"You're welcome."

"Whoaaa! They are so awesome!" Nora exclaimed in awe, her eyes peering attentively at her leader's new weapon set. "These are Yang's bracelets!" She held the said items high over her head.

"Just be careful with them, okay?" Jaune smiled nervously, following his teammates every move with great caution. "And yea, those are Yang's bracelets. Well…mine bracelets now." Jaune gulped a little when Nora put his new weapon set on.

"How did you get them?" She swung her now weaponized fists a couple of times.

"…As a gift from Yang." Jaune shrugged helplessly. As stupidly simple as it sounded, that was all there was to it. Or at least to his knowledge.

Nora's excitement subsided for a moment, her bright eyes now fixed on Jaune.

"What?" Blonde asked, though already had a bad feeling about this.

She tried to make a hard grimace, but it came off as simply mischievous. "Just how close you two are exactly?" She arced her eyebrows suspiciously.

Jaune's head dropped in wry anguish. "Nora, please, don't tease me about it too."

Energetic girl only grinned back. "I'm just asking."

"And I'm just pleading you to not to."

"Leave it, Nora." Ren placed his hand on her shoulder.

Jaune's face immediately brightened. Of course, if there was one person he could count on, then it would be no other than his brother in bond.

"Let the man enjoy his harem. Those don't happen too often, so he should enjoy while it lasts."

"Aww." Jaune held his head with both hands, trying to find reasons why he deserved this.

"Ahem." Pyrrha demanded a piece of attention. "I'd rather stay to be Jaune's only girlfriend," She declared brusquely, though her lips soon blew off a lighthearted giggle. It did not worry her any more. Ren and Nora soon followed her laughter as well, while blonde only continued to drown in his misery.

"Guys, could we change the subject, please?" He crossed his look between them hopefully.

Pyrrha was the first one to oblige. "Sorry, Jaune." She leaned in to kiss his cheek. "Just don't take us seriously." She massaged his back in gentle circles.

Jaune smiled in appreciation. "I know. And it's not like I'm gonna start to cry because of it. It's just…if done too much, it still gets to me."

"Oh come on." Nora slapped his shoulder weakly. "We went light on you."

"I know," Jaune agreed. "But Yang doesn't though." He chuckled wryly.

Nora crossed her arms. "She grinds on your nerves a lot?"

"Sometimes."

"Then just do the same to her," She simply said.

"Yea, right. Like I could compete with her in that."

"You can't?"

"At least as far as I know. Besides…" He turned his head to Pyrrha. Since their bond was genuine, and Pyrrha didn't worry about him cheating on her, Yang's remarks were nothing, but annoyance. "I've been through a lot worse here at Beacon." He smiled, leaning in to kiss his love.

"Aww, you're simply adorable." Nora clasped her hands in front, genuinely happy to see how far their bond had progressed.

Blonde blushed a little while Pyrrha simply smiled in content. "Of course. That's why I'm perfect for him." She rested her head on his shoulder.

"Oh that you are!" Nora nodded fervently, stealing a few glances of Ren.

Ren crossed his arms, inaudibly agreeing to his partners sentiments. "But if we're truly serious about this, Yang simply gifted you her combat arms?" He was rather intrigued.

"I know it sounds way too simple." Jaune thought so too actually. "But that's all there is to it. Or at least that's all I know."

"Hmm…" Nora cupped her chin between fingers ponderously. "Then perhaps it is Yang who's clawing her way to our leader." She sounded like a detective. Nodding her head once, she drilled her fists into her hips. "Yang maybe is our friend, but it's only 'Arkos' ship I approve of."

"Arkos?" JRP raised eyebrows in united fashion. Each one gradually figuring out what she meant.

"Yep! So don't worry you two. I will protect your ship with everything I've got." She firmly reassured.

Jaune made an odd smile while Pyrrha chuckled. She found her commitment to protect 'Arkos' ship amusingly endearing.

"I have my faith in you Nora."

"Then rest assure. I won't fail you." She pledged with hand over her heart.

"Jaune." Ren's eyes were fixed solely on his friend.

"Yea?"

"Have you tried Ember Celica yet?"

Jaune shook his head. "No, not yet."

"Then the sooner the better." His voice showed genuine concern. "Even if Ember Celica suits you better, adopting to a new weaponry still takes time. Dismissing old habits you've developed from using sword and shield is especially something you'll have to work on."

"You're right." Jaune agreed wholeheartedly, Ember Celica now back in his hands as Nora gave them back. "The sooner the better." He gripped his still untested buddies slightly harder.

*Knock, knock.*

JNPR twisted their necks to the door. Yet before anyone gave a permission to enter, the intruder allowed herself in anyways.

"Hey, everyone!" Yang welcomed the team.

Everyone except for Nora greeted her back.

Yang fixed her eyes solely on Jaune. "Blondey."

"Yea?"

"Will you have a work-out to do in the old training room today?"

Jaune already knew where this was going. "Let me guess; you wanna join in."

Yang grinned in acknowledgment. "Seems that you know me already. Exactly that, so?"

Blonde turned to Pyrrha.

"She's asking you, not me."

Blonde turned back to Yang. "No whining though." He smirked. "Especially since old pops will be there."

"Old pops…you mean you're grandfather?"

Jaune nodded. "Yep. And let me tell you. He won't listen to excuses. In his understanding, as long as you stay on your feet, you better be training."

Brawler's posture did not budge. "I'll knock your grandpas' pants right off his legs with my awesome punches."

Jaune smirked to that, adoring her self-confidence. "You can at least try I guess."

"Then it's set. What time should we be there?"

"07:00 PM."

"Alrighty then. Then I'll see you there." She waved at him, ready to leave.

"Okay." Jaune waved back.

"Stop right there." Suddenly, a demanding voice reached out to Yang, its wielders eyes reflecting a spark.

