"Vanessa doesn't wish to see either of you?" Jaune asked, surprised. This wasn't like his daughter, she loved Reverie and Yang dearly. Then again, her biological mother did admit she never wanted her in the first place. Perhaps it was about time Jaune put his foot down on this. "She locked up in her room?"
Reverie nodded. "Yang is still at her door, but she doesn't seem to be getting through to Vanessa. Where's Blake and... what's-his-face?"
"Sun," he said automatically. "I know you don't know him, but he is a pretty cool guy. Helped me out a lot with my confidence back when we were in school."
"And yet he seems to believe Blake is a suitable partner. Not to mention how his efforts to make Blake come see her own daughter didn't seem to work until nearly 17 years after her birth."
"They're both at their hotel." Best to change the topic. "Blake is catching up with her parents right now." He smiled bitterly. "Vanessa's grandparents want to come see her. They had no idea she even existed until an hour ago."
"Blake didn't even tell her own parents about you and Vanessa? At this point, I'm not even surprised." Reverie sighed. "Just what did you see in her, anyway? And don't give me that crap about how you were shy back then. When we met, you were functioning like a human being. Well, an emotional one at least."
"I grew a lot once I found out I was going to be a dad. The thought never crossed my mind. Me of all people as a caregiver was foreign to me." He ran his finger along his mustache a bit. "Blake gave this allure with how mysterious she was. Plus, we had similar tastes in literature."
"Sounds boring..."
"We weren't much different at first," he pointed out. Reverie erected herself a bit, surprised by the comparison. "I admired your work ethic and guidance even though you didn't have to. Then you became as invested as I was in raising Vanessa. One thing led to another for us, you know."
"And despite all we've been through for these past 18 years, you still haven't popped the question."
Jaune blushed. "Ah, are we going to talk about that again right now?"
"No..." she pouted. She slammed her head into his chest and looked up at him with a playful frown. "It's just that... well, we've know each other for so long. And we're at a level where we're clearly more than friends, Jaune. You agree on that, right?"
"Yes, I-"
She pressed her finger against his lips. "Hush, that's all I needed to hear right now. Now go see your daughter. I'm sure she's had enough time to collect herself. I mean, you're our best shot anyway."
Jaune wasn't entirely sure about that. When it came to serious moments, he had the advantage since everything was usually the result of Vanessa's shenanigans. And it all worked out in the end with hugs, pizza, and plenty of ice cream.
Yang was by Vanessa's door, her hand pressed against the frame. Her rested her forehead against the door and sighed.
"I met Blake's family," he said. Yang spun around, a tired expression plastered on her face. "Her father looks intimidating, but he's quite a nice man. I haven't met her mother yet, but the impression Blake's father gave me suggested it'd be best to wait on that introduction. It was over the scroll, but it felt meaningful nonetheless."
"I've not met them myself," Yang admitted. "They're in Menagerie, right?"
"Perfect vacation spot or a few certain individuals."
"Jaune..."
"If Vanessa doesn't wish to go, then so be it. But I think this'll be good for her. You know she always wanted to learn more about Blake's side of the family. I'd be lying to say I was never curious myself."
"Think about how emotionally distraught she is right now."
"Ghira and his wife aren't Blake, Yang. They've been worried for their own daughter for years and just learned they've been grandparents unbeknownst for them for nearly two decades now."
"Vanessa hasn't been listening to me." Yang's fists curled. "Blake just had to be selfish again. Who does she think she is? Barging in out of the blue and causing so much discord among us. Do you have any idea what Vanessa has been saying to me? I'm glad this door is between us, or I'd break down upon seeing the look on our girl's face!"
Her eyes flashed red. She pounded against his chest, forcing him to get a grip on her.
"Fuck..." she cursed. She looked up at him, her eyes returning to its lilac color. "Please talk to her. But don't mention her grandparents yet. Try to-"
"I know, Yang. I'm her father, after all."
Short chapter, I know. And I realize I really should get the snowball rolling with the Blake arc. My apologies for that. I can confirm that this arc will end soon. Maybe 3 or 4 more chapters max.
Until next time.
-Colure
