Beta read by: Crescent Sunrise

Recommended story: "A Thorny Tangled Triangle" by Dongyrn - Purruby fluff

~MZ~

May grunts softly in physical exertion. Droplets of sweat slipping down her tanned skin as her breath comes in harsh pants. Her muscles are pleasantly sore and twinging as she pushes to get just a little more out of them before relaxing with a happy little groan.

"You know, if I couldn't see you right in front of me I might be worried." A cheery voice states laced with humor as its owner moves into May's vision. Golden tresses framing her face. One brow cocked upwards in wry amusement.

"Worried about what?" The sniper asks, letting go of the pull-up bar to drop to the floor on shaky legs before turning to face Yang completely. Letting her body shift to the side in order to lean her heated skin against the cool wall under the bar.

"Those sounds! If I wasn't watching I could be forgiven for thinking you might be enjoying yourself over here." The brawler replies with her usual humor evident in her face.

There was a tension between them that hadn't been there the previous day. The only difference being that then May hadn't been the girlfriend of Yang's younger sister. The tension was there every time Yang looked at her like she's about to say something, only to stop herself.

The sniper finds it maddening.

"Yang. Seriously, just say whatever it is you want to say." May finally pushes, trying to get her work out partner to speak up before things get too awkward. She moves to her stuff grabbing her water and drinking slowly while she waits for Yang to finally speak up.

"What? I don't know what you mean." Yang hedges giving a small wince when May makes eye contact with a look that says, quite clearly, that she is not the least bit convinced. With one last big sigh the busty brawler shrugs off her hesitation and looks at May. "It's just, she's my little sister you know? And you're my friend. It's a little awkward really. Do I give you the big sister speech or just shrug the whole thing off knowing she's in good hands? I know I was messing with you about going after her and really I was happy for both of you last night when you told me about it. But seeing you this morning all I can think about is that I should be threatening you or something because Ruby doesn't need to get hurt. She already has issues dealing with new people and I don't want to see her get worse after having her heart broken."

Here May opens her mouth to say something. "You know I—"

She's ignored as the blonde keeps going. "I also know you wouldn't do that. You're a decent person and if you had to break it off it would be for a good reason. I still feel the need to protect her. It's hard to step back and let someone get close enough to really get her."

May waits a moment to make sure Yang is finished this time before speaking up. "So what your saying is. We're friends and you trust me, you're just not sure you're ready to trust me with your little sister?" She asks waiting for the nod before shrugging herself. "Well that's a bit better than I was expecting when I started this conversation. The answer is simple. Don't trust me with her yet, let me earn it like anyone else would have to. I hold no illusions that a messy break up between me and Ruby would end with me and you still being friends. I'm not even sure if me and her will work out but I want to at least try."

Yang chuckles shaking her head a little at the way May addresses the issue. Still she feels better knowing she doesn't have to pull punches if she thinks something is wrong. The snipers words get a small snort from her though. "Yeah, Ruby mentioned that last night when we were grilling her for details. You and your little aversion to the L word."

"It's not an aversion, I have no problem with love. I just won't use it unless it's completely accurate. When infatuation is no longer good enough I'll consider looking at using it instead." May says standing up, her towel over her shoulder.

"Whatever you say May, going to eye up my sister again?" Yang asks as her friend walks for the exit. She sounds like she's become more comfortable after their talk and the words reinforce it. Not entirely sure yet, but getting there for certain.

"Nope! I'm going to eye up my girlfriend and maybe make a few lewd comments so she'll blush." May replies winking over her shoulder as she tries not to speed up and hide just how eager she is to meet Ruby. A pointless exercise if the laughing coming from behind her is any indication, but one she carries on with regardless.

~RR~

Ruby turns the corner in the field, her eyes locked forward as her legs push her onwards, taking long strides to the next corner. It's here she notices something that makes her stumble and almost fall over. For ahead of her, sitting next to her things is the familiar frame of her girlfriend. She hadn't thought she would see her until later in the day for the last round of the competition. Yet there she is sitting happily next to Ruby's things, those steel blue eyes locked on the short runner, watching as Ruby gets her feet under her before breaking into a sprint.

