So after I finally informed people how to vote on mobile the tides changed.
Lancaster: 204
Survival: 184
...Did I unleash the Lancaster horde or something? Ruby has almost as many votes as every other romance option combined. Again I'm somewhat surprised since I thought a few more people would gravitate to the snobby Weiss and the tomboy Yang either for their looks or personality. Oh well, I'm not complaining. At this point it's a race between Lancaster and Survival with the other options no longer being viable.
I might even be able to write side pairings for the other characters on the poll. Pyrrha x Mercury might be funny, if only because Jaune's outsider POV means he has no idea how it works between them.
Anyway, due to mixed reviews I'll continue with the main plot and have Jaunedice as another omake. I can probably do it from Cardin's POV so we can see his mounting confusion as Jaune refuses to be scared of him.
Jaune woke up to a raging hangover and the sounds of a nearby shower, 'I've read stories that start like this.' Usually it meant the character got lucky last night or they were missing a kidney. Considering all his clothes were on and he didn't have any stitches he took it as a small victory.
"Ugh...where am I...?" He groaned weakly. His mouth was uncomfortably dry and the scent of cheap motel air fresheners didn't help. The shower continued to run and his pants felt annoyingly tight. Not a good start to the day, "Oh, my head..." He turned around and kept his eyes shut in a failed attempt to delay the inevitable. The sunlight peeking in through the blinds would not be deterred.
And neither was the horrible singing coming out of the shower.
So he wasn't alone. That was a mixed blessing. The events of last came night came back in a far too murky haze. He and Yang left Hellfire for another club - the far too brightly lit Neon Paradise - and they danced the night away. Well, Yang danced. He kinda just floundered around getting grinded on by drunken guys and girls while trying not to puke from all the strobe lights. He was sure he got a seizure at some point, though that might've just been the alcohol coming back for a second round.
Eventually he realized that the sun wasn't going to go away just for him. Jaune cracked one eye open and sat up, right hand brushing across his messy locks. A quick glance down showed no embarassing tattoos or scars...though there was a smudged lipstick mark on his right collarbone. Probably from one of the people grinding up on him. He was never going drinking with Yang again.
The door to the bathroom opened and Yang stepped out. She whistled an off-key tune and rubbed towel through her damp hair, "Morning, lover boy." She grinned at him. At any other time the sight of a smoking hot blonde in an orange bathrobe that left way too much of her toned legs exposed would've had him a blushing, stuttering mess. Right now the headaches, dry mouth and bleary vision kept any and all thoughts like that away from his head.
"Ughhh," he said eloquently.
"Looks like someone's not having a good morning."
"Yeah...why the heck aren't you? You drank more than me!"
"Time and experience, Grimm Slayer. Time and experience. That and some really good genes." Yeah, he noticed the latter. Yang Xiao Long was an absolute knockout. While he mostly preferred Weiss' type he would've been blind if he didn't say she put even some supermodels to shame.
"I hate you."
"Aww, and here I was with some good old hair of the dog and some water. But if you hate me so much..."
"Did I say hate? I mean you're my favorite member of team RWBY."
"Aww, I always knew it, but good to know." She handed him the two drinks and laughed under her breath, "It's team RWBY-J, by the way. Don't forget you're part of this team too."
"I know, sometimes I just forget." He smiled weakly. Most people on campus knew him as the fifth addition to a team full of top tiers and prodigies in training. Some of them looked at him with pity, thinking he was just the runt at the end. They were mostly right. A few others still were jealous, their teenage minds coming to the logical conclusion that he was somehow making a harem out of the entire team. Cause guys couldn't be friends with girls, apparently.
Yeah, sure. A lanky guy who Yang and Blake could bend over their knees and spank was really gonna do that. And as thrilling as that image was (note to self delete scroll history later), the constant fearing for his life kinda cramped on his hormones. Maybe he could find someone who wouldn't kill him by accident. He could ask out Penny, even if she was weird. Heck, he'd take Mercury at this point. He wasn't too picky.
"Well, don't. You already put yourself down enough, you don't need that on top of it."
"Yes, mom." He rolled her eyes at her scoff and drank the two glasses down. The relief wasn't much right now, but he'd take it, "Oh, I love you so much."
"I kinda have that effect on people." She smirked, her crossed arms pushing up against her chest. Gods, she was definitely different from Ruby. Probably helped that the robe wasn't comically oversized like a circus tent on her. With the hangover dulled he had to make an effort not to let his eyes drift down, "Did you have fun, at least?"
"From what I remember of it, sure." He smiled.
"So what are your plans now? Wanna go out and hit the town?"
"Ah...maybe next time? I actually have to buy a new weapon."
"Ooh, replacing the classic?"
"No, just getting another one. I'll use a gun on top of the sword and shield."
"Wait, as in using more than one weapon?" Yang blinked, trying to understand the words, "Isn't that breaking a rule or something? I mean I don't know a specific rule, but it feels like you're breaking something."
