It was strange. Despite the fact that the world as she knew it had come to an end, and the actual end of the world could be fast-approaching, all seemed right in it. The simple things in life truly mattered.
Winter sat at a small table in the cafe with her sister, and that alone was enough for her. To simply have her sister back after being so sure that she was lost forever. When Weiss and her friends had returned from death, returned from what turned out to be the Ever After, she and the rest of her family had been overjoyed. All of their families who were present had been.
The united kingdoms of Remnant were gathering their strength against the coming storm known as Salem. Airships, Huntsmen, and anyone who could fight had gathered from around the world in preparation for the climactic final battle which was on the horizon. Before it came, however, they had found the opportunity to have some downtime. To relax and catch up. It was exactly what Winter and her sister were doing right now. The simple pleasure of sharing coffee together with Weiss was one which they had not been afforded for many years now. Winter had joined the military. Weiss had gone to Beacon. It had been so long since they were both allowed to just be sisters together.
As such, sharing drinks together at the cafe had become a daily routine for the two. However, if Winter were to be honest, that wasn't the only reason she enjoyed coming here. No, she had an ulterior motive as well. One which she was hesitant to admit to herself, much less her younger sister.
That motive walked through the door as part of his daily routine as well.
The Jaune Arc she had known back in Atlas was gone. Long gone. Before he had been Weiss' age, and it had shown in both appearance and demeanor. While not the immature goofball Weiss had once complained about in her letters while attending Beacon, he had still been a nineteen year old boy. Emphasis on boy. His hair, his behavior, everything about him had kept him off of Winter's radar. The man who had returned, on the other hand...
Winter watched as the man, clad in his suit of freshly repaired and polished armor approached the counter to place his order. He came every day to order coffees for himself and his friends. He moved with poise and confidence. His voice commanded respect, but at the same time was respectful to the barista who took his order. He was a man who had endured so much, as far as Winter could gather from the limited information Weiss had shared with her, yet was still unbowed and unbroken from the experience. He was a warrior through and through. A soldier, like herself. He, to her shock and amazement, was the one and only Rusted Knight. A character who, like Weiss and the rest of her friends, Winter had rightfully assumed was only a part of a fictional fairy tale.
Yet here he stood, mere feet away from her, in the flesh. The very hero who Weiss had fallen for back when Winter had read the story to her when they were both children. Though he had only been on paper back then, seeing him in the flesh made Winter realize just how and why he had been Weiss' childhood crush.
Winter raised her cup of coffee to her lips, taking a gentle sip. It wasn't just to quench her thirst. It was also to hide the tiny blush forming on her cheeks. That was a thirst which coffee could never hope to satisfy.
Setting her cup back down on the table, Winter returned the attention which had been stolen by the man back to her sister. "Tell me, Weiss. Your experiences with Jaune Arc," she said, gesturing with a hand to the man. "What have they been like up to this point?"
She saw how her younger sister craned her head around to steal a glimpse of the man at the counter. Weiss lingered for several seconds before finally turning back to her sister. Winter saw how her teeth gently sank into her lower lip, where they remained for several heartbeats before she finally replied.
"Initially they weren't great," she admitted, though with great reluctance. "At Beacon he wasn't what you would call graceful or subtle. He was awkward and clumsy, and every attempt at courting me made that painfully obvious. To say he was a pest would be an understatement."
Winter could imagine it, but at the same time couldn't. The Jaune she'd known, and admittedly not all that well, she could picture being that kind of pest. The man who had returned from Ever After, however, no. He was serious and severe. Like a soldier who'd fought in a war, he carried with him a certain weight from what he'd endured. Winter could see it in his eyes. In his hair. Despite the fact that he appeared only a few years older than herself, there were streaks of silver in his long blond locks. Stress could do that to a person. It could make them appear older than they actually were. That was certainly the case with Jaune Arc.
"After that, however?" Winter asked, wishing for Weiss to continue.
She saw how Weiss' features softened, and how the ghost of a smile began creeping onto her lips. "After that he changed. I believe what happened at Beacon changed all of us in one way or another. The next time I saw him after that was in Mistral. He... well, he no longer pined after me as he once had. He no longer seemed interested in me at all. To him we were merely friends. Perhaps only mere acquaintances in his eyes. It wasn't until the attack on Haven Academy that… he saved my life."
Winter recalled what Weiss had told her when she'd reached Atlas. That vile and repulsive woman Cinder Fall had nearly killed her sister. It had only been thanks to the hands and the Semblance of Jaune that Weiss had been saved. For that alone Winter owed the man a great debt.
"After that we grew closer. The ice seemed to have permanently melted between the two of us, and we even spent time together of our own accord in Atlas. We saw a movie together." Her eyes widened briefly, and Weiss stumbled as she continued. "W-with Oscar, of course. It wasn't just the two of us."
Not like a date? How wonderful. Still, it was nice to see that the two of them had mended their relationship to such an extent. After all, Winter would want her sister and the man who had caught her eye to get along. It would make things so much easier moving forward.
