As usual, Azure had awakened early in the morning. After a quick shower, he dressed in the school uniform, unpacked his stuff, and decorated his room. It didn't take long, though, clothes in the closet and some comic books on the bookshelf. He brought a Sword Stand for Ocean, but all students must keep their weapons in the locker room unless it's for a class. All that was left to unpack were three framed photos. He placed all three photos on the bookshelf closest to the window.
The first was a photo of him, Weiss and their older sister, Winter Schnee. Taken not long after Azure and Weiss had defeated the Arma Gigas. Although Azure was younger, he was almost the same height as Winter in the photo. Azure was in the middle of the photo with his sisters. His arms wrapped around their shoulders, and theirs wrapped around his. Azure smiled the brightest among the three, Winter smiled the proudest, and Weiss smiled warmest. It was a rare time when they didn't care about their family name, reputation or appearance. All they cared about was that they were siblings.
The second was a photo of Azure with seven Atlas soldiers without helmets. There were three blue soldiers and four red soldiers. Azure was kneeling with one knee alongside the blue soldiers, and the red soldiers were standing behind them with their arms around each other shoulders. They were ex-elite soldiers who decided to lay low after having to fight on the frontlines for years.
Initially, they were his bodyguards assigned to him by his father. However, when Azure unlocked his semblance, his father refused to continue having them, as he couldn't care less about someone who did not have the Schnee semblance. So Winter hired them instead to be his teachers using the money she earned in the military. The ex-elite soldiers taught Azure everything he needed to know, from weapons building to hand-to-hand combat. They helped him become the person he is today.
The third and last was a photo of Azure and another blue Atlas soldier. Taken on his 12th birthday, it was the only photo Azure had left of the Atlas soldier. He was also an ex-elite soldier who became his bodyguard and turned teacher. He picked it up and looked at it with sadness. "I made it, Tucker. I'm in Beacon now. Wish you were here to see it," Azure said softly.
A knock on his dorm room door snapped him out of his thought. "Azure, you in there?" A voice asked from outside Azure's room.
"Coming!" Azure quickly placed the photo back on the shelf and went to answer the door to see Jaune dressed in the school uniform, waiting. "Hey, Jaune, what's up?" Azure asked.
"Hey, Azure. Our team had just unpacked, and Ren was preparing breakfast in the lounge room. Pyrrha mentioned you are an early riser. So I was wondering if you would like to join us for breakfast." Jaune said.
"Sure! I'll join you guys in a minute. Just got to check up on my sister first." Azure replied.
"Great! See you!" Jaune said as he left for the lounge room.
Azure then headed to Team RWBY's room and knocked on their door.
"Coming!" A peppy voice called out. The door was answered by none other than the team leader herself, Ruby. She wore the school uniform meant for girls and had her cape attached to the blazers. As soon as the two locked eyes, they beamed at each other with big smiles, happy and excited to see each other. "Oh hey, Azure!" Ruby greeted brightly.
"Hey, Ruby!" Azure greeted back with an equally bright smile. He then noticed that while Ruby was wearing the school uniform, she had also worn her iconic red cape. In Azure's opinion, Ruby looked terrific, as everything complemented her well.
"Wow. You look great! Y-Your cape, together with the uniform, suits you." Azure complimented Ruby while nervously scratching the back of his head with a huge blush.
"Oh ... err... thank you. You look great, too," Ruby said while blushing just as heavily as Azure, having no idea how to respond or flirt back.
"Really, Azure? That is how you flirt? Complimenting how she looks in a school uniform?" Weiss asked from behind Ruby with a teasing voice.
"You too, Ruby. If you want to flirt, you got to do it right," Yang said, joining in with the teasing. The rest of Team RWBY was behind Ruby, all wearing the school uniform and witnessing the whole thing.
Azure and Ruby shot their respective sisters a death glare, but it lost its effectiveness as their faces were still red.
"Our sisters aren't going to let us hear the end of this, huh," Azure said to Ruby.
"Nope," Ruby replied with a cute yet flat tone.
