Jaune and Courage the Cowardly Dog
Chap 97: Mother's Day
'What's wrong, Jaune?' Courage asked when he noticed my melancholy and anxious look. We were currently watching a movie about a group of armed forces facing off against enemies created from failed experiments, and soldiers can only see them in a different spectrum and are only harmed/affected when soldiers shoot them with metal shavings.
"It's Mother's Day." I answered, trying to keep myself calm.
'Oh, right. Sorry.' Courage said, wincing. But he then took in a deep breath before turning to face me. 'How was Mother's Day with your birth family?'
"Terrible. Well, from the few, I was actually allowed to celebrate with my birth family. Every other time they left me behind or forced me to do some borderline cruel/abusive task."
'Maybe, since it's Mother's Day, you can spend the day with Muriel. She is your mom now, after all.'
"I want to; I just need to find a way to get rid of Eustace for a day, so he doesn't ruin it." But as if Oum was listening to my prayers, he sent a way to get rid of Eustace for the day.
"Eustace, it's Mother's Day; you have to go see your mom." We heard Muriel tell Eustace in the kitchen.
'Here's your chance.'
"Then you're coming with me." Eustace demanded.
"Oh, no, I'm not going to see that woman." Muriel said.
"Well, I ain't going if somebody doesn't come with me."
"So why not take, Courage?"
'OOOOHHHHH!' Courage screamed, panicking as he didn't want to see Ma Bagge either. Honestly, aside from Eustace on occasion, nobody wants to spend time with that cruel woman.
"I DON'T WANT TO TAKE THAT DOG!" Eustace shouted.
'YES!' Courage cheered as he beat on a drum, played the horn, and threw confetti around the room.
"Well, alright. I'll take him." Eustace said, causing Courage to deflate.
'Oh.' Courage whined as Muriel and Eustace entered the living room.
"You're better than nobody." Eustace said while putting Courage's leash on him.
'Too... tight. Don't... go.' Courage choked out before biting Eustace's chair in an attempt not to go with them to see Ma Bagge.
"Now, are you sure you have all the presents?" Muriel asked.
"Yeah, I got them." Eustace said, motioning to the flowers, mirror, and chocolates.
"And be polite, take your hat off in the house, and give your mommy my regards."
"Are you sure you don't want to go?" Eustace asked, clearly not wanting to spend time with his mother. But the only answer he got was Muriel was raising an eyebrow while giving him a deadpan look.
"Be off with you now; I have a busy day today." Muriel said, shooing them before walking to sit next to me on the couch.
"Ugh. Fine." Eustace said before exiting the house.
'See you later today, Jaune.' Courage said before choking on the leash and Eustace dragging him out of the house.
"So, dear. Any plans for today?" Muriel asked, smiling.
"I was thinking that maybe we can go watch a movie together." I nervously answered.
"That would be a lovely way to spend Mother's Day together." She said, smiling before becoming serious. "But I have to ask, what was Mother's Day like with your birth family?"
"Not very good."
"That won't do. How about we spend the entire day together instead of just watching a movie?"
"I would like that."
"Lovely. Now, why don't you check the times for movies while I get ready." She said before getting up and heading to her room.
Taking out my scroll, I began to look up the movies that would be playing in nearby theaters. Unfortunately, most theaters were either sold out or were playing movies that didn't seem right for today. Thankfully, I found what seemed like an interesting but appropriate movie to watch after a couple more minutes of scrolling. However, the only showing remaining wouldn't start for another few hours.
'I wonder what we can do in the meantime.' I wondered as I put away my scroll and grabbed my wallet.
"Did you pick out a movie, Jaune?" Muriel asked, coming down the stairs with her purse.
"Yes, it's called Stepmom. But it doesn't start playing for another few hours."
"What do you want to do in the meantime?"
"Me. But, this is supposed to be your day."
"That doesn't mean we can't do things we both want."
"Okay. How about we go out and get something to eat."
"Where would you like to go?"
"We can go to Charlie's diner, and I can make us both a meal."
"That sounds lovely. But don't you need to be working to enter the kitchen?"
"Usually, yes. But Charlie allows me to go in and cook meals whenever I want within reason."
