[RWBY] The Great Temporal Step-Sibling War!

[AndrewJTalon]

Okay. The Emerald Festival is kind of like Saint Patrick's Day and Mardis Gras for Vale. It is a week long festival celebrating the liberation of Vale from a siege by a Mistralian invasion force. After the force was routed and destroyed by allies, everyone got REALLY freaking drunk and partied for a whole week. The Emerald Emperor (Ozma's host at the time) got so drunk he handed out all the emeralds in the treasury to the people, and many other embarassing things.

(To this day, Ozipin still doesn't imbibe unless absolutely necessary).

So the week long celebration involves a lot of drinking, partying, and handing out green beads.

The Party was meant to be a preliminary one for the week long festivities. And in each timeline...

Ruby: Tried to sneak some booze, Yang kept her from it, and she got upset and stormed off. Jaune caught up with her. After some talking about her age and stress, she admitted she cared about him more than a friend but didn't know what to do or if he would even feel that way back. Jaune said he did care about her deeply, and did find her attractive. He agreed to go out with her, but slowly to make sure they didn't ruin their friendship. Ruby is very happy.

May: May had some booze, got a bit buzzed, lashed out at her team and staggered off. Jaune helped her, and talked to her. They bonded over their social isolation and decided to become friends, real friends. She asks him out on a date, and he says only if she's sober. Something she remembered the next day. He asks her, and she shyly agrees to go out to the festival with him.

Pyrrha: Got enough alcohol she finally cornered Jaune. Her advances scared him a little and he pulled her out for some air. Pyrrha broke down, admitted she loved Jaune. She had for a long time. She just couldn't figure out how to say it! Jaune admitted he did care for Pyrrha very much but thought her above him. She said he wasn't. But Jaune said they should take it slow, since they were both new to this. Pyrrha agreed happily and passed out. Jaune carried her home.

Arslan: Pyrrha drank to get her courage, but drank too much. Some boys tried to take advantage of her, Jaune and Arslan intervened. They put Pyrrha to bed, and talked. They got to know eachother through their mutual faith, and when Arslan realized he was the son of THAT Nick Arc, she wanted to be much closer friends with him. Jaune agreed and it grew into a romance from there.

Cinder: Got drunk, made out with Jaune. Ended up passing out. He carried her to a bed but she held onto him. They woke up together, still clothed. Cinder acted bashful and decided to use this to get closer to her targets, but eventually fell for Jaune. She finally admitted this at the Vytal Festival when she was about to get into Ozpin's office.

Emerald: It is a bit confused thanks to the fairy tale Amethyst's parents told her, so simplified: Cinder got drunk and told Emerald she never cared about her. Emerald ran off, destroyed. Jaune found her, and despite her anger and sorrow, he comforted her. They opened up to one another, and saw eachother a few more times. Emerald realized she couldn't go through with the plan anymore, and changed sides. Cinder, Mercury and Neo fled, and Cinder would meet her end years later thanks to Nora's hammer.

Weiss: Got a bit buzzed due to seeing Neptune flirting and carrying on with girls. She headed off. Ran into Jaune, who was getting some air. She awkwardly vents about Neptune. Jaune nods. Weiss says she heard from Yang that Jaune made Neptune go dancing with her. She asks why. He says all he wants is for her to be happy. Weiss finally sees that all his courtship attempts, while lame and full of bravado, were genuine. She asks if he'll walk with her under the moonlight and he agrees. They go on their first real date a week later.

Blake: Blake imbibes some drink and then wanders outside, her ears twitching. Finds Jaune, who was a little morose from his drinking. Jaune says it's fine if she removes her bow: He knows she's a Faunus... Honestly he's known for a while, thanks to the Faunus back in Radian. Blake is a little confused and curious. She asks him about his past, and he shares. She then shares her own story. Before the two of them know it, they're talking in depth. They actually become friends, and bond on their common interests. It takes longer for an actual romance to happen between them but it does.

Yang: Yang is a bit frustrated with being hit on constantly. She also tries to keep Ruby from drinking, but Ruby tells her off, that she's not a baby anymore and Yang isn't her mom. Hurt, Yang goes out to get some air, meets Jaune outside. He says he'll listen to her problems. She admits she's wanted to go on dates and be more social, but she's always had to worry about Ruby. She had to be her mom, and now she's growing up and she feels a bit lost. Jaune says he gets it, he was babied a lot growing up, but he doesn't resent his parents or family, and Ruby doesn't resent Yang either. They talk more, getting past their mutual defenses. Yang is a little more impulsive and asks Jaune to go out with her for fun sometime, now that Ruby can handle herself. Jaune agrees. Yang claims it isn't a date... But it turns into one.

Winter: Came to the party to talk to Weiss. Finds her drinking, is outraged and breaks it up. She and Weiss fight, say terrible things. Weiss storms off. Winter meets with Jaune, and Winter opens up to him. He listens and comforts her genuinely, saying he knows Weiss could never hate her big sister. His maturity and compassion impresses Winter, and she makes it a point to see him in the weeks leading up to Vytal. She doesn't summon up the courage to go on a date with him until years later in Atlas, and Jaune asks first.

Glynda: Broke up the party. Jaune covers for his friends' antics, and Glynda makes him her personal assistant for his detention. He helps her with paperwork, immensely thanks to the software he got from his sister-in-law, and they begin to bond and become close. Romance is very slow burn for these two, it isn't until Atlas they actually admit to their feelings and it isn't until Jaune returns aged up they start their relationship in full. But it starts here.

 

[crazyeyedmustafa]

reposting from the SB thread cuz ajt said it's more appropriate here

psychotic omake idea that occurred to me the other day

---

It's not every day one meets their kids from the future, especially so children from multiple different timelines. To say Jaune is overwhelmed is putting it mildly, but he felt somewhat assured that he had met all of his...temporal children and that no outliers were left. He thought he had everyone figured out.

Well...almost everyone.

It was during the middle of another logistics meeting, where all of his future, potential, kind-of family was present, that another revelation came to pass. His "wives" seemed to think he was blind to their very obvious stares, as if he simply forgot they existed the moment he turned his head, but he didn't need eyes on the back of his head to know they were watching him. He could feel their lustful eyes on his back, and his lower back, and his abs, etc. Gods he feels like a slab of meat!

"Don't worry, hon, they're just teenage girls. You should have seen me when I was their age," his mom had chuckled. "I was practically drooling whenever your dad walked in." He wanted to remind her that she still does, but he decided to hold his tongue.

All of his children were accounted for, seated with their respective mothers, the ones whom mothers were present anyway. He still is coming to terms that he got with a woman who intended to murder everyone at his school, but he'll cross that bridge later. It's difficult to stay focused on over a dozen things at once, especially when they happen to be teens around his age and with names for all of them (don't even get him started on Weiss and Winter's kids, it's gonna take him forever to remember whose is whose) but at the very least everyone is accounted for, and no more timeline shenanigans will come up.

One of his children remains a mystery, however.

"So!" Ruby clapped her hands together, getting everyone's attention. She proceeded to turn into a swarm of rose petals and appeared next to the one teenager who had yet to reveal the identity of their mother.. "You! Uh, what's your name again?"

"Er...Aidan." The kid looks to be about Ruby's age, give or take a few years. With his other future kids, clocking their other parent wasn't too difficult: white hair equals Weiss or Winter, blonde probably means Yang or Glynda, he has to squint to really tell, and silver eyes meant, well, Ruby. Aidan had blonde hair and blue eyes, yet when asked by Glynda and Yang if he was one of there's they received a decisive 'No.' "It's good to see you Aunt Ruby," he said, keeping his eyes on his lap. He had sort of slipped through the eyes of everyone involved, only getting noticed when Jaune saw that one of the new kids present had yet to speak. Even after he was called out, he still kept quiet for the most part, only speaking when directly addressed. To say he was shy was an understatement - he looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him every passing second.

Already that made him stick out from the rest, but something about him seemed oddly familiar to Jaune, and he couldn't figure out what.

Ruby ee-d expectedly at being called 'Aunt Ruby;' she seems to have taken being an aunt and a mom in stride, more so than everyone. "I'll never get tired of that! Yang, I'm an aunt!"

"Ruby, we're all aunts." Yang huffed, but there was a smile on her lips.

"Yeah, but still, that's one more nephew I get to claim." She moved closer to Aidan's side. "So, who's your mom?"

Aidan clearly appeared uncomfortable; maybe he was just particular about personal space, Jaune could get that. He refused to make prolonged eye contact with anyone, except for Jaune, once, then quickly averting his gaze back to anywhere else in the immediate vicinity.

Jaune almost missed the quick, nervous glance he shot his way.

"...I don't know if I can talk about it..."

"Aw, come on, we're all family here!" He heard someone snort, probably Emerald. "There's no need to be shy. Your mom isn't also Cinder is she?"

"Huh? No."

"Hm...Velvet? No, no rabbit ears...Jaune do you know any other blondes?"

Jaune shook his head. "Nah, only blonde girls back at home were my sisters." Aidan audibly sucked in air through his lips. "Hey. It's alright, you don't have to tell us if you don't want to. I'm sure you'll let us know when you're ready." Aidan rapidly nodded. Jaune frowned.

