A/N: This chapter was not originally going to be this long, but once I started writing, the words kept coming. The pun I saw in one of the reviews was quite motivating to allow me to finish, so this chapter is dedicated to said reviewer. I also learned that apparently my Whitley portrayal is accurate, so thanks for that. Enjoy! I do not own RWBY.
Why is she here now? More importantly, why is she looking at me like I did something that personally offended her? Blake thought. Princess sat across from her, and the thief managed to barely hold in an exhausted sigh. Instead, she merely raised an eyebrow to indicate her curiosity.
"It isn't very nice to steal from people, Blake Belladonna," the white-haired woman practically spat out her name. The Faunus, used to concealing her emotions, didn't outwardly react to the accusation even though she could feel her pulse pounding. She scrutinized the stranger before her carefully but didn't notice anything different about the woman. She wore the same cloak as usual, and nothing seemed to be out of place except for the stormy expression on her face.
Blake took a breath and composed herself. She didn't like people knowing information about her that she didn't share herself; but she had to figure out what exactly she knew about her without revealing how little she knew about the white-haired woman. Keeping this in mind, she internally justified her aggrieved response to the guest sitting with her.
"I'm sorry. Who are you?"
Princess' expression became more infuriated than before, and Blake smirked at how easy it seemed to annoy her. To further her image of unaffected nonchalance, the Faunus made a show of leaning back in her chair, the smug look never leaving her face. Princess glared at her and was about to retort before she seemed to catch herself and smiled disarmingly, causing Blake's inner panic to rise again.
"I apologize for not introducing myself yet, but I didn't want to draw too much attention. I'm sure you understand, considering how you've managed to remain hidden for so long," Blake narrowed her eyes at this, stubbornly refusing to say anything. Princess sighed after seeing how uncooperative the cat Faunus was.
"Since you don't deny to have stolen from me, perhaps I should enlighten you as to why you should respond to me," the white-haired woman pulled out a dagger, pointing the hilt towards Blake. The pickpocket raised an eyebrow before leaning over the knife to inspect it more closely. It seemed to be a regular weapon save for the emblem on the handle. A very familiar one, actually. In fact, the insignia looked a lot like-
The Faunus instantly tore her gaze off the weapon, shocked amber eyes meeting the steely, expectant blues of the woman before her. A few moments of tense silence passed as Blake tried to process the magnitude of this revelation and piece together the potential impact that her previous actions would have on her now. She concluded that she may have made a mistake in choosing her mark and was about to try and defend herself before being cut off by the unmistakable royal in front of her.
"When I first received my nickname, I thought everyone here had recognized me. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this was just Yang's way of establishing a good rapport with the patrons here. It does help that she's so personable, I suppose," the white-haired woman gestured to the curious barkeep, who was currently watching them with a smirk on her face. She winked when they looked over, causing both women to roll their eyes. Blake noticed an unfamiliar woman seated at the counter observing them before refocusing on the one before her, still unsure how to act around her.
The thief took a steadying breath, dreading what she was about to ask, but she had to know. "So, Princess, you're really the...princess?" she trailed off, still in disbelief. Ice blue eyes twinkled in amusement before narrowing, making the Faunus feel like a criminal caught in the act. She blinked. Oh, right.
The princess sighed, muttering under her breath about how inconvenienced she currently was. This time, Blake narrowed her eyes and was about to express what she thought about that before the noblewoman's next words silenced her.
"Usually, criminals don't get a chance to escape execution, so I wouldn't waste this opportunity."
Execution? Opportunity? Blake's mind was racing, and her pulse quickened to match pace. She refused to let her inner turmoil show though, choosing to stare impassively at the princess instead.
Does nothing affect this woman? The royal returned the thief's stare, surprised when there was no outburst or visible reaction. She decided to be upfront and not waste any more time, hoping that her condition was agreeable and to finally resolve her problem. "If you return the dust crystal that you stole, then I will stop your execution." Her hope gradually diminished as she watched the thief's eyes widen in shock.
Blake's own hope of escaping punishment plummeted immediately at the princess' words. Her good mood from earlier was gone, and her life was next if she didn't think of a way to get the crystal back. She wasn't even sure why Torchwick had wanted it, and she frowned at that before suddenly coming up with a plan to placate the princess and save herself. It was a long shot, but her life was at risk; she only needed the woman before her to cooperate. Gathering herself, she looked the aristocrat in the eyes and spoke.
