Mithos here! Whew, this one was FUN to write. I initially wanted to start Initiation, but as I kept writing I realized it wouldn't really fit in the tone. Plus, it would have been a longggg chapter. So I decide to end on a happy note. So as I promised, here is Miltia/Melanie interactions. It also won't be the only time they come up. I'm of the belief that all characters are multidimensional and influence the story, even if because of that the chapters go on for long. I would rather spend more time fleshing out good characters than to shorten and cheapen them.
Anyway, please have as much fun reading as I did writing this!
"So everything's repaired?" Jaune asks, as he examines the nightclub again. The floor had its design fixed, and the glass cylinder looked like it was never damaged.
As there are still two days before initiation, he had nothing better to do than to hang around Limelight.
I wanted to stay at the arcade, but they told me to get out when they closed. Stupid kids and their curfew. At least Junior's cool.
Junior knew how to make good conversation, and they were not lacking in material to talk about.
"Yup. Turns out Ozpin has contingencies when a Hunter goes crazy. Who knew hormonal kids with superpowers and lethal weapons could be so dangerous?" Junior asks rhetorically.
"Well, you don't have to worry about me. I just have a plain old sword. Glynda, on the other hand..."
"Why are you so afraid of Glynda? She hasn't done anything, right? She's just looked at you funny." Junior recalls his school days. "Actually, I think she had the same look as a student too."
"It's not about what she's done, it's about her plan. I feel like every little thing mistake I make, she adds it to a mental list that she will read from at my funeral. Or as she justifies killing me."
"Now there's a thought. But I doubt that. During her school days, all the guys were afraid of her, thinking she would never give them the time of day. I would know, I was one of those guys. The girls all admired her from afar, idolizing her strict nature. But since she never loosened up, she probably wasn't able to make any close friends. I'm sure she just doesn't know any way to work a relationship outside of a professional one." He pauses as he considers telling the extra information. "If the rumors are correct, I'm also pretty sure she's also never been in a sexual relationship, either."
"Okay, my teacher's relationship problems aside," My teacher's private lives are the last thing I want to consider. "do you know anything interesting to do around Vale? I don't want to just sit around the hotel room, and the arcades can only entertain me for so long."
"Hmmm...Why don't you take the twins out for a date?" Junior suggests.
"Wait, aren't they like your daughters? Are you sure about that?" I am not confident in my ability to keep girls entertained. Especially ones opposite of me in the 'cool' and 'cute' spectrum. Aka, the 'out of my league' portion.
"It'll be fine. It's not like you will do anything to them, right?" Junior declares, voice oozing with bloodlust.
That's not a question, it's a threat! "No, of course not, sir! I will not do anything strange or inappropriate while in the presence of your beautiful and pure daughters, sir!"
"Good. Have fun then. I'm sure the girls would appreciate having a guy carry their bags for them."
"Right..." If this is anything remotely similar to a meeting with the father-in-law, I am never getting married. Never, ever.
"Alright, I'll give the twins your contact info so you can decide where and when to meet up. Remember, best behavior."
"Ha. Ha. Ha." The dry laugh escapes from the blonde. "So what should I wear? I feel like they won't approve of this." He points toward his hoodie and jeans.
"If you want my honest opinion? They're going to rag on you no matter what you wear. So just prepare yourself mentally for the incoming abuse."
Jaune gulps. Is there a curse on me that surrounds me with scary women?
After sharing a few more conversations and drinks, the nightclub becomes more lively as groups stream in.
"Alright, it's time to get out. This still isn't exactly a place a kid should hang around. Oh," Junior pauses and uses the chance to give the blonde a business card. "Let me know if you need anything. I may not be able to help you, but I know people who can."
"Thanks, Junior. I'm going to owe you a lot of favors." Jaune stands up, giving a small bow.
"Save it. Your master has done way too much for me. Just consider it as me repaying the favor. Actually, if you really want to pay me back, do your god damn job. If I see your name in the obituary, she's not going to be the only one to kick your ass."
"I wouldn't have enough lives for that," Jaune retorts before leaving the building.
Jaune examines his clothes as he waits in front of the train station. Ignoring Junior's advice, he decides to wear a white collar shirt with black pants. Since he only owned sneakers, there wasn't any options on that battlefront.
I should at least try. Maybe I secretly am really fashionable!
