Author's Notes: Okay, that first chapter went over pretty well I think. Thanks for the reviews folks, I will always do my best to try to take all critiques to heart. That said, I do certainly appreciate the love as well. So this is gonna be part 2 of probably 3, cause if I were to try and combine what I think I'm gonna have for 3, this woulda been a long, long chapter. That said, I hope you all enjoy this second installment of Stop!, and please remember to read and review! Also, go dig me up on tumblr. I think I'm pretty funny. In the very least, I go find some neato stuff and reblog it, cause it's even easier to find funnier people being funny, than creating my own!
As always, RWBY is not mine. It belongs to Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum, whom have been awesome in giving us such an awesome fun fun super cool thing to fall in love with. Thanks for all your hard work!
Please enjoy!
Stop in the Name of: Wine and Wagers
The night sky had set in over the city as the final rays of the sun finally sank beneath the horizon. Street lights dimly lit the roads and walkways for both driver and pedestrian alike, and the poor visibility made Weiss even more grateful that she had taken the time earlier in the day to actually go and find this bar. Pulling into the parking lot, she spotted an empty space close to the front of the building and was thankful for such fortune, especially given the reputation of the area and the fact that she drove a very nice luxury car.
Before she would get out, Weiss took a moment to check herself over once again in the mirror. She straightened out her hair and pin, double checked her makeup to ensure that it was clean and tasteful, and applied just a drop or two of perfume. While this certainly wasn't a date, she wanted to ensure that she was as close to perfection as possible. She had standards to maintain after all.
' It's no big deal Weiss. It's just a bar. Maybe you'll meet some new people, make some friends. Maybe someone interesting, or intelligent. Maybe marriage material in a few years...' she thought.
Weiss sighed, coming to terms with the truth. Who was she kidding, she just wanted to see that extraordinarily attractive cop again and bask once more in her sunny radiance.
' What if she has a boyfriend...or is married...or...isn't even into...' the heiress fretted internally until she saw the sappy face she was making in the mirror. Her lips pursed and her brow furrowed, hating to see such weakness in herself, ' No Weiss. No time for that. I can't lose out to myself now.'
With a light slap on each side of her face, she did her best to shake the feelings of uncertainty from herself. Schnee's didn't retreat. Schnee's didn't yield. Schnee's were conquerors and champions. Plus, she had driven all the way here, she might as well at least try to make an entertaining evening out of it. As she stepped out of her vehicle, she swiftly flattened out any wrinkles in her light blue blouse and cream colored trousers before making her way towards the bars entrance.
Stepping into the bar was a more different experience than she had expected. From the outside, it looked flat, with little to distinguish it from the rest of the strip mall aside it's sign. There were a few signs regarding events or specialties hanging in the front window, but otherwise it looked quite bare. However inside, the place was vastly nicer.
Opening up at the far left side of the building, the bar was well laid out for everyone to see who was coming and going. The bar itself began within 10 feet of the entrance, extending along the wall and partially around the corner of the rear of the building. 2 sets of doors opened up behind it for the bartender to come and go to the stock room as they pleased. Along the opposite wall of the entrance were a pair of pool tables and a few dart boards, and extending to the far side of the bar was a large dance floor with stage, as well as a rear exit that led to the back patio and the bathrooms. Small tables were scattered about the remaining empty spaces towards the front of the bar, making the building seem much more full than it appeared. Lights of various colors traced rhythms across the stage and dance floor while towards the bar top and tables the lighting was a simple low lit yellow. Behind the bar, neon purple light fixtures dimly lit the area and gave it a playful mood.
Weiss slowly approached the bar where she noticed a number of people were seated. She couldn't see the bartender, and assumed they were probably in the back room changing out a keg or possibly restocking the liquor. Walking to the far side of the bar top, she took a seat in the nook where the bar ended so she could keep an eye on the door. A quick glance around and she saw a tall man with messy blond hair setting up equipment on the stage. Another with well styled blue hair was helping him set up, prompting her to wonder if they were in a band.
