It's a Monday afternoon, and that means the next chapter of Criminally Good is here.

Enjoy.

[Chapter 10]

I really need to watch what I say.

Its not even that I hate the idea of going out for dinner with the psychotic assassin, at least not completely. Sure, she's liable to cut my fingers off and use them as stocking stuffers if I piss her off, but she's not all bad. At least my safety is guaranteed, right?

As I entered the apartment, Neo was laid on the couch as was her seemingly default position whenever she wasn't doing anything important. She glanced up at me and offered a small wave in greetings.

"Hey, Neo." I said as I walked past, towards my room. "I'm gonna grab a quick shower and we can head out." I called over my shoulder.

Neo didn't respond. Or, I didn't get anything thrown at me, nor a text so I assume she heard and understood me.

I emerged from the shower a few minutes later, feeling a bit more refreshed. I looked over the main room, and Neo was still in her spot fiddling away on her scroll.

"Well?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest. "You ready to go?"

Neo looked up and nodded, pocketing her scroll once more. She hopped up to her feet and made her way to the door, glancing back at me expectantly.

I shrugged and followed her out.

She led me through the streets of Vale expertly, ducking into alleys and through the twists of the only vaguely familiar streets that we called home. Some of which I recognized, but not all of them.

Neo and I had been walking for about twenty minutes before we found our destination. I'll be honest here; this wasn't what I had expected.

We were stood in front of a waterside bistro. It was relatively quiet as well, only a few other patrons eating their dinner as they all either stared off over the ocean, or chatted with their dates.

Neo looked back at me expectantly once again and then nodded towards the front desk. I sighed and walked on up.

"Table for two, please. Outside, preferably." I said, rocking back on my heels slightly.

The man stood behind the desk nodded and lead us out onto the deck that they had built over the water. It was nice, cool sea breeze drifted across the open-air seating as Neo and I took our seats.

The man who had led us here dropped a couple of menus with us and said that a server would be around shortly, leaving us to our own devices.

I took the menu and began flipping through it. "Nice place you picked out, Neo." I said offhandedly as I glanced through the options.

A scroll was slid across to me. I like it, nice view of the water, decent staff, and good food.

I nodded absentmindedly. "Mhm. Anything here you'd recommend, or is it all good?"

Her scroll was slid across the table again shortly after. It's all good, but if you want my opinion, I'd say any of their seafood.

I shrugged, closing the menu. "I'll take your word for it."

The waiter came around a few minutes later to take our orders, Neo having to point to what she wanted on the menu out to him. If he was annoyed that she couldn't talk, he didn't let it show.

After he left, I found myself looking out over the water as dusk faded into night. How do I manage to get myself into these positions? Not but an hour or so ago, I was out with Ren on what was apparently a date. Now I'm here with Neo. I chuckled and shook my head. Dad would probably say something about the Arc charm. I'm more inclined to believe it's a curse of bad luck.

Neo slid her scroll to me. Lien for your thoughts? You're quiet.

I shrugged a shoulder as I looked her over. "Not much to say, just thinking over the past few days is all."

Neo frowned and typed out another message. What about the past few days is on your mind?

"Everything, I guess. What all happened to get me here, what I did, what I caused. It's been one hell of a wild ride." I mused, closing my eyes to come face to face with his lifeless, accepting eyes.

I grit my teeth and let out a slow breath. He's dead. I did what I had to do.

Neo narrowed her eyes at me. More specifically?

I arched a brow at her. "What do you mean more specifically?"

Neo shrugged. What I said, more specifically. 'Everything' is just about as general as it gets.

"Just something one of my friends said is all."

Neo arched a brow. You have friends? Since when?

I rolled my eyes at her. "Haha, very funny, Neo. Yes, I have friends other than you and Roman."

Neo snickered. Junior doesn't count either.

I sighed and shook my head. "No, it's not Junior either."

She paused for a moment. Alright, but what'd they say? It's got you wrapped up in thought.

I shook my head again, waving a dismissive hand. "Noting major, just something that caught me off guard."

She frowned at me. Tell me. It's bothering you. Might help to get a second opinion.

I sighed, eyeing her over carefully. "You're not going to give me a choice in this, are you?"

Neo smiled and shook her head.

I groaned and slumped slightly into my seat. "Dunno why I thought otherwise." I muttered to myself. "Well, to make it short, I was out with a friend for coffee earlier today. Real laid-back guy, just wanted some peace and quiet from what he told me."

