Chapter 32: Another Date
Disclaimer: RWBY belongs to Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum, I only own my OCs.
Team RXDY
It's a pleasant Saturday morning as the Doubles round comes to a close and the winners are being tallied as the victorious teams decide who among them will represent them in the Singles round. The attendees are enjoying the Vytal Tournament with the exciting matches and itching for more. Some teams venture to Dust 'til Dawn for ammo replenishment or feeling a new Dust type is needed to give them an edge in the tournament.
Sin Saber walks through Vale Center seeing people exiting candy stores, buying clothing with the Vytal Tournament stitched into the fabric of jeans, sweats and hoodies, a smile forms on the human's face, happy to see the people enjoying themselves.
He reflects on the members of teams TEAL and RXDY, starting with TEAL.
Tira's seemingly endless energy and her semblance makes him a little jealous, constantly regenerating her aura. Nothing short of a killing blow will break it. Having faced the fiery redhead in battle showed Sin the girl has what it takes to be a formidable huntress once her team graduates from Beacon Academy.
Her adopted sister Emmara Ace is just adorable. Her shyness just makes her cuter and has a talent for photography. With a little work, she could be wife material, a small laugh escapes him at imagining her reaction.
Alexia, the sexy half-dog faunus is the silent and deadly type, knows how to move as demonstrated in the battle his team had with them in their 4 on 4 battle. She knew how to use her weapons and she hid it well, but his own past allowed him to see she had a dark one as well, prior to joining Beacon.
Then there's Cassandra Lynch. Her aggressive, all-out fighting style reminds him of the Grimm and the vibes coming off of her told Sin she has a personal vendetta against them as the scars on her body indicate. Her cold personality and equally cold stare tell him to not bother her. If the right person shows up, Cassandra can become a much better person. Besides the scars, her pale skin, white hair and icy blue eyes with one glazed over do give the scarred girl an allure.
His mind drifts to the mercenary team RXDY.
Starting with the leader Rena Schwartz, the one-eyed beauty who in his mind shares so many similarities to Cinder. His matches with her certainly gets his adrenaline flowing and eager to end his losing streak against her. He did come close last time. At times, he wondered what lies beneath her tough exterior and when she asked him out, he got the chance to see what lied underneath that armor. Being on a date for the very first time was certainly an experience he won't forget, especially the bouts of passion he had with her. She somehow knew how to affect him that he otherwise wouldn't with Rhia or Yumi. He remembers what their waiter said when they ate at the five-star restaurant about a good-looking couple they make. If he had to choose between Rena and Cinder Fall, he'd have a tough choice to make. On the one hand, there's a kinship between him and Rena, having experienced just as much as bloodshed as himself, but she seems to have accepted the fact she can't redeem herself of that., but she admitted he makes her feel in ways her teammates can't, leading him to believe it was her way of calling out for help. On the other hand, he's known Cinder much longer and did train him along with unlocking his semblance. He was attracted to Cinder though he isn't certain if she feels the same way.
His thoughts next drift to Xavier Stone, the team's other powerhouse. The ox faunus does have drawing talent and Sin did ask him if the ox faunus considered pursuing the career of an artist and Xavier said it did cross his mind.
Draco Lance is an interesting fella. He seems to be holding something back though what exactly, Sin doesn't know. What he can see, is that behind Draco's eyes is a burning rage that he keeps in check or is saving it for someone.
Finally, his thoughts reach Yumi Asuma. The wolf faunus was just too cute and made him want to take her out for an evening of fun and Yumi accepted. Her cheerful personality and pure heart despite the job she does makes him weak in the knees and heart racing, it makes Sin wish he met her much sooner or attended Shade Academy, perhaps they could've been on a team. He doesn't regret being a member of Team RUST, though. He loved traveling with them and taking down Grimm. Yumi's innocence and personality gives the wolf faunus a charm Rhia or Cinder lack.
'Since when did I become a psychologist?' Sin thought with humor.
He continued to walk around Vale City when he heard someone calling out, "Step up right here, don't be shy! Who among you wishes to step in the ring with the reigning champion of the Atlas Underground Fight Club, Malek Cross? Survive one whole minute and win 5,000 lien!" In the middle of the park area, Sin sees a ring and in the middle is a young man likely in his mid 20s, standing around 6'1, ripped athletic build, medium black hair, green eyes and pale skin. He wore black tights, a red sleeveless muscle shirt, had no shoes on and wore a pair of black MMA gloves.
