Attention! If you recognize this story, it's because it used to be posted here and over at AO3. I removed it when I wasn't feeling well mentally (sorry!). It's back and I will post chapter fairly regularly, as soon as I've read over them and fixed spelling mistakes and improved the flow. No major revisions will take place.

Weiss had anticipated a lonely first year at Beacon. Then she met Ruby Rose. WhiteRose slowburn.

Chivalry is my first story. English is not my primary language and candid feedback is appreciated.

I do not own RWBY and make no monetary gain from this. Writing is for entertainment purposes only.

Finally, please be aware that this story was conceived before volume 4 started. It is thus operating on the at the time widely accepted theory that the only relative Weiss has beside her father is Winter. For the same reason, Blake will not have a home or parents who are alive.

Finally-Finally, the start is somewhat different to most other stories. Weiss and Ruby are already together so the purpose here is to explore how they adapt and change over time while they're together. I always find it such a shame when a story ends just after the main characters become a couple – that's where the growth is supposed to happen imo!

Finally-Finally-Finally, when I wrote this I assumed that the school year of Beacon starts in April, just like in Japan. So, story-wise, we're in the early part of summer here and they've been at Beacon for about 2 months.

With all of this said, I hope you enjoy the chapter.

After a tedious day of classes, Weiss and Ruby were on their way back to the team RWBY dorm room to spend the rest of the afternoon either studying or relaxing, depending on who you asked. Blake and Yang had excused themselves when they got out of class and would arrive later. Apparently they had something they needed to do, but when Weiss had inquired further, her friends had declined to reveal it, instead sending infuriatingly knowing glances between one another. Begrudgingly, Weiss had accepted that she was to be kept in the dark and had continued on to the dorm as usual to occupy herself with reading through her Grimm biology textbook and possibly help Ruby with her studies.

However, as had lately been the case, Weiss' plans would soon have to be put on hold for just a few minutes, though she in all honesty couldn't say she objected – or even put up much of a fight over that prospect. It wasn't like she was slacking with her studies, so there would be a little something prior to them; A little something that was growing to be an increasingly frequent occurrence, much to her delight.

Being kissed by her girlfriend.

Upon arriving, Ruby held the door open for her, and Weiss shot her a thankful smile before stepping into the room. "Thank you, Ruby," she said, managing to keep her voice composed.

Weiss' heartbeat picked up the pace though. They were alone in the dorm room, and she knew what Ruby wanted. It was the same thing she herself wanted after an hour of building anticipation between them in class. Nervousness still flared up whenever she thought about kissing, the concept still new to her, but thankfully with less force for every week that passed.

The moment the door closed, Ruby pounced on her and captured her lips in a long kiss. Weiss, having predicted her girlfriend's plan, leaned closer and wrapped her arms around Ruby's shoulders gingerly. She smiled into her girlfriend's lips when she felt Ruby's arms snake around her waist, possessively diminishing the slight space between them.

It was a fun game for them, as both were eagerly invested. The innocent occasional glances and inconspicuous hand-holding throughout class had certainly done its part too, Weiss idly thought, as she met Ruby's lips and carefully ran her fingers through her girlfriend's soft hair.

After another few moments, needing air, Weiss pulled away slightly, a blush and a small smile adorning her face. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she felt giddy, like she could take on the world. In this moment, all stress and worries were forgotten and Weiss felt completely at peace.

Guilt bloomed in her next though, her mind delving into less pleasant territory. Her heart sank when she thought about all the restrictions she had imposed on Ruby.

"Thank you for waiting until we were back here. I feel bad about hiding like this," her eyes lowered in guilt, "but I'm not ready to display what we have to everyone just yet." Nervous fidgeting with her sleeves accompanied the admission. She felt shame and for not the first time, she cursed her upbringing.

Yang and Blake were the only ones that knew Ruby and her were a couple, and revealing it to those two alone had felt like a huge leap for her. Deep down, Weiss had known they wouldn't judge though, and as it had turned out, she had been right. The duo had guessed already that the attraction had been mutual and had been accepting and genuinely happy for them. Yang had even encouraged Ruby to ask her out initially, having spotted the signs.

