Chapter 60: Tarantella

Winter is putting a wrench in the plans. Supreme cockblocker for her mom. Much bad, yay.

There was a moment that was like a hush, as his sisters stared at Winter Schnee sitting on the couch that Sienna had sat down at, her cheeks flushed and her chest looking rather prominently in her uniform, several markings of rank on her shoulder.

"I would like to formally date you, with intent to marry. I know of your circumstances and am willing to step down from my posting in the military."

There would be a problem that would evolve from this, as he could see the problem with Winter Schnee asking him to date her, asking him for that wedding ring on his finger.

'This is complicated…'

"I'm already dating… eh, sorry."

Winter pressed her lips together in that pouty, angry way that Jaune recalled from the memories that he'd taken by Semblance from Willow, perfectly showing that she wasn't going to give up.

"What can she give you, that I cannot?"

Jaune wondered about that for a moment, as he sighed. This was getting more complicated by the moment and he was pretty sure that Sienna would be able to give him an ass-kicking if he'd even suggested more people in the bedroom than himself, Willow and Sienna.

"She's open to polygyny. Don't worry about that. You can have more than one woman."

Eve chipped in, Jaune giving a foul look at the cow Faunus, who seemed to be stretching a little, showing her generous talents. Winter and Willow both possessed a set of very nice 'talents' of their own.

"I know, she just tried to f- That's not important right now. I'm- I'm dating Sienna Khan, Winter. I don't think we'd work out very well."

'I'm trying to date your mother.'

Winter's face went through several of her 'contemplative' expressions, her blue eyes widening with the news, before they narrowed, and then they widened again, her face as placid as it was with the first. It was the eyes that told a lot about how a Schnee was feeling, a trick that Jaune had found out in retrospect.

"She isn't the nicest to deal with. Very well, I will return with a better offer. My apologies for the disturbance. If worse comes to worst, I'll simply have to take maternity leave…"

Jaune watched as Winter got up and bid his mother farewell, Jaune escorting her to the front door, the flowers put in a vase next to the portrait of the whole family, returning to the living room, Eve starting to laugh, as Jaune looked at her with an annoyed expression.

"Why did you say that?! Now she's encouraged!"

His sisters were looking at him as if he was some kind of Adonis, some kind of schlub who liked to attract women to him because he was some kind of asshole. It was strange being the focal point of so many judging stares, clearly not convinced that he was some kind of sexy man, probably due to being related to them.

'Well, I'm not an asshole…'

"You get flexible with love when you're so high in demand, Jaune. If not for us, you'd have been raped by a lot of women who want your seed."

It was like watching a tennis match, as they stared at Eve like she'd just told them that the moon was really made out of cheese, Eve shrugging her shoulders and rolling them slowly. Clearly, his family needed a moment to accustom to the fact that he was going to be dating multiple women… and he'd-

"That's my little brother-wother here! What's this about rape?!"

Coral was the first to speak up, as Eve sighed, clearly not feeling very comfortable with explaining things, but trying her best anyways to explain things the best she could.

"Well… We pride strength in our partners. There's a- well, you may call it a list, that tells the world who's the top dog, for lack of a certain sense, and who's 'desirable'. Your brother beat up a horde of 200 Faunus and clawed his way up the list."

There was a shared look of 'you did that?' and '200 Faunus, holy shit' that his sisters gave him, with Vivian whistling a little. Adam was trying to hide the hickeys on his shoulder, clearly making an effort to look like he hadn't been attacked by Salmon.

"And that's- How exactly does that make him desirable? It just makes him look like some violent thug!"

Eve made a frustrated sound, as she clearly didn't seem to like giving an explanation. Faunus were a lot harder to get information out because they liked that traditional aspect of their culture.

"It is- It's a human, fighting against a lot of people who are stronger and better-equipped for fighting. That's attractive! If I wasn't given the orders to remain here and guard, your brother would be getting intimately acquainted with me."

Jaune swallowed, seeing the expression on Eve's face that held her seriousness, her eyes closing at the thoughts that shot through her head, her fingers tapping idly against her legs, as she crossed them, taking a deep breath. That'd definitely been a look of 'If I was allowed, you'd find out how I fuck' on her face.

