Well, here we go. The first pairing of Meet the Family is Jaune x Ruby. Also, just a heads up, I've taken a certain... liberty, with this chapter. You'll see what I mean when you read it. Otherwise, enjoy.
Chapter 2 - Lancaster
Despite it's size, and being the home of Signal Academy, Jaune had never heard of the island of Patch before. He would admit, he was wasn't exactly well traveled - coming to Beacon was still currently his greatest adventure yet - and geography was never one of his strongest subjects. So when Ruby told him that that was where she lived, Jaune responded with a confused look.
Ruby was already excited enough that day, but practically talked his ear off on the boat ride up, as she went on and on about how it was such a lovely place, how beautiful the scenery was, how it had the best primary combat school ever, and, of course, how it was home to - what would be - the greatest huntress who ever lived.
To Jaune's credit, he had been trying to listen to every detail. Alas, Ruby only told him that she lived overseas on the day, so he hadn't had time to prepare in advance for his motion sickness. He filled the ocean with so much green on the way up, they'd probably have to name the area after him, just to serve as a warning to fishermen and sailors. Ruby didn't seem to mind his vomiting. She considered it something to expect, if one was to ever date him. Jaune didn't know whether to take that as a compliment or not.
Eventually, after one stomach churning hour, they arrived at the island. Ruby was jumping up and down as they reached land, chanting on about "home sweet home" and phrases along those lines. Jaune weakley returned the enthusiasm, as he brushed the hell out of his teeth, and almost used a whole bottle of mouthwash to wash away the rancid odor. The toothbrush and the mouthwash had been given to him by the captain, who insisted that he needed them more than he did. Charming.
"Rubes, be honest with me, do I still smell bad?" Jaune nervously asked, causing Ruby to lightly pat him on the head.
"Don't worry, Vomit Boy," she said with her tongue sticking out. He had almost forgotten about that nickname, "Now you smell just like my uncle."
"Didn't you say he was an alcoholic?"
"Yeah, but at least you smell like family now." she said with a laugh, causing Jaune to look horrified. This only caused Ruby to laugh even harder. "I'm kidding, you smell fine. Wow, now I know why Yang enjoys teasing so much. The look on your face… priceless." she ended with a squeak.
"Very funny." he grumbled, causing Ruby to cling onto his arm, and activated her true weapon. The only weapon more valuable to her than Crescent Rose and had a much longer lasting effect.
The puppy dog eyes.
"C'mon Jaune, don't be mad at me. Please?" she pleaded as she gave that infamous look, knowing damn well the effect it had on him. Damn, she was getting crafty. Growing up with Yang probably did that to someone.
"Ok, fine, it's all good now. Just don't keep giving me that look." he begged. She rewarded his squirming with a kiss on the cheek which, even after all this time, still had the pair blushing and slightly looking away from each other.
They were often dubbed 'The cutest couple in Beacon' and for good reason. This was the first relationship any of them had been in, and they still had a hard time believing it was real. The only thing they knew for definite was real, was their feelings for each other. As such, they had an awkward way of showing affection to each other, causing observers to go "awww" at their cuteness- much to their dismay.
"Well...uh," Jaune began, "I guess we better get moving. Time's a wastin."
"Er- yeah. Right, right." Ruby stuttered, as they took each other by the hand and made their way down the path.
Ruby hadn't been kidding when she said Patch was beautiful. It was coming into Autumn now, and all the colours from the many trees in the area were simply breathtaking. At one point, they passed a cliffside that showed the lay of the land, that gave way to an abundance of nature. The afternoon sun was setting slightly, as it's light loomed over the hills, making the area below look like a blanket of orange and green.
"Wow." That was all he could say.
"I know, right? I never get tired of looking out from here." she said. Jaune couldn't blame her. It really was like something out of a picture. But, Jaune knew that appearances could be deceiving.
"With so much woodland, don't you ever get attacked by Grimm?" he asked.
"Pfft, they're just Beowolves, nothing me and my family can't handle." she said with a smile, "and besides, they usually stay far away from us. Why? Worried you'll have to come save me?" she said with a small smirk. Jaune didn't see the funny side, however.
"Well, yeah, if I feel like you're ever in danger." he said firmly, as he looked right into her eyes, "Ruby, you know that there is no way I'm letting anything hurt you." Ruby's face broke into a wide smile, as she hugged him tight, burying her face into his stomach.
"You're the best." she whispered softly. There was no awkwardness this time, as Jaune held her tighter, the pair remaining quiet for a while. Ruby broke off first as she remembered her original mission, and grabbed him by the hand once more. She had more of a skip in her step than what she did earlier.
