Chapter 12

Stepping into the elevator, Ruby rubbed some remaining sleep from her eyes. "Good morning Ruby!" Penny's flanged voice chirped.

Ruby smiled up at the elevator camera. "Good morning Penny, how was your weekend?"

"Stimulating." Penny preened. "I cleaned and defragmented seventy three percent of my mainframe storage, followed by yet more research."

"Learn anything interesting?" Ruby inquired.

"Very much so." Penny replied. "Relations between Humans and Faunus are fascinating to observe."

Ruby chuckled at the irony. "Yeah, weird too."

"Weirdness precedes familiarity Ruby, and with familiarity comes affection." Penny mused.

"You have a point." Ruby admitted as the elevator came to a stop, softly chiming before the doors opened.

"Salutations!" Penny's voice came once more, this time from the screen attached to Ruby's desk. The same familiar ginger-haired avatar was there, but now fully animated, waving enthusiastically.

"Penny, you've upgraded!" Ruby cheered, giggling. It was absolutely adorable seeing the already cute chibi figure beaming and jumping around.

"As my avatar was received positively, I have been working on a more advanced animation system." Penny explained. "This avatar is a three dimensional model with faux cell shading to replicate the original aesthetic, but rendered in real time."

"You created your avatar yourself?" Ruby observed, surprised.

Penny's avatar looked bashful, clasping its little hands before it. "Employees express discomfort speaking to a disembodied voice. You yourself prefer speaking to me face to face, to the degree that this is possible. An avatar was the first step in enhanced relations. I am confident my advanced model will further ease tension born from interacting with virtual intelligence!"

Ruby circled the desk, sitting down and dropping her handbag into a drawer. She turned the screen so she could better see it. "I think it's working. It feels really good to see you moving around more...you have some lip syncing issues though."

"Bug report logged!" Penny announced. "Are there any other notable issues Ruby?"

"None so far, but I'll keep an eye out." Ruby answered.

"Thank you!" Penny paused. "Ms. Schnee has just entered the building."

Several minutes later, the elevator chimed again. Weiss indeed exited, dressed as impeccably as ever, not a hair out of place. She smiled at Ruby. "Good morning Ruby."

"Good morning Weiss!" Ruby cheered. "How was your weekend?"

"Relaxed, and yours?" Weiss responded.

"Eventful." Ruby smirked. "I got a lot of shopping done. I didn't expect my pay to be so…"

"Generous?" Weiss offered.

"I've never had that much money in my life." Ruby chuckled.

"Your position, both current and future is valued Ruby…" Weiss trailed off. "Penny?" She raised a questioning brow as she noticed Penny waving.

"Is my new animation acceptable Ms. Schnee?" Penny asked.

"It is certainly an improvement." Weiss nodded. "Though your lip syncing is a tad delayed."

"Bug report logged!" Penny announced. "Are there any other notable issues Ms. Schnee?"

"No, nothing noticeable." Weiss shook her head before turning back to Ruby. "Coco and Velvet will likely visit soon. Do send them in."

"Sure!" Ruby chirped. With a nod Weiss went on her way, the heavy door shutting and clicking locked behind her. "I wonder if she'll bring donuts today." Ruby addressed Penny, who giggled.

"It is likely." Penny suggested. "Ms. Scarlatina is a creature of habit. She very much dislikes deviating from routine."

"Uh, it's probably not a good idea to use creature to describe Velvet." Ruby advised. "She might take offense at that."

"Oh dear, you're right!" Penny clasped her tiny hands together, eyes shimmering. "That was not my intent. I apologize."

Ruby snickered, gods Penny was adorable. "It's okay Penny. You didn't mean it, and I don't think Velvet would really hold it against you. She seems cool."

"Perhaps, but ignorance does not excuse me entirely." Penny frowned, looking downcast. "I must be more vigilant of my words if I am to enhance relations. The Faunus have experienced enough defamation from humans, I would be ashamed to add virtual intelligence to that list."

"Sometimes I forget you are virtual Penny." Ruby noted. "You have a greater heart than a lot of humans."

