Well... I'm back at it again guys. To keep a long story short, my novel didn't do well. So, while I'm back on the writing table, I decided to divulge back in the hobby of fanfiction. Christmas is less than two months away after all, and I did start this specific story in the Christmas season. Thus, I hope you all enjoy. And don't worry, as a lot of folks have PM'd me begging for more Blake scenes, I will do my best to give her some time alone with Jaune, or maybe I'll have a poetry battle like the one in this chapter only longer.
Till then, and I wish you all a wonderful day and would appreciate a review or suggestion for a poetry session if you have the time.
Cheers, Searoar.
"Nora, stop eating the gingerbread cookies' legs!" Ruby pouted as she pointed a wooden spoon at her self elected sorting partner.
"I'm just making sure the gingerbread cookies were cut to the right size!" Nora rebuked with a mouth full of cooked dough.
The members of team JNPR, and RWBY had decided to change the location of the movie night to accommodate the added groups of CFVY and three of Cinder's faction; and had come to the agreement that they would rent Beacon's auditorium for the occasion with Ozpin's and Glynda's approval.
However, amidst the preparations of decor and treats, a war of sugary preservation and consumption had swallowed the room.
"If you don't stop eating them, then there won't be any left for you when the movie starts!" Ruby growled.
Sparks flying between the determined silver eyes of Ruby, and the stuffed freckled cheeks of Nora, the two girls were at a stalemate of production. Ruby, in one corner, had a semblance that broke the laws of common sense in regard to speed and she could whip up a cookie batter in the blink of an eye; while on the other side of the spectrum, Nora possessed a bottomless pit for a stomach that needed nourishment at least five times a day with intermittent snacking, much to the ire of her friends. This led to a section of the JNPR's dorm fridge to be segmented specifically for Nora so that she wouldn't eat any of her teammates' rations. Obviously, at least in Jaune's case, this plan did not work.
"Ren!" Ruby whined. "You need to do something about Nora or else neither of you will be eating during the movie!"
Ren sighed. Why was he being punished for something his partner did? Nora was old enough to make her own decisions after all.
"Nora, let me take over in helping Ruby, Velvet and Fox could use a hand with the decorations." Ren gently grabbed Nora's wrist but the red-head was eager to remain close to the baked treats.
"If you don't follow me, I'll make sure to leave you alone with Jaune for the next team study session in professor Port's class."
This, for some odd reason, made Nora do a double take on the situation and she relented her stubbornness. Ruby didn't think twice about the outcome, as she was pleased her cookies would go untouched for the rest of her baking endeavors, but there were many others who took heed of what Ren said.
"Sorry, what was that, Ren?" Blake dropped down from her ladder and moved in front of the young man with an oddly determined look in her amber eyes.
Ren shrugged. Unaware of what had transpired between Jaune and the girls in the room as of late.
"Whenever Nora gets rowdy, I force her to join Jaune when he has to attend the team leader's class every Sunday. I don't know what Jaune does, but apparently he sits in back rows of the room so he can focus better." Ren explained.
"...You don't know the horrors of having to sit next to Jaune for a whole two hours." Nora covered her face with her hands to hide the hot blush on her cheeks. "One moment, Jaune is scribbling in his notebook about team formations and tactics, but the second he puts his pen down he decides to ramble about all sorts of stupid things..."
"Ugh, tell me about it!" Ruby blurted to the surprise of everyone in the auditorium. "I had to sit next to Jaune for last week's leader session, and he just wouldn't stop talking about me. It got a little annoying to be honest."
There was a tint of red on Ruby's fair face when she finished her statement, and shrunk when she realized that all eyes were now on her.
"Really, Rubes?" Yang strolled up with a sassy sway in her hips. A peeved glint in her lilac eyes. "You've been going to those leader classes since the semester started, but you've never mentioned Jaune talking to you."
Ruby crossed her arms. "It's not that I haven't brought it up before, it's just that... what Jaune says during the hours we spend alone together is a bit embarrassing."
"How so?" Weiss interrupted and set down her movie planner to join the conversation. "Jaune does say many silly things, but he's never mentioned anything that flustered you. Or at least, from what you've told us."
Ruby wanted the earth beneath her to split and swallow her up. Not only was Yang using her big sister voice, but even Weiss had whipped out her condescending attitude with Blake's dark aura seeping in from the background.