"You'd think so, but apparently not. We can't all afford mechashift." He cricked his neck and stood up. It was only then that he noticed there was only one bed, "Yang...where's the other bed?"
"Huh? Oh, there isn't one." She shrugged without a care, "I spent a bunch on drinks and I wanted to get the closest and cheapest place. We were both so blitzed that it's a miracle we even made it to the bed." She paused, "Don't worry, you were a great little spoon. Ten out of ten."
So he had a night out drinking, dancing and he slept in the same bed as his 'date'. God, if he wasn't so afraid of her he would've hated himself for not remembering or waking up earlier.
"Come on, it's no big deal. I've wandered into Ruby's bed a bunch of times when I got hammered enough. I'm just glad you're not a clinger. And you don't have a scythe twice as tall as you are."
"If you say so." He checked the time on his scroll and winced, "Damn it, I've only got 30 minutes. I promised to meet Blake."
"Blake? Just one date and you're already cheating on me? I'm disappointed, lover boy."
"Hardy har." He laughed before another spike of pain forced him to stop. Next time he was putting a hardcap on the amount of drinks he had, "Professor Branwen texted me last night when we were heading to that other club that something came up and I should get another friend to help. I messaged Blake and she said she was free. Figured she'd know best about pistols considering Gambol Shroud."
"Yeah, guess that makes sense- wait, did you say Professor Branwen? You mean Uncle Qrow?"
"...He's your uncle?" Of course he was. At this point he wasn't even surprised. After magic, Blake's past, and Mercury's confession this ranked really low on the list, "Huh, maybe that's why he seems like he hates me. I'm on a team with two of his nieces."
"That bad?"
"He taught me how to 'fight like a Branwen'. Then he demonstrated for two hours." He didn't even know where the hell that old bastard found the sand he threw in his eyes. They were inside a building!
"Maybe, but I don't think so. Uncle Qrow's kinda like that with everyone." She smiled lopsidedly, "But still, training with both Professor Port and Uncle Qrow? Guessing the headmaster had something to do with that?"
"Kinda. Port thought just sitting in a room was a waste of time for both of us so he figured training was better. Apparently he's friends with Professor Branwen too so he asked the headmaster if he could help train me. Ozpin said yes." It wasn't the truth, but it was close enough without being too suspicious. At least it was easy to buy considering the Boarbatusk the professor had him fight on the first day.
"Man, I can't tell if the headmaster really likes you or really hates you. Does he seriously think detention with Port wasn't bad enough? What Blake did at the docks couldn't have been that bad."
"She made Roman Torchwick cry, Yang."
"Still-"
"He was literally squealing and begging me to keep Ruby and Blake away from him."
"Okay so-"
"There was snot and actual tears. He was sucking his thumb too, I think."
"Alright, I get it." She sighed, "Just don't push yourself too hard, okay? You're no good if you're in the hospital."
"Guess that's one good thing about high Aura reserves: I heal really fast."
She rolled her eyes again and turned to grab another bottle of water. Jaune suddenly remembered the conversation from last night and his eyes drift down to the butt still covered by the orange robe. She said there was a scar there. Now obviously he'd never ask, but-
"See something you like?" Yang asked, looking back at him with an amused smirk.
With the hangover dulled just a bit more the reality of the situation hit him like a truck. Yeah, he really regretted not remembering more of last night, "Th-That, I mean, I wasn't looking!" Ugh, times like these he wished he was half as confident as his dad. As much as he didn't even wanna think about it, there was a reason the Arcs had eight kids. Confidence, his dad said. Oof.
"There really is a scar there."
"I wasn't asking!"
"But you were curious."
"I...can't deny that." His head sagged.
"Well play your cards right and maybe you'll see for yourself one day." She grinned coyly.
"Yeah, sure." She was joking, of course. Yang was a friendly girl and playful flirting was fine between friends. He didn't mind too much, "I'm heading out. You gonna be fine on your own?"
"I'll look around town for a bit. Maybe meet up with Blake when you're done with your date."
"See you around then. And...thanks for last night."
"Any time, Jaune."
A quick shower (though sadly no change of clothes) later and he was out in Vale again. Thankfully the motel wasn't too far off from the shop Qrow recommended him. Burnfire Arms and Sundries, he said. Nothing fancy or too customized, but for the average person who just wanted something to spit lead it got the job done. Pretty cheap too, all things considered. Enough that he could afford it with his school stipend, at least.
The person who met him first was not Blake. Jaune barely rounded the corner before a storm of rose petals greeted him. He stepped back and blinked, looking down at the fiercely glaring face of one Ruby Rose. Of course since it was Ruby it looked more adorable than anything, though it helped that her eyes weren't glowing and the sniper-scythe was firmly in its compact state.
"Hey...? What's going on?"
Ruby crossed her arms and continued to glare. He really wanted to be intimidated, but she'd actually been on good behavior ever since they found Blake. No incidents or anything. That and Yang's pep talk from before.
