Summer Week 2 (Part 3)
- Location
- Houston
My excursion with the Clovers does much to take my mind off my darker thoughts. I don't let them return after we depart, but I know I'm only delaying things if I do nothing. That and there's a certain restlessness I can't fully shake.
To deal with that, I send a message to Blake and head to the assembly hall. A not so curious room for the Belladonnas to have when one considers that their home also serves as the center of governance for Kuo Kuana. The expansive two story room with long tables and many chairs is likely used for any sort of public forums and announcements. I briefly wonder how this will change in the future once we have a council or if we'll simply build a new dedicated building for that purpose.
I don't dwell on that for too long and instead dig into what reports my men have collated over the past couple of weeks. This time my focus is outside of Vacuo proper, very much so. The anti-foreigner coalition hasn't really made any moves as of yet; perhaps simply a defensive and reactive organization in the end. However, there are too many oddities surrounding them for me to ignore completely.
Even if they seem to be perfectly harmless, I'd rather deal with any potential problems as early as possible. Not that I'm writing them off as a hostile power immediately. I'd much rather work with them if at all possible. Especially with my efforts to expand my reach in Vacuo.
So far that's only concerned with settlements and groups near the cities, which this coalition is not. However, it does put my men and them in much closer contact. And, that's ignoring how Weiss and the SDC may be trying to operate in the area. It's really in everyone's best interests to deal with any quibbles before they become real problems, but to do that I need information. There's nothing for me to do besides get started, really.
My investigation begins with the coalition and its odd membership. Mainly seeking to discover what could be binding them together. It would be all too easy to simply chalk it up to anti-foreigner sentiment and a desire to keep themselves safe and unexploited. While that is valid, it also doesn't fit. Not with the members that call themselves a part of the coalition.
Damn near every isolated settlement and tribe in the Eastern and Western deserts has found themselves a part of this organization. Even if they are near constant rivals and enemies. This goes beyond abandoned faunus groups and tribes that assisted Mistral and Mantle in the oppression of Vacuo. There are some groups that have full on blood feuds stretching back centuries. Feuds that they have somehow been able to put away in the name of cooperation.
While that could be taken as an incredible triumph of the human spirit and compassion, I refuse to believe it's that simple. In fact, my reports indicate that some of these groups were either fighting with one another or preparing to before they suddenly decided to join together. This evident hostility also falls into a timeframe of months after my men and Weiss' established themselves and we haven't made any significant moves.
If this was some sort of knee-jerk reaction I would expect it to have fallen apart now at the apparent lack of threat. They could simply be more forward thinking than I'd expect. However, I doubt that would trump the more immediate concerns of revenge and survival for all of them.
That isn't great or as substantial as I was hoping for. But, it puts another nail into the theory that this is not some sort of organic movement. Unfortunately, that's just telling me what I already suspect. The remote nature of the settlements and general Vacuan disposition prevents me from finding out more to substantiate that theory.
Annoyingly enough I have to turn to SDC reports to shed any sort of light. Supposedly they had just started negotiations with a few members of the now formed coalition for permission to survey their land. The SDC were apparently hopeful that some sort of agreement could be reached only for efforts to fall through completely.
Try as I might, I can't find anything that would corroborate their feelings. However, it is genuinely baffling that all of those contacted would refuse outright or cut off negotiations so suddenly. I'd expect more self-interest out of the groups even with the painful reminders of the past.
With my investigative efforts proving a dead end, I swap over to a more general approach. I already know that many of these groups don't historically get along. However, they have to organize themselves somehow. Even if I can't find out exactly how they do so right at this very moment, there has to be some clue as to their structure.
Except, as I go through report after report from my men, I can't find anything. This isn't due to a dearth of information like what vexes me with my investigations. Rather, it truly seems like there just isn't any sort of hierarchy or even factions.
Whenever my men look into the matter, they simply receive a plethora of conflicting answers. Granted, they receive much of their information secondhand from trade partners and some members of the involved groups. I don't expect this to be a hundred percent accurate or even all that much. However, to have such a mess of conflicting information where any semblance of pattern recognition is doomed to die strikes me as odd.
The best we get is that the more prosperous isolated settlements are the leaders, obviously. However, there is a supreme lack of evidence to suggest this. The nomadic groups certainly don't believe they're working for or are subordinate to anyone. If anything, most seem to think they're the leader of the coalition, which just strikes me as odd again. Something this chaotic shouldn't be able to hold itself together.
Of course, this is just the thoughts of the common people as we haven't reached out to the leadership quite yet. However, despite that, there should be something. The only other reasonable explanation is that the leadership are all in agreement over something and keeping it from their people. Something which is equally baffling especially on such a large scale.
Which, now that I've looked into it, is another oddity. Historically speaking it usually takes months at the minimum to organize anything like this in Vacuo. Typically requiring extensive preparations for every party to meet with a significant amount of forces for a meet or council.
The various nomad groups would have to bring their whole tribes with them out of necessity. They couldn't exactly travel without guard and doing so would just leave their people without protection in addition to leadership. This requires a level of logistical planning that is simply absent from everything I can tell.
Of course, I already knew that, but it stands in stark contrast to historical examples. Especially with how quickly and subtly it came about. As far as subtlety is concerned, it's not exactly easy to tell that from historical records, but speed is much easier to measure.
While smaller in scope, the next closest example I can find is Malik the Sunderer who took years to unite the tribes and conquer Vacuo. While this can be expedited with certain technological advances, there isn't any report of bullheads and the rapidity is outright miraculous regardless in addition to doing so without notice.
All of this combined just again begs the question of who's behind it. Oz and James suspect that Salem is operating in Mistral and she's the only person who I expect could compel this sort of behavior. Only, there is a dearth of any sightings of anyone like her or the grimm acting oddly.
Someone would have to have noticed her or her actions yet none of that is here. I simply refuse to believe that any proxies of hers would be enough to knock the tribes together. Plus, that is still predicated on the possibility that she'd be able to do so subtly and without resistance.
I'm simply missing too much to make any determination. However, I'm absolutely certain that the coalition has a leader beyond that of the various tribes and settlements. There's really no other explanation for their odd structure, quick formation, and apparent cooperation.
Frustrated, I turn to see if there's anything I can discern about the coalition and how they operate. Surely they have to communicate with themselves or their apparent overlord. Something that can be traced given how many are outside of stable CCTS range.
My frustration continues to bleed through while I continue to find nothing substantial. That is until Blake comes in and takes a seat next to me, knocking her hips against mine. A fresh set of eyes should do us some good. Only, she doesn't find anything as well. Well, nothing meaningful at any rate.
There are plenty of reports and rumors about individuals or groups traversing in the sands. However, most of those can be placed as Huntsmen or small parties from the various nomads. Tracking what we can of the rumors doesn't have them meaningfully interact with any of the groups in question. For all intents and purposes it just seems like they simply don't communicate with one another.
The CCTS could be an explanation for this absence of activity, but that doesn't explain the nomadic groups. As far as anyone can tell, they've traveled their usual routes and haven't split off their members for any sort of communication. Either they have no interest in participating in the coalition, in which case why join in the first place, or something else is going on.
Immediately my attention is drawn back to the communication grimm. Apparently Oz was able to capture the beast and experiments are underway to see if we can detect whenever it's operating. That's a weight off my shoulders, but doesn't help here. However, I have previously discounted their use in this instance and that logic holds true here.
Messing about with grimm isn't exactly easy and it doesn't explain how the nomad groups would cart theirs around without any suspicion. I highly doubt that the populace of any of these groups would be okay with that sort of thing even if the leadership could be convinced. Technically that doesn't preclude it as a possibility, but it does make it way less likely. Just like how this absence of information doesn't mean that the Vacuans are somehow evading notice from my agents and various locals.
I'm not going to pretend like my men are the absolute best and able to sniff out everything. But, to assume that every part of the opposing side is supremely competent is just as fallacious. There are weak links everywhere, and the more people involved, the greater the complexity, the more likely there is for cracks to show.
As I've discovered just recently, whatever is going on with the coalition is highly complex. Requiring either an unimaginable level of cooperation with disparate leaders or requiring some sort of hidden higher power to orchestrate. Both necessitate a greater degree of complexity, though expressed in different ways.
If it is a wholly cooperative effort, then there has to be discussion between the various members on how they act. Either that or they have to somehow all be on the same page and render communication unnecessary. Alternatively, if it's led by one ring-leader, constant communication is less of an issue, but I'd imagine they'd want some way to ensure loyalty. Communication is one way to ensure that, but hardly the only one.
With that assumption, one alternative is far more likely than the other, even if that wasn't already my suspicion. With that in mind there are only so many ways that this works out.
The first is that there is communication between these parties, but it can't be picked up on. Like the communication grimm, there are ways to get around the CCTS barrier. These are mostly semblance related. Someone could have a teleportation semblance like Raven, but less limited, or even some sort of telepathy semblance.
Based on my limited understanding of the mechanics, both are rather unlikely, solely due to the scale involved. However, the limiting factor in that sense would be aura and I just so happen to know that can be solved with the application of a certain semblance. If Gillian truly was kidnapped like I suspect then it would explain very handily how this is all coming to be. However, that's also taking the easy way out when there are other just as valid options to consider.
The next of which would be that each of the groups have some sort of trusted minder to ensure they are cooperating. I suppose that could be extended as expecting genuine loyalty from the various groups, but I'm not silly enough to consider that. At least under normal circumstances. If I'm throwing in semblance shenanigans with unlimited aura, or near enough, there are simply too many variables to consider.
It comes to my mind that there is simply too much overlap between the disappearances of strong semblance users and this exact scenario for me to wholly discount it. That's a very disturbing possibility now that I consider it. However, I can't put my stock in it fully. I need more evidence first. Until then I have to consider things that are somewhat conventionally possible. Which, if I do so, I find the prospect of trusted minders a bit too far fetched under normal circumstances.
