Revised.
Let's see if I can improve this mess.
~•~
Recess.
A time for students, both studious and the lazy, to leave the confines of a stuffy classroom and take a much needed stroll around the school grounds. A time for lunch, for chatter, for minor shenanigans that would not lead a quick route to detention.
A time to unwind, take a breath of fresh open air, or even engage in a brief spar; though of course not the kind too strenuous to leave said students sore afterwards.
However, it was not recess for the students of Beacon.
For the students of the highly esteemed huntsman academy, what they got instead was something better.
Free period. For the rest of the day. And since it was the middle of the morning, that's a lot of free time.
It's not exactly a special feature of this particular academy, in fact this was a rather unusual decision by the staff.
There was a good reason given as to the sudden absence of all lessons from the schedule, informed succinctly to all the students via PA.
Unfortunately, most if not the majority of the students paid little to no attention to know what those reasons were.
Already, the youth went about and did whatever it is they usually do after classes, albeit with far more enthusiasm.
Whatever it is they do, Cinder does not care for any of it.
What time she has here to spare she's sure to spend solely on the benefits of her mission. Granted, it was a rather leisurely mission, as just about all the objectives she had was more or less done, but it was a mission she takes very seriously. Something her minions should care to emulate, instead of bickering like an old married couple. Or rather a couple who married too early.
Thankfully, they seemingly made up and are simply talking to one another as if the argument they had mere minutes ago didn't happen. Ideally, it stays that way for the rest of the day. Regardless, whatever it is they're chatting about, she couldn't hear, nor care. For that matter, she also doesn't actually know if they are a couple, and just the same does not care.
As long as their loyalty is assured, she'll leave them be.
They could even start doing what rabbits are famed for right in their dorm room while she's in there, for all she cares. As long as they're not too loud, since they'd likely get a noise complaint like their neighbours two rooms over.
Speaking of their dorm room, while Cinder may like its comfort and privacy, she'd also rather not stay cooped up in there all day. Not only would that garner unwanted and unneeded attention, for someone as beautiful as her, but she also finds the idea of pretending to be a shy, anti-social bookworm as too much of an annoying hassle for a cover.
No, that's not what her preferred concocted cover is. She is supposed to be a student from Haven, one of the four great Huntsman Academies situated in Mistral. A very fine looking young lady who is modest, calm, with a self-assured level of confidence, and unforgettably incredibly attractive.
Beyond a basic description, she has also planned and detailed just about everything there is pertaining to her cover story.
No matter what question anyone would ask her, she could answer it as naturally as anyone who is actually a student from Haven. She could even tell whoever is asking an exquisitely thorough recollection of every meal she has ever taken in Haven, what notes and inappropriate doodles she made during classes, and even any embarrassing moments she had; all of which, of course, are entirely fabricated to an unbelievably believable degree.
Some might look over all this work and effort and see it as completely pointless, as what weirdo would ask her what she ate at 11AM, Monday morning, after Miss Canary's lessons; which was a simple finely roasted pork cubes with equally simple garnishing of pepper, paprika, and parmesan, as mother woke up late and could not prepare her meal, and she had to go to work or Mr. Mulberry would reprimand her again - yes her cover still has her mom making her packed lunch - and so she had to prepare her own meal before she had to leave that day for school, and in her haste forgot to bring her homework.
She could detail, and even perfectly recreate, every single inappropriate doodle her student cover ever drew in class. Something she was rightfully proud of, as she spent a ludicrous amount of time practicing each and every stroke of her pen, and even attended several art classes just to make sure her drawings were proportionally accurate. Indeed, they were all photorealistic. And to add credibility to her story, she could also say which ones she was put in detention for.
That's how seriously she takes this mission.
Again, something her underlings should echo.
Well, in any case, she was not staying in their dorm room all day. She instead would do as any other normal student does at such a time like this.
