Leon Alexander Gates
-----
In the open courtyard of his home, Leon trained, and like a stack of twigs, he tumbled flat on his back, puffing sand in the air.
"Nice try, but your backbone wasn't in it, son," said father. "Get up, and do it again. We still have more training to do after this."
Leon groaned and sat up. "Can't you go a little easier on me?"
"Easy, you say?" He stroked his thick beard. "Sounds like an excuse to me."
"But you're so much bigger and stronger." He shrunk under his father's towering figure and bulging muscles. "I don't stand a chance."
"Get used to it. Now, stand."
Leon grumbled, picked up his wooden shield, and hardly a second after he got in position, father booted him back down.
Anger sizzled from his mouth, and he punched the ground.
"I know it's frustrating," father kneeled in front of him, "but what we're doing now will prepare you for what lies out there beyond our home."
Leon hugged his legs and glared at the sand.
"Our name alone carries a great weight of both enemies and expectations." He squeezed his shoulder. "I need you to understand, so that if your mother and I are not around, we trust you can handle your own."
"I know," he said. "I just don't know if I can keep doing this."
"I thought the same when I was your age." Father chuckled. "Like my father before me, and his father before him, I will tell you something you need to hear. Care to listen?"
Leon nodded.
"Whenever you are unsure or doubt yourself, remember this." He looked him deep in the eye. " 'Always stand in the face of fear. Always fight when no one else will. We are the strong, and the strong protect all. That is the Lion's Law."
Those words clung to him, repeating a few more times in his head, until it fully soaked in.
"But you are far from ready. So, before that," father smirked and held out his hand, "let us continue."
Leon took a breath and clasped his forearm.
"Good." He pulled him up. "Take position."
Before father could kick him again, the portico doors swung open.
Mother's golden locks fluttered into view while someone followed closely behind her.
"Leon," said mother with a smile that could pass as a star in the night, "look who decided to visit today?"
He scowled at the sight of the bandana.
"Hey, is that how you greet a friend?" He jumped over and pulled him in a headlock with his scrawny arms. "At least act like you're happy to see me, Leon."
"Get off me, Chrysos," Leon said and pushed him off, "or else I'm gonna beat you up."
Chrysos flicked Leon's nose. "As if."
A bubble of rage popped in him, and Leon chased Chrysos around the courtyard as father and mother watched, enjoying every bit of it
-----
Voices snapped Alexander's eyes open.
On a bench beneath the lamplight of the garden, he propped up and watched the droves of students in tuxedos and dresses, hand-in-hand with their dates, make way towards the echoes of music rising between the dining and training halls.
Maybe it was a better idea to stick to the dorm room. Then again, he's been staying there too often, and it started getting stuffy.
He needed the fresh air.
The rooftop would've been nice, but his ass would freeze off up there this late at night.
"Guess this is all I got,' he thought. 'Might as well check the plants while I'm here.'
One by one, Alexander made rounds around the garden, taking notes of the number of plants bearing fruits and vegetables and watering those that looked like they needed it. He even checked to see if those clucking assholes were doing alright.
Alexander came across the forget-me-nots at the end of his check up and twiddled one between his fingers.
The echo of his first day working in the flower shop whispered to him.
"Know that this is the flower that remembers everything, even in oblivion. It will always hold onto the memories of anyone willing to give it attention; good or bad, it's a beautiful reminder of your journey so far."
Alexander tucked the forget-me-not in the breast pocket of his vest.
"That always was your favourite flower, Leon."
He sighed and checked over his shoulder to find a girl in a grey turtleneck and lavender coat.
"Figured you'd avoid the dance," said Nebula. She swept her short indigo hair to one side. "Thought you'd be alone in your room, but when nobody answered the door, this was the first place I guessed you'd be."
"Don't you have somewhere to be?" he said.
"I'll go to the dance in a bit. Just wanted to talk first is all." Irritation twinged her face. "And you've been avoiding me, haven't you? I've been trying to contact you for days. Why haven't you answered any of my calls or messages?"
"You're annoying."
If she had her crossbow on her, he would've taken a bolt between the eyes.
"After all these years and you're still a big, fat meanie." Nebula facepalmed and gestured to his leg. "So, anyways, I heard about Forever Fall."
Alexander grunted.
"Don't you grunt at me, mister." Nebula marched over and smacked his chest. "People say an Ursa Major snuck up on you. An Ursa Major? Are you kidding me? You were doing something stupid again like you always did in Vacuo, weren't you? And don't get me started with all the stuff you're doing here at Beacon."
"What of it?"
