(AN Feb/1/2018: Good morning or good evening to all, we would just like to clarify a bit about this chapter a little as it is somewhat different than the others. This week we have created an early Valentine's Day chapter! There are four short stories with varying levels of romance in them and the events transpiring within are indeed canon. Thank you for following our story.)
The Ambassador
The morning sun peeked over Beacon, illuminating the cafeteria and hallways in an orange glow. Students hurried to grab lunch, some moving as quickly as possible to be able to get to their upcoming classes in time. Owen and D'art sat in the cafeteria, scarfing down food like there was no tomorrow. They both went there early, gathering as much as possible. D'art finally gasped for air, setting his orange juice down. "You know, with everything going on, it's nice to have some time to breathe and relax and catch up, you know?"
As the two were eating the clicking sound of heavy boots came from the hall until abruptly stopping in the cafeteria followed shortly by Professor Goodwitch shouting "D'artagnan Montaigne!" The students parted the way to D'art whispering and laughing quietly to themselves.
As she walked closer D'art tried to think of everything he had done wrong until she stopped in front of him. "Ozpin and I would like to talk to you." She said not seeming as angry as he expected. D'art followed her out the cafeteria, the room returning to the normal morning hustle and bustle.
"Eh, more for me." Owen said, returning to the feast.
The doors opened to Ozpin's office, the sheer scale stunning D'art. 'Every time I see it it just gets bigger.' He thought, standing in front of both Glynda and Ozpin. "Mr. Montaigne. Nice to see you again."
D'art forced out a 'Bonjour', taking a seat. His foot tapped incessantly, a nervous expression covering his face.
"Don't worry. You're not here on school business." Glynda said, raising her glasses. D'art stopped for a moment, confused. "As you know, political meetings involving The Ridge of any kind can't be held without a representative and a Guardsman present." D'art nodded, still confused. "As we couldn't reach Aramais, Athos, or Porthos, we had to summon you.
D'art let out a sigh. "Ooh. Then who's the Ambassador going to be?" Just then the doors swung open again, a pair of heels clicking across the glass floor of Ozpin's office. D'art turned to see a woman walk towards the 3 of them in a business suit, red hair flowing across the black cloth.
"Bonjour, Monsieur et Madame. I am Cerise De Silva. It is so nice to meet you both." Cerise turned to the flabbergasted D'art, blowing him a kiss and wink. Glynda rolled her eyes, starting the conversation. They talked for hours about trade, hunting seasons, Humanity, even about what color the new uniforms for the Milita should be. D'art just nodded along trying his best to pay attention by glancing between Ozpin and Cerise, but failing miserably. He hadn't seen her in so long, it was almost like seeing her for the first time. D'art got called back to the conversation at full attention.
"So, if that's all, I believe we are concluded. Please give Dumas my best."
Cerise bowed, looking at D'art then back to Ozpin, "Actually sir. One more thing for me to ask. Could I perhaps take D'art out of school for the day? Dumas has a message for him in regards to Ridge affairs."
Ozpin and Glynda looked at each other, then back at D'art. "Sure. Just make sure he makes it to curfew." Cerise nodded, motioning for D'art to come along. D'art sat still, star struck by Cerise. Cerise groaned, dragging D'art out of the office and bowing goodbye.
As they left the school, D'art broke his stunned silence along with a hug. "It's so good to see you Cerise."
"You too." Cerise replied
D'art took another look at Cerise's get up. "So, this is unlike you. Dumas put you up in this monkey suit and have you fly down here?"
Cerise rolled her eyes back at D'art "It just so happens that I am one of the new foreign ambassadors to Vale, idiot. So you'll be seeing me around town a little more. So how's school coming, battery boy?" After giving Cerise a slight slug in the arm, he proceeded to fill Cerise on everything going on, primarily about Humanity. "Wow. Sounds rough. How are you holding up?"
D'art shrugged, looking around. "If it's alright with you, I'd like to take time to talk about you and home. I need to take my mind off everything going on here. How's Aramais and all them doing?"
Cerise thought to herself, then stared back at D'art. "How about we meet up for dinner and catch up?" D'art nodded, writing a reminder in his phone. "Oh," Cerise added, "Try to dress a little nicer."
