Hey, guys. This is BD with the season finale of "The Arc Family Rules." In this chapter, Jaune and Raven have a talk about their encounter. Meanwhile, Saphron and the girls are on their way to get Jaune and their wayward sisters but make a pit stop. Next, Junko strikes gold and decides to make a proposition to earn some money. Later, a surprise visitor makes their way to the hotel just to see Jaune. Mishaps and misadventures ensue. Enjoy!
Arc Family Rule #126: "An Arc has the approval to date anyone they choose. Any girl who dates Jaune must undergo a set of rigorous tests that she may (and will) possibly fail if she wants the approval of his sisters."
Jaune's eyes drifted open only to promptly shut in protest of the sudden brightness. As his senses started returning he realized that something was off about this situation. It was never this bright in his bedroom.
His head was throbbing and his throat was dry as a desert. He coughed weakly, his body aching all over. What made him this way? As he struggled to sit up in bed, his eyes darted at the surroundings around him. Then it hit him — this wasn't his bedroom.
Bits and pieces were returning to him. He wasn't at home but in a luxurious hotel suite. He was engaging in a favor with Ms. Branwen in order to keep mum of Junko's academic/behavioral performance. When arriving, she wasn't alone.
"Aunt Neo."
Raven bought Auntie Neo along to engage in their debauchery. He had had sex with her. Then, he continued the rendezvous in the bedroom where he engaged in sex with his elementary school teacher. Through the midst of the grunts and groans and the thrusting and bucking, when he came inside of her, he didn't see Ms. Branwen, but someone else.
A woman who has given him life, raised him, clothed and supplied him with his needs — as well as the needs of his sisters.
It was that woman that introduced him to this realm of discord. That woman that introduced and exposed him to his sexuality. The very woman who was currently spending time at the "resort" to amend the sins of her former past.
"Mom!"
"You're finally awake. Good."
Beside him sat Ms. Branwen. She sat patiently, concern etched across her face. No longer sporting a gala-like dress or in her birthday suit, her hair was wrapped in a ponytail and was wearing jogging clothes. She was wearing her glasses and was reading one of her teaching guidebooks to prepare for the next lesson in her class.
It took Jaune a moment to register the woman who enticed him to come to this establishment. The moment he came to that realization, fear was etched on his face. He jerked around and scrambled to find his clothes and his cell phone.
He could barely reach the nightstand before her hand took hold of his wrist.
"You're not going anywhere." Raven said to him. The tone of voice she carried was no longer of a seductive lover but of a concerned parent. She reached for a glass of water and handed it to him. "Here, take small sips. You need to stay hydrated."
The blond obeyed, sipping the water slowly. Despite the circumstances, he appreciated Ms. Branwen's care and kindness. "Thanks, Ms. B.," he managed to say between sips.
She handed him an aspirin. Before he could rebuttal, she interjected. "It's just plain aspirin, no party favor, no aphrodisiac. I swear on the life as a Branwen that it isn't anything to seduce you further."
Jaune nodded as he ingested the tablet. He went behind it with a few swallows of water. After draining the glass, he placed it back on the nightstand and lied back down. Ms. Branwen was right. He was certainly not in the condition to drive back home.
"Neo went home for the night. I sent her away." She said as she closed the textbook. "You were not in the best condition to do anything else frisky for the night."
"Yes, ma'am." Jaune said as he reached for the covers to pull back. "What happened?"
"Well, after we had sex…" She paused. Juane could tell she really had some reservations on what she really wanted to say. As if she was trying to find the right words without hinting any signs of guilt nor regret. "It looked like you were in a trance. Your eyes rolled back and you were shivering. You also were mumbling something incomprehensive. When Neo came back, she wanted to call for help but…."
Jaune could understand. It still didn't make it right but he understood. How could they explain to the police of a naked teenage boy in the company of two obviously adult women, one of which he shared kinship with?
"However, you snapped out of it. When we wanted to ask you what happened, you rushed out of bed and headed to the bathroom where you threw up." She touched her chest. "The way you were heaving, we weren't sure what was really going on. We got scared.
"Neo phoned Roman as he is friends with a private doctor. So, we've kept you cool, done chest compressions, and we did try to tilt your head so you wouldn't choke on your own vomit." A sigh of relief was shown on her face. "I'm just glad that you're okay."