"When… When Faunus owe others a debt, they repay it. It's natural. He rescued Adam and me when we were in a- a bad spot. My brother's getting therapy now for his mental issues, and it's a little hard to restrain myself sometimes."

He smiled after she'd said that. He'd have saved the two of them regardless, because you did that for friends.

"I'd have rescued the two of you from her anytime. You're-"

Eve shot him a foul look, crossing her arms and giving him that glare. That look in her eyes just went up a few notches. Jaune shuddered a little.

"Stop that. There's a limit to how much I can control myself. I don't want to have to get my weapon out."

He wasn't quite sure what she meant with that, Coral speaking up.

"He's much like dad. Just pinch him in his side when he's like that. Daddy was always… always really dumb like that."

Eve looked like she contemplated just doing that, as she stared hawkishly at him, clearly finding that there was something in him that she found appealing. Jaune didn't quite see it. He was just a man who did what was needed to keep the people around him safe.

"Just like that, that whole 'I'm a good little brother, look at me being like dad' look."

Salmon added that, and six of the seven sisters nodded. Mom was smiling a little, whispering something to Vivian and Jaune watched as Vivian walked out of the room, coming with dad's old chestplate.

"Wear this, Jaune."

The Arc arches were on the front, as he was pulled up to his feet and dressed, standing there.

"Now, Saphron, stand next to him."

He didn't think that he'd have the-

"Aww, little brother's looking like dad!"

Saphron held him and he wondered about why it'd been Saphron that'd been told to stand next to him.

"The happy relationship people in the family, all together."

There was a cough, as Salmon coughed, Adam looking like he'd rather have something to say right now, Salmon jabbing his side. Sable clearly looked like she wanted to say something, but silenced herself, as she took a deep breath.

"I'm dating."

Camellia joined them, worming herself into place at his other side, trying to keep her expression as modest as she could, as her tongue slid over her lips, Camellia's body rigid, as mom looked like she was going to ask questions.

"It's- I'm dating Mint, mom."

Jaune didn't miss the look of disappointment on mom's face, as Vivian stepped forth and then nodded

"That's fine, Cam. You can like boys and girls. Everyone knows Coral is weird with her brother fetish."

Coral flushed red, an angry look on her face as she spluttered.

"He's my hunny-wunny-bunny-brother! He's just my brother, and he needs to be protected! I don't have a fetish! I want him to be happy, even if he's silly and he's trying too hard, bringing ice-cream when you're with the cramps and seeing him sweaty as he's exercising and- I don't have a fetish!"

Jaune didn't miss Vivian's teasing expression very much.

"You leapt at the choice to go and make out with Pus-sienna, Coral. How-"

Coral started to punch at Vivian, who laughed, her aura activating at the force of the blows. Coral's shriek of frustration was loud.

"I don't! Mooooom! Vivian is bullying me again!"

Mom was just watching Camellia, as Salmon walked up and grabbed Camellia's hip, leaning against her.

"Hey, I'm dating a guy. Red hair, makes Cam madder than the last time I borrowed her vibrator, and I think he's cute and named Adam."

Adam waved a little at his mom, who made a pained grimace at that bit of information, as Salmon motioned for Eve's brother to come join them.

"Don't worry, I'll hunt him down if he runs."

Eve's assurance that she would was punctuated with her balling her fist and Adam looking away, as Jaune watched his mom sigh a little in relief.

"W-well… As long as you are happy."

Mom surrendered to the fact that her daughters were dating, as Eve made a sound in the back of her throat, as she shook her head.

"He'd better be happy… You're all very eligible by being related to him."

Jaune shuddered at the thought of Faunus men coming out of the woodwork to date his sisters, Saphron making a face as well.

"I've got my wife, Eve."

Terra made an affirmative sound. Saphron smiled in that teasing manner.

"Even if I need to send her to the naughty corner when she's being a brat. I remember that suggestion, Terra Cotta-Arc. She probably still has the leather stuff."

Terra's disappointed sound was louder, as Jaune watched how his sisters started to talk through each other, Saphron letting go of him and someone pinched his butt, his head turning to Salmon, who was grinning like a lunatic.

"Big boy brother getting dates… Wooh, aren't you the popular one."

