Here we go, another chapter. We get our first glimpse of Winter and Ruby is put back in the hotseat for a bit. Like I said before, after this, I'll remove the poll so we can finalize who the romance is. So far, though, I'm pretty sure Winter's already set unless the Goodwitch armada fires 30 volleys worth of votes.
By the way, I've got an idea for another crack oneshot: The Belladonna Brawl
All of Blake's harem decide that the only way to settle who gets the Bellabooty is a battle royal style fight to unconsciousness (Adam preferred death, but he got overruled). The tournament takes place over the course of multiple days on a deserted island as the participants - Yang, Sun, Adam, Ilia, and possibly even others - fight for the ballabooty.
And then there's Jaune, who was just trying to go to the bathroom but got dragged into this whole mess. His cries about not wanting Blake end with the participants either not believing him or being offended that he dares not be attracted to Blake.
He may or may not end up winning the BelladonaBrawl at the end. Blake's mostly annoyed at the whole thing and may date Jaune just to make the others back off.
By the way, I'm also considering the idea of doing commissions. For anyone interested, email me at this address: Storylover543 gmail . com
Jaune wasn't what one would call a social butterfly. He was friendly enough back home - strangers were just friends you haven't met yet! - but that was because Domremy was in that weird in-between of a town and a village. It was larger than the average frontier settlement but the culture was reminiscent of something smaller. Most people at least knew of each other, which made things less awkward.
Beacon was different. There were the big names - Team RWBY was the most popular first-year team and both Pyrrha and Weiss were individually famous - and the feeling of being able to strike up a conversation with anyone just wasn't there. Being the counselor meant that students came to him, but he didn't exactly hang out with them outside of sessions. That would've been inappropriate.
So he was rather surprised when Winter Schnee suddenly invited him to eat with her at Beacon's cafeteria. It was late enough that there were only a few students doing some late-night snacking around. He also caught sight of Ruby sneaking off some strawberry snickerdoodles, though seeing Winter was enough to make her turn around rather than join them. That wasn't a good sign.
The woman herself was...intimidating, to say the least; and it wasn't just because she was armed. Domremy, like the rest of Remnant sans Atlas, didn't have an army. The closest they had was a militia, the same as every other village. He remembered the head of the militia, a middle-aged man by the name of Vernon. He was strict will all those who signed up. The last person who slept on his watch and didn't ring the alarm when a horde of beowolves attacked the walls got a reaming in front of the entire militia before he was assigned to scrub toilets for the next month.
Winter Schnee had the same sort of vibe. Every action was measured and Jaune felt himself being silently judged as the woman slowly ate her ravioli. Maybe it was just his imagination, but he could've sworn he felt power and authority radiating off her.
"So..." Jaune said, more picking at his steak than actually eating it, "You're...Weiss' sister."
"I am." She nodded. It was an obvious thing that didn't need to be asked, but it was the only thing he could think of to break the heavy silence, "And you are Jaune Florentius Arc, student counselor of Beacon Academy."
"I am." Jaune nodded back, trying to ignore just how awkward he felt. Why did it suddenly feel like he was about to get shot? "Um...is there a reason you invited me out to dinner?"
"Twofold. First, I thought it was prudent to introduce myself both as a guest of Beacon to its staff and as a fellow individual in the headmaster's trust. You know what I'm talking about." Jaune blinked. She was a B&B player too? Wow, she didn't seem the type, but then again neither was anyone else on that table. Jaune reminded himself that everyone had their own ways of having fun.
"And the second?"
"I came as a worried sister." She set her fork down and pressed her hands together, somehow managing to look regal despite the plate of pasta next to her hands. I've heard good things about you, Mr. Arc. Weiss is not quick to praise people, and yet she seemed positively jubilant when she talked about your sessions."
"It's nice to hear that she's so happy." Jaune nodded, smiling despite the awkward atmosphere. All he did was sit and listen, but then again, how often did she get the chance to really let loose like that? He doubted even Ruby would sit still for hours going over the details of Weiss' depressingly dysfunctional home life.
"Indeed, though I have my worries." She smiled in turn, lips pressed in a razor-thin line, "I'd hoped that Weiss would be happier here in Beacon than in Atlas Academy despite m preference for the latter, though her constant sessions have given me some doubts."
"It's not like that." Jaune shook his head, "My door is open to anyone and the students here have a lot to talk about, not all of them bad. Weiss is the same."