She massaged what must've been a growing headache. "At least tell me you're getting along with your friends. They seem nice."
"They're just people I happen to know."
"Quit acting so tough." Nebula gave him a look that would make most people cave. "It wouldn't hurt for you to open up sometimes, maybe even smile. I swear, for as long as I've known you, I don't think I've ever seen you do that before."
Alexander's ears rung from all the noise.
"And would it kill you to call home every now and then?" She held her hips and judged him. "You know how mom gets when she's lonely. Cerise is great company, and she's doing a lot for the flower shop, but. . . Just remember to call home. Once a month should be enough."
As much as he didn't want to deal with the excessive nagging and coddling, a check in was the least he could do after everything they've done for him.
There was no getting out of this.
Alexander nodded.
"Thank you." Nebula smiled and slowly backed off. "Well, now that I got that off my chest, I better go. My team's waiting for me. Goodnight, Leon."
-----
Roderick Hill
-----
In the safety gap known as the balcony, Roderick got lost in the distant city lights to distract himself from the inevitable humiliation of his future dance.
He hummed and tapped his foot to the murmur of musical instruments leaking through the ballroom walls, replaying the lessons learned yesterday on the dormitory rooftop, yet no matter how many times he mentally prepared for it, the mere thought of getting on the dance floor was the same as jumping into a pit of lava.
If there was a choice, he would've skipped out like Alexander, but the looming idea of giving Yang a valid reason to end him was a good incentive to stay.
This was going to be a rough night.
Heels clacked behind him.
"You know, Roderick," said Pyrrha, "hiding will make Yang angry."
"Actually, I think I'm safe for now." Roderick leaned back on the stone railing. "She's too busy greeting guests, and her first dance is with Blake; she doesn't have time to think about me."
"When someone as lovely as you appears," she poked his rental suit, "I'm not so sure I can agree with that, Mister Handsome."
"Speak for yourself, Miss Supermodel." He gestured to her vivid red dress. "If anyone's lucked out here tonight, it'd be Jaune."
The cheerfulness lifting her cheeks instantly dropped, and he wanted to throw himself over the edge.
"Oh, man. I'm so sorry."
"I should be the one apologizing." Pyrrha searched the stars as if one of them could be of any help. "Because of you, everything's been amazing so far. It's my fault for not pulling through."
"Hey, you did your best."
"It's strange, Roderick." Her eyes sank. "I've won so many battles, I fight without a shred of doubt, and when it comes to Jaune. . . I-I can't help but wonder if this is the first victory that won't be mine."
Roderick touched her arm. "Stay strong and keep going like you usually do."
"I know." Pyrrha brushed the fresh tears before they could ruin her makeup. "It's just so hard."
"Tell me."
"I just. . ." She slumped over the railing. "Jaune only sees Weiss, and I don't have the heart to put myself between them. Whenever I try to convince myself to do it, I feel like I'm doing something wrong, and I freeze and end up pushing him closer to Weiss." If she held onto the railing any tighter, it would've cracked. "It feels like the more I try, the more I make it worse."
"Look," Roderick said, "Weiss clearly doesn't like him, and I'm sure once Jaune finally gets the message through his thick skull, he'll come around. So, just hold out until then."
"That's easy to say." Pyrrha stabbed her heels in the concrete. "I'm not sure how much longer I do that."
She really hit rock bottom, huh.
There had to be a way to cheer her up—a way to make her feel better and give her a sense that no matter how bad things got, there was still something good left to cling to.
Maybe he had the right trick.
"Listen." Roderick dipped his voice in warmth and hope. "It's been years, yet I'm still trying to figure out what my Semblance is. Any normal person would've given up by now, but look at me. I'm still trying."
Confusion and curiosity glossed over the worries coating her face.
"I'm never going to ever let you quit on yourself. That's why I want to make a promise." Roderick embraced her hands between his own. "As long as I'm searching for my Semblance, you have to keep trying to make that boy fall for you. Whoever gets what they want first wins. Got it?"
Pyrrha went silent. A looming shadow armed itself underneath the red curtain falling over her brow.
The inkling of a mistake pricked his gut. "Uh, you still there?"
She closed the space between them.
"Pyrrha," he gulped, "what's with you?"
Bright greens emerged into view, glistening with a glaze made from all the love in the world.
Roderick caught his breath.
That expression was the one she had when she confessed to him on the bridge back then.
"You're one of a kind," said Pyrrha. She rested the side of her head on his shoulder and the sweet scent of fresh maple tickled him. "What did I ever do to deserve befriending such a beloved soul like yours?"