"Still," Weiss went on and flicked her offset ponytail in a snobbish manner. "I suppose I can lessen your burden and attend the team leader's class in your place."
Ruby's silver eyes beamed with tiny stars of delight. Sure, she'd learned a great deal from her extra lessons, but she was still only a woman in the making who wanted to enjoy her weekends like any student. With a happy nod, Ruby stuck out her arm childishly in askance for a handshake to seal the deal, to which Weiss would have accepted if not for the abrupt interruption of a cold-faced Belladonna.
"I'll do it." Blake said sharply and put herself between Ruby and Weiss. "I'll sit with Jaune for two hours every week."
"No, that's not gonna work." Yang shoved her partner aside with her shoulder. "At times likes these, it's up to a big sister to relieve her sibling of the harsh weights of leadership. Am I right Rubes, or am I right?"
Ruby tilted her head. "Um... but weren't you the one who said being a leader was a responsibility you were glad to not have been lumped with? I'm pretty sure that's what you said when the semester started."
Yang's eyes widened and she cracked a toothy yet nervous grin. "Your memory is on point, sis. Just think of me subbing for you as an act of love and appreciation."
Ruby looked to the ceiling as she contemplated the idea. While her extra lessons had helped a great deal, maybe they could do Yang some good as well in terms of easing her reckless behavior and general carelessness for the small details on the battlefield. Then again, Ruby knew her sister better than most, and figured Yang would grow bored of the extra school lessons and find a way to ditch the class. The blonde brawler was awfully cunning when it came to shirking off tedious labor.
"I don't know, Yang. The class can get pretty stale." Ruby shrugged.
"That's why I'll do it." Blake stepped forward causing Ruby to squeak. With a few inches over her cookie-loving leader, Blake's eyes bore down on Ruby with the intensity of the sun and followed Ruby's retreat as she stepped back in fear.
"W-Why do you want to go to the leadership classes, Blake? I-It's not that I don't think you can do it, but you've never shown any ambition for it either." Ruby trembled.
The dark aura around Blake spread considerably causing those on the far side of the auditorium to shiver.
"This is ridiculous." Weiss said primly and pointed a finger at Blake then to Yang. "Neither of you have the qualities of a leader. It's as simple as that. So why waste your time in a room where your bound to reject the lessons and materials given to you? Honestly, as your partner and someone who has expressed the desire for a leadership role, I Weiss Schnee, offer to serve as your replacement in the leadership classes should they become too much of a burden for you, Ruby Rose."
Blake pushed Weiss aside with her shoulder.
"Please," Blake hissed, "if you think anyone here is going to fall for that rehearsed kind of speech you're a lot less cunning than I first assumed."
Weiss' eyes narrowed. "I don't know what you're referring to, but I will not allow you to stain my name when yours is already in the gutter. I will attend the leadership class, even if I must sacrifice my own free time."
Ruby blinked like a deer in front of a headlight. Was there... a secret about the leadership classes that she didn't know about? Did Professor Port offer a prize to the best performing student at the end of the year? Like a year's worth of dust and ammunition for Ruby's favorite and only badass weapon?!
"Um... you still with us, Rubes?" Yang nudged her sibling's shoulder which brought her back to the present world.
"...And then Jaune's voice changed and he started spouting all sorts of nonsense. The worst of it had to be the poems though, because he even tried to hold my hand while reciting them to me!" Nora whined in the background as Ren questioned his best friend on her shared events with their team leader.
Nora's background conversation didn't last for long, however, as the word poem and the name Jaune triggered the attention of every female present. Nora blinked as she was immediately aware of the sudden target on her back. Thankfully, Ren was an understanding young man who was well aware of Jaune's hidden verbal prowess, though he kept this knowledge to himself, and chuckled at the thought of Nora getting flustered over a few sweet words.
"I'm sure Jaune was just rambling, Nora, you know how he is." Ren gave his best friend a pat on the shoulder. "Just remember that if you do misbehave too much, I'll make sure to record the stuff Jaune says about you."
Nora's freckled cheeks bloomed in crimson as she averted Ren's eyes and tried to hide her face with her hands. This led to an audible laugh slipping through Ren's lips, and when Nora saw this, she lightly punched him in the chest with an adorable pout.
