[RWBY] RWBY Shorts

[AndrewJTalon]

Yang lounged in her infirmary bed, a patchwork of bruises and bandages doing little to dim her smirk as she eyed Jaune next door. For once, he was the one laid up—and grinning like he'd just won the lottery. The sterile scent of antiseptic hung in the air, undercut by the faint tick of a wall clock, counting down to whatever fresh hell was about to descend. Their spar had been a disaster for her: a ring-out after Jaune's cheeky distraction about her hair catching fire. But damn if it wasn't hilarious in hindsight.

"Geez… a ring-out, huh, Stud?" Yang teased, her lilac eyes sparkling despite the throb in her ribs.

Jaune rubbed his cheek nervously, sheepish but proud. "It was the only thing I could think of to beat you… I-I know it doesn't work in real life, and I still need to work on offense. Honestly, it should've been a draw—my Aura was this low—"

Yang reached over and bonked him on the head. "OW!"

"Enough of that," she said, smirking. "You won. Take the W."

Jaune smiled, soft and genuine. "...Thanks, Yang…"

"Seriously," Yang added, propping herself up. "I'm #2 in our grade. You're, what, bottom 2? Yet you still got the win. Just be happy, and someday you'll make it consistent."

Jaune's grin widened. "Thanks, Yang…"

"Seriously though," she said, narrowing her eyes playfully, "distracting me by saying my hair caught fire was a crap move. I'll punch you for that later."

Jaune gulped. "Yeah…"

"I'd be doing a lot worse if you'd actually hit me with that Aura Slash," Yang said, eyebrow arched as though she could read his mind. "Where'd you learn that?"

"Aunt Mordred and Nana Arturia," Jaune replied. "They'll teach you too if you ask."

Yang snorted. "Yeah, me with the sword I always carry around, going to be doing soooo many slashes."

"You can also send out Aura pulses," Jaune said with a grin, "Like you can punch from across the room."

Yang considered the possibilities and winked at him.

"Well, as my fiancée, I suppose I should learn the family techniques."

Jaune gave her a wry look.

Yang continued, batting her lashes. "Oh, of course, dear hubby. Once we're out of here, maybe you can let me have a swing with your family sword—we can go a round or two. Maybe you could even slay the mighty dragon of Beacon."

Jaune blushed beet red. "S-Seriously! Bad enough Blake pulled that! You have to keep it up?! All my relatives think I'm a playboy!" he groaned.

Yang's grin sharpened. "I'm sorry, what did Blake do…?" She narrowed her eyes. "Jaune, what did she do?"

Jaune sighed, rubbing his face. "Her aunt showed up and she claimed I was her fiancé… and that I'd gotten her pregnant. Ahem…"

"Wait, what?! Lilac wasn't teasing?!" Yang demanded.

Jaune shook his head. Yang's eyes glowed red.

"Is she?" Yang asked, voice dangerously low.

"Is she wha-Pregnant?!" Jaune yelped. "What?! NO! She's crazy, you all know that!"

"Good," Yang said, cracking her knuckles. "So I won't feel bad for punching a pregnant woman."

Jaune leaned back and shrugged, less tense. He smiled at her.

"Well… if it helps," Jaune said, "my fake engagement with you means way more to me than my fake one with her."

Yang blushed, cooing despite herself. "Aww, that's so sweet… We are definitely going to find a way to break that engagement."

Jaune sighed again. "Bad enough Pyrrha…"

Jaune gulped as Yang turned her glare back on him.

"What?"

"Um, well, her aunt kind of… sort of… demanded I take her on a date? Or she'd stab me?"

"Her too?!" Yang groaned.

The door burst open, and Ruby bounded in with a big, happy smile. "Hey, guys!"

"Hey!" Jaune said.

"Yo," Yang added.

"So… Pyrrha is uh…" Ruby started, just as a few battered upperclassmen shuffled in, guided by a smiling Pyrrha.

"Sorry," Pyrrha said sweetly. "They insinuated that Yang went down to Jaune for… uncouth reasons. And then they fell down some stairs." The upperclassmen nodded hurriedly.

Nora hefted her hammer. "Yeah! STAIRS!"

Ren coughed politely.

"Aww, that's so sweet," Yang said. "Thanks for not letting your aunt stab my fiancé, by the way. Means a lot."

Pyrrha flushed, scowling at Yang.

Jaune scowled, disapproving. "Guys…"

Nora blinked. "Ummm… I mean, they implied you were also doing 'uncouth' things with the other girls. And said your sister was super hot!"

Jaune stilled, his face like stone. "...Did they?"

One of the upperclassmen coughed and spoke quickly.

"Y-yeah! She was really hot, bro! The hottest!"

Jaune's glare became so intense the upperclassmen shrank back. Yang joined him, her smile savage.

"…What stairs did you say they fell down again?" She asked.

The upperclassmen shrank back. Jaune then took a deep breath.

"No, no," Jaune said, voice steel. "One set of stairs is enough. But if they talk like that again… we'll have to find the stairs again. Make sure they can go down them safely."

The upperclassmen nodded frantically and retreated. Weiss and Blake entered, Weiss sighing dramatically.

"It was not for your sake, Arc," Weiss said. "I believe ruffians deserve to be taught manners."

"Ah… hello, Jaune. My beloved. How are you doing?" Blake purred, sitting on his lap.

"Ack! Blake!" Jaune cried.

"Stuff it, cat," Yang snapped. "We all know it's fake."

Blake coughed.

"Well... I could change that-"

"No!" Jaune said quickly. Blake looked a bit hurt and slid off his lap. "I mean... It's just for your parents, right?"

"R-Right... Still... We could practice," Blake suggested, her voice again soft and sultry.

Ruby growled, her cheeks red.

"Blake! Stop being all weird and horny!"

Yang's Semblance flickered, her hair igniting slightly. Pyrrha's eyes narrowed.

"I wonder… do cats always land on their feet?" Yang mused. "Weiss, you know where the stairs are, right?"

Nora grinned and waved her hand eagerly.

"Ooh! Ooh! Can I play fake fiancée to Jaune next?! Looks like fun!"

Ren twitched. Jaune held up his hands immediately.

"NORA! I would never!"

Ren immediately relaxed. Nora giggled and playfully punched Jaune's shoulder, which made him wince.

"I was just kidding, ya silly! Hee! Now… maybe if you and Ren fused…"

Yang grinned.

"I mean, I guess sharing with Nora isn't the worst then…"

Weiss sighed, glaring at Jaune. "You're an agent of absolute chaos."

"Me?!"

"Guys, we appreciate the visit," Yang said pointedly at Blake and Pyrrha, "but my fiancé and I need rest. So could you give us some space?"

