Hello everyone! Welcome to a story I bet none of you expected I'd be writing, huh? An ECCHI COMEDY STORY?
NANI?! Ha-ha, jokes aside, this story has been in the deep, dark recesses of my file storage for a while now.
I had the inspiration from another writer: Dwalkern64. I love his "Vale University" story and implore you to check it out.
Anyways this isn't going to be something serious like my other stories. I wanted to write this purely for stress relief while working on my other stories; this is just a spoof idea with tons of fun, lighthearted, perverted ecchi scenarios!
Remember Yang from Derelicts in Black? It'd going to be juicier than that.
On a serious note, I need to do this for myself to keep my mind fresh and not burn myself out on just one story. Recent events left me stagnating for months in pain. So I need to do this for myself as I write heartful scenes in other stories. Besides, it's more fun not to always write so seriously and just unwind from sheer silliness from time to time.
It reminds me of a fanfic author I genuinely respect and admire, Couer A'laran. I've admired how he writes multiple stories one chapter at a time, and I think I want to do that for myself to at least try.
I know I plan to when I publish my original light novels in a year and a half.
Anyway, I don't exactly have an entire roadmap for this idea yet, and honestly, I think that's what will make it fun. This is a spoof fic, after all, and hell, I think I'll even have you guys help me think of fun ideas, skits, and scenarios and see where it goes!
Just like before, when I first started writing, I wanted to incorporate my readers in the action!
Now then, get ready because it's time to begin the story!
Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY; all rights go to the Legendary Monty Oum and Rooster Teeth. I do not hold any references to the Music, Anime, or Manga in this story, and all rights go to their respected creators and studios.
Beta Reader: KittyKat-Belle
Opening Theme: SELF-PRODUCER by Chihara Minori (OniAi Anime Opening)
Help! Our Cute College Girl Neighbors Never Leave Us Alone!
Chapter 1: New Beginnings
"Ugh, finally," Adam grunted after settling the last of his boxes on the floor. "Done."
He wiped a few beads of sweat from his forehead with the bottom of his tank top and sighed.
It was said that college was supposed to offer some of the best years of your life. A time for self-discovery, an exploration of new horizons, or a chance to restart or do over. Yes, college did, indeed, offer these opportunities and more.
Adam had heard countless stories of experiences and meetings. And in truth, no matter how calm he acted, he was secretly exhilarated. Something like this could never be fully obtained in the confines of his old high school. This independence was proof of that.
Adam had never been on his own before. And, technically, he still wasn't. But this was the first time in his life that he could live without his family. Though Adam loved them dearly, he reveled in the idea of independence and freedom from his matriarchal household.
Now, as a young 18-year-old freshman at the prestigious University of Vale, Adam Taurus was ready to tackle this new environment head-on. And he wouldn't be alone.
The fact that his childhood friends were also going to be his new roommates only rekindled this vigor when they all got their acceptance letters. Together, they looked to the future as a new beginning in their lives, ready for whatever surprises and new horizons awaited them.
"Yeah, great start," Adam muttered and glanced around.
The cruddy, beat-up old space he took upon as his own was still far from being called an acceptable room. No respectable person would choose to live like this.
From the cracks on the faded old walls, the questionable stains, the discolorations on the carpet, and the scratches and holes he found everywhere from scavenging rodents, it was eyesore after eyesore. The small walk-in closet was no exception either, with most of the inside having cobwebs when he discovered them.
Adam sighed at the fines of his new living quarters and sat down on his new twin mattress. The bed he bought had already taken up half of the space, leaving him barely any room to add more large furniture.
He was grateful for not overly packing. All the boxes fit accordingly, and he made sure the contents inside each one should fit without making the room congested. He couldn't believe he was thinking this, but he was thankful to Qrow.
The man may have been a lazy drunk of a lacrosse coach in high school, but he was a surprising wealth of knowledge and tips for college life. His advice on what to do before and after dorming proved correct.
Adam frowned a little. He would have liked to thank the man in person when he returned for winter break, but Qrow said it was his last semester at Beacon High. Apparently, he was offered a new job at another school by an old friend. Where? He wouldn't say, but that was just typical of Qrow. Always vague.
Adam slowly exhaled and shook his head at the memories. Now wasn't the time to focus on the past. Their tiny two-story house was still just as rundown as this room, and there was much to be done before classes started.
He would unpack later. Right now, he was sure his friends still needed help in fixing up the rest of the place.
