Betrayal: A Checkmated Knight Chapter 1

Happy Thanks Giving


Concept After their lovers make an unforgivable mistake Weiss and Blake go to Argus to escape the media.


It all started innocent enough, Sun and Neptune friends since the day an awestruck Wukong hitched a ride to the kingdom of Mistral found a terrified and very ironically named boy looking to a nearby lake like a Goliath. The two were inseparable, that fact only reinforced after deciding to become huntsman and were then made partners. They'd entered the 40th Vytal festival tournament, fought the battle of Vale and even assisted in defending Haven. The two were icons in Mistral, their team practically celebrities after graduating which made their entering the Mistral regional tournament the top news. Scarlet and Sage had taken their honeymoon so unfortunately, they couldn't participate but the suave Vasilias and hotter than hot Sun had made it to the semi-finals.

Their only regret was that they weren't meant to face one another during the finals but instead just before it. However, like most things this didn't get them down and the two decided to celebrate making it so far regardless of tomorrows outcome. Both men partied like they were freshman again and then it happened some random man brought up the two's love life. If there was one thing that the two were prouder of then their achieving fame or skills as a huntsmen, it was their significant others. Blake Belladonna and Weiss Schnee, two of the most beautiful and renowned huntresses of all of Remnant.

It didn't take long for each boy to go on spiels bragging and then arguing over which of their girlfriends was better. It was then Sun revealed his ace to his partner a few private pictures that he'd decided to mail his friend of one of his and Blake's more 'risqué' nights. Sure taking them without permission was bad, but it wasn't hurting anyone and he was a bit of a criminal at heart. Not one to be outdone Neptune did his leader one better sending back a video he'd taken during one of his and Weiss's more intimate nights.

And that should've been that, two drunk idiots swapping rather compromising pics and video never meant to be seen by another. Unfortunately, alcohol was a cruel mistress and decided two dumb down the two just enough to not send to just each other but each and every contact on their Scrolls. All it took was one person deciding to try to make a few lien to set in stone the twos fates. By the next day they had reassured themselves that while they might be in hot water all they'd do is dedicate their victory towards said girls. Unfortunately they'd lost their scrolls the night before, if they hadn't they'd see the dozens of colorfully written death threats sent they're way from a pair of very irate sisters and partners of their lovers.

However there was another, a fellow blonde and legend in his own right who'd also made it to the semi-finals. A man who was close to the two girls they'd wronged and would even consider them family and he'd just received the news from his teammates. In response said blonde could only roar, giving a very sincere vow of vengeance and if his family was known for anything it was their word.

The next day said partners stood on either side of the arena armed and ready, the crowd was excited cheering for their preferred combatant and for some particularly amorous individuals heroes.

"Ladies and gentlemen of Mistral! Today we hold our first semi-final match between Sun Wukong and Neptune Vasilias!" The crowds exploded into cheers while both men looked to one another grinning challengingly.

"Hey bro, no hard feelings kay." Neptune grinned.

"Yeah let's get to it."

"Three… Two…On-" Before the match could begin the stadium wall exploded sending rubble flying towards the two at a frightening speed. Sun dodge with the grace afforded to his nimble style while a rather unfortunate Neptune was hit square in the chest and was sent tumbling in the opposite direction. Before panic could ensue however a bright radiance tore through the dust cloud mesmerizing all who saw it. Finally he appeared from the cloud of dirt not so much as a smudge on him as his barrier had been boosted and blocked any hint of dirt.

Standing there was an all too familiar figure to Mistral, another renowned hunter, however where Sun and Neptune's fame was exclusive to Mistral the boy was world renowned. He was of the Miraculous Seven who'd saved all of Remnant and leader of the late team JNPR, a swordsman who breezed through his matches and had earned the eyes of quite a number of fans.

"It, its Jaune Arc!" Crowds cheered at the display and presence of the Shield of the Seven, but not Sun and Neptune. Because what stood before them wasn't the goofy knight they were accustomed to, but an Arc warrior staring down two enemies with all the intensity afforded to two men who'd betrayed his sisters in all but blood. He rose his sword then his azure orbs locked on the two as he spoke with a voice that would make lesser men tremble.

"I challenge you. A duel, here and now till our auras are rendered zero and nothing else." The crowd roared, going crazy over the declaration, and seeing that the two boys felt emboldened, of course there was a measure of fear. But this was Jaune, and no matter what else Blake and Weiss had never been particularly close to the knight which made pointing out his faults quite easy. Maybe that's why Sun smiled so confidently, and Neptune posed as if victory was already his. Then they asked the question on everyone's mind.

"Sure Vomitboy, so who're you challenging first? Me or Nep?" Out of all his responses the one he gave was unexpected.

"Both." The two went wide-eyed while the Arc ignored them glaring at the announcer.

"They've already accepted, raise our aura bars now and do the count down." It wasn't a request, but demand, however the announcer had to say it.

"M-Mister Arc, if you accept such terms nobody will stop it, but… But you will be facing two semi-finalists, and then your own match. Are you sure about this? To make it so far during your first participation." Jaune smiled at the man's concern, it was true he knew. Doing this might cost him the title, he'd entered the tournament to prove Pyrrha right to believe in him, to show that even with Mistral's invincible star gone there was still somebody to inherit her will… but this was more important, Ruby and Yang had called him, told him what the two idiots had done.

But that's not what stirred his rage, no what angered him were when he'd spotted Blake and Weiss in the corners of each sister's call. Seeing them curled up or utterly ashamed tears running down Snow Angel's cheeks while Blake ears were flattened as she trembled. His aura flared at the memory and the looked he sent the announcer could almost kill.

"I'm not the one you should've warned." He turned then to the two and the first thing they noted was his smoldering glare.

"Understood, 'ahem' The circumstances of the Semi-Finals have changed, ladies and gentlemen, Neptune and Sun Wukong will now be facing the sword of the Arc family, Shield of the Seven and Saint of Vale Jaune Arc!" Sun's brows knitted then.

"Hey what's the deal, why was our introduction so short."