I paused for a beat. "Turns out, that was a date. His friends showed up about halfway through and crashed the party. Somehow spilled that he's gay, things got awkward, and I left not at all sure what to say or think about that."

Neo furrowed her brows at me as she eyed me over. Her message came a moment later. Really? That's what's on your mind? And here I thought it was something serious. This is easy to handle, dummy. I've just got a few questions for you. One, do you enjoy his company? Two, are you gay, or bi for that matter?

I blinked as I read over her message, going slightly red. "I uh, well, I mean yeah? He's a nice enough guy, pleasant to talk to and all that." I trailed off as I thought on the second question. "I don't think I am? I don't know? Is that an acceptable answer?"

To my eye, it looked like after my second answer Neo relaxed ever so slightly back into her seat, but I very well could be imagining things. If that's the case, then tell him you're not interested. He'll figure it out from there.

I shook my head. Of course, it's that easy, how did I not think of something like that? "Right. You're right, Neo."

She stuck her tongue out at me. Of course, I am. Don't you know who you're talking to?

I rolled my eyes. "Someone who spends too much time around Roman."

She rolled her eyes right back. Pot calling the kettle black.

"At least I'm not nearly as snarky as either of you are."

Neo facepalmed. Do you listen to yourself?

I shrugged my shoulders. "Not even a bit." I said with a slightly smile on my lips.

Neo was typing out a response to me as our dinner showed up. A plate of fish that I didn't remember the name of was sat in front of me, while something similar was given to Neo. It looked and smelled good, so the theory is that it should be good, right?

Well, as it turns out, I am not a fan of fish.

That's not to say that it's bad, but it's not really something I like all that well.

Neo, on the other hand, was devouring her dinner like it was the last meal she'd ever have. I still had no idea how a girl so small could eat as much as she does and keep her form. Not that I'd ever ask. I learned from my sisters that you don't ask questions you really don't want the answer to.

Neo eyed me picking at my fish after she had finished hers and arched a brow at me in silent question.

I shrugged a shoulder. "It's not bad." I said, taking another small bite of the food. "Fish just isn't my favorite, I guess."

Neo tilted her head slightly at my comment, and I hummed as I thought. "Never had fish as a kid. No streams nearby to fish from, no lakes, nothing like that. Generally, just ate whatever was put in front of me by mom."

Neo nodded slowly as I explained. I glanced to her. "You want some?" She nodded a few times as I cut off a large chunk of the meat and slid it onto her plate. She smiled and offered a thumbs up.

I chuckled and waved a dismissive hand. "Better that someone who enjoys it has it."

The rest of dinner went on quietly as I found myself drifting off, looking at the water once again. Eventually it loses that visceral grip, but it never goes away. Not completely. The voice of Roman echoed in my head. Its kill or be killed in this line of work. Junior's voice called quietly. Blood. Acceptance.

I was shaken from my thoughts as Neo slid her scroll across the table to me. What's wrong? Her message read; the slight concern painted on her features clear.

I smiled weakly and waved her off. "Nothing." Nothing that will go away, at least. "I'm fine, really."

Neo narrowed her eyes at me. You know that you can tell me, right?

I nodded. "Yeah, I know. But I'm fine, I promise. Just an unpleasant memory, that's all."

Neo sighed and nodded. If you say so.

The waiter came around and dropped our cheque off. I took it quickly and dropped the lien cards for it, leaving a generous tip for the man as thanks for being so patient with Neo.

Neo and I left shortly after, Neo leading me out through the city streets of Vale.

"You have anything else planned for the evening, Neo?" I asked, not all too sure where we were going.

Neo stopped and typed out a message. We're going to a bar. I want something to drink, and I get the feeling you could use it too.

I frowned as I read her message over a couple of times. "Sure, I guess. Works for me."

She led me into a bar that looked about ready to collapse on the spot. The construction was old and wooden, though despite that I found that it was rather warm inside. Welcoming, I suppose. No, a better way to describe it would be homey. Homey was accurate.

There was an old man acting as the barkeep, if I had to guess he was somewhere in his mid-fifties or so. He smiled kindly to the both of us and waved. The bar was empty aside us and the barkeep. Neo led me to a booth against one wall, waving to the barkeep to get his attention.

The man nodded and came out from behind the bar, smiling at the both of us. "What can I get for you two this evening?"

