Hello everybody! I am The Burning Ruler and I am back with chapter 14 of Team BAWM! I hope you guys are enjoying this story, cause this is hella fun to write. Anyways, let's just get to the next chapter!
Chapter 14: Looking for a Date
Falcon woke up to see Crys awake on her bed.
"Crys? Please tell me you slept last night." Said Falcon.
"Um…" was all Crys said before giving a small smile.
"Alright Crys. There's something other than what happened with Weiss that's bothering you. What is it?" asked Falcon.
Crys just looked down at the floor and shook her head. "I'm sorry, but… I'm just not ready to talk about it right now." Said Crys.
"Well guess what. Tough. What is it Crys? You can talk to me about anything." Said Falcon.
"Well… I don't know." said Crys, hesitant.
Falcon got up and sat next to Crys. "Come on Crys. You need to get this out. Keeping it in will just make it worse." Said Falcon.
Crys looked at Falcon and nodded. "Ok. It happened with Ruby yesterday. We went into town and she said she needed a favour." Said Crys.
"Ok." Said Falcon.
"She then told me that she needed some advice on relationships." Said Crys.
Falcon just stayed silent.
"Now, I promised I wouldn't tell anyone who it was, but let's just say that I had a crush on him too. I gave her advice, but, it's still bothering me." Explained Crys.
"So Ruby likes Ren too huh?" said Falcon, shocking Crys.
Crys just looked at Falcon. "H-how did you know?" asked Crys.
"Call it intuition. Once I get close with someone, I can read them like a book." Said Falcon. "But thank you for telling me about this. Don't you feel better now?" asked Falcon.
"You're right Falcon. I do feel better after getting this out. Thanks for listening." Said Crys.
"What are friends for?" asked Falcon getting ready and heading to the cafeteria with Crys. When they got there, Carnel and Alicia were standing at the entrance.
Falcon and Alicia pushed past them to see food and tables everywhere, team JNPR fall off the wall, covered in pop (Or soda if you're American), and team RWBY was standing on the other side of the cafeteria. Soon afterwards, professor Goodwitch came in and set the tables back the way they should be.
"What the hell did we miss?" asked Falcon.
"Food fight." Said Carnel.
"More accurately, a food war." Said Alicia.
"Damn. This would've been fun." Said Crys, upset that she missed it.
"So, anyway? What took you two so long?" asked Carnel.
"Nothing important." Said Falcon, dodging the question.
"If you say so." said Carnel walking into the cafeteria. Suddenly he stopped in place. "Jaune I swear to god, if you throw that pie at me, I will shoot you." Said Carnel with a completely level voice.
They looked behind Carnel to see Jaune holding a pie. He quickly put it down and said "I wasn't going to throw it at you."
"Sure you weren't." said Carnel. Team BAWM walked over to one of the tables that was set up again and got breakfast.
"So, any plans for today?" asked Alicia.
"No idea. Might hit the weights for a bit. Head into town. Not sure yet." Said Falcon, eating.
"You going to ask anyone to the dance?" asked Alicia.
"What dance?" asked Crys.
"The dance that's coming up. You didn't hear about it?" asked Carnel.
"Not until just now." said Falcon.
"Oh. Any ideas Falcon? Maybe Blake." Said Alicia.
"How about shut up Alicia!" said Falcon, half yelling, half whispering. He glanced around the room to see no sign of any member of Team RWBY.
Alicia let out a giggle. "What about you Crys?" asked Alicia.
"Probably not. I've never really been one for dances." Said Crys.
Falcon leaned over and whispered to her. "You should come. Maybe it'll help you take your mind off Ren." Said Falcon.
Crys didn't respond to Falcon.
"Oh Falcon, if you're coming you have to-" Falcon cut off Alicia.
"No." Said Falcon.
"But you have to!" said Alicia.
"Actually, no I don't." said Falcon.
"Please?" said Alicia putting on a sad face.
"That's not fair Alicia. You know I can't handle the sad face." Said Falcon, defeated.
"So you'll do it?" asked Alicia.
Falcon nodded his head.
"Yay!" said Alicia happily.
