Damn. My longest chapter at around 12k words and it's mostly slice of life Lmao. Still, I wanted to use this chapter for framework and setting up future plot points. Plus, I had a lot of fun with this chapter because thanks to the time skip, I'm finally able to write about the mandem friendship I was talking about. Jaune and Gin have grown and changed by the influence of each other and their environment. Without saying how, I'll try to show it in this chapter.
Chapter 4: A Mother's Worries
3 years later.
It was noon.
Gin and Jaune were now 15-year-olds.
And right now, they were standing a few distances away from each other.
Gin now had a slightly messy bowl cut while Jaune's hair was mostly the same. Both were taller now, though Jaune overtook Gin who was around 5'4". They had taken their shirts off, exposing their muscles to the world. Jaune was buff while Gin was ripped.
"This is unusual. It's unlike you to be so eager for a spar, and right after school too." Gin pressed down his right shoulder with his left hand to make it crack, then he spun his wooden guard-less katana a couple of times.
"Yeah, I thought of something I can use against you during class. It's pretty simple too, I'm kinda embarrassed I hadn't thought of it sooner." Jaune was stretching and rotating his shoulders, wooden practice sword and shield in each hand.
"Well, if you think tricks will help you, then be my guest," Gin smirked.
"Heh, you better not start bitching when you lose," Jaune shot back.
"Let's make a bet. You win and I'll give you a shoulder massage. I win, you buy me energy drinks for a week, a minimum of 500 lien per day."
Jaune was about to protest but paused, "Fine, whatever. Just remember, no hax Semblances and attacks to the lower half. We wouldn't wanna ruin our pants."
"Ah yes," Gin grinned, "and that's why we're shirtless and definitely not because you wanted to show off."
"Eat shit."
"Hey, I have nothing against it. I just find it odd that you want to show off without an audience."
"There's you with your Aura Realm."
"I don't count, dumbass. Still, we could've done this near the school."
"… Even shamelessness has a line, you know."
"Indeed, the starting line," Gin snickered.
"Not funny. Didn't laugh." Jaune got into a stance, "Now come at me, femboy."
"And here I thought attacks to the lower half weren't allowed, but look at you practically begging to get your ass kicked by insulting my joke like that." He laughed, "Now that was a good multi-layered joke."
Jaune didn't seem to agree because the hater charged with a yell.
Gin closed his eyes and sensed the approaching white figure.
Its white sword slightly surged in size, then it came down in a downward swing.
Gin easily let the coming sword slide down to his right with his reverse-gripped sword. Then he struck Jaune with the blade. Jaune couldn't block with his shield because of the awkward angle he was placed in, so he took the attack to the face and staggered back.
"So, when am I going to see this trick of yours?" Gin taunted.
Jaune opened his mouth to retort—
Talking in battle is a sin.
Jaune's lips thinned.
"Right, no talking. Your dad can be quite strict sometimes."
Tell me something I don't know, Jaune grumbled in his head.
Jaune charged again, this time with his shield up but without blocking his vision. He planned to block Gin's first swing and push into it. Then he'd strike while Gin's sword was too busy with the shield.
But Gin spun his sword into a normal grip with his two hands and stabbed at Jaune's shield towards its left side. It wasn't entirely meant to stop his advance but also to maintain distance as Gin willingly took a step back from Jaune's momentum.
Jaune shoved his shield to the side and swung his sword down while Gin switched to a reverse grip - without spinning the blade this time for a quicker change assisted by his left hand - and let Jaune's sword slide down his, then struck his face again with the same move as before.
But this time Jaune pushed through the pain and brought his sword back to strike Gin's side but Gin blocked it. Jaune pushed into it so their swords would lock.
Before Gin could break out of it, Jaune released his Aura.
Gin looked surprised even with his eyes closed.
The white Aura that was the shape of a person before, now took on the shape of messy fire. A big one too, due to Jaune's huge amounts of Aura.
Gin felt the sword lock going slack and a second later felt something hit his face. He couldn't tell what was happening but he instinctively raised his sword to block, leaving his bottom half exposed.
Then he was launched off his feet from a tackle.
Gin fell to the ground with the air knocked out of him. The white Aura turned back into a person's shape and he tussled with it for a second before the edge of the shield pinned his sword arm.
"Yield," Jaune commanded, his other hand pressing against Gin's shoulder. It seems he had discarded his sword earlier so he could do that takedown.
"… Fuck," Gin slacked.
Jaune got up and pumped his fist into the air, "Hell yeah!"
"We should really add a no tackling rule…" Gin muttered as he sat up and crossed his legs.
"You're only saying that because you always lose to it."
"It's the ONLY move I lose to. And just because you're a fat fuck."
"Ah, ah, ah," Jaune wagged his finger. "No bitching, remember."
"I never agreed to that so I'll bitch as much as I want."
Jaune laughed as he picked up his sword, "Fair enough. So, what did you think of it?"
"Clever," Gin admitted. "But a bit dangerous, no? A real sword could have drawn blood."
"Yeah, you're right. I'd definitely have second thoughts about using it if steel was involved. Wood though?" He shrugged. "Nothing my Aura can't heal."
"Don't expect it to work again though. I'll be prepared to use my Realm next time to counter it."
"Oh yeah," He realised. "Damn, that's gonna be a pain."
"Speaking of the Realm, how's your progress with it."
"… Uh well…"
"Man, it's been a year now," Gin said exasperatedly.
"It's really hard, okay."
"Have you forgotten the three steps? Spread, Shape and Select."
"Yeah, yeah, the Triple S. Spread your Aura, Shape it and Select what you want to feel," Jaune sighed exasperatedly. "Even the first step is hard okay? It's like trying to pee with a boner."
"Hmm. Not inaccurate," Gin conceded.
He smiled, "And I still can't do Shape which is like trying to hold that piss in your palms while it's still coming out without letting it leak."
Gin chuckled.
"Anyway, I'm just going to give up on Realm and focus on Ripple and Arc. I still suck at them."
Gin scoffed, "Pussing out like a bitch."
"Fuck you," Jaune said on reflex. "Anyway, let's call it a day, I gotta shower for the usual Friday Night Date with Sarah," He walked towards the tree where they hung their shirts and placed their Scrolls.
"Huh," Gin got up and followed him. "Double date, then?
"Nah, man. Catch," Jaune waited until he felt the shiver from Gin using his Realm and then threw his shirt to him, and then his Scroll.
"Thanks," Gin caught them and began putting his shirt back on.
"Just me and Sarah this time. Why don't you do the same with Eli too?"
. . .
Gin rubbed his head, "Yeah, maybe."
Jaune snickered, "And maybe do something expensive once in a while, you cheap bastard."
"Do you think she'll let me have sex with her if I did that?"
"… Bro…"
"What?"
"It's only been a month, man."
"I think you mean it's already been a month."
"Just give it some more time, my sisters said so."
Gin titled his head, "You asked your sisters for sex advice?"
"N-No. They came to me and just said that, okay."
Gin raised an eyebrow.
"… Anyway, peace." And like that, the blond ran off.
Gin looked up and just stared at the sky, not that he could see much.
You know what, I'll just try the expensive method and push for it tonight. He thought. I don't think I can keep up this relationship any longer without some better incentive.
Gin pulled out his Scroll, he pressed the button in the centre and the rectangular black plate then extended, creating a tangible holographic screen in the middle. Usually, Scrolls had blue or green screens but this one was a dark grey so that it wouldn't sting Gin's light-sensitive eyes.
"Rin, call Elise," said Gin.
[Yes, Gin,] The AI responded.
/-/
The next day.
In a store called 'Nest of Books', Karin was rearranging books and adding new ones to the shelves. Her platinum hair was tied into a bun while her fringes were still straight with longer locks falling on both sides.
Though the store was closed with a closed sign on the door, someone still entered.
"Good morning," Juniper sang with a cheerful smile.
