Flame and Ice: AU Oc x Weiss [Black Clover/Tales of Series x RWBY]

Chapter 8: Budding Feelings; Ruby's 1st date and Weiss's Secret unveiled?!

Professor Port's voice droned on about another of his supposedly heroic encounters with the creatures of Grimm, but Weiss's attention was fixed firmly on the clock mounted above the classroom door. Her right hand absently twisted the elegant ring on her left – a habit she'd developed ever since Odyn had placed it there. The ring was currently concealed by a subtle illusion, something she wasn't ready to explain to her classmates just yet.

"...and then, with nothing but my bare hands and my magnificent mustache..." Port continued, gesturing dramatically.

A folded piece of paper landed on her desk, making her jump slightly. From the corner of her eye, she could see Jaune attempting to look nonchalant and failing miserably. Odyn, sitting a row behind them, was trying to hide his amusement behind his hand, his shoulders shaking with silent laughter.

Weiss frowned at the note, then at Jaune, then back at the note. With precise movements that screamed 'this better be important,' she unfolded it.

"Would you like to study together sometime? - Jaune"

Weiss's expression cycled through confusion, realization, and something approaching pity. Behind her, she could practically feel Odyn's growing mirth. She knew her fiancé found the situation entertaining – he'd mentioned more than once that he thought Jaune's obvious crush was "endearing, if misplaced."

Before she could respond, movement at the front of the class caught her attention. Cardin Winchester was making what he probably thought were subtle gestures toward Jaune, his face twisted in a mocking sneer. The bully had been making Jaune's life increasingly difficult over the past few weeks, something that hadn't gone unnoticed by their friends.

"Mr. Winchester!" Port's voice boomed. "Since you seem so eager to communicate, perhaps you'd like to demonstrate the proper technique for confronting an Ursa Major?"

Cardin's face reddened. "I... uh..."

"I believe that's a no, Professor," Odyn spoke up, his voice carrying that subtle edge of authority that came from years of diplomatic training. "Though I'm sure Jaune could demonstrate, given his family's long history with hunting Grimm."

The class fell silent. Everyone knew about Jaune's struggles in combat class – and about his claims of coming from a long line of heroes. Cardin's smirk grew wider.

"Excellent suggestion!" Port declared, oblivious to the tension. "Mr. Arc, if you would?"

Jaune stood slowly, his face pale. Weiss could see his hands shaking slightly as he made his way to the front of the class. She glanced back at Odyn, who met her gaze with a subtle nod. He had a plan.

"Actually, Professor," Weiss found herself saying, standing as well. "I believe this would be an excellent opportunity for team practice. As a team leader myself, I'd like to observe different combat techniques."

"Splendid! Miss Schnee, please join Mr. Arc at the front."

As Weiss moved to stand beside Jaune, she caught Ruby giving her an approving smile. They all knew Jaune was struggling – not just with combat, but with something deeper. The weight of expectations, of trying to live up to a legacy... it was something Weiss understood all too well.

"Now then," Port began, but was interrupted by a sudden commotion in the hallway.

The classroom door burst open, revealing a harried-looking Glynda Goodwitch. "Miss Schnee," she said, her voice tense. "Your father is here. He's... he's demanding to speak with you immediately."

Weiss felt the blood drain from her face. She unconsciously touched her concealed ring, mind racing. Her father wasn't supposed to visit for another month – she and Odyn had planned to announce their engagement properly before then. Something must have leaked.

"Miss Schnee?" Port prompted, concerned by her sudden pallor.

"I..." Weiss started, but her voice failed her. She felt Odyn move to stand beside her, his presence steady and grounding.

"If Jacques Schnee wishes to speak with my fiancée," Odyn said clearly, dropping the illusion that had hidden their rings with a wave of his hand, "he can do so with me present."

The classroom erupted in gasps and whispers. Jaune's jaw dropped, his earlier note forgotten in the face of this revelation. Even Cardin seemed too shocked to make any snide remarks.

"Your... fiancée?" Glynda repeated, pushing her glasses up her nose as she processed this new information.

"Yes," Weiss said, finding her voice and her strength as she stood straighter. "Though this isn't quite how we planned to announce it."

Ruby was practically vibrating with suppressed excitement, while Yang wore an expression that suggested Christmas had come early. Blake had actually put down her book to watch the drama unfold.

"Well then," Port said, twirling his mustache thoughtfully. "I believe this concludes today's lesson on... unexpected situations in the field. Class dismissed!"

As students filed out, whispering excitedly among themselves, Weiss felt Odyn's hand slip into hers. They had faced worse than her father's disapproval before. They would face this together too.

Jaune lingered by the door, his earlier attempts at flirtation forgotten as he watched Cardin shoulder past him roughly. There was something in his expression – understanding, perhaps, of what it meant to carry expectations you weren't sure you could meet.

"Jaune," Weiss called out, making him turn. "About that study session... how about we make it a group thing? I know some excellent techniques for handling pressure."

The grateful smile he gave her made it worth it, even as she steeled herself for the confrontation to come. Sometimes the hardest battles weren't fought with weapons, but with words and will. And Weiss Schnee had plenty of both.

The moment they stepped into the hallway, the dam broke.

