"Jaune Arc, Nora Valkyrie, Weiss Schnee and Blake Belladonna," Ozpin called, voice strong – and the four of them stepped forward as one, climbing up onto the stage. A pair of large screens above their heads displayed their faces for everyone to see. "You collected the Rook pieces and are now hereby known as JBWN – Jellybean; led by Jaune Arc."
Applause rang out through the auditorium as students of all years clapped, Yang even adding a whistle that pierced the din sharply. Jaune felt a swelling of pride as his dream of becoming a Huntsman was one step closer, though it was accompanied by a healthy dose of anxiety at the unexpected role bestowed upon him. He was a team leader. Him! That went above and beyond what he had been aiming for and it left him feeling unsure but determined.
He couldn't mess this up. He wouldn't!
Nora punched him on the shoulder, her infectious energy returned after their long hike back to the school. Her clothes were ripped and torn in places but she was in good spirits, a wide smile stretching her lips as she beamed at him. Blake met his eyes and nodded, looking pleased by the outcome. Her smile was smaller but no less genuine. They both had no issue with his appointment.
Weiss was a different matter.
She tried to hide it but he caught the disappointment, quickly smothered by a polite smile as she clapped along with everyone else. Jaune wondered if it was disappointment that she hadn't been made leader or disappointment because she thought he was lacking. Either way, he didn't want this to become a thing between them. He needed to talk to her before it festered.
That was what a leader should do, right?
"Congratulations, young man," Ozpin added, giving him a small smile of his own.
"Thank you, sir," he replied, bowing ever so slightly. "I won't let you down."
"I'm sure you won't," they stepped aside as he called the next group forward. "Cardin Winchester, Russel Thrush, Dove Bronzewing and Sky Lark."
Four young men climbed up onto the stage, led by the big guy in armor that had stood next to him on the cliff. He moved with clear swagger, shoulders back and chest out as he took his place in front of the headmaster alongside his new teammates. The smirk he wore oozed arrogance.
"You collected the Bishop pieces and are now hereby known as Team CRDL – Cardinal; led by Cardin Winchester."
They preened at the applause, loving every second of it before they too stepped aside to allow the next and last team to be called.
"Ruby Rose, Yang Xiao Long, Pyrrha Nikos, Lie Ren."
Furious whispers broke out and it didn't take Jaune long to figure out why. Practically everyone in the room was staring at Pyrrha, some even pointing as their excitement got the better of them. For her part, she ignored it like somebody that was all too used to such attention, hopping up onto the stage before giving the shorter Ruby a helping hand.
"You collected the Knight pieces and are now hereby known as Team RPRY – Raspberry; led by Ruby Rose."
Ruby squeaked and tried to sink into her hood, a look of shock crossing her face. Yang clapped the loudest, a look of pride dominating her features before she wrapped her younger sister in a bone crushing hug as Pyrrha and Ren congratulated her. Glancing at Weiss, he saw her frowning, not even trying to hide her displeasure.
Yeah – he really needed to speak with her, and soon.
He would rather fight that Hydra again.
When they all stepped off the stage, Glynda Goodwitch took over.
"This is now the end of initiation. Congratulations to all of you who have proved your worth and secured a place at our fine academy. First year students; report to the dormitory building to be assigned your new living quarters for the next four years. Everyone else – this assembly will continue."
Jaune sighed in relief as they stepped out into the courtyard, eyes no longer watching their every move. He doubted that he would ever be comfortable in front of a crowd but knew that as team leader, things like this were going to be part of the job one day. A few feet away, Team CRDL was whispering among themselves and shooting sly glances at a couple of the girls but retreated when Yang glared at them, not impressed by their leering.
"I don't like the look of those guys," she muttered when Ruby shot her a curious look.
Nora made a sound of agreement.
When they arrived at the dorm building, a rectangular four floor red brick abode, there was a young woman waiting for them. She can't have been much older than they were, in her early twenties at most with curly auburn hair and a large yellow sun hat and matching dress. If not for the large polearm buried in the ground next to her, towering above her petite frame, they may have seriously mistaken her for a civilian.