"Good morning," Karin greeted back with a reserved but honest smile. "Not to be rude, but I was expecting a different Arc this morning."
"Yeah, something came up and Coral's going to be late. She told me you'd be closed today to arrange a new shipment of books and stuff, right?"
"Yes. Though, it's mostly so I can relax and take my time with it today." She smiled, "She didn't need to but Coral said she wanted to help today for free."
"Right, and I've come in her place to help you out. My ulterior motive being that I wanted to visit and chat."
Karin chuckled, "Thank you, Juniper."
"You're welcome."
With Karin's instructions, Juniper got started on the rearrangement of the books.
"By the way, how's Coral been doing?" Juniper asked. "I hope she's not causing you any trouble?"
Karin giggled while covering her mouth, "You've asked me that a lot now, Juniper. You should have more faith in her."
Her lips thinned grumpily, "I know, I know. But a mother worries, and Coral is… a special case with her condition."
"I understand completely. But Coral really is a wonderful employee and I'm really grateful to you for recommending her." She adjusted her glasses and smirked at her, "And she's not as socially inept as you seem to think. I mean, I don't how I'd have managed without Coral's ability to interact with customers."
Juniper still found that really surreal. When asked about it, Coral said all she really needed to was shut up and respond accordingly when asked. Juniper wasn't sure about that but she decided not to ask. Instead, she smiled mischievously at Karin, "Well, I guess that's true if we're using you as a comparison bar."
Karin's expression turned flat, "Low blow, woman."
"Ahh, I remember the first time we met. I came to visit and even brought gifts but you were so stiff and cold." She placed the back of her hand on her forehead, "My feelings were really hurt, you know."
Karin blushed, "Yeah right, drama queen. And besides, you suddenly came without any notice at all. I can't be blamed for being nervous and awkward."
She laughed, "Looking at it like that makes it adorable." She looked Karin in the eye, "I honestly just thought you were a Cool Beauty."
Karin looked away and adjusted her glasses while blushing harder. "I can somewhat see the first part but not the second."
She grinned, "Coral was the one who called it that and I thought it definitely fits. Maybe less of the 'cool' part now that I know you, but you're definitely still a beauty."
Karin turned her back to her, "I disagree."
"Your husband would disagree to your disagreement."
"H-He has bad tastes. Enough now, get back to work. I don't pay you to stand and chatter around."
Juniper titled her head, "I'm getting paid?"
"Not with that attitude."
Juniper laughed and got back to work.
Some time later, a new blonde person in glasses entered the door.
"Sorry I'm late, boss," Coral, the 19-year-old, said when she reached Karin.
Karin smiled at her as she wiped away the sweat on her forehead, "Don't worry about it, Coral. Though your mother and I are done with the arrangements now."
"So, let's have tea!" Juniper grinned with a clenched fist. "And Coral can make it, it's the least you can do, yeah?"
Coral sighed, "Fair enough."
And the three moved to the dining room. The two mothers took their seats next to the table and sat perpendicular to each other while Coral went to work on making tea.
"It must be nice to have a daughter to help with housework," Karin commented.
Juniper leaned on her hand. "Yup, and six of them too. Though some are less willing than others…" She frowned, annoyed.
Karin chuckled at that.
"By the way, how's Gin?" Juniper asked.
"He's started copying his aunt's lackadaisical attitude, but he's still as diligent as always. Asleep at ten and up by five thirty working out, then studying until breakfast," There was a hint of pride in her voice. "He's currently training his swordsmanship outside."
"Ahh, what a model son," Juniper said while Coral rolled her eyes in the background. "Polite as ever too, he still won't call me by my first name even after asking him to," She smirked.
Karin laughed. Then it died down as an odd look replaced it, "… Though I think he's been having some… issues lately."
"Oh?"
"Well, last night, he said he'll be going to a restaurant with his friends for dinner. A Friday night thing apparently." Karin placed a palm on her cheek, "But he came home late at nine and he looked… odd. Like he was thinking hard about something."
Coral smirked in the background.
"He didn't even want me to continue the story I usually read to him before bed."
"… Like, a bedtime story?" Juniper had a hint of a smile.
"Essentially. We have a session every night."
Coral snorted but quickly covered her mouth.
Juniper placed a palm on her cheek and smiled adoringly, "That's honestly really sweet."
"Well yes, absolutely." Karin smiled fondly for a second. Then she turned to Juniper, "Do you think Jaune knows what happened to Gin last night?"
"I'm not sure. He was on a date with Sarah last night."
"Huh? He wasn't with Gin?"
"Uh no?" She sounded uncertain. "Jaune said it was a normal date with just him and her and he was home by seven thirty…"
Karin started looking really worried as she cupped her mouth with a hand.
"… Hey, I'm sure Gin has other friends besides Jaune."
"... Yes, I suppose. But…"
Juniper grabbed Karin's free hand. "A mother worries, no?" She smiled reassuringly.
A smile crept across Karin's face, "Yes, indeed."
Juniper smiled back. "And look," she began, "I understand why you're worried about Gin but everyone has secrets, especially children from their parents. As much as I hate it, there are just some things kids aren't comfortable telling their parents, for better or worse. BUT," Her smile grew, "they are comfortable telling their friends, especially close ones. So I'll ask Jaune if there's something serious going on." She winked, "The trick is being subtle and casual about it."
Karin eased up a little, "Thank you, Juniper. That would ease my mind a lot."
"You're welcome," she said with a smile. "Though I gotta say, Gin is a good and responsible kid. I'm sure there's not much to worry about when it comes to him, right?"
"Well, not really I suppose. But there are some that really concern me. You know how his eyes will deteriorate over time until he's fully blind?"
"Yeah. His RP is a pretty severe case where he might go fully blind in his twenties, right?"
"Indeed. But… Gin is incredibly nonchalant about it. In fact, he even says he'd like to go fully blind sooner and get it over with. He argues that it'll let him adapt to it easier if it happens to him at an early age," She sighed.
"Oh my…" Juniper touched her lips.
"Don't get me wrong, he does make some good points and its not necessarily a bad thing, but… I wonder if he's not telling me how he truly feels…"
"I understand," Juniper said. "But maybe he just hasn't realised how terrifying that can be, or maybe he's using that mindset as a coping mechanism?"
"Yes, maybe. I suppose his nonchalance towards it could be attributed to his Aura technique as well." Her lips thinned as she had a far-off look, "Then there is his miser nature, which I sometimes wonder if it started because he felt guilty for the things we buy to help with his blindness."
Juniper winced, "That sounds… rough."
"Well," Coral interjected as she came with a tea plate, "He probably has it rough enough without you two trying to psychoanalyse him." She placed the tea cups for the two women and herself as she took a seat.
"Oh, be quiet you." Juniper said with a huff.
"I'm just saying but I think you're overthinking things boss." She turned to Karin, "Gin's a tough kid but not the kind to put on bravado. He'll come to you if he needs to talk about something. He trusts you after all, boss."
Karin looked surprised and paused.
"... Yes, I suppose you're right." She adjusted her glasses and smile wryly, "I guess I should have more faith in him. He hates being coddled after all."
Coral smirked, "That he does. Lavender is the same and my own family can't help but panic everytime she so much as coughs."
"Hey," Juniper said irritatedly. "You know Lavender's condition is different, she has a weak body and none of us can help it. Even when we know she hates it…"
"I know, mom," Coral said simply. Then she turned to Karin, "Also, if it helps. I know what happened to Gin last night. I can't outright say it without disregarding his privacy, but I can assure you that it's nothing serious, just some teen boy shenanigans."
Both mothers looked surprised.
"And you didn't think to say that sooner?" Juniper complained with exasperation.
Coral looked her straight in the eyes. And shrugged her shoulders.
Karin started laughing while covering her mouth, "Oh, Coral."
Juniper rolled her eyes and sipped her tea while Coral smiled and did the same.