Yang halted abruptly, her grimace not showing much until she turned around and her eyes dilated in surprise. "N-Nora?" She flinched, hyper girls grenade launchers muzzle an inch away from her face.

Much like brawlers, JRP gang's eyes were also wider apart from the sudden scene ready to unfold.

"Well, hello there, Yang." She slowly started.

"Hi..?" Yang wasn't sure what to make of this.

"So tell me Yang, what do you plan to do with Jaune in that old, training room?"

Yang's stupefaction helped her to miss the rather obvious accusation. "Training?" She said in such a manner as it couldn't be any more obvious.

That only added more suspicion to Nora's glare. "Ooh, so that's how you call it nowadays- Training huh?" She started to repeatedly stab her guns muzzle into Yang's chin. "And what sort of training is it hmm? Oh, but let me guess actually. The good'ol thrust and pull, yea? Or maybe you like something a little bit more mouthful instead ,hmm? Like working your way around his Popsicle all cheeky, greedy like? Or, is it nature's call that drives you so you want to do it like mammals on discovery channel?"

After Yang realized what she meant with all those namesakes, even her cheeks showed a heavy blush as Nora was far from pulling her punches.

"Come on, tell me." Nora continued to pressure Yang, her eyes practically soul-piercing. "What sort of training do you want to do with Pyrrha's boyfriend in that old, deserted, lonely training room?"

"Knock it off." She quietly barked back. "You heard Jaune mention that his grandfather will be with us."

"Don't you go sly on me." Nora rebuked, narrowing her eyes harder. "I asked you. What sort of training do you plan to do with-and I'll say it again-Pyrrha's boyfriend? And don't you even think that blushing like innocent maiden will work on me. I know your intentions aren't as pure as that."

The hell does she think of me?! Yang's nerves got twisted beyond her comfort. Even so though, she simply peered past hyper girl's head, her face visibly seeking help. Which Yang also found strange that no one offered on own accord.

"The issue at hand is for you to deal with. It's addressed specifically to you." Pyrrha calmly replayed. Take this as a sign that fate itself is telling you that Jaune will never be yours...if you want him to be.

Yang frowned to that. It wasn't clear if she read the underlying message from the smallest of grins Pyrrha had, or were redheads thoughts simply that dense they got embodied into a sound. Either ways, Pyrrha was not an option for help. Okay, then maybe blondey would.

"Pyrrha's right. Nora is addressing you specifically." He innocently stated. How's the taste of your own medicine? However, he too hid his true colors. Even if Nora went way too far with…things which she said, it was refreshing none the less to see Yang's nerves being pulled similarly to his.

I'll remember that blondey. Yang inaudibly warned him, knowing that he wasn't an option either then. "Ren?" Now he, she was sure would help her…right?

To her demise, young man didn't seem terribly interested either. He knew Nora better than to blow a person's head off. And dealing with his partners silly affairs could be rather tiresome at times.

"Ren?!" She called out more pointedly.

Nora's partner gave in with a sight. "Nora, I think that's enough." He blandly demanded.

"Oh no it isn't." She brusquely declined, making even Ren's eyes go slightly wider. "I'm not trusting Yang. Her legs will be spread wide as horizon when given a chance. And I'm sure she has some nasty tricks up her sleeve to lure Jaune into her cave."

Yang's face showed the deepest blush it had in years. "You son of bit-hrnnn." She gritted her teeth in livid fashion. "Could you stop assuming that I want to get Jaune into my panties!?"

"How very modest of you." Nora calmly retorted back. "I'm fairly sure that you want Jaune to dig in much deeper than your panties go."

Jaune face started to show concern. "This won't turn dangerous, right?" He asked to his teammates who didn't know what to say back.

"Nora, I'm sure that you know that Yang doesn't want to…you know…" He blushed, skipping over those details. "So I think you should just let her go."

"Not yet." Nora declared, barely stifling a grin as Yang with-out the use of semblance managed to heat to the point that a steam was hovering over her head. "She still hasn't admitted her true intentions."

"Maybe because there's nothing to admit?!" Brawler practically shouted, her patience running really low. Nora's face showed a grin for a sec, but it all too quickly came back to accusing grimace. "Your façade won't work on me, Yang Xiao Long."

"Nora," Ren cupped her shoulder. "This is a little bit too much, even for you."

"Nooot yet." She wanted to drag it out just a little bit further. "Come on Yang…tell me…"

Brawler's eyes were lit ablaze. From one side, she was really thankful that her new buddies were not equipped right now. Other-wise she could have seriously considered going ballistic on Nora's ass. However, the same reason was also a misfortune to her that there was nothing at hand to bash that annoying face in just a little bit. Just to innocently knock a few teeth down her throat.

"I already told you…" She steamed her words through pursed lips. "There's no hidden intention behind this. I simply want to train with Jaune."

"What training?"

"Boxing…"

"And then?"

"Then we'll go wherever the hell we want to."

Nora paused for a moment, but continued to stare her down. "No thrust and pull?"

"No…"

"No working on his popsicle?"

"No…"

"No nature's-"

"No!"

Nora paused again, still staring Yang down while the air around them got only thicker and denser from intensity of the disaster which seemed to lurk just around the corner.

"Okay then!" Nora retreated her weapon and turned on her heel.

Everyone almost floor slammed from how sudden and anti-climactic that was.

"That's it?" Yang had no idea why she even bothered to ask instead of just leaving in gratitude now that the shit was finally over.

"Yep!" Nora chirped, acting as if the previous scene didn't exist.

Somehow, this aggravated Yang even more, but she simply turned around and left the room with a heavy door slam. "The fuck was that anyway…" She headed to her room with palms turned into tight fists.

