"This side of Jaune."

About an hour later.

Yang snapped her eyelids open. The sudden rush of pain stinging at her side made her panic, frantically, she tried to pull herself up only to be pushed down by a pair of strong hands.

"Don't move." Jaune adviced caringly, hoping that she would understand right away.

She resisted at first ,but soon calmed down. With a massive blank spot in her memory, brawler couldn't tell right away what had happened, and why she was in the current position of hers. All she knew was that her body was hurting all over the places, an obvious enough indicator that she had a fight or something.

"Right!" She exclaimed, her alarming eyes now locked into her opponents. She and Jaune had a rematch and….and…...the alertness from her eyes shifted to a heavy disappointment. So this is how it ended. Jaune's unscratched face was like a sore sign of proof.

She lost. Big time.

Covering her face with the back of her hand, Yang silently cursed under the nose "What a lousy feeling this is-fuck this shit."

Jaune's eyelids moved wider apart "Whoa, whoa, I knew you could be foulmouthed but did you just drop an F-bomb?" It came like a bolt from the blue.

"Oh piss off." She made a dry smile "I do swear, only when nobodies around me."

Jaune immediately thought of something "I'll think of it as one of your duties being an older sister."

"That is true as well." She slightly moved her hand away as she wanted to have a better look at the man who had utterly owned her. Yang wanted to chuckle right away. Kind and caring. In other words, Jaune, the vomit boy.' All the fierceness and brutality had completely faded away, his usual set of emotions now reflected in his eyes. It was like those raging emotions had never existed there, a simple illusion she made up in her mind. A fairly believable option actually, if only her body would be in agreement with it. Which it wasn't, at all. His eyes are beautiful though. Her look found itself stuck in his blue orbs. She never really payed much attention, but now, resting motionless on his lap-odd predicament Yang found it to be-and giving his features a little bit more attention, Jaune's eyes were truly gorgeous. And even if there was no brutality or raging emotions displayed there in abundance anymore, perhaps a tiny resemblance of a strength was to be seen deeper within his blue. Maybe it was always there, simply waiting until its owner or someone else would let it loose-Yang being the one who might just have pulled the trigger.

"You won." She moved her lips with ease. Ironically, as upset as she was about the result of their first fight, this one didn't leave that sort of impact. Sure, the sudden realization did upset her, but everything beyond that would be described differently. One thing, she had a guts feeling that this would end up similarly. Yang simply tried to cover it away with the layers of prebuild confidence and dignity. And the other thing would be that this utter domination served as an eye opener.

"I….I guess I did." He still chose to be very modest.

"Jaune, there is no guess in any of this. You completely owned my ass." She frankly stated the truth.

"…..Maybe….." He just audibly murmured.

A snicker escaped her lips. It's Jaune alright.

"Have to say though, it's the first time I got out matched like this." The only time she could remember resembling this one-sided ass beating was that fight in the train. Against that short chick with an umbrella. Besides that though, plenty of opponents had gone down with little to no sweat.

"With more training, the result could be a different one." He offered her encouragement, yet quickly found himself asking if maybe he shouldn't have.

Yang's grimace showed discomfort and resignation at first, but her features relaxed soon enough. He is right. She knew it to be truth. After all, that was the difference between them. The effort. Raising her arm, Yang looked at her palm. Closing it, she made a fist. It all started back then. Brawler even knew to pinpoint the time her lust for reckless, vivid adventures came to be the marginal priority.

"I was actually boxing when I was younger." Jaune heard her start.

"From your punching technique, I figured that much." It came as a no surprise to him.

"I first got introduced to it by my father. Well, kind of anyway. He taught me kickboxing though soon noticed that I showed more interest in punching things."

Tai shook his head, perplexed whenever he should laugh or cry at the scene. His little Yang again was destroying dummy with hook and uppercut combos. Not that it was necessarily a bad thing per se, but his instructions were made distinctively clear that she should use strikes from her legs as well. Which she did, whenever her lilac eyes would turn to him and she would see the disapproval in his scolding look. One or two kicks in though, and she would just go back to punching her lifeless opponent. 'Well, who am I to complain.' He would find himself saying with a fond smile anyways. She was working hard to improve herself. The rest didn't matter much.

"Because of that, by the time I and Ruby enrolled into Signal academy, I was 12 I think, my dad advised me to join a pure boxing club. The idea seemed pretty cool so I did."