Karin grabbed Coral's hand. "Thank you, Coral. Truly," She said with a sincere smile.
Coral adjusted her glasses and looked away, "It's no big deal, boss."
Juniper stared at the two over her cup of tea. I guess Coral's words have a better effect than mine, She thought. A bit unfair but that's fine, at least Karin is feeling better now. Although…
Juniper grinned coyly, "By the way, Coral, Is it just me or do you seem to know Gin really well?"
Karin was sipping her own tea when her eyes widened in immediate understanding. She put it down and smiled slyly, "Oh, I was thinking the same thing. Is there something you want to tell us?"
Coral raised a brow and gave them an unimpressed look, "Seriously?"
"Oh, come on. Our two families are basically one family already. Might as well make it official." Juniper wiggled her brows at her while Karin giggled.
"Oh mother, as much I'd love to be your matrimonial pawn, I'm afraid I have already brother-zoned dear Gin," Coral joked.
"Oh? What a coincidence," Karin got up and moved to hug Coral. "I have daughter-zoned you too," she said in a teasing voice.
. . .
Coral - ever the composed - only blushed a little.
"Aww," Juniper cooed. "Honestly, I don't blame you. For all her faults - and she has many –"
"Oi," Coral said as she pushed Karin away.
"–Coral cares a lot for the people she holds dear." Juniper finished with a smile while Coral looked miffed.
"A shame though," Karin said as she got back to her seat, "I wouldn't mind joining our families."
"I still have other six other daughters," Juniper grinned. " We could make it happen if we give a little push from both our ends."
Karin touched her lips, "Oh, ho ho!. Yes, that just might work."
Juniper leaned in to whisper, "Also, Lavender has a crush on him and everyone in the family knows it but she denies it every time."
"Aww, that is absolutely adorable."
"Oh, what fine mothers you two are…" Coral sighed as she drank her tea.
Somebody entered the room.
"I only caught small parts of this conversation, but it was enough to tell me that I should intervene. So, please stop," Gin pleaded.
The two mothers laughed.
"Oh don't worry Gin," Juniper said. "We're just having some fun. We know you have a girlfriend."
Coral snorted, "Not for long."
"What?"
"Ah," Karin realised and turned to Gin. "You've been saying that your relationship with Elise hasn't been working out lately. Are you thinking of ending it now?"
"Oh my." Juniper turned to Gin, "Did something happen?"
"Well, it's complicated," Gin rubbed his head. "There's nothing wrong with Elise or anything, it's just… we aren't compatible with each other."
"Ahh, I get it." Juniper smiled softly, "It's not usual for couples to get together in the heat of the moment, only to realise later that they don't have much in common and can't really connect with each other. It happens with adults too."
"Yeah, that kind of sums it up," Gin rubbed the back of his head. "I was thinking of ending it today too. There's no need to prolong the inevitable and it's best we both move on. Elise will probably be sad but she deserves someone better suited for her."
Both mothers smiled.
"Oh?" Coral said, "And here I thought it was because of the disappointing deed of darkness."
Then their smiles morphed into expressions of confusion.
"Ha ha ha!" Gin suddenly laughed loudly. "Oh Coral, you," he moved towards her and grabbed her shoulders. "You and your inside jokes. We should keep them between us since they're special, right?" he narrowed his eyes at her while leaning to the side to hide their faces from their mothers.
Coral just shrugged with a shit-eating grin.
Gin leaned in to whisper, "You don't want them to know about that smut you wrote of me and Jaune - your little brother - do you?"
"I thought Mistrali were fine with a little incest, no?" she whispered back.
Gin gripped her a little tighter.
She grabbed his wrists. "Okay, okay, okay. I'm just messing with you, geez," she whispered with gritted teeth.
"This scene we're seeing kind of contradicts what you said earlier, Coral," Karin hid her grin behind a hand.
"But don't mind us. Pretend we're not here and carry on," Juniper leaned on her fist as she stared.
Gin suddenly realised how they must looked like in that position. He quickly let go of Coral and straightened up. His eyes were wide and there was a little red on his cheeks.
"Forgive dear Gin here," Coral looked peeved while rubbing her shoulders. "You know how boys can be at his age."
Gin scowled at her in embarrassment.
The two mothers burst out laughing.
"Yeah, they can be a bit handsy," Juniper said.
"And rough as well apparently," Karin added.
And they laughed again, this time joined by a smug Coral.
"... I'm just gonna go now, bye." And like that Gin quickly scurried away while red in the face.
"Stay safe, dear!" Karin called out.
"That means don't become a molester or you'll become a criminal!" Coral added.
Unfortunately, Gin couldn't show her the gesture he had in mind since their parents were present so he just left in defeat.
As she drank her tea with a smile, Coral thought of the events of last night.
Coral picked up her Scroll, looked at the caller's name and brought it to her ear, "Hello?"
"Hey Coral, you're not a virgin, right?" Gin asked.
She raised her brow, "Excuse me?"
"Quick, I need your help with… sex." Gin cringed hard on the other end. "Listen, I know this sounds stupid but I didn't realise how unprepared I actually am for this until just now, okay."
Coral looked extremely amused, "Well, go on. Tell me what you need to know."
"Alright, Elise is in the shower right now so I only have a few minutes at best. I know the basics so…"
Coral finished her tea with a sigh, "Ahh, they grow up so fast,"
"That they do," Juniper agreed while Karin chuckled.
/-/
"Are you fucking stupid?" Jaune asked.
Gin raised an eyebrow, "You say that as if your grades are better than mine."
They were on a staircase on the side of a building. Jaune stood next to the railings while Gin sat on the stairs with a wooden katana resting against his shoulder. Gin wore black shorts, a tank-top hoodie that was black except for the white hood and red shoes. Jaune wore a white v-neck shirt with its long sleeves pushed back, he also wore dark blue pants and orange sneakers.
"That's not the point. Like bro, why the hell would you break up with Eli?" Jaune spread his arms in exasperation. "She's one of the most beautiful and nicest girls in this town!"
"Spoken like a proper simp."
"Fuck you."
Gin sighed, "Look, I suppose she's not a bad person at heart. BUT she's not as perfect as you seem to think. I mean, I'm pretty sure she only likes me because of my blindness."
Jaune's eyes widened, "What?"
"She was either dating me to improve her social image and or she has a fetish for blind people." He snorted, "Ironic considering I had some trouble finding a girlfriend because of my blindness."
"Wait, wait. Hold on, why on remnant would you think Eli has a blindness fetish?"
"Well, she would make me feel her face with my hands a lot even after telling her that was only a thing in fiction and blind people don't do that in real life," Gin said dryly. "There may be exceptions but I'm not one."
Jaune winced, "Okay, I'm on your side for this part."
"And don't get me started on how much she wanted to baby me," Gin started looking genuinely frustrated. "Constantly holding my hands or arms to guide me even though I didn't need it and she kept trying to feed me stuff. I thought it was cute and endearing in the beginning until I realised she was looking down on me and infantilising me. I even thought I was just imagining it until Lizzy told me she had similar experiences. She even read online that other blind people have experienced it too, with some relationships even turning abusive. Ugh," He shook his head in annoyance.
Jaune sheepishly scratched his head, "Damn man, you never told me about that before."
"I didn't bother because you were too busy swooning over her."
"I wasn't swooning over her… I already have a girlfriend…" Jaune mumbled. Then he sighed, "Look, I'm sorry man. I never realised any of that."
"It's not a big deal, forget about it," Gin lazily waved his hand. "On the bright side, I was able to lose my virginity before we broke up."
Jaune's eyes widened, "What?"
Gin grinned, "Yeah, your idea of doing something expensive worked. Thanks for that by the way."
"Wait, wait, wait," Jaune frantically waved his hands. "So, you're telling me you dumped Eli right after having sex with her?"
"Not really. I did it the next day. I even did it in person."
. . .