He makes a mental note of Junior's last message. The man sent him details on how to tell the twins apart. The message also contained some scathing words in case he fails to differentiate or if there were any funny business.
One, they both wear their favorite colors. Melanie wears white with light blue patterns. Miltia wears red with black patterns. Second, Miltia has a higher octave voice than Melanie when speaking. Finally, Melanie tends to take control of the situation, rather than Miltia.
Jaune sulks when he considers the emergency option.
The two sometimes like to play a game, pretending to be the other. When that happens, it becomes impossible to tell them apart. The only way, also known as the last option, is to say something extremely embarrassing to them. The one to punch you first is Miltia.
Great, I get to embarrass myself and take a hit. I'm not going to take that option, thank you very much.
Lost in thought, the blonde did not notice the twins approach. Melanie pinches his cheeks to catch his attention.
"Did you wait long?" she asks. Her dual follows up. "Good job. Points for being early."
Jaune looks up. As expected, Melanie wore a white sun dress while Miltia wore a red A-line dress with a black striped pattern.
"No, it wasn't very long. Besides, when I consider the wait is for you two, it makes it all the worthwhile." the blonde answers. Just have to copy and say enough lines from "True Love". I hope they aren't too cheesy.
"Ooo. Bonus points for that line, even if it is a bit cheesy." Melanie replies, standing on Jaune's right side.
"At least you took the effort." Milta takes the left. "Although your clothes are a bit shabby."
The two simultaneously lock arms with him, pulling him forward. Surprised by the contact, red flushes the boy's face.
"Ar..Aren't you two standing a bit close? I don't think Junior would approve." The thought of his wrath slightly calms him down.
"He doesn't approve of boys, period." Miltia answers.
"To be fair, look at our surroundings. Not a lot of good boys." Melanie tightens her hold. "You're different, right?"
Unable to say the words, he hesitantly nods.
THERE IS NO WAY GAMES PREPARED ME FOR THIS! SIMULATIONS THEY ARE NOT. Being so close, he could now smell their perfume. ABORT! ABORT!
Unfortunately for the blonde, the way the twins held him made resistance futile. The two fully enjoy teasing the boy, taking his red face as motivation to continue.
"Are you unhappy about having two flowers by your side?" Melanie inquires.
Miltia gives a small pout before adding, "Melanie, does that mean he doesn't like us?"
That look is unfair! Jaune screams introspectively. How do I answer that?!
Trying to summon a line to say, he randomly recalls one in hopes it would help his situation.
"Of course not. Looking at two beautiful roses, I could not help but feel a desire to pluck and hold them close. However, my selfishness will only make them wither, so I advert my gaze as to not give in to my desire."
What the hell did I just say? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
The two look at him in surprise, their cheeks now both slightly rouge. Even the makeup could not hide the red that arise from the statement.
In an attempt to recover, Melanie speaks up. "So you see both of us as roses? I am flattered." Miltia lightly punches him, unable to say anything.
The group walks toward the shopping district in silence, only broken by Melanie as she attempts to tease the blonde again.
The date consists of mostly looking at clothes. The twins would pick out something, asking for his opinion, before disregarding it to make their own conclusion.
I mean, I'm not a fashion master, but at least consider my comments.
After going through a few shops, Jaune notices that they did not want him to talk about the clothes, but how the clothes match the two. This realization made the conversation easier; the twins even purchased some of the clothes he complimented.
As Jaune observes the two at their last shopping stop, he starts making out a clear contrast between the two. Despite being twins, they each have their own way in seeing the world. While Melanie would take control, not being afraid to act before considering the consequences, Miltia would take in the details, holding her sister back when she ignores something.
An example of this is right in front of him. Melanie takes a dress, talking to the cashier about how the piece of clothing is mispriced. Miltia points out the rising popularity of the designer being the reason, before returning the dress to the hanger. Melanie instantly then picks out something, already set on buying it, before Miltia mentions the missing frail on the side.
They really complement each other. Miltia will scrutinize over the details, never making a decision. Melanie would choose something, but not realize the first thing she spots is not always the best. It's cute.
His thoughts were interrupted as he is pulled toward the scene, asking to pick between two different color shades of the same dress.
With the clock hitting one, Jaune finally catches a break. He could feel the exhaustion of having to carry six bags of clothes around creep in. However, the twins were collected, ready to dive back to shopping.
