#taurusfic

It had been a long, tedious week. Endless lectures, mountains of revision notes, and one particularly gruelling exam clung to you like a persistent shadow. Every step you took out of the university halls was accompanied by a nervous thump in your chest, your mind buzzing with doubts about whether all your hard work would be worth it. The stress felt tangible, a knot in your stomach that no amount of caffeine could smooth away. 

That evening, as the campus population let out a collective sigh of relief, a continuous smile reflected on every face. Your two closest classmates insisted on shaking off the exam stress. There was Weiss Schnee, the epitome of refinement and restrained anxiety, whose every measured gesture and polished demeanour concealed an inner world of propriety and high expectations. And then, there was Yang Xiao Long, the undoubted life of any party, whose laughter and energy promised a night free of academic constraints.

Stepping onto the cool campus pavement, Yang clapped her hands excitedly

 "Tonight is about letting it all go!" she declared, not bothering to lower her voice for the sake of the other students walking nearby. "Forget the tests, the deadlines - all of it!" she said ecstatically, flailing her hands about as if she was trying to shake out any memory of the exam.

"It's too late to go back to change anything you wrote down now so might as well dance it out!" Weiss rolled her eyes ever so slightly at Yang's carelessness over her own grade work but a small amused smile tugged at her glossed lip.

She replied in a steady tone, "I suppose a break is overdue…I don't know if my sister would approve of such a wild night though..." Her voice tempering out to a whisper as if her elder sister was nearby and would hear their evening plans. "Oh please, Weiss, tonight is all about having fun! I would love to see you loosen up a little and break that perfect princess façade even if it is just for one night." 

They each laughed at the others comments while you watched them — inside you lingered on a slightly different note. As much as you cared for Weiss and admired Yang spirit, you couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness, like you were being abandoned on the outskirts of their close friendship. Every laugh, every teasing comment between the two felt like secret code that you hadn't been taught. The blonde and whitenette girls banter came to a halt, the glow of the neon sign above the club door luring them inside.

Yang, ever the instigator of late-night adventures, practically dragged both you and Weiss forward. "Come on, we're almost there!" Yang exclaimed, linking her arm with Weiss's and then half gracefully, half forcefully, dragging you along. 

You offered a hesitant smile as you trailed behind them. In your  mind, you wondered if you were simply the quieter one, constantly overshadowed by Weiss's refined wit and Yang's extroverted charm. Your heart fluttered with both the hopeful thought of a night without expectations and the burden of feeling like an outsider among your group. 

As you neared the entrance, Yang pointed excitedly toward a familiar face lingering near the door.

"Hey, isn't that Blake?" she said, her eyes lighting up. Yang gestured subtly towards the figure near the entrance. Weiss followed Yang's lead..

"Oh my gosh, it is! Quick Yang we have to ask her how the exam went." Weiss sped up  toward Blake's now dragging Yang and you behind her. 

"BLAKEYYYY!!!" Yang exclaimed, drawing the attention of everyone at a club. Blake turned to the direction of the voice, her eyes round shock then surprise. 

"Yang? Weiss? Wow what are you guys doing here!?" she asked, seeming slightly embarrassed by all the attention Yang brought to her but still happy to see her friends. 

"We're here to shake off all that post exam stress, speaking of,how did yours go?" Weiss replied curiously, Yang chiming in 

"Oh my god I can't believe we chose to go to the same club! Kismet, I guess, c'mon I'll buy us all a drink." The girls started chatting and slowly making their way to the bar. And you were left behind again. You didn't really know Blake aside from when Yang had posted their hangouts on social media, You started to look around scanning the faces of people in and entering the club. You recognised a few people from around campus but no, you didn't really know anyone.

