Chapter 29: The County Fair

A/N: You may love me, or you may hate me.


Man, oh man, the county fair. We had so much fun. The first one I spent with my new family, it wasn't a bad time… even with… well… the complication. God, I remember Ruby winning a bear that was double her size. In fact… I think she still has it, somewhere….

Hehehe… You should have seen Summer's face. She lit up like a Christmas tree helping her daughter stuff it into the back of their car. Though, I can attest it was not comfortable for Yang or me as well. What was her excuse?

"Well, you're at the fair! You need at least one giant teddy bear."

Sheesh.

Yet even in these times of light-heartedness, fate often strikes. One action propels another and so on and so on in the wheel of fate that keeps on spinning.

Last Week of Summer Break

County Fair.

Today was the day…. Jaune let out a small as he looked out the window as he watched the trees and farm fields zoom by.

Jaune made a promise to go, not that he wouldn't mind or anything. If anything, he wanted to go. He always enjoyed the county fair. As a kid, it was the only real time his family went out and enjoyed themselves. Granted, he was really, really little.

"Man… I'm looking forward to some funnel cakes!" Taiyang muttered as he continued to drive the car.

He remembered what the funnel cakes tasted like; he always shared one with his own dad. "You realize that it's just deep fried dough, right?" Summer rolled her eyes from the passenger seat.

"With sugar.. a lot of sugar…" Jaune could practically feel the moisture from Tai's drooling.

"You're missing out…. Deep fried pickles are the way to go." Summer pointed out causing Jaune to blink at the statement. Deep. Fried. Pickles?

"Groooooossssss Mom!" Ruby gagged, "French fries, simple and easy."

"And boring." Yang rolled her eyes, "Milkshakes, so many flavors. All of the flavors."

Jaune couldn't argue with that logic. Milkshakes were pretty amazing. Especially strawberry milkshakes. Strawberry milkshakes are the best kind of milkshakes. Yet Jaune preferred greaser things.

"No, you're all wrong though." Jaune finally chimed in, "Cheesesteaks. Cheesesteaks are the best."


Now let's see. There are a few things worth noting at the County Fair. First off were the animals. With the animals came obviously the smell, most notably, dung. Though thankfully, the animals are kept towards the outside of the fairgrounds right beside the race track. Unfortunately, that was where the bands would be marching and playing.

One of the other features of the county fairs were the intense rivalries between the different school districts. The people of Pine County tended to be how you say…. Hillbillies to be the politest. People tend not to leave the county when they grow up here… for some god awful reason. Our people forced themselves into different camps that they attended or resided in. That being, the oldest and most famous rivalry was between Newport School District and West Pine School District. The other two school districts aren't even worth mentioning…. To be honest, no one cares about them, they're way too insignificant especially when it came to bands.

Jaune followed the group's lead taking in the smells and sounds of the fair. Bittersweet memories popped into his mind until he flushed them down. Now was a time for new memories. "I think I see their bus." Summer pointed out at a school bus that was most certainly a West Pine bus. It was a new model, sleek build with a white roof, often referred to as the twinkie bus.

Jaune froze in his tracks realizing what beyond these vehicles meant. Questions. A lot of questions. Cardin… Russell…. And Weiss… He meant to get in touch with them. Yet he found it hard. He didn't want to deal with the sympathy, the pity, and most importantly, Weiss.

As much as he wanted to reach out to her, to ease her mind, he would admit that he was being selfish when he admitted that he couldn't do it. Not with everything that had just happened within the past couple of weeks.

What am I even going to say to them?

He felt a hand squeeze his own practically startling him. Blue eyes looked down at his hand to see another hand squeezing his own. He looked up to see a concerned Yang. "You can do this." She reassured him, giving him another confident squeeze. "How much do they know?"

"Only that I have a heart condition. I really don't talk about myself."

"Just say your parents couldn't take you and a childhood friend offered to take you instead," Yang suggested. Yeah. That seems pretty believable. Right? Right. He pulled his hand away with a semi-confident smile. "That's better. Just need to do this bit, meet up with Pyrrha and Blake, and that'll be it."

He marched forward confidently and caught up with Ruby, Tai, and Summer. They rounded the other side of the bus to be greeted with the West Pine's Band members looking directly at Jaune with almost stunned looks.

No one moved an inch as Jaune scanned the some twenty people. In the back, he could see Weiss, Cardin, and Russell in the very back towards the trailer with the all the percussion equipment. Thankfully they hadn't noticed.

"Come on guys!" Jaune could hear Qrow's voice coming from the bus as he stuck his head out. "Well I'll be fish out of water..." Qrow stepped out acting completely shocked. He was actually good, really good. "Jaune! What are you doing here!"

Game time. He shrugged his shoulders casually, "I felt bad for missing the competition," He walked through the small crowd that had gathered. "I wanted to support all of you."

"Are you sure that's wise?" Qrow asked as the other band kids nodded in agreement. Now, Jaune knew this was all a part of a show, but Jaune also had the strange feeling he was genuine at the same time.

"Yeah yeah," He played along, "I'm not going to let something small get me down."

The man looked at him with glaring suspicion. "Alright, if you're feeling well enough." He gestured for Jaune to approach closer as Yang hanged towards the back. He came up to the bus where Qrow placed a hand on his shoulder. "Just take it easy. We are anxiously waiting for your return."

