This one is much longer because I wanted to dance itself to be one chapter instead of spread out into a few.
"Normal Speech"
"Thinking Speech"
"Loud Speech"
'Flashback Speech'
Ruby arrived at the dance ahead of everyone else considering she used her semblance. Though around half way she began to walk, or rather stumble due to her high heels.
"Oh! You look beautiful!" Yang blurted and actually hopped up and down upon seeing Ruby walk through the doors.
Ruby on the other hand looked extremely awkward, barely able to stand up straight, and slowly walked forward step by step to Yang's podium. "Ugh, can we have a serious talk about how Weiss fights in these?"
Yang continued to chuckle while watching her struggle. "So... Did you get the pictures?"
Ruby placed her hands on the podium to keep balance and nodded, pulling out her scroll. "Just one... I didn't think Weiss would've let me get more." she said and showed Yang the picture.
It was of Jaune and Weiss arm in arm looking towards the camera. Both unsuspecting yet still managed to make a perfect shot.
Yang grinned. "Heh, nice."
Ruby narrowed her eyes. "You better keep your end of the bargain! Weiss is going to kill me for this!"
Her older sister simply waved her hands downward a couple times. "Relax, I'm good for it! Your cookie jar will be full for the next month! Promise." she'd assure and Ruby seemed to relax a bit.
Though more was on the line tonight than embarrassing pictures and cookies. Ruby put her scroll away and leaned in to whisper. "What about you? Is everything set?"
Yang grinned. "Mhm!" she lifted up a wireless microphone, shaking it a bit. "I'm all set up here and there's a floodlight with your name on it at the top floor." she pointed up towards it. "Everything else is set up for 9:00 sharp! We just have to make sure Weiss doesn't explode before then."
"Good." Ruby nodded. "Operation White Knight is now in progress! They should arrive in the next five minutes."
They saluted each other and Ruby walk- stumbled off towards the stairs.
Weiss was walking with Jaune while Ren and Nora chatted behind them. Well, mostly Nora.
The heiress had her left arm linked with his right while holding on to his forearm with her other. It was standard practice back in Atlas and she had that nailed into her head since being a child.
Though it didn't make it any less awkward with the dolt. He felt so stiff, every step he took was almost robotic. Plus each time she looked up at him he had an air of embarrassment hovering around him.
Was walking with her that awkward? Hasn't he been after this for a while now? The men back in Atlas would have at least tried to make some small talk or flirt with her. He's wasting a once in a lifetime opportunity to convince her he's worth staying with!
"Wait, what am I thinking? I don't want him to try in the first place! What I want is for this to be over with!"
She let out a huff and could feel Jaune flinch a bit.
"Erm... Is everything alright?" he looked down at her looking a bit nervous
Weiss' eyes deadpanned back up towards his. "... Yes. Everything is just fine." she answered, though didn't intend it to sound so... 'snappy'.
Oh well. Her eyes continued to examine his face even as he turned back. He still looked nervous. Still seemed on edge too. Why though? The men who attempted to court her in Atlas always had something to say, even when she wished they didn't.. Something that they'd use to get a leg up on her in conversation. With the way he was acting, it was almost as if...
He actually likes you.
It was only a thought, a small moment where her mind wandered into dangerous territory, but it sent a chill down her spine. Quickly the heiress snapped her head forward with a threatening blush invading her cheeks.
"That's not possible." She stated to herself, shoving the feeling away. "Only a complete buffoon wouldn't court her for status and riches." A confident smirk appeared on her face but it was short lived.
Her eyes widened and turned back up to look at the said 'buffoon' who was escorting her. Or rather, the one she was escorting.
"No, no, no, no, no! Not possible! H- he just couldn't!" She began to panic internally a bit, though kept her eyes glued to the blonde teen beside her. Even the idea that he, or anyone liked her for... 'Herself' was... Just... Well, a fairly tail. One she gave up on long ago when her father began setting up suitors for her.
"We're, uh, here."
Weiss blinked out of her thoughts and looked forward again. They were in front a set of double doors that led into Beacon's event room, which was currently set up for their dance.
"Oh... I see." she answered and took a deep breath, collecting herself. "Well, let's get going then." she said and reached forward with her free arm to grab the handle. Jaune did so as well and grabbed the opposite one at the same time.
Weiss' eyes widened and looked up at him to see the dunce staring at her in surprise as well. He chuckled.
"Uh... Well, here we go." he'd say and pull his door open. Weiss mimicked him and opened her side too.
The twin doors opened up, leading into the dance room.
Yang grinned. Like Ruby said, Jaune, Weiss, Ren, and Nora entered the makeshift ball room in around five minutes. She had to stifle a laugh upon looking at the two with their arms linked. Though it didn't go unnoticed by Weiss who gave her an aggravated glare.
Pressing a button on her scroll she sent a pre-typed text message to Ruby to let her know they were here- "Snow Angel has arrived!"