"I'm happy to hear that," Winter said softly. She watched Jaune collect the cups of coffee in a cardboard carrying tray and turn to leave. As he neared the door, she saw how the sun's rays hit what had become a neatly-trimmed blond beard and a well-maintained ponytail. Both shone like gold in the sunlight. The Rusted Knight cleaned up well, and had become a Gold and Ivory Knight since returning to Remnant. "It makes my decision so much easier."
Weiss tilted her head curiously. "What decision is that, Winter?"
The Winter Maiden watched as the man who'd stolen her heart walked out of sight, leaving Winter to breathe a dreamy sigh before she spoke again. "Weiss. I don't know what will happen in the future. Even with these new powers I don't know what will happen the next time we meet Salem and her forces. Tomorrow is not guaranteed for anyone, and that was a harsh reality I learned all too well when I saw... when I saw you fall from that bridge."
The painful memory of watching Weiss plummet to what had surely been her death still haunted Winter to this day. Despite the fact that her sister sat alive and well in front of her, Winter would never be able to forget the sight of her falling into the void. She would never forget being able to do nothing to save her. Those memories were burned into her mind with all the searing heat of Cinder Fall's fiery attacks which had caused them. At times when she closed her eyes she could still see Weiss falling to her doom. The images still sometimes invaded her nightmares when she slept. It would take a long time to get over the horrors of what she saw that day.
Weiss leaned in across the table. "Winter..." she whispered, placing a comforting hand atop her sister's. Her voice was soft and small. Fitting for a girl who shared those same qualities.
"Which is why," Winter continued, albeit with a little bit of hesitation. This was, after all, embarrassing. Winter had never fallen for anyone before. She didn't know exactly how to act on those feelings, nor how to share them. Especially with her dear sister. Still, she pressed forward with all the strength and courage of the soldier that she was, and found her resolve to admit the truth to Weiss. "I have decided that I will not hold back anymore. The truth is, Weiss, I have become smitten by the man who has returned from the Ever After with you. The fact that he saved your life not only in Mistral, but also on that bridge, only increases his appeal to me."
Just as the memories of Weiss falling had stuck with her, so had those of Jaune trying to help Weiss get to the portal to Vacuo. He had stood in front of her, blocking those attacks from Cinder like a knight protecting his lady. Being the shield which had prevented Weiss' demise once her Aura had been broken. It was only because Cinder was such a callous and spiteful woman that she had deliberately targeted the two even while she fought against a Maiden of equal power and strength. That persistent cruelty had finally overwhelmed Jaune's ability to protect Weiss, despite his best efforts.
Winter was a maiden in more ways than one, and she possessed the heart of one as well. That heart had been moved by the sight of the dashing knight who as it turned out was a character from one of the fairy tales which Winter had read to Weiss as a child. The Rusted Knight, whom the book had described as handsome, had turned out to be just that. The warrior who had protected Alyx, and as it turned out, her brother Lewis as well, had also protected Weiss prior to becoming the character. He was a warrior, just like her. He was a protector, just like her. He was strong. Brave. And if Winter were to be completely honest with herself, an absolutely dashing and handsome man who she found appealing on the most primal levels possible. Ones she hadn't known she even possessed prior to seeing him return from the Ever After.
Weiss' reaction was one of shock. It wasn't unexpected, given the bombshell which Winter had just dropped on her. "S-Smitten?" she questioned, the word barely more than a ghost of a whisper from the surprised lips of her sister.
Winter nodded, peering down into the remaining coffee in her cup. Her cheeks burned, but it wasn't from the rising steam. "Yes, Weiss. I was quite moved by what I've seen of him, both before and after his experiences in the Ever After. Furthermore, I must admit as a woman that I find his appearance to be quite appealing."
"Well, yes, I agree with that..."
She was happy that her sister was so understanding. Despite the tumultuous past between the two, Winter was glad that she would have Weiss' blessing in moving forward with the pursuit of Jaune.
"But you can't!"
Or... maybe not?
Winter glanced up to see Weiss' eyes had grown sharper. Her lips curled down into something between a pout and a frown. Her hands had balled into fists which rested atop the table. Weiss, to Winter's surprise, did not look happy at this turn of events. In fact, if Winter didn't know any better, she appeared... jealous?
"I'm sorry?" Winter asked, seeking clarification over why Weiss had suddenly become so hostile to the idea of her pursuing Jaune romantically.
"You... you can't," Weiss repeated, this time softer. Perhaps more ashamedly.
Winter was genuinely confused by her sister's reaction. It wasn't like her to be this disagreeable, especially over something which honestly didn't even concern her. "Weiss? Why would you say such a thing?"
Her younger sister wouldn't meet her gaze, and Weiss' frozen eyes were glued to the table before her. Her hands had clenched into fists atop it, trembling softly as the girl sought to find the courage to say what she truly felt.
