Rusted Professor

Bom dia Pessoas,

[-] I'm late but I never fail… (Renan: This is a Brazilian saying. Does it make sense in English? Share your thoughts in the comments on what it seems to mean to you.)

COMMENTS:

[-]Dr_Shallot(archiveofourown):

I hope John isn't dense. No one likes dense people even if they themselves are dense.

[-]Renan:

He has… another 'problem'.

(#)Now… let's go to the story!(#)

RP # POV: Amber Sunstone

Sitting in the food court, I watch John take a bite of his double bacon cheeseburger. The sandwich is huge, juicy, and he devours it with great pleasure.

When he finishes chewing, without him noticing at first, Winter and I approach, each with a plastic fork in hand.

"John, you need something healthier," Winter says, with a noticeable smile. She takes a lettuce leaf from her own plate and points it at him. "Here, try it."

"No, no, Winter. He needs something with protein and less fat." I skewer a piece of chicken breast from my plate and bring it to John's mouth. "Here, John, try this."

John laughs, trying to dodge our forks.

"Guys, I can eat by myself!" he says, laughing.

"I don't doubt it," Winter counters in a calm, polite tone. "But someone needs to make sure you have a balanced diet." She tries again, sneakily bringing the fork and lettuce closer.

"Balance?" I arch an eyebrow, crossing my fork with hers in the air. "You call that balance? There's only leaves there, you sour porcelain doll. John needs to eat something with more 'meat on the bones.'"

The tone of my voice implies my comment is about her appearance, but even though she is irritated, Winter doesn't back down, her smile simply gets a little sharper.

"And fiber, Amber? Are you forgetting that? Or do you just focus on being a brute without grace or elegance?"

I frown in irritation at the comment as John, who is currently trapped between us, tries to speak.

"Guys, I appreciate your concern, but—"

"Shhh, John sweety, let us handle this." Winter interrupts gently, moving her fork toward his mouth.

"Oh, don't even think about it." I thrust my fork forward to block her movement, the impact gentle but resolute. "He needs variety, not just leafy greens."

The plastic utensils cross like knights' swords in a deadly duel.

"Variety? That's just an excuse to feed him," Winter snaps, the lettuce still firmly on her fork.

The Schnee lunges again, but I intercept with another block.

"Like you're any different." I complain, frustrated.

Plastic forks begin to collide at a frantic pace, and John can't stop laughing.

"You two are hilarious!" John laughs, putting his food on his plate. "I'm so glad you became friends so quickly."

"What? With this one?" We say at the same time. "Stop imitating me."

Without controlling himself, John bursts out laughing at Winter's and my dispute even louder than before.

"Come on now." Says John in an exaggeratedly fatherly tone. "If you two behave, I'll buy you ice cream."

"Please, John, I'm not a child who can be bought off with cold desserts," Winter replies, her chest puffed out with pride.

The Schnee's response was the opening I needed. I throw myself against John's chest, hugging him tightly.

"Seriously, you will buy an ice cream just for me?" I question in a honeyed and needy voice. When he answers with a nod, I continue my performance, nuzzling into his chest as I say. "Wow! Thanks, John, I love you."

Even with my face planted on John's muscular chest, I can hear Winter gasping in shock next to me.

"Awwwww!" John exclaims, returning the hug. "I love you too, Amber…"

'Victory is mine!' I mentally celebrate. 'Nothing can spoil this glorious moment.'

"Like a sister," John completed.

…

"Huh?" I stammer, sweating cold. "Did you say… 'sister'?"

When he nods yes, something breaks inside me.

"Humph!" Snorts Winter, grinning devilishly at my despair.

"Shut up, you snow bitch."

RP # POV: John Luna

I'm sitting on a bench, bags scattered around me. The hustle and bustle of the mall is a constant noise, but my mind is far away.

[Image]

Winter's presence brings back memories of my mission in Atlas.

The weeks we spent hunting the Branwen tribe, our fight against Raven, and the conversation we had about the Maidens, brought Winter into Ozpin's inner circle.

"John, could you be a gentleman and hold this for me?" Winter's question brings me back to the present.

The beautiful woman with white hair is in front of me, holding out another bag.

Giving a tired smile, I pick up the bag, adding it to the dozens I'm carrying. Winter gives me a warm smile and a small bow as thanks before heading towards yet another store.

