Troubled Hearts: Confession

Raindrops. They fell like raindrops, forever falling onto the cold ground. Why though, when things were going so well? Why would she want to weep and wail now of all times? Still, they fell to the ground in a never ending torrent of misery. Out in the distance a haze of black obscured her vision and walled her off. It felt like it was closing in, a closing prison from which there was no escape. Raindrops, they continued to fall endlessly onto a cold, unfeeling earth. When would it all end again, and she could be at peace.

"Pyrrha, I don't know what to do, but Blake's here."

Jaune's words shook her awake, out of the horrifying nightmare she was having and into the pitch black of their room. Rolling over, Pyrrha found his eyes in the dark, worry plastered all over his face. Jaune rubbed her shoulders, forcing a smile before getting up and going to the window. Why would there be a problem? It's just Blake, she didn't have anything against the Faunus girl. Maybe something had happened between the two of them? Oh no, not another one. Jaune, you were the dorkiest guy at Beacon, how on earth are you this popular with women?

She watched him wait at the window. A pair of rocks hit the window, and then a dull thud followed. Jaune opened up the window before stepping back. A black shadow flew through the window, landing gracefully on the carpet without a sound. Amber eyes flashed as she scanned the room for anything and everything. Pyrrha lay in the bed casually, watching her skulk across the room. Blake moved around the bed, looking at everything but her with increasing scrutiny. Finally, nearly glowing eyes snapped onto her.

A small lamp revealed Blake, the faint glow lighting up the tiny room. She continued to observe Pyrrha as Jaune went to sit down on the bed. "Jaune, I know you said something about a girl. But... I didn't expect her to already be in your bed." She was smiling at the boy, letting down her guard.

"Yeah, about that. She's, well, she isn't really... um..." Jaune was fumbling with his words again, but why? Clearly Blake knew about her... or Neo, considering how long she's been around. "I don't really know how to explain."

Well, it was rude not to at least talk with a guest. And Jaune was clearly not having any luck getting what he wanted to say out. "Hello Blake, how have you been?"

As soon as the words left her mouth Pyrrha knew something was wrong. The Faunus sprang away from her, drawing sword and sheath in a blinding action before pointing the weapons at her. There was fear and anger on her face as she looked from Pyrrha to Jaune and back. Blake started shifting over toward Jaune, still holding her weapons out at Pyrrha. But why? I'm in a blanket and on my back, what threat do I pose? It made no sense, she was just Pyrrha Nikos...

"Why are you alive? How, when?" Blake was just barely shouting, moving slowly next to Jaune. The blade was a few feet away from her now. "Jaune, what have you done? This... this can't be her, she's gone!"

And that was the truth of it, Pyrrha was supposed to be dead still. The dream she'd been living, of being able to go out and enjoy herself, was over as reality invaded once more. Here was someone she'd known, admired even. Yet now she was terrified at the very sight of her. Jaune was up now, trying to get between Blake and her and calm the girl down. But did she really deserve that level of trust? Was it really worth the risk that this unnatural life Pyrrha lived had?

"Blake, please, she's just... back, I don't know how to explain." He had his arm out, trying to place any small part if himself in the way. "Why won't you believe me?"

"We have enemies Jaune, people able to do things we can't anticipate." The steel in her voice sent a chill down Pyrrha's spine. "What if this is a trick? A disguise, anything to get closer to you?"

"It's not," Jaune pleaded, trying to step closer to Blake. The tight dance was becoming tenser by the second. "I can't explain it all, but I know it's her." Hearing him say it so emphatically warmed Pyrrha's heart. Even if she didn't feel like she warranted that trust herself.

"How can you be certain?" Blake spat at him, trying to push Jaune out of the way, "you can't, and I don't want to see you be hurt by... whoever this is. Don't be naive Jaune! She died, there isn't anything else to it!"

Pyrrha sat there in their bed. His bed, she realized as the world was crashing around her. I'm just an intruder now. And she was the arbiter of her fate. She prepared to get up, to apologize profusely for causing so much strife. Jaune had done better, he'd gone places she herself had dreamed of going. True, the circumstances were nightmarish and Pyrrha would never wish for such things. But here they were, and he was the one people were looking up to. It would hurt finally saying goodbye to him.

