(Dairoku's POV)

After Ruby and I had danced and confessed to each other, I felt my entire world light up again. The past few days were... really dark for me but now, I actually see a light of hope... and that is my Little Roselyn next to me, as cringy as it sounds heh. The two of us went to take a break by the punch bowl, hand in hand. He leaned against each other as we just enjoyed each other's company.

Ruby: Dairoku...

Me: Yes?

Ruby: What made you change your mind... about the dance?

Me: Oh... Well, I remembered what you told me... That you'd always be there for me... And you've definitely stuck to your word, and I'm really grateful for that. Besides, there's no way I'll miss the opportunity to see you in a cute dress like this one.

I smirked at Ruby causing her to blush and look away.

Me: I couldn't have made it out without you Ruby. I'm really thankful to you.

Ruby looked back at me and smiled before giving me a kiss on my cheek.

Ruby: I'd do it 100 times again.

We leaned against each other for a while until I saw Pyrrha walking up the stairs and Jaune following suit. I handed Ruby my punch as I wanted to see what was going to happen.

Me: Hold my punch Little Rose. I'll be right back.

Ruby: Okay.

"SHINE"
CHAPTER 8: DANCE DANCE INFILTRATION.

(Dairoku's POV)

I separated from her and walked up the stairs which lead to a balcony. There I heard Pyrrha and Jaune talking.

Jaune: Hey Pyrrha.

She turned around to face him.

Pyrrha: Hello Jaune.

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

Pyrrha: Arrived late, I'm afraid.

Jaune: Well... you look really nice.

Pyrrha: Thank you.

Jaune: Your uh, date isn't going to beat me up for saying that, is he?

Pyrrha: I think you're safe for tonight.

Jaune: So... where is the guy?

Pyrrha: There is no guy

Jaune: What?

Pyrrha: Nobody asked me.

Jaune: But that's... You're Pyrrha Nikos! H-How could nobody ask you?

I decided to intervene.

Me: That's because they're doubting themselves.

They both turned around shocked, to see me.

Pyrrha: D-Daiku!??

Jaune: You're okay!

Me: Yup but that doesn't matter now. Jaune, didn't Weiss say something to you when you first met Pyrrha?

Jaune: Huh? Y-Yeah... You heard that...?

Me: Yup.

(Flashback)

As Ruby, Yang and I were making our way towards the Emerald Forest for the initiation, I overheard Weiss and Jaune talking about Pyrrha and I heard Weiss say this to him.

Weiss: So after hearing all this, do you really think you're in a position to ask her to be on your team?

Jaune: I guess not... Sorry...

(End of Flashback)

Me: It's a similar situation here. Basically everyone's heard of Pyrrha Nikos, a world renowned fighter. She's basically a celebrity. That may be a great title but it makes it hard for her to forge any form of relationship with anyone.

Jaune: What...? What do you-

Pyrrha: He's right Jaune...

Jaune turned around to see Pyrrha looking down.

Pyrrha: I've been... blessed with incredible talents and opportunities. I'm constantly surrounded by love and praise, but when you're placed on a pedestal like that for so long, you become separated from the people that put you there in the first place. Everyone assumes I'm too good for them, that I'm on a level they simply can't attain. It's become impossible to form any sort of meaningful relationship with people. *Turns to me* That's what I like about Dairoku. He treats me like an equal, a best friend. Even though he knows what I've become, he never saw me as being better than him. Thanks to him, I forged a friendship that would last a lifetime. *Turns to Jaune* And you, when we met, you didn't even know my name. You treated me just like anyone else, and thanks to you, I've made friendships that would last a lifetime as well. I guess, you're the kind of guy I wish I was here with, someone who just saw me for me...

Pyrrha and I began to walk away but I shouted something to Jaune.

Me: You're a really lucky guy Jaune. You just need to open your eyes.

When we left the balcony, Pyrrha stopped and I saw a tear run down her face.

Me: Angel...?