'She's visiting me after her workout. The clothes say as much.' Ruby blushes then as she realizes how much she enjoys looking at the well-toned musculature of her new girlfriend. Her first response being one of habit immediately denying her interest until the next thought derails her internal denials completely. 'She's my girlfriend now, I'm allowed to look and enjoy right? I wonder if I can convince her to start wearing shorts when working out like me and Yang instead of those track pants.'

Ruby is pulled from her thoughts when she gets to the bench her things are sitting on next to her girlfriend, looking at her body without the slightest bit of shame. The attention isn't something Ruby is used to and blushes darkly, her eyes drawn to May's more noticeable assets. She misses the knowing smirk crossing May's lips until she speaks up.

"Now what thought may I inquire, could have possibly put such a lecherous look on your face as you ran over here Little Red?" May asks leaning back on the bench, a happy little self-satisfied grin crossing her lips as she basks in Ruby's attention. The little motion reminding Ruby of when May told her that all the little things she did was because she just wanted the younger girl to look at her.

It's that thought that drives a rod of solid determination through Ruby's spine as she straightens up and walks closer, hesitating only a moment before sitting herself down in May's lap. The older girl looks at her in surprise at the bold move until Ruby leans in and gives her a little kiss the lips. Surprise turns slowly to affection and May wraps Ruby in her arms, drawing her closer.

'This feels nice...' Ruby thinks letting her eyes close a bit, enjoying the closeness for a moment before May's voice pierces her moment of reverie.

"You know, I like this a lot. It's a great way to derail a conversation for certain. But I still want to know what you were thinking about Ruby." The older girl whispers into Ruby's ear making the smaller girl shudder and pout. Her voice coming out as an unintelligible mutter looking away from May as she pulls away a little bit. "I'm sorry Little Red, I don't speak mumble."

That gets her a pouting glare from Ruby that doesn't seem to faze May in the slightest. Next, Ruby tries to ignore the girl whose lap she's relaxing in. This she is more successful in until May starts to poke her hips. At first Ruby doesn't mind it, little touches and brushes.

'What is she doing?' Ruby wonders to herself until it becomes quite clear as the teasing touches and pokes become little strokes and the fingers find more ticklish places drawing small giggles from Ruby. A sudden, horrible thought occurs to Ruby and she pulls away a bit, her fear is evident on her face and confirmed when May is grinning back in triumph. The taller girls' fingers become more insistent as they attack the spots making Ruby laugh helplessly as she frantically tries to pull away from May's lap.

"Nooooo! P-please, hehehehe, May st-stop!" Ruby begs when her strength is sapped too much for her to get away. Her wriggling not helping her escape May's clutches at all as she giggles.

"Tell me what I want to know. We have ways of making you talk!" The sniper replies with a wicked gleam in her eye.

"O-okay! Haha, j-just stop and let me breathe!" Ruby begs, and her girlfriend relents. Her arms locking around Ruby's waist so she can't run away, causing the younger girl to huff. She had been planning to use her Semblance to do just that.

When she takes a moment too long, May gives her a warning poke before Ruby bats at the hand. "Okay! Jeez, I was just thinking about how nice you would look in shorts instead of your track pants." Ruby says blushing brightly, avoiding the blinking surprise on May's face. The look bleeds away into understanding, and then into that wicked little smile that makes something inside Ruby flip over.

"Mmm you know I could, but Nolan would probably yell at me. Honestly, I have issues with low body temperature. So while back home it's not really an issue since it's a desert and hot all the time, except at night. But here I get cold really easily and I can get sick. It's already happened twice since we got here." May explains and Ruby turns and looks her over before lifting her brow.

"Then why are you wearing a tank top now?" Ruby asks, not that she's really complaining, getting to look at her girlfriends upper body with only that and what looks like a sports bra for covering.

"Well when I work out I have no problem warming up. And I would wrap myself in my towel but…" That gleam appearing in her eyes again, "I have a little heater in my lap so I don't really need it right now." May explains.

Ruby let's out a 'Hmm' before deciding to change to topic. "Do you have your dress for the dance?" She asks, and May chuckles in response before following through with the topic change.

"Actually no, but I have a suit." May replies with a little grin.

"Why a suit?" Ruby asks genuinely curious.

