Chapter 74 - Revelations:
Come & Talk & Laugh & Live
Blake woke up in no one's arms. She had gone to sleep hugging herself—partly because it had been cold, partly because the feeling of waking up next someone had not quite left yet. She imagined it might take a while, getting used to being alone again.
Sleeping in her own room had also become a newly alien concept. The idea of a space solely dedicated to her faculties and privacy sounded almost dystopian, but here she was, returned to a life she'd once considered normal, as if the two years she'd lived with Adam had simply been erased from history. Or had been some long and detailed dream. Blake almost wished it had been.
Blake turned onto her back and looked about the room, half lit from the sunlight pouring through her curtains. Some things were plainly hers, like the rickety bookshelf beside her drawers, lined with all the books in glorious poor arrangement. Everything she had read ever since she could read. From children's picture books to adult literature. Over two hundred books, and plenty of the oldest covered in coatings of dust. Blake remembered wanting to bring them with her when she moved with Adam, but he had said they could get it later. She had asked many times afterwards, and each time the answer had been the same. I'm too tired. Not today. Soon. Eventually, she had stopped asking.
Blake sat up, tank top furled above her belly and a strap hanging off her shoulder. Made her wonder if she'd been tossing around through a nightmare. Perhaps that was better than no sleep at all. She'd been home for a week now, but still felt like a stranger in it, and that left her often struggling to sleep through the night. Sometimes, she just laid there for hours, not even thinking.
There was a canvas and painting tools in the corner, all left open and dried out. The painting itself had been left half done, and now she couldn't remember what it was she'd been drawing. A sunset, maybe? God, that had been when she'd drawn every single day after school for hours. Seemed forever ago. Why had she stopped painting again?
Then she saw the pictures and awards on the wall. Plaques from the amateur art competitions she'd entered over the years, and the paintings that had won them. There was even one intermediate competition plaque, and in that she had gotten silver, far better than she expected going up against adepts of the craft. It had been her greatest accomplishment. Her pride. That had been her, she realized. Blake Belladonna, the rising genius in the world of art. Again, forever ago. Why had she stopped doing that?
But Blake knew why. Because of love. The only thing that had seemed more important than her own dreams or future. All avenues of her older life, sacrificed, in the name of true love.
Blake wanted to go back to sleep before she could torture herself with more old memories, but ended up living the room instead, if only to spare her sanity. Besides, she couldn't avoid her parents forever. They wanted to talk, after everything she'd revealed to them, and Blake thought it best to get it over with.
But as she was about to cross the hall into the living room, she heard voices. Two were obviously her mother and father, but there was a third too. A man's voice, with a tone like a loan shark. Professional, courteous, but painfully blunt. A bluntness that Blake's father plainly disliked.
"Nothing we can do?" He hissed, "You can't be serious. Why? How?"
The man he was speaking to did not seem bothered by her dad's seething anger. Either because he had no heart to care or enough of a heart to be understanding. "Without evidence, and a proper testimony from your daughter, any accusations you make against Adam Taurus are not likely even to grant you a restraining order, let alone a conviction."
Her mother spoke next, sounding on the verge of tears. "But you have to believe us. Our girl is not lying. That man he… all this time, he's been raping her! All you need to do is look at her to see it!"
Blake swallowed at the mention of that word. It made her shiver, like insects were crawling up her legs. That was probably the point of it, to draw a strong reaction. She didn't feel like she had been raped. She'd never been forced. Physically. It couldn't be rape, then. Could it?
"It has nothing to do with me not believing your daughter. But cases of sexual assault are notoriously difficult to prove without the most incriminating evidence. Even with it, such cases have inherent gray areas, being that the very nature of intercourse is private. These gray areas can be easily exploited to cast reasonable doubt and draw the case out. And the longer these cases go on, the harder it becomes to get a conviction. You mentioned the relationship began when she was fifteen? How old is she now?"
Blake's mother sniffled. "Seventeen."
For a long moment, the only sound to be heard was someone slurping. Blake couldn't only imagine it was the visitor, sipping on tea her mother made, as if the news he was delivering wasn't anything to take too seriously. Then the visitor, who was probably a lawyer, continued. "In Vale, the age of consent is sixteen. Of course, that hardly matters in a case of proven assault, but proving it is exactly the problem. Perhaps he could have been charged with sexual misconduct with a minor had it been reported earlier, but as many cases go unreported, so too do perpetrators often go unaccused. The fact is, fear and humiliation keeps victims from reporting. And the ambiguous nature of sexual assault cases can never guarantee a conviction. And even in such cases, the resulting charges may feel unequal to the crime. She says Adam Taurus was not violent or physically abusive?"
"Yes." said her mother.
"That makes things even harder. Contrary to what some may believe, dating between adults and minors is not illegal. That is, if we are to define dating as a mere platonic or even romantic relationship, without sexual or lewd conduct or behavior. Has Adam ever given you suspicion of illicit intent?"
Blake's dad spoke solemnly. Sounded like he was in pain recounting his story. "Nothing I can think of. He never acted like anything less than a gentleman. Whenever he came over, he never so much as held Blake's hand, even when we pretended to leave. Blake told us he was eighteen. We were still unsure, but in the end, I mean, the difference was only three years. And he was so mature. It was easy to believe he had good intentions." He sighed, "It's my fault. I didn't listen to my gut. I allowed this. I allowed him to hurt our girl."
The lawyer took another sip of his drink. "I understand how you feel, Mister Belladonna. I don't mean to upset you."
"How can we not be upset?" said Blake's mother, "You're telling us he's just going to get away with hurting our baby?"
"It happens more than you think, ma'am. I'm sorry, but I'm being as honest and forward with you here as possible. If you attempt to bring this to court, you won't even get a settlement. Yes, your daughter lived with Adam, but there is no evidence of a crime, meaning the police will not get a warrant to search the home, and as such, wouldn't be able to obtain anything that might support the accusation. Every detail matters. There will be reasonable doubt, no matter how the case is spun. And if your daughter chooses to testify, if it gets that far, and he is found not guilty, that may leave her more traumatized than now. It is a lot of risk. A lot of risk for nearly no reward. Your daughter would be mortified. Adam Taurus would suffer mild humiliation, at best."
"This is unbelievable…" said Blake's father.
"I am truly sorry. The best thing for your daughter now is therapy. And perhaps it need not be said, but she needs to stay far away from Adam Taurus. I have a few recommendations for sexual assault survivor programs. Your daughter is in for a long and trying process, and it might help to talk to others who share her experience. It's not fair and it's not right, I know. But the least painful option I see for her going forward is moving on."
Blake heard the front door open, then close, leaving her parents in a heavy silence. A long, terrible processing of what they'd been told. Then she heard the soft weeping of her mother, and it tore Blake's heart in half. Why hadn't she just told them they'd broken up? What difference would it have made? It would have been far better, if only so her parents didn't suffer. Even away from Adam, it seemed like she was cursed to hurt everyone around her.
Blake cleared her face, then made sure to make her steps audible as she headed into the living room, moving slowly so it gave her parents time to pull themselves together. It was her father that turned to her first, big as a bear and still with that huge beard. Then her mother turned, small and maintaining her youth. She threw up a smile as she dabbed her face with her robe sleeve. She tried to speak, but stammered, so Blake went first, hoping to give them some relief.
Blake tried to smile, but it didn't last long. "Morning, Mom. Dad."
Her mother got up, managing to put up the smile Blake had failed to produce. "Blake, we… good morning, baby. Are you hungry?"
Blake looked at the floor. "No."
"Well, we've got good news! Right, honey?" Her mother said, turning to her husband for support. "We talked to someone. A lawyer. He might be able to help us. Help you. Don't worry honey, we'll make sure—"
"I heard what he said."
