Heart to Heart
Chapter 53 Time for a Party
James Ironwood sat behind his desk in his large room as he had called those that he felt were the few people he could call trusted. Winter and Penny were by his sides as usual with Qrow standing with the youngster that came with him and Clover representing the Ace Ops.
"So what's going on Jimmy? You look like something is eating you and the fact you called us all here means you want to tell us something." Qrow stated when they all gathered.
Winter had an annoyed face while James nodded his head. "You would be correct. It would seem that Jacques Schnee is holding an event for his election. He's invited the elite of Atlas as well as every council member, which includes me."
"He's inviting you to one of his parities?" Qrow raised an eyebrow as it was no secret that Jacques and James never got along, hell they were down right hostile towards each other.
"Yes I found that odd as well," James leaned back. "He's obviously up to something."
Weiss slightly raised a hand to gain attention politely. "I received an invite as well."
James was a little surprised by that and gave a silent look to Winter.
She coughed into her hand. "Yes, I did as well but I had no plans on going."
James nodded his head as he got a thoughtful look. "Well he's obviously trying something and he's been very frustrating with him holding on dust supplies. Whatever the reason is, I called you all here because I was hoping some of you would want to join this party."
"Oh, we get to go to a fancy party?" Nora asked.
"In a way, since he's up to something while at the party I was hoping you would be my eyes and ears." James then looked to Clover. "Except for the Ace Ops, I want you on standby in case something happens."
"Do you think there might be trouble?" Clover asked him.
"I have no idea but all the elite in Atlas with how stressful things are all in one spot would be too good of a target." James explained. "That's why I want some of you inside the party as well just in case we need a fighting force inside."
"Somehow I doubt we'll have our weapons." Ruby spoke up.
"No you won't but that's why I want Penny here to be on standby with them," He looked at the mechanical girl. "They will be stored in a weapons box, given the weight and number of weapons you're the only one that can pick it up and get it to us quickly."
Penny nodded her head. "Understood sir, I will be on standby."
"Now I can't order you to do this," James looked at them. "As this isn't an official mission, we can't have a record of military operations against a civilian like this and not with the other council members being there. So, this is volunteers only."
There were silent looks among everyone.
"I plan on attending," Weiss stepped forward to the surprise of Winter.
"Well you're not going alone then," Ruby told her. "I'm sure the rest of Team RWBY won't leave you alone in this, right guys?"
Blake nodded her head. "I think a faunus walking into a Schnee party would be something that would be the talk of the town."
Blake had to admit, the idea of a faunus just showing up would get under Jacques' skin would be a bonus. She could only imagine the kind of waves just her presence would cause. It was too bad she couldn't also admit to being an ex-White Fang but she was pretty sure there were still certain crimes she committed that she could still be put in jail for. While she was a Huntress that didn't absolve a person of past crimes.
"Hell yeah, what do you say Jaune, want to be my date?" Yang smirked as she lightly elbowed her boyfriend. "Oh I can use that dress you got me awhile back again."
Jaune had to admit he would like to see her in that golden dress again. "I think I can clear my schedule."
"Well let me know which ones want to be part of this," James looked to Winter. "I hope you'll be attending too."
Winter paused as the thought of being in the same room as her father made her extremely uncomfortable. "I suppose I can go as your aid."
"Actually, I was thinking you use your invitation," James clarified. "I need you to keep your eyes open and look around like the others and you can't do that if you're stuck by my side."
Winter shifted clearing not liking the idea. "I…suppose I could."
"What's the matter Ice Queen? Can't think of a someone to bring as a date?" Qrow teased her. "You could always go under my arm."
"I'd rather chew off my own arm," Winter muttered out darkly at the man that was old enough to be her father, but then spoke up. "Who will be my plus one is of no consequence to you."
Qrow rolled his eyes. "Honestly I would be surprised if you can get a plus one."
"What's that supposed to mean?!" Winter demanded.
"Do you even have any friends or anyone you can ask?" Qrow honestly asked. Winter's mouth snapped shut as she started to flush in embarrassment.
"Alright that's enough," James took control before the two of them got into yet another fight. Honestly the two fought so often he wondered how they managed to work together. "Let me know your choices by the end of the day, dismissed. Oh Qrow, a minute please."
Qrow stopped moving not liking this, whenever James wanted a private talk, he knew he wasn't going to like it.