So, here she is, roaming around the campus. Her subordinates trailing right behind her, prattling about something she, again, does not care for. She doesn't exactly have a goal in mind, no destination in particular, she was just meandering for absolutely no reason. And she's sure she has walked past the same tree for the fourth time now.
Have they been going in circles this entire time?
Well, no matter, as long as her lackeys haven't noticed.
Besides, she does find a slight pleasure in strolling around the grounds. Through the gardens, the stone pathways and arches, and even walking by the same tree for the fifth time now; located near in-between the dorm rooms and the school grounds, by the teacher's lounge.
Admittedly, Cinder does find it relaxing, even meditative enough for her to be able to contemplate in peace. Especially without all of those meat-headed morons trying to romance her.
With honesty, Cinder can confess that Beacon is quite serene, and even beautiful in the right eyes. Such as her eyes, equally if not more beautiful, and honed to notice every detail for the purpose of determining weaknesses.
It's just a shame that Beacon is scheduled for a surprise redecoration.
A subtle smirk emerged, as her steps took a brief saunter; a measure of expected satisfaction running through her.
Having ambled about and around the campus for a considerable length, and walking past the same tree for the seventh cycle now, Cinder decided that it's about time they should head back to their dorm room.
Her two followers trailing right behind her, still haven't noticed anything, too preoccupied teasing and mocking each other, but thankfully were seemingly set to automatically match her steps.
With a glance towards the doors to the cafeteria, Cinder suddenly spun on the spot, striding forth now with a set destination.
A quiet rumble coming from her stomach.
-/-/-
Jaune stood up from his seat, exaggeratedly blinking with satisfaction. A victorious smile bright and wide on his face.
Confidently looking back into the adorable glare from their sister team's cookie-munching leader, little red runt, Ruby Rose.
The glare being the resulting aftermath over a grueling game of a staring contest between the two leaders.
A contest Jaune won flawlessly.
Unfortunately for dear Ruby, attending several slumber parties with seven competitive sisters tempered his skills in nearly all manners of trivial party games. And while his win rate is embarrassingly abysmal, a matchstick fire simply cannot burn someone with a lifetime of inferno; which is to say, compared to what he's faced back home, this little contest was not even a challenge.
He might not be the greatest of huntsmen, but he sure as hell could wipe the floor with even the best of all hunters in terms of stupid, pointless games.
Speaking of basically useless skills, Jaune proceeded to effortlessly catch a thrown green pea with his mouth, courtesy of Nora. Not one to brag, sometimes, but he could confidently catch any piece of food - or anything, really - thrown at him with his mouth. Again, a byproduct of having seven annoying sisters.
Anyway, with their little contest over, and having just finished eating their meals, and any table shenanigans, Jaune, his team, and team RWBY, decided to head off to the library to hang out, or play games. Even though the latter isn't really for a place like the library.
Still ignoring a slowly fading glare from Ruby, who decided to comfort herself by drinking her juice box, Jaune chatted among his friends as they leisurely strolled on their way to the library. Throwing some jokes here and there, trying to make his friends laugh and smile, and feeling satisfied when he does. A sense of familial nostalgia thrumming in his heart.
Walking at the farthest side from Weiss' position in their group. A choice that piqued a certain curiosity in the heiress, and thoughts of interest from the others.
Jaune, however, pushed their unease aside as he suddenly switched the topic, talking about a street fair taking place in Vale, set to be fully assembled in a few weeks or so.
He read that it's supposed to be some form of a promotional event for local and foreign products, and for establishments to showcase themselves; especially with all the arriving foreigners.
He was actually planning to check it out, once it's open, and casually asked if anyone else wanted to come.
Shooting her arm straight up with enough speed and force to pierce a Grimm's hide, it was to no one's surprise - bar Jaune - that Pyrrha immediately volunteered.
Everyone else, on the other hand, seemed to not be so enthused about it as much as Pyrrha is.
Apparently, the rest of them have their own plans for the coming days. Which is something he completely understands, but what's most peculiar is the fact that not a single one of them could join him, even though the street fair spans for a good week or so. Not even as a short tag-along. For some odd reason, all their schedules are packed, and they were strangely strict about it as well; not letting a single day be missed.