"AH! ADAM! THERE'S A BUNCH OF COCKROACHES IN THE BATHROOM AGAIN!"
"YES! PLEASE ASSIST US IN KILLING THEM!"
Speak of the devil, he thought.
As he rose from his bed, Adam glanced at the small picture he had on his desk and smiled before walking out. In it showed him standing alongside his two childhood friends, Jaune and Ren, in their caps and gowns during their graduation.
Hours passed, and the time was now one in the afternoon. After another intensive renovation, Jaune, Ren, and Adam were finally able to proclaim their house as mediocre!
Compared to its original state almost two months ago, the boys considered this a victory. While a meager one at that, it was unbelievable how worse it was up until now.
The structure wasn't even livable until yesterday - hence why they were officially moving in now. Most of the student population still wasn't scheduled to move in until the weekend before classes started. Since it was Tuesday, that meant four days from now.
The special permission they received to move in sooner was a massive boon for the boys. Now they no longer have to drive back and forth to continue working on it. There was still much to do that completion would likely take a couple more weeks.
Right now, however, the summer heat was still blaring down in the cloudless sky, making their new home unbearably hot and dry.
It was terrible to work in, but that would soon change in a few hours. Despite taking all morning, it was well worth it. The basement, backyard, and vents were finally ready for their air conditioning to be installed.
Since the installers would be there in an hour, the boys decided it was a good time for a break. They sat together on their new curved sectional sofa in the living room despite the discomfort of sticky clothing, dirtied bodies, and sweaty faces.
"Ugh, my hands are killing me," Jaune groaned as he lay sprawled out, "but this couch is so comfy!" he sighed happily, not even caring that his sweaty body was sticking to the seats.
"It is quite luxurious." Ren nodded and sipped his iced tea. Unlike his slouched friend next to him, the long-haired boy remained poised as he sat near the edge. "However, please refrain from sweating all over it, Jaune."
"Don't worry, I'll clean it up, Ren." Jaune gave him a lazy thumbs up. "Promise."
"You better," Adam muttered and threw his sweat-filled shirt at the blond's face. "We're still paying for it in installments."
"Ah! Adam! That's so gross!"
The Bull Faunus chuckled and leaned back, stretching his sweaty, shirtless body against the sofa as well.
Ren's eye twitched for a second but ultimately gave up his annoyance and sighed. It was still too hot to try and scold them again.
He constantly tugged at his tank top to cool down but, ultimately, gave up and quickly took it off and folded it next to him. Though he had gone shirtless like Jaune, and Adam did, he was still sweating just as much, even with his hair in a loose ponytail.
"Do you still think it was wise to purchase a big couch?" he asked. "We barely have any space, to begin with, and it takes up more than half of the living room."
"So do the beds in our rooms." Adam shrugged. "It's fine. Not like we're gonna fill this place up anyway."
Ren thought about it and nodded. They hadn't brought a lot, to begin with, and at least with this, they could all use it separately or together.
"I still can't believe my dad bought us a plasma," Jaune muttered and glanced at the device mantled on the wall in front of them.
Adam snorted. "I still can't believe it's 70 inches." He then turned to the blond. "You are so spoiled. You know that."
"Hey!" Jaune rose slightly and half-heartedly tossed his own shirt at the Faunus. It missed and flew over Adam, making him smirk. Jaune blushed and laid back down with crossed arms, "You know I didn't ask him for it."
"I never said it as an insult." Adam replied, "Besides, I'd want special treatment too if I had to be the living plaything of seven sisters for years."
Jaune groaned but knew Adam hit the nail on the head. He spent his whole life getting tormented by a group of girls who had no sense of the word privacy. Even with the house's shitty conditions, he was happy college offered an escape for a time.
"To be fair, Adam, you and I were also subjected as their… "entertainment" as well," Ren said to Adam, making the bull Faunus cough on his bottled water.
Jaune grinned up at Ren, who politely nodded back.
Though Adam tried to hide the slight blush on his cheeks, Ren had him there. He had lost count of how many times his face was coated with makeup by one of the Arc sisters. He then thought of his own sister and felt a shiver crawl down his spine.
"My point is," Adam muttered and exhaled a relaxed sigh. "We're free men now." He raised his bottle up in a mock toast. "No more torment."
"Here, here!" Jaune cheered and jumped up, raising his soda can up. "No more being a make-up dummy and dress-up doll!"
"It will be nice not having my hair tightly braided anymore." Ren agreed and raised his tea up as well.