It comes with the usual loyalty problem, plus it would be dispersing manpower. With how many groups are involved and the base level of strength necessary for any minder…I just don't want to consider where these people would come from or the implications of having such strength hidden away until now. It just doesn't make any sense for there to be no signs beforehand. Although, it's not like Vacuo is in the best state to monitor their internal affairs.
Annoying, but I still mark it as unlikely, vastly so. What that leaves me with is a bit more of a palatable option, hostages. There were 'volunteers' from the various groups of the coalition. While the people we've questioned have more or less affirmed they left voluntarily, how likely is that in reality? It was already questionable that any would depart from their tribes, much less for it to be something that affected all of them.
That, in my mind, is the most conventionally possible of my theories. There should still be more evidence I think than what I've found. Although, I can admit that investigating anything in Vacuo is incredibly difficult. If there was genuine concern for their loved ones, I wouldn't expect Vacuans to cooperate with me. Not with their general disdain of authorities and their isolation. However, I would expect a couple of them to crack if this was really under duress, especially with how isolated some of these groups are.
I assign some men to make the perhaps futile attempt of getting anything out of the families left behind. Meanwhile, Blake and I look into various sightings of strange people in order to see if we can locate them on our own. Predictably this leads us right back to the usual black hole that is Vacuo. After hours of fruitless searching I have to call it a day and simply wait on what my men can find.
I'm not too hopeful that we'll discover anything truly meaningful. Even if we do, I suspect that it will just confirm my assumptions. Likely something about how those who left would never do so under normal circumstances. That is if we get anything out of them at all.
Technically there's one final thing for me to look into this week, but my attention is drawn back to the implication behind what I've discovered. Unfortunately it's overly vague, but I think Theo and Oz could do with a notice of some sort. The real question is if I should assure them that I'm looking into the matter or not. Not having to deal with any interference has its own appeal. Especially since I don't know who is involved in this to any significant degree.
On the flip side, having additional assistance could prove fruitful. There does come the risk that they'd tip off whoever's responsible. At least to the degree that someone is looking for them. However, I can't be certain they don't suspect that already based on my activities. While I like to think my men have kept a low profile, I don't think it's impossible for their presence to have been noticed. How much of a problem that is isn't really something discernable to me.
I can, however, discern some level of the threat I'm up against. Considering the scope and fact that those with strong semblances have been kidnapped, I can conclude that there is likely one of two types of semblances involved. Either theft or mental manipulation.
Permanent instances of both have never been proven to exist, though with unlimited aura that's perhaps a moot consideration. Supposedly, Marcus Black could steal semblances permanently. I'm unsure how much I actually believe that based on everything I know. It certainly isn't impossible I suppose, but if so, I highly doubt that the conspiracy would let him act as an assassin. Simply too risky for him to fall to the clutches of Salem and build up endlessly.
Which, again, puts a dent in that theory; endlessly stacking semblances should be impossible even if you could rip them out of a person. There's only so much body for a soul to inhabit and sticking soul bits to yourself has to level off at some point.
However, even with that data point, it's not impossible to consider if aura is involved. If the person responsible has some sort of temporary ability that requires aura to maintain, that seems more plausible. At the very least they would be an incredibly destructive individual and perhaps capable of browbeating the various tribes into submission. I'm unsure how they'd do so subtly without some sort of mental manipulation, but it's possible. Essentially a self-made maiden.
The other possibility is perhaps the more frightening one. Mental semblances are hardly unheard of. Heck, Emerald arguably had one, though hers was more temporary in nature and evidently required a great deal of concentration. However, semblances like that aren't the only ones to consider. Ember, one of our potential political candidates, had what appeared to be one. Looking into her, I can confirm that it is a semblance that's responsible. Although, finding out from Atlesian files is a bit surprising.
It turns out she's taken her pacifism schtick to Mistral under the approval and support of Atlas. According to them, her semblance is essentially always on and temporary. The exact mechanics are a bit confusing, but the apparent effect is that whoever listens to one of her speeches is either inclined to think of things as ideally as possible or can't properly conceive the worst case scenario. It's a bit hard to determine since the effect is usually accompanied by one of her speeches, which are a bit on the naive side, but strike a chord with people regardless.
That's already two instances that I know of concerning mental semblances. It isn't too hard to conceive of one that has a more permanent or maintained effect. Even if it would be utterly impractical otherwise, essentially limitless aura covers a multitude of sins and defects.
It would be foolish to think that either is endlessly scalable. Otherwise the problem at hand would be much more dire and observable. However, that doesn't mean that it's not a huge pain in the ass. Especially since the introduction of near limitless aura means I have to throw out the book of usual aura limitations.
In that light, perhaps it is better to enlist the help of Oz and Theo. At the same time, there are only so many assets they can move to investigate. One downside to the way the conspiracy is structured is that Oz has gone for a quality over quantity approach. I can't say it doesn't work for him, but against the theorized threats it's distinctly unhelpful. Especially if the semblance in question is some sort of mental manipulation.
Oz has brought up the possibility of secrets being torn out of agents and myself in particular. Of course, he has options and defenses that we don't have access to. Still, his logic is sound and arguably applies in this case. There's no real concern for having those secrets stolen if I use intermediaries that don't know anything of real import.
That gives me one thing to ponder and I briefly realize that I have another. My plan was to have our men meet with the coalition. Ostensibly to discuss terms. Not that that's not the main concern, but there was always the possibility to have them involve themselves more and achieve a secondary objective. With what I know now, that may not be the wisest idea.
I could still go through with it. At the very least I could use it as a cover that everything is business as usual as far as my operations are concerned. Perhaps use them to drop hints that we're stretched thin and pulling back on operations in Vacuo. I'm unsure if that would be really all that meaningful for whoever is in charge, but it is an option.
Alternatively, I could have them do, really anything with the coalition, but I can consider that more fully later. For now I need to decide on if we're winding down those operations or going through with them regardless. That and if I should ask for Theo and Oz's help or not, for the reasons I've deliberated on already.
Blake and I double check our findings one final time before I compose my findings and send them to Oz. It's much less than what I'd prefer to give him, but after abusing his trust I can't do so again so soon. It would be a lot more impactful I feel if I had more proof for my theories, but they're the only ones that make sense and include all of the pieces.
Of course, if this is a matter where someone is acting almost at random then that all goes out the window. My theorizing of a theft or mental manipulation semblance only really makes sense if those with powerful semblances have indeed been kidnapped and kept alive. I don't know that for certain. For all I know they were taken out to the desert, killed, then buried.
While that's possible that's a lot of effort for not really any discernible gain. Similarly, the coalition could be founded by someone who just wants to exclude foreign influences with no ulterior motive, but again, that's a lot of effort. I have to believe that there is some greater point than what I'm immediately seeing. Even if I can't quite prove it yet.
Belatedly, I realize that I'll have to inform Raven to some degree as well. I guess also ask Yang and her Dad to make sure she isn't acting strangely in the future. Raven probably isn't going to like being sent so close to conspiracy business, but there's not much I can do about that. There's also the possibility that I could have sent her headlong to whoever's responsible for what's going on. Who knows how disastrous that could have been.
Of course, all of this investigating, compiling, and sending out orders has eaten up a lot of time. I started just after coming back with Coral and Jasmine with Blake joining me an hour or so later. We sort of didn't stop with the momentum we got until the very end. Which has Blake crashing after another all-nighter, but she's hanging on admirably. I think in an effort to keep up with me.
That's all very cute and the only thing I can really think of is to take her and tuck her into bed. Or, I could use my semblance and we can nap right here. Before I can do so, one of the doors to the assembly hall is thrown open.
"Ochre Rovere," Weiss belts at the top of her lungs as she storms over to where Blake and I are sitting. She plants both her arms on her hips, her elbows flared out and forming triangles as if to make herself seem larger. "Do you have any idea how long the two of you have been at it?"
Her poor phrasing aside, I can't exactly take that lying down. "Weiss, this was important. We discovered a scheme in Vacuo. You know those native tribes that have been-"
"Shush," she states and presses a finger against my lips. "You can tell me all about it later. For now, the two of you have been working much too hard. You need a break, the both of you…and besides you have an obligation you have to take care of," she finishes almost shyly, worrying away at her bottom lip as she does so.
Despite that, I think her indignation at me working is genuine. Not that I regret my actions or can really let up. She's just worrying too much and after some time together it shouldn't be too much of an issue. I only have…okay, I have quite a bit left on my plate, but a lot of it is White Fang stuff. That's at least less intensive on my part even if it's still 'work.'
Weiss drags me pretty much bodily from my seat while Blake sends a half wave and slumps over. I hope she's not planning on sleeping like that. Unfortunately any attempt to protest or change the situation is unlikely to amount to anything. Well, without me making a big deal of it. Better to just send a message to Ruby and Yang to take care of my cat-eared girlfriend.
After I do so I can give my Weiss my full attention and the two of us depart from the Belladonna manor, hands held between us. Technically I could show her anywhere in Menagerie and fulfill the letter of her request. I know just as well as she does that's not playing by the spirit which only leaves me with two real possibilities to show her around. One would be my watering hole, but the twins sort of had a point that there's nothing to really do there.
Instead I lead us through the winding streets until we arrive at my old house. Like many others in my home it's small and raised off the ground with small wooden steps leading to the entrance. The paint on the outside is much more worn than I last remember it. Not even a year has passed, but it's not like Dad was able to keep up with the little household repairs.
Inside is a room with a small divider between the living/dining area and the kitchen as well as doors leading to the rest of the house. Not that there's much of interest aside from Dad and I's bedroom. Of course the latter of all that is what has my girlfriend's attention and it's with a little apprehension that I let her in.
It's not all that large, but I never really needed a large space. Any studying, writing, or reading I'd do would be in the main room of the house. On the wall opposite of our entrance is a small wooden slat window, to the left is a door to a small closet space, and to the right nestled in the corner is my old bed, the only real bit of furnishing I have.
As soon as we enter Weiss grabs hold of me and presses her lips against mine. Slowly by degrees we stumble over to my bed and fall upon it. Then we rock against the wall and reflexively roll the other way. This sends us tumbling over and I freeze up as my cheeks heat up.
