As with all things SDC related, the ball was a grandiose affair, with all of the snobbish stereotypes that was often bandied about by people with lesser means. Though Ruby had grown used to it, she could still be amazed. She had to give Weiss credit for her concern about the buffet. There wasn't a single thing out of place, and even commoners such as herself could find something among the many pastas and simple meat dishes.
The fact that there was tuna dishes aplenty was also a nod to Weiss's attempts at pleasing everyone.
"Think she's trying to butter you up?" Pyrrha asked Blake good-naturedly, seeing everything from smoked tuna, to the roe itself siting on the table.
"Possibly." Blake said with a small smile. "Although, one could argue the same when in regards to the wine list."
Pyrrha had the decency to tinge pink. "Yes, well, she had always been quite the hostess."
"Speaking of that, where might the lady of the hour be?" Ren murmured, swirling a champagne flute filled with sparkling cider. Since he was acting as a bodyguard, he was not allowed to drink alcohol.
"Last I saw of her, she was getting dragged into another one of those fraternity circles of sorts." Blake replied, nodding off to where a group of noblemen chortled at some story or another. "Ah, over there."
"Is that who I think it is?" Pyrrha asked.
"Professor Port?" Blake nodded. "The one and only."
"And you just left her to suffer?" Ren smirked. "Poor Weiss."
In the mix of the group was the resoundingly famous professor known for his hunting as well as his inane speeches of bravery. Weiss was maintaining as a composed face as humanly possible, and that was no simple task. Yang was doing a somewhat better job, but she also loved over embellished stories. It didn't help that Jaune was trying, and failing to keep up with the conversation, even as Nora nodded her head enthusiastically to everything being said.
"You know…" Pyrrha murmured just loud enough not to be overheard by too many others. "I never have understood the fascination with bragging about how many Grimm can be slain with one bullet."
"That's because you so rarely use bullets." Ruby piped up, having not said much all evening. "I'm not saying that your fighting style is bad, Pyrrha. Just that you do most of your fighting in sanctioned ring matches. It makes sense to go easy on the shooting. It's just not the same as landing a kill right between the eyes though."
"I suppose you make a point." Pyrrha nodded, enjoying the shrimp scampi she had procured for herself. "I don't kill very many Grimm anymore."
"Course I do. Nothing like taking down a Grimm before it can even see you." Ruby had been keen on stuffing her mouth full of food, and unrepentantly had made a beeline for the cookies upon seeing them. Now a little calmer and less edgy, she was starting to get a hang of shadowing Blake. "Something comforting about stealth shots, I'll admit. Less tiresome than close quarters combat too, that's for sure."
"You say, even as you tote your scythe around." Ren chided playfully. Vigilant as always, he nodded in greeting to a few of the upper-class that came by to greet Pyrrha. He fell back behind her once more, standing beside Ruby with his hands relaxed at his sides. "Two weapon traders from the south." He murmured to Ruby when she glanced at him.
"Ah...okay." She nodded in understanding.
Blake stayed to chat only so long as was polite before excusing herself. Finally, she was able to make her way across the large room where Weiss had thankfully migrated to. Ruby, as always, followed dutifully behind.
"Managed to sneak out of the fraternity party, did you?" Blake asked, a near purr in her voice.
Weiss rolled her eyes. "I hate when you call it that."
"But that's what it is, wouldn't you agree?"
"Never mind that, I doubt most sane human beings could keep up with that group." Weiss replied, finally enjoying a good long look at her wife. Weiss wasn't a particularly lewd person, but even she had to commend herself on choosing just the right dress. It clung to Blake's form, showing off just the right assets. Weiss' expression was neither coy, nor was it heated, but she was enjoying the view all the same. "You look beautiful, you know?"
"As do you." And it was no lie. In Blake's eyes, Weiss was stunning.
"Dance with me…"
Blake pointedly ignored Yang's playful waggle of her eyebrow as she took Weiss's outstretched hand. Dancing was one of the few hobbies that she shared with Weiss openly. They flaunted their skill at the social gatherings, and there was something to be said for it. Thankfully, unlike some other venues, Yang wisely didn't dare do a cat-call as the married women took their places on the dance floor.
It was a sight to behold for any and all who attended the gathering.
