Next chapter out. I put a poll up on my profile about possible romance (or not) so go vote there if you have a preferred pairing or want Jaune to go solo.
Oh, and since this has been worry from the last chapter I'd like to say it officially: This is not a harem. I've never written a harem before and don't plan to now. While I'm not above people in the story assuming it's a harem situation for the sake of comedy, Jaune isn't a harem lord and his relationship with team RWBY is set on him trying to act as a voice of reason.
Nor do I plan to give Jaune magic of his own or *insert OP Semblance* here. The joke kinda falls apart if he's just as overpowered as team RWBY. While he won't remain helpless forever, it's not gonna be because of some special ability. More than anything he's a survivor.
Oh, and I'll answer some reviews in the bottom Authors Notes. Just a heads up.
For a lot of guys his age, the idea of studying at night with a pretty girl must've looked like a scene straight out of a Mistralian comic. Just a guy and a girl alone, nothing but the light of the lamp to keep away the darkness while they were both warm in their pajamas. They'd study at first, but then as time passed they'd scoot closer and closer, shoulders touching till all thoughts of studying eventually faded and all they could think of was how the other's lips tasted.
Anyone who really thought that needed a reality check.
"Are you listening to me, Jaune?"
"Y-Yeah, Weiss!" Jaune forced himself to smile no matter how much he wanted to scream. They came back at 8 PM and Weiss wasn't kidding when she said they'd buckle down to study. It was midnight now and for the past four hours the only break he had was going to the toilet for a couple of minutes. He would've gone longer but he didn't want to test Weiss to not do the crazy glowy eyes if she thought he was ditching.
Oh, and they weren't alone. Yang's snoring was a constant reminder of that.
"Good. Now do you remember the average miles per hour flight speed of a fully grown Nevermore?"
"Uh, it was...uh..." He scratched his head. He did some studying on Grimm before he arrived, but it was mostly the general stuff. Weak spots, where they hung out, their favorite color. Anything he could use.
Weiss sighed for the hundredth time that night and tapped one of the underlined pages on her notebook. If nothing else she took really good notes, "Look, I have it listed here. You need to remember these kinds of things."
"I mean are we really gonna think about that kind of stuff while we're fighting?" Right now the only thing he could think of about Nevermores was Yang blasting one out of the sky.
"Perhaps, perhaps not. Either way it's better to be prepared than be wanting." She wrinkled her nose and turned to another page. It was cute, and the fact that she was wearing nothing but her nightgown made her look less harsh. Still wasn't gonna take his chances, though, "But at least you're willing to learn, unlike some people." She threw a reproachful look at Yang and Ruby. Blake was spared, at least. Maybe they'd get along.
"Hey, come on. I'm sure they're fine. They got accepted into Beacon, right?" Then again so did he, "And Ruby's some kind of prodigy. I bet she's really smart."
"...Perhaps, though her lackadisical attitude isn't encouraging."
"Most people don't study on the firsty day." Weiss' eyes narrowed and he held up both hands, "Not saying you're wrong or anything, but everyone goes at their own pace." He remembered the argument from earlier. Was Yang right that it was just because she wasn't the leader? He could see some people being doubtful of a leader two years younger than them. He was just glad it wasn't him. Being a leader sounded like a nightmare.
His study partner shook her head and turned back to the notebook, "Hmph..."
"...We should probably get some sleep. It's past midnight." Please Gods let him sleep.
"I suppose you're right." One more sigh. He was gonna get a prize at this rate, "Progress was slower than my usual routine, though I suppose that's to be expected when studying with someone else."
"You've never had study groups before?" He still remembered hitting the books with his older sisters and friends back home. Math was always a killer.
"Not unless you count tutors." She stacked the notebooks into a neat pile and rubbed her eyes, "I admit I'm unused to playing the role of teacher. That's something I should improve on during our next study session tomorrow."
Jaune froze, thankfully not literally, but he still felt the chill that went down his spine, "T-Tomorrow? W-We're doing this again?"
"Of course," she said it like was the most obvious thing in the world, "It's quite clear that your studies are lacking, though I suppose it's not your fault. You studied outside the kingdoms, if I remember right. I can't expect you to have the same caliber of education with someone who had the benefits of Atlas' premier educational facilities. I can't fault you for that, but that's no excuse to lag behind."
"But..."
"Oh don't worry, it's not a bother. A good lea- teammate helps the rest of her team improve." She gave him a dazzling smile. He wasn't fooled. It promised nothing but death and suffering by a thousand papercuts, "I must admit, the thought of being a teacher is kind of thrilling with a willing and diligent student."
"Y-Yeah. Willing and diligent, that's me..." Mom and Rebecca would love Weiss, "Uh...hey, could I ask something?"
"You already have, but sure."
"What's it like having a secondary Semblance? I mean that's probably a stupid question, but I'm curious."
"Not at all. I expect anyone would be wondering." She scratched at her left eye gently. She did that multiple times during their study session. No idea why, though. It looked just as flawless as the rest of her skin, "It's a difficult feeling to describe. Power, of course, but a warmth that I can't really explain. The timing of it was very convenient, without a doubt. Far be it for me to look a gift horse in the mouth."
"Bet you're happy to see a few more people who have it. Shared circumstances and all that."
"Perhaps." Her lips thinned, "It would've been better if it they weren't as uncouth as Yang or childish as Ruby, but I suppose beggars can't be choosers." She left out Blake there. Maybe there was some hope.
"Right...goodnight, Weiss."
"Goodnight, Jaune."
