Ohhh boy, this one was a doozy indeed! The middle part of this chapter took me a while to be happy publishing, no idea why -because I'm well away on chapter 6- but chapter 5 was kind of a slog to write, (hence why its a little over a week since last update). But I got it done and I'm happy with it.
As always please let me know what you think.
Also, I've had a few people mention how they think Pyrrha is being giving a hard shoulder by depicting her with a crush on Jaune, and how she always gets written to be punished. But, to be brutally honest... that's kind of her entire character arc. Even the RWBY songs about her are all about Jaune in fairness. So I honestly think I've written Pyrrha fairer than most especially in this chapter.
Also, if anyone is interested in being a Beta reader for this story, I would be most grateful if you sent me a PM. Cause I've been tested for dyslexia and bingo, I've got it. Honestly explains why I sometimes miss out words even though I've re-read what I've written.
Holy Guacamole Batman! 286 favs. 375 follows and TWO community additions! (I forgot to add how many favs and follows I had to the last chapter). I'm honestly so touched by the support, it's kinda crazy to me that this story get's this much attention! I just started because It's a good way to keep my mind sharp.
A/N: (12/02/25): Made revisions to the ending scene between Jaune and Ozpin to better explain the reasoning behind Jaune's consequences. A few people made comments disagreeing with the topic, so I decided to rewrite that section to better explain my reasoning's. Hopefully, it clears up any confusion.
Anyway, as always I hope to entertain and engross! Please! Have a good time reading!
Chapter 5: Expulsion Escapades
"I knocked out Cardin in the cafeteria".
Ozpin, the headmaster of Beacon Academy looked down at the half finished mug of coffee on his desk, he looked back at the young blond man in front of him. He looked back down at the mug.
He sighed and pulled out a steaming thermos filled with the strongest blend he had, and placed it next to his mug. He took a deep clearing breath through his nose.
"Okay…" he sighed, "start from the beginning if you would, Mr. Arc?" The blond teen had the gall to just shrug.
"That's pretty much it to be honest… I walked up and punched Cardin Winchester unconscious".
Ozpin briefly pondered if he had a second thermos somewhere in his desk. It looked like he'd need it at this rate.
"Mr. Arc, I find it hard to believe that unprovoked you decided to", the middle aged man made quotations with his fingers. "'Punch Cardin Winchester unconscious', now please inform me as to why you did so". Jaune crossed his arms across from Ozpin, the wizened Headmaster took note that the young man appeared utterly calm, despite the circumstances he was in.
"Would the reason change anything?" Jaune tilted his head, "I attacked another student, I figure the punishment wouldn't change". Ozpin raised a brow.
"And what punishment would that be, Mr. Arc?"
"Expulsion…" A threat that would lead most students to quiver and beg, Ozpin realised that Jaune was neither, instead he could tell the young Arc was resigned to the fate he had assumed for himself.
"Perhaps…" Ozpin said. "But allow an old man his curiosity. What made you strike Mr. Winchester?" Jaune uncrossed his arms.
"Cardin was abusing a fellow student. A faunus student". He clenched his right fist, "in the middle of the cafeteria, he was just… yanking on her ear, laughing, abusing, hurting her, and no one did anything to stop it!" Ozpin crossed his fingers together and leant on his desk.
"So you decided to 'do something', Mr. Arc?" Jaune nodded.
"I don't like bullies."
"So you decided to be a bully yourself, and teach Mr. Winchester a lesson?" The teen scoffed.
"If being a bully means helping those in need, then sure. Call me a bully". Ozpin narrowed his eyes at the boy before him.
"Did you not think of getting a teacher? Or even telling Mr. Winchester to stop?" Ozpin blinked as Jaune chuckled.
"If you think just asking someone like Cardin to stop being racist will work." The teen smirked, "then you don't know how the world works." Ozpin straightened his back, his brown eyes hardened.
"I assure you Mr. Arc, I am well aware of how this world of ours works. Please do not insult me like that". Jaune lowered his eyes.
"You're right, Headmaster, I'm sorry…" Ozpin inclined his head in acceptance.
"No offence was taken. However, you still haven't answered the first part of my questions". The blond teen absently scratched his left arm.
"I… I didn't even think of getting a teacher. I've spent so long doing everything myself, that…"
"You're unaccustomed to having people in authority looking after your best interests." Ozpin finished for the young man, Jaune nodded.
"Yes. I don't regret what I did, I never will. In all honesty, if Cardin did that again, I'd probably knock him out again". Ozpin appreciated his honesty, most students would blatantly lie to try and lessen their punishment. The older man just wished Jaune wasn't that damn honest.
"You are making it increasingly difficult to not issue an Expulsion Mr. Arc, the threat of you attacking Cardin yet again does not help your case." Jaune considered his position.
"Then expel me".
…
…
…
Ozpin blinked. "You… want to be expelled?"
Jaune shook his head. "Of course not, but I've recently learnt that graduating from a training school isn't the only way to become a Huntsman." He shrugged, "Before I came here, all I knew was that to become a Huntsman, you had to go to school."
"So…" Ozpin paused to gather his thoughts. "Do you not wish to be at Beacon anymore?"
"I'm not saying I want to leave, Headmaster. It's just that, before recently I thought it was Beacon or bust. Now that I know I could apply through a Hunting License agency, being expelled wouldn't be the end of the world." The Headmaster considered Jaune's reasoning.
"You are correct that agencies can issue Huntsman licences. But the requirements are almost astronomically high, they do not take just anyone." Ozpin leaned forward, "do you believe you have those requirements, Mr. Arc?" The blond smiled somberly and prodded his gnarled facial scar.
"I think we both know I do, Headmaster".
"Yes… yes, I suppose we do Mr. Arc. I must add however. Even though you say you don't want to leave, you're not exactly sounding as such." The blond seemed to sag, his body looked tired.
"I don't want to leave. I've made friends here… I… I can't remember the last time I had friends." His scratching hastened on his left arm. "I'd give anything to stay with them, but I also understand that this is a school with rules. And I broke them…"
"And so you must suffer the consequences…" Jaune nodded again. "You realise you've put me in an awkward position Mr. Arc". He nodded once more.
The Headmaster pulled up his terminal and brought up Jaune's file.
"When I first had a thorough read of your transcripts, I was most intrigued. No formal training of any kind, seven years within the Frontiers. And I'm sure you left out many details". Jaune looked confused where Ozpin was going. "I say all this to iterate just what an abnormal student you are. As well as to say that to lose one such as you at such an early stage would be a great loss."
"What are you saying, Headmaster?" Ozpin steeled his expression.
"I'm saying, Mr. Arc. That for what you did. You should be expelled". Before Ozpin could continue, his office door flew open, a furious Glynda Goodwitch stormed in, trailed by a groggy Cardin Winchester and an unusually timid looking Pyrrha Nikos.