"What's he doing?" asked Carnel.
"He's going to breakdance." Said Alicia.
Carnel looked at Falcon slightly surprised. "You breakdance?" asked Carnel.
"Yeah. I'll probably be a bit rusty, but I used to do it daily. I don't really like doing it in front of other people." Said Falcon.
"Do it for us." said Crys.
"Why?" asked Falcon.
"I sang for you. You dance for us." Said Crys.
"Dammit. Fine. Meet me on the balcony when you're done." Said Falcon, leaving.
Falcon was on his way to the balcony when Jaune ran up to him.
"Hey man. What's up?" asked Falcon when Jaune got to him.
"I need your help." Said Jaune.
"With what?" asked Falcon.
"I have feelings for someone." Said Jaune.
"Really Jaune? Just tell Pyrrha. She's already crazy about you." Said Falcon
"I know, but it's not Pyrrha. I don't have any feelings other than friendship for her." Said Jaune.
Falcon was shocked into silence.
"Yeah." Said Jaune.
"Ok. Then who is it?" asked Falcon.
"You know Velvet's friend Coco?" asked Jaune.
"She's a tough one Jaune." Said Falcon.
"I know. Why do you think I'm asking for help?" asked Jaune.
"I see. Never knew you to aim that high Jaune." Said Falcon.
"Do you have any ideas? My idea was ask her to the dance, but her team is off on a mission. She won't be back until after." Said Jaune.
"Hm. For Coco, it may be best just to tell her. She seems like the kind of girl who wants a guy who isn't afraid to ask a girl out without hesitation. I think confidence is key with her." Said Falcon.
"Alright. Thanks for the advice. But, how about you? You asking anyone to the dance? Maybe Blake?" asked Jaune
"Why does everyone want me to ask Blake?" asked Falcon.
"Because she wants to go with you." Said Jaune.
"Doubtful." Said Falcon.
"Wait. You think she'll reject you if you ask her?" asked Jaune.
"Pretty much." Said Falcon.
"Please. If she rejects you, I'll wear high heels." Said Jaune.
"Seriously?" asked Falcon.
"An Arc never goes back on his word." Said Jaune.
"Alright. Let's go find out." said Falcon, walking with Jaune to team RWBY's dorm. He knocked on the door and Blake answered it. He saw that none of the other members were there.
'Good.' Thought Falcon.
"Oh. Um… h-hi Falcon." Said Blake, her face red.
"You feeling Ok Blake? Your face is red." Said Falcon.
"I feel fine. What do you need?" said Blake.
"I actually came to ask you to the dance." Said Falcon.
"Oh. Um… well... I don't think I can. Sorry Falcon." Said Blake.
"Oh. Don't be. No problem. See you Blake." Said Falcon waving goodbye.
He saw Jaune standing with his mouth wide open.
"Enjoy your punishment Jaune." Said Falcon, patting him on the shoulder before heading to the balcony.
He got the balcony to see the others there already.
"Sorry to keep you guys waiting." Said Falcon.
"What were you doing?" asked Alicia.
"Asking Blake to the dance." Said Falcon.
"Hey congrats Falcon! You got a date to the dance!" said Carnel.
"She said no." said Falcon.
Everyone just stayed silent.
"Anyways. If you want me to breakdance, I need a beat Alicia." Said Falcon.
Alicia nodded and started beatboxing, which also shocked the other two.
"Yeah she can beatbox." Said Falcon, getting into the groove and starting. At first, the rust was showing, but Falcon broke out of it quickly, busting out some amazing moves with no problems, ending with a massive head spin, rotating at least ten times.
Once he stood up Crys and Carnel immediately started clapping.
"Thanks guys." Said Falcon.
"That really was impressive Falcon." Said Ren, who had just shown up.
"Oh. Hey Ren. What's up?" asked Falcon.
"I actually came to talk to Crys." said Ren.
"M-me?" asked Crys.
"Yeah. I wanted to know if you wanted to go the dance with me." Said Ren.
Crys was in shock. "Well, I would, but I don't think I'm going to go to the dance. Sorry Ren." Said Crys. 'Wait, what did I just say? Why did I turn him down?' she thought.