I feel a lightness of spirit seeing Winter so loose and relaxed, compared to the first time I worked with her. The older Schnee is practically a different person now. Before, she had trouble separating her work life from her personal life, but now it seems like she accepted my advice when we last saw each other.

"Maybe I should take my own advice and learn to relax too," I mumble to myself, sighing heavily.

An interesting idea, but one that I haven't been able to execute since becoming a teacher at Beacon.

When I arrived in this time, I spent every waking second at a frantic pace to save Vale. Forging alliances, warning Ozpin about future events, developing new tactics, making plans, exploring theories, training, and improving myself as a whole to delay Cinder's plans without the Queen of the Grimms suspecting anything.

Even with important victories, like Raven's incarceration, Amber's rescue, and us stopping Lionheart's betrayal, I feel like I'm still far from my greatest goal.

"Save everyone." I murmur to myself like a mantra.

Even though I say this out loud to motivate myself, I can't fool myself...

"I am tired."

It's not just physical, something that a good night's sleep can cure. It's mental and emotional fatigue. An exhaustion that has been accumulating for years, since I was in 'Ever After.'

But I can't stop. Not now. Not when everything is going so well.

I will continue. I will plan, execute, adjust, and then repeat the cycle, day after day, week after week, month after month.

Until Salem is defeated.

Until the world is safe.

Until I can finally rest.

"Are you ok?" A worried female voice asks.

"If you need something, just say it." Offers another female voice, more formal, but still with a tone of concern.

I lift my head, my eyes meet Winter and Amber's. They are both wearing new dresses that they just bought.

Winter looks stunning in a white dress that falls softly to the floor with a side slit and a discreet neckline, but which does not hide the beauty of her shoulders. The dress has an elegant cut, highlighting her slim waist and the grace of her posture. Her white hair is loose, looking like a cascade of silver that frames her face. Her pale blue eyes shine with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

Amber, on the other hand, looks radiant in an emerald green dress that perfectly complements her body. The dress has a fluid cut and a generous neckline, the color of the fabric resembling green leaves, reinforcing her connection with nature. Her brown hair is down

framing her beautiful smile, but there's a hint of concern in her eyes directed at me.

[Image]

I stay silent, just watching the two of them. Winter tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, a simple gesture but one that conveys a natural elegance. Amber, on the other hand, plays with the hem of her dress, a move that looks as natural as the wind blowing through the leaves.

I feel a wave of energy run through my body, a feeling of renewal and relief that I didn't expect. Even though I don't understand why I feel this way, I stand up, smiling at the two of them.

"I'm fine," I respond finally, my voice firmer than I feel. "I was just thinking about some things."

"Are you sure?" Winter asks, tilting her head, her blue eyes scanning my face for any signs of deceit. "You seemed... distant."

Amber steps forward, her expression softening.

"John, you know you can count on us, right? If you need anything, please talk to us."

Their concern makes me smile, genuinely this time.

"I know, Amber. And I'm grateful to you for that." I respond, pulling them both into a tight hug.

The hug takes them both by surprise, but Winter and Amber quickly return the gesture. I feel the warmth of their bodies against mine, a comforting sensation I didn't realize I needed.

RP # POV: Winter Schnee

I enter the bathroom, the silence of the place is broken only by the sound of our footsteps. Amber, next to me, has a serious expression as she walks toward a woman who is touching up her makeup in the mirror, oblivious to our presence.

Amber wasted no time.

"Leave," Amber states, more like a command than a request.

The woman turns around, surprised, but Amber's steady gaze is enough to make her leave without question. As soon as the door closes, I approach and, using a bottle of ice Dust, freeze the lock, leaving us alone.

"Done," I say, with a discreet smile. "Now we can talk."

Amber turns to me, her eyes fixed and steady.

"So… Schnee," she begins, her tone sour as she says my name. "I couldn't help but notice the nerve of you flirting with my knight."

"Yours?" I ask, outrage filling me. "Mr. Luna doesn't have any ring on his finger and he himself said he was single."

In response, the brunette just crosses her arms and huffs, clearly irritated.

"And know that I would never think of courting a committed man," I add, with a sharp tone, "unlike certain whores who are always clinging to single men's arms, without their consent."

