Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY or the characters within. Takes place between Volumes 5 and 6.
AN: I never really thought about this pairing until I ran into an image of them and realized that they were ideal for each other in so many ways. So much so that it became number three of my favorite RWBY pairings (Not including Arkos and Renora; those are eternal).
The Twilight Happening into Sunrise
-0-
How did this happen?
It started oddly enough. Feeling restless a day after the Battle of Heaven, Yang found herself stepping outside long after night for some air, her mind still whirling on the events that had taken place. Of particular note was from her heartbreaking confrontation with her mother, Raven, to the unexpected and relieved joy seeing her partner, Blake, reunited to team RWBY once again.
-"That's all that matter. That we're all here together."-
Still, there was a lot more for her to process internally, other issues and emotions she wanted to think about and consider. And it wasn't the first time she lost a full night's sleep. So it was a surprise to see Jaune already awake and outside on the yard, facing toward the twilight horizon.
"Hey there, Vomit Boy."
Did that…really just happen?
It began uneventful enough, albeit a little more than somber in his mind. Despite the victory of the group the day before against Salem's team and retrieving the Relic of Knowledge, Jaune felt less than victorious. For him, it began to seem like the entire journey toward Haven and the training and battles he had endured up to that last encounter, amounted up to little.
-"I remember you. You're the dense one who can't figure out when he's out of his league."-
It hurt him to realize how true that taunt was. Logically speaking of course, that was a forgone conclusion given the enemy they faced. But his grief, bitterness and anger had escalated an already tense situation and potentially made things worse. And that was only the start of it.
Needless to say, there was too much in his head to sleep this night and he had ended out standing outside. Not that he minded much; it wasn't the first time he lost a full night's sleep.
…Which was why hearing Yang's voice call out to him was a surprise…
…Along with that unfortunate nickname…
"Didn't expect to see you awake at this time."
With a shrug, Yang lent her arms on the fence beside him, "Guess I have too much in my head right now." With a grin, she turned to face him, "What's your excuse?"
"Pretty much the same. Guess I'm used to it at this point"
That earned a raised eyebrow from her upon hearing that comment. But after a moment, she understood. Thinking back to her reunion with Ruby and the dinner meal after, she could sense the subtle change in his demeanor. Although he acted the same dorky guy she remembered him from Beacon, she could sense a bit of an edge, as though he was trying to put up a cheery face. But that was to be expected as well, given what he lost.
-"I'm gonna make you pay for what you done! Do you hear me?!"-
She could remember actively feeling his anguish at that moment. As hurtful and painful as it was when she lost her partner, that paled in comparison to his loss. Pyrrha was beloved by all of them, so her death left a scar on them all.
But for Jaune, the closest to her, his wound was undoubtedly deeper. Yet, he made the trip to Haven in the hopes to confront his nemesis and hopefully gain some closure. Speaking of which…
"Actually, there was something I wanted to say to you before. I supposed it slipped my mind and I never got around to it, but after everything that has happened, I want to thank you, Jaune."
If her appearance this night was a surprise, her apology was an even greater amazement. Naturally, he asked, "Thank me? For what?"
With lowered eyes, Yang faced the horizon and softly answered. "After everything that happened at Beacon, I was... a mess. But Ruby wanted to do something; had to do something."
The young knight understood that much. It was Ruby who wanted to start this journey, but he also knew that journeying without Yang's support weighed quite a bit on her in addition to the loss of the rest of her team. That was made more apparent when Yang joined her along with Weiss and seeing the leader of team RJNR break down upon seeing her in front of them.
"I'm just glad she had you to be with her." Yang finished.
"Well, it wasn't just me." Jaune replied, somewhat bashfully. "Ren, Nora, we all wanted to go."
That was true. They were all there together, accepting the trials that lay ahead of their new and unknown path. It was interesting that he found himself repeating those words to Yang. In fact, it seems that this current conversation seemed to be a reiteration of his talk with Ruby in Kuroyuri.
-"You didn't drag us along with you. You gave us the courage to move on."-
"But you are the one who saved Weiss' life." Yang added. "...Something else I wanted to thank you for."
There was a short pause as Jaune recalled that moment. "Yeah, well, I didn't do that much. I mean, I'm glad I unlocked my Semblance when I did. But I might have done more harm than good."
Another failure on his part from his point of view… Seeing Cinder and hearing how nonchalant her attitude was, how she couldn't care less about the life she had taken, he had let his anger and bitterness get the best of him and cloud his judgement, resulting with his (obviously) defeat, all the while she continued to belittle him.
-"You're just a failure with a death wish."-
And his response to her only served to direct her attention to Weiss, leaving him helpless to stop her once again. Just as he was helpless to save… His lips tightened at the memory, the painful feelings it invoked. "If I didn't rush out to fight Cinder, than she wouldn't…"
"Jaune..."
Before she knew it, the golden brawler had stepped right in front of the knight, reached out and cupped her hands on his cheeks, forcing him to look down at her directly, his cerulean eyes locking in with hers, which seemed to be shifting between violet and crimson, and with an earnest (and intense) expression on her face.
"You saved her life. Never forget that."
That shocking moment when Cinder's lance impaled into Weiss' body; she honestly thought it was another one of Emerald's illusions until she heard Jaune's horrified scream. She didn't even know how close Weiss came to death until later on after. Her friend…her ice-queen-snow-angel sister…
"She won't. I know I won't."
