Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY.
Part 1
A calm stream flew at the border. It was a beautiful morning in the wilderness.
Untouched mountains and dense woods, those were what connected the Kingdom of Vale and the territory, which expanded beyond. There was one village in those forests. Columns of smoke rose to the blue sky, showing the signs of life and civilization where the evil force of Grimm had posed their threat for centuries.
RUMBLE!
Trees began to fall as an earthquake occurred. A blonde-haired noodle jumped out from one of the many bushes.
"It's coming! It's COMINGGGGGGG!"
Jaune Arc yelled at the top of his lung and ran with all his might.
Multiple gunshots echoed when one of the tall trees was flung to the air. It crashed near his escape path. Above the novice Huntsman-in-training, Lie Ren moved from branches to branches as he desperately opened fire to a prominent threat. It was chasing after them. Ear-piercing howls lashed at mother nature. More and more plants burst their roots at the claws of a single monstrous being, thrown up to the sky without remorse.
Jaune gasped, ragged breath was hardly in control. He stared wide-eyed at the incoming bombardment. The forest was thick, many trees grew close to each other. He was trying his best to run past an open area and those falling trunks happened to be quite big it caused lots of chaos when striking the ground.
Scabbard turned to shield, Jaune raised it over his head, fearful at the thought of getting crushed like a bug. Forget about having Aura as an armor, his self-preservation instinct preferred not to rely on it. In actual combat, depending on such thing too much could mean the worst outcome.
He squeaked when a massive trunk landed next to him, the impact broke the whole thing apart. Behind him, a Berserker gave chase.
"Keep firing, Ren! Do as much damage as you can! We'll lure it toward the river!"
"I'm on it!" Ren used his Semblance to hide away. He hopped on top a branch and began another assault with StormFlower.
The Berserker could not detect the ninja-liked Huntsman, but it didn't care about the pouring rain of bullets. The attack did little to the thick layer of bone that glued to the Grimm's body. Right now, Jaune was the sole target of its hunt. It snapped another tree, the biggest of all, and readied itself to throw.
"Seriously!?"
The blonde knight managed to dodge another projectile came crashing down in front of him. The bombardment hadn't showed any sign of stopping yet and it wanted to throw more!? Jaune gritted his teeth, forcing both legs to carry him faster. He was almost at the river. The ultimate outcome of this chase will be decided there.
The Berserker growled, tossing the object straight at him. Having no other way to dodge, Jaune shifted his movement. Crocea Mors unsheathed, aiming at-
"Opft!"
He messed up.
Jaune missed his footing. He tripped and fell-face flat on the grass. The noodle barely ducked as the broken tree merely flew past his head by an inch. Having too big of a momentum and it turned out to be a mistake for making a quick turn. Jaune quickly got up, he never noticed a shadow looming over his form in all that chaos until he made eyes contact with it.
Jaune blinked. He was staring death into the glowing crimson eyes that promised pain. Another tree just flew past him and crashed into the river not far from where he stood, Jaune didn't show much concern about that. He slowly leaned backward to get a better view of the white mask made of twisted bone.
It was a Beringel.
The large gorilla type monster raised an arm over its head as Jaune continued to look in all the obviousness. That thing was ready to smash him around, Grimm's type.
…oh, nuts.
Ruby Rose was humming.
The young Huntress-in-training cheerfully skipped her steps as she made her way to the landing platforms at Beacon Academy cliffside. She was alone, the other three members were busy doing their own things. Blake had gone to downtown Vale, buying another one of her literatures. Yang just went around, probably in the shopping mall. It was a shame Weiss didn't go together with her. The heiress was busy working on an important assignment from Professor Peach.
Ruby knew better than to stick her nose around whenever Weiss mentioned about homework. She used her Semblance to get away before her partner could drag her back to their dorm and tell her to sit in front of the study desk.
What an unbelievable person. Tomorrow is weekend, duh! Who would want to do homework on Friday? People should enjoy life and milk and cookies to the fullest. They shouldn't have worried about some trivial stuff like deadline. Stay calm, have fun and only panic until there's only three hours left before assignments must be turned in.
Ruby could always rely on her Speed to copy Weiss' note when she wasn't looking. Apparently, Yang did the same with Blake, too. This would be the sisters' secret. Black combat boots stopped before the hanging floor. Ruby turned to the sunny blue sky, she had no more class. Thus, it was the perfect day to hang out with team JNPR.
From afar, a Bullhead was heading her way.
The young girl dressed in black and red cloak continued to hum the lyrics of Wings. Foots and toes slightly bent, her small frame bounded up and down in rhythm. Ruby looked like a child waiting in anticipation for an early Christmas gift. It had been two days since team JNPR's departure to the wild outside the Kingdom, she couldn't wait to see them return from their completed mission. More importantly, she couldn't wait to eat Jaune's cook.
Yup! Jaune Arc, the lovable noodle of Beacon, everybody's friendly dork, can cook. Big surprise! He also knew how to bake cookies, and she had always asked him to make her another batch of those home-made, crispy and sweet cakes. It was a little hidden talent he learned from Mama Arc, he said. Whenever he stood in the kitchen, he always brought out the most satisfied flavor of food, and cookies! Ruby loved everything about that aspect of him.
Oops! she jumped ahead the gun there.
She thought about that word. Love.
She was not really in love with Jaune, she loved his culinary skills. There was no way she could think about him that way, he was her second bestie! Of course, she liked him and his personality. Like, a lot!
But not love! Nope. Nope. Nope, not that one!
The whole thing was entirely new to her. She knew about romance, but it was not like she understands what love is.
Ruby giggled inwardly. Then she blushed.
Well.
Maybe it would be okay to say that she had a crush on him. It was her secret. Yang didn't know. Not even her teammates were aware of this. Not even Pyrrha.
As the Bullhead landed, silver eyes shone fondly.
She looked forward to hearing JNPR's little journey at the Kingdom's border. Meanwhile, Jaune and Ren could make food for everyone in the kitchen. It was the perfect scenario that became a regular routine for both teams on weekend.
The door opened. Ruby waved at Pyrrha as the redhead hopped out the aircraft.
Hm?
Pyrrha didn't wave back at her, she didn't even look. Her attention was on something else.
Hm?
The pilot left the cockpit and pulled out the steps below the ship. She saw Nora and Ren held each side of a pole stretcher as they stepped out.
"Jaune!?"
Much to the girl's horror, her crush was lying on it. Rose petals scattered a straight line toward JNPR.
"W-What happened!?"
"Jaune is injured, he needs medical support."
