"Worthless failure."

Well, that's one way to start a Saturday morning is something Jaune would have liked to say, but the ludicrousness engraved in his features was so strong that instead of that, blonde placed the items he was holding back in the bag, closed it, straightened his back and waited. This wouldn't change a thing. He did know that in fact, but Jaune simply wasn't ready to trust in his eye-sight just yet. That or he was still sleeping altogether.

"Pyrrha, pinch my cheek." Jaune asked of his love, her grimace almost a carbon copy of his.

"Sure," Her grimace got embodied into the tone, pinching both of their cheeks.

"Okay," Jaune voiced that he would look into the bag once more.

Nope. As he reached for the items inside and pulled them out, they remained to be the same. Yang's bracelets. In all of their magnificent glory. Which meant that this was the gift she was talking about.

"Is she for real?" Jaune's thought process gradually came back in gear, even if element of bewilderment was as strong as ever.

Pyrrha narrowed her eyes, peering at items even keener. Even so, no matter from which angle she glared and however she did it, those were Yang's weapons. And not some modified or enchanted version either. No, pure, unadulterated pair of Ember Celica's. Now in Jaune's hands. Besides the eye rolling amazement of that fact alone, Pyrrha couldn't ignore the twisting in her stomach, her features showing what very well could be….could be…jealousy. Your combat arms were not something to just pass on or gift to any other person. Especially so if you made them yourself, like in Yang's case. They were valuable, important parts of one's self. Sometimes reaching such an extent that huntsman or huntress wouldn't change his weaponry for the rest of his life. Only if your combat arms got severely damaged or were lost altogether. But this, this was something else entirely. Yang on her own accord was basically offering part of herself to Jaune. To…my boyfriend. Pyrrha's head sank lower. Maybe she was reading into this a bit deeper than it actually was. But after witnessing the sight she did in the old training room, redhead couldn't help but to bit in her lip worryingly.

Pyrrha rolled on one side, then turned around to roll on the other one. She threw her left leg over the right one, then did so the other way around. Nothing was helping unfortunately. She couldn't sleep.

Jaune hadn't come back. It was about 2 hours past midnight yet there still was no trace of him. Much like Yang from what she could understand. Now, redhead didn't really believe that something disastrous happened between the two. She wasn't a nervous wreck. But the fact that her sleep was stolen away meant that some worry managed to sneak in her heart. Enough to bother her at least. And Ren's and Nora's consoling about the matter didn't help her much either. In the end, she had to see it for herself. A simple enough task which required almost no effort. Meaning that it didn't take long of her to get up from the bed, change her outfit and head for the old training room.

Redhead bit her lip. Something disastrous did happen, though not in a way that she imagined. Yang's head comfortably resting on Jaune's lap, her lover's body leaning against the back wall. One of his hands hanging loosely by his side, the other one resting on brawler's stomach. Redhead's fingers dented the wooden door frame. Aggravatingly close to her chest it was resting. And to add that final salt to the injury, both of them were sound asleep, their faces showing comfort. Details like this she simply couldn't ignore, though felt guilt stabbing her gut for overlooking something she should have seen first. Which was Yang's skin showing off still visible injuries while her boyfriend's body displayed none at all. This could only mean that not only did Jaune win the rematch, but most likely did so in dominant fashion. Yet instead of fondly musing over it, Pyrrha's emeralds were still hurtfully fixed on Jaune's resting hand, a temptation to scold him for that only further proving that she indeed was overtaken by jealousy.Sigh….Pyrrha felt shallow. Maybe she wasn't, but redhead believed herself to be better than to let petty jealousy draw definite conclusions of what Jaune's and Yang's shared proximity could mean. Or at least till now she believed to be better. With another long sigh, redhead slowly stepped back and closed the door carefully. She would just ask him about it later.