"Well, there are a few reasons. One, they cover my legs and keep them warm. Two, I haven't been asked by anyone I would go with so if I'm going stag I might as well dress the part. And three, my hat looks less out of place in a suit than it does in a dress… and I'm sure my mother will want pictures of the night." May counts off on her fingers as Ruby thinks, before the second reason penetrates and she blushes, kicking her legs a little as she turns to look at May.

"Well, I know it would be bad to just assume you'll go with me because we're dating and with it being this weekend and everything but do you want to go to the dance with me?" Ruby asks, nervous despite knowing that it's unlikely May will turn her down, especially after admitting she doesn't have a date.

Her girlfriend makes a show of thinking it over before smirking. "Do I get to wear my suit?" She asks and Ruby sees an opening, diving for it.

"You can wear your suit only if I don't have to wear heels." Ruby says hoping and praying May agrees. When she does Ruby gives a little cheer, hugging May tightly.

'Eat that Weiss. No stupid lady stilts for this Huntress-in-training.'

"Hope you don't mind if I do though." May adds and Ruby shakes her head not minding in the slightest. She takes a moment to lean into May again, enjoying their proximity before hopping off and taking a sip of her water.

"I've got to wake up my team and Yang. I'll see you later?" Ruby asks getting a smile in return.

"I hope so, we have a competition to finish remember?" May offers before standing up. Wrapping her towel over her shoulders before the two share a kiss and separate. Ruby watches her for a moment before giving a little sigh and gathering her things before heading for her dorm.

~MZ~

May approaches her stall and perches on it across from Nine with her back to Ruby's empty area, a little grin on her face. Her hands busying themselves with her rifle as she looks around the stalls, all are numbered and in order. Contestants numbered one, four, seven, eight, nine, and eleven are all that are left in this final elimination round. May curses herself having gotten distracted before now just comparing herself to Ruby leaving her unaware of the skill level of the other competitors.

She's not too worried though, her and Ruby are the only Hunters-in-training among the contestants currently, and when full Hunters are barred more often than not it's the trainees who sweep these competitions. Looking around at some of the other three though she realizes that they don't look like civilians either. Too old to be trainees. May starts to wonder if some Hunters decided to sneak in before she realizes who these three must be.

'Atlesian soldiers. Well, that makes the only civilian Nine, impressive certainly.' She ponders until the man himself speaks up.

"That's the problem with kids today, heads constantly in the clouds." He says his rifle placed on his stand as he leans on the low wall separating the two of them, grinning at May.

"Sorry gramps what was that? Might want to put your dentures in before you talk. Otherwise all anyone hears is your gums smacking." May counters, getting a round of guffaws from the older man.

"These teeth are all natural. At my age that's a damn fine accomplishment. Kids today don't know how good you got it, city kids especially." He comments and May opens her mouth to comment back when her favorite voice pipes up from the side.

"Heya Nine, Hi May. You two ready to start?" Ruby asks leaning opposite Nine her head near to May's lap with her shorter height. May grins and hops off the edge of the barrier before turning around and giving her girlfriend a quick peck on the lips making her blush at the blatant and public display of affection. It doesn't help when Nine starts chuckling.

"And what is so funny to you old timer?" May asks turning around.

"You two that's what. Finally got around to tellin' her huh? Good for you, only took forever. Honestly I was tired just watching you two dance around each other. Back in my day you liked someone you just said so. None of this skirting around the subject for days on end, winding each other up." Nine comments before checking the time and slowly lowering himself to the prone position his body disappearing into his stall. The walls between them are new. Maybe someone noticed how much of a distraction May was on Ruby? Pity she won't be able to keep doing so.

"Oh I'm sure. Did getting to your girlfriends home involved a thirty mile walk, uphill both ways, in the snow, without shoes?" May fires back getting a gruff and yet highly amused 'Damn right!' in return leaving the two girls giggling.

Facing each other one last time May smirks at Ruby. "Ready to lose Little Red?" She asks, her eyes widening for a moment in open challenge.

And bait taken, challenge accepted. Ruby's eyes narrow before she responds. "Me and Crescent Rose are going to embarrass you and that peashooter."

