Chapter 30

Ruby was thrilled with her new dress and a bit disappointed she had to leave it behind. Coco wanted to make some adjustments. She had judged Ruby's measurements pretty well by eye, but her appraisal had not been perfect. Coco promised Ruby the outfit would look even better on her once the changes were made, a claim Ruby had a hard time believing - it was pretty damn perfect already. The rest of the day was uneventful, time flying as Ruby completed a number of small tasks for Weiss. Then, leg aching, she headed back to the apartment.

Once home, Ruby brought up the topic of the gala with Sun and Blake. Blake once again confirmed she would not be going. Sun admitted he did not have a tuxedo or any other suitable clothing to wear, but luckily Coco had offered her services for him too. All he had to do was stop by the SDC the next day, and the designer would fit him for a tux. It would not be a unique piece like Ruby's dress, but it would certainly be classy. Ruby felt a little uncomfortable about being accompanied by Sun - he was Blake's boyfriend, not hers - but it sure beat going alone. She had no real idea of what to expect from such an event, but the image of stuffy, rich old folks endlessly chattering about politics came to mind. Hopefully Sun would alleviate any potential boredom.

The next morning's commute was uneventful, and Ruby arrived at her desk to find Jaune already at his. Curiously, after a quick greeting he had little to say. Even a circumspect Penny was more talkative than him. Ruby tried to engage him in some conversation, but he seemed apprehensive and gave little more than one or two word answers to her inquiries. The pattern continued even after Weiss arrived - this time without her lovers on her arms - and Ruby began to grow worried. He obviously had something on his mind.

Ruby had always found situations like this awkward. She could never figure out how to ask about what was troubling someone without coming off as intrusive. In this case, she decided on the direct approach. "So...Jaune...you've been real quiet...somethin' on your mind?"

"Yeah...I...wasn't sure how to bring it up." Jaune sighed, turning in his chair to face Ruby. "Nora said she uh...made you an offer yesterday."

"Ah...yeah" Ruby nodded. Now his demeanor made sense. "She did."

"I know she probably came on strong...she's like that...I love that about her but...I just don't wanna' make things awkward for you." Jaune apologized. "I probably should've brought it up myself but…"

"It's alright Jaune, it doesn't bother me." Ruby reassured. "I mean sure, it was kinda' sudden...and being naked and all was...well it's not that big a deal. It's actually really flattering and...I'm tempted. I just need some time think about it, maybe after the gala when things aren't all crazy."

"Really?" Jaune balked, surprised and relieved. "I guess I've been worrying over nothing."

"I didn't know you liked me...that way." Ruby noted.

"Well...why wouldn't I?" Jaune shrugged. "I mean, you're really cool, fun to be around, and beautiful. It's kinda' hard to not be interested. Don't get me wrong, Nora's my life, I love her, but when even she brought you up…"

"But why did she bring me up?" Ruby asked. "Are you two like...into that kinda' thing?"

"Well Nora's a free spirit but we've never actually done this before...but she asked Pyrrha about you, and she said you were single and lonely." Jaune explained. "Nora's really big on loving and being loved, she felt bad and wanted to help."

"Well...they're not wrong." Ruby admitted with a tight smile. "It's just been...rough, seeing everyone around you with someone to love, and not having anyone for yourself...I'm not sure joining you and Nora will really help though."

"I get that feeling." Jaune nodded sympathetically. "I told Nora the same, but she's really confident we can at least try. She just wants to see you happy, she wants to see everyone happy, it makes her happy, and a happy Nora…" Jaune trailed off with a dreamy smile.

Ruby chuckled, even as the ache in her heart throbbed in longing. "You're a really lucky guy, you know that?"

Jaune laughed uneasily. "I'm reminded every day."

The silence should have been quite awkward, but in truth they had all become quite comfortable around one another over the preceding few weeks. Ruby had not even known there was a conference room on the top floor, but here they were, all seated in a toasty room...all but Weiss and Jaune at least. Pyrrha and Ren were across from Ruby, Coco and Velvet beside her. Jaune was helping Weiss fetch something, to be honest Ruby had been too focused on chatting with Coco to hear what. Ruby was interested in her dress, but Coco wanted to know more about what underwear she was wearing. A part of Ruby felt that should have been strange, but it seemed she had grown desensitized to Coco.