At this point, it was clear to everyone about Azure and Ruby's feelings for each other. While the two knew each other feelings for each other, both reached a consensus not to rush it, as they only had known each other for three days.
"What brings you here?" Blake asked in an attempt to save the love birds from their sister's teasing.
"I came to see how you guys are adjusting," Azure replied.
"Well, about that," Ruby said with a nervous laugh. She opened the door fully to let Azure see what she had meant.
They had somehow managed to pile their beds on one another in a chaotic way to clear space for their stuff. Their curtain had a noticeable cut mark across it, and there was a crooked poster and a painting of the Forever Fall Forest hanging up on the wall as decorations. Azure recognised that painting as Weiss had bought it from an auction with her money. He knew Weiss loved the picture elegancy, but he would have never expected that Weiss would bring the painting here from Atlas.
"We're still working on it," Ruby said sheepishly.
"You could always ditch some of Weiss's stuff. Pretty sure she brought enough to fill a room." Azure suggested playfully, which earned a pillow thrown to his face causing him to fall comically. Ruby, Blake and Yang looked at the culprit and raised an eyebrow.
"What? I'm just taking his advice." Weiss said with an annoyed tone as she crossed her arms.
"Okay. In all seriousness, I have plenty of space back in my room. You could place some of your stuff there if you need." Azure suggested as he got back up and threw the pillow back to Weiss, who caught it and placed it back from where she took it.
Then an idea hit Ruby like a truck.
"Oh! I know, I know! We could ditch the beds and make bunk beds!" Ruby suggested in excitement.
"That sounds incredibly dangerous," Weiss said.
"And super awesome!" Yang exclaimed, siding with Ruby's idea.
"It does seem efficient," Blake added.
"Azure?" Ruby asked.
"It's your room," Azure replied.
"Well, maybe we should...put it to a vote." Weiss stuttered.
"I think we just did", Ruby smirked. Blake and Yang agreed to the idea, whilst Weiss disagreed.
"Alright! For our next mission, Team RWBY will make the best bunk beds in Beacon history! BANZAI!" Ruby proclaimed enthusiastically with a fist in the air.
"BANZAI!" Yang and Blake joined in with Ruby while Weiss sighed in defeat.
Azure chuckled at their antics. "Well, you guys have fun. Just remember classes start at nine."
"Thanks for the reminder! We'll see you in class!" Ruby waved.
When Azure left and closed the door, he swore he could hear construction noise coming from Team RWBY's room. Azure could not help but laugh at Team RWBY's craziness. He then went to the lounge room to join Team JNPR for breakfast. As soon as he entered the lounge room, he could not help but laugh at what was happening. They were wearing the school uniform, and Ren was wearing a pink apron over the uniform that said, 'please do nothing to the cook'. He was holding a plate of pancakes with one hand and keeping Nora away with the other, who was trying to reach for the pancakes. Jaune and Pyrrha sat around the table with their untouched pancakes, enjoying the show.
"Nora! I already told you! These pancakes are for Azure! You already had your share. You even ate the extras," Ren said while struggling to keep Nora away.
"Aw, come on, Ren. Pretty please. Just one slice he wouldn't notice." Nora bargained while reaching out for the pancake.
"It's okay, Ren. She can have some of mine." Azure said, catching the attention of Team JNPR.
Ren sighed and gave some of Azure's pancakes to Nora.
"Thank you, Azure! You're the best teammate in the world!" Nora said as she immediately started wolfing down all the pancakes.
"You guys didn't have to wait for me, you know," Azure said as he sat down with the rest of JNPR.
"It's no trouble. Besides, we're a team anyway." Pyrrha said.
"A team with the best leader!" Nora exclaimed with her mouth full.
"Nora, please don't talk with your mouth full." Ren reprimanded.
Nora swallowed her pancakes instantly. "Sorry, but I can't help it. I'm just so excited! We have Juane, our fearless leader, leading us to victory! We'll be the best team in Beacon!" Nora excitedly proclaimed as she took another bite of pancakes.
"Guys, come on, I wasn't that amazing," Jaune said, deflecting the compliment as he was not used to receiving such compliments. "I'm sure you guys would've been fine without me."