"...Did I do something to make you mad?" he asked eventually.
"You know what you did." She harumphed, turning away from him. A few people passing by snickered. He must've looked like the boyfriend stuck in the doghouse. Yeah, like Ruby would wanna go out with someone like him.
"I really don't?"
Another harrumph and she stamped her foot, "You betrayed me! My guy bestie and you've torn my heart out! For shame, Jaune! For shame!"
"Wh...What the heck are you talking about?"
"She's mad that you didn't invite her out with us." Blake said, walking near them with an exasperated look on her face. Ruby glared at her other teammate, which Blake completely ignored, "She found out we were meeting to get you a new weapon and she threw a fit."
"Why?"
"You're asking me?" Blake shrugged.
"Because this is a betrayal! A betrayal, I say!" Ruby yelped. Jaune held back laughing, if only to keep Crescent Rose in its sheath, "You know how much I love weapons, Jaune! Helping choose someone's weapon is an important milestone in everyone's friendship and you deliberately snubbed me! That is an insult that I cannot forgive!" She put her hands on her hips and growled.
"...What?"
"I'm with Jaune. What?" Blake repeated.
"You're getting a new weapon and you didn't invite me!" Ruby sighed, finally calming down somewhat, "I've been telling you for weeks about how you should upgrade Crocea Mors and let me modify it, but you always said no. And now I find out you're totally willing to buy a new weapon and you leave me out! Did I do something wrong, Jaune? Is there a reason you decided you hate me now?"
She looked up at him, eyes wide and hurt. Oh god, not that look! His heart couldn't take it! He needed a way out of this and fast.
"I'm not buying a personal weapon, Ruby. I'm just getting something to supplement Crocea Mors since I needed something to hit stuff at range. It's not mechashift or personalized or anything. If I was gonna buy something more permanent I would've called you." It wasn't even a lie, technically.
"He called me because he wanted to get a pistol and I'm the only one on our team who uses one," Blake added to support him.
"Promise?"
"Promise." He smiled.
"Mmm...alright, you're forgiven. For now." Her mouth curled up in a cute smirk, "But I'm still coming with you. Personal weapon or not, three heads are better than two."
"I don't mind."
"Good. Lead the way, Vomit Boy."
Jaune stopped, "What? Where the heck did that come from?" he cried.
"Just because you're forgiven doesn't mean I've forgotten the slight you've done against me," Ruby said in a haughty tone that reminded him way too much of Weiss, "I feel that this nickname is an appropriate punishment, especially considering what you did to me last week." She shuddered.
"That's only cause you took me flying without my consent!" he shot back.
"Sticks and stones, Vomit Boy. I was the one who got puke all over my favorite dress." It was her only dress. Seriously, she wore that thing every week. When did she ever have time to wash it? "Don't worry, I'll be magnanimous and only call you such in the company of friends and family. You may thank me for my grace."
Jaune playfully sneered down at her and crossed his arms, "Someone's rather smug today, isn't she?"
"Of course." She beamed up at him.
"Yeah, well, I wouldn't be so cocky. I spent the the entire night out with Yang last night and she had a lot of stories about you. A lot of stories." Ruby's smug look fell and was quickly replaced by one of horror. Oh yes, he knew he was poking an Ursa with a stick, but he did trust Ruby not to chuck a tornado at him...at least while they were out in public, "That's right, I know all about your dirty little secrets, Ruby Rose."
"Y-You're bluffing!" She gasped in fear.
"Sure I am..." She calmed down somewhat until he continued, "Moony Rose."
"Jaune!"
"Gotta say, I never thought you were the type to moon people. That's so unlike you." Yang was just a font of knowledge for childhood shenanigans. He was too nice to use any of it for blackmail, though. Mostly.
"I was five and I was making a statement!" She yelped, face steaming red in a mixture of anger and embarassment. Blake barely held back a chortle behind her, "Don't you start, Blake!"
"Hey, I didn't say anything." Blake held up both hands and let out a small smirk of her own, "So are you two done flirting? Cause we came here to buy a weapon."
"We're not flirting," Jaune said.
"Y-Yeah!" Ruby added just a bit too loudly. Alright, ouch, she really didn't like that idea. That wasn't a blow to his pride or anything.
The inside of the store was pretty big. The back of the counter and the bulletproof glass cases were lined with weaponry ranging from pistols and shotguns to assault and sniper rifles. There was even a bazooka back there for Gods only knew what reason. Ruby oohed and aahed at the various pieces of hardware. Even if they were market standard, a weapons nerd like her still enjoyed it. He'd found her asleep listening to Forgotten Weapons on her scroll more than once.
"Jaune, check this out!" She hefted an anti-materiel rifle with hilarious ease. The guy behind the counter looked like he was going to have a heart attack.
"Ruby, Jaune said he wanted to buy a pistol. Just because you're used to high impact sniper rifles doesn't mean he is," Blake chided gently.
