XXVI - Dote

Happy Earth day! And a happy birthday to our lovable (classical) antihero Oxon! I was going to post this tomorrow, but I need to celebrate this holiday properly. Everyone, get out and hug a tree!

~~~(XXVI)~~~

Oxon hardly got any sleep last night. He was paranoid about everything he had learned the previous night. Of course he wasn't trusted enough for the specifics, but he was aware of the plan for tomorrow night, and that something would be happening soon.

Annoyingly, he kept his promise to Weiss about helping them set up the dance hall. His mind was burnt out, so he was about as social as he was when he first started Beacon. He was helping Yang with the heavy lifting by getting speakers, tables, and chairs into their designated areas. Occasionally, he would be left to his own devices as she and Weiss would talk/ argue about how something should go.

The physical labor was helping him relax at least, it has in the past, and by the brothers he needed to destress lately. He was brought back to Remnant when he felt a tap on his back. Turning around he saw Weiss looking at him with a curious look on her face.

"You changed your buckle back to your old one?" He had indeed. Half because he didn't want to feed Mercury's bullshit, but also because he had to hide it due to not trusting him to not nick it. Of course he then had to lie about his reasoning to the girl who gave it to him.

"Yeah, I didn't think it was a good idea to wear something so valuable when I'm working like this. I'd hate to damage it somehow." It didn't seem like she fully believed him, especially since he wore it in combat class, but she thankfully didn't push him.

"I'm glad to know you are taking such good care of it. So, have you thought of a partner for the dance?"

"Not really, I doubt there's anyone interested in dumb ol me." Even on the infinitesimally small chance those psychopaths were onto something, he had to steer the girl towards someone else, someone who wouldn't use her as a stepping stone. "I was just gonna skip and train, but the boss lady wants us all to go, some kinda team bonding. So I'll be her, Emerald, and Mercury."

"Is that so?" Why did it hurt to hear her sound that way? "Well, I'm sure there's at least one girl who would accept you. I mean, your a very-"

Whatever it was she was about to say was cut off by an exceedingly obnoxious blonde. "Weiss! I thought we agreed: no doilies!"

"One moment, Oxon." The girl went over to start what was probably the ninth disagreement in the last few hours. "If I don't get my doilies, then you don't get fog machines!"

Thankfully, before it got any further, a blonde and blue pair of saviors appeared.

"Your dance is gonna have fog machines?" Neptune! Perfect, if he could get the coolest transfer to ask her, then he won't have to embarrass himself for Cinder.

"We were thinking about it. Though that is primarily Yang's idea." If he remembered correctly, she seemed quite smitten with the smooth talker. All he had to do was leave the two of them to talk alone.

"Darn right, it's gonna be epic!" Yang and the boy shared a fist pump in chamraderie.

"You ladies ready for dress up?" Ruby was pretty vocal on how not ready she was. And he could relate. The outfit provided for him looked way too warm.

"Laugh all you want, I'll be turning heads tomorrow night!"

Weiss rolled her eyes at her less than humble teammate's claim. She turned her attention back to the duo. "What are you two wearing?"

And if Neptune had a silver tongue, Suns was the opposite. "Uhhhh, this?" Needless to say, everyone in the room was unimpeded with his idea of formal attire. Even Oxon!

Neptune, trying to salvage his team's image, blocked the foolish faunus from speaking more "Ignore him for he knows not what he says."

"Hey, I may have moved to Mistral, but I grew up in Vacuo. It's not exactly a shirt-and-tie kind of place." His attitude was definitely something that must have remained unchanged no matter how hard Neptune worked.

"Yeah, we noticed." Weiss was definitely the most unimpressed of the group. Atlesian etiquette and Vacuoan, whatever he had, clearly didn't mesh.

Oxon felt that even he had to speak up. "At least wear a different shirt man. Seriously."

"E tu, Oxon?" He rubbed his head as he turned to Yang. "Soooo... What does Blake think of all this? She still being all, y'know... Blake-y?"

Weiss huffed at the mention of their delinquent teammate. Her arms were crossed in frustration. "Obviously."

"I still can't think of a way to change her mind."

"Guys." The blonde seemed pretty confident. From what she told him yesterday, she had a foolproof plan. "Trust me; Blake will be at the dance tomorrow."

Yang walked out of the door to the room, likely to find said self isolating girl. Realizing this was a chance for Weiss and Neptune to talk, he made his exit as stealthily as possible. He needed to avoid her as much as possible until after the dance at least.

