~•So.. uh.. Who created RWBY? Hey, man. Don't look at me•~
Chapter 5. Oiled up, and ready to go.
Taking a few steps forward, Jaune paused for a second to survey Vale in all its glory. Breathing deeply, he marked his mood with a smile, releasing a contented sigh. Hearing the whistling winds as the Airship take off behind him. He also heard a muffled yelp come from behind him. But he paid it no mind to continue on roaming his eyes, and as he heard Cinder's footsteps behind him, he strolled on forward shortly after.
While he has been to Vale before, he hasn't really quite given the time to visit and explore the wondrous sights and landmarks of Vale; Spending most of his time in the residential district. Only knowing a small motel and a couple of apartments near the edge of the residential district, and also some convenience stores placed around the district. So, as embarrassing as it is, he was really hoping Cinder knew her way around the rest of the city. He'll probably just lead themselves astray. A bit ironic for a leader.
The sound of a child's laughter brought Jaune's attention to a nearby park, just in time to see a kid trip over a rock as his friend, or sister, laugh at him. A memory of his sister flashed across his mind, forming a soft smile on his face. Bringing his eyes a bit more to the right, showed him the sight of a group of friends hanging out. Some of them making one of the other laugh, and another one trying to drag someone to the arcade. While one just sat quietly with a smile, watching his friends' messing around.
Far away from the group, a girl sat alone on a bench totally engrossed by the ice-cream she's delightfully licking.
Plenty of people were at the park on this fine afternoon. Adequate enough to cause a crowd and at the same time being only a handful. Just right enough for everyone to have a fine time to enjoy their day without interfering with each other's social space. Entertaining themselves, with the absence of overcrowding disturbance. Sparse yet many. A variety of colourful individuals. Each one having their own agenda, their purpose, their plan for the day.
Seeing all those things happening really gave Jaune a brief case of nostalgia, reminding him the various times his family took them out to visit different towns, cities, and landmarks around the Kingdoms. That feeling of exploration. Of being lost in the wondrous diversity of each region. A soft and warm feeling settling in his stomach as he remembered the interactions he had with his sisters.
It felt nice... Leaving him a bit home-sick now. Jaune never thought he would be too busy at Beacon to ever come down to Vale and re-experience that feeling. A completely understandable reason, as he has yet to catch up to his peers. Being more than once prepared to train himself to exhaustion to hasten his improvement. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on how you see it, Pyrrha's always there to stop him before he could break himself. Even if she has to tackle him to the ground and wrestle him to submission, despite how sweaty he is. Or how shirtless he is. Come to think of it, most of the time she mostly does that in the middle of training. Pyrrha was probably testing his reflexes. Gotta train those too, if Jaune doesn't want to be Grimm food.
He was abruptly brought out of his thoughts, as a surprised shriek attracted his attention to the sight of someone throwing their drink at a bush, and briskly walking away clutching her friend's arm tightly. Whatever was in that bush sure did scare that lady.
"Do Grimm Raccoons exist?" He whispered to himself. As the wind picked up, his ears were treated with the tranquil sounds of rustling leaves, diverting his view to glance at nearby trees. Watching their leaves dance to the breeze. Green highlighted by the orange sky. Jaune brushed a few locks of hair away from his eyes. Smiling, before giving off a short chuckle. "Wow. Sure is windy today." He observed, lightly touching a falling leaf before putting his hands on his waist. Watching as more leaves gently fall to the ground. "I wouldn't be surprised if a newspaper would suddenly hit me in the face." He joked, continuing his walk. Cinder joining his side a second later. Giggling nervously, and holding both ends of her skirt down, as the gusts threaten to unveil her obscene predicament.
Cinder's smile hid the raging intent on burning whatever God that is in control of the winds. Yeah, so Vale definitely didn't give Cinder the best impression the moment she exited the Airship. Nor did the Airship's departure. Especially since the minute she stepped out, a newspaper hit her in the face. Luckily Jaune didn't notice it as she quickly burnt the newspaper.
She did accidentally blind herself, and left a bad taste of ash in her mouth. Cinder knew she should have checked the weather in Vale, and should've also been cautious enough to not stand so close when the Airship left, as the force of the Airship's wings sent gusts of winds towards her lower region. But, considering how distracted her mind was while she was panicking over practically everything that has any number of percent of it actually happening, it's not surprising why she made those mistakes.
"Hehe, Yup! Sure is windy today." She replied through gritted teeth. "Suddenly! Wearing a school girl outfit became a Bad idea." She added with a hidden glare in her eyes, grinding her teeth in irritation and anger, directing it at the conspicuous couple walking a few feet behind them, as the couple abruptly made a bee-line towards a nearby hotel. "I'm so blaming Minty." She moaned in her head.
"Hmm?" Jaune hummed. Turning around to face Cinder.
Cinder smiled innocently. "Nothing, nothing." She walked up next to him, "I was just thinking out loud. Nothing worth mentioning." She said sweetly, as she stared into his confused eyes.
Jaune shrugged to himself, "Huh... Well, okay." putting his eyes back on the road, continuing on their walk through the commercial district. They walked across the cobble stoned street, in a not-so-awkward silence.
To their right is a park, which is where most of the people hung out, where the food stalls are set up, and where Jaune was ogling at a minute ago. In front of them, where they are currently heading, is a wide bridge leading over a river, connecting it to the residential district, and to their left are a bunch of stores servicing different needs. From clothing, to silverware and furniture.
The city-wide known Dust store, and a couple of weapon stores, smiths, and repair shacks for any hunter to come by. Food oriented stores and businesses scattered here and there, different types with different services to offer. From fast food, to fairly high-social restaurants, to small shops that looks like they've just recently started, and to cafés and tea houses.
Perking up, Jaune suddenly stopped in his tracks, with Cinder stopping just before she could bump into him.
Cinder's eyes quickly fretted over him. "Jaune?" A sliver of concern escaping her voice.
"Hey, Cinder?" Jaune turned to face Cinder with a sheepish smile. Awkwardly scratching the back of his neck.
Her worry lowered, but was still on alert. "Yes, Jaune?" Her, somewhat, calmed voice hiding her anxious thoughts.
"Were those thoughts by any chance on where to go and eat?" He asked innocently, his stomach softly growling. An embarrassed smile on his face. Now, while Jaune was usually the one who was prepared whenever he goes on outings, with either his sisters, or even some of his 'friends' back home. But, the unusual circumstances that a random beautiful girl would suddenly invite him out, really didn't process that much through Jaune's head. Before, to him, she was only doing this as a really polite way of apologizing. Or, when he was heading towards Beacon's airport, was just a mean way of revenge by not showing up while he waits for ten minutes. That is after adding the five minutes early arrival. For the reasons mentioned before, he didn't actually plan anything ahead for when she does arrive.
Jaune's question only heightened Cinder's worries, delivering panic to her mind. This time she managed to calm herself down just enough to have a clear head, and not let herself get clouded by perpetual unlucky scenarios and cause herself to panic even more. She even managed to keep her voice, somewhat, calm. Only her shaking eyes and anxious smile giving it away. "O-oh, of course! I-I was m-merely deciding on which one we should go in. S-since I-I know s-so many!" Her eyes quickly scoured the stores behind him, flickering from building to building, mentally rushing with stress.
"Oh- Great!" Jaune smiled in relief. Afterwards an embarrassed, and ashamed blush crept up on his face as he scratched his cheek. Proceeding to quickly explain his reason, "I-I'm really sorry for putting this on you so suddenly. I really am. It's just that I have never really explored Vale, and the only place I know here is-"
Choosing a store out of random. Cinder snapped her head to face him, an audible crack coming from her stiff neck, smiling ever so nervously. Startling Jaune with her creepy ghost-like movement. "I-I know this great place!" She lied, blurting it out. Jaune's surprised look making her wince. Unable to hear him while her mind was too busy semi-hyperventilating and panicking, especially with all the anxious shouting of chibi-Cinders hollering at her to pick a place, and are now berating her for interrupting him. Making her cringe at herself, and giving herself her own quick scolding. Which did nothing, but raise her anxiety even more.
Thankfully, Jaune took no offense whatsoever. Waving it off with a polite smile, knowingly chalking it up to nerves. "Oh, well.. Okay. Well, where's this-
Cinder's eyes widen with dread. "C-come on! It's r-right over here!" Jaune was, again, abruptly cut off as Cinder grabbed his arm, making him yelp out of surprise. Quickly pulling him towards an establishment. Their respective Date-peepers/stalkers coming up a short while later. The Date-stalkers took a moment more, as they were the farthest away, and since they had to explain to the old man at the front desk of the hotel, that they weren't going to get a room, and that they don't want a complimentary champagne, and a box of chocolates, or that suspicious box on a pedestal being praised and bowed down upon by a couple of men, that for some reason were offered to them. Why? They didn't know. They didn't have the time to ask.
"H-here is the place I was talking about!" Cinder happily, and nervously presented to Jaune. Practically pushing him through the door. Her attention focused solely on him, as she passed through the door. Monitoring his reaction. "I-it's really great, it's easily one of my favourite places to go to." She said, her eyes never leaving his face. Finding herself lost, as his expression was surprisingly quite unreadable. She walked sideways, facing him with a joyous smile. A smile that brightened, as the scent of delicious cakes entered her nose, and lavishly decorated interior design entered her peripherals. Glad that she blindly picked a restaurant of some sorts. "I've even come here a couple times now." She boasted with rising confidence. Her composure regaining its strength. Mentally nodding to herself for a job well done. Cinder finally took her eyes off of Jaune to acknowledge the person standing behind the podium, "I especially enjoy their..." Cinder's sentence abruptly broke off. Letting it fall to the void.
All of her energy, enthusiasm, and confidence immediately dropping to the floor and through it. Cinder stopped all movement, frozen. Standing silently, and deathly still, blankly staring at the hostess. Expressionless. Her eyes, leaving the woman, slowly surveyed across the restaurant, watching the waitresses stroll across the finely decorated floor tiles to serve their customers with a bright and cheery smile. A brief second of silence passing by. Her eyes returning to the hostess, as her voice - calmed, out of shock and disbelief - slowly addressed the spectacle, that is smiling at them graciously. "Out.. fits..."
And thus comes another mistake Cinder made. Our devilishly cunning Cinder mindlessly picked the best place to take your date out. At the same time, the worst. Depending on how you look at it.
While it was quite okay, and quite usual, to take a first date to a simple café. Cinder, however, accidentally took her first (not) date to a Maid café. Filled with beautiful, cute, and sexy women. Women that were all too ready to steal Jaune away from her. From the young and innocent, to the adult and sexy, with the middle ground being just pretty cute young-adults who just needed the extra dough. Or someone who just likes wearing a maid outfit. Yes, unlike the usual maid cafés, this Maid café accepts everyone, just as long as you are easy on the eyes, or know how to cook. And they all have their sights on Jaune, trying to lure his pure heart, with their sickening grins...
Well, in Cinder's mind, at least. In reality, they only gave them a glimpse of their attention, just to welcome them to their store with an all too welcoming smile.
"A smile of pure mischief!"
"Cinder?"
"The kind of smile that seduces young innocent men-"
Jaune shook her. "Cinder?"
"-Just to throw them out to the Grimm, once they're done toying with their-"
"Cinder!?" He said, shaking her a bit more aggressively, raising his voice a little.
"Huh... Whut?" Cinder dumbly said.
"Cinder?" Jaune said more gently. Staring into her eyes.
"Y-yes, Jaune?" A hard blush creeping onto Cinder's cheeks.
"She's waiting." He gestured to the hostess that was smiling at them in amusement.
Cinder instantly looked away. Trying to hide her blush. "Oh, yes. Of course." She coughed into her hand, and walking up to the podium.
"Hello! Welcome to Maid to Perfection." The fairly young and beautiful, lime green haired, bespectacled woman greeted them graciously with a polite smile. Dressed in her customary maid outfit consisting of a long-sleeved dark chartreuse dress and a white apron. In addition, The hostess wears white stockings and dark pine-green platform shoes, with an accompanying white and frilly plate-shaped cap. "My name is Verdant. How are ya'll doing this fine afternoon?" Verdant asked, her voice spoken with a soft Southern drawl, switching her gaze between the two of them, addressing them both with a smile. The action, however, made Cinder cautious, hoping that the maid didn't notice Jaune's overall Jaune-ness - To Cinder, that was a compliment - and made sure she kept the woman's attention.
"We're doing quite alright!" She said a bit too hastily, quickly taking a small subtle step in front of Jaune, directing Verdant's attention away from him. Her Amber eyes taking a quick glance to the side, then back to the Hostess. Worried that she might've upset Jaune with the comment. "I-I mean, great! We are.. great..." She added, exhaling nervously, masking it with a smile. "Greatly fine, that is!" She finished. Seeing as saying so would paint her as being vain, something she wouldn't want Jaune to be given the impression of. Her waning composure being expertly hidden with a not-so-hidden uneasy giggle.
Verdant seemed to ignore Cinder's odd behavior, and simply clasped her hands together, bringing it to her cheek. Smothered between her, admittedly, well-endowed breasts. "Splendid!" Verdant exclaimed happily. "It's always such a delight to see young folks come into our humble establishment in high spirits." She spoke with a pleasant voice, followed by an equally pleasant smile. Her eyes seemingly sparkling from delight.
"Yesss... I agree?" Cinder answered, confused at what to do. Glancing at Jaune, who shrugged in return.
Verdant giggled in amusement. "Well, enough of me babbling. What can I do for you, sweetie?" She leaned on the podium, her hands laid near the edge of it.
"Oh, um.." Cinder cleared her throat with a cough, as her voice was becoming raspy, "We would like a table for two." Her voice calmed.
Verdant gently straightened herself, and pressed something on the podium. Which showed, on a hologram, how many seats were taken, and which ones were open. "Just two?" She asked, unconsciously holding two fingers up.
"Yes." Cinder answered firmly. "Just the two of us." Cinder added. Verdant went back to the screen, filtering seats fit for two people. Searching for an adequate table for the couple. "Just the two of us." Cinder whispered under her breath. Her hands neatly folded in front of her. Silently hoping that what she said was true.
Jaune hummed in agreement, as he looked around, admiring the place. The entrance reminiscent to that of a small diner. But, looking further into the establishment, the sight represented the image of a well-defined restaurant. The path to the door was lined with a dark purple carpet, leading to the podium just in front. Flowing around the base, as it made its way up the small platform the Maid is standing on.
The podium itself is finely decorated with masterfully crafted wood carvings and first-rate flower arrangements. A small banner hanging on its front, showing an abstract, yet somehow minimalist illustration of a small, fanciful and exotically adorned tea cup, sitting atop an evenly finely decorated saucer. The letters MP in perfect calligraphy on the cup's face, and a small and barely visible t in between. A magnificent purple bow lightly tied around the base of the cup as its tail ends dangle over the edge. A tea bag's string cleanly wrapped around a teaspoon's handle, with the same calligraphy on the tag at the end of the string, hanging ever gently. The saucer and the handle held by a delicate hand. In the background, a stylistic silhouette of a Maid's lips gently blowing away the steam as it rises from the cup.