"Thank you, Mr. Branwen and everyone." He looked out of the corner of his eye to see Yang inched closer staying along the outskirts.

Suddenly the man jumped off the last step on the bus. He eagerly clapped his hands, "Let's get a move on people." With that, his fellow bandees went about getting their uniform and instruments ready.

As he walked by his fellow peers, they stopped to wish him well and the best of luck. Until a very familiar face stopped him. Her brown eyes that matched her long flowing hair stared at him. For a moment, Jaune felt as if he somehow provoked the girl into slapping him again as she glared at him.

Yet he didn't back down as the two just looked over one another. That was until she gave a quick and modest hug that stunned him. As she pulled away, the strict, no-nonsense was gone. It was the shy girl again. "Jaune…" She whispered, "I'm so sorry… I didn't know about your… condition."

He narrowed his eyes, almost expecting as if it were some kind of trick. She's never like this around me. She either wants nothing to do with me or despises my guts. Those were on good days as well. "Really… I'm…. I'm really sorry for hitting you. I acted like a child…"

He couldn't believe what he was saying either. "I don't hold it against you, Velvet. You were just looking out for your friend." They stood in silence as he gritted his teeth. Why the hell did you say that? She bitch- slapped you. She doesn't understand a damn thing yet you're letting her off the hook?

Yet the look on her face, the pure guilt… it hurt him to see it. "But… I hit you." She stammered.

'Yes. Yes, I am.' He shot back. "Really Velvet, there is nothing to forgive."

That seemed to have done the trick as the brunette smiled and moved aside. "Well, I don't want to hold you up. I'm sure Percussion wants to see you just as much." With that Jaune left, wishing them luck.

As he managed to get out of the crowd, Ruby and Yang met up with him. "Natural actor." Ruby grinned.

"Broadway level." Yang nodded in agreement, "I don't know how you're so good at it."

Been doing it all my life. He mentally retorted. "So who was that girl…?" Yang asked.

They continued to walk along the bus as they were getting closer to the trailer where percussion was setting their gear up. "One of Weiss' friends, Velvet. She's the drum major for the band."

"You know… I thought a fight was going to break out for a moment." Yang thought out loud.

Jaune shrugged, "I know… we haven't been on the best of terms."

"Whose Weiss…?" Ruby asked out loud as the side door of the trailer swung open, revealing a pale girl with long white hair tied into a ponytail.

"That would be me…." The girl said crossing her arms. "And who are you…?" It was clear she was a little hostile as Ruby took several steps back trying to avoid her ice cold eyes.

"I'm-" She didn't get to finish the statement as the white-haired girl practically gasped.

In a blink of an eye, she dashed out of the trailer, nearly tackling Jaune to the ground had it not been for Yang to offer a counterbalance. "Jaune!" She practically cried out, burying her head into his shoulder and starting to cry. This was the moment he was dreading.

The moment where he would have to face his contradictions. His forced exile, his desire to return. His abandonment yet reconnection with a dear friend. His coldness within his mind yet the fire in his heart. It was a strange paradox. A paradox that defied his ability to thinks through rationally. He craned his neck ever so slightly to see Yang watch impassively as if waiting to pass judgment. Ruby, Ruby was definitely more sympathetic as she practically fawned over the two embracing one another.

He could feel her arms tighten around him as if he were an animal trying to escape. He could feel her shuddering up against him as if someone in the dead of winter as she released another sob. Yet he couldn't help himself as he embraced her even more tightly. "Weiss…"

"Don't talk." She commanded in a tone that belied her current state, prompting him to obey and stay quiet.

The girl in his arms slowly looked up, her blue eyes filled with an almost unexplainable relief, a relief that Jaune knew all too well. Yet there were still tears of guilt streaming down her face against her best efforts to pull herself together.

"What's wrong?" Jaune asked as she brought her hand up, wiping away a tear.

"I almost killed you…." She whimpered. God. The sound of her voice, how small she felt… her overall appearance right now was something he knew he would never be able to forget.

He blinked before lowering his head first in guilt, but as he felt his hair and then the rest of his head brush against Weiss' own, he felt something else. Something he'd almost forgotten about until that card. He felt the bond between them only growing stronger. "No…" He whispered. "It wasn't your fault. It could never be your fault."

"Jaune…" He heard his name barely above a whisper being breathed from Weiss' lips as he felt her head roll up to look into his eyes, barely centimeters from his own. He could feel a flush rising in his cheeks that seemed to mirror Weiss' own. The two locked eyes for a moment, staring into seas of blue and.. forgiveness.

Yang cleared her throat rather roughly, making Jaune look up to see the rest of percussion, Russell, Cardin, and Raven watching. All of them with smirks glued to their faces. Yang didn't even bother hiding her opinion. "Hey now you two, there are children present." She pointed towards Ruby.

"HEY!" Jaune and Weiss let out an awkward chuckle at Ruby's expense as the rest of the group approached.

"Hey Jauney boy!" Cardin called out him, which led to the knee-jerk reaction of instantly and accidentally pushing Weiss away. Rather than insulted, she seemed to understand this time as she tried to straighten herself up as best she could without ruffling up her uniform too much.

Well…. Fuck me…. He huffed. They're not going to let me live that down. "Hey, guys." He waved as he headed over to them. "Hey, Raven…"

"Hope we aren't interrupting anything." Russell teased, patting the blonde boy's shoulder. Jaune only shook his head as Cardin grabbed and pulled him into a bear hug, lifting him off the ground.