"YOU'RE ENGAGED?!" Ruby's voice hit a pitch that probably only dogs could fully appreciate, exploding into rose petals and reappearing right in front of Weiss. "When? How? Why didn't you tell us? Can I be your flower girl? Does this mean we get to plan a wedding? OH MY GOSH, WEISS!"

"Ruby, breathe," Yang advised, though she was practically bouncing herself. "But seriously, Ice Queen, you've been holding out on us! Here I was planning to tease you about having a crush, and you're already engaged?"

Nora burst through the growing crowd, somehow managing to lift both Weiss and Odyn off the ground in a bone-crushing hug. "This is amazing! We have to celebrate! Can we break legs at the wedding? Is that an elven tradition?"

"Nora, please put them down," Ren sighed. "I don't think asphyxiating the engaged couple is customary in any culture."

"Oh! Right!" Nora released them, though she continued to bounce on her toes.

Sarai, her silver hair catching the light as she moved forward, was barely containing her own excitement. "I knew it! I totally called it! Pay up, Khanna!"

The leader of team KLBGJ rolled her eyes but reached for her wallet. "I thought they'd wait until graduation at least. You two couldn't have held off for another three years?"

"The ring is gorgeous," Blake observed quietly, having somehow gotten close enough to examine it without anyone noticing her move. "Elven craftsmanship?"

"WAIT!" Ruby suddenly shouted, making everyone jump. "Is THIS why you were in the jewelry store in Vale last month, Odyn? When you said you were looking for 'diplomatic gifts'?"

Odyn, who had been watching the chaos with obvious amusement, raised an eyebrow. "You saw me?"

"I was weapon shopping next door! I thought I saw you but then I got distracted because they had this new scope attachment and- OH MY GOSH YOU WERE RING SHOPPING!"

"I believe she's short-circuiting," Pyrrha observed with a gentle laugh.

"Forget the ring," Yang cut in, throwing an arm around Weiss's shoulders. "I want to know how he proposed! Was it romantic? Did he do that whole elven poetry thing? Did you cry? Please tell me you cried."

"I did not cry," Weiss protested, though her cheeks pinked slightly.

"She cried," Odyn confirmed, earning a betrayed look from his fiancée.

"DETAILS!" chorused what seemed like every girl in the vicinity.

"Perhaps we could discuss this somewhere more private?" Weiss suggested, noting the growing crowd of curious onlookers. "After we deal with my father?"

"Private?" Nora looked scandalized. "This calls for a party! A big one! With pancakes!"

"And cookies!" Ruby added.

"And details about the proposal!" Sarai insisted.

"And wedding plans!" added one of Khanna's teammates.

"And-" Yang started, but was cut off by Glynda clearing her throat pointedly.

"While I'm sure this is all very exciting," the professor adjusted her glasses, "Mr. Schnee is waiting in the headmaster's office. And he did not look pleased."

"When does he ever?" Weiss muttered, but straightened her shoulders.

"We'll handle my future father-in-law," Odyn said calmly, though there was a glint in his eye that suggested he was looking forward to the confrontation. "But perhaps we could all meet in the common room afterward?"

"YES!" came the enthusiastic chorus.

As Weiss and Odyn followed Professor Goodwitch, they could hear the excited chatter behind them:

"I call dibs on planning the bachelorette party!"

"Yang, no."

"Yang, yes!"

"Do you think they'll have those glowing elven lanterns at the reception?"

"Forget lanterns, will there be elven wine?"

"Will Weiss wear a traditional elven dress or a human one?"

"Can we combine pancakes and wedding cake somehow?"

"NORA!"

Weiss felt some of her tension ease despite the impending confrontation with her father. Looking up at Odyn, she saw him fighting back a smile.

"You're enjoying this way too much," she accused quietly.

"I am," he admitted. "Though not as much as I'm going to enjoy explaining to your father that his carefully laid marriage plans for you were derailed by an elf."

"You're terrible."

"And yet you agreed to marry me."

Behind them, Ruby's voice carried down the hall: "Does this mean we get to be bridesmaids? Wait, do elves have bridesmaids? WEISS! We need to discuss cultural wedding traditions!"

Weiss couldn't quite suppress her own smile. Whatever her father had to say, she had something he'd never expected: true friends, true love, and a future she'd chosen for herself. Even if that future apparently included Nora's pancake wedding cake ideas.

"DIBS ON MAID OF HONOR!" Yang's voice echoed.

"WHAT? NO FAIR!" Ruby protested.

"I'm older!"

"I'm her partner!"

Glynda's sigh echoed off the corridor walls. "Perhaps we should walk faster."

They hadn't made it halfway to Ozpin's office when two figures emerged from the shadows of a connecting corridor. Weiss felt Odyn's posture shift subtly – not tensing, but rather relaxing, as if a piece of a puzzle had just fallen into place.

"Aunt Lailah," he greeted the first figure, his voice warm. "I thought I sensed your presence earlier."

Lailah Branwen stepped into the light, her dark elven features striking against her ceremonial armor. The red eyes she shared with her sister, Queen Hyuuan, seemed to glow faintly as she assessed the situation. Despite her formal bearing, there was a hint of Qrow's trademark smirk playing at her lips.

"Did you really think we'd let you face Jacques Schnee without proper backup, nephew?" She moved with liquid grace, taking up a position slightly behind them. "Your mother would have my head if I let her only son walk into that viper's nest unprotected."