I glanced to Neo who was eyeing over a list of mixed drinks that was at the table. I shrugged and looked back to the man. "Just whiskey for me. I'll buy the bottle." The barkeep rose his brows at my request, though nodded hesitantly.

He looked then to Neo. "And for you, dear?" He asked kindly. Neo glanced up at him and then held out the list, pointing to one of them. He nodded, handing the list back to her. "Of course. They'll be out in a few minutes." He said, dismissing himself from the table.

I sighed and leaned back in my seat, running a hand through my hair. It's a bit longer than I'd usually like. Maybe I should see about getting it cut soon. I shrugged and looked to Neo who was watching me intently.

I arched a brow at her as I met her gaze. "What's up?"

She shrugged, producing her scroll and typing a message out to me. Nothing. Just watching. Waiting for my drink to show up.

I frowned at that, though shrugged. If she wanted to watch me, she could. It's not like I could stop her if I wanted to. "Whatever, Neo."

I closed my eyes as I leaned back in the booth, doing my best to relax.

The barkeep returned a few moments later, setting a mixed drink of some unfathomable nature in front of Neo, and then a bottle of whiskey along with a glass in front of me. "Will that be all you two are having?" He asked, looking between us.

I shrugged. "Probably all for me, but I dunno about her."

Neo nodded. The barkeep smiled and wrote out a cheque and laid it on the table. "Just bring it to the bar when you leave." He said, offering a nod to the both of us as he trundled slowly back towards his bar.

I opened the bottle and poured myself a glass. I didn't think twice as I took down half the drink in one gulp, the burn feeling all too good. I sighed contentedly as I leaned back once more.

Neo slid her scroll over to me. Want to play a game?

I arched a brow at her. "What are we playing this time?"

She thought as she typed out her answer. I don't know. We could play more twenty questions, unless you've got a better idea?

I shrugged a shoulder. "I've got nothing, so question away."

Neo nodded, typing out her question to me. Alright, so I'm first again. What's wrong? I mean what's actually wrong? Don't just feed me a BS line about your friends.

I sighed as I read the question, finishing off my first glass of whiskey. "Really? That's what you're going to ask?" Neo looked rather unrepentant. I shook my head. "I've already told you what it is."

Neo frowned. I said not the BS line about your friends.

I glared at her. "Not what I meant."

Her frown remained. Then what did you mean?

I sighed and threw my hands up in the air. "You really don't remember? I tell you, and then you just forget like it was nothing?"

Neo blinked as she eyed me.

"How about this, does me accidentally killing someone ring a bell? Bashing his fucking face in with my shield? Does that sound familiar?" I spat out at her, pouring another glass of whiskey for myself.

Neo narrowed her eyes at me. He would've killed you, Jaune.

"You think I don't know that? You think that I haven't been hearing that exact same damn line from Junior and Roman both? You all say it like it means something, like that makes it okay that I killed him." I let out a shaky breath. "But you know something? It's not. I didn't have to kill him. I chose to kill him. I had beaten him. I broke his Aura. I could've knocked him out, captured him, done anything else."

I paused to take a drink from my glass of whiskey. "But I didn't. I bashed his fucking skull in. Me. Jaune Arc. I made the decision to kill him when I didn't need to, and I regret it." I let out another shaky breath. "I see his face every time I close my eyes. I see the blood, the hole in his head. Everything. In perfect detail. His lifeless eyes stare back at me, and they accepted it. They accepted that I killed him." I felt a few tears start to streak down my cheeks.

I was breathing heavily as I took another drink from my glass, finishing off that one as well.

Neo's eyes had shifted colors a few times as I had been talking. She looked back to her scroll and thought as she started to type out a response.

"Just don't, Neo." I said quietly, looking down at my glass. I felt her gaze shift to me. "I don't need more words to try and make me feel better."

She went back to her scroll then. It was slid over to me a moment later. You don't need alcohol to deal with it either.

I laughed bitterly at that. "Maybe I don't, but I'll be damned if it doesn't make it easier. Wasn't the bar your idea in the first place?"

Neo shrugged. I thought it'd be easier to get you to talk if you had something to drink.

I shook my head. "Yeah, well, now you know. Is your curiosity sated?"

She nodded at me.

"Good, so now it's my turn to ask a question." I said, taking a drink from my glass, eyeing it carefully. "Why do you care at all that something's bothering me?"

Her response came quickly. You're my friend, believe it or not. I don't like seeing my friends hurting like this if I can help it.

