A/N Socialite struggles
Alt title:
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Call me (political reference here) because I'm cranking out chapters like my, um, sweatshop joke. I'm tired okay? This is the second to last thing I'm typing and it's 11:15pm right now.
Still not gonna stop, I genuinely enjoy writing.
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GideonBlackthorn: Soon, you will see.
1 a few
2 I'll have to check, it's been years since I read the series
3 find out!
Guest: You just gave me an idea for a future chapter
Samejake: Thank you.
Attttth: The SDC has less power in Atlas, but more power in every other kingdom.
You're suspicions, are not totally wrong. But I won't spoil.
Genkiwan: I'll give it for free. One of the things he can do with magic, is mimic certain aspects of other people's semblances.
Aaron Dawn: The comment and its validation is enough for me!
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-Date, Time-
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
(Text)
Sounds/Actions*
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-Forever Fall Forest, 09/19, 09:30am-
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Russel Thrush POV
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"Alright Cardin." I sigh as I set the crate down. "What's up?"
The jackass with daddy privilege had us lug these damn things all the way over here. No, correction, he had me lug these things all the way over here. Because, and I quote, need to learn discipline and gain some muscle.
"Nothing much." He says as he looks over the peak of the hill. "Dove, hand me a jar of sap."
"What?" Dove says in confusion.
Alarm bells start ringing in my head as I walk over and peak over the ledge of the hill. Spying Team SLBR, just in time to see the red one throw a pinecone and hit Cyril in the head.
'Don't assume things Russel.' I tell myself.
Sure Cardin's a racist, city raised nepo-baby. But, surely he isn't that vile.
"Just give it!" I hear him shout behind me.
Turning around, I feel my heart drop as Cardin winds up and throws the jar.
"Stop!" I shout, jumping up to catch the jar. But I'm too late.
Rushing over to the ledge. I can only watch as the jar sales through the air. The red one raising her rifle to shoot it out of the air.
I breathe a sigh of relief as Cyril intercepts. The shot going wide as he pushes her rifle down and safely catches the jar.
"Thrush!" Cardin growls. "What is your deal!?"
" My deal?" I say as I step back from the hill to face the man, feeling something snap inside me. " My deal! Is that I'm not some morally deprived asshat who'd let a grudge drive him to endanger his whole fucking grade!"
Weeks! I've been this shithead's mule. Dove and Sky only follow him because his dad is a councilor. And I did too.
Pulling out my Shortwings, I charge the bastard. I came here to be a Hunter, not a coward.
So what if his dad gets me kicked out of Beacon? I got into Beacon! I'm seventeen, Shade and Haven will no doubt take me next year.
"Russ!" Dove gets in front of me and holds me back. "Don't do it man! It's not worth it!"
"The hell it is!" I say, activating my semblance and jumping up, tossing him off me as I land to slash Cardin, who brings up his mace to block before knocking me back.
"You're out of line Thrush!" Cardin says, only for Sky to knock Cardin's mace out of his hand and kick it away.
"What the hell!?" Cardin curses, turning around to face Sky.
Only for the black haired Faunus of Team SLBR to leap over the ledge and drop kick Cardin in the side of the head.
"Ha!" I laugh at the guy, only to find a scythe around my waist and pulling me back with a yank.
It, devolves from there.
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-Beacon, SLBR Dorms, 09/19, 10:30pm-
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Weiss Schnee POV
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I've been thinking on Cyril. And how it might've been, a tad unfair of me to place the blame on him for what happened to the sap. It's not like we were actually expecting anyone to steal our sap. And we did kind of leave him behind.
But who would've expected seven Ursa in total to ignore the people fighting, in favor of someone who was just, sitting there?
It wasn't his Silver Eyes that drew them. Ruby was with us. So that should've been a net mutual.
The only reason the Grimm would target him is if he, felt just as bad or worse than everyone on the hill.
He was pretty quick to go the decimation route against the Grimm. And he's been in the bathroom for a while. Probably still upset.
'Or taking care of himself.' A small part of my mind whispers, before I shut it down.
It's not that. I'd hear it after all.
