Cr00cy they're still here, aren't they? *Sigh* Poor life choices all around
Chapter 7
Hunters and Househusbands
Jaune Arc was a weak man.
He knew this. But he also knew that his wife, his family, needed him to be something different. Something more.
It's why he was sitting in front of his favorite coffee shop, sipping on his latte, waiting for an old friend, one that could help him achieve his old dream, albeit for different reasons than he originally set out for. He spotted her tight blonde bun sitting atop her stern face in the crowd, and waived her over, a warm smile overtaking her face as she saw him. He stood as she approached. Papa Arc had raised a gentleman after all.
A grin split his face. "Glynda! It's been too long!"
"It has, I hope you've been well." She said, extending a hand out to him, that he stared at, before pulling the older woman into a tight hug, earning a yelp from her.
Mama Arc had raised a hugger.
She laughed. "Ok, ok! I know how you feel about handshakes, now let me go!"
He shook his head as he pulled her seat out for her.
"Can't believe you thought you were getting away without one."
She snorted as she waved over a waiter. "You're right, whatever was I thinking, expecting not to get assaulted in public?"
He laughed as he sat down across from her. "You love the hugs! Also, I don't think anyone is assaulting Glynda Goodwitch. I hear she can take care of herself."
"When I have to." She acknowledged. "One coffee please, two sugars." She said to the waiter, before turning back to Jaune. "But really Jaune, it's been far too long. I miss this."
"Me too. We see a lot less of each other since you stopped pretending to need my help after I got turned away from Beacon."
"Well, that'll happen when you submit fake transcripts. Really Jaune, I still can't believe you tried that." She admonished, before sighing. "You were so heartbroken, and it wasn't any big thing for me to offer you work when I needed help."
He gave her a look. "Glynda."
"I'm a busy woman, I can't handle everything!" She defended.
"You hired me to walk your cat. Your cat, Glynda."
"Mr. Pounce was in need of exercise! I'll have you know that he's grown quite chubby in your absence." She informed him.
He grinned and shook his head. "Good to know the old furball is still kicking around." He sighed. "You know, I don't think I ever thanked you properly. You...you caught me in a bad place, and you helped when you didn't have to."
She tsked. "I simply found a young man in need of work and provided what I could. There's no need for thanks." She thanked the waiter as he brought over her coffee.
"Besides, you were always going to be ok, you're too stubborn not to be." She gestured towards the front of the coffee shop. "Didn't you think about buying this store front once?"
He ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah, I thought about it, but you know, kinda got sidetracked." He said, as he held up his left hand and showed off his wedding band.
Glynda gave him a warm smile. "I still can't believe you didn't invite me to the wedding."
"It was in a courthouse." He defended.
"I would have still come." She admonished.
He laughed. "I know you would've. Cindy's just...shy I guess. She doesn't like big to-dos. You wouldn't believe how long it took my to get her to come home with me."
"How is she Jaune? When do I get to meet her?"
"She's doing good, real good. She's just always busy with work, you know?"
The woman rolled her eyes. "I'm familiar with the idea."
"Oz is still being Oz, huh?"
She sighed. "Jaune, he's killing me. He's got this idea in his head about catapulting students into the Emerald forest to find chess pieces. I feel less intelligent for having said that sentence out loud."
He chuckled. "You're a saint Glynda."
"Yes, the saint of worn patience, what prestige." She drawled, earning another laugh from the boy. She took another sip of her coffee, and gave him a serious look. "But how are you? Really?"
He sighed. "I can't hide anything from you, can I?"
She hummed. "The cuts and bruises don't help."
He nodded. "Yeah. We...we had a scare recently. Got mugged a few days ago."
She gasped. "Gods, Jaune, is everyone ok? Have you talked to the police?"
He held up a hand. "We're fine Glynda, I just got knocked around a bit." He gave her a small smile as he rapped his knuckles on his head. "I'm hard headed though."
"You're not that hard headed Jaune." She warned, before nodding to herself. "That's why you called me isn't it? And here I thought you just wanted to catch up." She pouted.
He smiled. "Can't it be both? But yeah, I want to try again. I NEED to try again."
She sighed. "Jaune, you really don't. You don't need to be a Huntsman to protect your family. That's what we have police and Huntsmen FOR. You understand that you're going to be older than most of the other students anyway, right? That's if you get in."
