The explosion in question was not of Dust but the pure emotional joy Medusa felt from being praised by her eldest sister. She was practically bouncing off the walls. When she finally spoke her usually calm voice was filled with excitement.

"Do you have any idea how important that was!" the three of us just stared at the excited square pupils of our teammate, our only answers being confused shrugs "Stheno never approves of my choices. That was the first time in years."

I responded to the Gorgon the only way I could think of.

"Medusa, I know you are really happy and sorry to burst your bubble, but we need to start getting ready for class. Team RWBY's antics have only bought us so much free time."

Lance agreed with a deep "She's right, we should probably start getting ready for class. Although I would suggest that you actually go talk to the object of your affections instead of just hoping he starts a conversation, Medusa."

"Are you hoping this mystery man is going to ask you to the dance this weekend?" when I turned to look at Rán from where she spoke, I immediately looked away as she started striping where she stood. I could hear her rummaging through the drawers only to return my eyes after I was confident that she pulled on the school uniform she detested so much.

"Wouldn't you like to know? You'd probably tell the guy and ruin any change Medusa has with him." I retorted as vigorously as I could, knowing the hell Rán has put me through during the last semester.

"And what if I did, ShortStack, what would do about?" her laid-back, uncaring demeanor really grinded my gears.

"As your friend I'd just tell you off." She rolled her eyes and scoffed. That was it, screw being friendly. "But as your team leader I'd give you half of everyone's chores for a month."

Her jaw hit the floor as she was trying to comprehend my first actual affirmation of my authority. I could hear Medusa laughing at Rán's stunned face and even a few hushed snickers from Lance.

When she finally composed herself Rán stood up and moved over her bed to look straight at me, in a hushed whisper she said. "Fine, Captain, I won't interfere with our violet-headed friends relationship, but don't you think for a second I don't see you making goo-goo eyes at that blonde you hang out with."

Now was my turn to look stunned even though my other teammates have already busied themselves getting ready for class.

When I finally came round to digging out my own uniform the only one still waiting for me was Medusa. As we walked down the hallway she started by giving a hushed "thanks" before I turned to her.

"Thanks for what?" her cheeks were still a little flushed from earlier but I swore they flushed further.

"For standing up to her. You know, I feel she is a strong a point in the argument that semblance defines character or vice-versa 'cause that girl is equally as twin-headed as the snakes she summons."

"Hey, no need to be so harsh. I'll talk to her after class, maybe I can find out why she is like this. It's my job as team leader to help ALL of my team mates." The sceptical side eye I got in return wished me luck without words.

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX

Professor Port somehow managed to tell one of his 'best tales yet' translating to the most boring tale yet. As I looked around I could see the entire class not paying attention, even Aurel and the equily teacher-pleasing white witch were casually chatting to their teammates. Lance and Euryale were having an idle conversation, seamingly discussing Menagerie, while Medusa eagerly inched closer to Grant, her face growing redder by the inch.

What really caught my attention was Rán and Stheno having an intense stare-off. Knowing of Stheno's semblance I could only imagine Rán vigorously thinking rude things at her. What really perplexed me was the light dusting of pink on each of their cheeks, nearly unnoticeable but it was definitely there. I turned my attention to Aurel to see what she was doing.

What I found was... surprising, to say the least. Looking over I saw Aurel focusing on, of all people, me. Aurel Candor, the biggest goodie-two-shoes I knew, was drawing me in her notebook instead of paying attention like she normally would. I could feel my face flush and judging by her own impressive blush she knew I caught her red-handed, but she continued. Not knowing what to do I simply kept the pose in her notebook so she could finish without issue.

After what felt like an eternity the bell finally rang, I looked around for Rán just in time to see her dip out of the class in the direction of the large fountain on the school grounds. When I rounded the corner I saw her sitting on the edge of the fountain, caressing a ghostly taijitu in the palm of her hand while... speaking to it?

As I neared I heard the last bit of her sentence before the snake noticed my aprouch and took a defensive stance. "If only you could give me advice." was cut of by the loud hissing of the snake wich made it sound larger then it actually was.

I aprouched slowly with my hands raised as a sign of peace but the snake still wouldn't stop until I looked over at Rán to see a raised eyebrow asking me what am I doing.

"Listen, I'm only hear to talk as a friend, not as a team leader."

Apparently satisfied with my answer the taijitu fizzled out of existence and Rán meekly gestured for me to sit next to her.

"What were you talking about?" I asked as I plopped down beside her.

The unimpressed look I got in reply spoke volumes.

"Don't tell me you have guy trouble as well."

Once again no answer, although the light pink dusting of her cheeks told me I was on the right track.

"Alright, spill. Who are you trying to impress?"

"Does it have to be a guy?" she said so softly I wasn't sure I heard it.

I honestly didn't expect her to answer at all, let alone disclose her sexual preferences.

"Look, if you are uncomfortable you don't have to..."

"NO... No, I want to talk about it. It's just... I've never had these sort of issues, I was always fairly certain I just wasn't attracted to anyone, but it would seem I was proven wrong." She looked so very shy it was actually kind of cute.

"So, who is it?"

An*

I'm so very sorry this is so late. Had some IRL stuff to deel with. Anyway hope you enjoy and as always if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks and see you soon.