First things first, I put up a poll on my fanfiction profile on which omake you guys wanna see. It has four choices. The next team MILF chapter; team Order (Maiden team of Goodwitch, Winter, Sienna Khan, and Robyn Hill or Penny); 4-in-1 Maiden Pyrrha, and Zettai RWBY Children (child team RWBY with Maiden powers).
Also, apologies for the delay. Been kinda busy with RL stuff and whatnot. Hopefully this was worth it.
Jaune always imagined what it'd be like to meet his girlfriend's parents. Years of romcoms and trashy movies always told him that the dad would threaten to break his kneecaps for daring to get close to his little girl while the mom would be happy and eager for grandkids. Blake's parents were...sort of like that. Ghira (who was apparently a panther Faunus and not a bear) wasn't scary apart from the time he thought Jaune was a cheating scumbag. Meanwhile, Kali was very warm and welcoming, though she'd cautioned them against having children so soon after hearing tales of his seven sisters.
He almost laughed. Yeah, him and Blake with kids? What next, getting married cause they wouldn't fess up to the truth? ...Actually, he shouldn't joke. Blake was absolutely petty enough to go for it.
"So how have things between the two of you lately?" Ghira asked happily as they sat across one another. They met back up at the restaurant where they'd had their first meeting. Thankfully, Blake didn't actually tell them they were engaged. Yet, "Have there been any incidents since your..." He coughed politely. He was, of course, referring to Blake's very public unmasking; or was it un-bowing?
"Nothing's happened," Blake said, lying as always. Sure, cause getting the attention of a Vale Councilman counted as nothing. Then there was the fact that she was working with Sienna Khan to track her ex-boyfriend who, let's not forget, kidnapped him just to 'send a message'. Granted, that last part wasn't her fault and Jaune actually agreed on keeping it hidden. No need to worry them about that.
"Oh, how was the dance?" Kali smiled knowingly, "Did you two have fun?"
"We-"
"Yeah. Blake was really into dancing," Jaune said, getting just a little bit of revenge. It was how the game - for a lack of a better word - worked right now. So long as Blake refused to tell the truth he'd keep upping the ante till she either cracked or had to accept whatever he dished out. So far she'd stuck to her guns and refused to tell the truth. It would've been admirable if it wasn't so petty.
"Oh? I didn't know you liked to dance, Blake?" Ghira asked.
"I-I picked it up a couple of years back." She let out a strained smile and pinched his left leg under the table. Ha, he had Aura. Try harder, "...Not that I actually went with Jaune as my date. He's really taken to the open relationship; more than I have, actually."
He pinched her back as Ghira gave him a raised brow, "Oh?" It wasn't dangerous but it was edging there. He couldn't do anything since, as far as he knew, the whole thing was Blake's idea, "I understand that your relationship is...unorthodox, but a school dance is something sacred. Surely you could've gone with Blake instead of this...the girl's name was Penny, correct?"
"Ye-"
"Actually, he went with somebody else," Blake said smoothly, giving him absolutely vicious side-eye, "One of my other teammates, a girl by the name of Ruby. You might've seen her? She was the one with the scythe?"
"...Another one?" Ghira's posture tensed and he took a deep breath. At his side, Kali pat his shoulder softly, "As...I said before, I understand this relationship is different, but should you truly be courting two other women on top of Blake?"
Blake expected him to panic, to come up with excuses or perhaps even admit defeat. The latter would require her lie being exposed, but she would have the satisfaction of making him cave first, and that would satisfy her.
Which was why she must've been so surprised when he remained completely calm and just drank his tea, "The relationship with Penny didn't work out, actually. We...had different views." Another calm sip, "And it was actually Blake who suggested I go with Ruby. I invited her to the dance, like any good boyfriend, but she was shy about making our relationship public. The only reason she danced with me was cause someone spiked the punch and no one really cared at that point."
"Oh, Blake..." Kali gave her a look of parental disappointment that made the younger Faunus wilt, "Why would you do that? Are you ashamed of your relationship with him? Please don't tell me it's because he's Hu-"
"I-It's not! I'm not racist!" Blake cried, looking utterly mortified that her parents could think of her that way. Being a degenerate was one thing, but racist? That was a line too far gone, "I just...students at Beacon are weirdly uptight. If they found out we have an open relationship-"
"Which was your suggestion."
"Yes! Thank you, Jaune! I almost forgot!" Blake hissed, "All I'm saying is, I'm not comfortable with people knowing the...intricacies of our relationship. The rest of our team understands, but I'm not so sure I can trust the rest of the school so easily. Especially not after recent events." She probably didn't mean to say the last part - some things were too sacred to use in a lie like this - but both her parents caught it.
