Chapter 2: Ruby's POV
We entered the club, each of us in our dresses that were somewhat reminiscent of our combat outfits. I felt more exposed than necessary as we headed toward the bar. They each sat down and waited patiently for the bartender. I looked down the row, comparing their outfits to mine. I sat beside Weiss, who wore a white satin dress that faded to light blue and came to just above her knees, just like her combat dress. It had a sweetheart neckline with a cut-out in the shape of a diamond just below her chest. Jeweled straps went up to and around her neck. Yang was in a tight yellow dress that came to mid-thigh, with the top half being two straps of fabric that crisscrossed over each other and around her neck. Blake was in a pleather black dress that came to mid-thigh with a halter top and a slit in one thigh. I looked down at my dress. It was a black dress with a corset top and a pleated skirt. The middle of the corset was open, with red strings holding it together in the front and back, tied into a bow on each side. The only thing that saved me from dying of mortification was the translucent mesh covering the opening in the front. The bottom came to mid-thigh, and the back came down almost to my butt, paired with sheer black pantyhose, a black leather choker with a silver heart ring in the middle, and black combat boots. Why Yang felt the need for me to dress like this, the world may never know/
Weiss noticed my discomfort and gave me a reassuring pat on the back. "Don't worry, Ruby. You look great. Yang and I did a great job picking out your dress. It complements your personality and your features. I'll be shocked if you don't get at least one scroll number tonight."
Hearing her name, Yang leaned over to join the conversation. "What about Yang?"
I giggled at my sister's goofiness. "Weiss was just reassuring me that you two did well picking out my outfit." I blushed and looked down at my hands, which were on my lap. "I'm just not used to being dressed like this. I can't believe you guys made me wear a push-up bra."
Junior approached the section of the bar the four of us were sitting in and raised an eyebrow at them. "Well, it's odd seeing you four here together. I'm used to just seeing the blondie and the Faunus girl. What's the occasion?"
Yang, being the talker of the group, spoke up. "We're making Ruby socialize. She's a loner who doesn't do anything but train when she's not on a mission. Blake and I were already coming tonight, so we made her join, and Weiss decided to tag along too."
Junior laughed. "What wonderful teammates you guys are. What can I get for you, ladies?"
Weiss handed her card to Junior. "I'd like to start a tab under Weiss Schnee, please." She looked over at us. "I'll buy drinks tonight, to celebrate Ruby coming out of her shell."
"Oh, thank you, Weiss. You didn't have to." Yang turned to me. "I'll get us my usual. I know you're not much of a drinker, but it's delicious, I promise. Junior makes a great strawberry sunrise, you can't even taste the tequila." She flashed a grin at Junior. "Isn't that right, old man?"
Junior laughed. "You would know, Blondie. Two strawberry sunrises, and for the princess?"
Weiss flashed a glare at the nickname. "Just a glass of Merlot, and it's heiress to you. Blake?"
"Oh, just a Long Island Iced Tea with lemon, please and thank you." Blake leaned her head on Yang's shoulder and Yang wrapped an arm around her back.
Junior nodded and began to make their drinks. A few moments later, he returned. "Strawberry Sunrise for the blondie and her sister, Long Island Iced Tea for the kitty, and Merlot for the princess. Let me know if you ladies need anything else.
Yang nodded in confirmation. "It looks delicious, thanks, Junior. Now. Ruby." She shoved the drink into my hand. "Go mingle. Make a friend. If you need us, call us." She winked at me. "Maybe you'll find someone to break open that shell of yours. Go."
I mumbled a protest and started to wander the club. After several minutes of wandering and not seeing a single friendly face, I began to panic, and my social anxiety began to take over. I couldn't imagine myself going up to a complete stranger and starting a conversation. I glanced over, and bright orange hair caught my eye. She recognized the familiar white jacket, bowler hat, and bright orange hair. Roman Torchwick. Shit. The former criminal was sitting alone on a red couch facing another couch with a table between them. My heart skipped a beat. Oh no. Of course, Roman Torchwick is here tonight. I chewed on the inside of my cheek in nervousness. I know he's out on parole after his stint in prison, and he donated to the rebuilding of Beacon as part of his punishment, but it's super inconvenient that he's here tonight. What if he sees me? I'll never live it down.