"In three." The faunus clicked his tongue, before pulling out his weapon.

"'tch' dude ignored me."

"Two." Neptune smiled switching his weapon to its blaster mode and taking aim.

"Chill, it'll just make it awesomer when we win, no hard feelings Jaune."

"One!" Jaune rushed forward his weapon still sheathed, the partners smiled unleashing a barrage of dust blast upon him, however when they struck his aura manifested a barrier. Both froze as according to the screen they're attack was doing nothing; it didn't take a genius to figure out that he was using his semblance. Aura Amplification was versatile, even when not healing or boosting others he could still multiply the traits of aura. Right now it was his barrier, at over fifty times the durability nothing below Magnhild would even put a dent in it.

Jaune charged unobstructed and while Sun was nimble enough to dodge Neptune was far from capable. The blue haired flirt fired again and again at the charging Arc before switching to his trident, even if he lacked the fire power he was sure an electric current could bypass his aura. That was true.

'Slash'

Which was why Jaune would deprive the man of his weapon. Crocea Mors tore through the Trident as if it were cardboard, its blade glowing an ethereal white, The trident upper half fell to the floor as the blue haired huntsman backed away. However, a furious left hook made contact sending him skidding away. Confident he wouldn't be a threat without his weapon Jaune threw an ice and fire dust crystal activating both to create a mass of water. Neptune froze in place when a colossal body of water slammed into him.

Despite the water being shallow in reality the shock of the water had rendered the hydrophobe unconscious. Sun could only stare shocked while the crowd where divided between cheering and utter laughter. Jaune eyes twitched, he'd had hoped to do a bit more to the blue hair idiot but he supposed he could always wait till after the match. He then turned to Sun who smirked.

"Don't think that tricks gonna work on me? I'm gonna get you back for what you did to my pal there too." Jaune brow furrowed while his aura roared.

"Get me back… I think your misunderstanding something." Jaune sheathed Crocea Mors again letting the sheathed blade shift into a colossal sword, all the while his aura expanded like a white inferno.

"I haven't even begun to pay you bastards back for what you did… besides, I spared Neptune from seeing what I'm gonna do to you." For the first time Sun actually felt intimidated by Jaune at his clipped tone, and fully prepared himself for battle. Both regarded one another looking for an opening before finally charging. Again and again they clashed Sun dodging each swing of the blade but finding to purchase when each of his strike landed doing nothing against the Arc's boosted barrier.

The longer they fought the more Sun realized his disadvantage, Jaune had no opening, not as long as his amplified barrier was up. But a swing of Crocea Mor that could tear apart Neptune's trident would definitely do some damage. When had Jaune become like this, he wasn't as skilled as Sun but his semblance was overpowered, finally he looked up to see the blonde's aura going down, an effect of using his semblance continually like this.

All he had to do was hold out and wait for Jaune's barrier to run out, maybe not the easiest strategy but not the most difficult one either. He smiled seeing the eventual win already insight before Jaune threw yellow vial of dust out and slashed it with his sword. Everything suddenly hurt as an explosion of lightening surrounded both hunters, Sun spasmed from the numbing shock not being able to dodge the incoming blow of Jaune's blade.

The monkey was sent flying only to then see a white arc of aura flying towards him, burying itself into him and tearing apart his aura. Sun yelped as the blast exploded against him, only to look up and see several more aura arcs incoming. The crowd watched as Jaune fired, aura arc after aura arc like a tank. And saw the blonde Faunus's aura drop until just before red. Jaune stepped up towards the monkey his eyes set as he looked up to his opponent.

"'cough' That was a cheap trick." Jaune shrugged.

"Maybe, but I was against two opponents and besides..." Jaune stomped on the monkey's pelvis with enough force for the tiles beneath to crack making his fellow blonde let out a girly cry that matched his own.

"I still needed to get you back." The females of the crowd cheered while most males stayed in a respectful silence for their fallen brother or cringed from the sight. It was then Neptune woke rubbing his head.

"Ow, what happened?" Jaune turned to him popping his neck.

"You two lost." Neptune then looked over to his partner and paled before looking back to Jaune.

"Now it's time I teach you a lesson about keeping my friend's privacy. Don't worry though." Jaune stretched out his hand and no sooner did white envelope the Faunus's pelvis slowly agonizingly repairing the shattered bones.

"I'll heal what I break, I just want you to remember the pain." What followed was a grueling sight none of the audience's male populace would ever repeat. A new rule was made then, never mess with an Arc's family. After several of the most terrifying minutes of the announcer's life his scroll rung and after answering it he went wide eyed before steadying himself and speaking up.

"L-Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls this side of Remnant, the winner is Jaune Arc!" The crowd was silent at first before gaining back some of its momentum and broke into applause and cheers as the Arc threw the once again passed out Neptune at his partner.

"Not only that! Our other Semi-finalist Cardin Winchester has forfeited his match!" None laughed at the hunter's forfeit understanding completely after what they'd just witnessed.

"So by forfeit our current reigning Mistral Regional Champion is Jaune Arc!" The proclamation brought the surroundings to cheer, the man who'd won three semi-finalists without so much as a scratch, only one other had ever achieved such a feat. The very same woman who'd been his partner, who'd trained him, and molded a warrior out of what others thought a useless man. It was with that knowledge and his power and unrelenting barrier that the cheered a new moniker for the Arc.

"Invincible Knight! Invincible Knight!" Rushing to him hoping to be in the camera's view as much as possible the announcer begun.

"Any words from our new champion, please sir any at all." Jaune looked to him before nodding and reaching out taking the mic.

"'ahem' Hello Mistral, I'm sure you already know this but my names Jaune, Jaune Arc."

"Seven! Seven! Seven!" The teen chuckled nodding.

"That's right, I'm a proud member of the Seven, of Team RWBY and JNR." The volume of their cheers only increased at the heroic sevens name something he was grateful for. Jaune rubbed the back of his head then before thinking and taking a deep breath.

"I may be a member but it's no secret that I'm the weakest one." The crowd's volume begun to lower but still he spoke.

