Welcome to the next chapter of RWBY: Team DUSK, before starting the story. Let's answer some reviews:
altajir95: Yeah, it was a good moment between them.
Guest: That'd be quite the hilarious reaction from Weiss, finding out Blake is a cat Faunus and doing that of all things to her.
A Rose's First Date
"Please."
"No."
"Please."
"No."
Inside the dorm room of Team RWBY, both the black-haired team leader and her white-haired partner/teammate stood there already dressed in their pajamas. It was a regular school day for them, from classes to training there wasn't much to talk about today. Making some headway in the homework given to them all, there was something that their team leader wanted to ask.
But, she didn't have much success.
"Please."
"No."
Weiss was replying without much emotion behind the response, despite her partner's pleading look.
As usual, both Yang and Blake were witnessing the entire occurrence, going on back-and-forth. To this point, it felt almost as if it was a comedy routine between the team leader and partner as if neither could reach common ground.
"Pretty, pleeeeease."
This time, Ruby asked with more adorableness behind them.
"Well, if you say it like that, then," Weiss replied, showing a more casual look, sparking some hope in Ruby. "No."
But, that hope was shattered as Weiss returned to her usual calm and stone face.
"Come on, whhhhyyyyyy not?"
Ruby asked whining as her partner continued looking on.
"You've been asking me the same thing for the last couple of days. I'm not allowing it."
Weiss replied, standing in the same spot.
"But, that's not fair! You, Yang, and Blake were able to go out on dates with Daniel, but I haven't!"
Ruby stated, waving her arms around childishly.
"Well, she's not wrong."
Yang added, thinking back to the time that she went on a date with Daniel, which was some time after Weiss had gone on a date with him.
"Dani and I did have a good time going on our little date. Both of us went to the movies alone to watch that action romance movie," Yang said, sounding as if she was a girl who'd experienced the best moment of her life with the boy of her dream; something that Weiss noted. "And then, we went to eat and talk alone without anyone there to hear any…."
"Alright, that's enough, Yang."
Weiss interrupted as she directed her attention towards the blonde who teasingly stuck up her tongue.
"I said this before already, all Daniel and I went on wasn't a date. All we did was talk about his grandfather's book at a cafe for the entire time."
"You sure nothing else happened?"
Yang asked, sitting legs crossed while smirking straight at her partner.
"Nothing happened. Why do you ask?"
"Because I remember Dani cooking fish the next day and a certain someone seemed the most excited for it."
Yang replied, causing Blake to think about what kind of expression she was making after seeing Daniel cooking a fish meal she could only dream about. She must've been making a similar kind of face as her friends/teammates were staring at her with an unusual look.
"Well, fish is a food that I like a lot. So, I was just happy that Daniel cooked it."
"I know the feeling," Ruby said before starting to look on mesmerizingly in deep thought. "Daniel had made those delicious cookies for me a couple of times. And eating them was one of the greatest joys in life."
"Yeah, having a guy cook for you is no doubt romantic," Yang said in thought about imagining someone, Daniel, cooking a meal for her instead of going out. "Hey, that's an idea for you to think about Ice Queen. Instead of going out to one of those overpriced restaurants, how about having Dani cook for you? Just imagine both of you alone in a room being served a meal by your obvious crush."
Hearing that from Yang caused Weiss to imagine it all, being alone with Daniel without anyone else around, while being served whatever dish he prepared. Dressed in formal attire, with the correct music, and the right amount of ambiance between them. Having her seat pushed in, while hearing, "I hope that you'll enjoy the meal, Weiss, no I mean, darling."
After magining having that perfect dinner to end their date, and then….
"Ah, that would be so perfect for the next date. I might have to thank Yang for giving me that idea. That's right, just some alone time between Daniel and I, no team, no friend, no prying bystanders. Just me, and Daniel sharing a meal, talking and reconnecting with one another. And then, and then…."
Weiss thought, her face being almost flushed at the idea, while she continued fantasizing about the private date.
Amid Weiss' continuous fan about the 'perfect date', Ruby, Blake, and Yang continued looking on as if she wasn't aware of the expressions she was making. All three looked on with hidden hilarity while witnessing the usually confident and composed heiress acting like a love-struck girl imaging her next date.
"Hmm, I wonder if she realizes what she's doing."
Blake wondered out loud, tilting her head to the side curiously.
"I don't know, but this is photo-worthy," Yang said mischievously, retrieving her Scroll, then pointing it straight at Weiss preparing to take some photos and video. "She's so cute whenever she does things like this, it makes my older sister's instincts act up."
"Yang, you do remember the two of you are the same age?"
"Yeah, but that doesn't change anything."
"But, if she was born months before you, then that'd make her the oldest."
Blake added, causing Yang to pout a bit.
"Muu, don't ruin my fun with possible facts."
"If anyone's fun is being ruined then it'd be mine. Everyone else here got the chance to have fun and go out on a date with Daniel, but me. And I'm jealous since I heard all the things that you all did with Daniel during your dates with him, while I couldn't do anything aside from listening."
"It wasn't a date."
Blake uttered under her breath, not knowing how else to respond.
"Uh, why don't Weiss let me go out on a date with Daniel?"
Ruby asked pouting while crossing her arms.
"Hmm, it's kinda hard to agree to let the guy you like go out on a date with your friends. I know, at least a couple of times where I got complaints from girlfriends who hated the fact that I hung out with some of the guy friends that I had," Yang spoke, showing off the more social skills and words of wisdom that attracted their attention. "Though I never did anything or tried anything, I'm the kind of girl who'd attract some attention, you know."
"I can see that."
Blake agreed.
Yang was the kind of person anyone would want and ask for as a girlfriend; she has a good personality, a good fashion sense, and was fun to be around. So, it wasn't surprising that other women to some extent would feel a bit threatened if their boyfriends were hanging around her.
"Well, I guess that Weiss agreed in the first place since she trusts us compared to the first time that the four of us met. Remember, the first time it looked as if there was no chance that we could've worked together. But, look at us now, we're as good as any other friends group who've known each other for a long time." Yang stated with her usual confident smirk. Neither Ruby nor Blake could help, but recall the first time the four of them were inside the same area as one another, where an argument almost broke out. "Come on, just look at Ice Queen there?"
Doing just that, Ruby and Blake turned to find that it appeared as if Weiss was still in the process of fantasizing about her next date with Daniel. Weiss was wearing a rare expression as her cheeks were flushed from whatever was going through her mind.
"And I'm guessing that she's a bit more adamant agreeing to it because Miss Ice Queen here considers a certain someone her first friend."
"Really?"
Ruby asked back, hearing her sister's words and smiling at the thought of that.
She hadn't heard those words from Weiss herself, but the relationship between them thus far started making that far more apparent. The two who hadn't thought that they'd make friends at Beacon Academy became friends with one another after getting passed a rough start.
"Uh, Weiss."
Ruby walked up to Weiss, then tapped her shoulder.
"W-What?"