"Exactly." Adam nodded to them. "To new beginnings, gentlemen."
"To new beginnings!"
*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*
The boys lowered their drinks and turned to the front door. They glanced at one another, exchanging shrugs and confused looks. The installers were still far out, and they weren't expecting anyone else today.
"Who is it?" Jaune asked.
Adam gave him a deadpan look. "What makes you think either of us knows?"
"I don't know! I was just asking!"
"You're an idiot. Now go answer it."
"Hey! Why don't you answer it?"
"I'll answer it." Ren sighed and walked to the door. He quickly reached out and unlocked it.
"Yes?" He asked as he slowly opened it. "How may I help- oh."
Standing before Ren was a gorgeous, young light-blonde woman with the back of her hair tied into a bun and her curled bangs swept to the right.
"Good afternoon, Deputy Headmistress Goodwitch."
Glynda Goodwitch hastily took a step back and readjusted her glasses as she cleared her throat. "G-Good afternoon, Mr. Ren…." She gave him a short, polite nod and averted her eyes.
Though she was a professional by all accounts, the last thing Glynda Goodwitch expected was to come face to face with a shirtless and sweaty young man.
"Deputy Headmistress Goodwitch?" Ren called and took a step closer. "Are you alright?"
"Hm? O-Oh yes. I apologize, Mr. Ren. You'll have to excuse me; this… heat is rather getting to me." she coughed and managed to look past his chest and meet his eyes.
"I understand. It is rather hot today." Ren said and wiped some more sweat off his forehead.
"Y-Yes… quite hot, indeed," Goodwitch muttered and watched in agony as the droplets dripped from his pectorals to his abs. She tried to look away by her eyes refused as she clenched her clipboard.
Ren noticed the subtle action and realized his mistake as he glanced down at himself. "O-Oh goodness, I am so sorry for my indecency, Deputy Headmistress Goodwitch!"
He was already cursing himself as he backed up and tried to cover himself up with his arms. But the damage was already done. The Deputy Headmistress must have been angry beyond measure from how hard she was staring at his body.
"Please forgive me!" Ren begged, "We've been working on the house all day, and there's no ventilation yet." He averted his eyes. "It's rather hot in here, and I-"
"Mr. Ren, you need not explain yourself to me." Goodwitch sighed and waved a hand dismissively. "Such things do not phase me. Nor do I not condemn you for dressing in such a manner when you are within the confines of your own privacy. The forecast mentioned today would be in the 90s, so I do not blame you for this heat."
"Really?" Ren smiled, took a step closer again, and bowed, "Thank you so much, Deputy Headmistress."
"Y-Yes, well," Goodwitch blushed and hastily took another step back as she watched Ren bend forward. She could see the detail in his back glistening in the sunlight, and her hand slowly went up to her chest. She forced it back down and cleared her throat. "Moving on! I do have a reason for coming here. Are Mr. Taurus and Mr. Arc here as well? This regards all three of you."
"Yes, they are." Ren nodded, "Please wait one moment."
He bowed his head again and closed the door. The second he did, Goodwitch's shoulders slumped as she exhaled a shaky breath she was holding.
This blasted heat is getting to me. Goodwitch thought and waved her clipboard like a fan. How could I have acted so unprofessionally? What is wrong with me?
She sighed and shook her head. I worked too long and hard to allow myself to appear weak in front of my students. If I give any of them an inch, they will take miles.
While all her old confidants and classmates were busy slacking, goofing off, partying, and engaging in revolting debauchery, she was not. Glynda Goodwitch studied longer and harder than anyone else at her level. She skipped grades, graduated earlier, and fought tooth and nail to become the youngest Headmistress in Vale history at the impressive age of 28 with a doctorate.
I am a respectable and established professor at this prestigious university now. She nodded to herself with renewed affirmation. I will not allow myself to be sullied by ridiculous limerences!
The door clicked open, causing Goodwitch to snap out of her thoughts and straighten up. She stood at attention, composed herself, and was ready to be the professional she knew she was.
That was until the door opened, and her eyes once again widened.
"Sorry for the delay Deputy Headmistress," said Ren as he and his two housemates stepped out. Not only was the long-haired young man still without a shirt, but so, too, were Mr. Arc and Mr. Taurus.
"Headmistress." Adam addressed her and nodded his head, taking the center place of the three.
Jaune moved to the Faunus' left and rested an arm on his shoulder, making Goodwitch fluster from their bare skin contact.
"Hello, Headmistress Goodwitch." Jaune smiled and waved, "How are you doing?"
