"I did feel it a little curious you ushered us here so quickly," liam admitted. "And While I was certainly not averse to finding out more about this place, but your excuse of having heard of it from the students fell a little flat and You don't exactly spend much time around the student body."Oliver smiled. "You've caught me out."
"Who is he?" Charlotte asked, curious despite herself. "It's not like you to take interest in a random citizen of Vale, even if he can cater to your demanding coffee addiction ?."
"It's not really an addiction, dear..."
"Ho can ~you ~say that again but little~ louder...dear"
In that very moment he knows that He's going to f****** up So he was deciding to bring a plan in motion.
"Is he a potential student then?" she asked, ignoring his protest entirely for now. "Is it someone you want to add to the student body in some way, or maybe someone of political importance then?"
"Neither of those things, I'm afraid but He's just someone I wanted to keep an eye on for a time being you can Call it a professional interest if you will, but my motives are more compassionate in nature and I just wanted to make sure Mr Arc was doing alright."
"Why?" Charlotte asked.
"Why not ask him then?" Oliver said. "You've figured out who I am, right, Mr Jaune Arc?"
"Yeah, I have..."
She jumped when the voice sounded behind her, and quickly scooted her chair around. How he'd snuck up on her, she had no idea, but it might have had something to do with the cakes she was snacking on, or maybe the fact that he presented no presence around him. Most huntsmen and huntresses got used to sensing danger nearby, and he provided none.
He was just a normal civilian at most.
"You're Oliver Brown, the new headmaster of Beacon academy." He looked to them. "And you must all be new teachers there as well."
"Indeed, they are."
"A pleasure to meet you, Mr Arc," she said, holding out a hand. He took it, and she took a second to marvel at how un-huntsman-like his hands were. She filed it away, however, not wanting to draw attention to or embarrass him. "I wasn't aware you knew of Beacon or its professors. I'm sorry if it was rude to speak of you behind your back, but how do you know Oliver?"
"Jaune Arc," he introduced, "and yeah, I know Oliver is." He sighed and shook his head. "I have attend Beacon academy long time go ."
"You...?"
"And I seen his application He was the student who had fake transfer papers to enter beacon academy a long time ago basically 3 years age by now and the old headmaster ozpin had told me all about him and give me his contact numbers before he disappeared basically retired at this point,"
That what he made me to promise and investigate the corruption of the kingdom.
As Oliver though at the moment and started speaking again" so everything about him when he gave me the power and the title the new headmaster of the academy and to look after his old school stuff and students and people family he failure till the end", Oliver said conversationally.
All noise died then and there.
Charlotte winced at this, a suddenly aware of how she was the closest to the teenager, and how she'd just mindlessly shook hands and introduced herself, and unaware of his circumstances or what had happened. And, of course, Oliver had flown in with his usual lack of tact, and dropped a bombshell on them all again.
Well... this turned awkward very fast.
"He wanted to attend beacon academy three year age and passed the entrance exam flight colors with his team It was called team Jupiter technically Miss Pyrrha Nikos team and He is her former partner, but they felt like his training was not up to the standards we demand at the academy," Oliver continued, completely oblivious to the little signs she was sending him to shut up and Even George looked uncomfortable at this all suddenly far more interested in the window than he had any right to be. "We still had a surplus of excellent students this year has well, and Mr Arc didn't quite meet the there bar In the end, so I decided it would be best if he did not try to attend this year ."
"I-I see," she choked out. "Well, this is hardly the place for such discussions, so-"
"So I didn't hear back from him, and of course Not many people respond to letters of rejection, I suppose." Oliver sighed and finished his coffee. It clinked back down onto the saucer, the noise loud enough to echo through the diner and To her horror, she realised that even the other patrons had gone silent, all sensing the tension in the air and deciding to listen in what they were saying.
Could it be that Oliver not sense the mood, or was he just being that much of an idiot like the old headmaster ozpin?
"I wondered how you were doing, Mr Arc. I half-expected you would leave Vale altogether by now."
Zero tact... what else had she expected form his ?
"No," Jaune said weakly. "I did try to leave and no I did leave but it didn't turn out very great at all at first so before I know it took me 2 years to came back like this again as a failure of son and so then I came back to live in the city, and you can see that I am still here... I... I didn't want to go home anymore and admit that I messed up again It felt like doing that would be admitting defeat, or failing somehow and I didn't want my family to look at me and think I was a failure of son I have failed them More than once and now I even failed myself in the end so."
"You're not a failure," Glynda interrupted. "Beacon sets unusually high standards for its applicants, and we turn away almost-"
"At becoming a huntsman, he is a failure," Oliver said, cutting through her argument, and then moving his foot away when she drove her heel down into it and If only she'd thought to bring her weapon, she could have sealed his mouth shut. "I see you didn't just try for beacon academy but you did for the other schools as all and There are more then one ways to become a huntsman than to attend Beacon, you know Some take apprenticeships, while others simply wander off into the wild and teach themselves and It's dangerous, of course, but the option is always there ."
Jaune Arc shrugged weakly, unable - or perhaps unwilling - to explain why he'd to chosen to hang up his sword and become nothing more than a civilian or a guy who works with the Mafia.
"You're doing quite well for yourself here, however and I dare say you've been quite successful in setting this place up Your main menu is certainly diverse enough, and your service has been exemplary. Do you intend to make a career of this now ?"
"I guess so and now It would be a bit weird if I opened this place and didn't do anything at all."
"True..." Oliver smiled coyly and leaned his hands on the table. "Allow me to be frank, Mr Arc. Do you wish for me to leave this place?"
"Oliver!" Charlotte hissed.
"No, it's fine sir..." Jaune shrugged and let out a long sigh. "I don't mind you being here at all."
"And Despite me being directly responsible for pointing out that your the one that trampling on your dreams now?"
Jaune shuffled awkwardly, and it looked like he appreciated being the centre of attention even less than she did and For that alone she'd make sure to dump a week's worth of paperwork on her boss' desk. He deserved it for being so rude. In the end, the waiter shrugged.
"You're not upset?" Ozpin asked. "You knew who I was from the start, yet you treated me like any other customer. Why is that?"
"Because you're a customer..... my consultant would be pretty angry if she heard I'd thrown you of all people out "( and I did want to fail her or her trust In a way that's all I have left now at least I can do this) he thought for a second.
"That's not the real reason and you know it."
"What do you want me to say?" Jaune demanded - and there was a hint of emotion to his voice at last. Charlotte recognised it easily in the way his hands clenched into fists. Oliver, apparently, did not.
"The truth, I suppose. Were you not angry that they turned you down?"
