Hey everyone. I just want to pre-face this by saying there will be no White Sheep chapter next week. The reason is simple; I need to take a week off of this fic to do some planning to try and improve it. It was always intended as a rather cracky fic, but last-minute additions in the past set of chapters have slowly started to push it away from what I'd originally planned, and that's bad. It means the quality suffers, and with my update schedule being every week, I get no time to sit down and fix it.

That's why no update for this fic (and only this fic) next week. It lets me sit down, see where it's going wrong, and fix it so that it gets better moving on. I might have to do this again in time, and you may find the plan familiar to Forged Destiny, which has a story arc, then a week off for me to plan, then moves into the next story arc.

Beta: College Fool

Cover Art: Kegi Springfield

Chapter 37

Everyone was unusually excited as they filed out of Oobleck's latest class, with teams chattering between themselves as they rushed off to plan, plot or prepare. The Vytal Festival was coming, and Oobleck had just given a lecture on what it all meant, its history, and what they could expect when it came around this year.

An international event designed to promote friendship, camaraderie and co-operation. It sounded amazing to him, a sign that people could put aside their differences and band together. If they could do that with one another, then surely it wasn't so crazy to imagine it happening to the Grimm one day.

The others were excited for a far more mundane reason, however.

"We've got a shot at winning this," Weiss said, whirling on them with narrowed eyes. "With both Pyrrha and I on the same team, we're an unstoppable force!"

"And us, right?" Ruby added, pouting.

Weiss waved a hand dismissively. "Yes, yes, whatever. Can you imagine the looks on people's faces when a first-year team wins the whole tournament!? Think of the glory, the fame… the rewards!"

"Fame is overrated," Pyrrha said.

"I'm not really after glory," Jaune added.

"Rewards?" Ruby asked, vaguely interested.

"There's a prize of lien for the winners."

"Aww… that's boring."

Weiss palmed her face. "You could use it to buy new upgrades for Crescent Rose."

"Let's win this!" Ruby's transformation was sudden, but Weiss seemed pleased at least someone was showing some enthusiasm, even if it wasn't her original target.

"I doubt it will be that easy," Pyrrha warned. "The Vytal Festival is attended by all four of the major academies, and we'll be the youngest people there. I'll fight as best I can, but I'm only one person."

"Aren't you some kind of super athlete, though?" Jaune asked.

Pyrrha smiled, and probably would have looked a little more embarrassed if anyone else asked it. The fact she'd had to explain it to him kind of nixed that, however. He hadn't been lying when he said he had no idea who she was. "I was a tournament fighter, but I stuck mostly to Mistral. Even if I did fight some international competitions, it's not to say the best of the best were there. Take Yang for example; she's one of the better fighters in class, but she never appeared on any of the competition circuits."

"That's Yang for you," Ruby laughed. "I think Signal suggested it once, but she didn't like the idea of all the travelling."

"That's just it. I might have been the best at the time, but there could have been stronger people my age who simply decided they didn't want to compete. To a lot of people, there are more personal reasons to become huntsmen." Pyrrha shrugged. "Better reasons, too."

Jaune nodded, understanding what she meant. Pyrrha hadn't expressly said what her reason for being a huntress was, but he knew it had to be more than fame or glory; otherwise she'd have stayed in the competitive scene. That she was here at Beacon made it clear she had other things in mind, and a lot of other students would, too. Ruby was probably another example, even if she wasn't on Pyrrha's level. To her, being a huntress was about helping people, not wasting time fighting for a crowd.

"Well it's not like my plan was just to rely on Pyrrha," Weiss said, crossing her arms. "The whole point I brought this up in the first place was about you!"

Jaune leaned back from the finger threatening his nose. "Me?"

"Yes, you! Who else am I pointing at!?" The finger shook, as if she were debating pushing it through his skull. She drew it back instead and planted both hands on her hips. "You need to be a better fighter by the time the festival comes around."

"I am trying."

"Try harder!"

Ruby smothered a giggle.

"I'm not saying you're useless," Weiss said, her eyes softening just a tad. From diamond to concrete, really. She still looked deadly serious. "Your staying power is… well, impressive doesn't really cover it. Your staying power is obscene, your strength illogical and your fitness ridiculous."

"Thank you…?"

Was it a compliment? It felt like one, sort of...

"The problem is your skill with a sword. All the aura in the world won't matter if our opponents are able to force you out of the ring, or even just ignore you and gang up on us. You need to be a credible threat."

"Or we could come up with some strategies to off-set his weaknesses," Pyrrha offered.

"I'd prefer a bit of both. No plan survives contact with the enemy."

"Especially not when they're listening in," Ruby grumbled, jerking a thumb towards Yang's leering face behind her. "Go away, Yang. We're strategizing."