"So there has been something that's happened after." Ghira frowned.
"That isn't..." Blake sighed and looked to him in a rare pleading for support.
"It's nothing bad. Or at least, I don't think so." Jaune said slowly, "It's not even just about Blake, actually. It's about the entire team." He told them all about what happened with Blanche, leaving almost nothing out. Blake made it clear that she was perfectly willing to play ball if it meant getting something back so her parents deserved to know. Besides, they'd find out anyway once she started showing up on billboards and news segments.
"And you're sure you can trust this...Blanche?" Kali asked.
"He's a politician, though to his credit he seems to understand what that means." Ghira chuckled lowly, "If what he says about this Winchester is true then...I can't disagree with it, at least not fully. Blake's training to be a Huntress, she's going to risk her life regardless."
"I suppose you'll have the rest of your team with you, especially Jaune." Kali gave him a warm smile. He was so sorry, Mrs. Belladonna! Sorry your daughter was such a stubborn, spiteful girl! As if hearing his thoughts, Blake pinched his leg again, "We have to thank you again for being so kind and accepting to our little kitten. I know she can be a handful."
"Oh please. Jaune wouldn't have survived two weeks on that team without me keeping him grounded."
"Speaking of your team, how goes things with that...uh, I'm sorry, was her name Ying?" Kali asked.
"Yang? She's my partner, same as always. Why?"
"Well, last time we heard about her you were trying to add her to your and Jaune's..." Kali waved her hand airily. Blake's face burned bright red at the reminder, "I'm just wondering if you've had any luck, so to say."
"Well I-"
As if summoned by the potential teasing she could give, there was a sudden knock on the door and when Jaune opened it he was met with the grinning face of one Yang Xiao Long. Jaune blinked, confused at her appearance, while Blake shot up ramrod straight in her seat, eyes wide, "Hello~" she said, voice high and musical.
"Y-Yang?! What are you doing here?! How did you find us?!" Blake cried.
"Uh...your scroll has trackers? We've tracked you with these a bunch of times already, Blakey. Figured that you'd stop asking that question at some point." She looked at the two older Faunus and blinked. Then she grinned again. Oh dear, "Ooh, sorry, am I interrupting something? Weiss had a thing she wanted you guys to come with, but I'm sure she'll understand."
"What's Weiss worried about?" Jaune asked.
"Something about how people took pics of her and sun and posted it all over the Net. Now Papa Schnee's asking questions and she's having a panic attack. Thinks it's an emergency." Yang shrugged, "Me personally I don't see what the big deal is, but apparently it's a thing for them high society folks. Poor island girl like me can't understand how the snobs work. Too bad, so sad."
"You could've just called!" Blake cried again, ignoring her friend's problems like she always did.
"What do you think I tried to do? You both left your scrolls on silent. I had to take the Bullhead all the way here, you know." Yang rolled her eyes.
"Why don't you join us, then?" Kali asked warmly. Blake looked like she'd just been slapped, "We haven't actually met any other members of Blake's team besides Jaune, especially not her partner."
"No, she-"
"Ooh, don't mind if I do!" Yang plopped down to Blake's left while Jaune sat down at her right again. Blake looked like she was dying inside, "I've been waiting to meet you two for a while, actually. I love Blake, but getting the girl to talk about personal stuff is like pulling teeth."
"I'm right here, you know." Blake grumbled.
"Yes you are, Blake." Yang patted the top of her head.
"Would you say you two are...close?" Ghira looked Yang in the eye.
"Oh yeah. We study together, fight together, even shower together."
"No we don't!" Blake shouted. Jaune rubbed his ringing ears, "She's lying about that!"
"What are you talking about, Blakey? We take them at the same time in the communal showers." Yang's grin turned downright predatory at Blake's embarassed glare, "What, were you thinking about something else?"
"Probably cause of the stuff she's been reading lately..."
"Jaune!" Blake gasped, looking utterly betrayed. Revenge was a dish best served as soon as it was convenient, "She's just...Yang's just my partner. My team partner, not a partner in any other ways!"
"Why are you being so defensive? I thought you were trying to-"
"That's not-"
"Oh, I see what's going on here." Yang sighed, looking for all the world like she regretted her next words even though he and Blake knew she was absolutely giddy inside, "You're talking about her trying to add me into her and Jaune's relationship, right?"
"Oh, you're aware?" Kali asked.