Her mother's face fell, but her father's face never changed. He'd known she'd been listening—he had that strange intuition of just knowing things—and hadn't bothered trying to dress it up. He sat there in the new silence, hands clasped together, looking at her with such sadness like it was his fault everything had gone wrong.
"There's no point," Blake said, "No point. I just want to move on."
Her father's lips pursed. All that hair on his head and face made him look like a lion. "There's other options, honey. We'll fight this. We'll fight it to the end. If you want us to."
Blake shook her head. "I don't. Please, Dad, can we just forget about it?"
She didn't want to see her parents fighting a battle they couldn't win. It would only make things worse. And, deep down, a part of her didn't want to put Adam through a trial, either. Even despite everything they said he did. Raped? No, no. That couldn't have happened to her. In books and movies, such a thing was always violent and gross and forceful. Adam had never been like that. Not physically. Blake couldn't have been raped. Not by the man she'd loved. Couldn't have been.
"It's my fault, anyway." said Blake, "If I hadn't lied, maybe… I just… I thought I loved him. Its my fault."
Her dad got up so quick he knocked over his chair, and even sent the teapot spilling. He didn't bother to clean it up. He came over, huge and looming over her, and he took her in his huge hairy arms, resting his thick-bearded chin atop her head. "Don't you ever say that. You hear me? Don't ever say it was your fault. what he did to you."
Blake wished she could believe them. But all she could think about were her own mistakes, that upon looking back, could only have led her to where she was now. Desperate to be in love, chancing across a handsome adult man who claimed to love her, and giving her whole self to him, convinced it was true love, hers at last. A stupid child's fantasy. How could it not be her fault? What did it even matter anymore? Adam and she were over, so all that effort, all that pain, all the attempts to make it work, had gone down the drain for good.
Her mother embraced her from the other side, kissed her on the cheek. "It's over now, honey. He can't hurt you anymore. It's not your fault. Please, don't blame yourself."
Blake, squeezed between her parents, trying not to cry, sobbed out her truest, rawest confession. "I just wanted someone who loves me. I thought he loved me."
"He fooled us all. But you're safe now, honey, okay? You're home. Everything will be alright."
She felt them hug her tighter, as if trying to ensure she didn't run off again and get caught in the snare of another leering adult. Blake was afraid that she might. That any potential love she had now could very well be her next mistake. The next monster she entered the jaws of.
Her father held her hand in his big paw. And it felt like home and good and right. Her mother kissed her again, and said over and over how sorry she was and how much she loved her baby girl. And that too, felt good and right. And for the first time, Blake didn't think about the love she didn't have.
She only thanked whatever God existed for the love she'd already been blessed with.
When she saw Yang walk through the auditorium doors, her heart began to pound with a fury. It sped up even more when Sun entered close behind, throwing all the thoughts she'd been juggling during her wait into a frenzy. Yang looked bored when she met Blake's eye, like she was addressing an issue which should have been dealt with long ago, but had floated in empty space, unaddressed, taxing on her tired mind. Sun just looked surprised, trying to smile, but failing, and never trying again. Somehow, that hurt more than plain disinterest. It used to be that he smiled as soon as he saw her. Both of them did.
No one smiled now. Not even Blake. They had always been best friends. The trio. Goofing off, getting into trouble, making memories, all together. Those days had seemed to last forever. But now Blake knew their friendship was as fragile as glass, and the cracks that had formed over the years had foretold an inevitable need for change. That was what she was here to settle.
Could she repair this cracked image of friendship? Or was it time to shatter it for good?
They stopped before her, side by side in that walkway between the seats and the stage, cast on by the orange light pouring from above. It was insane how good they looked as a couple, and it only made more sense when she gave it more thought. It made Blake wonder why they'd ever fallen for her. Must have been some irony, to wind up with your love rival, and finding yourself better off for it. Funny, really. Blake thought to open with that, but realized that might come across as antagonistic, and that was the last thing she needed. Today was about staunching wounds, not opening them wider.
Blake wrung her hands together, cleared her throat. "Its weird," she began, "I never said congrats on, you know, you two. Together." At the time, the news felt like a betrayal. Like they'd somehow cheated on her. What a stupid reaction it seemed now. "I'm happy for you. Both of you. I mean it."
Sun looked across at Yang, but Yang's eyes never left Blake. She wasn't sure what that could mean. They both seemed tense, like they were waiting for Blake to do or say something mean. It made Blake wonder if they were as nervous as she was. Made her wonder what damage she'd done to make them both this uncomfortable.
"Thanks," said Sun, scratching behind his ear, "Cant say it's something we expected. Guess that saying is true. You never know who you'll like. It kind of just happens."
Blake nodded. "You can't choose who you fall in love with."
"Ain't that the damn truth." huffed Yang, setting her hands on her hips. "That'd make life easy. Or easier."
Blake knew that was aimed at her, and for many well deserved reasons. She fought the urge to snap back, but made herself swallow it. The point was not your fall back into that old habit. Best to get down to brass tacks. "Er, has Jaune told you anything?"
They both looked surprised, then confused. Yang in particular narrowed her eyes with suspicion. "I haven't seen him lately. Dude hasn't been at school. Told us about what?"
Blake swallowed. "I left Adam. For good." She looked at Sun. "You were right. Both of you. He was bad news. I shouldn't have gone back."
"You never should have started with him, you mean." said Yang.
Blake nodded. "Right. Yeah."
Sun managed the first real smile in the conversation so far. And like always, it managed to dispel some of the tension. "That's great, Blake. We're happy for you. Well, relieved, more like. Really relieved.
Blake tried to smile."Yeah. It was about time. Jaune, he… helped me out."
"Jaune did?" Sun chuckled, not even looking amused by it. "Somehow that tracks. I swear he's got superpowers or something. Guess he managed to do what we couldn't."
Blake hung her head in shame. Right. How often had they come to her aid? Sun and Yang had comforted her while she whined and cried about the man she'd chosen over them. Maybe that was a testament to the kind of friends they were. Friends she'd used to have. Friends she used to deserve. "I appreciate everything you did. I was just… stubborn. I should've listened to you both. I'm sorry I didn't."
"Considering how stubborn you were, I'm impressed he got you to listen. Let alone break up with that fucking asshole. How'd he get you to use common sense?"
Blake thought about it for a moment, smiled a little. "By being a fucking asshole, I guess."
Sun chuckled, and even Yang did. Blake thought to chuckle with them, but it died away before she could, as if the universe did not want to permit her a moment of joy between old friends. She was here to make amends, not enjoy herself.
"I'm sorry. For everything I did. I don't want to make any excuses. I was wrong and… the things I did…" Blake looked sadly up at Yang and Sun. "I know I used you both and I manipulated your feelings. I lied about so much, even over the years."
"What do you mean?" asked Sun
Blake bit her lip. "It's a lot to go into."
Sun dropped into one of the chairs, looked up at Yang. "We've got time. Right?"
Yang looked hesitant, but ultimately she sat beside Sun and nodded.
Blake did not sit. She was afraid it might make her look insincere, and did not want to get too comfortable. As sorry as she felt now, she wanted to get out everything before she could cower away. "Then, I only ask that you hear me out all the way. After that, I'll hear you out. It's the least I can do."
Sun looked willing and attentive, and he took Yang's hand, though Blake wasn't sure if it was a gesture of comfort or he wanted to be ready to hold Yang back. With everything she was about to admit to, Blake imagined he would need to.
So Blake took a deep breath, steeled herself, and recounted every lie and every manipulation she had ever pulled on her best friends.
"Last stop!"