I looked around at the crowd and took a big sigh and a big gulp of my drink. Well, I guess it's better than nothing. If Yang wants me to mingle, he'll have to do. A familiar face, even if he used to be my enemy, is better than a stranger, I guess. At least he's not doing illegal shit anymore. Deep breaths, Ruby.
I slowly made my way over to the couch he was sitting on. Standing beside him, I gathered the courage to speak. "Hi. Um. Is- is this seat taken?" I gestured to the couch across from him.
He immediately seemed to recognize my voice. Not looking up from his scroll, he huffed in annoyance. "What do you want, Red? I did my time, paid the fines, and I promised General Schnee I'd be a good boy." He rolled his eyes and waved his hand dismissively. "So whatever spy mission you've been sent out on, it's not gonna work."
I sighed in annoyance. "First of all, if this were just a mission, do you actually think they would have sent one of the most straight-edge huntresses to a shady club? No. I'm here because I lost a stupid game of truth or dare with Yang and she wants me to 'socialize.'" She sarcastically used air quotes and then took another sip of her drink before rolling her eyes. "Second of all, I'm trying to be nice, Torch-dick. You're the first familiar face I've seen in the half-hour I've been wandering this stupid place. I was told to go 'mingle'. Yang took my scythe as collateral, so you don't have to worry about that."
Roman chuckled. "That's hilarious. I'm glad someone finally took that oversized gardening tool away from you. Alright, fine, I believe you. Have a seat." He gestured to the empty couch across from him.
I briefly looked around, suddenly realizing that the area they were in was secluded and poorly lit. I slid into the seat and set my drink down on the table, staring at my feet with a deep blush on my face.
Roman rested his chin on his hand, clad in his black leather glove, and studied me for a moment, waiting for me to speak. Noticing that I was avoiding eye contact on purpose, he decided to start the conversation. "I take it you haven't had enough liquid courage yet." He leaned back in the red cloth booth and stretched his arms around the back of it, studying me. His green eyes seemed to look straight into my soul.
I met his emerald gaze, but only briefly, before scowling at his comment and taking a big sip of my drink. Yang lied. I could definitely taste the tequila, it burned a little bit, but it was still good. "Nope."
"Well, I heard team RWBY graduated early, congratulations on that. I take it coming here was the blonde's idea."
I only nodded in response. The blush never left my face, and I couldn't tell whether it was from embarrassment, the alcohol, or both.
Roman smirked. He noticed the deep blush on my face. A wicked grin spread across his lips. "I assume the dress was Blondie's idea too?"
I gasped in embarrassment. My silver eyes widened and the shade of pink on my face became a dark red. "Shut up, pervert! Don't look at my dress." I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to hide it from his gaze.
Roman laughed in response. "You're an adult, you should dress like one. It suits you, sweetheart. The color matches your face."
I looked up at him with wide eyes to see a devious smirk on his face. "Stop that!"
"Stop what, Red?" A devilish grin crept across his face as he feigned innocence.
"You're doing this on purpose!" I whined.
"Doing what on purpose, little flower?" He cocked his head to the side.
"You're embarrassing me on purpose!" I hissed.
Roman chuckled. "Hmm, I will admit, you're kind of adorable when you're not trying to murder me. So. Tell me about this dare you had with your sister." He purred then leaned towards me, the devilish grin still on his face.
I covered my face with my hands. "It's so freaking dumb. You don't want to hear it." I quickly downed the rest of my drink and let out an annoyed groan.
"Oh, yes, I do, because it brought you here, and I know you wouldn't normally set foot in this place, especially in a dress like that. It has to be interesting." He glanced over at my now empty glass, then to his own. "I'll bargain with you. If I buy us some more drinks, and we change the subject in the meantime, will you tell me?"
I sighed in annoyance. "Fine, but I'm coming with you to make sure you don't drug it."
Roman frowned. "Red, I know I used to be the big bad wolf of Vale, but sexual crimes are too low, even for me. If it makes you more comfortable, I can order it on the app and have it brought to our table."
I let out a sigh of relief. "Please, and thank you."