Weiss flinched, realizing that she had been daydreaming, noticing the expressions being sent in her direction.
"Have a nice daydream, Ice Queen?"
Yang teased.
"S-Shut up, Yang!"
Weiss replied, her face turning bright red from that question.
"Weiss?!"
"Ruby, for the last time," Weiss replied, realizing what she was going to ask, but stopped surprised as Ruby then grabbed onto her hands with a gentle touch. She was stopped as she found her partner staring straight at her with an innocent expression without saying one word. Both Yang and Blake were stuck staring at the two of them with an interesting look to see what would happen next. "Wh-Why're you looking at me like that?"
Weiss didn't want to admit it, but Ruby did look adorable as she was staring at her with silver eyes that appeared to sparkle. She couldn't help finding herself enamored staring at Daniel's uniquely-colored eyes the moment that the two met as kids, as she hadn't met or heard of someone with silver eyes.
"Weiss," Ruby started not sounding excitable or childish as she did beforehand, instead founding calmer and earnest. Her tone was one Weiss couldn't ignore, the tone of her partner sounded as if she did take it all serious. Not that Weiss has trouble with it, but Ruby has been all but cheerful all the time. "Could I please go out into Vale with Daniel?"
"…."
Weiss froze up a bit from the request, despite hearing it again, this time, it felt that this time was a more genuine one. Both Yang and Blake, who were watching it all happen could see that Weiss struggled to figure out what she was going to say next. After what seemed like a minute of thinking and groaning to herself, Weiss let a faint sigh escape from her mouth.
"Fine. You can go out with Daniel, but like before…."
"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, Weiss."
"Ah!"
Surprised by the sudden response from Ruby, but more so as she happily wrapped her arms all around Weiss' neck. Though she didn't mind the contact at all, her silver-eyed partner started getting a bit into the hug as she started losing her balance.
"Ruby, knock it off before…!"
"I'm glad to have a partner like…whoa!"
Just as Weiss predicted, both she and Ruby ended up falling onto their dorm room floor, resulting in them falling right onto one another too. In witnessing the black-haired and white-haired leader and partner in such a position, Yang and Blake couldn't help finding themselves laughing at it.
"Hahahaha, these two always have the best moments that make me laugh."
"Heh, Ruby and Weiss do seem like an unassuming pair, but they work well together."
Both commented while looking straight at them.
Recovering from their fall, Ruby and Weiss found themselves laying down right beside one another on the floor, while sprawled out on the ground. A sigh escaped from Weiss' mouth after recovering a little bit on the ground as she heard giggling from right beside her.
"Hehehe, I finally get to go out with Daniel."
"Ugh, I'm starting to regret this," Weiss uttered under her breath, but on the inside, there was an odd feeling that came about from thinking back. "*Sigh* I swear. It's not like I control who Daniel hangs around, and besides, he's someone who attracts people. But, I reacted like this whenever hearing that he's going to hang anyone else from Team RWBY. Daniel is someone I've liked for a long time. And Team RWBY is a group that I've started to think of as my friends. All of them could've just gone out with Daniel on their own, but they asked me first before doing it."
It was for that reason she'd agreed to all of those times since everyone she'd gotten to know of as friends because they went through the all trouble of asking her permission first. Neither even went as far as to go behind her back. Realizing their consideration once again, she couldn't help feeling the utmost happiness and gratitude in meeting them all.
"Well, I'll need to think about what my baby sister is going to be wearing for her first date."
Yang said, thinking to herself about what she'd have Ruby wear.
"Uh, can't I just wear what I'd normally wear?"
"No no no, baby sister," in response to hearing that, Yang stood in front of her younger sister and started wagging her fingers. "This is going to be your very first date, so to commemorate this, you should wear something that will be memorable. And you're going out with something like Dani, so you should dress to impress."
"Uh, dress to impress?"
Ruby asked, not knowing what to think about that, but couldn't help staring at the smile her sister was wearing at that moment. But, Weiss and Blake were wondering what Yang planned for her younger sister's first date.
The next morning, their combat classes with Glynda were being held inside of the amphitheater, but this time all of the students were learning an inessential lesson. At the moment, all the students were sitting down legs crossed, and not one of them said a single word. Instead, the students were listening to their teacher.
"So, students there are several things to consider in combat and your future as Huntsmen," Glynda started as she started pacing back and forth in front of them. "First and foremost, your aura is the most important factor in your career. Without aura, you'll be almost defenseless and powerless in fighting against the Grimm. It acts as a barrier and empowers you in different ways too, while your weapons or armors act as a conduit for it as well. And to the end of that, training one's aura would lead to discovering and developing one's semblance."
Some students were confused as to the reason that Glynda was telling them this again, considering that they've all but covered this as basics.
"Uh, but Professor Goodwitch, we've already learned all this."
Jaune said, raising his hand nervously.
Most students couldn't blame Jaune for asking that question in their minds, but there were others such as Pyrrha, Weiss, and Daniel, who didn't question it. However, despite wondering about asking that question, the students were too afraid to ask their strict professor.
"I'm sure other students are wondering the same thing, Mister Arc," Glynda said, not seeming mad about that one being asked. "I'm sure I explained this before, but despite being a crucial factor to your huntsmen career, your aura is not limitless. If overused, whether from taking hits or even using certain semblances can deplete your aura until it breaks, leaving you helpless. I'm sure some of you have experienced the feeling of your auras being depleted."
At the mention of that, different students thought back to the feeling of their auras being depleted, which left them in an almost exhausted state unable to do anything for a time. Learning to activate their aura, then being left unable to access it made them remember a time when they didn't have it.
"Well, I'm sure a good amount of you have had your auras depleted at one point or another. But, your auras recharge after some time until it's refilled once again, meaning you can use your abilities again," Glynda said, as the students were reminded once again of that basic fact. "But, the amount of time that it takes for your auras to be recharged can be lessened depending on the training, and can be useful in a serious situation."
[Ooooh!]
Hearing that caught the attention of the students listening as that new information came about.
"Learning to recharge one's aura much faster is difficult for even skilled Huntsmen, but informing students of it earlier on might give them more of an idea about the concept. No matter how minuscule the basics appear, if it's been honed to completion, then it'll prove beneficial in the future. So, for the remainder of the class, your students will be sitting down and meditating on your particular fighting styles. I want you all to think about your style's strong and weak points. Those who're unable to do so talk among yourselves, but don't disrupt others."
Having said those final words, Glynda didn't utter another word about it and simply left her students to their own devices. Most students, such as those among Team CDRL took the chance to talk among themselves, but to the degree of not being an issue. Though, some didn't know what to think about their fighting styles. Being the punctual students they were, Weiss and Pyrrha were seriously thinking about their fighting styles.
Those such as Yang and Alyssa were talking to one another, seeing as their fighting styles weren't that complex or anything. Both of them rely on their strength to gain the upper hand against an opponent, which worked thus far in a fight. Ren had no trouble meditating as he's made it a regular thing for him, thinking about his fighting style was also a bonus on top of it.