The four of them walked up to the podium. Jaune and Weiss standing in front with Ren and Nora beside them. Though Weiss seemed to be glancing around the room.
"Hey Yang, you're greeting everyone?" Jaune asked.
She shrugged. "Pretty much. At least for the first half hour anyway." After that she looked around the podium and took a look at Jaune's suit. "Gotta say though, you clean up nicely." she relaxed her stance. "You sure you don't wanna swap your date with me?"
Yang instantly saw Weiss' eyes go from looking around freely to snapping into a glare towards hers. The girl's right arm then reached over to grab hold of Jaune's forearm, just how it was like in the picture she saw from Ruby earlier.
"Yang. That's inappropriate. The two of us came together." the heiress spoke.
Yang grinned. "Ohoh, getting possessive already?"
Weiss' eyes narrowed upon seeing her teammates smile. "Tch, let's go, Jaune." she pulled him along, passing the podium.
Yang simply watched them walk passed but lifted her arm up to stop Ren and Nora who looked at her confused for a moment. But it'd all make sense soon enough.
The gall of that girl!
Weiss was of course thinking about Yang. Just from the grin on the woman's face, she could tell what she was thinking.
But Weiss did not think that way towards Jaune. She was only dealing with him for tonight and only tonight! The mere thought of bei-
A bright flash snapped her out of any thoughts she might've been having.
"Huh?" she heard Jaune mumble and glance around. It seemed he was also at a loss as to what was happening.
A spot light was centered on the two of them coming from the second floor. Weiss glanced up and shielded her eyes from the light to just barely make out Ruby pointing the ray at them.
"What does that girl think she's doing now?!"
Ready to stomp her way upstairs and give her young partner a piece of her mind, she was readily stopped by Yang. Who apparently had a microphone linked to speakers around the room.
When did they have that set up?
"Everyone if I may have your attention please!"
Yang's voice echoed through the room and the DJ lowered the music's while everyone else turned to look towards the blonde haired teen who was now standing on top of the podium to get attention.
"What?"
Weiss didn't understand what was happening. When she glanced up towards Jaune she could see he didn't either with his easily readable expression of confusion.
Yang lifted her arm up and gestured towards both Weiss and Jaune.
"Introducing our resident Ice Queen, Weiss Schnee and her date-" she gave a wink towards the two of them. "Jaune Arc, or colloquially known as 'Vomit Boy'~"
Weiss' eyes widened as everyone's gazes turned into ones of confusion along with either light clapping or mutters of laughter.
"Yang! You said you wouldn't use 'Vomit Boy'!"Ruby whined from the top floor.
The blonde haired girl simply hopped off the podium. "I couldn't resist." she answered through the microphone and turned it off.
The light aimed by Ruby then faded and the music began to pick up a bit. "Hope you liked the introduction you two~"
Weiss was glaring daggers at her dumb blonde of a teammates. How could she do this! She just wanted it to be nice and simple! Now everyone knew she was on a date with this dunce!
When she glanced up at Jaune, he was scratching the back of his head. "Ehehe... Uh... R- right." he sighed. "This... Doesn't add any pressure at all. Nope."
Yang only chuckled and slapped the side of his arm. "Ehh, don't worry. You've got this." she said and gave him a thumbs up afterwards then walked away.
Weiss uncoiled her arm from Jaune now and took a step forward. "Wait! Yang!" she shouted but the girl just turned to face her with a grin and kept walking off.
"Ugh! I swear, I'm going to have words with both those stupid siblings after this is over!" she had to stop herself from growling. It would be too unladylike for their current environment.
Instead she turned to look at her date who looked more awkward than her. She sighed. "Come on, let's just... Mingle a bit for now." she walked over and linked arms once more, coaxing him to follow.
He flinched in surprise at first but relaxed a moment later. "Ah, yeah sure." he said and followed her lead.
She looked up at him again. "Oh by the way, where's Pyrrha?"
"Not sure, I figured she'd be here by now actually. Went off for solo training and took her dress with her saying she'd meet us here." he answered and glanced around a bit.
He apparently caught a sight of Blake and pointed towards her. "Hey look, there's Blake though." he said and Weiss turned to see her faunus team mate standing with both Sun and Neptune.
She froze when her eyes laid upon the blue haired teen. He was the one she really wanted to be here with. Not the dead weight she dragged along... But then again anything worth having had to be fought for. This was but a trial, and once it was over she'll be able to put her focus where it should be.
Jaune looked down towards her and smiled. "Let's go say 'hi'." he said and started to walk over. The initial tug from him snapped her from any thoughts and she followed.
"Hello Blake." Weiss spoke to alert them of their presence. "... How did you arrive before us?" she couldn't help but ask.
The faunus chuckled and took a glance at Sun. "I... Took a short cut is all."
Weiss then knew she didn't hallucinate that open window earlier.
"... Right." she'd say and then took a glance at Sun and Neptune. "U- uhm... I hope you're enjoying the dance."
