Author's Note:

Hello and welcome again, this chapter is supposed to touch up on the idea of our future.

Not really much going on here but Weiss and Joseph share a moment together. What you make of it is up to you.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy, and do please a review.

- Lor

P.S. Forgot to include this earlier, but, school's starting up which means less time to write so expect delays. That is all.

Chapter 4: Determined or Undetermined?

The knock at the door was from one of the servants here; that was for sure. And I'd already guessed what this person called Wade was here for. Since Weiss was an important heiress to the Schnee Company it was important for the company to succeed after Hector's death and continue the line of the Schnee family. Thus, suitors, it was a terrible task, no doubt about that. Making his daughter choose a partner is basically a forced marriage of sorts.

Either way, I needed to open the door. So I got up and went over to it, Weiss followed me to the door. I looked at her before opening up the door, she seemed to have some kind of plan of some sort; she had this determined look on her face.

I went over to the door and looked back at her again; she seemed to be anticipating what was going to happen. I opened the door and found the servant with a guy around Weiss' age. He was fair toned and had blonde hair; this was accompanied by light green eyes. He was dressed in a complete suit with the tie and everything. He was your typical rich male; I assumed that he one of Weiss' suitors.

"Hello, let me introduce you to Master Wade," The servant introduced. "He's one of,"

"My suitors, I get it," Weiss stated.

"Ah, Weiss, you're just as beautiful as the pictures," Wade greeted.

Ugh, get better lines, I thought. "Oh sorry Wade, but I already have a boyfriend."

"You do?" We both questioned.

"Yes," She replied, clinging to my left arm.

The guy looked at me maliciously, as if I was competition. I looked back at Weiss and she seemed to be giving me some kind of signal, just go with it, she seemed to be thinking, "Him? You think that he's better than me?" Wade questioned.

"Yes," Weiss stated.

"Er, hi," I said.

The guy studied her for a bit, trying to see if she was serious. When he found her cold stone expression he sighed, "You must be a very sad person to think that he's better than me, hmph, a mere musician," He spat back. "You're not even worth my time then, and you can tell your father than the deal is off."

He stomped off down the stairs, the servant following him, "Wait, Master Wade!"

The servant glanced one more time at Weiss, the glance was also malicious similar to the suitor's glance. He then left to pursue after the suitor and probably tell Hector about Weiss' denial.

I found that Weiss was still clinging to my arm, "Weiss, you can let go now," I told her.

"Oh, sorry," She replied before hastily letting go.

"Want to tell me why you used me as cover?" I questioned.

Weiss locked at her tablet and found that she was running late to get to school, "Sorry, but I've got to get to school right now, I'm late, I'll explain everything later!"

I sighed, "Alright," I said with a nod. "See you later."

With that Weiss left hurriedly down the stairs to go to her private school.

Nothing really happened as the day passed by, I attempted to take a nap in preparation for the trip into town right after Weiss' lesson with me but I couldn't. It was mostly due to it being day and the fact that I was just asleep. I decided to go and take a walk, taking my phone with me I headed out for a walk along the grounds. There was a forest behind the mansion so I decided to head there, there was a clear trail indicating that it was eroded after many years of usage.

Taking a walk I observed the scenery around me, the fall weather was beginning to set in, the tree's leaves were a light shade of orange and yellow. I observed the pristine scenery before returning back to the mansion. When I did someone was already waiting for me, it was Hector. He told me to come in to the living room and I did so following him.

I guessed what this was about, probably about Weiss' suitor.

I headed into the living room, there were four large chairs. They were green and looked rather expensive; along the wall was a fireplace along with several books on two shelves lining the wall on both sides of the fire place. In the center was what looked like Hector's father.

He beckoned me to sit with him, he poured out a cup of tea for me before pouring his. "So, how was the lesson?" He greeted.

"It was good, thanks for asking," I replied.

"Weather's nice isn't it," Hector said.

"Yes, but, it's gonna get chilly soon then snow's going to set in," I replied.

