[RWBY] RWBY Shorts

[AndrewJTalon]

Blake had been very happy lately. She'd actually gone on a date with Sun. Sort of a date. And another outing with Jaune, which was also not a date. And she was having a lot more fun with Mia. Her smile was wonderful to see, especially after the scare of a Beowulf getting into Beacon's grounds.

Blake's fist tightened a bit. How that had happened... How close Mia had come to getting hurt...

Well, she'd spent a few nights checking Beacon's defenses. Just in case.

However, no matter how happy she was to be bonding with Mia... The little girl was not perfect. Not at all.

Mia was coloring happily as Blake sat with her, adding some splashes of red to the green and blue creature Mia was creating... When it entered the room. Blake's hackles rose as she glared at the little menace as it trotted in, tail wagging at maximum velocity, tongue lolling happily. The moment the little monster spotted Mia, its ears perked and let out an excited "Boof!"

Mia's eyes went wide as saucers. "PUPPY!!"

She dropped her crayons and scrambled across the floor on all fours. Zwei met her halfway, and the two of them collided in a whirlwind of giggles and happy barks. Zwei licked her face enthusiastically while Mia hugged him tight, rolling around on the carpet in pure joy.

"He's so soft! And warm! And his tail is going zoom zoom zoom!" Mia squealed, burying her face in his fluffy neck. Zwei wiggled in delight, paws kicking in the air as he tried to give her even more kisses.

Blake's cat ears flattened completely under her bow as she watched the scene with open disgust.

The moment Mia pulled away from Zwei, already going for the doggy treats in the kitchenette, Blake pounced.

She gently but firmly pulled Mia aside onto the couch, away from the happy corgi.

"Mia, sweetheart," Blake said in a very serious voice, "I need to teach you something important. Dogs… are terrible."

Mia blinked. "Huh?"

Blake nodded gravely. "They're loud. They smell bad. They shed fur everywhere. They chase their own tails like idiots. And they slobber on everything. They're chaotic, messy monsters. They're nothing like cats."

Mia looked over at Zwei, who was now rolling on his back with his tongue hanging out, clearly hoping for belly rubs.

"But… Zwei is nice," she said, tilting her head. "He gave me lots of kisses."

Blake's eye twitched. "That's how they trick you. First it's kisses, then it's drool on your clothes, then they steal your socks and bury them in the yard. They're not to be trusted."

Mia stared at her for a long second… then shrugged. "Zwei is fun."

Zwei apparently agreed. He trotted over, jumped up, and enthusiastically licked Blake from chin to forehead in one big, wet swipe.

"Gah—!" Blake recoiled, frantically wiping her face with her sleeve. "Get away!"

Mia burst into bright, delighted laughter, clapping her hands. "He likes you! See? He gave you extra kisses!"

"He's a beast! Like all dogs!" Blake groaned. "Please Mia... Stand together with me! Your fellow cat!"

Mia stared.

"Auntie Blake, you're weird. ZWEI!"

Mia pounced back on Zwei and rubbed his belly happily. Zwei whimpered happily.

Blake stared at the happy, tail-wagging corgi and her would be adopted daughter in utter disbelief. Zwei gave her a look that was undeniably smug.

"…Traitor," she muttered.

Zwei just barked.

Blake gave up, slumping back against the couch with a long, defeated sigh while Mia happily threw her arms around Zwei once more.

What was the world coming to? This next generation was lost.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The Beacon RWBY common room had turned into a war zone.

Not with Grimm. Not with training. But with four very dangerous young women who all had very good reasons (in their minds) to fight one Jaune Arc.

Yang slammed her fist on the table. "I'm telling you, we train him up first! Then we fight him! That's the Mandalorian way! You don't just murder a Jedi in his sleep! You test your mettle against him when he's at his strongest! Fighting a real Jedi is awesome!"

Ruby nodded so hard her hood flopped. "Yeah! And then after we beat him, we can… you know… keep him. He'd make really good breeding stock for the clan!"

Weiss's eye twitched. "Excuse me?! We get him? He's far more valuable to the Nightsisters! Our grudge against the Jedi goes back centuries! Plus he's tall, healthy, and has that ridiculous golden aura! Perfect genetic material! He could sire an entire generation of force-sensitive warriors!"

Yang pointed at her. "He's Mandalorian breeding stock now! Ruby and I called dibs!"

Ruby raised her hand like she was in class. "I agree with Yang! He's ours!"

Pyrrha, who had been quietly sipping tea in the corner like a proper lady, finally set her cup down with a soft clink.

All three turned to look at her.

Pyrrha smiled. It was the same gentle, perfect smile she showed the world every day.

Except her eyes were glowing faintly red.

"As a Sith," she said calmly, "I am superior to all of you. The Sith have fought the Jedi for thousands of years. Longer than your Mandalorian clans. Longer than your Nightsister covens. Jaune Arc is not only a Jedi, he's a descendant of Arturia Pendragon and Shirou Arc, two of the mightiest warriors on this planet. He belongs with me. He will join the Dark side. He will rule beside me. And together, we will bring the galaxy to its knees."

The room went dead silent.

Then Yang snorted. "Yeah, good luck with that, Cereal Girl. He's too nice to go full Sith."

Ruby nodded. "He still says 'please' when he asks for extra cookies."

Weiss crossed her arms. "And he blushes when you hold his hand. Some dark lord he'd make."

Pyrrha's smile never wavered. "He simply hasn't been properly… persuaded yet."

The argument exploded again, louder than before.

- - -

In the quiet common room across the hall, four people were enjoying a perfectly normal evening.

Jaune was sprawled on the couch with a book. Nora was upside-down in an armchair, eating cereal straight from the box. Ren sat beside her, calmly sipping tea. Blake was curled up on the opposite couch with her latest novel, scowling at Jaune every so often.

Nora suddenly sat up (still upside-down). "Hey Jaune! Can you mind control people to give me candy?"