"In Beacon I was hopeless, no skill no aura… I didn't even get my chance to enter initiation properly, I faked my transcripts!" The crowd went silent at the confession while the members of team RWBY and JNR watching paused in shock. Jaune let the crowds begin to shift, he didn't defend himself nor rebut those who begun to speak against him. Finally, a can was thrown at him, followed then by half eaten hotdogs and the like and so much more.

Soon anything and everything the crowds could get their hands on was chunked the blonde's way and he made no attempt to shield himself. He accepted their rejection of him, their vain words and profanities. He waited till he could swear each and every person in the crowd despised him. Then he exhaled and what followed was an explosion of white everyone felt it, warmth seeping through them. The hunter's and combat students who had aura felt the light seethe into them expanding their auric pools.

Everyone knew what this was because on the big screen it showed his aura levels at zero, this was Jaune's semblance, his aura, his soul. Warm, strong and pure. The crowds silenced then, their former Volume down and he chose then to finally speak up.

"Yet despite all of that, here I stand as a huntsman, a hero and accepted member to the seven. Because somebody believed in me, somebody amazing and without equal. A friend, a partner, teammate and sister in all but blood and so much more…" Nobody needed to ask.

"If someone like me can do it, so can anyone, so never lose faith, never think you can't because I've proven today that even someone hopeless like me can claw his way to the top." He rose his sword then, Crocea Mors edge pointed straight into the sky. The coliseum broke into roars of joy and hope. And despite knowing that those who hadn't felt his aura, or who his words hadn't reach would ridicule him Jaune smiled.

-Argus-

"Ruby for the last time no, I don't need you to come with me, besides your covering for your uncle remember so you can't afford to leave Patch." Weiss hung up on her partner sighing, gods could she be infuriating at time. With the best of intentions but annoying all the same, ever since the scandal involving hers and Blake image their partners hadn't given them a moment alone.

The video, now didn't that put a bitter taste in the heiress's mouth, just recalling that night where'd Neptune asked. She felt the corner of her eyes dampen at the memory, it'd once been a magical and intimate night, but now those butterflies in her stomach had rotted away. She was sure it was even worse for Blake, after Yang Sun was the first person she had tried dating again only for it to end like that was just.

Said Faunus was currently on her own scroll repeatably telling her partner, that 1. No, she didn't need her to come and 2. Not to go and quote and quote skewer that monkey with his own tail, Jaune had already made him suffer enough. Now there was a thought, Jaune, the bumbling dolt of their group. She could still recall the scene of him doing less then sportsmanly things to the pair of numbskulls. Was she terrible for smirking at the memory of the fight, she didn't think so, it'd certainly turned her day from utterly horrible to tolerable… before he went and brought it right back down to unpleasant.

Weiss's eyes knitted recalling his confession, sure on screen the crowds cheered him on like a hero but outside of the arena there was no shortage of criticisms towards the Arc. Her home Atlas being the most vocal about an icon and huntsman committee a crime as grievous as forgery of a governmental institute. Worse yet was that she and Blake had a certain… 'suspicion' as to the reason of the dolts sudden confession.

Which was why the two had decided to visit Argus, After each's scandal her little brother Whitley and Blake's father had suggested they take some time from their position until their photos and video had become less topical. Suggestions both had begrudgingly agreed to, given the sudden free time the two had decided to visit a certain dolt and clear some issues up. Which led the two to vacation in the largest non-capital city of Remnant.

Finally the ship boarded said cities port, before the automated voice welcomed them to the trading center between Atlas and Mistral. Both could only straighten themselves out before making their way out of their private room, the second they did noting several or so people look their way surprised. Men and women alike spoke and pointed at them. Worst yet were the younger of the crowd who looked to them with gazes of mockery or worse, lust. Surely, they'd seen the videos and pictures. At a loss for what to do the pair searched for a way out as soon as possible before a tiny voice called to them.

"Aunty Weiss! Aunt Blakey!" Turning they saw a small form tore through the crowd, he was young, the rugrat certainly being no older than 5. The tiny person rushed to them his black hair lifting and brown eyes locked with a smile that could melt an iceberg much less the heiress who upon seeing the familiar child broke into a silly grin at the adorable form. Kneeling Weiss scooped up the tiny tanned boy, making sure not to catch her sleeves on the stick hoisted to his back.

"Hi Adrian!" The boy cheered in her hug smiling for all the world to see, while Blake herself looked around for his parents but catching no hint of Saphron or Terra.

"Adrian where are your parents?" The boy looked to her tilting his head.

"Whaddya mean, my moms are at home and work."

"But then who brought you here?" The boy smiled.

"Duh, uncle did." Weiss rubbed her cheek against the lil precious.

"I'm gonna have to thank Ren when I see him, oh yes I am." Adrian giggled in his aunties hug.

"That's silly, Uncle Ren can't watch me and auntie Nora at the same time." Weiss ignored the boy content with indulging in his cuteness but Blake who'd caught on to her nephew's words eyes narrowed as she looked out for him. It was as she was looking that she saw the crowds begin to rile, from cheers of admiration to hushed profanities and everything in between. It was then he finally emerged from the crowd goofy smile in tow as he did.

Jaune Arc, scanned the room with eyes like a hunter and an intense aura around him, so much so even Blake's instincts went the slightest bit on edge. However, when he finally faced them, or more specifically his nephew his tension vanished with a wide exhale of clear relief. Soon the tower of muscle and hoodie came jogging to them.

"Adrian what have I told you about running off like that?" Said boy looked down shamed.

"I'm sorry." In response all Jaune could do was exhale not having the will to reprimand the child.

"Just don't do it again, now come on let's find your aunties Weiss and… Bla… ke." Jaune blinked as his gaze was met by the heiress's artic glare while beside her the sole Faunus of their group sent a smoldering stare of her own that made the blonde stiffen.

"Oh, um, hey guys… I, we were just coming to get you, hehe." Neither girl lowered their intensity and seeing them all Jaune could do was rub the back of his head nervously.

"So… um how have you two been?" The champion could literally feel the temperature drop.