We sat for a moment, taking a sip from the cups of tea in our hands. The tea was nice and unsweetened, the way I liked it, thus ensuring the true flavour of tea comes out. I was sipping from the cup again when Hector spoke up, "So, I'm assuming you know why I called for you," He said.

"It's about Weiss' suitor, isn't it, a Master Wade. If I recall," I told him.

"I was told that you intervened," Hector continued.

"Listen, if it's about Weiss' future can it," I spat at him.

"Hmph, you might be a boy around Weiss' age but you are not to engage in a relationship with her, leave that to me," Hector said.

"Really, cause as far as I'm concerned the welfare of my student is also on my list of priorities," I retorted.

"Just stay out of it," Hector said.

"Weiss, is a person too, you can't decide her future for her," I told him. "You should let her choose who she wants."

"That is not up for discussion," He said.

"Why are you being stubborn Hector?" I asked.

"It's not about what she wants, it's about continuing the line," He firmly stated.

"Still, doesn't Weiss' happiness come first?" I asked.

He fumbled on his answer a tad bit, "No, absolutely not. I will not let my daughter see whoever she chooses. She will wed the best suitor!"

"You're being stubborn and paranoid Hector," I stated.

"No! I am not!" He protested slamming the tea cup onto the table.

"Calm down, I just want you to consider what Weiss is. She's not just some toy that you can send off to someone you like," I stated before getting up. "Thank you for the tea."

I left the area, I heard Hector shout behind at me, "Stay out of it! It has nothing to do with you!"

I decided to go out of the mansion and hang around the city, maybe I should check up on Neo at the same time. It was nearing lunch time for the students after all. I decided to head out for a walk again, I couldn't believe the nerve of Hector. Sure he was reasonable most of the time but this time he seemed to be completely unreasonable. I mean, forcing a relationship onto one's daughter! Regardless of her social standing or for the sake of the company doesn't your daughter's happiness come first?

I sighed, eventually along the road I was met with a bus stop onto public road space. The bus stop had a booth along with a bench inside of it. I decided to sit down; I needed to cool my head a bit. Even though I was completely controlled during the conversation, just the fact that Hector would send suitor's at Weiss made me irritated.

I sighed as I waited for a bus to pass by; we were pretty far from the city so it would take some time for the bus to arrive. I decided to check up on Neo, she was the last person that I haven't checked up on. She was probably in school eating lunch so I decided to send a text to her.

Hey Neo, how's it going?

Hi Joey, I'm doing good. How are you? I heard that you moved in with the Schnee's and that you're teaching their daughter, Weiss was it?

Yeah, make any new friends yet? She took a while so I assumed that the answer was no. I sighed, I guess not.

No, she simply answered.

It's okay, I began to think about tonight, maybe Neo would like to join us. Say, I'm meeting some friends; we're getting a band together. Do you want to come?

She took a while before replying, Uh, sorry, I think I have something to do. I could feel her hesitant mood to my statement.

Come on, please? We could use a pianist like you, I was thinking about the current situation of our band. We currently have Ruby on the piano but she isn't doing too well on it, she tries really hard but, it just isn't enough. Please? I'm begging you, and, did I forget to mention they're about our age? You could make some friends too.

She took a while yet again before responding, Alright, when are we practicing?

From nine until midnight, I replied.

There was another pause until she replied, Could you come and pick me up?

Sure, be ready at 8: 30, I replied.

Thanks for inviting me, , Neo answered with a smiley.

No problem, see you at 8: 30.

I sighed joyfully, I felt my stomach rumble, hmm, I should get something to eat, maybe a pizza. I thought as the bus arrived, taking me into Vale. I stopped at a Pizza place and got myself a large pizza, I asked for a bag and they gladly gave me it. I began to chew on it until I realized that I couldn't finish it, damn, ordered way too damn much. The place was mostly empty; the ovens were blazing which warmed me up. The room had an overall orange and bright feeling to it. I left the place with the pizza in a smaller cardboard box.