Jaune didn't even look up from his book. "Yes… but I won't. Stealing is wrong."

Nora pouted. "Phooey!"

Blake scowled over the top of her book. "I'm a former terrorist, you know."

Jaune finally glanced up and gave her a warm, genuine smile. "Well, I'm glad you've turned over a new leaf."

Blake's ears flattened. "I hate you."

Jaune blinked, genuinely hurt. "What?!"

Ren took another sip of tea, the tiniest smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

From the hallway, the distant sounds of four girls screaming at each other echoed through the dorm.

Nora tilted her head. "Should we… do something about that?"

Jaune sighed and went back to his book. "They'll figure it out eventually. Probably."

Blake muttered into her novel, "I hope they kill each other first."

"That's terrible, Blake," Jaune gasped.

"Oh now you care!" Blake huffed.

"I always care!"

"Shut up!"

Ren's smirk grew just a fraction wider.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The nightmares started three nights after the incident.

Mia would wake up screaming, small body shaking as she sobbed about glowing red eyes and claws reaching for her in the dark. Jaune stopped trying to put her back in her own cot after the second night. Instead, he pulled her into his bunk with him, letting her curl against his chest while he stroked her hair until she fell back asleep.

For the rest of the week, he took her with him to every class. She sat quietly on a cushion beside his desk during lectures, colored during sparring practice, and napped in his arms during breaks. JNPR didn't complain. Neither did RWBY, or any of the other teams. Everyone understood. Even Cardin's team.

On Friday afternoon, Professor Goodwitch pulled him aside after combat class.

"Mr. Arc. A word in my office, if you please."

Nora, Ren, and Pyrrha waited in the hallway with Mia, who was happily showing Ren her latest crayon drawing of a "friendly octopus."

Glynda closed the door behind them and gestured for Jaune to sit. She remained standing for a moment, hands folded behind her back, before speaking in her usual crisp tone - softened slightly.

"Mr. Arc… I must ask you to please not allow Mia to become too dependent upon your constant presence. It is understandable, given recent events, but it is not sustainable."

Jaune's jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed. "Beacon's security was so lax that my four-year-old daughter nearly got eaten by a Beowulf. Tell me why I shouldn't keep an eye on her every second I can."

Glynda didn't flinch. "I agree. What happened was unacceptable - a black mark on this academy's record. I have already spoken with Headmaster Ozpin about tightening protocols. But the fact remains: you cannot take her on training missions or field exercises. She must learn to be apart from you. And you must help her build the courage to do so, or the fear will only grow stronger."

Jaune looked away, shoulders rigid.

"She was helpless. She was terrified. She's just a kid."

"I know," Glynda said quietly. "Nearly dying, alone and afraid, is difficult for anyone. Especially a child. But you cannot shield her from the world forever. Not if you want her to grow up strong."

She walked around the desk and rested a hand on his shoulder, the gesture surprisingly gentle.

"You are a good father, Jaune. It is natural to want to keep her close. But this is not the way. Help her feel safe even when you are not beside her. That is how you truly protect her."

Jaune was quiet for a long moment. Then he nodded slowly, voice rough. "It's… really hard to let go."

Glynda's hand lingered for a second longer. "I know. But it is better to help her build that courage now than to wait until it becomes a much larger problem later."

Jaune looked up at her, eyes tired but grateful. Without thinking, he pulled her into a quick, tight hug.

"Thank you, Professor."

Glynda stiffened for a heartbeat, then relaxed. A faint blush colored her cheeks as she gently patted his back.

"Just… make me dinner again sometime. And allow me to babysit Mia more often. Then we shall consider ourselves even."

Jaune pulled back with a small, genuine smile. "Deal."


Later that evening, JNPR returned to the dorm together. Jaune carried Mia inside and settled onto his bunk with her in his lap. The others gave them space, though Pyrrha lingered nearby, quietly folding laundry.

Jaune brushed a hand through Mia's hair, voice soft but steady.

"Mia… next week, I have to go train with Grandpa in the woods for a few days. You're going to stay here at Beacon with your aunties and uncles."

Mia's ears immediately flattened. Her lower lip trembled.

"No… I don't want you to go. Stay here. Please?"

Jaune's heart ached, but he kept his tone firm and gentle.

"I have to, kitten. I need to get stronger. Stronger so I can protect you better. So that nothing like what happened last week ever happens again."

Mia sniffled, fat tears welling in her eyes.

"But what if something bad happens while you're gone? What if the bad wolf comes back?"

Jaune cupped her small face in his hands, making her look at him. "That's why you need to be a good girl. A brave girl. You need to stay safe and listen to your aunties and uncles while I'm gone. Because if I'm worrying about you the whole time, I might mess up. I might get hurt. And I know you don't want that."

Mia stared at him for a long moment, tears rolling down her cheeks. She sniffled hard, hiccuped once, then nodded sullenly.

"…Okay."

She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him as tightly as her little arms could manage, burying her face in his shoulder.

Jaune held her close, eyes closing as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

"I love you, Mia. More than anything."

"…Love you too, Papa," she whispered, voice small and shaky.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

They didn't call it a date.

Not out loud.

It was "taking Mia to the Vale Zoo on a Saturday when the rest of both teams mysteriously had "urgent training" to do. (Nora had actually winked so hard she pulled a muscle.)

Jaune appreciated it a lot... Though Nora seemed to be having a lot of fun with it.

Jaune showed up at RWBY's dorm at nine sharp with Mia on his shoulders, her little hands fisted in his hair like reins. She wore a tiny sunhat and brand-new sneakers that lit up every time her feet hit the ground.

Yang was waiting in the hallway in ripped jeans, a cropped yellow tank top, and a soft flannel shirt. She'd left her hair down, loose waves catching the morning light. It made Jaune's breath catch.

"Figured you'd need caffeine if we're surviving a four-year-old on a sugar high," she said, handing him the taller cup.