"Angry? Angry!?" His blue eyes snapped open. "Of course I was angry! Becoming a huntsman was my dream, and it was what I'd always wanted, and they just threw that away without even giving me a chance to prove myself! I was angry, alright. I was distraught, depressed - I didn't know what to do!" His hands tightened on his tray, and she saw it bend. "I'd never felt so... so crushed in my whole life. I was left with nothing, and after I'd come all the way to Vale to try and make this work and they took everything away from me..."
Charlotte face fell in sadness.
"And yet you've treated me like any other customer. Why is that?"
"Because... because what difference would it make if I didn't in the end anyways?"
What...?
"Getting angry at you won't change anything at all, and it's been almost three years since then and If you'd come to me on the first night, I'd have screamed and shouted at you, but I can't bring myself to do that anymore." Jaune sighed and placed his tray down on a nearby table. He looked exhausted. "I woke up at five in the morning so I could meet with my suppliers and order some more fresh milk, and then I had to clean all the tables and get ready for the day. I prepped all the machines, visited the local bakeries, and then had to cut cakes and lay them out in display cabinets. It's three in the afternoon now, and to make sure even the vegetables that I have and the other food products that I have ordered or I have are still fresh and to be used and I've got a big order coming in an hour, not to mention the rush once the local businesses close for the day and go home to my wife I just don't have the time to get angry anymore."
Charlotte face tilted to the side and She wasn't sure what she was hearing, and also couldn't figure out whether that was mature or not of him. Sure, he'd decided to put aside his animosity, but because he couldn't fit it in his day anymore or there's something else entirely...?
Was that a good thing or not ?
"Besides, it's not like it would change anything in the end. They probably had a reason to not accept me, and it probably wasn't because they enjoy it and I was really upset at first, but I guess I just busied myself and forgot about it all together. I want to be angry even now, but I just can't find it anymore." Jaune laughed awkwardly and picked up his tray once more. "Maybe they made the right choice, anyway and Maybe I wouldn't have been cut out for the life of a huntsman and I guess I'll never know." His eyes trailed to the ceiling and then back down to them again. He took a deep breath and let it go. "But no, you don't have to leave. You're welcome here, and even after what happened. You were just doing your job, and I'll do mine and There doesn't have to be any hard feelings between us."
Oliver smiled warmly. "I'm glad to hear it. For what it's worth, I derived no satisfaction from the decision.""I understand. This isn't what I expected I'd be doing either, but I can't say I hate it."
"One should never do something they dislike," Liam said wisely. "You've certainly managed to craft a loyal customer base and I'd be happy to come back myself."
"I, as well," Charlotte added. "If we're welcome, that is. I would understand if you didn't want-"
"No, it's fine Mrs." He smiled at her, and she could sense nothing but honesty there. "Like I said, I was worse at the beginning about this before, but I'm over it now. I'd be happy to see you all again but Anyway, I should get back to work and leave you to your food. If you need me, just shout."
"We will, Mr Arc," Oliver said. He watched the waiter leave, and turned back to the rest of them with a small smile. It faded when he noticed them staring at him. "What?"
"Don't you what us, Oliver," Charlotte hissed. "Can we not even take you out for coffee without your causing a scene again?"
"I merely wanted to address the issue and I did worry for the young man, and I didn't want to impose on him if he my presence caused him any distress."
"And you could not have addressed him in private?" Liam asked with narrowed eyes. "As opposed to, say, throwing it out in the middle of our lunch break? That was an awkward situation, Oliver, and not one we needed to be involved in!"
Charlotte nodded with a fierce glare.
"For shame for it is worth," George agreed while crying a bit but around a mouth filled with cake. "For- hm, this is delicious. I- Oh right, yes, for shame.!!!"
As everyone who were listening in on the conversation that they were having when they saw what George was doing, they started to ignored them all and continue what they were doing.
4:00 pm
Things started to slow down as the day went on, and Jaune savoured those rare moments of peace where he could sit down behind the counter and rest his legs. Standing had never seemed so arduous a task before. It was exhausting. Little wonder I'd have never made it in Beacon if I can't do this What could happen have done How bad would I be actually fighting against Grimm with the team of huntsman of my own for all that happened I think I should take it as a blessing now ?.
His village sword, was still on the wall behind him, now more an ornament than anything else and still He'd felt bad about that at first, but he had a feeling his villagers would approve and He'd always wanted an easier life for them all to live inso This wasn't exactly what he'd class as easier, but oh well - it paid, he wasn't getting attacked by Grimm, and honestly, if he dared admit it, the work was actually quite fulfilling.
It was a strange and uplifting feeling at first.
Everything that stood before him, from the chairs to the tables, to the food and drink... it all belonged to him. Sure, some of it was rented and he was still paying it off, the furniture and machinery being a prime example, but it was still his. He'd made this with the help for her boss.
When a customer left with a huge smile on their face, it was because of him. He'd served them well, provided good food and drink, or just created a place they could unwind in. Either way, they were happy because of something he'd done, which meant he was responsible for those moments.
It felt good... incredibly so."I'm still exhausted, though," he groaned, working his neck to get some kinks out. A yawn escaped him a moment later. That was another weird thing, too. He'd been exhausted before, usually when he tried to do training prior to Beacon, but he'd always hated it and Being tired was a bad thing, especially when it left you with a stitch and a sore throat. There was none of that here. He felt proud of it, and was left with a general sense of a job well done.
Which would have been even better had it been closer to closing time. Sadly it wasn't even eight, and the after-work rush had yet to begin.
I'll just catch some rest while I can. Team like RWBY and the others left to get back to their lessons, so it's not like I need to worry about Beacon students coming again soon The teachers would be off doing their own work, too. This would have been a perfect time for the concerned parents to drop by, but it looked like Mrs Robertson's words had proved prophetic.
Roman's too, now that he thought about it. He'd said civilians and huntsmen didn't mix.
"See it for myself, huh?" Jaune rolled his eyes and let out a defeated sigh. "What a cocky guy and He's not going to let me live this one down."
He could just imagine the guy with a huge smile. The words 'Told you so, kid' came to mind. Roman would be the kind of person to rub that in, and Neo would probably stand there smirking at him. If she wasn't doing her best to make him blush again, that was.
And speaking of blushes he needs to check on winter ready to check how she's doing at least I can do with that....
"Hey, Jaune~"
"Jauuune~"
The two voices echoed through the door in unison, followed by the arrival of both girls stepping in with wide bright eyes and even brighter smiles. One was dressed in white, the other red, but apart from that, they were near mirror images of one another.
One thing was for sure, though. They were very beautiful and second do that there very deadly.
