Chapter 29

Hey guys sorry for taking a while on this one but what I would like to say that I'm amazed at how many people reviewed and read last last chapter (It's higher than chapter 26 and 27). If I knew a chapter that was mostly laser tag would have been so liked by you guys I would have done one sooner.

Anyway enjoy this chapter… sorry there isn't any laser tag in it lol.

"-ke up" A voice said shaking me waking me from my wonderous sleep. I let out a groan that seemed to have given her the idea and she stopped shaking me.

Of course that didn't stop her from speaking though "You're gonna be late if you keep sleeping" I let out a sigh to that and decided to open my eyes to see my little sister Janet kneeling beside my bed.

Honestly as annoying as she can be waking me up every school day, it's nice to have a personal alarm. "Alright I'm up you can leave me alone" I said groggily.

She gave me a skeptical look before stating "Yeah and the moment I leave you'll fall back asleep" Well she has me there I can't deny that.

I couldn't help but smile as I climbed out of my bed to see she was already dressed for school, of course she is. "Alright now I'm out of bed, happy?" I asked walking over to my closet to get some clothes.

"Yup I'm gonna get some breakfast do you want anything?" She asked standing at the door frame.

I took a breath before turning my head to look at her giving her a smile "Just some toast for me" I said before she walked into the hall of Arc Family Achievements… only one is mine out of the hundred some odd. I let out a sigh before putting on some clothes, just a sweater and jeans I don't have much in terms of variety.

I then went to the bathroom so I could splash some water on my face, just wish I could have gotten more than 3 hours of sleep. Looking in the mirror the bangs under my eyes were really noticeable, and I looked half dead, but it's not like I could do anything about it.

Entering the kitchen I saw only Janet, it's still weird not to see any of my other sisters here anymore. Mom and Dad are probably still asleep, since neither has any work until after nine.

My plate of toast was already on the table while Janet was eating, some Pumpkin Pete's cereal, I remember eating so much of that stuff when I was younger, now it doesn't seem so appetizing.

We didn't say much at breakfast, we never really had to since there was never anything to really talk about in the morning.

As I finished my toast and went to brush my teeth, about a minute into it Janet came in, and despite the tiny size of the room with it really being only the size for one person, we shared it like it was nothing. Trust me when you have ten people living in a house you find out how many you cram into a tiny room.

After we were done brushing our teeth I grabbed my keys with Janet getting ready at the door.

It's been about a month since school started up now and thankfully combat class is actually having us fight now, so I do have something to look forward to in school.

As we got into the car Janet said something that has been on my mind for awhile "The house seems really empty when everyone is gone" again despite our house being small for housing ten people, with all of us needing to share rooms, some had three people in them. Which we don't have to do anymore but it seems so empty despite this is a house made for five people maximum.

"You miss them?" I asked as I started the car. Janet nodded in response. I let out a sigh before saying "I miss them to"

"Soon you're gonna be gone too" She said as I was pulling out of the driveway which made me nearly stop.

Oh great I'm gonna need to choose my words wisely "Yeah but I'll always visit you" I said giving her a smile.

"You will?" She asked not sounding convinced, and I don't blame her all of our sisters that have moved out don't really visit too often. Then again they are all really busy.

"Yeah I'll make sure of it, Arc family promise" I said which seemed to convince her, she knows how much that means to me, and that I'll never break it.

"You didn't need to go THAT far, but thanks" She said giving me a smile.

"Hey… what's a big brother for?" I asked as she rolled her eyes.

For the rest of the drive we didn't say much but it was comfortable. As we arrived we were about ten minutes early, which is actually kinda late for us, so we left to go find our friends. By friends for myself I mean just Pyrrha and for Janet that means… also just Pyrrha.

Yeah she still hasn't made a single friend, I keep telling her to just be a little more confident and talk to people, but these kids are still a few years older than her, and Janet isn't exactly the tallest eleven year old around.

Pyrrha was where she always was which was right beside her first period class. Unfortunately I don't have that class with her but I got second and third period with her. She was busy with a book, which I knew for a fact wasn't a book for English class, since I would have to read it too.

Thankfully for once Janet didn't run up to her like a bullet and actually showed some restraint. Which allowed me to notice she wasn't in her usual attire instead she went for something more casual. A black sweater that looked a little big for her and that's saying something when she's like an inch shorter than me, and I'm 6'1''! She had some grey sweatpants on which is also very odd since I didn't know she owned any. On top of all of that she had her crimson locks hanging down, not in a ponytail like usual.

