XXXIV - Glucose

~~~(XXXIV)~~~

Oxon was behind the bar's counter taking count of which drinks might need replacement soon. It was boring work, but so far it has been a boring night. Junior got tired of the heightened fights and had put more men on the floor to act as visible dissuasion. It also helped that Lisian, the resident trouble maker, was off tonight.

The end of summer break was nearing its end, just a few more days until he'd be back in Beacon. The paltry amount of lien in his account was back to a decent level. He should have enough to last until the end of his work with Cinder, but then he would probably have to leave the kingdom. Helping a terrorist plot against the kingdom during the grand festivities would put him on a list no doubt.

"Hey kid, you've been at that academy for huntsmen, right?" Looking up from his list, he saw one of the other guys, Dismas, if he remembered, approached him.

"Uh, yeah, not really all that long though. Is there an issue? An angry huntsman?" Please don't be one, he wasn't going to be able to deal with that. Where were the twins? This is their job more than his.

"Got a well known troublemaker here, says she's here to relax, but the boys are nervous." That was a surprise, most of the other guys were fairly confident, especially with their numbers. "We need someone to keep an eye on her."

"What about the Malachites?"

"We need someone who won't start a fight with the bitch. That better?"

Shaking his head, Oxon handed the guy the paper list. "Sure thing, I'll babysit whoever it is, I need you to finish this checklist though." The man nodded and took the scrap paper from him. Oxon then moved down the long bar to where he was requested. He wasn't sure he expected the "problem" to be someone he knew.

"Yang?" Said girl whipped her head to the side. Her eyes went wide when she saw him walking up to her in the uniform of the club.

"Ox!? What are you doing working here!?" It was then he noticed that she wasn't alone, Blake was in a stool to the girl's right. She also looked confused.

"I told you I picked up a job for the break, didn't think I'd run into anyone from school here." Though maybe he should have, this was apparently the third time she'd visited the place after all.

"Uh, same, that's for sure. You do know what this place is right?" He doubted he could craft a convincing lie on the spot.

"A little, I know the boss runs an information scheme or something, but I'm just here as muscle." He saw her eyes narrowed a bit at that, shit. "I carry product from storage to the bar, man the door occasionally, and help break up fights. They helped me out when I first got to the kingdom, gave me a job and a place to stay. I'm not in on the less than stellar part, not like I have much information to offer anyways, unless someone wants to know how to transplant trees from cuttings."

The last part got a snort out of the girl, removing the suspicion as well.

"Yeah, I'm not sure what criminal empire needs botany lessons. Or maybe they just want those cute little carvings you make?"

"Seriously regretting letting you folks know I do that. Nora keeps showing up at my dorm with four by fours and demanding a sloth army." He shivered in the memory, how she got all that on campus without being stopped confused him to no end. "It was amusing the first time, but at this point I'm worried about how cluttered the JNPR dorm has become."

They have to number at least a hundred by now…

Yang laughed heartily at that, even Blake let out a chuckle at their sister team's situation. The ginger bomber was a force to be reckoned with. How Ren managed her? Nobody knew.

"Speaking of carvings, you sure you don't want anything? Not even a cat?" He gestured to the top of his head. "Cause, ya know?"

Said girl went stiff at the question. "How do you know that?"

"That you're a faunus? Weiss told me during the dance, she also said the ears are pretty soft."

"She told you!?" And the fact the girl was ex-Fang, ruining a good bit of potential blackmail for them. Her hands went to cover her bow, protecting the ears underneath.

"Was I not supposed to know? Shit, sorry. Don't get mad at Weiss please, she told me to help me with some, stuff, that night."

Blake let out a small sigh before looking at the wall behind him. "it's fine, not like it's that much of an issue for you, right?" He shook his head to confirm it with the girl, earning him a small smile.

"Yeah, I'm not going to treat you any different now that I know." Mostly because Oxon already knew her secret, he was mostly surprised when his date at the dance told him out of the blue.

"Moving on from that boring stuff, are you going to make us some drinks? We are paying customers after all." The girl flashed a few lien chips at him, proving she was here as a customer.

"That's good to hear, because from what I hear, the whole club was "renovated" after someone matching your description came by."

