Disclaimer: Brotherhoof12 does not own RWBY or the Spider-Man franchise.
Chapter 67: Home Part 2
The silence was made between Ruby and Jaune as they were sitting across from each other at a diner Jaune used to work at. He intended to go to some cafe or stay at the dust shop, so Ruby can enjoy looking at the latest weapon parts. Yet, Ruby was quite insistent to go to Jaune's second old job to get a proper meal.
The owner of the restaurant was there too and upon seeing both Jaune and Ruby she immediately took them to a booth at the back of the restaurant to give them some privacy.
Much to Jaune's morbid dismay who insisted he wanted a counter table.
"Um.."
"Hey..."
Jaune and Ruby talked at the same time making them wince at their awkwardness and then looked to the window to avoid their direct eye contact.
'This is so awkward and bad,' Jaune internally fumed at himself. 'What happened to your confidence, Jaune? You finally meet Ruby after so much crap happened, and what do you do? You still flounder like a schoolboy! You're here, with her, so do something!'
Jaune sighed, his conflicting mind still raging made him feel even worse and as he continued to stare out the window and saw random people pass by, Jaune noticed the reflection of the window showed a pair of silver eyes also staring ahead.
Ruby seemed to sense Jaune was indirectly staring at her and soon both looked at each other in the reflection. Rather than blush and look away like a couple of idiots, the two soon realized that they kept staring at each other and didn't shy away. The background noise of the diner's royalty-free music and the chatter of people passing by outside didn't seem to distract them from their gazes.
'Silver eyes,' Jaune noted. 'It never gets old staring into Ruby's eyes.'
Anxiety subsided and Jaune's mind held more clarity the longer he kept looking at Ruby. 'God, what the heck am I fretting over? I'm here, with her, stop thinking and do something. If words can't, then use action instead.'
No longer hesitating, Jaune moved his hand above Ruby's and held it. Ruby saw Jaune's actions and remained still as his large hand covered hers in a gentle hold. The young huntress also noticed that he didn't do anything else, he only placed his over hers as if waiting for her permission to fully hold her hand. Still staring at Jaune's reflection, his bright blue eyes giving her a sense of calm and peace, made Ruby's choice to hold his hand.
'She has callouses,' As the two intertwined their fingers together, Jaune can feel thick, hardened layers of skin on Ruby's hands. Years of training and maintaining her weapon gave her these as a sign of her progress as a Huntress. 'I keep forgetting at times that behind her cute face and goofiness, Ruby wants to be a Huntress. Someone who defeats monsters and saves those in need. Heh, guess I was the one who was being shallow.'
"Heh, heh, heh," Jaune started to laugh at how absurd he has been and his laughter was infectious as Ruby soon followed. Their small bouts of laughing finally ended and the two seemed more calm and less rigid with each other. "You know, after all this time sitting here and enjoying your company. I never properly greeted you. So, welcome back to Vale, Ruby."
"It's good to be back, Jaune." She smiled showing some teeth.
"That's great and all, but can you guys now order something?" A waitress who was standing at their table finally spoke up making the two untangle their hands and look at the third presence with surprise. "Jeez, sorry to ruin your little moment, but I was waiting for ya'll for the past five minutes. I was standing there while ya'll look into each other's eyes. Don't get me wrong it was hella cute, but I want to go on my break soon sooo... you guys going to order?"
"Uh, yeah," Jaune looked to Ruby who nodded her head and smiled. "We like to get started on..."
"So, I'm sure you know that my Uncle has a daughter." When their meals were at their table, both teens began to eat and afterward through the meal, Ruby chose to start a conversation about her cousin, Sofia.
"Yeah, you told me when we talked through the scroll while you were still at Patch. How are she and Qrow doing?"
"They're doing fine, Qrow is really taking to being a dad real well." Ruby smiled, as she recounts Qrow's changes in his lifestyle. "It was rough at first, being a dad and all, but my dad, Tai, gave him some tips and even babysat Sophia whenever Qrow had to do a job."
'Ozpin,' Jaune's lips frowned then went back to smiling to keep up appearances. 'He must be trying to have Qrow scout out and report to him on what is happening outside of Vale.'
"My dad would complain about having another mouth to feed, but I think he is enjoying Sophia's company. He also started to make jokes about how he was Qrow now, since back when Yang and I were toddlers, Qrow would help dad being well, a dad." Ruby chuckled. "If that makes sense."