"Headmaster Ozpin, call Mr. Arc to your office immediately…" She glanced around the office, spotted Jaune across from Ozpin. Her eyes narrowed.
Jaune sighed.
Cardin groaned.
Pyrrha waved shyly.
Ozpin finally decided that yes. A second thermos was most definitely needed.
Pyrrha was understandably anxious as the strict combat instructor stared down her partner. A glare on her face that could make a beowulf rethink its actions. She scowled at the groggy Cardin who hid behind Goodwitch. She had hoped to explain the situation to the Headmaster with Jaune. Unfortunately, she discovered that Jaune could move fast when he wanted to. When she arrived at the elevator to Ozpin's office, he had already risen to the top. And by the time it returned, Glynda had arrived with Cardin in tow.
She had tried to explain what had happened, but the professor had silenced her, and demanded the story straight from the horse's mouth, so to say.
"Mr. Arc, I do hope you have a good reason for what you did to Mr. Winchester!"
"I do".
Glynda waited, then glared, then when she reaslised Jaune wasn't going to elaborate, she nearly blew a gasket. "Would you care to tell me?" Her partner glanced at Cardin, who in Pyrrha's opinion, used the stern teacher to hide behind.
Good… be scared. Just you wait for combat class… The redhead didn't normally allow anger to dwell within, a 'uncouth habit in one as privileged as her', but Pyrrha designed a special layer of hate for one Cardin Winchester. If he caused Jaune to leave Beacon, she would wreck his entire world.
"That depends, Miss. Goodwitch".
"Depends on what?" Jaune glared at Cardin.
"Depends on what Cardin has told you, and if you've already made up your mind about me". Glynda visibly bristled at being spoken to in such a brisk manner by a student. With great restraint, she forced out a calm posture and expression.
"Mr. Winchester informed me that you attacked him unprovoked". That's when Ozpin cut in, who previously let the scene play out.
"Is that so?" His brown eyes peered at Cardin, "Mr. Arc attacked you 'unprovoked' did he?" Ozpin turned to Jaune. "That's quite the opposite of what Mr. Arc told me, he said how you were abusing a faunus student in the cafeteria." Goodwitch whirled onto Cardin, who now featured a wonderful expression of fear on his face, in Pyrrha's opinion.
"Mr. Winchester, were you abusing a fellow student when Mr. Arc struck you?" The burly teen fumbled.
"Wh-what's that got to do with anyth-"
"I asked you a question Mr. Winchester, I will not ask again". Cardin shrunk back, as if he wanted to hide away, but Pyrrha placed a… stern hand on his shoulder to keep him in place.
"Cardin, I believe Miss. Goodwitch asked you a question…" her voice was unusually high, she didn't care that she bared her teeth in a smile. She wasn't sure which caused him more distress, but in the end he turned back to Goodwitch and lowered his head.
"I was… just teasin' her…"
"Teasing!? By yanking on her ear to see if it was real?" Jaune stormed forward, "even when she begged you to stop!?" His eyes sharpened into steel, his nostrils flared. "You call that teasing?" Miss. Goodiwtch had to step in front of the blonde to forestall any repeat incidents.
"I shall deal with Mr. Winchester's… actions in an appropriate fashion." She glanced past Jaune to the Headmaster. "I assume Mr. Arc shall be expelled for attacking a fellow student?" Pyrrha gasped as Jaune openly glared at the woman.
"You can't do that! All Jaune did was protect another student from blatant racism!" Glynda whirled round to the redhead.
"No matter the reason, attacking another student outside of combat class is grounds for immediate expulsion." Pyrrha wanted to shout and scream at the professor, she hadn't felt this angry in a long time. She wanted to protest Jaune's innocence, to call out how unfair they were being to her partner. But she didn't, couldn't… all of the years of being taught to respect authority above all held her back by the tiniest margin.
She just didn't think herself capable of arguing with authority, no matter how much she desperately wanted to. In the end all she managed was a harsh look of disbelief. Thankfully for Pyrrha, her partner had no qualms speaking his mind.
"And what will Cardin's 'appropriate' punishment be?" All eyes turned to Jaune, he appeared calm on the surface, but his eyes gave away the broiling emotions underneath. "Last I checked, racism against any race or ethnicity was illegal…" Glynda glanced back at Cardin who looked as white as a sheet now.
"Mr. Winchester's actions will be reviewed by myself, and a committee to determine the punishment, rest assured he won't get off easy".
"I doubt that", Jaune's words were short and to the point. Goodwitch looked affronted.
"And why is that, Mr. Arc?" Jaune peered back at Ozpin, then back at Glynda.
"Because Cardin has been abusing Faunus within the school since he got here… and none of you have done anything to stop it".
"How dare you". Jaune cut her off, a fire lit within his eyes.
"No… how dare you! You all but confirm you want me expelled for what I did, but don't even have a punishment lined up for a blatant racist!" He began to pace, hands behind his back, "I figured at first that Cardin was just good at hiding what he did, or that his victims were too scared to speak out… but in history today, Cardin called faunus animals in front of Professor Oobleck… and all he got was told off". The teen spun to Ozpin, "told off as if he was making too much noise, or threw a paper ball, so…" the fire left him, Pyrrha watched as his shoulder deflated. "So, if this is a school that allows such abuse to happen… then… then I'd rather be expelled!" Jaune let out rapid breaths, visibly restraining his emotions after his outburst.
Pyrrha felt for him so much at that point. She wanted to stand up for something like Jaune just did. And what better example to follow than this?
"If…" Her voice began small, but rose in volume and confidence. "If Jaune is expelled for stopping racism, then… then you'' have to expel me too!" Everyone spun to face her.
"Miss. Nikos, you can't mean that…" Glynda attempted to control the situation, but Pyrrha had enough of letting authority speak for her.
"No! With all due respect Miss. Goodwitch, Headmaster, but if a school lets abusers like Cardin attend, then it's a school I don't want to be at!" Both professors looked like they'd been slapped, Jaune stood open mouth agape. Cardin appeared to have mentally left this conversation to try and find his happy place.
"Pyr… you don't need to do this, I'll be okay", Jaune tried to reason with his partner, but Pyrrha sent a glare his way.
"You have no room to speak! Doing something like this without thinking of everyone! Your team…" Her cheeks inflamed slightly, "your partner…" She shook her head, "I get that you spent so long relying on yourself, but you have a team now, and I'm sure Nora and Ren would agree with me. I'm sure team RWBY would as well!" Jaune stared at her for a long moment, his blue eyes softened and he gave her a hesitant nod.
"Thanks Pyrrha… that… that means a l-lot". His voice choked on the last word, evidence of how emotional this whole situation had made him.