'The boy dropped on the floor in agony, the chances of him making a 10 count being none existent. "A-amazing. She annihilated him like he'd be a complete amateur." Fellow gym mates on looked the spectacle in aspiration and wonder. "He's been a regular for a year now, yet she owned him in her very first sparring match." Someone else voiced his awe as none of them had ever experienced anything like that before. With several jaws still hanging in mid-air, the main questioned remained to be-how?

"It's very simple." The main couch could understand others amazement, being more than impressed himself. With his words still lingering in throat, he took one more glance at the gem standing right in the center of the ring. Her look a mix of mild confusion and undoubtable satisfaction as her opponent was a much lesser obstacle than she probably anticipated him to be. A situation only those like her could experience. "It's because-"

"I was a rare talent." Yang remembered how often she heard those words "And I felt it too. Even if I put less effort than the others, rarely anyone could compete with me anyways. They just all continued to drop like nothing."

Jaune nodded in understanding, knowing that feeling very well.

"And I loved that." Yang's voice shook from pure, unadulterated enjoyment and thrill she felt hearing those praises, her little but raw smirk only powering that up "Knowing that I was way more talented than almost anyone else around me was a real confidence booster. It made me feel better and helped me to see the true strength I had. The incident me and Ruby got into when we were very young made this feeling of empowerment just so much more enjoyable and pleasing."

"Incident?" Jaune knew none of that, though didn't press on any further himself.

Yang too, hesitated to tell right away, though since she couldn't think of any solid reason as to why not, she revealed it anyways. "In a nutshell, Ruby and I almost died after I took her with me to investigate my missing mother's possible location. We were barely kids, yet I recklessly took her with me and followed my mother's trail." Yang winced, her blood still raging hot from her own stupidity and rashness which could have led to an unrepairable disaster. "If not for our uncle Crow, we wouldn't be here." That was the harsh truth she despised so much. If at least she would have put up a fight. Run away with Ruby! Then at least she wouldn't feel such guilt because of it. But no, in spite of her little sisters own life being on the line, she just stood there, terrified, weak, unable to do anything. Her eyes showing self-pity and defeat. Just like Jaune's did when she almost finished him off in their first fight.

Jaune's blue showed sympathy and he wanted to say 'I'm sorry to hear that.' But refrained to do so, somewhat knowing Yang's character. "What happened after?" He decided to say instead.

"I wanted to be stronger." She sternly revealed. "So that the next time I would be able to protect both of us, if the situation called for it."

"No wonder that you're so strong then." Jaune complimented.

Yang winced at the words. Partially, he was right, but the other half of the truth was displayed by the outcome of their second fight. "For first couple of years, sure, no question about it. I trained earnestly and didn't settle easily, that is-until I joined a boxing club. I mean I have never really been do or die wonder kid who just desired to better herself. But it's after I discovered boxing that my problems started to surface more than ever. I just….I" She sighed "I didn't put as much effort anymore. Seeing how others despite busting their asses off day after day still couldn't hold a candle on me, made me feel cocky. I just slowly started to lose the drive to better myself."

Jaune could almost relate to that. Almost. He too, had those moments were he wanted to slack off, his reasons being the same as hers. But his grandfather never allowed him to do that, plus the whole situation with Lilianna too, helped him to stay motivated.

"67 fights, 67 wins with all of them being clean KO's. Never went past 2 rounds either." She stated her record.

"That's almost scary." He was impressed. Wouldn't be surprised if half of the poor girls regretted being on the opposite side of Yang's before the fight had even started.

"Thanks." She said rather nonchalantly. "With that sort of a record, I ended my 'boxing career' if you can even call it that. I mean I still did go to the gym for some sparring or training, but didn't care about competing anymore."

"Ya sure…pant…pant-"He breathed in "You don't wanna take part in the event? It's a pretty big one too ya know." Yang's fellow gym mate asked, though knew that it was a vein offer at this point.

"Nah." She shrugged her shoulders. "Me and couple of friends found a cool looking cave not so far away from my place. We plan to have a little, thrilling trip in there so I'll pass." She absentmindedly went back to jump roping. Her gaze sparkled excitedly as she could barely contain herself anymore, lots of images flashing in her mind as she liked to fantasize what could be in there.

"Well…..suit ya self then." He shrugged as well, going back to pounding the heavy bag fervently.

