Weiss's PoV
Walking into the classroom, I pretended not to notice the astonishment of those already present. In reality, I quite enjoyed it. It was people noticing me, not my sister, not my father. While I was still tied to the Schnee name, it felt different. Somehow. I'm not quite sure. It just, I felt like I was free from my father this way.
Now, to see if Pyrrha Nikos is in my- my lips curved into a sour frown. Amongst all the stares, there was one girl who didn't seem to care. At all. Like always. Why! And why does it bug me so much!
I could only see the top of her head. She was leaning over one of the tables and one hand seemed to be holding tightly to something and the other was making clockwise turns. Is she… is she seriously working on a weapon? Am I less interesting than a weapon! I almost feel like someone put her up to this. Just to annoy me… why am I so ruffled by this one girl?
Pyrrha's PoV
I had successfully walked into the classroom undetected. With a sigh of relief I took a seat at the back. It seemed that the rest of the class had been too busy getting over the fact that they were in the same class as Weiss Schnee to notice. For once, I was glad that there was a Schnee around. While I don't hate them, I just don't agree with their… beliefs?
Letting my eyes wander about, I smirked to myself. Weiss seemed to be basking in the attention. I wish I could, it just made me too self-conscious. Her serenity seemed to shatter when she saw something, or rather, someone. Following her gaze, I too, found a… surprise. If I had any lingering doubt that she was a student at Beacon, it was abolished. There she was, that girl who seemed to have a strange effect on me.
Each table had room for three. She was sitting at the right end with access to the second stairway of the class. Probably because it was easier. Before I could stop myself, I was already walking down the steps towards her. Oh no.
Aaaannnnnddddd, here I am. My body moved on its own. Now, I stand awkwardly above the small girl. She seemed to be tinkering with something, her arms and head concealed whatever it was.
My hands were fiddling behind my back and I curiously leaned forward a bit in a futile attempt to see what it was she was working on. Suddenly, she threw her head back and held a red, steel, and black rectangle up to the light. She had one eye closed and her tongue stuck out of the corner of her mouth. It was… cute. I'm not sure what she was doing, but whatever it was, it must have made her satisfied. A slow smile spread across her lips. I… I like her smile. I want to make her smile… why?
She blinked several times before placing the tool behind her and clipping it within her cloak. Her head snapped towards me. My cheeks were burning. I have to say something… "May I sit here?" Her head swiveled about. My heart dropped. Part of me wanted her to say no, the other part desperately wanted her to say yes.
"Uh… sure." She scooted her chair slightly to the right in invitation. I took the middle seat. We say in an awkward silence, unaware of the class. She was twiddling her thumbs in her lap, a look of deep concentration on her face. "I think, I'm supposed to introduce myself. My name's Ruby Rose… I'm uh… I'm from Patch? Sorry, my people skills aren't the greatest."
I felt relief flood through me and melt away the tension. "I'm Pyrrha Nikos. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ruby. I hope we can get along." I regretfully expected her face to light up in recognition of my name. Well, it lit up, but not in the anticipated manner.
"So… does this mean we're friends?" She seemed giddy. I smiled.
"If you want to be." That wonderful smile stretched across her lips. This time, it was for me. Because of me. It was… nice.
Weiss PoV
Pyrrha's in this class… I'll sit next to her. With her talent and my finesse, we'd make a great pair. The only problem, she's sitting next to that dolt… and seems to be enjoying her. What's to like about someone who doesn't recognize your status?
My mind flashed back to the drawing that dolt had done in her pad. Maybe… she just…
When I came to, I was seated next to Pyrrha. She was still talking to… Ruby, I think she said her name was. Why is Pyrrha so interested in her?
Classes were easy, as expected of a Schnee. Though, she surprisingly didn't seem to struggle, despite her age. Maybe there's more to her than- no.
Opening the door, she was already there. Only clad in a towel, her hair dripping water down her toned back. She stood looking over one of her bags. I couldn't… I couldn't pull my eyes away. Her arms were strong and what I could see of her legs, they matched. She was… fit? No, not just fit. She was rippe, and - she walked back into the bathroom… my eyes followed her… wh- what's wrong with me?
