Hey everyone! This chapter... well, kinda got me in the feels a bit, I admit. It just felt right to go with the flow in my story so, hope you all like it! I'm gonna skip the review responses this time, but I'll definitely do it next chapter. Alright, let's get into it!
Disclaimer: RWBY is owned by RoosterTeeth
Remnant's Greatest Loser
Chapter 9
Loss of Self-Doubt Part Two
A buzzing sound was the first thing Jaune's ears picked up as the rest of him slowly woke from a dreamless slumber. His mind dimly recognized the buzzing was coming from his scroll, which was charging on the nightstand. He absentmindedly tapped it to make it stop, not realizing by doing so he hit the 'answer' button.
A familiar high pitched voice rang out from the device, reminding him of their sessions online somewhat.
"Jaaaaauuuuuuunnne! Good morni- hey wait, I can't see you. Are in the bathroom, 'draining your lizard' again?"
Even though his eyes were still closed, he could just imagine his bestie doing quotation mark gestures while poorly imitating his voice. It made him snort automatically.
"Hey! I heard that! Don't hide from me Jaune, I bet your not even out of bed are you!"
A zombie like groan came from Jaune's throat, playing up how tired he was by just a bit.
A heavy sigh came from the handset.
"Alright, considering that you did kinda pass out last night in front of the station, which was totally YANG'S FAULT!" She said the last part louder for her sister to hear he assumed.
Jaune heard a soft "I said I was sorry gawd!" in the background.
Jaune remembered passing out not long after using his last reserves of aura to outrun Yang(which didn't work, she still got me in that headlock)
He remembered Ruby getting her off of him and them bickering over how tired he was and what constitutes as teasing and excessive force.
He was already slipping away before their argument got any more heated, them looking to him to see who was right.
What he wasn't awake for (Which Ruby and somewhat Yang filled him in on)was Taiyang scolding Yang for needless roughhousing and both girls for making a scene in front of the police station. Tai carried Jaune on the Bullhead with his daughters meekly following behind.
Didn't stop them from sending glares at each other while they spared concerned looks for Jaune and ashamed looks when their dad caught them glaring.
They made it to the Valean Valley Hotel moments later, the receptionist kindly leading them to Jaune's room where they left him to sleep the mild aura exhaustion off. All three apologized to the receptionist for the trouble, especially Yang(Who was almost embarrassed to tears by the whole thing) The trio left for home afterwards, hoping he would be okay the next day.
"Sooo yeaaaahhh, that's what happened."
Ruby's sheepish voice caught him up on things, which he was grateful for.
"That explains why I slept in my clothes then," Jaune replied in a low, husky morning voice which got an eep from Ruby.
It got more of a reaction from Yang though, who was a bit closer to the mic this time.
"Damn loser, you sound kinda hot when you talk like that!"
"However hot he sounds is irrelevant to this conversation!"
"Hah! So you admit he sounds hot! Caught in 4k Rubes!"
"N-no, that wasn't.. I didn't mean... It was just... Yaaaannnng!"
Jaune chuckled to himself as he heard the sounds of Yang's cackling and Ruby's frustrated grunts and growls, showing they're 'sisterly bonding time' had begun.
Making sure to keep out of the camera's view on his scroll, he brought the scroll with him to the bathroom, preparing to take a shower. Through the girl's rough housing, Yang's slightly strained voice came through the speaker.
"Hey l-loser, watcha doin' huh? Looks like you're in the bathroom!"
Jaune chuckled as he stripped down.
"Nothing weird I promise, just gonna take a shower real quick."
Ruby's slightly panicked voice broke through.
"W-what? Does that mean you're..."
"Naked? Oh yeah."
Ruby squeaked loudly in response as Yang wolf whistled.
"C'mon loser, don't be a tease! Show us some skin!"
"Nope, I just wanted to keep you on the line since I'll only be a few minutes."
"Aw c'mon!/Thank goodness!" Ruby and Yang had completely opposite reactions, however, Ruby didn't end the call either so...
