Chapter 3: Love's Opening Act

Are you guys ready for another chapter? I hope so, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this. Remember, I don't own RWBY (that honor goes to Monty Oum), or any other media (plays, music, movies, etc.) mentioned, just this story. Now let's get started!

Weiss had a nasty habit of sleeping in. Ever since she melted Ruby's 'team spirit' whistle with fire dust, she figured that either A) they stopped waking her out of spite, or B) they were slightly afraid of waking her. She didn't really care on which one it was. Both were equally annoying. So, when she found that the room was completely empty that Sunday morning, a familiar feeling of annoyance washed over her. Just once she wanted Ruby to be considerate and wait for her. Or, better yet, make her breakfast in bed. Maybe she could serve it with a hung and a kis-. No, thought Weiss, I need to stop thinking that. She pushed that common thought out of mind. She NEEDED to be with a man. She was obligated to provide a male heir to the Schnee family. However, in completely honesty, she had no clue what she wanted. Sighing, she moved over to bathroom and started the shower.

The water poured over her head, much like the feelings of confusion and guilt she carried with her. How could she… 'like' someone like Ruby? Was it even just 'liking'? Ruby, after all, was the most annoying, hyperactive, clueless, purest, friendliest, and passionate person she had ever met. Not that she ever had much experience in meeting people. Before coming to Beacon, the only people she ever met were her family and whatever boys her father brought over to try to hook her up with. Hell, she barely even talked to her house staff. Weiss didn't even know if she COULD talk to anybody. Would Ruby even like to hear what she had to say? She just wanted to tell Ruby was that even though she could be a pain, she really did enjoy her optimism and potential strength. All she could do is sigh to herself as she started scrubbing. Maybe she could sort out these thoughts once and for all. It's gone on for long enough.

On Sundays, the cafeteria was usually less crowded than any other day. Most of the students either finished last minute homework or attended services for whatever god(s) they worshiped. It was mornings like this that Teams RWBY and JNPR liked the most. The quiet was really relaxing compared to the normal hustle and bustle of breakfast. No destructive food fights, no immediately due essays, and no Team CRDL getting into another fistfight amongst themselves.

This morning, however, was actually similar to the weekday ones. Both teams started to work on that musical they signed up for/got shanghaied into doing. Ruby, feeling herself to be a natural thespian, found a funny looking hat and started to quote random plays. When asked about it, she replied, "I'm just getting into character.". Yang and Blake were working on something with Blake's laptop, occasionally giggling. Ren and Nora were discussing what sets to use. Or rather, it was more of Ren telling Nora they couldn't start if the story wasn't even finished yet. Pyrrha was grabbing Jaune under the pretense of wanting to get his measurements. Jaune was trying to fend her off, saying this was neither the time, nor place. He felt awkward when she got grabby in the mornings. So, all in all, this morning was pretty much what they expected it to be.

Weiss, having finished he daily routine, walked over to RWBY and JNPR's shared table. She slumped over into a spot next to Ruby. Any morning where she questioned herself was never a good one. Ruby, in the middle of a monologue, put her arm around Weiss. She hoped that no one would notice her blush from Ruby's contact.

"Oh! What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculty! In form and moving how express and admirable! In action how like an Angel! In apprehension, how like a god! The beauty of the world! The paragon of animals!", declared an over dramatic Ruby.

Weiss' reaction was a bit mixed. On the one hand, she felt that Ruby was being annoying. On the other hand, it was pretty hard to take Ruby seriously with that funny looking hat on her head. On the third, imaginary, hand, she felt flattered, if that monologue was directed at her. Hearing praise from her felt rather nice. But, getting back to reality, Weiss felt that the best option was to scold Ruby.

"What are you doing? And what is with that ridiculous hat? Seriously, are you five? Act your age.". If Weiss was good at one thing, it was taking the wind out of people's metaphorical sails. People couldn't do that literally yet, but the Schnee research labs were working on that. Regardless, Ruby took the hat off and wrung it on her hands.