The melancholy that was on Jaune's face lifted, replaced with a moment of clarity, she figured. She was also aware of her proximity to her, resulting into a moment of self-awareness on her part as she realized the handsome face in her hands, a moment of clarity on her part. Perhaps a bit of curiosity played a part, but for the most part, as far as she's concerned, he deserved this.
And thus her lips met his…
She meant it only as a thank you, sweet as it was. It was a soft kiss; nothing major, just a gentle touch; an extended peck by definition if it was to be described. Or at least, that's what was supposed to be. Their lips separated, but only for a still moment before she began to reconsider…something. Perhaps it was because how it felt, how it seemed to affect her more than she thought.
Or maybe…that taste…
Did that…really just happen?
Did Yang Xaio Long just kiss me…on the lips?
Naturally, he was stunned by her action. A part of him knew what she did was an act of gratitude, more so than what he believed he deserved. Yet the sensations and the current moment naturally led back the last and only time he was kissed that way.
From her…
Feeling his emotions becoming mixed and heightened, he worked to hamper them and simply acknowledge Yang's action for what it was, except for one small issue…
She hadn't moved…
Her hands were still on his cheeks, and her expression had softened from before, as in thought. And then seeing her head beginning to tilt back toward him and Jaune began to wonder if Yang…wanted a repeat performance.
A mixture of surprise and desire seeped into his mind, barely restrained by his own doubts about this moment with regards to his experience with the opposite sex, mainly Pyrrha, Weiss, and in rare cases, Ruby.
And then her gaze lowered ever so slightly toward his mouth…
Expelling his doubts, Jaune brought his hands on her waist. A brief breathless gasp left her, but she didn't resist or push him away as he pulled her close and brought his lips to hers once again. He wasn't exactly sure what he was doing, but it seems his mouth did because hers seemed to be following suit. And an unexpected thirst began to overcome him when her throat emitted an indulgent moan.
How did this happen?
How did she, Yang Xaio Long, find her lips being locked with one Jaune Arc?
And enjoying it…
It was her fault really. After the first kiss, she just couldn't get over how nice and tender it felt, so much so that she honestly found herself debating for a second one. And before she could think otherwise, Jaune pulled her in close, a bold act that was both unexpected and thrilling (especially from one who values boldness). And when they closed the gap again, one thing was certain…
This was not a simple thank-you…
What was warm and sweet before was hot and tantalizing now; what was gentle before was close to searing now. A rising craving quickly followed as his mouth began making subtle moves with hers. Yang was no stranger to kisses, but this one threw her for a loop as she began to sink deeper into the embrace, her fingers sliding back into his jawline to enjoy further…
"Mmm…"
When she heard that sound and realized that it came from her, she realized that they should pull the brakes on this, now. Stilling her lips from his, she slowly pulled away, dropping her hands away from him as well. Jaune must have gotten the point because his hands lowered away from her. His face was flushed and semi-dazed, likely the same as her. And though she tried to joke about, her breathless reply betrayed her nerves.
"Well… that was…definitely a thing…"
He could help but chuckle at her (nostalgic) remark. After that second kiss, his mind was still in a bit of a haze. It was only the sight of her flushed cheeks and slightly embarrassed expression that allowed him to even react, mainly because he knew his face likely mirrored hers right now.
On habit, he scratched the back on his head, all the while regarding the golden beauty before him, her hair shining more so than before. He blinked a bit, thinking that her semblance was active. But it wasn't that, it was something else, something that he also didn't immediately notice.
"Wow. I didn't even notice that the sun came up."
Apparently, neither did Yang, who blinked up in surprise upon the same realization. Turning back to him, she began to reply in kind, but instead stifled a yawn. "Well, I better get some sleep; beauty sleep and all."
"Yeah. I guess we both should." He suddenly jumped upon comprehending his words. "Ah, I mean sleep together. No, I don't mean together, together, just…." He palmed his forehead. "Oh geez, I sound like Nora."
A round of soft laughter came out from her as she skipped away. "See you later, Jaune."
Jaune watched silently as Yang made her way back to the home. Mind still befuddled, the knight decided to just settle here and nap by the fence (his travels through Anima gotten him used to it), hoping to settle his still churning feelings. As the warmth of the sun helped him to drift to sleep, it also left with him a very strong impression on his memory.
From delicate lips …
Fighting down the still-heated sensations that were surging throughout her body, Yang began to make it toward the room where the others were, but decided to just crash on the couch instead, semi-grateful that Qrow had opted to sleep in one of the other rooms this time. As she settled in, she just couldn't shake what had just happened between her and Jaune.
It shouldn't be that big of a deal, but it was. She never expected to feel anything like this from, of all people, Jaune. Yet the sizzling sensation of that kiss was not something she could deny. And while she started it, it was incredibly difficult for her to stop it. She was clearly getting into it, as was he. And when she bade him good night/morning, she had to restrain from giving him a peck on the cheek, knowing that it would tempt her for another not-so-friendly kiss.
Calm down, girl...
Stilling her thoughts, she let sleep settle in her, vaguely aware of the footsteps of the others that were coming down from within the home. Yet as slumber soon claimed her fully, her lips unconsciously curved in a lightly blissful smile, an indication of sweet dreams with a sunlit knight.
Dreams of a knight's kiss…
Did that really happen?
How did that happen?
Will it happen again?
Will they want it to happen again?