Blake was shocked out of her trance. She looked up, saw the bus driver glaring at her. "Last stop," he repeated.
Blake hurried to get off, not at all sure where she was getting off at. She was relieved to see it was still the afternoon, though, so she hadn't spaced out for long. She had opted not to call her parents to pick her up and just take the bus home. What a mistake that seemed now.
She was alone at the bus stop, but it was a familiar one. The one she used to ride every day… while she lived with Adam. His house, their home, was only a ten minute walk away.
Blake fought with herself not to. That part of her life was over. She ought to just call her parents to get her. Her old life was gone. There was nothing left of it.
She sat on the bench, rooted herself there with fierce determination. She would not go to that house. She would not. She told herself this over and over.
Even as she got up and headed down the road, cursing herself the whole way.
Something was wrong. The house door was left open, and there were things spilled out on the porch and across the yard. Plates, paper, utensils, even the lawnmower were all left in the front. Adam was way too organized to have done all of this. He hated things out of order, as he often complained how messy Blake could be. Had something happened? Had he been attacked?
Blake hurried to the door and stepped through. Not at all sure of what to expect, and less sure of what yo do regardless. To her horror, someone was there, standing in the hall with their back facing the door, staring down at the floor like they were in a trance. Blake might have demanded to know who it was, but her horror turned to shock when she recognized them. She whispered, "Jaune?"
He jumped, spun around, fist up and ready to swing. Then he recognized her and dropped it. Blake felt relieved to see he was still the same, though she couldn't place why. There was one new thing about him though, and Blake squinted, wondering if she might have imagined them, but ultimately conceded to reality.
His face was scarred.
There were two long thin lines, as if he'd been surgically cut with a scalpel. One stretching from the bridge of his nose across his left cheek, then a longer line from his left temple and down across his chin. It made him look like his head had been sliced into four uneven halves, then badly patched back together. They were mostly pink so they faded into his skin if you didn't directly look at them, but still they were there.
Blake tried to use a joking tone, hoping to lighten the awkward moment. "What's with the scars? You get in a fight with a cat?"
Jaune visibly relaxed. "You scared me."
"You get scared? I always thought you were too insane to be scared."
She saw something she'd never seen before. A flash of hurt, like shed struck his most sensitive cord. She thought to apologize, but Jaune scratched the back of his head and said, "You're probably right."
"I was kidding," said Blake.
"No you weren't."
Blake decided to leave that line of conversation to die and stepped into the house. Closer to him, the scars were more apparent, as well as the exhaustion. His hair was ragged like he'd just been in a fight and was still recovering.
"What are you doing here?" Blake asked.
"What are you doing here?' Jaune countered.
It was a good question, one which unfortunately left no way to lie. What'd be the point in lying? Today she'd revealed every lie she'd ever told. Maybe she ought to just tell the truth from now on and make life easier. "I wanted to see Adam. One last time."
Jaune showed no reaction, just said, "Me too."
"You're an idiot."
"We're idiots, you mean."
Blake had to agree with that. Then she looked around to find the house in a terrible state. So terrible that she found herself impressed instead of disturbed. The kitchen cabinets had been trashed and torn off, all kitchenware of glass and porcelain thrown about the floor, shattered into a sea of broken finery. The dining table had been flipped onto its side, pinning one of the chairs down, and one of its legs had been snapped off. The living room was oddly untouched, so long as you ignored the TV, which had the dining table's leg piece shoved through the screen. Even the walls had taken some damage, a few holes the size of a fist, and pieces of plaster ripped out and gutted from cuts, as if someone had taken to the house with a knife. Or a sword. Above the fireplace, Adam's katana was missing.
"Do you know what happened?"
"I think Adam left. In a hurry." said Jaune, pulling some plaster from the wall. "Well, not a big hurry."
Blake lowered her eyes. "Why?"
"Afraid he might get arrested, maybe."
"Arrested for what?"
"Do I need to say it?"
Blake pursed her lips. "Why destroy the house?"
"Because there was nothing else to destroy."
Blake looked around. Even his Gamestation had been torn apart, the insides all ripped apart. Hard to see what had made him snap this badly. She had seen him lose his temper, but never break anything. He always seemed to have more control than that. It couldn't have been because Blake had left him again. Or rather, it couldn't be the only reason.
Jaune placed a hand on one of the cuts in the wall, feeling it like he was testing how sharp Adam's blade had been, the strength of the strike. "Where do you think he went?" he asked.
That didn't take long to figure out. "Mistral. That had always been his plan for us. To go start our lives for real in Mistral. I suppose it'll be easier now that he's… alone."
Jaune looked at her way. Those deep blue eyes seemed imploring. Searching for a feeling. "Will you miss him?"
Blake immediately countered. "Will you?'
Jaune was silent for a moment. "Yeah. A lot. Does that make me pathetic?"
Blake looked at his heartbroken face. And only now did she see that all this madness with Adam had affected him deeply, too. Their relationships had been vastly different, but he had loved Adam just like she had. Loved him still, maybe. Blake came up and touched the cut the wall herself. It felt wrathful. Savage. Like he had imagined cutting those who had hurt him. Those he claimed to love. "It makes us both pathetic." she answered.
Jaune smiled a little. "So you've finally dragged me to your level, huh?"
"Your throne was far too high for my liking. I like you better down here with the rest of the trash."
Jaune went over to the couch, thankfully one of the only things untouched, and plopped down. to sit on "Shut the fuck up." he said.
"You shut the fuck up." said Blake taking a seat on the couch too, and making sure to leave some room between them. They sat there in silence, though it was far from uncomfortable, even here among the many ruined things Adam had left behind. After all, did they not belong among them? Among the discarded and destroyed?
"Why weren't you at school today?" Blake asked.
Jaune was quiet for a moment. "Ruby broke up with me."
It actually shocked Blake enough to leave her wordless , despite her mind whirling with a thousand questions. Suddenly it made sense why Ruby had asked if she had seen Jaune. It went on to explain why he looked so ragged. She remembered going through that when she left Adam the first time. The irony of being the one to incite the breakup having hang ups over it. She had come running back to Adam without him so much as thinking about getting her back. "I guess that'd do it."
He scoffed with amusement. "Yeah, that'll do it."
"Why? I mean, why did she leave you?"
"Because I'm insane."
Blake wasn't sure if he was joking. "Are you serious?"
"There's more to it. I guess she just had enough of me, and all the things I'm involved with. It makes sense."
"You are a lot to deal with, you've got to admit that."
Jaune did not even try to deny it. "Yeah, I know. I wish I could have been better. I wish I would have been better. But I wasn't, so here I am."
"Here you are. I'm sorry."
"It's fine. I'm fine."
"No, you're not."
He gave no answer, but she saw him tense. The wound was clearly still raw. He didn't need her picking at them.
"Well, forget her." shrugged Blake, "Like I said, you guys weren't going to last. Seems I was right. Maybe you should have listened to me."
Jaune looked to be holding in some mirth. "A better friend would try to make me feel better. You know, some reassuring words or something?"
"I saw your balls a few blocks down. I suggest you go pick them up."
"I left them for you. I figured you'd need them, since there's no space in your back for a spine."
"Whoever messed up your face wasn't thorough enough. I could take a shot at it if you want."
"Try it. I dare you."
They looked across at each other, and it was the first time she'd really seen Jaune smile. Like, a real one. It twisted the scars, which might have almost made him look mad, but somehow the smile made him glow. She couldn't help but feel a little warmed by it, especially down below.
"Don't smile like that," Blake jabbed, her face so warm she had to look away. "You're creeping me out."
"My bad," Jaune said, turning his head away, though the smile never left his face.
"I'm sorry about your breakup. That sucks." Blake said.