Yang chuckled nervously at the mention of her first time in The Club, causing Blake to give her a suspicious look.

"Yang, is that why the bouncers were so willing to let us skip the line?"

"Pfffft, noooo, I'm sure you've got the wrong person."

"Strange, apparently we got a settlement from headmaster Ozpin that same week, it kept the boss from pressing charges on the mystery woman." The flat look he gave the girl had her looking a bit nervous. "But if you're sure it was a completely different blonde girl who was around the age of a Beacon first year, then that's cool."

"I'll take a strawberry sunrise!" It seemed that she wanted to brute force her way out of this conversation. Oxon shrugged, nobody got critically injured, and they got reimbursed for damages anyway.

"Sure thing, it's apparently an unwritten rule that anyone who works here has to be able to make one." Oxon readied the juices and liquor to put the drink together. It was a very simple recipe thankfully. Once he dropped the grenadine in the glass, he slid it in front of the blonde, complete with an umbrella. "Blake, do you want anything? I can only do a sunrise, but the others are actually trained to mix properly."

"Uhh, just a wat-"

"C'mon, we're celebrating here! No parents means no need to hold back! Besides, the break is almost over."

"Well, I don't really know any drinks." The faunus girl looked at Oxon for help. Though, it's not like he knew any either, he was just muscle.

"I can ask one of the guys for a recommendation. I'll be right back." Oxon excused himself from the pair and looked for an actual bartender.

He found one of them, a guy named Shirley, and asked for a drink for a cat lover. The guy looked over at the two junior huntresses and nodded. Silently, he made a fairly complicated looking cocktail. Once it was done, the man handed Oxon what looked like a coffee cup filled with tea. He asked what the name was, and got a surprisingly on the nose answer.

"Curiosity Killed the Cat, You Know" is quite a mouthful.

"Course it is, thanks Shirley." Making his way back to Yang and Blake, he saw that the twins had spotted the duo and sat down next to Blake.

"Oh look, it's bargain bin team RWBY." Miltia, Melanie, Blake, and Yang sitting in a row looked like a similar color scheme to the actual team. The two pairs looked at each other with varying levels of "fuck that". He placed the mug down in front of Blake and turned to the sub bosses. "Is there anything I can get either of you? Even though you both know I'd just have to walk back to the other guy."

"Not right now, on the clock and all that."

"Hasn't stopped me before, Mil."

"Are these these girls you said you talked to a while back? About that thing?" Right, when Yang and Neptune came to the place for info on Torchwick.

"Yup, fat load of nothing. That Intel on the turncoat didn't play out, never saw the guy except that night."

"Well since Roman got canned, our friend hasn't been back." Miltia leaned back a bit to let her sister's head block her face from sight of the students. Her eyes made contact with him briefly with a strange look. "We thought that when Roman got nabbed, that he'd be free of whatever work he was doing. Yet we haven't heard back from him."

"And he wasn't on the train, just that ice cream looking midget." Neo was on the train? That was a surprise, more for the fact that she didn't help Roman escape. There was no news on Neo's arrest either. The blonde turned to Oxon with a curious look.

"Hey, you worked here before, you know this guy?" Of course he did, it was him after all.

"Who? Sorry, but there's a lot of guys I work with."

"Some dude who took a job with Roman Torchwick, the twins say he could help us take him down, though we beat him to that." She clinked her glass with Blake's mug and took a small sip. "Though Ruby did say she found a note from a "Silvestree'' during the dance, caused her to fight some lady in the CCT."

"Sorry, I'm not really familiar with someone who goes by that. I mostly just read name tags." Not the truth by any means, but not one they could call out.

"Well that's a bummer, ugh, why can't things ever be easy?"

"Maybe it's karma, tits-for-brains."

"Ok, let's not start a fight now! Don't want a repeat."

"Eh, she's just jealous, I can spot a pushup bra a mile away."

"Oh that's it!" Miltia sighed in exasperation, Melanie got off her stool in a hostile manner, Yang readied her fists, and Blake looked ready to support her partner.

Nope, not again. Oxon is not cleaning up the club again. He took the seltzer nozzle and let a stream fly between the girls, not hitting any of course, he wasn't suicidal. The shock at the spray of water gave enough pause for him to meditate.

"Melanie, please don't start a fight, you know what Junior will do." He turned to a grinning Yang next. "Stop being a pest, I can and will cut you off. And I'll tell Ruby."

