A Winter Knight's Serenade
Note that this Serenade and the Previous Serenade aren't canon to one another, just wanted to upload them both at once was all.
Winter advanced with purpose as she always did, more than a few eyes were drawn to her as she stepped through Atlas Academies halls. However, where usually they might stand at attention as was protocol instead they gawked.
She supposed one could hardly blame them, after all it was rare to see her outside her uniform and even rarer still to see her in casual wear and yet what she wore no one would dare to confuse it for such. It was nothing too extravagant, a simple white Bodycon Dress with a light blue lacy Shawl, her heels clacked against the tiles beneath as she made her way through. Finally, there was her least impressive accessory, a simple little necklace, with a snowflake and a pale little blue stone at its center.
Honestly, it was a cheap little thing, probably no more than a 300 lien but to 'him' he'd skipped several meals just to save up for it and the smile he gave her when he put it around her neck was worth so much more then lien could buy. She rose her hand to it fiddling with the little gift a faint but genuine smile showing on her face. Finally, she reached his door and knocked on it and no sooner did It open and she was greeted by a smiling Nora.
"Oh-Oh! Winter's here! Jaune-Jaune! Your dates here don't keep her waiting!" The bathroom seemed to open as a hand reached out ruffling the peppy gingers head as its owner stepped out. She looked to find her date standing there tall and proud with a smile on his face before he looked to her and it grew to new heights.
"Whoa…" Nora elbowed her helpless noddle of a team leader and thankfully he seemed to realize.
"I mean you look lovely Winter." She smiled at the compliment knowing it to not be flattery, Arc was far to socially inept for it, a trait she found quite novel even from as far back as her first date.
"You looked quite fitting yourself mister Arc." And he did, funny how much a change of clothing did for the blonde, a simple pair of black dress pants and shoes, a white coat with gold linings over his simple dress shirt. The sole exception to his new ensemble was the blade strapped to his side.
She'd hardly complain if anything she approved of the knight's choice had it been more compact she'd have brought her own weapon instead of a mere firearm that fit within her purse. Nora smiled at the two honestly how the girl functioned at seemingly 200 percent at all times was a mystery she doubted she'd ever solve.
"Okay don't keep our leader out too late Super Weisscream." A wide toothy grin suddenly spread across her face.
"Unless you make it worth his while." And with those last words and a embarrassed Jaune's protest the Valkyrie shut the door a huge toothy smile on her face. They stood there for several seconds the peppy ginger's suggestion flustering her much more than most given their recent intimacy.
"S-so, shall we?" She nodded the faintest pink peppering her cheeks.
"'Ahem' As you see fit Mister Arc." She watched as he shyly reached for her palm his shaking as he did before he drug her away from the dorm room. She looked to him then. It was an odd matching to be sure, certainly not one she'd expected. She'd merely gone to thank him for saving her sister, she hadn't expected the supposed Tall, blonde and scraggily to be anything but the later.
Honestly, the boy was quite dashing, looking every bit the scion of the Arc House, and apparently he'd been just as impressed by her coining the word 'gorgeous' without even thinking. She'd taken no offense even if her sister had been a bit taken aback, it was only later as she and Weiss were changing after a rather intense sparring match that she saw it.
Her sister wound, and what followed was the tale of how she'd nearly died… had it not been for Arc. To say she was grateful had been an understatement, and to say she was upset with Weiss was as well. She'd never even thanked the boy something she'd quickly rectified.
It was a simple enough task to reserve diner at one of the more prestigious bistros, she recalled how he'd shown up, in that dreadful hoodie, of course, the schedule had changed they could dine after the boy had some proper clothes.
They'd never made their reservations, spending the day shopping, talking and to her surprise cutting it lose, the boy just had such an air about him. It was only later she'd learned he had plenty of older sibling to reference off of. She'd… had fun. He'd walked her to her quarters the smile on the entire night even as she closed the door but not before he asked her on a second date.
She'd been surprised to find a man bold enough to try courting her. Later she'd learn just how stubborn he could be. One date quickly turned to another, and then another and before she knew it a year had passed and then another until his team had decided to station themselves in Mantle below, the Valkyrie having roots there apparently.
She still recalled learning of her feelings, she'd been so painfully ignorant to them assuring herself she'd been merely grateful to the boy or perhaps saw him as a younger brother. That was until she happened upon him on the job, helping children cross streets. All while their mothers clung to him. It was then she'd asked him out for the first time, in front of the women surrounding them.
By the next day they'd become official and Weiss had nearly skewered the Arc though, whether it was out of anger or jealously remained to be seen and her sister was never one to be direct with her feelings. Her reminiscing was cut short when they stopped before a restraint and seeing it she smiled faintly at the gesture.
"Quite the memory you have considering we never even met out reservations in time." The smile was nervous, surprising really that he could still blush so earnestly despite having been together a whole year on the dot.