I chuckled mirthlessly and shook my head. "Not much you could do to help. Anything that can be done has been by both Roman and Junior." I sighed, taking another drink from my glass. "Jaune Arc, friend of criminals, assassins, and crime bosses. Who would've thought?"

Neo typed out a new message to me. My turn again. Why did you join Roman and become a criminal?

I hummed as I finished my glass once again and poured another. "Why did I become a criminal?" I offered a glance up, but found no barkeep in the room at all. He had likely gone into the back at some point. "Because I had nothing else. No money, no skills, no friends, no family, nothing." I paused a moment longer to eye the bottle of whiskey I had been drinking. "And so Roman shows up, has me scared to death, and proceeds to offer me an opportunity."

I laughed slightly at that. "I would've been stupid to say no. He gave me what nobody else had; he gave me a chance. The fact that I was a criminal was secondary. What mattered was that I was being given a chance to do something with my life."

Neo nodded along as I spoke. So, it was desperation that drove you to crime.

I chuckled and nodded. "It was. I mean, look at me. Do I look like someone who would become a criminal?"

Neo arched a brow at me. Do I look like one?

I sighed and shrugged my shoulders. "You got me there."

My scroll buzzed, and I pulled it out to see a message from Ruby.

Ruby: Alright, so I just finished up the final design for Crocea Mors. I went and got a second opinion on it from someone at school, and they said that a shotgun as well as a sword seemed a little redundant. They suggested a rifle instead, and I agreed it made more sense. So, when you get a chance, we can meet up and I'll take Crocea Mors off your hands.

Jaune: A rifle instead of a shotgun works for me. If you have time tomorrow, I can leave Crocea Mors with you then. Any idea how long the upgrades will take?

I looked back up from my scroll to see Neo eyeing me curiously. She tilted her head slightly at me and nodded towards my scroll. "Just a friend who's offering to do some upgrades on Crocea Mors for me. She's trying to find out when I'll be able to drop the sword with her."

Neo frowned at that, though shrugged a shoulder as she sipped at her mixed drink.

Ruby: Tomorrow should work, yeah. As far as how long, considering I have school during the week, I'd say like, a week or so?

Jaune: Alright, that's not exactly convenient. Any chance I can get it rushed?

Ruby: I mean, I can try.

Jaune: How long would that be?

Ruby: Two days at most.

Jaune: Are you willing?

Ruby: Yes! Definitely, I'll try. We still on for tomorrow, then?

Jaune: Yeah, tomorrow.

I pocketed my scroll again and poured another glass of whiskey.

"We still playing?" I asked as I eyed Neo who looked up to me and nodded. "I think it's my turn." I trailed off as I thought. "Let's go with something easy. How old are you?"

Neo arched a brow at me, a small smile playing on her lips as she slid her answer over to me. Not telling, that takes away the fun. I rolled my eyes at that. I should've known better than to expect an answer from her. Tell me about your friend who's upgrading your sword?

I arched a brow at that and thought. "Interesting question." I shrugged a shoulder as I took a drink from my glass. "Her name is Ruby. About your height, black hair with red tips, captivating silver eyes." I paused for a moment. "Oh, and wields a huge scythe that shifts into a sniper rifle."

Neo nodded, typing out something on her scroll. How'd you meet her?

I chuckled and rubbed at the back of my head. "Funny, that. I was in a dust shop that Roman was robbing. He let us go as long as we didn't cause trouble." I thought for a moment, then narrowing my eyes at Neo. "Wait a minute, that was two questions."

Neo rolled her eyes. Damage has been done. You got another question?

I hummed as I thought. "Alright, your hair and eyes; are they natural, or part of your semblance?"

Neo tapped her fingers against the table before she responded. All natural. Changing my eye color to something they aren't naturally is semblance.

"Huh. So, your eyes swapping colors sometimes is natural too?"

Neo nodded. "Damn, that's actually pretty cool."

She laughed silently. Glad you think so. That was your two questions, by the way.

I nodded, leaning back in the booth as I took another drink of my whiskey.

Neo drummed her fingers against the table in thought. An idea came to mind, and she typed out her question to me. Tell me about your dad. What was he like?

I started to chew on the inside of my cheek as I thought how best to approach that question. "Dad was… Effective, I guess is a good way to put it. He always knew how things had to be done, and you had to do it his way. Probably why he is such a good Huntsman."

I trailed off as I started to look back on some of the memories from home. Some good, others not so much.

