SXD+S: Formal Dinner

Beacon Academy – First Year Dorm

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The sharp, precise rhythm of the knocks rang against the dorm door. Ruby Rose, who had been fiddling with Crescent Rose on her bed, tilted her head curiously.

“Coming!” She chirped, hopping up and skipping to the door. She swung it open with her usual boundless energy—only to freeze when she looked up and found herself staring into the cool, piercing eyes of Winter Schnee.

Ruby’s jaw dropped slightly. “O-Oh! Uhm—Weiss! Your big sister’s here!” She shouted into the room, voice echoing down the hall.

Winter’s expression remained composed, though one eyebrow lifted faintly at the display. ‘So this is the leader of Weiss’s team.’

From inside, there was the sound of hurried footsteps. “What?!” Weiss’s voice carried, sharp and startled. A moment later, the heiress herself appeared, moving with unusual urgency.

“Winter!” Weiss straightened instantly, her voice shifting into formal politeness. “What brings you here? I thought you were—”

Winter cut her off with a subtle lift of her hand. “I am here on business. But that business includes you.”

Weiss blinked, trying to read her sister’s perfectly neutral expression. “...Me?”

Winter nodded once, then continued, her voice calm but firm. “I have decided it is only proper that I become more… acquainted with this boy you have chosen to involve yourself with. Therefore, I am arranging a formal dinner. You. Myself. And Issei Hyoudou.”

The words struck Weiss like a thrown icicle. Her entire face froze mid-expression, composure cracking just enough to betray her horror.

“A… a formal dinner?” She repeated weakly.

“Yes,” Winter said matter-of-factly. “Tonight. Somewhere suitable. Do not worry, I will handle the location. All you must do is ensure your… partner… is presentable.”

Weiss’s stomach dropped. ‘This is a disaster.’

Formal dinner meant etiquette. Rules. Quiet conversation. And Issei—her Issei—ate like a starving wolf half the time and spoke whatever thought came to his mind without a filter.

She imagined it now, Issei chewing with his mouth full, cracking some crude compliment across the table, then leaning back with that casual grin while Winter dissected him with her sharp eyes. Weiss almost fainted on the spot.

And beyond that, a colder, more terrifying thought gnawed at her:

‘What if… Winter doesn’t just disapprove of him? What if she—’

Weiss shook her head, banishing the idea before it could take root. But the unease lingered, sour and heavy.

“Winter, I don’t believe that’s—”

“No, Weiss.” Winter’s voice cut like a blade through the air. “This is not a suggestion. It is necessary. I will not allow my sister’s life to be entangled with someone without ensuring his intentions are honorable.”

Weiss opened her mouth, then closed it. She knew that tone. That finality. When Winter made up her mind, there was no argument. None.

Winter gave a curt nod, then turned sharply on her heel. Her boots clicked in precise rhythm as she strode away down the hall, her presence fading but the weight of her decision lingering behind like frost.

Weiss stood frozen in the doorway, staring after her sister.

Ruby leaned out beside her, eyes wide. “Sooo… what was that about?”

Weiss let out a long, weary sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Trouble. Absolute trouble.”

Yang smirked from her bunk, arms crossed. “Sounds like dinner’s gonna be really entertaining.”

Weiss shot her a glare. “This isn’t amusing! If Issei so much as slurps his soup the wrong way, Winter will—” She stopped, her face tightening as her thoughts spiraled again. “And… and the last thing I need is them spending more time together.”

Blake, quietly observing from the corner with a book in hand, tilted her head slightly. “You’re worried Winter might approve of him too much?”

Weiss froze, color rising in her cheeks. “T-That’s not it! Don’t be absurd!”

Ruby tilted her head innocently. “But you did say she was acting differently around him…”

“Quiet!” Weiss barked, flustered. She turned, storming back into the room. “I need to make a call. If this disaster is inevitable, then I have to prepare him. Thoroughly.”

She marched toward her scroll, determination etched on her face but her heart fluttering anxiously.

—---------------------------------

Vale – Highrise Restaurant, Top Floor

The view of Vale at night was breathtaking. The city sprawled below like a sea of twinkling lanterns, each light reflecting off the glass walls of the restaurant perched at the top of the skyscraper. The atmosphere was lavish—soft piano music drifting through the air, candles flickering on tables draped in white cloth, the scent of seasoned meats and exotic spices wafting from the kitchen.

And at one of the best seats in the house, Issei Hyoudou and Weiss Schnee waited.

