Hey, guys! BD and GOTA, here, with an amended chapter of "Time of Departure." As reminded, this story may or may not reflect the original story we have written in 2018 on our RWBY anthology, "The Taste of Rain." In this chapter, Jaune arrives at the airport. As he waits on his taxi, his thoughts are filled with yesteryear from an old friend and painful memories from his former wife, Weiss.

Warning: the story contains strong subject matter (violence, domestic abuse, murder, netorare, minor/referenced sexual content). Discretion is advised. If this story isn't your cup of tea, then please refrain from reading this.

He had arrived at the Cardiff Airport at the peak of dawn. The airport looked more like a shopping mall than anything Jaune had expected. The tiles under foot gleamed white and everywhere were people milling around. There were two glass elevators leading to a lower floor which had the appearance of a food mall. And in the middle of several large open areas were blue fabric covered seats. The air was cool and only the faint aroma coming down from the food area gave it any scent. Some stairs lead up to a viewing deck where eager children watched the airplanes take off and land. There were mounted telescopes for them to look through and the back wall was one large window. Behind the telescopes was a scale model of the airport with the runways marked on it.

Jaune took a breath. It wasn't a typical everyday breath, but a release of tension that has been weighing heavy on his mind.

"Home," he had said to himself. "Home," he said again with a hint of excitement in his voice. Along came the excitement included the crestfallen melancholy of the last time he has been home. "Two years." He lowered his head to his chest. Gripping to his earbud cords as he headed to his destination, a sense of bitter pain came from the sweetness of his return. He couldn't wrap his brain around the fact that he hasn't been home in two years. A place that made him. The place that was his domicile, his place of peace, his familiarity.

He tried his best to keep his composure. Although back in common ground, he wasn't exactly out of the woods. In the heart of hearts, he wanted that chapter of his former life to come to a close. A chapter in which there weren't any sequels, any follow ups. A chapter in which he could ask his living Oum to delete out of his memory banks, he wouldn't mind. Those wasted years of a loveless marriage. The energy, the dedication, the devotion, and the loyalty that he put into was nothing more than senseless waste. He bit into his lip as thought with every fiber of his being. Every tooth, nail, and bone to make his marriage with Weiss work. Even back when they were lovers, why didn't he see the bigger picture? Was it because of the rose-colored glass? Maybe he hoped at some point, she would be reachable? Maybe he was in the search of familiarity that he saw in the marriage of his parents?

It mattered not as he took another break. Like a whale breaching out of the darkened sea for breath, the chains were broken and he had made his exodus back to his home.

The prodigal son was back. The question is how long.

Jaune took an elevator and made his descent toward baggage claim. There were plasma screens of arrival and departure times on the wall of the airport. People were lined up at the check-in desk with suitcases and baggage. There was a sculpture of a whale with water cascading from its mouth and flowing down its tail flukes. In the background, soft classical music played. In the arrivals lounge, there was a curious mixture of bored and excited people. Becoming tired and weary from the flight, he just wanted to grab his luggage and head toward the rental car area in search of a taxi.

Keeping the communication minutely as possible, he had informed Ren on Messenger to alert the others that he had made it safely. He also told Ren to keep safe as he was on the run, it wouldn't be long before Weiss would ask questions to him about his whereabouts. He knew Ren could handle himself. A semblance wasn't needed when he kept a Saturday Night Special underneath his couch in the living room. Jaune knew it was more for Nora's safety versus Ren's. Jaune also knew that Nora was expecting a baby boy in the next couple of months and Jaune made a silent prayer that Weiss wouldn't be bold enough to mess with them.

Despite their minimal involvement in this chase, anyone aiding to help him was facing danger. He made another text to Ren to have Ruby and the others on standby in case Weiss or someone from the Schnee Dust Company were in search of them about his whereabouts.

As for his family, his twin sister Joan was the only one aware of his arrival. He had told her to keep it lowkey as he didn't want to create a stir with the family. He took another breath, knowing that he was closer to his home. The patriarchal prodigal brother returned to claim what was bestowed to him. He could imagine Julie baking a butterscotch pie for him while making spiritual chants. Junko was warming up the extra controller to play Madden together so she can cheat to win. His now not-so-little Kickapoo Joey would still sit on his lap as they watched My Hero Academia together.