I should have expected that this would be a problem. My old bed is hardly big enough to fit just me. It was never designed for an adult, much less two. As embarrassed as I am, I don't really notice my girlfriend's initial reaction.
I come to when I realize that she's cradling my head against her chest. As if in reassurance that she's not judging me for my lack of adequate accommodations. I don't know if she finds the whole situation funny, but I don't think she's judging me and I can allow myself to relax.
"Sorry, I just- well, I'm not sure what I was expecting," I state, managing that much.
She hums and that seems to be the end of that until she revises her response. "I love you."
"I know that," I respond almost petulantly before throwing out a, "Love you too."
"I know," she replies with a teasing lilt in her voice. Despite it all I find myself relaxing. "I just felt you needed to hear that again."
"You're the best."
She draws a haughty sniff and I just know her head is tilted back with her nose pointed to the sky. "You know it! Praise me more."
"Needy today aren't you," I needle.
"The only neediness I need to deal with is needing you to relax."
"Got a few ideas for that after Kel's comment," I tease back.
"I-" she stops her response entirely. Her voice is gone until she barely manages, "Maybe a few."
I could tease her some more, but instead I grab the back of her head and pull her into a gentle kiss. "I'm sure they're all amazing. What do you want to do?"
"I don't want to make you uncomfortable," she demures. I simply hum and don't press her. Not like I'm missing out on much, but this is for her benefit and not mine. She's clearly the uncomfortable one. Some casual conversation should do her well.
"I don't mind being uncomfortable if it's for you," I whisper and then hold her tight. A pleasant hum greets my gesture and my words. She's probably taking them as another affirmation of our future home in Vale.
The reminder doesn't cause me to tense up. Well, not enough for me to not tamper down on it. It probably helps that it wasn't my intention to bring that up. I'm not even really sure what I was trying to get at with my words.
There's the obvious and ephemeral desire to reassure my girlfriend, but that extends beyond this mere moment. Arguably the house issue addresses that. That I'm willing to accept a small sacrifice in my comfort for her benefit, but that isn't exactly accurate. It's not like I'm not benefitting from the arrangement; Blake too, I suppose.
Weiss may want it more, but that doesn't exactly erase the source of my apprehension. She's certainly put up with and sacrificed more in my mind for our relationship. Not that I haven't done the same to a degree, but those were more hindrances than anything that made me truly uncomfortable. Things that made my professional goals harder to achieve; they didn't exactly impact me personally.
I know inviting her into my room and letting her into my life that little bit is enough to satisfy her. Just a few more minutes of this and we can proceed with an enjoyable evening. That's all well and good, and even enticing, but it isn't enough. Not after all she's done for me.
Despite that certainty of thought, my courage isn't quite there. Or maybe I'm just too comfortable laying with my girlfriend. Either way, my collection in the closet can wait a few minutes more.
I trail my fingers through her hair while one hand remains against the back of her neck, pressing her head against my chest. She's all too happy to let herself relax, letting her arms hang limp around my neck and let out small appreciative hums all the while. It is alluring to continue with this halcyon moment until I decide to suddenly still my ministrations.
"Ochre?" Her tone has a small undercurrent of worry. As if expecting that I have something on my mind. I can't say that I don't, but she'll understand soon enough.
"I have something I want to show you," I state knowing that doesn't actually explain anything. Regardless, she trusts me enough to simply nod and make a noise of interest. I set her on my bed and walk over to my closet.
Inside isn't anything special, mostly clothes that don't fit me anymore and a few knick-knacks. Well, that and the thing I actually want her to see, though I guess that's just more knick-knacks. It's really not anything all that special, just the idle hobby of a child.
The box containing my little treasures is rather small, easily carried with one hand if I wasn't worried about disturbing the contents. Particularly limiting, but space has always been at a premium and I could never bring myself to run roughshod over practicality. Well, more than I already did by asking Dad to get me something like this.
My head turns to my girlfriend as my hands absently grab the box. Knowing her, space would never be an issue if I brought up any of my wants or desires. In more ways than one I suppose.
Despite her clinginess, in general and as of late, she is more than capable of putting away her desires for me. As evidenced by how we can go days or weeks without seeing each other without any real complaint on her end. Something that's pretty much a necessity considering Huntsmen life. It's obviously not her preference, but that hasn't stopped her from acting outside of her preference a lot for this relationship. I just need to return the favor.
I make my way back to the far too small bed, take a seat next to my girlfriend, set my collection across our laps unopened, and wrap an arm around her waist. Our legs already rub against each other, but she seems to read into what I'm getting across. She tries to scooch over as much as she can, only really impressing more of her weight against me, and trails an arm along my back. Her other hand rests on an edge of the box ready to open it. Curiously she's not attempting to do so quite yet.
With how she's arranged herself, she can't do it on her own. That just makes me aware of her lack of attempting to do so regardless. Most likely in an attempt to console me or make sure I'm ready and really want this. Despite my apprehension, I simply shake my head. This is just a box of memories in the end and she's already accepted a much worse side of me.
"It's not much, I know," I start while lifting up on my edge. "I used to go swimming or trawling the beach a lot when I was a kid. It's…really embarrassing actually; I just started collecting them because I thought they looked pretty. I still do, but I'm not really interested in collecting any more. They wouldn't be the same as all these."
"Why not," she questions lightly as the box is opened. I think she knows why. She just wants to hear it from me while her hand lightly ruffles through my connection. It's not really organized in any way other than rough coloration similarities. Not that I'm embarrassed about the disorganization or anything; I was just a kid back then.
"I had to put all that away when I joined the White Fang. I didn't have the time to waste on pretty baubles when I had far more practical concerns on my mind. Plus, I couldn't take these with me or really grow my collection. I could only carry so much with me and when heading out into the wilderness, supplies were always a greater concern."
I sigh, "I just had to discard it as a part of growing up. I couldn't let it weigh me down in my attempt to achieve my goals."
Weiss is silent for a long moment, her hand still ruffling through the collection of shells but with her eyes entirely on me. She doesn't quite look lost, more conflicted than anything else. Like she's sad but determined.
"Have you given any thought to picking it back up again," she asks softly. There's a certain weight to her words. Like she desperately wants me to for some reason.
It brings me to pause for a few seconds, trying to parse the reason why. It feels so long ago, but I think there was a similar conversation that we had about this once upon a time. Before we started dating I think. About how she was ready to hang up her singing career. In that light, I gave that back to her, but she hasn't been able to do the same for me; of course she's being silly like that.
"I'd argue that I already have." My statement doesn't clear up any of her confusion, so I continue, "You've been inside my dorm. You know that little shelf that I have next to my bed."
"The one with that carnival plushie and the one I bought," she questions. The former isn't exactly from a carnival, but I suppose an amusement park is close enough. Of course, what they actually represent to me is my relationship with my girlfriends.
"Yeah, there are a few other things there, but it's not the objects themselves that are important. They never were that important to me, more the memories behind them." No real sense in being too materialistic when there wasn't much in Menagerie to begin with, at least from my perspective.
"Oh," she lets out in an interested tone. Then she stares at the collection intensely, as if trying to burn the objects into her mind. Like she's treating them as important to her as they are to me. Actually maybe a bit more important now that I think about it.
"It's not like I remember the story behind each and every one of them. It's more…just the general sense of being a kid and not having to worry about things. Well, as much as I do now I guess."
She nods with a small downward pull of her lips, "Still, you must remember some of them." Of course she'd be like this; she just wants to know more about me. Not that I have any problem inviting her more into my life.
I chuckle, "I suppose I do." I pick up one of them at random, "This one I found while swimming at the dockside marketplace. I think I was seven or so at the time. Of course, I was looking for various shells and shinies at the time so it's not all that special, but, well, as a part of the larger whole it still is."
"And this one," she points to another random shell, this one conical and red.
Truthfully I've forgotten the story behind that one, but it doesn't really matter. I simply provide her with a story of my past that I do remember. It's not to deceive her, but rather to give her what she really wants with her inquiries.
We continue like that for many minutes. Me simply regaling her with tale after tale of my childhood. Not that any of them are all that exciting, but she seems more than happy just to sit there and hear them.
Eventually her questions die down and she throws me a soft look. Then her hand runs over a few of my treasures. "I," she starts and halts immediately. I hum and squeeze her side. She shakes her head, "Sorry, I…I just wanted to ask if it was alright if I borrowed a few of them?" Her voice is soft and quite, with an undercurrent of desire.
I doubt her plan is to simply borrow them. More like on permanent loan or with some other idea in mind. Despite that, it's no easy thing for me to simply let go of them. Even if it's only a small portion of the whole it feels like giving away a part of myself. But, well, I guess that's just more reason to do so.
I put on a brave face and a light smile, "Of course you can snow flower." She practically vibrates at the approval and pet name. However, she doesn't greedily start picking out the objects of her desire. Instead she sets the box aside in order to wrap me in a full hug, her head right underneath my chin and resting in her hair.
"Thank you, my knight," she returns with a similar affection. Entirely genuine and pleased in her tone of voice. She lets her response hang for a few seconds before she nuzzles against me some more.
I kiss the top of her head, more than happy to just stay like that myself. However, an itch seems to work away at the both of us as we slowly lean back until we're propped up against the wall. A sort of tenderness in the motion. Afterwards she looks up at me and we hold each other's eyes.
A certain phrase comes to my lips, but it's entirely unnecessary for either of us to say. We know it just as well as the other. We say it anyway. "I love you."
Slowly we shift and get more comfortable by laying fully on the bed. Well, I do at any rate. It's still too tight of a fit for her to lay next to me so my girlfriend instead takes a spot atop me. A lot like the times we'd stay the night at Coral's apartment. Unlike those times, Weiss doesn't have to remain all that quiet.
At first she starts humming one of her songs. Not quite in a way to bring me to sleep, that's certainly not what she's after. Rather it feels more meaningful and it takes me a while to place the tune. When I do, she smiles and starts singing it quietly instead.
It's a new song for her, no doubt in preparation for our upcoming concert in Atlas. It's also, perhaps predictably, a love song. For whatever reason, I'm the one who's more embarrassed to hear it than she is to sing it.