Weiss was radiant tonight. She wore a form-fitting evening dress of deep sapphire blue, the fabric shimmering faintly under the dim lights. The design hugged her slender frame, falling elegantly to her ankles while leaving her pale shoulders bare. A silver necklace rested delicately at her collarbone, her hair tied up neatly with only a few strands loose around her face. She looked every bit the refined heiress she was raised to be.

Issei, however, was not taking the transition to high society well.

He tugged uncomfortably at the collar of his black suit, the same one Weiss had forced him into during the Beacon dance. The collar and tie continued to itch. The jacket was too stiff. He swore the starched shirt was choking him.

“Ugh…” He muttered under his breath, pulling at the collar again. “I can’t breathe. How do people wear this without dying?”

Weiss, sitting across from him, immediately snapped her gaze up from her wine glass. “Stop fidgeting, Issei. You’re wrinkling the suit.”

“I think the suit’s trying to kill me,” Issei countered, tugging again.

Weiss narrowed her eyes, voice crisp as ice. “You will behave. Tonight is not about you being… whatever you usually are. Tonight you will be proper and polite. And above all, you will not embarrass me.”

Issei sighed dramatically, slouching back in his chair. “Fine, fine. I’ll be on my best behavior. No jokes. No fun. Just me suffocating quietly.”

Weiss pinched the bridge of her nose. “Sometimes I wonder why I bother…”

Issei perked up at that, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips. “Because you love me?”

Weiss froze, color rushing to her cheeks. “T-That’s not—! You can’t just say things like that so casually!”

He leaned forward on the table, chin propped in his hand, grinning. “But it’s true, right? I mean, look at you. You’re so stunning tonight. That dress, your hair, the necklace—it’s like you’re daring me to do something to you that we would both enjoy.”

Weiss tried to compose herself, scoffing lightly as she turned her face away. “Hmph. I’m well aware of how I look, thank you. You already said all of this when I came to pick you up earlier. Twice.”

Issei’s grin widened. “What can I say? You’re worth repeating myself for.”

The words landed heavier than he likely realized. Weiss’s cheeks burned hotter, though she fought to keep her posture flawless. ‘Why does he always say things like this so shamelessly? Does he even realize what he’s doing to me?’

Her heart fluttered despite herself.

Weiss raised her wine glass to hide her expression, muttering, “Incorrigible fool…”

Issei chuckled, leaning back and forcing himself to stop pulling at his collar. He couldn’t deny that Weiss looked incredible tonight, and for once, even his perverted side was quieted—not because he wasn’t tempted, but because he genuinely couldn’t stop admiring her.

He shifted uncomfortably in his chair again, reminding himself of Weiss’s warning. ‘Okay, Hyoudou. Best behavior. Don’t screw this up. Weiss already looks stressed. Just… keep it together. Even if the suit feels like it’s killing you.’

He looked around the restaurant briefly, noticing how other patrons were glancing at Weiss, some even staring outright. That alone made his chest puff with pride—and a little possessiveness.

‘That’s my girlfriend,’ he thought, smiling to himself. ‘Lucky bastard, that’s me.’

Weiss, catching the look on his face, quickly averted her eyes again, feeling her composure slip. She could almost hear Yang’s voice in her head teasing her mercilessly: “You’re just as bad as he is.”

And then the heavy, unmistakable sound of measured footsteps echoed near the entrance. Weiss and Issei both turned their heads at once.

Specialist Winter Schnee had arrived.

Her pristine white uniform was immaculate as always. Her posture was flawless, her aura of authority filling the room the moment she stepped inside. Even among Atlas elites, she looked untouchable.

Issei swallowed hard. ‘Oh crap. Here we go.’

Weiss’s grip tightened on her glass, her heart racing in her chest. ‘This is going to be a disaster. An absolute disaster.’

Winter’s gaze locked onto their table, and she began to walk toward them with calm, deliberate steps.

Issei felt his shoulders stiffen, Weiss’s hand already clutching his beneath the linen as if to remind him to behave.

Weiss rose immediately, her dress flowing as she dipped into a perfectly practiced greeting. “Sister. Thank you for joining us this evening.”

Issei, slower to stand, tugged at his collar again and groaned softly. “Yo.”

Weiss froze.

Her entire body tensed as if she’d been stabbed, and her nails dug into his hand beneath the tablecloth. ‘Did he just—’

Winter arched a brow, lips twitching in what might have been the faintest ghost of amusement. “...‘Yo?’” She repeated, tone cool but touched with intrigue.

Issei chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. “Uh, yeah. Casual greeting. I mean—good evening, Specialist Schnee. Sorry. Just… nerves.”