He shook his head. "I need to do it Glynda. It's important to ME. Even if I'm going to be working uphill. Besides, I'm a househusband now, what else do I have going on?" He joked.
She eyed him carefully. "You know I can't give you special treatment, right? You're just another applicant in the system."
He nodded. "Yeah, I know. All I'm asking for is the chance."
"Do you even have your Aura unlocked? I'm guessing no."
He smiled brightly. "Not even a little."
"Jaune Arc, you will be the death of me." She grumbled. "I'll make you deal. You come to me before school starts with something approaching skill this time, and I'LL unlock your Aura for you."
"You wound me. It sounds like you don't believe in me." He said with mock hurt.
She snorted. "You only have a couple of months Jaune."
"I'm feeling real motived."
She looked at him over her glasses. "I can see that. Very well, take this." She sighed, as she fished out a business card and handed it over. "All the information on how and where to apply is on there. Just go to that website."
"Glynda...thank you."
She tsked. "You won't be so grateful when I'm your professor. I'm notorious."
He laughed. "The Notorious G, huh?"
She gave him a playful glare. "It's not too late for me to take that card back."
He shook his head sadly. "Someone's having a hard day. You know what I think someone needs?" He asked, slowly slipping out of his chair.
She held up a finger in warning. "Jaune Arc, don't you dare. No additional hugs are needed! Jaune!"
He just grinned as he closed the distance. "Bring it in G."
Cinder Fall was a monster.
She knew this. She also knew that if Watts didn't stop babbling on about whatever doomed for failure science experiment he was working on, she was likely to try to incinerate the projection of him the strange floating Grimm displayed along with the rest of their 'conference.'
Gods but she felt terrible. Had she eaten something? She'd never gotten sick off Jaune's cooking before.
"-And so, where Merlot failed, I shall succeed." Watts finished, beaming at his own brilliance. His brand of insufferable was truly a talent.
"Yes, I'm sure playing with a technology that you don't fully understand stands no chance of backfiring Watts. Do tell us when you start your experiments. I'd like to be as far away as possible." She drawled.
"You have no understanding of the science!" He growled.
"I understand that it led to a lot of people dying last time. So again, let me know when you're about to start. I have a bottle of wine I've been saving for when you're arrogance finally catches up to you."
"Arrogance! You want to talk about-"
"Arthur, be calm." Salem warned, silencing the man immediately. Cinder tried not to shiver as her gaze shifted over to her. "Cinder, there is no need to bait our friends so."
She almost gagged at the word 'friend,' but nodded.
"Yes ma'am."
"Good, I'm glad we understand each other." The woman said softy. "Now, why don't you share your report with the group?"
Her breath caught in her chest. This was it.
"There have been...complications with the plan." She tried.
Watts barked a laugh. "Complications?"
"Arthur, did we not say that it is rude to interrupt?" Salem asked coldly.
The man stilled like an adder had wrapped around him.
"Of course my Queen. I apologize!" He rushed out.
She nodded once. "See that it doesn't happen again. Cinder, you were saying?"
She could feel the cold sweat trickling down her back as the monstrous eyes locked in on her again.
"Yes ma'am. The faunus revolutionaries that we were planning on bringing into the fold have been getting cold feet. They're fighting the negotiations more than we expected."
Salem hummed. "I thought this Adam was ideal for our needs?"
"He is! He will be." She promised. "I just need a bit more time."
"Time is not something I like to spend frivolously, my dear. Tell me, what of the Dust gathering operations?"
Cinder swallowed, a lump catching in her throat.
"There was a fire...we lost a significant portion of our workforce."
"Oh dear." The demon said.
Hazel, mercifully, attempted to come to her aid.
"Do you need muscle? I can only offer myself, but I might be able to help in the interim." The giant offered.
Cinder opened her mouth to accept, but Salem cut her off.
"No my gentle giant, you will stay out of Vale for the time being. You are still to recognizable to our target. This is Cinder's issue, and hers alone." She cocked her head to the side. "How much time dear?"
"Two weeks." She half-whispered.
"My, that is disappointing." She said softly, causing her skin to crawl. "But, perhaps there is another task you can assist me with." She turned back to Watts, who was carefully studying the table in silence. "Arthur, tell the group about your new...what did you call it? A virus?"
The man straightened, obviously pleased to be the center of attention again.
"Exactly so, my Queen. It allows the user to infest a computer system and take control of it. If I can get into the CCT tower, we can bring the whole system down."