He was definitely going to rib her about eating some beef which'd been his friend before they met, but he just smiled.

"You should see the other girls I hang with, Salmon. You're going to be amazed at how many cute ones are out there."

Things devolved a little afterwards. Sable was definitely none too pleased with him, if the look in her eyes was an indicator.

She sat him down in her room thirty minutes later, her attention fully on him.

"Screw this up, Jaune, and I will not be happy. Winter Schnee, the daughter of my boss, is interested in dating someone like you. One wrong joke, one little 'bad touch' and she disapproves? I get fired."

He didn't think it'd be like that, but Sable was always more concerned with work than with those 'relationships', as she poked at him with her finger, disapprovingly.

"If I get fired, we'll lose the house, likely. Mom owes a lot of money to people. We can't pay that back, so you will do whatever Miss Schnee says. If my boss gets word of things- I will not get fired. You will be polite, you will let her down gently if things don't go, and if you have to whip out that- that little worm in your pants to give her some juice for the Valean reconquest… Well, you'll do it. This is my job, this is my life. One word from Willow Schnee about 'bad performance and conduct', and I can kiss my career goodbye!"

She took a deep breath, trying to gather herself a little, as she ran fingers through her hair, a nervous tic that he had.

"Willow Schnee's daughter getting upset with my brother, someone who has been treated with the SDC's resources, something that will undoubtedly come back to bite us in the butt, well-"

Another deep breath, as she quivered with irritation and frustration, her eyes piercing his own, as she bared her teeth in a snarl.

"Well, you will do what you have to. Sienna Khan is one massive minefield, but Winter Schnee, declaring an interest to marry you? You will do your best, and you will not get Willow Schnee in front of my desk demanding I hand in my resignation letter because you decided to do something stupid."

Sable liked working, and making money. Jaune supposed that he'd try to put in a good word with Willow first.

He hoped that she'd done good business at the meeting.

"As you want, Miss Schnee."

She let her fingers trace over the pillow, yawning as she got onto the bed, as she crawled into the comfort, the bodyguard leaving her, as she pulled her Scroll out and checked her messages. There was one from Sienna about how things had gone with Jaune (including that Ghira and Kali Belladonna would like to meet with her, which was very doable.) and other things, a message from Jaune.

'Winter asked for my hand in marriage.'

Willow was tempted to scream, as she straightened out, her body immediately alert, as jealousy came from her depths. It wasn't fair that her man was going to be chased after by her daughters! She had hoped that Winter would reconsider after the information of Jaune being with Sienna Khan, but apparently her daughter was stupid.

'That stupid- stupid-!'

She wanted to throw her Scroll at her daughter and cuss at her for an hour or so, but she had to be the better woman. Jaune was not someone who would be waiting for her daughter's silliness, knowing that there was a woman here who had wanted his presence.

She got off the bed and strolled to the wardrobe, opening the special compartment and looking at the underwear and lingerie that she had on display. Firm breast-holders with golden and silver accents, paid for with the money that her company made, the Gold and Silver mined intermittently with the Dust that was their main product.

She looked at the thin webbing that would slide into place over her upper body, with the thin bead-like string that'd cover her groin. A piece that was risqué on its own accord, without the hesitation that she'd normally associate with it, as her eyes looked at the outfits that she had accessorized for the conquest of a man or a boy toy, remembering that first meeting.

'I will not be outdone by my daughter.'

She selected something, as a first tester. There would be time before Winter would be making another move, and her Scroll beeped again.

'Eve spilled the beans about Sienna not minding others and Winter is coming back to negotiate a better deal.'

That was wise. The Faunus woman would be a suitable opponent, even if Winter did another boneheaded thing like actually trying to take something by force… again.

It was stupidity inherited from Jacques, undoubtedly.

'Don't worry. Will you still visit me?'

She would make sure that she was free to meet with him, Sienna's little whims be damned, that cat woman wasn't going to stop her from getting the man that she loved. Her daughter might think that she was seductive, but Willow Schnee knew exactly what could make a young man get aroused, compared to the amateurish nature of Weiss and Winter.

'Of course.'

He was dependable. She picked out a light blue set to wear for starters. She would make sure that he was greeted with all the poise and perfection that he was due.