"Blake wasn't exactly subtle." She smiled sweetly. Blake looked like she was struggling to hold herself back from outright choking Yang right then and there, "And believe me, a part of me was tempted. Blake's a really pretty girl and all, but I'm just...so inexperienced with this kind of thing. I've never even gone on a date before. I'm more the kind of person who sticks to studying in her room all day instead of going out to clubs."
Blake's jaw dropped to the floor and Jaune had to hold back his laughter. Oh, this was glorious.
"Hm, I can understand that." Ghira nodded, "A young lady's first relationship is important, after all, and our cub's relationship with Jaune is unorthodox."
"I'm glad you get it." Yang suddenly fidgeted in her seat and forced a blush. Wow, she was a way better actor than he thought, "And it's not just that. Blake is...well, let's just say she's not shy about how much she loves Jaune. Even when we're in the room, as soon as the mood hits her, bam." A storm was raging outside, but Yang paid it no mind, "All I'm saying is, thank the Gods the rooms are soundproof, but that doesn't help Weiss. Poor girl hasn't gotten any good sleep since Blake found out she was really into whips-"
"NYAAAHHHH!" With a primal scream of rage, Blake jumped and tackled Yang to the floor, "Lies, lies, all lies!"
"No, Blake, not here! Your parents are watching!" Yang said in a faux-scandalized tone, "Help, help! I need an adult! Bad touch, bad touch!"
"I'm gonna kill you!"
Sadly for Jaune, he couldn't get away and found himself stuck between the tangle of limbs, hair and magic. Whoever said being in-between to girls when were fighting was hot needed to get their head checked. Poor Ghira just looked utterly confused at the whole thing while Kali watched with an odd twinkle in her eye.
And so it was that the three of them trudged back to Beacon with a few more injuries than normal. Not that they showed any of it - none of their Auras broke - but the (mental) scars would remain. Well, for him and Blake, at least. Yang was grinning ear to ear and looked like she'd just won the lottery. Oh well, it was worth it to see the look on Blake's face.
...
Maybe he had a problem.
"I hate you, Yang," Blake said, "I want you to know that I utterly loathe you to the bottom of my being and I hope that karma will one day return what you've done to me tenfold."
"...Says the girl fake dating my little sister's boyfriend?" Yang asked back.
"She's got a point." Jaune shrugged, "So what are we gonna do about Weiss' problem?" He'd almost forgotten about it in the scuffle.
"Uh...nothing?" Yang rolled her eyes, "She's just gotta man up and tell her daddy she's dating a guy with a tail. Can't be that hard. A little honesty goes a long way." She looked right at Blake as she said that.
Blake scoffed and went off to the cafeteria, likely to get some tuna to improve her mood, "...So we still on for the meeting?" Yang asked.
"If you haven't changed your mind."
"Nope."
"Then I guess we are." Jaune sighed. He trusted Yang, he really did, but this entire thing just screamed trap. Nothing to do about it now. At least Mercury and Penny agreed to help.
He went back to their room while Yang went off to the gym. As was increasingly common nowadays, he was greeted with the sight of Weiss Schnee facedown on her bed and moaning like she had a horrible stomachache. At her side was Ruby, who tried to comfort her by rubbing circles across her back. Even the new bed they'd purchased, an actual bunk bed this time, did little to improve her mood.
"Hey, Jaune."
"Hey, Rubes. Weiss still worried about the Sun thing?" Weiss moaned in response, "Take that as a yes. I'll make some coffee for the three of us."
"Why me?" Weiss said as she sat up and gratefully took her cup of coffee. At this point he knew the exact way she liked it by heart, "I know I have flaws but I'm trying to fix them. Why does fate decide to torment me so?"
"Least people don't think you're some kind of boyfriend stealer..." Ruby pouted down at her own cup.
"Guessing you can't tell your dad you're dating Sun?"
"What makes you think that, Jaune?" She scoffed, though it had no heat, "Yes, I can't quite tell him I'm dating a delinquent Faunus. Credit where it's due, I don't believe my father is personally prejudiced. Rather I think that he simply sees people as to be exploited, Faunus or otherwise. He treats both equaly poorly from what I've seen. I doubt he would have any personal dislike of Sun for being a Faunus. His ire would be more focused on his delinquency."
"So what's the problem?" Jaune sipped his coffee.
"Because while father himself might not care that Sun has a tail, many board members and supporters do, and so long as they hold prejudiced views he'll have to concede to them." She groaned and massaged her temples with her free hand, "And of course the heiress to the SDC dating a Faunus won't help things. While it would be good optics, publicity matters a lot less than the support of some 'traditionalists'."