I was trying not to watch her. My eyes would just gradually shift from the page before me over to her bed. Her hood was drawn and her head was bobbing rhythmically. One arm moving systematically and the other holding firm. She's drawing. Despite myself, my lips curved upward at the image of the one I saw.
I sighed in defeat. I closed the book and put it on the nightstand. Her movements slowed before stopping all together. She pulled her hood off her head and her headphones with it. For awhile, she stared down at her lap. Finally, she flipped her sketchpad close and threw it carelessly to the side. I opened my mouth in horror, spending so much time and effort to just haphazardly toss it- it landed safely on her desk… well then…
She stretched upwards with a grunt and relaxed with a sigh. Flopping onto her bed, she just… lay prone…
…
…
Is she dead? Did she just, die… she's been laying with her face in the mattress for, like, ten minutes… and I've been watching her. What… why?
Nope. Not dead. She rolled into a supine position and sat up. Our eyes met. I… was I caught? I couldn't read what she was thinking. I fought the rising embarrassment. While it was justified, I would not succumb to it. Especially if she was the catalyst.
"Ummm… I… my name is Ruby Rose. I'm from Patch." She broke eye contact and looked down at her fidgeting hands. Finally, an expected reaction: flustered. I smirked. Her facade was over. She fai- "You're supposed to introduce yourself now." No way. While it was just a mumble into her lap, I understood. She really doesn't know who I am.
"Weiss Schnee. I'm from Atlas." It came off cold and harsh. I'm not sure if I really intended it to be.
I might have just shot down our conversation. I almost felt… regretful. I didn't- I didn't mean to. At least I don't think. Maybe I- "Erm… I hope we can get along and be friends?"
"You're not very good at talking to people, you know that?" An automatic response said in a belittling tone. On the inside, I grimaced. I'm one to talk.
She rubbed the back of her head. "Yeah… I'm better at weapons and… not people stuff… but I hope we can still get along."
Something inside me clicked. I just… I couldn't, "Fine." I turned my head, my cheeks a light pink. What's wrong with her. With me.
Pyrrha's PoV
"Just talk to her some more! I'm sure she loves it. She's awkward, new, and probably scared! Go be her hero!" Nora… oh Nora, you've quickly become a very dear friend, but I don't think you realize how much I can't just do that.
"I know, I know. I want to, I just… what if I scare her off? Or other people harass her? I don't want that."
"Well… if she does get harassed, We'll just break their legs!" I couldn't tell if she was serious… then again, I never could with Nora.
"Hey… Ruby?" The girl had some goggles on and was sitting alone in the corner of the cafeteria. It had taken me some time to not only find her, but to get over to her as well. Many people unknowingly blocked my path, trying so desperately to get my attention for whatever reason. But I had my mind set.
"Just a sec." She shined a simple laser pointer at a point on the table. Marking it with a crumb, she then picked up what appeared to be a scope. Her tongue poked out of the corner of her mouth in concentration, just like in the classroom. Again, I found it strangely adorable. Wait… I wasn't sure what happened between that thought and, "Oh, hey Pyrrha." I was too caught up in my own reverie.
"May I sit here?" She raised an eyebrow.
"You can sit with me anytime. Just a moment." The younger girl opened up a bag and carelessly pulled all the miscellaneous tools, bits, and bobs into it. "Ok."
I couldn't help but smile. Setting down my tray across from her, a thought crossed my mind. "Hey Ruby, are you advanced?" I wasn't sure what better way to put it.
"Like, ahead of my grade? Yeah… Ozpin and Glynda found me and said, 'Hop in, we're taking you to Beacon.' and now I'm here." Her retelling of the story caused me to chuckle.
"So you're 'gifted?' That's wonderful."
"Yeah… I guess. I don't have very many friends. I guess it balances out. You're socially awkward but really talented with all things weapons… that's me." She seemed a bit downed by that.
