Chapter 14
Rouvin sighs in relief. He has just finished the last tweaks on their project with 3 days to spare. Weiss giggles to the side as she watches him work. She had finished her part of the project 2 days ago, which left the last part to Rouvin.
"Finally." Rouvin says. "I thought I'd never finish it."
Weiss stands from where she was sitting and walks towards him, wrapping her arms around his neck from behind. Rouvin flinchs, but relaxes. "Nice work…" Weiss said.
"Thanks."he replies.
"You're still not use to it, aren't you?"
"No sorry." he then turns to face her. "I really like it, really I do. It's just…the only person I've been physical with, is…well…Cinder." They've been dating for two weeks now, and even if they both are happy with the development, there are still some aspects Rouvin doesn't feel comfortable with.
For one there is the physical aspects. he doesn't reject it, he just flinches every time before he relaxes. Then there is the PDA. Even if he was the one who kissed her in the middle of the park first, since then he tries to keep it as private as possible. And it's not that Weiss doesn't understand his reasons for his reactions and need for privacy, but it still hurts a bit that he'd feel at ease with Cinder.
That could also just be the jealous part of her that wants to have Rouvin all for herself, but a girl is allowed to feel possessive about the people she treasures.
At least he's making progress and flinches only when he doesn't see her coming.
Tightening her hug, and looking in his eyes, the only thing Weiss could see in those silver pools is affection, causing those possessive thoughts to disappear.
"I understand that, and I can see how much more comfortable you are with all this, but it's a bit unfair of you to mention your ex." Weiss said with pink cheeks as she looks away.
In a moment of realization, his eyes widened at this new information "A…are you jealous? Of Cinder?" Weiss shyly nods, after all there was no point denying it. Rouvin smiles, and wraps his arms around her. "You really don't have to. Cinder's my best friend. Sure we dated, but we both agreed that it was best for us to be just friends." he explains gently. Weiss turns back to him. "You have nothing to be jealous about." he leans forward planting a gentle kiss on her lips, making Weiss blush.
She is still new to this and she still can't get her head out of the clouds whenever he gives her a kiss on the cheeks or the lips. "I can't believe I'm dating you." she said.
"Why's that?"
"Well, for one, I never thought I'd date someone labeled as a delinquent." Rouvin groans at the title. "but was really just a lonely guy living his life the way he thinks is right." At that, Rouvin lifts her up and walks over to her bed crashing onto it. Weiss giggled as she wraps her arms around his neck.
"I really do love you, Weiss." Rouvin said.
"Likewise." Rouvin then leans down and kisses her. Weiss kisses back, enjoying the sweet taste of chocolate on his lips. Both were so engrossed in their make out session that they didn't hear the door open. Only with the sound of someone clearing their throat did they pull away and turn to the source.
"I thought you were working on your project." Jacques said.
"W..w..we just finished the project" Weiss stammers, both of them looking like tomatoes.
Humming Jacques looked both of them over "So I assume neither of you is choking and you weren't just practicing mouth to mouth"
At that Weiss stood up and straightened her skirt "No, Rouvin and I are dating."
There is an awkward silence in the room. It is clear that Rouvin feels extremely uncomfortable with the situation. He was just caught making out with Weiss, and he could understand if Jacques disapproves of their relationship. He is just waiting for it. That Jacques will tell him to leave and never come back. To stay away from Weiss.
Of course. there was also this small voice in his head telling him that everything will be alright.
But Rouvin stopped a long time ago to listen to that voice, it just hurt more if he did.
So he is more than surprised when Mr. Schnee gives them a small smile.
"Well I can't say that I didn't see it coming, and Winter owes me fifty dollars."
Walking over to the heir, he gives him a stern glare "I hope you'll treat my daughter well. If you ever make her cry, you'll wish to be dead"
"PAPA!" cries Weiss in embarrassment, but also in relief.
Rouvin can do nothing do but nod his head. "Yes sir, understood."
Smiling in satisfaction for having the infamous Rouvin Rose fidget and shake under his glare, he simply states. "Good." Turning around, he adds to Weiss. "Good to see that you have found a good man."
Walking to the doorway he adds "Dinner will be ready in half an hour, and you are welcome to eat with us Rouvin." And with that he goes back downstairs.
Rouvin releases the breath he has been holding since he saw Jacques. "That was not how I expected to be introduce to your father."
"Well, at least he approves, right?" Weiss said. Rouvin smiles.
"We should probably head down now." Weiss nods as Rouvin gets up himself. They head down stairs to the dining area, where they see Klein greet them.
"Good evening Miss Schnee and Mr. Rose, I hope everything went well with your project?"
Giving her Butler a smile "We were able to finish everything, with enough time to spare and Review everything."