He gripped his earbud cords once more. The warm and tight embrace of his mother. The blonde elder enclosing him like a spider does to his prey, never wanting to let him go. The warm tears dropping onto his face, coinciding with the rivers of tears out of his sullen eyes. Jaune felt bad for not being there with his mother at her time of need. He hated missing out many of the great events that had occurred in his absence.

They were fickle, finicky people; the closest of the family since his childhood. Joan has always been their good fortune. She was the oldest by a few minutes, making him the younger sibling. It wasn't easy living in a house of girls. With their father deceased, he took responsibility for being the patriarch, a role to this day he never felt worthy of having. He gripped his right hand. It was something of the air that gave Jaune a thought as he pondered on what things he prepared to do for his family when he returned back home.

He never liked worrying his mother, let alone his sisters in general. Despite Joan's persistence in picking up her only brother, he refused. He didn't want to disturb them. This was his own cross to bear. They didn't force him to make the vows, kiss the bride, and jump the broom. They didn't force him to suffer the physical and mental abuse, the lies, the deceit, and the cheating. They didn't force him to undergo the suffering from every Schnee member in the home. The messed-up parlor games the family would play at him - which Schnee could make Jaune broken the most? Which one could make Jaune cry? He gripped his side. Within the confines of his clothing lied a tattoo. He got it a few days before departing on this trip.

Jaune was used to pain. The needle hitting his skin was minute compared to years of torture from the love of his life. Ren and Nora were present as he spent the last six hours watching the ink seeping into his skin and the blood exiting out of it. Never did such pain felt good for it wasn't a pain of torture, but of relief.

Written in cursive was a phrase. Accompanied by it were broken chains. It was a declaration that he had learned from the days of his father. The words that his father had told him whenever he felt burdens and bondage were overcoming him. Jaune wasn't religious. But always felt there was a spiritual connection within this world. If the gods were real, then they know his struggle very well.

For who the son sets free is free indeed.

He stepped outside to inhale the salty air, his birthright. Something about being away for some time makes a person forgetful of their childhood.

Home, a place of peace, a place of somber, a place of familiarity.

Familiarity

Such a powerful word itching and edging his brain. As if his destiny was to return to where it had all started. The prodigal son returns. He snapped his finger. The prodigal patriarch returns. He had snapped it once more. He just wanted to be sure that his eyes were deceiving him. He was back home. He was back into the place of peace. He was back in the place of familiarity.

Son, never let anyone take away your authority as a man. If so, they will use it against you, Jaune.

Dad, you know I wouldn't let anyone take away that. It is my birthright.

What you are propelling to me are words. Words are meaningless if it doesn't come with your actions.

Dad, have some faith! I am much capable of handling my own.

I want to believe you, son! However, you share your mother's blood as well. Not everyone is worthy of knowing you as a person. Some will use it to their advantage. I know you are still a child. Heck, you are even now ten.

I am eleven, Dad!

That is my point, son! I am telling you this now because at some point, you will get tested.

Amazing how his father's voice entered his mind as he was in search of the rental car place. Since his phone didn't have service to Wales yet, he went to the service clerk to request a taxi or an Uber.

"After all of these years, things haven't changed."

"Pyrrha?"

"In the flesh, Jaune Arc."

The only words that could come out of his lips were amazing. To think that as they were in their late twenties, such essence of beauty remained with the redhead Spartan. To think that they were the same age and she hasn't changed. The only difference was that they were no longer teammates and she decided to lead the battle with passengers and instead of Grimm.

She didn't have much time to speak since she was busy aiding passengers. From what she had told him during their landing, she has been working as a flight attendant for the last few years. She gave him her number so they could catch up. The duo quickly embraced before he headed out of the airplane.

He hasn't seen her since their days at University. They were best friends. They were thick as thieves. From their Beacon days until university, the pair was inseparable. They were highly mistaken as a couple. She was his Bonnie and he was her Clyde. They didn't think anything was going to sever their ties together.

At least until he and Weiss became serious.

A few years ago….

Summers back home was a wondrous experience. Jaune felt that he could breathe again. The days of huntsmen training, combating with teams, studying, exam-taking, and practicing for the future were dead. Back in his village, he could shed the layers of Jaune Arc, hunter-in-training to simply be Jauney. His mother was grateful as the prodigal patriarch returned home. He was welcomed in the sea of kisses from his eight sisters. Each of them wanted to explain their stories, their adventures, their dreams, who they were dating, what they wanted out of him. Overwhelming and exhausting but that was his family. And he was grateful for being back home for these eight short weeks.