One arm hugging his legs and the other around his chest, Jaune curled in a fetal position. There was no blood or bruise or any kind of wound from what she could see, yet his face twisted in pain. He looked pale, more than Weiss' skin.
"..….oh….dust…..the pain…." Whimpered the boy in tears.
Something clicked in her head.
Pain. She wanted to take that word, that unpleasant feeling away from him.
Ruby was no expert in treating wounds, but she really wanted to know the cause. If it was possible, she would like to help easing his torment. She looked over the way he kept his legs together, hiding his stomach and below.
"Let me see!"
Ruby leaned toward him. Small hands reached to his thighs. Jaune's eyes snapped open at the touch and looked at his fellow team leader. For some reason, he flinched at her action and hugged his legs even tighter.
"Wait!" Ren raised his voice, stopped her.
Ruby was shocked. She didn't expect that from Ren, who was usually calmed about everything.
"But Jaune-"
"Don't touch him!" Nora added in. She seemed panic. "Fearless Leader will be fine!"
"But-"
Before she could say anything, Pyrrha quickly covered Jaune's quivering body with a blanket.
"We'll handle it from here. See you later, Ruby!" Pyrrha waved at her, an awkward smile on her face.
NPR picked up their paces and took off in a hurry, leaving Ruby behind in ponder. By now, the young red riding hood was totally baffled. What? Why did they stop her? Jaune was in so much pain. She wanted to help, too!
Ruby ran after them. She was a second too late when the door closed in her face.
She had been waiting for almost an hour.
Her lip pursed, feeling grumpy, cute cheeks puffing out in a darker shade of red. She stood outside the infirmary. Ruby didn't like how the three members of JNPR told her to wait here while the doctor was examining Jaune's condition.
What was wrong with them!? Jaune was one of her besties. She worried about him, too! Why wouldn't they let her in!?
Throb!
Her heart throbbed so much she wanted to break down this door and burst in to see him. Wait…
Did she really feel that just now? Was that a harsh beating in her chest?
"Ruby!"
She jolted at the calling. White dress, pale skin and icy blue orbs entered her vision.
"Weiss, You're here!"
"I received your message. How is Arc doing?"
"The doctor is checking him. Jaune is injured, I think. I didn't see the wound and I don't know how bad it is, they won't let me in."
"They won't let you in?" Weiss raised her eyebrows. "Why?"
"I don't know!" Ruby waved her arms in the air. "That's what I'm asking!"
"Very well, let me have a word with them."
Weiss went to the door. As she intended to knock and grab the knob, it opened. The Huntresses-in-training of team JNPR walked out and carefully closed the door behind them. The heiress would like to ask them a few things about the unfair treatment her partner was given.
"Excuse me, I would like to…what's the matter with you two?"
She couldn't ask. Her intention shifted when Weiss noticed something strange about the two. Ruby felt the same as she stared at them. Pyrrha's expression bled a heated red color like her hair. Nora was wearing a blindfold.
"What's going on?" Weiss asked.
"W-Well…it's a….um…" Pyrrha stuttered.
"Renny told me to wear this." Nora pointed at the piece of cloth that blocked her sight. "It's something about an unhealthy visual image he doesn't want me to see. Now I'm curious."
"Nora, please don't."
"Does that mean Jaune is not doing okay!?"
"No, Ruby. Jaune is doing fine." The redhead reassured Ruby, who was a mere inch away from her. "There's nothing life-threatening, the doctor advised him to take a break from school for the time being. Though, Jaune needs to rest here so they can monitor his condition."
"Then, I can come in to see him now, right?"
Ruby wasted no time for a respond, she reached for the doorknobs only to be stopped by Pyrrha. The Invincible Girl squeezed in the gap between her and the doorway, an awkward smile on her face.
"I'm sorry. But you can't go in yet."
"W-Why not?"
"Jaune's doing okay, but…" Emeralds trailed off to the side. "It's very complicated."
"Plus." Nora placed a hand on Ruby's shoulder. "The doctor is about to give Jaune-Jaune another treatment. You shouldn't disturb them."
"But I want to see him!" She couldn't understand, what was up with them not letting her see him? Not to mention Ren was still inside, wasn't he?
"I do agree with Ruby." Weiss stepped in, holding her scroll in one hand. "The official visiting hours are still in effect. My partner reserves the right to be in there until 4 pm."
That's right! Help her out, bestie!
"What could be so wrong that you two refuse to let Ruby visit Arc? She just wants to see if he's doing fine with her own eyes." Weiss stepped forward. "Let us pass. I also would like to wish him a speedy recovery."
Ruby smiled, heartwarming. The Ice Queen had come a long way from considering Jaune as a nuisance from the beginning to a friend at the end. It was probably the effect from his talent and personality. Let it be the first and not the latter, she didn't want another possible rival to pop up asides Pyrrha.
Wait.
Those were some weird thoughts. Where did it come from?
Ruby shook her head and observed the silent conversation between Pyrrha and Nora as they exchanged gazes. They turned to her. Eh? Was there something on her face? Why did they look so worried?
"Weiss, can we talk over there?" Pyrrha signaled her partner to come with her to a corner near there. "I'll explain everything."
Weiss shrugged. She followed her and Ruby also did the same, moving closely behind. Without a warning, Nora pulled her back by the hood.
"Ah, ah. Only Weiss can go, you stay here with me."
The young girl fumed. That was so not fair! Jaune's partner motioned her hand, telling Weiss to lean her head close to her. She began to whisper something into the heiress' ears.
"What!? Arc is-" A hand with incredible reflex quickly covered Weiss' mouth before slowly letting go. She looked really stunned for a second. "….oh! Hm…..hm, I see."
Weiss shifted her view to Ruby, she put on a light frown. Eyes narrowed in skeptical.
"I find that to be very skeptical." Weiss rolled those orbs in disbelief.
Oh, come on! What kind of secret conversation they were having!? It pinched her curiosity really hard already. She wanted to hear it, too!
"I understand what you are telling me. However, for this case, I will believe it when I see it." The heiress returned. She grabbed the door, much to Pyrrha and Nora's surprise.
"Can I-"
"No." Weiss stopped Ruby as the girl was about to make her step. "I will personally see to it and determine if you are suitable for this. Stay here."
The door slammed shut with a click. Ruby sighed, folding her arms in annoyance. Her partner just straight up locked the door. Now, she had to wait. Or so she thought.
Everyone jumped when a feminine squeak echoed. It didn't sound like Weiss. It didn't sound like Jaune either. Maybe if his voice was a little bit more high-pitched, it would be.