Pyrrha tilted her head to Jaune's side. Her words still lingering in her throat, redhead second-guessed if she should be asking him or not. Though a quick conclusion was made that her heart wouldn't be at peace unless she did. How ironic too….Her lips for a split second showed a dry grin. Pyrrha remembered hearing similar situations like this back in Sanctum. But even more so, redhead remembered how silly she found them to be. If you truly loved your other halve, then it should mean that you trusted him enough not to worry about him getting friendly with other girls. If anything, shouldn't you be happy about it? Having new friends and all was a good thing. Or at least that's how Pyrrha viewed it back then, thinking to herself that she would be different from those other girls and wouldn't have to deal with such silly affairs. Pyrrha's lips folded into a dry grin again. Seems that she underestimated fate's unexpected workings on life. She was jealous, and for the very reasons as those girls were back in Sanctum. Of course, Pyrrha did know that being ignorant and naïve of your significant other's actions wasn't a way to go by any means. But redhead knew better that Jaune wasn't the type to cheat. Or at least so I believed till now. Pyrrha caught herself thinking, but immediately shook her head in denial. Just ask him. She would not let her worrying emotions rule over her that easily. Instead, Pyrrha believed that Jaune would prove that he's well above her doubts and worries.

"Yea?" Jaune felt light pokes from his love, glancing few more times at the bracelets before turning his head to face her better.

Pyrrhas emeralds darted from side to side sheepishly, but her concerns were voiced after all. "Jaune I…..sorry for asking, but you and Yang you…you're not more than friends, right?"

Redhead barely finished the sentence, her entire being seemingly trying to bury itself into the floor, though not even her heels got around to do so properly as Jaune threw his arm around her torso, pulling her closer to himself. Their kiss didn't last long, nor did they deepen it with their tongues, but from how firmly blonde held his love to himself, his other hand gently cupping her face, the message was more than clear before he had even said a single word "Pyrrha, please don't misunderstand." His gears were fully switched to her "Me and Yang, we're friends-awesome friends I guess, but when it comes down to love," He leaned in to kiss her again, this one time allowing some tongue play to deepen the intimacy "You're the only one. Period." And he showed her that genuine, honest smile which he could not fake by the life of his.

"Sorry." She shook her head, now feeling an urge to laugh. It was almost comical how easily he managed to crush her doubts into countless of pieces, him reassuringly rubbing her back in gentle circles blowing those said pieces completely away.

"Don't be." Jaune tenderly kissed her forehead, still holding her close to his chest. He would not blame her for thinking as such. To think that Yang would gift him her pair of Ember Celica's. Jaune still wasn't sure what to think of it, if only for one thing which Yang predicted flawlessly. As the initial bewilderment was steadily wearing off, Jaune started to have a better grasp of combat arms which were given to him. A pair of bracelets; a pair of bazooka bracelets, powerful enough to break stones or even dent steel. Yet despite their destructive prowess, simple enough to use for standard punching, though boxing especially so could use tools like this to the fullest advantage. Jaune's visage showed growing excitement. Ember Celica was a perfect match to his natural fighting style. As much as carrying his families steel had been an honor, there was no denying that Yang's combat arms would be a lot more compatible. My new…weapons are a lot more compatible. It still sounded so strange he thought. But either ways, Jaune had a growing feeling in his gut that as long as he would give them a fair chance, he could befriend his new buddies fairly easily.

"So it's finally snowing." Jaune looked at the endless grey above. Not only that though, the temperature had dropped really low all of a sudden too. So much that Jaune's breaths were now visible. "Well, it's January." 18th of January, meaning that it was to be expected. For such a long time it was still cozy and pleasantly warm, yet the winter finally kicked in. And did so with a full throttle, most likely to make up for its unusually late arrival. "Will have to buy a new pair of shoes." His trusty pair of sneakers just wouldn't cut it anymore. In fact, a whole new outfit was needed as running in winter was a completely different challenge than rest of the seasons. "Well, I'll figure something." Even if somewhat challenging task, he'd get through. Right now though, Jaune was more concerned with starting his road work.

"Hey blondey!" He abruptly stopped.

"Yo." He welcomed Yang with a mildly surprised look.

"Doing some road work I see."

"Yea." His gaze ran over her figure a couple of times. Perfectly fit outfit to do some jogging she was wearing. White sneakers, a pair of gray joggers, her upper body clothed with an orange vest and a gray jumper underneath it. Her very top covered with a yellow beanie showing off her trademark crest.

"Mind if I-" She stretched her legs. "join you?" Yang continued her warm up.

Jaune's face dropped lower, a wry grin visible.

"What?" Yang raised an eyebrow.