"So... about that leadership class. How about it, Rubes?" Yang tried again with gritted teeth. To think that Nora and her own beloved sibling would be hiding Jaune's talents for themselves. Such a thought was too selfish to consider. Although this was only because Yang wasn't the focus of Jaune's romantic affection. In that regard, Yang was as selfish and greedy as the rest of them if not more so.
"You're oddly hung up on this, Yang." Ruby countered. Her gaze turned skeptical. "Is there something about those extra lessons that you're not telling me about?"
"Nothing that a girl your age should know." Yang muttered under a frustrated breath.
"Agreed." Blake and Weiss whispered in unison.
Meanwhile, on the risers...
"B-But I'd be able to serve you better if you allowed me to expand my knowledge on leadership roles!" Emerald quivered as Cinder's curious glare turned into a scowl yet the green-haired girl stood firm like the trunk of an aged oak tree.
"There's no need for you to attend," Cinder said sharply. Her golden eyes burning on the borders of malice and false calm. "You have other roles that I've assigned, and besides, I'm the one in charge here so you have to do as I say."
Mercury, who'd been idly observing the chaos unfold, laughed to himself at how one young man could turn a group of Beacon's most promising students, into hot blushing maidens who wanted nothing more than to secure their poetic prince charming. Mercury kicked up his legs after taking a seat in the second row of the auditorium stands. He snagged a bag of candy on the way there, and threw a gummy which he caught on his nose before enjoying its cavity-inducing sweetness.
"B-But that's not fair!" Emerald whined in the likeness of a spoiled child who had their toy taken away. "You can't just make up the rules however you see fit! I need to be included too!"
Cinder's brow twitched, but she masked her annoyance well. To think Emerald of all people would dare to bear her fangs. This would not stand, as Cinder's understanding of power was through fear, yet her own direct subordinate was challenging her authority with more than a handful of witnesses to boot. Cinder needed to regain her ground and show Emerald who was in charge.
"Emerald." Cinder said after an ominous sigh. "I do not understand your frustration on the matter, as I am both the leader within Beacon's campus and outside of it. You will do as I say. Otherwise... I'm sure you understand the consequences."
Emerald bit her lower lip. Cinder had a point. There was no way the narcissistic assassin would submit to the whims of a lowly subordinate, but there was a weakness in arrogant behavior that often allowed loopholes that would no doubt be exploited in the coming weeks. Thus, Emerald subsided. Secretly plotting to lure Jaune away so that she too could enjoy the warmth of his words... and perhaps a nice hug wouldn't be too out of the question either?
Farther down the room, team CFVY also happened to be in quite the predicament. Or to be precise, the two females of the group who were now glaring at each other with the intent to kill. On one hand, was Velvet atop a ladder as she wrapped some golden strong around the twenty foot, plastic Christmas tree that team RWBY set up in the auditorium a few hours prior; and Coco, who was given the task of hooking up palm-sized Christmas balls that varied in every color of the rainbow.
"I don't see why you're being such a sour bunny," Coco smirked as she shot a sweet, innocent expression Velvet's way. "I'm just doing my best to ensure that my leadership doesn't get rusty. So what if there's a few benefits to the role? I don't see any problem with it."
Velvet's ear twitched. Normally, the bunny faunus was a pleasant girl who was always ready to lend a hand, but in this instance, Velvet wanted to use her hand to deliver a strict chop on her arrogant leader's head.
"No," Velvet said offhandedly, "I guess you are pretty carefree and inconsiderate. So it makes sense that you have to attend more leadership classes."
Now, truth be told, only first years were required to attend the leadership classes on Saturdays, but second years or above could attend if they wanted to. The class lasted no more than three hours, yet the amount of information relayed during a lesson could rival a typical school day.
"Excuse me?" Coco lowered her arms and stared at her dear friend. The fashionista may have been blunt with her desires, but the blunt comment from her adorably naïve teammate left quite a sting.
"I'm sure your ears work well enough." Velvet said with a nod. Her hazel eyes only on the golden string between her fingers and the plastic tree branches she put them upon.
"...What's gotten into them, Yatsuhashi?" Fox gave his teammate a nudge with his elbow. "They've been bickering ever since we left the dorm, and I don't think they plan on cooling their jets anytime soon."
"Beats me." Yatsuhashi shrugged. "I've never seen then like this. Even when Coco won the bet of owning our spare closets, Velvet was nowhere near this bitter."
Yatsuhashi and Fox turned to catch the last bits of Coco's and Velvet's argument.