After a while, they reached her home, which looked to be a large log cabin. All the lights were on and a lot of noise could be heard from inside.
"Welp, here we are," Ruby said proudly, "I think I should be the one to ring the doorbell." Jaune nodded as they approached the building's front door. Ruby rung the bell once, and they patiently waited. Soon after, a woman answered the door. She wore a long white hood, and looked strikingly similar to Ruby. She had the same eyes, face shape, she even had the same hair style. All that was different was that this woman was much taller than her. Otherwise, they could've been mistaken for the same person.
"Hey Rubes, why didn't you say you had an older twin sister?" Jaune asked.
"Older what? What are you-" she began, before looking at him wide eyed and in shock. Jaune gave her a confused look, which caused the woman at the door to start laughing her head off.
"Oh Ruby, I like him already."
[/]
Summer Rose took too much enjoyment in watching Jaune stumble his way through an apology to both her, and Ruby. At least, that's what he thought anyway. He really didn't think he needed to apologise to Summer, as he thought that ninety percent of women would've taken it as a compliment. And judging from the look on her face, she clearly did. In truth, he was only really apologising to her, simply from the mortified look Ruby was giving him. He quickly gave her one too afterwards.
Taiyang Xiao Long, Ruby's father, later came out after hearing the noise in the hallway. Jaune quickly asked Ruby to confirm that this was indeed her father, to which Ruby gave him a silent but serious nod. Jeez, Jaune felt it might be his own girlfriend in the end who would throw him out. At least it wouldn't be her father, who simply smiled and shook his hand.
"Everyone just calls me Tai," he said as he introduced himself, "And you must be Jaune Arc, yes?"
"Yes sir" Jaune said, causing the man to laugh.
"Oh please, just call me Tai. We're not that formal 'round here." he said with a wink. This helped relax Jaune a bit. Ruby's home seemed pretty easy going all things considered. This would probably be easier than he thought.
"Is that sis and Vomit Boy?" the voice of Yang called out from the kitchen. She had gotten to the house before they did, wanting to "give the lovebirds some space". Though, deep down, Jaune thought she just didn't want to deal with his motion sickness on the boat ride up too.
"We'll be with you in a moment, dear," Summer called back and then turned back to the young couple, "You two got here just in time. When you arrived, we had just got done serving dinner. It's all ready for you now."
"Awesome," Ruby cried out, finally finding the will to speak again, "You're gonna love this, Jaune. Mum's cooking is the best, no question. This'll be the best meal you've ever had."
"Actually," Summer giggled, "I left your dad in charge of making dinner this time." Ruby's face dropped.
"Well geez, you don't have to look so happy about it," Taiyang said whilst rolling his eyes, "Ignore her, Jaune. My cooking is just as good, you'll see."
"Dad, you cook things even Zwei won't eat."
"Well… guess I can't argue with that." he said glumly. Jaune looked a little worried, but managed to voice his anticipation for the upcoming dinner.
"I'm sure it'll be great si-, Tai."
"See? I knew there was someone who believed in me," he said proudly, "Though, now that you've said that, I feel really bad. Yours was the one I poisoned on purpose."
"Dad!" Ruby cried as she stood in front of Jaune, holding her arms out defensively.
"Don't worry," Taiyang laughed, "Now that I know what you're like, I'll swap your one out for Qrow's."
"Hehe, thanks." Jaune giggled led the way to the kitchen, where Yang and a dark haired man with red eyes waited for them all.
"I believe you're already friends with our daughter, Yang," Tai said, Yang greeting them with a lazy wave, "But the man over there is Ruby and Yang's uncle, Qrow." Jaune said hello to the man, only for him to sniff dismissively in return. Yang gave the young couple a cheeky grin as they sat down, one that they were both very familiar with.
"Well, would you look at that?" said Yang cheerfully, "The love birds have arrived."
"Really, Yang? Do you have to do that now?" Ruby whined, causing her older sister to laugh.
Back when they had announced their relationship, Yang had been ecstatic. She couldn't believe that her little sister had finally taken an interest in boys, let alone Jaune of all people. However, that didn't stop her from meeting Jaune privately, so that she could give him the talk that every protective older sibling gave to the new girlfriend/boyfriend. It didn't have to last long though, as she knew Jaune would never do anything to hurt Ruby. Not because he feared Yang - although he did - but because he genuinely cared for Ruby.