Glynda Goodwitch looked like she'd been slapped in the face, not angry, or disappointed, just shocked. For someone like Pyrrha Nikos to threaten to leave with her partner caused her great unsureness.
"Okay… Perhaps it's time we all take a step back before a bridge is crossed, we cannot come back from?" Ozpin's calm voice broke through the oppressive atmosphere. He glanced at each of the students in the room, before a small smile crossed his lips. "Whilst I do love to see such close comradery between team members, you'd need not jeopardize your future Miss. Nikos, not when Mr. Arc isn't expelled in the first place". Jaune staggered back as if struck.
"But… you said I was expelled!" Ozpin shook his head.
"I said I 'should' expel you Mr. Arc, but under these circumstances, I will not be doing so." Goodwitch interrupted.
"But Headmaster! The rules are clear!" Ozpin raised a hand to forestall his deputy.
"That they are Miss. Goodwitch, but those rules were enforced to prevent random acts of violence between the students… and what happened today was no random act". His cold gaze settled on Cardin, "Mr. Winchester, I had hoped your proclivity for seeing faunus-kind as lesser would go away with the careful hand of Professor Oobleck's lessons. But it seems my hopes were misplaced".
"B-but sir! I didn't mean-"
"To get caught? To have your actions have consequences? Rest assured your punishment will not be light, in fact, I will personally discuss your repercussions with each of your victims. If they decide you are no longer welcome at Beacon Academy, consider yourself expelled". The teen opened his mouth to argue, but the calculating glare of the Headmaster silenced him. Ozpin turned to his deputy, "Miss. Goodwitch, perhaps you could escort Mr. Winchester to his dorm for the time being. I do believe you have a combat lesson to begin." She nodded.
"Yes sir… but what about…"
"I will deal with Jaune Arc, you can trust me on that… but perhaps some rules are meant to be broken from time to time…" Glynda nodded stiffly, she marched a shocked Cardin into the elevator, before she entered she glanced at Jaune and Pyrrha. The redhead could see a flicker of emotion pass her teacher's face. It almost looked like…
Disappointment, but not in her or Jaune, but in herself. The spartanette hoped the professor wouldn't beat herself up about the whole mess. At the end of the day, she had been acting on the information she had available. Pyrrha would apologise to her later, she liked the blond teacher, she respected the redhead on her deeds, not her fame. She didn't want to shout at her, but Pyrrha thought she had no other choice.
Once the elevator door closed, Ozpin let out a sigh and took a long sip from his third thermos, the other two long empty.
"Now, after all of that. It's time for your punishment Mr. Arc." Pyrrha jumped in.
"But, I thought you said that-"
"I said he wouldn't be expelled, that does not constitute receiving no punishment for attacking a fellow student, no matter the reason behind it!" The redhead seemed to consider arguing, but Jaune placed his hands on her shoulders.
"It's okay Pyrrha, it's okay… you stood up for me just now. And you were amazing!" She blushed, "but you don't need to fight this battle for me, I broke the rules and I'll accept the punishment". Hesitantly, she nodded.
"Okay, if you're sure Jaune…"
"I'm sure, because at the end of the day, I'll still have you as my partner and team JNPR." Blue eyes met green. Pyrrha wasn't sure how to feel with his gaze meeting hers. But the reddening of her cheeks continued to flare. Thankfully, the Headmaster threw her a proverbial bone.
"It is touching to see such a bond between partners. But Miss. Nikos, I believe you'd best get going, you wouldn't want to miss your first combat lesson, would you?" Pyrrha nearly jumped out of her skin, she nearly forgot where they were.
"O-of course Headmaster!" She prepared to leave, a parting glance sent Jaune's way. "I'll make sure to let everyone know you're not expelled". Jaune chuckled, the pressure on his shoulders present since he entered this office; no longer there. Pyrrha let a pleased smile part her lips. She had stood up to authority for once in her life, defended a friend and helped get a hurtful bully his rightful punishment. It felt good to do that. She felt good in fact, that she didn't allow for those in power to speak over her anymore. And as the elevator doors closed, a thought occurred to her.
I need to send a letter back home, I have a few demands to make.
God help her managers.
Jaune watched the doors slide closed and returned his gaze to the silver haired Headmaster, he still had the uncomfortable feeling of being sized up by the man. Jaune figured he was simply too paranoid from all of his years in the wilds.
"What now?" He asked, very much wanting this whole emotional ordeal to be over with. Ozpin stood from his desk and approached a window that overlooked Beacon's courtyard.
"That depends on you Mr. Arc, you've already admitted you'd do the exact same thing again if the opportunity presented itself". The wizened man turned to the teen, "tell me. If expulsion isn't an option, what punishment should be given to someone with your life experience?" Jaune scratched his chin in ponderment.
"I don't know… I can't remember any of my school life before I left, I don't even know If I ever got into trouble". He ignored the sympathetic look the Headmaster gave him, "but I do know I'll accept any form of punishment, I don't regret what I did, but I accept the consequences fully". Ozpin hummed.
"You are a man who does what he feels is right, no matter what happens. I'm I correct in that assumption?"
"Yeah… not even the frontier wilds could knock that ideal out of me", Jaune rubbed his left arm, "trust me, it tried".
"I do trust that, Mr. Arc. But to get back to the matter at hand… a punishment would usually consist of assigning you tasks that would be considered menial, or perhaps even a detention." Ozpin glanced back at his window. "However, I believe another option presents itself in regards to the consequences of your actions". The teen raised a brow in intrigue.
"So, I'm not getting punished after all?"
A twinkle appeared in Ozpin's brown eyes. "That would depend on what you would consider 'punishment'. Tell me, Mr. Arc, In your extensive time in the wilds, I would hazard that you saw many… unpleasant aspects of our world." Jaune visibly stiffened, his blue eyes seemed to cloud over as if recalling many of those unpleasant memories.
"You could say that…" He whispered.
"Hmmm, as I thought." The Headmaster nodded to himself, "so be it, Mr. Arc, for your punishment, you shall receive a full week of suspension. You are not to attend any lessons, and are confined to school grounds. Any visits to Vale must be allowed by either myself or Professor Port". Jaune nodded, but couldn't stop his curiosity.
"Professor Port? What does he have to do with this?" That's when Ozpin's expression grew mischievous.
"That is the second part of your punishment. For the foreseeable future, you are to report to Professor Port once a week and attend therapy". The blonde stood back, various conflicting emotions crossed his face.
"Therapy? B-but why!? I don't need therapy!" Ozpin's mischievousness vanished, replaced with a cold expression.