It's really weird seeing Pyrrha like this, she not one to wear stuff that implies she's lazy, or doesn't care about how she's dressed. Then again she probably has her battle attire in her bag.

Now that's not to say I don't like it, in fact she looks really good with her hair down. Looks better than her ponytail. When it comes to her outfit it actually suits her surprisingly well. I mostly see her in her combat clothes or athletic wear which was always super tight and form fitting. So to see her in something so baggy was a nice change of pace honestly she pulled it off well.

Could have chose some better colours but outside of that it's pretty good solid eight out of ten.

We reached her and she seemed to be a very good point in her book pulling it closer, opening her mouth slightly, before she closed it shaking her head.

"Gonna guess something major happened?" I asked getting her attention.

"Y-yeah you could say that" She said nervously rubbing the back of head.

"So what happened?" Janet asked curiously taking a seat next to Pyrrha.

"Ohhhhh" She let out with her head hitting the wall. "If I told you I'd have to explain at least the last two books in the series" Well that sounds like a long discussion about a story and characters I don't care about.

"Well I got time to listen" Janet said which I held back a glare for, I don't want to hear about this story.

"Oh no I'd… rather not spoil it" Pyrrha said thankfully her inability to spoil things for others saved me.

"It's ok I don't mind" Dammit Janet can't you just let it go!?

Quick just find something to stop this before it never ends, but what? Lockers? No Janet never uses them. Frie- I'm just gonna stop there because I know it isn't true. Class? Wait a second that might work, what time is it?

"Uhh Janet" I said to get her attention "We only have five minutes before class starts" Thank god that was actually true.

"We do!?" She exclaimed "I gotta get going talk to you later!" She said before she bolted off.

Pyrrha and I laughed at her antics and as I calmed down I began to walk away myself "See you later Pyrrha".

Before I could even take three steps I was stopped "Hold on Jaune" what the heck could she be stopping me for?

I turned to face her "Yeah what's up?"

She shuffled in her feet before asking "Are you doing anything important fourth period?" That's an odd question.

"Nope not that I know of" I said confused.

Pyrrha smiled at hearing that before took a step closer and whispered "Well I'm doing anything then either sooooo… I was thinking maybe we could…" Could what? I honestly don't know what she's trying to say. "Skip class?" She asked very quietly almost like she was afraid anyone would hear her say the words.

I myself was a little shocked by this, I never thought Pyrrha would skip but I guess she's trying something new, outfit and all.

Taking a moment to think it over I really couldn't think of any downside of skipping class. Aside from my parents getting the phone call but I can pick it up so they don't hear it. "Yeah sure sounds great" I said with a smile making Pyrrha smile back before she walked into her class giving me a wave I quickly returned.

Now time for my class… yay.

xXx

Today was quite the standard day with combat class being over and my bruises feeling even worse. The only difference is now I'm about to skip class… with Pyrrha. That's honestly something I never thought I would say.

Like always I got changed really quick because the longer I stay in there, the longer Cardin has to do something to me. Like exposing me to all the other guys in there, yeah that was a great day.

Anyway I waited nearby the girls change room but not so close to look creepy, because I've made that mistake before waiting for my sisters, yeah that was a great day.

My reminiscing about 'Great days' was interrupted by the one person in the world I never want to see.

"Hey Jauney-boy" I hate that nickname so much.

"What is it Cardin?" I asked sounding disinterested as possible looking him dead in the eye. What's really a surprise is he doesn't have his cronies with him.

"Couldn't help but notice you just sitting here" He said taking a seat next to me.

"Really I'm just sitting here, is that all the reason you need now?" I asked with some vile in my voice. I mean seriously I'm sitting here doing nothing. Sometimes I'll admit I might do something that pisses him off so it makes a little bit of sense why he would bully me. But right now I'm just sitting here doing nothing, I guess he really doesn't need a reason.

"It's not just that" He said said with a cocky smile. "You're waiting for that Nikos girl" He elbowed my side which did surprise me. "Gotta say, you're one lucky guy to have her" Oh god not this idea again.

"You know-"

"I don't know how you do it but somehow you snagged the hottest girl in school" Asshole interrupted me. "Just wish I could figure it out".