Mia leaned down from his perch on Jaune's shoulders to pat Yang's head. "Auntie Yang has pretty hair today!"

Yang's ears went pink. "Thanks, Squirt. You ready to see the big kitties?"

Mia's answering squeal rattled the windows. Yang snickered.

"Ruby used to reach that pitch."

"I think she still does," Jaune said, rubbing his ear.

- - -

The zoo was perfect chaos.

Mia ran from exhibit to exhibit like a caffeinated pinball, dragging them by the hand. Yang hoisted her up every time she wanted a better view, strong arms steady, laughing when Mia tried to roar back at the lions and only managed an adorable squeak.

Jaune watched them more than the animals.

He watched Yang crouch to Mia's level so she could feed the giraffes, golden hair falling over one shoulder, voice soft and patient when Mia got lettuce juice on her shirt. Watched her lift Mia onto her shoulders so she could wave at the penguins, both of them giggling when the birds flapped back. Watched her sneak Mia an extra ice-cream cone when Jaune pretended to look away.

Somewhere between the red pandas and the petting zoo, Mia declared she needed a bathroom break. Jaune took her, leaving Yang leaning against the railing of the goat pen, arms folded, staring at a baby goat.

When they returned, Yang was snickering as she fed the goat carrots. She grinned up at Jaune.

"Guess I finally got the goat? I knew the carrot was better than the stick!"

Jaune sighed. Mia giggled.

"I like goats! I wanna feed him!"

Yang handed the carrot over to her, and she stuck out in front of the goat. It bit down, and Mia yelped in shock. She cried and turned back to Yang.

"He bit me!" She sniffled. Yang and Jaune reached out, checking her hand together.

"It's okay," Jaune said gently, "Nothing bad."

"Yeah," Yang added, "Looks like the goat got you, huh?"

Mia sniffled. Yang hugged her, rubbing her back.

"Aw, sweetie. It's okay, promise."

Mia scowled and turned around. She bared her teeth at the goat.

"My turn!"

"Oh no!" Jaune pulled her back, and set her up on his shoulders, "We'll have goat some other time, huh?"

"Like curry? I love curry!" Yang gushed, as they wandered away from the petting zoo. Jaune grinned.

"I do too! I learned to cook it!"

"Extra spicy?"

"Yeah!"

Yang grinned.

"Then you're making it for dinner for me, got it?"

"Deal."

"ELEPHANTS!" Mia shrieked happily.

Mia's bad mood evaporated in the face of the giant pachyderms. She eagerly devoured some ice cream while watching one play with a soccer ball.

"Ah, Yang? Shoelace," Jaune said. Yang chuckled and took her like it was the most natural thing in the world. She grimaced playfully up at Mia.

"You're getting heavy, kid. Pretty soon you'll be carrying me."

"Nuh uh," Mia said solemnly. "You're too big and strong."

Yang's smile went soft around the edges. She looked at Jaune as he tied his shoelace, something shy and bright flickering there.

They wandered toward the big cat enclosure as the afternoon golden hour hit. Mia had finally run out of steam and was dozing atop Yang's shoulders, sunhat crooked, one shoe dangling from her toes.

Yang adjusted her grip, careful. "She's out cold."

"She trusts you," Jaune said quietly.

Yang's throat bobbed. "Yeah. Weird how that happens."

They found a bench under a tree. Jaune sat first; Yang settled beside him, Mia curled in her lap like a kitten. The silence was easy, filled only with distant animal calls and Mia's soft snores.

Yang spoke first, voice low. "I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. Like I'm gonna wake up and realize I dreamed today."

Jaune bumped her shoulder. "I think it smells too much like animal dung to be a dream."

She snorted, then sobered.

"I've never… done this. The whole… family-outing thing. Not like this. Not... For a while."

"Me neither," he admitted. "Not since Katie."

Yang looked down at Mia, brushing a curl off her forehead. "She's so little. And she just… lets me in. Like it's simple."

"It is simple," Jaune said. "To her, you're safe. You're warm. You make the bad dreams go away and you buy her ice cream with sprinkles. That's plenty."

Yang's eyes were suspiciously shiny. "You make it sound easy."

"It's not," he said. "But today? Today felt easy."

She was quiet a long time. Then, barely audible: "I like easy. With you guys."

Jaune's heart did something complicated again. He reached over and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, fingers lingering maybe a second longer than strictly necessary.

"I like easy with you, too."

Yang turned her face into his palm for a heartbeat, just long enough for him to feel the warmth of her cheek, then pulled back with a shaky laugh.

"Careful, Arc. Keep being sweet and I might start thinking this was a date."

He smiled, soft. "Would that be so bad?"

Her breath caught. A monkey screeched in the distance like it was laughing at both of them.

"…No," she whispered. "It wouldn't be bad at all..."

"No," Jaune murmured, "I... I mean..."

Yang stared at him.

Jaune stared back at her. He slowly leaned in, eyes locked onto hers. She felt her heart pounding in her chest. She licked her lips as he got closer. She could smell his sweat, see the spots in his eyes, feel his breath against her face. Her lips parted, almost invitingly. Closer... Closer...

Mia chose that moment to wake up, blinking blearily. "Did we miss the seals?"

Jaune jerked back like he was struck by lightning. Yang was flushed bright red, breathing hard.

But she recovered first, grinning wide. "Y-Yeah, sorry Squirt. But I bet if we ask nicely, your dad will buy us tiger cookies on the way out."

Mia's eyes went round. "With stripes?"

"The stripiest," Jaune promised.

Mia wiggled down and grabbed both their hands, tugging them toward the exit. "Come on come on come on!"

Yang let herself be dragged. Her eyes met Jaune's briefly, who flushed and looked back at his daughter. She allowed herself a smile.

Later, walking back to the airship docks with a sleeping child on Jaune's back and three bags of souvenirs between them, Yang leaned over and bumped his shoulder again.

"Hey, Jaune?"