My next course of action decided. I walk towards the bathroom. And just to make sure! I put an ear to the door and listen in.
… Nothing.
My hand on the doorknob, I push the door open and peek inside.
"Cyril are you okay?" I ask as I peer through the crack in the door, opening it to see the boy looking at me with wide eyes, hands behind his back as he stares at me.
"Um, yeah, yeah I'm fine." He says awkwardly. "Just, thinking on some things."
'I knew it.' I think, disappointed at myself.
"Oh, well, just know if you ever need anyone to talk to. An ear, so to speak." I offer as I step closer. "I have at least two."
That always felt weird to say. And it's probably as weird to hear. Seeing as he looks at me questioningly.
"I, do actually have a question about that." He says as he brings his hands out from behind his back to rest on the counter behind him. "Um, don't take it the wrong way but, what's it like? Having two sets of ears?"
I got asked that, so many times in Atlas. That, and what it's like to have a tail.
'He doesn't mean anything by it Weiss.' I tell myself. 'Remember what Ruby said, he has no experience with Faunus.'
"It's, well, this is the point where I'd say something like, cup one ear but not the other. Or something." I start out honestly. "But truthfully? I, don't know how to put it into words. I've always had my ears, so, that's just, not something I can answer."
In truth, it feels like everyone around me is, well, dense for lack of a less offensive term. I see in the dark, while humans are almost blind. I can hear a conversation down the hall, where others wouldn't even be aware.
People say some awful things, when they think you can't hear them.
"Sorry." Cyril says as he walks closer to me. "I didn't mean to offend."
"It's not your fault." I say, craning my neck up slightly to look him in the eye.
This is why I wear heels. Less of a pain in the neck.
"Yeah, um." He says awkwardly as he rubs the back of his head. "So, did you, need to use the bathroom?"
"No." I answer him. "I, was just checking on you. You've been in here for nearly three quarters of an hour."
He looks to me with a smirk as he crosses his arms.
"So, you just walked in?" He asks with a raised brow. "Without even knocking?"
'Why must he twist my words so!?' I think, scandalized at the implications.
"I-I made sure you weren't doing anything indecent." I protest his accusation.
"How?" He challenges, leaning to one side. "You peek through the cracks of the door?"
"I'm not sure just what your perception of me is." I cross my arms in defiance. "But I can most certainly assure you that it's incorrect."
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Cyril Leon POV
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'I highly doubt that.' I think as I roll my eyes.
I distracted her long enough to get my magic under control. No telling how she'd react to seeing me pulling off a half assed bootlegged attempt at Ruby's semblance.
"And how would you know?" I ask. "What do you think my perception of you is?"
The petite girl raises her head with a huff as she turns from the side to face away from me. Peeking one eye open to side eye me.
"I can assure it's nothing favorable." She says.
'Ooh, I sense an insecurity.' I think mischievously.
"The only reason you'd think that, is if you believe me to have caught you in acts that would paint you in that light." I whisper softly, causing her to blush as her frown deepens.
"I believe we agreed that we would-" Weiss starts.
And reset!
"-Eep!" Weiss squeaks as I place a hand on her head and rub softly.
"My perception of you is that of an elegant little weirdo." I tease as I step around her, or, try to.
The moment I get in the door frame. Weiss presses into me, squishing me between her and the frame. My hand still on her head as she buries her face in my chest.
"Weiss?" I ask, not getting a response. " Weiss?"
"Rmmm." She groans almost sleepily as she uncrosses her arms and places them on my chest, turning her head to the side to answer me. "Yes?"
"What are you doing?" I ask the, uncharacteristically clingy girl.
I mean, she's being super cute right now. Don't get me wrong. But, she's pressed against me, and I have loose sweats on. And I'm trying to control myself.
"I'm talking to you." She says as she starts rubbing her head against my hand as her tail sways slowly. "Trying to cheer you up."
"Well, I'm trying to get past you, and you're trapping me against the door." I tell her, causing her to look up at me with a soft blush and sleepy eyes.
"Hmm?" She intones, blinking once before her eyes widen as her face reddens rapidly. "W-what are you doing!?"