His throat clammed up. "M-Miltia, Melanie. Hey. How's it going?"
The girls glanced at each other and shared a catty grin that instantly put him on edge. As one they turned back and sashayed towards the counter, their hips moving in unison and their eyes locked onto his.
Melanie, the one dressed in white, drew out a stool gracefully with one foot, then leaned her arm on the counter and tilted her head towards his. He wasn't sure if the action was designed to make him notice the swell of her breasts, but he did, and she knew it judging from the coy smile she shot him when he tore his eyes back up to hers.
"I'm good, Jaune," she purred, choosing not to call him out. "It's been a hard day though, hasn't it, Miltia?"
"Sure has." Miltia raised one arm above her head and linked her other with it, stretching her body. Her back arched, the smooth line of her throat bared as she relieved herself. The sounds didn't help. "Mm, hmm... so good. Oh, we've been working so hard."
"It looks like Jaune has too," Melanie pointed out, running a finger over his arm. He swallowed and tried to ignore the goose bumps it caused. "You're pretty quiet right now. Won't you share a table with us? We'll pay !!!."
There was no reason not to but He was tired, the diner was empty, and they were two loyal customers. Well, there was no professional reason not to. There were plenty of other reasons, like how they both seemed to love his reactions, and how his body did too - but in a bad way - and how his pants were feeling a little tight at the moment again.
"I-I shouldn't but I can get you some drinks if you like, though?"
The two shared another glance, a giggle, and probably some hidden message. "Okay," Miltia said. "We'll have two chocolate and cream cappuccinos with two straws."
"Make it quick, Jaune~" Melanie blew him a kiss as she went off to join her sister at a small, round table.
Those two would be the death of him. He wasn't sure what he'd done to earn their attention, other than make their favourite drinks, but ever since they'd seen him, they had both taken to making his life equal parts heaven and hell. It wasn't the same as Neo, who liked to make him flush then cackle in victory. The Malachite sisters took things much further.
That wasn't to say they weren't beautiful or that he didn't enjoy the attention. If anything, that was the problem. He enjoyed it too much. They're just teasing, though. They're out of my league anyway. Most of the girls who come here are. Besides, who wanted to eat somewhere and have the waiter try to chat you up? That had to be annoying. He'd already decided he wouldn't let his hormones ruin this job.
He wouldn't try and flirt with any of his customers. That way led ruin - both of the financial and self-respect variety. He hadn't exactly been a hit with the ladies back home. Then again, his sisters hadn't exactly helped...
"Here you go," he said, laying the two drinks down. He also placed a fresh platter of cakes before them, knowing they'd love it. "I'll jus-huh?"
There was a hand around each of his wrists, and the two girls smiled up at him.
"Did you think we'd give up so easily hmm?" Miltia asked. She dragged him down with a girlish giggle, and Melanie helped her, pushing him into the seat between the two of them. His arms bumped against theirs and he froze up, more than aware of how close they were, if only because of the scent of their perfume. It was heady and intoxicating, and also different for each of them.He wasn't sure why it was that he noticed, but he did.
"One is for you," Melanie said, pushing the drink towards him.
"What about-?" He trailed off when they dug the two straws into the last cup and shared it between them. That must have been their plan from the start. He sighed. "You two..."
"Hm, what about us?" Melanie made a happy noise as she sipped from the straw. "You should be grateful we came by to make you rest. You look exhausted."
"Such a hard worker," Miltia agreed, making a circle on the back of his palm with her finger. He wasn't sure if he should move his hand away or not. Would it be obvious if he did? Would it send the wrong message if he didn't? "All work and no play makes Jaune a dull boy."
What was the message he wanted to send, others anyway?
"You should come and work for us sometime."
"Miltia," Melanie hissed. "He can't do that."
"Why not?"
"Because then who would work here and make food and cakes and You forgot about Jessica?"
"Ooh, good point." Miltia nodded and look up at him apologetically. "I'm sorry Jaune, but you can't work for us and It wouldn't work out for us."
His brow twitched. "I didn't even say I wanted to!"
"It's not you," Melanie agreed with a sigh. "It's us."
"We're not ready for that kind of commitment."Sorry, Jaune..."
He growled something under his breath, mostly because his cheeks were too red and he couldn't actually find any words to say. The devious twins shared a look filled with amusement. All of it was at his expense, of course.
"You two will be the death of me, you know?"
"I hope not and Where would we find coffee like this if you died?" Melanie cupped two fingers to her lips and gasped. "Oh, and companionship as well," she hurried, voice thick with insincerity. "We obviously care for you as well, right Miltia?"
"Of course..." The twin in red batted her eyes sarcastically at him. "I care more than Mel, though."
"Oh, is that so, sister?"
"Yep. Red is the colour of passion, after all."
Miltia pressed her breasts against his arm as she said that. Her eyes fluttered up towards him, her lips parted as she breathed out softly onto his cheek. She was teasing him. He knew that. She wasn't being serious.
Why could his body not realise that?
"Hmph, as though Jaune would be interested in something like that. White is the colour of purity and innocence."
"Innocence," Miltia drawled. "You!?"
"S-Shut up. What is that supposed to mean?"
"I think you know, Melanie."
"I don't think I do. As Maybe I'll ask you to elaborate as I smash your face through this table, hm?"
"Try it, bitch."
"Skank!"
Jaune's eyes widened as he realised just where the conversation was going - and at a fast clip, too. He held his arms out between them, putting his face in the way. "Whoa, whoa, calm down! There's no need for fighting. You can't not here..." He trailed off.
Melanie smirked at him. Miltia had one elbow propped on the table, her cheek resting on her palm. Neither had made a move to attack the other, and both looked far too amused at his panic.
He groaned and cupped his face with both hands.
"I hate you both lot."
The two burst into laughter, Miltia pushing off him as she leaned back and laughed into her hand. It lasted for a good minute or so, even if it wasn't really that funny. Then again, it was probably his bright red face that kept setting them off. That and his pathetically weak glares. It was hard to give them a serious glare when their legs kept brushing against his.
And they knew that, damn it.
"Oh, you're so precious," Melanie said once they were both finally done. "You really are the cutest, and you have the best reactions, too."
"Not like the idiots we work with," Miltia agreed, her kind and gentle voice now replaced with something a little more caustic - something a little more honest, yet no less alluring. "Junior's cool, but he's gotten used to us and he's our boss. The boys, though? Ugh."
"They start off as cocky little shits, but that soon goes away. Problem is, they lose whatever spine they had before." Melanie hesitated. "Well... I guess it doesn't help that the older ones always tell them we're off limits of how scary we are.""Which we are," Miltia added. "They're not lying."
