King: I swung this around to play around with this idea in a less canon possible timeline. I prefer them anyway. So, why not right? Hope you guys enjoy as per usual.
Prompt: The inner thoughts of Lie Ren (Twist added because I'm weird)
From The Disquieting One
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The early alarm rings in the dorm room of team JNPR. This wasn't too surprising, but given the weekend time frame, it was quite cruel to those who don't like mornings. One of these sorts was Lie Ren, not that you'd be able to tell. Lie Ren was a man whose emotions were impossible to read as a result of his Semblance. Odd as it sounds, but a Semblance that dulls emotions to become invisible to the Grimm has side effects resulting in a dull facial state and calm voice. That wasn't to say he was emotionless, it was the opposite actually. He had a myriad of emotions that just didn't get to the outside.
Shutting off the alarm, Ren sat up in his bed, a little surprised there wasn't any noise yet. Looking to the side from his wall-side bed, he found Pyrrha and Jaune had already left. Probably to train. A glance toward Nora's bed was the most surprising. He found it empty save for a letter. Picking up the folded paper, he read over Nora's message.
[Ren, Pyrrha asked me to help with Jaune's training. Be back by noon. -Nora]
Ren just stood there, face neutral to the world. In his mind, however, he said, I'll pray for you, Jaune. Nora never knew how to hold back. Then again, he might be able to handle it. Maybe that's the point? Maybe, just maybe, that's Pyrrha's plan. To put Jaune through the ringer as hard as possible and make him improve in a trial by fire. Or lightning, in this case. His thoughts paused before the quiet of his mind allowed him to wander to new ideas. What if this is a play by Pyrrha to get Nora to help her get Jaune's attention? Nora could probably be a good wingwoman.
Ren walked over to his desk and took out his notes. He always spent the morning of Saturdays studying a bit. As his eyes and brain took in the information, his mind remained in its constant questioning.
But what if this is for a different direction? What if Pyrrha's plan is something different? Maybe she's using this as an opportunity to get Nora's help as a way to secure Jaune for them both and keep him from trying to woo Weiss? They're both gorgeous, that's undeniable. Weiss has… her charms, and it clearly works on Jaune. That's fine, everyone has their type. But it's also clear that he could like Pyrrha. And Nora is… well, Nora. She can get anyone to like her.
This got Ren to pause and lean back in his chair, staring up at the ceiling. Huh, that makes me wonder, why don't I like her like that? I've known her all my life, so why not? After a moment of silence, Ren just gave up. I guess the fact that we've known each other so long might also explain why I don't see her like that.
His mind returned to the previous point, being the type not to leave a thought incomplete. Regardless, if they worked together, they could easily get Jaune to forget Weiss pretty easily. It would be so easy. Assuming Jaune would be interested in them. Ren shook his head and stood up. I clearly need to clear my head. A growl from his stomach pulled his attention toward it. Maybe get something to eat.
Ren changed out of his pajamas and into his casual gear. Now wearing a green jacket and black slacks, paired with his usual combat shoes, he made his way toward the cafeteria. With a simple breakfast to quell his stomach, he sat at an empty table and found himself people-watching as he ate.
It was still pretty early on a Saturday, so there weren't too many people out and about without reason. There were a few miserable sorts, likely dragged out by their teammates. But most of the group were clearly morning people, including Cardin of all people.
Huh. I figured he'd be the type to sleep in. Weird.
As Ren watched the others, he was approached by a surprising figure. "Hey, Ren."
Ren looked up to see the figure approaching him. "Hello Weiss."
Weiss sat in a chair on the opposite side of the table. "Sorry if I'm disbursing you."
"It's fine." It's weird. Why are you acting so friendly to me specifically?
Weiss took a few bites before looking back to him. "If I may, I'd like to ask you something."
There it is. She wants something. But Ren said, "By all means."
"I was wondering if you might be able to suggest an inter-team exercise to Jaune. I'd do it myself, but he's just stopped incentently asking me out. I'd like to keep it that way."
Well that sounds super conceded. "I'll bring it up once he gets back from training with Pyrrha."
Hearing that made Weiss sigh in frustration. "I still don't understand what she sees in him. Honestly, he has no redeeming qualities I can see."
Then you must be blind as well as narcissistic. But all Ren said was a non-committal "hmm." Ren didn't have to be into men to see what could get Pyrrha interested in Jaune. Hard working, kind, honest, dependable, and that hoodie did not do him justice.
Weiss let out another melodramatic sigh. "Honestly, I'm glad he's moving on. Just remember to tell him. Ruby was supposed to be one to say something, but she slept in. Again." Weiss finished her small meal and stood up again. "Thanks, Ren." She took her tableware back to the cafeteria staff to be cleaned later.
Ren still had a bit left to eat but found his appetite lacking. He took a breath, but finished his meal anyway. He grew up not knowing if his meals would be his last, and old habits are hard to die. He stood and took his own supplies back to where they belong and back to leave the cafeteria. He made his way back to his room and opened the doors to find Jaune putting his shirt back on.
The sound of the door opening caused Jaune to jump, but he let out a sigh seeing it was Ren. "Scared me there, Ren."