C'mon stop being such an anti-social freak and go talk to people. you thought to yourself but she couldn't bring yourself to start any sort of conversation. The trio of girls had disappeared from the bar and you had no idea where they had gone. Just as the thought of going home and drowning your worries in snacking on that tub of Ben & Jerry's you had bought the other night as a treat for your post exam self entered your mind. You found it lost track as your attention had been caught by something in the corner of your eye. Pulling you fully into the present.

In a dimly lit corner of the club, you caught sight of a man whose presence was both magnetic and disarming. He stood casually, gazing out into the sea of people not really looking at anyone in particular. The man’s eyes swept across the room before settling on…

You. There was something in his gaze both piercing and playfully challenging that made your heart skip a beat.

Drawing a deep breath to quell your inner nervousness, you drifted toward the mysterious man, all your teachings of stranger danger screaming at you in your head. But something about him made you feel like he was in a similar predicament as you. As you neared, the man made an effort to meet you halfway and you both found yourselves leaning against the wall where a brightly lit led light flashing LADIES ROOM glowed above you,

Great…way to go y/n. Lovely romantic public restroom ambience. You thought scolding yourself 

 The man’s eyes locked onto you with a mix of amusement and curiosity.

“Exams still got you tied up, or are you just lost in thought?” he teased lightly, his tone flirtatious and warm. The smile dancing around his lips was undeniably inviting, as though he’d seen right through the hustle of academic life to the person beneath.

You blinked in surprise, momentarily at a loss for words. His playful remark cut through the tension like a cool breeze on a stifling summer night. 

“Is that obvious huh? I guess I’m still a little wound up about it,” you confessed, your voice soft but laced with the tired honesty of someone who’d carried the burden of pressure all day. 

“It’s as though every test question is chasing me, even now.” you said with a slightly more hushed tone.

"Names Adam by the way." he said with a smile tugging at his lips,  “Adam,” you said carefully, as if testing the waters of this newfound connection. 

“I’m Y/N.” The words felt liberating, like a small manifesto declaring your readiness to try something different, you weren't the type to chat up random men in clubs but you were already stepping out your comfort zone by coming to such a lively place so you thought a new experience may help you forget about the shitstorm of a semester you had just finished.

“Y/N,” he repeated, savoring the taste of your name on his tongue as if it were something rare and intriguing. 

“Nice to meet you, my fair lady” His teasing tone matched with a small awkward bow was both playful and oddly reassuring, a reminder that you weren't the only awkward one. 

"What are you doing here then Adam? It's hard to believe a guy as…tall as yourself would be alone."  tall? seriously? God you can tell I never go out at all . You didn't want to come off too strong and call him handsome...because he was certainly handsome…you were honestly surprised he was hanging out in the corner by himself and not surrounded by a crowd of suitors. "Eh I prefer being alone, I'm less likely to get annoyed by…unfavourable individuals." He said looking off into a direction, You followed his gaze and saw who it was directed at. 

"Blake? You know her?" you said surprised, guess it's a small world after all. "We used to be…acquainted…" he said looking down. 

"Oh…my friends know her, that's who she's with right now." 

"You came with friends? Why aren't you with them?" Adam stated almost accusatively.

"I uh..kinda got left behind…" you laugh "It's okay! Clubs aren't really my scene anyways. I only came because I got invited."  Y/N said sheepishly. 

"So they invited you and left you behind for someone else? Some friends they are.."

You opened your mouth to protest but after a moment you shut it, not being able to defend your so-called friends. "I only really came to shake off exam stress…" you mumbled. Trying to lessen the embarrassment of being left behind on yourself.

He chuckled, the sound blending with the bass in a way that seemed too smooth.

“You know,” he said with a subtle flare of amusement, “it’s almost endearing how much the exam’s still got you in its grip, like you’re still mid-session when everyone else is off-duty.” Then, as if dispelling the remnants of your unrelenting stress, he added, “Tell you what, let me get you a drink. Consider it my little way of saying that sometimes, you’ve got to take a break before the summer starts.”