Then again, neither did Jaune, so one supposes no one is entirely innocent in this situation.
Ruby, Yang and Jaune continue to have idle chatter as Jaune prepared himself for the day, keeping himself out of the camera view till he was fully dressed. Yang had gone off to busy herself back in her room after awhile.
"Soooo, your uh, still coming over right?"
Ruby was poking her fingers together, eyes glancing up at Jaune and back down in nervousness.
Jaune looks at her, adjusting his black hooded trench coat with gold trim.
"You ok?"
"Y-yeah I'm good! Just... after what happened last night..."
(Ah, she thinks I might change my mind after all that craziness.)
Jaune smiled gently at her.
"Of course I'm still coming. What kinda bestie would I be if I turned you down after that awesome speech at the police station?"
Ruby blushed darkly at the memory, pulling her hood over her head.
"I still don't know where all that came from! It was soooo embarrassing! You won't tell anyone else about that right? Please don't tell?"
Jaune put his right hand on his heart and his left hand facing forward.
"I'll swear on the grave of my grandfather if you want me to."
Ruby shook her head rapidly.
"Y-you don't need to do that! I believe you..."
She pulled her hood back down and her eyes shone with happiness.
"You won't regret this Jaune! We'll make sure you're ready for Monday, you'll see!"
The Bullhead ride to Patch wasn't as long as Domremy was to Vale, only taking about 15 minutes or so. Jaune felt a little nervous, despite meeting everyone (besides the Amazing Uncle Crow, Ruby's words) already. Maybe it was due to actually sparring with all of them. He still doubted he would fare well against any of the specialized group.
However, a part of him was also excited, wanting to test his skills against them without it being a life or death struggle for once. He did train against his teachers of course, but this wasn't the same. He would be squaring off with aura users his own age, seeing how he stacked up and how far he'd need to go.
(Time to put my 'loser' mindset to work.)
As he got closer to the landing dock, he could just make out a few specks in the distance. A tan one, a yellow one, and a red one. A smile forming across his face as the specks became more like people he recognized.
Taiyang was fully defined first, standing casually with his hands in his pant pockets, easygoing smile ever present. Next to him was his eldest daughter Yang, one hand over her eyes to get the morning sun out, squinting a bit, then pointing in his direction, beginning to wave. Next to her was the youngest sister and planner of this whole event, Ruby herself, who was stimming in place, looking like she would vibrate through the ground any second, then jumping up and down, waving both arms as her eyes landed on her bestie.
"Jaaaaaauuuunnnne!"
"Welcome to Patch loser!"
Hey there Jau-, hey wait, loser? Why d'ya call him that SunnyD?"
"It's a Xiao-Looooong story dad!"
"That's my girl."
"Uuuuuugggggghhh that physically hurts!"
Jaune actually laughed at the family comedy act, Ruby being the straight woman to their terrible puns must be a usual thing.
Jaune stepped off the vehicle and headed to them. Once he was close enough, the little reaper Rose Rushed around him in a circle for a moment before ramming into his left side.
"Jaune you caaaaammme! I can't wait toshowyoumyroomandworkshopandgamesandEEP!"
Her flow of almost gibberish was promptly cut off as Yang pulled her back by her cloak.
"Cool your jets Rubes," Yang said, her eyes almost entirely blue as she smiled happily at the situation.
Jaune sent her a knowing grin.(Guess what we talked about last night is really sinking in during moments like these. See Yang? You're still the best Big Sister to her.)
Yang noticed this, sending a warm knowing smile right back. "Shouldn't we give Jaune some time to settle in first before you jump him with word vomit?"
Ruby chuckled nervously as she poked her fingers together.
"Y-your right Big Sis, it's just that.. well... I've never had a friend come over before y'know?"
Taiyang had to fight to keep his composure, watching the cuteness of his little girl as she talked about her first friend. (If only you could see her now... Summer. She's growing up and out of the shadow you left behind. You'd be proud of her.) His heart ached, wetnesses pricking his eyes for a moment before he snapped out of it.