The path to the door also serving as a walkway. Branching off to the sides, and rounding a corner. Each table, and each seating arrangement splendidly tuned so as to never be in the path's way. While the entrance brandishes an exceptionally embellished carpet, the floor is not to be considered lacking. A mix of acacia planks, and porcelain tiles lay across the trail. A blend of dark and light colouring. Marking the dining area, and the pathway with several unique tile designs. Each tile, and each plank of wood, hand-placed, customized, and masterfully designed to fit each other and the area it is placed. Polished to perfection. Placed to perfection. Made to perfection.
And that was only the floor. Jaune could only gaze in wonder once he looked at the walls, and the interior wall columns. A small column at the end of a half-wall separating the door path and the tables along the window aisle. The top of the half-wall also serving as a plant box, and exquisitely decorated with puffy bushes and beautiful flowers. Beside the half-wall was a small narrow table, covered with an equally high-quality and decorative purple table cloth, with all sorts of paraphernalia placed on top. From framed pictures, to even more wonderfully smelling flowers, appetizers for any taste-testers, and even an autograph book. Which is also fancily decorated. Finding Jaune would show one a goofy image of a blonde haired student, gaping at the ceiling, slowly swiveling his head around.
His ogling was cut off, as he hastily stepped off to the side, in response to a maid excusing herself. Her path being blocked by a Jaune in the way to her table. Carrying a platter, the Maid went on her merry way, trailing the scent of chamomile tea as she goes. Jaune scratched his head as he quietly apologized with a smile. The maid turning her head to smile back at him, waving her hand to show him not to fret.
Cinder glared at the maid, hoping that she would trip, and get scalded by the hot tea. If Jaune wants to ogle and stare like a cute child, then he should be left undisturbed. The nerves of these women. How dare they interrupt his wonderment! Can't they see the special mix of adorableness and handsomeness in his eyes and his face? Couldn't they just find another way? Geez. Cinder's definitely not angry because it definitely didn't ruin her own ogling of Jaune. Definitely not the reason. It was just rude. That's all. Plus, the maid was a bad influence on Jaune. She could see it in her eyes.
Meanwhile, through the, equally fancily decorated, glass door's window were multi-coloured pairs of eyes. Peering from the sides, scouting their target, and waiting for the two to get a table so that they could finally enter, and escape the odd stares from confused passerby's. Nine pairs of eyes. That is, if you count the silver-haired, mustached man holding a newspaper, and the green haired, blind woman, sitting on a loveseat next to each other across the room. The man accepting chamomile tea from the young Maid, thanking her with a compliment followed by a wink. The maid giggling in response. The woman beside him accidentally clutching his hand, reaching for the teacup.
A small cough caught Cinder's attention. "Do you, perhaps, have a reservation?" Verdant asked, as she pushed another button on the screen, opening up the reservation list.
"No." Cinder answered once more. A little surprised that a Maid Café could be this popular that there can be reservations.
Verdant looked at Jaune, waiting for an answer from the young man, as he walked up to the podium. Which, in turn, alerted Cinder to keep her guard up, just in case the hostess decided to try her moves on him.
"Nope." Jaune, now standing next to Cinder, briefly answered. Quoting a certain red hooded girl. "Not that I know of. Or remember." He added with a smile. Shrugging at the last word.
The Maid hummed. Scrolling through a list. "Can I get your name? Just in case." Verdant selected the search box, opening up the keypad.
"Oh, sure." Jaune nonchalantly agreed. Leaving Cinder extremely worried that the hussie might be trying to flirt with him, her eyes sparking with attention. "My name is 'Jaune Arc' Spelled, 'J-A-U-N-E' and 'A-R-C'" He gladly answered with a smile. As if his first grade teacher asked him to tell the class his name.
"A-a-and Cinder Fall! 'C-I-N-D-E-R F-A-L-L'" Cinder added, a bit too hastily, startling Jaune, and garnering the Maid's interest. Jaune eyed her with a curious hum. "J-just in case I might've not recalled either." She explained to him. Or, more likely, squeaked to Jaune. Her voice suddenly heightened its pitch trying to hide her embarrassment.
Verdant typed the names in the search box, seeing if they do have a reservation. Verdant hummed as she scrolled through the lists. A second of silence passing by. "Well, I'm not seeing one of your names on here." Verdant finally said. After double checking, in case she missed any, she closed the reservation list, and switched her gaze to the display which showed the open, taken, and reserved seats. "So I guess you two cutie-pies are gonna sit by the window then." Verdant charmingly said. "I hope you two don't mind." Switching her gaze between the two. Smiling quite coyly. Though, it was directed more at Jaune.
"No. We don't mind at all." Cinder happily answered for Jaune. Standing a bit in front of him. Smiling as she caught the maid's attention once more. "Lay off, girly!" She threatened in her mind. Verdant only smiled in amusement, returning her sights back to Jaune.
Verdant stepped aside from the podium, grabbing two menus. "Right this way." She softly said, leading the way to their right. Jaune and Cinder were about to follow her, but found themselves stopping in their tracks as the maid suddenly let out a light gasp, just after a few steps forward. Bringing a hand to her lips. "Oh, silly me! It seems as if I have forgotten my manners." She spoke to herself with a smile. She turned back to face Jaune, and held her hand up, "Would you like me to take your jacket for you... Master~?" Practically cooing out the word, slightly bowing with playful narrowed eyes, and that same coy smile.
The sight made Cinder growl.
Jaune was confused for a moment, but that confusion went away as he casts his eyes downward, seeing his jacket firmly wrapped around his waist. He laughed, a bit embarrassment. "Oh... right~ I keep forgetting I have this on me. But, no.." Scratching the back of his head. "No, I think I'll keep it on me. I might forget I even brought it with me and leave it behind." He explained with a chuckle.
Verdant smiled understandingly. Retracting her hand, and straightening her back. "Very well." Switching her gaze towards Cinder, making Cinder tense up. "How about you, miss Fall? Would you like me to take your jacket?" Verdant offered with a smile.
The difference of Verdant's sentence, and the way it was performed, made Cinder's eye twitch, and, the fact that this lowly maid had the gall to sneer at her, generated flickers of flames, hidden inside the tightly clenched palms of her hands. Of course it wasn't actually a sneer, it just appears that way in Cinder's vision. It was only Jaune's eyes, that turned to look at her, which saved the maid from Cinder's fiery fury.
A vexed smile strained to form on Cinder's lips. Finding her voice, Cinder tried her best to keep it from growling even more. "No, thank you." Her voice cracking. "I think I'll also keep mine on." She glanced at Jaune's, adorably, curious face to calm herself down. Taking slow steps to stand beside him, shoulder to shoulder. Verdant stared at her with a pleased smile. Cinder stared back with faux confusion, and a tilt of the head. "Well? Aren't you going to continue?" She asked with a sliver of a haughty tone. Her arms crossed. Quickly facing the other way, when Jaune looked at her, hiding her ashamed blush.
Verdant's eyes only seemed to look even more delighted. "Of course, my lady." The maid answered, performing a curtsy bow. "Follow me, please." Strolling across the fancily tiled floors. Maids tending to their guests parted away from her path, greeting Jaune and Cinder with smiles, and small bows of the head as they strode by.
Cinder only became more tense with each maid's passing. Probably imagining a different kind of 'Passing' for each one of them. "Don't underestimate them, Cinder! They may only be doing their job. But, they may all also be trying to do something else! Or, should I say, "Someone else.'!" Cinder thought with paranoid suspicion. Looking towards Jaune. Who isn't really doing Cinder a favour to alleviate her worry, as he would great them back with his own polite smile, and sometimes even a wave.. A wave! "It can't be helped." She thought glumly. Sighing quietly. "Jauney's too kind to ignore their greetings..." Gazing at his cute face, smiling gently. "Well.. At least his greetings are much more genuine, and much more valuable." Cinder took pride for being in Jaune's presence, and the fortune that she had the courage to ask him out. As (soon-to-be) friends, of course. "Especially in comparison to these fakes..." She sneered at one with their back turned. "In more ways than one." She added, taking note of how most of the maid's chests defy gravity as they dawdled pass her. Smirking at her own naturals. "Jauney probably doesn't want a plastic doll taking care of his babies." Her mind suddenly went blank at the thought. It was just a random thought, of course. It just so happens to concern Jaune... and babies... and parenthood... and if she's ready to be a mother of six. No! No... Six would be ridiculous! It should be sixteen! A number, fit for Jaune's lineage. She could already imagine them hobbling around their Mansio- Castl- Chateau- Palace! Roaming around their Grand Palace with their cute widdle feet. "Ooooh~! They look so cute!"
"Cinder!" Jaune called out to her. His palm next to his mouth, acting as a megaphone. "Table's over here." Pointing lazily at it. Their table being in the middle place of the window aisle.
"Y-yes! Of course, it is." Cinder lied deftly. Turning around so quickly, that it seemed that it would've given her whiplash. "I-I was merely admiring this... uh... Couple! Right here!" Stepping aside for Jaune to see. Which made the couple perk up. The man suddenly pulling the woman closer, making the woman yelp in surprise, using his newspaper to cover them both. "H-have a nice meal you tw-" She froze. Staring at the, admittedly, well disguised duo.
"Cinder?" Jaune called out once more. Verdant standing beside him, her hands neatly placed in front of her, holding the menus. Watching in amusement.
"Yes! Coming!" She called back, stepping away. "Um..." She stopped, "You two enjoy your 'meals'... I'm, so, sorry for interrupting you... I'll just be going now." Her voice embarrassed. Cinder slowly moseyed away from them, and towards Jaune.
"What was that about?" Jaune asked once Cinder arrived. Sitting down at the couch in front of Jaune's. Quivering briefly because of her lack of a certain clothing. Once she sat down, Verdant automatically placed the menu in front of her.
"I-it's nothing. Pay it no mind. It's merely one of my quirks." Cinder quickly explained with a nervous giggle. Picking up the menu, and bringing it back down with a loud clack. Placing it so it would block her face. Trying her best to calm the red in her face. "Why am I even blushing!? I-it wasn't that weird! J-just two people, doing what's natural." She argued.
Jaune hummed curiously, but decides to shrug it off. Sitting down at the other couch on the right side, making it so that they were facing each other. Verdant putting the other menu in front of him. Jaune opening it a second later, after looking at the ever so fancily decorated exterior. Giving Cinder one last curious glance as she unknowingly lowered the menu, a glance she noticed, and immediately brings it back up to cover her face. Jaune's attention was brought away when he heard Verdant cough.
"Honey will be your server tonight." She informed them. Though, Cinder wasn't exactly listening. "Enjoy your meals~" Verdant cooed, politely bowing. With Jaune slightly bowing his head in thanks. Verdant smiled back, giving Cinder a sly wink, that she didn't see, and walked away. Going back to her podium, Verdant automatically greeting the seven multi-coloured customers, asking for a table of seven, close, but not too far, from the window aisle. An odd request that she paid no mind. Glancing towards her newest customers at the window aisle with a sly smile.
Jaune went back to looking at the menu. Staying silent, occasionally peaking over Cinder's menu. "Wonder what that was all about?" He rhetorically asked himself. Shrugging off the awkward feeling of eyes behind his back. Jaune settled on just browsing the menu, already taking notes of which ones are within his budget. "Sure glad I thought of deciding to withdraw a couple Lien from my savings. Definitely not because Yang kept telling me to bring extra Lien for my, so called 'Date'. Nope! Just me, being the leader that I am, already having prepared for such contingency." He thought. Smiling proudly.
~•Meanwhile•~
"Do you think he saw us?" Mercury asked. Peeking over the newspaper. His other arm around Emerald's shoulder, as he holds the newspaper. Their faces dangerously close to each other. Especially their lips.
"Why are you asking me? I'm blind." Emerald answered with a playful tone, waving her hand in front of her face. Emerald adjusted herself to lean on him, her head below his chin. At the same time picking up her chamomile tea, and giving it a quick sip. "Mmm.. Mercury, you gotta taste this tea." She said, holding the teacup in front of his mouth.
Mercury wiggled his petite handlebar mustache. "I'm not much of a tea person." He replied. His eyes venturing over to his right, the rowdy booth of seven garnering quite the attention.
"Come on, just try this one. I bet it'll change your mind~" She insisted with a small smile. "It's really good." Emerald sat up, twisting her waist to face him. Her oval sunglasses hidring her eyes. At the same time, Mercury detached his arm around her to sit more comfortably. Emerald held the teacup and its saucer with her hands. Dressed in her mint green, shin length, Southern belle garb. Complete with a small, lime green, brim hat, finely decorated with green orchids and tulips.
"I think your dress is messing with your mind. I don't remember you being this nice." Mercury remarked. Dressed in his dark grey, tuxedo vest, and pants. A black undershirt, paired with his light gray tie tucked beneath his vest. A black and grey bowler hat atop his head. Complementing her attire, making them both look rather charming, and elegant.
"Hey~! I can be nice, too." Emerald huffed, crossing her arms as she turned to face the other way. Somewhat feeling insulted. Though, only acting playfully angry. Miraculously not spilling her tea onto Mercury's crotch.
"I don't remember you being this nice to me." Mercury added with a playful smile. Tilting his head.
Emerald lightly tipped her chin up. A contemplative hum released from her lips. She gently turned back. "Oh, yeah~" She slowly confirmed with a teasing smile. "Guess this dress really is messing with my mind." Emerald laid her hat down on the coffee table. "Either that, or this delicious chamomile tea." She breathlessly moaned to Mercury. Gently sipping from the tea for a good second or two. Slightly tilting her head. "Which, by the way, you seriously need to try." Emerald pointed at his mouth with the teacup. All the time, holding the teacup with a lifted pinky-finger.
Mercury impassively stared at her. "Aren't you supposed to be blind?" He asked. Absentmindedly flipping to the next page of the newspaper. Showing a certain notorious criminal's ad, showing a certain girl, clad in an attire seemingly inspired by a certain frozen snack, with a tagline above it exclaiming, '|Have you seen this girl?|' and showing further details and contact information at the bottom.
"And you're supposed to be my oddly handsome father." Emerald countered, taking a sip of her tea. Settling back on leaning on him. Putting one leg over the other, showing off her pear-green coloured, thick heeled, knee length, square toed boots.
Mercury, distracted by the ad, perked up when he heard a key word in her sentence. "Did you just call me handsome?" Mercury genuinely asked in curiosity.
Emerald paused, her emotion unreadable. Her eyes grazing his features, hidden beneath her sunglasses. "Well.. You are.. somewhat.. handsome..." Emerald answered nonchalantly. Giving a half-shrug as she took another sip of her tea. "I suppose..." She added with a mumble. "I mean... It depends on the lighting." Settling in silence. Emerald bobbed her leg unconsciously. Gazing out the window. Holding her tea gently atop her lap with the saucer underneath, held by her other hand.
With a hum, Mercury, tired of reading, folded the newspaper, and laid it down on the table. Leaning back with crossed arms. Positioning his legs on the edge of their coffee table, laying one on top of the other. Slowly switching his attention between Cinder and the rowdy booth. Wiggling his mustache, gently prodding it with his fingers. Mercury ripped it off. A slight twitch of his mouth being the only indication of pain. He leaned over to place it on the ad. Unintentionally defacing the girl on it. Mercury leaned back once more.
