Missing In Action

Chapter 8

"You're nervous," Saphron observed. "Why?"

Cinder let out a small huff as she turned her attention away from the mirror. "This is new for me. I have never done anything like this before."

"Neither has Jaune. This is uncharted territory for both of you. Now sit still so I can do your hair."

Cinder let out another huff, looking back to the mirror. She hadn't seen the point in dressing up and getting her hair done, but Saphron and Jillian had insisted on it, and that had been that. So here she was, sitting in Saphron's room, staring into a mirror while Saphron did her hair, whatever that meant.

"So," Saphron began, no doubt doing her best to break the awkward silence that had settled over them, "did Jaune say where he was taking you?"

"No," Cinder replied. "I told him to pick since I wouldn't know what was good. Truthfully, I don't really care what it is, so long as I'm with him. I'm not picky, in any case; couldn't afford to be, with the way I was raised."

Saphron snickered. "Yeah, I'll bet. Anything's gotta be better than eating what came out of those military rations. I can already tell you're putting on a little weight from living with us."

She gently pinched Cinder's side, and Cinder was quick to bat her hand away and glare at her. "That is all your mother's fault. If her cooking wasn't so good, I wouldn't have to eat it."

"And?"

"...And, admittedly, I have been neglecting my exercise regimen. But now that I am fully healed, I should be able to get back to that. I do not like feeling out-of-shape."

Saphron rolled her eyes. "Out-of-shape, she says… Cinder, you're still ripped by our standards. The only one who even comes close is my dad, and he works out every day in the morning." She shook her head.

"Regardless-"

"If this is about Jaune, then don't worry, he's not that shallow. He'll like you no matter what."

Cinder paused. "...That easy to tell, is it?"

"Oh, yes." Saphron barked out a quick laugh, then patted her on the shoulder. "You're all set now. Take a look."

Cinder chanced another look into the mirror, and found her breath taken away. She didn't just look different; for the first time in her life, she looked beautiful, and she wasn't ashamed to admit it. Jillian had loaned her an absolutely stunning dress – according to her, it was actually the same dress she'd worn on the date Miles had proposed to her on, and Cinder honestly didn't know how to feel about that. Saphron had done the rest, giving her a light dusting of makeup, just enough to make her features really pop, and finally tying her hair back in what she had called a low ponytail and arranging it so her hair came over her right shoulder.

"How's it look?" Saphron asked. "And you can be honest, too – I won't bite."

"I… I didn't think I could look this good," Cinder admitted.

"Aw, you always look good! Granted, usually it's more in the down-home, tomboyish sense, but that's more because of your demeanor than anything. This, though? If you ask me, you look breathtaking. You're gonna be the center of attention tonight, girl. Just do me a favor and remember the one you're supposed to be falling for when everyone lines up for you, yeah?"

Cinder scoffed. "Please. Nobody can hold a candle to Jaune."

Saphron paused and stared at her in surprise. After a moment, she shook her head. "You know, when you first showed up, most of us wanted you dead?"

"I can imagine," Cinder said dryly. "What brought this on?"

"Nothing, just thinking about it. We wanted you dead at first, and now here you are, going on a date with my baby brother. Hell, you're basically part of the family, now. It's been, what, a few weeks? Talk about a drastic change."

"Your father and Jaune spelled it out in such a way that I could no longer deny reality," Cinder explained.

"Well, yes, but don't sell yourself short. You were the one to embrace it and commit to it, Cinder. Without you putting in the effort, you wouldn't be where you are now."

Without warning, Saphron suddenly lunged forwards and pulled Cinder into a hug. Cinder froze, unsure of what to do at first, but after a moment, she returned the hug.

"Take care of my brother," Saphron said. "And have a good time, would you? Even if this thing between you and him doesn't work out, you're still going to be welcome in this family, and Jaune is still going to care for you."

"I know," Cinder said, her voice cracking slightly from the sudden influx of emotion. "Thank you, Saphron."

There was a sudden knock at the door. They broke the hug just as the door came swinging open, revealing Jaune standing there in a collared shirt and slacks. He had his mouth open to say something, but then his gaze shifted to Cinder, and he froze, slack-jawed. The two of them stared at each other before Saphron cleared her throat.

"Might want to close your mouth, little brother. Don't want any flies to get in there."

Jaune flushed red. "S-sorry, it's just… Cinder looks-"

"Amazing, I know," Saphron teased. "My handiwork, thank you. You're both lucky I'm here, otherwise Cinder would be going out in some of mom's old overalls and work boots."