"Say it again." Amber approaches, her gaze threatening. "I dare you, albino bitch."

"Why?" I retort, with false innocence. "Are you also deaf?"

Amber steps forward, her eyes simmering, but I don't back down. Instead, I maintain my posture, facing her head-on.

"Listen here, you sour vanilla ice cream." She frowns, irritated by the nickname. "I don't like you, and you don't like me, but…" Her voice trails off for a second, as if she's swallowing her pride before speaking. "But you saw John's face before we talked to him just now, didn't you?"

My irritation dissolves, turning into concern.

The image of John, before Amber and I approached, comes to mind. Those eyes, normally vibrant and full of life, were empty, desolate. Amber notices my change in mood and her expression softens, but she keeps her guard up.

"What do you know about John?" I ask, my voice softer but firm.

She hesitates, clearly surprised by the change of subject.

"What kind of question is that?" Amber asks suspiciously.

"He didn't look well." I respond, fixing my gaze on hers. "Although he has always behaved like a dear friend with me, he never shared anything about his past. How about you?"

Amber looks away, trying to hide her frustration.

"It's the same with me." She admits after a few seconds. "And today was the first time I saw him with that kind of expression; before, he always seemed happy and confident about everything."

"Has he been talking about anything in particular lately? Anything that's been bothering him?" I insist worriedly.

"No." Amber sighs, running a hand through her hair. "In fact, he seemed better since he started teaching at Beacon, so this shift in behavior took me by surprise."

The concern in her voice is genuine, and it makes me lower my guard even more.

"He may be showing signs of depression, Amber." I comment in a low but serious tone. "And if so, he needs help."

Amber stares at me, eyes wide.

"Depression? But he's always so strong, so confident, so happy..."

"Maybe he uses this attitude to hide the pain he feels." I respond, remembering my own internal struggles. "Whether he does this consciously or not, I'm not sure."

Amber nods, reflecting on what I said.

"What can we do?" The brunette asks with determination in her eyes.

"He doesn't open up easily, but we can try to gain his trust little by little." I speak, thinking about the long journey this will become. "John needs to understand that he can count on us, that he is not alone."

Amber nods again, this time more firmly.

"His health is more important than our teenage love rivalry." Amber says, finally letting her guard down completely. "For my knight's well-being, let's focus on him."

I smile contentedly, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. At least on that, we agree.

RP # POV: John Luna

"I tried to get into the bathroom, but the door was locked," complains a woman arm in arm with her boyfriend passing by my side. "The doorknob wouldn't even move, and it was freezing cold."

"Wow…," the boyfriend responds without paying attention to what she said.

After a few minutes, the girls return from the bathroom, both with suspiciously bright smiles on their faces.

As soon as I get up, Amber, with her warm energy, breaks the silence.

"We spent the whole day doing just what we wanted, didn't we, Winter?"

Agreeing with a nod, Winter adds:

"You're right, Miss Sunstone." Stepping forward, the specialist takes my hand and continues, "John Luna was a perfect gentleman to us. Nothing more fair than rewarding him in some way."

I blink my eyes, confused, trying to convince myself that maybe I had dozed off while sitting down and was now dreaming. After all, Amber and Winter, real friends, acting like characters from a harem anime? This could only be my imagination.

"And what do you two have in mind?" I ask, swallowing hard as a bead of sweat runs down the back of my neck.

The girls exchange glances and let out soft laughs. Amber, her brown eyes shining with amusement, leans forward slightly to the right side of my body and speaks in her melodious voice.

"Now it's your turn to choose what we do."

"That's right," Winter added, flanking me on the left. "Anything you want to do with us, we'll do."

I look down for a few moments, pondering what I really want to do now. When the idea comes to me, I stand up and face them both.

"There's only one thing I want to do now!" I exclaim.

Amber's eyes widened at my excitement, while Winter smiled wide and sinister.

I gathered all the purchases, balancing the bags in both hands. With a nod, I signaled Amber and Winter to follow me.

The mall was crowded, but I navigated the sea of people with ease. Years of experience guiding me through all types of terrain came in handy in these moments. Amber, with her contagious energy, started a conversation next to me.

"John, are you sure you know where you're going?" Amber asked, her eyes reflecting the light from the stores around us.

"Trust me, Amber. I know exactly where we're going."