Weiss covered her face briefly with one hand. ‘Brothers above, why me?’

They soon sat with menus being distributed. Candles flickered between them, the silver cutlery gleaming with expensive polish. Weiss flipped through her menu, already certain of her order. Winter, calm as ever, skimmed through with quick precision.

Issei stared at his menu as if it were written in Martian.

“…Uh.” He tilted it one way, then the other. “Do these words mean anything to anyone?”

Weiss inhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of her nose. ‘Of course he can’t read half of this. He’s hopeless.’

“Issei,” she whispered between clenched teeth, “stop talking so loudly and just pick something.”

“I can’t even tell what’s food,” He whispered back, panicked. “This one sounds like a spell. What even is coq au vin? Is that… is that chicken? Or wine?”

Weiss sighed in surrender, taking the menu from his hands. “I’ll order for him,” she told the waiter smoothly, already accustomed to his likes and his appetite. “Double order of the beef entrée, medium rare, with double sides of potatoes. And a starter salad with no onions.”

Issei blinked at her, stunned. “...You remembered that I don’t like onions?”

Weiss kept her gaze firm on the waiter, but a faint blush dusted her cheeks. “Of course. I always pay attention to your likes and dislikes.”

Winter’s eyes flicked between the two of them, lingering on Weiss longer than usual. Then she inclined her head slightly, signaling the waiter to continue with the orders.

Once the menus were taken, silence hovered briefly over the table, broken only by the soft piano notes in the background. Winter finally began the conversation.

“So,” She said evenly, folding her hands in her lap, “how has Beacon been treating you both?”

Weiss straightened at once, slipping into a practiced speech. “Quite well. My performance remains at the top of my classes, of course. My only setbacks are due to… circumstances beyond my control.” Her eyes flicked toward Issei. “Primarily caused by my teammates. And him.”

Issei gave a sheepish laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Heh. Guilty as charged.”

Winter’s expression didn’t change, but her gaze was steady. “I see.”

Weiss felt herself tense, already preparing for the disapproval—but instead, Winter shifted her attention to Issei directly.

“And you?”

Issei blinked, caught in the spotlight. “Me?”

“Yes.” Her tone was patient but firm. “How do you find Beacon Academy? You are… an unconventional addition.”

Weiss’s eyes widened slightly, nerves prickling. ‘Oh no. This is it. He’s going to say something stupid. Something careless. Please, Issei, just this once—’

Issei shrugged casually. “Honestly? I’m kind of at the bottom of most classes. Without Weiss tutoring me, I’d probably be failing half of them.”

Weiss really wanted to slam her head into the tablecloth. ‘Why would you say that out loud?!’

But Issei continued, his grin still there. “But combat and survival stuff? I ace those. Every time. Guess I’m better at punching than homework.”

Winter tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing in thought. “…And the matter of your memories? Does it not make things… more difficult?”

Weiss’s heart caught in her chest, bracing for whatever nonsense he might blurt out.

But Issei just let out a booming laugh, startling nearby diners. “Hah! Yeah, it’s been a real hassle, especially over subjects involving history. Forgetting who I was, where I came from—it’s like starting life from scratch. But, eh, I don’t mind it too much. I’ve got people who look out for me now. So it’s not all bad.”

Weiss’s chest softened at his words. She looked down quickly, hiding the warmth in her expression. ‘Idiot.’

Winter’s gaze lingered on him, quiet and thoughtful. For a moment, she seemed almost… softer. “I see. That is… admirable.”

Then Issei yelped softly under the table. Weiss’s elbow jabbed him squarely in the ribs, her glare sharp enough to cut glass.

“You were too loud,” She hissed through clenched teeth.

“Sorry, sorry!” He whispered back, forcing a grin.

Winter’s lips curved ever so faintly in amusement. She allowed herself a small chuckle. ‘He is utterly shameless. And yet… sincere. No wonder Weiss looks different around him.’

But then the clinking of silverware filled the air as the waiters arrived, setting down dishes with graceful precision. Two perfectly roasted beef entrée for Issei, delicate fish in white wine sauce for Weiss, and a carefully plated poultry dish for Winter. The aroma alone filled the air with warmth and elegance.

Weiss straightened, knife and fork poised delicately in her hands. Winter mirrored her, posture flawless, every movement refined. Both Schnees began eating in quiet, measured bites.

Issei, however—

“Finally!” He dove in the moment his plate touched the table, carving into the beef with the kind of hunger that ignored etiquette. His fork clattered against the plate, and he hummed in delight after his first bite. “Oh man, this is amazing!”