"I just wanted to practice…", mumbled a dejected Ruby.

"Well, I know it might be physically hard for yourself, but THINK before you act.", Weiss spat out.

Weiss could feel the warmth of Yang's aura flaring. That was never a good sign. Yang immediately jumped to Ruby's defense: "Hey Ice Princess, at least she wants to get some work done. Knowing you, you'd just drag your feet at this thing YOU started.".

Weiss wanted to get angry, but she knew she was being cold. She hated herself for being like that. But, she felt locked into that role, decided for her from birth. Being like the snow she was named after was what she was raised to be like. Maybe that's why she had a hard time talking to people. Weiss really hated her dad for that.

The best response Weiss could come up with was to give a non-committal grunt and storm off to get breakfast. Maybe some food would make her feel better. Food. That was something people enjoyed. But what did she enjoy? Ruby. But how could she get to her heart? She really had no clue. It was easy to shove people away, to close up her own heart. Maybe all she needed was some advice. If she could find someone to talk to, maybe that would clear up her mind. That way, she would be free to decide things for herself. Now that sounded like a plan. Grabbing some apple oatmeal, she returned to the table.

Weiss flagged over Jaune's attention: "Jaune.".

Jaune looked surprised that Weiss was talking to him. Pyrrha looked less than enthused. She needed to feel him u—get his measurements. Yeah.

"Wha—what can I do for ya, Weiss?"

"Is Velvet always at the club office?"

"Yeah… I mean, she's pretty shy, so-"

"I think you should pay her a visit, Weiss. You know, get to work on this play.", interjected Pyrrha.

"I agree. Now if you'll excuse me.". With that, Weiss grabbed her oatmeal and left the table. Nobody was particularly shocked at her leaving. As long as she started working on the play, it was fine.

Scarfing down her breakfast as she was walking down the hallway, Weiss couldn't help but have second thoughts. Should she look to Velvet to help? With her being the silent, shy type, she knew Velvet wouldn't say much. But Weiss didn't know if she had any actual advice to give. Oh well, she would just have to gamble on that notion.

Tossing away the remains of her small meal, Weiss prepared her speech to Velvet in her head. She would say that even though Weiss only knew her as an acquaintance, she trusted her opinion, and more importantly, to remain quiet. Then she would outline that she felt… something for a teammate, and she needed some advice. Weiss could only hope it went well from there. Before she really prepare, she was standing at the door of the office already.

Velvet's morning was going about as well as Weiss'. After filing her paperwork at the Administration Office, she walked to the cafeteria only to find out her favorite breakfast, carrot cake muffins, was completely gone. Settling for plain muffins, she made her way over to club office. Seeing that the door was slightly ajar, she sighed. This wouldn't be the first time a janitor would store their supplies in there. This time wasn't any different from the others. So, after moving the various cleaning products into a corner, she slumped over into her desk. To be completely honest, she wasn't confident that this play would get off the ground. Given the looks she got at the office, not everybody had forgiven her for that little play two months ago. But, she had to make this happen for the sake of her friends. She couldn't let them down, damn it! Just when she considered paying off the school staff, she heard a knock at the door.

Answering it, she was surprised to see just Weiss standing there. And, judging by her looks, she wasn't very spry this morning, either. Hell, she was having trouble just making eye contact. She kept looking down the hall, as if she was afraid that someone saw her. It wasn't often that she saw the confident, rich heiress look so nervous. Finally locking eyes with her, Weiss whispered:

"Velvet, can I talk to you? Privately?"

"Err… sure Weiss. Y-you know, my door is always open to you."

Showing Velvet into the office, Weiss slammed the door behind her. She then turned to a confused looking Velvet. Weiss was having a hard time forming words. What happened to her plan? Should she leave? No, she mustn't run away! "I mustn't run away!", chanted Weiss in her mind.

