Our New Lives

(Jak/Jaune's POV)

So this was to be my home for the next four years.

The dorm I shared with my teammates was rather plain, and bare save for the four beds, two desks, a window with deep red curtains, one door leading to a bathroom and another leading to a common room.

This came as no surprise since we were expected to personalize the room to our liking ourselves.

But that would have to wait until later, after we had unpacked and settled into the room. Which would wait until after everyone had bathed the filth of today off, as my team began discussing 'bath rotations'.

"Jak? You've been pretty quiet so far, what do you think?" Pyrrha asked me.

"Can't we all go at once?" I asked curiously, noting the newfound redness on my teammates' faces.

"I don't think that would be a good idea..." Pyrrha trailed.

"Why not? Is the bathroom too small?" I asked as I moved to take a look.

Inside, I saw a sink, a mirror, a few towels, the toilet, and a low, shallow basin with a curtain and two faucets. One high, and one low.

"Looks like we can fit two at a time, it would save time," I noted aloud to show the girls.

"Er... Jak? I don't think the space is the issue..." Ruby began, face still as red as her namesake.

"What do you mean?"

"It's that... Umm... You're a boy and we're all girls. It wouldn't be right!" She said after finding her words.

"Why not?"

"What she's trying to say is that us normal people enjoy our privacy," Weiss explained.

Oh. Privacy. That's a commodity I'm not quite used to.

"Sorry."

After a bit more deliberation, we agreed on an alternating schedule of Weiss and I taking the evenings, while Ruby and Pyrrha would shower in the mornings for one week and we'd switch the next.

But for tonight, we agreed that Ruby would shower first since she was the youngest, followed by Pyrrha, Weiss, and then myself as we waited for Beacon's staff sent some spare sleeping clothes for me as I still only had my now torn t-shirt and worn jeans to wear since my jacket was beyond salvaging.

After everyone had cleaned themselves up, it was my turn to get in and stand under the running water. With soap! Ruby was nice enough to lend me a bottle of her own.

'I smell like strawberries now!' I thought cheerfully to myself as I stepped out of the bathroom wearing a new, clean, white t-shirt and light grey sweatpants.

"Sorry we used all the hot water, Jak," Pyrrha apologized.

"The water was supposed to be hot?"

(-/Line Break\-)

(Ruby's POV)

"No."

"Come on, Jak, it's part of the dress code," Weiss grated out as she held up a tie for Jak to wear.

Jak, who had gotten up before any of us and was already mostly dressed was... Less than thrilled at having to wear a uniform, but had donned the restrictive outfit without complaint so far.

So what was the deal with a tie?

"No collars, no leashes." Jak's tone made his stance abundantly clear as I and Pyrrha now understood our leader's adamant refusal of the article.

Jak then took the 'leash' out of Weiss's hand and threw it out the window.

"I am not your slave anymore," he declared with a finality that killed any chance Weiss had at continuing... Whatever this dialogue was.

The silent tension in the air was so thick, I could have cut it with Crescent Rose.

"Come on, guys..." Pyrrha softly spoke up after a moment. "Let's just let it go and get going. We don't want to be late for class on our first day..."

(-/Line Break\-)

(Weiss's POV)

Breakfast was a short affair, considering my partner's and my disagreement.

There was still some tension between Jak and I, though.

What did he mean by my slave? Could he have been referring to my family's company?

I know my father is quite unscrupulous and is often referred to as a slave-driver, but actual slavery? That was a line I seriously doubted even he would cross.

Then again, Jak bore many, many scars... And not just physical ones either, or else he wouldn't be a wildling.

Perhaps those rumors of secret labor camps weren't as baseless as I had believed...

Thankfully, we were able to reach Prof. Port's class five minutes before starting, which pushed those thoughts out of my mind for the time being.

Naturally, I had found myself seated between Miss Nikos and Jak. Who was privileged enough to sit right next to a real leader, Her Royal Highness, Blake Belladonna.

Who seemed all to happy about that fact...

I understood that my partner was a wildling (a fact further cemented by his response to the sight of the tie he threw out the window), but surely, surely, it wasn't that big of a deal. Was it?

Perhaps she had a type?

I suppose it made sense, as Her Highness was strong enough in body and mind to wield not one, but two gigasteel blades. She could be reasonably be expected to seek out a mate that was similarly strong.

Strength recognizes strength, and all that...

Granted, his display during Initiation was impressive, but given enough Dust, I should be able to replicate such a feat.