"And we're doing the same," Yang laughed, resting an arm atop Ruby's head and leaning on it. "Don't let us interrupt you though. We'll even offer our thoughts on your super-secret plan. How good a deal is that?"

Weiss sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. Whatever their planning session was going to be about, it wouldn't be finished now. Not with their rivals listening. "I think we should do some team training sessions," she said instead. "That way we can focus on making you better with a sword, while also building up our own stamina."

Jaune nodded. It sounded like a good plan. He was already working with Qrow on that as well, but it wasn't like more training would be a bad thing.

"Human training might give you an edge over your sisters, too. They've all trained with your Uncle Hazel, but his is only one style. Other than that, they rely on their Grimm abilities."

"And we can match those," Jaune agreed. It wouldn't be easy, but the benefit of him being just about useless with a sword was that he'd relied more on his hereditary skills. He wasn't just good with his tentacles, he was a master.

Now, if he could just say the same about the sword, he'd be a lot better off.

"How much training?" Ruby asked nervously. "We already do all that homework at night and-"

"I'll let you out of the catch-up lessons if you agree."

"Sold!" Ruby cheered. "Whoo! Training!"

"Looks like you've got the handle of her," Yang complimented Weiss.

"Ruby isn't so hard to understand when you try. It's simply a matter of finding out what she wants and offering it." Luckily for Weiss, Ruby didn't seem to hear what sounded like a fairly frank comparison to a dog. "How about your team?" Weiss asked. "Do you intend to compete in the tournament?"

"We intend to win it," Nora replied casually. "Blake's agreed to let me dress her up like a princess if we win."

"I did no such thing!"

"It was more of an implied agreement."

"This is the first I've even heard of it!" Blake glared at her partner, who have an unapologetic shrug in return. "I'm not dressing up as a princess, Nora."

"Whatever you say~"

Blake growled.

"Well, I don't imagine we'll have too much problem with your team," Weiss smirked. "They'll be too busy fighting between themselves. I dare say this whole tournament is in the bag. Who will even challenge us?"

Cinder would.

The thought came to him randomly and he paled at it. In terms of raw strength, Cinder was nowhere near him, but she had not only skill on her side, but brains too. One look from her would have him cowed, and he dreaded to imagine what kinds of tricks she had up her sleeve. She'd have to compete, too. It would be suspicious if she didn't.

"You know," Nora said. "We've got the dance before the festival. Are you taking anyone, Ren? Has anyone asked you yet?"

"No one at the moment."

"Oh my Gosh, what a coincidence – me, too! If only someone would ask me!" Nora paused, arm wrapped around Ren's neck. "Anyone?" she repeated. "Anyone at all? Any guy I've known for a long time?"

Ren blinked and looked at her. "I wasn't aware you knew many of the men of Beacon, Nora. Other than Jaune and I, that is."

Nora's face twitched, but she managed to keep the smile in place. Mostly through force of will. Her teeth did grit a little tighter, however. Jaune watched the display for a second, before his eyes widened. Was…? No way. But maybe.

"Hey Weiss," he whispered.

She looked up at him. "Hm?"

"This may be a little out there, but… do you think Nora…" He tried to find the right words, but instead settled for the direct approach. "Do you think she likes Ren?"

"I would have thought that was obvious."

"No, I mean like-like."

Weiss stared at him like he was some kind of alien. With the most put-upon sigh he'd ever heard, she brought one hand up to cup her face. "Suddenly, everything is starting to make more sense. I don't know if that makes me feel relieved, or just pushes me even further into despair."

"So, you think I'm wrong?"

"I think you're an idiot," Weiss replied. "No, I know you're one. I also pity whatever woman you fall for, or whoever has the misfortune of falling for you." She regarded him for a second, during which he again nodded in their direction. With an explosive sigh, she nodded. "Yes, you incredible buffoon. Nora does like-like him."

He wasn't sure why Weiss called him that, but she often did and it never felt like it had any heat behind it. Maybe it was more a term of endearment than anything. Still, the realisation that Nora liked Ren certainly did open his eyes. It explained so many things.

He chuckled. "Ren really is oblivious, huh?"

Weiss threw her hands in the air and walked away.

"Who are you going to ask to the dance, Jaune?" Ren asked, turning the focus back on him in a single question. Jaune froze, suddenly aware of the attention, and nursing a thought that maybe Ren wasn't so oblivious after all, and this was his revenge for Jaune even thinking it.

He was to ask Yang, of course. It was the expected thing to do. The problem was how to go about it, and whether it would be a good idea to do it in private or not. She wasn't giving any clues, since when he looked over in her direction, it was to find Yang studiously staring at a ceiling tile, her face bright red. Well, he had to make a decision at some point, didn't he?

Now was that point, it seemed. Everyone expected it thanks to Ren's question. He swallowed loudly and opened his mouth – but his words were cut off as a dark shadow loomed over him. Loomed over them all, in fact. The light from the nearby window had been obstructed entirely, casting the corridor into momentary darkness and drawing all eyes outside.