"She'd still make it look good," Jaune commented. He turned his attention to Cinder. "Ready to go?"

Cinder nodded. Jaune moved over to her and offered her his hand, which she accepted, and he pulled her to her feet.

The two of them had barely made it out of Saphron's room before the flash of a camera took them both by surprise. They winced, covering their eyes.

"Mom!" Jaune complained.

"Oh, hush," Jillian chastised. "It's your first date and her first date. I'm taking pictures to commemorate the occasion, whether you like it or not."

"Can the pictures at least wait until after we're back?" Jaune argued. "Not to rain on your parade or anything, but we've got a reservation at seven, and it's already half past six. If we stick around much longer, we're gonna be late."

Jillian pouted, but acquiesced, putting the camera down. "Well, alright. But I will be taking pictures when you two get back. Got that, Jaune? Cinder?"

"Got it," Jaune said. Cinder just nodded, even if she didn't quite understand Jillian's obsession with pictures.

Miles stepped forward next, taking Jaune's hand in his own. "Normally Cinder's father would give you this talk, but she doesn't have one, so I guess I'll have to do it."

"Seriously, dad?" Jaune whined.

"Yes, seriously. Treat her right, son."

"You know I will."

A smirk broke through Miles' rough exterior. "Yeah, I do."

Father and son gave each other a brief one-armed hug, and then Miles turned to Cinder. She expected him to tell her the same thing, but he didn't. Instead, he eyed her up and down, and then said, "You look good. Have a good time tonight. Even if it doesn't work out, you'll still always be welcome in this house."

"Thank you, sir," Cinder said, and she meant it.

Miles shook his head. "Don't call me sir – there's no need to be that official with me ever, especially not after your experiences with the last man you called Sir. To you, I'm just Miles."

Cinder blinked, surprised. Slowly, a smile crept across her face, and she nodded. "Thank you, Miles."

Miles gave a gruff grunt of approval, then stepped aside. "Get out of here, you two. Don't want to be late."

The other Arc children all bid Cinder and Jaune farewell, and with that, they stepped out into the night, walking hand-in-hand.

"What's good here, Jaune?"

"Hm…" Jaune said as he pored over the menu in his hands. "I hear they've got good steak, but I'm kinda in the mood for something with a bit more bite to it, you know?"

Cinder looked up from her menu, eyeing him with confusion. "No, I don't know. What do you mean?"

"I meant I could use something with some spice to it. Ah, this sounds good – roasted chicken with a red pepper sauce and a side of oven-roasted potatoes and greens."

"That does sound good…" Cinder mused. She folded her menu up and set it aside. "I'll have that."

"So will I," Jaune announced.

The waiter took their orders, then collected their menus and left. The two of them stared at each other from across the table, then Jaune cleared his throat.

"So," he began, "here we are. Admittedly, it doesn't feel like I thought it would."

"In a bad way?" Cinder asked, suddenly concerned that she had done something wrong.

"No, not at all. It's just… well, I figure that for a first date, the guy and the girl generally don't know each other all that well, right? But you've been living with us for a few weeks now. Stop me if this sounds like I'm going too far, but I feel like I already know you pretty well."

"You do," Cinder confirmed. "I'm not hiding anything from any of you, at least not anymore. I'm just not a very complicated person, I suppose – a product of my upbringing. My guardian didn't like complexities."

Jaune's expression suddenly hardened. "Your guardian… I don't like him."

"Yes, I suppose you wouldn't," Cinder mused. "And not just because of how he treated me, or because he's technically your enemy. Rather, that's just the kind of man he is – utterly unlikable. There is nothing redeemable about him, at least from what I can think of. I did everything in my power to please him as one of his most loyal, most dedicated soldiers, and it still wasn't ever enough. I only ever made one request from him and he denied me even that." Cinder shook his head.

"No, you would not like him. He had Miles' dedication, but none of his warmth – none of his love, or compassion. He was just cold, the same as the rest of the Kingdom. It brings me solace to know that the war is not going in their favor."

"Amen to that…" Jaune muttered. "But we don't have to talk about that tonight."

"What should we talk about, then?"

"Whatever you want. And don't just give me the lead again, like I know you want to. I'm dragging you out of your comfort zone tonight."

She pursed her lips. He really did know her quite well. "Very well. Let's talk about you, and don't just insist that there's nothing interesting about you, either."

"Alright," Jaune conceded. "What do you want to know?"

"Your plans for the future. That's something you have been very tight-lipped about, though admittedly, part of that is on me for not asking until now."

