Blood of The Rose

Chapter 5: Feeding

Santa Monica Haven

Ruby woke with a startled gasp, clutching at her chest. It felt like she'd been stabbed, but the pounding of her heart never materialized as she'd expected. Then it all came back to her in a rush as she glanced around wildly, being turned, her Sire, vampires, Jack, the Sabbat, Ozpin…

"Fuck a duck," she moaned, plopping back down on the stained mattress. "Guess it wasn't a dream, huh?"

"No, I'm afraid not," a soft voice spoke up next to her. Weiss rose from her prone position like some kind of ethereal angel, snowy white hair trailing behind her. "It gets easier, believe me."

"Right," the brunette sighed. She rolled off of the bed to allow Weiss to get up as well, standing and stretching out the kinks in her muscles from not having moved a millimeter all night long. "So, what now? Lessons?"

"Hmm, no, not yet," Weiss mused thoughtfully. She pulled a hairbrush from her designer white purse and began to work on her silken tresses. "We should visit Mercurio first, receive your orders. The Prince is not a man to be kept waiting."

"Yeah, couldn't tell that at all," she muttered sarcastically, earning herself a scowl from the platinum-haired vampire.

The two of them departed the ramshackle haven after Ruby slipped her newly-charged phone into her back jeans pocket. As she'd come to expect, it wasn't password-protected. She made sure to rectify that first thing, immediately before entering in Weiss' number. The two fledgling vampires headed down the steps and into the night. They passed a homeless person panhandling in the alleyway, Weiss turning her nose up and stalking by wordlessly. Ruby had to hurry to keep up with her.

Next door was a more ornate building, certainly much nicer than the one they spent the last night in. The corridor inside was marbled and elegant arches lined the hallway.

"Nice digs," Ruby whistled appreciatively as they stopped at the end of the hallway by the door to apartment number four.

"Indeed," her companion smirked. "Benefits of being associated with Prince La Croix and the Camarilla."

Gee, not like you're the perfect cheerleader for them or anything, arya?

They stood side-by-side as Weiss rapped imperiously on the door, waiting for an answer. When none was forthcoming, Ruby shrugged her shoulders uncertainly.

"Guess he's still out?"

"Hmph. He should have returned by now… Very well, let us retire back to the haven, then, and begin your instruction." With that Weiss spun on her heel and marched out once more, Ruby trailing along behind like a good little minion.

They couldn't have given me someone with just a little more personality to work with here?

Back at the dilapidated apartment, Weiss sat on the desk chair primly, legs crossed at her knee and back erect.

"Very well," she began as Ruby lowered herself to the filthy mattress. "To be a Ventrue is one of the highest privileges one can seek in the unlife. Many are jealous of our success, our entitlements, and our responsibility in overseeing the Camarilla and the laws that govern Kindred."

"Um, Weiss?" the brunette interjected meekly, raising her hand slightly. "I kinda don't need a recruitment pitch, ya know? I'm already part of the clan. Just… How am I supposed to behave? How do I be a vampire… I mean, Kindred, or a Ventrue?"

The platinum-haired fledgling shifted in her seat, as if irritated with the interruption. "I suppose… Well. A Ventrue is, above all, cognizant of their debts. Repay those who assist or hinder you in kind, even if it takes a decade or more to orchestrate such. Take pride in the blood that flows through your veins now, the blood that gives you your powers and binds you to your clan."

Weiss had a far-off look in her icy blue eyes, as if she were reciting something by rote, even though it seemed a bit jumbled and disjointed to Ruby. "Power is everything, no matter how insignificant it might seem at first. A Ventrue begins small and expands on their successes. Build upon their influence."

Ruby cleared her throat, causing Weiss to regally quirk an eyebrow. "Um… So, all this is kinda… like, big picture. I mean… Yeah, okay I get it, Ventrue wanna rule the world and all, but what does that mean for me?"

The platinum-haired girl blinked her eyes uncertainly. "I tend to forget you did not choose this life. It's rather unheard of for a fledgling Ventrue to be brought into the fold involuntarily."

"You mean… you wanted this?" Ruby asked incredulously. "You chose to be a vampire?"