A heat in my cheeks continues to build and to my misfortune my girlfriend cottons on. She brings her volume even lower, somehow still carrying a melody while in a near whisper. A whisper that she brings to my upper ears. All the while paying attention to my faunus features. With one hand caressing the back of my ears and the other rubbing a small circle around one of my spots.
It's not like that's been an issue for quite a while now. However, she no doubt still remembers my reluctance to show off my features. Either trying to reassure what she perceives as an insecurity or to highlight that it is indeed me who she's referring to in her song. As both the subject and the inspiration.
That, admittedly, brings a heady feeling to me. However, it's not really enough to breach past all my other feelings. Eventually I pull her into a kiss just so she'll stop. Something that just causes her to giggle when we break away. Then she exhales in content, more than satisfied for the two of us to rest like this for a few minutes or even hours.
I know she has more planned for the evening, but it's hard not to fall into that sort of laziness along with her. It wouldn't even be ruining her plans. We don't have any explicit responsibilities so it could always wait until morning. I, however, am not one to put off things for that long. Not when we've made another affirmation of our relationship. Maybe it would be better to wait, but I feel now's the best time to push past what few reservations we've held up until now.
"Weiss," I prompt with a small shake.
She grunts and dramatically cracks open an eye the tiniest bit. As if to say I'm disturbing her rest and she is unamused. I roll my eyes and she scoffs. Then she buries her head against me.
"Do we have to," she questions, already suspecting that I have something more serious on my mind than simple words of affirmation.
"Not if you don't want to," I reassure. I more feel than see her smile in the way she shifts atop me. Not quite happily returning to her relaxed moment, but confident that I'd let the matter drop if that's what she wants.
"Am I going to be upset if I hear you out?"
"No. Whatever happens I don't want that." Technically that isn't a guarantee. I just want to get my intent across more than anything.
"Good." She props herself up with her elbows on my chest and her hands holding her head above mine. "But, this isn't going to be easy either," she states rather than questions. Most likely relating the upcoming experience to plenty we've had prior.
"I don't think I've disappointed you yet," I joke. Her eyes soften at that, but not fully. Something is still behind them and implies there is an event that is debatable in her mind. One that I think I can guess.
Not that I let the heavy thought enter my serious tone, "Nothing worth doing ever is. And this," I cup her face with my hand and she lets one of her arms fall out, trusting me to keep her upright. "This is definitely worth it."
"Charmer," she quips, but is unable to keep a certain happy tone out of her voice.
I'm of half a mind to quip back, falling into our usual dynamic. Instead I stare into her cool blue eyes and give her a quick kiss. Something that gets a hum of appreciation afterwards and does much to set the tone in a relaxed atmosphere.
"I'm not letting you go anywhere; I just think it's time to discuss some difficulties."
"Not letting me go anywhere," she challenges back, pressing against my possessive language.
"Yes," I state firmly. That was half the point of using it. No need to reassure her that I'm not going anywhere again. Not when we're talking about the things that might bring us apart. Doing so implies that I've made up my mind to stick with her; that she would be the one who has to resist these efforts. Something that we both know isn't up for consideration in her mind.
It only takes her a second to process that and for a silly smile to worm its way across her face. Not quite losing herself or forgetting the seriousness of the moment. Just indulging in it as much as she can.
"Okay, what difficulties then? Is this about the White Fang?" Despite her best attempt there is a worrying lilt at the end of her tone.
I give her a reassuring kiss, "No. Sort of. Not in the way it originally was. It's not ideal, but I've dealt with that as best as I can and I've established myself. It's more related to the reason you dragged me off today to begin with."
She covers up her tensing frame with an interested hum. Not quite trusting herself to venture her thoughts at the moment.
I pull her in close, "It's okay. I love you." The promise in those words and what I said earlier is enough to set her at ease.
"So what's the issue?" I simply stare at her and her cheeks heat up. Coming to the obvious conclusion that it's her behavior around my work-life that I'm bringing attention to.
Before she can grow too embarrassed or put upon, I prompt, "I know why. But, if you ever need me, ever want me, I'll be there."
I'm not ignorant of the source of her apprehension. Not after what happened to her family and what drove them apart to begin with. At least outwardly speaking. My words in that sense actually address her worries without stating them directly.
"Promise," she asks in a small voice. Lacking much of the usual firmness I'd associate with this kind of request from her.
"Of course." Despite the reassurance, she doesn't relax fully. Something else is on her mind and I brace myself.
"Even if-" she stops herself until I send her a reassuring look and nod my head. This is something we need to talk about after all. "Even if it comes between me or your home?"
I don't bother trying to put up a strong front. Letting myself deflate while still mindful to fully support my girlfriend. Truthfully I've had to give the matter a lot of thought and I'm still not entirely certain. I don't think I'll ever be until the moment comes.
However, I can evaluate my recent actions and behavior and come to certain conclusions. The whole mess that was that ambush in Mistral ostensibly points to me prioritizing my home over my girlfriends, or at least my work. However, my actions afterwards, as pointed out by Ghira, aren't exactly as congruent.
At some point I've allowed myself to deviate from that single-minded focus. Either out of personal or professional obligation to my men and the conspiracy at large. Given the focus I've given Maple I have to assume it's the former. It can even apply to James as annoying as that is to consider in certain aspects.
That, of course, has to apply even more so for my girlfriends. If they earnestly asked me to stop, I don't know what I'd do. However, I know they won't ask that of me. Heck, I brought it up with Weiss last week and she told me exactly how she felt about that.
"I think you need me more than my home does," I settle on eventually. It's not a full assurance, but it feels like an honest one at this point.
A smile splits Weiss' face before freezing which is accompanied by a darkening of her features. Likely in guilt that she's happy with my response when she knows how much my home means to me.
"I know you're not going to make me choose," I reassure with a soft voice. "Just like how I'm not going to make you." Belatedly I realize that my first sentence could be read as an allusion to our somewhat messy situation of our relationship and mine with Blake. Something we might need to address, but isn't exactly my intent to get into now.
"Well," she drawls in a weak voice. More so dealing with her guilt and searching for a way to convey a sentiment than out of any real apprehension or aversion to bringing up a topic. "If you were ever to ask it of me, I know which I'd choose."
She finishes by staring me right in the eyes, trying her best not to blink and impart the seriousness of her promise. I sort of suspected that she'd be fine giving up on her ambitions if it meant staying with me. Although, it could also be read in regards to my relationship with Blake. I don't know if she fully intends the double meaning though.
Regardless, the admission still hits hard and it's hard to breathe properly. Not really all that helped by my girlfriend still digging one of her elbows into my chest and pressing a good portion of her weight there. She seems to realize the predicament shortly afterwards and finally blinks. Then stares down at her elbow as if mortified that she wasn't properly considering that.
It's all too cute for me and so I pull her in for a kiss. Collapsing her attempts to remain upright as I hold the back of her head and press a hand along her back.
Of course, we haven't actually delved into how we're going to deal with the awkwardness of our work situations. Those details will just have to be hammered out later and I don't think she'll get over her aversion. Just that those things are rather immaterial when we've affirmed that neither of those are more important than what we have. That hasn't actually been tested in practice, so there's every possibility it falls apart. However, I think as long as we're both trying it won't be so much of an issue in Weiss' mind.[/Spoiler][/Spoiler]
To deal with that, I send a message to Blake and head to the assembly hall. A not so curious room for the Belladonnas to have when one considers that their home also serves as the center of governance for Kuo Kuana. The expansive two story room with long tables and many chairs is likely used for any sort of public forums and announcements. I briefly wonder how this will change in the future once we have a council or if we'll simply build a new dedicated building for that purpose.
I don't dwell on that for too long and instead dig into what reports my men have collated over the past couple of weeks. This time my focus is outside of Vacuo proper, very much so. The anti-foreigner coalition hasn't really made any moves as of yet; perhaps simply a defensive and reactive organization in the end. However, there are too many oddities surrounding them for me to ignore completely.
Even if they seem to be perfectly harmless, I'd rather deal with any potential problems as early as possible. Not that I'm writing them off as a hostile power immediately. I'd much rather work with them if at all possible. Especially with my efforts to expand my reach in Vacuo.
So far that's only concerned with settlements and groups near the cities, which this coalition is not. However, it does put my men and them in much closer contact. And, that's ignoring how Weiss and the SDC may be trying to operate in the area. It's really in everyone's best interests to deal with any quibbles before they become real problems, but to do that I need information. There's nothing for me to do besides get started, really.
Coalition Animosity:
Investigation Check: Rank: 4.95 +.5(Assistance)=5.45 vs Challenge 3/5/6
Final DC: autopass/39/64
BO2 Source: Assistance (Desert Agents)
Dice: 2d100
16,25
Politics Check: Rank: 2.23 +.5(Assistance)=2.73 vs Challenge 3/4
Final DC: 57/82
BO2 Source: Assistance (Desert Agents)
Dice: 2d100
90,16
Investigation Check: Rank: 4.95 +.5(Assistance)=5.45 vs Challenge 3/5/6
Final DC: autopass/39/64
BO2 Source: Assistance (Desert Agents)
Dice: 2d100
16,25
Politics Check: Rank: 2.23 +.5(Assistance)=2.73 vs Challenge 3/4
Final DC: 57/82
BO2 Source: Assistance (Desert Agents)
Dice: 2d100
90,16
My investigation begins with the coalition and its odd membership. Mainly seeking to discover what could be binding them together. It would be all too easy to simply chalk it up to anti-foreigner sentiment and a desire to keep themselves safe and unexploited. While that is valid, it also doesn't fit. Not with the members that call themselves a part of the coalition.
Damn near every isolated settlement and tribe in the Eastern and Western deserts has found themselves a part of this organization. Even if they are near constant rivals and enemies. This goes beyond abandoned faunus groups and tribes that assisted Mistral and Mantle in the oppression of Vacuo. There are some groups that have full on blood feuds stretching back centuries. Feuds that they have somehow been able to put away in the name of cooperation.