"Ah, I-I am well, gentlemen. Thank you for… your attention."
It took all of Goodwitch's mental discipline to fight off the red trying to form on her cheeks. She may have understood the differences between the male and female anatomy from a scientific perspective but seeing them up close so openly - and showing her the various muscular differences between three energetic, young men - was an eye-opening experience.
They were all clearly athletic, their bodies ripe and seasoned for fitness. Each was built and developed like a sacred temple taking years to craft. Her emerald eyes glistened, and she gulped. Such respectable muscles. There was not an ounce of fat detectable in any of their bodies. And yet, Goodwitch could see how they all differed from one another.
Mr. Arc with those broad, sun-kissed shoulders that Goodwitch's fingers ached to touch just to see if they were real. Mr. Taurus, with his toned, chiseled chest that glistened and made her mouth dry. And Mr. Ren, with such lean, defined biceps and forearms perfectly capable of pinning Goodwitch down.
Her mind became a whirlwind.
She had never seen anything like this before. She had avoided such indecencies all her life. Glynda Goodwitch never peeked inside the boy's locker rooms or showers like her immature female peers did for the giggles. Her browser history was clean of any website used for lasciviousness, and her mind was clear of all explicitness.
Until now, a voice inside her said, a voice that she quickly erased.
"We brought you some water, Deputy Headmistress," Ren said and extended his hand out, letting her see the bottle. "I noticed you didn't have one, and we didn't want you to be dehydrated. We understand how much work you must go through."
"T-Thank you very much." Goodwitch could feel her heart skip a beat as she graciously took the water in hand and cradled it with her arm. She cleared her throat. "If you would like, you may address me as just Professor Goodwitch. I fear the long title will grow old very fast."
"Understood/ok/sure." The three boys said at once.
Goodwitch rolled her eyes but smiled a little. "Good. Now that you are all gathered, I have come to inform you that you have been summoned by Headmaster Ozpin." She could see their expressions shift as they glanced at one another. She quickly raised a hand up. "Do not worry; you are not in any form of trouble." She sighed, "The headmaster merely wishes to speak with you. That is all."
Relief returned to the young men, and Goodwitch cursed herself for finding their expressions… amusing.
"You are expected to report to his office within the hour. That is all I have to say, gentlemen. I shall take my leave now. Good day," She gave them a quick, courteous nod and turned. "Oh, and one more thing," She glanced back. "I will ask that you be mindful of your… attire choices when answering a door in the near future."
The boys glanced at one another, then down to their bodies. Ren had already been through this and sighed as he slapped his forehead. Adam hastily shoved Jaune off with a look of embarrassment as he turned away. Jaune stumbled for a bit but quickly regained his footing and had the decency to look flustered as he hid behind Adam and Ren, much to their annoyance.
Once more, Goodwitch found it amusing and nodded. "As you were." She walked down their stone pathway to the small security vehicle waiting for her.
As she took her place in the passenger seat, she gave one last look at the three boys trying to enter their home and blushed when her eyes ventured lower than they should. She shook her head and signaled for the security guard to drive off.
Gods. This may well be a long year.
The boys hadn't bothered taking a full shower. There was no point in doing so until tonight if they would get all sweaty again while walking to the campus. After each took a turn at the sink and rinsed the filth from their upper bodies, they changed into a new set of clothes.
Once they were outside, Ren locked the door behind them, making Adam raise an eyebrow.
"Do you really think someone would try and break into our house?" He asked.
"You never know." Ren shrugged back. "It's better to be cautious than careless, correct?"
"He's gotta point," Jaune said and patted Ren on the back. "Good thinking, Ren! Way to stay on your toes."
Adam rolled his eyes. "I don't think we'd be the big pickings compared to what's around us." He said and glanced around.
For every half-acre of land stood a house easily twice the size of their own. They were each their own respected-sized mansion, by comparison.
The Vale Villas. That was what they were most commonly referred to as.
Vale University's most high-value private housing for student convenience and enjoyment. These luxury homes were why this area was sectioned off from the rest of the campus by forest and a security-gated checkpoint.
These housing units were reserved only for the privileged few students who could afford it or earn a spot via scholarship as one of the top honor students of the university.
According to the tour guides, the Villas were highly sought after as they offered all the benefits one could hope for in a large, congested school. With private street parking for every person's car, a single two-way road leading to a private parking lot on the main campus, and direct access to the city's downtown entertainment district. All while still maintaining their peace and privacy from the masses.
