Chapter Six
"With that being my last announcement, I now advise all newly enrolled students to eat and rest. Classes will begin tomorrow at nine o'clock in the morning. That is all." With his last piece said, Ozpin exits toward the back of the stage. He had quite a subtle skip in his steps.
Glynda glared into Ozpin's back. Though her expression was neutral, Glynda's aura betrayed her emotions. The clicks of her heels were loud and curt.
She is not amused.
"Whoop, whoop! We all passed! We are all bone-a-fide badasses!" Nora plops onto the back of Ashe. Nora decides that she will probably never stop smothering her. She herself is short, and now she finds someone smaller than her. For once, she can plop upon someone's back and smother them.
Life is good.
Nora smothers her cheek against Ashe's. Huh, that's strange. Usually she would respond in some fashion, but she's kinda…frozen. Tilting her head toward the side, Nora keeps her warm cheek against the frozen girl's. "Um, guys. I think she's broken."
Blake is the first to respond and approached from the side. A curious shade of amber gaze upon the petite teen. She hums softly before shaking her head, "I think she's in shock. Should we do something about this?"
"Lemme handle this. I've always wanted to do something like this." Jaune approaches Ashe with confidence and a swelled chest. He then cracks his fingers in preparation. "I've always wanted to do this." He then motions a hand before Ashe's nose, middle finger posed to lash out in a flick. This should more than likely do the trick and jolt Ashe out of her funk.
Blake slowly shakes her head in worry, "Jaune…I don't think that's a good idea."
Pyrrha approached from the side in warning, "I agree, I wouldn't do it."
"Do it! Be a man!" Of course, Nora would edge him on with a fist pump.
Jaune looks back toward the group with an easy-going expression, "Relax~, what's the worst that could happen?" Silence reigns between the group in anticipation. Finding his resolve and smugness, Jaune catapults his finger forward. Firmly flicking Ashe on the tip of her nose.
SMACK!
"My face!" Jaune clenched onto his face with a whimper. A slight water in his eyes at the sudden smack. "She punched me!" Sure, it may not have hurt all that much, but it was more of a surprise than anything. It felt like being smacked by a paper wad. The pain is mostly gone already.
Blake shrugs her shoulders while chuckling quietly to herself, "I told you it was a bad idea."
"Oh, Jaune." Pyrrha has an arm wrapped around her waist, struggling to hold in her laughter.
Nora is barking out a fit of giggles while using Ren as a crutch. "That was great! You should see your face~"
Jaune whines while motioning to Ashe, "Is no one going to mention how she punched me?" Jaune blinks away the wateriness. Thank god, Ashe was weak right now. He does not want to find out how much punching power the tiny girl has. "I didn't deserve that!"
"You totally deserved that." Weiss cuts in from the side, checking out her manicured fingernails. Perhaps she should do a quick touch up. Some nail polish scraped off and that won't do for the first day. Weiss deserves some self-pampering.
Ashe blinks away the fog, her mind coming to once more. Looking around, her bell chimes softly. Why do her knuckles hurt? It feels like she punched a wall. Just how fragile is her body right now? Ashe then notices the people crowded around her. Though they are mostly chuckling amongst themselves and teasing at Jaune. There's something she notices that forces a frown.
Ashe had look up toward almost all of them in some way.
Blake was the first to turn in her direction, "You went into shock after Headmaster Ozpin enrolled you."
Ashe suddenly finds herself being smothered into Nora's chest. "We are officially classmates. Oh, we are gonna have so much fun together!" Nora waves a hand through the air in wonder, "You and me against the world! Ren too, I guess."
"Are we just gonna ignore the fact she punched me in the nose?"
With a pop of her lips, "Yep~" Yang shrugged at Jaune. "I'd say you did kinda deserve that. I mean, if you did that to me, you'd be knocked out." Her hand clenches into a tight fist.
Jaune whines toward his partner, "Pyrrha~"
Pyrrha raises her hands up in surrender, "M-maybe you shouldn't be so reckless next time?"
Ruby suddenly thrusts herself into the center of the group. "Here, here! I have an angry belly, demanding a sacrifice of a dozen chocolate chip cookies n strawberry milk!" Thrusting the long and slender arm toward the group she continues her bellow. "What say you, fellow classmates? Dinner?" A chorus of affirmations and nods rally to her cry. "Forward, march!"
"Ashe Souris, a moment of your time." Ashe turns to find Glynda Goodwitch poised behind her. "Privately, it will only be a moment." Glynda seemed…agitated, but calm and neutral.
Tilting her hat straight from habit, Ashe waves off the curious on-lookers. "I'll only be a moment." Nora attempts to plant her feet, but a single glare from Professor Goodwitch easily remedies that notion. A moment later and they are left alone in the auditorium.
It was…awkward. Ashe never imagined that she would be able to hold a conversation with Glynda Goodwitch. Let alone in private. Not only that, but apparently, Ozpin saw fit to stick them together.
The silence was deafening. Professor Goodwitch was just sizing her up, from head to toe. Is she supposed to say something? What is going on right now? Why isn't she saying anything? Goodwitch wanted to see her alone for some reason but hasn't said a thing. Ashe's nose twitches a fraction, she won't mention how she looked up a bit of her past in curiosity.
That wouldn't be creepy at all.
"Mm…"
Glynda shuffles her glasses into place, "In accordance to our…Headmaster," She strained out the title in tight lips. "You are to be my apprentice…of sorts. I will be honest with you. I had no prior knowledge of this arrangement. Pardon me if I seem a bit…short tempered. With that being said, allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Professor Glynda Goodwitch. Assistant Headmistress of Beacon Academy and Professor of Theory of Aura and Battle Practice. Pleased to meet you."
Ashe ignores the urge to rub onto the back of her neck. A crick appears after glancing up toward Professor Goodwitch. Why does she keep running into tall people lately? Its aggravating. She can only look up to people so much in a day before the need of violence peaks. She shuffles upon her feet awkwardly at the silence. Professor Goodwitch is just staring at her with a perked brow. Why is she…Oh…
Oh, Ashe is supposed to introduce herself, isn't she? "Ah…Ashe Souris…Pleased to meet you." Ashe politely nods her head. Stiff and sore, so perhaps it was a rigid one.
"Hm." Glynda shuffles her glasses once more in habit. "You seem decent enough. Now then, first order of business." Reaching into her pencil-skirt, Goodwitch pulls out a gray colored rectangular. "This is a scroll. One is provided to all students at Beacon Academy. All scrolls have a variety of useful features." Glynda pulls the scroll apart. It slides open to show a see-through screen in the center before it lights up with a blank homepage.
