Unfolding Fate

Chapter 2, Episode 7: Infiltration at the Dance

Oobleck is shown to be listening intently as Port laughs over some unheard anecdote. Ozpin is standing off to the side with Glynda until General Ironwood offers his hand for her to dance with him. Jaune Arc approaches Ruby Rose, who is standing pensively near the refreshments tables.

Jaune: I see you're hiding at the punch bowl too.

Ruby: Yep. *An audible *pop* can be heard as Ruby emphasizes the "p".*

Jaune: To the socially awkward.

Ruby giggles and they clink glasses.

Ruby: Sorry things didn't work out with Weiss.

Jaune: Meh, it's fine. I believe she was better off with Shadow.

Ruby turns to Shadow and Weiss, who are talking with each other as the music plays, smiles on both their faces. Ruby smiles as she returns to Jaune.

Ruby: Yeah...I think the two were made for each other. Weiss really had her heart melted.

Jaune: *slightly chuckles from Ruby's pun* Well, everyone has someone out in the world for them.

As he said that, he notices Pyrrha walking out to the balcony by herself.

Jaune: *gives Ruby his punch* Hold my punch.

Jaune walks off and follows Pyrrha to the balcony, who is looking over the balcony at the night sky.

Jaune: *stopping* Hey, Pyrrha.

Pyrrha turns around to face him.

Pyrrha: Hello, Jaune.

Jaune: *approaching* You okay? I haven't seen you tonight.

Pyrrha: *turning back to the balcony* Arrived late, I'm afraid.

Jaune: Well, you look really nice.

Pyrrha: *raising her hand near her mouth* Thank you. *her hand falls away*

Jaune: *nervously tipping on his toes* Your, uh, date isn't going to beat me up for saying that, is he?

Pyrrha: I think you're safe for tonight.

Jaune: *rubbing his hands* So, where is the guy?

Pyrrha turns back toward Jaune.

Pyrrha: *Pyrrha's head sinks in melancholy.* There is no guy.

Jaune: *Jaune chuffs nervously.* What?

Pyrrha: *shaking her head glumly* Nobody asked me.

Jaune: But that's... *gesturing toward her* You're Pyrrha Nikos! *shrugging, dumbfounded* H-How could nobody ask you?

Pyrrha: *turning toward the balcony* I've been blessed with incredible talents and opportunities. I'm constantly surrounded by love and praise, but when you're placed on a pedestal like that for so long, you become separated from the people that put you there in the first place. *turning back to Jaune* Everyone assumes I'm too good for them. That I'm on a level they simply can't attain. It's become impossible to form any sort of meaningful relationship with people. That's what I like about you. When we met, you didn't even know my name. You treated me just like anyone else. And thanks to you, I've made friendships that will last a lifetime. I guess, you're the kind of guy I wish I was here with. Someone who just saw me for me.

Pyrrha looks at Jaune and then walks away while Jaune simply stares in astonishment.

Jaune: W-Wai-!

Jaune watches as Pyrrha turns a corner and disappears. He frowns for a bit before Shadow heads up to the balcony.

Shadow: Hey there Jaune! What's up?