A/N: Chapter 76 of REKT. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or teams of RWBY, they belong to Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum. What I do own are the characters and teams of my OCs: REKT, GTSY, KACE and DAZE. I also claim Ingrid, Teo, Reina's parents and aunt as well.
Special thanks to the reviewers and to the readers who Fav/Alert this story, I really appreciate it.
Chapter 76: A familiar face
Inside the Schnee Mansion...
Weiss scowled with annoyance as she adjusted the collar of her dress for the umpteenth time. Tonight was the night she stands before the vast sea of upper, aristocratic class on the family stage, the wealthy individuals from Atlas, and sing like the Schnee she was raised to be. Of course her father and brother were going to be in attendance – she believe they were going to be in one of the balcony seats – making sure her performance was up to standard. The heiress was incredibly irritated, almost wishing she could just escape the cage that was her home.
If only Winter were here, she'd make this event a little more tolerable...but she isn't. She thought, quickly redoing her hair till it was absolute perfection. Leaning against the counter of her dresser, she let out a loud huff. And my own team and friends...they'd make it much more tolerable. In fact, I wouldn't even be here. I'd be out in the world, being the huntress and riding the world of grimm. Instead...I'm...
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Pardon me but your father requested your presence before your performance." Klein's voice filtered through the walls, pulling Weiss out of her thoughts. She turned her head towards the sound, a frown plastered on her face. "I advise that you leave as quickly as possible. You know how bad his temper can be if you aren't punctual."
"I'll be right there!" She calls back, glancing in the mirror for one last check up. Hair on point, clothes without stain, jewelry extremely polished, and finally, her smile that she had spent countless hours practicing. However, even with perfection she still didn't feel right. She had to remind herself over and over again that the event was just a ploy, a ruse that heavily panders to the affluent of society. Not to mention it would paint the Schnee family in a better light, seeing that they were the ones hosting the event. Once she felt comfortable with her smile, she flicked her hair over her shoulder and approached the door.
"Are you ready, my little snowflake?" asks the family butler when she stepped out of her room, closing the door behind her. "I have just came from the foyer, meeting the guests, and let me tell you the amount this time seems to be much more than years past. Seems like your appearance has persuaded even the elusive of guests to come out of hiding."
"As ready as I'll ever be, Klein. Also I think father would be proud with how many of his rich friends and business partners are here." She offered him a small smile before it diminished and she twiddled her fingers. Out of everyone in the family – her mother being an exception since she never left the garden – Winter and Klein were the only ones she could confide her feelings in. "Klein, if I'm being honest...I don't think I am ready. I just don't feel comfortable being a part of father's charade, especially standing upon a grandiose pedestal of a stage like some object. Everything I've done it is just to please my father...I never...I've never done things just because I want to. It's like my options have been stifled when I'm here. It's like,"
"like you can't truly be...yourself?" Klein finished for her, his expression that of someone who understood the feeling. "Like you were molded and shaped based on his ideologies and beliefs? You aren't wrong in thinking that way because I've seen both you, Winter to some extent, and the young master Whitley all grow up in front of my eyes under his teachings."
"Klein, why is it so hard to strip myself from those teachings? Isn't there a saying that goes along the line of, 'leaving the past behind you'? When I'm in Beacon, when I'm not even in his sights or having him breathe down my neck...it was oh so liberating. I've never felt so free, free to express how I truly feel and be in control of my own thoughts and actions." The two of them began to walk down the hallway at their own pace, the noise of the guests becoming louder and louder. "The chains that had kept me confined in the cage had dissipated. Now that I'm back in my captor's grasp those chains have come back."
"And I'm absolutely sure you'll be able to break free once again."
"I don't know Klein. Now that Beacon isn't operable there's no way I can convince him to send me to another school. He knows Atlas has one of the highest percentage of graduate students out of all of Remnant. Hell, Atlas is well known for their innovations and technology. None of the percentages from the other schools were even close to beating Atlas'."
