Hey, guys! BD, here, with another installment of 'A Mother Who Seeks A Nest.' I know it has been over two years with our last release. Doing MHA, MHA x RWBY crossovers, and the ill attempts of making the Greenshade (Izuku x Blake) wave can cause distractions. But hey, Greenshade is still a movement we are creating. However, this RWBY. So, in this chapter, Kali prepares for Jaune's arrival to the household. What events will ensue, read and see. This is an OOC Jaune x OOC Kali story. Enjoy!

As a warning, this story will be a slow build. If you are familiar with my works, then it would be worth your while.

It was the bedroom at the furthest corner in the house. It was a rumpus room that her husband used to watch sports, worked on his figurines, and wanted alone time. Now, the room was filled with boxes of yesteryear. Things that Blake insisted that she can either recycle or donate to a secondhand thrift shop. Kali didn't want any word. Those treasures were the evidence that her husband, Blake's father once existed.

Sporting an apron and wearing her Spring cleaning outfit, the mother Faunus went to work to make this bedroom accommodating and to Jaune's liking. It was a fortune that everything was already packed in boxes. All she had to do was push them in the closet. There was a wardrobe adjacent to the bed so Jaune could put his clothes and possessions without being disturbed. Kali wasn't too nosy. She knew a man must have his privacy. However, she knew if teenagers were going to be teenagers, then the occasional snooping of marijauna and pornography was plausible.

Be that as it may, she was going to give his freedom. Nevertheless, she was happy that the house of one was returning to the house of two.

"Yeah, Blake. He is going to stay in your father's quarters." She was on her headset. The ability to talk to her daughter handsfree and vacuuming simultaneously was a blessing. It has been nearly a month since Blake enrolled in college. She seemed to be enjoying it. She joined a club that focused on Faunus-human relations. Still an undecided major, she pondered on a career in politics. On the subject of dating, Blake said that she hasn't found a boy that caught her attention. However, she reluctantly thanked her mother for providing her condoms in a secret compartment in one of her suitcases.

"That's exciting. For you!" Blake was doing her morning run. Fearing the rumors of the Freshman 15, she began taking daily runs throughout campus. Despite her love for pizza and ramen noodles, the typical poor woman food on a budget, she still wanted to stay in shape. She had mentioned to her mother about joining an intramural soccer team.

"It is exciting," she refrained. "A man that I can tutor, provide, and get him to do the things your frilly hands wouldn't do."

"Boys say exercise is for women," she retorted, "so the man can do the thing he craves - being a tool!"

"Nonsense! Jaune isn't like that." She watched the hardworking Jaune take care of his mother and sisters. Helping Joey with her homework, setting up appointments for Jan to find a job, educating Saphron on finding the right sperm donor for her and her wife to conceive a child. Jaune was a prime example of workmanship, something she desired and craved from a man.

As she vacuumed and conversed with her daughter, she had to inform herself that the needs of a man weren't sexual. She refused to view Jaune in that manner. Matter-of-factly, she viewed it as a sin. The desire to have a presence in the home versus in the bedroom was what she wanted. It felt weird to be alone in a big house without her daughter present.

Blake suggested to her mother about downsizing. Kali refused. This home was built on the tooth and nail of her dearly departed husband. Ghira worked day in and day out to make that house a home. Saving, working overtime, even involving himself in nefarious deeds with his former organization to make things possible for his family to be. It was insultious of her daughter to either think of that option. Someday, she would like her daughter to have this home where her husband and little ones can grow and flourish.

Overall, love.

"I believe you, Mom," said Blake calmly. She was trying to keep her composure as she was panting from her run. "I like him. He's a great guy! I am thankful that you are helping him get into college. He needs a woman like you to keep him in check."

"Absolutely," said Kali. "Jaune will be here tomorrow. I have everything prepared. He has a study space, his spots where he could put his things, even areas to add in case he wants to make this place be like home."

"Talk about accommodations," said Blake with a cheeky grin.