They watched the café in silence. The sounds of clinking silverware, inaudible conversations, bustling footsteps of maids, and the chime of the door's bell reaching their ears. Muffling each other, leaving them in a field of noiseless clamor. Calm breathing escaping their lips. An odd sense of relaxation washing over them. Emerald unknowingly leaned more unto him. Taking a sip of her tea. Lowering her glasses, taking a gander at him, Emerald moved the teacup into his vision, mutely offering it to him.
Mercury glanced at her, noticing her gesturing him to take a sip. Shrugging to himself, he removed his feet from the table, re-placing it on the floor with the same position. Mercury gently took the teacup from Emerald's soft hands. Emerald settled back to her previous posture, this time leaning on his shoulder, pushing her glasses back up. Mercury briefly stared at the chamomile tea, seeing it almost half empty. Mercury brought his eyes up, gazing at the café. Observing the contrast between Cinder's distressed hunched form, and Jaune's composed smile as he read the contents of his menu.
Feeling the weight to his left lighten, his eyes briefly watched Emerald picking up her hat, and placing it back on her head. She leaned over to prod her head up with the back of her hand, her elbow on her knee, with her left arm draped across on her thigh.
Mercury returned his eyes to the café.
Breathing deeply, he took a sip of his tea. Silently nodding to himself. Mercury took another sip.
~•~
Meanwhile, back at the other end of Jaune's table. Cinder's deep in thought once more. Leaving her blankly staring at the menu. In her mind, Cinder paced her room, comically filled with Jaune paraphernalia like a crazy fangirl. "I-it was just a natural thing to do. S-something natural t-t-that happens in café's! I-it's not like the same thing is going to happen to.. m-me, a-a-and... J-J-Jaune..." She stopped for a moment. "Jaune and I..." Correcting her own grammar. "Will it, though? No, of course not." She denied to herself.
"We're only acquaintances..." Letting the sentence simmer. "Who will soon be friends..." She added. "Who will soon be good friends..." She hoped. "Who will soon be better friends..." She dreamed. "Who will soon be even better friends, who will soon be best friends, who will soon be best friends who knows a lot about each other.. like a lot.. Who will then soon be.. maybe.. something... more..." She prayed. "Like, even better bestiest friends!" She slowed down. Leaving the words in the air. "Who... might even become... something, even more.. than just a couple of friends..." She froze. "We can be.. just.. a couple..." She blushed madly. Her thoughts racing with different romantic scenarios. Ultimately ending with seeing herself, in a white gown, holding flowers, walking down the hall of a spacious building, and seeing Jaune at the end of it, wearing a pure white suit with gold trimmings. A pale skinned woman in the middle, holding a book.
"No-no-no-no no. Of course not! That's not possible! Jaune's obviously looking for someone else, someone much more beautiful. Someone who, who can give him the world if he wants it. Someone who will give him nothing but absolute happiness. Someone who's entirely perfect in every way..." Her thoughts quivering with anxiety. "Someone.. Someone who isn't me..." Her expression dulled, shuddering at the prospect. Letting her melancholic eyes fall. "No!" Unknowingly gripping the edges of the menu. "Cinder, stop doubting yourself! You may not be perfect, but you're more than ready to spend every single moment of your life putting every inch of effort in your soul to try and become one." Her eyes blazed with determination. "Remember what Minty said, 'Listen to the Jazz music'" Cinder closed her eyes. Calming herself down, and breathing deeply and slowly. Using what Emerald said as a weird mantra. "Listen to that Jazz music.. Listen to the Jazz music.. Listen to the Jaune music.. Listen to the Jaune.. Listen to Jaune... Listen... to... Jaune... Listen... Jaune... Jaune... Jaune..."
"Jaune~" She accidentally whispered out.
"Hmm? What?"
"-What! Nothing!" She screamed. By this point, Cinder's face is glowing red with embarrassment. She slowly let her head drop down onto the table, hiding her steaming face behind the menu.
"O-okay...?" Jaune muttered in confusion. With Cinder finally speaking, Jaune found the moment to finally initiate a conversation. "Well, are you ready to order?"
Cinder silently whined. Mimicking the sound of whistling steam. "Yes?" She answered, her droopy eyes peeking over the menu.
Jaune smiled "Alright. So what do you want?"
~•~
"I would like one big strawberry cake. One tall glass of your best chocolate milkshake. A whole plate, or maybe a bowl, of cookies... Aaand..."
"Ooh! Ooh! Do you have pancakes? Can I get a whole stack, like about THISSS tall?" Nora stood on her seat, holding her hand up high. Ruby moving the edges of her combat skirt away from Nora's feet. "Do you have syrup? Who am I kidding, of course you do! Can I have eight full jars of-"
"Ruby!" - "Nora!" Weiss and Ren, respectively, shouted.
"What?" Ruby and Nora simultaneously asked, ever so innocently. Their maid smiling politely, as she playfully hid behind her notepad, acting startled by their exuberant personality. Her amused eyes peering over the pad.
Teams RWBY and NPR are seated in a booth, near the middle of the restaurant, not far from the window aisle. The booth has two openings, one pointing towards the window aisle, and the other towards the front desk. Their maid is currently at the opening near the front desk, and if we look at the booth from the window opening, to look at the maid, the seating arrangements of the teams is as follows: Starting with the right side, at the very end of the seat, near the maid, sat Ruby, holding her menu. Next to her, came Nora, then Ren, and at the very end, on Ren's right side, there's Pyrrha. Who is, at the moment, glaring at- watching Jaune with immense concern, like an incredibly immense amount of concern. At the left side of the table, facing Ruby, sat a glaring Weiss with her left side facing the Maid. Yang sitting at her right side - Taking more space than needed - and at the end stood Blake Belladonna on her knees on the seat, still spying on Jaune's table with her binoculars.
"What do you think you're doing?" Weiss began. Her arms crossed, staring at Ruby with narrowed eyes. Sitting across from her.
"Uhh... Ordering, duh." Ruby plainly answered, looking back at the menu.
"Yeah, Weissaline. I thought you would've noticed it by now." Nora looked at her with feign disappointment in her eyes. Turning to her side to address Ren's exasperated look with a confused tilt of her head. She goes on to shuffle closer to him, whispering into his ear.
"Ooh~ can I also have this milk-"
Weiss fumed. "We're not here to order food!" She shrieked, startling Ruby. She quickly turned to Nora, angrily pointing at her. "And don't you dare try to turn that into a nickname." She seethed.
"Sure thing, Snow-Angel!"
"Shut it!" Weiss then turned to Ren. "Do you have anything to say about this?" Waiting for him to share his own scolding.
Closing his menu, Ren gave a quick nod of his head. Weiss huffed with a scowl aimed her partner, crossing her arms as she heard him clear his throat. Ren then promptly held his finger up. "Yes, I would like to order one-"
"Why are you ordering!?"
"Make that two chamomile tea. And perhaps, for later, I would like an omelette rice, and maybe a plate of sushi." Blake coughed. "Make that two plates of sushi-" Blake coughed again. "Two plates of sushi, and the omelette rice?" Blake kept quiet. "And two plates of sushi and omelette rice." Blake coughed once more. "Do we have to pay extra to propose our own design for the omelette rice?"
"No, I'm sorry. The only designs you could ask for are the ones shown on the menu." The peach-coloured, Caracal faunus apologetically informed them with a meek, yet sharp voice with an English accent. Her ears twitching around. One ear directed at them, as the other constantly swivels to face every other noise in the building. The task switching between each other every minute or so.
"Oh.. That's too bad." Blake stated. Disappointed, but not at all sad. Leaning against the armrest of her seat.
"Does anyone even remember what we're doing here!" Weiss asking no one in particular, before she leaned on the table to put her palm to her face. Missing Blake holding up her finger in affirmation. Adjusting her binoculars to focus on Cinder's form.