"Don't give up my snowflake. Sometimes if something isn't clear or if you feel like you can't move forward, then the best option is to wait it out. Perhaps something unexpected will happen in your favor. For now, focus on what you can change and don't worry about the things you can't."
"Yeah...guess I should focus on this event then."
"Remember this Weiss," Klein placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently so she knew he would support any decisions she chooses to make. "You aren't alone. Be yourself and show your father who you truly are. Out there, on that stage, you are able to perform the way you want. You're the singer, not your father. A song can convey the right message, only if its actor can execute it correctly."
"Thank you, Klein." Weiss smiled at him.
"Ah, Weiss. So good of you to grace me with your presence. And here I was thinking you wouldn't show up, perhaps thoughts of escaping was a higher priority. But alas, you surprise me." Jacques smiled when he noticed the pair walking towards him, his lips curled into a sneer. His eyes then glossed over to Klein and he added, "Please go and tend to the guests, Klein. I'm sure they'll enjoy the very exquisite wine we ordered from Vacuo still festering in the cellar. And don't forget the delicate food platters, the cooks have been very meticulous from this morning until now."
"Very well, sir." Giving a final curt nod to Weiss, Klein disappeared to do his duties.
"Now then Weiss, need I remind you just how much this charity means to us and our reputation? I cannot stress enough that if you fail to perform at the exceptional bar, then you will slander the Schnee name. And we wouldn't want that now would we."
"Of course not..." said Weiss, not bothering to meet her father's gaze.
"Most of my business partners have arrived and of course I spoke really highly of you. Don't disappoint." The last few words were clearly intended to be a threat as the older male walked off with a quick huff. Further down the hall Whitley stood, awaiting his father with his hands placed behind his back.
Tch, who does he think he is...threatening me like that. Weiss all but seethed, fingers pressed against the palm of her hands. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she reopened and took a confident step forward. She passed through the double-arched doorways and made her way towards the backstage, watching as some of the stagehands rushed about. The curtains were drawn closed, but she could still hear the murmurs and chatters from the audience.
"Miss Schnee, you are all set to go on stage." One of the helpers told her, a clipboard in hand and a pen twirling aimlessly between her fingers. "Whenever you're ready, just give us the signal."
"Thank you." answered Weiss, and she made her way towards the middle. The heels of her boots clicked until they stopped, standing right above the 'X'. The curtains have not been drawn, but she could hear the murmurs die away. Her heart beat loudly in her ears but she quickly took deep breathes, reciting Klein's words over and over in her head. Once she felt comfortable enough to continue she signaled for the curtains to open, it's time for her to demonstrate who she truly is. She was not just a Schnee. She was so much more than that. The sea of glittering eyes all focused on her like predators in the night, and as the music started, she was ready.
Her mind was in overdrive, her voice a calming sea filled with the unknown hidden under the surface. She knows the lyrics by heart, and so she allows herself to wonder just a bit. Her friends would've loved to be a part of the audience, Ruby being the loudest to cheer for her BFFF. Weiss nearly choked and missed a note, but she quickly shook away the thought before it could disrupt her. But it did feel like her chest was swelling with not only air, but also warmth.
Klein's words also came into mind, reminding her that she alone was responsible for her own act. She was free to present herself however she liked. The shining insignia of Atlas on the stage floor was just for show, a real crowd favorite. But here and now, as the climax of her song was reaching its highest peak, Weiss was sure to put some heart into it. She'd hate to admit it out loud, but while her days at Beacon chipped away at her icy exterior, it was the friends she made that really melted her heart.
I'm not your pet. Not another thing you own.
I was not born guilty of your crimes.
Your riches and your influence can't hold me anymore.
I won't be possessed.
Burdened by a royal test.
I will not surrender, this life is mine!