"It's just…no wonder that Pyrrha thought that we were more than friends for a moment. I mean really!?" He exclaimed with tone and open arms "Your Ember Celica?! Are you serious?!"

Yang showed an acknowledging grin as this was to be expected. "Yep! That is my gift for you blondey. So like I said, treasure them well." Her gaze dropped lower, reminiscent notes audible. "They almost never failed to pull me through. No matter how tough the situation got."

"But," That made him question it even harder "are you sure then? I mean, I really do appreciate the gesture and all, but are you sure of this?"

"Jaune, I only need to know 2 things. One, do you want them? Two, do you think they'll be as of great help to you as they were to me?"

"I…sure." Even if really sudden, Jaune knew that Ember Celica would go nicely with him.

Yang's smile said it all. "Then they're yours. No need for any sentiments or worry."

Even if it still seemed a little bit too much for him, the least Jaune could do was to accept her generosity with a matched appreciation. "I will treasure your Ember Celica well, I promise."

"Your Ember Celica blondey."

"Yea, mine…Ember Celica." His tongue still twisted to say it aloud. "But since they're mine now…" He only now realized something very simple. "What about you?"

Yang's grimace showed excitement. "Oh don't you worry about me. I've got a new pair of buddies waiting for a test drive. Though I've already got a feeling that they won't disappoint."

"So you've got yourself covered." Something which should have been obvious with-out even asking. Otherwise she wouldn't have given her former combat arms to him in a first place. "But that was fast." Even if he didn't have any experience in weapon making, Jaune was certain that it was impressive how quickly Yang got her new set.

Brawler only shrugged her shoulders. "I've been to lots of places, met a bunch of new people, some of them turned out to be very useful. Something like that."

Jaune's face formed wrinkles, though out of amusement. As stupidly simple as it sounded, that was all there probably was to it. With some unimportant details left out of course. Or at least in Yang's understanding they were trivial.

"Say," Yang's grimace showed mischievous intent, moving her face closer to Jaune's than what he was comfortable with. "Pyrrha thinks there is lovely dovely between us?"

Jaune pulled back. "Not wholeheartedly, but she had a suspicion."

"Well, I do like you though." She said it so bluntly that Jaune's shyness got replaced with a heavy frown. "And sleeping on your lap could be viewed as lovely dovely too, so Pyrrha's not far from truth." Yang's amusements deepened from how heavily Jaune squirmed.

What the hell was I thinking about? He scolded himself, debating with which end he was thinking with, allowing himself to end up in such a predicament. At least thank Gods that Pyrrha didn't see that one. Otherwise that little affair in the morning wouldn't have been so simple.

"Yang I…let's not do anything that Pyrrha might misunderstand."

Brawler added slyness to her grin. "I don't know blondey…are you sure?"

Blonde didn't like her not so subtle implication.

"Yes." He wouldn't allow her to pull his nerve so easily anymore.

Yang innocently drew circles in snow. "You say that, yet seemed fairly pleased fondling with my breasts while being asleep."

In a span of 2 frames, Jaune's face turned ghastly pale, his blue reflecting no soul inside. No. No. It couldn't have been true. Absolutely. Certainly. It was an absolute certainty that it couldn't be true…right?

"Don't worry Jaune, I didn't mind." She gave him a playful wink. "Man got his needs too ya know. Besides…" She just ever so slightly pulled her vests zipper lower. "There's nothing wrong about us getting to know each other better…like seeing…exploring…feeling…nothing wrong at all-"

"I'm off running!" Jaune turned around and dashed away in blazing speed.

"Oh come on blondey! Wait for me!" She clumsily started her chase after him, jovial laughter stealing her breaths.

"Run a different course!" Jaune barked back. Her teasing seriously started to piss him off.

"Come on Jaune-I was just kidding!" Yang slightly winced as his already insane temp further increased. And since she still tried to cope with her laughter spasms, it was twice as hard to run after him. "I promise...pant…I won't tease you anymore!"

At best, blonde's pace slowed down a step.

"Really…pant…I mean it!" She cursed in her mind that her laughter only strengthened as this whole situation was just so silly and childish. Something she actually enjoyed, but would appreciate more if her amusements would go away as she already struggled to catch a solid breath. Fortunately, Jaune's pace gradually, even if slowly, but at least steadily slowed down. At one point brawler even found herself right next to him, though his pace still was faster than what she was used to.

