A/N Interlude 2: Cold
Alt title: A Melted Heart
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Big heads up, I made myself cry while writing this chapter sooo, yeah.
Big sad
It has good ending though!
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Faron235: I never understood people's insistence on the illuminati, like, the actual history of them in neat. But they have nothing to do with the freemasons.
YeTianshi: Yeah, Dust is kind of like their oil. Only it doesn't cause pollution to use.
Samejake: You don't have to wait long!
AlbinosTheSnake: I'M THE CONDUCTOR OF THE POOP TRAIN!
GideonBlackthorn: Normally yes, but that's why Jacques is here.
Eseer: I don't know what that means.
Kent Morgan: I only got the joke, when someone pointed it out. I just thought "What's a common allergy?" and boom.
Maybe it was fate. Black Sun was a much better fit anyway.
ghouldrago0: Oz could speculate on fairytails that feature advanced civilizations.
Rex-Mortuorum: I thought I was making it super lewd, imagine my surprise when everyone kept calling wholesome and tasteful. I just can't not write wholesome! It's my curse! My bloody curse!
Anyumaaka: people in modern day really underestimate the value of fast communication. Example. The war of 1812, the most successful battle of the war on the American's side. Happened, two weeks after the war had ended. But the news hadn't made it to the area yet. And wouldn't for a few more days. And the funny part? The Americans and British were like "yeah that just happens. War ended weeks ago but, they didn't know that."
Now add the threat of Grimm to the mix. Someone could've discovered electricity decades ago, but died before they could tell anyone that mattered.
Joeytrusty: why make it an omake, when I can make it main story material!
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-Date, Time-
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
(Text)
Sounds/Actions*
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Atlas, is cold. People know this fact well. Jokes are made at its expense regularly due to it.
But, people misunderstand just how cold it is.
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-Atlas, Schnee Manor, 11 years ago-
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Weiss Schnee POV
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Sat in the garden. It's Papa Nicholas's and Mama's favorite place. Mama says it's because she can get away. And Papa Nicholas says it's because of how beautiful it is.
I like it because it has the fountain. And that's me and Papa Nicholas's spot!
"And, and then the ballerina lady did this big twirl in the air!" I tell Papa Nicholas. "Like, a hundred times!"
He wasn't there, so I have to let him know everything that happened.
"That's sounds impressive!" He agrees with me! "I wish I'd been there."
He places his big warm hand on my head. Giving me the fuzzies that make me giggle. Only Papa Nicholas does this, Daddy will do it sometimes, but only when people are looking. Or if I'm really really good and get good grades.
It's so cold up there.
"Hey Papa." I say as I look up to the bearded man.
"Hmm, yes Weiss, what is it?" He asks me with a happy smile.
"Why don't, I look like you, or daddy, or mama?" I ask.
I've been meaning to ask. But, I'm scared I'll get in trouble for it. Mama doesn't like talking. And daddy's too busy.
"What do you mean?" He laughs before picking me up and setting me in his lap. "You have your mother's eyes, and mine as well because if it. You have our hair, our name, your mother's adorable nose." He taps my nose, making me giggle. "And your skin is porcelain clean! Why, give you a beard and you'd look like a tiny me!"
I bring my tail up and cover my mouth.
"Like this?" I ask.
"Ah!" He cries out. "It's a tiny imposter! What'd you do with my adorable granddaughter! Bring her back!"
"You mean what did you do with my granddaughter!" I say as I make my voice sound like his.
"If you won't tell me, I'll have to tickle it out of you!" He threatens.
"Ah! No! Papa it's me!" I squeal as he attacks my tummy.
"Weiss, where'd you come from?" He asks, astonished at my amazing acting skills. "And where'd that mini imposter go!?"
"It was me!" I say as I bring my tail back up and cover my mouth.
"Oh, oh I must be older than I thought." He chuckles.
Before coughing bad. He does this sometimes. He says it's just because he's old, and old people cough.
