Betaread by TheMischieviousPuppyDog

"Hey, Jaune."

"Y-Yeah?"

"I don't think you'll ever get a girlfriend." Weiss cut herself another piece of cake and plopped it into her mouth. She hummed happily before focusing back on him. "Yeah, you have zero qualities to make a girl want you."

"O-Oh…"

"You lack initiative, are not good-looking, and don't speak up. In fact, I'd say you're one of the most unattractive guys I've ever met."

Jaune lowered his head. "I'm sorry…."

"See, that right there is another thing. Stop saying you're sorry. Don't apologize, be better!"

"I'm… Yes, Weiss…"

"Honestly, you've got to be the luckiest guy alive: me, Weiss Schnee, dating you out of the kindness of my heart. Father has tried giving me plenty of richer, more handsome boys to date, and I chose you. Aren't I so kind?"

"..."

"Don't tell me you think you can do better. Are you planning to talk to a girl!?" Weiss glared at him for a moment before sighing and shrugging. "Who am I kidding? You lack the guts. You are lucky to be dating a woman of such high standing, Jaune."

She leaned over the table and placed a hand over his, rubbing the back of it with her thumb. "Don't go talking to other girls, Jaune. Got it?"

Jaune nodded his head, staying as quiet as possible. It was better to do as she said and avoid confrontation. Besides, who would want a worthless doormat like himself? Tall, blonde, and scraggly, that was all he was.

"Good, if you understand, fetch Klein. We're done here."

-XOXOX-

Jaune walked down the street after his first day back in school. It had been fun, and he had a great time getting to know his classmates. Sun was a terrific friend, and the girls had been very kind and understanding of him and his faults.

The five of them and a few other classmates would be hanging out at the end of the week, and the thought excited and worried Jaune. He had never hung out with anyone that wasn't Weiss and didn't know what friends did outside of school.

He had gone on dates with Weiss, sure, but those had usually been different high-end or expensive outings. Fancy restaurants, high-end clothes shopping, and her constant desire to try a cake from every cafe, bakery, or eatery she passed. It was scary how she kept such a good figure with the number of sweets she devoured.

The point was Weiss usually stayed on the pricier side of outings. And while Jaune didn't mean ill by his thoughts, he was pretty sure that his new friends would not be able to afford the lifestyle of one of the most affluent girls in the world. Even he hadn't, as he was simply there for her to vent to, criticize, and torment.

So, Jaune wondered what an average teenager would do when hanging out with friends. Bowling? Karaoke? Knitting? No, that last one was Klein's idea of fun.

The blonde continued to try and think before looking to his right through the window and into a bookstore.

There was a large poster taped to it, and it was promoting the newest X-Ray and Vav comic that had come out. That was a name Jaune hadn't heard in years. He remembered first seeing the comic book when it was first released and had wanted to buy it the second it was out. Of course, that dream was short-lived as Weiss had "coerced" him into believing that comics were for lesser people and that she would not be caught dead dating him if he tried to buy it.

'Well, Weiss doesn't control me, so I'm free to buy what I want!' He thought. And, with a purpose in his steps, he opened the door and stepped inside.

The bell above the door dinged, and a middle-aged man stepped from the back. "Ah, a newcomer. Welcome to Tukson Book Trades, home to every book under the sun!"

Jaune was a little surprised by the introduction but nodded back politely. "Um… thank you," he replied.

"Anything I can help you with?" The man, Tukson, he presumed, asked.

The blonde nodded. "Yes, I was curious if you had any X-Ray and Vav comics."

The man hummed. "Mmm, we have the latest issue on the floor, but I'm going to assume you mean other issues as well?" Jaune nodded again. "We should have some in the back. Give me a second, and I'll see what I can find. Until then, why not browse the store?"

Jaune nodded again and thanked him before the owner disappeared into the back room. He moved over to one of the many aisles in the store and started to browse the many books across the shelves.

His fingers traced over the spines of thin books, thick books, tall books, and small books. Some were paperbacks, and others were hard. Some were colorful and vibrant, while others were dull colors.

Jaune couldn't believe the number of books in the store. Having every book seemed outlandish and just a simple catchphrase to bring in book lovers of all kinds. However, the more the blonde moved throughout the store, the more he believed in the motto.

Then, something caught his eye. He stopped and stared at the title on its spine. He reached for it, and as he made to grab it, another hand bumped against his. He turned to see the offender and was surprised by who he saw.

Black hair, golden eyes, pale skin, and a large black bow sitting on top of her head.

"Oh, I'm sorry," she apologized.

"No, no, it was my fault. Did you want to see this book?" He asked, indicating the book they had both been reaching for.

"Yes, but if you want it, I-" She stopped and stared at him.

"U-Um, something wrong?" He asked.

She was silent for a moment, simply observing him. Her eyes felt like they were burning his skin, and her silence made him feel uncomfortable just standing there.

"You're Jaune, right?" She finally asked.

"Yeah… Yeah, that's me," he answered.

"I see. I apologize; I almost didn't recognize you," she replied.

He chuckled softly. "Yeah, I've been getting that a lot."

"This is the first time I've seen you outside of school without her on your arm."

Her? Oh… right.

"Turned over a new leaf," he replied, rubbing his head. "We aren't seeing each other anymore."

"Good." She had said that almost immediately. He must have had a distinct look as she quickly clarified. "You two did not look well together. From my viewpoint, it seemed she took advantage of you."

"Sheesh, was it that obvious?"

"Not to most, but I've got a hand in situations like those."

"Ah, understandable." There was a brief silence as the two stood in the aisle. Jaune couldn't keep his eyes from roaming around the space before inevitably deciding to break the still air. "So, you're Blake Belladonna, right?"

Now it was time for the named Blake to be surprised. "You know my name?"

Jaune shrugged. "Well yeah, you and I share many of the same classes. In fact, you sit next to me in the homeroom. It would be rude of me not to know my classmates."

"True, but you always kept to yourself. I never expected you to remember those you didn't talk to."

Jaune's hand went back to rubbing the back of his head. "That's fair, but I try remembering most of the classroom."

"Even Sun?"

"He introduced himself before I could tell him I knew who he was."

Blake giggled. "That sounds like him."

There was another brief pause, but luckily, or unluckily, neither of them had to be the one to break it.

"Hey, kid, I got them!" Tukson announced.

Jaune returned to the front, Blake close behind. When he arrived, the man seemed surprised by the girl behind him. It was only momentary, almost missed, but he turned his attention back to him, box in hand.

"These are a few of the first issues. I didn't want to overload you, so I brought only these for now. If you want more, just come back again." The man smiled, and it made Jaune smile as well. It wasn't missed that Tukson wanted him to return to the store, but with everything he saw, Jaune was sure to come back for a new haul.

"This is great! How much do I owe you?" The blonde asked.

Tukson put on a thinking face. "Mmm, normally, they would be a little pricey. However, you seem to be good friends with one of my best customers-"

Jaune seemed confused until he looked back to see Blake standing behind him. Were they friends?

The girl in question nodded silently and gave him a small smile. He bounced back, smiling in thanks, before turning back to Tukson.

"If all is good, I'll give you a special discount."

"I appreciate it, thank you."

"No need to. Tukson takes care of his customers."

"Oh," Jaune exclaimed before turning back to Blake. "What about the other book?"

The bow-wearing girl held it up. "Tell you what, you already have a lot on your plate. I'll buy this for now and loan it to you once I finish."

"Are you sure? I could pay for it as well."

Blake held up a hand to stop him. "Just look at it as the first step in our friendship. Cool?"

Jaune smiled. "Yeah, cool."

-XOXOX-

Jaune felt giddy, walking with a pep in his step as he headed home. The bag in his hand was heavy with the new comic books he had purchased, and he had made another new friend in one of his classmates. He had always seen classmates and others reading comics and laughing with big smiles. He even remembered when his dad had bought him his first comic.

"Ew, what is that?"

"U-Uh, it's a comic, Weiss…."

"Yeah, you won't be reading that. Here, read this; it'll be better for you."

"Uhh… Thanks, Weiss…"

She had thrown it away, and he didn't have the heart to ask for a new one. Now, he could finally indulge in something he wanted to. The thought alone that he was finally starting to live his life was liberating. He felt happy, thrilled, for what felt like a long time coming.

And then he turned the corner to his street.

"Well, you took your sweet time," Weiss said as she pulled away from the tree. "You had me waiting two whole hours. What do you have to say for yourself?"

"..." Jaune stepped to go around her.

"Hey, wait!" Weiss stepped over to stop him. "How dare you ignore me!"

"I have nothing to say to you. Please move."

"Who are you to speak to me that way!?" Weiss shoved a finger into his face. "If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have been able to enjoy yourself like you did today! And I saw that girl you were talking to-."

"Blake. Her name is Blake."

"I don't care. And don't mention other girls' names when I'm talking to you." She turned away and folded her arms. She also pouted. "I stood here, waiting just for you."

Jaune looked at her with a deadpan expression.

"To think, just because you talked to those classmates of yours, you would have me waiting. After I had told you on several occasions not to." Jaune remembered those instances. "They are commoners! Plebeians! They are below me! You do not associate with them!"

Jaune said nothing for a while. So much time had passed that the disappointment on her face turned to disdain, then to nervousness. Jaune continued to stare for longer, blinking slowly as he tried to piece together what she was trying to say and why?

"Did you seriously wait on me just to rant out all these things that don't deal with me?"

"How dare you!"

"Yes, I dare. Because your feelings and anger towards me and what I do are not my concern." He took a step forward, and she took one back. "I'll explain it again, so listen closely. We are no longer dating. You and I are not a thing anymore. It's over, and whatever you do from now on is no longer my concern."

"..."

"I wish you the best in whatever you do next," he added with a softer tone. "But know that whatever it is, it will no longer be with me."

Weiss opened her mouth, then closed it. She wavered, and her eyes fell to the ground. "Are you… seriously breaking up with me?"

Jaune's lips thinned. "I am."

"But the life you came to enjoy with me-."