He'd often focus on one that relies on speed and skill instead of direct combat, different from his partner and also a best friend. Said partner, was rocking back and forth in her current position while humming a song to herself. It was obvious enough that someone like Nora, who's the definition of hyperactive possibly wouldn't be able to sit down and meditate for more than a second.
Similar to Yang and Alyssa, Nora had no trouble with her fighting style and hadn't put much thought into it as she loved just going straight into a fight. Though difficult, for Jaune, he wanted to put thought into his fighting style as he was more or less still a novice. But, he was still in the middle of training with Pyrrha from time to time to figure that out.
Blake and Hunter took Gylnda's instruction to heart too, as the two thought about theirs too, which often relied on more cautious tactics. Sandra also started thinking more about her fighting style, as well as her semblance as it had a lot of drawbacks and limits. She can't phase herself forever, while further extending its range wouldn't last for more than a couple of seconds.
"Hmm, how am I going to do this?"
Ruby asked herself, thinking about the optional assignment given to them by their combat instructor.
Same as Nora, she was moving back and forth. Something else was on her mind too, as she planned on asking Daniel out on a date too. At the moment, he was sitting a couple of inches from her, meaning Ruby could do it right there, right now. For reasons unknown to her asking him there around, all the students caused a feeling of anxiety to start welling up within her stomach at the thought.
"Ugh, I don't know why, but thinking about asking out Daniel here is making me get butterflies. Uh, I can feel my face start to heat up too."
Ruby thought, groaning to herself as she tried thinking about something to get her mind off it.
She tried doing as she was told by Glynda and started thinking about her beloved Crescent Rose and her fighting style. Thinking about her amazing scythe, and sniper rifle caused previous thoughts to subside for the moment, but all of them threatened to flood back.
"Uh, I'm starting to think about it again. Come on, come on, I need to think about something else. I'll just think of my fighting style as I was told," Ruby thought in her head while trying to come up with something. "Uh, let's see, I tend to rely on Crescent Rose, something that Yang said I do too much. Since Crescent Rose is a little too big, so I trained to wield it, but I use that to my advantage in a fight. And using my semblance gives me much more of an edge in a fight. I can't think about what's wrong with it, though…."
Ruby tried thinking more about her fighting style, but her thoughts started returning to Daniel the moment she got stuck on something.
"Maybe Daniel could think of something."
Ruby wondered out loud, looking forward, finding that Daniel was meditating and hadn't moved an inch since.
Glancing left and right, she started inching closer and closer in his direction, not wanting to bump into another student. Ruby was glad that he wasn't that far from him, because it might've looked odd for all the other students to see. Arriving beside Daniel, Ruby leaned her head forward to see that his eyes were closed, while he was meditating.
"Daniel."
"…."
"Daniel."
"…."
She continued calling out his name silently but didn't get one response from him.
Humming to herself a bit, Ruby gave a mischievous smile, then extended her index finger and thumb upwards in the direction of Daniel's cheek.
"Do it, and I'll do the same to you, Red Hood."
Daniel said, causing Ruby to flinch and fell forward a bit, but then recovered.
"Uh, how did you…?"
"I know you. And considering the fact, you've pinched me last time…."
"Hahaha, yeah."
Ruby laughed, smiling while thinking back to that moment.
"So, did you need something? Having a little bit of trouble thinking about your fighting style?"
Daniel asked, sitting in a more comfortable and casual position.
"I mean, kinda. I don't know what to think about my fighting style. I mean, I love the way that I used my own darling Crescent Rose. So, I can't think about any weaknesses in it. And I came here to talk to you, because, you know, you're, you."
Ruby explained.
"Well, thanks. I'm quite happy with being me," Daniel replied, laughing at Ruby's energetic response, causing her to giggle in response. "Of course, you're fighting style if, of course, going to have some holes in it no matter what your particular preference is. I think the point is thinking about the weak points that came or would end up coming up in future battles. So, I think that our professor here wants us to see if we can find them before all that."
"So, what do you think mine would be?"
"There's nothing that I can think of now. I mean, you're the youngest person in this school, but you're better than some of those who are two years older than you. Aside from some things that you could improve on, you'll become a monster in battle. Well, you'll be one adorable monster."
"I don't think you should keep calling me adorable. It's insulting."
Ruby replied, puffing up her cheeks.
"I can't do that."
"Why not?"
Ruby asked.
"Then I'd be lying, Red Hood."
Daniel replied, teasingly poking her flushed cheeks.
"…."
She couldn't come up with a single response as she was covering her cheeks using her hands.
"You know, under normal circumstances I should probably stop saying things like that," Daniel thought to himself, then glanced over at the adorable expression she was making. "Ah, screw it. She makes it impossible for me not to tease her like this."
"Uh, Daniel."
"Yeah?"
Amid Daniel's smirking to himself, he turned to find Ruby beginning to speak her fingers together nervously with something obviously on her mind.
"Um, c-could we talk after school? There's something that I want to ask you."
Ruby managed to utter under her breath but was enough for Daniel to hear what she asked.
"Sure thing. I can't wait to hear what you have to say."
Daniel agreed without hesitating as Ruby gave a cheerful and ecstatic smile, sounding as if she was cheering on the inside. It was something that didn't go unnoticed by him, but on the inside, he wondered what Ruby planned on talking to him about.
"Uh, I wonder what this is going to be about. I mean, based on Ruby's expression, it's going to be something she can't say right here," Daniel wondered to himself. "Hmm, I make a habit of thinking about things before the fact. I might as well not think about it, and just see what this is going to end up being."
Amid cheering internally, Ruby had felt eyes on her, then turned around to find Yang cheerfully giving her thumbs up. Not understanding what was going on, Alyssa looked on confused with a "?" practically floating on top of her head. Noticing that, Ruby turned back around looking downward, in an attempt to hide her flustered cheeks while recalling her older sister's reaction.
All the students continued doing the same thing until it was time for them to head out to their next class.
As intended, Daniel headed to the location that Ruby had texted him, which was the same location that the two of them met; though, he met her and Jaune there too. Daniel couldn't help thinking back on what happened back then and now, he truly never thought that things would end up like this. His initial intentions when he was heading to Vale wasn't the same as most students. He hadn't even expected that he'd run into Weiss here too, but things were heading in a direction he didn't mind.
"Hey, Daniel."
Amid Daniel thinking about his initial plans, he heard the voice of the hyperactive, younger black-haired girl who'd waved her hand towards him.
"Well, time to see what Ruby wanted to talk to me about," Daniel stated, turning around to find the younger black-haired girl approaching him. "Yo, so why'd you want to meet here?"
"Oh, you know, this was the first place we met. You, me, and Jaune."
Ruby said, smiling as she looked at the exact spot the three of them met.
Thinking back to the time, when she may or might not have almost had a hand in blowing herself and Weiss, as a result of sneezing on raw powered Dust: the heiress' words, not hers. After that, she ended up meeting Jaune, or 'Vomit Boy' as she and Yang called him, who helped her up. And then, she and he, ended up meeting Daniel, who happened to be in the same area.