Malek walks around the inside of the ring asking if there's anyone who'll challenge him. With nothing better to do at the moment, Sin walks over.
He announced, "I'll do it!" The crowd, Malek and most likely the announcer turned as one in the direction Sin was walking up from, "Got nothing else to do at the moment."
The announcer wondered, "What's your name, young lad?"
The hunter-in-training said, "Sin. Just to make sure I heard you correctly. All I have to do is last one whole minute against this guy and I win 5 grand?"
The announcer confirmed, "You are correct, my boy."
Sin cracked his knuckles with a grin, "This is going to be the easiest money I ever made" While Sin climbs into the ring, the announcer fans himself in a theatrical manner.
'This is perhaps the youngest challenger Malek has faced yet.' He thought.
Inside the ring, Malek looked Sin up and down and gave a cocky smile, "You got spirit, kid. For someone not even twenty yet."
Sin told the champion, "I've got my experience pal, don't worry. I'll take it easy on you." Once the bell is rung, the match starts.
Sin's semblance activates, slowing down the perception of time through his eyes. He evades each strike Malek throws at him until he reaches the one-minute mark then unloads on Malek. Thank the gods Sin is using the non-combat pair of the Twins, he didn't want to be charged with hospitalizing Malek. One uppercut enhanced by his aura stuns Malek, allowing Sin to close in and land a series of quick strikes. An open-palm strike to the chest knocks Malek onto his back and the bell rings.
The announcer declared, "I can hardly believe it. The champion is down! The winner is Sin Saber!" The small crowd erupts into cheers.
As promised, Sin is given the 5,000-lien award and Malek even commented that Sin has what it takes to become a boxer if he chooses to pursue that career. Sin thanks and departs. Now loaded with money, he wonders what to spend it on.
Pulling out his scroll, he sorts through the list of contacts the device currently holds until he spots Rena's number. He starts reaching for the call, button when he stops himself out of nervousness. Having remembered when the one-eyed faunus asked him out, taking the human by surprise. Nevertheless, he accepted it. Now, he will ask her.
Swallowing the lump in his throat, he presses the call, button and hears the ringing tone.
Merely a split second later, the one-eyed faunus' voice answered, "Hello?"
Sin said, "H-Hi, Rena. Um, I was wondering if we could hang out."
Rena asked, "Like another date?"
Sin's cheeks turned red, "Well...I…"
Rena interjected, "Sure. My teammates have got something planned out anyway. Shall we meet up in the middle of Vale City like last time?"
Sin said, "Y-Yeah. See you in 20 minutes?"
Rena confirmed, "See you in 20 minutes. Good-bye, Sin."
The human nodded, "Yeah. See you soon." Ending the call, he slowly lowered his arm, like his mind is processing what he just did.
20 minutes later, Rena shows up wearing the same attire she had on their first date. Just like the first date, Sin is taken aback by the beauty standing in front of him.
Rena walked up to him, running her index finger along his jawline, "Still not used to seeing the infamous One-Eyed Devil in something other than the armor, huh?" A mirthful glint formed in her eye seeing the human stuttering.
Sin stuttered, "I don't know this One-Eyed Devil you speak of. I only know Goddess, I mean Rena."
Rena smirks before she asks, "So, what do you want to do?"
A bead of sweat runs down the side of Sin's face out of sheer nervousness, silently cursing his lack of dating experience and being rendered a stuttering mess in the one-eyed faunus' presence.
He cleared his throat, "Let's see what the city has to offer." The two initiate the date venturing into the arcade, purchasing tokens for the arcade machines.
Sin picks a side-scrolling 3D action/adventure game. The game itself is a spin-off take of the Grimm War and involves a ragtag group of Hunters protecting a village of survivors from some Grimm invasion and despite their heroic efforts know it's only a matter of time before the village is overrun with Grimm. Thus, the Hunters decide to lead the villagers to the next town where they hope will have better protection. During an ambush from Grimm the Hunters are saved by a duo of former extremists who defected from a terrorist organization unable to cope with the crimes it commits. In an effort to atone for their actions they have become freelance hit men.