"Right… stupid question…"

'Growl'

All eyes turned to Adrian who frowned before sending a pleading look his uncle's way.

"Uncle Jaune, I'm hungwe." Weiss tried to keep her glare, she really did but Jaune's nephews' lisp was just too cute and she had to squeal, even Blake couldn't keep the tension after his declaration. Jaune took the rare opening and struck.

"How about we catch up over some food? Theres a pretty good hotdog stand not too far from here, sound good to you lil guy." Adrian's eyes sparkled and seeing that both women could only nod. Quickly the two huntresses followed Jaune, Adrian firm in Weiss's hold like a stuffed animal lovingly won at a carnival. Some in the crowd had certainly noticed the two girls but their attention was quickly brought upon the Arc only serving to remind the two of their vexation against him. After several awkward minutes Adrian, the little saint that he was unintendedly broke the ice.

"Auntie Blake, how have you been?" The raven haired girl smiled to him amiably.

"I've been fine Adrian, a small mishap happened that made me look quite… 'friendly' but fortunately one 'very' stupi- I mean 'silly' boy became very popular and made people not pay attention as much." The glare she shot Jaune made the knight's spine tingle.

"What a coincidence, I've encountered a very similar dolt." The venom in Weiss's clip tone made him want to cry, however Adrian bless his childlish innocence pointed with the hugest grin.

"Lookie! It's the hotdawg stand!" Jaune sighed relieved again, thankful for the moment of reprieve from the twos death glares before making his way to the food stand and ordering one for him and his nephew. He asked the two but their stomachs were far from settled from the long ride. After the most tension filled walk in his life Jaune finally reached his sister's home.

"Well here we are casa de Cotta-Arcs." Weiss rolled her eyes before Blake spoke up.

"Jaune, I'm sure me and Weiss could afford a hotel for a week or two. We're hardly strapped for cash like during our in training days." Jaune deadpanned.

"Do you seriously think my sis will hear any of that, it took me forever to get Saph to accept that I was moving out."

"'hmph' Arcs, stubborn dolts every one of you." Jaune chuckled as he closed in on the happy home only to pause when he noticed something, a man stood with a rifle strapped to his back while swinging a spiked mace at the fence. Before either huntress could react Jaune stomped forward just as the man rose his mace Crocea Mors roared through the air bisecting the weapon leaving the man to hold only the handle.

Before he could even realize what was happening Jaune seized his by the throat pinning him to the wall. The man looked stunned when he found himself face to face with a very irate Jaune whose aura billowed.

"What are you doing to my sister's house…" His tone as threatening as his burning glare. The man struggle to break his grip but found no purchase. Weiss held a fuming Adrian back who even now readied to charge to his uncle's aid his white wooden sword in hand and flickering with… Aura! Fortunately, Blake rushed to aid while Weiss held the auric rugrat back.

"It's, it's all your fault…" The man finally ceased his struggling sending what was supposed to be an intimidating glare Jaune way but with his blue face it held little persuasive power. Slowly however Jaune begun to recognize the man, his skin was tamed and hair a mess, bread long since unkempt and combat gear in tatters. Through the stench of alcohol and cigarette smoke Jaune could put together a somewhat familiar face from his travels with Oscar and team RWBY.

"You're that hunter for the Argus limited?" Said man growled.

"It's Dudley! Dudley Flench you bastard!" Jaune threw the man to the ground his weapon liberated, seeing his trusty tool in the Arc's hand he snarled.

"Give it back you thief." Jaune took a deep breath recomposing himself.

"Not while your drunk and a threat to my family. If you want it back, you can head to the police station I'll leave it there." Dudley whose lungs were finally back to normal roared at the man.

"It's all your fault!" Jaune paused, willing to hear what the idiot would say.

"My job, my partner! All because of that trip, cause of you lot, no! Cause of you!" Jaune sighed.

"So you want to try to shift the blame on the faker huh?" the man rose seeing a bit more clear-headed as he didn't attempt anything on the Arc.

"It had to be your fault! Not us, not Dee, no its cause we had a fake aiding us! Yeah that has to be it." Blake's eyes narrowed while Weiss herself looked at the man like garbage Jaune however settled with only taking another breath.

"Is that all you have to say?"

"Huh?"

"I said is that all you have to say!" Jaune's roar made the man flinch and even Weiss and Blake despite how Adrian looked awestruck.

"You attacked my sister's house because of some drunken misplaced blame on your incompetence! If Saphron was here, if she, Terra or Adrian had been hurt!" Jaune sent a fist at the men's abdomen making him fall on his knees and blow up chunks before falling in his own sick.

-Argus Police Station-

The first thing Saphron had done when she'd gotten a call from Jaune to make her way to the police station. The second was to give the officer who tried to stop her from entering the room her darling little brother and son were a glare that could down a Goliath. After all nobody stood between an Arc sister and her little brother and double that for a mama Arc.

Jaune waved to her upon seeing her while Adrian rushed for her, she knew her baby brother was okay, he was a huntsman, a hero and most recently a champion. But that didn't stop her from wrapping the big goof in her hug alongside her son. She turned to the officer then her glare still artic.

"He'll be leaving with me now." The man readied to speak before the girl smiled yet the expression certainly didn't meet her eyes.

"If not you can always explain to the president of the SDC and High Leader of Menagerie why their friend is wrongfully being detained. I'm sure they would just love to hear your reasoning seeing as they've been waiting out there for hours." Jaune grew as nervous as the guard himself who nodded quickly walking his way and uncuffing him. Jaune spun his wrist before he looked to Saphron almost pleadingly.

"So… Weiss and Blake are really waiting outside for me?" Saphron looked to him with the biggest shit eating grin he'd ever seen.

"Yep."

"Do they look… upset."

"Oh, absolutely livid. They said something about having a nice long talk over dinner." His smile stiffened as he readied to deploy the puppy dog eyes despite knowing they weren't nearly as cute now that he wasn't a kid.

"Can you come with us? Please…" She smiled compassionately, he knew his sis Saphron would always have his bac-

"Not on your life."

Traitor!

