Chapter One: The Date

Ruby sat down on the couch, sighing. Her ripped jeans and oversized red hoodie her mother had given her sitting in her slouching position. She was barefoot, but since it was her house she couldn't care less. Her black, red-tipped hair grew out down to her breasts, the longest it had ever been. It was a bit wild, straight in some places, curly in others, but still beautiful looking. Her eyes were a soft silver, just like her mother's. They glowed in the right light, Yang and her mom swearing it reminded them of her.

She noticed a feeling in her wrist, one that was familiar. She looked at her wrist with slight irritation rising in it. The marks still resided there, none of them self-made. She got up and walked over to the mirror, pulling off the oversized hoodie she wore. The scars still resided, some of them in recognizable patterns. Ruby shuddered, looking at them with sadness and fear. That had been the last time she'd easily trusted someone other than family or friends… but she had had her trust betrayed. It was a slow work in progress to regain it. She contemplated adding a few marks to the count, but the sound of the door opening caused her to throw her hoodie back on, knowing that even if it was her family, they shouldn't see them, see the burden she carried. She'd had problems with both people she'd attempted to date, one lesser and mostly due to her mom, one much greater. Her being a little overweight didn't help matters either, but she actually didn't look it. She still held hope she could find someone for her, someone who could bring her full happiness back.

"Rubes!" came the voice of Yang, her half-sister. Ruby turned to see the blonde come in, dressed in a rather revealing outfit, made even more so due to Yang's large… personalities she'd inherited from her mother, which Ruby still swore up and down she grew her long blonde hair out to act as a counterweight for. Yang enjoyed showing her 'personalities' off, knowing it made her a score. Ruby couldn't understand this either. Yang had a girlfriend… so, unless she wanted Blake turned on right then and there, it was probably just to show off. Then again, Yang still had to get it approved by their mom.

"I'm in here, Yang.' Ruby said, turning on the TV to see her favorite anime that Blake had gotten her into. She sat down to watch it.

"I'm going out with Blake." Yang said. "We're gonna head to the repair shop for her laptop."

"Makes sense.' Ruby said, knowing the exact contents of her hard drive. "You gonna leave me the other one so Neo and I can watch Netflix?"

"Sure." Yang said. "When's Ice Cream getting here?"

"In a few minutes." Ruby said.

"So" Yang said changing the subject. "How bad do you feel today?"

"Why do you ask?" Ruby asked.

"Your therapist told me to." Yang asked. "Said something about helping you get better."

"I feel… alright." Ruby said.

"You sure?" Yang asked. "I mean, I could get you something and we could do something, just the two of us?"

"No." Ruby said. "Neo's coming over. You've got a date with Blake and mom's heading out herself."

"Alright." Yang said, sighing as she hugged her sister. "But, I may do something later. We haven't done anything as sisters in a while. Maybe even get cookies?"

Ruby's eyes widened, her mouth beginning to water as Yang grinned. The blonde knew she had her in her power.

"Yep." Yang said. "Later, we can. But you gotta promise we're gonna talk."

"I don't know.' Ruby said.

"It's either tell me or mom." Yang said.

Ruby bit her lip. She knew her mom was a stone cold individual when she wanted to be, which was quite often. Her red eyes could bore into the soul of an individual and her physical structure didn't hurt it either. There was a reason Raven Branwen wasn't one who was easily trifled with, being an ex-cop adding to that list.

"Tell me what?" Raven asked, walking into the room in a tank top and black jeans. She was basically a spitting image of Yang, but taller, a little shorter hair that was black, smaller breasts (which Yang often made a point of) and red eyes.

Ruby gulped, knowing this might not be the easiest thing she'd done. She loved Raven that much was true. She'd barely known her birth mother, Summer, and Raven had returned after she'd died to take care of her and Yang, their father having been kicked out by Summer sometime after Ruby was born. Summer had raised Yang, not telling her about Raven until before she died to spare Yang's emotions. However, when Summer was on her deathbed, she told them about Raven and shortly after, Raven had taken the two in, raising them like her own. They'd come to love her like they did Summer, Raven loving them like Summer did. She never told either of them why she'd left in the first place, both understanding it was personal. But, the three of them were happy together, loving each other and enjoying each other.