Saying that made him blink, looking around, he didn't see the young team leader. All he could do was be thankful that the very underage girl was not in the club and drinking. Though he doubted Yang would let her, she was pretty protective.

"Boooo… Don't be a buzzkill Ox, I get enough from Blake and Weiss."

"Someone has to reign you in, and if it takes all four of us? Then so be it."

"Thanks." Blake at least seemed glad to avoid the bar fight. Honestly, Oxon didn't know why the girl in white was so willing, the entire gang couldn't beat yang alone, and now Blake was in the mix. He'd probably have to side with the twins due to being on the clock. But he did not want that to happen. He liked having bones that aren't broken.

"Speaking of family, you missed a rad party back on patch." Blake seemed to shiver for some reason, muttering something about "too many drunk blondes" and "never again". Oxon just let that go and felt a bit of pity.

"If the party was last week, then why are you celebrating here? The Club is not exactly a place I'd expect to see you patronize.

"Had to get away from dad, he's been super nosey about Beacon, not a fan of all the boys we're friends with." Her eyes got a bit of sparkle suddenly. "He calmed down when I told him three were already spoken for."

"Wait, who?"

"You, Sun, and Ren."

"Wait, Ren is dating someone? When did this happen?"

Blake snorted at that, it seemed the drunk had her relaxing a bit more than usual. "It's Nora, they might not be "together-together" yet, but if any girl so much as looks at the guy, she goes all possessive."

"Yeah, that, I've heard a few horror stories from some of the second year girls." Sounds about right. That girl was a menace.

"Wait Oxon's getting some!? Good shit dude." He pointedly ignored the high five Melanie offered him, though Yang helped the girl out.

"Why must you feel the need to tell everyone…"

"I don't hear any denials~" A fierce scowl and blush erupted on his face, much to her amusement. "Holy cow, did it finally happen? Tell me!"

"Nothing happened yet." He held up his hands before taking a deep breath, releasing it, he continued. "I have decided to try and see where things go. Slowly. We have been talking on the scroll a bunch recently."

"Oh? Any sordid messages?" The blonde and the girl in white simultaneously bagan wiggling their eyebrows. On one hand it was good to see them get along, but it was also a terrifying idea.

"Nothing like you're implying, mostly about our days, she's been venting about her dad and brother mostly." His advice on trying to build bridges had failed. Her dad didn't even care, her brother was a gremlin, his opinion, and her mom was missing or something. Weiss didn't seem comfortable clarifying and he didn't push.

"Awwww, that's cute." His frown unconsciously softened a bit and he rubbed behind his ear. He has been pretty happy when the two of them talked each night before his shifts began.

"So Ox, you want to join our little party? I'm sure you could have a drink or two." She put her arm around Blake and gave the twins a smirk. "I'm sure they could spare you for a night, right?"

"Well, uhhh, that sounds fun and all… But I'm on the clock, pretty sure I'm not supposed to drink, or party."

"Comeeeee ooooooonnnnn."

"I'm sure we can spare him for one night, and that way we can keep an eye on the resident troublemaker." The three employees gave the blonde a look as she sheepishly rubbed her head. Blake just seemed disappointed in her partner.

"Are you sure? We're pretty busy tonight." Not like the other nights weren't, but he was still necessary, right? Miltia shook her head and stood up from her seat.

"We're not so low on manpower that we'd be helpless. Besides, we're only young once!" The girl in red vaulted the counter and went to the great wall of booze and grabbed a few bottles. She came back and began mixing a few drinks. "Get your firm ass on the other side of the counter Ox, time to kick back and get paid for it!"

"I'm sorry, my what?" His question was pseudo answered when she hit his rear with a large bottle of rum.

"Move it big guy, I ain't asking again!" Taking the command as it was given, he walked to the little door leading to the main floor. He took the seat the claw wearing girl vacated with a bewildered expression.

"Well, wasn't expecting that." He took the drink that Miltia made for him. It was a light green color and had a few ice cubes floating about. He had faith it wouldn't be too bad, she wasn't Lisian after all.

"I heard the last time you drank, you were fairly entertaining and enthusiastic." The girl took a pause to slam down a shot of something. "I was pissed I missed it."

"Sorry?" He took a sip to test out the drink. The sharp kick of the drink almost made him cough it out. "What in Remnant is this?!"

"Mistrali 151 rum, Menagerie coconut rum, Mistrali spiced rum, and melon liqueur." She took another shot. "So, like, drink up."

Glancing at the other three, it seemed his only ally was Blake who was being force fed by an excited Yang. This was going to be a long night…