Returning her view to the bar, she saw the rear doors open and reveal a young woman who appeared close in age to her. Long black hair, sharp amber eyes and soft cheeks. She was just a touch pale and wore a fitted white bolero with black pants. A small bow on her head and ribbon wrapped along her wrists made her appear as a heroine in one of those old black and white films. But this was no film, this was real life, and she was stunning. Her clothes clung tightly to her every shape and curve, making it very hard to keep focused on those piercing amber eyes.
" Well, I've never seen you in here before. My name's Blake and I'm the owner." the bartender greeted, an easy smile forming along her lips, " Is there anything I can get for you?"
Difficult was an understatement to describe Weiss' battle get coherent words to express herself. But with a quick exhale, she tried again, calming herself, " Yes of course. My name is Weiss. What are your drink specialties? Also do you have a wine list?" the heiress asked.
Blake smiled and turned back for a moment, giving Weiss a view of her backside. She tried hard not to stare, but the woman was attractive and Weiss hadn't been out like this in months. Possibly longer. The little dark purple skirt teased at the one size too small pants that hugged the woman's hips, eventually prompting Weiss to glance back towards the door so as not to appear rude. Blake pulled a small menu from underneath the counter and handed it over to Weiss, who was quick to use it to hide her face. A quick once over gave Weiss cause to give a complement.
" I'm surprised you have such a diverse wine selection. It's been a while since I last went out, but I haven't been to any bars that had all these choices just for wine." she praised.
" I keep a lot of different wines in stock. I got a friend who travels all over the place and picks up things I may find interesting. I'm not a big wine drinker myself, but I have a few regulars who are pretty picky. I can get you a sample for 1 lien, and most glasses run between 4 and 6 lien. Anything catch your eye?" Blake asked, her tone mannerly but businesslike.
After a second scouring of the front and back pages, Weiss picked a port off the front and handed over a credit card, intent on setting up a tab for the evening. While Blake attended to her drink, Weiss' eyes wandered the bar further. The pair on the stage looked to have finally gotten the table and speakers set up with what looked like a DJ station. Despite some popular music playing from the idle track selection of the jukebox, the dance floor was largely empty. The sound of glass clanging against wood prompted Weiss to turn back to where Blake had set her glass of wine.
" So what brings you in here if you don't mind me asking?" the dark haired woman asked with a perked brow.
Weiss let out a dry laugh, " It was a long day and I haven't had a free weekend in months. Thought I'd hit the town and have a drink. Especially with the kind of day I had."
" Tough day huh? I can relate. Of course, my day hasn't really gotten started. A few weeks ago I had a brawl erupt in here over...you know, it doesn't matter. Some kind of high school drama as far as I know. I'm lucky my police friend was here. Her and Sun helped get it...settled down." Blake shared with a nod over to where the blond was setting up a microphone.
Taking her cue, Weiss looked back over again to take notice that Sun wore an dress shirt that he left open so as to show off his remarkably impressive abs. He certainly looked as though he could handle himself in a fight. He and his friend on the stage were quite attractive, but Weiss didn't really possess those interests.
" So how'd you hear of us? This isn't the best part of town admittedly, and I would think that someone of your standing wouldn't risk being scandalized in a place like this, Weiss Schnee." Blake said with a self deprecating laugh.
Weiss could appreciate that she was recognized, and generally, Blake was right...this wasn't a place she would normally patron, " I heard about this place from a cop I met earlier. She mentioned coming here tonight to get some drinks, and...well...I thought that since I was free, that maybe I should too..."
Weiss' resolve to explain the happenings of the day deflated quickly as Blake's expression changed from curiosity to mischievous. She could read the bartenders expression as one of putting two and two together.
" You heard about this place from a police officer? Let me guess...tall, blonde hair, big smile...big...other things..." the bartender insinuated with a smirk.