"I don't really see what you can do besides being honest, Weiss," Ruby said, "I mean if you're planning for this to be a long-term thing then isn't it better to rip the bandaid off?"
"That's assuming this is going to be such a commitment." Her fingers drummed against the side of the personalized mug, "While Sun is more charming than I initially expected, this is still a school relationship. Not to mention the fact that he's a transfer student who's going back to Haven after the Vytal Festival. Am I really ready to take such a risk for a relationship that I don't know how serious it'll ultimately be?"
"Did you talk to Sun about this?" Jaune asked.
"Of course I did. He hasn't much clue either." She frowned, "Like myself, the longevity wasn't exactly at the forefront of his mind. We haven't even discussed if we'll continue our correspondence once he returns to Haven." Wow, even when talking about her boyfriend(?) she sounded like she was talking about a business meeting, "We are in agreement, however, that meeting father is not an option. Even he understands that Jacques Schnee is not a man to be trifled with."
"So what's your plan then? Cause people posted you two dancing," Ruby said.
"I have no clue." She pressed her lips into a thin line, "I've been ducking father's calls, but that can't last forever. I doubt he'll believe that it was merely a misunderstanding. Perhaps if I distract him with something else, like if the person I was dating was..." She trailed off then looked right at Jaune. Both he and Ruby shared a nervous look, "If I was dating someone normal and harmless..."
"Weiss..." Jaune started.
"Jaune, my dear and trusted friend." She smiled demurely at him.
"No." Jaune sighed.
"I require a favor of the utmost importance."
"No!" Ruby shouted, standing up and glaring down at her bestie.
"And Ruby, my best friend in the world," Weiss continued without missing a beat, "Father would no doubt have much to say about Sun, but a nice boy from a family of winemakers? Why, I believe he might actually approve!"
"So your brilliant plan is to make up a lie that we're dating, presumably while you keep going out with Sun. Am I close?"
"Very much so, my precious teammate." Wow, she was laying it on thick, wasn't she?
"I said no!" Ruby stamped her right foot, "What's with everyone trying to use my boyfriend for this kind of crazy stuff?! You already have your own!"
"Dear Ruby, I believe I told you why that isn't an option," Weiss said patiently, as if she wasn't the one being unreasonable, "And it wouldn't be anything risque. I'd simply tell father that I'm actually going out with Jaune. Since there's nothing offensive about him, he won't ask any further questions and I can simply say we broke up at a later date. It's the perfect plan, if you think about it."
"Still no!"
"Oh, why not?" Weiss huffed, "You let Blake do it!"
"Cause Blake's a weirdo!" Ruby shouted. At the cafeteria, Blake sneezed and felt the sudden urge to make Jaune's life difficult again, "You're supposed to be better than this, Weiss!"
"I'm merely relying on my teammates," Weiss deflected with the grace of someone used to never taking responsibility for anything.
"...I'm curious, was team RWBY crazy before or after the Maiden powers? Is that a requirement to get them?" Jaune sagged back in his seat and looked up at the ceiling as Ruby screamed down at her best friend, who continued to insist in the brilliance of her plan. He loved, but sometimes he wondered what life would've been like if he was on another team. Maybe their sister team? Yeah, that sounded nice and sane.
As far as first dates went, reforging a family heirloom ranked pretty high up there, but if there was one thing Jaune knew about Ruby it was that she didn't take half-measures. First weapon? Scythe with an anti-material rifle configuration. Wants to be a Huntress? Goes to Beacon two years early. He had no doubt she'd use those Silver Eyes of hers to burn this Salem to a crisp.
So now here they were, back at the Beacon forge and risking heatstroke again. Jaune brought the back of his right hand across his forehead as he and Ruby prepared everything they needed. They agreed to reforge it into a sword with an assault rifle configuration. For the shield, her idea came between either a gravity shroud or an explosive repellent to make sure anything that got hit would regret it. He ultimately went with the latter, mostly cause he didn't really see himself needing to fly any time soon.
Ruby did most of the work, but he did his best to chip in. She was both an eager and patient teacher, surprised and pleased how well he took to forging and maintenance. While he wasn't as good as it as she was, he found himself enjoying the work. It actually helped keep his mind off of all the worries he had. That and maybe he was thinking of using this stuff on Adam if he ever saw him again.
Finally, hours later, it was finished. He and Ruby raised the still heated sword carefully with the look of proud parents. Jaune had to admit, he felt awed. The sword had gone from a dull gray blade into something a bit more ornate, with lines of red and gold along the hilt and center. At the middle of a handguard was the Arc symbol on one side while the other had a stylized rose similar to the one his old pistol had.