"Yeah…sure."
She patted his forehead gently with a cool cloth, trying to alleviate his fever. "You're burning up, Jaune. Maybe I should call Neo again to speak with the doctor."
He shook his head weakly. "No…I'm just dehydrated. I'll be fine. Besides, this isn't a crisis. I've dealt with worse."
Raven sighed but respected his wishes. She knew how stubborn he could be. Always wanted to solve his own problems, living by the creed that was of the Arc clan.
"Jeanette and the others are going to be looking for me," he said to Raven. "I am not usually out this long." He wiped the sweat from his arm with his hand on the comforter. "They must be worried."
"You're not a kid anymore, Jaune." Raven said to him as she felt it was time to replace the cloth with a cooler one. "You are practically an adult — eighteen! Why should you worry? They know you can handle yourself."
"Because I don't lie to them, that's why," he responded. "I am the sole man of the house, a voice of reason, the battery that keeps things operable. Without me, who knows what kind of chaos would ensue."
He tried to get up but it would be all for naught. He lied still. "What happened tonight was for Junko's sake. Anything I do for them is for them because I love them." He lowered his eyes. "Even if it means selling myself."
Raven stared blankly at him.
"Think you are the first?" He retorted. "When Julie needed orthodontic surgery on her teeth. When Jenna got kicked out of her roller derby team and what I had to do to convince her coach to give her a second chance. When Jeanette's boss at the clerk's office wanted to lay her off. When one of Joan's professors accused her of plageration and what I needed to do to keep her silent from telling Ozpin.
"Yeah…I did it — whored myself out to these women as I refuse to let any of my sisters do that to themselves. Women have it rough as the fairer sex as it is and I feel if getting a taste of what they do could quell some problems, then I am subjected to it. And you know what, I'll do it again…and again…and again for the sake of their happiness…even if it means losing a bit of my dignity."
Raven had to get a drink of water to clear her throat. She couldn't sit there and pretend to be innocent. She had coveted this boy the moment he stepped into her classroom as her student. For years, she had remembered him and clung on to the hope that she could make this man her man. The approach was wrong but she kept telling herself that it wasn't any ill intent. Even through the years of being married to Taiyang and the slew of men thereafter, the love she had for Jaune grew stronger and stronger.
Was it wrong to use his sister as an excuse? Absolutely. If she wanted to be honest, she knew that Junko's test was a hoax and was certainly out of the girl's character.
"You're not a whore, Jaune." Raven lifted her head and turned to his direction. "Whores give themselves to anyone or anything for self-gratification because they don't love themselves. When it comes to pulling tricks, that's called being a hustler." She stood up and got on her knees, resting her head against the mattress. "If anyone should be called a whore, it's me."
He stared blankly at the woman.
"I used your sister's failed exam as a ploy to pull you into my graces. Instead of being straightforward and asking you out, I'd blackmailed you and even added my best friend Neo to join me to excite the kink." She pointed at herself. "That is what being a whore is."
She reached out to him and held his hand. "I was jealous of how close you were to your sisters. Everyday I see you come and get them and they greet you with nothing but smiles. Those girls adore you and you mean the world to them.
"I can barely get Yang to send me a Dear John letter without some form of disgust. Yet again, I wasn't exactly parent of the year." The latter was met with a self-defecated chuckle. "I hoped the same way you looked at your sisters…maybe you could look at me that way."
Deep down, she feared that thought. It has already been implied through the grapevine that he shared a special kinship with them. Nevertheless, she refused to acknowledge it. She really loved Jaune. Maybe the way she did it didn't help, but she knew him. He was an understanding, forgiving person.
"Yang doesn't completely hate you."
Her beady red eyes stared at the teen.
"She can't stand you, yes. But she doesn't hate you. She does find it ironic that you are a caretaker of students but you barely lasted a day with her," responded Jaune.
Raven scratched her cheek and gingerly smiled. "Taiyang says the same thing whenever we speak."
"And I exactly can't say that I disliked what happened tonight," said Jaune as he chuckled. "Different, way different. Kinky to say the least." He mustered what he could to sit up. "It's gonna be awkward at the next family reunion when I see Auntie Neo."
Raven joined in on the witty bantering. "Is it true that you guys don't see each other much?"