"Where have you been DUDE!" Cardin rejoiced as Jaune tried to struggle out of the death grip.

"Errr… uh…. Ya… know…. Round…." He managed until he finally felt the ground again and also noticing that his back felt much better. Cardin looked over to see the little brunette girl with silver eyes and the bombshell blonde that seemed to follow Jaune.

"Who are your friends?" He asked still eyeing the blonde girl.

Now… if Jaune could guess, the less than romantic thoughts running through Cardin's thick skull. It would probably be in the best interest of both parties if they didn't know each other…. But mostly for Cardin's sake. "Before you say anything, she's a childhood friend…"

"And my daughter." Raven towered over Cardin, crossing her arms with a look of pure displeasure, a look that told everyone not to even think about it. Apparently, the message was received as nodded hesitantly. If Jaune didn't know Raven, she would be less than pleased with Cardin right now for even considering something. She had to be amused of his instant sheepness. Cardin immediately scurried away toward Russell as Jaune noticed how they were standing particularly away from Weiss and the newcomers. "It's good to see you." She said, still putting on the show that her brother started.

"Good to be back." Jaune agreed as he watched Weiss open up the quad case with the help of Ruby. Apparently, the two introduced one another without Jaune paying attention. In reality, he didn't care. However, he did care about the fact that Weiss was pulling out his own instrument. "Weiss is playing tenor now?" He asked.

The raven-haired woman nodded. "I should have told you, but I figure you had enough on your mind." He shot her a glance noticing the slight guilt in her eyes. Keeping more secrets from me…

"You could have just told me…" Jaune whispered just loud enough for her to hear. "But I guess keeping secrets is the usual now."

Silence. Yet this wasn't a good way to end the "show." Especially with everyone here. It might be prudent to end it on a good note."So are you guys ready?"

Cardin and Russell reneged with their harnesses drums, slipping the drums over their necks. Weiss finally managed to get the quads on with the help of Ruby. "Should we show him?" Raven called out, suppressing the guilt that weighed heavily in her mind.

Jaune missed it. He missed all of it. It was one thing to do it, but to see a group of people snap to attention simultaneously. With a nod from Raven, Russell started a tap off. . . . . . . . !

Just like that, they started to play Jaune's favorite thing in the world, the cadence. Yet he couldn't himself but stare at Weiss as he watched her play. Just like everything about her, it was truly flawless.

Her mastery of the quads was impressive. Very impressive. Her hands glided across the drums as if she were ice skating, such pose, such refinement for a dainty girl wearing a forty pound drum over her. It was impressive. Though it struck him as he watched her, I wasn't needed. They were able to do this all by their self.

"You two seemed pretty close there…." Yang whispered.

"It was a mistake getting that close." Jaune retorted as he watched.

"You know, there is nothing wrong with having feelings." He felt a small nudge in his side.

He looked at the blonde who had a genuine smile that he would usually found reassuring. Not when those people can be hurt by said feelings.

Ruby seemed I have fawned a little but for the most part didn't bring it up. He just hoped, he looked out of the corner of his eye staring at the women, that she wouldn't bring it up.

TAP!

"How was it?" Raven asked as she stood proud and tall over percussion.

"Good." He responded bluntly as he walked over towards Weiss. Sensing that he wanted to talk them, Raven realized it was probably better to get the others away from the two. "Russell, Cardin, go put away the cases." the tone in her voice ended any idea of complaints that they might have had. "I'm going to go and meet up with Qrow to get us registered." With that, Raven was gone.

Likewise, Yang realized that it was probably better to let the two of them have a moment. "Hey Rubes, let's go find Pyrrha and Blake." Jaune turned slightly, smiling in appreciation. The blonde girl gave him a thumbs up as he walked up towards Weiss.

The petite girl seemed to be managing herself quite well under the extra weight as she lifted the drums and harness off easily. She straightened herself up to be met with Jaune walking over. "Hey…" He started. "You did pretty well. You didn't seem to need me teaching you."

"I still wouldn't have minded if you taught me." She insisted.

"I guess so…" He kicked the ground shyly, avoiding eye contact. "About… uh… earlier… I should have… I mean… I shouldn't have-"

He felt a hand a slip into his', fingers intertwining around his. Sapphire eyes widened as he simply stared at the ground. "Jaune… please look at me." His eyes slowly drifted upward to meet Weiss' gaze. The two locked eyes, their eyes entranced with one another. He lost a sense of location, a sense of time, anything that would have helped him ground himself in reality. Something to tell him to stop.

Yet there was nothing, only her.

"I miss you, Jaune." She whispered as she squeezed his hand. "I… don't know what to think or feel, but I do know one thing. I need you. I… I don't know what to do… or say. I mean with Neptune… and us… I don't know."

Neptune. Neptune. Neptune. Neptune. That name almost sent Jaune to a bloody path of destruction, costing him one, if not his only, close confidant and friend. He had to suppress the anger, the resentment, the pure, unfiltered rage. "Do what you think is right." Jaune breathed, breaking eye contact as he looked out towards the field at the center of the race track. "I don't want to get in the way."

He felt a sharp yank causing him to return back to reality and an angry Weiss, "I'm not saying I don't like you! If you asked me out when you did, I would have said yes! I realize that now, but I don't want to hurt Neptune."