Jaune was tying his shoe at the foot of the stairs. They weren't exactly needed to be tied but he wanted something to do. Pyrrha was good enough to come up with an excuse to borrow his phone for the night. It was the excuse of being grounded, dropping her phone into water, or being stolen from the girls' locker room. Which one did he accept and gave it without any resolve? Why couldn't he simply say no to the redhead Spartan? It wasn't hard. Just put his lips together and produce the consonant-vowel.

In the end, she reigned victoriously.

Pyrrha Nikos was Jaune's best friend number two or number one. It depended on how aggravating or how convincing she and Lie Ren could be to keep his attention. Honestly, Jaune didn't believe in ranking which friend is the best. He knew Pyrrha longer before Lie Ren entered his life.

So, it was safe to say whenever they were back home, Pyrrha was top of the friendship totem pole.

Pyrrha was the visiting neighbor girl he met when he was eight years old. He guessed that Pyrrha didn't like staying alone with her soap-opera-watching, chain-smoking, nightgown-wearing aunt and her large, overweight German Shepherd called Bitsy. Jaune was playing alone in the ditch playing hunter when they met. Using a cardboard sword he constructed out of glue sticks, construction paper, and the cereal box, it served as a mighty weapon as he fought off his enemies, Grimm, Beowulf, and saved his imaginary damsel from danger.

He could never forget her face upon their first meeting. She was a tomboyish kid - a pink muscle tee-shirt and blue jeans. Shoes were muddy and laces were undone. Scattered teeth like she was chewing rocks out of recreation.

Even now as she was back then, the redhead always ran the show. She was to be waited on until the appointed time was finished. At least this time, there weren't any consequences of Indian burns, wet willies, or atomic wedgies. Instead, buying her lunches or for this instance, holding his cell phone for ransom. In a sense, he sort of lied about her excuses for borrowing the phone.

Be that as it may, the friendship blossomed into a close kinship. What was supposed to be a visit to her aunt turned into permanent living arrangements upon learning that Pyrrha's mother simply left the country to meet a foreigner she met on the computer. Pyrrha was a tough-as-nails kind of individual. Not once did she cry over her mother. As long as she had her neighbor Jaune by her side, everything else didn't matter.

Jaune looked at his watch. It was a quarter until midnight. Fortunately, it was Saturday and his mother was working the graveyard shift at the meat-packing factory. Although she wouldn't ask questions, he just wanted absolute certainty that his younger siblings were okay.

Overlooking the narrow staircase, he could hear Pyrrha's footsteps stopping at the edge. "Oi! Junko and Julie called your phone. They wanted to see where you placed the dressing from Christmas."

Jaune turned to see his best friend-in-question. Even from this position, she probably reeks of sweat from being consumed in that hot box to serve the tiny metropolis the movies of yesteryear. Pyrrha worked weekend nights at the movie theatre. A tiny speck on the edge of town. The movie theatre was one of the most recent features added to their destitute despot that they affectionately called home. As if they were trapped in the years of VHS tapes, camcorders, cassette tapes, and old-school arcade setups, it was the place where many villagers perused the establishment to feel as though this place had a purpose.

And Pyrrha was wrapping up the last movie before closing up shop for the night.

Amityville Horror was the movie of the night.

"Just text 'em and let 'em know that it is in the deep freezer," replied Jaune as he stood up to stretch his legs. Sitting complacently after thirty minutes could place numbness in the legs. As he waited for the impending tingling sensation of blood refilling his legs, he faced his best friend. "And be sure to tell Junko to let Julie or Jenna run the microwave." He scratched the back of his head. "We can't afford another microwave."

Pyrrha complied with his request with the okay sign. However, she remained standing. When the Spartan remained motionless, he knew there was something else. One of his chagrins of her having his phone, wandering eyes and prying thoughts.

"You and Weiss are going somewhere fun together and not inviting me?" Pyrrha feigned a pout. Rubbing her eyes to mimic tears. "To think I was this close to letting you have your phone back."

"Fortunately, your aunt dearest informed me that you have a new phone coming in two days," said Jaune with a grin. "Just in time to look for your own news and pay for the business that you mind."

