Ruby asks Nora and Ren how they got together.
Aka, I learn that aromantic Ren is my new favorite headcanon.
Ruby hunted the two members of JNPR down, a single question nagging the back of her mind. She finally caught them outside, walking through the courtyard together. Nora looked like she was about to try and smash the nearest tree for fun, while Ren was wearing a calm smile on his face even with the strong grip he had on Nora's shoulder.
As Ruby held out her scroll for the two to read, her eyes flickered back and forth, refusing to look directly at her friends.
"How did you two get together?"
As Ruby forced herself to glance at them though, she paused. Ren simply looked confused, while Nora was a mix of nerves and surprise.
"Oh, we're not together- together, ya know? We're just friends." Nora said, an airy cheerfulness in her voice as she chuckled.
"I'm sorry. I just thought, since the two of you are always together. It made sense when I thought about it. Sorry." After Ruby was sure they had read it, she turned to leave before she made a further mess of herself, but Ren's voice stopped her.
"Why did you ask?"
"No reason, I just wanted some advice. Its stupid really." Ruby signed back, watching as Ren translated it to Nora.
"Ah," Nora said, her face breaking out in a grin. "you want some romance advice. Good for you, because I'm great at giving advice!" Nora bounded forward, slinging an arm over Ruby's shoulders. "So who's the lucky girl you have a crush on?"
"I never said I had a crush! And I definitely didn't say it was on a girl. I just wanted some advice." Ruby typed hastily, shoving her embarrassment as far down as she could, which wasn't very far sadly.
"So do you?" Nora asked, her grin turning suggestive.
Ruby shook her head vigorously at first, but then her shoulders slumped, and she gave a defeated nod. Nora practically squealed, and even Ren's smile turned softer.
"That's great!" Nora did a little hop of excitement. "So who is it?"
"Nora, she doesn't have to tell us if she doesn't want to." Ren interjected, saving Ruby from what could have been an interrogation.
"Where's the fun in that?" Nora pouted, but thankfully, did digress. "So what do you want advice about?"
"Well I mean, I'm not even sure it's a crush at all. I really respect her and admire her, but that doesn't exactly mean I have a crush on her. And even if I do have a crush, how do I even tell her?" Ruby handed her scroll over, wondering if she should be glad or scared as Nora's grin grew wider.
"I think you should stay out of this one Ren. This is a girl kinda thing." Nora said, latching onto Ruby's arm as she began to drag her away. Ren simply bid them goodbye with a small wave.
"Why don't you want him coming?" Ruby couldn't help but ask, noting how Nora's smile fell by just a tiny bit.
"He's no good with romantic stuff. He doesn't understand it, or enjoy it really." Nora replied, the disappointment clearly visible now. "That's just how he is though."
"You okay?"
"Don't worry about it. We gotta get down to figuring out how to get you and mystery girl together anyways." Nora perked back up, her smile bright once more. Although, Ruby couldn't help but notice that Nora gaze kept shifting, as if she was looking off into the distance at something only she could see.
Me after writing this: Immediately imagines a sad, pining Nora who secretly thinks she'll never have a chance with Ren because he's aromantic.
Me: What horror have I wrought upon the world? D: