A/N: Almost didn't get this done in time due to two sudden oneshots that just needed writing. Oops. Check them out for Arkos (Quirks) and Qrowin (In Close Quarters)! Let me know what you think!

Of Complacency and Conspiracies

Day 7: Very Loud

The day of the after-hours event, Pyrrha was working out her frustrations in the gym. Ruby's disappointed texts, along with Weiss' annoyed ones and Sun's complaining (and the fact that Blake kept threatening to mute the group chat, since it was too active) were haunting her. She felt so guilty, but there was no way to get Nora and Ren to go together to the event.

Her body moved on autopilot that day. However, even after she finished majority of her workout, she still had come up with nothing that could salvage the plan. It was only when she heard a chipper voice sing, "Hey, Pyrrha!" that she actually began paying attention to her surroundings once more. Between cool-down stretches, she turned around. Yang waved brightly at her from across the room, kickboxing gloves hanging around her wrist.

Approaching her, Yang reached into her duffel bag, retrieving a printed sheet of paper. "Ruby wanted me to give this to you!"

The redhead took it and sighed, shaking her head. It was the ticket to the event. "I tried my best to get Nora to come, but I don't think Ren's interested, either," she replied glumly.

Yang punched her playfully on the arm. "Not for those two, silly- for you!" When Pyrrha simply blinked at her, she added, "You and Jaune! You know, the awkward blond you've been hanging out with?"

"Wha- I know," Pyrrha sputtered, shaking her head. "I can't take these! Didn't Ruby buy these tickets?"

Yang crossed her arms, leaning to the side. "Well, not exactly," she chuckled. "Turns out that Sun bought them as a joke for Neptune months ago- the poor guy's terrified of water, so he thought that the incentive of wine would get Neptune to brave the aquarium at least, but it's a no-go." Before Pyrrha could protest, Yang skipped off back to the exit. "Someone needs to use them! I've gotta head to class- enjoy your… adventure! And don't bother asking Ruby or Weiss, everyone's busy," she added quickly before ducking out, leaving a befuddled Pyrrha, tickets in hand.

She didn't want to waste the tickets, but a part of her still felt guilty. Still, after a quick message to Jaune, a hurried shower, and a rushed job to get ready for a night out, Pyrrha found herself standing in front of Vale's local aquarium. At her side was the enthusiastic blond, the man antsy as the queue moved up ever-so slowly. "This is awesome," he cheered. "It sucks Ren and Nora aren't here, but honestly, I've been dying to see their new rescued beluga exhibit! It's gonna be so cute." He sighed dreamily, then turned back to Pyrrha. "Are we lucky or what?!"

"Yeah," she chuckled, although Pyrrha herself was still utterly confused. "I'm surprised they didn't give the tickets to Blake in the end- Sun would gladly go with her."

"She does really like tuna," Jaune murmured thoughtfully, drawing a snort from the redhead.

But soon, they were allowed entry, and the event began. The guilt quickly abated, letting Pyrrha enjoy the magic in the air, despite seeing the sickeningly-affectionate couples around her everywhere. The atmosphere lovely- a myriad of swimming lights and colours were both projected on the walls, and displayed by the intricate and breathtaking exhibits. Pyrrha was more than happy to accompany Jaune everywhere, letting the blond act like a child as he made funny faces to impersonate the fish, laughing as he enjoyed the food.

There were a surprising amount of people around, though. Soon, she was losing him in the crowd, only finding him again after playing one particular strength-testing game (which Pyrrha demolished, much to Jaune's shock and awe- "I am a personal trainer," she chuckled embarrassedly when they handed her an otter plush as a prize) Pyrrha suddenly found a warm hand gripping onto her sleeve.

She blushed, avoiding his gaze as she grabbed his arm, then slipped her hand down to hold onto his. "Don't get lost again," she scolded lightly, pulling him along the beautiful tunnels of tropical fish. Although she didn't look at his face for almost the rest of the night, judging by how warm his hand was, she knew he was blushing, too. She let him keep the otter. It was sort of cute, seeing him hug it close to his heart.