Chapter 2 – It's All About Presentation

Weiss untied the back of her apron and removed it, hanging it on the stand in the break room. She turned off the lights and locked the doors, closing shop for the day. Her employer quickly grew fond and trustful of Weiss and gave her the responsibility. At first it seemed like an honor to be trusted with the key but closing meant staying at work until 8 in the night. During summer vacation, this would have posed no issue for the diligent girl, however she had studies to do and little time to get anything done. Weiss made her way through the parking lot and to her car, courtesy of her father before he-

Weiss' keys jangled as she took them out from her pocket and unlocked the car, entering and slinking back into the driver's seat. She sighed.

"I'm exhausted… Who would've thought in one single day in the store, a fist fight between customers would start over the last enchilada box, the register would get jammed on a penny, the boss would leave me here to manage the store alone because he 'supposedly' won the lottery, the microwave in the break room would catch fire, and a child 'accidentally dropped' Mentos into the soda bottles that were clearly sealed tight. Do I get paid enough?"

Weiss leaned forward and gripped the steering wheel, gently letting her forehead fall on the backs her hands covering the wheel.

"I suppose not everything about today was bad…"

She grinned irrepressibly as she recollected the frantic, breathtakingly cute, shy girl that came to the store earlier. Weiss wanted to know more about Ruby. What kind of music she liked, what her favorite subject is, if it hurt when she fell from heav-

"Scratch that. I'm not a flirtatious teenage boy that cannot keep his hormones in check. But I can't help but wonder…"

"Ruby. Will I really see you again?"

"I'm home." Weiss entered the apartment and shut the door behind her. All the lights were off, and the apartment felt empty. She dropped her keys in a bowl and walked towards the kitchen. On the table was a sticky note addressed to Weiss.

Weiss, I'm afraid I've been called in for a few days to investigate a crime. I've left some take out in the fridge, so please do not forget to eat and take care of yourself. That includes not pulling all-nighters to finish your studies. I know you hold them important, but your health comes first. I will return as soon as I am able. Be safe, and I love you little sister.

Signed, Winter.

Weiss somberly stared at the note for what felt like an eternity.

Bright light shined in Weiss' face through the curtains. She groggily squinted her eyes and straightened up, looking at the time. She had woken up an hour before school, giving her little time to get ready. Weiss looked down at the desk she had fallen asleep on. Papers were strewn everywhere, scribbles and notes all over each page.

"At least I finished my paper for Grimm studies. I just need to present it, then I don't have to think about this class anymore for now. Thank goodness…"

Weiss stood up from her chair, heading towards the bathroom to get prepared. A few minutes later, she changed from the clothes she had worn yesterday in which she fell asleep in, into a new outfit. She looked in the mirror near her wardrobe. Weiss examined her outfit. Today she wore navy green jeans accompanied with a white dress shirt. She decided to wear her white heels, something she hadn't worn since receiving them as a gift. She glanced at her face once more, eyes lingering in a particular spot for a few moments before turning around, grabbing her bag and keys, and rushing out the door.

Weiss stepped through the class doors quietly, careful not to disrupt Professor Port's lecture. Or lack of a lecture. For once, the professor was quiet, intently listening to a pair of students' presentation on Death Stalkers. Weiss found a seat in the back and set her bag down, preparing her laptop and papers for the presentation. The pair finished their presentation, eliciting quiet claps from the other students. Weiss briefly looked up from her laptop to be respectful and clapped as well, quickly returning to the screen to overview her script. Professor Port hopped off his desk in which he sat on.

"Excellent presentation you two! It reminded me of the time I encountered 5 Death Stalkers in the deeper parts of Forever Fall. Ah, back in my youthful days…In any case, our next presentation will be by Ruby Rose! She transferred into this class just today! She also…"

Professor Port's words cut off from Weiss' train of thought.

"Probably a different Ruby. Though Rose sounds like a fitting name for her, so maybe-"

Weiss lowered her screen a bit to search the room, where she saw a red-headed girl sitting down, fidgeting nervously. Weiss let out a soft laugh of disbelief.

"Well would you look at that…"

"Ruby, I trust that you have your presentation ready? Surely you received the message I sent to your scroll regarding the assignment."

Weiss noticed Ruby fiddling with her hands. She seemed nervous and guilty of…something. Judging from the way Ruby was behaving, especially after Port's question, Weiss pieced it together.

"Oh, she didn't do the assignment."

Ruby stood up from her seat. "Well, um, professor, the thing is… I-"

Professor Port raised an eyebrow. "Am I to assume you did not complete the assignment, Miss Rose?"

Ruby brought her head down and frowned. "Ye-"

Weiss abruptly stood up from her seat before Ruby could finish speaking. "Actually professor, she's my partner for the presentation."

Ruby whipped around, eyes widening when she saw Weiss. "Weiss?!"

Professor Port cheered. "Ah Miss Schnee! I had thought you wanted to work alone on this assignment. I'm glad that you found a partner in Miss Rose here. Now! Let us see your presentation!"

Weiss dipped her head respectfully before making her way to Ruby, who was still in shock. As Weiss approached, she couldn't help but admire Ruby's choice of clothing. Ruby had a red t-shirt on with a jean-jacket tied around her waist. She wore black jeans and gray sneakers as well. It really suited her.