"Whoa…" Yang stared out at the huge, metallic construct. "That's huge."

"More to the point, what is it?" Ren asked.

"Duh. It's an airship. You're so silly, Ren."

"I can see…" He sighed. "Thank you, Nora. I was hoping for a more specific answer, though."

"It's an Atlas airship," Weiss explained, stepping forward to place one hand against the glass. "It's far larger than Winter's, probably for someone much more important." They watched in awe as it passed by, revealing the sky once more. It came to a halt over the main building, and students outside were already rushing over to get a closer look.

"What is it doing here, though?" Blake asked.

"Docking. Duh…"

Blake sighed. "Thank you, Nora…"

Jaune's scroll pinged a message before he could offer his own thoughts, and a few of them turned his way at the noise. He fished it out and read through it. "The headmaster wants to see me," he reported. "Now. Looks like I won't be able to do any training at the moment."

"We'll start tonight," Weiss said, nodding. "Don't keep the headmaster waiting."

"I won't. See you all later."

"But you didn't say who you were taki-"

Jaune turned and fled before Nora could finish her sentence. Ozpin had given him the perfect escape, and he wasn't going to miss it. Whoever he was going to take, he needed to figure out, but making a hasty decision now? He had a feeling that would lead to problems.

"You can't hold off forever, Jaune."

"I know, Remy. I just need time to think on it."

Time he would take later. For now, he let out a breath, more relieved than concerned over whatever Ozpin wanted to see him about.

/-/

"There he goes," Yang said, wiping away an imaginary tear. "One brave noodle."

"I wonder what the headmaster wants to see him about." Weiss held a finger to her chin and narrowed her eyes. "The timing is far too close to that airship's arrival to be a coincidence, but I don't understand why he would need to meet with anyone from Atlas."

"You sure it's not your sister again? She could be giving him the interrogation right now."

While that thought was certainly terrifying enough, Weiss wasn't too worried. Winter had her position as a Specialist, but there was no way she'd ever warrant a ship that large. Besides, she was already in Vale and had her own aircraft. It was sleeker, smaller and faster, as befitted someone of her rank.

"It's not Winter. This is something bigger, though I can only guess as to what." She sighed. "I suppose we will have to ask him this afternoon."

"He didn't say who he was taking to the dance," Nora pointed out.

Pointlessly. It wasn't like any of them hadn't noticed. Weiss bit back the bile that rose in her throat, not at the thought of her partner as her date, but at the guilt she felt at it. Her eyes slipped over to Yang, who was pointedly looking away, and then to Ruby, who was unusually quiet.

What a can of worms she'd opened there. The last place Weiss wanted to be stuck was in the middle of a love triangle like this. Or was it a love rectangle, now? She was fairly sure Pyrrha's reactions hinted at something.

"He should go with Weiss," Yang said.

"He should go with Yang," Weiss said at the exact same time. They stared at one another, and she could just tell it wasn't a conversation she wanted. "We'll let Jaune decide," she said, ending it then and there. "His relationship with me is a disguise, nothing more. Even if we were to go together, it would be as partners and friends." And wasn't it a weird thing to call him a friend? Still, as bumbling and stupid as he was – and Gods, was he stupid – he was still a friend. Of sorts. "He might as well go with you, Yang. I doubt it will be an issue."

"I think a lot of us will be going with friends," Pyrrha pointed out. "Unless there's a sudden influx of men in our lives." She paused. "Or anyone swings in a different direction."

No one replied to that, though Yang sent a teasing look to Ren, just in case. There was no telling with him. Weiss wasn't sure if he was oblivious, or just pretending to be. With Nora on the other end, who could tell?

"Or we could just not go," Ruby suggested quickly. "I mean, do we really have to go to a dance like this?"

"You're going," Yang said, raising her voice a little louder since it sounded like someone was running through the halls nearby. Someone rather heavy from the sound of it. "Stop trying to weasel your way out of it."

"But I don't even have a date!"

"Find one."

"As if it's that easy," Ruby howled. "I'm socially awkward. I'm small. I'm- I'm fifteen! Where am I going to find someone to take to the dance? Wouldn't it just be easier if I went with you or Pyrrha?"

"Making some really big assumptions about Pyrrha being alone there," Yang said, wincing.

Ruby winced too, and looked to her partner in apology.

"Not entirely incorrect assumptions," Pyrrha said weakly.

"S-Sorry, Pyrrha…" Ruby cringed, but tried for the best smile she could. "Besides, it's not like you'll be the only one not going with a dat-"

Ruby cut off as something hit her side, earning a panicked squawk as she was thrown off her feet. Weiss barely had the time to blink before Yang was moving, though the over-protective girl seemed to calm down when she realised it wasn't an attack.