The description matched Yang to a T mostly. While she could guess about the final comment, Weiss didn't seem to notice Yang's chest all that much. Maybe it was concealed by her uniform. Regardless, it seemed that Blake had her at a disadvantage. Still, it didn't matter. Weiss was actually enjoying the idle chit chat. Blake let out a laugh as Weiss nodded at the description she provided.
" I see, I see. Well, I know she'll be in here once her shift is up, though if she had another run in today, I'm certain her superior will be chewing her out again. I may need to call her a taxi again..." the darker woman laughed.
Weiss smiled at the joke, but eyed her watch as 9:45 had crept around. Despite enjoying her conversation with Blake, she had really hoped Yang would show. Of course, the night was still pretty young in bar terms, but she was feeling a touch tired, being so used to getting up early and going to bed at reasonable hours. As she finished her glass of wine, she put in an order for another, figuring that she should just stick to one kind of drink and not risk getting sick off of mixing her liquor. Having watched numerous people enter and exit the bar over and over, Weiss thought she would finally stop eyeballing the door as it kept swinging open to reveal yet another stranger that held little interest for her. But when the door opened up yet again and her eyes instinctively sought out the door, her diligence was rewarded.
As the door flew open, the tall blonde stepped through the threshold of the entrance and made a small ruckus on her way in, " What's goin' on everybody!" she cheered.
A few yells and waves from various patrons greeted her in kind, but she was quick to hoof it up to the bar where Blake was patiently waiting with a little grin on her face, " About time you get here. Was the boss yelling at you again?" Blake asked.
" Yeah...same old same old...'DRAW YOUR GUN XAIO LONG! IT'S PROTOCOL! YOU'RE RISKING LIVES!' and then the whole roughing up suspects thing...jeez I can't catch a break today..." the blonde complained as she sprawled her arms and face across bar top.
" Can't catch a break huh...I dunno about that..." Blake teased, tracing her eyes along the bar and towards where Weiss was sitting.
" What are you talking about?" Yang asked, following Blake's gaze to the end of the bar.
" Hey, I'm just saying that I wish I had your luck sometimes..." the dark haired woman joked as she stepped away to go attend another patron.
Yang's eyes followed the whole of the bar until they fell on Weiss. Staring for a moment, it took Yang a second or two to register who it was. Despite only meeting Weiss one time, she was exceptionally attractive, so it wasn't hard to recall her from events earlier in the day. Yang's brow raised to her hairline as her lips parted into an expression of pleasant surprise. Immediately she moved about to the far end of the counter and took up an empty seat by Weiss.
" Hey! You're the girl from earlier! Ms. Schnee, am I right? I can't believe you're here!" Yang said, extended her arms to embrace the smaller woman.
Weiss wasn't usually keen on such displays with someone she hardly knew, but she owed Yang her life arguably, and it wasn't like she was unwelcome to Weiss. After all, the heiress had hoped to get to know the fiery woman better. Of course, she hadn't exactly anticipated a bone crushingly powerful embrace either, but it further solidified that Yang was every bit as strong as she had seemed earlier in the alley. Once Weiss was released back to her seat, she smoothed out the wrinkles in her blouse. With Yang so close, Weiss was finally able to take her fully into view.
Easily the first thing she noticed was her hair. Without a doubt, that mess of long golden curls was her most eye catching feature. Then that happy and ever beaming smile that matched her lilac eyes. Out of her uniform now, Yang wore a simple yellow tank top with a black heart shaped emblem that showed her midriff, and a pair of black jeans that clung tightly to her well toned physique. There was gentle muscle definition along her arms, shoulders, and abdomen, all suggesting that she may be a practiced boxer. And of course, it seemed that Yang's ample bust line had been concealed by her uniform, to which Weiss did her best to not take too much notice in.
" I don't mind that you bring in new business for me Yang, but don't think that it's gonna forgive your tab!" Blake warned falsely.