Surprised by his forwardness, you hesitated for just a moment before nodding. “That sounds… nice. Thank you,” you managed, a small smile breaking through. As long as I see the drink being made of course. You weren't naïve to the fact that club spiking's were a thing but you didn't say that part out loud so as to not offend this potential friend, ever the people pleaser. In that instant, with the clamour of the club fading into insignificance, the simple act of accepting his offer felt like a small act of rebellion against the suffocating expectations of your life.

Adam Taurus, as he introduced himself with an easy grace, signalled the bartender with a wave and soon returned with a freshly poured cocktail, a vibrant, shimmering concoction that, much like him, radiated confidence and a hint of mischief. “Here’s to you Miss y/n, to finishing your…” he said trailing off expecting you to finish the sentence. 

"First year at university." you said a bit sheepishly. You still couldn't believe it was over.

"To finishing your First year!" he said a bit louder than you did as to make up for the unfinished declaration from before, handing you the drink with a wink.

The cocktail’s first sip was a revelation—a burst of sweet and tangy flavours that seemed to sing against the backdrop of your day’s worries. As you savoured it, you couldn’t help but let yourself relax, the sharp edges of exam stress softening under the comforting warmth that spread from within.

“ So tell me,” Adam said, leaning in as the strobe lights played across his intent eyes, “What are  your plans after you finish Uni?” His voice carried both mischief and warmth, a playful challenge in the midst of the chaos.

Your laugh was soft at first, hesitant yet slowly growing bolder. “I honestly have no idea." you admitted, unconsciously twisting a loose strand of hair as your shoulders relaxed bit by bit. “I've started applying to a bunch of internships so hopefully one of them likes me enough to keep me on board.”  you said. In all honesty you were unsure as to what career path you were going to follow after the next couple of years flew by, you thought you would have figured it out by now but you're still the clueless yet hopeful high school student you were when you applied to higher education. The stiffness of your shoulders softened, and you leaned in closer, drawn by his ease and the genuine care behind his words and also to hear his reply as the DJ was now blasting some god awful trap music making it impossible to even hear your own thoughts. 

Adam grinned and lightly reached across the table, his fingertips grazing yours as if to erase some of the weight from your mind. “I'm sure everything will work out. If you're still stressed then consider me your temporary liberator,” he teased. “Tonight, there’s simply no room for worries.” His tone joking but genuine.

Just then, your gaze drifted to a shadowed corner of the club where your two friends—Weiss and Yang were still in deep conversation with Adam's ex (?) you weren't quite sure, Blake. A playful scowl mixed with exasperation flitted over your face. “I can’t believe they just left me here,” you complained softly, glancing back at the flirtatious stranger. “They’re off chasing some random girl, acting like it’s the big adventure of the night.” There was a hint of sarcasm in your tone, but also a vulnerability—a yearning for authentic connection that your friends’ careless abandon never seemed to fulfil.

Adam’s eyes glowed with sympathetic understanding as he replied, “Sounds like the universe knows you're too good to be mingled with their lot. And trust me I know good company when I see some. I’m glad I’m here with you, instead.” He paused, letting his words sink in amid the neon glow and the hum of distant laughter. “Besides,” he added with a teasing note, “I promise to keep you entertained much more effectively than two escapading friends."

Your initial frown softened into a small, genuine smile. You shifted your position the way your hands now rested more casually on the table, as if letting go of the rigid posture that had clung to you all day. “I appreciate that,” you murmured.

“I almost forgot what it feels like to just… relax. To laugh without worrying whether there’s another problem waiting for me the next day.”

Adam’s hand lingered near yours, his tone turning more intimate. “Sometimes, the best way to shake off those chains is to let someone else hold them for a while. For me, rescuing brilliant and overworked souls like yours is a pleasure.” His playful remark was charged with a genuine intent that made your heart flutter for a split second.