"What should we name her?" Ruby asked softly.
"I think it's more a him, actually."
"You're totally wrong, but he's your weapon, so I won't fight." She rolled her eyes exagerratedly, "But don't just name him Crocea Mors again! He's your weapon now, not your ancestors'."
"Yeah...I'll need some time to think about it." He set it down and looked down at the shield. It was in a sad state, "Do we still have time to fix the shield."
"Hmm, yeah, but we're gonna have to choose between that or making another pistol cause you're a weirdo who wants more than one weapon."
"Can never be too careful." He ran a hand through his sweat-soaked hair, "Gun first, shield later. It's probably better if I'm not getting in hitting distance with anyone for a while."
"Okie dokie."
The new pistol wasn't that different from his old one, though they made sure to increase the firing rate and make it easier to reload. Outside of high calibers, Grimm tended to ignore singular bullets. Quantity over quality tended to matter more in those cases.
Jaune left the forge feeling more secure than he'd had in days. With his sword and pistol back he felt...well, Adam would still kick his teeth in with one hand behind his back, but at least he could fight other people.
Sadly, they didn't have time to do anything else. It was a Saturday and only three in the afternoon despite all the time they spent inside, but the whole team agreed they'd meet with Richard Blanche. Which was just perfect cause Yang was gonna meet with her mysterious contact tomorrow. When was the last time he actually relaxed on a weekend, Jaune wondered. Next week he was honestly expecting Vale to blow up.
"This is the place." Jaune looked down at the GPS link on his scroll then back up at the estate in front of them. It was a big place, especially for a Faunus, but being a councilman paid. Ruby and Yang looked impressed while Weiss made a comment about it being 'quaint'. Blake barely paid the place any mind and just rang the doorbell. All she cared about was what Blanche could offer and what she could demand in turn.
An actual butler led them inside. Again, Weiss looked distinctly unimpressed while Ruby and Yang adjusted their clothes nervously. They'd all dressed up fancy for the occasion and both sisters looked like they weren't used to formal wear outside of things like the dance. Blake and Weiss, by contrast, looked like they didn't care at all that they were parading themselves for a politician's sake.
The butler took them to a fancy dining hall where Blanche was already waiting, "Jaune, so good to see you again." He smiled, showing off his fanged teeth, "It's nice to meet the rest of you as well."
"Likewise." Weiss nodded back while the rest of them did their own greetings.
"I hope you don't mind if we have something to eat while we discuss. It's the right time for an afternoon snack, after all."
Afternoon snack ended up being a turkey. He'd gotten used to good cooking - Beacon treated their students well, Initiation aside - but even he was still floored by the taste. And so were the rest of the team judging from their multitude of reactions. Jaune tried not to let it get to him too much. Weiss had given them a crash course on what to expect coming in. A gesture like this was a show. 'Look what I can offer you', it said.
"I must admit, I wasn't expecting to hear back from you so soon, Jaune," Blanche said.
"I just told them what you told me. Like I said, it's your call on how to convince them."
"Indeed." Weiss pressed her palms together and set them on the table, all business. While she didn't work for the SDC proper, she'd been trained since childhood on how to talk to people decades her senior. Jacques Schnee was many things, chief of them being prideful. The idea of his daughter getting the runaround from anyone wasn't something he tolerated, "And please, no subtleties and double meanings, Mr. Blanche. From what Jaune has said, you're an honest sort."
"Very well then, Ms. Schnee." Blanche nodded, "As I'm sure Jaune has told you, I'm interested in using your capabilities for a mutually benefitial arrangement. You ladies have proven to be both extremely capable and powerful, and the council has taken notice." Ruby squirmed in her seat, evidently unhappy of so many people high up paying attention, "The other council members will make you the same offers. I'm merely trying to be the first in line."
"But you're not asking us to do missions. You want us to be your mascots," Yang leaned forward with a hard look.
"I'd prefer the term representatives, but yes." Honest as always, Jaune thought, "Don't be surprised, Ms. Xiao Long. Huntsmen are more than protectors; they're symbols. Or celebrities, if you want to be cynical. It's intentional on the part of the kingdoms. Huntsmen are meant to inspire hope, so the kingdoms have a vested interest in making them endearing to the populace. And your team has done exceptionally in that regard. Do you know how long it's been since there's been an attack inside the walls? Not since the Great War, and you four-"
"Five," Ruby cut in.