"It's because... because..." Those cold blue eyes which Winter knew all too well snapped up, and Weiss stared the older sister she idolized in those same mirrored orbs of ice. "Because I saw him first!"
That... had not been the answer Winter was expecting. As an answer, it in fact only raised more questions. "Excuse me?"
Weiss took a deep breath and pressed on with her explanation. "I'm sorry, Winter, but Jaune's heart already belongs to another." Both her voice and her demeanor grew stronger by the second, and Weiss sat proud and upright as she stared down her older sister. "To me."
Winter's eyes narrowed suspiciously on the girl who challenged her. "Did you not just say that Jaune was no longer romantically interested in you? That he had moved on?"
"Yes, but that was before he became so..." Her strength wavered. "So..."
The Maiden's head cocked slightly at Weiss' sudden hesitation. "So...?" she echoed, seeking clarity from the younger girl.
"So mature!" Weiss shouted, loud enough to earn the attention of those sitting at nearby tables.
Silence overtook their own table, and for long seconds the two sisters sat unspeaking and unmoving. Eventually the cafe returned to normal, and the other customers resumed their own conversations. Winter breathed a sigh, and Weiss opened her eyes to regard the woman who she was now engaged in a standoff with for the affections of a certain man in both of their lives.
"Weiss..." Winter said gently.
"He- he was interested in me first!" Weiss pressed, the gleam in her eyes more manic than anything. "Back at Beacon. He asked me out. He held me in his arms. He even serenaded me. And at Haven, he placed his hands on my chest and filled me with his white stuff!"
Winter knew the details of that particular story, and it wasn't nearly as dirty as Weiss was making it out to be. Still, she knew that the two of them did have a storied history. One that Winter herself couldn't hope to compete with. At least not yet. No, all of their memories were still waiting to be made in the future, and they wouldn't be filled with stupid and frivolous teenage drama. They were both adults. They were, as Weiss had put it, mature.
Speaking of which... "Wouldn't you say he's too old for you?" she asked her nineteen year old sister. "He's a grown man, Weiss. Have you seen his full and glorious beard?"
"Only in my dreams every night since returning from the Ever After... Besides, I'll be twenty soon, and seeing as I'm already a legal adult I'm free to date whoever I want and make whatever decisions I like. Also," she continued, casually flicking her ponytail aside with a hand. "Jaune isn't that old. Probably not a day over thirty. Certainly not some crusty old man like say, Qrow Branwen."
Indeed, Jaune, despite his mature appearance, still possessed a healthy and youthful glow in his face. Silver hair and wrinkles under his eyes could be explained by the stress he'd endured in the Ever After. After several good and peaceful nights of sleep, his eyes were already beginning to look better too.
"Still, isn't there someone closer to your age who you're interested in? What ever happened to that Neptune boy you wrote to me about when you were still attending Beacon?"
Weiss blanched, reacting as if she'd just smelled fish which had been sitting out in the sun for a week. "Ew," she spoke, verbalizing the disgust. "Please, don't remind me of that philandering playboy. The last time I saw him he was flirting with a lesbian right in front of me."
Winter's eye twitched. Well, her sister had certainly dodged a bullet there. Still...
"Besides," Weiss continued, folding her arms across her chest. "We already went to the movies together once. That's pretty much the textbook definition of a date."
"With a fourteen year old boy," she reminded her. It had only been a few minutes since Weiss mentioned that particular detail.
"I didn't say it was perfect. Besides, that just means we need to go alone next time. So it can be done properly." Weiss folded her arms across her chest, turning her head to look away from her sister. "But fine, if a movie date isn't enough, I'll have you know that I hugged him. Twice!"
A pang of jealousy stabbed at Winter's heart. Hugged him...? Surely it couldn't have been that great. Hugs were common, after all. Especially between family and friends.
"A common show of platonic affection," Winter dismissed with a wave of her hand. "The next time I see Jaune I could hug him as a part of my greeting and it would mean nothing."
Only, that wasn't true. It would mean so, so much to Winter if she could wrap her powerful yet slender arms around Jaune's muscular torso. She was playing it cool on the outside, as befitting of a woman who had been called an Ice Queen by those around her. On the inside, however, she was under the threat of melting into a puddle of warm water at the thought of embracing her crush.
Weiss leaned in, her voice lowering as her eyes narrowed. "Oh it was more than just a hug," she practically growled. "I got deep in there. I buried my face into his neck. I smelled his manly scent. And he wrapped his arms around my slender, womanly body, holding onto me for dear life like a buoy in a stormy sea." She smiled, and pale blue eyes seemed to leave this plane of existence as she sought refuge in her memories. "And then even after we had parted, his hand lingered on my waist. He didn't want to let me go, nor I him. Like lovers who knew they had to part ways, but held onto each other for every last precious moment before they were forced apart."