"In that case, let's get going." Muriel said, smiling as we exited the house. Usually, whenever we would head into town, we would use Eustace's truck or wait for the bus. Thankfully, I had the foresight to call for a taxi to come and take us to Nowhere town. Getting in the cab, I told the driver to take us to the industrial side of Nowhere, where Charlie's Diner is located.
"Are you excited, Jaune?" Muriel asked. "Your wedding is coming up after all."
"I am. A little nervous but still."
"Don't be. Everything will be fine." Muriel said. And for some reason, her words took a lot of stress and anxiety off my shoulders.
'Hopefully. I just hope none of my faults show up on the day of the wedding.'
Half an Hour Later
"Hey, kid. I wasn't expecting to see you here today." Charlie said as mom and I entered the diner.
"I wanted to treat my mom to a nice meal." I explained, causing Charlie to smile.
"Alright, then. What would you like to have?"
"Actually, Charlie, would you mind if I go in and make the meal myself?" I asked.
"Of course, kid. Go on ahead." He said
"Thanks."
"Come. I'll show you to your table." Charlie said, turning to Muriel.
"Thank you." Muriel said before following him.
Heading into the kitchen, I noticed that there were the usual six other employees Charlie hired working. And while at first, they were surprised to see me, they quickly accepted it as they knew me and that I often came here even when I didn't have a shift. I grabbed my apron and washed my hands before heading to my station.
"Okay. Let's see. What should I make?" I wondered as I grabbed a few ingredients. Despite what most would think and located in the middle of Nowhere, Charlie's Diner had a massive assortment of ingredients to work with to make almost any dish.
"What you making, Jaune?" Ash, a fellow worker, asked as he walked up next to me.
"Hey, Ash. Just trying to figure out what I can make for mom." I answered.
"Well, she's Scottish, right?"
"Right."
"Why not make some Scottish food?"
"Good idea. Thanks."
"No problem."
Going around the kitchen, I grabbed all the supplies I would need to make Muriel her special breakfast. While I didn't know many Scottish dishes, I knew a few recipes. Once I had everything I needed, I began making Muriel a Full Scottish Breakfast, which included square lorne and link sausages, fried egg, streaky bacon, baked beans, haggis, tattie scones, fried tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast. However, I replaced the square sausage and streaky bacon with some Neeps and Tatties. I also substituted the baked beans with Tattie Scones. And before I forgot, I boiled some water to make some Mango Pear White Tea.
'I should make some desserts for the end of the day.' I thought as I grabbed the ingredients to make Scottish Cranachan.
"Are you going to put vinegar in her food?" Ash asked, standing next to me.
"Yes, but only a little, as that's all that is needed." I answered, remembering all the times Muriel put about a few cups of vinegar into her food.
"Does she really put vinegar in everything?"
"Yes. Even when Muriel makes her famous dog food, she adds vinegar." I answered with Ash's eyes going wide. He then chuckled before leaving to finish his orders.
After about another twenty minutes, I finished making Muriel's breakfast. I then grabbed a serving tray and placed Muriel and my food on it. But before picking it up, I grabbed the Cranachan and put them in the fridge until we came back for them later. Walking back to the counter, I grabbed the tray, exited the kitchen, and went over to Muriel, where she was patiently waiting for me.
"Happy Mother's Day, mom." I said as I paced her food in front of her.
"Oh, my, Jaune. This looks and smells heavenly." She said as she took a whiff. "Oh. You even made my favorite. Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, and Tattie Scones."
"I hope you like it." I nervously said as I placed my food on the table. I then placed the tray to the side before sitting down and eating.
"It's delicious, Jaune. Thank you." Muriel said before taking a sip of her tea. "I should teach you other Scottish recipes to make for your soon-to-be wife, Iris."
"That would be nice. Plus, it would allow us to spend more mother and son time together." I stuttered as before today; those words were foreign to me for the most part. Shaking my head to stop unpleasant memories from surfacing, I focused back on my food. But before I could take a single bite, A voice caught my attention.
"Hey, Jaune." Looking up, I smiled when I saw Ruby and her mother, Summer, walking over to us.
"Hey, guys." I said, smiling.
"Hello." Muriel said, also smiling.