JPR fixed their eyes on thunder girl. "Nora?" They expected at least some sort of explanation as she wasn't really know to be nerve-grinder. At least not deliberate one which seemed to be the case this time. Nora stayed quiet at first, her look strangely calm and pensive. Though as soon as one corner of her mouth twitched, thunder girl exploded into exuberant laughter.

"Hahahahahaha!" She held her stomach, her body shaking in gleeful fashion. "Did you see her face?!" She managed to say in between laughter. "I…I never knew she could blush that deep hahaha!" And her body continued to rock in pure joy while JRP exchanged looks as they still had no idea what to make of this.

"Ahm…Nora?" Jaune tried to get her attention.

Even if it took some time, hyper girl gradually calmed down to a halt, drying her eyes from fresh tears. "I just…heh…oh I…" She breathed in and out with deep motions, fixing her look specifically to Jaune. "I just wanted to show." She grinned at him.

"Show me?"

"That Yang isn't that tough." Nora simply explained. "She's not that good at taking a tease herself. Just have to know which strings to pull."

"So then…you did it for me?"

"Yep!" She enthusiastically nodded. "If her teasing is really grinding your nerves, simply do the same back. Fighting fire with fire you know."

From one side, Jaune found Nora's care for him truly endearing and precious. "You say that, but I'm not sure I could…go as far as you did." His cheeks reddened, though grimace was a scolding one. "And I think you really went too far with…some of the things you said."

"If it works." She shrugged brazenly. "Besides," She stared him down with chastise look. "It's about time you stop people from making fun of you."

"But Yang isn't meaning ill." He tried to reason.

"Ill or not, if it pushes the wrong buttons you should retaliate back. I'm not asking you more."

Jaune chuckled as Nora really made it sound so easy. "And if I make her too mad?" He asked, waiting with anticipation what she would say to that.

"Then give her a right straight so awesome she'll welcome you with a sandwich next time."

Jaune's amusements deepened. Honestly, how could he not adore this simplistic, yet genius side of Nora. There definitely was a bright person under the façade of ludicrousness and detachment of normal world. "I'll give it a shot sometime." He smiled at her.

Nora kindly returned his gesture, deepening her affection to him with a brief hug. "You're not some pushy mushy milk boy meant to be pushed around by everyone. You're an amazing leader and the best boxer in the world. So I simply want you to stand up for yourself when it's meant to."

"Mm." He kindly nodded under her embrace.

"Don't worry Pyrrha." Thunder girl reassured her. Retreating her form from Jaune with hands held high in the air. "I swore to protect 'Arkos' ship so everything's under control."

Redhead shook her head dismissively. Turning Jaune into some private pet was far from her plans. If he wanted to be friendly with other girls then all the better for him. "As I said, I trust you to protect 'Arkos' ship." She grinned saying it aloud.

"I will not fail you!" She saluted.

Arkos duo nodded back with a smile.

After the scene with Yang, it was both endearing and scary that someone like her would watch over their relationship.

Couple of hours later. Old training room.

"So, you would be Jaune's grandfather, right?" Her question was followed with an offer for a handshake.

"Indeed." He bowed ever so slightly. "As for my name, it's Adalard Arc, but if formalities is not your forte, you can just call me like El Jauney does, old pops."

"El Jauney?"

"Oh, it's just a silly nickname."

"I see. Well, in our circle he's more known as 'Vomit boy,'" She said with a grin.

Jaune's head sank deeper in shoulders. One minute in and she already made fun of him.

Adalard allowed a chuckle. "Should I assume that he earned it with his motion sickness?"

"Yep. I mean, one the first day we met he managed to barf on my sisters shoes."

"Then please, allow me to apologize on his behalf too."

Yang waved it off. "No need to. They're really close friends now anyway."

Old Arc answered with a smile.

"Oh and by the way, name's Yang Xiao Long. Though it's a no-brainer that you can just call me Yang."

"Very well Yang. So then," He crossed his gaze between two pupils. "You wish to join me and my boy today, correct?"

Yang nailed her fist into the palm. "You'd be damn right I want."

Great Arc liked her gesture. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but you seem to have fierce spirit."

"Oh that I do." She reassured with pure conviction.

"As youngster should be." He stated his belief. "And today you'll have a grand chance to show me how brightly that spirit of yours burns. El Jauney," He turned to his child. "I hope you did warn her about our working ethics."

Jaune grinned. "Sure I did. Yang said that she'll knock your pants off with her awesome punches."

Adalard grinned back. "So you do not lack in confidence either."

"Never had." She frankly admitted.

"Then I'll test that too." He stated as frankly as she did. "But enough with petty words. Let's proceed to actions."

Duo nodded back.

"Since there are two of you, you'll work in pair later on. For now though, do some warm up, stretch your muscles well and then you'll do 3 rounds of shadow boxing." Adalard switched his tone to a demanding one already.

Duo had nothing to add so they started their warm-up, while old pops attentively on looked their progress. Today however, he would allow himself to pay just slightly more attention to Jaune's partner. Yang Xiao Long. He repeated her name, running his eyes over her figure several times. Her long, wild hairstyle especially pulled his attention, though he allowed himself only couple more glances. He did not want to reminiscence on past memories so he would look at Yang for who she was. Jaune's friend and his pupil today. Let's see, will today serve you as a treatment to settle down that confidence, or will you show me punches so awesome my pants will fall off. He grinned briefly. Today would certainly be even more engaging than his usual work with El Jauney.