As it appears, it seems Jaune may just have to go with only Pyrrha by his side. Together.
Yup. It would only have to be just the two of them.
Just him, and her. Her and him. Him plus her.
Alone, together.
Going to places, together.
Eating some kind of food… together. And sitting! Also, together.
One might even liken it to a certain activity two individuals would participate in.
Preferably a… couple… with a certain relationship with one another.
That activity may be some kind of four-letter word. A word that rhymes extremely well with fate.
Whatever it is, Jaune probably won't be able to answer. He's not exactly the brightest knife on the shed.
However! Jaune did not manage to stay in Beacon despite his lackluster combat skills by giving up on the first try. No, as such, he won't give up on his friends that easily.
This is the perfect time to hang out with his teammates and their sister team.
To strengthen their bonds, bolster their relationship, and harden their friendship!
That most of all, friendship!
As they're all such good friends, the best of friends! Friendliest friendiest friends, oh how lucky he is for having such amazing friends. He even made sure to express such feelings towards his friends, as any good friend would to let them know just how much he cherishes their friendship.
Especially to Pyrrha, as she is such a good friend, to go out of her own way to personally train him and help improve his capabilities; him, her good friend, Jaune Arc.
Such, he pulled his secret weapon, puppy eyes. Taking a few steps ahead of his group, Jaune faced his friends, trying to convince all of them to come and join him in the street fair. Even if it's just for one of those days, it would be worth it.
They would all have so much fun together. All of them, together. Not just him and Pyrrha together, but all of them, together.
He even tried to persuade them one by one, switching his focus from person to person. However, whenever he does, almost all of them hastily decline his offer. And, he doesn't know if it was a trick of the eye, but they would always have a flash of fright before turning him down.
It's probably just him seeing things.
Though, odd as it seems to his friends, not once has he asked Weiss specifically.
Even though she herself has offhandedly said that she doesn't have any form of plans in the next week or so. Absentmindedly commenting on how she'll spend most of her free time studying and training, but otherwise having no major plans.
All the while a trio entered the cafeteria; two behind, now once again bickering, and one up front, sauntering forth with a coy look in her eyes.
Eight heading their way out; seven behind, listlessly watching the one in front of them, walking backwards without a care.
Unaware of their surroundings. Both in their own worlds.
One preoccupied in her thoughts and a silent rumble. Contemplating the cafeteria menu.
The other, bewildered by his friends, and faux interrogating each one as to why none of them - except for Pyrrha, who still has her hand up - wanted to go with him.
Whilst the Fall finished picking the right meal, and the Arc was given excuses by a coughing, gagging, put-on-the-spot Ruby, the two inexplicably bump into each other.
-/-/-
"Oh no- I'm so sorry I didn't mean to, I wasn't looking where I was going!" Jaune instantly said, not even giving silence a chance to present itself, as he reflexively caught her by the waist; meanwhile, Nora pumped her fist in the background, giving praise to her so-called fearless leader for his quick-movement.
"No, it's alright. I myself wasn't looking where I was going." She said simultaneously with him as she held onto his arms, and pulled herself up while he helped her back on her feet. Her eyes mostly kept towards his chest.
"Great body reflexes. A steady, well grounded stance. A man with good defense that can hold his ground." She gently pushed herself away from him. "Toned muscles, from what I've briefly felt, strong yet tender-" Cinder stopped her instinctive relay of body strengths and weaknesses before it got to finish.
"Now's not the time for that... Best to apologize quickly and get this over with. Ugh, I knew I shouldn't have skipped lunch." She straightened her jacket. Checking for any creases. "Felt as though I've just bumped into a wall. Felt as hard as one t- Never mind." She dropped the subject entirely.
"Really, it's fine. I was equally at fault here." She said calmly, bringing her eyes up to address the man. "I was just lost in... thought..." Cinder stared at the student in front of her. Her eyes widening, as her pupils slowly dilate, her lips parting with a warm breath.