"But a pistol's so weak!" She frowned, "At least get something like a shotgun or an assault rifle! I'll even help you convert the shotty to shoot slugs and dragonsbreath fire dust rounds. Get a lot more range and oomph!"
"Thanks, but Professor Branwen told me a pistol is best for a firearms beginner." Ruby opened her mouth and he continued, "Yeah, I know your uncle. Professor Port asked him to help train me as a favor. Apparently they're old friends."
"Ugh, you and Blake are the same! I don't get why you both insist on such small arms."
"Helps save on ammo and makes maintenance simple." Blake hummed, eyeing a pair of Atlesian Glocks the shelf. None of the weapons were customized, which was a bit weird to see after seeing all the personalized weapons and even ammo everyone at Beacon had, "Back when I was with my...old group we spent weeks or months out in the wilderness without access to forges and facilities. Ease of maintenance and making sure ammo was common mattered more than stopping power."
"But you're both in Beacon now and Huntsmen only deserve the best," Ruby said.
"Maybe, but I've been using Gambol Shroud for half a decade now. Not easy to change." She hefted a Vacuan Nevermore pistol and frowned. The thing was bigger than her wrist, "What are you looking for, Jaune? Not every pistol's the same so we need to find the right one for you."
"I'm not really sure. Like I said before, I never really used guns." Ruby gaped at him, "Yes, seriously. The only time I used one was when dad let me shoot his old hunting rifle."
"I'm so sorry, Jaune." Ruby sniffled.
"Then I'd suggest something low caliber and simple." She set the hand cannon down and pointed to another rack, "If I were you I'd pick either the Glock or the Browning. 9mm ammo is cheap and doesn't have a lot of kick. Nothing fancy either, but it can do damage if you fire quick enough. Once you get more experience you can pick something more specialized. Maybe a 1911 with .45 ammo."
"Sounds good to me." Jaune nodded. She was the expert here.
They bought the Browning with magazines to spare. Ruby was already rattling off ideas on how they could modify it while he tried to get used to the new feeling on his shoulder holster. Blake suggested they go visit a shooting range another day to let him get used to the feel, which he agreed to. Grimm were big targets but he'd never fired at something moving before.
Ruby went her separate way shortly after when she got a call from Weiss. Jaune smiled at the thought of the two of them hanging out. Not too long ago Weiss was jumping down her throat at the smallest thing.
He was about to ask Blake if she was fine with him heading back to Beacon when she suddenly asked, "Do you mind if we have a talk? There's a coffee place I know nearby where we can get some privacy."
"Huh? Sure, I guess." Weird. Blake got along better with the team now but she wasn't exactly the type for one-on-one chats.
The place was a little hole in the wall that smelled like coffee beans and pastries. Blake greeted the owner with a rare smile and led him to a corner with no one else around. Nice place, and just what he needed after the stench of booze and body odor was imprinted on him last night.
They ordered their drinks and waited with Blake insisting on paying because of her still-plentiful bounty reward. Jaune tapped his fingers on the table and tried not to let his nerves get the better of him. At first glance it looked like a couple of friends having a meal together, but she specifically mentioned privacy and wanting to talk. He didn't miss the way she made sure to look around and double check that no one could overhear. Something told him she wasn't going to talk about her new smut book.
Yes, Blake, they all knew about it, even Ruby. Her stash was the worst kept secret on campus.
"Nice place," Jaune said to break the ice.
"Mmm." She accepted the drinks from the waiter with a small smile and handed him his.
"So...you wanted to talk?"
"Yes, but..." She looked down briefly, "Jaune, whatever we're talking about here, I want absolute honesty. No lies, no half-truths, nothing. If either of us break that rule then this conversation is over. Do you understand?"
Jaune blinked at the sudden seriousness in her tone. Where the hell did this come from? He almost played it off as a joke and left. Then he thought about it again. Blake hid herself and her past for half a month. Coming here with him now, both asking for and giving absolute honesty? It couldn't have been easy for her.
"I understand."
"Good."
She took off her bow, exposing her cat ears to the open air. It was a big gesture for her. Even after telling them the truth she still wore the thing to sleep every night without fail. Removing it in a semi-public place was huge.
That's what he wanted to think, at least. Mostly he was trying to figure out how the heck none of them figured out something was off about it from the start. She wore that thing to bed and even went to the bathroom with it on. Oh, and they twitched. The really should've caught on way sooner.
"So...how do you wanna start?"
"Like this: I know these powers we have aren't Secondary Semblances." Jaune's hold on the warm coffee turned shaky and he almost dropped the cup. Blake continued to look him in the eye and continued, "And I think that you know that too. Am I wrong?"
"No, you're not." Jaune set the cup down and took a deep breath, "How did you know?"