Salem hummed, her blank eyes finding her own.
"And could you make this happen Cinder? We already have plans for you to infiltrate the school."
She leapt at the chance for redemption.
"Yes! I mean, yes ma'am."
The pale face studied her for a moment before nodding.
"Very well. I hope that you're right. I do so hate being disappointed."
She bowed her head, trying not to scowl at Watt's sneering face. "Of course, ma'am."
"Get to it then, my dear. I'm not a patient woman." Were the last words spoken before the feed was cut. She let out a slow breath, and fell back in her chair.
This was bad. She needed results, and she needed them soon. She-
Two knocks on the door announced Emerald.
"Enter." She called.
The tanned girl poked her head in the room nervously.
"How'd it go?"
"Not particularly well."
Emerald winced as she walked into the room. "That bad, huh?"
She sighed. "We're behind schedule on the Dust, we don't have the Fang, and now we have an additional objective at Beacon. No Emerald, I'm not feeling very triumphant at the moment."
"What's the plan?" She asked.
Wasn't that a good question? Honestly, she didn't have much of one, but she couldn't afford to show weakness in front of her subordinates.
"You've seen to our admission to Beacon?"
The girl nodded. "I've been working with Leo. We should check out. To the rest of the world, we're students of Haven."
She hummed. "Good. I'll need a meeting with Adam, and we can see if we can't use some of his manpower to bolster Roman's."
"Got it. I'll set it up."
"No. I have a feeling that that's a conversation I'm going to have to have personally. Something seems to have made our dear revolutionary believe he has options. I need to dissuade him of that illusion."
"Yes ma'am." Emerald said, as she started to fidget nervously in place.
She raised an eyebrow. "Yes, Emerald?"
The girl's eye found other places to be. "It's just...what are we going to do with Jaune when it happens? You know, if we pull it off."
"WHEN we achieve our goal, Jaune will be at home with his family. A fortunately timed visit. He will see the tragedy unfold I'm sure, but he will be safe."
Emerald let out a sigh of relief, and she felt a wave of both affection and annoyance at the girl.
"And we shall be refugees, miraculously having safely escaped the city. We will contact him as soon as is realistic given the situation. I don't intend to have my husband worry for a moment longer than necessary."
Emerald nodded. "Ok, sounds good. What next?"
She sighed and picked up her Scroll. "We figure out what groceries Jaune wants us to pick up on the way home."
Just not whatever they'd had last night. She still felt terrible.
~ Pretty woman, walkin' down the street, Pretty woman the kind I like to meet, Pretty woman I don't believe you, you're not the truth ~
Jaune's Scroll sang with his wife's familiar ringtone. He smiled as he opened it up.
"Hey, pretty lady."
She smiled back. "Hello, my knight."
"How's your day going?"
She groaned. "Meetings all morning."
He laughed. "It's hard to be the boss lady."
She hummed. "The boss lady needs to know what we're having for dinner."
"How does pork chops grab you?"
"Can we do spicy? I'm feeling spicy."
"Sure thing baby. You know what you need to pick up for curry?"
She rolled her eyes. "Honestly Jaune, I'm not that-"
"Em!" He said loudly into the scroll, smiling as the green haired girl's face appeared in the background.
"I know what to grab."
"Thanks Em."
His wife scowled, and he laughed.
"I ever tell you you're pretty when you pout?"
She tsked. "Flattery will not solve this issue for you Jaune Arc."
"You sure? It's got a good track record."
"You're impossible." She sighed.
"You chose me."
"So I did." She sighed. "Jaune do we have something for an upset stomach at the house, or do I need to pick something up?"
His face scrunched in concern. "Yeah, we've got some stuff. You not feeling ok?"
"Just feeling a little natuous. Probably a stomach bug."
He watched Emerald scowl in the background. Good, she'd watch after her.
"Feel better baby. Come on home as soon as you can and I'll take care of you."
"Thank you my knight. Where are you by the way?"
"Oh." He spun the camera around to show the back of Big Daddy Bane's club. "Bane has like a 'lost and found' type deal at the club. Said he'd let me pick through it. Said you'd be shocked at what people are willing to part with."
"Ok. Don't be late coming home. Love you."
"Love you too babe." He smiled as he hung up and looked over to Mercury.
"Thanks for coming out man. Wasn't sure how much stuff I was going to find."