She didn't say anything and just slapped me, HARD across my face. It stung really, really bad...!

Me: OOOOWWWW! What the hell was that for!?

Pyrrha: That was for not letting me know that your father died you idiot! You know how much he meant to me as well!

Then she pulled me into a hug.

Pyrrha: And this is for coming back... I missed you, you know...?

I just hugged her back.

Me: Angel...

Pyrrha: Please... You and Celeste are like family to me... so please, next time something like this happens, come to us... I really dislike seeing my family, my closest friends in pain. So please, don't hold things to yourself anymore...

I just smiled and rubbed her head.

Me: I'll remember that.

She pulled away from the hug and looked down a bit.

Pyrrha: I...guess I can say the same thing about you that I said to Jaune... You're also the kind of guy I wish I was here with. But, I know you just got together with Ruby and I'm really happy for the two of you. I was starting to get worried that I had to tell her for you.

She gave me sly smirk when she said the last sentence.

Me: Oh hush Achilles Tomato. You can't say that since you STILL haven't told the blonde kid.

She chuckled a bit before looking down a bit.

Me: You know, crying isn't a good look for you. If you'd like, I can still give you a dance if you'd like

Pyrrha looked at me before giggling and wiping away her tears.

Pyrrha: I would be honored.

Pyrrha and I made our way towards the dance floor; she was just as good as a dancer as I remembered. It wasn't the first time we've danced together. After a few minutes, we stopped as the music switched up.

Pyrrha: Thank you Daiku. That was fun.

Me: Anytime Angel. I'ma get back to Ruby before she does something crazy without me. Jaune better give you a good time, or I'll break his legs if he doesn't.

Pyrrha blushed but then fell into a small giggling fit.

Pyrrha: I bet you will. Thank you Daiku, for everything you've done for me up to this point.

Me: Anytime, Angel.

I made my way back to Ruby who I realized was standing next to Yang upstairs. I decided to scare her a little and snuck up there. When I got up there, I hugged her from behind and whispered into her ear.

Me: Good evening.

Ruby: Eep!

Yang and I laughed at her reaction as she just pouted.

Yang: So you two are official now.

Me: Yup, I guess we are.

I leaned down and gave Ruby a kiss on her cheek, causing her to blush madly.

Ruby: H-Hey!

We all looked over the rail to see Sun and Blake dancing together while Tyros and Kuraime danced as well. I know Tyros and Kuraime don't have feelings for one another but I wonder still... do they have feelings for someone...?

(Tyros' Suit)

(Kuraime's Dress)

Yang: You know, I think we really needed this. Especially you Hothead.

I chuckled slightly before looking down.

Me: Hothead... That's what my dad used to call me...

Yang: O-Oh... Sorry. I didn't mean to bring up any memories.

Me: Nah, it's fine Goldilocks.

Yang: So, how are you feeling?

Me: Well that depends...

Ruby held my hand tightly to which I smiled at her.

Me: For the whole dad situation... I'm still having some troubles... I was so busy with making sure Celeste was okay that I didn't have time to help myself... Then the whole situation with Cardin... He just made me snap... Though I can't believe I almost killed him... I know I hate him a lot but not enough to make me want to literally kill him... *sigh* but there no point in being depressed forever. The five stages of grief; denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance... I'm slowly but surely going through that 5th stage...

I then looked down at my right hand as a thin red aura formed around it as the armor wrapped around it, giving me a black armored claw-like hand...

Me: Barbatos...

I just sighed as Ruby put her hand on my armored one as the armor and aura disappeared.

Ruby: Well, that's why you have us. We'll always be there for you through the painful times. So please promise me, when something's bothering you, please don't hesitate to come to us. Holding in your feelings like that again could hurt you just like before.

I just smiled at her.

Me: Yeah... I promise, Little Rose.

Ruby: Good.

We smiled at each other. Unfortunately, Yang had to ruin the moment by putting her arms around us

Yang: Awww you two are so cute together!!!