"Well, I think you're just fine. Great even! I like you just as you are, and I've just met you." Her head shot up and she looked at me with those beautiful silver eyes. A beaming smile. I really do love those brilliant grins.
Weiss's PoV
Why does this bother me so much? I walk into the room, all eyes on me; except a pair of silver ones, which I want them to be. I don't know why, but it… I really wanted her to look at me and not her schematics, blueprints, ideas, sketches, weapon, accessories. Me. Why didn't she? Why wasn't I satisfied with everyone else's gaze? … why do I feel like I would be if it was just hers…?
Pyrrha had taken her seat next to Ruby. They seemed… friendly. Ruby's eyes lit up and she talked enthusiastically and free from her usual awkwardness. Pyrrha seemed to be enjoying the interaction quite a bit. Why does that bother me? Is it because I want to be teamed with Pyrrha? Somehow… I don't think so.
Agh! Ruby Rose, you make me have more and more questions that I don't know the answer to.
I think I've seen her back more than I've seen her front. It seems that the majority of her time in the dorm room is spent looking away from me. In all honesty it was a bit annoying. This feeling of being ignored, it almost reminds me of home… almost. The difference is, I want her to pay attention to me. Unlike my father, I would want him to acknowledge me, but as his daughter. To recognize and- and appreciate me. Love me. This… I just want her to… I don't know.
Why do I care? Of course, I want her to realize how lucky she is to be in the same room as me. Instead, she hardly looks at me, let alone talk to me. She sketches, schemes, and draws up schematics; writes poetry, does her homework, cutely bobs her head to the music from her headphones under her hood, twirling her pen or pencil with expert dexterity… wait… cutely… subtle details… just how close attention am I… I'm staring at her right now!
I clench my eyes and repress a groan. Returning to my work which lay halfway completed before me. I can't believe it… I get so caught up in watching her and I don't even know why… what's wrong with me?
Pyrrha's PoV
When mama was still around
She would give me a crown
Tell me I'm her princess
She said good bye, no crown since.
When mama was still here
She told me it's ok to be queer.
Ruffle my hair and bake sweets
Kiss away the pain she could and leave the rest to treats.
She's not here anymore
Flying like a Nevermore
The ink was smudged and the paper crinkly. Like raindrops had kissed the page… or teardrops. The rest of the page was angrily scribbled out. I… I felt bad, but turned the page anyway.
I want to be selfish
I want to sleep.
I'm a blemish
Just one clean sweep.
Please oh please just let me expire
Death and Grimm please conspire.
Plot my demise, I'll help you along.
I'll be the kingpin, just sing your song.
Bless my ears with that sweet, sweet tune.
The one that leads souls away, aloof.
I want to be selfish
Please don't weep.
Let me, please let me, just. Sleep.
I felt… guilty. Such powerful and personal words, tucked away in this notebook. I didn't know whose it is and figured that if I took a peek inside, I'd find a name. Instead I immediately found this moving piece of poetry. "Hey Nora, you wouldn't happen to know anyone in a family of three. Someone without a mom?" I felt bad asking, but… I'm sure the owner of this treasured book wouldn't mind if they got it back.
"Hmmm…" She placed her hand on her chin and tilted her head in a comical display of thought. "No, we could ask Yang though. She's knows lots of people. Why?"
"Oh… um… I found this notebook in the hall and… well… there's no name."
"Ah well. Why don't you turn it into the lost and found?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Well… the contents are rather… sensitive. I don't think the owner would like it being… exposed."
The Valkyrie's eyes narrowed and a smile split across her features. "Oofufu. Did you stumble across someone's diary?"
"Something like that… I feel bad about looking in it though… A-anyways, let's go see if Yang knows someone. Do you know where she is?"
"Actually, yes. She, Blake, Ice Queen, and uh… Red Riding Hood went to the south courtyard. Jaune and Ren are with them… oh! I was supposed to tell you we were supposed to meet them there!" I only barely had enough time to safely tuck the delicate notebook into my bag when I was being aggressively pulled along.
"Yang," I pulled the blonde aside while the others discussed their plans for the break coming up.