"And I," came a smooth voice as Professor Saibyrh Arkham materialized from what had appeared to be empty air, "would never hear the end of it from Khanna if I didn't ensure her friend's safety." The disguised elven vanguard's usual instructor's robes had been replaced with more formal attire, marking this as official business.

Weiss felt a surge of gratitude. She'd known Odyn's family supported their union, but seeing such tangible proof of their protection moved her deeply. "Thank you," she said softly.

Lailah's expression softened slightly. "You're family now, child. Or will be officially soon enough. The Branwen-Nightshade clan protects its own." Her red eyes hardened again as she looked toward their destination. "Even from their own blood, if necessary."

"Jacques is... predictable in his unpredictability," Saibyrh observed as they resumed walking. "He'll try to assert control through any means available. Money, influence, threats..."

"Let him try," Odyn said quietly, but with an edge of steel in his voice. "I'd actually enjoy seeing him attempt to threaten a Dark Elven prince in the presence of the Queen's personal guard and a Vanguard captain."

Weiss squeezed his hand, grateful for his strength but also trying to temper his anger. "We need to handle this diplomatically," she reminded him. "No matter how satisfying it might be to do otherwise."

"Indeed," Saibyrh agreed, though his eyes glittered with amusement. "Though perhaps we could leave the option of something less diplomatic as a... backup plan?"

"Saibyrh," Lailah chided, though she didn't actually disagree.

They reached the elevator to Ozpin's office, the soft mechanical whir of its approach feeling oddly final. Weiss took a deep breath, straightening her shoulders. The scared little girl who would have once trembled at the thought of defying her father was gone, replaced by a young woman who had found her own path – and the strength to walk it.

"Ready?" Odyn asked softly.

Weiss looked at their small group: her fiancé, proud and protective beside her; Lailah, a living shadow of lethal grace at their backs; Saibyrh, whose pleasant instructor's demeanor barely masked the power of a Vanguard captain. Then she touched her ring, no longer hidden, its weight on her finger a constant reminder of choices made and a future chosen.

"Ready," she confirmed as the elevator doors opened.

"Remember," Lailah murmured as they stepped inside, "you're not just a Schnee anymore. You're going to be a Nightshade. And we protect our own."

The elevator began its ascent, carrying them toward what promised to be an explosive confrontation. But for the first time in her life, Weiss wasn't afraid to face her father. She had something now that Jacques Schnee had never expected his 'perfect' daughter to find: a family that chose her, rather than one that demanded perfection.

The soft ding of the elevator reaching its destination sounded like a starting bell. Weiss lifted her chin, channeling every ounce of the pride her father had instilled in her – but this time, on her own terms.

"Well then," she said, as the doors began to open. "Let's give my father a proper introduction to his future in-laws."

Jacques Schnee stood by Ozpin's window, his rigid posture betraying his anger despite his attempt at a controlled expression. He turned as they entered, but whatever cutting remark he'd prepared died on his lips when he saw their escorts.

Lailah Branwen's reputation preceded her. The "Silver Lioness" met his gaze with those unnervingly red eyes, one hand resting casually on her weapon. Even in Atlas's highest circles, stories circulated about the Dark Elven Queen's personal guard – stories that made even hardened military veterans think twice.

"Father," Weiss spoke first, her voice steady. She remained close to Odyn's side, their linked hands visible – and with them, their rings.

Jacques's eyes fixed on that detail, his mustache twitching. "So. The rumors are true." His voice was arctic. "My daughter, engaged without her father's permission. To an elf, no less."

"Your permission wasn't required," Odyn stated calmly, though there was steel beneath his diplomatic tone. "As per both Vale's laws and the International Treaty of Succession Rights, Weiss is of legal age to make her own decisions regarding marriage."

"Is that what you think this is about? Laws?" Jacques took a step forward, only to freeze when Saibyrh cleared her throat softly. The disguised Vanguard captain's pleasant expression didn't change, but something in her stance made Jacques reconsider his movement.

"This," Jacques continued, forcing his voice to remain level, "is about the future of the Schnee Dust Company. About responsibilities and obligations that you seem to have forgotten, Weiss."

"I haven't forgotten anything," Weiss replied. "The company's future is precisely why I chose Beacon – to become stronger, to learn to lead on my own terms. And it's why I chose Odyn."

"Chose?" Jacques's laugh was bitter. "You're barely more than a child. What do you know of choices?"

"More than you'd think," Weiss's voice took on an edge. "I know that you've had three marriage proposals lined up since I was fourteen. I know about the negotiations you've been having with the Marigold family. And I know that none of those plans involved asking what I wanted."

"What you want?" Now Jacques's control slipped slightly. "The company isn't about what you want! It's about-"

"Power?" Lailah interrupted smoothly. "Influence? Tell me, Jacques Schnee, have you considered the diplomatic advantages of your daughter marrying the High Prince of the Dark Elves? The trade routes alone would triple your company's distribution capacity."

That brought Jacques up short. Weiss could practically see the calculations running behind his eyes.

"Not to mention," Saibyrh added, her instructor's voice carrying just a hint of suggestion, "the positive press of such a union. The Schnee Dust Company, pioneering human-elven relations at the highest levels? I imagine your shareholders would be quite interested in such progressive leadership."

