Ch 23: Dinner Date

In the morning, Indi and Sterling walked into the dorm. Sterling frowned, the smell of sex thickly hitting his nose, "Ew…"

Indi shrugged and elbowed him, reaching into the bathroom and tossing him an air freshener, "just make the lizard spray once we leave."

He rolled his eyes and they stepped over, gently waking Spadix up, whispering, "Happy birthday!"

The owl rubbed her eyes smiling. She was glad Jin had gotten in the habit of making sure they were always decent after, knowing the owl's disinterest in being exposed to their teammates. It was also just something she found tender and sweet that her lover would just take care of her with such gentleness and sincerity afterwards.

She gently pulled out of Jin's arms and sat up at the edge of the bed, "Thanks guys."

Indi hugged her tightly regardless of any lingering smells of the owl's nighttime pleasures. Sterling handed over a gift. She set it on her lap and opened it. It was a small box with a gift card to her favorite bookstore inside. She smiled and flipped it over noticing a rather large limit on it. Before she could protest, he held a hand up, "My parents insisted. I tried to tell them you already take over the shelves with your books but they wouldn't hear any of it. Apparently it works at the little cafe inside too, so you know you can always use it for coffee and sweets and stuff too while you read there or something."

She giggled and hugged him. He wasn't much of a hugger and rolled his eyes but patted her head anyway. Since coming to Beacon, she had finally known what even enjoying a birthday was like rather than just being told constantly that she should never have been born or being told she should've just been aborted. They would never know how special this was to her to have people actually want to celebrate that she existed. She placed the card into her usual bag and grabbed some clothes to go out to a late breakfast with her teammates. The two hung out on Spadix's bed waiting.

Jin was still out like a light, nothing unusual before noon if someone didn't make her get up. Once everyone was ready, Spadix leaned in, brushing some hair from Jin's face and gently kissing her cheek before leaving for brunch with everyone.

The three settled for whatever the cafeteria had for Sunday, knowing if they went too far Jin might worry since she didn't know the two's plans today. Usually it was rare for students to go home on weekends like Sterling but the cafeteria was often fairly empty on weekends. Students tended to opt to go to town for meals and fun.

As they sat with food, the three filled time with idle chatter about nothing, Spadix mostly listening to the two talk about their day at Sterling's home. "It's honestly more like a small mansion! Boy's family is rich," Indi said between bites of her breakfast taco.

Sterling rolled his eyes, "Please… it's inherited wealth. And it's really not much. Mom's really modest about it. Most of it is in savings for me and Autumn."

Spadix chuckled before Sterling pointed at her with his fork, "Aren't you also from a rich family?"

Indi choked on her bite, eyes a bit wide looking between them. Spadix got really quiet. Sterling didn't understand and held up his hands, feeling a punch in his arm from Indi, "What? What'd I say?"

"It's… fine Indi. I mean my parents are rich but I'm not. Everything goes to my brother. I do not have nor ever will get a cent actually," she said simply as she poked at her food.

The two stared at her. "But it's fine. I don't want it anyway. I had a part time job before coming to Beacon. I saved all of it and it will last me for a while. And I'm here on a scholarship. I don't need their pity."

Indi frowned at Sterling and changed the subject fast, trying to bring back up the mood on her friend's birthday, "So what flavor cupcake are you going to get today?"

Spadix looked up at her, confused for a moment, "Huh?"

Indi smiled, "You know, at the bakery, our tradition?"

She smiled weakly, "Oh, that. Hmmm… I like red velvet so maybe that?"

"Good choice! That shit is good!" Indi said excitedly.

Spadix stared for a moment before she smiled. When they finished they got back in time to see Jin getting out of bed. The dragon smiled, "Hey there birthday girl! Going get some sugar with your friend?"

Spadix nodded and hugged Jin tightly, Jin tilting her head a bit in concern but letting it go. Wasn't very like her to hug so tight so randomly. When the two left, she turned to Sterling, folding her arms, "what happened?"

He met her fiery gaze and frowned, busy spraying the room with the air freshener, "I think she just was sad for a moment. Her parents came up and stuff but Indi fixed it."