While that could be taken as an incredible triumph of the human spirit and compassion, I refuse to believe it's that simple. In fact, my reports indicate that some of these groups were either fighting with one another or preparing to before they suddenly decided to join together. This evident hostility also falls into a timeframe of months after my men and Weiss' established themselves and we haven't made any significant moves.
If this was some sort of knee-jerk reaction I would expect it to have fallen apart now at the apparent lack of threat. They could simply be more forward thinking than I'd expect. However, I doubt that would trump the more immediate concerns of revenge and survival for all of them.
That isn't great or as substantial as I was hoping for. But, it puts another nail into the theory that this is not some sort of organic movement. Unfortunately, that's just telling me what I already suspect. The remote nature of the settlements and general Vacuan disposition prevents me from finding out more to substantiate that theory.
Annoyingly enough I have to turn to SDC reports to shed any sort of light. Supposedly they had just started negotiations with a few members of the now formed coalition for permission to survey their land. The SDC were apparently hopeful that some sort of agreement could be reached only for efforts to fall through completely.
Try as I might, I can't find anything that would corroborate their feelings. However, it is genuinely baffling that all of those contacted would refuse outright or cut off negotiations so suddenly. I'd expect more self-interest out of the groups even with the painful reminders of the past.
With my investigative efforts proving a dead end, I swap over to a more general approach. I already know that many of these groups don't historically get along. However, they have to organize themselves somehow. Even if I can't find out exactly how they do so right at this very moment, there has to be some clue as to their structure.
Except, as I go through report after report from my men, I can't find anything. This isn't due to a dearth of information like what vexes me with my investigations. Rather, it truly seems like there just isn't any sort of hierarchy or even factions.
Whenever my men look into the matter, they simply receive a plethora of conflicting answers. Granted, they receive much of their information secondhand from trade partners and some members of the involved groups. I don't expect this to be a hundred percent accurate or even all that much. However, to have such a mess of conflicting information where any semblance of pattern recognition is doomed to die strikes me as odd.
The best we get is that the more prosperous isolated settlements are the leaders, obviously. However, there is a supreme lack of evidence to suggest this. The nomadic groups certainly don't believe they're working for or are subordinate to anyone. If anything, most seem to think they're the leader of the coalition, which just strikes me as odd again. Something this chaotic shouldn't be able to hold itself together.
Of course, this is just the thoughts of the common people as we haven't reached out to the leadership quite yet. However, despite that, there should be something. The only other reasonable explanation is that the leadership are all in agreement over something and keeping it from their people. Something which is equally baffling especially on such a large scale.
Which, now that I've looked into it, is another oddity. Historically speaking it usually takes months at the minimum to organize anything like this in Vacuo. Typically requiring extensive preparations for every party to meet with a significant amount of forces for a meet or council.
The various nomad groups would have to bring their whole tribes with them out of necessity. They couldn't exactly travel without guard and doing so would just leave their people without protection in addition to leadership. This requires a level of logistical planning that is simply absent from everything I can tell.
Of course, I already knew that, but it stands in stark contrast to historical examples. Especially with how quickly and subtly it came about. As far as subtlety is concerned, it's not exactly easy to tell that from historical records, but speed is much easier to measure.
While smaller in scope, the next closest example I can find is Malik the Sunderer who took years to unite the tribes and conquer Vacuo. While this can be expedited with certain technological advances, there isn't any report of bullheads and the rapidity is outright miraculous regardless in addition to doing so without notice.
All of this combined just again begs the question of who's behind it. Oz and James suspect that Salem is operating in Mistral and she's the only person who I expect could compel this sort of behavior. Only, there is a dearth of any sightings of anyone like her or the grimm acting oddly.
Someone would have to have noticed her or her actions yet none of that is here. I simply refuse to believe that any proxies of hers would be enough to knock the tribes together. Plus, that is still predicated on the possibility that she'd be able to do so subtly and without resistance.
I'm simply missing too much to make any determination. However, I'm absolutely certain that the coalition has a leader beyond that of the various tribes and settlements. There's really no other explanation for their odd structure, quick formation, and apparent cooperation.
Frustrated, I turn to see if there's anything I can discern about the coalition and how they operate. Surely they have to communicate with themselves or their apparent overlord. Something that can be traced given how many are outside of stable CCTS range.
Coalition: Mutual Connection
Investigation Check: Rank: 4.95 +.5(Assistance)=5.45 vs Challenge 5
Final Modifier: +11
BO2 Source: Assistance(Desert Agents)
Dice: 2d100+11
51,67 + 11 = 62,78
Investigation Check: Rank: 4.95 +.5(Assistance)=5.45 vs Challenge 5
Final Modifier: +11
BO2 Source: Assistance(Desert Agents)
Dice: 2d100+11
51,67 + 11 = 62,78
My frustration continues to bleed through while I continue to find nothing substantial. That is until Blake comes in and takes a seat next to me, knocking her hips against mine. A fresh set of eyes should do us some good. Only, she doesn't find anything as well. Well, nothing meaningful at any rate.
There are plenty of reports and rumors about individuals or groups traversing in the sands. However, most of those can be placed as Huntsmen or small parties from the various nomads. Tracking what we can of the rumors doesn't have them meaningfully interact with any of the groups in question. For all intents and purposes it just seems like they simply don't communicate with one another.
The CCTS could be an explanation for this absence of activity, but that doesn't explain the nomadic groups. As far as anyone can tell, they've traveled their usual routes and haven't split off their members for any sort of communication. Either they have no interest in participating in the coalition, in which case why join in the first place, or something else is going on.
Immediately my attention is drawn back to the communication grimm. Apparently Oz was able to capture the beast and experiments are underway to see if we can detect whenever it's operating. That's a weight off my shoulders, but doesn't help here. However, I have previously discounted their use in this instance and that logic holds true here.
Messing about with grimm isn't exactly easy and it doesn't explain how the nomad groups would cart theirs around without any suspicion. I highly doubt that the populace of any of these groups would be okay with that sort of thing even if the leadership could be convinced. Technically that doesn't preclude it as a possibility, but it does make it way less likely. Just like how this absence of information doesn't mean that the Vacuans are somehow evading notice from my agents and various locals.
I'm not going to pretend like my men are the absolute best and able to sniff out everything. But, to assume that every part of the opposing side is supremely competent is just as fallacious. There are weak links everywhere, and the more people involved, the greater the complexity, the more likely there is for cracks to show.
As I've discovered just recently, whatever is going on with the coalition is highly complex. Requiring either an unimaginable level of cooperation with disparate leaders or requiring some sort of hidden higher power to orchestrate. Both necessitate a greater degree of complexity, though expressed in different ways.
If it is a wholly cooperative effort, then there has to be discussion between the various members on how they act. Either that or they have to somehow all be on the same page and render communication unnecessary. Alternatively, if it's led by one ring-leader, constant communication is less of an issue, but I'd imagine they'd want some way to ensure loyalty. Communication is one way to ensure that, but hardly the only one.
With that assumption, one alternative is far more likely than the other, even if that wasn't already my suspicion. With that in mind there are only so many ways that this works out.
The first is that there is communication between these parties, but it can't be picked up on. Like the communication grimm, there are ways to get around the CCTS barrier. These are mostly semblance related. Someone could have a teleportation semblance like Raven, but less limited, or even some sort of telepathy semblance.
Based on my limited understanding of the mechanics, both are rather unlikely, solely due to the scale involved. However, the limiting factor in that sense would be aura and I just so happen to know that can be solved with the application of a certain semblance. If Gillian truly was kidnapped like I suspect then it would explain very handily how this is all coming to be. However, that's also taking the easy way out when there are other just as valid options to consider.
The next of which would be that each of the groups have some sort of trusted minder to ensure they are cooperating. I suppose that could be extended as expecting genuine loyalty from the various groups, but I'm not silly enough to consider that. At least under normal circumstances. If I'm throwing in semblance shenanigans with unlimited aura, or near enough, there are simply too many variables to consider.
It comes to my mind that there is simply too much overlap between the disappearances of strong semblance users and this exact scenario for me to wholly discount it. That's a very disturbing possibility now that I consider it. However, I can't put my stock in it fully. I need more evidence first. Until then I have to consider things that are somewhat conventionally possible. Which, if I do so, I find the prospect of trusted minders a bit too far fetched under normal circumstances.
It comes with the usual loyalty problem, plus it would be dispersing manpower. With how many groups are involved and the base level of strength necessary for any minder…I just don't want to consider where these people would come from or the implications of having such strength hidden away until now. It just doesn't make any sense for there to be no signs beforehand. Although, it's not like Vacuo is in the best state to monitor their internal affairs.
Annoying, but I still mark it as unlikely, vastly so. What that leaves me with is a bit more of a palatable option, hostages. There were 'volunteers' from the various groups of the coalition. While the people we've questioned have more or less affirmed they left voluntarily, how likely is that in reality? It was already questionable that any would depart from their tribes, much less for it to be something that affected all of them.
That, in my mind, is the most conventionally possible of my theories. There should still be more evidence I think than what I've found. Although, I can admit that investigating anything in Vacuo is incredibly difficult. If there was genuine concern for their loved ones, I wouldn't expect Vacuans to cooperate with me. Not with their general disdain of authorities and their isolation. However, I would expect a couple of them to crack if this was really under duress, especially with how isolated some of these groups are.
Coalition: Volunteers
Investigation Check: Rank: 4.95 +.5(Assistance)=5.45 vs Challenge 5
Final Modifier: +11
BO2 Source: Assistance(Desert Agents)
Dice: 2d100+11
31,25 + 11 = 42,36
Investigation Check: Rank: 4.95 +.5(Assistance)=5.45 vs Challenge 5
Final Modifier: +11
BO2 Source: Assistance(Desert Agents)
Dice: 2d100+11
31,25 + 11 = 42,36
I assign some men to make the perhaps futile attempt of getting anything out of the families left behind. Meanwhile, Blake and I look into various sightings of strange people in order to see if we can locate them on our own. Predictably this leads us right back to the usual black hole that is Vacuo. After hours of fruitless searching I have to call it a day and simply wait on what my men can find.