Ruby: Y-Yang...! Stooooopppp!

Me: Great job on the party by the way.

Yang: Aww thanks! But it wasn't all me though, Weiss did a lot.

Me: Oh yeah, speaking of Weiss. *began looking at Weiss who was by herself* She came to the party alone right?

Ruby: Yeah why?

I began looking around again until I saw her; Celeste. She was also by herself.

Me: Well, that's about to change. I'll be right back.

I jumped over the railing leaving a confused Yang and Ruby. I made my way through the crowd towards my sister who was wearing a nice black dress. When I got up to her, I tapped her on her shoulder, surprising her slightly.

(Celeste's Dress)

Me: So... what are you waiting for sis?

Celeste: ?

Celeste looked at me confused and tilted her head.

Me: Oh don't play dumb with me Celeste. It's very obvious that you have feelings for Weiss. So why not ask her to dance?

Celeste: 0_0

Celeste's eyes widen as a bright and strong blush took over her face. She franticly shook her hands and head no to which I sighed disappointingly.

Me: *sigh* I'm not dumb Celeste. It's obvious from the way you look at her and from the way you wanted to kill Neptune when he got close to her.

Celeste just sighed and looked down sad before looking back at me who put a hand on her shoulder

Me: Listen, I know what you're thinking... Why would she like you back since you wear that mask and since you're mute. Well, you're very wrong my dear little bird. I speak from experience when I say, Weiss may act mean and might act like an Ice Queen but she's a really kind and understanding person at heart. And I'm sure she'll be waiting for the day you decided to show her why you hide half of your face with that mask.

A smile crept up on Celeste's face and hugged me tightly. I just smiled and returned it as I gave her a kiss on her forehead. When we broke the hug, she seemed beaming with happiness and confidence.

Me: Now go catch yourself a Snowflake, Little Bird.

She nodded with enthusiasm and was about to walk off before I called out to her.

Me: Also, you look beautiful.

Celeste: ^_^

Celeste smiled brightly before skipping happily towards Weiss. I just smiled before I flew back to Ruby and Yang.

Yang: So, what did you do?

Me: Oh, I just gave Celeste a little bit of encouragement.

Ruby: Encouragement? For what?

Me: Well, little Celeste over there has a thing for Weiss. So I gave her encouragement to ask her to dance.

Yang: Wait, wait! Celeste likes Weiss???

Me: You bet Goldilocks. You should know Little Rose, I did tell you and Kuraime.

Ruby thought about it before coming to a realization.

Ruby: Ooohhh, I remember!

Me: Yup.

We all looked back toward Weiss to see her with Celeste. They were dancing and were laughing together.

Yang: You know, I can definitely see those two becoming a couple, a cute one at that.

Me: Yeah... You know, tonight was really fun and relaxing...

Yang: Yup... Too bad tomorrow, it's back to work.

Ruby: I'm sure we can handle whatever gets thrown at us...

Suddenly, there was laughter within the crowd. We all look downwards to see something... Ridiculous...

Ruby: ...Except for that.

Me: No way... NO FLIPPIN' WAY! HE ACTUALLY DID IT! THAT LEGEND!

What we saw was Jaune, BUT he was wearing a dress... He actually went through with that bet... He made his way to Pyrrha who turned around, only to be, amused, confused and shocked.

Pyrrha: Jaune?

Jaune: Eh, a promise is a promise.

Pyrrha did her best to not laugh but she failed, MISERABLY.

Pyrrha: Hahahahaha! Jaune, you didn't HAVE to!

Jaune: Hey, an Arc never goes back on his word.

He held his hand out to her.

Jaune: No do you wanna stand there and laugh at me, or do you wanna dance?

Pyrrha gladly took his hand.

Pyrrha: I would love to dance. Oh!

I smiled widely at this.

Me: YOU'RE A FREAKIN LEGEND MY DUDE!

Nora: Ren, This. Is. HAPPENING!

Ren: Wait... What is happening?

