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Sense of Semblance	By : sandman-nobody Category: +M through R > RWBY Views: 132765 -:- Recommendations : 5 -:- Currently Reading : 7
Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY. I am not making any money from this fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
A/N: You know, I actually got this chapter ready yesterday? But then, totally forgot it was April 1^st and I didn’t want people to think my first update in a year was a prank. Thankfully, I’m not that much of an asshole.
Yeah, so it’s been a while. Sorry about that. Anyone that wants an in-depth explanation can feel free to PM me. Otherwise, I’ll just say that I took on too many commissions at once and I didn’t have the time for my monthly stories. I’m sorry for not saying anything, but I honestly didn’t think it would take this long to update. Unfortunately, then a new job came around and other aspects of life that needed my attention until it’s finally been a year.
That said, with Covid-19 going on and so much fear in the world right now, I think we can all do with a little distraction while we’re stuck indoors.
Hopefully this makes a few of your days a little brighter.
Chapter 12 - Winning
Tag(s): N/A
Girl(s): N/A
Words:11,940
Despite what many might assume, Weiss was all too familiar with the fine art of flirting. The accidental glances, the purposeful stares, the confident strides, and the smooth words meant to coax teasing giggles.
It always seemed so simple, so thoughtless. Oum knew how many young men she’d watched try and deploy such tactics on herself.
Her father’s charity banquets were always the worst examples. As though the fact that their families happened to flash a certain amount of money entitled them to…benefits. Of course, it didn’t help that her father did nothing to dissuade such behavior.
She’d seen it all; smooth talkers, handsome faces, cocky oafs, and the oh so irritating waxing poets. And she’d ignored them all the same. And now, standing before a shirtless Jaune Arc in the middle of the wilderness, she was kind of wishing she’d paid more attention.
Instead, all she had to fall back on were a few scattered memories of hidden romance novels she’d “found” in her sister’s bedroom.
They’d been ridiculously fanciful stories of high standing women and dangerous rogues, of affairs and eloping and everything young, rich girls love to dream about. And of course, there had been a certain amount of risqué material.
Nothing that would grace Blake’s bookshelf, of course. The fact that her sister felt the need to hide them beneath her mattress was almost laughable.
But for a twelve-year-old girl, they’d been terribly naughty treasures filled with chaste kisses under the moonlight and lingering touches most teenagers would consider childish. But that didn’t mean the scenes within those pages hadn’t set the stage for many of young Weiss’ late-night explorations.
But those stories held the same problem as her real life. It had always been the man to woo the woman; to get the flowers, to sing for her beneath a balcony, and to steal her heart.
All the women had to do was wait. But Weiss had lost that privilege. And she now found herself in a position that should have been impossible.
Weiss Schnee needed to romance Jaune Arc.
But she’d come prepared. She had a plan. Didn’t she have a plan? Unfortunately, it seemed to have gone out the window as soon as Weiss had stumbled across the young man without a shirt.
His tanned skin glistened with drops of water trailing down his surprisingly shaped figure. And this time, the heat between her legs had nothing to do with the boy’s aura.
“Ah…” she stared, “that is…” her eyes flickered to his navel and all the toned skin that surrounded it. Since when had he had abs?
Finally, her eyes returned to his own, a shaken smile struggling its way onto her flushed cheeks. “Hello there… Sunshine?”
Jaune didn’t react, his surprised reaction to her sudden presence remaining as such. Though, mouth parted and eyebrows raised, the tilt of his head did seem to shift a bit farther off-kilter.
The small spark of confidence Weiss had strode in with quickly flickered out in the ensuing silence.
“Oh!” she all but gasped, red cheeks turning redder. An unfamiliar expression of panic twisted her features. But rather than turn and run, her knees locked in stubborn refusal.
She allowed a heartbeat to pass before twisting her face into another mask of confidence.
“N-No? I see, then perhaps goldilocks would be more appropriate?” Her hands fisted the front of her skirt to hide the slight quiver that’d taken hold. Nevertheless, a shadow of a smirk came to life as her eyes dared to stare with a lidded smolder. “I’d ask what product you use, but I refuse to believe that head of hair is anything but natural.”
For his part, this was enough to earn something more from the blond. Though, perhaps not in the direction Weiss had been hoping for. Not unless dumbfounded confusion had been her goal.
Eyebrows drawn up to his hairline and jaw dropping, his wide eyes couldn’t spell much else. And yet, Weiss remained steadfast in her mask, crumbling as it was.
“D-Don’t like that one either, huh? Well, no problem. If I’m honest, while striking, your hair is still nothing compared to those remarkable eyes. Tell me, does the sky miss all that blue you stole, or is it just trying to copy out of envy? Ah…”
Her smile faltered for a moment before she found what she was looking for, “Cloud…Eagle?”
Wait, was that a compliment? That worked, right? Eagles were majestic, proud creatures! Oh, Oum, just kill her now.
This was terrifying… How on Remnant did Jaune do this for the last month?
Perhaps for the first time since Jaune set his sights on her, Weiss understood the actual stress that came with putting yourself out there day after day, regardless of rejection. And yet he’d exposed himself to such situations knowing full well she’d likely shoot him down before he even had the chance?
Memories of her teammates and their tendencies to label her as ‘cold’ came up of their own volition, and perhaps Weiss had to finally agree with them.
Not that there had been anything wrong with turning him down when she hadn’t been interested. But maybe she hadn’t needed to be so harsh? If she couldn’t acknowledge his feelings at the time, then at the very least, his tolerance for humiliation deserved nothing less than a passing nod.
But Jaune didn’t say anything. At least, not at first. Hearing Weiss’ frankly unbelievable words, his eyes drifted from her dissolving grin, to the forest, to his clothes, before easing back to meet her frightened eyes. Only to then answer, “are…are you allergic to sap too?”
Not…exactly the grand romantic moment Weiss had been looking for. “I’m…I’m sorry?” It was Jaune’s turn to blush, realizing what he’d said after blurting out the first thing to come to mind.
“No!” he exclaimed, his cheeks warming as he remembered he was standing ankle-deep in a creek. His lack of shirt never felt more apparent, nor the fact that this was Weiss standing in front of him.
“I mean, I’m sorry. Thought I might be… hallucinating for a second there,” he tried to laugh it off, releasing a sound that was equal parts awkward and stiff. He rushed at the chance to change the subject before he could make a bigger fool of himself.
“Um, you mind if I…?” he gestured towards the crumbled ball of fabric Weiss finally noticed dangling off of a branch to her right. She jumped back as if she’d seen a snake.
“Yes!” Weiss chirped, red returning to her face as though finally realizing how creepy she was being. Although, not enough to look away while he made his way out of the stream towards her.
Her gaze dropped before she could catch herself, entranced until the plain white T-shirt draped over the tantalizing view. “If you need to.” She sighed at the loss. Thankfully, she’d seen more than enough to tuck the memory away for better use when the time was right.
‘No! Bad Weiss! Hands above your waist.’ She tried to admonish herself. Her new hobby was growing into a bit of a problem, and one she wasn’t proud of. But that didn’t mean she’d fallen so low as to pleasure herself in a forest. Unfortunately, Jaune was finally close enough to tease her against the edge of his aura.
Her body blossomed to life, forcing her to amend, ‘at least…for now.’