"Yeah well… Y'know I figured I do something nice for our anniversary, 'heh' what better than the date that got away?" She smiled faintly.
"Always too genuine and simple."
"I can never really tell if you complimenting me or insulting…" Her arms locked around his then as she smiled professionally.
"And what make you think it isn't both? Now then mister Arc won't you escort your partner for the night in? He smiled nodding all too eager to please as they walked in and she was shocked again.
"Its… empty?"
"Yep, just the staff, us and the best food in Atlas. She looked to him a note of annoyance clear in her gaze.
"How much did you spend?" He shrugged and smiled.
"Doesn't matter it'll worth it." She felt her cheeks lit faintly of a coral glow upon her pale skin, reaching their table he pulled out her chair for her, a kind gesture. Taking her seat he soon followed and like so many times before they enjoyed an evening meal, talking about work, their missions and just about everything else that'd come to mind.
It wasn't anything worth note which was precisely why she enjoyed it so much, to so casually talk and enjoy one another's company. Cutting lose knowing the only people who'd see her where the staff who could care less all while her boyfriend stood there a silly smile on his face as he laughed at her, joked or just acted the utter fool who'd endeared himself to her so.
It was what she cherished after all, knowing that he'd not care one bit about her status, lineage or rank, only seeing a beautiful girl he wished to court. Frankly she half wished she'd rejected him initially that way she could experience being wooed and pursued.
"'Heh' You should've seen it, anyone else's guard would've raised at the sight of a Megoliath charging our way but Nora was practically bouncing in place in excitement. Guess she really wanted to test out her upgrades."
'Snort'
Her eyes widened as she looked to Jaune who smiled back a bit more cheerful then she'd like at her display.
"Y-you didn't hear that." The smile that begun to spread across his face left little doubt that he didn't hear her.
"Oh, I'm pretty sure I did, Miss Schnee, Atlas's top Specialist snorts when she laughs." She glared, her cheeks heating.
"You dunce, you heard nothing! Am I clear?"
"Oh c'mon it's no big deal."
"It is, after all its not a very elegant noise." He shrugged.
"Yeah but it's cute."
"Wha, C-cute, mister Arc I am 'not' cute." He nodded, conceding her point.
"'Sigh' Yeah, I guess your right-"
"Hmph, good, now that we've settled tha-"
"-You're beautiful, but that doesn't mean you can't do cute things." She looked down her cheeks only reddening further.
"…Weiss was right, you really are a Dolt."
"Uh-oh, tapping into your inner Snow angel huh, guess I should stop before I freeze in my favorite little blizzard of a girl." The lines were sickeningly cheesy, utterly goofy and completely lacking in any cleverness… and they made her face somehow redder. He laughed slightly at her reaction and looking to him as he did, at that smile and those warm eyes her family lacked her heart couldn't help but hammer that much quicker.
The meal was grand, and the company better, she readied to get up and leave waiting for Jaune to offer his hand but was surprised when he stood up and made his way to a clearing where the tables had been moved. She couldn't help but notice how stiff he appeared as he did, leaning over he pulled a base guitar out hidden behind a table and turned to her. She saw the nervousness on his face and he forced his best smile.
"So… Um well, I've kinda got another surprise for our anniversary. Y'know how I've been taking medical classes to help with my Semblance?"
She nodded, indeed it was a suggestion of hers after all his semblance was a boon to the injured even being able to save someone thought lost. She'd thought it'd help for him to understand the human body to better heal it and direct his aura. And it had worked so far, being able to understand what had been damaged and what was need had proved very efficient for his reserve now that he could direct his subject's aura on what to heal first.
"Well um, I… I've kinda been studying something else too, just for this today in fact." His finger's traced the strings strumming them lightly.
"If I recall it right you said you were jealous of me singing to Snow Angel back when I asked her to the dance right?" She looked away, it was true when they'd had a bit too much wine during their visit to his sister in Argus she had said such in her compromised state. The idea of receiving such a sweet gesture had left her a tad envious of her sister first year in Beacon compared ton her own.
"What of it?"
"Well… I sorta thought that'd be the perfect gift, after all what better gift for a girl who could purchase anything she wanted then something money can't buy." His toothy smile was telling as a bit of confidence shone in his eyes.
"I've been practicing my vocals just for today… So please, listen." Her cheeks burned while her heart raced, he hadn't even started and yet she was already enamored by the gesture alone. Whether it be terrible or not she knew she certainly wouldn't be forgetting it and so she made herself comfortable.
"Very well, feel free to begin whenever you see fit, I'm surprised though, wouldn't the piano there be more suitable." He looked over to the large instrument, it was true he could play it, a tradeoff of living with his many sisters was that he had a range of skills even if he was a master of none. She shook his head then.
"Well you see, it's kinda not the sorta song you'd usually listen too…" His cheeks reddened.
"I see, well now I more interested in what you choose for me." She did hope it was more than a horrid jingle at least better than the request he sang to Weiss and he nodded as his fingers begun to string the guitar.