The silver haired man shrugged. "Of course bro. What are we looking for anyway?"
Jaune sighed as he walked over to the back door of the white cinder block building, and pushed it open.
"Promise not to laugh?"
He tsked. "Bro, you know I can't lie to you like that."
Jaune chucked as they entered the dimly lit room, filled with shoddy metal shelves holding up collections of...everything really. He saw bowling balls, suits, various bags lying around, tools...this might take a minute.
"I'm thinking about getting back in shape for the Huntsman test at Beacon."
Mercury stilled, and almost dropped the pair of boots he'd started playing with.
"You what now?"
"I know, I know, it sounds crazy, but it's something I wanna try." He held up a metal chest piece. "This look good to you?"
Merc shook his head. "That's an imitation, you can tell because - wait - why do you wanna try?"
"The ass kicking wasn't reason enough?" Jaune asked as he shuffled through a shelf of...pauldrons? He thought they were called pauldrons.
"Yeah, but...being a Huntsman is dangerous."
The blond shot his friend a playful glare as he tried to fit one of the pieces to his shoulder.
"Not you too! I'm already going to get this lecture from Cindy." He complained.
Merc sighed and pointed. "Not that one, the one next to it."
"Thanks."
The man hummed. "She's not wrong though. I mean, you don't need to be a Huntsman to fight."
"You're right." Jaune said as he tried on a pair of rough work gloves. "But I want to be able to protect my family Merc, from whatever."
"Jaune, no one blames-"
"And maybe for me too, you know? I mean, I love everything about my life." He nodded to himself as he pulled on a second pair of gloves, this one forming to his hand. "But it was a dream of mine, and it kinda got cut short. Besides, it's not like I don't have the time."
"Yeah, but-"
~ I see a red door and I want it painted black. No colors anymore I want them to turn black. ~
Jaune's Scroll sang, and he held up a finger.
"One sec, Merc. Audio only, he's a weird one." Jaune mumbled as he held the Scroll to his ear. "Yello?"
Mercury watched as the Jaune listened to someone talk animatedly into the Scroll.
"Addie, are you ok? You sound upset."
Addie?
"Nah, I give everyone nicknames."
Who the hell is Addie?
"No, I'm not calling you the 'Red Viper,' that's ridiculous. Also, I don't wanna get technical, but aren't you a-"
The phone practically exploded with angry chatter, and Jaune pulled his ear away, shaking his head at Mercury.
"Ok, ok Addie, I get it. The faunus thing is off limits."
Mercury's eyes widened. No fucking way.
"I'm guessing this is about the girl."
Jaune mouthed, "lady problems,' to him.
"Of course she was angry, I never said it was going to be easy! What'd you say to her anyway?"
Jaune groaned at the response.
"Addie, you didn't! No, you can't start with, 'I forgive you!' You're lucky that she didn't stab you."
This is some bullshit. Mercury thought as he tapped his foot impatiently.
"Oh, she did try to stab you? Ok, I admit, that seems a bit extreme. Were you at least wearing something besides your black suit and that ridiculous mask?"
HE hadn't gotten dating advice from Jaune. Granted, he hadn't asked, but still!
"No, it doesn't make you look cooler, it makes you look like someone that got rejected from Twilight. What did you say after that?"
The blond ran a hand down his face in frustration.
"Goddammit Addie. Look, I'm going to send you the name of a friend of mine that's a relationship counselor. His name is going to throw you a bit, but he's good."
This Adam dude was edging in on HIS time with Jaune. He needed to figure out a way to tip the scales…
"Yeah, 'may the fires of the revolution burn forever in your heart' too buddy. Bye."
Jaune sighed as he hung up the Scroll.
"Those two are a handful." He muttered.
Then it clicked. He knew what he could do. Something that Adam wouldn't.
"Hey bro, you need a trainer?"
Of the sights she could have seen when her and Emerald pulled the car into the driveway, she could honestly say that this was not one she expected. Nor one she was ready for.
There, in their yard, in front of the Gods and everyone, was a shirtless Jaune, being put through what she could only be described as a...prison workout, by Mercury.
"Come on bro! Eight, nine, ten." The silver haired man called out as Jaune performed pushups on the grass, before yelling. "Up, up, up!" And holding up boxing mitts for her husband to strike.
"Emerald." She said, without looking over.
"Ma'am?"
"What am I watching?"
The girl sighed. "I think it's Jaune and Merc just being weird. I don't know anymore."