"Again, are you fucking stupid?"
"What? Breaking up with someone through text is a shitty thing to do, isn't it?"
Jaune face palmed, "Well it is, but hitting it and quitting it is a shitty thing to do too!"
"Which is why I broke up with her in person." Gin raised a finger as if starting a lecture, "The shittiness of hitting and quitting is counteracted by the shittiness of her month-long shitty attitude. A text break-up would have made it too shitty instead of the balance it now has. And before you say 'Two wrongs don't make a right.' I'm not saying I'm in the right, but rather, that I'm not entirely in the wrong either," he stated with a proud grin.
. . .
Jaune grabbed his face and groaned. "Remind me to never let you get into a relationship with any of my sisters." He looked up, "Especially Lavender, because I will kill you if you do." The words were said in a neutral tone but Jaune's face was completely serious.
"Firstly, funny you should say that because there was a similar conversation between our mothers this morning that made me feel like a piece of meat."
Jaune snorted, "Yeah, I can see that happening."
"Secondly, why the emphasis on Lavender? Is it because of the flirting we do?" Gin snorted, "I told you, man, we're only joking with each other. She's not even romantically interested in me. None of your sisters are."
Jaune stared at him. "... Yeah, you're right," He said with a monotone voice. "They have good taste after all."
Gin flipped him off. "Thirdly, I need to defend my honour here because I'm confident that I'd make a great lover as long as my partner is respectable and decent. And It's not like I'm picky with a girl's appearances."
"Oh yeah? Then what's your type?"
"Women with big assets."
. . .
"What? Those are my only requirements. I wouldn't mind even if they were ugly, fat, taller than me, etc." Gin paused. "Well, to a reasonable extent of course. Also, not a hard requirement but I'd prefer if they had a pleasant voice and smelled good."
"Ugh, maybe having your head up your ass is why you're blind."
Gin snorted, "Fuck you."
Jaune would usually never make a joke like that, but Gin wanted him to and they've said worse to each other. Though, obviously, Jaune knew to never make a blind joke to another blind person unless they specifically allowed it.
"So, anyway, what uh…" Jaune scratched his head.
"Yeah?"
Jaune looked away with a blush, "… What was it like?"
"What was what like?"
Jaune looked slightly annoyed, "The sex."
Gin smirked, "Seems you're not so noble after all, eh?"
"Shut up. I'm just curious, okay."
He shrugged, "Well if I'm being honest, it was pretty underwhelming. Guess that's to be expected from two virgins."
"Fucking hell man, I knew that Eli might have been a virgin but the confirmation just made what you did even worse."
Gin rolled his eyes. "Blond virgins should just shut the fuck up. Anyway, so long story short, we were both pretty bad. Elise went for the innocent maiden act and made me do all the work. Not that I complained after she bit my penis."
Jaune winced and covered his crotch, "Ouch."
Gin snorted, "You could even say that she sucked."
"And like that, you've ruined it. No need to continue anymore."
"Tch," Gin waved him off. "Well, the actual sex felt good so there's that. But, I was too focused on pleasuring Elise to really enjoy myself. She sounded satisfied so I think I did a good job." He closed his eyes with a satisfied smile, "After all, you fail as a man if your partner doesn't climax."
"Hey, Coral said the exact same thing once."
. . .
"That just proves how correct it is," said Gin. "Since two people have heard of that saying before, after all."
Jaune's brows furrowed and he grabbed his chin, "Really?"
"Overall," Gin continued, "it wasn't really worth it and losing your virginity isn't as big a deal as I thought. So, don't be in a hurry to lose yours and do some research on it or you might make a mistake." He grinned at Jaune, "Porn doesn't count, bro."
"... Fuck you, I knew that."
"Well, anyway," Gin got up and stretched. "I'm in the mood for some physical exercise. Up for a spar?"
"Nah, not today. Also, I don't feel like going home to grab my practice weapons. You're the only weirdo who carries that stick with you everywhere you go."
"Spoken like a true virgin."
Jaune stared at him flatly, "That doesn't even make sense."
"Not to virgins, it won't," Gin smirked.
Jaune rolled his eyes.
"Some guys are probably playing soccer on the school's court," said Gin. "Let's join them."
"Eh, okay why not." Jaune followed Gin as they walked off the stairs. Gin pulled his hood on to cover his eyes from the sun.
Jaune looked at his short friend and smirked. "Why don't we play basketball instead?" He patted Gin's head.
"Heh, go fuck yourself," Gin slapped the hand away with a smile.
/-/
Later that night.
Gin was in his room, studying at his desk with the lights off. There was a large Scroll device in front of him, a different type than his usual one. Near him, there was a lit aroma candle on a wood candle stand. He had his cheek on his fist with his eyes closed while wearing flat wireless earphones.
"Open bracket with a cube root. 4a, plus sign, 5b, close bracket. New paragraph. Equal sign. Open bracket. 4a, plus sign, 5b, close bracket. Copy and paste this two more times," He said the words to the Scroll. "Next question."
[Yes, Gin.] The AI voice responded. [The next question is 125x cube root, minus sign, 27y cube root, minus sign, 225x square root y, plus sign, 135xy square root]
Gin sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.
Someone knocked on his door.
"Come in," He said.
"Hey, dear." The door opened and Karin came in and click the button near the door to turn the light on. "I cut some apples for you. I hope I'm not disturbing you with your homework."
"Of course not, mom." Gin replied as his mom placed the cup of apples on his table. "Thank you." He took a bite of one of the apple pieces and chewed.
"You're welcome." She paused, "… You know, you really should keep the lights on. We bought these types of light bulbs for your eyes and put them all over the house, after all. And it's easier for you too, isn't it?"
"I told you, mom, I'm fine without them. Besides it's a waste of electricity." He ate another piece.
Karin looked unsatisfied with that, then she noticed his blank screen. "Why is your screen blank? Don't you usually do maths while leaning in to see the questions?"
"I've been trying to not use the little sight I have these days." He gestured to his large Scroll, "It makes this a bit harder but I can manage. You know, preparation for when I go fully blind." He shrugged his shoulders.
"I see…"
"I don't," Gin laughed at his own pun. "Anyway, I'm almost done with only one question left. So, we can start our reading session soon."
Karin sighed silently, "… Alright. Take your time with it, dear." She turned and left his room.
Gin noticed something as he turned to look up and activated his Aura realm.
"She seriously left the lights on and the door open…" Gin grabbed another piece of apple and got up while grumbling, "That had to have been on purpose."
He turned the lights off and closed the door while chewing on the piece of apple when his AI spoke, [Gin, you've received a text from Jaune. Should I read it for you.]
"Hmm? Alright."
[Let's spar. Come to the usual place.]
"Huh? The hell…?" Gin picked up his other smaller Scroll. He activated the braille keyboard feature and started typing. Gin had enough vision left that he didn't really need to use it but preferred it like this when texting.
[Spar? At this hour? Why?]
[Yeah. Now come.]
[But why?]
[I want to beat you up. Come.]
. . .
Gin shrugged his shoulders, [Alright, give me twenty or so minutes.]
Gin quickly finished his work and the apples. He took off the earphones and fit them inside a compartment in the smaller Scroll showing that the earphones were a built-in part of the Scroll.
Then he grabbed his wooden katana and moved towards the candle stand. He activated his Aura Realm and swung his weapon at it, extinguishing the fire. Then he spun his practice sword with a satisfied smirk.
Afterwards, he took the empty cup and went downstairs to the kitchen. Gin didn't even need to use his Aura Realm when moving in his house because like other blind people, he was very familiar with the layout and the house was arranged to make it easier for him. After cleaning the cup, he moved towards the door.
"Mom! Dad! I'm going out for a short while!" He yelled while putting on his shoes.
"Your mom is in the toilet! What are you going out for?!" His dad yelled from his workroom where he was crafting something.
