"Hey, we've got a plan! That's... moderately serious."

Velvet tapped away on her scroll, making notes for another class as Port discussed one of his many stories.

All in all, it was a good day. A boring, but overall good day.

Her team was on time for their classes and no major disputes as of yet. However, the room has yet to be divided evenly. Everyone either needs more space one day and less space another.

She let out a sigh, bowing her head as she waved her notes away. She really just needed to burn time. She glanced out the corner of her eye, catching a glimpse of Ruben toying with his scroll. His eyes squinted and a hand rubbing his goatee.

He let out a sort of growl as he began to type away.

"He's probably ordering parts for his weapon..." She thought, her lip curling into a soft smile as she turned her attention back to Port. She shut her eyes for a brief moment, the image of Ruben in his undershirt bumping into her in the middle of the night popping into her head.

His sweat making his forehead glisten. His hands covered in grease and calluses. His palms rubbed raw from the cranking and tinkering. She was sure they were still as soft and gentle as he was.

His eyes strained and just as much striking. His silver would always make her both shiver and melt. They were the same color as the cast steel of his blades.

But never when he looked at her. He would always soften up. Always look at her with a certain gentleness. A reserved sort of gentle.

Just for her.

His strong arms as thick as iron and just as powerful. She wondered if he was strong enough to wrestle a Ursa. He surely looked as though could. She then wondered if they would be strong around her.

Would she feel as though she could be broken in half he he hugged her just too hard? Would she fell as if no harm would ever come her way?

His abs were pressing against his undershirt just enough for her to see them. She wondered if they were strong, if they were smooth. His-

Buzz. Buzz.

She jumped out of her seat, letting out a little 'eep' as she frantically hugged her scroll to her chest. She glanced all around, checked her scroll as her cheeks reddening faster than her screen-name.

The envelope on her screen was showing one new message. She swiped the screen, wondering who would be sending her a message. Especially during class.

R34PER15: Hey

Ruben.

Velvet glanced over at him, seeing him staring into his screen, paying no mind to the stories Port was sharing. He, however, was invested in his scroll's screen. She wasted no time responding.

ScarletBun: Hey

R34PER15: Bored as I am?

ScarletBun: Maybe...

R34PER15: Totally can tell.

She smiled, a soft giggle escaping her lips as she bit her lip. She glanced over at him, his lips curled into a smirk as he read her messages. He looked over at her, raising his eyebrows. As if telling her 'See, I told you.' with just his eyes.

R34PER15: You know...The Festival is suppose to be really fun

ScarletBun: Yes. I want to go. Sadly, schoolwork might get in the way. :(

R34PER15: Maybe before It's over...you'd like to go.

R34PER15: With me.

R34PER15: If you want.

R34PER15: No pressure. :P

Velvet giggled, a hand on her burning cheek as she looked over at him. He leaned away from his scroll, rubbing his eyelids. He let out a stressed sigh before he rolled his shoulders back.

Maybe he was regretting the tongue face.

Velvet glanced at the scroll, her cheeks reddening as she typed away. She couldn't stop smiling.

ScarletBun: Yes.

She closed her scroll as she peered at Ruben through her long brown hair. He opened the message. His eyes looking over her word. Then again. Then again. Then again.

Then he started smiling. Chuckling softly to himself as he leaned on his closed fist. He looked up at her, giving her a soft wave before class bell rung.

She waved back.

"So," Ruben tugged on the collar of his new leather jacket. Unlike his trench coat, which was dark and muggy and missing a sleeve, this one ended just at his waist.

The leather was coarse and fine, as dark as the midnight sky with the shoulders and elbows padded. Yin told him time and time again it was time to change out the coat.

Ruben couldn't help but agree.

He flexed his hands, his dark brown gloves replaced with a black fingerless. He looked at his scarred fingers, the healed over cuts from the long nights of work. He sighed, cracking his neck.

He flattened his black shirt as he shrugged his shoulders. He pulled down his shirt, his thumb brushing against his rose petal belt buckle. He pulled up his dark jeans as he pushed his old boot's steel toe into the floor.

"The plan?" Winter asked, straightening his tie in the mirror. He gave his black tie a little tug as he tucked it beneath his white vest. He patted out his white vest, the fine piece of polyester was just as clean as always.

His fingers ran over the three buttons as he placed one of his hands into his front pocket. His rolled his sleeves up to his elbows, patting his hand against his abdomen as he turned to face Ruben.

His pearl white slacks and charcoal black suit the newest addition to his wardrobe.

