Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

It was a bright day at Beacon Academy, the temperature was nice, the sun gently shone, a fresh breeze flew by, yes a beautiful day that could make anyone happy only made better by the fact that the students would get a few unexpected vacation days after an incident trashed a good chunk of the classrooms, covering them in a hard multicolor crystal like substance whose composition is as of yet unknown, on a related note Sun Wukong and Yang Xiaolong are not to be allowed even close to each other without supervision. But back to the topic at hand, despite all these good news, there were two bitter ladies whose dispositions were drastically opposed to the ones for the rest of the school, said ladies being Glynda Goodwitch and Ruby Rose.

The reason for Glynda’s mood was obvious, though surprisingly this time it was not due to her strict and serious demeanor, but for the fact that one she was now reprimanding one of the most promising students of the Academy after a string of failed assignments and projects seemingly due to simply a lack of caring. And considering how passionate Miss Rose seemed to be about becoming a Huntress this was beyond baffling and a little heart breaking. As for Ruby’s foul mood, it was so far a mystery, it was already present before she was sent to Goodwitch’s office, and proved a stern contrast to how she tended to be in general.

But it mattered not, at least for now Glynda first needed to get the facts straight, reading out loud the reports from the various professors on how Miss Rose failed to do her work, even combat class, a subject in which Ruby almost always excelled mentioned how while her performance had not dipped, she seemed to had abandoned technique for sheer brutality seemingly born from an as of yet undiscovered rage and resentment. Anyhow, after finishing each report Glynda gave a small pause before beginning the next one, a brief chance for the student to explain or defend themselves, however Ruby Rose did neither, in fact she seemed to be completely indifferent to the whole scenario chin rested on the back of her hand and her silver eyes passionlessly examining a plain section of the office’s wall. Annoyed by that Goodwitch grabbed Disciplinarian and hit the surface of the table with the ridding crop a high pitch smack echoing through the room accompanied by her saying in a stern tone.

(Glynda) – Ruby Rose you better put your whole attention at the matter at hand unless you wish for a harsher punishment –

Unlike previous encounters the girl did not flinch, not to surprising, as a matter of fact it was expected for students to be able to keep their composure in simple situations like this after one or two field missions, but this might be the very first time that it had completely failed to garner any attention from the subject.

That mixed with the sheer lifelessness behind those silver eyes was communicating to the teacher that something was wrong, very wrong.

(Glynda) – (Oh dear, this is not good) –

Thought Goodwitch her expression shifting from one of anger to one of honest worry, without saying a word she put the papers down on the table alongside her weapons and using her semblance she pulled a chair to sit close to Ruby, making this the first time where Glynda wasn’t towering over her student since they met.

Ruby, said nothing, nor reacted to it really, hell Glynda was worrying that she wasn’t even blinking since she was still observing that random bit of wall she had since they began. Taking a deep breath, the teacher collected her thoughts before asking in a significantly gentler tone than previously.

(Glynda) – Miss Rose, is everything well? –

At this Ruby did react, her eyes briefly shifting into surprise, she was expecting to be nagged at for thirty to sixty minutes given a punishment before being released, this she was not prepared for. After the brief second of surprise her expression changed to one of sheer annoyance, saying to her teacher with words coated in venom.

(Ruby) – Look, I get it, I failed, just give me detention or something and stop wasting our time –

That honestly shocked Goodwitch to her core. As far as she had known her Ruby Rose was a puppy given human form just like her mother, to see that cold stare in her face and hear that venomous tone in her voice felt unnatural in so many levels.

Said shock crept its way onto Glynda’s face making Ruby recoil back slightly, it wasn’t her intention to come off that harsh, I mean, sure she was beyond frustrated by an ongoing situation, but she didn’t want to unload all of that onto others, ashamed by her outburst Ruby broke eye contact, unsure of what to do to alleviate the situation a problem that she shared with her teacher.

A dead cold silence filled the room as neither lady knew how to resuscitate this conversation without it somehow developing into something worse, the silence was so absolute that both managed to hear soft footsteps and the brief but repeated clicks of a cane against teal floor coming from the corridor outside of the office followed by the turn of the door knob and the creaking of the turning hinges.

Professor Ozpin, the Headmaster of Beacon academy and surprise savior of this situation, entered the room with a calm smile on his face and carrying a platter on his free hand.

(Ozpin) – Ah, Glynda, Miss Rose, good to see that I caught you before you two finished. I intended to be here earlier, but the trip to the cafeteria for the treats and drinks had to be briefly postponed after what happened to the classrooms –

Mentioned the Headmaster as he approached the table, putting down the platter that contained three mugs of coffee, and two plates a smaller one filled with cookies and a bigger one filled with a mix of confectionaries.