"Neo's line of work doesn't really match my creed as a huntsman," he responded. "It's like having a cousin that belongs to a rival gang in Chicago. No matter the blood ties, it's the ties of being hero or villain."
"Neo doesn't look at you that way. You can see from tonight."
"I love my Aunt Neo, but she loves herself. She would do this for nothing." He rubbed the bridge of his nose. "It's my sister she can't stand. Ever since she cheated with my ex-brother-in-law, there has been bad blood between the two."
Raven let go of Jaune's hand and sat back up on the chair. "Neo did Jan a favor. Dӧehr wasn't loyal to anyone but himself. No, scratch that. His dick did much of the dictating, if you ask me." She cleared her throat. "If it makes you feel better, Dash isn't really his real surname but an alias."
"Huh?" He arched an eyebrow.
"I know your sister used to be 'in the life' and has dealt with people like Adam and Sienna in the past. I know she has since cut ties and all but that man was bad news. If anything, Neo saved her life," said Raven. "Even if Jan doesn't realize it. And honestly, let's leave it at that. There are certain things that are now put to bed and I want it just so."
"Understood," he retorted.
Raven handed him a bottle of water. He took a few swallows before capping the drink. He thought that a second wind was upon him. "I think I should go."
"Do you think you're in the condition to drive?" She looked at her watch. "It's a little past three. Why not stay the night and you can head back when it's light out."
"It's a school night, Ms. B.," responded Jaune. "I know I am of age but there are responsibilities that I still need to do for my sisters."
"For me, Jaune? I wouldn't feel right if I allowed one of my students out and something happened." A stern tone of voice came out of her. "I wouldn't know what I would do. I don't want that blood on my hands."
Despite his worry, he knew Ms. Branwen meant well. He nodded, his eyes filled with appreciation and affection. "Alright, Ms. B."
Raven smiled and squeezed his hand gently. "You'd do the same for me, Jaune. That's the chivalry in you."
She was right. He leaned back and got himself comfortable. There was no point in getting his cell phone as he doubted there wouldn't be anybody worrying for him at this hour. Knowing Jeanette, she put herself in a masturbating coma. Jan, Jenna, and Joan were probably overcoming hangovers from whichever host club or hole-in-the-wall they hibernated out of. Joey, Junko, and Julie should be resting peacefully in their rooms.
Maybe a night off wouldn't hurt. Plus, this bed was quite soft and he was in a fancy hotel suite. Only Oum knew the next time he would get an opportunity such as this.
He wasn't too surprised when Raven decided to join him in bed. Taking off her glasses and then removing her jogging suit, she was once again in her seductive form. She slid into the covers and reached over to grab him.
"Just wanna cuddle, that's all," she whispered into his ear.
In his heart, he knew she was lying. No one was going to climb in the bed and "cuddle." At least she wasn't Jan. She would bust in, just in the bed and slid on in — whether or not if there wasn't anyone else in bed with him.
"No problem, Ms. B."
"Call me Raven."
"Not gonna happen."
"Hey, Jaune."
"Yeah?"
"Your mother isn't really on vacation, isn't she?"
It took a moment before Jaune could produce the words to answer her. "No, she's not."
He felt her spreading her hand across his chest, followed by tracing lazy patterns with her fingers. "Jaune, I'm the last one who should judge. I just know she hasn't been around lately."
"She hasn't been around as she is currently serving a sentence at a minimum security prison," he responded. "She is in the mental ward and seeking 'treatment' for her problem. You can say that I was the source of her nature."
"Jaune…I am so sorry."
Jaune felt the warmth of her hand brushing his cheek. She reached over and kissed his lips. He pushed back, not so out of resistance but he wasn't finished telling his story.
"I'm not. For this one reason alone." Jaune took a breath before exhaling loudly. "Even in the midst of storms, there come blessings and if it wasn't for that day, I wouldn't have my little Kickapoo in my possession. My precious little Joey."
Meanwhile….
Saphron turned on her turning signals as she veered into the gas station. The orange glow of the gas station's lights illuminated the darkness, inviting her to make a stop. With her fuel gauge nearing empty, she decided it was time to refuel both her car and herself. She turned into the gas station, the gravel crunching softly beneath the family van's tires.
Saphron turned off the engine and turned around to look at the girls. She didn't have to gauge the atmosphere that she was practically enemy number one. Joey was sleeping peacefully in the backseat. Jeanette was idling with her cell phone. Joan, Jenna, and Jan were silent — eyes setting in different directions other than the driver.
