Beta/Creative Assistant: Jefardi


Spectrum

Truth or Dare


Ruby glanced around their dorm room tentatively.

Weiss sat at her desk, toiling away at her homework. Blake was on her bed reading a book, Rouge just next to her with a book of her own. Her sister was above them on her own bed, currently running a comb through her hair. Jaune sat in what had basically became his designated corner of their room, earbuds on as he listened to the radio for any news of his sisters. They were all in their pajamas and the sun had just gone below the horizon, meaning it was about time for bed.

Jaune and Rouge had been here a full week now and yet neither of them had truly bonded with their whole team. Well, her and Rouge talked quite a bit but that was because they used to know one another. Jaune only really spoke with Yang during their daily spars, although she really wasn't sure what was going on there. Yang seemed to be getting Jaune to be more open but he was still so guarded, refusing to let down his wall.

She wanted to fix that. Especially as someone that used to have so much trouble making friends herself. In fact, it had been Joan that helped her break out of her shell. It was only right that she did the same for her twin. Kind of like she was returning the favor.

"Ahem!" She cleared her throat loudly. Most of them stopped what they were doing to give her their undivided attention. Jaune was the only one that didn't hear because of his earbuds so Yang sprang off the bed and marched over to him with a teasing grin plastered across her face.

Either by sheer luck or perhaps simply because he had developed some kind of warning sense when she approached, Jaune's head whipped up to see her coming. His eyes widened and he pulled off his earbuds as he scooched further into his corner. "I'm listening! I'm listening!"

Yang gave an exaggerated snap of her fingers. "Dang! The new guy is learning...there goes my easy target." She turned back to Ruby and gave her an encouraging smile. "Well, floor is yours baby sister."

Ruby gave an appreciative nod. "Alright everyone! It's time we all got to know one another!" She spread her arms wide and looked around excitedly.

"..."

Weiss gave a small huff and went back to her homework while Blake went right back to her book. Rouge and Jaune gave awkward grins and glanced at one another for a second.

"...I know you guys didn't just ignore my cute little sister." Yang gave her knuckles an audible crack.

Everyone in the room went rigid. Weiss and Blake turned around slowly to see the devilish look in Yang's eye before giving forced grins.

"Oh I can't wait!"

"Great idea Ruby!"

Well, that was sarcasm if she had ever heard it. A year ago and she wouldn't have even noticed. Sometimes it was lame being able to pick up on social queues. Oh well, no turning back now. "I'm glad you all feel that way! Jaune and Rouge have been here a week now and have we truly gotten to know them? No! And that is unacceptable! We're supposed to be friends going on a grand adventure together! So let's bond already!"

"And how do you propose we do that?" Weiss rested her elbow on the desk and placed her cheek into the palm of her hand.

"I'm glad you asked, Weiss!" Ruby pointed at her dramatically. "We stick with the tried and true: Truth or Dare!"

"..."

Once more she was greeted with silence.

Yang cracked her knuckles again.

"Oh I can't wait!"

"Great idea Ruby!"

Her eye twitched.

"And where do you think you're going, buddy?" Ruby turned to see Jaune crawling as stealthily for the door as possible. Unfortunately for him, Yang had been right by and grabbed him by the back of the collar.

"No! Please! You don't know the horrors I've been through playing Truth or Dare as the only boy with seven sisters! Don't put me through that again!" He flailed, tears practically in his eyes.

"Oh, this I've got to hear about." Surprisingly it was Weiss that said those words and even Blake looked a little more interested now.

Good job, Jaune! Even if it was unintentional he had gotten them into it. Ruby gave him an encouraging thumbs up but he wasn't even paying attention as he tried to free himself from Yang's grip.

"Alright, Rubes. It was your idea so you go first!" Yang flung Jaune unceremoniously into the middle of the room where he landed in a heap.

"Okay!" Ruby clapped her hands together excitedly, just happy her idea was a go. "Rouge! Truth or dare?"

She spun on her friend who bashfully averted her eyes. For several seconds it didn't look like she was going to respond at all, but then she placed her book down and gave Ruby her full attention. "Umm...dare."