"Hello, students," she greeted, her voice warm. She was incredibly attractive, much like Goodwitch with a pair of crystal blue eyes. Beneath her right eye on the curve of her cheek, she had a small beauty mark. "My name is Professor Peach and I will be assigning your rooms today. Team JBWN, step forward, please."
When they did so, she handed each of them a card. "Scan the code with your scrolls and it will sync your devices with your room. You will be staying in room 42.
Jaune scanned the card and watched as his screen lit up, confirming his identity and granting him permissions. Suddenly wanting nothing more than to sit down and relax, he entered the building with the rest of his team and made his way up two flights of stairs. Their room was located about halfway down the hall, the floor richly carpeted in a soft red. When he swiped his scroll over the lock, the door snapped open.
"Well," he said, shooting a quick look at his team. "This is our new home."
The room was simple and large enough to house four people but not much more. The thick, rich carpet continued here, the lower half of the walls a light gray wood paneling while cream wallpaper sat above. On the wall nearest the door were a series of shelves while by the lone window were four single beds, two on either side, neatly made with two pillows apiece. A door to the left led to a small bathroom containing a shower, a basin vanity and mirror, and a toilet.
"Cozy," Blake commented.
Placed beside each bed was their luggage. Blake and Nora each had a suitcase while Weiss had several, stacked high and in danger of toppling over. In comparison, Jaune had arrived with very little. His backpack was here and nothing more.
"I suppose we should unpack," he said dryly.
"Dibs on a window bed," Nora said immediately, skipping over.
Jaune picked one of the corner beds, quickly unpacking his backpack. All it contained were a couple of shirts, a pair of shorts, a tank top, two pairs of spare jeans, socks and underwear, and his onesie. There was a closet on the other side of the room and when he pulled it open, he was surprised to see how deep and big it was. There were even two sets of drawers inside and he dragged them out, positioning them on either side of the door, underneath the wall mounted shelves.
"I guess we'll be sharing these," he said.
They divided them by partners, something that Blake wasn't exactly keen on. She scowled when she realized her things would be sharing a space with Weiss' and grumpily stacked her books on the shelves. It looked like half of her luggage was books; otherwise, she had packed rather light like he had.
Due to the amount of clothes she brought, Weiss ended up dominating the closet with her collection of dresses, and endless piles of shoes. Sitting down on the bed, Jaune tested it by bouncing up and down. It was soft like a cloud and much better than a rocking wagon.
When Nora was done sorting her things, she came over and sat down next to him, making sure to bounce a little extra.
"Where is all your stuff?" she asked, looking at his sad backpack.
"I didn't bring very much. I'll probably need to go shopping at some point," he rubbed his neck, feeling a little self conscious. "There was always a chance that I didn't get in, right? So it just seemed foolish to bring everything if I had to haul it all back home in failure."
"But you were like totally awesome out there," Nora praised, peering at him in surprise. "The way you took charge was super cool. That Grimm was really nasty; without your direction and semblance, it would have been a lot more difficult for us."
"I agree," Blake chimed in. "That Grimm was no ordinary one. Your leadership definitely helped us overcome it."
Weiss didn't say a word, continuing to unpack her belongings. The next case she opened contained an array of Dust, sorted into a series of vials and containers. Nora leapt up and rushed over, eyes wide.
"Look at all this Dust!" she exclaimed, startling the white haired girl. Weiss almost dropped the vial she was holding, juggling it before clutching it desperately against her chest, expression strained.
"Don't do that," she scolded. "Dust is very sensitive cargo. It must be handled with care."
Nora just laughed and began inspecting Weiss' collection.
"You have so much."
Weiss flicked her hair. "Of course – I am the heiress to the Schnee Dust Company, after all."
Blake grabbed a change of clothes and stomped over to the bathroom.
"I'm having a shower," she said brusquely, closing the door none too gently behind her.
Nora looked up. "Aww – I wanted first shower," her stomach chose that moment to gurgle, rather loudly in fact. "I'm hungry."
Now that she mentioned it, they hadn't eaten all day. It was well past lunch and deep into the afternoon, quickly approaching evening. He had been so consumed by everything else that it wasn't until she brought it up that he felt his stomach cramp up, hunger pains assaulting him.
"I saw a vending machine on the way in," Nora grabbed her purse, a small little pink thing with a white lightning bolt on the front. "Want anything before dinner? My treat."