"Oh my gosh, look at me being all narcissistic and talking about me and my problems. Anyways, what do you do?"  you replied trying to steer the conversation away from the potentially flirty road. You weren't that drunk yet.

"Oh I'm in my 3rd year. I'm also doing an internship that's helping me pay off the tuition. Not loving it so far but it's hard to complain when theyre paying for my school." He said in a light tone, trying to downplay how much he hated his employers. "It's mostly just sitting at a desk and typing away, a bit boring but beggars can't be choosers I suppose." 

You were kinda envious of him. At least he kinda had his life figured out. Yeah he didn't particularly like the work but I mean, what kind of masochist enjoys work? You wondered which company he was working for; Beacon? Schnee Corp? Atlas Tech? You had sent in applications to almost all the big name companies your university was partnered with but had yet to hear a reply from any. 

"What company are you interning at?" You asked leaning ever-so-slightly forward "any chance you could put in a good word for me?" You joked, quietly hoping he would take your request to heart. 

"Oh it's White Fang, it's a charity. I originally applied because I enjoy doing charity work and being on field" he took a breath, eyes darting to the other corner of the room, his tongue wetting his lips, "but ever since me and Blake broke up she had her dad make me work the boring desk job and data analysis. Seems okay on paper at least she didn't get me fired but god it's so boring just sitting at a desk and typing away…" he said a bit disheartened. 

Damn some breakup…so Blake's just some nepo baby? Suppose it makes sense that she's friends with Weiss then. 

Sensing this particular topic had reached its natural end, you decided to order another round of drinks for the two of you. 

The lounge hums with low beats, the neon lights flickering across half-empty glasses at the bar. The place isn’t quite upscale, but it’s trying. You swirl your drink slowly, watching the liquid catch the glow. Adam, beside you, does the same but with the casual ease of someone who belongs anywhere he decides to sit.

You take a sip, glancing around. “You know, this place really has a certain vibe. Not sure if it's classy or just pretending to be.”

Adam chuckles, stirring his cocktail. “Right? It’s got that ‘we spent money on lighting but forgot about the sticky floors’ kind of feel.”

You smirk, setting your drink down. “Sticky floors give it character. You ever been to a place that felt too clean? Makes me nervous.”

Adam raises an eyebrow. “I can’t say I’ve ever judged a place by its floor, but I’ll keep that in mind next time I step in somewhere and it smells like bleach.”

Your eyes flick to his drink, the unnerving shade of it. You gesture toward it, tilting your head. “What is that? It looks radioactive.”

Adam holds up his glass, inspecting it as if it might reveal its secrets. “Some kind of citrus and... something questionable. Bartender swore it was good, so I took the gamble.”

You laugh softly. “Bold move. Last time I trusted a bartender, I ended up drinking something that tasted like a melted candle.”

Adam winces. “Were you drinking or performing some kind of sacrifice?”

You sigh dramatically. “Honestly? Both. It was a rough week.”

You hesitate, then shrug, tapping your fingers against your glass. “Do you ever get stuck between wanting to do everything and just wanting to disappear into the countryside?”

Adam leans back, nodding slowly. “Oh, all the time. One day I want to be some high-powered exec, the next I want to be a goat farmer in Scotland.”

You snort. “That is a range.”

Adam grins. “I contain multitudes.”

You raise your glass, amusement flickering through you. “To multitudes, then.”

Adam clinks his glass against yours. “Cheers.”

You clear your throat, gripping your glass a little tighter. “So do you come here often?”  

Oh no. That sounded straight out of a bad rom-com. Why did you say that? Why do you sound like someone’s uncle trying to make small talk at a family reunion?  

Adam raises a brow, swirling his drink like he has all the time in the world. “I think you’re doing great so far. Very natural.”  

You groan, tilting your head back in mock despair before hiding behind your glass. “I swear I know how to have normal conversations. Usually.”  

That is a bold-faced lie. You have never been normal in your life. 

