The Heat
By wildstraydog
Beta: Super Saiyan Cyndaquil
Chapter Twenty-one: Blinded Truth
The fallout continues, and I have to say I'm excited to see what you all think with the release of the next few chapters. A lot, and I mean a lot, is about to happen. Just to reiterate again for some folks who are anxious or unsure, this is a Yang and Jaune pairing in the story. I'm not going to say how it will happen or when, but that's the endgame. I've said this before in previous chapters but I want to nail it on the head.
Also, please mind the multiple character shifts in this chapter, but it was needed to make it longer since you guys had to wait.
Jaune looked back into the mirror and secured the yellow tie around his collar one last time before he was satisfied. The fabric complimented the blue suit he was wearing, but the tedious process did little to settle his nerves. Winter would be arriving with his father any minute now to deliver him before the Vale council. They would be deciding his fate, though the Atlas Council would not be attending the meeting. The incident took place within the kingdom's borders, leaving them jurisdiction. Atlas would make their own ruling later.
He was barely given any time to say goodbye to his friends. Qrow and Winter hauled him down to the city to stay in a hotel for the night. Just knowing that she was down the hall made his heart ache to be near her, it always did when he was nervous. But trying to sneak out of his room was too risky with Qrow around, not when they weren't ready to announce their relationship. But was it a proper one? They had yet to go on any dates, though it didn't diminish their love.
He was sure what they felt was genuine.
The bed in his room wasn't made, so he decided to waste time by tidying things up. Jaune spent the rest of his night before bed in flawed attempts to clear his mind, even by watching mind-numbing dramas. None of it helped, he couldn't relax until the hearing was over and his fate was decided. Jaune grabbed a pillow from the ground and adjusted its cover, counting down the minutes until his father arrived.
A knock on the door roused him from the mundane chores, and he flattened the collar on his suit. Jaune released a sigh and opened the door, holding his breath as the intimidating stare of his father looked down on him. Both hands were folded behind his back, and Ironwood glanced behind Jaune to see that his room was still messy. Beside the general, he saw Winter's mournful face, a look of pity rested on her soft features. This wasn't the meeting he longed for.
"I apologize for the mess, sir." Jaune tonelessly answered.
Ironwood stepped back from the door and allowed him to exit, locking it behind him. "It's alright, Jaune, the maids will take care of that, I need you to focus." He nodded.
"Specialist Schnee," Ironwood called out. "You'll be riding with Qrow Branwen, I have some things to discuss with Jaune." She hesitantly nodded, shooting another glance into his direction before separating from them.
Outside the premises of the hotel, Qrow Branwen could be seen leaning against the entrance wall with a flask in hand. The cocky smirk he usually wore was gone, replaced with a grimace that tugged on his thin lips. Jaune's eyes veiled any resentment, only having the spare few minutes to converse with the drunk. The man was sharp and skillful, belying any goofiness he exhibited yesterday. Something told him he should be cautious around the man, though Ruby assured he was harmless.
Ironwood rushed him into the limousine, and he sat near the window on the well-furnished black leather seats. The vehicle gave off a refreshing smell, and below him was a compartment for drinks. His father saddled up beside him and instructed the driver to take the "luxury" route. Between them and the driver, a black tinted window rose, giving them plenty of privacy to discuss matters. He was unsure of how much they could actually talk about with only thirty minutes before the review.
He watched in curiosity as his father took a glass cup from the compartment and poured himself a drink. It wasn't unusual, but to do so before an official inquiry was unlike him. Ironwood caught his gaze but he whipped his head back toward the window, almost embarrassed to even look him in the eyes. Jaune wanted to speak, but he found his throat dry.
"Jaune," Ironwood started. "I'm glad you weren't hurt out there, truly." Jaune found himself taken back by the statement, befuddled by the kind grin that curled on the general's lips. He didn't even know how to respond.
"I won't spend our little time in here berating you, people make errors, especially soldiers. And I'm sure you realize what you did wrong out there-you're too intelligent not to." Jaune nodded slowly.
"Y-you, aren't ashamed of me?"
Ironwood let out a soft chuckle. "No, of course not Jaune, you're my son." He rested a hand on Jaune's shoulder and gave a light squeeze.
Jaune clenched his jaw shut and summoned up any reserved strength to fight back any tears that might escape. "I, I don't know... what am I supposed to say; no apology is adequate enough for you sir." Jaune replied in hushed whispers.
"When you approach the council, don't be afraid of them—most of them are cowards locked in powerful positions looking for an excuse to use their power." Jaune released a sigh and continued to nod.
