Hello everyone. I know it's not December, but I've had this idea about Jaune saving Christmas and couldn't get the idea out of my head. Because I could not find one, I decided to write one myself. Keep in mind the Christmas theme will make itself known in the next chapter, not this one.
Enjoy,
MidKnightJet
—
It was a peaceful evening in the Arc-Cotta house. Everyone was tired; relaxed after the day's events. Plates' of ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, and biscuits were set down. Jaune poured glasses of water for everyone after Saphron told him to do so for their guests. Jaune argued that he was a guest too. Saphron huffed at his comment.
"Your FAMILY Jaune that means you're helping us get dinner ready."
Jaune rolled his eyes but smiled while doing so, getting a 'thank you' from Weiss, Blake, and Yang. A cheer from Nora to their 'fearless leader', and a smile from Ruby and Ren. Jaune pulled in his chair, taking nails and a chalkboard to Blakes ears. Yang to burst out laughing. Grumbling he decided to start out the conversation
"So, have any of you been curious about Argus? Its Culture? History? Fairy tales?
Ruby's eyes practically lit up when he mentioned fairy tales, earning an
all knowing smirk from her older sibling.
"Got something you want to share Vomit Boy?"
Jaune brushed off his classic nickname, he rolled his eyes at the giggles from Saphron.
"A tale on how Argus was founded and why it inspired Saph to move here." He leaned back in his chair taking a sip of water. His older sister saw an opening and aimed to do what older siblings do best.
"You say that like I'm the only one. Don't you remember the stories I'd read to you before bed?"
Jaune's mouth opened fire, spewing water everywhere. Laughter erupted around the table. Even Weiss who had the tendency to criticize table manners, turned to laugh behind her hand.
"Saphron!"
Jaune could see Yang and Nora laughing themselves horse. Blake gave him an all-knowing smile. At least Ren would have his-
Nope, he was smirking as well. Traitors all of them! For siding with his sister.
"Yeah, yeah. I appreciate your enthusiasm for my sister's antics." The last word was meant to cut, but all it did was bounce right back. "I'll ask for your silence as I won't be so kind to tell you later."
"You could always ask me."
"Annnnnnywaays~"
Saphron stuck her tongue out at him.
Heh, she and Yang really do have a lot in common.
"So have any of you heard about ?"
Silence decorated their table. Apparently NOONE paid attention in history class. Really, Jaune couldn't blame them. Oobleck spoke way too fast, by the time they reached the chapter on Atlas all thier minds were filled with was 99% Faunus wars. 1% national culture. Even Ren didn't have a semblance of who he was.
"No? Okay cool. He was the-
"Erk! Sorry bro but you just lost your audience's interest."
Sue him for not taking a class in public speaking and giving a "proper" introduction. Especially when his job requires him to oh I don't know SLAUGHTER GRIMM!
"But-
"Annnnnnywaays~"
Turnabout was fair play as the older blonde took back the trick he socruellystole from her, Jaune gave her a pout that mimicked Ruby. He now felt really bad for his fellow team leader. Not only did she have to deal with the teasing, but also Yang's puns. Not even Cinder deserved such a cruel fate. Silence came once more; everyone's attention turned to Saphron. Jaune admitted defeat, panning his attention towards the thorn in his side.
"As you are all new to Argus, allow me to enlighten you on our history. Specifically about a man known as ."
Nora of course, was all too eager to ask the obvious. Waving her hand in the air as if they were in Beacon again.
"Who was he?!"
"Why I'm glad we have someone whose showing interest." Saphrons smile illuminated the room. " was a wealthy individual who was traveling through a small village. When-
About an hour went by; empty plates were scattered across the table. Nobody could fault Saphron Cotta-Arc for being a bad storyteller, as she had years of experience under her belt, but when the story was meant to be read over each night of the week, not one table sitting. You could not fault Everyone for allowing their minds to drift, Jaune and Ruby were the only ones paying attention.
Yang's head hit the table
Jaune leaned over to whisper to his best friend all too eager to keep their morale up.
"I take it your sister isn't into long tales."
"Yeah she would fall asleep when mom would go too far into her adventures."
"And you wouldn't?"