Ruby, of course, was annoyed. "Aw...secrets are no fun, no one ever tells me any!" Jaune could guess why. "Could you at least tell us a bit about your timeline? What's your life like back home?"

Aidan seemed to have an intense internal debate with himself, as his face went through a series of conflicting emotions, until he eventually spoke. "Um...well, I live in Argus."

Pyrrha piped up at that. "Really? Wait, I'm...still alive, right?"

"Huh? Uh, yeah, I guess. I never met you..."

Pyrrha's face fell. "Oh..."

"But, I did meet some of you." He looked up and met Ruby's eyes. "You visit sometimes," he muttered.

"Only some of us?" Weiss decided to join in. "Why only some? Are we not as close with each other in the future? I mean, your future."

"Uh...yeah, you could say that." He cleared his throat.

An awkward silence settled over them. Jaune was wondering why Aidan was being so guarded. His future can't be that bad right? Ruby's still alive, as is Pyrrha. Why was he so guarded?

"Jaune moved to Argus, though!" Ruby's smile disappeared as realization settled in. "Oh...your dad and Pyrrha didn't have a falling out did they?"

"Huh?" Aidan sounded like he was having a hard time staying focused. For some reason he kept glancing at Jaune. "No, no, I don't think so...no one ever told me much."

"What! Jaune didn't tell you about his partner?"

Aidan expressed a different emotion for the first time, and frowned, visibly confused. "What? No, he didn't - Oh. I, uh, I don't live with Jaune. My dad." He gulped. "Yeah. We're...we're not that close."

A heavy weight settled on Jaune's chest and he had to keep himself from reacting, as did all the others in the room. "Aidan," he asked, to which his son flinched. "I'm alive in your future, right?" Aidan nodded, going back to looking at the ground. "Why don't I live with you? Did something happen?"

"No!" His sudden increase in volume cut through the silent air, and Aidan's face went visibly red. "Er, no. I just...look, I don't want to talk about it, okay? I'm sorry, it's just...hard to talk about."

Yang grimaced and called out, "Hey, Rubes. I think you should give him some space. He looks like he needs it."

Ruby looked conflicted, struggling with her newfound maternal instinct to comfort her sort of nephew, but even she could see that she's just making him feel worse. "I'm sorry, I do that sometimes. Sometimes I forget about boundaries."

At the very least, her admitting that seemed to lighten Aidan's mood somewhat, whom weakly laughed, "Yeah, that's like my Aunt Ruby."

"Ee! I'm still super friendly!" Ruby shook in happiness, while Aidan stayed still as stone. "I bet I'm the coolest aunt."

Aidan gave a weak smile. "Yeah, you are. You take me and my brother Adrian out often. I got spoiled by you at a - " The blood drained from his face and he slapped his hand over his mouth. "Moh fhit," came muffled through his fingers.

Ruby frowned, concerned. "What's wrong? Hey, we're not gonna - "

A crash went through the room and everyone jumped from their seats, swerving their heads and holding their weapons in alert. However, it was quickly apparent to everyone that there was no threat nearby, and the crash came from inside the room. They all turned toward the source of the sound and collectively gasped. "Jaune!" "Dad!" For Jaune had proceeded to tip over and collapse due to his brain shutting down, as his mind finished processing why Aidan looked so familiar, and why his name also sounded familiar.

He remembered Saphron's kid was named Adrian, and then the neurons within his brain subsequently died.

---

omaigato! its incienso! (I am so sorry.)

 

[AndrewJTalon]

North Sanus, Gallia

One Month after the Vytal Attacks

- - -

Tracking down Adam had been difficult. He was good at concealing his movements, and in the chaos after Vytal, he had plenty of ways to hide.

However, he was the one who trained Blake how to track. And whatever else he was, he was a good teacher.

Blake was a good student.

The train station was an older one on an automated cargo rail line. It was nestled in a grove of pine trees, in the depths of a verdant valley. The station itself had been abandoned for a long time, rusty roof tiles and fading paint. She could see piles of cargo boxes arranged haphazardly, a few White Fang flunkies doing some work... And that familiar figure in black with red hair standing on the platform, staring out into space.

"ADAM!"

Adam slowly turned to face her, unhurried. He stared at her through that mask. She stood there, taking deep breaths in her anger and fear. The other White Fang members turned and began to draw their weapons, but Adam held up his hand and they backed down.

"Have you come to your senses?" Adam asked, calm and condescending, "Finally decided to return? Beg for forgiveness?"

"No," Blake growled, drawing Gambol Shroud, "I'm here to kill you."

Adam looked amused.

"For your human boytoy? For the scars I inflicted upon him?" Adam asked, "For all the human lives I've taken?"

Blake lunged, her cleaver nearly going through Adam's neck if he hadn't drawn Wilt in time to deflect her strike.

"For everything," Blake hissed, dashing forward while wildly swinging her weapon in flail mode.

Adam was initially driven back by her ferocity. She had a clone split off to charge him, while she flanked Adam and opened up in gun mode. Adam smoothly deflected her bullets and used Wilt's sheath to fire back. She dropped under the shotgun blast, sliding forward to swing her chain around his ankles. She leaped up, and Adam was sent crashing to the ground. She shifted her weapon to blade mode and charged, intent on thrusting the blade through his strernum!

He lashed out with a punch which she powered through, but it was enough to stall her momentum. She punched him back, knocking his head back before he lashed out with a powerful kick to her stomach. She pulled back, leaving a clone in her place, but he cut right through it and slapped her in the face with the flat of his blade.

"UNGH!"

He backhanded her and in the same motion, unleashed a blast from his shotgun at point blank range. Another kick and she was sent flying into the wall of the train station ticket booth. She slumped, tried to get back up... But Adam swung his blade, and unleashed Moonslices. Not powerful enough to cut her into pieces... But they burned scars across her flesh right through her Aura.

"UNGH! AAHHH!" She slumped, then Adam was upon her and seized her throat.

"Hurk!"

He lifted her up as she struggled, kicking and punching. He shook his head.

"You were never able to beat me, Blake," he stated smoothly, "This... Was inevitable. This is destiny."

"Nngh...!" Blake tried to cry out, but Adam tightened his grip on her throat as she clawed at his arm. It didn't seem to phase him a bit.

"Your dalliance with the human is something I'm willing to forgive, in time," Adam went on, "After all... I was your first."

"Y-You...!" Adam loosened his grip just a bit, and she gasped before she spat out, "He's... Better than you... In every way!"

"So why isn't he with you?" Adam taunted, tightening his grip again. She flailed and grit her teeth, glaring death back at him. Adam smirked.

"Oh... I see. You abandoned them too, huh? Like I said, inevitable."

He slammed her against the wall, making a dent in the rusting tin as she squirmed.

"You might have thought you loved that man... But in the end, I know you better than anyone," Adam continued, "Because only I know what you need. What you desire. All of mankind at our feet, and me by your side. You will be a queen, Blake. It is what you are meant to be. Why else would you have run off... And come back to me?"

Blake seethed, tears running down her cheeks. Despair welled up in her chest as she saw the other White Fang goons begin to surround them.

Is he right?

The image of Jaune lying in a hospital bed, covered in scars, assaulted her mind. Adam had targeted him specifically during the attack, had beaten him to near death. Had burned scars into his body.

He'd taken Yang's arm when she'd tried to protect Jaune. He'd had his forces keep Ruby and Weiss from getting to Pyrrha... Pyrrha...

And what had Blake done? Just run off on her own, again. Left her boyfriend in a coma at the hospital.

The distant sound of a train whistle couldn't break her despair. She'd run away and abandoned the people she loved. Like she always had... Like she always...

A massive golden Aura slash erupted from the trees, ripping apart half the train platform and scattering the White Fang goons. Adam let Blake drop to the floor, leaving her gasping for breath, as he pulled his sword to parry a strike from a familiar blade. Blake gaped in amazement and horror as Jaune stood there, in full armor, his sword and shield repaired as he crossed blades with Adam.

"Here to save your pet, human?" Adam asked mockingly. "You don't seem to understand-"

"You talk too damn much!" Jaune snarled, and he swung his blade. The two exchanged blows furiously, Adam's speed and power being countered by Jaune's strength and agility. Adam jumped back and unleashed a Moonslice, but Jaune powered up and swung Crocea Mors to unleash another Aura slash. Red met gold, and the two blasts exploded against one another.

"HURK!"

Blake covered her eyes against the brightness of the flash, but lowered them immediately when she heard Jaune's cry. She gaped in horror as she saw Jaune standing there, Wilt buried in his gut, Adam smirking as he drove the blade in deeper. Blood ran from the wound, as Jaune shuddered and dropped his sword and shield.

"JAUNE!" Blake screamed.

Jaune shakily lifted his hands up to grab onto Adam's shoulders. The bull Faunus chuckled softly, as deadly as his blade, as he twisted Wilt inside to make Jaune groan in pain.

"You seem to forget," Adam gloated, "I'm the hero of this story. You are merely a side character, a distraction. Blake will eventually forget her dalliance with you. She will be mine, Remnant will be ours... And you will not even be a memory. You pathetic fraud. Loser. Weakling."

