Weiss exited her meeting with a sense of discontentment. Tomorrow would be their official meeting — the one the White Fang had supposedly invited themselves over for. The drafted resolutions looked okay. Junior was doing a decent job of keeping panic in the villagers at bay. But still, something did not sit right with her. Maybe, it was the way Lord Winchester had been surprised by her presence at the meeting. He had masked it well but by the way he was fidgeting, something was not right.

Weiss had also had people looking for the assassin, but nothing was turning up. There wasn't a Faunus anywhere in Remnant with two different coloured eyes that kept changing colours — and that was a pretty narrowing description. Nothing was going her way today. With a resigned exhale, she looked out her window. The weather outside was nice at least. Weiss quickly ran through her mental to do list — nothing much that needed her immediate attention until after the council met with the White Fang. Maybe she could find Blake and take her out on that date.

Yes, Weiss' heart began racing, a date sounded good right about now.

So first Weiss would need to primp, then get flowers, make a couple of arrangements for dinner…

"And then?" Blake prompted, her eyes misty from listening to Yang's story.

Yang shifted, "And then I went to talk to Cinder," Yang's expression darkened. "As soon as Velvet left I found Cinder."

"And?"

"And she didn't even deny it." Yang's fists clenched. "But I couldn't hand her over, not without handing Velvet over as well. And Cinder would maybe get thrown in jail, but Velvet would definitely be executed. And not in a painless way either." Yang looked at Blake, eyes seeking redemption. "There was nothing I could do."

Blake nodded in agreement, smiling gently and squeezing Yang's hands.

Doctor Ozpin told me to give this to you after this whole affair was settled, but I think I'll just give it to you now. Cinder said lazily, not even looking at Yang. Instead, she was seated at her vanity mirror applying lipstick. She pulled an envelope out of her drawer and tossed it at Yang.

What is it? Yang questioned, not trusting the envelope or Cinder's words.

Cinder rolled her eyes. Just open it. I'm not stupid enough to kill you with my own hands.

Yang did, against her better judgement. It was a letter from Doctor Ozpin, offering her a mentorship. He had been impressed by her medicinal knowledge. He thought that Yang should foster that talent — help people on a grand scale. He wanted Yang to be his apprentice.

This… what? Yang breathed, shaking.

Maybe you should take some time off. Weiss has things handled here after all. Cinder said, smacking her lips to even out the gloss. Medicine was never Weiss' strong suit — she's not personable enough to be trusted around traumatized victims. Cinder spun around her seat, crossing her legs and smirking at Yang. You, however, with your easy-going confident attitude and your sunshine glowing aura, you would be an extremely good Healer. Aren't you glad? Cinder drew out the words. You finally found the one thing Weiss can't do.

This, I'd have to leave home. I can't leave Weiss, not now. Yang protested, but a war was brewing in her mind. Maybe Weiss wouldn't need her? Weiss never did after all. It was always Yang going to Weiss for help.

Weiss doesn't need your help. She's perfectly capable on her own. Cinder said, repeating the words in Yang's mind. Don't worry about her and go chase your dreams. Plus, do you really want to stick around after telling Weiss you kicked Velvet out?

Before Yang could make up her mind, the door to Cinder's chamber burst open.

You kicked Velvet out? Weiss exclaimed, her eyes wide and her mouth open. Why would you do that?! She added, clenching her fists.

Weiss, Yang started, but she hadn't gotten her story straight yet. Was she supposed to tell Weiss that Velvet had killed her dad? Weiss, the person to whom trust mattered more than anything else? She— I.

You didn't, right Yang? I heard wrong. Weiss was fidgeting — or was she trembling? You loved her, you wouldn't do that, right? At Yang's lack of a response, Weiss' expression hardened. I can't believe you. I can't believe you! I trusted you with her! Weiss turned around, proceeding to leave the room.

Weiss, Yang called, grabbing Weiss' arm.

Weiss snapped it away, Don't touch me ever again. Weiss was gone, replaced by the ice princess.

At that, Weiss stormed off, slamming the door behind her.

Cinder chuckled behind Yang, pointing lazily at the now crumpled letter in Yang's hand. That offer is looking pretty good right about now, isn't it? I'll get Neptune to pack your things. Cinder's heels clacked against the tile floors. Don't worry Yang, Cinder whispered, brushing her hands through Yang's hair. This is for the best.

Yang was too distraught to even hear her.

Yang was startled out of the memory by a tender embrace. Sighing, Yang wrapped her arms around Blake. "What's this for?" Yang asked, hearing her own voice break.

"You're crying." Blake murmured fondly, not pulling back just yet.

"I'm not crying," Yang protested, but her voice came out as a mew. "I don't cry. I'm over it. It was a year ago." Each word seemed to cause the tears to flow faster. "Ozpin said that I was his best apprentice yet— I saved so many lives Blake. There's nothing for me to be sad about. I'm just— I'm just— Blake? Why am I crying?" Yang conceded finally, feeling so confused and so small.

"Emotional catharsis," Blake replied. "Just let it out, I've got you."

Yang clutched onto Blake, trying to control her emotions. When she finally had them under control she pulled away, wiping at her face. Yang laughed nervously. "This never happened, okay?"

Blake smiled, her ears twitching under her bow. "What never happened?"

"You're the only person I told."

"Okay," Blake promised immediately, holding Yang's gaze.

Yang smiled weakly. After a pause, "Do you think Weiss'll forgive me?" Yang asked quietly. "She's still my sister you know?"

Blake blinked. "Honestly, I think Weiss already has. She's just not very good at apologies."

Yang exhaled. "Well, that's good. Because you know, I like Weiss you know? When I think about someone bullying her or something I get the itch to punch someone in the face and stuff."

Blake's eyes twinkled. "You are a very good sister, Yang. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

Yang grinned, showing her teeth. "That means you too, okay Blake-y? I like you and all but if you break little Weiss-y's heart, I'm going to have to teach you a lesson." Yang's eyes sparkled.

"I would never do that. Weiss means everything to me." Blake answered seriously.

Yang laughed. "Okay, you need to cheer me up," Yang ordered jumping up. "We are going to the village. I need some fresh air." Yang declared, dragging Blake up as well and pulling her out of the room.

"Wait what? We're leaving the mansion?" Blake resisted, pulling against Yang's hold.

"It's a test run. We need to see how well your bow is going to fool people." Yang rationalized. "Come on, you'll get to experience the village like how humans do! Not like a Faunus, doesn't that sound exciting?"

"We should ask Weiss, at least." Blake suggested, nervous.

"She's in like fifty-seven meetings. She won't even notice." Yang pleaded. "Come on, please? It's not like you're her prisoner. You know she'll let you."

Blake raised an eyebrow at Yang. "You are a really bad influence on me, you know?"

Yang just simpered and continued tugging Blake along.

They couldn't see Weiss, hiding behind the corner of the wall, flowers in hand and dressed in formalwear.

Blake didn't hear the ever silent sound of the flowers being dropped onto the ground, nor the echoes of heels stepping in the opposite direction.

It was only much later that she would realize the fabric covering her ears was muting her senses.