"...Oh, that's so rich coming from you!" Velvet spat with venom dripping from her lips.
"Yes, I am quite the prize, I must admit." Coco soothed as she picked at Velvet's rebukes with a fine needle. "What's even better, is that I'm not a coward and I pursue what I like head on. Unlike a certain someone I might add who uses pots and pans to shield her timid face."
"...I am so going to get you for that." Velvet brooded as Coco giggled haughtily.
"Yes," Coco admitted. "And I'll be sure to tell my new boyfriend every single detail of your nefarious deeds."
Velvet froze. Her nose twitched, and her ears drooped for a second then curled upward to mimic a pair of devil horns. She may not have the ability to intervene Coco's leadership classes, but she could whisk Jaune away before her snobby, beret wearing friend had the chance to sink her claws on him. Yes, all Velvet needed to do was gather some courage, meet up with Jaune, and ask him to hang out.
Coco, however, had already created as what she deemed the perfect plan to swoon her new interest. Yank him away from any competition and ensure that his eyes and poems were for her and her alone. This idea, unfortunately, had also been considered by many of the other young women in the auditorium, and one of them was in the process of putting it into action.
"I'll make sure you regret not choosing me, Ruby Rose..." Blake snarled silently as she stomped down the long hallways leading to the library with Yang on her left. It was a short conclusion, seeing that Ruby had a convenient semblance that allowed her to escape difficult confrontation, and in a swirling mass of rose petals, Ruby shouted that Weiss would share her leadership classes sometimes and escaped to Oum knows where.
"So much for sisterly love. Fine, if that's the way you're going to be, Rubes, then you'd better get ready for a noogie every morning noon and night from this day forward..." Yang growled as she cracked her knuckles and bit her lower lip.
The loss was a bitter pill to swallow, especially since Weiss was such a sore winner who's smirk and sickening giggles at the revelation she'd be spending two extra hours with Jaune every week strained the hearts of her fellow faunus ninja and blonde brawler who could do nothing but grit their teeth at the sight.
"Hmm? Oh, hey guys, did the movie start yet?" Asked a familiar voice that made Blake's bow twitch and Yang's eyes flicker from lilac to pink for a second.
There, at the end of the hallway, was a sweaty Jaune who wore nothing but a pair of school pants and brown loafers. His breaths labored, he stumbled over to greet his friends with a glorious smile that froze the two heart-stricken maidens in place.
"W-What happened to you?" Blake squeaked as she noticed a thin layer of frost over Jaune's blonde hair.
"It's been a long day..." Jaune chuckled weakly. "To keep it simple, I made a mistake that now has Weiss' older sister hunting me down like as if I were a criminal and that I managed to shake her off at the cost of my vest and shirt."
"I see..." Blake's amber eyes roamed up and down the toned body of her beloved poet. Not only had Jaune improved drastically thanks to his training at Beacon, he'd also lost much of his naivety. That, and the way he spoke, while still flustered on occasion, was more comfortable and confident. Yes, in Blake's mind, Jaune was prime boyfriend and future husband material.
"Hmm? What is it, Yang?" Jaune curled a brow as he noticed a most inquisitive expression unfit for his usually boisterous friend.
Yang meekly averted her fellow blonde's gaze. A strand of hair curled around her finger, Yang muttered something under her breath, then flinched when Jaune approached.
"Yang? What's the matter? I can't hear what you're saying." Jaune leaned forward and put a hand on Yang's shoulder. His curiosity apparent when he felt shuddering beneath his fingers. "Is something bothering you? If you want me to help, I'll need some sort of verbal message. I'm not a mind reader y'know?"
Jaune moved closer until his face was no more than an inch from Yang's. Perhaps it was because the two shared an encounter of close quarters in the bobsled race, but Jaune didn't seem to care about how intimate the scene appeared as he raised another hand to check Yang's forehead for temperature.
"Did you get wet from the snow?" Jaune's breath tickled Yang's ear as she meekly shook her head. "Okay, how about when Sun and Sage were giving out those snow cones? Did you eat to many and give yourself a chill? Because your body seems to be heating up to compensate for it."
"I only had one." Yang muttered. "Strawberry flavored."
Jaune nodded and lowered his hands. He meant to take a step back, but Yang snagged his wrist. Her cheeks puffed in a cutesy pout, the blonde brawler closed the distance to give Jaune... a hug. A simple hug he'd expect for Ruby to receive, but not someone like him who interacted with Yang on a mere hello and goodbye basis.