"You won't tease me." He literally demanded her.

"I…pant…promised so." She reassured with a faint smile. For today that is. And continued to work on her breathing rhyme.

Jaune shook his head. He was too forgiving it seemed. "Fine." As long as she would not grind his nerves that is.

Brawler weakly nodded back and continued to work on her pace and steady breathing. In doing so, both of them continued to work their way forward in silence, their eyes reflecting the ever changing scenery.

Vale streets covered in snow was a soothing sight. Something to enjoy while moving along, watching intently, or perhaps absently as countless shimmering lights danced around you, around the streets, around the whole city. Though such beauty came with a price too. At least for those who dared to challenge whatever circumstances nature would throw at them, and still decided to go for a run. Even if the endless white wasn't thick enough to annoy you, nor was the surface all too slippery, you still had to be extra cautious on where you would land your feet. Because of it, muscles in legs would feel greater intensity, though not only would that prove to be an obstacle, but your energy resources being drained faster in cold also increased the difficulty. Challenges like this normally made a person's pace slower, yet Jaune seemed very little bothered by it. Or at least Yang found his temp more than impressive, though at the same time, didn't expect anything less of him. His movements bold and planting his feet with confidence, Jaune's look was only focused on looking forward. Not even once did he twitch his neck to see if Yang could keep up with him. And nor should he. She would not welcome a pity from him either ways and watching him being so absorbed in training was both inspirational, and helped Yang to gain that much needed slice of dedication. Working her way forward, Yang made a daunting challenge that she would keep up with Jaune right till the end. Something brawler perfectly knew would demand her everything, but that was the point. She had tasted first-hand how powerful Jaune was inside the ring, but now was her chance to experience his might outside it. Have it burnt in her skin, the sensation of his struggles, and the sight of his determination which build the strength he has right now. Yang was ready for it. So…pant…bring it on…pant…blondey…I'll follow you till the end. She narrowed her eyes with determination, her lilac switching to red as her soul burnt with fire. A flame which wavered to extinguish as her blood almost ran cold when her partner decided to mix in full sprints periodically. Well…pant…fuck me I guess. Yang would simply regret it all by the end of it.

20 minutes later.

He was a monster. Consoling her shaky legs for support, Yang drew breaths in abundance. Not even the cold air could cover up for the heat inside, her face drenched in nasty sweat. Jaune though…Her eyes dragged to reach him, his chest pacing harder as he was out of breath, yes, but looked fresh like a cucumber in comparison to Yang. So much for seeing his full extant. She made a dry grin, fully well knowing that she'd be completely fucked if Jaune had gone all out. Spitting out the sweat from her mouth, Yang eventually managed to straighten up. "That was…one…helluva run." Brawler continued to work on her breathing.

Jaune's lips folded in a little smirk, brushing his face against the jumper. "I've been through worse." However, even if this wasn't the hardest he had been through, Jaune found Yang's efforts admirable.

"Good job on keeping up with me."

"Yea…somehow…I managed to. But as you can see-" Her breathing became steadier "I busted my ass off in order to do it."

"Just keep at it and it will get better." He turned around and walked to Beacon. Some hot shower would be right up his alley he thought.

"Is this an invitation to be your regular running partner?" She grinned, but her tone was sincere and honest.

Jaune temporarily stopped in his tracks, his hand reaching up to scratch his head. Yang was just…

Blonde turned around, his visage showing dare and hints of grounded cockiness. "If you think you can keep up with me." His figure turned to go back to Beacon. Yang was just a pain in the ass, but…a welcome pain in the ass. One which could help him to keep on track, offer some extra motivation for the sake of his goals. And considering that she is a friend too, Jaune could live through her antics.

Yang moved after him, a thought of being indulged in hot water seen as a welcome change. "Prepare yourself blondey, one of those days I will be able to keep up with your best pace."

"We'll see about that." His little grin got embodied into a tone. Even if she could, he'd do his damnest to not make it easy for her. Not even in her dreams.

Yang issued the challenge by jabbing blonde's shoulder. Brawler was sure that one of those days she could do it. Even if it would cost her plenty of failures in between.