Adalards eyes followed Yang's movements with great attention, his lips ever so often folding to a smile. Her punches are truly quite something. Just the way they slashed air apart told old man that her swings were as sharp as a blade. A little bit rusty at times, but still dangerous enough to put a giant down if aimed correctly. Her lateral movement is a work of art as well. He admired the sight of shimmering droplets of sweat gracefully encircling her figure in a uniquely rhymed dance. Just this alone already proved to old Arc that Yang was blessed way more than usual crowd. What she did, could already be viewed as boxing. Sure, throwing combination after combination in quick fashion looked pretty to an eye. Especially untrained one. But sour truth proved time and time again that this ancient sport was rarely that. It looked a lot more like what Yang did. Moving in and out, slipping, circling around, pivoting to left and right while mixing in well-timed and beautifully thrown punches. It's easy to tell. He continued to enjoy the spectacle. She's imagining an opponent. The very pinnacle of what shadow boxing could be. Though the more Adalard gazed at her movement, the more he had a hunch that this invisible opponent was someone he knew. It almost seems like she's…There was no doubt about it. As Yang continued her shadow boxing, her eyes every now and then peeped at Jaune. Every time she did so, Yang changed her movement a little, as if adopting her style to something. There's no question about it. She's fighting an image of my boy. Something which he found rather intriguing. Seems that El Jauney has earned a right to be her rival. He figured it so. Meaning that there was something more to their relationship than he initially thought.

*Tnnn!*

"Time!" Adalard informed the duo.

With that, Jaune's and Yang's movements subsided, now working on catching their breaths.

"Well…" Brawler wiped the light sweat from her forehead. "Your pants still there?" She smirked.

Adalard parodied a worried look, turning his gaze to legs. With a relieved sigh, he turned back to Yang. "For now it seems."

"For now." Her smirk grew slightly wider. "Then it's only a matter of time."

"Most likely so." He chuckled, but soon his grimace hardened again. "Since you're done with shadow boxing, wrap your fists and put some gloves on. The real challenge is only ahead."

"Okay." They nodded, moving to their equipment to put it on.

"Your grandpa seems pretty cool." She commented. "Has a sense of humor and I bet he can still kick some ass."

"He has, and yes he can." Jaune agreed. "Even if he can be a little bit too tough about training, it's always out of concern and care. And on that note, be prepared." He would give her one final warning. "I know that you're not lacking nor strength or confidence, but be ready to be pushed to the limits."

Yang worked her way through bandages. "I'm not taking this lightly." She reassured. "I know that hells only about to start. But since I came here while fully well knowing that," She stopped briefly, allowing herself to finish up wrapping her fists. "Fuck it. Let's get it going."

Jaune grinned in amusement. He had no idea if she dared to underestimate his fair warning, or if she really was prepared for everything. Either ways though, he adored this side of hers. "Well then," He raised his glove for a touch. "Let's have a fun ride straight to the hell and back."

Yang chuckled, touching his glove with her own. "Heaven's a boring place anyways."

Their gloves separated, awaiting the start of it all.

1 hour later.

The thuds which used to be sign of gifted prowess, now sounded hollow and weak. Not only power subsided however, but the speed and frequency as well since tiredness was really kicking in.

"Your technique is falling apart!" Old Arc rebuked once again with tenacity.

Yang did not dare to say a word, only weakly nodded. She really needed that precious oxygen to keep her going.

Jaune truly didn't mess around when he said that it would be a ride to hell, alright. New sweat always replaced the old one, her shoulders were in pure agony, legs were too heavy and stiff, head practically dangled on her shoulders, and hands always dared to go low to her waist. A completely exhausted mess she was, yet one which still had to push through as there was still more to come.

"What's with the long pause?! No opponent will give you a rest that long."

Right. She thought to herself, firing a one, two into Jaune's gloves which he held as mitts.

"Don't drag your feet! And follow a punch with your body! I don't need arm punches! I need a solid one, two!"

Yang drew in a greater breath, firing a punch immediately while the oxygen still travelled her body.

Adalard liked the short spectacle.

"Seems that your spirit is brighter than a candle flame after all." He commented in snarky tone. "Good to know. Then perhaps you should use that to show me some good punches."

In spite of everything, Yang's face showed amusements from his comment. Grandpa sure as hell doesn't pull his words. To think that he would actually compare her flame with a candle. That's almost mean. She drew in another breath, continuing to throw her fists out while old pops lectured her.

"Step it harder!"

"Sharpen your rotations!"

"Don't drop your hands!"

"Don't miss the center!"

That and plenty more things old Arc continued to preach like a passionate priest. Yang even found it impressive how his voice did not falter throughout the session.

"Lock in your shoulders!" He raised his voice again, trying to motivate her. Even if he knew better that Yang's tank was practically empty. My preaching has very little effect on her anymore.

"Turn your hips!"

The exertion has bared its fangs deeply in both, her flesh and mind.

"Don't drop your hands!"

Yang raised them for a brief moment, but right after pushing off a combination, they dropped again.

"You dropped them again!"

She's standing on her limit line. Old Arc had to acknowledge for good. He could preach till heavens would fall down, but Yang's body had simply reached its limitations. She could only drag herself forward at this point. Even so…He allowed a briefest of smile form in between his fervent pandering. She impressed this old heart of mine aplenty. 'Little light dragon' is truly a fitting namesake for someone like her. He mused in admiration. Truly, she's a fitting rival to my boy. Old Arc had no doubt about it after witnessing her prowess and fortitude.

"Step in harder!" He commanded. And as old man did, he recalled again that Jaune was Yang's rival. He did it again, again and once more until an idea struck his mind. Perhaps…Maybe there actually was a way to ignite her inner flame brighter. Not a possibility written in stone, but still worthy enough to be tried out.

"Can't wait till it will finally be El Jauney's turn to hit. My eyes are swelling from looking at those love taps of yours."

Jaune quizzically glanced at his grandfather, wondering why he would say that.

Much like her partner, Yang remained silent to preserve her energy. However, that isn't to say that those words had no impact on her.

Old pops noted how Yang's eyes narrowed a bit harder, and a certain, powerful emotion got embodied into a shiny glimmer into her lilac.