"Let's get lunch," Melanie suggests, the words being music to his ears.
"Rose Cafe?" her counterpart answers, and they nod in agreement.
Jaune follows behind them as they make their way deeper into the city. A few minutes later, they arrive at a two story building, with a sign labeled 'Rose Cafe.' All the tables were occupied, and an estimated wait timer of an hour was shown.
"They seem busy, maybe we can..." He is unable to finish his sentence as the twins walk past the line, forcing him to follow.
Upon reaching the front, Melanie simply states, "Table for three." The waiter nods, gesturing them to follow.
"Did you make a reservation?" the blonde asks Miltia.
"Something like that," she coyly answers, not revealing anything.
The three are led up to the second floor and escorted to an empty table on the balcony.
The waiter places a menu in front of each seat, before taking a small bow and walking away.
The twins take the seats next to each other as Jaune sits across from them. "How did we ignore the line? The estimated wait was an hour!" Jaune asks. "You didn't threaten them beforehand, right?"
Miltia lets out a light giggle. "Our secondary job grants us privileges like this. You don't think we just sit around the club all day, right?"
Well, not anymore. Wait, did she answer the question?
Melanie follows up. "The tea here is too good to pass up. That's why it gets really busy here during lunchtime." She takes a short glance at the menu before closing it again.
Miltia leaves her menu unopened, gesturing the waiter to take their order. "Do you know what you want, Jaune?"
He takes a peek at the menu. I have no idea what any of these things are. I'm pretty sure that name isn't in English, and the same tea is listed four times.
"No idea." He closes the menu. "Could you order for me?"
"It's good that you're honest." Melanie throws a smile at him. "Most guys try to impress by ordering the most expensive thing on the menu."
Miltia nods. "By the way, the most expensive thing is snail." Jaune frowns at that statement.
I have not had snail. I do not look forward to eating snail. I will not order snail.
The waiter comes around, as Miltia and Melanie lists off the orders. After writing it in his notepad, the waiter takes a small bow before leaving again.
"You didn't order me snail, right?" The blonde inquires worriedly.
"No, silly. I ordered you something much better." A sigh of relief shows on the boy's face.
Wait. Which meaning of better did she mean? I really hope she's just teasing me again...
Before he has a chance to voice his thoughts, Melanie speaks up. "Enjoying the view?"
"Yeah." Looking out from the balcony, he could see office workers crossing the street. On the other side, there was a small park where children could be seen playing. Focusing his eyes, he could see the edge of the port where ships are lined up.
"The park's a nice touch." This was the wrong thing to say as he could feel bloodlust coming from the twins.
"I meant us, Jaune." Melanie sighs. "How did someone like you say such a smooth line like before?"
Miltia attempts to give an answer. "Maybe it was luck? Or it's a hidden power."
"I...can't answer that. It just came to me." Through a game. Which I make a note to replay, because apparently that line was good.
"Maybe it's a hidden talent. They do say everyone is talented with at least one thing," the girl in white acknowledges.
"That would be cool, to say suave...wait, did you just insinuate I'm not good at anything else?!" the boy exclaims.
The two girls both laugh. "Your reactions are so honest. We can't help it."
"It's cute. It'll make you popular with the ladies. Of age fifty and over."
"Gee, thanks. You two really lay the insults on thick, huh?" Jaune could not help but grin as well.
After the food arrives, they talk about their past. Jaune mostly talks about his hectic yesterday, while the twins reveal how they knew Junior.
They were orphans, vagabonds forced to steal to stay alive. One day, Junior caught them stealing from him. Not wanting to see the children live on the streets, his good conscience compelled him to take them in, treating the two as his own daughters.
"Considering how much he's done for us, the least we can do to repay him back is with helping him out." Melanie finishes.
"He's reluctant though. Our business is in the moral gray area." Miltia adds on.
Jaune, finishing his sandwich, responds. "That's so...heartwarming!" A few tears stream down his face. "The three of you are family."
Even though their story is overused in games, having them being physically in front of me telling the story opened the flood works. And they're just like me...
"Jaune, there are people around!" Melanie looks around nervously. A few patrons look and point at the crying boy, wondering what had happened.
"It's okay! We're happy now." Miltia hugs her sister in an attempt to appease the boy. "So please stop crying?"