The leader of the two is a half Great White shark faunus standing 6'5'' tall, dark blue eyes, looks to be in his mid 20s, gray upper skin and white under skin, long black hair with a few red highlights, lean and muscular build, wore black boots, charcoal gray jeans, black tank top and gray trench coat. His faunus traits are gills on both sides of his neck and triangular serrated teeth. His name's Aiden Starr.
His chosen weapon is a double-bladed glaive with a collapsible handle to carry in the holster strapped to Aiden's black colored belt. It can also be separated into dual assault rifles and use different Dust ammo types though Aiden normally prefers fire Dust. He carries the Dust bullets in an ammo box on the right side of his belt. He calls the weapon Demon's Fang.
Aiden's partner is a human male, standing around 5'10" tall, blue-gray eyes, in his early 20s, slightly pale skin, medium-length auburn hair, athletic build, wore charcoal gray steel-toed boots, blue jeans secured by a belt, red short-sleeved shirt, black gloves with metal beads on the knuckles and a custom gray long coat. His name is Leon Ackerman.
His weapon of choice is a sniper rifle that can morph into a glaive and grappling hook. Leon carries an ammo box on his belt and the weapon itself is usually carried by him. He calls his weapon Requiem.
Grabbing the control stick in one and fingers barely touching the control buttons, Rena and Sin wait as the title displays the first episode. Their chosen game characters draw their weapons and exchange dialogue before a swarm of Beowolves appear.
Rena and Sin move their characters, mowing them down Sin occasionally changing Leon's weapon into its glaive form and getting up close and personal. The Beowolves surround him when Sin notices the meter gauge on the bottom left corner is full making him believe it's for some kind of special attack, requiring the red+green buttons to use. Curious to see what it is, Sin presses the two, buttons at the same time.
Leon's blue-gray eyes flash as the character loads a fire Dust shell and swings Requiem in patterns until it creates a pentagram, tapping the pole on the ground triggers the explosion. The former extremists continue escorting the Hunters as they lead the villagers, occasionally breaking crates for loot to increase the score points or food to replenish HP. They soon reach the level boss, which reveals to be an Alpha Ursa. The bear Grimm stands no chance against the combined might of Aiden and Leon. For victory poses Leon looks at the camera grinning along with the peace sign while Aiden has Demon's Fang in its dual gun form, resting one on his shoulder while the other faces the ground, the older man faces ahead while giving a side glare at the camera. The game progresses further until a surprise attack event occurs when a bandit tribe attacks the village the group is resting in. The bandits are disposed of rather quickly.
With Sin, he looks at his date seeing the one-eyed faunus focused on the game. Her stoic expression doesn't betray her thoughts. By the time they reach the fifth level, the difficulty has increased exponentially.
The level boss in that is the sole surviving bandit and proves to be a little cheap, using dirty tactics on Sin and Rena. One move drains the remains of her character's HP and kills Leon. Thankfully, she uses a continue to get back into the fight.
'All right, jackass. You wanna play like that? We'll play like that. Let's see how you handle this.' Rena thought.
She becomes more aggressive in her attacks, not giving the bandit a chance to counterattack while Sin lets his character sit back and watch.
They proceed further into the story mode until they reach the final level, knowing full well how difficult it is despite having not played any video games in their respective lives. The final boss was something called the Grimm Knight, a humanoid Grimm fully clad in armor that shared the same color scheme as all other Grimm do. In its right hand is a menacing looking sword that can inflict heavy damage and the left hand has a shield to protect itself from retaliatory strikes.
Aiden and Leon do a prayer and engage the Grimm Knight who has three overlapping health bars that start off purple, then golden orange and finally red. A fierce battle ensues with attacks barely making a dent in the enemy's HP. Aiden blocks a strike from the enemy's sword when Leon scores a hit on the Grimm Knight's back, making a sizable dent in the enemy's HP. Now with a strategy in mind, the two former extremists drive the Grimm Knight onto its back foot, Aiden keeping it busy while Leon lands hard blows to the enemy's back. Now down to its final health bar, the Grimm Knight becomes vicious, and the retaliatory attacks inflict heavier damage as one attack takes out half of Leon and Aiden's HP. Not wanting to make the same mistake again, Aiden and Leon perform hit and run moves until the enemy's HP is almost zero. The two perform a combo attack that end the Grimm Knight who explodes into particles of dark energy. The game's epilogue plays then the end game credits roll.