Well, not entirely an attack. The girl, for it was a girl, had tackled Ruby to the floor, and was even now proceeding to squirm on top of her happily. She had ginger hair, but it wasn't Nora.

"Friend Ruby!" the girl shouted.

"P-Penny? What are you doing here!?"

"I am here to have intercourse with you."

Ruby choked.

Weiss sighed.

Ren coughed.

"Well," Pyrrha teased, "Maybe you won't be going alone, after all."

"It's not like that!"

/-/

"Ah, there you are, Jaune. Thank you for heeding my summons. Come in."

Ozpin gestured towards him, and Jaune made his way quickly into the room, noting the new figure stood beside the headmaster. He was tall and wide, dressed mostly in whites and greys, but with black hair that offset both. His face was stern, but not unkind. It reminded him of Uncle Hazel.

"I see you have noticed General Ironwood beside me," Ozpin continued once Jaune had sat down. The General stood to Ozpin's right, Glynda to his left. "He is an old friend of mine, and also a part of our little group. As both the Headmaster of Atlas, and the General of the Atlesian army, his efforts against the Grimm have saved many lives."

At the expense of Grimm ones, presumably. He knew of the man. How could he not? Even though he spent most of his time back home reading and dreaming, it was impossible not to hear his Uncles and Big Sis talk shop. The name `James Ironwood` had come up time and time again, and not always in a good light.

Then again, since his family wanted the destruction of mankind, that probably meant he was a good person – at least to humanity.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Ironwood said, nodding. His voice was strong and confident, but not as gruff as he'd expected. "Ozpin has told me much about you, but this is the first time we've had a chance to meet. It's good to have more within our circle."

"He seems nice."

"Keep your guard up. He's a dangerous man."

Weren't they all? Ozpin was his Mom's biggest enemy, and the two had spoken on more than one occasion. Ruby was an enemy too, apparently. Her silver eyes still made him panic a little, even if the response was much more muted than what it had been.

"It's nice to meet you as well," Jaune said, realising a little belatedly that they were waiting for his response. He looked to Ozpin. "Did you want me here to meet General Ironwood?"

"Partly, but that is not the whole story. I believe it's important for you to know who you can trust, and there are few secrets between us."

"Fewer secrets," Ironwood corrected with a little laugh. "I doubt even Glynda or I know everything about you, old friend, and I doubt you would tell if we asked."

Ozpin smiled and bowed his head in surrender.

"Even so, I've heard about what has happened to you," Ironwood continued, this time looking at him. "Is it okay if I call you Jaune? Perfect. Well, I have to admit I was sceptical at first when Ozpin spoke of Grimm seeking to capture you. Please understand that this is completely unusual behaviour on their part."

"Or we thought it was," Ozpin interjected. "How many cases of missing people might have been abductions rather than death? And what terrible horrors await those taken?"

Jaune cringed but didn't speak up. They weren't abductions, and the only person who'd ever actually been kidnapped by Grimm was his Dad. As for what horrors had befallen him, it was best not to think about. He'd been scarred enough walking in on them. The dining room table was for eating, not… not that!

"I don't see anything that might have set the Grimm off," Ironwood said, inspecting Jaune with a critical eye. "Then again, I suppose it wouldn't be something obvious or we would have known about it by now. A Semblance, perhaps? Something deeper?"

"We are not yet sure," Ozpin replied.

"I can have my teams run some tests. Blood samples can be analysed and researched. Urine samples, too. If he'll just come to my airship for an hour or two I can have the results here before the week is out."

Panic shot through him. Blood samples…? Jaune ducked his head and tried not to show his fear. He had no idea what those would find out, or what other medical scans would see. Would they be able to identify his tentacles within his body? Would the blood reveal him to be something less than human? Was there any way for him to refuse without drawing suspicion? He could harden his aura to break any needles which tried to pierce his skin, but they'd notice that. He'd be found out!

He glanced towards the door, breath coming out a little sharper. If he flipped the table towards them, it might distract them long enough for him to escape. He'd have to flee Beacon and Vale, and he'd never see his friends again, but that might be better than certain death. His hands tightened into fists and he shifted on his seat.

"Stop that!" Glynda suddenly snapped, making him flinch. Had she seen him? "James, Ozpin, I won't hear of you discussing him like he's some kind of test subject. Look at the effect you're having on him."

"Oh? Ah, I apologise, Jaune. That was rude of us." Ozpin inclined his head. "You need not worry about anything happening against your will, right James?"

"Of course," Ironwood agreed. "That said, such tests could help us to pinpoint-" He paused, looking to Glynda, who glared back with steely eyes. "Another time, perhaps. We can discuss this when you're a little more comfortable with the idea."

"That's kind of you," Glynda said, smiling.