The vivid imagery Weiss painted was like something out of a romance novel. Like Cold Heart, Hot Love. Winter could picture the scene in her mind's eye, and her heart ached to know that Weiss had been able to touch Jaune in such a personal and intimate manner. To be held like that... to have those large hands around her thing and feminine waist... Winter wanted to feel that way too...
Forcing herself to remain calm, Winter pushed past the sensual tale her sister told. After all, it was just a tale. One from a literal fairy tale. "What happens in the Ever After stays in the Ever After," she said. "What may or may not have happened there has no bearing here in the real world."
Weiss did not seem concerned by Winter's dismissal of her experience. She smiled a smug little smirk, leaning back in her seat confidently. "Then I suppose we'll just have to make some new memories here in the real world," she decided.
Winter was normally willing to make sacrifices for her sister's happiness, but not on this occasion. She wasn't the type of woman to fall in love, and now that she finally had some of that in her life she wasn't about to give up on it easily. Besides, Weiss had numerous chances with the boy-turned-man. She'd had close to two years with him to make a move, or to accept the moves he'd made on her. She had not. Thus, Jaune was free real estate now, and Winter was all too eager to buy him up for herself.
"I'm afraid I'm going to have to put my foot down here, Weiss," she said sternly. "I outrank you, and my decision is final. I am going to romantically pursue Jaune Arc."
"I'm not even in the military!" Weiss snapped back.
"Well I am older," Winter continued. "As well as closer to Jaune's age. Obviously he would feel more comfortable being with someone closer to his age. We'll just wait and see who he decides on when we both confess to him."
Weiss' eyes narrowed on her sister, and she stood up in a huff. "Very well. We will see." She leveled a finger at the older girl, as if issuing a challenge of arms with the blade of Myrtenaster itself. "May the best Schnee win."
Winter rose to the challenge, standing up to formally accept it before nodding. "Very well. I do apologize in advance, Weiss, but I will not be holding back here."
"Neither will I," her sister agreed.
After paying for their drinks, the two sisters marched away in opposite directions, both preparing themselves for the battles which were to come. Hopefully it would be a quick and easy war, with minimal heartbreak for her dear little sister.
It seemed as if Weiss would need to step up her game, and she would not be found wanting. So their movie date in Atlas hadn't counted because Oscar had accompanied them? So be it! She would just have to go out with Jaune alone this time!
Luckily for her, Vacuo was still a functioning kingdom. Its service industry still functioned, in spite of the entire world mobilizing for war. Movie theaters, restaurants, even street vendors still operated. It was perfect for a young woman like her itching to show her date a good time.
Jaune had agreed to see a movie together without hesitation. Even now, sitting in the darkened theater next to her, he seemed at ease. Weiss' occasional sideways glance to him showed his eyes glued to the large screen before them, and he would frequently munch on the popcorn from the bucket they shared between them.
She'd chosen a romance movie, hoping to help get Jaune into the mood for when she confessed. However, she knew that he was a bit on the dense side at times. His lack of awareness when it had come to Pyrrha only cemented that for her. As such, Weiss would need to be proactive in order to move things along.
Her nimble fingers slowly crept across the armrest like a spider approaching its prey. When she was within striking distance, Weiss took her hand in his, interlocking both their fingers. She peered up into his face when he turned his attention toward her obvious show of affection.
She smiled up at him, and to her relief, he smiled back at her. Neither said a word. Nothing more needed to be said.
Shifting her body, Weiss moved to lean her head against his shoulder. Sitting in a movie theater seat may not have been the most comfortable place in the world, but right now with her hand on his and her head on his body, it may as well have been like sitting on a cloud. It was so comfortable. So relaxing. So much so that she could just... could just...
Weiss closed her eyes as she basked in the warm feeling of being this close to Jaune.
The next thing she knew, the world exploded in light, and she heard his gentle voice as a hand shook her awake.
"Weiss?" he asked. "Weiss?"
Blue eyes opened to the stinging light of... a completely empty theater. She could see everything around her, including the black screen devoid of a picture. She blinked in confusion a few times as she sought to gather her senses.
"Wha... what happened?" she asked, grogginess still in her voice when she spoke.
"You fell asleep," he said. Thankfully there was no anger in his tone. Weiss didn't know why she even thought there might be. "The movie ended about fifteen minutes ago."
Sitting upright now, Weiss blinked as she glanced around some more. Yeah, everyone had gone home already. They were the only two still in the theater. How long had she been out for? An hour? At least?
She stood up, stretching as she cleared the cobwebs from her brain. "I'm sorry."
Jaune stood up next to her, his towering height a good foot taller than her. He peered down with an amused smirk. "Don't be. It was actually pretty funny. Plus I got to see a more relaxed and vulnerable side of you."
She was relieved to hear that. The last thing she needed right now was for Jaune to be turned off by her. Thankfully he didn't seem upset about the fact that she had fallen asleep during the movie she'd insisted they go and see.
As for seeing the relaxed and vulnerable side of her... Weiss pondered the reality of the situation. She had fallen asleep and wound up completely at the mercy of the man who accompanied her on this movie date. Jaune had not been found wanting. He had looked after her until she'd woken up.