The hearty sounds of applause reached her ears as she closed out, the elite class definitely approving of her performance. She stole a glance over towards her father, noting the unmoving expression on his face. However he did nod his head slowly, as if acknowledging that she did well enough. Whitley on the other hand visibly showed his supportive role as the younger brother, clapping his hands alongside the audience.
Inside the Xiao Long residence...
Yang had been healing at a very slow rate since the attack, staying bedridden with a slightly blank stare on her face. She would only eat if she was force fed but she mostly slept or gazed outside the window. Taiyang and Efram took turns caring and checking up on her; Zwei stayed mostly in her room curled up either by the foot of the bed or on the sheets; the corgi only left when he needed to go outside or if he needed food. Yang relied on turning her head slightly when being talked to, but didn't open her own mouth to actually voice her responses. On her desk were some of Ruby's letters that her dad would leave for her, unfolded in case she had any interest of reading over the progress of her sister's journey.
"Yang? Would...would you like to take a bath?" Taiyang once asked his daughter when he brought her some food on a platter. Neither he nor Efram wanted to be rude and point out the obvious, but Yang seemed disinterested and unmotivated to move. Soon the putrid stench was becoming very noticeable to the others, while the brawler had already become desensitized to the stench. The huntress had propped herself up against the headboard in her usual posture, her head turned so she was facing the window; she wasn't necessarily interested in what was going on outside, but she still stayed quiet.
Zwei waited outside the room with his ears semi-flattened against his head, his sense of smell being sharper than any human ultimately becoming his downfall; he wanted to be by Yang's side, but even he had to draw a line and call it quits when it became too much to handle. Taiyang patiently waited for her response, knowing that she heard him the first time. Slowly her head turned back around and she slowly blinked her eyes twice; she had been communicating through eyes or slow hand gestures instead of just simple head nods.
"There's my little sun dragon, I'll get the water ready for you." He offers her a small smile, standing up and making his way to the bathroom. Yang watched him before turning her head back towards the window. Outside there was the sound of a raven's crow, and Yang's eyes honed in immediately on the animal perched in the nearby tree. Its beady eyes returned her stare before it flew away once Taiyang returned, stating that the water was at the correct temperature.
Carefully lifting his daughter into his arms he entered the bathroom in long strides. Setting her down on the counter, he proceeded to untie the bandages, dumping the rags on the floor to be picked up later. Yang watched him work in silence until she was bare naked before him, Blake's ribbon laying on the counter so it wouldn't get wet or mixed up with the rags. This was her father so she wasn't fazed or bashful, and he has given her baths since she was a child. If it was any other person that wasn't a part of her family - or friends for that matter, she had to draw the line somewhere - she would make sure to vocalize her discomfort or let her fist do the talking.
"And you are ready for a dip. Easy there, I got you. Don't worry about anything." He maneuvered and lowered her into the tub, easing her into the pure crystal liquid when she started to squirm a bit. He gave her words of encouragement as she got accustomed to the feeling. The blonde soon found herself sitting in the tub, the water level covering up her chest and coming to a rest at her collarbone. The once pure liquid slowly turned opaque and not translucent due to the amount of impurities coming from her body and hair.
Yang closed her eyes and allowed the soothing and alluring sensation wash over her. The muscles of her body slowly released the tension, and she finally allowed herself to relax. She was back home after the incident at Beacon, that she knew. She was in the comfort of a place she grew up for years. However, memories of the attack outside in the woods rushed through her mind, reminding her that she was never safe. Adam was out there and her eyes snapped open, her breathing became sharp and labored. She was panicking. Her heart was hammering against her chest and her eyes darted around almost pleading for help. She swore she could see the red-haired male's shape hiding and lying in wait for her, ready to pounce and cut her throat when given a chance.
"Yang? Yang!" She turned with a small jerk to see her father kneeling beside her, his eyes filled with worry. He knew immediately that something was wrong the moment his daughter stopped being relaxed, her brows creasing and her breathing labored. Taiyang made sure to keep his voice calm and soft, not wanting to spook her. "Little dragon, I'm here for you. No one will come for you...not while I'm around. Okay? Here, let me wash your back. I'm sure it'll feel good."