I'm not too hopeful that we'll discover anything truly meaningful. Even if we do, I suspect that it will just confirm my assumptions. Likely something about how those who left would never do so under normal circumstances. That is if we get anything out of them at all.
Technically there's one final thing for me to look into this week, but my attention is drawn back to the implication behind what I've discovered. Unfortunately it's overly vague, but I think Theo and Oz could do with a notice of some sort. The real question is if I should assure them that I'm looking into the matter or not. Not having to deal with any interference has its own appeal. Especially since I don't know who is involved in this to any significant degree.
On the flip side, having additional assistance could prove fruitful. There does come the risk that they'd tip off whoever's responsible. At least to the degree that someone is looking for them. However, I can't be certain they don't suspect that already based on my activities. While I like to think my men have kept a low profile, I don't think it's impossible for their presence to have been noticed. How much of a problem that is isn't really something discernable to me.
I can, however, discern some level of the threat I'm up against. Considering the scope and fact that those with strong semblances have been kidnapped, I can conclude that there is likely one of two types of semblances involved. Either theft or mental manipulation.
Permanent instances of both have never been proven to exist, though with unlimited aura that's perhaps a moot consideration. Supposedly, Marcus Black could steal semblances permanently. I'm unsure how much I actually believe that based on everything I know. It certainly isn't impossible I suppose, but if so, I highly doubt that the conspiracy would let him act as an assassin. Simply too risky for him to fall to the clutches of Salem and build up endlessly.
Which, again, puts a dent in that theory; endlessly stacking semblances should be impossible even if you could rip them out of a person. There's only so much body for a soul to inhabit and sticking soul bits to yourself has to level off at some point.
However, even with that data point, it's not impossible to consider if aura is involved. If the person responsible has some sort of temporary ability that requires aura to maintain, that seems more plausible. At the very least they would be an incredibly destructive individual and perhaps capable of browbeating the various tribes into submission. I'm unsure how they'd do so subtly without some sort of mental manipulation, but it's possible. Essentially a self-made maiden.
The other possibility is perhaps the more frightening one. Mental semblances are hardly unheard of. Heck, Emerald arguably had one, though hers was more temporary in nature and evidently required a great deal of concentration. However, semblances like that aren't the only ones to consider. Ember, one of our potential political candidates, had what appeared to be one. Looking into her, I can confirm that it is a semblance that's responsible. Although, finding out from Atlesian files is a bit surprising.
It turns out she's taken her pacifism schtick to Mistral under the approval and support of Atlas. According to them, her semblance is essentially always on and temporary. The exact mechanics are a bit confusing, but the apparent effect is that whoever listens to one of her speeches is either inclined to think of things as ideally as possible or can't properly conceive the worst case scenario. It's a bit hard to determine since the effect is usually accompanied by one of her speeches, which are a bit on the naive side, but strike a chord with people regardless.
That's already two instances that I know of concerning mental semblances. It isn't too hard to conceive of one that has a more permanent or maintained effect. Even if it would be utterly impractical otherwise, essentially limitless aura covers a multitude of sins and defects.
It would be foolish to think that either is endlessly scalable. Otherwise the problem at hand would be much more dire and observable. However, that doesn't mean that it's not a huge pain in the ass. Especially since the introduction of near limitless aura means I have to throw out the book of usual aura limitations.
In that light, perhaps it is better to enlist the help of Oz and Theo. At the same time, there are only so many assets they can move to investigate. One downside to the way the conspiracy is structured is that Oz has gone for a quality over quantity approach. I can't say it doesn't work for him, but against the theorized threats it's distinctly unhelpful. Especially if the semblance in question is some sort of mental manipulation.
Oz has brought up the possibility of secrets being torn out of agents and myself in particular. Of course, he has options and defenses that we don't have access to. Still, his logic is sound and arguably applies in this case. There's no real concern for having those secrets stolen if I use intermediaries that don't know anything of real import.
That gives me one thing to ponder and I briefly realize that I have another. My plan was to have our men meet with the coalition. Ostensibly to discuss terms. Not that that's not the main concern, but there was always the possibility to have them involve themselves more and achieve a secondary objective. With what I know now, that may not be the wisest idea.
I could still go through with it. At the very least I could use it as a cover that everything is business as usual as far as my operations are concerned. Perhaps use them to drop hints that we're stretched thin and pulling back on operations in Vacuo. I'm unsure if that would be really all that meaningful for whoever is in charge, but it is an option.
Alternatively, I could have them do, really anything with the coalition, but I can consider that more fully later. For now I need to decide on if we're winding down those operations or going through with them regardless. That and if I should ask for Theo and Oz's help or not, for the reasons I've deliberated on already.
Assistance: This is big enough that assistance is warranted. I'm unsure how much Oz could provide with what's going on in Mistral, but Theo at least should be capable of doing something. (3)
+Talk with only Oz. There is a chance that someone close to Theo could be compromised. (after all if they target people with strong semblances then Shade teachers would be a prime candidate) (3)
+Ask Ozpin to send Qrow to investigate. (with his ability to turn into a bird Qrow should be able to go unoticed. Plus flight gives him a big range of movement.) (1)
Solo: With what I know right now, involving anyone else involved in the conspiracy is probably bad idea. Better to keep a low profile and low risk presence until I have more to work with. (0)
Meeting: There's arguably still benefits to be gained by meeting with the coalition. I'll need to deliberate on what exactly my plan is, but I know I can think of something. (3)
+ Tell the coalition that we are planning on backing up. Should be believable given that next week we should take the mistral reinforcements. (1)
+ Try to see if our agents can plant some bugs on the coalition property. Who knows, maybe we will hit a jackpot later on? Besides, if its dangerous for humans/faunus to spy on the coalition from close by, then the second option would be to spy from a distance. (1)
Scuttle(+1 org action next week): With what I know now, meeting with the coalition is going to do more harm than good. Better to pull out and reassign our resources elsewhere. (0)
+Talk with only Oz. There is a chance that someone close to Theo could be compromised. (after all if they target people with strong semblances then Shade teachers would be a prime candidate) (3)
+Ask Ozpin to send Qrow to investigate. (with his ability to turn into a bird Qrow should be able to go unoticed. Plus flight gives him a big range of movement.) (1)
Solo: With what I know right now, involving anyone else involved in the conspiracy is probably bad idea. Better to keep a low profile and low risk presence until I have more to work with. (0)
Meeting: There's arguably still benefits to be gained by meeting with the coalition. I'll need to deliberate on what exactly my plan is, but I know I can think of something. (3)
+ Tell the coalition that we are planning on backing up. Should be believable given that next week we should take the mistral reinforcements. (1)
+ Try to see if our agents can plant some bugs on the coalition property. Who knows, maybe we will hit a jackpot later on? Besides, if its dangerous for humans/faunus to spy on the coalition from close by, then the second option would be to spy from a distance. (1)
Scuttle(+1 org action next week): With what I know now, meeting with the coalition is going to do more harm than good. Better to pull out and reassign our resources elsewhere. (0)
Blake and I double check our findings one final time before I compose my findings and send them to Oz. It's much less than what I'd prefer to give him, but after abusing his trust I can't do so again so soon. It would be a lot more impactful I feel if I had more proof for my theories, but they're the only ones that make sense and include all of the pieces.
Of course, if this is a matter where someone is acting almost at random then that all goes out the window. My theorizing of a theft or mental manipulation semblance only really makes sense if those with powerful semblances have indeed been kidnapped and kept alive. I don't know that for certain. For all I know they were taken out to the desert, killed, then buried.
While that's possible that's a lot of effort for not really any discernible gain. Similarly, the coalition could be founded by someone who just wants to exclude foreign influences with no ulterior motive, but again, that's a lot of effort. I have to believe that there is some greater point than what I'm immediately seeing. Even if I can't quite prove it yet.
Belatedly, I realize that I'll have to inform Raven to some degree as well. I guess also ask Yang and her Dad to make sure she isn't acting strangely in the future. Raven probably isn't going to like being sent so close to conspiracy business, but there's not much I can do about that. There's also the possibility that I could have sent her headlong to whoever's responsible for what's going on. Who knows how disastrous that could have been.
Of course, all of this investigating, compiling, and sending out orders has eaten up a lot of time. I started just after coming back with Coral and Jasmine with Blake joining me an hour or so later. We sort of didn't stop with the momentum we got until the very end. Which has Blake crashing after another all-nighter, but she's hanging on admirably. I think in an effort to keep up with me.
That's all very cute and the only thing I can really think of is to take her and tuck her into bed. Or, I could use my semblance and we can nap right here. Before I can do so, one of the doors to the assembly hall is thrown open.
"Ochre Rovere," Weiss belts at the top of her lungs as she storms over to where Blake and I are sitting. She plants both her arms on her hips, her elbows flared out and forming triangles as if to make herself seem larger. "Do you have any idea how long the two of you have been at it?"
Her poor phrasing aside, I can't exactly take that lying down. "Weiss, this was important. We discovered a scheme in Vacuo. You know those native tribes that have been-"
"Shush," she states and presses a finger against my lips. "You can tell me all about it later. For now, the two of you have been working much too hard. You need a break, the both of you…and besides you have an obligation you have to take care of," she finishes almost shyly, worrying away at her bottom lip as she does so.
Despite that, I think her indignation at me working is genuine. Not that I regret my actions or can really let up. She's just worrying too much and after some time together it shouldn't be too much of an issue. I only have…okay, I have quite a bit left on my plate, but a lot of it is White Fang stuff. That's at least less intensive on my part even if it's still 'work.'
Weiss drags me pretty much bodily from my seat while Blake sends a half wave and slumps over. I hope she's not planning on sleeping like that. Unfortunately any attempt to protest or change the situation is unlikely to amount to anything. Well, without me making a big deal of it. Better to just send a message to Ruby and Yang to take care of my cat-eared girlfriend.