"Yeah?"

"... You uh... You want to do this again?" She asked. "I mean... Maybe... With Mia left behind?"

Jaune stared at her for a long, quiet moment. He then smiled, and it made Yang's stomach flip.

"Yeah... I-I'd like that."

Yang grinned.

"Good..."

Now... How the hell do I keep the others from horning in on this?

She paused.

Without violence?

Hmmm... That was going to be tricky.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The Beacon courtyard was bustling with the usual mid-afternoon chaos-students rushing between classes, the distant roar of combat drills echoing from the training fields, and the occasional song from the birds in the trees. Taiyang Xiao Long had timed his visit perfectly: right after lunch, when Ruby and Yang were both free. He stood near the fountain, arms open wide as his daughters barreled into him.

"Dad!" Ruby squealed, nearly knocking him over with the force of her hug. "You didn't say you were coming!"

Yang grinned, slinging an arm around his shoulders. "What, you finally get tired of patching up the house after Nora's last visit?"

Taiyang laughed, ruffling Ruby's hair and pulling Yang into a one-armed hug. "Can't a dad just want to check on his girls? Besides, I brought cookies. Your mom's recipe."

Ruby's eyes lit up like silver stars. "You're the best!"

Yang rolled her eyes fondly. "Yeah, yeah. We love you too, old man."

Coco Adel stopped mid-stride nearby, designer sunglasses perched on her nose, beret tilted just so. She'd been heading to the library with Velvet when she spotted the tall, broad-shouldered man with the easy smile and the artfully tussled hair. Her lips curved into a slow, appreciative smirk.

She didn't waste time.

"Coco?" Velvet asked, concerned.

"Not now, Bun-Bun, getting laid," Coco stated, heading forward. Velvet sighed.

"Oh no," she muttered.

"Excuse me," Coco said, voice smooth as silk. She lowered her sunglasses just enough to give Taiyang a deliberate once-over. "Are you single?"

Ruby and Yang froze.

Taiyang blinked, still smiling politely. "Oh, hi there! I'm Taiyang Xiao Long. These are my daughters, Ruby and Yang. And you are…?"

Coco grinned, sliding her sunglasses the rest of the way off and tucking them into her jacket. "Coco Adel. Fashion icon, fashionista, and apparently the only person here with taste." She stepped closer, hips swaying just enough to make it clear this wasn't a casual chat. "And I asked if you're single, Mr. Xiao Long. Because if you are… I'd love to take you out for breakfast. Or dinner. Or both. Your choice."

Ruby's jaw hit the ground. "COCO!"

Yang's hair flickered with the first sparks of her Semblance. "What the hell?! That's our dad!"

Coco didn't even glance at them. Her eyes stayed locked on Taiyang, one manicured hand resting lightly on his forearm. "Still not an answer. So… single?"

Taiyang's smile never wavered. He glanced down at her hand on his arm like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Oh, that's sweet of you to offer, Miss Adel! I'm flattered. And yes, I am. But I've been out of the dating game for a while and I'm a little old for you. I'm just here to visit my girls and make sure they're not causing too much trouble."

Coco's grin sharpened. She leaned in a fraction closer, voice dropping to a playful purr. "Trouble's my middle name, handsome. And you look like you could handle a little. That jacket's vintage Mistral leather, isn't it? Very rugged. Very… capable. Much like the owner."

Yang made a strangled noise. "COCO, I SWEAR TO GOD-!"

Ruby was hiding behind her dad now, peeking out with mortified silver eyes. "Dad! She's flirting with you! Say something!"

Taiyang chuckled. "Flirting? Aw, that's nice of her. Kids these days are so friendly." He patted Coco's hand gently. "You've got good fashion sense yourself, Miss Adel. That beret really brings out your eyes. My wife used to wear something similar."

Coco's eyebrows rose. "Wife?"

"Late wife," Taiyang clarified easily, still smiling. "It's been a while. But thank you for the compliment. Means a lot coming from someone with your… style."

Coco's grin returned, twice as bright. "Late wife, huh? Tragic. My condolences. But that just means you're available for a charming, successful, incredibly stylish woman to sweep you off your feet." She gave his arm a light squeeze. "Tell me, Taiyang-can I call you Tai?-what are you doing tonight? I know this little café in Vale that serves the best strawberry shortcake. My treat."

Yang looked ready to combust. "Dad! She's hitting on you! In front of us! Make her stop!"

Taiyang finally seemed to register the tension. He glanced between his outraged daughters and the very forward fashionista, then let out a warm, laugh. "Well, I appreciate the offer, Miss Adel. Really, I do. But I'm just here to spend time with my girls today. Maybe another time?"

Coco pouted dramatically, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. "Another time, then. I'll hold you to that." She slipped a small card into his jacket pocket with practiced ease. "My number. In case you change your mind about breakfast. Or dinner. Or both."

She winked at Ruby and Yang. "Ladies. Always a pleasure."

Then she sauntered off, hips swaying as she made her way back to the mortified Velvet.

The moment she was out of earshot, Yang exploded.

"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!"

Ruby nodded furiously, face still red. "She asked if you were single! In front of us! Dad, she was flirting so hard I thought my eyes were going to melt!"

Taiyang scratched the back of his neck, looking genuinely confused. "Flirting? She seemed nice. Complimented my jacket. That's all."

Yang threw her hands up. "She slipped her number into your pocket, Dad! That's not 'nice.' That's hunting!"

Ruby nodded again. "Yeah! I mean, we don't need an evil stepmom!"

Taiyang chuckled and pulled them both into a hug. "Relax, you two. I'm not going anywhere. Besides…" He glanced at the card Coco had given him. "I've got my hands full with two very protective daughters already. No room for anyone else right now."

Yang grumbled but leaned into the hug. "You'd better not call her."

"I won't!" Taiyang insisted.

Ruby peeked up at him. "Promise?"

"Promise," Taiyang said.

