Note: Any mistakes are mine and mine alone. Moving on...
'She's going to kill him'.
That was all Blake could think as she and the four men at the table gazed at the beauty and fury that was Yang Xiao Long.
"So I saw you guys talking to most of the pretty girl here today, and I was wondering why you guys didn't say hi to me yet."
While the blond hadn't actually done anything yet Blake could tell something serious was about to happen. And Cardin and his three other friends didn't even know it. They were too busy gawking, drawn into disarming stares by her gleaming smile, long luscious hair, and soft colored eyes. But Blake saw it. She felt it slightly when Yang touched her and saw it when she looked into her eyes.
She saw rage.
"We're sorry beautiful lady. We didn't notice you", Cardin finally answered after a long silence, his mental functions seemingly kicking into gear. "Wow you have some beautiful eyes..."
Those normally playful amethyst gems the blond was blessed with looked pissed. And Blake never noticed from a distance but up close she could see them well. Crimson red and gold like the precious metal danced in her lilac iris, glittering like sand on the beach. It reminded her of ember sparks from a fire while flames lined the outside of her pupil. It was as if someone literally lit a fire in her head and you could see it in the violet stained color glass that was her eyes.
"Aw thanks. I don't get that compliment often."
It was weird; beautifully weird.
Looking into Yang's eyes felt different. They were gorgeous and that was something the Faunus was willing to admit. But for some reason Blake felt drawn to them, just as much as she feared the look in her eyes. And it wasn't enough that the eccentric colors, predominately lilac with spots of red or amber like freckles, were uncommon. But Blake couldn't tell if was just two colors or three; maybe four. How many different hues actually existed in a flame?
"You got a nice ass too", Mohawk man added. He was currently leaning his seat next to Cardin to try to get a better view. It was disgusting.
"Now that, I get a lot of", the blond giggled.
"Um..." For the first time tonight one of the others at the table, a tall man with long dark blue hair spoke. "W-would you like to join us?"
The blond chuckled and Blake wasn't sure if it was because she was interested or laughing at this man's accent; slow and nasally with southern drawl. "Well if you are inviting me..." The blond sang.
"Yes ma'am we are!" Cardin replied licking his suddenly dry lips. At least that's what she hoped he licked them for.
As Mohawk guy leaned further back in his chair Cardin kicked one of the legs, almost causing his skinnier friend to fall backward. He regained his balance and snapped his head to the young Winchester to protest.
"Move Russel", Cardin commanded before the first verbal assault left his friend's mouth.
"Why me?!"
"So she can have a seat", he growled as he raised his hand to slap the back of Russel's head. "Now get up. Sit at the edge of the table."
Russel grumbled but complied, being generous enough to pull out his chair for Yang with a wide smile. The blond took her seat and thanked him. Once Yang sat Cardin finally recognized the Faunus as Russel moved around her to place a chair at the edge of the table. "What are still doing around? Get outta here", he sneered.
Blake growled, turned, and walked away with most of the broken glass in her dust pan. She didn't care if any of them stepped on any remaining shards. Observant eyes from her boss and coworkers watched her and the table with various expressions.
Jaune looked panicked, as if he was waiting for a bomb to explode. His fingers ruffled through his short blond hair, occasionally grabbing tuff of locks as he mumbled prayers. Velvet looked just as worried. She stood rigid and silent beside him playing with her fingers. The human waitress from before had her hand wrapped around Velvet's waist in a sign of comfort as she watched. She looked rather smug for some odd reason but relaxed. Peter Port seemed just as calm, but honestly, he never looks any different than he always does when he wasn't entertaining stories of his youth; neutral.
There was one other Faunus in the restaurant this evening, a young man about three years younger than Blake. He was a blond like Jaune through his was as yellow and as messy as Yang's. He had two lion ears from atop his head, a short tail wrapped around his waist, and amber eyes as piercing as hers. In another universe he would be her child.
Right now; however, he was all of one word, ecstatic. And it showed in his excited voice.
"So, how is Yang?" he gleefully exclaimed. "Is she as angry as a mother bear or as vengeful as an active volcano?"
Peter shook his head. "My dear boy, Blake would not understand."
"Well I just wanted to know how angry did she appear", the lion Faunus protested.
"Excuse me," Blake spoke, "but what would I not understand?"
The red headed waitress hoped alongside the male Faunus, looking just as enthusiastic as him. "Our Yang is a very special case", she began pointing over towards the table. "She's normal for the most part and very fun to be around. But you don't want to incite her anger. You could say she has a short fuse."