"Yeah, well, it's happened. I'd better just try to move on."
"Do you miss her?"
"Should I?"
Blake creased her brows in confusion. "I mean, you don't have to. But Ruby couldn't have meant much to you if you don't miss her."
"Really? I wonder about that," Jaune didn't sound offended, just curious. Pondering her statement like it was a puzzle. "Can't it be that I just wasn't in love with her?"
Blake stared at him. "I guess. Is that it?"
"I think so. It's funny. It hurt, at first, when she dumped me. Then I thought about it, and I realized that I really didn't lose much. It's not like we suddenly hate each other, right? So I don't know if I should miss her. Besides, it was her choice. I want to respect that."
Blake knew this tactic, and perhaps it was obvious, given Jaune's personality. He'd rather pretend it didn't hurt, or lie to himself, rather than admit to the pain. Admitting to it felt like failing Like losing. And there were few worse feelings.
"You're allowed to feel something, Jaune. It's okay if you miss her. You can even be pissed at her."
"I don't feel anything."
"Yes, you do."
"No."
"Yes."
"No!" Jaune barked. And she saw the fury in his face as he turned to her, fists bunched, teeth grinding together. His expression softened, and Blake thought she saw tears in the corners of his eyes. Yet another thing she'd never seen from him. He always seemed immune to anything but apathy or anger. Jaune turned away again with a growl. "I don't know why I argue with you."
"Because you love it."
"I really don't."
"You love it." Blake set her hands on her knees with a sigh. "I apologized to Sun and Yang today. Got in deep with it. It's a relief getting it all out."
Jaune actually looked a little brightened by that. "That's great. How'd it go, did you guys make up?"
"Yup. Yang punched me in the face."
Jaune paused. "Oh."
"And Sun said he never wants to see me again."
"Sun? He said that?"
"Caught me off guard too. You should have seen his face when he gets angry. He's scarier than you." She said it with a kind of mirth, even though inside it hurt to remember. Felt a long time ago, even though it was only a few hours ago. "I guess life isn't like the books. Just because you realize what you did wrong and apologize doesn't mean things can just go back to how they were before. The opposite, actually. I think Sun and Yang actually hate me now. That's kind of impressive, don't you think?" Blake's lip trembled, but she sniffed and set her lips together. "Oh well, I guess we aren't friends anymore. Not like we have been lately. Whatever, though."
Jaune looked like he wanted to reach out to her, and part of her hoped he would. She remembered their hug, and how warm and safe it had felt. Instead, that look of terrible pity immediately switched to a grimace of pure disgust as he said, "Are you about to cry? Suck it up, would you?"
Blake couldn't help spluttering with laughter. "You're such an asshole!"
And then, without exaggeration, the most incredible thing happened. Jaune laughed, too.
It wasn't like the one he showed in the Public Domain. That manic, savage cackling like a villain relishing a hero's demise. This was a legitimate humored, mirthful laugh. Tears in his eyes, holding himself still on the armrest like he might slide off and start rolling on the floor. That raw, infectious kind like you'd heard the funniest joke ever told and every thought of it made you laugh more. Jaune could fucking laugh. Holy shit. So Blake laughed too. And they laughed together, continuing their tirade of brutal insults the whole time.
Eventually their joy withered down. Reality came back. Blake noticed they were sitting differently now. They both had leaned against opposing armrests, feet drawn up on the couch as they looked at each other.
Blake hugged one knee to her chest. "When was the last time you laughed that hard?"
Jaune shrugged one hand. "Don't remember. I guess it's been a while. A long while."
"Do your friends know you can laugh? Does your ex?"
"Probably not."
"Good."
"How is that good?"
Blake smirked. "Now you can tell them I'm the first person to make the unbreakable Jaune Arc lose his shit laughing."
Jaune scoffed. "You caught me at a low moment and got lucky. Don't let it get to your head."
Blake grinned, then looked down. "So, I've got some more news."
Jaune leaned further into the seat, only his neck propped up by the couch arm. "Hit me."
"I'm going to another school."
He stared at her, a genuine moment where he fumbled for what to say before settling on, "Really?"
"Really."
"Why? Is it because of everyone here?"
Blake shook her head, then realized that wasn't entirely true, and nodded. "But it's not the main reason. My parents spoke to a lawyer. He said that there's no way to build a case against Adam. Like I even wanted to. My parents are afraid that he might try to get to me. So they want to send me to a different school."
"Is that what you want?" Jaune gestured to the vacated living room. "Call me crazy, but I don't think Adam is coming back."
"I want to, Jaune." Blake said, "It's a fresh start. Around people who don't know me. Somewhere I can relax. And after today, it's not like I have any friendships I can salvage. I just… I think it's over."
Jaune seemed to take it in, though she noticed the way his frown set in, clearly unhappy with the choice. That made her feel good though. That somebody was upset to see her go. He was probably the only one.
"Don't you think we should stop talking?" Blake said, remembering her promise to Ruby. "I apologized to Ruby about… well… I hope you wont get mad if I say I tried to take you from her. I don't want to make excuses. I'm sorry."
That did surprise Jaune, but just as quickly he shrugged. "What does it matter now?"
"I said I'd leave you alone. I mean, that was before I knew you'd broken up, but still. I don't think she'd be happy seeing me hanging around you."
Jaune rolled his eyes. "Her breaking up with me had nothing to do with you, or anyone. What does she have to be upset about?"
"Just trying to consider everyone's feelings."
"Weird, considering you didn't ask mine."
Blake blinked. "I didn't mean not to."
But Jaune gave her a stern look, like a teacher instructing a rowdy class. "Yeah well I'm sick of people telling me what I should or shouldn't do. I'm not a goddamn dog," said Jaune stately, "I get everyone's point but they don't tell me what to do or who is allowed in my life. So you need to decide for yourself. Are you my friend or not?"
Blake swallowed a lump of guilt, felt foolish. "I am. Sorry." but she also couldn't help but feel a little loved. "Thank you."
Jaune nodded at her and that was all for that topic. She'd made a promise to Ruby and broken it on the same day. Somehow that felt on brand. Still, if it meant she would be able to continue seeing Jaune, then she was prepared to make enemies of anyone. Fuck Ruby, then. And everyone else, at that! "I guess I'll still be training with you then, right?
Both of Jaune's eyebrows rose. "You want to? I mean, you still want to be part of all that?"
"Yeah, why not?"
Jaune looked like he might come up with an answer, but must have thought better of it and shrugged again. "Alright, fair enough."
"I bet you're so happy that you won't have to miss me too much."
"A little. Don't get cocky."
They went on like that for a while, just talking. Time was completely forgotten, and every topic under the sun was fair game, as they shifted about the couch like they were turning in their sleep. And Blake laughed, and so did Jaune, and they laughed together. Eventually, Blake found herself laying on his back, arms around his chest, chin resting on his shoulder. She could feel his heartbeat. He seemed to breathe when she did, or was it the other way around?
"Did you ever find out what Pyrrha's deal was?" Blake asked, "That bitch is crazy. She has to know something, right?"
It took a moment for Jaune to answer. "Nothing yet. Still working on it. I'll keep you in the loop, though."
"You know, I never asked what exploring my heart was like. Or if you even found it. So what happened? What was it like?"
"A mess. As suits the host."
"I'm serious." Blake implored, "I want to know. Tell me. Please?"