She pushes me back, or, pushes herself back seeing as I'm up against the frame. And of course she smacks her head against the other side of the frame.
"Aagh!" She hisses as she cradles the back of her head.
"What's going on!?" Blake says as she shoots up in her bed.
"Weiss is being Weiss." I say as I step to the side and head back to bed.
"Weiss stop stealing clothes and go to bed." Blake sighs before falling back down and rolling to her side. Facing the wall as she pulls her blanket back up.
"Why is that the first thing you think of!?" Weiss cries out.
I stifle a chuckle as I lay down in my bed.
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-Beacon, SLBR Dorms, 09/20, 07:12am-
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Waking up, I roll over and get a thick cloth shoved in my face. Grabbing said cloth, I hold it up and see it's my long coat.
"Get up!" Ruby grabs my arm and pulls me out of my bed.
"Woah!" I exclaim as I stumble.
"Move move move!" Ruby pushes me into the bathroom, picking my clothes up and shoving them into my arms.
"What's going on!?" I ask.
"You gotta get ready and Weiss wants to surprise you so move!" Ruby says as she slams the door behind me. Trapping me in the bathroom.
"Um, I need a towel!?" I say, still waking up.
The door opens up and Ruby throws a towel in, along with a bar of soap and holds out a bottle of expensive looking cologne.
"Um?" I ask as she shakes the bottle.
"Take it!" She says impatiently.
Grabbing the bottle, she slams the door once more.
"Okay?" I think aloud, still blinking the sleep from my eyes.
Might as well shower, I guess.
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-15 minutes later-
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Spritzing myself with the cologne. Making sure I don't make the mistake of too much. Hint, if you can smell it after five seconds, it's too much.
Going to the door, I open it, only to have it slammed back against me.
"Not yet!" Ruby shouts.
"How much longer?" I sigh.
Hearing some hushed whispers, back and forth. Before I finally hear Blake of all people speak up.
"Give it twenty minutes." She says.
Cue more hushed whispering.
I just sigh and take a seat on the toilet. Patiently waiting permission to leave my own bathroom.
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-Thirty minutes later-
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Gaan, the essence of ones motivation. Their energy, their stamina. Gaan, is the very fuel of our being. Our physical will. It is a word to encompass the body's ability to match our willpower. The measure at which we can do, before our bodies stop.
"Okay you're good!" Ruby says.
Getting up from my seat. I stretch my back and make my way back into my room. Opening the door, I look out and spot Weiss in a white dress that reaches just before her knees, the top part of her chest and above being a soft grey. Long, dainty silver earrings, and makeup covering her scar.
" Well." Ruby says encouragingly. "Tell her what you think dummy!"
I don't know what to say, it's pretty. And I appreciate the effort. She looks good. But, it feels, I don't know. I guess I like her better without makeup and heels.
"You look beautiful, Weiss." I nonetheless say.
"Thank you Cyril." She says with a practiced smile. "Shall we go?"
"In a bit." I say with a sardonic smile. "Ruby didn't give me boots when locking me in the bathroom."
"Knew I was forgetting something." Ruby hisses to herself as she smacks her forehead while I grab my sunglasses.
Not the point Ruby.
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-Bullhead to Vale, 8:30am-
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We kind of sped run eating breakfast. Having taken a bit longer to get ready than intended, we had to hurry to catch the bullhead to Vale City on time. On time for what you may ask? Turns out Weiss has the whole day planned. First up is a play, then we'll be going to a attend a private art auction. We won't be participating, but still. Then we have reservations for lunch at some restaurant I won't even try to pronounce.
After that we have an opera to attend. And then a private soirée that Weiss was invited to, with me as her plus one.
I'm, trying to keep my spirits up. It's clear she's trying her hardest. But, I just can't see myself enjoying this. I'm not one for major formal events. ROTC was the most I was willing to handle.
We'll, just have to see how it goes I guess.
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-Vale City, Upper District, Jasper Hall, 9:18am-
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Sat in a private box, having been escorted here by a valet. Me and Weiss sit next to each other at the front, right at the ledge for the best view.
