"Vanessa?" Jaune whispered. "I'm coming in."

He met no objections when he entered her room. It was just as messy as always. Clothes piled on the floor, homework all over her desk. The sight of Vanessa on her bed, covering herself with a blanket was foreign to him though. His baby girl would always be egging him on for something to do, and he loved that. This though, the fact she didn't meet his eyes and tucked her legs in, completely isolating herself like this...

Her eyes were red and tear streaks were visible. He sat down and pulled his daughter into a hug. He kissed her head and embraced her, hoping he'd remind her of how he cared for her. She always compared him to a papa bear with how large his arms had gotten. The image of a younger Vanessa vanished when she hugged him back.

"Dad..." she muttered.

"Vanessa, I-"

"I know Blake isn't my mom. Well, she is, but my biological one. I've... always known how things wouldn't exactly be perfect. Mom - Reverie - gave me perspective on that when she told me her story of how she was adopted."

"I'm happy you're my dad," she continued. "Reverie was lucky to have been adopted, it goes to show how much her parents care for her. And it reminds me of how you, Reverie, and all my aunts love me too. You could've done the same as Blake and went on with your life. Reverie and Yang would always help you out with me..."

"I love you, Vanessa. I know what happened with Blake wasn't ideal. This hasn't been easy, and I'm so happy you're taking this better than she did. You have me, baby girl. You have Reverie and Yang, all your aunts... and even you're grandparents."

"I know, Dad..." she mumbled. She looked up at him. He could've sworn he saw a younger Blake, but what he had here was Vanessa, someone far stronger than her. "I know I don't say this often, but I love you. I'm sorry I-"

"You have nothing to apologize for." He remembered something. "Do you remember my story about why I joined Beacon?"

"Because Grandpa went there, right?"

"Yes. All your aunts by blood had their own talents. I always felt overshadowed by them. My pride drove me to become something worthy of the Arc name. So I ran away and stole Crocea Mors. And as you know, I then had you while in Beacon. I was terrified when Blake told me about you for the first time. I didn't hesitate to make up my mind about raising you. But what scared me the most was how your grandparents would've felt."

Vanessa looked at him, her amber eyes filled with curiosity.

"I believed they would've admonished me. So I took care of you for a few months before I met Reverie. Then she convinced me to reveal your birth. And they didn't yell at me or anything of the sort. They cried and welcomed you with open arms." Jaune felt a small smile grow on his face. "They came to Vale immediately, and were trembling when they held you for the first time. It was the first time I saw your grandfather cry."

"He can do that?"

Jaune laughed. "Indeed he can. I was young and careless, but it was reassuring to know they still loved me. They love you, Vanessa."

"I know..." she muttered. She played with her raven bangs a bit, twirling them as her cheeks flushed. "May I see Reverie and Yang? I've been worrying them, haven't I?"

"It stems from love, so don't fret." Jaune smiled as he stood up and crept up to the door. "Those two idiots could never hold anything against you."

Jaune swiftly opened the door, causing Reverie and Yang to fall through the frame. Jaune couldn't help but grin about how the two tried to listen in as much as they could. Vanessa jumped from her bed, surprised. Before Reverie and Yang could get up, Vanessa greeted both of them with a hug.

"Both of you have been there for me and Dad," Vanessa said. "Thank you. I love you both."

Reverie gave a small smile as she returned the embrace. Yang however, struggled to hold in her tears.

"I've been meaning to give this to you sooner, Vanessa." Jaune said. "Given what's recently occurred, there hasn't been a good time for it." He returned with Crocea Mors in his hands, polished and returned to its former glory as a fine blade.

"Dad..." Vanessa stood up and took the blade, unsheathing it to test its weight.

"I can't really suggest much for swordsmanship, but I can at least teach you how to use a firearm. Happy Birthday, Vanessa."


So it's been quite a while. My apologies for that. I can confirm that I will be doing my best to complete more chapters, it's just that I've been busy with many things. Work, an original novel, and my YT channel...

But hey. The Blake arc will be coming to a close soon. Next chapter will probably be the last one, and a long one at that.

Consider supporting my other works, including my original story I'll be publishing soon. And if you like my writing style, maybe you'll like my YT videos as well. My channel's name is the same as my pen name. Only one video at the moment, but I'll be uploading more soon.

Thanks for your continued support, everyone!

Until next time.

-Colure