Weiss had a type. It wasn't that she was attracted to older men, but rather she was attracted to maturity. Dependability. She found those who were able to provide for and protect others appealing. Maybe it was some kind of primitive, cavewoman brain mindset which was instinctual. Whatever the case, what Weiss had seen from Jaune since reuniting at Haven Academy was eye-opening. Gone was the immature and irresponsible boy from Beacon. Even without his time in the Ever After, he had grown into a reliable man who would do anything for his friends. Anything for her.
Haven... the bridge... he'd saved her life twice. He cared for her deeply, even if only as a friend. Once he had seen her in a romantic light, where she had not seen him in the same way. Now the tables were turned. The only question now was, could she reignite the fire in his heart which had once burned for her?
"At least you didn't drool," he continued. "But even if you did, that would still be pretty great."
Drool and great were not two words which Weiss thought should be in the same sentence. Still, Jaune was being a good sport about even that.
So, he enjoyed seeing a more relaxed and vulnerable side of her? Weiss could work with that.
As the two exited the theater into the surprisingly cool night air of Vacuo, Weiss covered her mouth as she yawned. Her legs plodded forward slowly, and intentionally so. She began to trail behind Jaune even more so than someone of her stature normally would. Jaune was quick to realize this, and halted before turning back.
"Weiss?" he asked, concern lacing his tone. "Are you alright?"
She blinked exaggeratedly, stifling another yawn. "I'm just so tired," she lied. "Falling asleep on you... it was very comfortable. I feel as though I'm ready for bed and can barely walk anymore."
Jaune's eyes moved up and down her body for a few seconds before he nodded. Then, closing the gap between them, he reached out and scooped Weiss up in his arms, with one supporting her back and the other beneath her knees.
Weiss hummed a squeak as Jaune picked her up as easily as he would a child, and held her close to his chest as he began to walk back to Shade Academy.
"This is fine, right?" he half stated, half questioned.
His time in the Ever After had done more than age him physically. He was more assertive now. More confident. And, to an extent, some of the restraints which might inhibit a normal person had been unleashed. In the Ever After, if he would have needed to move something or someone, he would have picked them up without hesitation. Here with her, he was doing that very same thing.
Weiss, for her part, was happy with the result. Jaune was a literal, literary, fairy tale knight. She would play up the role of the princess for him to dote on all she could. Doing so would certainly earn his attention, right?
She hummed in a fake weary tone, nuzzling her face against his chest as he carried her. "Yes..." she murmured.
Basking in the feeling of being carried in the Rusted Knight's arms, Weiss stayed conscious and awake the entire trip back. It was just like something out of the story which she'd read as a child. Once upon a time she'd wished that the Rusted Knight would come and whisk her away from her home. From her father. Maybe dreams really did come true. Right now, here in the Rusted Knight's, in Jaune's arms, she could be in no better place.
She didn't say a word until he'd finally come upon the dorm room in the academy in which she and her family stayed. Then, to her eternal regret, Jaune earned her attention to see if she had fallen asleep once more.
"You up, Weiss?" he asked softly.
Weiss pulled away from his chest, the dim and mellow lights of the hallway stinging her eyes as she opened them for the first time since being taken up in his arms.
"Yes..." she answered.
"Okay. We're here."
He set Weiss back down on her feet, and for a moment the two lingered there. Was he going to kiss her good night? After all, that's what a normal couple would do if they were on a date. Then again, she hadn't made it explicitly clear that it was a romantic date. So should she do it then? Should she reach up on the tips of her toes to plant a peck on his rugged and manly lips?
"Well, good night," he said, smiling before turning.
Weiss reached out with a hand as he walked away, wanting to say something or even chase after him in order to get her kiss, but in the end she exercised restraint. No, this had been a good evening. Good progress. Atlas hadn't been built in a day, and neither would a deep and lasting relationship with the man she loved.
Taking a deep breath and accepting her progress as victory, Weiss swiped her scroll on the electronic lock and entered her room. Only Winter was inside. Her mother and brother must have been out doing something.
"You're back late," Winter commented, looking up from a datapad she had been reading prior to her sister's return. Undoubtedly something related to the defense of the kingdom, based on her current duties.
"I," Weiss began, moving through the room nonchalantly as she spoke. Sitting down, she began removing her boots so that she could prepare for bed. "Was out on a date with Jaune."
Though words were not said, Weiss could feel Winter bristle at what she'd said. The air seemed suddenly colder, and it wasn't as a result of her Maiden powers.
"A date," her older sister echoed.
"Yes," Weiss confirmed in a happy, playful voice. "In fact, I slept with him."
The sound of the datapad hitting the table was like a thunderclap, and Weiss turned to see Winter standing up from her seat. "You what?"
Amused at her sister's jealous reaction, Weiss was quick to clarify her intentionally misleading words. "Well, I slept on him. I fell asleep in the movie theater, resting my head on his shoulder. It was wonderful."