Jacques's jaw worked silently for a moment. They'd outmaneuvered him – appealing to the only things he truly cared about: profit and appearance.

"And if I were to oppose this... union?" he finally asked, though his tone suggested he already knew the answer.

"Then you would be opposing not just us," Odyn stated firmly, "but the will of the Dark Elven crown, the support of Beacon Academy, and the interests of your own shareholders. How do you think that would look, Father?"

The way Odyn said 'Father' – not as a plea for acceptance but as a simple statement of future fact – seemed to finally drive home Jacques's position.

"I see." He straightened his tie, reaching for his dignity. "Well then. I suppose congratulations are in order."

"Thank you," Weiss replied coolly, not buying his sudden shift for a moment. "We'll expect you at the formal announcement ceremony next month. The Dark Elven Queen herself will be attending. It would be... unfortunate if the father of the bride were absent."

Jacques's eye twitched at the subtle threat. "Of course. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have business to attend to in Vale."

He moved toward the elevator, Saibyrh stepping aside with exaggerated courtesy. Just before he entered, he paused, looking back at Weiss.

"I hope you know what you're doing, daughter."

"For the first time in my life, Father," Weiss replied, feeling Odyn's supportive presence beside her, Lailah's protective watch behind her, "I absolutely do."

The elevator doors closed on Jacques's sour expression. For a moment, no one moved. Then Lailah let out a low whistle.

"Well handled, both of you," she approved. "Though I was rather hoping he'd try something stupid. It's been too long since I've properly terrified someone."

"Lailah," Saibyrh chided, though she was smiling. "We're supposed to be promoting diplomatic relations, not traumatizing our future in-laws."

"Can't we do both?"

Weiss felt the tension drain from her shoulders as she leaned against Odyn. "Thank you. All of you."

"Always," Odyn promised softly. Then, with a hint of mischief, "Though we should probably get back to our friends before they organize an entire wedding without us."

"Oh gods," Weiss groaned, remembering the chaos they'd left behind. "Nora's probably already ordered a pancake wedding cake."

"Actually," Lailah grinned, looking far too much like her husband Qrow in that moment, "I believe I heard something about cookie pancake hybrid experiments as we passed the dining hall."

"We should hurry," Saibyrh suggested seriously. "Before they reinvent elven cuisine entirely."

As they headed back down, Weiss felt lighter than she had in years. She'd faced her father, chosen her path, and found a family that supported her choices. Even if that family apparently included Nora's questionable culinary experiments.

The levity of their victory faded as they walked through Beacon's corridors. Lailah's expression had shifted from amusement to grave concern, her red eyes distant as if seeing threats yet to come.

"Weiss, Odyn," she said, her voice low enough that only their small group could hear. "That confrontation went well – perhaps too well. Jacques Schnee is not a man who accepts defeat gracefully."

Saibyrh nodded, her usual instructor's demeanor replaced by the sharp awareness of a Vanguard captain. "He'll look for leverage, for weaknesses. The fact that this engagement was arranged by Nicholas Schnee II provides legal protection, but..."

"But my father has never let legality stand in his way when he wants something," Weiss finished bitterly. "I've seen him rewrite contracts, destroy evidence, discredit opponents."

"The agreement between Nicholas and the Albanar family wasn't just a marriage contract," Odyn explained, his hand tightening around Weiss's. "It was meant to be a bridge between our peoples. Your grandfather saw the growing tensions, the mistrust. He wanted to prevent exactly what's happening now."

Lailah's voice turned hard. "The rumors spreading through Atlas, the 'mysterious' Dust shipment robberies blamed on elven dissidents, the whispers about dark elven 'infiltrators' in human institutions – it's all connected. Someone's been carefully cultivating fear and mistrust."

"And my father's media outlets have been all too happy to report every incident, every accusation," Weiss said, realization dawning. "Even when there's no evidence."

"The elven peoples' patience isn't infinite," Saibyrh warned. "We've weathered centuries of misconceptions, but lately... the younger generations especially are angry. They see humans prospering from Dust trade routes through our territories while our people are treated with suspicion and hostility."

"If Jacques manages to break this engagement," Lailah stated bluntly, "it won't just be a personal slight. It would be seen as the humans once again breaking faith, destroying perhaps the last bridge Nicholas Schnee built between our peoples."

Weiss felt cold. "It could trigger a war."

"The powder keg is already there," Odyn confirmed grimly. "All it needs is a spark. That's why your grandfather and my parents arranged this. They hoped that uniting our families could help defuse the tensions, show that cooperation was possible."

"No pressure or anything," Weiss attempted to joke, but her voice was shaky.

Lailah stopped walking, turning to face them fully. "This is why I'm warning you both now. Jacques will try something – probably something subtle at first. A leaked scandal, perhaps, or manufactured evidence of impropriety. He'll try to force an annulment on grounds that would embarrass both families."

"He doesn't realize what he'd be risking," Saibyrh added. "Or perhaps he does, and simply doesn't care. The profit potential of a human-elven conflict..."

"Would be astronomical," Weiss finished, feeling sick. "Especially for a company that controls most of the world's Dust supply."

"We won't let it happen," Odyn declared, his voice carrying that tone of quiet authority that reminded everyone of his royal heritage. "This isn't just about us anymore. It never was."