Winter, with her firm step, accompanies us, her blue eyes analyzing everything around her with curiosity.

After a considerable walk, we finally arrive at another wing of the Grand Vale Mall. The hustle and bustle of the crowd has subsided, replaced by a calmer, more sophisticated environment filled with luxury brand stores. We stop in front of an imposing building attached to the mall, its glass doors reflecting the soft evening light.

"Wow, John... that's..." Amber began, but her words trail off as she admires the facade of the five-star hotel in front of us.

Winter, normally so collected, can't hide her excitement.

"Oh heavens!" she exclaims, placing a hand in front of her mouth as her cheeks turn pink. "I didn't expect my first time to be...shared."

"Don't worry, Winter," I warn, holding her by the shoulders. "I have enough experience for you two and much more."

Winter shivers, shoulders shaking with excitement. A weird laugh, a mixture of nervousness and anticipation, escaping her lips.

"Hip-haaa..."

"Pull yourself together, woman!" Amber exclaims worriedly. "You can't forget our mission, even with such temptation right in front of us."

"It's not her fault, Amber. This reaction is to be expected when going to the DustCenter," I comment, pointing to the store in the opposite direction of the building. "The best shop for Huntsmen and Huntresses in all of Vale."

Without looking back, I entered the DustCenter, smelling the aroma of dust and metal filling the air. This place was a paradise for any Huntsman, filled with state-of-the-art weapons, ammunition, and equipment. Amber and Winter follow me, but with a different reaction. Their initial excitement gave way to something more subdued, almost disappointed.

"John, you brought us here to... buy equipment?" Amber asks, her voice thick with disappointment.

"Of course," I reply, ignoring her tone. "And don't worry, I have a lot of experience with all types of weapons, equipment, and clothing. I'm able to help both, despite their different styles."

Winter's shoulders slump slightly, and her blue eyes, once full of expectation, are now dull.

"I see," she murmurs, looking at the floor. "You wanted to buy new equipment for yourself."

"No, it's not that," I correct her, walking through the store. "I'm not here to buy anything for me."

Amber blinks in surprise.

"No? Then why are we here?"

Winter raises an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.

"I'm here for my students," I explained, turning to face them. "Jaune needs special weights for training; for Nora, a bracelet with electrical induction would be a good match for her semblance; I want Ren and Blake to test weapons with silencers; for Yang, I'm going to get a projectile firing machine, so she can train to evade attacks; for Ruby I will get an adjustable gravity platform to improve her Semblance and stamina; and Pyrrha... well, she keeps her semblance a secret, so I won't tell what I'm going to buy her."

Amber's eyes widen, a genuine smile forming on her lips.

"John, that's...amazing," she says, her voice full of wonder. "And it's also a lot of money. Are you sure you want to spend it all?"

"For sure." I confirm, turning around and facing the two. "They are the first-year students with the greatest potential, and as their teacher, it is my obligation to prepare them for… the future." The last part of the sentence drags on regretfully, without me noticing.

Luckily for me, my tone went unnoticed by both of them, as Winter nodded with a gleam of respect in her eyes.

"You are an exemplary teacher, John. Not many are as dedicated to their students as you are."

I feel my chest warm at the compliments, but I maintain my composure.

"I know what it's like to face danger without being fully prepared," I admit, as I feel a pang piercing my heart.

Winter places her hand on my shoulder and says.

"They're lucky to have you as a teacher."

"I wish I had a teacher like you," Amber comments teasingly. "I would never leave school."

"Amber Sunstone, what's your problem?" asks Winter, irritated. "Why did you have to ruin such an intimate moment with your depravity?"

"My depravity?" replies Amber. "Tell me who was stuttering, laughing, and drooling just now, looking like she had a horny stroke?"

"I-I don't know what you're talking about..." Winter mutters, crossing her arms and turning her face away.

Seeing the two of them arguing so passionately again made me feel relieved. I know they both have feelings for me, but...

"I'm too broken for anyone to love me," I muttered under my breath as I walk toward the weights section.

(#)End of chapter!(#)

Boa noite pessoas,

[-] Serious question guys...

Did I make Winter too horny? Like, I think the way I wrote it is funny, but tell me in the comments what you think. Should I back off a little, or should I let the specialist run after her 'daddy' to keep her warm on cold Atlas nights?