating.
"...And a big, tall, thick, dripping glass of your finest white..."
She looked into the young man's eyes, dropping her voice to a whisper.
"...milkshake."
They young faunus's shoulders shook almost imperceptibly, his eyes dilating mildly. A glance over at her companion returned a similar expression. Weiss let out a small chuckle and crossed her arms across her chest. Never before had she been this successful in seducing two people of opposite genders at the same time.
Talk about skill. Good Weiss.
The young faunus shook his head and returned his cheery smile, taking their orders properly with an appropriate amount of sexual tension in the room, all the while Weiss snickered to herself. He returned swiftly with their food, both being cheeseburger meals. The young faunus leaned over from his side of the counter.
"So. Do you ladies want to know why this town is called Frühlingdorf?"
"NO."
The immediacy of Ruby's response caused Weiss to choke on a fry. A quick sip of the frozen milkshake quelled the burning in her throat, and her slight smile caused a dribble of the frozen drink to drip down her chin and onto her jacket. She looked down at it with dismay, letting her shoulders fall a little. She could hear Ruby stifle a laugh, her face rising to meet the cheery girl.
"Don't laugh, it happens to you too, I would assume."
Ruby gave an evil smile.
"Nope. How expensive was that jacket?"
Eight grand.
"Ah, like a hundred lien. I got it on sale on a business trip to Vacuo. It's alright, you know?" She waved her hand dismissively at the new stain. "It keeps the wind and weather out."
Ruby shrugged, turning back to her food, and for once Weiss was glad that she didn't press further on the price. A sudden wave of realization washed over her as she did a mental calculation of how expensive all of her clothing that she had brought was worth. Something to the effect of seven hundred thousand lien. That would be more than double the value of her friend's humble little bungalow way out in the suburbs. She shivered in her seat, causing Ruby to look back over.
"A hundred lien and you're still cold? Sounds like a shitty coat, Weiss-Cream."
Weiss put her elbows up on the bar and placed her face in her hands. Did Ruby have to make fun of her all the time? Well, probably, but at the moment it was inconvenient. Weiss was mentally stomping herself for bringing such expensive clothing, she felt almost gross for this immense display of wealth. She lifted her head and turned back to her friend.
"How much money in clothing do you think I own, Ruby?"
The girl leaned back on her stool and took a bite of fry, looking as if she was pondering dramatically.
"Well, I've been in your closet, which itself is the size of my living room, and I've gone shopping with you many times, so I'd have to guess somewhere in the region of two million? And you've brought something like half a million?"
Weiss cocked and eyebrow. Not so far off, she thought to herself. At least Ruby didn't seem offended by the idea of hugely expensive taste in clothing.
"That's about right, yeah." She paused a moment "Do you think I need such expensive clothes? Like, do they make me look that much better?"
She watched Ruby's face go serious, deep in thought. Her hand moved from the plate of fries to her hip, turning on her stool to have a better look.
"I think that you see the price tag as what is the 'good looking' part of most of your outfits."
Ruby's tone became suddenly defensive.
"Not that I'm saying you never look good, because you always are the best dressed and most attractive person in any room, example, even today in a meagre wind-breaker and black pants I'd say you rock that look." she turned to the young faunus behind the bar "Wouldn't you agree?"
The man nodded, smiling brightly as he cleaned a mug.
"And furthermore, It's your intensely positive attitude that makes all of your outfits really shine. You'd make sweatpants and hoodies look professional. Maybe even sexy."
Weiss snorted out a laugh.
"I don't believe that for a second. I would never wear sweatpants! How uncouth!"
Ruby smiled at her, and whatever fake sense of offence that she had felt at the mere idea of sweatpants washed away, replaced by a warm feeling in her core. Ruby's smile was devastatingly contagious.
"Besides, all of my clothes are tailor made, even my gym-wear. Gregori Armano fits me personally when I need a new outfit."
Ruby's expression became accusatory.
"You just said you bought that coat for a hundred lien. Something's not adding up here, Weiss. Also, your underwear is also custom?"
Weiss slumped forward.
"Okay, so maybe this coat is worth eight grand, and is also tailored just for me. And yes, custom-fit braziers are much more comfortable than store-bought ones. Much more supportive, as well."
She watched as Ruby leaned forward, placing one hand on the bar, and one hand on her own chest, her expression changing again to one of wonder.
"Do you, maybe, think I could get one fit for me? None of mine are comfortable anymore! Please, Weiss? Pleeease? I'll love you forever!"
Weiss laughed out loud, not at Ruby directly, of course. It was cute that Ruby thought she even had to ask. She leaned against the bar and smiled.
"Of course, Ruby, anything. In my experience, comfortable undergarments are paramount in feeling confident and having a good day. What size are you, by the way?"
Ruby paused and looked down at her own boobs.
"Thirty-four D, I think, the labels have come off all of my bras. Maybe a bit bigger, this one doesn't quite fit right anymore. Wait, why does that matter?"
Weiss looked up from her scroll, pausing in the middle of her text.
"Just letting Gregori know how much material to purchase in advance. He likes to make patterns before measuring so he has an idea of what will work on different skin tones. Like, I have twelve of the same blouse in different shades of white, each one works based on what colour my skin is in the morning."
Ruby gave an inquisitive look.
"Your skin changes colour?"
Weiss rolled her eyes, then realizing that she might seem insulting, quickly smiled again.
"No, not like that. Skin colour changes based on body temperature, mood, and other ambient things that you can't really control. More to the point, Gregori likes to plan patterns ahead so that depending on your skin tone that day he can make anything work. He's a genius with fabric, after all."
Just in her peripheral, she saw Ruby shrug and take a large bite of burger. The moment she turned to look, a large splotch of mustard fell from the back of the bun and landed right down the black coat she was wearing. Weiss's eyes went wide and a wicked grin came across her face almost unconsciously. Ruby looked down at the stain on her coat, and all of the voice in her throat vanished. Weiss tried as hard as she could to not break out in uproarious laughter at her friend's ironic turn of events. The usually-bright silver eyes turned back upwards, this time full of sadness and mock tears. Ruby's bottom lip shot out and quivered, her shoulders falling downward.
"Why me? Why have I been forsaken like this?"
Weiss let the laugh she was holding out, much to Ruby's dismay.
"S'what you get, Rose-Petal."