Manicured fingers work the screen like magic, "The most important feature is the status page, simply slide from top to bottom for quick access. It gives you a general overview of your health, such as heart rate, aura consumption and quantity level, and calories, if you're into that." Sliding her finger from the top of the screen and down drags down the page. Glynda blinks quietly before humming to herself as her eyes flicker between the screen and Ashe. "It would appear, that it is showing your Aura levels are at a dangerous low-level."
Ashe softly hums to the side in embarrassment. What does she expect Ashe to say? More than likely, Glynda already knew about her condition, so there's no point in making an excuse. "Be sure to get plenty of rest and eat some food for dinner and breakfast to help re-ignite your Aura faster. Once it begins to rejuvenate, you will heal at a much quicker rate."
"Ah…Of course, Professor Goodwitch."
Glynda nods once in response before looking back toward the scroll once more. "Lastly, you will need to know the call and message feature. Simply go right to left. And it will bring up your phone book and message board. Simply go to the bottom of this screen to view your own scroll number. Be sure to learn it as soon as you are able. I have also gone through the liberty of inputting my scroll number into yours." Glynda slides the scroll shut and then holds it toward Ashe, "I highly advise that you only message or call if it is something vital. Otherwise, seek me out in person when available and in need of assistance."
Ashe takes the scroll and curiously toys with it. She brings up the status page to check her health. Ashe is met with a picture of herself, top hat and all. 'When did they get this picture? How did they get it, rather?' She cringles at the Aura display. The bar is bright red and barely noticeable. She never wants to deplete her Aura to this level ever again. It is torture. "Yes, Professor. I shall keep that in mind."
"Good, I shall send you a message for your assigned room number. Now, if you will excuse me. I have some…unfinished business to attend." Ashe could only watch as Glynda politely nods before stomping off. Those heel clicks sounded fierce. On the bright side, Professor Goodwitch certainly keeps her emotions in check. Not once did she misdirect any of it toward Ashe.
The door slams shut in an echo. Once more, Ashe finds herself alone on the center stage. She felt lonely suddenly. Guess she better get a move on. She has plenty of distance to cover while crawling at a slug's pace. On the bright side, at least she is getting used to such awkward and stiff movements. Or is that more of a bad thing? She's not quite sure.
Finally arriving at the closed double doors, Ashe attempts to press it open with her arms, but they only strain uselessly. She sighs irritably before leaning her body onto the door. With a grunt of effort, Ashe slowly shoves the heavy door open. 'Why doors so damn heav—'
It suddenly pries open and sends her into a shock. With the door out of the way, Ashe kept going forward. Tripping over her feet with a grunt, a pale and slender arm catches her calmly. Catching her breath, Ashe glances over her shoulders to find an amused pair of light blue eyes. "Difficulties?"
"Nn…You didn't have to wait for me." She really didn't. Why did Weiss stay behind anyway? That's the last person she expected to see out here. Hasn't she already helped enough? Since when was a Schnee nice anyways? It doesn't make any sense.
Weiss huffs and helps Ashe to stand, "Again, with that nonsense. You're right, I did not have to wait for you, but I did. Show me some gratitude. After all, Professor Peach told me about your condition when you were still unconscious. It did not sit well with me to leave you alone here. With such a weak body, I theorized you'd struggle on your own. It appears I was correct. Obviously."
Putting Ashe's arm around her shoulders, Weiss helps Ashe walk properly. "Secondly, I could use a break from Ruby. If I am around her for too long, I fear for my sanity."
Ashe perks a brow, "Ruby doesn't seem that bad. Isn't she just young and inexperienced? Seems like a good girl at heart." She really did. Ashe may not have interacted with Ruby that much, but from what she has seen of her so far. Ruby appears to wear her heart upon her sleeve.
"Hm…Let's just agree to disagree for the moment." A pregnant pause lingers in the air for a moment. Ashe hobbles along with the heiress. Leaning against her warm, yet cool body for strength and aid. "Are you hungry?"
"Not really. I don't have much of an appetite right now. I might skip out on dinner tonight." From the stress and shock during the ceremony, her appetite is just not there right now. Would she even be able to keep down her food if she ate? Last thing she wants is to overexert herself after dinner and retch.
Weiss's eyes narrow. "Hm, I see. Well, since we are now both enrolled. We need to get our uniforms. Do you know where that is?"
Ashe looks away with a slight red hue, "Nn…I didn't…even know we have to go get our own uniforms." She was unconscious in the infirmary for a while, and then had to rush out to make it in time for the enrollment. No one mentioned a thing about uniforms.
…Was she supposed to look it up on her own?
"I knew it. I think I am starting to understand your quirks. Well, consider yourself in luck then. I need to get my uniform as well. So, being the humble hostess that I am. I shall let you tag along."
Ashe rolls her eyes, "Mm…So lucky…"
"I'll drop you here. Don't think I won't."
"…Sorry…"
"That's what I thought." The rest of the trip was made in quiet. The beginning was rough, Weiss kept outpacing Ashe and making her fumble. Ashe finally called her out on it eventually, making her fumble in embarrassment. After that, she was more mindful of Ashe and her steps. A moment longer and they come upon a glass door.
Looking up, Ashe notices a sign, 'Beacon Supply Shop.' Her nose twitches in thought. What a plain name…Wonder who thought of it. Weiss opens the door before pulling Ashe along with her. Within the store, they untangle and stand apart.
"I'll be there in a minute."
Weiss was perfectly content to just wait. Ashe on the other hand didn't feel like staying still, but she couldn't exactly move anywhere. Doesn't mean she can't look. Interest peaks when she notices a small notepad and pencil to fit in her vest. 'I wonder how much that costs. Wait…cost…' Ashe's eyes widen at the sudden thought of Lien. She doesn't have any. Does she have to buy her own uniform? Again, she finds herself in another pinch.
Before Ashe could fully spiral into a panic, a soft click and clack of heels strut in their direction. Her nose twitches when a model strikes a pose before them. A black beret proudly on display, covering dark brown hair that's cropped in a bob. Her bangs curled down the right side of her face in a caramel color. Just like that bunny faunus from before, she also wore the standard school uniform. The clerk tilts down a pair of aviator shades to peer over them. "Welcome to Beacon Supply Shop. What may I help you fine ladies with?"
Weiss cocks a hip with a manicured hand. Ashe notices her perking up and being more…flamboyant? Is that the word? "We are first year students that were just enrolled. We need our academy uniforms."
Ashe's brow perks when Weiss tosses back her side tail with a flair. The clerk sized up the heiress, humming quietly while shifting her weight upon her leg. "Of course, you are. Back of the store, will you need assistance?"
With an upward turn of her nose, "No, I am more than capable on choosing my own clothes. My standards are quite difficult to meet after all."