"You reap what you sow, I told you you were an idiot for outing yourself like that. Sweet hearted and utterly kind but stupid all the same."

Jaune folded at his sisters words, he knew she was right, for Oum sake everyone had told him he was stupid for outing himself to draw attention away from Weiss and Blake. Well Ruby and Yang hadn't been as hard on him but that was because the two were partners to said girls. With a sigh he looked to the door actually contemplating whether he could get put in jail for real if only to avoid this. Ultimately he decided against it since he wasn't absolutely sure Weiss and Blake wouldn't just break in if he stayed any longer.

"They're gonna kill me." Saphron smiled.

"Oh silly baby bro, you lived with eight girls so you should know better. They're not gonna kill you, just make you wish you were dead. Come on Adrian lets go home, say goodbye to your uncle."

"Bye uncle Jaune!" With those final words the two were off and him left in terror, he looked to the door and composed himself. It wasn't that bad, it was just dealing with an annoyed Weiss, heck he was practically an expert after dealing with being on her bad side all throughout Beacon. With that thought he opened the door and exited and then proceeded to freeze and ponder a very serious question as the two beauties met his gaze eyes narrow and feeling fear now that he was without his adorable nephew as a buffer.

Don't move Jaune… and remember they can smell fear.


The three sat in a fancy Mistralian joint known for the sushi, hey he was against two veteran huntresses here. at least this way he could distract Blake with delicious fish and only have to face the uphill battle that would only hopefully be a verbal spar with Weiss. Speaking of currently Blake was scarfing down one piece of the delectable meal after the other, thank Oum he wasn't strapped for cash with how much she was eating. Despite Blake distraction in the form of raw fish on rice Weiss was the opposite looking even angrier more than likely knowing exactly what he was doing and very much not appreciating it. All fair in love and war, and Oum believe this was a war.

Thing remained like that for a while until finally Weiss spoke up long since fed up with this preposterous waiting game.

"Jaune, what were you thinking? He sighed supposing in a way it was a blessing Weiss was so blunt and to the point, it made it easier to be direct after all.

"Truthfully? That I should've beat Neptune and Sun worse."

"I'm being serious!"

"So am I." Weiss paused as he spoke even Blake ceased her gorging at his tone.

"I was thinking about how you must've been utterly embarrassed, how the member of Blake's own faction might look at her with more than just admiration. That's not even including the effects it would have on the SDC as a whole and White Fang." Both paused having not really thought of that but Jaune sighed.

"You two have very important positions in the world, and now that Salem is gone we might not have to worry about planned strikes on the Kingdom but the Grimm are more rabid than ever. Humanity can't afford to be at each other's throat. The SDC and White Fang needs to reform the faster the better. If my reputation has to suffer as a result, it's a small price to pay compared to what others have given…" Both girls knew who came to Jaune's mind at those words, after all her statue was erected at Argus's center.

"And beside, seeing you get mocked and slandered for expressing your love to someone you trust infuriates me." Both girls allowed a smile then to show Jaune had always been protective of their little group after Beacon. However that didn't mean they weren't pissed.

"Still do you think we enjoy seeing our friend's reputation ran through the mud, especially knowing you did so for us?" Jaune flinched at Blake's tone.

"Well, I mean…"

"Honestly did you even think how we'd feel about you swooping in and taking it all on your shoulders you dolt?" Jaune ducked his head.

"Yeah, I know, but it was the only thing I could think of." Blake folded her arms.

"So you decided without consulting those you were affecting? Jaune, it's true that what you did will help us immensely, truth be told it happened so fast a good majority of the populace is too caught up in the deemed 'faker shield' of the Seven instead of our scandal." She saw Jaune beginning to smile relieved, but she wouldn't have that and no sooner did she slam down her hand.

"And I hate that!" Both looked to the fuming Blake as she gritted her teeth.

"Seeing you mocked and ridiculed was bad enough but hearing my own men as well as residents of Menagerie join in was worse. Especially when your doing this for my people and me!" Weiss nodded.

"Those idiotic buffoons in the council speak as if your actions somehow erase or reduce your contribution to Remnant or Salem, its utterly infuriating… More so to know that speaking in your defense like the others would only serve to put me back in the spotlight working against the chance you've given us. I refuse to thank you for ruining yourself for us, for making yourself a joke to Remnant when you did as much as any of us."

Her hand traced over the spot where'd he'd healed her all those years ago, where he saved her. And here he was once again helping her out of her troubles she brought upon herself for trusting that man. Jaune looked down resolving something within his heart.

"I understand, but… I won't apologize. Not for helping my friends." Both looked to him feeling utterly frustrated by his words but nodded before Blake spoke up.

"Fine, but promise us something." Weiss took over the two having talked this very thing over while waiting outside the police station.

"That the next time you consider doing something this stupid, you'll consult us at least, give us the chance to convince you otherwise." Jaune tried to change topic but the second he did both glared.

"'gulp' Fine fine you win, I promise, Arc's word, happy now?" Both glared.

"No." Jaune sighed knowing this was going to be a long day but Blake noticed something and asked.

"I figured Neon would've come with you." Jaune sighed at his girlfriend's name being brought up, or rather…

"Well I kinda… broke up with her."

"What? Why?" Jaune sighed.

"I'll give you three guesses." Neither needed them as their eyes narrowed.

"You're an idiot." Jaune sighed.

"I mean I couldn't exactly pull her into all of this could I? She's trying to become a specialist, heck with her skills she could even be an Ace-Op like Marrow." Blake growled.

"An utter moron." Jaune winced.

"Come on guys I already got the business from Flynt for it, besides it was my choice I wasn't bring her down with me." Weiss pinched the bridge of her knows, Oum above was Jaune the definition of a self-sacrificing moron. Neon had been the one to pull Jaune out of his depression, her Nora like attitude infectious, no doubt she knew about his transcripts and didn't care. Yet here he was not willing to let her suffer a reputational plummet for his choices. Blake folded her arms as she glared at him.

"How long ago?" Jaune sighed.