Sun lifted both his arms up behind his head and rested it on them. "Yeah, it's nice." he'd then lower his right hand to shuffle his tie a bit. "Can't get this to feel right though."
"Maybe if you actually wore a suit it'd work better." she couldn't help but think. However decided to keep it to herself.
She could feel Jaune shrug. "Ehh, you kind of get used to it after a while." he sighed. "I know I did."
Neptune on the other hand looked well dressed for the occasion. He aimed a perfected grin towards Weiss. "Yeah, it's uhh.. Cool. You helped set it up right? Not bad." he complemented then glanced around at the arrangements.
Weiss couldn't help but feel flattered. "Yes! I tried to make it similar to the Atlesian balls I've attended." she wanted to step a bit closer to him but remembered the blonde anchor strapped to her arm.
"Perhaps... Just a little time alone wouldn't hurt..."
She looked up. "Jaune?" she'd speak to grab his attention. "I'm a bit parched. Would you mind getting me some punch?" she requested.
Jaune un-linked their arms. "Oh, yeah. Sure." he answered and turned to walk towards the punch table.
"Perfect." she thought and made a subtle side-step towards Neptune while he was talking with Sun.
Jaune walked on over to the Punch and poured a drink for Weiss when he noticed Ruby staring off into the crowd beside it.
"Hey Ruby." he said and it snapped her attention to him.
"Oh! Hi Jaune!" she turned and smiled towards him. "Glad things worked out with Weiss. You two look great together!" her smile turned into a happy grin.
Though Jaune just felt awkward and scratched the back of his head. "Uh.. Yeah... So you're not here with anyone?"
Ruby chuckled nervously. "Well... I don't think I'm really into this sorta thing." she'd sigh. "Honestly, I'd rather be practicing with Crescent Rose than try to balance myself in high heels."
Jaune looked down to see her legs wobbling. "Now that you mention it, I've been meaning to ask Pyrrha how she fights in those things."
Ruby snorted a laugh. "Right?! I think the same with Weiss! I swear, they're insane! Just imagine how much better they'd be in boots!"
Jaune did and then paled a bit. "Actually, maybe they shouldn't."
"Hm? You okay?" Ruby asked, snapping him from the thought.
"Ah! Yeah, just uhm... Well, I better get going. Weiss just asked for some punch."
Ruby nodded and gave him a thumbs up for good luck. He smiled then turned away to walk back to Weiss but saw her being chatted up by Neptune.
It... Irritated him. More than he thought it should. Probably because whatever the guy was doing seemed to be working!
Weiss, his date was smiling and even seemed to chuckle. His face fell and he wanted to walk over there and drag her away from him.
In fact, why shouldn't he? They went together aren't they? Maybe ask her to dance! Yeah, that'll do it!
He grinned a bit and began to walk over at a faster pace but just then Pyrrha walked passed him without saying a word.
"Huh? Did she not see me?"
Jaune did a doubled take, looking at Pyrrha, then and Weiss, then back at his partner again to watch her enter the balcony. His hand tightened around the cup of punch he was holding and sighed.
He followed Pyrrha.
Pyrrha got to the balcony and stood at it's edge with her hands resting on the railing, staring off into the sky. Honestly, she didn't even know why she came to this thing. No one asked her and the person she wanted to go with went with someone else. In fact, she was the one who pushed him away...
"Hey Pyrrha."
She immediately recognized the voice and gasped, turning around to view Jaune entering the balcony. After just a moment of surprise she answered his greeting.
"Hello Jaune."
He walked a bit closer. "You okay? I haven't seen you tonight."
She sighed and turned to look back off the balcony. "Arrived late I'm afraid..." she answered. Though was secretly dreading this dance. Being around Jaune and Weiss, watching them dance? She'd rather be anywhere else.
"Well, you look really nice."
Her eyes widened and she brought her hand up to her mouth in a gasp. "D- does he even know what he's doing to me?" she thought and turned back to face him. He was smiling.
Though before she could say anything more he looked down awkwardly, kicking his toes into the ground. "Your, uh, date isn't going to beat me up for saying that, is he?
Date.
Pyrrha sighed and slumped her shoulders. "... I think your safe for tonight."
Jaune glanced around a bit. "So where is the guy?" he asked.
She dreaded this question. She could remember times like this where people expected her to be with someone. Every school dance, any festival, or group occasion a subject of 'who was here with Pyrrha Nikos' popped up. Beacon was no different apparently.
Her eyes looked towards the ground. "There is no guy."
Jaune made a confused choke. "What?"
Pyrrha just shook her head. "Nobody asked me." she spoke sadly. But Jaune apparently couldn't believe that.
"B- but... That's..." he sighed. "You're 'Pyrrha Nikos'!" he gestured towards he with both hands. "H- how could nobody ask you?"