Did she dislike the fact that she had to be the de facto leader of the clan? Did she take pleasure in having to be the ugly? Of course not! Someone in the Arc clan had to be the responsible one. Jeanette and Jan still thought it was still back in the day when they were young, free, and reckless — perusing the streets and wreaking havoc without resolve or reprieve. She admitted she wasn't a saint.
She could recall the days when she and her sisters would scalp tickets at the Vytal festival to score some extra cash for the annual squirrel fund. Winters were the worst months and whenever their father wasn't busy drowning himself in Wild Turkey or their mother buried in a sea of percocets and falling asleep on the couch, they did what they had to do to provide for the family. The days when they would perform acts like they were part of the circus, using Jaune, Joan, or Jenna was an act in order to sweet talk people out of their money. Even the moments when Saphron came out as a lesbian, Jan used it to their advantage and went to gay-friendly areas for the eldest sister to finesse or hustle money out of other lesbians, or supposedly straight girls.
She was no longer that type of girl. She was a loving wife, a career woman, a mother, and wanting to set a better example for the younger Arc children. It may be too little too late for Jaune, Joan, and Jenna, but there was Julie, Junko, and Joey who needed that guidance and support. And with no parent in the household, she had to be that parent. Within her heart, she knew, she understood but these weren't the old days anymore — at some point, the girls would have to grow up.
Grabbing her purse, Saphron grabbed the door handle. "I'm going to get some snacks. Still got a bit of a drive before we head to the hotel." She turned around and looked at Jenna. "Be a dear and fill the gas, would you?"
Jenna clicked her tongue, rolling her eyes at her sister. "Tch! You fill it, bitch!"
"Watch your mouth, Jenn," retorted Saphron.
"Or what? Ground me? Save that for your wife and Adrian. Not me!"
It was met with a smack to the head by Jan. "Oi! Don't be a smartass. I am not peachy keen with her right now either but you won't call her out of her name. Understand?"
"But…"
"Understand?!"
"Yeah!" The ponytailed teen covered her head, feeling the pain radiating through her head. She didn't say anything. She gave Jan the middle finger and stepped outside of the van, slamming it loudly, making it obvious that she was upset.
"Thank you, Jan," said Saphron with her cheeks beginning to blush.
Jan clicked her tongue. "I'll thank you later when you bring me my chocolate dutches."
The eldest sister smiled, closing the door and walking around the van to go inside the gas station.
"Be sure to get my menthols, too. Newports, filtered! Don't you come back with that unfiltered shit." Jan said as she shouted through the crack in the window. The sisters stared at Saphron until she stepped inside of the gas station. Upon closing of the door, a sigh of relief ran through the vehicle.
"Who does that fucking cunt think she is?" Jenna said, opening the door, keeping partially ajar. "I don't know where in the hell she found her nuts but they better go back to sender or else I am turning that shit into pure jelly."
"Jenna, we spoke about this," said Jeanette as she looked at her from the front seat. "You may have your discretion about Saphron but you won't be disrespecting her like that."
"Y'all two do." Jenna snapped back.
"Not the point," retorted Jeanette. "Me and Jan, we go way back with Saphron. There is a dynamic shared between us before all of you came into the picture."
Jan blew a raspberry. "Jennie is right. Can't stand the ditch digger myself but there is a certain way of conveying ourselves to her. Just as you can do with Jaune and Joan and the same with Julie, Junko, and Joey."
"Last time I checked, we ain't the Duggars. Respect is earned, not given." Jenna blew a raspberry. "I don't abide by that accountability buddy bullshit. I'm not gonna let some broad who has her nose so far up Terra's cunt to tell me how to dictate my life." She stamped her foot. "And you can't just sit here and tell me that you don't see that."
Joan stepped in between the three. "We're not saying you're wrong but disrespecting her isn't right either, sis."
"She has her name on the lease as well as much of the utilities." Jeanette added. "She has much more of a say than you think you know, Jenna."
"And here we are, just asscheeks spread wide open taking her shit." Jenna retorted, narrowing her eyebrows. "If Mom was around, she wouldn't let this slide." She crossed her arms and slumped her shoulders as she backed against the car.