"The day I confessed, made it look like I was bored with her." She wanted to strangle him, she wanted to strangle him and drag his unconscious body to Katt and force her to take back her idiot of a friend as one cat faunus to another. But it'd been a month and Neon had probably moved on. Amber eyes narrowed on him before she made up her mind and shocked them both when she lowered her head to Jaune.

"Wha-Blake."

"Shut up and let me say this, as the high leader to the White fang I thank you, because of your action I won't have to step down…" She looked up then clearly angry.

"But as your friend, somebody who's fought beside you I can't even begin to describe how angry this makes me. That you'd ruin everything you've worked so hard to achieve makes me want to hit you black and blue and the worst part is I can't think of any other way this could've been resolved with better results." Weiss took his hand then shocking him as she held it tightly the bitterest expression present on her face.

"I'll let Whitley praise your actions, Klein go on and on about what a truly nice thing you've done and Winter acknowledge the value of what you've done." Nail dig in then warranting his aura to manifest as icy blue orbs glared at him with cold fire as tears formed at her eye's corners.

"I however will do none of those things, I am proud a woman Jaune and despite the shame, the humiliation Neptune brought me it was mine to bare and resolve. I will not, cannot accept that once again you've had to save me and once more I'm incapable to expressing my gratitude, yet I cannot abide your means." Teeth gritted.

"Worse yet I was not the only one to benefit from you act, if it'd been me alone I would've gladly reentered the spotlight to pull at least some criticism from you but knowing my sister in all but blood would suffer as well was, was not something I could do." Blake saw her shake she felt the same as well.

"I've chose to let you suffer this because Blake would suffer if not, I, I can feel nothing but anger knowing that… And shame foe weighing my friends' value to me."

"Weiss I'-"

"No!" She stood making all eyes turn to her as she glared at Jaune.

"I will not hear it, that is what I did, and I will bare that, just as Blake is, and you! You will never do something that'll force us to make this cruel decision again because, because we know we'll do so and we refuse to owe you any more…" Jaune breathed out and nodded and Weiss finally calmed before sitting legs crossed.

"Now then, what is there to do in Argus, last time I'm afraid we had dreadfully little time to spend here but now we have several months." Jaune smiled, happy to see them giving him an out.

"Well, there are tons of exhibits and theatre productions." Weiss nodded before Jaune smiled Blake's way.

"And since we're a port city we got an incredible fish market with tons of seafood restaurants." Blake's ears twitched making him smile at the tell. Weiss coughed into her hand.

"Then I suppose you will be our guide." Jaune nodded.

"Sure thing, I don't have any plans outside of Adrian's training so let's show you two the best vacation ever." Both rolled their eyes but smiled before Jaunes smiled the kind of smile usually reserved only for Yang.

"Now let's have some fun, Hey a bakers dozen of beer and a bottle of red wine and some Sake!" The two wanted to complain, after all getting drunk in public was hardly a good idea especially considering their social line walking at the moment but honestly a drink did sound good.


"'hic' Neptune you biitttccch!" Weiss cried out for the world to hear, currently said girl was being piggy backed by Jaune her outfit in a bag covered in vomit and his hoodie over her only letting a small bit of her pale thighs show. Who'd thought she was such a light weight, it'd only taken a glass of wine to make her wobbly but stubborn as she was Weiss wouldn't quit, didn't help that drunk she apparently just doubled down on her bullheadedness.

"That dumb blue haired prick! 'hic' I shud'vu jus let sistar kidnap him like she wanted to… But nooo! I hadda bee all I stwill luv him. 'spit' Fuckin stupid!" Jaune was trying really hard not to laugh Weiss was utterly adorable like this, if Yang was here she'd have a field day. He looked left catching sight of Blake who stayed beside him using the blonde as support every once in a while, to stand straight. She was holding her alcohol better then Weiss did.

"You good Blake?" She rolled her eyes, her head seemingly moving with the action.

"I haven't vomited have I?" Jaune chuckled.

"Yeah guess not, you hold your booze better than I thought." She chuckled shaking her head.

"Coming from you that sounds sarcastic, you had much more and look right as rain." Jaune shrugged.

"Blame it on Aura amplification, helps my kidneys out like hell."

"Pay Attention To Me Jaune!" Weiss shook him from behind nearly making the blonde fall over as the former heiress threw a fit.

"Whoa! Okay Weiss I'm paying attention, hey! Ow! What the heck stop pulling my hair!" Weiss ignored him though as she glared tears in her eye's corners.

"Stop calling me that!"

"Ow! Calling you what Weiss!? Seriously stop it!"

"That! My name! Stop it! You know what I wanna hear!"

"I don't! Oum above woman let go before you pull it out! Bald is not a good look for me!"

"You do know! You're the one who came up with that insufferably sweet nickname you moron! Now call me it or I'll-"

"Okay Snow Angel! There! You happy!? Please say your happy!" Said girls only response was letting go of his hair and showing off the toothiest smile she could before she giggled like a school girl, Blake watched in pure fascination at the twos display a smalls smile showing as she pulled out her scroll to record and show Yang.

"Jwane! Tell me I pretty…"

"Your pretty Weis- Snow Angel."

"Heheh, how pretty am I?" Jaune shrugged.

"Pretty enough to be called Snow Angel I guess." She pouted grabbing his hair between her fingers in a threat.

"Uh, P-pretty, yeah, super pretty, the prettiest in the town!" Weiss smiled before leaning back into him nuzzling the back of his head.

"This is so weird… If I was 17 again and she didn't smell like throw up I'd be on cloud nine." Blake smiled.

"I don't know, you were crushing on her pretty bad in Beacon, frankly I think you would've been dancing like an idiot right now in joy throw up or not." Jaunes ducked his head but nodded.

"Yeah, probably…"

"'pfft' Beacon, I was swuch a stwipid lil bitch! I was so Mean! To Rwuby and tits…"

"You mean Yang?"

"Tits! And you Juan…"

"Jaune…"

"Thas what I said, Juan, Juan Arc." Jaune sighed giving it up while Weiss begun to play with her hair.