"I see you two are having a great time." Summer said, smiling. Yet, her eyes held a certain warmth. A warmth that only appeared when one was happy seeing another finally finding something that was missing from their lives.
'Ruby must have told Summer how my birth family treated me.' I surmised.
"We most certainly are. Jaune even made me this lovely breakfast." Muriel said before taking a bite out of the haggis.
"Wow. Talk about a feast." Ruby said, surprised at the amount of food.
"It's called a Full Scottish Breakfast. Although, I did replace two items with Neeps and Tatties and Tattie Scones."
"How long does it take you to make this?" Summer asked, curious.
"About twenty minutes."
"Can you teach us how to make them another time?" Ruby asked, close to drooling at the smell.
"Yes, another time." I answered, chuckling.
"Come on, Ruby. Let's leave them alone so they can enjoy their time together." Summer said, snapping Ruby out of her trance.
"Right. See you later, Jaune." Ruby said, dashing to find an open table.
"I'm glad you made so many genuine friends, Jaune." Muriel said, smiling.
"I'm glad too." I said, smiling as all the happy memories surfaced in my mind. Honestly, I'm not sure if I couldn't have gotten this far without them. But, I am thankful that I have met them nonetheless.
One and a Half Hours Later
"Alright. Thanks again for letting me cook for my mom again, Charlie." I said as I paid the bill.
"No problem, kid. Now enjoy the rest of your day." He said before going over to Ruby and Summer.
"Where to now, Jaune?" Muriel asked as we left the diner. Taking out my scroll, I saw it was five from three, meaning we had about an hour to get to the theater before our movie started.
"It's about to be three, and the movie starts at four, so we have some time before we have to go there."
"Since we have the time, perhaps we can go to this book store that recently opened. There are some lovely books I saw."
"Alright. Let's go." I said as we changed direction.
Ten Minutes Later
"Here we are." Muriel said as we reached the book store.
"Nowhere's Oasis." I said, reading the store's name. "That's an interesting name."
"Oh, how exciting." Smiling, we entered the store and were amazed at the sheer size of the store and the numerous books it had.
"Are you looking for any particular books?" I asked.
"Some story books and music books for different ways to play the sitar."
"Okay. I'll let you know if I spot any." I said as I walked down the aisles, checking for any signs of where I could find those books.
However, I stopped searching when I spotted some books I could use and one that Muriel might like. For Muriel, the book was about the history of quilting and knitting. The second book was for both of us, and it was about exotic meals, with an entire section about Scottish cooking. The third book was about knitting and quilting. While I knew how to do both, thanks to Muriel teaching me, the book would more or less be for me to have a refresher on hand. Plus, I was planning on making Iris some sweaters and blankets, and this book seemed to have some excellent ideas. But the final book I spotted was something that caused self-doubt to rise in me.
It was a book about parenting.
'Will I be good enough?' I wondered as I picked up the book and went through some chapters. It seemed to be a decent book with lots of helpful information. But as I continued to look through it, I wondered if I should leave it or take it with me. Yet, before I could debate it, I nearly jumped out of my skin when a familiar voice spoke next to me.
"Hey, Jaune." Calming down, I turned around and spotted Blake with a smirk.
"Oh, hey, Blake." I said, catching my breath. Miraculously, I managed to keep the books in my hands. "What are you doing here?"
"Spending the day with her mother." Kali said, coming up from behind Blake and wrapping her arms around her. "Hello, Jaune."
"Hello, Mrs. Belladonna."
"What are you doing here?"
"Muriel and I are spending the day together. We planned on going to the theaters after lunch, but since we still had some time to spare, we decided to come here."
"Oh, it's nice that you are spending time with your mom." Kali said, smiling.
"Though, I am curious as to why you picked up a book about parenting?" Blake asked, taking the book from me before I could stop her. And knowing she wouldn't let me go without an answer, I took a deep breath and decided to tell her.
"Well, Iris and I recently talked about our future after marriage. And after steeling myself, I managed to bring up the subject of kids."
"Oh, that's great." Kali interjected.
"What did she say?" Blake asked.
"She wants to have some too, but not right now."
"Makes sense not wanting kids now. And that does explain why you picked up the book."
"Actually, that's not the main reason why I picked up the book."
"Then what's the reason?"