(Glynda) – I didn’t know that you intended to accompany us Professor, I would have organized this accordingly otherwise. Also, what happened to the classrooms? –

Responded Goodwitch while trying to suppress both her confusion at why the Headmaster decided to drop by a standard student teacher meeting and her deep worry on how bad was the classroom situation to make Ozpin actually delay what he was doing at the moment and do his job.

(Ozpin) – Don’t worry about it, for now, we have a more important matter at hand in front of us –

He commented of had while setting the table, giving each one present a mug, handing the cookie plate to Ruby and putting the bigger one between himself and Glyda so they could share it. Afterwards he went and grabbed himself a chair to sit in, though when he did sit, he noticed that in the short time it took for him to find and carry the chair to the table Ruby had not even looked at the fresh cookies put in front of her.

(Ozpin) – (Well, something is definitively off here) So, how is the meeting going so far? –

He asked before taking the first sip from his mug, Ruby stayed silent, Glynda on the other hand began to explain the situation in a calm and professional tone.

(Glynda) – I was reprimanding Miss Rose for failing her responsibilities, when I noticed that there may be a deeper problem, an emotional and most likely personal problem –

Ozpin look at the girl, her face showing no emotion and her eyes pointing at the floor, putting his mug on the table he simply asked.

(Ozpin) – Is that true Miss Rose? –

Silence, her eyes shifting away from the other people in the room.

(Ozpin) – Ruby? –

More silence, her whole body tensing slightly and her expression shifting subtly.

(Ozpin) – Ruby, we can’t help you if you don’t talk to u- –

(Ruby) – Why are you even here!? –

Snapped back the girl in a dry and aggressive tone her face rapidly turning to stare directly at Ozpin’s brown eyes. The Professor simply took another sip from his mug before giving a calm response.

(Ozpin) – Simple, I made an exception for you to join Beacon early, thus you being here is my doing and thus you are my responsibility. That and both Qrow and your father have asked me to keep a close eye on you and considering our history they are more than entitled to that favor, and many others if I’m being honest –

The response seemed to defuse the situation, Ruby relaxed somewhat and took a shaky sip from her mug, surprised that her coffee was just how she liked it. The warm coffee melted some her stress allowing her to keep a more leveled head, which then led to her talking in a still sour, but less aggressive voice.

(Ruby) – Ok, yeah, that tracks… –

(Ozpin) – So, will you tell us what is happening to get you this worked up? –

(Ruby) – Well, I… –

She tried to explain herself, even if only for the sake of getting out of this situation, but when it came to the topic at hand she just couldn’t, she just couldn’t tell the reason why she failed her responsibilities, the reason she put in danger her dream of being a Huntress, it was just so dumb and selfish, not to mention probably not the type of thing to discuss with your teachers. Actually, that is an angle from which escape might be possible.

(Ruby) – It’s not something that I should talk with you two… –

(Ozpin) – Is that so? –

Asked the Professor, a clear intrigue in his voice, but before he could continue Glynda decided to speak up asking in a surprisingly motherly tone.

(Glynda) – Is there someone that you can talk to about this? –

(Ruby) – I… dad, I guess… or maybe uncle Qrow… –

Both of them could see the gears slowly turning inside the girl’s head, and from the inflection in her voice they could guess that she wanted Qrow’s and Tai’s advice for different if equally important reasons. Glynda let out a sigh and began to stand up while saying.

(Glynda) – If that is the case, I’ll inform them in all haste, and hopefully they can help you with this issue your having- –

(Ozpin) – Well yes, you could do that, if you want the problem to be addressed in three to five weeks when poor Miss Rose is already failing this semester –

Mentioned Ozpin cutting off Glynda mid-sentence, much to her annoyance and the confusion of the girl.

(Ruby/Glynda) – What? Why? –

Asked the two ladies in unison to which Ozpin gave at no at all made up in the spot response.

(Ozpin) – Qrow has just been dispatched to a mission, he’ll be off the grid for a good while, as for Taiyang, well discussing such a pressing matter through the scroll with the horrible connection he has back home, would be hardly ideal –

This was for the most part a blatant lie, Qrow was on a mission yes, but it wasn’t an undercover one, he could easily postpone it for a few days to help Ruby, and while the connection thing was entirely true there are ways to get around that that Ozpin had access to and could had offered to poor Ruby if he had wanted to.