Jaune blinked. She just basically admitted she had feelings…. For me….? It made his heart giddy with excitement, something that almost startled him, causing him to inhale deeply. "So… what are you saying?"

It was her turn to break eye contact as she looked out towards the field. "I'm saying I need time to think about all of this. But I want you to promise me something."

Nothing. Silence, though Jaune would have done almost anything for her.

"I want you to promise me, no matter what, we'll always be friends at the very least. I don't want to lose you." She whispered.

Against his better judgment. "I promise," and at that, he was pulled into a less intimate, but no less cherished hug. He wrapped his arms around pulling her in as he felt a smile slowly form that was until he caught the sight of blue hair and the blue eyes that came with it, staring at him. Oh God, no.


"Shit!" Yang cursed realizing what had just happened.

"What is it, Yang?" Ruby asked.

If it was true, what Jaune said about Neptune…. Something bad was going to happen. "Yang?" Pyrrha eyed her friend carefully. "What is it?"

Now Yang, watched intently as Jaune was hugging this Weiss' girl. The very same girl that boyfriends with Neptune who was watching the two intently.

"Shit." She cursed again. "Pyr, Ruby, We need to distract Neptune!" Confused silver and emerald eyes met determined. "I'll explain later!" The determination and seriousness in her tone solved any doubts. Whatever reason, it must have been good."

Pyrrha was the first to get moving, "Neptune." She called out causing the blue-eyed boy to pause momentarily.

"What is it?" He turned, clearly something was agitating him. His usually relaxed, easy going attitude gone as he clenched his fists.

"Could you help me go over some rhythms? I wanna make sure I'm good for the performance?" She asked sweetly.

"Do it yourself," He grunted, stunning Pyrrha. He was never like this. The tall redhead looked off in the distance to see Ruby dashing into the ground, falling right in front of the boy.

Now, any normal person would have helped a fallen girl, especially a girl as sweet as Ruby Rose. Neptune simply stepped over her, muttering "Clumsy bitch."

"Hey!" The girl protested as she watched him not even give a second glance. Yang immediately offered her cousin a hand and helped her up to her feet.

"You alright?"

"Yeah…" Ruby murmured. Once satisfied that her cousin was alright she stormed past the crowds and tried to intercept the blue-haired boy before he reached his targets.

"Hey, you piece of shit!" Yang growled as she stomped over to him grabbing him by the shoulder. She whirled him around as two furious teens looked at one another. "You don't ever talk shit on my family Vasilias."

"Not now, Xiao-Long." He rolled his eyes. "I have more important things to deal with your deadbeat cousin."

Just like that Yang snapped, slamming her fist into his gut causing him to drop to the ground. "You may think you're hot shit or God's greatest child on Earth, but you're nothing but proud little shit." She wanted to smash her foot into the gasping boy's gut but was able to subdue the urge partially. She knelt down beside him, avoiding a scene and helping him up off the ground. "But if you think about fucking with Jaune, I will beat your face in like I did to your good old pal, Lark. We clear?"

"Why….do you even care?" He grunted as he scowled at the blonde.

"Because… shits like you don't get to fuck with the people I care about." She shoved him away from Jaune and his friend. "Now get!"

The boy stumbled as he clutched his stomach, he winced in pain as he straightened himself up. "You made a mistake Xiao-Long." He threatened lowly causing Yang only to crack her knuckles in response sending the message to the boy. He skulked off as Yang turned to see Jaune who was still holding his friend.

She couldn't help but smile as his stunned expression. She gave him a thumbs up causing him to smile. It's good to see him smile. She thought to herself as Ruby and Pyrrha caught up to Yang.

"Yang… what was that! Why did you do that!" Her smaller cousin pulled on her arm.

Pyrrha kept watching Neptune who seemed pretty deflated. "Yang…. that wasn't smart…"

She looked up at her taller friend, "someone needed to put his smug ass down a few feet." She nodded towards Jaune, "Neptune forced Jaune to end his friendship with that girl, Neptune's girlfriend."

"Wow…" Pyrrha whispered. "I knew something was off about him.

"You did what was right," Ruby said as she smiled at Jaune's happiness with a proudness for her older cousin.

"It's more complicated than that." Yang murmured with only silence between the three girls. "If I tell you, you can't say a word to anyone, and I mean anyone."

Pyrrha and Yang looked at one another. It was a no brained. "We promise."


Dut... . DiggaDiggaDigga Dut. Dut. Dut... . DiggaDiggaDigga Dut. Dut. Dut... . DiggaDiggaDigga Dut. Dut. Dut...Dut. Dut. Dut…. DUT DUT.

God, he missed the cadence. He listened happily as the band as the band silently marched in crisp locked step to the behind of the percussion. Their performance was good, Weiss especially surprising, but he missed this the most. The military precision in a combination of the uniqueness of percussion standing out of the uniformity. It was the percussion that set the beat, making them masters of the band when it came to marching. That and cadence were just soooo damn catchy.

Dut... . DiggaDiggaDigga Dut. Dut. Dut... . DiggaDiggaDigga Dut. Dut. Dut... . DiggaDiggaDigga Dut. Dut. Dut...Dut. Dut. Dut…. DUT DUT.