Yang patted Weiss's shoulder, sitting with one leg on the cushion, her cowboy hat placed on her knee. "Oh, relax, Weissaline." Weiss growled. "Loosen up. Even though we're on a 'mission', doesn't mean we can't have a little fun doing it." Weiss glared at her from the corner of her eye. Making Yang chuckle. "Besides. Wouldn't it be suspicious for a group of girls to come into a café without ordering anything?" She reasoned. Watching Weiss as her face slowly calmed down.
"Wait. Group of girls? What about me?" Ren lazily pointed to himself.
"Meh, you don't really count as a guy. Since, you know.. you look like a girl." Yang waved him off with a shrug. Ignoring his annoyed look. His mouth set in a hard line. Leaning into Blake's side, checking up on the couple.
"I don't look like a girl." Ren answered casually, and as a matter-of-fact. "Do I?" He asked himself with a confused, and doubting look.
Unknown to Ren, he would still get an answer. Receiving a quaint, quiet, barely audible, "You look pretty handsome to me." Coming from his right side. He would turn to look. However, the only sight that he could catch was Nora suddenly jolting away from him to sit beside Ruby to look at what else is in the menu. Ren just chalked it up to Nora being Nora, and just decided to look at his own menu. Silently wondering if he had just imagine that voice. Perhaps it was his subconscious trying to save his masculinity.
Weiss let out a long, drawn out, frustrated groan. Something very unlady-like of her. Breathing out a tired sigh. "Alright... Fine." She reluctantly agreed. "After all, someone's got to pay for all of this." She grumbled. Though, without its usual annoyance. "But that doesn't mean you can order as many you want." She snapped her eyes towards Ruby and Nora. "We'll be splitting the bill if you do. No one's getting out of this." Receiving a half-hearted, 'Aww~' from them. Including a silent one coming from her right. Giving Yang the stink eye, before showing a victorious smirk. Unaware of Blake's disappointed side-glance towards a particularly aquatic focused bowl of delicious goodness.
Another reason why Weiss decided to give in was because as she contemplated on Yang's words she took notice that a lot of other customers were ordering chamomile tea. Apparently, it seems to be a famous drink exclusive only at this café. Possibly a renowned reason for the café's immense growth in customers, other than its excellent service, and high-class food. Probably being the cause of its intensive commercializing, too. Becoming much more than just a simple café, and evolving into a Five-and-a-half star restaurant. The half of an extra point awarded for its impeccable service, cleanliness, and overall atmosphere. Now, being a tea-person herself, Weiss secretly wanted to try if it lives up to the popularity. At least, from what she could glean from her first impressions and the overall amount of customers.
"Sssoo~ Does that mean we can order now?" Ruby innocently asked.
"Without you yelling at us?" Nora added.
"Yes." Weiss confirmed, gently picking up her menu. "Just remember that we will be sharing the bill if you go overboard. Alright?" Weiss declared, only getting mumbles of affirmation. A 'Yes, mom.' hidden between the indiscernible noises. Oddly enough, the only intelligible answers came from Ruby and Nora, with their respective, 'M'okay.' and, 'Sure thing, Weissaline.' Weiss scowled at the latter. Only Pyrrha, at the end of the table, was left unheard. Probably because she didn't actually answer her.. or listened at all. Unable to hear anything else, besides her own quiet grumblings.
"Oh~, look at me. I'm Sunder." She, uncharacteristically, mocked. Getting a worried stare from Blake.
"Pyrrha?" Ren curiously asked, turning his head. Concerning her incoherent mumbling.
"I'm much more better than anyone-"
"Pyyyrrha~?" Nora sang.
"-since I asked Jaune out before anyone else could."
"Pyrrha?" Ruby worriedly asked.
"Look at my tiny skirt, my stupidly tight shirt, and my superior courage."
"Pyrrha?" Weiss finally noticing Pyrrha's lack of presence in their conversation.
"I'm much more braver than even a four-time Mistral Region Tournament champio-"
"Hey, Pyrrha!" Yang called out.
"What!?" Pyrrha undesirably snapped. Finding herself being stared at, Pyrrha instantly blushed, and just as instantly, apologized profusely.
"I-It's alright, Pyrrha." Weiss began.
"I'm sorry!"
"It is pretty understandable why you snapped." Ren said, trying to comfort the poor girl.
"I'm so sorry!"
"Yeah. Considering how stressed out you must be about this." Yang observed with an understanding saddened look.
"I'm- Huh? W-what.. What do you mean by that, Yang?" Pyrrha asked nervously. Putting up a smile.
Weiss gave an intrigued glance towards Yang. "Yes, what do you mean by that?" Weiss joined in. Genuinely confused as to what the blonde is saying.
"Oh~ Are you talking about the, Thing?" Nora vaguely asked Yang in a low voice. Getting a nod in return. Nora's eyes went downcast, making a tone of condolence.
"Wait, are you guys talking about the, Thing with her?" Ruby also vaguely asked, with the same lowered voice. Getting a second nod from Yang. Making Ruby look at Pyrrha with sympathetic eyes.
"What are you guys talking about?" Weiss suspiciously eyed them.
"Y-yeah. What are you talking abou-"
"It's alright, Pyrrha. We're here for you." Nora consoled her. Reaching over behind Ren's back to put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Ruby nodding along in affirmation.
"If you ever need to talk about it. You know where to find me." Yang offered, looking at her with empathetic eyes. With a gleam of mischief.
Weiss sighed in irritation. "You know what, if you guys don't wanna tell us right now, that's fine by me. But I'm only letting this go because Momo's been standing here waiting for our orders for the past.. thirty minutes." She gestured to her left.
The maid waved politely at them. "It's quite alright, my Mistresses. I am your maid for today, and I will serve no other until you leave. I am more than ready to stand here and wait for your orders." Momo bowed her head as she softly explained to them.
"Well, even so. I don't like keeping my maids waiting. Standing tiredly, doing nothing in particular and forced to listen to the babbling of a couple of children." Weiss replied. Getting a, 'Hey!' from Ruby. An unbridled sense of pride coursing through her voice. "Especially the maids back at home." Weiss added for herself.
Momo smiled kindly. A familiar pride appearing through her eyes, and soon enough, her voice. "While that is admirable of you, my Lady. We here, at the Maid to Perfection, are more than fine standing at our Master's, and Mistress' table for as long as it need be." Her hands neatly folded in front of her waist, closing her eyes as she bowed her head once more. "We will stand till our legs feel like breaking, and even then we would still continue to stand." Momo brought her eyes up. Glancing up at the ceiling, gleaming with admiration. "Even if the pain of our buckling knees cause our eyes to water, we will stand. Smiling ever so sweetly. Hiding our pained faces from our Master's, and Mistress' sight, so as to not ruin their mood." She stated gently with conviction, bringing a palm to her chest. The pride and joy evident in the Maid's voice. "We will endure through the pain! We will continue to smile even when tears form in the corners of our eyes. But not one drop shall ever fall from our cheeks, lest we tarnish the drink our Masters would ingest. Lest we fail to appease our Masters... We will not falter under the weight of our responsibilities! We will stand true and unyielding against all that come to disrupt the fine atmosphere we have so exquisitely and affectionately provided for our Mistresses." She gestured to the seven students in front of her. "We will persevere through searing storms with tea cup in hand, never spilled, and never defiled. We will trudge forth with tremendous grace, no matter how damaged our clothing is, or how dirty it has become. Through it all, we will smile. Ever so warmly, and ever so kindly. Even as rocks and debris start to strike our faces, we will smile. We will smile while the world grimaces. We will smile while we, ourselves, grimace... For our Masters, and for our Mistresses."
RWY-NP stared in awe at the Maid. Finding themselves gobsmacked at the speech they have just heard. Eliciting a sudden wave of admiration at the gargantuan passion of the Young-adult.