"Nothing.' Yang said. "Just planning later."

"Not in that outfit, you're not.' Raven said, looking Yang up and down. "Put on something that actually leaves things to the imagination."

"Oh, like you in that picture you showed me of you in that—" Yang said before she was smacked in the back of the head by Raven.

"Put on a damn t-shirt." Raven said, Yang rubbing her head.

"OW!" Yang said, biting her lower lip. It wasn't great pain, but it was unexpected.

"Now, Yang." Raven said. "I don't want you giving Ruby any ideas."

"Why do you care so much about that?" Yang asked.

"Because Summer told me before she passed to protect her little Rose's innocence and kindness.' Raven said. "You dressing like a damn slut doesn't help that."

"Whatever.' Yang said. "I'll still have Blake tied to the bed by sunset though."

"I swear to god, Yang.' Raven said, sighing. "You've got more of your uncle than I want to see."

"Hey, Uncle Qrow taught me some great shit." Yang said, grinning as Raven smacked her biological daughter in the back of the head once again.

"I told you not to say that." Raven said, crossing her arms. "Now, go get changed."

"Alright, alright, jeez." Yang said, heading to her room. Ruby rolled her eyes. To most anyone else, it would seem like abuse, but Raven never hit too hard. She never hit to hurt, only to 'knock some damn sense into her' as she said. Ruby had never been hit by Raven, mostly because she wasn't as… well, Yang-like, preferring to dress modestly and not act like a slut or slob.

"So" Raven said, looking down at Ruby. "Are we gonna talk about her or not? You pent up a lot over eight months."

"No.' Ruby said. "I'm good. I just need to get back into the game and not let the past bother me."

"Don't go as far as your sister.' Raven said, nodding towards said blonde. "I'd hate to have to intimidate your girlfriends… or boyfriends, whatever turns you on.'

"But, you did." Ruby said. "That's why I'm not dating Blake."

"She's a pervert." Raven said. "I wasn't having her corrupt my little Rose."

"I'm seventeen." Ruby said, crossing her arms and pouting. "I'm old enough to make my own decisions."

"Not with Blake, sweetie." Raven said, patting Ruby's head.

"Aww." Ruby said. "But, how come Yang gets to?"

"She's too far gone." Raven said, smirking. "I couldn't help her. Her internet history speaks for that."

"Ewww.' Ruby said, making a face. "So, I thought you were going out."

"I am." Raven said. "I'm waiting for my shirt to finish."

"You still wear that?" Ruby asked, referring to the red shirt Raven often wore.

"Your mother gave that to me!" Raven said. "Of course I'll still wear it."

"You say that, but you never really say why." Ruby said. "I tossed the old clothes my mom had for me."

"You didn't know her like I did." Raven said. "While you loved her, most of what you know is stories from your sister and even she didn't know her very well. I grew up with your mother. I knew almost everything about her, from her taste in people, her favorite albums, and her preferred way to dispose of a body."

"Wait, what?" Ruby asked, confused.

"I'm joking." Raven said, smirking. "Had ya goin' though."

"Yeah." Ruby said, nodding.

"Though, she did plan it on a few people.' Raven said. "Your uncle happened to be one of them."

"What did Uncle Qrow ever do to her?" Ruby asked.

"Stole her cookies.' Raven said. Ruby gasped, horrified.

"Bury him!" Ruby shouted, running into the kitchen and grabbing some cookies and eating them.

"Not too many." Raven said, leaning on the door frame. "You know what those do to you."

"Hey!" Ruby said, sticking her tongue out. "It goes to my breasts… or at least that's what Yang said."

"She's wrong.' Raven said. "It doesn't. It goes right here."

As she said it, she pointed to Ruby's heart, smirking. Ruby giggled, knowing what she was getting at.

"So" Raven said. "What are you two planning on doing tonight?"

"Why do you ask?" Ruby asked.

"well" Raven said. "We only have two vehicles and your sister's most likely taking one and I'm taking the other. I don't want you riding that scooter thing of yours, so I guess you two will need pizza money."

"We got it covered." Ruby said. "Thanks, though."

"Alright.' Raven said, heading to her room's door. "Don't forget, you have to see Cinder early tomorrow, so don't stay up all night tonight."

"You say that like you won't be here to make sure." Ruby said.