"Stick to the facts..."
"Exactly," Ironwood affirmed. "Don't wander off topic or defend your actions, just let Ozpin and Specialist Schnee do all the talking." Just as he was taught to do during any official inquiry after a mission.
There was nothing for him to say anyway, he couldn't justify what happened in Cthorili. He chose to use lethal force against the White Fang operatives in the riot. Any deaths that resulted from that, civilian included, was on him. But the kind words his father said before did ease his apprehension, no longer afraid to receive any punishment the council gave him. He relaxed in the seat and looked back out the window, admiring the city and its vistas. Jaune missed the long winters of Atlas, but Vale was growing on him, the huddled masses giving the kingdom a sense of life.
When the limousine came to a stop, his eyes fluttered at the rain drops that pattered the window. Jaune found the weather fitting, a somber atmosphere accompanying the decision of his fate. The driver let him out on the side of the steps leading up to the massive building. A thick umbrella was handed to him, shielding him from the downpour that began. Water splashed from the ground onto his pant legs, but he didn't care, looking up to take in the view.
The council building stood out from the other establishments and skyscrapers that surrounded it. The structure was offset by a grandiose marble staircase that led up to the hill the building rested upon. The flat geometric shapes were old in design, and the pediments were held up by swirling pillars whose capitals were carved into leaves. The second story was oval shaped, supported by ramps that held up a large round-arched window. The spiral that rested on top flew a banner that hung across the building with the Vale emblem strewn across it. To Jaune, it came off as an old temple.
Jaune made his way up the stairs and toward the entrance with his father, taking notice of the extra security that was in place. The men in black suits whispered into their receivers curled around their ears. The press were absent, unaware that a meeting with the Vale council was about to take place. No one saw his face, but that didn't mean people weren't out for blood. If the press discovered his identity, he would be labeled a murderer and instantly become a pariah throughout the kingdoms. He was surprised the council never released his name.
The halls were just as glamorous as the outside, the floors covered in emerald green rugs and the walls decorated with busts of previous council members and distinguished Huntsman. The ceiling displayed an elaborate water color painting of an age old battle in the Great War, the soldiers rushing forward with their spears above their shoulders into a dark mass of Grimm. He found the piece inspiring and beautiful, the depiction stretching across the room.
How long did it take to bring the masterpiece to life, perhaps years?
His father nudged him further into the building, leaving him sparse chances to observe the rest of his surroundings. Most of its workers remained behind their desks and counters, answering phone calls with robotic responses. Bureaucracy at its finest in Vale. Ironwood received a few glances, his visit probably unexpected to most of the council's workers. Not too far behind he could hear Qrow's raucous comments about the gaudy decorations that lined the walls. Winter did her best to rein him in, but not even she could control the drunk.
Two guards stood by the door that led into the grand conference room. They wore the same black suits he spotted by the entrance, their dark shades reflecting off the overhead lights that filled the rooms. One of the men lowered his glasses on the ridge of his nose and grumbled, giving him a quick scan before darting his eyes to his father. The general pulled out an ID card and gently showed it to the guards with a smirk. The goon took the plastic and flipped it over to examine it; he nodded in approval and stepped aside.
The conference room was massive, designed like an auditorium that circled five lecterns below in the pit, and behind the objects, was a large screen that could project movies or photos for any meeting. Below near the front, were several high-ranking officers from Atlas and Vale in attendance. Qrow walked ahead of him and slid down one of the rails to the front where Professor Goodwitch was seated. Before the lectern were two brown tables with a sheaf of papers strewn about.
Ozpin sat calmly at one of the tables, a mug sitting inches from his relaxed figure. Jaune could see the steam rising from the mixed brew and the headmasters callous fingers wrap around the handle. The man appeared calm as always, blinking a few times until he contorted his neck back to glance at Jaune. He returned a brief nod and left Ironwood's side, depressed that his father could not stand by him during the hearing.
Jaune ignored the stares of the few assemblymen and nobles that sat in on the hearing, their faces twisted in disgust at his actions. Among them, Jaune's gaze remained on the Crestfall family, an expression of disappointment etched on Eliza's father's rounded face. He was never a fan of Mr. Crestfall, the bloated man always scrounging to earn a quick buck through less than savory means. However, when he was engaged to Eliza, the man's opinion on the final arrangements were crucial-so he remained professional and courtesy.