Jin growled at him, "What did you do!?"

He glared at her, "Me!? Why do you assume it's me!?"

She poked a finger at his chest, "Because Indi would never! Now spill!"

"Just let it go. She's going to be fine. Really. Some things are unavoidable in life and you can't protect her from everything you know!" he said back, slapping her hand off of him and spraying the aerosol in her general direction.

Jin growled deeply then sighed frustrated before sitting down, "I just wanted her to have a good day ok? I'm taking her out later and I want it to go well."

He straightened up his shirt, "Oh? Why didn't you tell us?"

She shrugged, "I didn't want anyone to ruin it. I just want her to feel spoiled and cherished and special. I can only guess with a family like hers, she's never had anyone give her an actual special birthday where she can be excited she was born ya know? I just… Mother gave me the Lien and gave me some ideas, helped me find a place and get a gift and I just want her to know how special she is. I wanted to surprise her."

Jin got up, she pulled the hoodie holding the gift wrapped in a fancy velvety white gift paper with a silver ribbon in it and held it in her hands, rubbing the soft texture. Sterling just watched her, "I didn't know you could be so thoughtful Jin."

She normally would've shot him a glare but she didn't this time, "Shut up Sterling… this is important."

He nodded, "I didn't say it wasn't. I think it's great Jin. I was just a bit surprised. We honestly thought you'd just sort of go walking around the quad or something since you two don't exactly go on dates or anything."

She shrugged, "It's hard when school takes up so much time and I'm pretty broke. But Mother was able to help out so at least for a special occasion I can take her somewhere."

Jin got in a quick shower and got out. The door knob turned and Jin hid the gift under the hoodie. She stood, hunting in the closet for something a bit more than her halter top for them to go out in, finding a well fitting button up red shirt with rolled sleeves as the two teammates returned laughing.

The top rode a bit high on the mid drift, just showing above her jeans which sat low on her hips and the chest was comfortably snug, hugging her curves but it was tasteful enough. She kept the top button open and laced a lazy golden tie around the collar, neck of the tie very loose. When she closed the door Spadix saw her, blushing lightly. A coy smirk and playful glean of the eyes found their way to Jin's face as she touched under Spadix's chin, gently closing the slack mouth, "Careful, you might drool if you do that."

The owl frowned and pulled at her hood. Indi crawled up to her bunk, messing with a textbook and tossing some notes down to Sterling, who caught them with ease. Jin grabbed a bag, sliding the gift fast enough into it to get past Spadix enough that she couldn't make out what it was, just that Jin was up to something, "Jin?"

The dragon pulled down her hood, "So, you are going to want to grab a shower and put something less combat ware on. I'm taking you somewhere for your birthday."

Spadix rubbed her arms. Jin smiled, "Just something comfortable. It needs to be more social wear than your pjs but less… well combat ready."

Spadix nodded, going to the dresser. The team had divided up the closet and dresser based on height. Spadix could not reach the hangers, leaving Spadix and Indi with the dresser space and Jin and Sterling with the closet. She pulled out a spandex chestnut turtleneck with holes for her fingers and thumbs, a cute white cropped sweater vest that was only slightly less form fitting, a matching pleated knee length skirt, leggings that matched her turtleneck with the toes cut out and her usual laced gladiator style boot sandals due to her toed talons being hard to find clothing for. She left for the bathroom, took a quick shower then got dressed, sliding on a chestnut bandana covered in white speckles around her neckline, feeling too exposed without her hood.

Jin stared at her, the owl feeling a bit subconscious, tucking hair behind her ear and looking away. The dragon stood and fumbled a strap of the bag trying to put it on, "um… wow you look…"

Spadix bit her lip, "I-I'll change…"

Jin grabbed her gently, pulling her close, "you look beautiful."

The small faunus flushed and smiled, nuzzling close. Jin composed herself, taking Spadix's hand. She led her to the quad then on to the short walk into town, the two talking sweetly about unimportant things, mostly school and anything Spadix wanted to talk about. Jin loved watching her smile without the mask on, "You know, it's so nice to get to see your smile."