Weiss winced, lowering her fork. “Issei. Must you eat so messily? This is a fine restaurant, not a back-alley food stand.”

Issei froze, cheeks puffed out with food. His eyes darted between Weiss’s disapproving glare and Winter’s neutral gaze. Slowly, he chewed and swallowed, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

“Sorry,” He muttered. “It’s just… hard to hold back when the food’s this good, you know? Makes me wonder if I ever starved before.” He chuckled awkwardly, but his words lingered heavier than he intended.

Weiss’s frown softened just a fraction. ‘He might not even be exaggerating. For all we know, his past could have been filled with hardship he doesn’t remember.’

With a quiet sigh, she reached into her clutch and pulled a napkin. “Hold still,” she said firmly.

“Huh? Wait—” Issei blinked as Weiss leaned across the table and began carefully dabbing at the corner of his mouth. Her movements were precise, gentle, her face drawn in concentration.

“Y-You’re making a scene,” she murmured, though her own cheeks were faintly pink.

Issei’s grin softened, warmth in his eyes as he whispered back, “Thanks, Weiss.”

Winter had paused mid-bite, fork hovering in the air as she watched. Her sharp eyes couldn’t look away from the small, intimate moment unfolding across the table. ‘Weiss… caring for someone like this. So open. So tender. It’s… unexpected.’

She turned back to her meal, though her thoughts remained uncomfortably restless.

—------------------------------

By the time the plates were cleared, and wine was poured into fine glass, Winter placed her utensils down neatly and shifted her gaze to Issei.

“I have another question,” She said, her tone measured.

Issei blinked, setting his cup back down. “Shoot.”

Winter folded her hands neatly. “What will you do if you never recover your memories?”

The question struck heavier than her tone. Issei leaned back, eyes drifting to the candlelight between them. For once, his grin faltered as he genuinely thought about it.

“…I don’t know,” he admitted. “It’s weird, living without knowing who I was. But… if that’s how it is, then I’ll just figure it out as I go.” He shrugged lightly. “But this huntsman stuff—it’s not so bad. Fighting monsters, helping people, getting paid. I could make a living out of it.”

Winter nodded, her eyes calm, though her mind analyzed every word. ‘Practical. Not aimless. That’s… acceptable.’

But then her gaze sharpened slightly. “And what of your future with Weiss?”

Weiss nearly choked on her wine. “W-Winter!” She sputtered, her cheeks immediately heating.

Issei blinked, startled. “My future with Weiss?”

“Yes,” Winter said firmly, though her eyes flickered subtly toward her sister. “How serious are you?”

The table grew quiet. Weiss sat frozen, eyes darting to Issei, her heart hammering. ‘What kind of question is that?!’

Issei rubbed the back of his head, staring at the table. His brow furrowed as he went deep into thought. For once, the bumbling boy wasn’t flustered—he was genuinely considering it.

Finally, he lifted his gaze, voice steady.

“…If Weiss allows it, and if we’re both ready… I’d love to marry her someday.”

The words landed like a thunderclap.

Weiss’s entire face exploded red. Her mouth opened and closed with no sound. Her hands flew to her cheeks as steam practically rose from her head. ‘M-M-Marry?! He just—out loud—in front of Winter—’

Winter’s composure cracked, if only slightly. Her eyes widened before she schooled them back into neutrality, but a faint blush betrayed her control. ‘He says it so boldly. Without hesitation. He truly means it.’

Issei, oblivious to the storm he had unleashed, tilted his head. “Uh… did I say something wrong?”

Weiss made a strangled noise, slamming her napkin over her face to hide it.

“W-Weiss?!” Issei panicked, leaning towards Weiss, waving his hands. “Are you okay? You’re red! You’re really red! Did the wine already affect you? Are you sick?!”

He reached over, patting her shoulder frantically. “Hang on! Don’t pass out, Weiss! Somebody get a doctor—”

Weiss shot him a furious glare from behind the napkin, steam practically pouring from her ears. “Y-You absolute idiot! You can’t just—!”

Winter, of all people, let out the faintest laugh, soft and amused, covering her lips with her hand. “He’s… certainly direct.”

Issei blinked at her, confused. Weiss groaned into her napkin, torn between wanting to crawl under the table and wanting to throttle him.

—------------------------------

The candle flames flickered low, the plates had been cleared, and for a while the three Schnees-by-blood-and-association sat in an unusual calm. Weiss dabbed her lips delicately with her napkin, Issei leaned back in his chair at last content with a full stomach, and Winter sat with her usual upright posture, hands folded on her lap.