"I'm not sure if I'm good enough to be a parent. I mean, I never had someone to look up to as a father. My birth father constantly shamed, never listened to, and refused to even be near me, especially in public. The same can be said for my birth mother. I wasn't even allowed to call them my parents, only their last names. Honestly, Muriel is the only one I can say is my parent and someone to look up to."
"What about Eustace?" Blake asked.
We all chuckled at this as we knew the answer.
"But anyway, don't worry, Jaune. No one is truly prepared for the momentous task of raising children. Besides, you would make a great father from what Blake told me and what I overheard from the others. Not to mention, you won't be going through it alone as Iris will be by your side." Kali assured me before gaining a mischievous smirk. She then pinched Blake's cheek. "Not to mention, did you think raising this smut-loving kitten was easy? It took me a whole month to coax her away from her book."
"MOM!" Blake shouted, embarrassed.
"Thanks." I said, slightly surer of myself.
But the self-doubt was still there.
"Anyway. Thanks for the advice, and it was nice to see you two again. But I have to head back to mom as it's almost time for us to leave." I said, grabbing the book from Blake.
"Okay. See you and Jaune and say hello to Muriel for us." Kali said, letting go of Blake.
"Wait, Jaune." Blake said, getting my attention.
"Yes."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"Can I use you and Iris and your love story as story material for my Ninjas of Love fanfiction story?"
Twenty Minutes Later
'Damn it, Blake.' I thought, blushing a bit as I was not at all ready for her questions/requests. At first, they seemed normal, albeit a bit weird, but soon turned raunchy. Very raunchy. Thankfully, Kali had my back and pulled her daughter away. Although, there was a silver lining that moment as I found the books Muriel wanted.
"The man was so nice." Muriel said as we exited the book store and headed to the theater. Luckily, it wasn't that far. "And it was nice to see more of your friends."
"Yeah, it's always nice to see them." I agreed while mentally commenting that it would have been better if Blake hadn't asked me those questions.
"What movie did you pick for us again, dear?"
"It's called Stepmom."
"What's it about?"
"It's about a mother and stepmother as they overcome all the obstacles that come with blended family life."
"Sounds intriguing."
"Oh, before I forget." I said, reaching into the bag and pulling out the book about exotic cooking. "I got you this book. Maybe the next time we have time, we can cook some of the recipes in the book. Happy Mother's Day."
"Thank you, Jaune." Muriel said, taking the book and placing it in her bag. She then pulled me into a tight embrace.
"You're welcome." I said as we let go.
Five Minutes Later
"Okay. I have the tickets." I said, walking over to Muriel as she waited in line to buy some popcorn and drinks.
"Grand. But what size should we get, and should we get a combo order?"
"I'd say avoid the combo orders at all costs and simply order your items separately." A voice said from behind us. Turning around, we were surprised to see Winter, Weiss, Whitley, and Willow walking toward us.
"Hey, guys. What are you all doing here?" I asked, curious.
"Celebrating Mother's Day Jaune." Wiess answered.
"But why in Nowhere?" I asked, suddenly remembering that I forgot to ask Ruby and Summer the same thing.
"To have a different scenery and not be restricted to the social and class restriction that exists in Atlas." Willow answered.
"Plus, we heard there were some excellent movies playing here." Whitley added.
"Speaking of which, what movie are you two watching?" Weiss asked.
"A movie called Stepmom." Muriel answered before walking up to the counter when the cashier called out for the next person in line.
"I heard that's a nice movie."
"What movie are you all watching?" I asked.
"Yes, Day. And before you say anything, we know what it is about; we simply wanted to watch something different than usual." Winter answered. "Plus, we could use a little chaos and excitement as opposed to the mundane life in Atlas."
"Makes sense."
"Ready, Jaune?" Muriel asked.
"Yes." I answered, taking some of the items from her. I then turned back to Winter, Weiss, Whitley, and Willow. "Nice to see you guys. Have a good day."
"Same to you, Jaune." They said before leaving for their room.
"Where is our movie playing?" Muriel asked.