"Oh. Oh well." Said Ren.
This was when Ruby came up to the balcony, not noticing Ren was there, as he was standing behind Falcon.
"Help me Falcon." Said Ruby.
"Hello to you too Ruby. What is it?" asked Falcon.
"I need help asking someone to the dance." Said Ruby.
Crys looked out from behind Falcon.
"Oh. Hi Crys." said Ruby.
"Is it…" Crys didn't finish.
Ruby just nodded and Falcon flashed a quick smirk. "Well, I can't help you if I don't know who it is." Said Falcon, making sure Ruby couldn't see Ren.
"You promise you won't tell him." Said Ruby.
"Cross my heart." Said Falcon.
"Ok. I want to ask Ren to the dance, but I don't know how to." Said Ruby.
"Really? I mean you seemed to do it pretty well just now." Said Falcon moving to the side showing that Ren was standing there with a shocked look on his face.
"We'll just leave you alone." Said Carnel, leaving with the rest of the team.
They got back to the room and Carnel got a call. "Hey Red. What's up?" said Carnel. "Oh right. The open mic night. On my way."
"You mind if I tag along?" asked Falcon.
"Not at all. How about you Crys?" asked Carnel.
"Do I have to sing?" asked Crys.
"Not unless you want to." Said Carnel.
"Sure. I'll come along." Said Crys.
"I think I'll just hang around campus." Said Alicia.
"Alright. See you when we get back babe." Said Carnel, kissing Alicia, before looking back at Falcon who was looking away and taking deep breaths.
"I'm good." Said Falcon.
"Alright. Follow me." Said Carnel, leading the way.
They got to the bar and saw Red waiting for them.
"Oh, you brought those two with you." Said Red.
"Why not?" asked Carnel.
"Good point." Said Red as they walked into the bar. They sat down at a table. They all got a drink and watched a few acts.
After a while Falcon just said "Fuck it." And got up on the stage. He check the song book and selected one. He turned back to the crowd and grabbed the mic.
(Cue Far Away by Nickelback)
This time, this place
Misused mistakes
Too long, too late
Who was I to make you wait
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there's just one left
'Cause you know, you know, you know
I love you
I've loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming
You'll be with me
And you'll never go
Stop breathing
If I don't see you anymore
On my knees I'll ask
Last chance for one last dance
'Cause with you I'd withstand
All of hell to hold your hand
I'd give it all
I'd give for us
Give anything but I won't give up
'Cause you know, you know, you know
I love you
I've loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
And you'll never go
Stop breathing
If I don't see you anymore
So far away
So far away
Been far away for far too long
So far away
So far away
Been far away for far too long
But you know, you know, you know
I wanted
I wanted you to stay
'Cause I needed
I need to hear you say
I love you
I've loved you all along
And I forgive you
For being away for far too long
So keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and never let me go
Keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and never let me go
After the song ended Falcon bowed to thunderous applause. He walked back to the table and sighed.
"That was so much fun." Said Falcon.
"That was amazing Falcon! When did you learn to sing?" asked Carnel.
"I've been able to sing this whole time. I just don't sing often." Said Falcon.
"You seemed to enjoy yourself a lot." Said Crys.
"I did. You should really give it a shot Crys." said Falcon.
"Please. She had to close her eyes and look away to sing in front of us. How could she sing in front of everyone here?" asked Carnel.
"Well, actually she sang a duet with me while looking at me. Eyes open and everything." Said Falcon.
"Did you get over your stage fright?" asked Carnel.
Crys shook her head.
"Hm. I got an idea." Said Falcon.
"What?" asked Crys.
"Do you want to try to get over your stage fright?" asked Falcon.
"Well, yeah." Said Crys.
"Ok. Try this. Go up and sing." Said Falcon.
"I can't ! Not in front of all these people." Said Crys.
"There isn't anyone else here. Alright. No one. Not Carnel, not Red, no one. It's just you and me here. Alright?" said Falcon.
"But." Crys couldn't finish what she was saying before Falcon spoke again.