"I want the best for him. This is a shot to show him that he can do great. I want him to make it."

"Wow, Mom! You're talking about Jaune. Not some kid from a third world country."

"Blake, really?"

"Sorry," said Blake. "I mean, Jaune is helpful. I can agree. I know he would be a great addition to the household. Just remember, Mom, that he is a teenager like me. He isn't some replacement for Dad."

"Was that what I said," retorted Kali defensively.

"No, Mom," interjected Blake. "It is just…"

"Just what, young lady?! You may be independent and out of the home, but you aren't grown to talk smart to your mother."

"I wasn't trying to talk smart to you, Mother." Kali could hear the quavering in her daughter's voice. Kali disliked disobedience, especially when a child talked like an adult disrespectfully to their elders.

"Listen to me, Blake," she replied in a calmer manner. "I'm sorry to put you on the spot. I am also sorry about the previous statement. I know you didn't mean it in that way." She turned off the vacuum cleaner and sat on the bed. "It gets lonely here and I am quite nervous. Jaune will never be your father or my Ghira." She touched her chest. "I...i...feel as though that Oum is giving me a second chance."

"A second chance?!"

"The day to see you leave me created fear. That feeling of being without irked me," she answered. "I knew you had to leave the nest someday. I cried knowing my time with you was wearing thin, Blake."

"Mom, I'm not that far," she replied. "You can always come and visit me. Plus, I will be back from time to time. Laundry day and grocery runs from the house of Belladonna."

"Six hours for that?"

"The gods were talking to the creators of tupperwares. Plus, holidays! Duh!"

Blake's quip was warranted a humorous response. "You always knew to find a way to sneak humor, do you?"

"Well, I wasn't called a ninja in high school out of kicks and giggles," said Blake.

"Yes, love."

"Mom," said Blake. "I know you are excited about having Jaune in the household. I wasn't trying to do anything or say anything to hurt you." She sighed heavily, deciding that this run and this conversation wasn't striding well with her. "Just remember that Jaune is a teenager. A kid like me. Be a mother, fine! Be an influence, a mentor, fine! Just try not to make him Dad."

"And I said that I wasn't. Where is this coming from?"

"Hey, Blake! I didn't know you ran this route. Care for a partner?"

"Mom, let's talk about this later," she told her mother. "I'll call you tomorrow after my exams. Love you."

"Love you, too, Blake," she said before hanging up on her daughter. Now, she was alone in her husband's former quarters with her thoughts. Looking skyward to the ceiling, she saw the etchings and former markings around her. Marks where posters of wrestlers, soccer teams, gravure idols, and figurines used to reside.

She took a strong inhale, wanting to capture the scent that used to be. The scent of his soft cologne, the lingering scent of cigarettes. The aftershave, something to signify that a man was once in this domicile.

She gripped the mattress. It was all for naught.

The next day….

For the first time in his eighteen years of existence, Jaune could finally breathe. He can actually consider himself as independent.

He needed a break as he sat at the foot of his bed. A bottle of water was nestled in his side pocket. Carrying heavy boxes that was basically his entire life was a daunting task, especially if there wasn't an extra set of hands. He wouldn't dare ask the benefactor for assistance. What kind of man would ask a woman who was allowing him space rent free and the only thing she acquired was focusing on his studies?

He capped the bottle and let it rest on the bed. There were still a box or two left he needed to get before setting himself up for the next task - unpacking.

"Knock, knock." Jaune jerked his head as the sound of Aunt Kali was entering his room. "I think a glass of lemonade is a better quenching of your thirst. A bit of flavor wouldn't hurt, would it?"

He wiped the sweat off his brow with his shirt. He was careful not to stain the bed as Auntie Kali placed fresh sheets. "Yes, ma'am." He graciously took the glass and a loud audible sigh was apparent to the Faunus.

Kali watched as her new tenant gulped it down quickly - ice cubes and all.

"Thanks," he replied with a refreshing sigh.

"Remind me to bring two glasses. Quite a thirst you have."