"Really?" The boy sniffles while the two nod vigorously. "That was pretty embarrassing. Sorry about that." He wipes his face with a napkin.
Noticing they finished their food, the waiter brings them the check; he showed no signs of concern for the boy. Jaune takes the check and pays for it before the two could react.
They leave the cafe, not wanting to stay under the scrutiny of the other customers.
"So what do we do now?" the blonde inquires.
Before the two could answer, two large men walk up and commence talking. "Hey you cuties. You have any plans?" The other adds, "Why don't you ditch short and scraggly there and have some fun with us?"
Jaune takes the chance to examine the two. They wore blue and white golf polo shirts with running shorts. The clothes revealed their beefy muscles, implying heavy lifting training.
Their faces aren't that bad, but their condescending look makes me want to punch their face. And did they call me scraggly?
Before Jaune had the chance to argue, the twins had already responded.
"We like him this way," Melanie answers. "At least they won't break bones with a handshake," Miltia adds.
"Oh, don't be like that." The man in the blue shirt grabs Melanie's shoulder. This was a mistake.
The two simultaneously launched their attacks. Miltia elbows the man abdomen, while Melanie kicks the other in the crotch. They both fall to the floor in pain.
"Whatever. Let's go." The two took his hand and pull him forward.
I feel bad for the two. Only marginally.
"Wait, where are we going? We have already visited every shop around the mall!"
The twins send the other a nod of agreement. "We went to every female store in the mall." Miltia answers him.
Melanie scans Jaune up and down. "You need to look the part. If you dressed better, those two wouldn't have tried anything."
Jaune attempts to protest, but realizes they were right.
My wardrobe does only include casual clothes. Maybe I should take their advice and guidance.
They enter the first men's clothing store they saw, as the surrounding men send jealous gazes toward his way.
Oh boy, it's going to be a long day.
Jaune drops off the bags on to the apartment floor.
I did not expect to visit another twenty shops! What kind of stamina do they have?
His arms were sore from the baggage. I may have the muscles for it, but it still hurts like hell.
Seeing his fatigue, Melanie aims to make him feel better. "Thanks Jaune. We usually don't buy so much, but since you were here..."
Miltia nods in agreement. "You can take a shower here, while we sort out our reward."
Jaune misses the dangerous tone Miltia spoke in. "Thanks. It'll make me feel a lot better."
He steps into the bath and lets the hot water remove his fatigue. Thinking about today's date, he smirked to himself.
That went well for my first date. I didn't terribly embarrass myself, he ignored the fact he had cried, and they looked like they had fun! Well, most of it was at my expense, but that's okay. And despite how they look, they were even nice enough to help me pick out clothes!
As he recalls the day's events, he became too lost in thought to hear the menacing shuffling sounds in the bathroom. After a few minutes, he turns off the water and step out of the bath. Grabbing a towel to dry himself, he stops when he sees what the twins' plan were.
"Melanie?" He shouts to try and get her attention.
"Yes Jaune?" Miltia answers from outside the bathroom door instead.
"Where are my clothes?" Jaune asks nervously.
"They're right there?" She throws the question back at him.
"Miltia. This. Is. A. Dress." He holds up the white strapless dress in question.
A few seconds past before she responds. "I don't see a problem," scampering off after that reply.
GOD DAMN IT. He screams in his head. I take back what I said. Those two are devils. Only pure evil could do something like this.
Okay, let's consider your options. Two text boxes appear in his head. 1. Walk out without anything, and risk Junior's wrath. 2. Put on the dress, and embarrass myself for all of eternity. Both options suck, but one lets me keep my head...
Reluctantly, he puts on the dress. It even fits me perfectly! Did they keep track of my sizes while we were shopping? Not sure if he was disturbed or relieved by that fact, he steps out of the bathroom.
As he enters the living room, the twins turn to look at him. Melanie just smiles, as Miltia covers her mouth in an attempt to hide hers.
"Looking good, Jaune. I think those guys would have flirted with you instead if you wore that," Melanie teases him.
Miltia blushes as she considers the indecent idea.
"Yeah, laugh it up. You may think this is a low point, but I've had worse." He recalls Master's attempt at the same thing. Yup. Much. Worse.
"No, really, you look good. Actually, sit down." She points at the seat in front of a large mirror.
Giving up, he takes the seat. Looking at the mirror, the dress really did fit him. The color actually matches his skin tone...