"Don't sell yourself short, Jaune. Back at the initiation, you maintained a cool head and formulated a plan on the spot." Pyrrha said.
"And even though it didn't work initially, you immediately formed an alternate plan. It proves that you can think on your feet. That takes skill," Azure added as he poured maple syrup on his pancakes and took a bite. As soon as Azure tasted the pancake, his eyes opened wide in amazement. "Holy shit! These pancakes are fantastic!"
When Pyrrha and Jaune heard this, they got curious and took a bite from their share of pancakes. Once they ate their pancakes, they instantly knew what Azure had meant.
"Wow, these pancakes are delicious!" Pyrrha commented.
"I think I'm in heaven!" Jaune added as he took another bite.
"Thank you for the compliments, everyone. There was more, but Nora had already eaten the extras." Ren said as he frowned at Nora.
"Can you blame me? Your pancakes are the best in the world!" Nora shouted with excitement.
"You gotta teach me the recipe!" Azure said.
"You cook, Azure?" Ren asked.
"From time to time. I've always watched and learned from the chefs and cooks back in Atlas. It's a valuable skill." Azure answered. "Speaking of cooking, what's the story behind your apron?"
"It was supposed to remind Nora to stop bugging me when I'm cooking," Ren said, glaring at Nora.
"Oh, come on, it was only one time!" Nora replied gleefully.
"It was not," Ren said emotionlessly.
Jaune, Pyrrha and Azure couldn't help but laugh at the duo. "So, I take it that both of you are pretty close?" Azure asked curiously.
"We have known each other since we were kids, and we've been looking out for each other for a long time," Ren explained.
"You bet! I will always have Renny's back!" Nora proclaimed with a bright smile.
"And I have yours," Ren smiled warmly.
Jaune, Pyrrha and Azure smiled along with them. They could feel Ren's and Nora's connection with each other. They couldn't put their finger on what kind of connection it was. All they knew was that it was the kind that would last for a lifetime.
"So, how did you and Pyrrha meet," Jaune asked Azure. "Earlier today, she called you Lapis Snow?"
"It's a nickname," Azure answered. "Pyrrha and I met in a Mistral regional tournament."
"It was my first tournament," Pyrrha added.
"It was the first round, and the randomiser pitted us against each other. It was a close match, but Pyrrha ended up winning." Azure said.
"In Azure's defence, I had a more challenging time fighting him than anyone else in the tournament, future ones included," Pyrrha commented.
"We quickly became good friends, so I told her my real name, and we kept in contact and promised each other to keep training and to fight again someday, and that's how we became rivals," Azure explained.
"The nickname?" Ren asked.
"Well... about that. You see. I might've snuck out of my house for a week to participate in the tournament." Azure said in embarrassment.
"What!?" Jaune, Nora and Ren exclaimed in disbelief.
"Wow, Azure! I would've never thought you were the rebel type. You and I are going to get along just fine." Nora grinned happily.
"I just wanted to test myself, see how far I could go." Azure defended.
"But your parents..." Ren was in mid-sentence when Azure cut in.
"Oh, they didn't even care that I disappeared. Heck, I don't even think they knew. Being the ostracised son has its benefits." Azure said with a laidback tone.
The others had no idea what to say. They could not believe how little Azure's parents cared for him, yet he still seemed laid back about it.
"But of course, I still had the Schnee name, so I created a fake name and wore some disguised so people wouldn't recognise me." Azure continued.
"You know, you never did tell me how you got from Atlas to Mistral," Pyrrha commented.
"Sorry, but I'm not a snitch," Azure said with a wink.
"What about Weiss? Did she ever notice?" Jaune asked.
"No, she did not," Azure's face started to sadden as he continued. "We … I wasn't on speaking terms with her then." Azure corrected himself.
The rest of Team JNPR fixed their eyes on Azure. There was an awkward silence at the table. They were surprised. Even Pyrrha was surprised. They saw how well Azure and Weiss worked together during the initiation and how he protected Weiss from an overly flirty Jaune. The mere thought that Azure, at a point in time, pushed Weiss away was unbelievable to them.