The door led to the infirmary immediately opened again and Weiss stepped out, closing it. For whatever mystery kept inside that room, the pale smooth skin on her cheeks turned pink, then gradually burned red.
"Dear me, I have never thought Arc to be such….oh my gosh….." She gasped gently and trailed off for a long minute.
"Weiss! don't leave your bestie hanging! What happened!?" Ruby grabbed her shoulders, desperately shaking her bestie to spill out the details. "Please tell me! Tell me! Tell me!"
Weiss caught her wrists. All of sudden, she held them so tight that Ruby feared she might never let go. The shaking helped Weiss to regain her composure.
"In any case, Arc seems to be doing alright. You have nothing to worry about, Ruby." Icy cold blues pierced through silvers. "And as I recall, we have a much more pressing matter which I require your attention to deal with."
Ruby froze. Uh oh, she recognized that look.
"Um….Weiss?"
"Let's go back and help you study."
"What!?" Silvers widened in horror. "N-No, wait! Weiss!"
"I won't take no for answers. I asked Professor Peach to change the deadline to tomorrow." She stated as a matter of fact. "Which applies exclusively to both of us."
"So cruel!? It's weekend, how could you!"
Weiss simply didn't care. Her grip had an unusual strength that prevented the poor reaper from fleeing. She was not going to get away this time.
"At least tell me what happened to Jauneeeeeeeeeeee!"
Cute whining, squeaky voice shook the hallway as Ruby was dragged away.
Ruby's shoulder slumped. Her head rested on the note, it filled with nothing but random scramble.
"I can't take this anymore."
Her tired brain could not process another word from the textbook.
She was left alone. Weiss had gone to the library to get some materials on the subject. Studying had never been so insufferable. Why did she have to study on Friday again? On top of that, happy weekend routine had been sabotaged with Jaune ended up wounded and her partner didn't speak a word about his condition to her.
"Stupid." Ruby murmured, turning her head on the desk.
A moment later, she groaned and reached to the wallet on top the shelves. One silver coin of lien dropped into the swear jar. She picked it up and examined closely as the amount inside already filled up two third of the space. Wow, everyone around here tent to use bad words a lot these days.
….must be the stress.
Ruby felt stressed, she did. She had to brace herself and endured her craving for those delicious cookies Jaune used to bake for a while. She wanted to visit him. Until she saw that lovable noodle with her own eyes, she wouldn't stop worrying. After all, he looked really hurt. His body was being tortured, enduring an enormous pain. Like a cookie being burnt to a scrip when you accidentally hit high temperature and left it inside the oven for half a day. Like a box of strawberry milk forgotten in that lonely corner in the kitchen and expired.
Closing her note, Ruby jumped on the bed hanging by the ceiling. Red cloak spread on the blanket. The little corgi followed and rested on her lap. She rubbed its fur, licking her lip while still thinking about cookies.
Yep. For the perfect cookies, all the ingredients need to be fresh, including sugar. The most important was sugar. One could not expect to make a blunder in the process and overcook the cookies. Those sweet, round and flat cake should be cooked right using an accurate recipe for the sake of its quality and the taste. Cookies are delicate, they should be handled carefully. Jaune was also delicate for his status as the weakest student in Beacon. He might had improved in combat, yet there was still a lot of things to catch up.
The corgi rolled on his back, exposing the belly for Ruby to play. Ruby licked her lip again, still in deep thoughts.
Right now, Jaune was wounded. For that, he should be looked after. Maybe a gentle touch was sufficed to erase the pain. She wanted to caress him, to rub his wound, to make it all disappear. Ruby Rose would make him feel good, just like how she was doing with Zwei as the dog melted into her touch.
"Aww~. Zwei, does it feel good?"
The corgi didn't make a sound, tail waving, tongue poking out. Zwei looked content, almost too happy and asked for more. Ruby the owner watched him rolling on her lap and smiled. He continued to enjoy the sensation made by his owner's tender fingers. If Zwei could speak like a human, he would tell his master one thing. He was having the best feeling of being rubbed, ever!
Ruby knew Zwei was not unfamiliar to people's touch, yet it was never easy to get this level of affection from the corgi. Ruby already reached it, the result of her experiences obtained back from those days in Patch, rubbing the aching back of her Dad and dear old Uncle Qrow after they returned from missions. Sometimes, she did for Auntie Raven, too. But the bird preferred to be given the treat by her Rose.
Yup! It was a secret technique bestowed on her by none other than Summer Rose the Supermom. If only she could make Jaune feel the same way. But she couldn't, because they wouldn't let her. She would need someone, a support.
Her scroll buzzed.
Ruby picked it up, she knew whom to ask for help.
Yang heard the news.
Team JNPR had returned from their mission outside the Kingdom. They took one of the few first medium-risk missions available to freshmen in the wilderness, without supervision. The result already showed on the mission board in the amphitheater. It was a success, she checked. They made a great example for the Beacon's professors to evaluate the actual strength of first-year students.
Other than that, she received a message from Ruby. JNPR's leader had been injured in the process. He was sent to the medical ward this morning. She hoped it wasn't something bad.
"What did you bring, Blakey?"
"A book." Her partner replied. "It's a collection of short stories about a certain Faunus detective. Jaune can pass the time with this while he recovers."
Yang glanced at the small fruit basket in her hand. There wasn't much about Jaune's reading hobby that she knew, and she didn't care. If anything, the blonde could guarantee these fruits will nurture Vomit Boy back to shape in no time.
She picked a grape, tossing it over her head. One smooth curve and it fell right into her mouth. Tasty! Yup, she was right. These things would definitely make him feel good.
"Yang, isn't that supposed to be for Jaune?" Blake frowned a little at her gesture.
"Oh, come on, Blake. He wouldn't notice if one or two grapes are missing. Besides, I made a pretty good arc just now." Yang winked.
Blake quietly groaned and shook her head. The blonde ignored her and popped another grape. She held the tiny fruit on top her thumb and flicked. It made another curve in the air as Yang titled her head back, eyes closed and mouth opened wide, waiting for the drop.
Odd, her mouth didn't catch it. She tasted nothing but the air after three seconds. Yang opened her eyes and scanned the ground. Maybe she missed it?
"Hm, this is fresh."
Blake seemed to chew on something, finger tugged on her lip. A smile formed as she glanced sideway at Yang.
Oh? Oh!
"How sly, kitty-kat~."
"I don't know what you are talking about." Taking her scroll out, she checked the time. "There's still some time to visit Jaune, we should hurry."