D'art looked at his slightly dirty uniform and worn shoes. "Ah I don't know. This seems pretty formal to me." Cerise chuckled, walking away.
The restaurant was lively with violins and small talk, bouncing off the walls of wine and kitchen space. D'art took his seat. He whistled at the size of everything, the ceiling was higher than he'd like to ever be in life, adorned with a large crystal chandelier. Suddenly Cerise came in, taking a seat across from D'art. She wore a red dress, glowing among the black and white of the other patrons.
"Monsieur Montaigne." She exaggerated, laughing afterwards. The two ordered, then began to reminisce.
"...but you always get that part wrong. It was 3 Beowulf packs, not 2." D'art said, downing another gulp of his water.
Cerise rolled her eyes. "Yes, of course. 3 that chased you up the tree."
D'art wagged his finger. "Hey, that's a tactical retreat. Nothing wrong with that."
Cerise smiled then brought out a case to the table. "I know you didn't want to talk to much business while we were out, but I do need to say a few things on behalf of Dumas." He nodded, folding his napkin in his lap. "First, Humanity. We know about them. And we're taking...precautions."
D'art stopped fiddling with his napkin. "What precautions?"
Cerise pulled her hair back behind her ear, looking to D'art. "Athos and Porthos routed out a den of Humanity supporters. Just some small disgruntled fils de chiennes. But it made Dumas worried. Scared in fact. The Ridge can't survive another revolution or civil war D'art. Not as long as we want to have our autonomy."
D'art pointed his fork at Cerise. "I still don't understand what you're asking."
Cerise sighed, pointing at her various files. "If you have the opportunity to stop Humanity, take the shot. No mercy. Dumas orders." D'art's head ran cold with thoughts of what that meant. Cerise saw this and reached for his hand. "Hey, it's alright. No need to worry about that now! We're out tonight. Relax."
D'art called a waiter, ordering food. "Don't worry," He said as the waiter left, "Me and my partner, Eve, can handle it."
Cerise looked slightly miffed. "Oh you're still working with her?"
D'art gave a sly chuckle. "What? Jealous?" D'art almost laughed loud enough to rock the building.
Cerise blushed, shunning the very idea. "No, i-it's not that. I'm just curious who you hang out with, is all! Yeah that's it." Cerise eyes peaked up. "Oh!" She exclaimed. "Somebody in La Crete built a statue for you. Crazy huh? Wrote down 'Storm of the Forest' for the description. Cheesy."
D'art smiled, finally being able to talk about home again was a comfort. "Well, does it at least look like me?"
"If I'm honest? Not at all."
"Does it look better?"
"Well it's at least an upgrade from the original."
"Ha ha."
The two ate dinner, Cerise ordering steak and D'art having a venison cut with shrimp on the side. "I have no idea how you can eat so much." Cerise said, eyeing D'arts full plate.
He shrugged. "Hey, I've got a diet to keep up. Remember when I first tried cooking?"
Cerise gave a laugh. "Yep. And you burned down half your house trying to make Galettes de saumon?"
D'art hesitated, then sighed. "Yeah, I remember. But man did it feel awesome to catch those fish. And then accidentally burn my house. And have Athos freeze it." D'art went back to eating, gobbling up his shrimp. "Besides, the food at school isn't half bad, but I miss the cooking at home. All the spices, fish...I could spend hours talking about it." Cerise wiped her mouth, asking for the check before D'art could. "Want to walk around for a bit after?" D'art asked, gesturing to the door. Cerise nodded shyly, smiling.
D'art lead Cerise to the top of a hill, overlooking Beacon, and as much of Vale as the eye could see. "Alright. Now why did you bring me up here? You going to kill me and inherit the De Silva fur empire?" She joked, looking over the city lights.
D'art pulled out a black box from his pocket, opening it to show a necklace with a fleur de lis made of black diamonds. "I...wanted to give you this before I left but I couldn't find a good time."
Cerise stood shocked, completely speechless at the glistening stones . She carefully turned it to the underside of the gems, a small inscription read 'Je t'aime à travers tout'. "Here, let me," D'art held his hand out. He reached around her neck and fastened the clasp.
Cerise cried a little, then hugged D'art deeply. She gave him a kiss, the night lights reflecting off the necklace. "But..." she said, wiping away some tears, "I didn't get you anything."