Nora dragged Ren along with her as the two joined Jaune and Pyrrha to dance.

https://youtu.be/qDky3vdBbFI

Pyrrha: I have no idea you were a dancer.

Jaune: Yeah, well these things tend to happen when you grow up with seven sisters.

After watching team JNPR awesome as hell dance, Ruby and I made our way to the balcony hand in hand. When we got there, we leaned against the rail and looked up to the shattered moon above us. I decided to break the silence.

Me: So, how long?

Ruby: Huh?

Me: How long have you had feelings for me?

Ruby looked away, blushing.

Ruby: W-Well... From the first day we met...

Me: Love on first sight?

Ruby: Uh huh... On the night we met, when you saved me from Torchwick, when I realized you were a winged Faunus and the time we spent together when we were at my house, waiting for the schools to open back up. Then when we got to Beacon, you promised me that you'd be by my side every step of the way... And you've kept it... Then you saved me from that Deathstalker in the forest and gave me the last relic. Then, I found out that you were the leader of the top ranked team at Beacon and that you're the prodigy of a legend and...

Me: Sounds like you like me for my reputation Little Rose.

Ruby: W-Wait!!! N-No! You're wrong! L-Let me finish...!

I just chuckled as she panicked a bit.

Ruby: The real reason is... because of how much you help me here... You helped me become a better huntress and a better leader... You always knew how to cheer me put and lift my spirits. And then that time with Cardin where I got into that fight, you just gave me you shoulder to cry on... You embraced me for as long as I needed... I think that moment just confirmed it for me... I mean, I loved you before then but that moment just made my feeling more powerful...

Me: Ruby...

Ruby: So... what about you?

Me: Huh?

Ruby: When did you start to fall for me?

Me: Hmm... I guess it was when you stood up for me when Cardin badmouthed me. I never cared if someone bad mouthed me and no one ever stood up for me so I never knew how it felt to have someone stand up for me... When I saw you doing that... I don't know why, but I felt a wave of happiness... I guess I was happy that you cared that much that you'd stand up for me, even when I didn't want you to. And then there was the situation with dad... After I almost killed Cardin, I just wanted to be alone for as long as that dark time went on... But you were stubborn. You would never left my side. You'd tell me stories about your time at Signal and you'd even bring me food. You were always there for me, even though I never asked nor wanted it... That just sealed the deal for me...

Ruby just smiled at me and blushed.

Ruby: H-Hey... Dairoku...?

Me: Yes?

Ruby: Um... C-Can we...

Me: Kiss again?

Ruby just blushed madly while nodding. I just smiled and wrapped my arms around her waist.

Me: Of course my sweet Little Rose.

We smiled at each other before we leaned into each other, her arms wrapping around my neck as we slowly melted together into a blissful kiss. Her lips were really soft, I didn't think I could stop at all; not that I wanted to. After like a minute or two, we separated but only for the need of air and we stared deeply into each other eyes, her silver ones into my red ones while smiling.

Ruby: I love you Dairoku.

Me: I love you too Ruby.

And we went back at it. We continued to kiss as the night went on. We'd separate for like a few seconds before going back at it. We just wanted this moment to last for eternity but unfortunately, it didn't. When we separated for the sixth time now, our eyes glanced at the building in the distance where we saw a black figure running across the roof towards the CCT Tower.

Me: You saw that too?

Ruby: Yeah.

Me: Good. C'mon.

Ruby nodded as I picked her up bridal style and began flying towards the CCT Tower. When we landed outside it, we saw a guard, unconscious in a bush. That's when we knew that this person was trouble.

Me: Looks like we're in for a fight.

I pulled out my scroll and called in my locker which had my Glacial Blaze and Dreadful Sins. I handed Ruby my scroll for her to call in her Crescent Rose. As the both landed in front of me, we equipped our weapons and we began to make our way to the tower. While we did, I sent a message to Oz and James, telling them that someone was infiltrating the CCT Tower.