"No," Lailah agreed, her hand moving to rest on her weapon. "It's about preventing a war that would destroy both our peoples. Which is why you'll both have protection from now on – visible and invisible."

"The Vanguard is already increasing patrols around Beacon," Saibyrh confirmed. "And I've contacted some... old friends who know how to watch for the kind of subtle manipulations Jacques specializes in."

Weiss straightened her shoulders, feeling the weight of responsibility settle around her like a familiar cloak. "Then we'll be ready. My father might be good at corporate manipulation, but he's never faced the combined resources of the Schnee heir and the Dark Elven crown."

"Together," Odyn promised, and in that moment he wasn't just her fiancé but her partner in what might be the most important diplomatic mission of their generation.

"Together," Weiss agreed. Then, with a hint of her earlier spirit returning, "Though perhaps we should keep this particular conversation from our friends for now. I think Ruby's heart would break if she thought anything might interfere with her flower girl duties."

"Agreed," Lailah said, her own tension easing slightly. "Let them enjoy the celebration. We'll handle the politics."

As they resumed walking toward their waiting friends, Weiss felt the dual weight of her ring and her responsibility. She'd always known being a Schnee meant carrying burdens – but for the first time, she wasn't carrying them alone.

The sound of distant laughter and what might have been an explosion from the direction of the kitchen (probably Nora's cookie-pancake experiments) drifted down the hall. Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever schemes her father might devise, they would face them together. For the sake of their friends, their families, and the peace between their peoples.

But first, they apparently needed to save the kitchen from Nora's culinary creativity.

Weiss nearly stumbled as a thought occurred to her, glancing at Lailah with widening eyes. "Wait, if you're married to Qrow, then that means..." She lowered her voice, looking around to ensure they were alone in the corridor. "Yang and Ruby don't know they have elven cousins, do they?"

Lailah's laugh was rich and warm, so similar to Yang's that Weiss wondered how she hadn't noticed the connection before. "No, they don't. And watching Khanna try to dance around that fact has been endlessly entertaining. She nearly slipped three times last week alone."

"That explains why Seraphina keeps giving Yang those looks during combat practice," Odyn mused. "Like she's bursting to say something but can't quite manage it."

"My niece has many talents," Lailah said proudly, "but subtlety isn't one of them. She gets that from her father's side, I'm afraid."

Saibyrh snorted softly. "That's putting it mildly. Yesterday she nearly called Yang 'cousin' in the middle of class. I had to create a sudden demonstration to distract everyone."

"So that's why you 'accidentally' set off that Dust reaction," Weiss realized. "I wondered about that."

"And Ruby..." Lailah's expression turned both amused and thoughtful. "That's an even more delicate situation. Especially given her obvious feelings for my nephew."

Weiss caught the slight tensing in Odyn's shoulders at the mention of his brother. "Roy knows, doesn't he? About being Ruby's cousin-to-be?"

"He does," Odyn confirmed. "It's part of why he's been so... careful in his interactions with her. Though I think his heart isn't making it easy for him."

"The poor boy looks like he's being tortured every time she gets excited about weapons," Lailah said sympathetically. "He wants to encourage her passion, but he's also trying not to encourage... other things."

"Does Qrow know about any of this?" Weiss asked suddenly. "About Ruby's crush on his wife's nephew?"

The gleam in Lailah's eyes turned mischievous. "Oh yes. He finds it simultaneously hilarious and horrifying. Rather like when he learned Yang had been flirting with Eleryc, who's technically her second cousin once removed."

"This family tree is getting very complicated," Weiss muttered.

"Welcome to elven nobility," Saibyrh said dryly. "Where every social interaction comes with a mandatory genealogy lesson."

"Speaking of complicated," Lailah added more seriously, "we should probably wait to reveal these connections. Yang finding out she's technically part of an elven royal family through marriage... well..."

"Her hair might actually catch fire," Weiss agreed. "And Ruby..."

"Ruby would probably explode into so many rose petals we'd never find them all," Odyn finished. "Especially when she realizes she's been crushing on..."

A crash from the direction of the kitchen interrupted them, followed by what sounded suspiciously like Nora shouting "It's supposed to be that color!"

"We should probably..." Weiss gestured toward the noise.

"Prevent the destruction of Beacon's kitchen?" Saibyrh suggested. "Yes, perhaps family revelations can wait until after we've saved the school from Nora's experimental baking."

"Though I do look forward to eventually telling Yang she's technically elven royalty," Lailah grinned. "I suspect her reaction will be even more explosive than whatever Nora's currently doing to those poor cookies."

As they hurried toward the sounds of culinary chaos, Weiss couldn't help but marvel at how her life had turned out. She'd gone from lonely heiress to being part of not just one, but several intertwined families – even if some members of those families didn't know about their connections yet.

Another crash echoed down the hall, followed by Ruby's voice: "Nora, I don't think cookies are supposed to glow like that!"

"At least life won't be boring," Odyn murmured, squeezing her hand.

"With this family?" Weiss replied. "I don't think boring is even possible anymore."

Odyn chuckled as they rushed toward what sounded like an increasingly chaotic kitchen situation. "You know," he said thoughtfully, "given the actual family tree, Roy technically wouldn't be blood-related to Ruby at all."