" My tab huh? Maybe I should charge you for that hit to the ribs I took a few weeks back. I even cuffed a few of those idiots!" Yang threatened in jest then leaned into Weiss, " Don't let her good looks fool you, she's a stingy bitch!" the blonde whispered as loud as possible.
Weiss laughed the pairs bickering off in a nervous tone, uncertain as to how to proceed. Yang had mentioned they were friends, but she began to wonder just how good of friends considering their demeanor. But the pair never touched, even when one would lean over the counter to show the other something they came across on their scroll, so she felt as though that may be a good sign. As it was now ten at night, the music from the jukebox died out and Sun stepped up onto the stage with the microphone in hand and began to address the patrons.
" Hey everybody, hows it going!" he announced, allowing a moment for the crowd to half heartedly call back. Yang threw her very being into the shout back, prompting a personal retort from the blond on stage, " Sounds like Yang's somewhere out there in the bar. Someone better hide the tequila and the kindling...So it's me and Neptune up here again as your hosts on this fine Friday night, and while the Sea Monkey's get the night started with a good old fashion bar song, grab a pen, paper, and fill out a slip with your karaoke request and we'll get you into tonights line up! Don't forget to tip your bartender and clean up your mess!"
As Sun finished his speech, music kicked on and Neptune made his way around the bar to drop off writing utensils and song request slips. Yang shot up after him and snatched a few out of his hands, bringing them back to where she was seated with Weiss.
" Hey, I grabbed a few for both of us. What kind of stuff do you sing?" she asked with enthusiasm.
Weiss wasn't sure what to say. She hadn't really sang in a few years, aside from while she was in the car, or by herself while listening to the radio, " I...well I haven't sang in years..." she admitted.
" That's cool, no one cares if you're bad!" Yang responded.
Weiss felt a vein in her forehead throb for just a second. While she knew that Yang had probably meant that as an unintentional commiseration, it was poorly worded and grated against Weiss' rigid pride.
" Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm not a bad singer. I'm not even a good singer. I'm a great singer! I just haven't sung in front of a crowd in years is all. Now give me that request book!" Weiss commanded, her small form belying the mountain of confidence and determination within it.
" Oh wow, you're feisty. I like that. Alright then princess, let's see what you got...how about a little wager?" Yang dared as a wild grin began to spread across her lips.
Upon hearing those words escape Yang's lips, Weiss stopped in the midst of searching for a song to sing in order to meet Yang's gaze. Schnee's took challenges seriously, and her pride demanded that she be the victor. Blake moved in a bit closer to catch more details of the unfolding drama, her smile suggesting that it was for these moments that she loved her job. The pair stared each other in the eye for a moment as Weiss gave her answer.
" Fine. You're on. What are the rules?" she asked.
" It's simple. We keep singing all night long, and after each pair of songs, whoever gets the loudest applause scores a point. At the end of the night, whomever gets the most points wins the game and claims their prize! You still up for it? Bartender will keep score as the disinterested third party. Agreed?" the taller woman explained, shooting a look of approval Blakes way.
When it was returned, Yang turned to Weiss for her final answer. The heiress gave a prideful grin and nodded in agreement, " You're on. What're we wagering?"
" A wish! It's the ultimate wager. Loser has to do their best to grant the winners wish, no matter what. You sure you don't wanna back out?" Yang dared yet again.
A nervous pang chipped into Weiss' chest for just a moment. A wish meant anything. Were it monetary, Weiss knew she should have no troubles. But from what little she knew of Yang, it would likely be some kind of insane dare, like run a lap around the block in your underwear. Still, she couldn't back down, and the thought of getting a wish fulfilled from Yang was rather tempting. But she knew that she had to quell the beginning of any lewd thoughts so she could finally finish the games arrangements.
" No, a wish will be fine. Just remember, you brought this on yourself Yang Xiao Long!"