CRASH! A wall exploded inward, dust and debris flying as a beautiful, stacked woman with light purple hair in a flowing Mistralian dress burst through dramatically.

"NEE HAO!" She declared, striking a pose.

Weiss, Blake, Pyrrha and Ren all reached for their weapons, while Nora grinned. Ruby and Jaune gasped as Yang groaned.

"AUNTIE SHAMPOO?!" Ruby cried.

Shampoo beamed. "RUBY!" She swept Ruby into a bone-crushing hug.

"Oh no… Auntie Shampoo," Yang groaned, slumping back.

Weiss rolled her eyes.

"So it's not just Arc with the weird family members."

Blake nodded.

"Yeah… with the Schnees, it's you."

Weiss flushed.

"SHUT UP!"

Shampoo released Ruby from her hug, her violet eyes narrowing with concern as she turned to Yang. "Oh! Sorry! How you get injured?" She rummaged in her satchel and thrust a glowing vial at her. "Here! Potion! Alleviate pain!"Yang took it offhandedly, popping the cork and downing a swig. She instantly felt better and she smiled at her aunt.

"Spar with my fiancé…" Her eyes widened. Oh crap!

Shampoo's head snapped up. "FIANCE?!"

Ruby winced and laughed awkwardly.

"Ummmm…"

Weiss smirked, relishing the chaos. "Oh yes… I suppose she didn't tell you."

Yang stammered, her face heating up. "I-uh…"

Pyrrha and Blake both twitched. Their glares could've melted steel. Ren hid a smirk.

Nora, oblivious and beaming, pointed dramatically at Jaune. "YEAH! That's her fiancé right there! My team leader, Jaune!"

Jaune waved weakly.

"U-Uh… hello, ma'am?"

"Didn't Granny Xiao-Long tell you?" Weiss added mercilessly.

"Weiss!" Ruby hissed.

Shampoo scowled, stalking over to Jaune's bed like a predator sizing up prey. She poked him hard in the ribs.

"Ow!" Jaune yelped, flinching.

"AUNTIE! Leave him alone!" Yang barked, sitting up despite her bruises.

"Yeah!" Ruby chimed in, puffing out her chest. "He's my best friend! And maybe my fian-"

"AND NOTHING MORE!" Yang added hastily, her cheeks flaming.

"He could be!" Ruby growled.

Shampoo gave Jaune a very skeptical look, her eyes sharp as knives.

"Hmmmm… He any good?"

Yang shrugged, playing it cool(ish).

"Well, he beat me, soooo…"

"And he's a very good team leader!" Pyrrha added, gaining a smile from Jaune. She blushed happily, disregarding the irritated looks she got from Yang, Blake and Ruby.

Weiss nodded.

"He's in the bottom quarter of the class and a near complete loser… but he did manage to defeat Yang."

Jaune winced. Yang scowled.

"Ok, Weiss Cream," Yang drawled, her lilac eyes glinting, "that first part was unnecessary."

Blake scowled harder, her ears twitching under her bow like they were about to launch. Pyrrha's smile was a bit tense.

Weiss huffed, chin high.

"It's very necessary!"

Yang smirked, leaning in. "Weiss, you almost lose to him every time, and you've had years of training. He just tanks everything you throw at him."

Shampoo considered this, while Weiss sputtered. "I don't ALMOST lose! Especially not to the Deadlast!"

"You really do," Pyrrha observed.

Weiss scowled.

Shampoo tilted her head curiously. "What? He dead last and work his way up?"

Jaune straightened, cheeks flushing but voice steady. "Y-Yes, ma'am! I… I wasn't very good to start, but I've put a lot of effort into getting better and my friends help me a lot!"

Shampoo tilted her head.

"Why?"

Jaune met her gaze, earnest as ever.

"Because I… I want to be a great Huntsman. Like my parents. And to protect people."

Shampoo hummed. "Hmmm…"

She circled Jaune again, then nodded approvingly.

"Good person."

Yang beamed, waving her off. "See? Good person. Stop poking him now, Auntie."

Shampoo poked his cheek one last time. She raised an eyebrow.

"He goof."

"Wow, she's good!" Nora gasped. Jaune coughed, but shrugged.

"…Yes…"

Shampoo hummed and smiled fondly.

"Like my brother," she added.

Jaune blinked. "I uh…"

Ruby tilted her head, silver eyes sparkling. "Huh! He is a little like Dad…"

Oh Breaker, Yang thought, freezing. If they say I have a complex…

Blake smirked, catching Yang's panic… And blushing a bit, since she was into that sort of thing.

Jaune, oblivious, sputtered: "I-I wouldn't know… But I hope it's a good thing?"

Shampoo nodded sagely.

"Good! Marry boy like good dad, have good marriage. Marry boy like bad dad, have bad marriage." She sighed dramatically.

"Marry idiot jerk, have idiotic jerk marriage," she added, bitter and unhappy.

Yang blinked, then snorted. "I… guess that checks out?"

Shampoo nodded and beamed.

"Strong aura! Good heart! Beat strongest warrior? Very good!" She grinned, slapping Jaune on the back hard enough to rattle his IV stand. "You marry Yang! Then Ruby too!"

Jaune gaped. "Ghk—! W-what?!"

"YAY!" Ruby cheered.

"Over my dead body, Auntie!" Yang snarled. Ruby scowled.

"Yaaang!"

Pyrrha's hand twitched toward Milo. "I… second that."

Blake's ears flattened. "Third."

Nora grinned.

"Fourth! Wait, can I be fifth? Group hug marriage sounds amazing! But only if Renny is involved!"

Ren just sighed.

"Nora…"

The door—the actual door—burst open with a bang, and Glynda Goodwitch stormed in, riding crop in hand, her glasses flashing with fury.

"What the—MRS. SAOTOME! What are you doing?! Are you aware we have DOORS?!"

Shampoo spun, grinning like a cat with cream. "Hello, Unmarried Professor."

Glynda twitched angrily. Shampoo's grin grew just a bit.

"You fix everything, don't you?" Shampoo teased, hands on hips. "Hmph!"

Glynda's eye twitched harder, her voice a whip-crack.

"…I believe you'll be leaving with your family members before I make MORE holes I'll have to fix."

Shampoo started forward, muscles flexing—then sighed, slumping playfully.

"…Fine. We go." She scooped Ruby into a hug, spinning her once. She then hugged Yang again. "Little Red Reaper! Little Dragon! Visit soon! Bring husband-candidate!"

She winked at Jaune, who turned beet red.

Ruby squealed.

"Yay! Bye, Auntie Shampoo!"

"S-Sure!" Yang managed.