I decided to pick up some sweets, this included cinnamon buns and chocolate. I absolutely adored chocolate; it was so sweet and delectable. I picked up a few boxes of expensive foreign chocolate and left the store. At the same time the clouds began to darken, indicating that it was beginning to rain.

With the packages in hand I left Vale to return to the mansion, it was approximately four now, which meant that by the time that I get back dinner would be getting ready. I waited for the bus to arrive, when it finally did an hour later I got on, it was almost five meaning that the ride would take until six. Then I remembered about the rush hour and how people would clutter to bus stations slowing down the ride. Great, I thought as I took a seat in the back.

I frequently checked the time on my phone as it grew closer to 6: 30, I should've been back at the mansion by 6 but due to the traffic and people coming onto the bus it grew slowly more packed. I began to tap my foot onto the floor, they were probably waiting for me to return from my trip or where ever I went. The bus slowly emptied out until it was only me left, I continued to become restless as I began to tap my fingers on my legs.

When I did arrive it was about 6: 25, I needed to hurry back so I began to run with the bags in my hands. The clouds then began to rain; it was first light then began to grow into a heavy rain storm. Damn it, I cursed to myself as I began to run back.

When I arrived at the mansion one of the servants opened it up for me, I panted as I made my way over to the dining area. When I arrived Weiss was sitting next to her father on the end of the table, she looked at me and saw how soaked I was. I was also holding several bags as I took a seat next to Hector but opposite of Weiss.

"Hello Joseph," Weiss greeted. "You look … well."

As I sat down and settled down servants set up my spot with plates cups and various forks and other utensils, all of which I had no idea what to use for. "Hey Weiss," I greeted. One of the servants came to me with a towel, I took it and began to dry my head, thankfully my sweater took up most of the water from reaching onto the inside, but, now I was stuck in a wet sweater.

The table was huge, as was the room; it looked like it could accommodate 30 people. The walls were lined with art and were a pristine white colour; this was complemented with black lining along the tops and bottoms. The floor on the other hand was made of light blue tiles.

"So what are in the bags?" Hector asked.

"Oh, just some sweets, want some Weiss, Hector?" I asked, pulling them out of the bag.

Weiss' eyes widened, "Oh my god, those chocolates, I absolutely love them!"

I passed it over the table; Hector seemed slightly angered. Then I remembered the talk that I had with him earlier today. Weiss corrected herself and tucked the chocolates under her chair.

"Ahem, let us enjoy the meal," Hector said sternly.

Weiss nodded in return and I leaned back with sigh, there was a ton of selections on the table, various meats ranging from pork, chicken and even goat. There was even an entire lobster along with several helpings of potatoes, white rice, and other kinds of grain. There seemed to be a single bowl of Caesar salad in the center. There was also a healthy selection of fruits.

"Dear god, how do you people eat all this?" I asked as I helped myself to some Caesar salad.

"We usually don't, more than half of it is left," Weiss stated also helping herself to the salad.

"Then why do you guys make so much? It seems like a waste," I stated.

"Yes it is," Weiss replied. "The servants eat some too, there's still too much of it."

"Then why don't you make less? It seems pretty obvious that you're making too much," I told her.

"It's always been like this," Weiss told me.

"All the more reason to change it, I mean, change is good right? I mean you've changed haven't you? Heck, if we all stayed still we'd all be rocks by now," I told her, covering my mouth as I ate. Weiss smiled a bit at my remark and I smiled back faintly. Maybe she isn't so cold after all.

As I was talking with Weiss Hector seemed to be on edge, "So, Weiss. How was school?" He said too sternly.

"It was okay father," Weiss replied.

"I heard you turned down the suitor, that's the tenth one this week," Hector began, gritting his teeth as he did so.

"Yes, I did," Weiss stated.

"Why are none of them good for you?" Hector said.

At this Weiss also became infuriated, "Weiss, please," I told her. Focussing on Hector I could see his face becoming infuriated with the entire situation. "Hector, we talked about this. Weiss is free to make her own decisions."

"I will not tolerate this!" Hector continued to shout.

"Hector, you're being unreasonable," I stated.