"Want to go to the city?" Pyrrha nonchalantly asked, mentally debating if she even wanted to.

Jaune gave a shrug. "Do you?"

"I guess no." She kissed the side of his chin. Laying on his bed, cuddling closely together seemed enough to make her content.

Jaune grinned. "Then let's proceed with the most fitting strategy."

"Embrace, talk, and do some kissing?" She wanted to make sure to know the orders.

"Yep."

"Then I shall not disappoint you leader." She giggled, leaning in to press her lips to his. Parting away, Pyrrha firmly planted her elbows into Jaune's chest, cupping her face with her hands. With a grin Jaune could not read right away, she slowly started. "Was it fun?"

Blonde cocked his eyebrow. "This?"

"That too, but before I mean."

"Before?"

"Was it fun?" She leaned closer. "To run with Yang?"

Jaune's body immediately tensed.

"I ran into Ruby." Pyrrha saw that he wanted to know. "So, was it fun?" She poked his cheek playfully.

So she was only teasing him. Jaune's head sank deeper into the mattress. "Great, you too." He pushed a heavy breath.

"What do you mean?"

"It's already tough when Yang is doing all the teasing, but if you'll join in, I think I'm gonna fall into depression." He chuckled wryly.

Redhead found some amusements in Jaune's comment, though was certain that she saw something more than he did. "But are you sure she's only teasing you? Maybe…there's something more to it than that?"

Jaune got her implication right away, though barely held back a laughter. "It's Yang." He said it in such a manner as if that already told everything.

"Jaune, you maybe feel otherwise, but…I think that you could steal plenty of girls hearts as long as they would have a chance to know you better. Well, at least mine you did and perhaps Yang has fallen for you too." She slid her fingertips across his now flustered cheeks.

"I would like to debate on that, but as for Yang I…" He pondered for a moment. To be honest, Pyrrha wasn't exactly incorrect. Jaune did know that Yang started to see him in a different light. What sort of though he wasn't sure. Or…perhaps he had a guess. Though he did question his sanity while thinking about it. "I think that-I can't believe I'm actually saying it-but I think that Yang sees me as a rival or maybe even…g-goal to chase after." To be honest, opting for Yang being in love with him sounded even saner than what he just blurted out. Though behind the ludicrousness of it all, there was just something that Jaune found fondness to. Or perhaps not even that, but maybe a fraction of light which could contrast, diminish his terrible self-esteem.

"It's pleasant, isn't it?" Pyrrha voiced her observations as Jaune's blue showed a glimmer of light. And perhaps he was right about Yang.

"It…I guess it is." For whatever reason he found himself chuckling about it. Maybe it was because of how uncharacteristic it was of him. Or at least it definitely used to be. The thought that Yang Xiao Long would see him as a rival or even a goal, should have left him scared and crippled nervous. Yet his features showed a grin, of course, with a healthy dose of anxiety, but still, excitement seemed to be the chief emotion covering his lips.

"I think that I'm slowly changing." He dared to say, his blue looking into Pyrrha's emeralds, hopeful that she would agree.

"You are." She saw how he immediately brightened.

"But then again, how could I not be?" Giving it a solid thought, it started to dawn on him just how inevitable a change of his character was. "Things just keep happening and I always find myself to be a part of it." Jaune breathed out, almost overwhelmed just by remembering. "I thought that maybe after my first clash with Yang, my life would settle down a bit. Well, guess I was wrong because not only did we have a rematch, but I…I won." His tone came softer. "I really won."

Pyrrha kindly narrowed her eyes. He did tell her about the outcome of their rematch, to which she pretended to be surprised as she already knew it. Saw, after all.

"And in 12 days, you'll have your comeback match."

"That too." Being reminded, it did make him nervous. He wanted it, yes, but also felt restless about it.

"I believe you'll do great." Pyrrha cupped his face. "Of course, fate will not always deal you the best cards and that is something to be aware of. But even so, you have to trust in the future. Otherwise you'll be ruled by the past, your present time spent covering away in fear."

Jaune made a hard grimace. Those words hit eerily close to home. "I'll do my best." That was all he could do. Something more would be wishful thinking, but anything less would be a step back in his growth. He just had to trust that his best would forge a better future.