Jeanette let out a strong sigh. "Look, Jenn. Mom's away for a while. She'll be home. She just gotta—"
"I know, Jennie," interjected Jenna. "Some time to herself. But how long is that 'time,' huh? Haven't spoken to her in a dog's age. What kind of resort won't allow visitors? Tell me that!"
Jeanette could hear Jenna unsettling as her voice rattled.
"How many birthdays she missed. When was the last time she wrote to any of us? What's the big secret behind this resort, Jennie?" Jenna stared at Jeanette straight in her eye, as if she was staring into the windows of her soul. "You don't have to lie to me, Jan and Jeanette. I am seventeen years old now. I'm practically close to living on my own, practically a grown up."
Tears were staining her cheeks and her eyes were turning red.
"Is there something you're hiding, then tell me. I can take it. Is Mom in jail?" Jenna was biting her lip and her fists were tightly clenched. "Please." She sniffled. "Do you think she actually cares about us enough to at least check up on her children?"
"Jenna," said Jeanette.
"What reason is she there that she is afraid to tell us?"
"Jenna."
"Did she hurt someone? Tax evasion? Theft? Give me something because if that's the case I would rather be there than with Saphron."
"That's not true," said Jeanette.
"I refuse to let some stranger come into our home and run things. It was enough that it came from you and Jan but at least it came from the heart." She pointed at the gas station. "Saphron doesn't look at us as sisters but as liabilities. We're not a package deal, Oum damn it! I am not ashamed of being an Arc and neither should she. She doesn't take time for us. She doesn't even know me."
"Jenna, don't think that way." Joan interjected.
"Sorry that I am a highschool dropout. Sorry that I can hardly keep a job. Sorry that I can keep a guy or a girl for more than ten minutes without becoming bored. Sorry…sorry…" She cracked her voice. "I am…I am just a sorry excuse in general."
Jan, Joan, and Jeanette stepped out of the van and rushed over to Jenna. Jenna began crying as she buried herself into Jan's bosom. Jeanette embraced her back tightly.
"Quit thinking little of yourself, sis." Jeanette as she kissed her back. "This is a stressful situation."
"She's right, Jenn." Joan added. "We know what lies in your heart."
"And you're a heck of a lot more stable than anyone else I know." Jan said. "Take me for instance. It's my fault that we're in this position in the first place." The elder blonde took a bit to ponder her thoughts and also she was itching for a cigarette. "Saphron has a lot on her plate as well."
"Even if that plate is gold-plated." Jeanette murmured.
"I try to think to myself that she isn't doing this so we can kiss her Tegan and Sara-loving ass," said Jan.
"Jesus, Jan. Can we go a minute without throwing a lezzy joke?" Jeanette said as she rubbed the bridge of her nose.
"The point, my fair virgin maiden, is that someone has to be the responsible one." Jan interjected. "Someone has to be responsible to look out for our well being. Oum knows we definitely suck at that." She chuckled.
Jenna nodded, wiping the tears with her sleeve. "All I want is her respect. I am not a freakin' kid."
Jan grabbed Jenna's head and playfully grabbed it. "Kid? You can be in your forties and still be looked at as a child by the elders." She smiled. "Not me though. I don't plan on growing up."
"Statistically speaking, with the lifestyle you live, the odds are in your favor." Jeanette said.
"At least I can't say I died a virgin." She winked at the now-annoyed Jeanette.
"Woman up, Jenn." Jan said. "There's plenty of time to prove that you're a grown up. But not today."
Joan's nose began to twitch when she smelled a foul odor. She jerked her head at Jan's direction and the blonde immediately smiled.
"Jan, you bastard." Joan plugged her nose. It wasn't long when the other began smelling it.
Jan fanned the scent in their direction. "This air biscuit was fresh out of the oven." It was met with groans as the girls pushed back. "What?! Y'all say I was never pushing my weight when it comes to cooking and now y'all complain?"
"Typical Jan to spoil the moment." Jenna said as she covered her nose with her shirt.
"More like the ozone." Joan covered her nose with her hand. "As if Remnant doesn't have enough problems of its own."
Jeanette shoved her hand against Jan's shoulder. "Family moment over."
Jenna resumed pumping gas as the others returned to the car. It wasn't long when Saphron returned back to the family van.
"They didn't have your Newports so will Parliament suffice?" Saphron said as she handed Jan her cigarettes.