For the more formal dancing Weiss always led, and tonight it was the same as they fell into a very comfortable waltz. Even in spite of her short stature, her skill in formalized dancing had been beaten into her. While it was true that Atlas believed firmly in gender role, her sister had believed firmly in self-empowerment. It was this conflict of interest that ultimately schooled Weiss at a young age to learn a man's role in a few areas of aristocracy.
Dancing was one of the primary ones, and Weiss couldn't have been more grateful. They weren't the only couple on the dancefloor, and several others were too. Still, it wasn't until Jaune had Pyrrha in his arms that things really started to heat up. There was just something magnetic about the couple that made other want to join in, and that was something Weiss was eternally grateful for.
"Thank you…" Weiss murmured, so quietly that only Blake would be able to pick it up. "For opting not to wear the accompanying ribbon, I mean."
"Ruby talked me out of it."
"Remind me to order more of those instant cookie mixes she loves so much."
"Yes dear."
"Honestly though, I'm glad she did." It was silly how much Weiss enjoyed when Blake avoided those ribbons outright. "I'm also a bit surprised she made a strong enough argument to get you to concede."
"Ruby has always made convincing arguments. It's merely that I wasn't able to make a proper rebuttal this time." Golden eyes were flicked to where the sisters stood, keeping a proper vigil on the surroundings. "I wasn't the one who toppled your father over whilst holding a glass of milk."
Weiss laughed, recalling the memory. It had been quite the first impression. "No, you most certainly weren't."
As the song ended, Winter approached from off to the side. Offering a small, if somewhat amused bow, she greeted Blake. "May I cut in?"
Winter Schnee was the polar opposite of her little sister in many ways. She was just as regal, equally rich, and had many skills to recommend of her. Outside of that, the sisters held different interests in almost everything. Winter fancied herself a military woman through and through. Weiss fancied herself a huntress, even if her current job title didn't reflect that. They were both blunt women, with a sharp wit. Winter was far less diplomatic, choosing to stand out as a woman of power, rather than a symbol of authority.
It was no question that the upbringing of a socialite rubbed off on her. She was a very competent dancer. Whisking Blake across the dance floor was second nature, and all jokes of her princely behavior aside, Weiss wasn't the only one wearing a suit. Winter also carried her ceremonial weapon at her hip, acting as both guard and guest during the ball.
"It's good to see you again." Winter said honestly, a true smile on her face. "I was worried Weiss might not be able to convince you to attend."
"I always attend." Blake replied. "Just never like this."
"Yes, that's true." Winter conceded. "But this is your proper station, no matter what our attendees have to say about it."
"So the both of you keep saying."
"We say it because it's true."
Blake suppressed a grin when she noticed that Weiss was now dancing with Jaune. It was amusing to see the shorter woman flustered by Jaune and his more than commanding lead. There was always a competitive air about the two of them. Weiss reluctant to submit, and Jaune perfectly at home on the dance floor, giving her a run for her money. Weiss almost always played right into his hands, and this evening was no different. Weiss finally gave in, much to the amusement of their many friends.
"I'm glad you could make it, Winter." Blake went on to say. "With all of the mess happening in the north, Weiss hadn't been sure if you'd be able to find the time."
"New recruits always take time to train." Winter nodded, the annoyance at the newbies evident. "It doesn't help that the military has been becoming more selective in the sorts of people they've been brining in."
By that, of course she meant the exclusion of Faunus. Blake didn't even need to guess at the reason why. "You and the general have had a few things to say about that."
Winter could only shrug. "Nothing I can say out loud to my betters."
"But, you have said it behind closed doors, I'm sure." Blake surmised. Winter nodded at this, prompting the Faunus to smile a bit as she continued. "That's more than can be said for most."
"The government can say what it wants about Faunus being untrustworthy, but in my opinion the tactical advantages far outweigh the risks of any possible intruder. Besides which, we're no safer due to the amount of humans in the ranks already. Anyone could pose a threat, and the fact it's been done before only proves my point. Unfortunately, I merely enforce the military bylaws, I don't make them." She shook her head slightly then. "Enough about my work, how are things here?"
"Afraid your sister's falling asleep at the corporate office again?"
"It wouldn't be the first time."
"She's been sleeping in bed properly, though, her hours are still a bit undesirable."