Penny perked up at that. "My creator endeavored to program empathy into my system. I was intended to simulate kindness." Her bright green eyes gleamed with joy. "I hope I have made him proud."

"Is he not around anymore?" Ruby asked.

Penny shook her head, laying a hand across her heart. "Professor Polendina passed away several years after my creation, but before the completion of my development. I never had the opportunity to speak with him."

"Well in my opinion, I don't think you simulate kindness at all Penny, I think that's who you are." Ruby encouraged.

"It is who I was programmed to be." Penny stated.

"And my parents taught me to be kind." Ruby countered. "Do you think that means I simulate kindness?"

"But you are human." Penny protested. "It is natural to emulate those who raised you. I am synthetic. I have no mother or father."

"Professor Polendina was your father Penny." Ruby insisted. "Someone can't create someone as wonderful as you without love."

"Perhaps…" Penny's gaze grew distant for a time, before settling back on thoughtfulness. "But the fact remains that I am not human. No, everything I am is a simulation, an emulation of humanity. I am no more than my programming."

"You think because you don't have a squishy body you can't be human?" Ruby pressed.

"It certainly does not help." Penny replied.

"Well, for what it's worth Penny, I don't think it matters if you're human or not." Ruby declared. "You're my friend, and I don't consider you to be anything less than genuine." She praised. "And you can always be open with me. I promise I'll listen."

Penny smiled wide, pudgy face tinted pink. "I very much appreciate you Ruby. Thank you."

"I appreciate you too Penny, and not because you help me not suck at my job." Ruby chuckled. "That's just a bonus."

"I strive to help all those who come into my service Ruby." Penny explained. "It just so happens you are the first to devote time and attention to my own well being. Past my caretaker of course. Though Ms. Soleil finds her duties very dull, she is at times a fascinating individual."

"You'll have to introduce us someday." Ruby suggested.

"Should you ever attain clearance, I would be overjoyed to invite you both into my core." Penny smiled. Ruby blinked, coughing. "Are you well Ruby?"

"Uh, yes, just...never mind." Ruby struggled. "Just something on my mind. It's okay!"

"Very well." Penny responded. "For future reference, cough drops are on sale in vending machines on every floor, bar this one. They are also available from the cafeteria."

Ruby managed a smile. "I'll keep that in mind."

Not half an hour passed before Penny informed Ruby of Velvet and Coco's imminent arrival. Ruby set a fresh pot of coffee to brew and sat back at her desk to wait. The elevator chimed and the door opened.

"And I'll scalp that ridiculous orange hat he calls hair." Coco evidently finished to Velvet as they exited. Her scowl turned into a smile as she caught sight of Ruby. She looked so much better than she had the week prior. "Ruby Rose! Sorry about last week. Rough times, you probably saw it on the news." She burst out, loudly and cheerfully. Ruby blinked then smiled, immediately reminded of Yang's ever present cheer, the way she lit up a room simply by striding into it with a purpose. "I promise I'm usually only like that when I see a fashion disaster" She held her hand out to Ruby, who rose to take it.

"No harm done!" Ruby smiled. "It's nice to meet you properly. I hope I'm not too much of a disaster though." She gestured to her clothing. It was a little more casual than the week before. She had traded platforms for flats and wore less makeup. She had always hated the feeling. She never applied it as well as Yang, and it felt thicker by her own hand.

"Hmm, you're on the right track." Coco appraised. "Comfortable in the right places. You wearing boyshorts or panties?"

Ruby blinked again, opening her mouth to respond, but Velvet beat her to it. "Babe, reel it in." She scolded. "She's getting redder than her name."

"It's cute!" Coco defended, grinning. Yet another Yang-like expression. "Besides, boyshorts are smart. Save the lingerie for the bedroom. Lasts longer that way, and you're not constantly pulling it outta' your crack."

Ruby snickered, running a hand through her hair. She liked Coco already. "I got used to wearing boyshorts years ago. I used to be an athlete."

"Ah sports, I can't get enough of the uniforms." Coco smirked. "Sometimes Velv lets me dress her up and mnph!" Coco double fist pumped.

Velvet rolled her eyes, dropping a fresh box of donuts on the table. "Keep it up and I'll burn the next one."