They swayed a bit to the music coming from the ballroom.
"No big deal, really." Roderick shrugged. "Just kicked my butt a few times and beat me senseless. You know, the usual."
She laughed a little and cupped his cheek. "Roderick?"
"Yeah."
"It's a promise."
In any other situation, Roderick would've given himself a pat on the back.
"Care to dance?" Pyrrha got into position. "I'd like to try it at least once before the night's over."
"Sorry," he pulled away, "but I'm reserved."
"Too bad." She let out a huff of disappointment. "Just thought I'd give it a shot."
"Tell that to Jaune."
She blinked. "Wait, what?"
"Just wait here and get ready." He hurried inside. "I'm going to get your date."
From the mezzanine, Roderick searched past the dim lights and the swarms of people partying below.
Blake, Sun, and Neptune had a good time on the dance floor, Cooper spent a minute showing Penny how to move to the beat, Weiss patrolled the room and fixed decor with Stiofan in tow, Ren kept Nora's appetite in check at a table, and last but not least, Ruby hovered by the punchbowl right next to the exact person he was looking for.
Roderick dove for the punchbowl, admiring Ruby in her adorable red-black dress and the pair of heels giving her balance a run for its money.
"Hey, Rod." Ruby gave him a strange look of understanding. "You hiding, too?"
"I'm here for him, actually," he said and tugged Jaune over.
Jaune almost spilled his drink. "Uh, did you need something, Roderick?"
"Pyrrha's kinda lonely." Roderick directed him to the balcony stairs. "Why don't you go up there and spend some time with her."
Jaune's brow pinched. "I don't think her date will appreciate me butting in."
"I think you're good." He hurried him along. "Just go talk to her."
"Gee, is it really that important?"
If Roderick got lien for how clueless Jaune was, he'd pay him to buy a hint. "Very. Now go!"
Jaune adjusted his collar, chugged his punch, and ran off.
"What was that about?" Ruby said and sipped her drink.
"Nevermind that." Roderick patted her head. "I wanna know who you came with tonight."
Ruby blushed and hid behind the rim of her cup. "I came alone, but I was hoping to find Cooper. Any idea where he is?"
"That's weird," he said and searched through the crowd. "The other day, he was telling me about how much he wanted to take you to the dance. And he's here by the way. Saw him over there somewhere."
"I-I see." She scratched her cheek. "I guess I better—" Her ankle nearly snapped after taking a step. "Oh, these stupid shoes!"
He chuckled and offered himself as something to hold onto.
"Roddy!" Yang, in a pure white dress, seized his arm first. "The next song is about to start!"
"Wait, I'm not ready!"
"It'll be fine." She sped faster and weaved through several people. "Because now, we can practice some more!"
Roderick planted his feet, but it did nothing to stop the human truck towing him to the middle of the dance floor.
Once they got there, she meshed their bodies together, and before he could figure out what was happening, the music hit.
Roderick had zero clue what to do. Step here? Step there? He checked his stuttering feet. Yang lifted his chin and wagged a finger. Heat sprayed his face. He swallowed his worries and tried again without looking, but when he locked eyes with her, his mind suddenly went blank.
Yang was more beautiful than usual tonight.
Roderick tripped.
Before he could kiss the floor, her strong arms deadlifted him upright, and they continued their dance without missing a beat. He wanted to leave to save himself from further embarrassment, yet as crazy as it sounded, he also wanted to stay and enjoy this to the fullest.
A new gear shifted within him. 'Alright, game time.'
Roderick recalled their practice dance last night, throwing everything he had into mirroring her steps and timing himself to the rhythm to the music.
Easy now. Don't rush it.
Once the motions finally engrained itself into his muscles, Roderick sped up a little, and for the time since they started dancing, Yang's face slacked as she looked down.
He lifted her chin and wagged a finger.
For a split second, her hair flashed and eyes went red.
Did he do something wrong?
Roderick gasped when Yang pulled him closer, revealing a grin brimming with delight that told him he was safe for the night.
Fire burned where they touched. Electricity sparked when bodies brushed. Nothing mattered anymore. The world faded. It was only them on the dance floor right now, and it could stay that way for all he cared.
Underneath these bright lights, subtle truths made themselves known, whispering the little things he's been missing, and like a fool, he went on a journey across uncharted waters for gold past the fiery horizon.
Yang pecked his cheek, and Roderick almost launched out of his shoes.
As the song finally drew closer to its end, they pulled away from each other. Yang rolled back towards him, and Roderick swept her up in his arm, spinning nose to nose with the most gorgeous girl in the room.