"True, but it takes away our fun."
"And that's why you come to torture me instead?" Jaune asked. His face was flat, but his red ears gave him away. "I could bar you from the diner, you realise. It's within my power and law right."
"Oh dear..." Miltia's shifted her legs beneath the table, dragging her leg up the inside of his. "And whatever would I have to do to earn back the right to enter?" She leaned forward and licked her lips. "Sexual favours, perhaps?"
It was too much. Jaune surged to his feet so fast he slammed his knees against the table, then fell back down with a groan of pain. "M-M-Miltia! Too far!"
"Heh. You're such a virgin."
His face was aflame, and their laughter didn't help. "S-So - Wait I am not a virgin. If I was a virgin Is that so weird?"
"I dunno," Miltia said. "You're what, eighteen?"
"21."
" Hey Melanie he said he is not a virgin does that mean he has experiences The lady's"
At this comment jaune arc went all red in a instinct and the two girls saw this giggled a bit at his reaction.
"Meh, I'd say fifty-fifty. It's not weird either way, but the way you react is cute and I can't help it. It's like... it's like teasing a puppy to see its reaction."
"If you didn't get so worked up, we wouldn't do it," Melanie said. "Then again, if that happened, we might get bored and not come around so much." She grinned at him. "Maybe you like it so much you put a show on for us or Maybe you don't want to get used to it."
"No... this is my actual reaction," Jaune said, groaning into the palm of one hand. "It's not like I've ever had a girlfriend before, so I guess I get worked up and You two hardly help, though," he glowered. "I won't ban you, but I can still cut you off from treats for a day."
"And I'll come pester you to give me some," Miltia said, utterly unconcerned with his threat. She looked him up and down carefully, then tilted her head to the side and hummed.
He blinked back. "What? Is there something on my face?"
"No. I'm just wondering if I would."
"Would what...?"
Miltia smiled evilly. "Wouldn't you like to know? It's girl talk. What do you think, sister? Would or wouldn't?""Well, he's not bad for sure and I wouldn't say one worth hunting down, but I might be interested if the opportunity came up and Nothing bad to look at and in good shape - and not an arrogant bastard either so It would be a first, too. Those are important."
"A man always remembers it," Miltia nodded. "Oh, it might be fun to be that and Can you imagine how it might be? With nothing to compare it to, you would become unforgettable. Would it forever linger in memory? Would it be what they think of late at night?"
"Hmm, I can imagine it." Melanie chuckled darkly, watching him with lidded eyes. "Still, it might be fun. I'll say it's in the 'would' column. You?"
"Oh, I definitely would. Just for fun, of course. I'm not ready for anything more."
Jaune looked between the two, trying to figure out what they meant. Their eyes were on him, though they glanced back to throw more veiled phrases towards one another every now and then. Even so, he couldn't help but feel like he was being measured in some way.
"This is one of those conversations where I need subtitles, isn't it?" he asked.
"Only if you're an idiot," Miltia snorted.
"Or innocent," her sister added, "which we know you are. Don't worry, Jaune." She patted his cheek lightly. "We'll take care of you. You're our favourite right now~"
"Your favourite what? Barista?"
Melanie smiled coyly but didn't say anything more. Miltia, as always, was far less subtle.
Melanie smiled coyly but didn't say anything more. Miltia, as always, was far less subtle.
"Tell you what, Jaune. If you ever ask me to, I'll say yes right then and there. Okay?"
"You'll say yes to what?" he asked.
She leaned forward and pushed her fingers against his lips. "Figure it out and you'll see. You'll like it. Trust me."
"You two are really weird," Jaune mumbled past her finger.
"No, we're just normal, everyday girls. You're the silly one, but you are blonde, so we'll let it go." She patted his arm. "Only because you're adorable, though. If you were all stuck-up, I'd have to cut you." She flashed a set of crimson claws, but they vanished a second later. Where, he had no idea. He really thought he should have been more worried about that than he was.
Subtitles... definitely a conversation that needed subtitles. He shook his head and sighed. I suppose I'll have to figure it out later. It's not like they'll ever give me a straight answer. "Enough with the word games," he sighed. "Isn't it eight yet? I'm pretty sure Junior will start acting up if he doesn't get his caffeine fix."
"The man works behind a bar. He has soda on tap."
"I think he's trying to get rid of us, Miltia," Melanie teased. "I think he's a little flustered by us."
"Oh dear, really?" Miltia pressed her breasts against his arm once more and leaned in close. Too close. One of her legs actually mounted his as she pushed her face close to his. "Really, Jaune? Do we make you nervous, Jaune? Does this make you feel funny, Jaune?"
"T-Too close..."
Miltia held her face so close to his he could taste her breath. She might have done more, had it not been for her control breaking. She sniggered before she could stop herself, and quickly descended into laughter a second later.
"It's too much fun," she said, sighing to herself as she extricated her body from his. "Ah, you're the best thing to happen around here lately. You really are." She flicked her hair back and skipped over to her sister. "You need to come around the club some time. We'll do you free entry and drinks."
"And maybe other things if you ask nicely."
"Maybe~"
"I'll keep it in mind," he said, for what felt like the fifth time. "You know I work late. It'll have to be when I get settled in enough to take a day off or hire some part-time staff."
"We could provide some."
"Part-time staff that aren't gangsters, Melanie."
"Boo. You're so picky." Melanie laid a hand on his left arm, and Miltia took the right. "Even so, the offer still stands. You need to loosen up and relax. You'll never get rid of that pesky V-card if you work all day, every day. Get out and meet some people."
And now they sounded like his Mom. That was more than a little awkward. They were probably right, though. All work and no play wasn't going to do anything but wear him out. "Tell you what, if I make up enough money at the end of the month, then I promise I'll come down for a night. That sound good?"
Apparently, it did.
"Really!?"
"You promise?" Melanie asked, surprised. "Oh, who am I kidding? You're one of those guys who always does what they say, aren't you? Such a goody-goody. Well then, we'll hold you to that. Right, sis?"
"Damn right. I hope you can dance, lover-boy."
"Hey I can and I wi-" His words cut off as the bell on the door jingled, it opening far harder than it had any right to and slamming back against the wall. The person that pushed through was familiar, and judging by her red face, she'd run the entire way.
"Hey Jaune it's me Yang I need to talk with you... something very important if you're not too busy can we," Yang Xiao-Long told him. "I lost my scroll somewhere and I was trying to dial your num-"
She saw the two girls hanging off him.
Her eyes flashed red.