I hope I never get old.
"Cuhph" He stops coughing. "Urgh, sorry about that Weiss."
"It's okay, you're just old." I smile, letting him know I know it's not his fault.
When everything is so cold. You can't help but hold onto what little warmth you can find.
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In my father's office. Where he does his big work. He's always here, sometimes he sleeps here.
I think he just likes it because it's his own fort inside the house. Like when I make a snow fort! Only with wood and books.
He even has a no stupid people rule!
"And I got an one hundred in my dances!" I tell Daddy.
"That's very good Weiss." He says as he pats my head. "Is there anything else?"
"Um, well." I try and think of something. "Not, that I know."
"Then I need to get back to work. Okay snowflake?" He says before leaning down to kiss my forehead. "Run along now and we can talk at dinner."
"Does that mean you'll eat with us!?" I ask excitedly.
"We'll see." He says as he turns back to his computer.
"Oh." I say as I turn to leave. "Oh, kay."
He never eats with us. Neither does mama unless she has a lot of her grape juice.
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The garden is nice this time of year. Always pretty when the flowers open and say hi! I really like the blue and purple ones. Papa Nicholas likes the red and yellow ones.
"Hachoo!" I sneeze. "Why don't the flowersh like me?"
"You're just allergic to pollen, Weiss." Papa Nicholas says.
"What's all-er-jick?" I ask.
"It just means some things your body doesn't like." He says as he pats my head.
"Why aren't you or Mama allerjick?" I ask him.
"Well, we just aren't." He shrugs. "Some people grow out of it when they get old."
"Like you?" I ask.
"Yes, like me." He says with a laugh.
Oh, so I'm just like Papa Nicholas! I just have to get big and the flowers won't hate me!
"I don't wanna get old though!" I whine. "Achoo!"
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In my room with the servants. Er, help. Papa Nicholas says it's rude to call them servants.
"Keep your arms out young miss." The lady says.
"I'm, trying!" Daddy yells. "Why can't you see that!? I've done everything in my power to make this work! And you push back at every turn!"
Daddy and Mama, Daddy's not good with words. And Mama's not either. They always choose the wrong ones.
"They're fighting again." I mumble.
"Because you only care for my name!" Mama yells. "You never cared to learn about me before my father gave you that paper!"
"Who's fighting?" The helper lady asks as she ties my nightgown.
No one else can hear as good as me. And, it hurts. Maybe if they knew, they wouldn't be so loud?
"m'nevermind." I say.
When you have ears as good as a foxes, but no one else does. It's easy for them to forget.
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"She's not even a Schnee." The ladies at the punch bowl whisper. "That's why they haven't given her aura yet. She'll show everyone she doesn't have the family semblance."
"Come along Weiss." Father says gently as he holds out his hand for me to hold. "We have to get our plates before the event can start."
"Aww, she's like a little pet!" One of the men says.
"The Schnee's own pet fox!" The lady next to him giggles.
Why is that funny?
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Papa Nicholas doesn't visit the garden as much any more. He stays in his room all day, with that annoying beeping box. And all those funny smells.
"Papa Nicholas, why do people not like me?" I ask.
"Weiss." He says softly before picking me up and setting me down in his lap. "Who doesn't like you? That's not true!"
"It is." I groan as I lean into him. "They say my ears are funny, and my tail is ugly."
Not in those words, but it's what they mean.
"Well it's not true." He says with a huff. "Those people are liars and are jealous."
I don't believe him. He doesn't hear what I hear.
No one does.
"Weiss, look at me." Papa Nicholas says.
Looking up at the kindest, bestest man ever. He smiles at me, his soft icy blue eyes boring into mine.
"Weiss, you have nothing to be ashamed of." He says softly as he runs a hand through my hair. His fingers pushing my ears back and making me feel warm. "There is nothing about you, that you need to hide. You're perfect the way you are, okay? Your ears and tail, they just make you extra special. You have something, they don't have. And that makes them jealous. Understand?"