"Still, I find myself worried all the same." She let out a soft breath, "Weiss usually sends letters of her status in Beacon. One of her last letters mentioned her sessions with you and afterward, her correspondence became less frequent. I find myself curious about what exactly she's been discussing with you."
"...Are you asking me to tell you what she's been telling me, Ms. Schnee?"
"Nothing so crass. I'm well aware that doing so would be a breach of the rules."
"I sense a 'but' coming here..."
"But I would be a poor sister if I didn't try regardless." Her eyes narrowed by the slightest amount, "Weiss...finds it difficult to be open to people, especially relative strangers. I trust you know why?" Jaune nodded. So long as he kept the details mum it should've been fine, "So imagine my surprise when I found out that she was having daily sessions with a counselor."
"It's normal to be worried," Jaune said, already slipping into his counselor tone, "But Weiss isn't in trouble. Well, she was in trouble a few weeks ago, but that's a separate thing." He shook his head, "Weiss just needed someone to talk to and it's literally my job to listen. It's simple."
"And yet I find myself curious regardless." Her eyes, two pure orbs of ice, locked into his, "I won't be as crude to ask you to risk your job by giving me the details, but might I request that you allow me to sit in at your next session with her?"
"Well...I don't mind, but you're gonna have to ask Weiss for that."
"Ah. Well, therein lies the issue." Winter coughed, "You see, Weiss is...I suppose you might call it 'going through her rebellious phase'? Vale values independence and I'm afraid the months she's spent here have fostered her own independent streak. The Weiss I knew from a few months ago would never have even considered breaking the rules by contending with the White Fang like some common vigilante."
"I can't judge since I didn't know her before Beacon, but from what I gathered she's a pretty big stickler for the rules, vigilantism aside."
"I suppose it would be difficult to tell for those who didn't know her for so long." She nodded, "Still, it would be remiss of me not to do my best to ensure she's alright."
"You're really worried about her, huh?"
"Of course I am. She's the cutest, most adorable sister in the whole wide world."
...
What?
Jaune blinked and stared at the woman sitting across from him. He wasn't a stranger to fawning over younger siblings - he'd been on both the giving and receiving end of it - but there was just something weird about Winter saying that with a straight face and completely serious tone of voice. It was as if she was stating an undisputable fact and would brook no argument.
"Um..."
"She's the best of us in the entire family," Winter continued, voice still as flat and serious as before, "I've no doubt that, if given the chance, she would flourish. It's why I'm glad that she's becoming so independent despite my doubts, but a part of me can't help but wish that she'd remain my charming and lovable sister for just a bit longer." Her face didn't shift at all. It was bizarre. He'd never seen someone gush while looking absolutely bored.
"And have you, um, talked to her about this?"
"Of course not." She scoffed, "With Weiss and I...showing affection is difficult due to our familial circumstances. While she and I are both aware of how much we care for one another, it's difficult to show it so openly. Being in the army for the past few years has also instilled in me an adherence to protocol, which includes avoiding open acts of affection. It is...difficult to break.""
"It sounds kind of sad." His family was always open. Sure, sometimes they got on each other's nerves, but he, his parents, and all his sisters were always open with each other."
"It is what it is," Winter said, "We've been raised in Atlesian etiquette for so long that neither of us can do otherwise. Even if I wish to pinch her cheeks and coo about how she's growing into a fine young woman, I can't."
He could already imagine Yang and Ruby laughing and taking pictures if Winter did that, so it was probably for the best, "I understand, but it's still something that you should really talk about with Weiss. What would sitting in at her sessions do?"
"It would give me an avenue. However, I would require a favor. Would you tell her it would be in her best interest if I were present?"
"You want me to lie to your sister?"
"It's not a lie." She actually sounded somewhat defensive at the idea, "It would benefit us both if I could understand what troubles she's going through, but I know that if I broach the topic myself she'd feel the need to restrain herself in order to appear more mature. If you suggest it, however, I'm sure Weiss would be far more open to the idea. She seems to have a high opinion of you."
"I'm glad to hear that, but I can't lie to her even if it's for a good reason. She doesn't deserve that." He sighed, "I can suggest in our next session that maybe you two can have a paired session. It would be her choice in the end, and if she says no then we both have to respect that."
"This isn't ideal." Winter pursed her lips.
"No, but it's the best for her. That's what you want, right?" She nodded hesitantly, "Look, I get being worried, I'm a big brother too, but sometimes we just have to let our siblings do what they want. She'll come to you if she needs it."