"So, throw away the card?" Ruby prompted. Taiyang hummed.

"Well, it would be rude to throw it away in front of her, don't you think?" He tucked it into his jacket pocket.

Coco, with Velvet, grinned.

"Ohhh yeah, he's hooked. And now I'm gonna reel him in~."

Velvet sighed.

"Not again," she muttered.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The CFVY dorm common room had been transformed into a miniature fashion studio.

Coco Adel stood in the center like a queen surveying her kingdom, sunglasses perched on her head and a measuring tape draped around her neck. Scattered across the couches were bolts of fabric, ribbons, and half-finished outfits in every pastel color imaginable. Mia stood on a small stool in front of her, dressed in a frilly pink-and-white sundress Coco had quickly altered to fit her perfectly.

"Turn for me, darling," Coco instructed with a bright smile. "Shoulders back, chin up. Confidence, Mia. If you want something, you have to ask for it like you deserve it."

Mia twirled once, the dress flaring prettily. "Like this?"

"Exactly like that!" Coco clapped her hands. "Now, say it with me: 'I want the blue ribbons because they match my eyes and I am adorable.'"

Mia puffed out her little chest. "I want the blue ribbons because they match my eyes and I am adorable!"

Coco beamed. "Perfect! You're a natural, darling. The boys will be falling at your feet in no time."

Velvet, who had been quietly reading in the corner, looked up with a tired sigh. "Coco, she's four."

"And already more stylish than half the first-years," Coco countered with a wink. "Now, next outfit!"

"Can I wear the pink one again?" Mia asked. Coco hummed.

"No, no, too much pink is dangerous!"

By the time Jaune arrived to pick Mia up, the little girl had modeled four different dresses, a tiny leather jacket, and a sparkly tutu. Coco was in the middle of pinning a new bow into Mia's hair when the door opened.

"Papa!" Mia shouted, hopping off the stool and running straight to him.

Jaune caught her with a laugh, lifting her up. "Hey, kitten. Did you have fun?"

Mia nodded enthusiastically, then pointed a tiny finger right at his chest.

"Papa! I want a baby brother! Or sister! I deserve it because I'm adorable!"

Coco smirked in pride. Velvet facepalmed. Fox and Yatsuhashi continued to do homework in the other part of the common room, hoping to avoid drawing attention.

Jaune blinked, then chuckled. "Well… I'll work on that, kitten."

Mia's ears flattened in determination. "Work harder!"

Coco slid her sunglasses down her nose, a wicked grin spreading across her face. "Oh my. Well, Jaune darling, if you're having trouble with that particular project… I happen to know several girls who would be delighted to help you become a father again. In fact, I think I should take it upon myself to play matchmaker!"

Jaune's face immediately turned red. "Er-no, that's really not necessary-"

Coco ignored him completely, turning toward her teammate. "Velvet! What do you think? You've always said Jaune has a nice smile. And given his family's reputation for strong, healthy children, you'd probably end up with a whole bushel of adorable babies!"

Velvet's ears shot straight up, her face going bright scarlet. "C-COCO!"

"What?" Coco asked innocently. "It's true! Nothing's happening with Winchester, you think he's hot, he clearly needs help in the romance department, and I get to play fairy godmother. Everybody wins!"

Jaune was already backing toward the door, Mia still in his arms. "Ummm… Oh hey! Is that my scroll ringing? Yeah, I gotta go. Important… scroll… thing."

"I don't hear the Scroll ringing-" Mia tried, but too late: Jaune practically fled the room, the door clicking shut behind him.

Coco smirked, crossing her arms with satisfaction. "Challenge accepted."

She turned to Velvet, who was still sputtering. "VELVET! We're breaking out the sexy bunny costume!"

Velvet's voice cracked. "Not that one!"

Coco's grin only widened. "YES THAT ONE!"

From the far corner of the room, Fox and Yatsuhashi looked at eachother.

Fox sighed without opening his eyes. "You think she's going to drag us into this?"

Yatsuhashi's deep voice rumbled. "Probably. We should try to escape while we still can."

Fox was already standing. "Already on it."

The two of them slipped towards the window as quietly as possible. Velvet looked at them as Coco continued to plot, her expression aghast. Fox and Yatsuhashi shook their heads, both making the most stoic pleading faces possible.

"Um... Shouldn't Fox and Yatsuhashi help out too?" Velvet demanded.

Coco slowly turned her head and grinned devilishly at the two young men. Fox gaped. Yatsushi looked wounded.

"Why, Velvet?" Yatsuhashi pleaded. Velvet flushed.

"S-Sorry but... You left me to her ten times already! It's not fair!"

"Oh don't worry, darling," Coco said, patting Velvet's hand soothingly, "They were going to help anyway. There was no need for you to rat them out."

"Crap," Yatsuhashi and Fox moaned.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The daycare room was filled with the usual cheerful chaos when a new face arrived.

Cardin Winchester awkwardly dropped off his little sister at the door, looking like he'd rather face a horde of Grimm than leave her there.

"Be good, Sam," he muttered. "And don't break anyone."

Sam, dressed in her fluffy white bunny onesie, just blinked up at him with big green eyes before toddling inside without a word.

Across the room, Mia was happily playing with her stuffed bunny when she spotted the new girl. Her cat ears perked up.

The two four-year-olds stared at each other from across the play mat.

Sam's eyes locked onto the stuffed bunny in Mia's arms.

"Bunny," she declared reverently.

Mia clutched her toy tighter. "My bunny."

Sam walked straight over, grabbed the other end of the stuffed rabbit, and gave it a mighty tug.

Mia's ears flattened. "Hey! Let go!"

The tug-of-war began.

Mia dug her heels in and pulled with all her might, ears pinned back in determination. Sam, despite being smaller, didn't budge an inch — her awakened Aura making her grip terrifyingly strong for a four-year-old. The stuffed bunny stretched dangerously between them.

"Mine!" Mia growled.