He went to bed in his sleeping bag with nightmares of pop quizzes and Weiss with a whip. And no, it wasn't as nearly as fun and sexy as you'd think to have Weiss Schnee whipping you every time you got an answer wrong.
Oh, and Yang was still snoring.
Jaune wanted to scream.
He tossed and turned in his sleep. By the time the sun was barely cresting over the horizon he didn't have nearly enough shut eye before Ruby suddenly blew a whistle.
"Wake up!"
A collective groan rang across the room. Weiss fell off her bed while Yang and Blake turned and tried to ignore their way too energetic leader. Jaune considered following their lead when Weiss growled, "What in the world is wrong with you?" she hissed.
"Early bird catches the worm, Weiss!" Jaune looked at his scroll and grimaced. Half an hour before six. He felt like he was back home again, "Come on, we gotta decorate then explore the campus! We couldn't do it last night cause you and Jaune were studying."
"I didn't stop you from doing that!"
"Nuh-uh, that's something we gotta do as a team! Come on, team RWBY plus J leaves no one out!" She grabbed Weiss' hand and pulled her up. At this point both Blake and Yang seemed to realize that they weren't getting any sleep and decided to get up too, "You too, Jaune! I know your bed isn't here yet but we can still put your stuff up."
"Alright, alright..." He zipped down his bag and sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. All chatter and groaning immediately stopped as Ruby, Yang and Blake just...stared at him. Weiss rolled her eyes and padded over the bathroom, "...What?"
"Dude...what the hell are you wearing?" Yang coughed and laughed at the same time.
"What, this?" He looked down at his chest. The light blue onesie, complete with rabbit feet, looked the same as it always did, "It's my onesie."
"Oh my gods, it's got a cute little rabbit in it!" Ruby pointed at the Pumpkin Pete mascot on his chest and let out a pure belly laugh. Yang joined her soon after while Blake at least had enough shame to look away and stifle her chuckles underneath her hand.
"Hey, come on! It's Pumpkin Pete! The cereal? It was a special prize!" Ruby laughed even louder at that- okay, scratch that, she fell back on her bed and kicked her feet up in the air. Jaune scowled. No, he did not pout like a wet puppy, it was a scowl, damn it!
"Oh man, that woke me right up." Yang wiped imaginary tears away.
"It does draw attention," Blake added last.
"Honestly, could you three be any more immature?" Weiss scoffed as she walked out of the bathroom, "Judging someone by their sleepwear is utterly juvenile." Jaune stoppped himself from pointing out that Weiss stared at him for ten seconds last night and barely held back a chortle. He kinda hoped that was just a one-off. Lily loved it and she helped him eat all that cereal.
"But the bunny!" Ruby yelled.
"Are we going to decorate or not?" Jaune asked, desperately trying to change the subject. A part of him would take the tornadoes over this.
Thankfully Yang decided to have some mercy on him, "Alright, alright, we've had our fun. Come on, let's unpack our stuff. We're gonna need your help, Jaune. Put those big, noodly arms to use." She looked him up and down with an exageratted leer. Any other time he might've blushed. Remembering the dead Nevermore kinda killed any thoughts of that going anywhere.
"Yeah, yeah..."
Beginning aside, setting everything up was kinda fun. It reminded him of preparing for school festivals back home. With the work keeping them busy the tension from last night was gone and the members of team RWBY engaged in friendly conversation, even Yang and Weiss. If they were always be like this his job would've been way easier…and he wouldn't worry about being chucked out the building.
There was only one problem...
"...This isn't gonna work." Weiss looked on in distaste at the beds clustered together. Everyone had way more stuff than he thought. Jaune himself packed pretty light. Just some clothes, necessities, his weapon, and some comic books. No posters like Yang or weapon schematics like Ruby. A sad reminder about how many things he had to share back home. Even the comic books came after a hard, long fought battle against Tulip.
"Don't forget Jaune's bed is coming later," Blake said, pointedly not looking at him. She hadn't ever since he saw that copy of The Lusty Faunus Maid she tried to hide from the others.
Ruby tapped her chin and then her eyes (thankfully not literally) lit up, "Ohh, I've got an idea: bunk beds!"
"What? That's ridiculous!" Weiss looked to the rest of the group for backup. Both Yang and Blake hummed in agreement with Ruby while Jaune just shrugged. He didn't see a better option and it wasn't like he'd be involved. He was the only one here without a partner.
That was another thing he tried not to think about. Huntsmen always had partners. While he knew working with team RWBY was unorthodox a part of him still hoped that he'd be assigned a real partner one of these days.
"Anyone here know how to make bunk beds?" Jaune asked. He knew how. Kinda. He helped April and May make theirs when dad was too busy, but it wasn't exactly dust science. The frame was already there and they just needed to move the mattresses.
"Me and Rubes made a treehouse, does that count?" Yang asked.
"...I know how," Blake said.
"Great, so how we doing this?" Jaune clapped his hands.
"Actually, might be better for just us four to do it," Yang said, ignoring Weiss' affronted look at losing out on a free pair of hands, "It's our beds anyway, so it's cool. You go take a shower so we won't have to wait up for you." She paused, "Go change inside, by the way, unless you wanna give us all a free show." She grinned.
"You sure you four don't need any help?"
Weiss coughed, "Actually-"
"Nope!" Ruby spoke over her, putting an arm around the heiress' shoulders, "We can do it! And you totally should take Yang's offer. Trust me, if she goes to the bathroom first you're never getting in there before noon."
