Chapter 5: A New Home

Oh god. What the hell is wrong with this girl? She's been talking in circles for an hour now. All I can do is sit in the library and pretend to listen. I start to doze off, her weirdly soothing voice lulling me as she researches. Something, though, makes me sit up in a hurry. It's Ozpin's voice. Crap. I totally forgot to tell him about the girl. This is bad, really bad. We've been in here for hours. I look around, trying to pinpoint where his voice is coming from. Then, I hear another voice. It's Summer. He's talking to Summe, and they're coming this way. She could have already told him about Glynda, so there's really no escaping this.

"Well, Miss Rose, I am positive that we can come to an understanding about all of this." Ozpin says as he stops in front of our table.

"Professor Ozpin." I say, a worried look in my eyes.

"Ah, Miss Branwen. Fancy seeing you here."

I roll my eyes. "I'm pretty sure that Summer ratted us out." She gives me a sheepish look, trying to avoid eye contact. "Oh, stop. It actually made this easier. I forgot to tell Ozpin about her at all."

She quits her act. "What'd you do without me?"

I shrug. "Die, probably."

Her smile falters. "Don't say stuff like that, Ray."

I give her a small smile. "Eh, it's true. You've saved my ass so many times, it's not even funny."

She rolls her eyes. "We're partners. That's what we're supposed to do."

Glynda clears her throat. "If you two are done flirting, don't we have something to discuss?"

I go red. Why that little pest. "I believe that this child has a point. We do have something to discuss. I'd like to know how a small child even got into Beacon in the first place."

I blush even more, rubbing the back of my head nervously. "Well, I kinda found her in the Emerald Forest."

He takes a drink of his coffee, hiding his expression from us. When he puts his mug back down, his face is neutral. "And, what, pray tell, were you doing in the forest?"

I look away from him. "Would you believe me if I said I was reminiscing?"

"Hmm. Yes, I believe I would." He turns to Glynda, who is still at his side. "What is your name, child?"

She quirks her eyebrow. "Glynda Goodwitch, sir."

"It's a pleasure, Miss Goodwitch. May I inquire as to why a child such as yourself was in such a Grimm infested area?"

She clears her throat. "I am an orphan, sir. Bullies and authorities forced me into the forest months ago."

He tisks. "Poor child. Hmmm. Why don't I solve that dilemma for you. Would you like to be adopted and live here?"

She looks at his skeptically. "By who, sir."

"By me, of course. I've been meaning to settle down, and you seem intelligent and well behaved."

She scoffs. "Are you quite sure?" Oh, girl. Just take his offer. This is Ozzie we're talking about. He doesn't do anything without reason, but she doesn't know this. She doesn't know him like we do.

I sigh. "Go on, kid. Take his offer. He means it."

Glynda circles the professor, gauging him, I guess. I don't know what goes on in her head. If I could get an insight into anyone's mind, though, it would be Summer's. I'd know if she liked me or not, and I wouldn't be in this delimma to begin with. I sigh as Glynda stops in front of Ozpin. "I guess that is an acceptable offer. I'd love for you to adopt me."

Ozpin takes another sip of his coffee. "Consider it done, then. I'll have all of the papers signed tomorrow. I believe I can skip all of the extensive examination, considering my status. For now, you may stay anywhere you like in Beacon, other than a classroom or office. Team STRQ will take you to Vale to pick some clothes up. Everything will be arranged."

He smiles at her, making her tear up. "Thank you, sir."

"It's the least I can do." He pats her on the head and walks away.

I look at Summer, confused. "I would never have thought that Ozzie would have ever done something like that. I'd always taken him for a loner, ya know?"

Summer smiles. "I think it's sweet."

"Oh, it is. Don't get me wrong. I like the guy. He's an amazing Headmaster, but I always saw him as the self sacrificing type. I'd never assume that he'd ever want to settle down." I shrugs. "He might just be doing this so he can 'legally' start training her to become a Huntress."

Summer trails her fingers over her throat, like a slicing motion. "Don't be so negative. I'm sure he did it because he saw something in her that he liked, like her determination or intelligence. He's not heartless by any means."

I wave a hand in dismissal of that statement. "Oh, right, cause he didn't throw us off a cliff at initiation, telling us to hope we didn't die."

Summer pinches the bridge of her nose and puts her hand on my shoulder. I cease to think after this. My heart speeds up, and I become aware of how close she is to me. I can feel myself almost start to hyperventalate before Glynda speaks up. "I appreciate, whatever his reasons are. I will do as much as it takes to keep in his good favor and remain at Beacon. Thank you for the concern, though."

I look at her carefully before walking up to her, Summer temporarily forgotten. "If you need anything, from advise to a teacher or whatever, come see me. I'll see if I can help."

I feel Summer walk up behind me. "Me, too. I'll help, as well."

Glynda smiles at me, then winks. Oh no, what is she about to do. God damnit, can't she just leave my life alone? "Summer, may I speak with you later? I need some advice that I know she," She points her thumb at me harshly, "can't help me with."

I look at Summer to see her smiling. "Sure. Ray can be a bit negative at times, so, yeah, I'll help as much as I can."

My shoulders sag in defeat. "But, Sum."

She puts her forefinger to my lips. "Ah bup-bup, nope. She said that you couldn't help her, which I'm not saying you can't, but she asked me, and I'll do it."

I blush, looking down at where he finger touched me. She looks, too, and pulls it away, flicking her hood up quickly. Whoa. She touched my lips. I can feel my face, like it's literally on fire. I cough into my hand and turn away. "Well, if that's the case, I'll leave so she can ask you whatever she needs to. I'll catch you later, Sum, kid." I nod and leave the library, cheeks still aflame.

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A/N: I wanted this to happen so bad. When I introduced her, I was like, 'mind, give me a sad story that won't leave too many scars.' And it did. I was fully able to make it where she had minimal psychological damage but still be displaced in the world. Ozzie, good old Ozzie sees something in her, and I sincerely hope that I can get to that little snippet, but if I don't I think I might make an accompaniment fic just for Glynda to show her growing up and becoming how she is now. Not now, of course, but it would solve any issues about unanswered questions. I do have a account. The link is on my profile. I'd love it if you donated. :) Follow, favorite, review. :D