"Oh, brave choice!" Yang dropped down next to Jaune and sat cross-legged.

"Hmm…" Ruby tapped her chin as she tried to think of the perfect dare. She hadn't honestly expected Rouge to pick that option. She didn't want to dare her friend to do anything too crazy, but Yang would never let her live it down if she made it too subtle. "I dare you…" Her eyes darted around the room as she tried to find something. Finally, they landed on the perfect object. "...to read Blake's book aloud."

Rouge tilted her head in confusion but Blake's eyes went wide in fear as she clutched her book a little more closely to her chest.

"Come on, Blake! Give up the book!" The grin on Yang's face practically split her whole face.

"...I'm sorry." Blake reluctantly handed the book over and Rouge flipped it open to a random page. Her eyes darted across the page for several seconds before a deep blush marred her face and she looked to Ruby in betrayal.

"Go on." Yang rolled her arms encouragingly.

Rouge looked to Jaune but he could only shrug helplessly, not really understanding what kind of book was in her hands at the moment. She gave a dejected sigh and resigned herself to her fate.

"Ah...ah, D-Daichi-san, not there." Rouge's words were barely a squeak, the blush on her face getting deeper until it practically matched the color of her hair. "...She let out a breathy m-m-moan as his fingers trailed down her...I can't! I can't read anymore!" Rouge tossed the book towards Blake like it was contaminated.

Yang fell backwards and gripped her ribs as she bust out in laughter. Weiss couldn't even bring herself to look the poor girl in the eyes and Blake looked rightfully just as embarrassed. Jaune could only hide his hands behind his face, probably just dreading his own turn.

"B-Blake, truth or dare?" Rouge recovered just enough to try and quickly pass her turn. Blake looked uncertain in how to respond, not sure if Rouge was going to make her do something vindictive for what she just had to read.

She gave a resigned sigh. "Truth."

Rouge didn't even pause to think about her question. "Why do you want to help our sisters?" Ruby supposed that was a natural question from her. She was always rather suspicious of people and their motives. It likely didn't make much sense to her that people that had no connection to them would want to help.

Blake looked conflicted for several seconds about how to answer before she glanced at Jaune, seeing he looked just as curious as his sister. Her yellow eyes steeled with resolve and she lifted her hand to her head before undoing her bow.

Jaune and Rouge's eyes widened as her Faunus cat ears were exposed for them to see. "I...used to be a part of the White Fang." Blake admitted quietly. "I left when their actions became too extreme but I always regret not being able to change them from the inside. Then they became pawns in a more evil scheme."

She looked at Rouge. "You...and your sisters. You brought an end to those that were leading them down that twisted road and it's thanks to you they were guided back towards the path of seeking proper equality."

She put her bow back on. "I owe you all a debt of gratitude. If it isn't too much to ask though, could you please not tell others about my Faunus heritage?" Even to this day, she was still hesitant about revealing herself. The fact that she would choose to do that at all proved just how highly she truly thought of them.

Jaune and Rouge nodded, no more doubt in their eyes as they looked at Blake. She gave a grateful smile before scanning the room. "Weiss, truth or dare?"

Weiss gave a small snort. "As if you even have to ask. I won't be made to do some dare."

"I don't know, Blake. I'm pretty sure I heard her say dare, didn't you?"

"I think you're right."

"N-no! That's not what I was saying! I want you to ask me a truth!"

Ruby shook her head at her partner. "You said 'dare' first. As per the rules of the game you have to do whatever Blake tells you."

Weiss gave a frustrated sigh. "Fine, just get it over with."

Blake gave a victorious smirk. "I dare you to pluck a piece of Yang's hair." Weiss' face became even more pale than it already was as Yang's eyes sparked red as she glared at her.

Weiss tentatively rose from her chair and Yang got to her feet. "Just try it."

The two stared one another down for several seconds before Weiss gave a small shout, startling them all and charging straight at Yang. She tackled into the larger girl and they tumbled around as she fought valiantly to complete the dare.

"I...didn't expect her to actually try for it." Jaune mumbled from his spot on the ground. Ruby gave him a sideways grin. His surprise wasn't unwarranted.