"I'll be out pretty late if not all night.' Raven said. "Yang knows the numbers and she's bringing Blake back to the house, so don't worry. If you or Neo needs anything, just call. I'll be right over."

"Alright, mom." Ruby said. "Thanks."

"Welcome.' Raven said, throwing on her hoodie from Summer. She walked over to the door, heading outside. Shutting it behind her, her car could be heard a minute later, pulling out of the driveway.

"I'm off, Ruby.' Yang said, wearing a more modest sweatpants/tank top combo. "We'll be back by eight at the latest."

"Alright." Ruby said, nodding as her older sister left. Ruby waited patiently for about five minutes before the doorbell rang.

Ruby opened the door to reveal an adorable girl who was about a foot shorter than her five foot four height. She was dressed in a combo that was ice cream colored. Her top was pink while the shirt under it was white. Her skirt was brown and her hair was all three colors. Her eyes were different colors, one pink, the other brown. She saw Ruby, grinning a huge grin and tackle hugging Ruby.

"Hey, Neo." Ruby greeted her best friend with a laugh. Neo wrapped herself around Ruby, nuzzling her like a cat. Ruby giggled as she thought of Neo in a cat ear headband like Blake always wore.

"So" Ruby asked. "Should we get pizza now or wait?"

Neo made a motion like she was thinking, pointing at her watch, which meant she wanted to wait. Ruby was amazed that she could communicate so well as a mute without sign language. Neo refused to learn it, it being too complicated for her. She stuck to making motions instead, surprisingly being good at conveying her point.

"Sounds good." Ruby said, picking Neo up, to which the arguably moe girl crossed her arms and pouted, puffing up her cheeks like an anime character. Ruby actually blushed at the cuteness of Neo's expression.

"Man, if you weren't asexual." Ruby said, sighing. Neo had suffered an accident at birth which hindered a good deal of her development. It had prevented her vocal cords from completing as well as her pituitary gland. This resulted in her being so small in stature (but still with a breast to body ratio that surpassed Yang's) as well as mute. It also prevented her from developing her emotional attachments beyond pure affection. As a result, she craved no sexual gratification or had a sex drive of any kind, which prevented her from having crushes and romantic interests as well. The doctors had also said it stunted her brain's development, which coulc cause her to not gain any intelligence, but Ruby never once found evidence of such, Neo being as clever and intelligent as both Ruby and Yang put together. Ruby never wanted to impose anything on the small girl, so she hadn't made a move ever out of respect for her best friend.

"Besides" she thought. "She's content like this. While I feel sorry for her, at least she's made do with it. Always with a smile and a cute expression. God, I'd give a lot to be a tenth as positive as her."

Neo stood up, dragging Ruby over to the couch. There, Ruby sat down, Neo turning the TV to find them a good show to watch. Settling on an anime similar to the one Ruby was watching earlier, Neo engrossed in it, staring like a kid in a candy store. Ruby silently snickered as she watched her, feeling (not for the first time) that she was babysitting her instead of two best friends hanging out. Ruby put her hands behind her head, watching with Neo, occasionally glancing over to see the ice cream themed girl's expressions.

"Odd how she doesn't resemble her older sister at all.' Ruby thought as she imagined Neo's older sister/guardian figure.

She was brought out of her thoughts by Neo pulling on her sleeve. Ruby looked over to see Neo making motions to indicate she wanted to watch a movie on the laptop.

"Sure." Ruby said, going to get it.

With Yang and Blake

"Alright, kitty cat." Yang said as her girlfriend got out of the car. "I'll be right here. Come on out when you're done. Penny is pretty quick at this stuff, so it should be a twenty minute fix tops."

Blake wore a white blouse with a short black skirt. She wore black leggings and black and purple boots. Ribbons wove around her arms, held by her middle fingers. Her hair was long and black, stopping just below her breasts. Her amber nearly glowing eyes could pierce Yang's soul. In her hair was a headband with black cat ears on it.

Blake belonged to a group of people who wore animal attachments as sort of like an anime gathering. They referred to themselves as Faunus, though, not to be confused with furries, which were much different, and different people wore different 'Faunus' gear. Some wore tails or ears, others contacts. Others still got tattoos or wore makeup to complete their look. Blake simply wore a special eyeshadow and put on a cat ear headband as well as the golden contacts (her original eye color was green). They had their own set of rules, however, and some disagreed with them. Those that disagreed were ostracized from the main group.

