Road Trip

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It wasn't often Jaune had to sit often and truly thank whoever above or below for that matter about how he had survived a near-death experience. Sure, he had his close calls in battle pertaining to the work that he has chosen to take up as did any Huntsman or Huntress. Those times could even warrant a short prayer or a mumbled "Thank you" after surviving a close call to those who felt it appropriate. Being grateful for the life given, spared, or otherwise extended was natural for humans who evade stressful situations on Remnant.

Then there was the true life-altering happenings. You know, the true hairbreadth escapes that could forever change one's judgment when it came to their own decision-making for these people had seen the great plane of existence from a spiritual level and loved to talk about it.

Enter Jaune Arc who was now relieving himself via the oral cavity of his breakfast behind the corner store a mere 2 miles away from the campground he and his now-girlfriend, Ruby Rose, had arrived at earlier in the day. He clasped the metal bar of a vice grip as he painted heavily over the mess he had made. Even now, almost 15 minutes later after jelly-legging his way out of the car that smelt off burnt rubber, his tachycardia had not slowed in any way.

"H-How does she have a license?!" He wailed between hitched breaths. His skin was visibly cool and the moisture build-up on his skin had to be unhealthy, but alas, he was indeed alive.

"There's no way that Remnant would allow such an atrocity to actually occur. Why are we saving people just to allow someone like that to drive openly and freely?!"

His panting increased as he finished talking aloud, something a lot of the customers both entering and leaving the building chose to ignore. Perhaps it was time to move if people like this were going to show up.

Jaune clinched his stomach, only now realizing the faint burning in his chest after expulsion. He needed to get some water and contemplate how they would make it back to the campground without invoking the wrath of Oum on these poor civilians by allowing her to drive again.

He chided himself as he went over in his mind how Yang had forewarned him several times about allowing her to sit behind the wheel. What was the harm he thought? A store a few miles away? Cake. Ruby Rose taking the lead? More cake. Actually letting her drive the car? No cake— in fact, no cake and a loss of any cake you had eaten.

He gripped his back pocket where his wallet should have been. Without his license, driving was a felony, but did that outweigh allowing her to drive? Was there someone out there that would take his word if he were to say that he was doing it for the good of the population? Would a defense attorney be able to prove it in court?

He sighed as he went over the multiple narrow-minded simulations his brain presented to him. There had to be a way.

"Hey Jaune?" A voice rang from behind him as he pales once more. He knew that voice. He knew that voice too well.

The shaky teen turned to see that of one Ruby Rose standing behind him offering a concerning, albeit twinkling, silver eye.

"You okay over there?"

Jaune wiped his brow of any perspiration as he looked at her, ready to respond. How he wanted to be truthful with her and his concern for all mankind, but when it came to the girl he loved, how was he to pull his words? She just stood there… perfect. Perfect and beautiful, much like the day he pulled her out of that crater years ago.

He'd have to try something else. "Yeah, I'm fine. You know me and vehicles… best of friends."

That's when he noticed that her arms were empty. Even though he's been out here for quite some time, nearly begging her to do the shopping, she had not bought any of the snacks he or the others had requested for the camp out.

"Are you okay?" He questioned, noticing the girl fidgeting as she pushed her index fingers together.

"W-Well" she stammered. "I sort of forgot the money back at the campground."

Jaune wretched in horror internally as he prepared for what was next to come from her mouth as if his near-death experience had given him some new semblance of power to read minds.

"We might have to—"

"No!" He exclaimed, causing a stir in the wildlife nearby to flee. Ruby herself was slightly put off by the boy's declaration, not knowing him to speak so loudly. "I mean… uh, I'll call Yang! She can bring the money."

"Do you think she would mi—"

"Of course not!" He interrupted once more. "Her beloved younger sister needing help is something she would never ignore!" He laughed. "How about you go back inside and I'll give her a call? Just pick whatever you want and I'll have her bring my wallet."

The girl smiled weakly as she trotted over and placed a kiss on the boy's cheek. "You're awesome, Jaune! I'm going to get a bunch of treats!" Even if he left a bead of sweat on her lips for whatever reason, she was grateful.

She skipped away merrily back towards the front of the store as Jaune watched her leave his sight. He has been spared. He had truly survived. He had also earned boyfriend points in the process.

He sighed in relief as he dialed Yang's number on his scroll.

"Are you alright? Is anyone hurt? I don't hear any screaming from where we are."

"Just get over here with my wallet please and don't let me ever do that again."

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Sometimes, you get lucky and luck can be better than skill.

GodRealm