The rest left the room, various people were excited. Weiss pulled out her scroll to see if Flynt would be free that night. Some of them were talking about what to wear as they now had some money saved up from all their missions in Atlas they could actually buy something decent. Ruby started to lament at having to buy something fancy and that she would have to wear 'lady stilts' again.
Winter went off on her own as she started to think, mainly it was Qrow's damned words that kept echoing in her mind. Who could she call? She could just show up without an escort after all, even if she knew in Atlas society going without a 'date' would be seen as pitiful.
She hated upper class society it was filled with vipers and any little thing could be turned into some kind of scandal. Trying to say things with hidden meanings or not saying anything of substance at all, god how she hated it all. She stopped walking as she thought about her time before the left for the military. She did have a small circle of, well not exactly friends, they were more of a social circle she could tolerate. But when she went into the military, she had cut ties and hadn't talked to any of them in years.
It wasn't like she could just get in touch with them again after all this time, so who did that leave?
The silence in her mind was deafening as she tried to think of friends in the military but came up with nothing. She had been so focused on her career she hadn't bothered to get close to anyone really. Seeing her little sister disappear with her friends made Winter feel a bit jealous of the bonds she had.
Winter was proud of her standing but looking back, who did she share her life with? She got up, trained, went to work, went to her room, maybe she would read or listen to some music, go to bed and she would do it all over again. There had to be someone she could ask? How about a co-worker at least?
She knew that because of her rank she couldn't just ask anyone, they would have to be a specialist as well or something or equal rank and they would have to be someone she respected. Most Specialist she wasn't really on close terms with the closest she knew were the Ace Ops. General Ironwood wanted them on standby but maybe one of them could be asked?
Thinking on it she might be her only choice, if only the shut that old crow up. She was certain one of them wouldn't be too much of a problem, they had plans in case something happened after all and that didn't mean something was going to happen. The question was, which one?
Clover? While he was someone, she could respect he was a bit too old for her and she had a feeling that maybe she wasn't his type. Vine? He seemed a bit too stiff and she wasn't sure she could carry a conversation with him. Then maybe Elm? No, she wasn't the most subtle of people and her large size and loud personality wouldn't make her good for this kind of mission. Then maybe Harriet instead? Harriet was a profession that she could work with but again she might be too stiff for this kind of mission.
That only left Marrow, thinking about it they were about the same age, he was a respectable member of the Ace Ops and while he was a bit too emotional, he could be professional. Also his semblance to literally stop anyone would be helpful inside the party if there was an attack giving them much needed reaction time.
The more the thought about it the more she thought he might be the perfect choice for this mission. There was also something else, Blake's words about a faunus entering the party got her thinking what would her father think of her bringing in a faunus as her date? The image of his repressed anger and shocked expression gave Winter a small smile.
Elsewhere the young hunters were talking on their way back to their section of the tower.
"This is so cool, it's like we're going to be in a secret mission like in a spy movie," Nora jumped around.
"It might not be that fun Nora," Weiss said typing a message into her scroll. "There will be lots of talking, people looking to use anything you say or due to take you down a notch, everyone judging you and possibly a long boring speech from my father."
"Boo," Nora slumped. "That sounds boring."
"Most likely it will be," Weiss sighed. "If you're thinking it will be like the Beacon dance, it won't."
"Way to sell it," Yang sighed with her arms behind her head. "Will there be at least dancing?"
"Only with classical music." Weiss told her.
Yang made a face, well she could make it work. She really wanted an excuse to wear that dress again given everything Jaune went to get it. Plus, there was no way she was leaving a teammate alone in something like this.
Yang looked over to see Ruby who was looking like she was sucking on a lemon the entire time they left. "What's wrong?"
"You know I hate dressing up like that." Ruby pouted. "Can't I just go like I am now?"
"No," Weiss told her flatly. "I doubt they would let you in dressed like that."
Ruby grumbled and then looked down, "Wait, what's wrong with my clothes?"
"Nothing to me but to that crowd? I feel I should help make sure everyone is dressed in a way that you won't all be instantly ridiculed." Weiss was already thinking of what shops they could visit, now that they had more money from all the missions, they have been doing they could afford something a little expensive. At times like this she missed her old allowance with the deep pockets. She had no idea just how hard people had to work for things until she was completely cut off.