Sin and Rena enter their initials as they both land high scores.
The human grinned, "That was fun. We rock or what?"
Rena replied, "I'll admit, it was satisfying. Let's see what else this arcade has to offer." The two next play a first-person shooter game. Thankfully, it has a tutorial on how to reload and how to use secondary weapons.
Turns out the story of this first-person shooter is more or less about stopping terrorists from setting a Dust bomb that can level a town.
Rena and Sin breeze through the game much to their disappointment. Next up is an air hockey game that Rena takes seriously, a little too much in Sin's opinion. The game is neck and neck, both not allowing the other to score the next point. Rena narrowly thwarts a score attempt and nails home, effectively winning the match. The play more games until their stomachs growl, craving food. Venturing into a restaurant known for serving the best sandwiches in Vale. Lucky for them there's an empty booth next to the window for them.
The waiter comes over, offering them menus and asking what they want to drink. Both Sin and Rena settle with water.
As the waiter heads back with the water, he asks them if they're ready to order. Rena picks a grilled chicken sandwich with an apple and Sin has the same.
Sin looked at the faunus, "So, having fun?"
Rena nodded, "I am."
The human commented, "You were really focused on that side-scrolling 3D action/adventure game. Are you a natural gamer?"
The faunus shook her head, "No, that was my first time playing a video game. Work is pretty much all I've known prior to meeting the Belladonnas, my adopted father and teammates. Having a bounty on your head makes you not want to remain in one place for too long. The life of a mercenary is one written in blood and money."
Sin began, "To be fair..." He stops as their food arrives and they dig in.
The meals are devoured in record time and Sin pays the bill and they depart.
Sin commented, "That sandwich was good, but not worth the price. I can make one far better and cheaper."
Rena said, "Yumi did tell me about that. You cooked chicken stir-fry for the two of you."
The human grinned at her, "I'll make it for you one time if you ask really nice." They wander around Vale City, walking into the various shops including a recently opened one that houses artifacts from Remnant's early days. Walking up to a glass casing, the duo sees massive triangular serrated teeth measuring up to seven inches long. The teeth are white in color indicating they're recently shed.
The owner walked over, "Ah, welcome to my artifact store. My name's Todd and I see you have seen something you like."
Rena said, "Do these teeth belong to a Devil Jaws?"
Todd smiled, "Indeed they do. I take it you've seen one?"
The one-eyed faunus confirmed, "Sure have. Off the coast of Argus, I witnessed it attack a Humpback."
Sin queried, "What exactly is Devil Jaws, beautiful?"
Rena replied, "It's a shark Grimm. The one my team and I saw was sixty feet long and gave us the front-row seat of the attack. Pretty gruesome."
Sin asked, "Has it attacked boats or cargo ships?"
The one-eyed faunus replied, "No. It appears to have no interest in attacking ships." She leaves out the part of Devil Jaws and Humpback being True Grimm.
Todd looked at the teeth inside the glass case, "I found these during my trip at Argus. They washed ashore a week before I returned here. It's crazy to imagine seeing this giant marine predator in person." He gives them a tour of his store explaining each artifact he collected during his childhood and decided to turn his antique collecting passion into a business and looks to branch out beyond Vale soon. He explains the first-ever Dust sword a traveler discovered. The blade is still surprisingly in good condition despite the rust stains and cracked or chipped parts, making Todd place it inside a box with glass.
Soon, Rena and Sin finish their exploration of the artifact store and bid Todd farewell. Walking through the city, the duo come across a gang of men in their late teens to early 20s. Rena can feel their lecherous gazes on her.
She warned, "If you value your lives then I suggest you leave us alone."
The leader offered, "Leave that shrimp and come spend time with us, baby."
Rena declined, "No. Now leave, I won't tell you again."
The leader persisted, "Don't be like that, hot stuff."
Sin told him, "Sir, the lady next to me has clearly stated she isn't interested in having fun with you four."
The gang leader said, "Oh? And what are you going to do about it? Kick my ass?"
Sin looks at Rena and asks, "Can I? Please let me do it."
The gang leader pushed past Sin, "I'm sure that hot girl you're with will have more fun with us than y-" He gets the air knocked out of him when Rena slams her fist into his stomach.