"No, it really is my fault." Jaune continued, "I should've paid more attention to where I was going, I was distracted, and I really shouldn't be walking backwards in a busy hall," Jaune reasoned, as he scratched the back of his neck, then proceeded to list off more things why it's him who is truly at fault here.
All the while his friends oddly watched silently in the background, suddenly invested in this interaction. Silent, except for the occasional slurp from Ruby as she drinks her milk through a wacky straw, and busying herself with wiping the milk off her cheeks and her chest, with Weiss begrudgingly lending some of her wet wipes. Whilst Yang casually held the back of Blake's collar as she read her book, whose legs are still in a walking motion.
Emerald and Mercury observed quietly, knowing full well that their mistress is more than capable in handling any conversations; as much of a master of words as with swords.
Meanwhile, Jaune's fair reasonings has apparently descended into a string of bizarre excuses, "...and my homework ate my dog-"
"N-no, it's fine. Honestly. I didn't even feel a thing." She interrupted him, waving her hands in assurance. She ended it with an almost chirpy giggle, as she suddenly started grooming her hair.
Emerald and Mercury immediately took note of that, staring at each other, utterly confused at Cinder's sudden change in tone.
Jaune, still worried, nervously asked, "Are you sure? I mean- I'm not saying that I'm-"
"No. Truly. I'm okay." She interrupted him followed by a cute giggle, which didn't go unnoticed. "I'm tougher than I look." She finished, nervously looking away. Hand coming up to twirl her bangs, as her eyes roamed around; anywhere but his face.
Jaune's mood bounced up at that, "Oh... Well, okay..." He gave another worried look, "But, are you sure I didn't… mess anything up, or maybe I-"
"No, no. Really." She interrupted him again. "Everything's fine. I'm okay." Waving his worry away. "I did lose my train of thought, but I'm sure it's nothing important." She paused. Actually losing her previous thoughts. She shifted her weight, as her eyes went around in slow circles, ending with them staring at the floor.
"I-I was probably thinking about my homework, and the books I'll be needing to borrow from the library... or..." She let out a chuckle. "I might've just been thinking of what I wanted to eat..." She perked up. "Hence the reason why I came here, actually. Yeah... that." She gave another nervous smile.
Jaune's mood picked back up, "Oh! Okay! Well... That settles that, then. I guess…?" Jaune awkwardly finished, glancing back at his friends with a confused shrug.
The two leaders then stared at each other.
Jaune, watching Cinder out of sheer awkwardness.
Cinder, watching Jaune with anticipation, waiting for another start of a conversation.
Smack! His hands clapped, effectively breaking the silence and bringing attention to himself, and giving her a jolt.
"Okaayyy..." Jaune started to slowly walk away, smiling wide, and beckoning his friends to do the same, "Well, sorry again for bumping into you. Hope you have a nice meal... And, um, we have to go now, so uh... It was nice talking to you-"
"Cinder!" She blurted out. Eyes wide with panic, staring intently into his.
"Pardon?" His head tilted.
"C-Cinder Fall. Pleased to meet you." She nervously said, as she quickly extended her hand, closing the distance between them, and noticeably with haste.
"Oh..." Confused, looking back at his friends. "Well, um, I'm Jaune, Jaune Arc; short, sweet, rolls of the tongue, ladies love it." He automatically said in a lazily awkward tone. Lax its usual gusto and energy. "Nice to meet you, too..." He awkwardly said with a smile, shaking her hand.
Cinder grinned, "Yes! Pleasure to meet you… Jaune Arc." She ended with a bit more confidence as they shook hands... and kept on shaking.
Staring intently and deeply into his eyes with a growing satisfied smirk, as Jaune reciprocates with a wide and toothy smile. Nodding once in a while as a polite greeting.
"Okaayyy. This is getting really awkward." Jaune thought, as his jaws are starting to get sore from how hard his unwavering smile was. He turned to pass a glance towards his friends in the hopes of an escape.
