A week later, the ten Marines are back at the FOB.

But as they did, they noticed that some Marines were passing around a sign up sheet.

Curious, Mari approach a female Russian marine who just finished, "What are you guys signing?"

"To a invitation to the Vytal festival dance at Beacon next Sunday. Women get to wear dresses, while the men wear their Dress Blues."

Jie, Mari, Shino and Dae were amazed and surprised.

While the men(Anthony, David, Igor, Kang, Felix, and Michael) looked nervous.

They were about to leave when Dae handed them the sheet. The ladies wrote their names. Now it's the men's turn.

"Fuck..." Anthony, David, Igor, Kang, Felix, and Michael muttered and signed their names.

The following Sunday, the night of the Vytal Festival dance arrived. Beacon Academy was adorned with lights and decorations, transforming the grand hall into a glittering spectacle of colors and elegance. Students and faculty mingled, dressed in their finest, laughter and excitement filling the air.

The Marines arrived, the women looking stunning in their dresses, while the men cut impressive figures in their Dress Blues. As they walked into the hall, they could feel the eyes on them, a mix of admiration and curiosity.

Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang spotted them from across the room and made their way over, their faces lighting up with joy at seeing their friends again.

"Wow, you all look amazing!" Ruby exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration.

"You clean up pretty well," Yang teased, giving the men a playful nudge.

Blake smiled warmly, "It's great to see you all here."

Weiss nodded in agreement, "Yes, it's a pleasant surprise."

Anthony, David, Igor, Kang, Felix, and Michael, though initially nervous, relaxed in the presence of their friends. The unease melted away as they were welcomed with open arms and genuine smiles.

The night was filled with dancing, laughter, and catching up. The Marines, despite their initial reluctance, found themselves enjoying the evening, their bonds with Team RWBY and the other students growing even stronger. As the night went on, they realized that moments like these were just as important as the battles they fought, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Soon, the female Marines entered the hall. Making most men and boys(students) turn heads.

And making most of the girls including Team RWBY and even Glynda jealous.

Jie, Mari, Shino and Dae walked up to the men(Anthony, David, Igor, Kang, Felix, and Michael) in dresses they had brought online and shipped to them.

Each of them looked stunning.

"What do you think?" Jie asked Anthony.

Anthony's jaw nearly dropped, but he quickly regained his composure, smiling warmly. "You all look incredible. Absolutely stunning."

David nodded in agreement, "Yeah, you clean up better than us, that's for sure."

Igor, Kang, Felix, and Michael echoed similar sentiments, clearly impressed and a bit awestruck by how their female comrades had transformed for the evening.

Mari gave a little twirl, "Well, we figured we should match the occasion. It's not every day we get to dress up like this."

Shino smirked, "And judging by the looks on everyone's faces, I'd say we nailed it."

Dae chuckled, "Looks like we might even give Team RWBY a run for their money."

Blake, Ruby, Yang, and Weiss exchanged amused but slightly envious glances. Yang laughed, "I think you already did. You all look amazing."

Glynda, standing nearby, couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy, but she smiled, appreciating the beauty and effort the female Marines had put into their appearance.

The dance continued, the atmosphere filled with a mix of excitement and admiration. The Marines and their new friends from Beacon Academy enjoyed the evening, strengthening their bonds and creating memories that would last long after the music stopped.

A second later, slow dance music came on.

Jie had her hand out to Anthony, "Care to dance my tall, strong American man?"

Said man didn't waste a second.

Shino looked at David with a smirk and he shrugged his shoulders, "Sure." He agreed and the two went to the dance floor.

"Would care to dance?" Michael asked Mari who accepted.

"Uhh..." Igor began asking Dae who just smiled and took his hand to the floor.

Kang and Felix were the only ones without a partner as well as Team RWBY. Both looked at each other.

Kang and Felix exchanged a brief, understanding nod. Kang then turned to Weiss, extending his hand with a polite smile. "Would you do me the honor of this dance, Weiss?"