"Yes!" I say as I hug him, his big arms hugging me back and almost squishing me. "Ahh! Papa! You'll squish me!"
"Oh you'll be fine!" He chuckles. "It builds character!"
"Aaaahh!" I giggle.
That was the last time
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"What's going on?" I ask as everyone is running.
They ignore me as they rush through the house. That's not okay! Daddy says no running in the house!
"Hey!" I call after them. "You're not allowed to run! Daddy says no running!"
They run faster than me because they're bigger. But, I can still find them! And when I do, they'll be in big trouble!
"Hey!" I yell at the other helpers running through the halls and passing me.
Why is everyone running?
Following everyone, I hear crying. And a lot of it. Turning the corner, I see everyone is going to Papa Nicholas's room.
Why are they crying? Did they see a sad movie? Is Papa Nicholas making them feel better?
Moving through the people, I hold my nose at the smells. I push through everyone. Daddy is in the corner, his arm is against the wall and he's resting his head against it. And, Mama is crying on Papa Nicholas's leg. She's hiding her face in her arms. School must've gotten out early, because even Winter is here! She's doing that serious military stand straight thing she does.
Papa Nicholas has his hand on mama's head and is smiling. He must be trying to make her feel better like he does with me.
"Mama." I say as I walk up to her and give her a hug. "It's okay."
"Get away from me!" She shouts as she pushes me away.
She does that sometimes when she's mad at daddy.
"Willow!" Daddy shouts at her as he turns around. "For once in your damned life have some class woman!"
"You, don't tell me what to do!" Mama shrieks.
"Mama and Daddy are fighting again." I say as I walk up to talk to Papa Nicholas. "Can you make them stop?"
He doesn't say anything. Probably still asleep. I don't know how, Mama and Daddy are being very loud.
"Psst, Papa." I whisper as I shake him. "Wake up!"
He's so cold!
"Papa?" I ask as I shake him more. "Papa? Wake up!"
"Come on Weiss." Winter says as she puts a hand to my shoulder. "We, we should go."
"Why?" I ask. "No! Papa Nicholas is cold! He needs more blankets and, and hugs! Hugs are warm!"
Winter crouches down and hugs me. Lifting me and carrying me out as Mama and Daddy fight.
"Someone needs to get Papa Nicholas more blankets!" I shout as we pass the help. "If he gets too cold he'll get sick!"
When your warmth leaves you, it somehow makes you colder than before.
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Mother and Father never fought again after that.
They'd need to talk first, and father never left his office unless it was to attend an event. And mother, was never sober enough to raise her voice.
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Freak, pet, animal.
I heard she's a pet project. Some orphaned girl from done in Mantle. Jacques is just testing to see if he can get us to believe anything.
I hear her real dad was just a pool boy.
Don't be ridiculous. Who'd want someone with fur cleaning a pool? No, it was probably a butler.
Just, let's go around, I'm allergic to cats and dogs.
Wonder if that tail could be shaved and made into a coat. Probably the most useful thing you'd get out of her.
When everything is cold. You do some, drastic things to find warmth.
Staring at my myself in the mirror, I can't help but hate myself. If only I was, normal. If I didn't have these ears or tail! Then, then I'd.
Picking up the scissors I hold my ear up. It doesn't want to stay up. But that's fine, I'll just have to make it.
"Just, a few quick, snips." I gulp as I bring the scissors up. "Then, then I'll be normal."
I close my eyes. Just, just make it quick! Like a band aide!
Papa Nicholas said they were pretty, he'd want me to keep them.
But Papa Nicholas was the only one. And he's gone.
Just, one-
"Aaah!"
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"She just, developed aura on her own." The doctor tells my father.
"I know. How?" My father asks impatiently. "Aura doesn't develop without a stressor."
The doctor just shrugs, before father looks to me.