Glynda for her part instantly knew the statement was a bunch of nonsense, however she also knew that Ozpin doesn’t usually lie this blatantly without a reason to do so, be it sheer curiosity or a belief that he could handle it, to which Goodwitch had to admit she also shared to an extent, at least enough for her to roll with it and allow Ozpin to do his thing.

As for poor Ruby Rose she let her head crash onto the table and let out a guttural groan of pure frustration which seemed to end with the beginning of sob which was quickly suppressed.

(Ozpin) – Ruby, if you’re worried about judgement or privacy, I can promise that there will be none of the former and that whatever you say will never leave this room –

And just like that Ozpin went from unashamed lies to pure honestly at the drop of a hat. The student for her part mumbled without even lifting her head from the table.

(Ruby) – Promise? –

(Ozpin) – On my life Miss Rose –

Not that that was worth much, but it didn’t take away from his honesty, after all in his long time on this world he had seen pretty much everything to the point of almost being dead inside and he was dam good at keeping secrets, even when said secrets shouldn’t be secrets to begin with.

Glynda also gave reassurance though in the form of a more thoughtful hum, sure she would try to keep it a secret but it depended of the nature of said secret and whether or not it required outside intervention of some kind.

However, regardless of how loyal they were to the promise the simple act of accepting was enough for Ruby to begin to tentatively show them the issue.

(Ruby) – Miss Goddwitch was right, I have a personal problem that has… messed with my day-to-day things –

She said nervously, lifting her head to watch the reactions of her companions, which so far were of honest worry and empathy.

(Glynda) – And what is the nature of this problem Miss Rose? –

(Ruby) – Its- –

A lump got caught in Ruby’s throat, but was pushed down by another gulp of coffee.

(Ruby) – -with my team –

Both Ozpin and Glynda seem to relax at hearing that, thing beginning to make sense in their minds.

(Ozpin) – Ruby there is no shame in having troubles with your team, it happens to everyone, and I get that being the team leader it is hard sometimes to ask for help, but even professional adults need aid all the time let alone someone young and in training –

Advised Ozpin, which made Ruby even more nervous.

(Ruby) – It is not a team, or team leader problem, it’s a more personal one –

She managed to croak out. Glynda lifted and eyebrow and asked the first thing that came into her mind.

(Glynda) – Is this a case of bullying within your team? –

(Ruby) – W-What?! No! Why would you think that!? –

Defended Ruby just for Ozpin to come from the other side with another hit, pondering out loud.

(Ozpin) – Well, with a Schnee and a Faunus on the same team, I can imagine things could get ugly –

(Ruby) – Wait you know about Blake?! –

Responded Ruby in surprise and panic quickly getting a response from her Professor.

(Ozpin) – Ruby I am the Headmaster I ought to know everything that happens within these walls, the day I failed to do that will be the day this place crumbles to the ground –

Ozpin comment was meant to be a lighthearted joke, yet, for some reason an imminent sense of creeping dread filled the room after he finished.

But there was no time for them to dabble on that.

(Ruby) – No, no, everything is fine in that aspect. We have managed to hostilities to a minimum, we are working fine as a team and even when we have our differences, we usually avoid poking the Ursa with a stick, well except for Yang… no one can’t do much about her –

Glynda let out an exasperated sigh at the mentioned of Ruby’s half-sister, Ozpin for his part simply chuckled, if Glynda was already mad at the blonde, she would be downright furious after he told her what she did today.

(Ozpin) – That is good to hear, but if the team is working fine so far, then what is the trouble? –

Ruby remained silent for a few seconds, thinking on how to explain herself, while both of them promised no judgement, she was still anxious of talking to her teachers and saying the wrong thing.

(Ruby) – Remember the whole “avoid poking the Ursa with a stick” thing –

Both of them nodded.

(Ruby) – There’s been one Ursa, that I been poking, no because I need to, but because I want to, and I really shouldn’t but… –

The girl tried to continue her analogy without stating out right what she meant, but eventually gave up and put it as bluntly as possible her face turning a slight shade of red.

(Ruby) – Weiss can’t stand me, don’t know why, maybe is resentment that she isn’t the leader or something else and she has been more than willing to work as a team and even do stuff in group but… I really want to get closer to her… –

That last part ended up being more of a timid squeak than a normal statement.

(Ozpin) – (Hah! Take that Goodwitch! I knew rigging the Emerald Forest’s catapults based on romantic pairs this year was going to work perfectly) –

Thought Ozpin with a smile appearing on his face, Glynda, for her part, was still a bit dumfounded by why this was such a big issue for the girl, needing a little push to finally put the dots together.