"Heh, I guess you have a point too, Adam." Jaune chuckled and glanced across the street. "Man… how much do you think one of these houses costs to buy?"
"More lien than any of us will ever see," Ren replied. Adam nodded to that.
"I guess we're pretty lucky to be here then!" Jaune smiled. "I mean, this place is big and private?" He shook his head. "And we get the same benefits they do! Really, talk about luck!"
Ren frowned, "While you are correct, to a degree, Jaune, you mustn't forget that the townhouse was scheduled for decommissioning literally days before we claimed ownership. Do not forget what the Headmaster said: some wanted the house gone."
"Indeed, and because we stopped it, we're gonna be the eyesore of the Villas now," Adam grunted. "It's gonna make us even more ostracized than we already were."
Jaune flinched and rubbed the back of his head. "I mean ok... I guess we'll stick out a little." He let out a dry laugh, "But come on, guys! You don't really think every rich person will hate us just cause we live in a tiny house!"
"I didn't say that." Adam scoffed. "They may not hate us, but most of them will certainly judge us."
"It's true." Ren nodded and sighed.
Jaune's smile dropped. "Huh?"
"Remember when Ren and I worked as waiters for that party manor last year?"
Jaune nodded.
"We saw how the rich act and, to put it bluntly, we live in two different worlds," Adam explained. "Most people in power aren't accustomed and don't usually accept things that don't belong in their world. They're much more secure and protected than the commoner. Hence, they are used to the gentrified high-class areas instead of the inner city residential ones."
"In a way, we're curiosities to them," Ren added. "Not to the wealthy people who became rich. They were considered new money and still retained the mindset of what it was like to be lower-income. But that doesn't apply to the people who inherited their wealth from their already successful families. They didn't work for it, they just received it, and it's all they know."
"And this plays into our house… how?" Jaune asked.
"Most of the residents of these villas coming in are likely around our age range or older," Adam stated. "They were likely born into their family's wealth and had no understanding, regard, or relatability for the lowly commoner. They see a shabby, rundown house that shouldn't belong and scrunch their noses at it," Adam's fists tightened, "and the people who live there."
"Those were the types who were always trouble when we worked," Ren interjected. "They're usually the majority of who we catered to, and believe me when I say this, Jaune. They have a lot of power to do whatever they want without concern for the consequence."
Ren shivered as he remembered how many older women attempted to bribe him into a private guest room with either themselves or their daughters. Even when he reported it to his superiors, it was never fully rectified.
He was thankful to have left that job, both him and Adam alike.
He remembered how much difficulty Adam suffered just for being a Faunus there. The things they would say openly without concern or care that he was next to or nearby them. Some even said it to his face and smirked or laughed. Ren sighed again. He was genuinely relieved that they were gone from that place.
"Ooh." Jaune winced. "Ok… so we might make some enemies. That definitely kills the mood, heh."
"We have to wait and see." Adam shrugged. "Take our neighbors, for example." He nodded over towards the house sitting next to their much inferior home. "How will they react if they have to look at the sad excuse of a building that is our house?"
It was easily the largest of all the other villas, an actual mansion. They counted three floors, an attic, and more backyard space than anyone knew what to do with. They watched workers move to and from the backyard in a line, with more already getting to work constructing the largest pool and accessories any of them had ever seen.
"Is that a looping water slide?!" Jaune gasped. His eyes bulged.
"They have a hot tub, trampoline, badminton, and basketball court." Ren shook his head. "Unbelievable."
"On the contrary," Adam said and placed a hand on the long hair boy's shoulder. "You know this is everyday life for their world."
"Do you believe whoever lives here will be on bad terms with us?" Ren asked.
Adam shook his head. "I don't believe all of them will be rotten, but perhaps we may encounter some distasteful eggs among the bunch. It's hard to tell, but we will just have to see, won't we?"
Ren nodded and glanced at Jaune. He was still gawking at every little thing the workers brought in, making him sigh.
Ren then checked his watch and frowned. "We need to go." He announced, "The Headmaster is expecting us."
Adam nodded and had already begun grabbing a resisting Jaune with them down the street, with Ren leading the group. As they walked, they failed to realize out of one of the third-story windows, a pair of eyes were peeking through the curtains, watching them leave.
The walk to the administration office was longer than expected. While usually a ten-minute walk for the three healthy teens, it took nearly 20 this time, with the additional heat making them move sluggishly.