He gave me a small, yet genuine smile. "It's no big deal, Red." He pulled out his scroll and started scrolling through the app. "What was that fruity thing you had?"
"A strawberry sunrise- But I think I'd like to try something different if you have any suggestions." I started to feel my first drink settling in, my body became warm and my anxiety started to wash away. Roman was right, this stuff really is liquid courage. I made eye contact with Roman and gave him a small smile. I noticed another devious grin come across his face and mine dropped. "Uh-oh."
"Do a shot with me, Red. It'll be fun. I promise. Think of it as a peace offering."
I rolled my eyes and smiled. "Fine, as long as you buy me a chaser."
Roman grinned happily. "Of course. Vodka?"
I shrugged. "That's fine, as long as it's flavored."
Roman ordered our drinks and set his scroll down. "You know, Red, aside from people I was already friends with before I turned myself in after Beacon fell- Really sorry about that, by the way. Cinder was quite intimidating- You're one of the first people to treat me like a human being instead of a monster since I got out of prison. Thank you." He leaned toward me with his chin on his hand again, this time a bit closer.
A faint shade of pink returned to my cheeks. "It's no problem. My parents taught me to be kind to others, and I believe you've paid your price for the crimes you've committed." My scroll buzzed. "Oh- that must be my team making sure I'm okay. Do you mind if I text them back real quick?"
"I don't mind at all, I'm sure Junior doesn't want your sister tearing up the place- again. Will you do me a favor, and keep me anonymous? I'm sure Blondie would break my kneecaps and the kitty cat would castrate me." He watched my expressions as I typed away on my scroll.
I nodded as she texted my teammates back in our group chat. I let out a small laugh. "Yeah, I don't think they'd be too happy about it, but oh well. They told me to socialize."
Yang: "Are you making friends?"
Me: "I've made a friend, I think. We've had a friendly conversation and he's buying me a shot.
Weiss: "I'm so proud of you, Ruby! You're coming out of your shell!"
Yang: "Maybe those shots will lead to something ;)"
Me: "Oh my gosh, Yang! It's FAR too soon for that, even if we wanted it to happen."
Blake: "Do you?"
Me: "I don't know. He's kind of attractive, I guess, but he's like… a good bit older than us."
Yang: "Ooh, older guys can be kinda fun. They're more experienced. How much older are we talking?"
I looked back up at Roman and tilted my head in curiosity. I tried not to show the fact that I noticed he'd been watching her the whole time, waiting patiently with his chin propped on his fist. "How old are you again?"
Roman gave me an amused smirk. "Thirty-six. Why do you ask?"
My face got darker and I bit my bottom lip. "My teammates are interrogating me."
Me: He's 36, guys. Now stop interrogating me, I don't want to be rude.
Yang: Meh. You're an adult, you can make your own decisions. If he's hot, then go for it.
I gave an apologetic laugh. "Sorry, they just want to make sure I'm having a good time."
Roman raised an eyebrow, the smirk having never left his face. "Are you?"
I felt my face growing hotter and I gave him a sweet smile. "Yeah."
Roman looked up and grinned when he saw the waitress approaching our table with their drinks. "Good. You're about to have an even better time because our drinks have arrived."
The waitress set two shot glasses of vodka, a Strawberry Sunrise, and a glass of whiskey down on the table, then left.
"Ready, sweetheart?" Roman smirked at me.
I sighed. "As ready as I'll ever be. And I'm not your sweetheart."
"Great." We downed our shots in unison, the liquid burning my throat, and I quickly took a few large sips of my Strawberry Sunrise to wash the vodka down while Roman was casually sipping on his whiskey. I faked a gag and looked at Roman in disgust. "That was disgusting!"
Roman laughed. "You don't do shots for the taste, Red. You do them to get drunk."
"Yeah, well, mission accomplished. I'm a lightweight, Yang will probably have to carry me out of this place."
Roman took the opportunity to make me blush again. "Aww, I was hoping you'd come home with me tonight, Red." He leaned toward me with his chin on his hand again.
I scowled at him. "Roman. I swear to gods I will punch you in the dick. Don't think that just because I don't have my scythe I won't hurt you."