(Glynda) – Why is it so important to get close to Miss Schnee? It is alright if not all members of a team are necessarily friends- –

(Ozpin) – My dear Glynda, I think your still looking at this from the wrong angle. This isn’t an academic or team issue is a personal one, a matter of the heart one might say –

He said in expectant tone as that would have enough for her to decipher, and when that still did clarify the situation for Goodwitch, he pointed towards the nervous, panicked, shy, and blushing girl, that sight finally managed to create enough volts to light the lightbulb above her head.

 (Glynda) – This is a romantic issue, isn’t it? –

Flatly stated the blonde teacher with a rhetoric question, her face screaming how much she did not like the direction this conversation was taking, it reminded her way too much of some incidents that happened some twenty plus years back, not to mention that.

(Glynda) – (Oh dear Gods, his stupid plan is actually working, I don’t even know what inspired him to play matchmaker with the students to begin with, though knowing him, it’s probably just because he felt bored) –

 Ruby simply nodded, her eyes looking at the floor and her hands fidgeting with one another.

(Glynda) – Falling in love with another member of your team… *Sigh* you really are your mother’s daughter. I can see why you wanted to seek advice from your father and T- –

Glynda froze for a moment, remembering the mess of a situation relating to the girl’s parentage, luckily, she didn’t spill out the bad part, otherwise not only Ruby would be having an existential crisis, but also for Qrow would probably try kill her next time they met.

However, her sudden stop was quickly raising suspicion on the girl in front of her, thankfully Ozpin was there to pick her slack.

(Ozpin) – Come on Glynda, I know to you get frustrated when talking about this topic, but is no reason to just quit on us mid-sentence –

Jested the Headmaster covering his friend’s tracks, eliciting a quick giggle from Ruby, Glynda let out another annoyed sigh, though some relief got caught in it, and created a rapid excuse for her actions.

(Glynda) – My apologies, it just that this conversation brought back an… embarrassing memory, I’m not even sure on what I was going about after talking about Miss Rose’s father –

(Ruby) – You were mentioning something that started with T –

Said Ruby trying to help, completely ignorant of the revelation she almost heard.

(Glynda) – Still no idea, completely lost my train of thought I’m afraid –

The teacher bluffed to try to completely cover up her mistake, seemingly working as Ruby just shrugged and before she could question it further Ozpin took the lead.

(Ozpin) – Anyhow, I get why your father’s *ahem* “expertise” would prove useful in this new quest you have, but why Qrow? He doesn’t have a history of teammate and teammate romantic escapades –

(Glynda) – (I swear Ozpin’s ability for perpetuating lies is sometimes terrifying) –

(Ruby) – Well it is because uncle Qrow does interact a lot with Winter- –

(Ozpin) – Oh, you have no ide- –

*THWACK*

(Ozpin) – -GLYNDA WHAT THE F-! –

(Glynda) – THIS IS NOT THE PLACE FOR THAT OZPIN AND YOU KNOW IT! –

(Ozpin) – Ugh, yeah, yeah, whatever, just next time kick me under the table or something instead, and keep that dammed thing away from me –

Ozpin said as he glared at the ridding crop that smacked him on the back of the head. Getting hit for an “inappropriate” joke was one thing he would not get annoyed by, but the fact that that hit spilled his precious coffee onto his clothes just crossed a line that really set him off.

Meanwhile poor Ruby did not understand what was that about, deciding to ignore it and continue were she left of.

(Ruby) – So, he interacts a lot with Winter, so maybe he knows stuff Weiss or the Schnees in general like so maybe he could help me there –

(Ozpin) – Honestly not a bad idea, though I’m unsure how much Miss Schnee has confided on Qrow about herself or her family despite their time knowing one another –

The Professor mentioned carefully, his eyes still on The Disciplinarian and its wielder.

(Glynda) – I concur with Professor Ozpin’s assessment, however there still is a doubt in my mind –

(Ruby) – Which is? –

(Glynda) – How did this came to be? As you said, while your professional relationship with Miss Schnee seems perfectly functional, she has shown nothing but disdain in her day-to-day interactions. Why would you fall for someone like that? (And please let it not be that you’re into degradation, the last thing I want is to discuss that kind of topic with one of my students) –

(Ruby) – Yeah, it is a little weird, but there is other stuff that kinda set it off –

Ruby sheepishly said while rubbing the back of her head.

(Ozpin) – Well go ahead, as long as your comfortable telling of course –

Reassured Ozpin, a lot less on edge now that Glynda was no longer focusing on him. Before continuing Ruby took a long swing of coffee and finally grabbed her first cookie. It was no longer warm, but hey, a cookie is a cookie and she was not going to complain.