"Weiss, did something happen?" He asks.
I can see it, he, doesn't. He's not mad. But, he's irritated at me.
"I was just, trying to cut my hair, and I accidentally cut my ear." I lie.
His irritation dies down. But it's still there.
"Physical trauma is the most common cause of Aura developing on its own." The doctor says. "She probably just got scared."
"Weiss." Father says softly. "We have people who do that for us. Now come on, let's go home."
He's still irritated. He's annoyed because of me. He finds me annoying.
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"Your right foot is out too far." Winter says.
"Right." I say.
Why can't we play games? Ever since Papa Nicholas, ever since my aura, there are no more games.
"Now it's in too much." Winter says as she gets mad at me. But doesn't let it show, but I can see it. She's mad at me.
"I'm sorry." I apologize.
"Don't apologize." Winter says. "Be better."
Why? Why do I need to be better? Why am I just, never enough?
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"I did it." I say in disbelief as my instructors stare at me dumbfounded. "I did it!"
I just conjured my first glyph! My primary is Glyph! I am a Schnee!
I ignore my instructors praise as I race out of the room and head for my father's office.
When you find an ember, you can't help but to try and make it grow.
"Weiss?" Father says as he looks up from his desk as I run into his office. "What's the meaning of this? Has something happened?"
"This!" I say as I hold out my hand and form a glyph.
His irritation at me doesn't change. He, doesn't care.
"That's very good Weiss." He says with a kind smile, but my passive lets me know it's fake. "I'm, rather busy right now. But I promise we can talk and you can show me everything you can later, alright?"
"Y-yes." I say solemnly. "Of course father.
Later never came. That was the last time I ever sought him out. Because when you start wondering how much space you fill in one's heart, all you have to do is give them space. And see how long it takes for them to fill it.
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"If you need supplies I can provide them!" Father yells. "You don't need to enlist with the military!"
"I want to enlist!" Winter yells back. "Why can't you see that!?"
I just sit here, and quietly eat my lunch before it gets cold.
"Because I don't understand!" He says. "I've given you everything! And you want to throw it all away?"
"I, want, to make a name for myself!" Winter says. "A name that isn't built by riding on your coattails!"
Winter has always been, short tempered. She gets it from mother. Or so people say. I, haven't heard mother yell in more than four years so, I wouldn't know.
"If you enlist, then you can kiss your inheritance goodbye!" Father says.
"You wouldn't dare!" Winter challenges.
My eyes widen as I hear the announcement.
"I'll not hand this family's future and the future of our company to someone who would put it second!" Father says. "Besides, you are clearly far too much like your mother."
"Fuck you!" Winter shouts. "Who'll take the company if not me? Weiss? Don't make me laugh! The aristocracy would never accept her!"
She doesn't mean that!
Right?
When you're cold for so long, you get used to it.
"I'm disinheriting you." Father says. "Not disowning. As of this moment Weiss is my heir."
"Ha!" Winter shouts. "We'll see how long that holds!"
But every now and then, a strong wind will still blow, and remind you what the cold feels like.
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"Remember Weiss, you're my heir and as such you must present yourself as such." Father says as we're driven to the soiree.
"Yes father." I say curtly.
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"Jacques's gone too far." He says.
"This is a stretch." She says.
"What happened to Winter?" He says.
"Hmph, must've gotten tired, sharing a name with an animal I imagine." They say.
You get used to the cold.
"Honestly, I get that some owners like to call their pets their children." She says. "But I believe Jacques's gone too far with it."
I sit down at the head of the table next to father as he announces the event.
"And now, my daughter and heir, Weiss, would like to say a few words." He says as he sits down to allow me to stand.
"I thank you all for making the time to be here." I say with a practiced bow. "It means a great deal that you'd-"
They're not even listening. Just painted smiles covering their disgust, contempt, annoyance. None of them care.
Not that I expect them to.
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"And your ears are simply adorable." She says. "Do you need a special shampoo or conditioner? I imagine you would."