"C'mon, Jauney! It gets boring watching you and Weiss go kissy-kissy, goo-goo all of the time," she said while patting her thighs. "Granted the Snow Princess is a cutey but sex shouldn't be the only thing on a guy's mind." She raised her hand. "Grinding on four-wheelers, creating tractions with our bikes, and tossing rocks at the overpass." She raised her eyebrows. "Speaking of which, you have missed the fun from last week's rock-throwing."

"I didn't have to be there to hear it," said Jaune. "Your aunt gave an earful to Mom after you broke Ironwood's windshield."

The teen smiled. "Guess who can work more?"

"And guess who is grounded until college," retorted Jaune.

She blew a raspberry. "Oum, you're no fun! I want the old Jaune back. Not the dull dishwater, golf-links, country-club-sporting Jaune." She clicked her tongue. "I think Weiss is getting up in your head."

Jaune wouldn't like to call Pyrrha's feelings about Weiss jealousy. Whenever they were at school, she and Weiss would get along famously. Pyrrha was the first to know about his dating Weiss. It was in the library whenever he made the announcement to the redhead. He wasn't sure why he felt compelled to do this but he was seeking her blessing. They have been friends since they were the day they met when they were eight. They always seek each other's approval. Through the smile and the knock to his shoulder, she gave him the blessing. Out of nowhere, he kissed her on the cheek. He was surprised about doing the task as if seeking Pyrrha's approval was the final stage boss for his complete happiness.

"First of all, what Weiss and I do with sex is none of your business," retorted Jaune. "For the record, we haven't gone all the way yet. She wanted to wait until we became more serious." He raised his index and middle finger. "Two, I am still the same Jaune. I am here, am I? Staying here at your shift, sneaking food to you, and borrowing my phone." He crossed his arms. "I couldn't imagine a better friend than that."

"Faunus, please," interjected Pyrrha. "So does a gofer-bully relationship." She winked. "Always remember the senpai-kouhai relationship, boy!"

"I would fix that tone or else you can indulge that philosophy while walking yourself home," retorted Jaune.

Pyrrha raised her finger. She opened her mouth but words couldn't be produced. "Moxy, Jaune, moxy!" She pursed her lip. "Maybe private school has dull my senses." She squeezed her nose to relieve an itch. "Or maybe I need to tighten my grip on you."

Jaune shook his head in disapproval. "Nothing changes, doesn't it?" He laughed while lowering his head. "And no matter what, I still love you dearly."

"I love you, too! You're still not getting your phone back until I get mine," said Pyrrha while sticking her tongue out. "So there!" She showed the peace sign. "I win!"

Jaune conceded. Pyrrha can be ongoing until she reigns champion. He paused when hearing the screams of a woman's plight coming from the theatre. Pyrrha turned around. "It seems we are almost at the conclusion. Care to join me?"

"Sure," said Jaune. "I am your ride home."

Jaune walked up the stairs to join the best friend of many years as they were finishing the final moments of the movie. He was familiar with the hotbox that was delightfully known as the reel room. Many employers didn't want to be confined in the wooden, corrugated death trap. Pyrrha didn't mind the adventure. And with the extra two dollars in her pay, she was glad to do. Plus, she didn't like being around people who disliked the idea of classic movies being boring, audacious, and lackluster.

Jaune sat in the only chair in the room. He spread his legs wide enough for Pyrrha to accompany him. That was the norm for the best friends. "Aren't you a prince," said Pyrrha as she sat in front of her.

"Do you have any leftover popcorn for the prince," said Jaune in a whispering manner.

"Of course," replied Pyrrha as she reached over the film reel to retrieve the paper bag. "Care for some nuts as well?"

Jaune declined the offer. "I'm good, Pyrrha! Thanks though!"

"Are you sure, Jaune?!" The tone sounded suspicious. "I have been saving them for you since you and Weiss became an item."

The response was met with a shower of popcorn on Pyrrha's head. "Oh, you little wench!"

Jaune tightened his grip around her hips. Using faux wrestling moves, he placed her to the ground. Pyrrha was grabbing his cheeks to remove himself from her.

"Oum, you play too much," said Jaune.

"The truth hurts doesn't it," said Pyrrha. Seeing an opening, she used her hand to pinch his nipples. Jaune flinched when realizing Pyrrha would pick his most sensitive area. She flipped him over and got on top of him. She placed her body weight on his hips and held him down. He could see the look in her eyes that she was serious about getting him well.