Shampoo blew kisses to everyone—lingering extra long on Jaune—then vaulted out the window anyway, because doors were for amateurs. Glass shattered faintly outside, followed by a cheerful "NEE HAO!" echoing across campus.

Glynda pinched her nose, aura flaring to seal the wall again. She glared at Jauen and Yang.

"Arc… Xiao Long… Rest. Or I'll make you."

"Yes ma'am," the students chorused. Glynda turned and stalked out angrily. Nora pouted.

"Aww, group hug over already? Next time, I crash through the wall!"

Ren just sighed.

 

[Salraic238]

...never change, Nora

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The training hall at Beacon was quiet after curfew, moonlight spilling through the high windows like spilled milk. Most of the dummies were already in pieces; the only thing still standing was the man who had done it.

Whitley Schnee (older, harder, white coat scorched black at the hem) stood with Myrtenaster sheathed at his hip and a black glyph spinning slowly at his feet. In its center hovered a translucent figure in red: cloak tattered, scythe resting across her shoulders, silver eyes dim but unmistakable.

Ruby Rose. Not quite the girl who was currently sneaking cookies from the cafeteria. This one was older, tired, smiling the way people do when they've already said goodbye.

Young Ruby stood in the doorway, half-hidden behind the frame, clutching a plate of chocolate chip like a shield. She had followed the sound of weapons fire. She hadn't expected this.

The summon noticed her first. Ghost-Ruby's head tilted, expression softening in a way that made present-Ruby's heart stutter.

Whitley didn't turn around.

"She's beautiful when she fights," he said to the empty air. His voice was hoarse, like he hadn't used it for anything but screaming in years. "Even like this. Especially like this."

The glyph pulsed. The summon knelt, scythe dissolving into cherry blossoms that drifted upward and vanished.

Young Ruby took one careful step inside. "So… um… you and the… the future me fight really, really well together."

Whitley's shoulders rose and fell. "Yes."

"You two have a lot of practice, huh?"

A humourless sound, almost a laugh. "Yes."

Ruby bit her lip hard enough to leave crescents. "You look…" She searched for a gentle word and couldn't find one. "You look like my dad does when he talks about my mom."

Whitley finally faced her. The scar across his left cheek, white hair hacked short with a knife, eyes the same icy blue they'd always been but cracked all the way through.

"Right," he said.

Ruby's voice dropped to a whisper. "I… You must not want to be around me, huh?"

He closed his eyes. For a moment he looked twenty years older than he was. "It's complicated."

"I'll bet."

She hesitated only a second longer, then crossed the floor in a rush and wrapped her arms around his waist like she could squeeze the grief out of him.

Whitley stiffened. "You don't have to—"

"Oh yes I do," Ruby said fiercely into his coat. "Shut up and let me hug you."

"You don't get to tell me what to—"

"Tough! I'm not letting go."

He tried one more time, weaker. "Stubborn brat."

"No you."

The fight leaked out of him all at once. His head bowed, forehead pressing to the top of her hair. One gloved hand came up, trembling, and settled on her back as though she were made of glass.

Behind them, the summon watched with that same small, sad smile. She lifted a hand in silent blessing, then faded into red light that soaked into Whitley's glyph and was gone.
Ruby felt warm tears that weren't hers soak into her hood.

"I killed her," Whitley whispered against her hair, so quietly she almost missed it. "She asked me to. Said it was the only way to save what was left. I… I put my sword through her heart and burned the body so Salem's dogs couldn't have it."

Ruby's arms tightened.

"I see her every time I close my eyes," he went on, voice splintering. "Every time I summon her she looks at me like she's proud. Like I did the right thing. I don't know how she still looks at me like that."

Ruby pulled back just far enough to meet his eyes. "Because she loved you, dummy. And love doesn't stop just because you're an idiot who did something horrible to save the world."

He laughed then, a cracked, wet sound, and pressed his face into her shoulder again so she wouldn't see him cry.

Ruby held on. Cookies forgotten on the floor, moonlight catching on silver eyes, one pair bright and alive, the other only memory.

Somewhere in the distance, Beacon's bell tower chimed two in the morning. Neither of them moved.

 

[Bommel]

"Well… if it helps," Jaune said, "my fake engagement with you means way more to me than my fake one with her."

Click to shrink...

Futurama reference. Fry to Leela on the cruiseship episode I believe.

 

[Gur40]

How we look at Jaune

Spoiler: V1 and 4 Deuteragonist

You have a Tank/Healer and don't abuse his powers?
Fake Gamers all of you!

---

Every Single Time Traveler looking at the Headmaster and Councils

Spoiler: Standard Teen Protagainist Adults

is Ozma basically the Shadow King of Remnant as Ozpin?

---

the 4 types of Dragon Girl

Spoiler: ideas

Be it Yang or her kids in the Stepsibling war timeline or Ruby getting an amp from the Brothers which design for a dragon girl is the best?

 

[LordofBones]

The training hall at Beacon was quiet after curfew, moonlight spilling through the high windows like spilled milk. Most of the dummies were already in pieces; the only thing still standing was the man who had done it.

Whitley Schnee (older, harder, white coat scorched black at the hem) stood with Myrtenaster sheathed at his hip and a black glyph spinning slowly at his feet. In its center hovered a translucent figure in red: cloak tattered, scythe resting across her shoulders, silver eyes dim but unmistakable.

Ruby Rose. Not quite the girl who was currently sneaking cookies from the cafeteria. This one was older, tired, smiling the way people do when they've already said goodbye.

Young Ruby stood in the doorway, half-hidden behind the frame, clutching a plate of chocolate chip like a shield. She had followed the sound of weapons fire. She hadn't expected this.

The summon noticed her first. Ghost-Ruby's head tilted, expression softening in a way that made present-Ruby's heart stutter.

Whitley didn't turn around.

Click to shrink...

I'm kind of just musing on future Whitley wondering why all these huntsmen keep dying on his doorstep and giving him their semblances.

Weiss: "Please...Whitley...you're our...only hoooOOOOOPE NO WAIT NOT THE WINDOW-"
Whitley: "Gods, first it was that crazy martyr leader of theirs, now my insane estranged sister. No means no!"

<Later>

Whitley: "I suppose it was, well, the complete lack of any marketable skillset that did it in. Weiss never really got over Winter hooking up with her, ugh, Knight Daddy either."
Weiss: *pale*
Whitley: "And Xiao-Long needed therapy from day one. Who goes on a drunken rampage of destruction just because they had a break-up? She had to be sedated with an elephant gun."
Yang: *eyes wide*
Whitley: "It's not like Belladonna and that monkey - Sun something - were any better. Menagerie actually had a coup after two months."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Nurse Tsune looked over at Pyrrha in some concern. The racoon Faunus frowned a bit as Pyrrha sat in her wheelchair, arms crossed under her chest as she glared at the two railings in the tower gym.