"Yeah. Just think that the three of us ended up gathering right here, and we all turned out to be leaders."
"Hehehe, it's funny thinking about it. Me and Jaune becoming leaders of our team," Ruby said, thinking back to her previous disposition about making friends and nervousness about being here at Beacon. "I can remember I was a nervous mess trying to make friends and I ended up becoming a team leader. I mean, I wasn't surprised that you ended up becoming a leader."
"And why's that?"
Daniel curiously asked, turning his head over towards Ruby.
Hearing that question from Ruby caused her to look a bit flushed as the responses started entering her head.
"Uh, I mean, you look more capable than me and Jaune. All your weapons, Retribution and Vanir look awesome and well-made, but not like my Crescent Rose," Ruby said, causing Daniel to nearly laugh out loud from the pride she had in her weapon. But, then there was a faint red on her cheeks from the next words that were about to come out. "A-And, you kinda look cool whenever you fight…and you're funny."
"…I see."
Daniel couldn't give another response aside from that, from the mixture of being complimented and seeing Ruby all flustered. Both stood there in silence as the students all started commencing with their usual activities, then he turned to her again.
"So, what did you call me here for?"
"O-Oh, right. Hehehehe, I mean that's the point of this," Ruby said, being reminded about the entire point of their meeting in the first place. But, after being reminded about the purpose of this meeting, she started shuffling around in place, while poking her fingers together. "Uh, you know, I was kinda just wondering."
"You were just wondering?"
Daniel asked, as Ruby paused and tried getting the words out while looking flustered.
"I mean, you did the same thing with Weiss, Yang, and Blake," Ruby said as Daniel could already tell where she was going with this, while she continued adorably poking her fingers together. "So, would you like to go out on a date or something with me too?"
"Hmm."
Daniel hummed to himself but then noticed that Ruby was staring at him with hopeful and nervous eyes, while a sense of anticipation started welling up within her chest. He could tell that it took a lot of courage for her to come out and ask him that. Not surprisingly as Weiss, Yang, and Blake just came out and asked him out without trouble, but considering Ruby's lack of experience in things like this; it wasn't surprising she was nervous.
"Yeah, sure thing. I think that it'll be fun."
Daniel replied, but Ruby paused for a second to think about the entire response he gave.
"Really."
"Yeah."
"Really!"
"Yeah."
"Really, Really!"
Daniel couldn't help cheerfully smiling, as he heard Ruby's energetic answer, causing him to poke her forehead.
"Yeah. Let's go out on the weekend."
"Yippie!"
In a second, Ruby transformed into a fluttering mass of roses and spun around before leaping into the air and turning back into normal form. She continued celebrating as Daniel agreed to go out on a date with her on the weekend, the same as the others.
"You know, the more I look at her semblance. The more it doesn't seem like a normal speed-type, I haven't seen one that turns someone into rose petals."
Daniel thought while smiling at her reaction.
"This is going to be the best first date ever!"
Ruby happily announced, aiming her arms upwards.
"Yeah, I'm sure that it's going to be fun. And I'm guessing that Weiss knows about this already."
"Yep, my bestie has agreed to this too. And Yang said she had something planned for my first date too."
"That's great," Daniel replied, then thought, while smiling wryly. "Eh, I somehow feel worried. I can imagine what Yang is going to be doing."
Daniel almost looked forward to finding what she had planned; while Ruby was still giggling to herself, thinking about the date. So much happiness and expectations about what would happen started to accumulate inside of her. Once that was settled, the two hung out and talked to one another without either mentioning their upcoming date. Despite not mentioning it, there were still moments, where Ruby seemed to be a bit giddier than usual.
On the same day as their date, Daniel found himself dressed in casual attire that'd also shown off his attention to fashion too. He wore a faint blue jacket, a black shirt that holds the Norden emblem on the bottom corner, black pants with a silver chain link, and a pair of black and white sneakers. As usual, he'd often notice that he'd attracted the attention of different passing women, but he was currently looking for his date.
"Hmm, I thought we'd be coming here together, but she told me she'd meet me here."
Daniel said, finding himself waiting right in front of Vale's police station.
Before arriving at Vale, Daniel received a text message from Ruby explaining that she'd meet him there. He hasn't been waiting there long, but he thought that she'd be there by now. He thought it must've had something to do with whatever Yang planned for her younger sister's first date. Knowing the young blonde's particular tastes in having fun and fashion, make him more curious.
"Hmm, I wonder if Yang would make some joke that I went on a date with all the members of Team RWBY."
Daniel wondered to himself, knowing her tendency to make teasing jokes about things such as this (but, he was no exception either).
"D…an…iel."
"Huh?"
He looked around wondering if someone had called out his name. But, because of the various conversations that came from around him, and the low tone, he thought he was mistaken.
"…uh…Daniel."
"Alright, someone's calling my name."
Daniel said, realizing someone was calling him. He followed the direction to find a hand, which belonged to a woman waving him over towards an alley before retreating into the alley.
"…," Daniel looked forward unable to know what to think at that moment, wearing a blank look. "Being directed to walk into an isolated alley by someone without knowing who their identity. You know, if it wasn't for the fact that I know it's Ruby, then I would've thought this was a trap."
Going against his experiences in Mistral, Daniel headed in the direction of the alley, but then noticed that there was a sudden familiar, nervous voice that came from it.
"D-Daniel, if that's you wait right there! Don't come over here!"
It was Ruby, but she seemed nervous as she waved her hands without revealing herself.
"Hey, what's wrong? I guessed that you'd shoot out towards me using your semblance."
Daniel asked, not moving from his spot.
"Uh, Yang picked the outfit that I'd be wearing for this date. But, i-it's not something that I'm used to wearing! So, please don't laugh!"
"Come on, I won't laugh."
"Alright. But, if you laugh, I'm leaving and telling Yang!"
"That's some threat."
Daniel said, in a reassuring tone.
To be honest, he didn't want to get into a confrontation with the blond brawler, more so, if he ends up making her beloved sister cry. Daniel had personal experience in doing something such as cutting off one strand of hair, but he wondered what she'd do to someone who'd hurt her sister. Amid Ruby make preparations to walk out of the alley, she found herself doing a couple of breathing exercises.
Ruby soon walked out from behind the alley, then stood nervously right in front of Daniel. The second she'd done that, instead of doing anything, which resembled laughter, he was honestly speechless for one of the first times in his life. Ruby, stood there dressed in a yellow crop top, a red jacket, black jeans, dark sandals, and a choker, which had her emblem on it. To complete her outfit, there was a red purse on her person.
"…."
From Daniel's speechlessness, Ruby shuffled in place, her nervousness continued building up as time passed. A clear, deep redness could be seen dusting her cheeks, almost ironically resembling a rose.
"Uh, I knew that this looked weird on me! Forget about the date, Daniel! I'm going back…!"