"Naturally," Weiss replied without rancor. "The selection process is quite rigorous before a prospective is even approached, much less made aware of Kindred. I was quite honored to have attained Ozpin's attention and his favor, and perfectly willing to give up my life as heiress to a banking conglomerate in order to become a Ventrue. The Schnee family is well-known within the corporate world, I would have been set for my very short and insignificant life had I not been given this opportunity a year ago."

"So you knew what you were getting into." Ruby wasn't quite sure which emotion would win out, as incredulity and jealousy seemed to be vying neck and neck to come to the forefront. She was distracted from the race by an errant thought. So her full name is Weiss Schnee, then… "Um… is Ozpin his first or last name?"

"It is his only name," she replied levelly.

"Ah. Gotcha." Ruby fidgeted, glancing forlornly at her bat resting against the wall and wishing to hold it in her hands to give them something to do. "So, okay, let's back up, 'cause there's still tons I don't get. What are these special abilities that the Ventrue have?"

Weiss nodded firmly, regaining her professorial demeanor once more. "Yes, the Venture are known for three Disciplines, abilities that require use of blood to activate. They are inherent to our bloodline. By common assent, they are titled Dominate, Presence, and Fortitude."

"Okay, cool," Ruby exclaimed, finally showing some interest. "So, how do I use them?"

"Allow me to demonstrate the first," Weiss replied primly. She leaned forward slightly, and her pale blue eyes seemed to fill her vision. "Stand up."

Ruby found herself on her feet, swaying slightly from the speed she'd shot off of the bed.

"Stand on one foot," the platinum-haired Kindred ordered next.

The brunette had no choice but to comply, but she was beginning to panic now, flashbacks to how she was controlled by the man who turned her fresh in her mind. "Stop, please!" she pleaded.

"Very well." Weiss sat back once more, and Ruby felt herself sag in relief.

"I… I really don't like that," she whispered brokenly, staring down at the floor and rubbing her left arm with her other hand. "Please don't do that to me again, okay?"

Weiss was silent for a moment before she nodded slowly. "I promise not to do so again to you."

"Thanks." She sucked in an unnecessary but cleaning breath. "So, how do I try that, then?"

Weiss tried, she really did. The brunette couldn't fault the petite vampire's efforts at instruction, but she failed miserably at the implementation. It didn't go much better with Presence, which made Weiss appear to be otherworldly and intimidating without changing her actual physical nature. Ruby simply couldn't pull them off.

"This is ridiculous," Weiss finally snapped after almost an hour's worth of effort. "No Ventrue has this much trouble with these two basic Disciplines. You are simply too nice to Dominate and too awkward and shy to trigger your Presence."

"Yeah," Ruby sighed morosely, scuffing her red converse on the dirty floor. "Can't argue with that."

"Perhaps if we can find some mortal to experiment on… But still, with a fledgling like myself you should have had no problem at all, especially as I was willing."

"Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, Princess," Ruby finally snarled bitterly. "I guess I just suck at being a vampire, huh?"

Weiss let out a strangled cry at the insulting nickname, leaping to her feet and pacing the small space. She was muttering in what sounded to be German under her breath, and to the brunette's ears it was obviously uncomplimentary.

"Alright, look," Ruby sighed irritably. "What about the third thing, Fortitude? Can we try that?"

"You can't use Dominate or Presence, and you expect to be able to use Fortitude, one of the most physically difficult Disciplines?" She barked out a derisive laugh. "What's the point of trying?"

"Oh, come on already," Ruby pleaded. "Just lemme try, okay?"

"Fine," the other fledgling gritted out, stalking around behind her. "Stand still. Imagine your skin as iron, and channel your blood into the effort."

Okay, simple enough… She closed her eyes and did as instructed. Immediately she felt the drain from what blood she still had stored up inside her. The brunette could feel the difference on her skin, like it was stiffer somehow.

"Right, I think-"

Crack!

Ruby opened her eyes to see Weiss standing there, sheepishly holding half of her baseball bat in her hands.

They stared at each other for the span of a full minute.

"Errr… Well done?" Weiss finally offered mildly.

"Did you… just break my bat over my leg?"