A train whistle sounded in the distance, and the roar of Dust powered engines began to get louder.

Jaune gritted his teeth in a savage grin. Adam scowled as Jaune's grip tightened on his shoulders.

"What's that stupid smile for, moron?"

"You can't see what my hands are doing, can you?"

Two small explosives slid out of Jaune's gauntlets, and he pressed them to Adam's shoulderblades. The bull Faunus's jaw dropped, he pulled away, let go of his sword and tried to remove his coat-

The twin explosions again forced Blake to shut her eyes. When she opened them, blinking the afterimages away, Adam stood there as a bloody wreck. His arms hung limp, bloody, ruined. He gaped in rage and horror at Jaune... Who lifted up his foot and kicked him in the gut towards the tracks.

"YOU-!"

The automated train roared by, covering Adam's scream with its loud horn and rush of the wind as it passed by. It headed off into the distance, not a trace of Adam left behind.

Jaune's knees wobbled, buckled, and finally bent as he fell to the rotting platform. Blake dragged herself over to him, and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

"Jaune... Jaune," Blake sobbed. "I... I'm so sorry... I'm so, so sorry..."

Jaune wrapped an arm around her tightly, and pulled her into a hug.

"It's okay," Jaune whispered, "It's okay..."

They fell back onto the wooden platform together, blood loss and exhaustion forcing them both into unconsciousness.

- - -

When Blake awoke, it was to a well furnished hospital room. The beeping of medical machines and smell of disinfectant assaulted her senses. She looked around frantically from her bed.

"Jaune?! JAUNE?!"

He was laying in a bed next to her, groaning. His torsoe was heavily bandaged. Blake felt a strong but gentle hand take hold of her shoulder, and push her back down. She looked up: A familiar woman was pushing her back down.

"If you don't mind, I don't want either of you hurt yourself more than you already have," Isabel Arc stated flatly. Blake blinked.

"Wh... Where are we?"

"Radian. Arc-En-Ciel hospital," Isabel stated, "My son, for once, remembered to call in back up and aid. The rest of your teams are here too. My husband got you both out of there with his team and a hospital Bullhead."

Blake stared, and slowly nodded.

"I... I see," she whispered.

Isabel scowled at her deeply, and Blake shrank back.

"My son risked his life to save you-Twice," Isabel stated firmly, "You obviously mean a lot to him."

"... I know," Blake whispered, looking back at him.

"So, the least you could do is try not get him killed in the future," Isabel stated angrily. Blake winced, and bowed her head.

"... I know."

Isabel sighed slowly. She reached out and pulled Blake into a hug. Blake tensed up, but relaxed into the gentle warmth of her embrace.

"I can understand how hard it can be to face your true feelings," Isabel murmured, "But it's better than running away from them. Believe me."

She let Blake go. She turned and left, leaving Blake and Jaune alone in the quiet room of beeping machines.

She glanced at a small mirror by the side of her bed. She took it up, and stared at her reflection. Faint scars crisscrossed her flesh. She slid a hand underneath her hospital gown, tracing the lines left behind.

"Hey," Jaune murmured. Blake dropped the mirror, and struggled out of the bed. She became lightheaded with the first step, but she managed to get to the bed and Jaune's arms. He pulled her into his embrace, and she wrapped her arms around him.

"Jaune," Blake whispered, looking up into his eyes, "I... How are you feeling?"

"Terrible," Jaune admitted. Blake nodded.

"Same," she murmured. She looked up at him slowly. She reached up to touch his cheek, the whisker-like scars carved into his cheeks still dark and obvious. Scars Adam had left.

Jaune reached down to trace her own scars with his rough hands. She shivered softly, and leaned into him. His hands slid up and down her body, one going to scratch behind her ears while the other stroked up and down her back. They stayed like that in silence for a time.

"... I'm sorry," Blake murmured. "It... It's all my fault-"

"Blake," Jaune whispered, "Enough, okay? That's not helping. I wasn't... I wasn't going to let the woman I love face that monster alone."

Blake looked up into his eyes. She licked her lips.

"But you're scarred, and injured, all because of-"

"So are you," Jaune whispered. He cupped her cheek tenderly. "Because that's what you do for people you love."

Tears boiled at the corners of her eyes, warmth filling her soul. She slid up and kissed him deeply, a kiss he returned.

"... I love you too," she whispered against his lips. Jaune smiled, and nuzzled her.

"Just... Promise me one thing?" He asked. Blake nodded.

"Anything," she murmured, "I'll do the most depraved, debauched things in my books with you, I'll-!"

"Uh," Jaune blushed, "I-I mean, I'm glad and... Yeah, we'll do that... But what I want more than that? Just promise me... No more running away." He squeezed her hand. "Whatever comes in the future? We... We face it together."

Blake stared back at him. She bit her lower lip and slowly nodded. She squeezed his hand back.

"... I promise."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Hastinpur, Kingdom of Pandu, Southern Mistral, Animus: One and a Half Years after the Defeat of Salem

- - -

Ruby Rose, adventurer, Huntress, savior of Remnant, walked into the hot, humid police precinct office in Hastinpur with a big grin. The interior walls were painted in white, blue, and reds, like most of the interiors in Hastinpur. She showed her ID badge to the sergeant at the front desk, who gaped in disbelief before letting her through.

Still not used to that, she mentally sighed, as she walked into the back of the hot station, fans going everywhere. She walked into the detention area, where someone loudmouth was berating someone.

"HA! There's no way you two are the Queen and Queen Consort! The queen is the most beautiful woman in the world and her consort could tear a man in half by glaring at him!" The police lieutenant scoffed. In the cell, sitting quite calmly, were Jaune and May-In normal civilian clothes. May had her hair under a blue handkerchief, while Jaune had a baseball cap. Both looked amused, if a bit exasperated.

"I keep telling you, I am your Queen," May sighed, shaking her head. "We just wanted to get away from our security detail for a while and go on a proper date for once."

"And where are they?" The police lieutenant demanded. Jaune nodded.

"Next cell over."

"I SWEAR TO GOD I'M GOING TO KICK YOUR ASSES! ALL YOUR ASSES!" Brawnz bellowed in the next cell over, banging at the bars. Nolan and Roy were sitting on the back bench, looking equally exasperated with their team leader.

"Look," May said, in her very best diplomatic voice, "We called Ruby, she'll be here soon to sort this all out."

"HA!" The police lieutenant scoffed, "You really expect me to believe that you know Lady Ruby Rose, one of the saviors of Remnant? The Red Reaper?"

Ruby met Jaune and May's gazes. Jaune smirked as May giggled. The lieutenant frowned and looked behind him... And then down. He blinked at Ruby, who smirked back. He slowly went pale.

"Hey," Ruby said, waving, "I'm Ruby Rose. Savior of Remnant. Those are my friends. You might have heard of them?"

"MY QUEEN! MY CAPTAIN!" The lieutenant cried, dropping to his knees and bowing, "I'M SO SORRY! PLEASE FORGIVE ME!" He hurriedly hit the cell door release button and went right back to groveling. May and Jaune stepped out of the cell, both snickering. May reached down and patted his shoulder.

"It's all right, Lieutenant," May giggled, "You were just doing your duty!"

"Can I please break his face, May?" Brawnz demanded, "Come on! Just a little?"

"No!" May admonished him, "He was overzealous in his duty but that's all!"

May took the police lieutenant's hands in hers and pulled him up. She beamed at him.

"It's all right. Just be a little more discerning before you arrest someone?" She asked.

"Y-Yes Your Majesty! Of course!" The lieutenant cried. Ruby grinned.

"So, do I have to pay the bail-?"

"No! NO! All charges dropped, really!" The lieutenant babbled.

"Aw, are you sure?" Ruby asked. "Brawnz seemed to be having fun in the cell."

"NO I WASN'T!"

"We sure weren't," Nolan and Roy sighed.

"SHUT UP!"

 

[FinalFormer]

Cross-posted From the SpaceBattles Thread

Childhood Memories: Taking A Stroll

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hastinpur, Kingdom of Pandu, Southern Mistral, Animus. Prince August Arc-Sarkara. Age: 16

"This is a terrible idea, my Prince."

That was what August Arc-Sarkara heard from his personal maid, Tala Blackmore, when he told her to accompany him to the trader market in the city. He wanted to visit a bakery that his little sister, Pyrrha, liked. She said the meat buns were amazing.

"I'm not going to be in any danger. I can defend myself." He reassured her. He knew how to fight as well as she did, even if he was more of a sniper than a brawler.

"Then why exactly did you insist that I come along?", The Wolf Faunus asked. "Moreover, I could've went to the bakery myself if you told me to."

"Well, my mother and grandfather did say that walking among the people is the best way to understand them," August stated, gestured to the busy streets. "Getting a nice treat for Pyrrha seemed like the perfect chance to familiarize myself with my people."

"Besides," August shyly scratched the his cheek. "I... I simply enjoy your company is all."

The young prince harbored feelings for his maid ever since she was hired 4 years ago. From a glance, she could be mistaken for Atlas nobility. Her hair, her ears, her tail were all a beautiful shade of black. Like everlasting darkness. Her eyes were a piercing purple hue. To August, she was the most beautiful woman in Remnant.