Did…Were they sizing each other up…over their styles? Ashe tilts her head and watches Weiss disappear toward the back. Did she just witness one of the most subtle peacock battles? That's why she's never liked anything frilly or laced. Ashe makes a motion to follow with a jingle of her bell.
A body blocks her bath, staring at her with dark brown eyes and a flirtatious smirk. "Where do you think you're going?" Being so close, Ashe notices she has quite a bit of make-up. Just the right amount. Why was she so tall as well?
"Mm…to get my uniform…"
The clerk leans forward to further inspect Ashe with a critical gaze. "Yes, I gathered that from the heiress in the antique clothing. Combat skirts have been outdated for a while now."
"…Ah…" Okay? Exactly, what does this woman want from her? If she wants to talk fashion, Ashe is the very last person on the planet. All she wears is what's comfortable and practical. She at least attempts to color coordinate. She at least knows not to look a clown.
"Follow me, you'll need my assistance in finding correct clothing in your…size."
Ashe couldn't help but grunt in annoyance at the cheeky grin. Yes, she's perfectly aware at how difficult it can be to find something that fits. She's knows that from first-hand experience. She lost count in how many stores she broke into for a decent outfit. Don't tell anyone that though.
When the clerk twirls and snaps her back straight, Ashe slowly hobbles along to trail after her strut. She used the shelves for stability along the way. There were all kinds of goodies. From school supplies, to music, movies, and snacks.
Finding the girl waiting for her, the clerk snaps a measuring tape with a glint in her eye. "Let Fashionista Coco have a good look at you, Doll."
Ashe could only stare up toward the taller teenager. A dark shadow engulfs her small stature. With such a weak and fragile body, she could not defend herself from her assailant. She was treated like some sort of toy, a doll. Measurements taken in places she didn't even know needed to be measured.
Mercy.
Ashe instinctively covers her body while Coco hums in thought, and browses through the aisle of uniform accessories and clothes. She never wants to go through that ever again. Ashe would much more prefer to be thrown to the Beowolves with only her bare hands.
Talking to herself, "This is quite a challenge…I don't really have anything your size." A smile embraces Coco's lips, "I love challenges. Good news, I do have your shoe size."
When did Coco check her shoe size? Just what happened in that whirlwind of tape? "Nn."
Nodding to herself, Coco collects the smallest size in each article of clothing before beckoning Ashe to follow. "Follow me to the register. I need to make a few alterations and you'll be all set." Nodding to herself, Ashe complies with the command.
She soon approached the register to find Weiss waiting. The sound of fingernails rasping against the wooden counter gave away her impatience and annoyance. "About time. I've been waiting forever."
Coco barely spares Weiss a glance over the shoulder, "Sorry, but I needed to spend my time with something much more…" Her finger traces Weiss up and down with a flamboyant wiggle. "Cute and stylish."
Weiss smirks and tosses back her side tail, flippantly over her shoulder. "Of course. I know how difficult it might be for you to work with something out of your reach. Not everyone has the culture or class for such elegance, so I apologize in advance."
With a twitch of her nose, Ashe shivers into goosebumps. Did it just get cold in here?
Also, did she just get insulted?
The glares between the two was intense. Even Ashe could feel the heat smoldering. They just met, and apparently, they don't get along. She's not sure why, but maybe its just an oil and water thing.
Coco suddenly barks out a laughter and leans onto the counter while pointing at Weiss. "I like you. You've got guts and a sharp tongue." Okay, so maybe at least one gets along. Socializing is hard. "But you know who'd love that tongue even more?" A thumb is jerked in Ashe's direction. "Your little girlfriend here."
Ashe perks up in confusion, "Mm?"
Weiss on the other hand, turns scarlet and slams her palms upon the counter. "Y-you deviant! She is not my girlfriend! Why would you even think that?!"
Ashe's nose twitches. Does that mean she's not up to Weiss's standards, or she's just some kind of social enigma? Because either choice sucks, but also probably correct.
Coco leans back into an obvious expression of mocked shock. "What? Oh my, I am terribly sorry. I never would have realized that, considering how you kept glancing in her direction while I was assisting her. My mistake." She tugs down her glasses and gives a quick wink toward Weiss.
Even the tips of Weiss's ears were turning a shade of red. "Just. Check out my uniform and give me my bag."
Coco returns an exaggerated bow in jest. "But of course. I dare not keep you from such cultured duties."
Weiss slams a palm upon the counter and turns toward Ashe with a strained smile. Thoroughly ignoring the clerk. "So. Did you find what you need?"
Ashe slowly blinks before shaking her head," Nn, there was nothing in my…size…" That was a bitter pill to swallow.
"I see."
A soft ping and vibration rustles in Ashe's pocket. Reaching inside, she pulls out her new scroll. Tilting her head, Ashe opens it to find a new icon flashing.
Weiss leaned forward to glance at the scroll. "You already have a message on your school? Who's it from?"
Clicking on the message, Ashe reads it over. It wasn't very long. "Professor Goodwitch…She's just informing me my room number that I'll be staying in."
"Let me see." Before Ashe could even respond, a cold hand wraps around hers before peeking at the message. "That's not too far from ours. I'll come to your room later. There's something I need to speak with you privately, remember."
"Mm."
A flirtatious purr emits from the register. They find Coco staring at them and making a pawing motion with her hand. "My, you work fast, Princess. Already wanting to speak to her privately, in her own dorm. I didn't know you had it in you, and you called me a deviant."
Weiss sputters and grabs onto her bag of goodies. "The nerve! I think I've had just about all I can handle. I have other important matters to attend to." She turns toward Ashe and nods her head once, "I'll see you later." With that said, Weiss storms out of the store.
Coco snorted when Weiss pouted outside the glass door in fumes. "Oh, she's going to be a fun one to tease. I'm looking forward to this." Ashe could only grunt in confusion. "Now you just wait here, Doll. I need to make some alterations to your uniform and then you'll be all set to go."
Ashe watches her disappear toward the employee's area. With a sigh, she leans onto the counter and closes her eyes. That was an interesting turn of events. She gets the feeling there was some underlying meaning to their words, but she couldn't keep up with it. Her mind is a bit fuzzy, and Ashe just wants to take a nap.
Maybe she will just close her eyes for a moment. It is quite cozy in the store, tranquil and warm. Her body slackens into a light nap. An even breath softly escaping from her lips at the heave of her chest. Strange, she could still hear and feel, but her body wouldn't react to anything. Perhaps those were other students picking up their uniforms.
That's a lot of people for just taking a five-minute nap.
