RWBY – The Cat Rubbing Against The Wallflower

The lunchroom is always full during meal times, especially with the new students that came for the Vytal Festival Tournament. That makes everything loud, busy, and makes it easier for you to go unnoticed despite sitting with some friends. You sit there, half your food still on your plate as your eyes wander. Despite all the bland uniforms and simple hair colors, there's one girl who catches your immediate attention. You don't know her name, you can barely hear her voice, but her flashy attire and vibrant colors draw your eyes like a moth to a flame. Though it'd be a moving flame as this woman doesn't want to stay still. She's rollerblading around the table over and over, eating pieces of her food on the move.

Your looks don't go unnoticed, something that rarely happens, by one friend at your table.

"You're quiet. What're you looking at?" Ren inquires.

Ren, one friend who also tends to go unnoticed. Not nearly as much as you, though. People are far more likely to notice the stoic, confident student than you. Perhaps that tendency to remain silent is a reason you two became quick friends.

"Oh..." You turn to face Ren. "Nothing. Just looking at the new students."

"Hm, I see. Yes, there are some very interesting students around. That girl really stands out," Ren gestures to the exact same girl you were looking at.

Your face drops and you squint your eyes.

"That wasn't random, was it?"

"You're not subtle," Ren snickers.

You shrug.

"Guess I'm just used to not being noticed. My subtleness must have gotten rusty."

"Or you're too distracted by that woman. Why don't you speak to her?"

You set your arms on the table and lay your head on them.

"No, that's okay. I'm fine with just sitting here listening to you."

Ren lets you be, turning his attention back to the main conversation. You began thinking about your food but your fingers only scrape the table. You look up towards where your meal should be but there's nothing.

"Oh, right, the line was really long."

You stand up and leave the table unnoticed. You weave through the tables, sometimes having to dodge people's arms when they're talking and don't realize you're passing them. You slip by another table when someone slams into you. You somehow manage to stay standing but they lose their balance and fall. You rub your nose before looking down at the person who hit you. Your cheeks immediately go red when you see the girl you... noticed earlier is the one on the floor.

"Oh my god, I'm soooooo sorry. I didn't see you there," she apologizes.

You offer your hand, which she takes, and you pull her up.

"It's... fine. I'm used to it," you shrug.

"No, no, no, I never miss a beat. I'm always so attentive yet I didn't even see you. That's super lame on my part."

You rub the back of your head, a little overwhelmed by her enthusiasm.

"It's fine, really. I... um..." Gathering all your courage you manage to ask a single question. "What's... your name?"

"Oh, I'm Neon. You?"

"(Y/N)."

"Oh, well I-"

"Neon, come here! I got something for you!" Someone at a nearby table shouts.

"Oh, gotta get back to the team, you know," she says apologetically yet still energetically. "I'll see you around!" She waves, winking before she rolls away.

"Heh... probably not."

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You were lying in your bed reading a novel that your parents bought as a gift for getting into Beacon. This is your best way to distract yourself when your teammates begin arguing. You have no idea why Ozpin put your team together considering your chemistry is one of the worst you've seen in all of Beacon. That's not even considering that he put you as team leader, likely the worst decision he could have made. They rarely hear your commands the first time you say them, which isn't their fault but still undermines the team's capabilities.

But now is probably the loudest argument they've ever had... and of course it's over something so pointless that you wish you could forget it. But you're a wallflower. You hear everything, remember everything, get no credit for it.

"You're absolutely terrible!"

"Me? You're the one who's hogging it all!"

Back and forth, no real arguments, no actual problem solving. This is what you get for being the only guy in a three girl team. You just don't know how to handle them.

"Well how about we settle this when (Y/N) gets back!"

"Fine!"

"I've been here the whole time," you blankly say.

The two girls look to your bed, shocked you're there. They've been here for over two hours and not once did they even acknowledge your existence. Unfortunately it's something that happens far too often. Every time they feel terrible.

"Oh! I... I didn't know..."

"You never said anything."

You chuckle, closing your book.

"It's fine. You're both wrong. Nobody was in the bathroom. You both just assumed the other was there."

You slip off your bed, book in hand, and go towards the door.

"Please keep it down or I'll get the complaints again. We also have training tomorrow so get a good sleep."

You exit the room and close the door behind you. You need a quieter place to read, plus some fresh air would be nice. It's always calming to have the cool breeze race along your skin. You saunter through the hallway, turning the nearby corner and journeying down it. You see at the other end your hooded friend, Ruby Rose, going back to her dorm which you have just past. You keep on the right side as she takes the left, happily walking to her room. As you pass each other you let out a whisper.