When we got inside it, we saw many unconscious guards, leading up to the elevator. We got into the elevator and went up to the top floor, gripping our weapons tightly.

Ruby: I'm slightly scared...

Me: Don't worry... We'll be fine... We always have been am I right?

I smiled at her which she giggled a bit. Finally, the elevator stopped at the top floor. When the doors opened, everything seemed normal, but is sure as hell didn't feel normal. Ruby and I began cautiously walking around the room, while we stuck close together.

Ruby: Hello? Is anyone there? Hello?

My eyes slightly glowed a deep crimson for a short while.

Me: I know your there so come on out!

Suddenly, a lady with brown hair, a black skin tight suit and a mask slowly stood up from behind a terminal.

Ruby: Excuse me? You know it's not a masquerade party, so why don't you take off that-

Ruby got interrupted by the woman throwing a vial of Dust which condensed into crystals and flew towards her. I got in front of her and sliced the crystals as Ruby aimed Crescent Rose at the woman and began firing off shots which she easily blocked but the way she blocked them looked too familiar...

Ruby pulled Crescent Rose out of the floor and shot towards the woman, swinging downwards but the woman jumped out of the way and a bow formed in her arms as her clothing lit up in fiery energy. Before she could fire off the arrows, I flew into the air and launched Dreadful Sins' whip at the woman, wrapping it around her leg and slamming her into the floor. She kneeled just in time to see a fire dagger flying towards her. She bare caught it but it erupted in flames in her hand. I could see she grew furious as fire irradiated from her hands but the fire looked... different... She was about to do something when the elevator behind us dinged. She then just fired off a fire blast at Ruby which triggered me to swoop in and push her out of the way, and block the blast with my wings. That fire actually burned... I'm normally immune to fire but this fire... I actually felt it. Ruby was immediately by my side as I fell to my knees, steam coming off of my wings.

Ruby: Dairoku! Are you okay!?

Me: Yeah... I'm fine... though I don't think I'll be flying for the rest of the night...

When the doors open, Ironwood walked in but the woman was gone.

Ruby: General Ironwood?

Me: James...

Ironwood: Dairoku, I received your message. Where it the infiltrator?

Ruby and I looked back in front of us, only to see the woman gone...

Me: Damnit... She got away... That fire she used though... It actually burnt me... What the hell...?

Ruby explained the rest to Ironwood while I caught my breath. He seemed really upset but told us to meet with Ozpin tomorrow. When we put our weapons away, we walked towards the dorms, feeling a bit disheartened by our failure. Ruby went into her team's dorm as I went to mine. I changed out of my suit and into a simple white shirt and black pants to sleep in. I placed my Dreadful Sins on the table as I went to lay down on my bed when I hear knocking on my door. When I answered it, I saw Ruby, in a black tank top with a heart on it and white pants with roses on it. I blushed when I saw her in this set of clothing.

Me: U-Uh... Hey Little Rose, you need anything?

Ruby looked away slightly flustered before looking back at me.

Ruby: Can we... sleep together tonight...?

I was surprised. We've only gotten together tonight yet she's gotten so bold. I just smiled at her.

Me: Sure thing.

I let her into the room and we both got into the bed together. She was using one of my wings as a pillow as I held her closely.

Ruby: You're wings... their so soft.

I just chucked before giving her a kiss on her forehead.

Ruby: Goodnight Dairoku. I love you.

Me: I love you too Ruby.

We fell into a peaceful and blissful slumber within each other's arms while smiling the whole time... Today was a really good day.

END

https://youtu.be/siHx0Yo-mqE

——————————————
And there goes that chapter! We're nearing the end of Volume 2 and yes, I do plan to do the Mountain Glenn Arc so stay tuned! Also, I already have a love interest for Tyros in mind but for Kuraime, I'm not sure. I might take suggestions from you guys. And if your wondering when we'll see Celeste's Semblance and when we'll see Team CRSL, it'll be very soon! Goodbye!