"You were sho niss two me… An all I did was make fun of you… But then 'he' showed up, Fucking Neptune! That handsome, sexy, smart man! Well Ha! Guess what, now Juan handsomer, sexier, smarter then him! So mean me can go fuck herself!" Jaune really couldn't help but smile.

"I'm sexy?"

"Tons! Stronger to! And reliable, and sweet and utterly insufferably nice! And you smell niss to!" As if to exemplify her words she nuzzled against Jaune again taking a big wiff before blanching.

"Eww, you smell like throw up and booze!"

"That's you, well the throw up part."

"Lies, lies and slander! Everyone knows it's you Vomitboy, cause you're a Vomitboy, isn't that right Blakey?" Said girl rose a brow, Blakey? Really, regardless she smirked.

"You are the one holding a bag of vomited clothes."

"Weiss's clothes!"

"You have no proof."

"They are literally your clothes!" Blake smiled.

"Speculation at best." Jaune groaned.

"Fine you win, their mine I'm the one who smells." Weiss giggled before looking to Blake.

"We got him." Blake smiled while Jaune groaned before Weiss leaned in feeling his back, all the muscles along it, the heat he gave off, it was a whisper, one she'd never meant to give voice to even as drunk as she was.

"I should've picked you." He breathed choosing to ignore it as the drunk prattling's of a friend, when he'd reached his sister's house he pulled out his keys slowly and quietly guiding said heiress to the guest room. She'd passed out, and he had to admit, even as much of a complete wreck as she was right now she was still fetching. Gently he laid her down on her bed and she curled up even as he tucked her in. He couldn't help but smirk when he saw said Snow Angel bringing his hoodie up close seeming to snuggle into the old fabric. He looked over finding Blake grabbing up a small bag before making way to it, waiting for him at the door earning a raise of his brow, she shrugged.

"Heightened senses, I won't be able to sleep with Weiss smelling like a trashcan." Jaunes shrugged.

"You can take Saph's couch?" She shook her head.

"Wouldn't want to set a bad example for Adrian, mind if I come over to your place?" He shrugged.

"Knock yourself out, one sec though." Raising his palm light begun to flood the former heiress her aura at work alleviating most of her condition, at worst she'd have a light headache now. With a nod he turned and no sooner were the two off. Blake followed just alongside the blonde knight the two sharing stories over the last few months.

Her complaints over subordinates, the difficulty of dealing with Atlas and Mistral politics and so forth. Finally, though her condition caught up with her as she stumbled and begun to fall only for a hand to grip her by the bicep. Looking up she found Jaune smirking seeming just a tad to smug for her liking.

"Never thought I'd see the day you'd lose your footing. Good thing I was here huh?" She snorted rolling her eyes for extra emphasis.

"My hero." Quickly he brought her close putting an arm around her to right the drunk cat who deadpanned towards him.

"I'm fine."

"Indulge me." She huffed before noting an odd but very familiar warmth enveloping her.

"Really, your semblance can heal hangovers now too?"

"Alleviate, Neon loved to party and I could only see my little party animal in pain so much before I tried it." Blake smiled at the thought even to today the pair had come out of nowhere, truthfully they'd had a pool going on how long they'd last, who'd be the one to break it off and why. But the two had beaten the odds, something each of them had been very happy about, nobody wanted to be right after all… well maybe Weiss had but she'd been with Neptune. Speaking of Weiss's ex made her recall her own and by extension how they'd made them break up. Ears flattened.

"Do you miss her?"

"Of course I miss my kitten… 'sigh' But I made my choice and I have to live with it, it's not yours of Snow Angel's faults." Blake looked away of course he'd notice, she then looked back to him with a smirk.

"Snow Angel?" He shrugged.

"It's a nickname, nothing major and beside she told me to."

"And if she was suddenly to want to date you?" Jaune shook his head a rye smile on his face.

"Come on, this is Weiss we're talking about, she has standards." Blake felt a twitch.

"Dense as ever I see."

"Huh?"

"Never mind, but… don't think so little of yourself, you've always done that." She leaned in against him.

"You're a hero, the champion of Mistral and the strongest Huntsman in remnant."

"I think I'm the weakest of our group besides Ren."

"'Huntsman', huntresses are an entirely different matter." He chuckled but didn't deny it so she went on.

"You have more talents then most teams I know due to your sisters and that's not counting your semblance. Oum knows how often Neon would brag about you." Said girl would leave Weiss absolutely fuming, after all Jaune was a cook, a masseur and did more romantic gestures in a week then most guys did in a year. She could feel the muscles in his arms, they were plenty nice to feel and she was sure underneath his shirt abs that could rival Sun's were beneath.

She paused then looking the blonde over exceptionally well, he was attractive, she knew that but this was the first time she'd ever really given it thought. Peculiar really, why hadn't she noticed before, probably had something to do with the fact that every person she'd been with had chased after her. Huh? That was much truer than she thought now that she considered it. Adam, Yang, Illia and Sun… Really Blondes seemed to gravitate towards her heck even blue eyes liked her otherwise why else would Weiss have been so lenient with her despite being a former member of her family's greatest threat. Which left the odd one out in Jaune.

Somehow that made it rather… 'novel' to her, it meant all he'd done was what he would for anyone. She'd seen what he'd do for girls he liked from how he treated Weiss back in Beacon. And heard plenty from her fellow cat faunus Neon, even some things perhaps a bit to private that'd left them all red faced. Finally, the home came into view and when she saw it only one emotion hit the Belladonna, anger.

Plastered all over the home was graffiti of every make. From common profanities to threats, his windows were shattered and more than one area showing chipped wood where bricks and stones had hit. She heard Jaune sigh.

"Gonna haffta replace the windows again and there goes my Sunday with the paint job… at least they're starting to get bored." She looked at him not pleased in the slightest with how casually he was looking the disaster over like it was an everyday occurrence then it registered, perhaps it was. That… would be something she'd and Weiss would certainly see rectified, after all Jaune wasn't the only one protective of his friends.