"I was suspicious from the start." She took a sip of her mocha coffee, "Unorthodox team compositions aren't too rare, but why our team specifically? There were other teams available, ones that didn't have such unique circumstances. It could've been chance, I guess, but if the headmaster was so keen on keeping our abilities a secret then why add another member? Even team PRMN would be a better option."
"From the start? You think the others know?"
"I don't think so." She shook her head, "Because of my past I'm paranoid, see double meanings everywhere." Hey, join the club, "Weiss, Yang and Ruby trust the headmaster. They grew up with an idealized view of Huntsmen and the institution that creates them. I didn't have that. I came to Beacon to do something better with my life, but that doesn't mean I'll blindly trust."
"Why didn't you say anything before then?" It surprised him how calm he was.
"Like I said, it was just a suspicion, and...I suppose I didn't think it was my place to say." She pursed her lips, "Given my own history I couldn't exactly throw stones about keeping secrets. I kept my guard up, but as long as you didn't mean us any harm I wasn't going to say anything."
"Thanks..."
"Your turn."
"Alright, um..." He took a deep breath, "I get how you figured out something was off with me joining the group, but how do you know that these aren't secondary Semblances? That's a different thing."
"Because I knew the woman who had these abilities before me." Blake's grip on the cup tightened and her expression hardened, "Amber."
That was the name she mumbled sometimes, "A friend?"
"Yes." She nodded, "When I left the White Fang I was in dire straits. I had nothing but the clothes on my back and some supplies I stashed away. They couldn't last me too long. One night I got careless and was surrounded by Grimm. I would've been killed if Amber didn't save me. She led me back to shelter and watched over me despite knowing nothing about me. I...didn't expect such kindness from a human."
"What happened after that?"
"We traveled together. I already enrolled in Beacon but I always had my doubts that I could get in. Traveling with Amber was simple. We went from place to place helping people when we could. I was prepared to give up on going to Beacon entirely and just stay with her, pay her back for the kindness she gave me. If she was still alive I wouldn't be here now."
"You didn't question her powers?"
"I did, but I never asked. All I cared about was that she used it to help people."
"What happened to her, Blake?" She paused, "...You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
"No, I said we should be honest." She closed her eyes briefly then said, "We traveled together for a month. One night we were making camp when we got attacked. I saw them first. Perfect nightvision." She laughed bitterly, "There were three of them. A dark haired woman with pale skin, another woman with dark skin and green hair, and a male scorpion Faunus. They never said any names and they attacked without warning."
"You know how strong those powers are."
"I know, but the man and the one with green hair had powerful Semblances. The woman trapped us both with some kind of illusion while the man's Semblance let her cut through Amber's Aura. By the time I broke through the illusion Amber was poisoned and the other woman - their leader - was forcing her to look into her face."
"Why?"
"I don't know." She shook her head, "And I didn't care. All I know was that we needed to get out of there. I grabbed Amber, infused as many shadow clones as I could with all the dust I had left, and ran. They tried to hunt us down, but we managed to escape. I found a cave for us to take shelter in tried to take care of her as best as I could." She shut her eyes, "I couldn't help her. She took so much damage from the fight and the poison was potent. All I could do was be there for her when she passed."
"I'm so sorry..."
"It's not your fault, it's theirs. When I find them I'll make them pay for it." Her mouth curled in a fierce snarl, "When Amber passed these powers transferred to me. I got my acceptance letter some time after and five months later I'm here now." She let out a soft breath, "It doesn't feel like a Semblance, Jaune, that I'm at least sure of. This is a piece of Amber, and you know that too."
"You're right. It's magic." To her credit, Blake didn't at all look surprised by that. Then again she'd had these powers the longest. Maybe that was why she could change the weather while the others couldn't, "Ozpin told me about them. Maidens. Four women who could have powerful magical abilities. Only those four. He never told me how new Maidens were made, but from what you told me maybe the previous ones choose? It seems like Amber chose you."
"Maybe..." She drummed her fingers against the side of the porcelain cup.
"You and Amber...you really cared about her, didn't you?"
Again she hesitated before she replied, "Yes. It was deeper than friendship. I'm not sure if it was love or I was just clinging onto the first person who showed me kindness. My last relationship was...difficult. He was my best friend and mentor both and he...hurt me. Amber was different and I clung to that. I never told her. Just another thing on a list of things I wish I could've said."
"I'm so sorry..." he said again.
"What's done is done. Another question: was Weiss, Ruby, Yang and I being on the same team was part of the headmaster's plan?"
"I'm honestly not sure. He thinks you four can save the world, but Ruby only became a Maiden during Initiation and the rest of you never told anyone about your abilities. Unless he can read minds I don't think he could've planned for this." Maybe that was his Semblance. That was a scary thought.
"Save the world?" Blake laughed under her breath, "He tell you how exactly we're supposed to do that?"
"Nope."
"Really? Aren't you his spy?"