Even if it irked Weiss that she wasn't as subtle as she thought, she was grateful to Yang for having understood where she was coming from. The blonde brute had accepted her with a, for once, soft hug. Unsurprisingly, the teasing over how she'd caught Weiss staring at Ruby many a time started a few seconds later, ruining the mood completely.

Ruby smiled and pulled her into a tender embrace. "It's fine, Weiss. Take the time you need." Her voice grew mischievous. "Besides, it's kinda nice to have a little secret together."

That was all Weiss needed to hear for her anxiety to lessen and her mood to pick back up again. She was so grateful that Ruby, along with Blake and Yang, accepted that she wanted, no, had to keep the relationship hidden; The thought of publicly showing off that she had a girlfriend filled Weiss with fear. She struggled daily with a tangible sense of envy over those who could proudly proclaim who they were to the world. However, she knew she wasn't like them.

Ruby then let go of her with a giggle and flopped onto Weiss' bed, not even bothering to change out of her uniform.

Weiss sighed in equal parts bliss and exasperation. The cute little redhead could be such a dunce at times, though she supposed it was a part of her charm, as reluctant as she was to admit it. Ruby certainly looks lovely on my bed - no, let's not go there...

Fighting down the blush assaulting her anew, she changed her train of thought. "Ruby, your uniform will get wrinkled!"

"Five minutes, Weiss", Ruby stalled.

Weiss groaned, but didn't push the subject further; it wasn't the end of the world. Ruby buried herself deeper into her pillow to rub her victory in, not that Weiss minded her pillow carrying a hint of Ruby's fragrance of apple-scented shampoo."As long as you iron them later… anyway, I'll get some studying in for the test next Wednesday."

"Nope!" Ruby exclaimed with more joy than Weiss considered to be healthy for such an important matter, even as the younger girl jumped out of the bed again.

"No? Ruby, we can relax later," Weiss said and stepped closer to the bed. "I know it's Friday and that there's not too much to prepare for over the next two weeks, b-" A yelp of distress escaped her as Ruby once again showed who the brave one in their relationship was, pulling Weiss down on the bed with her and nuzzling her face into the crook of her neck. Her girlfriend's warm breath tickled and Weiss began to giggle, especially when Ruby started to pepper soft kisses there. She struggled without much conviction for a few seconds before giving in and relaxing into the embrace. After all, Yang and Blake weren't here, so if Ruby wanted to cuddle for a few minutes, she supposed it would be fine. They could study afterwards.

She certainly knows how to convince me, she thought to herself with no small amount of amusement.

With her justification firmly in place and with the pounding of her heart intensifying, she went in for a kiss, tilting her head to just the right angle. Ruby met her at the halfway point, craning her neck while scrambling to elevate herself. The kiss lacked coordination, lips smacking together with more force than either of them had intended, but it was soon forgotten as they began to find a languid rhythm, slowly but surely growing more attuned to what the other wanted.

Weiss felt how Ruby's fingers began to tread through her hair, a sure sign that she was enjoying herself. Coherent thoughts grew more elusive as they kept kissing, Weiss losing herself in the moment.

After a while – Weiss wasn't sure how long - Ruby's scroll gave a shrill beep and the magic was broken.

Weiss let out a small sigh of disappointment as Ruby pulled away from her, opting to sit up in bed. The look on Ruby's face had her puzzled though. She looked pleased, brimming with anticipation and happiness; Weiss had expected a pout from having been interrupted.

"Check the envelope on your desk," Ruby urged, as Weiss untangled herself, sat up and began to fix her slightly disheveled clothes and her very messy hair. Ruby loved playing with it, and while Weiss wouldn't dream of robbing her of that enjoyment, it did mean she had to be mindful of her appearance after a kissing session.

Despite not showing it, the envelope made Weiss a bit nervous. She'd never been one for unknown factors, and Ruby looking like that could only mean something was up. Not that she thought it was anything bad, but the feeling was deeply rooted in her. Surprises in her childhood had more often than not meant some form of unpleasantness of laborious task.

She stood up and walked over to the desk, carefully peering at the white envelope that had 'Weiss' written on it in Ruby's chicken-scratch style.