"Yes, well… In my defense, I was not expecting that to work as well as it did…"

"But if it didn't, then my leg would have broken instead!"

"Er, yes, well, that was a distinct possibility…"

Ruby let out an irritable huff of air as she closed her eyes. "Okay, so, on the one hand, that was really cool. On the other…" Her eyes snapped open and glared at the platinum-haired girl. "You broke my fucking bat!"

"It was just a baseball bat!" Weiss retorted defensively.

"I liked that bat!"

Ruby tried very hard to keep her temper down, but her stomach was growling at her by this point. She knew much of her irritability could be attributed to her hunger, as she'd not fed since the previous evening, and had expended much of what was left with her display of Fortitude.

She stomped over to the fridge, muttering under her breath about spoiled, entitled vampire princesses.

"What do you think you're doing?" Weiss asked shrilly.

"Getting some blood. I'm hungry."

"Those are for emergencies only," the other vampire stated scornfully. "If you're hungry then go feed."

"Fine!" Ruby snarled. "And how do I do that? Just stalk someone and drag them into an alleyway?"

"No, you dolt!" Weiss exclaimed, her voice rising as well. "A Ventrue does not feed off of the commoners in the street like some Brujah thug!"

Ruby let out a growl, turning and embedding her fist into the wall behind her. The action chilled her and doused her rising temper with ice water.

I've never lost control like that before… God, I have to have a better handle on my temper…

"So, then, what do I do?" she quietly asked without turning around, her voice rigidly controlled.

Weiss was silent for a moment, as if marshalling her own ire. "There is a club the next street over called The Asylum. It is owned by Kindred, and our kind may safely feed there. Seduce a well-bred patron who calls to you, and drink from them, just what you need and no more."

She let out a short, bitter laugh. "Seduce? I'm supposed to seduce someone?"

The brunette turned around, and Weiss was forced to take a step back at the rage that swirled in her silver eyes. "How can I seduce someone? I didn't even lose my virginity! I've never really had a serious relationship! I- I- I never even figured out what my fucking sexuality was, for Christ's sake! I'm just as awkward and nerdy now as I was before I died!"

"It's an acquired talent," Weiss began weakly, but Ruby had had enough. She brushed by the other fledgling on her way out the door.

"I need some fresh air," she snarled quietly as she stormed out, flinging the door shut behind her.

She made it halfway down the hallway before sagging against the wall in despair.

Great, now I just alienated the one person who's gonna help me get through all this and return to LA. Nice. Well done, Ruby. Well done.

She sighed, looking down at her feet at a newspaper that had been left out from the morning. The headlines blared, "CARNIVAL OF DEATH!" She noted the bylines, regarding how gruesome remains had been found on the pier. "Police baffled!" Ruby scoffed lightly. "Gee, wonder what could have done that."

Her mood somewhat restored, though still bemusedly pondering how on earth mortals like she'd been could remain so oblivious to everything going on in the darkness of this world, she exited the apartment building. Ruby stood on the sidewalk, taking in the rest of the neighborhood.

An alley directly across from her seemed to lead to the back of a large, warehouse-like building. She could just make out some letters in a glowing neon sign that might indicate her destination.

As the brunette crossed the street, she glanced to the right at a closed coffee shop, secured for the evening. On the other side was what looked to be a hospital or clinic of some sort, though the building was old and decrepit. The alleyway between the two buildings was illuminated at the entrance by a flickering red light that she passed under.

A woman stood just inside the alleyway, dressed rather skimpily and with a worn-down look in her eyes. The pathetic figure looked Ruby up and down for a second. "Are you even legal?" she asked in a raspy voice that spoke of several packs a day.

"Um… y- yeah, I am… just… not… no. Sorry." Ruby shook her head at herself irritably for her stammered excuse as she fled down the alley. Yeah, great, big bad vampire, scared of talking to a hooker, she sighed.

At the end of the narrow corridor was another entrance to the left-hand building, this one clearly labeled 'Blood Bank Downstairs'. Hmm. Mental note, that could be useful sometime. She paused at the cross section of alleys, looking up at the golden neon-lit sign, which she could now see identified that building as The Asylum. She could hear even back where she was the thumping of the music, a heavy bass that made a slight smile cross her face as she recognized the tune from another one of her favorite bands, Chiasm, called Isolated.