She glared, "I said no." She backed up not losing her menacing glare, "A punch to the gut will be the least painful part of your day. Now get your asses out of here before I show you just how painful it can get." As the foolish humans run away, the glare on Rena's face returns to its normal expression.
"That was the sexiest thing I've ever seen" Sin commented, receiving a smirk from Rena in response. Continuing the date, the two meet up with Draco and Weiss
Sin grinned, "This is unexpected. You two out on a date?"
Weiss told him, "Of course not, we just ran into each other and started talking. He asked about Blake and well, I'm trying to understand the faunus better, so we've just been talking."
Draco queried, "You two on a date again?" He gave them a smug grin, "Are you two going to have more adult fun?" The dragon faunus does the hand sign of what "adult fun" he's referring to.
Sin explained, "I was bored and there's a little break from the Vytal Tournament, so I decided to ask the lovely goddess next to me out and we're having fun. Though she chose to dress like that. Why? You and Weiss jealous?" He watches the Schnee heiress's cheeks turn a deep scarlet.
She gaped, "W-What? D-Don't be ridiculous! Why would I be jealous?"
Sin grinned, "Because Draco is good-looking guy and you're standing right next to him. Or you're jealous of Rena getting a day with me." He next thought of another possibility, "Or you're jealous of me having Rena?" His grin widens after planting the seed of thought that Weiss might be into other girls.
The Schnee heiress stuttered, "W-What? Y-You…"
Sin smirked before looking at Rena, "Which do you think? Is she jealous of us, of you having me, or jealous of me having you?" Rena can see the look in his eyes asking her to play along.
Rena said, "My guess is either the second or third."
Weiss loudly shouted with embarrassment while staring at Sin, "I'm not jealous of you!"
Sin grinned once more, "Oh, so you're jealous of Rena then?" He met the girl's eyes, "Does that mean you like me?" Draco watches the heiress turn into a stuttering mess.
Sin asked Draco and Rena, "What do you two think? Does Weiss like me? Is that why she's jealous?"
Rena said, "That is something Weiss needs to figure out." The Schnee heiress continues to stutter, face red from embarrassment or something else.
Draco shook his head, grabbing the girl's hand, "Come on, Weiss. Let's go so they can enjoy their date." He leads the white-haired girl away, once they are gone Sin laughs.
The dragon faunus eventually releases Weiss' hand turning around to see her face redder if that's possible.
He said, "Sorry about that."
Weiss struggled to compose herself about that teasing session, "Why would he...why did he...is he...is he always like that?"
Draco replied, "On every pretty girl he meets, human or faunus. You're not the only one he flirted with and won't be the last."
Weiss gasped, "What? So... he's a womanizer?"
Draco replied, "No, Weiss. He may be a flirt, but he's not a womanizer."
The heiress asked him, "Then why does Sin do that? "He's on a date with Rena and he acts like that to another girl?"
Draco said, "My guess is he teases to cope with this crazy world. I feel Sin is uncomfortable with serious emotion, that's why he teases. I suppose something happened in his past that made him like that."
Weiss seemed like she wanted to ask something, "Can...can a human and faunus really have a relationship like that?"
Draco replied, "I don't see why not. It's really not any different from two humans or two faunus in love with each other, Weiss. We faunus are every bit as human as you despite having a tail or ears or whatever."
Weiss said, "I've never heard of such a thing before. Then again my upbringing was selective."
Draco heard the hesitation in her voice and told her, "Then this is an opportunity for you to see for yourself that not all faunus are vicious animals that need to be put down. Whatever garbage you were told about us by your father, he's a fool."
Weiss looked at the ground, "Father is..." she struggled to find a way to describe him, she didn't hate her father, but she didn't agree with him on a lot especially now that she's gotten to know several faunus and see that not all of them are like those of the White Fang.
Draco said, "Sounds to me your father is a real dictator. Why did you want to become a huntress?"
Weiss tells him, "To restore my family name to what it used to be, to what it is supposed to be."
Draco looked at the sky, "That's a very noble goal. Very noble compared to some others."
Weiss next asked, "Why do you look up to Rena so much, Draco?"
The dragon faunus looked at the Schnee heiress, "Because she saved me. Had she not shown up when she did, I wouldn't be here."