"I'm telling you the truth damn it!"

"How can you be certain? I know better than anyone that people aren't always who we think they are."

Jaune stepped back, almost falling over the bed now. "You don't know Pyrrha like I do! And I know that she's gone through so much more than you can imagine."

"Jaune, listen to me. Step away from her, we need to-"

"No!" The shout shocked both Pyrrha and Blake, the latter stepping away from the boy. "You don't understand," Jaune whispered, a piercing sound in the silence he'd imposed. "I've always been the loser, the last guy to be looked at. I never amounted to anything, even getting into Beacon was just a clever lie."

Blake stepped back in shock at his admission, the secret only Pyrrha really knew. "But... Jaune, what do you mean-"

"And I didn't deserve anyone's friendship, or to lead my own team," he continued over her, ignoring the girl's pleading gaze. "It was all just a convenient thing that fell into my lap. I tried my best, I wanted to be someone better than who I really was. And Pyrrha was the only person who ever believed I could do that. But like a moron I kept hurting her, ignoring what was right in front of me."

He paused for a breath, settling down on the bed. Blake had put away her weapons now, looking concerned for the boy as she stood above him. Pyrrha's heart went out to him, trying to give him any strength in her paralyzed fear. Why am I so scared though? If it has to be this way... She remembered the last time she thought this way, what had happened afterward. Pyrrha wasn't going to fight though, she was going to disappear. It was for the best.

"Blake, you have to understand. I was a moron, I never really thought of her... like that." Jaune looked over his shoulder at her, shame radiating from him in waves. "And the worst part of it? She told me to hurt her, to go ahead and chase after everyone else. Pyrrha didn't budge in trying to help me, even when I'd thrown it in her face." Hearing this confession hurt, it was all the pain of their brief time at Beacon in one long moment.

"And all of this, every last bit, is why I know it's still Pyrrha. Because... she is still willing to do it all again." Jaune was staring at Blake now, sitting up straighter than before. "She's still willing to give up her happiness for mine. She's still the same Pyrrha who put everyone else first. She's still the same woman that I love and whose love I don't deserve!"

He slumped forward finally, holding his head in his hands as he shook a little. Oh Jaune, I... I didn't know how much that all meant. I just, I can't... I'm sorry. Pyrrha wanted to speak her thoughts, cradle him in her arms and block out the past. But it was Blake who was up first, walking over to Jaune and kneeling in front of him. She placed a hand on his shoulder. And quickly threw her arms around him, hugging the boy tightly.

"It's alright. I believe you now, and... I have to say, I knew about most of this." A muffled exclamation came from Jaune as he brought his head up. Blake smiled at him, the same coy smile she reserved for her team most times. "I will say though, hearing it come from you was... nice. I'm glad I wasn't wrong about you; you are a good man Jaune, one of the best."

Pyrrha had always thought he was and watching him now for several days had proved it to her. But seeing Blake believe it as well warmed her heart like nothing else. She pulled the boy to his feet, clapping a hand on his shoulder before turning to sit down on her seat. Pyrrha watched as Jaune went around to the kitchen and picked out a small handful of things. He went back to the counter and set down what was now apparent as... sandwich ingredients?

Catching his eye, Jaune smiled a little. "Blake's been out in the other parts of Vale, helping people and searching for something. So... it's nice to have a treat every once in a while."

"I see." But that begged the further question. "Jaune, how exactly did Blake end up turning to you instead of anyone else?" Why not Yang, or Weiss?

Blake looked over at Pyrrha, the coy smile gone and replaced with dourness. "There... isn't anyone I can trust to not get hurt by me coming to them. I ran into Jaune when they were putting up the wall and he... offered to help."

Thank goodness. Well, if that wasn't her own thought like Jaune had said earlier, she didn't care. It was the truth at the very least, not having to continually worry over even more people was nice. Being slightly possessive wasn't something to be ashamed of. "That sounds like Jaune, always so nosy."