"We can start any time you like-"

"No," Pyrrha stated quietly, "I'm... I'm going to wait for Jaune."

Tsune slowly nodded. She sat in a nearby chair. The only sounds in the gym were those of a digital clock softly beeping on the far wall, and the sounds of traffic in the streets far below.

Tsune looked upon Pyrrha in no small amount of sympathy. The girl had barely survived her fight against Cinder, and the boy she cared for... Well, he was now king and engaged to another woman.

No wonder the redhead had been so... Lost. So sullen.

The doors to the gym opened. Tsune rose to greet the no-doubt royal visitor.

"Your... Majesty?"

Blake Belladonna fit the bill, but was not the royal Tsune was expecting. She was still in her elegant black dress with a silver circlet around her head. She nodded politely.

"Hello Nurse Tsune. May I speak with Pyrrha alone, please?"

Tsune eyed Pyrrha. The redhead hadn't stirred. She was just glaring off into the distance.

"Of course. Just uh, let me back in if anything to her vitals changes," she said. She held up her Scroll. "They're linked to my Scroll but... Never hurts to be extra careful."

Blake nodded with a soft smile.

"Of course. Thank you, Nurse Tsune."

"Your Majesty," Tsune said, awkwardly nodding before she bustled out of the room. She slid the doors shut behind her... Then discreetly picked a chair in the hallway that would let her keep an eye on both young women.

She wasn't eavesdropping or spying. She was just doing her job to ensure neither of these ladies died.

Given the situation, that was a very strong possibility...

- - -


Pyrrha barely registered Blake's existence. It was all she could do. The instincts that told her to smile, to be polite, to-to hide her feelings... Well... Apparently Cinder wrecked those.

The instincts were there, but the will to execute her training? Totally gone.

There was nothing but a deep, sullen ache.

Blake walked in front of her, hands awkwardly squeezing one another in front of her stomach. She frowned deeply.

"You... They say you're getting better," Blake offered.

Pyrrha barely nodded. She couldn't meet Blake's eyes.

Blake knelt down, seeking her gaze. Pyrrha sucked in a deep breath.

"Congratulations," she managed quietly.

Blake shook her head.

"Pyrrha... I didn't do it to spite you. You know this."

The earnestness in Blake's voice, the pleading in her eyes... Pyrrha closed her eyes tightly.

"I know," she murmured. "Jaune..."

She paused, the pain sending her thoughts grinding to a halt. She shut her eyes.

"Jaune... Would do anything to save innocent people," Pyrrha whispered. The tears still came.

Blake took Pyrrha's hands in between hers. Pyrrha looked up, as Blake shook her head rapidly.

"No, Pyrrha. He did it for you. Do... Do you know everything he went through after you launched him?"

Pyrrha opened her mouth, but no words came. Blake charged on, her usually quiet voice very animated.

"When he crashlanded, he was found by Cardin and some of his father's men. They were going to assault the old backup control station for Vale's automated defense network. Try to reboot it. Jaune put together a plan and led them in the assault. He destroyed ten Knight drones just getting the engineers to the door!"

Pyrrha's eyes widened. Ten Knight Drones... She would have been able to handle that fairly easily, but Jaune? Even with backup?!

"Then," Blake went on, "He stormed into the nearest police station. They got a judge to swear him in as King over the police radio, and he ordered every Bullhead and airship that could be found to be loaded up and readied to retake Beacon. He led them all to storm Beacon and save anyone he could... Including me."

Blake flushed and shook her head.

"He managed to make Adam Taurus flee... With a lot of firepower from several gunships, but still."

"I..." Pyrrha's eyes watered a bit.

"Then," Blake said, "I got a call from my father. Menagerie wanted to render assistance... But they needed a treaty to do it legally. And to make sure they didn't get shot down by Vale. So... So I offered to marry Jaune. To get their help... He didn't even hesitate. And right after we agreed to an engagement, he had me take Yang and Ruby somewhere safe... And asked for volunteers to go save you."

Pyrrha sniffled. Blake nodded firmly.

"He said 'We're saving Pyrrha and killing the bitch who caused this. Failure is not an option.' So no... No. He didn't do all of this for me. He did it for you, Pyrrha."

Tears poured down her cheeks freely. She sobbed softly, and accepted the awkward hug Blake gave her.

It took her a few minutes to calm down. Blake held her the whole time, gently rubbing her back.

"Pyrrha... He married me to save Vale... But he loves you," Blake murmured.

"I... Even after I sent him away...?" Pyrrha sniffled. Blake nodded.

"I know it."

Pyrrha again bowed her head in shame.

"I sent him away... I wanted to keep him safe... I-I didn't think... Even I didn't think he could do anything but... But die..."

She sobbed again. Blake tightened her hug.

"None of us did, Pyrrha," Blake murmured, "But that's... That's not your fault. He proved us wrong... And it's good that he did so."

Pyrrha nodded, the pride in her heart for her student rising slightly. Yet seeing the wedding ring on Blake's finger just made the pain come back.

"And," Blake said softly, cupping Pyrrha's chin in her hand, "I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make him happy. You make him happy, Pyrrha. I would be a fool to exclude you from... From our relationship."

Pyrrha blinked. Her cheeks, even still covered in bandages, went bright red.

"I... Uh... Wh-What...?"

Blake smiled a bit impishly.

"I'm not going to push the issue. It's up to you... But if you truly love Jaune, I... I don't want to make either of you unhappy."

"... But you won't step aside," Pyrrha asked quietly. Blake shook her head.

"No. I... I've seen what you saw in him..."

She gently pressed her forehead against Pyrrha's.

"But I'm... Happy to share." She blushed. "It's not like..." Her eyes drifted lower over Pyrrha's body, "Not like I... Haven't thought about you."

Pyrrha's blush got far worse. She stuttered.

"I-I um... I-I don't-"

"It's okay," Blake said softly, rubbing Pyrrha's hands, "It's okay. We'll take it slow. I just... I want to make things clear. Yes, I am going to be his wife. I... I'm happy to be that. But I... I want to make you and him happy. And I don't want to be selfish. Besides... Vale does allow for polygamy. And it might be good politically if he has at least one human wife."

Pyrrha gaped a bit... But slowly nodded.

"I... Um... I-I have to... Have to think about it..."

"I understand," Blake said softly. She squeezed her hands together. "Just know... Please... You're going to have a place in our family. Jaune wouldn't have it any other way, and neither would I."

She slowly rose, still holding Pyrrha's hand. The doors to the gym slid open, and Jaune entered.

"Sorry I'm late, had to handle some... Some other stuff," Jaune said. He took in the sight of his fiance and the girl who said she loved him with a wary expression.