"What happened in the cafeteria today would prove the antithesis of that belief", the Headmaster returned to his desk and sat down. "Most, dare I say the vast majority of people would not decide the best way to stop bullying, is to render a fellow student unconscious." He leant back in his chair, "most, dare I say again would not have lived a life you have so far. And once more, dare I say that those who have, haven't seen a quarter of what you have seen". With each word, the blonde teen seemed to shrink into himself, each word like a verbal battering ram against his defiance to the idea of therapy. Seeing this, the Headmaster eased up. "This isn't a punishment Jaune, therapy does not constitute a mistake in you as a person, but that perhaps you could benefit from having a professional to talk to. It need not be serious right away, you could consider it a chance to pick the brain of a fellow hunter of Grimm."
Jaune considered Ozpin's words for a long while. It was… difficult for him to accept what the Headmaster was saying. He wasn't stupid, he was well aware his mind worked vastly differently to most. The things he had witnessed, plus the multiple accounts of head trauma he had suffered left him… different. But still, the idea of therapy irked him more than he cared to admit.
"Does… Is… Professor Port. Is he…?"
"I assure you that Professor Port is a fully licensed counsellor and therapist. It is something he takes great pride in. Not many in our line of work have people we can talk to, Port decided to become a catalyst of sorts." Ozpin took a sip of what remained of his third thermos. "Have you ever heard of 'The Empathy Initiative'?" Jaune shook his head. "I'm not surprised, it is rather new. But to explain in short detail, Port set up this organisation to help all Huntsmen and Huntresses cope and come to terms with what they must deal with on a daily occurrence."
"B-but why is it called-"
"The Empathy Initiative?" Jaune inclined his head. "Tell me, would you appreciate someone who hasn't experienced what you have to tell you how to feel? Would you want their sympathy?" The blonde shook his head vigorously.
"Absolutely not… I hate sympathy." Ozpin gestured his hand in a 'there you go then' manner.
"And that is why it is the Empathy Initiative and not the Sympathy Initiative."
"And the Professor set this up?"
"He did, he threatened to resign if I didn't allow him the time to do so. He needn't have in the end, you will find that I am in full support of Port's aspirations. So rest assured Mr. Arc that I do not issue this therapy without careful consideration." The teen fiddled with his sleeves in clear anxiety.
"And… And what if I refuse?"
"Then, I'm afraid Mr. Arc that I must renege on not expelling you". Jaune's eyes narrowed, but Ozpin raised a placating hand. "Please be aware Mr. Arc. This is a school filled with students, a whole year of them not even classed as legal adults yet. As a Headmaster and carer for all my pupils, I cannot allow someone who reacts so violently to attend without precautions." Jaune could understand his reasoning, he didn't like them, but he understood. It was quite tricky of the Headmaster to work this whole mess into such a clean solution. Finally, after a few moments of petulant defiance, Jaune caved.
"Okay… I'll do the sessions. I-I want to stay with everyone here." Ozpin let a warm smile slip onto his face.
"It pleases me greatly to hear that. Truly Mr. Arc, It is rare these days to see such commitment to one's comrades. Especially at such a young age." Jaune waved his comment away.
"No disrespect Headmaster, but I don't need your compliments, I'm doing this because I want to stay, it's selfish, Beacon has introduced so many things I want to keep. So, I'll do whatever I need to keep them". Ozpin hummed.
"Perhaps…" He reached into his desk drawers and pulled out some documentation. "Please have these forms filled in time for the first session with Professor Port." Jaune perused the papers. "It's just basic details, something for the Professor to open with on your first session."
"And when will the first session be?"
"Port shall contact your scroll to set the time and date." Ozpin's brown eyes sharpened. "Do not think to not attend Mr. Arc. I am taking many risks not expelling you for what happened today." Jaune stared into Ozpin's eyes, his blue met the Headmaster's brown.
Jaune did not waver for a second.
"I promise, I won't let you down, Headmaster." Ozpin relaxed and nodded, a small smile on his face.
"I believe you Mr. Arc, now I do believe we've run past Miss. Goodwitch's first combat lesson, I am sorry you missed it". Jaune shrugged, a tiny smirk on his lips.
"I'm sure I can show what I'm made of next time." He turned to leave after he nodded at Ozpin. He looked over his shoulder before he left. "Can I ask, Headmaster, why such a strict punishment for attacking another student? Aren't most students here learning to fight?" Ozpin inclined his head.
"You are correct that you students are here to learn to fight. But you are here to fight Grimm, not your fellow man or woman. The threat of expulsion for infighting is important, as it's supposed to deter the students from doing exactly what you did today. And whilst you struck Mr. Winchester for a just reason, a trainee Huntsman attacking another one unprovoked does not paint our kind in a good light". The blonde gave the Headmaster a puzzled look.
"I don't get it, the expulsion threat is for show?" Ozpin hummed in consideration.
"To a degree. Think about from the perspective of a inexperienced civilian, if it came out that the supposed defenders of Human and Faunus kind were squabbling with one another, what would they think? That the next generation of Huntsmen were fighting one each other, instead of what they were trained for?"
"The civilian would lose their faith, or think we're unable to work together?"
"Correct, Mr. Arc. Add to that, that Beacon Academy is partially funded by the Valean council and taxpayers money, and any sign of... irresponsibility could have severe consequences."
"But, why... how do they find out about these kinds of things?" Ozpin frowned.
"The funding is provided on the condition that any incident reports are copied and sent to the council members. In a sign of Huntsmen and civilian cooperation." Jaune rubbed the back of his head.
"Oh... I had no idea."
"Not many do Mr. Arc, it's not well known but Beacon Academy needs those funds, and whilst it could be said we should get those funds purely by the fact we're training Huntsmen and Huntress's. Life is not that easy." The wizened man shuffled a few papers on his desk. "People... unused to our way of life just see their hard earned money going to hormonal teens with dangerous weapons. The Expulsion threat was a compromise, it's meant to be a deterrent, and to be honest, I've only had to issue it once. And that was a... unfortunate case."
"Soooo, I was never under any threat of being expelled in the first place?" Ozpin chuckled.
"Oh no, Mr. Arc. If you had not brought the issue to me personally, and instead acted as if you had done nothing wrong, I definitely would have expelled you, your potential be damned. I could not risk any funding for a student with that kind of attitude". Jaune chuckled nervously.
"Well, I'm glad I brought the issue to you?"
"So am I, Mr. Arc. So am I."
"Wait." Jaune thought on what Ozpin told him. "What about Cardin then? If the expulsion is more to deter... what will happen to him?"
"Mr. Winchester's case will take time." Ozpin's gaze became sympathetic. "In all honesty, it does depend on what his victims wish. Whilst I do believe Mr. Winchester can be redeemed over time, I'd prefer my faunus students be more comfortable then risk his prejudices causing a greater incident." The Headmaster shook his head, "rest assured, I will deal with it. But for now, I believe you'd best be going Mr. Arc... you have just given me a considerable amount of extra paperwork to complete."
The Headmaster looked at him, an unreadable expression on his face. Jaune chuckled nervously again and quickly ducked into the elevator.