"Are you sure? I have money."
She waved him off. "My treat."
Not only was he hungry but thirsty as well, so he asked for a packet of chips and a soda to wash it down. That would carry him over until dinner time. When Nora asked Weiss what she wanted, the heiress hesitated. Until her stomach made itself known, roaring just as loudly as Nora's had.
Weiss flushed scarlet.
"I have never partaken of food from a vending machine before," she admitted uncertainly.
"They're just snacks," Nora said. "Do you like sweet things?"
Weiss nodded after a moment.
"Okie dokie – I'll get you some chocolate. Be right back, guys."
When the door clicked shut, it left the two of them alone.
This was his chance. Nora would be gone for five minutes, at least, and Blake would probably take her time in the shower. They wouldn't be interrupted.
Jaune took a deep breath, steadying his suddenly racing heart.
"Weiss," he said, and when looked over at him, he met her gaze head on. "Are you disappointed that I was made leader?"
She stared at him, a tinge of surprise passing her features before they smoothed out. He wasn't entirely sure if he saw it at all, her face blank as she considered him.
"Why do you ask?"
"It just... seemed like you weren't very thrilled when the Headmaster appointed me."
Jaune couldn't tell what she was thinking, her expression unmoving. Those beautiful icy eyes of hers stared straight through him and he had the feeling that she wasn't looking at him, but something far beyond him. Just when it was beginning to get a little uncomfortable, she looked away.
"I didn't think you noticed that," her voice sounded annoyed. "I apologize. That was rude of me."
She sat down on her bed gently, folding her hands neatly in her lap.
"I will not lie – I was hoping to be made leader. It is something that I have thought about often. I am a Schnee, and a Schnee leads, they do not follow," she sighed, slender fingers curling together. "I was certain that I would lead my own squad. Perhaps it is arrogant to think so but I have received the best training money can buy. I have been groomed from a young age to be in control, to manage and run my grandfather's company one day. It was expected that I would naturally lead my team as a Huntress, as well."
She was opening up to him in a way that he never believed possible, her brutal honesty taking him aback.
"But our teammates are right," she finally said, pinning him with an intense look. "Your leadership against that Grimm was an invaluable asset. Your semblance was a powerful tool. I felt... stronger, in ways that I am still struggling to comprehend. My glyphs came easier, faster – even when I used Dust, it felt more powerful. Like I said before, I did not think much of you after our first encounter but since then, you have demonstrated your competence and ability. Any disappointment I feel is because of my own feelings, not because I find you lacking," she bowed her head. "If I made you feel as if you did not deserve your post, then I am truly sorry."
"Please, no," he waved his hands. "It's fine. I just – you didn't do anything wrong. I just happened to notice, that's all. And I didn't want any bad feelings to fester," he grimaced. "I've never done anything like this before. Lead a team, lead anyone. I'm sure I'll make mistakes – so, you know, maybe you could help me?"
Weiss blinked at him. "Help you?"
"Yeah – I'm not the greatest with people," he admitted. "I can be really awkward and like I said, I have no experience at this type of thing. I'd really appreciate it if you could lend me your aid when I falter. It would be comforting to know that I have such an incredible girl helping me be the leader I wish to be."
She looked startled, mouth opening and closing. Weiss quickly looked away.
"Weiss?"
"That is acceptable," she replied after a moment. "I would be more than happy to help run our team."
Jaune smiled, even if she couldn't see it. This conversation had gone a lot better than he had been expecting. He was glad that he had taken the imitative and said something rather than let it sit unsaid. He had been right about Weiss, as well. She may have been prickly and sharp around the edges, liable to cut you if you weren't careful but underneath all that was a good person.
But he wasn't done.
Perhaps he was overstepping a little here but he couldn't leave it as it was.
"You felt slighted when Ruby was made leader, though," he saw her posture stiffen. "She is younger than us, and you've already clashed with her a few times. I don't know everything that has occurred between the two of you but... I trust the Headmaster."
Weiss faced him again. "You do?"
Jaune nodded. "I do – and I think Ruby proved her worth during initiation. She is younger than us but handled the situation well, and caught on quickly to my plan. She also identified a way for her to contribute by distracting the heads with her speed."