Dipping a mid-size scrub he had in his hand into water before drizzling a good amount of body wash over its surface, he gently placed it against her back and began to move in a clockwise motion. He watched his daughter carefully, watched as the muscles underneath his fingers ever so slowly released the pent up tension. A slow and shaky breath was exhaled and Yang kept her mind occupied with her father's menstruation. Taiyang though made note of his daughter's hair and couldn't imagine just how broken she actually is. Where he normally would see a head full of golden luster hair all he sees now is a head covered in dull, musky yellow. It was as if her entire flame went out, there was nothing left. No spark.
He moved the scrub in circular motions, scraping off the dirt and caked blood from her skin; the entire tub of water had to be replaced frequently with how much grime and soot he washed off her body. If he came across a semi-open wound, he took extra care in cleaning it. The last thing he needed was aggravating and making a wound bleed. The remnants of gauze and filth soon washed away and the male could finally see the once luscious cream-colored skin, lightly dusted with a raw pink color. A couple of times Taiyang would stop to let the impure water trickle down the drain before filling the tub back up with a cleaner supply. It was an arduous, slow process – wash off the impurities, let the impure water drain away, refill the tub – and through it all Yang did not make a sound.
"All finished with the back side. Will you be able to take care of the rest?" He asks her quietly, wringing out the towel for excessive water. There's no way she'd allow him to wash her front, and deep down he knows that she knew that. She turned to gaze at him with a faraway look but she nodded her head in response to his question. Putting the towel on the edge of the tub for her to grab on her own, he gently pressed his lips to her temple in a kiss before standing up.
"Thanks...Dad." It was a whisper but he just barely caught it. He glanced over his shoulder, watching as Yang slowly dipped the towel into the water with her only hand, and proceeded to clean herself. Her voice sounded dry and scratchy, like she hadn't been using it for awhile. The blond male smiled in response.
"Any time."
Outside the mansion...
"Strange how we haven't ran into any guards on this side of the mansion...I'd like to think this was some kind of good luck." Timber questioned as he pulled his body through the hole. Glancing over he spotted the various guards patrolling the area outside the massive structure near the entrance. Flynt and Neon were right behind him, serious expressions on their own faces. "But you know I never thought the front door would be so heavily guarded...you'd think that they would fortify every single goddamn inch of this place."
"If I'm being honest, the most heavily guarded area would be the ballroom where all the guests will congregate after Weiss' little singing event." Neon whispered, her eyes scanning for any guards. "If I were an assassin that would be the place I'd mingle into. More bodies means more targets and a higher death count."
"Glad to know that you have those kind of thoughts, Neon." whispered Timber.
"I like to watch some of those criminal shows on my off periods. Or whenever I escape classes with General Ironwood, seriously that guy does not know the meaning of fun." came the chipper reply. "Being kept within the unexpected, not knowing what to expect next keeps my mind sharp in a way."
"Well at least now we don't have to weasel in through the front door, and by we I mean you. If we had to do that I'll have a massive headache, those guards were trained to be as diligent as possible. Even a miniscule difference on the guest list warrants an immediate removal and possibly landing in Atlas custody. Therefore Neon has made her way around the premises in her leisure time – need I remind you that dressing up as a student really has it's perks – and figured that this is one of the...lesser areas that guards would be kept at a minimum." Flynt told his fellow huntsman, his eyes sparkling from behind his glasses. "Sneaking past those tin heads has now become nothing but a breeze."
"Heh, tin heads, good one Flynt! Anyways, all you have to do is get through that window up there!" The faunus pointed with a finger with a broad smile on her face. The boys tilted their heads to see the window she was gesturing towards. "Sometimes I'll see a servant or two keep that one unlocked for airing out the laundry when I skate by the complex, but for something this big...guess the maids forgot to check all precautions because they're so damn busy."