Ren just walked into the room and to his desk. "Sorry about that." He sat down and got his notes back out. "Did training go well?"
"I hope so." Jaune rolled his shoulder and picked up his hoodie from his bed. "Pyrrha says I'm getting better, but Nora knocked me down pretty quickly, so it doesn't feel like it yet."
"Training is a long process. Results won't appear overnight."
"I know." Jaune put his hoodie on and stretched. "The temperature keeps going down outside, I might have to break out an actual jacket."
Ren went over his notes, his mind oddly quiet to himself. "I guess it is about time for winter to come in, isn't it?"
"Soon enough." Jaune grabbed his scroll and placed it into his pocket.
"Going somewhere?"
"Yeah. I need to make a call home from the CCT. I promised my mom I would, and an Arc doesn't go back on his word."
Ren couldn't help but crack a smile. "Alright. I'll see you when you get back."
"Sounds like a plan." Jaune left the room with a light click of the door.
Ren looked back to his notes before thinking, When did I look away from the notes? Hmm. Where was I?
"Ren!" Nora's voice rang out from behind him.
He put his notes down and turned to find both his remaining teammates standing there. "What is it Nora?" Based on her tone, it's another plan to help Pyrrha.
"I had a great idea!" She bounced a bit in place.
A glance toward Pyrrha showed her face had turned a bright red in embarrassment.
Definitely a 'hook up Pyrrha and Jaune' plan. "And what's that?"
"Okay! Hear me out and let me finish, okay?"
The fact that she said that scares me.
"Okay, so! You know how Pyrrha likes Jaune, right?"
Said champion stammered, "N-nora!"
"Calm down, we all know by this point."
Ren gave Pyrrha the out, "Yes, Nora, I'm aware."
"Right!" Nora just barreled forward, as usual. "So! Here's my plan, right? What we need to do, is figure out how to get him to figure it out. But he's super dense."
It definitely seems that way. Ren waited in silence, as per usual.
"Now, and I need you promise you won't freak out on me, okay?"
Ren deadpanned, I don't think I could if I tried.
"Okay good!" But Nora moved forward, uninterrupted. "So, and hear me out, we can…"
"Nora."
"Yes Ren?"
"I already said I'll hear you out. Go ahead."
"Right." Nora kept a grin on her face, then dropped the proverbial grenade. "If team JNPR becomes one big couple, then they'll totally be together too!"
There was silence in the room for a moment before Ren spoek up. "I don't think four people can be a couple." Then his brain caught up. WHAT?!
"True, but I thought if I called it a foursome, Pyrrha would pass out."
Said champion did exactly that, collapsing onto her bed.
Ren blinked before slowly turning his chair to better face Nora. Is she serious?! But he remained neutral. "Nora."
"Yes Ren?"
"You do realize that you shouldn't try to make us all a polyamorous relationship just to get Jaune and Pyrrha to date each other, right?"
Nora paused, blinked once, then seemed to think about it. "I guess…"
"They'll hash it out eventually." She nearly gave me a heart attack.
But then Nora was immediately in front of him. "But you can't lie to me either, Ren."
What? What is she talking about? But he remained silent.
"I know you Ren. You can hide from everyone else, but not me. And come on, think about it."
Ren just blinked, his mind trying to figure out what she was going on about.
"I've seen you get more and more calm over time, but I know how you think. Admit it, Lie Ren. You're interested in my plan~"
Am I? No way! I can't be. Right? Ren remained neutral, his brain answering where his mind could not. "Nora, I've made my stance clear. You can't just change the team dynamic because you want Pyrrha and Jaune to get over their issues and get together. We can't ignore that doing so would bring the both of us into the situation. There's no way to know if Jaune is bisexual to start, but even if he was, he would certainly not appreciate forcing the team into a relationship where two of the people aren't necessarily invested in the relationship in question. Think about it, do you see Jaune, Pyrrha, and myself in a romantic light?"
This actually made Nora pause for a moment.
"Exactly. These are things you need think about in situations like this. I don't mean to come across as rude, but Jaune isn't likely to take it well if you try it and just aren't invested. It would probably hurt him to think that you would force yourself into it to make something happen for someone else. He's dense, yes, but he's also too kind for his own good sometimes. It would just hurt him too much."
Nora was quiet before nodding. "First, that was the most I've heard you talk in a long while."
Was it? Ren thought back over his situation before conceding, I guess it would have been.
"Second, I just want to say that you obviously care and understand all of us."
Helps that I don't say much and watch you all and how you work.
"Third…" Nora paused and glanced toward the still passed out Pyrrha. She took a breath and turned back to Ren. "Just think about it, alright?"
Now it was Ren's turn to be surprised, but he kept his neutral expression and said, "Okay, Nora. I will."
"Thanks~!" Nora gave Ren a big hug before going over to put Pyrrha in a more comfortable position on her bed.
Ren felt a strange sensation. He was anxious, and his heel was bouncing on the floor. Weird… This team is weird. He turned back to his notes, going over one more runthrough of studying. But… maybe that's a good thing. His eye got moved to a team picture he kept on his desk. Together or not, we'll always be Team JNPR. His finger tapped on the table and his eyes remained on the picture. Nora's idea is just crazy.
…
…
…
Right?