"Hey, perfection requires time and effort." Yang fluffed her golden blonde hair. He had to admit it was definitely eyecatching, and that was from someone who lived with a sea of blondes.
Jaune decided not to argue and grabbed his usual outfit. Once the doors closed and the sounds of their voices were muffled he let out a breath he didn't even know he was holding, "Whoo..." He turned the shower to warm and stepped inside, hands propped up against the cold wall. Okay, night 1 survived. Now he just had 364 days to go. Maybe he should call his parents and tell them about his...alternative enrollment.
A few minutes later he was out and changing into an outfit, armor included. Still had no idea why so few people wore it. Aura couldn't protect you forever, you know.
He stepped out of the bathroom and stopped when he saw the bunk beds. What in Remnant were those things? He blinked and rubbed his eyes agian just to make sure he wasn't seeing things. The beds on the left had the top 'bunk' held up by four ropes attached to the roof with a white blanket used as a makeshift tarp. But even that looked like the pinnacle of construction compared to the beds on the right with the top held by books between the eight bedposts. They weren't even neatly stacked!
Team RWBY looked so proud of themselves...well, Ruby, Yang, and (somehow) Blake did. Weiss just looked at her lower bunk and the ropes that seemed to groan right above, probably understanding that death was inevitable.
"Pretty cool, eh?" Yang grinned. Jaune just looked at her blankly, "We left space in the center so we can put your bed there later. No bunk bed for you, though."
"Oh no, I'm sure I'll live. Thank you." Weiss gave him a pleading look, silently begging to switch beds. Jaune looked away and whistled. As scary as Maiden powers were, he could run from those. Getting crushed in his sleep was a no-go, "I'll head out while the four of you prepare."
"Ahem. I assume we don't have to warn you about unbecoming behavior." Weiss glared, though it was weak. She was just mad he didn't give her an out from her impending doom.
The ropes creaked again.
"Hey, I have seven sisters and we shared a house with two bathrooms. I know the drill."
All of them, even Weiss, gaped at that. It stopped being funny years ago. Especially when guys tried to make friends with him to get an 'in' with Tulip and Violet. And Saprhon. Kinda awkward now considering which team she played for.
"Seven sisters? What, your parents Rabbit Faunus or something?" Yang joked. Blake threw her a sideways glare for some reason.
"Nope, human last I checked." He held up both hands, "Either way you don't have to worry about anything. Arc's word."
He stepped out of the room stifled a yawn. The shower helped wash away any lingering fatigue and he could collect his thoughts again. He had to slip away at some point to meet with Professor Port for training and then maybe with headmaster Ozpin. Oh, and try to keep team RWBY from arguing again so they didn't blow up half the school. Even if no one died he didn't think they'd be happy getting saddled with the bill.
The door across from him opened and he was met with a scream that was quickly muffled when the door slammed shut again. The guy who slammed it pressed his back against the wooden surface and panted like he just ran a marathon. He looked up and Jaune saw a pair of gray eyes and pale skin topped with a mop of equally gray hair. Even his outfit was gray with some black smattered in. Reminded him of Weiss.
"Hey, you alright?" Jaune asked worriedly.
"Huh? Yeah, I'm fine. Just broke a rule I didn't even know was a thing. How the hell was I supposed to know coffee's basically a drug? That's what happens when you try to be nice to people." He winced and stood up straight, "You?"
"Four girls and I'm the only guy. Stepping out so they can change."
"Four? Wait, how does that-"
"Uh...my enrollment's kinda awkward. Partner quit and there weren't enough people to make a team so they just put me with team RWBY. Better than flunking out cause of a technicality." Or because he actually failed.
"Huh? Well, I'm sure some guys are jealous of you already. I've been getting some side-eye myself."
"Why? Same with me?" Huntsman teams were always co-ed so there was always a chance of an imbalance. People just learned to deal with it, or so he heard. No one cared what you were packing when you were fighting Grimm.
"Worse. My partner's famous, apparently. Pyrrha Nikos?" Jaune shrugged. Didn't ring a bell, "Yeah, that's what I thought too, but apparently she's this big thing back over in Mistral. Won some tournaments or something. Buncha people wanted to be her partner at Initiation so now they think I 'stole' her. Morons."
"Sounds rough." Jaune smiled sympathetically. Misery loved company, "Well, just hang in there. We're in it for the long haul. I'm Jaune, by the way. Jaune Arc."
"Mercury Black." Another crash on the door, "Ugh, looks like Nora's finally hit the caffeine crash. Better go in there and help my partner."
"Good luck. I'll see you around." Huh, that was...surprisingly normal. Jaune shook his head. Not everyone had secrets like team RWBY. Still, maybe he'd check in with that Mercury guy later. Both of them sounded like they needed their breaks.
And then he opened the door sand saw half the room frozen just before Weiss stomped off.
Jaune wanted to scream.
Taking a tour of Beacon wasn't as exciting as he would've liked. All his life he dreamed of becoming a Hunstman, and attending Beacon was a step towards that dream. At any other day he would've been pumped to check out all the facilities or maybe catch who was fighting in the amphiteatre. Even if he wasn't as big a fan of weapons as Ruby, seeing the seniors going at it was still a sight.
Now all he could think about was keeping an eye on the rest of team RWBY. Jaune only paid half-attention as Ruby oohed and ahhhed over all the tech. Yang looked like she was having fun while Blake regarded everything with a casual indifference. And Weiss...well, it was obvious she didn't want to be there. Ruby's constant declarations of this being 'team RWBY's second official mission' just reminded her more and more that she wasn't the leader.