As true friends go, they obviously would extend a helping hand at his mundane plight… which is why he finds them all suddenly looking at random directions; whistling innocently, or trying to whistle - in Weiss' case.
He made his opinion known of their betrayal with a soft glare, and ultimately sighing internally as Yang and Nora mouthed to him 'You can do it.', like two proud moms. All the while Ruby gave him a motivational thumbs up - still slurping from her wacky straw.
He turned back to Cinder, who was secretly following his gaze towards his friends.
Jaune breathed out a faint chuckle, "W-well, it was nice meeting you…" Wait, what's her name again? "C-Cinder…" No negative reaction, Jaune mentally pumped his fist at that, whilst trying to get his real hand back, "Nice... talking... with you..." A bit troubling though, as she has quite the firm grip. Feeling like his hand was getting crushed from how tight it was.
Cinder, in the meantime, is trying her best to keep his hand in hers, without breaking them; amber eyes developing a pleading look, the corners of which are starting to look damp. Using every measure of gruelling training, aura-infused muscles, and subtle grip techniques; she held on relentlessly and even masterfully.
Jaune, however… has seven sisters.
He suddenly relaxed his grip, gently pushing forward, then immediately pulling back, and slipped his hand free.
Seven sisters.
That's all the explanation he needs.
Signaling his exit with a small wave, "I'll see you later then...?" He finally said, politely as he could make it.
Cinder's smile vanished. A silent gasp escaping her breath.
"Vale!" She all but shouted.
Jaune paused in his step, almost tipping over, and slowly turned back around to give her a perplexed look, "Um... What?"
Cinder hysterically waved her arms around in panic, her eyes comically trembling. Quickly composing herself before Jaune could see her odd state, Cinder then took a deep breath, putting her hand to her chest to calm her breathing.
Developing a rather intense fascination at the floorboards, her feet shuffling anxiously as a blush crept up to her face,
"I-I mean, if you don't have any plans… later on." She held her hands behind her back, "Maybe, you and I could… maybe- I mean, if you would... like to..." She sheepishly poked her fingers together, "I don't know, maybe go- If you don't mind that is!" She interrupted herself, "M-maybe y-you... would... like tooo- If it's not too much troouubble… That is." Gesticulating wildly with her hands.
Mercury and Emerald watched. Stared. Gawked. Slowly turning towards each other, about to ask the other to slap or punch each other, and see if one of them were asleep.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, or whatever is the right sentiment at the moment, they were absolutely awake. Conscious. Sane - doubtfully. So, like a train crashing in slow motion, they returned their sights towards the spectacle, whatever may come of this, they could only stand and watch.
Well, not really, but knowing who Cinder is and seeing how she's acting now, it's a bit difficult to summon up the energy to interfere. They can make up excuses just fine if she snaps at them later on.
Cinder clasped her hands together, twiddling her thumbs, "M-maybe…" eyes darting from the ground, "W-we…" to Jaune's face "Maybe-" to her hands, "We-" to Jaune's face, "Maybe we," to her feet, "Maybe we could, m-maybe we, m-m-me could waybe, weeee-" Jaune tilted his at that. "-eeee, we, we, we…"
"Oui?" Jaune absentmindedly asked in confusion.
"Co-could, g-g-goooo…"
Emerald, in a word that could not and never will fully convey the utter confusion she was feeling, was stupefied.
Watching the same woman who terrified her, and terrified many other dangerous - and quite honestly weird - people they've come across in their line of work, acting like a shy schoolgirl.
"Ouuuu-" And now starting to sound like a cross between a wolf and a cow.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the spectacle, Jaune's friends were not as confused, equal parts bemused and amused, and really more curious than anything. Excluding Ren and Blake, as the latter is too busy with her book to even notice anything - legs still in a walking motion, while the former simply doesn't have much interest in it.
Jaune politely smiled, and stared blankly; hoping for a convenient non-rude way to escape the situation to make its presence known. All the while Cinder continued to stutter, and interrupt herself.