"Perhaps you're right, though I still have my doubts." She looked down at the table, "Perhaps I could ask for another favor entirely?" Jaune nodded. He didn't see the harm, "Both you and I are in the headmaster's and General Ironwood's confidence. While you are the student counselor, would you mind if I came for sessions as well, at least while I'm here in Beacon for the festival?"
"I don't mind, but I'm surprised you'd be so keen to talk to a stranger given what you just told me."
"Hm. In some ways, a relative stranger is easier to trust with your secrets. Besides, you've made quite clear that you're discrete." She laughed under her breath.
"Not sure what you'd wanna talk about..." Then again, if Glynda was any indication, then apparently the headmaster went really hard on being a DM.
"Let's just say I've had a very recent change of circumstances that I find it difficult to talk to others about. You are in the headmaster's trust and I know you'll be discrete." And then what looked like light blue fire flared across the edges of her eyes. It was so quick that when he blinked it was gone with her stoic expression as passive as before. Did he just imagine it? He had been sleeping poorly recently, and weirdly enough, it wasn't because of Blake.
"Sure. I'll tell you when I have some free time."
"Thank you. Let's exchange scroll numbers. Also, please inform me of Weiss' response as soon as you can. Until then, Mr. Arc."
She said her goodbyes and left, leaving her plate unfinished. Jaune watched her go before he did the same. Weiss talked about Winter a lot. From what it sounded like, the younger Schnee seemed to worship the ground her big sister walked on. And yet from how Winter made it sound, there were apparently issues between the two of them; or at least that was how Winter saw it. He'd need to handle it delicately.
And maybe buy some lemon cake while he was at it.
Jaune liked Ruby. Not only did they share a lot of the same interests, but she was just a really sweet girl. Despite being two years younger than everyone else in her grade, she never let it get her down and more than proved that she belonged. In another world where he got into Beacon, he imagined that the two of them would've been good friends. Or at least he hoped so.
Which was why he felt really bad whenever she sat across from him because she was in some kind of trouble. Unlike Blake, Ruby never ducked responsibility and she always meant well.
The reaper herself looked like someone who'd gotten caught with their hand in the cookie jar. She squirmed on the couch and wasn't able to look him in the eyes. While she and the rest of team RWBY were still obligated to go to sessions, at least until the term ended, they'd been on enough good behavior that they only had to go every other day, which finally gave him some breathing room.
"Do you know why you're here, Ms. Rose?" Jaune asked. He'd gone full bore today: fake glasses shined, empty clipboard extra thick, and even sugar cookies instead of chocolate chip. He'd briefly considered oatmeal raisin, but that was too cruel even for him. No one deserved that.
"N-No..." Ruby looked to the side and whistled. Or at least she tried to. For all her prodigious skill, whistling was not one of them was an uneven, high-pitched warble.
"Then let me remind you." She winced as he actually wrote something down on the paper, "For the past week there have been a string of break-ins at the students' lockers. Oddly enough, nothing was actually stolen; or at least that's what people thought at first." Ruby winced again, "The students who had their lockers broken into found that their weapons were altered."
"Y-Yeah?"
"Oh yeah. And not in a bad way either. In fact, all of them had nothing but good things to say. The modifications were at a professional level."
"It sounds like whoever did those really just wanted to help and she shouldn't get in trouble," Ruby said hopefully, twiddling her pointer fingers together as she finally looked up at him. The sight of those wide, puppy dog silver eyes was almost too much, but he reminded himself that this wasn't the first time he'd seen that tactic. Years of dealing with Lily had hardened his heart and steeled his resolve.
"She?" Jaune raised a brow.
"I-I mean whoever it might be! Could be a guy or a girl or anyone!" Ruby said in a rush.
"...Ms. Rose, I know it was you."
"What?! You have no proof that I did it! I mean, I didn't do it so there's no proof at all!"
"There were rose petals in many of the lockers."
"M-Maybe it was just a really dedicated florist!"
"Ms. Goodwitch also checked the logs in the forge and found your name on the entrance list the same day of the break-ins. And before you say that you were working on Crescent Rose, we also have testimonies from one Mr. Misha Heavyson that you were modifying multiple different weapons. The same weapons that were reported stolen, returned, and improved."
"He said he wouldn't tell on m- I-I mean..." Another eyebrow raised, "It...It was Yang's fault! She always told me it was better to ask for forgiveness than permission! I'm just innocent and easily influenced!" Ruby said, shamelessly throwing her sister under the bus. It was a good thing these sessions were private or he got the feeling the burning dragon would be having some words with her.