Spadix's cheeks went pink and she gently nudged Jin, the dragon chuckling lightly. They walked past stores and stands, grabbing small coffees to stay warm in the cool air of the fall evening. Spadix was curious where they were headed. They had never really gone on a real date before unless you counted sneaking into the study rooms to watch a movie on a rented projector.

It didn't bother Spadix. She couldn't afford to take Jin out and would feel miserable if Jin always spent money on her, plus school and missions kept them busy enough and Jin was barely afloat with her grades. All that said, this did mean she had no idea what to expect out of a real date with the golden maned dragon. She was both nervous and excited by the suspense of it, the mystery tickling her fancy.

Jin smiled as they wrapped a corner near the end of a street, the sidewalks quieter than the shopping districts. Spadix could feel her body relaxing in the new found environment, the lack of stimulus more soothing than the loud shopping areas they had passed through. "Hey Spadix, are you having a good time?" Jin asked, her voice sweet and earnest.

Spadix nodded and smiled, leaning into Jin gently, her fingers in Jin's hand loving the warmth the dragon gave off in the chilly air. Shortly after, the heavenly smell of food hit her nose and she glanced over. Jin kissed the top of her head, "I'm glad. I really want this day to be about you. Come on, there's more."

Jin led her to the origin of the glorious smells of her favorite foods. As they entered, the dim candle lighting and quiet setting filled her with delight, eyes glistening with joy. The place was small and few people were there, Sunday not being a very busy day at this time even though it was a reservations only place to eat. Every table had its own semi-transparent curtain around it that you could use to block out other guests for privacy, each table also having its own candle lit chandelier, small but gorgeously hung above it. The building was also comfortably warm from the outside chill.

As Jin gave her name, the host smiled and led them to a table far from others. Spadix was in awe, taking in the place with excitement, holding Jin's arm. The host pulled the curtain back for them, Jin offering a seat to Spadix before sitting across from her. Spadix looked over at her lover in astonishment, the dragon smiling at her in such a genuine way, love in her eyes. Jin watched the candlelight dance in Spadix's eyes and blushed softly, "D-Do you like it?"

Spadix took a moment to find words, "I… Jin, it's perfect. How on earth can you afford this though?"

Jin chuckled and waved it off, "Try not to worry about that today ok? Oh! here."

The dragon turned and set the bag next to her, pulling out the exquisitely wrapped gift, sliding it over to her owl, "this is also for you."

The faunus gently touched the soft gift wrapping, almost not wanting to tear it. It seemed too nice. She held it in her hands, rubbing her hand over it. "Well, aren't you going to open it?" Jin asked, nervously rubbing the back of her neck.

Spadix nodded and untied the ribbon carefully before using her talons on the tape so she could unwrap it without tearing any of the paper. When she pulled the paper away she smiled widely, rubbing a small happy tear from her face as she looked down at the book she so desperately wanted. Just knowing Jin bothered to remember little details she said from time to time enough to find it for her was enough to make her happy.

This whole day was enough to make her overwhelmingly happy. The perfect place to eat where she could have her favorite food and not have to deal with being overstimulated. The perfect gift. The perfect girlfriend. A peaceful walk. Great friends. 'Shit…why am I crying?'

Jin reached over, taking her cheek in her hand and wiping her tears, seeing the smile she knew, "Hey, it's ok. I just want you to know how happy we all are that you are here. How happy I am that you exist, Little Bird. I know it's been hard. But… I'm so glad you were born."

Spadix looked up at Jin, leaning her face into her hand as swirled eyes filled with tears, giggling gently at the dragon's toothy smile, listening to her sweet words, "Happy birthday Spadix."

The owl cooed lightly and kissed her hand before wiping her face, hugging the book close, "Thank you Jin, this is the best birthday I've ever had."

Jin chuckled and sat back as the menus came, "Not yet it's not. Order whatever you want, forget the price no exceptions. I got it."

Spadix's eyes nearly popped at the meal options, mouth watering over the choices and flavors for all the chicken meals. Once they ordered and food came, Jin couldn't help but adore how Spadix got over her food.