“Weiss?” Jaune asked, his tone cautious and unsure. “Did, um, you say you were lost?”
To his credit, it didn’t make the most sense. He’d literally seen her get launched into a forest via catapult, and she’d still found her way around no problem. All the huntsman had.
Weiss’ name was enough to draw her attention away from her arousal, even if she stumbled remembering her answer.
“Yes…” she managed slowly, “lost.” A deep shudder ran through her slim figure. Unbidden, she found her eyes lingering on the front of his T-shirt, her pale blue eyes suddenly sharp as if she could try and see through the damnable fabric.
“M-My teammates, that is. I can’t seem to find them anywhere. You… wouldn’t mind helping me track a few of them down, would you?” And then she did look up, pale blue eyes meeting Jaune’s.
“Ah…” Jaune couldn’t answer.
Unbeknownst to Weiss, her expression at that moment was worth more than all the compliments and smooth pick up lines in the world.
Pale cheeks flushed and breath short, as she peeked up at the young man through her long, dark lashes, her eyes appeared to twinkle. Coming off as coy, small, and feminine, it was the kind of look that would make any guy want to fall for a girl.
The problem was, Jaune had already fallen for her. And if this were a week ago, he might have jumped over the moon to see his crush look at him so.
But this wasn’t a week ago, and Weiss had proved again and again that when she said she wasn’t interested in him, she meant it. And he’d promised her after their date that, if she still didn’t want him afterward, he would stop pursuing her, and that he would be happy being her friend.
Well, he was having some very unfriendly thoughts about her. And if he didn’t do something quick, he had a feeling he'd be tempted to do some equally unfriendly things to the unsuspecting woman. Or, very, very friendly, as it were.
“Sure!” he suddenly exclaimed, wide blue eyes turned upward, side to side, and anywhere that wasn’t directly at the beautiful girl staring up at him. “That sounds like a wonderful idea that I won’t question at all. Let us go right this moment! I think it’s this way? This way looks good. Let’s go this way!”
It was only after he’d walked far enough, and Weiss fell out of his field of influence, that the pale girl realized he’d already left. And in the complete opposite direction of the rest of their class.
Weiss thought of correcting him, but she hesitated at the last second—a sneaky smile coming to life.
“Well, at least we won’t have to worry about getting interrupted,” she smirked before leaning forward to start a quick sprint after the young man. The sensation of her damp thighs rubbing together tingled with each and every step.
XxX
What followed could only be described as an awkward atmosphere.
The sound of leaves and grass crunched beneath their feet as Jaune and Weiss walked through the bright red foliage surrounding them.
The mood was… quiet, just shy of uncomfortable as the pair avoided each other’s gaze. If they’d forgotten the fact that this was the first time they’d spent together since their date, the suffocating air served as a staggering reminder.
Trying to glance out the corner of his eyes, the young man watched Weiss’ expression grow strangely forced as the two of them marched. Her hands, usually calmly folded or clasped in her lap, were now tight balls at her sides.
She seemed tense, unusually so. And it, in turn, made his own shoulder bunch, unsure what to make of the situation. Thankfully, after what looked like much deliberation, Weiss’ voice broke the thick air.
“Thank you again for helping me find my way back to my teammates. I can’t imagine where they must have disappeared to. Honestly, they're like children. You turn your back for one moment, and they vanish into thin air.”
Her tone was light, casual, and warm. The shift left Jaune hesitating for a moment, unsure how to respond.
“You know me, always happy to help a lady in need,” he put on his best smile, unconsciously turning on the charm. “What kind of gentleman would let a beautiful angel such as yourself wander around this dangerous forest?”
It was as ridiculous as it was cheesy, but it was familiar enough that Jaune couldn’t help but fall back on the exchange.
As if Weiss needed any form of escort. Pity the poor Beowulf or Boarbatusk that thought it could catch this huntress off guard.
Part of him waited for the exaggerated sigh or exasperated glare that never failed to follow his less than successful flattery. But when he looked over, his eyebrow raised to see neither expression souring Weiss’ naturally fair features.
Instead, her eyes had turned towards the ground as if unable to look in his direction. And, while appearing bashful, what Jaune recognized as discomfort reminded him of his mistake.
“Oh,” he sucked in a breath, wincing slightly, “Sorry. I didn’t mean to…” It was his turn to look away. “I agreed I’d stop flirting with you. Don’t worry. I won’t go back on my promise.”
He flashed another grin, less flirtatious this time. Unfortunately, if he was hoping to see Weiss relax at his words, his casual expression dropped witnessing the opposite. If anything, her withered stare had turned downright angry.
Jaune had to struggle from taking a small break to slam his head against a tree.
Why was he so bad at this? Why was it he never managed to say the right thing when it came to this woman? Not when he’d been trying to be a boyfriend, and now not even as a friend.
Though, to be honest, the issue here was more that he didn’t know how to be a friend to Weiss. And, really, had he ever actually tried?
He thought back to how they’d met, how he’d literally almost ran her over, and sure enough, his first introduction had been a pickup line. And the exchanges that had followed had been just as bad.
It was no small wonder how she’d eventually started avoiding him altogether. If they sucked at small talk, it was probably because he’d never really tried to talk to her. Not until their “date,” and he’d spent the entire time thinking about manipulating her with his power.
Yeah, that tree was looking better and better…
Never mind still being friends after she turned him down, they’d never been friends in the first place! If it wasn’t for their teams, there was a good chance the only time he’d see her was in classes.
To put it simply, he didn’t know how to be friends with Weiss. And he had no one to blame but himself.
But…But that didn’t mean things couldn’t change.
“Hey, um, Weiss?” Jaune offered. And when she turned to look at him, her eyes started at the regret so clearly defined on the young man’s voice. “I think…I think I owe you an apology.”
Surprise turned to shock. Weiss was nearly forced to slap a hand over her mouth to keep the dumbfounded, ‘What on Remnant are you talking about?’ from escaping. Him, owe her an apology?
She liked to think he was still interested enough to jump at the opportunity to be with her. But it was impossible to ignore the chance that humiliating him in a restaurant full of people might be too much for even Jaune to take in stride.
Compounded with months of…less than kind rejections, and she wouldn’t put it past him to laugh in her face. Or, at the very least, to have moved on.
It was the quiet fear that lurked in the back of her mind. The anger she couldn’t help but expect should she work up the courage to outright tell Jaune that she’d changed her mind. So, what could he possibly have to apologize for?
Jaune continued, oblivious to her confusion.
“I…I wasn’t a good friend to you. I wasn’t a friend at all, in fact. You must have told me a thousand times you weren’t interested, and I kept pushing and annoying you. It’s just…would you believe me if I told you that was how my mom and dad got together?”
When he looked over, he could see the severe arch that had taken her eyebrow.
“No, I’m serious,” and Jaune felt a smile lifting from his serious expression.
“Look, I’m not trying to make excuses or anything. I was a nuisance. It’s just; my Dad always loved to tell me and my sisters about how Mom must have shot him down a hundred times before he finally got a yes. And then he did everything in his power to make that one yes count.
“He made it sound romantic, and that you needed to prove your feelings to a woman by being persistent. It made so much sense back then.” But Jaune was shaking his head now, obviously aware such things did not always apply.