Weiss nodded grudgingly. "I will not deny her contribution. I just don't believe she has the correct mentality. You will not convince me otherwise."
"Maybe you're right," Jaune wondered why Ozpin had picked someone like Ruby over someone like Pyrrha, who according to Weiss was an acclaimed fighter. "But maybe... that is the point."
"What do you mean?"
He wasn't sure, but, "Maybe the reason Ozpin made Ruby the leader of her team was because she would benefit the most from it, not that she would be the best at it, right from the get go. Maybe it is about growth."
The same could be applied to him. He may have led them in their fight but Jaune would never claim to be comfortable in such a position. He had done it simply because it had needed to be done. He hadn't even thought about it, knowing that to hesitate in a life and death situation was to surrender your life. If there was one thing he had experience with, it was that.
Jaune shook his head, banishing the long repressed screams of his sisters from a time long past. He didn't need to be thinking about that.
When Nora returned with her haul, Weiss remained subdued. Perhaps she had taken his words about growth to heart but it was hard to tell. Even though he had only ordered chips and a soda, Nora had purchased all manner of sweets and candy, distributing them evenly among them all. After such a heavy heart-to-heart, Jaune could do with some sweetness.
Blake was greeted to the sight of them munching on chocolate bars and salty chips when she exited the bathroom, hair damp but bow already tied neatly upon her head.
"I got ya some," Nora pointed at Blake's bed, and the pile of goodies she had deposited. "Eat up."
Nora showered next, followed by Weiss. Jaune was the last and tried not to think about the fact that he now shared a bedroom and bathroom with three beautiful girls, though it was difficult when the bathroom smelled like freshly used body wash and shampoo, clogging his senses. His overactive imagination conjured alluring images that he ruthlessly crushed, lathering his skin furiously. When he rejoined them in the bedroom in a pair of shorts and his tank top, he saw that their uniforms had been delivered.
There were two of everything; pants, jacket, vest, tie and even shoes, black polished leather, buffed to a fine shine.
"How'd they know our sizes?" Blake asked, more than a little unnerved.
Jaune picked up a pair of pants, tearing open the plastic packaging and holding them against his legs. They appeared to be a perfect fit.
"I'm going to try these on," he said, just to be sure. Collecting everything he needed, he retreated back into the bathroom and got changed, pulling on the black pants, socks and shoes first before slipping into the white button up shirt. The vest was an attractive dark blue, the tie an eye catching red. The jacket was black with gold trim, and fit like a glove.
When he stepped back out into the bedroom, Nora whistled.
"Lookin' good there, partner," she grinned teasingly. Jaune rolled his eyes.
"It fits well," he confirmed, moving around. Well enough to fight in, should the need ever arise.
"My turn," Nora collected the pieces of her uniform and dashed by him, slamming the door shut.
Blake peered at him, making a show of glancing up and down. "It suits you."
Jaune blinked. "Does it? I've never really worn anything like this before."
His village was a very casual place. They didn't have any places that required a strict dress code, no fancy restaurants or venues that demanded a suit and tie. Jaune thought he would feel uncomfortable in such clothing but he actually rather liked it.
"You've never worn a suit before?" Weiss asked dubiously.
Jaune shrugged. "I've never needed one. I'm from a little far flung town in the sticks. Other than weddings, there really aren't any occasions to dress up."
She hummed. "As much as I dislike agreeing with her, Blake is right. It suits you very well."
Blake scoffed.
He tried to not let their compliments get to him. "Thanks."
The door suddenly swung open and Nora pranced out, doing a little twirl. "Tada~! How do I look?"
Jaune snickered. "You look great."
Nora beamed.
The uniform for the girls was a little different from the guys. There were the expected changes like the red plaid skirt but their jackets were brown, and their vests tan. Instead of a tie, they wore a red ribbon looped around their collar and tied neatly in the front. They'd also been given a selection of different socks of varying sizes and colors; black or white. Nora had chosen the regular white socks, leaving her legs completely bare.
Jaune didn't stare.
He just snuck a peek, that was all.
"It is a little airy and normal skirts make me a little nervous," Nora bounced up and down, the hem of skirt fluttering around her thighs. "But as long as I'm careful, no one should see anything."