Pyrrha then placed a hand on Azure. "Hey, you know you can talk to us, right?"
"I know… it's just that it's a little sensitive." Azure replied. "I'll tell all of you about it one day, just… not today."
The rest of Team JNPR looked at each other and nodded, having an unspoken agreement to respect Azure's privacy. They knew there was no reason to push, and Azure would share with them once he was ready.
"Anyway, we should quickly finish our pancakes. We do not want to be late for our first class!" Azure said in a cheery tone, almost as if the previous conversation had never occurred.
After swiftly finishing their pancakes, Team JNPR and Azure cleaned the place. Jaune and Pyrrha cleaned the table, Azure helped Ren wash the dishes, and Nora finished the leftovers. Once the lounge room was spotless, they headed for their first class in Beacon.
Unbeknownst to everyone, a mark had begun to form on Azure's neck.
Grimm Studies class. Arguably, it was one of the most, if not the most, vital classes for students. Students could learn everything they need to know about Grimm from this class, from the different species of Grimm to their weaknesses and strengths.
At least, it was supposed to be.
The teacher, Professor Port, rarely talked anything about Grimm. All he did was tell stories of his younger days about how he was such a great huntsman and how his wise grandfather smelled like cabbage. No students were paying attention to him and were either daydreaming or having fun.
Except for Weiss. She had always equated dedication in everything with the same dedication in the field, maintaining her strict and perfect image. She was even vigorously taking down notes of Professor Port's story.
A small set of giggles broke her out of her concentration. Ruby was sitting in between Weiss and Azure, and Ruby and Azure were giggling away at whatever they were doing together. Weiss glared at the two of them in annoyance. She was fine letting Ruby sit next to Azure instead of herself, but Ruby was not taking the class seriously, and her brother was not helping.
Ruby then started to draw something on a piece of paper. After she finished, she showed it to Azure, the rest of her team, and Team JNPR, who sat behind them. It was a doodle of Professor Port as a smelly cabbage. Team JNPR, Azure, Yang and even Blake started giggling at Ruby's antics. Weiss, however, got even more annoyed at her immaturity. She knew Ruby could be immature sometimes, but this took it too far in Weiss's mind. Ruby was supposed to be the team leader.
"AHEM!" Professor Port coughed, stopping the laughter and getting the attention back to him. He then continued with his story. "The moral of the story? A true huntsman must be honourable and dependable."
Weiss looked at Azure and Ruby again to see them goofing around, with Ruby making funny faces and Azure giggling, which further annoyed Weiss.
"A true huntsman must be strategic, well-educated and wise." Professor Port continued.
Ruby was picking her nose, looking like a dolt, and somehow Azure found it adorable as he giggled and offered Ruby a tissue. At this point, Weiss was shaking with anger.
"So, who would like to test themselves and see if they have these traits?" Professor Port asked the entire class as he removed a cloth over a cage, revealing a Boarbatusk Grimm inside the cage.
Now that caught the attention of everyone in the class. Grimm usually dies in captivity and cannot be kept alive by normal means. It proves that Professor Port is indeed an excellent huntsman. His teaching skills could use some improvements, though.
"I do, sir!" Weiss proclaimed as she immediately shot her hand up, not knowing that someone had also raised their hand at the same time as her.
"Well, it looks like we have two eager students here!" Professor Port said.
Weiss was confused for a second. She was sure she was the only one who raised her hand. That was when she turned to see that her brother, Azure, had also raised his hand.
"Sorry, sis, but we both know there is no way I would ever pass a chance like this," Azure said with a smile.
Weiss mentally facepalmed. She was so angry that she had forgotten Azure loves to test and push past his limits whenever possible. Not to mention, Azure was a kinesthetic learner, learning best through hands-on situations. A test like this would only excite Azure.
"In that case, the two of you will work together. You may collect your combat gear and face your opponent." Professor Port explained as the twins nodded.
Weiss and Azure had worn their usual combat outfit and weapons with them. Both were equally determined and confident in beating the Boarbatusk. Weiss readied Myrtenaster, but Azure readied his hands instead of using Ocean.