"I think Jaune wants to mug me!" Gin said with amusement.
"... Okay, take care and don't be out for too long!"
"Yes, dad!"
/-/
Gin approached Jaune who stood with his practice weapons in his hands.
For some reason, Jaune's eyes and face were red, as if he had been crying before.
Not that Gin could see that.
"I don't sense anyone else here," Gin said with a smile. "You should have brought some goons with you if you wanted to mug me." He laughed, "Not that they would be able to do much to me."
"Hurry up and get ready. No need to take off your hoodie," Jaune said stiffly.
Gin raised a brow, "What happened to you?" He was holding his sword in his usual reverse grip and used his free hand to crack his shoulder. "Was it the maths homework? If so, I totally understand," He chuckled. "Also, what will we be betting?"
Jaune charged and attacked with a stab.
Gin closed his eyes and parried the attack toward Jaune's left.
Before Gin could finish his counter, Jaune started shoving him with his right shoulder.
Gin would've fallen from that if he hadn't sensed the surge of Aura on Jaune's shoulder. Gin grunted but he managed to steady himself with his footwork and broke off by dashing to the side after being moved some distance.
Jaune's sword quickly returned for Gin's head but the awkward attack was deflected by Gin towards the sky.
The position he was in allowed Gin to quickly follow up with a reverse-gripped stab that was pushed by the off-hand.
Jaune managed to block it with his shield and the attack slid off. Jaune then launched a flurry of quick stabs that overwhelmed Gin who could sense them but couldn't react fast enough to parry them.
Jaune dropped his shield. Then when it looked like Gin was getting used to the rhythm of the stabs, Jaune prepared a powerful two-handed downward strike.
Gin's eyes widened. Bracing his sword with his off-hand but not having enough time to switch his grip, Gin attempted an overhead block.
"Guh!" Gin buckled and dropped to a knee with gritted teeth.
Jaune then hooked his blade under Gin's right arm and shoved it to the side, disarming Gin in the process.
Blackout
Jaune hit his head from falling backwards onto the ground.
"Hey! No Semblance!" He yelled from the ground.
"Shut up." Gin was now standing with his leg lazily raised up from when he kicked Jaune on the gut, a completely different position from seconds ago.
At least from Jaune's perspective.
"You're the one who just charged in without even setting the terms for this spar." Gin leisurely walked towards his weapon and picked it back up while Jaune got up.
"That's a weak-ass excuse!" Jaune growled.
Gin sighed, "Seriously, what happened to you? Did you get dumped or something?"
Jaune growled.
Gin looked shocked, "Oh…" He scratched his head. "Damn man, sorry that happened. I kind of understand your anger now. I didn't mention this before but I got slapped by Elise after the breakup. Honestly, I should have expected it."
Jaune screamed and charged at him.
Gin disappeared in a flash of black.
"Alright listen," Gin said from a different location with his sword leaning on his shoulder, "I'm sorry you got dumped man, but taking your anger out of me is a bit unfair."
"Sarah dumped me because of you!"
"Huh?"
"Did you forget? Sarah and Eli are friends, of course she told her what you did."
"Ohhh."
"Fucking hell," Jaune grabbed his face. "She made me choose between you and her. Said that she'd break up with me if I continue being friends with you."
. . .
Gin let his sword arm fall as he rubbed his head. "Fuck, man. Thank you for choosing me," he had an embarrassed smile on his face.
Jaune tiredly fell on his butt with a slump.
. . .
Gin awkwardly walked towards him and sat down next to his side. He placed a hand on his shoulder, "Hey man, don't let Sarah get to you. You deserve so much better, I mean seriously, you had nothing to do with what I did and she's making you suffer for no reason." Gin shook his head, "I always knew she was a bitch."
Jaune bared his teeth with renewed vigour.
And he lunged at Gin.
"Ahh!"
Jaune straddled him and raised a trembling fist. Though it didn't fall even after several seconds.
With an awkward look, Gin activated his Semblance and Jaune froze. Even his fist stopped trembling.
Gin pushed him to the side and off him. Then he got up while getting the grass off his butt and back.
Gin manually released his Semblance and Jaune was able to move again.
"So, dude, you probably need some time to cool off and calm down. And I'm obviously not helping with that so I'll just uh, get you home." Gin used his Semblance again when Jaune was just about to get up so he froze while being on all fours.
Gin rolled Jaune to his back. Then he went to grab Jaune's practice weapons. He used his Semblance again to refresh its effect on Jaune.
He walked back and made Jaune grip the sword and placed the shield on his other arm.
Another use of Gin's Semblance. He put Jaune in a squatting position. He looked at his wooden sword for a second, shrugged and put it inside the back of Jaune's shirt
Then he proceeded to piggyback Jaune.
"Fuck, he's heavy," Gin exhaled the words. He used his Semblance once again and marched towards Jaune's house, taking the long way so no one would see them.
/-/
Karin sat on a couch in the living room, a book in hand when a voice called out.
"I'm home," Gin's tone was a bit tired while taking off his shoes.
Putting the book down, Karin quickly got up and went to the door. "And where did you go at this hour?" She sounded a bit upset.
Gin must have noticed it because he straightened up, "Uh, I just met up with Jaune for a bit, he wanted to see me."
"Why? What happened?"
"Well, uh basically he got dumped by Sarah who did it because I broke up with Elise and he wanted to vent some of his anger out on me with a spar."
"Oh," She relaxed a little and paused for several seconds. "Well, for now just come and sit with me," She turned and walked back to the couch, expecting him to follow.
"Uh…"
"You're not in trouble," She said without looking back.
Gin still hesitated but followed her to the couch and sat next to her.
"Firstly, neither of you got hurt right."
"Physically? Of course not. Mentally? Jaune, probably yes."
"That's quite unfortunate." She sighed in annoyance, "Teenagers. So full of hormones that make them do such stupid things."
Gin sweat dropped as he awkwardly looked away.
"Seriously, this Sarah girl shouldn't be involving herself in the affairs of others, much less dragging Jaune into it and hurting him as some sort of petty revenge," She huffed.
"… Truthfully, I'm at fault as well."
Karin looked at him in surprise.
Gin slightly winced, "When I told you that Elise didn't take our break up well. I didn't mention… some things I did intentionally, to hurt her." He rubbed his head and faced down. "I knew it wasn't right but I did it anyway as… petty revenge. And now as a result, it has affected Jaune."
. . .
"I see," Karin closed her eyes. "If you're uncomfortable with it, I won't ask what the things you did were. As long as you understand that it was wrong and won't do it again."
"… I won't."
"Good," She nodded. "And how is Jaune? Is he mad at you?"
"I think so. Hopefully, he cools off by tomorrow."
"You should talk to him tomorrow after breakfast." She smiled, "Maybe even bring a small peace offering."
He nodded, "Alright."
Karin nodded with a satisfied smile. "Now then, shall we start our reading session?"
He thought about it for a second, then shrugged, "Alright." He put his weapon on the table. "Can I lay down on your lap, mom?"
Karin grabbed the book off the table. "Of course," She tapped her lap and Gin rested his head on it with his eyes closed.
She opened the book but was quiet for a few moments.
"Hey, dear?"
"Yes?"
"I would like to get this off my chest," She started. "I sometimes worry about your nonchalance towards becoming fully blind. And I want to respect your decision but…"
"Oh."
Gin awkwardly scratched his cheek, "Well I do understand. I sometimes think about it but I'd really rather not let it bother me. It's inevitable so…" he shrugged. "But, I don't mind it much. I would still have my Aura Realm and Sense, after all."
"… Alright, I'll trust you on that." Karin ran her hand through Gin's hair and rubbed it, "So I hope you can trust me to ask for help in case you need any sort of help. Seeking aid when needed is never weakness."
"Of course, mom. I will," Gin said. "And thank you."
"You're welcome," She smiled. "Now, let's continue where we left off with chapter eight."