" And this piece here predates the first war of freedom, from eastern Anima." The announcer states as he shows off a painting, depicting a man in sepia, relaxing on a balcony with a smile on his face and a goblet of wine in hand, below him several Faunus in chains working in a vineyard. "From the private collection of Counselor Litos of Mistral. Here on auction it is valued at five million lien, we will start the bidding at two and a half million."
I, don't get it. I mean, I understand the novelty of having an original piece of art. But, throwing so much money at it? I don't see the appeal.
If you like a painting, get a replica. Or have one commissioned. Don't waste millions on a piece that can be replicated for a few bucks. Unless you're a genuine collector, then, why?
"Four million to bidder twenty eight, do I see four and a half?" The announcer asks.
I just sit back and bite my tongue. Weiss put thought into this, and it's clear she's trying. I'm not about to put her down for this.
No matter how much I want to call out the stupidity. I guess I can meditate on some words, see what comes to me.
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-11:00am-
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"Cyril." Weiss shakes me, gaining my attention.
"Hmm?" I ask, looking to her.
"The auction's over." She says softly. "It's time to go."
"Right." I say as I stand up. "Was just, thinking on some things."
God that was boring. I really hope the rest of this date goes better than that.
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-Vale City, Upper District, Restaurant Insérez Ici Un Jeu De Mots Sur La Nourriture Colorée, 11:28am-
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Stepping out of the rented car, not a limo, but not a taxi. Weiss wanted to be, lowkey. And this is her idea of that.
Going to a high end restaurant with a line of more than twenty people and the name of the restaurant in a font so fancy and stylized that it's illegible.
Walking past the line. Much to many of the people's ire and verbal protest. Weiss ignores all of them as I follow her to the front where the, I guess bouncer is? Host?
"Reservation for Schnee plus one." She says.
The host looks down his list and nods. Hailing a man over to guide us he opens the red rope.
Weiss walks through and I go to follow, but get a hand to my chest as the host stops me.
"Reservations only." He says. "All others have to wait in line."
'Dude!' I think to myself, genuinely offended. 'You saw me following her.'
"He's with me." Weiss calls back. "He's my plus one."
The host looks back to her, and then to me dubiously. Before stepping to the side and letting me through without another word.
'Dick.' I think to myself.
Weiss assured me that my combat gear would allow me through anywhere. So long as it was clean.
Guess every rule has its exception.
The inside is, exuberant. Garishly white with leaf gold accents everywhere. It honestly looks like it's trying too hard to look wealthy, and just thought, classical and victorian! That screams high society!
If I wasn't wearing sunglasses, I'd probably be blinded.
Following the waiter to our table in the middle of the restaraunt. He seats us across from each other.
"Your menus." He says, handing us each a wide, non laminated, thick piece of paper.
He walks away without any further discussion. Leaving us to our devices.
Looking at the table, I see, three different forks, two knives, and four spoons. Deciding to just pick the cheapest thing, I look to the menu-
I can't read it. It's all in that same unreadable font. And, there are no prices.
Fuck me.
Time to CHEAT!
Using my semblance, I quickly scan each and every table. Observing the people and how they're eating. Hoping I can memorize what they're doing in time before I have to order.
I'll just get what Weiss gets.
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"And here you two go." The waiter says. "Your Moussaka's made with sliced eggplant, lightly fried in Selene olive oil. Layered in a casserole with ground lamb, onions, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Topped with a creamy béchamel sauce made fresh from herbs grown specially here in the Vallean region."
It's, half the size of my hand. Oh well.
"Might I interest you two in anything to drink?" He asks. "We have a vintage selection of wine on offer."
"I don't drink." I politely decline. "Just some water will be fine."
"A glass of white chardonnay would be nice." Weiss says as she cuts into the, I want to call it a misshapen pie? Not that there's much to cut into.
I mirror her actions. Hoping I don't embarrass her.
And I have to rely on my acting skills to not gag. It's not bad. But, it's certainly not, not what I'd pick.