May would be willing and happy to take a lot from Ruby lying down. Mostly in a very sensual way. This is not one of those things. Hunters who make their own weapons have a tendency to bond with the tools of their trade and May is no exception. "Hey, point four-oh-eight is a very respectable caliber. You don't get to crack jokes just because you're shooting tank shells. Still, I can't just let that go, how about this. We make a little wager. Whoever wins the competition can ask the other to perform one task, within reason, that the other can't back out of." May says with a grin on her lips.

Ruby narrows her eyes in suspicion at her girlfriend's not so innocent grin as her mind turns over the possibilities. "What qualifies as within reason?" Ruby asks and May nods before answering the honestly, very fair question.

"We can't force the other to do something outside of their comfort zone. Like I won't make you face something that you're obviously afraid of or not ready to do. I'm perfectly content to let this relationship develop at your pace, so I won't pressure you there." What May doesn't say is that she finds it perfectly reasonable to put Ruby in a sexy little number. The girl does look good in her skirts after all.

"That said there's nothing saying you can't hold onto your prize until you are ready to be a little more adventurous." May adds with a wink and grins as Ruby's face lights up like her academy's' namesake. She would continue, but a familiar whistle rings out signaling the last round is about to start.

Before the whistle goes off again however she hears Ruby call back 'You're on!' A smirk on her lips.

Unlike the previous rounds, after the first two parts they continue on. The shot counts decreasing as the targets move further and further back. As they get down to contestants only being allowed a single shot there are only three left. The soldiers dropping out one by one.

'Go old timer, nice job hanging in there.' May thinks before her mind starts toying with the things she might get Ruby to do or where. From there it's a short jump to more lewd activities they are not yet ready for, but the sniper finds just thinking about them a harmless exercise. Taking aim down field she glances over the top of her scope seeing the targets as little dots in the distance. May makes little adjustments, her mind still flittering with thoughts of a short girl in naught but a bright red cloak when she pulls the trigger hearing two others ring out right after and the whistle.

"We've got a winner folks! Rifles down as the targets are brought forward!" The announcer says as a pair of helpers haul out a small podium and a short trophy topped with a large cross hair. As the targets are brought closer May notes how confident Ruby looks, but looking at Nine just gets her grin from the older man, which she returns with a smile knowing she hit the center ring.

May turns to watch the targets coming closer carried by runners. Who line up behind the podium before the announcer turns to the crowd and speaks up. "In third place hitting the ring around the bulls-eye. Ruby Rose!" May starts cheering internally as she already starts going through what she could ask for as her prize. She nearly doesn't notice the announcer speaking again. "Second place, hitting right on the bulls-eye ring. May Zedong!"

May's mental cheering dies a sudden agonizing death, leaving only surprise in its wake as she claps, her gaze turns to Nine. The old guy wearing an unabashed shit eating grin on his face as he waves at May with his old rifle before heading up to the little podium to shake the announcers hand and receive his trophy. "And in first place with a shot dead center. Roderick Teller!"

The old guy leans over and speaks into the announcer's mic. "Nine is fine." He says getting a little chuckle from May when he winks in her direction before holding up the trophy to a loud round of applause. This time May joins in with more enthusiasm as the shock wears off, a wry grin on her lips.

"Hey May, does this mean neither of us wins?" Ruby asks curiously and May blinks remembering their bet once more.

'Damn. Oh well, maybe next time.'

AN:

And like that the competition is finished. But unlike IMS this story is far from over. From here you'll start seeing events from canon popping up. and as you can see here there's a dance to do!

Yes I absolutely see this May being tomboy enough to attend a dance in pants.

Last thing I know I've said it in my profile but if anyone has a good name for a team involving K or M instead of the J in JNPR let me know? it's for one of my other projects. I'm also making good progress on "Jewels in the Rough" so expect to see that some time in the next few weeks.

as always a ver special thank you to my reviewers. CinderBurn, imoshen88, AntonSlavik020, CaptinGrievous, doomzoom, inkboy, and kevindynamite

Beta Note: Oh well, poor May doesn't get her Little Red in, what we all know, would've been a lecherous number. Don't forget to leave some words with that nice little review button!

Omake by: Crescent Sunrise

Title: An interlude with The Wizard—I mean… the Headmaster.