"Weiss acts proper around everyone else. When it's just us though, she can unwind and be herself. It took a long time for her to open up this much in front of us...but it's nice. This is a side of her only we get to see. And now you're a part of that." Exactly like she wanted.

"Being part of a team." He said that as if it was something he heard once. Still, it fit what she was trying to express perfectly.

"Haha!" Weiss held a small golden lock victorious above her head as she retreated quickly away from Yang who was swinging wildly now.

"I'm going to get both of you back! Just you wait!" Yang stomped the ground and crossed her arms as she glared at the two offending girls.

"You have to wait your turn for that." Weiss sat back down in her chair and crossed her legs. "So what will it be, truth or dare?"

"Truth. Only because I know you'll make me do something with my hair again if I say the other thing." Yang went back to combing her hair, trying to get it perfect after their little kerfuffle.

"Do you like girls? Because I'm pretty sure you tried to feel me up while we were fighting."

"I'm into guys!" Yang quickly rebutted, almost throwing her hair to the side. "And what do you mean by that? You have nothing there to even 'feel up' as you put it." Blake and Rouge gave a small snort of laughter while Weiss' face tinted slightly pink.

Ruby once more checked Jaune's reaction to see him trying to make himself as small as possible, clearly not knowing what to do when put in this situation. Ruby couldn't help but wonder which was more awkward, overhearing his sisters talk about things like this, or girls his age? If she got the chance she would make that his question if he said truth.

"Alright, Vomit Boy. You're up." Jaune gave a small start as the game finally turned to him. "Truth or dare?"

"...Truth." He resigned himself to his fate but still took the easy way. Ruby didn't blame him. Yang's dares were especially harsh most times so when she asked it was smart to always just go with truth.

"Which one of us do you think is the most attractive?" Of course, sometimes there was just no winning with Yang.

Jaune's mouth flapped open and closed and his eyes darted around the room, trying not to look at them but ultimately failing. It was impossible for him to not and at least try to check them out after being asked that question so boldly and without shame.

"Come on, no one's feelings are going to get hurt if you just say it's me." Yang laughed as they waited for him to respond but his mouth still failed to make any actual noise. His eyes were still darting around but they weren't moving quite as frantically anymore...in fact, they were just going back and forth between the floor and the desk...where Weiss was sitting

Her eyes widened as she made the connection just as Yang seemed to do that same. "Good for you Weiss, someone actually appears to appreciate your tiny tits." Weiss' face went deep red as she too realized Jaune was glancing at her and he quickly began waving his hands defensively.

"N-no! I wasn't looking at your chest!" He sputtered out in panic. "It's more your petite frame and beautiful hair- No, I didn't mean that...well, I did but not like that!"

"Just...shut up." Weiss facepalmed and spun around so she didn't have to look at him. He dropped his hands and head dejectedly.

"Come on, Weiss." Ruby ran up to her and poked her in the side playfully. "He was just being sweet."

"Don't touch me." Weiss waved her off while attempting to keep her face hidden but unfortunately for her, the deep red from her blush stood out all too much thanks to her complexion. Ruby couldn't help but grin as she spun back to Jaune who was also trying to hide his face now.

"She's flattered!"

"I am not!"

She skipped over and dropped down next to him, poking him in the side the same way she had Weiss. Unlike her partner though, he let out a small snort when she did. Ruby paused and looked up at Yang who suddenly had a predatory look in her eye. "Jaune...are you ticklish?" She poked him again in the ribs.

"N-no." Jaune tried and failed not to let out a snort of laughter as he quickly scooted backwards and away from her. Too bad for him that Yang was right behind him. He bumped right into her legs and slowly tilted his head up, a look of pure horror in his eyes.

"Hold him down, Ruby!" Yang wiggled her fingers playfully.

"You got it, sis!" Ruby dove for him.

"No! Please!" Jaune jumped to his feet but fast as he was he still had a long way if he wanted to keep up with her. She tackled him to the ground and they began flailing as he fought for freedom.

"No escape, Vomit Boy!" Yang dropped down next to him and began tickling him relentlessly.