Mumbling to herself, Ashe eventually rouses from her hibernation. One hand rubbing onto her eyes in a soft yawn. She hears a soft click before shaking her head of sleeping sand. "Mm?"
"That's your morning face, huh? Cute." Coco stares at her in intrigue, one cheek resting upon her palm. "I'm sure a certain white-haired princess would love to see this. I know Velvet would. She loves cute and small things."
Another yawn escapes from Ashe, "How long was I asleep? Did you finish?" It couldn't have been that long.
"Of course, I did, that was an hour ago."
Ashe just stares and blinks at the smug expression of Coco, she was typing away at her scroll. "Why didn't you wake me up?"
A hand waves her off, "You were just too cute for me to wake up, and you seemed tired. Figured I'd let you nap for a bit. Plus, it was nice having someone nearby. Even if they were asleep."
"Ah…" Ashe gently scratches at her neck. She finds a bag of clothes next to her elbow on the counter. "Are these mine?"
"Got it in one, Doll."
With a grimace, Ashe gently pulls the belongings toward her. Now for the hard part. "How much…?" She doesn't exactly have any Lien on her.
Coco tilts down her shades, "Excuse me?"
Ashe frowned softly, "I don't have any Lien to pay for these."
Confusion masks Coco's features before realization dawns, "Oh, honey. I don't know who told you that, but there's no charge for your first uniform. Did you not read the pamphlet?"
"There's a pamphlet?"
Coco chuckles, "That answers my question. I even threw in a few extra supplies we had lying around. Consider that a bonus. You're free to go, and it's all on Beacon's dime. Besides…" Coco leans over the counter and lifts Ashe's chin with a finger. "If it wasn't, you're just so precious that I'd give it to you for free."
Ashe backs off with her new uniform and supplies. "A-ah, thank you. I think?" With a turn, Ashe makes her grand, but slow escape in embarrassment. In her rush, she bumps into a shelf and knocks down a box of pencils. Placing it back, she mumbles out an apology before leaving the store.
With a look of amusement, Coco's scroll buzzes upon the counter. Opening her message, she grins and leans against the counter. "I was right, Velvet feels the same way. She's a little cutie. Maybe we'll take her shopping with us some time."
Rounding the corner, Ashe leans upon it to catch her breath. It was a struggle to hobble away that quickly. If her body could just miraculously heal, she will never extinguish her aura ever again. It is dreadful. If someone could make some Aura vitamin pills to swallow, that would be great. With a huff, Ashe continues and finally ends her adventure at her dorm's door.
That wasn't so bad. She only made the wrong turn a few times.
Ashe reaches toward the handle with a soft smile. She's curious to find out what her room looks like. Will she have to share it with someone? Ashe's situation is quite unique, so could she also have a dorm to herself? Curious, quite interesting. Pushing open the door, it just rattles into place, unyielding. With a blink of her eyes, Ashe attempts to open the door once more.
Another shutter.
…
Ashe groans in frustration as she slams her forehead into the door. Of course, it would be locked, why wouldn't it be? Did she need a key? "Where's that damn pamphlet..." Ashe isn't quite sure if she could make it to the information office. It is a long journey in her condition, and she's just so tired. Maybe she can sleep in the hallway?
She doubts anyone would notice her on the floor anyway.
"Ms. Souris, I see you have found your dorm. Well done."
Turning her head to the side, it remains against the door. Professor Goodwitch stared her down in a neutral and curious expression. Ashe sighs in defeat, she is so done with today. "It's locked."
Glynda huffs and calmly approaches, "Ms. Souris, did you use the scroll?" A shake of the head, and Professor Goodwitch holds out her hand. "Hand me your scroll." Finding it plopped into her hand, she motions for Ashe to watch closely. "Watch and learn." Glynda shuffles her glasses into place, 'At least she listens.
It was a short and quick lecture on how to use the scroll as a key. Who knew they could also work like that? Apparently, everyone. Professor Goodwitch opens the door and motions for Ashe to enter. Hobbling in, she gazes about the room. It's quite simple.
Two twin sized beds on either side of the walls and they come with their own desks and dressers. The room had one large window between the beds with a red curtain, and a bookshelf along the floor. It really was basic and simple.
Ashe likes it.
Glynda approaches from behind, "This will be your room during your stay here at Beacon. Smaller than the others, but it will do. Considering this is the guest room for visitors and such. You will find your things on the desk over there. Go through them when you are able." Ashe finds the box upon the desk near two doors.
"The door on the right is your own closet, and the one on the left is your very own bathroom." Professor Goodwitch opens the bathroom door and motions Ashe to look inside. "I do recommend keeping it clean. Its much more convenient than the public facilities. They are quite…messy."
Peeking inside, Ashe finds it to be a normal bathroom. Sink, vanity, toilet and a bathtub. She blinks slowly to herself at the sight. Her own bathtub?
A knowing smile finally worms onto the Professor's lips, "Yes, you have your very own bathtub. Do take care of it." She plans to, very much so. "Now then, I will arrive tomorrow morning at seven to bring your class schedule."
"Mm."
Approaching the entryway, Professor Goodwitch turns toward Ashe in thought. "If you have other questions, feel free to search me out. While yes, I am a Professor of this prestigious academy, I am also a person. I do enjoy my privacy and personal space. When I find some time, we will talk later to become better acquainted."
Ashe's lips thin, already she is getting some uncomfortable vibes. Something telling her this is not exactly a common occurrence. Perhaps they were both thrown into this situation on a whim, and Glynda isn't exactly comfortable with this.
"Lastly, welcome to Beacon Academy. I look forward to working together for the betterment of Remnant." Glynda offers the tiniest of smiles and closes the door behind her.
Ashe stood there for a moment longer, 'I'm…a student of Beacon.' She then glances toward her open palms, offering the smallest and barest of smiles. "I actually did it…" Her hands pump into fists, proud of herself at a job well-done.
With a surprising amount of strength, Ashe whirls around toward her box. A merry tone from her bell jingles out quietly. It doesn't take long for her to unpack only one box. Thankfully nothing was heavy, she would have struggled otherwise.
Weariness glooms over her body, making her flop onto the cozy bed. Spreading out her limbs, Ashe takes a deep and calming breath. "My room…Nn." She couldn't help but feel content. She's never really had her own 'room' before. After she left the Fang, she became a nomad. A vagabond. The wildness is what she called home, so she lived in it.
The parks provided wonderful shade and a calming song of the leaves in the breeze. The fields would cool her down and reveal their tales in the stars. The oceans would swallow her in their waves, taking her wherever they wished in a journey. It was nice being able to sleep where she wanted. Other times, she would swindle a few Lien to rent a room, but that was during bad storms and if she need to clean up.
Lakes and rivers only do so much.