He wanted to say something, but honestly what could he say? He came into the team late and sliding himself into the argument could just make things worse. Weiss obviously wanted to be the leader. Ruby herself seemed reluctant to actually take the role but she was trying her best. Yang, big sister she was, fought for Ruby instead, which led to a lot of friction. Blake just didn't care, which wasn't any help.
Thankfully the arguments didn't get any further than some sniping on Weiss' part. Jaune slipped away just before dinner with an excuse about calling his family to talk to Professor Port. Classes officially started tomorrow so the best thing he could do was schedule their training sessions when their times aligned. He didn't need any more of a reason for the team to doubt his sudden addition.
Professor Port just laughed and said training would start tomorrow. Jaune was too tired to argue that Weiss still somehow expected them to cram four nights of studying in even after classes.
And now he was here.
"Ahhhh!"
Jaune dodged the Boarbatusk's crazed charge and nearly slammed his back against Port's desk. Apparently when Port said 'training' he really meant 'go fight this Grimm I caught in front of the entire class'. He had to pinch himself when the professor praised him for 'bravely volunteering' while Weiss was raising her hand and practically bouncing in her seat right next to him.
"Hoho! A powerful war cry, lad, but I'm afraid the Grimm aren't so easily intimidated!" Port bellowed.
Jaune let out another war cry and ran to the other side of the circle. A few of his classmates, particularly a big guy wearing armor, laughed at his retreat. This wasn't training! This was the further thing from training!
"Jaune! Don't forget last night's studies!" Weiss shouted.
"Kinda busy right now!" He shouted. Gritting his teeth, he charged towards the oversized pig and swung with both hands at its tusks. He halfway expected it to bounce off, but by some miracle of the Gods the blade cut through before stopping at its forehead.
His relief was short lived. The Boarbatusk squealed and bucked him off, knocking him flat on his back while Crocea Mors flew away.
"Ow..."
Ruby slammed her hands on her desk, "Jaune, it's weak on its-"
"Ruby, stop. He already knows this," Weiss cut in. Jaune wanted to scream that he very much did not know this! "If he was paying any kind of attention to our studies this should be easy."
This was not the time for a pop quiz! Of course he couldn't tell her that so he stood up shakily and eyed the fallen sword. Weakness, weakness. He and Weiss studied Grimm weaknesses last night as a refresher. Come on, he knew this! He knew-
He remembered.
Jaune jumped to avoid the next charge and practically belly flopped to the ground. A few of the watching students hissed in sympathy while he scrambled for his sword. The Boarbatusk jumped in the air and turned into a rolling wheel of pain and suffering. Jaune just barely grabbed his sword before he raised the shield and braced himself.
They stood there for a moment, fighting and pushing against one another, before the broken horns caught the edge of the shield. The sudden stop unbalanced the Grimm and he shoved it to its back with a panicked roar, "You can do it, Jaune!" Ruby cheered. Jaune was too focused to look at her. He scrambled on top of the Grimm and brought Crocea Mors down its unarmored belly.
He wanted to say it was graceful; a coup de grace straight to the heart. Instead he stabbed and stabbed and stabbed in a panic, desperate to make sure it couldn't get back up. It was on his seventh stab that the Boarbatusk finally dissipated into smoke.
He didn't get a chance to catch his breath before Port clapped him on the back, "Well done, lad! A bit rough there, but I see you have the spirit of a true Huntsman!" Again the big guy in armor snickered under his breath. At a lower voice, the professor said, "Looks like you swam instead of sank, Mr. Arc. I can see your potential already."
Jaune nodded and made his way back to his seat. Yang and Ruby were cheering while Blake clapped politely. Weiss just nodded, as if it was to be expected. It probably was. If she was down there she probably could've handled it no problem, magic or no.
"That was so awesome, Jaune!" Ruby grinned up at him, which he returned weakly.
"I told you he knew what to do. Those study sessions weren't for nothing." Weiss scoffed.
"I was just trying to help," Ruby frowned.
"A good leader knows when to instruct and when to foster independence."
"That's not-"
"Thanks for the trust, Weiss, but Ruby's right, she was just trying to help," Jaune cut in. Please don't go bright eyes here. Apparently Professor Goodwitch, Port and Oobleck knew what was up with team RWBY, but was better if they didn't stick out. They couldn't stop them forever, but at least for now it was better to keep a low profile like headmaster Ozpin suggested.
Ruby pouted down at her desk while Weiss harrumphed and looked away, arms crossed.
Jaune wanted to scream.
"Remind me again why we're here?" Jaune asked Yang's back. 'Here' ended up being the Emerald Forest right after today's last classes. He was still exhausted from the fight this morning and, even though he could see his Aura had fully recovered, he didn't exactly like the idea of going to a place full of Grimm with just him and Yang.
"To get some training done." Yang pumped her fists and grinned.
"Yeah, you said that already." It was why he was here. Between keeping an eye on the rest of team RWB and making sure Yang didn't burn down half the forest he knew what he would choose. Unfortunately Ozpin was passing by and suggested she take someone along. Weiss went off to call her sister, Ruby was writing a letter to her dad and Blake...actually he didn't know why, she just vanished. It left just him.
"So why ya asking?"
"I mean there's a perfectly good amphiteater with training robots and people you can spar with." Not that the latter was a good idea. Something told him students being in the center of a mortar blast wasn't on anyone's agenda.