Jaune's entire body relaxed. Thank Salem for Miss Goodwitch. He had no idea what she wanted, but he was going to find it and give it to her as a gift for saving his ass. He flashed the teacher a grateful smile, and though she pretended not to see it, he did notice her nod gently. "I'm not very good with medical stuff, but I'll think about it."

It wasn't entirely a lie, either. It might not have been the main reason, but when you had Uncle Watts as your family doctor and dentist, you still found reason to be afraid. The man was a genius, sure, but he wasn't one for wasting time. If the tooth wasn't perfect, it was coming out – and no, you couldn't have anaesthetic, that would take too long and he was busy. So many things to do, and oops – there goes the tooth. You're bleeding? Well, go and wash your mouth out. Don't spill any blood on my research, though.

It left a lasting impression, and for all the wrong reasons. The fact he'd had a chance to see Beacon's doctor once before didn't help, not when he'd seen her wagging her tail as she delivered a monstrously large injection into a struggling student.

The only way he was going to the infirmary was in a body bag.

"Right now, we're focused on training Mr Arc up so that he might defend himself," Ozpin said. "From there, we'll consider other options, but we are on the defensive for the moment." The headmaster regarded him with a curious expression. "It is my hope that the reason for her interest will reveal itself in time."

"And of this new threat within the city?"

"Of Hentacle, you mean?"

Ironwood's face became a lot more gravelly, but he nodded.

"Hentacle is… indisposed at the moment, at least as far as we can tell. We believe he was wounded in the last fight, because it was the first time he sought to retreat when Mr Arc was still on the field. Normally, he has proven more tenacious."

"Against students," Ironwood said. "We have no idea how strong this creature is, but it might be possible that a team of experienced huntsmen could slay him. Why has this not been considered?"

"Because my resources aren't limitless and hers might be. Better the demon we know at the moment, than two demons if this one fails. Or three, or four, or however many she deigns to send forth." Ozpin's fingers tapped on his desk. "I would rather keep the threat to a minimum, especially so close to the Vytal Festival."

Ironwood hummed. "I see your point. While I don't like the idea of that beast still being here during it, I can't disagree his death might just draw more. What do you intend to do about the festival itself?"

"I don't yet know. There are a few more players in the game than I expected, no thanks to Qrow's little efforts on the side."

"What has that drunkard done now?"

"Involved someone I didn't wish involved. It won't be a problem and I'll fill you in later."

"How about the Festival, then? Have you given my warnings on the security any thought?"

"We can discuss that between the three of us," Ozpin said, eyes flickering to Jaune's face. "I wouldn't want to bore our guest with that. In fact, you may lea-"

"If I may," Ironwood interrupted. He waited for Ozpin to nod before he continued. "I don't think our newest member should compete in the tournament."

Jaune's mouth fell open. Before he really knew what he was doing, he surged to his feet. "What!?"

"It is too dangerous," the General said, watching him from the corner of his eye. Most of his attention was on Ozpin. "If that beast wishes to make a move, then the tournament would be the perfect place for it. It could lead to mass panic, or even a massacre in itself. There are too many people there for us to risk letting him compete."

"That is not an easy request, James. Miss Nikos and Schnee are on his team. If those two don't compete, people will be in uproar."

"Then we change something," Ironwood said. "Or we limit how he can compete. Make his team the first match, then win or lose take him off the colosseum. His team can enter the doubles and singles without him. Whatever the case, I believe saving lives to be more important than personal glory."

Jaune looked between them, eyes wide. He wanted to complain, but what could he say? Ironwood was right… or he would be right if Hentacle was even a thing outside of being himself. If he was at the tournament in his human form, then there would be no Hentacle.

He couldn't say that, though.

Weiss was going to go ballistic. She would kill him!

"I do see your point, old friend, but this is not a decision to be made lightly." Ozpin smiled apologetically at Jaune. "No decision has been made yet, and one won't be made without your input. I wouldn't want to keep you any longer, however. You may return to your friends if you wish. I just wanted you to meet Ironwood, and to know that if you find yourself in danger, he will do what he can to assist."

"My ship will always be a safe haven if you need it," Ironwood promised.

Yeah, and he'd only have to give up a vial of blood while he was there. It wasn't going to happen, no offence to the man. Jaune nodded, however, knowing there was little else he could do. He stood and pushed the seat in behind him, and shook Ironwood's hand when the man held it out.

"To the destruction of all Grimm," Ironwood said, smiling.

A tiny flicker of red flashed in Jaune's eyes.

/-/

Mercury wasn't sure he was hearing things properly. "You want me to ask Jaune to the dance?"

"N-No!" Velvet said, though it was after a second's pause in which her cheeks went very red indeed. Had she just thought of the two of them like that? "N-Not that it would be a bad thing…" She had! "I mean that I want your help in me asking him."