Letting her inside she found the interior quite sparse but not unpleasant, say what you want about boys and messes but having seven sisters had certainly had a profound effect on the blonde. The house was clean and tidy, a bookshelf filled with comics and a few books. Despite all the cleaning she smelt fish and was sure he had some in the refrigerator prepped and ready for cooking, not surprising since she and Neon had similar taste.

"Well you go ahead and take the bedroom, feel free to use the shower." She nodded making her way through the small house catching sight of the guest room completely empty. She supposed he wasn't quite use to visitors yet. Entering his room she caught the familiar scent of their goofy blonde. It was a distinct odor, a pleasant odor one she'd grown as accustomed to as her own team. She could also detect the lingering scent of the watered down perfume Neon loved, heck there was even some glitter in the carpet from said girl.

She couldn't help but feel a bit guilty for it, that said girl was no longer here, leaving her friend in his home alone at a time like this. Neon hadn't talked to them in a while and now her and Weiss knew exactly why, opening the door to the bathroom she put done her bag grabbing out her kimono and looking for a dry towel finding only the one hanging over the curtain to be usable. Deciding not to make a huge deal of it she step in letting the hot water calm her, she found a myriad of shampoos and conditioners there.

It was novel if not a bit lonely to not have a partner in there with her, she'd grown accustomed to having a warm body beside her. The shower had been rather quick before she grabbed the towel and begun to dry herself only then picking up Jaune's sent in it. She didn't mind his scent much, it wasn't like it was unpleasant, in fact she quite enjoyed his scent. It had been a month without real intimacy when before Sun could hardly keep off her.

She thought about Jaune then as his scent sunk in, he was strong, nice and certainly appealing, she trusted him, only her team more so. She could only imagine how Jaunes felt about the situation too, him and Katt had only been together for a year now, surely they'd been intimate plenty. She wondered if he was feeling frustrated as well. Of course, he was, his situation had been worse after all.

She opened the door to the bathroom finding Jaune there digging through his closet pulling out some shorts and underwear, thank Oum he'd outgrown that ridiculous hoodie. Jaune looked to her with a smiled.

"Mind if I go in." She nodded moving aside, he smiled being a bit too comfortable around her after years of travel he pulled off his top as he passed her. He stopped though when a hand fell on his chest, her hand. He turned curious for all of a second as she stepped closer. Amber eyes looked up meeting his, her ears stood up as her hand trailed down his exposed chest, his skin warm to the touch and firm.

The smell coming off him was so much stronger than the towel, she briefly considered whether she'd mind being covered in it. a shy tongue peeked out licking over her lips as she closed in Jaune visibly tensing at her lingering fingers. Another step and her leg peeked from the kimono's cut, the pale flesh pressing between his legs before finding something nice and hard.

Her lips rose at the revelation he was rather backed up to, she'd imagine him and Neon must have been very affectionate if a month could make him so 'eager'. Though that would be the pot calling out the kettle now wouldn't it?

"Blake…" Her leg pressed up against him, they were both adults, single and wanting after all and she did have a thing for blue eyes and blondes and if Yang had been any indication nothing against humans. It would just be sex, casual? Perhaps? After all they could both use a break, some… stress relief. She leaned in shifting in just the right way to open her robe revealing the soft pale skin of her collar as the left side fell off leaving a delicate shoulder exposed.

She heard Jaune swallow, felt his heartbeat thumping oh so much louder against her palm, hearing him breath deeper.

"Blake you should stop this…" She smiled seeing the opening in his words.

"Why haven't you?" She leaned closer, her breath along his neck, his scent filling her.

"Your drunk…"

"I'm tipsy at best." She leaned in then and traced her tongue along his neck he froze at the abrupt action. Hands rose to her, palms hovering over her waist as he exhaled. His breath smelled like fish, salmon to be specific with a hint of alcohol, to anyone else it would be repulsive, but to her it was delectable. Her other hand pressed against the left pec while her other traced the right.

Palms rose, slowly wrapping around his neck as she rose on her tip toes guiding his face down to hers, her amber orbs hypnotic and faint smile to enticing. Her ears flicked at the sound of his teeth gritting, his palms shaking a hair length away from settling on her hips. He leaned in, his breath against her lips as much as hers was on his.

"Just a night Jaune, just give." Her tongue licked her lips as she leaned in, inches away from her prize.

"Let's forget them…" That as it turned out was the wrong choice in words as Neon came to mind and he hissed back a resistant breath before taking her by the shoulders and pulled her in a hug.

"Can't… Not now, we're drunk, I'm drunk." She tensed at being denied but his tone was pleading, begging her not to push in fear that he'd give and she wanted to do just that.

"Even a one night stand, even a mistake, I'd rather be sober and not risk our bond over a want." She breathed out her nose, he'd resisted, probably the only hot blooded one in their group who would.

"Fine… So, if I wasn't drunk, if you were sober?" She could see the suspicion in his eyes before he spoke.

"Yes." She smiled at his word but he spoke up again his eyes narrowed.

"You're not Katt." She smiled, of course she wasn't just because they were both cat fau-

"And I'm not Sun." Her smile disappeared before she recalled it, she'd been comparing him this whole time, trying to find every difference ignoring each similarity. He knew that she was sure, because he was probably doing the same of course his drunk mind was. Which was why he stopped himself, he wouldn't use her, anyone. Her smile grew.

"Fine." He exhaled relieved, open to an ambush as she pounced, her semblance triggering liberating her from his hold and launching her into him, lips pressing to his as arms pulled him in, parting the shocked knight's teeth was easy. Finding his was easier and guiding it out was child's play. She sucked his tongue before pressing back in and reengaging his mouth. Confused limbs followed instinct holding her close only for her to vanish once more appearing before him but just out of reach with a smile on her face as she turned.

"Come too bed once you're done, if you don't I'll let you rest." She didn't bother closing the door as she walked to bed an extra sway to her hips, she felt a thrill knowing his eyes were on her if only she had a tail to sway and draw his attention even more so like she was sure Neon had. But she didn't need the gimmick, he'd come to bed and if not, well… he'd be the only person she'd known who'd deny her and that was quite intriguing, and everyone knew just how curious a cat could be.