"I hope you're enjoying yourself." Weiss says after she finishes her bite. Wiping her mouth and setting her food down. "I chose this place for its glowing reviews. And it has some unique authentic foods from Mistral. I thought it'd be a memorable experience."
"I'll not lie." I say as I mimic her acts. "It certainly isn't forgettable."
Not with how awkward and uncomfortable this is. I doubt I'll ever forget this.
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-Vale City, Upper District, Gwyn's Theatre, 1:20pm-
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I'll admit. I didn't think I'd like opera.
"You know this to be true!" Henric says to his love interest, Beatra. Who is betrothed to his brother, who he hates.
Beatra doesn't love either of them. She has a secret lover that has yet to be revealed.
"Our love! Cannot be denied!" He sings.
Better than reality TV.
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Turns out Beatra's secret lover was the stable boy. A bit cliché, but looking back their were several hints. Like the hay found in her room, or how the stable boy had to return her hair tie to her handmaid in the background while Beatra was arguing with her father.
And how she would always go to the stables to tend to her horses, yet when questioned about them, could only name half the horses despite being there so often.
"That was fun." I say as we clap for the actors.
"Agreed. Their rendition of the act was a decent one." Weiss says.
"You've seen this one before?" I ask as the troupe heads backstage.
"A few times." She admits with a nod. "I felt it fitting for our outing today."
"How so?" I ask.
"It merely called to me." She says curtly before turning around.
I hope she's not referencing me to the stable boy.
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-Vale City, Upper District, Davat Penthouse, 2:40pm-
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"An acquaintance from Atlas, Braun Holz, has invited us to this soiree." Weiss says as she adjusts her hair in the elevator. Using silver clips to hold down her ears and blending them with her hair. While her tail stays pressed to her back. The fluff creating an outline for her form. "He's the son of one of the SDC's major shareholders. Blau Holz, he invited us to this event."
"He invited me?" I ask.
"No, but I inquired as to whether I would be able to invite a member of my team, and he agreed." Weiss says as she pockets her makeup kit. "So by all intent, you are here by his invitation."
"I see." I say uncertainly as the elevator dings and opens up to a penthouse, much in the same style as the restaurant. But, more tame. Whereas the restaurant tried to insist it was high class, this place just says it is.
The whites are softer and less glaring. The gold leaf is used sparingly, thank god, and it even has red to accent the gold and not make it garish or overly attention grabbing.
There are already several people milling about. I'd say a rough guess of fifty or so. All in unique dresses and suits. The men wearing more vibrant, eye catching garb and the women wearing softer colors being the only real similarity. That and most of them appear to be around our age.
"Ms. Schnee!" We hear a man call out, and not too soon after we see the individual in question, cutting around a group of people to approach us.. A thin guy about our age in a brick red suit with a bright blue ascot, bright blue accents and bright blue arched designs at the ankles and wrists. "I am so glad you could make it!"
"Mr. Holz." Weiss says with a soft bow, her hands clasped in front of her as the man greets her.
"I'm glad to see you've made the party on such short notice." He says.
"It is no concern." Weiss says in a measured tone before holding an arm out to me. "May I introduce you to my teammate? This is Cyril Leon."
"Ah, a pleasure to meet you." He says with, a tad less enthusiasm. Or, maybe he's just more relaxed. It's hard to tell. "I am Braun Holz, son of Blau Holz."
"Cyril Leon." I say with a nod. "Weiss has already informed me of you."
"All good things I should hope." He says with a, I want to say glare in his eye. But I can't tell.
"I'll admit that, I'm a bit of a dunce." I say. "The larger details escape my mind but, your father is an important shareholder of the SDC, and you've a promising future ahead of you from what I've, kinda, paid attention to."
"Well, you've the important parts at least." He says with a patronizing smile. "And I'll admit that it's refreshing to meet someone so modest as to admit fault in themselves. Must be freeing to live so, unburdened."
'Okay, double speak and fucking with people is my thing.' I think as I prepare to bite back, but then remember Weiss. 'Don't. Anything you say, will bite her.'
"I wouldn't put it that way, but I agree." I say with a smile as I fight to keep my mouth in check.