"No, I get it. Seems like Tai and Qrow are through the looking glass."
"Oh! Speaking about glass, Qrow has made sure to put an effort to not drink while with Sophia."
"That's good to hear that he quits drinking."
"Oh, no, no, no," Ruby waved her hand to correct Juane. "I said Qrow made the effort to not Drink while with Sopiha, not actually up and quit drinking. He's like a... shark that needs to swim or else it would die. Only replace the sea with alcohol and you that would sum up Uncle Qrow to a T."
"You know, that does sound like him." Silence filled between the two as they continued to eat and after finally cleaning their plates, the two twos paid at the register and left.
Ruby and Jaune didn't have any real destination to go to, just walking, checking stores that sold weapons and dust, and talking. It was a nice change of pace for both of them. For Jaune, it was a nice detour away from dealing with secret missions, magic, and literal gods. This moment of just being a teen and being near someone you like made all his worries shelved and made him almost forget that he was a vigilante. One store they were currently in was a floral shop where Ruby was looking at some freshly picked roses that vary in color.
"So, Ruby," Jaune passed some nice bell flowers and stood behind Ruby who was looking between two types of roses with the titles below the flowers being 'Rosa Papa Meilland' and 'Roas Ingrid Bergman'. "How is Yang? Or even the rest of your teammates?"
"Yang is doing fine, she is actually at Beacon. She needed to ask one of the teachers for some help."
'As in trying to get help with controlling her powers.' Thinking about Yang made Jaune remember a certain woman who looked like Yang only with black hair and red eyes. 'I hope they won't meet. Dealing with Maiden is a hassle, but two fighting it out is way too dangerous, especially if one has mother issues and abandonment issues.'
"Weiss is... well, I haven't heard much from Weiss." Ruby frowned, as she tried multiple times to reach out to her partner, yet every time she tries to call Weiss's scroll either goes straight to voicemail or is disconnected. "She must be busy at home, but I hope that when Beacon gets back doing normal school things, I hope we can get a mission to go to Atlas."
"Blake is here still, so I'm happy that almost all of my teammates are back. Blake should still be at the school along with Yang. You know, to catch up on how lost time."
"Blake," Jaune raised his eyebrow as a thought came across him. "You know, I haven't seen her much as I thought I would." Which was a surprise to the blonde, as Jaune would think he would see her do her usual loner patrols like before. "I'm happy to know she has you guys here."
'I wonder if she got a call yet from her parents.' Jaune thought. 'I mean, Adam is gone, and any loyalist that follows Adam's twisted ideals is arrested, so there shouldn't be any reason not to call her parents. Hmm, maybe tonight when I do my usual spider patrols, I might run into her and see what she's been up to. A woman like her isn't someone who just sits idly by.'
"Speaking about teams, have you seen Pyrrha and her teammates, Ruby?"
After asking that question, Ruby stood straight and her eyes widened at the realization that she forgot about them.
"No," She looked to the side feeling bad that she forgot her other friends from Beacon. "I mean, I still talk to them through the scroll when I was back at Pacth, but I kind of forgot to see them, since I wanted to see you."
"That's ok," Jaune felt his cheeks warm up. "Since we are just walking around, how about I show you F.E.A.S.T?"
"I remember Ren telling us that it is a homeless shelter run by someone he knows since he was a kid. You think they will be there?"
"I'm sure they are there and I also wanted you to meet someone there too."
"Who is it you wanted me to meet?" Ruby asked as both of them stepped out of the flower shop and Jaune led her to F.E.A.S.T.
"Someone who helped me when I came to this kingdom. Trust me, I'm sure you'll love her."
"Would you like more cookies, Ruby?" Aunt May pulled a fresh bake of cookies out of the oven and asked the young Huntress
"Yes, please!" Ruby had a wide smile that never left her face as she helped herself to Aunt May's cookies. The two had hit it off immediately when Jaune introduced the two to each other.
Aunt May was happy to see Jaune introducing her to his friend, but seeing how close they seemed to be, Aunt May's smile couldn't be any wider as decided to wisk Ruby away from Jaune that led the two now to the kitchen where Aunt May had Ruby help her make cookies with some going to her as a reward.
"Hmmm!" Ruby couldn't help but moan from Aunt May's cookies. It was not too hard and not too soft either, with enough warmth to have the chocolate chips that were in the cookies to melt in her mouth. "This is so good, Mrs. Parker! Thank you!"
"Now, now, don't count yourself short, Ruby," The Matriarch of the Parker household held a plate that had more cookies placed over the counter for others to enjoy. "I needed an extra pair of hands, and this kitchen isn't a one-person job. You must have some experience in cooking too if you were able to use my recipe and make some too. Who taught you, if I can ask? Your mother?"
"Yeah," Instinctively, Ruby closed her eyes and her mind drifted to when she was a child. The smell of freshly made pastries coming from the window sill, the warmth from the sun during the summer season, and a person who, to Ruby's hazy memories, made such delectable treats whenever Ruby and Yang finished playing outside. Opening her eyes, Ruby's mood waned and turned melancholic as she couldn't help but compare Aunt May to her mom. "She made things like this when I was still young and I haven't forgotten how to make them ever since."
"Oh, oh, dear," Aunt May knows that look Ruby was making. She had the same when Ben passed. "I seem to have stepped over my bounds."
"Huh, oh! No! No! It isn't your fault, Mrs. Parker. You didn't know, so I don't hate you or anything."
"Still, I know what it feels like to lose someone close." The blonde woman looked out to the rest of the shelter. "I'm sure you must hear this from your line of work, but I know what it feels like to lose someone important. Tell me, has Jaune ever told you about Ben Parker?"
"He hasn't really told me much about his personal life. He did tell me about you while walking over here." Ruby also didn't want to ask, as she felt like she was not on a level of trust for Jaune to tell her. "He did tell me how you are the kindest, most patient person he ever met."
"Ah, then he at least told you that he and I are not related."
Ruby nodded her head. "It is still a surprise. You guys look related if Jaune didn't tell me."
"Did he ever tell you why he lives with me?" Ruby shook her head. "Then if he didn't tell, it is not my place to let you know. But I will let you know that it was Uncle Ben who was the one who invited Jaune to our house. Ben Parker was a man that did his part in this neighborhood. Practically knows everyone and helped people that most call him 'Uncle' regardless of who he is. As a matter of fact, if you met him, he would want you to call him Uncle Ben since calling him Mr. Parker makes him feel old!"
"Anywho, Uncle Ben loved his neighborhood and made it his personal mission to help it stay safe after leaving the military. Fast forward and in comes Jaune and soon our life changed for the better. His living in our house made us remember the child we used to have before... ah, I think I'm getting off-topic, sorry for that!" Aunt May laughed at her scatterbrained moment. "Jaune was lost and scared when he came to Vale and Uncle Ben made it his mission to help this young man before he could fall into a bad situation. I was a bit scared to know Uncle Ben would allow someone to live with us, yet Jaune proved me wrong by showing he is a kind, dedicated, and intelligent young man. Of course, he still has his faults, one is being quite self-conscious about what others think of him."
"Really?"
"Oh yes, it didn't help that he was all on his own in such a big place with no family to look after him. Thank goodness he has friends to help him when I am not around and I am thankful that he chose you. Usually, it had to be someone to initiate a conversation, but Jaune must really like you to put in the effort to show his interest in you, Ruby."
"You think so," Ruby looked away and tugged at her hoodie pondering if she should hide her blushing face. "I... don't really think about it or maybe... didn't want to bring my hopes up."
"And there are similarities. Both of you have great qualities that shine, but at times it hides behind your clumsiness when being praised by others. I can already tell you will do amazing things, Ruby."
"You do?"
"Yes, same as I believe Jaune will do amazing things too. You both have bright futures and I am certain you will take on any challenges that come in your life."
Seeing Aunt May's sincere eyes and beautiful smile, Ruby again couldn't help but instinctively think about her mother. Even though the memories of her were grainy due to how young she was before she died, Ruby can't help but piece together her hazy memories with the sight of Aunt May to fill in the gaps. For just a moment, a brief moment, Ruby couldn't help but feel like she was in Patch, in her home kitchen, helping her mom make something for the rest of the family.
'Just one second more,' Was Ruby's thought before everything started to fade away. Her cabin home reverted back to tiles and metal, the scent of rose petals, and the summer breeze shifted to chemical cleaner and freshly baked cookies, and the silhouette of Ruby's mom scattered revealing only Jaune's surrogate aunty.
"Thank you for letting me know a bit about Jaune, Mrs. Pa- Aunt May," The silver-eyed huntress could see the older woman smile at Ruby. "I also want to thank you for letting me know about your husband."