Lailah raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Do explain this logic, nephew."

"Well," Odyn continued, ducking as something that looked suspiciously like a glowing cookie flew past their heads, "since Yang and Ruby are half-sisters – or technically step-sisters given what we know about Raptaryn and Summer – the only blood connection would be between Yang and our family through you, Aunt Lailah."

"Meaning," Weiss pieced it together, her eyes widening, "Ruby wouldn't actually be breaking any familial taboos if she and Roy..."

"If they eventually decided to court properly," Odyn finished diplomatically, though his eyes twinkled. "Though perhaps we should save that particular revelation for after the Vytal Festival. When Summer can be there to help explain everything."

"Six months," Lailah mused. "Summer's been looking forward to it. Keeping up this 'death' charade has been hard on her, but at least Raptaryn's been by her side."

A loud bang interrupted their conversation, followed by Nora's triumphant voice: "See? The cookies taste even better when they're slightly radioactive!"

"NORA, NO!" several voices shouted in unison.

"But they match Ren's eyes now!"

Saibyrh pinched the bridge of her nose. "Perhaps we should postpone the family tree discussion until after we've prevented a culinary disaster of potentially toxic proportions?"

They burst into the kitchen to find a scene of cheerful chaos. Nora stood proudly by what appeared to be a smoking oven, holding a tray of cookies that were definitely not supposed to be that particular shade of green. Ren was trying desperately to confiscate the tray while Ruby zipped around in rose petals, apparently torn between wanting to try the suspicious cookies and knowing she probably shouldn't. Yang was laughing so hard she had to lean on Blake for support, while Pyrrha attempted to help Jaune extinguish what looked like a small fire in one of the mixing bowls.

"I was just trying to combine Dust-infused flour with normal cookie ingredients!" Nora explained brightly. "For extra energy!"

"Nora," Ren said patiently, "we've talked about not using Dust in food."

"But think about it! Combat cookies! For extra power during fights!"

"I don't think that's how it works," Blake observed dryly.

"Though it would be pretty cool if it did," Ruby admitted, earning a look from Yang.

"No radioactive cookies for you, little sister," Yang declared. Then, catching sight of their audience in the doorway, she brightened. "Hey! The happy couple returns! Did you survive the father-in-law encounter?"

"More importantly," Nora interjected, "want to try my new cookie recipe? They make your tongue tingle!"

"I think," Weiss said carefully, "we should perhaps focus on more traditional recipes for the engagement celebration?"

"Ooh! Speaking of which," Ruby bounced excitedly, momentarily forgetting the glowing cookies, "we've been planning! Well, mostly planning. Some arguing. A little bit of property damage. But mostly planning!"

Weiss looked around the chaos-strewn kitchen, then at Odyn, then back at their enthusiastic friends. Whatever complications lay ahead – whether from her father's schemes, future family revelations, or Nora's creative cooking – at least they'd face them together. With family both old and new, known and yet-to-be-revealed.

"Maybe we should start with cleaning up the kitchen," she suggested. "Before Professor Goodwitch sees what happened to her favorite mixing bowl."

"Too late," Saibyrh murmured, nodding toward the doorway where Glynda stood, taking in the scene with an expression that suggested she was seriously reconsidering her career choices.

"Miss Valkyrie," Glynda's voice was eerily calm. "Would you care to explain why the cookies appear to be... glowing?"

"Um..." Nora brightened. "Wedding test recipes?"

Weiss couldn't help it – she started laughing. The absurdity of it all – ancient family secrets, hidden identities, and combat cookies – suddenly seemed perfectly normal for her new life.

At least the Vytal Festival would be interesting.

"Combat cookies are unfortunately not on the approved list of weapons for the Vytal Festival," Glynda stated firmly, using her telekinesis to carefully levitate the questionably glowing baked goods into a containment unit. "Though I must admit, points for creativity, Miss Valkyrie."

Nora beamed at what she clearly took as encouragement, while Ren quietly removed the remaining Dust-infused flour from her reach. Ruby watched the glowing cookies disappear with a mix of disappointment and relief.

"Speaking of the festival," Pyrrha interjected diplomatically, having finally extinguished the last of the mixing bowl fires, "have you all decided which teams you'll be fielding for the tournament?"

"Oh! Oh!" Ruby bounced on her toes, rose petals scattering in her excitement. "We've been practicing this amazing combination move where Yang launches me like a human cannonball and—"

"Perhaps we shouldn't reveal all our strategies in the kitchen," Blake suggested, her bow twitching slightly in amusement.

Lailah exchanged knowing looks with Saibyrh. "The festival will certainly be... memorable this year. Especially with what we know is coming."

"Summer's return isn't the only surprise in store," Odyn mused, helping Weiss gather up the non-radioactive cooking implements. "Father's been dropping hints about some sort of grand announcement at the opening ceremony."

"Knowing your father, Berethon, it'll either be brilliantly inspiring or completely chaos-inducing," Lailah chuckled. "Often both."

As the group worked to restore order to the kitchen, Weiss found herself studying Ruby thoughtfully. How would her partner react when she learned the truth about Summer? About her own family history? The revelations waiting at the Vytal Festival could change everything – or perhaps, Weiss reflected, watching Ruby attempt to sneak a normal cookie while Yang wasn't looking, they would change nothing that truly mattered.