Huh, so Jaune was her mystery interest. He'd have liked to say it surprised him, but he'd have had to be an idiot to not notice how she locked up around him. Getting him to go with Velvet to the dance, though? It would involve effort, something he always dreaded, but he wasn't sure he could say no.

He wanted to make Velvet happy.

So she'd keep working as his contact, that was. Nothing more.

"Can't you just ask him?"

Velvet's ears drooped. "Don't you think I would if I could?"

"Okay, yeah, stupid question. It's not like I have much experience dating people either."

"You don't?"

"Why are you so surprised?"

"You don't look like someone who would have trouble."

Mercury's words died in his throat, and he coughed to clear them out. Had she just called him hot? Well, not in those words, and he didn't think he could even imagine hearing Velvet use words like that, but it was close enough. His chest puffed out before he could stop it and he tried his hardest to keep his smile on the right side of smarmy.

"Thanks for the compliment. I'm not exactly what most girls call a reliable guy, though."

"Why not? You've helped me out a lot, and you've kept all my secrets. I know Coco thinks you're attractive, so I doubt it's looks."

"Coco said that?"

"She's… pretty open."

Yeah, he could tell. Somehow the thought of Coco discussing him behind his back was neither surprising nor comforting. He couldn't help but wonder if Velvet took part in that, and what she'd said about him. "I guess I'm one of those bad guys dads warn their daughters about."

"How can you be a bad guy if you haven't even dated anyone?"

Ugh, straight through his gut – and she'd twisted the logic just to make it hurt. He could already feel what remained of his street cred dribbling down onto the ground. He was lucky Emerald wasn't around for the coup de grace.

"Okay, emasculating my pride aside, you're sure you want to ask him to the dance?"

"I-I do…"

"Well, okay. I guess I'll help."

"You will!?" Velvet jumped on him before he could respond, her arms wrapping around him as she laughed happily. More than a few people walking by paused to stare at them with wide eyes. Seeing the normally shy and reserved faunus tackle someone like that was rare, especially a guy. "Thank you, Mercury. Thank you. You're the best friend I could ask for!"

And to think, he was just doing it because of the use he had for her. Something unpleasant bubbled in his stomach. "Y-Yeah. A great friend…"

"I was so worried I'd go alone." She pushed back and smiled, cheeks red. "I-I need to go ask Coco for help with a dress. Thank you again, Mercury."

He watched her rush away, ears swaying happily as she darted back to her dorm. Only when she was out of sight did he lean back against the wall and pinch the bridge of his nose. This was messed up. Everything was messed up.

What would Cinder say?

"You used `my` brother as payment for some animal-eared flooz-"

Actually, the less thought on that, the better.

/-/

Blake wasn't one to usually find herself confiding in another, but for all of her annoyances, Yang wasn't a bad sort. Compared to Nora, she was practically a saint. That the two of them found themselves walking through Vale together wasn't too shocking. They both needed dresses for the dance, and Blake didn't want to get caught between Nora trying to convince Ren to ask her to the dance, mostly because she had a sinking suspicion she'd somehow get dragged into the sorry affair.

That the two of them found themselves complaining to one another? Well, who could blame them?

"It's not like I asked Ren to give me a stuffed toy," Blake said, rolling her eyes. "And it would be rude of me to throw it away, but no, if Nora so much as sees it within a yard of me, she glares like I'm trying to seduce him or something."

"Hm, she needs to just ask him out," Yang agreed, walking beside her with a shopping bag in hand. "Guess I'm lucky she hasn't started to suspect me. I am his partner, after all."

"Being partners hardly means you're in a romantic relationship." She sighed and ran a hand through her hair, brushing against her feline ears gently. "I imagine she's just happy to see you with Jaune instead of Ren."

"Ha ha, yeah…" Yang laughed awkwardly. "Jaune and I… we're not… well, we're not really together, you know?"

"Not together-together?"

Yang grinned and hit Blake's arm. "Not funny." Her smile fell a second later. "It's not that, it's just… well, you realise I basically asked him out by mistake, right? It was a slip of the tongue. Just me calling the thing we were doing a date." Yang winced. "He took it seriously."

And you didn't? Blake wondered. If anything, she felt Yang had taken it just as much, especially when she panicked and flushed when Jaune bought her flowers. That wasn't the reaction of someone embarrassed or uninterested.

"If anything, it should be Ruby he's dating."

Blake looked to her friend, confused. "How do you figure?"

"When I first met him, it was him and Ruby," Yang explained with a forlorn sigh. "Those two had made fast friends, and I could tell she liked him. You should have seen the way she blushed!" The blonde paused to chuckle. "He liked her, too. Or he was starting to. I don't think it was fully there yet, but he was kind of awkward around her. The way he kept looking away from her eyes was pretty telling. I mean, if he didn't like her he wouldn't have hung around, but he was embarrassed about something." She shook her head. "Right then, right there, I thought those two looked perfect for one another."