Ruby announced as she turned around, obviously not used to the outfit.
As Ruby was preparing to leave using her semblance, Daniel quickly moved forward and stopped her by holding onto her wrist gently.
"Wait, wait, that outfit doesn't look bad on you."
Daniel tried convincing her, having recovered from being stumped.
"No, it doesn't. Yang said that it looked good on me, but of course, she'd say that."
Ruby seemed convinced that the outfit didn't look great on her.
"I'm not lying, it does look great on you. So much so that I couldn't immediately say anything about it, at first," she could hear Danie's honest tone, something that calmed her down. "If you want my honest opinion about it, then I think that you look stunning dressed in that."
"…."
After hearing that from Daniel, Ruby stopped moving altogether, not showing Daniel that her entire was towards her ears turned bright red. Seeing as she wasn't going to be running away, he freed her wrist, causing the black-haired closely hold her hands together. After glancing around, Daniel could see that some people heard what was happening between them.
Good thing none of them thought anything bad was happening and could see that it was simply a girl nervous on her first date. A lot of the women he noticed seemed to gesture for Daniel to do something about it, but he all but planned on doing that in the first place. Daniel approached Ruby, then started tapping her on the shoulder, which caught her attention.
"So, want to go and get some ice cream first?"
"Yes, please."
Ruby replied, nodding her head.
At that Daniel turned around to find that some of the people around him started giving him a thumbs up, while the faintest smile could be seen on their faces. He almost didn't know what to think about seeing that, but simply left it as the Valeans being helpful.
"Hmm, I'd never see this in Mistral."
"Did you say something?"
"It's nothing important."
Daniel replied as he took Ruby out to get some ice cream.
"I love this~"
Both silver-eyed teens went to an ice cream parlor popular around Vale, where the younger girl all but returned to her usual demeanor. To make things better, he purchased a triple scoop of ice cream, the first being strawberry, the second being chocolate, and the third being vanilla. Sitting outside the parlor, Daniel ate his double scoop of vanilla, while watching Ruby happily eating her triple scoop.
"So, feeling better?"
"Yes, thanks for buying me this triple scoop~!"
Ruby replied, smiling as brightly compared to what he'd seen before.
"No problem. I'm always happy to treat a friend."
"It must be great being born into a rich family. I wouldn't know what to do if I were in that situation."
Ruby stated, not knowing what to do if she were in the same situation as Weiss and Daniel.
"It's a bit different for me. Almost all the money I have comes from what I earned back at Mistral. I mean, I spent three years doing different jobs," Daniel replied, making Ruby remember hearing him mention that he did do jobs at Mistral. "Besides, in my family, there's a rule that we won't simply receive money for no reason. My cousins too work in Mistral sometimes. So, aside from personal things, most money goes to something else like projects or charity for Humans and Faunus sometimes."
"Hehehe. After getting to know you, I can see that your family doing that," Ruby replied, finding herself liking the Norden family more and more. "So, what kind of jobs did you do at Mistral?"
"Well, I helped a Mistral Huntress at a clothing store she owned from time to time once. In return, she taught me how to make clothes and made this shirt for me. A lot of the stuff I know how to do came from those jobs."
Daniel replied, showing off the current undershirt he was wearing, which had his family emblem on it.
"I guess that explains your outfits and weapons."
"Yeah, and yours."
Daniel said, his eyes going towards the outfit, she was wearing again.
Noticing that, Ruby's face started turning bright red a bit as if she went to hide herself to some extent.
"Uh, I didn't want to wear this. I couldn't wear my trademark cape and this shirt shows too much of my stomach and is embarrassing," Ruby said, but it sounded a little bit like a complaint too. "I was worried that you'd think that I look weird in this."
"I mean, you can be a bit weird," Daniel jokingly said, but received a jab in the shoulder courtesy of Ruby. "Come on, I meant it adorably. I was kinda surprised though, it does look good on you."
"S-Stop saying those embarrassing things," Ruby replied, sounding embarrassed, but she felt happy that Daniel did like the outfit she was wearing. She'd thought about what happened while preparing for her date with Daniel. "Weiss did complain about me going out dressed like this a little. Blake did too, but Yang said that it'd be fine as long I was around you."
"That sounds like them."
Daniel could hear that Weiss wouldn't want her younger partner going out dressed like this, but it would be more for good intentions. Blake would show the same concern to some extent, and Yang didn't mind it as she'd trusted Daniel. Having finished up the ice cream in his hands, he smiled and turned his attention toward her.
"So, let's head out and have some fun once you're done."
"Yes, this day is going to be a blast," Ruby said, getting a bit too excited while raising her hand in the air. But, the sudden movement caused the vanilla ice cream scoop to fall off. "Whoops."
"Whoops. Can't have that?"
Before the ice cream fell, Daniel caused his runes to encircle it, resulting in it floating in place.
"Hehe, thanks, I got a little bit too excited."
"No problem, but you might want to catch it."
"Right."
Finding the situation cool, Ruby scooped the ice cream up and placed it back where it belonged. As the two kept sitting there, she continued eating the ice cream before it melted or something else happened.
Of course, the first place they went was an arcade popular inside Vale, where there was a much wider collection of games. Different teenagers were doing what teens did, which was playing various games either solo or together. Among them, Daniel and Ruby were playing against one another in a fighting game named Remnant Fighter. Several rounds were already played, with both of them being tied, with this last round being the one that would break the tie.
"Hahaha, I'm going to win, Daniel!"
"I doubt that!"
Showcasing their competitive spirit, the two focused on the screen, while pressing the bottoms. From the multiple combos used against one another or missed. Both the silver-eyed teens kept their complete attention on the screen while watching their characters' declining health. And, in the end—
"Hah, I won!"
Ruby announced as she managed to win against Daniel at the last second.
"Yeah, this one is your win."
Daniel replied, scratching the side of his head.
"Heh, this means you're buying our sodas and snacks!"
Ruby replied, giving Daniel a victorious smile.
"Yeah yeah, I'll be back."
Daniel waved his hand, as he left the area to retrieve their soda and snacks, leaving Ruby alone to glance at the games around her. A second later, she looked to find one that looked familiar to her, causing her eyes to sparkle after recognizing it.
"Oh, Grimm Invaders. I love playing this game."
Going straight to the arcade game as a mass of roses, surprising those around her, and began playing the game after paying the appropriate credits. In the game, she was playing as a long Huntsman fighting against invading Grimm, which continued increasing with the level. It was one that Ruby often played from time to time whenever she came to Vale with her friends.
"Heh, I love playing this game."
Ruby cheered while staring at the screen with pinpoint focus.
"You know, there's one right there."
"Yeah yeah, I know, Cyana," Ruby said, not registering the fact someone was standing behind her. "I about to get it, in a…second…."
Not caring about the same anymore, Ruby turned straight around and stared straight at the three girls who were now standing right behind her. The one, Cyana was a blue-green-haired girl, dressed in casual attire. Besides her was a bespectacled green-haired girl, and a black-haired girl. A faint pause was between the four young girls as they stared at one another.