"Gods, I hate summer!" Jaune cried as he leaned back against the elevator wall. He wiped a new, thin coat of sweat from his forehead against his cargo shorts.
Ren and Adam were faring no better as Ren padded his lower neck down with a cloth he had while the Faunus wiped his lips with the ends of his tank top like before.
Each boy rested against a different elevator wall, letting the cool metal surfaces refresh them.
"I can't wait for Autumn. I hate sweating like a pig!"
Adam snorted. "I think it suits you since you eat like one."
"Huh?" Jaune gaped and leered at the Faunus. "Shut up, Adam." He smirked, "Least I don't snore like a chainsaw."
Adam narrowed his eyes this time as he turned to the blond and said, "Shut it, Jaune," making Jaune smirk even more.
"Good news, the installers have just arrived," Ren spoke up. He didn't look up from his scroll and continued typing something, "They're pulling up to the house right now."
"Can they get in?" Adam asked, turning to the long-haired boy.
Ren nodded. "I left the basement door open."
"Sweet! How long are they gonna take?" Jaune asked.
"Two hours at most, give or take." Ren shrugged. "However, I am happy to say that we will have air conditioning by nightfall."
"Alright!" Jaune pumped a fist into the air. "No sweaty beds for us tonight, boys!" Jaune grinned and graciously gave a thumbs-up. "What would we do without you, Ren!"
"I'm almost afraid to wonder that myself," He smiled back and reciprocated the gesture.
Jaune then glanced toward Adam. "By the way, what do you think Headmaster wants to speak with us about?" His expression darkened. "You don't think he's expelling us, do you?!"
Adam gave Jaune a blank stare and crossed his arms. "Idiot, Goodwitch already said we aren't in trouble. Not that we even did anything, to begin with." He rolled his eyes as Jaune sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "He probably just wants an update on the house. Why else would he summon us?"
"I guess you're right," Jaune said, "but why didn't he just email us then?" he wondered aloud. "I mean, he has our contact information and knows we still have a lot to do, right?"
"Perhaps he wishes to formally welcome us in person?" Ren raised a finger. "We have, officially, moved in today. And as far as I'm aware, that makes us the first to arrive out of the whole student body."
"Heh, you make it sound like we're special." Jaune laughed.
Adam smirked, glanced up at the doors, and pushed off the wall. "Guess we'll find out soon enough. We're here."
They all straightened up just as the elevator slowed to a stop. When the doors opened, the boys entered the Headmaster's office one at a time.
Already, the silver-haired man looked to have been expecting them as he watched them come in with his hands folded in front of him. "Greetings, Mr. Arc, Mr. Taurus, and Mr. Ren."
Three boys all stopped just a few feet away from his desk and stood in a spaced-out line from one another.
"Headmaster Ozpin." They acknowledged, and each bowed their heads in respect.
Ozpin nodded back and gave a relaxed smile. "First, I would like to welcome you back to my office." he said, "It has been some time since I last spoke with your lot. Two weeks, I believe?"
"Yes, sir," Ren confirmed.
Ozpin nodded again. "And how goes the progress of your… housing arrangements?"
The boys noticed the strange tone he used when uttering the last words.
"Slow but progressing, sir," Adam responded.
"I see." Ozpin reached for the large mug on his desk and slowly took a sip as he slightly turned his chair away from the boys. They exchanged glances and shrugs at one another before halting as Ozpin turned his chair back around.
"I must admit, you've come a long way since July, gentleman," He said, "When I offered you the townhouse under the agreement that it would be under your own responsibility to renovate it, I did not expect you to progress nearly as much as you have now." He rested his arms on his desk again. "You've only just reached adulthood yet have successfully repossessed an old house - considered beyond repair - to livable conditions." He hummed and leaned slightly forward. "That is an impressive feat for three 18-year-old teenage boys."
The headmaster watched as Jaune seemed to stand a little taller from his words as Ren gave him a courteous bow. Adam merely smirked and crossed his arms as he nodded.
"We do our best, sir." was all the Faunus said, making Ozpin chuckle.
"Quite so." He responded and took another sip of his coffee. "I have yet to meet any others who would have accepted such a rigorous task. One look at the house and many would already be deterred to even attempt. Yet you persevered." He raised his mug in a small toast. "I commend that whole-heartedly."
"Thank you, sir." Ren smiled and bowed again.
"Yeah, thanks, sir!" Jaune smiled widely. "We really worked on it."