Speaking of Lien, Ashe grunts in annoyance. She's going to need a job or something, won't she? It's not like has a sponsor or anything for some pocket change. Of course, she could steal some Lien, but in the long run, that will be an issue. It would be better not to push such luck in her once in a lifetime chance. That will be saved for emergencies.
Struggling to sit up, Ashe begins to remove her hair elastic bands. Setting them upon the desk, she stares at them. Ashe can easily keep track of her Lien, Dust, and other useless junk she might come across. Yet for some strange reason, she can't seem to keep hold of her hair bands. She's not irresponsible, so its not her. There just has to be some tiny Grimm out there. Hell-bent on making her life miserable and hiding her elastic bands.
It's frustrating to no end.
A polite knock sounds from her door. Perking a brow, who could be visiting her at this hour? Shouldn't everyone be settling in their own rooms? Who does she even know that would visit? Removing her vest on the way, she wraps it around the back of a desk chair. Cracking open the door, she finds a pair of light blue eyes staring down at her. "Hello?"
"Good evening, may I come in? I know you're hungry."
"Nn…I'm not really hung—" Her stomach grumbles out, causing an awkward silence. Damn thing betrayed her.
Weiss holds up a large paper sack. A pompous smirk upon her lips with a knowing look. "I'm always right. I even went out of my way to get you some food. Now, let me in." With a grumble, Ashe opens the door and lets Weiss into her dorm before closing it behind her. Coming to a stop, Weiss looks around the room in scrutiny. "Kind of small."
"Mm." Ashe plops upon her bed, letting herself get cozy and relax. "I like it though."
"I suppose it is better than sharing one with three others." Weiss sets the food bag on the desk before opening its contents. A plastic bowl is handed off toward Ashe with disposable silverware. "I don't know what you like, so I just got some fish, rice, and fruit. It's what I like after all." Of course, Weiss would get her something that she herself enjoys.
"Mm, I like having a spare bed. Never know when it comes in handy." Ashe struggles to pop open the canister, much to her ire and Weiss's entertainment. "The vanity in the bathroom is nice, but I like the bathtub, and the extra desk is nice for arts." Finally prying it open, she finds Weiss staring at her with a tight expression.
"Repeat that."
Ashe perks a brow, "Which part? The vanity?"
"No, after that."
She hums in thought, stabbing a fork into a fruit. "The extra desk is nice for arts?" Just what is she going on about?
Weiss grows annoyed at her lack of patience, "No! Before that."
"Um, I like the bathtub?"
The heiress perks up and leans toward Ashe eagerly. "Yes! That! Clarify, now." Ashe simply points to a closed door with a fork and fruit. Weiss turns to the door and back to Ashe. Studying her once more, Weiss stands and storms toward the bathroom door. Flinging it open, Ashe watches in curiosity while munching down.
She disappears into the bathroom. A moment later, the sound of running water crashes into the tub. It stops a moment after before an amazed and flabbergasted Weiss stands in the doorway. "No way, you have your own bathtub! That is so not fair! I'm on a team of four girls, and we have to share one shower! Ridiculous!"
Ashe takes a tiny mouthful of rice with a shaking hand. "Ah…My condolences."
Weiss groans and takes her own food, sitting on the opposite bed in a huff. "Three of us have long hair, do you have any idea how miserable its going to be? I require a delicate amount of pampering and grooming to acquire such elegance."
"Mm, you do look nice."
Light blue eyes stare toward Ashe for a moment before clearing her throat. "Ah, yes. Thank you." A soft red tint only lasts for a moment.
A sudden thought comes to Ashe, "I don't mind sharing my bathtub. I don't really take long baths or showers." She's more about practicality. So long as she's squeaky clean, she's happy. Perhaps she will try soaking in the tub one day.
The silence is strange, looking up Ashe finds Weiss staring at her. "You mean it? You don't mind me using your bathtub?"
"Mm, it's just a bathtub. Not like I'd be in there for long anyways." Oh, a sliced melon. Ashe loves her fruits. She will never understand how people can be so picky about them. They are just so savory when fresh. "Just bring your own toiletries. I don't have much of my own."
"I can come whenever I want?"
Ashe rolls her eyes, "Yes." A sudden thought crosses her mind, forcing a fork in Weiss's direction. "Unless you plan to come in the middle of the night. I hate having my sleep interrupted. I'll get violent. I poke things with my blades when I get woken up at night."
"Deal." Weiss quickly accepts the agreement. It's a complete win for her. She can come use a bathtub whenever she wants, and in a nice quiet part of the building. She will have to do everything she can to prevent the others from finding out. Weiss will be damned if the others invade in her territory.
A tranquil peace soothes into the room. Weiss elegantly eating away at a graceful pace. Ashe on the other hand struggled, but she made do on her own. She's not proud at showing such weakness, but there's nothing she can do about it. Just hope that this condition doesn't last for long.
Finishing their meals, Weiss takes the trash and puts them back into the paper sack. With a huff, she once more takes a seat. The heiress was quite stiff for some reason. Her light blue eyes were flickering around in self-thought. "I've put this off for long enough, but there's a reason I came here."
An uncomfortable feeling knots inside Ashe's stomach, and she's not sure why. Maybe from the food, she did just finish eating. "Mm, for what reason?"
Flattening out her combat skirt from habit, Weiss then shifts uncomfortable with her fingers clasped together. "There's no easy way to say this. So, I'm just going to be blunt about it. I know you're a Faunus, a Mouse Faunus."
Ashe stiffens and stares toward Weiss. Her breathing stilled to a crawl. You'd wonder if she even was breathing. Her fingers weakly claw into her pants. Her nose twitches, "I don't know what you're talking about. You're mistaking me for someone else." How? How does she know? When did she find out? Ashe made sure to always be guarded. She can understand Professor Peach, but a fellow student leaves a bitter taste in her mouth.
A Schnee at that.
Light blue eyes narrow in irritation, "Do not lie to me, Ashe. You are terrible at it. I saw them with my own eyes. I even touched them with my fingers. You are a Faunus." She's not going to let Ashe try to escape or lie about this. Weiss needs to have this conversation if they are to continue being classmates.
But something in Ashe snapped. Perhaps it's from the pent-up frustration. She's been on an emotional roller coaster since she got here, and after today, she's yet to vent.
With a building of anger, Ashe stands to her feet and rips off her hat. Lashing out, she throws it toward Weiss in frustration and gritted teeth. She's had enough. Her bell chimed sharply. With a snarl, Ashe swipes her hand through the air, "When?!" When did Weiss find out? When did she see them? When did Ashe let her guard down?
When, when, when.