"Good taste in music, at least," she giggled as she skipped around the side. She skidded to a halt when she rounded the corner, in front of a dark-complexioned man in even darker clothing with red eyes. Before she could react to the obvious vampire, the man smirked and dissipated into smoke.

Ruby jumped back, startled. "What the fuck was that, then?" she sputtered. She sighed irritably as she continued around the building. "Guess now that I'm in the club I get to see all the freaky shit," she grumbled under her breath. "Joy."

As she approached the end, next to a dumpster a man stood, pissing against the wall. She wrinkled her nose as she moved on. Sure, she could drink from him but that was just disgusting.

The brunette girl finally stood outside the club, gazing up in admiration. A 24-hour diner stood across the street and behind her, the lights from there illuminating the gothic-looking architecture of the large, old building. It had a covered patio over the large, wooden double doors with no line in front. But what really caught her eye were the statues lining the upper facade, including some really grotesque-looking faces. "Heh," she smirked. "Definitely my kinda place."

As she passed under the stone veranda, she made note of numerous handbills of bands that lined the outside walls, most of whom she'd never heard of.

The music from inside shattered the stillness of the Santa Monica night once she'd wrestled the doors open, cutting through it like a knife's blade, and gone just as suddenly when they closed behind her.

Asylum Night Club, Santa Monica

Once inside, Ruby wasn't confronted by a bouncer or a doorman as she was expecting. Which, she supposed, was just as well, since her California state identification card showed her as eighteen. The brunette had hoped that her new status would be enough to gain entry into a club owned by another Kindred, but this worked just as well if not better.

Nobody to talk to works just fine for me.

She pushed past the alcove, lined with more handbills, and skipped on inside to the club proper, bouncing on her toes to the heavy beat. She was immediately struck by the ambiance, grinning widely at the gothic feel that matched the outside. Tattered red wallpaper lined the perimeter, and directly across from her was a long bar. It was tended by a corpulent, sweaty, bald man who bore numerous tattoos on his arms. Out in the main dance area were a pair of staircases that seemed to lead up to a balcony that covered the front half of the interior, directly over her head.

She only got one more step in, however, before she was immediately accosted by a very odd woman.

The pigtailed blonde wore artfully running mascara, a red choker, and a white blouse tied just under her breasts which were on display enough that Ruby caught the edge of a lacy red bra. A skimpy plaid schoolgirl skirt, thigh-high white stockings, and Doc Marten heeled boots completed the outfit.

Ruby swallowed nervously as the woman swooped in on her with a gleam in her heterochromatic eyes, one green and the other grey. She made an admirable effort at keeping her own eyes up and away from the attention-grabbing cleavage. Before the woman spoke a word, it became quite obvious to the brunette that, past her blood-red lips as she licked them, she was a vampire, her dainty fangs poking out briefly.

"What do we have here?" the woman purred, her voice dripping with unbridled glee. "Another scrumptious young plaything straight out of life and into my club? You smell new, little girl, like fabric softener dew on freshly mowed Astroturf. Oooh, I'm not frightening you, am I, duckling?"

"No," Ruby squeaked before clearing her throat. "Um, no. Wh- Who are you?"

The woman giggled, the sound like a wet dream incarnate. "I'm the finger down your spine when all the lights are out. I'm the name on all the men's room walls, and even some of the girl's. When I pout, the whole world tries to make me smile. And everyone always wants to know, who… is… that… girl?"

Ruby was admittedly in awe at the sheer crazy that just flowed off of this woman. She tried to keep a straight face as she recalled a girlfriend of Yang's once that reminded her of this chick. The brunette vampire couldn't seem to remember the girl's name but she was entirely over-the-top crazy, and just when you thought you'd reached the bottom of her craziness, there was a crazy underground garage. She couldn't help but smirk finally. Oh yeah, same kinda nutcase.

"Um, yeah, so… do you have a name?" Ruby ventured, wanting this conversation over with as soon as possible.