Ruby did not have long to dwell on the subject, as Jaune and Weiss soon arrived with a box and a collection of large, rolled up papers. Jaune placed the box on one end of the table while Weiss set about unrolling and laying out the papers. Once she was done, Weiss took her spot at the head of the table. The papers appeared to be maps, maybe building floor plans, Ruby could not really tell. A collection of colored marks cluttered the maps along with hand-written notes, most of which were too messy for Ruby to easily read.

Weiss took a deep breath and cleared her throat. "As you're all surely aware, security for the gala will be extra tight. The Atlesian Army has loaned us a special operations squad to secure the perimeter, with extra soldiers posted inside at key locations. They'll be carrying concealed weapons, ready to step in at the first sign of a White Fang attack. Their weapons will be the only ones allowed on the premises, and all guests will go through a thorough screening." She paused for a moment. "Any questions?"

"I've got one." Coco raised her hand. "Why do we need to know this?"

"Because I want you to be ready." Weiss replied. "I want you to know exactly where to go if something happens. I want you to be safe."

"Security is going to be airtight." Velvet assured Weiss. "Nothing is going to happen."

"I'm not one to take chances." Weiss insisted. "Emergency exits are located at these points…" She gestured to some marks on the map. "...but if you can, head here. That's where the soldiers will establish a safe zone."

"Weiss, it's going to be fine." Pyrrha placed her hand on Weiss' shoulder. "We're going to be fine."

"That's probably true." Weiss allowed. "Still, prepare for the worst, hope for the best." She took another deep breath. "This isn't just another gala. This is a statement, a direct challenge to the Fang. The extreme security measures should be enough to deter an attack but I'm not going to take any chances." She pointed to the box. "Jaune, if you would."

Jaune opened the box and began handing out the contents - plastic identification cards complete with names, pictures and even fingerprints. Ruby remembered being fingerprinted when getting her SDC identification, but she figured that was just for background checks or records or something. Jaune handed Ruby a second card for Sun, and it too had a fingerprint. She had to wonder when that had been acquired, maybe when he was getting fitted for his tux, or perhaps during one of the visits before Ruby even got to Atlas.

"You won't be allowed into the venue without this pass." Weiss continued. "All guests will have them, and the guards at the entrance will have fingerprint scanners. Even though you're my guests and you'll be arriving with me, you must bring your pass."

"This all seems like a bit much." Coco observed.

"I know it's overkill, but if everyone walks away safe at the end of the night, it's all worth it." Weiss declared. "So, any other questions?"

"You said we'd be arriving with you." Ruby noted. "What's the travel plan?"

"We'll all meet here at the end of the work day, Nora and Sun will join us." Weiss answered. "Coco will assist with your outfits and makeup, then we'll head to the gala from here. I've already arranged transportation."

"Oh, okay." Ruby nodded. She had been worried about getting to the gala - it would be less than dignified to arrive in a taxi - but it seemed that concern was misplaced. "And once we're there?"

"After we go through the checkpoint, we'll head to a VIP room on the second floor." Weiss informed. "There will be formal introductions, you'll descend the grand staircase, showing off your Coco Adel attire to the public, and once the intros are done the gala will begin. Then you can just enjoy yourselves - dance, eat, drink, schmooze, whatever you want. Once the gala's over, we'll return here before heading home."

"Are you going to need any help during the event?" Ruby asked. "I'm still your assistant."

"No, I think I'll be alright on my own." Weiss shook her head. "You can accompany me as I make the rounds if you like, you may meet some individuals you'll come into contact with through your work. Any other questions?"

"Not right now." Ruby replied.

"Good, now-" Weiss was cut off by the high pitched ringing of her scroll. She slipped the device from her pocket, then tilted her head at the sight of the caller's name. She tapped the scroll and moved it to her ear. "Nora, I'm in a meeting." Jaune groaned as Nora presumably spoke, and the room filled with chuckles. "That's not surprising, he's in the meeting too." Weiss paused once more. "Not exactly, I'm sure Jaune will fill you in. I'll see you tomorrow Nora."