"Not using Ocean this time, Azure?" Weiss asked.
"I want to try out something. Besides, this fight will be easy if it's the two of us," Azure said confidently, trusting his sister. Weiss nodded, knowing what her brother was thinking.
"Go, Weiss. Go, Azure!" Yang cheered.
"Fight well!" Blake also cheered while waving a mini flag that said "RWBY".
"Yeah, represent Team RWBY!" Ruby cheered.
"You can do it, Azure!" Ren cheered.
"Show that Grimm who's boss!" Jaune cheered as well.
"Break its legs!" Nora shouted.
"Don't forget to represent Team JNPR too, Azure!" Pyrrha added.
"But mostly Team RWBY!" Ruby shouted.
"Ruby! I am trying to focus!" Weiss turned to scold Ruby. All Weiss wanted was some silence to concentrate.
"Sorry," Ruby said as she looked down, depressed.
"Really, Weiss? Even when the others were cheering too," Azure said flatly.
"I know, I know. It's just that I wanted some silence to concentrate." Weiss said as she sighed and glanced back to the Grimm. Azure shook his head.
"Alright, let the match begin!" Professor Port then used his battle axe to cut the lock off the cage. The Boarbatusk burst out from the cage and let out a loud growl. The boar tucked itself into a wheel and rolled straight towards the twins.
Azure charged ahead as he planted his feet and stopped the Boarbatusk in its track by catching its tusk. The Boarbatusk uncurled and started pushing forward, as did Azure. The two engaged in a battle of strength. Neither could overpower the other.
"A bold, new approach. I like it!" Professor Port commented, impressed that a student would face a Boarbatusk head-on.
Weiss started attacking the Boarbatusk on its sides, but the armour was too thick to deal severe damage.
"Go for its belly! There's no armour underneath it!" Ruby shouted, completely forgetting what Weiss had said earlier.
"Ruby! I told you I'm trying to concentrate!" Weiss shouted back, causing Ruby to slump back down into her seat with a sad and hurt look.
"Weiss! I don't need to remind you about Winter's lesson about distraction," Azure shouted as his grip started to slip.
Weiss cursed under her breath. Winter said there will always be distractions in a battle, and she needs to learn to focus constantly and not get distracted.
Taking a deep breath, Weiss nodded towards Azure, and Azure returned the nod. Azure channelled more aura into his right arm and broke the Boarbatusk's tusk. Azure then used the broken tusk and stabbed it into its eyes. The Boarbatusk growled and recoiled back in pain. At the same time, Weiss formed a gravity glyph above her and jumped on it, holding her in the air.
Azure channelled aura into his right leg and kicked the Boarbatusk under its mouth, causing it to flip over and expose its belly. Weiss then launched herself as Azure shifted to the left, perfectly timed with Weiss's launch. Weiss stabbed the Boarbatusk stabbed in the belly, killing it instantly. As the Boarbatusk faded, Azure and Weiss gave each other a low high five.
"Bravo! Bravo! Excellent teamwork and skill. We are indeed in the presence of a true huntress and huntsman in training." Professor Port congratulated the twins. He then turned to address the class. "I'm afraid that is all the time we have for today. Be sure to cover the assigned readings. Class dismissed." When Professor Port dismissed the class, Weiss and Azure returned to their friends, who congratulated them.
When Professor Port dismissed the class, Ruby immediately fled the classroom with her head down low. Weiss feeling guilty, chased after her. Yang was about to follow, but Blake stopped her.
"Yang, wait." Blake placed her hand on Yang's shoulder. "They need to figure this out on their own. Otherwise, it will only drag on."
Yang sighed. She knew Blake was right but could not help but worry.
Azure, however, looked on smiling.
"Ruby, wait!" Weiss shouted.
However, Ruby had already disappeared, using her semblance to sprint away without saying a word and not letting Weiss see the tears rolling down her face.
"Augh!" Weiss let out a cry of frustration at herself. Ruby cheered her on during the fight, and because she forgot her sister's training, she let out her anger at Ruby. Sure, Ruby was a nuisance in class and did not act like a leader, but it was the first day. She could not expect her or anyone to adjust to that role in a day. Weiss then headed to the school rooftop to get some fresh air.