Old man calculated that his idea could bear a fruit.

"You should learn from him in your free time. My boy will surely show you how to throw a proper punch." Old pops continued, noting how Yang's eyes changed a color. Literally. I am not entirely sure what her red means, but this is clearly working. Yang's punches, they came in with more force behind.

I see. Jaune thought in realization. Not it was easy to tell why old pops mocked her that way. Not bad. He managed to make a brief eye contact with his grandfather, both nodding in agreement. Maybe absorbing stronger punches with his dead tired arms and shoulders wasn't exactly appealing, but Jaune was all in to support Yang's possible growth.

"Why you look at that. As long as you try, your punches can be almost half as good as my boys." Old arc ventured forward.

Yang threw the combination with same, dangerous prowess she displayed before the exertion took her over. But that wasn't the result of her being enraged. It was desire to better herself. Or perhaps…not even that. Maybe it was the need to get closer to Jaune. Whatever the answer was however, her body performed miracles right under grandpa's eyes. Which he enjoyed and admired blissfully. Even if old man knew perfectly well that Yang simply squeezed last bits of energy she had saved into her tank. Decision she would most likely regret afterwards. But for what it was worth while it lasted, old pops continued to on look 'Little light dragons' mighty spectacle.

40 minutes later.

"Jaune…you'll have to…carry me." She wryly blurted out, her body helplessly slumbered on the stool.

"Hey…I'm in the same boat…as you." He gasped for air, resting his body close to hers.

Great Arc approached the messy duo, his face the very embodiment of satisfaction.

"Both of you did splendidly," He praised them earnestly. "Especially you Yang, certainly exceeded my expectations."

Brawler dragged her eyes to meet old mans, managing to form a dubious look. "…I did?"

"Absolutely. Always had to check if my pants were still there."

Yang managed a chuckle in between her gasps for air. "Heh…well…I told you…my punches are awesome."

"Certainly so." Old pops agreed wholeheartedly. "If your heart wishes to join our company here, you're more than welcome to do so."

Yang nodded in acknowledgment.

"Please. As for me, it's time to leave."

"Alright…old pops. Until next time."

"See you around, grandpa."

"Farewell." He bowed ever so slightly, heading for the exit. Just before his form would disappear though, old pops glanced one more time at Yang. "Andree…" He muttered the word helplessly, fully well knowing that she was nothing more than resemblance to her. Shaking his head, old pops moved forward. Musing over it too much, would only distort Yang's image into something he wanted to see her as. Letting his past rule over him, would be both shameful and embarrassing.

Yang massaged her poor legs, the brutal training session still having its marks into her muscles. Well, at least breathing had stabilized so that was something she guessed. "I didn't expect that," She said while looking at floor, though soon turned to face him.

"Expect what?"

"To hear your grandpa praise us like that. He sure as hell didn't seem impressed during our session."

"That's simply the way he is." Jaune explained. He understood her confusion well since he felt the same way when he first trained under old pops. "He's strict as hell during a practice, and it may seem like nothing you'll do will ever satisfy him. But the truth is that you could be the most talentless soul on earth, yet as long as you would put genuine effort and guts into the training, old pops would acknowledge it and develop respect. All tough and grumpy on outside, but a really caring person inside. That's him basically." Jaune finished. And truth be told, blonde loved the way his grandfather was.

"I see," Yang said. From that view, it made perfect sense. "Anyways though," She lifted arms over her head, feeling how stiff and tensed her shoulders still were. "It's literally been years since I've had such brutal work-out. Hell, I lost the count of how many times I wanted to quit."

"But you didn't," Jaune said with new found admiration to her. "And that's what counts the most."

Brawler smiled in appreciation. "Yea, somehow, I managed to hang on." She lazily took off her boxing shoes.

Jaune knew he could add a comment about the reason why she didn't give up, but didn't want to risk of setting off a patience test for himself.

"Though I guess it's because of you," Yang suddenly said, looking back to Jaune.

Dear lord almighty, please don't say anything more. Jaune pleaded, his spider senses tingling from the misfortune they sensed.

"I mean, your grandpa really grinded into me as well, especially with those later remarks he said." She wrinkled her nose a little. "But, seeing you push yourself so earnestly really inspired me to try harder as well."

It will soon come.

"Like you weren't kidding at all when you said that you pushed yourself to the limit while training."

She'll tease me for sure.

"So that made me want to reach my limits as well."

It's just around the corner.

Before continuing, Yang's lips folded to a sincere, thankful smile. "So like I said. You helped me out a bunch in that way. Thanks."

"…"

"Wait, what?" Did he just hear her right?

"You helped me to push myself harder than I ever could alone. Thanks, blondey." She winked at him.

Jaune found himself being taken aback. This certainly wasn't what he expected. It just seemed so peculiar of her that blonde partially remained wary just in case if she would prove his suspicion to be correct.

"Well, you're…welcome I guess." He didn't know what else to say.

"So don't be surprised to see my face around here from time to time." She let him know with a playful wink.

"You heard what old pops said. You're more than welcome to join in."

Yang's grimace turned sly, moving herself closer to him. "That's his words. Would you welcome me if I decided to show up?"

Jaune's expression fell immediately. So much for his spider senses being wrong for once. With-out a word said, Jaune turned his back to her, arcing his leg over the stool. With his fingers nimbly working around shoe laces, blonde actually decided to fend himself. "Knock it off."

Yang's eyes dilated slightly. "Well, you look at that. Someone's actually retaliating." She playfully smacked her palm into his back.

Jaune said nothing in return. Instead, his thoughts were circling around the conversation he had with Nora. "Fight fire with fire." That's what she said. But could he really do that? Or was it even necessary? Sure, Yang could sometimes be obnoxious with her teasing, but it was never ill intended.