"No. Mom could make scrubbing a toilet sound amazing. If they were told by Professor Port, I'd be just like Yang.
"AHEM."
They both eased they're attention towards Saphron, however it wasn't them she directed her annoyance towards. Their fellow Faunus in arms had spaced out. Jaune's eldest sister waved her hand in front of her face. For a second he wondered if she used her semblance to leave a clone in her place. Blake, to their surprise showed some honor in staying to fight, however that would prove to be her downfall. Yang poked her right feline ear. Earning a startled jump, and a quick check of her surroundings; then her yellow lights landed on the threat in the room. Blake rolled a D20 on deception.
Blake rolled a 7.
"Oh! Uh I was listening, definitely listening."
Saphron crossed her arms
"Uh huh"
Her smirk only grew at the amount of people who spaced out. Some people just don't change, this felt all to familiar to the lectures she gave him and his siblings. The marvelous 7 (plus Oscar) were in for a wild ride.
"And what about you Weiss?"
Weiss tried hard to put on a straight face. Composing herself as if to address a teacher.
"I was listening the whole time, do not worry -Arc, I have listened to your tale, surely you wouldn't expect otherwise."
Weiss had given a confident textbook answer that would persuade her elder to believe them, however as an older sister and now officially a mother, she knew every trick in the book.
"Why thank you , I feel very confident you've listened to everything I've had to say so far. As a matter a fact I think your ability to tell it might exceed mine. Would you mind starting from the top, surely these dolts could stand to listen a second time."
"Erk-
Saprhon threw an accusatory finger at her.
"Ah Ha! So we have yet another commoner join our ranks!"
Weiss shot up from her seat. "How dare you!"
Nora started to snicker at thier banter. Saphron's grin was villainous.
"And how about you missy?"
Nora didn't even try to hide her crime as she screamed and bolted up the stairs. Shouting about evil older siblings and how not even they're fearless leader could stand up to them. Ren sat up, excused himself to attend to his 'barbaric' companion, and calmly walked up the stairs. As for Oscar he just sat there nervously.
"Uh excuse me Mrs.-
"Saphron, no need for formalities."
"Saphron. May I be excused. I'm feeling quite tired and-
Jaunes older sister spoke to him like the farm boi he is.
"Sure thing Oscar you can leave."
Oscar's face lit up at the hospitality and made his way upstairs, yawning as he ascended towards one of the guest rooms. Saphron looked over towards Her little brother and his best friend. Ruby gulped, but Jaune was unfazed from the accusations. He knew it was just his sisters bullshitting. Just a few seconds until-
"Hah hah ha ha-"
That.
Saphron kept at it for a few seconds a small tear coming from her right eye. Despite all of the ruthless drama, Yang continued snoring away; As always ignorance is bliss.
"Oh, man! Just like having us all back at home eh Jaune?"
Jaune couldn't help but smile warm memories appeared in his head, and also a little guilt from upsetting his family after running away to Beacon. It had been an awkward affair, his mom and dad yelling at him for the same and different reasons.
"Yeah...those were some good times."
"You deserved all the yelling and hits on the head, you worried us Jaune. We weren't sure what happened to you."
Jaune seemed to sink low in his seat from that statement. It had been a rough first day in Argus. Ozpin's secrets revealed, RWBY almost dying in that village, and to put icing on the cake, He informed his family of his whereabouts. It HAD been a rough day in Argus.
Now he could finally relax.
"Well I've bored your friends enough with this tale long enough." She clapped her hands together. "Time for bed kiddos!"
Ruby hadn't been bored! It was just getting to the good part! Where the maidens were thanking with their fresh baked cookies! Heathens! This was art! Ruby's arms were flailing smacking Jaune in the face and sending him backwards. The reapers hands slammed the table; Yang's sleeping form would valiantly remain undisturbed.
"But you were just getting to the good part!"
"While I do enjoy your enthusiasm Ruby, its 10 pm and I have to attend to a screaming baby wondering why he has no food, wish my wife a pleasant day at work. Not to mention all the other chores a housewife does that keeps their home afloat."
Jaune slowly climbed back into his chair, grumbling to himself about his best friend being a klutz, and sharing empathy with Weiss' luggage full of dust.
"What else is new?"