“And now?” Weiss asked, “if he bothered that poor woman for so long, do they seem happy?” She found herself oddly curious. And as Jaune answered with a brilliant smile and laugh, a warmth bloomed within her breast.
“Yeah, Yes. I would say Dad and Mom are still going strong. I mean, there has to be some love left if they managed to make eight of us, right?” And the surprises kept coming…
“Surely, you're joking…” Weiss all but demanded, “there are eight of you?” It would have sounded like a nightmare a little while ago.
“The world should be so lucky,” Jaune joked, “but no. At least, not like you’re thinking. They’re all girls, except me. It made for an…interesting childhood.”
Eight children… Weiss’ eyes stared off into the forest, trying to think about how one responded to such news. She didn’t want to sound rude, after all. Especially not towards the boy’s mother. But still, eight?! Should she be checking him for Rabbit features?
Thankfully, she didn’t say that out loud. Though, what did manage to bubble up wasn’t much better.
“Has your mother earned a medal?” she finally asked, her tone awed. At that, Jaune couldn’t help but outright chuckle.
“She should,” he nodded his head. “Especially after everything I’ve put her through.” His mother had a kind heart, and one that could instantly turn cruel should anything threaten the family she’d birthed.
It was almost scary at times how quickly she could switch between the two. Recalling the early years when she’d read him to sleep each night, he still remembered the way her hand had run through his hair.
Weiss nodded slowly, still struggling to picture some small home out in the world fit to bursting with ten hyperactive blondes.
Sure, she had Winter. And Whitely also counted as a sibling, kind of. But five more children felt impossible to fit into the memories of her own home. Which was strange considering its size could have managed it with ease.
“Your poor mother...” was all she could say in the end.
“You’d be surprised,” Jaune shrugged. “She’s a huntress, too. So, she’s done all kinds of incredible things before she retired. Birthing eight children just happens to be on the upper end of that list.”
Weiss found herself only able to agree, oddly invested in the story.
Before their date, Weiss used to dream of what it would be like to go a week without hearing Jaune’s damn voice popping up out of nowhere. But having experienced such pleasure, it was humbling to understand that she’d actually missed it. And more than that, she wanted to hear more about him.
He’d been right when he said they didn’t know each other. Not really. There’d been some back and forth on their date, but most of the time had been about her. And while it wasn’t the grand seduction Weiss had been hoping for, perhaps this could be nice in its own way.
“So, your mother was a huntress?” She tried to think of the name Arc in the back of her mind, but nothing came up. “What does your father do?”
Jaune stopped for a moment, surprised by the interest. Hadn’t he been apologizing? “Um, Hunter.”
“Both of them?” her eyelashes fluttered.
He nodded, understanding her surprise. While it wasn’t too rare to find hunters marrying one another, it wasn’t very often they both lived long enough to stay a family. Situations like Yang and Ruby’s were much more common.
“My sisters too,” he added, if only to continue Weiss’ interest.
“Every one of them. Well, minus Hazel. But only because she’s still in training. Last I heard she was near the top of her class. It’s kind of a family business. Something about a great, great grandpa and the Great War. Dad doesn’t really like to talk about it, but there are a few history books in our family’s library that talked about him.”
He’d spent a lot of time in that library growing up. While other children were learning about, ‘The Boy Who Called Grimm’ and, ‘Goodnight What’s Left Of The Moon,’ he’d been eyeballs deep in Remnant war history learning about his ancestors and what they did to earn the small snippets of text.
It had made him feel special. Like his name meant something, so he meant something. He’d only learned too late that just owning a name didn’t mean you lived up to it. You had to do that yourself.
Weiss took this information slowly, connecting the dots as she realized the implications. The only son of a well-renowned family. Seven siblings and both their parents that all excelled in their position.
Weiss realized with a start that she’d never considered Jaune’s motivation for becoming a huntsman. Especially considering his lack of ability. It had been easier to brush him off as a young man foolishly chasing a dream he had no hope of accomplishing. But the truth turned out to be far more complicated.
It would seem the role was less of a dream and more an onus. Not that Jaune looked reluctant to take up the inheritance. Anyone could see how badly he’d wanted to be at Beacon. But with birthrights came a certain weight and a responsibility that you couldn’t help but want to live up to.
Their situations were different, vastly so. But at that moment, Weiss Schnee did something she’d never expected. She empathized with Jaune Arc.
“That couldn’t have been easy,” she acknowledged, careful with her wording. And while Jaune’s smile remained, there was an edge to it.
“Not for reasons you’d think,” he shook his head, eyes gazing off at some far-off place.
“My parents… they never pressured me to be a huntsman, you know? There was never any kind of obligation. But you see your dad pick up his weapon and go to work, and you see your mom able to fight off a Beowulf that wanders too close to the house, and then you see your big sisters get bigger and stronger and what kid wouldn’t think they wanted to do the same?”
Weiss nodded in understanding. She’d felt the same thing growing up with Winter. Her big sister had inspired her to create her own strength, separate from the SDC.
Perhaps it was luck that she’d managed so well—or genes. But if things hadn’t worked out like they had? If she tried her best, trained every day, and still failed? Would she have had the strength to continue on, regardless?
“Things didn’t work out great at the start…obviously. It was pretty noticeable I wasn’t quite as strong as my siblings, or as quick, or nimble.” He made a gesture with his hands. “My mom trained all of us once we were old enough to ask for it, but I never managed to catch on as quickly as the rest of them.
“I didn’t really think much of it at the time, just that I needed to train longer or try harder. That I’d find my strength with enough time. At least until…” Jaune stopped himself as if realizing what he was about to say.
The stress in his face slacked, and he quickly turned to look at Weiss, wondering if she was getting bored listening to him for so long. But she matched his stare, the effect of his aura the furthest thing from her mind.
“Until?” she gently prompted, unaware of how close they’d gotten on their walk through the woods.
Without thinking, her hand reached up to tease the edge of his arm. And when he didn’t pull away, she allowed the slim length of her fingers to softly curl around the thick forearm dangling between them.
Jaune didn’t say anything at first, wondering if he should continue. But then, he had said he’d wanted to get closer to Weiss the right way. Maybe this would be a good start?
“It always happened on our thirteenth birthday,” he started ominously, his tone growing softer. “It’s not really a tradition or anything, but after watching six of my sisters get their huntress weapons on their thirteenth birthday, you notice a pattern. My parents would know better than anyone what we would be good with — what weapon suited us best.
“I remember being so happy that morning. Like it was finally my time. Like if I knew what I was good at, I could focus on it and finally catch up.
“I never even noticed the rest of my family acting strangely. Not when I came down to breakfast and found all of my favorite foods. Not all afternoon when everyone…everyone was so nice to me. Not even through dinner, when everyone started getting quiet.
“All I could think about was my present. And when it came time to open my gifts, I can’t even remember what the rest of my family got me. Only that, it wasn’t Mom and Dad’s. Until finally, it was. And when I opened it, I saw that they’d gotten me…a guitar.”
Jaune fell silent as the scene continued playing in his head.
He’d been so stupid, so confused. He’d thought that he must have forgotten one and looked back at the pile expecting something hidden beneath the table or behind the drapes. A surprise. But there’d been no other present. And when he’d looked back at his parents, at his sisters, he could see the truth in their eyes. The silent worry. The worry that had been there all day.