"No problem, dear. Sometimes, it helps to open up a bit to those who understand loss."
Both stayed silent, allowing the bustling noise of the local visitors of F.E.A.S.T. to fill the silence when Ruby chose to speak.
"Her name was Summer Rose," The moment when Ruby spoke her mother's name made Aunt May stare intently at her new friend. "And I think, if she was still around, you two would be great friends."
As the two females talked amongst themselves, Jaune looked on from a distance before being snapped back into reality when a firm hand was placed on his shoulder.
"Jaune, you with us, bud? Didn't expect you to be so star-struck by Ren's little friend." Mr. Li smiled at Jaune whose cheeks turned red at being caught staring at Ruby.
"I-I just wanted to see if they were getting along," Explained Jaune. The shelter was as busy as ever after most people who still had trouble regaining their old life after the Vytal festival. It would have been hectic knowing that F.E.A.S.T has so many people who are down on their luck still, yet Mr. Li and those who work under him showed their determination and made no complaints as they toiled away in helping as many people who are in need of help. Ren and his team did their part by helping lift the heavy equipment, while Jaune followed along only with some medium-sized boxes that had to be put away for storage. "Sorry if I got distracted. What was it you were saying?"
"I just wanted to say thank you for showing up. Extra hands go a long way." Said Mr. Li who was also doing his share of moving some heavy boxes into the storage room. "I can't say enough how I am very grateful for you all to show up, even though you guys have to make such a hassle going from Beacon to here."
"Distance is no problem for us, Mr. Li," Ren told him. Despite being considered the least talkative within his inner circle of friends. Ren was the most vocal whenever talking to his hero. "I think Pyrrha even likes being away from the school."
"Oh yeah, she really likes helping here!" Nora, who was carrying way more heavy boxes compared to the other three males placed her share onto the floor causing a loud 'thud' to be heard. "It was getting really annoying with people still hounding her about being famous and saving people during the festival. Glad she found a place where she doesn't have to keep up with appearances."
Believe it or not, Pyrrha, whose popularity as a famous tournament champion found a place where none of her clout can affect her. A place where the poor and homeless really don't give a damn when they have to focus on getting a home and permanent job. While it is true that some would recognize her, they were polite enough to merely say their piece before going back to their daily grind. The redhead was fine with it, as she was content to know that she was able to do her part of helping people without the constant influx of cameras and fans.
"I'm glad Pyrrha found her sanctuary. She seems the happiest when she helps with the staff reading to the children." The older male looked at his watch. "Though, I believe I might need to keep my stay here short. I have a meeting that I can't miss. Ren, and Nora, you guys be sure to head out soon. I won't be able to give you guys a ride tonight."
"Ok, Mr. Li!" Nora gave the man a thumbs up and Ren nodded his head.
'Speaking about leaving. I still have some daylight left, so I think I can show Ruby somewhere else.'
"Ren," Jaune called out the Beacon student's name. "I'm going to leave soon. I wanted to show Ruby somewhere else before taking her back to Beacon. Is it ok if I leave this with you guys?"
"Sure, we can handle things from here. You and Ruby enjoy the rest of your date!" Nora decided to answer for Ren, but with how he smiled at Jaune it looks like he silently agreed with his partner.
"Thanks, you guys." Making his way to the shelter's kitchen area, Jaune can see that he walked into both Ruby and Aunt May having a tender moment as he sees them in a tight hug.
The first to notice his presence was his Aunt who then unwrapped her arms from Ruby. "Jaune, glad you're here. We were just finished having our little heart-to-heart and were about to come find you."
"Lucky for me, since I wanted to see if Ruby wanted to go somewhere else. I wanted to show her Doctor Connor's lab and show her the rest of my friends."
"That sounds wonderful!" Aunt May's eyes widened upon realizing something and went for a plate of cookies that have yet to be eaten. "While you guys go, grab some of these and give it to Gwen and her co-workers."
"Doctor Conner? I feel like I heard that name before."
"Probably something Gwen told you briefly. The lab she works at isn't too far if you are interested. Or we can stay here a bit longer if you want."
"I'm fine with going to see her." Said Ruby. As she said those words, Aunt May gave the young Huntress a Tupperware filled with sweets. "It's been some time and I want to see where she works."