6:00 pm : FUCK
Yang took the scene in instantly. The two sisters - the same ones from Junior's club, and they each had a hand on Jaune, who looked none the wiser as to who they were or why he shouldn't be near them. They didn't have their weapons out, but she knew that could change without warning.
They've got him and I can't do anything while that's the case. I should have let the others help me look for my scroll. Damn it. Yang looked for any help, but the diner was empty apart from them. A perfect time for some mobsters like them to come by and try to shake him down. That he was unhurt was a good sign - she'd got here in time.
"Let him go and get out of here," she said. "If you're quick about it, we won't have any trouble."
"Oh, we won't? Isn't that kind of her, Melanie?"
The first turned to the second, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, so sweet. Sorry, Blondie, but we didn't come here to leave straight after. We've got an order, and we need a certain someone to fulfil that for us." The white-dressed girl leaned on Jaune's arm, her fingers trailing up his shoulder. "Why don't you split and leave it to us?"
And leave him with the two of them? Not happening. Ruby would freak if she found out something happened to her best friend. Yang wasn't going to be the one responsible for that. Besides, she liked the guy too.
Ember Celica clicked into place. The twins clearly recognised it and took a step back. Good.
Jaune was less pleased.
"H-Hey, no violence in the diner! Yang, please. It's fine. They're customers!"
"You've got no idea who they are!"
"Huh, they're Miltia and Melanie..."
Not what she meant, but that was fine. If he'd known the truth, he'd have been more afraid - but maybe ignorance was bliss. It wouldn't keep him safe if they decided to rough him up, however. That was up to a huntress like her.
Yang lunged.
Her fists thrust forward to fire a shot, but it wasn't like she was going to unload in a friend's place. The Malachites didn't know that, though, and raised their hands to shield their faces. That took them off Jaune, which was her main goal. Got to get him out before he gets hurt!
There was no time to be fancy, and no time to risk him. She caught him by the elbow and tugged him back and behind her - planning to cover him with her own body until they could get out of range. She dragged him roughly behind her, ignoring his sharp gasp.
There was no ignoring the crack, however.He wasn't sure how it happened. One moment he'd been between the two sisters, and the next - Yang had his arm in a grip of pure steel and was pulling him away. He didn't have the time to complain, nor even to resist. Yang dragged him back behind her.
She meant well. He knew that.
She thought he was in trouble, that he needed help... that she was the only one around to provide it. That was probably why Melanie and Miltia didn't stop her, because they figured it would be safer if they didn't intervene and start a fight.
His body sailed back, still propelled from her initial tug and unable to catch his footing. She kept hold as he stumbled past, maybe thinking it a better idea not to let him fall through a window. Like a ball on the end of a piece of string, his body swung back, fuelled by her momentum. Her grip was tight, pulling him to a stop. The string, his arm, snapped taut.
Something had to give. With aura, training, and muscles like steel - it wasn't Yang.
It was a dry, crunchy sound that echoed unreasonably through the room, shocking even him by the sheer volume. A volume he could feel rumbling through his body. It took him a good second or two to realise what had happened - and a second longer for feeling to kick in.
Even then, he was so shocked that it came out more as a gasp than a cry.
"Oh..."It didn't express what he felt. Not even close. Agony seared through his left arm and raced up to his shoulder, where something throbbed, pulsed and twisted in equal measure. His legs buckled as a feeling of intense nausea rushed through him. It didn't get any better when he saw the shape of his shoulder. Though no flesh had torn, it was aligned in a way that could only be called wrong.
Yang gasped.
"Oh my God..."
Melanie stepped back. "I-I'll call an ambulance!"
"You fucking idiot!" Miltia roared. "What were you thinking!?"
"I-I didn't mean to... I-I just pulled him back!"
Yang's face filled his vision. She was frightened and afraid, her eyes filled with such horror and guilt that he wanted nothing more than to pretend nothing had happened, just to make her feel better. He couldn't, however. He couldn't say anything at all. His teeth were clenched shut, a low whine all he could manage. His eyes were filled with tears.
She hadn't meant to.
Yang hadn't meant to hurt him again.
Miltia and Melanie hadn't meant to put him in danger.
It was an accident. No one was to blame.
But at that moment, as his vision faded, as he felt hands settle him down to the floor, even as Melanie's voice echoed in the background, calling out his address. At that very moment, he understood. Understood why huntsmen and civilians didn't mix. Why Mrs Robertson had hidden Grey away and wouldn't be coming back.
Because what a huntsmen meant, and what they were capable of, were two different things. Huntsmen and huntresses were brave, skilled and powerful.
He wasn't.
He was fragile
He was weak
He was disappointment
It was either testament to Vale's skilled medical practitioners, or the quality of the painkillers he'd been stuffed with, but Jaune didn't even feel his shoulder being pushed back into place. He heard it, not to mention that he felt the vibrations running through his body, but there was no pain or discomfort, and the whole thing was treated more like a routine than anything else by the doctor. That kept him calm, at least, since the middle-aged man either knew exactly what he was doing, or was an expert at faking it.
"And there we go, Mr Arc," he said, stepping back with a soft smile. "You'll need to keep your left arm in a sling for a while, but there doesn't seem to be any torn tissue or fractures. You're rather fortunate on that front, I expect."
He didn't feel very fortunate, but nodded anyway. His arm felt stiff and lifeless, but that was probably the drugs speaking. He made to move it, but the doctor caught him by the elbow before he could.
"I'd prefer if you held yourself back from moving it too much. The dislocation was clean, so your arm is technically healed. That said, it will be sore for a few days, and it would be for the best if you didn't exert yourself too much."
"How long?" he asked.
"I would say two to three days before you can remove the sling."
So soon? Jaune smiled stupidly and let out a long breath he wasn't aware he'd been holding. That would mean a lost day of revenue, but it was Tuesday tomorrow, and he had Wednesdays off - so there wouldn't be any losses that day. If he could get back to work after that, it would be like nothing had ever happened."You'll need to rest your arm for several weeks after that," the doctor continued, settling behind his desk as he typed something into the computer - presumably updating his medical records. "I'd say around ten or so weeks to recover entirely, but you should regain mobility rather quickly. Heavy lifting and sports are off the cards, and I'd advise you to push yourself out of bed with your other arm if possible. You'd be surprised how many people pop the joint again like that." The man looked up, and quickly realised the rapid-fire instructions weren't quite penetrating his drug-muddled brain. "I'll write you up a pamphlet you can take away."
"Thank you." It took a force of effort to not move his left arm. It wasn't the discomfort, but rather the fact he'd been told not to, which paradoxically made him want to. "I only work as a barista, so it's not like the work is too strenuous."
"And can you tell me you don't have to lift any heavy boxes?"