"Quite." The smug asshat says. "If you don't mind me asking, are the shades for a, disability of some kind? If it's too bright in here I can have the lights dimmed a tad."
I almost didn't catch it. The slight twitch of Weiss's eye and the twitch of Braun's lip. Activating my semblance, I think through the meaning.
And the only thing I can come up with, is that it's a Faunus thing. Bright lights and night vision.
"No, I've no such condition." I say lightly after cutting my semblance off. "I merely have a bit of, an issue with the appearance of my eyes. One that garners stares and unwanted attention. The lighting is fine."
"I see." He says, sounding almost, relaxed? "Again, such a humble individual you are Mr. Leon, I'd love to pick your mind more, but I've other guests to see to. Ms. Schnee, please enjoy the party, there is a fruit bowl at the buffet table should you feel inclined."
"Thank you kindly for your consideration Mr. Holz." Weiss says.
He gives a bow and takes his leave. Leaving us at the front of the room.
"So, shall we?" I ask Weiss.
"I suppose we shall." She says measuredly as she walks off and I follow.
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I don't know how, but I got separated from Weiss. One moment she was in front of me, then I turn around to set my glass of water down, and she's gone. Leaving me to once again wonder how someone in heels can be so silent.
"Ah!" I hear a voice beside me call, garnering my attention.
Turning to the voice. I see a nondescript, blonde girl in a soft purple dress. A frill on her left shoulder going down, and crossing her front. Ending at her right hip.
"You're the boy who arrived with Weiss, are you not?" She asks.
Before I can answer, she speaks again.
"Of course you are! What am I saying? You're, outfitted too uniquely to be anyone else." She says.
That one threw me for a loop. I'm sure it's supposed to be an insult, I'm just not sure how.
"You called her Weiss." I point out. "Are you close?"
"I, wouldn't say such." She says lightly.
"Then why the first name?" I ask. "To my knowledge, Atlesians refer to others by their last name unless they're well acquainted."
"Are you, not Atlesian?" She asks curiously.
"No." I answer simply, and leave it at that.
"My, apologies." She says. "You just, I can see a strong resemblance of Atlesian nobility in you. Tall, fair skin and fair hair, it was a simple mistake. Though I suppose if anything, a flattering one."
'God she loves the sound of her own voice.' I think tiredly, my social battery draining by the second.
"I suppose it is." I bite my tongue. "Though I don't see myself as particularly high class."
"Hmm, your manners and speech imply you have the capacity." She says appraisingly. "Even if your attire is lacking, that is nothing that cannot be worked on."
She dissed my clothes. I got that one.
"If you'd like, I'd not mind giving you a few pointers." She says with a wink.
"Cyril." Weiss says from behind me. "I'd like a word in private, please meet me on the balcony."
Turning just in time to see her tail as she turns around. I turn back to the girl and politely disengage.
"If you excuse me." I say softly. "But I've been requested."
"Oh please." The girl says. "I'm certain she can wait. Stay, I can guarantee I offer better company than the Faunus."
"Excuse you?" I ask slowly.
"What? Oh! My apologies." She says with a practiced look of embarrassment. "It slipped. I mean nothing by it, I just tend to speak and say what I see."
"Very well." I say, not wanting to cause a scene. "Now if you'll excuse me."
Not letting her hold me up this time. I head for the balcony. Opening the curtained doors to reveal Weiss, backdropped by the evening sun as she stands there.
"You wanted to talk?" I ask as I walk forward, making sure to push the door behind me.
"I'm sorry." Weiss says simply as she rests her hands on the railing. "I, should've taken your initial rejection instead of forcing this."
"What are you talking about?" I ask as the door to the balcony closes behind me.
"Don't lie to me Cyril." Weiss says as she turns around to glare at me. "I feel I deserve that much."
Now I'm really confused.
"Weiss, what are you-" I start before she cuts me off.
"Right from the start. You lied about liking my dress, you lied about enjoying the auction. You didn't like the food at the restaurant and you don't enjoy the party." She huffs out, getting angrier and angrier. "Honestly, I, I don't get it! What happened? Is, is this a pity date? Is it not enough? Did I misread something?" She finishes, sounding more hurt than anything.
