"You will use this time to work on your projects," Glynda announced. "Now get to work."
The students gathered in their groups. However, Jaune and Weiss ended up being in the same circle as Yang, Blake and Ruby in the back of the classroom.
"Still no project ideas, huh?" Ruby asked Weiss.
"No," Weiss shook her head. "We're working on it after school instead."
Ruby nodded in approval. "That's a good plan. No one takes the time in class to actually get things done anyways."
"Exactly," Weiss agreed. "It's much better to talk now and get in the zone later. Classrooms are filled with distractions."
"True but if you don't mind, I want to ask you something," Ruby leaned in. "What do you think about Jaune?"
If Weiss was drinking water she would've done a spit take. "Pardon?"
"Your opinion on the scrawny guy," Ruby's silver eyes glanced at Jaune.
"He's nice in a strange way," Weiss reluctantly admitted.
Ruby giggled at the answer. "Well that's one way of putting it."
"Why do you ask?"
"I'm not sure," Ruby shrugged.
Little did Weiss know, Ruby was actually on a super secret mission to get Weiss' opinion of him, but she'd never let her know that.
Ruby continued to not sound suspicious. "He seems happier lately is all."
"Isn't that a good thing?"
"Of course it is," Ruby responded. "I'm just curious as to why he's so happy," she wiggled her eyebrows directly at Weiss.
The heiress narrowed her eyes.
What's Ruby trying to say?
Before she could ask, Blake chimed in the conversation.
"Hey guys," she sat next to Weiss. "How's the project coming along?"
"We'll see later today," Weiss replied.
"Sounds like a plan," the ravenette smiled and leaned in so only Weiss could hear. "I have a question."
Blake made sure Ruby and Yang were distracted talking with Jaune before she chatted with Weiss.
Weiss' eyebrows rose and she looked expectantly at Blake. "Go ahead."
I owe her a lot for what she's done. I can at least give her an answer to whatever it is.
"Is anyone bothering you?"
Weiss was taken aback by the question. "Pardon?"
"Is anyone giving you trouble in this school?" Blake asked.
Blake knew Weiss wasn't aware that she had access to the security cameras. She felt bad for putting her on the spot, but she wanted to help in her own way.
Weiss grit her teeth in frustration at the question. Little did anyone know, Cardin had been persisting with the harassing texts and phone calls throughout the week. Any tactic she tried never worked and she was running out of ideas. It was beginning to get overbearing and it felt like a huge weight was on her shoulders.
"No," the girl lied.
Needless to say, she felt bad for lying to Blake. Weiss made it a habit not to lie, but she convinced herself it was for a good cause.
Sorry, the last thing I want to do is involve a… a friend.
Weiss thought it was strange to use the word 'friend,' but found the word acceptable in this case. It's not like Blake was just an acquaintance. Blake has helped her out immensely and continued to worry about her well-being, even now.
Just as Weiss said that, Blake's eyes settled on Cardin, who was in the front of the room behind the two. She caught his menacing stare practically attempting to pierce Weiss' soul while the poor girl was blissfully unaware.
That's when Blake figured out Cardin's game. He intended to isolate the transfer like the manipulative degenerate he is.
Blake hated this. She wanted Weiss to feel like she could open up. She wanted to help the white-haired girl with any problems she might was going through.
But she also understood that Weiss needed time to get to that point.
"I see," the ravenette said. "Alright. I just wanted to make sure."
"Why?" Weiss asked. "Have I been acting strangely?"
Was I giving off signs?
"No, no!" Blake quickly exclaimed. "I've noticed Cardin giving you a few not-so-friendly stares on occasion, but that's it. I was hoping he wasn't bothering you."
"Well, I've seen him glowering a few times, but I always brush it off," the white-haired girl said. "He's just another horny boy is all."
Thank goodness, the heiress thought. She has no proof. I know she's worried, but I won't let her get involved if I can help it.
Blake stifled a laugh. Weiss had a knack for being humorous when she didn't intend to be.
"Okay, but if he does start to get troublesome, you know you can always come to me."
Weiss nodded. "Of course."
I can handle this on my own, but thank you for being there for me.
Blake smiled at her and then the bell rang, signalling for class to end.
Weiss grabbed her textbooks and papers. "Thank you, Blake. But I must get going."
Blake waved Weiss off and watched her leave the room. As soon as she did so, she pulled out her phone with a smirk.
"Code 207," Blake spoke loudly. "Do you copy, Scrawny Arc?"
Jaune was behind Blake and yelped. "Hey! Only Weiss can call me that!"
Blake turned around to face him but ignored the boy. "I repeat: code 207! Snow Angel has left the room."
Jaune stood up and gasped. He forgot he was assigned an important mission! Even though the mission made him feel like a stalker, it was still an honor he had to uphold.
As soon as he gathered his things, he turned to Blake and pretended to speak into his phone. "Copy that, Shadow Kat. Not-so Scrawny Arc in pursuit of target, over."
He practically ran out the room to look for Weiss in order to follow from a distance. She would think he was a creep if he was caught, but he didn't intend to be.
Since that was the last class of the day, Weiss should have been heading to the library to meet up with Jaune to work on the project. The hallways were filled with people and even though it wouldn't be hard to spot white hair in a crowd, he decided going to the library was the best course of action.
So he sat and waited for her arrival...
Weiss was getting the textbooks from her locker. She and Jaune would need them for the project, after all. Today would be used for brainstorming ideas, so they would need all the help they could get. She always liked to make at least some progress, it made her feel accomplished in a way.
"Ice queen."
Weiss' eyes widened in shock. Only one person in this school had called her that and she DESPISED it.
"Go away, Winchester," she seethed and tried to compose herself. "Stop harassing me!"
Over the last few days, his threats had gotten more menacing. She couldn't help but be a little frightened of the boy.
Cardin strolled over and blocked Weiss' view of the end of the hallway. "Not until you go out with me."
"Why would I go out with someone whose personality is akin to that of a wooden spoon?"
"Aw c'mon, why not?" he persisted. "Just one date."
Weiss was intimidated by his bulky build and aura. Her full height didn't even make it to his shoulders! He certainly didn't take 'no' for an answer and was smirking with pride, which irritated her a bit. Weiss got the feeling that he would have no problems getting physical to get what he wants.
If she wanted help, she wouldn't get it since no one was left in the halls. Students typically ran to get home after school as soon as possible.
She was alone.
"I said and always will say 'no,'" Weiss sternly replied. "Now leave me alone."
That was the best thing she could do. Put on a confident front and hope he'd buy it.
Cardin crossed his arms and continued to stand in front of Weiss to trap her in a corner. "I see ya talkin' to that idiot Jaune a lot, is that why?"
Scrawny Arc?
"That's not the reason. And don't call him an idiot! If anyone's an idiot it's you!" the white-haired girl fired back.
Did I just defend Arc? But why? I felt like I needed to defend him just now.
"Yeah, well I think it is," Cardin looked down at Weiss, trying to intimidate her. "Now come on, I'm clearly the superior male specimen, who wouldn't want to go out with me? You should consider yourself lucky."
"Lucky?!" Weiss huffed. "A complete asshole wants to get in my pants," she scoffed. "Yep, I'm so lucky to have such a kind gentleman like yourself to harass me."
She was surprised she was being so snarky towards him, especially since she considered Cardin dangerous. However, she was in no mood to take anyone's crap, especially after he insulted one of her friends.
Cardin knew Weiss was being sarcastic. "Don't be a smartass."
"Oh, look!" Weiss pointed at his face. "It can think!"
That's when Cardin snapped and grabbed her arm forcefully, earning a yelp. "Let's get out of here, ice queen."
He tried to yank her away, but was surprised when a soft fist slammed his face. He recoiled and jumped back with a gasp, keeping his hand over his bruised left cheek.
"Ah! You bitch!"
The punch was surprisingly powerful for such a petite girl.
Weiss stood tall, not ashamed of what she'd done, but secretly terrified of how he'd react.
How DARE he?! You think you can get away with that, asshole?!
She immediately regretted her decision when Cardin gained his bearings with the most pissed off scowl she'd ever seen.
Oh no.
Cardin threw his arm back to get ready to punch her directly in the face. Weiss was like a deer in headlights and was absolutely terrified. Her body was paralyzed with fear when she knew he was actually going in for the kill. It seemed that he didn't care she was a girl.
She squeezed her eyes shut to prepare for the impact.
But the hit never came. All she heard was a thud and a grunt of pain.
When she opened her eyes, she saw a certain blond boy facing her as he cringed from the brutal impact that winded him.
Two pairs of blue eyes met.
"Arc...?" she asked feebly.
Jaune stood there with his arms wide, completely shielding her from the punch.
The fist was still rammed into his back as he grimaced. "A-are you okay?"
"Wha- I- I'm fine!" Weiss stammered. "H-how?"
Jaune slowly straightened his posture and turned around as Cardin lowered his fist.
Cardin was surprised by the turn of events, but didn't feel threatened. "What do you want, Jauney boy?"
Jaune glared at him. "Didn't your mother ever teach you manners?!"
"What?"
"The first thing you should know in life…" Jaune smacked Cardin's fist away. "Is to NEVER hit a girl!"
"What are you gonna do about it!?" Cardin raised his voice. "A scrawny guy like you can't take me on!"
Jaune shrugged. "You're done, Cardin. It's over."
"What?!"
"You really shit the bed today, buddy," Jaune pointed to the security camera. "I have full access to those. If you don't want your punishment to be any worse, I'd suggest you leave."
Cardin seethed in anger but knew he was right. "I'll get you back for this," he stomped away and out of sight.
Jaune let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Oh my god… did that just happen?"
He knew he'd never be able to take Cardin in a fight, but was secretly proud he thought of that on the spot, even though it was true that he had full access to the security footage...
"Thank you," Weiss said. "That was… scary."
Jaune could tell she was shaken up. "It's no problem. Really. I would do it again for you in a heartbeat."
He'd do that again for… me?
"Do you think that's enough evidence to get him suspended?" Weiss asked.
She wanted Cardin to be as far away from her as possible.
"Definitely," the boy smiled. "I'll show Ms. Goodwitch the evidence later today."
Even though Weiss threw the first punch, Glynda would understand why from watching the tape. The teacher always trusted Jaune's judgement, and that would be the Cardin's one-way ticket to suspension.
Weiss sighed in relief. "I'm...glad."
She expertly fought back tears when it finally registered in her brain that Cardin was gone. Now he would get suspended, and be away from her. She could only hope he would stop contacting her, but it was an immense relief and a huge burden lifted off her shoulders all the same.
She was pleased that she wouldn't see him in person anytime soon.
However, she remembered Jaune got hurt. "Are you okay?"
"Peachy!" Jaune stood tall, but Weiss noticed him cringe in pain.
"You're a terrible liar," she grabbed his hand since she didn't want to hurt his back. "Come on, we're going to get it checked."
Jaune enjoyed being pulled along and holding her cold hand. "B-but it's fine!"
You're such a dunce, Arc. You got hurt protecting me. Let me help you now.
"No 'buts!'" the heiress exclaimed.
Jaune accepted his fate and the two walked to the nurse's office. However, since it was after school, the office was vacated, so no one was there to help them.
Jaune was eager to leave in order to start the project in the library. He never liked it when people worried about him, even if it was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen.
"Oh well! Let's go."
"Sit down," Weiss demanded.
Jaune obeyed and sat on one of the beds, he'd never heard her use that commanding tone before.
Weiss rolled her eyes, she could tell he was a bit nervous.
Why's he so nervous? It's just me.
"Take off your shirt."
"Wh...what?!" Jaune yelped. "No!"
"I can't treat the injury if it's completely covered. Please?" Weiss asked. "It will only take a moment."
Jaune did as he was told only because he'd never heard her say please before… and because she sounded adorable. He could tell Weiss was dead-set on repaying him somehow.
"Fine."
He slowly took off his shirt and turned around so his back could face her.
She knew she should have been examining the injury, but she couldn't help but notice...
Scrawny Arc actually packs some muscle?! What has this world gone to?!
Not that she minded. If you coupled the muscles, broad back and handsome face, Weiss couldn't deny the boy wasn't attractive.
"How does it look?" Jaune asked, snapping Weiss out of her thoughts.
She shook her head. "Oh, ugh… It's definitely swollen. Hold on."
"Okay," his body was stiff from the situation.
Jaune wasn't used to girls seeing him shirtless and it was his crush to boot! He hoped she liked what she saw.
He felt a sudden freezing sensation on the sore spot that had turned black and blue from the swelling.
"Ahhh," he moaned in relief. "That feels so nice…"
Weiss kept the ice pack firmly pressed against the swollen skin. "Stop moaning. People will think we're doing something indecent."
Jaune chuckled. "Sorry."
Weiss rolled her eyes. "Don't get the wrong idea, Arc. I just feel bad that you took a hit that was intended for me."
Jaune was beaming, even though she couldn't see it. It was obvious she was worried about him and was trying to play it off like she didn't care.
"I know," he said. "Are you still up for the library?"
Weiss' hand never left the boy's broad albeit bruised back. "I think we've been through enough today, don't you?"
She certainly didn't want Jaune to spend the rest of the day trying to act like he wasn't in any pain.
"Yeah, we have," he admitted. "But I have a question."
"Yes?"
"Since we're behind schedule," he kept facing straight ahead. "Do you want to work with Yang, Ruby and Blake? Surely all of us can come up with something."
"Isn't it just us two working on it together though?" Weiss asked, ignoring the fact that her hand was going numb. "They're the only three person group."
"Yeah, but they're struggling too. I figured we could all catch up and work on different ideas," the boy persuaded. "Whaddaya say?"
I guess he's right, but they better not hold us back.
"Only if they stay on topic," she agreed. "We need actual progress and no distractions."
Jaune couldn't stop from smiling. All he wanted to do was make her happy. Now it was in his power to suspend the bully. And he was helping her make friends as well! He wanted to relieve some of the burdens being an heiress came with.
"Of course! We'll definitely finish soon!"
Weiss nodded and took the ice pack off his back. "The swelling's gone down a bit, but it looks painful. Do you need medicine?"
Jaune turned around to face the girl. "Nah, thanks though. It feels better already!"
The heiress faintly blushed at the sight of his somewhat toned chest. "P-put your shirt on!"
"Oh, I'm sorry, do you like what you see?" he said, rubbing his abs seductively.
Weiss' facial expression turned into that of a stone.
"No."
"Oh, okay," the boy slid his shirt back on. "Hehe, sorry about that."
"Whatever," she crossed her arms and looked away.
Jaune gulped at the next thing he was planning. It wasn't an impossible thing to do, in fact, he could see it happening. For project reasons.
"Hey, can I get your number?" he asked, slightly nervous. "So we can be in contact about the project."
Yep, definitely for the project.
Weiss gave him a look.
I guess keeping in contact with him about academics is the smart way to go. I swear if he texts me anything unnecessary…
"Fine, but only for academics," the white-haired girl clarified.
Jaune inwardly 'eeped' in delight. He didn't think the day would ever come to get the transfer's phone number!
Or the fact that she'd seen him shirtless.
Yet here he was.
He wasted no time and eagerly pulled out his phone.
"What's your number?"
"It's…"
Meanwhile, track practice was in session.
Blake and Yang had been inseparable during practice lately. The two got along well.
Yang was planning to ask Blake to hang out alone soon.
With no one else but her.
It would be like a date, but Yang still wasn't sure if Blake liked girls. So it would be more like two friends just hanging out to have fun.
The blonde didn't know how to go about asking Blake. She was a friend and it wouldn't be strange to ask to hang out… but Yang couldn't help and think that it would be a date.
She got flustered just thinking about it…
"Hey," Yang tapped Blake's shoulder. "I've been wondering…"
Blake stopped pulling on her legs to stretch them.
The two were standing on the track while the sun was shining. It wasn't too hot since the clouds blocked most of the rays.
The girls always warmed up during practice together.
"Yes?"
Yang once again lost herself in those amber orbs, causing her to chicken out in the last second. "Uh, is that your natural eye color?"
She wasn't disappointed with the question, but it certainly wasn't the one Yang intended. She'd always wondered that since the first day she laid eyes on Blake.
Maybe asking her to hang out would be brought up somehow in casual conversation.
"Yes it is," the ravenette replied. "I have a genetic mutation."
"Oh my god," the blonde put a hand over her mouth. "This whole time I thought you wore colored contacts like me!"
Blake's head tilted in curiosity. "You wear colored contacts?"
Yang sighed. "Yeah, they are naturally red. It's an intimidating color, so I changed them."
"Why purple? And why are they naturally red?"
"Nothing says 'I'm friendly' like the color purple!" Yang exclaimed. "And my mother has red eyes. I'd keep the red but it freaks most people out."
Blake giggled. "I bet the red looks just as beautiful as the lilac."
Yang blushed from the compliment. "Aw, thanks Blakey!"
"I mean it though. One day I want to see their natural color."
Yang saw her chance. "How about we hang out soon, then? That way I can show you them in private since I don't like people knowing their true color."
Blake smiled. "Sounds good! When?"
"Tomorrow after school?" Yang asked hopefully.
"Sure."
Rules are: jackass being a jackass just to be a jackass, standing up in the name of friendship, the infirmary scene, a shirtless male and flustered female, and somewhat forced bonds through school activities.
Since it's a slice of life type thing, yellow and purple eyes certainly aren't normal. There's your poor explanation xD
Hope you liked the Bumblebee and White Knight~