Tala blushed at his words. Her ears lowered themselves in embarrassment.

"You know it's improper to make an older woman blush."

Despite her words, her tail was wagging. It completely juxtaposed her demure posture. A visage that caused August to blush as well.

"Y-you're only older than me by a year."

-----------------------------------------

There was an awkward silence between them for some time as they made there way to the bakery. August did his best to interact with everyone they crossed paths with. He stumbled his words a few times, even going on a few tangents, but it showed them his more honest nature.

At some point, August spent so much time talking to do many people that he forgot that they were supposed to be getting a treat for Pyrrha, so Tala had to get them.

"I'm sorry." August apologized for the 4th time.

"I already told you there's nothing to apologize for, my Prince," Tala sighed, taking a bite out of a meat bun. "It's as you said, you must get to know the people more personally. Though you really should learn how to stop fumbling over your words."

August winced at that. She really didn't hold back.

"And you're not very good at ending a conversation. And you--"

"Ok, I think I get it!" August stopped Tala before she could continue. She smirked at his reaction.

"You two!" A voice called to them. They turned to see an elderly woman. She wore green and black robes and had a white blindfold over her eyes. She had a staff that had small branches sprouting from the top. The branches red threads hanging off the ends. A few of the threads looked like it was pointing towards August and Tala.

"Yes, you two! Come closer," She urged them. When they got closer to her, she smiled. "Ah yes, that's what I was sensing. Interesting."

"Just what do you find so amusing?" Tala looked at her skeptically. This wasn't the first time someone tried to rob the prince disguised as a fortune teller.

"You have strong feelings for each other, don't you?," August and Tala blushed profusely. "Yes, the Red Thread doesn't lie. I can see how strong the connection is between the two to you."

"W-what?!" August stuttered.

"I-I... Th-that... Y-you're making this up!" Tala accused, her stoic demeanor completely shattered.

"Oh ho, you're quite the doubtful one aren't you, Wolf Faunus," the fortune teller said, amusingly. "But the Red Thread never lies. It tells me that you and that young man have a fruitful future together~. A beautiful hilltop wedding in Vale," She touched one of the threads. "Your families surround you, love filled in all of their hearts. And 8...," She touched a different thread. "... No, 12 children. Yes, a wonderful future indeed."

"E-enough of this nonsense!" Tala protested. She grabbed August's arm and made beeline toward the palace. August couldn't protest or respond, his brain was a bit preoccupied at the moment.

The thought of being married to Tala was... of course he had thought about it! But he could never muster the courage to actually confess his feelings to her like his dad did. He wasn't a ladies man!

What made it more frustrating was when he asked any of the men in his family they always gave him contradicting advice!

"Women love a man with confidence!"

"Just be honest with her."

But at the same time, he knew things couldn't remain the same. Especially after what just happened.

"What a ridiculous woman! Can you believe her, my Prince!? The nerve to a-assume something like--," August stopped her, pulling her close to him. He had made his decision. "My Prince, what are y--"

August silenced her with a kiss. She was a bit shorter than him, so he had to lean down to meet her lips. She smelled like citrus. He could hear her tail swishing around wildly.

This wasn't supposed to happen! He only meant to stop her so they could talk this out! But his heart decided to take over his damn body!

Once the kiss ended, the shock on Tala's face was something August would never forget. Her face looked redder than it was a few minutes ago. August stared deeply into her eyes as he steeled himself for the conversation they were about to have.

"S-so, Tala," August broke the silence. "Do you think we could--"

Tala silenced him with a kiss. She stood on her tippy toes to do so. She hated how much taller he was than her. She had dropped the bag of meat buns in order to wrap her arms around August's neck. Her tail curled itself around his waist.

After he kissed her, Tala knew she couldn't hold back. This was the man she loved. The one she would spend the rest of her days with.

It took awhile for the two of them to notice the sun going was down. Once they did, Tala grabbed the bag off the floor.

"W-we should probably head back home, my Prince. It's getting rather late."

"Y-yeah. You're right." August cleared his throat.

The two would spend the next month sharing kisses in secret. It wouldn't take long for his mother and father to notice the glances the two would often share.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Felt like writing a classic Prince × Maid story this time around. Hope you guys enjoy.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Another constant in the timelines? The Arcs are very, very scary. Anyone who harms Jaune, their family, or their son's friends and don't repent? They don't get a good ending.

Tyrian: restrained "You... You can't stop me, you pitiful woman! My goddess is of death! All shall die!"

Isabel: almost robotic in her calm tone "Your goddess is a fraud. A weak woman who broke and ruined the world out of grief and ennui. And she cannot help you."

Tyrian: sneer "Is this the part where you say you'll spare me if I betray her? Turn over a new leaf?"

Isabel: "No. I know you are beyond redemption. I'm sorry for that. No, what is going to happen is that I am going to hurt you until you give me all the information I require on your fraud of a boss. And then you die in the most horrible agony imaginable. I would make it last longer, but I have a deadline..." ominous glasses shine "So let us begin."

And as for Nick...

Hazel: "You can't understand my pain, my loss-!"

Nick grabs him by the throat and holds him up like a ragdoll with zero effort.

Nick: "My pain, my loss. What a load of crap. It's always me me me! Your sister died, so you allied with a force of pure evil to make everyone else feel as miserable as you? Pathetic."

Hazel: "URK! HURK-!"

Nick: "You singled out my son. You tried to kill him, tried to make us all feel your sense of loss. He'll survive, thankfully... But you won't."

Hazel: "HARUGH-! Y-You... You're... A Paladin! Thou... Shalt not kill...!"

Nick: "That is a mistranslation. In the Ozymandian it is properly translated as 'Thou shalt not murder', that is, kill without just cause. A just cause being to defend yourself or others from mortal peril from an enemy who cannot be reasoned with. There are sects of Aslanism that practice pure pacifism, and I respect them for it. Taking a life is terrible... But letting you live as a threat to all life on this planet?"

SNAP. Nick drops Hazel's lifeless body to the ground.

Nick: sighs "... That is a worse sin... Emperor Above, forgive me my sins. And never let me forget what I fight for."

 

[FinalFormer]

Cross-posted From the SpaceBattles Thread

Glimpses Into Another Timeline: Dammit
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Beacon Academy, Vale. 4 Weeks Before the Fall of Beacon.

This should've been easy. And yet, it wasn't.

"I... I know it's a bit early..."

This wasn't supposed to happen.

"But... I know in my heart that what I feel for you is real..."

She wasn't supposed to let this... this farce go on any further. She couldn't!

"Cinder Fall. I love you."

Cinder Fall couldn't let that idiot Jaune Arc steal her heart.

She furiously tossed and turned in her bed out of frustration. So much that she couldn't hear Mercury complain about her making too much noise.

The plan was simple. It was always supposed to be simple.

After she had accidentally seduced the blonde buffoon, Cinder was advised by that nuisance Neopolitan that latching onto his arm could help them. She knew what the girl was suggesting: Seduce the idiot. Get information on The Invincible Girl, the red one, and the bimbo by inserting herself into his love life. Wrapping him around her finger and get him to talk his big dumb, luscio-- ugly lips about what makes his friends tick.

As much as it disgusted her to debase herself like that, Cinder played along. A flirtatious line here. A hand feeling up his muscles there. It was easy enough.

At first.

The plan had gotten complicated.

It all started with a kiss.

A damned kiss.

After The Breach, she, in a brief moment of weakness, had been worried for his well-being. So much so that upon seeing that he was safe from the invading Grimm, Cinder had kissed him.

She didn't know what had come over her. What compled her to kiss him like a lost lover.

From then on, the remarks from Mercury had gotten worse. He had the nerve to suggest that Arc had some kind of hold on Cinder's heart. That if Arc had been more of a 'badass' (His words), Cinder would dragged him to the nearest love motel.

But it somehow got even worse when Arc had asked her to go on a 'real' date with him.

"Ooooh~. Look at you getting all dolled up for your man~." Mercury mocked. He shared a smug grin with that pipsqueak Neo.

"Shut up, Merc!", Shouted Emerald. She wouldn't let any insult befall her mistress. "Maybe if you tried to schmooze up with Xiao-Long or something, Cinder wouldn't have to throw away her dignity!!"
"That's enough!", Cinder snapped at the two of them. Neo had quickly put her attention on her scroll, not caring about whatever threats Cinder would make. "As much as I don't like this, it's necessary. The more I indulge in Arc's little fantasy of our 'relationship', the more useful information we can use to bring this kingdom to its knees."
"Oh, I get that," Mercury said, leaning back into his bed. "But I think you need to remember where the line is drawn. If you get too close to Arc, this whole operation will be a bust."
"How dare you suggest that!", Emerald shrieked. "Cinder would never let that happen! She has that hick right where she wants him! Right, Cinder?"

If only she had known.

He had taken her to some park in the city. Apparently, it had some cultural significance that was probably tied to that skinwalker Ozpin, no doubt. The weather was also terrible that day. It was too hot. She kept suggesting they just go to a restaurant instead of some street festival but Arc making those ador-- stupid eyes!

