Darkest Nights: a RWBY Story

Chapter 32: Time To Face The Music

Talia purred softly as Jason finished smoothing the fur on her cat ears.
"Thank you."
She said, smiling at her brother.
The two of them were standing in the entrance hall, just outside the ballroom, waiting for their respective dates.
"You look good tonight."
Talia said.
"Thanks."
Jason replied.
"So do you."
Jason didn't have much in the way of formal attire. He had decided to go with a more classic look. New blue jeans, a white button-down shirt, and a leather jacket. His jet black hair was slicked back. He had considered wearing his royal army cloak as well but had ultimately decided against it.
Talia on the other hand wore a simple black dress with blue trim. Jason looked up as he heard footsteps on the stone staircase in front of him.
He felt his heart nearly stop.
Blake looked stunning. She wore a long, black, somewhat tight-fitting dress, with gold trim. The tight fit of the dress complemented her form well. As he walked to meet har af the foot of the stairs, he noticed that she had the purple and yellow flower from Salem's island tucked into her hair.
Yang followed close behind Blake, wearing a short white dress that came up to just above her knees.
"You look amazing."
Jason said as he pulled Blake into a gentle hug.
Blake grinned.
"Thanks. You don't look too bad yourself."
Jason smiled and kissed Blake lightly on the cheek.
Blake smiled at him.
"Are you ready?"
Jason nodded.
A moment later, Sirus and Sadie opened the large oak doors and the group of four entered their ballroom.
The room was softly lit, with tables and booths surrounding the walls and four large supporting pillars surrounding a large open area in the middle. Banners of royal blue, decorated with the golden Phoenix, hung from the walls.
The room was already filled with people.
Many stood in groups around the walls of the room, talking or sipping drinks, while a few sat at tables.
Talia gave her brother a brief hug.
"Good luck!"
Jason smiled as he took Blake's hand.
Blake smiled up at him.
Jason felt his heart rate quicken as slow music began to play and he led Blake to the dance floor.
Blake squeezed his hand as the two felt all eyes on them.
They began to dance.
Blake was almost surprised at the grace with which Jason moved, matching her own rhythm perfectly. The two broke apart for a moment, bowing to each other, before Blake returned to Jason's arms.
As the pair continued to dance slowly, Jason drew Blake close to him, leaned down, and kissed her.
Blake felt herself blush, but she kissed him back, enjoying the feeling of Jason's hands on her hips.
Other couples moved to the dance floor as the two gently broke the kiss.
Blake rested her head on Jason's shoulder purring softly as she felt his hands stroke her ears.
"Why didn't you tell me you could dance?"
Jason said, his voice barely louder than the music.
Blake smiled as she looked up at him.
"I could say the same for you."
After a while, the two retreated to a booth on the far side of the room.
Glancing around, Blake saw Talia and Yang dancing together, Yang's golden hair swept over one shoulder.
"It's good to see her happy again."
Jason said, indicating Talia.
Blake nodded.
"Honestly I can't remember the last time I've seen Yang enjoying herself this much. Probably not since Beacon."
Jason saw former commander Pellian in a corner. The two locked eyes and Pellian scowled. Apparently he still hadn't gotten over Jason's public demotion of him at the officer's meeting several weeks prior.
Jason put an arm around Blake's shoulder as she leaned against him.
The leather of his jacket was cool against her cheek.
He smiled, running a hand slowly through her flowing, black hair.
She looked up as Talia and Yang walked over, carrying glasses of champagne.
The two slid into the booth across the table from Jason and Blake.
"You two make quite the dancing couple."
Yang said, smiled as she handed Jason a glass.
"So do you."
Jason replied, taking a small sip from his glass.
Talia smiled.
"Honestly, I think this is just the break we all needed, the perfect way to take our minds off the war."
Blake nodded.
"I couldn't agree more."
Yang grinned as Talia reclined in the booth a little, the blonde gently scratching Talia's cat ears.
Talia purred softly.
"By the way,"
Yang said with a smirk as she glanced at Talia.
"I spoke with Jamison this afternoon and he's totally in."
Talia almost choked on her champagne in surprise. She looked at her girlfriend, a slight grin on her face.
"How did you manage that?"
Yang shrugged nonchalantly.
"It was more a question of convincing Sierra to be honest."
After a few more minutes the music on the dance floor sped up again.
Jason took Blake's hand and the two headed towards the dance floor once again.