Tai stepped forward, clapping Jaune on the back. "Good to see you again kid. I hope you slept alright?"
"Oh yeah, the aura exhaustion.."
Jaune glanced at the girls, who both winced at that, especially Yang.
The blond bombshell looked almost as timid as her sister, fidgeting under Tai's mild glare.
"You did apologize for that right Yang?"
"Y-yeah.."
"While he was conscious?"
"I-I did, over Ruby's scro- you know what, I'll just do it right now! Always better in person right?!"
Yang strode up to Jaune, face blushing red in embarrassment, right hand gripping her yellow scarf.
She bowed at a perfect 90 degree angle, causing Jaune to back up a little in shock.
I-I'M SORRY! I WENT TOO FAR LAST NIGHT AND I FEEL SH-CRAPPY ABOUT IT!"
Even Ruby felt sorry for her with an apology like that, which went double for Jaune.
He waved his hands awkwardly, not at all comfortable with being bowed to.
"H-hey c'mon please raise your upper half, it's alright, apology accepted water under the bridge n'stuff!"
Yang slowly raised herself back up, face still red and eyes shut. She slowly opened one eye, still looking a little worried.
"R-really?"
Jaune gave her an easy smile.
"Of course Yang, I know you didn't mean for that to happen, no worries."
Yang looked back to her father and sister, who both nodded at her with approval.
Letting out a sigh of relief, Yang looked back to her friend, an uncertain question in her eyes.
"Can I... uh..?
"You wanna hug me huh."
Yang nodded rapidly, blond curls whipping about her face.
Jaune gave a fake put upon look.
"Alright, if you insist, just not too-Oof!"
Yang zoomed into his arms, almost as fast as Ruby, her face buried in the crook of his shoulder.
"I... really didn't mean to hurt you Jaune," She murmured, hugging him a little tighter.
Jaune patted her back softly in response. "I know you didn't, it's ok."
"H-hey, I don't wanna be left out!"
Jaune felt a soft bump against his left side again as Ruby hugged him properly this time(first time didn't count!)
"Well now, might as well make this awkward situation into a full group hug eh?"
Jaune felt two more arms join the hug on his right to make a complete circle.
"It's good to know you pulled through kid. I barely know you, but anyone who means as much as you do to my little girls... deserves to be seen as family by me."
For a moment, images of his parents flashed through his mind. (How long has it been... how many years since either of them... hugged me like this?"
Realizing he didn't remember anymore, caused Jaune's eyes to tear up instantly.
Ruby was the first to notice, feeling wetness drop on her cheek. She looked up in confusion.
"Jaune? What's ... oh..."
She fell silent as she saw tears streaming down her bestie's face.
Yang and Taiyang pulled back a bit in concern.
"Jaune?"
"You ok kid?"
Jaune tried to blink the tears away, but they wouldn't stop.
"W-when you all hugged me like that... I remembered my parents and... I realized I can't ... I can't remember them hugging me like that... not since... not since I..."
Jaune fell to his knees, Ruby being the first to catch him before his face hit the floor, no longer able to hold back the despair he felt deep in his heart.
"Not since I told them... told them I wanted to be a huntsman... 10... 10 years? They've never hugged me since... I c-can't remember them doing it before either... why can't I remember... why..." Jaune's words gave way to wracking sobs as he gripped onto Ruby's cloak, now crying openly.
"Oh Jaune..."
Ruby held him close to her chest, her fingers gently going through his hair, hoping to do anything to ease his pain.
Taiyang looked almost horrified at the display, turning to his eldest for an explanation.
"W-what the hell is he talking about?"
Yang turned to her father, her eyes red as blood as she spoke.
"Ready for that long story dad?"
While no one was looking, Ruby's eyes began to glow brightly for just a moment. Images and feelings of her dear friend suffering filled her mind as she held hm just a bit tighter, the desire to protect him burning strongly in her heart.