"Bow down," she told him.

"No," he told her.

"Say' bow down to me,'" she told him.

She had a good grip. From the position he was lying, he blushed as he could see the inside of her skirt. She was wearing her favorite blue panties. It didn't go without notice from the redhead, which made her blush. She hit him on his chest.

"Oum, you are such a perv," she told him before getting off of him. "You could have told me."

"How could I? Not my fault you decided to wear a skirt today."

"Is that how you're going to pull Weiss into boning you," she asked with a snickering grin. "Or you probably spank your monkey saying, 'Let me cream you, Weiss!'" She slapped her thigh with her hands. "'Let me cream you, Weiss! Let me cover you with my warm Snowy liquid!'"

"Fuck you," said Jaune as he got up from the floor. Pyrrha returned to her seat. Dusting off her hands, she turned to Jaune. "I am beginning to think that this is what you want, dead eye!" She winked. "What's the matter, Jauney?! Getting callous from having too many dates with your hand?!"

"Is that why the boys call you the Fiery Redhead," asked Jaune while smiling. "You give them that good head, they feel the heat afterward." He clicked his tongue. "That could explain why Cardin was walking like a bow-legged cowboy when we went to prom."

What in the hell," he barked before feeling the bag of popcorn hitting the back of his head.

She stuck out her tongue. "Rude to the lady to yell at this time of night. Respect to the moviegoers, too!"

"Respect, my ass!" Jaune stomped his foot. "It is nearly midnight and here I am picking you up! I could be in dreamland right now."

"Aww," she replied with a fake pout as she rubbed her eyes. "Sorry for interrupting your wet dreams!" She eagerly grinned as she walked toward him. She was tickled as she was picking up popcorn kernels around him. "Besides, you wouldn't leave a lady out in the dark alone, would you?" She batted her eyes. "Needed something to do anyway. So, I feel like messing with you." She narrowed her eyes. "And you love me for it."

Jaune turned beet red. As he aided her with picking up the popcorn kernels, she continued looking at him. "You didn't answer my question, Jauney. Do you love me?"

He raised his eyebrow. "Do I love you? You know I do."

She displayed a heavenly smile. A smile that was reflective of his departed father. Their smiles were alike. Crooked, yet charming. The smile that can win over anyone no matter the situation. Never did he think the tomboyish Pyrrha would now wear dresses and sport makeup. However, underneath it all was still the tough-as-nails, mudslinging in he type of girl.

An angel in his eyesight. A true friend indeed.

His Pyrrha.

"I love you, too." Pyrrha said as she picked the last kernel from his head. "Jaune?"

Jaune hesitantly looked up at her. The swirls of emotion he saw there made him gasp as her eyes were focusing on him. Eyes that looked as though were filled with lust and desire. However, before he could ponder about it further, she yanked him to her and covered his mouth with her in a hungry kiss. As their lips crushed together, it felt like he was walking on air. It was magic, the way her lips connected with his. Her mouth was so warm, the caress of her lips softer than he could have imagined and he opened his mouth with a low moan.

Before Jaune could register what had occurred, Pyrrha went in for another kiss. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, positioning herself onto his lap. Jaune could feel her tongue entering his. Still reeling in the shock that he was kissing his best friend, he tried resisting knowing that this wasn't Weiss. This wasn't his girlfriend. Yet again, why wasn't he doing anything to stop this?

She parted from his lips. She wiped the moisture from her lips with her shirt. "Jaune," she said calmly. "Please don't hate me for doing this." She took her moistened hands, laying every single digit on his blushed cheeks. She closed her eyes and planted another kiss, only this time to his neck. His neck was the nest of her tongue as she was very soft. His neck welcomed her moist muscle as it caressed the skin and the dead skin it collected to her. Jaune moaned out loud as he tried his hardest to collect the whimsicalness of the matter.

"The movie isn't over for another thirty minutes," she told Jaune as she began unbuttoning her shirt. Before he could speak again, she put her finger to his lips. "Sorry for not allowing you to speak. I don't want to hear the word no from your lips. Just do this selfish request of mine."

Jaune was at a loss for words, even if he could say something at this particular juncture. Earlier the duo were doing witty bantering over cell phones, teasing him about his relationship with Weiss, and wrestling each other. He knew he loved Pyrrha. The love was genuine but he was certain that there weren't any romantic feelings between the two.