"Ahh," Ruby squealed, then all four girls wrapped their arms around one another. "Cyana, Chloe, and Sable! I'm so happy to see you three again!"
"Same Rose. Neither of us thought that we'd see you here!"
Cyana stated.
"Yeah, we thought you'd be out with your cool new older friends, like your sister."
Sable added.
"But, it's not surprising we'd see each other sometimes around Vale."
Chloe added.
"This is so awesome! How've you guys been?!"
Ruby asked, feeling giddier as time passed.
Not surprising as the three girls in front of her have been her closest friends back at Signal Academy since the four met each other. She hadn't heard from them much aside from exchanging letters between one another from time to time. But, seeing the three young girls right here in the spot they'd come together with each other in the past.
"Well, we've been fine. Just trying to bide our time to join our dear friend at Beacon Academy."
Cyana replied.
"I'm still so jealous that you got to go to our dream school two years earlier. But, don't get a bloated head missy."
Sable added.
"So, what's with the getup?"
Chloe asked, pointing at Ruby's current outfit.
"Uh, ehehehe. Yang picked this out for me today."
[Sounds about right.]
All three young girls believed Ruby's words, not doubting Yang would pick out such an outfit.
"So, what's so special about this day? I mean, Yang is a party girl who'd attract the attention of all the students at Signal Academy. So, what's the reason she'd tell her sister to…."
"I'm back with snacks and drinks. So, are these three friends of yours, Ruby?"
"Hey, Daniel."
As Daniel returned Ruby's three friends turned around to find him standing there, hauling around two sodas and the kinds of snacks that she'd loved. Another faint pause as Cyana, Chloe, and Sable were all caught staring straight at Daniel. Soon enough, Cyana extended out a shaky hand with a crooked smile.
"H-Hello, my name's Cyana."
"I-I'm Chloe."
"A-And, I'm Sable."
"Hey, my name is Daniel, Daniel Norden."
Daniel replied, not mentioning the fact the three were now nervous around him.
"C-Could you please give us a moment with our old friend?"
Cyana asked.
"Sure thing. As you do that, I'll beat Red Hood's score at Grimm Invasion."
Daniel replied, noticing the score she made.
"Oh, I can tell that's a challenge," Ruby said, turning her gaze at Daniel, before smiling out loud. "I didn't finish my level and I haven't given it my…aaallll."
Ruby couldn't finish as she was being dragged by her three friends towards an area, where Daniel wouldn't hear them speaking in private. He would've been able to hear them anyway considering the collective sounds coming from the arcade games. Not intending to listen in on them, Daniel proceeded to play the Grimm Invasion, which Ruby had been playing.
As Daniel did that, Ruby was in the process of speaking with her three old friends a couple of feet from him. After being caught in the middle of her friends, she looked on to find Cyana looking down a bit.
"What's wrong?"
Ruby asked, but then found herself under the intense gaze of her three friends.
"W-What do you mean, what's wrong?!"
Cyana asked back in a hushed tone, but her tone could be viewed as being loud and faint.
"Ruby, who's he?!"
Sable stated.
"Guys, that's Daniel, he's the guy I mentioned."
Ruby revealed, causing the three to look back at Daniel and then back toward her.
"You didn't mention he was that handsome."
Chloe stated as Cyana and Sable nodded their heads in agreement.
"I mean, yeah, Daniel's kinda handsome. He's funny and he's cool almost all the time. He has cool weapons and he's the best kind of person to talk to sometimes."
As Ruby listed the different things she liked about Daniel, her three friends were staring at her with a smile on their smiles. It was something that didn't take long for Ruby to notice as her friends were giving her weird smiles.
"Uh, what's with all the weird smiles?"
"Ruby."
"You totally like him."
Sable and Cyana stated.
"Of course, I like him," Ruby said, as her friends almost squealed at her, but then she continued. "He's the first friend I made."
[Ugh.]
All three face faulted on the ground before standing up, then looked straight at their friend.
"Not like that, Rose."
"You know when a guy and girl like one another."
"You have a crush on him, don't you?"
Cyana, Chloe, and Sable replied.
"…."
Ruby blinked a couple of times before her entire face turned bright red, then waved her hands around.
"N-No way, I-I don't have a crush on Daniel or anything. I mean, he's a good friend of mine."
Ruby replied, waving her hands around, but her friends could see that she did have some hidden feelings for Daniel.
"Come on, don't lie. I'm kinda surprised, I thought that Crescent Rose would be your one true love."
Cyana stated.
"Crescent Rose will always hold a special place in my heart, but it's not like I can go and…."
Before Ruby could finish, Sable moved forward with serious eyes.
"Ruby, if you don't close the deal with him, that'll be something you might end up regretting."
Sable seriously said.
"But, my partner kinda likes him too."
Ruby stated, causing her friends to realize her situation.
"Hmm, that kinda is an issue. It'll end up being a love triangle."
Cyana said.
"I think that Yang might like him too."
"A love square. Unless there's someone else…."
"Uh," Ruby almost thought about Blake but didn't know if that was the case. "Not that I'm aware of."
"Well, whatever happens, tell us. I'm sure that this'll make a good book."
Chloe stated.
"So, we'll get out of the way of your little date. We'll come back after playing a couple of times."
"It's not a…oh, wait, it is."
Ruby said, as her three friends started walking away to leave her and Daniel alone to continue going along with their date. To be honest, she was glad that she was able to reunite with her old friends from back at Signal, which make this all the more amazing.
Happily returning to Daniel, Ruby found him still playing Grimm Invasion after reaching the third horde that came about. Noticing the score that he made it to, the young Rose looked on with surprise, beginning to drink out the soda he's purchased for her.
"So, how was reuniting with your old friends from Signal Academy?"
Daniel asked, not taking his attention from the screen.
"It was awesome. I didn't think that I would've seen them here at Vale like this, but it's awesome that I was able to talk to them in person instead of in letters."
Hearing Ruby's happiness about this unexpected meeting, Daniel couldn't help smiling.
"It's good to remain in contact with all your old friends, even if you make new friends. I do not doubt that you're close friends with them."
Daniel stated, causing her to nod her head while drinking from her soda.
"Hey, Daniel. Do you think we'll always be friends?"
"Of course."
Daniel replied without hesitating at all.
"You do?"
"We'll always be close friends and in contact with one another as long as I can help it," Daniel stated as he died in the game he was playing, then turned his attention. "It'd be a shame if I ended up losing contact with the first actual friends I made in a long time. Despite being almost two months since we met, I can't imagine us not being close in the future. I mean unless you don't want to."
"No way! Of course, I want to remain close with you in the future!"
"Then let's make it a promise."
"A pinky promise."
At that, Daniel and Ruby held up their pinky fingers, then linked them together with the same smile on their face. It might have been a childish thing, but the two of them didn't doubt that they would remain close to one another in the future no matter what.