Her scroll chimed as she looked at it, it was from Flynt but her face fell at the text he gave her.
"What's wrong?" Ruby asked seeing her face.
"Apparently Flynt can't make it, there is a test tomorrow and his team is pulling a study session. Also, apparently there is a curfew on students on weekdays."
"Ouch," Yang winced. "It's been so long I forgot what it was like being student."
"It does seem like a long time." Jaune nodded his head.
"Well, it's not like I plan on going with anyone," Blake shrugged.
Weiss paused as an idea hit her. "Well then we can go together."
"What?" Blake asked surprised.
"As a friend!" Weiss spoke up suddenly realizing how that sounded.
Blake smiled softly. "I'm okay with that, you sure you want to be seen with a faunus though? After all the Schnee family don't have a good reputation with them."
"I've learned not to let what others thing of me control my behaviour," Weiss tilted her head up proudly. "And if they have a problem with my friend then they have a problem with me."
"Hell yeah sister!" Nora shouted out with a fist bump.
"Well now that, that is settled," Yang spoke up. "Anyone else got plans to go?"
"Actually…" Ren spoke up looking at Nora. "I was hoping to take Nora somewhere special."
"Wait, like a real date?" Nora asked. "Just…you know…the two of us?"
Ren's cheeks heated up as she looked away and scratched the back of his head. "Well yes, unless you would prefer to go to the party."
"The General did say it wasn't mandatory," Oscar spoke up for the first time he had been pretty quiet about it as he didn't really have anything to say. It wasn't like he was planning to go, he had never been to a major party like this and he was feeling nervous about it just thinking about it.
Nora quickly thought about it, going to what sounded like a dull party or spending some alone time with Ren. It wasn't a contest in her mind as she quickly wrapped herself around his arm. "Well, you guys have fun, looks like we got plans."
There was nothing but warm smiles at the sight of the couple. Yang thought of something as she leaned down to whisper to her sister. "You know, this might be a good time to invite someone else to be your date."
Ruby's face heated up as she hadn't even thought of it.
"I'm not sure, I mean I don't really dance and I'd have to wear those stupid shoes and stuff." She tried to make excuses.
"Well that fine, he's just going to be here all alone," Yang could see that mental image was starting to eat away at Ruby. She just needed one little push and suddenly Yang had an evil idea. "You know what, I don't like idea of him all alone, hey maybe he can hang with Team FNKI…I know Neon would love to babysit him."
Ruby felt it again the spiky sharp heat as she thought about Neon grabbing Oscar again. She didn't like feeling like this but she also liked that idea even less.
Yang grinned as she pulled back knowing she scored a hit on that one. Now she just had to sit back and let Ruby do the rest of it.
Oscar was in his room wondering what to do now, it seemed like he wouldn't have training with Ironwood which he was kind of glad for. Having aura was nice but you still got bruises and stuff which still took time to fully heal. Although he was kind of stumped on what to do with the rest of the time.
Ozpin was being quiet as ever, not that he was sure he wanted to talk to him some days. He was still mad at him for just keeping all these really important secrets they learned about from everyone, especially from him. This was HIS body and HIS life that got interrupted, he should be back on the farm with his aunt, going to school, helping out with chores, not risking his life trying to save the world.
He sighed, ever since that voice came into his head, he knew his life wasn't going to be normal. Granted when it first happened, he was afraid he was having a mental breakdown and was going to eventually be sent to a mental hospital. Most likely get put on medication so he would stop heading voices for the rest of his life.
The truth turned out to be so much bigger and scarier. A delusion he could handle, reality was so much scarier.
Oscar sat down on his bunk wonder if he should look for a book. He saw Blake reading a lot, maybe she had some good ones she could recommend? He could just go for a walk, Atlas was pretty amazing looking city. He had only heard the rumors of the city that floated in the sky but actually being here? Well that was something, maybe he could take some pictures? He could have them sent to his aunt, he hoped his letters got to her. Man was he going to get a talking to next time he saw her, she was going to be so mad, like the maddest he would ever see her.
He missed his aunt and he hoped she was doing well.
Oscar was pulled out of his memories when the door chime kicked in. He was the only one in the room at the moment so he got up to open the door. He was surprised to see Ruby standing there and he felt his heart beat faster as soon as he saw her. Lately it was hard not to think about the girl, he knew that she was his first real crush (and maybe something more?) but he had no experience with girls that helped him deal with any of the things he felt when near her.