"S-stop!" He couldn't do anything but wiggle around helplessly as a loud roar of laughter escaped his mouth. A huge grin split Ruby's face as she heard the almost uncharacteristic noise. He was always sitting by himself, so quiet and serious most times. Yet somehow, this felt more like the real him than that ever did.

"Rouge...help me!" Jaune extended his arm towards the bed. Ruby glanced out of the corner of her eye to see his sister and Blake smiling warmly down at the scene.

"...He is particularly ticklish behind the knees."

"You traitor!" That was all he managed to get out before Yang took Rouge's advice and he broke into another uncontrollable fit of laughter.

After another thirty seconds they finally relented and scooted away from him. His laughs turned to gasps for breath with an occasional giggle as he curled up defensively into a ball. Only once he finally got his breathing under control did he peek around cautiously, almost preparing for the two of them to spring on him again at a moment's notice.

"It's your turn to pick someone, Jaune." Ruby leaned back and placed her hands behind her, the huge grin on her face had yet to fade. This was going far better than she could have ever hoped.

Jaune gave a small nod as he picked himself back up into a sitting position, careful not to let Yang remain directly behind him. "Okay then. Ruby...truth or dare?"

"Dare." She puffed out her chest confidently.

"Hmm…I dare you to go get us drinks from the vending machine." For once, her smile faltered.

"B-but it's after curfew...if Goodwitch catches me-"

"Get me a protein shake, Rubes."

"Green tea for me."

"I suppose I could go for a bottle of water."

Jaune gave a small smirk as the others all joined in with their demands. "Rouge and I will just split a soda."

She wanted to offer a quick rebuttal but the sight of the smile on his face caused her to stop. He was actually, genuinely smiling at her. It may have taken her a week of trying, but she felt like she had finally broken through to him even just a little. Just as a smile began to form on her own face though her sister tapped the floor impatiently. "Tick tock, baby sister. You're holding the game up."

She puffed out her cheeks as she got to her feet. "You all better not have any more fun until I get back!" In a flurry of roses she was gone and out the door.

Just as she vanished though, she heard their entire collective laughter.

Yeah, she knew this had been a good idea.


Chapter End


Prompt for Omake suppled by Eunoshin


Omake 04

Neat Freak


Olivia Arc checked herself over once again in the tall mirror located in the corner of her side of the bedroom. Everything had to be immaculate, not a single hair out of place or even the slightest crease in her clothes.

She pulled lightly at her brown skirt before fiddling with her leather vest. Not a single stain of any kind marred her pristine white shirt. She pushed her headband back up, making sure it pushed her long green hair back into place and out of her forehead, careful not to let any spare strands tumble loose. She blinked a couple times, her dark purple eyes taking it all in as a whole.

Perfect.

She could finally set out to work, doing the daily chores of the household. First, she just had to check and see who she had assigned to help her for the day. She flipped open her daily planner and scanned through it.

Today was Thursday...which meant the person supposed to help her with the chores was...Jaune.

Excellent.

She snapped the book shut and gave a small satisfied hum as she spun on her heels. As she walked out of the room, she did her utmost not to look at Ciel's side of the room. The flawless symmetrical layout of her side of the room stood in stark contrast to the abyss of clutter and junk that was Ciel's.

Toys, gadgets, uneaten food, dirty underwear, and a plethora of other mish-mashed trash scattered the entirety of it, yet not a speck of it encroached on her side. Soon, one day soon Ciel would go off to Beacon and she would have to leave her side of the room undefended...only then could she finally have free reign to clean and organize it as she pleased. She counted the days until this happened.

Until then though, she would ignore the snoring hunk of flesh that was Ciel as she slept away, bare stomach completely exposed and one leg hanging haphazardly off the bed, a long line of drool dampening her pillow.

No! Don't look at it!

Olivia scurried out of the room, unable to bear the unsanitary sight of her and her side of the room any longer.

She made her way down the hall and stood directly in front of Jaune and Joan's room. She adjusted her posture and stood completely straight before giving a polite set of three knocks exactly. "Jaune! It is your turn to assist me today."