Ozpin sat quietly in his office. Going over notes on his Scroll, idly tapping his foot to the constant, gentle sounds coming from the clock gears all across the office. He takes a steady pull from his ever-present coffee mug, a light smile coming to his face as the lovely liquid goes over his taste buds.

As he continued to go through his notes and other important information a flash of movement caught his eye. Glancing to the right he sees nothing but the undisturbed office interior. His senses on alert from the strange phenomenon he continues his reading.

Quickly he looks to the left! Not waiting for his peripherals to catch up with his sixth sense…

… But there's nothing there.

Shifting his eyes to be sure his cane is within his incredible range of movement, he appears to be going over his notes once again.

In a blur of motion, he seems to phase in and out of existence as he shoots to his feet. His cane impossibly, already in his hand and held ready for a lethal thrust as he is around his chair staring at the rear of his office which looks over the courtyard and skydocks that serve as Beacon's gate.

…But nothing is there.

Relaxing as the foreboding feelings subside he turns to his desk only to jump in complete surprise at what is on his desk.

A corgi. Its tongue lazily hanging from its mouth as it sits upon the desk, stubby tail waving as best it can. The black eyes stare into Ozpin's very soul. A phrase comes the Huntsmen's mind as he gazes at the dog, thoughts begin to arsi—

"No." Ozpin says aloud, the strange thoughts falling away from his mind before they can take hold there. Whispers begin to pervade his mind as he continues his impromptu showdown with the small canine.

"This will not happen." He speaks in a firm tone. Energy beginning to wisp from his form in an ethereal green glow.

The dog only continues to stare.

"Never." His stance firms, the glow now becoming a beacon of green power. His Aura crackling like lightning in a hard storm. The gears pick up speed as the lights start to flicker.

But still the dog stares.

"There will be… no… Teacher's Pet between us Zwei."

Zwei tilts his head.

"Oh yes, I am well aware of who you are. You are powerful, but you will not subvert me in this matter."

Zwei seems to come to attention at that. His tongue clamped behind his small maw, his back and ears straightening.

"You think to challenge me in this?"

Zwei, surprisingly, rolls his eyes and shakes his head. He rises and come to the edge of the desk and tentatively raises one of his paws in an attempt at a fist.

The energy coming from Ozpin throttles back, the lights returning to normal, the gears moving back to their sedate pace. "Oh. Well, this is embarrassing. I assumed the worst when you arrived here young Zwei." Opzin says in apology.

Zwei shrugs his shoulders, still holding up his paw.

"Oh very well." Ozpin sits back down and bumps his fist against the paw. "So long as we agree that this is merely a bromance all will be well." He assures as Zwei hops into his lap.

Then one of the elevators doors are rent asunder as Glynda Goodwitch marches into the office with A entrapped Blake in tow, a bright red ball gag of all things placed in her mouth.

"Ozpin! Teacher's Pet is MY ship! You cannot have it!" She bellows, the rent shards of the elevator doors coming up as spears pointed at the man and dog.

Blake tries to say something along the lines of, 'I find that ship name for you and I to be completely and disgustingly derogatory. What happened in your room was totally consensual!'

But nobody was really listening to her at the moment.

"Glynda," he states calmly, "There seems to be a misunderstanding here. Zwei and I are not, WILL NOT be attempting a Teacher's Pet ship. Shannon McCormick should never have uttered those words on a LIVESTREAM. I'm almost ashamed that he is the genius behind my voice." Ozpin says with a shamed shake of his head.

"Oh." The shards fall to the floor as Glynda regains her composure. "Very well then. I will be booked for the next few hours Professor so please, do not ask anything of me for the rest of the day. I have some… business to attend to." Glynda eyes Blake like she was the canary in this backwards warped reality that was… well THIS.

Ozpin looks at Blake with an arched eyebrow, Zwei mimicking him perfectly, "Very well…"

Glynda nods and exits with Blake through the destroyed elevator, the pieces coming back together to mend the damaged equipment. A soft 'ding' sounds as the would-be dominatrix and her not-so submissive are long gone.

"Well this was an interesting morning." Ozpin says to no one in particular. Zwei barks in what could be described as agreement.

Another Beta Note: Admit it. You were all worried that I was going to go there weren't you?

AN: and that's all for this time, Thank you all for reading, I hope you enjoyed it. I love you and i'll see you next time.