"Thankfully for you, no one is asking for forgiveness." Jaune sighed. Why was he the one dealing with this? He was a counselor, not a teacher! Oh yeah, it was because Glynda was busy setting Ozpin's game night and he offered to help, "I wasn't lying when I said the modifications were at a professional level. Everyone who had their weapon 'borrowed' is very happy with the upgrades they got. Ms. Adel is even offering to revamp your wardrobe as a thank you, though I'm guessing that's also because she enjoys playing dress up with anyone she can."
"So...I'm not in trouble?" Ruby asked slowly.
"Yes and no." Ruby scooted back on her seat when he adjusted his glasses, "For this current string of break-ins? No, you're not in trouble. On the condition that you stop stealing - sorry, 'borrowing' - people's weapons. I understand that you mean well, and so far everyone's been happy with the results, but you can't just break into someone's personal property. What if you get to someone who isn't happy their weapon was changed without their consent?"
"But I made them better! Isn't that good enough?"
"How would you feel if someone broke into your locker and changed Crescent Rose without your consent." Ruby gasped as if she'd just now considered the idea of being on the other end. Maybe she actually did.
"I just...I just wanted to help. Some of those weapons were so poorly cared for and a Huntsman is nothing without their weapon."
"I know you had good intentions, Ruby, but rules are rules." Take it from him, the guy who tried to enroll with forged transcripts before he got caught, "Next time why not just ask if you can help improve someone's weapons? Considering how happy everyone was with their upgrades I'm sure most people will be happy to agree. The worst that can happen is they say no."
"Uh..." Ruby chewed on her lower lip and looked back down at her lap, "It's just...awkward, you know? I don't have a problem talking to my team or Team PRMN, but with the other students...it was just easier to borrow their weapons for a bit and then take them back before they noticed."
"You find it easier to break into someone's locker than just ask if they'd be interested in getting their weapon upgrades?"
"Lockers don't talk or judge you." She puffed up her cheeks. It was so cute he almost had a heart attack, "Back at Signal a lot of people thought I was a weirdo. Yang's weird little sister who talks to her weapon." She crossed her arms. It only added to the adorable image, "You'd think people would care more about their weapons since Signal has us make our own, but noooo! Most of them just make the easiest thing they can think of. There's no love or care or anything!"
"Uh...right." He'd never seen her so heated in all the sessions they had, "...Look, just...please stop breaking into people's lockers and 'borrowing' their things. If you do it again you really will get in trouble."
"...Fine, I guess I can ask, but if they laugh at me then it's your fault."
"I'm sure they won't. I don't know how it was back at Signal, but Beacon's a true Huntsman Academy, not just a Combat School. Any edge against the Grimm is good, right?'
"I guess..." She finally took a single sugar cookie and nibbled on it.
"Good. Now, please don't break into any more personal property."
She left after taking another cookie. Jaune leaned back in his seat and groaned. Man, when he first took this job he really didn't think this was what he'd end up doing. He thought the future protectors of Mankind would just be a bit more stable.
He opened his scroll to check the time and blinked at a news report about the Red Thorn stopping yet another one of Roman Torchwick's schemes. Oh well, it wasn't any of his business. He had enough things to worry about without caring about vigilantes down in Vale.
So Winter's a bit of a siscon and we get Ruby's weapon obsession springing up and causing problems. Oh dear. Don't worry, I'm still going for the defrosting ice queen thing if and when Winter wins the vote. The whole 'doting older sister who won't admit it' thing is just for a bit of comedy.
I actually toned it down since I considered the idea of her going full baby talk when gushing about Weiss and showing Jaune that she had a younger Weiss as her scroll background. All while still keeping a straight face and even tone. Right now she's about as affectionate as Yang is, albeit she has a hard time expressing it due to her dysfunctional home life.
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Questions:
1. Would you guys be open to the idea of other pairings? If so, do you have any suggestions? Note that I'm not going to focus on the romance itself, more on how Jaune is dragged into it when the students get the idea to ask him for advice and help.
I'm tempted to do Monochrome since it might be funny to see Winter's reaction and Jaune being torn on wanting to help Weiss or screaming at her that she needs to run away from Blake before she gets infected with her insanity.
2. Speaking of romance, how do you guys think Weiss would react if Winter and Jaune do start romancing each other? She clearly has a higher view of him than she does in canon, but it might still be odd for her since she's his counselor and she gushed all about Winter in their sessions.