(Ruby) – So, *munch* I know Weiss usually acts like a jerk *nom*, but she has a good heart under all that ice, she can be kind, loyal, dependable and just a really nice person… when she wants too at least –

The girl shoved the rest of the cookie and a few more before continuing.

(Ruby) – Plus, she is smart, elegant, and the way she handles and takes care of her weapon –

Ruby stopped to let out a dreamy sigh her mind wandering to both Weiss combat practice as well as that time they both did weapon maintenance together, that attention to detail and care she shown with Myrtenaster made her swoon.

(Ruby) – That’s why I wanted to be her friend, I’m sure we could talk about weapons and dust for days! –

(Ozpin) – No offense Ruby, I think friendship is a few stops back that way –

Joked Ozpin while pointing back above his shoulder. Glynda rolled her eyes while Ruby giggled.

(Ruby) – Yeah, I’ll admit these past weeks my… plans… changed –

(Ozpin) – And why would that be? –

(Ruby) – Um- –

Ruby face simultaneously paled and reddened at the memory of that crucial moment her mouth squeaking out her fist thoughts on the matter almost instantly.

(Ruby) – I… should not talk about that… –

Ozpin face slightly fell.

(Ozpin) – (Oh, dammit, just when things were getting interesting Ruby gets cold feet, understandable really, like I said she should only tell how much she is comfortable doing so, and if she didn’t want to continue, I wouldn’t push any further. Afterall the wellbeing of my students is more important than some gossip that-) –

(Glynda) – Miss Rose, with all due respect, this conversation is far from proper or professional in any sense of the meanings, you might as well go all out since we all are already this deep –

Mentioned Goodwitch in a tired tone, she just wanted this awkward reunion to be over and the problem to be solved and despite how much she hated it she knew the fastest way to get both of those done was getting the girl talking.

Ruby took a breath and nodded again taking two more cookies while he mulled over what to say, Ozpin for his part couldn’t stop a small shit-eating grin from appearing on his face.

(Ozpin) – (Oh dear Glynda you’re a live safer! To think I was afraid the drama was getting cut off before the good part) –

The Teacher of course noticed this, that smug smile was tempting her to grab her weapon and this time use it to throw the Headmaster through a window, later consequences be dammed. As for Ruby, she steeled herself with another gulp of her increasingly empty cup before speaking in a doubtful and somewhat shaky tone.

(Ruby) – Um, you two remember the food fight we and JNPR had? –

The sour look on Glynda’s face and the amused smile on Ozpin’s were more than valid responses to the question.

(Ruby) – Of course you do, so, afterwards we were pretty dirty, Weiss called dibs on our room’s shower so the rest of us went to the common showers, but the upper classmates had gotten out of combat training just before so they were all muddy and stuff, so between them, Yang, Blanke, Pyrrha, and Nora there was no space for me. And well, I waited, but Yang and Pyrrha take forever cleaning their hair, Blake was being extra cautious for some reason, Nora I think was playing with bubbles or something, and there were other girls waiting in line also. So, I reasoned, well it’s been a while and Weiss usually takes short showers, she is probably done, so I ran back to the room finding the bathroom door open, so I guessed Weiss was out and with at least a towel… s-she wasn’t… –

Ruby looked towards her teachers waiting to be reprimanded, instead Glynda looked like she wanted the earth to swallow her whole and Ozpin was enthralled in the story like he was watching a soap opera. So, Ruby continued, a little less awkward than before seen that she really wasn’t getting into trouble.

(Ruby) – She was putting conditioner on her hair, so she turned the shower off for a moment, it was clearly a really hot one since there was steam everywhere, that probably why she opened the door so the bath would end up all humid and damp afterwards. And well, I only got a glimpse of a few seconds of her back before dashing back out to the corridor before she noticed, but… she looked beautiful… the pose, her pale skin, her body in general, she looked like a statue from a museum, a living work of art right in front of me –

Ruby said, beginning casual but by the end full of clear infatuation towards the SDC Heir, even without the tone of voice, if you looked at little red, the dreamy look in her eyes, the warm smile of her face, the deep blush of her cheeks you would instantly know that she had found the owner of her heart.

She was so caught up in the memory that she stopped talking for a moment, giving her two companions a chance to think about the new information on the table.

(Glynda) – (Huh, well that’s the classiest way I ever heard someone discuss that kind of situation… that’s probably the only thing she didn’t get from her mother. I swear, that lecherous spirit and enjoyment of drinking is probably why Summer and Qrow got along so well even before they got together) –

(Ozpin) – (Ah, to be young and in love for the first time, hopefully this ends better than my own experience. Last thing we need is two evil queens trying to destroy the world instead of the one) –

Eventually Ruby snapped back to reality finishing her point in her voice gaining some insecurity back.