He went on to explain his adventure through the Land of Sakura Flowers, which sounded about as cliche shojo magical girl anime as it gets. He talked of the man who'd played the shamisen and spoke like the narrator of an incredible legend. About the legendary Sword Demon and how he left the land ruined in his conquest. He talked of the Beauty, a simple village girl whose beauty enticed the Demon, and how he'd taken her for a wife, and how that had thrown her world into madness. Blake found herself riveted. Equal parts high fantasy romance as deeply disturbing psychological horror. It was almost like listening to someone read her a book, except all of it was real. Not so hard to believe anymore. Even the ending came rather satisfyingly. He, Neptune, and Ruby had journeyed up the mountain with the Beauty in tow, defeated the incredibly powerful Sword Demon, and hopefully, had purged the Despair from her heart.
Blake giggled as she hugged Jaune tight. She loved the way his chest felt. Not rock-hard like Adam was. Soft in all the right places. "So you didn't make any of that up?"
"Nope." said Jaune.
"So my Alter really got railed by demon Adam in a bull helmet?"
"It's your heart. I have to wonder what kind of a freak you really are."
"I'll tell you when you're older."
Jaune turned his head sideways to shoot one unimpressed single eye her way, Blake blew him a kiss for his effort. "You're a problem." he said.
"And I don't even need to try," chirped Blake.
It was becoming evening. The air grew colder, the grasshoppers had started singing, an owl began to hoot. The world had grown quiet as the sky faded to a dark blue, the sun long gone, leaving behind dusting of stars powered across the skyline.
"When do you have to be home?" Blake asked.
"No time soon." Jaune hummed, "You? Sure your folks are okay with you out this late after everything?"
"I texted them earlier. Told them I'm with you. By the way, I need you to walk me home."
"You always need something." Jaune said with a half grin, "Glad your parents trust me, at least."
"Of course they trust you. They haven't met you yet."
"Do you ever shut up?"
Blake mocked him by deepening her voice. "Do you ever shut up?"
Next, they were both hanging upside down off the couch, feet propped up. The ceiling became the floor, and was considerably cleaner as a result. The crispy scent of the cool night came through the door, and it made Blake feel like they were camped out in the woods, watching the stars, talking of life's nonsense.
"Hey, Jaune?" Blake said.
"Yeah?"
"Serious question." Blake waited to see if he might take a crack at her, but he didn't. He stayed silent, waiting for her to continue. "I know it sounds stupid, but do you think I'll find someone? Like, the person I'm meant to be with?"
"Of course you will."
"You think so?"
"I know so."
"How?"
"Are you asking me to compliment you?"
"Yes. This may be hard for you to comprehend, but friends do compliment each other sometimes. I'm running empty on confidence right now. I need to cash in on those platonic affection coupons."
"I'm out of stock. Come back tomorrow."
"Stop being a dickhead and do your job, friend."
"God, fine." Jaune squinted his eyes like he was thinking. "Well, you're hot, obviously. I doubt it'll be long before someone's begging you for a date."
Blake frowned. "Being hot isn't all it's cracked up to be. Everyone wants a piece of you when you're beautiful." After all, her childhood friends had fallen hard for her, and in doing so damned all three of them to an imbalanced, unsatsisfying limbo where no one could ask for more without taking from the other. Everyone wants to be beautiful, but they don't know what comes with it. "And once everyone's gotten their piece, there's nothing left of you."
Jaune grunted, as if to show he had been listening. "Can't say I really get it. Would you rather be ugly?"
Now there was a question. Like any girl, Blake had natural issues with her looks growing up, but when she entered high school, it was like a switch had flipped. Constant attention. Boys fawning and lusting, girls hating and envying, being given free stuff or compliments, being creeped on by adults. All the good and bad of being beautiful. She always felt proud that she could command people's attention with just the way she looked. To be ugly? She didn't understand it, and more importantly, it was terrifying to think about.
"I'm just saying being pretty isn't all that." huffed Blake.
"If you say so." said Jaune. "Besides that, you're pretty smart too."
"Glad to hear you don't think I'm a dumb wench."
"And you can be kind of cool sometimes."
"Never mind," Blake frowned, "Forget I even asked."
"I'm kidding. But seriously… I think you're awesome, Blake. I like spending time with you. Really."
Blake preened. "Yeah?"
"Yeah, girl." Jaune said in a heavy valley girl accent. "Like, you're totally that bitch!"
Blake replied in turn. "Ohemgee, Britney! I feel, like, the exact same way! You're totally my bff!"
"Oh my god, Shaniqua! Like, you're soooo welcome."
"Guuurl!"
"Guuuurl!"
Blake cackled so hard she actually thought she might piss herself. Jaune was holding his stomach, tears in his eyes, the most joyous she had ever seen. It was so unreal. And the more he smiled, the more he laughed, the happier he became, the warmer Blake grew. And, in that moment, laughing like idiots with this hard-shelled social outcast, Blake believed herself so incredibly fortunate to have a friend like him.
"I think you're awesome too." she said once they calmed down. "Any girl would be lucky to have you."
Jaune didn't seem affected by that statement. "Nah, maybe I'd be the lucky one, finding a girl that can tolerate me."
"I can tolerate you. And I'm hot so my opinion trumps yours."
"Noted. My confidence has skyrocketed."
"Jaune, seriously. It's true. Look, I'm sorry about Ruby, but it's not like your love life is over. You're a catch."
"I'm not upset about Ruby."
"You don't need to put up a front."
"I'm not, Blake."
And she looked at him and did not see any pain in his eyes. Just this nonchalant look, like he was going about his day like usual, despite a supposedly awful breakup. The odd thing was, there were tears in his eyes, and not from their laughter before. It was a strange combination where he seemed to be hurting, but maybe not for the obvious reason. "Its funny. I begged Ruby not to break up with me. I pleaded and tried to convince her, but nothing worked. Then, when she left… I just laughed."
Blake swallowed. "You laughed?"
"It surprised me too. The moment she was gone, I just started laughing. I picked up Demon and I danced with him all around the room. Then I played games all day, like nonstop. I went out and bought a shit ton of junk food and I just gamed all day. I mean, I haven't done that in years. I didn't think about her until the next day." Jaune shook his head in disbelief. "I actually forgot we'd broken up and almost texted her good morning."
Jaune closed his eyes. It didn't prevent the tears from falling." never actually liked Ruby that way. And I guess it took us breaking up for me to realize it. Ruby was right. We weren't going to work. I didn't love her. Not the way she wanted me to. I used her. That's the real truth. I ignored my penpal, someone I really do love, only because Ruby was right in front of me. How messed up is that? God, I didn't even have to be one to break her heart. I got off scot-free."
Blake watched him with pity. First laughter, now real tears. Jaune's lip was even starting to tremble. "What a joke. I really am a fucking psycho."
Blake stared at the image that was Jaune Arc crying. This wordless, soundless statue where the waters flowed free like a waterfall down a steep cliff. That face like someone who had done the worst thing possible, and had to come to grips with how awful they really were. Could it have been any more like looking in the mirror? The one difference was that he was empathetic enough to realize it sooner rather than later.
Blake reached for his hand, took it, and squeezed it firmly. She was glad to feel him squeeze back.
When he finally calmed and wiped his face, he tried to present himself with dignity, as if he'd temporarily lost it. "Sorry. Didn't mean for you to see that."
"See what?" Blake feigned with a smile.
Jaune chuckled. "Thanks."
"Always."
He held her gaze and she held his. And again, that incredible, furling warmth she felt whenever they were close. Felt like she was being pulled. Pulled toward him. It was cold as hell in Adam's house, just the way he liked it. But this close to Jaune, she was practically in a furnace.
It was a slow kiss. A new star had been born, grown, and died over the course of billions of years before their lips met. But when they did, it felt like a supernova. A might swell and burst of raw energy born from a collision of two tastes, two souls. She sucked on his lip, and it tasted like nothing, yet felt like everything. And he sucked her lip in return. Exploratory. Like he was still figuring out if this was really happening. And by God, did he navigate her mouth like a seasoned adventurer.