The dark, bemused chuckle was not at all how she'd expected Winter to respond. "That sounds more like a disaster," she disagreed. "Imagine what the poor man will think. You were so bored with him that you actually fell asleep on your date. How embarrassing."
"Or," Weiss countered, raising a finger for emphasis. "I was so comfortable around him and trusted him so much that I could let my guard down and use his body as a pillow. He was a brave and gallant knight providing for his princess."
"Just because you wear a tiara does not make you a princess."
"It's a hair pin," Weiss clarified, removing the silver ornamental piece from her hair and letting it flow freely down her back. "And no, wearing it doesn't make me a princess. Being treated like one does. I feigned weariness after the movie, and he princess-carried me back to Shade. There's no feeling quite like being so properly attended to in the capable arms of another."
Winter's eyes narrowed. "That's playing dirty."
"I'm merely using my assets to my advantage," Weiss argued. She slipped out of her clothes and into a nightgown in mere moments. "Your height and bust may be superior to mine, but it can't compare to the feeling of carrying a dainty, five-foot-nothing woman in his strong, manly arms. Jaune wants to be the brave hero who takes care of the ones he treasures. I can provide that for him."
Satisfied with her victory for the night, Weiss laid down on her bed, grabbing her scroll to do a little bit of reading before bed. Maybe a bit of chatting too. She wondered if she should tell Ruby or Yang about this. Maybe Yang could even offer some advice.
"Well congratulations," Winter snarled, the words and tone not at all in harmony. "I hope you're happy with yourself."
Internally, she was. Externally, she needed to continue to play it a little more coy and cool. "Thank you, Winter. You're most magnanimous."
She heard Winter hum, and as Weiss looked up from her scroll, she could see that Winter's were back on the datapad she'd been reading earlier.
"We'll see, Weiss," she said ominously. "We'll see."
That night, Weiss fell asleep both content with how the night had played out, but cautious over Winter's foreboding words.
So, Weiss wanted to compete for real, did she? So be it. She may have had tricks up her sleeves, but so did her dear older sister.
It was true that Weiss had her own strengths, ones which Winter could never hope to compete with. While Weiss stood around five feet without her heeled boots, Winter was five-foot-eight with the same restriction. Weiss was indeed tiny and dainty, a perfectly sized young woman to be tended to by a tall, strong man like Jaune. However, that tiny physique left her lacking in certain areas compared to Winter.
Glancing down at the white, low-cut tank top she wore, Winter smirked knowingly. Here were two things she had over her little sister.
Winter waited in the gymnasium of Shade Academy, clad in tight-fitting, revealing clothing. There was nothing out of place about it, however. After all, she was here to work out. The top she wore revealed her cleavage, while the black workout shorts emphasized her toned rear. It was what all the girls wore to the gym these days, and Winter would be no different. She did, however, have intentions beyond working out.
Weiss had shared what she'd learned of Jaune's experience in the Ever After. How he had suffered years of trauma. How he had been forced to live with his failure to protect Penny on that bridge. Isolated and alone for so long, he had developed an unhealthy obsession with protecting the denizens of the fairy tale world. Even from themselves. Jaune had gone through so much in his attempts to protect others, and what he needed most of all was someone who could free him from the burden of being forced to protect others. Someone who could protect herself.
Someone who could protect him as well.
Look no further than the Winter Maiden. Even before inheriting these powers, Winter was a highly-skilled Huntress. An Atlesian Specialist. Now that she did possess the powers of a Maiden, she was a force on par with Cinder. She could look after herself, and she could certainly protect anyone she placed under her care.
Today, she would prove that to Jaune. She would show him just how strong, as well as how physically appealing, she was.
The door opened, and in entered the man of her dreams. Wearing a baggy white t-shirt of his own and loose black shorts, the pair resembled each other in their attire in all but how tightly it clung to their bodies. It was a shame that she was unable to check out certain areas of his body like he would be able to on her, but Winter pushed the thought from her mind. All in good time.
"Sorry I'm late," he said, offering a guilty smile as he neared. "Honestly, it's kind of refreshing to be able to be late. After years and years of waking up at dawn every day with lives on the line..."
Normally Winter was a stickler for punctuality, but in this context it was understandable. Tardiness was a luxury for this man. One he had lived without for many years.
"It's quite alright," Winter dismissed honestly. "I'm pleased you've agreed to spar with me. I could use a workout with a man of your... caliber."
It wasn't just that Jaune was good-looking. He had become a powerful warrior in his own right. Although he no longer had the services of what had been described as a gigantic bunny with antlers, Jaune was still capable with a sword. Though here and now, Winter didn't plan on swinging blades with him. No, she intended to grapple with him in unarmed hand-to-hand combat.
"I just hope I can keep up with a Maiden. Just to be sure, we're not going all out, right? No fireballs or magical ice or anything?"