Ozpin stood up and pulled out a chair for Jaune to sit in, a polite grin remaining on his wise face. Their interactions together were brief, but he always maintained an aura of intelligence and age that baffled him. The fact that his father respected Ozpin gave merit to that description. He sat in the chair and got comfortable, looking up at the round table that rested behind the lectern. Three empty seats sat overlooking the tables, their ominous presence noticeable even without the Vale council members present.
"How are you feeling Mr. Arc?" Ozpin whispered.
"Nervous, a little agitated; nothing unexpected," Jaune quickly mouthed. He looked down at the table, noticing the cracks in the wood.
"That's understandable," Ozpin replied. "Just let me do most of the talking and answer truthfully." he was still surprised that Ozpin offered to defend him.
What did the headmaster gain from going against the council? Since his arrival at Beacon he brought nothing but trouble; the opposite of what he intended. Every mission he dragged the teams into, somebody died or was injured. His presence alone influenced what missions Yang and her friends were required to go on, all because of his pursuit of the White Fang. If he had never shown up at Beacon, they could have gone through the years without his troubles.
The creak of two double doors swinging open alerted him. Jaune stood at attention next to Ozpin and gulped, the silhouettes of the council members dancing across the polished tile floor above them. Jaune would have lied to himself if he didn't say he was intimidated by the council members: they were the highest authority in the kingdoms, having the ability to command thousands of troops and lockdown the kingdom if they so desired. And his entire fate was up to them.
The Vale council was made up of two males and one woman, their cold stoic gazes rested on the few nobles and military officials that attended. The man on the far left was skinny, his lavish crimson overcoat tight against his body. The red tie he wore loosely hung over the collar, but his thin face didn't care. His brown eyes were hidden by his bushy eyebrows and offset by the man's angular nose.
The man who sat in the middle wore a thick pair of glasses that's lenses could have been mistaken for glass panels. He had round cheekbones and plump lips that he occasionally licked every few seconds. The green suit he wore complimented his frosted blonde hair, yet his eyes were slumped in boredom as if this inquiry was a waste of his precious time. The woman that sat beside him contrasted the hedonist with a sharp expression, her flat brunette hair glistening off the lights above. She was mildly attractive, and her narrowed auburn colored irises scanned the room in curiosity.
When the council sat down everyone followed suit, the room becoming overtaken by an ominous silence. Jaune tapped his boot onto the floor waiting for one of them to finally address the room. They loved to keep him waiting, and why not, they probably already had a punishment in mind. Jaune mulled, keeping his gaze on the table.
"The official inquiry of Jaune Arc, a member of Mantle Academy, concerning the incident in Cthorili will now begin. Questions will be directed at the subject and be answered by him upon his designation." The female council member announced in the room, her booming authoritative voice rivaling that of Professor Goodwitch.
Ozpin rose from his seat and adjusted his collar and said: "If it will please the council, I will be representing Mr. Arc today in General Ironwood's place." The thin council member looked to the others and nodded.
"Very well Ozpin," the councilman drawled. "But your capacity is limited, remember to uphold the rules of this inquiry, I'm sure your familiar with them." Ozpin returned a smile and gently nodded, pressing his glasses onto the bridge of his nose.
"Mr. Arc," the middle councilman began. "Can you tell us why you decided to act on a tip that the White Fang had soldiers within the crowd?" Jaune scrunched up his face at the question, trying to remember exactly why.
"The information was relayed to 2nd Lt. Ambrose and me from one of his scouts. There were also suspicious individuals within the crowd riling up the protest." The councilman hummed.
"And were any of these men Azzuro Stream?" The councilwoman asked, her eyes glancing at the notes on the table before her. Jaune had no reason to believe that Azzuro Stream was among them, but he knew the man was hiding in Cthorili.
"Excuse me," Ozpin interrupted. "How does Azzuro Stream's presence during the riot pertain to this questioning?" One of the councilmen grumbled.
"We'll be getting to that Ozpin."
"Of course, pardon my interruption." He apologized, sitting back down to steal another quick sip of his coffee.
"Back to the question, Mr. Arc." The councilwoman said.
Jaune shifted under their gaze and took a few seconds to think of an answer. "It was my understanding that Azzuro Stream was still in hiding within the town." The council was silent upon his response.
"Tell us Mr. Arc, what was the original mission of your team led by Specialist Winter Schnee." Jaune didn't answer, unsure of how to response.
"We'll answer for you Mr. Arc." the fatter councilman said in a condescending tone. "The mission was to apprehend wanted terrorist Azzuro Stream, and to return to Beacon Academy where he would be transferred into Atlas' jurisdiction." Jaune diverted his gaze in shame.