After I do so I can give my Weiss my full attention and the two of us depart from the Belladonna manor, hands held between us. Technically I could show her anywhere in Menagerie and fulfill the letter of her request. I know just as well as she does that's not playing by the spirit which only leaves me with two real possibilities to show her around. One would be my watering hole, but the twins sort of had a point that there's nothing to really do there.
Instead I lead us through the winding streets until we arrive at my old house. Like many others in my home it's small and raised off the ground with small wooden steps leading to the entrance. The paint on the outside is much more worn than I last remember it. Not even a year has passed, but it's not like Dad was able to keep up with the little household repairs.
Inside is a room with a small divider between the living/dining area and the kitchen as well as doors leading to the rest of the house. Not that there's much of interest aside from Dad and I's bedroom. Of course the latter of all that is what has my girlfriend's attention and it's with a little apprehension that I let her in.
It's not all that large, but I never really needed a large space. Any studying, writing, or reading I'd do would be in the main room of the house. On the wall opposite of our entrance is a small wooden slat window, to the left is a door to a small closet space, and to the right nestled in the corner is my old bed, the only real bit of furnishing I have.
As soon as we enter Weiss grabs hold of me and presses her lips against mine. Slowly by degrees we stumble over to my bed and fall upon it. Then we rock against the wall and reflexively roll the other way. This sends us tumbling over and I freeze up as my cheeks heat up.
I should have expected that this would be a problem. My old bed is hardly big enough to fit just me. It was never designed for an adult, much less two. As embarrassed as I am, I don't really notice my girlfriend's initial reaction.
I come to when I realize that she's cradling my head against her chest. As if in reassurance that she's not judging me for my lack of adequate accommodations. I don't know if she finds the whole situation funny, but I don't think she's judging me and I can allow myself to relax.
"Sorry, I just- well, I'm not sure what I was expecting," I state, managing that much.
She hums and that seems to be the end of that until she revises her response. "I love you."
"I know that," I respond almost petulantly before throwing out a, "Love you too."
"I know," she replies with a teasing lilt in her voice. Despite it all I find myself relaxing. "I just felt you needed to hear that again."
"You're the best."
She draws a haughty sniff and I just know her head is tilted back with her nose pointed to the sky. "You know it! Praise me more."
"Needy today aren't you," I needle.
"The only neediness I need to deal with is needing you to relax."
"Got a few ideas for that after Kel's comment," I tease back.
"I-" she stops her response entirely. Her voice is gone until she barely manages, "Maybe a few."
I could tease her some more, but instead I grab the back of her head and pull her into a gentle kiss. "I'm sure they're all amazing. What do you want to do?"
"I don't want to make you uncomfortable," she demures. I simply hum and don't press her. Not like I'm missing out on much, but this is for her benefit and not mine. She's clearly the uncomfortable one. Some casual conversation should do her well.
Momentos: She said she wanted to see every inch of my home. It might not be much, but I think she'll appreciate being shown a little collection of mine. (2)
Obstacles: Maybe she'll appreciate an affirmation of our relationship of sorts. Dealing with the little problems in our relationship, and work especially, as best as we can. (2)
Family: She has some sort of meeting planned with her family. It might be a good idea to see what I can do to help or even what she wants me to do in the first place. (0)
Upbringing: Well, there really is no better place for this kind of conversation. At the very least I think she'll like hearing about my childhood even if it wasn't really all that great. (0)
Support: She really does put up with a lot when it comes to me. Maybe I shouldn't make a big deal about that, but I know a few ways to express my appreciation. (0)
Aversion: Really not that big of a deal and something she's already aware of. However, it might be a good idea to touch on. (0)
Obstacles: Maybe she'll appreciate an affirmation of our relationship of sorts. Dealing with the little problems in our relationship, and work especially, as best as we can. (2)
Family: She has some sort of meeting planned with her family. It might be a good idea to see what I can do to help or even what she wants me to do in the first place. (0)
Upbringing: Well, there really is no better place for this kind of conversation. At the very least I think she'll like hearing about my childhood even if it wasn't really all that great. (0)
Support: She really does put up with a lot when it comes to me. Maybe I shouldn't make a big deal about that, but I know a few ways to express my appreciation. (0)
Aversion: Really not that big of a deal and something she's already aware of. However, it might be a good idea to touch on. (0)
"I don't mind being uncomfortable if it's for you," I whisper and then hold her tight. A pleasant hum greets my gesture and my words. She's probably taking them as another affirmation of our future home in Vale.
The reminder doesn't cause me to tense up. Well, not enough for me to not tamper down on it. It probably helps that it wasn't my intention to bring that up. I'm not even really sure what I was trying to get at with my words.
There's the obvious and ephemeral desire to reassure my girlfriend, but that extends beyond this mere moment. Arguably the house issue addresses that. That I'm willing to accept a small sacrifice in my comfort for her benefit, but that isn't exactly accurate. It's not like I'm not benefitting from the arrangement; Blake too, I suppose.
Weiss may want it more, but that doesn't exactly erase the source of my apprehension. She's certainly put up with and sacrificed more in my mind for our relationship. Not that I haven't done the same to a degree, but those were more hindrances than anything that made me truly uncomfortable. Things that made my professional goals harder to achieve; they didn't exactly impact me personally.
I know inviting her into my room and letting her into my life that little bit is enough to satisfy her. Just a few more minutes of this and we can proceed with an enjoyable evening. That's all well and good, and even enticing, but it isn't enough. Not after all she's done for me.
Despite that certainty of thought, my courage isn't quite there. Or maybe I'm just too comfortable laying with my girlfriend. Either way, my collection in the closet can wait a few minutes more.
I trail my fingers through her hair while one hand remains against the back of her neck, pressing her head against my chest. She's all too happy to let herself relax, letting her arms hang limp around my neck and let out small appreciative hums all the while. It is alluring to continue with this halcyon moment until I decide to suddenly still my ministrations.
"Ochre?" Her tone has a small undercurrent of worry. As if expecting that I have something on my mind. I can't say that I don't, but she'll understand soon enough.
"I have something I want to show you," I state knowing that doesn't actually explain anything. Regardless, she trusts me enough to simply nod and make a noise of interest. I set her on my bed and walk over to my closet.
Inside isn't anything special, mostly clothes that don't fit me anymore and a few knick-knacks. Well, that and the thing I actually want her to see, though I guess that's just more knick-knacks. It's really not anything all that special, just the idle hobby of a child.
The box containing my little treasures is rather small, easily carried with one hand if I wasn't worried about disturbing the contents. Particularly limiting, but space has always been at a premium and I could never bring myself to run roughshod over practicality. Well, more than I already did by asking Dad to get me something like this.
My head turns to my girlfriend as my hands absently grab the box. Knowing her, space would never be an issue if I brought up any of my wants or desires. In more ways than one I suppose.
Despite her clinginess, in general and as of late, she is more than capable of putting away her desires for me. As evidenced by how we can go days or weeks without seeing each other without any real complaint on her end. Something that's pretty much a necessity considering Huntsmen life. It's obviously not her preference, but that hasn't stopped her from acting outside of her preference a lot for this relationship. I just need to return the favor.
I make my way back to the far too small bed, take a seat next to my girlfriend, set my collection across our laps unopened, and wrap an arm around her waist. Our legs already rub against each other, but she seems to read into what I'm getting across. She tries to scooch over as much as she can, only really impressing more of her weight against me, and trails an arm along my back. Her other hand rests on an edge of the box ready to open it. Curiously she's not attempting to do so quite yet.
With how she's arranged herself, she can't do it on her own. That just makes me aware of her lack of attempting to do so regardless. Most likely in an attempt to console me or make sure I'm ready and really want this. Despite my apprehension, I simply shake my head. This is just a box of memories in the end and she's already accepted a much worse side of me.
"It's not much, I know," I start while lifting up on my edge. "I used to go swimming or trawling the beach a lot when I was a kid. It's…really embarrassing actually; I just started collecting them because I thought they looked pretty. I still do, but I'm not really interested in collecting any more. They wouldn't be the same as all these."
"Why not," she questions lightly as the box is opened. I think she knows why. She just wants to hear it from me while her hand lightly ruffles through my connection. It's not really organized in any way other than rough coloration similarities. Not that I'm embarrassed about the disorganization or anything; I was just a kid back then.
"I had to put all that away when I joined the White Fang. I didn't have the time to waste on pretty baubles when I had far more practical concerns on my mind. Plus, I couldn't take these with me or really grow my collection. I could only carry so much with me and when heading out into the wilderness, supplies were always a greater concern."
I sigh, "I just had to discard it as a part of growing up. I couldn't let it weigh me down in my attempt to achieve my goals."
Weiss is silent for a long moment, her hand still ruffling through the collection of shells but with her eyes entirely on me. She doesn't quite look lost, more conflicted than anything else. Like she's sad but determined.
"Have you given any thought to picking it back up again," she asks softly. There's a certain weight to her words. Like she desperately wants me to for some reason.
It brings me to pause for a few seconds, trying to parse the reason why. It feels so long ago, but I think there was a similar conversation that we had about this once upon a time. Before we started dating I think. About how she was ready to hang up her singing career. In that light, I gave that back to her, but she hasn't been able to do the same for me; of course she's being silly like that.
"I'd argue that I already have." My statement doesn't clear up any of her confusion, so I continue, "You've been inside my dorm. You know that little shelf that I have next to my bed."
"The one with that carnival plushie and the one I bought," she questions. The former isn't exactly from a carnival, but I suppose an amusement park is close enough. Of course, what they actually represent to me is my relationship with my girlfriends.
"Yeah, there are a few other things there, but it's not the objects themselves that are important. They never were that important to me, more the memories behind them." No real sense in being too materialistic when there wasn't much in Menagerie to begin with, at least from my perspective.
"Oh," she lets out in an interested tone. Then she stares at the collection intensely, as if trying to burn the objects into her mind. Like she's treating them as important to her as they are to me. Actually maybe a bit more important now that I think about it.
"It's not like I remember the story behind each and every one of them. It's more…just the general sense of being a kid and not having to worry about things. Well, as much as I do now I guess."