/-/
The next day.
Gin was carrying two bags containing various things and a wooden sword - not his usual one from the looks of the hilt and handle - was clumsily tucked into the back of his collar.
He rang the doorbell and it opened a few seconds later by an 18-year-old blonde.
She saw Gin, smirked and leaned on the frame of the door with her arms crossed, "Well, well, well, if it isn't the resident scumbag."
"… Hello Hazel," he greeted with a slight bow. "Coral mentioned that you sisters have heard the slanderous gossip going around about me. And so quickly too."
"Yep. Tends to happen around small towns like this," the older girl shrugged.
Not around any adults, I hope, He thought. "I should clarify that it's mostly slander with the truth being twisted to make me look worse than I really am."
"So, you didn't fuck that princess girl and then left her for the streets?"
"Well… I wouldn't say it like that…" He shook his head, "Okay look, that Sarah bitch is obviously taking things out of context because," he scoffed, "well you know how girls can be sometimes."
She raised a brow, "And how CAN we be sometimes?"
. . .
With his lips pursed, Gin put down one of the bags and rummaged through the other one. He brought out white jeans and offered them to Hazel.
She gasped but quickly reigned herself in. She coughed as she took it while looking away, "It's pretty nice, I guess." She clutched it to her chest.
"Can I come in now?"
"Just so you know, I know what you're doing. And you're lucky it's working." And Hazel moved out of the way.
As he came in, Gin was spotted by another blonde.
"Yo, yo, yo," sang Hazel's twin, Jade who wore a grin. "If it isn't the resident—"
Gin took out wireless slim headphones and offered them to her, "Here, Jade."
She violently grabbed it from his hands. "—The resident gentleman!" She excitedly finished.
Hazel snorted, "That the best you could come up with?"
"Shut it, whore." Jade wasn't even looking at her and was kissing the headphones.
"The hell did you just call me?!" Hazel yelled.
Thus, began a brawl between twins once again.
"Hey, hey, hey!" Shouted Saphron, the oldest sibling in the house at 25 years. "No fighting in the house— Oh hi there Gin."
"Gin?" Sable - Coral's twin - poked her head out. She narrowed her eyes at him and crossed her arms "What are you doing here?" She tried to project a cold judging exterior but it came out looking quite awkward.
Saphron looked at her with a raised brow, confused at her tone.
"Sable," Gin greeted with a slight bow. "I've come to apologize to Jaune."
She stared at him for a few seconds. "Hmph, very well then."
"Okay," Saphron said, "What the heck is going on—"
"Also, I brought gifts," Gin interrupted and rummaged through the other bag this time. He brought out two containers of sundaes. He gave the strawberry one to Saphron and the chocolate one to Sable.
"It's acceptable," Sable tried but couldn't quite contain gleeful smile while taking it.
"Oh my," Saphron looked confused but happy as she took it. "Thank you. But what's the occasion— Hey!" She yelled at the wrestling twins who had decided to take it to the ground, though they made sure to put their gifts on a nearby table. Saphron put her sundae on a table and moved to separate them.
"Hey Gin!" Amber - the 12 year old - yelled with a cheeky grin and her hands on her hips. She pointed at him, "I'm not sure what you did but my sisters are saying you're a big jerk."
Gin chuckled. "Fair enough. But I hope you disagree with them seeing as I brought you a gift." He pulled out the wooden sword from his back and offered it to her. This one was made of bamboo, mostly round and looked small.
Amber gasped loudly. "Yay!" She quickly took it from his hands and began swinging it around.
"Hey, is that safe?" asked a worried Sable.
"It should be," Gin replied. "It's a toy shinai for children made by my dad. And shinais are basically practice swords that don't really injure people."
"Okay then…" Sable looked like she still wasn't quite sure about it.
"Gin," said an angry Lavender who had her arms on her hips and she glared at Gin with a pout. She was the younger sister of Jaune by eight months due to being born prematurely by C-section. "I'm disappointed in you."
Gin grimaced and rubbed his head, "Damn, that's more painful than I would've thought when it comes from you, Lavender."
Her expression softened for just a second. "Well, uh that's good. Because you deserve it for doing what you did," She wagged her finger for emphasis.
"You're right," He sighed. "It was a terrible thing to do and I regret my actions." He looked straight at her, "I won't ever do it again."
Lavender averted her slightly blushing face from his gaze, "O-okay. If you understand that it was wrong and promise not to do it, then uh that's good."
He smiled, "Thank you. Also, I bought you a gift." He took out a black cloth and unfurled it to reveal a black lace dress. It had intricate patterns all over it and was translucent on the long sleeves and at the ends of the shin-length skirt. Modest and beautiful were the best words to describe it.
Lavender's jaw dropped as she stared at the dress.
Gin pushed it onto her and she gingerly held it.
"I think you will look beautiful in it," said Gin with a smile. Then the smile turned sly, "More than you already do of course."
Lavender went full-on red and she used the dress to hide her face. She peeked over it with narrowed eyes, "Y-you're just saying that. It's not like you can really tell without seeing from a picture."
It seems she had forgotten that he can still see from a certain distance with Aura and that his Aura Realm can also work. However, Gin saw a chance and he chuckled, "Well, it's just that your beauty transcends mere sight so even the blind can tell."
She scowled bashfully and smacked Gin's shoulder, "You've been spending too much time with Coral!"
He laughed again, "Okay, that's true."
Meanwhile, Lavender's sisters were staring at the scene with different expressions. Even Jade and Hazel stopped fighting to stare, Jade with amusement and Hazel with narrowed eyes. Saphron had her palm on her cheek while smiling at how adorable it looked to her. Sable with her lips thinned while eating her sundae, not quite liking what she saw.
Amber pulled on Lavender's shirt to get her attention. When Lavender looked at her, Amber made a kissing face, pointed at her cheek and then pointed at Gin.
Lavender whined at her sister's not-so-subtle message to peck him on the cheek.
Amber rolled her eyes, then she walked to Gin and tugged on his shirt, "Hey Gin, I really like this sword. Lemme kiss you on the cheek as thanks."
"Oh? Why, I'd be honoured." He squatted down and let Amber kiss his cheek. He smiled, "I'll be sure to treasure this memory for a long time."
Amber giggled, "Sure." Then she faced Lavender and made a gesture that said See? It's not that hard. Just do what I did.
Lavender pouted with a vengeance.
But she stared at Gin and looked as if she was considering doing it. She took a deep breath, "H-h-hey G-Gin, I uh—"
"Oookaay," Hazel interrupted and got between them. "So short stuff, you came here for Jaune, yeah? He's been in his room sulking since yesterday. Go fix him."
Gin nodded and stood up, "Alright."
He walked to the stairs while carrying one bag. Well, that takes care of the sisters, He thought. I should buy Coral something as thanks for helping me with the gifts.
Then he reached the door of Jaune's room and knocked.
No answer.
After a moment of contemplation, Gin expanded his Aura Realm, directed it towards the room and felt Jaune lying flat on his back, staring at the ceiling. Jaune knew the familiar feeling of Gin's Aura Realm but the only reaction Gin felt from him was a twitch so Gin assumed he was allowed in.
Gin opened the door and walked into the room, "Yooo, how are you feeling bro?"
"… What's the point of living anymore."
Fuck yeah, he's not mad at me anymore. Gin thought with a smile. "Well, I don't know. How about a gift?" He pulled out a comic book from the bag, "The latest volume of Dragged Into a Dream. It just arrived this morning in mom's shop. And before you asked," He walked towards Jaune and offered the book, "I bought it."
Jaune took it with surprise, "Really?"
"Of course." Gin pulled out the chair from Jaune's table and sat on it while putting the bag on the table.
"… Thanks, man." Jaune sat up and inspected the comic that was still wrapped in plastic. Then he sighed, got up from the bed and put it on one of his shelves.
"Not gonna read it?"