Carefully picking up the envelope, she noticed the light weight of it and the faint scent of roses drifting towards her, instinctively letting out a pleased hum at the romantic gesture. Mindful of Ruby restlessly watching her every move, she slowly opened it and found a folded letter inside that was hugged by hand-plucked deep red rose petals. After gingerly removing it from the envelope, she unfolded the letter and read:

"My fairest lady,

Wouldst thou kindly partake with me in a day of celebration of our new relationship, with a meal in the outdoors to comomorate the passing of a month since the fateful and joyous day we bared our deepest feelings for each other?

Your red-caped hero,

Ruby Rose"

Weiss couldn't stop the deep blush that bloomed on her face, feeling very self-conscious over the words in the letter. She was flattered, and in no small part amused at Ruby's questionable attempt at medieval chivalry and flowery phrasing. Then, in an instant, it all connected. The beep of the Scroll, why Yang and Blake were away, and Ruby's plan for the rest of the day.

A warm feeling began to spread in her chest. It seemed that she was being spoiled today by Ruby having arranged their second date.

The word resonated in her mind. A date was still a new concept to both her and Ruby alike, the term having a certain set of expectations and promises attached to it neither girl were very familiar with. However, precisely because of how new it was for them, she could take comfort in that very knowledge. They would figure it out together, putting their own meanings and memories into it.

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Ruby anxiously hover near the bed as she awaited her reply, so she deemed it best to not keep her girlfriend in suspense for any longer.

When she was about to open her mouth to accept, she caught sight of something in the letter that nearly made her burst out laughing. Weiss smirked, feeling up for a bit of mischief. "Ruby, this is a wonderful idea...but...", she trailed off slowly as she neatly placed the letter in the top drawer to save it as a memory.

She turned to Ruby, met her eyes and walked over to her, making sure to keep a small smile on her face to not overly worry Ruby, but not saying a word.

Ruby's silver-colored eyes showed apprehension at Weiss' silence, and the heiress felt amused at knowing she could have Ruby at her mercy with just a few small gestures if she so wanted. Still locking gazes and swatting the thought aside, she leaned down slightly towards Ruby and, fast as a viper, flicked her on the forehead.

"Weiss!" Ruby whined in distress, "what was that for?"

Weiss smiled at her. "You dolt, it's spelled c-o-m-m-e-m-o-r-a-t-e. But yes, of course I'll join you. It's a lovely idea."

Ruby pouted and stuck out her tongue in retaliation before throwing herself at Weiss, nearly bringing the both of them down into a mess of flailing limbs on the floor. "Thank you! I'm glad you like it! I've made sure we'll have a lot of fun, even if we're not doing anything fancy!"

"It doesn't have to be anything fancy, Ruby. Us being together is what's important," Weiss said in an attempt to reassure, surprising herself with how easily the words flowed out, even if she embarrassed by them all the same. "Can you tell me more of what to expect?"

"No, silly, of course I can't. It's a surprise," Ruby replied haughtily.

Weiss let out a giggle at Ruby's antics, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek as she let herself be hugged again. She still couldn't escape the blush that colored her face from even such an innocent gesture. Nor could she escape how she was happily growing accustomed to hugs and kisses.

She was really appreciative of how Ruby had gone out of her way for her like this too, giving her the opportunity to experience something new and to spend some time together, apparently away from Beacon. Weiss was sure the school textbooks could wait for a few more hours; it wasn't like she was slacking off, and she was already well ahead if the curriculum.

Ruby let go of her, meeting her gaze with eyes that sparkled with happiness. "Princess, go change out of your uniform."

"Princess?" Weiss asked, raising an eyebrow at Ruby.

"I mean, I am your red-caped hero-knight...person, right?" The girl looked adorable as she flailed around for the right expression. "And it only makes sense that a knight needs a princess!" she finished smoothly.

Weiss huffed at the comparison but then let out a chuckle. It was endearing, if a bit silly. Well, she could humor Ruby, so long as she introduced a term of her own. "If I'm a princess, then you're a dolt."

"Deal!" Ruby laughed, not a care in the world as she fetched Weiss' regular combat skirt for her and ushered her into the bathroom.

After changing out of their respective uniforms, they left the dorm and Weiss was led towards the south-western corner of Beacon and the forest that lay there, peaceful and undisturbed by Grimm.