"Oh come one blondey! Stop staring me down with your back. You'll hurt my feelings you know." She threw herself against his back, pinching his cheek from behind.

…But then again, she really over did it at times. Even if Jaune stood very little chance in this field alone, perhaps with the help of Nora's, he could pull it off.

"Y-you know…" He already stumbled, his cheeks showing a blush. "T-try as you might, but…I-I'm not gonna fall into your panties."

Jaune felt how Yang's fingers clutched his skin whole lot rougher. "I don't want to remember that…got it?"

Blonde gulped, but dared to push forward. "That isn't my problem anymore."

She released his cheek at first, but then ferociously drilled her fingernail into his skin. "Don't push the wrong buttons, blondey. You're not gonna like it."

With that being heard, Jaune had two options. Either make a tactical retreat or dare to venture forward. Blonde soon remembered who he was.

Tactical retreat.

"You're not some pushy mushy milk boy meant to be pushed around by everyone. You're an amazing leader and the best boxer in the world."

Jaune got suddenly reminded by a dear friend who he actually was.

Boldly venture forward then it is.

"Give me a break." He started, turning his face to lock his brazen eyes into hers. "We both know that I could punch you so hard your woman's instinct would kick in. The next thing you'd know you would be standing in kitchen, making me a delicious sandwich just so you could apologize for trying to mess with a man like me." He finished with a full stop.

Yang's expression turned deadpan.

Jaune said nothing as well, his face steadily reddening the more he thought about what he said. With Yang's expression remaining stoic, her lips producing no sound, blonde had absolutely no idea of the sort of impact his 'counter' had on her.

"Pff…" Was the first, muzzled sound he heard from her. And then the silence got completely blown away as Yang's body recoiled right before she would explode in deafening laughter.

"Hahahahahahaha!" She held her stomach with both hands, welling in her eyes only further proving how exuberant her laughter was.

This. This had to be the best, fucking insult Jaune had ever spat, Yang thought to herself. Especially so considering how unimpressive his track record was in that field.

"I'm…I'm speechless." She barely managed to push the sentence out in between her laughter. "Holy crap…holy crap…I'm…I'm actually suffocating." And truth be told, her colors were truly fading away as Yang couldn't even suck in a grain of air.

Jaune actually started to worry if this wouldn't end in a hospital room for her.

"You'll…be okay, right?" He managed to cup her pacing shoulder.

"I don't know…" She shook her head. From the outside, it did look like she was managing to calm down as her body didn't rock anymore, but simply swayed back and forth…Then again though, perhaps it was a side effect to suffocation as she simply didn't have enough strength to move her body energetically. "I don't but…that was gold." She reclined to the wall, her chortle evidently losing its grip as her efforts finally paid off. With last bits dying down eventually, Yang swiped away streams of tears dripping down her face, her chest pacing in deep motions to save her consciousness. "Blondey, oh blondey, I have to admit." She turned to face him. "That was the best comeback in history. Especially considering that it came from you."

Jaune squirmed, feeling embarrassed. "Oh come on it…it wasn't that bad." Perhaps it was worse.

Yang shook her head. "I meant it literally, not as satire."

Jaune was overtaken by loss of words to say anything back.

"And it's not just a petty insult or simple joke either, it's a legit threat. I mean-pff," She sealed her mouth with hand, fighting off another wave of chortle. Luckily, she raised victorious. "I don't if I would make you a sandwich to apologize, but you sure as hell could send me straight to the kitchen with couple of shots, alright."

Jaune helplessly shrugged, scratching his head timidly. "Anyways though, I didn't expect you'd burst out laughing."

"I couldn't help myself. From how easily it took me over."

Jaune pondered for a little, his grimace soon turning brighter. Making Yang laugh perhaps wasn't what he expected would happen, but it wasn't a bed result either. Seeing her chortle so earnestly was actually pleasant, perhaps even beautiful sight. Or at least it was so until the colors of life were literally being drained from her face. Either ways though, Jaune was glad that he chose to counter her tease. And Yang's reaction also helped him to realize that he could try to do so more in the future.

"I have to admit though," She started, her tone slightly more serious. "I can't really blame you for being pissed off at me for grinding your nerves so much."

Jaune shook his head. "It's not so much that you like to tease me, it's…more like how you do it. You know, all the double meanings and flirting."

Yang's grimace actually showed sympathy in response. Even she herself acknowledged her overdoing it. "Yea, I really go over the top sometimes. I mean, Pyrrha wouldn't suspect us having lovely, dovely other-wise, would she?

Jaune wryly nodded back.

"Yet it's not like I want to cause you trouble, blondey. I really don't. But…it's just hard to resist knowing that your reactions are simply the best." Yang explained, though winced shortly after. Her justification was a really shitty one, she admitted.

Jaune wryly smiled. That had to be one of the lousiest apologies he had ever heard. If it even was one to begin with. However, at least she was honest. Not only that, since they touched the topic of their relationship, Jaune suddenly came to realize that he wanted to know something once and for all. He was not content with having only a solid guess anymore.

"Yang."

"Hmm?"

"I…I want to know. Just…just what exactly do you see me as?" He questioned, patiently waiting for her response.

Yang had a temptation to sneak in a tease, but seeing how-maybe even troubled-Jaune looked, she resisted it. "Blondey, I maybe act all flirty and what not, but you should know better that to me you're," And she just abruptly stopped.

A friend.

That's what she was ready to say.

That's what Yang wanted to say.

