Underneath The Shattered Moon [RWBY X OC]

Chapter 25

The Beacon Academy gymnasium buzzed with the energy of a hundred conversations, the air thick with the scent of sugary punch and nervous anticipation. Bartholomew Oobleck, a whirlwind of caffeinated enthusiasm, leaned close to Peter Port, his features alight with an almost manic grin as he listened intently to the other man's boisterous laughter. Peter, oblivious to the rest of the room, was lost in his own world, retelling some unheard, likely exaggerated, anecdote.

Off to the side, Headmaster Ozpin and Professor Goodwitch held court, a picture of composed elegance amidst the chaos. Their quiet conversation was interrupted by the arrival of General Ironwood, a figure of imposing authority in his pristine military uniform. He extended a hand towards Glynda, a rare and unexpected gesture, a glimmer of a smile playing on his lips. She accepted with a small, knowing smile, and the pair gracefully moved into the throng of dancers.

Near the refreshment tables, Ruby Rose stood alone, her gaze fixed on some unseen point in the distance. A faint frown creased her brow, a rare sight for the usually cheerful huntress-in-training. Her solitude was broken by the approach of Jaune Arc, who offered her a hesitant smile.

"I see you're hiding at the punch bowl too," he remarked, his voice a little too loud for the hushed ambiance of the area.

Ruby let out a small, almost playful "Yep," emphasizing the "p" with a noticeable pop.

"To the socially awkward," Jaune chuckled, raising his punch glass in a mock toast. Ruby giggled softly and clinked her glass against his.

"Sorry things didn't work out with Weiss," Ruby said, the gentle cadence of her voice tinged with a hint of concern.

Jaune shrugged, a hint of nonchalance in his demeanor. "Meh, it's fine. Neptune's pretty 'cool'. I get why she went with him."

"What do you mean?" Ruby tilted her head, confusion evident in her eyes.

"Well, come on, not many people can pull off blue hair," Jaune grinned, a touch of playful arrogance in his tone. He took a long sip of his punch, seemingly content with his explanation.

Ruby's expression shifted. "No, I mean, Weiss came to the dance alone."

Jaune, mid-sip, choked on his punch, sputtering and turning to Ruby with wide eyes. "Uh, what?"

Across the room, Weiss Schnee wrestled with a wilting white rose, her usual composure momentarily shattered. Her frustration was evident as she tried desperately to coax life back into the fragile bloom, a futile effort that left her visibly upset.

"Yeah," Ruby continued, her voice softening, "She said that she had too much to focus on to worry about boys."

Weiss's attention was drawn to the sounds of laughter, her gaze landing on the trio of Sun Wukong, Blake Belladonna, and Neptune Vasilias. The latter was in full swing, his usual charm amplified by silly faces and impressive impressions, captivating the other two with his antics. Jaune, who had also caught sight of the scene, shifted uncomfortably, a flicker of irritation crossing his features.

"Hold my punch," Jaune muttered, his voice a low growl. He thrust his glass into Ruby's hand before disappearing into the crowd, his movements a blur of determination. Ruby, taken aback but still a little curious, decided to take a small sip of Jaune's punch.

Jaune's path was a swift, unyielding force through the throng of students. He shoved past those in his way, ignoring surprised gasps and muttered complaints. His determined stride faltered, however, as his eyes fell upon Pyrrha Nikos. She was walking alone, a slight melancholy etched onto her usually bright features as she ascended the stairs leading to a balcony overlooking the dance floor. A shift occurred within Jaune. The fierce determination that had fueled his hasty movement vanished, replaced by a look of something akin to regret.