The mid-afternoon sun shone brightly in the blue sky and enveloped them in its warm rays. A pleasant breeze from the west, carrying with it the faint smells of salt and sea, further added to the perfection of the early summer day. It reinforced the sense of elation and contentedness already present in Weiss, and she smiled broadly as she relaxed just a bit further. This unexpected break in their daily routine wasn't bad at all. The anticipation over seeing what Ruby had planned steadily increased in her, making her feel a little giddier than usual as well.

As they were walking across the courtyard, they saw Blake and Yang in the distance. Weiss' smile turned back into a more neutral expression, wary of the kind of teasing Yang would inevitably subject them to. Without a doubt, the sister was filled in on Ruby's plan and hoped to get at least one jab in. Even if Weiss couldn't say she knew Yang too well yet, that much was certain.

"Hi Ruby, Weissicle!" Yang greeted with a knowing grin when they got closer. "Hope the two of you have lots of fun on your date... but not too much fun, Weiss!" she added in a much lower voice out of respect for her.

Weiss instantly went beet-red at the suggestion. "Y-Y-ou brute, be quiet! We'll do no such things," was all she managed to sputter out. That train of thought was still far too raunchy for her to dare contemplate much upon, curious as she may be.

Ruby's face had in the meantime taken on a deep shade of red. After a few seconds of not knowing what to do, she simply resorted to a low groan, firmly refusing to even look in the direction of Weiss. It was something Weiss was grateful for, as she dared not risk their eyes meeting at the moment. They hadn't broached that subject and were still only kissing and hugging each other. Thinking about… more, was definitely too soon.

"Yang, is everything arranged?" Ruby asked finally, a potent glare directed at her older sister once she had recovered.

Blake decided to take that moment to intervene on behalf of the beleaguered couple, smacking Yang lightly on the arm. "Yang, let them be."

The blonde girl looked miffed, yet embarrassed at the scolding from her friend, and nodded. "Sorry, Rubes, Weissy, it's just too much fun to give up on. And yes, it's all been taken care of. Big sis got your back! Have a lovely date, you two."

With that, the two of them took their leave and made their way in the general direction of the cafeteria. Weiss caught Yang looking back at them, an expression on her face like she contemplated taking another shot at embarrassing them, but Blake grasping her jacket firmly in a threatening manner effectively deterred that.

Ugh, she'll be the death of me. I'll have to thank Blake later, Weiss thought and sighed. "Come on, Ruby, let's go; your sister won't change anytime soon so we may as well get used to it." Weiss smiled at Ruby in an attempt to dispel the awkward atmosphere and the younger girl perked up again as they continued walking, looking more comfortable by the second.

"Yang can be a bit a bit too much at times," Ruby apologized. "But Weiss, you have to remember that she's deep down really happy for us and is just trying to show that in her own way… nothing to do about it, but hopefully she'll calm down over time." She accompanied her words with a helpless shrug.

"I'll keep that in mind," Weiss replied. It was a price worth paying without a doubt.

Ruby led her out from the academy grounds and towards the edge of the forest. Once they got out of sight of the academy and any students, she slowed down a bit and walked next to Weiss, surreptitiously interlocking their fingers. A blush dusted both of their cheeks as soon as their hands met. Weiss squeezed Ruby's warm and slightly calloused hand, enjoying the freedom of being able to express herself like this, even if she could only do so with nobody around.

She loved these small but heartwarming displays of affection. Sure, they had only been a couple for a month, and she wasn't certain how things would change in the future, but she hoped they would never lose this innocent quality to their relationship. Holding hands, hugging, and kissing felt intimate to her, sacred even, and she wanted those acts to keep instilling that sense of wonder and joy in her.

As they walked through the brilliant green woods along a small forest path, they made small talk, only occasionally broken up by Ruby making sure she took the right path. It continued this way for close to fifteen minutes but the undergrowth wasn't troublesome and the path, that looked like a deer trail, was free of obstacles. Weiss wasn't sure what to expect, but for each minute the suspense was building inside her. Ruby had certainly seemed to have gone through a lot of work, even recruiting Blake and Yang, so whatever she had prepared had to be special.

The wind rustled the leaves overhead as they walked, but the forest was otherwise tranquil save for a few birds and critters going about their business. Up ahead, it looked to her like the trees were beginning to thin out. Maybe they were soon there?

"We're almost there," Ruby exclaimed, confirming her guess. "Can you hear that?"