"Then let's move. They are about to switch out another set of guards for the evening. After that it'll be smooth sailing for Neon and I to get out of dodge." Taking the lead Flynt inched closer, his eyes sharp and on the alert; Neon herself favored the boring school shoes rather than wearing her usual battle skates, stating that the wheels could possibly make unnecessary noises if she wasn't careful. There were a couple of times where they had to lay low for more than ten minutes just to not get caught by a surveillance search light mounted on the roof. Soon they found themselves positioned directly underneath the opening.
"Okay here we go, give me your foot so I can hoist you up. The ledge should be in reachable distance for your arms." Squatting down and putting his hands together, Flynt held Timber steady as the huntsman began his ascent toward the window, slowly standing up to his full height once the other male was somewhat stable. A couple of swipes from Timber had him missing the ledge, but one more swipe got him a good grip.
Hoisting himself so that he could lean both forearms along the jutting ledge, and no longer feeling Flynt's support, he carefully peeked inside to see if there were any occupants. After confirming that there was not a soul around he reached out with one hand to adjust the window, lifting it up just a bit more so that a person could wiggle through. Moving his hands so that they gripped the inside of the window, he pulled the rest of his body in and tumbled onto the cold-tiled floor. Laying on the ground with chest heaving for air, he waited for a bit before sitting up. As much as he would have liked to stay and be enticed with the extravagant room he had a job to do.
All right...I'm in. You'd think the security of this place would take every single precaution to keep intruders out. Sadly I was mistaken, this is starting to become somewhat of a child's play... Timber couldn't help but smile as he got to his feet, dusting off his clothes. He quickly made his way to the window to wave at the two below, indicating that he made it in successfully and no one heard him. Flynt and Neon both gave him thumbs up before they made their get-away, narrowly avoiding getting caught by the switching out of guards before leaving the parameter of the property. The plan was for Timber to meet up with Weiss and see how she was doing, probably even stay with her if he didn't get caught; anything after that would was a work in progress. Honestly the huntsman was surprised he made it this far.
Making his way to the door he turned the knob and pulled it slightly ajar, peeking around the corner to see clear empty halls. Well nearly empty because he just saw someone in a suit and tie walk out of sight. Closing the room softly he made his way down the lavish hallway, taking note of the distant voices of an ongoing party somewhere else within the extravagant mansion. The padding of heavy footing against the carpet-covered tile caught his attention, and he darted behind a marble column with haste. A couple of Schnee guards stormed passed his hiding spot, their expressions tight lipped as soldiers should.
Once the footsteps died, the huntsman slowly emerged from his spot and continued on his way. His nose soon picked up the aroma of exquisite cuisine, and his mouth began to salivate when he realized he was creeping past the kitchen. Shaking his head he continued onward, ignoring the cry of dismay his stomach was letting out. Past the kitchen he came across a large hallway with many doors.
"Hmmmm, of course these rooms are locked, why wouldn't they be." He murmured as he tested each one, jiggling the handles before giving up. Taking a step back, he shook his head in mock despair. "Geez...how can I search for Weiss in a large place like this without attending the ball?" Let's face it, there's no way I'll be successful because I am not dressed for the occasion...I'd stick out faster than an Ursa in a tinker shop. Seriously, why didn't I think about dressing up?
"Unhand me this instant! I did nothing wrong!"
"We're have a lot to talk about, young lady! I can't believe you went off the handle and behaved not as a Schnee should! Summoning a Grimm in the middle of the reception with your glyph, endangering the lives of innocence civilians, even going so far that General Ironwood had to step in. Why I've never been so ashamed in my entire life. I'm disappointed in you!"
Oh crap! Voices! Please let there be a room that's unlocked! He rushed around, testing all the handles before his hands found one that was unlocked. Twisting it, he stumbled in and closed the door shut. Taking a deep breath, he turned around to look at his surrounding. There was a huge bed with its large drapes that tumbled down the sides, an equally large wardrobe and closet on the far end, and a window that filtered in the moonlight. Near one of the corners not touched by moonlight he spotted what looked to be a mirror but it was covered by a white sheet.