Personally, I favored more... Distinguished gentlemen... Which I had hoped to train my ruffian of a partner into so that he could be more... Suitable... In the future.

Atlas, was not kind to unruly men...

My thoughts returned to Her Highness and her potential interest in my partner.

'Strength recognizes strength...' Maybe that was the key.

Perhaps if I showcase my own personal strength, Jak may come around to my way of thinking and the Faunus Princess may acknowledge me in a more favorable light? If not, at least I may get enough of Jak's respect could at least make things easier as Jak himself may become a valuable asset in the future...

As class began, I was pleased to see my partner was knowledgeable enough to know how to read and right (at least on a basic level) when he cracked open his textbook and notepad and began jotting down notes while the esteemed Veteran Huntsman spoke.

To be honest, I had expected the man to be a bit taller. I wouldn't exactly call him fat, but the professor was little pudgy. Though, that was to be expected at his advanced age. Standing at 5'8, the famous old huntsman still towered over my 4'11 (5'3 in heels), yet he exuded a grandfatherly presence that put everyone at ease. Even Jak, who seemed to always be on guard, appeared to be a bit more relaxed.

My eyes darted over at the dark cage in the far corner at the front of the classroom.

It was designed in a way to hide what was inside.

If I recall correctly, Prof. Port has a reputation of bringing live Grimm into class for a student to showcase their abilities and see how well they know how to use his lessons...

"...Now who here believes themselves a true Hunter? Any volunteers?"

Now was my chance!

"I do! Sir!" My hand shot up as fast as possible.

"Glad to see one so eager, Miss Schnee," the older man chuckled. "But due to your partner's, as of yet, unknown disposition, I'm afraid I can't allow you and Mr. Silver to demonstrate anything as of yet for everyone's safety... Are there any other volunteers?"

Of course. Today's lesson was about teamwork. Not personal ability. And with Jak's wildling status, he would be simply too used to approaching every problem solo.

If how he handled that Deathstalker yesterday was any indication, Jak would likely annihilate whatever Grimm was presented before I had any chance of showing off my skills...

"Sorry," Jak apologized to me, almost sheepishly.

Perhaps I will get my chance in combat class... Which won't start until next week...

I'll just have to be patient.

(-/Line Break\-)

(Pyrrha's POV)

Classes had ended for the day as I was currently enjoying a cup of tea with Blake.

I took a sip.

'Menagerian Mint!'

One of the rarest and sought after herbs in the world. Even a small amount could cost as much as a car in some places.

According to Blake, it was Jaune's favorite, so naturally, it would be her favorite as well.

"So, how's Rin and Nora holding up with Yang instead of me?" I asked.

Lie Rin and Nora Valkeryie. Aside from Blake, they were my best friends as I had met them in Sanctum Academy. And once Blake transferred there after our first clash in the Grand Mistral Tournaments, they immediately took a liking to her as well.

Eventually, upon learning of their status as orphans, Blake immediately adopted them as her siblings and bringing them in as the first official humans brought into the Menagerian Royal Family.

Earning Blake their absolute loyalty in the process.

The four of us formed a sort of proto-team that allowed us to function well together with Blake as our defacto leader, Rin as the brains, myself as the tank, and Nora being the muscle/wildcard.

Good times.

"They're doing fine," Blake answered with a smile. "Nora's 'testing' Yang in the weight room right now..."

"Is that so? Well, I hope Nora doesn't break her..." I chuckled.

"So how are things on your end?" She asked me.

It didn't take a genius to figure out where this was leading.

"Ruby's nice, if a bit awkward at times. She's currently dragging Jak to the workshop to teach him proper firearm maintenance," I answered.

"Anything new with him? I know it's a bit early, so he won't open up immediately, but..." Blake trailed off with a pleading look.

"I am not your slave anymore..."

After a brief moment of silently debating with myself, I decided to share the events of this morning.

"Weiss attempted to force Jak into wearing a tie this morning," I began. "Jak refused, calling it a collar and leash. The issue was resolved by him throwing it out the window and telling her he was not a slave anymore. Though there is still a level of tension between them."

For just a moment, I saw the flash of pure unrestrained rage light up in Blake's eyes before she calmed down.

I was now very glad that I purposefully left out Jak's accusation, to avoid sending Blake on the warpath.

If that were to happen... It could escalate into an actual war.

I shuddered to think of it.

Before Blake could speak, she cut herself off and put on her "polite" face that she wore in the presence of those she did not know (or trust) personally, but considered to be of sociopolitical importance.