"Hey Ruby..."

Ruby stops and spins on her heel to face you.

"Oh, hey (Y/N)!" She nervously laughs. "Sorry, I didn't notice you."

You shrug, not stopping to converse.

"It's no problem."

"Hey, why weren't you at lunch!"

You stop and chuckle to yourself. You turn your body slightly to face her.

"I'll be there tomorrow, I promise."

Ruby happily smiles in anticipation before going on her way. You don't miss a beat whilst keeping your pace and eventually leaving the building. It's late, though not late enough to worry about being caught out of your dorm. You tend to come out here during the night and read when your teammates argue... or even when they don't and are just genuinely difficult to deal with. They do attempt to respect you and not banter so much when you're around but considering they never notice when you are there it doesn't really matter. But, again, it's not their fault. It's your curse.

You know of very few people with a passive semblance like yours and they all tend to dislike them. Yours, luckily, doesn't bring danger to anyone around you. You've come to call it Wallflower, as that's what it's made you. It makes you go unnoticed by everyone in your day to day life. Even teachers forget you're in class as they just glance over you. It's not that you're invisible or even have any camoflauge to you. As people have told you, it's like their senses block you out until you make yourself known. However, this has been helpful in combat. Grimm hardly notice your presence, allowing for sneak attacks, and it really helps during training. You just wish it wasn't so potent outside of combat. In fact, it seems to affect you more in your regular life than during battle.

Thankfully, the path is clear to your favorite spot to spend some alone time. It overlooks a small garden around the corner of the school. Barely anyone goes back there and anyone who does rarely stays for more than a few minutes. This gives you all the time in the world to read, study, or just relax and not think of anything. The latter only occurs when you're given a difficult assignment or, as you just experienced, are tired of your team's bickering.

You take a seat on the bench that, if it wasn't made of stone, would have your butt imprint on it by now. As you approach you hear some whispering and giggling. Being late at night and in a secluded area you deduce that it's probably some students having some private time. Luckily they're not on your bench so you can still take your spot. You lay down on the stone bench and hold the book above your head. Sure, it's not the most conventional way to read but you're feeling a little lazy.

However with the constant chatter of the love birds in the garden your reading is continuously disrupted. You wish that you could ignore everyone else with your semblance too. Though hearing the giggling, the occasional kiss, the deep talks... it's annoying yet not in the traditional way. You close your book and lift yourself off the bench. With a short huff you get off the bench and take your first step. Unfortunately you don't notice the loose stone, thus your shoe catches onto it and makes you stumble. You manage to keep on your feet but you drop your book in the scramble. Being a thick, solid book, it makes a large thud as it slams on the stone. This attracts the attention of the couple hiding in the flowers.

They look directly at you while you switch between both sets of eyes, stunned and unsure what to say.

"I... I, uh, I..." You can't seem to form any words. You're not the best at confrontation, and you're even worse when you're embarrassed.

"Were you watching us?" The girl asks with a hint of disgust.

"N-No, I was," you point to your book as evidence but they don't listen.

"That's kinda creepy, bro," the boy responds.

"But-"

"Just because you can't get your own doesn't mean you have to watch us," she scolds.

"I didn't-"

The harsh stare of the two overwhelm you. You sigh, turning and walking away. One hand holding your book and one hand in your pocket, you walk back to your dorm with a gloomy cloud raining over you.

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To no surprise the lunchroom is full of hustle and bustle. Conversation ranging from small talk to full on debates, some talk of the homework they received or the lessons they were taught. Once again you're with your friends, sitting beside Ren, looking towards the most notable girl in the lunchroom. You don't even mean to do this, and you're not sure why your eyes are drawn to her two days in a row.

Ren, once again, notices that you're looking towards the fellow students. Though most people at the table are unaware of your presence because of your semblance, Ren has found a few ways around it. The easiest method is to always have his knee touching your leg. This makes his body always register that something is beside him and thus you never go unnoticed by him.

"Have you tried talking to her?" Ren inquires, getting your attention.

You don't even look to your friend.

"No... You know, I'll see you later, Ren. I'm not hungry," you say as you push off the table and head towards the door, keeping to the outskirts of the room. Once you reach the exit you push open the door and take a few steps, expecting to hear it close. Instead the door is pushed open before it can fully close and the sound of wheels get ever closer.

"Hey, where're ya going?" A passionate voice asks.

You stop and turn around, doubting your own mind. You couldn't have heard that right, yet when you face the source it is indeed Neon, smiling at you.

"Oh, uh... I was just... how did you know I left?"

"Silly, I had my eye on you," she winks before rollerblading around you once. "But you didn't answer my question!"