With Jaune's permission, Yang told Taiyang about his issues with his parents, how they treated him at just 6 years old, and the ensuing fallout thereafter.
Once Jaune was able to move, they made the rather short trek to The Xiao-Long household, Yang finishing the explanation as they went inside, Ruby and Jaune first, the shorter girl stuck to him like glue. She refused to leave his side while he was so despondent. Insisting he lay on the family couch in the living room, his head in her lap.
Any weak protests by the somber youth were immediately shut down as he saw her determined, slightly glowing gaze.
"No bestie of mine is gonna break down in front of me like that and not be soothed by yours truly," She said quietly but firmly as she gently brushed a few stray locks out of his eyes.
"B-but I, I don't-"
"Don't what? Don't deserve it? That's it isn't it. Why you constantly doubt, why you don't have much self-worth? Your parents they... they... they stole it from you!"
Jaune's eyes widened at that, not wanting to accept, not wanting to believe it but...
"B-but I.. I'm wrong aren't I? I went against their wishes, I lied, still lying to them even now, I.. I'm not a good son..." They said those things cuz they love me... don't they?"
Jaune's eyes were tearing up again, his gaze breaking, pleading for an answer she couldn't give, her own heart aching for him, looking to the rest of her family for help.
Yang and her father sat across from them on the other couch. Yang had her fists clenched, her hair raising and falling at random, eyes burning red with rage. Taiyang kept an arm on her shoulder, barely keeping her in check as he thought on what to say. He looked up then, his face much older than it usually looked.
"They do Jaune... they love you. But it's not the right kind of love. The funny thing is... or should I say horrifying... is that for a time... I thought of being the same way. I can actually see myself in them, especially in the early days after Summer..."
He sighed and shook his head.
"The point is, love can take many different forms. The form it took for your parents... was created from the fear... of loss. They lost loved ones as Hunters, almost lost you as a baby... the fear from that loss can fester, make it into something... ugly. Debilitating, and in your case, Abusive."
Jaune slowly turned toward the man, eyes wide and frightened. "A-abusive? B-but they never-"
"Hit you, right? There's more to abuse than just being physical. There's verbal, like what they said to you. There's... n-neglect. Which they're less guilty of, but it's still there. And it's something I was guilty of too before Qrow set me straight. " Taiyang shook at that a little until he felt Yang's hand touch his shoulder.
"We've forgiven you for that dad."
Her eyes were still mostly red, but she's calmed down a bit, her hair no longer ablaze.
"Yeah," Ruby chimed in, her voice soft as she continued to stroke Jaune's fringes gently.
"We just hope you can forgive yourself now. We notice you still mope sometimes."
Taiyang smiled sadly at his daughters.
"It's tough goin, but I'm working on it. Which brings this full circle to you Jaune."
"Huh?"
"Despite what you've been lead to believe, you are more than deserving of being loved. Sure, you are lying to your parents, and I'm sure they'll find out soon enough, if they don't already know from the news coverage of that fight."
Jaune flinched at that, Ruby instinctively holding him closer to herself with worry.
"Dad!"
Taiyang winced at that and sighed. Even Yang gave him a mild glare for that one.
"Yeah, sorry about that. But hey, at least it won't be a surprise later. And honestly, it might be best if you confront them head on with it anyway."
Jaune looked more fragile than ever, eyes downcast.
"I know... that terrifies me the most."
"Then you won't be gong alone."
Ruby's slightly glowing eyes bored into his, her desire to protect showing through.
"Wh-"
"Ruby's got the right idea Jaune. Cuz I'll be going too."
Yang's gaze was steady, her eyes a dark purple now, looking at him with a reassuring, yet fierce smile.
"wh-why? why all of this for..." his voice petered out, knowing why but having a hard time believing it.
"Because you're our family too Jaune. Is it so weird that I see you as a bestie and a big brother? How could I not? You inspire me with how hard you work, how you don't give up, how you've been there for me and my sister whenever we needed you... and you've been that for 4 years now."
