Breaking Through the Bottom of the Bottle
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Five years after Beacon, Jaune's still going home alone as often as not. An unlikely encounter with Yang may have just the solution- drinks, company, and a hell of a lot of pickup lines.
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Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY. Duh.
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[The first hour started awkward.]
"So, what do you want help with?" Jaune asked as they slid into a booth in another bar. No bar stool this time- no pretense at even trying to pick up anyone else.
"Well, I'm a bit out of date on the pickup scene," Yang framed. "So if I'm going to make this work by tomorrow, I'm going to need practice."
"So… what, I'm your wingman?" Jaune asked to clarify. He looked around- already the familiar whispers of fame and recognition had spread. A booth with a bit of privacy was the best they'd been able to get to get away from the stares. "I'm not sure this is the best place…"
Yang waved him off. "You're not my wingman, you're my target," Yang said, looking him dead in the eye.
"Target?" Jaune asked, before getting it. "Oh, like a practice dummy!" he realized.
Yang didn't even sigh. "Yes, Jaune, you're the dummy," she agreed. "Only instead of hitting you, I'm going to hit on you until I find what works. Your job is to tell me when it does."
"How will I know that?" Jaune asked.
"Probably when I start being irresistible," Yang said. "If you start feeling like you couldn't say no, let me know immediately."
"I dunno, that might not be realistic," Jaune considered with a clinical gaze. "You're pretty attractive already, you sure this won't be too easy?"
Yang wagged a finger. "Trust me, Jaune, you are anything but easy. But yeah, I've got my work cut out for me. Fortunately, I've got all night to work on you."
"At least until your flight in the morning," Jaune added, but Yang's frown convinced him to leave that be. "So, I get drinks while we do this, right? Why don't we start with that?"
"Sure," Yang agreed. "What will you have?"
"Surprise me," Jaune suggested.
Yang returned a short time later, a strawberry sunrise in one hand and something a bit stiffer in the other.
"Here I am, what are your other two wishes?" she greeted as she returned.
"Just this is fine for now, thanks," Jaune said, accepting the stronger of the two drinks.
"Hey," she said, sliding in across from him. "Mind if I flirt with you?"
Jaune's eyes crossed. "Isn't that what we're here for?"
Yang just looked at him, not even releasing him the drink until he wised up.
"Oh!" he realized. "You're starting. Okay. Ahem," he cleared his throat. "The hottest girl of our class hitting on me all night?" Jaune said in faux-surprise. "Why Yang Xiao Long, it would be my pleasure."
"Sure, just don't be selfish," Yang warned, before considering her next words. "What was that class we had towards the end of Beacon, just the two of us?" she asked.
"I'm pretty sure we had chemistry," Jaune recalled.
"Same here," Yang smirked. "We used to spend all class talking together instead of paying attention. What are the chances we can engage in anything more than just conversation?"
Jaune took a turn for the confused. "We just got here, but if you want to walk and go…"
Yang pinched her brow. It would continue to be a common urge for the rest of the night. "Have you always been this cute and oblivious, or did you have to work at it?"
Jaune's eyes widened. "Oh. Still flirting. Sorry," he said. "This still feels weird. Not used to it from you." Teasing, jokes, and even gentle mockery, sure- but flirting? That was something she did to other people.
"Get," Yang advised. "Besides, you look like a guy who's heard every pickup line in the books- which one will get you home with me tonight?"
Jaune settled into his seat, and tried to give better feedback. "That might be a bit too abrupt," he advised. "Save something like that for after a few drinks in."
Yang nodded, and took out a pencil and note pad to scribble down notes.
"Maybe I should do a survey of the best pickup lines. Which do you like best: 'Do you come here often?', 'What's your sign?', or 'Hello, I'm doing a survey to find out your favorite pickup line'?"
Jaune laughed, loosening up a bit. "That last one nailed it."
"Good," Yang said, grinning a bit and jotting it down. "Humor seems to work, so…" She shot him a glance. "You were a Junior Huntsman Scout, weren't you?"
"How'd you know?" Jaune asked, surprised. He'd never told anyone in Beacon.
"Because you sure have my heart tied in a knot," Yang replied.
Jaune laughed at the thought.
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End Eleventh Round
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Author Note:
Hope you're not tired of Jaune yet, cause it's going to continue.
To clarify something I said last time- in terms of beats we're halfway through the beats of a story, but the 7 beats aren't evenly spaced. In terms of words, we're 2/3rds in or so, though chapters will be a bit shorter compared to the last few. They serve a different purpose- one which you either already suspect, or will find out soon.