Weiss sat at the rooftop benches, thinking and trying to process what was wrong with her. Her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"My, my. What a coincidence to see you here, Miss Schnee." Professor Port greeted.
"Professor Port! What are you doing here?" Weiss asked as she stood up from the bench to face him, surprised to see him here.
"Well, I have some time before my next lesson. So I came here to enjoy some natural and clean air." Professor Port answered. He then looked at Weiss, who had worn a conflicted look.
"Hmm, something's troubling you." Professor Port commented
"Yes, sir," Weiss admitted.
"Dear girl, please, confess to me your strife." Professor Port said.
"Well, it's about my leader," Weiss said.
"Ah, Miss Ruby Rose, am I right? I've heard many things about her. Quite a huntress in training, I must admit." Professor Port commented.
"Yes, she is. I can see why Professor Ozpin let her into Beacon early, but I'm unsure if I can follow a leader like her." Weiss confessed
"May I know the reason why?" Professor Port asked.
"Well, she's immature, lacks discipline, acts like a complete dolt, and doesn't take her leadership role seriously," Weiss sighed as she continued. "Don't get me wrong, I truly believe she can become a great huntress one day, and I sincerely hope she does, but I don't know if she can be a leader or a leader I can follow."
"That is quite a conflict, but you failed to remember one thing." Professor Port said.
"What is it?" Weiss asked.
"While she is your leader, she is also your partner." Professor Port answered. Weiss looked at him with a confused look, not understanding his point.
"Everyone has flaws, and it is up to the person to work on them. As Miss Rose's partner, you can help her work on those flaws and vice versa. If she wishes to be a leader and strive for one, you can support her by being the best partner for her. We all need someone to help us grow."
Everything clicked for Weiss. Of course, partners are supposed to help each other. She had no right to judge Ruby for not acting like a leader when she had failed to act like a partner. Now there's only one question lingering in her mind.
"How does one become the best partner?" Weiss asked.
"From my experience, to be the best partner is first to be the best person you can be." Professor Port explained. "Hone your skills, perfect your techniques and never stop learning."
"Thank you. Professor Port." Weiss bowed in gratitude.
"You're welcome, Miss Schnee," Professor Port said.
Ruby found herself alone in the Beacon's school garden, tears flowing down her cheeks. She had no clue how she ended up here. All she remembered was that she kept running until she felt safe, maybe because it was secluded or maybe because it was filled with roses and reminded her of her mum the most. All that mattered was that this place gave her a little peace to cry.
Luckily, the garden had chairs and a table for her to ponder her thoughts.
Ruby kept thinking about what had happened in the Grimm class. Why was she so stupid? Weiss had already told her that she needed to focus, but she just had to open her big mouth and keep being a nuisance to Weiss. What was Professor Ozpin thinking? Maybe she was not cut out to be a leader after all. Anyone could have been a better leader. Heck, her sister, Yang, would've been a better option. Her train of thought was then interrupted by the very teacher in question.
"First day of school and already using this place?" Ozpin asked in a sarcastic tone while holding onto his signature mug.
"Professor Ozpin! I- Wait, what do you mean?" Ruby curiously asked as she lowered her hood and wiped her tears away.
"The garden is where many students and teachers find peace during stressful and exhausting times," Ozpin explained. Ozpin then squinted his eyes, looking at Ruby's silver teary eyes. "So tell me, Miss Rose, what brings you here."
"Well, I think it was a mistake to make me the team leader." Ruby blurted out.
"And why do you think so?" Ozpin asked.
Ruby then explained to Ozpin the events that had taken place during the Grimm class and how she felt unfit to be a leader.
"Hmm, I think it's too early for anyone to decide," Ozpin said with a smile.
"What do you mean?" Ruby asked.
"I mean, it's only been one day," Ozpin remarked.
"Ruby, I've made more mistakes than any man, woman or child in Remnant, but at this moment, I would not consider your appointment as the leader to be one of them." Ozpin continued, which caused Ruby to perk up a little.