Weiss began, "I know that I don't know her that well, but she seems to be quite antisocial most of the time, why is that?"
Draco said, "She has a rough past and trust issues."
Weiss noted, "She seems to trust Sin a lot. Not that I'm implying he's untrustworthy but given his habits and personality one would think she would get along well with him."
Draco said, "Well, when they first met Rena did threaten him not to touch her or treat me or the others badly, he'd wound up in the ground., but Rena's had her emotions exploited and being groped caused her to develop a hatred for flirts during her earlier days as a mercenary. She found a kindred soul in Sin and she's getting used to the concept of opening up. Despite her piercing gaze and intimidating appearance, she has a great judge of character, Weiss. Me, Xavier and Yumi were recruited by her."
Weiss began, "Well, if Blake likes her then she can't be all bad."
Weiss recalled when Blake mentioned how Rena was like an older sister to her, "The way Blake talks about her, it reminds me of my sister, Winter."
Draco asked, "She does?"
Weiss nods, "I know I don't know much about Rena, but from what Blake told me she at least has some qualities that reminds me of her. Winter can be stern and strict sometimes, but I know she cares about me and what's to see me be better. She always has this stoic outward expression, something I use to try and emulate, but I know beneath it she does care. Strong, skilled, beautiful. The person I look up to the most...maybe the only person I look up to."
The dragon faunus said, "Judging by that last note, it sounds to me you have a dysfunctional family, but at least you have them." She heard the longing in his voice at the last part.
She asked, "You miss yours?"
Draco turned around so his back was to her as his eyes were shadowed, "They were killed. My entire species was. It was genocide, carried out by a malicious entity in the quiet hours of the night eleven years ago. My kingdom Han'ei almost rivaled Mistral in terms of population and architecture, proudly built on the backs of hard labor. The kingdom was ruled by a monarchy styled government and I was born to a rich, powerful and noble family who played a role in the founding of Han'ei. My family was well-respected." He next bared his teeth, "That fiend rendered me the last of my kind. Ever since that night, I swore to exact revenge. It became my sole goal in life. That desire is what fuels me. I won't stop until she pays for what she did!" Weiss was quiet, unsure of what to say to something like that. What even could be said? Something that terrible, was there even a proper response for it?
He next admitted, "But I will still help those in need. I lost one family, and I don't want to lose another, Weiss. My teammates. I keep my emotions in check most of the time. My teammates help me with that." He falls silent after that, feeling tears beginning to form. Through willpower, they stop from flowing down his cheeks.
He said, "It's not easy being the last of your species."
Weiss places a hand on his shoulder, "At least you're not alone."
Draco answered, "What about you? Are you alone?"
Weiss answered a little too quickly, "No! I mean, I have Yang and Blake and Ruby, when she's not being a pest."
Draco smiled, "Cherish your bonds with them Weiss. In this world, your life can be snuffed before it can take off." Feeling the tension getting heavy he offers her they should have something sweet to eat. Seeing a dessert stand, the two head over there. Seeing fruit crepes, Draco decides to try one.
He chooses a cherry flavor before asking Weiss if she wants one, the heiress is surprised and picks a strawberry flavor. He pays the server and hands the strawberry crepe to Schnee, a faint blush appears on the Schnee's cheeks at the gesture. She takes a bite into the crepe and her eyes widen, her expression changing to one of euphoria at the taste. A barely audible laugh escapes Draco seeing Weiss like that, leading him to conclude Weiss had a sheltered life.
He grinned, "It tastes good, doesn't it?"
Weiss nodded, "Yeah. It's so good." Draco agrees with that, taking a bite of his cherry crepe. Giving the heiress a side glance, he takes a moment to take in Weiss's beauty.
Her white hair tied into an off-center ponytail, blue eyes with the vertical scar on her left one, pale skin and attire gives her an aura that he can appreciate. A few more years and Weiss would become an extremely beautiful young woman. Realizing he's staring he diverts his attention forward before Weiss can react. He's unaware that while he's enjoying the crepe Weiss is going through her own evaluation of him.
Granted, Weiss has seen attractive boys like Neptune, but Draco beats him in a few categories. Maybe it's because he comes from a similar royalty background, or he doesn't judge because she's a Schnee. He treats her like a regular person, and he is a dragon faunus. The scales on his cheeks do add a regal feeling to him.