"Jaune, you wouldn't question me if we explore one another?" She slowly pulled away her shirt, making him blush as he watched from seeing her collarbone to seeing her bra. "Would you allow me to do this?"

He swallowed the lump in his throat, extended the digits of his finger to his chest. He made a slight pinch. He winced.

He wanted to be sure if this was real.

With his best friend.

"Jaune?"

"Just be gentle."

Back to the present….

It was a secret that was kept between the best friends. It was a one time affair. He often pictured losing his virginity to his girlfriend, Weiss, in a soft and comfy bed while listening to soft rock or R&B music. And not to his best friend in the stale, musty booth in the movie theatre. Jaune was fortunate to have a condom when he and Pyrrha engaged in having sex. As a woman of her word, the incident was never discussed and their friendship continued as normal.

Even Jaune knew that their friendship couldn't return to normal after that.

Jaune sat at the bench as he waited for his taxi to arrive. Just wanting a reminder of yesteryear was the motive in lieu of ordering an Uber. He scrolled through his phone in search of some music to play as he waited. Green Day's "Wake Me Up When September Ends" was his poison of choice. He leaned back as he tried to get himself comfortable. He shut his eyes, trying to focus his mind on the positives of being back home. Knowing he was closer to his mother and his sisters. Getting closer back to his place of solace. A place of peace. A place of familiarity.

His final thoughts were on Pyrrha before falling asleep.

A couple of years ago….

'You're not visiting because I've said so!'

It was his older sister, Saphron's wedding engagement. An engagement she expected all of the Arc family to be present. Jaune had his suit and tie ready. It wasn't expensive, but it never mattered for the elder Arc sister as long as Jaune was there. Sitting at the edge of the bed, he watched as Weiss made the decision of her disapproval of his going to the wedding.

'You're not visiting because I've said so.' She was absolute. She gripped to her hair, brushing it gently. She stared into the mirror, specifically staring at the very man she proclaimed to be her husband. 'You have too much to do for the company. We don't have time for any deviation. Our shareholders are coming from out of town for a very important dinner this weekend and I need you to be there in attendance. What kind of woman am I without the missing piece to the puzzle of the Schnee fortune?'

Schnee was his married name. The rebellion of tradition had nothing to do with his name change. Control was the motive. Weiss Arc didn't sound right to his father-in-law. In his words, 'a bitter taste to the tongue.' Schnee was a name to be recognized not only in their town but globally. Weiss was the cream of the crop, an heiress to the dynasty and the name Arc wasn't going to cut it. The very day of the registry, Arc surrendered his name to become a Schnee. Jaune Schnee, a new identity, a new being. If this should have been a change for the better, then why did it hurt so badly as the moment he signed his name under his new surname?

Familiarity

'Weiss, honey.' He pleaded in his strained voice. 'I have promised Saphron that I would appear. She has sent me invitations to this wedding months in advance, darling.' He cupped his hand with his fist. 'This is my sister, Weiss. I mean, I did make it a top priority when coming to your sister's wedding.'

She put the brush down. She turned diagonally, crossing her legs in the process. 'So, what's your point? That was an obligation, a creed to the Schnee name. I wouldn't miss anything of a Schnee for the world. What's an Arc to the rest of this nation?'

Jaune closed his eyes. This wasn't the first time she insulted his family name. Granted that his family wasn't born with a silver spoon in their mouths, but that was still his name. He gets only one and he was watching his wife defecating it or dropping it like loose change. He had kept his peace, something that his mother had taught him in the midst of crisis. Remember, Jauney. Quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

'I respect your view, darling,' replied Jaune calmly. 'I have been nothing but loyal to you over the past couple of years. I am committed to this marriage as much as you are.' He looked at the floor. 'I feel isolated. They need me, dear. I need them and it's important that I'll be there. I can't miss any more of my family.'

She held her hand. Her eyes furrowed as it cascaded to his sight. 'You must not have understood when you jumped the broom, Jauney dear.' She let out a smirk. Jaune knew he had crossed the line. Whenever Weiss displayed that look, it wasn't a good sign. 'Must I remind you of your position? Subservient. Can you quote that?'

'Darling, I-"

She snapped her fingers. 'Subservient. Definition, now!"