Jaune actually laughed at that, "Yeah, sure! You know I thought that too when I first joined the team?" He shook his head, "But no, I'm not. He doesn't ask for status reports or information or anything. All he wanted was for me to make sure you four didn't kill each other." Or the rest of Vale, "I don't think I really needed to be here for that. Even when you and Weiss had an argument Ruby would've found you."
"I think you're putting yourself down a bit too quickly there."
"You sound like Yang." He scoffed, "But no, I'm not spying for him, least not in the way you think. Right now I'm just trying to keep the peace."
"Did you know about my past before the rest of the team did?"
"Yeah, the headmaster told me."
"Then why didn't you say anything?" she asked back, "I had no idea what your agenda was but I was a former member of the White Fang. Considering you're human and your friendship with Weiss I expected you to be a lot more wary."
"Because the headmaster trusts you. He let you into Beacon even before he found out about your powers. I guess he figured out you were a good person. He was right." A really scary person, but a good one nonetheless.
"Then what's your stake in this?"
"I failed Initiation." Blake blinked. Evidently that wasn't what she was expecting, "I faked my transcripts, too. I never went to combat school and I was never trained by anyone. Ozpin knew and said he'd let me stay at the school, even help me with training, if I became his 'spy'." He made air quotes, "I still wanted to be a Huntsman so I accepted without really thinking about it."
"Wow..."
"Disappointed?" He smiled sadly.
"Former terrorist, remember? Can't throw stones." She laughed under her breath, "But then why did you take the blame for me after the docks if you were so desperate to be in Beacon? Was it just because you knew the headmaster would cover for you?"
"No, actually. I thought he'd expel me right there." Another look of shock. That was a new record, "He needed you to stay at Beacon cause of the Maiden thing and I...I just wanted out."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean I couldn't handle it, alright? I'm a faker and a cheater who was told to keep an eye on four of the most powerful women on Remnant. I was up a creek without a paddle." He sighed, "I figured he'd expel me and then I'd have to go back home. Me taking the blame would've also given him an out for not punishing anyone else on the team. It was a win-win, I thought."
"Except he didn't."
"Yeah, he gave me 'detention' instead." He frowned, "I'm just being honest here, Blake. You don't have to be grateful to me or think I took the heat for you. I was just trying to bail myself out."
"Hmm...I don't believe you."
"What?"
"I don't believe you," Blake said again, taking another sip of her cooling drink.
"What's not to believe?"
"This notion that you're completely selfish and weren't thinking about the team at all. I don't believe you."
"Blake, we said no lying-"
"I don't think you're lying. Or, I don't think you think you're lying." What was she talking about? "You have self-esteem issues. I've been there, trust me. You look at everything you do with the most negative and selfish interpretation."
"I wanted to leave-"
"Then why don't you?" she asked with a hard stare, "The headmaster didn't expel you, but what's stopping you from just packing your bags and leaving anyway? He's not doing anything to keep you here unless you think he's going to hunt you down if you leave?" Jaune didn't say anything, "You could've left any time you wanted, you're just telling yourself it's because of the headmaster because you're convinced you can't be doing this for your own reasons."
"If you say so." Blake's words felt like a hammer to the chest and he needed more time to think about them.
"One last question, Jaune. Is that alright?" He nodded, "Are you scared of me? Of us?"
"Yeah." He answered so quickly, so easily, that he had to mentally double back and check that he just said that.
"I see." To her credit again, Blake showed no reaction and continued to sip her cup, eyes never leaving his. It wasn't intimidating or scary, though, "I'm used to people hating and fearing me, if not for my past affiliation then for what I am." Her ears twitched, "But that's not what you mean, is it?"
"No."
"...Are we really that scary?" She wasn't hurt, just curious. It was a small relief.
"Blake? All of you are terrifying." The laugh that came out was strained, "Imagine yourself in my position. I've got no training, no experience, and my sword's about five times as old as I am. The only thing I've got going for me is a high Aura reserve. I'm on a team with four of the most dangerous and powerful women on Remnant and if I make them mad or they lose control that's it. I'm done."
"...Do you trust us?"
The same question Ozpin asked him all those weeks ago. Ozpin was a man to be respected, a man of authority, but a man he trusted? Not really, at least not in the way he asked. He trusted him as an authority figure but that was as far as it went. As for team RWBY...
"Yeah." The answer wasn't as quick but it wasn't a lie, "I've talked to each of you and I've lived in the same room for almost a month. Of course I trust you."
"But you're still scared of us."
"Those two aren't mutually exclusive."
"I suppose not." She nodded, seemingly accepting his answer.
"...So what happens now?" he asked, "You know who I really am now and that you're a Maiden. Are you going to tell the others?"
"Do you plan to?" she asked back.
"...At some point." Ozpin probably wouldn't like it, but it was better if they knew. Keeping people in the dark forever never helped anyone.
"Then I'll wait and give you a chance. If you said you planned to keep it a secret I would've told them myself, but as it stands I think you should be given the chance to explain this yourself. I'll be there when you do."