"Sorry... Headmaster..." Ozpin hummed as the doors closed and Jaune Arc left his office. The Headmaster glanced down at his paperwork, a pile that would soo grow considerably, he'd have to file the incident report, copy it, double check it and then send it over to the council, followed with his rectification to withhold Expulsion and instead kindly inform that he would deal with the incident personally. If the Council didn't like it, well... they could choke on it.
Ozpin leaned back, shocked at his aggressiveness towards the civilian council. "Must need another coffee", he reached down, deep into his desk drawers to reveal a fourth thermos. But something was wrong.
Something was very wrong.
His fourth thermos had gone cold.
"Damn it..."
When Jaune finally managed to track down his friends and team. They had all heard from Pyrrha that he'd not been expelled.
That didn't stop Ruby and Nora from crushing his poor ribs from their bone-breaking hugs. He'd been touched at how much they had been worried about him. It also settled a heavy layer of guilt on his shoulders for making them worry in the first place.
"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to worry all of you". Yang stepped in and clipped him around the back of his head. She had to reach over Ruby and Nora to do it, but she managed to. Jaune winced but figured he deserved that.
"Damn right you should be sorry, Ruby was about to mount a rescue mission if Pyrrha hadn't come and let us know you weren't expelled!" The older sister gave him a steely glare, one that emphasised just how displeased she was with how much he had panicked her younger sister.
"Yaaaaaaaang", whined Ruby, her face still pressed into Jaune's side, her arms fighting with Nora's to give the biggest hug they could. Her grip was firm but soft, as if there to just reassure herself he was still with them. "Stop being so… you!" The blond sister simply laughed and swished her hair back. Ren piped up from the side.
"If you think that was concerning. Nora almost started a revolt to get you back", he held out a few sheets of paper that Nora had presumably given him. "It even included a list of attack strategies", he flipped through a concerning amount of pages, some holding nothing more than a few words. But others included impressively detailed diagrams. Jaune nodded to one of the sheets.
"Was that a catapult?"
"Yeppie!" Nora happily confirmed from Jaune's side; the opposite Ruby had commandeered. Unlike Ruby's gentle embrace, Nora put the ugh in hug. Her grip was bruising, Jaune had no chance to escape, and neither did his poor ribs. "I even planned up what we would use for it!" Jaune glanced at Ren.
"On a scale of 1 to Nora, how bad would it have been if I'd been expelled?" Nora decided to answer for her totally platonic life partner.
"I would've set fire to the cafeteria and thrown Cardin off the roof~" The fact the ginger said all of that in an overly cheerful sing-song voice sent shivers down everyone's spine. Ren motioned towards Nora with his free hand.
"About that on the Nora scale". The rest of team JNPR nodded in understanding, they had come quite accustomed to the Nora Scale since they were formed. Team RWBY, were left confused.
That was okay.
The less that knew of the Nora Scale. The better.
Pyrrha stepped up and handed him a few pieces of paper.
"What's this?" Jaune asked, somehow managing to take them, despite both his arms being restrained by very long hugs. Pyrrha's lips quirked into a rueful smile.
"Homework from Miss. Goodwitch, she decided that since you were unable to attend her lesson, you'd complete an essay about the best way to defend yourself from multiple attackers". Jaune groaned.
"Is it too late to be expelled?"
"Yep!" Cheered Ruby and Nora. The blond male sighed, but couldn't try to stop the genuine smile that formed. Complaining about homework whilst being surrounded by friends was something most teens would expect to feel at some point, a commonality. But for Jaune? It was absurd that he was in that current situation. He had fantasies, dreamed about things like this on the roughest days in the wilds. To be in the shoes of a normal teenager. But here he was, definitely not normal, but surrounded by friends he had very quickly grown to cherish beyond what he thought possible.
Despite the close call he had just managed to avoid. Despite the worry he put his friends through.
He was happy.
He was happy to be at Beacon Academy.
It was a… new feeling for the blonde. And as he finally turned his own arms around Ruby and Nora, and gave them a taste of their own hugging medicine.
He decided he liked this feeling.
For most teens, being told not to come to school for a whole week would basically be a dream come true. A whole week to play games, eat snacks and just do whatever.
It turned out, to Jaune; a person of action, a young man who had never had free time before, having so much of it was very, very boring.
Oh sure, the first day was thrilling to the young blonde. He had woken up a whole 15 minutes later than normal. He almost felt bad at how much time he had wasted. But, he decided that it was a good chance to catch up on stuff he had been lacking in.
He had unpacked his new clothes into his wardrobe. Finally got round to throwing about his old, ruined clothes. Gone for an extended jog around the campus, had a hearty breakfast whilst the rest of his friends rushed to class. And he had even managed to write up a short, but detailed essay on Goodwitch's homework.
He had done all that on the first day of his suspension.
Correction! He had done that, in the first four hours of the first day of his suspension.
He then proceeded to go nearly stir crazy at the lack of anything that needed doing. All the things he would normally do in the frontiers; scavenge and hunt for food, search for signs of Grimm, resupply his canteen and find a safe enough spot to camp down for the night. All of the usual things he spent most of his days worrying about were unnecessary at the current point of his life.
Jaune had been so bored, he'd repeated his exercises… twice! At least that wasted a few more hours. Which made it lunchtime, wherein he could at least find refuge in his friends.
"I don't know how any of you do this!" he had complained the moment his rear end found a seat at their table. It was the usual seating, Ruby on his left, Pyrrha on his right and Nora across from him.
"Do what?" Asked Blake as she somehow managed to read her book, eat a plate of fish and look interested in what he had to say.
"This!" He waved his arms around himself, "do nothing…" Yang's fork halted midway to her mouth; a juicy piece of steak just inches from being devoured.
"Are you seriously complaining about being forced to not come to lessons!?" Her mind couldn't comprehend it, she would kill to just have a week to do whatever she wanted.
Jaune nodded, a frantic look in his eyes. "Yes! It's been days and I can't think of anything to do!" Ruby poked his ribs.
"Jaune, it's only been three hours since lessons started. It's twelve pm…" Jaune turned his gaze to the small reaper, an almost choked expression on his face.
"You see? That's what I mean! I've already lost track of time, I need to do something, anything!"
"Well, why do you not simply do whatever it was you did when you normally had free time?"Weiss cut in, nods of agreements went around the table.
"I thought about that, but I never had free time before Beacon". Sets of eyes softened at Jaune's admittance, but in his stir crazed mind; he noticed none of it. "It was always; keep moving, stay safe, get strong and find food in the frontiers. Not much time to play games, or read books. I've never had a hobby."
"Well, why don't you find one then?" All eyes turned to Nora, who at everyone's surprised glances, shot her hands up and looked at Ren. "Renny, did I do that thing again where I give the best advice!?" Her fists shook with barely contained exuberance.