"I didn't enjoy it. I tolerated it." His word caused her to tighten her fists. "Life with you was miserable. I was completely out of my element, forced to be something I wasn't—every fancy dinner, event, ball, charity, musical, and your concerts. I was always the odd man out, laughed at, and ridiculed by your peers because I was in a completely different world. And not once did you defend me, help me, or try to understand where I was coming from. You laughed with them and belittled me more than they did. That hurt more than anything because it was you, Weiss. So no, I didn't enjoy my time with you."

There was a brief silence. The heiress's head was low, and he couldn't judge her reaction. He could only hope she finally got it and would leave him alone. But that would be too much to ask for, right?

His answer came when, without looking up, Weiss moved forward and wrapped both her arms around one of his.

"...Poor, Jaune…" He heard her say. Then her head popped up, and she was smiling. A practiced smile she used for the media. That was when he noticed the glint from his peripheral and finally took notice of the cameraman. "I didn't know you were feeling this way, but this was something you should speak up about."

Those things he spoke of should have been obvious. What he went through was beyond his communication because lovers didn't do that to one another.

"Still, you're so bad at understanding others that it's easy to see why you thought that. Those classmates of yours who only talked to you because of your looks are a prime example."

His friends were not like that. They were not so shallow. If anything, it was Weiss' friends who were like that due to them only hanging around her for her fame and fortune. And they judged him on his looks from day one!

"You don't know them…."

"Oh, Jaune… You're so trusting and innocent. It's why I have to protect you so much. They are simply friends because you're my boyfriend, and you look good." She moved in front of him, sliding her hands down to hold the one they had been wrapped around. "Come on, apologize to me. That way, I can tell them off, and we can work on being happier together. You're such a dolt, but I've learned to love that about you and accept it. So be sure to apologize properly, okay?"

"Sorry, no can do." He answered, pulling his hand away. "We are not dating, and I want nothing to do with you. You don't love me; you just hate the thought of losing someone under your thumb. Well, I'm not your pawn anymore. It's. Over."

"Ahaha…" Weiss chuckled. Albeit, it rang very hollow. Then she clicked her teeth. "I'm so pissed. It is over. Because I'm dumping you!"

"We already broke up. I don't think that's how it works," Jaune replied.

"And I did not approve!" Weiss shouted back. "One does not break up with a Schnee!"

"Well, you were the one who wanted to break up since Junior High. So, your wish is granted. Jaune Arc and Weiss Schnee are broken up. Good luck with your life." He pushed past her and began to walk away.

Weiss spun on her heels. "I'm really angry, Jaune. Remember that you wanted this!" And then she took off away from him. Jaune watched as the cameraman followed her. If it weren't news before, it would be news now. But that was no longer his problem.

-XOXOX-

Jaune released a yawn, stretching with a few satisfying pops in his shoulders. He stayed up later than usual, reading the new comics he had bought. They had been fantastic and had captured his attention from the very beginning. He truly regretted letting Weiss dictate his life for so long and keeping him away from such a tremendous experience.

Still, he had to credit her for something. It was due to her and her strict ways that he could still get up early enough to get to the subway for school. The heiress took her education very seriously and forced him to get up early to get to her house and carry her books to school. Another chore he dreaded but couldn't say no to or face the ire of his ex.

The train arrived, and the doors slid open. Jaune stepped inside the already crowded train and decided to grab onto the rails above and stand. He was taller than most, so it was easy for him to see around the car, and he could see several students from the school also catching the subway to the academy.

There were several faces he couldn't recognize, but they all wore the standard Beacon uniform. He wondered if any of them wanted to be friends or if they'd care to hang out with a moopy guy like him.

Then he saw it, a sight unwelcoming to him. She had not been around him since their final goodbye. She had left him alone and even stayed out of his sight at school, but here she was on a subway. Didn't she have Klein to take her to school?

"Oh, Snow Angel! You're too much!"

Ah, that explained it.

Weiss was leaning against the wall of the train, hands holding another, a smile on her face, looking as cute as ever.

"Hey, hey, Neptune, how much do you wuv me?" She asked with an adorable pout.

"I love Weiss the most!" The blue-haired individual replied. He was a pretty boy, Jaune could admit.

If he remembered correctly, Neptune was a very popular guy at the school. He was on the track team and was known to be a playboy to the girls of the school. Flirting with girls and going on dates, but never dating or settling down with just one of them. Maybe Weiss changed that about him?

"What do you mean the most? Is there someone else you love?" Weiss playfully pounded her fist on his chest as the boy laughed.

"Nope! I only love my Snow Angel!" He exclaimed. "I'll only look at you, Weiss-y!"

Jaune could feel the secondhand embarrassment. He wanted to tell them to look around because the number of uncomfortable people around them was growing painfully fast. It was as if they were being loud on purpose.

The blonde noticed how Weiss turned to him, and a devilish smirk slid across her face.

Was this her way of telling him she had a new boyfriend?

'Meh, not my problem anymore,' he thought and turned away from them. He failed to notice the upset look on Weiss's face and didn't hear the click of her teeth.

"Tsk…"

"Snow Angel?"