"Aww, don't be so mean, Red. I was kidding. It's fun to get these reactions out of you. Now, are you ready to tell me what brought you here?"
My face turned a deep red and I covered my face with my hands, looking at the floor. "Yang's making me lose my virginity." I mumbled. I wasn't sure why I told him, but he seems like he'd easily be able to detect a lie.
Roman tilted his head. He reached his hand out and tilted my chin up so that I looked at him. "Hmm? Sorry, darling, I don't speak mumbles. I didn't quite catch that, would you mind repeating yourself?" He seemed to find it entertaining to toy with me.
My face matched my dress once again and I avoided eye contact with Roman. His piercing green eyes were too much for me to handle at the moment, and my heart was racing. "Yang is making me lose my virginity." I gritted out. Roman burst into a fit of laughter and nearly fell over in his seat, which earned him a scowl. "What's so funny?"
Roman wiped a tear from his eye. "If you don't even know how to socialize, how do you expect to get laid?"
I shrugged. "I don't know. I'll figure it out somehow or another She made me come here so that I would develop my social skills. So here I am, having a conversation with one of Vale's most notorious criminals." I was starting to feel the alcohol now, my body becoming warm and fuzzy.
Roman corrected me. "Former criminal, Red. I've been forgiven by the government for my sins."
I stuck my tongue out at Roman. "You're still a big meanie."
"And you're still a brat." He grabbed my tongue between his thumb and pointer finger.
It was at this point that I'd had about enough of him toying with me. I'll be damned if I let him win this easily. I bit down on his fingers.
Roman snatched his hand away. "Ouch! What the hell, Red?!" He took off the glove and carefully examined his fingers to make sure I didn't break skin. Satisfied by seeing that I didn't, he put the glove back on.
I crossed my arms and gave him a pouting glare. I already felt the alcohol making her social anxiety fade away, as well as my filter. "You called me a brat and grabbed my tongue. It was your punishment. Dickhead." I stuck my tongue out again.
Roman laughed. "Oh, so I'm a dickhead now? Well, as your punishment for having such foul language-" He nudged my mixed drink towards me. "Drink the rest of this. Now."
"Fine." I glared daggers at him before chugging the rest of my Strawberry Sunrise through the straw.
"Good girl," he purred. It made me blush, and it made my brain short-circuit. "I'm going outside for a smoke, care to join me?" He stood up and drank the rest of his whiskey, I guess not wanting to risk someone drugging or poisoning it. He stood up and outstretched his hand, offering to help me out of my seat.
My glare did not concede. "Fine. I guess it's better than staying in here alone. Just don't let my teammates spot us. Also, don't call me that again or I'll kill you." I reluctantly took his hand and let him help me.
Roman just chuckled in response to my threat and put my hand on his arm and gave me a crooked grin. "I wouldn't want you to get lost."
I rolled my eyes. "Whatever." I followed him along the edge of the crowd to the back of the club and through a back door with a sign that said "smoking area". We sat on a bench next to the exit, and I put enough distance between us so that he wouldn't get the wrong idea, but close enough to be friendly. We sat in silence for a few moments while Roman lit his cigar and played a game on his scroll before I spoke. "So… How's your, uh partner? Her name's Neo, right?" I began to realize that it was colder outside than in the club and regretted not bringing a jacket while I rubbed my arms for warmth. It was warm during the day, so it didn't occur to me.
Roman nodded. "Neo's fine, if you're wanting to know why she's not here, she's not a drinker. As for our relationship, we're just best friends. I'd consider her the only family I have." He glanced over at me, noticing I was shivering. "Cold?"
I nodded and a light blush spread across my face. "Just a little."
Roman held the cigar in his mouth and began unbuttoning his jacket. "Here. Take this." He took it off and tossed it into my lap. "I don't need it."
I reluctantly put it on and buttoned it. The smell of Roman's cologne filled my lungs, and I covertly shoved my face into the collar, pretending to warm my cheeks. Oh, gosh. His jacket smells nice. His cologne smells expensive. His jacket feels expensive too, and it's comfy. I glanced over to Roman and realized this was the first time I'd seen him without his jacket. Now that we're technically not enemies anymore, I guess he is kind of handsome, especially without his jacket. I can tell he definitely still goes to the gym. That black dress shirt really does compliment his body- wait, what am I thinking?! He's gross! I shook the thoughts away and looked in the opposite direction.