Like, come on…. So catchy. He kept a special ear out for Weiss as he watched approach. "You miss it, don't you?" Ruby asked as she bobbed her head to the rhythm.

Jaune nodded as he soaked in the sound of unified drums tapping to a beat. "I do, it sucks I'll never be able to do it again…" He sighed as he watched longingly.

He felt a light tap on his shoulder, "Don't say that," Yang tried to cheer him up, "Think of it as a forced break till you get better."

He wanted to counter that. He wanted to say that he'd never get out. He wanted to say it was more of an exile. Yet he kept quiet. "Don't worry," Yang patted him on the shoulder. "You'll get better. I know it." He simply nodded in acknowledgment.

"Hey, guys." Out of nowhere, Blake appeared beside the three of them as they all leaned on the fence watching the bands go around the track. "Parents thought it started an hour later. What I miss?"

"Performances," Jaune answered, "They're doing the marching segment now."

"Neptune-" Ruby didn't get to finish the thought as Yang immediately clamped her mouth shut.

"Oh, nothing." Yang smiled causing Jaune and Blake to look at the firecracker. Jaune wasn't an idiot, he saw everything, but he didn't bring it up. Though Blake, she seemed curious about it. "Neptune had a pretty rad solo."

With that, the Newport band marched by, their blue and red uniforms with their cavalier hats and plumes flying by. It made him sick as he could instantly recognize Neptune, their eyes locking one another before he passed. Followed behind the band, came Newport's drumline, Pyrrha leading them in the cadence. It wasn't hard to miss her, the girl height a good indication as well as her long red ponytail.

Jaune had to admit they were pretty good. But that wasn't for him to decide, that decision would be made by the judges. Once the bands did one full lap, they did another one that led to the exit of the racetrack for good measure, not that Jaune would complain, he could listen to bands and drumlines all day. "You guys aren't so bad." Yang complimented causing him to raise an eyebrow

"Not so bad? We've been in states and came in fifth place." Jaune defended himself.

"Just under us." Blake reminded him causing him to furrow his brows.

"You're both really good." Ruby tried to soothe the two sides. He watched as the bands formed up around their perspective areas, by their buses lined outside the track. About fifteen minutes of deliberation, the results were in.

West Pine received first place,

Newport,

Greenwood,

Susquenita.

With that, Jaune crossed his arms with a self-accomplished smirk.


Jaune hanged back as the band kids, dressed out of their uniform. Soon enough he saw Cardin and Russell, which he congratulated. They asked if he wanted to hang out, but he had to politely decline, previous plans were already made.

With that, the two boys waved Jaune off as he was met up with Weiss, "Not too bad, you guys deserved it." He nodded in approval,

"We deserve it." She corrected placing a hand on his shoulder. "Did you wanna get something to eat-" Her sentence trailed off as her eyes widened.

"WEISS!" Neptune shouted, clearly angry, and keeping his distance. "Come on! Let's go!"

Jaune could see the conflict in her eyes; she shifted uncomfortably weighing her options when he made her choice for her, "Go ahead. It's fine." He could see that she was going to protest when he urged her, "Really, Weiss. It's fine, go enjoy yourself." He actually meant it as his eyes slowly met Neptune's the two boys locking eyes.

"We'll talk later." She grabbed his hand, giving a quick squeeze. "I promise."

That must have pissed off Neptune "WEISSSS!" He roared taking a step forward causing Yang to move closer, doing her signature knuckle cracking, causing him to back off.

For once in a very long while, he looked forward it. With Weiss trailing behind an irate Neptune, Jaune wandered over to his friends. "The guy is an asshole…" Blake murmured to herself as he watched the blue-haired boy stomp off.

"Unfortunately, I would have to agree." Pyrrha agreed as she wiped a sweat caked bang from her eye.

"I feel bad for her…" Ruby frowned.

"Let's just try and enjoy ourselves today," Jaune suggested as Yang pointed over off in the distance by the buses. "Parents." Soon enough the group arrived.

"Mrs. and Mr. Branwen, Mr. Xiao-Long, Mrs. Rose." Blake and Pyrrha greeted which the adults returned.

Raven crossed her arms, a confident smirk on her face while she stared at Pyrrha, "Wanna switch over?"

However, Pyrrha was not be swayed, "I'm very much content, thank you."

Yang facepalmed, that was quite the usual between the two now. "Face it, Mom. You aren't going to get her."

"One day…." She tapped her fingers, Emily.

"Honey! Can we go! I wanna go to the cake wheel!" Tai pleaded like a child.

"Cake wheel?" Jaune asked causing everyone to gasp.

"You. Can't. Be. Serious." Summer's jaw dropped.

"Come on!" Yang grabbed his wrist and dragged him almost as if he were a doll followed by everyone else who keep hold down their laughter.

"They better have my strawberry cake…." Qrow muttered, "Or they will be hell to pay. Hell to pay."

XXXXXXX

Jaune could see the determination in her eyes as they went by tents, vendors, and rides until they all came up to an ordinary tent with a large railing erected for customers to lean on. On this railing were dates and numbers, that Jaune found that coordinated with a large wheel behind the railing. In between the railing and wheel was a large table filled with cakes, and a lot of them.

"So what is this?" Jaune asked eyeing the railing.

Yang followed by everyone else stepped up. She waved him over to beside her, "it's easy, just place a quarter on a date and hope the wheel lands on it. If you win, you get to pick a cake."