[-/-]

"Dad? Why won't you train me like you did with Alicia?" I asked, seated on a log outside as Jason Arc went through a series of strikes against a training dummy he had set up in the back yard.

"Because you don't have what it takes." He answered simply.

I pouted at that. "I do! I want to be a Huntsman like you, Dad. I can do it, I promise."

Jason Arc sighed as he finished his assault on the training dummy, turning to look at me, something unreadable in his eye. "No, Jaune. You can't."

I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at him. "Why not?"

He sighed and sheathed his sword. "I don't need to explain it. You can't, enough said."

I hopped up off the log that I was sat on and glared more at him. "The only reason I can't is because you refuse to train me! I want to be a hero, Dad! I want to help people! I don't want to have to hide behind my sisters forever."

He looked me over for a moment before turning and walking off without responding to me.

I blinked a few times as I watched him walk back into the house.

I didn't understand. What did my sisters have that I didn't? I was just as brave as they were, I was just as willing to work as hard as they were. I wanted to learn, I wanted to become a huntsman so that I could be the one to protect them for once.

Dad always said no. He never gave me a real reason, he always told me I couldn't. He never explained, only told me no and left.

[-/-]

It was the dead of night in the Arc household, and I was pretty sure that I was the only one awake.

I shouldered the bag of clothes and other assorted supplies that was hidden in the back of my closet. As quietly as I could, I slipped down stairs. The house was dark, and I knew that if I turned on a light, or so much as made a noise, I'd be heard.

I swallowed nervously and made my way though the hallways of my home.

Once I entered the main room, I found what I was looking for. Crocea Mors was hung on the wall, the shield extended with the sword still sheathed in it. I took the weapon off the wall and collapsed the shield, surprised that it was as quiet as it was. I strapped it to my hip, finding that the weight felt foreign and uncomfortable, though I'd press through it.

I made my way into the kitchen and found the jar of lien that Mom had hidden away for a rainy day. Part of me felt incredibly bad about what I was about to do, but I had to try. I took the jar and slipped it into my backpack. With a deep breath, I slipped out the front door of the Arc household.

I started to walk towards town.

I glanced back at the house as I made my way down the path. I was leaving my family behind to chase my dream. They'd understand in time. They'd forgive me once I became a Huntsman and showed them that I can do this.

I sighed and turned my back on the Arc household and continued down the path towards town. Hopefully, I'd be able to catch a ride with a merchant headed towards a larger village.

[-/-]

Neo snapped her fingers in front of my face, getting me to snap out of whatever thoughts I had been caught in. She tilted her head as she looked at me with curious eyes. She held out her scroll with a message on it. You okay?

I nodded. "Yeah, just got lost in thought a little. What happened?"

Neo frowned as she heard my response, though chose not to push it. Nothing, really. You just sort of spaced out there for a minute or two.

I shrugged. "Nothing to worry about, just some old memories." I waved a dismissive hand, taking another drink of my whiskey. I eyed the bottle which had been full at the start of the night, though now was only three quarters full.

I glanced over to Neo who had since finished her mixed drink some time ago, and was leaning back into the booth as well, watching me with curious eyes.

I grabbed the cheque and made my way to the bar. The barkeep came out a moment later and smiled at me. I dropped the lien cards, along with a nice tip for him, on the counter and left. I stood at the edge of the table and eyed Neo over. "Well, I promised you ice cream as well as dinner. Anywhere in particular you want to go?"

Neo tapped her lips as she thought, then shaking her head.

"Alright, nearest ice cream parlor here we come." I said, grabbing my bottle of whiskey before we left.

Neo and I wandered the now mostly empty streets of Vale in search of an open ice cream parlor.

It didn't take all that long to find one.

Neo and I wandered in, and the girl who was about my age waved, a tired smile on her lips. "Just a vanilla shake for me, and then whatever she wants." I said, nodding towards Neo who pointed at something on the menu. The girl behind the counter took a little bit to figure it out, but eventually rang up our order. I grumbled as I used the last of my lien cards to pay for the ice cream.

With frozen treats in hand, Neo and I left the parlor and started back towards the apartment we called home. I glanced at my scroll, only to find that it was nearing midnight. Truth be told, I was surprised somewhere like that was open this late.

It didn't matter, not all that much.

We were walking in a relatively comfortable silence. Then again, when dealing with Neo silence is a given. Despite that, I didn't feel an incredible air of awkward pressing down on my being, threatening to crush my soul.