Yang watched Blake walked ahead, the black bow on her hair twitched. The blonde grinned, if that girl had a tail, it would be wagging left right. She quickly caught up with Blake as she went into the elevator shaft.
Yang wouldn't want to miss the ride. She needed to tease that catgirl as pay back for stealing her grape.
Sunny blue sky changed to a golden shade of twilight.
A little Rose fidgeted, walking back and forth outside the infirmary.
Ruby finally resolved herself to ditch the homework and came running all the way to here. She could worry about being scolded by Weiss later, her second BFF…no, her crush had to be the top priority. Blake and Yang were on their ways, she could come in to visit him first.
Apparently, there was a little drawback before she decided to do so. A member from JNPR were staying with Jaune. Ruby heard Ren's voice through the door, asides from Pyrrha and Nora, he was the hardest to sway. No worry, that may had been a good thing. She had her big sis to handle this, any trump card should be saved for the last resort.
"Heya, sis! Sorry, it took a bit late to come here."
It's about time!
Three knocks on the door and they were greeted by Ren. The boy remained stoic, his gaze lingered on her longer than the other two. Ruby couldn't tell if he was surprised to see her there or not.
"Hi, Ren! I brought some fruits for Vomit Boy." Yang bashfully said.
They heard a soft groan. Vomit Boy still won't get used to the nickname.
Blake said nothing. She nodded and showed him the book, a soundless conversation exchanged between the two. How did they do that? Was it some sort of ninja's specialty?
"Can we come in?"
"Of course." Ren then turned to Ruby. "But we need Ruby to wait outside."
"What?" Yang glanced at her baby sis and at him, lilacs narrowed. "Why can't Ruby come in?"
"Jaune's condition is a bit complicated."
"Are you saying Vomit Boy was messed up by the Grimm so badly there's gore?" Yang chuckled. "You're worrying too much. Ruby is a badassed huntress-in-training. Plus, she's fifteen, not a kid. She can probably handle a little blood."
Absolutely! And "probably" was an unnecessary word!
"No, there's no such thing. Jaune is not wounded."
Wait, really?
"He's not wounded?" A nod from Ren lightened Ruby's spirit. She was glad about the good news. "Then can I-?"
"I'm afraid not." He cut her off.
"How come!?"
"Ren, what is this about? What happened to Jaune?" Yang stepped up. Her patience gradually depleted. "Why is Ruby not allowed?"
"Can you explain?" Blake added in.
Ren let out a sigh, so brief that one hardly noticed. He scanned the hallway before motioning his hand at the girls, except Ruby. He ignored the pout the petite girl put on and leaned closer to Yang and Blake, whispering to their ears.
Black bow twitched.
Lilacs widened slightly.
Both stole a glance at Ruby, confused.
What? This again? Was there something on her face? Did she leave a fragment of cookie, which she took from the cafeteria before rushing here, on her cheek?
Neither Yang nor Blake said anything, as if to let whatever Ren said sink into their minds.
"Pfft! Oh, come on!" Her big sis held back a laugh. "I don't think it could be that bad."
Ren shook his head, his intention remained unswayed. He stood still at the doorway even though lilacs began to flicker between red and the original color.
"Fine, Ruby will stay here."
"Yang!?" Ruby stared at her in shock. "Seriously!?"
"But if I come in and see nothing like you said, I'm going to let Ruby in because she wants to visit him. Fellow leaders need to look after each other."
"It is essential." Blake agreed.
"Very well."
Ren finally let them in. Ruby stayed behind, her sister waved back.
"Wait here, Ruby. I'm just going to do a throughout check on Vomit Boy."
The door slammed shut.
Click!
With a click.
Growl!
Ruby kicked dirt on the floor, fuming. No fair! They locked the door! What could possibly be so wrong that they refused to let her in!?
"Hi, Yang. Hi, Blake."
"Hello, Jaune. How are you feeling?"
"Eh, it's not the best feeling in the world."
The young reaper flinched. She heard those voices as clear as day through the door.
"I see you are re-covered in bandage. Here, got you some fruits."
"This book is for you."
"Oh, t-thanks! You know, you don't have to do this for me." She heard a chuckle.
"Don't be so modest, friends gotta stick together."
As much as Ruby wanted to know where this conversation was heading, it would be wrong to eavesdrop. Quite tempting but nope! She forced the urge down. Ruby Rose was a good girl, she was raised by Taiyang Xiao Long and Summer Rose. Happiest family on Remnant. She had a wonderful life with parents who were elite huntsman and huntress. Like her mother, she had good manner.
Ruby Rose would not eavesdrop on a private conversation.
"Is Ruby outside? I heard her voice."
Ruby proceeded to press her ears on the door. That question just now, it was Jaune's.
What? Ruby Rose was a good girl who had good manner? Nah, it wasn't like somebody would find out whatever she was doing. She just leaned on the door for support. This conversation happened to enter her hearing.
"She is. Now hold still, Vomit Boy."
"What? W-Wait, Yang! What are you doing!?"
"Just doing a quick check, let me see what lies underneath the blanket."
"Wait! No No No! Blake, stop! Why are you pulling the blanket!?"
"I'm sorry, Jaune. It's my curiosity!"
"Ren, a little help here! Why do you keep staring at the scroll, looking all petrified!?"
"I just got a call from Nora. Pyrrha burnt the kitchen again! I have to save our dorm, FAST!"
"Ren! Ren!? Don't just jump out the window and leave me! HELP!"
"On three, Blake!"
One!
"Waitttt!"
Ruby held her breath.
Two!
"Don't do it!"
Her petite body leaned on the door. An ear pressed harder.
"Three!" She shouted.
Come out, secret!
"…."
"…."
"…."
"I can't marry anymore."
What was that supposed to mean? Why did it sound like someone was whimpering?
A click echoed. Doorknob turned. Ruby jumped back in panic as Yang and Blake walked out in a daze.
Tap!
Something wet hit the ground. she glanced down at her feet, a red spot appeared next to Yang's shoes.
Tap!
Another one formed, she looked up. Silvers widened in horror.
"Yang!? What happened!?"
Blood gushed out from Yang's nose. Lilacs brightened, almost sparkled at a new discovery.
"….abs…muscles….that…so robust….…oh, momma…..."
Next to her, ambers dulled in a trance. Cheeks heated up, taking the shade of Ruby's own hood. A piece of moist tissue placed in the nostril, also damped red.
"Blake?"
The Faunus girl gasped, shaking out of daydream. Her eyes went wide as if struck by an enlightenment.
"I feel the inspiration!"