(Ruby) – It is weird, I never thought of anyone on that light be it boy, girl, or what have you. I-It’s not as I didn’t know these feelings existed, between Uncle Qrow’s stories and Yang’s escapades I knew the basics well enough, and after finding one of Blake’s books under her pillow the details were made quite clear to me- –

(Glynda) – Wait Miss Belladonna has a pornographic book on Academy’s grounds?! –

Asked the Teacher in anger, Ruby shrunk in her seat eyes fearful not for her but for her poor teammate that was going to be put through the ringer.

(Ruby) – (I’m so, so, so, so, SO sorry Blake, I didn’t mean to start this) –

Ignorant to her distress Miss Goodwitch continued on her justified indignation.

(Glynda) – When I get out of this, I’m- –

(Ozpin) – Glynda! –

(Glynda) – What? –

(Ozpin) – I believe that we promised Miss Rose that whatever she said does not leave this room –

Simply stated Ozpin, a wave of relief washing over Ruby while on of slight shock washed over Glynda.

(Glynda) – But Belladonna has broken the rules we can’t-! –

(Ozpin) – Nothing of what has been said leaves this room, that’s an order Glynda. If the supposed book is found in a room search of something of the sort, then Miss Blake would be punished accordingly, but so far as this meeting is concern nothing happened, that goes to you too Ruby, is anyone asks we did not talk about this –

Calmly explained the Headmaster, Ruby breaking a smile and Glynda sighing in exasperation.

(Ruby) – Got it! –

(Glynda) – Of course sir –

(Ozpin) – On a not at all related note, if Miss Belladonna ever requires to hide some of this rumored literature, I happen to know a few storage places that she could use that technically lay outside of Academy grounds while being easy to access –

(Glynda) – Ozpin! Those stashes are for emergency items only! –

(Ozpin) – Yet, yours is empty, Qrow’s is filled with booze, and Ironwood’s is full of fancy uniforms. We might as well give them some use, since it’s clear that their intended one has been ignored –

(Glynda) – But to use them so students have impunity to the rules- –

(Ozpin) – Oh, you worry too much, team RWBY has proven itself worthy of some recognition, now that I think of it, team JNPR isn’t far either, Glynda please remember me to also talk with them about this topic at a later date –

Glynda just stared at the Headmaster an eye twitching briefly before just surrendering with a pained sigh.

(Ozpin) – Well that settles that, you may continue Miss Rose, please do excuse Miss Goodwitch for the interruption –

(Ruby) – Oh! Yeah, it was no trouble –

In truth Ruby had momentarily forgotten the original topic of this whole thing, but she quickly continued from where she left off, her tone sweet and shy.

(Ruby) – So yeah, I knew about the details, but I sorta assumed that it was, you know, exaggerated, like it is Yang and a cheesy smut novel were are talking about, but after what happened, it was just two seconds, yet I can’t get her out of my mind since then, my heart picks up its pace when I’m near her, I just want to give it a shot and see if it works between us –

Ruby stopped, her mood seemingly turning back to the one she had at the start of the meeting, staying silent and angerly staring at the exposed bottom of her mug.

(Ozpin) – I have the feeling that a “but” is involved somewhere –

Said Ozpin in an attempt to keep the conversation moving. Ruby groaned and began anew.

(Ruby) – But, no matter what I do, no matter how hard I try, SHE HAS JUST TREATED ME LIKE TRASH! I-I DON’T GET IT! SHE HAS BEEN KINDER TO OTHERS BUT FOR SOME REASON I DON’T GET A CHANCE!? It’s not like I think she owes me a relationship or anything, if she doesn’t want that that is more than fine, I JUST WANT TO HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH HER WHERE SHE DOESN’T INSULT ME! And before I didn’t care about that, but now each time she does it just feels like she stabs me with a knife. I CAN’T EVEN GET FAR ENOUGH TO GET A PROPER REJECTION OR EVEN ASK THE QUESTION IT’S ALMOST LIKE SHE DOESN’T FULLY SEES ME AS A HUMAN! –

Yelled Ruby venting all her frustration that she had accumulated for the better part of two months. Instantly both teachers understood how something like that would affect her academic performance.

Glynda looked at the girl with sadness in her eyes, reaching a hand to put in on Ruby’s shoulder and spoke to her in a soft voice.