His eyes fell upon the table. "Any cake…?"

"Oh any cake," Blake smirked fiendishly at the red velvet cake.

Everyone picked their numbers. With a group of nine people, it would be lucky. So he decided to try an ordinary number, October 23rd. He looked over to Yang who had picked July 15th. "Why did you pick that day?" To Jaune, that was a highly unlucky number. The day he was born. The day of the incident.

"Just got a lucky feeling."

Once the bets were made, the wheel was spun, slowly chucking through the months and days. The click-clack of the rubber stoppers slowing down until it hit.

July 15. "It's the day I met you." She grinned which made him smile. Indeed. Maybe it was a bad day, a day where he wouldn't be able to live at home anymore, yet there was an ultimate good that he finally realized. She was right, the day I met you. Maybe it wasn't such a bad thing.

"What cake do you want?" The game master asked. Yang turned to Jaune questioningly.

Strawberry fine with you?"

"Yep."

With that, Yang picked the cake, shooing away a jealous Uncle Qrow who was practically drooling. "Go away Uncle Qrow!" she waved him off.

"First round and you got a cake?" Her aunt gave her a high five, "Pretty good luck charm," causing both blondes to look at each other.

"Yannnnnnng….. you're my favorite niece!" Qrow begged with puppy eyes.

"Hush now. Win your own damn cake." Raven bopped him on top of the head, "Besides, everyone knows that coconut cake is the best cake."

Tai gagged, "How did I end up marrying such a freak…" which was returned with on a bop on the head.

With that, the five kids wandered off towards the large pavilions set up as a miniature food court. They happened to find napkins, forks, and knives. They chose to sit on the very outskirts of the pavilion, each taking a seat at the picnic table. "You know… you don't have to share it…" Pyrrha looked up at Yang appreciatively.

"Shut it, Pyr. If I'm eating cake, all of you're going to help me." She removed the plastic cover to reveal a rather large cake. "Besides, I don't want to be carrying this with me all night."

Blake was the first to act as she leaned in, cutting a corner piece for herself. "Makes sense to me." She said with a mouthful of cake.

"No fair!" Ruby protested. "I want a corner piece!"

Yang rolled her eyes, as she cut Ruby an extra large slice of cake causing the little girl to grin as if it were Christmas, "You're the best!"

"I know…." The blonde girl looked at her redheaded friend.

"Any will do." She answered modestly causing Yang to cut a corner piece. "Thank you," She smiled as she accepted her portion.

She then turned to Jaune, "Take the corner piece." Jaune told the blonde, "I'm not a fan of all the icing." He lied, but it was her cake, it should be her choice, and knowing Yang, she'd want a corner piece.

"You sure?" She asked.

He nodded with a smile, "Yes, Yang, I'm sure."

With that, the five of them enjoyed their cake though each one of them had two more pieces before it was all gone. To say they were filled was an understatement. To say that they were in food comas was putting it mildly.

Ruby collapsed on the table, letting out an infectious yawn. Jaune had to rub his eyes multiple times to prevent himself from dozing off.

*BBBBBBUUUUURRRRPPPP* Yang belched loudly causing everyone, including Ruby to drop their jaws. Yang let out an awkward chuckle. "Ooopsy… excuse me."

"Not bad…." Jaune complimented with a chuckle with everyone joining in.


She was in trouble. A lot of trouble. The way he stomped around, the eery silence, his hand clamped around her wrist as if the old medieval irons. The force he used. He hadn't said much as he occasionally glanced back at her as if to make sure she was still there. Yes, she was still there, and she wasn't going anywhere.

He kept pulling her along, keeping away from the center of the fair and keeping to the outskirts, causing the young white-haired girl to become nervous. What is he doing? "Neptune?" She asked timidly.

The only response she received a tightening grip and a sharp yank causing Weiss to wince in pain. "Owww!" She yelped in pain. "Neptune, you're hurting me!"

Still no response. Only just going further and further away from the festival. "Neptune!"

Once they reached a secluded spot along the treeline that separated the fair from the festival, he stopped turning to face her, his grip tightening around her wrist. "What were you doing with him?" He asked in calm, hushed voice.

She struggled to get free of his grasp. "Neptune, let go!" Weiss protested, not daring to look him in the eye, instead focusing on her escape.

*SLLLLLLLAAAAAPPPPP*

Time stopped, Weiss found herself clutching her cheek. A fresh, stinging sensation reverberated from red cheek. Her head rang as she tried to register what just happened. "You-" She heard a distant voice cry out, "filthy slut!"

*SLLLLLAAAAAAPPPPPP*

The stinging sensation only intensified as her head started to pound. He….. struck me…..

"YOU THINK YOU CAN CHEAT ON ME?"

*SLLLLLLLAAAAAAAPPPPPP!*

She could feel her eyes began to water as teardrops started to run down her cheeks, whether from the pain, the betrayal, or both, she didn't know.

"Do you think I'm that stupid?"

*SLLLLLLAAAAAAAPPPP*

*THUD!*.

She felt the air leave her lungs as she landed on the ground. She tried to lift herself up, she tried to break away yet her mind was just static.