Weiss strained her ears as she continued being led by Ruby. After a few seconds, she picked up the sound of running water, and they soon walked out into a small glade full with wildflowers in a multitude of colors. In front of the treeline in the opposite end of the clearing ran a modest forest stream, just a few feet across. Water flowed merrily over submerged rocks and carved its way through the landscape in a testament to time and the unyielding forces of nature. The sun shined down upon them and the heat picked up in the open space, embracing the couple in its warmth again. The fresh smell of wild grass, green leaves, and flowers permeated the air, with the faint birdsong in the trees adding the final touch to complete the idyllic picture.

Weiss was awestruck. The place had a beauty and serenity to it that no words could ever come close to capturing. She found herself standing still, just taking it all in and wishing for the moment to never end, memorizing it. A stream of emotions rushed through her, fueled by Ruby holding her hand and giving her a warm smile, the girl eagerly anticipating to hear her thoughts.

Ruby had really gone that extra mile for her sake. Like she always did. Constantly looking out for her, being at her side, making her laugh and making her feel more alive, loved and hopeful than in a very long time.

For a moment she thought it was too much for her, that she would spill tears in front of someone else, but she instead settled for a large, genuine smile free from the worry and discipline usually holding her in check. Weiss, in that moment, decided that for one afternoon she would let go of all of that completely and just revel in the moment and not worry about tests, company business or anything else.

"Ruby, this...this is really wonderful. It's so beautiful. How did you find this place?"

The younger girl let out a wide grin and took Weiss' hands, dragging her into the field and towards a picnic basket on a blanket close to the water's edge, placed beneath a large oak tree standing guard over the stream.

"I like to explore, and one day when I had more excess energy than usual, I went on a run through the forest. I just stumbled across the clearing, and right then and there, I knew that I would take you on a date here… after I gathered up the courage to ask," she ended on a somewhat sheepish note, looking faintly embarrassed.

Weiss was sure Ruby was reliving the moment she had asked her out. The poor girl had been a stammering mess the second Weiss arrived in the garden late one evening after Yang had told her Ruby had something important to say to her. She smiled, fondly thinking back on it. It really had been a daring leap of faith for Ruby, despite that they had both secretly suspected their shared emotions for a while, since neither girl had really been the essence of subtlety. To think it had all began with a cup of coffee late one night for both of them.

She felt how her face began to redden again. Weiss knew that her own feelings had already surpassed a mere infatuation, despite having known Ruby for just a few months.

"Fairest lady, please have a seat and enjoy the feast I have prepared in your honor," Ruby said with an exaggerated voice, earning a giggle in turn from Weiss as she did as she was instructed.

Ruby proceeded to unpack the picnic basket. Plates, a thermos of hot coffee, one bottle of cold milk, sandwiches, a salad with Weiss' favorite vegetables and dressing, homemade cookies, and a few fruits filled a good portion of the blanket, making for an appetizing sight.

"When did you have time for all of this, Ruby? We've had classes since morning, and while I assume Blake and Yang brought the food here, when did you prepare it?"

"Yang helped me with most of this before classes, and she bought the ingredients yesterday in Vale City. We got up extra early this morning," Ruby admitted, looking a tad embarrassed as she was working, occasionally glancing at Weiss. "I needed her help since I never really learned how to cook...Yang did it when dad couldn't, and I never wanted to..." a blush coated her cheeks as she went on, "at least not until I met you. I hope it tastes delicious. The cookies are my mom's recipe, and I don't think even you can resist them!" She shot Weiss a smile, not shying away from her gaze despite her face having turned fairly crimson during her confession.

"Thank you for going through all this effort for my sake, Ruby. I'm sure it's just a delicious as it looks." Yet again, Weiss felt that deep surge of emotions hit her. Not having had friends growing up, it was a new sensation to have someone willingly do all of this and go through so much trouble for her without expecting anything in return. She felt tears prickle the corner of her eyes as the joy and gratitude threatened to swallow her.

As Ruby finished the last preparations, Weiss leaned in, wrapping her arms around her from behind. "Wei-" was all Ruby managed before Weiss let her lips meet Ruby's, holding the younger girl close to her and locking their lips. After a few moments, she pulled away and released her grip slightly to let Ruby settle in more comfortably. Ruby had ended up supported by Weiss' body as she was twisted sideways to meet her gaze, and she proceeded to nuzzle into her makeshift pillow further, head resting on Weiss' collarbone. Their eyes met, and in that moment Weiss felt herself be completely sure about she would say next.