Winter smiled gently. "No magic at all. No Semblances either. Just raw, honest, hand-to-hand combat."
"Sounds like a plan," he agreed, extending an arm across his chest to stretch it. "Gotta stay in shape and be prepared for the worst. Never know when your sword might break like mine did all those years ago."
All those years ago. To Winter it had been mere months. She wanted nothing more than to grab this man, wrestle him to the ground, and hold him. He deserved no less than the most aggressive cuddling possible.
Witnessing him stretch gave Winter an idea. Sitting down on the padded floor, she beckoned him to come over with a hand. "Jaune, will you please help me stretch?"
Thinking nothing of the request, Jaune nodded and approached her. "Sure. What did you need help with?"
Winter laid on her back, and gently lifted her right leg up. "Hamstrings and calves, please," she said.
He nodded once more, and Jaune grasped her bare leg, lifting it up completely perpendicular to her body. Winter moaned softly in delight at the feeling of not only her muscles being properly stretched out, but Jaune's touch as well.
"Mmm, that feels wonderful," she purred. In this position Jaune would have a superb opportunity to check out her backside. At her slightly exposed midriff as the tank top crept up her torso.
"Good, glad to hear," he said earnestly. After a few seconds he set that leg down and took the other. "Other leg," he all but ordered.
Winter was all too eager to comply, and once more the satisfying feeling of being thoroughly stretched out filled her body. Seeing Jaune on his knees above her, she thought of another stretching exercise on the spot.
"Bend my knee and push it back to my chest," she ordered in turn. "It's a back stretching exercise."
"Oh, alright."
Doing as he was told, Jaune pushed Winter's knee back until it pressed down against her ample bust. In doing so Jaune leaned in close above her and between her legs. From Winter's perspective, it was as if... as if...
"You okay, Winter?" he asked. "We've barely even started and your face seems kinda flushed."
He released his hold on her, and Winter's hands came up to her cheeks. They burned. She could only imagine what her pale complexion must look like to him.
"I'm fine," she insisted. Taking the opportunity to retreat and redeploy, Winter stood up, having gotten her fill from the stretching exercises. "Now then, shall we begin?"
Jaune stood up as well, and assumed what Winter could best describe as an untrained, amateur fighting pose. "Sure thing. You lead the way."
She smirked at the invitation. Yes, that was exactly what Jaune needed. A strong woman who could lead. One who would not be reliant on his protection, but one who would be able to protect him. Jaune would never need to go through the trauma and heartbreak of losing someone he couldn't look out for ever again.
With her knees slightly bent, Winter brought her hands up to protect her face and torso. She didn't want to strike Jaune, and especially not in his handsome face. No, what they needed right now was some good, old-fashioned, wrestling.
She closed the distance with him in a flash, and the two locked up. Jaune was strong, and that alone threatened to make Winter weak in the knees, but he was all raw strength and no technique. Her leg lashed out like a viper, sweeping Jaune's feet out from under him and sending him to the floor on his back.
Winter of course came down with him, and after straddling his waist she grabbed him by the wrists and pinned them down above his head. She leaned in close to him, bending as far forward as she could so that he could get a glimpse down her low-cut top.
"I win," she growled, knowing that she'd just won here in more ways than one.
Jaune struggled for a few seconds, but after realizing that he would be unable to free himself from beneath her despite her relative light weight, he gave up and his head fell back to the mat. "I submit."
Those two words sent a shudder through Winter's body. She never knew she needed to hear a man say those words to her more than she did now.
"Good boy," she said, her tongue poking out to wet her lips. "Round two."
The pair stood up and readied themselves for another go. Jaune was more wary this time, clearly not wanting a repeat of what had happened when they'd last grappled. What a pity too, because Winter had quite enjoyed the view.
Jaune went in low this time, trying to tackle Winter at the waist. He actually succeeded, using his superior size and bulk to his advantage to take her down. What he hadn't counted on, however, was that her legs would wrap around his upper torso and neck, trapping him in her vice-like grip.
Despite having succeeded in taking her down, Winter's powerful legs were in control. She squeezed around him tightly as he struggled, and from her vantage point on her back, she saw how the two of them had thrashed about on the floor until both of her legs were firmly around his neck. And how his head was between her...
Winter squeezed her thighs together instinctively at the thought of him being in such a position, and that was finally too much for the man. Jaune tapped out, slapping her thigh a few times with his palm, causing her to release him. Though she had won once more, Winter was left breathless this time due to the position the two of them had wound up in.
Jaune was first to get up, and he offered a hand down to her while she still struggled to mentally recover from seeing his head between her legs. She took it gratefully, and Jaune pulled her to her feet with surprising ease.
"I thought I had you there," he smiled, shaking his head slightly in disappointment.
I thought I had you there, her mind echoed. "It was a fine attempt, but you have a long way to go when it comes to hand-to-hand combat. We should practice every day." She blinked. "That is, if you have the time to spare."
"I think I could manage. This is a lot of fun."