That's what Yang thought Jaune was to her. Yet somehow…as her eyes got drawn into his ever so gorgeous blue. As she all realized all at once how easily he could make her laugh. Or on the contrary, make her mad. How she gave up her Ember Celica for his well-being and sake of him reaching new heights. Not so he could simply get stronger as she initially thought. How she wanted to spend time with him because she adored it. Not because she didn't have anything else to do. How it was his mere presence which motivated her to push beyond her limits. Not because anything else was necessary. How much more there was to respect and admire in him. Not just his strength. And for the sheer simplicity, yet also complexity of his persona. In other words, him being perfectly imperfect…Yang's answer just suddenly wavered.

"I don't know." She ended up saying.

Jaune's eyes dilated slightly, seeing how truthfully incapable she was to answer.

"A friend, rival, goal, hell, maybe even something like a brother. Or…maybe what it seems like from the outside. A love interest." She chuckled as it must have been the first time she ever considered the possibility for real. However, her grimace soon showed what very well could be concern or perplexity. "And it's weird. I always know my feelings very well. I know what I want, when I want it, how I want it yet somehow…" She briefly stopped, her grimace again changing to a brighter one. "When it comes to you, I don't know what I want you to be, or what I want from you." She helplessly shrugged. "Lousy answer, I know, but that's as best as I can tell you right now."

"So basically…there is a possibility that you see me as a love interest?"

"I told you so, right?" She frankly answered and noted right away how Jaune's expression darkened. Yang rolled her eyes. Sheesh, talk about overreacting.

"Blondey," She reassuringly cupped his shoulder. "Even if it ends up that I have a crush on you or, I dunno, love perhaps, it's not like I'll be stupid enough to cause you trouble because of it. It may not seem like it, but I know damn well how precious Pyrrha is to you ya know. So stop with that long face of yours, blondey. It doesn't suit you." She grabbed a corner of his mouth to tug it upwards, parodying a smile.

"But that's exactly why I don't want you to hold such feelings for me," He said, somberly.

Yang sighed. "Blondey, I told you already. I won't cause you-"

"You'd only end up hurt."

Yang's body recoiled a bit, not catching up yet. "What?"

"You'd only end up hurt." He repeated sadly. "As you said, Pyrrha is really precious to me. We both love each other from bottom of our hearts. Meaning that there's only so much that could divide us apart." He dropped his head lower, staring at the floor. "So…if you would end up developing romantic feelings for me, you'd only end up hurt. Really badly hurt if those feelings would turn out to be love. And I don't want that." He shook his head. "I like you the best when you're enjoying yourself." He grinned wryly. "I mean it can cost me a lot of nerves at times, or even royally piss me off, but in the end…" He briefly stopped, resentenced the text a couple of times and with earnest of smiles, picked up his gaze so his blue could lock into her lilac. "I like you the best when you laugh, or at least are happy enough to smile. That's the side of you I like the most." He just slightly narrowed his eyes in adoration. "And I would like you to remain be so. Brash, hot headed, stubborn, foul mouthed brawler with impeccable confidence who just continues pushing forward. I mean…I guess it's kind of selfish of me or something, but…I don't know, that's how I want you to be is really all I'm trying to say."

"And if I would end up weak and fragile? Then what?"

For the first time ever, Jaune thought that Yang's straightforwardness just didn't suit her.

"I don't even want to think about it, but…" He smirked. "I'd kick your sorry ass so many times you'd have no choice, but to get stronger again…Something like that anyways."

Yang lips twitched for briefest of moments, but other-wise her expression remained hard to read.

Perhaps she was thinking over his words was one the guesses Jaune could make.

"You're just…" Her body shook, covering her face with hands.

Jaune felt a painful twinge in his chest. Great Arc's above did he not want to see her crying. But as her body trembled harder, and as she continued to make almost no sound, Jaune was quick, albeit regretfully as well to realize that he had no other choice.

"Yang, just…" He wanted to say something. So badly he wanted to comfort her, but all the texts in his head just sounded so hollow. "Please, don't-" Jaune almost had a heart attack, being startled greatly.

Her sudden burst of laughter was that unexpected and loud.

"Hahahahahahahaha!" She laughed just about as gleefully as she did once before. Meaning that her eyes soon glazed in fresh tears.

Making sure that his pants were dry at first, Jaune was completely dumbfounded at first. Laughing? Really? She would just laugh it off? Well…maybe he sounded incredibly corny or something, but Jaune truly meant what he said. "H-hey, I was talking seriously here." Corny or not, love wasn't something to be taken lightly. It could be both, a greatest blessing or grimmest of curses. "Oh come on, I really meant it. You shouldn't take your own feelings so lightly. It can end up really-" Jaune just abruptly stopped.

Her sudden embrace was that unexpected and firm.

"You're just something else…" Yang said to him softly, one hand wrapped around his body, other one cupping the back of his head.

What that something was, she truly, honestly didn't know. But…right this very moment, as if this exact moment only, Yang knew what she wanted from Jaune. However, she only wryly smiled through tears as she knew that Jaune could do that for one person only. So she'd just be content with what she had right now. Which was still rather imperfect as it was only Yang's upper body which was being pressed against his. For at least once, she wholeheartedly wanted to be considerate of Jaune's feelings so she-

Yang felt how Jaune wrapped his own arms around her torso. In a mere heartbeat, she moved herself as close as she could to him. With their proximity being this close now, brawler discovered something which was rather obvious even with-out any hard evidence. That blondey…his heart's beating real fast. She smiled. Though then again, who am I to say. She smiled wider, feeling how fervently her own heart was beating.

Being embraced by Jaune's was a rather…unique experience. It felt pleasant, yet also sad. She felt warmth, yet also cold. She wanted to be in his arms longer, yet also wanted to part away. Which eventually Yang did. Her hug loosening, she slowly parted away, though allowed her hands to remain in touch with his body.

Jaune's face twisted in pain as soon as her face came into his view. Of course, he knew why they were there, but even so, it still was a painful sight for him.

"You idiot." He harshly hissed, smacking her across the head roughly.