For a moment, her mind told her it was too soon, but her instincts kicked in and she felt confident she would be making the right call. It didn't matter that they'd only been together for just over one month. Had it been a normal relationship it would've been another matter, but she spent almost every waking moment together with Ruby as it was. On top of that, Ruby had made it exceeding clear how much she liked her.

"Thank you, Ruby. This is perfect. I... love you." Warmth and happiness suffused her entire being as she said it. Her heart beat wildly in her chest as she met Ruby's eyes.

Ruby's eyes widened almost comically, and for a moment she appeared to be rendered speechless. Then, a multitude of emotions overcame her features, and her face pulled up into a big smile. "Weiss… I love you too."

It was all the warning Weiss received. In the next moment, Ruby's fierce hug toppled her over. Weiss only had a second to orient herself before her girlfriend's soft lips met her own again. The food was quickly forgotten as they lavished affection upon each other, both girls overjoyed at each others words.

Soon though, a grumble from the heiress' stomach broke the mood and a laughing Ruby helped the embarrassed girl up from their compromising position and began serving the food.

It was delicious, and for a moment Weiss entertained the thought that the food was spiced with love and affection. While it was silly indeed, it felt and tasted like the best meal she had ever had, far surpassing any luxury meal at Schnee Manor. The company and intentions behind it made all the difference.

She hummed in contentment as she took another bite from her sandwich. And when Ruby speared a few pieces of the salad and motioned for Weiss to open her mouth, she disregarded her embarrassment and indulged Ruby.

As the meal went on, the two of them sat close together under the shade of the oak, feeding each other and experiencing the serenity of the moment together. Weiss didn't regret for a moment her earlier decision to let go of everything today. In return for it, she felt closer than she ever had to the girl next to her.

Soon, the meal drew to an end as both she and Ruby felt full. It didn't prevent Ruby from wolfing down a few extra chocolate chip cookies though. They were much tastier than Weiss had anticipated, not being overly fond of cookies or sweets in general, and she was grateful that Ruby had decided to share the product of her mother's special recipe with her.

It made her wonder what Ruby's mother was like. Neither Ruby nor Yang had mentioned her, but maybe she hadn't been paying attention to it? She herself was reluctant to bring up her family for a number of reasons, so it never became a topic of discussion. Weiss just hoped that, if things worked out between them, Ruby's parents would be a lot more accepting of them than her own father would be; Concealing the relationship from him for as long as possible was all she could do since he detested same-sex relationships.

Weiss noticed that Ruby was beginning to look tired and it was confirmed by a yawn a moment later. Preparing everything for the date had evidently taken its toll on her, especially since she spent so much effort with training and catching up to her peers in academics. Despite Ruby's desire to catch up and Weiss assisting her often with studying, it didn't happen in a day, and there was some way to go. With some effort though, another two months ought to be enough. Ruby's at times childish manners could be deceiving, but Weiss had discovered that she was a lot more intelligent than she gave herself credit for.

"Let's take a nap. You look like you need it," Weiss suggested with a smile as she moved the picnic basket to the side and rolled a spare blanket into a pillow for the two of them.

"Sorry, I'm just really tired. The warm weather makes me drowsy." Ruby's face took on a sheepish expression as she laid down. "And maybe I had a few too many cookies."

Weiss let out a laugh that transformed into a yawn. She felt tired too, the food and warm weather combined with hours of classes and her normal level of stress all conspiring to make her drowsy. Laying down and resting for an hour seemed like an increasingly appealing idea with each passing moment.

"Don't worry, I need it too. Ruby, thank you for taking me on this date. It's been wonderful."

Ruby's eyes sparkled with happiness over her words. "I'm glad. You always work so hard, and I wanted to make you forget about all of that and just relax and have fun."

"You succeeded with flying colors." Weiss leaned down and gave her a brief kiss before joining her and enjoying the closeness as they held hands.

They settled in, each finding that perfect spot that would allow for a comfortable rest. After a while, their breathing grew slower and their eyes heavier and before long the two girls slipped into the world of dreams together.

I hope this first chapter was enjoyable. Reviews are appreciated, no matter how long or short they are.