"I..."
"It was Specialist Schnee that appointed Jaune's position under 2nd Lt. Ambrose," Ozpin answered for him, his placated enthusiasm all but gone.
This was a witch hunt now.
"Yes, we understand that, which is why we're calling Specialist Schnee up now to the lectern." There was a slight murmur in the stands, but he only focused on Winter as she made her way up to the lectern in the room.
Winter released a deep breath, and gently brushed aside a strand of silver white hair that covered her icy blue eyes. Jaune could tell she was under her pressure, though she maintain an air of professionalism. "Is the same question directed at me councilman?"
"Yes, if you can please enlighten us as to why you appointed Jaune Arc to oversee the riots with 2nd Lt. Ambrose instead of allowing him to conduct a search for Azzuro Stream?" She didn't wince at the questioning, maintaining a steely expression he came to know.
"Based on the information of what happened in Jaune's last mission at Beacon Academy, I thought it would be unwise for him to confront the killer of Major Mcgillis." Jaune's mouth fell open in surprise.
The whole time she never intended for him to search for Azzuro Stream. It was why Eliza and his teammates were split up... did she not trust him?
"In that case, why did Mr. Arc's team even go to Cthorili? The Atlas team sent there could have performed the same duties." Bellowed the thin councilman.
The councilwoman set down her pile of files and steadied her gaze on Jaune. "The council finds Mr. Arc's abundancy to become involved in White Fang operations troubling, a matter we plan to take up with the Atlas Council." Winter bowed and returned to her seat with a defeated look.
The middle councilman scratched behind his ear and coughed to gain everyone's attention: "We still have one more matter to discuss before we hand down our decision." Jaune already knew how this hearing was going, the council were against him in every way, and they only wanted to hand down a sentence.
"Mr. Arc," the thin looking councilman put a heavy emphasis on his surname. "Why did you not refer to 2nd Lt. Ambrose when the White Fang soldier essentially took the crowd hostage? In the report it says you ran ahead and took a few men with you... can you explain this?" Jaune stiffened under the man's sharp eyes, their hawk-like gaze conveying a sense of fear that he never experienced before.
"I was afraid for the citizen's safety," Jaune barely mumbled. "We followed the White Fang men because I was convinced that if I could stop them, the riot would have ceased." That was his belief, but taking the concerns of the public with a one dimensional thought process was his downfall.
A few men wouldn't have been able to stop the riot, he knew that now.
He felt a warm hand rest upon his left shoulder and turned to see Ozpin smiling at him. While not his father, the comfort was welcoming in a room filled with vultures that wanted to see him burn.
The council adjourned the meeting for three minutes so they could make a swift decision. Their expressions appeared unsatisfied when they left the room, but Ozpin assured him that Vale's leaders took all matters within the kingdom seriously. When he woke up this morning, the news was still reporting on the situation in Cthorili. There was pressure on the council to act on the matter and deliver justice to the one who was responsible for civilian deaths. Jaune did not pity their jobs, nor did he blame them for whatever decision awaited him.
Winter looked as uneasy as he did, her legs twitching in anticipation. It was his fault that she was suffering like this... all because he couldn't behave himself properly and act like a real soldier. In this moment, he wanted to comfort her and caress her magnificent snow white hair.
His longing for Winter was cut short by the arrival of the council, the clacking of their shoes reminiscent of the marching soldiers that patrolled around Mantle Academy. Each council member remained in place, hovering over their table like predators. They carried indignant expressions, the middle councilman in particular biting his lip.
"Mr. Arc, Specialist Schnee, please stand." With a gulp, he stood at attention and stared down the council with as much resolve as he could muster.
"Let the record show, that the council appreciates Jaune Arc's skills and eagerness to protect Vale from terroristic forces," the councilwoman declared. "However, these wanton actions by Mr. Arc, and ill-conceived orders by Specialist Schnee cannot go unpunished by the council." The fatter councilman picked up a sheet of paper and unfolded it.
The man opened his mouth and his cheeks folded. Jaune could see a trail of sweat dripping across his wide forehead that the councilman wiped quickly with a handkerchief. "Specialist Schnee, your service will be temporarily suspended-you will be stationed at Beacon Academy to oversee security during the Vytal Festival until further action is taken in Atlas." Winter accepted with a slow nod... she was basically stripped of her duties.
She was a glorified guard now.