"Um... Yang? Is there something I'm missing here?" Jaune asked. He did not reject the hug, but he didn't accept it either and allowed his arms to go limp on the intimate contact. However, it wasn't long until his own face began to heat up, as he quickly became aware of the two soft pillows that were pushing against his broad chest.
"Er... Yang? If you wouldn't mind, I uh... think your pressing a little too hard against me." Jaune struggled for words as he didn't want to press the buzz word of 'boobs or breast' and figured chest would also be a red flag. Yet, upon his reply, Yang merely squeezed him harder, as if she were doing everything in her power to keep him from straying from her.
"I like you." Yang whispered and lifted her head just enough so Jaune could see her timid lilac eyes. "I like you a lot."
"Oh..." Jaune's brows vexed. He had an edge over Yang in height, but only by a small margin, and was able to maneuver his hand so he could gently pinch her nose. "I like you too, Yang, but why are you doing all of this? If we need to talk in private about how you're feeling, why don't we wait until after the movie with the others?"
Jaune may have blinked, but he could have sworn he saw pink stars dancing in Yang's eyes as her quivering lips curled into one of the most adorable grins in all of Beacon. The sight was just too cute not to burn into his memory. Alas, all good things had to come to an end, and the deliverer of sentences came in the form of a very jealous Belladonna who finally reached her tipping point of tolerance.
Blake covered Jaune's eyes with her soft hands, playing with his ears in a most flirtatious manner that broke his focus off Yang in favor of the cat faunus who purred in delight as she pressed her own bosom against his back. This made Jaune do a double take. He was average when it came to blind estimations, but by his judgment, he came to the conclusion that while Yang's breasts were larger, Blake's were more defined in shape.
"Er... guys? Am I being pranked here? Do I need to worry about a video popping up on showtube and grovel at how I'm going to be the center of attention for the rest of my school life for all the wrong reasons?" Jaune gulped.
With his vision obscured, Jaune failed to notice Yang's pink sprinkled eyes shift to a fiery red that promised pain to the one it was directed at. Namely a smirking Blake who stuck out her tongue and used it to lick Jaune's earlobe. The young man shivered in unexpected delight, but also terror. Never in his wildest dreams had he fantasized such an intimate interaction, especially with two of the hottest girls among the first years. Granted, these were the claims of strangers who Jaune happened to overhear in the boy's locker rooms, but there was some truth to their words he had to admit.
"If you want this to stop, all you have to do is let go of the blonde anchor on your chest." Blake said with a voice that was both threatening yet calm. "Otherwise, I won't be able to properly entertain you."
"E-Entertain?" Jaune clamped his jaw as Blake's actions grew bolder. She nestled her lips against the back of his neck, and gave it a quick kiss then set her delicate chin atop his shoulder.
Yes, Blake could only imagine the poems that would come from her beloved poet if he was set in the proper environment. Perhaps in a candlelight bedroom with a myriad of rose petals to decorate the cream-colored sheets and lustrous velvet pillows of her renovated dorm? Oh, the things Blake would be able to fantasize and create in that kind of setting...
"And what is going on here?!" Cried a voice that made Blake's, Yang's, and Jaune's hair stand on end and separate. "I've been looking everywhere for you, do you have any idea how much of a fuss this was for me?"
Jaune's quirked a brow. There was only one person he knew of who commanded both respect and fear from his peers. Glynda Goodwitch, now dressed in a fresh blouse free of any coffee stains, stood with a hand on her hip and a curled brow at the trio in front of her.
Yang and Blake took notice of the displeased look in their superior's pale green eyes, and immediately offered a short bow and left the scene. However, neither girl was intent in leaving things as they stood, and silently brooded on ways to capture Jaune's full attention as their footsteps grew fainter by the second until all was silent.
"So, would you care to explain what you three were doing, Mr. Arc? I do hope that it's not something I need to punish you for." Glynda hummed as her stern expression slowly softened. "What on Remnant happened to your shirt? And why is your hair wet?"
"Mrs. Goodwitch?" Jaune shuddered. Without a doubt, Willow or Winter must have informed Ozpin about their careless blonde kisser on the run, which meant Glynda had been sent Jaune's way as either a means of reigning him in, or to punish him on their behalf.