~~~(XXVI)~~~

Jaune had been hoping for some good advice from his brother from another family, but so far it wasn't going great. He felt so frustrated by how all his attempts had fallen flat. Neptune was smoother than silk, and it seemed like Ox was seemingly able to unconsciously say everything right. He really felt his chances slipping away.

"It's Weiss. I'm completely head-over-heels for her, and she won't even give me a chance. She's cold, but she's also incredible. She's smart, and graceful, and talented. I mean, have you heard her sing? I-I just wish she'd take me seriously, y'know? I wish I could tell her how I feel without messing it all up."

"Then do it."

"Uh, wha?"

"Tell her exactly what you said. No ridiculous schemes, no pick-up lines. Just... be honest." Pyrrha had a strange look on her, but seemed like she was trying to help. "I know you've been frustrated that there's a lot of competition, but I think you should take a page out of Oxon's book."

"But what if I-"

"Jaune. You can't get it wrong if it's the truth. It's worked for your rival so far."

"You're right. Thanks, Pyrrha!" He got up quickly and made for the door. "Good talk, Ren!" Jaune had a girl to confess to!

~~~(XXVI)~~~

Blake was stunned at the story her partner had told her. It was amazing that they had survived such a dangerous encounter. But even still… "Yang... I'm sorry that happened to you, and I understand what you're trying to tell me, but this is different. I'm not a child, and this isn't just a search for answers! I can't just-"

"I told you: I'm not telling you to stop! I haven't! To this day, I still want to know what happened to my mother and why she left me, but I will never let that search control me. We're going to find the answers we're looking for, Blake. But if we destroy ourselves in the process, what good are we?" She couldn't see Yang's face, the girl had finished the, whatever it was, on the chalkboard.

"You don't understand! I'm the only one who can do this!"

"No, you don't understand!" It was a shock to see her lilac eyes turn crimson red in a flash. "If Roman Torchwick walked through that door, what would you do?"

"I'd fight him!"

"You'd lose!" Yang shoved her into the desk behind her, but Blake wasn't one to stay down, and got back up.

"I can stop him!"

"You can't even stop me!" Once more she got shoved, and once more she got back up.

"You can't stop me, you couldn't stop Ox, and you sure can't stop Torchwick!"

She pushes Blake again, knocking her to land on the desk. Oxon, her fight with the not quite as gloomy transfer had stung her pride. She knew she was better than him and she let him get in her head with his taunts. Maybe Yang was Right, if anything happened, she would only be a burden…

"I'm not asking you to stop. Just please, get some rest. Not just for you, but for the people you care about." Yang looked over her shoulder back at her, she had a gentle smile and a wink. "And if you feel like coming out tomorrow, I'll save you a dance."

~~~(XXVI)~~~

Finally, Weiss had found her target. The tall Haven student has not been at any of the predicted locations: the training hall, the small garden pond, or any of his usual spots. But she managed to eventually track him down. Now for the hard part.

"Oxon!" Weiss was beyond nervous when she called out to him. She had waited for Oxon to ask her to the dance all week. Frustratingly, it seemed like he was clueless to her feelings as Jaune was to her lack of them.

"Weiss, is everything ok? Did you need more help for the dance?" He turned to her and seemed concerned. She truly liked that he was so kind and always willing to drop what he was doing for her sake. Unlike all those sons of fathers' business partners who were after anything but her heart.

If Yang's magazines had been right, he must feel the same as she did. Maybe he hadn't asked her because of his own nerves? Either way, getting him to accompany her to the dance should be a cinch.

"I know this is a little unorthodox, but... I wanted to ask you something." Why was she so nervous? She'd performed concerts for hundreds at special events. She rebuked her father and walked down the path of a huntress. She'd slain the Arma Gigas! She'd even fought Grimm and terrorists, yet trying to get her feelings across to the very tall teen in front of her seemed frighteningly daunting. "Would you... like to accompany me to the dance tomorrow?"

For a moment the two were locked in each other's gazes. She knew in her heart of hearts that she made the right choice tonight. She couldn't wait for his answer.

"Weiss Scheme… Are-are you asking me to the dance?" it was surprisingly easy to get the previously stoney boy to get flustered. She definitely enjoyed it.