'Sable Arc needs to meet with me… soon.'

She sent a message through the company email. It was important to make things formal.

Miss Arc

Please meet me in my office at nine tomorrow morning. Some circumstances have changed and there may be an alteration in your contract. This requires my personal involvement, due to a personal entanglement with your family.

Sincerely,

W. Schnee

It would be the perfect reason to inquire how things had gone, since Winter had definitely decided to be a nuisance to her plans of getting with Jaune, and his sister would be a wonderful source of information, under the guise of 'ensuring compliance'.

She tucked herself into bed and went to sleep, demanding of herself that she bring the hammer down on her daughter if she dared to think that she could get away with taking the Schnee Patri-Arc from her.

"Jaune!"

Jaune's eyes opened and he saw his sister stand over his bed, her expression looking like it definitely had seen better days, her eyes blazing, as Sable looked at him, the alarm clock showing that it was thirty minutes past six in the morning, regular wakeup time for Sable, it seemed.

"Willow Schnee has requested me to be in her office in two and a half hours, Jaune… I swear to the Brother Gods that you will know what it feels like to have a- I don't know what, but it will be painful if I get fired. You're- ugh."

Frustration and anger, as he tried to go for a smile, trying to soften the blow a little.

"Maybe it's to talk about how she'll become a member of the family?"

He would do her right, marrying her, and Sienna. It was not hard, apparently Faunus considered that a man with multiple wives was very much desirable, and it had been legal, or so he supposed, in the Kingdoms as well, what with mortality rates among men.

Sable did not look happy.

"First, your damn jungle queen girlfriend comes out and demands that we sleep with her, and now Willow Schnee's oldest daughter comes to propose or at least do a damn good job of that, and they're interested in a seventeen-year-old who wasn't even able to talk to a girl a year ago without blushing!"

That was a not-inaccurate statement, Jaune surmised, as Coral had said that she'd always be there as his backup date for a party, after he'd been gloriously rejected by one of the popular girls.

"I'll be at that meeting, and I swear to the Gods that I will take your anal virginity with great-grandpa's sword sheath if I get fired."

She was serious too, Jaune could tell. Working for a salary that was pretty generous by standards for an employer like the SDC could spur on her further career, even if she only worked in upper management. She was doing work for the SDC, so she'd have an in with the allied corporations, if there was a choice or a spot available.

She was always aiming for higher spots and more money, to provide for the family, so he could understand that way of thinking, as she fixed him with a glare.

"You will at least let her down gently so it doesn't impact my job, Jaune Arc. I will make sure to end you if you somehow manage to hurt Winter Schnee's feelings. Gods, imagine what would happen if you'd happen to have made the acquaintance of Whitley Schnee… I'd be ruined, with your boyish foolishness."

He chose not to say that Whitley was actually a really nice boy when you got to know him, currently dating Ruby. They'd had sex, or so Whitley had confided into him, and he knew that Whitley meant well when it came to dating Ruby. They were kind of cute together.

"I'll try to… eh, not make his acquaintance. Willow Schnee is eh-"

Sable looked murderous. Jaune gulped, as she grabbed his nightshirt.

"If the next word out of your mouth is 'hot', 'Sexy' or 'cute', I will make sure that you go through life as 'Jean Arc', because that is not a woman you can ever hope to get close to. She would be worthy of a man of standing, a bastion of the industry, a bulwark of the military or something. There are rumours that she was spotted with General Ironwood… A man like that can only have good intentions, Jaune."

There were quite a few choice words that he could say about James Ironwood that would be wholly accurate, but Jaune knew that there would be nothing that he could say to dissuade Sable. The Arc family trait had often been called 'supreme hardheadedness', and it would probably make her even angrier when he told her that he was dating Willow Schnee.

She'd probably have another stress-induced anxiety attack, and need hospitalization or something. That wasn't going to happen on his watch.

"I will do my best to praise you a little and ensure that Miss Schnee has a positive impression of you. Even if things do not work out with your girlfriend or Winter… I'll do damage control, you can count on me."

'Wait, wait, what?'

Sable seemed to be under the impression that he needed help talking to Willow Schnee.