Though, she wasn't the only one who snapped. Weiss had caught Ashe's hat, and she clutched the trim in a vice grip. "Who do you think you are?!" Standing to her feet, Weiss steps toward Ashe angrily. "You think I'm just going to sit there and let you treat me like that?" Weiss shoves forward with the hat, slamming it into Ashe's chest to return it.
With such a weak body, normally she could easily take the hit, but not this time. Ashe tumbled back in a grunt, hat back in her clutch. Collapsing onto her bed, she brings her hat in close and grits her teeth. This isn't fair. They have always mistreated Faunus, and now one knows about her. Ashe once more looks up toward Weiss, "When?"
Silence ensues between them. Crossing her arms over her chest, Weiss lets her anger simmer down. The scowl never leaving her face. "Back during Emerald Forest in the exam. After you lost consciousness, I was the one to find you. What? Did you think that you just miraculously appeared in the infirmary with your hat? That there's no possible way anyone could find out?"
Weiss angrily stomps forward and leans over the bed toward Ashe. A cold finger firmly jabs into Ashe's chest. "Out of my gracious heart, I made sure your secret wasn't found out. I went through the trouble of hiding your ears in your hat. I went through the trouble of making sure it stayed on when Jaune carried you all the way to the infirmary. I also went through making sure everyone left the room when Professor Peach kicked us out." Light blue eyes turned cold and piercing. "So why don't you change that attitude of yours and show me some gratitude. Instead of lashing out at me, thank me. I could have just as easily told everyone you're a faunus. Show me some respect."
Ashe could only stare at Weiss. She clenched her teeth into a grit, but not out of anger. She was so frustrated. She was so close to having the day over and done with. She could have rested and start a new day. An opportunity for a new life without being judged. But she let her guard down, Weiss is correct. There's no way someone wouldn't have found out about her being a Faunus. The fact that she's the only one who did, is a miracle.
But she's a Schnee.
With a silent swallow, Ashe bites onto her lower lip, "You…You are right…Weiss. I apologize. I was out of line." Apologizing, to a Schnee. If he could see her now, he'd kill her himself. But he's dead and she's changed. Her anger and rage have evaporated, but it still lingers. She's just tired, so very tired of it all. "I thank you, for keeping it a secret." Her body quivers, fingers clawing into the sheets.
Ashe has the worst luck of all. She's heard rumors and stories about some other Faunus. When they get found out and exposed. All they want is to fit in and be respected. Instead, they get blackmailed into a nightmare. Just so they don't lose that lifestyle. Her voice was soft and tired. "What happens now? Are you going to mock me? Belittle me like some stray animal? Go ahead and look down at me, you wouldn't be the first. Am I going to have to be your sla—"
"How dare you!" Weiss's voice roars with fury. A fist clutches onto Ashe's shirt and hauls her up in shock. Her eyes were frozen glaciers and sliced into whatever she looked at. "You dare insult my pride?! Reduce me to some lowly degenerate. I am Weiss Schnee, Heiress to the Schnee Dust Company. I would never stoop to such a level of debauchery. Don't you ever, insult me in such a manner again, Ashe."
She's just so confused. What does she want from her? Her mouth blurted it out before she could even think it, "Then why have you come to me about this? If you knew I was keeping it a secret, then why even bring it up?! You, out of everyone, should know exactly why Faunus choose to live secret lives. We are mocked, spat on, treated like feral animals. We are nothing but second-class citizens to most of the world."
Weiss's clutch loosens as her anger disperses, but confusion fills the void. "That's the problem. Because I am a Schnee, I do not understand." Slowly lowering Ashe back down onto the bed, she stands before her with flickering eyes. "From the moment you saw me, heard my name, you knew I was a Schnee. Known and hated through out the world by all Faunus-kind. A bulls-eye on our back for all of their misery and hatred."
A pitiful laugh escapes from the corner of her lips, "Not once did I ever notice you looking at me in resentment. You had that one incident back in the hallway with Pyrrha, but it wasn't out of anger from you." Raising her hands, Weiss looks at them and clenches them softly. "Its like you were scared…of me. When I thought about it later…it hurt. To see someone so afraid of me."
While she's not wrong, she's not correct either. Ashe isn't 'afraid' of her, more so that she's scared of her remembering what happened in the past. What she did to her and her family. If Weiss ever finds out, her life is over. She would have to live the rest of her life on the run. To never see the daylight in peace again. Does she regret it? No. She would do it again in a heartbeat, but Ashe would be in control.
"But…" Her voice snaps Ashe out of her thoughts, "That's not all. You then saved me in my fall. Knowing exactly who I was, not even the others tried. Why would you do that for me? You even…" Weiss slowly feels her legs weaken, shifting her body, she sits upon Ashe's bed in deep thought. "You called me Stardust…No one has called me that since my Grandmother. I don't understand."
Ashe and Weiss both sit upon the edge of her bed. The silence was awkward and intense, but it allowed for the thoughts to calm and re-collect. This time, Ashe breaks the silence. "You know…I used to be like that. I was so filled with rage and hate, I lashed out at anyone and anything. I was like that…for many years. Then something happened, and I broke."
Ashe pauses to take a deep and shaky breath. Her hands were quivering within her lap. She hates talking about anything related to her past. It only brings up all her wounds. "After that…I was tired. So tired of all the hate and anger. The drive for revenge was fueled by my hatred, and that hatred…made me suffer in so much misery and agony. I was hurting so much inside. And for what? Just a small moment of satisfactory, only to be empty once more. My hatred only bred more hatred. It was an endless cycle of suffering. I learned that…lived it…And I don't want it anymore."
Weiss's voice was so soft and quiet. Barely a whisper into the night. "How?" A soft hum is all she receives in question. "How did you let your hatred go so easily? This is why I wanted to confront you about this. I'm confused and I don't understand."
"You're wrong about that." Weiss stares toward Ashe, her loose hair partially shadowing over her eyes with wilted mouse ears. "It wasn't so easy to let it go…I…I lost the thing that I cared about most. I regret, not appreciating her when she was alive…and now its too late. Because I was so consumed in rage. There's not a day, that I don't reminisce about her, and wish I had done things differently."
A stray hand raises to wipe away at her eyes before they could start to water. "But you have the strength that I wish I had. You may not understand, but you are still here. Trying. That's more than anyone else can say. At the very least, you can try to understand it from a Faunus's point-of-view."
Weiss clenches her soft hands into fists. "That's the problem. I can't understand it from a Faunus's point-of-view. We have been at war with the Faunus for generations. It's not just some trade war either, no." Her body begins to quiver in a silent rage. "It has been so bloody. Friends abducted, companies vandalized and robbed more times than we can keep count, and family members murdered before my eyes." Weiss turns toward Ashe with an angry snarl. "Excuse me for not seeing it from a Faunus' point-of-view!"