"Ah… well, I don't know if I want the farm," Jaune admitted. "I initially planned to join the military when I came of age, but Dad axed that plan pretty quick. Contacted the officers down at the enlistment office and told them there'd be hell to pay if they let me sign up, even. The message was clear – they didn't want me in the military. I didn't argue."

"And yet, you've told me your dream is to be a hero," Cinder acknowledged.

Jaune nodded. "Yeah, ever since I was a boy. My grandfather was a hero in the early days of the war. He was one of the ones to help Ozma take down the Queen, even. Back then, they thought that would be the end of it, but naturally, once the Grimm were dealt with, well, all that was left was to kill each other." He shook his head. "Truthfully, what I really wanted was to be a Huntsman, like him. But there are no Grimm anymore, so I can't do that. I figured being a soldier was the next best thing, but it's not what my parents want. So now, I don't know what to do. I still want to be a hero, but… I don't know."

Cinder's expression softened. "You're missing something."

"I am?"

"Yes. You're already a hero, Jaune."

He blinked. "...I am?"

"You're a hero to me," She insisted. "I wouldn't be here right now if it wasn't for you. You not only brought me in from the fields when you found me, but you're the one who's responsible for me being a part of your family. You realize that, right?"

"That wasn't just me-"

"No, just mostly you," Cinder said. "Listen to me, Jaune – no matter what happens, no matter what you choose to do with your life, I want you to know that to me, you'll always be my hero, because without you, I'd be dead or back in Atlas. Your grandfather would be proud."

Jaune was taken aback by her sudden declaration, enough that he stared at her in wide-eyed shock for a few seconds before managing to compose himself. He cleared his throat again. "...Thanks, Cinder. That… that means a lot, coming from you." A thin smile crossed his face. "But that won't be enough to save you."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Now it's my turn to ask a question."

"Making another deal, are we? Very well. What is your question?"

"What are your plans for the future?"

Cinder instantly paused, disarmed by his sudden question. It only lasted for a moment, however – then she just gave the most truthful answer she possibly could.

"At the moment, I don't have any," she confessed. "I am still adjusting, I suppose."

"That's to be expected, I guess," Jaune said with a nod. "I could give you some ideas, if you'd like?"

"Go ahead."

"Well, for me, I figured I'd have to find a job somewhere, one that actually pays and doesn't involve working on a farm. Not that I don't love working on the family farm, but you get the idea – I've gotta move out and go my own way at some point. All birds have to leave the nest eventually, right? Anyway, I figured I'd take a job somewhere, meet a nice girl, start raising a family… the usual."

"...That does sound nice," Cinder admitted.

"Even the part about meeting a nice girl?"

She let out a small, annoyed huff. "The nicest girl I know is Saphron, and I don't like her that way."

"I know, but you're so easy to rile up," Jaune teased.

She reached across the table to playfully grab for him, and he countered, reaching out to grab her wrist. As he did so, her sleeve rode up a bit, exposing the end of the scar on one of her arms. Both of their gazes fell to it, and after a moment, Jaune let go, looking concerned.

"How's it healing?"

"Fine," Cinder insisted. "I've had worse."

"Not what I meant. It's not the severity of the injury, it's what it represents."

"I have no desire to kill myself," Cinder stated. "Especially not out of a misplaced sense of duty, like I once did. These past few weeks have been the best weeks of my life. I am overjoyed to be a part of your family. Above all, I am happy to have met you, Jaune. I don't want to do anything to end that joy, least of all attempt to kill myself again."

"Good," Jaune said with a nod. "That's good. I just… wanted to make sure. You really scared us back then."

"Then you will be happy to know that there is no reason to be scared anymore," Cinder declared. "This is the happiest I have ever been."
Jaune gave her a warm smile, and Cinder felt it again – that same feeling in her heart, the one she now recognized as affection for him.

It felt right.

Dinner went off without a hitch. It was an enjoyable evening, easily one of the best Cinder had ever had. And now, all that was left to do was walk home.

She walked hand-in-hand with Jaune, feeling like she was on top of the world the entire time. One look at his face showed that he felt the same way, with a dopey smile that stretched from ear to ear. They were both just so happy.

Of course, there was one thing bothering Cinder – as nice as the evening had been, it still wasn't complete.

She was going to change that.

"Jaune."

Her voice took him by surprise. He suddenly stopped and turned to her. "Yes?"

Cinder hesitated for a moment. "...I had a really good time tonight."

His expression softened. "I'm glad, Cinder. I'm just happy that I can make you happy, if that makes sense."