"Off you go then," Aunt May waved her hands at them. "Best go before the sun sets."
"Thanks, Aunt May!" Jaune and Ruby waved goodbye and made the walk to Gwen's place of work.
Upon arriving at Gwen's work, Jaune entered to see the sight of not only Gwen and Eddie examining some Petri dishes under a microscope. The two can see Doctor Conner along with his wife with a young boy who stood close to the two scientists.
"Jaune?" Doctor Conners walked toward the young blonde and his wife followed him. "How have you been, Jaune? It feels like forever since we met?"
His eyes then drifted to Ruby who was making sure to keep direct eye contact and making an effort to not focus on Coner's missing arm.
"Hello, I don't think I haven't met you before. I'm sure Jaune told you, but let me formally introduce myself." He lifted his only arm out to Ruby. "I'm Curt Conner, I work here alongside my wife."
"A pleasure to meet you, miss. I'm Martha Connors and this," She placed her hands over the shoulders of a young boy that looked up to Ruby with eyes filled with fascination. "Is our son, Billy. Say hi to her, Billy."
"Hi," Billy spoke up and when Ruby smiled at how cute he looked acting all embarrassed caused his cheek to redden. Shaking off his mother's hold, the young boy moved behind her with only his head peeking out. "Y-your really p-pretty."
"Oh~!" Martha and Curt laughed at his their son's compliment to Ruby and the girl herself blushed at the kind words. "Looks like our son is starting to have his first crush. Careful Jaune, looks like you might have competition."
"She's right you know, Billy is my son and he has inherited my good looks. That's how I got Martha to be my wife." Curt puffed out his chest as he boasted.
"I think you got that reversed, Romeo." Martha elbowed her husbands' stomach causing him to exhale the air in his lungs. "You were the one chasing after me, so I think Billy is the one who inherited my good looks."
Both Husband and Wife bantered a bit when Gwen finally noticed Jaune's arrival.
"Hey!" Putting a hold on her work, the dark-skinned teen walked up to Jaune and Ruby. "Glad to see you, Jaune. Feels like forever since we last spoke and you!" Gwen didn't give time for Ruby to greet herself as Gwen went in for a hug. "It has been forever since I saw you! When was the last time I saw you again? The diner? The football field, right? No, wait, the Vytal festival? Doesn't Matter. You were with that other girl who pulled off that big bow on her head."
"Her name is Blake," Ruby was still adjusting to the hug before finally wrapping her arms around Gwen. "And I am happy to see you too. My name is Ruby by the way if you forgot."
"Oh I know, thanks to Jaune here," Gwen let go of Ruby. "But yeah, Gwen Stacy." The familiar sounds of heavy footsteps gave Gwen the sign that Eddie was now behind her. "And the big lug over here is Eddie... my Boyfriend."
"Nice to meet in a more comfortable setting." The taller and bulkier blonde greeted Ruby. "Jaune, glad you're here. Was wondering where you have been. Gwen was getting a bit mopey not seeing her other only friend from school."
"Sorry, sorry, life tends to change someone's plans. But, I'm here now and we brought coockies~!" Jaune looked at Ruby who got the message and brought up the tupperware. "Also, when did you guys become an item? I mean, congrats, it was long overdue, but now I'm curious. Does Harry know yet?"
"We kind of had some thoughts about it, but one thing led to another, and... yeah, Eddie and I like each other and decided to make it official. We couldn't reach you, but couldn't, so we tried to talk to Harry to let him know as well as check up on him." Gwen frowned and seeing her saddened face made Eddie wrap an arm around her shoulders. "It's bad, Jaune. He hasn't been the same after taking responsibility for his dad's company. The guys that work for his dad are helping, but there is so much before it takes a toll on someone. He hasn't talked to us or called and then try to go to Oscorp, we get escorted out of the building by one of his security guards and an apology letter saying he'll talk to us later, which never happens."
'Harry, what is happening to you.' Despite his worry for his friend's well-being, Jaune knows that this will have to wait until another day. "I'll be sure to try my luck with him. For now, let's just talk about what you guys have been up to."
Hours passed with Jaune and Ruby talking to Gwen and Brock. Most of it was just usual things regarding the job helping Doc Conners, while in turn, Ruby told them about her time at Patch and at Beacon. The sun was starting to set making it a sign that Ruby had to leave soon if she wanted to catch her ride. Not wanting to leave her alone, the secret hero chose to follow her and keep her company.