That being said though, one thing that she never stopped, was her endless teasing of the pair. Every Time they were caught doing something romantic in public, no matter how small it might be, she made a big fuss over it. She would constantly make kissy faces, followed by the occasional lovey-dovey comment. Jaune only hoped her mother would be better-
"So, tell me the truth," Summer said as they sat down, "how did you two get together. I want to hear all about it."
"Summer, please, let them sit down first. They can explain later."
"Oooh, I can't help it Tai," Summer whined, "Just look how cute they look together. I don't think I've ever seen such a sweeter pair. In fact, don't they kinda remind you of us. They even look like us when we were younger. "
Ok, maybe she was just as bad as Yang, if not slightly worse. Ruby seemed to agree as she stared down at her food, her face glowing like a tomato. Yang snickered at the whole affair, whilst the dark haired man remained silent.
"I admit, they do kinda look like us in our Beacon years," said Taiyang, not helping with Ruby's blush at all, "But still, we shouldn't embarrass 'em. They'll tell us when they're ready."
"Alright then," Summer sighed, "Sorry if I embarrassed you, Jaune. I'm just so excited to see my little rose finally grow."
"Muuum," Ruby whined, "you're embarrassing me."
"It's fine, Summer." Jaune said, despite how he was feeling much the same as Ruby. He didn't know how to ask her to stop without sounding rude though.
Gotta keep 'em happy, Jaune, he told himself, It doesn't matter how nice they seem. One wrong move and you could be screwed.
"I'll tell you what," Taiyang said, seeing the embarrassment on the both of their faces, "Why don't we ask Jaune to tell us about himself? How about that, Summer?"
"Oh yes, please do, Jaune," said Summer excitedly, "I'm dying to hear all about my daughter's first love."
"Muuum, do you have to word it like that?"
"What would you like to know?" asked Jaune.
"Anything really," said Summer, "Your dreams, hobbies, aspirations. Anything."
"Well, I guess my main dream is to become a huntsman, like everyone else in Beacon."
"Y'know, I almost forgot you're also at Beacon," said Tai, "Which school did you attend before going?"
Uh-oh.
Jaune hadn't planned an answer for that question; mostly because he had never been asked it before. On the outside, he maintained a calm demeanor, despite how his mind was going into overdrive, as it desperately tried to make up a believable answer. It was hard work - he couldn't even name any other combat school.
Wait, yes he could!
"I studied at Signal Academy before attending Beacon." He said the words before he could think them. He felt pretty proud of himself, until he saw Ruby and Yang give him a look of panic. What, had he said something wrong?
"Signal?" said Summer, "What a coincidence, that's where Ruby and Yang went as kids."
"Yeah, I was never in the same class as Yang, and me and Ruby weren't even in the same year at the time, so I never really spoke to them back then." Jaune said feeling confident. He didn't like lying to Ruby's parents, but it was necessary for the question asked. Besides, did they have to keep looking at him like that? He was doing great; he was lying like a rug right now. Why did they look so worried?
"That's weird," said Taiyang, "Qrow and myself teach there, but I don't remember seeing your name on the registry."
Registry? Teachers? Ruby's Dad and Uncle were teachers there?
Oh god, no wonder they were looking at him like that. Jaune wanted to kick himself for not planning ahead. Still, maybe he could work his way around this. Lying had helped him through most of his life, so why stop now?
"Well, my parents homeschooled me for a while, but then I joined in the final year. Maybe that's why you didn't see me."
"I guess," Taiyang said curiously, "Still, Signal's not that big a place. I should have seen you at some point. What about you, Qrow? You see him around before?"
"You know me, Tai," Qrow finally spoke, even if he slurred his words, "One snot nosed brat looks just like the other to me."
"Hey, I wasn't snot nosed!" whined Yang, though Qrow ignored her.
"Well I remember seeing him," Ruby said jumping to Jaune's defense, "He'd sometimes sit on his own though, to avoid acting clumsy in front of others." Ouch. Jaune admired Ruby for helping him, but did she have to paint his backstory like that? Still, he probably deserved it for coming up with such a horrendous lie.
"Hehe, yeah, that's right. Clumsy ol' Jaune, that was me." he laughed nervously.
"Well if you say so." Tai said, not really wanting to stretch the issue out any further. Silence filled the room for a while until Qrow finally broke it.
"So are we gonna keep probing this kid for info, or a we gonna eat this slop?"
Please pick 'eat the slop', please pick 'eat the slop'.
[/]
The dinner was delicious, Jaune would be the first to admit that. Everything was well cooked, and every bite left him wanting more. Jaune couldn't understand why Ruby had complained about her Dad's cooking before. If his cooking was considered mediocre in the household, Summer must have been a god in the kitchen.