Adam leans in slightly, his voice dipping just enough to make your pulse stutter. “You know, you look cute when you’re all flustered like this.”  

You nearly choke on your drink, spluttering through several stunted breaths.  

“I—what?” You cough like you can physically eject the awkwardness from your body. “Wait, are you just saying that to mess with me?”  

His grin widens, and now you know you are being bullied.  

“Maybe. But you really do.”  

Unbelievable. You glare at him, though you’re pretty sure it lacks any actual intimidation.  

“I am being bullied in real time.”  

Adam raises his glass, utterly unfazed. “Would it help if I toast to your charming awkwardness?”  

You point a finger at him, squinting. “Do not.”  

If he does, you might actually combust on the spot.  

You stir your drink, trying so hard to say something cool and mysterious, but all you can think about is how weird the condensation feels on your palm. So, naturally, you blurt it out.  

“I feel like I should say something intriguing right now, but all I can think about is how weird this condensation is.”  

Adam blinks at you for a second before laughing, shaking his head. “That /is/ very mysterious.”  

You groan, covering your face with your hand. “Stop encouraging this.”  

He grins, sipping his drink. “But it’s fun watching you try to recover.”  

You glance at him over your glass, trying so hard to act unaffected, but the way he looks at you makes something buzz in your chest. You swallow, tilting your head slightly.  

“So, are we doing the whole ‘stare intensely while pretending we’re not flirting’ thing, or should we just admit it?”  

That was almost smooth. Almost. 

Adam’s eyes flick to yours, his smirk deepening.  

“Uh—yes? Wait, no. I mean—what was the question again?”  

You laugh, nudging his arm lightly. “Just drink your radioactive cocktail, Adam.”  

And maybe stop looking at me like that, because my brain is short-circuiting. 

As the night wore on and the cocktail’s charms took hold, you began to relax more than you ever had in ages. With every sip, the worries about upcoming grades ebbed a little further away. Adam’s teasing continued in a gentle, flirtatious rhythm: a playful nudge here, a half-smile there.

The neon lights blur as you linger at the bar, already feeling more tipsy than you intended. The bass pulses through you, and the chaotic energy of the club only amplifies your need to shine—even if it means your flirtation comes out cheesier than planned.

You lean forward with a wobbly grin. "This is nice,  I never knew talking to random strangers could be so fun. I guess it all depends on the person. Who wouldn't feel good sitting next to a handsome face like yours?"

Yes, that came out exactly as I imagined—absurd and hopelessly cheesy. But somehow, it also feels like the most honest thing I could ever say.

Adam chuckles, his eyes dancing in the strobe light.

"That's for books. You really know how to leave an impression, don't you?"

You laugh, your words a little slurred as you take another sip of your cocktail. The drink warms you in a way that makes your heart skip. "I guess I'm just a walking contradiction tonight: too clumsy to be cool but determinedly dazzling in my own way."

My brain is a jumble of thoughts, each more absurd than the last, but I can’t help feeling that maybe this wacky mix is what makes the night memorable.

Adam's smile turns tender as he moves a little closer, his touch lightly brushing your hand. "Every word out of you, as silly as it may be, brightens up this crazy night. It's like you're the sparkle no one expected."

You can’t decide if you're mortified by your own absurdity or thrilled that it seems to working.

Feeling emboldened by his warmth and the mist of alcohol, you toss another line, almost tripping over your own excitement. "You're really hot y'know? Like I could cut my finger on that jawline"

Great, now I sound like a thirsty fangirl, he probably thinks I'm crazy

Adam laughs softly, eyes crinkling in amusement. His gaze, full of both mischief and genuine care, makes your heart flutter even as your vision wavers. "You certainly have a way with words. But I think those cocktails are getting to you."

Your laughter trails off as you realize that the room is starting to spin. The cocktail's effects become unmissable, and your head feels heavy with alcohol and all the weight of the night's daring confessions.