Pyrrha lifted her head up and looked out off the balcony once more. "I've been blessed with incredible talents and opportunities. I'm constantly surrounded by love and praise, but when you're placed on a pedestal like that for so long, you become separated from the people that put you there in the first place..."
"I shouldn't say any more."
But she couldn't help herself. Here was the man who held her heart in his hands after all. Even if he didn't know it.
She turned back to look at Jaune. "Everyone assumes I'm too good for them. That I'm on a level they simply can't attain." she sighed. "It's become impossible to form any sort of meaningful relationship with people."
"Just... Stop. He's with someone else..."
Pyrrha smiled weakly and even took a step closer to him. "That's what I like about you." her smile grew. "When we met, you didn't even know my name. You treated me just like anyone else. And thanks to you, I've made friendships that will last a lifetime."
Her fists clenched against her dress. "... Don't say it..."
She took a step back now and her expression grew sad. "I guess... You're the kind of guy I wish I was here with. Someone who just saw me... For me."
After finishing that, she turned and walked away. She could hear him call out but ignored him once again.
Why? Why did she have to say all that. Just the first part would have been enough for him to understand! But instead she... She tried.
She tried to tell him her feelings... But it failed, just like always. Fighting Grimm or even winning a tournament was nothing compared to speaking her heart out. The fact that Jaune was able to find the courage and tell Weiss how he felt spoke louder to her than anything anyone could imagine.
Jaune reached his hand out. "Pyrrha, wait!"
But she ignored him and simply walked off into the crowd of people. This was the first time she's ever spoke about something like this.
"Is... Is she lonely?" he wondered and looked down towards the punch in hand then lifted his head up to glance through the balcony archway at Weiss. She was still standing with Neptune and the others.
He looked away, sighing. "Well, only one thing left to do I guess." he mumbled and placed the punch on the railing then walked off.
Twenty minutes! That is how long Jaune's been missing.
"I sent him for punch! Even a gerbil could do that!"
Weiss was standing alone, no longer with the others. Blake and Yang had a dance together followed by Sun taking the other blonde's place. Neptune on the other hand continued to walk along the edge of the dance talking with... Pretty much everyone.
That started ten minutes ago. So for the last ten minutes she was standing alone, wondering where her date went.
"The nerve of him!" She thought, tapping her foot impatiently while glancing around the room. Here she was, forcing herself to be here and he's the one who ditches her?! He'll regret that.
"... He could have gotten lost."
As unlikely as the was, she never thought the fool too bright. Though never thought him this bad. Even he should know the ramifications of leaving his date, herself no less alone this long. It was ungentlemanly to say the least.
Her eyes narrowed in thought. "Perhaps this was all a ploy? To get me to go with him and ditch me just as some sick form of revenge for all the times I turned him down?"
It would certainly explain why he was so nervous on the way here. Also why he never intended to properly escort her, he didn't take this seriously.
The more she thought about it the more it began to make sense.
"That... That..." Teeth clenched while coming to her own conclusion while her face reddened in anger.
"Whoa, you okay there?"
Weiss' head snapped towards the intrusive voice to see Ruby and Yang standing next to her now. Her own features were certainly contorted.
The heiress cleared her throat and collected her barrings. "I- I'm fine... Just..." she glanced around the room with sharp eyes. "I've been looking for my date." she'd answer. "He's been missing for quite some time..."
Ruby looked confused. "Hm? Last I saw him he said he was getting you punch." she answered.
Weiss sighed. "That was over twenty minutes ago! I haven't seen him since."
Some chuckling was heard in the background.
"Well maybe being around the Ice Queen gave him... 'Cold feet'!" Yang grinned. "Ehh, ehh?!" she then nudged Ruby's shoulder.
Weiss deadpanned at who was unfortunately her team mate, not even gracing that terrible pun with a response. Instead she turned away to continue to look. "I swear,if that dolt left me here alone..." she started but Ruby interrupted-
"Relax, I'm sure he's around. Maybe he just got side-tracked?"
Weiss' expression grew a bit colder. "By what?! He's supposed to be here with me!" Even if he bumped into Pyrrha it wouldn't take over twenty minutes for small talk! He could even bring her here.
It didn't make sense, something was wrong and she felt it.
The chuckles turned into full on laughter, even threatening to overtake the music.
Yang, while dejected no one laughed at the pun just groaned. "Yeah, I'm sure he- Oh... Wow." she ended abruptly. While talking she glanced over towards the laughing and couldn't believe what she saw. When she turned to tell Ruby and Weiss, both their eyes were glued on it already.
Weiss gritted her teeth. "That... That..." her fists were clenched her entire body was shaking in anger. Ruby and Yang even took a step back, literally feeling a bit of cold air wafting off her.
Jaune Arc, her date to the dance. Was wearing a white dress while taking Pyrrha's hand. This proved it, not only was he only trying to get revenge and embarrass her. But his partner was in on it too!