For a few seconds too many, she stumbled and mumbled her words. For a few seconds too long, Emerald stood there, bewildered beyond sanity.
Emerald considers herself a good minion; she's not ashamed to admit her hierarchical placement. Loyal. Dutiful. Attentive of her mistress' wants and needs. N-not in a weird way, she swears. Damn those rumours in the girl's locker room, she's just dedicated and- no, now's not the time to rant.
No… For as of now, her mistress needs her. She may not say it, or really expressed it at all… or indeed shown any hints that her doting was needed throughout their entire time at Beacon, but still! Cinder may not admit it, or accept it, nor acknowledge it, but now more than ever she needs Emerald's help.
"-uuuuuuu-'' Still, Cinder lengthened that simple three letter word. Unable to complete it, unable to express herself, unable to voice out her desire; something held her back, something prevented her, and whatever that something is must be vanquished.
All Cinder needed was a small, little, itty bitty… push.
Emerald inched just a smidge closer, subtly raised a hand, and struck with the might of aura-infused, huntress-classed smack.
"OUT!" Cinder shouted to the skies as her gaze quickly shifted to Jaune's face, shyly placing her hands to her mouth, her face turning redder by the second.
Emerald gave her an apologetic smile behind her back, as she immediately retracted her hand, and crossed her arms.
Mercury stared at Emerald, eyes wide with disbelief, questioning her sanity. Especially with how she just slapped, or rather spanked their boss.
"Well…" Mercury observed quietly. "I tried to stop her, Cinder. But she used her charms on me. Couldn't do anything about it. Honest." He nodded, well-aware of how hollow that lie is. "Yeah, she'll definitely believe that…"
Jaune was, somewhat, surprised by the outburst. Definitely didn't squeak out in utter panic. It was a very manly squeak, like a battle hardened hamster's war cry. Small but badass.
After affirming to himself that what came out of him was not at all embarrassing, it took him another second to actually process what she said, after which he cocked his head to the side, "S-say again?" He gently asked.
Cinder stared at him again.
Suddenly imitating a finely carved statue.
Another smack.
"I!" Cinder placed her hands behind her, subtly massaging her rear.
Sheepish amber eyes drifting downwards.
"I… was just thinking. If you don't have any plans, later on… W-would you like… like… to…" She shuffled closer to her allies; subtle little steps retreating to safety. A gentle nudge pushed her forward, eyes opening wide and landing on blue orbs; watching curiously, patiently, innocently waiting.
She stared, she blinked, she closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, "Would you like to go out with me… to Vale?" Cinder meekly and quickly asked, opening her eyes as she finished.
Her lips in a thin line. Awaiting his answer.
"Oh…" Jaune's voice lacked any form of emotion.
Cinder bit the corner of her lip, eyes slowly scrunching shut.
"Sure!" He replied happily, giving her a bright smile, answering like he was just offered a cookie.
"R-really!?" Cinder asked too eagerly, leaning forward with a bright wide smile on her face. Moving a few steps forward, practically hopping towards him; her hands clasped together below her chin.
"Yeah, sure." He reassured her with a bright smile, nonchalantly shrugging.
Pyrrha… felt her breath taken away from her. Struck with confusion and sadness.
Confusion and sadness being Nora's left and right arms - at least, that's what she's calling them at this moment - as they're currently wrapped tightly around her neck.
"Pyrrha, calm down. Pyrrha, calm down!" Nora whispered as she continued to cut off Pyrrha's airway.
Which made Pyrrha more confused, and shocked even. She was just about to softly walk over there and kindly apologise to this presumably lovely lady, and actually let her down slowly, as unfortunately Jaune would be far too busy training in intimate close-quarter combat with her to go out to Vale later on.
"Pyrrha, put Miló down! Pyrrha! Put. It. Down. Let go!" Nora continued to whisper, trying to wrestle her grip on it, all the while maintaining a chokehold. "How did you even get it!?"