Roman noticed my staring. "Lien for your thoughts, Red?"
I jumped and turned a deep shade of red. "I, Uh. Um. No thank you."
Roman laughed. "Too embarrassed to tell me?"
"N-no. I just don't feel like it." I lied.
"Then why is your face the color of a tomato?"
"I-uh, I don't know. The alcohol, I guess?"
Roman chuckled. "Cute." Roman snuffed out his cigar and threw it into the trash. He held out a hand to me. "Ready to go back inside?" I simply nodded and took his hand. This time, Roman didn't put my hand on his arm but instead held my hand as he guided her back through the club to our table. "Care for another drink, Red?"
"Uh, sure. A frozen strawberry margarita, please?" I had a feeling I was going to need it if Roman kept teasing me. Roman nodded and placed our order. "Oh, here, have your jacket back. It's warmer over here at the table." I tossed it at Roman and he caught it. Moments later, our new drinks arrived, a frozen strawberry margarita for myself, and another glass of whiskey for Roman. "I don't see how you drink that stuff straight, Torchwick." I gestured to his glass of whiskey.
He shrugged. "It's not that bad once you get used to it." He started slowly sipping from his glass. "I have a high tolerance, anyway. I'm only now starting to feel a little buzzed."
I was already halfway done with my margarita, hoping that the alcohol would save me from being timid and awkward in front of my former nemesis. Unfortunately, my rather attractive former nemesis. I quickly realized that was a mistake. I set my glass down as the room slowly went out of focus, my head started to spin, and nausea started to build up as all of the alcohol from earlier started to affect me. "Hey, Torchwick?"
"Hmm?" Mid-sip, he looked at me over his glass with raised brows.
"So, uhh... This is my first time drinking."
"I'm not shocked."
"And I don't feel so well. I think I need to go home."
"Also not shocked. Why didn't you tell me it was your first time drinking, Red? I wouldn't have encouraged you to drink so much."
I shrugged. "Didn't wanna look like a chicken."
Roman laughed. "I definitely wouldn't have judged you, Red. Do you want me to go get one of your friends?"
I shook my head. "They'll castrate you."
"I appreciate the honesty, sweetheart. Let me walk you home, then. Do you live far from here?"
I shook my head again. "I live on Vytal Road." I laid my head down to mitigate the spinning room.
"Okay. Not far." He stood up and quickly finished his drink and the rest of mine. "You don't need any more of this anyway." He walked around to where I was sitting and gently stroked the back of my head. I shivered at the gentleness of his touch. "I'm going to close out my tab, and I'll be right back."
I only nodded in response and patiently waited for Roman to come back, fighting the effects of drinking too much too fast. He came back a few minutes later and wrapped his jacket back around me. "You're going to need this." He said as he shoved my arms through the sleeves like I was a rag doll. He held his hand out for me. "Can you walk?"
"I think so." I stood and attempted to take a step, but stumbled immediately.
"That would be a no." He scooped me into his arms like I weighed nothing. "I was tempted to throw you over my shoulder like a sack of flour but decided against it. I don't want to get puked on." He chuckled. "Wrap your arms and legs around me." I did as he said, he was easily able to support me with one arm under my butt. If his hand goes near there, I'm going to kick him in the balls. "We'll take the back exit." He carried me out of the club and toward the direction of my apartment. "Let me see your scroll. I'll message your friends for you and let them know you're heading home."
Not thinking about their previous conversation, I drunkenly agreed. "Okay. We have a group chat." I handed it to him.
He opened it and went to my messages, and smirked at my scroll. I wondered what he was smirking at, but I was too drunk to read from the back of it.
Roman chuckled and typed a message to our group chat. I wonder what's so funny. I squinted, trying to read the conversation, but failed.
An incoming video call notification from Weiss flashed across the screen.