"I'm fine, I'll talk to Willow if I-"

She grabbed his mouth and brought her face close.

"Do not address my boss as anything but 'Ma'am', 'Miss Schnee', 'Lady Schnee' or anything of the sort, Jaune. She's worth a hundred, no, a thousand, maybe ten to a hundred thousand houses! You will not ruin my job!"

Her eyes looked bloodshot, clearly with the annoyed rage of a woman who was professionally busy with her career, and the feeling of being more responsible with his words crept up on him, as she took a deep breath, her lips pressed together, eyes narrowed.

"Do I make myself clear? I am your older sister, and you will obey."

Sable was irate enough to have spittle splatter against his face, and he wondered whether Sable ever unwound from her stressful life as a woman with something fun. She looked like she needed a day off or something, as he was left alone, Sable's gaze looking down at him.

"Best behaviour, Jaune."

He swallowed. That tone usually meant that a 'Yes, sis' would be the only acceptable answer.

"Yes, sis."

The door shut behind his sister and he let himself roll back into bed, wondering whether he should send a short message to Willow.

Willow's expression was smooth as her fingers drummed lightly on the desk, the night's sleep not having been very restful, a crabby expression on her face having sent most of the people who met with her scattering with 'different things and sudden emergencies' mumbled, as she waited for the first meeting of the day, her irate mood not helped with the fact that Sable Arc was the sister of the man that her daughter was interested in, and she herself was interested in as well. A knocking on the door came, as Willow lightly straightened out her outfit, the blouse and the jacket shifting a little to better cover her mature form, her eyes narrowing, as she pressed the button.

"Enter."

Her bodyguard was in the corner, as the blonde young woman entered, meek and subservient, like most people should. She really didn't have the time for such a meeting, having rescheduled several of her early-morning appointments to make time for this, but since her daughter had decided to try to play the dance of man and woman, she had to speak with the young lady herself.

"Do take a seat, Miss Arc. I have been informed by my daughter about her intentions with your brother, Jaune Arc."

Sable Arc couldn't suppress the wince that she gave at the mention of her brother, Willow's expression changing little as she pulled one of the papers out of the desk, the report that she'd read by the girl having been factual and accurate, without the usual meandering talk. Good work, if she was a teacher who liked to see work be delivered punctually and factually.

Glynda Goodwitch sneezed, rubbing her nose absently as she straightened out her paperwork and made sure that she could get back to work after the rude interruption.

"Yes, she came to visit the house to declare her intentions. Your- your daughter is intending to become my brother's wife and… and I'm really sorry about this, Miss Schnee."

There was a cool rage in Willow's body that shot through her, her teeth visible, as she took a deep breath and then let it go. Her fingers had been pressing against the desk, as she crossed her arms.

"I am not my daughter's keeper, Miss Arc. I am not my daughters' keeper nor am I to forbid who they marry or engage in relations with. However, I would like to caution you about…"

Willow paused for emphasis, looking at the young woman that worked hard for the company. The standard security silence clauses were in effect, of course.

"Spreading such news. My daughter is in the military of the Kingdom of Atlas, and I would not enjoy hearing the rumours about my daughter having an illicit tryst."

The words were sharp as she spoke, as the woman shifted nervously in front of her.

"Of course not, Miss Schnee. You won't hear me say anything about it, I promise, give my word and swear, not even about your grandchildren."

'My what?'

She most certainly didn't know Whitley had made the little Rose girl pregnant. She most certainly was not imagining that Weiss would get pregnant anytime soon, nor Winter… The frown on her face turned into a full-force glare, as she fixated her attention on Sable Arc.

"What grandchildren? My daughter may have had a few dates with… unsavoury individuals, but I have no grandchildren."

Sable Arc swallowed deeply, as she took a deep breath.

"O-Of course not, ah- I said nothing, I was mistaken."

'As long as that's understood…'

"I will be meeting with important individuals today soon, Miss Arc. You may consider yourself promoted to the occupation of being my personal assistant for better cooperation. Your managerial skills are suitable to manage parts of my company, though you will be assisted by several of your former colleagues in those tasks. I expect perfection from you, Miss Arc."