~~~(XXXIV)~~~

Weiss was woken up by the sound of her scroll ringing loudly. Why anyone would be calling her at this time of night was beyond her.

I swear if it's Yang trying to prank call me again… Wiess would not be held liable for her actions.

Looking at the number, she was surprised to see it was Oxon's. And requesting a video call of all things. She wasn't sure what it meant, surely he knew she was clothed for bed at this time of night, right? With a slight blush, she answered the call.

"Ox?"

Immediately the flashing lights from his end blinded the girl. Blinking away the brief pain from the bright lights, she also noticed the steady thud of music in the background. With her eyes finally adjusted, she saw something far from expected. Oxon, Yang, and some other girl with black hair and a white dress had their faces squished together so they could all be on screen.

"Weiiiiiiis! How's it snow-ing up there in Atlas?" Oxon made a pun? Oxon? This had to be Yang's fault, she's corrupted him.

"Ox, it's almost three in the morning, what's going on? Why is Yang there?" Not to mention that other girl who was far too close to him.

"They jus showed up alla sudden, then they gave me this fun drink!" He tried to lift up the glass to show her, but he ended up spilling part of it off screen.

"Gotta admit Weiss-cream, for a guy his size, his tolerance isn't something to laugh about." Oxon of course was all smiles, it was a strange yet amusing sight. He was vastly different from her mother in that regard. "The liquor he's put away… Just like uncle…"

"So this is the girl Oxon snagged, I can dig it." The strange girl seemed to be analyzing her through the screen. Her eyes widened slightly in recognition. "Damn, I saw the article online, but I didn't think it was real."

"I am sorry, but who are you?" Weiss had a strange sensation in her stomach as she looked at the girl cheek to cheek with him.

"Oh? Are you worried about lil ol me?" The unnamed girl gave Weiss a mischievous look, before laughing loudly. "Don't worry Snow Angel, I'mjust a coworker of Ox's."

"Mel's a friend!" The girl in white widened her eyes in surprise as an arm was wrapped around her shoulder, giving what looked like a powerful hug. The girl did not seem to enjoy the sudden grab, that was easy to see.

"You fat fuck! Get offa me! I'm not the Schnee! Blondie!"

"Hahaha! Oh man I'm so glad we came here tonight!" Yang seemed to be living it up with this debauchery, though Weiss did feel slightly envious about not being present. Suddenly the image rotated to show a girl in red and… Blake downing shots?

"C'mon Mil! Show er whoz boss!"

"You got this Blake! Team RWBY represent!" Yang went to stand beside her partner to cheer her on.

The two girls stared each other down as they raced to drink the five shots of clear liquid in front of them. It was clear that the girl in red had much more experience in drinking and was able to easily beat her teammate. The other unnamed girl raised her arms in victory, with only a slight sway in her posture. Blake seemed unaffected by her loss, and instead grabbed a glass of water.