The moment still stayed with him. It haunted him as much as his own self-doubt. His sister’s stunned silence. The forced grins on his parent’s faces, as though nothing was actually wrong. As though they hadn’t basically told him that he was a failure, and to give up on being a hunter and find another occupation.
But in a family of hunters, what else could he possibly have done?
The room had recovered quickly enough, his oldest sisters quickly rushing to tell him how cool he looked, and how girls loved a man that could play music. And the broken child he’d been had only been able to look at his father and say thank you, neither of them quite sure what face to give the other.
That was the beginning of his plan to run away. To prove that he had what it took. If his own family couldn’t believe in him, then he’d become the strongest hero of his generation. He’d prove to everyone that he belonged in the family. Himself included.
“I, ah, stopped training with my family after that. Still did my best on my own, but I wasn’t doing all that great when I had a teacher.”
“You still managed to get accepted into Beacon,” she felt the need to point out. Ozpin didn’t just let in any schmuck. “And you managed to pass initiation. Not many could manage that.”
Not very well, of course. But the fact he’d managed to survive a Deathstocker and Nevermore attack had to mean a competent foundation in defense. Well, either that or a stupid amount of aura. But if she was expecting Jaune to perk up, she was surprised seeing his rueful expression deepen, even twisting into a sarcastic grin.
“No,” he agreed, “not many could.”
Weiss stared at him for a long moment struggling to understand what those words meant. But for once, Jaune’s open expression had become guarded. And she could understand why.
Being rejected by your own family, well, it’s what terrified her the most, wasn’t it? And Jaune had already lived through it. No wonder he was so stubborn.
“Were…were they cruel? Or, perhaps cold?” Thankfully, Jaune shook his head.
“Oum, no. But, would I sound crazy if I said I wish they had been?” And by the look Weiss shot him, the answer was yes.
“You need to understand. It wasn’t that suddenly I wasn’t a huntsman. I could have been a traveling juggler, and they’d show up to every show. It’s that suddenly I was a civilian. And you should know better than anyone that huntsmen don’t treat civilians the same as other huntsmen.”
Weiss nodded her head in agreement. It was true, and even she was guilty of the small issue.
She wasn’t as cruel as some, who liked to view civilians as if they didn’t exist. Or worse, as a liability, something that was in the way. But she knew she had a tendency of treating non-huntsman as perhaps something more fragile than necessary.
It was an instinct when you could take a hail fire of bullets and jump off cliffs like they were nothing.
“But it wasn’t just physically. Me and my sisters, we’re like any other siblings, you know? We fought, we argued. Always over the stupidest stuff. But almost overnight, it was all, Jaune wanted the last piece of pizza? I got it. Jaune wanted to watch a show? I got the remote, no questions asked. Jaune wanted more allowance? Sure son, here’s a twenty. Go out for some fun.
“It was a nightmare! They saw how much being a huntsman meant to me. But they’d already seen it would never happen. It was like I had some terminal disease. Like my life was over and the pity in their faces just made everything worse.
“I…I’ll admit, I didn’t handle it the best way either. Looking back now, I knew they were having as hard a time seeing me in pain. That they were trying to show me that they love me, but I couldn’t see it. Or, I didn’t want to see it. I just wanted to be a brat. And to hate someone other than myself.
“The breaking point finally came when Hazel, my little sister? She, ah, she turned thirteen last year.
“The family celebrated like normal; cake, party, presents. And I got to tell you, I was dreading the moment she opened up her weapon. I knew it was going to feel like a punch right in the gut. That it would bring that moment rushing back. But then, when she opened the present from Mom and Dad, it was a dress. A new dress she’d been begging for, for months.
“I kept looking around at everyone, confused. And then I looked at Hazel, terrified she’d be as upset as I’d been. But she was fine. She gushed and jumped up to hug Mom and Dad. Everyone smiled like it was no big deal…”
Shame rushed through Jaune like it was in the air he breathed. Feeling the shift, Weiss’ hand on his arm tightened as warm and soft as he’d ever imagined. He had to stop and glance towards her, surprised for a moment to find comfort in her expression. The small smile she offered was enough to allow him to continue.
“I didn’t find out until a week later that Hazel had already gotten her weapon the day before her party. The rest of the family decided to keep it a secret. It was about then I realized what an asshole I was being. And how I was making my family dance around this colossal elephant in the room because I wanted to pout. I mean, what kind of big brother makes his little sister feel like she can’t be proud of her accomplishments?
“I didn’t fit in with my family any more…so I left. I left determined to see if I had what it took to be a huntsman. Or to see if I failed so I could finally move on. It was a fresh start. A new chance to see who I was. If I could be who I wanted to be.”
He finally fell silent, and his eyes turned towards the dark red grass passing as they walked.
He’d always wondered what he would feel after he shared his past. Pyrrha had learned a bit, but not the worst of it.
Why? He couldn’t say. But there was a part of Weiss that made him feel like she’d understand better. That she could already see that there was bad in people, so she wouldn’t be disappointed in him.
It didn’t make Weiss a worse person for it. Pyrrha was just a little naïve at times. And deep down, he’d always been a little afraid that she saw more in him than he deserved. It was kind of her, but even kindness could hurt if it was too much.
His family had taught him that.
Seconds ticked by without Weiss offering so much as a word. He found his chest drowning in a thick muck of anxiety all too quick to reclaim its throne.
Part of him had always hoped to feel some relief like in the movies. That there would be some great weight lifted from his chest, and that he would finally be able to feel free from the guilt over how he treated his family.
But this wasn’t a movie.
This…this had been a mistake. Why had he said all that? What made him think she’d want to hear any of that? Oum, because people loved to have near-strangers unload all their baggage! He’d wanted to be Weiss’ friend, but that might have been an even worse start than the flirting. She must think he was a total lunatic…
He should apologize.
No, wait, the mood was already too depressing.
He should play it off! Yeah, that was it. Make it look like it’d been some big joke. Maybe she would laugh, and he could start over?
Wait, no, that would be weirder. Was there a way to save this? He’d better say something before she had to awkwardly make an excuse to disappear.
It was their date all over again…
But what Jaune mistook for awkward discomfort, had really been quiet contemplation. Whether Jaune knew it or not, he had a way with words. Words that often struck a chord with the woman by his side when she took the time to listen. And hearing the story of reinvention and freedom had done precisely that.
‘Be who I wanted to be…’ The words stuck with Weiss as the pair continued walking, playing over and over in a loop.
She understood that feeling and understood it well. Her own thoughts had been quite similar living under her father’s roof, desperate for any chance to escape and see the world. To see who she was once she was free.
And she thought she had been…until her date. Until she’d found something she’d wanted, someone she’d wanted, only to turn it away as soon as she realized he might not be something her father would approve of.
She’d had to do a lot of thinking after that night. After all, if it had happened once, who’s to say it hadn’t happened before? Who’s to say it didn’t happen every day? How much of her life was really her own? And how much of it had been… conditioned?
Suddenly, the sky she’d thought she’d escaped into had shrunken back into the cage she’d always known. Proving itself to be only a dream. Worse, an illusion.
Somehow, her father had followed her. If not in body, then in spirit. In every action she took and every word she spoke.
The measured caution she felt in her spine couldn’t be anything other than her father's hand still draped around her throat, waiting for an excuse to squeeze. And the idea infuriated her.