(Glynda) – Miss Rose, I understand where you're coming from but, if Miss Schnee really is treating you that way and is affecting you this hard, maybe you should try to let go? It doesn’t seem to be a healthy relationship –

Ruby took a moment to process Goodwitch’s words, weighing her options before deciding.

(Ruby) – Probably, but… I still want to try, even if it doesn’t work out, I don’t want to give up like that I want to know that I at least gave it my all and it wasn’t meant to be –

(Glynda) – (Gods, she really is like her mother) If that’s what you want and you are aware of the risks, then you should go ahead with it. I wished I could help you, but romance was never my thing, honestly, I always saw it as a waste of time in my end –

Admitted Godwitch, this was probably the only topic that excluded her abilities as a teacher and even it wasn’t her fault, she did feel a bit guilty about not being able to help her student.

(Ruby) – It’s okay Miss Goodwitch, I wasn’t expecting help or anything really, I honestly could have never seen this whole thing coming. But I think it helped, a lot –

Thanked Ruby with a sincere smile, she had kept that inside her, poisoning her for so long. Not having anyone to talk about it, since well, Yang would just tell Weiss in one way or another, she didn’t want to bother Blake with it, Pyrrha had already way too much on her plate, Jaune… considering his crush on Weiss it would have been super awkward, Nora would just make a giant convoluted plan to get the two together and if it was anything like the ones she did for Ren… ugh no thanks… and Ren… actually Ren would have been a good option for this kind of stuff, she’ll make a mental note of that for the future.

(Glynda) – However, there still the matter of the assignments you failed –

Mentioned Glynda while standing back up, her voice back to the more serious tone.

(Ruby) – Riiiight… just, lay whatever on me, I deserve it –

Groaned Ruby, already bracing for the worst.

(Glynda) – Usually in this matter you would lose the points of the assignments and be given a punishment, however since the source of your failure was due to a crisis of emotional turmoil, I’ll have the teachers give you a different job, most likely harder than the originals, but if completed you would earn the points you are currently missing, the nature of each job will be up to each teacher to decide, and this is a one-time thing. Are we clear Miss Rose? –

Declared the teacher while looking Ruby in the eyes, said eyes quickly filled with relief and gratitude.

(Rose) – Yes mam I won’t let you down! –

Responded a reinvigorated Rose with a smile on her face. A feeling of calm filled Glynda’s soul at the sight.

(Glynda) – (There’s the smile she was missing, good, everything is now back to normal) Perfect, you are free to leave and return to your dorm I will relay to you any missing classwork you’ll need to catch up on from the classes you missed while here- –

(Ozpin) – Actually- –

Interrupted Ozpin grabbing back the attention of the two ladies.

(Ozpin) – -according to the clock, the school day has already finished, so Miss Rose would you mind spending some of your free time here? For, while it seems that the problem has been solved, I believed that I can he- –

(Ruby) – Help me win over Weiss’ heart!? –

In turn Ruby also interrupted Ozpin, using her semblance to dash next to him in an instant, actually surprising the old man.

(Ozpin) – Yes, I think I can help you further your personal goals regarding Miss Schnee –

He clarified, more for his own sake than to inform Ruby. The silver eye girl let out an exited squeak staring intently at her professor, he took this as a sign to begin laying out his plan.

(Ozpin) – You see, while my personal love life has been… borderline apocalyptic, but in my years I have learned a lot about people, and most importantly in this case, what NOT to do in a relationship. So, while I can’t just straight out give you the secret formula to love, I can give you some helpful ideas and a few of things to essential for a relationship. As long as you’re interested of course –

 Ruby responded by rapidly shaking her head up and down, Ozpin could have sworn that he heard the sound of a jiggle bell as she did so.

(Ozpin) – First, so far what have you done to try and woo Miss Schnee? –

He asked, Ruby took a second to recall all her attempts before answering.

(Ruby) – I haven’t gotten too far, I been trying to ask her about things she like, but I just get brushed off, “I’m studying” no she wasn’t, “Quit being a useless dolt” I simply asked her about her day, “I don’t have time for this” and then she just sat under a tree to do nothing, and that’s been the last few weeks of my life… –

Now that she thought about it, that is a pathetic amount of progress, no wonder she was so annoyed with it all.

(Ozpin) – Have you tried to directly invite her to do something? –

(Ruby) – To what!? I literally don’t know anything about her!? –

Ozpin chuckled.