"When carrying a load of these boxes, it can take a lot out of you."

She placed her hands on her hips. "You know I would have helped, young man!"

He wavered his hands to Mrs. Belladonna. "I wouldn't have allowed it. It isn't right."

"Why? Because I am a woman?!"

"No, ma'am." He gripped his jeans. "You're doing a service to allow me to stay rent free. I'm grateful. So, the least I can do to make up for it to take care of my own slack."

Kali placed the empty glass on the mantle. She accompanied Jaune as she took a seat beside him. "You're humble." She patted his shoulder. "I can see it in you. However," she retorted, "don't look at me as helpless either. Consider it as a way we can help each other out. As long as you go to cram school, study your books, and tend to the chores around the house, then all is well." She dabbed his shoulder. "Sounds like a plan."

He nodded happily. "Yes, ma'am."

He wasn't going to protest. Prior to his departure from home, his woman lectured him on the unwritten agenda as he was a guest to the household. He had promised his mother to do anything that would overstay his welcome. Whatever the Faunus encourage, discourage, anything that should rules and ordinance, he would follow. Until he successfully finished cram school and was admitted into university, Aunt Kali was his surrogate parent. It was a promise, a creed as an Arc.

Kali stood up as she straightened her blouse and dress. "I will leave you to it. If you are hungry, there are sandwiches and chips in the kitchen."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Since I didn't have time to cook, it would be pizza tonight." She hit the door with a tiny tap. "After that, home cooked meals."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Enjoy this freedom as a young man." She gripped the door frame. "When you come down, I will give you your allowance."

"My allowance?!"

"A kid wants to have fun, don't you," she said sheepishly. "The country fair is in town, there is a double feature horror movie at the local nickelodeon, and I am hearing they are having a butterbeer tasting at the municipal auditorium. In other words, have fun because starting Monday, it is study, study, study."

Kali gave a tiny smile and stepped out of the room.

"Auntie Kali?"

She turned around and stuck her head into the room. "Yes, sweetie?"

He nodded appropriately. "Thank you for allowing me to stay with you until I am finished with my studies. Also, thank you for being my personal tutor as well." He bowed once more. "I am in your care."

A smile crept on her face. "Thank you, Jaune." She returned his bow. "Please treat me kindly as well." She made a tiny tap to the door before departing.

Resuming his alone time, it was back to the matter at hand - unpacking. He couldn't decide where to start. In a way, he was a bachelor. From being in a house of eight to having his own spot, technically. Remembering the words of his mother, he was going to do his hardest to earnestly take care of the affairs that Auntie Kali wanted.

"I can start with my clothes first," he said to himself as he got up from the bed and headed to the boxes beside him.

Meanwhile….

The gods were finally listening to Kali Belladonna. There was finally a presence in the empty home. She sat in the kitchen, drinking her barely tea, and reading a magazine, she enjoyed the bask of hearing another body upstairs.

It didn't matter that it had been a few weeks since Blake's departure, the widowed Faunus wasn't alone.

She released a happy sigh. Good Housekeeping and Vanity Fair was the topic at hand as she was flipping from article to article. She couldn't describe herself as an avid reader of those types of magazines, but since she was dealing with the male kind, she wanted things to be as suitable as possible for him.

"Finding dishes that could make your man happy," she said aloud. She knew Jaune wasn't her man. Yet, he was still a man. A man in her household. The very essence of masculinity has returned. She couldn't recall the last time a male presence was in the household. After spending six years without a mate or a male companion, Jaune's presence in the household was refreshing.

She was feeling giddy. She hoped that she wasn't rushing anything as it was only a few hours since his arrival. Nevertheless, she hasn't felt this vibrant, even when her daughter was in the home.

After taking a few more sips of her tea, she closed the magazines. She needed to take care of arrangements for Jaune - creating an optimal study area for the both of them, going into the attic to get supplemental material from her days as a teacher.

"I hope that he doesn't mind the basement being a place of venue," she said as she prepared for her duties.

To be continued….