Pyrrha continued to claw at Nora's arms, struggling for a breath, eyelids starting to fall, the Invincible Girl's sight was slowly fading, wondering as to what the matter was; she just wanted to kindly talk to the lady… in the training grounds. Discreetly, the N and P of JNPR quietly wrestled with each other, both aura's prolonging the scuffle.
Meanwhile, upon hearing Jaune's acceptance, Ruby spat her milk over Weiss's head. Or… would have, if she was taller. Fortunately, said Heiress was too busy gawking in disbelief to notice the stream of milk splashing all over her face.
Jaune… That Jaune, the doofus, just got asked out!?
Blake in the meantime, placed her bookmark on a new chapter, opting to continue at another time. Closing her book, she held it against her chest as she crossed her arms, and looked around her. Wondering when she stood up from their table.
A brief survey on the sight before her, she was generous to show a sign of surprise - raising an eyebrow, and felt a tinge of piqued interest, she quickly tried to deduce what had happened.
Jaune awkwardly standing there looking like a dork, normal.
Some pretty girl she's never seen before in front of him looking like she won a million lien, not normal.
Now, as a connoisseur of quite an admirable amount of novellas - genres unspecified - Blake has a rather unique advantage in her deductive endeavour. A sort of sixth sense, borderline impossible ability to extrapolate what exactly has happened in a social situation, specialising heavily on relationships; forbidden love, secret crush… stalkers, etcetera.
Time slowed to a halt. Numbers fading in and out; complex formulas blitzing across her mind. Golden catlike eyes scrutinized the scene before her in intricate detail. Within milliseconds, Blake Belladonna knew exactly what had transpired here, and just as quickly calculated the possibility of her new ship to succeed.
Result: To be determined.
She needs more data for a conclusive… conclusion. Perhaps it's the book she was just reading, but Blake feels a sudden surge of investment in seeing this play out.
Although, a bit mournful that her Arkos ship has been struck and on its way to sink. Unlike poor Nikos, this girl possessed the one thing she apparently does not have… Bravery, and initiative. Perhaps this is a good lesson to learn for Pyrrha, a lesson she - a tournament champion - should really know by now.
"You snooze, you lose." Blake said beneath her breath, smirking ever so sinister, sliding her gaze towards the, rather pale looking, Nikos.
Then immediately expressed vast amounts of sympathy, as she herself is suddenly having a hard time to breathe.
Yang pumped her fist; baring her pearly whites, smiling enthusiastically, wide eyes with excitement. Blake's neck tucked tightly, and nicely, between Yang's bicep and breast, not even fighting against it, having long since accepted that there are just some days where she'll get choked to unconsciousness.
"Woo!" Yang impulsively whooped, sporting the proudest expression on her face.
Vomitboy actually done did it! After sooooo many attempts with the ice queen, he got himself a date. Well, not with Weiss, but the details can jump off a cliff; Jaune Vomitboy Arc is on his way to getting a pretty good looking girlfriend!
Quietly whistling as she ogled at the girl's face and body; Jaune's got a real hottie pining for him.
She doesn't exactly know when she started to get invested in his romantic ventures, as she was in parts entertained and embarrassed at his numerous attempts at courting the heiress - and admittedly slightly offended that he went after Weiss instead of her, though that's just her vanity talking - but, honestly, his attempts were kinda cute in a romantic way.
Endearing, especially with how innocent and gentlemanly he was. Unlike the many, many other boys and girls that tried to ask her out, it seems the Arc mother raised her boy right; his gentle perseverance probably came from his father.
Well, she has nothing but utmost support for this pairing. And damn it all if she does not bear witness to how this plays out.
Lilac eyes suddenly softened, sparing a pitying glance at the P of JNPR; struggling on the ground, Nora on her back, slowly crawling towards her fallen weapon, "Sorry, Pyrrha. Should've asked him out a long time ago."
Yang Xiao Long shook her head in disappointment, her teammate casually hanging limply in her arm.