There was a soft pop as their mouths parted, a line of spit drawing between their lips. Jaune seemed entranced, overcome with desire, or perhaps she was projecting her own feelings, hoping he reflected them back. But then he snapped out of her spell, finding reason and logic again. When Blake tried to come close again, he instantly sat up on the couch, nothing less than a rejection. He turned from her, "Sorry, I… that was wrong of me."
Blake sat up to meet him, leaned toward him, her body still hot. "What's wrong?"
"I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry."
"For what? You and Ruby aren't together anymore."
"That doesn't mean what are has suddenly changed. I don't want you like that, Blake."
Blake lowered her head. "Right, sorry."
"Maybe we'd better head home now."
"Okay."
Jaune got up and headed right for the door, and Blake reluctantly swallowed her heart and followed. Why had she done that? What had she been thinking? Nothing would have come of that kiss. Nothing but pain. Blake never should have gotten her hopes up for anything beyond friendship. It felt like she'd backslided already, wanting desperately for something she was not ready for.
It was best that she put such hopes aside. Looked forward to other things in the future. And be glad for what she had without always trying for more.
So Blake followed Jaune to the door, but stopped when she saw Jaune standing there. His hand on the knob, ready to close it behind them, as the chill night air poured through. It was a similar image to when she'd first arrived, questioning why he was there. Same situation, but now she had a different question, and it blurted out at her heart's command, untempered by logic or reason.
"What are you waiting for?" Blake implored.
"Yeah," Jaune said, "What am I waiting for?" He turned to her, and he showed her a face of total surrender. Obedience to baser desires, untethered by conscience or consequence. His voice came out deep, and it stoked the flame inside her with four simple words. "Screw it. Come here."
But Jaune came to her first, taking her by her upper arms, pulling her into his chest and kissing her fiercely. Blake had been entirely unprepared, blown away by this sudden aggression. She felt their teeth smack together, but the hunger for Jaune's advance was a far more arresting distraction. Blake grabbed two fist fulls of Jaune's shirt and pulled him to her, his lips softer than silk, his breath hotter than fire, tongue wrestling savagely with hers.
They parted only the minimum air needed to stay conscious, then were back on each other like it was a war. Jaune backed her into a wall and pressed her against it, then she jumped into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist, seizing his face with her hands, moaning into his mouth, breath coming fast.
"T-the door…" she gasped in one instance of parting.
"Who cares?" growled Jaune, lifting her with ease. "Where's the…"
"Here. Down here. First door." Blake said between kisses, hating every instant they were apart.
Jaune carried them down the hall, stumbled and nearly fell over, righted himself, then found the bedroom. Thankfully it was left half open, so he kicked through it, and Blake heard the door smack against the wall, heard the ping of what was probably the door hinge flying off and tumbling away.
It did feel rather trashy, fucking another girl's ex-boyfriend in her own ex-boyfriend's bed, and right after promising never to bother Jaune ever again. In that light, Blake had to admit she was probably a terrible person.
But right now, being terrible felt pretty damn good.
"Is this okay?" Jaune asked uncertainly, as if the fact that she was butt-ass naked and tonguing his throat was not confirmation enough that it was absolutely okay.
Blake, being more experienced in the matters of lovemaking, confidently gave her consent. Or tried to. Instead of coming out sexy and dominant, her voice shuddered and hitched with barely concealed, awkward excitement. "Yeah, I want it." she said, "Get closer. I wanna touch you, too. If that's okay."
"Yeah. Er, I mean, yeah that's okay."
He scooted closer to her on the bed, fully unclothed as well, and likely trying not to think about it. In the movies, taking off your clothes for a sexual encounter was often framed in a very stylish, sensual, exciting way, but in reality, it was an awkward liminal transition between moments of incredible passion. Especially with things like socks and underwear. It wasn't exactly the most popular turn on, getting your foot caught on your panties and nearly falling on your face, like she had. Or trying to pull off your shirt in one motion, getting it stuck, and having to wriggle the rest of the way out, like Jaune had. Still, for all that humiliation, Jaune did not seem discouraged, and Blake took that for a good sign.
They faced each other, and while being personnel someone's presence wasn't new for her, it was always different with someone new. Especially someone like Jaune. Adam and Yang were unashamedly sexual people, so their energy had been very fiery, instantaneous, hungry. Jaune was not like that.
He was like a little puppy. Curious, cautious, uncertain. Their little make-out session had gotten his hair in a whirlwind, looking like he'd just gotten through a long ravishing. Blake saw the desire, for perhaps it reflected her own, in the way he looked at her body, and the way she looked at his. She wanted him badly, and thanked the gods that he wanted her too.
"Are you scared?" she whispered.
"No." Jaune muttered indignantly.
"It's okay if you are."
"I'm not."
"I am."
Jaune looked like he was hurt by that, and Blake quickly sought to remedy it. "Not of you. Just… it's always different with a new person."
"I wouldn't know," said Jaune, frowning. "Maybe we should stop. I won't be any good, so…"
"You're being too hard on yourself. How can you expect to be good at something you've never done?"
"I don't, just…" Jaune sighed, "I'm afraid you won't… enjoy being with me."
"If it makes you feel better, I feel the same way."
"You do? I mean, girls worry about that?"
"No one wants to be a bad lay, Jaune." Blake scooted closer, took his hands in hers. "Let's just take it slow, okay? Let's just… try some things. Don't think so hard, okay?"
That seemed to reassure him. He sat up a little straighter and gave a resolute, "Okay," and let her lead him.
So they found each other. She closed her hand around him and gently stroked, while he explored her with a bit more confusion, like he was fumbling for a light switch in the dark. It tickled a little and she couldn't help but giggle. "Not there, Vacuana Jones. Lower."
"Here?"
"Lower. Try to—" and Blake let out a squeak as two fingers eased inside her, and she struggled to keep her legs parted.
"Is that good?" Jaune asked.
"Yeah," breathed Blake, "Right there. Just keep doing that."
They ventured on. Jaune quickly got used to her, rubbing her with some enthusiasm. He had a good rhythm, she found. Not too fast or slow. Eager, but gentle. Blake continued to work on him herself, but found that she was gently riding his hand in tune with his digits, gasping each time they went in deep. In turn, he grew more stiff in her hand, as if begging her to touch more of him. They were nose to nose, breathing each other's air. Blake looked deep into his eyes, urged on by the moans she managed to work from him. His voice, so deep but boyish, was like music. For his first time, he was doing well. Very—hold on. His finger had found something now. Had brushed slowly across it, and plainly by accident. But a most welcome one. He had touched her clitoris, and it pulled a startled breath from, making her squeeze her legs around his hand.
"Oh god," she hissed, "Jaune, right there. Yes. Just like that. Fuck…"
He had taken to it like it was a new discovery, and Blake felt lightning spearing through her legs, up her back, into her neck, short circuiting her brain. She pressed against him, hands on his shoulders, holding on for dear life as he played her like a guitar. Every flick and strum drawing her closer to the chorus.
"Oh god," Blake gasped, "Oh god, I'm…"
The release was not very powerful, but that didn't mean it wasn't good. Blake held tight to Jaune, arched her back, rubbed herself onto Jaune's hand to push herself to the finish, and heaved when she made it. All her body heat was instantly dispelled, and she became aware of how much sweat she'd accumulated, and how hard the air conditioner had really been blowing. Felt like she was in a goddamn blizzard. Then, the second wave came, and the results spilled out onto the sheets between her legs. "Oh wow," she marveled.
Jaune removed his fingers from her, and Blake saw an elation to him. Eyes bright with joy. "Did I…? Did you…?"