"So, let's play that game together."
Ruby pointed at a dancing game meant to be played either alone or together, something another pair finished. In a couple of seconds, both he and she went straight to the game without hesitating. After starting the game, the two started at a steady pace with the different patterns, corresponding with the pads underneath them. As time passed, the patterns started increasing more and more with each sequence the two completed.
Soon enough Daniel and Ruby started attracting a crowd of people, from the fact the two started getting more and more in sync with one another. As time passed, even Ruby's three old friends from Signal Academy noticed the movements between them.
"I haven't seen many guys like him who enjoy games like this."
Chloe stated, looking forward.
"I swear, I'll be disappointed if she doesn't seal the deal with him."
Cyana added, almost ashamed she hadn't met Daniel before this.
"I'm sure that she'll do something. But, I want to hear about what'll happen."
Sable stated, interesting in how things between them are going to turn out.
[New High Score!]
An announcement came from the dancing game as Daniel and Ruby received a new high score from the game; it sparked a collection of claps from those watching the entire thing. A squeal escaped from Ruby's mouth upon the two receiving the newest high score.
"Well, this is at least one game we conquered together."
"And it was awesome! We were completely in sync near the end!"
Ruby announced, leaping on Daniel and wrapping her arms around his neck while smiling cheerfully. She almost didn't notice the attention garnered from doing that in front of a crowd of people. But, at the moment, Ruby didn't care as she enjoyed the time spent around Daniel. He wasn't sure, but it looked as if some people standing in the arcade took a photo of them.
Once that was done, both of them leaped off the dancing game, while others tried lining up to beat their score, as well as match their performance.
"Heh, it looks as if you two make quite the team."
Cyana said smiling.
"Yep, we're the silver-eyed team leaders at Beacon Academy, who leads some of the best graduating teams."
Ruby stated with pride, putting both hands on her hips.
"Hey, why don't we take a photo together?"
Sable asked, pointing at the photo booth at the corner inside the arcade.
"That sounds awesome. Let's do it!"
At the mention of that, Ruby rushed towards the photo booth as a mass of rose petals before either of her friends could move an inch.
"So, has she always been like that at Beacon."
"Yeah, you should've seen her when she first discovered her semblance. She'd find almost a chance to use it and show it off," Cyana said being reminded of those times back at Signal. "We were kinda disappointed that none of us got to go to Beacon too. But, we were happy that Ruby was able to do it because she dreamed of being one far more than anyone else at Signal."
"We're glad she found friends at Beacon too. She mentioned someone named Weiss, who could be a bit busy all the time," Chloe stated, as Daniel wondered what Ruby wrote them. "But, she said she's gotten along with her so far and she has her sister and someone else named Blake too. Well, we'll be heading out to Beacon in two more years too."
"So, if possible could you and everyone else look after her? We likely won't be able to see each other like this as much as we'd like."
Daniel could see that the three of them were worried about their friends, while at the same time showing that they were worried about her too.
"Don't be worried about that. She met a lot of people who wouldn't hesitate to help her."
Daniel reassured them while smiling too.
"Good. I also don't think we need to warn you to take care of her."
"You wouldn't want to make her sister Yangry."
"Same."
At the mention of that, the three young girls started heading out to follow behind their friend, who was standing at the photo booth. At the mention of that, Daniel almost couldn't help laughing a bit nervously.
"No doubt about that. I'd rather be on Yang's good side."
Daniel uttered to himself.
Time passed, as Ruby took multiple photos with her three friends in the photo booth, and then Daniel took a lot of photos with her too. All of them remained in the arcade for a little while until breaking off into their own two groups. Despite not guessing that she'd find her old friends in Vale too, Ruby was enjoying herself on their date together with Daniel.
From there, it went on as Yang said before, it went from them going to an arcade, and then them talking about an assortment of topics related to weapons. From the conversation, Ruby felt herself become giddier as she heard a wide arrange of newer ideas from Daniel, in addition to weapon ideas he had. Both found themselves talking until the sun started going down, then soon enough finding themselves at the same place their entire group had gone with one another together.
"Hah, this was a fun day!"
Ruby announced as she found herself leaning backward in her seat happily.
"Yeah, it sure was. Time always seems to go much faster when you're having fun and chatting."
Daniel stated, always finding himself in a good mood around Ruby.
In front of them was an order of two pizzas, in addition to Daniel ordering a soda, while Ruby ordered the same thing, in addition to a strawberry sundae. Amid the course of the date, Ruby did seem to receive texts from someone else but didn't answer because she was enjoying herself. Reaching for her Scroll, Ruby went to the text roll of text messages, which seemed to be a group chat.
Yang (Big Sis): How's the date going Rubes? Have you gotten passed first base?
10min later
Yang (Big Sis): You haven't responded, so I'm guessin' you're enjoying yourself. Well, don't forget to tell Dani I'll make em' pay if he makes ya cry. :D
"Yang."
Ruby faintly groaned a bit after finishing her sister's short text.
10min later
Weiss (Bestie): Don't listen to whatever Yang said. Just don't do anything over the top, that you're not used to.
"Oh, bestie."
Ruby felt happy to have a friend that cared about her.
Blake (Backup Bestie): Whatever either Yang or Weiss said. Just have fun.
"Oh, Blake."
Ruby felt her mood improving as she finished reading the collection of texts sent by the members of her team, something that didn't go unnoticed by Daniel.
"So, I'm guessing that you received some motivation from your team."
"Yeah, kinda. I don't know much about dates, but I know that I had a blast with Daniel today."
Ruby stated, showing a bright smile on her face.
"Well, that's one purpose of a date. So, as long as you enjoyed yourself, I'd consider this a successful first date," Daniel stated, wearing a gentle smile and finishing up eating the pizza slice that he'd picked up from the plate before him. "And I had a good time too, so I'd consider a ten out of ten."
"Hmm, well, I heard that dates tend to be more…you know, romantic," Daniel could see that Ruby's face all but started looking dazed as time passed. "I mean, I read different books which had romance scenes where the hero had a happily ever after with the one he loved and fought for. Aside from that, I don't understand anything related to it. It's too embarrassing to ask dad. And Yang gave me the response, 'you're not old enough yet'. What age did you start thinking about romance, Daniel?"
Daniel was almost surprised about that question from Ruby, but he did start thinking about it when he started with things related to romance. It was then that images of him and Weiss interested his mind when the both of them were growing up together. He later recalled the words that he heard from Yang, when the two went on their date; when she mentioned Ruby not being ready for romance.
"I started thinking about it when I was thirteen, then realized what it meant three years when I was at Mistral. It's not like I was told about it either, it was more about thinking about what it means to you."
"About what it means to me," Ruby thought about those words from Daniel, wondering about different things she started experiencing after entering Beacon. But, her thoughts started slowing as she ate from the sundae in her hands. "Is it that simple?"