The dragon faunus eats the last of his crepe at the same time as the heiress and they resume doing their activities.
Back with Sin and Rena, they continue their fun until the evening, the setting sun turning the sky a brilliant shade of orange as they sit on the ground next to each other. Rena rests against Sin's shoulder making the human blush.
Rena stared at the sunset, "It's easy to forget sights like these exist. The threat posed by the Grimm and other crazy stuff distract you."
Sin agreed with red cheeks, "Y-Yeah." Before he knows what he's doing, his eyes move downward toward Rena's chest that he quickly diverts. While Sin is distracted, Rena's right hand inches closer to his left one until it lands on top of his making him flinch. Looking at the faunus woman's face Sin sees a smile on Rena's face while she continues staring at the sunset.
She asked, "Do you think it's possible for humans and faunus to have a family together?"
Sin replied, "I do. When it comes down to it, our biology is almost the same, plus Brick is pretty sure that one girl, Alexia I think her name is, he's pretty sure that she's half human. Why do you ask?"
Rena said, "Perhaps we can show humans and faunus can get along, even have intimate relationships." She lifts her head to look at the human with a serene smile along with pink hued cheeks. Somewhere in the battle-tested faunus' mind, she hears the walls around her heart cracking, steadily growing in size. Bringing her free arm up, she wraps it behind Sin's head pulling him close for a kiss, it was soft, but passionate. Before long she straddles his lap holding his face as Sin secures his arms around Rena's waist while reciprocating the kiss. Breaking it, Sin's blue eyes bore into Rena's red one, seeing the same thing he did during their first date. Happiness. Except it's more prominent this time, giving her eye an extra glow. Rena brings him in for another kiss. While they kissed, Sin saw Cinder replacing Rena as if his subconsciousness is playing his deepest desire. He brings her closer to him oblivious to the feeling of two soft mounds pressing against his chest. His hands explore the perceived black-haired woman's back making the apparition of his mind gasp. His left hand ventures up and down Cinder's side earning him a muffled moan until it reaches her breast making her break the kiss and stare, the noise snaps Sin out of whatever that state of mind was and the illusion of Cinder vanishes. When the haze lifts, he realizes he's groping Rena's breast. He swiftly retracts it like he touched something hot. His shyness and feeling of being hit slams into his brain.
Strangely Rena doesn't respond violently, in fact he sees a teasing smirk appear on her face.
She commented, "You got some serious guts to do that."
Sin replied with a hesitant tone, "I may have gotten carried away there." He paused, "Please don't kill me." A giggle escapes the one-eyed faunus.
Rena said, "I might be falling for you, Sin Saber. No other man has been able to affect me like you. I may take up on the offer you gave me back at Shade Academy. We better start heading back. Might have to rent a hotel room again, I don't think we'll make it back to Beacon in time." She stands up and pulls Sin to his feet then heads for the nearest hotel after Rena tells her teammates. Draco replies with a teasing text of don't have too much fun with a smirk emoji.
She texted back, "Ha ha, very funny. See you tomorrow." Sin returns with the key card to their hotel room that fortunately is one floor above the main lobby and room 100. Riding an elevator up to the floor the two walk toward the room, inserting the card into the reader slot. The light flashes green and the door unlocks allowing them entry. Taking in the interior Sin admires the work the construction crew did when they built this structure. They spend a while watching TV until their stomachs growl, craving food.
The two head down to the restaurant on the lobby floor and have dinner then share a hot fudge sundae, enjoying the sweetness of the fudge icing covered vanilla ice cream. Sin steals a glance at Rena seeing her face morph into one of pleasure until it scrunches up as a brain freeze hits her, making Rena grab her head.
This causes Sin to laugh, "Oh what's this? Have I finally discovered Rena's weakness?"
Rena glares at him with a peeved look.
Sin smirks, "Oh that look isn't going to work this time. Weakness identified and memorized."
Rena said, "You would've reacted the same way if you had a brain freeze." The peeved look is replaced with a small smile.
Sin complimented, "You should smile more often, goddess. You look better with one." He watches a blush form on Rena's cheeks from that, quickly diverting her gaze, fanning herself as she feels hot under the collar. The faunus swears to get even with him and knows exactly how. They finish the dessert, pay the bill and return to the hotel room.