"Yes Nora, you did that thing again". The other male in team JNPR almost fell off his seat as Nora wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Yes! Super smart Nora strikes again!"
Everyone else at the table just… kind of accepted the antics and returned to the conversation at hand.
"Nora's right," agreed Pyrrha. "Perhaps this week, you could try and find something you enjoy, your first hobby." Jaune considered it.
"But, how do you find a hobby?" His question was both surprising and yet unsurprising to his friends.
"Well… before your…" Weiss considered her choice of words, "adventures. Did you do anything for fun?" The blond was confused for a moment, before he realised what the heiress meant. His mind tried to recall anything about his home life, he struggled, he really did. Most of his life before was more… feelings than concrete memories. But as he tried to remember, something started to come to the forefront of his mind.
"I… I think I used to dance…" Blake looked over her book.
"You 'think'?" She repeated.
"It feels so long ago to be honest… I haven't thought about that time for a while". It was a sobering realisation for the table. But Ruby; the eternal optimist, grabbed onto what Jaune said.
"Then, why don't you try dancing again?"
"I don't know…" He wasn't sure he'd be any good at it, all he could recall were vague images of dancing with women, all with blonde hair like his. His sisters. The little Rose wouldn't let him hesitate.
"C'mon, it'll be awesome! You could practice when we're in lessons". Jaune was surprised at just how much Ruby was invested in this.
"But, where would I even practice, and I don't even know I'll still enjoy it".
"You won't know unless you give it a chance", reasoned Pyrrha, she too invested in her partner not going stir crazy.
"And you could book a side room in the gym", Yang sealed the deal as she added that factoid. Jaune was left with no more excuses to at least try dancing again.
"I guess it couldn't hurt to give it a shot".
Nora cheered. "Yay! Fearless leader will soon evolve into Fearless Dancing Leader, nothing will stop him then!" Ren sighed.
"How will dancing make Jaune unstoppable?"
"Because!" Nora booped Ren on the nose, "Big bro is already big stronk, and with dance; he'll be big stronk and be able to bust a move!" She clapped her hands to emphasise her final point, "It's that simple Renny!"
"Oh, okay. Silly me…" Ren gave everyone a look that screamed do not ask. Jaune was too busy wondering what the hell a stronk was, and why he apparently was one.
"Uhh", Yang looked like she wanted to ask but decided to heed Ren's warning. "Yeah, no reason not to have a crack at it Jauney", she paused and a glint appeared in her eyes, "maybe after you've practiced, you could give us a private show?" Her dramatic lecherous grin let Jaune know she was kidding, but the idea did swirl in his head. Performing would give him a goal to reach with dancing, it'd motivate him to keep trying at least.
"Okay, okay! You've convinced me, I didn't realise my boredom was such a big deal". Weiss gave a ladylike shrug.
"You brought up your boredom, do not blame us if we decide to help". Jaune winced.
"I did sound accusing, didn't I. I'm sorry, I am grateful. I'm just not used to this much…" he struggled for the right word.
"Care?" Supplied Blake. Jaune nodded.
"Yeah. Sorry if I was rude Weiss. Thanks for caring". She scoffed -elegantly of course-.
"Do not put words in my mouth! I am merely making sure a certain leader will stop incessantly worrying about you".
"Weeeeeeeeeeis!" Ruby tried to leap across the table to shush her partner, however, like the last time she tried to rush from the table, her cape snagged on her shoes and instead her hand splattered into Weiss mash fruit salad. One particularly juicy tomato… exploded over the heiress's uniform.
The resounding silence was unnerving, like waiting for a bomb to go off.
And this bomb's name was Weiss Schnee.
"I'm sorry Weiss, I just wanted you to stop talking. M-my cape got caught, I'm so sorry-"
"Yang…" Weiss interrupted, the big sister -who desperately tried to contain her laugh- turned.
"I am about to discipline your younger sister. Do not interfere…" The blond looked at Ruby, her pale sister's eyes pleaded for help, for shelter from the incoming storm.
It was a shame for Ruby Rose that Yang found this far too funny to stop.
"Just make sure she's in one piece, Weiss-cream".
"Traitor!" Ruby shouted as she bounded from her seat and sped out of the cafeteria. Weiss placed her cutlery in a neat fashion and stood.
"Please give Professor Peach my regards. I shan't be too late…" With that, Weiss 'calmly' strode after her partner.
"Shouldn't we stop her?" Asked Pyrrha, noticeably not already doing so.
"Nah. Weiss won't actually hurt Rubes, she'll just read her the riot act and then Ruby will give her the puppy-dog eyes." Nora tilted her head inquisitively at Yang.
"Puppy-dog eyes?"
"Yeah, you know. That really sad, but cute look that makes people forgive you. Rubaby is really good at it".
"Oh!" Nora exclaimed, and then very slowly tried that exact look on Pyrrha.
"Nora… What did you do?" The ginger pushed her bottom lip out further, to really emphasise the sad look.
"I may have… stretched one of your leg thingies".
"My leg thingies?" She turned to Jaune who seemed equally as confused.
"She means your greaves", Ren translated. Pyrrha gaped at the energetic girl.
"How did you dent one of my greaves?"
"I was playing with it".
"Wha.. wh. How!?" She couldn't formulate the right questions, thrown off by Nora's reason.
"Well, I wanted to try them on, cause they're really cool", Nora slapped her thighs and Pyrrha blushed at Nora's pale skin, "but my legs are too womanly and they didn't fit. So I said to myself; 'Nora, maybe you should try to make them bigger!'" Despite the blush on Pyrrha's face, she managed to focus on the important aspect.
"And how did you make my metal greaves bigger?" Nora mimicked pulling up a pair of socks on her leg, stooping at her thigh, and then yanking them upwards.
"You stretched my metal greaves with your bare hands!?"
"Well, Renny helped!"
"I most certainly did not!"
"Well you watched!"
"How could I have stopped you?"
Pyrrha slumped onto the table as Nora and Ren had a them moment.
Yang watched the pair like an excited movie-goer. Blake tried her damndest to block the sound of Nora slapping her thighs from her memory. Especially as she read 'Ninja's of Love'. Jaune just shook her head, amused at his team's antics.
He wouldn't change them for the world.
Now… he needed to find out how to book the gym for later.
It turned out to be quite easy. Especially during class hours, Jaune found himself in a decently sized room, open spaced with a full wall mirror along the far side wall. The floor was slightly padded; designed for exercise that could hurt one's feet. The room was even equipped with a small music station. Jaune took one look at it, had no clue about what songs to pick, and had settled for something called a playlist, it was called 'Dance like Nobody's watching'.