"No! I will not abide by you, you may be Weiss' teacher but I will not allow you to intervene. This is a family matter," Hector retorted.

I began to speak up before Weiss spoke up before me, "Joseph, please, leave us. We'll discuss this together."

I sighed, "I guess I'll take a shower, you can wait upstairs in the classroom for me," I told her.

After taking a long hot shower I got changed into a pair different of sweater and pants. There was a laundry basket in the washroom; I decided to hang them to let them dry before tossing them into the basket. I then proceeded to dry my hair out and finished by combing it.

I entered the classroom and found Weiss sitting attentively at the piano. She was warming up on it whilst playing a few scales. There was a mug of tea on my desk; I guessed that one of the servants probably put it there for me.

I picked it up and drank it; the tea along with the shower calmed my nerves. I felt well rested and ready to begin teaching again. I stood beside Weiss, "Hey Weiss, play me one of your piano pieces. Pick your best one; I want to see what you can do."

"Alright," She replied.

She proceeded to play one of Chopin's Marzurkas, it wasn't too hard but far from a beginner stage. It sounded nice and beautiful, with vibrant emotion. It was good, yet, there was something off, there seemed to be a lack of pure raw energy, there was energy for sure but there just wasn't enough of it.

"Where's the lack of energy?" I asked, Weiss merely paused before continuing. Nothing changed, "What's the matter Weiss? Is something wrong?" I decided to ask out of the blue.

"What do you mean? Nothing is wrong," She stated, she was slightly fumbling her words a bit.

"I can tell when something's wrong," I told her. "Is it about your Dad?" She moved over for me to sit on the piano bench with her, I did so, "So, what happened?"

"What did you expect? Nothing changed," She told me.

"You know, not everything is determined," I told her.

"Tell that to my father," Weiss said, snapping slightly.

"I have, but, I just wanted to talk to you about what you think," I replied.

"What do I think?" Weiss stated while staring at the piano. "Please don't think of me differently when I tell you this."

"I won't," I stated.

"My life has been decided from the day that I was born," Weiss began.

"Yes, I get that."

"It's like I'm a," Weiss continued before I interjected.

"A toy."

"Yes, like a doll. I couldn't see who I wanted and was cut out from the world," She told me. "I became cold and distant to everybody."

"Okay," I began to say. I then began to question why she decided to open this up to me. "I … This might not be the best question, but, why open up to me?"

"Is that really a question?" Weiss snapped back. She took a breath before speaking again, "I just, feel that I can trust you," She took another pause. "Is that weird?"

"No, it's not," I told her. "You know Weiss; you can always break away from your father's chains. Nothing is determined for anybody in this world; you can always take your future in your hands."

"It's inevitable," Weiss said.

"Nothing is inevitable Weiss."

"It's easy to hope," She said rather glumly.

"I think the hard part is hope, the last thing to ever go is hope, once that is gone there is nothing left."

"It's futile," She remained on her point still.

"Weiss," I sighed. "Now, just listen to me. What makes people special is that we can take our future into our hands, nobody has the right to decide your future. Not even your father, we can guide you but it is your decision. It's never somebody else's."

"I know that," She replied. "And I want that, it's just, difficult."

"I'm here for you, I may be your teacher and you're my student. But you can always talk to me," I told her. Silent blew over before I decided to continue the lesson.

"Weiss, let's continue the lesson."

I decided to improve her piano technique and skills this time. I did divulge in some theory but that was very minimal, I wanted to focus on the piano so that she could hear the different tones and such. I finished off the lesson with ear training.

I ended the class early, much to Weiss' discretion, she wanted the class to continue but I myself wanted to get going. She sighed before leaving the room, "Thanks, Joseph, for, listening. I'll think about what you told me."

"No problem, good night Weiss," I said.

"Thank you," She replied, bowing slightly.

I closed the door; I waited for a few moments for her to be gone. I heard her head down the hallway and into her room, closing the door behind her. I stepped out and went downstairs and out the front door. It was time to get the group together and jam. I guess I still have this to look forward to.