(Ozpin) – (Yeah, there’s the problem) I see, Miss Rose I believe that the reason you have not gotten far is simply due to your approach –

(Ruby) – Huh? –

(Ozpin) – All information and experience that I have with the Schnees had taught me one thing, if you want them to listen to you, you need to take the lead, grab the reins and be the leader of the conversation. I believe that’s the difference between your success as a team and failure as individuals –

(Ruby) – So, you’re telling me I need to be on Leader mode every time I am with Weiss? –

(Ozpin) – At first at least, I’m sure that if you manage to get through her Ice-armor things would be a lot easier –

(Ruby) – That… actually tracks, but it still doesn’t answer me what to do with her, again, she has told me NOTHING! –

(Ozpin) – Directly? No, but she has given you plenty indirectly –

(Ruby) – You sure? –

(Ozpin) – Is Miss Schnee proud of her position and pedigree as a Schnee? –

(Ruby) – WAY too much sometimes –

(Ozpin) – Has she been nostalgic from her homeland? –

(Ruby) – A little, she usually doesn’t show it, but there are a couple of things she really misses –

(Ozpin) – Is she interested in her carrier as a huntress and as the Heir of her family’s company? –

(Ruby) – Gives my own drive a big run for my money most of the time –

Ozpin’s smile grew while he took the final sip from his mug, for a second looking a little disappointed afterwards that he had no more coffee left, however that grin returned to his face as he saw Ruby come to the realization.

(Ruby) – Oh wow, she really has told me a lot about herself –

(Ozpin) – We all do Ruby, no matter how hard you try your true self will show eventually. You already have a solid basis from where to develop your connection with Miss Schnee –

(Ruby) – Right, right! She likes elegant classy stuff, she misses Atlas, so things from there will make her happy, and we can talk about being Huntresses, dust, and the ins and outs of her family story, that should be enough for a start… but, I’m not that into the whole “high society” experience –

Commented Ruby in an unexcited tone, noting the perfect moment to transition to the more important, heavier topic, Ozpin ran a hand though his hair and adjusted his glasses composing himself in order to be as clear as possible, he had to be as clear as possible, for her sake if nothing else.

(Ozpin) – Which leads me to the relationship advice. There are honestly three big ones to address. Ruby, no matter how in twine you are with your partner, they are their own person, you won’t see eye to eye on everything. So, it is important not only learning to agree to disagree, but to do activities you particularly don’t enjoy but know they do, with that said in a healthy relationship that goes both ways, if you are the only one giving and they are the only one taking simply put they are taking advantage of you whether intentionally or accidentally. Since you are the one instigating the relationship, it is normal that you’ll have to do most of the work at first, that is the nature of courtship, however there must be a point where and when Miss Schnee begins to pull her weight for it to work properly, understood? –

(Ruby) – Yep! –

(Ozpin) – Alright, the second, still related to the first, actually all of them are fused at the hip with each other, but it is important to know them separately. Anyway, the second is that you must never force your will onto your partner and neither should them do to you. Respect their opinions and beliefs, reach agreements, in all things clarify consent. Again, for a healthy relationship you both must arrive at a balance whether that is putting equal weight on both ends or meeting at the middle it depends on you two and might even vary from topic to topic, but reaching a compromise is essential to be happy when living with one another. Clear? –

(Ruby) – Like crystal Professor! –

(Ozpin) – Good, good. Finally, there is communication, you must talk to one another, small resentments if not handled in a timely manner can, and usually do, grow disproportionate to their original size. Look no further than the vicious cycles of revenge between families or even nations as a large-scale example. The same might happen in a smaller scale on your relationship, so speak up about not only what bothers you but also what you like and love of that person, for love might be bigger than those simple words but never underestimate the power of a simple “I love you”.

This extends to secrets and lies to, personally I do believe that sadly secrets and lies many times are a necessary evil, but that should never serve as an excuse to do it compulsively, believe it or not the size of the lie is not what matters but the intention and reason behind it, a small lie said for no reason can completely decimate your trust with a person while a large or even huge lie said for the right reasons will hurt, o yes it will hurt like hell, but it won’t leave behind the same amount of damage it otherwise would. So please, be at honest as possible and if you are going to lie, don’t do it to save your pride or evade problems you don’t want to deal with, but because there truly wasn’t any option available –

(Ruby) – Got it, I’ll follow them to the letter Professor Ozpin –

Beamed Ruby before saying in a more grounded voice.

(Ruby) – I-I can’t thank you enough for your help, both of you –

(Ozpin) – Of course you can, just don’t mess up the same way I did and we’re even (Doubt you’ll find in existence a lower bar to jump over) –

(Glynda) – And as for me, just continue your studies and keep giving it your all –

In response Ruby smiled and did a quick bow before leaving the room and heading to her dorm.

Just to a second later re-enter the room sheepishly grabbing the left-over cookies and then properly heading to her dorm.