"Wooooo! Go Mil! I knew you could do it!"

"Totally." The girl in red, "Mil", rolled her eyes good naturedly. "Something like that is child's play for us."

The girl reached forward to grab the scroll from Oxon, there was light verbal resistance for a moment, but she handed him a drink in exchange. Apparently that was all it took to surrender the device. The view once again shook and rotated around. Oxon was leaning heavily on the counter while this Mil girl was on a stool and resting her back on his left arm.

"So the bimbo was telling the truth, he really did shoot for the top." Oxon said something that Weiss could not make out, though the other girl seemed to catch it. "Yeah yeah, I hear ya, she's definitely cute."

Did, did he actually say that? The blush returned to her face once more. It was a shame she couldn't hear him say it clearly though.

"So little miss heiress, tell me, you wouldn't be trying to take advantage of our dear Ox now would you?"

"I'm sure I don't know what you are talking about. Ox is free to do what he wants and be with whoever he wants." She saw said teen raise a glass to cheer with Yang in the background. "He's become an irreplaceable person to me."

The girl scrutinized Weiss through the scroll's screen for a moment before shrugging. "He better be, Oxon's the type to be led around fairly easily, not that he'll admit it. He does anything people ask without a complaint, so you can see why it's strange that the richest teenager on the planet suddenly shows interest."

What was this girl implying!? That she was using him!? Weiss went from laying down to sitting upright in an instant.

"I'm not sure who you are, but whatever it is you think is absolutely incorrect. Ox has been very kind to me since our first meeting, besides, it was his choice to get to know m- us!" The girl in red simply laughed at her self defense.

"Sure thing." Weiss wanted to retort, but it seemed Oxon finally remembered he'd called her in the first place. He shifted his stance a bit, causing Mil to to nearly fall out of her seat, but Oxon grabbed her shoulder to keep her steady with a small apology. He was leaning over the shorter girl, resting his chin on the top of her head.

"Hey Weiss! How are you doing dis fine nite?" He had a goofy expression on his face that caused her to reactively smile back. He certainly was excited tonight.

"I'm doing quite well, Ox. I must say, I wasn't expecting a call like this."

"Yeeeehhh, It was Yang's idea or somthn, sounded fun ta me." He took a swing of the greenish drink in his hand briefly, luckily for Mil, he didn't spill it this time. "I can't wait to seez ya once break ends, especially since you say you can' get along with pap and… and… Shitley?"

That got a laugh out of her. She needed to cover her mouth, otherwise it would alert one of the servants. Poor Whitley, he'd burst a vein at being called that.

"Certainly Oxon, I look forward to being back as well. Vale has been a wonderful change from Atlas."

"Yyyyeeeehhh, fug Atlas, all my pals hate Atlas…" It seemed that the girl he was using as a headrest had had enough. She slipped out from under him and helped him slump on the bar.

She giggled at the rather funny scene in front of her. "I'm sure you'll also be prepared to cheer our team to victory? We won't accept anything less than complete victory in the tournament."

"Da turnement. Rigt, wai' there's something I got- gotta say." Oh? "So, I think I need to tell ya that-"

And suddenly the call cut out. Weiss blinked at the rather abrupt end to the absurd conversation. Attempting to call the number back resulted in nothing, she tried a few more times with no success.

"Well, I guess I'll have to ask him about that another time." She placed her scroll on her side table and decided to go back to sleep. "I wonder what it was?"

~~~(XXXIV)~~~

Back at the club, Oxon stared at his dead scroll. He had forgotten to charge it before his shift, and its low battery ran out quickly due to the long distance video call. He tapped the screen a few times to no avail.

Idly, he realized he couldn't remember what he was about to say.

"Ehhhhhhhhh, iz prolly finnneeee…."

~~~(XXXIV)~~~

Making my way downtown, faces past, going fast, Arkansas and Oklahoma were very boring states to drive through, and the pickup trucks of Texas rode my tail even at 85+ mph.