She would allow a little bit of leeway for the first week, since the young woman would need to understand the tasks before her, with the way that the workload would increase with her being more entangled within the affairs of love…

"Also, might I suggest you visit a tailor for a custom-made suit? Proper decorum may suit you better, if you'll excuse the pun."

The near-worshipful 'Of course, Ma'am!' from the young woman, who had definitely earned her promotion, was enough for Willow, as she dismissed the woman, getting up from behind her desk and then clearing herself up a little, trying to find the proper style, working on some of her makeup, as her bodyguard spoke up.

"Miss Winter has been appraised of her personal bodyguard."

There was a pause, as she understood that her daughter would be perfectly safe and secure. Money could buy things, and she had a lot of it.

Her body was ready for the next step, and she would make sure that she didn't have to struggle overly much.

'A professional Huntress, graduated from Beacon Academy a few years before…'

Not trained to standard, but money had been able to buy the services for Winter to at least have some backup.

Not in the conjugal sense, of course.

Willow was not keen on making Jaune 'communal property', as the Faunus did. She had class.

If Winter was pleasant and it was her birthday, she might let her daughter enjoy her new stepfather's shaft, should she still be single.

Willow Schnee never played without a gross advantage.

The musical accompaniment had been a little too formal for the tastes of Sienna Khan, as she stood there in the morning waiting for the aircraft to land, the band prepared for the official greeting of the Chieftain of Menagerie, one of the only places which actually held such a lofty title. Technically, it was not needed, but the Council had insisted, to foster better ties with Menagerie.

'Too much noise…'

The 'Great Glory, Menagerie' anthem was something that she'd listened to entirely too much during the course of her life, and she didn't think too much about what it would mean, as the plane descended and Sienna's eyes picked out several scuff marks on the craft from the usual Grimm attacks that would take place.

Danger was present, which was why there usually was an escort or three ready to accompany any diplomatic mission. Blood was best kept inside the body of diplomats, so such measures were necessary.

"Siennaaaahh, it's been so long!"

A few months wasn't that long, but Sienna played along, smiling for the undoubtedly many cameras and onlookers that would be seeing how the Chieftain of Menagerie and the High Leader of the White Fang of Menagerie met.

"Oof."

The crushing hug Kali subjected her to was borne with the grace and wonderful calmness that was demanded of the High Leader.

"Let go, you're crushing my spleen. No- No rubbing, no rubbing!"

Kali was rubbing her head against Sienna's cheek, cooing about how Sienna was getting cuter by the day, whilst Ghira looked at the helpless Sienna, snatched up by the Faunus woman's strong grip.

"Soooo… Are you pregnant yet? You've got to be pregnant soon, it'll be so much fun!"

She had her obligations to the Faunus, she couldn't get pregnant yet with the babies of her man, and Willow undoubtedly would monopolize him whilst she was busy dealing with Kali. Sienna felt her kidneys shift a little as Ghira embraced his wife and her in a hug, something for the cameras to take note of, of Faunus unity.

'It's getting hard to breathe…'

She wasn't liking this one bit, taking deep breaths when she was finally free to do so again. She watched Kali out of the corner of her eye, as several of the functionaries of Vale (a reasonable amount that were intimidated by the woman) shuffled a little.

"Where is he?"

Ghira spoke in a soft voice, Sienna making a rough groaning sound in her throat as she recognized that tone of voice.

"At his home, recovering."

He was already getting the swing back in his hips and the quickie that they'd one in the shower had been marvelous. It wasn't in the bed, but she'd have some time to spare when things finally cooled down a little with the Vytal Festival.

"We'll have to give him a visit. Ghira! We're talking about our schedule when we're at the hotel."

The man looked a little embarrassed at his wife giving him the orders, but it made sense when you thought about how Kali had won the fight for the right. It had been a fierce competition, and Sienna knew that there was enough pressure on Ghira right now to make sure that she'd get to see Kali work her magic.

The smell of sex clung to Kali though, with sweat as a secondary scent, Kali hugging her again, Sienna's 'glahg' sound empathic, as Kali gushed about how nice it was to see her again, Sienna's air supply choked off once more.

"Dear, we should bring gifts. Sienna, I took the liberty of bringing a few things!"