Before you can form another quirky remark, Adam's tone shifts to a gentle seriousness. "Hey, I think you've had enough adventures for one night. Why don't I take you home so you can make your beauty sleep?"

A moment of vulnerable clarity cuts through your fog. Yes, that's exactly what I need—someone to guide me through this fuzzy night back to my Ben & Jerry's filled fridge.

You offer him a sheepish smile, feeling both embarrassed and incredibly grateful. 

"That… sounds nice."

He gently takes your arm, steadying you as you push away from the bar your cheesy lines and awkward flirts make less sense—but the warmth of Adam's care leaves a lasting, comforting glow.

Weiss and Yang's gaze lingered on you for a moment. Weiss with a hint of concern hidden behind her pristine composure, and Yang with an amused gleam in her eye. They shared a brief, wordless understanding and gave a weak wave to you as you left the club with Adam, while Blake seemed to be glaring at the back of Adam's head and whispered something to the other girls.

I'm too out of it to care about whatever gossip they're doing right now. 

You step out into the cool night air, the club’s pulsating neon glow fading behind you. The alcohol’s warmth still lingers in your veins as Adam gently guides you along the quiet sidewalk. His arm is a steady presence around your shoulder, and despite your unsteady steps, you feel surprisingly safe.  

"Hey, no rush," Adam says softly. "Let me walk you home, okay?"  

You manage a small nod and mumble, "Thank you," your words thick with a mixture of exhaustion and genuine appreciation.  

I can’t believe how out of it I am tonight, you think, glancing up at him. But there’s something so reassuring about his calm, caring voice.  

 The streetlights cast long shadows as you round a quiet corner, and the distant hum of the city seems to fade into a gentle silence. You attempt to steer the conversation, even if just a bit, to distract yourself from the fog in your mind. "So… how did you end up here tonight?" you ask, your voice a little slurred but sincere.  

 Adam smiles, his eyes warm in the dim light. "Stalking my ex...joking joking… but I just wanted to get my mind off things for a bit and luckily found some good company."  

It's hard to believe a guy as perfect as him has rough nights like me, but I guess even the saints weren't saints too, you think as you focus on his steady presence. The world around you is soft and indistinct, and every step feels both heavy and strangely light at the same time.  

As you continue, you find yourself confessing in short, halting sentences about the rough week you’ve had—about everything piling up and how tonight, of all nights, felt like the only time you could be yourself, awkward and all. Adam listens intently, never interrupting, his steady encouragement a silent promise of support.  

Reaching the entrance to your building, Adam stops and turns to you with a gentle smile. "Here we are," he says. "You sure you’ll be alright getting upstairs?

You shrug, your cheeks warming with a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. "I—yeah, I think so. Thanks for everything tonight."  

I never expected to feel this cared for when I was so out of it, you reflect, the sincerity in his eyes leaving a tender mark on your heart.  

Adam leans a little closer. "I mean it. And if you ever need company again, or just a walk home you know where to find me."  He says with a grin as he hands you a piece of paper with a number on it. 

Oh, oh 

It's his phone number. Does that mean he wants to see you again? You smile back at him and that the paper

You smile, a slow, fuzzy smile that stretches despite the haze. "I’d like that."  

With one final reassuring smile he watches as you make your way up the steps. The door closes behind you with a soft click, leaving a warm glow of gratitude and the subtle promise of more moments like this lingering in your thoughts.  

They had been walking in silence for what felt like hours. Adam was getting sick of it. Raven hadn’t so much as glanced at him since the failed raid on that group of Huntsmen they stumbled upon while hunting. Normally, Adam had no issue cutting down those pig-bootlicking, pathetic excuses for "heroes," but this time was different.  

One of the Huntsmen was a Faunus.  

The moment Adam pressed his blade to the man’s throat, he saw it—his ears twitching, the sheer panic in his eyes. It struck something deep within him, something he’d buried beneath layers of rage and determination. He saw the terrified faces of the friends he'd lost in the mines—the ones who never made it out.  