"Well, I heard from older women back at Mistral that it can go hand in hand. It's sometimes hard and easy, but it ends up being worth it in the end," Daniel replied as picked up another pizza, then noticed that there was a bit of whipped cream on her cheek. "Oh, you got a little cream on your cheek."
"Hm?"
Ruby asked, not knowing what he was talking about.
"Here."
Daniel leaned forward a bit, then brushed off the whipped cream that smeared her cheek from the sundae before showing it to her.
"See. It would've looked weird if I didn't tell you."
Daniel stated before licking his thumb, but the action caused Ruby's cheeks to turn red from the action.
It wasn't like it was the first time something similar to that had happened, as her dad and Yang had also done the same thing before. But, having it done by Daniel was something that caused her heart rate to race.
"W-Want to share?"
Ruby shakily asked while moving the sundae closer towards Daniel, who looked forward to noticing her reaction to him doing that.
"Sure," Daniel said, picking up a spoon to eat some of the sundae. "That might've been too much for her."
Despite that, their date and interaction continued from there until it was time for them to leave that restaurant, but on a much gentler ending.
"Hah, this was a fun day out with Daniel."
Ruby uttered to herself.
Leaving the restaurant seemed to be the end of their date, at least to Ruby, but Daniel wanted to make one more stop before leaving. For some reason, he told her not to see what place he was heading towards, and from that promise, she hadn't turned to face him. She found herself stretching out her arms, thinking back to all of the things they'd done together.
Ruby reached into the purse she was carrying around to find the photos that she'd taken with her three friends at Signal, all of whom were making funny faces. She then switched to the ones that she'd taken with Daniel, which were almost the same, but one of them was of her wrapping her arms around him in a hug.
"Hehehe, I wonder what the others are going to think about this."
Ruby wondered out loud.
"Well, look at this one here."
Ruby turned around to find a couple of guys much older than herself standing behind her, looking as if they were going out late. She didn't know their ages but guessed that they were at least eighteen to nineteen years older, based on appearance alone.
"So, what's a girl like you doing here alone?"
The same one asked.
"I'm not here alone. I'm with a friend."
Ruby replied, narrowing her eyes a little bit.
"A friend that leaves such a cute little thing like you here alone."
"He didn't, he's…."
Ruby tried explaining but was interrupted.
"That doesn't sound like a good friend to me."
"Hey, how about hanging out with us? We're all heading out to this club later."
"That sounds like a good idea. And you look prepared for it already."
Without consent, the first guy reached for Ruby's hand in an attempt to haul her with them but was stopped after she snatched her wrist from them.
"Hey, I'm not going anywhere with you three."
Ruby stated, showing a strong face without backing down in front of the three older teens.
"Come on, don't be like that. We're just going to have some…."
"Yo, Ruby," Daniel approached them, having finished whatever he was doing before. He was aware of the situation but acted as if nothing was happening. "So, are these three friends of yours? Or, are they just some nightly creeps who can't mind their own business?"
Daniel's last question sparked some irritation from the three as they seemed prepared to approach him looking to fight against the sole teen.
"They're creeps. They tried taking me to some club without permission."
"Well, we can't have that can we," Daniel said, before turning towards them, but stood beside Ruby without what he was keeping hidden being revealed. "So, here's the deal, my friend and I went out on a little outing. Her sister trusted me enough to do that, and I wouldn't dream of misplacing that trust. So, if you would be kind as to go do whatever it is you guys were about to do and leave her alone."
Daniel's request sounded genuine enough, but the three teens older looked forward and took it as something who was much younger than them ordering them around.
"Look, I didn't come out here just to be…."
The first teen tried making a move, but he and his friends stopped moving, as a frightened look could be seen on their faces. All three looked forward to finding Daniel staring straight at them with a dead serious look as if he was a predator coming close to going out on a hunt. It was an odd comparison, but that was the first thing that crossed their minds before anything else.
"So, we'll head out and mind our own business. Right, guys?"
""Yeah, let's head out.""
After that, the three older teens started heading out, albeit in a rushed manner.
"Hmm, I wish that I could do the same thing in the future. Yang can do the same thing to people, but whenever I tried doing the same thing, she laughs."
Ruby said, wondering what look Daniel gave them.
"Well, likely because the thought of you looking scary is adorable in itself."
"Hey, is that any way to treat your date?"
Ruby pouted while crossing her arms.
"Fine fine, I'm sorry," Daniel said, smiling and scratching his hand. "Here's a token of forgiveness."
Reaching from behind, Daniel held out a red rose in front of Ruby, who stared at the flower before her with a look of surprise.
"…this is."
"I thought that since it was your first date, I thought that I'd give you something to commemorate it. So, I thought that giving a rose to Ruby Rose fit too much."
Daniel replied, as Ruby gratefully took the rose off his hands while smiling.
"Thanks for the present, Daniel."
"You're welcome," Daniel said as the two seemed to prepare to head back to Beacon, but stopped as Ruby grabbed onto his sleeve, causing him to stop moving. "Huh, was there something…."
Before Daniel could even finish whatever he was going to ask, he felt lips being pressed against his cheek, which came from Ruby kissing his cheek. A faint pause came from them as Ruby and Daniel realized what she'd done just then.
"W-Well, that was…."
"I'll see you at the aircraft!"
At that, Ruby used her semblance and went straight towards the Beacon Airship meant to take them back to their school. Daniel was caught standing in the same position, rubbing the same spot that Ruby kissed moments ago, as his heart seemed to start peaking faster.
"Well, that happened."
Daniel uttered to himself as he walked forward towards the airship, knowing that he couldn't match the pace she traveled seconds ago.
Having returned to their respective dorm rooms, but in Team RWBY's dorm room, resulting in the usual talk about their date with Daniel again. Something that Weiss, Yang, and Blake had done themselves, something that has almost become a tradition in their dorm room. Weiss and Blake looked on with some interest as she mentioned her old friends from Signal all being there too.
Though, seeing the rose that Daniel had bought for her to commemorate it, Yang almost cooed at the small gesture from Daniel. Weiss didn't seem to mind the entire thing but didn't hear Ruby kissing Daniel on the cheek as she was too embarrassed to mention it. Later that night, while wearing her headphones and listening to music, thinking back to today's events.
She was staring at the rose that Daniel had given to her, then thought back to the fact that she'd also kissed him on the cheek.
"Hehe, I might have a crush on Daniel."
Ruby giggled to herself, while she continued listening to music from her headphones.
A/N: Well, this is the end of the next chapter of RWBY – Team DUSK, this chapter showed more personal time between Daniel and Ruby. It is more of a continuation of the fact that Ruby hasn't had a date with Daniel yet. I added some minor OC, who acts as Ruby's friends back from Signal Academy because she mentioned she had friends at her old school.
Well, Ruby looked as if she enjoyed her time spent with Daniel near the end and realized that she has a crush on him too. Also, the three friends she had from Signal each have names that mean colors similar to hers.
I also referenced the fact that Blake was called Ruby's Backup Bestie from an episode of RWBY Chibi.