Oh trust me, I think so too. "Well if you're eager we have no reason to stop yet. Are you up for a few more rounds?"
Jaune smiled, and with seemingly limitless energy assumed a fighting stance once more. "I can do this all day."
Winter smiled in turn, flashing a glint of teeth with a predatory grin. "That's what I like to hear. I love a man with stamina."
She spent the next hour manhandling Jaune and pinning him underneath her.
When Winter returned to her family's dorm she felt like she was on top of the world. That world's name just happened to be Jaune. To be fair, she'd spent quite a lot of time defeating him in the gymnasium. If it were possible to summon other human beings with her Semblance, she would be able to conjure up an army of Jaunes with how many times she'd defeated him.
Finding Weiss alone in the room, Winter shut the door before sniffing underneath her armpits. She'd worked up quite a sweat today and was in desperate need of a shower. Her workout clothes would need a wash before using them again the next time she and Jaune trained.
"You look like a mess," Weiss said bluntly. "What were you doing?"
"Who, me?" Winter asked innocently. "Oh nothing too important, sister. I just spent the last hour alone with Jaune getting sweaty and filthy."
Weiss glanced up from her scroll, icy blue eyes wide as saucers. "What!" she practically screeched.
Smirking to herself, Winter kept the act up. "Yes, I was quite rough with him, but he offered no complaints while I was atop him. I pinned him down to the floor and had my way with him."
Her younger sister's face twisted with disgust at what was admittedly an intentionally inaccurate and vivid picture. Slowly, however, color returned to Weiss' already pale skin, and her eyes narrowed accusingly at Winter.
"I get it," she growled. "You trained with him. You sparred."
"I did," Winter admitted freely.
Folding her arms across her chest, Weiss harrumphed, glancing away as she continued. "There's no reason to be so vulgar when all you did was train together. There was nothing sexual about it."
"He did, however, get many long and clear looks at my cleavage while underneath me."
Weiss' eyes honed in on Winter's top. More specifically where the edge of the fabric met her bustline. Pale blue eyes narrowed again. "And you said I played dirty."
Winter shrugged nonchalantly. "You have your strengths, Miss Slim and Dainty Princess. I have mine. Jaune may pamper you like the innocent and helpless girl you are, but today I showed him what a true warrior was capable of. A true partner. A true woman. He will never feel like he has to protect me. On the contrary, I will protect him."
"Oh really?" Weiss objected, standing up and stomping over to where Winter stood. "First of all, I'm far from helpless. And second, do you really believe he does not see me as a woman?"
"I believe that you are... still growing, Weiss."
"I'm nearly twenty!"
Winter hummed, her eyes running up and down Weiss' slender and admittedly beautiful feminine frame. "Well then... maybe that's as... big as you will get."
"I'll have you know," Weiss snarled, poking a finger into her sister's chest. "That I am just as appealing as you are when it comes to physical appearance."
"You are," Winter admitted. "Albeit, in a different way."
"Different is not worse, and I'll prove it."
Winter raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And how do you propose we do that?"
Weiss folded her arms across her chest once more. "Tomorrow, we're going to the oasis. Since we don't have a beach in the middle of Vacuo, it will have to do as a substitute."
"And what would we accomplish by going there?"
"You and I," Weiss explained, the outrage on her lips curling into a grin. "Are going to don our finest swimwear, and we're going to take Jaune with us. You say he doesn't see me as a woman, but I can assure you that his eyes will be drawn to my slim waist and ample posterior."
A swimsuit contest? Was Weiss actually suggesting such a thing? Even if not in name, in practice, she and her sister would be flaunting their assets around trying to earn the attention of the man they both desired. It was tasteless. It was vulgar. It was demeaning. And yet...
She would not back down. Not when Weiss had thrown down the gauntlet in such a manner. If she wanted to see who Jaune would favor more with his lustful eyes, then so be it.
"Very well," Winter agreed. "Tomorrow the three of us will travel to the oasis under the guise of a well-deserved and relaxing day off." She extended her hand to her sister, for despite the two of them being in competition with one another, they were still sisters. She still loved Weiss dearly. "May the best Schnee win."
Weiss took and shook her hand. Yes, despite the newfound disagreement between the two, she still respected and adored her older sister.
"May the best Schnee win, Winter," she echoed.
Come tomorrow, Jaune would get more of an eyeful of the two sisters than anyone ever had before.
Author's Note: I've been in a bit of a writing rut since volume 9 ended. In order to try and get out of it, I decided to try something in order to jump start my inspiration. My go-to's are to write either something stupid, or something which has never been done before. Well, there's no story tagged Jaune x Weiss x Winter on this website, I haven't seen anyone write the two Schnee sisters fight over Rusted Knight Jaune, and this whole idea is pretty stupid. So it meets all of the criteria!
This is planned to be a two part story, so be on the lookout for part two coming soon.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the beginning to this random weirdness. I know I enjoyed writing it.
As always, thanks for reading.