"Hey Spadix, why do you want to be a huntress anyway? I don't think I ever asked you. I know I do because I want to save people and the world like my parents," Jin asked as she cut off another steak morsel.

The owl nawed on a chunk of her chicken seared in a sweet and spicy sauce and swallowed, "Well… I want to be able to help where I can to protect children like me. Sure there's police and stuff but they aren't always able to do much. And I'll save places from Grimm because the sadness always brings so many grim but… there are far worse monsters out there than Grimm."

Jin watched her quietly, seeing her eyes glance away before she returned back, her mood picking back up to the moment and her food. At least she was too happy right now to be too off put by her past. Jin nodded, "That's really admirable of you Little Bird. One day, some kid is going to be really lucky you are around to save them from the darkest monsters."

Spadix glanced at her, softly smiling, "Thanks Jin."

They ate and laughed over silly things, Jin questioned about Spadix's book series and getting the small faunus going on her special interests. With the bill covered, they began the walk back hand in hand.

"Is it ok if I ask about your brother?" Jin asked carefully.

Spadix stared off ahead of them, "What about him?"

The dragon shrugged, "You just never talk about him. I'm just curious. You know my family and I just know your parents are evil but I don't know anything about him except he's a huntsman."

Spadix nodded, "I see. What do you want to know? If I don't want to answer, we will move to something else. Fair?"

Jin nodded, thinking, "How much older is he?"

"14 years older," she answered.

Jin blinked, " Wow. Ok and I thought my gap with the twins was a lot. So he went to an academy when you were still little. Why did he become a huntsman? Do you know?"

Spadix thought for a moment then shrugged, "Not sure he ever told me. If he did, I was probably too young to remember. I know he went to Haven and graduated top of the class in every rank though."

Jin could hear the emotionlessness in Spadix's answers. She wasn't actually sure if this was alright but Spadix hadn't stopped her, "Did… he know what was happening to you?"

The silence Spadix gave was lasting so long Jin was about to change her question when Spadix finally spoke, "I don't know. He had eyes and came home on holidays. They didn't try to keep us separated. If he did know, he didn't do anything about it. But I mean, he went out into the world as a huntsman when I was only 7. At that time I still believed that all my family had feathers through the same process because that's what I was made to believe."

Jin was a bit angry. She tried to imagine what she would do if someone was doing something like that to Leo and just ignoring it but she would never. She felt a gentle squeeze on her hand and calmed, looking down, "Jin, It was a really long time ago. I don't know why Orion did what he did. I don't know if he knew. I don't know if he could've done anything even if he did. I barely even remember his face. I'm sure he never came back because he couldn't deal with our parents either. They didn't want him to be a huntsman, they wanted him to be a businessman. That much I do know. I'm not sure why you are so interested in this but I'm sorry I don't have many answers for you. I haven't seen Orion in years and years and the last time I ever got a call or letter was when I got accepted into Beacon. It was just a letter saying congratulations. That was it. Prior to that I only ever got contact from him about once a year to tell me to keep up the good work each time I got further in training school at Sanctum. To be frank, we have a very strained relationship. He left me there with them. He knows it now, whether I blame him or not. It's not exactly something easy to swallow."

Jin sighed, "I'm sorry, I ruined the evening didn't I?"

Spadix shook her head, "No. Not really."

The dragon felt relief, "I just guess I was hoping there was someone…"

Spadix shrugged, "Sorry Jin, sometimes some of us have no one."

Jin scooped her into her arms bridal style hearing the small faunus yelp in surprise at the suddenness of it. Spadix stared at her lover's smiling face as it nuzzled close, "You have me."

Spadix smiled, hands clinging close, "Yes, I suppose I do."

They made their way back, Jin refusing to set her back down despite the owl's protests. Eventually, Spadix caved and enjoyed the radiating warmth from the dragon, snuggled close into her arms. As they got back they got changed for bed and snuggled into Spadix's bunk, the other two asleep. Spadix set the new book on the bookshelf before calling it a night in Jin's tired arms.