"What side of Jaune's chest is his scar on?"
"The right, why-" The girl cursed.
"Eyes away please, that's enough for you."
She got out of the car and leaned against the door, watching the show. On one hand, she appreciate it for its...aesthetic value. On the other hand, there was almost certainly foolishness behind it.
"My knight!" She called to him. "What are you doing?"
He turned and smiled at her. She loved that smile.
"Oh hey baby, I'm just-"
Mercury slapped him on the side of the head with the pad.
"Hands up man."
Jaune rolled his eyes. "Let's take five Polly."
Merc snorted in amusement and began stripping off the pads.
Her knight turned to her again. "Just getting a work out in."
"I can see that. Is there a particular reason why it's in our front yard? We can get you a gym membership."
He tsked. "Nah, we don't need to do that. Besides, there's more room for activities out here. Right Merc?"
"Activities." The man agreed.
Her eyes narrowed. "And what do the armor and weapons I see strewn about the yard have to do with these, 'activities?'"
He chuckled nervously. "Oh, you know…"
"I don't know."
He sighed. "Well, maybe I was thinking about trying out for Beacon this upcoming semester? Just a little bit."
"You what?!" She hissed.
He raised his hands up defensively. "Now, I know you don't want me to get hurt, but hear me out."
Her mind raced. Jaune COULDN'T go to Beacon. It would ruin everything.
"So, I know Glynda pretty well…"
"Who is Glynda?!"
Emerald sighed as she made her way over to Mercury.
"How did you let this happen?" She hissed.
"It just kinda happened!" He whined.
"It doesn't just happen! What did you tell him?"
"Mercury promised to help!" Jaune shouted, gesturing towards the man.
"You understand you're dead, right?" Em informed him.
Cinder's eyes narrowed. "And what qualifications does Mercury say he has?"
"I'm going to do something respectful with your ashes, like throw them into the face of a shitty dad." She comforted.
"He says he taught jazzercise back in the day!" Jaune shot back.
Emerald shot him a look. "Jazzercise?"
"I panicked!" He said.
"Goddammit Merc, if we die because of your daddy issues, I swear-"
"Leave it Em. He wanted help, I can help."
"Not that kinda help." She growled.
"Jaune, Huntsman don't jazzercise!" Cinder shouted back.
"I know, but I can do this!" He argued.
"It's dangerous Jaune!"
"So's Vale!" He said, pointing towards the city.
"Honey, you don't have to do this for me, I'm ok." She said, tiredly.
"But I do! Baby, I want to be able to protect this family."
"You're part of this family! I need you to be safe too."
He sighed and his shoulders slumped. "Cindy, listen. It's not like it's happening. I still have to get in, and we both know that's probably not going to happen."
She could feel her treacherous heart strain under the disappointment on his face.
"Jaune…"
"But, please baby, I need to try. I need you to believe in me. However unrealistic it is." He pleaded, pain etched on his face. He desperately needed approval. HER approval.
Her heart, the terrible, fragile thing it was, broke. She couldn't speak for a moment, torn between what she should do, and what her heart would let her do. She swallowed and nodded.
"Ok baby…"
He perked up immediately, and she'd be damned if her heart didn't too.
"Really?"
"Yes, but I have conditions…"
She didn't get to any of them out. Her husband was on her in an instant, squeezing her in a fierce hug.
"Thank you! Baby, this means a lot to me."
She wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his shoulder.
She knew what she should have done. She should have crushed his dream outright, but…
He always had a way of making her weak.
She just hoped they'd survive it.
She shuffled around the bathroom in her favorite hoodie, his, getting ready for bed.
It had been a long day. It had been a hard day. She was exhausted.
She'd pulled Mercury to the side before he'd tried to take off, and informed him in no uncertain terms that her husband was to get stronger under his tutelage, but under no circumstances was he to pass the Huntsman test. His life depended on it.
She'd had Emerald check into this 'Glynda,' and sure enough, it was THE Glynda Goodwitch, the woman directly below Ozpin at Beacon. Gods, but how was it that Jaune knew everyone?
Speaking of the cheeky thief…
She held up the box that the girl had slipped into her grocery bag without her noticing, an unmistakable green 'E' scrawled on the box. It certainly explained why the girl had been so insistent that SHE be the one to put the groceries up. If Jaune had found it, he would have lost his mind.