"Hey Oscar," Ruby said nervously. "Can, can I come in?"
"Uh, yeah sure, of course," He stepped aside as she walked in and he closed the door. Then he suddenly realized, they were alone in a room together. Sure they had been alone before but nothing in such an intimate place like this or as small a room as this. He felt his own nerves start to rise up.
Ruby shuffled in her spot as she felt her stomach fluttering. This would be the first time she actually full on asked someone to a real date. Not hanging out, not doing an activity together or training together but a real date. With dresses, dancing and who knew what else.
She wished she had half the confidence of her sister about this, she made it look so easy.
"I was wondering if, well, that is if you wanted to," Ruby hated how the words stumbled out of her mouth she felt so embarrassed and just wanted to pull her hood over her head and run away. She took a breath and let it all out in one go. "Wouldyouliketogotothepartywithmeasmydate?"
Oscar blinked trying to piece together what she had just said, it had been so fast but he thought he caught most of it. "You, wanted me to take you to the party?"
He wanted to make sure he got it correct as Ruby blushed and shyly nodded.
His face heated up as the implication hit him. "Like, a d-d-date? A date-date?"
"Y-yeah, a date-date," She shifted as her stomach was not helping her out, she felt like she was going to throw up from how nervous she was at this moment.
"Uh, yeah-I mean of course-you sure you want to go with me?"
"Yes, I really wanted to go with you." Ruby told him honestly.
"Uh…wow okay."
"Okay then," Ruby felt a bit better but now what was she supposed to do? They were going but was there anything else to say? The awkward silence only grew between the two of them as both weren't sure on what to say or do next. Ruby couldn't take the silence anymore and figured it was time to make an escape before she embarrassed herself.
"Well I better go, lots of planning to do," She quickly said going for the door controls as she heard the door open.
"Y-yeah same," Oscar now had to find an outfit, where would he get one? Maybe he could ask Jaune for help? He seemed to know what he was doing and might have an idea.
Ruby looked over her shoulder at him as she moved. "Yeah, I'll see you lat-ow!" She had just walked partially into the doorframe. She had been looking at him as she moved and hadn't paid attention and when she turned and moved quickly she slammed into it.
"Are you okay!?" Oscar asked moving forward.
"Yeah! Fine-fine! Just fine, peachy," She wanted to die in that moment. Why oh why did she have to do that? She quickly made her way down the hall to her room her face flushed full of embracement. When she got into the room the others were there, even Yang since she practically lived with Jaune at this point. They had been talking about outfits when Ruby came in.
"Hey sis, how did it go?" Yang asked with a grin.
Ruby just went to her bed face down, pulled her hood over head and actually screamed into her pillow.
The other three shared conserved looks.
"Did he not want to go?" Blake hesitantly asked.
Ruby was silent a moment before they heard a muffled. "We're going."
"So then what's the problem?" Weiss asked next.
Ruby looked up from her pillow, "Promise you won't laugh."
She explained what happened and how she had left in one of the most embarrassing ways possible. Yang of course couldn't help but laugh at it all.
"Yang!"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry but only you Ruby, only you." Yang tried to calm herself and stop laughing but oh it was just so funny.
Ruby pouted as she went back to pushing her face into the pillow.
Yang sat down and rubbed her back. "Okay so it's not all bad, you think I would still be with Jaune after all the things he's done? Have you forgotten that the first time we met him he threw up on my shoe? Now look at us? Happy couple."
"I just wish I didn't do it." Ruby muttered.
"Look, if you're going to be in a relationship, you'll both experience embarrassing moments," Yang told her. "But that's part of the fun in a way. Don't worry about it, it's the kind of thing you'll look back on and laugh."
"Speaking from experience?" Blake asked her.
"Not telling," Yang stuck out her tongue. "At least not until a few drinks."
The Ace Ops were in their meeting room, being an elite team meant that not only did they get personal quarters they also had their own room for the team. It was a large one set up in different sections. One side had what looked like a small briefing area with a screen and chairs in front of it, there was a holomap next to it. There were lockers for their weapons as well as tables and equipment for maintenance of their gear. There was a small lounge for relaxing when between missions in the center of the room.