Jaune bit his lip. There were crates to move when an order came in, not to mention milk and water to be poured into the machines, along with the cakes he had to transport from the bakers to his display cases. The list went on, but his silence was all the answer the doctor needed.
"As I suspected. While I have no right to tell you how to live your life, I believe it would be in your best interest to hire some help to handle several of those tasks - at least until you've regained your mobility."
"I'm... not quite settled in enough to afford that," Jaune admitted. His cheeks flushed as he did and he looked away. No one liked to admit they were broke. "I'll think of something."
"I'm sure you will." The doctor tapped his pen on the table. "As I said, I cannot force the issue. You need to take some time to think about your health, however. If you strain yourself, I'll be seeing you again, and the damage might be greater in the future. I'll advise you to think long and hard on this, Mr Arc. You only have the one body."
"Yeah, I know..."The Doctor regarded him for a second, before he nodded and went back to typing into his terminal. He paused occasionally to fill him in on several things, from how he should wash himself with the sling, to what exercises might let him ease any discomfort he felt. Come the end of it, he'd been provided with a printed-off list of information he could refer to should he need it. Before he could stand to leave, however, the man stopped him.
"There is one more matter. I understand this injury was caused by a Huntress."
"That's right. It was an accident."
"Are you sure of that?"
Jaune paused. The mood in the small office suddenly felt a lot less comforting. "What do you mean?"
"I am a Doctor, Mr Arc, which means this meeting between us is confidential. You need not fear of anyone finding out or hearing anything from me. Should you wish to press charges, I can-"
"What? No!" He shook his head. "As No charges. I don't want to press anything. It was an accident, and probably my fault for not explaining things. Yang is a friend of mine." Sort of. She was Ruby's sister, so that was close enough. "There wasn't anything malicious about it."
"You are certain?"
"Yes!"
The man watched him for a few seconds, before he nodded. All of a sudden, the tension that had filled the air dissipated, and he typed something into his computer again. "I'm glad to hear it," he said. "I apologise if the question distressed you in any way. I am just doing my job."
"It's fine, but... why ask in the first place? I already told you how it happened."
"Yes, but it is not uncommon for people to feel they cannot speak out. When the person who harmed you is so powerful-" the Doctor's words trailed off. "Never mind, it's not relevant if you're happy this wasn't intentional. You are free to go, Mr Arc. If you feel anything unusual, or need any further advice, please feel free to seek me out. I have also provided a prescription for some painkillers. You can get them at the front desk."
"Thank you." Jaune took the slip of paper and bit his lip. Despite his attempts to keep his voice even, it wavered a little. "How much do I owe you?"
"The bill has already been paid."
Shock flitted through him, and his mouth fell open. "How?" he gasped. "By who?""According to my records, there were three parties who attempted to cover the bill. The second was rejected as there was no account remaining at the other one but The costs were covered by ATLAS military and as she however, and processed by one Winter schnee ." The Doctor looked up and smiled at him. "I'm sure she will be able to explain in full detail but I believe she is waiting outside just now But I have to say this you do have good people around you." After the doctor told him he left him to his thoughts as Jaune was thinking he could say one more thing " fuck I dead " now it's the time Two Face an angry wife ".
CHANGE LOCATION
CENTRAL HOSPITAL OF VALE :
THE WAITING ROOM
POV
The minutes ticked by with a torturous lack of haste. A bland tune played out over old speakers that clicked and fizzed occasionally, while other people in the waiting room occasionally coughed or shifted on plastic seats. The only other sounds were the occasional whispered conversation, before even those died out. Yang wished there were some bratty kids playing on the toys, if only to offer a distraction.
She hated waiting. She'd never been good at it. Not in the past, and certainly not now, as she sat with her knees apart and her hands clasped between them. Her eyes were locked to the blue carpet, picking out individual pieces of thread, and the dust that littered them.
Each tick of the clock echoed loudly, while the stupid thing's plastic, smiling face continued to mock and gloat.
She hated it.
None of the others spoke, either. Yang wasn't sure if she was relieved about that or not. Or her family had received the garbled message from her an hour ago, and rushed over as fast as they could. There hadn't been so much as a word shared between them, and that hardly improved when Miss winter arrived, and her face set from granite. They'd been waiting ever since.
One of the speakers crackled to life. "Miss schnee of Atlas . Miss schnee of Atlas academy please make your way to the waiting room."
But she did had one question on her mind why was winter the member of Atlas military wiess big sister here She tried to ask that question herself but she was too damn scared she's damn scary like Ms Glenda Goodwitch.
The seat to Yang's left creaked as the woman rose. She felt a hand fall on her shoulder, and she flinched. "Come along, Miss Xiao-Long. The rest of you stay here."
Black looked up. "Can't we-"
"No."
"O-Okay..." Blake shot Yang a worried look.
Yang wasn't sure if she would be fine, so didn't bother to say so. She stood as best she could, suddenly aware of how weak her legs felt, and followed the older woman through the glass and plastic doors. A nurse met them there, and quickly led them into a pristine, white room with a single desk. Jaune was nowhere to be seen.
"Take a seat," the nurse said, doing as much on the other side. "Mr Arc has given permission for us to fill you in on what happened, and as the ones covering his medical costs; you are entitled to a basic explanation."
"Is he well?" Winter asked.
"There were no complications. Mr Arc suffered from a dislocated shoulder, but it was clean and quickly set. I would not expect any lingering issues so long as he follows the Doctor's instructions. I've been advised to tell you that he has chosen not to press charges."
Yang's body didn't relax, even if she let out a quick breath. Beside her, winter nodded, somehow calmer in the situation. Maybe she'd been here before. Maybe this was nothing new. To Yang, it was. Her eyes clenched shut.
"You're free to see him," the nurse said.
"Before we do, may I borrow your office for a moment?"
The nurse looked down to Yang and back up to winter. She didn't answer, but slowly pushed her chair back and moved to the door. It closed behind her with a soft click. Only the two of them remained, and Yang's shoulders bunched up even further.
"Look at me, Miss Xiao-Long."
She tried. She really did. In the end, it was the hand reaching below her chin which forced her to meet her teacher's eyes. Guilty, frustrated tears stung at them.Miss shnee sighed.
"I-I-I'm prepared to f-face anything," Yang stammered. She hated how close she sounded to crying. She clenched her eyes shut to try and ward off any outburst, and swallowed the breath that caught in her throat. When she spoke again, she sounded a little calmer. Sounded, not felt. "I know what I did, and... and I'm prepared for the consequences."
"Prepared, indeed," winter sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "You will have several detentions with community services and It will be held two weeks from now."