"No, I use the same as my sister and mother." I smile at the lady who, not ten minutes ago was calling me a pet behind my back.
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After that, I took to keeping my tail up so that it would blend with my hair. And my ears back. My public appearances grew and I was no longer taken to events out of obligation. I was taken to events to establish legitimacy. My days no longer belonged to me.
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I bring my knees closer to my chest. Hugging them tight as the water runs over me from above. I'm, not even sure how long I've been in here. I just know that this is the most time I'll get to myself.
The water blocks out the sound of the servants gossip. They think I can't hear what they say.
They always forget how good my ears are. And how I can see through their smiles. Even the Faunus help, they hate me because they want to be me. But, they don't. Not if they knew how much everyone would hate them.
I sigh as I bury my head into my arms. My wet tail coming around to block out the rest of the light from the bathroom.
That way, I can just focus on the warm water and it's soft touch. For as little as it'll comfort me.
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"Sorry to say but, it appears you've hit your last growth spurt." My personal physician says.
"But, but that can't be right." I say. "Surely not, everyone in my family is so tall, mother is the shortest and she's a solid five five."
My physician only offers me a shrug.
"It's, possible that you may be a late bloomer." He says. "But in all honesty, even if you have one or two left in you, at best you'll be five three."
Just another thing to separate me from everyone else. Another tally to the list of odds and ends that put me apart.
Another thing for people to hate about me. Another thing that's not my fault.
I, I can't do this.
At some point, you stop caring about finding anymore warmth. And just try to stop getting colder.
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"You'd leave as well?" Father asks, his anger growing, though he hides it well.
I hate my passive.
"I wish to establish a name for myself before I step up to take the company." I say measuredly.
"That's what all the appearances and concerts were for." Father counters. "You need not go to these lengths for people to know you."
"With all due respect, as it is now. I'd only be stepping into your shoes." I say. "People would disregard me as just your stand in until your time came."
"That's what Winter told me." He says. "Will you also be joining the military and setting aside this family?"
What family?
"Of course not." I say. "Because I don't intend to attend Atlas Academy. I intend to apply for Beacon."
"So you are leaving." He says, now not bothering to hide his glare. "And what assurance do I have that you'll return?"
"You'll have to have faith in me." I say. "And if you don't have faith in me, have faith that I won't be abandoning my inheritance."
When you're cold, it's easy to see others for how cold they are as well.
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"Ruby, is everything alright?" I ask the Silver Eyed girl as she stands before an Atlesian boy.
He's, annoyed, and angry, but, it's fading and returning. So, he's not upset at anything in particular, just upset.
I then look him in the eye. And get surprised at the fact we may have two Silver Eyed Warriors in our year.
"Aren't Faunus only supposed to have one trait?" He asks.
'So much for Vale being more accepting.' I think dryly.
But, no, he doesn't mean anything by it. He didn't mean it with any malice or hurtful intent.
"I have a rare recessive mutation that grants me two." I explain with a practiced smile.
"Oh, um, sorry." He say as he looks away. He hostility gone. "I didn't mean to say that out loud."
He, doesn't seem to dislike me. Perhaps this first impression is salvageable.
"You're forgiven." I say curtly. "I understand my condition is, intriguing to most."
A bit further into the discussion, and his irritation and hostility slowly grows. Peaking when asked about his family.
"The dead don't talk." He says, now very upset.
I shouldn't have pushed the matter. I was aware of his growing irritation but let curiosity get the better of me.
"Oh, I'm, sorry for any offense." I say as I give a small bow, genuinely feeling guilty over my carelessness.
"It's fine." The boy says as he stands up, revealing him to be half a head taller than Ruby, and a head taller than me.
He stalks away, upset and clearly done.
I hope I didn't burn that possible bridge. An unaffiliated Silver Eyed Warrior? He'd be perfect to prevent my father from accepting any marriage offers
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You get so used to the cold and how it numbs you. At some point, you convince yourself you're not cold.