"Most days she chill or happy. A literal ray of sunshine", the lion Faunus continued. It was then she heard a feminine joyful laugh. Yang was smiling, looking as innocent as a child. Cardin was grinning, an arm wrapped around the blond woman's shoulder. "But some things, or people, really piss her off. And she's not pleasant when she's pissed."
The cat Faunus furrowed her brows watching Yang flirted effortlessly with the brunt orange haired man before addressing Jaune. "Qu'est-ce qui va se passer? Est-ce qu'elle va causer des ennuis?" What is going to happen? Is she going to causetrouble?
"Si elle le fait , je l'espère, il est loin de mon restaurant", Jaune answered solemnly. If she does I hope it is far away from my restaurant.
Blake was confused and upset about what was to happen and old Peter Port noticed. "Don't worry too much my dear. Incidents like these are rare and since the last one we've not had to worry about Yang causing trouble whenever she ran into an unruly person!"
"Speak for your self Peter", Jaune lashed back. "You may not always see her when she gets like this but I have the fortunate pleasure of being her one of her closest friends. And the unfortunate joy of being around when she's angry."
The lion Faunus chuckled. "Oh Jaune, but they make such great stories. Remember when that guy tried to rob you in front of the store?"
'Jaune was almost robbed once'
The red head exclaimed, "What about that time that drunken guy was hitting on Velvet even though she asked him to stop?" Said Faunus in question shuffled uncomfortably in a seat she found to sit in. "Or all the times when Yang took us out to the club?"
'There was an incident at a club? What kind of things does Yang do on her free time?'
"Ah, those were great too. But there are very few times that can top her sister's eighteenth birthday party. She almost snapped one guy's neck!"
'She almost broke someone's neck?! Were these regular occurrences?!'
"And then there was that one fellow's leg she did break."
Blake was more than bewildered. She was frightened. Between the lion Faunus and red head recounting terrible stories of Yang's violent conquest and Jaune's worrying, she was getting the impression that this woman was more of a bloody sociopath than a huge flirt. How many of these stories did they have? Did they enjoy watching her torment people? Why did Jaune keep such company? As if it wasn't bad enough that some of their English was difficult to understand, whenever she asked for clarification she was ignored as they continued to swap tales of broken limps and nightmares.
But good old Peter could see how the conversation between the waitress and the lion Faunus chef was making Blake uncomfortable. The older man with a slight beer belly rested his hand on Blake's shoulder, not too worried about any possible grease stains.
"Don't worry dear girl. They talk a lot but you need not fret. Yang is much more mature than they let on." Somehow Blake found that hard to believe. Jaune's wailing confirmed it.
"This is bad, this is very bad. If Yang hurts him Cardin will go to his father. And his father will do everything in his power to shut us down. I'll be working in a meat market for the rest of my life!"
"I dunno Jaune. I always imagined you to be a stripper." The lion Faunus teased. The red head joined him in the mockery.
"I agree. You may not have muscles but I know tons of women who love scrawny and blond; namely a certain red-headed Olympic Amazonian warrior."
If Jaune's wasn't in a state of panic before then he surely was now. "Peter!" he cried, blushing furiously. "Get them outta here! I don't care how but get Cardin to leave before Yang hurts him!"
Peter nodded and was about to walk out towards the table when he hummed, pointed to the table, and answered, "I would most certainly do such, but they're leaving…"
All eyes turned to the table and sure enough Cardin was walking behind Yang to the exit. The three remaining men were currently digging in their wallets for money.
"Whoa; whoa. Time out! They're leaving?!" The male Faunus exclaimed.
The waitress lowered her head. "Hmm, I was expecting more shouting, fist flying, and table breaking."
"Yeah, we got gypped!"
"Well I for one am glad." Jaune huffed, leaning against a wall. "Alright let's clean up guys."
With a bit of grumbling from the two now dissatisfied co-workers everyone went about their business to wipe down tables, set chairs on top of them, and sweep.
"Still, I mean she could have done something", the male Faunus complained, cleaning clothing swinging in his hand. "Like she could have lifted him in the air with both her hands, and with one of her usual screaming battle cries throw him clear across the room and break one of these dirty ta—"
Everyone in the restaurant jumped as the lion Faunus was interrupted by the sound of two screams followed by a car alarm blaring and cracking glass. Two of the men at the table, Russel and the one with the thick accent rushed out the door; stumbling on their feet. The last man was rushing to removing some lien from his wallet and count the change needed to pay for tonight, looking as if he had been forced to pay his friends bills one too many times.