"Bunny," Sam replied stubbornly, yanking harder.

The two girls locked eyes, neither willing to back down. The other toddlers wisely scattered.

Finally, with a mighty heave, Sam pulled so hard that Mia lost her footing and tumbled forward — right into Sam. The two of them went down in a tangle of limbs and fluffy onesie fabric.

For a moment, they just lay there in a heap.

Then Mia sat up, rubbing her head. "You're strong…"

Sam sat up too, still clutching one ear of the stuffed bunny. She looked at Mia for a long second… then held the toy out.

"Share?" she offered, voice small but hopeful.

Mia blinked. Then a slow grin spread across her face.

"Okay. But only if you let me wear your bunny ears next."

Sam considered this, then nodded seriously. "Deal."

The two girls spent the rest of the morning playing together — Mia letting Sam hold the stuffed bunny while Sam let Mia wear the floppy bunny ears from her onesie. They built a fort out of blocks, chased each other around the play area, and even shared a juice box (with only minor arguing over who got the first sip).

By the time Cardin came to pick Sam up, the two girls were sitting side-by-side, covered in glitter and cookie crumbs, giggling about something only four-year-olds would find funny.

Cardin stared. "You… made a friend?"

Sam nodded proudly and pointed at Mia. "Bunny friend."

Mia waved. "Hi, Cardin! Sam's my best friend now!"

Cardin looked like he wasn't sure whether to be relieved or terrified.

Mia leaned over and whispered loudly to Sam, "We should have a sleepover. And make your brother play tea party with us."

Sam's eyes lit up. "Yes."

Cardin groaned.

Jaune walked in, smiling happily.

"Hey Kitten, I-Oh. Hey Cardin," Jaune greeted, his tone dropping into neutrality at the end. Mia beamed up at him.

"Sam's my best friend now! And Cardin's gonna play tea party with us!"

Jaune slowly looked at Cardin, smirking slightly. Cardin scowled at him as he picked Sam up into his arms.

"You play tea party with your daughter!"

"Yes I do," Jaune said proudly, "But I have no shame about it."

"I don't either!" Cardin growled, "I-I love my little sister!"

Sam hugged Cardin's neck. He gagged.

"Urk...! I really do!"

"Bunny," Sam said firmly.

"Bunny!" Mia cheered.

"Bunny," Jaune snickered.

"Let go Sam!" Cardin gasped.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

She was twelve years old the day they let her wear the mask.

It was too big for her face. The white porcelain hung loose around her cheeks, the eyeholes slightly too wide, making her look even younger than she was. But Blake Belladonna didn't care. She beamed up at Adam Taurus like he had just handed her the moon itself.

"They said I could come on the mission," she whispered excitedly, ears twitching under her hood. "Sienna said I was ready. That I was… useful."

Adam looked down at her, the corner of his mouth twitching in what might have been a smile. To twelve-year-old Blake, it looked like pride.

"You're more than useful, little sister," he said, resting a gloved hand on her head. "You're important. The humans need to see that even our children are willing to stand against them. That takes real courage."

Blake's chest swelled with warmth. Important. No one had ever called her that before. Not her parents, who were always too busy with politics. Not the other kids in Menagerie, who thought she was weird for reading so much. Not her servants, who treated her like a frail, fragile princess. But here, in the White Fang, she had a place. A purpose.

She was part of something bigger. Something good.

- - -

The night before the raid on the SDC depot, Blake sat beside Adam on the rooftop, legs swinging over the edge as she watched the city lights below.

"Adam?" she asked softly. "Do you think… after this, the humans will finally listen? That they'll stop hurting us?"

Adam was quiet for a long moment. When he answered, his voice was gentle: The same tone he used when he told her stories about the old heroes of Menagerie.

"They will, Blake. One day. But only if we keep fighting. Only if we show them we're not afraid." He glanced at her. "You're not afraid, are you?"

Blake shook her head so hard her bow nearly flew off. "No! I want to help. I want to make things better. Like you and Sienna."

Adam's hand found hers and gave it a light squeeze.

"Good girl."

Blake smiled so wide her cheeks hurt.

She didn't notice the way his grip lingered a second too long. She didn't see the calculating look in his eyes when he thought she wasn't paying

attention. She didn't understand that she wasn't just a soldier.

She was a symbol. She was a hostage.

A princess in a mask. Proof that the White Fang's cause was just. Proof that even the youngest among them were willing to bleed for freedom, that Ghira and Kali's own daughter had more stomach for war, the hard choices, than they did.

Proof that humanity were monsters if they fought against them.

And when the raid went wrong, when the humans fought back harder than expected, when the first shots rang out and Blake froze in terror, Adam was the one who pulled her behind cover. He was the one who shielded her with his body. He was the one who kept her safe as she saw the truth of the brutality of humanity, and let her feel the joy of victory.

He was the one who served her afterwards, told her this was war and why they had to fight humanity.

He was the one who convinced her to keep going, to find her courage, even as she trembled in fear.

He was the one who helped put her to bed, and told her she was brave and she would conquer her fear. He was the one who smiled at her, and she smiled back, and slowly fell asleep.

He was the one who later told Sienna, in a voice low enough that Blake couldn't hear right outside her quarters:

"She's perfect. The humans will hate us for using a child… and that hatred will make them afraid."

"And Lord Ghira and Lady Kali?" Adam prompted.

Sienna smiled grimly.

"They will not dare to interfere with us, as long as she is ours. Keep it that way. Keep her close. Keep her believing."

- - -

Years later, when Blake finally understood what had been done to her, she would remember that night on the rooftop. The warmth of Adam's hand. The pride in his voice.

She would remember how safe she had felt.

And she would hate herself for ever believing any of it.

Because she had been twelve.

She had believed everyone around her was her friend.

And by the time she realized the truth, the damage was already done.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Jaune walked into the JNPR common room. Nora and Ren were waiting for him, looking concerned.