"Five, of course, my apologies." He nodded, "You five stopped what would've needed entire teams of Veteran Huntsmen. Your ages and looks also factor into this. For all the world to see, you five appear as the quintessential Huntsmen."
"You mean we're marketable." Blake's face knotted in distaste.
"Yes, you especially, Ms. Belladonna." He smiled. She didn't, "You cut quite an inspiring image, uncovering your Faunus traits as you called out those bigots. Knowing that one of the so-called 'Animals' was one of Vale's Defenders has silenced the cries of many extremists. Or at least it's gotten people shouting back."
"This seems complicated. Jaune told us about how you wanted us killing Grimm hordes or finding places where people could settle. Why can't we just do that without all this propaganda stuff?"
"Because he needs to get something back," Jaune said for him. Blanche seemed to find no offense and let him continue, "He wants to use your popularity to do his own thing. Maybe pushing back against Cardin's dad, maybe something else."
"You are aware, Mr. Blanche, that none of us are Valean citizens?" Weiss asked, "Blake and I don't come from Saunus altogether. Assuming we accept, I trust this won't be an issue?"
"Huntsmen are often seen as world travelers. I doubt the average citizen will care overtly much," he replied, "But does this mean that I can count on your aid?"
All of them looked at one another for a moment before Blake spoke first, "I want two things." Blanche silently urged her to continue, "First, I want a guarantee that if I - if we - are putting ourselves at risk like this, that we'll get tangible results for the Faunus. You've said you're fighting for their equality, but until I see proof otherwise that claim is suspect. If we do this kind of work for you and I don't see any results, we're all going to stop."
"All of you?"
"We're a team, so that means we're in or out together." Yang crossed her arms.
"Second, we need your help in finding the White Fang," Blake continued, "You're a councilman, you have access to resources we can only imagine. If the White Fang attack again then it'll be a disaster and no one wants that. Help us stop them."
"That won't be difficult. I daresay even Winchester would agree, though not for the most benevolent of reasons."
"The rest of us want something too." Ruby said, swallowing down her nerves, "If we're going to do this, we want to make sure it's for the right reasons. If you try to use what we're doing to make it easier to do something horrible, or to excuse away things you've done, that's it. We're all in this to be Huntsmen, and we're going to help you because you can help people, but that doesn't mean we're going to look the other way if you do something wrong. Same as Blake, if you break this then we all stop."
"Understood, Ms. Rose."
"Then I suppose we have a deal," Weiss said last, "I believe the two of us can hash out the details by ourselves after this meal. Unless the rest of you want to also look over the contract?" They all shook their heads no, either uncaring or trusting Weiss to get them a good deal. She was the future CEO, after all, "I also trust that this will in no way interfere with our studies. We are, after all, still students at the end of the day.
"I assure you, Ms. Schnee, that is the last thing I want. It would hardly look good if Vale's Defenders were dropouts," Blanche joked.
Blanche offered to let them stay the night, which they all refused. Just cause they were getting in bed with the guy didn't mean they were gonna take the guy's beds. Jaune wandered around outside of the estate. While Ruby didn't like the idea of him going alone, she'd been pacified knowing that there were guards around. That and it'd be pretty damn unlikely the White Fang could walk around openly in the middle of Vale.
Jaune leaned against the wall next to the gate and looked up at the slowly setting evening sky. He wondered how his family was doing. They probably thought he was just studying or hanging out with friends right now instead of helping his team meet a politician so they could play propaganda.
"An odd place to find you, Jaune." Jaune looked to the right and wasn't even surprised to see Ozpin walking down the street to him. Wasn't like they were being subtle when they left campus.
"Was kinda wondering when you'd show up." He smiled slightly.
"Oh?"
"Yeah. Honestly, I'm surprised you didn't come sooner. Weiss is already making a deal with Mr. Blanche."
"Hm." Ozpin stood next to him and let a moment of silence pass, "You assume I would try to stop you all?"
"Nah, not really." He actually hadn't tried anything once the Breach came and went, "...I'm curious about something. You obviously want to keep the Maidens alive, but you don't seem to care much about what we're doing. Hell, you let Amber wander around by herself. If it wasn't for Blake she'd have died without anyone even knowing it. So why the lax grip?"
"Would you believe me if I told you it stemmed from guilt?" Ozpin's smile was wry, "I've been fighting this war for...a long time, Jaune, and yes there was a time when I believed the best thing for everyone was when they were under control. I did attempt to lock the Maidens in, justifying it to myself with the idea that whatever displeasure they felt was nothing compared to what would happen if Salem were to catch them."