And in that moment, Adam hesitated.  

That brief flicker of doubt had given the Huntsman an opening. A swift kick sent Adam’s sword flying, and in seconds, the Faunus was gone, slipping into the darkness before he could regain control of the situation. The failure was unacceptable.  

Raven had sent the rest of the tribe ahead to prepare for their inevitable relocation. But Adam? No, she had ordered him to follow her—and now he found himself trailing behind the infamous warrior, completely lost, unable to turn back even if he wanted to. Not that he would. Facing Raven’s silent treatment was preferable to the mockery of the others. They’d call him weak. A coward. A disgrace.  

He was snapped from his thoughts when Raven suddenly stopped.  

Adam stiffened. His mind jumped to every possible scenario. Was she going to reprimand him? Punish him? Kill him?  

Finally, she spoke, her tone as indifferent as ever.  

"Start a fire and set up camp. We’re staying here tonight."

Adam had questions—too many—but he knew better than to ask. With a curt nod, he began gathering wood and stones, preparing the fire.  

⊹₊🔥⋆｡°✩

The flames crackled, casting shifting shadows against the towering trees. Adam sat rigid, arms crossed, his crimson blade resting at his side. Across from him, perched on a fallen log, sat Raven. Her mask lay beside her, revealing sharp, calculating eyes that gleamed in the firelight.  

"You hesitated," she stated, her voice devoid of warmth. "That’s weakness." 

Adam’s jaw tightened.  

"I know…" he admitted. "But that hunter—he was a Faunus. When I looked into his eyes, all I could think about were the others. The ones I worked beside in the mines. The ones still trapped there. I lost focus… it won’t happen again."  

He kept his eyes locked onto the fire, unwilling to meet Raven’s gaze.  

She let the silence stretch before finally replying.  

"Your words mean nothing. If you want to prove yourself—to the tribe, to me—you have to act."  

Adam swallowed hard, his grip tightening around his forearm.  

"I’ll act when the time is right."  

The second the words left his mouth, regret crept in. He had talked back. To Raven. He’d be lucky if she didn’t cut him down right here and leave him for the Grimm to find. His heart pounded as he braced for fury.  

Instead, he heard something he wasn’t expecting.  

A chuckle.  

"The time is right when you decide it is,” Raven scoffed. "You wait for orders, for justification. That’s why you’ll never be truly free."

Adam stared at her. How could she be so indifferent? How could she be so cold toward his people? The Faunus had suffered systematic hatred and oppression, and she—she just dismissed it as if it meant nothing?  

His frustration flared, his voice raw with passion.  

"You think freedom is running away? Abandoning everything?"  

He knew the words would hit her where it hurt. Knew what she had left behind—what she had chosen to walk away from. He met her gaze, daring her to react.  

Raven shrugged, tossing a twig into the flames.  

 "Freedom is power. No attachments, no obligations—only strength."  

He scoffed.  

 "Spoken like someone too afraid to fight for something real."  

Raven moved faster than he could process. In an instant, her sword was at his throat, the firelight catching on the steel.  

"Spoken like someone who doesn’t know what it takes to win," 

she countered, her tone sharp, deadly.  

For a moment, neither of them moved. The crackling flames seemed to shrink, drowned in the tension between them. Then, just as quickly, Raven withdrew, turning away.  

"Survive long enough, and you’ll understand," 

she muttered. 

"But only if you listen. This world is cruel, Adam. Trust me—being led by your heart in battle will only bring you grief."  

Her voice softened, just barely. Then she turned, walking back into the shadows.  

"I’ll have someone come get you in the morning. If you’re still alive by then. If you don’t act, it’ll cost you."  

Adam watched her go, fists clenched at his sides.  

He wasn’t sure if he despised her—or if, deep down, he feared she might be right.