Maybe it has to do with the fact that I'm not an insufferable asshole, who uses his power to beat up weaking kids. That's what I wanted to say, but I settled on just "I don't know".

"You don't know!?" He said sounding a little angry, like hell I would tell him. Even if I did know what I did.

"Yeah I don't know, maybe I'm just lucky is all" I said with a shrug.

"Lucky" He repeated nodding his head before laughing "Well that just about the only time you've ever been lucky" He gave me a half smile that just pissed me off all the more. Sad thing is though… he's right. "I mean even an eleven year old girl is doing better in life then you ever have"

Oh here it comes. "I mean how does it feel to have everyone you know be more successful than you'll ever be?" I'm not going to dignify that with a response. "How does it feel to know that once you're done here, you have nothing in life?" He paused for a moment waiting for a response but I gave none and showed nothing from my face just a blank stare. He smiled "How does it feel to get your ass beat everyday in the one thing you're slightly good at?" That's just my style of fighting, it requires me to take hits, I almost said that out loud. It's getting real hard to not do anything and that half smile he has really isn't helping.

"How does it feel to know that your only friend is the best in class, and will go on to Beacon while you're left behind" I could feel my fists tightening. "How does it feel to-"

"What's going on here" A soft yet stern voice interrupted him. Looking up I saw Pyrrha and thank god it was her, I don't know how much longer I could have lasted.

"Ah, nothing much" He said wrapping his arm around my head pulling me close to his chest "Just having a chat with Jaune here nothing serious"

"Is that so?" She asked suspiciously.

"Yup isn't it great that you have a friend looking out for you?" He said finally letting me go.

Pyrrha kept her gaze on him the entire time as he got up and began to walk away "Soon you won't have that luxury" He said with a laugh.

After he was out of earshot Pyrrha's expression softened "Are you okay?" She asked taking a seat next to me.

"I'm fine he was just being an asshole is all" I said not meeting her eyes.

"Next time I get to fight him in class, I'll go twice as hard on him" Pyrrha said confidently.

I have no doubt that Pyrrha will beat him when that day comes. I also have no doubt she'll do it without even being hit once. "You don't have to do that" I said honestly.

"Well I just can't stand the way he treats you" Pyrrha said crossing her arms.

"Yeah well won't ever see him again after this year" I said with a shrug.

"You know my offer still stands" She said sheepishly.

"And I still respectively decline"

Pyrrha's face hardened with disappointment which made it hard to meet her eyes. "Why?" She asked baffled "You want to keep being Cardin's punching bag?"

"Nope" I said simply.

"I just don't understand why you keep refusing my help"

"Because you already have enough going on, and training me will just be another thing for you to worry about" I explained but Pyrrha didn't look convinced letting out a sigh. "Is that what you wanted to do while we skipped class?" I asked curiously.

"No it wasn't, I was thinking we could get something to eat" Pyrrha said standing up.

It was so simple yet so odd, for Pyrrha suggest we get something to eat instead of going to class that's just all kinds of wrong. "Sure sounds good anywhere in mind?" I asked standing beside her.

"There is this new sushi place nearby, I wanted to check it out" Not what I expected but ok.

"Sure let's go"

xXx

The sushi was great and cheap as hell 20 Lien for all you can eat! I probably ate at least 30 Lien worth of food and Pyrrha wasn't far behind.

"Well we better get back soon or else Janet will realise I skipped class and tell on me" I said as I reached for my wallet Pyrrha grabbed my hand stopping me.

"I got this Jaune my treat" She said already having the money out.

"But-"

"I asked you to skip class today, I'd feel bad if I didn't pay for in a small way" Pyrrha said letting my hand go.

Letting out a sigh, I begrudgingly accepted her paying. It wasn't long after that, that we left and were on our way back to Signal.

As we walked back Pyrrha seemed more, relaxed. She usually carried herself with some composure, never flailing her arms as she walked like now. Today has been very odd for her, even in her fight, she wasn't focused. So much so that she nearly was rung out. Still this IS Pyrrha, she can win with an arm tied behind her back.

It just doesn't seem like Pyrrha. The hair, the outfit, skipping class, the walk, it's all so unlike her.

"It's weird seeing you with your hair down" I said hoping it wouldn't sound too odd.

Pyrrha stopped in her tracks, with a confused expression "Why is it weird?" She asked annoyed… of shit.

