Jaune:*watching the sunset*
Jaune:Hm? So I’ve been demoted? That’s unfortunate. The last month was amazing.
Ruby:Don’t stress yet. It’s only the distance that makes you one.
Jaune:Then by all means, come closer.
Just like that, the young lady sat beside him, her head falling into his lap for her hair to be placed with.
Ruby:How’s my boyfriend doing?
Jaune:Fine. What about you? Had fun patrolling?
Ruby:Not as much fun as this. Can’t believe it’s already been a month. Get all your jitters out?
Ruby:Saaaame. Still, I think I’ve gotten attached to moments like these.
Jaune:Same here. It’s peaceful.
Ruby:Mmhmm. *rolls into his shirt* You smell nice~
Jaune:…So what’s on your mind?
Jaune: “hey stranger?” C’mon, I’m not that clueless; and work seemed to go well.
Ruby:So I’m an open book now? That’s no good.
Jaune:If you were, I would know what’s gotten into ya.
Ruby:It’s nothing too crazy. I’m just happy we’ve gotten so close. A month in and things feel so…natural; like we could go anywhere.
Jaune:*red* Y’know…a wise woman once told me if you can’t properly bring it up, then that means you probably shouldn’t be doing it.
Ruby:I’d like to sleep with you.
Ruby:*blushes* What!? I’m serious!
Jaune:I know you are. I’m just…flattered. You changed your tune so quickly.
Ruby:It’s been on my mind. Like a lot. Not the only thing, but definitely a big thing. I-I really like you. I know you like me, but…what do you think of me? As in, physically. That’s a mystery I can’t seem to crack.
She sat up properly, looking him in the eyes despite her flustered expression and flushed skin. How long has she let things like this hold room in her head? Ruby had no clear answer.
Ruby:I wouldn’t say I’ve ever been insecure about my appearance, but it’s a little weird now when you’re hoping someone looks at you a certain way.
Jaune:I feel like you’ve caught me fawning over you before and actively calling you cute.
Ruby:Lots of things are cute! Puppies, kittens, those chibi figurines you bought me! Is…cute the only way you see me? *rubs her arm* Or…do you look at me sometimes the same way I look at you?
Jaune:I promise you I’m only half teasing when I say this, but how exactly do you look at me?
Ruby:Jaune Arc, I can still kick your butt. Spare me a little here. I’m really trying to be completely defenseless here. Do I…really have to spell it out? No matter what it sounds awkward putting it into words.
Jaune:Amd that’s partly why I stick to “cute.” I’m sorry if I didn’t make you feel more than that, and I doubt “beautiful” or “gorgeous” are the exact words you’re looking for right now. *rubs his head* I do find you sexually attractive. Deeply.
Jaune:Well don’t gasp in shock about it! Believe me, you’re not the only one thinking about or feeling these emotions.
Ruby:Your poker face is too good then. I certainly couldn’t tell.
Jaune:I didn’t want to put any pressure on you. It’s only been a month and we’ve been through too much chaos to consider ourselves perfectly okay. This isn’t me feeling sorry for myself when I say this but I’ve hurt you once and I never want to make that mistake again.
Ruby blinked twice at him, processing his reasoning as she smiled softly and held his hands. Jaune always meant well, but they both had a habit in going in circles at times.
Ruby:Hate to break to ya, but I don’t think either of us can prevent that mistake a like that again. After all, it’s not like we’re experts in dating. Sooner or later we’re probably gonna get something wrong; step on a few toes in the process of this dance. But…I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Not when I understood we’re both trying and aren’t doing it intentionally. So…speak your mind more! I’m serious! You’re no open book either. How do you exactly feel about us sleeping together?
Jaune:I-I’m not in a particular rush. Not saying we have to wait a long time either t-
Ruby: Trust me. Eyes. Close em.
Ruby:Now I want you to imagine we’re not here right now. The world isn’t in peril and feels a bit smaller. Beacon Academy; you and I dating after a month and I ask you that I want to go step further. I want us to share a night where the only thing that matters is right in front of faces and in our arms. What would you say?
In real time, Ruby watched Jaune’s face scrunch and get overtaken by red. His eyes open only to avert his gaze bashfully.
Jaune:I’d probably say “wooo!” or something else embarrassingly, then nod way too quickly.
Ruby:Hahaha! That lil voice; the you at your core, don’t ignore him. I like him. He’s very much my best friend like you are. So what if he didn’t always use the correct words? The message and earnestness was clear as day. Lately I’ve been trying to listen to myself more. Doesn’t always go well, but she got me here! I’m grateful for that.
Jaune:*smiles* She has a real stubborn streak and puts her mind to anything she wants. It’s hard not to be a fan.
Ruby:Hah, I feel the same. So then, sex is on the table? I don’t wanna force you if you need time to prepare more mentally.
Jaune:I’m open to it, but let’s try and take it naturally. If we do something like plan out the exact day and place, I think we’d only set ourselves up for worrying the entire time or overhyping it.
Ruby:Yeeeeaaaah you’re not wrong. I mean look at us right now. We’d definitely stress ourselves out, but now idea at all is also a little scary. I think I’d die of embarrassment if my sister walked in on us.
Jaune:I can promise you that won’t happen. I’m also not gonna put this off. Trust me?
She didn’t even think twice about kissing him, pressing her lips lovingly against his own while Jaune’s arms held her close. All it took was a bit of pressure from Jaune’s side of the kiss to make Ruby swoon. As their lips parted, the girl couldn’t help but rest her forehead against his chest.
Jaune:Hehe, did that do something for ya?
Ruby:Little bit. Not gonna lie.
Jaune:Not that it’s necessarily my business, or anyone else’s for that matter, but maybe you should let Yang know about all this?
Ruby:You’re right, it’s not her business.
Jaune:Hey now, I just don’t want it to feel like we’re hiding or going behind peoples’ backs. It’s not like we need or are asking for approval,
Ruby:We’re you planning on telling someone?
Jaune:Ren is a good listener; plus I am anxiously excited about the prospect.
Ruby:That’s fair. Even so, telling Yang every decision I make feels so…awkward. Not exactly craving her input.
The speed in which the couple whipped their head around to see Yang standing with her duffel bag would give any normal person whiplash. The fiery blonde looked at Jaune, then at Ruby, who remained tight lipped and bright red. After the world’s longest three seconds, Yang played with her own hair awkwardly.
Yang:Umm, just let me know when to leave the inn. That’s all I ask for real.
Ruby:I will keep that in mind.
Yang:That’s my heart you have in your arms. Care for it gently.
Jaune:Absolutely. She’s my heart too.
Ruby:Unless you want to see my cry, I need both of yall to be a little less sappy.
Yang:Don’t trip on the way to bed.
Jaune:Or get your hood stuck in a zipper like always.
Ruby:Hey, hey, hey, hey! Woah! Relax…