Ruby's own eyes started to tear up at her own admission.
"And when I see you hurting, suffering like this, how can I not do everything I can to be there for you... like you would for me? That's the kind of love I have for you. A kind that gives instead of takes. The same kind of love you have for Saphron right? And I know you have that for us too."
Jaune looked to Yang to see she too had tears in her eyes, their color rapidly changing to light blue in the process.
"Like it or not, your our loser now. You're stuck with us for life, no matter what."
Taiyang nodded in agreement. "There ya have it. My girls have spoken, and they won't take no for an answer now, it's too late. And if their goin with you for this, so am I. Maybe if they can be reasoned with, they'll come to understand the mistake they're making, that I almost made... and they could end up losing their son forever..."
Jaune's eyes cleared up slightly as he took all this in.
(Do I really... deserve their kindness, their love, like you always say Big Sis Saph? If all these people around me say so... then it must be true... right?)
"Then... A-after I pass the field exam. I'll tell them then. I'll... I-I'll..."
"Be safe with us by your side," Ruby murmured, her glowing eyes seeming to have a calming effect on his weary heart.
"It's alright to let go Jaune, you'll be safe here," Yang added, her eyes back to a light purple. "Let my sis do her duty as your bestie alright?"
Taiyang got up from the couch, heading to the kitchen, but not before tousling the half-blond's hair. "Rest awhile kid. There's still plenty of time till the field exam on Monday. You'll be alright."
Yang got up from the couch as well, headed to the kitchen for a snack, tousling her sister's hair instead.
"You got this right?"
"Yeah, definitely."
Yang smiled softly before leaving the two alone.
"Ruby?"
"Yeah Jaune?"
"How are you so... good at this?"
Ruby hmmed in thought as she idly stroked Jaune's hair.
"I dunno. I think... this is something my mother was good at... and Yang did it for me so... maybe it's a combination of both somehow?"
Jaune's eyes began to feel heavy as he spoke his next words.
"Ruby... I'm not... weak right?"
"No Jaune, you're not weak. You're one of the strongest guys I know."
Ruby's soft voice was very soothing to his ears.
"Ruby... I'm not... a burden, am I?"
"No Jaune, you're not a burden. You help me carry my baggage, so it's only right I help you carry yours."
Jaune felt a delightful coolness spreading throughout his body, like a soft breeze across feverish skin.
"R-Ruby... I'm not a.. f-failure, am I?"
His voice slightly broke at the question, tears threatening to fall down his face once again.
Ruby's eyes also grew wet from seeing this, gently using her thumb to wipe the budding tears from his eyes.
"No no Jaune, my dear sweet Jaune, you're not a failure. Failures... they give up. You never did," she softly cooed, fighting to keep her own voice steady as she continued to comfort him.
Jaune's eyes fully closed at this, with only one last question on his lips before he drifted off.
"Ruby... I'm still ... a loser... right?"
"Yes you are Jaune. The world's... no, Remnant's Greatest Loser sounds better."
Jaune was already out at this point, but Ruby wanted to give him the last cherry on top so to speak. So she gently cupped his face in her hands, and softly kissed him on his forehead.
"Sleep now bestie. Know that you'll always be loved here."
She decided to get a bit more comfortable on the couch too, adjusting herself so that Jaune's head rested on her chest, and her legs wrapped around his torso. Her head was supported by a pillow, her hands nestled in Jaunes two toned hair.
Yawning cutely, she snuggled her head into the pillow, arms and legs lightly caressing Jaune as she drifted off herself.
And of course, Yang took silent snapshots from multiple angles with her scroll for blackmail material to keep her mouth free from soap. She at least had the decency to feel slightly guilty about it, but it wasn't enough to stop regardless.
When next Jaune awoke, the living room was a bit brighter with the midday sun in the sky. He blinked for a moment, realizing his glasses were off. He started to rise from the couch when he felt a bit of weight around his body. He looked down and noticed a certain person's legs were wrapped around him like twin snakes.