"Nothing little bro, nothing at all. I'm retiring for the night, now I understand you might want to stay up all night with your girlfriend-
"She's not my girlfriend!"
Saphron's shit eating grin said otherwise
"Yeeeeah suuure, your best friends, right?"
Now it was Ruby's turn to burst. Standing with her feet apart she pointed towards Saphron as if to address an infidel during the third crusade.
"BFF's and don't you forget it!"
"Yeah!" Jaune and Ruby exchanged a quick high five, one might say they could succeed X Ray and Vav.
Minus the crotch touching.
"Ugh, you two are so cute I can't stand it!"
"Were not-"
"Yeah I know B-F-F's." She emphasized each letter with her hands forming quotation marks.
"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." Saphron winked. The "might as well be another Yang" ascended the stairs.
"And don't make too much noise. Nobody wants to hear about your nefarious activities. Goodnight~"
A door could be heard shutting from upstairs. Leaving our hero's (minus Ren, Nora and Oscar) alone downstairs. Although the dining area lay in silence for a few moments our fellow Ice queen was the first to disrupt the peace. Ruby was awfully glad Yang had not been awake to hear those teasing comments, her reputation for blowing a gasket could get them all into some deep shit.
"Well I don't know about the rest of you."
Weiss let out a sweet yawn, worthy of prince charming's attention.
"I will be retiring for the night, farewell."
Blake followed suit.
"Yeah I'm exhausted." The feline faunus paused, as did Weiss. Blake glanced down towards Yang, towards a spoon, back to Yang, and the spoon once more. A swift yet somehow graceful thunk found its way to Yangs skull. Contrary to Blakes swipe Yang's decent was anything but.
The same could be said for her expression. Red eyes decorated her face.
"Uggggh, Blake why did you touch my hair?!"
Blake looked down on her red eyes with no fear whatsoever. "Get up. if you think I'm carrying you to bed your sourly mistaken."
Yang took a seat once more. Leaning back in her chair she stared at partner with her now Lilac eyes and an upside-down face; her golden mane reaching for the wooden floor. "Awww but Blakey!" She whined "It was my dream to be whisked away by a ninja, just like in that smut novel you were reading."
"It's not smut! It has high quality character dynamic that stories on the CCTnet fail to replicate!."
"Sure, that's why you hid it under your blanket in fear of-
Our ex-heiress finally had enough wedging herself between them to dispute their banter.
"Are you two done yet?! I have some beauty sleep I need to catch up on and Mrs. And -Arc are sleeping, have you no shame!?"
Yang lazily pointed at the Snow Angel "Considering you just yelled out for us to stop I think it's you who has no shame." Yangs comeback produced Ruby's snickered form and Jaune's amused smile.
Weiss' left eyebrow twitched "Wha- but... *sigh* just- go to bed will you."
"Sure thing Weiss Cream."
"Don't call me that!" Despite the nick name Weiss couldn't keep her face straight and chuckled. Soon WBY retired for the night leaving our two team leaders by themselves.
After the confirmation that the Arc-Cotta house lay silent Jaune and Ruby made thier way over to the living room. Filled with a coffee table in the middle, two couches guarding each side, and a recliner stationed on the top right corner. Farther down is the hall leading to the kitchen and the staircase parallel to the hallway. Our pseudo resident knight took the couch facing the front window, and between the wall. Ruby joined the other side both turned to face one another. The fireplace on the far side of the room burned with hot logs and coal bringing a comfortable aura to the otherwise dark room.
Jaune smiled lazily at Ruby, ready to sacrifice his silence to the Beowulves.
"So, does my sister make a fine addition to your Yang collection?"
Ruby giggled at his comparison "Yeah they have a lot in common, but does she make dad jokes?"
Jaune's pupils shrunk, and a great shiver ran down his spine. "Oh God no! I'd be a dead man! The only one who would live to see another day is Coral!"
The reaper raised a curious eyebrow. He had been rather vague when talking about his sisters.
"Coral? Which one is she?"
"Oh! Um? Here!" The tall and no longer scraggly blonde picked up a photo showing them all on the couch together. Ruby noticed the duality of the photo she saw previously. They're all on what appears to be they're living room couch.