Sienna saw several of the luggage porters of the airport pull out the luggage, Kali smiling broadly at her husband, nearly bouncing on the spot. A portly-looking fellow who looked like he needed to lose weight, wearing a set of thick glasses and a 'Weiss Schnee in Concert' tour bracelet on his wrist, accidentally stumbled, one of the suitcases bursting open, Sienna idly noting that Kali had kept the 'special underwear'.

Ghira looked mortified, as the portly porter put the undergarments back in, including the one with the large phallic 'lady's instrument', Kali looking a little smug. Sienna shuddered slightly.

"I… see."

There were apologies given, the porter quickly greeted with mentions of 'shouldn't have changed jobs, Happy' and 'Better pay up, told you that he'd trip, newbie', Sienna pushing it out of her mind, even if she knew that the 'special underwear' that Kali had brought would be used on her husband.

They loved each other, and Sienna would want to love her man too. Not like that, though. Maybe Saphocles would be willing to wield the Bulltamer…

'Did they keep the props…'

It was a question for later, as she and Ghira walked traditionally with Kali between them. There had been rumours about her and the former High Leader, squashed by Kali of course, but still not pleasant to have been romantically linked to the man.

She wondered whether some people would be suffering more than she was right now, as Kali started to talk about the fun that they'd be having, fun that she'd apparently 'planned before we went here', Ghira looking a little uncomfortable in that way that Sienna knew perfectly how to guess from his body language.

"Kali, I'm not sure…"

There were people that watched them right now, but Sienna knew that the man was very respectful of his wife's whims. Kali grabbed his side and squeezed down, pouting.

"Maybe, okay? I'll let it go through the scheduler thing on the Scroll."

Sienna saw the smug little smile on Kali's lips and sighed mentally. If only she'd have Jaune acting like that.

She didn't mind it if he bossed her around a little.

That was kind of hot.

Willow stood in front of the apartment door, her fingers holding the small bag, the bodyguard in front of her looking serious, as she motioned for the woman to move.

"My daughter is within. Please ensure that she is kept safe at all times."

The woman saluted, a thing that was plenty endearing to Willow, as the door opened and Willow caught sight of Winter looking befuddled in a grey shirt and a set of jeans that were cut off at the knee, looking like any regular 22-year-old.

"Mother?!"

The young woman required a firm hand, and she would show it by letting her have a bodyguard to protect her. The candidate had come out with exemplary records, provided by the Beacon Headmaster himself, so the choice had been swiftly made, as she cleared her throat.

"A bodyguard for you, Winter. You are making a choice in dating a man who is making waves in the world, and I insist."

That Jaune was getting the attention of both of her daughters was unfair, but Willow Schnee was not some loser that moped about it, even if it hurt. The competition for her man was something that riled up the former alcoholic inside her, as she licked her lips.

"Hi! My name is Amber! We'll be best friends, I'm sure of it!"

The young woman had apparently been in a coma for a while, so an escort/bodyguard job to get her accustomed to a high-stress environment would be perfect, her weapon being something of a mystery to Willow, but Winter looked surprised.

"I don't need some- some babysitter, mother!"

Her daughter talked a lot of talk but she did not walk the walk, as she took a deep breath, taking the time to firm herself, straighten her shoulders. She would be stern, motherly and dedicated to making her daughter understand that she was making a gambit that Willow wasn't happy with.

"You do, Winter! I don't want to wake up to hear that the Faunus are thirsting for blood because you fucked up some mating ritual or something! The Gods know that you need to be careful about that kind of stuff, and I don't trust you not to mess things up, like before. I love you, but you need someone to be your backup. You're a woman who has a career, sure, but you need to realize that in the eyes of the world, you are still my daughter."

The fact that Willow paid the bodyguard was something that also remained a thing. Winter looked like she'd just heard her father rose from the grave.

"I don't need help, mother! I can do things on my own, and-"

Willow felt irritation go through her.

"You are a child if you think you can get him to like you, Winter! You're playing at a game that you don't know the rules for, you've never seen the manual and you're up against a world champion! Do you really know what Sienna Khan can do? Military education doesn't cover politics, economics or sociology, Winter. You're taught to be the General's little aide, not a damn woman who can get Faunus thirsting for human blood if she messes up!"