He tried to keep walking, but Cinder held onto his arm, keeping him from moving very far. He turned back towards her, and she bit her lip.

"...You know I like you," she said awkwardly. "Do you like me?"

"I do," Jaune promised. "And you know it, Cinder. I've had a crush on you since I first saw you out in the fields – you were just so pretty, even back then."

Cinder flushed red. "Then… let me try something."

That confused look returned, but she didn't let it stop her. Instead, she drew close, pursing her lips in preparation. Jaune's eyes widened as he realized what was happening, but to Cinder's delight, he didn't resist.

This was it, she realized – this was what she needed to make tonight perfect. It was everything she'd never known she'd wanted, until she'd met him. She moved in close, her lips mere inches from his and her heart pounding against her ribcage in anticipation. She could feel his breath, hot against her lips, and she braced herself for what was coming.

And then, in an instant, a flash of movement from out in the woods so cruelly stole her moment from her.

Instantly, Cinder pulled away. Jaune blinked in confusion. "Cinder…?"

"Someone's out there," she warned in a hushed voice.

"What do you mean? We're being-"

"Shh!" she insisted, causing him to quiet down. "Wait here. Don't move unless you're in danger."

"What are you-"

"Jaune," she implored. "Trust me."

Jaune acquiesced with a nod, and Cinder took off into the woods. Her hunch was correct – someone began to sprint away from her. She seethed with anger as they ran away – how dare they ruin her perfect evening by spying on her.

She caught up with them easily enough, tackling them to the ground. They landed with her on top. The other person desperately tried to reach for a holstered gun, but Cinder caught it, grabbed the gun, and tossed it away. Then, she began to strike, treating the mystery woman's face like her own personal punching bag until her Aura broke and she started to lose teeth instead. After a few good strikes, Cinder grabbed her by the shirt collar and pulled her up so they could stare eye-to-eye.

"Talk," Cinder growled. "Who are you?"

The mystery woman hesitated for a moment before spitting out blood. "...Ciel Soleil," she grunted. "Atlas Military."

Cinder's gaze narrowed. "Atlas is here? How long have you been watching?"

"Days. I'm just one of several scouts we've had watching you. You didn't really think the General would let his best asset go, did you?" Ciel shook her head. "No, we were dispatched to find out what happened to you. And we did – we found out that you defected."

Cinder struck her again. Ciel let out another groan of pain as several of her teeth went flying through the air. "Keep talking," Cinder hissed. "What is Ironwood planning?

Ciel glared at her. "Like I'd ever tell you."

"Do you want me to beat it out of you? Either you talk or I force you to talk."

"Fuck you, you traitor. Kill me and be done with it."

Cinder let out another growl and cocked her fist back. Movement in the trees caught her attention, and she reached for Ciel's pistol, leveling it at the approaching figure. Jaune emerged from the treeline, and he instantly paused when he saw her pointing the gun at him. In the blink of an eye, Cinder lowered the weapon.

"Who is this?" Jaune asked, his gaze landing on Ciel. "What's this all about?"

"It's Atlas, Jaune," Cinder explained. "They're coming for me."

"What?! We've gotta get back and warn the others, now!"

Ciel let out a dry chuckle. "Too late… nothing you can do to stop it. You're a dead woman, traitor. You just don't know it yet."

Cinder looked back towards Ciel, her gaze narrowing dangerously. "Talk," she demanded. "When are they coming? How many is it?"

"Like I'd ever tell you," Ciel spat. "Shoot me and be done with it."

"As you wish," Cinder growled. She reached for Ciel's discarded handgun, only for Jaune to reach out and grab her hand.

"Leave her," Jaune begged. "Please. If they're already on their way like she said, then killing her won't make a difference."

Cinder stared at him for a moment, but acquiesced. She hurriedly unloaded Ciel's handgun before disassembling it, then tossing the separated frame and slide onto the ground. She stood up and gave Ciel one last, baleful glare.

"Get out of here," Cinder spat. "If I see you again, I will kill you. Understand?"

Ciel nodded. Cinder didn't spare a glance back, instead taking Jaune's hand and running off towards the farmhouse.

They needed to make what little time they had count.

"What?!" Miles asked.

"Atlas knows I'm here," Cinder repeated. "They're coming to kill me."

Miles' gaze narrowed. "We're not going to hand you over without a fight," he growled. "Jillian?"

"Yes, dear?" she asked.

"Do we have a way of getting into contact with Glynda?"

"There's no reception out here," Jillian said. "We'll have to head into town."

