Professor Arc

Chapter 17

This chapter has a very "Song of Fire and Ice" feel to it – and I'm sure you'll see why. Still it's interesting to write what is essentially the exact same scene from two very different angles.

Also, yeah – I'm not here right now – my close friend, assistant, whatever you want to call her – is posting this on my behalf, though obviously I still wrote it. And hell, somehow despite me being rushed it's a long-ass chapter.

For everyone by the way (but especially those voting for Cinder), the new story Stress Relief has been posted - a mature Cinder x Jaune story focusing around casual relationships, and the consequences of emotions getting involved in them. Please go check it out, as I'm confident it will be a good one.

Summary: In a world where your allies can be just as dangerous as your enemies, sometimes it can be difficult for a criminal mastermind to find a little stress relief. That blonde idiot, Jaune, was just unimportant enough, just malleable enough, to be a viable option. It was meant to be a one time thing, an easy lay. Emotions were never supposed to get involved.

For those who don't like casual relationships or whatnot, the last line of the summary should provide some respite.

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Cover Art: Exvnir

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Chapter 17

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"I'd say I hope you know what you're doing kid," the well-dressed man said as he ushered Jaune into a corridor, "but I think by now it's established you don't." Dim lights flickered overhead, casting the barren hallway into darkness every few seconds.

"I haven't agreed to anything yet," the blond shivered slightly from the cool air, but collected himself – he couldn't afford to show weakness to her, "I'm just here to listen to what she can offer." Roman laughed.

"That's what they all say at first, funny thing is – I've never seen those who refused."

Jaune picked up on the warning easily enough, but by this point he was running out of options. The house of cards he'd been building hadn't collapsed yet, what was the harm in adding a few more layers to it?

"You're on your own from this point kid, good luck and keep safe. Neo will be pissed at me if she loses her favourite toy." The man took a long drag of his cigar, waving through the smoke as he backed off leaving Jaune stood before a closed door alone.

The final threshold as it were, his last chance to back out and do things legitimately. His hand settled on the cool metal handle, though he made no move to open it. Doing things the legal way... when had that ever helped him? It hadn't gotten him into Beacon, it hadn't kept him there – nor helped him make the friends he now had.

The door swung open as he pushed his way inside, blue eyes adjusting to the low light.

"Good morning Jaune," the sultry voice seemed to whisper, "I hadn't expected to see you so soon." She sat on a plush dark leather couch, bare legs crossed as one foot seemed to bob up and down lazily. A flash of light reflected off a piece of jewellery, an anklet that tinkled as it moved. His eyes roved up the long limb towards her face, where eyes of smouldering fire regarded him.

"Cinder," he greeted back as he took a seat across from her, "sorry to bother you, I hope it's not a hassle."

She smiled coyly as she leaned forward, red dress shimmering as she brought forth two crystalline champagne flutes, resting them gently on the table, before producing another bottle of red wine. This again? Sure, he could use the mental fortitude, but it was early in the morning... though perhaps as a criminal who worked nights, this classed as the evening for her.