Team RWBY had a big day planned ahead of them. Rarely were all of the students of Beacon allowed to just wander the city at their leisure, so every time they were out there was nothing that would stop them being out until just under curfew. They weren't the only ones of course. Everyone from the academy was running around trying to get from store to store all across town. Most of the teams were disorganized and all looked far too panicked to get anything done, but team RWBY, on the other hand, was perfectly prepared.
"Okay this'll be easy," Ruby said reassuringly to the group of girls around her. "We'll have two lists for two separate groups. One team cover the east side, with a list with all the items we need on that side, and the other team will cover the west with the other half of the list." She smiled and waited for an applause that wasn't going to come.
"Okay that sounds fine and all, and then what do we do? Just regroup back here and go home?" Yang questioned.
"I suppose we could all come back here but I don't think it's really necessary to. When you finish the list then you and your partner can just wander around and have some fun." Everyone, even Weiss, was giving small nods of approval. "So who wants to be one whose team?"
Not a moment after Ruby had finished talking a quieter, more blunt, voice spoke up, "I'm with Yang."
Yang shrugged her shoulders as if it made no difference to her and added, "It's just as well. We all know that Weiss likes Ruby the most anyway." Before Yang could see the reaction from the pale girl she turned around and started to walk away with her partner in tow. Soon the crowd had engulfed the two and they were nowhere to be seen leaving a shocked Weiss and an oblivious Ruby behind.
The crowd was beginning to get too thick and loud for the two to be able to talk properly. Quickly Ruby grabbed Weiss's arm and dragged her off to a quieter road without even giving a second thought to the sounds of protest. Finally finding a place to settle down Ruby turned to Weiss with a shockingly serious look. Her eyes were firm and she stared back at the girl in front of her. Surprised and trying to grow more serious Weiss asked, "What's wrong?"
Ruby's grey eyes looked away into the crowd near them. She let out a heavy sigh and her shoulders slumped ever so slightly. Weiss hadn't seen Ruby ever act this way before and it was weird for her. Weiss felt something in her heart that she couldn't really pin point…worry maybe? And then Ruby turned back to her and finally she spoke back, "I'm putting a lot of faith in you right now and you can't tell the others no matter what, okay?"
"Y-yeah. I can do that."
"I think we should tell the others the store ran out of energy drinks that way we can buy more clothes for ourselves." Ruby's expression remained serious the entire time she spoke and her eyes didn't falter.
Weiss, on the other hand, quickly fixed her with a glare that would slice through anyone else's face like a hot knife to butter. "Seriously, Like, this is all you needed to say?!" Weiss demanded.
"Yeeeessss? I'm confused, are you mad?" ruby asked with an innocent smile.
"Am I mad? Am I-Am I mad?" Weiss said almost hysterically. "Just...grrrrr…" The pale girl was now trying to calm herself when she noticed some people were staring at the two of them. "Yeah, alright, it's not like I drink that stuff anyway., in fact it's mainly just your sister"
It was like Ruby wasn't even being yelled at when she let out a quick "yay" and threw her arms around the other girl. With Ruby's head being behind the other girl's she didn't even notice the hint of scarlet that was peppering the pale girl's face. Weiss was starting to feel her heart beat speed up the tiniest bit, but being as stubborn as she was did not hug back, but instead let out a long sigh as if it was good enough. And to her surprise Ruby took it as such.
Ruby moved away from Weiss and pull out the list of items they needed to get, "Okay since Yang and Blake are getting the food that means we just need drinks and, umm," The crimson clad girl stared at the page, clearly irritated, she was caught up on a word. "Missiles, no, micalaynee, crap, missilsayneoos, ugh…Weiss?" She asked handing the paper to her friend.
Weiss took the small sheet and glanced at the paper for a moment before her face fell, was her team leader really this dumb? "Miscellaneous. You didn't know how to pronounce…miscellaneous." The pale girl couldn't do anything but just stare at Ruby with an expression that clearly had her emotions on her sleeve.
Ruby's face went red for a moment before she retorted, "H-hey shut up! At least I wrote it correctly!" With that she turned her nose away and tried to look dignified.
"But I thought I saw-" Weiss was interrupted by a pout from the girl in front of her. In that moment Weiss couldn't keep the same uncaring tone she had had before. I hate it when she does this, Weiss thought to herself. She knew she had seen Blake make the checklist but not even Weiss had a cold enough heart to completely make Ruby upset. She was feeling her face get heated from the stare and she quickly changed the subject. Glancing down at the list she said, "Let's just go get some more pencils."
Resolute on Weiss dropping the subject they both headed to what seemed like the right way to go. And like they were only a few minutes ago both of them were back in the crowd of hundreds scrambling around trying to get from place to place.
With both girls looking each and every way trying to find a store that sold some general school supplies they were starting to lose sight of each other. While it was much easier to find Ruby in a crowd, given the crimson cloak, it was much harder for the younger girl to see Weiss.
Oh no, Ruby began thinking to herself, what if she ditched me? Maybe she got too uncomfortable with the hug. Dang it, I mean I know we are friends, but I also know she doesn't like touching me either!