D'art shrugged it off. "It's fine. I owe you anyways for putting up with my merde day in and day out. Besides having you is a gift of itself."
Cerise blushed deeply, then pulled the huntsman into a kiss. "I think you can be a little late tonight, mon ami. I'll tell Ozpin we were...strategizing. Just come and sit with me and the stars." Making their way over to a nearby bench, Cerise gazed up at the shimmering stars; however, D'art couldn't take his eyes off the even more stunning woman next to him.
Study Hall
Xanthic sat at his desk engrossing himself in his work, so much so that Olive's humming became white noise and he ignored his scroll's buzz. At least he tried to ignore his scroll, but a minute later it buzzed twice more and piqued his interest as to who was so determined to talk to him. His head cocked in confusion as he saw the three messages were from Moonracer.
"I don't see you…"
"Where are you?"
"Xanthic?"
He continued looking at the screen trying to figure out where he was supposed to be. Fortunately for him another message appeared.
"It was today that we agreed to study together, right?"
The library. Xanthic instantly remembered and scrambled to get his things together while texting back an apology.
"I'm so sorry! I completely forgot."
"Oh, want to just do it some other time then?"
"No, I'm on my way now. I'll be there soon."
Xanthic held his hat and bag tightly as he ran as fast as he could to the main building's grand library. He was panting as he opened the doors and joined Moonracer at one of the closer tables, "I'm- I'm really sorry… I was tr-trying to catch up on… my economics…"
"Economics?" Beacon didn't offer an economic class. "Oh, for your family?" Xanthic nodded and his breathing began returning to normal. "Must be rough having to live up to expectations like yours."
"Yeah… Sometimes I wish I had siblings like you or Olive, maybe my mom wouldn't be so… insistent and protective then."
Moonracer chuckled, "Only if you were the younger sibling, the oldest always has the most expectations," He spoke from experience. "I know it's not easy being the youngest either, though. Besides having a sibling doesn't mean you have a replacement."
"I guess you're right…"
"I like to think I usually am."
"Just… Sometimes I wonder what it'd be like if I had a normal family…" Xanthic said so softly that if it wasn't for his lion ears Moonracer never would have heard it. "So um… Where did you wanna start?"
Looking over the books he had brought with him Moonracer pulled one out of the stack, "How about this? We have a test in two weeks."
"Alright," Xanthic found the matching book about dust in his bag.
Up in the SDTM dorm Dan and Simba were arguing about attack names while Tigre was napping in his bed. He woke up when the scroll in his pocket buzzed. After staring at the screen for a minute he jumped off of the bunk bed, startling his brothers. "Mornin' T," Dan greeted him with no response.
"Hey T, settle something for us. What do you think sounds-" Simba cut himself off as Tigre was already opening the door to leave. "Where're you goin'?"
"Library," He said plainly and continued walking.
"Think Moony called him down?"
Dan chuckled, "Maybe him and Xanthic can't reach the top shelf."
"He's barely shorter than you," Simba argued while laughing with his brother.
"And you're barely older than me."
"Three whole minutes," He said proudly.
"You got here faster than I expected," Moonracer greeted Tigre when he entered the library and walked him to the table. They both stood over Xanthic's unconscious body, he had suddenly fallen asleep while they were talking and went face first into the open book. "I called Riliane. She said it's happened before and asked me to just bring him back to their dorm, but we both know I can't carry him that far," He explained. Tigre nodded, put Xanthic's book away, slung the bag over his shoulder and carefully picked up the sleeping boy bridal style. Neither of the brothers really cared about the confused looks they got while crossing the campus to ROXA's dorm. Moonracer knocked on the door and smiled at Riliane, but his gaze obviously moved towards Amelia, who shied away from him. With a shrug he spoke to Riliane, "I believe somebody here ordered a teammate?"
"Thanks for bringing him back," Riliane moved out of the way. "Would you mind just putting him on his bed?" She pointed at the one bed that was perfectly made. Tigre did as told and kneeled to carefully lay Xanthic down, but he remained on the floor and watched him breathing calmly.
Moonracer took notice of his brother's tail, it was straight up and twitching occasionally. His heart skipped in slight panic and coughed loudly, "We should probably get going, who knows what kind of stupidity Dan and Simba will get up to without us." His brother's voice seemed to snap Tigre out of whatever trance he was in and his tail dropped to its normal position as he stood up and left.