She wouldn't let him get his hopes up like that.
It was impossible. She knew it was impossible after what she'd been through. Jaune had always accepted that, never judged her for it, despite how disappointed she knew he was.
"Cindy, you coming to bed?" She heard Jaune call.
But still…
"Just a minute my love." She called back.
The test only took a moment, but the wait somehow seemed to stretch on forever.
All she needed was for what she knew to be true to show up, so she could sleep in peace.
The second line seemed to mock her, and everything she knew, everything she was, as it appeared.
She couldn't be a mother. It was supposed to be impossible.
She fell to her knees, and for the first time in a very, very long time, she shed tears. The bitter irony being the she couldn't tell if they were from joy or grief.
"Baby, are you ok?" He called out in concern.
She strained to keep her voice steady.
"Yes my knight, I'm on my way. Everything's fine."
No matter how often she did it, she always hated lying to Jaune.
Cinder Fall was a monster.
She knew this.
And now, she knew she was very, very afraid.
The Fleet
"Fleet ho!" Demy called down from his place in the crow's nest, pointing towards the horizon.
The captain spoke quietly and quickly to Burk, who nodded and adjusted course, steering the ship towards a collection of dots in the distance.
The boy perked up next to me. "What is it sir? To what do we head?"
I grin and clasp the lad on the shoulder. "Boy, we've found it! The Fleet!"
"The fleet of what, sir?"
I laugh. "Why, the Fleet of better authors! We stand not yet among them, but we can SEE them lad."
"But who rides among the Fleet sir?" The boy ask.
"Let's go and see!" I say cheerily, as I push him to the railing. "Look boy, look out and see them in all their glory!"
Our gaze settled on the ships, growing ever closer as we cut through the water. They came in all shapes in sizes. Manowars loaded with enough firepower to withstand any assault from rival ships, treasure galleons loaded to the brim with comedy gold, ships of dark wood that cut deep into the water and feels alike.
"It's amazing." The boy breathed.
"They're all there boy, the Lefous, the Myareskas, the Imyoshis, the College Fools. Our own crew stands amongst them as well! See there, the Bear of black and white's own 'Charismatic,' Crooc's 'The Profession,' our own captain's 'Counseling!'
The boy hummed. "That last one seems...risque, sir."
I tsk. "Like you wouldn't board it. There be no shame here, boy."
I watch as his eyes widen. "Sir, what is THAT?" He ask, pointing towards the center of the Fleet.
"Ah, you've spotted Coeur's fleet. There's a good lad."
"It's massive!" He exclaimed.
I grunt. "Size isn't everything."
"I don't believe that to be true, sir."
I cuff the lad playfully. "Cheeky brat! Keep that up and I'll ditch you for a journal format."
The boy grins. "You can't write journals."
I sigh. "Nay boy, I cannot." My eyes stain against the sun, trying to find THE ship. "Damn." I curse.
The boy looks up at me with concern. "What is it sir?"
"We are looking for a specific ship boy, one that lies deeper in the Fleet apparently. We must press on. The captain already makes preparations."
True to my word, the captain calls for Bear and the Amorous Father to take to the sails, for Demy to keep watch, and for Graves to ready the arms as Burk steers us on.
"Sir." The boy says, concern creeping into his voice.
"Aye lad?"
"The Fleet sails into a storm."
"That it does lad."
"But our ship is much smaller than theirs." He tries to explain. "Theirs seem made of such sturdier materials, tested in the waters again and again."
"Aye lad, that all be true." I admit.
His eyes are wide with fear now. "That is the largest storm I've ever seen. We shall be destroyed."
I chuckle. "I told ye, boy. It's about faith. I believe in this ship, and now we will put her through her paces. And if we don't make it? Well, it's been an honor."
"But sir, I don't want it to be over."
I give him a small smile. "Aye, me neither. Guess we'll just have to sail on."
The boy nods slowly in acceptance, then jerks a thumb back towards the rear of the ship.
"By the way sir, what ship has latched onto us?"
I look back over my shoulder at a rough and battered dingy, tied to our own ship with a thick length of rope.
"Oh, you mean the Tauradonna? Yeah, guess we're taking her with us now too." I shrug. "Who'd of fucking thought?"
"Language sir."
"Aye boy."
Meeting the Family
Cinder Fall was a monster.
She knew this. She also knew that her feet refused to take another step towards the door her knight, and wasn't it funny how fast he'd become that, stood in front of.