Ruby whispered to Weiss. "Weiss! You're in my class? I mean your class, cause you were here first and obviously you're right in front of me so of course you're IN the class but just- Weeeeiisssss…" Ruby let out Weiss' name in a relieved exhale, making Weiss' heart skip a beat.

Weiss smiled. "It's nice to see you too Ruby. We can talk afterwards. We have a presentation to do right now."

Ruby began panicking. "But Weiss, I-I feel awful, it's your work that I didn't help with, and besides, I have no idea what to say or present or-"

Weiss brought a finger up to Ruby's lips to silence her. "Follow my lead. Trust me Ruby. You'll be fine." Ruby locked eyes with Weiss for a few more moments before nodding, following Weiss to the center of the room.

Weiss gave Port a flash drive she pulled from her laptop, which he inserted into a projector. A large image of a Nevermore appeared. Weiss looked over to Ruby, who stood still, not knowing what to do with her hands either as they were glued to her sides. Weiss sent her a reassuring look before turning to their classmates. Some half-asleep, some bouncing up and down because of coffee, and some focused on Weiss and Ruby as if they were the most important people in the world. Weiss closed her eyes and cleared her throat.

"It's generally known that the species of Grimm known as Nevermore vary in sizes; juvenile Nevermore being smaller than the Giant Nevermore. Peculiarly, they have an ability in which they use their feathers for ranged attacks, thrusting their feathers forward, making them deadly projectiles given the size comparison to people and the creatures themselves. Unlike other species of Grimm, their resilience is impeccable. Ruby."

Weiss whispered Ruby's name and looked back to her, giving her a curt nod and edging her on. Ruby grinded her teeth and let out a shaky breath.

"You can do this Ruby."

Somehow, it seemed like Ruby read Weiss' thoughts and grinned at her, before directing her attention to the class.

"The Nevermore are really tough. You could hit it a kajillion times and it wouldn't even be that hurt! Okay maybe that was a little exaggerated, but it takes lots of teamwork and strategy to take one down. Speaking of which, has anyone played the game Grimm Soul?"

A few students perked up, paying extra attention now at the reference to the most popular game in Remnant. Ruby bounced up and down.

"Awesome! So basically, in Level 13—spoilers by the way—you have to fight a Nevermore. You know how when it goes aggro, its attacks deal more damage and its harder to kill? Well, that's not accurate! Nevermore actually grow more unorganized with their attacks when they're enraged! Sure, they'll hit harder, but that's when you have to strike!"

Ruby's analysis and comparison of the game boss to the historically accurate Nevermore captured the attention of the entire class, making everyone excited and participate in the presentation by sharing their knowledge on Nevermore and Grimm Soul levels. Ruby was captivating the audience, something Weiss would have never thought of or could've done in the first place. Weiss simply watched in awe as Ruby took over the presentation. It lasted the remainder of the class because of the discussions that happened. Even Professor Port joined in, who surprisingly, plays Grimm Soul too. The dismissal bell rang, and the students all sighed in relief, some unruly students crumpling sheets of paper and throwing it across the room into disposal bins. This was a normal thing at the end of class. Especially since everyone didn't have to attend Port's class for a whole month. Port commended everyone on their presentations and work, wishing everyone well and to enjoy the break from class. Some students stayed behind to talk to Ruby, crowding around her and she excitedly rambled back to them. Weiss packed her things and smiled as she watched Ruby, leaning back on a desk with her arms crossed as she observed.

Ruby and Weiss made eye contact, making Ruby look to the ground in embarrassment before saying her goodbyes to everyone, waving goodbye. Ruby jogged to Weiss and impulsively reached out to hug Weiss but stopped.

"We did it!"

Weiss laughed before extending her arms as well, removing the laptop bag from her shoulder to beckon Ruby into a hug. Ruby gleamed and stepped up to Weiss, embracing her in a tender hug. Weiss leaned into Ruby, closing her eyes. Ruby did the same, propping her chin on Weiss' shoulder momentarily. Some part of them both didn't want to let go. Eventually, they realized they had to part and leave the class. Ruby giggled while Weiss smirked.

"Thank you so much for helping me out by the way Weiss. You totally saved me. AGAIN! The truth is… I broke my scroll and didn't get the professor's message. I'm not sure why I just told you that, that's… hah… suuuuper embarrassing… but um really, thank you Weiss."

Weiss softly and awkwardly punched Ruby's upper arm. "If anything, I should be thanking you, Ruby. You were amazing! You did what I haven't been able to do for all my time in school. You actually made the presentation interesting and enjoyable, not just to them, but to me as well. So, thank you. We did do it."

Ruby laughed, pointing at Weiss accusingly. "I still owe you that favor Weiss! This doesn't count!"

Weiss tilted her head to the side and lowered her voice. "Well… if you're able to do that favor now…"

Ruby quickly clasped Weiss' hands. "Yes of course! Anything, I can do it!"

Weiss carefully twisted out of Ruby's grasp and placed her hands on Ruby's instead.

"Then how about accompanying me to lunch? A celebratory, casual lunch between two people. One being me. The other being you. A lunch in which we can better know each other. As people. Because that is what people do. They go to lunch. Especially after something like-" Weiss sighed, blushing as she struggled to find her words. "You understand what I'm trying to say, right?"

Ruby erupted in laughter and grinned, taking Weiss' arm as she started walking towards the campus parking lot, catching Weiss by surprise.

"Well then Weiss, what are we waiting for? Onwards!"