"So I thought." Winter sighed a bit at the legacy she had easily avoided. Weiss hadn't been so lucky, though she was far more suited to the task. "You should urge her to vacation this holiday season properly."
Blake agreed, slipping easily into the lighthearted banter that only her sister-in-law could ever provide. She was older, worldly, much more so than Weiss could ever hope to be. She was a soul born of the Atlas chill, forged by strict military regime. Though she worried for Weiss, and cared deeply for her wellbeing, they were not as closely united and Yang and Ruby were. Winter was as supportive as she could afford to be, but, her position offered very little in the way of it.
During these balls though, Winter was the perfect moment of fresh air in the stagnate pool of aristocracy and decorum.
They spent several dances speaking about more domestic matters, such as the day-to-day life in the household, or new recipes that Winter had discovered during her travels. It was all very simplistic, the sort of topics even Ruby could have delighted in. Especially when it came to the topic of newly marketed freeze dried meals to go. It finally came to an end though, as the robust general, Ironwood himself came to request a dance with Winter.
Weiss reclaimed her wife. "Please tell me you two weren't conspiring against me."
"Military information, actually." Blake teased. "How to get you to vacation in a cabin in the north during the holiday season."
"Oh, that'll go over well…" Weiss said with a roll of her eyes. "Just what we need, Yang and Ruby confined to a cabin in the dead of Atlas chill. It'll all be solid ice by that time, and chances are good we'd be snowed in."
"Yes dear." Blake agreed. "Snowed into our own personal cabin, with a fireplace, and some good books."
"And Yang and Ruby to rip the solitude to bits." Weiss shot back, though there was a hint of fondness in her voice. Just then, she felt Blake's hand journey to the small of her back. An action Weiss had long since accepted as Blake's warning to others. She followed Blake's gaze to a councilman's son. A young man, no more than twenty. He had a habit of making eyes of the rich and famous.
"Blake…" Weis warned softly, knowing that hardened golden gaze anywhere.
"He should know better." Blake growled lowly, so no one else heard her.
"Knowing better, and acting better are two different matters entirely." Weiss leaned into the touch anyway, trying to appease her affronted lover. "Was he incorrect with you earlier? Do he and I need to share words?" She had no idea what caused it, but the rumble in Blake's chest was not a contented sort of purr. It was a lower rumbling octave, one unheard, but easily felt.
This mannerism was one of pain, or in some cases, intense levels of rage. Weiss suspected it was the latter.
"No, but he and I just might." Blake murmured. Her words were a cold heat, one that was fully ready to go correct some sort of misdeed. "Little upstart might need a lesson about what happens when you start drooling over a woman already spoken for."
Weiss merely sighed, ignoring Blake's possessive streak. It ran a mile wide, and so deeply that it went without saying. "So long as words are all you exchange…"
"It won't even take that." Blake murmured. "Don't worry, I'll handle this quietly."
The man in question was a Faunus who didn't look it in the slightest. Accepted easily by humans because he looked the part. Anyone with a nose, knew the truth. He was easily several times removed from his heritage, his parents didn't look Faunus either…but Blake knew…and she didn't like the gleam in the young man's eyes. Her hand journeyed to a tuxedo clad hip, pulling Weiss ever closer, as golden eyes burned dangerously.
Beginning a slow walk, she escorted Weiss near enough to the young man to give off a very low, very pointed quiet snarl in warning. No human would be able to hear it, but it got the message across, and he promptly averted his gaze to an equally rich, much more unattached young woman.
Weiss shivered, that kind of reverberation always sent shivers down her spine, and not the good kind. "Blake, are you okay?"
"Yes, of course." The dark haired woman sighed, releasing her ears from their aggressively pinned back state. Instantly calmed and cooled off because of her victory, she peered down at her wife with a tiny smile. "You know, if we ever do have cubs, you're going to have to get used to that. Our language is just as varied and important as human speech patterns…and sometimes, it is the only civilized way to get the point across."
"You're right of course. It's still unsettling though, even if you never have taken the same tone with me." Weiss admitted, Blake's aggressive displays of dominance never went further than they had to. However, that they had to be displayed at all, was a concern for the human woman. It was merely Faunus way, she knew, but it was a world filled with vocalizations she would never be able to understand. "I just wish I could understand what you were actually saying, is all."