Unlike Nikos, Belladonna succumbed to her chokehold within seconds.
Ren… wondered when they'll actually get to the library.
Emerald was… indecisive.
On one hand, her Mistress would surely be grateful for helping her ask this boy out.
On the other hand, none of this makes sense.
Speaking of hands, she acknowledges that she had a hand in it, or rather on it, more than once; they were soft and bouncy. And she more or less was the reason why Cinder is now going on a date with someone a little younger than her.
He looked legal, though when did legality concerned them, but still… a bit weird. She can't put a word on it, on what she's feeling at the moment. Concern… Confusion… still, despite what she's done. Her mind is honestly coming up blank, and whatever's left is a drive to see this through.
Mercury, in truth, is not all that invested. It looks hilarious, and he's sure to stick around if it means he'd get a laugh out of it, but he doesn't really care all that much. Though, he is a bit unnerved with her behaviour. Sly seductress he can handle just fine, but this is putting him on edge. Still funny, but oddly creepy. Developing a measure of concern for the blonde boy.
Nora let go of the now limp Pyrrha, taking a brief moment to exhale her exhaustion away. Pushing the girl off of her, and sitting up, she wiped a sweat off her brow, and took a deep breath. Stretching her back as she stood up, taking another moment for a quick breather.
Cracking her knuckles, and rotating her shoulders, she then knelt down to pick up Miló, and handed it over to Ren.
Tiredly crawling towards her unconscious teammate, Valkyrie grabbed Pyrrha's arm and slung it over her shoulder, lifting her up to a standing position.
Reaching into her coat pocket, she placed her sunglasses over Pyrrha's closed eyes, internally preparing herself to mimic Pyrrha's voice and to also act as Pyrrha for the time going forward.
Over the past couple months, she's gotten very good at it. Especially when it turns out that her fearless leader is actually not as unappealing to women as he truly thought he was. He was just too oblivious, dense, and lacking in self-esteem to notice the hints.
Meanwhile, a chibi-Cinder celebrated with fireworks in her mind.
Simultaneously, Cinder's face took on a manic tone, grinning madly with eyes brimming in euphoria. Which unintentionally creeped Jaune out and immediately made him question what he got himself into.
"Wonderful!" She cheered through her toothy smile.
Staring into Jaune's eyes.
Unblinking; pupils highly dilated.
Jaune, in turn, looked around in hidden panic. Blue orbs darting from corner to corner of his eyes.
Instinctively taking a step back, as the girl was close enough for him to smell her perfume. Close enough to feel her heavy breathing. Nearly touching their noses together.
That did not go unnoticed by Cinder, quickly hopping a few steps back, shyly covering her mouth, and moving her gazing to the side.
"I-I mean…" She nervously coughed into her hand, her voice softening as she regained her composure. "Very well. Shall we meet at the Skyport?" She asked, her voice reverted to its usual tone.
The blushing schoolgirl mere seconds ago vanished.
"A-alright. I'll meet you there." Jaune casually said, not noticing the astonished looks from nearby students. Especially the defeated face of a blue-haired girl getting consoled by her friend.
"Afternoon?" He asked, slowly walking away, heading towards the cafeteria doorway.
Cinder nodded, he responded with a thumbs up, and a cute little smile.
Low, at first, barely audible, before Cinder's victorious giggle was fully in show. They were deep, sinister-sounding laughter. Truly unsettling only to her minions. She swiveled on the spot, sauntering past her lackeys with a noticeable sway in her hips, heading towards an empty table, and unbeknownst to her, the table Jaune - and his friends - sat at several minutes ago.
Once more, Emerald and Mercury were bewildered, and, admittedly, terrified.
Was that all an act?
They watched her sit down, and tensed as she looked their way, a subtle impatient expression in her eyes.
Emerald immediately went to get her mistress' food, with Mercury following close behind.
Something tells them that it'll be a long, weird day.
~•~
AN: Heavily revised.
Have I improved?
