Chapter 9
by 
Espada001
What's next?
The ghost manages to keep up appearances. / Weiss impersonation!
There was genuine temptation to mess with Ruby a little. Act overtly friendly, flirt with Ruby, or even just act like an absolute loon. Yet as tempting as all of that was, Blake knew there would be consequences. What she had done already was violating enough without potentially harming Weiss in the long run. So, while Blake herself stuck with Yang, 'Weiss' decided to be, well...Weiss.
Ruby dragged her to a small brick and mortar building, the painted sign over the glass doors reading 'Parts and Crafts'. The snort of amusement doubled as one of derision, and 'Weiss' threw in an eye roll for good measure as Ruby dragged her inside. "Honestly, what do you expect me to do? If you haven't noticed, Crescent Rose and Myrtenaster are nothing alike. I didn't strap a rifle to my sword."
"No, but youare super smart, and it's a good idea to have someone to bounce ideas off!" Ruby's eyes sparkled happily as she stopped, turning around and bouncing on the balls of her feet. "Plus... I figured this can be a fun partner building exercise! Maybe I can help you upgrade Myrtenaster a bit too!"
Weiss's inner... Weiss, revolted by the idea, shuddered at such a suggestion. Blake's ghost however saw an opportunity for a little harmless fun; Ruby was too genuine and enthusiastic to turn down completely, although she didn't plan to add a rocket launcher to Weiss's sword either. "Perhaps I'll entertain some of your ideas, though I'm sure they'll be outlandish."
"No way! I know you think I'm an airhead, but I'm actually really good at weapon-smithing, Weiss! I did build Crescent Rose all by myself."
"Yes, and that scythe is a hazard in a dozen different ways."
"You're just jealous mine's bigger."
Weiss cringed at the phrasing, her chastity kicking in. 'Weiss' had to purse her lips to keep from laughing at the accidental innuendo, settling for another snort as she looked away. "You absolute boob. Let's just get this over with."
Ruby needed no more incentive and nodded emphatically, nearly yanking her arm out of her socket as she rushed them along. Rows upon rows, shelves and tables filled the shop. Boxes with smaller assorted components and labels sat out in the open, while larger and more expensive pieces sat behind plexiglass displays or in locked containers. Unsurprisingly, a handful of other huntsmen-in-training were shopping, browsing wares and keeping the two shopkeepers largely busy.
Blake's ghost might be trying to respect Weiss's dignity, but there was no reason she couldn't have a little fun elsewhere, right? Not that messing with a stranger made things much better morally, but at least she wouldn't be hurting one of her friends.