"Hmm," Blake hummed noncommittally. "What changed?"

"I did." Yang sighed. "You need to understand, back when we were in Signal I was the most popular girl in school. I had looks, attitude and the skill to back it up. I wasn't some rebel, more like one of the hottest girls who also happened to be the best fighter and all-around likeable." Yang rubbed her head. "That sounds arrogant when I say it like that, but it was true."

"I understand. Those things happen in schools." Not that she knew from experience, but she'd hard it often enough, and read about it in some of her saucier books. "I'm taking it Ruby wasn't the same."

"Not at all. She was just as good as me, for her age anyway, but she was so awkward around people that she ended up alienating those around her. Some thought she was showing off, others that she was a geek – and she was. Still is," Yang added. "I mean, that's just who she is. Either way, she got compared to me a lot, and not always in a good way. Teachers and students alike did it. I told her never to let it get to her, and she didn't, but that doesn't mean bad stuff didn't happen."

"What like?"

"Nothing abusive…" Yang paused and rubbed her eyes. She looked exhausted. "I'll just lay it flat. Basically, there were a few cases of Ruby's friends, male friends, developing feelings for me. I was the older sister, they were hormonal, it happens. I turned them down and thought that was it, but they were so hurt they basically stopped being friends with Ruby. That's just one example, though. I remember when Ruby found this girl she got on with, and I was really excited for her. I wanted to make a good impression too, so I was super nice to her. Any friend of Ruby's is a friend of mine, right? I didn't want to scare her off. Wanted to the coolest big sis I could be."

"Sounds ideal. What was the problem?"

"She became my friend instead of Ruby's." Yang grimaced and looked away. "It wasn't sudden, not even obvious, but she started to call and message me more and Ruby less, and before I knew it she was sitting with me during lunch and Ruby was all on her own again. Ruby never sat with me," Yang added, seeing her confusion. "She felt my friends were just being nice to her because she was my sister." She sighed. "Ruby wasn't wrong, either. They were."

Yang kicked some pebbles down the street and kept walking, head held high. "She never blamed me, you know? Well, I guess it's probably easy to imagine Ruby not doing that. Still, she always smiled and always said she loved me, but I couldn't help but notice how I kept stealing things from her. Attention, interest, friendships… even if she never blamed me for it, I know I was at fault."

"Yang…"

"Not intentionally," Yang hurried to add, waving her hands between them. "I'm not having a drama moment, I swear. Besides, what kind of friends were they if they didn't stick with her? Point is, I made it a habit to not get involved after that, and Ruby managed to make some of her own friends in time. She left them behind when she came to Beacon, but the important part is that she had them."

Blake saw the problem, and sighed loudly. "And then Jaune."

"Yep." Yang echoed her sigh. "And then him. I had to get close to him. He was interested in Ruby and I wanted to see what kind of guy he was, and he was cool. I liked him." One hand came up to cover her eyes. "And now I've stolen him. Again. That's why I want him to stop looking at me like that. I figure if I can back out, Ruby can start afresh, win what was hers. Be happy."

"And you'd be okay with that?"

"Sure."

Liar…

If not to her, then Yang was lying to herself. Blake hummed but didn't say anything. There was enough crazy drama in their team without adding some of her own, and Yang was a lonely island in a bastion of insanity. Blake needed her to stay in one piece.

"You get on well with him."

"Huh, Jaune? Yeah, I suppose I do. He's a good guy."

"Anything in particular?"

"No one thing that stands out," she said. "Just… I guess there's a lot of little things I like. But that's normal, isn't it? I don't like you because of one thing."

Blake raised an eyebrow.

"That came out wrong." Yang paused and slapped her forehead. "I mean that you're more than just one thing. You're a teammate, but that doesn't mean I have to get on with you. I do because you're smart and sarcastic, and kinda funny in your own way. Not as funny as me-"

"That's debatable…"

"See? That's what I mean!" Yang slapped her arm and grinned. "You've got that sharp wit. I dunno. It just makes you easy to hang around with. Let's me know you're serious, but not just being an ass. If someone just told me you were a quiet girl who doesn't speak much, reads, and insults people every now and then, I'd not want to know you."

Blake nodded, understanding a little. To be fair, as first impressions went, she knew she didn't set the best. That wasn't always accidental, however. She hadn't wanted to set the best impression for Yang, mostly because she'd been next to Ruby, and Ruby had set off the Schnee.

It all worked out in the end, though.

"What do you like about Jaune?" she asked.

"Well, just little things. I liked him first because he got on with Ruby, but he was pretty cool with me too. Didn't look at my babies." Yang paused to adjust her breasts, and Blake rolled her eyes when a man walking by almost walked into a light post. "And he just talked normal, you know? Even made me laugh with a few jokes, and laughed at mine, too!"