Blake rolled her eyes at the obvious remark at her Faunus headband and contacts. Yang smirked as she remembered finding out about Blake's Faunus affinity.

"Still can't believe you just wore a bow over 'em.' Yang said, snickering. "Coulda just not worn 'em at all."

"That's much worse." Blake said. ""Wear them with pride" is the motto. I was afraid because of... things. But, I'm not afraid anymore."

"Cause you've got your blonde badass with ya.' Yang said, grinning.

"Sure, Yang." Blake said. "Let's go with that. I'll be back."

"Alright." Yang said, leaning back in the seat and putting on some tunes, falling asleep.

In the store

Blake walked into the store, the clerk at the desk seeing her. She had ginger hair and green eyes and wore green overalls with a white shirt underneath. She had a childlike happiness about her.

"Hello, friend Blake.' She said, smiling happily. "What can I do for you today?"

"Hey, Penny." Blake said. "I need a repair on my laptop."

"Alright.' Penny said, her smile faltering. "It's not gonna be… that stuff again, is it?"

"Oh, no." Blake said, blushing slightly. "This is my other laptop."

"Ah.' Penny said, smile returning. "So, what happened?"

"Well" Blake said, opening it up. "I went to this research site and it froze."

"Let me see." Penny said, typing a few keys. She stuck her tongue out of the corner of her mouth as she worked on the laptop. After a bit, she looked at Blake.

"Well" She said. "I'll have to keep this overnight. Do you need it immediately?"

"No.' Blake said. "I just got a paper due in a couple weeks."

"Well, come back tomorrow.' Penny said. "I'm sure I'll be done by then."

"Thanks, Penny.' Blake said, smiling. "You're a lifesaver."

"You're welcome, friend Blake.' Penny said. "By the way where is your other laptop?"

With Neo and Ruby

"Alright.' Ruby said, sitting down. "I got the laptop. Now, Blake should be okay with us watching Netflix on this. This is her 'everything else' laptop."

Neo looked at her in confusion.

"Well" Ruby explained as she opened the laptop. "Blake has two laptops: one for school and minor recreation and the other for—"

As the screen loaded up, Ruby and Neo watched as a scene involving two naked women appeared. As Ruby looked, she realized that it was actually Yang and Blake. Ruby quickly shut the laptop at that moment, Neo looking at it with strange confusion.

"Uuhhh" Ruby said, turning bright red. "Her, uh, porn laptop."

Neo made a face that said she understood. She quickly turned back on the TV, the two watching some more anime.

With Yang and Blake

The two went to the movie rental store, Blake taking them to the adult section.

"Why is the anime in the adult section?" Yang asked.

"Don't know, don't care." Blake said. "Now, find me something with some action. I wanna watch something good."

"What was wrong with the movie I picked last night?" Yang asked, putting her arms behind her head.

"That movie had too much lowbrow humor." Blake said. "It was about as bad as that South Park special we watched."

"You walked into that one." Yang said.

"Whatever." Blake said. "I also want one about cats.'

"What about dogs?" Yang asked.

"why would I want a movie about dogs?" Blake said. "I don't like dogs."

"Yeah yeah." Yang said. "So, hows about you and me head back to your place after we do for a little purrsonal time?"

"Oh my god, Yang." Blake said, smacking Yang lightly on the shoulder. "Now's not the time."

"Besides" She added, leaning up to Yang's ear to whisper seductively. "I'm sure you remember how this kitty showed you her claws the last few times."

"Sure did, Mistress.' Yang said, her voice low.

"Good girl." Blake said, slapping Yang on the ass, Yang putting an arm around her.

"So" Yang said. "How about Twin Angel?"

"The hentai or the cutesy one?" Blake asked.

"Cutesy." Yang said.

"Nah.' Blake said. "But, let's grab us a few good ones."

Blake's stomach chose that moment to rumble.

"Looks like the kitty wants some tuna." Yang said, snickering.

"I sure do." Blake said.

"well" Yang said. "After this, let's grab some."

"Damn straight.' Blake said as they continued looking for movies.