"Thanks, Blake." He smiled.
"No problem." She smiled back in turn then laughed, "Its been a while since I've been completely honest with someone. You and Yang are the first ones I haven't had to censor myself to in a while. If you need someone to be honest to then I can lend an ear." He had to resist the urge to make an ear joke right there. It would've probably sounded racist.
"You know this would be a lot more touching if this wasn't the second time this week I made friends with someone because they could be honest with me. Feel like I should be charging for sessions while you lie back on a couch."
"Sounds like you're living an interesting life. Still, I bet you're glad I was the one who found out first, huh?"
"Why's that?"
"Cause I'm the most calm and controlled with these powers, obviously."
...
What?
"It only makes sense," she continued, blisfully unaware or uncaring of the fish-eyed gape he was giving her, "I've had these powers the longest and I've had the most experience, by time if nothing else. Even through your fears you should've realized I was the least dangerous."
What?
"These powers seem to work based on our emotions, that could be why Weiss was so volatile for that first week. She was so mad about not being the leader that her abilities weren't stable. I'm used to compromising and not getting what I want without throwing a tantrum."
He wondered how Tuskon was doing. Been a while since he got a new comic.
"And I know how to control my emotions, both in-battle and out of it. Yang's my partner and I trust her, but she can be a bit of a hothead in the middle of a fight. I know how to keep a cooler head."
Apparently Roman Torchwick was getting sentenced soon. Him and like 50 White Fang members. For some reason they all refused any attempts at plea bargains and deals when they heard that the Huntress that caught them was attending Beacon and would probably hear if they mounted some kind of escape.
Blake chuckled softly, "I know you're scared, Jaune, but I'm sure that fear will pass. You have nothing to fear from me. You get that, right?"
Maybe he should hang out with Mercury when they went back to Beacon. The assassin was sounding mighty good right now.
"Sure. Totally."
"Oh, we should pass by Tuskon's store before we go back. I heard of a new book called Howling at the Moon and I'm really interested in it."
"What if...it's sold out?" he asked carefully.
"It won't be."
"But what if it is?"
Blake didn't reply and just stood to leave. Jaune let out an internal cry and prayed to the Gods that Tuskon's stock was filled.
It wasn't. Blake swore up and down that she was perfectly calm and rational about being denied her new book and the sudden lightning storm was a complete coincidence. Jaune didn't argue with her.
Time passed and things became...normal. Well, not normal, but stable. There were no big incidents and there weren't any big shake-ups. Roman Torchwick was sentenced to life in prison theft and colluding with a terrorist group, but he almost seemed happy about it. Training with Professor Branwen and Port continued and he picked up a couple of new tricks. Not enough for him to beat any of the others in a straight fight, but enough that he could make it hurt.
Before he knew it an entire semester passed. What happened to the time, he wondered. Surprisingly enough, no one went home for break. Weiss cited family issues, Blake was evasive as always, and both Ruby and Yang said that their dad was on assignment anyway so there wouldn't be anyone to go back to. Jaune himself stuck around, if only to avoid the inevitable questions his family would ask or the teasing his sisters would give for being the only guy in a female team.
So they all stayed at Beacon. On the bright side it gave team RWBY a chance to train with their powers. Without having classes or projects to worry about for at least a couple of weeks they spent every day from morning to evening at the Emerald Forest either practicing on the Grimm or just trying to get a better handle on their powers. Jaune went with them whenever he wasn't too busy training with Professor Branwen and Port. Did wonders for his anxiety.
No incidents so far...except for that one time Yang couldn't control herself and started a forest fire. It was okay - Weiss ended up freezing the burning trees and assured them they'd melt. Eventually. Oh, and Ruby kept trying to get him involved with team attacks, but so far that was no dice. It wasn't her fault. The gap between their training was just too big right now.
Now they were here, back at school with a new semester full of classes. The excitement in the air was palpable. The Vytal festival was coming up and there were new transfer students trickling in to take part. Jaune was mostly glad things were getting back to some kind of schedule and didn't really think about the festival itself. Team RWBY could still join but only four members out of the five could participate, which pretty much meant he was out.
The new semester started off with a bang. Or more specifically, a pie to Weiss' face thrown by one Nora Valkyrie. He had no idea how it happened and at this point he didn't really care. All he knew was that it ended with him being dragged into the most hellish foodfight he'd ever had in his life. It included swordfights with baguettes, Nora knocking Yang to the stratosphere, Pyrrha using all of Beacon's sodas as grenades, and Ruby creating tornadoes without her Maiden powers.
He threw one watermelon. It was really epic.
Jaune and Mercury stumbled out of the dining hall, both of them covered head to toe in mashed up food and drinks. Their eyes had the look of veterans who barely survived war and knew nothing would ever be the same.
"...What the hell was that?" Mercury asked as he and Jaune sat down on the steps.
"I don't know."