Momo took a deep inhale, closing her eyes, and putting her foot off the table. Opening her eyes, she hastily cleaned the spot, even though not a smudge is seen. The Maid took a step back, her hands behind her back. Slowly exhaling through her mouth. "That, my Mistresses, is why I am more than content standing here. More than pleased to hear your friendly banter with each other, and will listen to it for as long as it need be, until you are ready to order." She finished with a voice, soft like clouds. Her commitment to her work, her pride, and her passion filling the air. Truly, Maid To Perfection.
"Wow..." They couldn't help but breath out. Their eyes wide, stunned and amazed. Astounded by Momo's devotion to the café.
"Well... At least, the maids that have committed themselves to the job. So much that they've become permanent maids." Momo smiled dumbly at this. "I don't think the part-timers will say the same thing, or be as passionate as I." Momo added with a coy smile.
"Oh..." Weiss faintly mumbled, slightly disappointed. Staring at the maid, and shocked at the maid's commitment to her work. The sensible part of her doubts she would actually do those things. But the pride in her voice as she spoke seem to challenge Weiss's thoughts. She coughed, clearing her voice. "Well, even so. I'd rather not.. have you go through that... That is, if you plan on doing it.."
"Yeah, I agree." Yang cautiously concurred. The others silently nodding in turn. Yang brought her attention towards the others. "Why don't we all just order now, and stop her from ever being able to do that. Okay?"
"Yup, okay." Ruby promptly answered.
"You crazy, woman!" Nora pointed at the maid, before narrowing her eyes, and lowering herself. "The good kind of crazy." Changing her point to a finger gun. "I like that." She said with a lowered voice, and an approved smile. Changing her finger gun to a thumbs up.
"I'm sorry.." Pyrrha squeaked out. Her hands to her mouth, fingers curled. Apologetic eyes staring at the maid.
"It's fine, my Lady." Momo waved off.
"So, are we done ordering or what?" Blake bluntly asked them. Sitting properly this time. Her binoculars on the table. A hand to her chin. Apparently waiting for her sushi.
Weiss turned to face the Maid. "Just the chamomile tea for me."
"Ehh~ I'll just have the chocolate milkshake, and the plate of cookies." Ruby said, leaning her head to the left, looking at her propped up menu. A bit of a disappointed tone escaping her lips.
"Yeeah.. And make my pancakes just this tall." Nora added. Lax her previous energy. Bringing her hand just below her chin. "With extra syrup." She added with a smile.
"And don't worry, Rubes. I'll buy you that strawberry cake." Yang assured Ruby with a smile.
"Yeah!"
"But, you have to share." She quickly added with a faux serious look.
"Aww~ Alright." Ruby agreed with a contented tone.
"I'll also have a mango shake as a drink." Yang finished.
"My order's still the same." Ren stated.
"Mine, too." Blake added, half-distracted by Jaune's table.
Weiss turned to Pyrrha, who is currently shooting 'Concerned' looks towards Jaune's date. "Pyrrha? What about you?"
Pyrrha sighed, hunching over with shame, and bringing her head down. She peeked on her menu. "I'll have the chocolate cake, two bowls of chocolate ice-cream, a bowl of chocolate pudding, and.." She sighed once more. "..chocolate brownies for dessert..." She faintly, and dejectedly ordered. "And... M-maybe the chocolate milkshake too... Along with the chocolate chip cookies.." She added with a hint of a sad tone. Pyrrha blushed once she noticed worried eyes staring from each side of the table.
"Oh.. Okay..." Weiss could only mutter.
"That's a lot of chocolate." Ruby murmured.
"You okay there, girl?" Nora worried stared at her.
"Yeah, that's a whole lot of chocolate for one person." Yang remarked.
"I know, I know... I just.. I wanna-" She sighed again, bringing her down out of shame. "Can we just finish ordering already?" She finished with a despondent voice.
"Fine. But, we gotta talk about that later on." Yang said, concerned about Pyrrha's emotional state.
Momo cleared her throat, bringing everyone's attention towards her. "Just to make sure I got all of your orders correctly, I shall be reciting them back to you." She paused as she brought up her notepad. "For Miss Rose, one chocolate milkshake, and a plate of cookies. For Miss Valkyrie, one stack of pancakes, extra tall with extra syrup.. One chamomile tea, an omelette rice, and a plate of sushi, for Miss Lie." Momo displayed a subtle sly smile.
"Actually, It's miste-"
"Shush, Ren. She's speaking."
The maid continued, "One plate of sushi, and omelette rice, for Miss Belladonna. One strawberry cake, and a mango shake, for Miss Xiao Long. One chamomile tea, for Miss Schnee. And the delicious, Super Chocolate Deluxe for Miss Nikos." Momo brought an impish smile at Pyrrha's dejected moan. Giving her a playful, yet apologetic look. "Have I gotten it correctly?" She asked, looking at each of them. Getting nods, and noises of confirmation. "Very well." Momo bowed her head, making to leave. "Will that be all, my Mistresses?"
~•~
"Yes..."
"You sure you only want a parfait?" Jaune asked. Resting his chin in his right hand, as his left hand hovered over the menu. "It's okay if you want more. Their dishes are actually very affordable." Jaune said with a pleased grin.
"N-no. Thank you, Jaune. But, I'm pretty sure it's not right for me to just let you pay for.. all of our food." Cinder replied with a shaking tone. Ashamed that she let Jaune offer himself to pay for all the costs.
"No, no. It's alright. Just take it as my treat." Jaune shrugged, giving a half-smile. His eyes sparkled with the adorable innocence of a child.
"That's very kind of you, Jaune. But, I much prefer not to.. mooch.. off of you." She said. Shyly looking away.
"No, really. It's okay. I got enough for whatever you want." Jaune pushed on. Smiling ever so kindly at her.
A gesture that made Cinder turn away with a flush, pretending to look at a dish on the menu. "You're everything I ever want." She whispered. Barely even audible. A hard blush creeping up on her face.
"Pardon?" And of course, Jaune barely hears it.
"Nothing." She shakily waved off with a nervous smile. "I-I.. merely said, 'I already got everything I want.'" She grinned, glancing up to the ceiling. Toying with a lock of hair.
"Hmm.. Okay." He shrugged. "But.. are you sure that's all you want? Seriously. I think I have enough to buy everything on the menu." Jaune explained with a short chuckle.
"N-no. Thank you, Jaune. You are very generous." She hung her head a little. Giving him a gentle smile, showing that she bears no ill will regarding her words. "But, I'd rather not abuse the premise of.. getting free food." She explained. Her voice shaking out of nervousness, and disappointment in herself. "Especially seeing these prices."
Jaune listened patiently. A little worried if she's cold. Considering how jittery her voice is. Jaune hummed. "Well... Okay. Just tell me if you want to order anything else later on." He offered with a small smile. Staring into her eyes with his own. Sparkling with kindness and generosity.
Cinder stared back, her pupils dilating. Her mouth slightly agape. The sunlight making him look even more dreamier than usual. "Oh... Okay..." She slowly answered. It's as if the clouds parted their way, just to let the sun graze against his face.
In reality, a car outside was just slowing down as kids crossed the road. Her version of heaven was abruptly cut off when he switched his attention towards his menu. Flipping over a couple of pages. Stopping every few seconds to nod at something on the menu. Cinder found herself dreamily ogling at him, and quickly looked away. Coughing into her hand, settling her face into a calm, and composed look. Giving him subtle glances from the corner of her eyes.
Jaune skimmed trough the menu again, just in case he forgot, or didn't see a dish. "I guess... we should call our maid now?" He rhetorically asked in confusion.
Cinder's eyes widened. She batted her eyelashes to wisp away the shock from her face, narrowing her eyes, and forcing a twitchy smile. "E-excuse me? A- A Maid?"