"Indeed, Now, may I ask you this?" Ozpin readjusted his glasses and lowered his head, hiding his lips behind his fingers. "Why were you so adamant on housing with one another?" He caught each of their surprised looks and smirked. "When you were told of the unfortunate events that you wouldn't be able to dorm together, you caught me by surprise when you asked if that townhouse was available."
The boys all averted their eyes.
"You could have taken my first offer and dormed separately with others. Yet you denied it and took it upon yourselves to go through all that time, stress, and work for an agreement to use the house as your own dorm for the next four years." The Headmaster chuckled again, and his gaze intensified. "Why?"
No one dared to speak. Adam turned to Ren, who then turned to Jaune. The blond sighed when noticing their stares and chuckled a little awkwardly.
"Well, sir, we've known each other our whole lives." Jaune smiled. Both Ren and Adam nodded. "We've been friends from the start and experienced everything together. We attended grade school, then Signal, and then Beacon academy together." he smiled at the memories. "We've had each other's backs through thick and thin and promised that college would be no different. They're my best friends, sir, practically my brothers. We've always wanted to move in together, and we don't want to be separated."
Adam and Ren nodded once more, even stepping a little closer to Jaune as they stood as a horizontal line of defiant brotherhood.
Ozpin nodded. "I must say… I admire the loyalty you have to one another. It is… refreshing in today's youth." He lowered and folded his hands, letting them see his smile. "Which is why I wish to offer you a new proposition.
The boys glanced at one another.
"Sir?"
"The previous conditions we have agreed upon will not be altered. In fact, they will be enhanced." His smile never left as he stopped and took a drink. "For all your hard work, I will waive any housing tuition off your bursar statements during your continued enrollment at our prestigious university."
"W-What?!" Jaune's eyes nearly bulged as he looked about, ready to faint.
The others were not far off from that level of a shock either as Ren, attempted to keep his shaking hands composed as Adam's mouth went slightly slack-jawed as his arms fell to his side. They glanced at each other.
"Furthermore, I shall arrange a monthly allowance this fall semester, so to speak, as reimbursement for all you've spent during your renovation. Of course, you will lose these privileges should your GPAs drop below the minimum requirement, join probationary status, enter delinquency, or are sentenced to expulsion. I trust these conditions are fair for you?"
"Yes!" Jaune cried. "Yes, times a thousand! We accept! Thank you, Headmas- mffph!" Jaune did not expect a hand to suddenly slap over his mouth. He turned around and saw that it was Ren. He quickly pushed him away and rubbed his sore mouth.
"Ow~. What's up Ren?! What did you-"
"Shhh." Ren interrupted and nodded towards Adam, who never took his eyes off the Headmaster.
"Sir, what did you mean by allowance?"
"Hmm?" Ozpin smiled and even tilted his head a little. "Whatever do you mean?"
Adam's eyes narrowed. "Before you said there was no leeway in the university's budget to offer any sort of assistance due to this semester's already scheduled plans and events."
"I did, indeed, say that." Ozpin's smile turned into a smirk.
"Then, respectfully, sir, how are we to receive a monthly allowance" Adam crossed his arms and stared into the Headmaster's eyes. "When there is no allowance to spare."
Ozpin met his stare, but instead of feeling offended, the silver-headed man laughed. A genuine one that cast confusion on the three boy's faces.
When he allowed himself to stop, Ozpin exhaled a slow sigh, "You catch on very quickly, Mr. Taurus. A typical reaction would have disregarded all thoughts prior when faced with an incredible boon."
"I'm not Jaune, sir."
"Hey!"
"Ha, ha, ha. No… you are Adam Taurus, cautious of all things too generous to be believable." Ozpin resumed, making the Faunus boy roll his eyes.
"Bad experiences, sir," Adam responded and pointed up at his horns.
Ozpin frowned and nodded his head. "So it would seem." He sighed and set his mug on the table. "Your wariness has merit, Mr. Taurus. You see, while it is, currently, true that I am still unable to provide any financial assistance through our treasury's budget - especially now with the upcoming Vytal Festival," He groaned at the last part, "I would not say that all options were laid out after careful thought." He smiled once more. "While the school's budget is under heavy restriction, I would be inclined to use… another account source for your allowance. One that is managed solely by me."
Adam's ear twitched as he leaned his head back. "Sir are you… offering aid from your own pocket?" his nose scrunched up.
Both Ren and Jaune mirrored his expression, and Ozpin studied the frowning teens.
"You do not agree to this method?"