"Maybe later. Right now, it'll just make me feel shittier than I already do."
Gin winced, "Yeah, that book is pretty depressing…"
Jaune sat down on his bed and fell back.
"So hey, I'm sorry," Gin started, "you got dragged into this because of my actions."
"Yeah, it's fine. And I'm sorry too, I shouldn't have lashed out at you." His hands covered his face and he gave an explosive sigh.
"If it makes you feel better, every girl in our class and age group practically hates me now so I probably won't be in a relationship for a long while now."
"… Yeah, that does kinda make me feel better. But I think it'll be the same for me by association with your dumb ass."
Gin laughed. "Ahh, this must be punishment for devouring a forbidden fruit. Now we'll hunger for it while not being able to taste it again for years." He smirked, "I much more than you though."
Gin got hit by a pillow in the face.
"You've been spending too much time with Coral!" yelled Jaune with an outstretched hand.
Gin laughed harder, "C'mon, even you can't deny how good that one was."
"Use your Realm."
"Why? Are you flipping me off?"
"No."
Gin used his Aura Realm. "Yes, you are," He deadpanned.
"I'm flipping you off, Twice. With both hands." Jaune's hands then fell back on the bed. "Yeah, that's how good your joke was."
A pillow landed right on Jaune's face.
Gin clicked his tongue, "Damned hater…" his hand still outstretched from throwing the pillow. Then he remembered something, "Oh hey, by the way, this might not be necessary but you might get attacked, so watch out for that."
"Wait what?" Jaune slightly got up
"It happened to me this morning. A group of five guys tried to attack me to gain favour with Elise or something," He shrugged his shoulders. "Honestly, I never realised how popular she was before today," He mumbled.
Jaune sat up and stared at him with a confused look. "You uh didn't get hurt, right?"
"Huh?!" Gin sounded and looked incredibly offended. "You think those flies could hurt ME?"
Jaune rolled his eyes, "Well, excuse me for worrying."
"No, you will not be excused."
"... Use Aura Realm again."
Gin didn't, and instead replied with his own middle finger.
Jaune sighed, exasperated. "You didn't beat them up, yeah? No, wait, stupid question. You didn't hurt them too much, yeah? It was self-defence but we could get into trouble with the Huntsmen Laws."
Gin scoffed, "We're not even Huntsmen-in-training. They don't apply to us."
"Yeah, but like my dad's a Huntsman. He could get into trouble because of me."
"Oh please, a Huntsman of Mr Arc's calibre would get little more than a slap on the wrist even if he killed someone unprovoked," said Gin. "It's the way of the world, Jaune. You have more value and worth the more you extinguish yourself and you even get privileges that some can't have."
"… I'd take those words more seriously if it came from anyone else but you."
"Ugh. Fine, fuck you then," He waved a hand as if throwing something at Jaune.
"Also, you didn't answer my question."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," He waved his hand in annoyance. "I'm not the pathetic kind that bullies weaklings. I just taught them a lesson and took all their money."
"What?"
"What?"
The two boys stared at each other.
"Bro…" Jaune groaned.
"Alright, look, I only used their money on gifts for your sisters. I used my own money on yours."
"That doesn't make it— Okay, that's slightly better," He admitted. "But still, what if they like, report your thieving ass?"
"Eh, I wouldn't worry about it much." Gin shrugged with a smile. "Hyenas like them survive off their reputation. Today, I realise that despite my physique," he flexed his arm for emphasis, "and my Huntsmen-like abilities, some think I'm weak due to my height and shit eyes." He sniggered, "Though apparently the aforementioned scavengers just think I'm faking it."
Jaune snarled. "Fucking bastards…" He growled the words.
Gin chuckled, "Quite. But I digress. Anyway, my point is they won't tell anyone or their reputation will be in the mud. I mean, imagine getting your money stolen by a blind kid. Hah!" He slapped a knee.
Jaune didn't share his humour and looked uneasy.
Gin then grinned cheekily, "And if they do, I just feigned innocence and use the 'blind kid' angle for sympathy points."
Jaune looked at him weirdly, "I thought you hated pity."
"Yes, very much so. But some people just can't help themselves so I might as well use it to my advantage sometimes. Lemons and lemonade after all," He lazily waved his hand in a circle.
"Yeah, I guess that makes sense…" Jaune scratched his head, "Hey dude, you're not like… bothered by what they said about you? I didn't think you'd be fine with any of that."
Gin hummed, "Well, I DO find it annoying sometimes, but I won't lose sleep over it. It's like buzzing flies, we all find them annoying but they never really occupy our minds until they're right in front of us." He smirked, "Besides, we're different from hyenas like them. 'Wolves and lions don't lose sleep over the opinions of sheep' as the saying goes."
"Well, uh thanks. But I don't think that really applies to me…" Jaune looked away, "I'm not as confident as you, not as hard working or other things. Even my parents think so. It sometimes pisses me off, to be honest." He paused, "And… I didn't tell you this but do you remember how it was Eli who introduced me to Sarah?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Sarah told me that Eli asked her to date me. She said she was never really interested in me only stayed with me because of Eli."
Gin scoffed, "Don't believe her, she probably just said that to hurt you."
Jaune sighed, "Maybe…"
"Why would Elise ask her to date you anyway?"
"Sarah said Eli wanted to make you happy."
"Hmm, or maybe she wanted you to be kept busy so she can have me for herself or something."
"Dude…"
"I regret what I did but not that I did it, nor am I apologizing to her. That bitch slapped me," Gin said flatly.
Jaune massaged his eyes in exasperation.
Gin licked his gums and looked like he wanted to say something. "Hey," He began, "remember our spar last night?"
"Huh? Yeah."
"I don't want to admit it but… before I introduced your ass to the grass, my own ass got well acquainted with your foot."
Jaune snorted and then it turned into a laugh.
"Oh, so it's only funny when I make fun of myself eh?"
"Yes," Jaune admitted without any shame. "Also, it was a pretty good one."
"Eh, I'll take it. Thanks," He shrugged. "Anyway, I've trained in the sword for pretty much all my life and you've only had lacklustre lessons for about three years, one of them dedicated only to building your body. Yet last night you were… the better warrior. So, what does that say?"
"Uhh," Jaune scratched his head. "Something profound like Lady Luck blesses all?"
"No, you stupid insecure fuck," said Gin rather dryly. "It means you have talent, great talent in fact."
"Oh." It took a second for Jaune to process what he heard. "Wait, really?"
"Yes. It'd be insulting to me otherwise." He shook his head, "I won't accept all my years of hard work getting dismantled by fucking luck."
Jaune looked slightly confused, "But you're fine with talent?"
"Yes," He nodded. "I'm well aware I have none and talent is what matters in the end. After all, hard work can never beat talent that works just as hard." He shrugged. "Life is unfair, after all. I've basically known it since birth and have had it shoved down my throat my entire childhood."
Jaune winced and awkwardly scratched his cheek.
"It pisses me off sometimes," Gin continued, "but you know, buzzing flies," He waved a hand. "Anyway, my point is, you ARE different from others. In a positive sense. So my earlier words do apply to you. You even come from a similar bloodline like mine, no?"
"Well, uh yeah." Jaune slightly smiled, "The Arc name was even pretty famous in the past. But not anymore these days, I can't find any recent mention of it online."
"Probably because Mr Arc is a humble man." He snorted, "Unlike my clan, he doesn't let past glories dictate his worth. You're lucky to have him as your family's head."
"Yeah, I am." Jaune slightly looked down, "But sometimes it feels like he feels the opposite about me…"
"Huh?"
"It's like, he doesn't believe in me, in what I can do," Jaune started. "He trains me but just exclusively for self-defence. Never forgets to remind me that I should always choose flight instead of fight if it's an option and I should never try to be a hero." Jaune frowned, "I'm positive that dad is holding out on me."