While the two were caught up in each other, neither of them noticed the sounds of footsteps from around the corner. And neither saw the blue rose on the ground.

~~~(XXVI)~~~

With the dance in full swing, Jaune found himself at the only reasonable location for this event. The punch and snack area. Luckily Ruby seemed to be in his same position as well. "I see you're hiding at the punch bowl too."

"Yep."

"To the socially awkward." He's glad the girl humors him and they clink their glasses.

"Sorry things didn't work out with Weiss."

"Meh, it's fine. Ox and her are pretty good for each other... I get why she went with him."

"Her and Ox? What do you mean?"

"Well, come on, not everyone can just happen to make a perfect present from scratch." Jaune had a sip of his punch in order to hide his frown. Lucky jerk.

"No, I mean, Weiss came to the dance alone." He spit out a bit of his drink at that bombshell. She what!?

"Uh, what?"

Ruby pointed a finger at Weiss, who was trying to coax life out of a wilting white rose. The sight worsened when said rose wilts over limply.

"Yeah, she said that she had too much to focus on to worry about boys."

Jaune scanned the room for any sign of the jerk. He finally spotted him next to Sun, Blake, and Yang while Neptune was goofily exaggerating some kind of story. The guy looked like he'd eaten a few lemons, his signature frown was set in place, for some reason that pissed Jaune off even more.

"Hold my punch." He shoved his way to the no good jerk, he was almost there when he spotted a lonely Pyrrha. He looked between her and Oxon, and he ultimately decided to check on his partner.

~~~(XXVI)~~~

Well that was a shock to hear. The fact that Pyrrha had been so lonely for so long made him realize a few hints that she dropped the other night. He was about to follow her when he showed up.

"Arc, I see you needed some fresh air too?" Now that he was closer to the former woodsman, he noticed that the guy was in a poor mood. He looked angry, sad, and tired all at once.

"Yeah, something like that."

"The dance sure is something, definitely not what I'm used to, not enough drums. And don't get me started on this suit, I skipped the tie, but this whole multi-layer outfit thing is too stuffy for me." Oxon had worn the same shit every other guy was in, though the bowtie on his was absent, and he had undone the top three buttons.

"Uh huh?" Jaune could feel his frustration rising. This guy was making small talk?

"Still, the snacks are tasty." Oxon raised a glass full of punch and Jaune lost it.

"Is food and clothes all you care about right now!?"

"I beg your pardon?" Oxon's eyes narrowed at the sudden confrontation.

"How could you turn her down like that!?"

"I don't rightly think you know what you're-" No, Jaune would not let him worm his way out of this.

"Weiss! The girl who asked you to the dance!"

"You saw?" The guy seemed confused for a moment before shaking his head. "Look, things don't always go how we hope. It just didn't work out."

"What? You think it's too important to maintain your "bad boy" persona? Weiss Schnee asked you to the dance. What in the world could possibly keep you from go-"

"I'm a coward!" That wasn't the excuse he was expecting. How was he confident enough to become a huntsman so late, but afraid to dance with a girl?

"You? A coward?" The teen in front of him stalked forward until he too was against the railing. He had one hand on his glass and his other was furiously gripping the railing.

"Big surprise huh? You remember what I told you a while back? How I abandoned everything and everyone I loved to save myself?" How was this and Weiss related?

"Yeah, but what does this-"

"I ran away, my father's armor on my back and my brother's guns on my hip. I could have, should have stayed to fight, to at least try and help! My family, is dead, all because of me and my cowardice." Oxon slammed a fist into the stone railing, jostling his cup in the process, spilling the dark red punch on his hand. "I can't go to this dance with Weiss. Someone like me would only drag such a brilliant light down. It's better for everyone this way."

"So, you would rather break a girl's heart, and maybe even your own, all because you think you're protecting her?"

"You make it sound so simple… But essentially, Yes."

"Well, I certainly feel a lot better about myself."

Oxon let out a snort at that. "Don't tell her okay? She'll just keep trying harder for whatever reason. Besides, aren't you head over heels for Weiss? You should try your luck, I tried convincing Neptune to ask her, but clearly that hasn't happened. Now's the best chance for you and her."

Jaune could have everything he wanted, a few weeks ago he would have taken it. Weiss was alone at the dance tonight, both Neptune and Oxon were out of the running essentially, and he had one's blessing. But it felt hollow.

Turning to the conflicted transfer, he tried something. "You like her, right?"

"Does it matter?"