Jaune sat in the middle. Instead of his hair being in pig tails it looked similar to what he had now. Amber the youngest, sat on his lap with Coral reading a book to his right, Jade seemed to be talking to Sable, while Lavender was above Jaune arms wrapped around his neck; Saphron was a bit farther near the top of the photo, Hazel was on his left with Sable. Seeing is believing, and our adorable team leader could not wrap around her head why you would have 8 kids. Talk about chaotic.
Jaune pointed to the girl with a boy cut, reading a book, while keeping Jaune in her peripheral vision. He then went on to describe each of their very unique personalities. To hear that he and Coral refer to each other as husband and wife.
He must have some crazy stories
"You have quite the family."
Jaune laughed at Rubys amazement.
"Yeah they always drove me crazy, although looking back on it I enjoyed their quirks whether it was Coral's blunt antics, Amber trying to imitate me, or Saphron babying me. I kind of miss it. I miss them."
"Do you want to go back?"
Jaune turned to make made eye contact with Ruby, her expression was mixed with sadness and a bit of guilt. Considering what team RWBY had learned about Ozpin a few days ago, what HE, Ren and Nora learned today. It was a hard pill to swallow, and poor Oscar was thrown in the middle of it having no idea how to handle their anger at being manipulated. Especially Qrow, the man practically put Ozpin before anything sans Ruby and Yang.
"Ruby..."
Jaune paused to choose his words carefully.
"I love my family, but I'm not Jaune the scared boy who ran and faked his way into Beacon anymore, I'm Jaune the huntsman and leader of team JNPR. And your best friend. I'm Not going anywhere." Ruby looked at him all serious, without a hint of jest. It was a strange look on her.
"So you'll follow Ozpin then."
Those words had summed up what kept circling in his head. The three of them: JNR had agreed to stay with RWBY, regardless of Ozpin. They would do what's right, what needs to be done. Even if they were angry at what he had done, or rather what he refused to do. Nobody likes being left in the dark, especially when he was asking them to risk their lives for something that would most definitely be in vain.
"We'll follow you to the end of remnant Ruby."
She was shocked by his answer. Jaune could not figure out why. It seemed like the obvious choice. His dad always said family comes first, he made sure to do whatever it takes to come back home in one piece. Jaune would do the same. He would make sure team RNJR stuck together.
She broke eye contact and wore a blush that matched her name. "T-thats not a good answer! You should make a decision based on your team not me!"
"I did."
Those words were delivered with such ease. The crimson reaper was at a loss of words. He took that as permission to continue
"Remember what I told you back before we fought the Nuckelavee. You're not forcing us to follow you. We're following you because WE chose to."
That was when all of Ruby's inner thoughts came crashing down. Just like in Oniyuri.
"But what if Ozpin's right? What if my team and I go down the wrong path!?What if we go on a mission we have no hope on returning from!? What if were separated again?! Jinn said Salem can't be beat-"
"Enough!"
Jaune lost it at Salem. The fact they could very well be going on a suicide quest had wormed its way into all their minds. Before they all blindly followed Ozpin. Believed that he could do no wrong and had thier best intentions at heart, Even Qrow.
They had been so naive.
"Please Ruby, I know this is tough. We are all trying find our place in this. We see a clear path ahead; black and white. Were the good guys and they're the bad guys. Now its been blown to pieces. Your lost, I'm lost, heck you saw your Uncle Qrow he's in the exact position you are!" He placed a hand on her shoulder, exhaling before he continued.
"Regardless you have yet to steer us wrong so don't beat yourself up over it."
Ruby looked down at the couch and then back into Jaune's ocean orbs, and back towards the floor. His words helped ease her a little, but her mind was a Jenga tower that crumbled to pieces. Those pieces were taken by Ozpin, shredded to a fine grain, and tossed into a tornado.
"But what if I-"
"Nope."
"What if Ozpin says-"
"Nope."
Ruby puffed her cheeks and went into an adorable pout. "Stop interrupting me!"
It was Jaune's turn to be sassy, Saphron and Yang had their fill. "Sorry I just couldn't help myself. See a long time ago I was in a similar situation with Cardin WhiteChestBurn, and a cute red head gave me the same wonderful advice. Let me tell you it works like magic."