"Everything all right?" He asked quietly.

"Just fine," Blake said with a small smile, "I just... Wanted to clear some things up."

She stepped away from Pyrrha. She walked up to Jaune, and kissed his cheek.

"I'll be right outside," she said softly, before with a swish of her dress she was out the doors. As soon as they slid shut, Jaune looked back to Pyrrha. He smiled warmly, and walked up to her. He knelt down in front of her, resting his hands on the arm rests of the wheelchair.

"The doctors say you're going to be fine," Jaune said happily, "My mother's being flown in. She's an amazing doctor, she'll get you back to one hundred percent and better in no time."

"I..." Pyrrha flushed and slowly nodded. "Thank you, Jaune... O-Or your Majesty-"

"You never have to call me that," Jaune stated firmly. "Never."

She blushed harder. She rather liked Jaune's commanding tone.

"I uh... I am sorry I haven't been around a lot," Jaune said quietly. "Being a king is... It's a lot of responsibility. Especially when I have no idea how to do it."

"I... I understand," Pyrrha said softly. Jaune took a deep breath.

"When you're well... I-I want you to be part of my royal guard, Pyrrha. Cinder's still out there. So is her boss. We need to find them, and stop them."

Pyrrha nodded again.

"I'll be ready. I promise, Jaune," she murmured.

Jaune let out another sigh. His features drooped a little.

"About... What you said..."

"Jaune, I-I'm so sorry!" Pyrrha blurted out. "I-I didn't know... I just didn't want you to-"

Jaune held up his hand, and shook his head.

"No... No. If I'd tried to fight Cinder with you? ... I'd have just gotten in the way," he said. He sighed. "If anything? You put me in a position to save Vale... And you." He looked up into her eyes.

"If anyone's the hero... It's you, Pyrrha."

Pyrrha sniffled, and smiled softly.

"I... I hate it when you're so down on yourself," she murmured. Jaune chuckled.

"Y-Yeah... I figured... I... But it's hard not to be. I was so stupid and..." He sighed.

"Listen... I... It's been a whirlwind. Okay? I've barely had time to think about... About my feelings and-and everything... I want to be honest with you, but I don't... I mean..."

Pyrrha took his hands between hers, as Blake had done. She smiled warmly.

"Let's... Take it slow," she said softly. "All right? I talked with Blake. She's... Um..." Her cheeks warmed.

"She's... Not threatened by me. And she wants to make you happy. So... So I'm all right with her and you... And all that."

At Jaune's concerned look, she nodded.

"For the most part," she said softly. "But... We'll figure it out. All right?"

Jaune smiled warmly, though his eyes were still confused.

"Um, yeah, totally," he said with a nod. He smiled.

"So... You ready to start walking again?"

"Absolutely," Pyrrha said firmly. Jaune smiled back, and helped her up to her feet. He guided her slowly to the horizontal bars, and let her grasp onto them as he held her under her armpits. The close contact that resulted warmed Pyrrha all over.

"Your Majesty!" Nurse Tsune and Blake burst back in. The racoon Faunus gaped. "I uh..."

"Am I holding her incorrectly?" Jaune asked. Tsune shook her head.

"N-No... But uh... Isn't that something I should do?"

Jaune smiled up at Pyrrha.

"She's been holding me up long enough. I should return the favor."

Pyrrha blushed... And glanced over to see Blake blushing too.

"I... I know I won't fall," she murmured. Jaune beamed.

"I won't let you. Ever. It's a promise."

Her heart fluttered, and the pains and aches in her recovering body seemed to fade away in Jaune's warm smile.

- - -

The solar of Vale's old royal palace bathed the room in golden light, its wide windows casting warm rays over plush, if slightly dated, furniture and polished wooden floors. The room had been installed by Queen Bastinda, the wife of the Warrior King of Vale, before her abdication. The air was clean, carrying the faint scent of old books and polished oak, a stark contrast to the tension simmering among its occupants. Jaune Arc, clad in his trousers, fine tunic, and crown, stood near a window, his blonde hair glowing softly in the light from the window. Blake Belladonna sat across from her parents, Kali and Ghira, her black ears twitching, her amber eyes guarded. The room felt like a fragile bubble, holding familial warmth… But the outside world was always threatening to break in.

Glynda Goodwitch, her glasses glinting, had just left after assuring them of the palace's security—snipers and guards on high alert.

All just so he could get to know his in-laws better.

Blake's voice was low, her unease palpable. "I'm not sure about all this security…"

Kali, her golden eyes soft, smiled reassuringly. "Trust me, it's preferable. And you get used to it."

Ghira, his massive frame relaxed in a cushioned chair, gave Jaune an approving nod, his voice warm. "I'm impressed, young man. I can't tell you how many stories I've read of rulers undone by trusting their staff too much."

Jaune rubbed his neck, his voice sheepish. "Eh-heh, thanks. But I just don't feel comfortable talking with folks around."

Blake nodded, her voice steady. "Professor Goodwitch is trustworthy, but this is best handled in private."

Blake tensed. Jaune, catching her discomfort, chuckled nervously. "Yeah, I mean… meeting my in-laws is awkward enough without my teacher hovering."

Ghira chuckled, his voice deep. "Just call us Ghira and Kali."

Kali nodded, her voice warm. "We're family. I just wanted to address all the political stuff before we move to regular discussion."

Jaune nodded nervously. "Of course."

Kali's eyes twinkled, pivoting smoothly. "How did you two first meet?"

Blake hesitated, her voice soft. "Um… To be honest… we hadn't talked until I learned he was the heir."

Her guilt hung heavy, her eyes dropping. Jaune sighed, his voice wry. "That was an awkward week. All these girls were suddenly more interested in me than ever. I went from famine to feast in attention, and none of it was welcome."

Ghira's belly laugh shook the room. "I can only imagine!"

Kali glanced at Blake, her voice teasing. "And let me guess, Blake proposed too?"

Blake's cheeks flushed, her voice defensive.

"Well, um, I thought a relationship could help the cause of Faunus rights?"

Kali sighed, her voice a gentle scold.

"Oh, Blake…"

Blake winced, her voice small.

"I know… I just make it worse."

Kali held up her Scroll, her smile mischievous. "And here I thought it was because you could live out your girlhood dream of marrying a prince." She showed a photo of five-year-old Blake in a blindingly pink, poofy princess dress, waving a toy wand, her gap-toothed grin radiant.

Blake's face went scarlet, her voice a squeak. "M-Mother!"

Jaune took the Scroll, his eyes widening. "…Wow. You know, I never pictured you as a pastel pink type."

Blake snatched it back, her voice indignant. "I was five!"

Kali's voice was warm. "And just precious!"