Ugh… the broody bull was back. "Yes, so answer up."

Oxon seemed to think for a moment. Eventually he spoke up. "Yes, I didn't know that until last night, but I do. I haven't known the girl for long, but there's just something about her." Oxon brought out something he had in his jacket's inner pocket, it was the gift the focus of their talk gave to him a week ago. The fact that he brought the thing with him to the event alone volumes, Jaune just needed him to act on it.

"Then just go talk to her. No over thinking, no focusing on the past, just be yourself. I've heard that's the way to go." As much as he wanted to take Oxon's offer and talk to Weiss himself, he knew her heart wanted someone else. And Jaune wanted the girl to be happy as well.

"You don't know what I've do-"

Nope, he was shutting the self deprecation down now. "Hey! You don't have to act like it's a sin to be happy. In all honesty, if you could be a little less of a grouch, I'd really appreciate it. Besides, she doesn't deserve to be alone on a night like this."

The two looked at each other for a moment before Oxon let out a deep, resigned sigh.

"I really should, shouldn't I?"

"Of course. Just go back in there and talk to her, I guarantee that it will make her night."

"You've surprised me tonight, I half expected you to leap at the chance at her." Oxon downed his drink and left the glass on the railing. "Maybe I was wrong about you. You're a cool guy after all.

High praise from the guy who's constantly put him down. "Alright, don't lie to my face." The two shared a fist bump and Jaune couldn't hide the smile on his face after finally getting through to the guy. He watched Ox walk back inside, more light in his eyes, and more power in his stride.

"All right, only one thing left to do."

~~~(XXVI)~~~

He found her sitting alone by the wall. He felt like a rotten bastard for doing what he did. Hopefully he could fix it before it was too late.

"Is this seat taken?" The girl's head snapped to the left when he spoke. She seemed surprised that he was there and he didn't miss the hopeful look on her face.

"O-Oxon! No, no it's open." Awkwardly, he sat down next to the girl. He wasn't sure how to use Jaunes advice, but an apology couldn't hurt.

"I need to apologize." Oxon rubbed behind his ear as he tried to find the words. "What I did last night, and tonight as well, you didn't deserve it. You are a wonderful girl, Weiss, and it makes me unfathomably happy you wanted to ask me to this dance."

"Really? But what you said before…"

"What I said was wrong, the truth is, I was scared. I was scared of getting too close to you, to anyone really." He had his hands between his knees and his head hung low. The whole truth was dangerous, dangerous because she could be pulled into something with Cinder, but she deserved to know his feelings. "I was scared because I convinced myself that it was better for you to not get involved with someone like me. I still believe that to be true, Weiss…"

"You know, I was hoping to hear the reason why you rejected me, but now I'm just confused. Why would I be better off without you?" He wished he could tell her. He desperately wanted to confess about who exactly he was and who he was working for, but if he did, then she'd become a target.

"I… I just know that with how I am right now, I'd probably hurt you."

"Well that's nonsense." He looked up from the floor to see an angry look on her face. "I don't know how bad you think your past is, but I'm sure you're exaggerating it in your mind."

She leaned in close to his face, causing a massive blush at the close proximity, to whisper in his ear. "Blake is a faunus, and a former White Fang terrorist as well." He had known that of course, but he'd thought that she had kept her team in the dark. It was supposed to be a blackmail tactic they would use if she got too close, so much for that.

His expression seemed to amuse the petite girl, who giggled at his bafflement.

"So honestly, Oxon, whatever it is, it's okay. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, I won't force you, but I want to know that I don't care about that. But I do care about you." She laid a hand on his and gave him a kind and sincere look. If he could blush any harder, he'd be as crimson as a red maple.

"I, wait, huh. Wha?" She laughed gently at his dumbstruck expression. He really liked her laugh, he realized.

"Don't worry, I won't tell Yang about how I managed to break your broody facade." The smirk on her face was legendary, he could only laugh at how quickly this spiraled out of control.

"One last question, you said you were afraid to get close to me, what changed your mind?"

"Well, that would be some wise words from the only man brave enough to wear a dress." He gestured to Jaune, who was tearing up the dance floor while dressed in a fine woman's gown. "You have good friends here, lots of people looking out for you."

"I suppose the night is full of surprises." The girl got up off her chair and looked down at him expectantly. "Now Oxon, are you going to make me ask you a second time? Or will you do it this time?"

He knew that dancing with the girl would cause issues later down the line, he didn't know just what end Cinder was planning for, but he hoped it was as subtle as she'd been so far. Maybe once he was free of it all, and if he made a clean break…

Enough, I can't be paranoid forever. For tonight, I think I'll enjoy myself…

Getting up off the chair and reversing their height differences, Oxon held out a hand with his palm up to the girl who'd managed to crack his shell.

"Weiss, would you make me the happiest man in Beacon by giving me the honor of sharing a dance with you?"

She laid her hand palm down in his larger one and gave one of the best smiles he'd ever seen. "I would love to."