That Yang found the last detail endearing probably made sense. No one laughed at her jokes.

No one.

"He just sort of grew on me from there," she said. "I thought he was funny, but he wasn't exactly friend material at first, but the more I hung around him, the more I liked it. It's nothing special," she added with a little shrug. "He just snuck up on me. Before I knew it, he was a friend."

"And then a boyfriend."

"And then a boyfrie-" Yang's nod turned into a rapid shake of the head. "No, no, no. Not a boyfriend. Look, it's complicated."

"Sounds it."

"He'll be better with Ruby."

"You asked for her opinion on that?"

"Ugh, she'll just say whatever she thinks will make me `happy`," Yang explained, holding up her shopping bags and making air-quotations with her fingers. "Even if it left her in the dust, she'd smile and cheer me on. Trust me, I'm not doing this again. I've messed up, but I can fix this. He liked Ruby first. He's perfect for her."

"Which is why he started dating her sister instead?" Blake rolled her eyes. "Wow, I should add this book to my collection. It sounds ridiculous."

"It is ridiculous! That's why he needs to stop with me and go with Ruby."

"Or," Blake said, "Maybe it isn't Ruby he wants at all."

Yang wasn't an idiot. She knew what Blake meant, even if she refused to believe it. The blonde's face turned pensive as she bit down on her lip. "That won't happen," she said. "He liked Ruby first."

"People change, Yang. Maybe it's too late to go back to that."

"It can't be." Yang bit her lip. "Ruby was there first. I'm her sister! I can't just…" She shook her head. "I can't."

Couldn't steal her sister's crush away, Blake supposed. It made sense, but damn was it irritating. She didn't envy Yang being stuck in that situation, especially when it was clear to her – if no one else – that Yang liked him back, at least to some degree. You didn't get that worked up over dressing nice for a date that didn't mean anything, and you didn't turn that shade of red over an easy compliment from someone you didn't like.

Then again, Yang was afraid of something. Blake hadn't sensed any lies in her story, but there was something missing. It was like a puzzle missing a single piece, with the image still distorted for it.

Which would I prefer? Blake wondered. Both Ruby and Yang were good people, and she couldn't say who she'd want to see happier more. Maybe Yang, just because they were closer, being on the same team. Even so, it was close.

She wanted to tell Yang to ignore all of that, to follow what she wanted and not what she thought was right. Wanted to, but didn't. Who was she to give advice? Her first case of doing what she wanted led to her abandoning her family to stay with the White Fang, and then work with them to make it more militant. Not exactly a good example.

There were enough mistakes she'd made already without lecturing Yang on hers. Time would tell where that went, and if her friend would realise her own feelings. Blake shook her head and let her eyes drift over the nearby crowds.

Yang bumped into her back, and would have tripped over her if not for a stumbling recovery which kept the blonde on her feet.

"What's wrong?" she asked, sighing. "You stopped in the middle of the street. Don't tell me you're channelling you inner-cat and tripping people up now."

The cat jibe made her ears twitch, as they always did. She glared back at her friend, but couldn't quite bring her all into it. She'd seen- no, she thought she'd seen… well, it didn't matter. She shook her head, dismissing the thought. It was silly. She was thinking about her past, and that had her jumping at shadows like a little kitten.

Like a child.

Damn Yang and her cat puns.

"Nothing," she sighed, moving on. "Come on, we should get back to Beacon before Nora assumes I've been kidnapped and sends out a search party."

"Or throws a party since a rival for Ren's heart has been stolen," Yang teased.

"Or that…"

The two bantered back and forth as they made their way back, and Blake soon dismissed what she'd seen from her mind. All this drama with the White Fang had rattled her… left her seeing things. It was understandable, she supposed.

But there was no way she'd just seen Adam walking around the streets of Vale.

No way.

Okay, so there is two weeks before the next chapter, i.e. there will be a week of no update. This really is necessary as a way to let me piece together the plot and get everything back on track, and also iron it out. There were too many ideas being thrown in, and not enough thought given to how they stack and interact.

Similarly put, College Fool and I aren't getting enough time to bat ideas between us, and that leads to some being mixed or implemented poorly.

Things should get better for the break.

Also, just got back from my speeches and seminars, so exhausted and my throat hurts. Yay. ALso, six hours of driving involved, three either way. My feet hurt and I feel weirdly dry-skinned, probably from the air conditioning blasting me for so long. My eyes are sticky and dry, and stuck wide open. Everything feels broken, lol. On the bright side, the speeches went well as usual, and no drama this time. Some drama, i.e. one of the projectors failing, but no serious drama like one of the guys panicking and not even showing like last year, leaving me to fill in his material on stage despite not knowing anything about it.

Next Chapter: 12th October

P a treon . com (slash) Coeur