Her legs gave out as she fell to the ground. He finally let go as Weiss began to cry, her makeup ruined from her tears. "Please…" she whimpered, her shock wearing away. "Please… Neptune… please, I'm sorry…. …. I'm so incredibly sorry. No more…"

She felt the grip around her wrist loosen. She felt a small thud in the ground, but she didn't dare look as she brought her knees up to her chest. "Weiss." The return of cool, collected demeanor that attracted her to him, returned. How could he just switch like that? Out of nowhere, he switched from a monster to the Neptune she called boyfriend.

She felt a hand on her shoulder causing her to shrink away. It was a trap. He wanted her to lower her guard. "I'm sorry." He whispered. It sounded genuine. Truly genuine. She hesitantly looked up, still trembling from the blows. "I love you…."

She blinked away her tears, still trying understand all of this. "I just don't want to lose you…" He sighed as stood up, leaving her alone with her thoughts. Despite all of the sounds of the fair, the tractors, the cars, the laughter of children, the sounds of merriment, all she heard was the ringing in her ears.

That ringing made her cry. Made her sob.


"Why did you pick that one?" Jaune asked as he watched the shorter girl struggle with a teddy bear that was twice her size as the group walked through the crowds of people.

"Everyone has to get at least one!" Ruby grinned as tried to lift the bear up, only for it to engulf her causing everyone to laugh.

"Give me that…" Yang rolled her eyes as she lifted the bear, "Do you realize how cramped the car is going to be?"

"But it'll be so comfortable!"

"Seems a little excessive…" Pyrrha agreed.

"Hey, the shorter you are, the more you need." Blake chimed in.

Ruby high-fived the raven-haired girl, "She gets it."

Jaune looked over his shoulder with a cheeky grin, "I can see it now, 'Ruby Rose, smothered to death by a massive teddy-bear.' It'll be a great story."

Yang let a quick chortle as she continued to drag the bear for her cousin, "I'd read it."

"And how would feel about your dear beloved cousin gone?" Ruby jumped in front of Yang with an inquisitive look.

"Meh, more cookies." Yang rolled her eyes causing Ruby to gasp.

"Harsh…" Blake chuckled.

Pyrrha placed a hand on the shorter redhead, "I, for one, would miss you," Ruby simply beamed with more energy as she practically skipped.

"This… this is a weird subject… can we talk about something else…?" He froze.

He saw Weiss in the middle of the crowd. A pit started to form in his stomach as he noticed that Neptune wasn't around. Maybe he went home. He thought to himself. "Jaune?" Pyrrha asked as the girls looked at one another.

Yet he couldn't respond as he watched the girl. She moved slowly, aimlessly, with a thousand mile stare. He noticed that her hand was up to her cheek. "W-Weiss?" He called hesitantly, yet she kept on wandering about. He turned to the girls who were getting nervous. "Guys, stay here, please."

"Can do," Yang spoke for all of them.

Jaune stepped out slowly as he weaved through several groups of people. "Weiss?"

Still no response.

That was until he put a hand on her shoulder. Immediately, the girl jerked away, with two extremely frightened blue orbs staring at him. He could that she visibly trembling as she continued to hold her cheek. "Weiss…?" He pleaded, "What happened, tell me."

She spoke no words as her gaze fell to her feet. "You alright?"

No comments as she continued to tremble. He reached towards her arm causing her to jump away. Okay, don't do that again. He realized. "Something happened?"

She nodded hesitantly.

"What happened?"

Still no comment. Yet he could almost certainly guess what happened. He saw that look. He felt that empty feeling that he could see in her through her glazed over eyes.

"Was it Neptune?" He watched as shrank away as if the very mention of the name struck her. He knew all too well what happened. "You want to hang with us," The girl gave a slight nod as he gently led the saddened snowflake over to the rest of his group. He gently entwined his hand with her own guiding her over to the group.

"Guys." He spoke about, hoping that everyone wouldn't mind the newcomer, "This is Weiss." He smiled as he looked at the girl, "A very dear friend of mine."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Yang looked out of the window. It was rather an unexpected, but ultimately, fun day. Though with Weiss showing up, it was weird.

Now she was slurping on her milkshake happily. Nothing was better than a strawberry milkshake to end the fair. She could easily call it one of the better fairs.

Now her and her family were heading home to kick their feet up. She looked over beside her in the back of the car to see Jaune staring at his feet thinking. The look in his eyes told her that something was on his mind. He got what he wanted, right? They set Neptune straight, Jaune got to spend time with his girl. Which, she wouldn't lie, made her smile to see the happiness in him.

When they arrived home, as was customary, Jaune and Yang headed upstairs while her parents stayed downstairs.

Jaune kicked his shoes off in his room as he plopped himself down in his desk chair while Yang kicked her feet up on his bed, scrolling through the news feed on her phone. Silenced ruled over the room while Yang minded her own business.

That was until he finally spoke up.

"She was hit…" He muttered as he tapped his chin in thought.

Yang blinked. Did he really just say that? She lowered her phone slowly looking up at him, giving him a concerned look, "I'm sorry…. What?" She could see a dangerous fire behind ocean blue eyes.

"I'm positive. Neptune hit her." He said lowly as he locked eyes with the blonde.

Yang sat up, frown slowly forming, "How do you know?"

He inhaled sharply. "Did she seem off to you?" He asked back.