As we neared the apartment, Neo stopped and looked to me, passing me her scroll. Thanks for taking me out, Jaune. I had fun.

I chuckled and passed her scroll back. "Mhm, I did too, for the most part." I paused a moment. "Bonus points for me not getting stabbed, nor you making an attempt all night."

Neo narrowed her eyes at me, a small smile on her lips as she responded. That can still be changed.

I rolled my eyes. "It can be, but I'd like it if I got to keep my bonus points, thanks."

Neo tapped her lips as she thought up her response. Fine, just this once you can keep them.

I chuckled and shook my head. "How generous of you."

She nodded at me. Damn right I am, and don't you forget it.

We pushed into the apartment, and Roman was sat in his recliner, flipping through the TV idly as he smoked a cigar as per usual. He glanced back at us and grinned wide. "Well, the love birds have finally returned. How was your date?"

I felt some warmth creep up my neck, though shrugged. "Date, right. If you mean me getting dragged out to buy her dinner, alcohol, and ice cream is a date, then relatively well."

Roman chuckled and shook his head. "Kid, that is almost the definition of a date."

I blinked once, twice, three times. "Huh." Genius response, really.

Roman just started laughing. "You really are a bit dense aren't you, kid?"

I coughed into my fist awkwardly. "Probably?"

Roman continued to laugh. "Well done, kid. Well done. At least you're not sporting any new holes."

I sighed and rubbed the back of my head. "Yeah, at least." I mumbled quietly.

I realized that, at some point, Neo had wandered off to go do whatever it is that Neo does in her spare time. She wasn't on the couch, so I could assume she was in her room.

I yawned, stretching my arms high over my head. "Well, I'm probably going to get some sleep."

Roman waved a hand as he turned back to the TV. "If you're feeling ballsy, see what happens if you walk into her room."

I shook my head. "My innards are comfortable where they are, thank you very much, Roman."

Roman chuckled and shrugged. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

"Nothing lost either." I countered as I made my way to my room.

As soon as I made contact with my bed, I collapsed and fell into the rather quickly enclosing arms of sleep. Blood. – You did what you had to. Acceptance – I changed your perspective. Murderer – It's part of the job.

[-/-]

It was around five in the afternoon, and I was laying back in a park bench, looking up at the sky as I waited for time to pass me by. Ruby was supposed to come around here shortly and collect Crocea Mors from me. After that? I don't know, I didn't have a plan. Just waste time, I guess.

Without Crocea Mors at my side, fighting would get rather hard. Maybe it'd be worthwhile to have Roman teach me how to fight while I was disarmed. I shrugged at that and sighed, listening to the people walking about, as well as the quiet conversations that acted as background noise.

I wasn't alone for terribly long, when one Ruby Rose came running up with her semblance spewing rose petals behind her. I had braced myself for impact, only to find that she had stopped just short of me, a wide smile on her lips as her cloak billowed in the wind behind her.

I smiled in return and nodded. "About time you showed up, Red." I joked, crossing my arms over my chest.

"What? No! I'm not late! Okay, maybe I am a little late, but it's not my fault! People wouldn't get out of my way, and I accidentally knocked some people over, and it was just…" Ruby started, a little red in the cheeks, I could only chuckle and wave a hand at her.

"Calm down, Red. I'm just pulling your leg."

Ruby sighed and relaxed slightly, her cloak coming to rest more against her frame. Blood everywhere. I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Ruby was fine, not a scratch on her. Just my head pulling tricks on me.

"Really? Great! Good, I was worried that I had you waiting for a while." Ruby's gaze tracked to Crocea Mors sheathed and leaning on the bench next to me. "Can I?" She asked hesitantly.

I nodded. "Have at it, Ruby."

Ruby took the sword in hand and drew it from the sheath, eyeing the blade carefully. She didn't examine the sword for long and shifted her attention to the sheath. I found it amusing how she sat and tried to figure out how to deploy it on her own, and failed spectacularly.

After a few minutes she looked to me abashedly. "Hey, uh, Jaune? Can you show me how to deploy it?" She asked sheepishly.

I nodded and took the sheath from her. "Right here, where it would normally hook to my belt, there's a little switch that you've got to flick." I did so, and the shield deployed in full. "And to turn it back, you pull back the locking mechanism, and flick the switch again." I said, closing it back to a sheath.

Ruby nodded and took it from me, deploying the sheath into a shield after a moment of fiddling.