"H-hey! What the hell!?" She exclaimed angrily.

"Shut up!" However, she softened immediately after Jaune's outburst. "I told you," He moved his hands to her face, working his way to drying her tears carefully. "I don't want to see tears on your face. And today I saw them twice!"

Yang's lips folded to a meaningful smile, allowing him to do what he did. "Technically, those could hardly be called tears since they came from me laughing my ass off."

Jaune's face showed no amusement. "Technically, shmechnically. I don't care about technicality here. Tears don't suit your face either ways." He continued to wipe them off, his grimace softening. "I told you. It's either obnoxious laughter or overconfident grin."

Yang snickered. "I'll remember," She said, catching glimpses of his caring blue through his fingers.

"You better do." He demanded softly, done with his task.

"…"

"…"

Both of them remained silent. Yang on her part did so because she wanted to see how long it would take for Jaune to blush from her direct gazing.

"…"

"…"

It didn't. At all. Rather disappointing she thought.

"I wonder, what would Pyrrha think is she saw us embracing each other like that?" She narrowed her eyes slyly.

Jaune's posture didn't even budge. "Don't even try," He brusquely said. The sooner she would realize that her taunts and tease wouldn't work on him this time, the better. Not because his mental barriers had become sturdier, or he suddenly matured. But simply because Pyrrha had no business in any of this. It was about him and Yang.

Brawlers face showed impressment, then resignation, and then she simply chuckled jovially. She had to admit. Jaune completely overtook her. She had no counter-measures. With-out a word said, Yang packed her sports equipment, threw shoulder strap over her head, got up and headed for the exit.

"Yang?" She halted to a stop. His voice was drenched in concern and confusion. Yang didn't like that.

"Jaune."

"Yea?"

Yang turned to face him.

Jaune didn't know what her soft grimace was for.

"Thanks."

Jaune wondered if thanks was all there was behind her soft grimace.

"For what?"

Yang chuckled. She sure as hell wouldn't start to count.

"A lot," She simply said, turned around and walked through the exit.

Jaune remained motionless for some time, his blue still looking at the door. Lazily, he reclined against the wall, spreading his legs wide apart. "'Thanks.' She said." He quietly muttered. There were still some uncertainties which made him worry about her. But…as long as she could smile as truthfully as she did before leaving, Jaune would let it be.

"You're welcome," He said to no one…No one, but Yang.

Authors notes: Hell yea! I'm back! Well…not like I disappeared for a long time, but it's still awesome to post a new chapter you know. For those of you who are wondering how I'm doing with my courses…well…it could be better I guess:D I mean, it started off nicely, but then I just decided that it wouldn't hurt to work on a new chapter a little bit. You know, just have a scribble or two…yea, right, I ended up focusing on my new chapter a whole lot more. Though not only that, but…a side project you could say. A new short story in progress. And guess what? It's about Jaune and Pyrrha! Unbelievable, right?!...Okay, on a serious note, yea it will be a short story about our favorite duo. To be honest though, a lot more about Jaune than Pyrrha really. However, there will be quite a twist for my story so don't expect the usual stuff. I mean I could describe my new short story in one word really, but if I would do so then it would give away too much. So for now I'll simply let you know that I'm working on it.

But really though, I should definitely work harder on my courses. Which I will try after this chapter, because…I mean it's sort of awesome that I was using my time to work on a new chapter and if being honest, I don't regret it too much. However, writing courses should be my top priority to be honest. Writing a story, of course, improves your writing skills, no doubt about it. But specialized courses for writing can boost up your skill tremendously, especially so if you take the most out of it. So really, I'll try harder from now on. Will my lazy ass be able to handle it? Unfortunately, such possibility isn't written in a stone, but I won't simply give up either. Especially so then there are a few of you who wished me luck.

Anyways though, that's that I guess. With that out of the way, I'll move to answer your reviews.

NBased-Well, I certainly didn't expect that someone would call Lilianna hilarious. Though I guess it's cool too. If she can make you laugh, then that's awesome as well. As for Arkos, yea, it certainly headed that way. Sort of, but I trusted that they would be able to handle it just fine. And big thanks for wishing me luck:)

Jkdelta38-Thanks. Glad to know that dialogue didn't bore you as it easily could, if done incorrectly. And thanks for wishing me luck. I just really hope that your wishes won't be wasted on me…damnit.

H20 Ferrum Bominus-Well, seems that you're back in fire with those reviews:D Anyways though-

Chapter 14-So awesome to know that you find the story unique, but even more so interesting. As for Cinder…actually, I don't think that she'll play any role in this story. I can't flat out deny it, but possibility is minuscule. Though I guess I should at least mention what she's up to. Briefly at least or something like that. Well see, really. Moving onto Jaune's mother. Oh believe me, she'll be bonding with him. I mean it's fairly easy to tell as it is, but fixing her relationship with Jaune is of greatest importance to her.

Chapter 15-Me too man, me too. Let's hope he'll do great. As for me writing down a lemon…actually, I have something in store for that *nudge* *nudge* If you know what I mean. And lastly, Jaune making some improvements to his weapons…I don't know. For one reason or another, I do want them to remain original. So the possibility isn't grand that he'll upgrade them, I can tell you that much.

Chapter 16-Yea, it truly was. And you're certainly welcome and I'll try to do my best.

WarRedMachine20-Late review, but god damn is it heartwarming. To call me incredible author. To say that my story is one of the most beautiful and great ones out there. Man…I mean, I can't agree with your statements wholeheartedly myself, but to know that my story is that enjoyable for you, and you think of it so highly…that's already plenty enough and more. So really, thanks a lot. I certainly smiled the brightest that day, when I read your comment:)

And that's the end of that I guess. Thank you all for amazing comments and support, and until we'll see again.

Have a nice one;)