Blake would have let out a laugh, but that second wave had taken her breath away, so she ended up confirming what Jaune suspected with another pleased moan. "Yes, Jaune. I came. Good job. You want a freaking cookie?"
Jaune beamed like it was the happiest moment of his life. "I definitely think I deserve one!"
Blake huffed, but given what he'd accomplished just moments ago, she found it newly easy to forgive him. Still, just because she'd come, didn't mean their fun was over. Far from it. She wanted more. "Well now it's my turn. Move to the edge."
"What for?"
"You'll see."
So Jaune did, throwing his legs over the edge as Blake slinked off, his member still up and at attention like a soldier reporting for early duty, even while its owner wore a look of suspicion. "What are you doing?" asked Jaune.
"This," Blake fell on her knees between his legs and was about to take him into her mouth before he stopped her. "What?"
"Do you know how to do this? Like, safely?" He demanded.
Blake snorted. "Just relax."
So Jaune did, and Blake went to work. She certainly couldn't have called herself an expert in oral sex. It was how Adam and she had started, with him wanting them almost every time. So she'd actually tried to learn. Looking things up, talking to her fellow girls, watching videos, embarrassing as it was. All for the sake of making her love happy. Of course, once she moved in with him, the only part of her body he showed interest in was between her legs, and he never asked for oral again.
Well, skills acquired and all.
She got some immediate feedback as Jaune hardened in her mouth and let out a pleased sigh, a low hiss, a barely muffled curse. She gave it to him quick, rhythmic, heavy use of her tongue, but shallow. A little more than the tip. Planted a kiss on the head. A tease for what was to come. She didn't take him all the way. Not yet. But she didn't make him wait long, either. Blake slowed down, taking in more of him, long and deep strokes, upper lip and tongue, gently massaging his package. Jaune's response couldn't have been better. His moans came without restraint, she looked up at him and he'd thrown his head back, setting his arms behind him as if to keep from falling over. She switched regularly, making sure to keep him guessing. Fast, then slow. Shallow, then deep. Lip, then tongue. Over and over while he cheered her on with every moan and gasp. She heard Jaune heave her name and knew he was fast approaching the end.
That's when she found herself in a dilemma. Swallow or not? Adam liked when she did, but she couldn't be sure about Jaune. Damn it, why hadn't she asked this in the beginning? Thinking fast, Blake found a comfortable compromise. She helped him finish with her hand, joining him on the bed as he released, watching his face contort with a new emotion she hadn't seen on him. Pure, taxing, overwhelming ecstasy. And my god, did it make her want to see it more.
Spent, he flopped onto the bed, breathing hard, strands of hair sticking to his face. Blake laid beside him with a cocksure grin. "See? Easy."
Jaune puffed his cheeks. "If that was easy, I'd like to see you actually try."
That had been her actually trying, and perhaps it had been her best work. That, and this was Jaune's first time, so it was probably easier to make him orgasm. But there was no denying the results, was there? Like all things in life, it was best to take a win whenever you could.
"Tired?" Blake asked, "We can stop now, if you want."
"Really?" He didn't sound disappointed, just surprised. "Like, we don't need to, you know, actually have sex?"
"There's more ways to do it than being inside the girl." Something Adam never understood. At least with Yang, it was almost strictly oral, since that was her preference. "Still, I won't say I don't want to."
"Don't want to what?"
"You know. Do it the traditional way."
"So you want me inside you?"
"That's what it means."
"Say it then."
"I'm not gonna say it!"
Jaune pointed at his wilted member. "Can't see myself participating without a little motivation. You can't want it that much if you aren't willing to beg for it."
Blake rolled her eyes. Men. "Fine. I want you inside me."
"Say it again."
"Are you serious?"
Jaune looked her straight in the eye. "Again."
Blake pressed up next to him, pushing her breasts against his arm. "I want you inside me."
"Again."
She leaned into his ear. Whispered soothingly, "I want you inside me."
She could see he was getting back up now. That cheesing smile on his face like he was some legendary sex god and she was the lucky bimbo begging for his favor. Still, she had learned something now. Jaune liked dirty talk. So that's what she gave him. She whispered sweet filthy nothings into his ear, giggling all the way, and even he giggled back. He kissed her and she kissed him, and before long, they were both prepared for more.
"What do you want to try first?" Blake asked.
"What?"
"Like, positions."
"Oh." Jaune frowned in thought. "Well, what do you like?"
That made her think. She knew what Adam liked and it was the classic, if overused, doggy style. She couldn't say it was her favorite, but she'd heard it was a favorite of most men. It was like a power thing, apparently. She thought to go with that. If only because she couldn't remember a time where Adam wasn't the one picking what they'd do. It wouldn't feel good for her, unfortunately, but Jaune would like it most likely. And she did want him to like it, given it was his first time. That had to be worth sacrificing her own pleasure. She spent a little more time kissing him. Letting him rub between her legs, which was a welcome appetizer before an unappealing main course. But once she was wet enough and he was hard enough, they moved into position.
"My waist, Jaune."
"What?"
"Unless you want to burl my head through the headdress, you need to hold me."
"Here?"
He had a strong grip, she noticed. A little too strong, but she was used to that, again, because of Adam. So much came back to how he'd taught her to have sex. "Yeah, you're fine. Um…"
"You ready?" he asked.
"Yeah, do you know where—oh—never mind."
Jaune had no trouble finding her entrance, and even less hesitation. Thankfully, he didn't see her privates as a hole for his shovel to break through, which was a welcome change of pace, and slowly eased into her. He even seemed hesitant, as if testing how far he could go. Blake had to admit that when she expected him to stop he didn't. She ended up letting out another gasp when he finally did stop, as if he'd brushed a particularly sensitive part that had never been touched before.
"Sorry!" Jaune said in a panic, "Did I hurt you?"
His concern was so sweet that she had to chuckle. "No, no, you're good. Oh god. Very good."
"What now?"
Blake grinned. "We bang, genius. You know, use your hips."
"I mean like, what speed?"
Another very good question. One she had never once considered. Adam always wanted to get to the banging part, and when he did he sped toward the end like he wanted it over with as fast as possible. Yang was oddly very fast too. The few times they'd tried, well, the girl version of genital contact, it had not gone well. Neither of them had enjoyed it. Yang had been too eager, and Blake hadn't been eager enough. Perhaps that should have been indication enough that they weren't compatible.
But this was about Jaune's pleasure. Men liked it fast, right? That would just have to do. It didn't matter what she wanted.
"Whatever you want." Blake said, "Just, you know, fuck me. And hold on to me so you don't slip out."
"Er, okay."
So Jaune went for it, like a soldier racing through a battlefield. No rhythm to it, no method, just raw hip movements. Thighs smacking her ass. It gave her no pleasure, but that was fine. She'd had an orgasm already and that was enough. This was for Jaune. Not her. So she stood there, bent over and rigid, ass sticking up for someone else's use. Like a toy. Like a plaything. Blake closed her eyes, pursed her lips, and simply waited through it.
"Blake?"
She opened her eyes. They felt warm. Wet. "What? You're done?"
"I don't like this."
Her heart sank. He couldn't have realized how mortifying that simple comment was. How it shattered her already poor confidence. Blake had to resist the urge to sob. "Is it me?" she asked.
"No, you're fine. You're great, just… I can't see your face."
"You… want to look at me?"
"Is that bad?"
From crushing disappointment to overjoyed elation in seconds. Now Blake had to try even harder to keep from crying. Thankfully now for a much better, much happier reason. "No, just… I didn't expect you to want to."
They parted and sat together on the bed, like they were taking their lunch break between shifts at work, rather than navigating the complications of what was supposed to be passionate love-making.