She tried for a minute or two to get the shield to collapse again, and I found it amusing that she still couldn't get it. "Here, let me show you." I said, reaching a hand out. I took her wrist in hand and directed her. "First, that's the locking mechanism. You've got to hold it open while you hit the switch or nothing will happen."

She nodded, looking at me for a moment, and then back to the shield. "And the switch is easy." I said, directing her hand to where it needed to be in order to close the shield up again. "And just like that, you know the inner workings of Crocea Mors as well as I do." I said, releasing her wrist and leaning back into the bench.

Ruby smiled and nodded. "Awesome. I'll get to work on it as soon as I get home. Like I said, I'd say it'll be like two days or so before it's done."

I nodded, digging a hand into my pocket. "Alright, and how much will I owe you for that exactly?"

Ruby blinked owlishly at me, tilting her head to the side as she eyed me up. "Wha?"

I pulled out a few lien cards that Roman had lent me. "Payment? You know, for upgrading Crocea Mors for me? I don't imagine the parts are cheap, and it's not like you've got all day to work on it either."

Ruby shook her head. "No, but it's okay, Jaune. You don't need to pay me. This is just a favor for a friend, and I'm doing this because I want to. Not to get paid."

I rose my brows at that. "Really? You sure you don't want me to at least cover the cost for parts?"

Ruby nodded. "Yep! I'm sure. Signal is great and lets us use their forge as much as we want, as long as we have a teacher supervising us. Lucky me, dad is a teacher so it'll be easy."

I blinked and then pocketed the lien cards once again. "Well okay, then. If you're sure?"

She nodded again. "One hundred percent sure, Jaune. You can count on me!"

I shrugged. "Alright, Ruby. If you say so."

The silence that followed started to feel somewhat heavy as neither of us knew exactly what to say or do. I didn't plan on anything other than dropping the sword off with her. Was I supposed to suggest we do something?

"Soooooo, I uh, don't really have anything to be doing right now… I mean, other than working on your sword that is, er Crocea Mors I mean. Do you, uh, want to go do something?" Ruby managed, more than a little red in the face. Blood framing his features. I closed my eyes and let out a slow breath. "I mean, we don't have to if it's going to be conflicting with something you have to do!"

I smiled as I looked at her and shook my head. "No, no. I've got nothing to do. Anythi- "I was cut off as my scroll buzzed loudly in my pocket. I sighed and pulled it out. "Give me a minute, Ruby." She nodded.

"Jaune speaking."

"We've got something you'll want to hear, kid. Make your way to the Club once you get a chance."

"Is it something I've got to be there for now?"

"No, he's not going anywhere. Though the sooner the better."

"Alright, I'm on my way."

"See you then, kid."

I hung up the scroll and pocketed it once more. "Sorry 'bout that, Ruby. Boss wanted to see me."

Ruby frowned at me. "Is something wrong at work?"

I chuckled and shrugged my shoulders. "I think the better question is what isn't wrong at work."

Ruby hummed and nodded. "So, it's not something you need to attend to like, right now?"

I sighed and shook my head. "Hate to say it, Red, but I've got to run. Thanks for grabbing Crocea Mors and upgrading it for me. I appreciate it, really."

Ruby beamed back at me, nodding vigorously. "No problem, Jaune! It's my pleasure, I get to work on a cool weapon and help a friend? What's not to like?"

I shrugged my shoulders and got to my feet, stretching my arms behind my back, creating several loud pops. "Well, I'm glad you're excited. I look forward to seeing what you can pull off." I ruffled her hair, and she tried to swat my hand away halfheartedly. "I'll see you in a few days, Ruby."

She wrapped her arms around me in a sudden hug and smiled up at me. "For sure. Thanks for letting me design and work on it, by the way. I promise you won't be disappointed."

I nodded and pried her off me after a moment of effort. I turned to leave, feeling vulnerable without Crocea Mors at my side. I should invest in secondary weaponry. Wonder what a good knife would run me?

I'd worry about that later. Now, I was curious as to what Junior had that was so interesting that I needed to hear it.

And that's a wrap. Woo!

Neo and Jaune had their date, which I'm not sure how I feel about. Then again, I don't know how I feel about any of my writing. I spend a lot of time staring at it, editing and changing things that it ceases to have any semblance of being good or bad. Oh, and Crocea Mors is out for upgrades from our favorite Red Reaper, so that's nice.

On to reviews, one of my favorite things!