With Ruby and Neo

After about two hours, however, Ruby and Neo got hungry. Rather than pick up the phone to call a pizza, Neo had a great idea. She pulled Ruby out to her house, which was two houses down. She opened her older sister's car, putting the keys in the ignition.

"What are we doing?" Ruby asked.

Neo made some motions that made Ruby look confused.

"A bar?" She asked. "But, we're underage. And… you know how I am with new people."

Neo made more motions with her hands, indicating soda and to not be scared.

"Soda?" Ruby asked, thinking. "Alright, fine. At least we're not taking my scooter. My mom'd kill me."

Neo shrugged, moving Ruby into the driver's seat.

"Why me?" Ruby asked.

Neo gestured to herself, her hands moving up and down her whole body.

"Right." Ruby said. "I gotcha."

Neo did the finger guns a grin on her face as Ruby pulled out, following Neo's directions, which consisted of her pointing, sometimes reaching over Ruby to do so.

Ruby made it to the bar, not having an accident (this wasn't the first time she had driven Neo someplace). Once they were there, Neo pulled Ruby out, yanking her into the bar and getting them two seats at a bench. The bartender looked at them suspiciously.

"T-two sodas.' Ruby said, immediately nervous. "We're u-underage. I'll have a Remnant Rocks Cola and my f-friend will h-have a Mistral M-Mellow."

He nodded, no longer suspicious, and got them two sodas, putting them in front of them.

When he left, Ruby relaxed visibly. Neo pat her back, downing her soda.

"Thanks.' She said. "Why'd you bring me here anyway?"

Neo made motions that involved pointing at Ruby and making a heart with her fingers.

"You want me to what?!" Ruby practically shouted, Neo hushing her with a hand over her mouth.

Neo then pointed over to a girl sitting a little down the bar, downing a drink, though neither girl could tell what.

"You want me to ask her?" Ruby asked, her voice in a whisper.

Neo nodded, Ruby studying the girl.

The girl wore light grey clothing, from her skirt to the jacket with the snowflake on it she wore. Her hair was long and white, tied into an off-center ponytail. Her eyes were snowy blue, staring at the counter. She seemed about Ruby and Neo's age, but looks can be deceiving.

"She's…" Ruby said, blushing. "Whoa!"

Neo grinned, pushing Ruby over there, Ruby beginning to sweat, feeling nervous once again.

"H-h-hi." She said, her hand trembling as she raised it up to wave.

"Hello." The girl said. Her voice was cold, but it seemed as if she were trying to make it softer.

"S-so, I, u-uh." Ruby said, struggling over her words.

"You want to ask me out, don't you?" The girl said, her tone becoming slightly irritated.

"W-well" Ruby said, sweating even more. "I, uh, i-if you w-want to, y-you can, but y-you don't have t-to if you don't w-want to… m-my friend practically sh-shoved me into t-this."

The girl looked over at Neo, the small girl waving with an adorable smile.

"That's your friend?" She asked, Ruby nodding.

"Sh-she's my best friend." Ruby said.

"I see." The girl said. "Well, I guess I could give you a chance… not like I'm really interested in any of the previous people who've asked. Call me Weiss."

"R-Ruby." Ruby said, internally sighing in relief.

"Well, Ruby" Weiss said, taking out a piece of paper and writing on it. "Here's my number."

She took the piece of paper and put it in the pocket of Ruby's hoodie.

"Call me.' She whispered as she walked past Ruby to leave the bar.

Ruby was in shock, her face as red as her namesakes. She turned to Neo, who gave her the finger guns, a huge grin on her face.

"H-holy shit." Ruby said, her heart racing with excitement and worry. "I can't believe that worked. Neo, you're a lifesaver."

Neo made the typical 'aw, it was nothing' motion, a cheeky smile on her face.

"Even your boasting is adorable." Ruby said, picking her up, Neo waving her arms in excitement.

"Thanks for this, Neo." Ruby said, smiling as she hugged her best friend. "This may just be the chance I need to feel better."

Neo smiled, patting Ruby on the head, knowing this would probably work out well.

So, Ruby scored a date. Cool. I wonder if this Weiss girl is a good match (oh, wait, no i don't XD). I didn't expect Neo to be so adorable either. Well what's gonna happen? Find out soon.