"I… am… Jeanette. And this bit of chaos crammed in a certifiable giggle is my club. Oh, I'd just love you give you funny feelings all night, sweetheart, but I really must trouble with some business. We'll reunite sweet and soon, I promise."

"O- Okay, then… um, bye." Ruby watched the other Kindred sashay off towards an elevator set to the side and under the balcony. Jeanette seemed to enter in some code before the doors would open for her, and she glanced over her shoulder, blowing Ruby a kiss before the door closed on her.

"Wow," the brunette murmured while shaking her head. "That… was definitely not normal. At least, I don't think that's supposed to be normal for us."

No longer in the mood to entertain herself on the dance floor, Ruby headed up one of the ornate staircases that doubled back to the balcony. The entire place was done with worn wood flooring, and the tattered red paint job continued up there as well. She could tell that the ceiling seemed to be made up of copper tiles. Pretty damn ornate, she mused.

On the balcony itself there were quite a few people, even more than below, which made her hesitate. No, this is good, crowds should help conceal me when I… do what, exactly?

She sighed despondently as she surveyed the area. There were several high tables scattered throughout, some with beer bottles and some with candles, that the patrons crowded around. There were no chairs in evidence. The petite brunette began to wade her way through, trying to find a corner to hide in and scope out the area. It was difficult going since she was so much shorter than just about everyone else present.

As the crowd parted briefly before her, she locked eyes with a pair of individuals alone at a table in the corner. A man and a woman, both elegant and poised, definitely giving off the vampire-vibe that she'd been getting better at discerning. They were far more normal-looking than Jeanette had been, fortunately.

They both gave her a subtle nod and gestured her over, which she gratefully accepted.

"Hi," she greeted them hesitantly, unsure as to the protocol in such a situation.

"Hello," the tall redheaded woman greeted her warmly. She wore a long sleeveless red dress slit up the side to show off her mile-long legs. "I'm so glad you could join us! Are you new to Santa Monica?"

"I am yeah… Um…" Ruby looked down at the table in embarrassment. "Actually, I'm new to all of this, period."

"Hang on," the blond, blue-eyed man interjected. His tan suit was expensive but casual, the dress shirt missing a tie and opened by several buttons. "Are you the fledgling everyone from LA has been talking about? The one whose Sire was executed on stage?"

She laughed uncomfortably, rubbing the back of her neck. "Heh heh, yeah, that's me…"

"Oh, you poor dear," the redhead murmured, laying a cool hand on her forearm. "Whyever are you here in Santa Monica?"

"Oh, y'know… The Prince has me doing some stuff, proving my worth, I guess."

"Hmm, that's tough," the man remarked mildly. "Anything we can do to help you?"

"Well… actually…" She looked around furtively, licking her lips. "I'm… kinda hungry. But I don't know what to do."

The taller woman laughed lightly, holding her hand over her mouth to muffle the tinkling sound like wind chimes. "Oh, I'm so very sorry. We can certainly help you with that."

"Really? Cool!" The brunette did a goofy little dance in place, earning more amused chuckles from the pair. "Oh, so, my name's Ruby. Ruby Rose."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ruby Rose," the taller emerald-eyed woman smiled, briefly clasping her hand with her own. "My name is Pyrrha Nikos, and this is my partner, Jaune Arc."

She nodded amicably, accepting the courtly bow over her offered hand from the blond man with a giggle. "So, um… is it rude of me to ask what clan you're with?"

"Not at all," Pyrrha smiled. "We're both Toreador. And you are Ventrue, correct?"

"Yeah," Ruby sighed morosely. "I'm not a very good one, though."

"Nonsense," Jaune chuckled. "We all started out wet behind the ears, no matter how long it's been. Give it time, fledgling."

The redhead nodded in agreement. "Now, as to feeding, the easiest and most discreet way to go about it is with a certain seductive approach."

"Yeah, that's what Weiss said," the brunette mumbled. "I dunno how to do that, though!"

"Weiss?" the blond interrupted. "As in, Weiss Schnee, childe of Primogen Ozpin?"

"Yep, that's the one, she's kinda… mentoring me." Ruby glanced back down at her feet. "If I haven't completely alienated her."