Weiss could not help but smile as she tapped her phone to end the call. Ruby was relieved to see a smile on Weiss' face. With all that had been going on, it was far too rare a sight.

Ruby fussed over Sun's tie, the Faunus staring blankly ahead, barely hiding his displeasure. Sun hated form fitting clothing, he always had. It was a rare sight to see him with anything more than a t-shirt and shorts when they were young. Even in Patch's relatively mild winters, he would usually only don a parka or loose cargo pants. He had always been hardy against the cold, just as Yang was. It made them amazing cuddle buddies for cold winter nights.

"It's straight Ruby." Sun sighed.

"It was crooked." Ruby admonished.

"Well it's straight now." Sun huffed.

"You're straight." Ruby grumbled.

"Thank you for noticing." Sun smirked. "I was afraid the shirtless posters on the walls gave the wrong impression."

"Among other things." Ruby muttered.

"Like what?" Sun challenged.

"How good you look in a suit!" Ruby cheered, moving to flatten his already flat lapels.

"I feel like I'm being strangled by a very weak midget." Sun teased.

"Oh, you only have to suffer for a while." Ruby encouraged. "You just gotta' look good for the cameras."

"Like they're gonna' care about me, look at you!" Sun burst, hands waving over Ruby's form. "You're like...god damn I remember you looked cute as a kid with the skirt and corset and all. I never thought you'd look...look...like some sort of sexy succubus!" Ruby snorted, blushing. "It's true! Like, damn, have you shown Yang?"

"Not yet." Ruby replied. "I wanna' get a real good picture, not a selfie, because you know…" She pushed her breasts together, the already prominent cleavage bulging. "I love this outfit, but tall people are gonna' get a view."

"I think it's kinda' handy." Sun suggested. "Like...you could put your drink in there."

"You think?" Ruby asked.

"Probably, or you could put your ID there, so if anyone asks for it you can like, shock 'em or something." Sun joked.

Chuckling, Ruby pantomimed pulling a card from her cleavage, putting on her best bedroom eyes. "Ruby Rose, awkward, shy, and totally out of her depth!"

"Are you even wearing a bra under that?" Sun asked.

"I can't." Ruby noted. "And besides, I hate bras. They're like wearing too tight underwear. Too much junk in too small a trunk."

"That's because you wear bad bras Ruby." Coco interjected. "I'll get you some nice ones to try on." Ruby turned to Coco, who stood in the changeroom doorway as Nora squeezed past, pulling Jaune behind her.

"Oooh I feel like a superstar!" Nora squealed, jumping in place. "We're going in a limo Ruby!" Her dress was surprisingly simple, a soft pink flared skirt, attached to a deeper pink shoulderless top. Jaune was wearing a tuxedo quite similar to Sun's, though his bowtie was already straight...wait.

"A limo?" Ruby blinked.

"If you're willing to endure the red carpet." Weiss explained, arriving in the doorway. "Otherwise I can provide other transport." Her dress was far less simple, a deep blue ball gown contrasting with her ivory skin, shoulderless, with matching evening gloves. It was trimmed with a darker blue lace, flaring into several decorative layers by her hips, the skirt itself adorned by glimmering sky blue snowflakes.

When Ruby had left to thin the crowded changeroom, Pyrrha had still been doing her hair. It was lovely, slightly puffier than normal, a long side fringe plaited, her characteristic ponytail higher than usual. But the dress… "Whoa…" Ruby managed.

"Just make sure no one touches the snowflakes, that thread's really delicate." Coco warned. She seemingly had not bothered to dress up, or perhaps she was always dressed up and her current attire just did not seem all that different. Velvet had shown up already dressed in a very...flowing-looking skirt and top, composed of delicate layered silks and an underbust corset, something Ruby never would have expected to see her wearing, though it really suited her. It was clearly something older and well loved, yet still managed to hold its own alongside all the other outfits Coco had crafted.