"You have some really interesting friends, Jaune." Ruby walked close to Jaune who was escorting her to the station. "Aunt May looks similar to you that I thought you were related, but when meeting Eddie Brock, I couldn't help but think he was your big brother."
"Trust me, you're not the first. Matter of fact, if Yang showed up my friends would think I brought one of my sisters."
"How many sisters do you have?" Ruby asked, now curious about Jaune's real family.
"I have seven older sisters." He said with no hesitation making Ruby stop walking, causing Jaune to stop to look back at a stunned Ruby.
"S-seven?! Do you have brothers too?"
"Nope, I am the youngest and only son in my family." Jaune couldn't help but laugh at how Ruby looked like a gaping fish from his family's big family. "They are also all Huntresses and trained by our dad who is a very accomplished Hunstman."
"You have a big family of Hunstmen!" From stupified to amazed, Ruby walked again with a spring in her step as she peppered Jaune with questions. "How long has your dad been a Hunstman? What weapons do they use? Their semblance? Have they fought Alpha Grimm? What is the largest Grimm they ever fought?"
Jaune did his best to answer as fast as Ruby can ask. The two got so lost in their conversation and each other's presence that none of them ever noticed that the station was passed by a couple of times.
"Wow, your family is super cool, Jaune. If your whole family are Hunstmen, then does that mean you were trained as a Hunstmen too?"
Jaune's body stiffened from Ruby's innocent question and he had to take a few seconds to regain his composure. The silver-eyed girl wasn't ignorant at how Jaune's smiling face was set in a neutral look and was about to tell him he didn't have to answer when Jaune spoke up.
"I... did want to be a Hunstman when I was young, but I didn't quite cut it. Tried multiple times and asked my dad and sisters to teach me, but I didn't really give them a good impression that I was a capable fighter, let alone a survivor. No, they told me it was better to try my luck at getting a normal job in the village." He laughed. "Can you imagine me getting a job at being a farmer? Because that was the only thing at our village that had any real work."
"But instead you are here?" Ruby didn't need to be a genius to realize something was off. "Jaune, I don't want to assume things, but, does your family know you are here, in Vale?"
'It was bound to happen and if I want to ask Ruby a certain question, I need to first let her know why I'm here in the first place.'
"I ran away, Ruby. I wanted to prove to myself that I can be a Huntsman with or without my family's approval. Even went so far as to fake my transcripts and stole my family's heirloom sword and training armor too." Jaune looked down at his feet and waved his hands in front of him. "It didn't work out as I planned. So, here I was, a young teen who ran away from home, alone in a large city with only what he stole from his family."
'Frick, I'm starting to struggle with talking.' At some point, Jaune's throat was starting to tighten, but with some deep breathing, Jaune continued to talk. "I was about to call my parents to pick me up, but then I saw this man standing in between an old woman and a group of thugs. Without thinking, I stepped in and lied and said I was a Hunstman, so they back away."
"That was when you met Uncle Ben, right?"
"Yeah, and from that day on, Uncle Ben became my lifeline in this city. He was so generous to let me live in his house with his wife, made me get into high school, and got a job too." There was a bench close by and Jaune's body instinctively went over to sit down. "As for the rest, well, I... I'm not yet ready to tell you the rest."
"Jaune," Ruby reached over to hold his hand. "What you told me is inspiring."
'What?'
"What?" Jaune was expecting pity or maybe disappointment for trying to lie his way into being a Hunstmen, but to see Ruby give him a look of respect was not one of them.
"I wanted to be a Huntress ever since I was a child. You wanted to be one too and would do so regardless if others don't support you. I couldn't imagine what I would do if my Dad or Yang told me I couldn't be a Huntress." Ruby squeezed Jaune's hand. "If I was in your position, I'm sure to just cry my eyes out, being alone in such a big place filled with strangers. I was happy to have my sister at Beacon, otherwise, I would just hide my face under my hood and be awkward around my classmates. But you, you still didn't break under this city and reinvented yourself. Jaune, I'll say this as many times as I have to for you to not feel sad, but you're amazing."
'...F #k...', Jaune removed her hands from Ruby's and wrapped her in a hug. "Ruby... you... you have a way with words."
"Thanks," Ruby patted Jaune's toned back. "I've been told by my friends that I can give a good speech."