They ended up staying in the park. They played a few games. Ate some rather fattening festival foods. He even won her a stuffed animal. A brown rabbit that he stupidly named 'Rumi'.

They walked around the city for awhile until they ended up at the pier. The sun was beginning to set. She knew what was happening. The fool was going to confess his feelings for her. All apart of the plan.

And yet... it didn't feel right.

"I... I know it's a bit early..." Arc stammered. She was taking in every detail of him but not in the way she used to. His jawline. His neatly combed hair. His brilliant blue eyes. She wasn't looking at him as a mark. But as a man.

"But... I know in my heart that what I feel for you is real..." He continued. Why? Why was she doing this? She never did this before! Why now!? And just what did he mean by that!? What was he--

"Cinder Fall. I love you."

Three words.

Those three words were all it took to break the walls of Cinder Fall.

She kissed him, her body acting on its own accord.

"I love you, too." She said, her heart speaking for her.

She couldn't say anything to Mercury or Emerald when she returned to their dorm. She couldn't trust her own words. She didn't even have the heart to indulge in Emerald's ego-stroking praises, simply wanting to be left alone for the rest of the night.

Because deep down, she knew it.

She meant every word she said.

She was in love with Jaune Arc.

Cinder felt the tears go down her cheeks. Try as she might, she couldn't snuff out the embers of love that had sparked in her heart. It yearned for him. His laugh. His eyes. His love. She wanted it all.

But she knew she couldn't.

Cinder belonged to The Queen. There was no happy ending for her. Only a throne. A lonely throne made from the bodies The Queen's enemies. And among them was the man she loved.

And as she silently wept, she simply let out one word;

"Dammit"

----------------------------------------
A little on the short side but I really enjoyed writing this one. Having Cinder realize her feelings for Jaune and overcoming Salem's hold on her will always be my favorite aspect of this timeline.

 

[FinalFormer]

Cross-posted From the SpaceBattles Thread

Glimpses Into Another Timeline: First Date

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Vytal Festival Grounds, Vale. 6 Weeks Before the Fall of Beacon.

"I think you should go. He seems like a great guy!"

"Yeah, May! You're worrying over nothing!"

"If he tries to pull any funny business, we'll kick his ass!"

Those were the.... 'inspiring' words that May Zedong heard from her team when she asked for advice about her date with Jaune Arc. She knew it was a longshot, but she still felt like they had some kind of advice to give her. Roy and Brawnz had been on dates before! Couldn't they say something other than 'Wear something pretty'!?

'I mean... technically they're right." May thought, looking at her attire. She was wearing a white sundress that was given to her by Beacon's resident fashionista Coco Adel. The third-year had heard about her outing with the knight (How she found out in the first place was beyond her) and decided she needed to wear something that would make him "worship her like a goddess'.

And while it did look pretty, the white contrasting against her skin, it put too much emphasis on her... 'assets'.

"Don't you think this is a bit much!?" May whined. She felt too exposed in the sundress. She desperately wanted to crawl back into her beloved baggy hoodie (Which Coco had rudely thrown on the ground!).

"Listen," Coco adjusted her sunglasses, eyes narrowing towards May's. "I know Arc, ok? The guy's as dumb as rock when it comes to girls, so nothing short of an all-out assault is gonna get him to fall head over heels for you."

"You're making it sound like I'm going to war!" May argued.

"I've got news for you Mayday! It is war. And you need to use every advantage you have!" Coco readjusted her sunglasses, a wicked grin spread across her face.

May sighed. She still couldn't believe she let Coco get away with this. At least she stopped Coco from messing with her hair.

"HEY!" May seized up. That was his voice. Jaune Arc was here.

She saw him approaching and...

Wow.

He was... he was really handsome. His blonde hair looked like it shimmered like the sun. His aura was so beautiful. His smile was so bright--

"--nd I kinda lost for sec-- Uh, May? You ok?" Jaune asked.

May blushed. She had been so enamored with Jaune that she spaced out... again... for the 3rd time since they met.

"W-what w-were you saying?" May stuttered.

"I saying I hope I didn't make you wait too long." Jaune replied. May frantically tried to remember the advice Coco told her.

"N-no. You didn't! Not at all!," She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. (That was supposed to show interest, right?) Now she has to give him a compliment. "I like your... shoes."

Dammit! She should've said shirt!

"Oh, thanks! My sister got them for me!," Jaune beamed. They were pretty sturdy for a pair of sneakers. "I really like your dre--"

May noticed Jaune's pause. Her sniper's eye had lined Jaune's eyeline towards her... assets. She saw his jaw hesitantly dropping. He... He thought she was attractive?

'Holy crap! She was right!?' May thought. She might actually have to apologize to Coco for doubting her.

Jaune then coughed, snapping the two out of their thoughts.

"S-so. What do you want to do first?" Jaune asked, hoping May didn't think he was being a creep.

"W-well," May stuttered (Again). "L-let's just walk around for awhile? If we see any stalls that look fun, then we'll check it out."

"Sounds like a plan." Jaune smiled.

And so they did just that. Jaune and May walked all around the festival, playing games like 'Pin The Tail On The Beowolf' and eating very unhealthy festival food.

At first, May had thought her timid and shy demeanor would ruin their date. But to her surprise, Jaune had been accommodating to her. He took quick notice to how she reacted when they went to a game or ride that too many people. And if there was too big a crowd at one food vendor, Jaune would suggest they go to another one. All to make sure she was having fun.

He was such a gentleman.

They were having so much fun that she had forgotten her fears. So much fun that she forgot her insecurities.

Once it got late, he walked her back to the dorms for the students of Shade. As they walked, that part of herself, the one that kicked her around and made her feel insecure, crept up.

"So, this is it. Right?" Jaune said. He had lead May back to her dorm room.

"S-sorry." May apologized. Her head lowered.

"Huh? For what?" Jaune tilted his head.

"W-well... you had to drag me around everywhere," She felt guilty about it. The voice was getting louder. "A-and we really couldn't enjoy the festival because I was getting anxious. If y--"

"May, it's ok," Jaune cut her off. He could tell where this was going. " You have no reason to blame yourself. I had fun. You had fun. That's all that should matter right now. Just because you're a little shy doesn't mean you can't have fun."

"But--"

"And I hope we get to have fun again."

May stood there, stunned. He... he really liked her.

*Smooch*
Her body moved before she realized it. She moved close and kissed Jaune. He tensed up, but slowly wrapped his hands around her waist. The kiss went on for ages. But May's heart didn't care. She wanted him to know she liked him in a way that her words couldn't.

Once the kiss ended, May pressed her head against his chest. She couldn't look at him. If she did, her brain might short-circuit.

"S-s-so, I'll see you tomorrow?" She stuttered. Jaune could only nod in response. She turned to her open her room's door... only for it to fly open with extreme force

"ARC!" Brawnz shouted, fury burning in his voice. Roy and Nolan were holding him back. "IF YOU KNOCKED UP MAY, I SWEAR TO THE GODS YOU'RE DEAD MEAT, MAN! YOU HEAR ME!!! DEAD MEAT!!!"

If May's face wasn't already red, then it was now. That (Wonderful, amazing) kiss had May so dazed, she completely forgot her teammates were staying in the dorm to have a lazy Saturday.

"No, wait that's not--" But it was too late.

"He did what!?"

"That guy? Seriously?"

"My man!"

The reactions from the other visitor students from Shade had caused May's brain to fry. They were actually celebrating!?

Overwhlemed by embarrassment, May fainted. She fell right into Jaune's (Strong) arms. Before she lost consciousness, she heard her teammates preparing to attack Jaune. She was told later that Jaune had successfully taken all of them down.

Had she seen it for herself, May would be sure that her heart would skip a beat.

--------------------------------------------

So, Andrew gave me a few prompts and I really wanted to do a first date story. So why not do it with the girl with many anxieties? Also, I just noticed that both my previous side story and this side story are titled after Blink-182 songs. So that's neat. Hope you enjoy.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Radian, Vale

Two Months After the end of the Vytal Festival

- - -

The Arc farmhouse was full of a hundred little sounds that put Emerald on edge. All unknown, all potentially threatening, save for Jaune's breathing in the bed they shared. She stood up silently, pulled on one of the Arc's provided robes, and stepped out as quietly as she could into the hallway beyond.

The Arc farmhouse was... Warm. From the greens and blues of the wallpaper to the dark red of the floors. The endless pictures on the walls, tapestries from ancient times and photos from now. She walked past them silently, staring almost blankly ahead.

It was alien. Strange. So many signs of sincerity, a sincerity she could not believe in.

It was overwhelming, all of it. Too overwhelming-

"Hello Emerald."

She froze. She turned and looked behind her. Isabel Arc was standing there, her face grim. Emerald sucked in a breath.

"Hello Doctor Arc," she managed. The older woman held an old fashioned lantern, its faint light shining off the walls and windows and picture frames.

"Can't sleep?" Isabel asked. Emerald remained silent and unreadable. Which didn't seem to matter to Isabel, who nodded. "I see."

"What?" Emerald asked, trying not to snap but she was so uneasy. Isabel hummed.