Pyrrha couldn't believe was she was looking at. Her partner, her knight, her... Everything was standing in front of her wearing a... A dress. A pretty, white dress with a bow around the waist. It took a moment for her mind to process why this was happening and she remembered what he said a couple days earlier.
'If you don't get a date to the dance, I'll wear a dress!'
She burst out into laughter. "J- Jaune!- Haha! Yo- you didn't have to!" she told him.
Even after she said that and with everyone laughing, it didn't seem to effect him in the slightest. Instead, he was more manly and charming that she's ever seen in a guy.
"Hey, an Arc never goes back on his word." He extended his hand towards her. "Now, do you wanna stand there and laugh at me, or do you wanna dance?" he'd ask her.
Her answer was obvious. She lifted her own hand for him to take it. "I would love to dance!" and he took her hand and literally sweeps her onto the dance floor. "Oh!"
"Ren! This! Is! Happening!" she heard Nora yell out and moments later all four of them were on the dance floor, dancing in perfect sync to the song playing. Everyone around them were laughing, clapping, cheering, … It all melded into one perfect moment for her and her team!
Weiss stared at the display in... Shock, embarrassment, astonishment, bewilderment, anger, confusion, any other negative word really. But most of all she felt... What was this feeling? Betrayal maybe?
Jaune was here with her after all, how dare he... He dance with another woman like that, especially before they've even had their dance! A- and in a dress?! What was wrong with him? He'd be the laughing stock of Beacon for months!
She'll be the laughing stock of Beacon for months! This cannot get back to Atlas! Especially not her sister!
Ruby and Yang were cracking up beside her, watching the moron dance in a pretty dress. She simply glared at them until feeling a presence beside her. Looking over, it was Neptune. Even he was chuckling a bit, holding a hand over his mouth.
"Hey, isn't that you're date?" he'd ask her.
Her mouth gaped open and cheeks flared. "N- n- n-" she was stuttering now. But before being able to deny anything he nudged her shoulder with his elbow.
"Pfft, you sure know how to pick 'em." he turned and looked back at Jaune. "The guy's gonna be a Legend." he turned and walked a bit closer to get a better look.
Weiss just watched him leave, still shocked at was was happening. "This is it. My life is over." She looked down at the floor. "I will never be able to live this down."
The music from their dance seemed to die down a bit and a knew presence made itself know in front of her.
"U- uh... H- hey Weiss..."
"That voice." It was Jaune. She didn't even have to look up to tell, she'd know the buffoon's voice anywhere at this point.
"'Ey! I was wrong, looks like you were 'Vomit Girl' all along!" Yang jabbed and snorted.
Ruby simply held both hands over her mouth, failing to stifle her laughter.
Jaune seemed to try and ignore them. "Listen-"
Weiss snapped her head up, glaring with icy blue eyes in full throttle. "Don't." She spoke demanding authority. Which seemed to work as he actually shut up for once.
"I don't want to hear it, Arc." she'd tell him. "It appears to me that everything here was just some ploy, despite me actually agreeing to entertain you for once in your desperate attempts for my hand."
Jaune's expression somehow worsened and he tried to explain himself. Even Ruby and Yang attempted to speak.
"Silence." A white Schnee glyph appeared under her feet and blew some cool away from her shutting them up. Other bystanders around them even took a step back. Though it vanished soon after.
"I will not be treated like a joke, Arc. I was going to let you down easy after tonight, but no more!" she pointed her index finger at him, forcing him to lean back or get impaled in the face. "Don't ever speak to me again. Understood?"
She didn't give him a chance to answer, just lowered her hand and turned around. "Good." Then walked away.
Well that wasn't supposed to happen. Sure, he figured she'd be upset... But... Actually, what was he thinking? He left her alone for a half hour and came back to the dance wearing a dress! Any chance with Weiss Schnee was gone after this.
Jaune sighed in defeat. Ruby placed a hand on his shoulder and even Yang let out a huff. Hell, it sounded like a growl.
"Ice Queen took it too far this time." he heard her say. But before she could stomp away, Jaune grabbed her arm. It got her attention.
He sighed. "Just... Let it be Yang." he said and she seemed to relax a bit.
"But Jaune-" she tried but he wasn't going to have it.
"Honestly, in the back of my head I knew this wasn't really going to work out." he shrugged. "You heard her, she was only humoring me... Plus I doubt-" he looked down and gestured towards the dress he was currently wearing. "This helped much."
Ruby let out a soft giggle. "Oops, sorry..."
Jaune let go of Yang's arm as she nodded hesitantly. "I'll... I'll be fine... I just gotta..." He turned and caught sight of Neptune and it broke his train of thought. The scene of Weiss happily talking to the blue haired teen flashed across his mind.
"She looked happy with him..." he thought and glanced over towards Ruby and Yang. "I'll uh... Be right back." he said and turned, walking over to Neptune.
"Hey, Neptune right?" he asked while approaching. The cool teen turned towards him and was visibly trying not to laugh.
"Y- Pff- yeah man, what's up?"