Engineer - Salem giving Boarbatusks wings. I am fearful for Remnant when that happens. But yes, Roman knew Jaune's dad in some capacity, and that was one of the things that I really liked about this story when I was outlining it a few months ago. A fight between Roman and Papa Arc would be juicy to read, and who knows? Maybe you're right, maybe not. As for Nora just ceding Ren like that, it does seem strange, doesn't it? Then again, we only saw a little bit of Nora. She may yet try and break Jaune's kneecaps at her own risk. Neo is a scary, and very stabby, protective woman. No interruptions for Jaune and Neo, though it wasn't all smooth sailing.

Exiled Darkness - I'm with you on that one, 100%. As far as Ren, that was just what I saw and put in the story because why not? Changes the dynamic from the usual brolationship that they have in most every other fic out there.

AceSpeedNinja - Well, that's great. Who knew that I'd get someone interested in it. I can't think of any particularly good Jaune x Ren fics out there atm, but I'm sure they exist. Somewhere.

Qwertynus - Gay Ren indeed.

Greer - I got to show off his semblance and how he uses it to force control in his team, as well as how the dynamic isn't the same between Jaune and Ren as in every other RWBY fic that shows them off together. As far as Roman living, Magic 8 Ball says... Nothing. The Magic 8 ball is broken after just one use, damnit. Oh well. Short form answer - You'll have to read on and see yourself. Also, no harm no foul my dude. I'm doing great, thanks for asking. Preparing for impending doom by finals in a couple weeks.

X3 - I'd like to think that Ren being gay surprised a lot of people, and I'm happy it did. As far as the date, who knows. I'm going to say it was, sorta. When I think about a date, if one party has that kind of feelings but is feeling out the other party, it still is a date. Kinda. I dunno, I've got like no (good) experience in dating. As far as him being an Illia, who knows. Maybe. It could happen. As for Pyrrha, it would be safe to assume she hates it, yeah. Though she doesn't have the spine to tell her to stop.

Ghost Rider - Hey, thanks man. I didn't see a lot of crime fics out there from the criminal side, so I decided this would be fun. I got my first massive boost to inspiration from College Fool's A Common Criminal Or Something Which, now that I'm doing a little more research, I'm realizing I stole the name for Junior's Gang from too. Here I thought that the Red Axe Gang was the canon name. Oops.

Specter - We've got a betting man who's got money on it being Neo. We will see, my friend. We will see. As far as Ren, in canon for sure Ren's balls would be busted if he were gay, but this is FanFiction. I can do what I want and embrace my own little bit of headcanon to change things. Here's your next update, and I'm glad you enjoyed my 5 AM writing. It made sense, which in of itself is a miracle for me.

Ymora - So, they've met already, though it was brief. Don't worry, though. Jaune will meet them in due time, along with Blake and Weiss when the time comes. As far as Pyrrha's canon death, I don't know honestly. My outline doesn't cover it, so I'll figure that out when I get to it.

WildlyLaughing - Why did I think he was gay? Well, pink eyes and hair were a huge start towards that. Beyond that, he's got the longer hair, but also his sense of style. I don't know why, but to me it says a gay man. Is that profiling of some nature? Probably, but oh well. There were a few smaller things, but those were the really big ones.

Greer - (Again) She tried, really, she did.

Deku - I liked the Roman and Jaune interaction the most, personally. Roman is one of my all time favorite characters, if not my favorite period. He feels a little underrepresented in the fandom, and I'm aiming to rectify that a little bit. Who knows, maybe Ren is a false contender in the race and won't run at all. You may be right, you may be wrong. We will see what happens when Pyrrha and Jaune properly meet and talk. That's coming soon, ish. It's somewhere in my outline, but things are kind of murky because I've gone off track a little with this whole gang war. Oops.

And that's all my reviews since I last published, nice. Keep 'em coming, boys. I love that feedback I get.

So, yeah, I'm glad you guys are enjoying the story and all that it's got to offer. I hope that it keeps you entertained, even though I feel like the quality is kinda variable though I can't pinpoint why exactly. *Shrug* let me know down in the reviews if things seem variable in quality or if it's my imagination.

But yeah, if you enjoyed please be sure to drop a follow and favorite to know when I update the story, and to encourage me to keep on writing as much as I am. If you're feeling particularly kind, I would love it if you gave me a review, even if it's just something that says good job, or keep on going. I read them all and it makes me happy to know people enjoy.

Next Chapter: Friday, May 3rd

Till next time, this is Valres signing off.