"You know, when I can't sleep, there's a place I go to in the woods over there," she said, gesturing to a small grove out the window. "Would you like to come with me?"

Is that... Is that an order? Emerald wondered, trying to dissect the woman's tone and body language. It was so controlled she couldn't get anything from it.

"... Okay," Emerald said softly. She was at a disadvantage... But she was used to it.

"Good," Isabel smiled. She turned and headed downstairs. Emerald followed silently.

They went out into the night, the chill of winter in the air but not overwhelmingly so. There hadn't been a lot of snow this season, so they walked through the fallow fields to the grove. They walked deep into the forest. Isabel paused on the path, one made of old stones that once fit together into something more grand.

"Let me get us a little more light," she murmured, channeling more Aura into the Dust. The light burned brighter, and Emerald looked up. Her eyes widened.

What she thought were trees were columns, arches, and battlements. Ruins from long ago, illuminated in the lamp's glow. Isabel led her deeper into the ruins, old stained glass and solemn statues with swords, shields, and spears glowing faintly.

They came to the center, a great tile mosaic floor where several statues stood in silent watch. Isabel turned to Emerald, her face still blank as she held up her lantern.

"This is Arcadia," Isabel explained, "Once our family's great fortress manor. It burned down eighty years ago, and we never had the funds to rebuild it. But we still maintain the crypt, and our family memorials."

Emerald sucked in a breath, amazed at how many statues and monuments there were. Isabel turned and pointed behind her, and Emerald turned. Isabel's lantern illuminated a statue of a nervous but determined young woman in armor with wings made of flame.

"That of course is Jeanne D'Arc, our founding Matriach," Isabel explained, unprompted, "she defeated the Witch Queen of Argus and liberated Gallia."

She pointed to another statue.

"That's my namesake, Queen Isabel II," Isabel stated, this one a stern woman in stone with a spear, "She defeated the Vacuoan invaders at the Battle of Rounders, and the Grimm hordes at the Three Turn Bridge. Almost the entire family was wiped out, save for her one infant son Louise I. She sacrificed herself to save him and the kingdom."

She turned, illuminating another statue: This of a solemn looking man with a beard, cloak, and sword.

"And that is Roland III, the last Arc to be a king," Isabel said, "He had to slay his own father, Louise XV, who had become a Grimm cultist and dictator. He abdicated the throne after, to atone for everything his father did and retired here."

"I..." Emerald shook her head. "I don't understand... Why you're showing me this."

Isabel nodded.

"It can be hard to find your way when you have nothing and no one," Isabel said softly. She gestured to a statue of a couple, a man and a woman: The man wielded a sword and shield, the woman a shotgun. "Those... Are my parents. Jonathan and Elizabeth Arc. When I was eleven, they were killed in a Grimm ambush on their way home. They... Sacrificed themselves to protect everyone else in their group."

Emerald grimaced.

"I... I'm sorry," she tried. Isabel shook her head.

"At the time... I hated them for it. For abandoning us."

Emerald started and stared at her. Isabel shrugged.

"Anger is a natural part of grief. It's why I despised being a Huntsman. I... Saw it as just a way to pay for medical school and make real money-Support my family."

She let out a soft sigh, and a wan smile full of nostalgia spread over her face.

"But... I was lost. And I was lucky I found Nick and my other friends. Who... Taught me that to be a hero was more important."

Emerald was silent. She slowly shook her head.

"I... I'm still feeling lost," she admitted.

"Because you can't believe that our family is genuine?" Isabel guessed. "That love isn't transactional? That this is real?"

Emerald was silent, still. She slowly nodded. She waved her hand at the statues.

"All of this legacy, I... I can't understand it. I had nothing, grew up with nothing... I was so dumb that I-I sold my soul to the first person to show me even the smallest bit of kindness..." She sighed. "I... I care about Jaune. I really do... But this... Where do I belong in all this? Can I... Can I ever belong? After all I've done?"

Isabel chuckled. Emerald shot her a confused scowl. Isabel smirked.
"All of these heroes? They were still people. Jeanne was a ditzy farmgirl who accidentally burned down half of Argus. Isabel II was a terrible queen and relied on the Sith Family to run things-She couldn't figure out a financial report if she tried. Roland... He could never forgive himself for killing his father... Or not killing him sooner. And my parents..."

She sighed.

"My parents were human... And good people, who did the best they could. And I love them,," Isabel said softly. "In the end, Emerald, what you are is up to you. But no one is beyond redemption, if they want it. That's one lesson I have learned from my family... And I hope it's one you learn, too."

Emerald studied the statues. Weather worn, damaged... But still standing, despite everything.

She clenched her fist and slowly nodded.

"I will... Jaune... Jaune is teaching me it."

Isabel smiled at her.

"Then I hope that one day... Though not for a very long time... Your statue will be here, too."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Beacon, Vale

One week after the Party

Three Months Before the Vytal Festival

- - -

Glynda sighed, her shoulders tight and her mood dark. Everything seemed to hurt. Even though Emerald Week was over, she was still catching students with contraband booze. She practically stomped to her office, any remaining students out this late wisely getting out of her way.

Her mood was foul and dark, and all the paperwork she had to deal with in her office was making her cringe on the inside.

I might need some of that contraband for myself, she thought. Maybe Arc's gotten somewhere with some of the paperwork...?

He had stepped up and taken the blame for a party he clearly had nothing to do with planning. So she'd made him her assistant for a few weeks as punishment. She winced a bit as she approached her office.

I hope he's not too overwhelmed... I'll do what I can, let him take off early, she promised herself.

She opened the door. Jaune was working at her desk, looking over some reports on the holoscreen. He looked up and smiled.

"Oh! Hello Professor!"

"Hello Mister Arc," Glynda sighed. She shut the door behind her, and sighed. Her shoulders sagged a bit, the scent of warm tea filling the air. Jaune frowned.

"You okay?"

"Today was... Difficult," she said. She walked over to the desk. "You have the financials?"

"Hm?" Jaune blinked. Glynda frowned.

"I did give you access to them? If you haven't gotten to them, I... I understand. It's quite a lot-"

"Ohhhh! Those!" Jaune smiled. He brought up the financial forms. "They're all done!"

Glynda blinkded. She blinked again.

"I... What?"

"Yeah! I triple checked them. I haven't sent them yet, I wanted you to look them over first," Jaune said. He stood up and moved behind the chair, holding it out for her. She frowned and sat down.

"Mister Arc, after my day, I don't appreciate practical jokes," she said, "What do you mean you finished them? It takes days to get them all done!"

Jaune walked back from the tea kettle. He held out a cup of tea with a smile which Glynda took and sipped from. Red Leaf Tea with honey, just the way she liked it.

"I'm serious!" Jaune insisted. "Also, geez, your shoulders bothering you again?"

"I... Yes," Glynda managed. Jaune moved behind her and began to massage her. She bit back a moan-His abundance of Aura and bad control with it, plus his skilled fingers, made her relax instantly.

Granted, it might be a bit inappropriate for him to give her a shoulder rub or two... But given everything she'd been dealing with lately, she hadn't had it in her to refuse. And he was very sweet. Just like his father, really.

She opened the files and scanned through them very quickly. Her eyes widened in disbelief.

"They... They're all done?" Glynda whispered.

"Yeah!"

"I... How?" Glynda managed, flustered for the first time since she graduated from Beacon. Jaune nodded.

"I asked my sister-in-law, a computer programmer, to send me some financial software. I used it to sort it all out." He beamed. "I've mostly been taking care of anything else finance related. I haven't sent anything yet, like I said, so you can make sure it worked."

"How... How much?" Glynda asked softly. Jaune pointed at the holoscreen.

"I took care of the quarterly financial report, the budget proposal, the tax accounting... Again! We'll need to look over it all but I hope you're happy-MMPH!"

It took a moment for Glynda to realize what she was doing. Her lips were on Jaune's. Her arms were around his shoulders. His arms were down at his sides, but slowly going up to her hips. Her tongue was pressing against his lips for entry-

"Ah! Haa!" Glynda pulled away like Jaune was on fire, panting hard. Jaune panted as well, his cheeks bright red. He stared at her in shock.

"Um, uh... P-Professor, um-"

"Okaythankyouwe'llcontinuethisnever!" Glynda cried, waving The Disciplinarian and sending Jaune flying through the door with her Semblance.

"UWAH!" Jaune cried.

Glynda slammed the door behind him, breathing hard, her chest heaving.

"Okay... Okay, I kissed my student and assistant," Glynda murmured, "This isn't the end of the world... This isn't the end of the world...!"

She sat down at her desk and bowed her head. She held her hands to her temples.

"It is the end of the world," she groaned.

- - -

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Beacon, Vale

One week after the Party

Three Months Before the Vytal Festival

- - -

Glynda sighed, her shoulders tight and her mood dark. Everything seemed to hurt. Even though Emerald Week was over, she was still catching students with contraband booze. She practically stomped to her office, any remaining students out this late wisely getting out of her way.

Her mood was foul and dark, and all the paperwork she had to deal with in her office was making her cringe on the inside.