(Only Ruby would do this sorta thing.)
He slowly disentangled himself from her, not wanting to wake her up as she was still napping, mumbling into the pillow about strawberries, a smile on her face inbetween murmurs.
His eyes softened as he thought of how she comforted him earlier.
"There's no way I can ever repay what you and your family did for me... but I'll gladly spend my life trying."
He turned away to reach for his glasses when he felt a tug on the back of his shirt.
"Dummy... we already told you...," Came the groggy voice of one barely awake Ruby Rose, one silver eye mock glaring at him from the pillow.
"You're our family now. There's no debt to repay. You don't owe us ... me, anything. Sound familiar?"
Jaune did remember saying the same to her, surprising that it wasn't even a full day ago yet. He had no choice but to accept it, lest he be a hypocrite.
"Alright, little sis, you got me."
Ruby fully turned to Jaune now, both eyes open, glinting with warmth and happiness.
"That's more like it big bro. Now give your little sister a big hug please."
She held her arms out to him expectantly, wiggling her fingers in emphasis.
Jaune chuckled at the childish display. "As you wish."
He bent over on the couch to give her a hug, which she returned with her arms... and legs.
"H-hey wha-"
"I'm still tiiiiiirrrreeeeddd! I wanna be carried to the kitchen please!"
"Seriously?"
"Yang took the whole 'growing up' too soon thing too seriously, she won't do this with me anymore!"
"Wait but isn't that a good thing?"
Jaune awkwardly stood up with the new weight on his chest and shoulders, getting his glasses, and taking careful steps to the kitchen.
"W-well yeah but... I still like to be a kid sometimes..."
He could practically feel Ruby pouting against his shoulder.
"Well I have it on good authority that she'd like that too sometimes."
"But then, she might go back to overdoing it again!"
"Make sure to tell her straight out what you want. Maybe like, keep the status quo unless you ask for an exception?"
Jaune felt Ruby nod excitedly at the idea.
"Good thinking Jaune! I knew I could always count on you."
"You can also count on me to 'drop you off' on this table."
"Aww!"
Jaune carefully let Ruby down in one of the chairs at the kitchen table, which she immediately vacated to raid the fridge, looking for what she dreamed about.
"Strawberries!"
Jaune watched in awe as she casually used her semblance to make her breakfast, which was cornflakes and strawberry cereal. She tossed Jaune a couple of protein granola bars, assuring him there's no dairy.
"Thanks for that! I actually love this brand!"
" No problem! I'll make sure dad gets some soy milk the next time you visit ok?"
"Oh, there's no need to-"
"Nope."
Jaune sighed, but nodded in acceptance.
"Thank you, I'd greatly appreciate that."
Ruby wrapped her arms around Jaune's neck from behind while he sat in the chair.
"Your welcome Jaune," She said softly, a gentle look in her eyes. "I know it'll be tough to get used to, so I'll just keep reminding you like this till you do, okay?"
Jaune couldn't bring himself to speak for a moment, but nodded in response.
"Good talk."
Ruby quickly kissed him on the cheek before she dashed off.
"Be right back!"
Jaune absentmindedly munched on a bar as he thought about the days events.
(It's like night and day how ... how much lighter I feel. Ruby really is amazing.)
"Hey Jaune?" Ruby's voice was a bit softer, with a note of worry behind it.
"I want you to meet someone... very special to me."
Jaune turned in his seat, looking in surprise at what, or who was in Ruby's arms.
A grey corgi looked up at him, black eyes observing the human curiously.
Jaune understood that animals needed a moment to sense a person's character and intentions, so he slowly put out his hand, stopping just short of the dog's nose.
"His name is Zwei. Zwei, this is Jaune."
Both teens waited with baited breath as Zwei began to sniff at Jaune's hand. This very moment could change things between them... forever.
The little dog stopped sniffing and looked up at the young man, eyes seeming to stare deep into him.