"I… I would like to talk to you about someone.", was what Weiss said when she found her voice.

"Someone?"

"Someone."

An awkward silence filled the room.

"Well, take a seat". Velvet pulled out a chair for Weiss. Seating herself behind the desk, Velvet couldn't help but be curious, and a little worried. Weiss, meanwhile, gathered as much composure as he could.

"There's… someone that I—a friend likes. Maybe in a certain way. Is there any way you could give me some advice? Confidentially?", Weiss managed to say.

Velvet's mind clicked. So that's what this weird attitude was about! But, she couldn't help but feel a little confused as to why Weiss came to her for advice. She wasn't involved with anybody! Velvet's confusion grew.

"You want… relationship advice?". Weiss' blushed face could only nod in confirmation.

"Umm… why me? I-I mean, yeah, we can talk, but don't we have counselors for this exact reason?"

Weiss said, "Yes, but my father might hear about it if—no, WHEN he talks to them. So, that's why I came to you.".

Velvet looked shocked. Weiss was actually placing her trust in her! Yet, she doubted her own abilities.

"But… I made that disaster about relationships! How could I possibly help?".

"I actually found it quite informative.", said Weiss.

Happy that someone actually liked her play, Velvet was now in the proper mood to help.

"Okay, okay… just pour out what you're thinking, and we can work from there.".

Weiss' mind at that point was like a steam pipe ready to burst. So, she started to rant:

"I don't know what I'm feeling! Is it love? Is it something else? Anything?! I don't know! And I can't tell her, because of myself. Me! The way I am! A coward, nothing more! A coward! Coward! I can't admit anything to Ruby! I hate it!". Weiss dropped her head. Her chest started to hitch with hyperventilation. Her hands began to subconsciously clench and unclench. Clearly, this was months of thoughts and inner conflict coming to a head.

Velvet was stunned. Ruby?! She was in love with Ruby? Now that she thought about it, it made a bit of sense. They did spend a lot of time together, even if they argued a lot. And Ruby DID put in a large effort to include her in her life. Maybe it was all that 'opposites attract' stuff she had heard about. Turing her thoughts to the crisis at hand, she tried to comfort Weiss:

"It's okay, it's okay. Just let it out. You'll feel better.". Velvet was blinking out tears of sympathy.

Weiss continued to breathe hard. "I don't know what to do! I can't make a decision! It hurts so much! At least when I closed up, it didn't hurt like THIS!". Weiss buried her face in her hands. Velvet felt helpless. She couldn't help. Not in this way. This was something that she had no experience in. So, wiping away her tears, she said the first thing that came to mind:

"W-w-weiss… *sniff*. You-you need to figure out what you want. What hurts the least. I-I know it may be tough, but this is r-really up to you." Velvet felt awkward saying that. She tried to find an opportunity to get out, get away from this.

"I'll… get you a paper bag. You know… for…", Velvet awkwardly cut herself off as she quickly left the room.

Weiss sat there for a few minutes, her breathing starting to slow down. She felt helpless. She felt dirty. Was this any way to live? When she closed up and kept her distance, it at least didn't hurt so much. Maybe she needed to seal herself way from the world. She just wanted to crawl under a rock and never see anyone again. What a cowardly way to go. If it came down to it, she would rather close her heart again than never see Ruby again. Maybe that's what she needed to do. "I just need to buy some time.", thought Weiss, "Maybe then I can think of something.". She deluded herself into thinking this was a good idea. Picking herself up out of the chair, she steeled her gaze. Distance would be for the best. Controlling her breathing, she stepped into the hallway. "Yes.", Weiss though, "This has to be the way things are.".

When Velvet came back, she found the office empty. Weiss avoided everybody else that morning, sealing herself away from the world.

Okay, now the romance plot is starting to pick up. I hope it doesn't sound too bad. Remember to tell me what you think, in the best way possible: reviews! This is The Draigg, signing off.