I might need some of that contraband for myself, she thought. Maybe Arc's gotten somewhere with some of the paperwork...?

He had stepped up and taken the blame for a party he clearly had nothing to do with planning. So she'd made him her assistant for a few weeks as punishment. She winced a bit as she approached her office.

I hope he's not too overwhelmed... I'll do what I can, let him take off early, she promised herself.

She opened the door. Jaune was working at her desk, looking over some reports on the holoscreen. He looked up and smiled.

"Oh! Hello Professor!"

"Hello Mister Arc," Glynda sighed. She shut the door behind her, and sighed. Her shoulders sagged a bit, the scent of warm tea filling the air. Jaune frowned.

"You okay?"

"Today was... Difficult," she said. She walked over to the desk. "You have the financials?"

"Hm?" Jaune blinked. Glynda frowned.

"I did give you access to them? If you haven't gotten to them, I... I understand. It's quite a lot-"

"Ohhhh! Those!" Jaune smiled. He brought up the financial forms. "They're all done!"

Glynda blinkded. She blinked again.

"I... What?"

"Yeah! I triple checked them. I haven't sent them yet, I wanted you to look them over first," Jaune said. He stood up and moved behind the chair, holding it out for her. She frowned and sat down.

"Mister Arc, after my day, I don't appreciate practical jokes," she said, "What do you mean you finished them? It takes days to get them all done!"

Jaune walked back from the tea kettle. He held out a cup of tea with a smile which Glynda took and sipped from. Red Leaf Tea with honey, just the way she liked it.

"I'm serious!" Jaune insisted. "Also, geez, your shoulders bothering you again?"

"I... Yes," Glynda managed. Jaune moved behind her and began to massage her. She bit back a moan-His abundance of Aura and bad control with it, plus his skilled fingers, made her relax instantly.

Granted, it might be a bit inappropriate for him to give her a shoulder rub or two... But given everything she'd been dealing with lately, she hadn't had it in her to refuse. And he was very sweet. Just like his father, really.

She opened the files and scanned through them very quickly. Her eyes widened in disbelief.

"They... They're all done?" Glynda whispered.

"Yeah!"

"I... How?" Glynda managed, flustered for the first time since she graduated from Beacon. Jaune nodded.

"I asked my sister-in-law, a computer programmer, to send me some financial software. I used it to sort it all out." He beamed. "I've mostly been taking care of anything else finance related. I haven't sent anything yet, like I said, so you can make sure it worked."

"How... How much?" Glynda asked softly. Jaune pointed at the holoscreen.

"I took care of the quarterly financial report, the budget proposal, the tax accounting... Again! We'll need to look over it all but I hope you're happy-MMPH!"

It took a moment for Glynda to realize what she was doing. Her lips were on Jaune's. Her arms were around his shoulders. His arms were down at his sides, but slowly going up to her hips. Her tongue was pressing against his lips for entry-

"Ah! Haa!" Glynda pulled away like Jaune was on fire, panting hard. Jaune panted as well, his cheeks bright red. He stared at her in shock.

"Um, uh... P-Professor, um-"

"Okaythankyouwe'llcontinuethisnever!" Glynda cried, waving The Disciplinarian and sending Jaune flying through the door with her Semblance.

"UWAH!" Jaune cried.

Glynda slammed the door behind him, breathing hard, her chest heaving.

"Okay... Okay, I kissed my student and assistant," Glynda murmured, "This isn't the end of the world... This isn't the end of the world...!"

She sat down at her desk and bowed her head. She held her hands to her temples.

"It is the end of the world," she groaned.

- - -

Click to shrink...

The next day, Glynda headed into the city. It had been a while since she'd been able to get away. She'd stopped by her small house-Still untouched, still barely lived in. It only made her more depressed.

But it got her out of Beacon. It got her away from her work and Jaune Arc and remembering Jaune's lips-No. Do not think about that.

There was something to brighten her day. She finally had enough time to visit and volunteer somewhere she loved.

The red brick building with a green roof was in Old Vale-The center of modern Vale geographically, if not politically anymore. Nestled between several other older buildings, it had a bit of green around it fenced in with wrought iron bars. The sign outside read "Saint Lucy's Orphanage."

Glynda entered through the twin front doors. A kindly old lady, the matron of the orphanage, looked up from the front desk with a broad smile through her hornrimmed glasses.

"Glynda! It's been so long!" The old lady cheered. Glynda smiled back gently, and walked forward to hug the nun as she hobbled around.

"Sister Margaret, it's good to see you," Glynda greeted her, "So! Am I too late to read to the orphans?"

"Well," Sister Margaret smirked a bit, "You can, but another regular beat you to it."

Glynda raised her eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Yeah! He's a student out of Beacon," Margaret explained, leading Glynda through the side door into the library. It was very well stocked-Glynda, Ozpin, Port, Oobleck, and Mombi Lang (Beacon's librarian) had seen to that. Glynda's eyes weren't focused on that though.

Sitting in a grown up chair, surrounded by children hanging off his every word... And now looking up with a shocked look was-

"Mister Arc?" Glynda blurted out. Jaune flushed.

"Oh! Uh, Professor!"

Sister Margaret looked between them with a raised eyebrow.

"You two having problems?"

"No!" They both said, far too quickly. A number of kids smirked. A girl giggled.

"I'll... Just wait outside," Glynda said quickly.

"No! No, you can-It's all right-" Jaune tried. Glynda shook her head.

"No! No, it's fine. I-"

"Just sit and wait for him to finish, honestly," Margaret sighed, pulling out another chair. Glynda stared back at Jaune, who was bright red. She sighed and sat down.

"Of course," she said, "There's no problem at all."

"No problem!" Jaune insisted.

Margaret looked back and forth between them, and shrugged.

"All right," she said, turning to the kids, "I'll be right outside if you need anything, sweeties."

"Okay Sister Margaret!" They chorused.

- - -

Glynda sat quietly and let Jaune continue. And she had to admit, he had a talent.

"'Now, fools,' cackled the evil Cooboth, 'you and your clone shall fight! Whoever wins will be my apprentice, and let me dominate the galaxy! The two Lucians fought, green beam saber against blue beam saber. Kssh! Krrrsh! Their sabers crackled against eachother, equally matched, as Kara Maid watched helplessly,'" Jaune recounted.

He built up the drama of the fight, doing good impressions of the character voices, and the kids were silent and transfixed. Jaune then rose his hand up.

"Cooboth, seeing everyone was down thanks to his Shwartz scream, declared, 'You have bested my clone! You will be my apprentice! Come with me to the cloning room, and we will dominate the galaxy!' But Kara shot back defiantly, 'Like hell you freak!' Cooboth attacked her with the Schwartz, hurling stones from the roof above. Kara swung the lightsaber, deflecting was she could, but her powers were fading. She was tired. She was injured...'" Jaune looked up to the eager children.

"So?! What happened?!" A little boy demanded. Jaune looked the clock and sighed.

"Sorry guys, we gotta end here for today. I still gotta work on the boiler," Jaune said apologetically, and he was greeted with a chorus of groans. He smiled, "But I'll be back next week!"

The kids brightened up considerably, and took off to play and read and chatter. Jaune stood up, tucking the book into his bag. He walked over to Glynda, looking awkward. She felt awkward as she slowly stood up. They looked at eachother's shoulders.

"Hello Professor," Jaune managed.

"Mister Arc," Glynda said.

Silence fell.

"So... You volunteer here?" Glynda offered.

"Yeah," Jaune nodded. Glynda nodded back.

"I see. That's good."

"Thank you."

Silence. Jaune smiled awkwardly.

"So, um... I'd better go do that. You... You can play with them if you'd like. Not like you can't."

"I..." Glynda sucked in a breath.

You're an adult. Deal with it like an adult.

"May I accompany you?" Glynda asked. Jaune tensed, and slowly nodded.

"S-Sure! Um, yeah. No... No problem," he managed.

They headed out, and descended into the basement of the old building. It was brick and dusty, but fairly well maintained-Many boxes and crates of supplies, along with a thick iron door in case of emergency, were the main features aside from the boiler. The boiler itself was large, old, but fairly well maintained, though there was a rattle. Jaune walked over to it, already reaching for the tool box.

"Well, I can just get started-"

Glynda waved her riding crop, unleashed her Semblance, and the rattling immediately stopped. Jaune blinked.

"Or... You could do that," Jaune managed. He slowly turned back to Glynda. She cleared her throat.

"... Mister Arc," she began, "I am very sorry for... For what happened last night."

Jaune coughed.

"I uh... I-I mean-"

"This is a difficult position for me," Glynda went on with a sigh, "You... You have me dead to rights. You could easily blackmail me over this. A teacher, abusing a student-"

Jaune walked forward, trying to close the distance. She instinctly backed up in shock.

"You didn't abuse me!" Jaune responded angrily. "Look, I'm not some horny 13 year old boy. You're not a monster! I would never blackmail you over this!"

"You're my student and assistant," Glynda responded back, "I-I can't just-!"

"Do you regret it?"

Glynda was silent. Her eyes couldn't meet his.

"Do you regret it?" Jaune demanded again.