"Yes, yes, I know." Weiss rolled her eyes. "Now, is everyone ready here? Everything in order? In place? No one has forgotten anything?"

"We're all fine Weissy, calm down will ya'?" Nora assured.

"I'll be calm when everything is over and done with." Weiss stated as a pair of green-clad arms circled her waist, Ren's face appearing over her shoulder. He wore his military dress uniform, green with gold trim and buttons, a few small pins adorning his chest. Weiss sighed, leaning back into the embrace. "Is Pyrrha ready yet?"

"Just finishing up dear, one moment." Pyrrha called.

"Good, good...grief Ruby, you look phenomenal." Weiss admired, a genuine smile lighting up her face. "Coco, this is truly among your best work."

"I'm thinking a gothic line could work in this day and age, something more affordable without skimping on quality." Coco mused.

"It's really comfy too." Ruby added.

"Of course it is." Coco smiled. "I wouldn't allow it any other way."

"It really emphasizes the assets too." Nora noted.

"Nora." Weiss admonished.

"Weiss." Nora responded.

"Nora, you do understand this gala will not be...loud?" Weiss asked.

"Oh, don't you worry about me." Nora waved her off. "I'll be too busy eating everything in sight to make a scene. Anyone gonna' join me?"

"What kinda' food do they even have at fancy galas?" Sun inquired.

"Mostly finger food, appetizers and such, but the dessert selection is generally quite admirable." Pyrrha's voice came from the changeroom.

Weiss' expression brightened as she and Ren stepped out of the doorway to face her. "Gods you're beautiful." Weiss whispered in awe.

"I merely emulate the gods Weiss, you know that." Pyrrha preened, hands clasped around her stomach...a rather unfortunate pose that emphasized the rather...fleshy nature of her dress. It was quite striking, yet surprisingly simple in make. A vibrant crimson, the dress left little to the imagination, yet somehow came off as more elegant than reique. The skirt appeared to be composed of a single length of cloth, wrapping loosely around the waist and tightly around the stomach. A second, narrow length of fabric wrapped around her neck, crossing over her collar before passing over her breasts, vanishing into the skirt's stomach wrap. The rest of Pyrrha was quite bereft of clothing, legs revealed by the skirt splits to show off delicate gold heels, a single armlet on her left bicep and a decorative leather bracer on her right forearm. The vivid ensemble was crowned by a circlet, polished but obviously well loved.

"Oh mama." Nora drooled.

"Are her nipples showing again?" Velvet's voice called from inside, shaking everyone from their admiration. The slender nature of the cloth covering her breasts made it a distinct possibility.

Pyrrha chuckled. "Let us hope not. This is likely the last time I'll be able to wear this dress for the foreseeable future. Is everybody ready?"

"You guys go ahead." Coco insisted. "Velv's probably still making a mess of her eyeliner."

"I'm fine!" Velvet yelled indignantly.

"You always say that." Coco laughed as she pushed back into the room.

"Okay, alright, everyone's ready." Weiss chanted. "We can go. Are you all sure you're ready?"

"I think so?" Ruby asked more than stated.

"Come now." Pyrrha spoke up, linking her arm with Weiss'. "The longer we wait the more you will fret. Ready or not here we come!"

"Oh, what about Penny?" Ruby questioned. Weiss raised her brow incredulously. "I just...don't want her to get lonely."

"Don't worry Ruby, I have access to the gala security system." Penny's voice came over the intercom. "I can see everything you are doing, at any time!"

"Even the bathrooms?" Sun asked.

"Unfortunately not." Penny replied.

"Yes, unfortunately." Weiss rolled her eyes. "Penny will be fine. We will all be fine."

"So long as they don't serve that quiche again." Ren smirked.

"Ooh, I love quiche!" Nora cheered.

"It was one time, and the culprit paid dearly for it." Weiss mumbled.

"What happened?" Ruby asked.

"Nothing happened, let's go!" Weiss insisted. "What are we waiting for?" She strode off, dragging Pyrrha along with her. Ren smiled smugly before following.

Sun appeared dumbfounded. "How do you fuck up a quiche?"