A/N: For context, I'm writing this thinking of Canadian universities, where marijuana is legal, frats are overhyped, and I'm always too sober around too many stoner floormates. Minus Jaune, I've done multiple late-night cereal hunts. Also, Blake and catnip. It just makes sense XD

Let me know what you think!

Thrown to the Wind

Blessed

Nora found Pumpkin Pete's, although Pyrrha could only roll her eyes, groaning when she saw the box's design. Nora held it up like a trophy, cheering in the tiny, smoke-stained aisle. "Look who's on the box!"

"It's not that impressive," Pyrrha insisted, but Nora only waved Pyrrha's picture on the back in her face. The local brand had decided to showcase the up-and-coming 'stars of the community', so Pyrrha's determined expression, javelin in hand, was immortalized on the side of marshmallow flakes forever.

"You say that, but you're on a cereal box, Pyrrha," the girl giggled, showing the box proudly to Ren, who only smiled wearily, grabbing another energy drink to get him through another long night of studying.

Pyrrha ignored her friend, eyes locked on the cashier. He hunched over on a high stool, furiously erasing pencil marks off his puzzle, tongue stuck out slightly in concentration. Before she even knew it, the redhead wandered over to the counter.

At her approach, he pushed the newspaper to the side, flipping long bangs out of his eyes. Raising his face to meet hers, she saw the most dazzling smile. "Hey, what'll it be?"

Suddenly, a wave of panic washed over her. She felt utterly inadequate- there wasn't a trace of makeup on her, long hair tied back in a clumsy, loose braid while it dried, bangs pinned up to exposed her acne-ridden forehead. This cannot be happening right now. Eyes frantically jumping around the counter, she reached down and grabbed a chocolate bar, dropping it onto the counter hastily.

Yet, he didn't mock her awkwardness. Instead, she heard a light, happy chuckle, barely audible over the obnoxiously-whirring metal fan pointed down at them from a nearby cabinet and the blaring 90's soft rock on the tinny radio. "That stuff's so good- nice choice," the boy said merrily, scanning it without hesitation.

She spluttered, reaching into the pockets of her hoodie. Yanking out a fiver, she handed him the money, nearly jumping backwards when their hands touched, a bolt of electricity shooting straight down her spine.

Apparently, the blond felt it too- however, he merely looked down at the stool he sat on and muttered, "Dang static," before picking up her money and punching open the register.

Pyrrha very quickly learned that this boy was far clumsier than he appeared. He dropped her change a grand total of five times while trying to get it sorted- he accidentally scanned the barcode for the bar twice, ending up with a pricey bill. He completely dropped only two coins though, and she almost praised him until she realized he was probably her age, and not looking for condescending (however well-intended) remarks from customers as he worked his minimum wage graveyard shift. So, she bit her lip and concentrated on just breathing in, out- 1, 2-

Pretend it's a meet, Pyrrha. Pretend you're on the field. Immediately, her body knew how to respond, heart settling down right away.

"Oh, oops! Sorry about that," the boy cried, his flustered voice breaking her concentration immediately. She almost pulled her hood over her head to hide the pink in her cheeks. Under the garish, flickering yellow lights, her blush probably just made her look splotchy. Dread filled her at the thought.

Her phone buzzed. While the blond counted her change for the seventh time, Pyrrha opened the newest message, relaxing slightly when she saw a photo of Ruby lying peacefully on the grass outside of their dorm. She's waiting for you all! read the caption. She could see the toe of Coco's boots by Ruby's feet, and Sun, a self-proclaimed 'fun RA' was amusedly looking out of the window at the girl.

Finally, Nora walked up, towing Ren with her, arms laden with numerous snacks, energy drinks, and sticky notes, along with the singular box of Pumpkin Pete's marshmallow flakes. She dumped her haul onto the counter, nodding victoriously as Ren pulled out his debit card. Ren stood like a zombie to the side, eyes glazed over, clearly still trying to work out his latest matrix problem. Nora leaned against him, humming happily.

The blond handed Pyrrha the change from her chocolate bar. The redhead pocketed it, along with her new treat. Pyrrha grinned, watching Nora and Ren's intimacy as the blond immediately freaked out at the million items he now had to scan. In any other situation, she might have felt uncomfortable watching the boyfriend flash his card instantly for the girlfriend's purchases, but Ren and Nora weren't any normal couple, and she loved them for it.

At last, he scanned the cereal box, his eyes passing right over her photograph. She winced- normally when people saw her, they'd strike up a conversation, being sickeningly sweet. She didn't want that. It was nearly midnight on Friday, she was still exhausted from her late-night workout, and she looked like such a mess-

The blond said nothing. He just scanned the cereal, looked her in the eye, and asked, "Do you want a bag for this?"

She gawped at him momentarily before shaking her head. With that dazzling grin he wore so well, he handed her the box and passed off the other bags to Nora and Ren.

Pyrrha held her breath for a total of fifteen dazed seconds leaving the store before the clapping of sneakers on pavement caught her attention. The blond was chasing after them, holding out one bag Nora had forgotten. "Here's your stuff!" he huffed, reaching them at the corner of the street.

Ren blinked slowly. "Don't you need to watch the store," he murmured, leaning forward to read the boy's nametag, "…Jane?"

The blond yelped, huffing, straightening up completely, and Pyrrha was breathless once more. When standing upright, he was taller than her, broad-shouldered and strong, despite his questionable fashion sense underneath the store apron.

Nora took the bag and laughed heartily as he sprinted clumsily back to work. Pyrrha pulled her hood up to hide nearly-glowing cheeks. Unlike Ren, she read the nametag properly.

Jaune.