Klein chuckles at that "I see, you are always ready for school." looking over at Rouvin he adds "I hope there were no problems between you two."
"Of course not, why would you think something like that?" asks a concerned Weiss, she didn't miss the way her boyfriend suddenly tenses up when Klein asks.
"Well after Mr. Rose's sudden departure from the summer house, I was under the impression that he was very upset about you and your friends, Miss Weiss. I'm sorry if I assumed wrong."
Rouvin shakes his head. "No it's fine." he responds as he pulls a chair out for Weiss. Weiss accepts and takes her seat, while Rouvin moves to sit beside her.
For tonight's dinner it was Sesame butterflied chicken, prepared by Klein. While eating, Jacques would ask Rouvin a question here and there, and Rouvin would answer them. It has been a while since Rouvin has gotten to actually enjoy having dinner with other people. He'd casually laugh at Jacques' jokes, or when Weiss' mother would tell an embarrassing story about Weiss. Rouvin feels so much at home when he's around Weiss, even more now with her parents around. It reminded him of how everything used to be for him.
In the middle of the dinner, a butler comes in bringing a phone and walks over to Jacques.
"Sir, it's Mr. Marigold. He wants to speak with you." he said. Jacques sighs.
"Excuse me." he said as he stood and takes the phone walking out of the dining room. Weiss turns to Rouvin, who looked pale.
"Rouvin, are you okay?" Weiss asks in a concerned voice. Rouvin looks at her.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just remembered something…"
"What was it?"
Giving his girlfriend a small smile at her concern, he responds. "Nothing important, just something from a long time ago."
"If you say so" Weiss gives a smile back. But in her eyes, Rouvin can still see the worry and hurt that he still won't tell her anything.
The rest of dinner was rather uneventful, just some small talk between the Schnees and Rouvin.
After finishing dinner, the red and white couple go back to Weiss's bedroom to pack Rouvin's tools and school materials away. It is already 8 pm and he can't stay forever.
Walking him to his car, Weiss gives Rouvin a goodnight kiss, which he gladly deepens and before they know it, they are making out again. But all good things have to come to an end and while they wouldn't mind continuing, they still have to breath.
Panting Weiss gives him one last peck on the lips "Goodnight".
Giving her his own "goodnight" he smiles at her one last time before he sits in his car and drives away.
Weiss stays there until she can't see him anymore before she goes back inside.
Back in her room she lets herself fall face first on her bed.
Grabbing her pillow, she can't suppress a squeal anymore. The heiress is over the moon at the fact her parents accepted Rouvin as her boyfriend and even seem to like him. It was like a dream come true and all her fears of them trying to tear them apart are completely gone.
She didn't really know she had those until they were sitting there at dinner with her parents.
Rouvin's drive home was uneventful, his stereo playing his usual playlist. He has a smile on his face, as he remembers his time with Weiss. It's great that her parents like him and didn't mind the fact that he's labeled as a delinquent. It just gives him more confidence in himself. As the Rose Manor slowly begins to appear in his sights, his smile fades. His parents won't ask him where he'd been at this time, but will ask what made him arrive home early. Pulling up in the driveway he spots Stephan, his mother's butler, waiting for him. Turning off his car and getting out, Stephan approaches him.
"Good Evening Mr. Rose." he greets him politely. "Your parents and sister are having dinner right now, would you like to join them?"
Rouvin shakes his head. "No thanks, I already ate." he replies as he picks up his bag and walks towards the front door.
"Might I ask what made you come home early?" the butler asked. Knowing perfectly well that both his parents will be notified about his arrival tonight, just like every time Stephan sees him.
"I finished everything I have to do today. If they ask where I am, I'll be in my room like always." Rouvin then opens the door and heads in that direction. Stephan nods and walks towards the dining area.
Arriving in his room, he throws his bag to the side and lays down on his bed, facing the ceiling. He sighs heavily. Home doesn't feel like home anymore.
Pulling out the locket from his pocket he stares as it sways in front of him. Slowly and gently, he opens it, revealing a small family photo. Rouvin was holding out a medal and certificate, while Yang held on to a boxing trophy.
It was during his elementary days, where Yang was part of the boxing club, and he was part of the track and field. Both his parents were with them, even with their busy schedules. They always came to support their children. His dad had Yang in his arms and was smiling brightly at the camera, and his mom had her arms wrapped around him and was smiling proudly at the camera. It was the last time he ever saw both his parents smile at him and looked at him proudly.
Sighing once more he closes the locket and pulled out his phone, revealing his screen saver of him and Weiss. They were as usual on the rooftop, which became their own little island at the school. Weiss has her head resting on his shoulder and was taking a small nap.
He smiles at the photo. "I'm not gonna mess this up, I promise." he mutters.