"Ooh, hot." Coco joked.

"Hey Ruby." Velvet greeted, ignoring her mate. She quirked her head, fixing Ruby with a strange look. "Did you have a good weekend?"

"Yeah!" Ruby cheered. "Got a lot of shopping done, upgraded my roommate's scroll, adopted an autovac, started working out again. It was great!"

"Hmm…" Velvet hummed. Ruby felt oddly scrutinized, out of the ordinary. This time she was reminded of Blake, only far softer, and less glarey.

"Hey, you got anything planned for lunch?" Coco asked.

Ruby broke away from Velvet to answer. "Uh, it depends on how busy I am. But Monday wasn't that bad last week, so I'll probably just see what's on offer in the cafeteria."

"Why don't you come with me and Velv?" Coco offered. "There's a nice burrito place a few block away. My treat."

"Sure, I'll clear it with Weiss-" Ruby started.

"Ruby, who scratched you?" Velvet cut in.

Ruby jumped at Velvet's suddenly loud and stern voice. She turned back to Velvet, only to find she had circled the desk, catching a glimpse of her back.

"O-oh that, u-uh…" Ruby stammered, eyes wide as her face flushed a deep scarlet.

"Ruby, are you safe?" Velvet asked, kneeling down at the desk. "You can trust me. I've seen the signs before. Humans encountering an Alpha and being…" Velvet nodded her head to the side, eyes filled with sympathy.

"No!" Ruby blurted. "I mean yes, yes I'm fine. I'm more than fine. This isn't from...my Alpha." Ruby hastily clarified. "Blake has never touched me unless I asked her to...except this morning, kinda'. But that was fine, she just hugged me before I left for work."

Velvet let loose a breath of relief and laughed. "Sorry, it's just…" She stood, running a hand across her ears. They flattened before springing back up. "I've seen a lot. Humans and Faunus don't really mix sometimes, and you're…"

"You're small and cute, big meany Alphas might eat you up." Coco finally spoke up. "What happened?" She craned her neck to look at Ruby's back.

Ruby sighed, spinning in her chair to better present herself. She had thought the collar would hide everything, but two long scratches still peeked just enough that someone might notice them by taking a close look. "You ever heard of Sunrise?"

"Nightclub in Westlas?" Velvet asked.

"Westlas?" Ruby tilted her head. "Maybe...I still don't know the city too well. But yeah, I go there on Fridays, and last week I...uh...got a bit tipsy, and met a girl...a feline girl."

"Reow." Coco faux growled. "Looks like someone had fun."

"Or she didn't." Velvet frowned. "Did this girl treat you well?"

"From what I remember yeah." Ruby nodded. "She didn't hurt me on purpose...I...I did good is all." She trailed off, blushing once more.

Coco laughed, loud and sudden. "Oh I like you. Healthy break from the upper class twits who pretend to like Faunus because it's the in thing these days. You're a woman after my own heart."

"I try my best." Ruby managed.

Velvet chuckled. "I bought more strawberry donuts today, figu-"

Weiss' door opened, and the CEO hurriedly exited with a smile. "I'm sorry for the wait. Had a call that droned on."

"No worries, Coco was picking on your secretary." Velvet joked.

"Making up for lost time I see." Weiss smirked, resting a hand on her hip.

"She loves me." Coco grinned. "You love me don't ya' Red?"

"U-uh-" Ruby blinked. She was "Red" now?

"Down Coco." Weiss reprimanded. "Come inside before she melts from exposure."

"Yeah, yeah." Coco rolled her eyes. "See ya' later Red."

"Hey, don't forget a donut." Velvet snapped, opening the box.

"I just spent the weekend binging on junk food Velvet." Weiss almost whined.

"Yeah, not that you could tell." Coco poked Weiss in the rib.

Weiss hissed and slapped at Coco in return. "Ruby can have my share. Now come, we have work to discuss." With that Weiss returned to her office.

Coco made to follow, mocking to herself. "Good morning Coco, I missed you dearly Coco, my first love, my buddy of the butt variety-" A pen flew past her and she burst into laughter.

Velvet sighed, smiling. "You sure everything's fine?"