Weiss blinked, a bit surprised, but then smiled warmly, taking his hand. "I'd be delighted, Kang."

Meanwhile, Felix approached Blake, who had been watching the interactions with a small smile. "May I have this dance, Blake?"

Blake hesitated for a moment, but then she nodded, placing her hand in his. "Sure, Felix."

Yang and Ruby, noticing their teammates being paired off, shared a look. Yang grinned, "Well, looks like we're left out."

Ruby chuckled, "Guess we can dance together then!"

Yang laughed, "Sure thing, sis."

As the slow dance music filled the hall, the pairs moved to the dance floor, swaying to the rhythm. Anthony and Jie moved gracefully, enjoying the moment of calm. David and Shino exchanged playful banter as they danced, while Michael and Mari shared a genuine, heartfelt connection.

Igor and Dae danced with a comfortable familiarity, and Kang and Weiss moved with an elegant grace that drew admiring glances. Felix and Blake danced with a quiet understanding, both appreciating the momentary respite from their usual concerns.

Yang and Ruby danced together, their sisterly bond evident in their laughter and smiles.

The atmosphere was warm and filled with camaraderie, a testament to the friendships and bonds that had formed amidst the challenges they all faced.

At the sidelines, Ironwood was about to ask Glynda for a dance. But Pavel came up to her first.

"May I have a dance with you, Professor Goodwitch?" He asked with a gentlemanly tone.

Ironwood was caught off guard as Pavel stepped in with his polite request. Glynda, equally surprised, blinked before giving Pavel a small, appreciative smile.

"Of course, Pavel. I'd be delighted," she replied, taking his offered hand.

As Glynda and Pavel moved to the dance floor, Ironwood watched for a moment, a faint smile playing on his lips before he turned away, deciding to mingle with some of the other attendees.

On the dance floor, Glynda and Pavel moved in perfect sync, their movements graceful and fluid. Pavel, despite his usual stern demeanor, danced with a surprising elegance, and Glynda found herself genuinely enjoying the dance.

Throughout the hall, the mood was festive and lighthearted, a much-needed break from the usual tension and seriousness of their lives. The music, laughter, and conversations blended into a harmonious symphony, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration.

As the night progressed, the bonds between the Marines, the students of Beacon, and their teachers only grew stronger, each dance step, each shared smile, and each conversation a testament to their growing camaraderie and mutual respect.

After the music stopped a US Marine handed the DJ a song that was considered old but great.

The second it started playing, American Marines instantly recognized the song. It was Cupid Shuffle.

For everyone else that isn't American, they were unfamiliar with the line dance. But the Americans were quick to guide them.

As the opening notes of "Cupid Shuffle" began to play, a wave of recognition and excitement rippled through the American Marines. They exchanged knowing glances and smiles, quickly forming a line on the dance floor.

"Alright, follow our lead!" Anthony called out, clapping his hands to get everyone's attention.

David, Mari, Shino, Igor, Jie, Kang, Felix, Dae, and Michael joined in, their movements confident and synchronized. The Marines' enthusiasm was infectious, and soon, students and faculty from Beacon were joining in, eager to learn the steps.

"To the right, to the right, to the right, to the right," the song instructed, and the Marines moved in perfect unison, guiding their new friends through the dance.

Laughter and cheers filled the air as everyone moved together, stumbling and bumping into each other at first but quickly finding their rhythm. Glynda and Pavel, though initially hesitant, soon found themselves swept up in the energy of the dance, smiling and laughing along with the rest.

Even Ironwood couldn't resist joining in, his serious demeanor giving way to a more relaxed and joyful expression as he tried to keep up with the steps.

The dance floor became a lively sea of movement, with people of different backgrounds and experiences coming together, united by the simple joy of dancing. As the song continued, the camaraderie and connection between everyone grew stronger, the barriers of rank and role melting away in the shared moment of fun.

By the end of the song, everyone was breathless and grinning, the mood in the room lighter and more jubilant than ever. It was a night to remember, a testament to the power of music and dance to bring people together, even in the most unexpected of ways.