Glynda winced. Jaune got closer, his arms twitching as though to hold her, but still he held back.

"Professor," he murmured, "Glynda... You've been so kind, so supportive. You're not a bad person. I-I care about you."

"I'm... A very lonely, frustrated old woman," she whispered, "I'm not someone you should care for-"

"Well I do," Jaune stated firmly, "So there. So... What do you feel about me?"

Glynda was silent. She slowly shook her head.

"I... I don't... I can't feel these things for you," she whispered.

"But you do, don't you?" Jaune pressed.

Glynda sighed.

"... If I did," she murmured, "That doesn't mean we could do anything about it."

She shook her head. She cupped his cheek, looked into his eyes.

"We have to be professi-"

He leaned in to kiss her deeply. She gasped... And didn't pull away.

They broke apart, panting softly for breath. Glynda shook her head rapidly, and pushed him away.

"W-We have to be professional!" She hissed.

Jaune scowled... But nodded slowly.

"Then... That's for kissing me first," he murmured, "We're even... For now."

"For now?" Glynda asked. Jaune nodded and smiled.

"Because one day, we won't have to be professional," he murmured. Glynda flushed.

"Jaune-Arc... I'm an old woman. There are plenty of girls you should chase-"

"And I want you," Jaune said firmly. Glynda sighed and shook her head.

"You're young, Arc... You won't feel like this forever."

Jaune shrugged.

"Maybe... But maybe I won't. I just know... I really care for you. And that's not gonna change."

Jaune headed up the stairs. Glynda watched him go, her cheeks head, her heart pounding.

She rapidly shook her head.

"No! No, it... It's just a crush," she murmured, "It means nothing. He'll grow out of it... He will. And so will I... Right?"

The bricks and boiler had no answers.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Beacon, Vale

One Month after the Party

- - -

Yang was sitting in front of the mirror in their dormroom, mechanically brushing her hair as she stared at her reflection. The sun was just setting outside. Everything was quiet... Before the door burst open and Ruby stormed in, followed by Weiss and Blake.

"Yang! What the hell?!" Ruby demanded angrily. Yang started and swung around, her eyes narrowed.

"Hey! Language-!"

"You don't get to pull that with me!" Ruby growled, advancing up close to her sister, "You broke up with Jaune?!"

Yang winced. Her fist clenched around her hairbrush. She turned away, sitting back down and resuming brushing her hair.

"S-So? It-It wasn't working out!"

"You were over the moon over Arc," Weiss stated flatly, as Blake went to sit on her bed and stare at Yang, "You were having fun. You were giggling."

"I was not!" Yang scoffed.

"Did he do something?" Blake asked pointedly. Weiss nodded.

"Yes, did the oaf make a fool of himself-?"

"NO!" Yang looked over her shoulder and growled, making Weiss start. Even Ruby was surprised. Yang flushed and went back to brushing her hair.

"I... No, he didn't do anything," Yang muttered, embarassed and soft. Ruby frowned.

"Then why?"

"I... W-We have too much to do," Yang stuttered, "We're in the Vytal Festival. He's busy, I'm busy..."

"Yes, incredibly so," Blake deadpanned. Yang slammed her hairbrush down and turned around, scowling at her team.

"It's my decision! Who the hell are you three to question it?! I-I didn't want to do it anymore! I need to look after Ruby and I..." She looked to the side. "He's a nice guy, and... And that's all..."

Blake stared as intensely as a cat at Yang. Ruby scowled, her hands on her hips.

"Yang," she pressed. Yang took a deep breath.

"Look, I... I've been on other dates with guys before-"

"One date! One! Or half dates! You were happy with Jaune!" Ruby insisted. "So what's wrong? He was devastated!"

Yang swallowed thickly and shook her head.

"He-He'll get over it! He's tough... He's-"
"Yang," Weiss stated flatly, "Even I am not so cruel."

That hit like a punch to the gut. Yang sucked in another breath.

"... I-I just... I do like him... A lot," Yang murmured. Blake stared. Ruby scoffed. Weiss scowled. "Okay fine! I REALLY like him, all right?!"

"So why?" Blake asked. Ruby shook her head.

"If you have to look after me-You don't have to anymore! Heck, you haven't done it since we got here! You just dumped me with all the responsibilities!"

"I did not!" Yang growled.

"You basically did," Weiss sighed, "You never help with team paperwork, at all. Then again neither does Blake."

"Hey," Blake scowled. Ruby took Yang's hands in hers.

"Yang... Please, just tell me the truth," she pleaded, "Please."

Yang looked down. She let out a long, hard sigh. Blake shook her head.

"You're afraid he'll leave you. Or you'll leave him. Aren't you?"

Yang's head shot up as she gaped at her partner in shock. Weiss hummed as she looked over at the cat Faunus.

"Huh. So you aren't completely self absorbed."

"Says the spoiled brat," Blake shot back. Weiss scowled, but bit her tongue as she looked back to Yang. Ruby looked into her big sister's eyes.

"Yang... Is that true?" She asked. "You know he'd never ever leave you-"

"But I don't know I wouldn't," Yang hissed. "I don't know that I'll never... Never turn out like... Like her."

She turned back to the mirror. She winced at how red her eyes were. So much like...

Ruby hugged her tightly from behind.

"Yang..." She murmured, "You aren't her. And Jaune's not her either."

"I-I just," Yang whispered, "I..."

Weiss huffed.

"You told me to make more friends, to open myself up and, what did you say? Oh yes, pull the stick out of my-"

"Language!" Yang snarled, again glancing at Ruby. Ruby rolled her eyes.

"'Ass'. I know what it is, Yang! I'm not six!"

"And now you can't do the same?" Weiss demanded. Yang grimaced. She looked back in the mirror. She saw Blake rise, and walked up just behind the sisters.

"If you keep everyone at arms' length, all you'll have is a lonely life, Yang," Blake said softly. "You don't have to walk alone out of fear. That's... That's what you all have taught me."

Yang opened her mouth to speak... When an acoustic guitar playing filled the air. The source was outside, below their window. Then, a familiar male voice began to sing:

"I've had time to write a book
About the way you act and look
But I haven't got a paragraph
Words are always getting in my way
Anyway, I love you
That's all I have to tell you
That's all I've got to say~..."

Blake and Ruby both went to the window, and looked down. Weiss stayed by the door, her arms over her chest. Yang sucked in a deep breath. She rose, and walked over to the window. Blake and Ruby parted for her, and she looked down. Jaune was there, playing his guitar. He looked up at her, his face troubled and uncertain... But he kept playing and singing.

"And now, I'd like to make a speech
About the love that touches me
But stumbling, I would make you laugh
I feel as though my tongue were made of clay
Anyway, I love you
That's all I have to tell you~..."

"Hey, I remember this song," Ruby murmured, "It's from The Last of the Unicorns."

Yang knew it. It was one of those nerdy fantasy movies from when she was a kid that she had watched with Ruby. She'd even read the book. She and Jaune had gone to a midnight showing of it. Something she had never done with anyone before-It was too embarassing to admit she liked dorky fantasy movies like that.

Too embarrassing... Except to Jaune.

"I think he wants to talk to you," Blake suggested.

Yang sucked in a deep breath. She turned and ran out the door, down the hallway, down the stairs, and to the door. She hesitated a moment, before emerging and walking outside, heading around the dorm building.

He was still singing as she rounded the corner. He locked eyes with her as he kept singing and playing, his face sad.

"I'm not a man of poetry
Music isn't one with me
It runs from me
It runs from me~..."

Yang approached him. the lyrics coming to her in that moment. The way she'd sung along to the song with Jaune in the theater...

"And I tried to write a symphony
But I lost the melody
Alas I only finished half,
And finish I suppose I never may
Anyway, I love you
That's all I have to tell you
That's all I've got to say
That's all I've got to say
That's all I've got to say~..."

They stared at eachother, as Jaune stopped playing. He let the last note reverb just a bit. Yang licked her lips.

"... What's all this?" She asked.

Jaune hesitated, but pushed himself forward.

"Pyrrha told me... If I really loved you, truly loved you... Then I'd be willing to fight for you. And... I do," Jaune said.

Yang sucked in a deep breath, her heart pounding in her ears. She took a few more steps, their noses only a few inches apart.

"I... I might... I'm scared, Jaune," she admitted quietly. Jaune nodded.

"So am I. It's not easy for me to... To make a fool of myself all the time."

"You... You make it look easy," Yang said with a small smile. A smile he returned.

"Yeah... But, you know... I'm willing to be brave, and a fool... If you're there alongside me."

Tears were in her eyes. She tried to turn away to wipe them up, but Jaune's hand got there first. His hands were rough, but gentle.

"So...?" Jaune asked softly.

Yang laughed, her tears still coming. She reached out her hands and hugged him tightly. A hug he gladly returned.

"... You're such a freaking dork," Yang whispered, kissing him deeply.

It would take a while for her to admit she loved him back in words. She just hoped her actions spoke for themselves.

- - -

A bit schmaltzy and romantic, but it's what I was in the mood to write. The song is from "The Last Unicorn" but this version is my favorite rendition:


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utt2wLMbz0k&list=RDUtt2wLMbz0k&index=1