He went quiet for a moment. That wasn't the response she wanted to see as she stood and gave him a teeth-rattling slap across his face. 'Answer the question, Oum damn it!' She squatted as she grabbed his chin. 'Or I will have to teach you another lesson! Do you want that again!?' Her eyes pointing to the hairbrush on the dresser.

'No, I don't,' answered Jaune fearfully.

'Now answer the definition. Subservient!'

He shook his head fearfully. His eyes looked away, but the indenture of her well-manicured nails hinder his avoidance. 'Prepared to obey others unquestioningly.'

'What else?'

'Serving as a means to an end.'

'One more.'

'Less important; subordinate.'

She released her grip. She clapped her hands fervently and insincerely. 'Check out the big brain on Jaune. You are learning your place, boy.' She extended her fingers. 'Your family, subservient. This Saphron, subservient. You? Well, you play your cards right and return to my graces, then subservient wouldn't be your place.' She chuckled. 'Maybe, dependent?!'

She returned her grips to his chin. 'Pick up the phone and call your sister. Tell her "I will not attend the wedding because I've said so."' Weiss reached for his cell phone. She unlocked the phone to search for Saphron. 'I will be sitting right here next to you to ensure that you will do it. You wouldn't like it if you were on the bad end, wouldn't you?" She winked. Tears were vacating his tear ducts as he picked up the phone to call his sister of the bereaved news.

Back to the present….

Jaune got inside of the taxicab with the widely noticeable three slashings on the passenger side door. The inside of the cab was more of a confessional booth in a Catholic church. The inside was dark and so were the windows of the vehicle. The would-be glass at the front of the cab was substituted with wood grain with egg-crate foam. The foam was spray painted in black, supporting the background of the cab. Jaune concluded that it had to be a private taxi line. Having these kinds of things in the cab must have to violate many of the local town's statures.

"Where to," asked the taxi driver.

Jaune reached into his pocket and retrieved a piece of paper. "This destination if you please."

Jaune decided not to head home just yet. He wanted to clear his head before returning to his former shell. It was his place of peace, his place of solace, his place of familiarity.

"The reorientation from his disorientation. The silver lining of his torn seam." Those were the words that were written by Ren on the same piece of paper that Jaune was holding. At the time, he really didn't understand what Ren was conveying. Now, it was beginning to make sense as the taxi was driving out of the airport.

It was about thirty-five minutes later when the taxi stopped at his destination. It was a deli cafe, next to Radyr and Morganstown train station, busy commuters in and out, office workers, taxi drivers. Shiny silver IKEA tables and chairs, Monet prints framed on the walls, light jazz music, cream cheese smoked salmon bagels, coronation chicken baguettes, faux chic atmosphere, servers in smart matching garb, fancy coffee, latte, espresso, hot chocolate, small kitchen for sandwich preparation, ovens for finishing part-baked bread, false smiles, wiping down surfaces, sterilizing refrigerator seals, wrapping and sealing baguettes in plastic, sticking labels on food.

This wasn't preferably Jaune's choice. Jaune preferred the coziness of his patio where he could enjoy light jazz and drink coffee in solace. Jaune never liked crowds. His abhorring grew from the cocktail parties, galas, and the like. The people were the same. Masking their disgruntling and hate through their income, their wealth, and their status. Parading and clinking to glasses of deceit, drinking away their self-worth and consuming pharmaceuticals. Not a night went by without Weiss emptying the dispensary before going to bed; if there was a night Weiss came home. And even if they shared the bed, never in his life had he felt so cold and so lonely.

Familiarity

He silently thanked the taxi driver, sliding a few extra bills. Jaune didn't have much on him. His luggage, a few dollars, sticks of gum, and his dignity was all the blonde had to his name. Much of anything else was stuff; repossessed by the Schnee Dust Company after he signed the divorce papers. From riding a Mercedes to taking the bus within forty-eight hours.

It was just stuff. The chains were broken for he had never felt that free since the day he said: "I do."

He wiped his feet before opening the door into the restaurant. The silence abruptly disappeared when he was welcomed with the clinking sounds of forks and knives hitting plates; people were well engaged in conversation; servers walking in different directions to cater to their customers. He could hear Minnie Riperton playing in the background. The song is inaudible, but a music lover can pinpoint her voice.