Jeanette blew through her nose. "The cake is a lie."
"And the poor cube had to die for it." Jan responded, rolling her eyes as she lowered the window so she could smoke. "When you want potato salad and all they have is coleslaw." She said under her breath.
"Hey, Jan. How about thank you for the smokes?" Saphron retorted.
"Bet you forgot my chocolate dutches, didn't ya?" Jan responded. "Bet you wouldn't forget if her royal highness was in the vehicle."
"Never satisfied." Saphron said, frowning as she turned around. She then gave the bag of snacks to Jeanette to issue to the girls. She put on her seatbelt and put the keys in the ignition. "Alright. All set to get the others?"
They responded with a nod. Not exactly what she wanted but at least they weren't harping at her for the time being.
Saphron turned on the vehicle, put the car in drive, and headed to their destination. Her thoughts were going into eight million directions at once. One thing was for sure, Junko, Julie and Jaune would make three less concerns.
Meanwhile….
"It's highly inappropriate!" Yang's boyfriend blurted out as he stood in the hallway at the suite he and Yang were occupying for the night. "Absolute fubar if you ask me!"
"How so?" Yang said in a calmer voice. "Look at this as a lucrative opportunity to earn some cash. Plus, earning your keep. It isn't easy obtaining tickets with flights connecting to Remnant from Japan."
"Are you listening to yourself?!" He blurted out to the blonde. "Granted I knew there was some mush in your brain for all the jabs you take. I am aware that you're the jokester of the bunch. But you can't be fucking serious on what you've said to me, let alone even suggest it. I'm starting to think you're being pan about this because you've been struck in the head too much."
While the argument ensued with Yang and her boyfriend, Junko was lying on the couch, taking advantage of the amenities as she munched on M&M and sipped apple juice from the mini-bar. It wasn't in her name and she sure was hell not worrying about the tab.
Meanwhile, Julie was in the restroom tending to her recent "accident." Who knew that the fair maiden decided to strike her at the most inconvenient time. As Katsuki took it in, her halfwit sister was taking it out.
Junko sniggered as seeing the sheer embarrassment on her sister's face was worth the price of admission. And seeing two lovers fight over being caught was also quite amusing to Junko.
"A dinner and a show." Junko thought as she tossed some M&M's in her mouth. "Julie is on the rag and the pomeranian boy is going to need a rag. Forget sex tapes. Fight tapes are where it's at. Tee-hee!"
"Just listen to what she has to say. Could bring perspective." Yang said as she took hold of his hand. "Your father's fashion line is literally in rags and your mother's bakery has been in a drought. Look at it as providing for your family." She grabbed his hands tightly. "Think of the money we could make. Think of how much you wanted to burst and brag on Deku. Although I don't have a problem with…"
She was cut off with a finger to her lip. "Screw the shitty extra." He snarled loudly. "Fine, I'll listen. But it doesn't mean that I'll comply."
"Thanks, that's all I want you to say." She stroked his cheek before kissing him on the lips. "Okay?!"
He didn't answer. He bit into his lip and returned back to the room where Junko was pondering on picking up a magazine.
Yang took a seat on the bed and Katsuki proceeded to do the same. His demeanor definitely showed disagreement while Yang had the look of curiosity. After all, what kind of young adults would have a meeting with pre-teens?
Junko uncrossed her legs and cupped her hands together. She put on the air that this was an informal meeting. She smiled and prepared the thoughts on what she had to say. She loved when the ball was in her court. It wasn't everyday that a ten-year-old such as herself could have the room with an audience.
"Excuse my co-partner for not attending this impromptu soiree," said Junko. "She's kinda tied up at the moment." She looked at Yang. "Thanks for providing her with spare clothes."
The spiky-haired blond snarled. "What's your angle, Junko? I mean what kind of nonsense are you spouting? Isn't past your bedtime?"
"You know, Bakugo. You've got a lot of lip for a boy that allows his rubberband to get stretched. Only time my rubberband stretches is when I got stack bundles."
"I should report you to child protection services," said Katsuki.
"And what you're gonna tell 'em?" Junko retorted, smirking. "As I was getting my manhood taken, I was caught in the act by two kids. Two underaged kids, may I add." She clicked her tongue. "That wouldn't look good on you, my friend. You'll be looking really sweet to your chomo-hating friends."