"Jaune, I don't think this is a good idea."
He raised an eyebrow. "You mean us not telling them we're dating? I agree, but it was YOUR idea."
She shook her head. "No I mean us doing this at all. Let's just go home." She pleaded. "I'm not ready for this."
He laughed and made his way over to her, taking her hand in his.
"Cindy, it's the holidays, there's no flights back to Vale for days. Besides, they're going to love you."
"How do you know?" She asked defensively.
"Cause I do." He said as he delivered a peck to her lips.
Damn him.
She sighed and nodded. "Ok."
"It'll be fine, you'll see." He comforted as he rapped on the door. There was silence for a moment before:
"Nobody's going to get the door!? Fine, let the guy in the chair do it!" A voice complained.
A moment later, the door opened to reveal a middle-aged man, strong of build, and his golden beard flecked with grey staring up at them from his wheelchair, with piercing blue eyes. His face immediately split in a grin.
"Son!"
"Dad!" Jaune cried out as he rushed forward into a hug.
She shifted awkwardly behind them, not sure how to introduce herself. Luckily, Papa Arc solved the issue for her.
"Dammit Jaune! Why didn't you tell us you were coming?"
"We were on standby, weren't sure if we'd catch a flight."
"We, huh?" The elder Arc peeked around his son at her, a warm smile in place. She could see where Jaune got it. "This must be your neighbor that you told us about."
Neighbor, huh? Well, they slept next to each other, so she supposed that technically that was true…
"Yeah, let's me borrow sugar when I need it." Jaune said, with a wink back at her.
Her mind ground to a halt. How much more obvious can you ge-
"Oh, that's nice of her. Miss…"
Apparently, Jaune inherited his density from his father too.
"Fall, but please, call me Cinder."
"Arthur Arc. A pleasure." He said, shaking her hand before spinning his chair and rolling back into the house. "Prep yourselves." He warned.
"For what?" She asked Jaune.
"JAUNE'S HOME!" The man bellowed.
"That." Her boyfriend said with a shake of his head.
A chorus of squeals and voices assaulted her ears.
"MY BABY!"
"JAUNE!"
"DID HE BRING US STUFF?"
"DID HE BRING A GIRL?"
What did she allow herself to be dragged into?
She stepped into the Arc household, and immediately so much about Jaune made sense. Battered wooden floors were covered with mismatched rugs, which in turn had mismatch and broken in furniture. Knick knacks and pictures covered almost every inch of the wall. It should have appalled her, she certainly wouldn't allow it in their apartment, but it was also...charming, in its own way.
Her thoughts were quickly interrupted by a horde of blonde women pouring into the room, and promptly tackling Jaune to the ground with a yelp.
"Hey guys, come on! Give me a bit of space! I missed you too!"
The assault continued to play out before her before a stern, but warm voice called out.
"Girls! Let your brother breath!"
Her gaze shifted over to a beautiful woman with long, blonde hair, who looked much younger than she guessed she actually was. The matriarch, she decided...the one to impress.
Jaune panted as found his feet.
"Thanks mom. Like a pack of Beowolves, I tell you!"
The woman tsked. "If you would come home more often, it wouldn't be like that." She nodded towards her. "Jaune, are you going to introduce us?"
"Oh! Right, sorry." He cleared his throat and motioned towards his sisters, starting at what appeared to be the youngest, and working his way up. "This is Vivi and Sapphire, the babies."
"Hey!"
"Violet and Lavender, the twins."
"Nice to meet you." The two echoed.
"Rubin, the troublemaker."
"Yo."
"Cere, the good one."
"Enchanted."
"And Crystal, the oldest, and a pain in my-"
"Watch it."
He laughed. "And finally, my mom. Victoria Arc."
The woman dipped her head.
"And this is Cinder everybody. My, uh, neighbor."
"A pleasure everyone." She said as sweetly as she could.
Victoria smiled. "Well isn't that nice? You brought your 'neighbor.'
Uh-oh. She did a quick scan of the faces in the room, of the girls, the eldest were staring at her with open suspicion.
"Jaune, won't you be a dear and go help your father in the kitchen? You know how much of a mess I make. We'll keep you friend...entertained out here."
This had been a terrible decision.
"Sure thing mom." He said, giving the woman a peck on the cheek as he passed.
"Come on boy, you can tell me about the ladies in Vale you've got your eye on."