She heard a small shuffle from the other side of the door before it swung open. Jaune was standing there, still haphazardly trying to throw his shirt on, his shorts hanging a little low allowing her a glimpse of his underwear lining. "O-okay! I'm all ready, Olivia!" He gave her a toothy grin after he finally managed to fit both arms threw the sleeves of his shirt.

"I don't think so!" Olivia scolded lightly as she flicked him on the head. "In order to properly clean the house you have to appear clean yourself! How else can you throw yourself into it?"

"Told you she would say that!" Joan called from inside the room. She only knew that though because she had been given the same speech yesterday. Seriously...these twins were ridiculous.

"Here, let me help you." Before he could protest, she grabbed the hem of his shorts and pulled them up before tucking in his orange shirt, spinning him around as she did so she could make sure it was perfectly in line the whole way through. Once done, she pulled a comb from her vest pocket and attempted to fix his unseemly mop of blonde hair. She only got so far before even she knew nothing more could be done without a proper haircut.

She was going to have to see if there was room on the schedule for that.

She then set to making sure the wraps on his arms were perfectly in line, which they were. She didn't even really ever have to check that. He was very careful about those, still the perfectionist in her demanded she check anyways. Once that was done, she bent down and fixed his socks, making sure they were pulled snugly around his toes and the tops tucked and folded in a perfect crease. Only once she was satisfied with all this did she take a step back and inspect him up and down.

"Well...the hair needs work but there isn't anything we can do about that." She relented with a small sigh.

"So we're good to go?" He gave a relieved smile, probably just glad he wasn't being flipped every which way anymore. At least he wasn't putting up a fight. That was what she liked about her younger siblings. They never argued with her about it being their turn to help. Ciel and Amethyst on the other hand...it was a nightmare getting them to ever agree. It was only with threats of getting Violet involved that they ever grudgingly agreed.

"Yeah, let's go!" Olivia gave a sharp nod as she strolled purposefully forward, opening her planner once more to see what she had scheduled for today.

Oh! Rearranging the living room furniture and cleaning under it. That sounded like fun!


Rearranging the living room furniture and cleaning under it wasn't fun. Not one bit.

At least, Jaune didn't think so.

Especially since he was the one that had to do all the moving.

"A little to the left." Olivia instructed calmly as she stood by the back of the room. She held her hands out, creating a box for her to look through.

"You already said that!" If he went any more to the left the chair would be exactly where it started.

"A little more, Jaune!" She insisted anyways. So with a grunt of exertion he pushed the chair back another couple of inches.

"Perfect!" She clapped her hands together happily.

"It's exactly where it started!" He cried in anguish as he collapsed to the ground in a heap.

"Everything is perfectly symmetrical where it is." That's because she was the one that moved it last week! "Besides, this way we got all the dust that used to be underneath."

"Can't you just hide it with an illusion using your sword?" She could make anyone see anything she wanted using that sword. If she desired, the house could look spotless at all times.

"Even if I hide it using an illusion, I still know it's there." Olivia planted her hands on her hips and gave him a stern glare. "Besides, it's a good feeling to do things the right way. You don't improve in martial arts by taking the easy way out, do you?"

He shook his head.

"I don't use my sword to make things fake... I use it to make the world a better place." He guess he understood. Olivia cared a lot about making sure things were clean. That included herself, them, their house, even the whole world.

He gave a small smile. It wasn't too bad helping her out with that from time to time...even when sometimes she made him do pointless stuff. And he meant really pointless. Seriously, he had just spent the past two hours moving every piece of furniture for her to dust under it for like three seconds before she made him shove it all back, inch at a time.

"Ciel! You bring me back my headphones right now!" Just as he finally came to appreciate his work, Ciel ran into the room like a storm, Amethyst hot on her tail.

They ran in circles around the room for a moment, knocking chairs over and scooting the couch and table out of proportion before vanishing almost as quickly as they appeared, undoubtedly to destroy some other section of the house next.

"..." Jaune and Olivia stood there, eyes twitching as they looked at all their hard work, undone in a matter of seconds.

"...Violet!"