"She can come off as a bit… cold," Pyrrha agreed diplomatically. "But once you get to know her, she can be a steady friend."

"So long as you don't get on her bad side," Jaune muttered, giving a dramatic shiver.

"Oh, stop," Pyrrha giggled, lightly slapping her companion's arm. "Now then, Ruby, let me show you how it's done, yes? Follow me and observe as discreetly as possible."

Ruby nodded, trailing after the redhead as she effortlessly glided ahead through the crowds.

Ugh, she looks like she owns the place, I mean, just by her presence alone I bet anyone'd drop to their knees if she asked… Maybe even drop some articles of their clothing, in fact… She snickered to herself at the lewd thought before focusing back in on her teacher.

Pyrrha stopped by a man of a height with her, dressed in a casual dress shirt and new-looking jeans. He had close-cropped raven hair and just a hint of stubble on his chin.

"Well, hello there," she said smoothly as she interposed herself between the man and whoever he'd been speaking with. "I haven't seen you in here before."

"Nah, my first time," he replied, eyeing her up and down with a lecherous grin. "And who might you be, gorgeous?"

"Oh, now, do you really need a name?" she asked with a purr.

Holy shit, she's good… Ruby snorted to herself as she tried to look like she wasn't eavesdropping. Cue the proposal in three… two… one…

"So, you wanna maybe get outta here, somewhere more private?" the man asked, waggling his eyebrows comically.

"Hmm, I like it here just fine," Pyrrha murmured, leaning in. "Why don't you come a little closer, I'd like to whisper a secret into your ear…"

Once her head was nestled in the crook of the man's neck, Ruby's nose was assaulted by the sharp tang of blood, the smell making her mouth water. It was over in just a few seconds, the ecstatic moan barely formed on the man's lips, before Pyrrha had leaned back once again, licking her lips.

"Have a good night… handsome," the redhead murmured sarcastically before sauntering off once more.

Ruby followed her back to the table, a slight frown on her face.

"So… that's how you do it, then?" she asked skeptically.

"More or less," Pyrrha replied, surreptitiously checking her lips in a handheld mirror for any spot of blood. "The approach varies depending on a man or woman, and what sort of vibe they give off."

"I just… I don't know if I can do that," Ruby complained anxiously.

"Well, you should play to your strengths," Jaune advised. "If you're not comfortable doing it that way…"

"Yes," Pyrrha agreed. "Use what you have, such as your cuteness factor."

"My what now?" the brunette asked, perplexed.

"Oh, my dear Ruby," the redhead giggled. "You are adorable, truly you are, absolutely delightful. Others can see it as well, I assure you. Take a glance around the room and see who looks away when you make eye contact."

Perplexed, Ruby did as she asked, spinning around slowly. Immediately she picked up on one girl across the balcony who quickly looked away, a slight blush on her face.

"Huh," she mused. "So, that one?"

"Do you have a problem with it being a girl?" the redhead asked.

"No… No, actually, I think I kinda would prefer that…"

"Very well then, go strike up a conversation. So long as you are able to lean into her at some point, you should be fine. Take it slow."

"Gotcha," she nodded, hesitantly walking over towards where the girl with feathery green-dyed hair stood. Her blonde roots were showing at the top of her long tresses, but she really seemed to make the look work.

The other girl looked up, startled, as Ruby approached. "Hi there," the brunette chirped, trying to sound as natural as possible. "Um, okay if I join you?"

"J- Join me?" the girl stammered, playing with the hem of her simple blue dress. "I mean, yeah, sure! I'd like that," she finished shyly.

Oh my God, she's just too precious… Okay, so, normal friendly conversation, play it cool Ruby, play it cool…

"So," Ruby began. "Um, nice night, huh?" Oh, yeah, totally smooth there… idiot…

The other girl, though, giggled as if she was the wittiest person she'd ever met. "Oh, totally. Um… Do you dance?"

Ruby blinked her eyes uncertainly. Oookaaay, this is maybe easier than I thought it'd be…

"Yep, but it's a little too open down there, how about we just dance up on the balcony?" Ruby proposed.

"Sure!"