Yang decided to intervene. "Junko, just because we're cool doesn't mean you get to say whatever you want about my man." She then eyed her cell phone. "What makes you think I wouldn't call Jaune?"
"You wouldn't, Auntie Yang." Junko retorted, arching her eyebrow. "Especially if Blake finds out that you're staying at this suite under the name Mr. and Mrs. Ghira Belladonna."
Hearing that made the blonde frown. That, in which, made Junko smile.
"Blakey has the skills to sneak and creep, you don't. Plus, I would advise you when stealing your best friend's credit card to keep it on you without anyone seeing it."
Katsuki's mouth was agape and turned to Yang. "What happened to that talk about 'earning my keep,' you cheap ass?!"
"Um…um…Blake knew about this." Yang replied nervously. "Yeah. She's freely given. She didn't mind…" Her cheeks began puffing. "I'd told you that we should have stayed in the hotel room." She slapped Katsuki's shoulder.
"How so? You wanna be the one who explores exhibitionism."
"You said you feared being caught on camera. And still, that happens!"
"You never know. Walls can talk. Ask Deku!"
The conversation was interrupted when Julie stepped out of the bathroom. Her face was redder than a sweet potato on a cool November morning. She walked past the trio and headed into the adjacent room where she closed the door behind her. It wasn't long when the sounds of tears filled the room.
Junko cleared her throat. "She'll be fine." She then switched the subject. "This isn't about pointing fingers. What you two do behind each other's back is your business. However, what I'm suggesting is that we forge an alliance on this operation of mine." She then looked at Katsuki. "No names, no faces. Treat it like Japan and we'll fix it in post. Plus, they would be ogling over Yang over there than you. Just the thought of firm, round supple tits bouncing against your back while being handled. It would make a killing out here."
The spiky-haired blond stomped his foot. "So you're saying that I am not attractive. Just so you know, there are plenty of fellas who would love to put their meat between my buns."
Junko arched her eyebrow — certainly the last thing she would suspect coming out of his mouth. "Oookay~!"
"He has low blood sugar." Yang reached into her purse and pulled out her wallet. "Go downstairs and get us something to eat. And a couple of sodas, too." The spiky-haired blond nodded and stepped out of the hotel room. Upon closing the door, the lilac-eyed teen had her eyes set on Junko.
"Right now I should be appalled and should contact your brother. But since we each have dirt on each other, let's cancel it out." Yang reached her hand out and shook it with Junko. "You've got a deal."
Junko nodded. "Sweet. We'll work on contracts and paperwork later. However I do need a favor."
"What kind of favor?"
"Well—"
Before she could speak further, the door slid open and out came Julie. The emo teen's face was red and tear-stained. She turned her head to her sister. "I just got off the phone with Jeanette. They are on their way here."
The pigtailed teen arched an eyebrow. "Jeanette? You know she can't drive in the dark."
Still sniffling, Julie continued to speak. "She isn't alone. Jan, Jenna, Joey, and Joan are with her…with Saphron."
As if she heard the bell tolled, Junko's heart skipped a beat. "S-S-S-Saphron?!"
Julie nodded in agreement.
There weren't many things that scared Junko Arc. In her short ten years of life, she would describe herself as the resilient type. She has dealt with many things — pranks, swattings, getting caught in the act of cheating in video game competitions, detention, school suspensions, summons and court appearances, juvenile hall, and restraining orders.
She isn't welcomed at town venues, family restaurants, movie theaters, or recreational centers. She has her picture plastered in the town hall's do-not-babysit list. Even the local police department has her prioritized on the predictably scale of becoming a potential threat as a criminal. To the metropolis, she was hell by design. But to the gamer and aspiring mangaka, they were badges of honor.
"Junko Sailor Moon Arc, what in the hell is this?"
There were a few things Junko feared — snakes, eared corn, 6ix9ine dropping another album, and her oldest sister, Saphron Cotta-Arc.
"Junko, are you alright?" Yang asked worriedly. "Junko? Junko?"
"We're so fucking dead!" Junko blurted out.
Later….
'The Sword and the Sheath?'
'Mmm-hmm. Trust me, sweetie. You'll love it. All great huntsmen before you have done this. It's a rite of passage.'
'Really?'
'Do you trust me, Jauney?'
'This feels weird.'