"That woman – "
"That woman was a prominent guest in this mansion, and will be respected as such! Her father and I are potential business partners, do you understand what I'm trying to say?" A gruff voice of a male, along with a female's voice, grew in volume as they neared the room. The male sounded furious, and his counterpart sounded just as heated. "What did I keep telling you about displaying magic powers in front of our guests?! What will I say to that woman's father now...he'll think the family has gone completely nuts!"
"I was defending those who sacrificed themselves at my school! They had no right to disrespect Vale like that! They weren't even there!"
Weiss?! She sounds incredibly livid about something...and the person she's arguing with sounds like her father... Timber strained his ears to listen for confirmation of his theory, hearing sounds of bickering ending up right outside the door. Thinking quickly he dove underneath the bed, shivering as his stomach pressed against the cold tiles. He slowly lifted the drapes a bit so he could see what was going on. The entrance popped open and a not-so familiar set of heels clicked in, followed by a set of male shoes that could only scream royalty. The door closed shut behind them.
"That school you so aggressively protect has been bombarded with Grimm and housed our long time enemies...those no good ruffians, those uneducated animals. I think I'm going to put a stop to all the funds I've been donating to it! Beacon will never get another penny out of me! If Ozpin couldn't produce even a decent, adequate hunter...then by the Gods themselves I wouldn't want to see that school get rebuilt! Leave it in dust!"
"Preposterous!" Weiss snapped, stomping her foot in retaliation. She was so close to the bed that if Jacques wasn't in the room, Timber could have easy reached out to touch her foot. "You can't do that!"
"There's practically nothing left, only the bare skeleton and burnt remains! Sure there are the few still there trying to rebuild, but they're digging their own graves!" Jacques frowned as he stared his daughter down, his mustache barely twitching. "Look here Weiss, you're defending something that can no longer stand and is turning into a Grimm hub as we speak!"
"So what?! I had dreams, had friends, had memories I don't think you'll ever have a chance of achieving! All you ever cared about was making the SDC bigger than the rest of the competition, not even thinking about the consequences! God you can be so irritating to talk to!"
"I could say the same to you, you insolent brat." He paced back and forth, growling under his breathe before jabbing a finger in her direction. "Do you even realize just how much your little stunt has cost me? Don't even think I'm just taking about Lien here. Our reputation...all ruined by you!"
"Shut up! I knew deep down I've been nothing more than a snobby rich bitch like the rest of Atlas, but spending all my days away from such a toxic environment, surrounding myself with those who actually gave a damn about me...well that was all it took for me to open my eyes to the realization. This place I have called home since birth is just as bad as I had imagined! Perhaps even worse!"
"Then maybe you shouldn't have left Atlas in the first place! If you had stayed–"
"If I had stayed I wouldn't be who I am now. I would have ended up just like you, cold and money hungry." Weiss didn't hold back, keeping her back straight as she stared at her father. "I'm glad I was at Beacon. I'm glad I was able to make such great friends. I don't appreciate you bringing me back to a place I don't feel comfortable. Here I am caged. Here I can't be myself. Here I am just your little pawn, a stepping stone for your own selfish gains!"
"You watch that tongue of yours."
"No wonder Winter left, she couldn't take this kind of treatment anymore." Weiss muttered, but it was loud enough for Jacques to hear.
"You dare utter that disgrace in my presence. You are such a fool to be following in her footsteps."
"WINTER IS NOT A DISGRACE!" Weiss stood firm, yelling in her father's face. "How DARE you! I cannot...I don't want to acknowledge you as my father anymore."
"Well, I don't give a damn about what you want. It has never been about you. You can't change what flows in that body of yours. And apparently it seems that one thing that runs through your bloodline and Winter's is the apparent insistence on dragging the Schnee family name through shit!"