The blond felt it was a bit much to be honest, he wasn't even appropriately dressed for dancing. Having no 'dancing' clothes, he had resorted to just his long-sleeve compression shirt and one of his pair of jeans. Thankfully they were naturally stretchy to make do with a Huntsman's active job.
But, as the energetic beat started to box around the room, Jaune decided to just be. He closed his eyes and let his mind conjure the perfect scenario.
Unsurprisingly, to a young man with his experience, his mind conjured a heated fight with countless Grimm. All raving for his life. Jaune counted to three, let his body really feel the beat.
And he danced.
He wasn't perfect or well choreographed. But he flowed, he twirled from imaginary claws, he pivoted away from gnashing teeth. Jaune figured what he did was definitely not dancing from a normal perspective.
But it was fun, it was refreshing to him. No worries, no risk of death, just himself, the music and the flow of his body.
For the next few hours, there were no thoughts of what tomorrow may bring, or what Junior's favour could be. There was just a young man discovering his hobby all over again.
Finally, as the music wound down and his body was covered with a slick shine of sweat, Jaune decided he'd danced enough for the day. He turned the lights off and left the room, grabbed a quick shower at the stalls and deposited the room key at the Gym's reception.
The blond left to find his friends as they left their final lesson for the day. As he turned the corridor he managed to avoid bumping into a group of four people.
"Ah!" Exclaimed the rabbit Faunus, "that's him!" She pointed at him. The rest of her group focused on Jaune. Another girl, one with a stylish pair of shades cocked her hip and leant towards him.
"This is the guy who smacked that Cardin prick around eh?" The rabbit girl nodded, her long ears flopped back and forth. Shades turned back to Jaune, "you forgot to mention that he was a hottie, little bun". Jaune and the rabbit Faunus blushed.
"C-coco! You can't just say that!" Shades, now known as Coco shrugged her shoulders.
"And why the hell not? I call 'em as I see 'em, and this one", she poked a well manicured nail at Jaune. "Is a certified hottie, hands down". The blonde decided now might be a good time to figure out what the hell was happening.
"I'm sorry, who-"
"Is this hot piece of ass in front of you?" Coco cocked her hip, tilted her shades down her nose and grinned. "I am Coco Adel, leader of team Coffee, and these lovely guys and gal are my teammates!"
Jaune stalled, his mouth opened and closed. "Y-your team is called 'Coffee?" Coco looked physically struck and staggered back.
"He didn't even mention how hot I am…" The rabbit Faunus jumped in to hide her leader's rambling.
"It's actually CFVY. Yeah, I don't understand Headmaster Ozpin's naming conventions either." She pointed to herself. "I'm Velvet Scarlatina, I was the Faunus you helped yesterday." Jaune nodded.
"Of course, I recognised you. Sorry for not asking for your name, things were pretty hectic after all that…" Coco, having recovered, wrapped her arm around Velvet's shoulders.
"Ohhh, he remembered you! That's soooo cute, isn't it Bun-Bun?" Velvet's ears dropped as she not so subtly elbowed her team leader in the stomach. Coco went down to her knees muttering something about sensitive rabbits. Jaune was confused, so he turned to the remaining two team members.
"Is that normal?" The physically imposing male on the team inclined his head, he was well-built and even managed to stand nearly a head taller than Jaune, something the blond was not used to.
"It is a cycle that occurs just as the birds make songs on the morrow".
Jaune stared at the huge man.
"He means yes. It does happen a lot". The final member of team CFVY clarified, he was quite the stand out. Dark skinned, pale cloudy eyes, blazing red hair and featured a nasty scar on his face. He extended a scarred hand and grinned lazily.
"Since our lovely leader didn't bother to introduce us. I'm Fox Alistair and the tall mystical one behind me is Yatsuhashi Daichi. After what Velvet told us about yesterday, we wanted to meet ya". Jaune extended his own scarred hand and shook Fox's.
"It's nice to meet you all, but I didn't do it because it was Velvet in particular. I just don't like bullies". Fox's grin grew cheekier.
"Even better, Coco also wanted to make sure you weren't trying to get into Velvet's pants by being her hero". Jaune had a few seconds to react before Fox was viciously yanked backwards by a furiously blushing Velvet.
"Ignore my teammates. They're all idiots!" Quickly, the rabbit Faunus grasped Jaune's hand.
"But seriously, I just wanted to thank you for yesterday. No one else even tried to help me". Jaune frowned.
"Yeah… I don't get that, why did everyone else just watch?" Velvet's shoulders dropped, but Coco stepped in, arm wrapped again over her partner's shoulder.
"Cause to most, a Faunus getting abused is just another day in this shitty world."
"Coco!" Admonished the Faunus.
"What! It's true! That Cardin prick has been bullying you since he started, I'm just glad someone finally stopped it." A thought occurred to Jaune.
"You're Velvet's teammates right? Why didn't any of you stop him?" Coco's brows narrowed at him.
"We tried, went to the teachers and everything! They said without proof, we're up a certain creek without a paddle". The idiom went over Jaune's head, but he got the gist. "Also, me and Fox tried to beat the shit out of the prick. But Bun-Bun didn't want us to get into trouble". Velvet glared at her leader.
"You know he'd just go tell a teacher that a group of 2nd-years were picking on him, all that would've accomplished would you two being in trouble."
"I mean, It would've felt good to smash that shit's face in…" Coco slowly cowed to Velvet's stern glare.
"Well, what about you Velvet, why didn't you stop him? I mean, you just said you're a 2nd-year student. Surely you're better than Cardin of all people?" Fox snorted whilst Coco let out a snicker. Velvet just sighed.
"As my teammates just let you know, in a fight I would demolish that garbage."
"But?" Jaune guessed..
"But, If I were to defend myself, Cardin would just have claimed I was some kind of Faunus supremacist or something even more stupid, and boom; more racism against other Faunus students". Jaune winced.
"That's. That's really unfair." Coco nodded.
"Life's unfair Jauney, that's just how it is sometimes".
"Yeah… I know that", he sighed. His brow perked up, "wait, I didn't give you my name!"
"Oh Jauney, I have my ways, and a woman never reveals her secrets".
"She threatened Cardin's team to tell her your name".
"Bun-Bun!" Velvet shrugged.
"Life's unfair Coco, 'that's just how it is sometimes". Coco spun to the boys on her team.
"Fox, Yattie, my dear sweet Bun-Bun just sassed me!" Yatsuhashi nodded solemnly.
"Just as the bird must learn to fly, they must learn to survive by themselves, young Velvet has begun her metamorphosis."
"Vel's a rabbit Faunus, not a god-damned pigeon, Yattie!"
"Vel's about to kick your ass if you talk like she isn't here". Coco glanced over her shoulder at the Faunus.
"Ohhh, bunny's got claws… Maybe if you're good, I'll let you use them on me". Velvet's face went as scarlet as her last name.