"Theater eight." I answered as we turned right at the end of the hallway and saw our room was closer than expected. Giving our tickets to the ticket guy, we entered the room and headed toward our seats. Typically, I would spring for the seats in the middle, but I got us the VIP seats this time. After all, Muriel deserved it and so much more. Luckily, there weren't too many people, and the movie started a few moments after we sat down.
Three Hours Later
"It is a lovely sunset." Muriel said as we watched the sunset. We were currently at Nowhere pier, watching the sun slowly set. After the movie finished, we decided to go to the dock to enjoy the remnants of today. "And these Scottish Cranachan are delightful."
"I'm glad you like them." I said, finishing mine. Usually, the dessert has whiskey in it, but I substituted it with some tea.
"And I'm glad we got to spend the day together. We haven't really managed to do so due to everything that's been happening." Muriel said, wrapping her arm around me and pulling me close.
"It is nice." I agreed, relishing in the warmth of the motherly hug she was giving me. Before meeting her, I never knew a mother's warm touch. And now, every time we hug, I relish it.
"Your big day is coming up soon, Jaune. Your life is going to change forever." Muriel said.
"I know."
"And I know you have lots of things going through your mind. Just know that no matter what happens, Courage and I will be there for you."
"Thanks, mom." I said, fighting through a yawn.
"You're welcome, my son." She said, smiling. I would have said something but couldn't as I had fallen asleep. Her warm touch, the joyous day, and the beautiful sunset had lulled me to a peaceful sleep.
Third Person Point of View
"Sleep peacefully, Jaune." Muriel said as the sun had finally set.
Adjusting her grip, she carefully stood up while picking up Jaune. And once they were on her feet, she lifted Jaune into her arms before heading to the street, where she hailed a taxi. Luckily, one was passing by at the moment and saw her.
"Middle of Nowhere, please." Muriel said, opening the door and placing Jaune on the back seat before getting into the passenger seat herself.
"I take it that's your son?" The driver asked.
"He is."
"Very well." The driver said before pulling back onto the road.
Half an Hour Later
"Thank you." Muriel whispered to the driver as she picked up Jaune and closed the door.
"You're welcome." The driver said before driving off.
Smiling, Muriel walked to the house and noticed that Eustace and Courage had yet to return. Not letting this worry her, as she trusted them, she unlocked the front door before opening it. Muriel then went upstairs and entered her son's room.
"Good night, Jaune." Muriel said as she laid her son on his bed before tucking him in for the night. "You know, I am very proud of what you have become and how much you have grown since I've taken you into the family. I always wanted a son, so thank you for fulfilling my wish."
Leaning down, she kissed Jaune's head before exiting the room and heading to the living room. She didn't feel tired yet and wanted to wait for the others to arrive before going to bed herself. Sitting on the couch, Muriel decided to pass the time by watching television. But half an hour later, she heard someone knocking on the door.
"Come in." She said with the door opening a second later. "Oh, hello, Iris. I wasn't expecting to see you at this hour."
"I wanted to surprise Jaune when he wakes up in the morning." She explained.
"Oh, you two make a lovely couple." Muriel said before gaining a serious look. "Listen, dear. I need you to do me a favor."
"What is it?"
"As you know, Jaune had had a pretty rough life before I took him in. I just want to know if you're going to help him through everything and help him replace the bad memories with good ones."
"He did have a pretty rough life." Iris said, looking up the stairs. But she then gained a determined look and turned to face Muriel. "But don't worry. I will be by his side for the rest of our lives and give him the life he deserves."
"Thank you, dearie. You can go up now."
"Thanks. And good night, Muriel." Iris said before walking up the stairs.
"They make such a lovely couple, and I just know they will make each other very happy." Muriel said, smiling. While life is filled with uncertainties, she is sure about one thing.
And that was she proud of her son and what he has become. And she knew he would make Iris, his future wife, very happy. Although, she did hope she would live long enough to see her grandchildren.
Notes:
Next Chapters: (1) Perfect with Glynda, Winter, Team Jnpr, and Team Rwby. (2) Remembrance of Courage's Past with Team Rwby, Team Jnpr, Cinder, and Iris. (3) Wedding Chapter with everyone appearing. And a 'surprise' visit from Ironwood, Ozpin, and the Arc Family. (4) Epilogue.
For the wedding chapter, should the God of Darkness and God of Light appear, or no?