That said, a pencil and a small note in her hands as Blake began to jolt down the explicit scenarios in her head. Ruby couldn't comprehend the sudden shift in the girls' moods, and so she shrugged and turned to their residence knight in the room.
The coast was clear, her path was wide opened.
…..here I come, Jaune!
"Hold!"
Yang dragged her back out before she could even greet him. The door shut. Gloved palms placed firmly on both shoulders, keeping Ruby's small frame on the spot.
"Not so fast, Ruby."
Silvers gazed at lilacs in clueless and lilacs stared down silvers in all the seriousness.
"What are you doing?"
"Ren was right, seeing him right now is too dangerous for you."
Ruby's mind went blank. She was betrayed.
"Come on, let's head back to dorm."
"What!? Yang, you're supposed to be on my side!" The girl struggled to break out, but Yang kept her in a good grip. "Let me see Jaune!"
A nurse moved past them and went inside the infirmary. When she walked out, a new sign hung by the door. Visiting hour was over, it read.
"NOOOOOO!" Ruby whined, wiggling harder. Her feet were off the ground as Yang picked up her baby sis and hoisted the petite figure made of one hundred percent cuteness over her shoulder.
"Put me down! Yang? Yang!?"
"Nope." She popped the p.
"You'll use your Semblance to get away." Blake caught her feet, holding them in place. "And Yang, wipe your nose."
"Guh!" They got her. "Well, c-can you guys at least tell me what you saw?"
"I saw Vomit Boy. And don't you worry, he's doing fine."
"That's not what I meant! Tell me what happened in there!"
"Now, now, sis. Be good, I'll buy you some cookies."
All limbs dropped. Ruby ceased her struggle at the offer. Using cookies to manipulate her own little sister, how nefarious!
Saturday morning.
Ruby woke up, earlier than usual.
She jumped off the bed, taking some time in the shower, she prepared herself for a whole day filled with fun activities. Yang promised to buy her cookies yesterday, she did, and Ruby got a mouthful of it. It was good, delicious cookies kept her high spirit in top shape.
But it could only do so much for a while, she wanted a batch of home-made cookies, the one Summer always baked for her little Rose before life in Beacon. Jaune's cookies were the closest to it. She missed those. It had the same quality, maybe tasted even better. No! They should be the same. Don't make Ruby choose between her crush and mommy's cookies! She loved Jaune and Summer, she loved them both.
Oops!
Ruby giggled. Love and Jaune in the same sentence, she jumped ahead the gun again.
Red cloak traced along her steps as Ruby walked into the kitchen. Tip toe carefully graced the wooden floor as she hummed. Until the second verse of Wings, she stopped dead in track, a pair of silvers widened in awe. Yellow banner and the phrase "Kitchen are not available" blocked the way. Inside, black ash and unknown dark-green slippery substances too malicious to exist in the world decorated the entire interior.
Ruby's mood depleted, a little.
The place was temporary closed down, residences were not allowed to go in. Everyone knew the kitchen was never a place for one Pyrrha Nikos, the girl certainly made a scene with her culinary talent. From what she had heard, the Invincible Girl tried to make a dish for Jaune by following her family's traditional recipe. How she managed bring this eldritch horror into existence with just one bag of eggs, a bottle of red sap and two cups of water was beyond anyone's guess.
Happy weekend routine somewhat went off the track. No matter, onward to the cafeteria!
Ruby turned and saw icy blues stared straight into her silvers.
"Ruby, don't forget to do your homework after breakfast. We need to do more research on the given topic."
Oh! Why thank you, Weiss. So much for ruining her precious weekend because of that deadline!
"You didn't even finish half of the assignment yesterday. I'll be watching you." Weiss dangerously narrowed her eyes, causing Ruby to inhale a sharp gasp. "Try to make excuse and I'll tell Yang you've been neglected during Professor Peach's lectures."
Pfft! Weiss, oh Weiss. Had she forgot how high her scores were compared to Yang's? Ruby Rose was a prodigy! She could be bad at social subjects, but she was still a prodigy. The coolest to be huntress, after her mom!
"Come on, Weiss. It's weekend! We should relax!"
"Of course, after we submitted everything."
Groan!
Weiss Schnee could be an annoying partner sometime.
"Did you just think I was an annoyance?"
By a miracle, Ruby didn't squeak.
She stared at the empty tray, mouth agape.
Ruby rubbed her eyes repeatedly to erase the horrible visual. There weren't any cookies left in the dessert section. All the mornings at Beacon had been wonderful with her favorite sweet and milk, having sugar high was just a myth to her. It was perfect and now life decided to drop this bomb on her head.
No cookies. What a cruel joke.
Disappointed, Ruby wobbled back to the group. She was a young huntress-in-training, she must endure. Think of it as some sort of a trial to test her will. No problem, Ruby Rose was a strong girl, she could handle this just fine. Maybe a little distraction would be a good start.
"So, would you mind telling us how Vomit Boy ended up like that?" Yang waggled the tip of her spoon. "What's the story?"
Ruby flinched, a smile rose on her lip. That was it! She needed this! Way to go, Yang!
Putting down the fork that already pierced through the entire pancake, Nora began.
"Oh, you guys should have seen Fearless Leader in action! It was really cool!"
"It was!?"
"Yes, yes! But don't get too excited first, Ruby. Let this sink in, for I am going to tell you all an epic journey none of you have ever heard of!" The ginger girl stood on the table. An arm raised over her head to emphasize the glory of her tale. "The story of team JNPR on their quest to break those legs of the evil Grimm!"
"Our objective is to terminate the wandering Grimm near the border." Ren calmly gave an explanation as he tried to pull the girl back to her seat. "The creatures had been disturbing the nearby villages for weeks."
Always the guy to straighten out Nora's way with words, those two were such a dynamic duo. Nevertheless, Ruby's smile widened.
Silver eyes sparkled. Her feet repeatedly taped the floor, excitement filled her heart. She was ready to induce herself in the little adventure of team JNPR, of Jaune, her crush.
One moment, team RWBY seemed to forget breakfast was getting cold as they listened closely to every detail.
"I drove my hammer into the skull of the wild Beringel, it shrieked in pain! Our knight was saved from the impending doom! Meanwhile, the Berserker continued it bombardment, relentlessly without stopping."
"After Pyrrha distracted it by smashing the javelin into its torso."
She turned to Ruby, her face grimaced to a dark level of emotion.
"But it was not enough to take down the Grimm, it continued to target Jaune."
The little Reaper gasped. She grinned at her expression, that high-pitched voice sounded like music to her ears.