He politely greeted the server on staff and requested for a booth. The woman led him to the booth next to a window. His unspoken reason for this preference so he would know if he was being tailed. Who was that said tail? Wasn't that tail detached? His antennas remained alert, certain if the worst were to come, then he should be prepared. It wasn't her first time to come after him. Who knew what kind of force she would be when she returns? And knowing for Weiss, he wouldn't put it past her if she were on the way.

"Care to look at our menu for specials, sir," asked the server.

"No, ma'am," answered Jaune. "Just a coffee, black."

"Anything else?"

"A bowl of peanuts and a glass of lemon water."

"Coming right up."

The server was walking away before Jaune uttered something that stopped her. She turned around. "Yes, sir?"

"Tell Saphron that her little brother is here to see her."

The server displayed a warm smile, releasing any tension within her. "Aren't you Jaune Arc?"

He produced a slight smile. "The one and only."

"I will alert her that you have arrived."

Puzzled, he said, "I have arrived? She doesn't know I am here."

She pursed her lips. "A little cardinal alerted Saphron before you came. She said to be on the lookout for a cutie with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a sense of humility." The server bowed as she hurried the pace to the kitchen.

Jaune rubbed his wrist as he processed that swift information. "A little cardinal…" He fidgeted with his shirt button on one hand while tapping his fingers on the table. "You haven't changed at all, Pyrrha. You sly little minx."

He reached into his pocket to receive his cell phone. He connected on Facebook to get in contact with his elder twin, Joan. He wrote a message. The crows caws at midnight.

He received a response a few moments later. And the cat sours the basil.

A sense of relief pour through his tired bones. His secret message came through with Joan. He couldn't stay long, in case of certain prying eyes, he returned the message. The cattle have arrived. At the fencing post being cleaned up. Afterwards, the cattle will be ready to be shipped and collected at another ranch. A ranch that is lost in the woods.

Timing was really much of what Jaune had. What Weiss didn't know, or he didn't want her to know, but Cardiff was only the main port to take him to his destination. He never grew up in the city. He was initially embarrassed of his country upbringing. He only claimed it so he wouldn't look like a "country bumpkin" to the others. Now, he was using it as a blessing in disguise.

Joan returned the message. A rancher would be here in two pesos. The cattle must remain still until then.

Jaune had to wait for two more days until one of them was to retrieve him and take him back home. Until then, Jaune had to set up camp for the time being. The last thing he wanted to do was to put his sister, Saphron, in danger. He reached into his pocket. A card that Pyrrha left for him along with a phone number and a note. Call me whenever you are pleased to do so.

He fidgeted with the card before making the final decision. He stood up as he was searching for the phone booth. It was one of the many blessings that phone booths were to exist in this town.

"Jaune?" He paused when he saw the server returning. "Come with me to the back office." He nodded as he followed suit. He was fine postponing his talk with Pyrrha. As of now, he needed to remain vigilant. As much as he tried convincing himself that it was over. He knew he was lying to himself.

"Where are you, Jaune!?"

"Don't you dare think you can run from me."

"You damn bastard! When I find you, I will make you pay and you know how I feel about that!"

"You fucking weakling? YOU COWARD! Where are you?! Where in the fuck are you?"

"Jauney! Jauney! Where are you?!"

Meanwhile….

Weiss was washing her hands in the restroom of the airport. She looked into the mirror. Crimson red made the background in front of it while she dried her hands. In the stall was a person no longer part of the living. His throat was slashed, allowing the blood to drain onto his clothing. His pants were undone. That area had blood draining out of it. She fixed her lips as she took a souvenir from the deceased.

It was an airline badge.

"Teehee! Got my wings!" She chuckled, wiping the blood from her upper lip. "Seems like I am the sole member of the Mile High Club, captain!" She made a salute before closing the bathroom door. "If I say give me information about a certain blonde, then I wouldn't have been this mean." She scoffed as she began humming a song as she strolled away into the crowd.

You've led our love astray too long

So please let me take the reins

I'll squeeze out every drop of lust

From your heart and from your veins

Don't even think about running, my dear

With knives, I'm none too shy

And I'd hate to have to do something rash

As your blood is in short supply

I want you to stay with me forever

I hope you won't disobey

Because in the end, my darling sweet

I will have things my way

"Ready or not, here I come. You can't hide, Jaune. I will find you and make you love me."

For in sickness or in health. For better or for worse. Until death do us part. I am coming for you, Jaune.

To be continued….