Back at their own dorm Tigre climbed up to his bed and held his pillow to his chest while sitting with his legs over the edge. "Thanks…"
"What are siblings for, right?" Moonracer shrugged it off, "Besides it would have caused a lot of problems for me too if you had done something."
"What happened?" Simba asked with concern, it wasn't often that Tigre needed to be bailed out on something.
Moonracer shook his head, "Fortunately nothing."
"He's just too cute," Tigre complained as he fell over onto his side and hugged the pillow tighter.
Dan groaned and rolled his eyes, "You're still hung up on him? Why don't you go after somebody actually in your league?"
Simba chuckled, "Like somebody who can actually tell him the time of day, without stuttering?"
"Exactly! And you know, for not being into girls at all, you sure picked a really feminine guy."
"That's true, I think the only person who's shorter than him is Celeste. And with how much he talks about his mother you'd think he has a complex of some sort."
"We probably shouldn't even start on his attitude…"
"Agreed. Oh! With your usual silent treatment Owen'd probably be a good match for you, T."
"That'd have about the same likelihood of happening as if I got with Riliane," Moonracer pointed out.
"Yeah, I didn't really think he swung that way…" Simba shrugged. But suddenly got another idea, "Wait, Moony! Do you know if it's even possible for T and Xan to be a thing?"
"I'm honestly not sure about him, he acts the same way around everyone. I do think I've seen him trying to flirt with Eve a few times though, so probably not, unless he's like you two."
A Cupcake For Two
Eve closed her eyes and let out a sigh as she walked into the heart of downtown Vale. She couldn't remember how long it had been since she had gone somewhere completely by herself. She stretched, content. There was no bickering, no drama, no pranks, no yelling. Just quiet. She stopped near a bakery and took in a waft of freshly baked cupcakes.
"Good afternoon, Miss." A short, plump baker poked above a counter and looked up at her with a warm smile. "Would you like a cupcake?"
"Oh…um..." Eve looked back at the cupcakes. One caught her eye, with bubblegum pink frosting and pastel blue swirling on the top. It reminded her of someone. "Sure. Can I take that one please?" She pointed at the one she had observed earlier.
"Of course." The baker took it out and set it on the counter. Eve grabbed her wallet and slid a few lien across the table. "Would you like it in a container?" He asked. Eve nodded and he gently placed it in a transparent one before handing it to her. "Have a nice day." He said cheerfully before disappearing behind the counter once more.
"...You too." Eve said quietly as she peered at it. It really was strange. Something about it just looked familiar. With a shrug she walked off.
Eve continued to walk through the city, looking for a nice, quaint place to savour her cupcake in peace before she felt a shiver go up her back. She continued to walk forward and her eye slowly slid to her left. She saw her reflection in a shop window as she strolled past it. Her eye scanned her surroundings behind her, widening when she saw a flash of pink. Yukina. There was no doubt, she knew her presence well and there was no mistaking it. But why now? Eve's eye lowered and she continued to walk forward, as if nothing had happened. Still, she had probably been following her for a while. Eve silently cursed herself for losing her instincts. She took a swift left down into a narrow street.
Yukina frowned slightly as she saw Eve slip through a street. Her movements had stiffened slightly, "Did she know? Had she seen me? What should I do?" Yukina wondered to herself, debating whether to continue. "A little longer wouldn't hurt, right? She doesn't even know I'm in the city. Unless Xanthic told her, would he do that?" Realizing she was falling behind, Yukina quickly crossed the street, timidly dodging passerbyers. By the time she reached the entrance of the street, Eve was gone. Yukina peered in and then hurried inside, looking left and right. She was about to give up before she saw a small pink cupcake sitting on the ground. Confused, she picked it up and peered at it innocently. This was the cupcake that Eve had bought. Yukina looked around one more time before holding it close to her chest and walking back out into the street.
Rainy Day
It was a nice day it seemed. A bit windy, but it was warm enough for a walk around Beacon. "I'm gonna head out," Riliane said to no one in particular knowing her teammates were somewhere in the room.
Leaning out from his bed Xanthic responded, "Oh, you want me to come with you its-"
"No, I'm good," Riliane interrupted, quickly leaving the room before he could protest further.