"I have done nothing but fight to uphold this honor. You married into this family...just for the money. I knew you never loved Mom, the same way you never loved any one of us! You're downright using us for your own glory!"
"You wretched–"
"Hold that comment, I'm not finished. You thought that marrying into a wealthy family was going to protect you as you do your schemes? Well think again. Sooner or later, everything will come to light, out into the public. And when it does, I want to be the first one to gloat in your face! When I take over the company, I'll make things right...and I'll do it as a Huntress!"
"Ha...ha...hahahahahhahahaha!" Jacques burst into laughter, holding his sides to keep from doubling over. Weiss only raised an eyebrow in questioning, not bothering to stop him. Once he had settled down, he proceeded to wipe away a tear. "Oh my, that has got to be one of the best tongue lashings I've ever heard. More hilarious than when I realized you were actually friends with animals."
"How dare you insult my friends like that."
"Oh no, it's something I must correct while you're still young and very naive. Schnees never ever make friends with those of...a lesser status in the social hierarchy. You on the other hand...Well, you have broken that norm, pandering yourself to make others feel like they belong in the same category. What a sick joke." He scowled at her, "Can you even consider yourself a proper Schnee?"
"What's that supposed to mean?!" She scoffed at him. "I don't need any lecturing, especially not one from you. I know who I am. My name does not define me."
"It seems I have underestimated you Weiss. You've been brain-washed for far too long. Your rebellious behavior is unacceptable for a heiress. I was willing to overlook some of your short-comings and ruining the family name, but your little stunt tonight was the last straw. From henceforth I strip you of your title and give your brother Whitley Schnee full custody to the company once I step down."
"W-W-Wha... Excuse me?!" She squawked indignantly. Even Timber couldn't help but silently gasp by what he heard. "Stripped of being next in line to inherit the Schnee Dust Company? You can't do that!"
"Oh but I can. And I just did. My words are law and they're final."
"You...You..." Her fists were shaking with immense rage that could rival Yang on a bad hair day.
"I'm incredibly disappointed in your behavior. You couldn't possibly understand the lengths I've gone to in order to keep the family to where it is. Turning your back and running away like your sister is perhaps the most disastrous thing you could do. You think you're doing what's best but in reality...you're making it extraordinarily difficult. Siding with that failure will divide us."
"If this is how you really feel, then this is my response." She straight up looked him in the eyes and said without hesitation, "Fuck. You."
SMACK!
The harsh blow was hard to swallow, but Weiss took it. She won't give the man the satisfaction of watching her cry; the feeling of accomplishment felt good within her chest as she stood up to the very man who had made her life hell. Jacques was absolutely fuming, the hand that he slapped his own daughter was trembling.
"Know your damn place, Weiss. You're living underneath my roof. Inside of my house. Don't you forget that, least I throw you out on the streets." He snarled, turning his back on her as she stood with a hand raised over her burning cheek. "Under my authority, you are forbidden to leave Atlas. You are forbidden to leave the manor grounds unless I say so. Clearly I have underestimated the trauma you've gained from that event. You're nothing more...than a grounded child that I have to now keep my full attention on."
Shiiiing~
Timber watched with slight amusement as a familiar glyph appeared underneath the male's feet, heard the door swing open, and a loud yelp as Weiss practically threw her father out of her room without another word. The door slammed shut to further convey frustration, and the mattress above his head groaned in protest as the now ex-heiress threw herself upon it in aggravation.
"Stupid father...stupid upper class etiquette, stupid everything...I hate him so goddamn much! I wish...I wish he would just die in the most horrific way possible!" Weiss' voice grumbled from above his head, and the small squeaking noises that followed were her fists slamming down on the mattress. "...I don't want to be anywhere near him...I don't want to be anywhere here...I want to go home...I want to be where everyone else is..."
"You know, had it not been for the laws of this land I would have slaughtered that man for you if...if you'd allow me to."