When the music threw its last note, they pressed their foreheads together, panting and chests heaving.
"That was something," she said.
He got a grip on the machine gun hammering his heart, taking in mind melting lungfuls of her hot honey scent.
"Something. . . amazing," he said.
Before anything else could happen, he guided her dazed body to the punchbowl where Ruby gushed, squealing and sputtering a string of incoherent words over how awesome they were.
Their talk was cut short by the clear cut sight of royalty passing by, and Roderick's jaw dropped.
Garbed in an ivory dress with a translucent mesh surrounding her neck and chest, Weiss shined like a diamond in the lights while Stiofan escorted her to the dance floor.
The next song played, and it was safe to say the two Atlesians were a snowfall in the gentle breeze.
They glided across the floor in line with the soft acoustics, keeping their bodies flush and legs locked together as they perfectly matched their movements in sync to the beat.
Stiofan lowered Weiss until her ponytail caressed the floor. The heiress wrapped her leg against his hip, and as they curled back up, she spun, pressing herself against him. From behind, he held her sides, but she grasped his hands, guiding them slowly towards her belly.
Every move they made was nothing short of confidence, executed with purpose, and most importantly, demanded everyone's immediate attention.
Time froze over among the crowd, not a single eye anywhere else except on them.
The tempo fluxed sharp.
Stiofan and Weiss snapped with more abrupt and rapid fire moves involving quicker twists and swifter steps, forcing anyone in their path to move or get caught in the blizzard.
High notes of strings, brasses, and percussions came to a long, drawn out, and never ending rise, bringing the whole ballroom for a head pounding ride to the top. It reached the peak as the heiress pirouetted at breakneck speeds, and the First Guard worked on keeping that momentum alive.
When the last notes reached the finale, Weiss fell, Stiofan dropped to a knee, hooking her waist a nudge above the floor, and they hit a dead stop.
The song ended, and the room went wild.
-----
Stiofan Ua Binn
-----
Judging by the unquenchable ovation, they must have put on quite the show.
Stiofan and Lady Weiss bowed nothing short of gratitude to the audience before taking their leave.
"That was a lovely dance," said Stiofan. "I'm glad to know you haven't lost touch."
"Oh, ha-ha." Lady Weiss smoothed her ponytail. "As a matter of fact, I had to slow myself so you wouldn't embarrass yourself."
He chuckled. "Whatever you say, milady."
She slapped his chest. "Must I repeat myself again, Stiofan?"
"Apologies," he said and directed her to the familiar faces waving them over. "Come, Weiss. Our friends wish to see us."
"Go on without me." She smothered the newly formed wrinkles on her dress. "My attire requires attention."
As Lady Weiss diverged to the restroom, Stiofan joined the company of those residing at the punchbowl.
"Those were some smooth moves you got there, bud." Yang nodded in approval. "But you got nothing on me and Roddy."
Ruby imitated his dance by striking several inaccurate poses. "You guys were all like, wah, whoosh, and flutter!"
"Easy there." Roderick settled her down. "Last thing we need is you tripping over your feet."
"I'm not gonna—" Her leg tweaked. "Whoa!"
Stiofan jerked forward to save the young lady, but apparently, the air itself was polite enough to do that for him.
"My word." He couldn't believe what he was seeing. "Is there a secret you wish to tell us, Ruby?"
"Sis," Yang gawked, "since when could you float?!"
Ruby flailed her arms. "I don't know what's going on?!"
"Maybe I can be of service, love?"
The voice answered all their questions.
Cooper materialized in front of them, garbed in a suit with the addition of his scarf and hat, and Ruby laid prone in his arms like a bride.
"Cooper!" A mix of joy and utter embarrassment crossed Ruby's face. "Wha-wha-wha—"
"What are you doing with my sister, Ringtail?!" Yang said, fists balled.
"Easy there, Goldilocks." Cooper hugged Ruby tighter, much to her dismay. "If she doesn't mind, I was simply going to ask if she wanted to get a little fresh air. It's quite stuffy in here."
She clenched her teeth.
"Yang!" Ruby stuck her hands between them. "I-It's alright. I'll go with him."
Yang faltered.
If Stiofan had to guess, the siblings had a silent form of conversation, ending with the elder sister exasperated.
"Okay, fine." Yang poked Cooper and spat venom. "Just remember, if you try anything. . ."
Cooper winked and swept Ruby away.
"Now that that's done with," Roderick flicked a thumb behind him, "wanna keep dancing?"
Whatever irritation Yang held dissipated instantaneously.
"Aw," she linked their arms, "you sure know how to cheer a girl up, Roddy."