Jaune vaulted over the counter and out the door shouting Yang's name, girlishly and comically so as he tripped on his own feet but recovered. The red headed waitress and blond Faunus exchanged a look, then a smile, and followed after their boss, shoving each other to get outside. Blake rushed next, almost running into the lion Faunus out the door, but only to make sure Jaune was okay. Last to leave was Velvet and Peter; Peter almost lazily so.
Blake didn't know what to expect but once outside she surveyed the damage and was greeted with the sight of the two standing drunkards hovering over the brunt orange haired man, asking if he was okay. Cardin Winchester was moaning, lying on his back in front of an old muscle car; the windshield of said car cracked badly. It was as if he had been…
Wide eyed Blake whipped her head towards the seething blond as the injured man yelled, "Get her!"
"Hey Cardin, what happened?!" the man with a thick country accent asked as he slapped Cardin's face lightly.
"That bitch threw me into my car!" Cardin shouted almost punching the hand away.
"Well are you okay?" he responded.
"What do you think Sky?! Hell no!"
"So what should we do?" Russel interjected, rubbing his arm.
"What should you—for the love of God! Get her!"
The two men looked at each other, then at the blond standing a foot away with her hands resting on her hips. They couldn't see her face very clearly; under streetlights the darkness casted a shadow that obscured half her body. But the blond was smiling devilishly.
Despite being so ominous they didn't seem worried. More like confused and in disbelief this woman was trying to fight Cardin. Who in their right mind would dare attempt to fight Cardin Winchester, son of a prominent political figure in Vale? How could this woman even lift a two hundred pound male and throw him into a car?
"Um, you sure you didn't just run into your car man? You look pretty drunk…" Russel asked.
"He didn't. I saw the whole thing", the blond responded as Cardin moaned.
"Oh, and what happened?"
"I threw his fat ass."
They were taken back by the answer, Yang being so bold to admit that she was the cause of their friend discomfort. So she really was picking a fight. Snapping from their surprise when Cardin grunted another command the two standing men growled and began to approach the woman. Yang smirked and pulled the brown hoodie she was wearing over her head, her orange t-shirt hugging her hips and torso.
Yang has a temper. That's something she doesn't deny. It's not something you get to ignore when some of your nicknames are "Sun Storm", "Wildfire", and "Blond Bombshell". For as long as she could remember, ever since she was a little girl she's been hot-headed.
"So before we began, you two idiots got any combat experience? Like martial arts or boxing? Just asking 'cause I like to fight fair", Yang asked, flipping her hair over one shoulder. When the two didn't respond Yang sighed, dropped her hips, and lifted her hands close to her face.
Her father always said it was something she got from her mother. He said it was a reminder of a beautiful woman who blessed him and gave him a child as lovely as Yang. The blond never saw it that way, just one of the many vices among other she'd rather not dwell on. But a temper like hers wasn't something you inherited, unless you were Weiss Schnee. If you were her then you could inherit anything. No, Yang knew she got a short fuse from that woman, but her temper grew from something that festered and from a few personal issues; most of them regret, abandonment, and her overprotective nature. Being so loved yet feeling so lonely.
So ever since she was a little girl Yang always dealt with her ill nature the best way she knew how; fighting.
She didn't consider herself witty enough for sharp comebacks that left most people disarmed like Weiss. She was just good at puns. Nor did she have a natural ability to calm others aggressiveness with just a smile like Jaune or Ruby. Okay so maybe flirting worked the same way but what those two could do was on an unnaturally high level of cognitive abilities, something they could do without trying. Something only natural born leaders had. Or those trained in the dark arts of the "puppy dog pout".
But she did have strength, and she had fist. So when charm was not an option and when words failed her she used her strength fueled by her temper.
Yang waited for the two men to close the distance between them. Carefully she watched unmoving from her position. Suddenly one ran forward, Russel, in an attempt to rush her. Yang almost laughed. Simple tactics like those always failed when you were outclassed by a better fighter.
As the green haired man got close Yang jumped to one side, Russel stumbling on his feet when he grabbed nothing but air. Trying to regain his balance he turned to his right in time for Yang to land a stringing jab in the center of his face. Reflexively the man threw his hands up to cover his nose, cursing as he did so. He stumbled and stood up straight. Yang took advantage of his lapse in judgment – he did sort of forget his opponent was right in front of him—and she landed a round house kick to his side.
Russel hugged his ribs and Yang finished by sweeping his legs. He fell to the ground pitifully so and pulled himself out the street. But it was enough of a distraction to Yang that allowed Sky to get close but he fared no better. More stable on his feet than Russel he threw a jab towards the side of Yang's face. But the ever observant brawler ducked under his throw and hopped backwards before he could knee her. He took one extra step towards her and in doing so almost came close to a jab to his face when the blond lunged forward. Fortunate for him he was careful enough to dip below to punch and step back.
"Ooo, you got fighting spirit country hick!"
"You're dead", he answered back.
From behind her she could feel someone approach arms wrapping around her. Instincts kicked in and before the man could get a good grip around her Yang dropped her hips low and elbowed her offender in the stomach as he leaned forward. With strong arms she grabbed his arm and tossed him over her shoulders with a small grunt.
Sky jumped to one side to avoid getting hit by his green haired friend. He was about to resumed a defensive stance only to be met with a high kick to his face. Like Russel he lay on the ground nursing his face but didn't bother getting back up.
By this time Cardin had stood on his feet and the last of the four came barreling outside. Yang beamed at him viciously.
"Heya Dove! You want to go at it too?!"
Dove looked towards Cardin, then his other two friends. Frightened that Yang remembered him from yesterday and scared about the possible outcome that would occur if he engaged her the huskier man shook his head. Weaving a cross on his chest and running down the street opposite of the fight Dove exclaimed, "You're on your own Cardin!" Slowly the other two combatants rose to their feet but like Dove they ran away.
"Aww, Hamburger Helper, Green Eggs and Ham, and Huckleberry Finn ran away; just you and me now Trust Fun Kid", she mocked as she stalked towards him.
"You are so done!" he shouted as he rushed forward to meet her.
Like the others avoiding him wasn't difficult. It was fairly easy since he was still drunk and terribly slow. A two punch combination was all that was needed but Yang took it further and lifted him once again to throw him to the ground like a rag doll. Well almost. Being a slightly beefy football player meant he was still a heavy lad, so she fell with him.
With little energy left to spend Cardin lied there groaning. Yang straddled him and rained down two more heavy blows to his face.
Yang felt a jolt of energy surge through her when she punched him. It felt good, to get caught up in a bar brawl. It had been ages since she's participated in one and while it was much of a contest it felt good. She felt free.
"Come on bro, you're a big strong quarterback for Vale State and you can't even hit a girl." She punched him.
"Why are you doing this?" he whimpered as Yang mockingly slapped him. This was liberating.
"I am amazed you remember Jaune but you don't remember the girl who almost crushed your balls when you picked on her sister back in high school."
Cardin sniffed and furrowed his brows trying to recall the memories of days he cared little for. High school was a blur to him, mostly because while he considered himself "king" he was nothing more than a bottom feeder. People only "respected" him because of his father, and for all four years he struggled to find his own identity. It was obvious; however, that he remembered. Cardin's expression morphed into one of terror when he quietly whispered Yang's full name.
"Ah ha, so you do remember me." She was enjoying this.
"Please let me go", he pleaded. She was going to enjoy hurting him.
Yang paused for a moment, considering her options. Honestly she should continue to beat the poor man to remind him to respect women at all times. Then she caught Blake's expression from the corner of her eye. The Faunus was standing awkwardly and looked uncomfortable watching. Suddenly her fury had died away. Perhaps Cardin had learned enough.
"Oh alright, I'll let you go. Under the condition that you never come back here or you tell your father what happened. You don't want people knowing that the pure Vytalian blooded Cardin Winchester got beat by granddaughter of Putonghua immigrant." She slapped him again. "It would look good for your father's 'doomed to fail' political campaign for inequality."
"…Huh?"
Yang groaned. "Jesus you are as dumb as a sack of sausage. Listen! Don't come back and don't tell anyone what happened or I'll find and embarrass you!"
"Okay, okay, just let me go…"
Yang slapped him one last time and rolled off Cardin. Red faced and bruised he sprinted away, jeans sliding down posterior and almost tripping him as he rounded a corner.
From the sidelines the lion Faunus and his redheaded friend were cheering, exclaimed things such as "Bravo" and "Good show". Velvet was gently smiling, and Jaune was shaking his head, trying to alleviate a possible migraine. Standing to her feet Yang bowed. "Thank you. I'll be here all week", she joked as she walked to the group, stopping in front of Blake.
"Hey so um, Blake, are you okay?" The blond asked softly, resting a hand on the cat Faunus shoulder.
"Why?" was the quiet respond that Yang received.
Confused Yang squeezed her shoulder. "What do you mean 'why'?"
Angrily the Faunus slapped Yang's hand away and glared at her with those piercing, furiously vibrant amber eyes, shouting, "Why did you do that; why did you fight him?!" Everyone became hushed.
"He…he was being a jerk and I was putting him in his place…" Yang hesitantly responded backing away slowly.
Ears erect and nose flared she Blake shouted, "And who told you to do that?! I didn't ask for your help—"
"You looked like you needed it!" she shouted back, increasing the distance between them.
"What would you know? What gives you the right to decide what I need?! "
"I'm sorry I just—"
"You don't know me. You are not my friend. You are not—not my hero! You are a bad woman! You are reckless, irresponsible, and violent! And I didn't ask for help from a human!"
The lion Faunus gasped and something in Yang snapped; something bubbling in her stomach. Something close to irritation but wasn't; an emotion she couldn't find the right words to describe it with but knew she would express as anger. She was hurt, her spirit finally saying enough.
"Excuse me?" she started, voice one octave higher. "So because I'm a human my help isn't wanted? Is that it?" When Blake didn't answer Yang continued. "So that's what you think this is all about; me pitying you because you're a Faunus?"
Yang walked closer to Blake. The low growl from the Faunus warned Yang to keep her distance, but she ignored it. She wouldn't be frightened by a house cat pretending to be a tiger.
"You've got a lot of nerve assuming you know me as well as you think you do. Even since you've gotten here I've been trying to be nothing but friendly so I could get to know you. But all you do is look at me with disdain, like I'm the trash beneath your feet, all because of a few misunderstandings and accidents."
Blake looked up, eyes still set into a glare and fangs threating her with unforeseen danger. But the look of hostility vanished in the face of the aggressive Yang and her smoldering gaze as she walked right into Blake personal space.
"Some guy calls you worthless, touch you inappropriately, and I take care of it; this is the thanks I get? You know, most people would be grateful but you just call me violent like I'm some mental case. You got me all figured out don't you?"
Trying hard to restrain her strength Yang pushed Blake into the wall of the storefront, claiming the air that was the Faunus' for her own as she stepped into spot that was once occupied.
"If you knew me then you would have known I didn't just do it for you! You aren't the only Faunus here nor are you the only person Cardin likes to pick on. He's a physical bully, so I handled it the only way I knew idiots like him would understand!"
Stalking closer to the Faunus Yang continued on her rant. "But what do I know. I don't know you. I have no right to intervene in your business even though it wasn't just your problem. You never asked for help from this idiotic womanizing sack of sh—"
"Yang!" Jaune called out in a strong authoritative tone.
Yang grunted, hands shaking and breathes coming out in short gasp as she looked between Jaune standing tall next to Velvet, and Blake huddle against the glass wall. With one final huff she turned on her heels, her blond mane flaming behind her like wildfire as she stormed across the street to pick up her hoodie. "You're right, we ain't friends", she called out voice loud enough for everyone to hear, though it was only meant for one. "So you ain't got to worry about me helping you anymore. In fact, just pretend I don't even exist."
Stupid, stupid, stupid!
"Stupid, stupid, stupid, just so stupid…"
That was all she could think or say as the blond stalked down the streets towards her apartment building, her heavy feet stomping up the stairs, and her hands struggling to jimmy the lock on the door. The same door she reminded herself daily that she had to get fix.
"Stupid keys, stupid lock, stupid cheap ass landlord…"
Twisting and turning the knob that she knew if she was just an ounce more patient the door would unlock for her. Yang grunted, then screamed, before it bent to her will. Of course the door would get caught in some odd manner so Yang had to use her broad shoulder to push it open.
"Gotta fix that stupid door!"
Angrily Yang slammed the door, tossed her keys into the wall near her door, kicked off her shoes, and stomped towards her couch to lie down. She was creating a lot of noise at this hour but the walls did a good job of keeping other tenants from being disturbed.
Stupid, stupid, stupid! Stupid ex-girlfriend, stupid smartphone…
"Stupid Jaune, stupid Cardin, stupid Blake!"
Yang was trying her best to keep her frustrations to herself. But it was hard not to feel like breaking things and punching holes in walls when you had a good number of reasons to. She should have taken a walk around town, ventured to a park away from home, or gone to a club. But none of those options were good ideas. Walking to clear her mind never ended in positive results when those adventures always turned into her looking for trouble. And it had been good three years since she had a hook up. She wasn't going to ruin her "honest dating" streak for a hangover and one bad night stand.
But sleeping on the couch and forgetting all about today sounded like a grand idea.
For ten wonderfully undisturbed minutes that allowed her to continue to brood Yang stared at her television, which wasn't even on. For five peaceful minutes she began fighting sleep. For two minutes after Yang was lulled between dreamscape and real life, she heard voices in the over-world talking. She thought she could hear Weiss, the heiress softly requesting that whoever was poking her to allow her to sleep and deal with it tomorrow morning.
"We don't want to deal with an angry Yang tonight."
Yang murmured something about how if he wanted to kill Weiss she'd have done it by now, and the two figures in the living room with her fell quiet before slowly shuffling back to wherever they came.
Yang tossed on the couch so that she faced the back and her hair hung over the seat. She knew she shouldn't have been sleeping there but she was much too tired to move.
'Sleeping on this stupid couch is fine tonight.'
Reading was enjoyable pastime. Reading was relaxing. It was soothing. Reading encouraged thoughts and provided entertainment at the same time. A new paradise and priceless words of wisdom were always found behind every text, historical or not, if the right audience read it. And Blake loved getting lost in those words. It helped her escape society for just a little while.
Well, expect for tonight.
Bansir, the Chariot Builder of Babylon, was thoroughly discouraged, from his seat upon the low wall surrounding his property. He gazed sadly at his simple home and the open workshop in which stood a partially completed chariot. His wife frequently appeared at the open door. Her furtive glance in his direction reminded him that the meal bag was almost empty and he should be at work finishing the chariot, hammering and hewing, polishing and painting, stretching taut the leather over the wheel rims…
Blake's ears flickered at approaching footsteps. She waited listening as the semi-confident strut slowed and stopped outside her door. She counted, waiting just two seconds before the person knocked on her door four times. Blake sighed, already anticipating what was to come and in English called for whoever was outside to enter.
The door opened and Jaune stuck his head inside. His baby blue eyes scanned the room carefully, taking in the sight before him. Four walls painted white, a hard wood floor, a large window directly across from him with a drafting table meant to serve as a desk to its immediate left; a dresser on the far right wall, no bed but a heavily padded futon to the far left wall, and two bean bag chairs—one blue and one purple—by the futon and on the right by the large window respectively. In that purple chair was Blake, appearing to be sitting on her legs. Lastly there were blankets, tons of them, everywhere. Jaune resisted the urge to make some cat joke about it that Blake may have been expecting.
After his short examination Jaune opened the door just a bit wider and step inside, silently closing the door behind him.
"Do you have a moment?" he asked in his family tongue, forgoing the English since it was just the two of them. Blake rolled her eyes.
"You are already in my room", she answered in her native tongue.
"Right…well anyway—"
"Jaune!" a deeper older voice called out from deeper within the apartment.
The blond opened the door slightly and leaning out responded with, "Yeah dad?"
"Where are the snack cakes your mother bought from the store?!"
"Seriously old man; they've been in the pantry forever. I threw them away!"
Senior Arc grumbled then asked, "You making a run to the store then boy?"
"No dad! Kinda busy here!"
"Fine, I'll go. We need some milk anyway…"
Jaune sighed the closed the door. Shaking his head he turned back to Blake. "We really need to work on our late nigh eating habits. But dad loves his snack cakes."
"Jaune, I want to return to reading. Can we make this conversation short?"
Jaune frowned but didn't say anything else until he dragged the blue bean bag chair close to Blake and plopped down in it.
"Blake, we need to talk about tonight. Namely how you've acted towards Yang."
The Faunus rolled her eyes and snapped her book shut as loudly as possible, then dropping it on the floor. "There isn't much to talk about Jaune. I don't like your friend."
"I've noticed from the responses you've had towards her these past three days."
"And she deserved each."
"Maybe, but seriously, would it kill you to be just a bit nicer to her?"
"Why should I be? She an uncultured, violent, irresponsible moron who only seems to make trouble", Blake huffed. "Why do you surround yourself with such company?"
Jaune in response ran his fingers through his hair. "She's not all bad Blake. I've told you before that everything was just misunderstandings and mistakes."
"I find that hard to believe."
"Believe what you will then Blake. But I think you really hurt Yang's feelings tonight. You owe her an apology."
"I most certainly do not!"
"You most certainly do. You said some pretty means things to Yang. I don't fault you for being upset about the brawl but Yang was right you know. You haven't been the most welcoming person in the world."
Blake didn't response with words. Instead she grunted turning away from Jaune crossing her arms over her chest. Of course she hasn't been friendly with Yang but how could she? The woman was the complete opposite of Blake and so far the Faunus had seen nothing but the bad qualities she found distasteful in other people. She couldn't understand why Jaune was being so adamant about them being chummy.
"So you'll apologize next time you see Yang, yeah?"
"Fine, I'll think about it. Are we done here?" the Faunus asked, reaching for her tome that sat in between them. Jaune; however, placed his hand on hers as she lifted her book.
"No, we aren't. Really Blake, what is this about? What are you hostile towards Yang and aloof with everyone else?"
"I'm not aloof—"
"Yes you are." Jaune took the book from Blake fingers and rested it in his lap. Scooting closer he continued, "There's much more to it than just my friends isn't there?"
The Faunus narrowed her eyes at the blond sitting across from her. "What good will befriending Yang do for me Jaune; or any of your friends? What good is it when I won't be around long enough to enjoy any companionship?"
"So we're back to that again?" the blond sigh. "Blake, I told you that you don't need to keep running away. You're safe here."
"'Safe' is a relative term. You may think so but I know better. Nothing will stop my enemies from finding me should I stay in one place too long. That's why I keep moving."
"But you've been in Vale for a little over a month now. And nothing's happened! Besides, the White—"
"I only stayed for so long because I've put enough distance between me and them! But you know just as much as I do they're still searching and by being here I am putting your family in trouble. I'm too much of a burden!" The Faunus sighed and lowered her head finishing quietly with, "Especially when I'll be leaving you again and I don't know when I'll return, if ever."
"Blake," Jaune began, "You are part of our family. And family protects each other and sticks together, danger or not. You know how much my parents care for you; otherwise they would have never accepted you so openly, knowing your past. Blake you've got people who are willing to help you, no matter the consequences."
"Like who, aside from you?"
"Pyrrha, Nora, Ruby, and that blond you just so happen to hate…"
Blake let out a hallow laugh at his mention of Yang. Why did conversations always come back to her when they've moved on to other topics? "Please. I'm not obvious to what she's trying to do. She just wants to impress me so she can have some short three month relationship hoping I'll put out so she can say she's "known" a foreign girl. She doesn't care—"
"She cares!"
Blake paused, shocked by the strong voice that accompanied his outburst. It sounded angry, just as angry when he shouted at Yang, as if she had insulted him. He was probably the reason why the blond woman didn't cave Blake's face in. But she had never really known Jaune to raise his voice at her. He would talk to her sternly at times when she was being difficult. But this level of authoritative tone was unsettling.
"Jaune I—"
"I let you get away with saying many things about her but one of the things you don't get to say is that she's uncaring or unkind. In fact, you don't get to say anything about her because everything you think you know is wrong."
The Faunus remained silent and Jaune took it as an opportunity to continue. "She's not stupid. She just applies she intelligences in other ways. And she's not irresponsible or reckless. If you knew the whole story you'd know just how much she sacrifices for others. And yes Yang has violent tendencies, but she's not violent. It's just, one of the best ways she can express herself. She's not perfect Blake, but neither are you. So it's pointless to hold her to that standard."
"I'm sorry…" Blake quietly mumbled.
"I'm not the one you should be apologizing to."
The room fell silent, Blake refusing to look at Jaune while the blond chef kept his gaze forward at her. Soon; however, his disappointing gaze softened as he spoke again. "You have to understand Blake that not everyone is out to get you. When you contacted our family again asking for a place to stay we were so ecstatic. It was never a question of if we'll help you but when would you ask for our help. And I know that putting your trust in others you are unfamiliar with scares you. But I put my pride and honor as a man on the line when I say you'll have no greater allies than my friends. If you were to tell Yang of all those terrible sins tomorrow there is no doubt in my mind she'd come back the next day with another lame pun to try to win your friendship."
"She is that trustworthy?" the Faunus asked quietly.
"I speak from personal experience. And be honest with me. Didn't it feel good to have a human stranger fight on your side for once?"
Blake shifted in her purple chair for a few minutes until she could bring her legs out lift them to her chest. Burying her head behind her knees she responded, "Yes; yes it did." It was strange to say it but she wouldn't lie that a small part of her was relieved when someone had finally approached Cardin. And in between the fear of consequences that were to follow from Yang's actions, and anger for the trouble Yang brought upon Blake, she was content.
"So you'll apologize next time you see her?"
"I think I will."
The blond nodded and stood from the green bean bag chair, stretching his legs and shaking off the oncoming sleep in his muscles. It was a sign that their conversation was finished. Picking up her book Blake was prepared to continue reading when Jaune, standing in front of the door asked, "You can have something better for yourself if you open up. Don't you want that?"
Blake didn't answer. She couldn't really think of an answer to give when she was unsure but Jaune didn't pressure her for one. He opened the door slightly and stepped into the hall leaving Blake with her thoughts.
It had been some days before Yang came back to eat at Jaune's restaurant, and would have been longer had her friend Sun not convince her to grab breakfast with him on a Saturday morning. Usually Yang work these mornings, but this week she hadn't taken her usual day off. As such, the man who ran the garage she was employed at told her to not even think about showing up this morning. "Enjoy the warm weekend", he said, knowing how annoying such a suggestion was to a workaholic like Yang.
But enjoying her weekend did not equate to Saturday morning breakfast at Jaune's restaurant, especially since she was avoiding one of the Faunus employed here.
She could have told Sun that she didn't want to eat here, could have said no, or tell him the situation that had her in such a foul mood. But she couldn't refuse him when he was paying and it's not like Sun cared. He was too busy flirting with his girlfriend while she was busy.
No, this was fine. Yang could do this. It wasn't that big of a deal anyway. Blake probably wasn't in today and if she was, the feline Faunus would have no reason to speak to her. They weren't on friendly terms.
Stuck in her own thoughts Yang almost didn't notice the plate of pastries being pushed in her direction.
The blond examined the plate before her with mild curiosity. From what she could tell it was crepes but it wasn't presented as usual. Whenever these desserts were ordered they were usually plated like open ended burritos filled with fruit or syrup; or as ice cream cones in a paper wrapping for eating on the go. This however looked different. Two crepes plated like upside down balloons, the inside she assumed filled with fruit and tied closed by what looked like black licorice. On the side was a small helping of more fruit topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar.
"I didn't order this", the blond spoke dryly as she glanced up at the person in front of her, "so don't expect me to pay."
Yang tried to push the plate away but the Faunus pushed against the other side. "You do not have to pay. It is for free."
"Why?"
The Faunus shuffled on her feet nervously. Her usual pensive glare was replaced with wide doe eyes and she uncharacteristically fiddled with her fingers. "I wanted to say thank you for before with Cardin", Blake started off slowly, "and I am sorry for the way I have been treating you since we have met."
"So you're giving me free food?"
The Faunus heavily sighed. "Yes."
"Oh…"
"I…I should return to work." And as quickly as she came she left.
Picking up a fork Yang poked at the crepes. She wasn't really sure what to make of this. She was assured just five minutes ago the girl thought nothing of her. But now it seemed she had a change of heart. Had Blake been spending her time to think about what she did? Was this really a sincere gesture or did Blake do it out of obligation? Yang liked to have believed it was honest. After all, she had been so prepared to continue to be angry at the Faunus but all that disappeared at the sight of a more timid Blake. The soften expression, almost quiet voice, and forgiving plead in the honey golden eyes had caught the blond bruiser off guard. Maybe—
"You know, Blake been looking for you these past few days." Yang snapped up at the new voice talking to her.
"She has?" she asked, unsure if what Jaune said was true.
"Indeed. She didn't come in to work Tuesday—I told her to take some time for herself—but the entire week she was asking if I had seen you or if I knew you'd be coming in."
"She's been asking about me just to apologize?" Yang inquired unconvinced by the blond chef.
"You know, she does feel bad about how she's been treating you. She's never been good with new people. But I'd take this as a good sign." Jaune pointed to the plate.
The blond chef nodded and walked away. Yang stared at him for a few minutes longer musing over what he said. Then she suddenly found herself with a cheek splitting smile on her face, and from out the corner of her eye she saw Sun, the always knowing monkey Faunus, wink at her.
"If you think she's really special then her affection is worth fighting for. Maybe you won't win her as a lover, but if you make her a friend have you really failed?"
No, she really hasn't. That she believed.