Pyrrha heard everything which transpired between Jaune and Weiss. It wasn't hard, they made quite the scene after all. Even Nora was rather irritated.
"I'm going to get my hammer." she said, but before being able to leave Ren grabbed her arm.
"Nora, no."
Afterwards was some whining on her part. But that wasn't important right now, Jaune was. Personally, Pyrrha wanted to tell Weiss off then go and comfort Jaune herself... But deep down knew that wasn't what her partner wanted.
He gave up everything just to make her happy. His chances with Weiss, his public image, even his general happiness. Then he even went to approach Neptune afterwards. His expression didn't show one of anger.
Pyrrha sighed. She knew what he was doing. Trying to make Weiss happy while digging his heart into a deeper hole. How could she ever take advantage of this moment? How could she ever be with him if she didn't do the same?
She was the Invincible Girl. And she knew what she had to do.
With that, she turned away from her team, walking towards the object of her current hatred.
Weiss Schnee.
Weiss was currently pouring herself some punch. Many students around were staring at her, certainly due to the outburst earlier. She didn't regret it though. That buffoon had it coming.
"Hello Weiss."
Now that was a voice she could identify even if it was just over the radio. Turning around to greet them- "... Hello Pyrrha." she mimicked. Though her aggressive icy glare stayed true just the same as it was with Jaune. She had a feeling on what this confrontation would be about.
It seemed Pyrrha picked up on the slight hostility and narrowed her own eyes. "I see you and Jaune are in... Some issues."
Weiss actually scoffed and placed her cup of punch down on the table. "'Issues'?" she questioned. "That half-wit harassed me day after day and I finally, finally relented just for him to..." she shook her head. "Embarrass me, Take revenge, Or maybe he really is so foolish to expe-"
"He did it for me!" Pyrrha blurted out in distress, overpowering Weiss' words with her own.
Weiss paused and relaxed a bit, though examining Pyrrha's demeanor. She was tense. Eyes weren't even making contact, and seemed to be out of breath somehow. It didn't look like she was lying... But how was Jaune wearing a dress meant for her? She wasthe 'Invincible Girl'... Could there actually be a good reason for all this?
She crossed her arms. "... Explain."
The red head took a deep breath. "It's... Silly." she sighed. "You see... A few days ago... -"
Pyrrha explained the passing joke Jaune made a couple days ago. It was just something he said in passing- To wear a dress if she didn't get a date to the dance.
"And a while ago we met here... He saw I was upset and..." a smile formed on the spartan's face as she looked down at the ground. "He actually wore one, just to cheer me up." A sigh escaped her lips and she looked back up.
"So please, don't be mad at him. He's just... Doing the best he can, in what I believe to be the best way possible."
Weiss' eyes softened and looked down in thought. "All this... Just for something he said in passing?"
"He means everything he says, then goes above and beyond to prove his words with actions!" she could see Pyrrha clench her fists. "He doesn't deserve your scorn!" the word sounded like Pyrrha wanted to spew out venom.
Weiss' eyes widened and it seemed the red head realized what she said. "I- I'm sorry. I shouldn't have..." she looked away, taking a breath. "I'm sorry."
Weiss however relaxed a bit in turn, thinking about all the new information. "I... Suppose his reasons were... Dare I say- 'Noble'." The thought actually brought a smile of relief on her face. Something even she herself wasn't expecting.
"He didn't just 'ditch' me..." she sighed. "But that still doesn't-"
Before she finished the thought Neptune walked up to her. "Hey Weiss, Jaune said you wanted to talk to me?"
Her eyes widened in shock and turned towards the blue haired teen that's been plaguing her thoughts for the passed couple weeks. Pyrrha also did as well, but looked away a moment later.
"I'll... Uhm... Leave you two alone." she said and walked off. It seems she said everything she had to. In fact, it was almost like she saw this intrusion coming... Wait, did she?
Weiss glanced at Pyrrha then back at Neptune. "That dunce told him to come over here?" she leaned over to look passed the teen and across the dance floor at Jaune, who was currently talking to Yang, Blake, and Sun. A few passerby's took a pictures of him in the dress. The dunce seemed to embrace it at this point.
It made her smile a bit.
She looked back up at Neptune. He had what could only be described as a perfect grin, with perfect teeth, and perfect hair, and perfect... Well everything.
So she really couldn't believe she was about to do this.
"I'm... Sorry, he must've been mistaken." she spoke and began to walk passed him, however keeping eye contact. "I've... Got something to take care of though. I hope you enjoy the dance."
He looked confused, she could tell. She didn't respond to a word he made afterwards, if he even did as she turned and walked off.
Off towards Jaune.
"He embarrassed me... But it was for his team." she gritted her teeth at the thought. On one hand, she wanted to be more important to her 'date'... But on the other... "He put leadership before me. Before... Fame and success..." her expression relaxed. "Before getting the hand of a Schnee."
It's everything she's ever wanted, finding someone who just saw her for her efforts instead of just a name.
