- - -
Despite the fact he was a rugged cowhand, Weiss did appreciate that Jaune Arc kept himself clean, neat and tidy. He rarely shaved, but it suited him somehow. It made him look older, more mature.
So it was a shock to see him walk up to breakfast with pink splotches on his uniform jacket. Pyrrha frowned as the blond young man sat down at his usual spot with his breakfast. His face was as calm and placid as ever though. Ruby leaned forward.
"Jaune? What happened?"
Jaune sniffed.
"It seems Mister Winchester thought ruining my laundry was a good practical joke," Jaune stated. Nora grinned.
"Want me to break his knees?"
Jaune appeared to give this serious thought. He then shrugged.
"Nah."
"A wise decision," Ren nodded. Nora pouted.
"His wrists?" She offered.
"Don't break anything on him until I say so," Jaune ordered firmly. Nora pouted, but nodded.
"Aye aye, Captain!"
Weiss shook her head, scowling a bit.
"He can't get away with harassing you, Jaune," Weiss sniffed.
"I agree, Jaune," Pyrrha added, "You should go to a teacher!"
Jaune huffed.
"When you've been on a few cattle drives, bullying's not something I pay much mind to," Jaune said with a shrug, beginning to eat his food, "Winchester's got his issues, but they ain't mine."
"Yes, but we don't like seeing you get bullied," Ruby pouted. Jaune shook his head again, sipping his coffee before he answered.
"My Pa and Mister Duke said there are only a few things a man should fight for. Some prissy jock who grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth thinking he'll put me in my place ain't one of them."
"O-OW! OW!"
A loud female cry filled the cafeteria. All eyes went to a young rabbit Faunus girl. She winced and cringed in pain as Cardin Winchester yanked on one of her ears, his other teammates around her and laughing.
"See? Told ya they were real! She's a genuine freak!"
Jaune's jaw was set like stone. He set down his silverware, wiped his lips with a napkin, and stood up.
"Excuse me," Jaune stated, his voice quiet but there was a fury boiling underneath it.
"Jaune?" Pyrrha asked. Jaune stalked right up to Cardin Winchester. The redhead looked over at him and sneered.
"What do you want, hillbilly?"
"You. Me. Outside," Jaune stated coldly. Cardin scoffed.
"Really? Want to try to fight me like a man?"
"Big talk from the coward picking on a lady," Jaune stated coldly.
Cardin growled. He let go of the Faunus girl, who scampered away. Cardin smirked and cracked his knuckles.
"You've been asking for this for a long-!"
Jaune threw a haymaker that knocked one of the redhead's teeth out. He staggered back, putting a hand over his cheek in shock. Jaune didn't stop there, grabbing his shoulders and ramming his knee into the bully's crotch. The other three members of Cardin's team swarmed Jaune, punching and kicking him. He was put down on the ground, even as he kept swinging his fists and kicking his feet.
Pyrrha intervened, punt kicking one of the boys right in the face and sending him flipping off Jaune. Nora and Ren were next, slamming the bullies back. Cardin was back on his feet, as was Jaune. Cardin roared in rage and charged. Jaune took the hit from the big Huntsman in training, but returned a punch right to his gut. Other students got up and surrounded them in a ring, cheering and shouting...
Telekinetic force swept over them, and both sides of the fight were pushed apart. The other students parted like the sea before a boat, as Glynda Goodwitch walked up. Her glare was a thing of legend.
"Students! Who is responsible for this fight?"
Silence fell. Glynda's eyes narrowed.
"Who threw the first punch?"
Weiss opened her mouth. Pyrrha moved to step forward. Jaune shot them both hard looks. It was harsh, commanding,
manly-No! No no no! Don't think like that!
"But Jaune, he-!" Ruby tried, but Jaune shook his head.
"Quiet."
Ruby pouted at him.
Jaune sucked in a deep breath, and let it out through his nostrils. He stepped up.
"I did it, Ma'am," Jaune stated, "I threw the first punch. This is my responsibility, and I'll take the punishment for it, ma'am."
Glynda stared intensely at him. Cardin gaped at him in shock.
Glynda then slowly nodded.
"Very well, Mister Arc. Detention with me tonight. You'll be helping me with paperwork."
"Yes ma'am."
Glynda waved her riding crop, and the damage to the floors and furniture wrought by the brawl was instantly repaired.
"Back to your meals, all of you," she stated, before turning and walking off. Jaune looked around.
"You heard her, back to breakfast," he stated flatly.
"Nothing to see here!" Ruby ordered as well.
The group broke up. Cardin shot Jaune another disbelieving look. The Faunus girl blushed as she looked at the blond as well. Jaune pointedly ignored both of them, as he sat back down to resume eating.
"That was very kind of you, Jaune. Very brave."
All eyes went to Blake Belladonna, who was looking intently at Jaune.
Jaune nodded slowly.
"Like I said. there are only a few things a man should fight for. A lady is one of them."
"Even if she's a Faunus?" Blake pressed. Jaune frowned.
"What difference does that make?"
Blake gave him a very small smile, and returned to her ever present book. Weiss frowned in confusion at her teammate.
What was that about?
"Also friends?" Nora asked, a bit softer than usual. Jaune smiled.
"Of course."
Pyrrha's own smile became much softer at that. It made Weiss's hackles rise...
Because her idol wasn't paying any attention to her, of course! Th-That's all it was!
- - -
Tsundere Weiss is so much fun to write.
GentlemanRogue Hope you enjoyed it.