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After that, humiliating ordeal. I'm not even sure what possessed me to take the clothes. They were just, comforting I suppose.
Cyril turns to face me, and finally addresses me.
"Oh yeah, and if it makes you feel better." He says lightly, causing me to look up at him. "You looked cute in my tee shirt."
'He's not mad. Why isn't he mad? How much did he see? Does he think I'm a creep? Is this just indifference? Why can't my passive detect anything other than hostility!? And why is there no hostility from him!?' My mind races.
"H-how d-did-" I try to ask him.
"You and Ruby were very loud, and the bathroom door was wide open." He says calmly with a small shrug.
"I, hi, hi." I start breathing heavily, my heart pounding in my chest as I, I don't know! I, what all did he see?
Ruby stripped me down, did he see what I look like!? Does he find me childish? Is that why? Is he not interested in me like that and just doesn'-
"Okay stop!" He says as he puts a hand to my head. Stopping all my thoughts.
When you're cold, it's easy to forget what warmth feels like.
'Why, when was. Why is it so warm?' I ask myself. 'When, was the last, why?'
"Breathe. You good?" He instructs me.
I barely pay attention as I move my head. Trying to remember this feeling.
"Good." He says, bringing me back to attention as he takes his hand off my head. "Just promise to stop stealing my clothes, and I'll leave you alone about it. Deal?"
I'm, not sure what to say. I'm, still trying to figure out what that feeling was. Why it felt so familiar and, comforting.
"Deal?" He asks again, and, not finding the words for some reason, I can only nod.
He takes his hand away, leaving me cold again. Not wanting to be cold, I grab his hand and return it to its place. Trying desperately to remember.
"Um?" He intones questioningly, his silver eyes staring down into my icy blue ones.
"Y-your hand is warm." I tell him as I rip my eyes from his gaze. "That's all."
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When you're cold for so long, and you finally find warmth after nearly forgetting it, you get hopeful. You want to hold onto it.
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"We need to talk." Ruby says as I sit up.
"Um, alright." I say as I get up and follow her to the hall.
Walking out into the hall. Ruby turns to me, no longer mad. She's, not upset, but why?
Why don't they ever stay mad at me? I don't understand. It's not normal.
"Sooo, you clearly like Cyril." Ruby says with a grin.
"He is, a good teammate, powerful and I appreciate his presence." I say honestly, even as I look away from her.
" Noo, you like like him." Ruby grins.
"Ruby that phrasing is redundant." I call her out.
"You also like me." She says with a, forgive the phrasing, wolfish grin.
"I-I appreciat-" I don't finish my thought as Ruby steps forward and wraps her arms around me.
"I've seen the way you look at me you when you think I'm not looking." She winks.
My mind blanks as she rubs her head to mine. Bringing a hand up to rub my ears, reminding me, of, of something. Something I miss, so, so much.
"Wh-what are you doing?" I ask.
"I'm hugging you silly!" She says before stepping back. "Tell you what, you can ask Cyril out, and afterwards you and I can have a date. All you gotta do is say yes!"
'She, she wants me?' I can't help but be confused.
"Cyril, he'd go out with me?" I ask, shelving her for later.
"Why wouldn't he?" Ruby asks with a cute tilt of her head.
'Because I'm an anomaly of nature with an underdeveloped body compared to yours and more baggage than I'll ever admit to.' The darker parts of my mind tell me.
"I, I just don't think I'm his type is all." I tell her.
"Hmm, I think you're wrong there." Ruby says with a smirk.
"How can you be su-" I'm cut off as Ruby kisses my forehead.
"Because you're too adorable not to like!" Ruby giggles.
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"Well." Ruby tells him with a nudge. "Tell her what you think dummy!"
I can see he doesn't like it. The flatness of his expression as he looks me up and down. The lack of any real interest in his eyes.