"What do you think it means to be a leader?" Ozpin asked.
"Well, I think it's someone who is firm and leads people during missions." Ruby innocently answered with a hint of doubt in her voice. Her answer caused Ozpin to chuckle a bit.
"Being a team leader isn't just a title you carry into battle. It's a badge you wear constantly," Ozpin explained. "If you are not always performing at your absolute best, what reason do you have for others to follow you?"
Ruby smiled and quickly caught on to what Ozpin was saying. Ruby was now the team leader, and whatever she did must match that role. The hard truth is that being a leader requires her to do her best regardless of circumstances.
"You've been burdened with a daunting responsibility, Ruby. I advise you to take some time to think about how you will uphold it." Ozpin said as he walked away to let Ruby reflect on herself.
At night, Weiss walked into Team RWBY's dorm, only to find Yang and Blake asleep on their side of the bunk bed, with Yang snoring loudly. She shook her head and was genuinely thankful that Azure had given her his sets of earplugs.
Weiss noticed that Ruby's bed had curtains covering most of the light. Weiss pulled back the curtain to find Ruby had fallen asleep on the many pages of her books filled with studying. Weiss was stunned and impressed that Ruby was taking her role as a leader seriously. If that was Ruby's wish, then it was only fair for Weiss to respond in kind. She then spotted a mug and got an idea.
Weiss tapped Ruby's shoulder, waking Ruby up from her slumber and jumping back in surprise. "Weiss! I was studying and fell asleep-" Weiss covered Ruby's mouth, putting a finger to her lips, signalling her to lower her voice.
"How do you take your coffee?" Weiss asked.
"Um, cream and five sugars," Ruby answered in confusion.
Weiss sighed, unsurprised that Ruby had a sweet tooth. "Don't move", Weiss ordered as she ducked down. She soon came back up with Ruby's coffee. "Here."
"Oh, thanks, Weiss," Ruby thanked in confusion.
"Ruby, I'm sorry about what happened in the Grimm class. I shouldn't have snapped at you." Weiss apologised. "Just know that as long as you continue to do your best, I will be the best partner you'll ever have."
Ruby smiled at Weiss' words as she could feel her honesty. It made Ruby feel better and at ease.
"Good luck studying," Weiss ducked down again but got straight back up. "That's wrong, by the way," Weiss said as she pointed at one of Ruby's notes.
Ruby saw her mistake and corrected it.
"Ruby?" Weiss called out as she was about to leave the dorm.
"Yeah?" Ruby answered.
"I always wanted bunk beds as a kid." Weiss smiled before leaving and closing the dorm room door, leaving Ruby to her smiling and studying.
As Weiss closed the door, she took a deep breath and sighed in relief, not expecting being so open could be so taxing.
"I never knew you wanted bunk beds," Azure commented, who was waiting for Weiss outside Team RWBY's dorm room.
"That's cause I wouldn't want to bunk with you. You are so unorganised," Weiss said with a cheeky tone.
Azure then made a fake gasp as he placed a hand on his chest. "How could you? I'll have you know. I am very organised." Azure said with an apparent fake, hurt voice.
Weiss chuckled a little bit. Azure can be annoying, but she always enjoyed their banter.
"I have to say. I'm glad that you went to chase after Ruby and admitted your mistake. It showed that you have grown," Azure said.
Weiss then looked at him with a thankful and playful face. "Careful, Azure, you're starting to sound like Winter," Weiss teased.
"I am twelve minutes older than you," Azure teased back, knowing full well Weiss hated whenever Azure brought that up.
"You jerk!" Weiss playfully punched him. The twins shared a small laugh.
"So, what are we working on today?" Azure asked as the twins started making their way to the training room.
"I was thinking of practising on my time dilation," Weiss answered, which caused Azure to be deadpan.
Weiss chuckled at Azure's reaction. "Don't worry. I'll be extra careful this time."
"You said that the last time and I ended up having my entire body numb for days!" Azure exclaimed.
The twins continued planning and walking to the room for some late-night training.