"Miss Schnee," Glynda's voice cut through her thoughts. "While I appreciate the enthusiasm for pre-festival bonding, perhaps future team activities could involve less... experimental baking?"

"Yes, Professor," Weiss agreed, then added under her breath, "Though with this family, I make no promises."

"I heard that," Glynda said, but there was a hint of a smile playing at her lips. "Just remember – what happens at Beacon stays at Beacon. Especially the glowing cookies."

"Don't worry!" Nora declared, already scribbling in a notebook. "Version 2.0 will be completely non-radioactive. Probably."

As laughter filled the kitchen once again, Weiss leaned into Odyn's side, watching their strange, wonderful, ever-expanding family. In six months, everything would change – but for now, she was content to enjoy the chaos, the love, and yes, even the occasional explosive baking experiment.

After all, what was family without a few glowing cookies?

Affter cleaning up their mess in the kitchen, Weiss and Odyn presumably take off but in reality were just waiting for Ruby and Roy/Thallion to exit the room together. The two paused before Roy extended a hand towards Ruby.

"Well, I did promise you a date, didn't I ?," Roy came out saying.

Ruby giggled and blushed before nervously taking his hand and letting her cerulean blue and lavender haired dark elf friend lead the way towards wherever their first date would take place. Yang and Blake joined Weiss and Odyn as they covertly followed the two just to ensure their date went smoothly.

The quartet tried their best to remain inconspicuous as they trailed Ruby and Roy through Beacon's corridors, though Yang's barely contained excitement made that somewhat challenging.

"They're so cute it's actually painful," Yang whispered, peering around a corner as Roy led Ruby towards the airship docks. "Look at how he keeps stealing glances at her when he thinks she isn't looking!"

"Says the one who's literally stalking her sister on her first date," Blake remarked dryly, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. "At least we're calling it 'protective observation' instead of 'spying.'"

Weiss pressed a finger to her lips as Ruby's voice drifted back to them, carried on the evening breeze. "I still can't believe you managed to get reservations at that new café in Vale! I heard their strawberry-chocolate parfaits are amazing!"

"I may have called in a favor or two," Roy replied with a soft laugh. "Though I suspect having a Schnee for a future sister-in-law didn't hurt."

Behind their pillar, Weiss felt her cheeks warm as Odyn squeezed her hand. "I might have put in a good word," she admitted to her companions in a whisper. "But he did all the actual planning himself."

"Such a gentleman," Yang approved, then quickly ducked behind Blake as Ruby glanced their direction. "Though if he breaks her heart, I'm still obligated to break his legs."

"You'll have to get in line behind Nora," Blake pointed out. "She's already drafted a 'Hurt Ruby and Face the Consequences' manifesto. With illustrations."

They watched as the young couple boarded the airship to Vale, Roy offering his hand to help Ruby up the steps. The way her silver eyes lit up at the gesture made Yang press both hands to her heart.

"Should we follow them into Vale?" Weiss asked, though she already knew the answer. After all, they hadn't come this far to give up their 'protective observation' now.

"Obviously," Yang grinned. "But we should give them a five-minute head start. You know, for plausible deniability."

As they waited, Odyn chuckled softly. "You realize Ruby probably knows we're following them, right? She's not exactly subtle, but she keeps checking over her shoulder with that little smile..."

"Of course she knows," Blake agreed. "She's letting us have this moment too. It's kind of sweet, actually."

"That's my baby sister," Yang said proudly, checking her scroll for the time. "Always thinking of others. Now come on – we've got a date to supervise from a respectful distance!"

As they hurried to catch the next airship, Weiss couldn't help but smile. Some might call their behavior overprotective or meddlesome, but she knew better. This wasn't about not trusting Ruby or Roy – it was about family, in all its weird, wonderful forms, looking out for each other.

And if they happened to get some blackmail-worthy cute photos in the process? Well, that was just a bonus.

The quartet Followed Ruby and Roy on their date, from a respectful distance of course, keeping an eye on them to ensure this date between a dark elven prince in Roy and a hyperactive ball of energy who was a weapons enthusiast in Ruby Rose, quite the odd pairing if one really thought about it, but nonethless adorable in the eyes of those watching. Jnpr who spotted the quartet were also yanked behind a corner so as to not interupt Ruby's 1st date. The girl had never gone out with a boy before and this was her first time ever expressing romantic interest in a boy her age. So needless to say, this was a big deal.

"Is that—" Jaune started to say, before Nora yanked him behind the corner with surprising strength.

"Shhhh!" Yang hissed, pressing a finger to her lips while keeping her lilac eyes trained on Ruby and Roy, who were now seated at an outdoor café table. "Operation First Date Surveillance is in progress!"

Pyrrha peered carefully around the corner, a soft smile gracing her features. "They do make quite the pair, don't they? The way he's listening so intently while she excitedly explains... something."

"Knowing Ruby, probably the mechanical specifications of every weapon they've passed in shop windows," Blake observed with fondness.

"And he's actually following along," Weiss whispered, watching as Roy nodded enthusiastically, asking questions that made Ruby's eyes light up even brighter. "Most people's eyes glaze over by minute two of Ruby's weapon lectures."

"Ten lien says she's explaining the differences between high-impact sniper rifles," Ren murmured, earning surprised looks from the others. "What? I pay attention during her workshops."