Your palms get a little sweaty out of nervousness.

"I... was just... walking?" You answer, sounding unsure of yourself.

"Hey, can I come along! Maybe we could get you a pair of rollerblades! It's suuuuper fun!"

"Heh... I might not be coordinated enough," you rub the back of your head.

"I'll teach you! I need someone to go with while I'm here and you seem perfect."

Students pass by, not paying attention to your conversation. Noticing that, you realize class is about to start.

"Um... maybe later? After school?" You say without really thinking about it, hoping not to be late for class.

"It's a date then. Meet you here at six," she smiles before riding off, waving back at you.

You blink twice, completely baffled at what just happened.

"Did... a date? I just... got a date with Neon? WHAT DO I EVEN DO! I HAVE TO GET READY! I HAVE TO PLAN!"

Class completely slipping your mind, you run towards the dorms. It's not like the teachers will realize you're not there anyway. You burst through the entrance and run down the hallways until you reach your personal dormitory. Since class is about to start none of your teammates are here, giving the time and privacy to plan out the best date you can. Truth be told you've never been on a date before but you're going to put your all into this one.

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Of course you show up early. You had to show up early. What if she did and you weren't there? What if you ran into trouble and she was left waiting, thinking you ditched her. No, you couldn't let that happen. But that doesn't matter, you have it all planned out. There's a park in Vale that houses ramps, railings, and all sorts of amenities that skaters and rollerbladers like Neon would enjoy. They also rent out rollerblades for use both at their location and the town. You'll get a pair, have a blast, and Neon will be happy. Perhaps get some ice-cream or something afterwards. That's if you can keep your confidence up to pull all that off. You were a bumbling idiot speaking to her and you doubt that's changed in the past few hours.

So you pace back and forth, nerves fired up as you wait for Neon to arrive. Lucky for your sanity Neon rolls up the minute you decided on. She slides to a stop and rests a hand on her hip, giving you a beautiful smile.

"And I thought I was gonna be here first. Guess you're on beat, huh?"

"I... yeah, hehe..." You nervously scratch the back of your head. "I, um, I planned our date."

Neon raises her brow.

"Oh, it is a date? I was just using the phrase."

Your body stiffens right up. Your cheeks flare.

"I... Oh, I..."

"But I wouldn't mind this being a real date," she giggles, happy with herself.

"Oh... ha... a joke... I should have caught onto that," you scold yourself.

"It's okay, you'll get it soon. Come on! I can't wait to see what you have planned!"

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After a very smooth flight that was filled with Neon rambling on about rollerblading and her passion for fighting. Though you couldn't relate to anything she was speaking of, even when it pertains to fighting which you do a lot of, you couldn't quite get why she loved these things so much. However, you did admire the passion in which she spoke of those things. They may be silly or pointless to others, but to Neon this is everything to her and it's evident through her dialect. The travel time felt like seconds because you were grasped by her speech. That alone made this date for you and it hasn't even begun. You'll have to make it up to her by doing everything you can to make this the best date she's been on... expecting the best from a shot in the dark. How girls change you.

Once getting off the airship you and Neon make your way through the city of Vale. She's purposefully going slower so you don't have to jog or anything. Somehow she's still carrying on a conversation while rollerblading and making sure she doesn't mess up or hit anyone.

"You don't really seem like an Atlas person... I mean, no offense, but-"

"Oh none taken I get looks from all my peers. Luckily, I can really let loose in Vale and wear whatever I want. I'm always wearing those super tight, super uncomfortable uniforms, belch," she waves her hands in disgust, over exaggerating it. "You're lucky Beacon isn't like that."

You shrug.

"I'm sure nobody would notice anyway. Though I'd rather not be in a suit either way," you nervously chuckle.

You both cross the street and close in on the skate park.

"You seem to be not very confident. That's super uncool, I gotta say."

"I... eh..." You sigh, hunching your shoulders. "It's not that. Just think of it as your uniforms. I don't like it but I got used to it. Anyway, we're here."

You step onto the different concrete used for the park that separates it from the streets. Thankfully there are less people than there normally are, but it's still quite busy. Rollerbladers, skateboarders, and even people with scooters, though that's mostly in the younger section. There's a decent sized building at the back of the park which acts as the rental place.

"Whoa! This is super duper awesome! I didn't think we'd go somewhere like this! Atlas doesn't have these!" Neon cheers, nearly drooling at the beautiful sight ahead of her.

You easily see this and chuckle.

"I'll get some skates."

Leaving Neon for a time, you walk along the outside of the park to reach the building. To your surprise Neon rolls up beside you, keeping pace.

"Oh, I thought... you know..."