Jaune had a sudden premonition and frowned.

"What is she up to this time?" Jaune asked. Nora sighed and rubbed her temples. Ren just slowly shook his head.

"You should go see," Ren said.

"Hey, at least she's not trying to cook again!" Nora said brightly. Jaune sighed and walked up to the door.

One thing his father had taught him was the hardest part of being a Jedi. He had said:

"Jaune, as a Jedi, we must go up to blood covered maniacs who are laughing while they do evil, and ask 'Wouldn't you rather stop and come quietly?' It sucks but that's our duty, to give people a chance to surrender. Everyone is capable of redemption if they choose it. But if they don't, you must strike swiftly and end the threat to protect the innocent."

He really hoped this wasn't the case with Pyrrha, or Weiss, or Yang, or Ruby. He didn't want to have to strike any of them down. He didn't want to hurt them. Despite everything, he cared about them and sensed they weren't bad people. But if things escalated...

He closed his eyes and focused on the Living Force. He recited the code in his mind:

There is no emotion; there is peace. There is no ignorance; there is knowledge. There is no passion; there is serenity. There is no chaos; there is harmony. There is no death; there is the Force...

He opened the door slowly.

"Pyrrha?"

Pyrrha was in... Very brief lingerie. Black and red. With black lipstick and thick mascara. Her hair was loose. She smirked.

"Hello Jaune~," she purred, "Tell me: Do you want a girlfriend?"

Jaune blinked.

"I mean... Yes?"

"Well, if you turn to the Darkside, I'll become your girlfriend," Pyrrha said.

Jaune blinked again.

Jaune raised an eyebrow. One of his father's lessons came to mind:

Ask questions and seek the weakness of your enemies! And make use of it! Seeking knowledge can be a weapon too!

"Um... And what would that entail?"

Pyrrha flushed.

"W-Well, um... Y-You know... G-Girlfriend things...!"

"Like?" Jaune prompted. Pyrrha waved her hands.

"L-Like... Um... W-Well... Hugging?"

Jaune felt a smile come over his face.

"Oh? Hugging might be nice," he agreed. Pyrrha's cheeks turned a darker red as she wobbled.

"Y-Yes!"

"What else?" Jaune asked, taking a step towards her. Pyrrha wobbled on her heels.

"I-I uh... W-Well, um... Maybe... K-K... K...!"

"Kissing?" Jaune suggested. Pyrrha squeaked and covered her face. He allowed himself a little grin.

"And maybe... Hand holding-?"

"GYAHHHH!" Pyrrha squealed, fleeing into the bathroom and slamming the door shut. "DON'T-DARNIT YOU'RE SO LEWD, JAUNE!"

Jaune chuckled. He walked out of the dormroom, feeling fairly relieved.

"Problem solved," he said.

Nora shook her head.

"Ohhh no it isn't! You didn't even see her nightie!"

Jaune looked over at Ren. The green clad ninja took a long sip of some rather strong smelling tea.

"... How bad?" Jaune asked.

"Everything is see through," Ren commented.

Jaune sighed and rubbed his face.

"There is no emotion; there is peace. There is no ignorance; there is knowledge. There is no passion; there is serenity. There is no chaos; there is harmony. There is no death; there is the Force..."

"Good," Nora nodded, "Keep repeating that. Over and over. Maybe it'll help!"

"You think so?" Jaune asked. Nora beamed.

"Nope!"

"Then why did you say that?!" Jaune demanded.

"Because you trying to recite that while Pyr-Pyr or RWBY tear your clothes off is gonna be super funny!"

"NORA!" Jaune groaned. "It will not!"

Ren hummed.

"It will be a little funny."

"REN!"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

It was a day later when Jaune entered the common room... And stopped short.

Yang was there. She had none of her Mandolorian armor... But there was no doubt that she was here for a fight.

She was wearing her usual outfit… but with some very intentional modifications. The jacket was unzipped just a little too far, showing more cleavage than usual. Her shorts were riding dangerously high. And the confident, predatory smirk on her face was dialed up to maximum.

She sauntered over, hips swaying, golden hair catching the light like a lion's mane.

"Well well well," she purred, stopping right in front of Jaune and looking him up and down. "Look at you, Vomit Boy. You clean up real nice, VB. Almost makes a girl forget how dense you are."

Jaune, still riding the high of successfully countering Pyrrha, decided to try something different.

He straightened up, met her gaze directly, and gave her a small, confident smile.

"Dense, huh?" he said, stepping closer. "That's funny. Because from where I'm standing, you're the one who keeps finding excuses to get this close."

Yang blinked. Her smirk faltered for half a second.

Jaune kept going, emboldened. "You've been flirting with me for weeks, Yang. I thought it was just teasing at first, or trying to throw me off my game to defeat me… but now I'm starting to think you actually like me."

Yang's face went bright red so fast it was almost impressive. "W-What?! I- I mean- Of course I like you! You're- you're my friend and-NO! I don't like you-I mean-you-!"

Jaune took another step forward, now standing well inside her personal space. His voice dropped slightly, calm and steady in a way that felt very un-Jaune.

"And you want more than that, don't you?"

Yang's mouth opened. Closed. Opened again. Her usual cocky bravado was completely gone, replaced by genuine flustered panic. Her ears (if she had them) would've been burning.

"I- You- That's not- I mean-!"

Jaune smiled softly. "It's okay. I like you too, Yang."

Then, before she could recover, he leaned in and kissed her.

It wasn't a long kiss. Just a firm, warm press of lips that carried all the confidence he could muster.

But it was enough.

Yang made a tiny, high-pitched squeak against his mouth. Her knees actually buckled. Jaune caught her around the waist as her eyes rolled back and she went completely limp.

She had fainted.

Jaune stared down at the unconscious Yang in his arms, looking equal parts stunned and horrified.

"…I think I broke her."