That and a flat cap with a snowflake embroidered on top. He tipped it towards Ruben, hearing the door open.

Yin walked into the room, his typically long sleeved jacket now cut off at the shoulders. Showing off the definition and size of his impressive arms. His dark blue jeans contrasting with the bright gold as he put on a pair of aviator glasses.

He nodded towards Ruben, a hand running through his golden locks.

"Blair's right behind me, then we can talk business." Yin said, finger gunning Winter as he checked out his new threads. He jumped onto his bed, bouncing onto his toes as he waited for Blair to arrive.

"Nice jacket, Ruben." Yin smirked, chuckling softly to himself. He did have a good taste in clothing. "I wonder who thought about getting you that?"

"Thanks, Yin." Ruben said, Blair walking into the room not even a second later. Blair wore his typical button coat and hood, with his jeans a darker shade of black and his scarf still wrapped around his neck. They all looked over one another, before letting out a sigh.

"We are getting Roman." Ruben stated, knocking on the dresser as he walked into the middle of the room. His hands out and his eyes staring into the floor. "We know, this could end up bad. Do we still want to do this?"

"He tried to kill me."
"He attacked my family."
"He is stealing from mine."

"Then we agree." Ruben smirked, surprised to be hearing them answering all at once. He rubbed his goatee, glancing over at Winter. His revolver in his hands, his thumb flicking the hammer. "You and I are going to CCD?"

"CCT." Winter corrected, walking over beside Ruben. He smiled fondly as he thought of his father and the rest of his family. "And yes. As a Frost, I'm sure they'll happily tell me what's what. Besides, Courtney from corporate probably misses me." He ended with a smirk.

"I got an old friend on the other side of town." Yin said, scratching his head as he chuckled. The blaring music and shattering glass still echoed in his ears. "I'm sure he'll find our last get-together as water under the bridge. Also, I need to see the twins. Drink a fruity drink. Talk to that bar maid-"

"White Fang have meetings around town. I'm sure a familiar face would be much appreciated in these dark times." Blair said, squinting his eyes as he thought of how long it has been since he's actually attended a meeting.

"Then we'll meet up at the closest relative place-"

"At the club! I'll buy us drinks and we can dance!" Yin suggested, doing the cabbage patch as he rocked his hips from side to side. Blair sighed, nodding his head.

"I could use a drink right now."

"We will meet," Ruben emphasized, pointing at the ground. "Closest relative place." He raised his finger towards Yin. "No clubs."

"You just want to suck the fun out of everything." Yin mumbled, kicking his feet out and landing onto his bed. It creaked as he sat there pouting. Lip out and eyes squinted. "I hate this place."

"So, let's get to it." Ruben said, smiling as he clapped his hands together. Yin 'Hooray" in response before bolting out the door. Already feeling the club bumping to the beat.

"So, your uncle taught you all your fancy little gun tricks?" Ruben asked, hand resting on the handle of his single scythe as he strolled up to the Transmit Tower. Ruben couldn't like, despite Frost Company being one of the most shady businesses according to a little history lesson courtesy of Blair, the tower was gorgeous.

It had the architecture of what he perceived to be a cathedral. It was monumental in scope and size. It was the headquarters for this city, and it took his breath away.

"Father wanted me to be scholarly." Winter chuckled, his hand resting on his holster as he walked with Ruben. The last few blocks were talks of old family ties and weaponry.

Something that they seamlessly strung together with old funny stories and quick heartwarming moments.

Like the time Ruben was sick from school and Yin had snuck out of school, bought a tub of Triple Chocolate Supreme Swirl, and spent the whole with Ruben at home. Watching cartoons until Dad came home.

Ruben could still hear Dad chastising Yin to this very day.

Like the time when Winter was a young man in the later years of Elementary. When a young boy pushed him on the playground and his father threatened to shut down the school for not taking care of his son.

His uncle decided it was high time to teach the young Winter the gentlemanly sport of Boxing.

Ruben told him about the grueling hours of making sure that the heated barrel to his Lever Action Shotgun wouldn't be clogged with the debris of enemies he sliced in half. The mechanical set up took hours.

Winter told him about when his Uncle was teaching him how to shoot, he would always teach him how to get the first shot out. By immediately aiming for center mass from aiming at the hip.

"Uncle wanted me to know how to draw first." He patted his weapon, a smile grazing his lips. "Gave me his first weapon. Still use it to this very day. He calls it Litchteisen."

"I call mine Gren and Hansel."