"I can get it back, but it would be faster if we worked together."
"What would you need my assistance for?"
Blake couldn't help the smirk on her face at her next statement. "To steal the crystal back, of course."
Pyrrha Nikos watched over the meeting between her charge and the recently found Faunus closely in case something were to go wrong. She knew that the princess could handle herself, but she wasn't sure what this Blake Belladonna was capable of. In fact, she wasn't sure of much about Blake even after the past month's secret joint investigation with Yatsuhashi. They were only able to uncover the Faunus' name, appearance, and the fact that she frequented Junior's. Pyrrha attributed their success at finding the elusive Faunus on their first day of searching to chance and good timing.
"They seem to be getting along," Pyrrha turned at the sound of the new voice and relaxed when she saw that it was only the bartender, a friendly smile on her face. Yang gestured discreetly to the two women who now seemed to be glaring at each other. Again. Pyrrha couldn't help the deep sigh she released and only realized she did so when the woman next to her chuckled. The red-haired woman cleared her throat pointedly, attempting to slip back into her professional mask. She had only been recently assigned to Weiss Schnee and knew how difficult the princess could be. Truly, she respected her charge, but even in the short time Pyrrha had gotten to know her, the knight could see that she had a tendency to make hasty decisions.
"I would count that tête-à-tête a triumph if they can go five minutes without glaring at each other," Pyrrha stated, "At least they don't seem to be threatening each other."
"Yet." Pyrrha glared at the self-satisfied barkeep.
"It would be in everyone's best interests if there was no violence," the red-haired woman expressed, glancing at the blonde next to her. Yang put up her hands defensively, smile becoming more genuine.
"Hey, I didn't mean anything by it. This place already gets enough fights. Plus, those two wouldn't even need to use any weapons. Their glares could probably start a revolution, especially Princess'," the barkeeper's smile widened when Pyrrha giggled and shook her head affably, unconsciously leaning closer to Yang.
The two remained in companionable silence, observing the last of the night's patrons mingling and preparing to leave. They kept their attention mainly focused on their companions, who now seemed to be negotiating. "I wonder where she's been the past month though. I kinda missed her, sass and all," Yang chuckled.
"The princess hasn't been given many opportunities to travel outside of the castle given the previous month's White Fang activity," Pyrrha said.
Yang crossed her arms, confusion evident on her face. "What do you mean? It's not like that's really affecting anyone except the royal family…" she trailed off as realization set in and glanced at the red-haired woman for confirmation. Said woman was currently attempting to mask her shock and recover from her slip-up.
"I thought you were already aware-"
"Weiss is a princess?!" At Yang's interjection, the women before them looked towards the bar in surprise. The princess frantically surveyed the tavern, breathing a sigh of relief when she saw her surroundings empty except for the two at the counter. She met her knight's eyes, and the two reached a silent understanding.
The barkeeper was still staring at the only occupied table where negotiations resumed quietly but was snapped out of her daze when Pyrrha placed a hand on her forearm. Their gazes met, and Yang noticed a determination present in striking green eyes not there previously.
"Please don't reveal her identity to anyone else. It was difficult enough sneaking out of the palace as is," Pyrrha pleaded. The bartender took in her beseeching expression and sighed, running a hand through her hair.
"I won't say anything, but I can't say the same of anyone else if they happen to find out," Yang gave the knight her most charming smile. "But if we're gonna be keeping secrets, then we should be properly introduced. I'm Yang, mixologist of this fine establishment."
She gestured around her briefly before locking her gaze with the red-haired woman. "And if I'm not wrong, you're one of Her Highness' personal protection detail. Since you're alone, I'm guessing you're the best they've got," Yang smirked and held her hand out, surprising Pyrrha. "Is that enough for me to get a name?"
The knight stared at the hand held out to her, astonished at the blonde's perceptiveness. What astounded her even more, though, was how she seemed genuinely unaware of who she was speaking to. Pyrrha found that to be a nicer surprise than she would've liked to admit.
Pyrrha clasped the blonde's hand, and both women internally noted how sturdy the other's grip was. "I am Ser Pyrrha Nikos. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is all mine," Yang responded. There was a roguish glint in her purple eyes and a smirk on her lips that the knight was starting to get quite familiar with.