What would her life be like if she did break free? Not under his conditions, not stepping around shards of glass that were his temper, but if she genuinely cast everything holding her back aside? It felt like she’d lived her entire life for another person.
Did she even know what it meant to want for herself anymore?
The cage door was open, but fear kept her inside as sure as any lock. It kept her from being anything other than what her father had crafted. Would that be all she ever was? A pretty doll to be paraded around? A princess in a castle?
Alone?
No…no, it didn’t have to be that way. But only if she took the first step. She had to be the one to make the decision.
Her silence continued oblivious to Jaune’s continued turmoil. By this point, sweat visibly dripped down his temple despite the fact his insides had never felt colder.
The panic finally reached its peak as his mouth opened to apologize, only to find Weiss’ own voice cutting him off before he could start.
“Weiss, I-!”
“I hate the color white…” Weiss blurted entirely out of the blue. Jaune’s train of thought utterly derailed, and he did his best to backtrack.
Forgetting his anxiety for a moment, he raised an eyebrow and offered, “Ah, oka-?” But Weiss quickly continued after a pause, as if afraid to stop.
Feeling her nails bite into his arm, he had to hold back a wince.
“It’s a cold, emotionless color. And it’s everywhere. My entire life, the material of my clothes, my home, the color of my hair, the snow in our yard, my own name!
“My father always said that it was pure, that it was meant to show that the Schnee were better. But I never wanted to be better! I want to succeed as much as anyone, but not to prove I’m above anybody else.
“Above isn’t better. Just separate. Lonely. Away from everyone. But still, I’m forced to wear it like it’s the greatest color in the world. Because Oum forbids my father ever let any of his family try anything other than what he deemed appropriate.”
Understanding finally came to Jaune's eyes, along with a small smile as he realized she was trying to open up to him too. Touched and honored, he rushed to empathize, “wow, Weiss. I had no idea-.”
Her nails cut deeper into his forearm, and her eyes flashed towards his, no less incensed.
“I wasn’t finished!” The sudden bark would have been enough to send Jaune jumping back if not for the steely grip tying him to the girl in question. Instead, he put on a smile, slowly nodding his head to placate.
“I hate Atlas too! I hate how they have to think they're better than the rest of the kingdoms. And why? Because they have greater technology? Stricter military? A floating city? Big deal! Why don’t you float your stupid city someplace that isn’t continually snowing year-round!
“You should hear how the council talks about other countries at my father’s banquets, but does that mean they're too proud to accept Vale and Mistral's food shipments? No! Not when they account for seventy percent of the population’s nutrition.
“And the thirty percent we do grow is nothing but bland, flavorless roots and grains too stubborn to die in those damn snowstorms. Just like the fools that grow them!”
She paused for a breath, but by this point, Jaune knew to give her a second before trying to answer.
A wise move.
“I hate that my sister all but ran away from home because she couldn’t stand our family. I hate my family for forcing the one person in my life that cared about me to run away! I hate that my little brother looks up to our father so much. And I hate that my father treats it like a leash to control him. And me.
“I hate that my mother’s so drunk half the time she does nothing to stop it. I hate that I can’t stop it. That it feels like I ran away by coming to Vale. That I let my father win, and that I still have to pretend to be this perfect thing and consider how every small detail of my life can affect the family name.
“I hate…so much, and I’ve spent my entire life not able to do a single thing about it. It makes me so angry! But I still feel weak, and I still feel powerless, so rather than lash out at myself, I yell at others. I yell at anyone who will listen! Until there’s no one left for me to yell at, and I’m alone.
“And when I’m alone, somehow it still feels like it’s my father’s fault. Like it’s exactly what he wanted. To turn me into something ugly and angry. Someone exactly like him, who doesn’t care about people or love so long as he has money and success.
“I’m… I'm terrified of that, actually. That I really will become him someday. That I’ll look up and Ruby and Yang and Blake and everyone I’ve come to care about will be gone, and it’ll be my fault. And that, one day, I’ll be cold too. Just like Atlas. Like my father. Like the color white. I’m terrified that…that it’s already happened.
“Everything about my life was terrible before Beacon. And because I'm rich, because I'm privileged, everyone thinks it’s perfect. But only because that’s what he wants. And we’re never allowed to say otherwise.”
‘Until now,’ went unsaid. But Jaune heard it clearly, finally understanding.
Silence followed once again, and this time it was Weiss’ turn to worry. Less about Jaune, and more about her father.
When she was younger, it felt like he always knew when they did something wrong. Like he could see them even when he wasn’t there.
Her brother had almost sworn it was some form of hidden semblance. But in reality, it had only been paranoia. Paranoia, and servants paid a pretty penny to sell their secrets.
Still, saying everything she’d been holding back, a part of her couldn’t help but hold onto that old fear. Like her father could pop out from behind one of these trees and catch her in the act. But no matter what she or Jacques thought, he was no god. And there would be no lightning bolt falling from the sky to smite her for the simple sin of trying to be more than what he wanted.
Jaune pondered as he stared at the nature around them, what he could say to her. He could feel the worry in her frame and in the way her hands wrapped around him. And he wanted nothing more than to reassure her, to be that friend he should have been in the first place. But what on Remnant could he say?
Did he tell her that would never happen? That Ruby and Yang and Blake would fight through the Grimmlands and back if it meant she needed them?
Did he try and reassure her that she was nothing like her father? That he knew she was capable of so much love and kindness, he couldn’t see a shadow of the man in her brilliance?
Did he apologize for her brother and mother? Did he say he wished things were different?
He could have. He could have said all of that and more. But that wasn’t what Weiss needed. So instead, he said something else.
“What do you love?”
Beside him, he felt Weiss start at the question followed by a much longer pause. And when she finally answered, her stiff anger and fear melted away as she settled against him.
She allowed his arm to press against her chest as warm and large as it was comforting.
“Beacon… Vale. It’s so warm here with greens and browns and flowers that aren't covered in thorns. The people are able to go on walks and take their time to enjoy the day while they're out instead of dashing from one pocket of warmth to the next. I love watching people so content.
“I love my team. It hasn’t been that long, Ruby can still be a brat, and Yang can still be a barbarian, and Blake... But I love them. I couldn’t imagine rooming with anyone else, fighting beside anyone else. I know they’ll have my back, and if anything ever happened to them, there’s nothing on Remnant that would stop me from helping them. From going to them.”
‘I love…you?’ Weiss didn’t dare say the words, conflict stirring in her chest. She still didn’t know. She didn’t have a lot of emotion to compare it to. But here? Side by side, walking along the grass and finally able to say words she’d locked within herself for years?
She could say maybe. Just not out loud.
“And I…like you. A-And your team. And strawberries! I never got to eat them before, never got to eat a lot of things in case they stained my clothing.” Her face was warm as she ducked down, rambling in hopes to bury that first part. But Jaune’s wide smile made it clear he’d heard it loud and clear.
“I like you too, Weiss.” he offered. And Weiss’ eyes couldn’t jump up fast enough as she turned towards him, feeling her heart pop into her throat. And the heat in her cheeks began spreading to the rest of her body.
“Y-You do?” she dared to hope. And when Jaune nodded his head, her lungs seemed to deflate all at once. “Oh! That, that’s, oh… I was sure after I left you at the restaurant, you’d think I’m awful.” But then Jaune smiled his smile, and Weiss felt the heat focus in a different direction.
