Chapter 6

The two women embraced for a few moments. Neo felt comfortable in the girl's arms. Maybe this could really work. Maybe this little heiress really wants to be friends. Not just a do-gooder trying to save the misguided criminal.

They parted and smiled at one another while awkwardly avoiding extended eye-contact. Each reached for a few bags from the ground and picked up a handful before Weiss flamboyantly bowed and extended an arm towards Shannel, "After you, m'lady."

Neo raised her free hand to her mouth and covered her silent giggle as she passed Weiss and her overly dramatic bow. Gripping the door, she held it for Weiss as she looked inside, trying to figure out what, exactly, she was supposed to do in such a classy establishment.

"Why don't we look at the dresses? I mean, sure, you'll be spending most of your time in your uniforms or combat outfits, but you should have something nice to wear for dances or more formal events or," Weiss paused, choosing her next words carefully, "other social engagements."

Nodding her assent, Neo allowed Weiss to lead her towards the dress section, located in the rear-left of the store. As Weiss passed her, Neo couldn't help but notice how perfectly the girl's combat skirt complemented her form and the graceful way she carried herself.

The pair walked around for a while, randomly stopping and picking up dresses, holding them up to each other's bodies. Weiss laughed at some of the ridiculous ones and Neo covered her mouth daintily, her indication of finding humor in something. Clearly enjoying their time together, they were more focused by the absurdity of high fashion and just being together than on completing their objective of finding Neo a new dress.

After a while, Neo realized that she wasn't even looking anymore, she just wanted to spend the rest of the evening hanging out with Weiss. But Weiss, determined to find the utterly impractical and perfect gift for Neo, intently scanned the racks and halted when she finally saw a dress that caught her eye.

Weiss reached out and fingered a soft, gorgeous, jade green dress with black embroidery stitching throughout the bodice, which created delicate little paisley patterns throughout. Pulling it off the rack and holding it up to Neo, Weiss was pleased with the modest cut falling to below the woman's knees and the light, airy character of it. Turning the dress around, Weiss immediately loved the corset lacing she saw running up the back. Twirling a finger around the jade ribbon, she imagined cinching Neo's tiny body in the elegant corset lacing.

A warm flush ran up Weiss's neck. "This is absolutely perfect! Why don't you try it on?"

The pair found a sales clerk, who, to Weiss's dismay, told Neo that she'd help her lace up the back of the dress while she tried it on. Feeling a pang of jealousy, Weiss watched as the clerk followed Neo into the dressing room.

After a few moments, Neo stepped out of the fitting room, holding the garment close, while beaming an incredibly bright smile towards Weiss.

"I take that as you liked it?"

The sales clerk answered for Neo, "She loved it! It fits her perfectly, and, she's going to be turning heads in that dress. She's going to make someone feel very lucky."

"Yes. She will." Weiss curtly replied.

Neo reached a hand out towards Weiss, which she took and laced their fingers together. Smiling at her new friend, Neo tapped her wrist as if wearing a watch.

"Well, I guess it is getting late. Let's pay for this and get out of here." Weiss conceded.

As they exited Shannel, Weiss looked around the streetscape before them and somewhat absently asked, "So, what should we do?"

Neo just gave Weiss's hand a gentle squeeze and, with a light tug, indicated that she was ready to walk around. Weiss let Neo lead her through town. They walked together for a while in the cool night air as Neo led them towards the canal. With its walkways and numerous bridges and the reflected skyline in the water, Weiss let herself think that this would be the perfect place to end their day out before heading back to Beacon.

Neo's mind was in overdrive though. Outwardly, she remained as calm as she could. But, here she was: Walking through town. Holding hands with a beautiful woman. A future Huntress, even. Neo had no intent on hurting her. Stealing from her. Holding her for ransom. This is so nice. Weiss really wants to be a friend. Maybe, perhaps some day, she could be something more? That thought scared Neo. She never dated. A life in crime and being kept on a short leash by Cinder never allowed for it. She thought of some of the things that happened to her. Well, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to date a man. That's probably a given at this point. Would being with a girl be better? THIS girl? Why not, though? She's the only one that hasn't expected something from me. She seems to be interested in me. Just as I am. She glanced at Weiss, taking in the Snow Angel's pure beauty under the silvery moonlight. Don't think like that! She's just doing her duty. Just being a friend. She's an Heiress! The quality of suitors she must have to choose from… Gah! I can't even imagine! Just put the idea out of your head. You're just going to end up disappointed. Hurt. Again.

Meanwhile, oblivious to Neo's inner thoughts, Weiss was simply enjoying their walk. The view along the canals was as beautiful as ever and the silence shared between them was such a nice reprieve from the constant chatter that was the norm with her teammates and classmates. At first, she felt awkward and self-conscious about walking through town holding hands with Neo, but eventually, she convinced herself that Neo was just trying to guide her on their walk since she was unable to speak directions to guide their little excursion.

The night was cooling off quickly, especially compared to earlier in the day, and as a breeze swept over them, Weiss suddenly realized that her little bolero wasn't quite cutting it. She shivered a little shutter, but she didn't want to say anything to Neo and ruin the mood.

Neo suddenly changed up their track, tugging on Weiss's hand, leading them towards the shops on the other side of the trail instead of following it on what seemed to be their original path. Jerked from her original course, Weiss was happy that she was right about why Neo chose to hold her hand.

Feeling the heiress's hand tremble as the girl shivered, Neo was struck with an idea. Shifting course and heading towards the tourist shops, she pulled Weiss towards the stores. Weiss was cold, but for some reason, wasn't saying anything. Walking in, Neo made a line towards the hoodies, most of which were typical tourist fare with Vale or Beacon logos on them. Pondering the selection, Neo assumed that Weiss had at least some Beacon apparel since she went to school there, so she chose a white, full-zip hoodie with "Vale" emblazoned across the chest with the year the city was established in black lettering. Weiss happily paid for the item and Neo put the slightly-too-large-for-her garment on after the cashier removed the tags. The pair returned to the trail and walked a few steps before Neo pointed towards a bench on one of the pedestrian bridges over the canal. As they took a seat, Neo slipped off the hoodie and placed it over Weiss's shoulders.

"You sneaky little pest! I should have known you were up to something." Weiss said. Neo opened her eyes and mouth wide in mock surprise by way of reply. She smiled knowingly at Weiss as she took the girl's right hand, enveloping it in both of hers, and laid her head on Weiss's right shoulder.

Sparing a quick glance down at the small woman leaning against her, Weiss smiled at her sudden show of trust. Maybe this is really going to work.

Neo closed her eyes for a moment, allowing herself to enjoy the stillness of the night and feeling the warmth in the girl's hand as she rested against Weiss. I can't screw this up. Squeezing the Heiress's hand, Thank you, Weiss. I won't mess this up. I promise.

A/N:

Thanks for reading along so far! 15 Favs & 35 Follows ~ I'm amazed at your support for this piece and a relatively hidden ship. A submarine, if you will.

I really hope y'ins like this chapter. I spent a few hours revising and rewriting its original 900 words, addressing some issues that would have caused continuity problems later on, and generally, filled out this chapter to over 1400 words so it didn't seem as 'bare' as it was originally.

Wishing you the best and I hope you enjoy my little version of Remnant.

~shdwmchn