"I-I'm really sorry, but it was an honest mistake I swear!" Jaune blurted and bowed. He no longer had the strength to stand, and Glynda's powerful presence grew too great to oppose as she set herself two feet from his person.
Glynda tilted her head. "Forgive me, but why are you so distraught, Mr. Arc? If there is something you wish to say, please say it, otherwise I'd like to move onto business."
"Business?" Jaune pondered. "What in Oum's name could the second in command of Beacon Academy want with him?"
Jaune frowned. "Did Nora do something bad again?"
Back in the auditorium, a freckled Valkyrie sneezed.
"No," Glynda said firmly. "For the matter we are to discuss is strictly about you. Also, please raise your head. It is improper to speak to your teacher in such an odd posture."
Jaune gulped and did as he was told. "So I'm not in trouble for... never mind."
"Walk with me, Mr. Arc, for I believe we are both headed for the auditorium, correct?" Glynda asked.
"Um, yes, that's right. But why are you going there, Mrs. Goodwitch? Not that I'm against it or anything." Jaune said and scratched his cheek.
"We will be discussing the new curriculum that I've devised to ensure your lessons remain thorough yet enjoyable. That, and Ozpin has asked me to ensure your movie night remains peaceful. I don't need to remind you of your food fight in the cafeteria a few months ago, do I?" Glynda said, though she did while averting Jaune's curious gaze.
"Oh..." Jaune's shoulders slumped. "Am I falling behind again? I thought I achieved eighty-seven percent on my last test, though. Is that still a fail?"
"Not at all." Glynda hummed. "In fact, I wish for you, like all the other students, to reach new heights. However, the trade off will be that you must stay an extra hour in the classroom while I instruct you."
"Uh..." Jaune's footsteps slowed. "I'm not complaining about extra help, but is Professor Port available at that time? I wouldn't want to burden him."
"Silly boy," Glynda scoffed. "As if I would allow that blabbermouth to interfere with my personal lessons."
"Wait... so my new lessons will only involve us two?" Jaune stared at Glynda with wide eyes. For a moment, the lad could have sworn to have seen some pink on his teacher's pale cheeks.
"D-Don't assume things without being aware of the context that comes with it." Glynda snapped. "While your statement holds some truth, it will only last until you've reached the desired level. From there, you will be allowed to return to the regular school schedule."
Unbeknownst to Jaune, Glynda had every intention of adding on more work so that the young man would not only prosper into the greatest huntsman in Beacon history, he would also be allowed to indulge in his... more alluring qualities with Glynda as a judge and perhaps... romantic recipient.
Although, Glynda did consider the taboo between a student and teacher relationship, thus she refused the notion like a responsible adult and decided to keep very clear lines of decency between herself and Jaune. On the other hand, after Glynda had written down Jaune's poem and tucked it away in a special folder in her own private office, Glynda couldn't help but feel that the poem was lonely; and try as she might, the dedicated teacher could not replicate the words that fluttered her stomach, tickled her ears, or left her heart yearning for more the same way Jaune had.
Thus... Glynda may have persuaded Professor Port to include her for future student leader lessons, and she may have barked at Ozpin for voicing his disapproval, but it was all worth it. As now, Glynda had a perfect excu-sincere reason to educate Jaune and have him all to herself. After all, in order to make a poetry book, a single page or poem would not do. No sir.
"Aha! There you are!"
Jaune jumped at the sudden interruption. For a second, he assumed Winter had found him and was more than ready to run him through with her rapier, but low and behold it was the younger of the Schnee siblings who stood at the end of the hallway with a smile that Jaune had never witnessed before. Not that Weiss had an off-putting smile, it was just... the one she had on right now felt out of place. Oddly eager if Jaune was being completely honest. Her eyes seemed to wander downward at his exposed chest too which made him self conscious that he was still half naked.
"Oh, hey, Weiss." Jaune grinned sheepishly and waved at the girl who merrily skipped to stand beside him.
"It's nice to see you again," Weiss replied. "I know Winter has been troubling you, and I wish to apologize on her behalf."
Jaune rubbed his neck and chuckled. "No need to feel sorry, it was my mistake that I-"
Jaune bit his tongue. Aware of how Weiss would react to him kissing her older sister and mother, he chose the wise decision and kept that detail in the shadows. However, it was clearly written on his face that something was amiss, and Weiss was no slouch when it came to prying information.
