He's really begun to show improvement, Pyrrha thought to herself as she blocked a sword thrust from Jaune. In return, she spun Milo in a tight circle, hoping to drive the blond boy backwards, but he easily caught it on his own shield.
They'd decided to take advantage of the nice weather and do some daytime sparring on the rooftop, the team leader grateful as always for Pyrrha's mentorship. Today, though, it seemed as if the boy had something else on his mind.
I can only imagine what it might be, echoed the sarcastic musing in her head.
Eventually they separated, both breathing heavily. "Okay if we break for a few?" Jaune asked.
"Certainly," she agreed. They headed towards the back wall and slumped down next to each other, sipping from their water bottles.
It took her partner less time than she'd expected to broach the anticipated subject. "I'm worried about you, Pyrrha."
His opening sentence, though, actually took her aback. "Worried? About me? Whatever for?"
"This… thing you have going on, with Ruby and Blake."
"Yes…?" she prompted gently. She knew he cared for her as a friend and team leader and was just looking out for her. Still, he sometimes came off as an overprotective big brother when it came to sheltering his team from outside forces. Not that it normally bothers me overmuch, but in this case…
"I just don't want to see you get hurt," he explained hurriedly, his words falling out in a rush now. "I mean, Ruby's my friend too, heck she's the first one I made here. But she's younger than us, right? What if she can't handle it? What if she decides to choose Blake over you? What if she somehow breaks your heart over all of this? What if Blake becomes a problem? What if-"
Pyrrha reached over and laid her hand briefly against Jaune's lips, cutting off the manic rant. "Jaune. I'm a big girl, and I can take care of myself, though I do appreciate your concern. But as far as Ruby's age or maturity is concerned… I do believe you might be selling her short."
Jaune snorted humorously. "No pun intended?"
The redhead slapped him lightly on the arm. "Stop that," she chided with an affectionate smile.
"Sorry, didn't mean to make fun of your… Wait, so is she your girlfriend? Is Blake?"
"I…" Pyrrha chewed on her bottom lip. "We… haven't really discussed it yet. As of now, we are simply dating."
"I'd think that'd be something you'd want to get some clarity about," Jaune pressed.
Pyrrha shrugged. "Perhaps we'll discuss it at our next date."
The blond sighed, resting his head against the wall. "You would really go through all of this for her, huh?"
She smiled softly, gazing into the distance. "Ruby is unlike any other person I've ever met. She's so… pure. Happy and caring of everyone around her. And yet under all that lies a backbone of steel and a true warrior." Glancing over at Jaune, her smile widened. "I can't help but be attracted to her. So yes, I will go to great lengths to have a relationship with her, even if it means… sharing her with Blake."
"Wow," Jaune murmured, his eyes wide. "You really do love her, don't you?"
"I did not say anything about love!" she protested, her blushing face telling otherwise.
"Uh-huh. You keep telling yourself that, Pyrrha." The blond boy regarded his partner levelly. "And Blake's cool with all this now, too?"
"Yes, we've come to an agreement. Not the specifics, necessarily, but… We're friends. And we both care for Ruby enough to make this work, if Ruby wants it to. Which she adamantly does."
"Wow," he repeated softly, returning his gaze to the horizon. "So I guess that means Blake loves Ruby just as much, huh?"
Pyrrha's brow furrowed, unwilling to deny her feelings for Ruby again out loud. It was difficult to, when Jaune had indeed hit upon the truth.
She was wholeheartedly in love with the small brunette girl with the silver eyes that filled her soul with joy.
And yes, she supposed, that meant Blake felt the same way most likely.
The two of them were going to need to have a conversation sooner rather than later.
A/N: I realize I might get some pitchforks thrown my way from my portrayal of Jaune being so platonic with Pyrrha. I can ship Arkos as being best buds. Stop judging me, dammit.
This story just continues to explode, over 4000 views? Sweet Mother of Oum. And almost 100 followers. I just… I don't know what to say. And the really freaky part is, the fun stuff is yet to come!
So, we got some reflection out of the way, ending with a bit of an epiphany for Pyrrha. What's up for the next chapter? Well, how about an actual date with the three of them that they've all agreed to? I think that'd be fun, no?
Pink Cat Glory: Okay, every time I go back and read your review, I crack up when I see the word 'Bellabooty'. Sweet Mother of Pearl, I'm dying… But! To answer the question, yes there is a distinct possibility of Pyrrha getting ahold of that 'Bellabooty'. *snerk* And I'm dying again. But I'm glad you're enjoying the short chapter format! Really this entire story is very different from the usual ones I write…
THB4: Yep, here's some Pyrrha and Jaune for ya! And you know Nora, she can't stay in trouble with Ren for too long. Though, there is a chapter coming up where she's gonna get into a bit of hot water with Blake and Pyrrha…
Boarador: True, I could have gone with either Ren or Nora here… But I decided to go with Jaune for some obvious reasons, including going with the more big-brother feel.
And you know what? Just because these amuse the heck outta me (and growlscout, hugs), here be another omake!
"I did not say anything about love!" she protested, her blushing face telling otherwise.
They looked at each other askance, conflicting emotions running through their minds…
When suddenly Ruby popped up out of nowhere. "And… kiss!" she exclaimed gleefully.
Pyrrha glanced over at her irrepressible girlfriend. "No."
"But-"
"No, Ruby."
"But think of the fans!" the brunette pleaded. "Arkos must be preserved!"
"Ruby, I have no idea what you're talking about, but your cookies are cut off for the day."
"Aw, maaannn…"
Personally, I think Ruby just has a thing about watching people kiss.
Stay shiny!