I heard a door open from behind me to reveal Weiss. With her cat ears, Blake likely heard her long before she even reached the door.

"Ah, Weiss. We were just talking about your partner," Blake greeted with a smile I knew all too well. Blake's eyes took on a rather predatory light as she observed the slightly flustered heiress. "Would you care to join us?"

This was going to be good.

"If it's not too much of a bother..." Blake added.

Regaining her composure, Weiss obliged and took a seat.

"Tea?" Blake offered the smaller, white-haired girl as she poured some into an empty cup on the coffee table.

"Thank you." Weiss accepted with a small shake in her voice.

She moved to add sugar and cream before stopping. Instead, she brought her cup to her lips and took two small sips.

That's good. Very good.

Blake's smile became a bit more genuine.

"This is excellent!" Weiss exclaimed softly as she began to relax a bit.

"I'm glad you like it. It's my own personal brew," Blake preened under Weiss's praise.

"Now," she continued, "as I was saying, Pyrrha and I were discussing your partner. And as his partner, I'd like to hear your thoughts about him."

Weiss appeared thoughtful for a moment before speaking.

"He's dangerous," she finally said.

"As are all men," Blake replied. "Especially wildlings, like Jak. Pyrrha was just telling me about this morning's altercation in your dorm. I take it you are afraid of showing him anything that may look like weakness, yes?"

"Admittedly," Weiss nodded.

Blake ruefully smiled.

"I understand Atlas deals with wildlings differently, but you must understand that all wildlings are still people, not mindless beasts. Each one is unique, but I have found that they fall into two categories. Volatiles, and Dociles," Blake informed the heiress. "Volatiles are the more well-known variety that Atlas has its... Procedures... In place for, because such wildlings are more prone to violence and attacking nearly every perceived threat with extreme violence."

Weiss paled at the realization of how close to death we all were this morning if Jak's temperament was of a more aggressive nature.

It's a good thing I stepped in when I did. If Weiss pressed the matter and decided to escalate things, Jak might not have been so patient with her.

"I believe we are all very lucky to find ourselves in the company of the latter type," Blake admitted, pouring herself another cup of tea.

"So he's safe?" Weiss asked. There was a relieved and hopeful glint in her eyes.

"Quite the contrary," Blake said, sipping her drink. "While peaceful, Dociles are far more deadly because of their passiveness. They plan and think about their next move or reactions. They target the sources of danger and distress. Which makes them much more... Unpredictable. They have boundaries and lines, and I get the feeling you were dangerously close to crossing one today."

Weiss audibly gulped and Blake, who had ling already smelled blood in the water, struck.

"I recommend that you ease up on him, and yourself. We aren't in Atlas. Show Jak that you are someone he can trust and that you are there to support him, rather than undermine him. Do that, and he will take you far. Not just in Beacon, but in life. Do we understand each other?"

"Yes! Of course! I will take your advice to heart, your Highness!" Weiss nodded before getting up and leaving.

Silence reigned supreme for a moment after the Atlesian left the room.

"I think she handled herself quite well, given her position, don't you think?" Blake asked me.

"She did indeed," I agreed. Blake can be a little... Intense. At times.

"I was thinking on taking a trip to Vale this weekend with my team. Yang has offered to be our guide and I would like to extend an invitation to your team to join us after your leader's medical examination. Then, we can get Jaune some new clothes to wear instead of those rags he's been stuck with." Blake offered.

"I think that's a wonderful idea."

AND SCENE!!!

First day of school and Weiss has an agenda. Too bad it looks like Blake may already be a few steps ahead of her.

What does the future hold?

What of Blake's plans?

How will Jaune handle his visit to the vet- Er... I mean Doctor?

Now onto the whole tea business... I get that a lot of folks like cream in their tea. And that's okay In some instances. But in this version of Remnant, they tend to view tea in a manner similar to steak.

A good tea does not need any additives like how a good steak needs no sauce.

And Menagerians are very uppity about their tea like how Italians are about their food, as the meme goes.

They are also like this when it comes to their cuisine, which is largely seafood-based as well.

So you could imagine Red Lobsters is more than likely Blake's favorite restaurant.

And felipindelrio, as well as everyone else out there, you guys are welcome to ask me anything. I do everything from my phone and the app, so I am sorry if I don't respond to your PM's as they don't really show up anywhere but my emails and get buried under everything else. The best way to get in touch with me, would be to leave a review with your question and I'll try to answer it in the next chapter of that story.

Ciao for now!