Jaune and Ruby let go of their hug and stared at each other's eyes. Both teens never broke eye contact and with no further words needed, their lips inched closer and closer together.
'This is happening...' Jaune and Ruby thought, their eyes still holding the stare and lips were now just a hairs breath away.
Before they could seal the deal, Jaune's danger sense picked up on a disturbance not too far from where they were sitting, and just as predicted danger revealed itself when the sound of gunshots erupted.
"Ruby," The first to pull away was the young Huntress, leaving Jaune by himself on the seat with the feeling of coldness as his substitute. "What are you doing?!"
"I need to check ahead to make sure no one is hurt. Jaune, call the police and tell them that the gunfight is just a block or so away from the station!" After saying that, Ruby used her semblance to speed away to where the shooting is.
Seeing a trail of rose petals in Ruby's wake, Jaune waited around three minutes before running into a small narrow alley. Changing quickly into this spider suit, the now-masked vigilante shot a web line and made his way to where the fighting is.
"A gunfight so soon? It's not even midnight yet. Don't criminals have an unwritten rule about waiting until the dead of night to do criminal activities or something?" Landing on top of a high-rise building, Spider-Man was just across the street from where the shooting is taking place.
Across the street, there was a condo building with some windows having flashing lights making followed by loud shouting. Looking down to the ground floor, Spider-Man can see some rose petals leading to the entrance.
"I knew she was fast enough to get here before me, so if she is already making her way from the first floor," Spider-Man leaped off the roof of the high rise and started to web swing. "I should head to the roof!"
It took less than ten seconds for the hero to land on the roof of where all the action was and as soon as his feet touched the fractured tiled floor of the roof did Spider-Man's danger sense started to go off.
Body tensed ready for any trouble, Spider-Man looked at the only doors that led to the roof. The doors busted open and revealed to Spider-Man a certain cat burglar who was looking behind her, not realizing she was about to collide with Spider-Man.
Not wanting to get hit, Spider-Man was going to take a step to the side when all of a sudden the tiles underneath him broke off and clung to the soles of his feet making him lose balance. That small window of weakness made way for Black Cat to collide with Spider-Man resulting in the two falling with Spider-Man on his back and Black Cat straddling his waist.
'Seriously!?' Spider-Man groaned internally from the absurdity of why he had such bad luck.
"Spider-Man!?" Black Cat sounded both pleased to see him and also scared. "Can't believe to see you so soon! Was hoping we would meet in a more private setting, but I can't complain."
"Can't say the same," Using the moment of her lapse in judgment, Spider-Man grabbed both her shoulders, so she won't escape and lifted himself back up. "Now, how about you tell me why you are here."
"Ahh~! Not going to ask where I've been and how I'm doing." Black Cat pouted, as if not worried about being caught in Spider-Man's surprisingly strong grip. "I was just here because some loose lips told me of a little something that piqued my interest and being the curious cat I am found something that I just had to have."
"Leading to a massive gunfight in this complex!"
This time Black Cat showed a bit of discomfort when she feels Spider-Man's hold starting to tighten.
"You think I'm such a hack that would get caught? No, no, no. I was just about to leave when- Spider-Man? You listening?"
'Spider-sense is tingling,' Ignoring Black Cat's questions, the vigilante looked around and can see no one else around. Sweeping his sights one more time he landed at the entrance from where Black Cat emerged and felt his danger sense scream out that danger was imminent. 'Got to move!'
Without any second to waste, Spider-Man jumped back in time to avoid some kind of black colored whip emerging from the other side of the door. Creating some distance, Spider-Man, with Black Cat still in his clutches, looked to see a second stranger come out who was wearing a full-body purple suit. With a flick from her wrist the black whip came back to her side and using the same arm that retracted her weapon pointed a finger at Black Cat.
"Let me guess, she's the one that caused all the commotion?"
"Yeah, that's her." The feline thief let out a reedy sounded laugh. "We should run."
This was the other half of the chapter I published last month. Sorry if it took so long to publish, but once again life is throwing things my way and I am focusing on moving my things for my work is taking me somewhere far away.
This A/N is pretty short and really I want to let ya'll know that I might not really focus on publishing every month and it is sue to my work taking the main stage, so chapters might come in slower than usual, so sorry in advance.
Thank you all for reading and I hope ya'll will fav, follow, and also PM me if you guys have any questions. THANK YOU!