This time Blake did smile as Jaune gave Pyrrha a hurt look before handing the sandwich over to their guest. She ate in silence, the intensity of a moment ago still working its way out of the room. Finishing up, the Faunus girl stood up and walked over to Jaune, hugging him goodbye and taking a bag he'd been holding. Blake strode over to the window, stopping just short to gaze at Pyrrha. There was sadness in her eyes. But also a hint of relief.

"Hey Blake, one last thing," Jaune blurted out, shuffling in place. "You remember that howl from a few nights ago?" The girl nodded, clearly confused. "Well, if you could... let out a long... meow, the next time you heard it, that would be great."

She looked back at the boy, a deep frown and a raised eyebrow fighting for prominence. "What exactly brought this on? If it's something one of those men came up with..."

"No, nothing like that. Neo seems to really like the fact that we have a superhero in Vale. She knows it's you, but I guess she finds it funny anyways." He smiled sheepishly at Blake, "I think she just wants to have something to lord over all the other guys."

Blake sighed, a long, resigned, exasperated sight at the antics of her colleague. Well, Jaune did have a playful side. I wonder why I never saw it that much? "I guess it's alright... wait, who's Neo?"

"Uh, well... you remember the girl I told you about some nights ago?" She nodded. "That's her, she's been around for a little while now."

Blake looked out at the boy, studying him with a sharp eye. He was smiling dumbly, trying hard to look apologetic despite his words. She whipped her head over to Pyrrha, smiling out confidently. "You've got this Pyrrha. And it's good... that you're back."

With that the woman dropped out of the window, a graceful exit if ever there was one. She told her that she had this? Had what? Jaune walked over and closed the window, turning back to Pyrrha with a sigh. He settled down on the edge of the bed, trying to breathe easier after that exchange. I'm still here, it's ok. But that didn't seem right, trying to place all the burden on herself. Just like last time, when she'd pushed Jaune away.

"Hey, Jaune."

He looked back at her, a forlorn look on his face.

"Thank you. For that, for everything."

Winter's chill was starting to close in now, a grim reminder that time was marching on regardless of how much she wanted it to stand still. But it didn't matter, Neo was happy enough and it felt good to have purpose again. Maybe he'd rest easier knowing that she had found another road to travel? For now Neo walked along the sidewalk with a handful of people around her, not worrying about being recognized. I'm not some hopeless girl, and I'm not going to cower. No, she'd found something to protect and cherish.

Neo walked up behind that something now as he talked with a pair of people. "I'm just saying, it's not everyday you get to wake up to a warm towel on your doorstep." Jaune seemed quite excited about this towel, wonder why? "It's so nice, being warm and cozy after a shower. I wonder why the attendant dropped it off though?"

Oh. Her. Neo didn't really think she'd go that far, but stranger things have happened. Best to make sure she was foremost now though. Whipping out her voice, she tapped out a quick greeting before slipping it into his resting hand.

Jaune noticed it and glanced down at the greeting. He spun around, a smile on his lips and worry in his eyes. "Neo! W-what are you doing here?"

"So this is the girl? Or the other girl?" a spunky looking woman piped up. Neo took a look over at her, noting someone finally near her height. She wasn't bad looking, orange hair and a bright expression accentuated by a massive warhammer. I don't think I'd wanna tango with her, if Pyrrha was as strong as she was then this one must be even stronger.

"Yeah, this is Neo... I don't think I've ever really talked about you guys with her." Jaune tried to apologize for the slight with a smile. Alright, she'd accept it.

"Oh, well I'm Nora. And this is Ren, he doesn't really talk all that much."

"Nora, please." Neo glanced over at the boy, taking him in. A green coat and a lanky figure that exuded confidence. So Jaune's friends were both so capable? "It's very nice to meet you."

She smiled at the duo, nodding her head toward them. Snatching up the Scroll from Jaune, she relayed another message to them. So bothersome, but life goes on.

"She says that it's wonderful to meet more people like me, and... that it would be nice to talk some more." Jaune handed the device back without looking, smiling the entire time. That wasn't what I wrote, Neo thought as she checked the message. Nope, it still said she thought it was good Pyrrha wasn't the only person he talked to. What's the matter then?