Jaune nodded, before directing his attention towards the front desk. Bringing his hand to the side of his mouth. Jaune opened his mouth to speak.
~•~
Pyrrha has long since ignored the baffled, and concerned looks from her friends. As she ate away her regret, and sadness, with her batch of chocolate themed dishes. Hanging her head low, devouring all the chocolate that arrives in her sight. Mumbling how life was unfair, and how disappointed she is in herself. Acting more like the usual sad female drunkard you'd see at a bar... At least in Anime. It was when she was currently half-way through her bowl of chocolate pudding, slowly eating it with her chin on the table, when she heard it. That magnificent word that perfectly described how it should have been.
"Honey!"
"YES!" Pyrrha couldn't help but scream out. Immediately jumping to her feet, slamming her hands on the table, her spoon slightly bent. Knocking a few empty bowls of chocolate over. Startling everyone in the booth, bringing more of their attention to her, staring with worried rounded eyes. Pyrrha's chest rose and fell with rapid breaths. Her face flushed, eyes so wide that they might pop out, and her lips quivering. Before realization struck her.
Yang rose from her seat, slowly bringing her hands to Pyrrha's shoulders. "Um... Pyrrha, sweetie. I think you need to calm dow-"
"SHHH!" Pyrrha blocked her advances with a finger pressed deeply between Yang's lips. Making Yang cross-eyed, staring at Pyrrha's finger in confusion. Pyrrha sharpened her eyes, before they started to rapidly dart around. If her instincts were correct, if they had a personal maid assigned to them, then that would mean that Jaune would have one as well. His own personal, and beautiful, Maid. If that's the case, then she has to make sure that the maid is, at least, as cute as Ruby. Therefore, making her, Pyrrha, instantly superior to the maid by comparison. Both in terms of beauty, and physique.
"Hey! What does that mean?" Ruby hurtfully questioned.
Pyrrha flinched, as she covered her mouth. "Eh! How- How did you-"
"You didn't intend to say that out loud, didn't you?" Yang mumbled through Pyrrha's finger. Bending over with her palms pressed down flat on the table, her arms straight, holding herself up.
Pyrrha flicked her head back and forth. Switching between Yang slowly puckering her lips, as she glanced towards the ceiling, her eyes moving in confusion, waiting for something to happen, and Ruby's adorable pout and crossed arms. "Uh... Umm.. Can I- Can I skip to the next ques-"
"Honey~!?"
"YES!"
"Coming, Master~!"
Everyone's eyes instantly widened, and darted around, once they heard that saccharine sweet, and, the most noticeable part, mature voice. A voice that cooed out the words so sensually, it could've been mistaken for a moan of pleasure. The clack of heels brought their attention towards a beautiful woman appearing to be in her early twenties, with white skin, rose-pink eyes, with wavy copper-blonde hair tied back in a bun-like hairstyle, and a dangerously buxom figure and a slim waist. With a chest that could rival Yang's, if not fully knocking it out of the board. The same endowment that is threatening to jump out of her precariously low cleavage.
And by the look of how they bounce and jiggle, these ones are genuine. It also seems as if she's not keen on wearing anything that will suppress their liveliness.
Tall, slender, and beautiful. Not to mention, mature. The kind of woman young men would fall head over heels for. And, unlike Miss Goodwitch, this one doesn't have an intimidating aura to steer them away.
Pyrrha sharpened her eyes even more. Eyes like daggers. Ruby did the same, but somehow made it look adorable. Yang watched the maid from the corner of her eyes, her mouth still pressed firmly against Pyrrha's finger. Weiss stared with a definite glare of annoyance towards a certain part of the maid. Blake adjusted the zoom of her binoculars to properly observe this maid's endowment. For research purposes, of course. Nora's glare was more comical. Leering with wide eyes, nostrils flared up, pressing her lips, and a raised chin, looking like a try-hard thug. All the while, Ren is peacefully eating his sushi.
They all watched with narrowed eyes. Except for Ren as his eyes are currently being covered by Nora. They watched this girl- No... this Woman, saunter over towards Jaune's table. Her ridiculously short skirt, barely covering herself, teasing the sight of yellow stripes with its bounciness. Paired with a black and yellow striped, thigh high stockings, held up by a garter belt. They watched with immeasurable intensity and focus. Frozen in their movement, like statues.
The maid paved her way across the tiled floor. Paying no attention to anything else.
No one else. All except her Master. Waving ever so politely at her.
~•~
Author's boats:
Well, this took a long time. Probably because I couldn't find a good enough spot to stop this chapter.
(Plus, all those stupid writer's block I've been getting)
Because of that, I accidentally gifted an extra long chapter for those who tolerate this story. You're welcome... I guess?
I hope you guys appreciate the little breather in Merc and Em's slow tone and calm atmosphere. I also hope that you could imagine them in those elegant clothing, because they look rather dashing in those.
Remember: Cinder is crushing hard on Jaune, like a timid school girl. But only in the presence of Jaune. If she were to be with anyone or anywhere else, and she's not thinking of Jaune, she's going to be same ol' femme fatale we've come to know and love and hate.
Although, I am rather curious if you'd like chapters below, or above 5k.
My dearest apologies, again. The delay in this one is far more annoying than the previous ones.
Expect Ch. 6 to take more than, 'Just a while' because I have plans for that chapter, that'll probably also take 10k worth of words.
Plus, the plans I have for real life. So, just be really patient. I'll try and make it worth the wait. But I hold no promises. M'Kay?
I'll probably spend the next few weeks fixing whatever kind of stuff reviewers say that I agree upon.
Anyway. Ciao~
Edited stuff. Don't mind me.
I'm still writing Chapter 6. It'll probably take a long while, but I will finish this.
Edited stuff.
For visual's sake, here are their seating arrangements.
Take note that I am only showing them how they are seated, and that it's really hard, and time consuming, to make a diagram without drawing it.
Teams RWBY & NPR's Table:
{Front desk opening}
-Maid-
|Weiss[+]Ruby-|
|-Ya[+]Nora-|
|-ng[+]Ren-|
|-Blake[+]Pyrrha|
{Window aisle opening}
Jaune's Table:
{Long Window-Center of the Window-Long Window}
[Other tables over here- [Cinder-[+]-Jaune] -More tables over here]
{-This way to Em & Merc}-{Walkway/path}-{This way to the entrance and the podium-}
Mercury & Emerald's Table:
[Mercury sits at the left - Emerald sits at the right]
-{In front of them is a small coffee table}-
They face the walkway leading to the entrance. Therefore, facing Jaune, and seeing only the back of Cinder's head.
~•End Chapter•~
The f*ck is this sh*t? ~Anonymous acquaintance.
Little bit of a heads up:
I might be gone for a couple days, and may not be able to properly edit Ch. 6.
But I will be able to write down possible lines. Hopefully.
So, there's that.
I will also fully forgo uploading a chapter just for the sake of updates.
All of my chapters from now on will exclusively only be for the actual chapters of my stories.
That way, no one will get deceived once they see a Chapter 6, only to find a wall of text detailing what kinds of stuff that has happened in the Author's life. Not that that is a bad thing, I'm just saying that I'd rather keep everyone in the dark, rather than deceive them with probable excitement in seeing one of their favourite/followed stories gets updated. So expect any updates on any of my future stories to only be for actual chapters, and expect weeks of silence.
Just know that I am still writing the story, I am still editing it, and I am rewriting and reediting it a couple of times every now and then, until I find a good combination of words that, at the very least, doesn't sound too amateurish.
Anyway, Ciao~!
P.S: I don't know if there's a way to message all of you at once, or some other way for public updates. So if anyone knows how, or can teach me how, I would very much appreciate it. But, until then, I'll probably just do it on the reviews, and also at the end of chapters. So... Sorry.