"You know I'm really starting to regret taking that gray haired bastard's deal." He waved his right hand and dislodged a particularly stubborn clump of mashed potatoes, "You'd think Pyrrha at least wouldn't get sucked in. Instead she makes a god damned missile barrage!"
"Yeah." Mercury had no idea how lucky he was none of them decided to bust out their Maiden powers. Not even Pyrrha would've stood a chance. Cardin and the rest of his team still shivered whenever anyone from team RWBY walked near them after the incident in Forever Fall. He almost felt sorry for him, especially when Ruby tried to say be nice and say hi. Cardin screamed so loud and jumped into Rusell's arms.
"Well, whatever, least we're getting out of here soon."
"What do you mean?"
"Early mission. Old man wants us to check out some place called Mountain Glenn with that coffee addict Oobleck."
"He tell you why?"
"Nope. I don't ask questions, that's not how the deal works." What the heck kind of deal was it anyway? The last time he asked Mercury just said 'he didn't want to know', "Whatever, we're probably just gonna go kill some Grimm or something. Better for us to get out. Think my partner's getting antsy."
She definitely looked it. Pyrrha didn't have a mean bone in her body and she cheered up a lot ever since Mercury started sparring with her...but gods darn it if the girl didn't love fighting. The few times he sparred with her she knocked him on his ass without mercy. She always said sorry, of course, so it was hard to hold a grudge.
He was thinking of asking her out. Nothing serious, just a date, but he needed to go out with someone...normal. Someone who didn't have a secret past, magical powers, or both. Looking at you, Blake.
He said bye to Mercury and trudged back to the dorm to change when a new voice shouted behind him, "Salutations, Friend-Jaune!" He knew that voice. Eyes widening, he looked back and smiled when he saw one Penny Polendina greeting him with the same mock salute as before, "It's a pleasure to see you again!"
"Penny!" He thought about going closer before remembering what an absolute mess he was, "Wh-What are you doing here?"
"I'm a transfer from Atlas academy." She gestured to white and dull gray uniform she wore, "How have you been, Friend-Jaune? It has been a while since our last meeting."
"Y-Yeah, some things...happened. Couldn't exactly exchange scroll numbers, right?" He laughed, "But hey, it's good to see you again!"
"And you as well!"
"Where's the rest of your team?"
"Ciel, Maximillian and Arno are currently acclimating themselves to the school. I would have joined them if I hadn't made visual confirmation of your presence."
"Aww, now I feel kinda bad." He rubbed the back of his head, "Oh, how about this? I need to take a shower but then I can show you around campus. What do you say?"
"That sounds terrific! Thank you!" She grabbed both hands and squeezed, ignoring the sauces and sodas still coating his palms and fingers.
"Great! I'll see you later then." Jaune hummed happily. Looked like things were finally looking up.
Looks like Jaune and Blake raised their social link. Shame Knightshade had the least amount of votes for all the RWBY girls. Blake was totally right about being always in control and never going overboard. Jaune would've been lucky to have her.
Anyway, another info update:
Blake - Fall Maiden. Awakened five months before arrival in Beacon. Inherited from the death of Amber.
Anyway, I'm shifting some stuff around. So far from what I've planned, the Breach happens before the dance and Ironwood's visit, I'll probably skip the highway mech fight since Roman's already in prison, and team PRMN goes to Mountain Glenn instead of team RWBY-J.
This of course leads to new fights. Ren and Oobleck vs Atlas Mechs! Nora Valkyrie vs Banesaw! Mercury 'The One' Black vs Neopolitan! Pyrrha Nikos vs Adam Taurus (Roman's replacement)! It's going to be absolutely epic!
...And we're not gonna see a single second of it cause this isn't their story. Ain't being a side-character grand? Instead we're gonna have Jaune having more slice of life stuff with team RWBY and continuing his training.
Next chapter is either the Jaunedice omake or more slice of life/main plot progression. Jaunedice omake would take place between the first and second segments since its happens during the first semester and we're already at the second.
Question:
1: I'm curious, but between Mercury vs Neo and Pyrrha vs Adam, who do you guys think would win?
Review Answers:
warrior of six blades - Jaune's life is suffering, but as Blake points out he could quit if he really wanted...well, for a week before team RWBY drags him back kicking and screaming. And crying.
Yexius - Sounds good, but Blake already figured it out here. Maybe next time.
sdphantom10 - Yang maybe, but Weiss was pretty stuck up and entitled up until chapter 3-4. Yang never had much issues.
Master T-REX - I don't think Jaune wants to control team RWBY. As he tells Blake, he's just there to keep an eye on them and keep them calm.
ArgentOrange - Yang is arguably the least dangerous so long as he stays away from her when she's fighting.
ReadYesyes - What exactly makes them being good lovers vs good best friends? They could do all the stuff like video games and comic books without the romantic stuff.
Ineedanaccount - Training is definitely an option, as is weapon crafting.
Kalbario - No development? So do you think Jaune's relationship with team RWBY is poor right now?