"Just then Jaune-Jaune pulled out the sword." Nora the storyteller held the bread and made a full swing to mimic the action. "Shield blocked the powerful punch! Crocea Mors torn the monster's arm apart as Fearless Leader circled around to deliver another strike."
She slammed the table.
"No mistakes were allowed!" Every single word was stressed.
"Jaune used slice and dice tactic. Pyrrha was there in time to aid him. They managed to fence the thing off together." Ren took a small sip of Mistral tea. "They succeeded."
"The Beringel was killed, the fate it deserved!" Nora cackled evilly before she shifted to a lighter tone. "However! As the one that stood remain, the Berserker showed no fear to the death of its kin! Like the soulless monster it had always been, the thing roared, breaking into a full-on rampage! It charged at our leader and Pyrrha!"
"Because there was no more tree left to throw around."
"Renny intervened. He performed a martial kick to its back! Wah cha!" She chopped the air.
"To provide enough distraction."
"We pulled back to the river. At that moment, King Taijitsu appeared across the stream!"
Ruby gasped again, totally shocked at the sudden development of the situation. Yang did the same, causing their partners to stare at the sisters in odd.
"Giant serpentine at the front, ruthless predator in the back! Tension on the battlefield grew tensed by the minutes!"
"Ignore the pun." Ren commented in between. Yang slipped out a small chuckle anyway.
"However, Fearless Leader didn't waver. Don't stop, keep moving! He shouted the command with all his might! Just as predicted, King Taijitsu bared its fangs, poisonous drops of saliva poured on the grass, ready to attack. Another fierce battle broke out as Renny and I drowned in the bloodlust of breaking the Berserker's leg!"
"The armor was too thick. It was difficult for us to break through its defense mechanism."
"Once again, I smashed my hammer to its chest! Shifted the weapon to grenade launcher and blew everything to kingdom come!"
"Nora emptied the whole chamber. We got blown back to where Jaune and Pyrrha were." Ren took a small bite on the bacon. "It didn't work much. Although, the armor on the Berserker broke a little."
"Exactly! That Grimm was a toughed nut to crack!" The ginger girl clenched her fist, frustration spread on her face. "But no matter, for everything was according to plan. Trap had been set. Tactic reversed. The tide of battle belonged to ours!"
"Before the encounter, we already scouted the area. Jaune came up with a plan to use all the fire dust ground to craft some dynamites and lured the Grimm into the trap."
"It was the giant log that lied on top the river. Fearless Leader saw through it all!"
Ruby was on the edge of her seat, listening to her crush's impressive feat.
"Team JNPR ceased all combat and stood in the middle of the log. The Grimm on both sides. Mouths drooling at the flesh of their preys." Nora made a sound of growling, white teeth and faked fangs made up by forks showed to the amused sister team. "Jaune-Jaune began the counting. As the monsters launched, we jumped, diving into the mad stream below!"
She gripped her stomach then lashed out.
"BOOM! Everything on sight was covered in smoke. Dark ashes scattered to the wind. I felt my blood pumped up, so I fired several more grenades just for the heck of it!"
"Twelve grounds, two times for reloading to be accurate."
"It became the fireworks that brought destruction to the evil Grimm." Nora sighed dreamily. Hands clasped before her chest. "It was so beautiful."
Mission accomplished.
Thus, the end of one of the coolest tales of team JNPR. Narrated and edited by Nora Valkyrie.
"So, how did Vomit Boy end up like that again?"
It was an important question that had yet to be answered.
"As we were returning to the village to report the situation, Jaune slipped while we moved on a hill and fell into a poisonous shrub." Ren finally explained.
"Wait, what?" Four collectively pairs of widened eyes stared at the Mistralian boy.
"It has spikes, which also happens to contain a type of toxic soap that can be really harmful to others if touched."
"Are you telling me Arc just happened to lose his footing and ended up being poisoned by some venomous plant on the side of the road?"
A nob from Ren confirmed it all. The actual reason to the current pitiful state of Jaune Arc the noodle.
Yang would burst out laughing extremely hard at the revelation. Luckily, she bit her lip, trying her best to suppress the grin that slowly made itself known on her face. She didn't mean to be disrespected to her friend, but it was so difficult to keep all the air in her lung from breaking out.
A tingling pain on her hip, Yang glanced down to see Blake pinching her side through the clothes. The raven beauty's arm hid under the table.
"Thank you, Blake." Words of gratitude whispered through gritting teeth. "I don't know if I should…...pfft, get out of here to enjoy myself a good laugh."
"What is the doctor's diagnostic?" The Faunus girl asked, deadpanned. "How long will it take for Jaune to recover?"
"It seems to be a rare type of poisonous plant." Pyrrha spoke up. "It produces a substance that can cause a very bad inflammatory skin reaction in a long term. Symptoms are varied. The only good thing here is it isn't contagious."
Ruby tilted her head. She couldn't get a grasp of those terms.
"Bad inflammatory skin reaction?" She leaned toward Weiss for a simple explanation.
"It's a skin disease." Her partner said. "The tissue forming the outer layer of your body will turn red."
"Oh."
"It makes you feel like being burned alike." Blake said.
"Oh!"
"Very itchy. Really bad." Yang added.
"Urgh! Ew!"
Ruby shuddered. That seemed gross. From the look of concern on Pyrrha's expression, no wonder it sounded dangerous.
"Although the disinfection is done, Jaune's condition is not improving. The nurse provided him some lotions to temporary prevent it from spreading all over his body. He should be fine for now."
"Temporary? There's no immediate medication for this?"
"Unfortunately, there's a shortage of medicine for this kind of thing. Like I said, it's a very rare plant with a very rare type of poison, not deadly but still lethal enough to cause pain. They need to gather samples. It will take about a month."
The spoon dropped from Ruby's grip. A month? Jaune would be like this for a month? She had to wait for a month so she could finally enjoy his cook again!?
"I have a question?" Yang raised her hand.
"Yes?"
"How did…" She stopped and briefly glanced at Ruby. "How did he get..…..uh, you know, in that kind of place?"
The baby sis noticed that, she frowned. That last part was spoke really fast, it was no cryptic question she asked. Yang was hiding something from her!
For some reason, Pyrrha turned red. Ruby recalled the air-con was on the whole time. No way the heat of morning sun could get to her in this kind of cool atmosphere.
"Honestly, we don't know what to say. M-Maybe it was an unfortunate accident."
"Jaune-Jaune's little junior met the spike first. That's what I saw."
Ren choked on his tea.
"Nora!?" Now Pyrrha was petrified.
How suspicious!