Panic was starting to settle in for her and while she tried to force herself to calm down it was to no avail. She turned around to try and find her companion but that only made matters worse when people started shoving her to get around the poor girl. "oof, sorry," she tried to get out before another person pushed her again. Although she had been pushed multiple times she refused to go down. Now getting slightly angry she decided to start pushing back. Finding Weiss was her number one objective and she would not be stopped! Well she didn't plan on being stopped until a bigger mass of people pushed her to the side and towards a bench.
She couldn't believe people could be this rude! Sighing in defeat she sat down on the bench and slumped backwards. At first she tried her best to search through the crowd again, but the dark haired girl found she didn't have the energy to. Instead she opted to just fling her head backwards and let it hang off the back end of her seat. Maybe Weiss will find me eventually, Ruby thought hopefully, she'll probably continue shopping and get me later.
Her train of thought was broken by a stern voice, "Geez there you are!" Ruby sat up quickly to find a sharp glare that matched the harsh voice.
Mood completely taking a different turn Ruby sat up overjoyed with a matching smile her attitude, "You found me!"
"Well it's kind of hard to lose someone as inconspicuous as you in this mess," She said bluntly.
At the moment Ruby didn't mind the insult and just smiled back in return. Until she realized she was staring and then she quickly glanced away.
"Well, let's go, we clearly don't have all day." The older girl was getting annoyed and that was never a good sign for any situation. Ruby look behind her and at the large crowd it was too obvious for Weiss not to notice. The younger girl responded to the mass by bringing her knees up to her chest. It was hard not to notice the reaction and Weiss did have some sympathy to give her; she had been in a panic not five minutes ago. With a surprisingly forward move that she hadn't been sure she even did after she made the motion, "Fine. Give me your hand." Weiss stuck a hand out for Ruby to hold on to. She smirked to herself, well aren't you bold today, she mentally noted.
Ruby responded with a confused stare and an unmoving body, and suddenly all the confidence Weiss had gathered in the move was crushed.
"I-it's just so you don't get lost again, geez," And just like that she was building up a wall again. Just as she was pulling her hand back, and turning around, she felt a softer one reach out to it. Turning back she saw a Ruby that now looked more reassured and confident with the crowd in front of her. And looking up Ruby saw a Weiss that was now awkward and fidgety.
Ruby and Weiss were now trudging through emptying streets with bags that were making their arms tired. Most of the students were now trying their best to back to Beacon before curfew. Things were much calmer now in the streets and the duo finally had some time to relax and breathe.
Taking an unnecessarily deep breath Ruby asked, "So what do you want to do now?"
"Well obviously it's time to go back to the academy considering we're done shopping," her partner droned.
"But that's so boring," An agitated shot back. "Can't we just hang out together for a little bit? Yang and Blake always hang out, so why can't we?"
Because my palms turn into a rain forest when we hang out, Weiss thought to herself. Of course she would never admit that to Ruby, and it's amazing that the girl didn't notice when they were holding hands earlier. Knowing she would end up losing this battle Weiss slightly deflated. "Alright, where would you want to hang out? Keep in mind that we have to be back to the rendezvous point at ten, okay?"
Lightly tapping her knuckles together and showing off a salute with a confirmative "aye aye" Ruby started to walk away. Letting out a sigh Weiss sped up so she could walk next to her friend.
The air was a nice cool breeze going through the air that was bordering being cold but not quite there yet. The night was quickly approaching and the lights along the street were turning on one by one. People were leisurely walking to their destinations now and everything was peaceful. Compared to earlier this should be when Weiss was happier, but she couldn't help the feeling that her palm was just a little too lonely now.
Shaking the thought and straightening her back Weiss was beginning to wonder where they were even going. And being as blunt as she was she asked.
Her question was met with a shake of the head and a childish "nuh-uh" followed by, "Not telling. I want it to be a surprise. I picked this place especially for you." Weiss stopped for half a second as a blush began creeping on her face.
Clearing her throat and speeding up yet again Weiss asked, "Why would you pick a place especially for me?"
"Well, I get the feeling that you still don't really like me even though we're friends, so I wanted to try and make up all the stupid things I do." Ruby explained now wearing a sadder expression.
Man, could that be farther from the truth, Weiss thought. Not letting her stature break Weiss replied, "Well that's nice of you." Then a though struck her. "Wait, did you plan all of this thinking that I would accept just going somewhere with you?"
Ruby just giggled and rounded the final corner to their destination. Ruby flung her arms to the building and cheered, "ta daaaaa!"
When Weiss turned to look at the building she smiled. Not a smile that was forced but a genuine smile. The sign read simply: Mike's coffee shop. The lettering wasn't fancy and the sign wasn't lit up. The only way she could read it was because of the street lamps near it. Weiss didn't even like coffee all that much; it was an acquired taste that she still hadn't really gotten yet. It was the gesture that mattered to her. Sometimes it was just nice to have someone be nice to you. Any other person would have brought the rich girl to the fanciest place around, but Ruby brought her here.