"I get the feeling this doesen't end happily."
"No, Jaune, it doesn't." Ozpin didn't elaborate and Jaune didn't ask, "If I were that same man, I would've done more than be displeased when you disobeyed my order, even as I know now that if you'd followed it, team RWBY would not be who they are now. Anyone willing to stand aside and let innocent people die for their own safety wouldn't be the same people who would risk their lives fighting Salem."
"...Tell me the truth. You're not just a headmaster, are you? You have magic and you talk like someone way older than you already are."
"I suppose it's time you knew, yes." He took a deep breath, "This isn't my first time fighting Salem. Not my first century, even. Salem and I...we've fought this war since the beginning."
"What are you saying? You're...immortal?" Even through everything he'd been through there was still that spark of disbelief. The last immortal he'd told them about was some kind of monster.
"In a sense. I can die, certainly. Pierce my heart or separate my head from my body and I'll perish all the same...but it's not permanent. It never is. My soul will pass to another man who shared similar traits to myself. From there the conflict continues."
"So...you possess people?" That was a morbid thought.
"Yes, though believe me when I say that it's not my choice. This was task was given to me and I wasn't allowed the method of my continuation." His features hardened for just a moment, "I'll tell you and the rest of team RWBY everything when you want. Now's hardly the proper time or location for such a talk."
"...Sure."
"I'll also have to talk to Mr. Blanche about your new contract. You are all still students of Beacon Academy and there are limits to what you can do. See you soon, Jaune."
His thoughts were muddled and stayed that way all the way until they got a hotel room for the night. Yang wanted to go clubbing, probably to take her mind off of what was coming tomorrow, but no one else was in the mood.
Jaune looked up at the dark ceiling, hands behind his head. Alright, so Ozpin was a kinda-immortal and he'd been fighting this war for way longer than any of them knew. Fought hadn't hadn't won, a dark part of him whispered, what are the chances he's not just going to get you all killed again?
Shuffling footsteps softly padded to his left, "Jaune?" Ruby stood next to his bed, expression uncertain. The two of them were sharing the room while the rest of the team took another. Apart from Yang playfully threatening to throw him out the window if he got randy, no one really seemed to mind them pairing up; probably cause if Ruby didn't want anything she could more than take care of herself.
"Rubes, you alright?"
"Y-Yeah, just...thinking about what happened today." She looked down at her feet and shifted awkwardly, "Do you... think we're doing the right thing working with this guy?"
He let out a soft breath and sat up, "I dunno. If he's telling the truth then yeah, absolutely. The Faunus don't deserve to be treated like monsters cause of bastards like Adam Taurus and his followers, and you're right that stopping Grimm Hordes or finding safe places for people to settle is a good thing." If we can trust him, Jaune didn't say.
"Are you having doubts? About staying on the team, I mean?"
"What? Where's this coming from?"
"You got kidnapped by that Adam Taurus guy and now you're involved in this whole thing with a councilman. I just...I wanna know that you're still here because you want to be and not because of anything else."
"Rubes..." He reached a hand out slowly and cupped her cheek. She leaned into the contact, "I've had my doubts and moments, but I'm here because of all of you. As long as you're all fighting then I'm not going anywhere."
"Alright." Her smile returned to its usual brightness and he felt utterly relieved. Despite the smile, however, her cheeks reddened, "So, um, could we sleep together?"
Jaune's eyes widened and he hated the sudden burst of excitement he felt, "Wh-What?" he sputtered, "I-Isn't it a bit quick?"
There was a moment of silence before Ruby's own eyes widened to match his, "N-No, that's not what I meant!" she shouted quickly, "I-I mean actually sleep together! Like, physically on the bed! With all our clothes on!"
"Oh! Yeah, totally! That makes sense!" Gods, kill him now, "Y-Yeah, that sounds good! Very good!"
"E-Excellent!"
Jaune scooted over to the side and let Ruby lay on the bed next to him. They'd slept together before, but that was after an exhausting day of fighting in the Breach and before they actually got together. Back then he was so dogged by other things that he didn't even think about it. This was different. Now he was sleeping next to his girlfriend and they were alone in the room. Assuming Blake wasn't awake and could hear them, at least.
They turned to face each other. Ruby's face was still an adorable shade of pink, but she smiled up at him nontheless. Swallowing down his hesitation, he wrapped her arms around her and pulled her into a warm embrace, "This is nice..." She muttered against his chest as she hugged him back. The smell of her strawberry shampoo was comforting, "Goodnight, Jaune."
"Night, Ruby."