"Little junior? What's that?"
All attentions were drawn to curious blinking silvers.
"It's nothing, Ruby. Don't pay attention to that." Her big sis waved a hand dismissively.
"Yang, I don't understand. I'm asking what she is talking about."
"It's-"
Ren covered Nora's mouth before the words comes out.
"It's a slip of the tongue that formed the wrong choices of word." He said.
"It's an innuendo I'm not allowed to know, isn't it?" At her words, there was silence. The atmosphere and frozen shock on everyone's faces confirmed it. Hah! Of course, it was. Everyone was always like this! "Seriously, guys? I am fifteen. Fifteen! I'm not a child and I drink milk!"
She raised the bottle for everyone to see.
"As if some filthy words can affect my behavior, no I am not! I won't be influenced so easily. Also, this only makes me want to see Jaune even more. I care about him!"
"We understand, Ruby. But you don't have to. Literally, there's no need for that."
"Yang, Jaune and I are bestie." Ruby paused, she quickly turned to Weiss. "I mean you and I are also bestie, like best of the best and Jaune is second best in that ranking. Anyway, we look after each other in every way possible no matter the hardship."
"Err, Ruby. This is not about hardship. It's about your innocent."
"My innocent won't stop me from going to visit Jaune and take good care of him." She blinked, tapping her chin. "Wait, that makes no sense. What are you talking about?"
"Duh, I didn't mean it that way. Come on, listen to me. Your innocent is at stake if this keeps up. I don't think our family can handle it if you lose it."
"…."
"…."
"Fine, I'll stop asking about the innuendo."
Yang let out a relieve sigh. Others did, too.
"But that doesn't mean I will give up on Jaune. You know better than the rest, Yang." She declared. "I will stop only when I finally get what I want! And my innocent has nothing to do with what I'm doing. My friend's hurting, he will feel better if I rub him a little."
"Rub?" Yang raised an eyebrow.
Ruby covered her lip. Whoops! She spoke too much.
"Where are you going?" Weiss asked once Ruby cleaned her tray and stood up.
"Back to dorm, Weiss. For the sake of team RWBY and my grade, I have decided to be an obedient, good girl and check on my homework."
"Right, you do that."
"Now, if you excuse me." Eyes closed. Her chin held high, back straightened up, feinting the pose of a social high-class lady. "I shall return to my room."
"Are you mimicking my mannerism?"
"Trying, Weiss. I am trying, that is the key word."
"For what purpose?"
"For myself, I'm trying to be highly intelligent like my partner." Ruby was not amused with this conversation, that slightest hint of irritation could never slip by her group.
The adorable girl huffed and walked off. Fluttering red cloak disappeared behind the door.
"DONE!"
Ruby slammed the pencil on top the stack of papers.
It was afternoon, she tried her best to finish homework in time. Her study desk shook a little when she pushed the chair and went for the door.
"Hold on a moment, Ruby. Let me take a look at your work." Weiss stood there, she grabbed her paperwork and read the content. "Hm. This part still needs a better way to convey the topic, but we can let it slide. Professor Peach doesn't need this to be written as an essay. Very good."
A gust of wind gently touched Weiss, the window in their room was opened. It probably came from there.
"Let's see what you have for the last question." Icy blue orbs flipped through the paragraphs, slowly widened as they moved toward the end of the page. "Hey, this is my work! Ruby, you copied me!?"
Ruby didn't respond. As Weiss turned to look at the girl, their room door was already wide opened. A trail of roses dispersed on the floor. The heiress groaned. Her partner fled again.
"Should we be worried about this?" A book in hand, Blake glanced at the bunk bed above her. "You know she is heading there, right?"
"It's fine. Vomit Boy's team is with him right now."
Yang kicked back and enjoyed herself with a fashion magazine. Knowing Ruby's tenacious nature, she saw this coming.
Ruby's cheeks puffed out like a bubble eye goldfish.
"You're not getting past here."
Nora stood in her way, guarding the path leading to the medical ward. The almighty Magnhild hung over her shoulder, a confident grin on the ginger girl's face. Ren was just around the corner, quietly observing her.
"Nora, I just want to see my fellow leader."
"That obligation is now off the limit, young lady." She shook her head, denying the whole idea. "Fearless Leader is busy."
"Fine! I'll come back later." Ruby turned and walked off. She took the elevator down to the ground floor. Guess it was about time to make a detour around the building.
Along the way, a rabbit Faunus greeted her.
"Hello Ruby."
"Hi Velvet."
That didn't stop Ruby's moving legs, she walked past the girl and continued without looking back. She crossed the garden in the backyard and stepped on the grass. She chose a route where there was no pavement for students or the staff to walk on. The little Rose finally stopped and looked up. She stared at a certain window. The window of the room where Jaune was resting was right up there, it was closed.
Big mistake!
Who would leave a window inside a patient's room closing shut!? The sick and injures needs fresh air, not a narrowed space filled with chemical stenches! If Ruby Rose could be there for Jaune Arc, she would never do that.
Conveniently, a tree grew next to it, tall enough to reach the roof. How fitting and appropriate for her circumstance. Ruby made a dash, using her momentum and her speed, the girl jumped. She caught the first branch in view and hopped on top it. Rose petals floated as she moved upward. Only one more branch to jump on.
…..here I go!
Her tip toe gently tapped the leaf. She moved in the air as if dancing together with the wind. Her Semblance always made it look so easy. She began and slowly took her steps to the other end of the branch. That window was within her reach, curtains hid the view so she couldn't see inside.
Giggle!
Ruby was finally there. She touched the cold frame, palms pressed against the invisible glass. Once she's inside, that noodle is in for a good rubbing with her magical hands.
Push!
….hm? It didn't budge.
Push!
It really didn't budge. What was going on!? She got confused!
"Do you need some fresh air?"
She heard Pyrrha's voice. Jaune's partner was in there with him.
Throb!
"Urgh!"
Ruby looked down at her modest chest. Strange, it throbbed a little just now.
"Thanks, Pyrrha. I need that."
"Let me open the window."
Curtains swept to the side. The frame moved. Silvers widened and body motioned backward in a hurry. Her feet stepped on nothing. Uh-oh!
"Gyaahhh!"
Squeaky voice lost in the backyard.
When she opened her eyes, that bright, burning fireball in the sky blinded her vision. Leaves on her clothes and cloak as she landed on the bushes. How could she forget something so important? Windows were designed for people to push them from the inside.
"It's a nice weather in the afternoon. The wind feels good, you should take a nap, Jaune."
"I'll try."