"Hmm? What's up?" She grinned.
"Do you happen to know who's notebook this is? I found it left behind on one of the desks." I had decided, that if Yang did know someone in that torn family, it would be best that I didn't know. That is, after all, sensitive information that not just anyone should know.
Her lilac eyes widened and shot over towards Ruby. "Yeah… I can return it for you." It wasn't a suggestion. Now I really felt bad. I hadn't meant to read any of it! I just wanted to return it and now… now I know something I shouldn't about Ruby AND Yang.
Handing over the book, I felt a great weight fly from its perch atop my shoulders.
"Did you… nevermind."
Weiss's PoV
I wasn't sure when I started noticing. And I'm not sure why it bugged me. It had come to be that I noticed Ruby almost always sat with her barbaric sister and her roommate. If, for some reason, those two weren't around, and Pyrrha too, my roommate sat alone. Pyrrha only sat with Ruby when Yang and Blake weren't. I wish I could say that I only noticed Ruby sat alone because I had been subconsciously noting Pyrrha's behavior to better increase our chances of being partnered… but I don't know where she sits when she's not with Ruby. Which means, I had instead been noting that dolt instead.
Great. First getting caught up in watching her during class and in our dorm. And now in the cafeteria, too. Why does she draw my attention? Is it because… because I feel like everyone should notice me and she doesn't and because of that, I end up focusing on her? Whatever it is, it's annoying. I mean, the nerve! She doesn't even know how lucky she is to be sharing a dorm and classes with me! But instead, she hardly even looks at me, let alone talk to me! If you're going to sketch a beautiful portrait of someone, at least ask permission!
I scoffed to myself and continued on my way… which happened to be right toward her!
"I'm sitting here. Move… whatever all this junk is." Wow. This is why I'm the Ice Queen.
She didn't so much as look up. Tinkering away at some contraption, she was totally absorbed. "One moment please." Oh no! She did not just tell me, a Schnee! To wait! I will move her stuff for her then! Shove it all clattering to the disgusting floor!
… but I didn't. I waited patiently. Perhaps too much so. I was so fixated on the finesse of her hands with the various tools about her. Twisting, tapping, tilting, tweaking, trapping. It was almost hypnotic. "Sorry for keeping you." I blinked to bring myself out of the trance. The table had been cleared and she was even wiping it down with a silken crimson handkerchief. The same one I see her use to dry her hands, and wash at the end of the day… another trivial thing I had unwillingly noted about her.
Setting down my tray, I felt the words tumble out of my mouth. "About time. Keeping me waiting. The audacity!" I winced at my own harshness. Why am I particularly cruel to her? And why do I notice it? … why do I feel sorry for it?
"Yeah… sorry about that. I figured you wouldn't want me messing with my stuff in the dorm, and the weapon mechanics class just isn't long enough, so…" she… that was rather considerate of her. Agh! Now I feel even worse!
"And why would it matter what I want? It's your dorm too." Alright, still cold, but I meant well!
In response, she held up her hands. Her calloused, artistic hands. They had smears of varying dust stains on them along with black grease, probably from lubricating and cleaning. She's right. I wouldn't want those in my room… our room. Whatever. "Why are you sitting alone?" of all the things I could've done, asking that was probably the stupidest. I'm sure, given the person she is, she would be perfectly content with sitting in silence.
"... Yang slacked off in one of her classes so she has to make it up. Blake is helping her. Pyrrha is helping Jaune with… she's helping Jaune." She seemed… well… she gave off the air of "I'd rather have company, but the shadows on the wall and the empty chairs are old friends of mine, so loneliness doesn't bother me." I know that feeling. I felt it often back home.
"Hmph. Guess it can't be helped. After all, if people see my roommate sitting alone they'd think poorly of me." Why is it that whenever I'm in a situation to talk to her, not only am I cold, but my tongue acts on its own? Agh! Why! Why! Why! Why! Why! I can't help but be filled with the questions and it's all her fault!
I know more about her than she knows about me, and I'm a Schnee! It's backwards… and a little bit odd. All I know is from silent observation.