But she threw it away... There was only one thing she could think of that could maybe rectify the situation. And she was going to do it right here and now.
Once she approached Jaune, Weiss quickly hooked her arm around his without missing a beat.
Ruby stuttered her next words and she could hear Yang gasp.
"Wha-?!" she could hear him whine, but still didn't hold back.
Instead, she turned to look at his face while dragging him towards the dance floor in all his white dressed stupidity. "We're going to dance." she stated and left no room for argument. Though she saw Yang dash off somewhere.
Jaune cleared his throat. "U- uhm, okay but are you sur-"
"Yes, I'm sure." she said and twisted around to face him and placed her left hand on his right shoulder and grabbed his left hand with her right.
He slowly mimicked her stance and looked down at her. "Er... Weiss, what's-"
"I'm sorry, okay?" she interrupted him and felt him relax as they slow danced to the ball music.
"I'm sorry..." she sighed. "I'm sorry I said 'okay' without thinking."
"I'm sorry I came up with a cruel plan to turn you down."
Her hands shook a bit and gripped him tighter.
Her eyes went from cold to soft.
"I'm sorry I suspected bad intentions from you."
Then from soft to sad.
"I'm sorry I tried to get rid of you earlier..."
"And I'm so sorry I got mad at you..." she sighed and finally broke eye contact.
"I'm... Sorry, okay?"
Jaune was... Well, saying he was 'surprised' wouldn't do it justice. Not only was he dancing with Weiss, but she was apologizing for what she did? Honestly, he thought he screwed up. Hearing her apologize threw him for a loop. She didn't seem to even care he was still wearing a dress!
A few moments passed and they continued to simply dance. A few more, then more... Finally, he spoke up.
"Look, it's fine Weiss. This was-"
"Shush you!" she snapped her head up, glaring at him. "It's not fine." No longer with a sad expression, she continued. "I didn't give you a chance to explain yourself and that was..." her eyes narrowed. "Wrong of me." it looked like the words were painful to speak.
A moment passed with them dancing. "I said I would go to the dance with you, and that includes dancing." she told him and sighed. "You don't need to be an Arc to not go back on your word, okay?"
His mouth gaped open a bit. He never heard someone else use the phrase before besides his father or sisters on rare occasions.
"Besides, you embarrassed yourself in front of everyone to help your partner." she looked down at his current attire. "The least I can do is steel myself for a single dance."
Jaune's eyes widened. "Sh- she knew about that?!"
It looks like she read his expression because she basically answered him. "Pyrrha told me." her glare relaxed. "I think that's... The most..."
Jaune's body was starting to tense. Go by all her apologies he could tell she forgave him but... Where was this going?
She made a smile. A genuine smile, aimed at him! "Amazing thing anyone's ever done." her expression and words were warm. Actual warmth despite the chilling demeanor the so called 'Ice Queen' gives off.
Her words shocked him a bit. "Wha? S- seriously?" he asked and she nodded slowly. "So... Tonight was good?"
His words caused her to flinch and almost snort in laughter. "Oh gods no!" she'd answer with her smile turning to a frown. "You ditched me then danced with another girl!" she complained. "All while wearing a dress! Who does that?" she asked. "Tonight was a disaster, Jaune."
Jaune felt a bit dejected. "Eheh... Guess that makes sense." his head sunk a bit.
"Yeah, a disaster." she spoke again and he tensed at the words. But then he felt the tips of her fingers caress his chin and slowly lifted his face up to make eye contact with her own.
"A tall, blonde, and scraggly disaster." a smile graced her lips once more and lowered her hand to hold onto his arm again. "But I guess that's what I needed all along."
Jaune's eyes widened as the two of them linked eyes. He couldn't believe this was happening. She was... Happy to be here with him, despite all the chaos he caused.
The two smiled at each other and could feel themselves fall into step with their movements. However, it was short lived.
Another spot light shot down from the top floor onto the two of them, just like earlier. It had 'Yang' written all over it. Maybe some Ruby, too.
They both froze in place and looked around. Everyone else was apparently off the center dance floor. When did that happen?
Not giving either of them enough time to question the scenario they were finding themselves in, the music changed. It went from slow ball music to something a bit more cultural.
The tune for an Atlesian Waltz began playing from the speakers and both Weiss and Jaune turned to look towards the DJ and saw Yang giving them a big thumbs up.
Weiss gritted her teeth. "Yang?! A- again, really?!" she wanted to stomp over there and give the blondie a piece of her mind, but stopped when she saw Jaune in front of her cross his leg and perform a picture perfect bow.
"May I have this dance, Weiss?" he looked up at her with his hand stretched out to be taken in all his girly dress glory.
"You dunce."
Slowly, Weiss reached over and gently took his hand in which he lifted himself up and placed his other around her waist. She let out a gasp as he slowly twirled her around dancing in perfect sync with the waltz music.
"This is..."