Roman swore under his breath. "Shit. Red, the Ice Queen is calling you. She doesn't believe you're safe. Answer it, but don't let them see me. I may not want kids, but I do like having my dick attached to my body." He quickly shoved the scroll at me, and I grabbed it with one hand and propped it on the back of his shoulder since I was resting my head on top of his shoulder.
I rolled my eyes. "Of course, it would be Weiss. Give it here." took the scroll from Roman."Yes, Weiss?"
Weiss sighed with relief when she saw me. "Oh. So it is you. I was worried."
I nodded. "I can't see straight enough to text you guys, so my friend texted you guys for you."
Weiss blushed, and I wondered what the big deal was. "Oh. Okay. Well, be careful." She tilted her head. "Wait, is he carrying you?"
Ruby nodded. "I tried to walk and I failed."
Weiss giggled. "It's sweet of him to carry you. I assume that's also his jacket. That's cute. Let the group chat know when you make it home. Bye, Ruby. Again, please be careful."
I nodded in response. "Bye, Weiss." I hung up the call and placed the scroll in the pocket of Roman's jacket and turned to him. "I'm glad she didn't recognize the jacket, she would've castrated you."
Roman just chuckled in response.
I got a whiff of his cologne. It smelled… minty, citrusy, and a bit woodsy. I instinctively nuzzled into Roman's neck. "You smell nice."
"I would hope so," Roman chuckled. "This cologne was expensive."
I smiled and closed my eyes. I dozed off within seconds.
A few minutes later, Roman nudged me awake. "Hey. Red. Which house is yours?"
"1031. Third on the left."
"I see it. I hope you have a key."
"Shit."
"You don't, do you?"
"I expected to leave with my teammates, so I left it inside."
Roman sighed. "I'll have to pick the lock, then."
"Do what you have to."
Roman set me down on the concrete doorstep. "Sorry, I need both hands." He pulled two pins from his pocket and got to work on the lock. Seconds later, the door unlocked. "You're in. Considering your current state, I don't exactly trust you to make it to your room without hurting yourself, I'm going to carry you." He picked me up again. He immediately figured out which room was mine since I had painted my emblem on it. He opened it and walked to my bed where he set me down. "I hope you can change by yourself."
I blushed at the thought of the alternative and nodded silently.
"Good." He picked up my hand and lifted it to his lips. He gave my knuckles a quick kiss before releasing my hand, causing my breath to catch in my throat and a deep blush to appear on my face. "Goodnight, Red."
My blush darkened at the gesture. "G-goodnight. Wait! Your jacket."
Roman reached out and stroked my cheek with his thumb. "Keep it for now. You can give it to me tomorrow afternoon. Meet me for coffee at the coffee shop down the street?"
"Um. S-sure."
Roman smiled. "See you at noon?"
I nodded in agreement and smiled up at Roman.
"Good. See you then. Oh, and get a new lock that isn't so easy to pick." He turned and walked out of the room, gently closing the door behind him.
Once I was sure that Roman was gone, I took the jacket off and hung it in my closet, not wanting it to get wrinkled. As I did so, something fell out of the jacket. I bent down to pick it up.
What's this, I wonder?
I held it in my hands and examined it. Oh. It's a business card. Roman's business card, actually.
I flipped it over to find that Roman had written a note on the back. It read, "You may want this. -RT" with a winky face drawn onto it. The deep blush returned to my face again, and I inputted the number into my scroll before sending a message.
Ruby: I found your card. Did you make it home safely?
I managed to change into pajamas without too much trouble and slipped under my blankets before sending a text to the team's group chat, letting them know I arrived home safely. Sleep did not come easily. My heart seemed to be beating out of my chest, and my mind was going a million miles an hour.
Why did he agree to talk when he could've easily told me to go away, even after I explained that I wasn't there on a mission? Why did he buy me all those drinks? He could've made me buy my own. Why did he choose to walk me home when he could've just called a cab? Did he just want to see for himself that I made it home? More importantly, he was obviously flirting with me but was he doing it because he was into me, or did he just find it entertaining? I sighed as I closed my eyes and tried to quiet my mind enough to go to sleep. A few minutes later, my scroll vibrated.
Roman: I made it home. Sweet dreams, Red. I'll see you tomorrow. ;)