"I started to search for other ways to catch that dose of adrenaline. Since Ruby too, was growing up and started to train with uncle Crow, it soon became obvious that she was an exceptional scythe wielder. Meaning that she could take care of herself. Because of that, my motivation dropped even lower. I never did more than what was necessary and stopped caring about training more than others altogether. My talent carried me ahead of them anyway, and-"

Jaune slightly pulled back, seeing that her eyes turned red for a moment. Luckily though, it was only for a show as they returned back to normal.

"Then there's my semblance as well. The power which increased my potential even further. You have felt its destructive power so I won't even comment on it."

Jaune cringed at the memory. By the end of their first fight, Yang only managed to land a single strike on him before it was stopped. Still, one punch was more than enough for him to agree wholeheartedly that her semblance was no joke. The two, deep dents in his cheek from her knuckles he had for an hour or so agreed as well. The very reason why he wanted to finish their rematch so quickly.

"And with all that taken into account, I lost a real goal in my life. I only cared about going into adventures while sort of training to be a huntress. Not that I despise that sort of life style-I actually enjoy it but….." She stopped for a moment, her lilac trailing all over Jaune's features. "I guess these two fights I had with you, reminded me that I do need a clearer goal in my life. That I actually just might want to." And her eyes stayed locked in his features.

Blonde blushed a little, feeling some sort of tension from how intently the beautiful brawler was looking at him.

"Don't worry blondey, I'm not gonna make a move on you." She snickered just ever so slightly, enjoying how his cheeks blushed darker.

"I know that." His shyness was simply kicking in.

"Although I wouldn't mind going on a date or two with you. You're actually pretty damn hot now that I look at you." Yang snickered louder, being amused at the sight of Jaune's face seemingly trying to match his lover's hair color.

"I love Pyrrha." Jaune unintentionally responded to her tease, fully well knowing that she was simply messing around with him.

"Relax." She friendly smacked her palm to his cheek. "I was just having some fun."

"I know." She heard him say, the blush from his face slowly fading away. Though she wasn't joking about finding him handsome. Yang wasn't sure about his face in general, but those eyes were truly gorgeous she thought. So calm, soothing, kind like a motionless blue of relaxed ocean. Yet at the very corner a barely visible glimpse of raging storm and ruthless waves of pure destruction were standing on guard. Ready to be released at any given moment to destroy whoever enemy would dare to stand in their wielders way. Or at least that's what Yang saw in his blue. And if being honest, she loved this side of Jaune. Not in a romantic sense, but the one that she wanted to be as powerful as he was. To which she knew that there was a way. Exactly the one Jaune used to gain the strength he had right now. And the very reason why she found herself to love him even more.

"Jaune." He heard her call his name, her tone softer than he ever remembered it to be.

"You're strong." She saw how he immediately brightened to that. "And I mean really strong. I can't even imagine what sort of hell you've been through to reach the level you're at, but you're punches made it more than clear." Yang briefly stopped, realizing that her heart was beating in a unique rhythm. Maybe it tried to connect with Jaune's one, was one of the very few lousy guesses she could make. Perhaps it was a beginning to a powerful bond they could share. Not something you could call love, but one which still deeply connected. Helping them to understand each other's struggles and how they alternated their current personas just so much better. Despite knowing only so much about each other. "Your fists are weapons, but not the ones which were forged on the streets, wilderness fighting thugs, grim and what not. Yours were made and perfected in a gym upon countless of countless hours of hard effort. Of course, your just down right retarded talent in boxing has a lot to do with it ,but in the end..…when you're truly trying to reach for something worthwhile, talent alone can take you only so far."

"I have my reasons." Jaune stated with conviction.

"Of course you have. Talents like you often walk the wrong way and end up wasting their gifts-I mean I did. But you didn't and the outcome of our rematch shows the difference made because of it."

"It's not too late you know. To put in more effort." He left an obvious hint.

"I know."

"By the way…" Jaune started a bit sheepishly "How long are you gonna hold my face with your hand?" He finally decided to question it.

"Do you mind?" She quietly mumbled, moving her hand just a bit, her mouth corners slightly lowered.

"N-not that I mind but….you know I-I have-"

Her façade slipped away. "Wanna kiss?" She erotically bit her lip to him.

Jaune's face shifted through 50 shades of red. "W-what are you saying?!"

"Pfff h-h-hahahahahaha!" Her chest moved back and forth as this was one of the more priceless reactions he ever had. "Oh, oh blondey, this is why it's so hard to resist teasing you." She weakly jabbed him in his cheek.

Jaune's eyebrow twitched in irritation, but there was no denying that her teasing got too easily to him.