~~~(XXVI)~~~

On the upper level, Mercury and Emerald looked down on the dancing students.

"It appears all the dancers have partners." Knowing Cinder, she heard him loud and clear. Not one part of their plan has been anything more than inconvenienced. Even with some brats trying their hardest, everything was still on track.

"How long do I have?" Please, like any of the insipid brats would notice anything, they were too busy with their hormones.

"You should probably be home by midnight, to be safe."

"I'll keep my eye on the clock." Cinder's voice came through clearly, Mercury could just hear her smirk.

The two would soon need to have a dance themselves. And if someone got curious, they would claim to be enjoying their night. It certainly seemed that their recent addition sure was.

"Not a chance" my ass. You're getting fucking attached, aren't you, Ox. I can't wait to see how this ends for that poor sap…

Emerald was alo casually observing the two, probably thinking of how to use that. "Maybe you'll get that new scroll after all…"

~~~(XXVI)~~~

Ruby was bored. It was an all consuming boredom that was born of having nothing to do. Sure she was able to hang out with her friends, but this kind of thing wasn't her scene.

Though she got to enjoy the sight of Oxon and Weiss dancing. She was glad her partner was enjoying herself. She deserved happiness after how hard she worked, both for tonight and in general.

Last night she had gone out for a walk with a smile on her face, she told them she needed to "check on one last thing". The three had put bets down on if she was going to track down her crush herself. They discussed whether it would be Oxon or Neptune that their teammate would come to the dance with.

They had been ready to grill her about how it went, but the face she had when she came back stopped them. She had red eyes and she looked close to crying. They couldn't get anything from the girl since she got into bed as soon as she got back. None of them knew what to think, but it was clear that Weiss had been left on her own.

"Hey, Red." Oxon was walking towards her, his eyes scanning the crowd. It was strange, he called her by the same nickname that Roman Torchwick did. Did she really wear too much of the color? It was a good color!

"Taking a break?" He looked nervous, but then again, he said he'd never slow danced before, let alone with a girl. It was pretty fun watching him apologize for stepping on Weiss' feet.

"Something like that. Though I also have something I need to show you." He looked around once more for, something, before he pulled out a folded piece of paper.

She took it from his outstretched hand and opened it. On it was a simple, yet concerning message.

Pay attention to the CCT. The wicked witch has ill intent in store for those you cherish. The dance is her cover.

- Silvestree

The message was printed, so no traceable handwriting. Ruby read the text over and over again before looking at an even more nervous Oxon.

"What is this? Who gave it to you?"

He wasn't able to meet her eyes, like he was trying to find someone. "Not sure, I've been dancing or talking with Weiss most of the night. I only just found it. I think someone put it there so I could give it to you. There's been lots of people bumping into me, could have been anyone of em."

"I should check it out, what about you?" He seemed surprised at her, but what else was she supposed to do? "Someone clearly singled you out. What if you're in danger?"

The larger teen was silent for a bit before he gave her a low chuckle. Normally she'd be happy to see him laugh, but not when something might happen to him!

"Hah, I don't think I have anything to be worried about. Seriously Ruby, I'm about as dense as they come, just ask your partner."

"But-"

"Look, I'm pretty sure someone, most likely Yang, is trying to pull a prank." He patted her on the shoulder before heading for the punch bowl. "I'd go with you to humor your sister, but I kinda made a promise to get Weiss a drink."

He left as quickly as he came, but Ruby was still worried. She has been around her elder sister most of the night, and she could see her right now, laughing with Sun and Blake. Cautiously, she pocketed the warning and stepped outside. Just in case.

~~~(XXVI)~~~

Ugh, I'm not the best with dialogues like the talks at dance. Hopefully it sounded human lol.

By the way, Dote does not mean what you think it does. Look up the term in a forestry glossary or something if you want to know.