"Cross my heart." Ruby confirmed. "Blake only looks scary. She's just protective and...I found that out a little suddenly."

"If anything comes up, anything at all, you contact me, okay?" Velvet insisted.

Ruby nodded. "I promise."

The morning was fairly dull after Coco and Velvet. It was busier than the prior week, but otherwise uneventful. At one point she passed Ren, her polite wave being met by a small smile and nod of the head. It felt surprisingly good to receive the familiarity, like she was making a place for herself, like she belonged in this new and alien environment. She barely had to ask for directions anymore, leaving her interactions with Penny limited to more interesting topics. Today Penny wanted to know what color of clothing would be most pleasing to those who saw her avatar, or if she should change its hairstyle to something different. Ruby thought her current appearance was perfect.

Ruby's stomach began rumbling at some point. She satiated it with another donut, but not even an hour later it began grumbling for something more substantial. She looked around for a clock, but could not locate one. She had barely pulled out her scroll when a voice burst from behind.

"Heya' Red, catchya' sleepin'?" Coco bellowed.

Ruby spun around to find Coco's shaded visage grinning at her. "Gods Coco…" She sighed, clutching her chest to still her beating heart. "How'd you find me?"

"Penny told me, said you were finishing up." Coco explained.

"Oh yeah…" Ruby trailed off awkwardly. "Right, yeah, so uh, lunchtime?"

"My treat." Coco repeated. "Cleared it with Weiss. She flaked though, blah blah, too busy for her childhood friend." Coco shrugged. "I can't talk, I'm just as bad. Worse really. Doesn't matter anymore." She waved her hand away, smile barely slipping before it widened. Even through tinted glasses Ruby could see the gleam in her eyes. "Come one Red!" She wrapped an arm around Ruby's shoulders. "You're gonna' love this place. Velv's addicted to it. She only ever gets veggie crap though. Meat doesn't sit well with her. Oh, but don't bring it up or she gets pissy."

"Uh okay!" Ruby managed.

Coco basically steered Ruby into the elevator. It should have bothered Ruby, but to be honest it felt rather nice. Coco was not forceful. It was like when Ruby was a kid, walking along with Sun, nothing more than friends sharing physical contact. It was just another social barrier Coco barreled through without a care in the world.

The elevator halted at the lobby with a chime. "Enjoy your lunch Ruby!" Penny cheered. "And you Ms. Adel!"

"Thanks Penny." Coco smiled up at the camera. "Try to have a break of your own will you?"

"I will try my very best!" Penny announced.

Chuckling, Coco exited the elevator. "That voice just puts a pep in your step, doesn't it Honeybunny?" She greeted as they were met by a slightly grumpy looking Velvet.

Velvet's arms were crossed, foot tapping. "You said you would be five minutes...fifteen minutes ago."

"I said hey to Pyrrha on the way." Coco shrugged.

"Hey is a twenty second conversation...hi Ruby." Velvet looked to the girl, who still felt a little awkward.

"Hey Velvet, sorry if I kept you." Ruby apologized.

"It's this one's fault, not yours." Velvet poked Coco's stomach as she turned to walk. "Come on, I'm starving. Any longer and I'll eat somebody."

"Hawt." Coco drawled.

"Present company excluded." Velvet rolled her eyes.

"Boo, party pooper, Ruby is totally edible." Coco punctuated the statement with a light tap on Ruby's rear.

"Uh-" Ruby squeaked. "Coco!" She blushed, glancing around at nearby individuals to see only mild interest.

"Keep it in your pants Coco." Velvet roused. "We're still on company property."

"It's not my fault Weiss attracts cuties." Coco defended. "Besides, we just left. Hey Ruby, spank all the butts you see. Go wild!"

"Keep it mild guys, focus on the mission." Velvet sighed.

"I like mild." Ruby spoke up. "Then you can think about wild and it's more fun when you come across it."

"Oooh, there's a story there." Coco grinned back at Ruby, tilting her glasses down to reveal deep brown eyes.

Ruby smirked. "Maybe I'll tell you...if you behave."

"Hah!" Coco burst. "I make no promises."