"He trains you for encounters against Grimm, no? And those aren't very likely for most people, I think. Why do you want more? Do you want to be a Huntsman?"
"Well, no. Not really. Dad always talks about how shit being a Huntsman is and that it's nothing like how some people glorify it, so yeah, not very appealing to be honest. It's just… it feels like my dad doesn't think I can handle it. Like he doesn't have any trust in me, you know?"
"Hmm. Well, don't let it get to you. I don't give out flattery, only compliments that I sometimes exaggerate for fun. So trust me when I say, if you want to be a Huntsman, you'd make a great one." Gin faced Jaune, "I'm certain that you have a warrior's talent."
Jaune sheepishly smiled. "Thanks, man. I mean it."
Gin rolled the chair towards Jaune and held out a fist. "You're welcome," he smiled.
And they fist-bumped.
"So," Gin began, "I think I've complimented you enough, time for some insults to balance things out." He coughed and exaggeratedly sneered at Jaune, "Disgusting virgin, die."
Jaune snorted and laughed. He shook his head with a smile, "This fucking guy…"
/-/
Later that night.
In the Suzume House's living room, A shirtless Gin was doing a one-arm handstand with the other arm behind him, while Karin was reading out the comic - Dragged Into a Dream - and turning the images into words.
"—The giant beast fell on its hands, now on its death roes," She continued. "The monster must have known this too because it charged with reckless abandon into the direction of Marshall. Who had already nocked another arrow." She paused, "He released it, along with the beast from its suffering. As the monster collapsed into a heap, Marshall looked at it with manic and dilated eyes. But he calmed himself, not turning into a Predator but remaining a Hunter." Karin closed the book.
"Oh, that last part was amazing…" Gin remarked with an awed smile. "I'm genuinely worried that Marshall might lose himself to the bloodlust." He switched his arms.
"Quite," Karin said. "Marshall will need more companionship if he wants to avoid that. He's alienated all but one of his friends so he only has his family to go to."
"But he's too burdened by expectations and fears being labelled mentally ill and insane," said Gin. "So he hesitates to tell them about his nightmares. If it wasn't for Jane, he'd be all alone. He's lucky to have her."
"Indeed." Karin sighed, "I hope he talks to his parents later on in the story. They're lacking as parents if they put so much pressure on their eldest son to the point that he feels he has to shoulder everything. But at least the parents are good people at heart. I suspect they'll be kind and understanding of Marshall's situation instead of the rejection he fears."
"I agree," Gin replied while changing into a planche form.
"Well, on a less serious topic, I hope Marshall ends up with the Doll."
"Huh?" Gin turned to his mom with wide eyes, utterly confused. "But why? She's a living mannequin!"
"My son, love can transcend such insignificant things like species," She said wisely with closed eyes. "Also, the Doll is really beautiful."
"But, Marshall has Jane."
She sighed, "Male and female relationships can be entirely platonic. Something a lot of people forget."
Gin groaned, "They clearly have romantic feelings towards each other. Even I can see that from the way they act towards each other."
"Hormones."
"What?"
"Hormones."
Gin stared.
Karin didn't elaborate.
"… Well anyway," Gin decided to change the topic. "I really like that Iai Slash ability, an Aura Arc but with blood for the Aura part. I could imitate it by trying to shape my Aura to look more liquid-like but," he sighed, "if only my Aura was red."
Karin chuckled, "Personally, I think black Aura is cooler than red Aura."
"Eh," Gin managed to shrug with a head tilt.
"You could still try a liquid shape and make your Aura Arc look like a brush stroke of black ink. Or you could give your Aura a misty shape and use it for a smokescreen, almost like what Marshall did to the beast."
"Hmm, yeah maybe. I'll think about trying that, and maybe I could do it in the future." Gin manoeuvred into an L - seat.
"Speaking of the future, have you decided on what you're aiming to be?"
Gin thought about what he wanted to be and he found that there wasn't anything that interested him. Well, except for being a warrior of some kind. Gin may not be a great Swordsman, but he was still one and had been training as one since he was a child. Maybe he'll choose an occupation that has to do with combat, and preferably one with prestige. Maybe, something like a Huntsman?
"I'm afraid not, mom. I'm still pretty aimless…"
"Well, don't worry about it. You have plenty of time and plenty of choices." She raised a finger with a smile, "I know you can do anything thanks to your diligence. Who knows, maybe you'll even make a name for yourself in your future work as a doctor."
Gin manoeuvred into a reverse planche and raised a brow, "Thank you, mom. But I never mentioned anything about being a doctor."
"Oh right," She said. "Regardless, your father and I will support you in whatever you chose to be."
Gin chuckled, "I appreciate it, mom. I really do."
Karin smiled, "You're welcome, dear."
End of Chapter
I never knew how incredible Assistive Technology was before doing research for this fic. I had to make some adjustments to fit RWBY's sci-fi setting but the braille keyboard thing is real. Though I wasn't confident in myself to properly explain how they work. If you're interested, there are short youtube videos on them.
And in case anyone was wondering about Dragged into a Dream, I'm afraid you're gonna have to keep wondering for a long time, bahaha.
As an apology, have this bonus story that I couldn't really fit into this chapter without ruining the flow.
Bonus Story: Lavender's crush.
For anyone who reads Dandadan, imagine this dinner scene like the ones in Dandandan.
The Arc family were having dinner.
"So Lav," Jade began with a grin. "When are you gonna show us how you look in the dress?"
Juniper perked up, "Ah, one of the gifts Gin brought right?"
"Yeah," Saphron said. "Though I'm still not sure what it's about and no one is telling me."
"Seriously, how much money did that bastard take…" Mumbled Jaune to himself.
"Eat your vegetables, you two," Sable scolded Hazel and Amber.
Lavender looked away shyly, "Why do you want to see how I look in it so badly…?"
"Oh C'mon, I know you lock yourself in your room and check yourself out in it," Jade teased.
"Yeah! It's my room too and she locked me out," Amber complained.
Lavender blushed.
"I'd love to see it too, sweetie," Juniper said. "How about you show it to just me and no one else."
Her other daughters complained.
"Oh be quiet, all of you. It's a gift from her crush. As her mother, I NEED to see this or I will die."
"Mom…" Lavender whined. "He's not my crush…"
No one at the table believed her.
Hazel sighed, "I don't know what you see in him, little sis."
"I do," Jade said, "It's the muscles. He's definitely not shy about showing them. Though his face is on the girly side."
"That's part of his appeal. He's a bishounen, after all," Coral remarked with a smirk.
"I'm on Hazel's side, Lavender," Jaune said. "You can do so much better than a guy like him."
"I absolutely agree," Sable said while putting more vegetables on a grumbling Amber's plate.
Lavender pouted, "Hey, you don't have to be so mean to him. Yes, he's not a perfect but at least he's a good person at heart." She looked away and mumbled, "Besides, he treats me like a normal person instead of a glass doll..."
Most of the family winced at that.
"Well, sweetie, I think Gin would be a great choice," Juniper said with a smile. "So you have my full support."
"Yeah, getting treated with respect IS hella hot after all," Jade said wisely. "Gin's single now so you go get 'em, sis," She winked and gave Lavender a thumbs up.
"I totally agree with them, Lav," said Saphron. "I mean, come on, you two are soo cute together," She cooed.
"I vote yes, too!" said Amber while pumping her fist.
Sable looked annoyed. She decided that it was time to bring out the big guns.
"Hey dad," said Sable. "What do you think?"
Silence took over the table in an instant.
The entire family turned to the patriarch who had been content with just wordlessly eating.
They awaited his judgement.
"Aye, I approve," Nicholas said, then went back to eating peacefully.
They cheered.
Lavender blushed harder but her hands hid her small smile.
However, an ominous look was shared between Jaune, Hazel and Sable.
They nodded to each other and a dark pact was made.
Meanwhile.
In the comfort and safety of his room, Gin shivered to an unexplainable fear.