She couldn't believe it. He was actually leading her. The sight was baffling but the feeling was... Heartwarming. They both smiled, looking into each others eyes as he took each step and she followed across the dance floor.
"How is he...?" she shook her head lightly. "Oh, it doesn't matter."
Weiss closed her eyes and took a deep breath, losing herself to the experience. The laughs from Jaune's dress fell into silence and when she opened them back up she only saw a man wrapped in her arms, wearing the suit she remembered him in while he took her on a journey across the ball room floor.
She twisted and twirled but no matter what, he would expertly accommodate her movements with his own, catching her in his arms and bringing her back into position to do more. It was mystical, she couldn't believe the person she considered a 'dim-wit' could do something like this.
She bent backwards and he leaned with her, keeping the back of her waist in his clutches so she wouldn't fall. Then when he brought her back up, she leaned further into his body where they continued to dance, even closer than before.
They've been going like this for a few minutes now. Unfortunately the waltz was to end soon. Oh, but she didn't want it to. This was... It was perfect! However it seemed Jaune noticed as well and he gave a short nod, signaling he was preparing to end it. Internally sighing, Weiss agreed and decided to leave it in his hands.
The music began to get a bit faster, giving it's own signal to wrap things up. Their movements became quicker paced but both were easily able to keep up. With one last twist, Jaune lifted his right hand up while holding onto hers, coaxing her into doing a twirl under his hand. As she did, he lowered his arm and caught the front of her waist, bringing her in close just to dip her backwards so her back would be cradled in on of his arms just as the music ended.
They both stared into each others eyes with heavy breathing grins. Both too exhausted to speak any words. They stayed like that for a couple moments before the ball room exploded into clapping and cheers.
It seemed to snap them both out of their gazes and Jaune lifted Weiss up to stand on her own feet and let go of her, both turning to look at the applause they were receiving.
Students, even the teachers, and faculty were clapping. Weiss was pretty sure she heard Zwei barking from somewhere too. It was incredible. The perfect dance with the perfect audience... And maybe the perfect guy.
The heiress looked up to glance at Jaune while he grinned sheepishly at the attention he was getting. It looked like they all forgot about the dress he was wearing too, despite that fact it was still on him. She smiled warmly and grabbed his shoulder. Before he could turn however, she pulled him down a bit and planted a quick kiss on his cheek.
She watched his eyes widen and turned to look at her while holding the cheek she just kissed.
"W- W- Weiss, what?"
The heiress smiled. "Let's just say... You might not be impossible to date." she kept her smile going. "Okay?"
The shocked expression he gave and she chuckled. "Here." her arm hooked around his and coaxed him into a bow with her while the clapping continued.
After wards, the two walked out of the center of the ball room.
Yang punched the air in front of her. "That was incredible!" she nearly shouted with Blake and Sun beside her.
Blake nodded. "It... It really was." she said, almost in shock and turned to her partner. "Honestly, I'm surprised it worked out. I was almost certain you and Ruby's planning would come crashing down."
Yang placed her fists against her waist and smugly looked up. "Ha! Well guess who knows best!?" she asked then lifted her right fist up to point a thumb at herself. "Me!"
The cat faunus looked down in thought for a moment. "One thing I don't understand though is..." she mumbled and looked over at Yang. "How did you know Jaune knew how to dance to that waltz?"
Yang crossed her arms and shrugged. "Honestly? I didn't." she answered and Blake faltered a bit. "It was a surprise to me too, I figured Weiss would somehow walk him through it but damn! This was ten times better!"
Blake sighed. "So it was all luck..."
"Hey!" Yang whined.
Pyrrha knew Jaune could dance from their little one earlier... But this... What she just witnessed was art. An art she was unable to do... But Weiss was.
She sighed. They looked so perfect together, holding each other while in their own little world. If only that could be her one day...
Her fists clenched. Not so much in anger just... Frustration. With herself, mostly.
She felt a hand be placed on her shoulder. Turning, it appeared to be Nora.
"You, uhm... Okay Pyrrha?" she asked.
Pyrrha nodded to the question. "I... I am." she answered. Before Nora could say more, the spartan looked over towards Jaune and Weiss who were now mingling with Yang and a few others.
"But I'm done standing on the sidelines." her gaze tightened on the two of them who still had their arms linked. "It's time I stake my claim."
Almost instantly she felt an arm wrap itself around her neck. "Alright! I've been waiting for this!" Nora cheered and squeezed. "We're gonna show that Ice Queen what's what!" she declared and pumped her opposite fist.
Pyrrha looked at Nora and chuckled, then focused back at Weiss. "Yes, yes we will."
Well there we go. I don't think it's perfect but I re-read it a bunch and not sure if I'd change anything. So I guess I'm satisfied with it.
As for sequels, I have a few 1-3 shots in mind. Not sure if I'd post them here or give them their own stories though, or write them all out to make some of them long one shots instead.
Hope you enjoyed it.