"I was not!" Blake shot back.

Ghira's eyes softened, his voice tender. "Don't lie, Blake. You were the diamond of our world. And you still are."

Blake's flush deepened, her voice faltering. "…I… I struggle to believe that… All I've done has been selfish."

Kali's tone was firm but kind. "Yes. Well-intended, and in keeping with the values we tried to instill, so that helps."

Her voice turned sly. "Grandkitties will help ease the wounds, though."

Ghira chuckled nervously. "It's a little early for that, isn't it?"

Blake sighed, turning to Jaune, her eyes serious. "Jaune? A royal family without heirs is dangerous. And the situation we're in is very dangerous."

Jaune swallowed, his voice uneasy. "…Yeah. I always wanted to settle down, start a family. Just didn't imagine it so soon."

Ghira and Kali exchanged a mournful look, Ghira pulling her close. "True. But we're handed the cards we must play. No matter how… painful."

Blake's voice trembled. "Mother? Father? Sienna told me something… Something happened when I left, but I…"

Kali's voice was soft, raw. "…I had a miscarriage. Caused by poison."

Blake's breath hitched. "M-Mother…"

Jaune's face paled, memories of his mother's hospital flashing—grief-stricken families, the weight of loss. "Oh, Breaker… I'm so sorry. It doesn't help, I know, but…"

His voice hardened. "Why would Sienna do something so Grimm-like?!"

Blake's voice was heavy, her eyes glistening. "…So I'd be the only heir. And their hostage." She sniffled, her voice breaking. "Mother—I'm so sorry. This is my fault—!"

Kali's voice was firm, her eyes fierce. "No! You didn't do this, Blake."

Ghira's voice was steady, his eyes dark. "We never had proof… But the motive is unmistakable."

Jaune's fists clenched, his voice low. "Sienna gets a bounty. One million lien, dead. Not dead or alive, just dead."

Blake's voice was soft. "Jaune…"

"I have seven sisters and a mom I love," Jaune said, his eyes burning. "You're my fiancée—that makes you family. Your enemies are mine."

Ghira nodded sadly. "And that's why we encourage you to marry soon."

Blake hugged Jaune tightly, her voice a whisper. "…Thank you." She pulled back, hesitant. "…There's another thing."

Ghira's eyebrow arched. "Yes, Blake?"

Blake took a deep breath, her voice bold. "Jaune? …You need more than one wife."

Jaune's face went pale, his voice cracking. "Pardon moi?" He turned to Ghira and Kali, panicked. "I'm not putting her up to this!"

Kali's smile was calm. "We know. It wasn't unusual for Vale's monarchs to have multiple partners. But why?"

Jaune's voice was desperate. "Yes, Blake! Explain to your parents what gave you this silly idea!"

Blake's voice was firm. "I've talked with Professor Goodwitch. She came from Haven with Lionheart's support, backed by someone powerful enough to fool him, a close friend of Ozpin. She hacked Atlas's security and the CCTnet. She's not just a terrorist. We need as much support to oppose her as possible."

Jaune's voice cracked.

"…Okay, but why sanctioned adultery?!"

Blake's eyes widened.

"No! I, um… I'm bisexual. Though men are less exhausting than women."

Jaune's face went bright red as his jaw dropped. Blake blushed as well.

Ghira's laugh boomed.

Kali smirked, her voice dry.

"That's certainly true."

Blake pressed on.

"We need alliances, and political marriages will help."

Ghira's eyes narrowed.

"Who do you have in mind?"

Jaune, Blake, and Kali stared, surprised. Ghira chuckled. "It's clear Jaune never considered this. So, who's the second bride?"

Blake's voice was steady. "…Pyrrha Nikos."

Jaune sat back, swallowing hard. "Oh…"

Kali tilted her head. "The Mistral fighter?"

Ghira's eyes lit up. "Of course! I made 20,000 lien off her!"

Everyone stared. Ghira shrugged. "Friendly wager."

Blake continued. "But to avoid accusations of foreign influence, Jaune needs a Vale wife. Yang would be good."

Jaune buried his face in his hands. "Blake, I haven't even talked to Pyrrha! And Yang's still healing—I can't dump this on her! That's what an asshole would do!"

He straightened, his "king face" on. "Can we wait for Doctor Oobleck? I need an advisor."

Oobleck burst in, his green hair wild, thermos sloshing. "You asked for my input, Your Majesty?"

Blake explained her plan. Oobleck's eyes gleamed. "You've raised a political heir, Your Graces. Now then!" He gulped his coffee, his voice a torrent. "Political marriages forge alliances, but they're strategic! Vale's kings took multiple partners, but chaotic households caused strife. Vacuo's ancient empires had thousands in harems, with succession decided by civil war. Vale's orderly, but King Henri VIII's turbulent marriages—'Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived'—show the risks! BUT I DIGRESS!"

Blake winced. "But—"

Oobleck barreled on. "Royal marriages aren't Pocket Beast teams or Mistralian harem cartoons! Miss Nikos is a capital Royal Mistress—Vale's hero, a Huntress icon. Miss Xiao Long, however, lacks political merit. Her framed attack on a foreign student, with the CCT down, risks conspiracy perceptions."

Jaune nodded. "See, Blake? Let's—"

"I'm not done!" Oobleck interrupted. "Multiple wives have benefits! With the Monarchy's revival, you hold all noble titles—Archduke of Niederung to King of Vytal. You could claim Emperor, but IRRELEVANT! Delegate titles to loyal children, raised with love. I propose four brides: small enough for harmony, large enough for heirs. Blake as Queen, Pyrrha as Royal Mistress—running security, countering Menagerie influence, ensuring a non-Faunus heir if needed. Leave two concubine slots open for future matches."

Oobleck collapsed, panting.

Blake's voice was soft. "…I still want Yang. I was a terrible friend. She's been abandoned so much… I want her to have a family with us, even if it's not politically convenient."

Oobleck nodded. "At the King's leisure."

Jaune rubbed his temples. "I haven't agreed to one mistress! I need to talk to Pyrrha and Yang first!"

Ghira's voice was gentle. "No one's demanding agreement, Jaune. I refused a mistress—Kali's my only love."

Blake's voice was soft. "Dad… One step at a time. Jaune? I'm sorry… I have a lot to make up for."

Kali smiled. "You're doing more than most."

Glynda's voice crackled through a communicator. "Your Majesty, we have a situation. Someone's petitioning you. Urgent."

This seemed as good an excuse to get out of this awkward conversation as any. Jaune took it with as much grace as he could.

"We'll continue this later," Jaune said to his future in-laws, "Hopefully never," he muttered as he took Blake's hand and exited the room, Oobleck following. Ghira and Kali smirked a bit after him, even as Blake blushed at his manhandling.