"It's just I never see you with it down" I exclaimed.

"I just wanted to wear it down today, does it not look good?" She asked fidgeting with her hands.

"No, no no no" I said shaking my hands honestly couldn't be farther from the truth because… damn does Pyrrha look good with her hair down. "It looks great"

"Really?" She asked putting a hand through her locks.

"Yeah I'd dare say... I like it more than the pony tail" I said nervously.

Pyrrha smiled with a blush "Thanks maybe I should keep it down more often" She began to walk again with a skip in her step.

"Wouldn't be opposed to it" I said as I began to follow her. We were nearly back at school and I still couldn't help but wonder "It's not normal for you to want to skip class Pyrrha" Oh shit I said it out loud.

"Maybe I just wanted to skip a pointless class" She said with a shrug. That doesn't seem like her, I mean she stops me from skipping class all the time! "Why are you so concerned with how I'm acting?" Pyrrha asked.

Aside from the fact that she's my best friend… I mean I could say that but that's what's she's expecting. "Because I've never once seen you like this, people don't change overnight. I'm just a bit concerned is all"

Pyrrha let out a sigh before she stopped again. "I'm just tired... of being seen as the best" She tugged on her sweaters sleeve "My father has spent my entire life trying to make me the best fighter of our generation. To make me the best... And he did. I wanted to lose today when I stepped into the ring, but even trying to lose without it being obvious, I still won. That's how people see me, because that's what I am. So I guess... I wanted to change that" She said gesturing to her hair and outfit.

While I always knew her father pushed her, I never knew how hard he did, or that Pyrrha even thought about stuff like this.

"To change how people saw you as the best, you dressed up like a normal person?" I asked trying to understand her logic.

"Well yeah, I mean you know how I normally dress, I look like golden warrior ready to slaughter the Grimm at a moments notice!" She exclaimed. "I thought by dressing like this skipping a class and losing a fight I'd be able to show people I'm more normal than they think" She let out a heavy sigh "but I couldn't even fight" She said hanging her head in shame.

I took a moment to take all of that in. It made sense now that she's explained it but there is just one problem. "Why do you care what they think?" I asked which seemed to have baffled her. "I mean sure THEY see you as the best, but you know who doesn't?" I asked but gave no time for her to answer before I blurted it out "Me and Janet" it didn't seem to surprise her to hear that (Thank god) but it's something I felt I needed to say. "To me you're just my best friend and to Janet, well… you're my future girlfriend" I said making her laugh. Seriously she tries WAY too hard to make us a thing.

As Pyrrha laughed I could hear her say "Thank you Jaune" somewhere in there. After she calmed down from her fit "I'm sorry about today, I was just being an idiot"

"Yeah you were" I said making her scoff in offence but the smile on her face said otherwise.

We began to walk back to school again and Pyrrha seemed to have some bounce in her step. "Soooooo… because your opinion matters" She said teasingly making me roll my eyes. "What do you think of my outfit, since I know you're so good with ladies fashion" She continued to tease, years of shopping trips with my sisters and mother have trained me in the arts of women fashion, I hate them for it.

I decided to play along putting my hand on my chin examining Pyrrha head to toe "Well at first I thought it looked awful" I said in a snooty voice making her giggle "But it has grown on me overall I'd give it a six and a half out of ten" Though I was playing it up a little it is how I felt.

Pyrrha smiled with her arms crossed "Well with how good you are with fashion maybe I should take you shopping sometime, so you could get me something better" She threatened.

"Nothing would be worse in the world than that but… sure why not?" To be fair Pyrrha has no sense of fashion, she's going to need my help. I only gave her six and half, because Pyrrha just looks amazing in everything.

I mean seriously she's dressed as bad as me!

"Then it is decided! This saturday you're helping me pick out the perfect outfit" She declared.

"Just don't take six hours ok?" It probably won't take that long to actually find her something but I can't be too sure.

Before Pyrrha could say anything back the bell rang making me groan in annoyance "I better get going. If Janet gets to the car before me I'll never hear the end of it" By that I mean she'll claim I was making out with Pyrrha or something.

"By Jaune see you tomorrow" Pyrrha said as I ran off giving her a wave.

Well that was a chapter I've kinda wanted to do for a long time and never really found a spot for, so I just did it.

Anyway thanks for reading, hope you've enjoyed, review if you wish, and have a great day.