Yang waited for the rest.
"And...?" she prompted, when nothing came.
"And that will be it."
"What!?" Yang made to stand, but wasn't quite able to. Her knees hit the desk, rattling it, and she fell back into her seat. Her eyes were wide, however. Wide and angry. "How can that be it? I dislocated a civilian's arm! I broke an innocent person. How am I not being expelled from being a huntress, or suspended for a year, or - or something!?"
"Do you wish to be expelled?"
"No. Yes. Maybe..." Yang gripped her head. "I don't know. I just... I don't know."
"You want to stop feeling guilty for what happened, and feel that if you are punished it might go some way towards achieving that. Am I correct?"
Yang nodded after a moment's hesitation.
"Would that guilt could be assuaged so easily, none of us would dwell on it. Even so, I do not believe you need to hold yourself quite as accountable as you do. I certainly don't. I doubt he does, either."
How could she say that? How could a specialist like her make it sound like it was okay for her to hurt something like that? She was supposed to be training to become a Huntress, someone who protected people who couldn't protect themselves.
But who was going to protect people like Jaune from her ? Miss Xiao-Long..." winter paused. "Yang," she continued in a softer voice. "The differences between a Huntress-in-training and a regular civilian or gangster are many and From how we think, how we act, even to the culture we have and what we think. Huntresses and Huntsmen react to stimuli in different ways but We even react to things like grief and excitement differently. It is to be expected that there will be clashes at times... and yes; sometimes this can take a physical nature as well. I have had the misfortune to be in this position before, and I will tell you now that what you did is far less than what I've seen before."
"What kind of things?""You are an grown ass woman, You all are now, I have seen drunken men and women beating on children and their beloved partners I have seen them do a horrors beyond your imaginary and drugs are temporarily addle the minds of the most gentle and caring of children and students and turning them into dangerous monsters That room the streets this very day. I've seen a moment of the people who have weakness driving someone to lash out at another who didn't deserve it. I have even seen jealousy over a scorned over others I have seen lover create conflict that has led to broken bones and shattered friendships broken relationships that can never be fixed I have seen things that others cannot see and all These happen naturally between Huntsmen, but also between civilians. And gangsters who are born from these crisis families that are broken situations that create monsters like them and good people are dragged into this I have seen innocent suffer more than once but People will fight and people will get hurt. It only becomes a serious problem when it mixes between the three A Huntsman or Huntress can cause grievous injury to someone who isn't trained." Winter placed a hand on Yang's shoulder. "Yours was an accident, and from what I understand caused more from concern than malicious intent."
"I still hurt someone who couldn't fight back again," she whispered. "I broke my sister's best friend again Literally I ....I broke his heart again I don't heard him again and I did not listen I did the same at beacon now I've done it again."
"And you'll likely continue to feel guilty about that for some time, or at least until the memory fades away and I suppose me telling you this not to blame yourself about it and it will have little effect on it, Goodness we knows no one can be as critical as we can in our own minds but that need to be reminded."
"You need to practise to your control on your angry," winter continued. "Like many of our fellow new students and colleagues, you've spent your life surrounded by people who not only have aura, but who are hardy from training for it but You have a Huntsman father and a Huntress mother's, while your uncle is a Huntsman that teaches at Signal and Your friends were probably students from there, and later you went to Beacon academy and now you Tell me; how many civilian friends have you had in the past or in present ?"
As she thought for a moment I thinking why do they stay at the cabin and her reasoning
None Their cabin was out in the woods away from the public and residential areas because Those forests could become infested with Grimm at any given moment.
"As I thought. A Dogs learn to moderate the force of their bites through play with other dogs, and children do the same when interacting between themselves but Given that you've grown up almost exclusively with Huntsmen or those training towards that, it's understandable that you might underestimate your strength, especially given your particular skillset at best ."
"My skillset... what about it ?" She ask winter by rise a question "Yes You are a melee fighter are you not who only relies on strength and physical fitness that I have heard," winter explained. She pinched Yang's bicep, and made a point of how the skin did not depress much. "You have higher muscle mass than any of your teammates. Miss Rose is effectively reliant on her scythe, so unless she was to attack Mr Arc out of hand, or crash into him via her Semblance, she would likely be unable to injure him. My sister and Belladonna are the same, though not quite as frail. They could hurt him, yes. But that would need to do so intentionally. You, on the other hand, are stronger than the average person by far. Even an accident on your end can prove dangerous."
Yang swallowed and shrank in on herself, or she would have if Miss winter schnee hadn't gripped her arm a little tighter and prevented it to her.
"That is not something to feel ashamed of Mrs yang but Accidents happen very often, and they were almost always more likely to happen to people like you but That is a disadvantage you have had to live with, and one which has now taught you a valuable lesson and now That it hasn't until now is a sign of how well you have adapted up to this point. Remember it and remember it well, and feel grateful for the fact you learned it now or where no one was overly harmed by it." As The woman rose from her seat, she gesturing for Yang to do the same. "Come, let us go and meet with Mr Arc now let see how is he doing ?."
Meet him? The mere thought was enough to make her stomach twist a bit, but at the same time she knew it she couldn't be put off forever She nodded woodenly and followed after winter, through the door and out into the corridor, then further down and back to the waiting room. To her surprise, Jaune was already there, and was surrounded by Ruby and melty sister's
How that was possible was mostly due to her Semblance and the fact she was rapidly circling him, checking every angle for injuries as she rattled off questions not even Oobleck would have been able to keep up with.
"Give him some space!" Amanda snapped, catching Ruby by the hood as she made to streak by again. The younger girl came to a screeching halt. "If you keep up like that, you'll make him dizzy. I'm glad to see you're okay, Jaune." The latter was directed to him. "Are you in pain?""N-No..." He looked a little dazed, probably from trying to keep up with Ruby. "I have painkillers, so I'm okay. Where-" His eyes caught hers across the waiting room and his words trailed off and she spot Yang shrank back, but was prevented from fleeing by Miss schnee, who pushed her forward with one hand.
She came to a nervous stop in front of him. "H-Hey, Jaune."
He smiled a weak smile. "Hello, Yang how are you doing ?."
Her words clogged in her throat. He didn't look upset, and for some reason it was she who was afraid to meet his eyes. She focused lower instead, which proved a mistake as her eyes settled on the blue cloth that made up his sling. His arm was concealed by it, but she could still hear the sound of it cracking. Could feel it coming apart like dry twig in her hand. She shivered.
Blake coughed meaningfully.
"I'm sorry for what happened," Yang gasped, eyes closed. "I didn't mean to and it was wrong, but... but I understand if you can't forgive me. I was out of line and shouldn't have been so rough. I'm sorry."