Having her last bits of laughter die down, Yang's grimace gradually turned more serious, though her smile remained to be. He was oddly charming. Though since brawler knew that behind the charm glared a nasty, low self-esteem of his, a solid reminder was a necessity. "Don't lose." She pinched his cheek. "You're way too strong to allow that. Especially to punks like Cardin. It's gonna make me look bad, blondey." She released his cheek, resting her hand on the stomach.

"I don't have any intention to." Yang saw how the waves and storms wavered a bit in his blue from the statement. "I can't make any promises but….I have absolutely no intentions of losing to anyone."

Brawler returned his afterwards smile with her own one. If only would he show such determination and self-belief more often. But who knew, maybe he would. And if that could be the case, she wanted to see it. For her own good as well.

"Almost forgot, I have a gift for you. I'm sure you'll love it." She pointed to one of the resting bags on the further stool.

At first, he showed great surprise, but then visibly cringed. "By love it, do you mean as if yes-I'll actually like it or no-I'll actually hate it?"

She snickered at the comment "No tricks blondey, I'm really sure that you'll love them. Will be surprised." She stressed it. "But will love them none the less."

Jaune wouldn't believe her wholeheartedly just yet, but trusted enough to at least accept the offer. "Well, thanks."

"Though let me add." Her visage turned deadly serious "I'll trust you to take good care of them. Really, treasure them well."

Besides being slightly scared by the stern look she gave him, Jaune's interest sky-rocketed to know what sort of gift she had for him. "I will." He gave her an honest word.

"Okay then." Even if she wavered greatly about it before, Yang would trust in Jaune's blue. Moving her head to a bit more comfortable position, brawler closed her eyes and wanted to take a little rest. Though did that with making a mental note to herself. This would be the first and the last time her head would ever rest in Jaune's lap.

It felt a bit too comfortable to her liking.

Authors note-I'll start with answering reviews and then maybe say a word or two more.

KyranKandosa-Well, Yang has that gift for Jaune. Maybe it will contain something interesting? A weapon or something else? I dunno…..well, okay, I do know but all of you readers will learn soon enough too. Though I guess you can already tell what she has gifted to him. I think. Anyways' though, I guess you're right about Yang having bracelets instead of gauntlets, so I'll keep that in mind;) Thanks!

Xearthes-Oh, he doesn't exactly hate Jaune, he simply isn't that fond of him. Anyways' though, thanks for your kind words:) As for Jaune's experiences making him stronger in the end, I think it's true. I mean I have already planned the stories ending so I know for sure how Jaune's and rest of the character's journeys will end, but I like to keep it vague for you. So no definitive answer will be given, sorry:D As for his weapons, you'll see soon enough my plans for it, though you can already make guesses about it. Anyways' though, thanks for the comment and hope to see you again.

brandon2071-Truly, Thanks. Knowing that you enjoyed every update is one of the grandest praises I can get. So I appreciate it a lot;)

Jkdelta38-Well then. Good intuition you had there man. I mean, I guess it truly doesn't take a genius to figure that one out, but still, you can never be completely sure. Also, glad that you enjoyed the chapter and I will try to keep working hard. Which I'm sure I can;)

Jaune hater-Yea, I know it sucks:D

If you for instance still believe that Weiss wouldn't do what she did, it's truly fine with me. As I said, I do like to experiment with canon characters so there is always a possibility that they interact or make actions which would be unusual of them. Some people might find it interesting and enjoyable, some simply unbelievable and awkward. Of course, there is a middle ground to that as well but what I'm trying to say is that you could very well be true about her being OOC.

As for that reference, maybe true as well. I mean I did find it funny myself, I have very unrestricted sense of humor, maybe that's why, but if you found it distasteful then by all means so be it. As I said, it's hard for me to judge because I don't know how other readers felt about it so I won't really press on any further with this point. Will just let you know that I respect your distaste for it.

As for the review itself-

Cliché, yes. Agree wholeheartedly. But since you did like the execution then I'll take it as a compliment:D I mean as they say, it's the execution that counts the most, not the originality. Or at least I think so:D

As for the build-up. Yea, it's very little I know. My reasons for it would be that build-up this time around wasn't as important. I mean I am not saying it wasn't at all, it just I found it suitable to cut it really short, focusing only on things that truly mattered. If you disagree however, then by all means, go for it.

And I will take your last sentence as a solid compliment if you don't mind:D So thanks!

So that would be all for your reviews.

As always guys, hope you enjoyed the chapter and until some other time.

Have a nice one;)