As the final beats of "Cupid Shuffle" faded away, another US Marine stepped forward, a mischievous grin on his face, holding a request slip for the DJ. With a nod, the DJ queued up the next song, and the unmistakable bassline of "Wobble" filled the air.

Excited murmurs rippled through the crowd as people recognized the familiar tune, and soon, the dance floor was alive with anticipation. The Marines wasted no time in taking the lead once again, their energy infectious as they began to move to the rhythm of the music.

David, Mari, Shino, Igor, Jie, Kang, Felix, Dae, and Michael were quick to join in, their movements smooth and confident as they guided their fellow dancers through the steps of the line dance. With each beat, the room seemed to pulse with energy, everyone swept up in the infectious groove of the music.

"Wobble baby, wobble baby, wobble baby, wobble," the song urged, and the dancers obliged, swaying and shimmying in perfect harmony. Laughter and cheers filled the air as people let loose, their inhibitions melting away in the joy of the moment.

Even those who were unfamiliar with the dance found themselves caught up in the excitement, following the lead of the Marines and their fellow dancers. Glynda and Pavel, though initially hesitant, soon found themselves swept up in the rhythm, their movements growing more confident with each passing moment.

As the song reached its climax, the dance floor erupted into a frenzy of movement, everyone giving it their all as they wobbled and shook to the beat. It was a sight to behold, a testament to the power of music to bring people together and create moments of pure joy and connection.

And as the final notes of "Wobble" faded away, the room erupted into cheers and applause, the energy of the dance lingering in the air long after the music had stopped. It was a night that would be remembered fondly by all who attended, a celebration of friendship, camaraderie, and the simple joy of dancing.

After the dancing, Anthony stepped out onto the balcony to catch his breath, he felt a sense of relief wash over him. The cool night air was a welcome contrast to the warmth and energy of the dance floor below. Leaning against the railing, he closed his eyes for a moment, letting the sounds of the night soothe his senses.

"Mind if I join you?" a familiar voice said, interrupting his thoughts.

Opening his eyes, Anthony turned to see Jie stepping out onto the balcony beside him. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he welcomed her presence.

"Not at all," he replied, his voice soft as he looked at her. "It's nice out here."

Jie nodded, her own gaze scanning the night sky above. For a moment, they stood in comfortable silence, the only sounds the faint murmur of music drifting up from below.

"It's been quite a night," Jie said after a while, breaking the silence. "But it's nice to have a moment of peace."

Anthony nodded in agreement, his gaze turning back to the festivities below. "Yeah, it's been... eventful," he admitted. "But I'm glad we could be here together."

Jie smiled, reaching out to gently squeeze his hand. "Me too," she said softly. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

As they stood together, gazing out into the night, Anthony felt a sense of contentment wash over him. In that moment, with Jie by his side, everything felt right in the world. And as they watched the stars twinkle overhead, he knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

"So-" Anthony turned to face Jie but was cut off by her kissing him on the lips.

Caught off guard by Jie's sudden gesture, Anthony's initial surprise melted away as he leaned into the kiss, savoring the warmth of her lips against his. In that fleeting moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them and the gentle breeze whispering around them.

As they pulled back, Anthony couldn't help but smile, a warmth spreading through him at the depth of their connection. "So," he said, his voice soft but filled with affection, "that was unexpected."

Jie chuckled, a playful glint in her eyes as she met his gaze. "I thought it was about time we made things official," she teased, a hint of mischief dancing in her smile.

Anthony's smile widened, his heart swelling with happiness. "I couldn't agree more," he replied, his voice tinged with warmth. "To us, then," he added, reaching out to gently cup her cheek.

"To us," Jie echoed, her eyes sparkling with joy as she leaned into his touch.

In that moment, as they stood together on the balcony, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, Anthony knew that he had found something truly special in Jie. And as they shared another tender embrace, he felt a sense of gratitude wash over him for the gift of her love.