Stiofan watched them go until a teal bow bobbing among the sea of students caught his utmost attention, and his legs moved on its own volition.
The bow may not have been the usual black, but the wearer of it was unmistakable.
"Pardon me," he said and disturbed a lively mingle between three people. "If you wouldn't mind, may I have this dance, Blake?"
Blake's eyes widened while Sun and Neptune were fettered by surprise.
Stiofan addressed the other two gentlemen. "As long as you and the others are in mutual agreement, of course."
Neptune shrugged and turned to his teammate.
The leader of Team SSSN, opting for an unbuttoned black jacket and necktie rather than the regulated tuxedo, directed a thumb at himself.
"Hey, if it's cool with Blake, then it's cool with me." He awkwardly rubbed his hair. "Just don't keep her for too long, alright?"
"It's fine, Sun." Blake grasped Stiofan's arm. "I can handle things from here."
"Should I heed Sun's words?" Stiofan ushered her towards a more open space. "He sounded awfully envious."
"Ignore him." Blake's minty breath eased his mind. "His heart's in the right place, but I don't think he knows where it is half the time."
"In that case," he straightened and offered his hand, "shall we?"
Her eyes rolled.
As any gentleman should, he led with novice movement to test the waters. She didn't appear to be tense. This made guiding her fairly simple, considering the basics were already ingrained into her muscles.
"You seem to know what you're doing," Stiofan motioned his next move, "may I assume you've done this in the past?"
"Not a lot." Blake twirled at the signal. "Then again, dancing isn't Dust Science, you know."
The sentiment sold him a smile.
A round of laughter drowned the orchestra.
They paused at the commotion, falling victim to the hilarity of their friend's sudden change of attire.
Blake failed to rein her amusement. "Is Jaune wearing a dress?"
The leader of Team JNPR, fitted in a pure white strapless dress, parted the masses and halted behind Pyrrha. When she turned, her confusion morphed to dumbfounded delight, dying to break free despite the futile efforts to suppress it.
Alas, her howl sang louder than any instrument in the building.
Jaune and Pyrrha wasted not another moment, cherishing an impromptu dance they shared alongside Ren and Nora that reinvigorated the spirits of everyone present.
"As entertaining as that was," Blake said, "I'm glad to see those two finally making progress. Don't you think so?"
This night of friends enjoying their lives alongside the person they adored most resurrected the words Cooper shared with him on that rooftop, conjuring a swell of nervous affection and courageous action storming within him.
'A fresh brew,' he thought and battled his nerves. 'My new cup of tea.'
"Stiofan," concern held the hidden Faunus, "why are you shaking?"
It was now or never.
Stiofan made use of the raccoon's advice and risked burning himself for a chance in order to taste something wonderful.
"I'm fine." He calmed himself and pushed through. "But more importantly, are you still wary of me, Blake?"
"We wouldn't be dancing right now if I was." Her little giggle played a better tune than the musicians themselves. "Speaking of which, you've been really nice to me, lately. Care to share?"
"I will not lie nor bend the truth." A powerful urge tugging his gut drew him ever so slightly closer to her. "You changed me, yet I'm not quite certain what has become anew."
Blake's bow fluttered like a pair of wings. "Stiofan, that's great, uh, I guess."
"However, I have an idea what it may be." He nestled her palm on his chest. "Remember what we spoke of in the infirmary? It lingers in me, and I still tend to hear it echo from time to time. I cherish it, truly."
She glanced back and forth between him and her hand on his chest.
"There have only ever been three people I've admired most in my life." He turned finger towards her. "And now you're a part of that list."
"I don't understand." Blake's breath hastened as if she were staring down the barrel of a gun. "Why?"
"Surely, you must know." He held her closer. "For becoming dear to me, of course."
The frozen awe in her gaze spoke louder than any word Blake could've said, then again, it seemed as though speaking was a challenge in itself at the moment.
Stiofan lost himself within her amber pools. "Could you do a favour for me?"
Blake nodded absent mindlessly.
"If you would so kindly oblige," he whispered close to her bow, "call me Stio."
A squeak escaped her, body trembling.
Over Blake's shoulder, Stiofan caught a glimpse of a certain heiress' piercing glare, and he understood that their dance had unfortunately come to an end.
"It appears that I must take my leave." Stiofan released her and a chill colder than the tundras of Atlas shivered his fingers. "Remember there are no amount of words that can express my gratitude, and know from now to my last breath, whatever you desire of me, I am forever in your debt."
With that, he let her be and found himself running head first into a snowstorm.