"No one else is here. Just focus on me. No one else is here to see you. I'm the only one here." Said Falcon.
"You're the only one here. There isn't anyone else. Just you and me." Said Crys, trying to convince herself before she got up and headed to the stage. She flipped through the songbook and selected one. The music started playing and she looked at Falcon. He mouthed the words 'Just you and me Crys.'
She mouthed back 'You and me.' before she started singing, not taking her eyes off Falcon.
(Cue Devil On My Shoulder by Faith Marie)
Beautiful silence
Beautiful pain
We're only human
We're meant to dream
Lost in a life full of mistakes
We do what feels right
Then fall with no grace
Chased by the sun
Escaping flatlines
Dreams are a curse
Wake up you're alive
Oh, slowly fading from the misery
I've accepted who I'm supposed to be
I've accepted who I'm supposed to see
Lady in the mirror
Oh, everyday I'm getting a bit older
And every time I break I get stronger
Everyday it's getting a bit colder
When I grow closer
To the devil on my shoulder
To the devil on my shoulder
Beautiful silence
Beautiful pain
Beautiful people
But we're all stained
Lost in a life
Full of mistakes
We do what feels right
Then we fall with no grace
I'mma sinner
I'mma tainted saint
I'mma savior
It's all the same
Chased by the sun
Escaping flatlines
Dreams are a curse
Wake up you're alive
Oh, slowly fading from the misery
I've accepted who I'm supposed to be
I've accepted who I'm supposed to see
Lady in the mirror
Oh, everyday I'm getting a bit older
And every time I break I get stronger
Everyday it's getting a bit colder
When I grow closer
To the devil on my shoulder
To the devil on my shoulder
We're all broken, it's fate
It's the way that we're made
All the pieces are there
They just aren't in their place
So I struggle to stand
But don't ask for a hand
My pride tells me no
You're better alone
I'm uncomfortably numb
As I stuff what I've found
And I start to shut down
Freeze in front of a crowd
It's what I don't say
I don't love I don't hate
Closing my mouth and turning my face
But it's no way to live to have nothing to give
Consuming the doubt
Not letting them in
But I'm not here to win
To survive but I'm already dead
So I picked up my head
I picked up my head
I picked up my head
Oh, everyday I'm getting a bit older...
Every day it's getting a bit colder...
Oh, everyday I'm getting a bit older...
Every day it's getting a bit colder...
When I grow closer
To the devil on my shoulder
To the devil on my shoulder
The whole place started clapping and it seemed like Crys broke out of a somewhat trance-like state. She smiled and bowed before leaving the stage and sitting down with the others.
"Well done Crys." said Falcon.
"I can't believe that worked." Said Red.
"Honestly, I was skeptical. But it seems like as long as she thought it was only me she was singing to, she's fine with preforming." Said Falcon.
"I guess it's because of the duet." Said Crys. "Thank you for helping me." Said Crys.
"Anyways Carnel. I think it's time we show them how it's done." said Red.
"I smell a challenge." said Falcon.
"I'm down." Said Carnel.
"I got it." Said Red.
"I'm listening." Said Falcon.
"How about this? Me and Carnel do a duet of any song. Then you and Crys do one, if she can, and we let the guests decide who won." Said Red.
"You think you can Crys?" asked Falcon.
"Yeah. As long as I get some time to prepare." Said Crys.
"Of course. As much time as you need." Said Red.
"Alright. What does the loser have to do?" asked Falcon.
"The punishment will be decided by the winner." Said Carnel.
"Deal." Said Falcon, holding out his hand, along with Crys. They shook before Carnel and Red left the table.
"Alright Falcon, you have an idea for a song?" asked Crys.
"Yeah. I saw a song called Hero by Skillet in the songbook. You know it?" asked Falcon.
"Yeah. We got this won." Said Crys.
There we go! Chapter 14 in the books! I really love this collab, I really do. This is just fun to write. Anyways, I'll be passing the torch to my man Nightmare 6-4 for the next chapter. Hope to see you all there! For now, I am The Burning Ruler, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Remember to leave a review of what you thought, and I will see you later! Goodbye!