From inside the RWBY dorm, Ruby's voice rang out in pure betrayal:

"JAUNE ARC, YOU PUT MY SISTER DOWN RIGHT NOW! Y-YOU SHOULD BE KISSING ME!"

"Not until you're legal!" Jaune shouted automatically.

He sighed deeply.

"…I'm never getting out of this alive, am I?"

Jaune looked down at Yang's peaceful, blushing face and muttered under his breath:

"There is no emotion; there is peace… There is no emotion; there is peace…"

It wasn't working.

Not even a little.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

It happened during a joint training exercise in the old ruins outside Beacon. Well, that's what Weiss would call it.



Weiss had been poking around the collapsed ancient temple (purely for "historical research," she claimed) when she found it: a small, pyramid-shaped device pulsing with faint red light, half-buried under rubble. The moment she picked it up, she knew what it was.



A Sith Holocron.



Specifically, one that had once belonged to Darth Revan, if her grandmother's instruction meant anything.



Her first instinct was to destroy it. Her second was far more interesting.



She brought it straight to Pyrrha.



The two of them stood in an empty classroom, the Holocron sitting between them on a desk like forbidden fruit.



"Weiss," Pyrrha said slowly, eyes gleaming with dangerous curiosity, "do you realize what this is?"



Weiss smirked. "Of course I do. The secrets, the power..."



"It also means others have visited this world!" Pyrrha gasped. "More secrets exist on this world!"



"More importantly," Weiss emphasized, "our resident dense Jedi has no idea what a real Sith Holocron looks like."



Pyrrha's smile turned sharp. "You're suggesting we… rebrand it."



"Exactly." Weiss leaned in. "We tell him it's a lost Jedi Holocron. Something ancient and powerful. We let him open it. And then… we see what happens when he is exposed to the teachings of Darth Revan."



Pyrrha's eyes glowed faintly red for a moment. "He'll Fall. And when he does… he'll be mine."



Weiss's smile faltered for half a second. "…We'll discuss custody later."



- - -



That evening, Jaune was polishing his armor in the JNPR common room when Weiss and Pyrrha knocked on the door. They looked suspiciously friendly which immediately raised the alarm in his head.



"Jaune," Weiss said, holding up the disguised Holocron (now glowing a soft, innocent blue thanks to a quick Dust trick). "We found something extraordinary in the ruins today. A Jedi Holocron. It belonged to one of the ancient Masters."



Pyrrha nodded, voice soft and reverent. "We thought you should be the one to open it. After all… it might contain knowledge that can help you."



Uh huh, Jaune thought. Wow, he was becoming cynical fast. Still... He could sense the Force energy in it. It was authentic. Maybe... Maybe they were being genuine?



Jaune's eyes widened. "Really? That's… wow. Thank you both."



He took the Holocron carefully, like it was made of glass. The device hummed in his hands, recognizing the Force in him.



"Let's see," Jaune muttered, "My dad has one... How do I open it... Ah!"



He focused, and made the Holocron float over his hand. He twisted the corners with his telekinetic power.



With a soft click, it opened.



A holographic figure shimmered into existence: He stood tall and imposing, his presence alone enough to make the air feel heavier. His face was completely concealed behind a sleek, angular helmet of dark durasteel. The helmet's design was both elegant and menacing, a fusion of Mandalorian craftsmanship and Sith iconography. A narrow, glowing crimson T-visor cut across the front like a predator's glare, while subtle red accents and engraved runes traced along the sides, giving the impression that the mask itself was alive with dark power.



Draped over his armored form was a long, flowing cloak of the deepest black, lined with blood-red silk that shimmered like fresh wounds when it caught the light. The cloak was heavy and dramatic, billowing around him with every movement as though the darkness itself obeyed his will. It framed his silhouette like a royal mantle, turning every step into something regal and terrifying.



Beneath the cloak, his armor was a masterwork of intimidation and practicality. Matte black durasteel plates, segmented and reinforced, hugged a lean but powerfully built frame. Red detailing ran along the edges of the chest plate, pauldrons, and gauntlets like veins of molten fury. The chest bore a subtle, stylized Sith insignia, while the broad, angular pauldrons gave him the unmistakable silhouette of a warlord who had conquered empires. The armor was clearly Mandalorian in influence, functional, battle-worn, and built for both war and command, yet refined with the dark elegance only a Sith Lord could command.



Darth Revan.



The girls leaned in, barely breathing.



The hologram spoke in a deep, amused voice:



"If you're watching this, then I'm probably dead. Which is annoying. But before I go, I wanted to leave something behind for the people I actually cared about."



"Bastila, if you're the one who found this... I love you. Your smile is more beautiful and dangerous than any lightsaber. Also, here are the recipes for those Mantellian dumplings you like. I finally got the spice ratios right. Don't tell the Jedi Council I was cooking in the temple kitchen again."



A second hologram flickered on — a detailed recipe for dumplings, complete with handwritten notes in the margins like "Add more garlic, she loves garlic" and "Bastila says these are better than the ones on Dantooine."



The room was silent.



Jaune blinked. "Wait… is this a cookbook?"



Weiss's eye twitched. "That's… that's it?"



Pyrrha stared at the hologram like it had personally betrayed her. "Revan… left a love letter and dumpling recipes?"



The hologram finished with one last message:



"Also, if you're some random Jedi who found this: Don't be a dick. The Force is about balance, not being an asshole. And tell Bastila I... Well, she'll know."



The Holocron powered down.



Jaune scratched his head. "That was… surprisingly wholesome?"



Weiss looked like she wanted to throw something. "We risked our lives dragging that thing out of a Sith temple and it's dumplings?!"



Pyrrha's smile had gone very, very strained. "I… may have miscalculated."



"Really?" Weiss demanded, "What was your first clue?!"



"It was your idea!" Pyrrha growled.



As they argued, Jaune sighed in exasperation. He really shouldn't drop his guard: He couldn't get lucky every time!



Well, at least those dumplings sounded good.