The current members were Vine who was sitting on a cushion in the corner meditating, Harriet was hitting a punching bag against one of the walls as Elm doing curls in a chair next to them. It wasn't exactly a full gym but what they did have was something to keep them sharp. Marrow was working on his weapon, it was pulled apart in a few places as he was doing maintenance on them.
It was relatively quiet until Winter walked in with her arms behind her back.
"Marrow!" she called out in her usual commanding tone.
"Ma'am!" Marrow instantly dropped what he was doing and stood to attention. It was just drilled into you in the military when a superior came in with that kind of tone. While technically they were all Specialist, being Ironwood's right-hand officer did make her his superior. The others stopped what they were doing as they watched her walk up to him.
Everyone was wondering why she had singled him out, especially Marrow. He was quickly trying to think of anything he might have messed up on. He didn't think he had but it was hard to tell her state of mood given she always had that serious expression on her face.
"I've talked to Clover and got permission to have you reassigned for the mission that's coming up." Winter explained to him.
Marrow blinked, he was being reassigned? Was he being pulled? Just what did he do to get pulled from the mission?
"I'm being reassigned ma'am?"
Winter nodded her head. "Yes…you're going as my date."
"Your…wha?" He blinked in confusion not sure he heard her right.
"I expect to see you out front at 1700 on the night of the event. You can choose your dress uniform or something of appropriate clothing." Winter told him. "Good day Specialist."
With her job done she quickly turned on her heels and walked out with her usual commanding presence leaving the entire room stunned silent and no more than Marrow who stood there watching her leave. As soon as the door closed there was a moment before Harriet broke the silence.
"The hell just happened?" She asked looking around.
"Looks like Marrow got himself a date," Elm grinned walking over and wrapping her large arm around the back of his head. "So how's it feel to date the famous Ice Queen of the Specialist?"
"I…I don't…" Marrow was totally stunned silent as his brain just couldn't really wrap around things. Winter Schnee of all people had just asked him out? Wait she didn't even give him a chance to say 'no' or anything? Not that he was sure he could say no to her, she was kind of scary and turning her down might get her angry.
He has seen her angry, it wasn't pretty.
So he asked the only question he could at this point. "Why me!?"
Elm just shrugged. "Don't know, maybe she likes you or something."
The large woman disengaged from him going back to her workout. Marrow thought about those words, there was no way that she liked him, right? Sure she was very beautiful once you got past that scary exterior but did he even do anything that got her attention? He couldn't think of anything and it was driving him crazy as he tried to think what he could have done.
Vine could see his teammate looked to be on edge. Relationships weren't exactly his area of expertise, he didn't really see the point of them and they didn't interests him. Still he had some advice that he used. "Marrow, when life throws chaos at you, you should just go with it. Like a raging river just let it pull you and see where it takes you. Swimming against the current will only lead to your ultimate doom."
"So, just go with the flow that's your advice?" Marrow asked him with a dead pan expression.
"Can you change the outcome of this?" Vine asked.
Marrow was about to say something when he remembered that she had gotten approval for him to be with her from both Clover and the General. There literally was no one higher he could go to about any complaints if he had them. He slumped his shoulders. "I'm really stuck huh?"
"Oh don't be such a baby about it," Harriet rolled her eyes. "Just go out on the date, who knows you might have fun."
"With Winter Schnee?" Elm asked.
"Well…she could surprise him?" Harriet shrugged, while she respected Winter almost as much as the General, the woman was pretty cold and hard to get to know personally. "Maybe we've only seen her business face?"
"Huh, maybe." Elm thought about it before going back to punching.
Harriet looked back to Marrow. "Besides if it all goes bad at worst she never asks you out again."
"Yeah I mean, it's not like I have had much of a personal life at the moment, we've been busy lately." Marrow couldn't remember the last time he got the chance to go on a date and now he was starting to warm up to the idea.
"Hey, maybe you'll get lucky," Harriet winked at him.
Marrow blushed, there was no way that would happen…right? The image of Winter came to mind looking at him with bedroom eyes leaning into him filled his mind. He quickly shook his head, where had that come from? Sure she was pretty…damn pretty actually…he quickly got back to work on his weapon. He needed to focus on something, anything other than that.
He would also see if he had any good clothing later, he hoped so the dress uniform always felt too tight on him.
TBC…
I kind of added in a little fun with Marrow and Winter having a little misunderstanding of her intentions. I think it could work out to be something fun, we'll see how their chemistry goes.