"Well it'd be no fun if I started on my own. We'd be off beat," she joyfully says, twirling around.

"Heh, I don't know. I've never done this before," you sheepishly admit.

"That's no problem, you're with an expert!"

You reach the building and walk right in. There's no door as the entrance is just a large opening in the building. It somehow fits the atmosphere of the park and its people. The owner immediately spots you and Neon, greeting you with a smile as he hastily puts down a pair of rollerblades and sets his hands on the desk. He's a fit man, leading you to believe he uses the park himself to keep in shape. Nothing really stands out about him though, not that you can say you're special.

"Hello there! How can I help you, young lady?" He greets with a pleasant tone.

Neon raises her brow in confusion. He's paying full attention to her, not even giving you any despite being right beside her.

"Actually, I'm the one in need of aid," you correct, slightly waving your hand.

The man turns his attention to you, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't notice you," he says with genuine embarrassment.

"I-It's alright, I'm used to it," you rub the back of your head. "But I need to rent a pair of rollerblades."

He nods.

"Sure, I just need your foot size and how long you'll be using them for," he says, grabbing a clipboard with a chart with already written names. "Plus your name and payment, of course, though that'll depend on how long you want them."

You nod as you lift up your shoes one at a time to take them off.

"Alright. Are you sure you want to stay?" You ask, looking over at Neon.

"I already said it was cool. Besides, I wanna see you try'em on!"

Neon rolls around the inner building, taking a peek at other rollerblades and accessories that are on sale whilst you give your information and try on different pairs. Neon rolls up beside you and checks out your new attire. They're bright green with detailed designs expertly placed around it.

"How does it feel?" The owner asks. "Tight? Loose?"

You shake your head.

"No, it feels great! Thank you."

"Perfect. Now, remember that you have those for three hours. Any later and I'll charge you extra."

You get on your feet only to start rolling around, losing your balance. Neon slides beside you and gives you a shoulder to lean on. You blush from embarrassment.

"S-Sorry about that."

"Don't mention it! They take some getting used to."

"Yeah... I understand, sir," you say, returning your attention to the owner. "I'll be back in time."

"Alright. Have fun you two!" He waves, returning to his seat.

Neon stays by your side as you both roll out of the building and to the park. Seeing all the people who are going by you with complete ease makes you feel worse about being absolutely useless, but there's nothing you can really do but practice.

"Alright, lets start with the basics! Moving forward and stopping. Stopping for sure, at least for you, but soon you'll go on forever without missing a beat!" She excitedly says, gestures and all.

"Yeah, okay."

You let go of her shoulder and attempt to balance yourself.

"Make sure to watch your knees. Keep balance... yeah, you're getting it!"

You manage to stay still without falling over, though you occasionally lean from one side to another. Neon giggles as she watches you struggle. It reminds her of when she was just getting into it too.

"Alright, you can stand up. It's progress. Now follow me, oh and do it slowly."

Neon starts moving backwards, beckoning you to follow her. You try to follow her movements to get yourself forward but it all results in you falling flat on your face. You moan, pushing your head off the cement as you look up at a concerned Neon. She quickly waves it off and smiles.

"You'll get it. Come on," she backs up a fair distance before stopping. "Come to me. Try as many times as you need. If you can do it in," she taps her lips twice. "One minute then you get a prize."

You playfully roll your eyes.

"Alright then, I'll do my best."

You shakily get to your feet, nearly falling once more, and stare at Neon determinedly. Pushing off the ground once more you manage to get a very minor distance, only reach the third stroke before slipping and falling on your back. Thankfully your aura is protecting you from any real pain you would receive. You carefully get to your feet and try to move forward again. This time you get five strokes before falling frontward. This time you catch yourself from falling completely. Neon smiles at your progress. With one last try you get to Neon, though you have to grab hold of her to stop.

"Fifty-seven seconds. Very close," she claps. "You're getting it. We'll keep the momentum going!" She spins around and is about to get going, but she looks back at you. "I almost forgot." Neon leans in and kisses your cheek, sending heat and embarrassment throughout your body. "Seems you liked that," she giggles.

"I... uh... we..."

"It is a date after all, and so far I have to say I'm loving it!"

"Well, heh, I'm glad!"

She grabs your hand and leads the way around the edge of the area, letting you get a feel for moving forward and stopping. With Neon's expert instructions and demonstration you pick up on these simple concepts fairly easily, at least enough to function on your own without Neon's handholding. She's definitely excited at all the progress your making and the confidence being built from that. Now it's time to try the course.

"Alright, lets try some of the fun stuff. Don't do anything you don't feel comfortable with!" She wags her finger at you. "Just have fun! Becoming one with the beat."