The two stopped as they stared up into the building's highest floors, Ruben's heel knocking against the pavement. He glanced over at Winter for a brief moment.

"So, the plan?"

"Well-" Winter glanced over at Ruben, then seeing a familiar sight of orange. "Isn't that your girlfriend?"

"She's not my-" He looked over, and there stood Penny. Ruben could have sworn Winter was talking about Velvet. He saw Penny make eye contact with him, then scurrying off. "Where is she going?"

"It'll be easier for me to go in alone anyways." Winter said, patting Ruben on the shoulder as he walked ahead. He saluted with two fingers as he pushed open the doors to the complex. "Go after her, Romeo."

Winter looked around the interior of the building, his hands on his waist as he approached the front desk. He looked around at the people who were talking in their small groups. Talking about how the other kingdoms are and the local events.

The Tower was, without a doubt, one of the most beautifully furnished within the kingdom's own skyscrapers and landmarks.

Winter couldn't lie. Frost did better and more fabulous.

The tiled black and charcoal gray floors checkered the floor. He loved the way his boots clicked against it. So clean he could see his reflection. The dark oak wooden doors that separated the inhabitants from the outside world. Reminded Winter of home.

He saw the main beam in the center of the room, the stations around it sending off messages every which way. However, he needed more information. Some of which wasn't exactly for the public eye.

Walking into an elevator, the bright golden interior reminding him of Yin's own hair and jacket. He leaned against the wall with a hand resting on the holster hanging on his hip. The other hand lifting the brim of his flat cap.

"Welcome to the CCT. How may I help you?" The automated voice asked. Winter smirked, clicking his tongue.

"Communications, Miss." Winter responded, with a chuckle as he walked up to the scanner. He held up his scroll, a bit of swagger in his step. The machine scanned and finished with a beep.

"Welcome, Mr. Frost. I'll take you there immediately." Winter smiled, whistling softly to himself as he felt the elevator shoot up. The rumbling and whizzing of wires and cables made him happy.

He recalled the surprise visits he would pay his father on the weekends and holidays. The look on his face when he saw his little boy running towards him. Arms out and shouting 'Papa.'

The doors opened and Winter exited them, arms at his sides as he approached the front desk. He glanced around the room, seeing the multiple video screens. He glanced up, seeing the symbols of the four kingdoms hanging above him.

The twin woodsman axes crossed with a fleeces along the bottom.

The three sharp blades pointed south, two sabers and a broadsword to be precise.

A tipped spear and shield. Reminding him of a certain lady friend back at Beacon.

And a...circle with wings?

Winter could never tell.

He approached the front desk, the hologram of a pretty young brunette appeared before him. With a cute nose and rosy cheeks to boot.

"Welcome to the Beacon Transmit Center, how I may help you?" She asked, flashing Winter a warm fake smile. Still, it made him feel better. They always seemed so happy.

"I wish to speak to the higher ups. World headquarters in Atlas please." Winter stated, smiling as he began walking around the desk. The hologram punched away the numbers, nodding her head.

"Absolutely, I'll patch you in as soon as I can. Terminal 3, please." She said, smiling once more at Winter.

Winter tipped his hat with a smirk.

"Much obliged."

Winter sat in front of the terminal, hands resting on his knees as he stared into the camera. he straightened his vest and tie. Combing his loose hair behind his ear. He let out a sigh, nodding his head.

"Welcome to-" Then they saw each other. She was still as beautiful as he remembered. Short auburn hair, ending just above her shoulder. The bright blue eyes she had made his heart leap from his chest.

Then there was her dazzling smile. That same smile that made him keep coming back to Corporate well into his teenage years.

"Hey, Courtney." Winter removed his cap, laying it on the counter. He raked his fingers through his hair, making sure he looked well and groomed for Miss Courtney. "How's it going?"

"Wi-Winter! I didn't know." She pushed strands of hair behind her ear, clearing her throat as she turned away from the camera. "Are you here for your father? I believe your sister Kalteis is here as well-"

"No, no no." Winter smiled, shaking his head. His father would want to talk about Beacon, his classes, his teachers, his students. The conversation would go on so long and get so invasive that Winter would be telling him about his socks within hours.

Then there's Kalteis.

Last thing he wanted to see was Kalteis. Cold stare. Harsh words. Quick to draw her sword. Her snobby attitude and high voice.

Pretentious brat.

"I just wanted some files. For personal research. That's all."

"Of course." She said, nodding her head as she smiled softly. Bitting the corner of her lip. Winter could have sworn his heart started racing the moment she started doing so. "How's Beacon?"