"Mr. Arc... despite protests from Headmaster Ozpin, we have decided to expel you from Beacon Academy immediately," the councilman barked. "Your status as a Huntsman in-training will be revoked, and any attempts to reapply will not be applicable for six years." Jaune lowered his head in shame, his blonde locks hiding the devastation in his eyes.
The thin councilman added: "The Atlas Council has also informed us that you will be unable to attend their schools or any others in Remnant."
He wouldn't cry, not in front of these people. It didn't matter if he told himself he was ready for the punishment, the announcement was still like an arrow to the heart. Ozpin stepped forward again and said: "I have one last request, if the council does not mind."
The fat one grunted in annoyance but was settled down by the woman. "Very well, please speak." Ozpin nodded a thank you and gathered his cane from the table.
"I would like Jaune to stay in my care until the Vytal Festival is over-allow him to remain in the dorms with his former team until then." Jaune looked up at Ozpin with wide eyes. What was he trying to prove?
"Very well... but he is barred from attending classes or participating in any school related activities." The councilwoman reiterated.
Once the proceeding was done, the nobles and politicians scurried out of the room in a hurry. They left with satisfied mugs and let off mischievous grins. The work of bureaucrats that lavished in the failings of others... to him they were pathetic worms. Winter stayed behind and walked over to his father to ask for her new arrangements. Qrow remained seated, his legs perched atop the back of the front seat. The old drunk looked pissed, spitting on the floor with a low curse. It made sense that a man of his caliber wouldn't get along with the council.
"Jaune... I am truly sorry." Ozpin said.
"No, thank you Headmaster Ozpin, I appreciate your defense, even if it was limited. I'm more worried about Winter-I mean Specialist Schnee." Jaune caught his slip, but the professor heard it.
"Ms. Schnee will be fine, her punishment compared to yours will only last for several months after the festival. You should take this time to be with your friends and enjoy the upcoming events." Enjoy the festivities... how could he celebrate after his dreams were crushed?
"Yeah the ice queen will be fine," Qrow added. "She's been through much worse, trust me kid." Qrow smacked his back, causing him to tumble forward.
"Ozpin," Ironwood called out, briefly glancing over to Jaune. "Specialist Schnee will be staying downtown at one of the Schnee hotels-if you need her for any business, just contact her." Jaune ignored his father's stare and glanced at Winter's receding form leaving the room.
"Thank you, James, how do you predict the Atlas Council will handle her official punishment when she returns?" Jaune mentally thanked Ozpin for the question.
"She's too valuable of a soldier to court martial but she may be grounded for a couple of months and sent back to officer training." Ironwood shifted his gaze back onto Jaune and frowned, his decisive eyes taking a look of pity.
Ironwood bent down and grabbed both of Jaune's shoulders, then bowed his head in shame and said: "Jaune... I'm so sorry, I know you always worked the hardest of all my soldiers-I feel this is somehow my fault, I'm so sorry." Jaune opened his mouth to comment, but he only found silence as an acceptable reply.
Jaune made a fist and fought back the tears he never thought were possible to shed.
The conversation Qrow had with Ozpin before he met the young boy made sense after the sham of an inquiry. Vale was just protecting their ass for an incident that could have been avoided months ago. It was sad to see potential wasted, and Ozpin shared that sentiment with him. Which led to the decision of him taking over the boy's training. Without a proper school to oversee his education, Qrow had to step forward and mold the boy into a force of nature.
Though he still wasn't comfortable with it.
Jaune was led back to his hotel for the day and would return to Beacon tomorrow. The response from his team was going to be chaotic, especially if he knew Yang. That girl was also a mess, the girl's attitude had been somber the last he saw of her. At the time he didn't press on the matter to much, electing not to get involved in Yang's romantic interests-if it was that anyway. Maybe he could ask Ruby about it, she was usually honest with him.
Winter and Jaune... that was another matter he was tepid about. Something was not right, and the boy's insistence to see her on the way back troubled him even further. Jimmy appeared to be in the dark on the matter; that or he trusted them both too much. But this was all wild speculation and nothing he could prove unless he confronted her... if he saw anything else that bothered him that was what he would have to do. None of them needed more trouble.
He threw an empty bottle of beer into the trashcan of his room and sighed. Vale never changed since he was gone, the monotony of strangers below on the streets stayed the same and everyone was clueless.
Tomorrow he would investigate.