"Coco… not in front of Jaune…"
"Oh grow up Bun-bun, Jauney isn't scared of lesbians." Shaded eyes glanced at him, "are you?"
Jaune raised his palms. "Love is love". Coco grinned.
"Damn right, knew there was a reason I liked you, but I like my Bun-bun more". Velvet stomped her foot, Jaune kept it to himself that he found it more adorable than threatening.
"Coco! Can you not discuss our love life in front of everyone!?"
"Relaaaaaax. I just enjoy letting people know how lucky I am. Okay?" Velvet pouted, and Jaune felt very much out of the conversation at this point.
"Sorry to interrupt. But, was there anything else you needed? I was just about to go meet my friends". He could feel that Ruby was already preparing the search party. Coco -who had been distracted pampering her partner- clicked her fingers in recollection.
"You're right! I wanted to let you know I owe you a favour for what ya did for my Bun-Bun." Jaune's eyes widened.
"What? You don't need to do that! I just did what I felt was right, I didn't expect a reward".
"Tough shit, here's my number, put it in your scroll and give me a call when you aim to collect". The shaded girl poked her tongue out mischievously. Velvet fondly slapped the back of her lover's head.
"Just accept it Jaune, Coco does not take no for an answer. Trust me, I know first hand." Coco poked the faunus on the cheek.
"It got me you didn't it?" Velvet scoffed playfully.
"I just felt sorry for you is all. Don't look too into it".
"I'll take it!" Coco cheered. Jaune turned to the males of team CFVY, both who looked utterly used to the bizarre romance between Coco and Velvet. Fox shrugged his shoulders.
"You get used to it, it's honestly really cute… in a 'car crash' kind of way."
"I'll take your word for it, but if that's all?" Velvet turned away from her doting partner.
"That's all Jaune, thanks again for your help!"
"It was no problem, as I said, I don't like bullies. Let me know if he starts up again". Team CFVY nodded and Jaune turned to find his friends before a Ruby shaped blur tracked him down.
"Oh Jauney!" He spun around.
"Yeah?"
"Is that redhead on your team seeing anyone?" He stumbled in shock.
"Bu-but, aren't you and Velvet…" Coco smirked and wrapped her arm around Velvet's waist.
"We are. But we're also open to sharing…" The shit eating grin of the fashionable dressed girl sent shivers down his back. Add to the fact Velvet also seemed interested to know, despite the intense blush adorning her cheeks.
Jaune's mind shut down for a few moments.
This was definitely not what he expected when he came to school.
Once he managed to collect his mind from the onslaught of two upper years asking if his partner was single. He found his friends on the way back to their dorms. Ruby had given him the close shoulder for not meeting them when they left class. It lasted all of three seconds before she cracked and excitedly asked about how his dancing went.
"It was good, refreshing." The reaper groaned.
"Don't be boring Jaune! C'mon tell me more! What did you dance to? Were you good? Didyouweartights?" Jaune missed a step and stumbled.
"What was that last one?" Ruby giggled overly loud and swished her cape back and forth.
"Nothing, oh what's that over there?" She dramatically pointed down the corridor, Jaune -having no reason to not believe her- turned, only to find an empty hallway. Confused, the blond returned his gaze to Ruby, or at least where Ruby once was. He barely spotted her dash into her dorm room, a haphazard wave sent their way. His blue eyes found Yang for an explanation.
She shook her head, a big dumb grin on her lips. "Can't tell ya Jauney-boy, but I will tell you." She leaned in, "I find the whole thing hilarious." Weiss just scoffed and dragged the blonde bombshell towards their room.
"That is enough of laughing at your dolt of a sister for one evening. We have homework to start".
"Ack!" Yang playfully flailed. "Blake, save me! I don't wanna do homework!"
"Remember that time you called my books smut?" The blonde hesitated.
"N-no?" Blake's yellow eyes narrowed.
"Suffer…"
"Noooooooo…" Yang wailed childishly as she was finally dragged into JNPR's sister's team dorm. Blake followed after, she gave a small wave as she entered.
In the hallway with the rest of his team, Jaune placed his hands on his hips and turned to them.
"Say what you will. But we are not as weird as team RWBY."
"Aye aye big bro, we're as normal as red striped sloths!"
"I don't think those red striped sloths are normal… or even exist for that matter, Nora."
"Heresy! Regent Cereal; slay this knave!" Pyrrha bowed her head dramatically and gave Ren an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry Ren, but the Queen has spoken." The boy in question just sighed.
"Do as you must… Regent Cereal." Nora pointed at Jaune.
"You too! Fearless Big Brodius, help apprehend the heretic".
"What did you call me!?"
"CHARRRRRRGE" Nora pushed him and Pyrrha after Ren, who had started to skulk into their dorm during the Queen's orders.
Jaune's confused scream was joined by Pyrrha's heartfelt giggles in that school hallway that evening.
Forget everything I just said, we're definitely weirder. He managed a small smile even through his utter befuddlement. And I wouldn't change it for anything.
Later, after the heretic had been caught, -Nora made everyone dogpile Ren- and executed, -Ren was forced to make Nora pancakes that evening- team JNPR had changed for the night and were relaxing in the living room. Jaune had started to retell his encounter with team CFVY. Midway through his recounting, his scroll buzzed. Pulling it open, his good mood instantly soured.
'Come to Junior's this Saturday. . Your favour is due.'
Of course now was when the gang leader decided to ruin his day.
Well, at least now I know when and where to go. Better than it being tomorrow or even worse; tonight! Small mercies and all that.
"Jaune, are you okay? Did you get bad news?" That was his partner, always worried about her friends, but this was something he definitely couldn't let anyone know about. So, what did he do?
He deflected.
"Hey Pyrrha, Coco wanted to know if you're seeing anyone", he ignored his partner's choked cough, "apparently she and Velvet are open to 'sharing'."
Pyrrha; the poor girl couldn't handle the suddenness of the question. She spent the next several minutes blushing up a storm, whilst trying to cough up a sweet she had just eaten.
"You go girl! Slay! Slay! Slay!"
"Do you even know what that means, Nora?"
"Nope!"
Jaune smirked and headed over to help his partner to not choke.
Deflection successful.
And that's a wrap on chapter 5. Some drama, Jaune now must attend sessions with Port and Pyrrha grew some much needed backbone (wonder where that'll lead to). And Ruby wants to see Jaune in tights, cause she's a butt person. Also, Nora's still happy in her own Nora sized world.
Next chapter, we gun see some action paction.
With that done, as always;
Please feel free to let me know what you think.
Also, if anyone is interested in being a Beta reader for this story, I would be most grateful if you sent me a PM. As stated above, I'm dyslexic as hell and will inevitably make some mistakes here an there, I try to correct them all, but I go word blind after re-reading my stuff so much.
From Gavin Tyson.