"Please, I insist. It is not proper for a Schnee to act in such a brutish manner, and I feel that I do hold some responsibility for Winter's actions. Thus, I propose an extravagant dinner would be in order? Do you prefer Mistralian cuisine, Jaune? Or would you cater to a more traditional Valesian cuisine instead?"
"Ms. Schnee." Glynda said after clearing her throat. "You would do well to hold your tongue when a teacher is speaking to her student."
Weiss' cheeks flushed. While she was determined to make Jaune hers, it wouldn't do well to forgo her manners. Especially to someone she held in high regard. With a polite curtsy, Weiss apologized and settled for walking on Jaune's left as he and Glynda made their way to the auditorium.
"So... about that dinner, Weiss." Jaune rubbed his neck after Glynda finished her speech about grades and combat lessons. "You really don't have to push yourself to apologize for your sister. I'm also at fault for this whole fiasco, so I don't want you to feel guilty about it."
"But I insist!" Weiss panicked and took hold of Jaune's hand with both of hers. Her ice-tinted eyes full of remorse, she assured Jaune with all her heart that she would make amends, and would start with their new scheduled dates during leadership classes.
The word date sent Jaune for a loop, as did Glynda who narrowed her eyes on the little girl trying to intrude on her private poetry sessions.
"Need I remind you, Ms. Schnee, that the leadership classes are for those elected by the headmaster himself. As far as I'm concerned, your name was nowhere to be found on that list." Glynda said.
Weiss flicked her offset ponytail in a haughty manner. "I am merely assisting serving the role as a supporter for Ruby, my younger leader who is nowhere near as versed in the ways of education as I am."
Glynda showed a short grin of amusement and rested a hand on Jaune's shoulder which earned her a confused look from the young man and a peeved glint in Weiss' eyes that she failed to mask.
"Forgive me," Glynda's voice grew stern as iron as she leered at the younger girl. "But your experience pales in comparison to the curriculum that I have devised for Mr. Arc. I have tutored more than a hundred students, after all."
Weiss regained her composure and put a finger on her chin while she looked toward the ceiling. "Yes, I suppose being a much 'older' woman would allow you those benefits."
Jaune shuddered as the grip around his shoulder tightened.
"Excuse me?" Glynda did not miss the strain on the word 'old' and judging by Weiss' expression, the heiress said this as an attack on her teacher.
"Enlisted in Beacon Academy's history at the age of twenty-five, Glynda Goodwitch has since served the role as a devoted instructor for seventeen years." Weiss announced with utmost confidence.
Jaune counted with his fingers to add up the total sum of Glynda's age. "Oh, so you're forty-two? That's the same age as my mother actually. Though my father is two years older."
Glynda's face paled as her eyes grew envious. "A-And where did you get this information, might I ask?"
"From the manual we were given when our first semester started." Weiss replied in faux innocence. "It's also interesting to think that you're not too far off from Professor Port who just turned forty-five last month. This would make you one of the 'oldest teachers' in the school."
The walk to the auditorium slowed, with Jaune now leading the pack as Glynda relinquished her hold as Weiss clasped her hands behind her back. Jaune didn't know what to think anymore. At the same time, it was rude for Weiss to take jabs at their teacher's age, but also interesting to think that Glynda's and Professor Port's ages were not too far apart. Would this mean Glynda's light blonde hair would soon turn gray? Or maybe it already started and she used coloring to keep it the same tint?
Glynda's heart throbbed as Jaune showed her an inquisitive stare. She knew the boy meant no ill will, but perhaps his poems would no longer emerge at the revelation that his teacher was the same age as his own mother? Weiss, meanwhile, was strutting down the hall with victory plastered on her visage. Not only had she secured a mandatory two hours with Jaune everyday, she'd also deflected an unexpected rival for Jaune's heart. After all, what young man in his right mind would pick an aged bitter wine over a sweet plump grape in this instance?
"Wow, the snow is really coming down, isn't it?" Jaune said aloud to no one in particular. His gaze toward the window, both Glynda and Weiss ceased their bickering to see the slow yet numerous fall of beautiful snowflakes.
Jaune put his hands in his pockets and admired the beauty of nature. Weiss was about to interrupt him, but a swift hand from Glynda denied her as the drums of poetry had been awakened at a most unexpected moment. Their hearts tuned in for want of love, neither of them dared to move as Jaune's mind began to stir.