Nora shot a pointed look his way.
She wasn't going to let him live this one down any time soon, was she? It wasn't even his fault.
Weiss scowled. "What are you going on about?"
" Nothing~!"
Weiss sighed. "Well, I suppose I should also try on my uniform. My luck has been dreadful lately," she stared at Blake when she said this. "So it would not surprise me if they sent me the wrong fit."
Blake glared at her as the heiress made her way into the bathroom.
That was another thing they were going to have to address; the animosity between Blake and Weiss. They were partners, yet they were more likely to strangle one another than help each other. Jaune didn't have a clue on where to start with that, though. When he'd asked Blake, she had been evasive.
As expected, Weiss looked just as beautiful in a school uniform than any other outfit. She'd chosen longer socks than Nora, ones that came up just below her knees.
"You look so cute," Nora swooned, grabbing Weiss in a full body hug. "Oh my gosh, look at you~!"
Weiss flailed in an attempt to escape her grasp but it was impossible, seething as Nora rubbed their cheeks together.
"Stop this at once!" the heiress commanded but it fell upon deaf ears. "This is highly unsanitary!"
"We just showered, silly," Nora laughed, rubbing their cheeks together even harder. "It's your fault for being so cute!"
Blake covered her mouth but it did little to hide her laughter, the raven haired girl chortling the entire way into the bathroom. That only made Weiss even more irate but Nora's strength was not easily defeated.
When Blake returned, she was dressed in her uniform. Seeing all three of them together in their Beacon uniform's really reinforced just how pretty his teammates were. And reminded him that he was outnumbered, three to one.
This wasn't something unusual to him. At least it wasn't seven to one like his childhood.
"It really does fit perfectly," Blake muttered, flapping her arms up and down.
Nora finally released Weiss, a new target in sight. She leaned in close and Blake flinched, backing up.
"Don't," she warned.
Nora tilted her head. "Don't what?"
"Just don't."
Weiss huffed. "Yes, well – I believe we should set down some ground rules before we go any further."
"Aw, rules suck," Nora complained.
Blake frowned, shooting Weiss an annoyed glance. "You aren't our leader, in case you've forgotten."
Weiss gave her hair a flick, raising her nose haughtily. "I may not be our leader but Jaune has given his blessing for me to be his second-in-command."
"What?" Blake snapped, outraged. "When did this happen?"
"While you were in the shower," Weiss pinned her with a smirk, no doubt trying to be as annoying as possible. "We had a heart-to-heart, and we came to such an agreement. This team won't function to the best of its abilities without order."
"Jaune, what have you doooone?" Nora moaned piteously.
"Uh…" he looked between the heated gazes being exchanged between Weiss and Blake, and the distressed horror etched across Nora's face.
Had he done something wrong?
"Showers will be highly regulated going forward," Weiss began, holding up a finger. "The girls will go first, naturally. As the only boy, Jaune will be last."
Nora perked up. "Huh – that doesn't sound so bad. I'm in!"
"Nora!" Blake hissed. "Don't let her butter you up. If you give an inch, a Schnee will take a mile."
Rather than feel insulted, Weiss took that as a compliment. "Thank you. Jaune's laundry will be handled separately from our own. He will deal with his own clothes, while we will take turns dealing with our own."
That was actually for the best, and not something he had thought about. Jaune didn't think it would be wise to handle their clothes, and he doubted they wanted a guy touching their panties or bras.
Weiss had really thought being a leader through, hadn't she? Jaune hadn't even begun to think about this stuff.
Blake eyed Jaune awkwardly. "...Agreed."
Nora grinned at him. "No stealing our underwear, got it?"
Jaune scowled. "I wouldn't do that!"
Weiss nodded. "Yes, I believe you – but you understand the need for such a rule, I take it?"
"Yeah, I get it."
"Excellent. Now, then – we are to keep our sections of the room clean. I won't be living in a dump!"
This went on for some time, Weiss cycling through about a dozen different things until the sky darkened outside their window and it was time for dinner. As they made their way across campus to the dining hall, Jaune couldn't keep the smile off his face.
He was finally here, living his dream. What wasn't there to smile about?
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