Sin rests against the headboard of the bed watching Crowned by the Winter Chalice finding it very interesting.
He heard Rena ask, "Enjoying the show?"
Sin replied, "It's certainly an interesting…" When he turns his head at the faunus' direction, all words evaporate, and his cheeks turn as red as Ruby's cape when he sees Rena standing there in red undergarments with black outlines that ooze sensual appeal. She doesn't know why she felt daring to wear them, but now feels proud upon the reaction she's getting from the human. Rena walks toward the bed enjoying the way Sin is looking at her with that stupefied look on her face and climbs on sitting next to him. Now that she's up-close Sin can smell her natural scent, it was like lavender. The faunus savors the flustered look on Sin's face.
Rena queried, "You like what you see?" Sin stuttered and she chuckled, "You're so cute when you're shy." Sin feels the faunus trace his jawline with a finger while giving him a seductive look. She normally finds this method appalling even on missions that she undertook though finds it being extremely effective on Sin. She hears the voice from before screaming at her to stop what she's doing, to reject the human, but Rena is too far into the moment to listen.
Sin struggled to speak, "I...what are...why…if this is about the brain freeze comment, I'm sorry I said-" He doesn't get to finish the sentence as Rena lunges forward, planting her lips on his as a muffled moan escapes her. The next thing Sin knows is him lying on his back and Rena straddling him without breaking the kiss. When she does, she lifts her head while Sin lays frozen under her gaze. Rena interlocks their hands, holding each other. The black-haired beauty lays her head against his chest hearing the rapid thumping of Sin's heart.
She directed her gaze to him, "I get you this excited, huh?"
Sin said nervously, "W-Well this is only, or you know that I mean with us…" trying to organize his failing thoughts he blurted out, "Wouldn't you be excited if it was happening to you? A goddess laying on top of you."
Rena crawls further up until she is hovering over Sin, her long hair shadowing their faces like a curtain. She frees her hands to run them down Sin's cheeks letting out a small giggle. Her eye follows her hands as they reach his chest. With a few movements she reverses their position where she is resting against the headboard and Sin leaning back against her chest via Rena pulling him backwards, letting him feel her chest against him whereas her arms are wrapped around his waist, holding him to her.
Rena said, "I can feel you tensing trying to keep your weight off me. I'm not some delicate flower, just relax." Sin pulls the covers over their legs and rests his head against Rena's shoulder.
'This feels nice.' Sin thought, realizing that even his internal voice is stuttering.
Later that night, the two get ready for bed as Sin removes his upper attire and feels Rena bringing him to lay his head on her chest making him blush again, wrapping her arms around his back.
Sin asked, "What are you doing?"
Rena said, "Relax Sin, we aren't going further than this." She silenced any further protest with a kiss, "Let me enjoy this. I... never had moments like these in my life, Sin. Let alone with a man. Take pride, as you're the only man I feel worthy enough to see me like this. If I didn't trust you enough, I wouldn't have allowed you to see me like you do now. I... want to feel like a normal person. I don't want to be seen as some freak." Sin thinks it must be his imagination playing tricks on him, but he swears he could hear hints of longing in Rena's voice.
Sin told her, "You're not." Lifting himself up using his arms he continued, "You mean a lot to me. I…I don't know if it's love I'm still…Honestly I'm struggling to find out if it is because it feels so different than what I thought it would be, but whatever I'm feeling for you is strong." The last sentence stung, and Rena doesn't show her reaction to it.
He continued, "Whatever it is, I'm here for you. If nothing else you are my friend, Rena. If you ever feel the pressure is too much for you to handle, then you say the word and I'm there." The one-eyed faunus is grateful the room is dark so Sin can't see the tear close to falling down her cheek. Not exactly the answer she wanted to hear, but it'll suffice.
Sin lays his head on her chest again, wrapping his arms around Rena's back, gently rubbing it until they both doze off into slumber.
A/N: Chapter 32 done.
Here, Sin asks Rena to go on another date, crossing paths with Draco and Weiss.
I decided to add dialogue between Draco and Weiss to let them get to know each other a bit more.
As for why Rena acts like she does with Sin will be explained in the future.
Read and review.
Stay tuned for chapter 33.
Vader 23A