"Winter comes and winter goes. In a bitter chill that brings some woe.
But gone are the times of bitter cold survival. And in place is a setting of potential bridal.
For my own father wed my mother in this season. I find myself longing for such a reason.
To place a ring on my beloved. And hear her sweet voice that claims that I am her betrothed."
Weiss and Glynda's jaws slacked. Of all things to come out of Jaune's irresistibly husky voice, it had to be a marriage poem. Of which Weiss was more than delighted to reply to. With a deep breath and hand on her chest, Weiss opened her mouth and spoke softly yet strongly.
"Your words of love they do entice; and provoke me to bend from my chains of ice.
Family bound, I must comply. To create an heir who's potential will reach the sky.
With your assistance, I am sure. That a child born of our mixed passion will allure."
Weiss looked longingly at the basking form that was her future husband. His golden locks damp from melted snow, wet drops trailed down his muscular back, chest and abs in a most delicious sort of way that made Weiss' primal instincts emerge. However, there was also an older woman present, and she'd be damned if she did not allow her own feelings to be felt by the soul she claimed to be truly understanding and great. With a brave face, Glynda shoved Weiss aside with her larger frame and set herself at Jaune's side. Glynda could not face Jaune, for she felt too embarrassed, but she had enough courage to speak as she stared ahead at the wintery weather outside the hall's tall windows.
"Ever so humble I've been tenderly lost. To see loving blossoms bloom, yet forced to hold my tears as my own flower was tossed.
I've yearned for such comfort, to be held in another man's gentle embrace. Yet at this point in time, is there any man who will accept my ageing face?
My numbers stand tall, as does my sorrow. However, would your heart be willing to let me borrow..."
A tear shed from her closed eyes. Glynda gripped the hems of her pencil skirt as she lowered her head. This was humiliating. To speak such inner thoughts to a recipient she had no claim over, and the guilt of being attracted to a man much younger than her nicked at her heartstrings. Foolishness. That word alone described Glynda's folly, and she turned away to make room for the more appropriate romance between Jaune and Weiss to form. It was a teacher's duty to observe the growth of their students, not interfere with their budding love.
"And why does my elegant diamond wish to hide herself away?" Jaune chuckled. His deep voice engaging the excited yet questionable turmoil in his dear teacher's chest.
Glynda's mind stopped as her cold face was cupped by two hot hands. Her trembling pale green eyes meeting those of a cerulean complexion, Glynda tried to look away but her efforts were dashed by Jaune's comforting embrace as he rested his chin on her shoulder and gently combed his fingers through her hair with one hand while the other rubbed small circles on her slender back.
"A diamond is formed only through pressure and age. But once found, its brilliant glimmer is a glorious sight once freed from its rocky cage.
I am blessed. To behold such a sight of vulnerability, for it allows me to speak with utmost sincerity.
Do not drown in bitter tears long past. But rather, embrace the warm memories that will last.
Even then, if there are no happy thoughts, allow me to weave some in heartfelt knots."
Jaune, the expression on his handsome visage filled with genuine appreciation, he stood on the tips of his toes to deliver a sweet peck on his teacher's forehead. Glynda, her pale skin redder than crimson and hotter than fire, broke down in a pitiful sight of childish tears as she turned to putty in Jaune's strong arms. Weiss, all the while, felt a kindle of jealousy but also sympathy for the woeful display of the woman who'd been somewhat of a mother figure to her throughout the semester. Yes, Weiss would relinquish this toothsome moment, just this once. However, she made sure to leave the teeniest of barbs in this budding rose of affection.
"I suppose one can only appreciate a succulent wine after its been bitterly aged." Weiss' quip earned a harsh scowl from Glynda who snapped her eyes open in anger. Though it was Jaune's remark that sent it home.
"Just like a fine cut of moldy cheese. The more it stinks, the more pleasing it is on the tongue.~"
Glynda's entire being quivered, and she abandoned any notion of keeping her dignity and bawled to her utmost limits while trying to convince herself that she was still a young maiden in need of love. All the while, Jaune was doing his best to sooth his elegant diamond with Weiss silently plotting her next move to get Jaune alone so he could recite another poem for his snow angel. A Schnee did not give up so easily, after all, and after today's movie, Weiss' new name would be Weiss Schnee Arc.