Getting a little uncomfortable just standing the crimson girl spoke up. "Well, do you like it? I know it isn't perfect but it was out of the way and quiet-"
"N-no it's fine. It's great." Weiss said quickly turning her head.
Ruby looked up at the older girl and smiled happily knowing that for once she did something for Weiss that didn't make her angry. Ruby reached for Weiss's hand and to her surprise she didn't pull her hand back when their fingers started to intertwine. Weiss didn't dare turn to the girl for fear of kissing her right there, so she tried her best to revert back to her other self, "Well, do you plan on watching the building or are you gonna lead me in?"
"Right, right," pulling Weiss along with a skip to her step.
When Ruby and Weiss entered the shop they were smacked in the face with a scent of beans. The small room had only a few people inside that didn't work there. Both girls took in a deep breath and let out somewhat exaggerated sighs. Moving to the register they were met by a very burly man with a crude face.
"What can I get for ya?" he said with a crude voice that matched his face.
Ruby didn't respond so well to the man. The girl could fight monsters threating her life all day, but when it came to people she was hopeless. Ripping her hand from her friends and moving behind her she quietly asked, "Can you order for me please?"
Weiss just looked at her disbelievingly. "Seriously?" her answer came from a small whimper. Putting her hand in her face she questioned, "Fine. What do you want?" After getting her answer Weiss turned to the large figure in front of her. He didn't even seem fazed by the fact that that a girl was cowering from him, in fact Weiss could almost see him smirk.
Choosing what she wanted Weiss looked back at the man and met his gaze. "I'll have the best damn coffee in the world," she said squinting at the board behind the employee to make sure she got it right, mostly not believing that was what it was called. After receiving an affirmative grunt she ordered for her friend, "and a hot chocolate with double whipped cream."
"And will that be for here or to-go?"
Glancing at her a clock on the wall, 8:45 it read, she replied with an almost urgent, "To-go!"
Turning away he trailed of saying, "It'll be ready when it's ready…"
Weiss spun on her heel and fixed the younger girl with a hard stare. "Do you have any idea how late it is right now," Weiss demanded tapping her foot.
"W-well yeah…" Ruby was starting to pout and she tried her best to keep looking at Weiss's eyes. "I just thought that we could risk being a little late is all."
This time the pout was not going to sway the taller girl. "We can't just be a 'little late'," Weiss sternly replied making quotation marks with her fingers. "They'll probably just leave without us, or we'll get detention!"
"Well detention won't be so bad," Ruby tried to reason.
"Here you go girls," A gruff voice sounded handing them their drinks.
Weiss grabbed the drink but didn't pay the man any attention while Ruby graciously thanked him. "Well we won't be late!" Weiss, now fueled to run at Mach five speed, grabbed Ruby by the arm and sprinted out of the store. As they ran they could hear the faint sound of someone complaining about not paying.
Luckily, the duo had made it back to the plane on time to get back to Beacon. They were both sweaty and panty heavily, so the weird stares they were getting were to be expected to say the least. Now, back at the school Weiss was ready for bed while she waited for the others to finish their nightly routines. Blake was sitting down patiently on her bed while the both of them waited for the sisters to be finished. To be fair Yang was just putting on her pajamas, so in reality all three of them were waiting for the youngest to get out of the bath room.
What could she be doing in there, Weiss wondered to herself, blushing furiously when her mind went to inappropriate places. As if on cue Ruby opened the door and stepped out in a panic. She was wearing a hastily thrown on towel to cover her body while she muttered to herself about losing something.
Weiss buried her head in her pillow, while Yang laughed, and Blake let a suggestive "oh my".
"Could you please put on some clothes," Weiss said being muffled by the wall of cotton.
"Don't you think I would if I could? I might have lost my pajamas!" Ruby quickly rushed to her dresser and started to pull out any and all clothes left and right.
"What's the matter Weiss? Never seen a naked lady before?" Yang teased mocking a stripping motion to get the reaction she wanted.
Weiss removed the pillow from her face and glared at the yellow haired woman. The glare would have held its effectiveness if she didn't still have rosy cheeks. When the person she was confronting started to giggle Weiss just said "shut up" and went back to hiding in the bed.
"Yes! Ha ha! I found them!" Ruby said holding up the clothes above her head in triumph. She rushed to the bathroom and quickly got changed into her sleepwear while everyone else climbed into bed. Yang went to turn off the light and right after she opened up the small fridge to get something to drink before they were officially in bed.
Huffing and looking over at the light source Weiss saw a different color than she was expecting. It was a slight red that was coming off of someone's eyes. Oh crap… Weiss thought.
And with a yell that could wake up the town across the lake Yang screamed, "Where are the energy drinks?!"
A/N: This chapter was longer than I expected. I also tried to pace myself more than the previous chapter, I hope I did better there. I kinda feel like this is gonna shift more towards a Weiss story as it progresses. I'm rambling.
Anyway, review, follow, favorite, whatever you wanna do if you think my story is good enough.