"Yeah, sure, but those things always hold back. School doesn't wanna explain to the parents that the bots crippled a student." Well, he really hoped not! He was gonna train there too, "And besides, while we're here we don't have to worry about anyone gawking. You weren't there, but me and the others kinda agreed to keep the whole secondary Semblance thing a secret from the other students. Don't want them whining about how it's unfair when we beat em in combat class."
"You know I'm hearing a lot of 'we' here considering I don't have an extra Semblance." Or a Semblance of his own, period. Apparently he had high Aura reserves, though, so that was something.
"Come on, you're a member of team RWBY-J." Still don't know what that was an acronym for. Then again he didn't wanna test it. Apparently there was a team CMEN a few years back. It apparently stood for Cement, but no one was fooled. Poor bastards, "Besides, don't tell me you're scared, Grimm Slayer."
"Not the Grimm I'm scared of..." he muttered so she couldn't hear. He liked team RWBY. Well, he liked them as much as people he knew for barely over a day, but still, he wasn't an idiot. Ozpin was pretty clear about how they didn't really know about their powers and the last thing he wanted to be was to be smack at the center when Yang's aura broke and she wanted to kill everything in a fifty foot radius.
Yang wrapped an arm around his shoulders and laughed, "Seriously, lighten up! You made it through Initiation with a partner who quit. Between the two of us we can do a little field trip by ourselves."
"Yeah, a partner..." He looked down with a frown. He asked Ozpin about getting one and he was told the chances weren't good. The best chance he had was if another team had a member quit, and even then it wasn't likely since he still needed to keep an eye on team RWBY. It'd be harder to do that if he was on a different team.
It made sense, but he couldn't help feeling resentful. That was quickly replaced with guilt by how entitled he was being. He came here with fake transcripts and he failed the Initiation. Ozpin might've wanted something in exchange but he was still giving him way more of a chance than anyone else would.
"Alright, enough with the long face." Yang slapped his face lightly and looked him in the eyes, "I know the whole team thing is weird, but this is where we're at." She sighed and put her hands behind her head, "You know, you remind me of Ruby."
"Really?" He smiled slightly.
"Yeah. When we were on that airship to Beacon she was so worried. She's two years younger than us. She thought it'd make her stick out or that everyone would think she doesn't belong here. Weiss doesn't help." Her eyes briefly flared red (what the hell?) before going back to lilac, "So just...cheer up already! Between Weiss and Rubes' thing with being leader and Blake just pretending nothing's going on it feels like I'm choking in that room. Don't add to the pile."
"You know I want them to get along too."
"Then join the club." She sighed again, "Ruby just needs to put her foot down. The only reason Weiss is getting away with that crap is cause she won't stand up for herself. But then Ruby's scared of completely alienating her partner so she just takes what Weiss says and thinks if she can make Weiss happy things will magically get better. Like that entitled princess is gonna be happy until she gets what she wants."
"Maybe we should just sit down and talk?"
"It won't work unless Ruby puts her foot down." Yang scoffed, "Weiss isn't gonna listen to anything we say unless it's making her leader. You're the one she likes the most and even you can't change that."
"Me? Are you sure?" Jaune raised a brow.
"You kidding me? You're the only one who puts up with her four hour study sessions. If she tried to make me do those things I'd tell her to screw off." So would he, but he didn't like his chances in that fight, "And Blake...I mean she's friendly enough - or at least she isn't a bitch - but it feels like she's hiding something. She barely even talks to us and when she does it's barely much of anything."
No wonder Ozpin said they had problems. Even if they didn't have magic this team seemed like it was gonna implode. Then again what could you expect on a team formed from getting random chess pieces and eye contact?
"...We'll think of something." He smiled, trying to look way more confident than he felt.
"Thanks, Grimm Slayer." She bumped her left shoulder to his right, "Now come on, let's go find some Beowolves or an Ursa or something. I can't bear all this waiting." She wiggled her eyebrows at him.
Jaune groaned and laughed at the same time. Years of practice made it come easy, "That was terrible."
"Now hold jaune a minute, I resent that!"
"Please. Stop."
"Alright, alright, I know when to go out with a yang." Jaune was about to turn around then and there when she suddenly pointed behind him, "Beowolves six o'clock. They look hungry. Might wanna put that shield up."
"Wha-?"
On the bright side he and Yang survived. On the not so bright side she used her powers when an Ursa hit her and practically burned his pants off. Then she made a pun about how he was on fire after they put it out.
Jaune wanted to scream.
Going out with Blake down to Vale was supposed to be a break. She wanted to go get one of her new books and he wanted that new Huntsman comic issue. He halfway expected her to refuse when he offered to tag along. To his surprise she shrugged and said she didn't mind the company.
Not that she said a lot. Or anything at all. The whole way there she didn't say a single word. Good news was he was so busy thinking on how to break the ice that his motion sickness was the last thing on his mind. Nerves, he guessed. Next time he had to take a bullhead maybe he'd find something else to give him an anxiety attack.
They left the docks and Jaune relished the fresh air. Blake, as always, paid it no mind and looked stubbornly ahead. Jaune sighed. There had to be a way to bridge the gap between her and her teammates. And him too, but that was less important.
"So...been in Vale long?" She blinked and looked to the left so their eyes met.
"...Not really?" she said eventually, just loud enough that he could hear her over the regular din of noise.
"O-Oh yeah? Me neither." Gods, this was awkward, "I'm from outside the Kingdoms. When I first saw this place I kinda just wanted to forget about everything and explore, you know?"
"Hm." He expected the conversation to end there. Jaune scrambled for a new topic when she suddenly continued, "I've...been traveling all over the place. Mistral and Vacuo mostly, but I've been in Vale every now and then. Never for long."