"Sorry," Jaune said, "I just couldn't get into it that way. It felt… I dunno, impersonal. It's nothing with you, if that makes sense."
Blake nodded. "No, I get it. I… I didn't enjoy it either."
"Why didn't you suggest something you like?"
Blake had to concede to something so embarrassing she couldn't help but hang her head. "I don't know what I like. Adam and I always did the same thing. I mean, I'd suggest new stuff, but he liked… the same thing. Every time. I guess I thought all guys preferred it the way he did. I just wanted to make you happy."
He never asked you what you wanted?"
Blake's answer came out an ashamed whimper. "No."
She felt Jaune take her hand. Then she looked up at him, and felt that same safe feeling. Even here, buck naked in this cold and empty house, she felt safe with him. It was hard not to. He looked at her with those empathizing eyes, like he'd been where she was. "I want to do what you like."
"But… what about what you want?"
"I don't really know what I want either."
"So what do we do?"
Jaune raised her chin, and he seemed more forward now, inching closer like they'd gone through all this before, and he had to remind her of how they did things. "I guess we try some things. Let's see where it goes. Okay?"
Blake nodded. "Yeah, okay."
And he was kissing her again. The raw animal energy they'd had before was replaced with something softer, gentler, more romantic. It was as if he'd unlocked some hidden special setting in his body that had suddenly turned him into the perfect lover. Blake followed his lead, and it wasn't very hard to do. He didn't use all his strength on her, giving her a large degree of control. Freedom to express herself with him. Again his hand reached between her legs, and this time with measured strokes, slow and gradual, driving her to moan in his mouth.
Before long, he was on top of her, pinning her to the bed. She threw her arms around his back, and he cupped her face with his hand, knees on either side of her waist, free hand still milking between them. She made sure to play him too, trying to keep pace as he catered every inch of her. He moved on to fondle her breast, too rough at first, but it only took some light correction to improve his effort. His thumb worked her nipple in circles. She hadn't even realized how wet she was until she heard the sound of Jaune's fingers inside her, and every movement made her more unruly. She held him tight, bit and sucked on his lip, bucked with every insertion.
When they finally parted for breath, and she saw how Jaune looked at her, looked into her, Blake had cast aside all other things in favor of her basest, most beastly desire. "I'm ready," she said, "Fuck me."
And Jaune entered her once again. More confident now, so he was quick, but gentle all the way. He didn't wait to ask how fast or slow to go. He did what he wanted… and it was the best decision he could have made. Jaune didn't pound her. Didn't slap at her ass with his thighs, going like an automatic pump. No, he grinded against her. Into her. A steady, tender thrusting that stimulated everything, inside and out, never leaving her, and yet reaching deeper every time. It made Blake want him deeper, made her cry for more of him. Just like that. Yes. Oh god. Don't stop. She lifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist, raised her butt to get that much more of him, humping up as he humped down, every soft slap of flesh sending bursts of pleasure through her back.
But as great as he felt, it was his voice that put oil to the fire.
His moans were the best combination of high and deep. Growling like a man, mewling like a kitten, heaving for rescue, sighing with relief. Blake's throat felt dry already, having lost control of her own breathing, as she surrendered to everything Jaune gave to her. The best kind of surrender. Then, a spark of inspiration. An idea she'd never once considered, but now seemed newly possible.
"Jaune."
"Yeah?"
"Sit up. I want to try something."
Jaune lifted her as he sat up cross-legged. It took some adjusting, but soon enough she was in his lap, straddling him, him still inside her. Lord, on top it felt even better. Already she rubbed herself against him, the wet sounds getting louder and louder, and the need for more quickly consuming her mind. Blake kissed him again, having gotten back her breath. God, she was sweating a lot now. They both were. Evidenced by the fact that they were starting to stick to each other. The air was the smell of new sweat and musk and labored bodies, but in the moment, to Blake, it was the scent of honey and sugar, and she wanted more of it.
So she rode him. And not slowly, either.
"Hold me, baby," Blake pleaded, no longer thinking, only wanting. She threw her arms around his neck, laid her head on his shoulder, sucked on his shoulder bone, his neck, his ear. Blake squeaked as Jaune cupped her ass in his hands, pulling her into him, wordlessly encouraging her to fuck him. And fuck him she did. Blake swore she was drooling, it felt that good. Thrusting down and forward over and over, while she mewled and gasped in Jaune's ear, wanting him to hear her, wanting him to know how good he made her feel. How perfect he was for her. So good, it was all she could think. Riding hard, riding fast, and wanting never to stop. So good. Every part of her was electrified. It was becoming too much. So good, so good, so…
The dam was filled. The cracks were forming. She was soon to burst. No stopping it.
And it was like Jaune already knew. Perhaps he felt it coming. He began to match her fervor, breaths raspy and uncontrolled, folding his strong arms around her as if to deny an escape. Demanding that she come. She saw no reason to deny him.
Blake threw her head back as the first wave hit. Who knew what had left her body, but it came in a single burst. A scream was ripped from her as the second wave hit the shore, stronger than before. Blake's legs trembled from the aftershock, but even then, it was not over. The third was approaching fast, unable to be denied, and never would she try to. She folded her arms around Jaune, hugged him like they'd been reunited after decades apart, fingers digging into his back, toes curled, legs fastened tight for impact. And when it came, her body shook and jerked with it, spilling on herself, her lover's lap, and her ex-lover's bed sheets.
In the still cold, Blake held onto Jaune tightly, even as the tides calmed and receded. She realized now that she was crying. But she wasn't alone in that. The tears came off Jaune's face too, as if that final release had broken them both, and only in the best way possible.
"It's never…" she wept, "never felt that good before."
"Really?" Jaune asked.
"Really. You were amazing."
That cheesing grin again, bright with confidence, overjoyed to hear such praise. "You were amazing too. Fuck, you were amazing." he had to repeat. "What now?"
"The boring part." Blake said, "Clean up."
"Don't see the point given how the house looked when we arrived."
Blake had to concede to that. "Then we can skip straight to after-sex cuddling. Do you want to be the big spoon or little spoon?"
"You're kinda sticky."
"Yeah, genius. Sweat will do that."
"You got way more than sweat on me."
Blake pinched his mouth closed. "We cuddle. It's customary."
"It just so happens I like cuddling so fine. What about after that?"
Blake shrugged. "I dunno. Pizza? I'll buy."
Jaune threw himself onto the bed with a cocky beam. It might have been the first time he earned it. "Damn. I'm that good, huh? Buying me dinner after dessert?"
Blake settled herself next to him, hugged his side, and couldn't help but smile. "Maybe. I'll get you a proper performance review on your next report card. Till then, consider tonight pure luck."
"I must have some crazy luck if I made you come twice." Jaune flexed two fingers with a toothy grin. "Twice! And one of them with these very fingers. Lucky? Nah bitch, it's all skill over here."
Blake burst into riotous laughter. Her belly ached from it the whole time. "Shut up!" she said.
Jaune laughed with her, "You shut up!"
There was a sudden, loud crash. It startled Blake to latch onto Jaune, looking to the door to see who had barged in. But no one had. The bedroom door that Jaune had kicked in had indeed lost its hinges and had crashed to the floor like a drunkard who'd passed out in his own driveway. Blake put a hand over her mouth, looked at Jaune, who had already fallen into a fit of laughter. Blake shook her head at the situation, but ultimately gave in to her own laughs.
She hoped, in the future, through the best and worst of times, that Jaune and she would always find time to laugh together.
Blake getting a W even when she doesn't deserve it. Just like canon.
One chapter left. And maybe a secret ending if y'all behave. Later.
ISA