"What the – Who is," Swinging her feet over the side in surprise Weiss crouched down and lifted up the flap, coming face to face with a very smiling huntsman. "BOW BOY?! How the hell did you mange to get in here? Did you listening to this conversation the entire time?"
"Quite easily actually, there was a window left open on the second floor. And yeah, I was kinda trapped the moment you and your dad were coming down the hall. I'm sorry you had to go through all that mess." Timber laughs as he shimmies out from underneath. Once he stood up, he had to readjust as Weiss pulled him into a hug. He smiled and hugged her back, his arms wrapped lightly around her waist. "You look great by the way. Besides the waterworks."
"Shut it, I had an eyelash in my eye. This mansion isn't as great as it appears to be...but I think you know that by now." She snorted in response before they pulled away, her hands resting lightly on his forearms. "But besides the point, why didn't you call ahead of time? I-I would've tidied up if I had known!" Then she slapped her forehead and added, "Oh, I can be so dumb sometimes. The CCT Tower is obviously out of commission, and the small relay towers aren't entirely secured. Not to mention nearly all the calls that do come in are monitored by the Atlas military."
"Flynt has given me a little something that allows us to communicate since the connection isn't that strong. Not sure if it is able to be monitored by the military like you have told me, but so far we haven't been sought out yet. It's only a matter of time before we get found out...I can tell just by your facial expression alone." explains Timber, pulling out his scroll to show her.
"Hmmmmm, well you aren't wrong in your gut feeling." She mused, pulling out her own scroll to synchronize with his. There was a small 'ding' signaling that the process was complete and successful. "But I believe we can keep up this charade for just a while longer. Will Flynt – and I do suppose Neon is with him as well – will they both be okay?"
"Yeah, I told them that we'd be in touch. It would be really bad if your father were to find out we got outside help." Timber then frowned, before saying, "Scratch that, it would be EXTREMELY bad if your father were to know about this."
"Indeed...and I suppose we've have to keep Ironwood in the dark too. Don't get me wrong, I trust him a little more than my own father." Weiss sat back down on her bed, hands folded daintily over her lap. "However I wouldn't want him to catch wind of his students causing mischief either. We need as much help as we can when the time comes."
"Now that's what we're talking about. However the night is not young and I assume you've had a long day, we should probably get some sleep."
"Well, after what had happened I just don't feel tired. I feel like I want to stab something with Myrtenaster." At that moment Weiss' mouth opened and she yawned in an unladylike manner. She glared when she caught Timber smirking behind a hand. "Oh all right then, I'm bloody tired. Most of my energy went towards my performance as well as trying to put a woman in her place."
"No doubt about that, I hope you'd tell me all about it. Mind if I take the couch?" He jabbed at the soft velvet-covered furniture that was facing the window. If he were to wager a guess it probably costs a huge fortune. "If not I don't mind sleeping on the tile floor."
"Go ahead. I don't mind. It's been a long time since..." She paused, almost as if she was reminded of something from her past. "Since...we first purchased it. I'm happy to say you're the first one to break it in, so to speak." Raising to her feet she wondered over to her closet with the utmost grace in her step, prying the doors open and pulled out a large blanket. Handing it over to the huntsman, she proceeded to pull out a pillow from a drawer.
"Thank you! Oh wow, these feel soft and wonderful." said Timber, running his fingers back and forth along the material.
"Of course, they're the best of the best. My father wouldn't settle for anything less." Weiss snapped her fingers, changing her attire to that of her pajamas before hopping straight into bed.
"Same could be said about yourself when we first met. You were all about perfection!" Making himself comfortable with his head on the pillow, he pulled the blanket up and over his shoulders. "Goodnight Weiss. Don't think too hard, we'll get through this together."
"Yeah..." Weiss replied, her head on her own pillow. She soon heard soft snoring from the couch, and couldn't help herself to a small giggle. It was really nice to see a familiar face after a sea of strangers. "Together."