"Couldn't afford the steep rent?"
"Exactly." Her lips curled up in what was halfway a smile. He'd take it.
"Not Atlas, though?"
And the smile was gone, "No." Damn, what the hell? He had no idea what set this girl off.
"S-So what made you want to attend Beacon?" Gods, please keep the conversation going.
Her eyes narrowed. She still replied, "You first."
"I...I wanted to be a hero." She blinked in surprise. Either she didn't expect that answer or she thought he'd lie to make it sound less embarassing, "Sounds stupid when I say it out loud, huh? My older sisters - heck, even two of my younger sisters - just think it's something I need to grow out of. My parents never wanted me to go to Beacon either." He laughed softly, "Sounds stupid, huh?"
"...No, it isn't." The look in her eyes was sincere, not just someone who wanted to be polite, "I...can understand a goal like that. Too many people go to Beacon for selfish reasons. Glory, money, a love for fighting. They couldn't care less about actually fighting the Grimm or actually doing anything. They don't get that there are things bigger than what kind of ears you have."
"Ears...you mean Faunus?" She saw him glaring daggers at the guy bullying that Rabbit Faunus. Cardin Winchester, if he remembered right. The only one who stood up for her was a guy on their sister team, Lie Ren, and his partner, Nora Valkyrie. A part of him wanted to go over there and do something but he knew it wouldn't help. He'd seen Cardin fight in Professor Goodwitch's class. Guy was a monster.
"Yeah. Even in places like Beacon you get small-minded bullies." She scowled.
"You're...really passionate about this."
She blinked, almost like she didn't realize what she'd been saying, "...Forget about it."
"Hey, it's fine. I don't think it's a bad thing." He raised both hands, "Back in Domremy it doesn't really come up. Sure you've got those old people complaining about how 'we shoulda won that war', but most of us don't really care."
"Hm..." She looked down at the ground.
The silence that came after was less stifling than before.
Tukson's Book Trade was a small little place. He and Blake went their separate ways, him with his comic books and her with her tasteful literature. His mouth curled up in a grin when he saw a familiar face, "Hey, Mercury." Jaune waved, which he returned with a slight smile of his own, "Looking for comic books too?"
"Yeah, I like the pretty pictures." He raised up the comic he was holding.
"Ooh, Red Huntress. That's a classic."
"Apparently the guy who owns this place says it's 'home to every book under the sun'. Came recommended to me." He smirked.
"Definitely a good selection." He picked up the Huntsman comic along with a few more that caught his eye, "How's things going with your team?"
"Ren sat me and my partner down and told us the 'Nora Rules'. Anyone who breaks the rules has to clean up." He shuddered, "Apart from that I guess it's alright. You?"
"It's...going." Weiss, Yang and Ruby were still on tenterhooks, but at least Blake was talking to him. Kinda. Speaking of. He looked past Mercury to see Blake barely holding herself up on the counter, "I should probably check on her. See you later."
He power-walked to the front just in time to hear Blake's heartbroken cry, "What do you mean it's sold out?! It just came out yesterday!" she shouted, sounding more emotional than he heard in days.
The man himself, Tukson, shrugged helplessly, "What can I say? It was a real hit. If you wanted a copy you should've come yesterday."
"I had classes yesterday!" She wailed. Yes, an honest to Gods wail. "D-Do you have any reserved? I'll pay any price!"
"I dunno, not a good look if I start undercutting customers." It was a haggling tactic, Jaune knew that, but Blake didn't. His teammate sank to her knees and whimpered. Seriously, what the heck? How much did this girl love her filth?
He sighed and raised his voice to cut in when the lights overhead suddenly flickered. Tukson looked up, worried, and completely missed the purple streaks of flame at edges of Blake's eyes, sparks of electricity flickering out of her skin. Jaune nearly had a heart attack then and there. Was she really gonna chuck lightning cause she couldn't get her book?! This counted as danger for her?!
"WE'LL PAY ANY PRICE!" Jaune slammed the comic books on the counter and shoved every single Lien of his weekly stipend at Tuskon's face. Thank Gods he didn't need ammo or dust for his weapons.
"Jaune...?" Blake asked softly.
"NOT EVEN GONNA HAGGLE, JUST TAKE IT! WE'RE IN A RUSH!"
Tukson either realized the danger he was in or figured he saw a sucker. Either way he got a copy of the book - one The Sais of Passion - and Jaune snatched it out of his hands, nearly forgetting his comic books in his rush. He grabbed Blake's hand and practically charged right out of there, saying a quick goodbye to Mercury when they passed. He had no idea how close he came to dying right there.
They were out of the store when Jaune stopped, breaths coming out in panicked gasps, "Here, Blake! I hope you enjoy your book!" He pushed it to her hands with a forced smile.
"I...you didn't have to do that. I would have paid-"
"No, no! It's cool! Think of it as a gift between friends!" Look at her acting all innocent. Like she wasn't gonna blow up that store cause she didn't know how to haggle, "Come on, let's go back the school."
"Mmm." She looked down at the book and smiled. His heart was too busy pounding from the near-death experience to care, "Thank you, Jaune."
Jaune let out a tired breath and tried to calm down. Okay, so maybe there was a hiccup at the end there, but whatever. At least they all made it out okay and Blake was talking to him now. Granted that was cause she wanted to get him into her smut too, but he'd take what he could get. Maybe he could get her and Yang's help to sit Ruby and Weiss down so he didn't go to sleep every night with a heart attack. Maybe things were looking up.