Ruby pulled the hood to cover her sight from the blazing sunlight.
"By the way, did you hear someone scream just now? It sounded like Ruby."
"…...it's me, Jaune." The young girl quietly muttered.
Sunday morning.
Ruby got up late, exhausted.
Weiss was not satisfied with her part of the assignment. She was made to rewrite the whole paragraph yesterday. She managed to finish it off when there was only ten minutes left before the deadline. Doing homework had never been so nerve breaking, she had to rely on her Semblance to deliver the documents to Professor Peach's office in time.
Out of the whole staff, said Professor was an eccentric individual, always stayed in her office and rarely joined the student bodies. All submission for their works had to be done through papers and not text files. A person who preferred old school teaching, technology didn't appeal much to her.
Growl!
Ruby rubbed her stomach, cheeks blushed at how loud it echoed. Kitchen had yet to be fixed. The cafeteria would be her next stop, seemed like it.
She briefly glanced at three empty beds in the room. The moment she opened her eyes to greet the morning, other members of team RWBY had already gone elsewhere, doing their own things.
That small pet sofa in the corner also lacked the warmth of her pet corgi. Zwei wasn't anywhere to be found. Maybe he went to play around with those chickens in the farm or the squirrels in the garden. Zwei was always fond of his animal friends. Either that or maybe Weiss had taken him out for a short walk around Beacon. Usually it was Jaune's, but sometime her partner volunteered to help her corgi with the exercise. She enjoyed doting on Zwei all day.
Ruby knocked on team JNPR's room. No respond. No one was in there.
A weekend with full of activities together, that wishful dream shattered like glass. Ruby let out a sigh and grabbed her breakfast in the cafeteria alone. So much for a fun weekend.
"At least they still have cookies." Ruby spoke to no one, cheering herself.
The big mess hall was deserted, not many students went here on Sunday and most spent their time in Vale.
Taking a bite from her cookie and sip a good amount of strawberry milk, Ruby's breakfast didn't help to raise up her energy much. It didn't taste good. She wanted to eat Jaune's home-made cookies instead. This little Rose missed his cooking and goofy smile already.
Right now, she wondered if NPR was visiting him, looking after their leader. Or maybe…
Maybe Pyrrha was alone with him, next to his bed, peeling apples to feed the boy.
Throb!
"…oww…" Hands brought to her chest. Ruby felt tight in that place again.
This also happened yesterday. What was wrong with her body? Was it the cookies? Was it because of the milk!? Did she take the expired one!? Oh wait, the date is just right. It's next week.
"Hi Ruby Rose!"
Ruby jolted at the sudden greeting from another student.
"What!?" She stared at the girl wearing Beacon uniform. Even though it was Sunday, someone still worn it. "Oh, oh…..umm….h-hello! C-Can I help you?"
"Yes. Actually, I want to befriend another person from your sister team. I heard team RWBY got along really well with JNPR."
Ruby slowly nodded while she observed the student closely, she didn't recognize her. She could have seen that same face many times in classes and around the campus, yet it brought her no clue to the identity of the stranger. Let's just discreetly think of this person as student A.
"And I was wondering, maybe you can help me." Student A said with a smile.
Ruby wasn't good with strangers. Her social awkwardness had not subsided a bit as she always surrounded herself by an inner circle group of friends.
….speak clearly, don't stammer.
"S-Sure, I can introduce y-you to them." Oops, she stuttered a bit there.
"Great! Thank you so much!"
Ruby gave a light cough to clear her throat.
"So, who is it you want to befriend with?" Yes! Checkpoint restarted!
The girl blushed. Wait a minute, why did she show her that reaction?
"It's Jaune Arc." Silvers widened in shock. "I kind of having a crush on him."
Throb!
Guh! Her head recoiled back. It felt like an arrow just struck her right in the heart.
"Then, there is Pyrrha Nikos who seems to be very close to him." Ruby clutched her chest, desperately trying to rub off the throbbing. "Almost like they are already a couple."
Throb!
Gah! Her body bent forward. The illusion of a merciless, cold dagger thrust her in the gut.
"I hope it was just some biased rumors. Oh right! recently I heard Jaune ended up in the infirmary. Do you know when I can visit him?" Student A placed a finger on the chin. "Hm, hold on. Pyrrha is probably with him. I'm not sure my heart can take it if the rumors were true."
Ba-dump!
Arrgh! It got worst!
Ruby began to lose her balance, she leaned on the table, vision blurred. Red cloak hugged the small back of her body.
"Well, I guess I'll have to try." Student A continued her own monologue. "Say, do you know what kind of flower he likes? Maybe I'll bring some flowers and confess right on the spot."
Critical damage! Her chest was being squeezed by an invisible force.
"P-Please stop." Hoarse voice pled.
"Ah, yes! You're right, I think I'm rambling." Fortunately, Student A heard it. "Anyway, it's nice to know that I can get the chance to meet him. Thank you so much, Ruby!"
"L-Likewise."
Student A offered a handshake, Ruby used all her strength to take it. They left in happy, she collapsed in dread, weighted down by extreme exhaustion. Somehow, Ruby realized there was a trigger.
"Pyrrha and Jaune…together."
A possible scenario like that popped into her head.
Ba-dump!
Ahhhhh! It hurt! As if all the blood in her veins reversed back to her beating heart and caused it to overload, giving her a heart attack.
"Student A…..Jaune…confession…"
Ba-dump! Ba-dump! Ba-dump!
"Oh Dust!"
She fell on the bench. Her small frame convulsed, struggled against the unknown pain growing so strongly within her chest. Both arms wrapped around her body, Ruby hugged herself to calm down.
It didn't.
This was bad! She absolutely had no idea why her body was reacting this way. She needed help, a distraction to forget this annoying aching.
That's right! Ask herself what she wants to do the most right now!
Maybe she could design a new blueprint for Crescent Rose or another weapon. Maybe she could eat more cookie or play games in her bed. Or maybe she could read her comics, that or take a sneak peek at the newest romcom series Blake had on her bookshelf. It tells the story of an adorable wolf Faunus, who tries her best to love bombing a certain dorky knight while she becomes possessive toward him at the same time.
Or maybe. Maybe…
Jaune Arc.
The unusual throbbing in her chest lessened at the thought of his name alone. That was it, it all came together! She needed him!
…..I have to see Jaune!
Immediately, rose petals soaked the corridors.
/
Author's Note: One day, a random idea suddenly popped up in my head and led to this. A short story about the Lancaster pairing, consisting of three parts.
I hope you enjoy it and thank you for reading. Take care!