DANGER. That train of thought leads to dangerous territory! Inescapable territory! But if I look good...
He shakes the thought out as the twins bring out a makeup set.
"We are going to make you look good." She starts applying foundation.
The next hour became torture for him. As Melanie applies the makeup, Miltia took a camera out, furiously taking photos. They also bring out wigs to match with the dress. When they finish, Jaune could not recognize himself in the mirror, with the long black hair and flower hairclips. If his eyes were green, he might be misunderstood as a sibling of the two.
Events coincide as Junior walks in, right as they finish. "Hey, you're back. Who's the pretty new friend you bo..." he realizes his error as he says it. "Jaune, is that you?"
He immediately answers. "We will not talk about this. Ever."
Miltia hands Junior the camera. "Take a picture! I am keeping this forever."
The twins take positions left and right of him, smiles beaming. Jaune finally cracks, realizing they want a record of today's date, and smiles as well.
With a snap, the picture is taken. Junior hands the camera back to Miltia, and deals Jaune the final blow. "Well, if your Hunter career ends up not working out, at least you will have a backup career." This causes giggles from the twins. "Do you want to stay for dinner?"
"Thanks for the offer, but I have to prepare for initiation." Jaune answers as Miltia hands him his clothes back. "I want to focus on not failing plan A."
Once he is in the bathroom, he takes off the dress and puts his own clothes back on. Handing the dress back to Miltia outside the door, he starts to wash the makeup off his face.
I've missed you. I will never cheat on you. He silently talks to his clothes. I will never leave you again, my lovable partner.
Returning to the living room, Miltia hands him his bags of clothes from the mall. "Come visit us sometimes, okay?" she says, giving him a sad puppy eyes look.
Melanie brings him to the exit. "We really did enjoy today. We don't get any chance to hang out around boys our age, and you really made it worth it." Miltia nods in agreement.
"Yeah...thanks for today's date. I'll visit at the first chance I get," he answers while waving goodbye.
As he walks away, he could hear shouts behind him. "Don't forget about us at Beacon!" and "Don't let other girls eat you up!" they shouted.
As Jaune returns back to his hotel, the twins' radiant smiles were the only thing on his mind.
Thanks to everyone who read up to this far! I hope I did the twin's character justice...they have so much POTENTIAL! With the currently airing anime Re:Zero, I wanted my own try at good twin characters.
As always, please let me know anything I could do to improve! Any and all comments are useful to me~
I will take this time to reply to a few comments:
IWEYC: Yup, I'm a college student. I was actually worried about my grammar, so I'm glad it wasn't an issue. I know what it's like to lose a good story due to it.
Torturer-of-Souls: You're right about Yang's weight, sorry about that. Numbers are hard... I guess I'll retcon it to 65kg? What does it say that the first thing I retcon is a girl's weight...
Cain: Once again, you're right. Ughhh, I feel bad for Yang...Don't worry, she'll get much development for the mistakes I made. I promise!
Raven Kight: Mmm, his power isn't explosive like the Maiden's. While the Maidens power come from magic and the elements, which are very destructive, Jaune's is more versatile and is more based on how strong the parts he's using are.
Inquisitor: To try and not just make one massive chapter about his master, I'll try and put small details here and there. Don't worry, there will be a lot more information about here as the story goes along.
Mo Eazy: The description was actually my original intention. But I didn't want Jaune to just be a Grimm-like creature, so that part of the story ended up being used in his backstory instead. Don't worry, his semblance has a HUGE effect on his character, and I will definitely add more on to it later. His powers seem like a "Game" thing because I was thinking of .Hack while writing it. OH, and it definitely will have its disadvantages, but I wanted to show off all the "cool" parts of it first. With Yang...yeah, I feel like I didn't do her justice now T_T' She's going to get more screentime later that I'll try and rectify that with. And this chapter, I added more of the "gaming" elements you mentioned. I'll look and see TFS series, it sounds like fun. And, with Faunus in this world, Nekopara (Or Nyan Nyan Masters) is going to be a thing.
tsun: I don't have any plans to change up the teams, sorry! I didn't twist Jaune's character enough to really quite justify it (He's still the awkward, misplaced confidence teen we all know, with understanding others being unreliable (games can only carry him so much). And with how similar Pyrrha is to his master, it was one of the ways I was going to build on her character.