Speaking of Summer…
"Now will you tell me how you got together?" she begged, "Please, I must know."
"Er- right," Jaune began, "Sure, I don't mind telling you. Though, I'm surprised you don't know yet."
"I thought about telling 'em," Yang smirked, "But that would've been less fun. Besides, I didn't want to rob you of your chance to shine."
Jaune then looked at Ruby, who looked at him sheepishly as she scratched the back of her head nervously.
"I… didn't really get a chance to do it," she admitted, "Once I told mum that I even had a boyfriend she just went crazy."
"I was completely justified." Summer pouted. Ruby ignored her and carried on talking.
"As for Dad, well I thought he'd try to hunt you down if I told him about you, so I didn't tell him until much later."
"Please," Taiyang scoffed, "I'd be a hypocrite if I did something like that. Especially considering my dating spree when I was a kid. Sure, I was surprised, but hardly annoyed."
"That makes one of us," Qrow slurred out as he pointed to Jaune, "This one's trouble, kiddo. I can feel it."
"Uncle Qrooow" Ruby whined, "Jaune isn't trouble at all."
"You say that now, kid. But you know how I know he's devious? You just gotta look at him!" he said as he pointed all over Jaune's face. "He's blond and has blue eyes. That's all the proof I need."
"Hey!" said Taiyang, "I'm blond, and my eyes are blue too. What are you trying to say?"
"Don't act innocent with me, Tai." Qrow said, "I know full well of your 'conquests'. First you claim my sister, then you move on to our dear team leader? Your a Beowolf in sheep's clothing." Tai didn't know how to respond to that. He then looked back to Ruby. "You just wait, kid. Give him a week and he'll probably move on to Yang next." Yang rolled her eyes at the thought, but Jaune didn't take what he said lightly.
"I would never do that!" Jaune snapped, startling a few at the table. Everyone was looking at him now, causing him to sigh. "I'm sorry for my outburst, but it's true. I would never do that to Ruby. I care too much for her for me to do that." He then looked to see Ruby holding his hand and looking up at him.
"I know you do, Jaune," she said and then turned to Qrow, "Uncle Qrow, please don't speak to Jaune like that. I promise you, I couldn't ask for a better boyfriend." Summer actually squealed with delight at that, but Ruby ignored her. "Maybe if you take the time to know him, you'll see how great he is."
Qrow dismissed the idea with a burp and a head shake. "You say that now. But mark my words, you'll eat your words, and then your words won't words well with words in your… words…" the man then rambled off as his head began to droop.
Yang squinted at him. "Er, Uncle Qrow… how much did you drink before dinner?"
"Not much," sniffed Qrow, "Just a few bottles of your Mother's wine. Let me tell you, she got good taste" he said as he tipped his glass the woman in question. Summer looked appalled at what he said.
"Is that what you've been drinking this whole time? Qrow, you know I've been saving that for special occasions only!" Summer complained.
"Well this is a special occasion, isn't it?" Qrow said, "We're welcoming new blood into the family. Besides, when I heard Tai was cooking I thought it would help sweeten the dish."
"Moving on," Tai said, ignoring Qrow's comment on his cooking, "Let's let Jaune tell his story, shall we?"
"Sure," Jaune said, " Unless, Ruby, do you want to?" Ruby squirmed and shook her head quickly.
"Nah, you do it. I suck at telling stories."
"Alright then," Jaune began as Summer and Tai leaned in to listen closely. Qrow, on the other hand, seemed to be quite content with the company his wine glass offered. "It all started when our teams went to the arcade in Vale together. Ruby begged me to win her a prize at one of the claw games, as she had wasted all her money on it."
"I'm telling you, those games are rigged." Ruby pouted.
"Please," Yang laughed, "That's whatI told you. You didn't listen though."
"Anyway, so I ended up winning Ruby what she wanted on the final attempt. When I gave it to her, she, uh… well, she kissed me." Jaune's face turned slightly red at the memory, as did Ruby's.
"Yeah, I got a little lost in the moment." Ruby said awkwardly.
"After that day, we could barely make eye contact with one another. We didn't know how to feel after that."
"That's when I stepped in!" Yang said, "I encouraged Ruby to start speaking to poor Jauney again, just so they could finally stop feeling awkward around each other. I only said it so that they could go back to being friends, though. I never expected her to straight up ask him out."
"Well, you did say to be honest with myself when talking to him." Ruby pointed out.