"Even if you could understand me in my own native tongue, I'd never take that tone with you, Weiss." Blake murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her wife's forehead. "I'd never threaten my mate like that…not ever…" From the other side of the ball room, she could see Yang and Ruby zeroing in on the young man from before.
Apparently, she hadn't been the only want wanting to break his face, but she hoped that Yang would practice the same level of restraint. From the grin Yang sported though, she highly doubted it would end well for him. Perhaps Ruby would mellow her elder sister's temper.
Blake's gaze was interrupted when Ren came by to inquire if he could dance with Weiss. Crisis aversion, if there had ever been one, Blake noted, comforted by the security of her friends once again. Fox offered his hand to Blake, and before she knew it, she was being taken across the dance floor with surefootedness once more.
The ball continued like this, Blake and Weiss changing partners often at this social affair.
In part because Weiss could not afford to refuse an honest offer, and because there were enough friendly faces to keep Blake busy. Among the usual stuffy elite, there were plenty of welcome distractions. When Weiss was called away, Blake spent her time chattering with Velvet, Fox, and Coco. When sponsors sought her attention as little more than a platitude, she made sure to glue herself to Jaune and Pyrrha.
She addressed members of the board only when she was around someone willing to stare daggers into the bigots. She was alone, however, when she was approached by an all too welcome face. Beacon's headmaster was more than happy to escape the complexities of the ball, and shared Blake's sentiment as they sipped some fine wine provided by a waiter passing by.
Safely tucked away in the corner, they enjoyed their time as casual acquaintances.
"I really do wish you'd consider a teaching role." Ozpin stated jovially. "There aren't enough teachers who have your particular skill set."
"That would require moving to Vale. I can hardly part Weiss from the offices, let alone Atlas." Blake said with a soft roll of her eyes. "I'm honored you think I'm even suitable, but I just can't accept."
"A pity…" Ozpin replied. "The new amendments to the anti-discrimination laws passed in Vale. It would be nice, I believe, for the students to have someone they could relate to. It's a trying time to be a young Faunus. So many new liberties, and yet, there remains such discourse as the populace adjusts to the changes. It's very confusing to be young and in such a position, I'm sure."
"Well, shaking an angry fist at the world is what teenagers do best." Blake shrugged.
"Not only teenagers." He murmured wisely. "Truly though, in recent years our student body has seen a rise of Faunus applicants by a full sixteen percent. You were one of the few wildcards to attend Beacon. Now you stand as an example for which our youth should strive for. We have many teachers they would be unable to relate well with. Spoken word from you would leave behind an impression not soon forgotten."
"If only I could actually teach." Blake said with a laugh. "I'm a huntress, not a teacher."
"The two go hand in hand at Beacon." Ozpin replied, but nodded his defeat anyway. "A shame really, however I'll leave the offer on the table. Should you ever wish to take part, please let me know. Though, from what I hear, you'll be making a visit soon enough."
Blake blushed then, one of her ears flicking as she glanced over to Oobleck, whom Weiss had been speaking with at great length earlier. "That's the plan…"
"Ah, yes, well when you do, stop in for tea." The headmaster said with a grin. "My office is always open, and I'm sure Glynda would love the reprieve from my teatime antics."
"Is it really tea in your mug? Blake asked.
"I'll never tell."
"Is the betting pool still running?"
"Tenth consecutive year in a row." Ozpin laughed. "I'd question the amount of lien in that silly thing, but it amuses the students, so I let it be."
"It also drives Goodwitch crazy."
"That too." He replied, sipping his wine. "Which also amuses me."
"One of these days, she's going to snap." Blake murmured, knowing it wasn't far from the truth. "We almost broke her our first year, I think."
"You were a spectacularly gifted group of youngsters back then. To think, eight students able to demolish a dust-reinforced lunch room, turning it to shambles." He chuckled mildly. At the time, he had been amazed at the carnage…seeing it not as the burden that Glynda made it out to be. Rather, he had been proud of the young upstarts. "A fine display of skill, even if I would have preferred it occurring in a sanctioned battle dome. It might have salvaged the ceiling, if so..."
Blake didn't bother to mention how she highly doubted that...