Winter sat in her room wearing nothing but a winter blue grown that extended to her knees. The night was bound to overtake the bright skies of Vale, and still she heard nothing from Jaune in the last few hours. It wasn't his fault, being surrounded by Qrow and all. She wanted him to take every precaution around the drunken fool, especially when the man's suspicions were somewhat noticeable in his questioning yesterday. He might be worried but there was nothing to prove as long as Jaune was careful in his visits.
Her punishment was nothing compared to the devastating blow the Vale council unleashed on Jaune. They practically made it impossible for Jaune to formally become a Huntsman; in five years he would be too old to attend one of the academies. Those bastards just wanted to sweep the whole incident under the rug and indulge in their luxuries. She fished out her scroll and check her messages.
A knock from the door surprised her and she dropped her scroll on the rug. She left the device on the ground and tiptoed to the door with a cautious step. Winter leaned forward and peeked through the hole on the door; Jaune stood there with an uneasy expression, his foot tapping in anxiety. She undid the latch and opened the door for Jaune to come in.
"I'm sorry I didn't answer, I had to wait until Qrow left to hit the bars," Jaune said with a roll of his eyes.
"He may be a drunk, but it's strange that he would leave you." Jaune closed the distance between them and cupped her cheeks, bringing her in slowly for a passionate kiss.
She enjoyed the warmth it brought her, and she pushed further into him, her tongue dancing with his. When they separated, Jaune gasped for air with a smirk and wiped his lips. He brought her into a tight embrace and caressed her luscious hair that was now free. She didn't have to say anything about the inquiry, Jaune already knew how she felt. He let go and stared into her blue eyes that were reminiscent of a winter lake. She blushed, and turned away, taking ahold of his gentle hand and leading him to her bed with a grin.
"What they did is inexcusable," She mouthed, bringing him close for another kiss. They both fell onto the bed and continued in their passion.
No one could take away what they had.
She knew it was late, but Weiss only found out about her sister's stay in Vale at the last minute from Professor Goodwitch. Most of her friends were moping because of Jaune's circumstances, and she thought it would be a good chance to ask for herself what happened at Cthorili. The professor said that Winter was under investigation as well, and once their father had news of the matter she was worried Winter would suffer for it.
Hopefully, it wouldn't come to that.
Her sister was staying at their luxury hotel in downtown Vale. Their family owned the establishment for years, and the hotel was glad to let them stay for however long they desired. When she entered through the front rotating doors, the staff greeted her immediately. The doorman recognized her from her stays in Vale throughout the years. Winter was staying on the twenty-fifth floor, where only two rooms were available. Though, with Winter taking up residence they probably reserved the entire floor.
The elevator doors parted with a light ding, and Weiss was greeted with velvet red carpeting that trailed across the hallway. The walls were painted in a deep royal purple, and on the walls were portraits with golden frames that reflected off the dim lights. The room at the end of the hallway offered an impressive view of the city below, so she knew that Winter would be taking up residence there.
Weiss' heels barely made a sound against the carpet; the silence made her nervous. She hesitated to knock on the door, but eventually released a sigh and brushed her knuckles against the wood. A noise came from the other side of the room and Winter cracked the door open, the latch hanging down in between the door. Her older sister gasped and quickly undid the lock, still barely opening the door.
"W-Weiss, I didn't expect you, how are you?" Winter practically stammered. She found it odd, but returned a warm smile.
"I'm doing great, I'm just glad to see your doing ok, may I come in?" Weiss peeked over her shoulder and noticed the bed was messy.
"Oh, well actually... I'm a little busy." Too busy to talk with her sister?
"I won't take long." Weiss pushed through and forced Winter against the door, and noticed the right strap on her gown was loose.
"Is everything ok," Weiss pressed. "I know the inquiry was today, I thought maybe we could talk about it?" Winter's eyes darted across to the bathroom and then to her. She bit her lip and grabbed Weiss by the shoulders.
"Of course, just, not today, I'm feeling ill." Weiss blinked in disbelief, not remembering the last time her big sister was actually sick.
"Winter, if something is wrong, you can talk to me!" Weiss exclaimed, pulling on the sleeves of her gown. Winter's face flinched at the statement.
The bathroom door opened, and a wall of steam unleashed into the room like a thick fog. Weiss' attention was broken, and she glanced over to the source of the noise in confusion. Winter let out an exasperated gasp, and then everything in her world went still. From the bathroom a half-naked Jaune emerged with a towel secured around his waist. His blue eyes widened in surprise, and he took a hesitant step backwards as if he was caught stealing expensive jewelry.
What the hell?!
Yep, that just happened. I hate leaving you guys on a cliffhanger like that, but nothing is ever so simple in this story is it?