"You look beautiful, Weiss." He lies to my face.
"Thank you Cyril." I say with a practiced smile. "Shall we go?"
Hopefully it's just the dress, and not me. I do wish to see this day be fruitful. Or at the very least enjoyable.
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Of course, hopes and reality, tend to turn out very differently.
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"You, you ass!" I yell at him as I check my makeup and see he wiped away all of the cover. "That took me half an hour to apply."
"You don't need it." He says casually. "Look, I don't care, about the pricey, prim, proper, pompous pedigree of the upper class." He says as he grabs my chin and forces me to look him in his soft, gentle silver eyes. "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."
Why is that, why does that hurt to hear? But, in a way That, I want to hear more of it. I put so much effort into being perfect! And it was all wasted because he liked me the way I am?
That's not fair.
"I, I just wanted to be perfect for you." I say as I hold back my tears. "I wanted to show you my best side tonight. How is that bad?"
His hand under my chin, he gives me a soft smile. One that brings up long forgotten feelings of comfort, and safety. One I miss, so much.
He takes his thumb and runs it over my scar and across my cheek. His warm hand caressing my face.
"This is your best side Weiss ." He says in a gentle voice as I hold my tears back. He then reaches up and carefully takes each of the carefully placed clips out of my hair, letting my ears free from their uncomfortable prison. "You don't need anything more."
When was the last time I heard that? The last time someone let me be, just me? The last time I didn't need to be any better than I already am?
"You don't have anything you need to hide." He continues.
'There is nothing about you, that you need to hide. You're perfect the way you are, okay?' I remember those last kind words.
"You're perfect, with all your imperfections. Just the way you- Mrmph!"
I can't take it! This is his fault! I, I need this, this comfort, this safety. I need him to stay here, stay close and not leave.
I just, I want him to hold me close.
"Mrrm." I moan before I finally come to my senses and push away, mortified at how, at how I just threw myself at him. "I-I'm sorry I don't know what came over me and-"
"Hey." He cuts me off as he leans back, still holding onto me. Not letting me go. "It's fine, just, warn a guy next time okay?"
"You're, you're not mad?" I ask with a quiet disbelief.
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"Yes Ruby, we're still on for our date." I say plainly, causing Ruby to practically assault me with an unwarranted embrace. "H-hey!"
Not that it's entirely un wanted. It's, nice. It, makes me feel wanted.
"Yes! Don't worry Weiss I'll take care of planning everything! You won't have to lift a finger and we can just enjoy ourselves!" Ruby promises me.
'After today, that honestly sounds rather nice.' I think as she continues to hold me tight. Offering me that warmth I missed for so long.
"And what's that dumb smirk for?" I challenge the larger oaf.
"You two are adorable together." He says, earning a squeak from Ruby as I scoff at his nonsense. Even as I feel warmer at his words.
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Because when you're cold for so long, and finally find that warmth you've all but forgotten.
It becomes all you want.
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"You're so cute when you blush!" Ruby says as she kisses my cheek as I try to study.
"Don't be a pest!" I tell the juvenile girl as I cross my arms and look away from her.
"Yeah Ruby, knock it off." Cyril says as he rests his head on mine. "Can't you see she's trying to study?"
"You're both disruptive!" I accuse as Cyril wraps his arms around my shoulders.
"We're only as disruptive as you let us be." He says as he kisses the top of my head.
'He's not wrong.' I grumble to myself. 'But he doesn't have to be an oaf and flaunt it!'
"That's pouty Weiss blushing." Ruby says as I hear her write something down.
"What the, are you writing down my reactions!?" I ask, dumbfounded.
"Wuh-pfft! Of course not!" Ruby scoffs as she shoves a paper behind herself. Not daring to look me in the eye.
"Give." I say as I hold out a hand.
"Give what?" She asks innocently. But the thing about Ruby is that unless it's puppy dog eyes, she couldn't act to save her life.