Blonde suddenly winced. Lilianna. So much talk and just overall pandering about how he will do his best, yet somehow hadn't mustered enough guts to tell her about his two fights with Yang. And I had such an awesome chance too. He scolded himself. She sent him a text, all he had to do was text her back about his duels with wild brawler. Damnit! His fingers brushed against the pocket where his scroll was. She was doing her best to reach out to him, the least he could do was exactly the same. Even if it wasn't as simple as it may seem.

"Jaune?" He heard his partner's voice, immediately catching up as to why her emeralds showed concern.

"It's Lilianna." He decided not to play around and admitted right away.

"Did she do something?" Even if an unlikely option, it was her first guess.

"No-yes-no-yes-damnit, I mean," He rolled his eyes with a sigh. "She texted me."

"So?"

"She asked me how I was doing and I…I wanted to let her know about my fights with Yang. And maybe, j-just maybe hear her praise me for it. I just…sigh" Jaune bitterly chuckled, knowing how utterly pathetic and childish it probably sounded.

"Do it." Pyrrha almost pushed it like a demand. "If you need, I can leave you alone for some time, but you must do it." She saw how much he craved for his mother's acknowledgment in life. The least she could do, was help him attain it.

His expression immediately fell lower. "I want to, I-I really do, but…I'm scared."

Pyrrha bit her lip in pain, making gentle circles on his cheeks with her thumbs.

"Always, no matter what I did or how I did it, it was never enough. S-she always ended up with that disappointing look on her face and it…it hurt." Jaune turned his face, not trusting his posture to withstand the anguish. "What if it won't be enough this time too. What if she'll end up being disappointed again I just…" He shivered, covering his face so she wouldn't have to see him crying over this. "I don't need her to rain praises over me, just say that she's glad. T-that I did good, that in her eyes I'm…not a worthless failure. That's all in need." He barely finished with a whimper, cursing himself for how much his voice trembled, how pointless were his struggles to stop the tears from flowing, and just how utterly desperate he was to create a worth which his mother would smile him for. "S-sorry Pyrrha, I just…"

She just barely held back a scold. "What in a world of Remnant should you be sorry for? Jaune, just look at you…" She gently brushed his hand away, caringly cupping his face so he would look at her.

Jaune blinked sheepishly, exposing himself more than he wanted to. "I d-didn't want you to see me like this. So weak because of something so trivial."

"It's not trivial. At least not for you." She helped him to wipe the trails of pain away.

"I-thanks." He weakly smiled to her.

"It's alright." She comforted him with a caring gaze. That woman though…the corners of her lips hardened. Pyrrha had a sudden urge to bash her skull in, to not go in greater detail. Despite knowing on logical level that his mother hated herself the most for what she did, and truly desired to reconcile with him.

"Hey," She softly called to him.

"Yea?" Jaune was close to done drying his tears.

"By all means I know that it's not as easy as it sounds, but I think you should give her a call. And the sooner the better. Procrastinating will only make you all the more hesitant and nervous. So much that you won't tell at all."

"Y-yea I…I know."

"So then?"

"I'll give her a call."

Pyrrha smiled to cease his fears. "I think your mother will appreciate the results of your efforts." She tenderly pressed her lips to his.

Or else I swear that bitch will regret it.

Authors note: Sup everybody! Back again with a new chapter for you to enjoy, despise or simply not give a shit. Of course, I hope that most of you are here to enjoy my work, but it would be wishful thinking to believe that everyone likes it. But hey, that's okay and the fact that my story has 60 reviews, 111 followers and 82 favorites is just…nothing short of amazing. I mean I am dead serious when I say that I hoped to reach a little bit over 100 followers by the end of it. Yet I turned out to be wrong-in the most pleasant way possible. So really, thanks a lot to all of you:) Besides that though, I'll just answer your reviews...*cough* *cough* review I meant.

Jkdelta38-Like always, thanks man. Glad to know that the length of the chapter didn't bother you, and that you liked the chapter despite in being almost only about Lilianna;) Hope to see you in all of my upcoming chapters:)

Phew, that was a lot of work. But like always, I somehow managed it.

And as always and always guys-

Have a nice one;)