'That's what this is about?' I think to myself as Weiss turns back around. Glowering and hurt.
"Weiss, it's fine." I say. "So, a few things weren't to my taste. That's alright! It doesn't mean I didn't enjoy our time together."
Weiss huffs indignantly at that.
"One of the things, I like about you Cyril, is that you don't care. You're genuine." Weiss says with a tremble in her voice. "You started a fight in the middle of the cafeteria, because someone upset you. You speak your mind consequences be damned and you do what you want. Only doing what others say when it's too much effort to go against them. And you stood up a councilor of Vale for Ruby!"
"Weiss, I was being nice." I say, stepping towards the girl. "I was trying to avoid hurting your feelings."
"I don't want that! I have enough people lying to my face in my life, all to avoid hurting my feelings." She shouts, turning back around to look out at the city. "If dating you means I get this, this appeasing, tiptoeing and fake version of you then I don't want it!"
Okay, now I'm upset.
"You want me to be genuine and honest?" I ask as I march towards her. "Fine, I do like your dress. I think your earrings compliment it well enough. I hate your heels, and your makeup? Here."
I turn her around and lick my thumb, bringing it up to her eye. Scrubbing away at the makeup covering her scar.
"H-hey!" She protests, trying to bat my hand away. "Stop that! Cyril!"
"Just, stay, still." I say as I forcefully wipe away her makeup. "There."
She quickly pulls out her pocket makeup, mirror thing. And checks herself.
"You, you ass!" She shouts as she inspects herself. "That took me half an hour to apply."
"You don't need it." I say, noticing her tail sway despite her frown. "Look, I don't care, about the pricey, prim, proper, pompous pedigree of the upper class." I tell her as I put a hand under her chin and make her look me in the eye. "You didn't need to do all this. I appreciate the effort, I do. But I like you, for you. Not this dolled up version of yourself."
Not gonna lie, I'm proud of the alliteration. I came up with that shit on the spot!
"I, I just wanted to be perfect for you." She says with a growing blush and a trembling voice. "I wanted to show you my best side tonight. How is that bad?"
My hand under her chin, I bring it up to rub my thumb across the bottom half of her scar.
"This is your best side Weiss ." I say with a soft smile as Weiss looks ready to cry, I then reach up and carefully take each clip out of her hair, letting her ears free. "You don't need anything more. You don't have anything you need to hide. You're perfect, with all your imperfections. Just the way you- Mrmph!"
My eyes widen in shock as she goes in for the kiss as soon as I get the last clip. Throwing her arms around my neck and holding the back of my head as she pulls me into it.
"Mrrm." She moans before her eyes snap open and she tries to push me away, only for me to hold her steady. "I-I'm sorry I don't know what came over me and-"
"Hey." I cut her off as I lean back, my hands on her sides as I reassure her. "It's fine, just, warn a guy next time okay?"
"You're, you're not mad?" Weiss asks quietly.
"I'm certainly surprised." I say lightly. "But, no, I'm not mad. Just, remember to take things slow, okay?"
"Oh, okay." She says softly as she closes her eyes and goes back in for the kiss. This one being much softer and more gentle.
Not what I meant but, I'm not complaining.
She parts after a few seconds, we part and open our eyes. Her breath is heavy and her face is red as her ears splay back, eyes half open as she turns her head away.
"Th-that wasn't, too much. Was it?" She asks shyly, dipping her head down to hide her face.
"It was good." I say as I lean in and kiss her forehead, gaining her attention again as she looks up to me almost pleadingly. "Feeling bett-mrmph!"
She once again goes for the kiss. Pulling my head down as her tail wraps around and presses my waist against her.
Separating from me with a gasp. She pouts at me.
"You're incorrigible." She accuses. "There's a room full of high society socialites not fifty feet away. That door opens and I'll be in the middle of a scandal."
"Yes, I'm the incorrigible one." I say flatly with a smirk.
"I'm glad we agree." She says haughtily. "Now, release me before someone sees us." She demands as her arms are still around my neck.