"Now." I say as I get up, shrugging Cyril's arms off my shoulders.
"Weiss, Weiss!" Ruby squeals as she backs up, before I make a glyph on the floor to trip her. "Ah!"
She flails her arms out long enough for me to snatch the paper. Taking it as the girl petals around to avoid falling. I read through it. It's a bunch of boxes with different words marked down. And some of the boxes have an R or a C in the corner. Some have both.
"Blushing, stuttering, pouting, tail- you two dolts made a bingo sheet over my expressions!?" I say, utterly scandalized and baffled at the audacity and absurdity.
"Well, we kinda maybe had a little bit of a disagreement and we uh, needed a way to settle it." Ruby says with a guilty smile.
"And what could you possibly need to settle by, by objectifying me like this!?" I ask.
"You." Cyril says as he holds me from behind. "We needed to see who'd get to snuggle with you next, but we couldn't decide. So, we made a game of it. With you as the prize, my little fox." He says as he kisses the top of my head.
"Hah I da-buh, ehem!" I, clear my throat. "I still don't-"
He reaches down and snatches the paper. Before I hear the click of a pen as he scribbles on the paper.
"Ha!" He cheers as he tosses the paper at Ruby. "I win! Got her to stutter! Read'em and weep!"
Ruby takes the paper out of the air and reads it over as Cyril picks me up in a princess carry.
"No!" Ruby whines.
"Looks like you're mine tonight, if you want." He says before kissing me on the cheek.
It's good to be wanted. Makes you feel warm inside.
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Bonus
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Cyril Leon POV
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"Uno." Sun says as he tosses the card down. "Draw two Cyril."
"This game is bullshit!" I accuse as I pick two cards.
"You're telling me you have no draw two's?" Adam asks.
"No! I don't!" I say as I put my cards down show every one of the twenty three cards.
"Dude, you're not suppose to show us your cards." Sun says.
"Not like it's gonna matter." I say as I wave a hand at Adam. "Three cards left, and you have one."
"You could still win!" Sun says as he pats my shoulder.
"If you say that, while having a wild in your hand." I say as I glare at him. "I'm going to hurt you."
"Don't worry." Adam says with a smirk. "I got something for him."
Looking to the man, I concede and let this play out. Gathering my cards as before Adam takes his turn.
"Draw two." He says.
Sub just sucks on his lip guiltily as he slowly places the card down.
"Stack, Cyril draw four." He says with an awkward smile.
"Are you fucking kidding me!?" I yell as I toss my cards down.
"Cyril! Language!" Weiss shouts from the other table at the library. " And volume!"
"Sorry!" I call back.
"Wah- psh!" Sun mocks me.
"Hey, that whip gets me in bed with that cute girl with a fluffy tail." I smirk. "What've you got?"
"Can we not talk about whips?" Adam asks.
"Oh, is this another race thing?" I ask.
"No, it's a, personal thing." He says as he looks away with a blush.
Nope! Not delving into that one.
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A/N
So, context clues are needed. To be observed heavily here. Weiss was six when Nicholas died, eight when she discovered her Glyph, twelve when Jacques named her heir. You can fill in the blanks with the rest.
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I was meaning to write this for a while, in fact I meant this to be the last chapter. But my mind works in mysterious ways.
Anyway
Weiss grew up with a
Mother who was too drunk to ever be present
Father who prioritized his work over his family
Sister who took the first chance to leave that she could
A grandfather (the only person ever truly kind to her) who died when she was young.
And then when she got aura and unlocked her passive, she was able to tell, just how much everyone disliked her. Her father saw her as an annoyance, her mother saw her as just someone who's there, her sister saw her as someone she was forced to look after.
Winter got better and realized she was a bitch to Weiss. But those rebellious years took their toll.
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The comments, the Comments, THE COMMENTS!
Spongebob CHOCOLATE! Reference.
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Link to the discord: discord .gg/DarkWolfShiro