"'Exhale' Okay, here it is, just for you…" His eyes shifted then adopting a slight determination, he was nervous she could tell, his body far to honest. But as he strummed his instrument, she saw that confidence usually hidden shine out. The tone was pleasing and soon it was met with his voice.
(Hands Down - Acoustic Version by Dashboard Confessional)
Jaune: 'Breathe in for luck,
Breathe in so deep,
This air is blessed,
You share with me.
This night is wild,
So calm and dull,
These hearts they race,
From self-control.
Your legs are smooth,
As they graze mine,
We're doing fine,
We're doing nothing at all.
My hopes are so high,
That your kiss might kill me.
So won't you kill me,
So I die happy.
My heart is yours to fill or burst,
To break or bury,
Or wear as jewelry,
Whichever you prefer.'
She was taken aback buy the sudden raise in tone while he cheeks were red form the words memories of their trip in Argus coming to mind when they went to visit his sister. As they sat at the beach enjoying one another's company. They hadn't been dating yet but she was sure anyone who'd seen them would've thought them a couple the thought only further made her cheeks reddened.
Jaune: 'The words are hushed let's not get busted;
Just lay entwined here, undiscovered.
Safe from the hour and all the stupid questions
"Hey did you get some?"
Man, that is so dumb.
Stay quiet, stay near, stay close they can't hear
So we can get some.'
Her cheeks further burned, at last months date night, that had ended… quite well. He was so =cute when he realized it was her first time too.
Jaune: 'My hopes are so high that your kiss might kill me.
So won't you kill me, so I die happy.
My heart is yours to fill or burst,
To break or bury, or wear as jewelry,
Whichever you prefer.
Hands down this is the best date I can ever remember'
Her as well, the last year had been, had been the happiest of her life… She'd always felt confident in her decisions, like she was doing exactly what she choose to do without regret but even still…
'Will you go out on a date with me!?… Wha, you mean it!? YESSS! I DID IT!'
She could only say it was fulfilling never happy, until he came stumbling in…
Jaune: 'Always remember, the sound of the stereo,
The dim of the soft lights,
The scent of your hair that you twirled in your fingers.'
He walked her way then.
Jaune: 'And the time on the clock when we realized it's so late
And this walk that we shared together.'
And she not one to wait made her own way up moving towards him.
Jaune: 'The streets were wet and the gate was locked so I jumped it,
And let you in.'
Hearts pounded as they met icy orbs looking up into calm loving cerulean as the guitar strum and he still serenaded his favorite season.
Jaune: 'And you stood at your door with your hands on my waist
And you kissed me like you meant it.'
He stood just before her, his hands still at work, his voice going strong even as his cheeks reddened.
Jaune: 'And I knew that you meant it, that you meant it,
That you meant it, and I knew,
That you meant it, that you meant it.'
He leaned in as his voice glowed and the tune of strum of his guitar lowered…
Jaune: 'I knew that you meant it, that you meant iittt…'
And as it died he acted, his lips just before hers, so close that watching only she would now he hadn't taken hers. The answer was all too easy as her pressed against his, the guitar was dropped flung away by a glyph as she walked into him and his arms wrapped around her. He truly had given her an unforgettable gift one she'd not soon be forgetting…
-Next Day-
She entered the debriefing room finding all eyes quickly landing on her, All except Jaune who looked down blushing. She blinked curiously until she heard it.
Scroll speaker: '-Stay quiet, stay near, stay close they can't hear
So we can get some.'
Her face lit red while Harriet, Yang and Elm chuckled even miss Rose's cheeks were red the only one not in a good mood was her sister who was glaring at Arc.
"How did it not occur to you to cheek the staff Arc!?"
"I didn't think someone would be recording it!" Harriet chuckled as she listened to the recorded singing.
"'chuckle' Well, someone did, and decided to share your little private concert with all of Solitas, heck if the towers were up I'm sure it'll be the first thing most people tune into. The other woman of the Ace-Ops took it more jovial, Ederne laughing
"Ha, Atlas's most elite with Beacons biggest underdog, I like it."
"At least it is sure to bring some positive relations between our kingdoms…" Marrow grinned.
"A Schnee with an Arc huh? Oh man, I would pay to see Assques's face right now."
"Whoohoo! She liked it! Is that way you only came home this morning Jaune-Jaune!?"
"Wha! Nora!"
"What!?" Weiss turned a utterly furious glare on Jaune.
"I can explain!"
Winter watched the display before looking to her Scroll and finding hundreds of messages from her father's publicity staff demanding an explanation. She blushed when a news article was shown of her inviting Jaune into her house several hickeys already marking his neck unaware that originally there'd been so many more of the lovely little marks that'd healed in that small time frame.
"Oh Gods…" Blake looked to Jaune the slightest hint of a tease in her tone.
"So I think we don't need to ask if yesterday went well right?"