“I could never hate you, Weiss. You should know that.” It was everything she’d been hoping to hear. Standing taller, she wrapped her other hand around his arm, keeping it pinned to her body where it belonged.
“Yes! Well, wonderful news! I wasn’t that worried, of course. Hardly gave it a passing thought. But it's good to know nevertheless.”
Well, that went easier than she’d thought! What had she been so scared of? This oaf? Ha! He was in love with her, of course he liked her back. As if those other girls ever had a chance. He was hers. No one else’s. But… now what?
Well, that was the question, wasn’t it? Hmm. She’d wanted him so that he couldn’t be taken by anyone else, but what came next? Her competitive nature hadn’t thought to plan past her victory, leaving the proud girl somewhat stumped as to what followed.
Should she ask him on a date? That’s what boyfriends and girlfriends did, after all. Oh! Maybe she could invite him to dinner, as a way to make up for their last date? That would make him happy.
Someplace public, fancy, so he could know she was proud to show him off. The publicity would no doubt come back to her father, but then, she’d already decided to live her life for herself, hadn’t she?
It was a scary thought. Jacques Schnee was nothing if not a master manipulator, and he’d trained his children well. But not well enough.
She was going to do it! And her father could cry into his million Lien notes if her choice in a partner bothered him so. This was her life! It was her choice, and nothing was going to stop her from doing as she pleased anymore!
The high of success was going to her head, along with the rush of her emotional emancipation. But she didn’t care. Nothing could stop her now! Not Yang, not Pyrrha, not her father. The world was hers so long as she was brave enough to take it.
The smile on her face could have landed bulkheads in the dead of night. And turning to look up at Jaune, the excitement flared, preparing to ask when his next evening was free. She paused before speaking up, however. A different kind of excitement spiking as she found her blue orbs lingering on the handsome curve of his lips.
Hmm, well, there was another idea. A kiss seemed appropriate, did it not? Such activities were also a perk of their current relationship status. And it would be an excellent way to celebrate the start of their new relationship.
Weiss’ eyes flared at the thought. Of grabbing him by the front of his shirt and dragging him down until he loomed over her. Typically, her short stature was something of a sore spot, but seeing how she fit against the much taller young man put it in an entirely different perspective.
She felt small and dainty, and he felt tall and broad.
Biting her lip, she had to suppress a groan, yet another sign of her ever-growing libido. She could already feel a small spike pressed against him, but that made her want to explore Jaune a bit more.
That wasn’t wrong, right? She was allowed to want that? To do that? There had to be some special privileges of dating him. Just a bit! Just to admire the peek she’d stolen earlier.
Oh, but she would need to let him do the same then, which wouldn’t be so bad. It would be appropriate to see him appreciate her as the beautiful young woman that she was.
Weiss felt the tips of her breasts and core throb at the idea of feeling Jaune’s hands run up her lithe figure. She could almost feel it already, hands softly molding to her chest and sliding along her lips with leisurely satisfaction.
Hmm, but what if that excited him too much? Boys were boys, after all. She would need to take care of it! As the wonderful girlfriend that she was.
Though… if the two were going that far, surely it would be fine for Weiss to take the opportunity to sate her own desires as well? At the same time, even.
Together.
Inside of her.
On top of him…
The throbbing between her legs was clearly having an effect on her logic, but she was already too far gone. She’d been aroused before, and touching him made the emotions she’d been experiencing since their date multiply. And now, she wouldn’t have to take care of them alone! The idea was almost too much…
“So,” Jaune spoke up, cutting into the comfortable silence. The blush on Weiss’ cheeks brightened, realizing what she’d been thinking about.
‘No, no! It’s been three minutes! Proper ladies didn’t display themselves for mounting after three minutes in a relationship.’ Or was that her father talking?
“I’ve got a question if you don't mind answering. Erm, it could be weird, though.”
Weiss blinked at the admission, suddenly very curious as to what Jaune could want to know about her.
Whatever it was, she was reasonably confident he could ask her anything at that moment, and she’d answer honestly. ‘29-b, I picked black panties this morning, and the carpet absolutely matches the drapes.’
“Ask away…”
“So, um, I just wanted to know,” he led on, surprisingly bashful if his nervous gaze was anything to go by. “Out of all my ideas to ask you out, did any of them even get close?” She raised her eyes, caught off guard. That’s what he wanted to know? For what possible reason?
Her eyes widened with realization.
Obviously, now that they were dating, Jaune wanted to know the best way to woo her, as any gentleman would consider. Suddenly she was grinning, and there was nothing she could do to put the expression away.
“Burn that damn guitar.” But that didn’t mean she was going to hold back.
“Don’t get me wrong, the gesture was… sweet. But, honestly, the only thing worse than that god-awful attempt at music was your voice. Though it was fairly close.”
Harsh, but she wasn’t about to have a romantic evening ruined by another impromptu concert. She’d had enough of those to last a lifetime.
Besides, harsh criticism was significant when people were trying to better themselves. You did no one any favors trying to be soft and letting them think some mistakes weren’t as bad as they were.
That was called poor communication, which was the key to any healthy relationship. And with that in mind...
“And if you seriously thought any girl is going to fall for that abysmal attempt at poetry, then you might actually need to get your head examined. And don’t get me started on your breakfast debacle-.”
“I get it, wow! Tell me how you really feel.” Thankfully, Jaune was laughing, feigning a hint of pain at her words. Weiss found herself glancing towards the ground, embarrassed she’d gotten carried away. “Is there anything you didn’t hate?”
Half rhetorical, Weiss considered changing the subject when a memory surfaced, one she’d done her best to repress considering the circumstances at the time. Still, if he wanted to know...
“The…The bouquet of winter lilies.” she managed, face still towards the floor. Though, she did manage a bashful peak towards her partner from the corner of her eyes. And seeing his wide-eyed surprise, Weiss had to fight her hammering pulse to continue.
“Out of all your previous attempts at my affection, I suppose that was the closest. Even if it was by pure luck. You’ll be surprised to know they’re actually my favorite flower. And the one piece of home I don’t enti-” Weiss found herself interrupted for the second time.
“It wasn’t a guess.” Caught up in her own voice, Weiss had to blink and consider what had been said. Given a moment, she finally gave her eyes a dramatic roll.
“Oh, you don’t need to show off. Of course it was,” Weiss sighed. “How else could you have possibly known?”
“Your mother had a garden of them back in Atlas,” Jaune answered with ease. “It’s the only flower that can grow in that climate. But I don’t really…” he trailed off as soon as he looked to see the confusion on her face.
Seconds ticked by.
“Where did you learn that?” Her tone was as demanding as it was perplexed. The young man flushed under her attention but otherwise found himself pleased.
“You told me! Er, Ruby, that is. I happened to overhear our first week after she asked you about where you're from.” If he thought his explanation would ease the furl in her brow, he couldn’t be more wrong.
“How on Remnant were you able to remember something so trivial?” Because she really struggled to make sense of it. Even she hardly recalled the interaction he’d described.
Jaune’s cheeks warmed further, and his eyes glanced away before answering. “I-I don’t know. Because you looked happy? Back then, you were still…adjusting to your team. But when you talked about your mom’s garden, your eyes lit up. You were having such a rough week, I thought getting a reminder of home would cheer you up.”