- - -

Jaune and Blake arrived at the palace's entrance, finding Neopolitan—Neo—struggling against guards, her pink-and-brown hair wild, her heterochromatic eyes fierce. She clutched a bowler hat and cane, which they recognized as belonging to Roman Torchwick.

Jaune's eyes widened. "You!"

Glynda's voice was sharp. "She's Neopolitan, Roman Torchwick's partner."

Neo's Scroll blared a text-to-speech app. [Hear me! Hear me! Come to my aid, O my prince, for someone does me wrong!] It recited a dramatic prayer in Gallian.

Glynda scowled. "Take her away—"

"No, wait!" Jaune said, his voice firm. "My mother told me about this. [I hear your cry. Speak of what troubles you.]"

Oobleck, nearby, muttered, "The Clamour de Haro. Never thought I'd see it."

"The what?" Blake demanded.

Oobleck cleared his throat, his voice eager. "The Clamour de Haro is an ancient law, over 1500 years old, from when Vale's influence was less absolute. It allowed the least powerful to have their grievances heard when they'd otherwise be ignored. A supplicant would plead before the King, Royal Family, or a magistrate, and the wrongdoer had to stop, with the case taken up for adjudication. It protected the weak—a farmer against a wealthy landholder, a milkmaid seeking justice, or an outlaw demanding retribution for a loved one's murder. When His Majesty heard Miss Politan's plea, he was obligated to hear her case and adjudicate justice."

Blake frowned, her unease barely hidden. Neo sat up, typing rapidly. [Roman Torchwick, my one thing in this world, is dead. Cinder Fall promised safety, yet allowed his death in Vale's attack. All I have are his beloved effects. I demand justice! I want Cinder Fall to swing!]

Jaune's voice was steady. "[Then we want the same thing.]"

Neo typed again. [I have only my skills and body. If insufficient, I offer our caches of riches and Dust, embezzled from robberies. A quarter billion lien's worth, hidden in warehouses. Cinder's associates smuggled more from Mistral, Vacuo, and Atlas, and we took from those too. With recovery efforts, you need Dust, and excess can be sold with Atlas's embargo.]

Glynda scoffed. "Unlikely—"

Jaune cut in, his voice regal. "[I take you into my service and accept your riches, which we'll use to destroy this threat to our kingdom and all life.]"

Neo's Scroll blared. [If my crimes forfeit my life, I'll take it gladly. I only ask to see Cinder dead first.]

Jaune nodded. "[We'll continue in private. Come.]"

Blake's anxiety simmered, though she masked it, as Jaune led her, Neo, and a grim-faced Glynda to a side room. The air grew heavier. Yet Jaune's voice was low, steady.

"…What's your real name, Neo?"

Neo's face twisted into a scowl, her fingers flying across her Scroll, the text-to-speech voice sharp and biting. [Legally, if you must know, it's Trivia Vanille, but I'd much prefer not to use that, as those people are dead to me. And dead in general.]

Oobleck, his green hair a mess, balked at the name, his eyes narrowing as he tapped furiously at his Scroll, searching records.

Jaune's voice was soft, his blue eyes earnest. "I'm sorry."

Neo's digital voice was curt. [Someone has to be, I'm sure.]

Jaune's voice steadied, his tone gentle but firm. "I mean, I'm sorry that… you had to go through whatever you did. And lose Roman, too."

Blake tensed, her amber eyes flashing, her voice low. "Jaune…"

Neo's eyes glistened, but no tears fell, her expression raw as she hugged herself. Jaune pressed on, his voice thoughtful.

"I'm guessing you and Roman were pressed into service by Cinder. You're criminals, but you weren't like this before then. He was a gentleman thief, flamboyant… but not a petty thief or a monster."

Neo's shoulders shook with soundless sobs, her Scroll's voice soft and sad. [He was my everything. Every day and night a new adventure, a new grand story… He seemed larger than life. Immortal.]

Jaune's smile was bittersweet, his voice quiet. "…Yeah… I get that. A lot of people died. The people they left behind… all feel the same way."

Neo said nothing, her arms tightening around herself. Jaune's voice grew firm.

"I accept you into my service. First, though… do you have any idea who Cinder is working for?"

Neo wiped her eyes, typing quickly, her digital voice steady. [She clearly answered to someone; she was too heavy-handed to not be carrying out someone else's plan. Damned bitch and her underlings were too careful to leave their Scrolls unattended, so I never got into their information. But she slipped once. I was stalking her one night and overheard her mention to the mint girl something about a contact in Mistral, the city itself, not the kingdom.]

Jaune nodded, his voice resolute. "Then we'll focus there."

Glynda's expression tightened, her voice uneasy. "Your Majesty…"

Jaune met her gaze, his voice heavy. "I know…" He thought of Ruby and Yang, who'd be furious. "But I accept you into our service, Neo. Kneel."

Neo's Scroll blared, her eyes glinting with mischief. [It's a little early for me to be sucking your dick, isn't it?]

Jaune drew Crocea Mors, his face flushing. "What?! No!"

Blake's scowl deepened, her ears flicking.

Jaune stammered, his voice flustered. "Just… you know, kneel? One knee?"

Neo looked confused but complied, kneeling awkwardly. Jaune raised his sword, his voice formal.

"By the power of the Heavenly Emperor, by the authority granted me as sovereign and protector of Vale, I take thee, Neopolitan Vanille, into my service as protector of the realm."

Glynda's voice was sharp. "Your Majesty…?"

Jaune's grin was strained but determined. "I've done this with all my friends fighting with me. I'll do the same for Neo. Besides… we don't have enough nobles. This is another way of making more."

Neo stared, her mind visibly reeling, her Scroll silent. Oobleck adjusted his glasses, his voice curious. "Ahem. Well, first of all, Miss—Dame Vanille, I must ask. How in the world did you know about the Clamour de Haro? Even during the last kings of Vale, it was so obscure most academics forgot it existed."

Jaune chuckled, his voice soft. "I only know because my mom told me bedtime stories about it."

Neo's smirk returned, her Scroll's voice smug. [Roman always said that the upper class of criminals must know the laws as well as any lawyer. How else can we gayly tweak the noses of the lawman while absconding with some socialite's jewels in front of the Tablebreaker and everybody?]

Oobleck nodded, his voice grudging. "…Fair enough."

Jaune's voice was hesitant. "Doctor?"

Oobleck's eyes lit up, his voice rapid. "It turns out the Vanille family is old aristocracy. The last were believed dead five years ago in a terrible house fire. They never found the body of the eldest daughter, Trivia Vanille." He bowed slightly to Neo. "Congratulations, Your Majesty. You've found the last of the Counts of Politan. Salutations, Countess Politan."