She nods with a small downward pull of her lips, "Still, you must remember some of them." Of course she'd be like this; she just wants to know more about me. Not that I have any problem inviting her more into my life.
I chuckle, "I suppose I do." I pick up one of them at random, "This one I found while swimming at the dockside marketplace. I think I was seven or so at the time. Of course, I was looking for various shells and shinies at the time so it's not all that special, but, well, as a part of the larger whole it still is."
"And this one," she points to another random shell, this one conical and red.
Truthfully I've forgotten the story behind that one, but it doesn't really matter. I simply provide her with a story of my past that I do remember. It's not to deceive her, but rather to give her what she really wants with her inquiries.
We continue like that for many minutes. Me simply regaling her with tale after tale of my childhood. Not that any of them are all that exciting, but she seems more than happy just to sit there and hear them.
Eventually her questions die down and she throws me a soft look. Then her hand runs over a few of my treasures. "I," she starts and halts immediately. I hum and squeeze her side. She shakes her head, "Sorry, I…I just wanted to ask if it was alright if I borrowed a few of them?" Her voice is soft and quite, with an undercurrent of desire.
I doubt her plan is to simply borrow them. More like on permanent loan or with some other idea in mind. Despite that, it's no easy thing for me to simply let go of them. Even if it's only a small portion of the whole it feels like giving away a part of myself. But, well, I guess that's just more reason to do so.
I put on a brave face and a light smile, "Of course you can snow flower." She practically vibrates at the approval and pet name. However, she doesn't greedily start picking out the objects of her desire. Instead she sets the box aside in order to wrap me in a full hug, her head right underneath my chin and resting in her hair.
"Thank you, my knight," she returns with a similar affection. Entirely genuine and pleased in her tone of voice. She lets her response hang for a few seconds before she nuzzles against me some more.
I kiss the top of her head, more than happy to just stay like that myself. However, an itch seems to work away at the both of us as we slowly lean back until we're propped up against the wall. A sort of tenderness in the motion. Afterwards she looks up at me and we hold each other's eyes.
A certain phrase comes to my lips, but it's entirely unnecessary for either of us to say. We know it just as well as the other. We say it anyway. "I love you."
Slowly we shift and get more comfortable by laying fully on the bed. Well, I do at any rate. It's still too tight of a fit for her to lay next to me so my girlfriend instead takes a spot atop me. A lot like the times we'd stay the night at Coral's apartment. Unlike those times, Weiss doesn't have to remain all that quiet.
At first she starts humming one of her songs. Not quite in a way to bring me to sleep, that's certainly not what she's after. Rather it feels more meaningful and it takes me a while to place the tune. When I do, she smiles and starts singing it quietly instead.
It's a new song for her, no doubt in preparation for our upcoming concert in Atlas. It's also, perhaps predictably, a love song. For whatever reason, I'm the one who's more embarrassed to hear it than she is to sing it.
A heat in my cheeks continues to build and to my misfortune my girlfriend cottons on. She brings her volume even lower, somehow still carrying a melody while in a near whisper. A whisper that she brings to my upper ears. All the while paying attention to my faunus features. With one hand caressing the back of my ears and the other rubbing a small circle around one of my spots.
It's not like that's been an issue for quite a while now. However, she no doubt still remembers my reluctance to show off my features. Either trying to reassure what she perceives as an insecurity or to highlight that it is indeed me who she's referring to in her song. As both the subject and the inspiration.
That, admittedly, brings a heady feeling to me. However, it's not really enough to breach past all my other feelings. Eventually I pull her into a kiss just so she'll stop. Something that just causes her to giggle when we break away. Then she exhales in content, more than satisfied for the two of us to rest like this for a few minutes or even hours.
I know she has more planned for the evening, but it's hard not to fall into that sort of laziness along with her. It wouldn't even be ruining her plans. We don't have any explicit responsibilities so it could always wait until morning. I, however, am not one to put off things for that long. Not when we've made another affirmation of our relationship. Maybe it would be better to wait, but I feel now's the best time to push past what few reservations we've held up until now.
"Weiss," I prompt with a small shake.
She grunts and dramatically cracks open an eye the tiniest bit. As if to say I'm disturbing her rest and she is unamused. I roll my eyes and she scoffs. Then she buries her head against me.
"Do we have to," she questions, already suspecting that I have something more serious on my mind than simple words of affirmation.
"Not if you don't want to," I reassure. I more feel than see her smile in the way she shifts atop me. Not quite happily returning to her relaxed moment, but confident that I'd let the matter drop if that's what she wants.
"Am I going to be upset if I hear you out?"
"No. Whatever happens I don't want that." Technically that isn't a guarantee. I just want to get my intent across more than anything.
"Good." She props herself up with her elbows on my chest and her hands holding her head above mine. "But, this isn't going to be easy either," she states rather than questions. Most likely relating the upcoming experience to plenty we've had prior.
"I don't think I've disappointed you yet," I joke. Her eyes soften at that, but not fully. Something is still behind them and implies there is an event that is debatable in her mind. One that I think I can guess.
Not that I let the heavy thought enter my serious tone, "Nothing worth doing ever is. And this," I cup her face with my hand and she lets one of her arms fall out, trusting me to keep her upright. "This is definitely worth it."
"Charmer," she quips, but is unable to keep a certain happy tone out of her voice.
I'm of half a mind to quip back, falling into our usual dynamic. Instead I stare into her cool blue eyes and give her a quick kiss. Something that gets a hum of appreciation afterwards and does much to set the tone in a relaxed atmosphere.
"I'm not letting you go anywhere; I just think it's time to discuss some difficulties."
"Not letting me go anywhere," she challenges back, pressing against my possessive language.
"Yes," I state firmly. That was half the point of using it. No need to reassure her that I'm not going anywhere again. Not when we're talking about the things that might bring us apart. Doing so implies that I've made up my mind to stick with her; that she would be the one who has to resist these efforts. Something that we both know isn't up for consideration in her mind.
It only takes her a second to process that and for a silly smile to worm its way across her face. Not quite losing herself or forgetting the seriousness of the moment. Just indulging in it as much as she can.
"Okay, what difficulties then? Is this about the White Fang?" Despite her best attempt there is a worrying lilt at the end of her tone.
I give her a reassuring kiss, "No. Sort of. Not in the way it originally was. It's not ideal, but I've dealt with that as best as I can and I've established myself. It's more related to the reason you dragged me off today to begin with."
She covers up her tensing frame with an interested hum. Not quite trusting herself to venture her thoughts at the moment.
I pull her in close, "It's okay. I love you." The promise in those words and what I said earlier is enough to set her at ease.
"So what's the issue?" I simply stare at her and her cheeks heat up. Coming to the obvious conclusion that it's her behavior around my work-life that I'm bringing attention to.
Before she can grow too embarrassed or put upon, I prompt, "I know why. But, if you ever need me, ever want me, I'll be there."
I'm not ignorant of the source of her apprehension. Not after what happened to her family and what drove them apart to begin with. At least outwardly speaking. My words in that sense actually address her worries without stating them directly.
"Promise," she asks in a small voice. Lacking much of the usual firmness I'd associate with this kind of request from her.
"Of course." Despite the reassurance, she doesn't relax fully. Something else is on her mind and I brace myself.
"Even if-" she stops herself until I send her a reassuring look and nod my head. This is something we need to talk about after all. "Even if it comes between me or your home?"
I don't bother trying to put up a strong front. Letting myself deflate while still mindful to fully support my girlfriend. Truthfully I've had to give the matter a lot of thought and I'm still not entirely certain. I don't think I'll ever be until the moment comes.
However, I can evaluate my recent actions and behavior and come to certain conclusions. The whole mess that was that ambush in Mistral ostensibly points to me prioritizing my home over my girlfriends, or at least my work. However, my actions afterwards, as pointed out by Ghira, aren't exactly as congruent.
At some point I've allowed myself to deviate from that single-minded focus. Either out of personal or professional obligation to my men and the conspiracy at large. Given the focus I've given Maple I have to assume it's the former. It can even apply to James as annoying as that is to consider in certain aspects.
That, of course, has to apply even more so for my girlfriends. If they earnestly asked me to stop, I don't know what I'd do. However, I know they won't ask that of me. Heck, I brought it up with Weiss last week and she told me exactly how she felt about that.
"I think you need me more than my home does," I settle on eventually. It's not a full assurance, but it feels like an honest one at this point.
A smile splits Weiss' face before freezing which is accompanied by a darkening of her features. Likely in guilt that she's happy with my response when she knows how much my home means to me.
"I know you're not going to make me choose," I reassure with a soft voice. "Just like how I'm not going to make you." Belatedly I realize that my first sentence could be read as an allusion to our somewhat messy situation of our relationship and mine with Blake. Something we might need to address, but isn't exactly my intent to get into now.
"Well," she drawls in a weak voice. More so dealing with her guilt and searching for a way to convey a sentiment than out of any real apprehension or aversion to bringing up a topic. "If you were ever to ask it of me, I know which I'd choose."
She finishes by staring me right in the eyes, trying her best not to blink and impart the seriousness of her promise. I sort of suspected that she'd be fine giving up on her ambitions if it meant staying with me. Although, it could also be read in regards to my relationship with Blake. I don't know if she fully intends the double meaning though.
Regardless, the admission still hits hard and it's hard to breathe properly. Not really all that helped by my girlfriend still digging one of her elbows into my chest and pressing a good portion of her weight there. She seems to realize the predicament shortly afterwards and finally blinks. Then stares down at her elbow as if mortified that she wasn't properly considering that.
It's all too cute for me and so I pull her in for a kiss. Collapsing her attempts to remain upright as I hold the back of her head and press a hand along her back.
Of course, we haven't actually delved into how we're going to deal with the awkwardness of our work situations. Those details will just have to be hammered out later and I don't think she'll get over her aversion. Just that those things are rather immaterial when we've affirmed that neither of those are more important than what we have. That hasn't actually been tested in practice, so there's every possibility it falls apart. However, I think as long as we're both trying it won't be so much of an issue in Weiss' mind.[/Spoiler][/Spoiler]