Now that she thought about it… something seemed off with the new girl, "Yeah… but, I mean I barely know her. She was quiet and really jumpy though…"

"Especially when someone called her name…?" Jaune filled in the gap causing Yang to nod, slowly closing her mouth. "She had that thousand mile stare half the time, and when she wasn't, she was on edge. The fact she was holding her cheeking was more than enough proof."

She was about to interrupt when he continued on, "The fact that you punched Neptune in the gut, something I appreciate, but him seeing me with her…" He closed his eyes as he shook his head. His shoulders sagged as if the world came crashing down. "He wasn't lying… How could I have been so fucking stupid…." He murmured to himself.

"Listen to me, Jaune." Causing him to open his eyes and he could see Yang's get shit down look. A face that just dared for someone or something to get in her way. "We're going to help her… and I mean that. All of us are going to help her."

"You mean the others know?"

Yang didn't respond as she held her phone in her hand quickly texting away. Within a moment she looked up, "They do now."

"YANG!" Jaune stood angrily.

Yang smirked as she laid back in his bed. "Listen, she's your friend, right?"

He didn't even hesitate, "Of course."

She shrugged, "Then she's our friend too. As much as I wouldn't let that dipshit Neptune beat your ass, I'm not going to let him beat Weiss." She said as she jumped to her feet, "We need to tell my mom."

" .Yang." He reached out grabbing her hand. "Please. Please. Don't…."

The blonde girl froze to his urgency as she turned to face him with a raised eyebrow. "Listen… I don't want to start rumors about her." He pleaded desperately. "Weiss doesn't need that right now."

She flicked him in the forehead, "You were in the similar spot."

"And look at what a legal mess I caused! I don't want to cause another mess for your family." He blurted out frantically as he dropped to his knees as he pleaded for mercy. "God… I just ruined your family, I don't want to bring her down too."

Lilac eyes studied him intently. He is sincere about it. She thought to herself as she weighed her options before giving up. "Alright…. Fine." She relented. "But the others get involved."

Jaune nodded "Yeah yeah, sure. Anything. Just don't tell your mom." He agreed as he stood up, wiping his brow.

"We'll help her; you have my word. But I'm going to bed." Yang shrugged. She stopped in the threshold turning to face Jaune. "Have a goodnight, Jaune." She said warmly.

His smile returned with her warmth. "You too, Yang."

Yet he couldn't help but shake the feeling that he set something in motion.


It was the middle of the night when lilac eyes opened up to the pitch black of her room. She hoped that it wasn't too late as she sat up in her bed, pulling off her covers. She tiptoed over to her door, cracking it enough for her to slip through, her eyes at Jaune's door. No light. Good.

She tiptoed down the stairs to see if there was light. She could see the bright flashes from a t.v. playing in the background. Check two. She smiled to herself, yet the feeling of guilt settled in her stomach as she reached the bottom.

She looked in the living room to see her dad passed out on the couch, a blanket over him as he continued to snore slightly. She tiptoed through the living room even though her dad slept like a rock. Her target lied in the next room over, in the kitchen, by the dining table.

"Yang?" Her mother looked up with concern at seeing her daughter up this late. "What are you doing up this late?"

"I could ask you the same thing." She sat down across from her mother as she scanned the table. It wasn't messy compared to last time, instead of folders and folders and packets on packets, just a few binders.

"Getting ready for the next semester. Need to update lesson plans." She flashed her crimson eyes at the stack of books.

"Mhmmm right.. Not legal paperwork that you're trying to hide?" Woah…. Dial it back; Yang thought to herself as the comment jabbed her mother. She cringed slightly as she picked up a book placed in front of her daughter. American Civil War History.

"Convinced?" She shot back causing her daughter to nod. "Good. I know what we're doing isn't good and that he should be involved…" The black-haired woman tossed her head back, running her hands through her ample obsidian hair with a sigh, "but we don't even know what we're doing. I don't want to add more on his shoulders. I wanted this to be a home where he shouldn't have to worry about all of that."

Yang could hear the confliction in her mother's voice but decided to the let subject be dropped. Her mother straightened up, "You still didn't answer my question," Her mother hoped to change the subject, not knowing that her daughter had already done so. "Are you sick?" She asked with a look of concern.

She cycled through her head how she approached it. Yet the spotlight scrambled her plans. "Mom, I know you have a lot on your plate." She started causing her mother to lean in. "I don't want to add more on your plate."

"But…?" Raven pushed causing Yang shifted uncomfortably, "Yang, whatever it is, you can tell me. Your mom is a big girl and can handle anything."

Lilac eyes met crimson. She knew her mom and how steadfast her word is. "Promise me you won't talk to anyone about this?

She gave a resolute nod, "Of course."

"It's about a girl named Weiss…" She started, seeing her mom's jaw drop slightly at the revelation.


A/N

Hey guys! I'm back... sort of. So I got hit real real bad with a sinus infection while falling behind in my classes. So I apologize. However, I saw all of your love and support, and let me tell you. I owe you guys a lot for helping to get me out of a rut. To me, you guys are my family. I can't express how much it means it to me!

So I'm going to keep writing, but my rate of upload is going to be slower as I try to play catch up, I hope you understand.

As for the offers of beta readers, pm me if you're interested. Also... if anyone is willing, I'm looking for coverart. Pm if you're interested!

Next chapter, we start the school year. Let me know what you thought of the chapter. Keep in mind, I'm only human and mistakes were most likely missed, I apologize.

Love you all,

Lordxsauron