Victoria Arc rolled her eyes as the two made their way to the kitchen.
Ah, a kindred spirit.
"Why don't we all take a seat?" The older woman asked, motioning toward the ring of couches and chairs. She wasn't oblivious to the fact that she was directed to a very isolated chair. One that looked suspiciously like it was in front of a firing line.
"Now, isn't that better?" Victoria smiled warmly as she settled. "Why don't you tell me how long you and my son have been…'neighbors.'"
It was awfully warm in here.
"A few months."
"My, and he's already bringing you home. You work fast dear."
"I-"
"How old are you?" Crystal cut in.
Cinder scowled. "I don't think-"
"What do you do?" Cere asked, much more gently.
"I'm in acquisitions." She explained. "Real estate and rare items mostly."
"There any money in it?" Rubin asked, earning a gasp from Cere.
"Rubin, that's-"
"A considerable amount." She answered.
"Cool."
"That's good. You can support yourself, that's a good sign." Victoria said.
"And you're just neighbors?" Crystal asked, disbelief clear on her face.
"Yes." She answered defiantly.
"Interesting." The older woman said, before turning towards the kitchen. "Jaune! Can you bring…"
"Cindy!" He shouted back.
"Cindy some tea? I think she's thirsty, the dear."
Crystal's eyes locked with hers. "Cindy, huh?"
"We're very friendly neighbors."
"I'm sure."
Jaune appeared from the kitchen, cup and saucer in hand.
"Here you go, Cindy."
"Thank you, Jaune." She tried not to growl.
"Jaune, while you're here, why don't you tell us how you two met?' Victoria asked.
He winced, and her eyes widened. They'd been over this, 'I found her bleeding out' was not a good 'how I met you story.'
"I...uh, found her on a street corner, and helped her out. Gave her a ride."
Or he could make her sound like a hooker. Her grip tightened on her cup.
"Awww. That's so sweet!" Vivi, the youngest, intoned.
"Fascinating." Victoria deadpanned. "Go see if your father needs anything?"
No! Don't leave!
"Sure." The blond nodded and disappeared back into the kitchen. His mop of hair had barely disappeared from view before it started again.
"For real though. How long you guys been banging?"
She choked on her tea.
"Rubin! You can't just ask that! You have to ask how long they've been making love." Cere explained.
Gods, but she was going to murder Jaune.
"Girls." Mrs. Arc chided. "I've raised you better than that!" She gave Cinder an apologetic look. "I'm sorry about that dear, we believe you. Crystal can you get her a set of the holiday ears?"
The eldest sister grinned. "Sure thing, mom."
Cinder's eyes narrowed. This sounded like a trap of some sort.
"Holiday ears?"
Victoria nodded. "Certainly, you've never heard the story of the Huntsman who delivers presents to all the children on his sleigh pulled by magic rabbits?"
She was almost entirely certain NO ONE had ever heard that story.
"Can't say I have."
Victoria Arc shrugged. "Must be a country thing. Ah, thank you Crystal!" She said, as she accepted a pair of rabbit ears from the girl. "Now, as the guest, it's tradition that you get to wear the ears...because you're so special you see."
Bullshit. Rabbitshit. Whatever. She ground her teeth. It was the perfect trap. She couldn't say no without being rude, but she still didn't understand the consequences.
"Thank you." She half-growled as she accepted the ears and put them atop her head.
She felt ridiculous.
"There we go." Mrs. Arc said, before calling into the kitchen again. "Jaune, honey, can you come help us?"
"Yeah sure, what do you guys ne-"
The words died on his lips as he exited the kitchen, and his eyes latched onto her, his mouth wide open.
What was he doing!?
"Jaune?" She asked carefully.
"Cindy…" He swallowed. "I...ears...wow."
There's no fucking way.
"Jaune." Victoria called to her son. "Jaune!" She snapped her fingers in his face, finally breaking his stare.
"Oh, sorry mom. What'd you need?"
"I forgot dear, go back to the kitchen." She said with a smile, watching him nod dumbly, still a little in shock, before stumbling back toward the kitchen. The older woman shook her head. "Dem Arc genes." She muttered before turning back to Cinder.
"You've got spunk dear, and that's a requirement in this family. You can keep the ears by the way, happy holidays."
"Thank you." She responded weakly.
"Don't worry about it. Just make sure you're wrapping more than presents before there's a ring on that finger."