Ashe visibly winces as if Weiss struck her. Because Ashe is probably the biggest instigator for Weiss's hatred and suffering. She was the one that abducted people related to the Schnee name. She was the one that could easily infiltrate and sabotage their facilities from the inside. Ashe was the one that murdered Weiss's uncle and aunt before her eyes. Her arms wrap around her own body, but it doesn't help the shaking.
All Weiss sees, is a small teen flinching away from her. That petite and fragile body shivering and trying to huddle into herself. To Weiss, it's like Ashe is afraid of her. It hurt. A sharp pain stabbed into her heart and pride. Do all Faunus react this way? Is this how they view her? Like some sort of monster? Is this what Ashe meant by seeing it from their point-of-view?
That's not what she wants. Weiss does not want people to be afraid of her. She wants to be respected. To be her own person. She loves the Schnee name, but she wants to be known as Weiss before Schnee. How many people know her first name? Its vexing.
"It's okay…" Weiss slowly looks back up toward the shivering faunus. She struggled to look toward Weiss, but she made the effort. "Weiss…if you don't understand, that's okay. It's not your fault. It's just the world we live in." How could she possibly be at fault? Weiss has yet to take the reigns of the company. The girl barely stepped out of her own home ever since the incident. Blaming her would just be misdirected anger. "Just because you don't understand right now. Doesn't mean that you can't later."
Weiss just stared toward her in shock and confusion, "What?"
Ashe's body relaxes and sinks into the bed, "You are correct, about everything. Weiss, you have suffered. The Faunus have caused you so much pain." Ashe being the most prominent villain. "Just as the Schnee Dust Company has caused the Faunus to suffer. Because just like humans, Faunus can be racist and violent. If not even more so." She shivers at the mental image of a muscular male Faunus with long crimson hair. "Your reasons are justifiable."
Yes, Faunus can be cruel and without mercy.
Monsters.
Just like she was.
"This is why I don't understand!" Ashe slowly looks up to find Weiss standing before her once more. Confusion and a need to understand plastered over her face. "Why aren't you angry? Why do you not hate me? It is only the natural order of things. To hate those that cause you suffering, isn't it? I am a Schnee, your mortal enemy of the Faunus."
A fragile hand presses against her own chest, a slight water begins to form upon her eyes. "The whole world of Remnant agrees, that I and all my familiar are nothing but corrupt individuals. That we are the reason for all this hate in the world. So why…" Weiss's head slowly droops down, "Why don't you hate me? I can understand the hate…but not this…Its so confusing."
Ashe couldn't help but stare up toward her at a sudden realization. How long as she been holding this in? Bottling up all her emotions. Weiss is the heiress of the Schnee Dust Company. How much pressure is put on her shoulders? How much weight is she forced to carry? Just how many people are watching her every move, waiting for any chance to take advantage of her. How many times has she been betrayed or mocked? The more she thinks about it, the more Ashe's stomach churns.
Weiss is still only just a teenager, just about at the edge of adulthood.
It really is, such a ruthless cycle they live in. But Weiss deserves to know the truth about where Ashe came from. So, she can truly understand how some people can change, or at least try in Ashe's case.
Slowly reaching out, Ashe gently grabs onto Weiss's wrists. "Because just like you Weiss…I have suffered. It painful, to always be hurting and hated. Isn't it?" She gets the tiniest of nods from Weiss. "I was just like you. All that malice just made me hurt so much. I wanted to feel something else, something good. For you to truly understand…I have to tell you something. Promise, you won't lose control."
Weiss's lips thin into a neutral line into a soft nod. That's probably the best Ashe will get. With a deep breath, she tightens her grasp on her wrists a bit more. Which isn't much considering just how weak she is right now.
"Weiss, I used to be part of the Fang."
Those cold and slim wrists attempt to jerk free from her grasp. Ashe's weak constitution strains to keep a solid grip, but it was immensely difficult. She was just so weak and sensitive.
Those light blue eyes were piercing like glacial icebergs. "Let go of me!" Let it be said, Weiss is a fighter and does not give up trying to break free. Her struggles grew frantic.
"No, I won't let you go. You need to listen to me. I told you that I used to! I left them years ago, Weiss. Now, they hunt me relentlessly and would rather see me dead. Just like you." Only when Weiss jerks with all her strength, she roughly tugs onto Ashe's arms. Producing a painful whimper from the frail Faunus, does Weiss finally relent in distraught.
Ashe never let go.
Slowly sinking down onto her knees, Weiss looks up toward Ashe's pained face. Her arms no doubt in pain. They were quaking onto her slender wrists and so visibly pale from her normal complexion. "Why?"
Gritting her teeth, Ashe had both eyes clinched, but forces one open to make eye contact with Weiss, "Why what, Weiss?" That hurt more than she let on. It felt like Weiss tried to rip her arms off. Her muscles burn, her joints are tender. Everything hurts.
"Why are you telling me this? Why did you join the White Fang? Why did you leave? I have so many questions that I do not know where to begin." She's so confused, all she wants is a straight-forward answer. For someone to give her the answer. If only life was that easy.
"Because you need to understand. That the Faunus in the Fang…are just men and women that are drawn to act in the name of revenge that we deemed to be 'Justice'. But…at some point when we started to call our vengeance 'Justice'…it only bred more revenge. Because in the end, we are just people. With the creation of the first chain link of hate, we thought we were the only ones who mattered."
A mental image of Ashe holding someone within her arms flashes before her eyes. Covered in red and screaming into the forest with a face full of tears. Ashe forces her eyes closed to bury the memory. "That we could put off death. But when you kill someone…Someone else will just kill you in revenge and hatred. A new link of hatred is formed in the chain…And it churns and churns endlessly."
Gently tugging Weiss's wrists toward her, Ashe rests her forehead against the back of Weiss's wrists. "Our Justice came from vengeance, but that justice only created more vengeance. It took me…so long to realize that, and it cost me everything. To see such madness in our system…I so badly, wish I could go back in time and re-do it all, but I can't. Weiss, in the end. We are just people…Misguided and just wanting to be accepted." Ashe releases Weiss wrists, so that she can cover her own eyes with her palms. Hiding away the pain from sight. "Does that…answer some of your questions?"
Weiss remains silent as she looks down at Ashe. She was just so small. Her fragile body was still shaking and shivering in the cold and pain. Her mouse ears were wilted. It was nearly impossible, to remember this is the girl who fought that colossal Grimm on the monitor during the ceremony. But it slowly started to click. Ashe is just a person, like she is. "Honestly…" Weiss barks out an empty laugh to herself, "It answered some…but it just created even more questions than before."