[Omake: Avenger's tryouts: Velvet Scarlatina]
The young Funaus sat straight up in her chair and paid attention to Deadpool as he sifted through a folder that held her background information. She was nervous when she was in the waiting room, because of course she would, this was a chance to join the Avengers group of superheroes! However, after hearing the door to the meeting room slam and a pissed-off Fox muttering things like 'Batman' and some 'Ben' person. Seeing a sign to enter the room, Velvet was now waiting for the inevitable interview which started now that Deadpool placed the folder down.
"Velvet Scarlatina, the jack of all trades on team CFVY."
"Yes, Sir," Velvet didn't know what was on her file, but she knows that it must have the basic info on her semblance. "I have been a great asset to my team and thanks to training and mission from Beacon, I have a vast array of skills and move sets that it be a boon for the Avengers."
"I see," Deadpool nodded his head, his hands clasped together in front of him in a contemplative gesture. "I'm gonna level with you, Ms. Scarlatina, the fact that you admit you plagiarize makes me feel you should not be Avengers material."
"What!?" Velvet's ears rose up in surprise. "What do you mean I plagiarize? I never done that in my life!"
"I guess we're doing this," DP whispered. "Velvet, the first step to admitting you have a problem is being truthful to yourself. Your semblance is literally copying other people. That is basically admitting you have zero originality and deciding to copy others. Do you already see how that will conflict with the Avengers? I can already imagine news articles with pictures showing two spider people swinging downtown or maybe two archers shooting arrows being useless in a fight somewhere else. Do you see our situation? You are going to imbalance our group dynamic!"
"Group dynamic?"
"Yes, at least you can increase the female to the male ratio, but you don't have any real originality. Don't get me wrong, a lot of school characters who can copy other people's moves make you stand out, but we are already copying the main storyline of RWBY and Marvel, so we don't want to scrape the bottom of the barrel just yet."
"How does team RWBY involved in all this?"
"But let's say we do let you in on the team,"
'He completely ignored my question!'
"We can at least bank on two things when you join. You being a girl and also being a Bunny Faunus! Of course, we would probably need to wait a year or so until we can go further with you joining, but I'm sure the wait will be worth it."
"Your only thinking I'm able to join is because of my ears?!" Velvet seethed at how blatant his racism is.
Deadpool stared at her then at her ears a couple of times making her slam her hands on the table.
"My eyes are down here!"
"Ok look, if you really don't like to join because of how I pointed to your obvious appeal, then go. Heck, your profile says your hobby is taking photos, so if you don't want to be an Avenger, then good job, use this moment to be a pioneer for creating Onlyfans, your welcome."
"Pig!" Getting out of her chair, Velvet marched out of the office and slammed the door.
"If your mad about me saying about Onlyfans, it's not my fault you look like the literal symbol of Playboy!" Laying back on his chair, the Merc with the mouth turned his chair to face the window and the back of the chair faced the door. "Imaptient that girl is, just like her father, am I right?"
"..."
"Ok, she's gone, you can enter now."
Sounds of shuffling from above followed by a piece of the ceiling falling to the fall gave way to the stranger who was spying in the Masked weirdo.
"Wow, you found out real quick, tell me, how did you know?" Deadpool, who was wearing an all-black leather suit, asked as he stood up to his full height.
"Hey, when a bunny girl wearing a skintight combat suit walks in, you know any DP would take their time to look."
"..True, anyway," Black leather DP pulled out a pistol and aimed at the chair. "Just here to kill you and then destroy this world. No hard feelings, but know I'm doing you a favor."
"So, we can't talk this out? Not try and find common ground, even if our mom's name is Martha?"
"Wrong franchise." Black Leather DP fired several rounds into the chair where his target was sitting until he ran out of ammo. Usually, bullets wouldn't really put a DP down, but thanks to certain resources that are able to stop ant DP's regenerative abilities. Holstering his gun away, the evil DP walked around the table and turned the seat to confirm his kill.
"Silly DP!" Sitting on the chair was not the real DP instead it was but a life-sized replica DP holding a teddy bear stuffed with an obscene amount of C4. "You can never go wrong making s! tty DC jokes."
Not wasting any more time, the Evil DP flipped the table and based for the explosion. Seconds ticked by and after a minute the Evil DP realized that it was just a trick and he was played. Getting back up from the floor, Black Leather DP raised his head over the barricade and was welcomed to the sight of the real DP holding a gun to his face.
"BANG!"