"Perfect. Take the girls and Jaune and go into town."

"What?!" Jaune shouted. "Dad, you can't-"

"Jaune," Miles cut him off. "Listen to me. I know what you think, but it isn't that. These are professional soldiers, Jaune. They will kill you without a second thought. You are not staying here, and that's final."

"But Cinder-"

"I am staying because I am the target, and I will not lead Atlas to the rest of you or any other innocent people," Cinder promised. "If they want me, they can come get me. I'll be waiting for them."

"You can't just-"

"Jaune," Cinder cut him off. "Please. Listen to your father. It's for the best."

Jaune stared at her before reluctantly nodding. "...Fine. Just… promise me you'll make it out of this."

"I promise," Cinder said. She gave him a quick hug, then turned back to Miles. "What's the plan?"

"You and I will hold here, at the house," he said. She opened her mouth to protest, but he cut her off. "I am not letting you do this alone. You're family, and family sticks together. Got that?"

That killed any argument she may have had. Instead, she nodded. "...Very well. How do you want to do this?"

"Follow me," Miles said. "Jillian, you come, too."

The two of them followed Miles as he led them through the house, to a locked door at the rear. He pulled a key out of his pocket and undid the lock, then stepped down into the basement, motioning for them to follow him as he went.

They stopped in front of a large safe. Miles spun the dial, and after a few turns, the safe opened. Inside was a small arsenal of weapons and ammo – Cinder immediately recognized her old weapons and armor among several different hunting rifles and shotguns.

The first thing Miles retrieved was a small revolver, which he passed to Jillian along with a box of ammo. "For emergencies only," he said.

Jillian nodded and accepted the weapon and ammo. She swiftly loaded the gun, then strapped on the holster and slid the gun into place. Now armed, she stepped out of the basement and headed back to her children.

"Cinder," Miles called, getting her attention. "Grab your old gear."

"I can't believe you kept all this," she said as she reached for her body armor. It was still covered in dried blood, but she didn't care – her formal wear came off and her old military uniform and armor replaced it.

"I didn't want to risk someone seeing me get rid of it," Miles said as he reached for a hunting rifle and began to load it, pushing rounds into the magazine one at a time. "I'm glad I kept it, though I hate the fact that now we've got to use it."

Now outfitted properly, Cinder reached for her holstered handgun, sliding it into place on her hip. Finally, she grabbed her old battle rifle, replaced the half-empty magazine with a fresh one, and then slung it across her front. Once all her gear was in place, she started loading guns up along with Miles.

"Here's the plan," Miles explained as he thumbed shells into one of his shotguns. "We're going to hold the house for as long as we can. We'll station loaded weapons and ammo at each window – you run dry, just pick up a new gun before trying to reload. If the house gets breached, we'll fall back to the barn if possible, and then when we get the chance, we'll make a break for town. Hopefully, Glynda is here with reinforcements by then."

"And if she isn't?" Cinder asked.

"Hopefully, she will be," Miles promised.

"Atlas will probably be jamming comms," Cinder warned. "If that happens-"

"If that happens, then one of us will have to go and take care of it." He finished loading the shotgun and then peered into the safe. "I've got some spare boxes of Dust. How well-versed in explosives are you?"

"Well enough," Cinder said. "Got any boxes of nails lying around?"

Miles let out a grunt. "Gods, I hope it doesn't come to that."

"Sorry-"

"Don't apologize," he growled. "This isn't your fault."

"If I hadn't come here-"

"Cinder," he said, cutting her off. "You are worth going through hell for. Okay? This is nothing. We'll make it through this, and then we'll all be a family again."

She stared into his eyes, and for a second, she believed him.

Had a busy week this week so I got next to no writing done. This was all I was able to manage so far this week. I imagine it's probably going to stay this busy for awhile since the end of the year is approaching and there might be some changes around here, in a good way. I won't go into detail now, though. Just know that there might be some delays to my writing, and it might take awhile for me to post a new story once this one and Black Widow are done, since I'm getting so busy with other stuff these days.

Anyway, we're approaching the big finale, and in my typical fashion, the big finish to the story arc involves action and lots of guns. It won't be drawn-out, though, I promise you that. Side note, I find it funny how I'm managing to fit in action and a bunch of firearms into what's ostensibly a romance. Perhaps that's just my style - no story is complete without gratuitous gunplay.

Anyway, I'm gonna go ahead and leave it there for now. Thank you all for reading and supporting, I hope you enjoyed and I hope to see you at the end of the story, soon-ish!

Thanks again!