"It's fine-"
"It's not fine!" she snapped, and for the first time looked up to glare at him. "It's not fine, and I wish everyone would stop acting like it is!"
"Yang..."
"Quiet, Ruby." She pushed her little sister away and squared up to the civilian in front of her. "I broke your arm! I ignored everything you tried to say and forced you to do what I wanted again and I thought I knew better, and because of that, I've gone and crippled you. How is any of that okay? How is that not a big deal? Why aren't you angry with me!?"
Jaune stared at her in surprise, and Yang let blake and winter pull her away, even if she continued to stare at him. Why? How? It didn't make sense again I took advantage of you I... I hurt you again like all those years ago but a Huntresses helped people against Grimm and criminals, both of which sought to hurt the innocent civilians of Vale or any kingdom. Where she now stood in that equation was obvious.
"Yang It's just dislocated, not broken."
"Same difference!"
"Ah, I guess." He laughed nervously and made to scratch his head, only to wince as his arm didn't move. When Ruby looked like she might rush over to help - maybe even to scratch his head for him - he stepped back and out of the way. His eyes returned to Yang's a second later. "Look yang, I'm not sure how I'm supposed to be angry at you now," he said. "Annoyed, I'll admit, but that's more at me for not explaining things better. I mean, maybe I'm still a little mad at it, but not to the level you're suggesting."
"Why not?" Yang practically begged. "I attacked you."
"You grabbed my hand and tried to pull me to one side," Jaune pointed out. "My sisters do that all the time. Hell, ( you has not done even worse after people leave me in ) anyone could do that."
"Not everyone could pull your arm out of its socket."
"No, but I could have tripped and done it to myself just as easily. Or I could have been accepted into Beacon and died when the initiation thing happened." He shrugged with his good shoulder. "There are way worse things that can happen just as easily. I think I'd be upset if you meant it. I'd probably be afraid of you, too," he admitted. "I mean, you are all much stronger than me now, so I know as you could probably anyone kill me if you wanted to. There wouldn't be anything I could do about it if you did."She wasn't the only one to look uncomfortable at that. In fact, Miss schnee was the only one who not showing some kind of distress. Ruby had her eyes on the floor, while Amanda had hers eyes closed thinking what to say and Blake looked positively agonised.
"But the thing is, anyone could do that if they wanted to badly enough. Some Any of my customers could bring a knife or a gun and kill me, but it's not like I can spend the rest of my life being paranoid about it." He grinned lopsidedly. "If you ever punched me and, I would. I think I'd probably ban you from the diner. But for accidentally doing this when you didn't mean to? But as When you didn't even think it was a possibility that as could happen?" Jaune sighed. "I don't think I could do that if I tried. The Kids accidentally break their best friend's arm in primary school. It doesn't mean one has to go to prison or live a life of eternal shame."
No, but she wasn't a kid anymore, and this wasn't a playground. She should have known better and anyone over here.
"How long do you have to stay like that?" Ruby asked, filling the uncomfortable silence that had settled between them. Ruby looked worried still, but better than she had when she first arrived. There hadn't been any accusations, but Yang had seen the fear. Ruby had been terrified she'd gone and accidentally killed her friend.
"Two or three days for the sling to come off, and two or three months until everything is healed."
"What's going to happen to the diner?"
"I can still run it once the sling's gone," Jaune said. "I can't do much heavy lifting, so I might need to ask for help with that and I can think Miltia and Melanie will spare some of their guys to help in the mornings, though. They're always offering." He laughed awkwardly at that, and no one noticed her flinch at all Those two were friends with him, and she'd gone and acted like it was the opposite. If only she'd listened. "Anyway, this isn't really going to affect me. If anything, it'll be a convenient excuse for any slow service."
"You might even get higher tips out of pity," militia teased.
"Hey, I'll take whatever I can get lady."
"I totally doubt that "
"Who sang it"
"What about tomorrow?" Yang interrupted.
"Huh?"
"You said you can continue working after the sling is off and What happens tomorrow morning ?"
There was a moment of silence or two before Jaune answered, and when he did, his voice was quiet "I guess we'll be shut tomorrow and It's just one day and I'll be fine yang." He said it so calmly, so easily, that she almost believed him Almost and He was Ruby's only friend, which meant he shared more than he probably should with her, and Yang knew he still had to gather as much as he could to see whether he could stay in business, now Her actions - her stupid, foolish actions - would cost him a day's earnings. Worse, he'd still have whatever costs he had for that day to come.
Guilt tore through her. It would be her fault if he went out of business. Even if he didn't, he was going to suffer because of her again. And I think he is Already was suffering form Her when They made the decision of him at beacon long time ago, then her head rose before she could stop it, her mouth opening. "I'll do it."
Ruby, Amanda and Blake turned to stare at her.
"What?"
"I'll help run the diner for you," Yang said. "I'll work for you tomorrow and keep it open till then you're fully healed up."
"Yang," Ruby whispered. "You don't know the first thing about doing that.... At all"
She clenched her teeth together. "I can learn. I'm not stupid."
"And what of your duty's of a active huntresses on the front lines ?" Miss winter schnee asked her, As One of her brows was raised, but she didn't look against the idea... This was the perfect opportunity for more information about these girls and clean up the mess that she started, but more like she wanted to see what Yang would think up.
"I could work outside of your work-time," she offered. "Or I'll take and make time where I can find It would just be the few day until he's able to move around again."
"You realise those would have to take place in your free time?"
She was actually considering it? Shock warred with surprise across Yang's face, but she forced herself to nod. "That's fine with me and Whenever and whoever."
"I'll help!" Ruby chirped, hopping up to stand beside her. She wilted a little when winter crossed her arms, but struggled on. "I-If that's okay miss, I mean? I want to help..."
"Then It might be better with more of you working together on matter," Winter said, stepping forward.
Yang's and Blake, ruby mouth fell open.
"A...miss weiss big sister..." Ruby whispered, either awed or afraid but Who was this, and as what had she done with their prickly old teammates sister ... !?
"Don't look at me like that miss Rose," said teammate hissed. "The two of you know nothing about customer service, and many other things related to it and then to Yang's knowledge on coffee extends to hot water on beans If I'm not correct." As Winter smirked as when Yang's cheeks coloured red in just embarrassment. "As I am already know his business and who to operate it and I know his consultant location and I won't see him go bust while I'm still here, ( our very own family reputation is on the line everything as we are building together would be ruined as I would never live it down when Mrs Arc is depends on me !" ) she thought to her self.
TO BE CONTINUED