Jaune's jaw dropped. "What?!"

Neo recovered, her smirk widening as she crossed one leg over her knee, exuding confidence.

Jaune stammered, his voice awkward. "Well… um… I guess you get your property and all."

Glynda and Blake glared, their displeasure palpable.

Jaune's smile was nervous.

"Eheh… Guess I have to promote you to Countess, too."

Blake's glare shifted to Neo, her voice low.

"I see… Jaune? Can we speak in private?"

"Of course," Jaune said, his voice calm. "Professor, Doctor, take Neo to some… secure quarters."

Blake's voice was sharp, her smile icy. "And don't worry about making her comfortable."

Neo smirked, sending Jaune a flirty wink, which he politely ignored.

As Oobleck, Glynda, and Neo left, Blake spun on Jaune, her voice a hiss.

"Jaune! Do you not know who that is?! She almost killed Yang during the Breach!"

Jaune sucked in a breath, his voice firm.

"I know! Okay? I know! But if she can lead us to Cinder, we can stop her…" His voice softened, his eyes heavy. "Look, I don't like it, but she lost someone precious to her… and she wants revenge."

Blake's voice was sharp. "I know! But knighting her? And—you can't be seriously considering giving her a title and land."

Jaune's voice was steady. "I'm giving her back her family property. That's all. She already has a title."

"And if she turns on us?" Blake demanded. "Do we know anything about her beyond that she's a fortunate orphan of rich, connected parents and a criminal who hurt our friends?!"

Jaune sighed, his voice weary. "I know this could be a bad idea, Blake… but her goal is the same as ours." His fists clenched, his voice intense. "…And I want Cinder dead."

"We all do." Blake took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. "I just… really hope her goals don't take a sudden turn. I know, with my past, I don't have much ground to object."

"I wasn't going to mention it," Jaune said, as delicately as he could. Blake stepped forward, and rested a hand over his. He started and looked back up at her.

"Jaune… Cinder will be taken down and brought to justice. Just… please, don't go so far in pursuing her that you lose sight of everything else. I already lost one loved one to that kind of hate. I can't afford to lose you too."

Jaune's eyes widened, his voice cracking.

"Blake! I—I would never—!"

Her intense stare silenced him, her gaze piercing through his defenses. Jaune sighed, pulling out his Scroll, its screen flickering to life with images of Beacon students and transfers.

"Cardin's entire team got wiped out," His voice was heavy, each word a stone.

Blake's expression softened. Jaune's voice grew quieter. "Once they got over themselves… they were pretty good guys. They fought to protect people fleeing the stadium… and they were all killed."

He swiped to another image, his voice trembling. "May Zedong. Sweet girl. Her entire team got wiped out in front of her. She's in the hospital, catatonic." He paused on a photo of a little girl, her smile frozen in time. "Vale's leadership collapsed… they couldn't protect anyone, or stop anyone…"

His voice broke. "Pyrrha almost died. Yang's been maimed."

Blake winced, her eyes glistening. Jaune's voice grew raw.

"Maybe… maybe if I hadn't been so stubborn… if I'd become king sooner, I could've done… something."

He sighed, his voice barely a whisper. "I'm sorry." He gestured to the Scroll. "I make myself read every report. These… these were people, Blake. Not just numbers on a screen. I don't want to be the kind of king who just sees numbers. I want to see people… and never forget what I'm supposed to do."

Blake stepped closer, her hand cupping his cheek, her forehead pressing against his. She said nothing, her presence a quiet anchor, their breaths mingling in the heavy silence. She understood—too well—the burden of carrying the world's weight, the guilt of choices made and lives lost.

Her voice was soft, steady.

"I am your Queen, and I'm going to be your wife. In both roles, I'm your equal. You don't have to shoulder these burdens alone. Let me take some of that load."

Jaune's eyes softened, a faint smile breaking through. "Blake…" He hugged her tightly, his voice warm but tinged with longing. "Honestly… I wish we'd talked more. Back at Beacon… Geez, it's only been a few weeks, but it feels like a lifetime ago."

Blake's lips quirked, her voice wry. "I know exactly what you mean."

Jaune chuckled, his voice lighter. "Heck, there's a lot I still don't know about you. Though, uh… I mean… I bumbled. A lot." He sighed, his voice self-deprecating. "I was an idiot."

Blake's eyes twinkled, a rare playfulness surfacing.

"…When I was seven, I thought Cream of Tartar and Tartar Sauce were the same thing. I learned real quick when I put a huge blob of it on my fish."

Jaune blinked, then laughed, the sound easing the room's tension.

"Okay, that's pretty bad. Me? Well... My sisters convinced me I could grow a pizza tree. So I planted some pizza in the backyard."

Blake's lips twitched, her amber eyes sparkling with rare amusement.

"When I was nine, I found a kitten and thought I'd become a mother. Mom had to sit me down for The Talk before I realized it was just a normal cat."

Jaune chuckled, his voice warm.

"Heh. My sisters dressed me up in dresses. Constantly."

Blake giggled, her ears twitching.

"When I was twelve, I got my first zit and was about to carve it off my face before my aunt stopped me."

Jaune laughed, his voice teasing. "It's no wonder you became a queen—you've got enough drama for it."

Blake's smile softened, her voice gentle but firm. "Yeah. Being an idiot is part of being a teenager, Jaune. You're not special. You're you. And that's all we need you to be."

Jaune's expression warmed, his voice soft. "Well… I'm glad you're with me, Blake. I'm glad… you didn't run away."

Blake's eyes met his, her voice quiet. "Me too. It was a close thing… I'm glad I stayed, for once."

Their gazes locked, the air between them charged. Jaune's heart pounded—this was the moment. He leaned in, his lips brushing hers, bold yet tentative. Blake froze, her eyes widening in shock at his courage, but warmth bloomed in her chest. She returned the kiss, soft and hesitant, then deepening, their shared burdens melting into the moment.

A sharp ping from Jaune's Scroll shattered the silence. Blake pulled back, her voice a low growl, irritation flashing in her eyes. "Someone better be dying."

Jaune glanced at the screen, his face paling. "My parents are coming."

Blake blinked, her voice cautious. "…Oh. Is that… bad?"

Jaune sighed, his voice heavy. "It will be… complicated."

Another ping. His Scroll lit up with a message from Tanya: So you managed to secure an alliance with Menagerie? Son of a bitch, you outclassed me!

Another ping. Lilac's message followed: Is it true, Jaune? You're marrying that Faunus girl? How wonderful! What does she like? I'll send a cake with Daddy and bring another one!

Jaune groaned, his voice resigned. "And… so are all my sisters."

Ping! Ping! Ping!