He only really has known Weiss for a short time, but for him it is the happiest time he has had in a long time. Ever since everything went to hell, he only has a handful happy memories, mostly with Cinder and none at all with his family except Yang. But they also aren't really as close as they used to be in the past few years.
But Weiss, she is different from everyone else. It is as if she is like a flame, lightening up his dark world and letting him feel loved again.
Usually he feels cold and shows no emotions, trying to distance himself from everything and not letting anyone close. But when they are together he feels warm and shows all his emotions as best as he can. There is no need to distance himself, instead he tries to get as close as he can to the white-haired angel.
Smiling at his thoughts and all the memories he already has with his girlfriend. They may not be much, but he sure hoped to continue to create many more with Weiss.
Hearing a knocking on the door, his smile immediately vanishes and he puts the locket away and closed his phone screen.
Standing up and walking to the door, he takes a second to school his features back into his neutral mask.
Opening the door, he is again greeted by Stephan "Yes?"
"Your mother wishes to see you in her office after dinner." Rolling his eyes at the stiff tone the butler is talking in, he asks in a not interested tone "Was that all?"
"Indeed." And Stephan left the heir alone again.
Sighing Rouvin closed the door and throws himself on the bed again. His mother probably just wants to discuss some business-related things. As much as he hates it, he is still the heir, and as such has his duties.
But even if he was to inherited the company, he still has a few years left, and will definitely not waste them with kissing everyone's ass to make them accept him.
No he applied to as many music colleges as he could. Now he is only waiting for the responses.
Looking to his desk and seeing all the music sheets he thinks 'No matter what, I'll live my dream as long as I can.'
Rouvin was fully aware that his father is disappointed of his college choice. He has always wished his son would take up boxing like Yang, or do any kind of award winning sport.
But Rouvin is long past caring about his father and his opinion and accepted the fact that he will never be accepted by him.
Looking at his phone again, he sees that half an hour has gone by while he was lost in his thoughts.
Sighing again, he stands up and starts making his way to his mother's office.
The once warm feeling of the halls of the Rose Manor was long gone, replaced by a cool dread in the air. Rouvin remembers how he and Yang would play around here, racing to see who could reach their mother's office first and ask her to play with them.
Stopping in front of a set of double doors, he steels himself once more and knocks. There is a soft voice coming from inside telling him to come in. Slowly opening the door and walking in, he stops and lets the door behind him close. Turning to his mother, she is seated behind her desk, reading through some papers, still wearing her business suit. Summer glances up at him and places down the papers she was reading.
"You wanted to see me." Rouvin starts a bit stiffly.
Summer nodded. "Yes," she answers as she gestures for Rouvin to come closer. Rouvin approaches her just to stop right in front of her. "The board wanted know if you've picked a college yet."
Rouvin nods. "I have, I've sent my application to a few already." Summer frowns but nods.
"Okay." There is an awkward silence between them, with neither of them knowing how to continue their conversation. A couple more minutes pass before Rouvin breaks the silence.
"Is that all?" he asks as politely as he can manage, snapping Summer out of her thoughts.
"No," she pulls out a folder and hands it to him. "They also would like for you to read through this." Rouvin nods and takes the offered folder.
"I'll look through it back in my room." Summer nods in response. "I'll take my leave now." Rouvin said, before turning and heading to the door.
Just before he opens it, Summer suddenly calls out, making him pause."You're home early."
"I…I finished everything early, if you'll excuse me." Rouvin replies before leaving the office, leaving Summer alone.
Not wanting to spend any time longer than what is absolutely necessary near his mother's office, Rouvin quickly made his way back to his room.
His room is the only place in the mansion where he even remotely feels safe and can relax for a bit.
It is always exhausting to talk with one of his parents, knowing exactly that he'll never be enough for them.
Rouvin knows that his mother wanted to know which college he has chosen, and not that he generally chose one. But it is clear that his parents both never accepted his choice in education. Both his mother and the board want him to take business courses, while his father tries to push him to a military school, to get disciplined and follow him.
No one has ever asked him what he wants, so he has no intentions of informing them what he has chosen for himself.
Why tell someone about your dreams if they only care about their own opinion?
Sitting at his desk, Rouvin starts to read through the folder he just received, wanting to finish this as fast as possible.
It seems that the company plans to take on a contract with the government to create a security system especially for them. This will be a big thing, and will probably receive a lot of public attention, which means in return that there is a possibility of him getting much better known as the heir of the company.
Finishing his work with a bad feeling about the attention, Rouvin sees that it is already well past midnight.
Deciding to call it a night, he goes to take a quick shower and gets into bed.
Taking out his phone he send Weiss a good night with a heart emoji, getting a reply not even 20 seconds later.
Smiling about it, he quickly falls asleep to dreams of him giving a private concert to his girlfriend.