'It's like that for the first time. You're the sword. Remember, silly?'
'Jauney, what we have done is only between us.'
'Between us?'
'Exactly. No one should know about this. This is our special time together, just you and I. Promise me you won't tell anyone.'
'On the hairs of my chinny chin chin, an Arc never backs down on his word.'
'That's my boy. My sweet, sweet boy.'
Jaune jolted awake, his body covered in a cold sweat, heart pounding in his chest. The remnants of a vivid dream clung to his consciousness, leaving him disoriented in the darkness of the room. The lingering fear from the dream tightened its grip on him, making it difficult to shake off.
He took a deep breath, attempting to steady himself. The room was silent, the only sound was the soft hum of the heater coming from the vents. He turned over and saw Ms. Branwen was sleeping beside him. She was lying on her side. By this time the cuddling and touching has ceased thus giving him liberty to sit up in bed.
It took a moment for reality to settle in, and for him to realize that she wasn't here and this wasn't her bedroom. "It was a long time ago. A long time ago, Jauney."
Shivering, he reached for his cell phone. As it casted a warm glow over his face, he saw the time — 5:00 AM. He didn't want to look at the slew of text messages and missed phone calls. That suited him since it could borrow him time to produce an excuse if they were to ask. Jeanette would probably have a fit and he wasn't expecting the girls to come back from their little getaway until later in the evening.
Determined to clear his mind, Jaune stood up and padded quietly across the room to the bathroom. Closing the door behind him, he turned on the lights and then went to the sink. He splashed cold water on his face, the shock helping to ground him in reality. "This has been a recurring dream with me lately. Why is my mom on my mind right now?"
He doused some more water on his face before turning off the faucet. He took a look at himself in the mirror. Although a teen, in the mirror it was a man. His hair was growing longer, he was sporting a five o'clock shadow, and he knew he was losing his childlike glow. He shook away those thoughts as it was too early to think like that. He turned off the light and headed back into the room.
He climbed back into bed and covered himself with the blanket. Out of instinct, Ms. Branwen reached over and grabbed him by his chest. Being the gentleman he was, he pecked her on the forehead, providing her comfort as a lover would. In a way, he did care for his former teacher.
A few moments later, the hotel phone rang. He answered the phone on the third rang,
Fumbling with the receiver, he answered. "Hello?" His voice was still carrying a raspy tone.
"Good morning," a polite voice greeted him from the other end. "This is the front desk at the hotel. We're calling to remind you of your wake-up call."
Jaune turned over and looked at his teacher. Old habits die hard, he thought to himself.
"Oh, right. Thank you."
"Is there anything else you need assistance with, sir?"
"No, that's fine. I appreciate the wake-up call," Jaune replied, his mind shifting from the lingering effects of the dream to the reality of the day ahead.
"Very well. Have a great day, Mr. Arc," the voice on the other end wished him.
"Thank you," Jaune said, hanging up the phone.
He decided that he would give himself another hour before departing the hotel. School was definitely out of the question. As he was pondering on the thought of asking Ren or Blake about getting his schoolwork, a thought hit him.
"Wait a minute? Did she just say my name? How would someone know that I am here?"
Meanwhile….
The lady at the front desk, a slight quizzical expression on her face, hung up the phone and turned her attention to the woman standing in front of her.
"Alright, I did as you are told," said the receptionist. "So where is my end of the bargain?"
The woman in front of her smiled brightly as she reached out and gave the receptionist a few, crisp one-hundred dollar bills.
"Thanks!" She was taken aback by the unexpected visitor and couldn't help but inquire. "Who are you exactly?"
The woman continued to smile warmly, a twinkle of excitement in her eyes. "Who am I? Just a woman who just wanted to surprise her son after being gone for so long."
"I see," responded the receptionist. "This normally goes against guidelines." She said as she slid the dollars into her pocket. "Of course, we'll keep it a secret. It sounds like you're here to surprise him."
The woman nodded appreciatively. "Thank you. I don't want him to know I'm here just yet. He's been so busy with school, and I wanted to make his day a little brighter. He is an aspiring huntsman you know."
The receptionist smiled conspiratorially. "Your secret is safe with me, Mrs. Arc. If there's anything you need assistance with, feel free to let us know."
"Mrs. Arc was my mother-in-law. Call me Juniper."
To be continued….