And then Ozpin called him to his office.
"She's a terrorist?!"
The headmaster sighed in that long-suffering way all people in authority did and clasped his hands together, "No, Jaune, I said she's ex White Fang. Had she been an active member I never would've accepted her."
"Terrorist!"
"And this is why I didn't tell you sooner. I wanted you to get to know her before you had any preconceived notions."
"And now's a good time?!" He was way too high strung to even think about the fact that he was yelling at Beacon's headmaster, of all people.
"Quite. You've spent a week with her, you've got a better judge of her character now."
"She didn't even look at me for most of the week! I literally had my first conversation with her today! Oh, and by the way, she nearly blew up a bookstore cause she didn't get the porn book she wanted!"
"Be that as it may-"
"Porn book! I nearly died for ninja porn!"
"Jaune." The headmaster's raised voice cut through his rant. Jaune let out a tired breath and sat back down on his seat, "I know the circumstances are hardly ideal, but I didn't choose the recepient of the Maiden's gifts. Like it or not, Ms. Belladonna's circumstances are what they are. All we can do is react to it."
"Gods, this can't get any worse..." Ozpin hummed. Why did he hum?! "...Please don't tell me."
"Ahem. Well, if you're aware of international politics, you would know that the White Fang are notorious for their attacks on the Schnee Dust Company. They've made themselves a thorn in their side for years."
"Schnee. Wait, isn't that-"
"Weiss' last name, yes." Jaune just froze and gaped at him, "...As I said before, the circumstances are hardly ideal, but I have the utmost faith that you can resolve this. If push comes to shove we'll put them on separate teams, but I'm hoping it doesn't come to that." Ozpin smiled.
"Sir."
"Yes?"
"Can I quit?"
"No, Jaune."
Jaune wanted to scream.
So to recap. Weiss was a workaholic perfectionist who thought she deserved to be leader, Yang fought Ursas for fun, and Blake was a former terorrist. Oh, and half the team came from two sides that were practically at war for the past decade.
...
He put all his hopes on Ruby now. Sweet, innocent Ruby who just wanted to make everyone get along. Ruby, who just wanted to be the best leader she could be despite Weiss' complaints. Ruby, who made him feel welcome, played video games, and read comics with him whenever he wasn't too busy making sure the rest of their teammates didn't blow up the school.
The same Ruby he was going to town with. And unlike Blake, this time he had a good feeling. Ruby took to her powers easier than the others, using them even when she wasn't in danger. Ozpin theorized that it was because of her Semblance. Yang, Weiss and Blake only used theirs for fighting while Ruby used hers in everyday life. If he had super speed he'd probably use it whenever he wanted.
That was why she took to wind so quickly. At least one time he woke up to her flying around campus while the others were still asleep. A quick pleading to remember her promise about keeping a low profile put a stop to that. It was a long and drawn out battle. She brought out the puppy dog eyes and he tapped into all the years training he had being a big brother. It was a close call, but Lily's pouts and tantrums had steeled his soul and hardened his heart. It was a fight she could never win.
Now the two of them were going to a weapon store to pick up some new parts for Crescent Rose. Yang was off doing detention with Professor Oobleck while Blake and Weiss decided to get school supplies down in Vale hours before. It was fine. The two didn't even talk to each other anyway and Ruby needed cheering up. Weiss' comments were really starting to get to her and it was the least he could do.
Only problem was...
"What do you mean the Bullheads aren't working?" Ruby cried.
The pilot shrugged, "They ain't working. Maintenance came in and saw a problem thirty minutes ago so we're all grounded."
"For how long?"
"You're not gonna be going to Vale for the next few hours, all I'm saying."
"Nooo..." Ruby sank to her knees while the pilot walked away. On the bright side she wasn't as much of a drama queen as Blake so she didn't start chucking monsoons everywhere, "I was really looking forward to this! I even had plans to help you upgrade Crocea Mors and everything!"
"Cheer up, Ruby. There's always next time." He squeezed her shoulder.
"I don't know if I can take another week of this." She probably didn't mean for him to hear that. Jaune winced as another stab of guilt hit his chest. He wanted to take Ruby's side, but that would just alienate Weiss. But was what he was doing now any better?
"Well unless we can fix bullheads we're not gonna go anywhere. Come on, maybe we can watch a movie in the lounge?"
Jaune pulled her up to her feet and he practically saw the lightbulb go off in her head, "I have an idea. Do you trust me, Jaune?"
He'd heard that before. Usually it ended up with him wearing makeup and his hair in pigtails. He wanted to push through with his plan, but Ruby's words from earlier came back. Ruby would never hurt him and she really did need cheering up. If he could find a way to make that smile come back he'd do whatever she wanted. What was a little discomfort compared to that?
"Of course I do."
"Great! Then hold on tight!"
Ruby tackled him in a tight hug. Jaune's face flushed red at the sudden contact. Ruby was a cute girl without a doubt and the one on team RWBY he had the least problems with. So far she hadn't put his life in danger or gave him nightmares about textbooks.
Any and all good feelings immediately went away when she activated her Semblance and dragged him over Beacon's edge.
Jaune screamed. Ruby did too, but it was pure excitement. Powerful winds swept across their bodies and he felt himself being propelled alongside Ruby as they flew over Vale.
They were FLYING. OVER. VALE!
"Ahhhhhhhh!" Jaune held on like his life dependend on it.
"I know! Isn't this great?!" Ruby yelled back. She was going fast; way faster than the Bullheads. Her Semblance propelled them forward while the winds kept them from falling, "Oh man, I'm so glad I got this new Semblance! It's way more fun going to places!"