The silence was peaceful—until Issei tilted his head toward Winter.

“So…” He scratched his cheek, eyes thoughtful. “Why’d a pretty girl like you join the military?”

The words slipped out so casually, so sincerely, that Weiss nearly dropped her glass.

Her elbow came crashing into his ribs like a dagger.

“Ow!” Issei winced, clutching his side and staring at her in bewilderment. “What?! What did I say this time?!”

Weiss’s face burned pink as she hissed under her breath, “You will not flirt with my sister at dinner!”

“I wasn’t flirting!” Issei whispered back, confused. “I was just curious! Plus she is pretty!”

Weiss groaned, hiding her face in her hands. ‘Brothers, grant me patience.’

Across the table, Winter regarded the entire exchange with faint amusement. Her lips curved, and—shockingly—she let out a soft chuckle. “It’s quite alright, Weiss. I didn’t take offense.”

Issei blinked, sitting up straighter. “Really?”

Winter nodded, her composure unbroken. “My decision to join Atlas’ military was… in truth, rebellion at first. A means of separating myself from Father’s grasp. But over time, it became more. I found purpose in serving. Protecting the people of Atlas, ensuring they can live safely—that is what sustains me now.”

Issei’s expression softened, sincerity shining in his eyes. “That’s… actually really noble.”

Then, before Weiss could redirect him, Issei leaned forward, elbows on the table. “So, Winter… do you ever get time to relax? Or are you always working?”

Winter raised a brow. “I… rarely have leisure time.”

“That sounds rough,” Issei said honestly. “Don’t you have hobbies? Favorite food? Favorite color?”

Winter hesitated. “…I prefer tea. And the color blue.”

Weiss’s eyes widened slightly. ‘She never told me that.’

Issei grinned. “Blue, huh? Figures. You and Weiss both look amazing in it.”

Weiss flushed again. “Issei!”

Winter’s cheeks warmed faintly despite herself. She cleared her throat, trying to compose herself. “And… as for hobbies… I once enjoyed music. Playing the violin.”

“Seriously?!” Issei’s eyes lit up. “That’s awesome! Bet you’re amazing at it.”

Winter looked away, flustered. “…It has been years.”

Weiss found herself leaning forward now too, curiosity breaking through her embarrassment. “I… never knew that.”

The questions kept coming, Issei’s natural curiosity dismantling Winter’s walls bit by bit. Favorite season, favorite place in Atlas, what she thought about Beacon compared to Atlas Academy. Winter answered each carefully, but the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed that she was unaccustomed to anyone being this… interested in her.

Weiss, though still on edge, couldn’t deny she was intrigued herself. ‘Issei… you’re drawing her out in ways I never could.’

By the time their glasses were empty, the conversation had shifted from stiff to surprisingly warm. For the first time in years, Weiss sat across from her sister and saw not only the Specialist, but Winter.

—-----------------------------------

The Entrance Hall – Later

The three walked slowly through the restaurant’s glass entrance, city lights sprawling out below like scattered stars. The night air was cool, carrying faint traces of sea salt from Vale’s harbor.

Winter paused before stepping onto the platform where an Atlas transport would soon pick her up. Her eyes flicked toward Issei, then rested firmly on Weiss.

Her voice was calm, but heavy with meaning. “Weiss.”

Weiss straightened, heart beating faster. “Yes, Winter?”

Winter’s gaze sharpened. “Are you certain this is the person you want at your side? Father would certainly disapprove.”

The words hung in the air like a guillotine. Weiss’s throat tightened, but she forced herself to stand tall. She refused to look away from her sister’s piercing eyes.

“I don’t care what Father thinks,” Weiss said firmly, her voice trembling only slightly. “I chose him.”

Issei froze, eyes wide. He hadn’t expected that kind of conviction. Her words struck him harder than any punch, lodging in his chest like fire.

“…Weiss,” he murmured, his voice softer than he intended.

Winter studied her sister for a long, silent moment. Her features remained neutral, but deep in her eyes was something different—conflict, yes, but also respect.

“…Very well,” she said at last, her tone gentler than Weiss had ever heard from her. “I will… trust your judgment.”

She turned sharply, cape flowing as she stepped toward the transport platform. But even as she walked away, her heart remained unsettled. ‘You’ve grown stronger, Weiss.’

Issei stared at Weiss, still stunned by her resolve. A smile crept onto his lips, his chest swelling with warmth.

Weiss exhaled shakily, realizing what she had just declared. Her cheeks burned, but she didn’t take it back. She couldn’t.

‘Because it’s true.’