(Just like Ruby did a few days ago. Did he get it from her, or did she...)
Jaune refocused as he felt something soft on his hand.
Zwei's paw rested gently on top, the dog's mouth slowly widening until his tongue hung out, panting happily as his tail wagged furiously.
"Arf!"
Ruby squee'd in joy at this new development, silver eyes shining while Jaune released a breath he didn't know he was holding.
"It's great to meet you Zwei. I assume I've proven myself worthy?"
"Ruff!" Zwei barked in the affirmative, head dipping once, before removing his paw from Jaune's hand, and lightly pushing his nose under it.
Jaune got the hint and started to rub the corgi's fluffy head.
"This is perfect Jaune," Ruby gushed, eyes still twinkling with delight. "With Zwei accepting you, there's one more person you'll need to impress."
Jaune blinked at this, before his eyes lit up in realization.
"Oh! Y'mean Mr. Bra-"
A gruff, yet oddly still smooth sounding voice cut in.
"Just Qrow kid. I'm not that old yet."
Jaune turned to the voice, eyes wide in shock as Ruby softly laughed.
"Hey Uncle Qrow! Thanks for flyin' in on such short notice."
Said uncle raised an eyebrow at that, before smirking in response.
"I see what ya did there Pipsqueak. Not bad, at least it's better than what Firecracker or your old man can come up with."
"Hey!"
The rest of the family brought up the rear, Yang and Taiyang just outside the door on the porch, arms folded with similar pouts on their faces.
Jaune took in the sight of the older man. He had on a mostly black outfit, with a tattered red cape flowing halfway down his back(must be where Ruby got the color scheme from) His hair a tad bit thicker than Taiyang's, mostly black with a bit of grey mixed in. He had a little bit of stubble on his chin and sported sharp, faded red eyes. The ensemble was complete with a flask at his hip, Jaune assuming there was something heavy in alcoholic content inside.
"So, this the Arc brat my nieces won't shut up about eh?"
Qrow got a little closer to the young man, sizing him up.
"Eh. A bit on the scrawny side, but you clean up nice. You look like you could be a Huntsman at least."
"T-thank you sir!"
The Branwen winced a bit.
"Sir? C'mon kid ya gotta lossen up a little geez."
"S-sorry about that si-uh, I mean, I'm... working on that."
Despite his best attempts to shrug it off, Qrow couldn't help but see a little of himself in the boy, especially after hearing about his story from the others.
"It's alright br-... Jaune. That's what I'm here for. I hear you've got some issues with self esteem and whatnot, especially putting value in your own life. That true?"
Jaune nodded, face somber.
Qrow grunted at this.
"Pipsqueak over there-"
He pointed at Ruby, who waved with Zwei's paw right back-
"Went through something similar, which we helped her get through. It took less than a month, but still too long for your case. Which means you're gonna get the harsh crash course. I may do or say things that you won't like, maybe even downright loathe. But you gotta trust that it's got a purpose, a reason behind it. Think you can do that kid?"
Jaune looked down for a moment, thinking of all the things he went through to get to this point. All the people who've helped him, still helping him even now. His sister, teachers, his new... family...
He looked behind Qrow at Yang and her father, both grinning with dual thumbs up from either hand. He turned back to Ruby and Zwei, still doing their double wave, though Ruby's eyes shined with absolute faith in him. Even Zwei, who barely met Jaune a few moments ago, was no longer panting, but seemed to nod at him once, to show his own support.
(Well, here goes... everything.)
"It doesn't matter whether I can or not. What matters is that I will."
Jaune was determined to see this through no matter what.
Qrow Branwen gave a fierce grin at his new potential student.
"That's the spirit kid. Now let's see If you can back it up in combat."
Everone went outside in the midday sun to prepare, ready to see what Jaune can do.
And that's it! Next chapter we'll get into his little training 'arc' to give him the edge he needs for the field exam on Monday. As always, read and review! Peace!