"LET ME DOWN!"
"We're not in Vale yet! Just enjoy the view!"
What view?! The blur of colors that was making him dizzy?! Jaune opened his mouth to shout again when he felt it. The dizziness, the speed, the fact that if he let go of Ruby he'd fall at terminal velocity.
Jaune puked.
"Wait, Jaune?! What are you doing?! NOOOOOO!"
If anyone in Vale looked up, they would've seen a screaming red comet hurtling across the sky, a trail of multicolored vomit following in its wake.
He didn't know how they made it to Vale, but they did. Ruby landed them at a park and cried. Her chest and skirt were covered in vomit and she moaned pitifully at the smell. He wanted to feel sorry for her, he really did, but right now he was just glad that barely any of it landed on him.
"Jaune, why did you do that?" She sniffled.
"Cause you pushed me over Beacon!" People were looking at them now. He didn't care, "When you said 'do you trust me?' I didn't think you meant that!"
"Ugh, it smells..."
"Might wanna buy some clothes." Again, he wanted to be more sympathetic. He couldn't.
"Y-Yeah, that's a good idea..." She stood up with tears in her eyes, "I'm sorry, Jaune. I didn't think this would happen."
He didn't say anything and just watched as she trudged away like a kicked puppy. Damn it, it wasn't his fault! He stood up and stumbled across the closest bench. They all betrayed him. Out of all of them he thought Ruby was safe, that she understood, but no, there was no one he could trust. What next? Did he have to worry for when Blake finished her book or Yang decided Weiss needed a punch to the nose?
"Salutations! Do you require assistance?"
Jaune looked up blearily and saw an orange haired girl smiling down at him. She was cute, her short hair tied by a ribbon and wore a dress that looked out of place in the city. She looked at him with a calm smile that didn't quite reach her freckled cheeks.
"Bwuh?"
"I saw you land with someone else and wondered if you needed help. You appear sick."
"Just...motion sickness. Had a bumpy ride."
"It appears so. Your face is an unhealthy shade of green."
"Yeah, a friend's Semblance. Kinda got out of control." He swallowed down the rising vomit.
"Can I help?"
"No, just...it'll pass." He did his best to smile. And dad said city folk weren't friendly, "Talking helps. Name's Jaune Arc."
"Oh! I am Penny Polendina." She stood ramrod straight and made a mock salute. Cute, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Jaune Arc!"
"Yeah, you too." He offered her a hand that she took. Hopefully he didn't smell, "Well, I guess today's not all bad. I made a new friend."
"A friend?" She tilted her head to the side.
"Yeah? Mom always said strangers are just friends you never met and now we know each other." He took his hand back, "Oh, wait, sorry. I'm probably creeping you out, right?"
"Absolutely not!" Penny practically pressed herself against him and leaned forward, their faces almost touching. Jaune leaned back, and it wasn't just because he had vomit breath, "We are friends? This is correct?"
"Uh...yeah, sure." Okay, so she was kinda clingy, but at least she wasn't gonna kill him by accident. He'd take it, "An Arc never goes back on their word."
"You are making a promise of friendship?" She leaned even closer somehow.
"Yes, yes, promise of friendship!" He grabbed her shoulders and tried to move her back. It didn't work, "Friends also respect each other's personal space!"
"Oh!" She pulled back so fast he was almost dragged along with her, "My apologies. I'm unused to normal friendship mores."
"It's cool, just...don't get so close next time-"
"Jaune!" Ruby ran towards them in a flurry of rose petals. He didn't have time to commeont on her new outfit, a bright pastel shirt and skirt, when she shouted, "Blake ran away!"
"She what?!"
"Yeah, I got a call from Weiss and Yang!" There were tears in her eyes again, worse than before, "A-Apparently Weiss and Blake had an argument about Faunus and..." Her lips warbled, "Blake's a Faunus, Jaune! And she was part of the White Fang! Yang wants to find her but she's still stuck in Beacon! Weiss is so mad! She doesn't even want to look for her!"
"Oh Gods, this is really happenning...?"
"W-We gotta find her, Jaune! We gotta! There has to be an explanation for this!" Ruby held both his hands tightly, "Please tell me you'll help!"
"S-Sure. Of course, Ruby. Just...gimme a sec. There's something I gotta do."
Jaune screamed.
Man...it sucks being Jaune right now. Nothing's been going right for him and it's only gonna get worse. On the bright side the members of team RWBY seem to be liking him better. Maybe.
Oh well, at least he's making friends outside of team RWBY. I'm sure Mercury and Penny will tbe nice, normal friends he needs.
Anyway, don't forget to tick the poll on which pairing you want. As I said before, harem is out of the picture. At most we get one romantic relationship or no relationship at all.
Review Answers:
ReadYesyes - To be fair to Ozpin, he does imply telling the truth last time blew up in his face. As for Initiation, he only met Ruby briefly and no one else. Hence why Weiss has a (slightly) better opinion of him and he has no idea who Pyrrha is.
Dark-Syaoran - Oh hey :) I loved reading Huntsman of Love and Captain Atlas.
ikcjjt - Yeah, I'm aware :) The girls just lean to one element for now due to their Semblances and personalities. When they get better it becomes more versatile. Neo ain't gonna be so smug when Yang's chucking fire tornadoes at her.
InpsectorJacket - To be fair that's cause he's a dumbass who enters school with no training and NO AURA. And it's not just women; Cardin and Ren would demolish his ass too.