Ashe sniffles quietly and raises her head, a slight redness to them and nothing more. "Sorry, I'm…not really good at things like this." There's a lot of things she's not good at, but she tries. For her.
Leaning forward, Weiss leans onto Ashe's lap. Folding her arms for a makeshift pillow to rest her head on. "You can say that again. All you've done is give me more questions and more things to think about. Inexcusable."
Letting Weiss use her lap, Ashe shrugs her shoulders and looks down with half-lidded eyes. "You know…you are really strong."
"Yes, that's only natural."
A quivering hand rests upon Weiss's head. Making her eyes slightly widen. "I mean it. You are strong, Weiss. Instead of running away…you confronted your issues and faced them head on. Not like me, I ran away like a coward…I fell into the void for comfort." Her hand slowly glides down to the back of Weiss's head. A stray tear glides down her cheek. "I wish, I had been as strong as you back then, Stardust."
Keep it locked away forever.
The next thing she knows, a cold…yet warm hand glides onto Ashe's cheek. Out of instinct, she leans into the touch as a thumb wipes away the stray tear. "Th-there…there…You are strong also. I mean…You've done well. You're here, at Beacon." Was…Was Weiss Schnee trying to cheer her up? A Faunus? She couldn't help herself.
A soft and wet giggle escapes from her lips at the thought. Only causing Weiss to blush out of embarrassment and withdraw her hand. "What's so funny?"
"You're really...really bad at pep-talks, aren't you?"
Leaning away, Weiss looks off to the side with a rosy scowl in embarrassment. "How rude! I just haven't had a need to practice is all." Practice? With Pep-talks? How does one go about that? "You can mark my words though. I'll be the greatest motivational speaker before you know it. People will line up just to receive a motivational speech from me. That's when you'll come crawling to me for a pep-talk from the greatest huntress in Remnant."
Ashe couldn't hold it in anymore. She burst into a fit of light giggles. Just the thought of Weiss giving motivational speeches was enough to send her over the edge. She clutched onto her sides in her fit. Her laughter was soft and mixed with bell's jingle.
Weiss stood and stomped her foot like every ounce of a pouty princess that she is. "Why are you laughing? I'm serious!"
Her giggling fit slowly begins to fade with her sides hurting and a finger wiping away at a tear. "I'm sorry, but I didn't mean to laugh." Tilting her head, Ashe gives her a soft and genuine smile. Weiss couldn't help but stare with a slight red hue. "I truly needed that. Thank you, so much Weiss. I haven't laughed like that in so long."
She found herself staring at that smile for a moment too long. Clearing her throat, Weiss composes herself quickly. "Well…yes. I am sure that I did not make it any easier for you lately. For that, I apologize." Her body relaxes, "I mean it. It's just, I needed to get this off my chest if we are to work together and be classmates at this academy. If it's any consolation…I won't indulge your secrets to anyone. So, everything is safe with me, you being a Faunus included."
"Thank you, Weiss. I appreciate that."
Weiss fiddles her thumbs together, looking around the room with a red tint to her cheeks. The silence consumes them while Ashe just watches. She knows Weiss has something to say, so she will wait for her to speak. "I…I know this conversation may have…put a damper on our relationship." Her hands then reach toward her side tail and glides her fingers through it, a nervous tick perhaps. "I was just wondering…if you would have me that is…to continue to be acquaintances…or colleagues if you will. I don't mind being in your presence. It's comforting."
Ashe stared at Weiss, trying to comprehend what she just heard. "You…what?" Did she just hear that right? Is Weiss trying to ask her to be comrades or something? Were they not already? It's not like Ashe is just going to abandon her or anything. They are students in the same academy, and so long as Weiss doesn't do anything to betray her, then they are fine.
Weiss continues to stroke through her side tail with her head tilted. Her eyes were flickering in thought to herself. Working the words over within her mind in a silent conversation. "I've come to understand that..." With clenched teeth she struggles to spill out her sentence. "That I can be...difficult...at best." Ashe crooks a small grin at that. "And I understand I still have some...prejudices..., but I will make an effort to remedy them." Weiss softly flutters her eyes as she shifts her sight from Ashe and back to her hair repeatedly.
"Weiss, no."
Weiss stiffens at the blunt and short response. That was quick and without much thought. Silky and smooth hair cascades from her fingertips. Her gaze turned down toward the floorboards in a wilt. "Oh…I see…" That makes sense. It's not like Weiss hasn't been exactly friendly with her. So that's quite an obvious response when she thinks about it. "I'll just…be on my way then." Talk about an awkward situation for her.
"Weiss…" The heiress stiffens and slowly tilts toward Ashe with a half-lidded expression. "I want to be your friend. If you would be willing to have me."
A soft red hue burns onto Weiss's nose. Friend? That doesn't sound so bad at all. In fact, this might be her very first friend. That's kind of sad. There's Ruby, but they haven't exactly become…friends…Just…acquaintances that are forced to work together since they are teammates. And while Ashe is a Faunus, she's next exactly, bad company. Weiss is perfectly aware that she can be a handful, she knows this.
She is high-maintenance and she's proud of it. She's also bossy and wants everything to go her way. That also makes her quite selfish. Her lips thin in annoyance. Weiss is just going to stop that line of thought, because it only gets worse. The fact is, Ashe witnessed it all, and took it in stride. She accepted Weiss as she is. "Yes!"
Perhaps that was with too much enthusiasm. Calming herself, "I mean, yes. I would love to have you as my friend. You are one of the more tolerable ones. Everyone else so far has been rather…tiresome and vexing." Reaching into her combat-skirt, Weiss pulls out her scroll. "We should share Scroll numbers then. If you'd like."
Reaching into her back pocket, Ashe hands over her scroll. "I would like that. I don't have mine memorized, so feel free to add it yourself." She has nothing on the scroll anyways. Weiss can look through it all she wants. Its empty.
Not even a few seconds later, and Weiss is handing it back. "There, I added my scroll number, and even a picture so you know its me. I'll be sure to send you a message when I can."
Ashe takes back her scroll and slowly goes through it, "Mm, thank you." She softly yawns and sets her scroll away at the edge of the bed. She's getting sleepy, and she really needs her rest. Being this weak and fragile, she has a feeling tomorrow isn't going to get any better.
Pocketing her scroll, Weiss shifts her gaze between Ashe and a certain door. "It's…not as late as I thought. So, I was wondering…"
"Mm?"
"May I use your bathtub? I've had a long day."
( A/N )
The feels train~ Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter, it was an interesting one to write that's for sure.
Leave a comment or review on your thoughts. See you all next chapter!
Darth~