"No, we don't," Adam grunted firmly. "That's a generous offer from you, sir, don't get me wrong. But that is asking for too much."
"Agreed," Ren interjected. "We don't want any favoritism; you have already earned our thanks and respect, Headmaster."
"Yeah!" Jaune cried, then hesitated and cleared his throat. "Yeah, you've done a lot for us, already Headmaster. We're just happy that you're letting dorm together. That's more than enough!"
Ozpin closed his eyes and hummed. "I must say while I am genuinely grateful to have such morally right students," He opened them, "I never said I would give you this money for free."
The boys blinked.
"Huh?" They uttered.
Ozpin chuckled. "I believe this could be seen as a… transaction of sorts."
Adam recovered first. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"Simple, Mr. Taurus," Ozpin said and, for the first time, rose from his desk. "In exchange for this allowance that I bestow upon you monthly, I have but one request." He slowly stepped around his desk. "There is a particular student who will be enrolling at this university this upcoming semester." He explained. "He will be joining you as a fellow first year. However, he is also two years younger than you."
"He's 16?" Ren asked.
"Correct, Mr., Ren." Ozpin nodded. "He is quite gifted, you see; a prodigy child of the highest caliber since childhood. His academic record easily ranks him as one of the highest in the Kingdom." He smiled, "An impressive already but more so because this student has been homeschooled his entire academic life. If you can believe such a tale."
"I can," Adam muttered. "It doesn't matter where you are taught, but who is teaching you."
"Precisely. Such wise and truer words could not be more relevant till now. "The Headmaster smiled. "Who told you that?"
"Not important." Adam shrugged. "But about this kid."
"Right." Ozpin's sighed, "You see, gentlemen, while he is truly gifted in academics. Due to his homeschooling… this student has… not had the proper opportunities to experience the… socialization benefits of engaging with his peer group."
"You're saying he's socially awkward?" said Ren.
"Correct, once again, Mr. Ren." Ozpin sighed and allowed a visible frown to be noted by the boys. They could see how bothered the headmaster looked as he gripped his cane. He then turned away and walked towards the large window overlooking the campus. "As a teacher who wants the best for his students, I believe it imperative to aid him in this unfortunate predicament." Ozpin turned back, "That is why I am asking - nay requesting - this as a personal favor."
Ozpin then, to the boys' surprise, bowed his head low in a formal matter.
"H-Headmaster…" Ren uttered.
"Whoa… is this real? The Headmasters really bowing… to us?!" Jaune whispered to Adam, who could only grunt in confirmation.
Ozpin rose back up and cleared his throat. "Mr. Ren, Mr. Taurus, and Mr., Arc." He met each of their eyes as he called their name. "I humbly request that you allow this student to stay with you during the duration of your time here and aid him in experiencing the best socialization he can achieve here at Vale University."
"Y-You want him to stay with us?!" Jaune choked in bewilderment. "I-If he's really smart, wouldn't he be accepted into one of those villas?!"
"Jaune's right. Wouldn't they be better options for him to experience a good life?" Ren asked.
"Yes, he does qualify," Ozpin admitted, "However, I fear that jumping into something so… acute would not aid in what I for him to achieve."
Adam quirked an eyebrow. "Sir?"
"What I want is not for him to experience the pleasure of mere physical luxuries that this institution offers." Ozpin shook his head. "Bu rather experience the emotional connections and form bonds to those he relates to; those he trusts." Ozpin smiled, "I want him to grow into a person who knows what it means to have friends who will be there for him through difficult times - confusing times. I want for him to be able to gather strength in confidence yet depend on his fellows to be there when confidence isn't enough."
"You mean us," Adam concluded.
"Yes. Ozpin nodded. "You have demonstrated what it means to hold loyal and bonds that cannot be easily broken. That is why I ask that you take him under your guidance and help him into a person that will value the same level of trust. Please, this is what I am requesting."
Adam, Ren, and Jaune glanced at one another. Ozpin could see the mental conversation they were having as they looked at one another before turning back to him.
"What's his name?"
Ozpin leaned back and smiled. "Oscar Pine."
Wow. I wrote all of this in the span of three days. Not gonna lie, I'm proud of myself, and it was nice to write some silliness for a change. But, yeah, what did you guys think?! Please feel free to tell me your opinions in the reviews. And I hope you are ready because there will be a lot of shenanigans in this story! So make sure to follow and favorite to stay tuned for more! Anyways, that's all I have to say! Thank you all so much for reading, and I will see you all again next time!