She had been having a rough week. The transition between the strict upbringing of her home into a dorm of pure chaos was hectic, to say the least.
Filled with anxious volatile emotions, the appearance of a certain blond with a bundle of midnight black flowers had finally pushed her over the edge, resulting in a controlled release of red dust to incinerate the offered gift.
She hadn’t realized what he’d gotten her until she thought back on it later, thankful for the petty excuse to let off some steam. And by then, she was more than ready to write it off as pure chance.
So, hearing the intent behind the gift, the heiress found the all too familiar sensation of guilt worm into her belly.
She didn’t know what to say. He’d done it because it would make her happy? When she’d been so mean to him? What kind of excuse was that?! The frustrating kind, that’s what. At least, that’s the only explanation she found for the heat in her face.
People didn’t think like that. People didn’t act like that, at least, no one with half a brain. And certainly no one she’d ever met.
But Jaune did, apparently. Sweet, loving Jaune.
Oh, Oum, she was in love with him…
Suddenly she was looking up at him, a twinkle in her eye and a warmth in her heart. A warmth so different from the cold isolation she’d known. And then he was looking down at her, half a smile on his lips looking so caring.
“Thank you for telling me, Weiss.” Jaune’s expression softened, and Weiss felt for a moment that her knees might actually give out. “This could really help.”
“W-With what?” she asked, half dazed.
Seriously, with what? Her panties might as well not exist by this point. Forget three minutes; if he wanted her, she would not be able to say no. And as if he’d read her mind, Jaune’s smile turned bashful, a quick glance to the side exposing his embarrassment.
“Well, don’t say anything to anyone yet, but I think I’ve finally moved on. I know you’re probably relieved. There’s this really cool girl I was hoping to ask out. I just wasn’t sure how?
“Oum, you're so easy to talk to Weiss, I’m really glad we’re giving this friendship thing a shot.” He laughed then, awkward, embarrassed, and utterly unaware of the world he’d shattered.
He kept walking at the same pace for a few steps, oblivious to the fact Weiss had stopped. And when he did notice, he would find her face frozen in the mask of joy he’d torn away from her in one fell swoop.
I like you.
I like you too.
I like you too, Weiss.
I like you too, Weiss. As a friend…
‘Oum, dammit all!’ She kept the words inside, even if she wanted to scream them at the top of her lungs.
How could she be so stupid? How could he be so stupid?! How could she love someone so stupid?!? Oh, Oum! She loved him…and he’d moved on? This could not get any worse.
But then he opened his mouth…and it did.
“So, totally unrelated, but ah. Is there any chance we’ll find your team soon? I’ve actually been looking for Yang all day.”
And Jaune, the brilliant actor that he was, did nothing to stop the shy smile teasing his lips. Weiss watched in silence, with only one answer coming to mind.
“OUM DAMMIT ALL!”
And that is when her phone buzzed.
XxX
“And that bird looks like a black-capped chickadee. You can tell by the distinct… black feathers adorning its crown.”
“Ah-huh.”
“Oh, and look there! I believe that is the common starling. It can grow up to…twenty centimeters, and their diet consists of mostly seeds and insects.”
“Fascinating.”
“And… um… and, OH! Oh, Yang, look! Look there, it’s a… a….”
“Crow?” Yang interrupted, her tone exasperated. The blonde-haired girl pulled her face from her hands, which she’d been holding for the last half hour.
“You can tell by how it looks exactly like the bird before that. And the one before that. And the last fifteen birds you’ve listed off from your scroll.
“Now, I will admit, it’s still a slight improvement to the leaf documentary you started, but I thought now would be a good time to just tell you I know you’re stalling for time.”
Pyrrha’s eyes blinked, her blank face offering no reaction to the accusation. “Yang, I have no idea what you’re talking about. We are just two friends taking the time to learn more about this fascinating ecosystem and making the most out of our field trip! What’s so wrong about that?”
Yang felt her teeth audibly grind against each other.
“Pyrrha, seriously? You spent five minutes trying to convince me that this,” Yang thrust her thumb behind her towards a black barked, red-leafed tree, “was a banana tree. Listing banana tree facts, and describing where banana trees grow, none of which applied to this tree.” Pyrrha didn’t have the courtesy to so much as pretend to be embarrassed.
“I already explained that they're out of season.”
“Bananas don’t have a season! They grow year-round! In Vacuo!”
“Well, now who’s the one talking about banana trees? See, it’s not so weird after all. Now, where was I? Ah, the grey catfish…”
Pyrrha turned back to her scroll, eyes delighted by the mystical bird facts. And Yang had had enough.
“Nope!” She jumped to her feet, turning away from the redhead to start walking in whatever direction did not include bird facts. “No. No way. I’m done. I can’t take this anymore. Pyrrha, if you say one more bird fact, I’ll punch you through a tree.”
“Oh, Yang! You can’t go. N-Not yet, at least!” Pyrrha was already up and chasing after her. Yang rolled her eyes.
“Gee! Can’t imagine why not. Unless you're specifically here to watch me while Weiss flirts with Jaune. You know, like how Weiss watched me before so you could flirt with Jaune? Real subtle, by the way.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about! Weiss simply went on a bathroom break. You heard her yourself.
“For an hour?” Yang drawled, tone beyond flat. “And the very second you happened to show up?”
“It is not polite to discuss another person’s bathroom habits. And I promise you, my arrival was entirely a coincidence.”
So, of course, Weiss picked that very moment to explode out of the bushes, eyes burning with an unholy fury.
“You!” she pointed at Pyrrha, “thirty minutes and not a second more. I’ve got a score to settle with that idiot.” The redhead quickly jumped to attention, sparing Yang hardly a glance.
“Yang, if you’ll excuse me, I suddenly need the bathroom.” Yang’s face once again settled in her palm.
“Both of you shut up!” A red-eyed Yang turned on both girls who turned towards her in kind. “That is it! I’ve had it. You two have been teaming up against me all day now, what the hell is that about!?”
Seriously, looking between the two girls, it didn’t make any sense.
“I mean, you!” she pointed a finger at Pyrrha, “have been his best friend since the first day, almost. You spend every night with him. He confides in you. Trusts you! Cares about you.”
“And you,” she turned her attention to Weiss. “He was literally in love with you at first sight. He chased you, flirted with you, asked you out on dates.”
But she was the one being singled out? What the hell!
“Meanwhile, I’ve hardly talked to him. Shouldn’t the two of you be way bigger threats than me? It doesn’t make any sense!”
Pyrrha and Weiss looked at each other for a moment before the pair shrugged, finally accepting that their masterful plan had been found out.
Somehow...
“I’ll admit, all of that might be true. But Yang, keep in mind, Weiss humiliated him publicly and has torn his heart to shreds multiple times. Even Jaune has some self-respect.” Pyrrha explained as casually as the weather.
“And you said it yourself,” Weiss added, “Pyrrha rooms with the guy, and he’s never picked up on any of her hints. The girl might as well have the communication skills of a pet rock. I figured another hour alone wasn’t too much of a risk.”
Her tone remained just as casual despite the backhanded insult Pyrrha had thrown her way. And in kind, the redhead stared unaffected by the cold truth of Weiss’ statement.
“You, on the other hand....”