"Very well." I say with a roll of my eyes as I let go, her tail no longer pressing into my back as she slowly lets go.
"To be honest, I don't like this." Weiss admits. "I just thought, I'm not sure, showing you that I'm well connected would impress you, I guess?" She says before crossing her arms and looking away. "Thinking back on it, I don't know why I thought that."
"We can leave?" I offer.
"To leave early without reason would be an insult to Braun." Weiss says. "We'll just, have to wait for the party to end."
"What if I were to, cause a scene?" I ask with a smirk.
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Bonus
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-Outskirts of Anima, Borx village, 17 years ago-
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Qrow walks into the bar, for once without the intent to drink.
Marching over to the back corner where his twin sister Raven is waiting. He ignores the waitress offering to serve. Pushing past her as he marches.
"Raven." Qrow says as he takes a chair out, and turns it around. Sitting in reverse. "We need to talk."
Raven leans her empty glass over, keeping it balanced with a finger. Watching it with disinterest as she balances.
"Don't ignore me Ray." Qrow grits out.
"You know I hate that nickname." She glares, grabbing her glass and holding it still.
"Got your attention." Qrow sneers. "Results and what not."
Raven glares at her brother. Taking a long, deep breath before setting her glass straight.
"Alright, what do you think we need to talk about?" She asks, leaning her head back to down on the man.
"How about the fact you abandoned your daughter." Qrow raises his voice, the room growing quiet as several people take note of the two red eyed individuals in the corner.
"She has a father." Raven says simply. "It's not like she was left in the wilds."
"Unlike us?" Qrow challenges, earning a sneer from his twin.
" Yeah." She says as she leans forward. "I had, a talk with Tai. Tried to make a compromise, get him to drop this Hunter bullshit and join the tribe. He wouldn't, so the moment Yang didn't need my tit anymore I went back to our family. The one you abandoned."
"That's a crock of shit and you know it." Qrow hisses before calming himself down. "Summer thinks you'll come back, you know that? Thinks you just had a bout of hysteria and needed some space."
"She sent you here to get me?" Raven laughs before she makes a pouty face. "That it? The wittle puppy following orders?"
"No." Qrow says as he stands up and kicks the chair over. "I'm here to deliver a message."
Qrow unsheathes his broadsword as the bar quickly empties.
Raven cocks a brow at her brother, who just stares down at her, sword in hand.
"Pfft." Raven snorts. " Really Qrow? You know you can't-"
Is all she got out before Qrow kicks the table up. Using it as cover to slash her from behind cover.
"Be serious!?" He shouts as his sword hits hers in a block. "Try me!"
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Bonus 2
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More fun facts!
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Because everyone keeps asking, let me answer.
Whitley Schnee, does not exist.
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Ruby and Weiss are both Bi.
Blake is straight.
Nora is Demisexual(Can only be attracted to those she has a strong emotional attachment to.)
The rest of PRJN is straight.
All of CDNL are straight. RIP.
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Perry Magma, Adam's teammate, is a platypus Faunus with poisonous spurs on his feet.
Perry is adopted, raised by humans he has two older brothers and one older sister.
His secondary semblance is Blend, people ignore or overlook him more easily when he's not doing anything to draw attention. Hence the fedora, not many people in Vale wear fedoras.
His partner, Shay DiGae's secondary semblance is Suspicious, unless he's trying to be inconspicuous, people find their attention drawn to him. Making him and Perry an deadly combination.
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A/N
For the date, Blake recommended that she and Cyril do something artsy together. Ruby recommended going to see a show. And Weiss wanted to impress Cyril.
Art auction: something artsy (Blake meant like going to a studio and painting together)
Opera: a show (Ruby meant the movies)
Weiss was blanking on how to impress Cyril, so she asked them both, and they said just spend time and talk. Weiss, thought a soiree would be perfect, and just so happened to have an invite.
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Braun Holz invited Weiss out of obligation, nothing else.
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And thus, the touched starved and affection hungry Weiss, has discovered kisses.
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I want comments! More please.
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Find me in my channel, newb's-grotto, on the discord.
Link to the discord: discord .gg/DarkWolfShiro