Neon spins around and heads towards some of the more difficult areas, easily flipping and jumping over them while chanting "never miss a beat" the whole time. Her crazy and smooth moves dazzle everyone, even the regulars were blown away. You smile as you watch her passion and moves. It's wondrous to see. But now it's your time. You get your momentum going and hit the edge. You go down a short ramp, nearly falling but able to keep yourself up and rolling down the slope. You don't do any neat tricks, no fancy moves, just moving forward.

Unfortunately you can't go anywhere without your semblance causing complications. Almost immediately someone runs into you, knocking you both on the ground. They rub their tailbone in pain while you're covered by your aura. You throw your hand forward apologetically.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to-"

"What's the big idea, kid? Watch where you're going," he scolds, easily getting to his feet.

"I'm sorry. I'm new at this. I was just getting a feel for it an-"

"We have sections for that, idiot. Get out of here."

You rub the pack of your head and sigh. To no surprise you've already caused some commotion without even trying. Neon slides to a halt beside you.

"What was that all about?"

"Oh... I..." You shrug. "Nothing."

Neon squints at you analytically. She overhead some heated tones and annoyance.

"How about going into town? Less obstacles."

"Or more," you chuckle. "Some... uh, you know, walking people."

She waves you off.

"We'll be fine. You got an expert with ya!"

Neon grabs hold of your hand and drags you away from the park. She doesn't let go of your hand once you're on the sidewalk which you... are okay with. Her hand is soft, her grip is firm, everything about it sends shivers down your spine. She leads you to a short hill that has a decent slope. Neon releases your hand for safety and speeds ahead of you. Attempting to catch up with her is pointless so you try to keep low and safe. However you fail to notice the crack in the cement sidewalk. Your front wheel gets caught which results in you flying diagonally, rolling across the sidewalk and stop on the road. Neon hears your stumble and stops at the bottom of the hill.

"(Y/N)?" She raises her brow, unaware your semblance has taken effect.

You push off the ground and shake your head to regain your senses. Unknown to you another person has fallen under the effect of your semblance. A truck driver goes down the road at a relatively fast speed, the light at the bottom being green for him to go. You hear the rumbling sound of the truck and realize the situation you're in. You try to get up but the wheels keep you from moving. Within seconds the truck closes in with nothing you can do. You close your eyes and brace yourself.

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As your eyelids slowly separate you don't feel any pain, thanks to your aura. You push yourself up and look around, gathering that you're in your room. Nobody is here but you which doesn't help. The last thing you remember is being on a date with Neon... and...

"Oh... damn... I messed it up," you shake your head. "So much for a date."

You get out of your seat and look around for your scroll which is on your bedside table. On closer examination you notice the cracks in the screen.

"Broken... awesome. Great... stupid (Y/N)... stupid..."

You cross your arms and head for the door. You need some time to yourself, some time to collect your thoughts. You have the perfect place to do that.

After a short time you reach your favourite spot which is surprisingly taken. You raise your brow at the bright woman shrouded in the blackness of night.

"Neon?" You doubt your eyes.

She finally notices you, smiling at the sight. She immediately captures you in a tight hug.

"Oh, you're okay! When you were knocked between cars I... well, you didn't get up. It's my fault, I should have stayed with you."

You shake your head.

"No, no, it's my fault. I... I'm an idiot. I ruined the date. I'm sorry."

Neon looks back to the bench and smiles.

"Well... why would we skip a beat? Lets keep it going!"

You raise your brow, perplexed at her words.

"I... what? Really?"

She nods.

"We did something that I like, now lets do something that you like. You come here, right? I saw you the other day being yelled at. That happens a lot, huh?"

Neon leads you to the bench before you can answer. You both sit down and start talking under the moonlight. You tell her all about your semblance which explains a few things Neon was curious about. Inturn Neon tells you how you were hit by the truck and crashed into the windshield of another car. The police and Ozpin himself came to check on your health then take you to Beacon. You weren't injured, thankfully – but your aura broke after the final hit. You wouldn't wake up until... you woke up. Neon couldn't stay with you so she waited at your bench in hopes you'd be there.

Her efforts clearly weren't in vein. Despite not doing anything, despite not moving, Neon has the best time just sitting beside you for the rest of the night, talking. A different date, but the best one she's been on.

And that's a wrap. Yeah, I know, my one-shots aren't as good as my full stories but... I mean I openly admit they're my weakest subject so shush. It was fun to write, honestly. I never thought I'd write a Neon story yet here I am. It's simple but I hoped you all liked it. I don't really have much else to say, so... thanks for reading!

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