“Yes, you…” Pyrrha added in the same careful tone.
“Me…what? Please, finish.” Yang all but dared them.
They didn’t, not right away. Instead, the two girls took a moment, struggling to find the best way to put it. In the end, Pyrrha was the first to find her courage.
“Well, between the three of us, you’re the only one who’s actually had a boyfriend! Or dated, for that matter. You know how to talk to boys. Flirt. Get them to ask you out. And that’s way more than me or Weiss can say!”
The white-haired girl nodded her head in agreement, before tactfully adding her own two cents.
“Plus, you’ve had sex.” Blunt as always, Weiss’ met Yang’s stare without flinching. Pyrrha blushed a bit, shifting her eyes awkwardly, guiltily, to the side. “As annoying as it is to admit, that’s an advantage neither me nor Pyrrha possess. Boys can be dumb, after all. And speaking of…”
Weiss paused, sending a conspiratorial glance towards her partner in crime. Pyrrha returned the nod, and suddenly the pair's eyes had dropped from Yang’s face to a few inches south, rueful consideration in each of their gazes.
“You have got to be kidding…” Yang listened to the pair feeling her temper building with each and every word.
Her eyes were already a lovely ruby hue, and even if her hair hadn't started floating quite yet, she could feel the heat of her fire begin to lick along her skin.
She was an explosion ready to happen, building and building from the moment she’d woken up. And seeing the two eye her tits like she was smuggling weapons of mass destruction very well might be the thing to send her over the edge.
“You have to admit you’ve something of a…natural advantage.” Pyrrha offered as delicately as possible. Weiss decided to be a tad more direct.
“We’ve seen you change after Goodwitch’s class, Xiao-Long, don’t try and pretend you don’t know what we’re talking about.”
“Oh my god, that’s why you guys are teaming up against me?” Yang would have torn her hair out if it wasn’t so luscious and beautiful. “They’re just boobs!”
As if to prove her point, the blonde reached up to cup her breasts, lifting them and letting them drop. Unfortunately, her actions would have the opposite effect she’d intended as the pair watched the bountiful cleavage bounce back into shape.
Weiss’ stare became insulted. “Yes, well, while that is true, you can’t deny that there is an unfortunate misconception that bigger size can be considered more attractive. And if Jaune were to believe such lies, you would be a considerable threat.”
“T-They’re not that big!” Yang tried to insist, unusually self-conscious of her girls. But even she couldn’t sound convincing. Okay, so she was stacked! Sue her. She shook her head, deciding to shift tactics.
“Well, Pyrrha’s not exactly lacking in the boob department either!” she pointed a finger in the redhead’s direction. Pyrrha blushed at the attention, a single hand shifting delicately to cover the flesh above her corset.
“And Weiss!” Yang faltered, realizing her mistake the moment she met the cool girl’s eyes, a single eyebrow raised in anticipation.
An awkward silence stretched into what felt like forever, until, “a-are you using a new shampoo? Hehe, your hair is looking great!” She offered the pale-skinned girl her best smile and a thumbs up.
Weiss’ dry expression didn’t change. “I will shave your head in your sleep.”
Welp! Looked like she would need to find a safe place to sleep for a few nights…great. Another wonderful addition to the shit day she’d already been having.
Yang looked between the two girls, her two friends, a few more times. But neither offered more than an apologetic smile in one case, and indifference in the other.
Suddenly, Yang could feel all the energy leave her. No fire, no heat, no anger. Just exhaustion.
And people seriously wondered why all her friends used to be guys before Beacon? The worst they ever did was stare at your tits. At least with guy friends, you never had to worry about all this backstabbing jealousy shit.
She’d made a point of not putting up with it then, and she was not about to start now.
“You guys know what…” Yang lifted her head, giving Weiss and Pyrrha an empty stare, “screw this.”
The pair felt their eyes widen at her admission, but Yang wasn’t done. “I’m out. I quit. You guys win. No guy is worth this much bullshit. Especially not Jaune-fucking-Arc. If I walk away right now, do you guys promise to fuck off for the rest of the trip?”
“Um,” Pyrrha hesitated, concern in her tone. But when she looked to Weiss, the other girl looked equally uncomfortable and no more confident. “That… that sounds fair? Erm, Weiss?”
“Yes, that should be… fine. A game well played…”
“Perfect,” Yang smiled without joy. “I hope you two tear each other apart. May the best backstabber win.”
If the two girls reacted to her departure, the blonde didn’t see it, having already turned her back to start towards the forest and as far away from her “friends” as she could get.
Yang kept walking for some time, feeling the stress exit her body with every millimeter she put between her and the other two. But what was left didn’t feel much better.
If she was still angry, at least she’d know what to do with herself. But this…disappointment? What the hell was that about!? It was all Weiss and Pyrrha’s fault.
Seriously, they were that threatened by her? Talk about stupid. They were acting like all she needed was to wave her hand and any guy would bow at her feet.
She was still a person! A normal girl like the rest of them. So what if her boobs were big, or she happened to be pretty. Big deal. That was no excuse to treat her like some man stealing monster.
‘Maybe I should steal Jaune, out of spite,’ a dry chuckle rose up at the vindication. It would feel nice to rub it in their faces. But…no.
She was used to girls thinking she would steal their boyfriends just by existing. But she wasn’t that girl, and she didn’t want to be. And she wasn’t going to become something she wasn’t because other people expected it from her.
Yang Xiao Long played by nobody's rules but her own! Pyrrha and Weiss, who?
Jaune Arc could fall out of the fucking sky into her lap, and she wouldn’t give him the time of day. No sir!
The sound of a branch snapping tore Yang from her internal tirade, Huntress instincts launching her weapon to deploy as she spun to confront the potential threat. But emerging from the forest was not a monster made of darkness and bone, but a boy. A boy with startling blonde hair, crystal blue eyes, and an awkward charm just genuine enough to be cute.
Yang’s jaw dropped.
“Yang!” Jaune grinned, an honest surprise flashing across his face.
Looking down at himself, there was a rush of quick pats and brushes trying to clear a mess of leaves and twigs decorating his clothing. He managed a halfway decent job before stepping out of the brush and offering the other blonde his best smile.
“Has anyone ever told you you’re a hard woman to find?”
Yang didn’t respond, offering the sky a paranoid glance. She’d said she was out, that she didn’t want to play their game, and that she didn’t care about Jaune anymore. But it would seem she’d forgotten one crucial detail.
Just because Yang Xiao-Long said she didn’t want to play these kinds of games didn’t mean she won any less.
A/N: There it is, another half step forward in the story that is Sos. Sorry again that it took so long. The next chapter isn’t too far off. That said, I’ve made the decision to no longer promise update dates. Obviously, I’m not very good at it and it just gives people an excuse to bitch at me when I’m late. I’m going to keep doing my best like I’ve been doing and I know MOST of you are kind enough to respect that.
Seriously, for every one rude PM and review, it felt like there were at least three kind/encouraging ones and it’s you guys that keep me writing. I want you to know I read every single one and it meant the world.
If you noticed, I’ve edited the first three chapters of this story. My editing and writing skills have improved a lot since then, and I wanted to reflect that for any new readers. As well as for those kind enough to go back and reread.
Next chapter – Jaune and Yang are finally reunited. Smut guaranteed.
- 11
- 12
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