"By that, I meant explain why you kissed him, not… well never mind, it worked out, I suppose."
"That's pretty much the gist of it," said Jaune, "Three months later, here we are." He then sat back as he awaited the responses from the grown ups. Well, Summer and Tai at the very least.
"That's a pretty neat story, kids," said Tai, "Yeah, the arcade is typical for-"
"Oh my gosh!" Summer squeed as she began to hyperventilate over the pair of them, "That's so cute! You two are like something out of a romance novel, I swear. The dashing knight saving the damsel in distress in her time of need, until they stare into each others eyes and find out that they are so in lo-"
*Burp*
By a twist of fate, it seemed like Qrow would be the one coming to the their rescue. Ruby looked more than relieved to see her mother finally calm down, after Qrow ended Summer's fantasy of the two. Jaune made a mental note to buy him some booze as thanks.
"Way to kill the mood, Qrow," Summer grumbled.
"It was a mercy killing," Qrow said as he got out of his chair, "Thanks for the dinner, Tai. I guess I'll be going now."
"W-wait," said Tai, "aren't you gonna say goodbye to Jaune?"
"No point. I'll be seeing him around soon enough." Qrow said, shooting a glare back at Jaune before exiting the house. Jaune slumped in his seat, until he felt Ruby patting his hand excitedly.
"Oooh, I think he approves of you." she cheered.
"Ruby… it sounded like he wanted to kill me."
"Pfft, nah," Ruby said dismissively, "He only meets up with people he takes a liking too. Just wait, soon you'll be the best of friends."
"Keep telling yourself that, Rubes." muttered Yang.
"Well, regardless of what that dust old crow thinks," said Taiyang, "I think it's been a pleasure meeting you Jaune. You and Ruby seem to be a good match."
"Couldn't agree more," beamed Summer, "It's good to see our little Ruby together with such a fine young man."
Jaune didn't know how to handle such praise. He could only laugh it off, followed by an occasional thank you whilst Ruby muttered something about not being little. Hearing Summer and Taiyang's approval of him made him feel on top of the world. Ruby really had such an awesome family, with Qrow being a bridge he would have to cross later.
The rest of the evening was a cakewalk for him. He was in such high spirits after that talk, and didn't have any worry left in his body. Over dessert, the rest of them made exchanged stories about each of their family's history, as well as some embarrassing stories of Yang and Ruby, much to their shame. Jaune made it up to them by sharing a few of his own. God knows, he had more than enough about him. The evening carried on with laughter, jokes and the occasional jeer from Yang telling Jaune and Ruby to kiss.
It was perfect.
[/]
Jaune made his goodbyes at the end; a handshake from Taiyang, a surprisingly strong hug from Summer, and a slap on the back from Yang telling him she'll see him around. Ruby walked out with him to the front door, so that the two could have some privacy.
"Sooo?" said Ruby excitedly.
"Well aside from your scary uncle," Jaune said, "You were right. That went brilliantly."
"Told you," Ruby said as she poked him in the chest, "And don't worry about Qrow. He'll come around, I'm sure."
"For my sake, I hope so." said Jaune. The two then stared at each other for a while, neither of them breaking eye contact. "I had a great time tonight Ruby."
"Same." said Ruby softly, before, ever so slowly, they both started to lean in closer. Neither really knew how to start initiating kisses, but that didn't stop them from doing so. Eventually, their lips met and they closed their eyes. Ruby looped her arms around his neck as he held her close, leaning down slightly to make up for the height difference. Jaunce could care less if he missed his boat or not, as he enjoyed the perfect end to a perfect day.
Unbeknownst to them, two people were upstairs looking down on them from a window. One with a scroll in her hand, the other trying to ward her off.
"C'mon Tai, just one picture?"
"Leave them be, Summer"
"But it's so cute!"
"Let 'em have their privacy."
"I'll bake some cookies if you let me take one."
"..."
"..."
"... Just one, alright?"
"As you say," Summer winked and snapped a photo, sighing in happiness at the sight of her daughter and her first boyfriend.
She hoped they would be together for a long time.
And there we. Of all the pairings in the RWBYverse, this one is definitely one of my favourites. Hopefully I did it some justice. But yeah, I brought Summer back from the grave, just to make it a bit easier to write. You'll find I'll be doing that with a few parents in this fic. Finally, as a side note, I imagine Summer being voiced by Cassandra Lee Morris. I imagine her sounding almost exactly like Elphelt Valentine from Guilty Gear xD
Thank you for reading, and I'll see you in the next chapter.