They watched as Roy reached across the table to brush a stray cookie crumb from Ruby's cheek, causing her to blush as red as her cape. The entire observation team had to physically restrain Yang from charging forward at this development.

"It's innocent!" Pyrrha assured her, while Nora clamped a hand over Yang's mouth to muffle her protective big sister noises.

"You have to admit," Jaune said thoughtfully, "a Dark Elven prince and a weapon-obsessed huntress-in-training isn't exactly what you'd expect. But somehow..."

"It works," Odyn finished, smiling as he watched his brother lean forward, completely engrossed in whatever Ruby was sketching on her napkin. "He's never been this at ease with anyone else."

The group fell silent as they watched Roy produce a small box from his pocket, presenting it to Ruby with an almost shy gesture. Her squeal of delight was audible even at their "respectful" distance as she opened it to reveal what appeared to be a delicate silver rose pendant.

"Oh, that's smooth," Nora approved, while Yang made a sound somewhere between a proud sob and a protective growl.

"Look at how happy she is," Blake said softly, squeezing Yang's hand. "Your little sister's growing up."

"I know," Yang sniffled. "But did she have to do it so adorably? It's not fair to my big sister heart."

They continued their covert observation as Roy helped Ruby fasten the necklace, both of them blushing furiously at the proximity. It was, as Nora would later declare in her extensively illustrated "First Date Documentation Journal," sickeningly sweet in the best possible way.

After all, how often did one get to witness the beginning of what could be a legendary romance? Even if one half of the couple was a cookie-loving combat prodigy and the other was literal Dark Elven royalty.

Then again, since when had anything involving their families ever been normal?

Ruby's date with Roy continued with others of their friends from CVFY, all the way to the faculty with Glynda, Ozpin, Tarro, and Sybyrh witnessing it and hiding so as to not disturb the new couple. Ruby and Roy were adorably awkward with each other and the moments they shared were genuinely sweet between them. Their date and the moments packed into it would make even the most seasoned Romance experts blush and squeal giddily.

"I haven't seen anything this adorably awkward since Port tried to flirt with Peach in the teacher's lounge," Glynda whispered from behind a conveniently placed menu at a nearby café table. She, Ozpin, Tarro, and Saibyrh had "coincidentally" chosen to take their afternoon break at the same establishment.

"Is that Velvet taking pictures?" Ozpin mused, hiding his amused smile behind his ever-present coffee mug as he spotted Team CFVY attempting to blend in behind some potted plants.

Indeed, the rabbit Faunus was discretely capturing every precious moment while Coco provided running commentary. "Look at how he just offered her his jacket because she shivered slightly. That's boyfriend material right there."

"Fox, are you crying?" Yatsuhashi whispered to his teammate.

"No," Fox replied unconvincingly. "I just have something in my eye. Like emotions."

At their table, Ruby and Roy remained blissfully absorbed in their own world, though both were adorably conscious of each other's presence. When their hands accidentally brushed while reaching for the same cookie, they both jumped slightly, faces flushing crimson.

"Remember when we were that young and nervous?" Tarro murmured to Saibyrh, who smiled knowingly.

"You mean yesterday?" she teased back softly.

They watched as Roy gathered his courage and slowly, deliberately placed his hand over Ruby's on the table. The collective "aww" from their hidden audience was thankfully masked by the café's ambient noise.

"He's doing quite well for someone who spent three hours practicing this scenario with a pillow," Ozpin noted, earning surprised looks from his fellow faculty members. "What? I may have witnessed some late-night rehearsals in the dormitory common room."

Ruby was now showing Roy something on her scroll, their heads bent close together, silver eyes and violet ones bright with shared enthusiasm. Whatever she was explaining had him completely captivated, though whether it was the subject matter or simply Ruby herself was up for debate.

"Ten more lien says it's weapon schematics again," Coco wagered.

"Twenty says it's pictures of Zwei," Velvet countered, camera still at the ready.

As the afternoon light began to soften into evening, the young couple seemed to exist in their own bubble of shy glances, gentle laughter, and that particular magic that comes with first love. Their observers, from friends to family to faculty, found themselves invested in this blossoming romance between the unlikely pair.

"You know," Saibyrh said softly to her companions, "when Summer returns and learns about this, she's going to be absolutely delighted."

"Assuming she doesn't already know," Tarro replied with a knowing smile. "That woman has ways of keeping tabs on her daughter, even from hiding."

As Ruby and Roy finally stood to leave, he offered her his arm with endearing formality, and she took it with a giggle that made everyone watching feel just a little bit lighter. The way they looked at each other – shy but sincere, nervous but trusting – spoke of possibilities and promises yet to come.

Behind their various hiding spots, their audience exchanged satisfied looks. Whatever came next for the young couple, they had quite the support system watching over them – even if some members of that system needed to work on their stealth skills.

Especially Nora, who could be heard whispering rather loudly from behind a trash can: "Operation Ruby's First Date is officially a success! Now, who's ready for Operation Wedding Planning?"

"NORA!" came the collective hush from every hiding spot in the vicinity.

This was but another day in the lives of the family Weiss had found through her relationship with Odyn. One thing was for sure it would never be boring, not around this group.

To be continued in Chapter 9: Jaundice & The Stray