Omake: Ruby Rose, Reaper of Relationships
Ruby grinned to herself as she stepped off the Bullhead to Haven Academy. Beacon was great and all, but when Headmaster Ozpin offered the team a chance for a temporary exchange she'd been ecstatic.
Headmaster Leonardo Lionheart was there to greet them. He was a nice guy and very quick with the compliments, talking about all the good things he'd heard about them and how he hoped they'd all enjoy their stay at Haven Academy.
And then his eyes landed on her and he froze. Huh?
"Ms. Rose." He coughed politely, as if she wasn't like a third his age, "I've been hearing a lot of things about you as well, and might I make a suggestion?"
"Uh...sure?" She tilted her head to the side.
"Yes, well, while I'm aware of your capabilities, I would please insist that you not use it as an excuse to indulge in any NTR." Ruby was too stunned silent to shout her offense, "I'm also well aware that Mistral has a reputation for coming up with that genre, and legalized polygamy, but I would like to personally warn you that students will not be happy if you try to steal their boyfriends."
"WHAT?!" Ruby shrieked.
"Yes, I'm sorry if you were looking forward to it, but rules are rules and I need to at least discourage such behavior."
"That's not what I meant! I'm not-"
"I'm sorry, but I have other things to take care of. Excuse me." And then he left, leaving her to stand with the rest of her equally shocked team. Freaking- what the h- Penny! Oh, they were gonna have words when she got back!
Sadly, her hope that only the headmaster heard about those horrible rumors faded as soon as they entered the school. Students pointed and whispered at her, especially the girls, and no amount of sympathy from the rest of her team could help.
It only got worse when she scored her first victory in Combat Class.
The girl she beat, a second year by the name of Viola, got down on her hands and knees as soon as the teacher declared her loss, "Please don't take my boyfriend!" She cried. Literally, there were actual tears in her eyes. It was sad, "I-I know I lost, but please have mercy! Don't NTR me!"
"No, I-"
"No?! Is nothing sacred to you?!" the girl shrieked, both fearful and desperate, "I love him! I won't let you separate us!"
Thankfully, the teacher ushered them back to the seats before the girl could fight for her man's honor. Unfortunately, it didn't do much to stop the icy glares she received from all the girls around her. Ruby covered her face with her cloak and groaned. Seriously?
The rest of the month long stay sucked. What was supposed to be a fun cultural exchange ended up with her being treated as if she was some kind of dangerous man-eater just waiting for the opportune moment to strike. She counted down the days till they could leave and go for the next place. Atlas Academy was their next stop and at least there it wouldn't be the same. They were too big killjoys to buy into rumors.
General Ironwood was the one that greeted them when they got there. As always he talked to them in turn before stopping at her, "Ruby Rose. I trust you'll be on your best behavior? I've heard a lot about you from Penny and I won't tolerate any cuc-"
Ruby proceeded to cause a diplomatic incident by flinging Atlas' general off the nearest cliff.
Man, poor Ruby. Summer Rose was a Rebound Queen but she one-ups her by being an NTR Queen. Meanwhile, both Weiss and Blake are trying to swoop in on her boyfriend. If Yang tries something she's gonna freaking lose it.
Next chapter will be Yang's beginnings with the Branwen clan and then...I dunno, I'm actually wondering. I guess team RWBY being celebrities? I can totally see them having to livestream fights and then getting thirsty viewers making stupid comments. Either that or Papa Schnee visiting and Weiss exacting Operation: Date the Noodle.
Review Answers:
AutoHunterj49 - It's two years and they're taking it slow. People pair off Jaune with Neo who's in her twenties and no one finds that odd.
roxasdualwielder - Jaune being scared of team RWBY would've gotten old fast.
Dressyone22 - She's gonna self-defense away the entire White Fang.
Spartastic 4 - Team Order is team Onee-san and they're all much more stable and careful with their powers. He's more their assistant than babysitter.
BrazeRancor - Eh, Sienna assumes Ilia will do it for the greater good. Also, Mercury and Penny are good enough. The latter could also act as air support.
Raj8 - Jaune and Neo is mostly based on height difference, I think. That and people absurdly love Neo.
seanjoshmassey - Enjoyable? Yeah. Realistic? Not really. Blake acts way more cartoony when she's around Jaune.
Chuck B. Winanaki - The main difference is that Jaune has a far firmer moral center. Even with his distrust for Ozpin in canon, Jaune never abandoned his friends or decided to do anything but fight the good fight. Also, the beginning segment kinda shows why he and Blake aren't a good fit.