Her hood is up and she's bobbing her head. She's listening to music on her RoseBeatz limited edition headphones. Her arm is smoothly jerking, she's sketching… I'm like some creep. Watching her and knowing her actions without her noticing. A sigh of resignation escapes me.
She pauses in her artistic movements. She removes her hood and headphones. Leaving her sketchpad open and writing utensil on it, she get up and crosses the room. Silently, she opens the door. Rather random-
Yang, standing in the doorway with a confused look on her face and hand raised to knock. I'm sure my own face looked similar, albeit prettier.
"Hey Rubes, this is yours, right?" I couldn't see what it is that she offered over, but it must be something precious to that dolt. She threw her arms around Yang with much more enthusiasm than I've ever seen her exude.
"お姉ちゃん, ありがと." I have no idea what she said… but it… well, it brought a rather strange reaction. Yang squealed and picked her up in a bear hug nuzzling her head into the younger sister's neck. "Yang, can't breathe."
Totally barbaric. Winter would never act-
I could feel my jaw had fallen, but it was appropriate given what I just witnessed. I had seen several strange reactions from Ruby in the past few seconds. But that was by far the weirdest. She had kissed Yang on the cheek. It was just a short peck, but still! That was just…
Yang was just as speechless as I. She had a light blush on her cheeks. "Jeez Rubes, you haven't done that since we were kids… I kinda miss it." She ruffled Ruby's hair affectionately. "I gotta get going. Port has me doing extra assignments as punishment for," Her voice dropped lower and she brought her head into her neck and a finger across her upper lip, "Your disorderly conduct and horrible portrayal of yours truly." Ruby giggled at the awful impersonation.
"I mean, that drawing you did of him was pretty bad. And the 'Retired Pirate' and accentuated his belly."
"Hey! It was funny!"
"If it were dad, that'd be enough. 'If it's funny, it's ok.' That's his rule… not a very good one. Anyways, stop stalling and get to it!"
"Ok, ok, one last hug and I'm off." They hugged once more. A more… normal hug. "Bye Ruby, see ya later Ice Queen!"
"Hey! I am-" too slow, she was gone, snickering on her way.
"Oh… sorry Weiss. That probably bothered you a lot and interrupted your concentration." She crawled back onto her bed and stared at her sketch book for awhile. With a sigh, she delicately tore the page out. Turning around with paper in hand, she took a deep breath. "As apology I would like to give you this." Her slightly shaking arms extended across the gap between our beds. Even if I stretched my own to their fullest extent, I would still come quite short. I guess I'll give her some peace. Giving me this "apology piece" seemed to be hard for her.
Standing up, I walked the short distance between our beds and lightly gripped the paper. Her head was down. Which I came to appreciate. She couldn't see my reaction. The first piece I stole a look at was nowhere near as elegant and stunning as this one. The first one seemed like child's play. This… this was just… beautiful. The shading was perfect. The soft lines brought depth and the strong ones, form. She somehow managed to seemingly bring about color despite only using a grey pencil. It looked better than a photograph. I have an appreciation for art. It was one of the many classes father put me through saying that it would help refine me as a lady. Whatever.
"I… hope it makes up for the intrusion." Her meek state… I wish I could bring out the energy in her that her sister can. I like her better that way.
She hasn't been in class and the teachers seem to not care… that's not it. Rather, they seem to know why she's absent and say a silent prayer.
I haven't seen her eating. If she is eating, it's not in the cafeteria.
She's much more motionless in the dorm. All I see is a lump in her bed that occasionally quakes silently. Yang's been over a lot, pretty much every hour. She comes with water and "easy" food. She talks in a low, comforting voice to the lump. This is a more gentle side to the boisterous brute.
The blonde forces her sister to sit up and begs her to drink and eat. She's successful, rarely.
Is Ruby sick? No… that's not it. If she were sick, Yang wouldn't be hugging her so tightly and be trying so desperately to comfort her. It's something else. A different illness. It's not physical, but it's just as real.