Nora looked over at them, curiosity plastered on her face. "Um, Jaune. Why didn't she just say all of that? Can she... not talk?" The girl looked despondent at the idea.

"Nora, that's quite-"

"Yeah, she can't talk. Although," Jaune said, looking down at her, "I'm not sure why. I've never really asked, it just didn't feel right prying that much." She nodded her thanks at him, it was nice not having to explain that mess.

"Oh, well, um... hey, what have you two been doing anyways? I'm sure it's been loads more fun then what we do each day." And the mood lightened with that, Nora smiling broadly at the two of them. She's got something to hide, if I'm not being paranoid here that is.

"Well, we mostly just go to the wall and keep watch. I'm kinda preoccupied with... things for the day." Jaune shuffled around in place. "Then it's back to the hotel to... uh..."

Oh? Well, let's just break through that stalemate with a more direct approach. Tapping out the answer Jaune was looking for, Neo lobbed the Scroll towards Ren. The boy caught it without looking, pulling the screen to his face and reading the message. Oh yes, I knew something was up with him. It felt good knowing she wasn't getting rusty being around Jaune, everyone he'd associated with so far were so predictable.

Ren stood still, holding her voice steady. Nora peeked over, reading the message quickly before smiling broadly. "Oh, we do that too," she blurted out, causing the boy to quickly whip his head over at her. "Yeah, it's nice to just snuggle and talk. What's so hard about saying that Jaune?"

He looked over at Ren, who nodded sagely with the same flat expression he'd worn since Neo arrived. "I guess I'm just not used to talking about these things," Jaune breathed, looking down at her with a rueful eye. "Hey, that's why we live though, right? To learn new things and experience them?"

Nora giggled at his attempts to dodge, and Neo couldn't help but smile along with her. She even saw Ren smile just slightly at the awkward statement. More people who seem to be just like him. I'll try, oh I will try to keep this up. If that's how my life is gonna go, I'll be happy to try. The distant memory of a hat and a cane being laid to rest, something that Neo never wanted to do, crept up and foremost in her mind. Only now, it felt like she wasn't giving up the only past she cared about. New memories can take their place, and she could keep the cherished old ones safe as well.

"We better get going, Nora and I were asked to help with the new tower," Ren declared, placing a hand on Nora's shoulder.

"Oh! Yeah, they should be done in a week or so! We'll be able to talk to Ruby and Yang soon." The stout girl bounced a little at the prospect, turning down the street and pointing. "It'll be down that ways some, probably won't look very pretty. But who cares, we'll be getting back to something normal."

Something normal, yeah, that'd be nice. "Well, you two take care then. I've gotta go do some more paperwork, first time they've asked in a few days." Jaune waved at the two as they started walking the opposite direction. Neo waved at them as well, smiling warmly at new acquaintances.

"Oh, Neo! Thanks for being there for Jaune! It's good to see our leader back to his old self," Nora yelled back at them. She was smiling broadly at her, waving excitedly as Ren calmly kept her walking backwards. So that was his team then? Wow. Neo pulled the Scroll out again, flying through a quick question.

'You didn't tell me how neat your team was. But why didn't you wanna talk about Pyrrha? Shouldn't they know about her as well?'

Jaune looked down at her, the sorrow in his eyes boiling to the top as he tried to keep a straight face. Finally an immense sigh escaped, his shoulders sagging and the happiness gone before her eyes. "Blake... found out about her. And it wasn't the prettiest of scenes." He looked out at the pair walking down the street. "I'm afraid what will happen if they find out as well. It's better that they don't, life will be easier for all of us."

So she can't be around the people who knew her anymore? The people who could help her through all of her troubles? It reminded Neo of someone, someone she knew quite well now. It felt strange, something that she'd only briefly felt before. Sadness for someone else, someone who she shouldn't feel sad for. Pyrrha still held his heart, and Neo shouldn't give her the time of day. But now? It wasn't right when she was forgotten. It still isn't right when Pyrrha could be forgotten.

She slipped her hand inside Jaune's, walking off to the day that lay before them. Neo had already decided what she wanted to do, and it shocked her. Helping someone like Pyrrha wasn't what she ever imagined doing in life, but here she was. So strange, these few weeks.