Just as Pyrrha was about to further acquaint herself with her companion, a familiar voice called out to her, causing her to straighten up immediately. The barkeep took notice and frowned inwardly; she had enjoyed the red-haired woman's mellow demeanor. Seeing the approaching negotiators approach peacefully-the Faunus smirking and the princess scowling-did manage to reassure her of the meeting's success though.
Yang waved to the pair while the knight bowed to Weiss, who nodded back before jumping straight to business. "It appears that we'll be seeing a lot more of each other in the near future. Blake and I have come to an...agreement of sorts."
When no elaboration was given, the blonde raised an unimpressed eyebrow. "Yeah, gonna need more details, Princess..." she smirked at the princess' glare, unfazed, and continued, "If you want my help, I gotta know as much as possible."
Before the bartender could provoke the already upset white-haired woman more, Blake stepped in. "We plan to steal Dust from Roman Torchwick." Her cat ears flattened as a sudden cacophony of shouts erupted. She was internally amused at the various reactions her announcement caused though, from the knight's scandalized stare at her charge, the bartender's widening grin, and most of all, the princess' appalled face currently hidden in her hands. Perhaps with an entourage this unique, the heist would even be enjoyable.
After several moments of discomfiture, Weiss lifted her head and met with three curious stares, each of the women before her waiting to hear what Her Highness would say. "I suppose I shouldn't reject your aid, considering your previous experience with illegitimate activities-"
"Aw, and you still decided to frequent this tavern knowing that? I'm honored. Literally. Since you're a princes-"
"Quiet, you!"
That got a quiet chuckle from the remaining two women silently watching the exchange. Despite herself, the princess gave the now grinning barkeep a fond smile. She shook her head before continuing. "As I was saying before being rudely interrupted, we do require your assistance for this operation, so we'll both share all relevant information." Weiss gave a pointed look at the Faunus beside her, who just rolled her eyes.
"Yes, Your Highness." Weiss didn't think it was possible to make her title sound like an insult. Before things could escalate further, her knight cleared her throat, causing everyone to turn to her.
"If we are to start making plans, perhaps this conversation can continue at another location…?" Pyrrha trailed off as the three around her realized how late it was getting.
"Well, since we all can't go back to the palace, we can talk more at my place," Yang declared proudly. "I have to check in with Junior before I leave, but I'll meet you all outside." As they split up, Pyrrha couldn't help but wonder how a supposedly straightforward assignment to guard the princess turned into this.
Unbeknownst to the conversing group, the tavern owner had decided to close early today for his weekly meeting with Neopolitan. Junior entered through the back, preparing to tell Yang of his decision before hushed voices made him pause. He didn't expect many people at this hour, and the whispering only made him suspicious.
Junior trusted Yang, even if he preferred that weren't the case. Unfortunately for him, she was the tavern's most popular bartender and a diligent worker, occasionally even assisting him in less than savory dealings; he couldn't risk firing her. Rationalizing that the blonde had no reason to hide anything from him, he opened the door slightly and peered into his tavern, observing its occupants closely.
Junior saw two familiar patrons that he hadn't spotted in a month. Though they both frequented his tavern, he had never seen them speak to each other before. He detected hints of frustration in their conversation before they seemed to come to a consensus. He started getting bored and considered barging in to announce the tavern's closing but remained rooted to his spot after hearing an unexpected outburst from his employee.
Frozen in shock, the tavern owner watched as the two quietly conversing frequenters eventually got up and headed to the bar. Knowing that the actual princess was here piqued his interest, and he listened carefully to the exchange between the group. When the Faunus announced their plan involving a certain business associate of his, Junior's eyes widened and he quickly but quietly shut the door to inform Neo.
When he turned around, he saw that Neo was standing behind him and felt his heart rate skyrocket for the second time that night. Composing himself quickly, the tavern owner gestured for his contact to remain silent and received a raised eyebrow. Right. How does Torchwick even understand her?
Leading the shorter woman away from the tavern and into a hidden nook where no one would be able to see them, Junior finally turned to his associate and found heterochromatic eyes staring up at him curiously. The man decided that there was no reason to delay the inevitable.
"Inform Torchwick that I have some very interesting news for him."
A/N: Seeing how these two relationship dynamics contrast one another is going to be interesting, and writing this gave me a new appreciation for Greekfire.