Willow knew the dangers of Sienna better than most. They got along well, despite their initial issues, her cool business tactics and Sienna's oft-times passionate rhetoric.

"But-"

Willow had it with her daughter.

"Winter, you will have her as your bodyguard and be content with the fact that you have her as a bodyguard. If you are going to go for a young man like Jaune Arc, you will have to contend with older women who may just tear you to shreds. Weiss likes him too. Miss Autumn, I look forward to your status report."

The bodyguard saluted, and Willow's expression darkened as Winter looked stunned at how she'd been shut down like a child that had been told that there would be no more ice cream.

"Mother, you're-"

She materialized two Glyphs around her daughter's arms, tugging her up, her body moving in that slow, predatory way.

"I'm your mother, and don't you forget that, Winter. You're my oldest girl, you're going for a man who is with a woman who has a tongue that's like the whip she wields, who has zero compunctions about grinding you up into hamburger meat and eating you… And you're getting a bodyguard, just so I can prevent hearing that my daughter was torn apart by an angry Faunus. Don't play games that you don't know the stakes of, Winter."

She felt the chill of anger go through her, seizing her daughter's chin and looking into Winter's eyes, her gaze frosty.

"Don't assume that simply because I'm single, that I might want to be with a man who could be your father, at least in his private life. Remember that, Winter… You don't want me to get involved in your little quest for a man. You should learn that sometimes, some men just aren't available for someone, no matter how much the girl wishes they were."

Her voice had slipped into the frosty tone that she'd taken with her late husband more than once, as she looked at the uppity little girl that was her competition for Jaune, the silly little soldier girl that'd decided that she'd try her hand at charming a young man with her 'looks'.

"Well, Miss Schnee, Winter here can make her own decisions, even if Jaune's got a dick that's got Gee-Gee debating about him graduating… I'm sure that she can make her own bed, it's not-"

Winter struggled a little under the Glyphs that Willow had created, as a crude smile came to her lips, grabbing her daughter's chin and looking at her.

"May I suggest actually learning how do to your makeup, Winter?"

Even Weiss knew how to do makeup, but Winter had been a little too much… no refinement, just a blunt-force makeup kit used, to give her the look of someone who'd be rentable for a night… Jaune deserved better.

"I'm sure that Miss Autumn will be more than willing to offer a few tips… or assistance. Don't play games with women who are born for leadership, Winter… There's a reason why you aren't a Specialist Commander or a General… Leave the battles for the heart to those who are willing to fight with the intelligence and the skill to command and win."

Winter was let go with a small releasing of the Glyphs, as Winter's expression changed little, looking up at her with that look that showed that she wasn't backing down. It was the stubbornness that she'd seen in the mirror many a time herself, burning in her eyes.

"I can do it! If he's- I'm sexy! I can be sexy if I want to!"

Willow doubted that, but voice that opinion to her daughter, she did not.

"I stand unconvinced, Winter. Miss Autumn… Ensure that she is in bed at a reasonable time, since she will need to woo a young teenager with her good looks… Ah, and Winter?"

An almost wicked smile appeared on Willow's lips, as she looked into the competition's eyes.

"I'll look forward to inquiring with Mister Arc about how your progress in 'wooing' him goes… Why, I might even offer some helpful suggestions, if you show the proper respect."

She was acting like a wicked bitch, but Willow Schnee was not suffering her daughter's silliness.

It would be a challenge to see who would be able to seduce Jaune the swiftest…

'It seems that our little meeting at the apartments shall be pleasant, Jaune… Very pleasant.'

There was some lingerie that she'd definitely need to 'wear out'.

"Ah… If you want his contact details…"

She tapped her Scroll, sending the number for Jaune's Scroll to Winter's messaging app.

Competition in business and competition in love, Willow Schnee would take on the challenge of making sure that Winter would find Jaune stamped with the mark of 'Willow Schnee'.

She had her pride.

She was going to make sure that Jaune Arc wanted her.

I've decided to power-write Dance, to finish it off so people can go and say 'He's finished 2 fics'. Some authors have problems finishing fics, so I'm trying to write this before I kick the bucket. Health issues suck. There's also a Canadian who thinks my sense of humour is too dark. Better try to lighten it up, I say.

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