Ruby grabbed her by the hand, grateful for a change of what she no longer had, such as sweaty hands or the ability to blush furiously. She pulled the other girl close, swaying gently as the music changed over to something with a slow but thumping beat that reverberated through her chest.

Okay, this is good… now I just need to… Oh. Well, shitbiscuits.

She'd never really taken into account the height difference, the green-haired girl easily four inches taller than her.

Remembering Pyrrha's lines, she took the plunge.

"Um, so… can I whisper something to you?" Oh, sweet donkey-riding Jesus that was pathetic, there's no way-

"Okay," the girl giggled once more, bending over to her height.

Huh. Well, alright then.

Using the long fluffy hair as a shield, she darted in and plunged her fangs into the girl's neck. Her victim shuddered, letting out a soft moan as she clung to her tighter. Ruby was trembling as well in pleasure, the warm liquid trickling down her throat a balm for her system as well as a euphoric lift to her spirits.

Wow… I'm never gonna get used to this, how incredible it feels and tastes…

When she'd had her fill, and long before she could cause any real harm, Ruby licked the wound closed and pulled away. The green-haired girl stood, swaying gently in front of her and with a sappy grin on her face.

"What's your name?" Ruby whispered, cupping the other girl's cheek with her palm.

"R- Reese…"

"Well, Reese… I hope I see you around again, okay?"

"Y- Yeah, okay…"

She left the girl, barely holding herself up on the tall table, and strode back to rejoin the others with a wide smirk on her now-flushed face.

"That looked like it went well," Jaune smiled.

"Yep, totally did," the brunette exclaimed excitedly. "I mean… I'm not quite sure how it went so well, but…"

"One thing you have to remember, dear Ruby," the redhead interjected. "Kindred have a certain inexplicable aura about us. Some kine find it irresistible."

"Cool…" she murmured in reply. Her attention was caught by a familiar face as a woman, a few inches shorter than her and sporting multi-hued brown and pink hair, sidled up to her side. The smaller vampire, who she remembered from the theater, gave her a quick once-over with her heterochromatic eyes so similar to Jeanette's, though in this case pink and brown to match her hair, before nodding and departing just as quickly without a word spoken.

"Um… what the actual fuck?" Ruby whispered loudly over the music. "Who was that?"

"That," Pyrrha stated intently. "Was Neopolitan, or just Neo. Ruby… You must avoid that one's attention if at all possible."

"Really?" the brunette asked. "Um, why?"

Pyrrha shook her head adamantly. "I will not speak of it any more, just please heed my warning."

"Okay… Well, I should really get back before Weiss starts to worry."

"That's a good idea," Jaune said. "Maybe we'll see you around? We spend time up in Hollywood and LA as well, spreading our hunting grounds out a little."

"That'd be great," Ruby smiled widely. "Um… Thanks, you guys, seriously. I'm glad I met you both."

Pyrrha walked around the table and gave her a tight hug. "I am so very glad we met as well. Be safe, fledgling."

"Watch your back," Jaune nodded to her amicably. "Don't be too quick to trust others of our kind."

"Even you guys?" Ruby asked with a grin.

"Eh," Jaune shrugged. "I wouldn't trust me."

"Don't listen to him," Pyrrha laughed. "Take care, Ruby."

Ruby gave a grateful wave to the both of them as she made her way back down the staircase, heading for the exit to the club.

A/N: Arkos makes an appearance! (Well, in a vampire-partners kinda way - no shipping!) They're the first of the side characters, not integral to the questlines really but they might pop up every so often in the role of allies for Ruby. And we have a little more instructional help, some of it not as effective. The Discipline names are direct from the game, each clan has their own. I won't be directly referring to them for the other clans unless it's necessary, but as Ruby has noted, she doesn't really make a very good Ventrue. Much to poor Weiss' chagrin.

Shout-out to my awesome Beta and collaborator, Live to anger the World, and much love for sticking with my little story so far. AntonSlavik020, carpenter656, Sharkdude5, Martin Hooper1, kaiju62, Mossblomma, Chim3r4, Reaper Whisper, zerosabers, Nicodemus Cain, Whispering Kataclysm, Lord Zant the Usurper King, Herofire, thank you all for the reviews!

Stay shiny!