That "advice" had rung a few bells in her head and seemed to lighten her mood. She pushed Jaune off the couch. The blonde squawked as his body flipped over the couch and embraced the rug. The two team leaders burst into laughter afterwards. Jaune felt obligated to engage in some friendly banter
"Dork."
Ruby looked down and gave him a playful smile.
"Nerd."
"CraterFace."
"VomitBoy."
Jaune gasped with faked offense at the moniker she chose for him.
"Take that back!"
"Never, you'll have to pay the dolt tax." She mimicked Weiss' haughty posture. He shot up on the couch. Looking into her Silver eyes. "How much? How much must I pay for the sins of a dolt."
Ruby looked right into his eyes, their faces on the cusp of bodily contact.
"50 million lien, PLUS! She held up a finger, and then crossed her arms to drive the act home. "A service fee of 100 lien." Jaune challenged her by staring into her eyes. Ruby glared back at him. Both tried thier hardest to keep a straight face, but in the end it doesn't even matter, they both were swallowed in a pit of laughter.
"Oh, man. When was the last time I felt this good."
"Probably the dance at Beacon."
"Yeah..."
The knight's cheeks heated up at the memory. JNPR had ruled the dance floor that night. Ruby scooted closer to him their bodies almost touching. She took hold of his arm causing him to freeze. She looked up to him they're eyes locking once more
"Hey, Jaune..."
"Yeah?"
Ruby never considered herself bold, nor did she ever imagine she'd crush on her best friend, but in that very moment she decided she would take first lips inches apart.
And then the grandfather clock tolled. Jaune's face shot over to the noise source. An over salted Ruby sat right out of his eyesight.
"12AM! I didn't realize how late it is!"
Ruby tried her hardest not to scream. She was this close! This close dammit! And screw Yang she can curse whenever she wants to! Why can't he take a fucking hint! At the top of the stairs lay the rest of the marvelous 7 (plus Oscar). Yang and Blake were the only ones with a set of eyes, while the rest had to be content with just their ears. The feline ninja was the first to whisper.
"Well...that was disappointing."
"I know! I can't believe it! My little Rubaby, cock blocked by an inanimate object! I don't know whether to celebrate that my sisters innocence remain intact, or bang my head against the wall in annoyance."
"Xiao-Long! If you blow our cover I swear, you will wake up with your hair in a bob the next morning, and what has Arc done this time? Surely he can't be that Blonde?!"
"Hey!"
"Considering this is our team leader, I am loathe to admit I'm not surprised in the slightest."
"Ren! We need to break his legs! One for Pyrrha, and one for Ruby!"
"I'm pretty sure I would realize it if Ruby were about to kiss me-
"Shhhhh! Their talking again! Shut up! Shut up!"
"Welp I better get up to bed. You do the same okay Rubes." Jaune drew her in for a hug which she returned, but still felt the sting of disappointment from earlier. Yang 'awwwwed' in the background. He wished his BFF goodnight and made his way upstairs. The six spies ungracefully leapt for their respective rooms, as Jaune remained ignorant of their intrusion. Ruby now alone started to squander in her ire. She stretched her arms and let out a long sigh.
"Now I can say, I really empathize with your frustration Pyrrha."
Although she did not realize it the Mistralian champion smiled, patting her back all the while.
Jaune laid down on the guest room bed. Ren was asleep on the other side. Saphron had guest rooms set up for when his siblings would come to visit, as a result they were decorated with the idea that two sisters would share a bed.
"And I would get the couch, gee thanks Saph love you too..."
However, he could relish in victory that he could share a BED with Ren (no homo). Qrow was out drinking, but he would stake claim to a couch later. As for now Jaune decided it would be time to get some sleep.
Little did he know it would be a LONG time before he would wake up.
—
So our hero's (kind of) learn about however Jaune and Ruby were the only ones paying attention.
Will Jaune and Ruby end up together? I hardcore ship Lancaster buuuuut-
I haven't introduced the main cast yet.
If you have anything to add, I welcome criticism, long as its kept clean.
P.S: Don't worry there are no O.C's in sight I threw holy water at them, whipped them flat, and killed them with fire. I also have a silver cross just to be safe.
Next chapter: Sunday, May 2nd, 2020