"-go-going to rain," Xanthic finished quietly as the girl was already gone.
Riliane quickly walked through the halls. It had taken her a while to fully memorize them, it didn't cause her too much trouble though, even if she did get lost a few times. After a few turns she had arrived outside and started walking towards a spot she had discovered the other day, it had benches and a nice garden. A perfect place to spend the seemingly lovely day.
The rain started quickly and unexpectedly. Blown in by the wind the light sprinkle was fast turning into a downpour. Riliane tried to make her way back, but the raindrops pounded the ground like bullets sending her semblance into overdrive lighting up anything and everything with spastic pulses. Not being able to keep it up she deactivated her semblance stopping abruptly as she did so and frantically turned in circles trying to figure out where to go. Suddenly a voice rang out from amidst the downpour, "What the hell are you doing?!" Riliane recognized the voice immediately, Celeste. As she turned and reached towards the voice a vest was suddenly thrown on top of her shielding her from the rain. "You're gonna get sick if you just stand out in this" Celeste quickly said grabbing Riliane's hand and pulling her along the way to the inside.
*earlier*
Celeste was walking back to her room from the cafeteria. She had barely made it inside before the storm started. As she walked she idly looked through the windows until movement in the downpour caught her eye. Someone was out there. Walking closer to the window to get a better look Celeste started to muse out loud, "What idiot would go out in-" She cut herself off abruptly as the person came into view, Riliane. Celeste froze as she saw the look of fear as the girl stumbled along trying to find the way inside. Then without a second thought, she ran to the nearest exit and out into the storm.
*present*
Once inside the two stood in silence for a few seconds, the sound of the rain and the walls and dripping water the only noise. Riliane quietly removed the vest that was on top of her and handed it to the other girl. "Th-thanks," she quietly mumbled.
"Are you alright?" Celeste asked in a concerned tone.
"Yeah..." Riliane quietly responded, sniffling and wiping away tears indistinguishable from rainwater.
"Do uh... do you want me to walk you back to-" Celeste started to say before Riliane interrupted.
"N-no that's fine," she said turning quickly. "B-bye," she sputtered along with a weak wave as she activated her semblance and made her way back to her dorm. Later that night all she could think about was Celeste saving her, and what she would have done without her.
The following day the storm had subsided into a light drizzle. With classes canceled due to power outages from the prior day's storm, Riliane walked the hallway towards the cafeteria. As the rain pattered against the windows lighting the way for her, she realized that there was someone following her. Making a few wrong turns to confirm her suspicion she ended up at one of the exits of the building. Stopping in front of the door she waited as the figure stopped as well keeping its distance. She called out without turning, "Do you need something?"
The figured stiffened as she did, and then walked closer responding in the unmistakable voice of Celeste, "Just happened to be heading the same way, you aren't going outside again are you?"
Riliane turned facing the general direction of Celeste and responded, "And if I am?"
Celeste fidgeted uncomfortably and with a blush that Riliane couldn't perceive responded, "Just uh... try to be more careful"
Riliane walked closer to Celeste, "I can handle myself, I was fine."
"It didn't look that way to me..." Celeste responded thinking of the look on the other girl's face the previous day, "...It looked like you wanted help is all." After some silence Riliane turned and opened the door walking outside gesturing for Celeste to follow as she walked into the rain. Once outside, Riliane's semblance lit up the world. The noise was a lot but it was manageable, lighting up the world in the closest thing to sight she could have. Celeste followed her into the rain, and as the raindrops bounced off and around her it lit the girl up with the clearest view Riliane had ever been able to perceive. Taking in the sight of the girl she had developed a crush on for as long as she could, Riliane thought of the stories her mom used to read her when she was little. Tales of knights rescuing princesses and other heroic deeds. With one last look at Celeste Riliane walked back inside, Celeste stood confused for a second and then shrugged walking after her asking, "So uh... You heading to the cafeteria?"
Riliane stopped and turned to her deactivating her semblance and holding out her hand as she did, "Yeah, you mind walking me there?" Celeste blushed and responded with a quiet "sure" taking Riliane's hand and starting the walk to the cafeteria. Celeste may not exactly be one of the knight from those stories... but she was close enough.