"Surprising, to say the least." Winter said, shrugging his shoulders as leaned back in his seat. He threw an arm over the back, tongue in cheek. He put his scroll into the slot, letting the requested information pass on through. "So, the list is sent?"

"Have it right here. Pretty interesting inquiries." She mumbled, raising a brow. She had this look of uncertainty. Especially when it came to asking about the missing shipments. Winter smirked.

"I always was the scholarly type." He quipped, smiling. He rolled his eyes. "I'm sure father would love knowing I am interested in the family business. Goodness knows Kalteis is. Never shuts up about it."

Courtney glanced over the files, then back to Winter. She straightened herself in her chair, staring at him as she interlaced her hands together.

"Are you sure you don't-"

"I'm on a tight schedule." Winter interrupted, his tone flattening. His eyes squinting as he let out a breath. He really, really, really didn't feel like talking to him. "Don't patch me to him."

There was an uncomfortable silence. The sort of silence people etched themselves away from. The kind that made friends go home early. The kind that made him regret coming to this place alone. Without a friend.

Without Ruben.

"Documents are on the scroll. Enjoy." Courtney went to exit the conversation, before glancing at Winter. He was looking sour.

His lip curled to a frown and his eyes away from the camera. His arms laying in his lap, his gaze far off across the other side of the room. She sighed. "It was great seeing you."

"Great seeing you too." He turned back to the camera and smiled his dashing smile, seeing her smile grow as well. "I'll message you some time...I miss you, you know."

She tilted her head, sighing as she felt her smile continue to grow and her cheeks blush a beautiful shade of pink.

"Get back to school."

The call ended shortly after.

And Winter could see his big goofy grin in the dark screen.

Ruben watched Winter enter the tower, regretting not trading places with him. He was truly looking forward to getting to look around inside. He had never in the transmit tower and was looking forward to meeting this Courtney Winter kept talking about.

"Go after her, Romeo."

However...

He took off after Penny, leaving Winter to deal with the family business. He saw Penny glance at him out of the corner of her eye, before turning her head away from him.

Her hair was still that flaming orange, her clothes the very same she wore on that day. She seemed to recognize him.

She quickened her pace.

"Penny!" He shouted, jogging up to her side. She was staring into the ground, hands closed in fists as she walked straight ahead. She paid him no mind, continuing her strides forward. "I haven't seen you in weeks! I didn't know if you were ok, if you were..."

She ignored him, not even batting an eyelash at him.

"You just scared me. And I'm glad I know now you're ok. I didn't know-"

"Not safe." Penny mumbled, glancing over her shoulder as she turned towards Ruben. Her eyes were squinted and her tone serious. "We can't talk."

"What do you-" Ruben looked up the street, seeing a pair of what seemed to be soldiers. Their black and blue suits reminded Ruben of policemen. But they adorned helmets and much heavier firepower.

No pistols or mere shotguns. They wielded military grade weapons.

Penny ran the moment they looked her direction.

Ruben found himself running across the street, trying desperately to keep up with Penny. Penny turned the corner, running down the alleyway as Ruben turned on a dime.

"Penny!" Ruben dashed forward, scooping Penny up into his arms. His right arm hooked under her legs and the left cradling her shoulders. "I got you!" Ruben turned the corner, running out of the alleyway. "It's ok! I'll get you somepla-"

CRASH

Ruben felt the force of a minivan smash against his frame, knocking Penny out of his hold and him down the street. He rolled and dragged against the road, feeling his forehead grinding against the gravel. He could hear the talking to Glynda's going to give him the moment she sees this hack-job.

That's when he heard the horns. He glanced up, seeing an oncoming truck driving full speed. And it wasn't looking like it was stopping any time soon.

"This is perfect." Ruben mumbled, shifting in his spot as he tried to steady himself onto his knees.

"Ruben!" He heard a voice shout, as he felt two hands push him aside. Then the truck crashed against Penny. Ruben bolted up, holding his bruised side as he rushed towards...Penny?

She was fine. In fact, she had stopped the truck full force with just her hands. Her feet made craters in the ground, the truck's grill was smashed in.

But she was fine.

"Penny..." Ruben started, glancing at her hands. Given he just scuffed up by a trail of gravel, the truck might've done something to her hands.

That's when he saw the slick steel and bolts holding her fingers to her palm.

He looked up at her, seeing her heart physically break as she bolted down the alleyway. Determined to get as far away from him as possible.

Ruben followed without any hesitation, wondering what exactly Penny was.